South Africa: Joburg Roads Agency CEO fired The Johannesburg Road Agency (JRA) has terminated the contract of CEO Tshepo Mahanuke. Mahanuke has been serving suspension since November last year after allegations were raised that he misrepresented his qualifications. He was appointed to the position in August last year. JRA board chairperson Charles Cilliers said the boards decision to fire Mahanuke was taken following an investigation into the matter. Given the serious nature and far-reaching ramifications of the matter at hand, coupled with the findings of a rigorous investigation and the failure of Mr. Mahanuke to respond to the charges levelled against him, the JRA Board resolved to immediately terminate Mr. Mahanukes employment with the Johannesburg Roads Agency, he said. Cilliers added that Mahanuke was fired in accordance with the law after Mahanuke failed to provide any evidence to repudiate evidence that he had misrepresented qualifications. The decision to terminate Mr. Mahanukes employment at the JRA complies with the Labour Relations Act, Schedule 8- Code of Good Practice on Dismissal, the relevant Case Law, and also considers the severe legal costs already incurred thus far, he said. Mahanuke was given seven days to appeal the decision however, according to the JRA, he has not yet done so. SAnews.gov.za This story has been published on: 2023-06-15. 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 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: Benzodiazepine-related toxicities are rising among Ontario youth and young adults despite declining provincial rate. Credit: Ontario Drug Policy Research Network (ODPRN) The rate of hospital encounters for benzodiazepine-related toxicity rose by 67% for young adults (aged 19 to 24) and 44% for youth (aged 18 or below) in Ontario between 2013 and 2020, according to a new study from ICES and Unity Health Toronto. Though there was an overall decline of 7% in the provincial rate of benzodiazepine toxicity, this was largely driven by reductions in rates among people aged 35 years and older. Benzodiazepines are commonly prescribed to treat anxiety and insomnia, but in recent years they have also emerged in the unregulated and illicit opioid drug supply. The study was published in the Canadian Journal of Public Health and facilitated by researchers at the Ontario Drug Policy Research Network (ODPRN), housed at St. Michael's Hospital, a site of Unity Health Toronto. A Citizens' Panel made up of 25 volunteer citizens identified the topic as being of interest to the public and was involved in all steps of the research process. "As a member of the ODPRN Citizens' Panel, we were initially drawn to the gap in information about benzodiazepine toxicity specifically relating to the youth and young adult population," says panel member Josephine Quercia. "Outside of the older adult population, studies were nonexistent specific to the younger age group. Our interest was further peaked by the significant increase in prescribing rates among this younger population and especially among the female population within this segment. What initially started as a potentially positive outcome with the '7% reduction in the provincial rate of benzodiazepine toxicity between 20132020," once unpacked, pivoted quickly to a very different outcomeone where focus is needed on reducing the risks to our youth and young adult population." The study included 25,979 Ontario residents with 32,674 benzodiazepine-related toxicity encounters (emergency department visits or hospitalization) between January 1, 2013, and December 31, 2020. The researchers also examined the participants' history of opioid and benzodiazepine prescriptions, and prior healthcare visits for mental health and substance use disorders. "Importantly, we also found that fewer encounters were with patients who had an active prescription for benzodiazepineshowever, there was greater involvement of other substances, such as opioids, stimulants, and alcohol, with rates of those incidents reaching almost 30% in 2020," says lead author Tonya Campbell, senior research coordinator at St. Michael's Hospital. "This is likely driven by the increasing presence of non-pharmaceutical benzodiazepines in the unregulated drug supply in Ontario." Study findings show: Rates of benzodiazepine toxicity rose substantially for young adults aged 19-24 (67% increase, from 40 to 67 per 100,000) and youth aged 18 or below (44% increase from 11 to 16 per 100,000 population). The percent of encounters in which patients had an active benzodiazepine prescription declined over the study period, from 61% in 2013 to 49% in 2020. In 2020, 29% of benzodiazepine toxicity incidents also had an opioid-, alcohol-, or stimulant-related toxicity documented on the encounter, of which opioid involvement was most common (17%). Almost 50% of people who experienced benzodiazepine toxicity had a hospital encounter for a mental health or substance use disorder in the year prior, of which anxiety disorders (19%) and mood disorders (19%) were the most common reasons. "Taken together, these trends are concerning, and likely reflect the continued risks for youth and young adults prescribed benzodiazepines as well as the recent arrival of these drugs in the unregulated opioid supply in Ontario," says senior author Dr. Tara Gomes, a scientist at the Li Ka Shing Knowledge Institute of St. Michael's Hospital and ICES, and a principal investigator of the ODPRN. "Therefore, we need a comprehensive response that includes improved access to community-based mental health services, a focus on the safe use of prescription benzodiazepines, and alternatives to the unpredictable unregulated opioid drug supply." One limitation of the study is that data were unavailable for incidents that went untreated or were treated outside of a hospital, and drug screening practices across emergency departments vary. This means that rates of benzodiazepine toxicity were likely underreported in this study. Furthermore, the researchers did not examine characteristics or patterns of intent, meaning whether toxicity events were accidental or related to self-harm. Nevertheless, this is the first study to examine long-term trends and patterns of benzodiazepine-related toxicity in Ontario and is consistent with findings that demonstrate rising rates of benzodiazepine-related harm across North America. The study, "The epidemiology of benzodiazepine-related toxicity in Ontario, Canada: a population-based descriptive study" was published in the Canadian Journal of Public Health. More information: The epidemiology of benzodiazepine-related toxicity in Ontario, Canada: a population-based descriptive study, Canadian Journal of Public Health (2023). DOI: 10.17269/s41997-023-00784-3 Journal information: Canadian Journal of Public Health Provided by Institute for Clinical Evaluative Sciences This article has been reviewed according to Science X's editorial process and policies . Editors have highlighted the following attributes while ensuring the content's credibility: Visualization of novel and complex SVs in the CPC pangenome graph. a, The locations of -globin genes on the CPC pangenome subgraph. b, Allele counts and linear structural visualization of all structural haplotypes from the Minigraph-Cactus graph among 116 CPC haploid assemblies and 94 HPRC haploid assemblies. The size and spacing of genes on the diagram do not represent the actual size of the chromosome. c, Paths of different -globin gene haplotypes through the joint subgraph. The arrows indicate the direction of the paths. d, The locations of genes in the RASA4 region on the CPC subgraph. e, Paths of different structural haplotypes with diverse copy numbers of RASA4B. "partial" represents a 14.9-kb fragment of RASA4B. Credit: Nature (2023). DOI: 10.1038/s41586-023-06173-7 A large team of genetic engineers affiliated with institutions across China has completed the first phase of its initiative to create a pangenome reference of genome data for people of different ancestries in China. In their project, reported in the journal Nature, the group, which is part of The Chinese Pangenome Consortium (CPC), sought to sequence the genomes of minority groups across China. The editors at Nature have also published a Research Briefing outlining the work in the same journal issue. The CPC was created in China to address a concern that has arisen in the global medical communitymost genomic sequencing has involved people from the major population groups. For example, in China, Hans are the dominant ethnic group, so most genetic research in China has been conducted using Han genomes. This is a problem because slight differences in genomes can result in treatments that fail to work or cause unexpected problems among people from minority ethnic groups. The consortium has divided its effort into several phases, the first of which was to choose a list of minority ethnic groups to study and then to conduct sequencing and genetic analysis on tissues collected from members of each group in that list. In its first phase, the team created a list of 36 minority ethnic groups (there are currently 55 known minority ethnic groups in China) and collected tissues samples from 58 people who were represented on the list. They then conducted sequencing on all the samples, resulting in 116 assemblies (two from each volunteer). They conducted haplotype phasing to sort the assemblies by parentage. The team added 189 million base pairs of packaged sequences that varied between individuals. They also found 1,367 protein-coding duplications. The research team also found what they describe as considerable variation between groups in certain sequences, which they suggest confirms the need for the CPC to continue its work. More information: Yang Gao et al, A pangenome reference of 36 Chinese populations, Nature (2023). DOI: 10.1038/s41586-023-06173-7 A pangenome reference representative of 36 minority Chinese ethnic groups, Nature (2023). DOI: 10.1038/d41586-023-01675-w Journal information: Nature 2023 Science X Network This article has been reviewed according to Science X's editorial process and policies . Editors have highlighted the following attributes while ensuring the content's credibility: Credit: Alexander Grey on Unsplash A promising emerging treatment (hypercapnia) for comatose adult cardiac arrest patients has been found to yield similar results to current treatment, in a new study published today in the prestigious medical journal New England Journal of Medicine (NEJM). Out-of-hospital cardiac arrests (OCHA) cause significant mortality and morbidity, and the study is one the largest trials ever conducted on cardiac arrest patients admitted to intensive care units (ICU). The Targeted Therapeutic Mild Hypercapnia After Resuscitated Cardiac Arrest (TAME) study showed that maintaining a slightly elevated CO 2 level (hypercapnia) for the first 24 hours after a cardiac arrest patient has been resuscitated did not improve neurological outcomes, functional outcomes, or quality of life at six months after the event, and did not impact six-month mortality. Conversely, it did not lead to worse outcomes, either. Co-lead author, Professor Alistair Nichol, Professor of Critical Care Medicine at UCD School of Medicine, Consultant at St Vincent's University Hospital and Director of the Irish Critical Care-Clinical Trials Network, leads the TAME study in Ireland. Professor Nichol's doctoral thesis (with Professor of Physiology Paul McLoughlin, UCD School of Medicine, 2007) demonstrated the potential anti-inflammatory effect of hypercapnia and suggested the treatment could be used as a therapeutic intervention in critically ill patients in ICU. Subsequent observational studies in cardiac arrest patients showed that while many doctors follow guidelines and keep the CO 2 level normal, it is common to have hypercapnia. These studies further suggested hypercapnia was associated with improved outcomes, and there are many physiological reasons why this might be so, including increasing blood flow and the previously demonstrated anti-inflammatory effects. The TAME researchers also conducted an earlier smaller trial in ICU patients that suggested that hypercapnia improved outcomes, but recognized the need for a large trial to confirm this finding. Professor Nichol said, "Our study impacts clinical practice and future cardiac arrest research in a number of ways. Firstly, while we found no additional harm from targeting hypercapnia in these patients, the lack of benefit means there's no need to change practice at present. So, doctors can rest assured that patients aren't missing out if they receive standard practice." "The second is that while we are somewhat disappointed we haven't discovered a new therapy to improve outcomes for these patients, we demonstrated that these patients can tolerate hypercapnia without causing any harm. This can be important in ICU settings, as this allows doctors to less intensely ventilate patients on breathing machines, which can be helpful in some patient groups." "Thirdly, it points to a need for further trials and basic science research, as we seem to have a gap in our knowledge and theories about the role of arterial CO 2 , and how it impacts the body's responses. While hypercapnia didn't improve outcomes in this study, this is not the end of the story for carbon dioxide management in the critically ill." "Relevant work is now being conducted, to discover which blood markers can determine good outcomes and allow identification of these patients earlier. We've also established a global network of OHCA hospitals and investigators which are now turning to answer the next important question in this patient group." According to HRB Chief Executive, Dr. Mairead O'Driscoll said, "These results will help patients who experience cardiac arrest outside hospital as well as supporting clinical practice and decision making in ICU. Research is not just about creating new treatmentsit can be as meaningful when results demonstrate that current practice is still valid." This research demonstrates the the value of HRB strategic investments in a clinical trials ecosystem which is enabling excellent, Irish-based clinicians like Professor Nichol to participate in, or to take a lead role in, large, multi-center international clinical trials. The TAME randomized controlled trial recruited 1,700 patients from 63 intensive care units in 17 countries, in a uniquely harmonized system that saw them partner with another clinical trial in Sweden. This trial was coordinated from Monash University in Melbourne Australia and from UCD in Ireland. TAME co-leader Dr. Glenn Eastwood, Monash University, said, "It was a really interesting hypothesis to test, as if it had shown positive results, the change in practice would have been free of cost, beyond those associated with change implementation. But our study provides the strongest evidence to date and indicates no benefit to changing current practice." Hospitalized comatose adults resuscitated from out-of-hospital cardiac arrest of a presumed cardiac or unknown cause with sustained return of spontaneous circulation were eligible for enrollment. Some 847 patients (49.8%) were assigned to targeted mild hypercapnia and 853 (50.2%) to targeted standard care (normocapnia). The primary outcome was a favorable neurological outcome defined by a Glasgow Outcome Scale-Extended score of 5 to 8 at six months, obtained by blinded assessors. Secondary outcomes were similarly measured at six months by other relevant, validated scales. More information: Glenn Eastwood et al, Mild Hypercapnia or Normocapnia after Out-of-Hospital Cardiac Arrest, New England Journal of Medicine (2023). DOI: 10.1056/NEJMoa2214552 Journal information: New England Journal of 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: Hepatitis C is a viral infection of the liver no one wants to catch, so knowing how that can happen can be critical. The American Liver Foundation estimates that it affects about 2.7 million people in the United States today. To help you protect yourself against this virus, liver experts describe how you get hepatitis C, if it's curable and how contagious it is. They will also explain if there's a hepatitis C vaccine, and what medications are used to treat this viral infection. How do you get hepatitis C? According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, hepatitis C transmission occurs when you come into contact with the blood of someone who is infected. This can happen through: Sharing of drug needles or other injection materials Birth: approximately 6% of children born to infected mothers are also infected Tattoos and piercings, especially from unlicensed and unregulated establishments Sex with someone infected with the virus, which is reported more among men who have sex with other men Sharing medical and other items, such as glucose monitors and razors that have infected blood on them Health care worker exposure to blood-borne infections Organ transplants and blood transfusions "Before 1993, a blood transfusion was a common way to get hepatitis C, but now blood transfusion is safe because we check the blood," explained Dr. Melissa Jenkins, chief of the division of infectious diseases at MetroHealth, in Cleveland, Ohio. A research article published recently in the journal Pathogens noted that the opioid epidemic and less access to health care have also fueled new hepatitis C cases. Incidents of hepatitis C infections increased by 15% between 2019 and 2020 for acute cases, according to the CDC. Is hepatitis C contagious? The New York State Department of Health says that hepatitis C is typically contagious for at least a week or more before symptoms appear, and remains so "indefinitely" afterward for people with chronic hepatitis. Anyone who tests positive for the virus is considered contagious. Dr. Nancy Reau, hepatology section chief at Rush University Medical Center in Chicago, explained in an American Liver Foundation video that "everyday contact to someone with hepatitis C very, very rarely will lead to infection. So, you should not be afraid of your relatives or loved ones who have hepatitis C." But, Reau added, "Just be careful with anything that might have been exposed to someone else's blood or body products." Is hepatitis C curable? The CDC says the cure rate is over 90% for anyone who is treated for hepatitis C with antiviral medications. "For people who are treated, we check a hepatitis C level 12 weeks or more after the last dose of medicine," Jenkins explained. "If the hepatitis C virus level [viral load] is negative, also known as undetectable, then the patient has a sustained virologic response [SVR]. This is considered a cure." She added that "people who have cirrhosis prior to treatment still need to see a liver doctor because they are still at risk for liver cancer or complications of cirrhosis, but the risk is much lower after the hepatitis C is gone." Is there a hepatitis C vaccine? There is no hepatitis C vaccine. According to the Pathogens article, the virus has the genetic ability to make various mutations that are somewhat different from each other, making it challenging to develop an effective vaccine. The American Liver Foundation notes that hepatitis C symptoms don't often show up until after liver damage has already occurred. In fact, up to 75% of people with the virus don't know they have it. About 75% to 85% of people who are infected will end up with chronic hepatitis C. "If left untreated, hepatitis C can lead to cirrhosis of the liver and liver cancer," Jenkins said. "Once cirrhosis develops, it is irreversible." That's why the CDC recommends getting a hepatitis C blood test once when you turn 18, and on a regular basis if you have certain risk factors for getting the virus. This helps ensure that treatment can start as soon as possible. "For the last decade, we have had incredibly easy-to-use all-pill therapy [for hepatitis]," Reau explained. "So, the medications are given for between 8 weeks and 12 weeks for almost everybody. They have cure rates of nearly 100% the medications are incredibly safe and very well-tolerated." Copyright 2023 HealthDay. All rights reserved. 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: EF CLIF infographic showing results of the ACLARA study in Latin America. Credit: EF CLIF Differences in the percentage of Native American ancestry in Latin American people are linked with the chances of them developing severe liver failure and associated high risk of short-term mortality, a study co-authored by UCL has found. The ACLARA study, published in Gastroenterology, is the first of its kind to indicate that ancestry and race may determine the outcome of advanced liver disease (decompensated cirrhosis) in patients. The large prospective observational study, co-authored by Professor Rajiv Jalan (UCL Division of Medicine), found a high prevalence of severe acute-on-chronic liver failure (ACLF) and high risk of 28-day mortality in liver disease patients that had a greater percentage of Native American ancestry and reported race than those of European and African descent. The study also found socio-economic factors are associated with the probability of developing ACLF in the Latin American population, with those able to afford private treatment less likely to develop the condition. Co-author Professor Rajiv Jalan (UCL Division of Medicine) said, "The data generated in the ACLARA study provides the first indication for the important association of Native American race and ancestry in the development of liver failure and its associated mortality." "It appears that the mechanism of this susceptibility is markedly higher systemic inflammation, which is a central operative mechanism of liver failure. These data have implications for initiating more intense screening programs for liver disease in this population and further research to understand their susceptibility to other diseases and the mechanisms underlying increased inflammation." According to a recent study, liver disease accounts for more than two million deaths annually (cirrhosis, viral hepatitis, and liver cancer) and for 4% of all deaths worldwide (one out of every 25 deaths). One in three liver-related deaths occurs among females. Liver cirrhosis mortality in Mexico was the highest in Latin America in 2010, with a mortality rate of 38.3 per 100,000. A previous large study in Europe, CANONIC, identified ACLF as a distinct syndrome that develops in 30% of patients with acute decompensation of cirrhosis. Clinical features of ACLF are failure of multiple organs including the liver, kidneys, brain, heart, lungs, blood clotting and a high risk of infection. Recovery from ACLF, either using intensive care or liver transplantation, can normalize the function of these organs. To gain further insight into the relationship between genetic ancestry, race and the probability of developing ACLF and associated risk of short-term mortality, researchers studied hospitalized cirrhosis patients from seven countries across Latin America. Latin American populations have varying percentages of genetic variants of Native American, African and European ancestry, as a result of a long history of modern human migrations and admixture (genetic exchange among people of different descent). The ACLARA study was carried out in 1,274 patients non-electively hospitalized for acute decompensation of cirrhosis in 44 university hospitals, from 27 cities across Argentina, Brazil, Chile, Colombia, Mexico, Paraguay, and Peru. The study group reported ACLF of any grade in 31.0% of patients at enrollment. Of these, 54.2% presented with ACLF grade 1, 24.9% had ACLF grade 2, and 20.9% had ACLF grade 3 (meaning three or more organ failures). In addition to genetic ancestry, race was assessed by the physician at hospital admission. Researchers assessed genetic ancestry with the use of genetic markers of ancestry, and not by parental indicators of ancestry. Overall, patients admitted to hospital with ACLF showed a higher percentage of Native American ancestry and a lower percentage of European ancestry compared to patients with acute decompensation of cirrhosis without ACLF (22.6% and 53.4% vs. 12.9% and 59.6%, respectively). The percentage of African ancestry was low in both hospitalized patients with ACLF and patients without ACLF among participating countries (6.9% vs. 6.5%). First author Alberto Farias (Principal Investigator, Hospital das Clinicas, University of Sao Paulo School of Medicine, Brazil) said, "Investigating ACLF in other cohorts may strengthen the understanding of other upstream factors on disease expression. The Latin American region, with different racial and genetic ancestries, is a unique landscape for in-depth assessment of such factors." More information: Alberto Queiroz Farias et al, Genetic Ancestry, Race, and Severity of Acutely Decompensated Cirrhosis in Latin America, Gastroenterology (2023). DOI: 10.1053/j.gastro.2023.05.033 Journal information: Gastroenterology 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: Rubbery super glue: The sensor patch can withstand several times the pressure conditions in the abdomen. Credit: Empa Researchers at ETH Zurich and Empa have developed a patch with a sensor function. It can be used to seal wounds in the abdomen after surgery. The polymer patch warns before the occurrence of dangerous leaks on sutures in the gastrointestinal tract. After surgery on the stomach or intestines, they are a dreaded complication: leaks at the sutures where the contents of the digestive tract can slip into the abdomen. "Even today, such leaks are a life-threatening complication," explains Inge Herrmann, Professor of Nanoparticular Systems at ETH Zurich and a researcher at Empa in St. Gallen. The idea of sealing sutured tissue in the abdominal cavity with a plaster has already arrived in operating rooms. But the patches used, which are made of protein-containing material, dissolve too quickly when they come into contact with digestive juices. Researchers from Herrmann's group have therefore joined forces with Andrea Schlegel, surgeon at the University Hospital Zurich, to look for new solutions. Over the past few years, the scientists have developed a plaster made of polymers that form a hydrogel, i.e., they can absorb fluid. The polymers cross-link with the intestinal tissue and seal the wound. In this way, the patch prevents the acidic digestive juices and germ-laden food residues from escaping from the digestive tract and triggering peritonitis or even life-threatening blood poisoning. Thanks to the sensor patch, ultrasound or computer tomography can be used to detect whether the wound is leaking or not. Credit: B. Suter et al, Advanced Science (2023) Sensor reacts to acid and enzymes Now the researchers have gone one step further: "Surgeons have told us that they keep a close eye on the surgical field during even the most complicated proceduresbut as soon as the abdominal cavity is closed, they are 'blind' and may not notice leaks until it is too late," says Alexandre Anthis, postdoc in Herrmann's group and co-developer of the patch. The researchers have therefore equipped their patch with non-electronic sensors that already indicate before digestive juices can leak into the abdominal cavity. The sensors are protein structures or salts incorporated into the patch that react either to changes in pH caused by escaping gastric acid or to certain enzymes present in the intestine. When the sensor elements come into contact with digestive juices, their structure changes, which doctors can detect from outside the body using biomedical imaging. Eye-catching shape As the researchers report in the latest issue of the journal Advanced Science, they have succeeded in equipping the sensor elements in such a way that their reaction can also be detected by computer tomography (CT). This was possible because, thanks to a combination of reactive salts and insoluble tantalum oxide, the scientists were able to shape the sensor elements in a way that is conspicuous in computed CT. "On contact with digestive fluid, for example, the sensor changes its shape from a filled round area to a ring," says Benjamin Suter, doctoral student in Herrmann's group and first author of the latest study. The researchers already developed the sensor elements in a paper published last year, at that time still without a shape-changing function. Moreover, at that time it was not yet possible to detect the structural change in the plaster after a sensor reaction with CT, but only with ultrasound imaging. Now the change can be seen with both imaging techniques. "In future, a sensor whose shape clearly stands out from anatomical structures in CT and ultrasound images, could reduce ambiguity of impending leak diagnostics," explains Herrmann. The intestinal patch could thus not only reduce the risk of complications after abdominal surgery, but also shorten hospital stays and save health care costs. "The intestinal patch project is already attracting a great deal of interest from the medical profession," says the ETH professor. Now it is important to advance the application of the clinically relevant innovation in practice. More information: Benjamin Suter et al, Surgical Sealant with Integrated ShapeMorphing Dual Modality Ultrasound and Computed Tomography Sensors for Gastric Leak Detection, Advanced Science (2023). DOI: 10.1002/advs.202301207 Journal information: Advanced 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: Nicole Smith, made with Midjourney/University of Michigan As second-time moms await the arrival of their new baby, many may think about what it will mean to raise two children instead of one, but most don't worry excessively about bonding with their second child or whether they will love both children the same. A new University of Michigan study, however, uncovered some psychological risks among those moms who do worry. The findings are contrary to a widely held belief that it is common and normal for women to be worried about loving their second baby as much as they currently love their first child. Although some mothers may worry a little if they can form an attachment to their second baby, such feelings are "not common and universal," says Brenda Volling, U-M psychology professor and the study's lead author. The study, published recently in the Infant Mental Health Journal, focused on 240 pregnant mothers expecting their second baby. About 70% of the mothers reported they did not worry at all about forming an attachment to their second babywhat the authors referred to as maternal-fetal relationship anxiety, or MFRA. On the other hand, about 20% worried a little, while 5% of the mothers worried "very much" or were "extremely" worried. Volling, whose research focuses on early social and emotional development and parent-child interaction, says the women who experienced high levels of anxiety also had other psychosocial risks in their livesincluding more depression, more conflict in their marriages, and their firstborn children had less secure attachments. "These mothers also held more ambivalent and avoidant attachment styles themselves, based on their own childhood attachment experiences," she said. To overcome excessive anxiety and feelings of insecurity in close social relationships, mothers may wish to seek professional help from care providers or join support groups. Coming to understand the source of these insecurities "would most likely free them to feel closer to their babies," Volling said. The media also has a role in the perception of maternal mental health issuessometimes negatively. In fact, Volling says blogs and articles about what moms can expect when having their second baby have made it difficult for mothers to seek help and support by claiming it was normal for mothers to feel less attached to their second babies. "I was very concerned that we were doing a disservice to these women by telling them 'not to worry,' 'it was completely normal' and 'everything would change once the baby was born,'" she said. Fathers' attachment to their children is also importantand there are similarities to mothers' attachment to the unborn baby. "Fathers who are also depressed during the perinatal period can have difficulties establishing an attachment to the baby during pregnancy, and this does not appear to be because men themselves are not the pregnant parent," Volling said. As is the case for mothers, it is the social support and relationship risks surrounding these men that matter, she said. More information: Brenda L. Volling et al, Will I love my second baby as much as my first? Prevalence and psychosocial correlates of maternalfetal relationship anxiety for secondtime mothers, Infant Mental Health Journal (2023). DOI: 10.1002/imhj.22060 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: Multiple interacting spirals organize brain activity flow. Credit: Gong et al. University of Sydney and Fudan University scientists have discovered human brain signals traveling across the outer layer of neural tissue that naturally arrange themselves to resemble swirling spirals. The research, published today in Nature Human Behaviour, indicates these ubiquitous spirals, which are brain signals observed on the cortex during both resting and cognitive states, help organize brain activity and cognitive processing. Senior author Associate Professor Pulin Gong, from the School of Physics in the Faculty of Science, said the discovery could have the potential to advance powerful computing machines inspired by the intricate workings of the human brain. The discovery opens up new avenues for understanding how the brain works and provides valuable insights into the fundamental functions of the human brain. It could help medical researchers understand the effects of brain diseases, such as dementia, by examining the role they play. "Our study suggests that gaining insights into how the spirals are related to cognitive processing could significantly enhance our understanding of the dynamics and functions of the brain," said Associate Professor Gong, who is a member of the Complex Systems research group in Physics. "These spiral patterns exhibit intricate and complex dynamics, moving across the brain's surface while rotating around central points known as phase singularities." "Much like vortices act in turbulence, the spirals engage in intricate interactions, playing a crucial role in organizing the brain's complex activities." "The intricate interactions among multiple co-existing spirals could allow neural computations to be conducted in a distributed and parallel manner, leading to remarkable computational efficiency." Visual re-creation of brain spirals traveling across the cortex. Credit: Gong et al. Ph.D. student Yiben Xu, the lead author of the research from the School of Physics, said the location of the spirals on the cortex could allow them to connect activity in different sections, or networks, of the brainacting as a bridge of communication. Many of the spirals are large enough to cover multiple networks. The cortex of the brain, also known as the cerebral cortex, is the outermost layer of the brain that is responsible for many complex cognitive functions, including perception, memory, attention, language and consciousness. "One key characteristic of these brain spirals is that they often emerge at the boundaries that separate different functional networks in the brain," Xu said. "Through their rotational motion, they effectively coordinate the flow of activity between these networks." "In our research we observed that these interacting brain spirals allow for flexible reconfiguration of brain activity during various tasks involving natural language processing and working memory, which they achieve by changing their rotational directions." The scientists gathered their findings from functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) brain scans of 100 young adults, which they analyzed by adapting methods used to understand complex wave patterns in turbulence. Neuroscience has traditionally focused on interactions between neurons to understand brain function. There is a growing area of science looking at larger processes within the brain to help us understand its mysteries. "By unraveling the mysteries of brain activity and uncovering the mechanisms governing its coordination, we are moving closer to unlocking the full potential of understanding cognition and brain function," Associate Professor Gong said. More information: Pulin Gong et al, Interacting spiral wave patterns underlie complex brain dynamics and are related to cognitive processing, Nature Human Behaviour (2023). DOI: 10.1038/s41562-023-01626-5. www.nature.com/articles/s41562-023-01628-3 Journal information: Nature Human Behaviour 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: geralt, via pixabay The literature is clear: There is a dark side to engaging with social media, with linkages to depressive symptoms, a sense of social isolation, and dampened self-esteem recently revealed in the global discourse as alarming potential harms. Underlying the pitfalls of social media usage is social comparisonthe process of evaluating oneself relative to another personto the extent that those who engage in more social comparison are at a significantly higher risk of negative health outcomes linked to their social media consumption. Today, 72% of Americans use some type of social media, with most engaging daily with at least one platform. Particularly for adolescents and young adults, interactions on social media are an integral part of building and maintaining social networks. While the potential risks to psychosocial well-being posed by chronic engagement with these platforms have increasingly come to light within the past several years, mitigating these adverse downstream effects poses a novel and ongoing challenge to researchers and health care professionals alike. A team of researchers led by Nancy Zucker, Ph.D., professor in Psychiatry & Behavioral Sciences and director of graduate studies in psychology and neuroscience at Duke University, recently investigated this issuepublishing their study in JMIR Mental Healthand found promising results for a brief online intervention targeted at altering young adults' manner of engagement with social media. The intervention aimed to supplant college students' habitual social comparison when active on social media with social savoring: experiencing joyful emotions about someone else's experiences. Zucker's team followed a final cohort of 55 college students (78% female, 42% white, with an average age of 19.29) over a two-week period, first taking baseline measures of their mental well-being, connectedness, and social media usage before the students returned to daily social media usage. On day 8, a randomized group of students received the experimental intervention: an instructional video on the skill of social savoring. These students were then told to implement this new skill when active on social media throughout days eight to 14, before being evaluated with the rest of the cohort at the two-week mark. For those taught how and why to socially savor their daily social media intake, shifting focus from social comparison to social savoring measurably increased their performance self-esteemtheir positive evaluationas compared with the control group, who received no instructional video. Consciously practicing social savoring even seemed to enable students to toggle their self-esteem levels up or down: Those in the intervention group reported significantly higher levels of self-esteem on days during which they engaged in more social savoring. Encouragingly, the students who received the educational intervention on social media engagement also opted to practice more social savoring over time, suggesting they found this mode of digesting their daily social media feeds to be enduringly preferable to that of social comparison. The team's initial findings suggest a promising future for targeted educational interventions as an effective way to improve facets of young adults' mental health without changing the quantity or quality of their media consumption. Of course, the radical alternativeforgoing social media platforms altogether in the name of improved well-beinglooms in the distance as an appealing yet often unrealistic option for many; therefore, thoughtfully designed, evidence-based interventions such as this research team's program seem to offer a more realistic path forward. More information: Fernanda C Andrade et al, Intervening on Social Comparisons on Social Media: Electronic Daily Diary Pilot Study, JMIR Mental Health (2023). DOI: 10.2196/42024 Provided by Duke Research Blog This article has been reviewed according to Science X's editorial process and policies . Editors have highlighted the following attributes while ensuring the content's credibility: Credit: Unsplash/CC0 Public Domain In 2021 the U.S. surgeon general called on physicians and public health scientists to combat misinformation on social media. Many answered the plea, and many have faced unprecedented levels of harassment on social media as a result. A new research letter published yesterday (June 14) in the journal JAMA Network Open found doctors and scientists are experiencing alarming rates of personal attacks on social media. Two-thirds (66%) of survey respondents reported harassment on social media, compared to an earlier pre-COVID 19 survey conducted in 2020 by the same group of scientists, which found 23.3% of physicians reported receiving personal attacks on social media. Women and other gender-expansive respondents were more likely than men to report harassment based on gender (67% and 58% versus 13%) and 82% of Black respondents reported harassment based on race or ethnicity, compared to 52% of Asian respondents, 15% of white respondents and 69% of Hispanic respondents. First author Dr. Regina Royan, a research fellow at Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine and a Northwestern emergency medicine physician, said the results may indicate a connection between burnout and online patterns. "This study highlights that physicians and scientists changed the way they used social media during the pandemic," Royan said. "Sadly, those that use social media to share public health messages are more likely to face harassment. These are the people that we can't afford to lose in this conversation, especially at a time when trusted messengers for public health information are essential." The survey included 359 physicians, scientists or trainees in the United States. Doctors and scientists identified advocacy around topics such as vaccination, masks, firearms, reproductive rights and gender-affirming care as topics that fueled harassment. Respondents also were given a platform to share personal experiences of online attacks that sometimes spilled over into professional and physical threats. "When I posted a picture of myself with my badge in my white coat after my COVID-19 vaccination I received hundreds of harassing anti-vax messages including death threats," one respondent said. Others detailed the impact on their mental health: "I use social media less. I found it was too draining for me, and my mental health was suffering." Dr. Tricia Pendergrast, a recent Feinberg School of Medicine graduate who led the pre-COVID-19 study on harassment, recalled several responses from people who feared for their safety. "The 2020 study was the first to examine the prevalence of harassment among physicians who use social media," Pendergrast said. "Everyone on the team involved in the studyincluding physicians, scientists and medical traineeshas personal experiences in which they've felt uncomfortable or unsafe." "We want physicians who are being harassed to feel less alone, and if they are being targeted or feel unsafe or if their mental health is being affected negatively, they are not the only one who has felt like that," she said. Royan added that physicians and biomedical scientists play an essential role in combatting misinformation on social mediaand it's especially important that underrepresented communities see themselves reflected in the authorities sharing information. "We need physicians of every race and ethnicity in the field and on social media," Royan said. "At the end of the day, harassment of physicians and biomedical scientists on social media is a health equity issue." More information: Regina Royan et al, Physician and Biomedical Scientist Harassment on Social Media During the COVID-19 Pandemic, JAMA Network Open (2023). DOI: 10.1001/jamanetworkopen.2023.18315 Journal information: JAMA Network Open 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: Change in scores (postpre) for KAMHS subscales for active and control groups. Error bars indicate 95% confidence intervals. Credit: BMC Public Health (2023). DOI: 10.1186/s12889-023-15922-2 Giving schools the right resources and training to teach pupils about mental health really can have a positive impact on young people's well-being. New research by Welsh academics has just been published demonstrating the benefits of improving pupils' mental health literacy and reducing the stigma around mental health issues at a crucial stage in a young person's life. Most mental health problems start in the teenage years with a recent survey identifying that two in five young people report mental health symptoms. However, due to poor knowledge of mental health issues, and stigma about mental health, most young people do not seek help. Against this background, the team from Swansea and Cardiff universities worked with charity Action for Children to develop mental health literacy program The Guide Cymru which consists of training for teachers, access to online resources and videos and classroom modules. For the research a group of almost 2,000 pupils aged 13 to 14 from across Wales were divided in two for a 10-week randomized control trial with half of them experiencing The Guide delivered by specially trained teachers. Its findings, which have just been published by BMC Public Health, showed the pupils given access to The Guide demonstrated improvements in nearly all areas, including mental health knowledge, better mental health behaviors, reduced mental health stigma and increased intentions to seek help for problems. Swansea Ph.D. student and co-author Nicola Simkiss said, "It is devastating to see children and young people struggling with mental health difficulties that go both unreported and untreated." "We believe The Guide is an effective intervention that can help both children and teachers understand that mental health problems are common-place, just like physical health problems, and that they should seek help and not try to hide the problem." Swansea University's Professor Nicola Gray, who is also consultant clinical and forensic psychologist for Swansea Bay University Health Board, said, "The Guide is important as it can be easily delivered as part of the school curriculum by teachers who know the students." She now hopes this will be the start of the process of embedding mental health education and intervention in schools: "The Guide can be the beginning of a process of open discussion about mental health and emotional challenges in schools, and how best our young people can learn about these problems and the most effective ways of seeking help when this is needed." Brigitte Gater, Action for Children's Director for Wales, said, "To be able to show the benefits and impact of programs like The Guide through academic research is incredibly important. The intervention program is a significant tool in improving the mental health of our children and young people in Wales." Chris Dunne, Children's Services Manager at Action for Children, added, "Children's mental health remains a priority area and we hope that the results of the research will encourage schools to use it as part of their curriculum." Dr. Dave Williams, Adviser to Chief Medical Officer and Welsh GovernmentChild & Adolescent Mental Health, said, "The Guide has proved an excellent resource to enable professionals to raise understanding and awareness of emotional and mental health and well-being. It plays a part in the Welsh aim of normalizing emotional responses while building the capacity of communities to support children and young people who require specialist help." Now the authors say they want to look to the future. Professor Robert Snowden, from Cardiff University, said, "The Guide did exactly what we had hoped it would. However, we need to follow up this research to see if these changes in knowledge and attitudes can translate into better mental health outcomes as these children develop from adolescents to young adults." More information: Nicola J. Simkiss et al, A randomised controlled trial evaluating the Guide Cymru mental health literacy intervention programme in year 9 (age 1314) school pupils in Wales, BMC Public Health (2023). DOI: 10.1186/s12889-023-15922-2 Journal information: BMC Public Health 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: Wearable activity trackers could help hospital patients recover faster. Credit: "Apple Watch" by wiyre.com is licensed under CC BY 2.0. Fitbits, Garmins or Apple Watches, whatever your preference, wearable activity trackers could help patients recover faster during a hospitalization, potentially easing some pressures on Australia's overburdened hospital system, according to new research from the University of South Australia. Published in JAMA Network Open today, the systematic review and meta-analysis found that when hospital patients wore activity trackers, they were more active, less sedentary, and had improved physical function (compared to patients undergoing usual care in hospital) and that this supported faster recovery. Examining 15 studies with a combined total of 1911 patients (undergoing stroke rehabilitation, orthopedic rehabilitation, mixed rehabilitation, and various medical and surgical cohorts) the study found that patients achieved: 826 daily steps more than usual care 10 minutes more per day of active time compared to usual care 36 minutes less per day of sedentary behavior compared to usual care. UniSA Ph.D. candidate and accredited exercise physiologist Kimberley Szeto says wearable activity trackers can accelerate patient recovery during a hospital stay due to their ability to improve patient activity and reduce sedentary behavior. "Hospital stays are often marked by extreme patient inactivity, which paradoxically, can exacerbate other health issues, and lead to longer hospital stays," Szeto says. "A lack of movement during a hospital stay can trigger a cascade of negative outcomes, from functional decline and frailty to disability, and even higher mortality risks." "Wearable activity trackers such as Fitbits are a great intervention for improving physical activity and sedentary behavior during a hospital stay. This can also lead to improvements in clinical outcomes for patients, like physical function (which refers to the patient's ability to perform daily activities, like balancing and walking to where they need to go)." "While 826 steps may not sound like a lot, the improvements that our study found are substantial, with other studies showing that increasing daily step counts by even 250-500 steps is associated with a reduced risk for prolonged hospitalization, discharge to non-home locations, and readmission." Senior researcher, Professor Carol Maher says that wearable activity trackers are a promising intervention for improving patient activity and recovery during a hospitalization. "The strain of hospital visits on the health system is significant. Wearable activity trackers are a cheap and effective tool that notably enhances the journey towards recovery." More information: Kimberley Szeto et al, Interventions using wearable activity trackers to improve patient physical acttivity and other outcomes in adults who are hospitalized. A systematic review and Meta-Analysis, JAMA Network Open (2023). DOI: 10.1001/jamanetworkopen.2023.18478 Journal information: JAMA Network Open A former Colstrip Police officer who admitted to directing a minor girl to send him sexually explicit pictures and videos of herself was sentenced Wednesday to eight years in prison, to be followed by 10 years of supervised release. Hossein Cristiano Luigi Borhan, 49, of Billings, pleaded guilty in February to information charging him with receipt of child pornography, U.S. Attorney Jesse Laslovich said. U.S. District Judge Susan P. Watters presided. The court also ordered $4,237 restitution. By using his position as a law enforcement officer, Borhan violated the publics trust and used a minor girl for his own sexual gratification. Our office has no greater responsibility than to protect our children from sexual exploitation and we will do whatever it takes to hold accountable those who seek to harm them. Today, we did just that, Laslovich said. According to court documents, between August 2021 and April 2022, while serving as a Colstrip police officer, Borhan was engaged in an online messaging relationship with a minor girl, identified as Jane Doe. Borhan used his position as a police officer to gain the trust and friendship of the girl and carried on a secret relationship with her for almost a year under the guise of being her mentor, counselor and therapist. The conversation became sexual in nature, and Jane Doe complied with Borhans instructions to send him pictures and videos of herself engaging in sexually explicit conduct. In an interview with law enforcement, Borhan admitted to sending Jane Doe approximately 20 sexual pictures and videos of himself and estimated receiving hundreds of sexual images and videos from her. Assistant U.S. Attorney Benjamin D. Hargrove prosecuted the case, which was investigated by the FBI, Montana Division of Criminal Investigation, Rosebud County Sheriffs Office and Colstrip Police Department. This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse. Led by U.S. Attorneys Offices and the Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section, 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 to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.justice.gov/psc. Gov. Greg Gianforte on Wednesday officially signed the state's $14.4 billion budget, finalizing tax cut goals and upping Medicaid reimbursement rates that in recent years hobbled health care providers. "This budget is built for hardworking Montana families," Gianforte, a Republican, said in a press release Wednesday. "Not only did we deliver Montanans the largest tax cut in state history, but, like any Montana family would, we also invested to make needed repairs, saved for emergencies, and paid off our debt, making Montana debt-free in 23." The governor's office heralded $1 billion in income and property tax relief in announcing the signing, as well as capital improvements to decaying state facilities and infrastructure. The state's rainy-day fund is doubled, as is the fire fund, the governor's office said. The budget kicks into effect July 1. The state's budget was one of the final items to cross the finish line in a scrambled conclusion to the state Legislature on May 2. In the time since, Senate Majority Leader Steve Fitzpatrick, R-Great Falls, had requested Gianforte exercise his veto power to nix several line-items in the budget, including an additional proposal to bring rates the state pays to Medicaid providers to roughly 100% of the actual cost. Providers around the state, particularly nursing homes, have been operating on the margins since the state budget cuts made in 2017 during an emergency special session due to a budget shortfall. The Legislature was in a different place this year, with a $2.5 billion surplus to toy with. A recent Guidehouse study determined the actual cost of care, and the governor's office proposed raising its rates, although short of the benchmark for actual costs. Lawmakers ultimately boosted the rates to nearly 100% of the costs and Gianforte signed the budget without the line-item vetoes Fitzpatrick suggested. In a press release Thursday, Democrats applauded the rate increase along with the caucus's other priorities, like an amendment to extend health insurance coverage up to 12 months for postpartum women. The Democrats in the Montana Legislature are relentless," state Democratic Party executive director Sheila Hogan said in a press release. "Democrats secured historic investments in Montanas health care system to keep nursing homes open and new mothers safe, and they did it from the minority. Our caucus will never stop fighting to do right by Montanans." The governor also signed House Bill 648, a proposal from Bozeman Democratic Rep. Alice Buckley to increase the Best Beginnings child care scholarship program from 150% of the federal poverty level to 185%. The bill also put into place a sliding scale co-pay fee capped at 9% of a family's income. In all, the measure essentially re-aligns funding to covid-19 pandemic era provisions. As promised, the Montana Quality Education Coalition on Wednesday joined others in suing the state to block a new law creating charter schools. The lawsuit filed in Lewis and Clark County District Court asks a judge to block the effects of House Bill 562, one of two bills allowing the formation of charter schools. After Gov. Greg Gianforte signed HB 562 in May, the education organization vowed to sue. The Montana League of Women Voters and two teachers, Jessica Felchle of Billings and Beau Wright of Kalispell, are also named plaintiffs in filing. Gianforte and Montana Superintendent of Public Instruction Elsie Arntzen are both named as defendants. HB 562, sponsored during the 2023 Legislature by House Majority Leader Sue Vinton, was one of two charter school bills to emerge by the end of the session; the other was House Bill 549 from Rep. Fred Anderson, R-Great Falls. Vinton's bill would allow "community choice schools" to operate independently from local school districts, with exemptions from certification requirements and other standards. The schools would be validated under a new commission beneath the Office of Public Instruction. Vinton said the intent of her legislation was to empower parents and encourage students to achieve their full education potential, as well as to offer educators professional opportunities. Charter schools would have access to state and local funding, Vinton said, though she emphasized that philanthropy would play a major role in school budgets. Legislative fiscal analysis projected the bill would cost the state $481,000 beginning in fiscal year 2025, climbing to $505,000 in 2027. The lawsuit filed Wednesday alleges HB 562 violates the state Constitution, which vests control and supervision of schools in each district with the local board of trustees and with the Montana Board of Education. Legislative legal researchers flagged the bill for the same incongruencies with the Constitution in February, before the bill had its first committee hearing. "The Legislature cannot funnel public money to private institutions," Doug Reisig, executive director of Montana Quality Education Coalition said in a press release Wednesday. "The health of our society depends on a free, high-quality public education system. We vow to stand against school privatization activists incursions into Montana. And the great news is, we have the Montana Constitution behind us." A spokesperson for OPI declined to comment Wednesday pending review of the lawsuit. This story contains original reporting from Montana State News Bureau editor Holly Michels. If you are into agriculture, music and eating meat then a new festival outside Helmville might be calling your name. Old Salt Festival all takes place on the Mannix Ranch in the Blackfoot Valley, June 23-25. Eat meat: Montana's Cole Mannix on agriculture as conservation Mannix says eating meat doesn't have to be at odds odds with a healthy, natural world. "Celebrating the important role of livestock in managing land and as part of the food system, Old Salt Festival blends wood-fired cooking of local beef, lamb and pastured pork with compelling music, art and spoken word from the region." said a press release on the event. "The experience will nurture meaningful and lasting rural-urban connections toward a better food system, more respectful relationships with each other and the rest of the natural world." The three days and two nights of camping will feature: A 40-foot cinder block cookfire with three grand meals centered around local beef, lamb and pork prepared by Eduardo Garcia of Montana Mex, Elias Cairo of Olympia Provisions, Jarret Foster and Mona Johnson of Tournant PDX Fourteen bands, including Brent Cobb, Riddy Arman, Eli West Trio, Summer Dean, Jalan Crossland and The Lucky Valentines Speakers on land, wildlife conservation and food, including David James Duncan, Debra Magpie Earling, Chris Dombrowski, Nicolette Hahn Niman, Diana Rodgers, and Ed Roberson of Mountain & Prairie A "General Store" with goods from makers and artists from around the region Founded in 2020, Old Salt Co-op is a rancher-owned meat company that provides high-quality food for those who want to invest in the health of Montana soil, water and wildlife. With over 400,000 acres of private and leased public lands under management by member ranches and counting, Old Salt does whole animal butchery for Montana livestock and uses in-house restaurants and special events to build a direct-to-consumer market for beef, lamb and hogs. "Come hungry and leave inspired!" said the press release. The highly anticipated salmonfly and golden stone hatches are either about to start, just starting or in full swing through stretches of several western Montana rivers. While the excitement builds as you load your box with Cat Pukes, Water Walkers, etc., remember that as humans, we cannot force a hatch to adapt to our specific schedule. I feel like I need this reminder every year, and last weekend was no different. I arrived at a stretch of Rock Creek near Philipsburg loaded up with a fresh batch of big, ugly dry flies. I even brought along 3x and 2x leaders knowing that my adrenaline too often gets the best of me seeing such epic takes since my overly aggressive hook sets sometimes snap the usual 4x. After setting up shop at a spot downstream from the parking area where I usually start my day, I immediately spotted a salmonfly. My heart was pumping. Here we go, I thought. My casts were getting more accurate with each drift. I was hitting exact spots on each bubble trail I was aiming for. My flies landed just below overhanging trees, ready for the taking. However, about an hour elapsed before I noticed something. I hadnt seen a salmonfly since I arrived, and that bug wasnt even that close to the water. Like a bored, anxious dog who stares intently at their human companion trying to will something to happen, or a degenerate gambler on tilt who keeps doubling down with no strategy or edge, I kept spamming the water with various salmonfly patterns for another two hours apparently having convinced myself I could induce this hatch with sheer determination. After a lunch break I was able to gather myself and regain the use of my brain along with some common sense. Not only were there no salmonflies on the water, there werent any bugs at all landing on the water, and I hadnt seen a single fish rise (although when you read the report below youll note the hatch did, in fact, arrive a few days later). I swallowed my pride, tied on a Pats Rubberlegs, reeled in a few cutthroat trout after lunch and called it a day. The big bugs are out, but they cannot be everywhere at once. It also occurred to me that I could have driven a few miles downstream and likely found more bugs and active fish chasing them. There are quite a few fishing access sites in Montana, as it turns out. Oh, well. Live and learn. Or, more like: Live, learn, forget, remember, repeat and then maybe one day, some information is retained. Top picks Holter Reservoir The walleye bite in the Canyon near the Gates of the Mountains has really tuned on and most are being caught while vertical jigging with various hair jigs or Mister Twisters tipped with leeches or crawlers. Rainbow fishing continues to be great from shore and boat at the Gates of the Mountains while using egg patterns, black and red leech patterns, Power Bait, night crawlers, spawn sacks or various spinners. Good numbers of perch are being found while pitching small green jigs tipped with crawlers between the Oxbow Bend and Log Gulch. Good number of rainbows are also being found on the lower end of the reservoir while trolling orange or yellow crankbaits, Thomas lures, Crocodiles or cowbells with wedding rings. FWP, Helena Rock Creek Salmonflies are out all the way up past Ghillies. We are also seeing Goldens, Sallies, green drakes and caddis as well. Fishing is good and the fish are looking up. Flies to have right now are Rogue Stones, Fluttering Stones, Sofa Pillows, Orange Stimis, Water Walkers, Jakes Blackout Stones, Henrys Fork Goldens, X-Caddis, P-Hazes, Carnage Drakes and similar patterns. Put a dropper on if they arent coming up, but most afternoons the dry fly action is outstanding. Grizzly Hackle Fly Shop, Missoula Western Montana Ashley Lake The kokanee bite is on at most lakes in northwestern Montana where youd expect to find them. Jigging and trolling have both been productive. The same gear used for ice fishing is still effective, like Swedish Pimples or Hali jigs tipped with maggots or corn should do the trick. Jigging is especially good in the early morning hours. Trolling small Dodgers, flashers, Golds and Watermelons with a spinner or spoon tipped with bait trailing behind has also taken plenty of fish. Chancey and Daves Fish Camp, Evergreen. Big Hole River Salmonflies are out! Throw the big bug close to the bank and twitch if needed. Golden stones are also out so a combination of the two is great. If top water slows try big Pats Rubberlegs and San Juan worms under an indicator. Bright streamers like white Dungeons and Jig Sparkle Yummies are going to get the fish chasing too. The StoneFly, Butte Bitterroot Lake Kokanee are on the chew. See report for Ashley Lake for the best angling methods. The same has been true for Dickie and Lake Mary Ronan. Chancey and Daves Fish Camp, Evergreen. Bitterroot River Water has dropped into fishable shape. The river is still big, but nymphing has been reliable and there are a few salmonflies way up on the forks. Carry some big bugs if youre making the drive up. Some area favorites are Henrys Forks, Rogues, Fluttering Salmonflies and Chubbies. The main river is nymphing well with stonefly nymphs and worms. Look for drop-offs and side channels to hold fish. Streamer fishing is a great option with dark streamers when there is cloud cover. Be careful out there, as there are a lot of downed trees and blockages in the Bitterroot. Grizzly Hackle Fly Shop, Missoula Blackfoot River The Blackfoot is big, but fishing. Salmonflies are just around the corner. Anglers should see them soon if not already. If you go youll want to use big stonefly nymphs and San Juan worms. Fish the inside bends and slow drop-offs. Dead drifting Zonkers, Zirdles, Squirdles, Yuk Bugs and Sparkle Minnows can get you some big fish this time of year. Grizzly Hackle Fly Shop, Missoula Canyon Ferry Reservoir The walleye bite has started to take off with the best action happening around the Goose Bay/Snaggy Bay area, between Pond 1 and the Silos and out from Hole in the Wall. Dragging bottom bouncers with pink or green spinner blades and worms or leeches in 15 to 20 feet of water has been the way to go. Crankbaits and jigs in pink or green are catching walleye as well. A few rainbows and perch are also being caught while anglers are targeting walleye. Shore fishing is slow. Bowfishing for carp continues to be good. FWP, Helena Clark Fork River, Missoula As of last week, the Clark Fork was still blown out but expected to be fishable soon. Grizzly Hackle Fly Shop, Missoula Flathead Lake (North) Fishing for lake trout around the delta has been pretty good. As of last week, anglers were still having success higher in the water column trolling Planer Boards and Rapala Scatter Raps in the perch or gold patterns. As temperatures warm up, itll be time to break out the downriggers and look for fish in around 60 to 80 feet of water. Trolling a Flat Fish around Woods Bay Point is often a good bet. You can also try trolling around West Shore State Park to the Painted Rocks in 80 to 120 feet with flashers and a perch-pattern Brads Super Bait. For whatever reason, putting some maple sausage inside of a Super Bait seems to attract a few extra fish. Chancey and Daves Fish Camp, Evergreen. Flathead Lake (South) There have been reports of some good smallmouth bass action in addition to some perch being caught around Polson Bay. There have been rumors of a few whitefish picked up, but that bite typically picks up in late June around Big Arm and Elmo. Chancey and Daves Fish Camp, Evergreen. Flathead River sloughs This has been the spot for pike. With the warmer temps, get out during the early morning hours and try casting big jerkbaits, large spinnerbaits and swimbaits along deeper weed edges. Chancey and Daves Fish Camp, Evergreen. Gallatin River The Gallatin is high and muddy but starting to come down a little bit. Big stoneflies and worms will pick up a couple of fish. It might be worth checking out some local ponds in Bozeman or fishing Hyalite reservoir until things clear up on the river. Montana Troutfitters, Bozeman Georgetown Lake Damselflies will be upon us before we know it, but the subsurface game is the way to go right now. Balanced leeches, stillwater nymphs and damsel nymphs are perfect to strip or put below an indicator. Fishing can be tough when the water is glass, but stick around for a little chop and the action starts. The StoneFly, Butte. Hauser Reservoir The walleye bite on Lake Helena has been great while trolling perch-colored crankbaits and bottom bouncers with orange, white or green walleye spinners. A few walleye are being caught while pitching small jigs tipped with leeches around Eldorado Bar. A few rainbows are being caught from shore at Riverside, York Bridge and Black Sandy while using Power Bait or night crawlers and while trolling orange, yellow or brown crankbaits or cowbells with a wedding ring between Black Sandy and the Powerlines. FWP, Helena Madison River, Lower The Lower Madison has been good on some days and OK on others. The flows have calmed down a bit and are down to about 3,100. We've noticed that when the dam increases its flows, the fishing gets a lot tougher. So, its probably best to go when the flows have been consistent for a bit, or when they dropped flows. Nymphing crayfish, stones, worms or caddis pupa has been productive. The Mother's Day caddis have been slowing down a bit, but there are still some caddis around and the fish have been on them. Fish have also shown interest in Drakes, Yellow Sally's, Skwala's and Baetis. Montana Troutfitters, Bozeman Madison River, Upper This stretch is finally starting to clear up a little bit. Fishing has been great with nymphs and streamers doing most the damage, but if water clarity is OK in the morning the trout might still come up and eat some dry flies. With runoff, the fish push really close to the bank as the water they normally sit in is moving way too fast. So try to fish shallower pockets of water and tight to the bank. A lot of the bigger fish spotted have been within 3 feet of the bank. Streamer fishing with dark-color patterns like the olive, brown, and black Sex Dungeons, Boogie Men and sparkle minnows has been getting lots of action recently, especially when there is cloud cover. That being said, yellow can be excellent in the mud too, especially if it's nice and sunny. Montana Troutfitters, Bozeman Missouri River, below Holter Tuesday night, the flows were at 11,700 CFS and Wednesday fell by 2,300 CFS. There is no word yet on more adjustments in the near future, but its important to stay up to date on flows. The dam operators told Headhunters a couple months ago that flows would be around 5,000 to 10,000 through the third week of June unless there is a rain event, the shop reported. The water is clear. There is some color below the Dearborn, but not enough to deter experienced anglers who know the river. PMDs have been making a showing daily. Cripples with a good drift will be key for the next week. Caddis have been around as well, and fish have been looking for dry caddis patterns. Dry fly anglers should search for lower water along with soft spots. Search and you will find. Nymphing action has still been deep. The water change noted above has fish confused. Guides have been changing depth, flies and encouraging the mend during this water period. Mayfly nymphs, caddis nymphs, Zirdles and worms have been popular purchases at the shop. Keep changing until you find the lucky fly. Headhunters Fly Shop, Craig Swan Lake Fishing has been good for folks targeting pike. Head to the big weed bed at the south end, tie on a hook with some dead bait and wait for a tug. Chancey and Daves Fish Camp, Evergreen. A Morganton nonprofit is making plans to move downtown after more than 20 years at its current location on East Fleming Drive. In a letter to supporters, Dr. Holly Johnson, CEO of The Outreach Center, wrote that the organization has sold its current location and obtained a new facility in downtown Morganton. Later this year, the ministry will move into its new location in the old Jordans Cleaners building at 302 S. College St. In addition to the move, the letter also announced a shift in the organizations programming. Going forward, TOCs primary focus will be on its work with children and families to "break generational cycles of poverty. Weve been on track to do this for a very long time, Johnson told The News Herald. For so long now, Ive really been praying about this. We didnt have the ability to really help change peoples lives I know we were helping people, but my heart is to really make an impact. To reflect this shift, the new building will be dubbed the WOW Center, a nod to the organizations Wishes Opportunities Wonder program that will become the cornerstone of TOCs renewed focus on families. The WOW program began in 2017 and, since then, has provided art and cultural opportunities for hundreds of children living in poverty. The idea is to inspire children and give them the experiences and tools to break the cycle of poverty in their families. Arts and cultural opportunities will be the catalyst used to accomplish our mission, Johnsons letter said. Arts and cultural activities can be transformational by providing them with opportunities for creative expression and exposure to diverse forms of art, they will be empowered to develop skills, boost their confidence and create a brighter future. One casualty of the organizations new focus on children and families, however, will be the Tuesday mass food distributions, which will be discontinued at the end of the month. These distributions have been one of the hallmarks of TOCs ministry for years and, in recent months, have drawn more than 4,000 people to the center each week. The final mass distribution will take place on June 27, but Johnson said the agencys food ministry will still carry on with a more targeted food program. The senior box program, which serves close to 100 seniors per month, will continue in the new location and food will be provided to WOW program families on an as needed basis. Well still distribute food, but it will be more targeted, Johnson said. In place of the distributions, the ministry's new focus will allow it to expand the WOW program both in number of children served and in the amount of services offered. Currently, there are about 100 children enrolled in WOW. When the new center opens that number will jump to 250. Johnson hopes to be able to expand the program to include even more children in the future. She said the new focus will also allow TOC to provide a more holistic package of services to the families of the children in the program with new wrap-around services. Parents will have opportunities to have educational classes and case support to help them with whatever it is they need to get on their feet, she said. Johnson said the goal is to empower rather than enable. The families that qualify for our services will all have goals and objectives leading to self-sufficiency and improvement in their quality of life, she wrote in the letter to supporters. They will be supported in helping to accomplish those goals. For the kids, the program will provide experiences in everything from painting, pottery, music, theater and literature to dance, gymnastics and more. Johnson said TOC is also working with community partners to help place children in WOW in other programs TOC may not be able to offer at the center. After the renovations are complete, one of the centerpieces of the new building will be a large multi-use theater space to be used in WOWs theater program. Johnson said the theater space will seat between 125 and 150 people. It will be a multi-use theater space, she said. We could do community theater there as well. TOC also plans to use the center to offer a host of programs for seniors in addition to its programming for children and families. Were going to have all kinds of opportunities for (seniors), Johnson said. Depending upon what their needs are, well have some nutritional classes, art classes, pottery, crocheting, history club, book club, computer classes. All kinds of things for seniors. Johnson said she hopes these new changes will allow TOC to move in a direction she has wanted it to move for a long time empowering families and helping them escape generational poverty. Our mission is to break the cycle of generational poverty; thats what weve been praying about, she said. How do we get back to that mission? This (center) is going to be an opportunity to do that. There is no timeline yet for the opening of the new center, but renovations are slated to begin shortly after TOC takes possession of the building on July 1. You could forgive me if you knew that I would like to be like Daniel Wallace. His best-selling novel, Big Fish, was made into a movie. He holds a tenured professorship at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, where he is an admired teacher of literature. He is a gifted cartoonist. There is more. But if you told Wallace that you wanted to be like him, he would tell you that he had wanted to be like his late brother-in-law William Nealy. I knew about Nealy from his work in the 1980s drawing cartoon-like directions that showed how to navigate fast-moving rivers such as the Nantahala and the Nolichucky in western North Carolina. The publisher of a collection of Nealys maps wrote that he gained cult-hero status in the outdoor-sports community by blending his passion for the outdoors with his unique style of caricatures. He had a knack for learning not by doing but by crashing and burning! For years, his informative and hilarious cartoon maps of popular canoeing and kayaking streams have delighted whitewater paddlers. I did not know of his connection to Wallace. However, that connection is the subject of Wallaces latest book, his first published non-fiction book, This Isnt Going to End Well: The True Story of a Man I Thought I Knew. The book opens in Birmingham, Alabama, when Wallace was 12 and his sister, Holly, was 6 years older. Nealy, her boyfriend, was standing on the roof of the Wallace house before he jumped into their swimming pool. He could have crashed on the concrete beside the pool and died, but he survived. Wallace wrote, William was so alive, more alive than I was or ever would be. William could and would do almost anything, better if it were something that was death-defying. He summed it up for a magazines biography: Nealy has been a boy scout, an underground cartoonist (late 60s), high school dropout, war resistor, civil rights activists, construction worker, college student (BA 1976), mountain rescue specialist, garbage man, professional rock musician (drummer), police analyst, sculptor, spelunker, motorcyclist, bowhunter, paramedic, canoeist, kayaker, river guide, fork-lift driver, parachutist, author (ten books translated into three languages), real estate photographer, yachtsman, sport angler, traditional archer, rollerblader, tree surgeon, environmental activist, and, occasionally, a drunk and drug addict. Plus a few other things we cant mention til the statute of limitations runs out. Also a political cartoonist, illustrator, private detective (2 arrests, 1 conviction, 1 pending), lifeguard, etc., etc. Ive done more crazy stuff than any other cartoonist on the ***ing planet, period! And I still have enough brain cells to write books about my exploits. Wallace writes about Nealys flirtations with death. He wanted to get as close as he could to disaster, but then, through wit and skill get right out of it. When those flirtations led to Nealys embrace of suicide and plans for it, Wallaces role changed, and he tried to be a protector. After Nealys suicide, Wallace found his private journals. Even though he knew that Nealy did not want anyone to read the journals, Wallace persuaded himself that for his sake and the sake of others it was important to use Nealys words to help deal with the pain of his loss. Wallace says that he will not write another book like this one. Too hard, too painful. But as he wrote he saw a connection between this book and his first novel, Big Fish. Wallace told me, As I was writing this book, and digging deeper into the story of my life with my brother-in-law, William, I came to see that this was, this is, either the sequel to, or the prequel to Big Fish. This influenced that book in ways that I didnt even know it did before writing it. There are 14 days between Juneteenth and July 4. Both national holidays represent freedom and independence. They are part of our shared heritage as Americans, and there is no reason not to celebrate both. On June 19, 1865, Army Gen. Gordon Granger arrived in Galveston Bay in Texas with 2,000 Union troops and gave General Order Number 3 providing independence to slaves in the state following the end of the Civil War. African Americans have celebrated the holiday, first known as Emancipation Day, ever since. President Joe Biden signed the order making Juneteenth a federal holiday in 2021. At the time, many white Americans had no knowledge of what Juneteenth is nor the history behind it. Recognizing Juneteenth helps begin a larger discussion about freedom and race in the country. Even after slaves were freed in Texas, there were questions to answer and struggles ahead for individuals who never experienced freedom before. Through the next century, the descendants of former slaves and others celebrated the holiday, never forgetting slavery, but also seeing the African-American experience through the larger history of the country, both good and bad. As historian Annette Gordon-Reed writes in a good article on the holiday in The New York Times, (But) they all knew Juneteenth was but one positive marker on African-Americans journey through United States History. The current generation was making others. Juneteenth connects all of us to the history of Abraham Lincoln and the Emancipation Proclamation. Lincolns proclamation to free the slaves in Confederate territories during the Civil War created a war message which later led to much broader freedoms. When Gen. Granger ordered slaves free in Galveston two and a half years after Lincolns initial order, he was carrying out the intent of the proclamation. Slavery, as people understood it, was abolished shortly after by the 13th Amendment. Lincoln, perhaps the greatest student of Jefferson, certainly wrestled with the freedom struggle in the midst of war. Questions of how to accomplish individual freedoms remains an ongoing task. Being in a republican democracy is like that, and our countrys founders were smart enough to craft a changeable government. Such crafting began with the document separating the colonies from England. Jeffersons Declaration laid out the foundation, and the rationale, for doing so. Moreover, once the enlightened words were put on paper concerning life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness, they became ideal. When the words All men are created equal were set to paper, they began larger discussions about the freedoms of all men and women. While, unfortunately, equality did not come for everyone at the same time, one of the legacies of the Declaration is Juneteenth itself. It is true the most important history to learn is the history you dont know. Knowing about Juneteenth, and recognizing the holiday, helps every American know a little bit more about the history of this country. To be taught about another history is a profound thing. A good many white students never heard of Juneteenth before the presidents recognition of it as a federal holiday. Learning about Juneteenth and recognizing its importance to Black history ties each one of us to the freedoms of others. Knowing another individuals history helps us to understand his or her freedoms are tied to our own. We mark holidays to recognize the contributions of people in our shared pasts, but also to acknowledge the freedom struggle goes on. It never ends; regardless of color or background. The American story remains an important one in the world. June 19 to July 4 are freedom days. A time to remember the many gifts we have been given by living in a country with a republican form of government, but also to remind ourselves that democracy is hard. We live in a country where citizenship, respect and civility are watchwords on the wall of freedom. As Gordon-Reed notes, It may be hard for some to do this in our fractious times (celebrate both holidays), but both holidays should be used to reflect upon the common value that Juneteenth and the Fourth have come to express: the recognition of the equal humanity and dignity of people the world over. That is a great way to put it. African Americans, and others, celebrated Juneteenth across the ages in part because it gave them hope that through civic and political actions, rights and equality would come that the words of the Declaration would mean the same thing for all peoples and carry the same weight. After Gen. Granger gave his order, he became immediately unpopular with the white populations in Texas and he was soon was removed from command, but he encouraged the former slaves to work and improve their lives. Political and social gains for them were slow in coming. Today, there are people who are uncomfortable with having two Independence Days. They need to learn about the history of both holidays and how each are intertwined. Transgender activist Adria Jawort will get a second chance to talk about the Montana History of Two-Spirit and LGBTQ+ Peoples." The Butte America Foundation and KBMF-LP Butte 102.5 will host the Billings writer at 7 p.m. Tuesday, June 20, in the first-floor meeting room of the Carpenters Union Hall, 156 W. Granite St. Controversy erupted one day prior to a June 2 presentation that Jawort, a Northern Cheyenne transgender/two-spirit woman, was to give at the Butte Public Library. Earlier Twitter comments she had made led Butte-Silver Bow County Chief Executive J.P. Gallagher, on the advice of counsel, to cancel the event on the grounds that said comments may have violated Montana House Bill 359. The bill, which was signed into law by Gov. Greg Gianforte on May 22, prohibits drag performances in publicly funded schools and libraries and prohibits minors from attending sexually oriented performances in libraries or schools that receive state funding. We are happy to offer a space for Adria to talk about the place of Indigenous two-spirit individuals throughout history, said Daniel Hogan, KBMF general manager. We hope people come out with an open mind and are ready to learn. Hosts of the Tuesday event do not include Carpenters Union Local 82, which is not affiliated with the Carpenters Union Hall. The building was sold in 2013. Mario Martinez, a spokesperson for the union, reported that the actual Carpenters Union does not own the building and makes no decisions on who will hold events in the building. Local 82 is focused on the construction industry in Montana, said Martinez, and does not weigh in on social issues that have nothing to do with the construction industry. It turns out there was some truth to the viral "nature is healing" memes that circulated during the spring 2020 pandemic lockdowns. Anecdotes of animals retaking human environments sprang up nearly as soon as billions of humans around the world began staying home to slow the spread of the nascent coronavirus pandemic. Wild boar ventured farther and more confidently into Haifa, Israel, during the lockdown than before. Dolphins in the Bosphorus Strait in Istanbul played in waters usually crowded with commercial vessels. Cougars explored Santiago, Chile. Monkeys inundated India's presidential palace. And, perhaps the incident shared most online, Great Orme mountain goats roamed through the vacant streets of Llandudno, Wales, in the United Kingdom. The episodes quickly gave rise to an internet meme that lampooned those who earnestly claimed that a deadly global pandemic was nature's healing way of cleansing the "real" virus: humans. Predictably, the memes veered absurd in one variation, rubber Crocs sandals floating in water were accompanied by text joking that "crocs" had returned to the rivers. But a new study illuminates the degree to which pandemic lockdowns actually did, in fact, allow animals to rapidly expand their movements into human development and closer to roads. The research includes Montana wolves and bison whose tracking collars testified to their exploratory freedom. "We show that human mobility is a key driver of some terrestrial mammal behaviors, with a magnitude potentially similar to that of landscape modifications," the authors wrote. "Therefore, when evaluating human impacts on animal behavior or designing mitigation measures, both physical landscape alteration and human mobility should be taken into consideration. Disentangling the effects of human mobility and landscape modification will allow the implementation of conservation measures specifically targeted at mitigating the impacts of human mobility, such as enticements to adjust timing, frequency, and volume of traffic in areas important for animal movement." The global study published June 8 in the journal Science found that many mammals ranged significantly farther over 10-day periods sometimes deeper into human environs when lockdowns kept humans largely homebound and left streets and other public spaces devoid of human activity. Some got much closer to roads that were newly free of traffic. Over shorter time periods, however, animals' movement decreased, the study found. Researchers attributed the short-term movement decreases to animals having to evade humans less often. The study, "Behavioral responses of terrestrial mammals to COVID-19 lockdowns," examined GPS tracking data from 2,300 mammals across 43 species, from creatures as small as opossums to as big as elephants. Data on animal movement was collected from every continent except Australia and Antarctica. The study compared animals' movements during the period when a given country enacted its strictest COVID lockdown to the animals' movements during the same date range in 2019. The study also correlated changes in animals' movements to the relative strictness of the lockdown in the country where the animal was located, and to the degree of human development around an animal. Mark Hebblewhite, a professor of habitat ecology at the University of Montana, has been collaring large mammals to study their movements for more than 20 years. He was one of the first in the world to track wolves and elk with GPS collars. Hebblewhite was one of nearly 200 total authors on the study. He contributed troves of data he's collected on collared elk and wolves in and around Banff National Park in Alberta, Canada. Hebblewhite and his team study the animals' movements in the bustling Bow Valley, home to the town of Banff itself, as well as in remote, backcountry areas with little human presence. In an interview Thursday, Hebblewhite said that the latest study came after a similar one four years ago also by lead author Marlee A. Tucker. "Having a global network of people studying large mammals was really helpful," he said, explaining that the group was ready to jump on the "anthropause" when lockdowns were enacted. Dan Stahler and Chris Geremia of the National Park Service were also authors on the study, with data on Yellowstone's wolves and bison, respectively. With human activity restricted for a few weeks or months, the researchers were able to study how animals reacted when humans largely disappeared but human development remained on the landscape. Previously, it was difficult to separate the effect of human infrastructure and human activity on animals, because humans were generally using the infrastructure. The researchers described humans' hiatus from leaving the home as the "anthropause," derived from the Greek prefix "anthropo-," meaning human. "As large-scale, high-resolution human mobility data are rare, our ability to decouple the effects of landscape modification and human mobility has been limited," the authors wrote. "In particular, little is known about the overall impact of human mobility on terrestrial mammalian behavior across species and continents. Here, we make use of the quasiexperimental alteration of human mobility during COVID-19 lockdowns in early 2020 to study the effect of human mobility on animal behavior, specifically on movement and road avoidance in terrestrial mammals." Displacement differences The study examined animals' travels, or "displacements," over one-hour periods and 10-day periods. Researchers honed in on median displacement distances for animals the normal distances they moved in a time period and 95th percentile displacements, or an animal's farthest movements in a time period. Hebblewhite explained the difference between median and 95th percentile 10-day displacements in human terms: "Most of the time we drive around Missoula dropping off kids, but once a week I drive to my cabin." Across all the animals in the study, scattered around the globe and across countries with varying degrees of lockdown, the study did not find a collective difference in their longest 10-day movements. But when looking just at animals in countries that had the most restrictive lockdowns, their longest movements over 10 days increased in distance by an average 73%. "This may indicate that tighter restrictions on human movements, including confinement to living spaces and reduced human mobility in green spaces, led to increased landscape permeability for mammals," the authors wrote. Hebblewhite said, "Those are the movements that take animals to really important habitat patches," like migratory corridors, new home ranges or places to mate. In contrast, nations that implemented relatively mild lockdown measures saw animals' longest trips over 10 days decrease anywhere from 22% to 72% something the researchers attributed to humans' increased use of open, outdoor spaces during lockdowns in countries with less-restrictive measures. "The reduction in movement may reflect increased human mobility in semi-natural areas such as parks and other green spaces," the authors wrote. "In fact, green space use by people in some areas of intermediate lockdown increased up to 350%." The lockdowns did not seem to affect animals' median movement distances over 10-day periods, regardless of lockdown stringency. That suggested that stringent lockdowns facilitated an increase only in wide-ranging behavior like "migratory movements, long-distance dispersal, exploratory excursions, or long displacements within individuals home ranges." Reduced avoidance The study documented a 12% reduction in the length of the most distant displacements animals made during one-hour periods, compared with 2019. The authors wrote, "This may indicate reduced avoidance and escape behavior of humans (e.g., less need to hide from people) as a result of altered human mobility levels during lockdowns." The study did not find a difference in median one-hour displacement distances. "In some ways," Hebblewhite said, "on your average daily, hourly movement rate one-hour displacement animals actually moved less. They seemed to be less stressed out about humans and they just hung out more." Animals in areas of high human development were, on average, 36% closer to roads during lockdowns. That means that animals in high-development areas ventured closer to roads when traffic drastically decreased during lockdowns, but their counterparts in less-developed areas didn't exhibit the same behavior. The study's findings aligned with species-specific studies with similar results on pandemic behavior. "For example, evidence suggests that during the lockdowns, mountain lions usual aversion to urban edges ceased," the authors wrote. "(Also) crested porcupine abundance increased in urban areas, diurnal activity of invasive Eastern cottontails increased, and brown bears exploited novel connectivity corridors." Hebblewhite previously studied European brown bears a subspecies related to North America's grizzly bear and mapped out corridors that bears would likely travel through if given the opportunity. During the lockdowns, he said, the bears were observed actually traveling those corridors. "They really did cross highways way more during COVID than they did before COVID," he said. Local observations That dynamic played out locally around Montana and around the Northern Rockies, Hebblewhite said. When national parks like Yellowstone and Banff were suddenly vacated by humans, data shows that animals in places that normally have lots of human activity began making longer travels, avoiding humans less on the shorter term, and venturing closer to roads. In remote areas that wouldn't have many humans anyway, he said, behavior was largely unchanged. Around Banff, elk and wolves in the normally busy Bow Valley ventured closer to roads during the lockdown. But "in the backcountry remote areas, we didn't see any difference." In places like Missoula, he said, people flocked to the outdoors during lockdowns that were less restrictive than those in Italy or France, where people were strictly confined to their homes. "That, based on our paper, wouldve been predicted to have negative effects on animal movements," he said of people flocking to outdoor recreation. "It depends both on the level of lockdown and on the level of human activity," he said of how or whether animal behavior would change. Regions with no humans in an area anyway produced no change in animal behavior. The authors wrote that further data collection and analysis could determine if animals retain any of their lockdown behavior changes. And, Hebblewhite said, forthcoming research using remote cameras to better track human activity could provide more granular insight into exactly how various levels of human activity affect mammals. A weakness of the study released last week, he said, was that "we have much better data on what animals were doing in the lockdown than what people were doing. We had a gross approximation of what people were doing by the country or state level of stringency indices," but no GPS data for humans like they had for animals. Nonetheless, the authors were able to conclude, "Mammals have been living with human disturbance for a long time, but we demonstrate that many wildlife populations retain the capacity to respond to changes in human behavior, providing a positive outlook for future mitigation strategies designed to maintain animal movement and the ecosystem functions they provide." Two members of the MuscaBus team were honored recently at the annual Iowa Public Transit Association (IPTA) conference, held last Friday, June 9, in Coralville. Jada Peiffer was selected as the 2023 MuscaBus Driver of the Year, while Helen Cooper was named 2023 MuscaBus Dispatcher of the Year. In order to qualify for driver of the year, the driver has to have worked at least 780 hours, at least 95% of all scheduled work and have no documented incidents or complaints and no fault accidents or moving violations. Peiffer ended up exceeding this criteria, according to Transit Supervisor Amy Fortenbacher, who shared that Peiffer had actually worked the most hours out of all the drivers in the past year. Peiffer has been a great driver, Fortenbacher said in a public statement. She always greets everyone with a smile and is very friendly and dependable. I am thankful she is a driver for MuscaBus. According to Peiffer, part of the interest in driving the MuscaBus came from her familys history with it, namely her grandfather who also worked as a MuscaBus driver. Beyond that, she shared that she has also enjoyed seeing the community and meeting with new people through her job. Peiffer, alongside Toni Hollingshed, also had a chance to represent MuscaBus during the 35th Annual IPTA/Iowa DOT State ROADEA, an annual competition that tests the driving skills of drivers across Iowa. As for Cooper, since first moving into the dispatch position she has gained a reputation for providing excellent service. But for her, its just all part of the job. I love that I am helping people in the community and making a difference, Cooper said in a public statement. In addition to keeping MuscaBus drivers informed and its customers satisfied, Cooper added that although she has still had to overcome many challenges while on the job, she has also appreciated the resilience that she has gained through the position. I have also had to juggle many different situations in my life at once, such as working full-time and going to college full-time with three children, Cooper said. This has helped me to become very good at multi-tasking, and that helps me with my day-to-day experiences as a dispatcher. This is the first time that IPTA has presented a dispatcher of the year award, taking nominations from all 35 transit systems in Iowa. For Fortenbacher, she shared that it was Coopers willingness to cover shifts and make sure the needs of drivers and customers were met that earned her the nomination. We would not be able to provide this great service without Coopers commitment to MuscaBus, Fortenbacher said. COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. The suspect in a mass shooting at a Colorado Springs gay nightclub is expected to strike a plea deal to state murder and hate charges that would ensure at least a life sentence for the attack that killed five people and wounded 17, several survivors told The Associated Press. Word of a possible legal resolution of last years Club Q massacre follows a series of jailhouse phone calls from the suspect to the AP expressing remorse and the intention to face the consequences at the next scheduled court hearing this month. I have to take responsibility for what happened, 23-year-old Anderson Lee Aldrich said in their first public comments about the case. Federal and state authorities and defense attorneys declined to comment on a possible plea deal. But Colorado law requires victims to be notified of such deals, and several people who lost loved ones or were wounded in the attack told the AP that state prosecutors have given them advance word that Aldrich will plead guilty to charges that would ensure the maximum state sentence of life behind bars. Prosecutors also recently asked survivors to prepare for the June 26 hearing by writing victim-impact statements and steeling themselves emotionally for the possible release of the Club Q surveillance video of the attack. Someones gone that can never be brought back through the justice system, said Wyatt Kent, who was celebrating his 23rd birthday in Club Q when Aldrich opened fire, gunning down Kents partner, Daniel Aston, who was working behind the bar. We are all still missing a lot, a partner, a son, a daughter, a best friend. Jonathan Pullen, the suspects step-grandfather, plans to watch the upcoming hearing on a livestream and said Aldrich has to realize what happened on that terrible night. It's truly beginning to dawn on him. Aldrich faces more than 300 state counts, including murder and hate crimes. And the U.S. Justice Department is considering filing federal hate crime charges, according to a senior law enforcement official familiar with the matter who spoke to AP on condition of anonymity to discuss the ongoing case. Its unclear whether the anticipated resolution to the state prosecution will also resolve the ongoing FBI investigation. Some survivors who listened to the suspects recorded comments to the AP lambasted them as a calculated attempt to avoid the federal death penalty, noting they stopped short of discussing a motive, put much of the blame on drugs and characterized the crime in passive, generalities such as I just cant believe what happened and I wish I could turn back time. Such language, they said, belied by the maps, diagrams, online rants and other evidence that showed months of plotting and premeditation. No one has sympathy for him, said Michael Anderson, who was bartending at Club Q when the shooting broke out and ducked as several patrons were gunned down around him. This community has to live with what happened, with collective trauma, with PTSD, trying to grieve the loss of our friends, to move past emotional wounds and move past what we heard, saw and smelled. Terror erupted just before midnight on Nov. 19 when the suspect walked into Club Q, a longtime sanctuary for the LGBTQ community in this mostly conservative city of 480,000, and fired an AR-15-style semiautomatic rifle indiscriminately. Disbelief gave way to screaming and confusion as the music continued to play. Partygoers dove across a bloody dance floor for cover. Friends frantically tried to protect each other and plugged wounds with napkins. The killing stopped only after a Navy petty officer grabbed the barrel of the suspects rifle, burning his hand because it was so hot. An Army veteran joined in to help subdue and beat Aldrich until police arrived, finding the shooter had emptied one high-capacity magazine and was armed with several more. Aldrich, who since their arrest has identified as nonbinary and uses the pronouns they and them, allegedly visited Club Q at least six times in the years before the attack. District Attorney Michael Allen told a judge that the suspects mother made Aldrich go to the club against his will and sort of forced that culture on him. Allen also has said the suspect administered a website that posted a neo-Nazi white supremacist shooting training video. Online gaming friends said Aldrich expressed hatred for the police, LGBTQ people and minorities and used anti-Black and anti-gay slurs. And a police detective testified that Aldrich sent an online message with a photo of a rifle scope trained on a gay pride parade. The AP sent Aldrich a handwritten letter several months ago asking them to discuss a 2021 kidnapping arrest following a standoff with a SWAT team, a prosecution that had been dismissed and sealed despite video evidence of Aldrichs crimes. In that case, just months before the Club Q shooting, they threatened to become the next mass killer and stockpiled guns, ammo, body armor and a homemade bomb. The incident was livestreamed on Facebook and prompted the evacuation of 10 nearby homes as authorities discovered a tub with more than 100 pounds of explosive materials. The alleged shooter, who lived with their grandparents at the time and was upset about their plans to move to Florida, threatened to kill the couple and go out in a blaze, authorities said. You guys die today and Im taking you with me, they quoted the suspect as saying. Im loaded and ready. Former Club Q bartender Anderson was among survivors who told prosecutors they wanted a fast resolution of the criminal case. My fear is that if this takes years, that prevents the processing and moving on and finding peace beyond this case, he said. I would love this wrapped up as quickly as possible under the guarantee that justice is served. Interactive: Find out more about mass killings in the U.S. Interactive: Number of mass killings by year Interactive: Mass killings by location scaled by number of victims Interactive: Search mass killing incidents Interactive: Timeline of mass killings scaled by number of victims killed Interactive: Number of mass killings and victims killed this year compared with previous years Interactive map: People killed by shootings, per 100,000 residents IOWA CITY After Iowa regents reviewed in closed session Tuesday the performance of their university presidents over the last year, they approved a range of pay increases and new compensation incentives Wednesday including a raise for University of Iowa President Barbara Wilson. Beginning July 1, Wilson will earn $700,000 a year amounting to a $50,000 raise, the second such raise in two years, making her the highest-paid president across the three-campus regent university system. Iowa State University President Wendy Wintersteens salary will stay at $650,000 a year although both she and Wilson received new deferred compensation incentives. On top of the $733,333 deferred compensation payout Wintersteen will receive this summer and the $80,000 payout shell get next year, the board established for her a new deferred compensation plan making annual contributions of $415,000 from this July 1 through Dec. 31, 2025 amounting to $1.04 million. The board extended Wilsons existing deferred compensation plan which was supposed to pay her $2.2 million in 2026 through 2028, when shell get a $2.5 million payout. Regents also extended both presidents contracts. Wilson, given a five-year contract when she started in 2021, now has a term of employment through June 30, 2028. Wintersteen, whose 2019 contract was set to expire this summer, received an extension through June 30, 2026. University of Northern Iowa President Mark Nook whose salary has remained static since his hire in 2016 at $357,110 on Wednesday received his first raise of $15,000 a year, bringing his annual pay to $372,110. His current contract runs through 2025. The boards Executive Director Mark Braun who made $390,336 in the 2022 budget year on Wednesday received a new deferred compensation plan amounting to a $310,000 payout in 2025. The board Wednesday also set its salary policy for merit employees in the upcoming budget year to a minimum 1% and maximum 2% raise. Merit workers include blue collar, clerical and technical workers like bus drivers, bakers, groundskeepers and hospital security officers. Earlier this year, the board negotiated new contracts with its graduate student and health care worker unions, including 3% base pay raises for each of the next two years. Among the top 10 highest-paid public university presidents and chancellors in 2021, according to a report in The Chronicle of Higher Education using the most recently available data, were five from the Big Ten Conference. But even at her new salary, UIs Wilson ranks well below those Big Ten leaders, according to the Chronicle: Former Michigan State University President Samuel Stanley, who resigned amid controversy in October 2022, made a base salary of $1.1 million in fiscal 2021; Jeffrey Gold, chancellor of the University of Nebraska Medical Center, made $966,225 in fiscal 2021; Jay Perman, chancellor of the University System of Maryland, made $938,024 in fiscal 2021. Ted Carter, president of the University of Nebraska System, made $933,760 in fiscal 2021; Mark Schlissel, fired from his post as University of Michigan president in January 2022, made $901,849 in fiscal 2021. Photos: University of Iowa end-of-season celebration honoring the NCAA runner-up women's basketball team Enough Republicans members showed up in the Oregon Senate on Thursday to end a six-week walkout that halted the work of the Legislature and blocked hundreds of bills, including some on abortion, transgender health care and gun safety. A petition has been submitted in court challenging the implementation of the Unique Personal Identifier (UPI) system, which intends to provide newborns in Kenya with a unique and lifelong registration number. Operation Linda Jamii, in court documents, asserts that the governments actions violate the constitution and claims that there was a lack of public participation in the decision to introduce the UPI. Unique Personal Identifier known as Digital ID is yet to be rolled out and the taxpayers money is to be used in driving the implementation of this project which has not undergone public participation, reads court papers. The petitioners are requesting the court to issue an injunction to prevent the government from taking any further steps or conducting any processes related to the rollout of the Digital ID. They argue that the government had already allocated Sh.11 billion to the Huduma Namba project, which they contend is a more secure alternative. Operation Linda Jamii wants government to utilize and expand upon the existing infrastructure established through the implementation of Huduma Namba. They propose that instead of introducing a separate Unique Personal Identifier system, the government should leverage the already established framework to address the objectives and concerns related to individual identification. We are grappling with a high cost of living and tough economic times and it makes no sense for the President to waste taxpayers money on a new digital ID project when the Huduma Namba exists, says the lobby group. Operation Linda Jamii is also seeking a permanent injunction from the court, which would prevent the respondents from hosting the servers of the Huduma Namba project or any other projects in foreign countries. Nairobi Governor Johnson Sakaja has been elected as the Vice Chairperson of the C40 Steering Committee. The C40 Steering Committee is the governing body that offers strategic guidance and direction for the worldwide network of nearly 100 cities dedicated to tackling the global climate crisis. As the representative of 13 C40 cities in Africa, Johnson Sakaja has been entrusted with the responsibility of advocating for the interests and concerns of these cities within the C40 Steering Committee. There is a new urgency. We need to put our heads together and figure out how to make our cities more resilient. We need to sit together to share expertise, experience, and finances so that the most vulnerable among us, and the environment are protected. And we need to do this now, Sakaja said upon his election. With the support of C40, Sakaja has committed to implementing Nairobis climate action plan with a view to achieving net-zero emissions, fostering the creation of green jobs, and enhancing local resilience. In his new role as the Vice Chairperson of the C40 Steering Committee, Sakaja will be a leading voice in encouraging African cities to work together to fast-track climate action. He will support the building of a community of practice that will share knowledge and experience, and secure the funding needed to build climate resilience and address loss and damage associated with global heating. Givernor Sakaja has been nominated among the top 100 Future Leaders: The Worlds Most Influential Young People in Government. He has also been awarded Change Maker of the Year 2016 at the African Achievers Award in recognition of his leadership skills and youth empowerment in the country. President William Ruto has said the government is committed to the successful delivery of Universal Health Care. The government, he added, will prioritize preventive healthcare, anchored on community health workers, NHIF reform, and provision of medical supplies and equipment to deliver UHC. There have been two failed attempts to implement universal healthcare. But this time round, we are determined to achieve it successfully. Preventive care will make it possible to deal with health issues early at the community level, which will ease crowding at hospitals. Speaking when he met Global Fund Executive Director Peter Sands at State House Nairobi, President Ruto said the Kenya Medical Supplies Agency (KEMSA) must improve its service delivery Kemsa is an integral part of the equation. They must play their rightful role. The agency has had issues, but we are sorting it out. The President said the government will weed out corruption and predators at the NHIF to make it more efficient. Mr Sands said Kenya has a fantastic relationship with the Global Fund. He commended President Ruto for the recent decisive action to clean up Kemsa. He said Global Fund supports the governments universal healthcare agenda and is ready to offer technical expertise. By PCS PPresident William Ruto has challenged engineers to step forward in the transformation of the country. He said constant innovation in the profession holds the catalytic power to the Bottom-Up Economic Transformation Agenda. Engineering is our growths bedrock; the link between a countrys engineering capacity and its development is well established, he said. He noted that the Government was committed to developing an optimal engineering capacity to support the sustainable development in the country. He spoke on Wednesday during the 4th Engineering Partnerships Convention in Naivasha, Nakuru County. The President explained that the Government is keen on delivering quality engineering capacity by establishing a Kenya School of Engineering. He said the move will facilitate compliance with the highest standards of engineering by building contractors and developers. It should no longer be possible for projects to employ unqualified people. He added that a zero tolerance policy for non-compliant structures must be employed in order to take action against people responsible for sub-standard buildings. Meanwhile, President Ruto has said urban areas must be transformed into well-planned, adequately managed, well-governed and sufficiently resourced spaces. Our primary mandate is to facilitate an expeditious transition to Kenyas desired urban future, he said. He said this during the official opening of the inaugural Kenya Urban Forum in Naivasha. Cabinet Secretaries Kipchumba Murkomen, Zacharia Njeru, Governors Susan Kihika, James Orengo, Executive Director of the UN-Habitat Maimunah Mohd Sharif, Representative of the Country Director World Bank Ragini Dalal, among others, were present. Ms Kihika said Nakuru County was committed to orderly management of urbanisation. It will also make it easy for authorities to provide services, and for citizens to obtain them. Napa County is spending $3.8 million to help child care centers stay in business and create more of the hard-to-find, coveted openings for infants and children. This is the light at the end of the tunnel that I think a lot of child care providers in Napa have been waiting for, said Milli Pintacsi, owner of Le Petit Elephant nursery and preschool in the city of Napa. Quality journalism doesn't happen without your help. Subscribe today! Support local news coverage and the people who report it by subscribing to the Napa Valley Register. On Tuesday, the county Board of Supervisors approved making seven forgivable loans totaling $3.8 million to six child care providers. Those providers, sometimes combining the county loan with other loans, will be able to do such things as build expansions and buy buildings for child care. The county in particular wants to see more infant care and low-income spots available. One provider said she has 31 families on a waiting list for infant spots. The loans, if all goes well, will create or preserve 377 child care spots, with 73 new openings for infants and 18 new openings for low-income families. Le Petit Elephant is to receive two forgivable loans. One for $450,000 will allow it to remain at its Laurel Street location in the city of Napa. The landlord wants the centers current building for another use, so Pintacsi plans to renovate another building at the same site for child care. That will preserve 128 child care spots. Without funds, she would have to cease operations or find a new space to move into, she said. Le Petit Elephant is also to receive a $750,000 loan to renovate an office building on California Boulevard at the city of Napa roundabouts. That will allow it to expand the operation and offer 70 new child care spots 30 for infants. Pintacsi receives calls from mothers looking for spaces for their infants, whom she can hear crying in the background. Its so hard to tell these mothers theres no room, she said. You guys know how dire of a need this is, she told supervisors. Monica MacDonald of Natures Way Montessori told supervisors her landlord wants to sell the schools Browns Valley Road site in the city of Napa to a developer. The $1.1 million county loan will allow the school to buy the property. It came at a perfect time for our school, MacDonald said. Nature's Way serves 78 children. The loan will also allow construction of a building extension and expand the operation to 126 spots. Evelyn Mora Arenas came from Mexico two years ago and operates a home day care center in St. Helena. She needs a new location and a $250,000 loan is to help her offer 14 spots. The new facility will allow me to better develop healthier children and provide for the needs of them and their families, she said in Spanish through a translator. Supervisors also awarded a $750,000 loan to Little Ivy Childcare in the city of Napa, $250,000 to Bohan Family Childcare in Calistoga and $250,000 to Narvaez Family Childcare Home in the city of Napa. Napa County is making the money available using part of the $26.7 million it received in American Rescue Plan Act federal stimulus funds during the COVID-19 pandemic. Child care centers could apply for one-time costs only. Loans are at 3% simple interest, with the loan and interest forgiven if centers meet the terms of their agreements. For loans of more than $1 million, centers must maintain a certain number of spots for 10 years. For loans under $1 million, the term is five years. Erika Lubensky, executive director of Community Resources for Children, has championed the child care cause before the Board of Supervisors. She told supervisors on Tuesday that the need to help child care goes beyond this $3.8 million county program. I think this definitely puts us in the right direction, Lubensky said. For this current effort, the county received 30 applications for forgivable loans exceeding a total of $5 million. The seven loans awarded on Tuesday exhausted the money available. Supervisors Ryan Gregory and Alfredo Pedroza talked of the county trying to do more, working with other community partners. Gregory said he'd like to treat the $3.8 million effort as a "pilot." In fact, Napa County will continue processing child care loan applications through July 21, in case the county at some point makes more money available. Supervisors also talked about what directions to take Napa County child care aid efforts in. Pedroza said he pays tuition for his son to attend a Montessori program. Im not interested in helping people like me, Pedroza said. Im interested in helping people who cant afford a tuition-based child care, so there is more accessibility to it. Board of Supervisors Chairperson Belia Ramos saw another angle. What we dont want to be creating is low-income-qualified exclusive child care centers, Ramos said. There needs to be integration of children, much like we have in our school systems. PHOTOS: American Canyon High School graduation ceremony American Canyon 2023 Graduation 43 American Canyon 2023 Graduation 14 American Canyon 2023 Graduation 15 American Canyon 2023 Graduation 11 American Canyon 2023 Graduation 10 American Canyon 2023 Graduation 2 American Canyon 2023 Graduation 4 American Canyon 2023 Graduation 6 American Canyon 2023 Graduation 7 American Canyon 2023 Graduation 5 American Canyon 2023 Graduation 8 American Canyon 2023 Graduation 9 American Canyon 2023 Graduation 3 American Canyon 2023 Graduation 1 American Canyon 2023 Graduation 12 American Canyon 2023 Graduation 13 American Canyon 2023 Graduation 16 American Canyon 2023 Graduation 17 American Canyon 2023 Graduation 18 American Canyon 2023 Graduation 19 American Canyon 2023 Graduation 20 American Canyon 2023 Graduation 21 American Canyon 2023 Graduation 22 American Canyon 2023 Graduation 23 American Canyon 2023 Graduation 24 American Canyon 2023 Graduation 25 American Canyon 2023 Graduation 26 American Canyon 2023 Graduation 27 American Canyon 2023 Graduation 28 American Canyon 2023 Graduation 29 American Canyon 2023 Graduation 30 American Canyon 2023 Graduation 31 American Canyon 2023 Graduation 32 American Canyon 2023 Graduation 33 American Canyon 2023 Graduation 34 American Canyon 2023 Graduation 35 American Canyon 2023 Graduation 36 American Canyon 2023 Graduation 37 American Canyon 2023 Graduation 38 American Canyon 2023 Graduation 39 American Canyon 2023 Graduation 40 American Canyon 2023 Graduation 41 American Canyon 2023 Graduation 42 It was definitely not an ideal way to start high school. New Technology High School's Class of 2023 had barely started their second semester of freshman year when the COVID-19 pandemic hit. Those students then spent almost the next two years learning remotely in their bedrooms, living rooms and kitchens. Even amid unprecedented times, the Class of 2023 persevered. And on Tuesday night, they gathered for the last time as a class for graduation night. Gathering in royal purple gowns and matching caps, some 79 students lined up at Memorial Stadium to receive their diplomas. New Tech senior Nick Roberts, 18, said he was both excited and scared to graduate. 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. Im having the feeling of being an actual adult now," he said. "Going out into the real world is, I don't know, it's gonna feel weird. His classmate, 17-year-old Julian Aguiniga, said he felt amazing, especially because he had a tough year. His grades slipped, but he ended the year with Bs and Cs. What motivated him to get focused? I wanted to have something good for myself, said Aguiniga. Leah Gottfried, 17, said she was also feeling a bit apprehensive. It's just it's a new chapter, and I've never seen what's gonna come next, she said. Gottfried added that because of the pandemic, she feels like she didnt get the full high school experience, having done remote learning for nearly three years. This summer, shell get ready to attend Berkeley City College. I really want to go into game design concept art, said Gottfried. I want to be the head director of a team that creates concept art. Sam Doss, 17, admitted that I'm kind of freaking out being at Memorial Stadium for graduation. Besides giving a senior speech, I'm also ready for it to be over. Its been a long four years, said Doss, who will head to Southern Oregon University in Ashland to study psychology and minor in neuroscience. For Doss, one of the best parts of high school was the unofficial senior ditch day. I went with a couple other people to Japantown in San Francisco. It was super fun. We were there the whole day. Thanks to pandemic restrictions, he added, it was basically like the closest thing I got to a field trip during his high school years. Another New Tech senior, 18-year-old Chloe Pinter, was excited to graduate because she had been struggling with some of her classes. But over the past few months, she added, I worked really hard and finished the required work. What motivated her? I just know that graduating high school is really important. There's not a lot you can do without it. It would make my family happy, too. Pinter said the best part of high school was freshman year when the class took an outdoor education trip. Due to the pandemic, it would be one of the few such events they were able to attend in person. This summer Pinter is going to visit a friend in Cleveland, and then I'm going to come back and go to beauty school, she said. Classmate Kian Kaialoa, 18, said he was freaking out about graduation. Failure is a huge (fear) for me, said Kaialoa. I've done all of this up to this moment. What if his next steps arent a success? It would all be for nothing, he said. Im also just scared to move on from the familiar, which is this school, and be on my own in the world. Gianna Velez-Beam, 17, said graduation was bittersweet. I'm proud of everyone for graduating, after COVID and all of our struggles," said Velez-Beam. "I'm just proud that everyone's here. Velez-Beam said one of her favorite New Tech classes was a film course that (taught) me a lot about the film industry, and it made me want to pursue that. This fall, the graduate will attend Pepperdine University in Malibu, where she plans to study screenwriting. Velez-Beam had advice for incoming high school students: Definitely take risks. I know that taking challenges and pushing yourself is very difficult, but it's so worth it. New Tech Spanish teacher Kinnereth Winegarner said this school year felt like the most normal of the past four. It wasnt so long ago that students were still wearing masks and receiving COVID-19 tests, and it felt good to return to typical school and classroom activities for at least one year. This class is special to me, said the teacher. At the front of the line of New Tech students waiting at Memorial Stadium stood Yenifer Aguilar, 18, who hopes to study cosmetology and criminal justice in college. Aguilar had advice for eighth graders who are about to become new high school students: Enjoy high school, but also, do your work. The New Tech graduation ceremony also included opening remarks and several student speakers. New Tech senior speaker Jenifer Canseco Cabrera recalled how the class lost half of their freshman year and all of sophomore year to COVID-19 restrictions. Bonding with her classmates and teachers after such drastic changes was difficult and complicated, but we got through it all, said Canseco Cabrera. To my peers, I wish you the very best of luck to you as you continue this journey without instructions or a script to follow. Some of you will continue to college and others will enter the work world. We all have different paths and passions we want to follow. Just remember to keep moving. One of the New Tech valedictorians, Nathalia Olivera, felt it was hard to believe that graduation day had finally arrived. Some will enter the workforce and some will take a gap year to figure things out," said Olivera. "No matter what path we take, you must remember to always follow our passions and pursue our dreams even if they seem out of reach. "Along the way, we may face setbacks, but that's OK. Success is not just about achieving the big goals. It's about the small victories, the personal growth, and will make us happy in the long run. Its been an honor to share this journey with you, said the senior. I can't wait to see what the future holds for all of us. Andrew Biggs, New Tech's assistant principal and the keynote speaker on Tuesday, told the gathered students" Were really going to miss all of you. You may no longer be on campus every day, but you will always be a member of the New Tech community, he said. Wherever you go from here, we will always have your back. After all, he concluded: Once a penguin, always a penguin. Photos: Napa's New Tech high school seniors graduate New Tech High School graduation 2023 New Tech High School graduation 2023 New Tech High School graduation 2023 New Tech High School graduation 2023 New Tech High School graduation 2023 New Tech High School graduation 2023 New Tech High School graduation 2023 New Tech High School graduation 2023 New Tech High School graduation 2023 New Tech High School graduation 2023 The Lake County woman who was severely injured in a Napa County motorcycle crash that killed her husband a longtime Cal Fire firefighter in Northern California has also died, the California Highway Patrol announced on Thursday. 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. Dena Boyd, a 52-year-old Clearlake resident, died at 3:09 p.m. Tuesday at Providence Santa Rosa Memorial Hospital, according to Vince Pompliano, a spokesperson for CHPs Napa bureau. She had been airlifted to the hospital Sunday afternoon after the 2015 Harley-Davidson that she and her husband, Ronnie Boyd Jr., were riding ran off Butts Canyon Road north of Pope Valley. The motorbike landed about 50 feet down from the roadway in a dry creek bed, CHP reported earlier. Ronnie Boyd, 51, died at the scene. An air ambulance flew Dena Boyd to the Santa Rosa hospital, where she died from her injuries just over 48 hours after the wreck. Ronnie Boyd had served with Cal Fire for 20 years, initially working as a firefighter in the Sonoma-Lake-Napa Unit and eventually becoming a captain for the Humboldt-Del Norte Unit on the North Coast, a position he had held for the last seven years. Photos: Napa Valley Faces and Places, June 11, 2023 Dramatic photos show how storms filled California reservoirs FOLSOM, Calif. (AP) Water levels fell so low in key reservoirs during the depth of California's drought that boat docks sat on dry, cracked land and cars drove into the center of what should have been Folsom Lake. Those scenes are no more after a series of powerful storms dumped record amounts of rain and snow across California, replenishing reservoirs and bringing an end mostly to the state's three-year drought. Now, 12 of California's 17 major reservoirs are filled above their historical averages for the start of spring. That includes Folsom Lake, which controls water flows along the American River, as well as Lake Oroville, the state's second largest reservoir and home to the nation's tallest dam. It's a stunning turnaround of water availability in the nation's most populous state. Late last year nearly all of California was in drought, including at extreme and exceptional levels. Wells ran dry, farmers fallowed fields and cities restricted watering grass. The water picture changed dramatically starting in December, when the first of a dozen " atmospheric rivers " hit, causing widespread flooding and damaging homes and infrastructure, and dumping as many as 700 inches (17.8 meters) of snow in the Sierra Nevada mountains. "California went from the three driest years on record to the three wettest weeks on record when we were catapulted into our rainy season in January," said Karla Nemeth, director of California Department of Water Resources. "So, hydrologically, California is no longer in a drought except for very small portions of the state." All the rain and snow, while drought-busting, may bring new challenges. Some reservoirs are so full that water is being released to make room for storm runoff and snowmelt that could cause flooding this spring and summer, a new problem for weary water managers and emergency responders. The storms have created one of the biggest snowpacks on record in the Sierra Nevada mountains. The snowpack's water content is 239% of its normal average and nearly triple in the southern Sierra, according to state data. Now as the weather warms up, water managers are preparing for all that snow to melt, unleashing a torrent of water that's expected to cause flooding in the Sierra foothills and Central Valley. "We know there will be flooding as a result of the snowmelt," Nemeth said. "There's just too much snowmelt to be accommodated in our rivers and channels and keeping things between levees." Managers are now releasing water from the Oroville Dam spillway, which was rebuilt after it broke apart during heavy rains in February 2017 and forced the evacuation of more than 180,000 people downstream along the Feather River. The reservoir is 16% above its historic average. That's compared to 2021, when water levels dropped so low that its hydroelectric dams stopped generating power. That year the Bidwell Canyon and Lime Saddle marinas had to pull most recreational boats out of Lake Oroville and shut down their boat rental business because water levels were too low and it was too hard to get to the marinas, said Jared Rael, who manages the marinas. In late March, the water at Lake Oroville rose to 859 feet (262 meters) above sea level, about 230 feet (70 meters) higher than its low point in 2021, according to state data. "The public is going to benefit with the water being higher. Everything is easier to get to. They can just jump on the lake and have fun," Rael said. "Right now we have tons of water. We have a high lake with a bunch of snowpack. We're going to have a great year." The abundant precipitation has prompted Gov. Gavin Newsom to lift some of the state's water restrictions and stop asking people to voluntarily reduce their water use by 15%. Newsom has not declared the drought over because there are still water shortages along the California-Oregon border and parts of Southern California that rely on the struggling Colorado River. Cities and irrigation districts that provide water to farms will receive a big boost in water supplies from the State Water Project and Central Valley Project, networks of reservoirs and canals that supply water across California. Some farmers are using the stormwater to replenish underground aquifers that had become depleted after years of pumping and drought left wells dry. State officials are warning residents not to let the current abundance let them revert to wasting water. In the era of climate change, one extremely wet year could be followed by several dry years, returning the state to drought. "Given weather whiplash, we know the return of dry conditions and the intensity of the dry conditions that are likely to return means we have to be using water more efficiently," Nemeth said. "We have to be adopting conservation as a way of life." Tony Biagi appointed as new To Kalon Vineyard Company winemaker Tony Biagi, a fifth generation Northern Californian, is the new winemaker at To Kalon Vineyard Company, the company announced in a statement. He will be replacing the inaugural winemaker Andy Erikson. Crafting wines from the legendary To Kalon Vineyard is an honor for any winemaker, Biagi said, and I am inspired to work with the engaging, driven and passionate To Kalon Vineyard Company team to capture the essence of To Kalon Vineyard. After graduating from UC Davis Viticulture & Enology program, Biagi went on to work at numerous wineries, including PlumpJack Estate, CADE Estate, Duckhorn Vineyards, Sinegal Estate Winery and Hourglass Winery. At To Kalon Vineyard Company he will manage all winemaking programs for the vineyard's three Napa Valley red wines and will consult on production decisions such as pruning strategy. Biagi will continue to create wines for his personal label, Patria, and will retain his position as winemaker at Hourglass Winery and others throughout the valley. To Kalon Vineyards, created by H.W. Crabb in the 1860s, is located at the base of the Mayacamas Mountains in Oakville. Visit tokalonvineyardcompany.com for more information. Napa Valley College Student awarded agricultural scholarship A Napa Valley College student Daniela Ceja was recently awarded the 2023 Volker Eisele Memorial Scholarship, the Jack L. Davies Napa Valley Agricultural Land Preservation Fund announced in a statement. She will receive $1,000 to further her studies in Environmental and Conservational Science. Ceja is the second recipient of this award, which was created by the Jack L. Davies Napa Valley Agricultural Land Preservation Fund (JLD Ag Fund) and the Napa Valley College Foundation in 2022. Born and raised in Napa, Ceja said in the release that It is truly an honor to be recognized for my passion and dedication to preserving Napas agriculture, and that the scholarship provides validation as well as financial assistance. She chose to pursue environmental conservation after being influenced by her late father, himself a careful steward of the land, and Eric McKee, education program manager at the Napa Resource Conservation District, who visited her high school biology class and gave a lecture on conservation. Ceja now volunteers with the district over the summer. The Volker Eisele Memorial Scholarship was created to honor the local vintner and long-time Napa conservation advocate of the same name. It is annually awarded to a Napa Valley College student focusing on agricultural studies, and is an extension of their annual scholarship program supporting Napa County high school students who wish to pursue agricultural studies in college. The JLD Ag Fund was established in 2003 and works to preserve the agricultural lands and heritage of Napa County. It is run by a volunteer board of directors. The NVC Foundation was created in 1968 and serves to improve the equipment, programs and standards of education at Napa Valley College. For more information visit jldagfund.org and napavalleycollegefoundation.org. Ink Grade Estate Vineyard certified biodynamic Ink Grade Estate Vineyard, a portfolio vineyard of Demeine Estates, has been certified biodynamic, the company said in a statement. At 750 acres, it is the largest Demeter Certified Biodynamic ranch within Napa Valley. Ink Grade has been farming biodynamically since 2019. Its Howell Mountain wines are characterized by the intensity and grace of the mountains volcanic soil and celebrate the deep connection between winemaking and nature, as stated in a press release. We are proud of this recognition of our commitment to biodynamic farming, which connects us closer to our land and reveals that the vines and the people who tend to them are part of an integrated ecosystem, said Carlton McCoy, Jr., co-founder of Demeine Estates. We are showing that it is possible to farm responsibly at scale as we help shape the future, sustainable legacy of the Napa Valley. Evrett Lunquist, director of certification for Demeter USA, stated in the press release that This work at Ink Grade is a win for consumers, farmers and the Earth. Biodynamic farming reduces toxins in the environment, improves water retention, the vitality of grapes, and the local wine terroir. We are proud to shine a spotlight on Ink Grades leadership in biodynamic farming, said Philana Bouvier, president of Demeine Estates, a family-owned importer, marketer and producer of luxury wines. For more information, visit inkgrade.com or demeineestates.com. John Anthony Family of Wines CFO retires Jim Collins is retiring as the Chief Financial Officer of John Anthony Family of Wines, the company announced. He will remain in his position until a successor is found, after which he will transition to the Companys Board of Advisors. Collins, a native of the Napa Valley, has held executive positions in the wine industry since 2002 and has worked with John Anthony Family of Wines since 2015. Since that time he has helped grow the John Anthony portfolio of wines by tenfold, according to a press release. Jims 30-plus years as a beverage alcohol executive has made him a fabulous resource on our executive team, said John Anthony Truchard, CEO and founder of John Anthony Family of Wines. Im thankful that Jim has agreed to join our Board of Advisors after completing the transition of his successor, so that the company will continue to benefit from his expertise. The John Anthony Family of Wines portfolio includes John Anthony Vineyards, Weather Wines, Serial Wines and JaM Cellars. John Anthony Vineyards focuses on exclusive wines from small vineyards in Oak Knoll District, Carneros and Coombsville, all of which are available in downtown Napa at their tasting lounge. Azur Wines to open tasting room in downtown Napa Azur Wines will open a tasting lounge in downtown Napa in July, owner Elan Fayard announced. Managed by Stephanie Perez, this contemporary establishment aims to cater to locals, tourists and guests with a selection of wine flights, wines by the glass, and bottle service. Located at 1014 Clinton St., the Azur Lounge promises an eclectic experience, the press release stated. Small bites will be offered to pair perfectly with the wines and champagnes available. Beyond its regular services, the lounge plans to offer a special, curated speakeasy experience for high-end clientele seeking a more personal and exclusive tasting affair. Operating hours for the Azur Lounge will be from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. Specific opening dates, upcoming events, and details about the grand opening will be announced in the near future. THE Rose Competition announces winners Judges at the 10th annual THE Rose Competition, held in Fort Lauderdale and hosted by the American Fine Wine Competition, chose 2022 JOLO Pink from JOLO Winery & Vineyards in Pilot Mountain, North Carolina as the winner. Three runner-up Best of Show Dry Roses were also acknowledged: the 2022 Rose of Grenache from Clif Family Winery of Napa Valley; Breaux Vineyards' 2022 Cellar Selections from Purcelville, Virginia; and the 2021 Rose from Effingham Manor in Nokesville, Virginia. In the Sparkling Rose category, the top accolade was awarded to the 2019 Brut Rose from Domaine Carneros by Taittinger, Carneros. This $45 sparkling wine also emerged victorious in last year's competition. The runner-up in this category was another offering from Domaine Carneros, the NV Cuvee de la Pompadour. Long-standing judge Daisy Penzo, in the press release, voiced her pleasure at returning to judge the competition, noting the winning wine's origin from a non-traditional wine-making region as a testament to the category's versatility. Another judge, Sunny Fraser, compared the surprise win from North Carolina to the infamous Judgment of Paris. THE Rose Competition 2023 received 160 entries in total. The panel of esteemed judges awarded 23 Double Gold Medals, 34 Gold Medals, and 66 Silver Medals. Bob Ecker, a wine writer and photographer based in Northern California, founded THE Rose Competition in 2013. It was the first competition exclusively for rose wines in the United States. In 2018, Ecker partnered with Shari Gherman, president of the American Fine Wine Competition, to bring the event to the East Coast. Under Gherman's expert guidance, the American Fine Wine Competition has recognized America's finest wines for the past sixteen years. Since its foundation, the AFWC has raised more than $1.25 million for charity. This story has been modified since the original posting to clarify the name of To Kalon Vineyard Company. Armenian-French cooperation will continue to strengthen. Nikol Pashinyan received French Ambassador The process of the program of formation of Digital Society and Economy discussed at Government State minister: We may have situation when we cant wait for the 7 days noted by Karabakh President The Prime Minister hosts Aram Arzumanyan, disabled as a result of the 44-day war Nikol Pashinyan, Mikhail Mishustin hold phone talk Nersisyan. The more Armenia lowers bar on Karabakh issue, the harder it will be for people of Artsakh to raise it Karabakh official: Armenia has only one thing to do in discussions with Azerbaijan Artsakh state minister: Many illogical things are happening on European platform; is it serious conversation? Karabakh minister of state: We managed to make our voice heard by all to which nationwide movement was directed Lachin corridor has no alternative: Several Armenia NGOs issue joint statement on Charles Michel statement Karabakh state minister: We are in disaster but we will never surrender Karabakh ex-official Vitaly Balasanyan is charged on 4 counts Analyst: Armenia has not recognized Azerbaijan territorial integrity with Karabakhs inclusion Armenia PM is briefed on plan to establish EHL Hospitality Business School branch in Gyumri Our link should be with Armenia only: Karabakh residents comment on their blocking of Askeran-Aghdam road Missing servicemens parents reopen Yerevan major intersection, but on condition Armenia army General Staff chief meets with US Air Force chief of staff (PHOTOS) Parents of missing soldiers close off major avenue in Yerevan Edmon Marukyan: Azerbaijan has no plan to integrate Christian Armenians Azerbaijan MFA responds to Armenia FM with series of absurd accusations Livestock sector is in much worse situation in besieged Karabakh, agriculture minister says Agriculture minister: Scheduled power outages, lack of diesel fuel also cause problems in Karabakh irrigation system Karabakh MoD: Defense Army did not carry out fortification work in Askeran Region Newspaper: What 'tougher actions' Karabakh will take? MoD: Armenia army did not fire at Azerbaijan positions Worlds most expensive iPhone is sold in US US returns 105 antiquities illegally exported from India to latter David Babayan: Karabakh grandpa who fought at Stalingrad, took Berlin never imagined he could die of hunger Russia, Iran FMs interested in consultations with participation of Armenia, Azerbaijan Austria FM: Lachin corridor blockade must be stopped immediately Deputy PM Grigoryan's office: Armenia, Azerbaijan have not made decision on any map Armenia FM briefs OSCE Secretary General on situation in Karabakh Armenian Foreign Minister expresses Yerevan's readiness to hold talks with Turkey in Vienna Armenia is not going to become a space where sanctions could be bypassed: Ararat Mirzoyan Dollar, euro increase in Armenia Armenia FM: Regrettable that instead of engaging in dialogue, Azerbaijan pursues policy of ethnic cleansing in Karabakh FMs sign protocol on implementation of Armenia-EU readmission agreement between Armenia, Austria (PHOTOS) Karabakh residents block Askeran-Aghdam motorway, with concrete barriers (PHOTOS) Armenias Pashinyan receives ex-MP Francois Rochebloine of France Yerevan municipal election events schedule announced Karabakh NGOs: Support being provided to Artsakh people cannot be at cost of trampling on their dignity American University of Armenia has new president Hyundai releases first photos of new generation Santa Fe crossover Public Television to present dire situation in Karabakh every day live from capital Stepanakert's Renaissance Square Teen found dead in Armenia river European Parliament committee calls on Turkey to recognize Armenian Genocide Armenia FM visit to Vienna kicks of with private talk with Austria colleague Karabakh operational headquarters chief: Presidents sit-in could be beneficial European Parliament accuses Azerbaijan of bribing PACE lawmakers, some other offenses Karabakh presidential advisor warns of taking extreme measures Iraqi Kurdistan leader visits Azerbaijan In support of Karabakh demonstration participants march to US Embassy in Yerevan US embassy: Passengers are denied entry to Armenia for possession of drugs Azerbaijan continues to settle occupied Berdzor-Lachin town of Karabakh Armenia army chief attends US National Guard State Partnership Program 30th Anniversary conference (PHOTOS) Public transport to not operate in Karabakh capital Stepanakert as of today Karabakh interior ministry: No vehicle passed through Askeran police checkpoint to Akna-Aghdam Azerbaijan FM repeats proposal to use Aghdam road to Karabakh Protests in support of Karabakh continue in Yerevan Grigory Karasin responds to accusations against Russia from Azerbaijan Armenia PM: It will be very good if we do European track and field tournament in Artashat Newspaper: More Armenia military commanders to be arrested soon Karabakh minister of state: Today nationwide movement will continue awareness actions started in Yerevan Karabakh parliament speaker joins Presidents sit-in Armenia MoD: Azerbaijan again disseminated disinformation MFA spox: Armenia demands lifting of illegal blockade of Lachin corridor by Azerbaijan Karabakh President: People of Artsakh are facing real threat of physical destruction Russia MFA confirms readiness to hold Armenia, Azerbaijan FMs meeting in Moscow Karabakh presidential adviser on Azerbaijan proposal to transport humanitarian goods to Artsakh: This is greatest danger Armen Grigoryan presents humanitarian crisis in Karabakh to Matthias Luttenberg Karabakh capital Stepanakert public transport to operate in very limited capacity Armenia ex-ruling party official Armen Ashotyan to remain in custody Armenias Matenadaran museum and institute of ancient manuscripts has new director Armenia PM follows road construction work in Ararat Province MFA spox: Armenia calls on other international players to follow ICJ, ECtHR Son dies on the spot, father hospitalized after car overturns in Armenias Gegharkunik Province Armenia parliament vice-speaker briefs Germany MFA official on South Caucasus security situation Zangi company launches 'ArtsakhX' project in Karabakh, which will operate even when internet is cut off Armenia ambassador-at-large: Azerbaijans non-compliance is violation of conventional obligations Armenia PM pays tribute to heroes who sacrificed their lives for Motherland David Babayan, adviser and representative-at large of the Artsakh (Nagorno-Karabakh) president and ex-FM of Artsakh, believes that although the pressure on Artsakh has increased, there is a chance to resist it. "Recently, we see that the rhetoric and actions have become more heated, even on the border with Armenia, the president of Turkey visited Azerbaijan with a large delegation. All this is also somehow a geopolitical pressure on the international community, on the actors, on us. But regardless how to resist all those pressures, there are opportunities; and here the formula is very simple: continue to be principled and approach the issue in a professional manner. Of course, Turkey and Azerbaijan are trying to show with their actions that the decisive role here is theirs; but it is not so. There are also other forces with which, if we work properly, we can prevent, neutralize these dangerous vectors," Babayan told Armenian News-NEWS.am. Referring to the statement of Josep Borrell, High Representative of the European Union (EU) for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy/Vice-President of the European Commission, that Armenian PM Nikol Pashinyan is the first leader of Armenia to clearly recognize Artsakh as a part of Azerbaijan, Babayan noted that the statement by the PM of Armenia must first receive a legal wording. "For example, Armenia announced that it recognizes the 86,600 square kilometers [of Azerbaijan], which is very bad, very wrong, was badly accepted in Artsakh, and could not have been otherwise. But this should be given legal packaging; not only with statements. And then stand up and say: you know, you didn't understand well. This should get a packaging, signed by the head of Armenia. During the open voting approved by the National Assembly. Who is voting against or in favor of that historic decision? Let the people say their opinion. Maybe the people have changed their DNA?" Babayan said. Borrell's statement that the EU cannot do more to stabilize the situation in Nagorno-Karabakh, to lift the ongoing Azerbaijani blockade of Artsakh than it is doing, and can only urge Azerbaijan to resolve the issue of security and rights of the people of Artsakh, according to Babayan, contradicts the values of democracy and human rights adopted by the EU. "Borrell, you represent Europe. Where are your issues of democracy? Where are human rights? Or are you saying we asked Azerbaijan to lift the blockade, but it does not lift [it]? Then why are you holding an international court? Who needs the international court? Who are you in general? What do you get paid for? What are you doing as Europe, as a pole of democracy? Europe disgraced itself with it because we can no longer talk about democracy, human rights. They are doing everything for Ukraine, but we [i.e. the Armenians of Artsakh] can be killed, eliminated. It doesn't matter because they have some goals. 120 thousand people [in Artsakh] will live, will be slaughtered here. Borrell and others like him dont care," said David Babayan. The US is forcing Nagorno-Karabakh to meet with Azerbaijan; and if it refuses, it threatens with antiterrorist action, RIA Novosti reports, citing a diplomatic source in Washington D.C.. Washington forcesin the form of an ultimatumthe representatives of Nagorno-Karabakh to agree to meet with the Azerbaijani side in a third country in the near future. And the objective is the investment of the US in the region, the source said. According to this source, in case of refusal of such contact, the leadership of Nagorno-Karabakh is threatened with an Azerbaijani "antiterrorist operation" in the region. The foreign minister of Nagorno-Karabakh, Sergey Ghazaryan, whose interests completely coincide with those of Azerbaijan, is lobbying for this American "peacekeeping initiative," the interlocutor of the aforesaid news agency noted. Russia is worried by the information that the US is trying to impose mediation services on Azerbaijan and Nagorno-Karabakh, the Russian foreign ministry told RIA Novosti. "We are worried about the information appearing in the media that the US is attempting to impose its mediation services on Baku and Stepanakert, including through threats of using force," the Russian foreign ministry noted. Earlier, a diplomatic source in Washington D.C. told RIA Novosti that the US forcesas an ultimatumthe representatives of Nagorno-Karabakh to meet with the representatives of Azerbaijan in a third country; and in case of refusal, it threatens with Azerbaijani antiterrorist action. According to the interlocutor of the agency, the foreign minister of Nagorno-Karabakh, Sergey Ghazaryan, whose interests completely coincide with those of Azerbaijan, is lobbying for this American "peacekeeping initiative." The dates for opening a Russian consulate general in Kapan city of Armenias Syunik Province have not been specified yet, but the Russian side is trying to speed up the process. Maksim Seleznyov, a counselor-envoy at the Russian embassy in Yerevan, told about this to Sputnik Armenia. "There are no timeframes yet, but we are trying to open it as soon as possible. Together with our colleagues in Moscow and the municipality of Kapan, we have already studied today the areas that may suit us. I want to say that there are already several decisions with which we will continue to work in the future," said the diplomat. According to him, a consulate general has two main functions: consular services, and political function. "We will be closer to the people, the [Kapan] city authorities, the [Syunik province]. I will not hide: the Russian presence here is big: economic, military, border. The opening of the [Russian] consulate general [in Kapan] is another step toward strengthening our positions," Seleznyov noted. Taking into account the fact that earlier Iran opened a consulate general in Kapan, the Russian diplomat stated that the Russian side would be happy to collaborate with Iranian colleagues as well. The situation is normal in Yeraskh, people are harvesting, working, living as normal, there is activity in the village. Saro Ayvazyan, head of Yeraskh village of Armenias Ararat Province, told this to reporters Thursday in this rural community. Referring to the recent incident, the village prefect said that Azerbaijanis had fired for 10 to 15 minutes at the metallurgical plant under construction in Yeraskh. "They targeted the facility and, with that, they want to affect so that the facility is not built. It has been six to seven months since the construction work started. There has been no shooting in this direction for more than a year; this was the first time," he said. According to Ayvazyan, however, they are definitely in favor of building the aforesaid factory. As for the fact that Azerbaijanis will often try to obstruct the work of this factory, he responded: "There can be no such thing if our government prevents [it]." When asked if he is in favor of signing a peace treaty between Armenia and Azerbaijan, the Yeraskh prefect gave a positive answer. "Definitely. We are losing our youth, we don't need that," he said. The Ministry of Defense of Armenia announced Tuesday that the Azerbaijani side opened fire in the direction of the metallurgical plant being built with foreign investment in Yeraskh. And as a result, two Indian citizens were wounded. Ambassadors, military attaches, and diplomats from about 40 countries visited Yeraskh village Thursday to get familiarized with the consequences of the shots fired from the Nakhichevan section of the Armenian-Azerbaijani border on Wednesday and Tuesday. Among these foreign diplomats are the ambassadors of the European Union, France, Germany, China, and several other countries. The consequences of the shooting are present in the territory of the plant. But whether there were traces of shooting in residential areas or not, we cannot say that; we do not have such information. Colonel Sasun Badasyan, commander of an army corps of the Ministry of Defense (MoD) of Armenia, told this to reporters Thursday in Yeraskh village of Ararat Province. "The adversary [i.e. Azerbaijan] constantly violates the ceasefire regime, and we continue to perform our service in maintaining the state border," added Badasyan. A group of representatives of accredited embassies in Armenia are visiting Yeraskh. They asked Sasun Badasyan why they came to this place in particular, and what they could see here, to which the aforesaid army corps commander responded as follows: "Now we are 400 meters away from the border [with Azerbaijan]. Two employees [of the aforesaid plant], who are Indian citizens, were wounded here [by Azerbaijani shooting]. They are not included in the military service, they work in this plant." The foreign diplomats asked exactly on which side the border is and how the Azerbaijanis had shot from there. The Ministry of Defense of Armenia announced Tuesday that the Azerbaijani side opened fire in the direction of the metallurgical plant being built with foreign investment in Yeraskh. And as a result, two Indian citizens were wounded. Ambassadors, military attaches, and diplomats from about 40 countries visited Yeraskh village Thursday to get familiarized with the consequences of the shots fired from the Nakhichevan section of the Armenian-Azerbaijani border on Wednesday and Tuesday. Among these foreign diplomats are the ambassadors of the European Union, France, Germany, China, and several other countries. All the actions of Azerbaijan tend to hinder the normal development of the border settlements of Armenia. Sedrak Tevonyan, Governor of Ararat Province, on Thursday told the representatives of embassies accredited in Armenia about this in Yeraskh village of Ararat Province, referring to the incident that occurred in Yeraskh on Tuesday. "As for their [i.e. the Azerbaijani] claims that there are some environmental issues [regarding this metallurgical plant], I assure that we don't have any problems. This is a trend that our border settlements simply do not develop. It is clear that their goal is that plant is not built; you all see it. We have invited international partners to make their own contribution to the solution of this issue. Construction work is still going on in the plant, therefore there can be no environmental issuesat least at the moment. Moreover, the investments for the construction of the plant come from the US. Its about the investment of 70 and more million [US] dollars. At the moment, 200 people work in the plant. But after it is put into operation, about a thousand people will work," emphasized the governor of Ararat. The Ministry of Defense of Armenia announced Tuesday that the Azerbaijani side opened fire in the direction of the metallurgical plant being built with foreign investment in Yeraskh. And as a result, two Indian citizens were wounded. Ambassadors, military attaches, and diplomats from about 40 countries visited Yeraskh village Thursday to get familiarized with the consequences of the shots fired from the Nakhichevan section of the Armenian-Azerbaijani border on Wednesday and Tuesday. Among these foreign diplomats are the ambassadors of the European Union, France, Germany, China, and several other countries. Armen Ashotyan, vice-chairman of the former ruling Republican Party of Armenia (RPA), is included the case into the former rector of Yerevan State Medical University (YSMU), RPA member Artak Zakaryan told Armenian News-NEWS.am. Zakaryan added that Ashotyan was detained from his home and is now at the Investigative Committee of Armenia. A criminal prosecution was launched against former YSMU rector Mikayel Narimanyan. According to the prosecutor's office, the prosecution was launched for the embezzlement of 39,660,000 drams (approx. US$103,000) of property entrusted to him and entrusted to his management by using his official position. Ashotyan had reflected on that case, noting that he will be the next one. According to news circulating in the press, Narimanyan was arrested in order to testify against Ashotyan. Following the Azerbaijani provocation near the Hakari bridge Thursday morning, Azerbaijan has implemented a ban on all humanitarian passenger and cargo transportation through the Kashatagh (Lachin) corridor, the Artsakh (Nagorno-Karabakh) Information Center reported. As a result, the International Committee of the Red Cross was unable to proceed with the transportation of 25 medical patients and their relatives from Artsakh to Armenia. They were forced to return to Stepanakert after being halted at an illegal Azerbaijani check point in the Kashatagh corridor. Additionally, the planned passenger transportation for dozens of individuals due to urgent humanitarian needs, which was meant to be facilitated by Russian peacekeepers on the Stepanakert-Goris-Stepanakert route, was canceled. The movement of Russian peacekeepers' trucks heading to Goris for humanitarian cargo transportation was also halted. The authorities of the Republic of Artsakh emphasize once again that the presence of the illegal Azerbaijani check point in the Kashatagh (Lachin) corridor poses significant dangers and obstacles to the free movement between Artsakh and Armenia. Today's incident further highlights these risks and obstacles, which not only jeopardize the acute humanitarian needs of the people of Artsakh but also impede the limited movement of people and goods facilitated by the Red Cross and Russian peacekeepers. The authorities of Artsakh reassert their position that the provisions outlined in the Tripartite Declaration of November 9, 2020 regarding the Lachin Corridor should be immediately and unconditionally upheld, without any interference from Azerbaijan. They also call for the implementation of the decision made by the International Court of Justice of the United Nations on February 22, 2023. There are many people who want to moderate the process from outside. Maria Zakharova, the official representative of the Russian foreign ministry, said this at Thursdays press briefing, referring to the process of normalizing Armenian-Azerbaijani relations. "We deal with this topic constantly, regularly, in different directions. You see activeness at the highest level, you see how the foreign ministers work, we have special representatives in this matter. And, of course, our embassies, our analysts work on a daily basis. They are not only the ministries of foreign affairs, but also those that ensure security directly in the region. The process itself continues," Zakharova said, noting that specific dates and meetings will be announced when they arise. "There are many people who want to moderate [the aforementioned process] from outside. Now there are startling reports that the United States may use force methods to do so. Of course, this does not add an additional element to the normalization process; it only complicates and pushes it back. But, also, we know why it's done. Since 2020, the proactive steps taken by the Russian Federation, as a real mediator and a real friend of both Armenia and Azerbaijan, which wants to resolve this situation, well, they probably caused a shock and a jolt because the long-term complicated conflict ultimately got a chance to resolve in a practical sense as well," she noted. "And our [Russian peacekeeping] contingent, which is deployed [in Nagorno-Karabakh], and our diplomatic efforts, and the economic bloc, which is working under the auspices of [Russian] Deputy Prime Minister [Alexey] Overchuk to complete the normalization, all this annoys them [i.e. the West]. We are well aware that those who don't want peace, stability, and prosperity in this region primarily act under the name moderators and mediators," Zakharova said. Through pressure, Azerbaijan is attempting to make the Artsakh (Nagorno-Karabakh) authorities come to negotiations, and for Armenia to agree that there is no point in the final peace treaty regarding a third country guaranteeing Artsakh's security, political scientist Beniamin Matevosyan told Armenian News-NEWS.am. According to the political scientist, Azerbaijan's another objective is for Armenia to sign the aforesaid peace treaty without any clear maps. "The [peace] talks have not stopped; its just that actions are taking place more on the battlefield. With military actions, Azerbaijan is pressuring Yerevan and getting whatever it wants. In fact, the Washington talks [slated for this week in Washington] were postponed, so that before the next phase, they take Artsakh to the scaffold [for execution], and it will be at the negotiating table with Azerbaijan, according to vertical logic. With the format in which they want to bring Artsakh to the negotiating table, assumes that Artsakh is not a full-fledged entity, but an administrative territorial unit of Azerbaijan, as [PM Nikol] Pashinyan would meet, for example, the provincial governor of [Armenias] Shirak. They want to bring the next phase of the Washington talks to a situation where it will be specified that the Artsakh issue is an internal Azerbaijani issue. In this case why is the Russian peacekeeper there? The best guarantee for Artsakh is the constitution of Azerbaijan; this is the logic," Matevosyan said. According to him, Azerbaijan's goal is not only Artsakh, but also Armenia, and they do not hide it. "The purpose of placing a flag [of Azerbaijan] on Armenian land is to exacerbate the Artsakh authorities to go and participate in talks. Azerbaijan says we recognize the territorial integrity of Armenia, but with our maps; that is, no 29,800 square kilometers. The authorities of Armenia are not negotiating about the status of Artsakh, but about the status of the Republic of Armenia within the framework of the Turkey-Azerbaijan military-political alliance. The ultimate goal of Azerbaijan is the dissolution of the statehood status of Armenia," Matevosyan stressed. Following its military provocation at the Hakari bridge in the morning of June 15, Azerbaijan has banned all kinds of humanitarian transportation in both ways, including people and cargo, through its illegal checkpoint installed on April 23. By this, Azerbaijan once again blatantly violates its international obligations towards ensuring the safe and unhindered passage through the Lachin corridor under the Trilateral Statement of November 9, 2020 and disregards the implementation of the International Court of Justices (ICJ) decision of February 22, 2023. The Human Rights Defender of Artsakh (Nagorno-Karabakh), Gegham Stepanyan, noted about this in a statement he issued Thursday. The statement continues as follows: 25 patients and their accompanying relatives which were to be transported from Artsakh to Armenia by the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) today were not allowed to pass through the illegal checkpoint over the Hakari bridge by the Azerbaijani side, being forced to return back to Stepanakert. In addition, the scheduled transportation of people with urgent humanitarian needs, as well as the trucks with humanitarian supplies, which were to be carried out by the Russian peacekeeping forces through the Goris-Stepanakert Highway, was also cancelled. Azerbaijan uses the already limited scale of humanitarian transportation and assistance to Artsakh, carried out only by the ICRC and Russian peacekeepers, as an advantage to create unbearable living conditions, terrorize, intimidate and exert psychological pressure on the peaceful population of Artsakh, in full accordance and consistency with its systematic policy of ethnic cleansing against Artsakh. The humanitarian nature and vital importance of the Lachin corridor for the people of Artsakh has been clearly reflected in the Trilateral Statement of November 9, 2020, which granted a special regime to the corridor. By cutting the corridor of life of Artsakh, Azerbaijan not only grossly violates its international obligations, but also reaffirms its true intentions with regard to Artsakh the destruction of its indigenous Armenian population. The Human Rights Defender of Artsakh has numerously warned the international community about the existential threats and danger for the people of Artsakh in connection with the installation of the illegal checkpoint in the Lachin corridor. Todays incident once again reaffirms our concerns and highlights the persistent and increasing nature of these threats, since the deliberate and criminal blocking of humanitarian transportation by Azerbaijan further deepens the humanitarian crisis caused by the blockade of Artsakh. Saluki Aces: SIU Aviations Graci McDaniel, left, and Meadow Boden are preparing for the 46th transcontinental Air Race Classic, which starts June 20. McDaniel earned her bachelors degree in aviation management in May, and Boden is a certified flight instructor with the program and a 2022 graduate. (Photo by Russell Bailey) Building on a legacy: SIU female aviators set to compete in Air Race Classic by Pete Rosenbery CARBONDALE, Ill. For Meadow Boden and Graci McDaniel, participating next week in the annual Air Race Classic isnt just about the competition. For the two recent Southern Illinois University Carbondale aviation graduates, its also about focusing on the achievements and future of women within the aviation industry. Last year, one of the biggest things for me and what Im looking forward to experiencing this year and see Graci experience is the connections that you make with these other women, Boden said. Obviously its a competition; obviously we are all trying to win. But they are all supportive of each other, including all of the other collegiate teams. Its nice that everyone is there to support each other. Boden and McDaniel will compete in a Cessna 172S within the collegiate division of the 2023 Air Race Classic, which starts Tuesday, June 20, in Grand Forks, North Dakota. The four-day, 2,334-nautical-mile journey runs through June 23 and includes nine stops in eight states before ending in Homestead, Florida. This is the 46th year for the event. Boden and McDaniels progress during the competition can be followed at airraceclassic2023.mapprogress.com. The pair left Southern Illinois Airport today (June 15) for the event. McDaniel, a 2019 graduate of Pinckneyville Community High School, earned her bachelors degree in aviation management in May. She is finishing up her certified flight instructor (CFI) certificate and will work on her multiengine rating while remaining at SIU as a CFI. This is an awesome opportunity, said McDaniel. If you asked any of the girls here if they want to participate, they would. Charting their course McDaniel looks forward to more real-world experience and flying in different environments, including lower altitudes. The duo will try to beat their own predetermined air speed in accounting for changes in terrain, weather, winds and airspace. They will fly with no air conditioning or open windows because the drag will slow the plane down. McDaniel noted that several male aviation students have said they wished they could compete as well. But its awesome to be with all of these women who get to do this, and this event is just for us, she said. The thing Im most excited for is just the type of flying that we are going to be doing and experiencing in the plane trying to push it to its limits. Boden expects her previous experience in the event to help. Her team finished 16th overall and third in the collegiate division last year. She also participated in 2021 in a shortened single-day air derby. Theres a lot of things during the race that you dont know until you do it, Boden said. You are flying the plane harder and faster than you normally would ever fly it. We are pushing this plane to its limits, seeing what the plane can do. Last year when we did that, it was a surreal feeling because I didnt know what it felt like. Knowing what it feels like now, I think, will help us quite a bit because we understand what its going to be like. Loves learning about aviation McDaniel said she wanted to be an astronaut but is too short. Her grandfather, Calvin McDaniel, was a pilot in World War II, and when he returned, bought his own planes. He was instrumental in the development and funding of the Pinckneyville-Du Quoin Airport after growing tired of landing on the grass, she said. The field at the civil, public use airport is named in McDaniels honor. While her grandfather died when she was 5, aviation was always a common conversation at dinner. Once she started getting into aviation there was no turning back, she said, noting she loves learning about all aspects of it. McDaniel initially began at St. Louis University but transferred to SIUs aviation program. That was definitely the best choice I could have made. Im 100% a better pilot since being at SIU. Here, people are flying all the time. Everyone is pushing each other to get done as quickly as they can. Thats something that I needed at the time that I transferred, and I was successful in getting done pretty quickly through everything. Both Boden and McDaniel said they are keeping their aviation-related career options open. Boden, who is from Bushnell, had a private pilots certificate before enrolling at SIU and participated in the programs Summer Wings program in 2018. It was the only school she toured when deciding on a university. She flew with Steven Goetz, the programs chief flight instructor, and it was Goetz who last year issued Boden her CFI certificate. After I graduated, I knew that I would stay to work here, which was a really good decision for me, Boden said. Diversifying the industry The Air Race Classic celebrates the history of women in aviation. Amelia Earhart was one of 20 women to compete in the first womens Air Derby in 1929. This is the eighth year SIU has competed. A team from SIU won both the overall and collegiate title in 2015. The event represents an opportunity to showcase the aeronautical skills of our female aviators on a national stage, said Jose Ruiz, professor and School of Aviation director. By doing so, our female flight students and instructors inspire prospective female aviators throughout the nation. Supporting our Air Race Classic participants serves to promote diversity within aviation, SIU and the SIU School of Aviation. Data from the Federal Aviation Administrations Women in Aviation Advisory Board show that women make up less than 20% of the workforce in most aviation occupations. Ruiz notes the program continues to be proactive in increasing diversity by engaging in aviation-related events that target under-represented groups, including the Chicago-based AeroStar Avion Institute Aviation Day and the Experimental Aircraft Association (EAA) AirVenture in Oshkosh, Wisconsin. The SIU School of Aviation has student representatives of the Organization of Black Aerospace Professionals, National Gay Pilots Association and Women in Aviation registered student organizations attend yearly conferences and hosts an annual Aviation Diversity Luncheon. Grateful for the universitys support McDaniel and Boden both emphasized they are grateful for the universitys support. Goetz has been a major help in helping prepare for the event, and the aviation maintenance and flight line crew have also been instrumental, Boden said, adding she loves everything the school had to offer. I dont think people realize how lucky we are that we get to train in a really nice facility and our aircraft are really nice. Its a team effort. Especially this year I realized that its not just about us two that are part of the race; its about everyone who helped us get there. Police spokesman Nihal Thalduwa told the media that a total of 8,202 accidents occurred during the given period, reports Xinhua news agency Out of these incidents, 2,799 involved motorbikes, while another 1,399 involved three-wheelers, the spokesman noted. Thalduwa said that 220 motorcyclists, 102 passengers and 179 pedestrians were among the fatalities, advising drivers to be careful to avoid accidents. Some 19,740 road accidents were reported in Sri Lanka in 2022, killing 2,485 people, according to the police. --IANS ksk/ ( 120 Words) 2023-06-13-15:16:02 (IANS) Russia has sought to expand and deepen cooperation with Pakistan as the first shipment carrying Russian oil reached Karachi Port over the weekend, the media reported. On the 75th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between Moscow and Islamabad, Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov issued a video statement expressing his country's desire to expand cooperation with the South Asian nation, The Express Tribune reported. Pakistan and Russia have remained bitter cold-war rivals but their bilateral ties have taken a positive turn in recent years with both sides willing to bury the past and adjust to the new realities. The two countries have been making efforts to translate their years of quiet diplomacy into tangible outcomes. In April, the two countries signed a landmark deal that allowed Pakistan to receive the first Russian oil shipment at the weekend, The Express Tribune reported. The first shipment is part of the pilot project to assess if Russian oil can be beneficial for Pakistan. It is reported that the first shipment was imported at a discounted rate. "We know about the great interest and respect that the Pakistani people have towards Russia and President Vladimir Putin. We appreciate it very much," Lavrov said in a statement. He said that there had been different periods in bilateral relations over the past three-quarters of a century. However, he added, Russia had always been interested in expanding cooperation with Pakistan, and under no circumstances has abandoned its commitments, The Express Tribune reported. "The participation of Soviet specialists in the construction of the largest steel mill in Karachi (now called Pakistan Steel Mills) in the 1980s, despite the conflict raging in Afghanistan at the time, is clear evidence of this. The Guddu Thermal Power Plant, then the largest in your country, was also commissioned at that time," Lavrov added. --IANS san/ksk/ ( 315 Words) 2023-06-13-11:56:02 (IANS) Thousands are being relocated from the coastal areas in Pakistan's Sindh province ahead of extremely severe cyclonic storm Biparjoy's expected landfall in the country, as well as in India, on Thursday. Thousands of families in different areas of Sindh, including Thatta, Sujawal and Badin, have already left their homes and moved to safer places. According to officials, the category 3 storm is expected make landfall on Thursday evening between Karachi (Pakistan) and Mandvi (India), bringing with it extremely strong winds of 140 to 150 kph and gusts up to at least 170 kph as well. Biparjoy is expected to maintain its northward trajectory until Wednesday and then it is anticipated to re-curve eastward and make landfall at Keti Bandar in Thatta district and the Gujrat coastline in India. "The areas most likely to be affected include Thatta, Badin, Sajawal, Tharparkar, Karachi, Mirpurkhas, Umerkot, Hyderabad, Ormara, Tando Allahyar and Tando Mohammad Khan," weather experts said. Authorities have started deploying the Pakistan Army, Navy, Rangers and district administration towards the coastal areas, who have initiated emergency response services for the relocation of thousands of families living along the coastline of Sindh. "We have set up relief camps in schools and other government buildings," said Minister for Climate Change Sherry Rehman. The National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) has also briefed Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, and other relevant government quarters about the preparedness to tackle the super cyclone, save lives and ensure provision of relief to thousands of families. "Ships and boats have been moved from some coastal areas, while hospitals have been put on high alert," said Sherry Rehman. "About 100,000 people will be evacuated by Wednesday morning. Till now, at least 56,985 people had been shifted to safer places from Thatta, Sajawal and Badin districts by Tuesday night," the NDMA said. "We have set up at least 37 relief camps in at least three districts of the Sindh province. Thousands of people had voluntarily relocated themselves to the relief camps and other sites", Sindh Chief Minister Sindh Murad Ali Shah said. "Seven relief camps had been set up in Keti Bander; three in Ghobadari, 10 in Shaheed Fazli Rahu, three relief camps in Badin, 10 in Shahbandar and four in Jati," he added. Meanwhile, light to heavy rains coupled with dust storms have started hitting vulnerable districts. Power supply was suspended in different parts of the rain and sand storm hit areas in Sindhas incidents have been reported of main transmission line poles, collapsing due to extreme wind pressure, disrupting the electricity supply. --IANS hamza/ksk/ ( 437 Words) 2023-06-14-12:56:06 (IANS) Cases under anti-terrorism provisions are registered in Pakistan against Raja -- a vocal proponent of the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI), Geo News reported. The government had earlier filed various complaints against Raja in the UK. The latest of these was regarding the riots of May 9, which were sparked after the PTI chief was arrested from the Islamabad High Court under a 190 million pounds settlement case. Raja and other activists raised hateful and anti-state sentiments via social media, the Pakistani government complained to UK authorities, Geo News reported. The complaint added that the vocal PTI worker had tried to destabilise the country by spreading fake news. The London police have not yet released a statement on the matter. Earlier in April there were reports that police had approached a sessions court in Rawalpindi for seizure of properties belonging to a former army officer who is in the limelight these days for his anti-establishment vlogs and social media posts, Dawn reported. Raja went to the UK last year following the ouster of the PTI government in April 2022. He is active on Twitter and an ardent supporter of former Prime Minister Imran Khan, Dawn reported. The former army officer has also been very critical of the new government as well as the military establishment accusing them of hatching a conspiracy to remove Khan from power. Raja was nominated in a case registered by Rawalpindi's Banni police under Section 406 (criminal breach of trust) of the Pakistan Penal Code. --IANS san/ksk/ ( 285 Words) 2023-06-14-13:30:01 (IANS) The Ministry for Refugees and Repatriation said that more than 2.5 million registered Afghan refugees reportedly have been living in Pakistan and about the same number in Iran, reports Xinhua news agency. A couple of weeks ago, the state-run Bakhtar news agency reported the return of more than 60,000 Afghan refugees from Iran since January. The Taliban government has urged Afghan refugees living abroad to return home and contribute to rebuilding their war-torn country. --IANS ksk/ ( 110 Words) 2023-06-14-15:12:02 (IANS) The evacuations will be completed by early Thursday, when Biparjoy is expected to make landfall between Keti Bandar in Sindh province and Kutch in Gujarat, Xinhua news agency quoted the NDMA chairman as saying at a press conference. Malik said the cyclone's intensity has increased and has been declared from a severe to a very severe cyclonic emergency, adding that measures are underway to control the storm's effects and weather damage. According to the Pakistan Meteorological Department (PMD), storm surges of up to 3.5 metres high are expected at the landfall point, which can inundate low-lying settlements along the coastline, reports Dawn news. As a result, sea conditions along the coasts of Sindh and Balochistan would be extremely rough. A PMD alert issued on Tuesday night said the cyclonic storm had moved further north/northwestward and lay just 380km south of Karachi. The maximum speed of sustained surface winds is calculated to be between 140 and 150kmph, rising to 170kmph around the centre of the system. Biparjoy has been categorised as a very severe cyclonic storm' over the northeast Arabian Sea. Thousands of people have already been evacuated from the coastal regions of both India and Pakistan. --IANS ksk/ ( 251 Words) 2023-06-14-10:10:04 (IANS) GLOBAL PR CONNECT (GPRC) New Delhi [India], June 14: Pan-India celebrity salon, Sizzlin Scizzors, has announced its international expansion with outlets in South Africa and, later, in the United Arab Emirates. Having been in this business for more than a decade, the salon is already famous for being a favorite of celebrities across various industries. The salon is already known for being a prominent luxury destination that caters to a discerning clientele, including the who's who of Bollywood too. Sizzlin Scizzors is an exclusive celebrity salon, which started its journey in Rajasthan. Its Founder, Vanish Chugh, is one of the 10 most powerful businessmen in Rajasthan and he has earned a name for himself in the field of niche & luxury brand management. Sizzlin Scizzors has been serving as a premier venue for movie promotions as well as celebrity press conferences. Ayan Chugh, Co-Founder of Sizzlin Scizzors, leads a team of highly experienced professionals who bridge all the gaps in providing their customers with high-class service and remarkable beauty products. In fact, another Co-Founder of the salon, Deepali Chugh, is a renowned celebrity makeup artist in her own right. She has worked with a number of B-town celebrities so far and is known for her exceptional makeover skills. Deepali holds special expertise in the personal care and beauty business. She has also been awarded the Padmini Naari Gaurav Samman 2015 by the Humanity Society as well as the Beti Shrishti Ratna award by the All India Welfare Society. Deepali has also been associated with some of the prestigious makeup and hair brands of the world like the Vidal Sassoon Academy of Hair, London, Toni&Guy, Singapore, and Blanche Macdonald Centre, Canada. Sizzlin Scizzors is the only Pan-India salon to have exclusive partnerships with the Shark Tank brands, which offer an unparalleled, exclusive service to their clientele. Now, with an expansion in the wings, the celebrity-favorite salon is hoping to repeat its winning streak in South Africa as well as the UAE too. (Disclaimer: The above press release has been provided by GLOBAL PR CONNECT (GPRC). ANI will not be responsible in any way for the content of the same) NewsVoir Mumbai (Maharashtra) [India], June 15: Govandi, an extension of Chembur in Central Mumbai has been in centre of all infrastructure development making it one of well-connected location in Mumbai. GMLR, (Ghatkopar-Mankhurd Link Road) in Govandi, is well within the reach of following connectivity landmarks - Freeway- 5 mins, SCLR-7 Mins, BKC connector-10 Min, Eastern express highway- 7 Mins, Sion - Panel express way - 7 Mins making it one of the most preferred locales of central Mumbai. The 20-25 mins travel time to the sublime localities of Mumbai like South Mumbai, Thane, Navi Mumbai, International Airport & BKC has driven the real estate appreciation story of GMLR-Govandi. Govandi in GMLR has seen a record-breaking appreciation of more than 45 per cent in two consecutive 7-year pricing cycle, in comparison to its other vicinity micro-markets. Average price appreciation of GMLR is 20 per cent more than its vicinity micro-markets during the same period. Govandi has been the highest real estate price appreciation in the entire central Mumbai. (Source Magic Bricks). Govandi being an affordable high growth market and being the prime connectivity nodal point has a great future appreciation potential in the residential space. Ajay Munot Founder & CEO Eka Life Ltd. & former CEO, Adani Realty & Emmar India Ltd., added that the choice of location is key for the success of Real Estate development & at Eka Life all our business decisions significantly revolve around the current & future potential of the location because we believe that Homes are always built for future & it should always add value to our customers throughout the life cycle of the project & specifically Govandi in GMLR would be a location to watch out for in coming days. He also stressed on the importance of good onsite customer experience & efforts have been made to deliver fantastic customer experience at the all-new sales gallery with inbuilt show residence to showcase the Realtime life experience. Ketan Musale, Founder & MD Dotom Realty, with a track record of delivering 1000+ homes in Mumbai always believes in designing a perfect product. He says that real estate is high engagement high involvement purchase & unless you have offered a perfect liveable space there is no room for customer delight. Musale being an architect himself says that Domain has been designed with lot of heart & this is going to be one of the tallest towers in central Mumbai. No compromise shall be entertained in the quality of construction or layout of the homes at Domain. With fabulous 360-degree uninterrupted view of beautiful skyline & Vashi creek qualifies Domain to a premium residential segment that too at prices of value residential segment. Domain is one of the few projects in Central Mumbai being built after undergoing a wind tunnel analysis done by CPP Sydney, Australia to ensure stability of construction & M70 grade concrete mix for strength with Aluminium formwork for speedy, consistent & excellent finish. Domain, the Tallest Luxury, has 2 towers with 33 floors, Rooftop Amenities and MULTI LEVEL CAR PARK facilities by Wipro-PARI. The project is designed to suit The New Age Luxury, with 10+ modern amenities. This project hosts a good retail space at the ground level which will add to the future conveniences. Domain the Tallest tower in Govandi would be the first luxury residential landmark to boast 12000 + square feet of space dedicated to host 10+ amenities at 350 feet high. (Disclaimer: The above press release has been provided by NewsVoir. ANI will not be responsible in any way for the content of the same) Despite some similarities in Irans and Russias approaches towards the conflict between Armenia and Azerbaijan since the collapse of the Soviet Union, Tehran and Moscow have diverged in recent years regarding the Zangezur Corridor, its possible effects for Irans border with Armenia, and Israels relations with Azerbaijan. Russias relations with Israel and its need to retain economic ties and transit options with Azerbaijan and Turkey after the Ukraine war, have led Moscow to take a flexible approach to developments in the South Caucasus, which is not favorable to Iran. This has disrupted the unwritten alliance between Iran, Armenia and Russia and has created a security and strategic dilemma for Iran along its northwestern borders. BACKGROUND: After the collapse of the Soviet Union, Iran and Russia formed similar approaches towards the three newly independent states of the South Caucasus, opposing the intervention of Western powers, especially NATO and the U.S., and regime change by color revolutions. Iran, Armenia and Russia gradually formed a kind of unwritten alliance in the South Caucasus. However, in recent years, despite the close relations between Tehran and Moscow, the perceptions and approaches of the two sides towards the conflict between Yerevan and Baku have increasingly diverged. The process began with the Second Karabakh War and intensified with Russias full-scale invasion of Ukraine. From the beginning of the Karabakh crisis in the early 1990s, the Iranian government has recognized the region of Karabakh and surrounding regions as part of Azerbaijan. Nevertheless, unlike Turkey, Iran has in practice sought to retain a degree of balance in relations with Baku and Yerevan. Russia, through its military bases and Armenias membership in the Collective Security Treaty Organization (CSTO), played an important role in maintaining the balance between Armenia, Azerbaijan and Turkey. However, Tehran and Moscow were both dissatisfied with Nikol Pashinyans ascent to power in May 2018 and the Western-oriented approaches of the new Armenian government. Neither country fully supported their partner in the South Caucasus during the Second Karabakh War. Irans supreme leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei announced on November 3, 2020 that Territories seized by Armenia must be returned and liberated. President Putin said that the military conflict was not taking place in Armenian territory, which prevented reactions and intervention from the Russian military bases in Armenia as well as the CSTO in the Second Karabakh War. While the lack of support for Armenia revealed coordinated positions of Moscow and Tehran in the Second Karabakh war, their positions on the new developments have increasingly diverged. IMPLICATIONS: Iran and Russia formed common policies after the Second Karabakh War, as Moscow supported Irans proposed 3+3 format for regional cooperation in the South Caucasus. This format conformed to their traditional joint approach of non-participation and intervention of Western powers, especially the U.S. and NATO, in the South Caucasus. After the Second Karabakh War, Iran and Russia both supported the revival of the Soviet-era rail route in the South Caucasus. Iran and Russia had previously taken similar approaches to political developments in the Nagorno-Karabakh region both declined to recognize the Republic of Artsakh, promoted the rights and security of Karabakh Armenians, opposed the use of force to resolve the Karabakh conflict, and resisted the stationing of international peacekeeping forces on the Karabakh contact line along the Iranian border. After the Second Karabakh War, differences between Tehrans and Moscows approaches gradually emerged. The fifth paragraph of the 2020 Nagorno-Karabakh ceasefire agreement between Armenia, Azerbaijan and Russia stated, For more efficient monitoring of the Parties fulfilment of the agreements, a peacemaking center shall be established to oversee the ceasefire. Turkey jointed the Center for monitoring the ceasefire in Agdam, but Iran did not participate. In fact, while Turkey was not mentioned in the agreement, a memorandum of understanding established a joint Turkish-Russian center. While Iran and its northwestern frontiers have been profoundly impacted by the outcome of the war, Iran was not invited to join the center, demonstrating Russias preparedness to disregard Iranian interests in this regard. Unlike Iran, Russia did not oppose the Zangezur Corridor. For example, according to Russias Ambassador to Azerbaijan Mikhail Bocharnikov, the so-called Zangezur Corridor project, by which Baku wants to have an uninterrupted connection with Nakhichevan through the territory of Armenia, has all the bases for implementation and I dont see any unsolvable differences on this issue. Iran has taken a different position and is deeply concerned over the realization of this corridor, which in its perspective risks the possible blocking or destruction of its border with Armenia,especially since Azerbaijans President Ilham Aliyev has even threatened that if Armenia doesnt give Baku what it wants, Azerbaijan will take the land for the corridor by force. Also, Russias views regarding Israels role in the South Caucasus, especially in Azerbaijan, differ considerably from Irans. While Iran is extremely worried about threats relating to intelligence and espionage in the vicinity of its northwestern borders, as well as the threat of Israeli drones to Iranian military and nuclear centers, Moscow has close relations with Israel and does not share this perception. Russia has adopted an approach to Israels presence in the South Caucasus that is similar to that in Syria, which is definitely not favorable to Tehran. Simultaneously, the war in Ukraine has reduced Russias focus on the South Caucasus, while increasing Russias dependence on Azerbaijan and Turkey for economic relations and transit. The outcome is strengthening ties between Baku, Ankara and Jerusalem after the Second Karabakh war, which has made Iran extremely worried about geopolitical changes, the balance of power and changing international borders in the region. Over the last three years, Russia has increasingly ignored Irans geopolitical concerns in the South Caucasus. When tensions between Tehran and Baku peaked in September and October 2021, Iran sought to enlist Moscows cooperation against geopolitical threats in the South Caucasus. However, in a meeting with Iranian Foreign Minister Amir Hossein Abdollahian in Moscow in October 6, 2021, his Russian counterpart Sergei Lavrov made clear that Moscow opposed Tehrans military exercises (Fatehan [Conquerors] of Kheibar) along the Azerbaijani border. CONCLUSIONS: The different attitudes and approaches of Iran and Russia towards the tension between Armenia and Azerbaijan are indicative of their increasingly diverging positions in the South Caucasus, compared to their largely shared approaches before the Second Karabakh war. The close relations between Russia and Israel, as well as Russias economic relations with Azerbaijan and Turkey, have forced Moscow to take a flexible approach in the South Caucasus, to Tehrans detriment. Indeed, the 3+3 format has become very weak after Russias full-scale invasion of Ukraine and the escalation of tensions between Iran and Azerbaijan. This process has upended the unwritten alliance between Iran, Armenia and Russia and has placed Iran in a security and strategic dilemma along its northwestern borders. Iran could therefore see itself forced to react defensively (rather than aggressively) to maintain its common border with Armenia and to confront Israels intelligence and security presence along Irans northwestern borders (similarly to Irans reaction to Kurdish opposition groups in the Iraqi Kurdistan region). Vali Kaleji is Ph.D. in Regional Studies, Central Asia and Caucasian Studies, in Tehran, Iran. He has published numerous analytical articles on Eurasian issues at the Jamestown Foundations Eurasia Daily Monitor, the American Foreign Policy Councils Central Asia-Caucasus Institute, The Middle East Institute and the Valdai Club. He can be reached at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. . US Secretary of Commerce Gina Raimondo on Tuesday said the upcoming state visit of Prime Minister Narendra Modi will give the two countries an opportunity to elevate their focus on commercial and strategic technology partnership in defense, clean energy, and medical supply chain. Raimondo was in India earlier this year and has talked fondly - as she did again on Tuesday - of celebrating Holi with her Indian counterpart Piyush Goyal. Modi's upcoming visit on June 22, "will be an opportunity to elevate our focus to commercial and strategic technology partnerships, including in defense, sending medical supply chain, clean energy and space", she said in a recorded video at the annual India Ideas summit hosted by the US-India Business Council (USIBC). Modi is coming to the US on June 22 for a state visit at the invitation of President Joe Biden, including a state dinner. He is also scheduled to address a joint meeting of the US Congress, which will be his second time. Secretary of State Antony Blinken has called the visit "historic", in his address at the inaugural event of the summit. --IANS yrj/vd ( 202 Words) 2023-06-13-21:24:02 (IANS) The Centre on Tuesday lashed out at former Twitter CEO Jack Dorsey for claiming that the Indian government threatened to wind it down and conducted raids on employees' homes, saying it is an attempt to "brush out that very dubious period of Twitter's history". Reacting to Dorsey who alleged in an interview with YouTube channel Breaking Points that the threats came as Twitter refused to comply with the government's demands to block accounts during the farmers' protests in early 2021, Union Minister of State for Electronics and IT, Rajeev Chandrasekhar, said that no one went to jail nor was Twitter shut down in the country. "This is an outright lie by @jack -- perhaps an attempt to brush out that very dubious period of Twitter's history. Twitter under Dorsey and his team were in repeated and continuous violations of the India law," Chandrasekhar said in a tweet. The Minister said that as a matter of fact, Twitter was in non-compliance with law repeatedly from 2020 to 2022 "and it was only June 2022 when they finally complied". "To set the record straight, no one was raided or sent to jail. Our focus was only on ensuring the compliance of Indian laws. Dorsey's Twitter regime had a problem accepting the sovereignty of Indian law. It behaved as if the laws of India did not apply to it," Chandrasekhar noted. In the interview, Dorsey said that India put pressure on the platform. "We would raid the homes of your employees', which they did; We will shut down your offices if you don't follow suit. And this is India, a democratic country," Dorsey said on the channel when asked to share some examples of pressure from foreign governments during his tenure, before Elon Musk took over. "India is a country that had many requests of us around the farmers' protest, around particular journalists that were critical of the government, and it manifested in ways such as 'we will shut Twitter down in India', which is a very large market for us," Dorsey added. In a reply, Chandrasekhar said that India as a sovereign nation has the right to ensure that its laws are followed by all companies operating in India. "During the protests in January 2021, there was a lot of misinformation and even reports of genocide which were definitely fake. The government was obligated to remove misinformation from the platform because it had the potential to further inflame the situation based on fake news," explained the Minister. "Such was the level of partisan behaviour on Twitter under Jack regime, that they had a problem removing misinformation from the platform in India, when they did it themselves when similar events took place in the US," he said. According to the Minister, there is ample evidence now in public domain about Jack's Twitter's "arbitrary, blatantly partisan and discriminatory conduct and misuse of its power on its platform during that period". "Twitter under Dorsey was not just violating Indian law, but was partisan in how it was using 'de-amplify' and deplatforming of some arbitrarily in violation of Articles 14,19 of our constitution and also assisting in weaponising of misinformation," he further said. "All social media intermediaries operating in India have to comply with laws to ensure that the internet is safe, trusted and accountable," said the Minister. --IANS na/ksk/ ( 571 Words) 2023-06-13-09:10:03 (IANS) Ellison is now the world's fourth-richest person, with a staggering $129.8 billion net worth, Bloomberg reported. He just squeaked past Gates, whose net worth -- Bloomberg reported -- is currently $129.1 billion. It's the first time Ellison is richer than Gates and ranked above No. 5 on the list, the outlet reported. Ellison announced he was stepping down as Oracle CEO in 2014, though he didn't leave the company. He then became the technology company's chairman and chief technology officer and has accumulated most of his wealth from his stake in it. Oracle's stock has risen more than 42 per cent year to date and is currently trading at $116.50 as of Monday market close. Oracle earned a record $50 billion revenue in the 2023 fiscal year, according to company earnings released Tuesday. The company's infrastructure business and cloud services led the growth, CEO Safra Catz said, CNN reported. Oracle is cashing in on AI, investing in OpenAI competitor Cohere, which raised a total of $270 million in a funding round last week, according to reports. Artificial intelligence is keeping investors optimistic. Bank of America economists said the S&P 500 move into the bull market was mostly because investors rallied around AI, CNN reported. Ellison is the largest stockholder in Oracle and owns approximately 42.9 per cent of its shares, a 2022 SEC proxy statement said. The 78-year-old also owns a 1.5 per cent stake in Tesla, a 2022 SEC proxy statement shows. --IANS san/dpb ( 290 Words) 2023-06-13-11:12:03 (IANS) NewsVoir Mumbai (Maharashtra) [India], June 15: Malad Kandivli Education Society's Institute of Management Studies and Research (MKES IMSR) has joined hands with a leading industry partner, FinX, to offer placements to students in some of India's top companies like HDFC Mutual Fund, Aditya Birla Capital, Bajaj Capital, Geojit, Kotak Mahindra Bank, LIC Mutual Fund, MAX Life Insurance, Tata AIA Life Insurance, DBS, RBL Bank and 20+ other industry titans that will push students towards extraordinary careers across various booming industries. This partnership serves as a solid foundation for internships and placements, ensuring that students at MKES IMSR are not just jobseekers, but highly sought-after talents wanted by industry leaders. The institute's placement cell works tirelessly to foster and nurture these connections, providing students access to various placement opportunities. MKES IMSR's placement cell has forged strong regional, national and global industry connections. With a focus on 360-degree education, industry-relevant skills and practical exposure, the institute prepares students to excel in a dynamic job market. It's set to shape future leaders and ease successful career transitions yielding bright and fulfilling professional futures. Wide Range of Specialisations: At MKES IMSR, students take charge of their educational journey, with the institute offering five distinct specialisations within the Post Graduate Diploma in Management (PGDM) Programme. In Finance / Financial Services, students acquire the expertise to navigate complicated financial landscapes, becoming masters of numbers and strategic decisions. Creativity thrives in Marketing, where students uncover the art of captivating consumers, crafting compelling brand stories and revolutionising the world of advertising. In HR, it unravels the secrets of talent acquisition, organisational development and employee well-being, empowering them to shape the future of human resources. Business Analytics gives data the centre stage for informed decision-making, uncovering valuable insights and fuelling innovation. Finally, Entrepreneurship sparks students' passion for innovation, teaching the art of building ventures and stimulating change. At MKES IMSR, the possibilities are endless as students embark on a transformational journey tailored to their unique passions and career aspirations. High Return on Investment: Return on Investment (ROI) is crucial for students investing their time and resources into higher education. MKES IMSR provides an excellent ROI by ensuring that the initial investment of fees is relatively low compared to other institutions. Moreover, its extensive academic curriculum and industry exposure pave the way for placements with significantly higher salaries. With the institute's emphasis on grooming talented individuals, students can expect a rewarding return on their investment in personal growth and financial success. Industry Experts as Mentors: MKES ISMR's faculty members are a team of seasoned industry experts who prepare students for the ever-changing business world. These professionals bring practical knowledge and real-world experience into the classroom, ensuring that students receive comprehensive and up-to-date insights. By learning from the best in the industry, students develop a deeper understanding of the challenges and trends shaping their fields. This exposure enhances their resume, sharpens their skills and makes them market-ready from day one. Collaborations with Top Recruiters: MKES IMSR's partnership with FinX opens doors to an expansive network of over 30 esteemed recruiters and counting. This is instrumental in providing its students with lucrative placement opportunities spanning various sectors. Leveraging these valuable partnerships, the institute facilitates internships, live projects and other immersive industry experiences, effectively bridging the gap between academia and the corporate world. As a result, students are equipped with the practical skills and knowledge necessary to thrive in today's highly competitive job market. With a mission to nurture the next generation of business leaders who possess not only technical proficiency but also a visionary outlook to drive transformative change, MKES IMSR goes beyond conventional teaching by incorporating experiential learning and the capstone project in the curriculum. This holistic approach enables students to solve problems innovatively and drive sustainable growth. Prospective students are invited to embark on a rewarding journey by joining MKES IMSR, where a committed faculty, prestigious industry partnerships and robust placement opportunities are waiting to be tapped. The institute's dedicated admissions office is readily available to provide further information on programmes and guide interested individuals through the admission process. To explore more about MKES IMSR, including its vision, programmes and admission details, please visit the website mkesimsr.ac.in or call us at 86558 21102/86558 21103 or admissions@mkesimsr.ac.in. (Disclaimer: The above press release has been provided by NewsVoir. ANI will not be responsible in any way for the content of the same) PRNewswire Wilmington (Delaware) [US]/ Noida (Uttar Pradesh) [India], June 15: ZapScale, the trailblazer in delivering the easiest Customer Success Platform, is thrilled to announce that it has successfully raised USD 2.5 million in seed funding from leading venture capital firms, including Blume Ventures, Veda VC, Java Capital, 100xEntreprenuers, T2D3 Capital, Arka Venture Labs, and other prominent investors. "We are immensely grateful for the trust and confidence shown by our investors," said Manasij Ganguli, 2nd time Founder and CEO of ZapScale. "This funding marks a significant milestone for ZapScale, and we are excited to leverage these resources to build the easiest customer success platform in the world. Our mission is to empower businesses with cutting-edge technology and actionable insights, allowing them to effortlessly scale their operations and achieve outstanding customer success outcomes." Blume Ventures, a second-time investor in Manasij, expressed their enthusiasm for the partnership. Ashish, Partner at Blume Ventures, commented, "We are delighted to continue supporting Manasij and ZapScale on their journey. We have witnessed Manasij's exceptional entrepreneurial acumen in his previous startup, and we are confident in his ability to drive innovation and deliver groundbreaking solutions. We are excited about the potential of ZapScale's Customer Success Platform to transform the way businesses engage with their customers." ZapScale's customer success platform is tailored specifically for small and medium-sized SaaS businesses, addressing a significant gap in the industry's offerings for this segment. Leveraging AI technology and data from multiple customer touchpoints, ZapScale provides actionable insights, predictive analytics, and ready-made playbooks to proactively address customer needs, reduce churn, and identify upsell opportunities. The investment will fuel the rapid development of ZapScale's Customer Success Platform, with a focus on enhancing its AI-driven capabilities and expanding its presence in the US market. ZapScale is a Customer Success Platform designed for B2B SaaS companies, focussed on small and medium-sized enterprises. The platform equips customer success teams with the tools they need to effectively monitor and manage their customers. With over 40 pre-built KPIs, 50 out-of-the-box playbooks, and integrations across multiple sources, ZapScale provides evidence-based, conjecture-free, and accurate customer health scores. Media Contact:Nikita KalraHead of Marketing,ZapScale+ (91) 9873799244 nikita@zapscale.com (Disclaimer: The above press release has been provided by PRNewswire. ANI will not be responsible in any way for the content of the same) NewsVoir Bengaluru (Karnataka) [India], June 15: After successfully kicking off #VC101 in Mumbai, India's apex industry body for alternative assets, the Indian Venture and Alternate Capital Association (IVCA), held its second in-person learning session for #VC101 in Bengaluru on June 15. #VC101 is an industry-led knowledge-sharing programme for first-time fund managers (FTFMs) organised by IVCA in collaboration with knowledge partners - Price Waterhouse & Co LLP and IC Universal Legal. With over 100 registrations the Bengaluru edition covered themes such as fundraising from global and domestic pools of capital, India's investment potential, FTFMs to better navigate LP-GP relationships, LPs' key considerations for investments, and strategies that should be adopted by FTFMs when pitching to investors. Spearheading the Bengaluru edition Manish Kheterpal, Co-founder & Managing Partner, WaterBridge Ventures, and VC Council member, IVCA, said, "The Venture Capital asset class in India has matured enough to attract a diverse range of investors, including global LPs, domestic institutional LPs, corporate investors, government-sponsored fund-of-funds, and family offices who are taking a more structured approach to managing their wealth." Manish further adds, "In the current environment of increased focus on building sustainable and profitable businesses, fund managers will need to equip themselves with superior portfolio construction and fund sizing skills. More tact is therefore required in navigating LP-GP negotiations, fundraising processes as well as full cycle investments-to-exit excellence. IVCA's #VC101 programme aims to bridge gaps born out of this need and will eventually help build a new crop of successful fund managers in India." Other lead mentors who joined the Bengaluru edition of #VC101 were - Anil Joshi, Managing Partner, Unicorn India Ventures; Anand Lunia, Founding Partner, India Quotient; Jayshree Kanther Patodi, Co-founder and Partner, Enzia Partners; Anjali Sosale, Partner, WaterBridge Ventures; Himanshu Mandavia, Partner, Price Waterhouse & Co LLP; Leelavathi Naidu, Partner, IC Universal Legal; Sushreet Pattanayak, Partner, IC Universal Legal; Siddharth Jhunjhunwala, Head Waterfield Fund of Funds, Waterfield Advisors; Ankur Nishar, Director - Deals (Tax), Price Waterhouse & Co LLP; Chirantan Patnaik, Director - Venture Capital, British International Investment (BII); KC Ganesh, President, Pratithi Investments; Krupa Shankar, Principal, NIIF; Naganand Doraswamy, Managing Partner and Founder, Ideaspring Capital; Rohit Bhayana, CEO & Co-founder, Oister Global; Ruchira Shukla, South Asia Regional Lead for Disruptive Technology Investments, IFC. Through #VC101, IVCA aims to advance India's venture capital environment and amplify the "India opportunity." With multiple investors raising their largest-ever India-focused funds in 2022, India currently sits on a vast dry powder reserve. Moreover, recently, limited partners and sovereign wealth funds have demonstrated increased commitment to India, as India's strong fundamentals are expected to comfortably offset the compression in funding brought on by global macroeconomic uncertainties. Thus, India continues to shine as a beacon of steady growth, and it is this India opportunity that #VC101 aims to push FTFMs to leverage. Himanshu Mandavia, Partner, Price Waterhouse & Co LLP, said, "Amidst the ever-evolving economic landscape and dynamic regulatory framework, aspiring participants venturing into the fund industry often face overwhelming challenges. The #VC101 programme organised by IVCA, is an excellent opportunity for first-time fund managers to grasp crucial aspects and glean insights from seasoned venture capital industry experts who have successfully paved the path for the next generation of fund managers." Tejesh Chitlangi, Senior Partner, IC Universal Legal, said, "I am delighted to serve as a mentor in the VC101 program, an initiative by IVCA designed to guide first-time fund managers. As a knowledge partner for VC101, IC Universal Legal, intends to cover fund structures for family offices in the Bengaluru edition of VC101, and walk first time fund managers through the considerations that they may need to keep in mind while creating AIFs to manage capital from family offices or while raising capital from other institutional investors such as fund-of-funds, development finance institutions and other global investors. This should help first time fund managers tap into growing pool of investors looking to add Indian AIF investments as a part of their portfolio." The next edition of #VC101 will take place in New Delhi on July 6. Participating FTFMs can look forward to mentorship from Rajan Anandan (Managing Director, Peak XV Partners), Priyanka Chopra (Chief Operating Officer, Managing Partner, Seed Investing, CIIE.CO, IIM Ahmedabad, and Venture Partner, Bharat Innovation Fund), and Sehraj Singh (Managing Director, India, Prosus Ventures), among others. Indian Venture and Alternate Capital Association (IVCA) is a not-for-profit, apex industry body promoting the alternate capital industry and fostering a vibrant investing ecosystem in India. IVCA is committed to supporting the ecosystem by facilitating advocacy discussions with the Government of India, policymakers, and regulators, resulting in the rise of entrepreneurial activity, innovation, and job creation in India and contributing towards the development of India as a leading fund management hub. IVCA members are the most active domestic and global VCs, PEs, funds for infrastructure, real estate, credit funds, limited partners, investment companies, family offices, corporate VCs, and knowledge partners. These funds invest in emerging companies, venture growth, buyout, special situations, distressed assets, and credit and venture debt, among others. (Disclaimer: The above press release has been provided by NewsVoir. ANI will not be responsible in any way for the content of the same) The additional funding will upgrade 324 kilometres of roads. The ongoing project, approved in December 2017, has been upgrading rural roads to boost agriculture and agribusiness development, ADB said Wednesday. The project aims to improve road access to about 7.5 million people in 16 districts across five states heavily dependent on agriculture. "As a landlocked country, upgrading and connecting rural roads to core road networks is essential to improving living conditions in rural areas and Nepal's economic growth," said ADB Principal Rural Development Specialist for South Asia Andrew Brubaker. "This project is helping improve transport efficiency in rural areas and plays a catalytic role for rural areas transformation." Further, ADB said it would provide an additional USD 1 million technical assistance grant to support project implementation and institutional strengthening. (ANI) More global companies are taking supply chain diversification seriously. Companies are increasingly highlighting the benefits of 'friend-shoring' their supply chains in order to better insulate from geopolitical challenges. "We see India, Mexico and Southeast Asia as best positioned for this transition. India and Mexico are two economies that stand to benefit from increasingly local supply chains," Morgan Stanley said in a report. Morgan Stanley economists have written extensively on the economic and industrial benefits that are beginning to accrue in economies where supply chains are migrating. "In India we see a tripling of the manufacturing base by 2031 with its share of GDP rising from about 16 per cent to 21 per cent over the same time horizon. In Mexico, we estimate a potential net gain of approximately 30 per cent in exports to the US over a period of five years; this trend appears to be well underway as Mexico-US trade is now level with China-US trade. The associated rise in investment and manufacturing could help raise Mexico's potential GDP from 1.9 per cent to 2.4 per cent, over the next five years, according to our models," the report said. Supply chain de-risking will be a necessary but difficult and expensive process, taking a decade or longer, featuring more protectionist policies. Most expected companies to keep a large installed base and presence in China. At a country level, key net beneficiaries would be India and Mexico, the report said. While corporates have largely avoided making any specific geopolitical distinctions, some of the giant companies have been strategically rewiring their supply chain investments. Apple's partner Foxconn has announced plans to invest $700 million in a new plant in India to diversify away some of the risks arising from US-China tensions. After completion, the production site is expected to bring in 100k new jobs compared with the current 200k in the Zhengzhou Plant, Morgan Stanley said. More companies are adopting a 'China+1' or even 'China+N' strategy to expand their production footprints to Southeast Asia, Mexico and India, and to re-shore where production is particularly capital-intensive or can be automated, the report said. Much of the structural shift in the level of global trade in the 1990s and 2000s is explicitly linked to the construction of modern China, an event in a long history that we would consider a one-off and exceptional rather than a normal trend. "China entering the global economy is a historic event that cannot be replicated because neither India, Indonesia, the Philippines, nor any other emerging market economy has the same gap to close from a value or volume standpoint that China made up between 1990 and 2010," the report said. The de-risking process from China will progress slowly, and most tech hardware production that leaves China will flow to Southeast Asia and India, not North America. China presently accounts for $4.9 trillion manufacturing GDP out of a total of $14.2 trillion (34 per cent). Based on a potential loss of international production and exports, an estimated $846 billion of manufacturing output could be seen to be at risk -- the equivalent of 6.0 per cent of the global total. "Some countries would see significant growth gains: In principle, we believe that the countries making 'share gains' would be the US, India (doubling from 3.1 per cent to 6.2 per cent) and SE Asia -- while EMEA and Japan maintain their existing share of global manufacturing output. In simple terms, we have divided up the 'decoupled $846 billion' of China output and attributed it to different countries based on these shares (e.g., India now taking 6 per cent of the $846 billion," the report said. On the potential uplift to other countries, in the event that these flows were to be resettled overnight, from a low base, India would see an 11.8 per cent expansion in its manufacturing base (in one year), it added. --IANS san/ksk/ ( 661 Words) 2023-06-14-11:18:04 (IANS) PRNewswire New Delhi [India], June 15: Unveiling a new chapter of iconic looks, suave style, and symphonic eye-fashion, the premium eyewear brand John Jacobs launches the retro inspired JJ Rhapsody collection that shines the spotlight on the absolutely smashing duo of music and fashion. The campaign features the ultimate star and actor par excellence, Vijay Varma. Featuring gleaming metal details, instrumental intricacies, and rhythmic designs, JJ Rhapsody is where style strikes an unforgettable chord. With JJ Rhapsody, music and fashion enthusiasts will experience utilitarian and elegant eyewear; by far the brand's coolest edition till date. Vijay Varma, friend of the brand and face of the campaign said, "JJ Rhapsody flawlessly encapsulates the celebrated intersection of fashion and music, two important avenues of self-expression for artists throughout their journeys. It was truly a pleasure to be the face of this collection, showcasing timeless fashion and intricately crafted product details." "The contemporary John Jacobs consumer ardently enjoys curated experiences across music, lifestyle and culture. Consequently, we created our marquee collection of the year, JJ Rhapsody, which magnificently pays homage to the beautiful amalgamation of music and fashion. In addition to actively participating in various immersive experiences that foster cultural growth, the brand is also making significant efforts to enhance the integration of culture at a grassroots level, including within our product offerings," said, Apeksha Gupta, CEO & Creative Director of John Jacobs. John Jacobs is a renowned eyewear brand that sets the benchmark for exceptional quality and contemporary designs across the globe. With more than 100+ sale touchpoints globally , it resonates with the modern day consumer looking to express through their personal style. John Jacobs has disrupted the eyewear purchasing experience, offering a 3D Tryon feature on their app and a 180-degree simulated view for consumers to make a more informed choice from the comfort and safety of their homes. (Disclaimer: The above press release has been provided by PRNewswire. ANI will not be responsible in any way for the content of the same) NewsVoir Bengaluru (Karnataka) [India], June 15: MANA, a renowned real estate firm headquartered in Bengaluru, has acquired a sprawling 9 acres of prime land in Sarjapur Road where it aims to come up with designing premium and luxurious living spaces that would be decidedly unequaled. This strategic move aligns with the company's vision to broaden its horizons in East Bengaluru, where it has already established a commanding presence. With this latest acquisition, MANA is poised to create premium and luxurious residential properties in Sarjapur that embrace an eco-friendly lifestyle and exceed customer expectations, which is the cornerstone of the company's core values. The procurement of this expanse of land follows MANA's recent other land acquisitions. The goal is to strengthen its market position and meet the demands of its discerning clientele while delivering unparalleled value and fostering sustained growth. With a vision to expand its footprint in Bengaluru, MANA has set its sights on developing the most premium and luxurious apartments in the heart of the city, providing residents with a unique blend of sophistication, style, and living comfort. At the heart of the company's mission is a dedication to enhance the standard of living of its residents. To fulfill this goal, MANA places a strong emphasis on crafting nature-driven projects that nestle within expansive, sylvan landscapes. The upcoming Sarjapur apartments are set to boast an exquisite architectural design that seamlessly blends green living, proximity with nature, unrivaled comfort, supreme luxury, and unparalleled convenience. Over the past 23 years, MANA has gained wide acclaim for its tagline 'Live Brilliantly'. Speaking about the acquisition, Kishore Reddy, CMD and Founder, MANA, said, "We are excited to announce MANA's acquisition of nine acres of prime land in Sarjapur, which represents a significant milestone in our efforts to deliver exceptional living experiences to our customers. The project aims to retain the existing flora and fauna around the property and provide a unique living experience that builds a deep connection with nature. With this acquisition, we can serve our new customer base that is eagerly waiting for MANA properties in this region as it is an IT Hub. We are committed to leveraging our expertise in designing space with a high element of nature, and project management, to deliver world-class living spaces that meet the needs and aspirations of modern-day homebuyers." MANA is a cutting-edge real estate brand that has cemented its position as a pivotal force in the realm of property in Bengaluru and beyond. Its unwavering focus on superior quality and excellence has been instrumental in establishing its reputation as a leader in the real estate industry. Recently, MANA has made significant strides in its expansion and growth initiatives. The procurement of this expanse of land in Sarjapur follows MANA's other land acquisitions, reflecting the brand's uninterrupted north-bound course of business. Recently, MANA acquired 4.9 acres of premium land in Jakkur, leveraging advanced technologies and data-driven strategies to expand its reach further in North Bengaluru. The location of these luxurious apartments is strategically positioned to offer unparalleled convenience and accessibility, providing easy access to some of the city's leading employers and business centers, making it a top choice for tech-savvy young professionals looking to optimize their daily routine and pursue their personal passions. Apart from its strategic location, the new luxury apartments also boast of unparalleled design and top-of-the-line amenities. "We have spared no expense in ensuring that every aspect of these homes exudes luxury and sophistication," Kishore Reddy added. MANA, founded in 2000 by D. Kishore Reddy, has evolved over the past two decades to become a revolutionary force in the real estate market. Headquartered in Bengaluru, the company is expanding across business verticals, including property development and construction, with plans to expand its footprint to Hyderabad. With a commitment to green living, MANA has built a wealth of expertise in design, construction, and development, spanning across a spectrum of entry-level homes (through its brand, MACASA) to premium and luxury homes. The company's mission is to provide future-forward living that blends nature with dream spaces, using imagination to engineer homes for the next generation of homebuyers. MANA's tagline, 'Live Brilliantly', encapsulates the company's multidisciplinary approach to design, blending tomorrow's technologies with today's reality. With more than 8 million sq. ft developed to date, MANA consistently delivers innovative, high-quality homes that exceed customer expectations. (Disclaimer: The above press release has been provided by NewsVoir. ANI will not be responsible in any way for the content of the same) 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. PNN New Delhi [India], June 15: The Founder of Elite Group, Balraj Meel, is known for his visionary approach and out-of-the-box thinking. He has given new dimensions to the way businesses are conducted by introducing the concept of 'Global Payment Solution Wizard'. It is a one-of-a-kind software that allows businesses to make and receive payments in any currency. This article tells you more about how this innovative software works and how it can benefit your business. Early life and education of Balraj Meel Balraj Meel was born in a small village in India. His father was a farmer, and his mother was a homemaker. He did his schooling at a small village school, and later, he went to Himachal for his higher studies. He did his graduation in commerce from Himalayan Garhwal University. After his graduation, he started working in the financial industry. He worked there for some time, and then he moved to Chandigarh to start his own business. In Chandigarh, he started a small company that used to provide financial services to the people. Gradually, his company grew, and he became one of the leading businessmen in India. In 2018, Balraj Meel started his own payment gateway called Elite Neo Bank & Payments by Elite Group. Elite Group is one of the leading payment gateway providers in India & outside India. Elite Group provides its services to both national and international clients. Elite Group's payment & Neo Bank has its own patented technology, which makes it one of the most secure payment gateway providers in the world. Elite Group is also one of the few companies which are compliant with PCI DSS standards. Elite Group has been growing rapidly since its inception. It has tie-ups with major banks and financial institutions in India and abroad. Elite Group has also been expanding its operations by setting. Balraj Meel's career in the payments industry Balraj Meel is the founder of Elite Group, a leading provider of global payment solutions. He has over five years of experience in the payments industry, and his company has processed over $1 billion in payments each year. He is a thought leader in the industry, and his blog covers topics such as the future of payments, the changing landscape of the payments industry, and the challenges and opportunities that come with working in the payments space. The founding of Elite Group The Elite Group was founded in 2017 by Balraj Meel, now its CEO. The company started as a payments solution provider and has since evolved into a global fintech powerhouse. Elite Group has been instrumental in developing innovative payment solutions for businesses of all sizes. Meel is a serial entrepreneur and a thought leader in the payments industry. He is passionate about using technology to make financial services more accessible and Affordable for everyone. Under his leadership, Elite Group has become one of the leading providers of payment solutions in the world. The company has offices in Chandigarh, Delaware, Dubai, Singapore, and Mumbai. Elite Group is backed by leading venture capital firms. Elite Group's products and services The Elite Group is always striving to provide the best products and services to its clients. In the blog section, you can find out more about the company's latest offerings and how they can benefit your business. You can also read testimonials from satisfied customers and learn more about the Elite Group team. Balraj Meel's vision for the future of payments Since the launch of Elite Group, Balraj Meel has been working tirelessly to bring his vision for the future of payments to life. His goal is to create a global payment solution that is convenient, safe, and affordable for everyone. To achieve this, Meel has assembled a team of the brightest minds in the payments industry. Together, they are working on developing a platform that will allow users to make and receive payments in any currency, anywhere in the world. The Elite Group team is making great progress on their mission to build the ultimate payment solution. In the coming months, they will be launching a beta version of their platform so that users can begin testing it out. Meel is confident that his team will revolutionize the way people make and receive payments around the world. Conclusion: Balraj Meel is the founder of Elite Group, and he has been instrumental in building Wizard, a global payment solution. With his vast experience in the field of finance, he has been able to make Wizard one of the most efficient and user-friendly payment solutions available today. Thanks to Meel's vision and dedication, Elite Group is quickly becoming a leading provider of financial services worldwide. www.eliteneobank.com (Disclaimer: The above press release has been provided by PNN. ANI will not be responsible in any way for the content of the same) Union Minister of Commerce and Industry Piyush Goyal said that PM GatiShakti initiative must be effectively leveraged to extend benefits beyond just the infrastructure sector. Minister Goyal chaired a meeting to review the progress of PM GatiShakti with DPIIT and eight concerned ministries in New Delhi on Wednesday, an official release said. According to the release, Goyal said that cooperatives and start-ups could support the agriculture sector by setting up common facilities on agricultural lands using the integrated framework of PM GatiShakti and data from the National Master Plan (NMP). To encourage the usage of NMP for social sector planning, five new ministries are proposed to be on-boarded by PM GatiShakti, in addition to fourteen social sector departments and ministries already on board, to augment the socioeconomic development in the country. Special Secretary, DPIIT, Sumita Dawra presented the progress of PM GatiShakti in terms of improving the data quality of the National Master Plan. Five new Ministries are proposed to be on-boarded by PM GatiShakti, in addition to fourteen social sector Departments/Ministries already on board, to augment the socioeconomic development in the country. Considering Infrastructure as a growth engine and the need for a 'whole of government' approach to Infrastructure development, the PM GatiShakti National Master Plan (NMP) was launched in October 2021. It aimed to break departmental silos in project implementation. (ANI) Speedcubing legend and Guinness World Records Hall of Famer, Max Park from the USA broke the record for solving the 3x3x3 Rubik's cube in the fastest time at the in California on June 11, 2023. According to the Guinness World Records, the 21-year-old achieved an astonishing time of 3.13 seconds, shaving 0.34 seconds off the previous record, which was set by China's Yusheng Du in 2018. Prior to this, Max's fastest single solve was 3.63 seconds, placing him second behind Yusheng Du's 3.47. Several videos of Max Park breaking the record surfaced on social media in which his fellow cube mates could be seen cheering for him. https://twitter.com/maxfast23/status/1668113958442778624 Max holds a multitude of other speedcubing records - in fact, he holds nearly all of them. He holds both the single-solve and average-solve world records for the 4x4x4 cube, 5x5x5 cube, 6x6x6 cube, and 7x7x7 cube, as per the Guinness World Records. He had also jointly held the 3x3x3 average record along with Tymon Kolasinski (Poland) with a time of 4.86 seconds, until it was broken on 12 March 2023 by 9-year-old Yiheng Wang (China), who achieved a time of 4.69 seconds. Max is no stranger to breaking records that appear impossible. Veteran cuber Erik Akkersdijk said his timing of 1 minute, 40 seconds to break the 7x7x7 single record was the most amazing thing he had ever seen. "The record will likely stand for some time," Erik said. He was wrong though - Max went on to smash it in 2022 with a time of 1 minute 35 seconds, according to the Guinness World Records. Diagnosed with autism, Max's parents, Schawn and Miki, said that cubing has been "a good therapy" for him. "There was a time when Max couldn't even open water bottles, but he showed interest in solving Rubik's Cubes," they said. (ANI) Actor-comedian Tirthanand Rao, who has worked with television star Kapil Sharma in 'Comedy Circus Ke Ajoobe', attempted suicide by drinking poison during a Facebook live through his official Facebook page. He alleged that a woman is responsible for his current state. He claimed during the live session that he was in a "live-in" with the woman in question, but she "emotionally blackmailed" him. He also claimed that the woman pushed him into debt as she "extorted" money from him. He said in the live video: "I am in debt of Rs 3-4 lakh because of this woman. I have known her since October last year. She had filed a police complaint against me in Bhayandar (a western suburb in Mumbai) and I didn't even know for what reason. Then she would also call me and say she wanted to meet." As he shared all that he was going through, he took out a bottle of insect repellant and drank it after pouring it in a glass. His friends who saw him taking the extreme step, reached his house in no time and found him unconscious. They called the police and the actor was rushed to the hospital. Tirthanand has attempted suicide earlier as well in a similar fashion - in December 2021, when he went live on Facebook. He had called up his assistant and told him that he was taking this drastic step in life due to several reasons. --IANS aa/kvd ( 253 Words) 2023-06-14-11:22:03 (IANS) The infection rate in 2023 is 4.2 times higher than last year, Xinhua news agency quoted deputy government spokeswoman Traisuree Taisaranakul as saying. On average, around 900 infections and one death were recorded each week, with most dengue cases found in the capital of Bangkok and five other provinces, according to Traisuree. She noted that the public health ministry expects to see more dengue patients during the rainy season between June and August before the number of cases starts to decline in September. The ministry's Department of Disease Control (DDC) said majority of the cases were occurring among children aged between 5 and 14. Anyone who suspects they may be infected should seek medical attention and avoid taking over-the-counter treatments, said DDC director-general Thares Krasanairawiwong. To curb the spread of this mosquito-borne disease, the agency urges the public to keep their communities clean and help eliminate mosquito breeding sites. --IANS ksk/ ( 188 Words) 2023-06-13-15:12:05 (IANS) A tribunal has asked the Centre and the Delhi governments to establish an effective system for verifying doctors and taking action against individuals, who falsely present themselves as qualified doctors and provide incorrect treatment ("quacks") to accident victims. A Motor Accident Claims Tribunal (MACT) was hearing the compensation claim petition filed by Deepak Kumar, who met with an accident in May 2013. As he had suffered 52 per cent disability in his right upper limb, Presiding Officer Ekta Gauba Mann ordered the National Insurance Company Ltd to pay Rs 31.71 lakh as compensation to Kumar. While addressing the claim, the MACT also sought police action against a quack who posed as a doctor, administered medication to the victim, and issued fraudulent medical bills. Upon reviewing Kumar's original medical bills, the tribunal discovered that the doctor who had treated him had passed away over seven years ago and deemed this fact as "peculiar" and "alarming". "It is a very strange fact that the petitioner has been treated from May 15, 2013, to October 16, 2013, by the doctor but the said doctor had expired more than 7 years ago," it said. "This is a most dangerous act. It requires to be dealt with by an iron hand as the quack is playing with the life of accident victims which could be saved during the first golden hours if proper medical treatment is given to the victim," the court said. The tribunal further stated that a copy of this order should be sent to the Union Health Ministry and the Delhi Health Department, instructing them to establish an appropriate mechanism to verify and take action against quacks endangering public safety. While the tribunal posted the matter for next hearing on July 9, it said that a copy of the order be sent to the chief metropolitan magistrate, requesting action by the SHO of Prashant Vihar against the impostor. --IANS spr/vd ( 334 Words) 2023-06-13-23:18:03 (IANS) The AAP informed that families of two doctors Dr Ramesh Kumar and Dr Sanjay Kumar were handed over the cheques of Rs one crore. Delhi Government minister Raj Kumar Anand met the families of both the doctors and handed over the cheques. "The family of Dr Sanjay Kumar Gupta, a COVID warrior and medical superintendent who lost his life while treating people during the coronavirus pandemic, was honored with a tribute of Rs 1 crore by the government of Arvind Kejriwal," tweeted Anand. AAP said that the Kejriwal government was committed to taking care of the families of its COVID warriors. "Dr Ramesh Kumar also laid down his life while serving on the frontline during Covid 19. We are committed to taking care of their families. Delhi Cabinet Minister Raj Kumar Anand met the family of Dr Ramesh Kumar and gave them a cheque of Rs one crore," the AAP tweeted. --IANS atk/shb/ ( 205 Words) 2023-06-13-11:16:02 (IANS) US drugmaker Pfizers and British pharma major GSK are likely to face significant competition in the respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) vaccine market, according to a report on Tuesday. GSK's novel vaccine, Arexvy, approved by the US FDA in May, becomes the first RSV vaccine authorised for use in America. It was recently also approved by the European Commission (EC) for the prevention of lower respiratory tract infections (LRTI) caused by RSV in adults 60 years of age and older, making it the first RSV vaccine available across the EU. Despite these landmark approvals, GSK's dominance in the untapped RSV vaccine space is under threat by Pfizer which is in hot pursuit for market share of its own RSV vaccine Abrysvo, said the report by GlobalData, a leading data and analytics company. "While Arexvy was first to gain US approval, which marked the first time a vaccine was authorised for use against RSV in any population, anywhere in the world, Pfizer's Abrysvo was approved by the FDA quickly after, allowing sufficient time for both vaccines to be available for US launch around the same time this fall, prior to the winter RSV season," said Nancy Jaser, Pharma Analyst at GlobalData, in a statement. "Therefore, GSK is not likely to experience a significant first-mover advantage for market share in the US. However, Arexvy may still benefit from a first-mover advantage in the EU as Pfizer's Abrysvo has yet to gain approval for use by the EC. A decision is expected later this year," Jaser added. While both vaccines demonstrated high efficacy in pivotal trials, Pfizer's vaccine has one critical advantage over Arexvy. Abrysvo is currently under review in the US as a maternal vaccine to protect infants against RSV right at birth. The FDA's Vaccines Advisory Committee voted in favour of approving Abrysvo as a maternal RSV vaccine, the report said. "Abrysvo will likely be the first approved RSV vaccine to protect infants worldwide, potentially leading to a higher market share than its competitors. It is currently the only vaccine candidate in late-stage development that targets multiple patient segments," Jaser said. Further competition is expected from Moderna's RSV vaccine, mRNA-1345. Positive Phase III data in older adults were announced in January, while Moderna plans to file for US approval in the first half of 2023. "mRNA-1345 is likely to be the first mRNA-based RSV vaccine to reach the market. As an RNA virus, RSV is capable of rapid mutation to escape attack by new pharmaceuticals. Novel RSV variants could emerge as a result, requiring adjustments to vaccine targets," Jaser said. "Moderna's vaccine would likely see higher success in this situation, as the mRNA platform allows for quick modification of antigens to target potential new viral strains,a she noted. --IANS rvt/dpb ( 475 Words) 2023-06-13-11:50:02 (IANS) Research into universal influenza vaccines is gaining precedence, with several candidates entering clinical development, according to a report on Wednesday. Interim results from a recent study on influenza vaccine effectiveness (VE) estimations for the 2022-2023 season across six European countries has found VE to be only 27-44 per cent for influenza and above -- 50 per cent for influenza B, highlighting a longstanding unmet need for more effective seasonal influenza vaccines. The current influenza vaccines only provide protection against a limited number of strains, with the strains predicted to be dominant in the upcoming season selected for inclusion in the vaccines, said the report by GlobalData, a leading data and analytics company. "The concept of a universal influenza vaccine is that it provides more durable protection against a wider variety of influenza strains than quadrivalent influenza vaccines, including unanticipated strains," said Nusrat Haque, Infectious Disease Analyst at GlobalData, in a statement. "In an ideal scenario this should eliminate the need to develop influenza vaccines on an annual basis, freeing up resources and saving patients from the inconvenience of annual vaccinations. Ultimately one of the biggest benefits of a universal influenza vaccine is that it could help to contain a potential pandemic," he added. Some vaccine candidates have already reached clinical development. For example, UK-based Imutex's FLU-v has demonstrated positive results in protecting against the intranasal challenge of wild-type (H1N1)pdm09 influenza A virus in a Phase IIb trial. In addition, France-based Osivax's OVX-836 provided protective efficacy in reducing influenza-like-illnesses, confirmed by polymerase chain reaction (PCR), in a Phase IIa trial, and is being evaluated in further Phase II studies. "GlobalData estimates that in 2022 the lab-confirmed seasonal influenza mortality rate across all ages was 1.24 per 100,000 in the US. However, a universal vaccine that confers immunity against a wide range of influenza strains could drastically reduce the influenza-related hospitalisation and mortality," Haque said. The first mRNA-based universal vaccine, H1ssF-3928 mRNA-LNP, which was designed by the Vaccine Research Centre (VRC) of the US National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID), has also recently advanced to Phase I clinical development in America. The vaccine will be tested for safety and immunogenicity against an approved quadrivalent seasonal influenza vaccine. "The advantage of designing an mRNA-based universal influenza vaccine is that it could potentially be tested and produced quickly on a large scale, resulting in faster distribution to larger numbers of patients," Haque said. --IANS rvt/pgh ( 413 Words) 2023-06-14-17:28:04 (IANS) On June 11, a pregnant woman was taken to the emergency department of the Mother and Child Care Hospital at RMLIMS due to severe pain and heavy bleeding. However, no doctor attended to her for close to two hours, and even after repeated attempts, the doctors did not respond promptly. Eventually, a doctor arrived late and informed the family of a miscarriage. The family accused the hospital of neglecting the patient, maintaining unhygienic conditions in the labour room, and failing to conduct regular rounds. Distressed by these irregularities, the family decided to discharge the patient themselves. The family complained about the negligence to the deputy chief minister, who instructed the principal secretary, medical education department, to initiate a probe and complete it within a week. Thereafter, principal secretary medical education, conveyed the same to RMLIMS director Soniya Nityanand. Pathak also ordered an inquiry into the unauthorised operation of a private hospital in Fatehpur. Pathak instructed the chief medical officer to conduct the probe. A team from the health department will inspect the hospital's registration and other documents to ensure compliance with the required standards. --IANS amita/dpb ( 246 Words) 2023-06-14-09:02:03 (IANS) Telangana celebrated Health Day on Wednesday as part of its formation day celebrations by laying foundation stone for 2,000-bed facility at Nizam's Institute of Medical Sciences (NIMS) in Hyderabad. Chief Minister K Chandrasekhar Rao laid foundation stone for Dashabdi block which will be constructed at a cost of Rs. 1,571 crore. CM KCR, who also launched KCR Nutrition Kits scheme, said the government will continue its efforts to strengthen the healthcare sector and make it a role model for the country. He stated that the performance of the doctors, nurses and senior officials of the state's Health Department during Corona was admirable. KCR said that, "In order to provide the best services to the people, we should be ready to face any pandemic like Corona." He said that when the condition of patients infected with corona in private hospitals worsened, they sent patients to Gandhi Hospital. He said Gandhi Hospital's doctors saved the lives of such patients. The Chief Minister suggested the Health department to improve Public Relations (PR) and prepare plans to ensure the doctors and medical staff reach out to people extensively. He said the bed strength in NIMS has increased from 900 to 1500. With the construction of the new block, another 2,000 beds will be added. "We are building big hospitals in the state. We are also building a super specialty hospital like no other in the world in Warangal," he said. Four super specialty hospitals will come-up in four sides of Hyderabad under Telangana Institute of Medical Sciences (TIMS). He claimed that the excellent medical services right are available in the state and there is no need for anyone to go abroad for treatment. The chief minister formally launched the distribution of nutrition kits to pregnant women. He listed out steps taken by the government in the last nine years to improve healthcare services in the state. The Chief Minister pointed out that 70 per cent of deliveries are taking place in government hospitals against 30 per cent earlier. Maternal mortality and infant mortality has come down. Health minister Harish Rao pointed out that the allocation for the health sector in 2014 was Rs.A 2,100 crores and it went up to Rs. 12,367 crores in 2023-24. He claimed that the bed capacity in government hospitals across the state has gone up from 17,000 to 50, 000. "We have increased the number of oxygen beds to 50,000. We have set up our own 550 tonne oxygen producing plants without depending on the Centre," he said. --IANS ms/dan ( 438 Words) 2023-06-14-21:18:03 (IANS) Uttar Pradesh Government is all set to celebrate the 9th International Yoga Day on a grand note. As per the government's directive, schools across the state will reopen during the summer vacation on June 21 for one day, wherein students of primary and secondaschools in the state will participate in various yoga activities, an official release from the government said on Wednesday. Besides practising Yoga, children will also be provided with sweets, fruits, and clean drinking water on the occasion. Moreover, various educational competitions will be organized for children on this day and the top 3 winners of the competitions will also be rewarded, said the officials. Notably, detailed instructions regarding the organization of the 9th International Yoga Day have been given to all district Basic education officers by the Mid-Day Meal Authority and the Director of Education (Basic). In this sequence, it has been decided to celebrate Yoga Week in Uttar Pradesh between June 15 and June 21 this year. However, schools will be open for cleaning purposes a day before the yoga day (June 20). According to the order issued by Director Vijay Kiran Anand of the Mid-Day Meal Authority, on the occasion of International Yoga Day, sweets, rice pudding, halwa, fruits, and clean drinking water should be distributed to students present in all schools. The order also states, "Compliance with the directives issued by the Director of Education (Basic) regarding Yoga Day is mandatory." As per the directives given by the Director of Education (Basic), all primary and upper primary schools in the state have to participate in yoga activities. The directive also says that on June 20, all principals, teachers and children of all primary and upper primary schools in all districts should be informed about the benefits of pranayama, asanas, breathing exercises, and yoga, and participation everyone should be ensured. The principal of the school will work as a nodal officer for the successful organization of the activities. On June 21, all principals, teachers, non-teaching staff, and children of primary and upper primary schools will be instructed to practice pranayama, Suryanamaskar, and breathing exercises. Thereafter, yoga activities like asanas, pranayama and meditation will be organized among the children at the school level. The events will also feature posters, essays and quiz competitions on the subject of yoga for students from classes 6 to 8. Prizes will be given to the first, second and third-place winners in the activities organized at the school level. (ANI) Lashing out at the Trinamool Congress-led West Bengal government over the alleged violence during the filing of nominations for Panchayat polls, Bharatiya Janata Party state general secretary Agnimitra Paul on Wednesday demanded Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee's resignation from her post. Comparing the situation with the "Russia-Ukraine war", the BJP leader said that if central forces are not sent, there will be a "bloodbath" in the state. The matter pertains to the alleged incidents of violence in the state during the filing of nominations for the Panchayat polls, where several Opposition leaders have alleged that they are being assaulted. Speaking to ANI, Agnimitra Paul said, "We just got 5-6 days for nomination. It was not discussed with any other political party. We know on whose advice the Panchayat elections were declared without consulting others. From that day, we are seeing that workers of BJP and other parties are not being allowed to file the nominations." "In Diamond Harbour, Joynagar, Canning, Kakdwip, Bardhaman; BJP leaders are being beaten up ruthlessly with iron rods. We are seeing bomb blasts happening. Is it Russia-Ukraine? Are we fighting a war?" she added. The BJP state general secretary leader demanded the Chief Minister's resignation over the "lawlessness" in the state. "Now, we understand why so much ammunition was discovered from the state for the past 6-8 months...for this day. Mamata Banerjee is the 'police minister' should resign. Because, either police are not listening to her, or, which I think is true, she says something and does something else on back," she said. Agnimitra Paul added, "She should resign because there is lawlessness in the state and if central forces don't come, there will be a bloodbath in West Bengal. I would like to request Central Election Commission to please send central forces or else a number of people will die from all political parties. And I pity the people who are losing faith in democracy. It's a shame that we belong to a state like West Bengal". Meanwhile, Indian Secular Front (ISF) leader and Bhangar MLA Naushad Siddiqui also alleged that Opposition leaders are not being allowed to file nominations. "The violence is increasing since May 9, as time is progressing. Besides this, there are issues cropping up in the filing of nominations, everywhere in West Bengal. So, we went to the Chief Minister to meet her today but we could not meet due to her busy schedule," he said. Siddiqui added, "This should not happen. Every political party has the right to file nominations, but here candidates are being allowed to file nominations. Especially, the candidates from the party who can defeat them are being stopped". Notably, the Calcutta High Court had ordered the requisition and deployment of central forces in all areas declared sensitive by the State Election Commission (SEC) for the polls. However, the court - while hearing petitions of BJP's Suvendu Adhikari and Congress' Adhir Ranjan Chowdhury -- refused to consider the PILs seeking an extension of time for filing of nominations for the July 8 polls. The Panchayat elections in West Bengal will be held in a single phase on July 8, with the counting of votes scheduled for July 11. The panchayat polls in West Bengal are likely to see a fierce contest between the BJP and the ruling Trinamool Congress being touted as a litmus test for both parties ahead of next year's Lok Sabha elections. (ANI) CEO Vikas Raj convened a joint meeting today with Director General of Police (DGP) Anjani Kumar to discuss and assess the state's poll preparedness. The meeting aimed to appraise the District Collectors and Superintendents of Police about the upcoming General Election to the Legislative Assembly in Telangana, the ECI stated in its release. Highlighting the significance of the upcoming election, Vikas Raj announced the visit of a delegation from the Election Commission of India (ECI). The delegation, led by Dharmendra Sharma, Senior Deputy Election Commissioner, and Deputy Election Commissioners, along with senior officers of the Election Commission, will be in Hyderabad for three days from June 22-24. The visit is intended to evaluate and ensure the preparedness for the forthcoming election. "During their stay, the ECI delegation will first engage in crucial meetings with CEO Telangana, Special Police Nodal Officer, and CAPF Nodal Officer. These discussions will provide an opportunity to exchange insights and strategies regarding election security-related issues," the release stated. It added, "Thereafter, the ECI delegation will hold extensive consultations with District Collectors/SPs and various enforcement agencies, including the Income Tax (CBDT), NCB, Excise Department, State GST and CGST Department, Enforcement Directorate, State Level Bankers Committee (SLBC), DRI, RPF, CISF, and State Commercial Tax Department. This collaborative effort aims to foster coordination at State and District Levels to preserve the integrity of the electoral process". Addressing the gathering, DGP Anjani Kumar emphasized the crucial role of district police officers in ensuring a smooth and secure election. He highlighted the need for adequate manpower and instructed officers to map border check posts while facilitating cross-functional training with agencies like the Income Tax and GST departments. (ANI) In the wake of cyclone 'Biparjoy' approaching Gujarat's coastal areas, Border Security Force (BSF) has made adequate preparations to combat any challenges arising out of the impending storm. The Inspector General of BSF Gujarat, Ravi Gandhi visited the coastal areas of Bhuj and took stock of the preparedness to deal with any situation. Speaking to ANI, BSF IG Ravi Gandhi said, "BSF forces are deployed at the international border. As per the IMD assessment, the concerned area is from Mandvi to Karachi. Our forces are alert with full preparation. We are helping people who are approaching us with any concerns. We are also in contact with other security forces like NDRF". The BSF stated in its release that around 50 villagers from Gunao village, close to the Jakhau coast, have been shifted to the Gunao outpost of the BSF. "Along with protecting the international border, the availability of necessary resources for rescue operations has also been ensured by the Border Security Force. Coordination has been established with the civil authorities and an action plan is being ensured for all necessary assistance to the civil administration and the local people. Around 50 villagers from Gunao village, located close to the Jakhau coast, have been shifted to the Gunao outpost of BSF," the release stated. Meanwhile, the Director of the Indian Meteorological Department (IMD), Radhe Shyam Sharma said that red, orange and yellow alerts have been issued in several districts of Rajasthan, in the wake of heavy rainfall. Speaking to ANI, the IMD Director said, "Currently it (Biparjoy) is currently under the category of severe cyclonic storm. Its movement on Wednesday remained in the north-east direction. It is expected to hit Saurashtra, Kutch and Gujarat on June 15. It will enter Rajasthan's Kutch on June 16 in depressed form and will further weaken". "Heavy rainfall is expected in some districts. We have issued red alerts in Barmer and Jaldor districts regarding rainfall. Orange and yellow alert has also been issued in several other districts," he added. Biparjoy is expected to make landfall near the Jakhau coast on the evening of June 15 and traverse all along the Rann up to Rajasthan. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) sounded a Red alert as cyclone 'Biparjoy' warning for the Saurashtra and Kutch coasts in Gujarat. (ANI) Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) MP Supriya Sule on Wednesday said that she was not taken by surprise by the raids and subsequent action by the Enforcement Directorate (ED) against Tamil Nadu minister V Senthil Balaji. "I am not surprised at all. Data shows that 95 per cent of those who are being targetted by the central agencies are from the Opposition," Sule said. The NCP working president was referring to the allegation by most Opposition parties who claim that the central government "misuses" the central probe agencies to target the opposition. Earlier on Wednesday, in reaction to ED's handling of Senthil Balaji's probe, Shiv Sena (Uddhav Thackeray faction) leader Sanjay Raut said that though they keep sending complaints against Ministers from the BJP, he never gets to hear back from them. "We keep sending complaints against their (BJP) people, with evidence. When will the probe against them start?" he questioned. Speaking about his own case he said, "I sent a complaint against three Maharashtra ministers to ED, on money laundering, I have not even received a reply...why are there no raids against them?" Meanwhile, Tamil Nadu minister Senthil Balaji underwent a coronary angiogram on Wednesday at the Omandurar government hospital in Chennai, informed the hospital officials. Balaji was hospitalised after he complained of chest pain during questioning by the ED. There was high drama outside the hospital as the DMK minister was brought in early Wednesday morning. He could be seen crying while lying in a car as his supporters gathered outside the hospital to protest against the ED action. (ANI) As cyclone Biparjoy has hit several parts of Gujarat, Kachchh''s Mandvi, on Thursday, witnessed rough sea conditions and strong winds. Earlier, the Indian Meteorological Department, on Sunday, gave a cyclone alert for Saurashtra and Kutch coasts in Gujarat. The department issued the alert: "Cyclone alert for Saurashtra and Kutch coast: Yellow message, ESCS BIPARJOY over East-central Arabian sea, at 1730 IST of 11th June near lat 18.6E and long 67.7E, likely to cross between Mandvi (Gujarat) and Karachi (Pakistan) by noon of 15th June". Also, under the influence of the cyclone, high tidal waves hit Gujarat, on Thursday. According to the IMD, VSCS (very severe cyclonic storm) Biparjoy is to cross Saurashtra & Kutch & adjoining Pakistan coasts b/w Mandvi & Karachi near Jakhau Port by the evening of June 15. In addition to this, ahead of the cyclone, National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) and State Disaster Response Force (SDRF) were deployed in the state, on Wednesday. "NDRF and SDRF have been deployed in Kachchh''s Mandvi and Naliya town which is likely to be affected as cyclone BIPARJOY is getting closer", said Naliya Police sub-inspector VR Ulva. The weather department also mentioned the chances of heavy damage in the Arabian Seas. "There is a possibility of heavy damage due to the cyclonic storm BIPARJOY", said IMD. Also, authorities, on Tuesday, shifted around 30,000 people from coastal areas to temporary shelters considering Biparjoy''s possible landfall near Jakhau''s port in Gujarat''s Kutch district. "Because of the cyclone, Mandvi and Naliya are declared hotspots. We have made the public aware of the disaster The SDRF team is deployed for Ghnateshwar, Rajkot. The NDRF team has been deployed. The teams will be in direct contact with the DSP and SP Vaghela of Naliya Police. We will remain on alert and run the rescue operation as and when needed", said Ulva, Police Sub-inspector, Naliya (ANI). The Central Government on Wednesday assigned the investigation of the case concerning the death of Sub-Inspector (SI) Junmani Rabha to the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI). "The government of India has assigned the investigation of the case concerning the unfortunate death of Rabha Rabha to CBI," Assam chief minister Himanta Biswa Sarma announced on Twitter on Wednesday. Four cases registered in Assam's Nagaon and Lakhimpur districts in connection with the death of Sub-Inspector Rabha would be probed by the central agency. The first case was registered on May 5 at Nagaon police station, the second case on May 15 at Lakhimpur, the third case was registered on May 16 at Jakhalabandha police station while a fourth case was registered on May 19 at the Jakhalabandha police station. Assam police Sub-Inspector Junmoni Rabha had died mysteriously in an accident after her car collided with a truck near the Jakhalabandha area in the Nagaon district on May 16. Earlier Congress and 11 other opposition parties met Assam Governor Gulab Chand Kataria and submitted a memorandum for inquiry into the death of woman police officer Junmoni Rabha. SI Rabha was in charge of the Morikolong Town Police Outpost. As per the police inputs, Junmoni Rabha was driving the car from the Nagaon side and her car collided with the truck coming from the opposite direction. She was rushed to a nearby hospital where doctors declared her brought dead. The truck driver fled from the spot after the accident, the police said. Earlier, Congress and 11 other opposition parties on Saturday met Assam Governor Gulab Chand Kataria and submitted a memorandum for inquiry into the death of lady police officer Junmoni Rabha. Assam Pradesh Congress, Trinamool Congress, Jatiya Dal Axom, Aam Admi Party, Assam Jatiya Parishad, CPI, NCP, Raijor Dal, CPI (ML), CPI (M), RJD, JD (U) were among the signatories in the memorandum. (ANI) Six people including a woman and five children died after a massive fire erupted in a house located in Urdha village in Ramkoli police station area in Kushinagar late on Wednesday night, informed District Magistrate Ramesh Ranjan. The reason behind the fire is not known yet. The woman and children died while they were asleep. The deceased has been identified as Sangeeta (38), along with the children, Ankit (10), Lakshmeena (9), Rita (3), Gita (2), and Babu (1) After receiving information, the fire brigade reached the spot and doused the fire. Also, the District Magistrate (DM) and the Superintendent of Police (SP) reached the site at night. They sent the bodies for post-mortem and ordered an investigation into the matter. "Under Ramkola station, a man identified as Navmi along with his wife and children slept at night after having dinner. Due to the heat, Navmi slept outside, while his wife, Sangeeta (38), along with the children, Ankit, Lakshmeena, Rita, Gita, and Babu slept inside," said the District Magistrate. "Suddenly, a fire erupted in the house at night. After seeing the flames, Navmi got up. He tried extinguishing the fire but it had gone out of control. The house is situated on the bank of a canal, which the villagers could not make it in time and the fire spread. It caused the death of the woman and her children", he added. Adding further, the DM further stated, "On being informed, the fire brigade and Ramkola police reached the site and the fire was doused. The bodies were recovered. The reasons behind the fire are not clear yet" (ANI). According to the police, the incident occurred at Narayana College hostel in Bachupally area of Nizampet. Students found the body of the class 11 student lying in a pool of blood on the ground and alerted the college authorities. After receiving information from college authorities, police rushed and shifted the body to Gandhi Hospital for autopsy. The girl hailed from Kamareddy town and only a week ago her parents had admitted her to the college. She was staying in the college hostel. The reasons for the girl's extreme step were not known. Police are trying to find out if she left any suicide note. Police have informed the student's family. A case has been registered at KPHB Police Station under the limits of Cyberabad Police Commissionerate. --IANS ms/ksk/ ( 177 Words) 2023-06-13-12:28:05 (IANS) Photo: The Canadian Press Alberta Premier Danielle Smith speaks to delegates at the Global Energy Show in Calgary, Tuesday, June 13, 2023. Alberta Premier Danielle Smith is selling her rail car restaurant in the southern part of the province. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Jeff McIntosh Alberta Premier Danielle Smith is selling a rail car restaurant she owns with her husband. A listing on a real estate website says the "unique, one-of-a-kind restaurant" is up for grabs in the downtown area of High River, about 65 kilometres south of Calgary. The ad says that the business is for sale for $365,000, or for rent for $351 per month. The premier's office says Smith and her husband purchased the restaurant in 2017. Press secretary Sam Blackett says it was a personal goal of Smith's husband to rescue and restore the rail car in memory of his father, who was a dining car waiter. Blackett says Smith's husband also wanted to contribute to the economic recovery of the community following flooding in 2013. "He feels those goals have been achieved and after six years, he has decided to move onto new endeavours," Blackett said in an email Wednesday. On Sunday, two days before the real estate listing was posted online, Smith tweeted that she went to help out at the Dining Car at High River Station. In a photo with the tweet, the smiling premier is wearing a T-shirt, black pants and open-toe sandals while doing dishes in the restaurant's kitchen. "This weekend, the dishwasher broke down, so I went in for a shift," said the post. Opposition parties on Tuesday slammed the BJP-led NDA government over former Twitter CEO Jack Dorsey's claim that it was threatened to shut down its offices or raid homes of its employees. Veteran leader and Rajya Sabha MP Kapil Sibal took to Twitter and slammed the government saying, "Jack Dorsey Ex-Twitter CEO said : BJP government during farmers protests threatened. To shut down Twitter-India offices. Raid homes of Twitter-India employees. Minister (Rajeev Chandrasekhar) denies. Some have no reason to lie. Others every reason to lie." Even Shiv Sena Rajya Sabha MP Priyanka Chaturvedi hit back at the BJP government and said, "Social media rules quite strict in India, says Elon Musk. The billionaire owner of Twitter said that if it came to choosing between complying with the law and having Twitter employees jailed, he would choose compliance. So everyone screaming about what Dorsey said as incorrect, please sit down." She also attached the link to a news report of Musk's claims. In another tweet, Chaturvedi said, "'Twitter under Dorsey and his team were in repeated n continuous violations of India law' say MoS IT. Lol, Yeah the law they broke was to allow hate speech and rabid BJP agenda. But there was no crackdown or compliance issues since it supported their agenda. The minute people and opposition started to fight back using the platform, the government started to crackdown! So please, spare this little sermon." "BTW even Elon Musk has on record spoken about GoI's multiple requests to take down content or suspend accounts that goes against his own belief regarding absolute FoS (Freedom of Speech). They comply, since GoI (Government of India)," she added. The remarks of the opposition leaders came after the Dorsey statement during an interview. When asked if he had faced any pressure from foreign governments, Dorsey, who stepped down from Twitter's board last year, replied, "India for example, India is one of the countries which had many requests around farmers protests, around particular journalists which were critical of the government, and it manifested in ways such as 'we will shut Twitter down in India' ... we would raid the homes of your employees', which they did; 'we will shut down your offices if you don't follow suit'. And this is India, a democratic country." Farmers from several states staged protests at the borders of Delhi for over a year from November 2020. Prime Minister Narendra Modi admitted the failure in convincing the farmers and appealed to them to call off their year-long protest. In the winter session of Parliament, the three laws were withdrawn. --IANS aks/dpb ( 440 Words) 2023-06-13-13:14:01 (IANS) Santosh Kumar Suman, Bihar Scheduled Caste/Scheduled Tribe Welfare Minister and son of Hindustani Awam Morcha (HAM) patron Jitan Ram Manjhi on Tuesday resigned from the state cabinet. Suman and his father met with state Finance Minister Vijay Kumar Chaudhary and discussed the seat sharing formula for half an hour which was not agreed to. Hence, Suman immediately resigned from the post of cabinet minister. "A mega meeting of opposition leaders is scheduled on June 23 and we are not invited. They are not recognising our party, so how could we stay here," Suman said. The move is being considered as a big jolt to Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar's efforts for opposition unity ahead of the mega meeting in Patna. A total of 18 parties will be invited for the mega event but HAM led by Manjhi is not invited for it. However, coming out from the residence of Chaudhary, Manjhi claimed: "The negotiation is currently underway and if Nitish Kumar accepts our demands, we are with him and the Mahagathbandhan." When Suman came out from the residence of Chaudhary, he said that he had given his resignation to him. Ganesh Prajapati, the media coordinator of the HAM, has also confirmed that Suman has resigned from the Nitish Kumar cabinet. Prajapati said that Manjhi was demanding five Lok Sabha seats for HAM in the general elections in 2024 while JD(U) leaders are pressurising him to merge his party with their party. "This has led to conflict and our leader has resigned from the post of cabinet minister," Prajapati said. The HAM has four MLAs and one MLC Suman. Earlier, Manjhi had met Nitish Kumar as well as Union Home Minister Amit Shah. Following the resignation of Suman, Lesi Singh, the cabinet minister in Nitish Kumar government and JD(U) leader said: "The Nitish Kumar government is not affected by such resignation. Leaders come and go during elections. Nitish Kumar had sacrificed his chief minister post and given it to his (Suman's) father (Manjhi). What would be a bigger sacrifice than that." Jama Khan, another minister in Nitish cabinet said: "Our government has seven-party Mahagathbandhan. If any trivial dispute takes place, we will sort out such problems. The bigger question here is to save the country." --IANS ajk/svn/ ( 392 Words) 2023-06-13-14:16:03 (IANS) Uttar Pradesh fisheries minister and national president of Nishad Party, Sanjay Nishad, has said that he will ensure BJP's win in Nishad dominated seats in the state. Talking to reporters here, Sanjay Nishad said that there are 27 Lok Sabha seats in the state where Nishad voters play a crucial role. "As of now, we have not staked claim to any of the seats. We are making these seats ready for BJP. We will ensure BJP's win there. We are confident that we will win any of the 80 seats that BJP gives us. Just like us, BJP has other alliance partners too, so let BJP decide. We want BJP to win on Nishad-dominated seats. That is our sense of duty towards the BJP," he said. Denying reports of a rift after the urban local body elections in the state when the BJP did not give tickets to any Nishad Party candidate, the minister said, "They gave us five seats in the second phase and all of them won." Asked about the inordinate delay in granting SC status to Nishads in Uttar Pradesh, he said, "It is essential for us to be in power with a huge majority to make it happen. This is what I am telling my people. When we found out about that, it turned out to be a case of a missing file. The files related to this are missing from the social welfare department at the Centre since the UPA regime. "We have got an FIR registered on this already. Things will become easy once the file is found. It is because of our efforts that the matter reached the Registrar General of India. It will surely be done if we become stronger." However, he admitted that SC status for 17 sub-castes of Nishads to be an issue in the Lok Sabha 2024 elections. "There is no other issue that we are fighting for," he stated. Talking about the competition from the Vikassheel Insaan Party (VIP) of Bihar, Sanjay Nishad said, "They were here in the UP Assembly elections 2022 as well. They had contested 300 seats. What happened? They have done nothing for Nishads in Bihar, how will they do something in UP? "While our efforts have made the state government implement three welfare schemes for Nishads in UP. The Centre has launched one scheme, the PM Matsya Sampada Yojna. Thousands of Nishads have been made beneficiaries under these schemes and it is for the Nishads to see for themselves." --IANS amita/dpb ( 430 Words) 2023-06-13-14:26:04 (IANS) Congress on Tuesday once again attacked Centre over the alleged data breach of the Covid vaccine beneficiaries saying the Narendra Modi government does not care about the fundamental right to privacy of people, and national security. Hitting out at the government, Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge said, "No matter how much an irresponsible Modi government covers up the CoWIN Data Leak, three things are clear - public's personal data is not secure." "Every Indian knows how in 2017 the Modi government strongly opposed the Supreme Court declaring Right to Privacy as a Fundamental Right," Kharge said, adding that even cyber attacks and data leaks have continuously increased in the country. "Then whether it is the 'world's biggest' AADHAAR data breach of 2018 or the November 2022 cyber attack on AIIMS. "Significantly, the Modi government had told the Supreme Court in September 2018 that AADHAAR data is protected in 13 feet high and five feet thick walls. Cyber attacks have increased many folds during the tenure of Modi government which is beating the drum of Digital India, which are as follows: In 2018, 2.08 lakh, in 2019, 3.94 lakh, in 2020 11.58 lakh, in 2021 14.02 lakh, and in 2022 13.91 lakh as per the government reply in Rajya Sabha on February 2, 2023," he said. The Congress president said, "Overall the situation is clear. Neither the Modi government cares about the fundamental right to privacy of 140 crore people, nor does it care about national security. Data Privacy Law has not been made and no National Security Policy has been implemented on Cyber Attacks." Even Congress general secretary Randeep Singh Surjewala slammed the government and said, "The 'data' of the entire country (100 crore people) has been stolen and lice are not crawling on the ears of the Modi government. The BJP government engaged in spying on the people of its own country. Between 2018 and 2022, there have been more than 45 lakh cyber attack incidents. The Modi government, which hides its responsibility by saying 'no data' every time, putting the privacy and security of crores of countrymen at risk, is it running the 'Go Data' campaign?" The remarks of the Congress leaders comes a day after it was alleged that the data of the Covid vaccine beneficiaries were leaked through Telegram bot. However, the Union Ministry of Health and Family Welfare (MoHFW) on Monday dubbed the alleged data breach of Covid-19 vaccine beneficiaries "mischievous in nature", saying that the CoWIN portal is completely safe with adequate safeguards for data privacy. The Health Ministry also said that it has requested the Indian Computer Emergency Response Team (CERT-In) to look into this issue and submit a report, besides initiating an internal exercise to review the existing security measures of CoWIN. --IANS aks/shb/ ( 475 Words) 2023-06-13-14:32:02 (IANS) Khan was arrested in Maharashtra's Thane district. Senior police officers involved in the investigation have prepared a list of more than 50 questions to interrogate Khan. The police will investigate bank accounts used for the transactions of money for conversion. These bank accounts have been opened in different names. On Monday, Mumbra and Ghaziabad police produced Khan in Thane district court which granted transit remand of Khan to Ghaziabad Police till June 15. The Ghaziabad police team, along with the accused, will return on Tuesday. Khan was arrested on Sunday from a lodge where he was staying with a false identity. twenty-three-year-old Khan is a resident of Mumbra in Maharashtra's Thane district. --IANS pkt/prw/shb/ ( 159 Words) 2023-06-13-15:00:01 (IANS) In a shocking incident in Lucknow, a security guard, was killed and his private parts chopped off by one Anupam Tiwari who suspected the victim of having an affair with his mother, police said. The body of the victim Siddharth Mishra, 34, of Daliganj, was recovered from an embankment near PAC 35 Battalion in Mahanagar. The accused was emotionally upset with his parents and was staying separately in Madioan. His father is suffering with black fungus and is bedridden. The victim met the miscreant's mother through their common acquaintance. When the accused came to know of the victim's affair with his mother, he got perturbed. DCP Central, Aparna Rajat Kaushik, said, "The victim had head injuries and had his private parts chopped off by some sharp object. A blood-stained slab was recovered from the scene also." A team started the investigation after a case was lodged by the deceased's brother Bindu Mishra. "An investigation revealed that Siddharth used to visit the house of a woman," the DCP added. The lead worked as the cops found the suspect who had the motive to kill the victim. "The team working on the case worked in a manual way and collected details of the miscreant who owned up the crime during questioning," said the police officer. "He disclosed that he was filled with hatred for the victim after he came to know his relations with former's mother. He said that he planned to kill Siddharth who used to jeer at him also in the past but changed his mind as he did not find a suitable place to eliminate the victim," the DCP added. On the fateful day, he offered Siddharth drinks which he purchased from a shop in Rahim Nagar and then they moved to the embankment. When Siddharth got drunk, the accused attacked him with a slab/stone and killed him on the spot. He then chopped off his private part which he threw in the Kukrail drain and fled the scene. --IANS amita/khz/ ( 345 Words) 2023-06-13-04:20:02 (IANS) Hours after Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday handed over 70,000 joining letters during a 'rozgar mela', the Congress on Tuesday said the exercise was a 'tamasha (show)' to give an identity to the BJP, which is the job destroyer, and is a desperate gimmick to manage the headlines. In a tweet, Congress general secretary Jairam Ramesh said, "Let us be absolutely clear. The Rozgar Mela does not mean new jobs. What it is doing instead is making the personalisation of governance complete. People are getting government jobs presumably against already sanctioned posts and after going through a recruitment process that has existed for years." He said, "Now the Prime Minister, who has totally and completely failed to create jobs in the last nine years, is making it appear as if some special favour is being bestowed by him and him alone on those getting the government and other public sector jobs. I know of a few in leading educational institutions who were told that their appointment letters, which they would have got in the normal course, would be handed over as part of self-styled Vishwaguru's tamasha." "This entire Tamasha is certainly giving an identity to the BJP as he claims - the identity of job destroyers - now resorting to desperate gimmicks to manage the headlines," Ramesh added. His remarks came after Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday said that the Indian economy is on a rise fuelled by a spike in manufacturing activity and growing employment, despite the growing geopolitical tensions. Addressing newly recruits in various government departments at a 'rozgar mela' where more than 70,000 appointment letters were handed over virtually by him, the prime minister said that due to various government schemes like Start-up India, Stand-up India and Mudra Yojana, several employment opportunities have emerged in private sector also. --IANS aks/dpb ( 320 Words) 2023-06-13-15:58:01 (IANS) The CBI registered a case against Rishi Raj, the Enforcement Officer, working in the East Regional Office of Employees Provident Fund Organisation(EPFO), Delhi. Raj conducted an inspection of a Delhi-based multi-speciality hospital and informed the manager that there were a lot of irregularities in their records for which a penalty of Rs 1.5 crore would be imposed on the hospital. "Raj asked the manager to pay 20 per cent of the penalty amount as bribe for settlement of the said matter and agreed for bribe of Rs 12 lakh after negotiation," said the CBI. An official said that a trap was laid and Raj was caught red-handed while demanding and accepting bribe of Rs 12 lakh. Searches were conducted at the premises of accused. The accused was produced before a Special CBI Court later on. --IANS atk/uk/ ( 182 Words) 2023-06-13-16:52:02 (IANS) The Delhi High Court has rejected a plea filed by an unsuccessful UPSC (Union Public Service Commission) aspirant against single-judge order dismissing his prayer seeking access to his answer sheets of all seven papers of the mains examination along with their model answers. The plea was filed by an engineering graduate, who had appeared for the Civil Services (Preliminary) Examination in 2020 and cleared it, but was unsuccessful in the subsequent Mains Examination. It was rejected by a division bench of Justice Satish Chandra Sharma and Justice Subramonium Prasad. The UPSC aspirant had sought disclosure his answer sheets and the model answers under the Right to Information (RTI) Act. His application was, however, earlier denied by the authorities, including the single judge. The High Court bench while denying his request said that the answer sheets can only be disclosed if there is a public interest in doing so, which was not present in this particular case. The bench also said that the issue of providing answer sheets to unsuccessful candidates in the Civil Services Examination had already been settled by the Supreme Court and can only be disclosed if there is a demonstrated public interest in their release, which was not shown by the appellant. The court found no reason to interfere with the decision of the single judge and therefore dismissed the appeal. "This court does not find any reason to interfere with the order of the learned single judge. Accordingly, the appeal is dismissed along with the pending applications, if any," the court said. --IANS spr/sha ( 275 Words) 2023-06-13-16:58:04 (IANS) The Mumbai Police, after a maritime and aerial search operation lasting over 22 hours, have recovered the bodies of all the four minor boys who were sucked into the Arabian Sea off Juhu's Koliwada on Monday evening, the BMC Disaster Control said here on Tuesday. Earlier on Tuesday, the police recovered the bodies of Dharmesh Valji Faujiya and Shubham Yogesh Bhogania, both 16, and they were sent to the R.N. Cooper Hospital. The missing bodies of two others, Manish Yogesh Bhogania, 12, and Jay Roshan Tajbariya, 15, were also recovered after over 22 hours from the Arabian Sea, stirred up by Cyclone Biparjoy. Of the total five victims who were drowning last evening, one boy was rescued by the locals and fisherfolk, while the Mumbai Police, BMC fire brigade with speedboats, along with an Indian Navy chopper searched the sea till almost midnight for them. The five were part of 8 school friends who had gone on an impromptu half-day picnic to Juhu late on Monday afternoon, on the eve of the school reopening for the new academic year from Tuesday. From the eight, five reportedly ignored warnings and went to a small fishing jetty from where they were swept off by the powerful waves in the water, and the power current quickly sucked them over half-km into the sea. The 8 minors, all non-swimmers, lived in a slum area of Vakola and had quietly slipped off for the evening sojourn that resulted in a watery grave for half the group, and the first major monsoon tragedy in Mumbai. --IANS qn/vd ( 275 Words) 2023-06-13-17:14:05 (IANS) Photo: The Canadian Press Two men who helped run the once wildly popular pirating website Megaupload were each sentenced by a New Zealand court on Thursday to more than two years in prison. The sentencing of Mathias Ortmann and Bram van der Kolk ended an 11-year legal battle by the men to avoid extradition to the United States on more serious charges that included racketeering. The men last year struck a deal with prosecutors from New Zealand and the U.S. in which they pleaded guilty to being part of a criminal group and causing artists to lose money by deception. Meanwhile Kim Dotcom, the founder of Megaupload, is continuing to fight the U.S. charges and threat of extradition. He has said he expects his former colleagues to testify against him as part of the deal they struck. U.S. prosecutors say Megaupload raked in at least $175 million mainly from people who used the site to illegally download songs, television shows and movies - before the FBI shut it down in early 2012 and arrested Dotcom and other company officers. Ortmann was sentenced to 2 years and 7 months while van der Kolk was sentenced to 2 years and 6 months. Each had faced a maximum sentence of 10 years in prison but argued they should be allowed to serve their sentences in home detention. New Zealand Judge Sally Fitzgerald made the unusual decision to allow both men to delay serving their sentences until August on humanitarian grounds because Ortmann is expecting the birth of a child and van der Kolks mother is ill, news website Stuff reported. Fitzgerald said that while the victims of Megaupload included wealthy multinational film and music companies, they also included small companies like a New Zealand software firm, Stuff reported. Dotcom tweeted Thursday that the sentences amounted to a slap on the wrist and showed the desperation of U.S. prosecutors in the case. He said he's been advised the men will be eligible for parole after 10 months. They will serve less than a year instead of the 185 years we were charged with," Dotcom tweeted. "Good for them. After their 2012 arrest, Dotcom and the other two men set up a legitimate cloud-storage website called Mega. Dotcom soon sold his stake in the company and had a falling out with the other men. Lawyers for Dotcom and the other men had long argued that if anybody was guilty in the case, it was the users of the Megaupload site who chose to pirate material, not the founders. But prosecutors argued the men were the architects of a vast criminal enterprise. U.S. prosecutors had earlier sought the extradition of a fourth officer of the company, Finn Batato, who was also arrested in New Zealand in 2012. Batato returned to Germany, where he died last year from cancer. In 2015, Megaupload computer programmer Andrus Nomm of Estonia pleaded guilty in the case to conspiring to commit felony copyright infringement and was sentenced to one year and one day in U.S. federal prison. New Zealands Supreme Court has ruled that Dotcom can be extradited to the U.S. But New Zealand's justice minister has yet to make a final decision on whether the extradition will go ahead. That decision could be appealed, taking still more time in the slow-moving New Zealand legal system. Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M.K. Stalin on Tuesday lashed out against the Enforcement Directorate (ED) raids at the official residence and office of state Electricity Minister Senthil Balaji, terming them a ploy by the BJP-led Central government to get a backdoor entry in the state. Stalin, who also heads the state's ruling DMK, said that such actions would not yield any results and called upon the Central government to understand the folly of such moves. He said that the searches in the minister's office at the secretariat were nothing but political vendetta. Meanwhile, DMK state Organising Secretary and former MP R.S. Bharathi said that the raids conducted at the office and residence of Senthil Balaji were to create a smoke screen to cover up the spat between the AIADMK and the BJP in Tamil Nadu. He also said that no prior permission from the Chief Secretary was taken for conducting raids at the office of the minister in the Secretariat. The Enforcement Directorate had conducted raids at the official residence of Senthil Balaji on Tuesday morning, and later, conducted raids at the office of the minister in the Secretariat. The Income Tax department had conducted raids at the premises of several people linked to the minister during the last week of May. The IT officials had complained that the supporters of the minister's brother had assaulted them. --IANS aal/vd ( 245 Words) 2023-06-13-18:30:05 (IANS) A 32-year-old man, who was wanted in several cases including two murders, has been arrested from the Mehrauli area, the police said on Tuesday. Jaimeet a.k.a Monu, a resident of Jhajjar district in Haryana, was also carrying a reward of Rs 60,000 announced by the Haryana Police for information leading to his arrest. The Special Commissioner of Police (Crime), Ravindra Singh Yadav, said that recently, information was received that Jaimeet would come to the Mehrauli area to meet his associate for plotting murder of rival gang members. Notably, he always carried firearms with him and didn't hesitate to open fire upon a police team. "Acting on the inputs, a trap was laid near Mehrauli from where he was nabbed while he was coming from Gurugram road," Yadav said. The police recovered one pistol along with two bullets from his possession. On interrogation, it was revealed that Jaimeet was arrested in an Arms Act case in 2007 and was sent to jail, where he came in touch with several members of different gangs. "After release from jail, he continued his criminal activities and was arrested by the Haryana Police in different cases several times. He was fascinated by Kapil a.k.a Kallu, who was lodged in jail and was associated with the Gogi Gang," Yadav said. According to the police, Jaimeet committed two murders in Jhajjar district earlier this year. "After committing the murders, he was hiding in Nangloi and was tasked to kill the members of rival gangs for which he was doing recce," the officer said. --IANS ssh/prw/arm ( 272 Words) 2023-06-13-18:32:04 (IANS) Under the campaign 'Har Ghar Camera', individuals, public representatives and traders' associations have been asked by the joint commissioner of police, Lucknow to install CCTV cameras on their premises, businesses, and crossings. "The idea is that CCTV cameras are installed in all small passages, alleys and roads to control crime," the police said in a statement. "Prominent businessmen, traders, shopkeepers, corporators and prominent citizens have also been asked to install CCTV cameras outside their establishments. Regular workshops are being held where these people are being motivated to take steps towards safety," added the press statement. According to police, CCTVs, which will be installed at prominent crossings, places of public gathering and important routes, will be linked with the police stations. Those installing cameras are also being rewarded by the Lucknow police. Several people have already been given certificates for their steps. Lucknow police took to Twitter to post that foot marches and checking is being carried out at sensitive places, important routes, and intersections to strengthen the law and order/security of Lucknow and to curb crime and criminals. --IANS amita/ksk/ ( 206 Words) 2023-06-13-08:16:05 (IANS) Exacerbating the internal strife in the BJP's Karnataka unit, BJP MP Pratap Simha on Tuesday raised the issue of "adjustment politics" in the state as he accused senior party leaders of having joined hands with the Congress government. "Mr Siddaramaiah, maybe prominent leaders of BJP might not speak against you. Many of them might have colluded with your government. But, BJP workers won't compromise with you and they will never do it. In elections, the leaders of BJP might have been defeated, but party workers are not," Simha, the MP from Mysuru-Kodagu, said while talking to journalists here. He questioned that why did the Congress leaders not lodge complaints against the BJP government regarding the 40 per cent commission scam? The Congress leaders created hue and cry on the letter of Kempanna (President of Contractors' Association in Karnataka who wrote a letter on commission scam to PM Modi), he added. "When Basavaraja Bommai was the CM, there were statements on probing de-notification and redo charges, Kempanna report against then opposition leader Siddaramaiah was also discussed. But, our BJP leaders were just issuing statements and did not do anything concrete in this regard," the MP said. "Even Siddaramaiah often spoke about Bitcoin scam, PSI scam against BJP. But, now he has gone completely silent over them. If there is no adjustment with BJP leaders, these allegations must be probed. It is like one criticising the other at each other's convenience. Is your agreement mutual back scratching?" Simha asked. BJP national Secretary C.T. Ravi, was was defeated against his former right-hand man H.D. Thammaiah, pitted against him as Congress candidate in Chikkamagalur constituency, had earlier stated that there is "adjustment politics" within the BJP and this had led to the party's defeat in the state Assembly polls. "We have lost power because of our mistakes. The leaders have compromised and because of these few, the party lost power. I won't name the leaders, but adjustment politics exists and it has resulted in defeat of the party," he had stated. The statements of both leaders have stirred a controversy in the state and exposed the internal strife within the BJP. Sources claim that the outbursts were targeted towards former CM and Lingayat strongman B.S. Yediyurappa, his son B.Y. Vijayendra and former CM Bommai. Statements of Bengaluru North MP and former Chief Minister D.V. Sadananda Gowda had further demoralised the party cadres and showed that all is not well within the party after claiming that 13 MPs have approached him over being maligned and patty high command's silence over the matter is intriguing. Sadananda Gowda stated that there is an attempt to tar 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 demanded. However, Yediyurappa has maintained silence and has not spoken against the Congress and CM Siddaramaiah. Earlier, he was known for his sharp attacks against opponents. Sources close to him say that he had done his best until he retired from electoral politics and now it is the time for others to come forward and take on the Congress. On the other hand the party high command has not been able to appoint a Leader of the Opposition in the Assembly and the Council even after a month after declaration of election results in Karnataka. Sources further say that Yediyurappa is on good terms with both CM Siddaramaiah and Deputy CM D.K. Shivakumar. After being snubbed by the BJP and later approached during the election time, it is alleged that Yediyurappa is only focused on his son and MLA Vijayendra's political career for which he had joined hands with leaders of opposition Congress. Sources also say that until the party gives a concrete assurance over his son's position in the party, he will not disturb the opposition. Meanwhile, Congress ministers have condemned the statements of Pratap Simha and Ravi. Minister for Large and Medium Industries M.B. Patil on Tuesday asked both BJP leaders to name the politicians who are making adjustments in politics, while Social Welfare Minister Dr. H.C. Mahadevappa also echoed the demand. "Regarding 40 per cent commission, the Congress government is going to take serious action and there is no question of going back on that front," he added. --IANS mka/vd ( 749 Words) 2023-06-13-19:50:02 (IANS) The recent exit of some of the top leaders from the JD-U in Bihar has triggered perceptions that the Nitish Kumar-led party is the 'achilles heel' in Mahagathbandhan. The Nitish-led state cabinet suffered the latest jolt on Tuesday when Hindustani Awam Morcha (HAM) leader Santosh Kumar Suman, son of former Bihar Chief Minister Jitan Ram Manjhi, tendered resignation from the cabinet. Suman was SC/ST minister in the Nitish's government. "I am resigning from the cabinet but not withdrawing support from the Mahagathbandhan government. We (HAM) are still part of the Mahagathbandhan government. JDU pressured us to merge the party, to which we have not agreed. Hence, I resigned. The opposition parties are going to hold a mega meeting in Patna but they have not invited us. They are not recognising our party. So what is the point of staying here," Suman said after his resignation. Earlier, some top leaders like R.C.P. Singh and Upendra Kushwaha left the JD-U. Bihar seat arithmetics In 2020 Assembly election, the HAM was part of the NDA. At that time, there was a seat sharing arrangement between the JD-U and the BJP. The JD-U was allotted 122 seats while the BJP got 121 seats. HAM got seven seats from JD-U's quota, while Mukesh Sahani's Vikassheel Insaan Party (VIP) got 11 seats from BJP's quota. In 2020, HAM and VIP managed to win four seats each, while the JD-U and the BJP won 43 and 74 seats respectively, and formed the government in the state. However, in August 2022, Nitish Kumar left the NDA and formed the government in alliance with the Mahagathbandhan. Currently, the JDU has 45 seats - two seats up from it 2020 tally - after induction LJP MLA Raj Kumar in the party and winning the by-poll from Tarapur constituency under Munger district. Besides the JD-U, the Mahagathbandhan comprises 79 MLAs of the RJD, 19 of Congress, CPI-ML (12), CPI (2), CPI-M (2) and an independent MLA. So, the total strength of Nitish-led government is 164 (four HAM MLAs). Opposition BJP has 78 MLAs. AIMIM has one MLA. If HAM withdraws its support from Mahagathbandhan, it would not affect the Nitish government much as it will still have 160 MLAs, which is well beyond the magical figure of 122. Jitan Ram Manjhi belongs to Mahadalit (Mushar) community which has a sizable vote bank of around five per cent in the state. If Manjhi joins hands with the NDA, it would be a big jolt to Nitish Kumar. Upendra Kushwaha has also formed the new political party Rashtriya Lok Janata Dal (RLJD). He is a prominent Kushwaha community leader. Both Upendra Kushwaha and R.C.P. Singh are in touch with BJP. --IANS ajk/dan ( 459 Words) 2023-06-13-19:50:03 (IANS) The police said on Tuesday that Jonali Nath, a woman BJP leader from Assam's Goalpara district whose body was discovered on Sunday night next to the highway, was murdered by her partner Hasanur Islam. The police detained Hasanur on Monday evening. The Criminal Investigation Department (CID) said that for more than two years, the deceased woman had an affair with Hasanur. Hasanur is a ward member of the Congress in Goalpara's Matia area, while Jonali served as the district secretary of the BJP in Goalpara. Jonali was married and she got involved with Hasanur in an illicit relationship two years ago. Inspector General of CID, Debraj Upadhyay, said that Hasanur Islam has admitted during interrogation of having an affair with Jonali for more than two years, but said that he had recently married another woman which upset Jonali. Upadhyay said that Hasanur also admitted that on Sunday night, Jonali came to meet him. He picked her up in his car after which a quarrel broke out between the two inside the car. "He hit her many times on the face after she questioned him about his marriage, rendering her unconscious," the officer said. While the doctors said that a hard object was used to kill her, Hasanur told the police that he hit her on the face until she passed out. "When he realised she was dead, he abandoned her near the road and drove off. He also banged her head on the car. The car has bloodstains on it," Upadhyay added. The bloodstains on the car matched those of Jonali, according to the police, which also claimed to have verified Hasanur's ownership of the vehicle. The police said that when Jonali found out about Hasanur's wedding, she began calling him, but he initially avoided her. Hasanur later agreed to meet her on Sunday, and picked her up from a market area in Matia. According to her relatives, Jonali left the house on Sunday at around 4:30 p.m. for some personal work. Her husband tried to call her after 7 p.m. but couldn't get through. The body was discovered around midnight after the family members contacted the police. Upadhyay said that Hasanur had switched off Jonali's mobile phone at 7:13 p.m. because he didn't want any interruptions. The police located her after scanning her call logs. Meanwhile, many of Jonali's supporters claimed that she was raped before being killed. however, Rajesh Reddy, district superintendent of police, told IANS that there was no sexual assault. "The body showed no signs of sexual assault, as per the doctors. We are questioning the accused to get further details regarding the case," Reddy said. --IANS tdr/dan/arm ( 454 Words) 2023-06-13-19:54:02 (IANS) The most violent clashes were reported from Bhangar in South 24 Parganas district, where the area around the block development office turned into a virtual battlefield following clashes between Trinamool Congress and All India Secular Front (AISF) workers. Some police personnel were also injured in the street-fight which involved brick-batting and hurling of crude bombs. The State Election Commission has sought reports from the district magistrate and the district police superintendent on this matter. Similarly, the situation got tense at Barasat in North 24 Parganas district after All India Forward Bloc candidate Abdul Alam was resisted from filing his nomination at the local block development office. It was alleged that the nomination related documents of Alam were snatched and his associates were kidnapped by Trinamool workers. However, the local Trinamool leadership has denied the charges. Similarly, the situation turned tense at Canning in South 24 Parganas district on Tuesday afternoon over clashes between Trinamool and BJP workers over filing of nominations. BJP leader and counsel of the Calcutta High Court, Priyanka Tibrewal, alleged that the ruling party supporters launched unprovoked attacks on BJP candidates following which the latter had to return without filing nominations. Meanwhile, the Calcutta High Court on Tuesday directed deployment of central armed forces in seven sensitive districts on the polling day. The polling is scheduled for July 8 and the counting will be taken up on July 11. --IANS src/dan/arm ( 275 Words) 2023-06-13-20:10:04 (IANS) Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar on Tuesday accepted the resignation of SC/ST Welfare Minister Santosh Suman of the Hindustani Awam Morcha. His office has also called JD-U Dalit MLA Ratnesh Sada to reach CM's residence for a meeting with Nitish Kumar. Suman, the son of HAM chief and former Chief Minister Jitan Ram Manjhi, was not happy with the stand of Nitish Kumar to merge his party into the JD-U. He said that the proposal given to his party was not acceptable and hence, he has no option other than to resign from the post. Suman also said that his party was not invited for the mega meeting of opposition parties slated to be held here on June 23 and it seems that the Mahagatbandhan leaders are not recognising that the HAM is a party. Sources have said that HAM was trying to obtain at least 3 Lok Sabha seats and Manjhi was also looking for the invitation from Nitish Kumar for the mega meeting on June 3. As both the demands were not met, Suman gave the resignation from the post to Finance Minister Vijay Kumar Chaudhary. Chaudhary, along with JD-U national President Lalan Singh, then went to the CM's residence cum office and handed over Suman's resignation to Nitish Kumar. Following the development, Sada was summoned. Sources have said that Nitish Kumar is going to expand the cabinet soon and give him the SC/ST Welfare Ministry of him. Sada, the MLA from Sonvarsa (reserved) seat reached Patna around 6 p.m. and went inside the CM residence. "I get the call from Parliamentary Affairs cum Finance Minister Vijay Chaudhary and Vijendra Yadav, asking me to reach the CM's residence in Patna. I was in my constituency and as soon as I received the call, I reached here. I am thankful to Nitish Kumar that he called me. I am ready to accept whatever responsibility he would give to me," Sada said. Sada was elected in the 2020 assembly election by defeating Congress candidate Tarani Rishidev by a margin of 13,466 votes. If Sada would get a chance, he would be the third Dalit minister in the Nitish cabinet from the JD-U quota, after Ashok Chaudhary and Sunil Kumar. --IANS ajk/vd ( 387 Words) 2023-06-13-20:18:02 (IANS) The Indian Coast Guard (ICG) said on Tuesday that it has evacuated 50 crew members of Directorate General of Hydrocarbons (DGH) as a preventive measure in view of the severe cyclone Biparjoy. The Ministry of Defence said that the Directorate General of Hydrocarbons (DGH) had requested the ICG for evacuation of 50 crew members from jack up rig 'KEY SINGAPORE 01' located 25 nm west of Okha, Gujarat. The ministry said that ICG initiated the operation for the safe evacuation of all 50 crews onboard the rig in rough weathers and high seas. ICG ship Shoor was diverted immediately for rescue operations. An ICG helicopter (CG 858) was also positioned in Okha for evacuation, officials added. The ICG evacuated 26 crew members by the evening on June 12. Consequently, the operation resumed with first light on Tuesday which resulted in the safe evacuation of the remaining 24 crew members. The operation has been completed successfully, the Defence Ministry said. Cyclonic storm Biparjoy was noticed forming in the Arabian Sea from June 6. The ICG has been undertaking pre-emptive and preventive measures at sea since then. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) said on Tuesday that cyclone Biparjoy has turned from 'extreme' to a 'very severe' cyclonic storm and will cross the Jakhau Port in Gujarat by Thursday evening. An 'orange' alert is in effect for the state's Saurashtra and Kutch coasts. "The very severe cyclonic storm Biparjoy over northeast and adjoining east-central Arabian Sea moved north-northwestwards with a speed of 10 kmph during past six hours and lay centred at 5.30 a.m. on Tuesday over northeast and adjoining east-central Arabian Sea, about 300 km west-southwest of Porbandar, 290 km southwest of Devbhumi Dwarka, 340 km south-southwest of Jakhau Port, 350 km south-southwest of Naliya, and 480 km south of Karachi," the IMD said in a statement. --IANS gcb/dan/arm ( 323 Words) 2023-06-13-20:38:01 (IANS) The victim, Amit Tiwari, 32, of Nigohan was shot in the head on Monday night. His friend Atul also suffered injuries in the attack but police were uncertain if the wounds were caused by a firearm. "The doctors were yet to ascertain the cause of the wounds that Atul suffered. Both of them were sent to the Trauma Centre for medical examination and treatment," DCP East Hirdesh Kumar said. He said that he was supervising the ongoing investigation of the case. "Experts from the forensic department and other wings of the police have collected the evidence and details related to the incident," he said, adding that the possibility of rivalry angle, business related dispute and money related issue could be reasons behind the fatal attack on the victim. Amit, along with his friend, worked as a property dealer and had his office in sector 17 of Vrindavan Yojna Colony. At around 9 p.m., Amit, along with Atul, left for their houses in Nigohan with both riding a motorcycle. Witnesses told police that the attackers were waiting for the victim to come out of the building in which his office is located. "The miscreant opened a burst fire at the victim and a bullet hit him in his head, leaving him dead on the spot," a witness told police. The DCP said the police were yet to find the total rounds of the firing done on the victim. "The victim suffered bullet injuries in his head, a vital organ and died due to this injury," he said. --IANS amita/ksk/ ( 281 Words) 2023-06-13-08:22:03 (IANS) Photo: The Canadian Press Federal agents search Nathan Carman's residence in 2022. The man charged with killing his mother at sea during a 2016 fishing trip off the coast of New England has died awaiting trial, federal authorities said Thursday. Nathan Carman, 29, of Vernon, Vermont, was scheduled to face trial in October in what prosecutors said was a scheme to inherit millions of dollars. He had pleaded not guilty last year to fraud and first-degree murder in the death of his mother, Linda Carman of Middletown, Connecticut. The cause of Nathan Carman's death was not immediately clear. One of his lawyers, Martin Minnella, said he was told about Carmans death Thursday by the U.S. Marshals Service. We had spoken to him yesterday. He was in good spirits, Minnella said. We were meeting with some experts today over Zoom at 12 oclock. We were prepared to start picking a jury on Oct. 10 and we were confident we were going to win. Its just a tragedy, a tragedy. The eight-count indictment also says Carman shot and killed his wealthy grandfather John Chakalos at the man's home in Windsor, Connecticut, in 2013 as part of a scheme to obtain money and property from his grandfathers estate. But the indictment does not charge him with murder in his death. Mr. Carman was in the custody of the U.S. Marshal, as is the case for all pretrial defendants who are detained. The U.S. Marshal confirmed Mr. Carmans death this morning. We have no further comment beyond our public filing, said Fabienne Boisvert-DeFazio, public affairs officer for the Vermont U.S. attorney's office. The filing said prosecutors received information from the U.S. Marshal that Carman died on or about Thursday. Minnella and fellow attorney David Sullivan, both from Connecticut, where Carman grew up, had criticized the indictment, including allegations Carman killed his grandfather, saying Carman was never charged with that crime. The whole situation would have come out in court, Minnella said Thursday. It would have come out in court and Im positive ... that this young man would have been vindicated. Assistant U.S. Attorney Paul Van de Graaf said in court in February that Chakalos murder was part of the fraud charge. In September 2016, Carman arranged a fishing trip with his mother, during which prosecutors say he planned to kill her and report that his boat sank and his mother disappeared in the accident. He was found floating in an inflatable raft eight days after leaving a Rhode Island marina with his mother, who was never found. Prosecutors allege he altered the boat to make it more likely to sink. Carman denied that allegation. During the first meeting of Opposition parties scheduled in Patna on June 23, the leaders will pass a resolution to contest next year's Lok Sabha elections unitedly, besides setting the date for the next meeting, sources in the Congress said on Tuesday. The first meeting of the Opposition parties, aimed at forging an alliance ahead of next year's Lok Sabha polls, is all set to take place in Patna on June 23. From the Congress, party President Mallikarjun Kharge and Rahul Gandhi will attend the meeting. A source revealed that Kharge and Rahul Gandhi will reach in Patna on June 23 and will first attend a programme at the party headquarters at Sadakat Ashram. At the party headquarters, the two leaders will unveil a statue of B.R. Ambedkar and then address the party workers. After the programme, the two leaders will leave for the Opposition meeting that is scheduled to be held in the afternoon. The source said that during the Opposition meeting, which will include 15 parties, a message of unity will be sent across. It will also pass a resolution to contest the 2024 Lok Sabha elections unitedly. The source said that during the meeting, a decision will also be taken to form a subcommittee at state levels to look after the work of the Opposition unity. The date for the next Opposition meeting will also be discussed. The source said that the second meeting of Opposition parties is likely to take place in Shimla, where the leaders of the 15 Opposition parties will camp for at least two to three days to discuss and chalk out the seat-sharing formula, and the issues on which they need to corner the BJP in next year's elections. Bihar Chief Minister and JD-U leader Nitish Kumar, along with his deputy and RJD leader Tehashwi Yadav, had met Kharge and Rahul Gandhi in the national capital on April 12. It was the first meeting to bring the like-minded parties together for the crucial Lok Sabha elections. Nitish Kumar has met several Opposition leaders including Trinamool Congress supremo Mamata Banerjee, Jharkhand Mukti Morcha chief Hemant Soren, NCP supremo Sharad Pawar, Shiv Sena leader Uddhav Thackeray, Samajwadi Party chief Akhilesh Yadav, AAP Convenor Arvind Kejriwal, CPI-M leader Sitaram Yechury, and CPI leader D. Raja, among others, in a bid to bring them together. --IANS aks/dan ( 409 Words) 2023-06-13-20:46:04 (IANS) El Nino Southern Oscillation (ENSO), due to which water temperatures in the equatorial Pacific Ocean become cooler than normal because of the upwelling of cold water from the bottom of the sea, led to a delay in monsoon, while cyclone Biparjoy also played a crucial role in the delay, said experts. According to private weather forecaster Skymet Weather Services Pvt Ltd, the sea surface temperatures (SSTs) in the Pacific Ocean are generally at or above normal levels near the equator. Following the end of the 'Triple Dip La Nina' event, below-average SST anomalies have diminished across most of the equatorial Pacific Ocean since December 2022. From January 2023 onwards, above-average SST anomalies have intensified in the eastern equatorial Pacific. Since early April 2023, the tropical Pacific Ocean has consistently experienced SSTs that are higher than average. "In April 2023, an El Nino 'watch' was issued, signaling the beginning of the warm phase of the ENSO phenomenon. Since then, all the Nino indices have remained positive-neutral or above the designated threshold. The Nino indices in the western half of the equatorial Pacific Ocean are still on the borderline, while the eastern portion consistently displays sufficient warming," said a Skymet official. Mahesh Palawat, Vice President of Meteorology and Climate Change at Skymet, explained that the current westerly winds, responsible for bringing the monsoon to the Indian mainland, are presently weak. "As a result, the moisture is being drawn towards the cyclone instead of reaching the mainland. This delay in the monsoon, coupled with these weather patterns, indicates that there will be reduced amount of rainfall in the near future," Palawat said, adding that the monsoon will be delayed in central and northwest part of the country. "Around June 16, we can expect Rajasthan to start witnessing rainfall activities as Biparjoy will cross the coast. The western half will be more vulnerable than the eastern parts. The combined effect of western disturbance and the weaker version of Biparjoy is expected around June 17 and 18," said the weather expert. According to India Meteorological Department (IMD), southwest monsoon arrived in the Kerala region a week later than its usual onset date, occurring on June 8 instead of June 1. The delay was attributed to cyclone Biparjoy. Additionally, the presence of a cyclone in the Arabian Sea is impeding the progress of the rain-bearing system, preventing it from advancing towards the interior regions of the Indian peninsula. This monsoon delay has also impacted regions such as Maharashtra, Odisha, half of Telangana, Chhattisgarh, Jharkhand and Bihar, which typically experience the monsoon season by June 15. However, the northeast and west coasts of the country appear to be unaffected by these delays. Unfortunately, the Bay of Bengal has not shown any indications of weather systems emerging, which are crucial drivers of monsoon. --IANS ssh/arm ( 484 Words) 2023-06-13-21:02:02 (IANS) Shahnawaz Khan alias Baddo, the key accused in Ghaziabad's alleged religious conversion through gaming app racket, has been sent to a 14-day judicial custody by a court here on Tuesday. Baddo was arrested in Maharashtra's Raigad district on Sunday, June 11. Later after getting a transit remand of the accused from a Thane court, the Uttar Pradesh police brought him to Ghaziabad on Tuesday morning. The accused was brought to Delhi's IGI airport on late Monday night, from where he was taken by road to the district hospital in Ghaziabad's Sanjay Nagar for medical examinations. According to sources, the police interrogated Baddo for several hours before bringing him to the hospital. The accused denied most of the allegations. Also, the police have not found much evidence even from his mobile and are assuming that Baddo has erased all the evidences from the mobile before it was seized by the police, sources added. The deleted data will now be recovered through forensic lab, they explained. Baddo was arrested from a lodge on June 11. On June 12, he was produced before a sessions court in Maharastra's Thane, which granted the transit remand of the accused to the Uttar Pradesh Police till June 15. It is likely that besides the Ghaziabad police, several other investigation agencies will also interrogate Baddo, against whom an FIR was registered on May 30 at Kavi Nagar police station in Ghaziabad under the Uttar Pradesh Prohibition of Unlawful Conversion of Religion Act. The FIR was lodged based on the complaint lodged by a man, who alleged that a cleric and Shahnawaz had unlawfully converted his 17-year-old son to Islam. During interrogation, the boy accepted that he was converted to Islam. The first arrest in this case was made on June 4 of Maulvi Abdul Rehman. --IANS pkt/sha ( 313 Words) 2023-06-13-21:06:04 (IANS) The Kerala High Court has said that in the modern world of Artificial Intelligence (AI) the government must stay abreast of emerging global demands and changes in order to fulfill the goal of a truly digital India. "The certificates issued by the government and statutory authorities have to be internationally accepted, especially when India is a signatory to international conventions and treaties. If our vision to have a digital India is to materialise, we must be willing to change every minute to catch up with the global world and not adopt a pedantic and rigid approach," the court said. The judgment was passed on a plea moved by a person seeking to get a proper police clearance certificate issued by the regional passport officer in his favour. The petitioner, working in Kuwait, was granted a police clearance certificate after he secured bail in a criminal case registered against him in connection with some matrimonial offences. But the Kuwait Embassy refused to accept the certificate since it did not contain a barcode, a scanned photograph, or status of his criminal case. Even after the petitioner approached the High Court previously and obtained an order directing the authorities to issue a proper certificate, the same was not done. This led to the present petition before the High Court. But the passport authorities submitted that the certificates are issued from the system based on the Ministry of External Affairs database. It was contended that the central database permits the certificates to be issued with barcodes and scanned photographs only if the applicant has no criminal antecedents; otherwise, only a manual certificate can be issued without the barcode and scanned photograph. "A certificate with a barcode and scanned photograph quickly confirms the information and identifies the person from large databases by scanning or swiping the document. It also eliminates the cumbersome process of apostille stamping/attestation of the document by foreign missions. Barcodes also have high-security features and eradicate fraud," the court said. The court directed the passport authorities to take up the matter with the competent authorities to make necessary modifications in the central system and also issue the appropriate certificate to the petitioner. --IANS sg/dpb ( 376 Words) 2023-06-13-11:06:05 (IANS) Top military officers deployed along the Line of Actual Control in Eastern Ladakh are holding operational discussions to further strengthen the preparedness in the region. The meeting is held on the third anniversary of the Galwan Valley clash in which India lost 20 troops while causing heavy damage to the Chinese Army and is attended by the Northern Army. "Commander Lt Gen Upendra Dwivedi, 14 Corps Commander Lt Gen Rashim Bali and One Strike Corps Commander Lt Gen Sanjay Mitra along with other formations deployed there," Army sources said here. The meeting will discuss the preparedness of the force in the sector bordering China. The Northern Army Command is in charge of the Ladakh sector and has been provided with a new formation in the form of the One Strike Corps headquartered in Mathura which has its elements spread across the Northern parts of the country. The reorganisation of the Army was done by the government and forces after the Chinese aggression of April-May 2020 along the eastern Ladakh sector. More than 50,000 troops of the Chinese military have been deployed along the LAC opposite Eastern Ladakh since 2020. India has also deployed multiple new formations in the area to prevent any possible future aggression by the Chinese and prevented any such moves. The infrastructure development in the area has also been hastened and the world's highest motorable road has been built in eastern Ladakh at the Umling La Pass. The road has helped in promoting connectivity to the forward locations where Indian and Chinese troops have been deployed opposite each other for the last three years now. (ANI) Days after Maharashtra Chief Minister Eknath Shinde-led Shiv Sena came under fire after a front-page newspaper advertisement that featured Maharashtra Chief Minister Eknath Shinde, but not his deputy, Devendra Fadnavis, State BJP President Chandrashekhar Bawankulee on Thursday said that in a family. brothers can also have differences and fights. Downplaying the incident, Bawankulee said, " In a family, two brothers also fight. So, differences might occur. Now that the advertisement has come and everything is clear, I think we should close this matter," said Bawankulee. A front-page advertisement issued by the Eknath Shinde-led Shiv Sena in newspapers across Maharashtra stoked a political controversy on Tuesday as it featured pictures of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and the chief minister, leaving out deputy chief minister Devendra Fadnavis. The advertisement claimed that a survey had revealed that more people in the state preferred Shinde for the CM's post than Fadnavis. Soon after the advertisement created waves in political circles, the BJP-Shiv Sena government has released an advertisement featuring both leaders. On Tuesday, Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) leader Ajit Pawar slammed Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and Shiv Sena over the advertisement featuring Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Maharashtra Chief Minister Eknath Shinde. the BJP-Shiv Sena government has released an advertisement featuring both leaders. He stated that the poster didn't feature Shiv Sena's stalwarts like Balasaheb Thackeray and Anand Dighe. "Till date, in my political career, I have not seen this kind of advertisement which I saw in today's newspapers. PM Narendra Modi and CM Shinde's photos were there in the advertisement," Pawar had said. He added, "They (Shiv Sena) say that they are the soldiers of Balasaheb Thackeray, whereas Balasaheb Thackeray's and Anand Dighe's photos were missing from the advertisement." BJP member Praveen Darekar said that the Sena's ad "was not right", while Sanjay Raut of the Uddhav Sena alleged Shinde's camp had forgotten Shiv Sena founder Bal Thackeray. (ANI) Strict security arrangements have been made in Uttarakhand's Purola town in view of the announcement of the mahapanchayat that was scheduled to be held today. The Uttarkashi district administration on Wednesday refused permission for a Mahapanchayat proposed to be held on June 15 in Uttarakhand's Purola town, which has been witnessing communal tensions over an alleged attempt to abduct a minor girl last month. The district administration has also imposed Section 144 of the Code of Criminal Procedure, which prohibits the gathering of four or more people in a specified area, District Magistrate of Uttarkashi Abhishek Rohilla said. Apart from Purola, the market was also closed in Naugaon, Barkot. Security forces deployed everywhere. Uttarkashi, Inspector Santosh Kumar said that the police are keeping an eye on the area and are getting support from the local people. "The traders' association have closed the Purola market. Section 144 CrPC imposed by the administration is being followed. The police are keeping an eye on the area and are getting support from the local people. There are no reports of a violation of Section 144 CrPC," said Inspector Santosh Kumar. "Since the attempt to abduct a minor girl in Purola of Uttarkashi district of Uttarakhand, there has been tension against a particular community. Local head organizations have announced today to hold a mahapanchayat in Purola, in view of which Uttarkashi district administration has imposed Section 144 in Purola. Uttarkashi," said SP Uttarkashi, Arpan Yadhuvanshi. The Mahapanchayat was called by the Purola Pradhan Sangathan and has received support from the Vishwa Hindu Parishad, the Bajrang Dal among others. The situation in Purola has been tense after two men were caught in an alleged attempt to elope with a minor girl from Purola last month. Earlier on Wedneday, Uttarakhand Police staged a flag march in Purola. "We are taking out a flag march to restore peace. We were asked permission to organize mahapanchayat yesterday but we have not given permission to anyone. Section 144 will remain in force in the city till June 19," said Tirath Pal Singh, ADM, Uttarkashi. District Magistrate of Uttarkashi Abhishek Rohilla said, "The permission for the proposed mahapanchayat to be held on June 15 has been denied." "Speaking exclusively to ANI, Uttarakhand, Director General of Police (DGP), Ashok Kumar said that no one will be given permission to break the law, over the proposed mahapanchayat. District Magistrate Abhishek Rohilla and Superintendant of Police Arpan Yaduvanshi had arrived in Purola on Monday, following tensions in the area. After meeting with local public representatives, the officials appealed to maintain harmony and peace. During the meeting locals from a particular community told officials that certain posters with threats to them were put up in the Purola town and since then they have been living in an atmosphere of fear. District Magistrate Abhishek Ruhela appealed to both communities to maintain peace and not to be misled by anyone. He also appealed to open community special shops with the consent of the representatives of the Board of Trade. On June 9, Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami held a high-level meeting in the secretariat and said that the "cases of love jihad that are coming up will be strictly investigated".State DGP Ashok Kumar, Additional Director General of Police (Law and Order) V Murugesan and officers of the Intelligence Department were present in the meeting. Murugesan said on Monday that strict action will be taken against those taking the law into their hands. "Recently there have been incidents of elopement in Uttarkashi, Vikas Nagar and other areas. Local people are agitating. FIRs were registered. Police are doing their duty to establish peace. Whoever breaks the law, strict legal actions will be taken against them. An investigation is underway," he said. (ANI) People were seen rappelling down as they escape from the building using wires as fire broke out in the building. According to the fire department, as many as 11 fire tenders rushed to the site and a rescue operation is underway. Further details are awaited. (ANI) Himachal Pradesh Chief Minister Thakur Sukhwinder Singh Sukhu, while administering a meeting to review the developmental projects being undertaken in the State with the assistance of Asian Development Bank (ADB), on Wednesday, stressed upon early completion of tourism projects. In addition to this, CM Sukhu stated that the state government had allotted Rs 4,000 crore in order to promote 'Green' tourism. And also, Rs 70 crores had been allotted to promote adventure tourism at Pong dam in Kangra district. "The State Government was promoting the green industry in the state and the Government was going to spend Rs 4,000 crore on the green tourism industry which will go a long way in enhancing the influx of tourists. He said that the State Government has allocated Rs 70 crore for commencing adventure tourism at Pong Dam in Kangra district which will provide employment and self-employment opportunities to the local youth", said CM Sukhu. The Chief Minister also directed that the buildings be effectively utilized and called for the revival and transfer of any redundant projects to other departments to ensure their early commencement. "The present State Government is implementing comprehensive measures to enhance tourism activities with the aim of developing Kangra district as the 'Tourism Capital' of the State. Earnest efforts were being made in this direction and various measures would be taken in future as well to give a fillip to the tourism industry. The tourism department should not only focus on constructing buildings but also should make adequate arrangements for electricity and water supply, in order to prevent unnecessary delays in initiating these projects", said the Chief Minister. CM Sukhwinder Singh Sukhu also emphasized the high-quality construction work in all the PWD (Public Works Department) project works. He also instructed the department to prioritize the construction of tunnels for new road projects for the convenience of both local residents and tourists which would go a long way in saving the time and money of the commuters. Additionally, during the meeting, PWD Minister, Vikramaditya Singh concentrate on qualitative work by all the departments and narrated various activities of the department carried out in the past six months. Additionally, the Chairman of Himachal Pradesh Tourism Development Corporation, Raghubir Singh Bali, MLA Chandrashekhar, Chief Secretary Prabodh Saxena, Principal Secretary Onkar Chand Sharma, Principal Secretary of Chief Minister Bharat Khera, Principal Secretary (Tourism) Devesh Kumar, Secretary (Education) Abhishek Jain, Managing Director H.P. Tourism Development Corporation, Amit Kashyap and other officers also tendered their suggestions during the meeting (ANI). The team of Special Narcotics police station and Assam Rifles on Wednesday evening conducted a joint operation at the Zemabawk area and seized 1.026 kg (88 soap cases) of heroin, valued over Rs 5 crore in the international market, from the possession of Hmingthansanga (38 years old), a resident of Champhai district, informed the police. According to Mizoram police, on further investigation and sustained interrogation of the accused person, another accused involved in the case Lalsanga Sailo (34-years-old) of Champhai district was also arrested. A case under sections 21(c)/25 ND & PS Act has been registered at the Special Narcotics police station for further investigation on forward/ backward linkages. Earlier in May this year, a large quantity of contraband drugs worth Rs 19.5 crore was seized in a joint operation conducted by Assam Rifles and Mizoram Police in Aizawl on Tuesday, an official statement said. Mizoram Police said that one person was also arrested in this regard. (ANI) In a major development, the Nagas of Manipur and the majority Meitei community have resolved to strive for maintaining territorial integrity of the violence-hit state. Representatives, including village chiefs and authorities of 13 Tangkhul Naga and six Meitei villages, conclaved at Chandrakhong, a converging point of Kamjong, Kangpokpi and Thoubal districts of Manipur on June 10 and decided to work for safeguard of Meitei and Tangkhul Naga villages and even demand an NRC. A few days earlier, as many as 10 Naga legislators from Manipur had dissociated themselves from the demand of a "separate administration" for tribals by the Kukis and other smaller Zo communities and asserted that "Naga areas should not be touched" if at all any such arrangement is made. These have triggered debate on the prospects of Naga peace talks and even so-called Naga unity. "We the Nagas have been trying to go forward on a back gear and perhaps we are soon about to reach the station called: 'Solution? What Solution?'," says retired IAS officer Khekiye K. Sema questioning the very rationale of the ongoing Naga peace talks. "To add salt to the wound, it appears that our Tangkhul brothers have finally shown their true character by openly joining hands with the Meiteis in a time like this... vowing to jointly safeguard Manipur's territorial integrity," he wrote in an article published in local newspapers. "Are the Nagas of Nagaland awake to this recent development? For all practical purposes the NSCN (IM) is a Tangkhul outfit". The developments are significant. The Nagas of Manipur have shown preference to a status quo arrangement with the Manipur state. Moreover, since the ethnic strife broke out in Manipur on May 3 between the Meiteis and Kukis, there have been no untoward incidents between Meiteis and Nagas. In fact, analysts also say that the efforts by Kukis to enlist the support of the Nagas of Manipur in their demand for a separate administration did not enthuse the latter showing their clear preference to stick to their age-old friendship with the Meiteis. The NSCN-IM, consisting largely of Tangkhul Naga cadres and leadership under a Tangkhul Naga Thuingaleng Muivah, has been insisting for a 'greater Nagaland' or Nagalim in their parleys with the Centre. The Centre has HOWEVER, rejected the demand stating that no compromise will be entertained to impact the territorial integrity of states like Manipur, Assam and Arunachal Pradesh. NNPG -- the umbrella organisation of seven Naga outfits with an overwhelming support base within the state of Nagaland led by N. Kitovi Zhimomi -- is keen for an early solution pact with the Centre. The NNPG had signed a foundation pact called 'Agreed Position' in 2017, while the NSCN-IM has its own Framework Agreement which was inked with the Centre in the presence of Prime Minister Narendra Modi in 2015. The Naga civil society and influential Naga Tribes Council (NTC) have been insisting for an early peace pact and did not like matters related to Manipur or Arunachal Pradesh to be linked for delaying the solution and a final peace pact. The NSCN-IM on the other hand has not made any forward movement on the peace talks with the Centre since 2019. Now a categorical assertion by the Naga legislators of Manipur that they would not like to be "touched" by the Kuki demand and 13 Tangkhul Naga villages backing the cause of a 'united Manipur' would have its ramifications in the peace parleys. Former civil servant Khekiye Sema's statement must be seen from that perspective. "Despite such ruthless hatred plainly being displayed by the Meiteis right before their very eyes against a tribal brother (Kukis), the utter indifference and lack of unity amongst the tribals of Manipur is clearly unimaginable," laments Khekiye, who is a Sema Naga and a Christian from Nagaland. Khekiye suggests that the NSCN-IM leadership is still hiding from Nagas of the state of Nagaland the details of its "negotiations" with the Centre. "Their arrogant audacity lies in the fact that the NSCN (IM) have refused to transparently share their Competency Clauses' to the stake holders that's predominantly concerning us, the Nagas of Nagaland! The Tangkhul brothers in the NSCN (IM) led by their unquestioned all mighty Muivah are playing a treacherous game with the lives and the future of the Nagas of Nagaland with half truths and sinister questionable motivations," he says. Khekiye maintains that by way of Naga Hoho or an upper House in the new proposed system, the Tangkhul Nagas or the NSCN-IM leadership want to dominate the state of affairs of Nagaland. Since May 3, the violence in Manipur has killed over 100 people and injured more than 300 others. Thousands have been rendered homeless and around 9,000 Kuki-Zo community people from the hills of Manipur are already taking shelter in Mizoram. A 10-member group, including MLAs from the BJP, NPF and NPP, called on Union Home Minister Amit Shah last week and appreciated the latter's 'swift actions' to control the escalating tensions. MLA Losii Dikho said that for the first time in many years, there is now a Naga MLAs forum in Manipur. Meanwhile, the CBI has filed six FIRs and formed a special team to probe the alleged conspiracy related to the ethnic violence in Manipur. The agency will probe into details whether there was a 'conspiracy' to foment communal tension in the sensitive state and whether there was a coordinated effort behind the continued unrest, ethnic/communal clashes and also looting of arms and ammunition from security forces. The state DGP has been replaced by a Tripura cadre officer Rajiv Singh and one security advisor Kuldiep Singh has been appointed. There is also a judicial body probing the violence. The Centre has set up a Peace Committee with Governor Anusuiya Uikey as the chairperson and that includes representatives from all communities and also Chief Minister N. Biren Singh. Many leaders, including Naga politicians and civic body leaders in private and otherwise .have been insisting that the Centre should not delay inking a peace pact with the umbrella organisation NNPG. The NSCN-IM is against signing of a peace pact without a separate Constitution and Naga flag. (Nirendra Dev is a New Delhi-based journalist. He is also author of the books 'The Talking Guns: North East India' and 'Modi to Moditva: An Uncensored Truth'. Views expressed are personal) --IANS nirendra/ksk/ ( 1072 Words) 2023-06-14-13:20:04 (IANS) It was the dream to strike it rich, a 'love angle' between the masterminds and a woman-led gang behind the Punjab's 'biggest heist' of Rs 8.49 crore in the office of CMS Info Systems Ltd, a cash management firm, based in Ludhiana city last week, said Police Commissioner Mandeep Singh Sidhu on Wednesday, adding that six of the 10 accused have been arrested. He said Rs 5 crore has been recovered and the accused have no criminal past. All 10 accused are closely related and known to one another. The gang of alleged robbers was led by Mandeep Kaur, whose husband and cousin were also blamed for the heist. The mastermind Kaur, her husband and her kin are still absconding. Another mastermind Maninder Mani, an employee with CMS Info Systems Ltd for four years, has been arrested. "In less than 60 hours we have solved one of the biggest heists with the support of counter intelligence," Police Commissioner Sidhu told the media here. He said prima facie it seemed that the motive to commit the crime was to get overnight rich. "There seems to be a close proximity between Mandeep Kaur and Maninder Mani. Kaur was in need of money to go abroad," the Police Commissioner, who displayed bundles of seized currency notes, told the media. The police used the GPS (Global Positioning System) system in tracking the movements of the suspects, all belonging to Punjab. Sidhu blamed the company for negligence in the safety of the cash. As a goodwill gesture, Director General of Police Gaurav Yadav has announced a cash reward of Rs 10 lakh for those who cracked the heist in a shortest possible crime. In the early hours of June 10, the group barged into the office of CMS in the Aman Park area and held employees and security personnel captive and decamped with Rs 8.49 crore. They took away the cash van in which two rifles were also kept. Later, the cash van with rifles was recovered from Pandori village. Several teams were formed to crack the case. Earlier, Commissioner of Police Sidhu told the media the security system of the CMS company's office was outdated and the company had put the lives of its employees at risk. He said during investigation the police found that the security system of the company was not working and the company officials were aware about it but they did not take it seriously as the money was insured. Also they were not exactly aware of how much cash was kept on the company's premises and exactly how much was taken away. --IANS vg/dpb ( 454 Words) 2023-06-14-15:28:01 (IANS) Bold decisions taken by the political leadership and India remaining steadfast in its resolve to eliminate terrorism have redefined the country's foreign policy during the nine years of Prime Minister Narendra Modi's rule. For 70-years no government in the Centre could take a call on Article 370 -- a temporary provision in the Constitution which provided special status to Jammu and Kashmir. However, the dispensation led by Prime Minister Modi exhibited the political will and the courage to scrap the so-called special status of J&K on August 5, 2019, to pave the way for complete integration of the Himalayan region with the Union of India. The move led to reestablishing stability and curbing the influence of Pakistan sponsored cross-border terrorism, which marred J&K for 30-long years. By eliminating the Article 370, the Centre addressed the vulnerability that Pakistan exploited for years and delegitimized terrorism. After revocation of the Article 370 Pakistan left no stone unturned to garner support against India's decision but the international community didn't pay any attention towards the tantrums thrown by Pakistan. Many countries around the world have understood India's perspective on the issue, and have denounced Pakistan for sponsoring terror for all these years. Terrorism can't be kept aside PM Modi-led regime has made it clear that India would not tolerate cross-border terrorist activities and it cannot keep aside terrorism to improve ties with Islamabad under its neighbourhood first policy. Pakistan has been told in clear terms that if it wants to take the relations forward, it has to stop sponsoring terror. Terrorists and separatists in J&K have been pushed to the wall. Ugly face of Pakistan has been exposed before the world. The revocation of Article 370 has marked a significant victory for national security in India. Pertinently, after the outbreak of Pakistan-sponsored insurgency in Jammu and Kashmir in 1990, Pakistan saw Article 370 as a point of vulnerability to target India. It used this provision to fuel separatist sentiments and support terrorism to create chaos and uncertainty in the region. The revocation of Article 370 punctured false narratives propagated by Pakistan and its stooges in Jammu and Kashmir. The move unveiled Pakistan's involvement in supporting terrorism and separatist activities. By eliminating the special status, India has challenged and refuted the baseless claims of Pakistan. Since the abrogation of Article 370, Jammu and Kashmir has witnessed not only developmental initiatives but also the benefits of globalization that the rest of the country experiences. The integration has provided new opportunities for economic growth, infrastructure development, and enhanced connectivity, benefiting the people of Jammu and Kashmir. Pak's real face exposed By exposing Pakistan's real face to the world, India has garnered international support in its war against terrorism. The government's proactive approach has showcased India's determination to prioritize national security while seeking peaceful relations with its neighbours. By eliminating the provisions of Article 370 that Pakistan exploited, India has dealt a strong blow to cross-border terrorism and emphasized the importance of tackling this global menace. The international community's support and the benefits of development and globalization in J&K have validated the significance of the decision taken by New Delhi. For over three decades, Pakistan has been actively involved in the tumultuous region of Kashmir, employing various tactics to ensure a state of uncertainty and chaos. Through its proxies and stooges, Pakistan played a central role in perpetuating violence, providing arms, ammunition, and training to terrorists, enticing local youth into joining their ranks, and using hawala channels to fund separatists and stone pelters. This calculated interference inflicted immense suffering on the people of Jammu and Kashmir (J&K), forcing them to live under constant state of threat and intimidation. Pakistan's use of terrorism as an instrument of state policy in Kashmir is no secret. The terror groups sponsored by it targeted innocent civilians, security forces, and public infrastructure. Pakistan consistently encouraged infiltration across the Line of Control (LoC), facilitating the entry of terrorists into Jammu and Kashmir. This resulted in a vicious cycle of violence, leading to the loss of countless lives and widespread destruction. Pakistan systematically indoctrinated young minds and used them as cannon fodder in its proxy war. Through a combination of misinformation, propaganda, and promises of the so-called 'Azadi', Pakistan misled Kashmiri youth and pushed them towards the graveyards. Using Hawala channels and other clandestine means, Pakistan injected substantial amounts of money into the region, enabling separatists to sustain their propaganda and activities. It exacerbated the volatile situation on the ground by creating an atmosphere of unrest and public disorder. Pak actions evoke condemnation After the scrapping of Article 370, Prime Minister Narendra Modi, External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar, other leaders and officials have exposed Pakistan at every forum. They have brought the actions of India's rogue neighbour into the notice of the international community. Their hard work has paid the dividends as the actions of Pakistan have evoked widespread condemnation. The United Nations and various countries have repeatedly called for Pakistan to end its support for cross-border terrorism and engage in meaningful dialogue with India for maintaining peace in the region. The protracted conflict being kept alive by Pakistan has hindered the prospects of economic cooperation in South Asia. G20 in Srinagar, big defeat for Pak The recently held G20 summit in Srinagar, J&K's summer capital, has proven to be a big defeat for Pakistan on the diplomatic front. Barring China and Turkey none of the participant countries paid any heed towards the vicious propaganda launched by India's neighbour. The delegates hailed the efforts of the government to develop the Himalayan region and extended full support to India's G20 presidency. In a nutshell, the PM Modi-led regime has defeated Pakistan on all fronts. It has lost the proxy war which it sustained for three decades. Terrorism in J&K is on its last legs and the ones who used to propagate Pakistan's cause don't exist anymore. Jammu and Kashmir is no longer a conflict zone. During the past three years it has been rebuilt and the region's potential has been explored fully. Security situation has improved as millions of tourists have visited the region since August 5, 2019. A common man has heaved a sigh of relief and has silently endorsed all the decisions taken by the Centre. Not only has the foreign policy been redefined, PM Modi and his trusted lieutenant Union Home Minister Amit Shah have written a new chapter in J&K's history. --IANS dpb/ ( 1086 Words) 2023-06-14-15:52:03 (IANS) The National Investigation Agency (NIA) on Wednesday said that they have arrested a Popular Front of India (PFI) master weapons trainer, living under an assumed identity in Karnataka, for his involvement in the Nizamabad terror conspiracy case. The case pertains to a criminal conspiracy hatched by the leaders and cadres of banned outfit PFI to recruit and radicalise youth and provide them with arms training to promote and carry out terrorist activities with the ultimate objective of establishing Islamic rule in India. "The accused Nossam Mohamed Yunus alias Yunus (33) of Nandyal, was working in the inverter business of his elder brother. When his house was searched in September 2022, he was found to be absconding along with his wife and two minor sons," said the official. The NIA investigations have revealed that he had shifted his entire family from Andhra Pradesh and was hiding out in the Cowl Bazar area of Bellary district of Karnataka, where he had assumed a new identity - Basheer, and a new profession as a plumber. Yunus was a master weapons trainer and was providing weapons training to the youth recruited by PFI in the Andhra Pradesh and Telangana region. He was also the PE Training State Coordinator for these two states in the Nizamabad PFI case. "Yunus, who has been giving evasive replies during NIA interrogation, has named one Shaikh ilyas Ahmed as also being involved in the PFI Weapons Training programme. Ilyas is currently absconding," the NIA said. With his arrest, NIA has once again exposed PFI's radical nefarious plans to drive a communal wedge among the communities and to use innocent Muslim youth to disturb and disrupt peace and communal harmony in the country. Telangana Police had initially registered an FIR in the case on July 4, 2022. Later on the NIA took over the case. The NIA has so far filed two charge sheets against sixteen accused in this case. --IANS atk/dan ( 333 Words) 2023-06-14-16:38:04 (IANS) Tejaswini Reddy had gone to London for higher studies. According to information received by her family here on Wednesday, she was stabbed to death by her Brazilian flatmate on Tuesday. The woman's family resides in Sriram Nagar in the Turkayamjal area in Hyderabad. Tejaswini had completed her Masters two months ago and was planning to return home. She was sharing a flat in Neeld Crescent, Wembley with three others including a Brazilian, who had recently moved in. Another flatmate, a 28-year-old woman, was injured in the attack by the Brazilian man. She is stated to be out of danger. The motive behind the crime was not known. Police have arrested the 24-year-old Brazilian. Another suspect was also detained for questioning. Tejaswini's family has appealed to the Centre, and the Telangana government to help in bringing home her mortal remains. --IANS ms/pgh ( 171 Words) 2023-06-14-16:46:01 (IANS) West Bengal government's decision to stop payment of salaries and allowances to the interim vice-chancellors in 11 state universities appointed by Governor C. V. Ananda Bose has drawn strong criticism from the Raj Bhavan as well as from the academic circles of the state. Making its stand clear in the matter, the Raj Bhavan has issued a statement claiming the state government has acted in haste since a case has been filed in the Calcutta High Court. The Raj Bhavan said the state government will have to repent at a later stage for taking such a hasty decision ignoring the court. According to Jadavpur University Teachers' Association (JUTA) general secretary Partha Pratim Roy the decision for stop-payment of salaries for the vice chancellors reflects a "shameless attempt" by the state government to gain absolute control over the high-education institutions through pressure tactics. "This might result into the absolute control of the state government over the educational institution but will not improve the quality of education. The tussle between the Raj Bhavan and the state education department is ultimately vitiating the ambience of the education sector in the state," he said. Echoing Roy, the general secretary of the Calcutta University Teachers' Association general secretary Sanatan Chattopadhyay said that it is unfortunate that the vice-chancellors have become the victims of the tussle between Raj Bhavan and the state secretariat. "The state's education sector had been suffering because of this undesirable tussle for a long time. The education system needs to be freed from this tussle. The decision to stop payment of salaries and allowances shows a poor taste," he added. The tension between the state government and the Raj Bhavan started mounting soon after the Governor, by virtue of being the chancellor of all state universities, appointed vice-chancellors for 11 state universities. State Education Minister Bartya Basu immediately issued an appeal to these 11 vice-chancellors not to assume duties as their appointments were made without the concurrence of the state education department. However, ignoring his appeal, ten out of 11 vice-chancellors ignored state education minister's plea and assumed their respective duties as directed from the Governor's House. The state education minister immediately told the media house that his department does not approve of this appointment. Meanwhile, a public interest litigation has also been filed at the Calcutta High Court by a retired college teacher challenging the appointments of these vice-chancellors. --IANS src/svn/ ( 420 Words) 2023-06-14-17:32:05 (IANS) A lower court in Kerala has issued summons to the Lakeshore Hospital in Kochi as well as eight doctors over a complaint alleging illegal organ transplantation. "The magistrate is required to apply his mind as to whether sufficient ground for proceeding exists in the case or not. The formation of such an opinion is required to be stated in the order itself. The order is liable to be set aside if no reasons are given therein while coming to the conclusion that there is a prima facie case against the accused. No doubt, that the order need not contain detailed reasons," the court said. This case surfaced when a doctor from Kollam, S. Ganapathy filed a complaint after coming to know from a newspaper about an organ transplant done in 2009 from a brain dead teenager who had met with a very serious accident. "The patient was first admitted to a hospital in Kothamangalam and was later shifted to the Lakeshore Hospital. The doctor who referred the patient to the Lakeshore Hospital had previously worked there, where the patient was declared brain dead. Following this, his kidneys and liver were harvested," said Ganapathy, who made detailed inquiries into what happened and then filed the complaint. The recipient was a foreign national. "I find that there is a prima face case and sufficient grounds for proceeding in respect of offences u/s. 18, 20 and 21 of the Transplantation of Human Organs Act, 1994 (pre-amended), against all accused", read the court order. Meanwhile the family of the patient is also alarmed by the turn of events and is waiting, while Ganapathy is sure that he is on the right path. But the hospital stands firm that it has done no wrong and is ready to prove its position in the court. --IANS sg/bg ( 315 Words) 2023-06-14-18:22:02 (IANS) The incident took place when the jeweller was travelling in his car from Banda to Auraiyya on the Bundelkhand Expressway. Inspector general of police, Kanpur range, Prashant Kumar, terminated the services of inspector Ajay Pal Katheria, who was SHO Bhognipur at time of his arrest in this case, and sub-inspector Chintan Kaushik. Meanwhile, SP Kanpur Dehat BBTGS Murthy dismissed head constable Ram Shankar Yadav. "All the three have been sacked for their discreditable conduct," said IGP Kumar. The three policemen, along with three other accused, were arrested last week for robbing jeweller Manish Soni, who was traveling with 50 kg of silver. The police had recovered 30 kg of looted silver from SI Kaushik. Incidentally, the inspector was due for promotion to by next month, said officials. The drive to eradicate corrupt and criminal elements from the police force would continue, said officials. --IANS amita/ksk/ ( 176 Words) 2023-06-14-08:38:01 (IANS) Cleared by a UAE court of all charges in an alleged narcotics case, Mumbai actress Chrisann Pereira is now preparing to return home to her family after nearly three months, her delighted relatives said here on Wednesday. Chrisann got unwittingly trapped in a fake drugs case and was arrested by the Sharjah (UAE) Police on April 1 where she spent around 25 days in the prison. On April 26, she secured bail even as her family moved heaven and earth with the Mumbai Police for assistance and investigations that finally helped her emerge untainted, said her joyful mother Premila Pereira. "The Sharjah court has finally cleared Chrisann of all the false charges, her name taken off the blacklist there, her record is unblemished. The Sharjah Prosecutors were extremely gentlemanly and thoroughly professional, they investigated the case minutely and she is now acquitted," Premila told IANS. She mentioned how the police and prosecutors never handcuffed Chrisann, were always courteous and respectful to both (the mother-daughter due) and helped her at every stage, though they had to do their duties. "They have ensured us full justice and we are very relieved. This nightmarish episode has made us realise never to give up and fight till the end," she added. Her husband Mark Pereira and their son Kevin are also thrilled to finally expect their 'lost kin' home very soon. "Mark has been very disturbed, withdrawn and brooded after Chrisann's arrest. Now, he's very cheerful and just waiting for his 'special' daughter's return after so many months," said Premila Pereira. Kevin was the dutiful brother who helped his parents, ran around for various works to get Chrisann's release, put up social media posts informing of the latest status in the case. Since her passport has not yet been released, Chrisann cannot travel immediately, but they are hopeful it will be handed over soon to enable her to fly back to her home in IC Colony, Borivali west may by the weekend. An upcoming actress, Chrisann has featured in films like "Sadak 2", "Batla House", a webseries "Thinkistan", several stage plays. Post-release on bail, Chrisann was hosted by a cousin, Gavin Marciny, and Tina, Joshua, Angel, and their grandfather Buddy. "We met them after several decades and rekindled our old relations, they were extremely hospitable and hosted Chrisann like a family. I stayed in a hotel on my first trip, but on my second visit, the Marciny's insisted I should live with them," said Premila Pereira. Following the Pereiras' persistence and cooperation of the Mumbai Police, the Crime Branch tracked down the culprits who had framed Chrisann in the drugs case and arrested them. Among them are Anthony Paul, 35, Rajesh Bubhate, 42, and the drug supplier Shantilal Rajput and a report was sent to the Sharjah Police. Paul and Bubhate confessed to handing three persons award trophies with drugs concealed in them and two others with drugs-laced cakes before they flew to Dubai, ostensibly as vendetta against the Pereira family. While two, including Chrisann, unwittingly walked into the trap, three others managed to evade the law-enforcing authorities in Sharjah. Paul, believed to be the mastermind of the revenge con, apparently nursed an old grudge against the Pereira family, especially Premila (Chrisann's mother), and once had even got into fisticuffs with Kevin. The police found that Paul had used the same modus operandi with some other wannabe actors, assuring them of plum roles in global web-series, though one person declined to carry the trophy, which Chrisann later agreed to take with her. (Quaid Najmi can be contacted at: q.najmi@ians.in) --IANS qn/vd ( 615 Words) 2023-06-14-18:24:05 (IANS) Bihar Rural Development Minister Sharvan Kumar on Wednesday said that Jitan Ram Manjhi's decision to separate his Hindustani Awam Morcha from the the state's ruling Mahagathbandhan is wrong. "Jitan Ram Manjhi has not given jolt to the Mahagathbandhan but he gave himself a jolt with the decision to separate his party from Mahagathbandhan. His decision would prove to be a self-goal for himself," Kumar said, a day after Manjhi's son Santosh Kumar Suman resigned as a minister in the Nitish Kumar-led government. "During his good times, he (Manjhi) roams here and there but when he faces tough situations, Nitish Kumar helps him. Nitish Kumar has given respect to Jitan Ram Manjhi, his son and his party so much that no one could do it. "We are preparing for the opposition unity in the country and our goal is to defeat BJP in the 2024 Lok Sabha poll. People will come and go. It happened at a time of elections. We are not bothering about anyone leaving us," Kumar added. --IANS ajk/dan/vd ( 184 Words) 2023-06-14-20:34:02 (IANS) Two Uzbekistan nationals, including a woman, were apprehended at the Indira Gandhi International Airport for smuggling 16.5 kg gold worth Rs 10,39,50,00. During the initial search, nothing was found on them as they had abandoned the bag containing gold near the conveyor belt to deceive the officials. When they realised they were exposed, the accused attempted to flee by taking another flight but were eventually caught. The customs officials stated that both accused were apprehended based on specific intelligence indicating that individuals from a Central Asian country would be travelling to Delhi with a significant quantity of foreign-origin gold. As a result, the customs officers at IGI airport maintained strict vigilance over the arriving passengers. "One passenger was identified based on the provided intelligence and was monitored from the moment they disembarked from the flight. The accused was intercepted; however, the search of her baggage and person did not reveal any contraband," said the official. A second passenger was then identified based on the same intelligence and was observed acting suspiciously. "She was kept under surveillance, and when she attempted to cross the Green Channel, she was also intercepted, and her baggage was also inspected, but nothing incriminating was found," the official said. Later on, the officials discovered that she had abandoned her baggage inside the Customs Arrival Hall due to fear of being caught. The customs officers searched and located an unmarked bag lying near Belt No. 9, where the accused had been seen moving around. "On scanning this bag, suspicious images were observed suggesting the presence of gold items. Since no claimant was available, the bag was opened, and it led to the recovery of approximately 16.5 kg gold in the form of chains," said the official. The officials then immediately reviewed the CCTV footage to identify the person who had left the bag. A woman was seen leaving the bag near the belt. Vigorous efforts were made to trace her. Suspecting that she might attempt to flee the country, a team of customs officers was also immediately dispatched to the departure side of IGI airport. From the flight manifest of the departing flight operated by Air Astana to Almaty, a passenger with an identical name was found, matching the passenger's name on the earlier HY 421 flight. At this point, a person-to-person check was conducted on the passengers departing for Almaty (Kazakhstan) via Air Astana. "The fleeing passenger was identified and detained based on the striking resemblance in the CCTV footage. She confessed to abandoning the bag. Based on her information, the first accused, who was the main suspect, was also apprehended," said the official. Further investigations into the matter are ongoing. --IANS atk/dpb ( 465 Words) 2023-06-14-09:46:02 (IANS) The CBI has summoned West Bengal education secretary Manish Jain for questioning in connection with the multi-crore school recruitment case. Jain has been asked to be present at the CBI's Nizam Palace office in central Kolkata on Thursday. Sources said that he has also been asked to bring along some relevant documents in the matter. This is the second time that Jain has been summoned by the CBI for questioning. Jain has also has been named as a witness in the charge sheet filed by the Enforcement Directorate (ED), which is conducting a parallel probe in the school recruitment case. Sources said that the basic question that the CBI sleuths would like to ask Jain is whether any influential person used to influence the recruitment process for teaching and non-teaching staff in West Bengal. Sources added that the specific questions will be on the role of the former state education minister Partha Chatterjee. Jain is also likely to be questioned on the role played by Chatterjee's executive assistant, Sukanta Acharya. Chatterjee is currently in judicial custody due to his alleged involvement in the school recruitment case. He has been in jail for almost a year since he was arrested by the ED in July last year. Earlier, when he was questioned by CBI sleuths in the matter, Jain informed them that his work was just to sign those files which Chatterjee used to forward to him for his clearance. It was because of Jain confession in the court that the state education department faced the ire of the Calcutta High Court's single-judge bench of Justice Abhijit Gangopadhyay for the decision to create super-numeric teaching posts in state-run schools. Jain then confessed in the court that the decision on super-numeric posts was taken by the state government. --IANS src/dpb ( 311 Words) 2023-06-14-11:46:03 (IANS) Blame game between the BJP and CPI(M) has erupted in Kerala over stray dog menace, which recently took life of a mute 11-year-old school boy at Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan's home town Kannur. On Wednesday, State Local Self Government M. B. Rajesh said it's unfortunate that the media is "targeting" the government for the stray dog menace. "The need of the hour is that the present laws should be changed, and for that, we will soon approach the Kerala High Court. However, the media is trying to use this issue against the state government," said Rajesh. Slamming the Vijayan government for "not doing anything", the Congress pointed out that it's been three years since the dogs' sterilisation programme in the state came to a halt. Besides the much-lauded ABC programme failed to take off and barring rhetoric, no action has taken place and hence 11-year-old Nihal Naushad lost his life, the Congress said. On Tuesday, women in the locality where Naushad lived took to the streets protesting against the "callous attitude" of the Vijayan government on the stray dog menace. CPI(M) MP Sivadasan said stray dog menace is due to "flawed" policy of the Centre which need to be revisited. Taking to facebook, Union Minister of State for External Affairs and BJP leader V. Muraleedharan posted: "I was just wondering why the CPI(M) is not attacking the Centre, which is now the order of the day. But I wish to point out that the Centre has notified Animal Birth Control 2023 rules two months ago. "Despite you being a Parliament member, you should have known all this. The rules are very clear and this is the responsibility of the Local Self Governments. The order might be lying on the table of the Secretary and you should find out why it's not implemented and not just play the blame game, which is always done," said Muraleedharan. --IANS sg/svn/ ( 329 Words) 2023-06-14-11:50:04 (IANS) AIADMK leader D Jayakumar mocked DMK leader Senthil Balaji after he was hospitalized following his arrest by ED in connection with a money laundering case and said that he should be given an Oscar award "for his drama and acting." Speaking at a press briefing, Jayakumar said, "All the DMK Ministers have corruption allegations on them. Minister Senthil Balaji should receive an Oscar award for his drama and acting." He further claimed that "TASMAC employers are so happy and it is 'Diwali' for them because he has tortured them to collect lots of money for him." Jayakumar also demanded the resignation of Minister Senthil Balaji and added that "all the people of Tamil Nadu need that." "Senthil Balaji should be sacked immediately from the TN Ministry. All the TN people need that. Even Tamil Nadu's Chief Minister should resign from the post", he added. The AIADMK spokesperson said that Minister Senthil Balaji should face the legal proceedings strongly. "Why Senthil Balaji was crying when he got arrested? He should face it strongly and go on. Why should he do all these things and later cry over it? He said he got chest pain all of a sudden. Why this kind of drama and claiming he got 3 blocks in the heart? Even my son is a doctor and I asked him, he said that for 30 per cent block there is no need for bypass surgery at all, it is done only if it crosses 70 per cent", Jayakumar added. Meanwhile, Tamil Nadu Principal Sessions Court on Thursday dismissed Minister Senthil Balaji's petition seeking to reject his remand of 15 days in the money laundering case. The judge is yet to hear arguments for Enforcement Directorate's petition for police custody. Senthil Balaji was sent to judicial custody till June 28 by Sessions Court, in connection with a money laundering case. This follows after the minister was arrested by Enforcement Directorate in a money laundering case early Wednesday. He was admitted to a hospital after complaining of chest pain during questioning by the Enforcement Directorate (ED). V Senthil Balaji broke down while being taken into custody by the ED officials for questioning in the early hours of Wednesday. Minister Balaji underwent a coronary angiogram on Wednesday at the Omandurar government hospital in Chennai, informed the hospital officials. Balaji was hospitalised after he complained of chest pain during questioning by the Enforcement Directorate. (ANI) In an effort to make Uttar Pradesh a hub of pharmaceutical products in the country, the Uttar Pradesh government is preparing the draft of the Pharmaceutical Industry Policy-2023, the state government's official said on Thursday. The new policy will be valid for the next five years after its implementation. Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, at a recent meeting, discussed the important changes required in the Pharmaceutical Industry Policy 2018 to implement proposals received during the Uttar Pradesh Global Investors Summit to the ground. According to the Uttar Pradesh government, the Global Investors Summit-23 held in Lucknow attracted investment of Rs 28,402 crore from 212 companies in the pharmaceutical and medical equipment sector which will create 57000 new employment opportunities. GN Singh, the Chief Minister's Advisor, said, "The new policy aims to improve the state's pharmaceutical and medical device industry by encouraging local production, promoting research and development, and improving the availability of affordable medicines to citizens." "The upcoming policy will focus on creating a conducive environment for the development of the pharma sector in the state and providing subsidies, incentives and land to promote the pharmaceutical industry," he added. He further informed that the main objective of the policy is to create a strong ecosystem for research and development by setting up state-of-the-art facilities and collaborating with academic institutions. "The new policy is being prepared to boost the local economy, focusing on the need for specialized technology, quality control system and specialized ecosystem for the pharmaceutical and medical device sector," he said. According to the policy, the Yogi government would provide a 50 per cent interest for a maximum of 7 years on the loan received from a bank for the purchase of land to establish the industry, which will not exceed Rs 1 crore per year. Pharma and Medical Device Park are receiving special focus. The goal of the policy is to identify plots and develop parks for bulk manufacturing of allopathic, AYUSH products, medical devices and key ingredients used in bulk drug manufacturing. (ANI) "Alert Indian Army troops foiled yet another attempt by Pak to infiltrate terrorists in the Poonch Sector on 14 Jun 2023, huge war-like stores recovered from the incident side," officials said. Official sources said Army Sarla Battalion recovered arms, ammunition and other material during a search operation in forward area in the Poonch district. The recovery included one Ak-74, nine magazines, 468 rounds, two 7.62 mm pistols, four magazines, 60 rounds, six grenades, two daggers, two bags, pouches, shovel, wire cutter and Puller. In another unrelated incident, with the arrest of a person, police on Monday recovered Rs 7 lakh in cash, "believed to be proceeds of terrorism," from a house in village Allapeer here. "The cash is believed to be proceeds of terrorism. Further investigation is underway," a police officer said. A case under sections 13/18 of the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act and sections 4/5 of the Explosive Substance Act has been registered at the Poonch police station, police said. The operation was led by Poonch Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP), Vinay Sharma. "During the questioning, the accused Mohd Safeer disclosed that the cash amounting to Rs 7 lakh which is believed to be proceeds of terrorism was kept hidden in his house at AllaPeer," the officer said. Investigating officer, Deputy Superintendent of Police, Mohd Shafiq, DySP Dar Poonch along with a police party and executive Magistrate first class Poonch were also present. (ANI) Speaking to ANI on Thursday, Deshmukh said he would formally return to the BJP on June 18, Sunday. He will be re-inducted into the saffron camp in the presence of Deputy Chief Minister Devendra Fandanvis, top leaders from the BJP's state unit and Union Minister Nitin Gadkari, among others, in Nagpur. He left the BJP after stepping down as an MLA in 2018. In his resignation letter, he accused the BJP governments at the Centre and the state of failing to solve people's problems. A BJP MLA from 2014 to 2018, he switched over to the Congress after ditching the saffron party. In the 2019 Assembly elections, he was fielded against then-CM Devendra Fadanavis. However, he lost to the present deputy CM. Earlier, Deshmukh had said Congress leader Rahul Gandhi must apologise for his remark ahead of the 2019 Lok Sabha polls, using the surname 'Modi'. Maharashtra Congress had issued him a show cause notice on March 5 in light of his remark. Rahul was eventually convicted and sentenced by a Surat court for criminal defamation and was stripped off his status as a member of the Lok Sabha. The Son of former state Congress president Ranjeet Deshmukh, Ashish Deshmukh resigned from the post of Congress state general secretary in May 2022 after the party declared its candidates for the Rajya Sabha. He had alleged that the Congress was imposing outsiders on Maharashtra for the Rajya Sabha elections. Uttar Pradesh-based Poet-turned-politician Imran Pratapgarhi was made an Upper House candidate from Maharashtra. Ashish Deshmukh was formerly elected MLA from the Katol constituency of Maharashtra. Earlier, on May 20, Deshmukh called on Deputy Chief Minister Fadnavis, sparking rumours of his return to the saffron camp. (ANI) The Manipur Tribal Forum has informed the Supreme Court that the Centre and State governments' assurances to the apex court in the case concerning the recent outbreak of violence in Manipur are false and non-serious and it shall not rely on the "empty assurances" of governments. The application asked for the protection of the tribe by the Indian Army saying the State and its Police force are not trusted by the tribe. It sought "Directions to be passed to the Indian Army to take full control of the law and order and public order situation in the districts of Churachanpur, Chandel, Kangpokpi, Imphal East, and Imphal West." The forum expressed no confidence in the commission of inquiry constituted by the Centre under the head of former Gauhati High Court Chief Justice Ajai Lamba and urged that it be quashed and replaced by a single-member commission comprising former Delhi High Court Chief Justice and Law Commission chairperson, AP Shah. It sought the constitution of an SIT headed by former Assam police chief Harekrishna Deka and an ex-gratia payment of Rs 2 crore to the kin of each of those killed within three months. The application also demanded a permanent government job for a member of the families of those who are deceased. The top court seized the cases relating to the violence in Manipur and sought status reports from the Centre and State on the relief and rehabilitation efforts for the people affected by the violence between Meitei and Kuki communities. Earlier, the top court expressed concern over the loss of lives and properties in Manipur during the violence between the Meitei and Kuki communities and stressed taking adequate measures to restore normalcy there. On March 27, the High Court directed the State to consider the inclusion of the Meitei community in the Scheduled Tribes list. The violence in Manipur between the Hindu Meiteis and the tribal Kuki, who are Christians, erupted after a rally by the All Tribal Students Union of Manipur (ATSUM) on May 3. Violence has gripped the entire State for over a month now and the Central government had to deploy paramilitary forces to bring the situation under control. (ANI) The height of the waves is expected to be around 3.0 to 3.3 meters, it added. The Northeast Arabian Sea will remain very turbulent till the evening of June 15 and the adjoining Central East Arabian Sea will become rough. The Kerala state disaster management authority has issued the following guidelines for public. Due to the expected intensification of rough seas, it is crucial to adhere to the instructions provided by the authorities and avoid venturing into danger-prone areas. Ensure that fishing vessels are securely anchored in the harbor. Keep fishing vessels safely tied in the harbour. Keeping a safe distance between boats can avoid the risk of collision. The safety of fishing equipment should be ensured. Avoid trips to the beach and fun at sea altogether. IMD has issued a ban on fishing on the Kerala coast till June 19, 2023. Meanwhile, Cyclone Biparjoy will cross near Jakhau Port of Gujarat by Thursday night after making landfall as a very severe cyclonic storm (VSCS), India Meteorological Department (IMD) informed. "Cyclone Warning for Saurashtra and Kutch Coasts: RED MESSAGE. VSCS BIPARJOY at 1130IST today near lat 22.8N & long 67.3E, about 140km WSW of Jakhau Port (Gujarat) and 190km WNW of Devbhumi Dwarka. To cross near Jakhau Port (Gujarat) by tonight as VSCS," IMD said in a tweet on Thursday. (ANI) In response to this imminent threat, the armed forces have been deployed along the coastline to assist the villagers residing in the border region. "We are expecting landfall to take place between 18:00 to 20:00 hours (6 pm to 8 pm). Anticipating the situation post that, we have kept around 15 ships and 7 aircraft on standby. We have also kept 4 special Dornier and 3 helicopters at Coast Guard Station in Daman. We will deploy them if necessary," AK Harbola said. The director of the Meteorological Department of Ahmedabad Manorama Mohanty said that the landfall process will continue till midnight. "...The landfall process is likely to start during the evening hour and it will continue till midnight," Manorama Mohanty said. Cyclone Biparjoy is currently moving north-northeastwards towards the Saurashtra and Kutch coast. It is projected to reach the coast and strike the Saurashtra-Kutch coast near Jakhau port later today. Sea conditions remain disturbed today in the northeast Arabian Sea due to Cyclone Biparjoy. Preparations for protection against the cyclone are in full swing at the Gujarat coasts. The Border Security Force (BSF) deployed along the coastline has also intensified their efforts to provide assistance to the villagers residing in the border region. The BSF has mobilized their resources and personnel to support the affected communities. According to the official statement, the unwavering commitment of BSF aims to protect valuable lives, mitigate suffering, maintain human dignity, and instil a sense of security among the border population. The BSF said in its release that shelter is being provided to vulnerable villagers, ensuring their safety during this perilous time. 150 villagers from Thumari and Walawariwand villages have sought refuge in the BSF camp. (ANI) A day after the Law Commission solicited views and ideas of people and recognized religious organizations about the Uniform Civil Code, the Congress slammed the government over the move saying it represents the ruling BJP-led coalition's "desperation for a legitimate justification of its continuing agenda of diversion from its glaring failures". In a statement, Congress general secretary Jairam Ramesh said that the 21st Law Commission after carrying out a detailed and comprehensive review observed that it is "neither necessary nor desirable at this stage" to have a Uniform Civil Code. He said the Law Commission has produced an enviable body of work over the decades on numerous issues of national importance. "It should be mindful of that legacy and remember that the interests of the nation are distinct from the political ambitions of the BJP." The Congress leader said it is strange that the Law Commission is seeking a fresh reference when in its press release it acknowledges that its predecessor, the 21st Law Commission had published a consultation paper on the subject in August 2018. He said no reasons are given for why the subject is being revisited except for vague references to "the relevance and the importance of the subject and also the various court orders". "The real reason is that the 21st Law Commission after carrying out a detailed and comprehensive review of the subject observed that it is 'neither necessary nor desirable at this stage' to have a Uniform Civil Code. This latest attempt represents the Modi Government's desperation for a legitimate justification of its continuing agenda of polarization and diversion from its glaring failures," he said. Jairam Ramesh said that the 21st Law Commission was appointed by the Modi government. He referred to Para 1.15 of its 182-page 'Consultation Paper on Reform of Family Law' submitted on August 31, 2018. "While diversity of Indian culture can and should be celebrated, specific groups, or weaker sections of society must not be dis-privileged in the process. Resolution of this conflict does not mean abolition of all differences. This Commission has therefore dealt with laws that are discriminatory rather than providing a uniform civil code which is neither necessary nor desirable at this stage. Most countries are now moving towards recognition of difference and the mere existence of difference does not imply discrimination, but is indicative of a robust democracy," the Congress leader cited the report. A Law Ministry release said on Wednesday that the 22nd Law Commission of India is examining the Uniform Civil Code, a reference sent by the Ministry of Law & Justice. It said since more than three years have been lapsed from the date of issuance of the Consultation Paper, bearing in mind the relevance and importance of the subject and also the various court orders on the subject, the 22nd Law Commission of India considered it expedient to deliberate afresh over the subject. The release said those interested and willing may present their views within a period of 30 days. (ANI) Congress general secretary Priyanka Gandhi Vadra has expressed concern over the situation in Manipur and alleged that the Centre is not taking immediate measures to ensure the safety of the people of Manipur and for the restoration of peace. Nine people were killed and 10 others injured in fresh violence in Manipur on Wednesday. The state has seen ethnic violence since last month. "The situation in Manipur is very distressing, and it is deeply disheartening to see that the Central government is not taking immediate measures to ensure the safety of the people of Manipur and the restoration of peace," Priyanka Gandhi said in a tweet. The Manipur government has extended the ban on the internet in the state till June 15 in view of the prevailing situation. Union Home Minister visited Manipur for four days from May 29 and announced a series of measures to restore peace in the state. He held meetings with Chief Minister N Biren Singh, leaders of various political parties, civil society, women and tribal groups and senior officials. Shah had announced that a peace committee would be formed in the state. Manipur has seen violence since early May following clashes during a rally organised by the All Tribals Students Union (ATSU) to protest against the demand for the inclusion of the Meitei community in the Scheduled Tribe category. The Manipur High Court had asked the state government to consider including the Meitei community in Scheduled Tribes (STs) list. (ANI) Minister for Health and Family Welfare, Nagaland P Paiwang Konyak attended the first Northeast Knowledge Conclave for Health at Guwahati on Thursday and said that the conclave has brought together the eight sisters of North-East India in a common platform. Delivering the keynote address, Paiwang said, "The Northeast Conclave for Health has brought together the eight sisters of North-East India in a common platform and the event was significant to showcase the achievements in responding to the state's specific health issues and for an in-depth discussion on the health challenges that need to be addressed." While highlighting the various activities for Nagaland state under Nagaland Health Project (NHP), the Minister informed that NHP was the first state-level project funded by the World Bank, implemented by the Department of Health & Family Welfare, Government of Nagaland and the intervention started in the year 2015 as a pilot project in two districts and fully scaled up to the remaining 16 districts in 2017. Further adding that during the last 7 years, all 500 health committees have been strengthened and revived; gender inclusion was addressed through the constitution of women co-chairs in all the Health Centres while knowledge enhancement, awareness generation, and sensitization on health and societal issues were efficiently strengthened, the minister informed. Paiwang also mentioned that Nagaland Health Project investment is made in WATSAN-infrastructural development, Alternate energy-SOLAR, Supply Chain Management, IT and sustainable Biomedical Waste management as per the provisions of the Biomedical Waste Management Act, and also to improve the efficiency of service delivery. He said many digital platforms have been created in the form of Hospital Information Systems (HIS), Bio-medical waste management reporting systems & Human Resource Management Systems Drug and Vaccine Distribution and Management Systems (DVDMS) along with other IT applications. He said civil repair and renovation works have been completed in four Nursing Schools and Para Medical Training Institute and 176 targeted health facilities while also Construction of the State Ware House has been completed. "Construction of the Library and Theatre Block at Nagaland Medical College Kohima is also under Nagaland Health Project, which is in progress," Paiwang added. In the midst of the Covid pandemic, the Minister also stated that immense additional support to the department was provided by the Project by Supplying Oxygen cylinders and Concentrators across the state and the project has also Constructed oxygen generation Plant houses in eight District hospitals and Installed Oxygen pipelines at various Health facilities. He said that NHP has demonstrated that there are many ways to promote the right economic incentives to support sustainable practices in finance by bringing together, on a voluntary basis, communities, government and banks. The minister also stated that the availability of finance is a key challenge in facilitating systemic transitions and the investments made by the World Bank through Nagaland Health Project should be sustained to ensure that the gains made over the years are consolidated. Further, the Minister urged all the neighbouring states to foster the relationship and exchange ideas and good practices to learn from each other and move together with the rest of the other States in the country. (ANI) "He was visiting the National Flight Test Centre, Aeronautical Development Agency and Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) Tejas Division to assess the progress of the indigenous combat aircraft projects," IAF officials said. Dixit, who is an Experimental Test Pilot himself, has been driving the Atmanirbhar Bharat efforts of the Indian Air Force towards self-reliance in the development and manufacture of combat aircraft. During his visit, the Air Marshal flew the Series Production Trainer-01 of the Light Combat Aircraft (LCA) Tejas, which is undergoing final developmental test sorties, to get a firsthand feel of its capabilities. The IAF is presently operating the LCA Mk 1 aircraft and has a pending order of 83 LCA Mk 1A aircraft. During the visit to the Tejas Division, the HAL team briefed the DCAS on the production status of trainer aircraft and the plan for deliveries of the LCA Mk 1A. The DCAS will also visit the Light Combat Helicopter (LCH) Prachand Production Line to assess the production status of the homegrown combat helicopter. The delivery of 10 LCH Limited Series Production aircraft for the IAF is nearing completion and the production of the Series Production aircraft is likely to commence shortly to meet the order of 145 Series Production LCH for the IAF and Indian Army. (ANI) While addressing a press briefing on the first day of the G20 Agriculture Ministers Meeting in Hyderabad on Thursday, the Minister exuded hope that India would find solutions to these challenges through deliberations at the G20 meeting. Tomar said, "The government is encouraging crop diversification in order to enable the farmers to get more revenue and minimise losses. Many initiatives have been implemented in states like Punjab and Haryana." He hoped that farmers across the country will also adopt the changes in the coming years. The government is also encouraging organic farming and has spent Rs 1500 crores so far on implementation, he added. Union Minister Tomar said, "India is developing climate-resilient seeds so as to mitigate crop losses due to climate change and such initiatives will be useful to other countries facing similar climate change-related issues." G20 meetings have been receiving overwhelming responses from foreign delegates and international organisations. The inaugural session will be held tomorrow which will be followed by ministerial meetings. On the agenda issues related to food security, nutrition, digital technologies, agribusiness, climate change, sustainable agriculture etc for discussed, the release stated. (ANI) Tamil Nadu Chief Minister MK Stalin stepped up the attack on the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), accusing it of threatening opposition leaders with federal investigative agencies like Central Bureau of Investigation, and ED. During an address on his official Twitter handle, Stalin said, "Bharatiya Janata Party's idea of politics is, if they can't oppose anyone ideologically, politically and on election grounds, they would threaten them with investigation agencies like Income Tax, Central Bureau of Investigation, and ED." His remarks come after the Enforcement Directorate arrested Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK) Minister Senthil Balaji early Wednesday in a money laundering probe. CM Stalin further added that they (BJP) only know this type of politics. "BJP has followed this anti-democratic model in the whole of India. They are just dubbing the same script in different states," CM MK Stalin said. Hours after Senthil's arrest, Tamil Nadu Government on Wednesday ordered to "withdraw general consent" for an investigation by the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) which is being seen as a fallout of the ED action on the ruling DMK minister. Senthil Balajis' arrest, who was sent to 14 days of Judicial custody late Wednesday by Chennai principal district judge S Alli, triggered a political slugfest with the DMK saying it would not be intimidated by the threats of the BJP at the Centre. Following Balajis's arrest, CM Stalin issued a statement claiming that the DMK will not be intimidated by the BJP's 'threats' and the people will teach the ruling party at the Centre a lesson in next year's Lok Sabha elections. He added that the DMK was firmly behind its leader and will mount a strong legal defence in the case. The CM alleged further that the ED had tortured Senthil Balaji to such an extent during the interrogation that he suffered chest pains. Even after he said he was cooperating with the probe, he was "pressured" to the extent that he suffered chest pains, Stalin said on Wednesday. Balaji broke down while being taken into custody by ED officials for questioning in an alleged money laundering case in the wee hours of Wednesday. After raiding his premises on Tuesday, the central probe agency questioned the DMK leader. Tamil Nadu's Leader of Opposition in the Assembly, Edappadi K Palaniswami, on Wednesday, said state Electricity Minister Senthil Balaji staged a "drama" after he complained of chest pain while being questioned by the Enforcement Directorate (ED) in a money laundering case and called for his "resignation on moral grounds". Opposition leaders came down heavily on the ED's "highhandedness" for questioning Balaji for long hours and then taking him into custody after searching his premises on Tuesday. Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge slammed Balaji's arrest by the ED saying it is "nothing but political harassment and vendetta" by the central government. (ANI) West Bengal Bharatiya Janata Party chief Sukanta Majumdar on Thursday criticised the State Election Commission, accusing the poll commission of "bypassing" the Calcutta High Court's decision for the deployment of the central forces in the districts for the panchayat polls scheduled to be held on July 8. "This is a horrible situation. It is impossible for elections to be conducted in such a situation. Central forces are needed, even Court believes that. It said that the State Election Commission is bypassing the Court's judgement," Majumdar said while speaking to ANI. He further slammed the ruling Trinamool Congress for the violence in the state during the filing of nominations for the panchayat polls and accused the party of doing "forgery". "As long as this government exists, it is impossible for the election to be held in a peaceful atmosphere. They know that the public is not with them so they do this forgery every time at the time of the election," the BJP state chief said. Notably, the Calcutta High Court on Tuesday ordered the requisition and deployment of central forces in all areas declared sensitive by the State Election Commission (SEC) for the polls. "In areas where Central forces are not deployed, it should be the responsibility of the State Police. SEC should ensure the safety of the polling agents. SEC should and shall consider the requisition of deployment of Central Paramilitary forces for sensitive areas," the court said in its order. The court, however, refused to consider the PILs seeking an extension of time for filing of nominations for the July 8 panchayat polls in West Bengal and left it to the discretion of the State Election Commission to take a call. On Thursday, the court ordered the West Bengal Election Commission to request the Centre for the central forces to be deployed in all the districts of the state for the Panchayat elections within 48. (ANI) Two contractual sanitation workers of Gwalior Municipal Corporation died due to suffocation while cleaning a sewer line in the city on Thursday, a police official said. The incident occurred in the silk mill area under Hazira police station limits in the district. Those who died were identified as Aman (24), a resident of Ladheri and Vikram (26), a resident of Bahodapur in the district. On getting the information about the incident the police and other officials of the corporation reached the spot. They rescued them out of the sewer line and took them to Birla Hospital where doctors declared them brought dead. "Two sanitation workers of the Municipal Corporation had gone to clean the sewer chamber and during this both of them died due to suffocation. Their bodies have been sent for the post mortem and further proceedings into the matter are underway," City Superintendent of Police (CSP) Ravi Bhadauria said. On the other hand, the equipment and guidelines have not been followed for cleaning as a result of which the incident has happened. An investigation report of the matter has been sought from the officials of the Municipal Corporation and a case will be registered against those whose negligence would be found in the incident, CSP added. Later, Energy Minister Pradhuman Singh Tomar along with the officials of the municipal corporation also reached the spot and assured of providing financial assistance to the family members and jobs to the next of kin of the deceased. "It is an unfortunate incident. Discussions with the officials of the Municipal Corporation are being done and a financial assistance of Rs 10 lakh each is being given to the relatives of the deceased. The family members will also be placed as an outsource for the job and the one who has become a widow, would be provided pension facility with immediate effect," Tomar added. Notably, Vikram was married and Aman was unmarried. (ANI) Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla, who is on a one-day visit to Goa, addressed a special Session of the Goa Legislative Assembly on Thursday on the theme 'Viksit Bharat 2047: Role of Public Representatives and said that proper conduct and decorum by people's representative adds to the prestige to the house. Birla highlighted that it is the responsibility of legislative bodies, from Panchayat to Parliament, to effectively convey issues of the public interest to the executive. He emphasized that, in this context, it is necessary that there should be a high level of discussion and dialogue in our legislatures and their proceedings should be conducted with decorum upholding the dignity of the House. Expressing the view that there are enough avenues to express dissent in a parliamentary democracy, Birla felt that if dissent is expressed in a dignified manner inside the House, it adds to the prestige of the nation and democracy. He suggested that public representatives must voice the hopes and aspirations of the people adequately in the House to ensure that their problems are addressed effectively. He added that proper conduct inside the House adds to the prestige of the House. Referring to the proper participation of legislators in the process of lawmaking, Birla said that there should be a comprehensive debate and discussion on the legal proposals brought by the government. He added the aim of this discussion should be to assess the effect of laws on the lives of common people. He stressed the idea that the wider the discussion on the laws, the more effective the laws eventually become. Birla further observed that in the present times, people have higher hopes and aspirations for the Legislature. Simultaneously, the needs of the public have increased even more. For this, it is necessary that we set our priorities right and try our best to fulfill them. He invited attention to the fact that there is an increasing demand from the public that their aspirations are fulfilled through the House, and their issues are resolved. Birla said that as public representatives, it is our moral responsibility to continuously work for the socio-economic development of the people, and try to fulfill their needs. Chief Minister of Goa Dr Pramod Sawant, Speaker of Goa Legislative Assembly Shri Ramesh Tawadkar, Ministers of the Government of Goa and Members of the Legislative Assembly remained present; besides other dignitaries during Birla's address. Addressing the gathering, the Lok Sabha Speaker said, "India has achieved many milestones in the democratic journey of 75 years. The nation has made huge leaps in the fields like education, health, infrastructure, etc which has had a direct impact on the lives of the people. Legislative institutions have also played an important role in this journey and they have been continuously strengthened." He added that today we have efficient leadership and hardworking people who are continually powering the nation's progress. He expressed hope that the dream of making a developed India by 2047 would definitely be fulfilled. Referring to the resolve of Prime Minister Narendra Modi to make India a developed nation by the year 2047, Birla said that the achievement of this great resolution is possible only when every citizen and all institutions of the nation make a dedicated, collective effort. Birla emphasized that the nation's legislative bodies will have to play a leading role towards the fulfilment of this resolution. Emphasizing that proper use of information and communication technology will reduce the distance between the public and the legislature, Birla said that besides public trust in democratic processes, people's participation must also be strong. He suggested that all the Legislative Assemblies across the country make maximum use of technology. Alongside this, proper arrangements for capacity building of Members of the Legislative Assembly will ensure their meaningful participation in legislation. Birla said that the more the people's representatives enhance their knowledge and abilities, the more they will be able to participate in public welfare work. He emphasized building a political culture that has a public interest, concern and service at its core. Referring to the illustrious history of the Goa Legislative Assembly, Birla lauded the fact that the Legislative Assembly has played a significant role in the socio-economic development of Goa and the welfare of the people. "Today, Goa is on the path of development on the basis of many public-spirited laws made by the Assembly and therefore the State has emerged as a tourist hub all over the world. Referring to the rapid development of infrastructure in the state," Birla lauded the vision and efforts of the state government. On this occasion, the Chief Minister of Goa, Dr Pramod Sawant, in his address, first congratulated Birla on the inauguration of the New Parliament Building. He said, "It is his firm belief that the New Parliament building will prove to be the gift of Amrit Kaal for generations to come." He added that the Lok Sabha has a rich tradition and legacy of discussion, agreement, disagreement and unity on issues of national importance. Remembering veteran leaders like Bharat Ratna Atal Bihari Vajpayee, Indira Gandhi, Arun Jaitley, Sushma Swaraj etc, he said that these inspirational leaders have enhanced the dignity of the House through their word and deed. In the context of the comprehensive roadmap for the nation given by PM Modi, CM Sawant said that this grand vision will fulfil the dream of a developed India by the year 2047. He added that the idea of Viksit Bharat 2047 includes the role of various aspects in the progress of the nation. CM Sawant emphasized that the role of elected representatives is very important to fulfill this resolution and all public representatives from Panchayat to Parliament will have to make efforts in this direction. In his welcome address, the Speaker of the Goa Legislative Assembly Ramesh Tawadkar said that building a self-reliant and developed India should be our goal and for this, the Legislatures have an important role to play along with other stakeholders. He suggested that during lawmaking, it is necessary to study the implementation and the impact of the laws on the public. He further observed that it is the duty of all the legislators to contribute to maintaining the faith of the people in the democratic process. Deputy Speaker of the Goa Legislative Assembly, Joshua D'Souza delivered the Vote of Thanks, on the occasion. On this occasion, Om Birla also planted a sapling on the Goa Legislative Assembly premises. (ANI) Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami on Thursday said that no one will be allowed to take the law into their hands in connection to the Purola incident. CM Dhami said, "No one will be allowed to take the law into their hands." Strict security arrangements have been made in Uttarakhand's Purola town in view of the announcement of the mahapanchayat that was scheduled to be held today. The Uttarkashi district administration on Wednesday refused permission for a Mahapanchayat proposed to be held on June 15 in Uttarakhand's Purola town, which has been witnessing communal tensions over an alleged attempt to abduct a minor girl last month. The Chief Minister said, "We have appealed to all the people to maintain peace." He said that if anyone tries to vitiate the atmosphere, the law will take its course. "In the incidents that have happened so far, the administration has acted properly. If someone is guilty then the law will work against him. No one should take the law into their hands," he added. The district administration has also imposed Section 144 of the Code of Criminal Procedure, which prohibits the gathering of four or more people in a specified area, District Magistrate of Uttarkashi Abhishek Rohilla said. Apart from Purola, the market was also closed in Naugaon, Barkot. Security forces deployed everywhere. Uttarkashi, Inspector Santosh Kumar said that the police are keeping an eye on the area and are getting support from the local people. "The traders' association have closed the Purola market. Section 144 CrPC imposed by the administration is being followed. The police are keeping an eye on the area and are getting support from the local people. There are no reports of a violation of Section 144 CrPC," said Inspector Santosh Kumar. "Since the attempt to abduct a minor girl in Purola of Uttarkashi district of Uttarakhand, there has been tension against a particular community. Local head organizations have announced today to hold a mahapanchayat in Purola, in view of which Uttarkashi district administration has imposed Section 144 in Purola. Uttarkashi," said SP Uttarkashi, Arpan Yadhuvanshi. The Mahapanchayat was called by the Purola Pradhan Sangathan and has received support from the Vishwa Hindu Parishad, the Bajrang Dal among others. The situation in Purola has been tense after two men were caught in an alleged attempt to elope with a minor girl from Purola last month. Earlier on Wedneday, Uttarakhand Police staged a flag march in Purola. "We are taking out a flag march to restore peace. We were asked permission to organize mahapanchayat yesterday but we have not given permission to anyone. Section 144 will remain in force in the city till June 19," said Tirath Pal Singh, ADM, Uttarkashi. District Magistrate of Uttarkashi Abhishek Rohilla said, "The permission for the proposed mahapanchayat to be held on June 15 has been denied." Speaking exclusively to ANI, Uttarakhand, Director General of Police (DGP), Ashok Kumar said that no one will be given permission to break the law, over the proposed mahapanchayat. District Magistrate Abhishek Rohilla and Superintendant of Police Arpan Yaduvanshi had arrived in Purola on Monday, following tensions in the area. After meeting with local public representatives, the officials appealed to maintain harmony and peace. During the meeting locals from a particular community told officials that certain posters with threats to them were put up in the Purola town and since then they have been living in an atmosphere of fear. District Magistrate Abhishek Ruhela appealed to both communities to maintain peace and not to be misled by anyone. He also appealed to open community special shops with the consent of the representatives of the Board of Trade. (ANI) The Lt Governor reviewed facilities being provided to the dwellers while also listening to their grievances during an interaction. He directed the officials to ensure round-the-clock availability of all basic amenities, sufficient water supply, proper sanitation and cleanliness in the premises. The shelter home is being run by Jammu Municipal Corporation, through an NGO, Jagriti Mahila Udyog Kendra. The Lt Governor was accompanied by senior civil and police officials during his visit. (ANI) The decision of the High Court came in response to the plea submitted by the actor to quash the FIR against him. The complainant, a woman has filed a sexual harassment case against actor Unni Mukundan. The allegation of the complainant was that the actor had attempted to rape her at the former's flat in Edappaly in 2018 when she went there to discuss a movie project. However, the actor refuted the allegation saying that it was a false case to tarnish his reputation and extort money from him. The High Court first stayed the case in May 2021 after which the stay got extended multiple times. Though the actor's lawyer had announced that the case was settled in 2022, the complainant informed the court that she had not signed the settlement agreement. In May this year, the High Court had directed the completion of the trial in three months. The latest stay of the case came after the actor informed the court about the new settlement arrangement. (ANI) Armstrong, a popular figure in the crypto community who has a Twitter following of over 1 million, experienced a security breach on June 11, according to NFT Evening. Hackers are increasingly taking control of influential individuals' social media accounts. This troubling trend has affected a number of well-known figures, causing them to lose control of their own online platforms. During this incident, a hacker gained access to Armstrong's Twitter account. The hacker shared multiple banners depicting US Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) Chairperson Gary Gansler as BitBoy. These banners used explicit language, and one of them encouraged users to obtain scam tokens in order to counter Gansler's influence in the crypto industry, according to the report. Leading cryptocurrency exchanges such as Coinbase and Binance have recently faced SEC scrutiny, causing a stir in the crypto market. The SEC's actions have sparked debate and raised concerns within the crypto community and beyond. Bitboy Crypto took to YouTube to warn his fans about the hack. He also stated that they are working to reclaim the account and advised his followers not to click any links. Bitboy Crypto is the latest influencer whose account has been hacked in order to defraud followers. FranklinIsBored, a well-known crypto whale and NFT influencer was recently the victim of a hacking incident, the report said. Earlier this month, the Twitter account of OpenAI's Chief Technology Officer appears to have been hacked in order to promote a fraudulent cryptocurrency scheme. Her account started promoting a new cryptocurrency called "$OPENAI" that was allegedly "driven by artificial intelligence-based language models". --IANS shs/vd ( 289 Words) 2023-06-13-18:32:02 (IANS) According to SpaceX, the rocket on a dedicated rideshare mission carried 72 spacecraft that includes CubeSats, MicroSats and others and one of them was the Ahmedabad-based Azista BST Aerospace's 80 kg satellite AFR. Azista BST Aerospace is an Indo-German satellite manufacturing joint venture floated by India's Azista Industries Pvt. Ltd (holding 70 per cent stake) and Berlin Space Technologies GmbH (holding 30 per cent stake). "Currently the company is funded by Azista Industries. We are not for venture capital funding. We have a long term outlook in business," Sunil Indurti, Director had told IANS. The AFR will provide a panchromatic image with five metre resolution with a Swath of 70km. According to Bharath Simha Reddy P., Business Development Manager, the company has potential customers -- in strategic and agriculture sectors -- for the data to be acquired from the first satellite and as well as analytics. Most of the customers are located in SouthEast Asia and other parts, including India. "In the next two/three years, there will be three/four missions to demonstrate our satellite payloads," Bharath Simha Reddy had told IANS recently. An engineering graduate from the famed College of Engineering, Guindy in Chennai Indurti got into the space sector after founding and exiting an ice cream parlour chain in Hyderabad. "My ambition during the college days was to build a national brand," Indurti said. Soon after exiting the ice cream venture, Indurti met Srinivas Reddy Male, Managing Director and a Director with pharma company Hetero and both decided to get into satellite manufacturing. "We initially started as a vendor for Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) and set up a factory in Ahmedabad in Gujarat. We have also set up weather stations for DRDO and others," Indurti said. According to Bharath Simha Reddy, the company's target is to make about 100 satellites per year that would weigh between 50-200 kg. --IANS vj/dpb ( 351 Words) 2023-06-13-11:16:03 (IANS) The Dubai-based brand, under the Ashtel Group of companies, said it is set to launch six verticals -- smart watches, sound bars, portable speakers, TWS (true wireless stereo), BoomBox and party speakers. The products will be accessible through more than 2,000 large retail outlets, Amazon, and the company's own e-commerce platform, it said in a statement. "The investment of Rs 200 crore in India will be directed towards expansion plans, sound technology, launching new verticals/products, marketing and more," said Aneef Tas, CEO of Endefo. After capturing a significant market share in more than seven countries, Endefo is bringing its product line to India and plans to make substantial investments in other sectors that complement its core expertise in mobility and IT. "We have already established a significant market presence in southern India and now, with this launch, we are excited to expand our reach to various states in north and west parts of the country," said Tas. Established in 2003, Ashtel has successfully expanded its presence to 24 countries. The company said its objective is to bridge the gap between cutting-edge technology and affordability for the Indian consumers. --IANS na/ ( 243 Words) 2023-06-14-10:48:05 (IANS) US Congresswoman Sheila Jackson Lee on Wednesday (local time) said the US looks forward to PM Modi's upcoming address to the US Congress. "The Congress will look forward to the state address that he will make in the United States Congress. That will be both houses of Congress. That's a very important position to be in. We will be attentive," Lee said while speaking to ANI on PM Modi's upcoming US visit. The US Congresswoman said the US "looks forward to all of the solutions that we can make together. That's what we've always done with India. We've always found ways to solve our concerns together." She said there is great expectation from the "leader of one of the largest or the largest democracy to visit the oldest democracy and to renew long-standing friendship around the issues of nonviolence, around the issue of democracy and caring about our people." She further said: "Nations may have many diplomatic concerns that they must discuss. But the good news is that we have the pathway to India and India has the pathway to the United States. And we know how to discuss our issues and be part of affiliation and leadership and continue to work together." Meanwhile, PM Narendra Modi recently said he is honoured to accept the invitation and looks forward to addressing a joint meeting of the US Congress on June 22. "Thank you @SpeakerMcCarthy, @LeaderMcConnell, @SenSchumer, and @RepJeffries for the gracious invitation. I am honoured to accept and look forward to once again addressing a Joint Meeting of the Congress," PM Modi tweeted. The PM further wrote: "We are proud of our Comprehensive Global Strategic Partnership with the US, built upon the foundation of shared democratic values, strong people-to-people ties, and an unwavering commitment to global peace and prosperity." The United States Congress recently invited Prime Minister Narendra Modi to address a joint meeting of the House of Representatives and Senate during his visit to the country on June 22, according to the statement released by US Congress. PM Modi's Second Address to a Joint Meeting of the US Congress is historic. He is the first Indian PM to do so twice. Globally, as a Head of Government, PM Modi is second only to Benjamin Netanyahu, PM of Israel, who has done it thrice. This honour bestowed on PM Modi shows the bipartisan respect and support for him in the USA. (ANI) The East Turkistan Government in Exile (ETGE) has strongly condemned the recent strategic partnership between Palestine and China, which supports China's ongoing colonization, genocide, and occupation campaign in East Turkistan. The joint statement between the People's Republic of China and the State of Palestine on establishing a Strategic Partnership reiterated China's false narrative that the "Xinjiang [East Turkistan] related issue is not a human rights issue at all, but an issue of counter-terrorism, de-radicalization, and anti-separatism," and that the "Palestine side firmly opposes interference in China's internal affairs under the pretexts of Xinjiang [East Turkistan]-related issue", according to a release issued by the East Turkistan Government in Exile. As per the release, it is a distortion of reality to refer to the ongoing Sino-East Turkistan conflict as a matter of "Chinese internal affairs." This distorted narrative not only aids Chinese imperialism but also ignores the atrocities endured by the Uyghur, Kazakh, Kyrgyz, and other Turkic people in Occupied East Turkistan. The East Turkistani people are subject to unrelenting atrocities, such as genocide, systemic racism, and persecution. East Turkistan Government in Exile President Ghulam Yaghma said: "The East Turkistani people strongly condemn Palestine's support for China's colonization, genocide, and occupation in East Turkistan. The recent strategic partnership between Palestine and China, coupled with the Arab world's alarming support for China's ongoing genocide and colonization in East Turkistan, has exposed the problematic hypocrisy prevalent in Palestine, the Arab world, and the Muslim world." The East Turkistan Government in Exile called on the international community to expose and condemn China's tactics. By disguising its colonization, genocide, and occupation in East Turkistan under the fictitious labels of "anti-terrorism," "de-radicalization," and "anti-separatism," China undermines the very existence of the East Turkistani people, trampling their right to external self-determination and denying their pursuit of independence. East Turkistan Government in Exile Prime Minister Salih Hudayar said: "While it is true that the East Turkistan issue is about more than just human rights, as it is rooted in Chinese occupation and colonization of East Turkistan, the East Turkistan-Sino conflict is not a so-called "Chinese internal affairs matter" as Beijing likes to claim; rather, it is an international conflict between two distinct nations." (ANI) US Congresswoman Sheila Jackson Lee on Wednesday (local time) said there is a need to join together, unify together with all the Hindus across America. "The power of Hindus in the United States is powerful. We need to join together, unify together with all of the Hindus across America. That will be a powerful force," the US Congresswoman said while addressing the first-ever Hindu-American Summit organised at US Capitol Hill. Lee during her address said she is learning of the understanding of divinity and the sense of divinity in each of us. "We are divine, and it means that we have the ability to do good things. And there are people who are not of Indian heritage, who are Hindu, who have tried to adopt the faith because of its goodness," she said. The US Congresswoman said democracy is an issue that the US, India can work together on as "there is no doubt that India is the largest and we are the oldest. And we've all had our challenges. We have all had our challenges. But if we can do that with our own faith, the faith of the Hindu, about our own ability to do good, we can keep the march of democracy going forward." Lee further said: "We can keep your rights protected. We can allow you to practise your faith without interruption. We can allow your voices to be heard without interruption. We can even promote peace. And I am a person who believes in it." Founder and Chairman of American4Hindus, Romesh Japra at the event said: "This is the first-ever summit we are holding for political engagement. We've done a lot of great work in every field but politically, we are way behind. We feel that Hindu Americans are being discriminated. That is why we thought it is a good idea to bring all the organizations together." American4Hindus is an NGO that advocates for the rights of Hindu Americans in the U.S. (ANI) Top lawmakers in the United States have invited Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi to address the US Congress when he visits Washington, D.C. later this month, a rare opportunity granted only to the country's closest allies. Underscoring the signals of the continued bipartisan support in America for strong bilateral ties with India, Ambassador to the US Taranjit Singh Sandhu on Wednesday (local time) noted the keenness shown by the Democrats and Republicans. The Indian PM, who has been invited by US President Joe Biden (a Democrat), will speak to the lawmakers and the joint address shows that both sides are interested in deepening and widening ties that India and the US currently enjoy. "PM Modi will be the first leader in independent India to address the US Congress twice...In my conversations with many of the congressmen and senators, I can certainly tell you that there is a lot of excitement among them," Taranjit Singh Sandhu said. He added, "...They want to hear about the India story and they want to hear about the Prime Minister's vision and his thinking." Democratic and Republican leaders in the Senate and House of Representatives announced the invitation in a letter to Modi on Friday, saying that the speech on June 22 would celebrate the "enduring friendship" between the two countries. "Based on our shared values and commitment to global peace and prosperity, the partnership between our two countries continues to grow," the letter stated. Meanwhile, US Representative Richard McCormick, a Republican lawmaker, on Wednesday (local time) stressed on having ties between the United States (US) and India economically, militarily and strategically. He emphasised that lawmakers whether they are Democrats or Republicans need to pay more attention to India as a "future partner going forward". On reports of the US pushing a sign a big-arms drone deal during the upcoming visit of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, he said, "I think the more we link our countries together, both strategically, economically, militarily, the better. If you look at the threats in the region, if you look at India's strategic location next to China, Pakistan, and Bangladesh, with all the problems that we have in that part of the world right now, we need a strong partner, somebody that we can link ourselves to" can be passed down to further generations. US Congresswoman Sheila Jackson Lee said the US looks forward to PM Modi's upcoming address to the US Congress. "The Congress will look forward to the state address that he will make in the United States Congress. That will be both houses of Congress. That's a very important position to be in. We will be attentive," Lee said while speaking to ANI on PM Modi's upcoming US visit. (ANI) On the invitation of US President Joe Biden and First Lady Jill Biden, Prime Minister Narendra Modi will be in the US in a week. All eyes are now on the next chapter in the bilateral relations between the two countries and the message that will be sent out of Washington. Indian Ambassador to the US Taranjit Singh Sandhu on Wednesday (local time) said that during Prime Minister Narendra Modi's upcoming state visit to the US, the "next level of the partnership will be visible". "You will see the personal chemistry reflected in a number of interactions. In fact, this will show perhaps the maximum interaction between Prime Minister Modi and the President of the United States." As cabinet members and senior officials are looking into the nuts and bolts of the state visit's "outcomes" and are making sure New Delhi and Washington are moving in the right direction, Sandhu highlighted the significance of India-US partnership in the global context in various spheres such as trade, defence and strategic cooperation, technology, higher education and clean energy. "The underlying aspect is going to be much more strategic understanding," Sandhu asserted. Experts stress on how Washington is working to deepen ties with the world's largest democracy, forging military and industrial links with India as a key counterweight to China's dominance, even as the two democracies differ on how to deal with Russia's Ukraine invasion. And this visit would further nail in stronger ties as the United States looks to blunt China's growing assertiveness in the region. The relationship between the two democracies and their ties have steadily transformed and elevated into a strategic technology partnership. "Fifteen years ago, we just wouldn't have thought about it. But today, we are talking about the stuff which was unimaginable...now you're talking about critical and emerging technologies, and data and AI that include semiconductors, quantum 5G, and 6G telecom sector. Technology also reflects trust and confidence between the two sides. And I think this aspect is the one which is going to really show the deepening of our relationship," the top Indian envoy noted. PM Modi's trip to the US is being billed as a milestone in relations between the two democracies and the Indian envoy signals that the visit next week will be historic. "This is indeed a historic and path-breaking visit. I use these terminologies by fully looking into them. You will see both on the substantive side and on the ceremonial side, that it will be historic," Sandhu added. Meanwhile, US National Security Advisor (NSA) Jake Sullivan recently said that "As we look ahead to the state visit that PM Modi will be embarking upon in Washington next week, a number of the deliverables at that visit are not just bullet points on a page, they are fundamentally designed to remove obstacles in defence and high-tech trades and in taking away obstacles that have stood in the way of better collaboration among our scientists and researchers." (ANI) Mikati made the appeal during a meeting with Aroldo Lazaro Saenz, Chief of the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL), at the Grand Serail in Beirut, according to a statement by Lebanon's Council of Ministers on Monday. Lebanon reaffirms its commitment to provisions of the international Resolution 1701 and coordination with the UNIFIL to maintain stability along the borders, the statement quoted Mikati as saying. The Prime Minister stressed in the statement that "Lebanon adheres to its right to recover its occupied lands and not to abandon them." Lebanon's southern border witnessed increased tensions over the past three days as Israeli forces clashed with Lebanese citizens protesting against the Israeli military's construction of a barrier near the border, Xinhua news agency reported. Claiming the barrier was being built on Lebanese territory, the protesters threw stones at Israeli forces, who responded by firing tear gas grenades. Meanwhile, Israeli forces said that Lebanese civilians tried to tear down the barrier while throwing stones at the troops, which responded with "crowd dispersal means". --IANS int/khz/ ( 216 Words) 2023-06-13-00:12:05 (IANS) The Uganda Red Cross Society (URCS) said on Monday in a statement that 43 adults and 70 children fled the ADF attacks over the weekend in Congo's Kasindi town and crossed into Uganda's border district of Kasese. "With coordination from the UPDF (Uganda People's Defense Force) and the district leadership of Kasese, our RACTs (Response Action Teams) are already at Kabuyiri Catholic Church Mpondwe where the group is temporarily hosted," the URCS added in the statement. The ADF, which is also a branch of the Islamic State in Central Africa, is a Ugandan rebel group based in the jungles in eastern Congo. The rebel group is blamed for causing havoc in villages in eastern Congo, Xinhua news agency reported. The Ugandan military and their Congo counterparts launched joint operations against the rebel group in November 2021. --IANS int/khz/ ( 177 Words) 2023-06-13-01:20:03 (IANS) On World Day Against Child Labour, the International Labour Organisation (ILO) has called for action to end child labour. On Monday, the ILO held a high-level panel themed "social justice for all, end child labour," which is a side event during the session of the International Labour Conference. The discussion focuses on the link between social justice and the elimination of child labour. Panelists representing workers, employers and governments stressed the urgency of the fight against child labour and discussed ways to increase social justice, Xinhua news agency reported. "For the first time in 20 years, child labour is on the rise. 160 million children, almost one-in-10 worldwide, are in child labour," the ILO Director-General, Gilbert F. Houngbo said in a video speech addressed on this occasion. "We must step up our fight against child labour, by supporting greater social justice. If we do this, an end to child labour is not just possible. It is within reach," he stressed. The world had been making steady progress in reducing child labour since 2000, but over the past few years, conflicts, crises and the Covid-19 pandemic, have plunged more families into poverty, and forced millions more children into child labour, the ILO said in a statement published on Monday. Economic growth has not been sufficient, nor inclusive enough, to relieve the pressure that too many families and communities feel, the statement added. Measures to fight against child labour include the establishment and implementation of a strong legal framework based on International Labour Standards and social dialogue, provision of universal access to education of good quality and to social protection, as well as direct measures to alleviate poverty, inequality and economic insecurity, and promote decent work for adult workers, it said. The ILO launched the first World Day Against Child Labour in 2002 as a way to highlight the plight of children engaged in child labour. --IANS int/khz/ ( 330 Words) 2023-06-13-01:58:03 (IANS) The fighters from the Cooperative for the Development of Congo (CODECO), a loose association of militia groups operating within Congo, attacked the Lala camp in Djugu district in Ituri province, a local official said on Monday on condition of anonymity. Most of the victims, including women and children, were burned to death while sleeping, he added as quoted by Xinhua news agency report. The country's army has deployed reinforcements in the area to repel the attackers, the source added. CODECO, active in Ituri province for several years, has been accused of killing civilians. --IANS int/khz/ ( 132 Words) 2023-06-13-02:00:02 (IANS) The announcement was made by the Jordanian-Saudi Joint Technical Committee for Land Transport at the conclusion of its meeting in Jordan's capital Amman, state-run Petra news agency reported on Monday. At the meeting, the committee discussed boosting road safety on the basis of technical conditions and pushing forward customs projects with technical connectivity between the two countries, Xinhua news agency reported. The committee stressed in the announcement the importance of providing support for and removing obstacles to the flow of goods and passengers. It also emphasised compliance with requirements and conditions for the entry of Jordanian buses into Saudi territory during the pilgrimage season. --IANS int/khz/ ( 145 Words) 2023-06-13-02:22:02 (IANS) Palestinian Prime Minister Mohammed Ishtaye has rejected an Israeli plan to divide the Muslim worshipping zone in East Jerusalem between Jews and Muslims. Ishtaye made the remarks on Monday during the weekly meeting of the Palestinian Authority cabinet held in the West Bank city of Ramallah, according to a statement from his office. Israel Radio reported that Israeli parliament member Amit Halevy from the Likud Party proposed dividing the worshipping zone between Jews and Muslims at Al-Aqsa Mosque compound, which is known by the Jews as the Temple Mount. The report added that Halevi's plan would give Muslims control of the southern end of the compound, which contains the Al-Aqsa Mosque, while Jews would receive the central and northern areas, Xinhua news agency reported. Ishtaye warned against the plan, saying it would "cause overwhelming anger with unpredictable results because of the sanctity and religious value Al-Aqsa Mosque constitutes for the Palestinian people and Arabs and Muslims". He called for an Arab, Islamic and international action "that goes beyond denunciation and condemnation to imposing sanctions that would prevent any change in Al-Aqsa Mosque and stop any violation in Jerusalem". The Palestinians want the eastern part of Jerusalem, which was occupied by Israel in 1967, to be the capital of their independent state, while Israelis insist that the entire city is their capital. Ishtaye also called for real international pressure "to stop Israel's implementation of the settlement plan known as E1, which aims to undermine the chances of establishing a contiguous Palestinian state". "According to this plan, a new settlement will be built linking the Jerusalem settlements with the Ma'ale Adumim settlement, which means dividing the West Bank into two separate areas," the Palestinian Prime Minister said. Israeli settlement in the West Bank and East Jerusalem is one of the thorny issues between the two sides, which led to the halting of their direct peace negotiations. --IANS int/khz/ ( 330 Words) 2023-06-13-02:26:03 (IANS) In a statement, Hun Sen said that if politicians do not cast their ballots on election day, they would have no right to stand for any level of election, reports Xinhua news agency. He said it is common people's right to decide whether to go to polls, but for politicians, they must vote, or their right to stand as a candidate in any elections will be revoked. Cambodia is scheduled to hold an election for the 125-seat National Assembly on July 23 the National Election Committee (NEC). More than 9.7 million Cambodians have registered to cast their ballots, the poll body added. --IANS ksk/ ( 145 Words) 2023-06-13-13:10:03 (IANS) Lebanon has appealed to the UN to help cover the electricity expenses of Syrian and Palestinian refugees living in the country. "The cost of electricity consumed by refugees ... must be paid through electricity tariff," caretaker Energy Minister Walid Fayyad was quoted by National News Agency as saying on Monday after he met with UN agencies. Fayyad said he agreed during the meeting to form two technical committees, with the first to deal with the electricity consumption in Syrian camps and the second in Palestinian camps, Xinhua news agency reported. "We cannot allow this issue to disturb the financial balance of Lebanon's state power company, which was on the brink of collapse," he noted. The lack of electricity in Lebanon has been a chronic problem and cost the treasury over 40 per cent of its sovereign debt. The electricity problem was exacerbated in the past three years by the country's financial crisis, as the shortage of US dollars limits its fuel imports needed for the operation of existing power stations. Lebanese authorities have been trying to secure a safe return of Syrian refugees to their homeland as the cost of their presence in Lebanon is estimated at around $6 billion per year instead of the $3 billion assessed by the World Bank in 2013, according to Lebanese Foreign Minister Abdallah Bou Habib in an interview in May. --IANS int/khz/ ( 242 Words) 2023-06-13-02:40:03 (IANS) The US is pushing for overhauling the UN Security Council and is developing a proposal to add six permanent members who will not have veto rights, according to a media report. "The evolving US proposal, which is expected to include the addition of up to six permanent seats to the Council without granting those nations veto power," The Washington Post reported on Monday. India has insisted that a permanent seat should come with veto powers but offered to forgo veto rights during a transitional process. Withholding veto rights for new permanent members "ensures that if reform is achieved, it would grant additional countries the clout of permanent council seats without diluting current members' veto power, the Post said. The reform initiative would "reflects (President Joe) Biden's desire to acknowledge the developing world's growing clout and to address widespread frustration with the council's current members and their inability to stanch global conflicts, particularly the war in Ukraine," the newspaper said. The US initiative comes as the 54 African countries -- the largest group in the UN and whose continent has the most Council-mandated peacekeeping operations -- have intensified their demands for permanent seats at the Council citing the historic injustice done to them when most of them were under the colonial yoke in 1945 when the UN was founded. They demand two permanent seats for the group. Biden said at the General Assembly last September that "to ensure that the Council remains credible and effective" the US "supports increasing the number of both permanent and non-permanent representatives". In the speech, Biden said that the US supports permanent seats for Latin America and Africa without mentioning any country. The joint statement by Biden and Prime Minister Narendra Modi during his visit to Washington in 2021 reiterated US support for India's claim for a permanent seat in a continuation of the positions of former Presidents Barack Obama and Donald Trump. US Permanent Representative Linda Thomas-Greenfield said before her speech that at the Assembly session Biden, Secretary of State Antony Blinken, and she "plan to consult broadly on our individual and collective responsibilities under the UN Charter, including critical questions around reform of the Security Council and other UN organs". "We should forge consensus around sensible and credible proposals to expand the Security Council's membership," she added. The Post said that Thomas-Greenfield is consulting with diplomats from the organisation's 193 member states to solicit feedback about a potential expansion of the powerful council ahead of world leaders' annual gathering in New York in September. Quoting an unnamed senior official, the Post said that she is trying to "forge some consensus on a sensible, credible proposal that could actually succeed and achieve reform". The reform process in the Assembly known as Intergovernmental Negotiations (IGN) has been trapped in a morass of procedural wrangling and it ended its work for the current session without any progress and kicked it down to the next session that starts in September -- as it has done for over a decade. The Biden administration supports Germany and Japan in addition to India for permanent seats, and also as yet undetermined representatives of Latin American and African nations. France and Britain also support permanent seats for the three countries and for Brazil, while Russia backs India publicly but not the others. China has been silent on additional permanent members while offering vague support for reforms and will be the main roadblock to reforms. The reform which would amend the UN Charter would ultimately need the approval of all the five permanent members of the Council as well as the votes of 128 nations of the 193 UN members to make up the required two-thirds majority in the Assembly. The Post noted that Council reform and the Biden initiative face an uphill task. "Biden is pushing for reform despite established powers' reluctance to cede their traditional sway and although Washington faces acute challenges in forging any consensus in an increasingly fractured world." "The stakes are high as his administration seeks to ensure that the UN remains a central tool for preventing wars, even as doubt grows about its ability to do so," it added. One of the hurdles to reforms is the manoeuvres by a small group of countries known as Uniting for Consensus that is led by Italy and includes Pakistan. The members oppose individual countries because of their rivalries and/or at the behest of nations like China that they are beholden to. Pakistan's Permanent Representative Munir Akram, whose country is opposed to India, told the Post, "This is undemocratic; it is unequal; it is contrary to the principle of sovereign equality of states which is part of the charter." Three of the five permanent seats are held by Western countries and adding to them could dilute their dominance as only Germany and Japan would be in their ranks while India and other developing countries would act more independently. The Post quoted a UN diplomat referring to this: "Any reform of the Security Council may well reduce the weight of the West. So this is a reality. And the question is, are we really pushing for that now? Is it just nice rhetoric that we want to do this, or are we really serious when we say we want to do it now?" (Arul Louis can be contacted at arul.l@ians.in and followed at @arulouis) --IANS arul/khz/ ( 909 Words) 2023-06-13-02:50:02 (IANS) A proposal to regulate wedding barns in Wisconsin as part of an overhaul of the states liquor laws won bipartisan support Thursday, advancing as the Republican-controlled Legislature moves swiftly to enact the sweeping bill. An Assembly committee voted 12-2 to pass the measure just two days after a public hearing at which owners of wedding barns across the state said the proposed changes would put them out of business. The bill, which has been years in the making, was brought by Republican legislative leaders and agreed to by stakeholders with a wide array of interests. It affects every level of the states alcohol industry governing the licensing, producing, selling and distribution of beer, wine and liquor. Advertisement The bill also attempts to resolve questions about primarily rural facilities that host weddings and other events where alcohol is served. The facilities, which have grown in popularity in recent years and operated in a legal gray area, currently do not need a liquor license to operate. Under the bill, wedding barns that host more than six events a year would have to obtain a Class B liquor license, which would allow them to serve beer and wine. Advertisement Lawmakers on the Assemblys state affairs committee on Thursday dismissed concerns brought by some wedding barn owners that the requirements were too onerous. This bill is not going to put anyone out of business, said Republican Rep. Michael Schraa. They just have to change their business model a little bit. Committee chair, Republican Rep. Rob Swearingen, said wedding barns were the wild west and needed to be regulated in the name of public safety. Were talking about beverage: alcohol, he said. Were not talking about chocolate milk. Democratic Rep. Tod Ohnstad, one of three Democrats who joined all nine Republicans in voting to pass the bill, said it attempts to level the playing field for banquet halls, taverns and others who must get liquor licenses to operate and wedding barns, which dont need a license. The Legislature was expected to pass it on Wednesday, which would then send it to Democratic Gov. Tony Evers. His spokesperson did not immediately return a message seeking comment on the measure. Evers administration was involved with the drafting of the bill. Wedding barns are just one small part of the proposal that makes changes to the states so-called three-tier system, created in the 1930s. The three-tier system refers to alcohol suppliers, distributors and retailers. The system, designed to prevent monopolies, has been eyed for changes for years, but policy makers and the alcohol industry have been unable to reach agreement. This year though, the measure has broad support from some of the nations largest alcohol sellers to some of the states best-known smaller craft breweries. Distributors and retailers are also on board, leaving wedding barn owners as the most prominent opponent. Advertisement In one of the biggest changes, the bill would create a new division in the state Department of Revenue to oversee and enforce liquor laws. It would also allow for expanded hours at wineries, permit brew pubs to operate stand-alone retail stores and create a new statewide bartender license. Supporters include Anheuser-Busch Companies, Kwik Trip, Molson Coors Brewing Co., New Glarus Brewing Company, the Wisconsin Craft Beverage Coalition, the Wisconsin Grocers Association and the Wisconsin Wine and Spirit Institute. New Zealand is embracing a tourism rebound as more than 600,000 visitors will arrive during the upcoming winter season. The tourism sector is continuing to strengthen to close to pre-pandemic levels, Tourism Minister Peeni Henare said on Tuesday, citing the latest data and estimates. There were about 221,300 overseas visitor arrivals in April 2023, and airline booking and capacity data estimate more than 600,000 visitors are expected to arrive this winter from June to August, more than 83 per cent of pre-Covid arrivals in winter 2019, Xinhua news agency reported citing statistics. Visitors from Australia are expected to approach around 90 per cent this winter compared to pre-pandemic levels, Henare said. "This is great news for the hundred thousand Kiwis directly employed in tourism and their communities around New Zealand who rely on the industry for local jobs and economic growth," he said. He said that this tourism rebound complements the government's investment in regional infrastructure while the borders were closed, enabling a strong post-pandemic recovery. International visitors spent NZ$3.2 billion ($1.96 billion) in New Zealand in the first quarter of 2023, up from NZ$1.8 billion in the December quarter, which makes international tourism the country's second-highest export this quarter behind dairy exports such as milk powder, butter, and cheese, said the minister. The increase in spending by international visitors reflects the larger flow of international visitors for the peak summer holiday season and an increase in holidaymakers who spend more per day than the average visitor, he said. Visitor numbers are also buoyed by the increase in flight capacity. Australian visitors remain the largest single market, followed by visitors from the United States and Britain, he added. In addition, electronic card spending data shows international visitors spent NZ$328 million in April 2023, up 25 per cent compared with April 2019, statistics show. The government support will help implement initiatives like a hospitality and tourism accreditation scheme, investments in better education and training, and improved opportunities for those who choose tourism as a career, Henare said. --IANS ksk/ ( 351 Words) 2023-06-13-15:08:02 (IANS) Chennai-based lawyer and activist Lalitha Natarajan has won US Department of Labor's 2023 Iqbal Masih Award for the Elimination of Child Labour. Natarajan was presented the award by Consul General Judith Ravin at a ceremony in the US Consulate General in Chennai on May 30. As a leader in the fight to end exploitative child labor in southern India, Natarajan identifies child victims of trafficking, specifically bonded labor, assisting in their reintegration into society, the US consulate in Chennai said in a statement. In her role as a member of the Child Welfare Committee (North Zone), under the Department of Social Defence, Tamil Nadu, Natarajan ensures victims receive compensation under the Child Labor Act and Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act . Besides working on child labour issues, Lalitha also provides legal and counseling support to victims of domestic violence and sexual abuse. "This award will further motivate me to work for the cause of children. As a member of the Child Welfare Committee, I work closely with various State and Central government departments, judiciary, and police to ensure child rights offenders are convicted," Natarajan said at the awards ceremony in Chennai. "I especially want to recognise the child survivors of trafficking and bonded labor that I have fought for over many years and wish them peace," she added. "Her courageous efforts have contributed to obtaining social justice for India's young people and most vulnerable populations. For over two decades, she has rescued children from forced labor in various industrial sectors across the state of Tamil Nadu, ranging from stone quarries to food processing factories to handloom mills," Consul General Ravin said. She added that the award recognises the life work of Natarajan that has brought real change to the lives of hundreds of Indian children. The Iqbal Masih Award is a US Congress-mandated award established by the Secretary of Labor in 2008 that honors extraordinary contributions to combat child labour. The award commemorates the World Day Against Child Labour that is observed on June 12 every year to raise awareness and activism to prevent child labour. --IANS mi/ksk/ ( 366 Words) 2023-06-13-15:48:04 (IANS) The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) has announced that it has secured insurance for the FSO Safer, a decaying oil tanker moored off the coast of Yemen. The tanker, which carries 1.14 million barrel of oil and anchors in the Red Sea off the coast of Hodeidah, has not undergone maintenance since 2015 due to Yemen's civil war. The insurance, which was arranged by insurance broker Howden, will cover the cost of any loss or damage that might occur during the transfer of oil from the FSO Safer to another tanker, the UNDP said on Monday in a press statement on its website. "Insurance became a critical element of enabling this salvage operation to proceed," UNDP Administrator Achim Steiner was quoted as saying. "Without it, the mission could not go forward." The FSO Safer is a floating storage and offloading (FSO) vessel that was built in 1976. It was anchored off the coast of Yemen in 1984 to store oil produced by the Marib oil field. The tanker was designed to be emptied and maintained regularly, but the war in Yemen has made it impossible to do so, Xinhua news agency reported. On May 30, a UN engineering vessel arrived at the site of the FSO Safer to make preparations for the transfer of its oil. According to media reports, the transfer is expected to start in the coming days. The UN has warned that a spill from the FSO Safer could have a devastating impact on the Red Sea and the coastline of Yemen. The spill could release four times as much oil as the 1989 Exxon Valdez disaster, which killed thousands of seabirds and marine mammals and caused widespread environmental damage. --IANS int/khz/ ( 297 Words) 2023-06-13-04:38:03 (IANS) Romanian President Klaus Iohannis has appointed incumbent Justice Minister Catalin Predoiu as interim Prime Minister following the resignation of premier Nicolae Ciuca as part of a ruling coalition deal for a rotating premiership. According to the Presidential Administration, Iohannis took note of Ciuca's resignation and invited the parliamentary parties to the Cotroceni Presidential Palace on Tuesday for consultations on the designation of his successor, reports Xinhua news agency. "Today ... I end my activity as Prime Minister of Romania. In this way ... at the coalition level, the procedures for carrying out the rotation begin," Ciuca said in a statement on Monday. "We proposed to have the government inaugurated by Thursday, and in this way, we can continue to deal with the issues that are priorities, both through the government program and for everything that the government of a country means," he said. The rotation should have taken place on May 25 but the teachers' strike in the country delayed it. Ciuca had pledged to resolve the labour conflict before leaving office. Education unions in the country decided on Monday to suspend their general strike after the government's newest offer to hike teachers' wages. Under an agreement reached by the members of the ruling coalition that was sworn in in November 2021, the country will rotate its prime minister every 18 months before the next parliamentary elections, which are expected in December 2024. And Ciuca of the centreright National Liberal Party will now hand the post to Marcel Ciolacu, president of the Social Democratic Party, as agreed. Under Romania's Constitution, the head of state appoints a candidate for the post of Prime Minister after consulting the party or coalition of political parties that have an absolute majority in Parliament. --IANS ksk/ ( 298 Words) 2023-06-13-10:22:02 (IANS) Believing that immigrant students, largely from Punjab, who have been facing deportation from Canada over a case of fake documents, are the victims of fraud, the country's Immigration Minister Sean Fraser said they would put a process in place to allow them to prove that they were taken advantage of and provide an appropriate remedy for them. During Question Hour at the House of Commons on Monday, Fraser reiterated that they were working on helping innocent students. "I'm glad to share that we have been working hard as we discussed a week ago. We're working to develop a process to ensure that the innocent students, who are the victims of fraud, have an opportunity to remain in Canada," he said in response to a question from Jenny Kwan, a member of the opposition New Democratic Party. Fraser added people who knowingly committed fraud or were complicit in fraudulent scheme will bear the consequences of not following Canadian laws. Acknowledging the mental health concerns of the affected students with the uncertainty they are facing, he said they will put a process in place to allow them to prove they were taken advantage of and provide a remedy for them. The Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) has issued deportation notices to 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 is 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. Standing behind the students facing deportation, Kwan, an MP for Vancouver East, had earlier 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, Kwan 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. Saying the data of 700 Indian students who fear deportation is factually incorrect and highly exaggerated, Punjab-origin MP Sukh Dhaliwal said their number could be around 200. "As per our (MPs) briefing (by the government), their number could be around 200, 50 cases are under consideration and some of them have already been deported," Dhaliwal told IANS on Tuesday over phone. He said only one student from Punjab who is facing deportation has contacted him. "As per our information gathered by my office, the student, who passed out of a two-year programme from Langara College with high grades, is the genuine victim of fraud. "We are in regular touch with the CBSA and immigration minister Sean Fraser and asked them to evaluate individually of those who were actually cheated and each one will be given the opportunity to present his/her case... The victim should not be punished but the culprit be brought to justice," he added. Dhaliwal said it is a network of immigration cheats, mainly based in Punjab and Delhi, who have colluded to cheat the Canadian system by getting the students admitted in a college on misrepresentation of facts and fraudulent details. Later, they told the students that their admission to the college has been cancelled due to a consultant's disagreement with the college. They further advised the student to take admission in any other college since they have study permit. "I have also asked the Punjab government to rein in ghost consultants so that not only the students but also others who are coming as immigrants to Canada should be prevented from fraud," he said, adding "they are a victim to fraud, due to which many of them went into a lot of stress". Lovepreet Singh, the first among the students to be deported on June 13, from Punjab's Mohali is accused by Canadian authorities of obtaining a visa on fraudulent admission letter for a Canadian university. His deportation has now been stayed. Social media has score of stories about victims from India losing thousands of dollars to ghost or unauthorised consultants. Many innocent people later realise that their consultants were unauthorised and not only cheated them but also ruined the application for permanent residency too. (Vishal Gulati can be contacted at gulatiians@gmail.com) --IANS vg/ksk/ ( 808 Words) 2023-06-13-10:30:02 (IANS) In a post on Telegram, Serhii Lysak, head of the Dnipropetrovsk region military administration, said that air defences shot down three cruise missiles over the central city but there were also "incomings", reports CNN. "Civilian facilities were damaged," he said, adding that 19 of the wounded were hospitaliaed. "There was a massive missile attack on Kryvyi Rih. The Russians carried out another terrorist attack on the residential sector -- overnight. This was insidious. Cruel," Lysak said earlier on Telegram. Also confirming the attack, the city's Mayor Oleksandr Vilkul said that a five-storey apartment building was hit and victims were likely trapped under the rubble. "Apartments from the first to the fifth floors are on fire. The fire has covered 700 square meters. Rescuers are extinguishing it," CNN quoted the Mayor as saying in an update. Four people were also injured at another location in the city where a building and a car had caught fire, he added. Vilkul also reported overnight Russian shelling of the nearby Nikopol district. Condemning the incident, President Volodymyr Zelensky said: "More terrorist missiles, Russian killers continue their war against residential buildings, ordinary cities, and people... Unfortunately, there are dead and wounded. The rescue operation in Kryvyi Rih continues. "My condolences to all those who have lost their loved ones! Terrorists will never be forgiven, and they will be held accountable for every missile they launch." --IANS ksk/ ( 272 Words) 2023-06-13-11:10:04 (IANS) "I expressed to (European Commission) President (Ursula) Von der Leyen Brazil's concern about the additional instrument to the agreement presented by the European Union in March of this year, which expands Brazil's obligations and establishes sanctions in case of non-compliance," Lula said in a statement after meeting the top EU official in Brasilia. This is the first visit to Brazil by a head of the European Commission in 10 years, with an agenda focusing on the trade agreement with Mercosur, which gathers Brazil, Argentina, Paraguay and Uruguay. The two blocs reached a trade agreement in 2019 following 20 years of negotiations, but European governments now say the environmental safeguards of the deal fall short of guaranteeing that stepped-up transatlantic trade won't further destroy the environment. The agreement still needs to be ratified by the parliaments of the signatory countries. "The premise that must exist between strategic partners is mutual trust, not mistrust and sanctions," said the Brazilian President. "The European Union has approved its own laws with extraterritorial effects that modify the balance of the agreement. These initiatives represent potential restrictions on agricultural and industrial exports from Brazil," he added. Von der Leyen will next travel to Argentina, Chile and Mexico to meet the Presidents of those countries. --IANS ksk/ ( 254 Words) 2023-06-13-11:22:04 (IANS) The Khaama Press News Agency is an online news service for Afghanistan. Chinese investors during the visit met with the governor of Maidan Wardak province Qari Bakhtyar Mouaz and stated that they are interested to build production plants of kitchen utensils, wire nets, and diapers, according to reports. The report added, these foreign investors would like to invest an estimated amount of USD 250,000 for a starter and will increase their investment in a gradual manner. Afghanistan Governor Qari Bakhtyar Mouaz said that they are ready to provide all the necessary facilities for the construction of these factories in the industrial town of the province. Mouaz stressed that security-wise, every corner of Afghanistan is ready for investment, and he called on national and international entrepreneurs to consider Maidan Wardak a promising and potential destination for small and medium-sized businesses, as per Khaama Press. Since the return of the Taliban to power in August 2021, foreign investment has declined to almost zero according to economic experts, as the country is currently plagued with dire economic and humanitarian situations. According to Khaama Press, hundreds of national investors and business people fled the country fearing death threats and persecution from the Taliban regime, and thousands of development projects throughout the country have been left incomplete following the late regime change. (ANI) Expressing happiness after the adoption of a resolution to establish a new 'Memorial Wall' for fallen Peacekeepers which India piloted by the United Nations General Assembly, Prime Minister Narendra Modi said that he is grateful for everyone's support. PM Modi tweeted, "Delighted that the Resolution to establish a new Memorial Wall for fallen Peacekeepers, piloted by India, has been adopted in the UN General Assembly. The Resolution received a record 190 co-sponsorships. Grateful for everyone's support." The passage of the resolution in the UNGA came days ahead of PM Modi's official state visit to the US and his participation in the International Yoga Day celebrations at the United Nations headquarters on June 21. Meanwhile, India's Permanent Representative to the UN Ambassador Ruchira Kamboj introduced the draft resolution titled 'Memorial wall for fallen United Nations peacekeepers' on Wednesday in the UN General Assembly Hall and it was adopted by consensus. Thanking all the member states for supporting the resolution, External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar tweeted, "Jaishankar India piloted the adoption of a Resolution in the UN General Assembly to establish a Memorial Wall for fallen Peacekeepers. The Resolution received a record 190 co-sponsorships, a testimony to faith in India's contributions and intent. Sincere thanks to all member states who co-sponsored the resolution!" She pointed out that more than 1 million men and women from 125 countries have served in 71 peacekeeping missions worldwide. Even today, over 80,000 peacekeepers serve in various conflict zones, enduring harsh conditions and risking their lives to keep the peace, according to the statement released by the UN. However, this has not been without its cost -- more than 4,200 peacekeepers have laid down their lives in the service of the blue flag, she said. These brave men and women -- who came from different parts of the world, practice different faiths and follow different cultures -- were united by the cause of peace, and their spirit of selfless sacrifice, professionalism and resolve. "They made the supreme sacrifice in the pursuit of mandates that we as Member States requested them to carry out," she said, emphasizing that the memorial wall will be a constant reminder of the cost of Members' decisions. By the resolution, which was adopted without a vote, the Assembly welcomed Member States' initiative to establish -- within three years of the text's adoption -- a memorial wall at United Nations Headquarters in New York honouring the memory of fallen peacekeepers. "In deciding that its planning, construction, upkeep and maintenance will be funded entirely from voluntary contributions, the Assembly invited interested Member States to provide voluntary contributions to that end. It also decided to give prominence to the memorial wall by including it in the solemn ceremonies conducted on the International Day of United Nations Peacekeepers and other United Nations peacekeeping-related events," the statement read. (ANI) Time is running out for Pakistan to convince the International Monetary Fund to release the remaining USD 2.2 billion from its bailout programme before June 30 otherwise the country might face default, according to Dawn citing Moody's latest report. Moody, in its latest report, expressed fear that Pakistan might face default in case of failure of the IMF programme. Pakistan's Finance Minister Ishaq Dar did hold several sessions but has failed to convince the top IMF officials for the completion of the 9th review essential for securing a staff-level agreement for the release of the USD 1.1 billion tranche. Only two weeks are left for Pakistan to reach a deal with IMF or face failure that would have serious consequences for the economy. The bailout package will expire on June 30. The rating agency said that without an IMF programme, Pakistan could default, given its very weak reserves. The State Bank of Pakistan's foreign exchange holdings are below USD 4 billion. Along with the Moody's, other rating agencies have been warning that Pakistan could default in case IMF refused to complete the bailout package, reported Dawn. Both the prime minister and finance minister announced many times that Pakistan has met all pre-conditions for unlocking the IMF loan. Analysts and researchers also believe that Pakistan met the required conditions of the IMF. As the IMF loan is still locked, Dar came up with plan B to work immediately next month on rescheduling the bilateral external debt of over USD 27 billion. While addressing the post-budget news conference on June 10, Dar ruled out any talks about restructuring external debt with multilateral agencies or Paris Club as it is "not a dignified thing to do." He said that Pakistan will not bother multi-laterals, adding that "rescheduling Paris Club [loan] is not on our menu," as per the Dawn report. Ishaq Dar expected little from the International Monetary Fund (IMF) beyond disbursements under the delayed ninth IMF review which would have released USD 1.1 billion instalments. He said, "There is no chance for the 10th review" meaning that the current IMF programme of USD 6.5 billion will conclude at around USD 5.1 billion without the remaining 10th and 11th reviews for USD 1.4 billion funds." (ANI) A follow-up to the 2020 hyperviolent Chris Hemsworth Netflix action thriller, Extraction 2 is a cinematic diversion that asks: Would you like to see a mans hand split down the middle? Ripped apart in a way that has you thinking: Now theres a live long and prosper salute gone very wrong. Well, pal, have I got a movie for you. Last we saw Hemsworths Tyler Rake, the black ops mercenary with a talent for rescuing sorry, extracting people out of bad situations, he was battered and bleeding and plunging from a bridge to a watery grave. Advertisement If you forgot any of that in the intervening years, a recap of the final sequence is helpfully recycled in the opening moments of Extraction 2: The Dentist Will See You Now. (I kid! Bodies take a beating, but not a pearly white is busted out of place.) The original ends with a brief postscript: The rescued teenage son of a drug lord is reacclimating to life when, suddenly, a hazy Tyler-shaped figure appears in the distance, suggesting he survived that terrible fall after all and is now paying the kid a visit. The new movie retcons that didnt happen, folks! and instead picks up with our man washed up ashore somewhere, not long after plummeting from the bridge, and hes airlifted out. Theres some recuperating in a hospital, and then early retirement to a cabin in the Australian woods. Advertisement Tyler is a man so sad and alone that when his partner-in-extraction (Golshifteh Farahani) gives him a ride to his new abode, she notes with considerable pity that the contents of his life fit into no more than a shoe box. Maybe its time to change that, she says. (I dunno, seems environmentally friendly to me.) His restless solo existence is interrupted when Idris Elba stops by as a high-end recruiter of sorts, hoping to pull Tyler back in for One Last Job. Tyler is going to say yes. This is inevitable. But first we must go through the motions: Why dont you go back and tell whoever sent you Im not interested, he tells Elbas fixer. Pul-ease, of course hes interested. The extractees this time are his sister-in-law and her two kids, living in a Georgian prison (that would be Georgia, the country) while her husband serves out a sentence relating to the billion-dollar heroin and weapons empire he runs with his equally brutal Euro-gangster of a brother. The husband wants his nearest and dearest with him on the inside, where he can keep an eye on them. Not a great place to raise a family, though. So the guys wife goes behind his back to secure an escape with her kids, which requires Tylers expertise. From left: Chris Hemsworth as Tyler Rake and Tinatin Dalakishvili as his latest client/sister-in-law in "Extraction 2." (Jasin Boland/Netflix) Job starts in six weeks, says Elbas swaggering mystery man. If all goes well and you dont get caught or shot in the face, Ill meet you on the other side and give you a kiss. Failing that, its been a pleasure. Cue the training montage, as Tyler gets mission-ready by stacking big rocks and chopping wood. His muscles bulging again, he and his team gear up for Prison Break: Georgia. Armed to the teeth, Tylers arrival on the grounds is announced with a single guitar chord, but things go left almost immediately and it becomes one man against a melee as Tyler guides his clients through the labyrinth to safety. Im not kidding when I say at one point he throws punches while his fists are aflame, which suggests some intriguing ideas for another sequel: Extraction 3: Fists of Fire. The prison sequence is pretty compelling, as these things go. Midway through, Tyler is clobbered on the head and everything goes silent except for muted buzzing as the concussion sets in. Doesnt stop him, though. Is this the testosterone-infused version of nevertheless, she persisted? Though based on a graphic novel, both movies have the feel of a first person shooter video game. Hemsworths physical stature does a lot of the heavy lifting, literally and otherwise, but Tyler is not a character so much as an avatar. Advertisement Hes in this line of work for the money, but also, he cares. Even so, he has no discernible personality and the flat psuedo-quips sprinkled throughout the script barely register as banter. These men are killers, hes warned. Yeah? So am I. That rhetorical tic returns again and again. Bad guy: Im going to enjoy killing you. Tyler: Yeah? Get in line. Oh, hes also multilingual! Since when do you speak Georgian? Since always. Director Sam Hargrave with a cameo in "Extraction 2." (Stanislav Honzik/Netflix) Extraction 2 is written by Joe Russo (who also cowrote the original) and about half of the films dialogue is Arggggh! its an aria of argggghs and the other half might as well be the fast fashion of dialogue, made with little craft or care. Director Sam Hargrave knows his action but doesnt have much flair for humor, though it does sneak in here and there, including his own cameo as a gravedigger, which functions as a silent, blink-or-youll-miss-it one-man performance of Rosencrantz or Guildenstern, take your pick. Less an original movie than an assemblage of ideas pulled from other movies, Extraction 2 includes a car chase thats meant to look as if it was shot in a single take, with the camera swooping in and out vehicles in a style reminiscent of a (better) scene from Children of Men. Later, Tyler will find himself dangling from a beam, like Ethan Hunt in Mission: Impossible, off the top of a skyscraper. Mid-hang, hes shot through the back of his hand thats got to hurt! but he never loses his grip. A gunshot wound as stigmata. Subtle! At the hour-twenty mark you might find yourself thinking: Theres 30 minutes left in this thing? Well, yes. There is. Go back in the kitchen and make more popcorn, I guess. The movies thwack-thwack-thwack-ping! gunfire sound effects budget must have rivaled Hemsworths fee. And I appreciate the blunt, violent wit of the climax, shot from overhead as Tyler permanently silences his nemesis as they lie side-by-side on a church floor in a pool of their own blood. Weeks after the first Extraction premiered on Netflix, it was anointed the streamers most-watched original movie. I dont know if the sequel will match that, but theres no reason it shouldnt. Its actually the better movie of the two. And while Tyler never says the words Ill be back (to borrow from yet another movie), Ive no doubt thats precisely whats in store. Extraction 2 2 stars (out of 4) Advertisement Where to watch: Netflix Nina Metz is a Tribune critic nmetz@chicagotribune.com Former US President Donald Trump has pleaded not guilty to charges brought against him for mishandling classified documents. "We most certainly enter a plea of not guilty," Todd Blanche, one of Trump's lawyers, told a federal court judge in Miami, Florida, on Tuesday. Trump wore a dark suit and a trademark red tie. And according to accounts from reporters who were present in the courtroom (TV cameras were not allowed), he arrived about 30 minutes ahead of his time. He sat at the defendants table with his lawyers, sometimes with his arms crossed across his chest. Jack Smith, the special counsel appointed by the Department of Justice to lead the case, sat across the room in the first row meant for people. The former President faces 37 charges in the case -- 31 of whom are about willful retention documents pertaining to national defence, including one that is about the "nuclear weaponry of the US", according to the indictment. All together, the charges could get him 400 years in jail if found guilty. Walt Nauta, an aide of the former President, is charged as a co-accused in the case with six charges. This was the first time in US history that a former President is facing federal crime charges. He was charged in April in a case brought against him by New York state for payment of hush money to an adult film star who has claimed to have had an affair with Trump in 2005. Trump faces another investigation, which is currently underway in the state of Georgia for allegedly trying to overturn the outcome of the 2020 presidential election in the state. A fourth case might arise from federal investigations into the January 6 riots in 2020, when Trump's supporters tried to prevent a joint session of the US Congress from certifying Joe Biden as the winner of the 2020 election. The former President was booked on arrival at the court in the afternoon, which included fingerprinting. He was not subjected, however, to the mugshot part of the routine and he has been released with no restrictions on movements as the judge deemed he is not a flight risk. "What we are witnessing today is the blatant and unapologetic weaponisation of the criminal justice system," Alina Habba, another of Trump's lawyers told reporters outside the court. Leaving for the courthouse, Trump wrote on Truth Social, "ON MY WAY TO COURTHOUSE. WITH HUNT!! MAGA." MAGA is short for Make America Great Again, his election campaign slogan. Helicopter television crews tracked his motorcade just as they had done in April in New York. Hundreds of his supporters had gathered at the courthouse, but there had been no untoward incidents till after the hearing was over and Trump had left the premises with his lawyers and team. His supporters did get a glimpse of him when his motorcade was leaving the courthouse -- he was seen giving a thumbs-up sign from behind the window. A man was seen being wrestled down to the ground by the Secret Service as he had apparently come in front of Trump's vehicle. No further details were immediately available if the man was a supporter or a protestor. --IANS yrj/khz/ ( 546 Words) 2023-06-14-02:10:02 (IANS) The recovery of Finland's tourism sector is expected to take longer compared to other Nordic countries due to the significant loss of Russian visitors, according to an industry expert. Kristiina Hietasaari, director of the national tourism promotion organisation Visit Finland, said on Tuesday that the country may not reach pre-pandemic levels of incoming tourism until possibly 2024-2025, reports Xinhua news agency. According to Hietasaari, Finland is trying to offset the loss of Russian and Asian tourists by focusing on marketing efforts in Western Europe and North America. However, the country faces stronger competition in these regions. Air connections to Finland has yet to return to the levels seen in 2019, Hietasaari said. "The business situation of the Finnish flag carrier, Finnair, is challenging, and other airlines have primarily focused on other connections. It is uncertain whether the previous level of air travel will ever be fully restored." The current heatwave in Southern Europe has given a boost to Finland's tourism industry. "Bookings from Italy currently show a 40 per cent increase. France and Spain are also performing well. Germany remains the primary source of tourism, but Germans interested in Finland also demonstrate an interest in many other countries," she said. According to Visit Finland, Covid-19 has caused 12 billion euros in losses to Finland, and the ongoing Russia-Ukraine war has resulted in an annual loss of 1.2 billion euros. Before 2019, Russians accounted for 12 per cent of tourists staying overnight in Finland, while Asians made up 17 per cent. Visit Finland launched a new tourism statistics system on Tuesday, which tracks spending and volume, profiles travelers and also calculates the carbon footprint of their journey to and within the Nordic nation. During March and April, foreign travelers spent 512 million euros on 607,000 trips to Finland. The average carbon footprint of a journey, including travel to and from Finland, was 480 kg of CO2. Liisa Kokkarinen, head of sustainable development at Visit Finland, acknowledged the challenges Finland faces in terms of sustainable travel due to its remote location and heavy reliance on air travel. She emphasized the need to develop sea and rail connections for sustainable travel, especially since the country has lost its international rail connection through Russia due to the war. --IANS ksk/ ( 389 Words) 2023-06-14-12:40:07 (IANS) A man in Singapore has been convicted for racially abusing and kicking an Indian-origin woman who had her mask down during the Covid-19 pandemic, a media report said. Wong Xing Fong kicked private tutor Hindocha Nita Vishnubhai on the chest while she was walking to work near the Northvale condominium in Choa Chu Kang in May 2021, The Straits Times reported. Wong, who was charged in 2021 with one count each of racially hurting the victim and committing a racially aggravated attack, is expected to be sentenced on July 31. Nita told the court that she was walking with her mask down when she heard Wong and his fiancee shouting at her to "mask up". A mother of two adult children, Nita told the couple that she had lowered her mask below her nose to prevent breathlessness as she was walking fast. "The accused instead scolded the complainant (and verbally insulted her). To de-escalate the matter, the complainant responded, 'God bless you'," the prosecution added. "The accused, however, kicked the complainant on her chest area. He and (his fiancee) then jogged off," The Straits Times quoted the prosecution as saying. Nita testified that an eyewitness helped her to her feet and applied a plaster to a wound on her left forearm following which she filed a police complaint. The prosecution told the court that the eyewitness, who was unrelated to either party, testified that she saw a man kicking Nita. Wong, claimed via his lawyer that Nita was sarcastic and aggressive, and hurled vulgarities at him instead. He also claimed that she spat at him and his fiancee, and he reacted by pushing the victim. While Wong accepted that he had used vulgarities, he denied they were racial insults. But the prosecution said any allegation that Vishnubhai spat at him was "fatally contradicted" by the conduct of Wong and his fiancee Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong and several other ministers had denounced the attack in Facebook posts on May 10. Lee said that the attack "goes against everything that our multiracial society stands for, and the mutual respect and racial harmony that we hold so dear". Law and Home Affairs Minister K. Shanmugam said: "Based on the lady's version, this seems to be a racist, xenophobic attack. Unacceptable." According to Singapore law, one can be jailed for more than four years and fined up to SG$7,500 if convicted of voluntarily causing hurt to another person in a racially aggravated attack. If convicted of wounding another person's racial feelings, Wong can be jailed for up to three years and fined. --IANS mi/ksk/ ( 445 Words) 2023-06-14-13:06:01 (IANS) His remarks at the parliament's Foreign Affairs and Defence Committee came on Tuesday amid media reports that the US was making progress toward a nuclear deal with Iran, an arch-foe of Israel in the Middle East. "No agreement with Iran will be binding on Israel, which will continue to do everything to defend itself," Netanyahu told the committee, according to a statement released on his behalf. Iran "aspires to the destruction of Israel," he noted. Netanyahu, a staunch opponent of the 2015 Iran nuclear deal, maintains that the emerging new deal will enable Iran to develop nuclear weapons without the burden of the sanctions, Xinhua news agency reported. "Our policy is aimed at increasing the circle of peace to stop Iran and its proxies," the Israeli leader said, referring to Israel's key security strategy based on forging new alliances in the Middle East. --IANS int/khz/ ( 180 Words) 2023-06-14-04:02:03 (IANS) The Aqaba-bound plane had hovered and waited for the weather condition to ease, but was forced to return to Amman due to the severe dust, Fayez Al Fayez, spokesperson of the Aqaba Special Economic Zone Authority (ASEZA), was quoted as saying by Xinhua news agency. The ASEZA spokesperson called on the public, mainly the elderly and those with respiratory diseases, to take precautions against the dust storm in Aqaba. Meanwhile, the Jordan Maritime Authority issued a warning for vessels against high wind speed and high waves. The Jordan Meteorological Department (JMD) predicted the dust over Jordan would increase gradually, resulting in a decrease in visibility in many regions of the kingdom. The JMD also warned of possible flash floods in valleys and low-lying areas, slippery roads and low visibility due to the dust storm, calling on the public to take precautions. --IANS ksk/ ( 179 Words) 2023-06-14-13:32:05 (IANS) Yemen's Southern Transitional Council (STC) has strongly criticised the internationally-recognised government for causing the economic crisis in the war-torn nation. In a statement issued following a meeting of its members in the southern port city of Aden, the STC accused the government of "rampant corruption, fiscal mismanagement, and driving the country to the brink of bankruptcy", reports Xinhua news agency. "The government has exhausted Yemen's finances through corruption and mismanagement, further impoverishing citizens as the country grapples with the economic crisis and years-long conflict," said the statement. In a show of support to the STC, Ahmed Lamlas, the governor of Aden, decided to halt the transfer of the city's revenues into the government's account in the Aden-based central bank. A Yemeni government official expressed concern over the call, warning that "such actions have the potential to deepen the economic crisis". Last month, the government said it was facing financing difficulties following a drop in public revenues caused by Houthi attacks on oil exporting ports. During a previous cabinet meeting held in Aden, the government said the Houthi attacks have caused losses estimated at $1 billion. Yemen has been embroiled in a devastating civil war since 2014, with the Iran-backed Houthi militia fighting against the internationally-recognised government and its allies. As the country marked the ninth year of war in 2023, people are facing a devastating humanitarian crisis with more than two million children acutely malnourished. Rounds of currency depreciation, an economy on the brink of collapse, and sharp increases in the cost of fuel and other key commodities, have left millions more Yemenis in danger of catastrophic hunger. Over 17 million people are still experiencing high levels of food insecurity, 75 per cent of them are women and children. Since 2015, prices of wheat increased by almost 300 per cent in areas under Houthi control and by almost 600 per cent in government-controlled areas The price of cooking gas has increased by almost 600 per cent since the start of this war. The war has so far killed more than 19,000 people and millions more have been forced to flee their homes. More than 21.6 million people, or two-thirds of the population, need humanitarian assistance and protection. --IANS ksk/ ( 381 Words) 2023-06-14-13:40:02 (IANS) During the talks on Tuesday , Zelensky said that the security risks to the plant have significantly increased due to the destruction of the dam and the Kakhovka hydroelectric power plant, reports Xinhua news agency. The ZNPP, which has been controlled by Russian forces since March 2022, is located some 140 km northeast of the Kakhovka plant. Zelensky welcomed the presence of the IAEA's inspectors at the ZNPP and Grossi's intention to personally visit the plant to assess the situation on the ground. Zelensky and Grossi also discussed specific steps aimed at reducing the risks and preventing incidents at the ZNPP. The Ukrainian President supported Grossi's proposal to send IAEA experts to Ukraine to assess the consequences of the Kakhovka incident, saying that Ukraine would provide them with all needed assistance. Grossi tweeted that after the conversation with Zelensky, he will travel to the ZNPP to assess the situation after the Kakhovka dam flooding. The breaching of the dam on June 6 have led to mass evacuations as water levels downstream rapidly increased. Massive flooding also killed nine people in the town of Oleshky. Officials have said that 30 towns and villages along the river have been flooded and nearly 2,000 homes have been submerged in the city of Kherson -- the region's capital controlled by Ukraine. Of the 30 flooded towns and villages, 20 are controlled by Ukraine and 10 are occupied by Russia. Kiev and Moscow have traded accusations over the dam's 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. --IANS ksk/ ( 323 Words) 2023-06-14-13:50:02 (IANS) In a statement, Ukraine's Operational Command South said that Russian forces fired four cruise missiles from the Black Sea, CNN reported. According to the Command, the three victims were reported from a retail chain warehouse, where seven people were also injured. The rest of the six injured were reported at another location in the city, where the attack damaged a business centre, an educational institution, a residential complex, restaurants and shops, the statement added. The attack comes after 11 people were killed, including a child, in Russian missile strikes on the central city of Kryvyi Rih on Tuesday. --IANS ksk/ ( 137 Words) 2023-06-14-14:04:02 (IANS) Vietnam Airlines launches direct Hanoi Melbourne route National flag carrier Vietnam Airlines officially opened a direct route between Hanoi and Melbourne on June 15, with two round-trip flights per week operating every Thursday and Sunday. Illustrative photo Flight VN779 departed from Hanois Noi Bai International Airport on June 15 morning and landed at Melbourne airport in the afternoon of the same day. Meanwhile, flight VN778 departed from Melbourne at 15:00 p.m. (Melbourne time) and is expected to arrive in the Vietnamese capital at 21:35 p.m. (Vietnam time). At the launching ceremony, Deputy Ambassador of Vietnam to Australia Tran Le Phuong emphasised that the opening of the Hanoi - Melbourne route will further facilitate travel demand and help further promote economic-trade exchanges between the two countries. Meanwhile, Nguyen Huu Tung, chief representative of Vietnam Airlines in Australia, revealed that the launch of the new air route is to meet the rising travel demand among Vietnamese people, especially those wishing to visit their relatives studying in Melbourne. With the opening of the latest service, the carrier is keen to create a product that allows Australian tourists to connect to Europe, thereby shortening the time passengers have to wait for transit, he said. Tung also outlined that the airline would seek to increase the number of flights from Hanoi to Melbourne to three flights per week. It would also consider launching routes to Perth (Western Australia) and Darwin (Northern Australian Territory), as well as flights from Ho Chi Minh City to Brisbane (Queensland). At present, Vietnam Airlines is operating the largest number of direct air routes between Vietnam and Australia four routes with 18 flights per week connecting Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City with Sydney and Melbourne. Miami Mayor Francis Suarez speaks during a news conference June 12, 2023, in Miami. Suarez is running for president in 2024 and filed paperwork Wednesday, June 14, with the Federal Election Commission to make his bid official. (Wilfredo Lee/AP) MIAMI Miami Mayor Francis Suarez filed paperwork Wednesday to launch his bid for the Republican presidential nomination, jumping into the crowded race just a day after GOP front-runner Donald Trump appeared in court on federal charges in Suarezs city. The 45-year-old mayor, the only Hispanic candidate in the race, declared his candidacy with the Federal Election Commission. He had teased an announcement, noting that he would be making a big speech Thursday at the Reagan Library in California. Advertisement If I do decide to run, he said Tuesday before Trumps court appearance, its starting a new chapter, a new conversation of a new kind of leader who maybe looks a little different, speaks a little different, had a little bit of a different experience, but can inspire people. Suarez, the president of the U.S. Conference of Mayors, is the son of Miamis first Cuban-born mayor. He has gained national attention in recent years for his efforts to lure companies to Miami, with an eye toward turning the city into a crypto hub and the next Silicon Valley. Advertisement Suarez, who is vying to become the first sitting mayor elected president, joins a GOP primary fight that includes Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis, former Vice President Mike Pence, Sen. Tim Scott of South Carolina, former United Nations Ambassador Nikki Haley and former New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie. Despite having a candidate field in the double digits, the race is largely seen as a two-person contest between Trump and DeSantis. But the other competitors are hoping for an opening, which Trump has provided with his myriad legal vulnerabilities none more serious than his federal indictment on charges of mishandling sensitive documents and refusing to give them back. He pleaded not guilty Tuesday in Miami federal court to 37 felony counts. Suarez has said he didnt support Trump in either the 2016 or 2020 presidential elections, instead writing in the names of U.S. Sen. Marco Rubio and then-Vice President Pence. In 2018, Suarez publicly condemned Trump after reports came out that he had questioned why the United States would accept more immigrants from Haiti and shithole countries in Africa. But times have changed, with Trump advisers now praising Suarezs work and helping him promote what he calls the Miami success story. Trumps former White House counselor Kellyanne Conway has even floated Suarezs name as a possible vice presidential pick. Suarez, who is married with two young children, is a corporate and real estate attorney who previously served as a city of Miami commissioner. He has also positioned himself as someone who can help the party further connect with Hispanics. In recent months, he has made visits to early GOP voting states as he weighed a possible 2024 campaign. He is more moderate than DeSantis and Trump, but has threaded the needle carefully on cultural issues that have become popular among GOP politicians. Suarez has been critical of DeSantis, dismissing some of the state laws he has signed on immigration as headline grabbers lacking in substance. He has said immigration is an issue that screams for a national solution at a time when many Republicans back hard-line policies. The two-term mayor previously expressed support for a Florida law championed by DeSantis and dubbed Dont Say Gay that bans classroom instruction on sexual orientation or gender identity in kindergarten through third grade, but he has not specified whether he supported the expansion of the policy to all grades. Like other Republicans, Suarez has criticized DeSantis feud with Disney over the same law, saying it looks like a personal vendetta. Advertisement Further ingratiating himself with the Trump team, Suarez has echoed Trumps attacks on DeSantis demeanor, saying the governor doesnt make eye contact and struggles with personal relationships with other politicians. In 2020, the mayor made a play to attract tech companies to Florida after the state relaxed its COVID-19 restrictions. He met with Big Tech players and investors such as PayPal founder Peter Thiel and tech magnate Marcelo Claure, began appearing on national television and was profiled by magazines. Suarez, who has said he takes his salary in Bitcoin, has also hosted Bitcoin conferences and started heavily promoting a cryptocurrency project named Miami Coin, created by a group called City Coins. But the hype dissipated as virus restrictions eased elsewhere, eliminating Miamis advantage on the COVID-19 front. Suarezs vision also hit roadblocks with the collapse of the cryptocurrency exchange FTX, which was set to move its U.S. headquarters to Miamis financial district before its founder and CEO Sam Bankman-Fried was arrested in the Bahamas last December. The only cryptocurrency exchange that traded Miami Coin suspended its trading, citing liquidity problems, not living up to its promise to generate enough money to eliminate city taxes. Miami also ranks as one of the worst big U.S. cities for income inequality and is one of the countrys most unaffordable cities for housing. The Emiri decree, signed by Kuwait's Crown Prince Sheikh Mishal Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah, said that Sheikh Ahmad is responsible for nominating new cabinet members and submitting their names, Xinhua news agency quoted the state media as saying. This decree, issued about a week after the Kuwaiti emir accepted the previous government's resignation, came a week before the convening of the newly elected National Assembly, or Parliament, on June 20. On June 6, Kuwaiti voters cast their ballots to elect the 17th National Assembly. A total of 50 lawmakers were elected out of 207 candidates in the new legislative body for a term of four years. Kuwait's Parliament, reinstated in March following a Constitutional Court ruling on a previous dissolution, was dissolved by a royal decree in May this year. Over the past years, tensions between Kuwait's cabinet and Parliament have frequently resulted in cabinet reshuffles and dissolutions of the parliament. Sheikh Ahmad was born in 1956 as the eldest son of Kuwaiti Emir Sheikh Nawaf Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah. He served as the Kuwait National Guard's deputy commander between November 2020 and March 2022 and was first appointed as the Prime Minister on July 24, 2022. --IANS ksk/ ( 228 Words) 2023-06-14-14:34:03 (IANS) The accident occurred on Monday morning in a river in the Patigi local government area of the state, as the passengers were returning home from the neighbouring Niger state in the central region, Ajayi Okasanmi, the spokesman for the police in Kwara, told Xinhua on Tuesday on the phone. Okasanmi said some others remained missing, confirming that rescue operation was going on in the Kpada community of Patigi local government area, Xinhua news agency reported. "I can confirm to you that well over 200 people were involved in the sad incident. We will continue to collaborate with rescuers and other agencies of government to rescue the remaining victims and recover other bodies," the police officer added. In an earlier statement, Kwara state governor Abdulrahman Abdulrazaq said the victims of the incident were returning from a wedding in the neighbouring Niger state when the incident occurred. Boat accidents in the West African country are frequently reported due to overloading, bad weather, and faulty operations. --IANS int/khz/ ( 201 Words) 2023-06-14-06:40:05 (IANS) Thailand topped the chart among international arrivals to the kingdom during the January-April period this year, followed by Vietnam and China, the report said, adding that some 570,021 Thais, 289,643 Vietnamese, and 184,009 Chinese visited the country during the said period, reports Xinhua news agency. Cambodian Tourism Minister Thong Khon said the Southeast Asian nation hopes to attract more than 4 million foreign tourists in 2023. Tourism is one of the four pillars supporting the Cambodian economy. The country has three world heritage sites, namely Angkor archaeological park in northwestern Siem Reap province, Preah Vihear Temple in northwestern Preah Vihear province, and Sambor Prei Kuk archaeological site in central Kampong Thom province. Besides, it is known for its pristine coastline stretching in the length of 450 km in four southwestern provinces of Sihanoukville, Kampot, Kep, and Koh Kong. --IANS ksk/ ( 193 Words) 2023-06-14-15:32:04 (IANS) Addressing a parliamentary committee here on Tuesday, Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) interim commissioner Michael Duheme said that the force was only made aware of the allegation connected to Chong via Canadian media, reports the BBC. A series of media reports, many based on leaked intelligence briefings and information accusing China of attempting to interfere in Canadian elections, have been published in recent months. "When we were made aware of it, we approached Chong and began the investigation," Duheme told federal lawmakers. The investigation is one of more than 100 current RCMP probes looking into foreign interference within Canada, he added. Canada's intelligence agency believes Beijing sought details about Chong and his relatives in Hong Kong in an effort to deter "anti-China positions", the BBC reported. It came after the politician put forward a motion in Parliament in 2021 that declared China's treatment of its ethnic Uyghur minority population a genocide. China denied the accusations and sanctioned Chong shortly after. Last month, Canada expelled a Chinese diplomat over the allegations. Meanwhile, the RCMP is also assisting poll officials with investigating allegations of meddling by China in the last two federal elections. --IANS ksk/ ( 225 Words) 2023-06-14-09:06:04 (IANS) According to public broadcaster NHK, the incident occurred at around 9 a.m. at the GSDF facility in Gifu prefecture, reports Xinhua news agency. The 18-year-old male GSDF member who fired the rifle was arrested at the site for alleged attempted murder, it said. The victims comprised a man in his 50s and two in their 20s, and there were no reports of civilian casualties, NHK added. --IANS ksk/ ( 110 Words) 2023-06-14-10:34:02 (IANS) The UN migration agency, in its latest situation update, said the armed conflict in Sudan has forced hundreds of thousands of people to flee from Sudan into its neighbouring countries, including Ethiopia, reports Xinhua news agency. It said over 45,600 people have arrived in Ethiopia through multiple border crossing points in Ethiopia's Amhara, Benishangul-Gumuz and Gambela regions as of this week. The IOM said it has scaled up its presence and response at border crossing points and Migration Response Centre in Metema, the main entry point located in the Amhara region. It said multi-sectoral assistance is being provided for arriving people, including immediate health support, onward transportation, tailored protection services as well as water, sanitation and hygiene assistance. The UN migration agency, however, said a large number of new arrivals from Sudan into Ethiopia has created a major challenge for processing capacity and speed. Noting that onward transportation is one of the key needs and gaps, the IOM said recent rains have made the conditions and terrains very difficult to provide timely support. It said many people are arriving requiring urgent medical attention albeit inadequate access to life-saving services including health, food and non-food items, among other necessities. "Protection services are a major concern, with child protection and gender-based violence case management requiring urgent attention. Additional shelter facilities are urgently required," it said. Last week, the UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs said the uninterrupted daily large number of arrivals, estimated between 700 to 1,000 per day, is a challenge to response capacities. Sudan has witnessed deadly armed clashes between the Sudanese Armed Forces and the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces in the capital city of Khartoum and other areas since April 15, with the two sides accusing each other of initiating the conflict. The violence has so far killed killed 863 people and injured 3,531 others, according to the Sudanese Doctors Union's update. --IANS ksk/ ( 351 Words) 2023-06-14-10:56:01 (IANS) The construction plans, which are in different stages of review and authorization, are expected to be approved next week by the Higher Planning Council of the Civil Administration, an Israeli body that approves construction in the West Bank, Xinhua news agency quoted the state-owned Kan TV's report as saying. A senior government official confirmed to Xinhua that the Higher Planning Council is expected to give the green light to "thousands" of new settler homes. The official said that last week, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's office informed the US administration of their anticipated action. On Monday, Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich told a meeting of his Religious Zionism party that "soon there will be great news for the settlements". Israel occupied the West Bank and East Jerusalem, which are claimed by the Palestinians, in the 1967 Middle East war and has controlled them ever since. Israeli settlement in the West Bank and East Jerusalem is one of the thorny issues between the two sides, which led to the halting of their direct peace negotiations. --IANS ksk/ ( 210 Words) 2023-06-14-11:12:03 (IANS) Al-Baysari said that Lebanon is keen to preserve the "best relations" with its Arab neighbours and that the decision to prevent Al-Saeed from entering was made because she had previously visited Israel, a country that Beirut considers to be an enemy, reports Xinhua news agency. "Any decision not to grant an entry visa is a sovereign decision, and Lebanon is not obliged to justify it, except within the diplomatic framework," al-Baysari said. Al-Saeed, however, claimed on Twitter that the decision of the Lebanese General Security was due to her political views, which are opposed to Lebanon's Hezbollah militant group and in support of normalising ties with Israel. On the evening of June 7, Al-Saeed was halted at Beirut's Rafic Hariri International Airport. Lebanon's General Security declined a plea from Kuwaiti Embassy representatives to permit her to stay overnight before departing on the earliest flight to Kuwait. --IANS ksk/ ( 188 Words) 2023-06-14-11:32:04 (IANS) The United Nations International Children's Emergency Fund, on Thursday, said that nearly 16 million children in Afghanistan need urgent humanitarian aid, warning of a "children's crisis," Khaama Press reported. "In a country with almost 16 million children in need of protection and humanitarian assistance, in a country in which way too many kids are burdened with responsibilities way beyond their age, in a country where the children's rights are eroded every day, having a space like this offers the kids a respite, a safe and secure space where the kids can rest, can relax, can play and can make friends," UNICEF representative in Afghanistan, Fran Equiza said. In a video message, he further stated that many children have become responsible way before their age of maturity. Children's rights are constantly being degraded in Afghanistan. He further stated that the children even don't have clean water to quench their thirst or blankets to sleep, according to Khaama Press. Equiza also pointed out that the condition of children in the country is disastrous, as some children are breadwinners for their families. "Children as young as six are in dangerous conditions to help their parents put a little food on the table," he said. On the other hand, children are the most vulnerable section of society, including violence, early marriage and a huge responsibility. "Too many live in fear of violence or early marriage. Too many are burdened by the weight of dual responsibility," he said. "Too many people have forgotten that Afghanistan is a children's crisis," Equiza added. The organization also reiterated that nearly 2.3 million children are expected to face acute malnutrition in 2023, according to Khaama Press. Since the Taliban's control of the country, following the sanction by the international community, the country has faced financial, acute humanitarian, and human rights crises. (ANI) UK Former PM Boris Johnson intentionally misled lawmakers over violations of his own Covid-19 lockdown rules, a parliamentary committee found, in a shocking and ground-breaking report that blasts Johnson's behaviour and recommends that he be denied a pass to enter the parliamentary estate, reported CNN. According to the committee's report, Johnson "committed a serious contempt" of parliament when he claimed that rules were always followed after the so-called "Partygate" affair exposed unauthorised gatherings at Downing Street. The conclusions essentially amount to a historic admonishment of a former prime minister who, after winning an overwhelming electoral victory less than four years ago, had his political career crumble under the weight of a number of scandals, as per a report published in CNN. The Privileges Committee wrote in its report, published on Thursday, "The contempt was all the more serious because it was committed by the Prime Minister, the most senior member of the government. There is no precedent for a Prime Minister having been found to have deliberately misled the House." The members also wrote, "He misled the House on an issue of the greatest importance to the House and to the public, and did so repeatedly. The members added that Johnson also misled the committee when he presented evidence in his defence. Days before the report was to be released, Johnson abruptly resigned as an MP on Friday, overturning the committee's recommendation that he be punished long enough to call a by-election in his district. But in light of his resignation, the study added a further severe recommendation: Johnson is denied a former member's pass to enter parliament, a longstanding convention for ex-MPs. The probe by the committee, the majority of whom are from Johnson's Conservative Party, has come to a close. Johnson and some of his allies have criticised the committee as a "kangaroo court." But it may not end the Partygate saga. MPs must now vote to accept the report's conclusions, a potentially humiliating process that will undoubtedly highlight differences between Johnson's parliamentary allies and the current prime minister Rishi Sunak, who has recently tried to distance himself from Johnson, as per CNN. The main subject of the investigation was Johnson's actions during the Covid-19 pandemic when he served as prime minister and was discovered by police to have broken his own guidelines. This inquest examined whether Johnson intentionally mislead legislators in the House of Commons when he informed them that he was unaware of the parties, as opposed to a police investigation and a separate parliamentary inquiry into the parties themselves. Its conclusions were undisputed and unanimous. The report said, "We think it highly unlikely on the balance of probabilities that Mr Johnson ... could have genuinely believed at the time of his statements to the House that the Rules or Guidance were being complied with." The report chastises Johnson for his criticisms of the committee's objectivity and finds that his testimony and his resignation from the House of Commons both constituted several instances of contempt of parliament, according to CNN. Calling Johnson's language "vitriolic" and "completely unacceptable," the committee wrote in its report, "This attack on a committee carrying out its remit from the democratically elected House itself amounts to an attack on our democratic institutions." If Johnson had continued to serve in the legislature, the committee would have recommended a 90-day suspension from the Commons, which is nine times the length of time that would have required Johnson to run for re-election. In his personal response to the report, Johnson referred to its release as a "dreadful day for democracy." He said, "This report is a charade. I was wrong to believe in the committee or it was good. faith. The terrible truth is that it is not I who has twisted the truth to suit my purposes." The publishing has, however, further tarnished Johnson's reputation. His whole premiership was marred by scandal, ranging from financial issues to members of his team being accused of sexual misconduct. He was also the first PM to ever receive a fine from the police while in office. Near the end of his term in office, Johnson's popularity among the British public and his own MPs fell precipitously. After his replacement Liz Truss was forced to quit, he made an attempt to return, but it was unsuccessful as it became clear that a majority of Conservative MPs would oppose him, according to a CNN report. Johnson has been engaged in a verbal battle with Sunak, his eventual successor and former chancellor (finance minister). He and two of his partners announced their intention to resign from the House of Representatives over the weekend, necessitating three challenging by-elections for a government that is now wallowing in the polls. Sunak, whom Johnson criticised in his resignation statement, is not necessarily benefiting from the former prime minister's exit from the House of Commons. Johnson and his allies continue to hold Sunak primarily accountable for the political demise of his predecessor. Johnson has consistently had sway over Conservative voters, both inside and outside of Parliament. The prospect of Johnson outside of parliament, writing columns and giving speeches aimed at the voters Sunak needs to win the next election will no doubt cause yet more anxiety in Downing Street, CNN reported. (ANI) This undated handout image provided by Greece's coast guard on June 14, 2023, shows scores of people covering practically every free stretch of deck on a battered fishing boat that later capsized and sank off southern Greece. (Uncredited/AP) KALAMATA, Greece Rescue workers transferred the bodies of dead migrants to refrigerated trucks as a major search continued Thursday for possible survivors of a sea disaster in southern Greece. Hundreds of people are still feared missing. At least 78 bodies have been recovered after a fishing boat crammed with migrants seeking to make it from Libya to Italy capsized and sank a day earlier in deep waters off the Greek coast. Advertisement Rescuers saved 104 passengers including Egyptians, Syrians, Pakistanis, Afghans and Palestinians, mostly men and including eight minors but authorities fear that hundreds of others may have been trapped below deck. If confirmed, that would make the tragedy one of the worst ever recorded in the central Mediterranean. Authorities revised the confirmed death toll from 79 following an overnight count of the bodies. Advertisement The survivors are in a very difficult situation. Right now they are in shock, Erasmia Roumana, head of a United Nations Refugee Agency delegation, told The Associated Press after meeting the rescued migrants in a storage hangar in the southern port of Kalamata. They want to get in touch with their families to tell them they are OK, and they keep asking about the missing. Many have friends and relatives unaccounted for. Greece declared three days of mourning and politicians suspended campaigning for a general election on June 25. A Supreme Court prosecutor ordered an investigation into the circumstances of the deaths. Ursula von der Leyen, the European Commission president, said she was deeply saddened by the tragedy and promised to strengthen cooperation between the European Union and nearby countries to try to further crack down on migrant smugglers. But human rights groups argue that the crackdown means migrants and refugees are being forced to take longer and more dangerous routes to reach safe countries. The search operation south of Greeces Peloponnese region failed to locate any more bodies or survivors overnight or early Thursday. The chances of finding (more survivors) are minimal, retired Greek coast guard admiral Nikos Spanos told state-run ERT television. We have seen old fishing boats like this before from Libya: They are about 30 meters (100 feet) long and can carry 600-700 people when crammed full. But they are not at all seaworthy. To put it simply, they are floating coffins. Advertisement Coast guard experts believe the boat may have sunk after running out of fuel or suffering engine trouble, with movement of passengers inside the vessel causing it to list and ultimately capsize. An aerial photograph of the vessel before it sank released by Greek authorities showed people crammed on the deck. Most were not wearing life jackets. We are witnessing one of the biggest tragedies in the Mediterranean, and the numbers announced by the authorities are devastating, said Gianluca Rocco, head of the Greek section of IOM, the U.N. migration agency. The IOM has recorded more than 21,000 deaths and disappearances in the central Mediterranean since 2014. Greeces coast guard said it was notified by Italian authorities of the trawlers presence in international waters. It said efforts by its own ships and merchant vessels to assist the boat were repeatedly rejected, with people on board insisting they wanted to continue to Italy. Twenty-nine of the survivors in southern Greece remain hospitalized, mostly with symptoms of hypothermia, while eight have been questioned by coast guard investigators. Government officials said the survivors would be moved to a migrant shelter near Athens later Thursday or Friday. Advertisement The bodies of the dead migrants were moved to a morgue outside Athens, where DNA samples and facial photographs will be taken to start the identification process. The embassies of the countries involved will assist, health officials said. The spot is close to the deepest part of the Mediterranean Sea, where depths of up to 17,000 feet (5,200 meters) could hamper any effort to locate a sunken vessel. The IOM said initial reports suggested up to 400 people were aboard. A network of activists said it received a distress call from a boat in the same area whose passengers said it carried 750 people. The Mediterraneans deadliest shipwreck in living memory occurred on April 18, 2015, when an overcrowded fishing boat carrying migrants collided off Libya with a freighter trying to come to its rescue. Only 28 people survived. Forensic experts concluded that there were originally 1,100 people on board. Paphitis reported from Athens, Greece. Associated Press writer Renata Brito in Barcelona, Spain, contributed to this report. Two more journalists have been arrested by the Pakistan police on charges of sedition and terrorism related to the May 9 incident, Dawn reported. Anchorpersons Sabir Shakir and Moeed Pirzada were booked in connection with the incident, where an angry mob vandalized property at Melody Chowk. The complainant stated that the mob received instructions through video messages from Sabir Shakir, Moeed Hassan Pirzada, and Syed Akbar Hussain, the Dawn reported. In the May 9 incident, the complainant was present at Melody Chowk where an angry mob vandalised property, taking instructions from Sabir Shakir, Moeed Hassan Pirzada and Syed Akbar Hussain via video messages, FIR claimed. Earlier, journalists Shaheen Sehbai and Wajahat Saeed Khan, YouTuber Adil Raja (a former army officer), and anchorperson Syed Haider Raza Mehdi were also arrested in the same case. On May 9, Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf chairman Imran Khan was arrested at the Islamabad High Court in the Al Qadir Trust case. After his arrest, protests erupted in Pakistan and military installations including the Lahore corps commander's residence and state properties were attacked in Pakistan. In an FIR registered on Monday, complainant Muhammad Aslam said he was passing by Islamabad's G-11 locality on May 9 when he witnessed 20-25 people sharing "screenshots of tweets and video messages" of Adil Raja, Wajahat Saeed Khan, Syed Haider Raza Mehdi and Shaheen Sehbai, Dawn reported. The FIR lodged at the Ramna police station included sections 120B (punishment of criminal conspiracy), 121 (waging or attempting to wage war or abetting waging of war against Pakistan), 121A (conspiracy to commit offences punishable by Section 121), and 131 (abetting mutiny or attempting to seduce a soldier, sailor or airman from his duty). The FIR also included sections 7 (punishment for acts of terrorism) and 21A (cordons for Terrorist Investigation) of the Anti-Terrorism Act, 1997, as per the Dawn report. Separately, global media watchdog Reporters Without Borders (RSF) urged Pakistan to immediately dismiss the "ludicrous mutiny accusations in a complaint with no credibility" that an individual has brought against two journalists in the federal capital. Although manifestly absurd, the charges could carry the death penalty, it said, adding that the two journalists accused of "abetting mutiny" in a complaint filed with the Islamabad police on 12 June are Wajahat Saeed Khan, a freelancer based in the US, and Shaheen Sehbai, a former newspaper editor, reported Dawn. (ANI) The Ministry of External Affairs celebrated Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) Day under India's SCO chairmanship and also released a postage stamp to commemorate the occasion here on Thursday. An event was organised to mark the day in which Ambassadors of SCO Member States, observers and dialogue partners took part. MEA Secretary (ER), Dammu Ravi and Secretary (Posts) and Chairperson of Postal Service Board, Vineet Pandey, launched the commemorative postage stamp. MEA Official spokesperson Arindam Bagchi took to Twitter to inform about the event. "Celebrating SCO day under India's SCO Chairmanship! Secretary(ER) Shri Dammu Ravi along with Secretary (Posts) Shri Vineet Pandey @IndiaPostOffice release a commemorative postage stamp," he tweeted. "Ambassadors of SCO Member States, Observers and Dialogue Partners also attended the event," he added in his tweet. India assumed the rotating presidency of the SCO at the 2022 SCO Summit held in Samarkand (Uzbekistan). As the current Chair, India will host the next Council of Heads of State Summit this year. India has millennia-old civilisational, cultural and spiritual ties with the SCO region. From the Buddhist monks to spice traders, from adventurous explorers to Sufi saints, interaction between India and the SCO Member States has led to an exchange of goods, a fusion of ideas, and the introduction of new cuisines and art forms. India's membership of SCO in 2017, was, therefore, a reaffirmation of India's keenness to deepen its historic ties with the region. India has maintained an active engagement with the organisation since it became a full-fledged Member State in 2017. In 2020, India hosted for the first time, the meeting of the SCO Council of Heads of Government, the second-highest decision-making body of the organization. India has carved a niche for itself by emphasising three new pillars of cooperation in SCO -- Startups & Innovation, Science & Technology and Traditional Medicine. The following important milestone will be India's Chairmanship of SCO Council of Heads of State for the very first time beginning September 2022 for a period of one year. (ANI) Maria Zakharova, spokeswoman of the Russian Foreign Ministry told a news briefing on Thursday that Russia's hypothetical use of nuclear weapons may happen exclusively and will be possible only for defensive purposes, reported TASS. The hypothetical use of nuclear weapons by Russia comes after Ukrainian forces are claiming some success in their offensives in the south and east, while Russia said its troops repelled Ukrainian offensive operations in the Zaporizhzhia region. The Russian Foreign Ministry has claimed of using nuclear weapons in extraordinary circumstances like for defensive purposes, reported Russia's news agency. Zakharova said, "Russia's nuclear deterrence policy is strictly defensive. The hypothetical use of nuclear weapons is clearly limited by extraordinary circumstances within the framework of strictly defensive purposes." She also noted that Moscow was fully committed to the principle of the inadmissibility of nuclear war. Zakharova stressed, "There can be no winners in it. It must never be unleashed. We consistently call on all other parties to the joint statement of the leaders of the five nuclear states on the prevention of nuclear war and the inadmissibility of an arms race to adhere to these postulates." Meanwhile, a senior Ukrainian military commander has claimed that more than 100 square kilometres of territory have been regained in its counteroffensive against Russia, reported CNN. Ukraine's Brigadier-General Oleksii Hromov told a media briefing, "We are ready to continue fighting to liberate our territory even with our bare hands." Military officials also said that the Ukrainian army has moved forward by 3km (1.9 miles) near the village of Mala Tokmachka in the Zaporizhzhia region and by up to 7km (4.3 miles) near a village south of Velyka Novosilka in the Donetsk region, as per CNN. Moreover, the United States, the United Kingdom, the Netherlands and Denmark have joined hands to deliver "high priority" air defence equipment to Ukraine. In a joint statement, on Thursday, these nations announced that hundreds of short- and medium-range air defence missiles and associated systems would be delivered to Ukraine. The statement added that the delivery of the equipment has begun and "should be complete within several weeks." The help was declared before the meeting of the US-led Ukraine Defense Contact Group in Brussels, Belgium, TASS reported. (ANI) Japan has pledged to provide approximately USD 2.9 million (JPY 391 million) to the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) to assist Rohingya refugees living in Bangladesh, Dhaka Tribune reported. The United Nations refugee agency said that a deal has been signed between Japan and Bangladesh "to ensure that crucial lifesaving support in the form of humanitarian assistance and protection is continued for the Rohingya refugees in Cox's Bazar and on Bhasan Char." UNHCR Bangladesh Representative Johannes van der Klaauw and the Ambassador of Japan to Bangladesh Iwama Kiminori signed the document from the respective sides in Dhaka, as per Dhaka Tribune. "The contribution by Japan will ensure that UNHCR is able to continue delivering lifesaving assistance in Cox's Bazar in the form of shelter and non-food items such as sleeping mats, blankets and soap. The funds will allow UNHCR to repair shelters and infrastructure such as drains, bridges, pathways, stairs, retaining walls and stabilizing slopes," the UNHCR said. Johannes Van Der Klaauw said, "Support from Japan comes at a crucial time when Rohingya refugees are once again trying to rebuild their lives after Cyclone Mocha and recent fires that have ravaged various sections of the camps. This additional funding will help provide necessary shelter materials to allow us to build back better and protect refugees from further risks, notably the most vulnerable among the women and children," according to Dhaka Tribune. Dhaka Tribune is a Bangladeshi English-language daily newspaper based in the country's capital city, Dhaka. Meanwhile on Bhasan Char, the UNHCR said, Japan's contribution will support UNHCR's efforts to carry out community-led projects and improvements for refugee protection, for instance by increasing accessibility to services for persons with disabilities. Ambassador Iwama expressed his hope that the support from the government of Japan would improve the living conditions of both Rohingya and host communities. "We are pleased to provide USD 2.9 million to UNHCR. We hope that this assistance will strengthen refugee protection including fire prevention through shelter construction and rehabilitation, and site maintenance and development. Japan will continue to work towards sustainable solutions including the support of the repatriation of refugees to Myanmar, and will cooperate with international organisations such as UNHCR, to improve the living conditions of refugees and host communities," said Ambassador Iwama Kiminori. The US in its "2022 Country Reports on Human Rights Practices," raised concern over human rights violations in China, Pakistan and Myanmar. In Myanmar, the report relays how the military regime continues to use violence to brutalize civilians and consolidate its control, reportedly killing more than 2,900 people and detaining more than 17,000 since the February 2021 military coup. It also dealt with genocide and crimes against humanity against Rohingya, most of whom are Muslims in Myanmar. (ANI) Ahead of Prime Minister Narendra Modi's visit to the US, Congressman from Georgia, Drew Ferguson, has emphasised that the India-US ties are important for "peace, prosperity and stability around the globe, especially in the Indo-Pacific region. PM Modi is set to travel to the US on an official visit from June 21 to 25. He will be hosted by President Joe Biden at the White House. The Indian Embassy in the US released a video of Congressman Ferguson articulating his views on PM Modi's historic state visit. "The India-US partnership is crucial for fostering peace, prosperity and stability around the globe, especially in the Indo-Pacific region -- Rep. Drew Ferguson," read a post on the official Twitter handle of the Indian embassy in the US. "I wanted to take a moment to recognise Prime Minister Modi's upcoming visit to Washington, DC. The relationship between the United States and India is strategic and global. It's a partnership guided by strong political will on both sides. It's built on the shared values of democracy, freedom, and respect for the real with law," the Congressman said in his short video address. He added, "This partnership is crucial for fostering peace, prosperity and stability around the globe, especially in the Indo-Pacific region. In 2022, India celebrated 75 years of independence and marked the anniversary of the United States-India diplomatic relations." Ferguson stated further that the India-US partnership has made significant progress in the last few years and New Delhi continues to be a strategic trading partner for the latter. "As a member of the House Ways and Means Committee, which has jurisdiction over trade policy, I look forward to continuing to work on growing this important global partnership. Thank you to Prime Minister Modi for your continued leadership, and I hope you have a productive visit," the Congressman stated in his video address. Top lawmakers in the United States had earlier invited Prime Minister Narendra Modi to address the US Congress when he visits Washington DC on June 22, a rare opportunity granted only to the country's closest allies. Many political leaders in the US had earlier voiced their excitement around PM Modi's state visit while lauding the burgeoning bilateral ties between the two countries. US Congresswoman Sheila Jackson Lee said the US was looking forward to PM Modi's upcoming address to the Congress. "The Congress will look forward to the state address that he will make in the United States Congress. That will be both houses of Congress. That's a very important position to be in. We will be attentive," Lee told ANI earlier. Dr Bharat Barai, a popular community leader and organiser of Prime Minister Modi's event at the Ronald Reagan Center, was effusive in his praise for the latter, calling him the "most popular public figure and leader in the world, not just in India". "PM Modi is the most popular public figure, and leader in the world, not just in India. The Prime Minister is extremely popular. He's perceived as a visionary leader for India who is working tirelessly for the growth of India," Barai said earlier. US Secretary of Commerce Gina Raimondo said Prime Minister Modi's upcoming visit to the US will serve as an opportunity to enhance the commercial and strategic technology partnerships between the two nations. She specifically mentioned sectors such as defence, semiconductors, and clean energy as areas of focus. PM Modi will be the first Indian premier to address a Joint Meeting of the US Congress twice. Globally, as a head of government, PM Modi is second only after Israel Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, to address a joint House of the US Congress more than once. The Israeli PM has done it thrice. House Speaker Kevin McCarthy, Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer, Senate Republican Leader Mitch McConnell, and House Democratic Leader Hakeem Jeffries had earlier said in a message to PM Modi, "During your address, you will have the opportunity to share your vision for India's future and speak to the global challenges both our countries face." PM Modi will visit the US from June 22-25 at the invitation of President Biden and First Lady Jill Biden. (ANI) The Chinese researcher Quan Hengdao is suspected of sharing research data on fluorine compounds with the Chinese firm through emails on April 13, 2018, and has violated the Unfair Competition Prevention Act. Quan Hengdao, a 59-year-old researcher, is suspected of emailing research data on fluorine compounds to the Chinese firm on April 13, 2018, in violation of the Unfair Competition Prevention Act, the source said. Fluorine compounds are used as insulating gas and employed as an insulator in electrical equipment such as transformers. According to Kyodo News Agency, he worked on the data at the National Institute of Advanced Industrial Science and Technology in Ibaraki Prefecture. Kyodo News is a non-profit cooperative news agency based in Minato, Tokyo. The suspect, Quan Hengdao, had a dual role as a researcher and a teacher at the Beijing Institute of Technology. This institute is believed to have links to China's military, raising concerns about the nature of the leaked data and its potential implications. The investigation is expected to delve deeper into any possible connections between the Chinese company involved and the military. As soon as the institute reported the breach, police probed his home and seized materials on Thursday. Fluorine compounds are used as insulating gas and employed as an insulator in electrical equipment like transformers, as per Kyodo News Agency. "It is very regrettable that our staff member was arrested. We'll fully cooperate with the investigation and deal with the matter strictly," the institute said. (ANI) China's Vice Minister of Foreign Affairs, Sun Weidong, recently visited Sri Lanka and held a meeting with Sri Lankan President, Ranil Wickremesinghe, Sri Lanka-based Mawrata News reported. However, there was no mention of debt restructuring in the official announcements issued after the meeting between the two leaders. The official statement released after the meeting only mentioned that China will give maximum support to Sri Lanka to recover from the economic crisis. China's Vice Minister of Foreign Affairs invited him to China for a conference on China's belt and road initiative, as per the news report. Ranil Wickremesinghe might be trying to go to China to discuss debt restructuring. This time, Wickremesinghe will request for the restructuring of the Chinese debt. However, China's stance of 2014 is unlikely to witness a change in 2023, Upul Joseph Fernando wrote in the Mawrata News report. China is playing a game of 'Hide and Seek' on Sri Lanka's debt restructuring, the report said further. Sri Lankan President last travelled to China on May 14, 2019. Sri Lanka's then-President Maithripala Sirisena visited China to attend a conference and met with the Chinese President. Later, Gotabaya Rajapaksa took over as Sri Lankan President and he was also invited to China. However, Rajapaksa initially refused to visit China due to COVID-19 and later avoided China by travelling to other nations. Chinese vice minister, who recently travelled to Sri Lanka, invited Ranil to attend a conference in China. Ranil Wickremesinghe had attended a conference in Japan before that and Beijing must have believed that participating in a conference in China would be easy for him, Mawrata News reported. However, the official statement released after the meeting did not mention debt restructuring. In 2014, Sri Lanka's Former finance ministry secretary PB held talks on debt restructuring with China even before Sri Lanka went bankrupt, Mawrata News reported. Although the Mahinda Rajapaksa-led government in Sri Lanka at that time was a close friend of China. However, Beijing did not agree to the debt restructuring request. Instead, China intended to sign agreements to further develop the Hambantota port and cover the loss, according to the news report. In 2017, Sri Lanka's then-Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe visited China and asked for loan relief. However, China declined the request. (ANI) Pope Francis is expected to be discharged tomorrow morning from Rome's Gemelli Hospital as his recovery is progressing normally. Earlier, Pope Francis visited this ward when he was hospitalized with Bronchitis before Holy Week, to show his closeness to the young patients, delivered Easter eggs, gifts and also baptized a baby, according to Vatican News. Vatican News is a website that provides multimedia pertaining to the global Catholic Church and the operations of the Holy See. The Director of the Holy See Press Office Matteo Bruni confirmed Pope's recovery and has continuously cited reports from Pope's medical team. He reported that the Holy Father's recovery is progressively improving and "the post-operative course is normal." The press release showed the Pope's time with the sick children, their families, and hospital staff. Pope Francis on Wednesday underwent a 3-hour laparotomy and abdominal wall plastic surgery which the doctors said was successful, as per Vatican New Earlier on Wednesday, the Pope's surgeon, Dr Sergio Alfieri told the media that there were no complications and that the Pope was conscious, alert and joking after the surgery, as per Vatican News. (ANI) The military cooperation between China and Pakistan is "extensive and deep." The ongoing political and economic upheaval in Pakistan is unlikely to affect the military relationship between China and Pakistan, Observer Research Foundation reported. The depth of cooperation between China and Pakistan can be assumed by Wang Yi, who was China's erstwhile foreign minister and now director of the Office of the Foreign Affairs Commission (OFAC) of the Communist Party of China (CPC) statement that China backs Pakistan's sovereignty, territorial integrity, stability, and unity despite the ongoing domestic crisis in Pakistan, Kartik Bommakanti, Senior Fellow with the Strategic Studies Programme at the Observer Research Foundation wrote in the report. The Peoples Liberation Army's (PLA) senior leadership and Central Military Commission (CMC), do not consider the current crisis of Pakistan affecting the bilateral ties, Observer Research Foundation reported. During the Pakistani Navy Chief Amjad Khan Niazi's visit to China in 2023, Chinese Defence Minister Li Shangfu stressed that military cooperation stood at the core of the bilateral ties. Steadiness is a constant in the strategic ties between China and Pakistan. The closeness of the Sino-Pak military poses a security challenge to its immediate neighbour India. China aids Pakistan by directly transferring its nuclear technology. Beijing also supplied Pakistan with ballistic missiles such as the M-9 and M-11, as per the report. The ties between China and Pakistan in the space sector cover Intelligence, Surveillance, and Reconnaissance (ISR) and satellite navigation services. China has extended cooperation with Pakistan in space exploration, science, and astronaut training areas for many years. China has also involved Pakistan in their indigenously-built BeiDou Satellite Navigation (SatNav) system since 2013. In 2020, the Chinese Satellite Navigation Office (CSNO) agreed to set up the BeiDou-linked Continuously Operating Radar Station (CORS) in Pakistan, Kartik Bommakanti wrote in the report. The BeiDou SatNav capability should augment Rawalpindi's precision strike capabilities geared towards counterforce attacks. The BeiDou system will increase interoperability between Chinese and Pakistani forces. Recently, China supplied the Pakistanis with an SLC-18 radar system. It is an Active Electronically Scanned Array (AESA) integrated with digital technology, which can search, track, and detect satellites in Low Earth Orbit (LEO) and ballistic missiles, according to the Observer Research Foundation report. The SLC-18 is an advanced capability developed by China, showcasing the "deep nexus" between the two nations. Two years back, the Pakistan Army (PA) acquired the Chinese-made Air Defence (AD) system HQ-9/P from China. H9-9/P, which is likely to enhance Pakistan's capability against aerial threats, bringing to the notice another dimension of the collusive threat posed by India's two immediate neighbours. (ANI) US Representative Mike Lawler on Thursday (local time) said that he is looking forward to welcoming Prime Minister Narendra Modi to the US Capitol and hearing his address to a joint session of the US Congress during his (PM Modi) upcoming state visit to the US. Lawler said that India and US have an "important strategic" partnership, and added that it is one of the most defining and consequential partnerships of the 21st century. Prime Minister Narendra Modi will be on a state visit to the US from June 21 to June 24. During his visit, PM Narendra Modi will address the joint meeting of the US Congress for the second time. On June 22, more than 7000 Indian Americans have planned to be on the South Lawns of the White House when US President Joe Biden and First Lady Jill Biden welcome the PM amidst a 21-gun salute. In a video message posted on Twitter, US Congressman Mike Lawler said, "I look forward to welcoming Prime Minister Modi to the United States Capitol and hearing his address to a joint session of Congress later this month during his historic state visit. The United States and India have an important strategic partnership and a special bond shaped by our mutual commitment to global peace and prosperity." While sharing the video on Twitter, Lawler wrote, "I am delighted that Honorable Prime Minister of India @narendramodi will be paying a historic State Visit to the United States next week. The US-India partnership is one of the most defining and consequential partnerships of the 21st century. Jai Hind! And God Bless America!" Mike Lawler recalled PM Modi's statement about India-US ties during his visit to Washington DC in 2016. He called it critical to strengthen the India-American partnership as both countries work together to advance mutual interests and shared commitment to democracy. "As Prime Minister Modi said in his 2016 visit to DC, our relationship is primed for a momentous future. It is critical that we strengthen the Indo-American partnership as we work together to advance our mutual interests and our shared commitment to democracy. As India celebrates its 75th year of independence, we join with the people of India in celebrating the success of the world's largest democracy," he said. US Congressman also spoke about the importance of Indian Americans in the US and how they have contributed to the nation. He called it crucial to strengthen the partnership between India and US. "I'm very proud to represent one of the most diverse congressional districts in the country with a thriving Indian American population. Our immigrant populations have deeply enriched our community, and the contributions made by Indian Americans to the Hudson Valley have been substantial," Mike Lawler said. "It is crucial that we continue to strengthen our partnership with India as we work in tandem to advance the cause of freedom that has so deeply enriched both of our nations. Prime Minister Modi, thank you for making this historic trip. My colleagues and I anxiously await your address to Congress," he added. Earlier in the day, Indian-American Congressman Shri Thanedar expressed his delight over the state visit of Prime Minister Narendra Modi to the US and said that he is looking forward to his visit, as well as, to stronger United States and India ties. The official Twitter account of the Embassy of India, Washington, DC posted Thanedar's video message and appreciated his welcoming message. "I look forward to the Prime Minister's visit and stronger United States and India ties. Appreciate your message of welcome on #HistoricStateVisit2023, @RepShriThanedar#ModiStateVisitUSA #IndiaUSAPartnership," tweeted the Embassy of India. In the video message posted on the Twitter account of the Indian Embassy, the US Congressman called for a stronger India-US relationship. "We need a strong India-US relationship, stronger than what it has been historically because it's in the best interest of the two counties for us to collaborate on commerce, education, and manufacturing, a whole lot of other issues," he said. (ANI) A logo of Fox News is displayed outside Fox News Headquarters in New York, Wednesday, April. 12, 2023. (Yuki Iwamura/AP) NEW YORK Fox News appeared to express regret Wednesday for showing an onscreen message that called President Joe Biden a wannabe dictator who had his political rival arrested. On the day he was arraigned on federal charges for hoarding classified documents, former President Donald Trump illustrated his continued role as a lightning rod for the media. PBS second-guessed one of its own messages about Trump, and his primetime speech showed a policy change at CNN following the ouster of its former leader. Advertisement The Fox News Channel chyron appeared beneath split-screen video boxes that showed Trump addressing supporters live in New Jersey, and Biden speaking at the White House earlier in the day. The message read, Wannabe dictator speaks at the White House after having his political rival arrested. Advertisement Fox said in a statement Wednesday that the chyron was taken down immediately and was addressed. The website Mediaite reported that the message was onscreen for 27 seconds. It was also not removed when the telecast was rerun late at night. Fox did not explain how the message made it onto the screen and how the matter was addressed. The White House has said Biden has had no contact with Attorney General Merrick Garland about the indictment by special counsel Jack Smith, which accuses Trump of illegally hoarding classified documents. Biden has not commented on the case. Two months ago, Fox News agreed to pay Dominion Voting Systems $787 million to settle a lawsuit accusing the news organization of telling lies about the 2020 presidential election. There are probably about 787 million things that I can say about this, White House press secretary Karine Jean-Pierre said when asked Wednesday about the chyron. That was wrong about what we saw last night but I dont think Im going to get into it. Its not hard to find Republican politicians or commentators on Fox to suggest the indictment was politically motivated Trump attorney Joe Tacopina made the same charges on Sean Hannitys show within a half-hour after Trumps speech. Yet some on Fox have spoken to the seriousness of the case against Trump, most notably his former attorney general, William Barr, during an appearance over the weekend, and legal analyst Jonathan Turley. Fox has seen its primetime ratings tumble sharply since it fired Tucker Carlson shortly after the Dominion case was settled. Carlson posted another video commentary on Twitter Tuesday night, despite Foxs lawyers demanding that he stop doing that because it violated the terms of a contract that runs until early 2025. Advertisement Meanwhile, PBS used the lower third of its screen to post fact-checks when it streamed Trumps New Jersey speech on its YouTube channel Tuesday night. The final one was eye-catching: Experts warn that inflammatory rhetoric from elected officials or people in power can prompt individual actors to commit acts of violence. While the statement is true, PBS officials are questioning whether or not that was the right forum, said Sara Just, senior executive producer at NewsHour. Other messages PBS used onscreen mentioned how federal officials have attested to the security of the 2020 presidential election, and how prosecutors say that some documents discovered at Trumps home pertained to U.S. nuclear programs and defense capabilities. We are discussing whether or not we might phrase that better, Just said. While Fox News aired Trumps speech live, MSNBC did not. Neither did CNN. Thats in contrast to when Trump was indicted on separate charges in New York in April, when CNN aired most of a similar Trump address the night of his arraignment. That was before former CNN chief executive Chris Licht, who had been making efforts to appeal to GOP viewers, was ousted. Were not carrying his remarks live because, frankly, he says a lot of things that are untrue and, frankly, potentially dangerous, CNNs Jake Tapper said. Advertisement After the speech was over, CNN aired a nearly two-minute clip of Trump that Tapper followed with several fact-checks. In terms of trying to destroy American democracy, we all know who tried to actually undo an election, he said. Its not Joe Biden. Its Mr. Trump. MSNBCs Rachel Maddow made a similar pronouncement before that network chose not to air Trumps speech live. Clips from the remarks were shown later. There is a cost to us as a news organization to knowingly broadcast untrue things, Maddow said. Associated Press writer Aamer Madhani in Washington contributed to this report. One person was killed in a shooting early Thursday morning in Oak Park, Sacramento police said. Officers responded shortly after midnight to the 3500 block of San Jose Way for reports of a shooting, Sacramento Police Department spokesman Officer Cody Tapley said. Police located one victim with at least one gunshot wound, Tapley said. That person died of their injuries Thursday morning, he said. Homicide detectives and crime scene investigators were at the scene Thursday morning. No suspect information was immediately available, Tapley said. The involved block of San Jose Way is in a residential neighborhood several blocks west of Stockton Boulevard. The incident marks at least the fifth shooting death reported this week by Sacramento police across three different incidents. Two people were killed in a suspected drive-by shooting Tuesday night in Del Paso Heights. Two others died in a shooting Monday afternoon in Old North Sacramento; police say it is possible the two men involved in that incident shot each other. DACA Protest in in Washington Pro-DACA protestors hold a march outside of the U.S. Capitol Building calling for a pathway to citizenship on Nov. 17, 2022 in Washington, D.C. Credit - Nathan PosnerAnadolu Agency/Getty Images Erika Martinez was watching the news with her mother when she first heard that the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) program was being rescinded. I just remember being frozen, like Im standing in front of the TV in our living room and I guess Im just numb to it, the 23-year-old recalls. Im like, Are they ending it today? Does that mean that theyre not even going to phase it out so that I can apply? Martinez was eligible for DACAan executive order program implemented under former President Barack Obama, exactly eleven years ago, that offered undocumented people work authorization and protection from deportation for two years at a time if they were brought to the U.S. as childrenbut she does not have DACA because the program has stopped accepting new applications. For many, the program was life-changing. DACA made it possible for people to live out the dreams that their parents had when they migrated, meaning suddenly they had access to white collar jobs like working in an office, and being able to use their education to lead them through these professional pathways that were inaccessible before, says Leisy J. Abrego, Professor and Chair of Chicana/o and Central American Studies at the University of California, Los Angeles. But in its absence, hundreds of thousands of undocumented youth have been barred from these opportunities, according to bipartisan political organization FWD.us. Read more: Not Legal Not Leaving DACA was first rescinded in September 2017, under then President Donald Trumps Administration, preventing first-time applications from being processed. After legal battles reached the Supreme Court in 2020, justices of the high court ruled that the Trump Administration did not pursue the proper channels to end the program. That allowed recipients who already had DACA the ability to renew their status, but did not open up the program to first-time applicants. A December 2020 ruling by Judge Nicholas Garaufis reinstated the program, opening it up to initial applications, though that was overturned in July 2021 by U.S. District Judge Andrew Hanen. To date, more than 835,000 people have benefited from DACA, which President Obama first referred to as a temporary stopgap that would offer some relief to talented, driven, patriotic young people. But the program has largely been inaccessible to many undocumented youth throughout the past few years because of its status in legal limbo and other barriers like the financial strain its $495 application fee imposes on applicants. Read more: A Dreamers Life My mom spent a year saving up for my older sisters DACA application, saving up not only for the fee to USCIS, but also for legal fees, Martinez says. My older sister was able to become a DACA recipient but then it just got really hard right once it became time for me to apply and then before I could even submit my application [for DACA] it was rescinded. Martinez, who now works as a youth organizer at Make the Road New Jersey, an immigration and workers rights organization, says that in the absence of DACA her college aspirations seemed like a far away dream. I remember being like, this is so dehumanizing because Ive literally done everything else that my classmates have done, and I dont have access to financial aid, she tells TIME. Martinez sprung her frustrations into action, successfully advocating for a 2018 law that allowed undocumented students in New Jersey to receive state aid for college, which allowed her to graduate college. But undocumented youth in other states have not been as fortunate. There is absolutely a difference in the experiences of those who were able to get DACA and can continue to renew up until now and those who were not able to get into it before it was put on pause for new applications, says Abrego. Those folks dont have access to so many possibilities that make higher education accessible, right? They dont have the opportunity to work on campus, which is huge for students who typically are working class if theyre undocumented They have to work so hard to figure out how theyre even going to work. And all of that makes it almost impossible to be able to focus on your studies. That reigns true for Aurora Lozano, a 24-year-old Texas student who arrived in the U.S. when she was less than 1 years old. Lozano, who has dreams of earning her bachelors and masters degree in psychology, had already been approved for DACA and completed her biometrics appointmentthe final step before receiving her work authorization cardwhen the program was blocked from accepting new applicants. Read more: We are Americans, revisited. The Dreamers, Five Years Later My future is just on hold right now, says Lozano. Thanks to a huge blessing, a scholarship I received for people like me, Im able to go back [to school] this fall. But when it comes to applying for a job, no ones really going to hire undocumented people. So I think when it comes to having a job, thats kind of out of reach right now. Its impossible. Immigration advocates have been engaged in a decades-long fight for a pathway to citizenship. They came the closest to doing so in 2010, when the Development, Relief, and Education for Alien Minors (DREAM) Actwhich would have offered a pathway to citizenship to undocumented people who came into the U.S. as childrenfell five votes short of passage. (The bill was first introduced in 2001, and has since been re-introduced in Congress multiple times, including as recently as February 2023.) For many, DACA has brought great relief, but it is still not a permanent fix, Juliana Macedo do Nascimento, Deputy Director of Federal Advocacy at United We Dream, a national immigrant youth-led organization, tells TIME. She argues that it does not adequately meet the needs of the growing population of undocumented youth who could benefit from such a program. To qualify for DACA, recipients have to provide evidence that they have been in the U.S. since 2007. A lot of the young people graduating now wouldnt even be eligible because theyre too young. They wouldnt have even been born, or they were toddlers, and its hard to prove presence when youre a toddler. The programs legality is still being questioned as a court hearing seeking to end DACA was most recently heard in Texas in early June, a case which Macedo do Nascimento expects to reach the Supreme Court. In light of such instability, immigration advocates are asking for greater change. Lets sweep all of this technical conversation about whether DACA is legal, and create the permanent solution, says Martinez. I implore [legislators to] please look beyond the DACA because we know that DACA is dying, right? If theres ever a time for you to take bold action, for a pathway to citizenship, its now. Rabid bat found in E. WA. It was the first in 5 years in Tri-Cities-Walla Walla region A dead bat in Walla Walla County has tested positive for rabies. It is the first rabid bat identified in Benton, Franklin and Walla Walla counties since 2018. That year two bats in Benton County and one in Walla Walla County tested positive for rabies. And in 2013 an 11-month-old girl was treated to prevent rabies after being bitten twice by a rabid bat on her grandparents Pasco deck. Only one other rabid bat has been identified elsewhere so far this year in King County. Cases are most often found in May through October, according to Washington state Department of Health records, as bats are most active in warm weather. Most recently a resident of Walla Walla County found and turned in a dead bat to the countys Department of Community Health on June 12. It was sent to the Washington state Public Health Laboratory and tested positive for rabies. We expect to find rabies in our bat population periodically, said Dr. Daniel Kaminsky, Walla Walla County health officer. This is a good reminder to avoid wild animals, especially if they are acting strangely. Usually bats in Washington state are only tested for rabies if a person may have been exposed, which was not the case this time. The woman who found the bat this month was careful not to touch it when she collected it and turned it in, avoiding exposure, said Rick Dawson, environmental health division manager for the Walla Walla County Department of Community Health. Deadly for people Rabies is a disease caused by a virus that is carried in saliva and spread through animal bites or scratches. The disease is almost always deadly for people if they do not get prompt preventative treatment after exposure to a rabid animal. Anyone coming into contact with a bat, even if there is no bite or scratch, should seek medical attention, according to UW Medicine. If you see a bat on the ground, leave it alone, Dawson said. Chances are the bat is infected. Dead bats also should not be handled. They should never be touched, said Dr. Paul Pottinger in an information UW Medicine video. Treatment for possible rabies, including human rabies immune globulin and rabies vaccine, should be given on the day of exposure followed by a series of of vaccine doses over two weeks, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. All dogs, cats and ferrets are required in Washington state to be vaccinated against rabies. Cats are particularly likely to come into contact with small mammals that may be infected with rabies, such as bats, Dawson said. The animals most likely to have rabies in the United States and infect people and pets are raccoons, skunks, foxes and bats, according to the CDC. The last animal other than a bat that tested positive for rabies in Washington state was a cat in 2015. Symptoms in an untreated person who is exposed appear after the rabies virus has traveled to the brain, starting out similar to the flu and progressing to confusion, and then hallucinations and fear of water. In pets the symptoms of rabies may start with lethargy, fever and vomiting and within days lead to abnormal behavior, aggression and excessive salivation, according to the CDC. A 21-year-old has been charged for the deaths of two teens, killed by fentanyl five months ago, Belmont Police Department officials said Thursday. On January 10, Belmont Police officers responded to a 911 call from a relative after a 16-year-old and a 17-year-old were found unconscious. The teens, who were not identified by police, died at the hospital from a drug overdose. An autopsy confirmed that the teens died of fentanyl and police launched an investigation. On Thursday, police said they charged Sage Wright, who was already in-custody at the Gaston County Jail, with conspiracy to sell and deliver and death by distribution. Death by distribution is a felony charge in North Carolina in cases where someone sells an illegal drug to someone who dies in an overdose. It was signed into law by the North Carolina legislature in 2019 and carries a maximum sentence of nearly 20 years in prison. Police and court leaders say death by distribution cases are difficult to prosecute, The Charlotte Observer previously reported. The threshold for proof in these cases is often hard to reach. To prove someone is responsible for death by distribution, police and prosecutors must show they sold the victim the illegal drug that killed them; the drug was responsible for the victims death; and, the victim didnt have an underlying medical condition triggered by the drug, according to the law. The 21Ninety Beauty Awards are a celebration of the products our team loves and trusts. These makeup, hair and body must-haves have been vetted by 21Ninetys staff. There are more than 80 winners in 21 categories that offer quality, convenience and even some luxuriousness. Want to take a deeper dive into what makes each product so special? Our team has broken down each winning item on the list. Plus, get acquainted with the three 21Ninety beauty pillars: Makeup Motivation, Crowning Moments and The Skin Were In. MAKEUP MOTIVATION Makeup Motivation is a category dedicated to being the best cosmetic consultant for your beauty routine. Recommendations for every beauty-related need is on this list. From supplementing your daily makeup routine to elevating your extra-glam, nights out, theres something for everyone. Best Makeup Brand Mented Cosmetics Not So Basic Kit Founded by Kristen Jones (KJ) Miller, every Mented Cosmetics product is designed to help all makeup wearers feel their best. From foundation to eyeshadow, this Black-founded brand ensures that you have your makeup-related bases covered. On days when you want to amp up your basics, reach for the Not So Basic Kit. Your 21Ninety team picked this seven piece set that because it has everything you need to take your daily glam to the next level. Beauty Bakerie Coffee & Cocoa Palette Beauty Bakerie is known for its assortment of bakery-inspired cosmetics that are as effective as they are on theme. The Coffee & Cocoa Palette serves up versatile, earth-toned flavors in creamy, satin finishes for every skin tone. This Black founded brand also has a real focus on making a difference in the world. Through Beauty Bakerie, founder Cashmere Nicole offers cruelty-free, all-inclusive cosmetics. Shes also implemented initiatives such as Sugar Homes which supports the needs of orphaned children worldwide. Black Radiance Artisan Color Baked Face Blush Black Radiance is makeup for dark and Black tones. The brand, founded in 1993, has celebrated diversity and inclusivity, beautifully for two decades. The Artisan Color Baked Face Blush, especially in the red brick house color, is an example of the brands commitment to offering unique products that are tailored to deeper shades. Fenty Beauty Match Stix Color Adaptive Cheek + Lip Stick Fenty Beauty, founded by entrepreneur and entertainer Robyn Rihanna Fenty, is a brand that consistently delivers skin care and beauty products to enhance its consumers beauty routines. The Match Stix Color Adaptive Cheek + Lip Stick offers a playful way to amp up your makeup game. While the product looks bright pink in the tube, it shifts color once it comes in contact with your skin. Creating your perfect shade. Best Lipstick NARS Lipstick The bestselling Lipstick by NARS is a lightweight formula that comes in three different finishes: matte, satin, and sheer. Every tube of this award-winning lipstick delivers hydrating, long-lasting color to your lips. MAC Lipstick/ MAC X Whitney Houston MAC x Whitney Houston by MAC cosmetics is a tribute to the beloved, powerhouse performer through her signature shades. Each of the three lipsticks have a creamy formula with a semi-lustrous finish that lasts for up to eight hours. The Lip Bar Nonstop Liquid Matte The Lip Bars Nonstop Liquid Matte lipstick goes on like a gloss and dries down to a soft matte finish. Started by Melissa Butler, the Black-founded brand offers a blend of beauty and quality cosmetics. This liquid offering is infused with jojoba oil and vitamin E. The long-lasting high-pigment color will keep your lips comfortable. Just choose one of 21 shades. Yves Saint Laurent The Slim Matte Longwear Lipstick The Slim Matte Longwear Lipstick by Yves Saint Laurent is available in over 20 shades covering an array of purples, reds, and pinks. The 21Ninety team loved how this beauty award-winner paints your lips with high-pigment, long-wearing color. Best Foundation Mented Cosmetics Skin Skin by Mented Cosmetics is a hydrating foundation stick thats available in 16 skin-complementing shades. You can glide the foundation directly onto your skin then buff it with a brush for a skin-like finish. Thread Beauty Face It Complexion Stick Another Melissa Butler-founded brand is Thread Beauty. The brands Face It Complexion Stick comes in 26 shades. Each stick contains a weightless foundation that offers even buildable coverage. That being said, you can use these as concealer or contour sticks depending on which shades you decide to try. Uoma Trippin Smooth Powder Founded by Sharon Chuter, comes beauty brand Uoma. Its Trippin Smooth Powder is a sheer-to-medium coverage option for evening skin texture and controlling shine. The powder comes in five shades that you can wear alone or on top of a full-coverage foundation. Ami Cole Skin-Enhancing Tint Ami Coles Skin-Enhancing Tint comes in six shades that deliver a glowing, satin finish to your skin. This Diarrha Ndiaye-founded beauty award-winning brands formula is ultra breathable so it truly feels like a second skin. Best Eyeshadow Palette Pat McGrath Labs Mini Eye Shadow Palette The Mini Eye Shadow Palette from legendary makeup artists Pat McGrath name namesake brand is a portable winner on our list. Its a convenient way to always have professional-inspired shades in your back pocket. Containing six matte and shimmer shades you can easily get creative with how you customize your look. Dominique Cosmetics The Essential Palette The Essential Palette by Dominique Cosmetics is half shimmer, half matte, and all essential hues that you can wear on the daily. With this10-pan, award-winning eyeshadow palette you can fully customize your glam depending on how extra youre feeling that day. Black Opal 12-Well Eyeshadow Palette Black Opals 12-Well Eyeshadow Palette is another Black-owned 21Ninety beauty awards winner on our list. Since 2019, the brand is under the ownership of Desiree Rogers and Cheryl Mayberry McKissack. The palette itself is a collection of shimmer and matte nudes that combine to create any look you wish. This eyeshadow palette takes you from day to night depending on which color you dip your brush into. Sacha Cosmetics Trio Eye Shadow The Sacha Cosmetics Trio Eye Shadow palette contains highly pigmented colors that easily glide on the eyes. Plus, it comes in 12 eccentric color combinations. Best Brow Pencil Luna Magic Eyebrow Pencil with Spoolie Brush Luna Magics Eyebrow Pencil with Spoolie Brush a brand founded by sisters Mabel and Shaira Friasis is made with sensitive skin in mind. The formula is free of parabens, gluten, phthalates, and fragrance. Best of all, the angled head allows for you to create realistic strokes for a natural look when you want it. Black Radiance Eye Appeal Micro Brown Pen The 21Ninety team chose this Black Radiance Eye Appeal Micro Brown Pen for its unique applicator. It features a three-point tip that swipes on lifelike brows, fast. This beauty award winner comes in one deep brown shade. Vive Cosmetics BoldBrow Pencil Bundle The BoldBrow Pencil Bundle by Vive Cosmetics is a customizable brow pencil duo. Both long-wearing pencils can be the same color or you can mix shades. Each pencil has a retractable head on one side and a spoolie brush on the other. Rare Beauty Brow Harmony Shape & Fill Duo Rare Beautys Brow Harmony Shape & Fill Duo is an all-in-one brow kit in a compact case. The duo features a two-in-one spoolie and eyebrow brush that slides into the rear of the compact. Inside the components are two complementary colors for the perfect waterproof brows every time. Best Makeup Buy for Under $21 Fenty Beauty Portable Contour & Concealer Brush Fenty Beautys Portable Contour & Concealer Brush retracts into a compact case for easy storage. The mini brush can sculpt, blend, and touch up your look at home or on-the-go. Milani Bold Color Statement Matte Lipstick Milanis Bold Color Statement Matte Lipstick is a long-wear lip product that comes in 14 bold colors. The smudge-resistant formula glides on smooth and dries to a comfortable matte for up to eight hours of wear. Clinique Bottom Lash Mascara Cliniques Bottom Lash Mascara coats every lash with a water- and smudge-resistant formula. The mascara features a smaller spoolie brush that can get into the corners of the eyes with ease. For $16 you get a 90-day supply of product. E.L.F. Professional Set of 12 Makeup Brushes The E.L.F. Professional Set of 12 Makeup Brushes is $12. Thats $1 per brush! In fact, with this buy youll have enough brushes to paint your entire face. Best Makeup Brushes & Sponges Lys Beauty Foundation Brush Lys Beautys Foundation Brush is a cruelty-free option that uses synthetic bristles to evenly apply foundation. Founded by Tisha Thompson this brush is made with sensitive skin in mind. The fibers are hypoallergenic and super soft. Danessa Myricks Yummy Skin Velour Puff Duo 21Ninety vouches for the Yummy Skin Velour Puff Duo by the namesake brand of makeup artist Danessa Myricks. The set comes with two ultra-velvety reusable powder puffs. Use the beauty award-winning puffs for all of your loose or pressed powdered products. Beauty Bakerie Blending Egg Beauty Sponges Beauty Bakeries Blending Egg Beauty Sponges are great to use for applying both foundation and concealer. Use the small side for concealer and the wide side to stamp on foundation. Best of all, the ergonomic eggs comfortably fit in your hand while you apply your makeup. Mented Cosmetics Foundation Brush The Mented Cosmetics Foundation Brush is a great tool to help blend foundation with a streak-free finish. This award-winning brush has soft synthetic fibers that are densely packed together. CROWNING MOMENTS The Crowning Moments category champions each-and-every Black hair type. Encompassing the entire cleansing and styling process, this list can easily build or upgrade your current hair care routine. Those who sport their natural texture, are fond of a silk press, or rock protective styles can all find products that celebrate their crowns. Best Hair Care Brand Briogeo Aloe + Oat Milk Calm + Nourish Bundle Briogeo is a Nancy Twine-founded brand that aims to address every hair concern. Under the brands range of products is the Aloe + Oat Milk Calm + Nourish Bundle. Made for those with sensitive skin, every item in the bundle is silicone-free, fragrance-free, and essential oil-free. The set includes shampoo, conditioner, detangling spray, and a multi-purpose hair and body cleansing bar. Mielle Rosemary Mint Scalp & Hair Strengthening Oil Monique Rodriguez founded Mielle to make hair products that helps hair grow long and strong. This fan favorite brand consistently develops items that fly off shelves. That includes the Rosemary Mint Scalp & Hair Strengthening Oil. It can be used by almost every scalp to promote healthy hair growth. Sienna Naturals Dream Curl Cream Founded by Hannah Diop, and co-owned by actor and entrepreneur Issa Rae, Sienna Naturals is a beauty brand that uses technology and dermatologist testing to support the creation of its products. The Dream Curl Cream exemplifies how the brands methodology makes for a product that keeps your curls bouncy and defined days before your next wash. Camille Rose Perfect & Protect Leave- In Collection Trio Janell Stephens Camille Rose offers products that nourish the hair from scalp to end. The Black-founded brand offers tons of products textured hair loves. The Perfect & Protect Leave- In Collection Trio is a great representation of that commitment to keep hair happy. This collection includes the Honey Leave-in Conditioner, Latte Styling Cream, and Herbal Tea Hair Oil. Best Silk Scarf Evolve Satin Edge Wrap Scarf Evolve Satin Edge Wrap Scarf is an easy way to protect your hair at night. Just throw on the scarf and tie the side pieces to secure it to your head. Its perfect for covering your whole head of hair, or just the roots. Silke Hair Wraps Silkes Hair Wraps add that vibrant pop of color to your fit. No matter if you wear it indoors, or out, you can rock one of the eleven colors this bonnet comes in. Plus, three of the options are color blocked for a fun two-toned look. Blissy Silk Bonnet Blissys Silk Bonnet envelopes all of your curls, or protective style, in mulberry silk. The award-winning accessory comes in nine different colors so that you can match your bonnet to your pillow case or pajamas. Grace Eleyae Silk Head Wrap Grace Eleyaes namesake brand has a Silk Head Wrap thats a great way to protect your hair inside or outdoors. The double-lined turban is made of pure silk to fight frizz and prevent breakage. Best Leave-In Conditioner SheaMoisture Leave In Conditioner For Damaged Hair If your hair has been through it, reach for SheaMoistures Leave In Conditioner For Damaged Hair. The brand founded by mother-son duo Nyema Tubman and Richelieu Dennis infuses shea butter in a wide range of its products. Along with shea butter, this leave in conditioner is also powered by Jamaican black castor oil. This combination allows for the leave in conditioner to soften, detangle, and tame frizz. PATTERN Beauty Leave-In Conditioner The lightweight Leave-In Conditioner from PATTERN Beauty by Tracee Ellis Ross, seals in moisture while defining curls. You can use it on hair thats fresh from the shower as a foundational styling step or as a way to touch up flyaways or frazzled curls. Ross has dedicated PATTERN to supporting everyones hair journey. Natural, protective, and straight styles included. Kinky-Curly Knot Today Natural Leave In Detangler The Knot Today Natural Leave In Detangler by the Shelley Davis-founded brand, Kinky-Curly, uses a blend of fruit extracts and herbs to moisturize, soften curls and add bounce. You can leave the conditioner in your hair for the maximum amount of moisture or rinse it out after a few minutes for a hydration boost. Donnas Recipe Sweet Potato Pie Leave-In Conditioner Donnas Recipe is founded by none other than multi-faceted mogul and content creator Tabitha Brown. The Sweet Potato Pie Leave-In Conditioner from the brand has earned a spot on the 21Ninety teams list for its curl enhancing abilities. The nourishing formula highlights sweet potatoes and vanilla to add softness and shine to your natural hair. Theres even cinnamon in the mix to remove buildup from your scalp for healthy hair overall. Best Wig Line Outre 100% Unprocessed Human Hair Headband Wig Replace your wash-and-go with Outres 100% Unprocessed Human Hair Headband Wig. The award-winning wig has a pre-attached headband that has 14 inches of perfectly defined coils flowing from it. Luvme Hair Ready-to-Wear Kinky Straight Bob Luvme Hairs Ready-to-Wear Kinky Straight Bob will have people questioning if youre actually wearing a wig. Your 21Ninety team chose the glueless lace wig has built in 4C edges to give a truly natural look without the heat damage. Mayvenn Loose Wave Side Part Lace Bob Wig Mayvenn is owned by founder and business expert Diishan Imira. Imira founded the brand to help his Los Angeles hair stylist sister enter the hair extension business with high quality hair. One of the brands high quality pieces is the Loose Wave Side Part Lace Bob Wig is a pre-styled unit that measures at 11 inches long. The Remy hair wig features french lace, clips, and an adjustable band for a custom fit. Kendras Boutique Full Lace Deep Wave Wig Kendras Boutique founder is influencer Kendra Cooksey. The entire brand boasts luscious hair at various lengths. This 22-inch Full Lace Deep Wave Wig is one of Kendras Boutiques gems. Made of raw Brazilian hair and pre-plucked HD lace, you get a natural look with plenty of body. Best Flatiron Ella Bella Ceramic Flat Iron Ella Bellas Ceramic Flat Iron is a hair straightener designed to add shine to your straight style in minutes. The built-in digital display will let you know how hot your straightener is getting up to 450 degrees. Along with the heat tool you get a glove, heat resistant carrying case, and mat. BabylissPRO Nano Titanium Ionic Hair Straightener BabylissPROs Nano Titanium Ionic Hair Straightener is nearly two-inches wide. The titanium-plated tool heats up to 450 degrees to effectively straighten your hair in fewer passes. HSI Professional HSI Professionals Glider Ceramic Flat Iron No need to worry about scorching your fingertips while using HSI Professionals Glider Ceramic Flat Iron. This award-winning hair straightener comes with a fashionable travel sleeve and safety glove for safe styling no matter where you are. Plus, it heats up to 450 degrees. Infinitipro By Conair Tourmaline Ceramic Flat Iron The Infinitipro By Conair Tourmaline Ceramic Flat Iron is a one-inch-wide tool that will help you achieve the perfect straight style. This Conair straightener has 30 heat settings with a maximum temperature of 455 degrees. Best of all it evenly heats up the floating ceramic plates in just 15 seconds. Best Shampoo TPH By Taraji Honey Fresh Aloe Vera Clarifying Shampoo The TPH By Taraji aka a Taraji P. Henson-founded brand makes a Honey Fresh Aloe Vera Clarifying Shampoo clears everything you dont want from your scalp. This vegan shampoo removes mineral and hard-water buildup without stripping your hair of its natural oils. Sienna Naturals H.A.P.I Shampoo No matter your hairs porosity, the Sienna Naturals H.A.P.I Shampoo is here to cleanse and moisturize your curls. Backed by 21Ninety, this beauty award winner removes gunk from your scalp while adding moisture from root-to-tip. Briogeo Density Shampoo Briogeos Density Shampoo is an effective cleanser that leans on hair-healthy ingredients to improve the appearance of your mane. The hair density-promoting shampoo is made with caffeine and biotin to both strengthen hair while stimulating the scalp. Carols Daughter Black Vanilla Sulfate Free Shampoo Carols Daughter is a brand founded by Carols daughter Lisa Price. Price created the brand to spread beauty products throughout her Brooklyn community that were made with love. Dry, dull, and brittle hair could use some love from a cleanse with Carols Daughter Black Vanilla Sulfate Free Shampoo. Made with shea butter, aloe, and rosemary, your hair and scalp will feel cleaner and softer after stepping out of the shower. Best Hair Accessories Baby Tress Edge Styler The Baby Tress Edge Styler is the all-in-one tool to part your hair and lay your edges with ease. This three-in-one tool is produced by a Black- and AAPI-owners Shannon Kennard and Hannah Choi, respectively. It features a dual-sided comb and boar bristle head along with a pointed tip. Gymwrap by Nicole Ari Parker Macchiato Gymwrap The Macchiato Gymwrap from Gymwrap created by Nicole Ari Parker is perfect for anyone who loves to be active but isnt in love with having a sweaty head. Each Gymwrap is made with the brands patented EvapoTECH. Its a triple layer technology that wicks away moisture to keep your head cool. Mocha Mane Stone-Encrusted Hair Clip Reach for Mocha Manes stone-encrusted hair clip when you need to let the people know that you have your edges laid. Made of stainless steel, you can also rock this clip when you need some help holding your edges down. Helecia Williams founded Mocha Mane to decorate kinky hair types. So, dont be afraid to add a clip to your textured hairstyle. Alileader 100pcs Gold Hair Jewelry for Braids and Locs Alileaders 100pcs Gold Hair Jewelry for Braids and Locs gives you ample accessories to adorn your crown with golden jewels. This 100-piece kit includes an assortment of carved cuffs in a box for easy storage. THE SKIN WERE IN The Skin Were In category ensures that total-body skin care is never an afterthought. The cleansing, moisturizing, and grooming products on this list cover the entire body from face to foot. Even if you have sensitive, eczema-prone skin, theres a beauty award winner on the list to keep you feeling comfortable in the skin youre in. Best Body Wash for Melanin SheaMoisture African Black Soap Soothing Body Wash SheaMoistures African Black Soap Soothing Body Wash cleans and calms all skin types including sensitive Black skin. African Black Soap, coconut, shea and palm oils, shea butter, and vitamin E are the main ingredients that have earned this wash a spot on our list. Dove Purely Pampering Body Wash Need to stock up on body wash? Then, turn to this four-pack of Doves Purely Pampering Body Wash. The blend of shea butter and warm vanilla moisturizes skin while providing a decadent sensory experience. Olay Hydrating Body Wash with Witch Hazel and Vitamin B3 Complex Olays Hydrating Body Wash with Witch Hazel and Vitamin B3 Complex clarifies clogged skin without depriving it of moisture. Best of all, its safe to use daily for a gently exfoliating wash with every shower. Buttah Egyptian Coco Shea Body Wash Buttah founder Dorion Renaud infuses his African heritage into each of his products. That includes the Egyptian Coco Shea Body Wash. It uses a silky smooth lather to coat your skin in its African cocoa butter-rich formula. Fragranced with white lily rose, white musk, and vanilla, the luxurious lather will cleanse your skin from head-to-toe. Best Bubble Bath Honest The Wind Down Bubble Bath Honests The Wind Down Bubble Bath instantly relaxes you from the inside out. We chose this for Black skin that could benefit from its calming effects. Made with calendula and aloe, this myrrh-scented bubble bath calms your skin and your senses. Bath & Body Works Champagne Toast Bath & Body Works Champagne Toast bubble bath brings brunch to the bathtub. The 21Ninety team thoroughly enjoyed the fragrance notes of tangerine, berries, and champagne in the energizing soak. OUAI Chill Pills Pop OUAIs Chill Pills into your tub for a relaxing soak. The pills, which emit a jasmine and rose scent, also have skin enhancing benefits. Each time you soak in the tub your skin will be moisturized, smoothed, and calm. Soap Cherie Bubble Bath Meditation Soap Cheries Bubble Bath Meditation offers a moisturizing soak with its infusion of jojoba oil and vitamin E. Let this beauty award winner coat your skin in comfort while you inhale notes of magnolia. Best Skincare Kit Buttah Supreme Customizable Skin Kit Buttahs Supreme Customizable Skin Kit is a four-step skincare routine that you can tailor to your unique needs. All you have to do is choose which face cream you want. Theres a facial shea butter thats great for dry skin, an oil-free gel cream that works with combination skin, and a cocoshea cream for all other skin types. Cay Skin Deepwater Hydration Bundle Founded by supermodel Winnie Harlow, Cay Skins Deepwater Hydration Bundle pumps hydration into your skin from the lips down to the toes. An illuminating body serum, nourishing body creme, and reviving lip mask are included in this award-winning bundle. Shani Darden Skin Care Retinol Starter Set Shani Dardens namesake brand has a Skin Cares Retinol Starter Set will transform your nighttime skin care routine. With regular use, the brands Retinol Reform Treatment Serum, Lactic Acid AHA Exfoliating Serum, and Cleansing Serum smooths fines line, fades dark spots, and refines pores. Hyper! Skin Even Daily Duo (Full-Sized) The rand Hyper! is a beauty brand founded by lawyer-turned-beauty-executive Desiree Verdejo. The entire brand is dedicated to helping Black and Brown consumers reduce dark spots. Hyper Even Daily Duo (Full-Sized) enhances your skincare routine with a brightening punch. This 21Ninety-backed winner includes a Hyper Even Brightening Dark Spot Vitamin C Serum and Hyper Even Gentle Brightening Cleansing Gel that will even out your skins complexion with regular use. Best Facial Mask Buttah Charcoal Detox Mask Buttahs Charcoal Detox Mask will have your skin feeling smooth like butter with a grease-free glow. The Black-owned beauty brands face mask has topped this list for its ability to suction debris from pores, while moisturizing skin with argan oil and shea butter. Fenty Skin Cookies N Clean Clay Pore Detox Mask The Cookies N Clean Clay Pore Detox Mask from Fenty Skin will leave your skin feeling luscious. Blended with salicylic acid and charcoal, this creamy mask draws out dirt without drying out your face. Aveeno Oat Hydrating Full Face Mask Aveenos Oat Hydrating Full Face Mask infuses pomegranate seed extract with kiwi water and prebiotic oat. It reinforces your skins natural glow. Best of all, you wont feel dry or deprived when you rinse it off. Cetaphil Dermacontrol Purifying Clay Mask Cetaphils Dermacontrol Purifying Clay Mask is a beauty award pick for its swift gunk-removing abilities. The non-comedogenic fragrance-free mask removes dirt and oil and is still gentle on skin. Best Body Lotion Clinique Deep Comfort Body Butter The 21Ninety team knows that some of our readers are Black with newly discovered eczema-prone skin. Thats why Cliniques Deep Comfort Body Butter has been selected as an eczema skin-friendly option. The rich lotions silky smooth formula deeply moisturizes and soothes stressed skin. Jergens Ultra Healing Hand and Body Lotion The Jergens Ultra Healing Hand and Body Lotion is the perfect moisturizer for extra dry skin. Its packed with vitamins C, E, and B5 as well as glycerin for comfortable skin throughout the day. Silk + Noir Cocoa Butter + Cashmere Whipped Body Cream Silk + Noir is an Emily King brand that was birthed out of the respiratory therapists passion for making natural soap as a side hustle. Since expanding from handmade soap, the brand now has a Cocoa Butter + Cashmere Whipped Body Cream that delivers a sumptuous self-care experience. The formula delivers a skin-nourishing mix of oils, extracts, and butters that go past the skins surface for lasting moisture. Bevel Body Lotion Bevels Body Lotion is a non-greasy way to keep your skin moisturized all day long. This body product has made this list for its unique lightweight blend of niacinamide, vitamin E, shea butter, and argan oil. Built by Tristan Walker-founded to focus on the hygienic needs of Black men. Best Razor Venus Pubic Hair & Skin Razor and Refills Venus for Pubic Hair & Skin Razor and Refills is a sensitive skin must-have. The brands patented irritation defense bar on the razor head allows for a smooth shave where the blades cut hair, not skin. Schick Hydro Silk 5 TrimStyle Dual Trimmer Schick Hydro Silk 5 TrimStyle Dual Trimmer is on the best razor list for its ability to serve as both a razor and a bikini trimmer. Use the waterproof battery-powered trimmer to tidy up where you want and the five-blade razor to get a clean shave every time. Billie Razor Starter Kit Billies Razor Starter Kit is great for people who are just starting to shave and veteran shavers. This list-worthy kit includes a handle, two refill blades, and a wall-friendly holder. No matter which of the seven colors you choose, you pay the same price. Bevel Essential Disposable Razor Black-owned brand Bevel has an Essential Disposable Razor that everybody can benefit from using. What makes this razor an award-winner is its ability to prevent nicks, tugs, and bumps in a disposable, partially plant-based component. Best Unisex Fragrance Malin + Goetz Cannabis Eau de Parfum Malin + Goetz Cannabis Eau de Parfum uses rich, spicy, and smoky aromas to emit a carefree chic scent. This fragrance will elevate your mood without the literal high. Snif Sweet Ash Snifs Sweet Ash fragrance has made is known for its long-lasting sweet and earthy scent. The blend of juniper, bergamot, fir balsam, tonka, vanilla bean, white moss, and patchouli will keep your senses satisfied all day long. Chris Collins Danse Sauvage The sultry notes found in the Danse Sauvage scent by the namesake brand of Chris Collins landed this unisex fragrance on this list. Indulge in a blend of plum, cognac, and chili scents inspired by the 1920s of the Black Venus. Gucci Memoire dune Odeur Guccis Memoire dune Odeur is one of the best fragrances on the market for its timeless scent. Envelope yourself in the unique combination of sweet, floral, and musk notes blended by master perfumer Alberto Morillas. Stay in the know with the winners and all things 21Ninety by subscribing to the newsletter and following us on Instagram, TikTok, Twitter and Pinterest. The post 21Ninety Beauty Awards Breakdown: Get To Know Our Winning Products appeared first on 21Ninety. A 28-year-old woman was arrested and accused of spending an entire year posing as a 17-year-old Louisiana high-schooler Empty high school corridor with lockers lining the walls Tony Anderson via Getty Images A 28-year-old woman has been accused of pretending to be a Louisiana high school student for a year. Both the woman and her mother were charged on Tuesday with falsifying government documents. The local sheriff said the woman was attending school because she wanted to learn English. A 28-year-old woman in Louisiana has been arrested and accused of posing as a 17-year-old at Hahnville High School and getting away with it for an entire year. In a statement released on Tuesday, the St. Charles Parish Sheriff's Office said they had arrested and charged the accused, Martha Jessenia Gutierrez-Serrano, and her 46-year-old mother, Marta Elizeth Serrano-Alvarado. The sheriff's office accused Serrano-Alvarado of using a "fraudulent passport and birth certificate" to enroll her in the high school. Both women were also accused of falsifying public records. In a press conference held on Wednesday, Sheriff Greg Champagne told the media that Gutierrez-Serrano had attended Hahnville High School "for a year". "Far as we know, she did nothing inappropriate at all, merely attended school," said Champagne. "The information we got, about the reason for her doing this was simple. She wanted to learn English, she wanted to become proficient in English." Ken Oertling, the St. Charles Parish superintendent, said at the press conference that the authorities plans to beef up checks during the enrollment process. "As a result of this discovery, we are conducting an audit of enrollment documents for students currently enrolled in St. Charles Parish Public Schools. We are reviewing student enrolment policy and procedures, and we will make enhancements based on that review," said Oertling. Gutierrez-Serrano managed to keep up the ruse for a year far longer than a 29-year-old woman, who was arrested in January and accused of pretending to be a student at a New Jersey high school for four days. A representative from St. Charles Parish Public Schools told Insider that Gutierrez-Serrano's case was "an unprecedented event." The representative added that the schools will update parents on "what enhancements will be made to our current enrollment policy, procedures, and processes." If found guilty of the charge of falsifying public records, Gutierrez-Serrano and her mother could face a prison term of up to five years, or a $5,000 fine. The St. Charles Parish Sheriff's Office referred Insider to their earlier press release and said they had no further comment when contacted. Author's note: June 16, 2023 This story has been updated with responses from St. Charles Parish Public Schools and the St. Charles Parish Sheriff's Office. Read the original article on Insider The Benton Franklin Health District gave failing grades to three food businesses, including a popular fast food restaurant in the Tri-Cities. The districts food safety team gave passing grades on 21 inspections, nine of them with perfect scores. Those acing their inspections included fast food restaurants and schools. In the districts routine inspections, businesses or organizations that receive 35 points for the more serious red violations are required to have additional inspections and must meet a tougher standard on those. For followup inspections, they must have fewer than 25 red points and a limited number of repeat problems to pass. Red violations are those most likely to cause food-borne illnesses, such as improper temperature control of food, lack of handwashing or bare-hand contact with foods. Blue violations are low risk factors related to the cleanliness and physical condition of an establishment. No notice is given before the inspections. Inspection results are posted online so residents can look up the status and the details of any violations of individual restaurants. Go to bit.ly/BFHDinspections. Click on the business name and then on the date of the inspection on the right half of the next page. Look for the Violations tab. Failed inspections El Primo (Mobile), Event, Routine June 5 (50 Red, 0 Blue) Notes: Lack of active managerial control, improper hand washing, inadequate handwashing facilities, lack of conformance with approved procedures. Because of no running water for handwashing, prepared food was discarded. Popeyes, 240 N. Ely St., Kennewick, Routine June 6 (50 Red, 5 Blue) Notes: Food worker cards not 100%, improper hand washing, inadequate handwashing facilities, improper cold holding (>45F). Revival in a Cup, 509 Ninth St., Benton City, Routine June 8 (60 Red, 5 Blue) Notes: Lack of active managerial control, improper hand washing, inadequate handwashing facilities, improperly disposing of potentially unsafe food, lack of conformance with approved procedures. Passed inspections Burger King, 2407 W. Court St., Pasco, Follow-up June 9 (0 Red, 0 Blue) Burlesque Brew, 5303 W. Metaline Ave., Kennewick, Follow-up June 7 (5 Red, 0 Blue) Chipotle Mexican Grill, 1102 N. Columbia Center Blvd., Kennewick, Routine June 6 (5 Red, 0 Blue) Daily Donuts, 1131 W. Court St., Pasco, Routine June 5 (0 Red, 10 Blue) Del Taco, 155 Wellsian Way, Richland, Routine June 8 (30 Red, 0 Blue) Headstart, 313 Third St., Benton City, Routine June 8 (0 Red, 0 Blue) Headstart/Childrens Center, 1549 S.E. Georgia Ave., Richland, Routine June 6 (10 Red, 0 Blue) Headstart, 1300 Meade Ave., Prosser, Routine June 6 (5 Red, 0 Blue) Headstart, 6215 Burden Blvd., Pasco, Routine June 8 (0 Red, 0 Blue) Helados La Michoacana, 712 N. 20th Ave., Pasco, Routine June 8 (Restaurant 25 Red, 0 Blue) (Ice cream 0 Red, 0 Blue) McDonalds, 101 Wellsian Way, Richland, Routine June 8 (0 Red, 0 Blue) Neiffer Triangle 4 Ranch (Demo), Event, Routine June 9 (0 Red, 0 Blue) Papa Murphys Pizza, 1804 W. Court St., Pasco, Routine June 7 (5 Red, 0 Blue) Pizza Hut, 1921 W. Court St., Pasco, Routine June 7 (15 Red, 0 Blue) Rivers Edge High School, 975 Gillespie St., Richland, Follow-up June 8 (0 Red, 0 Blue) Round Table Pizza, 3300 W. Clearwater Ave., Kennewick, Routine June 7 (5 Red, 0 Blue) Taco Bell, 2404 W. Court St., Pasco, Routine June 9 (0 Red, 5 Blue) Wendys, 7003 Canal Drive, Kennewick, Routine June 6 (0 Red, 0 Blue) Whitstran Child Development Center, 101001 W. Foisy Road, Prosser, Routine June 6 (5 Red, 0 Blue) Whitstran Elementary School, 102101 W. Foisy Road, Prosser, Routine June 6 (0 Red, 0 Blue) Beware of ticks this summer and pay attention to these signs of Lyme disease. Beware of ticks this summer and pay attention to these signs of Lyme disease. While the arrival of summer brings the opportunity to spend more time lounging on your lawn or hiking woodsy trails, were not the only ones excited about the long, warm days ahead: Ticks are most active from April through September. And while no one wants a bug bite, ticks are significantly more threatening than most. These poppy-to-sesame-seed-sized bugs are responsible for the spread of Lyme disease, particularly in the Northeast, mid-Atlantic and upper Midwest. Lyme disease is the most common vector-borne disease in the United States in other words, its the most common human illness caused by a biting arachnid that spreads a parasite. While treatable with antibiotics if caught early enough, if its left untreated, Lyme disease symptoms can spread to the joints, heart and nervous system, which is why its important to catch it early (or, ideally, to avoid getting it at all). Below, infectious disease experts share the most common early symptoms of Lyme disease so you dont end up with a chronic case of it and how to avoid getting it in the first place. The Top Early Signs Of Lyme Disease Dr. Tammy Lundstrom, an infectious disease specialist at Trinity Health in Michigan, and Dr. Sarah Park, an infectious disease clinician who works at the life sciences company Karius in Honolulu, suggested looking out for the following early signs of Lyme disease. A Bullseye Rash Formally called erythema migrans, a rash that looks like a bullseye or target is the most common early Lyme disease symptom, according to Lundstrom. It can be very faint, however, she said. It also may be absent in 20-30% of cases and can be hard to see on darker skin tones. Park added that this rash typically appears within three to 30 days following a tick bite. Flu-Like Symptoms Between COVID, the flu and even the common cold, if you find yourself with achy joints, chills, a fever, a headache or other flu-like symptoms, Lyme disease may not be the first thing on your mind. But these symptoms could be signs of it. These symptoms can easily be mistaken for a common viral infection such as a cold or flu, Lundstrom said. However, the onset of these symptoms paired with potential tick exposure for example, hiking in the brush, woodsy areas or tall grass occurring three to seven days afterward can signal Lyme disease is a possible cause. Be sure to consult with a medical professional, especially if you identify the bullseye rash or develop other noted symptoms. Fatigue Sudden fatigue could also be an early Lyme disease sign. Fatigue is an early sign that is frequently dismissed and assumed to occur from not enough sleep or regular everyday activities like working out, Park said. Non-Bullseye Rashes Other rashes that dont look like a target could be an early sign of Lyme disease, too. A bullseye rash may first appear as a small red bump or a solid red patch that gradually expands, but not everyone develops this type of rash, Park said. Other skin manifestations like hives or discomfort similar to a sunburn can also occur. Fatigue is one of the hallmark signs of Lyme disease. Fatigue is one of the hallmark signs of Lyme disease. How To Prevent Lyme Disease While Lyme disease is treatable when caught early enough, the best case scenario is that you dont get it at all which is why its key to protect yourself from ticks, be aware of the early signs of Lyme disease, and know when and where youre most likely to get it. The illness is caused by ticks in the nymph stage, not adults, Lundstrom said. They may be very small, around the size of a poppy seed, and hard to see, but it is important to do a thorough check for ticks after outdoor activities. This includes skin folds and your hair. Early recognition and treatment are key to preventing chronic symptoms such as arthritis, headaches, neck stiffness and facial drooping. In addition to checking for tinier ticks (remember: the size of a poppyseed!) Lundstrom recommends wearing long pants and long-sleeved shirts when hiking. Treat clothing with 0.5% permethrin or buy pretreated hiking gear, and use EPA-registered insect repellent containing DEET, she added. Walk in the center of trails for less contact with brush and grass, and always examine skin and clothing carefully and shower to wash off unattached ticks upon returning from a hike. If you prefer a DEET-free alternative, Lundstrom said picaridin, IR3535, Oil of Lemon Eucalyptus (OLE), para-menthane-diol (PMD), or 2-undecanone are options to look for in an EPA-registered repellent. Its also important to do regular tick checks if you live in an area with more Lyme disease and to seek help right away if youre noticing any signs that could be symptoms of the disease. Finally, know that in most cases, a tick has to be attached to your body for 36 to 48 hours before Lyme disease can be transmitted, which is why checking for and removing ticks quickly can make all the difference when it comes to Lyme disease prevention. While a Lyme disease vaccine may be a possibility at some point in the future, for now, its a reality were living with. So know the signs, wear protective clothing and bug spray, and do regular tick checks this summer. Trust us, you wont regret it. CORRECTION: A prior version of this article incorrectly referred to ticks as insects, but they are arachnids. Related... City governments ethics watchdog ordered former Mayor Bill de Blasio on Thursday to cough up nearly $475,000 for misusing his personal police detail during his failed 2020 presidential campaign the largest fine ever levied by the agency. The punishment from the New York City Conflicts of Interest Board which de Blasio is challenging in court caps off a yearslong investigation into the ex-mayors decision to have his NYPD detail tag along with him on 31 out-of-state campaign trips in 2019 as part of his long-shot bid for the Democratic Partys presidential nomination. Advertisement The $474,794 penalty is the largest fine in the history of the board, said its chairman, Milton Williams. In a three-page decision, Williams said that New York City ethics laws bar public servants from using city resources for any noncity purpose. Advertisement [De Blasios] conduct plainly violates this prohibition, Williams wrote of his NYPD-protected campaign travels. The city has a purpose in funding an NYPD security detail for the mayor, Williams decision said. But he went on to write there is no city purpose in paying for the extra expenses incurred by that NYPD security detail to travel at a distance from the city to accompany the mayor or his family on trips for his campaign for president of the United States. Williams said the board warned de Blasio before he embarked on his cross-country campaign sojourns that bringing his NYPD detail along would likely skirt the law. [De Blasio] disregarded the boards advice, Williams wrote. The Conflicts of Interest Board determined that de Blasio campaign-related travel, room and board for the officers on his detail cost city taxpayers $319,794. In assessing the fine, Williams said de Blasio should pay that plus $155,000 for 31 ethics law violations he committed one on each trip bringing the penalty to the $474,794 grand total. De Blasio must pay up within 30 days, said Williams. Then-Democratic presidential candidate New York Mayor Bill de Blasio arrives to tour the POET Biorefining Ethanol Facility on May 17, 2019, in Gowrie, Iowa. In the background is NYPD Inspector Howard Redmond, a member of de Blasio's security detail. (Charlie Neibergall/AP) Andrew Celli, a de Blasio lawyer, blasted the ruling as reckless and perilous. Celli also announced the former mayor filed a lawsuit in Manhattan Supreme Court seeking to overturn the ruling shortly after it was finalized. COIBs action which seeks to saddle elected officials with security costs that the city has properly borne for decades is dangerous, beyond the scope of their powers, and illegal, Celli said. Advertisement Every mayor faces threats, and all mayors are entitled to protection regardless of party or politics, he added. Thats why the NYPD is charged with determining what level of protection is necessary for such officials, when, and how. John Miller, a former NYPD deputy commissioner of intelligence who was involved in the decision-making around the deployment of de Blasios detail, told the Daily News the ex-mayors family faced roughly 160 threats between 2018 and 2020. That included threats to hang de Blasio and sexually assault his wife, as well as threats to the safety of both of his adult children, Miller said. New York Democratic mayoral candidate Bill de Blasio embraces his son Dante, left, daughter Chiara, second from left, and wife, Chirlane McCray, right, after polls closed in the New York primary election on Sept. 10, 2013. (Kathy Willens/AP) Against that backdrop, Miller argued using the NYPD to protect de Blasio on the 2020 campaign trail was totally justified. He doesnt stop being mayor when hes on vacation or campaigning, Miller said. The security detail is basically part of the package. The Conflicts of Interest Boards ruling was based on a probe launched by the city Department of Investigation in 2019 after The News reported that de Blasio had used his detail for a number of eyebrow-raising purposes. In addition to the campaign trips, he deployed his detail to shuttle his son back and forth from Yale University, and to help his daughter move out of a Brooklyn apartment. Front page of the New York Daily News for Oct. 28, 2019: Mayor de Blasio ordered his NYPD security detail to repeatedly take his son to and from Yale University during his first years at school, the Daily News has learned. (New York Daily News) The Department of Investigation released a report in 2021 determining de Blasio owed the city $320,000 for the presidential campaign NYPD protection. The report held that de Blasios other family-related uses of the detail amounted to ethical transgressions as well. Advertisement The Conflicts of Interest Boards ruling, though, focuses solely on how the detail was deployed during the 31 campaign trips he took to states including Iowa and South Carolina between May and September 2019, sometimes accompanied by his wife, then-First Lady Chirlane McCray. Conflicts of Interest Board Executive Director Carolyn Miller declined to comment on why Thursdays ruling doesnt touch on the other alleged misuses by de Blasio. In a statement, Department of Investigation Commissioner Jocelyn Strauber said the ruling reaffirms DOIs investigative findings, and shows that public officials including the most senior will be held accountable when they violate the rules. A former senior de Blasio staffer at City Hall said the ex-mayor knew full well he had no shot at becoming president in 2020. The staffer said it speaks volumes about de Blasio that he went ahead with launching his campaign anyway and then had his detail travel with him despite being warned about the potential legal issues at play. Its a pattern of behavior that lasted throughout his administration Im going to do whatever I want to do, even if it isnt prudent, the ex-de Blasio aide said. Members of Mayor de Blasio's NYPD security detail allegedly used two Sprinter vans to move Chiara de Blasio out of her Sunset Park apartment. (Obtained by New York Daily News) De Blasio has been dogged by debt since he left City Hall in late 2021. The news organization The City reported that de Blasio left office nearly $1 million in debt, most of it owed to Kramer Levin & Naftali, a law firm that represented him between 2015 and 2017 while he was under investigation for his campaign fund-raising tactics. Advertisement Its unclear how much of that debt de Blasio has paid off. The ex-mayor did not return calls for comment Thursday. Walking out of City Hall on Thursday afternoon, Mayor Adams chuckled when asked by The News for a reaction to the fine on de Blasio. Listen, I havent read the report, Adams said of the boards ruling. Well read it, though. Members of Mayor de Blasios NYPD security detail allegedly moved Chiara de Blasio out of a basement apartment in Sunset Park, Brooklyn. (Stephen Rex Brown/New York Daily News) Some officials in Adams administration have faced scrutiny over their own use of NYPD details. Deputy Mayor of Public Safety Phil Banks and Chief Technology Officer Matt Fraser both have taxpayer-funded security details supplied by the NYPD, as first reported by The News last year. The revelations about their details raised concern at the time from law enforcement experts, who questioned what legitimate purpose there could be for the civilian officials to have details. Asked whether the Conflicts of Interest Boards de Blasio findings would prompt Adams administration to reconsider its detail deployments, Adams spokesman Fabien Levy declined to comment. Members of a macabre theft ring swiped human remains from the Harvard Medical School morgue in Boston and sold the body parts to a nationwide network of buyers, officials said Wednesday. Indictments handed up by a grand jury in Scranton, Pennsylvania, targeted morgue manager Cedric Lodge, 55, and his wife, Denise Lodge, 63, who live in Goffstown, New Hampshire. Katrina Maclean, 44, of Salem, Massachusetts, and Joshua Taylor, 46, of West Lawn, Pennsylvania, were also indicted. Maclean owns and operates a store called Kat's Creepy Creations, officials said. They're all accused of conspiracy and interstate transport of stolen goods. "At times, Cedric Lodge allowed Maclean and Taylor to enter the morgue at Harvard Medical School and examine cadavers to choose what to purchase," federal prosecutors said in a statement. "On some occasions, Taylor transported stolen remains back to Pennsylvania. On other occasions, the Lodges shipped stolen remains to Taylor and others out of state." Cedric Lodge "stole dissected portions of donated cadavers, including, for example, heads, brains, skin, bones, and other human remains, without the knowledge or permission of HMS," according to the indictment. He and his wife would reach out to buyers through websites and cellphones "regarding the sales of stolen human remains," the court papers say. The 15-page indictment doesn't go into extended detail about what the body parts were purchased for, but it does mention that Maclean shipped human skin to a man in Pennsylvania "and engaged in his services to tan the skin to create leather." Maclean asked Cedric Lodge to supply more tissue to send to "the dude I send the chest piece to tan," according to the indictment. From Sept. 3, 2018, to July 12, 2021, Taylor sent 39 electronic payments, for a total of $37,355.56, to a PayPal account run by Denise Lodge for human remains Cedric Lodge stole from Harvard, the indictment says. A May 19, 2019, payment from Taylor had a memo, "head number 7," and a Nov. 20, 2020, transaction was for "braiiiiiins." A lawyer for Taylor declined to discuss the case Wednesday afternoon. Attorneys for the Lodges and Maclean couldnt immediately be reached for comment Wednesday. "We are appalled to learn that something so disturbing could happen on our campus a community dedicated to healing and serving others," Harvard Medical School said in a statement. "The reported incidents are a betrayal of HMS and, most importantly, each of the individuals who altruistically chose to will their bodies to HMS through the Anatomical Gift Program to advance medical education and research," it said. This article was originally published on NBCNews.com 4 US military helicopter crashes in recent months have killed 14 service members and injured nearly a couple dozen more A US Army CH-47 Chinook helicopter takes off at sunset while transporting American troops out of a remote combat outpost known as RLZ on May 25, 2021 near the Turkish border in northeastern Syria. Photo by John Moore/Getty Images A US military MH-47 Chinook crashed in Syria earlier this week, injuring 22 soldiers. It's the latest helicopter in a string of crashes during non-combat missions to result in casualties. Three other crashes involving US military aircraft this year have killed 14 troops. A US military helicopter with a faulty rotor crashed in Syria this week, injuring nearly two dozen soldiers. It was the fourth helicopter to go down in recent months. None of the crashes were due to hostile actions, but they all left casualties in their wake. US Central Command (CENTCOM) said on Monday that 22 service members were injured after a helicopter "mishap" in northeast Syria the day before, and 15 of the injured troops were evacuated outside CENTCOM's area of responsibility which spans the Middle East and Central and South Asia for medical treatment. The military noted that there was "no enemy fire" reported at the time of the incident. Deputy Pentagon Press Secretary Sabrina Singh said Tuesday that the MH-47 Chinook apparently experienced a problem with one of its rotors, forcing the aircraft to make a hard landing during takeoff, but the Office of the Secretary of Defense clarified for Insider on Thursday that the crash happened while the helicopter was landing at a staging base. "This is under investigation, so we will hopefully learn more soon, but as of right now, all of the service members involved in that crash are in stable condition," Singh said. The Chinook accident followed several previous helicopter crashes earlier this year, which eventually forced the US Army to temporarily ground its aircraft except those participating in critical missions. None of the aircraft were under fire when they went down and were instead on training missions. UH-60 Black Hawk helicopter Idaho National Guard In one mid-February incident, two Tennessee Army National Guard pilots were killed when their UH-60 Black Hawk helicopter crashed during a training flight in Alabama. Tennessee's Department of the Military said at the time that the aircraft "rapidly descended and impacted the ground." The following month, at the end of March, a pair of HH-60 Black Hawk helicopters collided mid-flight during a "routine training mission" over Kentucky, killing all nine soldiers aboard. "Everything we do, safety is integrated into this," a US Army official told reporters after the accident amid emerging safety concerns. "When we do any training but especially aviation training they do very, very detailed planning, very detailed rehearsals." Just a few weeks later, in late April, two Army AH-64 Apache helicopters crashed into each other while returning from a training mission over Alaska, killing three soldiers and injuring a fourth invdividual. The incident, like the other two before it, was put under investigation. Army Chief of Staff Gen. James McConville stressed during a media roundtable that this week's crash involving the Chinook was different from previous incidents. "We have the world's greatest special operations aviators, quite frankly, no one can do what they do," McConville told reporters, according to CNN. "And they fly at a level that no one else in the world can do. And they do high risk all the time. And sometimes things go wrong when that happens." Read the original article on Business Insider 6 area counties receiving state funding from Ohio EPA to assist with mosquito control Six area counties and communities will be receiving state funding from the Ohio EPA to assist with mosquito control. >>RELATED: Ohio leads the country in cases of emerging mosquito-borne virus 41 Ohio counties are receiving over $800,000 in grants to assist with mosquito control activities, including $127,000 to remove scrap tires, which can become breeding grounds for mosquito larvae, according to an Ohio EPA spokesperson. The counties and health departments receiving grants across the area are: Champaign County- $11,770 Clark County Combined Health District- $21,150 Darke County General Health District- $25,000 Greene County Public Health- $15,600 Public Health- Dayton & Montgomery County- $10,000 Warren County Combined Health District- $14,500 The mosquito control grants will specifically target mosquito surveillance, larval control, adult mosquito control, community outreach, and breeding source reduction (trash or tire removal). The Ohio EPA and Ohio Department of Health have awarded $7.5 million to local health departments and communities for mosquito control programs over the last seven years. All 6 elements needed for life have now been found on one of Saturns moons This 2008 file image made available by NASA shows the planet Saturn, as seen from the Cassini spacecraft. Scientists reported they have found phosphorous on one of Saturns moons. | NASA via Associated Press Enceladus, a moon orbiting Saturn, has a form of phosphorus beneath its icy surface, according to the journal Nature. Researchers from Germany, Japan, the U.S. and Finland had a tantalizing moment when the discovery was made, lead author of the study Frank Postberg told The New York Times. Postberg, a professor at the Free University of Berlin, said the discovery of dissolved sodium phosphate in the waters of Enceladus makes it the most habitable place in the solar system, at least as far as we know, according to The Washington Post. But that doesnt mean that its actually hosting life, that its inhabited, Postberg told the Post. Related What are the six elements of life? There are six elements needed for life to be sustained in a habitat: carbon, hydrogen, nitrogen, oxygen, phosphorus and sulphur, according to NASA. Nature said phosphorus is the rarest element to find out of the six and hasnt been found in an ocean beyond Earths until now. Enceladus ocean is hidden beneath a layer of ice many miles thick, but frozen particles migrate through cracks in the ice and spurt into space, the Post said. Postberg told The New York Times, You could call it a soda ocean, because of its high carbonation and bubbly nature. Sodium phosphate was found in the ice orbiting Enceladus, spewed into space by ice volcanoes, the Times said, and analyzed using data from Cassini, a joint NASA-European orbiter that concluded its study of Saturn, its rings and moons in 2017. Nature said further research and experiments suggest high amounts of phosphates could be found on the seafloor of the icy planet and other planets with a similar environment. Related Beyond Enceladus, Postberg says, this discovery may indicate that other ocean worlds in the outer solar system, like Jupiters moon Europa or the dwarf planet Pluto, are rich in phosphates and thus potentially habitable, the Times said. Planetary scientist Yasuhito Sekine told Science News that the phosphate could have originated from reactions between seawater and a phosphate-bearing mineral called apatite on Enceladus seafloor. Sekine questioned the possibility of alien life on the icy planet. If life exists (on) Enceladus, why (does) such (an) abundance of chemical energy and nutrients remain? Sekine said to Science News. Mikhail Zolotov, a planetary geochemist at Arizona State University, told the Post, We dont know how life originated, and under what conditions, and that there are many unknowns concerning which planet besides Earth is most habitable. Harvard Medical School's former morgue manager Cedric Lodge, who was fired last month, is accused of selling human body parts from donated cadavers. Harvard Medical School's former morgue manager Cedric Lodge, who was fired last month, is accused of selling human body parts from donated cadavers. Six people are facing federal charges after being accused of selling stolen human body parts from the Harvard Medical School morgue. Cedric Lodge, 55, who was fired as morgue manager last month, allegedly sold dissected portions of cadavers including heads, brains and skin that had been donated to the schools Anatomical Gift Program for research and educational purposes, according to a federal indictment. Donors were told that their bodies would be cremated and respectfully returned to their families or sent to a cemetery after use. Instead, authorities say that from 2018 to 2022, Lodge sold pieces of the remains to various online and in-person buyers with the help of his wife, Denise Lodge, 63. Katrina Maclean, 44, who operated a Massachusetts store called Kats Creepy Creations which largely features macabre dolls, according to the stores social media pages is among those accused of buying the human remains, according to the indictment. Lodge allegedly allowed people to enter the medical schools morgue and choose which remains they wanted to purchase. Lodge allegedly allowed people to enter the medical schools morgue and choose which remains they wanted to purchase. Maclean, who did not immediately respond to a request for comment, allegedly purchased two dissected faces from Cedric Lodge for $600 in 2020. She also allegedly bought human skin and sent it to Jeremy Pauley, 41, of Pennsylvania, to have it tanned to create leather. Human remains were also purchased by Joshua Taylor, 46, of Pennsylvania, and Mathew Lampi, 52, of Minnesota, authorities said. Cedric Lodge allegedly allowed Maclean and Taylor to enter the medical schools morgue and choose which remains they wanted to buy. Taylor, Lampi, Maclean, and Cedric and Denise Lodge were indicted by a federal grand jury on charges of conspiracy and interstate transport of stolen goods. Pauley was separately charged with conspiracy and the transportation of stolen goods after being accused of buying body parts from Maclean, Lampi, and a mortuary and crematorium worker in Arkansas. That worker, Candace Chapman Scott, faces 12 counts of mail fraud, wire fraud and interstate transportation of stolen property in a separate case. She pleaded not guilty to the charges last month. An attorney listed as representing Cedric and Denise Lodge did not immediately respond to a request for comment. Some crimes defy understanding, said U.S. Attorney Gerard Karam in a statement Wednesday. It is particularly egregious that so many of the victims here volunteered to allow their remains to be used to educate medical professionals and advance the interests of science and healing. For them and their families to be taken advantage of in the name of profit is appalling. According to the indictment, Taylor made 39 payments to Denise Lodge totaling $37,355.56 for human remains. One $1,000 payment was allegedly for a head, and another $200 payment was labeled as braiiiiiins. Pauley, in total, allegedly transferred $8,800 to Maclean and $40,049.04 to Taylor. Lampi and Pauley allegedly exchanged more than $100,000 in online payments over an extended period of time, authorities said. Maclean at one point appeared to acknowledge that the exchanges were illegal, telling Pauley that she didnt want to expect agents at my door if one of their shipments got lost in the mail, according to the indictment. Harvards medical school called the thefts morally reprehensible and said it is working to determine which anatomical donors may have been affected. We are appalled to learn that something so disturbing could happen on our campus a community dedicated to healing and serving others, the school said in a statement Wednesday. We are so very sorry for the pain this news will cause for our anatomical donors families and loved ones, and HMS pledges to engage with them during this deeply distressing time. The school said it has created an external panel of experts to evaluate its Anatomical Gift Program and morgue policies and practices. Related... The summer travel season for this year will be the busiest in years. >>RELATED: AAA warning parents, teen drivers to prepare for 100 deadliest days Bookings for hotels, car rentals, and activities for sightseeing tours or daily excursions are up almost 30% from 2022 for travel between Memorial Day and Labor Day, according to data compiled by AAA. AAA says those numbers are expected to climb even further. Not only will the roads be crowded but also airports, trains, and cruise lines, says AAA Public Affairs Manager, Kara Hitchens. The good news, for those planning a Great American Road Trip, is that the cost of travel will be the same or less than last year, especially given significantly lower gas prices. Airline tickets to the most popular destinations are up about 40% compared to last year, AAA said. TSA said there were 12% more flyers this year than in 2022 over Memorial Day weekend. >>RELATED: AAA expects to respond to over 16,000 broken down Ohio motorists over Memorial Day weekend Summer travel trends include: An increase in the number of people flying Despite the expense, TSA data indicates an increase of more than 12% in the number of flyers over the 2023 Memorial Day holiday weekend compared to last year. Fewer disruptions to air travel Many airlines have increased staffing and efficiencies since last summer so travelers should experience fewer cancellations, delays, and disruptions. An increase in the number of people cruising - The cruise business is booming. AAA cruise bookings indicate many summer cruises are selling out so last-minute deals will be harder to come by. Greater rental car availability Rental car companies, including AAA partner Hertz, have been able to increase inventory that fell off dramatically during COVID. With a few exceptions, supply is expected to meet peak summer demand. A sharp increase in international travel AAAs international travel bookings were up 250% over the Memorial Day holiday weekend. AAA Retail locations are also experiencing a significant increase in demand for international travel services, including applications for International Driving Permits (IDPs) and foreign currency exchange. Continued delays in passport processing The U.S. Department of State indicates that passport processing times are still much longer than last summer, at 10-13 weeks plus at least two additional weeks for mail time. AAA partner RushMyPassport is experiencing an unprecedented number of applications for expedited passport and visa services. AAA says its important to plan ahead, make sure your vehicle is road ready, protect your ID, track your luggage, and work with a trusted adviser to save time and money this summer. For more tips, visit this website. The Starbucks coffee shop in Aberdeen is looking to start a union, according to a press release from Starbucks Workers United, a nationwide, worker-led unionizing effort. Starbucks employees at the 7th Avenue location in Aberdeen filed a petition with the National Labor Relations Board to unionize, joining a nationwide movement of workers and baristas asking for better working conditions and wages. This is the first store in South Dakota to file for unionization, according to the press release. Workers sent a letter to Starbucks CEO Laxman Narasimhan to announce their campaign. The letter was signed by workers Demi Waldner and Ace Lloyd, with a line saying other partners wish to remain anonymous. According to Waldner, who's a shift supervisor and one of the head organizers, 13 out of the 18 people who work at that location have signed the petition. Officials with Starbucks Corporate could not be reached for comment. More: Minnesota healthcare monopolies law could stop proposed Sanford-Fairview merger Its just exhausting, you know?" Waldner told the Argus Leader. "I really do love my job. I love working here. I love the people here, but we all deserve so much better and we deserve to be set up for success. Waldner explained the store has had high turnover for the past several years. Waldner herself has only been working there for two years, and shes the most senior member on staff, which includes the store managers. "Theyll tell us that were fully staffed but tell outsides were hiring, she said. Corporate is just blind to everything and pretends everything is OK, even when customers and baristas can both clearly see that it is not. She added the store had essentially half its staff quit at one point. Barista Ace Loyd, who helped lead the organization effort, said they joke it's almost a "rite of passage" for new employees to break down from stress and cry in the back. Starbucks customers stand in solidarity with unionized Starbucks workers in New York. "Its honestly the most stressful environment Ive ever worked in," Loyd said. Ive worked a lot of food service jobs, but Starbucks is a completely different ballgame. You have to sit there and tolerate everything from corporate itself while not feeling safe to speak out. Waldner described one particularly bad day in February. Saturdays are always horrific, she said, since theyre busy and no one wants to work the shifts. Aberdeen was hosting a state tournament that weekend, and several workers called out when the schedule was poorly done to begin with. It came down to one person making all the drinkscafe, drive-thru and mobilewhen there should have been three or four, she said. One person was manning the drive-thru and one person was on food. Then, of course, everyone had to take their state-mandated breaks. At one point, one of the workers nearly passed out from stress and physical exertion, Waldner said, so they were down to two people. Customers waited for up to an hour both in the drive-thru and the lobby. Crowds of at least 20 people were always waiting for their mobile orders while the drive-thru line stretched around the block. More: Her tribe pays her Sioux Falls rent, landlord says its due. Now, she's going to court. And there was no way out of it, Waldner said. She explained while sometimes they could close the store if they were short-staffed, they were often threatened with consequences and felt they didnt have the right to do so anymore. Most of the time they make that request, she said, its denied. We couldnt take any measures to correct it, to protect ourselves, or to make customers more happy, she said. Those measures are obviously a last resort, but they were needed. And they were just taken from us. Waldner hopes that, in addition to better wages and more hires, workers will be able to negotiate for shift premiums and get paid higher for working a "nightmare shift" like that one. Starbucks plans to start a delivery service. Loyd said a lot of the issues also boil down to having unsafe working environments that directly impact customers, adding upper management often won't listen to requests to address what's wrong with the store itself. In one incident around Thanksgiving, the drains near the sinks started backing up onto the floor, they said, and workers had to wade through a couple inches of water trying to get drinks done. Despite it being a health code violation, the general manager told employees they had to stay open, Loyd said. "We should not have been serving them in those conditions, and yet we were forced to anyway," they said. "We've been told we're the lowest performing store in the region and its like, I wonder why? So I want it to be known that this [effort to unionize] is for the betterment of the community." Waldner added it's not just the workers who have noticed how bad things can get. I've heard people say, Starbucks is so bad. They should just close at this point, and I've been a little worried, honestly, she said. But we have always been super busy, despite everything. Were the only Aberdeen store, and I think we are super valuable. More: Midco Sports Network asks for jury trial in sex discrimination lawsuit Recently, a federal judge ruled in favor of a Starbucks union in New York, and that helped encourage her. In the ruling, the federal labor judge found that Starbucks violated labor laws "hundreds of times during a unionization campaign in Buffalo, New York, according to AP News. More than 300 company-owned U.S. stores have now voted to unionize since the Buffalo store voted to unionize in late 2021, which was the first Starbucks in decades to do so. The Aberdeen location will have to go through a hearing with the Nation Labor Relations Board before they can vote in an election to officially unionize, which they're hoping to do sometime in July. Were jumping on the train and feel were joining in a really good place, Waldner said. We feel more protected with this effort moving forward. " This article originally appeared on Sioux Falls Argus Leader: Aberdeen Starbucks workers file petition to unionize, seek better pay Lord John Acton wrote power tends to corrupt and absolute power corrupts absolutely. Senator Phil Berger must think Acton was wrong. Weve entered the season of usurpation. Permanent, encompassing, usurpation. And North Carolina Republicans are wicked good at it. To refresh, having earlier eliminated the governors long-held power to appoint University of North Carolina trustees, the N.C. Senate recently moved to diminish the governors oversight of the states residential schools for blind and deaf students and introduced a bill to give lawmakers power to accept or reject the president of the community college system. Another proposal seeks to give the Senate leader and the House Speaker even greater authority over UNC Board of Governors selections. And the Senate budget bill, amazingly, gives lawmakers authority to appoint various special judges. Gene Nichol Berger also pressed a bill that would reduce the governors authority over appointments to the Utilities Commission, Board of Transportation, Economic Investment Committee, Commission for Public Health, Environmental Management Commission, Coastal Resources Commission, and Railroad Board in favor of wider prerogative for Berger and Moore. Now, though, Berger has bigger fish to fry. He proposes to remake the State Board of Elections by adding additional positions and taking all appointment power away from the governor, placing it in the legislature. The Senate leader, House speaker, Senate minority leader and House minority leader would each make two appointments to an expanded board. They would also make all selections to the states 100 local election boards. An analogous, more complicated, scheme was earlier declared unconstitutional by the N.C. Supreme Court. Then in 2018, Republicans placed similar election board changes on the ballot, but voters rejected the proposal by huge margins. Moore and Berger think the people and the high court got it wrong. For them, its not enough that Republican lawmakers get to draw their own election districts, cheating freely for partisan advantage. They should also appoint the board members who will enforce the electoral process and the judges who will rule on its propriety. Nice system if you can get it. It just doesnt have much in common with constitutional democracy. Yet again, they seek to aggrandize their own individual and institutional powers. They aim to introduce a new hybrid system of government where legislative leaders control the appointment of a potent array of state and local officials, including the spoils and loyalties which flow from such arrangements. NC House and Senate leaders would operate like twin versions of Huey Long -- managing to effectively pass the laws as well as administer them. The governor of North Carolina, in turn, would get to keep the mansion. For now. Theres one tiny snag in this ambitious project. Article I, Section 6 of the N.C. Constitution says: The legislative, executive, and supreme judicial powers of state government shall be forever separate and distinct. There can be no doubt the State Board of Elections exercises core executive power. As the N.C. Supreme Court held five years ago, the General Assembly cannot structure an executive (agency) in such a manner that the Governor is unable to take care that the laws be faithfully executed. Sen. Dan Blue explained: Republican lawmakers have tried and failed to take over state and local elections for years. This is not the role of the legislature to oversee our elections, it is an executive function. I understand, of course, Berger and Moore have a ready answer for this they now hold sway over the N.C. Supreme Court, which has shown it is ready to do whatever they ask. But maybe thats where Lord Acton comes in. Absolute power is corrupt. And dangerous. Contributing columnist Gene Nichol is a professor of law at the University of North Carolina-Chapel Hill. Carroll County Circuit Court/Indiana State Police Accused double murderer and former CVS pharmacy technician Richard Allen confessed five or six times to killing Delphi, Indiana teens Libby German and Abby Williams on a hiking trail in 2017, prosecutors said in court on Thursday. Carroll County Prosecutor Nick McLeland told Judge Fran Gull that Allen, a 50-year-old father of two, had in fact made multiple confessions to multiple people since his arrest last October. However, defense lawyer Bradley Rozzi argued that while Allen made incriminating statements implicating himself in the crime, he said they should be discounted in light of his clients apparently flagging mental health. Rozzi and co-counsel Andrew Joseph Baldwin also claimed Allens alleged confessions were not consistent with his past denials. At one minute, Rick is saying one thing, and another minute hes saying something else, Rozzi said. Further details about Allens supposed admissions did not emerge on Thursday. Libby German and Abby Williams were killed on a hiking trail in 2017. Indiana State Police Allen has been detained in an isolation cell at the Westville Correctional Facility, under conditions his attorneys described in an April court filing as borderline inhumane. He appeared gaunt and confused during the hearing, and his manner in court completely incoherent, according to attorney Bob Motta, who is not involved with the case but was in the courtroom as an observer. I fully anticipate that RAs attorneys will be challenging his competency. Imminently, he wrote on social media. His eyes were vacant. Motta estimated that Allen has lost at least 40 pounds and said he looked tranquilized. Libby and Becky went for a walk together on Feb. 13, 2017, but never returned. Their remains were found two days later, next to a creek. Police found a video clip on Libbys phone, which investigators said showed a man walking towards them on the narrow bridge where the pair was last seen. Down the hill, the man can be heard saying in the footage. An unspent .40 caliber round discovered near the girls bodies was traced to a gun owned by Allen, police said. Allen, who told investigators no one else had ever used his gun, had no explanation for why the bullet was found there, prosecutors previously said. The defense team called the ballistics evidence flimsy, and has moved to strike it from being introduced at Allens trial, which is set to begin early next year. Stunned Bar Owner Recalls Delphi Murder Suspect Sitting Inches Away From Wanted Sketch Friends of Allens said they were stunned to hear of his arrest. A sketch circulated by police looked nothing like Allen, and the voice didnt seem to match his, according to one local bar owner who knew Allen well. In an eerie twist, Libbys family previously said that Allen didnt charge them for funeral photos they had processed and printed at the CVS where he worked. Jury selection is scheduled for Jan. 8, 2024. The trial is expected to last three weeks. 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. Photo: UNITED STATES DISTRICT COURT FOR CENTRAL DISTRICT CALIFORNIA An active-duty U.S. Marine is among two men who were arrested on Wednesday for firebombing an abortion-providing Planned Parenthood clinic in Southern California last March. The two men were identified as Chance Brannon, the 23-year-old active-duty Marine, and Tibet Ergul, 21. Both face charges of using an explosive or fire to damage real property affecting interstate commerce for throwing a Molotov cocktail at the Planned Parenthood of Costa Mesa, according to federal prosecutors. Federal authorities opened an investigation into Brannon and Ergul in April after the FBIs National Threat Operations Center received evidence from a witness who knew them in high school. Brannon and Ergul allegedly sent a photo of the Molotov cocktail they used to firebomb the clinic to the witness, who then contacted the FBInotably, after the agency offered a reward of $25,000 for information leading to an arrest for the arson. Read more Surveillance footage from the clinic shows the two men alleged to be Ergul and Brannon dressed in hooded sweatshirts and face masks arriving at the clinic at around 1 a.m. on March 13, 2022. Upon throwing the Molotov cocktail at the clinic entrance, a fire spread across the walls and ceilings, ultimately forcing it to shut down for a morning and cancel roughly 30 appointments. Brannon and Ergul face up to 20 years in prison if convicted. In a statement shared with Jezebel, a spokesperson for Planned Parenthood Orange and San Bernardino Counties said the organization [stands] firm against those who would wish to intimidate our staff, patients and supporters. The statement continues, Their safety is our highest priority, and we will not be deterred in our mission to provide expert, compassionate care to our community, as we have done for over 50 years. The attack on the Southern California abortion clinic is part of a surge in anti-abortion violence targeting clinics in recent years. The arrests of Brannon and Ergul come after just earlier this week, another California man pleaded guilty to sending death threats to reproductive health facilities in Santa Barbara and Los Angeles last year. Since Roe v. Wade was overturned, the National Abortion Federation found that clinics in states where abortion remains protectedlike Californiahave become subject to even greater harassment and violence. Over the last 50 years, NAF has documented 11 murders, 42 bombings, 200 arsons, 531 assaults, 492 clinic invasions, 375 burglaries, and thousands of other criminal acts directed at abortion patients, providers, and volunteers. Between 2021 and 2022, NAF found that clinics last year saw a 100% increase in arsons across the country. Of course, despite routine violence targeting abortion clinics, law enforcement has focused largely on violence supposedly targeting anti-abortion organizations, and surveilling the activities of pregnant people. 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 Seth Warner home, a landmark in Chicagos Austin neighborhood, was damaged from fire, water and smoke on June 15, 2023. (Antonio Perez/Chicago Tribune) A firefighter was in good condition Thursday morning after a fire broke out at the 154 -year-old Seth Warner home, the oldest structure in the Austin neighborhood, officials said. Firefighters went to 631 N. Central Ave. about 1 a.m., officials said. The building is reportedly the oldest structure in the Austin neighborhood, and one of the oldest in Chicago. Advertisement The fire started on the top floors were it sustained fire, water and smoke damage. The structure was granted landmark status in 2022, and predates the Great Chicago Fire. The house was built as a family home by Seth P. Warner, one of Chicagos earliest settlers, who was a blacksmith, abolitionist and patron of the arts. Advertisement The cause of Thursdays fire was under investigation. The Middle Island Penguin Protection project is working hard to solve a big problem with dwindling numbers of the Little Penguin; it has become world-famous due to some of its unusual employees namely, Maremma sheepdogs. Middle Island is off the coast of Warrnambool, Australia, and has long been home to a colony of Little Penguins. The smallest of the penguin species, theyre only about a foot tall and weigh just over two pounds. The penguins are endemic to Australia and the only species to breed there. They generally breed from August to February, during which European red foxes, a non-native, invasive species, took advantage of their vulnerability. We started having this horrible problem out at Middle Island between about the year 2000 and 2005 where foxes started coming to the island, Doctor Patricia Corbett, the marine biologist in charge of the project, told RAZOR. Changing tidal patterns and higher sedimentation made the uninhabited island accessible from the shore, allowing the foxes to swim from the mainland to the island in areas with shallow water. In 2006, Maremma dogs were trained to protect the penguins and brought to the island during breeding season when their numbers are highest. The Italian sheepdogs have been bred to protect livestock from predators for thousands of years, but this was the first time they had been trained and used to protect wildlife. A local chicken farmer known as Swampy Marsh is given much of the credit for the brilliant plan. He had been using a Maremma dog to protect his free-range chickens and suggested they be used to protect the penguins, which he said were basically just chooks in dinner suits. Eudy who died two years ago and her sister Tula were the first Maremma dogs trained specifically for the Middle Island Project, and there was no evidence of fox attacks on their watch. To date, no Little Penguins have been lost to fox attacks on the island when the dogs were on duty. The penguins numbers have grown from single digits to well into triple digits since the onset of the project. Other species have bounced back, as well, showing that when we go to great lengths to protect a species and its habitat, the entire ecosystem benefits. Little Penguins are top ocean predators and play an important role as an indicator species, so their survival is important. They are also not the only native species at risk from invasive predators, and the success of the project has the strategy being tried elsewhere in the country with species that are more at risk. At the time of her death, Eudy was the longest-serving dog on Middle Island, and the projects Twitter paid her a lovely tribute. While the project relies on the work of many, Dr. Corbett told ABC News that Eudy and her sister Tula have been the heart and soul of the project theyre the true heroes. Join our free newsletter for easy tips to save more, waste less, and help yourself while helping the planet. If affirmative action is struck down, these law schools may point to the future Students walk in the courtyard of the Law school at the University of Michigan in Ann Arbor By Karen Sloan (Reuters) - The experience of two highly selective public U.S. law schools offers a guide for other schools to admitting diverse students should the U.S. Supreme Court ban colleges and universities from considering race as a factor in their admissions decisions, as it is expected to do before the term ends this month. Enrollment at the University of Michigan Law School and the University of California, Berkeley School of Law among Black, Hispanic and Native American first-year students plummeted after both states banned affirmative action in public university admissions. But over time each school found new ways to boost their percentages of those diverse groups beyond pre-ban levels by adopting strategies that other institutions likely will mirror if the Supreme Court prohibits public and private colleges and universities from considering race when admitting students, as plaintiffs in a pair of cases before the court have asked it to do. Those range from participating in pipeline programs that introduce college students to legal careers to looking at applicants' family income and whether they are the first in their families to attend college. The total percentage of Black, Hispanic and Native American first-year students at Berkeley Law fell from 19% in 1996 to less than 6% in 1997the year after the state banned affirmative actionAmerican Bar Association data show. Enrollment of those groups among Michigan Law's first-year classes declined from 17% in 2005 to 9% by 2008, when the school felt the full impact of the state's 2006 prohibition on considering race in admissions, according to the ABA. Those percentages have since rebounded. It really dealt us a powerful blow, Sarah Zearfoss, Michigan Laws senior assistant dean said of the state's affirmative action ban. The story of these intervening 16 years has been slowly, slowly trying to come back to where we were before we had to go race blind. First-year Asian American enrollment held steady before and immediately after the affirmative action bans14% for Berkeley Law and 13% for Michigan Law, according to ABA data. Those figures are now 20% at Berkeley Law and 15% at Michigan Law. Nine states now prohibit affirmative action, and law school administrators there said they are fielding requests from out-of-state colleagues on how to enroll diverse classes when race cannot be taken into account. The Association of American Law Schools on July 10 is convening a virtual conference focused on admissions in a post-affirmative action landscape, chaired by Berkeley Law dean Erwin Chemerinsky. Anti-affirmative action group Students for Fair Admissions sued both Harvard University and the University of North Carolina over admissions policies it alleges discriminate against Asian Americans by giving preference to Black, Hispanic and Native American applicants. Students for Fair Admissions president Edward Blum did not respond to requests for comment on the potential impact of the suits on law student and lawyer diversity. With a 6-3 conservative majority on the Supreme Court, it's expected that affirmative action, which enables college and universities to consider race in admission but not impose racial quotas, will be deemed unconstitutional. The stakes are high for the legal profession, which remains significantly less diverse than the U.S. population. ABA data shows that 19% of the country's lawyers are people of color, compared with 40% of the overall population. By contrast, 36% of physicians are minorities, according to the Association of American Medical Colleges, and 30% of dentists are minorities, according to the American Dental Association. Banning affirmative action would likely reduce the number of minority undergraduate students and subsequently narrow the pipeline of diverse students considering legal careers, law school admissions officials said. And if minority law student enrollment falls off, the slow but steady progress in the number of racially diverse attorneys is expected to reverse. If the undergraduate population becomes very white, thats the only thing we have to work with, said Michigans Zearfoss. Alongside strategies to recruit and admit diverse students, Zearfoss said the changing demographics of the law school applicant pool have helped Michigan Law bolster student diversitygood news for law schools now facing a possible affirmative action ban. The percentage of minority applicants this year now stands at more than 46%, up from 44% the previous year, according to the latest figures from the Law School Admission Council. Without the ability to consider an applicants race, Michigan Law, which last year accepted fewer than 14% of its applicants, looks to other factors including whether applicants are the first in their families to attend college; where they attended high school; and family income in an effort of admit diverse classes. Application essays can also provide a window, Zearfoss said. The law school also prioritizes recruiting at events geared toward minority applicants and at college and universities with significant minority enrollment, Zearfoss added. Michigan Law and Berkeley Law both voluntarily withhold information about each applicant's race to ensure they comply with their state laws, admissions officials said. Recovering from Californias affirmative action ban took Berkeley Law years as the school slowly learned to draw a diverse pool of applicants, admit diverse students without considering their race, and convince them to enroll at Berkeley Law, Chemerinsky said. The school, which has an acceptance rate of under 13%, collects detailed financial data from accepted students through need-based scholarship applications in order to direct financial aid to them in hopes they will enroll. But bolstering economic diversity does not yield the same level of racial diversity as considering race directly, Chemerinsky said. Like Michigan, Berkeley Law prioritizes pipeline programs that encourage minority students to consider legal careers early on. And it has students, alumni and faculty with similar backgrounds reach out to accepted students during the admissions process, Chemerinsky said. Both Zearfoss and Chemerinsky said achieving diversity without affirmative action requires extra institutional effort. My great fear is that after the Supreme Court decision, college and universities will give up on diversity, Chemerinsky said. Read more: Law student diversity hits new high as schools await affirmative action ruling Legal industry groups ask U.S. Supreme Court to protect affirmative action FILE PHOTO: Commercial vessels including vessels which are part of Black Sea grain deal wait to pass the Bosphorus strait off the shores of Yenikapi in Istanbul, Turkey By Carien du Plessis , Chris Mfula and Elias Biryabarema JOHANNESBURG/LUSAKA/KAMPALA (Reuters) - Key African states stressed the need for grain imports to tackle food insecurity as Russian President Vladimir Putin prepares to discuss with the continent's leaders the fate of a deal allowing the safe Black Sea export of food and fertiliser from Ukraine. Putin said on Tuesday that Russia was considering quitting the Black Sea grain initiative - brokered by the United Nations and Turkey in July last year - because its own grain and fertiliser shipments still face obstacles. The pact could expire on July 17. A delegation of African leaders is due to visit both Ukraine and Russia from this week in a push to end Russia's 16-month long war, and Putin has said he plans to raise the Black Sea grain deal. African leaders could also propose to Putin an "unconditional grain and fertiliser deal," according to a draft framework document seen by Reuters on Thursday. South African President Cyril Ramaphosa believes Putin and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy are aligned with him on the "importance of grain deliveries to Africa for the alleviation of food insecurity", said Ramaphosa's spokesperson Vincent Magwenya. "We are therefore not aware of any threats to pull out of the grain deal," Magwenya told Reuters on Wednesday. Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said on Wednesday that Moscow had not yet made a decision on withdrawing. Russia has issued a list of demands it wants met, including the resumption of its Black Sea ammonia exports and reconnection of the Russian Agricultural Bank to the SWIFT payment system. U.N. Secretary-General Antonio Guterres told reporters on Thursday that he hoped the talks between Putin and the African leaders led to "a positive outcome in relation to the Black Sea initiative, as well as in relation to the efforts that we are making for the exports of Russian food and fertilizer." 'DEVASTATING TOLL' While food and fertiliser exports do not fall under the West's tough sanctions imposed on Russia over the war, Moscow says restrictions on payments, logistics and insurance create barriers. Putin also complained that under the deal "almost nothing goes to African countries" and said Moscow is ready to supply grain for free to the world's poorest countries. The United Nations has long said the Black Sea grain deal is a commercial enterprise, but that it benefits poorer countries by helping lower food prices globally. Zambia's Foreign Minister Stanley Kakubo said in a statement on Wednesday that the war in Ukraine and conflict in Sudan had "taken a devastating toll on African communities, resulting in the loss of life, and food insecurity, due to the rising costs of grain and fertiliser". According to U.N. data, more than 31 million tonnes of grain have been exported under the pact, with 43% of that to developing countries. More than 625,000 tonnes of grain has been shipped by the U.N. World Food Programme for aid operations. The Black Sea grain deal was initially brokered for 120 days. Russia has agreed to extend it three times but warned on Wednesday that its "goodwill" cannot last forever. Not all African states were worried, however. "If it's true that we would starve if that grain deal is disrupted, why is it that it's the West crying more than us Africans? They are crying crocodile tears," Uganda's state minister for Foreign Affairs, Okello Oryem, told Reuters. He added that Uganda would have no qualms about accepting free grain from Russia. (Reporting by Carien du Plessis, Chris Mfula and Elias Biryabarema; Writing by Michelle Nichols; Editing by Joe Bavier, Kirsten Donovan and Jonathan Oatis) (Bloomberg) -- The frenzy over artificial intelligence is conjuring up lessons investors and lawmakers have learned from technologys past booms and busts. Most Read from Bloomberg In this weeks episode of the Bloomberg Originals video series AI IRL, we discuss how these two camps, who are sometimes at philosophical odds, will navigate helping to create and regulate AI as the technologys promise and perils play out. On the one hand you have these opportunities to invest billions of dollars to build foundational models, which in some ways feel like railroad tracks, said Bloomberg Beta partner James Cham. The dream is that we'll be able to build something that lasts for not just a few years but is durable for decades if not centuries. So there's this sort of opportunity to try lots of different things and no one's really sure what's going to work yet. That risk hasnt stopped VCs from pumping more than $1.7 billion into generative AI startups in the first quarter of this year, according to PitchBook data. The AI boom also puts pressure on lawmakers to proactively create guardrails after missteps with innovation waves of the past. The recent clampdown on crypto exchanges highlights the challenge regulators face in reining in technology that they dont fully comprehend. At this point, Im all for everybody charging ahead, being as creative and as innovative as possible, and then recognize that when bad things show up unintended consequences we need to be ready to react quickly and not wait 10 years as we did with social media, said US Representative Don Beyer. Beyer is the vice chair of the bipartisan Congressional AI Caucus and recently began pursuing a masters degree in machine learning. He said that Congress should be mindful of not stifling innovation and that that one way to protect consumers is by regulating AI at the application level rather than in the code itself. The Virginia Democrat is optimistic about the positive impacts AI can have on society, but remains skeptical about fears of AI destroying humanity. Im not persuaded on the singularity fears, although those seem to be the most existential out there, he said. And I guess we should be humble about it too because we dont know and because things are moving so quickly, we need to be much more quickly reactive than we have been before. Most Read from Bloomberg Businessweek 2023 Bloomberg L.P. Air defence downs all 13 Shaheds launched by Russians at Odesa Oblast at night According to preliminary data, Ukraine's air defence forces shot down 13 of the 13 Shahed drones that attacked Odesa Oblast on the night of 14-15 June. Source: Serhii Bratchuk, Head of the Civic Council at Odesa Oblast Military Administration, on Telegram Quote: "Odesa Oblast. Preliminary reports: 13 Shahed drones attacked Odesa Oblast. All of them were shot down by air defence." Background: On the night of 14-15 June, Russian drones attacked Ukraine's south Ukraines air defence downed the Russian drones. Explosions rang out in Odesa. Journalists fight on their own frontline. Support Ukrainska Pravda or become our patron! Airlines required to install secondary cockpit barriers in new planes under new FAA rule Airlines will be required to install a secondary cockpit barrier in new planes under a new rule from the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA). The FAA said in a Wednesday release that it will mandate a secondary barrier to be included on the flight deck of new commercial airplanes to enhance safety measures. The agency said the rule will protect flight decks from intrusion when the flight deck door is open. Every day, pilots and flight crews transport millions of Americans safely and today we are taking another important step to make sure they have the physical protections they deserve, Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg said in the release. The agency originally proposed the rule last year after receiving recommendations from aircraft manufacturers and labor partners. Jason Ambrosi, the president of the Air Line Pilots Association, said during an event where the FAA announced the new rule that the country responded to the 9/11 attacks with measures to prevent another similar tragedy from occurring, but airplanes have not had secondary barriers. He said these barriers are a proven effective barricade that prevents dangerous individuals from reaching the cockpit during a flight. This added layer of security will help me and my fellow pilots focus on the most important part of our job, the safe operation of every flight to ensure our aviation system remains the gold standard of safety, he said. Bill Cason, the director of security for the Coalition of Airline Pilots Associations, said the door to the flight deck needed to be open at times during a flight for instances like meal service and crew transitions. He said this created a vulnerability, and a coordinated attack could get inside the flight deck in as little as three seconds of the door being opened. Its a cost-effective, scalable security enhancement for our air domain, Cason said. The rule will go into effect 60 days from Wednesday, when it was published. But airlines do not need to comply with the requirement until 2025, USA Today reported. Acting FAA Administrator Polly Trottenberg said she hopes airlines will make the change ahead of the deadline. If theyre taking a plan for delivery right now, theres no reason it should not come with a secondary barrier, she said. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill. Akron Police Chief Steve Mylett explains to members of the Citizens' Police Oversight Board that he has a zero tolerance policy for racism during a meeting at city hall, Wednesday, June 14, 2023, in Akron, Ohio. Nearly a year after the officer killing of Jayland Walker sparked broad calls for reform, the Akron Police Department will make changes this month to its vehicle pursuit policy. Akron Police Chief Steve Mylett told the new Citizens' Police Oversight Board Wednesday that he wasn't prepared to detail the change in department policy on when officers can and should chase vehicles, including those not involved in violent crimes. Im not ready to tell this board what changes will be made because I need to tell my employees first, Mylett said in his first appearance with the nine-member commission since it convened in April. Walker, who was fatally shot 46 times, fled a June 27 traffic stop for a burnt-out taillight. The officer told dispatch that the stop had turned into a pursuit. Less than 30 seconds later, Walker fired a single shot from the window of his car, the officer called for backup and dozens of officers joined the crosstown pursuit. Walker fled on foot and was shot and killed by officers, who said they thought he might still have a weapon. A gun was recovered after the shooting in Walker's car. A special grand jury in Summit County Common Pleas Court recently decided against indicting the officers. Walker's shooting led to calls for police reform, including the creation of the civilian review board. But, in an interview Thursday, Mylett emphasized that the new police chase policy coming this month is not in response to the Walker case. The current vehicle pursuit policy gives officers the discretion to decide whether engaging in a chase would be more dangerous to themselves and the public than the gravity of the crime allegedly committed by the driver. While 67% of Akron voters in a recent survey favored ending police car chases for non-violent crimes, Mylett said they are actually critical to fighting gun violence and 50% of pursuits are abandoned within two to three minutes. "One of the reasons that we have not moved on adjusting our pursuit policy until now is the knowledge that there's a high enough percentage of the pursuits that result in the recovery of a firearm," Mylett said. "When I balanced that against the gun violence that we witness in the city, and the responsibility that the officers have been showing in canceling their own pursuits or supervisors canceling the pursuit, I decided to let the pursuit policy continue the way it was." "But I've heard from members of the public, community leaders and officers about what their expectations are of us when engaging in a pursuit," said Mylett, who will brief Mayor Dan Horrigan about the pending changes expected later this month. Chief announces plans for new co-responder program Mylett also announced plans to launch a co-responder model that would send mental health professionals on calls with police. The concept, which is similar to how Akron police currently work with Community Support Services to render aid and services to mentally ill and homeless people, has been adopted in cities across the nation to put trained professionals in place to help officers de-escalate situations that can be handled with an unarmed response. The city of Akron, led by former safety director Charles Brown, has been talking about using co-responders since before his arrival in July 2021, Mylett said. That year, Mylett left as chief of police in Bellevue, Washington, after starting a co-responder program there to address the homeless population in the Pacific Northwest. The program, which was suggested by one of Mylett's officers, paired a trained mental health professional, often a graduate student with expertise and a need to complete course credit hours, and a plainclothes officer with "enhanced" crisis intervention training. "The results were a 33% reduction in incarcerations for people in crisis, a 33% increase in placement of people in facilities, and the satisfaction level of the individuals that we were interacting with that was like 90 percent or higher," he said. Were going to replicate something like that here, so long as we dont have a mass exodus of officers, he said. The department is down 40 officers, Mylett said. Partnering on implementation will be the Akron Fire Department, Mylett said. Akron fire is also facing a staffing shortage and increased demand after it takes over all hospital transports Aug. 1 from a private ambulance company that is closing its Akron location. Reach reporter Doug Livingston at dlivingston@thebeaconjournal.com or 330-996-3792. This article originally appeared on Akron Beacon Journal: Akron police to tweak pursuit policy and add co-responders for 911 calls James Weiss, left, leaves the Dirksen U.S. Courthouse after a jury convicted the politically connected Chicago businessman of attempting to bribe two state legislators and then lying about it to the FBI. (Antonio Perez/Chicago Tribune) In the annals of Chicago public corruption prosecutions, the federal bribery case against businessman James Weiss didnt have the high profile of a Rod Blagojevich or George Ryan, and certainly not Michael Madigan. But in just over a week, Weiss trial at the Dirksen U.S. Courthouse managed to pack in a veritable corruption cornucopia, one that seemed at times to be ripped from a bad political thriller. Advertisement There was the wire-wearing state senator, a fellow legislator on the take, clandestine meetings at a pancake house and a North Shore Wendys, even a purported phone call with a ghost woman who turned out to be an invention of the FBI. The story ended Thursday when a federal jury convicted Weiss of attempting to pay off two state legislators to pass a bill beneficial to his sweepstakes gaming company and then lying about it to two FBI agents who pulled him over on a Chicago-area expressway one morning nearly four years ago. Advertisement After a weeklong trial, the jury of seven women and five men deliberated for about four hours before finding Weiss guilty of all seven counts of bribery, wire fraud, mail fraud and making false statements. Weiss, 44, is the son-in-law of former Cook County Democratic boss Joseph Berrios. The most serious charges carry a maximum of 20 years in prison. Seated at the defense table in a dark suit and gray-and-silver-striped tie, Weiss took a sip from a plastic cup but showed no outward reaction as the first guilty count was read. Afterward, he and his attorneys were smiling as they left the courthouse, but declined to comment specifically on the verdict, citing ongoing litigation. We plan to move forward with our pending motions and see what happens, said lead defense attorney Ilia Usharovich. U.S. District Judge Steven Seeger set sentencing for Oct. 11. The charges alleged Weiss desperately wanted the states gambling expansion bill to include language explicitly legalizing sweepstakes machines, but it was left out of the proposal in the 2019 spring session. Weiss then agreed to pay monthly $2,500 bribes to get a deal done, first to state Rep. Luis Arroyo and later to state Sen. Terry Link, who was a chief sponsor of the gambling bill in the Senate, according to prosecutors. Arroyo and Weiss didnt know that Link, a Vernon Hills Democrat, was cooperating with the FBI. Link, who is hoping for a break on his own federal tax conviction in exchange for his cooperation, testified over two days beginning last week about his undercover role. Weiss attorneys argued Weiss was paying Arroyo as a legitimate consultant for his business, and that trying to enlist another politicians help is not a crime. Advertisement They also tried to drag the states long history of public corruption into the courtroom by claiming that the video gaming industry, which was vehemently opposed to Weiss business, had the rest of the General Assembly in its pocket. This is a dirty place where the rules seem to be gray, where a contribution can be considered a bribe, a bribe a contribution, Usharovich told the jury in his closing remarks Wednesday. It is all messed up. But juror Abriana Sutherland-Scienski, 29, of Chicago, later told reporters in the courthouse lobby that she didnt find anything compelling about Weiss defense. There were some arguments the defense made that I personally found insulting to our intelligence, she said. Its pretty clear just from the things that were provable by recordings and other evidence that Mr. Weiss was not going to get out of this, said Sutherland-Scienski, a full-time college student studying social work. She said Link seems to be a complicated character, but that she appreciated his honesty. Regarding Arroyo, she said, Mr. Arroyos absence was very plainly felt. I have a lot of questions about him that have not yet been answered. Asked if she would be surprised to know Arroyo was in prison, Sutherland-Scienski said, No, not at all. Advertisement When told hed pleaded guilty, she said, That seems wise. Prosecutors rested their case Wednesday morning after three full days of testimony featuring some 14 witnesses, the defense did not put on any evidence of its own. The trial centered on the largely uncharted world of sweepstakes machines, sometimes called gray machines, which allow customers to put in money, receive a coupon to redeem for merchandise online and then play electronic games like slot machines. Since the machines can be played for free, they are not considered gambling devices. Critics, however, contend that the unregulated devices which operate in cities, including Chicago, that have banned video gambling are designed to skirt the law. In his testimony, Link took the jury through the meetings and phone calls he secretly recorded for the FBI, including one at a Wendys restaurant in Highland Park as well as another meeting weeks later at a Skokie pancake house, where Arroyo allegedly handed over the first $2,500 check from Weiss. This is, this is the jackpot, Arroyo told Link as he handed over the check, according to the recording played for the jury Monday. Advertisement Additional monthly $2,500 payments were expected to be made over the next six to 12 months, totaling $30,000, the charges alleged. At the direction of the FBI, Link had told Arroyo to have the checks made out to a purported associate named Katherine Hunter, who didnt actually exist. When Weiss was later questioned by agents, he lied and said Hunter was a lobbyist who lived in Winnetka and that hed spoken to her on the phone, according to a recording of the interview also played for the jury Monday. There was a woman who Luis (Arroyo) put me on the phone with, Weiss insisted. We were ... where the hell was it? We met in person. ... Im trying to give you guys the details. Suddenly Weiss remembered they were at Tavern on Rush. He said he and Arroyo were at the popular restaurant on Chicagos Near North Side when Arroyo said, I gotta put you on the phone with Katherine about engaging in the agreement. OK, and he said Katherine? one of the agents asked. Advertisement I believe it was Katherine, yes, Weiss replied. With his explanation not adding up, Weiss told the agents a story about how hard it had been to gain traction with legislators in Springfield on the subject of sweepstakes machines. Weiss said that it was so bad that even Link, who was spearheading the states gambling overhaul and knew his father-in-law well, told him off in vulgar terms at the Capitol. My father-in-law interacted with Terry Link for 30 years, and (Link) told me, (Expletive) you to my face, Weiss said on the recording. I didnt know what to do. Berrios, who was head of the Cook County Democratic Party and also served as Cook County assessor from 2011 to 2019, has not been accused of wrongdoing. Weiss is married to his daughter, Toni, a former state representative. The only other time the Berrios familys name was mentioned came later on Tuesday, when jurors were shown a Post-it note Weiss wrote instructing that paperwork purportedly involving the consulting contract be signed and emailed to a Vanessa Berrios, Weiss sister-in-law, who was working as Weiss assistant at his valet parking company. The testimony also focused on a parallel fight that went on at Chicagos City Hall, where Arroyo was operating as a paid lobbyist for Weiss company regarding sweepstakes machine issues. Advertisement Former Ald. Patrick OConnor, the longtime City Council floor leader, testified Tuesday that he proposed a ban on sweepstakes machines in 2018 after seeing them in operation at a gambling house next door to a high school. OConnor, who was defeated in 2019 after 36 years in City Council, said he met with Weiss one time about sweepstakes machines in the fall of 2018 at his 40th Ward office. He just kind of stated that he felt my position was incorrect and we just agreed that we werent agreeing, and that was pretty much it, OConnor said. In his closing argument Assistant U.S. Attorney Sean Franzblau said Weiss was trying to corrupt the political process, where laws should be fashioned with power of the ideas instead of the size of the pocketbook. He said any attempt to call Weiss payments to Arroyo and Link legitimate amounted to putting lipstick on a pig. Lobbyist, consultant, dentist, therapist, it doesnt matter, Franzblau said. When you pay a public official money in exchange for an official act, it is a bribe. Advertisement Franzblau said the government didnt put the bribery scheme in action Weiss and Arroyo did. The FBI simply walked up to a corrupt relationship that was already in place and they gave it a little nudge, and another bribery scheme came tumbling out, he said. Usharovich, however, said Weiss was kept in the dark about the scheme and believed the payments were for legitimate consulting work. If this was a bribe, it would have been done with a big bag of cash to keep it off the books, he said. Usharovich said every one of the current and former legislators who testified for the government, including Link, state Rep. Bob Rita and former state Sen. Tony Munoz, admitted they had taken campaign contributions from Rick Heidner, the video gaming kingpin who is a staunch opponent of sweepstakes machines. OConnor, meanwhile, testified that Heidner hired him as a $5,000-a-month consultant a month after OConnor left office. The public wasnt cheated, as they say, by Mr. Weiss and Mr. Arroyo. They public was cheated by the people who testified here, Usharovich said. They made you guys losers, the state of Illinois. Advertisement In rebuttal, Assistant U.S. Attorney Christine ONeill said the argument that Heidner and the video gaming industry had the politicians in their pocket was irrelevant. What did you expect (Weiss) to do? We expected him not to try to buy laws, ONeill said. Afternoon Briefing Weekdays Chicago Tribune editors' top story picks, delivered to your inbox each afternoon. By submitting your email to receive this newsletter, you agree to our Subscriber Terms & Conditions and Privacy Policy > The case is the latest in a string of public corruption trials involving state and local politics lined up at the Dirksen U.S. Courthouse, and comes on the heels of the blockbuster ComEd Four bribery case involving a scheme to bribe then-House Speaker Michael Madigan, which ended with sweeping guilty verdicts last month. Later this year, former Chicago Ald. Edward Burke is scheduled to go on trial on racketeering charges, followed in April by Madigan himself, who is also charged with racketeering conspiracy. Arroyo, meanwhile, pleaded guilty to bribery for his role in the scheme with Weiss but did not agree to cooperate with prosecutors. Seeger sentenced Arroyo to nearly five years in prison last year, calling him a corruption superspreader. In her comments to reporters, juror Sutherland-Scienski said the jurors were unaware who Weiss father-in-law is and that the panel wasnt really discussing politics. Advertisement She said the defense argument that everyone in Chicago politics is in the pockets of big gaming fell flat because it was irrelevant to the charges against Weiss. Thats not really what we were here to discuss, she said. But I think several times during the jury (selection) people mentioned that we are in Crook County, and this kind of this is unfortunately not uncommon. jmeisner@chicagotribune.com Alaska Airlines to launch non-stop flights from SLO to Las Vegas. Heres when Travelers will soon be able to fly directly to Las Vegas from San Luis Obispo County Regional Airport just in time for the holidays. On Dec. 15, Alaska Airlines will begin offering daily nonstop airplane flights from San Luis Obispo to Las Vegas, the airport said in a news release. Sin City is currently one of the most popular destinations without nonstop service, Neil Thwaites, regional vice president of California at Alaska Airlines, said in the release. Alaska Airlines will service the new route using an Embraer E175 plane, which has 76 seats, the release said. The decision to introduce this service was driven by the growing demand for travel between these two destinations, Director of Airports Courtney Johnson said in the release. Las Vegas has been a key market for SLO CAL for several years and this new service only amplifies that, Visit SLO CAL President and CEO Chuck Davison said in the release. Our regions outdoor adventure, wine, diverse community experiences and a slower pace of life, are in great demand from Las Vegas travelers. 2023 is expected to be the busiest year in the airports history, and passengers are recommended to arrive two hours before their flight as more travelers fill the airport, the release said. In 2017, Alaska Airlines introduced direct flights between Seattle and San Luis Obispo. The airline eventually added flights to Portland and San Diego as well. For more information and tickets, go to alaskaair.com. Each of the charges Mr Teixiera faces provides for a sentence of up to 10 years in prison - REUTERS A 21-year-old junior airman accused of leaking top-secret military intelligence online has been indicted on federal charges of retaining and transmitting classified national defence information. Jack Teixeira was formally indicted by a grand jury on six counts, each of which carries a potential sentence of up to 10 years in prison, the Justice Department said. The filing of further criminal charges comes two months after he was arrested outside his home in Massachusetts and charged under the Espionage Act. Mr Teixeira is accused of perpetrating Americas biggest national security breach since that by the former NSA contractor Edward Snowden in 2013. It involved the leak of hundreds of highly classified Pentagon documents on the US assessment of the war in Ukraine, as well as sensitive information on its allies, on a gaming chat group. It was highly embarrassing for Washington on the world stage and prompted urgent questions about how a young Air National Guardsman was allowed such broad access to military secrets. Two commanders in his unit were later suspended. The additional charges on Thursday offer more detail about what types of information Mr Teixeira allegedly mishandled. Mr Teixeira was arrested in April after allegedly posting classified material on Discord - AP He faces six counts of unauthorised retention and transmission of national defence information. Each of the charges carries a potential sentence of up to 10 years in prison, up to three years of supervised release, and a fine of up to $250,000, the Justice Department said. A judge last month ordered Mr Teixeira to remain jailed as he awaits trial, saying that releasing Mr Teixeira posed a flight risk or could attempt to obstruct justice. Prosecutors also presented evidence that he had a history of making violent and racist threats, had access to an arsenal of weapons and represented a risk of sharing sensitive information with foreign countries. Mr Teixeiras defence team has argued he did not expect classified information that he posted on Discord to be further spread around the internet. His lawyers have further argued that prosecutors were being hyperbolic in their claims he could risk further compromising classified information. Broaden your horizons with award-winning British journalism. Try The Telegraph free for 1 month, then enjoy 1 year for just $9 with our US-exclusive offer. The indictment of Donald Trump revealed that the far-right passions that spilled over into violence on Jan. 6 have not cooled, so much as remained at a simmer. And that a big news event can stoke them immediately back to a boil. Brad Onishi is an expert on whats fueling extremism from the religious right, which is acting increasingly as though its ready for combat. Hes the author of Preparing for War: The Extremist History of White Christian Nationalism and What Comes Next. An audio version of the book, published in print earlier this year, will be released June 20. For fans of Onishis work, audio is a familiar format. Hes also the co-host of Straight White American Jesus, a hit indie podcast in which he and a fellow professor of religion, Dan Miller, offer listeners an irreverent breakdown of news at the intersection of politics and religion. Onishi, who is half-Japanese, was raised in Southern California and spent much of his young adulthood in a predominately white evangelical mega church, where he even served as a pastor. But his academic exploration of religion, and years abroad at Oxford University, drew him away from that congregation, and deepened a drive to decode and deconstruct evangelical culture for secular audiences. Now a professor at the University of San Francisco, Onishi describes the religious underpinnings of Jan. 6 in his book and the harrowing realization that had his life followed its previous path he could easily have found himself on the ground in Washington, D.C., along with other members of his former church. This past week, Onishi watched with alarm as the drama over Trumps second arraignment unfolded. The fact that the grounds of the courthouse in Miami didnt see a replay of the violence of Jan. 6 is cold comfort to Onishi. We now live in a country where this type of political violence is something we have to prepare for, he tells Rolling Stone. All that resentment, all that rage is still there, and its not going anywhere, anytime soon. In an extended interview, Onishi discussed the dark implications of Americas political and religious unrest, and the warning signs that the nation is already in a low-level civil war. The following transcript has been edited for length and clarity. There was plenty of loose talk about political violence following Trumps federal indictment. What sticks with you from the past several days? We may not have seen a huge, violent confrontation in Miami. But there are little fires everywhere that are pointing us toward deep civil unrest and deep mistrust in our public square. I have a sheet in front of me with more than a dozen instances of people elected officials, right-wing media figures, mega pastors and some of them said, were in a war phase, or its time for an eye for an eye. Theres one mega pastor, Kent Christmas, who said the reason that Muslims have been successful in taking control is theyre willing to die for their faith, and asking Christians, Are you willing to do that too? Im struck that youre describing overlaps between extreme statements by far-right politicians and far-right religious figures, without a clear division. Its another instance of how Christian nationalism is pervasive in right-wing American politics at the moment. Looking at these quotes alone, its hard to tell whos speaking. Is it a Republican official? Is it a Fox News host? Is it a pastor? They sound eerily similar even if some of the buzzwords are different. How do you define Christian nationalism, and why is race so central to this ideology? Christian nationalists want Christian people in the United States to be privileged. That ideology [at the extreme] says that only Christians should be citizens, or that the church should have a veto on American law and policy. But if you want to privilege Christians, that means secular people, Muslims, Buddhists, etc., have to accept a second-class position in the country. Their justification is an appeal to history that says this is a Christian nation, founded for Christians, by Christians. Theres a lot of complexity when we talk about the faith of Thomas Jefferson or James Madison. But all of that is done away with in favor of a simple story that says America was founded on Judeo-Christian values, and therefore it should continue that way without any challenge. White Christian nationalism is a reactionary movement. What are they seeking to restore? There is a nostalgia for a time, supposedly, when the United States was following its covenant with God as an exceptional nation on Earth. When you ask a lot of Christian nationalists and this is where the white part comes in when is the modern period when they would say things were good? Theyll say the 1950s. And youll ask, The time before the Civil Rights Movement? Before the Civil Rights Act? Before the Voting Rights Act? Before immigration reform? Before the legalization of no-fault divorce all over the land? Before the Loving case protected interracial marriage in all 50 states? I could go on and on, but their answer is, Yes. So making America great again is a dark agenda at its core? Their nostalgia is for a time when America was the city on a hill. The narrative now is that that city on the hill has been overrun by interlopers, and those for whom the country was never intended. So maybe we need to build a wall around the city, because it needs protection too many folks have gotten in and ruined it and eroded the order that we need in the country. When I hear these folks talk about freedom, it is not at all a freedom as secular Americans mean it to follow your bliss. Its freedom to live by Gods order. Totally. Freedom is living out your role in Gods hierarchy. And so when other people dont do that, just by existing, theyre making you less free. They may see the trans person, for example, as not living according to their God-given gender. So just by being on the subway, or being in their kids school, theyre making them less free, because the order is all out of whack. And therefore they need to do something about it. They need to go tear down displays at Target or put forth anti-trans legislation. I think its helpful for people to understand this idea of the covenant with God. Its as though the United States were another chosen nation, in the manner of Israel? Very much so. The Christian nationalist nostalgia is based in the idea of American exceptionalism. But many Christian nationalists see the United States as exceptional, not only in its Constitution, but as literally chosen by God to play a unique role in human history as a kind of New Israel that the world has never seen before. And they see that special status as threatened? The fear is that were on the precipice of an apocalypse, but that seems to be much more focused on the end of the United States, rather than the end of the world. And they feel as if theyre fighting the tides of history, and therefore extreme action is justified. Many of the Christian nationalists weve reported on see themselves as fighting demonic forces, and they blame Satan for disrupting the order that they believe theyre entitled to. Yes. It is sense of a cosmic war between good and evil. Many Christians believe that they are characters in an epic, and that the ending hasnt been written yet in terms happens to the United States. One of the dangers is that, when you talk about a cosmic war between good and evil, your political opponents are not opponents. Theyre not people who have different ideas about policies. They become agents of the devil; they become demons. And its really hard to have a democracy where one side sees their political opponent in a mayoral race or in a congressional race as literally sent from Satan as a demon who hates the country and is trying to destroy it. Youve described white Christian nationalism as a will-to-power, and that the endgame is to achieve their goals by any means necessary. If youre a person who is convinced that the United States is under threat by a Luciferian regime, comprised of Marxist globalist secularists, feminists, the LGBTQ community, and so on, democracy is not your sacred value. The goal is for you to be the extension of God on Earth. And therefore the goal is for power, or dominion to have the ability to shape the country and its social and political order in the ways you think God wants. If democratic processes get in the way of that, they may be a problem, not a solution. There has been an impulse in white Christian nationalist circles for a generation that says, We may not have the majority and democracy may not be on our side. So were gonna have to find ways around it, and ways through it. Because the goal is for us is to be in charge. We founded the nation, and we should be in control of the nation. Does that help us understand the comfort that the religious right has with Trump, where they see his authoritarian impulses as papering over a personal lack of godliness or goodness? Donald Trumps authoritarianism is a welcome aspect of his persona, because it signifies that he is someone who will brutalize the people that need to be brutalized. They dont need somebody who shares their faith as much as they need somebody who will destroy the people that they see as destroying America. Mike Pence? George W. Bush? Mike Huckabee? Did these guys ever have the stones to do that? Donald Trump, from Day One, promised that he did. And in many ways, during his administration, he delivered. There seems to have been a sea change in evangelical culture. It has gone from, the Rapture is coming, so you secularists can have your sinful world to wanting to seize control of the government and mainstream culture and remake it in Gods name. This is a shift worth noticing. Its no longer that we expect Christ to return and therefore we have to prepare. Its In order for Christ to return, we need to prepare by taking power and dominion. Were in a place now with Sean Feucht, and Lance Wallnau and, and Rob McCoy where you almost dont want the world to end tomorrow, because you really want to win the battle on Earth first. You want power. Matthew 28, to this crowd, is not about converting souls. Its about controlling nations. You write about Jan. 6 as the first violent battle in what a lot of Christian nationalists are seeing as a coming civil war. What does this rising tide of Christian nationalism mean for people who are accustomed to American politics working through the normal democratic means? There is plenty of evidence that Jan. 6 is seen as an Alamo moment, something to be remembered and something that should inspire further action. But I think if we wait to see a new Civil War in terms of North versus South, then were going to miss a lot because there are little fires everywhere all around us. What do you mean by little fires? There are extra-judicial acts of violence that are menacing our public square. During the 2022 midterm elections, we had men with AR-15s sitting outside of ballot drop boxes in Arizona. We have people who are disabling, through terrorist acts, power grids in order to stop a drag queen story or to stop a gay brunch. Figures such as Kyle Rittenhouse or Daniel Perry are seen as heroes of those who are willing to do everything they can to put the social order back in place. Last year at Pride in Coeur dAlene, Idaho, dozens of Patriot Front members were arrested seconds before they were able to descend upon the Pride event. I interviewed people who were there and believed they were seconds away from unspeakable violence. In Glendale, California, there was a violent eruption between parents who were protesting and counter-protesting LGBTQ curriculum, books and materials in L.A. schools. There are little fires everywhere that portend the kind of American conflict that were discussing. Rhetorically, Im noticing overlap between Christian nationalists and the western chauvinism that militant groups like the Proud Boys use to justify violence. Its disturbing. There are natural points of resonance between them. White Christian nationalists tend to be very patriarchal. There are many Christian nationalist pastors today that would say, God has put everything on men: the church, the country, and the family, and it is up to men to answer that call through authoritative, assertive, unabashed, unashamed leadership and aggression. When we look at the kinds of mens conferences happening through churches, we see men are going on retreats, and not only praying together and studying the Bible, but they are engaging in war games, where theyre simulating a war that they themselves will have to fight in, where theyre training their teenagers to be holy warriors. So that kind of masculinity in a white Christian nationalist space is going to find natural resonances with the alt-right, and misogynists, and in many cases openly racist figures. I dont think thats a mistake. I dont think thats an accident. I dont think its a one-off. They certainly share the same bigotry against LGBTQ Americans. I went to a protest at a Calvary Chapel Church here in the Bay Area. There was a speaker, Tony Perkins from the Family Research Council, whos vehemently anti-LGBTQ. There were 45 or 50 people outside protesting. Across the street, there were Proud Boys, and some folks wearing Nazi paraphernalia, who were there to make sure the protesters didnt get out of line. Theres a scenario where the folks from church could have walked out of their service, and seen the Proud Boys, and have said: Hey, guys, we love you, we want you to be Christian, but we dont want you here to protect us. Please dont come here with your Nazi paraphernalia and your Proud Boy vest. But the opposite happened. They were waving to the Proud Boys, inviting them to lunch and thanking them for being there. To me, that is a good example of how these groups are often finding themselves on the same side. They are co-belligerents fighting in the same war. And theyre finding that they have a lot of the same values. So why not work together? Play this forward for me. Where do you see this going? Im really scared because I feel like they have their enemy, they have their other that theyre gonna demonize. Trump said it the night after he was indicted; he said it in his speech in Georgia, when he talked about trans issues. For those who didnt catch it, Trump mused about how his fans barely respond to promises to cut taxes anymore, but when he talks about restricting trans rights, they hoot and holler and go wild. The KKK put up flyers in Kentucky talking not about Black people, not about Jewish people, not Catholic people. The flyers are now about trans kids. To me thats a really clear indication of where were headed. And by next summer, when were back in the meat grinder of election season, its going to be worse than its ever been. More from Rolling Stone Best of Rolling Stone Click here to read the full article. Photo: Bloomberg (Getty Images) In a crucial Supreme Court ruling for the rights and sovereignty of Indigenous people on Thursdaythe second suspiciously liberal SCOTUS decision of the sessionJustice Amy Coney Barrett wrote the majority opinion upholding the Indian Child Welfare Act (ICWA) and shutting down challenges to Congress authority to enforce the ICWA. The ICWA, passed by Congress in 1978, requires state courts to notify the tribes of Indigenous children amid custody disputes and allow the childs tribe to intervene. The law also requires courts to make active efforts to prevent the separation of Native families and mandates that if a Native child is to be placed in a new home, courts must prioritize giving custody of the child to members of their extended family or tribe. Under ICWA, records of these custody cases must also be shared with the secretary of the interior. Read more In Haaland v. Brackeen, Barrettjoined by the three progressive Justices as well as Justices Neil Gorsuch, Brett Kavanaugh, and John Robertsdetermined that contrary to a legal challenge posed by the Texas government and several foster parents, Congress has the authority to enforce ICWA. Its a correct and important decision, as Indigenous communities face continued threats to their safety and existence. But nonetheless, the centering of Barrettwho has two adopted children of colorin the majority opinion has garnered a mix of surprised and uncomfortable reactions. Theres something about Barrettwho adopted kids of colorwriting for the majority in Brackeen. My mind is sort of blown right now Imani Gandy (@AngryBlackLady) June 15, 2023 As Barretts conservative supporters so often remind us, the Justice is a mother of sevena number thats frequently shoved in our faces by anti-abortion activists as a crude political talking point. Two of Barretts children are adopted from Haiti, and the Justice has faced criticism from Black racial justice activists and scholars for the ways shes spoken about her Black children in public, reinforcing stereotypes that adultify and dehumanize Black girls and boys. Others have been critical of how Barretts supporters have weaponized the mere existence of her Black children to deny that she or her policy stances could be racistdespite how transracial, global adoption itself has always been steeped in white supremacy and colonialism. Adoptions from Haiti to the U.S. have been subject to particular scrutiny amid ongoing reports about the disorganized adoption system between the two countries resulting in Haitian children being kidnapped (in at least one case, by Christian missionaries from the U.S.) and trafficked. A good Supreme Court ruling that protects Indigenous families and sovereignty is obviously worth celebrating regardless of who wrote the majority opinion. But I can understand why Barretts positioning at the center of the ruling is raising eyebrows. The imperialist violence that belies the global adoption system reflects the kidnappings and family separations of Indigenous children that ICWA was introduced to address. The law was conceived after decades of cultural genocide targeting Indigenous communities in the U.S. through taking Native children from their homes, denying them any access to their tribal cultures, and keeping them in the custody of violent, abusive boarding schools. And today, even with ICWA, the policing of Native families by the U.S. government has persisted: Indigenous Women Rising previously told Jezebel that the regulation and criminalization of Native peoples pregnancies, in particular, has contributed to this. Theres always been a history of Indigenous people being criminalized for not being fit parents... separating youth from their families and putting them in non-Indigenous households, as a way to overturn tribal sovereignty and culture, IWRs Nicole Martin said in 2021. Pointing to the case of Brittney Poolaw, an Indigenous woman imprisoned for alleged substance use that led to a stillbirth, Martin said the policing of Native pregnancies is about taking people away from their communities with criminalization. The overturning of Roe v. Wadewhich Barrett voted for last yearinevitably contributes to the policing and criminalization of pregnancy, a crisis that disproportionately impacts Native women and families. This has also exposed tribes to even greater safety threats, as non-Indigenous people have threatened to invade tribal land for abortion access. This is all to say, the courts majority opinion in Haaland v. Brackeen is a good thing. But Barrett, despite authoring said majority opinion, is hardly a savior to Native people and families, nor a crusader for justice in the adoption system. More from Jezebel Sign up for Jezebel's Newsletter. For the latest news, Facebook, Twitter and Instagram. Click here to read the full article. Alan Hopps/Getty Images Since independence in 1980, Zimbabwe has in some ways become like Animal Farm. Like the pigs in the classic 1945 novel by English writer George Orwell, the countrys post-liberation leaders have hijacked a revolution that was once rooted in righteous outrage. In Zimbabwe, the revolution was against colonialism and its practices of extraction and exploitation. The lead characters in Animal Farm have the propensity for evil and the greed for power found in despots throughout history, including former Zimbabwe president Robert Mugabe. Zimbabwes leaders have also acted for personal gain. They remain in power with no accountability to the suffering of the people they claim to represent. Animal Farms relevance is echoed in celebrated young Zimbabwean author NoViolet Bulawayos recent novel Glory. Her satirical take on Zimbabwes 2017 coup and the fall of Mugabe is also narrated through animals. And visual artist Admire Kamudzengerere founded Animal Farm Artist Residency in Chitungwiza as a space for creative experimentation. Its within this context that a group of Zimbabwean writers, led by novelist and lawyer Petina Gappah and poet Tinashe Muchuri, have translated Animal Farm into Shona, the countrys most widely spoken language. A dozen writers contributed to the translation of Chimurenga Chemhuka (Animal Revolution) over five years. Its clear to me, as a scholar of Zimbabwean literature, that too few great books are available in the countrys indigenous languages. This matters particularly because there are few bookshops and libraries where young people can access good writing. But Zimbabwes writers are taking matters into their own hands. The translation project Translating Animal Farm into Shona makes perfect sense. Historically, Shona novelists have used animal imagery to conjure up worlds of tradition and custom, and also to examine human foibles. Great Shona writers such as Solomon Mutswairo, Patrick Chakaipa and more recently Ignatius Mabasa have written books that use allegory to respond to a range of crises in Zimbabwe. (Allegory is a literary device that uses hidden meaning to speak to political situations such as using pigs instead of people in Animal Farm.) Gappah kickstarted the translation project in a private post on Facebook in 2015: A group of friends and I thought it would be fun to bring the novel to new readers in all the languages spoken in Zimbabwe. This is important to us because Zimbabwe has been isolated so much in recent years, and translation is one way to bring other cultures and peoples closer to your own. Eight years later, Chimurenga Chemhuka has come to life. Its a big achievement, considering that publishing has not been performing well in a dire Zimbabwean economy. Gappah and her friends have ambitions to translate and publish Animal Farm in all indigenous languages taught in Zimbabwes schools. Chimurenga Chemhuka Though Chimurenga Chemhuka is mainly in standard Shona, its characters speak a medley of different Shona dialects such as chiKaranga, chiZezuru, chiManyika plus a smattering of contemporary slang. Its a prismatic translation in one text. As leading UK translation theorist Matthew Reynolds explains: To translate is to remake, not only in a new language with its different nuances and ways of putting words together, but in a new culture where readers are likely to be attracted by different themes. The use of dialects activates the book in a comical way that also leaves it open to different interpretations and connections. For example, Zimbabwes president Emmerson Mnangagwa, who does not have the same rhetorical gifts as his predecessor, has always tried to distinguish himself with his use of chiKaranga, a dominant dialect of Shona. He adopts a popular wailing Pentecostal style that rises and falls, raising laughter and dust among the rented crowds who attend his rallies. The title, Chimurenga Chemhuka, is poignant and a direct reference to Zimbabwes liberation war. Chemhuka (animal) Chimurenga (revolution) is not a literal translation of Animal Farm, but here the writers take liberties to connect the book to the countrys larger struggles for independence, commonly known as Chimurenga. Why this matters This translation project is a significant event in Shona literature. Its done by an eclectic group of writers who are passionate about language and literature. They use Orwells book and its satiric commentary as a way to creatively express themselves collectively. If this was a choir, the choristers Gappah and Muchuri do a good job of leading a harmonious ensemble. Read more: NoViolet Bulawayos new novel is an instant Zimbabwean classic This is also the first of a series of Shona translations from House of Books, a new publishing house in Zimbabwe. The book is being promoted via social media platforms, where it is generating conversation about the need for more Zimbabwean translations of classic literature. Translation was a major activity in Zimbabwe in the 1980s. It was a way for the newly emergent nation to reintegrate into the pan-African intellectual circuit. As Zimbabwe again reels from political and economic oppression, the translation of Animal Farm reveals to the country that what its going through is not new. It has happened before, and it will happen again. This article is republished from The Conversation, a nonprofit news site dedicated to sharing ideas from academic experts. The Conversation is trustworthy news from experts. Try our free newsletters. It was written by: Tinashe Mushakavanhu, University of Oxford. Read more: Tinashe Mushakavanhu 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. Screenshot: Henry K. Lee (KTVU) (Twitter) Things are increasingly looking worse for the reputation of the Antioch Police Department. One of their former employees has just been slammed with assault charges for an incident that happened while he still had his badge and gun, according to KTVU. Former officer Matthew Nutt is accused of assaulting a man he placed under arrest during a traffic stop in July 2022. Authorities say Nutt pulled over a driver for not displaying his license plates. During the stop, he realized the passenger, Terry Robinson, had warrants for his arrest. While taking Robinson into custody, he allegedly refused to sit in the back of the police car and resisted arrest. In response, the ex-cop began punching and kicking the man. Read more The ex-cops body camera wasnt turned on after he swung his elbows and kneecaps at the man. However, the footage shows the man yelling, Im having a panic attack! I need medical! By that time, several more police officers had arrived, attempting to force him inside the car. It took almost a year after the incident for Nutt to see any repercussions. Read more from KTVU: Matthew Nutt allegedly assaulted a man during an arrest in a July 2022 traffic stop, said officials. Nutt is also accused of violating several department policies on force: using unreasonable force, failure to de-escalate, and failing to use alternative tactics. An automatic review of Nutts body-camera footage was initiated after his application of force. During the review, a supervisor had concerns believing Nutts actions possibly violated the departments policies on use of force. An internal investigation against Nutt was conducted, and Nutt was moved into a role where he had no direct public contact. He was fired on April 21, 2023. Nutt was charged with one misdemeanor count of assault by a public officer Tuesday by the Contra Costa County District Attorney. Nutt was fired right in the heat of the Antioch racist text scandal when a Contra Costa County judge agreed to release the messages to the public. He was named as one of the officers who received a message offering a prime rib dinner to any cop who shot Mayor Lamar Thorpe with a nonlethal projectile, per CBS Bay Area. However, he is not accused of sending any hateful messages himself. More from The Root Sign up for The Root's Newsletter. For the latest news, Facebook, Twitter and Instagram. Click here to read the full article. For years, a network extending beyond state lines is accused of allowing those with an extreme devotion to the macabre to buy, sell and trade human body parts from brains, to skulls and to male genitalia. Thats according to U.S. prosecutors, who on Wednesday announced that a total of seven people had been arrested and indicted on federal charges for their suspected participation in the apparently profitable black market for human remains. The suspects communicated using social media and cell phones, where prosecutors say they conducted transactions of stolen remains that included bones, skulls, skin, dissected faces and heads, as well as internal organs like brains and lungs that they referred to in messages as "wets" or "wet specimens," court records state. In sum, thousands of dollars and numerous types of human body parts all from Harvard Medical School's morgue and an Arkansas mortuary were exchanged beginning sometime in 2018, according to the indictments. Cedric Lodge, 55, who managed Harvard's morgue, was arrested along with his 63-year-old wife Denise Lodge and four others after all were indicted this week in the U.S. District Court for the Middle District of Pennsylvania. They are all charged with conspiracy and interstate transport of stolen goods, an offense carrying a 15-year maximum prison sentence if convicted. Little Rock resident Candace Chapman Scott, who was indicted previously in federal court, was named in all the federal indictments announced this week. Some crimes defy understanding, United States Attorney Gerard M. Karam said in a written statement. It is particularly egregious that so many of the victims here volunteered to allow their remains to be used to educate medical professionals and advance the interests of science and healing. For them and their families to be taken advantage of in the name of profit is appalling." Here are the most disturbing allegations contained in the federal indictments. Previous: Harvard Medical School morgue human-remains trafficking scheme leads to arrests in 4 states CAMBRIDGE, MASSACHUSETTS - JULY 08: A view of a gate to Harvard Yard on the campus of Harvard University on July 08, 2020 in Cambridge, Massachusetts. Harvard and Massachusetts Institute of Technology have sued the Trump administration for its decision to strip international college students of their visas if all of their courses are held online. (Photo by Maddie Meyer/Getty Images) ORG XMIT: 775532800 ORIG FILE ID: 1255056891 Harvard morgue manager hocked his wares from inside morgue itself Cedric Lodge is accused of using his position at the morgue to allow perspective customers to shop among the cadavers donated for medical research and education and select the body parts they wished to purchase. From the morgue, federal prosecutors say Lodge would make transactions of bones, skin, dissected heads and brains. Lodge, who was fired by Harvard on May 6, transported those stolen body parts to his residence in Goffstown, New Hampshire, where he and his wife Denise Lodge are accused of preparing them for sale, according to the indictment. More: 28-year-old arrested for false documents after enrolling in Louisiana HS to learn English In one case, skin was tanned to create leather One of the Lodges' accused patrons is Katrina Maclean, 44, of Salem, Massachusetts, who purchased human remains to store and sell at her shop Kats Creepy Creations in Peabody, prosecutors said. In one instance in 2020, Maclean reportedly agreed to purchase two dissected faces for $600 from Cedric Lodge, and the two conducted the transaction in the middle of the afternoon on Oct. 28 at the morgue, according to the indictment. Later, in June 2021, Maclean shipped human skin to Jeremy Pauley, 41, of Bloomsburg, Pennsylvania to engage his services to tan the skin to create leather, the indictment alleges. On July 31 that year, Pauley sent a photograph of the leather, and Maclean agreed to provide Pauley with more skin in lieu of monetary payment, according to the indictment. Prosecutors say she then contacted Cedric Lodge to ask about obtaining human skin to send to "the dude I sent the chest piece to tan," with Lodge agreeing to look for skin at Harvard's morgue. Pauley allegedly shipped the tanned skin to Maclean in August that year, and the next month Maclean shipped him the payment of more human skin. A few days later, prosecutors say Maclean checked in with Pauley to confirm he got the shipment because she "wanted to make sure it got to you and I don't expect agents at my door," according to the indictment. Memos in PayPal transaction include colorful "braiiiiiins" Joshua Taylor, 46, of West Lawn, Pennsylvania, is another accused customer of Cedric Lodge's. Taylor is accused by prosecutors of making a total of $37,355.56 in PayPal payments to an account controlled by Denise Lodge between Sept. 3, 2018, and July 12, 2021, according to the indictment. Taylor would often include colorful memos with his payments, according to the indictment, including "head number 7" in May 2019, and one that simply read "braiiiiiins" in November 2020. Maclean and Taylor are both accused in the court documents of then selling their illicitly purchased goods to Pauley. In October 2021, Pauley transferred $8,800 to Maclean via PayPal for human remains, according to the indictment. And between April 2021 and January 2022, prosecutors said they discovered that Pauley had made 25 PayPal payments to Taylor totaling $40,049. Mortuary worker in Arkansas asks: "anyone in the market" for a brain? In 2014, the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, which receives donated cadavers for medical research, contracted with a mortuary in Little Rock for cremation services. It was this mortuary where in October 2021 Scott was working to transport, cremate and embalm human remains when prosecutors allege that she apparently came up with an idea to make some cash. On Oct. 28, Scott sent a message on Facebook Messenger to Pauley saying "I follow your page and work and LOVE it, the indictment states. She went on to explain her profession, and asked him a question: Would you know anyone in the market for a fully in tact (sic,) embalmed brain?" As luck would have it, Pauley did, according to prosecutors. He instructed her how to package the body parts, and the two established a line of regular communication for transactions that prosecutors detailed at length in the indictment. Over the course of several months, Pauley sent more than $10,000 in PayPal payments to Scott, who in turn provided an assortment of appendages, female breasts, skulls and even male genitalia that were pilfered from cadavers sent to the mortuary for cremation, according to the indictment. Two stillborn children among those whose body parts were stolen and sold In December 2021, Scott sent a message on Facebook asking if Pauley was interested in purchasing a human fetus, the indictment states. Pauley provided instructions to her for how to package it, and the next day, he made two separate PayPal payments to Scott in the amounts of $350 and $1,100, according to the indictment. It wasn't the first time that Scott would be accused of selling the remains of a baby to Pauley. In February 2022, Scott is accused of stealing the remains of a stillborn boy and agreeing to sell them to Pauley for $300 after taking and sharing photos on Messenger. The baby's family were then later provided with cremated remains from an "unknown origin" that they believed to be their son, according to the indictment. But Pauley didn't keep the infant's remains for himself. Instead, prosecutors said in the indictment that he traded them and $1,550 later that month to 52-year-old Mathew Lampi of East Bethel, Minnesota in return for five human skulls. Prosecutors allege that Pauley and Lampi bought and sold human remains from each other over an extended period of time and exchanged over $100,000 in online payments. All told, the indictment states that Pauley shipped 16 packages through the mail to Lampi from his residence in Enola, Pennsylvania and later in Bloomsburg. Pauley was encountered by police in Pennsylvania last summer An anonymous tip made to an unspecified police department led authorities in June 2022 to question Pauley, who was reportedly advertising the sale of human remains on Facebook, the indictment reads. On June 20, Lampi sent a message to Pauley through the WhatsApp messaging service asking: "Hello so what did the police say (?)" Pauley responded that "in the end the only thing that mattered was nothing was proven grave robbed or stolen out of a morgue," followed by a smiley face emoji. 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: Harvard morgue body parts scheme court records tell macabre story The death of former Belleville Mayor Mark Eckert on Wednesday prompted an outpouring of condolences and memories from Belleville and other metro-east communities. Eckert, who was mayor from December 2004 to April 2021, was the second-longest serving mayor in the citys history. He was 67. Eckert died following a seven-month battle with cancer. Here are comments from community leaders who shared their memories of Eckert: Patty Gregory, mayor of Belleville Gregory said she asked that the citys flags fly at half-staff in honor of Eckert, who influenced generations of Belleville residents as mayor. She hopes that when people see the flags, they remember Eckert for his years of service to the community. He had a wonderful love for the city and its citizens and he made quite a large impact on their lives. He was a great volunteer before he was even an alderman or mayor. He worked tirelessly with the Franklin Neighborhood Association and the Boy Scouts, just with organizations all over the city. And he also worked very closely with Joe Hubbard and the Catholic Urban Programs. I think as much as he loved being the mayor, his true love and passion was for his family. If you look at his Facebook page and read his Facebook page, theres really wonderful pictures and happy memories of him as a husband and a father and a grandpa. My thoughts and prayers go out to his family and friends and on behalf of the city, may he rest in peace. Jenny Gain Meyer, Belleville city clerk Meyer first met Eckert when she was 18 and participating in the AmeriCorps program in the Franklin Neighborhood Community Association. Mark had that unique ability to get everyone around him, including myself, his family and friends, our staff, the residents to see that Belleville has great potential and he made sure you got involved so you had a personal stake in making our city a better place to live. Personally, I dont have the proper words to express how profound of a loss we have suffered. All I can say is that he will be missed. Wendy Pfeil, president and CEO of the Greater Belleville Chamber of Commerce He truly had a passion for the city of Belleville. It was unmatched. He tried each and every day to live a mission to make this community a better place to live and work and he put his heart and soul into it every day that he served as mayor and alderman for the city of Belleville. Joe Hubbard, longtime friend and collaborator Hubbard and Eckert got to know each other in the 1970s, when both were Boy Scout leaders. Eckert later drove an ambulance for the former Pete Gaerdner Funeral Home, transporting some of the elderly people Hubbard was helping as director of Catholic Urban Programs. As an alderman and mayor, Eckert often assisted with Hubbards charitable causes, including allowing the Society of St. Vincent de Paul to use office space in a Belleville Police Department building on West Main Street. Eckert and Hubbard famously talked on the phone almost every day. He was a great guy. He cared about people. Every morning (as mayor), he would drive through the city and look at various areas and if there was trash or a broken-down car or something wrong with a house, hed get it taken care of. He always tried to help people have a better quality of life. He was a great family man, too. He loved his family. It really broke my heart (when he got sick). We had a bond. We helped a lot of people in a very quiet way. Erin Clifford, executive assistant to the Belleville mayor Clifford began working for the city in 2008 and then worked with Eckert as executive assistant for 11 years, from 2010 to 2021. She remains in this position with Mayor Patty Gregory. I am deeply sorry to hear of our former Mayor Mark Eckerts passing. Words cannot express my sorrow for Marks wife, Rita, and his lovely family. They are all in my thoughts and prayers. Mark was a wonderful boss and a good friend. He was known for his unconditional love for his family and the City of Belleville. Mark was a devoted leader. He worked tirelessly with his staff, elected officials, and countless agencies for the betterment of our city. Mark had a profound commitment to our community. He stressed the importance of being a community of character, building relationships, and volunteerism. Above all, Mark had a great passion for helping others. He touched the lives of so many people. Mark Eckert was a true public servant. Mike Lundy, SWIDA director and former city treasurer Lundy was Bellevilles city treasurer when Eckert became Ward 5 alderman in 1997. They continued to work together after Eckert was appointed mayor in 2004 and Lundy left to serve as executive director of the Southwestern Illinois Development Authority. Notable projects included the redevelopment of downtown Belleville, the transformation of the old Meredith Home into Lofts on the Square and early planning for the former Lindenwood University-Belleville after it closed. He was all about Belleville. He got up early in the morning, and he would drive by street projects. He was kind of the guardian of the city. He was always checking on things and trying to make improvements. You knew where you stood with Mark, and when youre working on a project, you need to know, either youve got someones support or you dont. ... He was just a good man, and he meant well. He was always promoting Belleville, and thats what you want in a leader. Mark Kupsky, mayor of Fairview Heights Kupsky worked with Eckert on local, regional and state issues, both in his role as mayor and Eckerts service with the Southwestern Illinois Council of Mayors and in his role as president of Illinois Municipal League. Kupsky, who will become president of the Illinois Municipal League in September, credited Eckert for supporting him in his nomination. Ill always have fond memories of Mark. He was a big supporter of mine and, together with other local mayors, I think we were able to accomplish things that were good for the metro area. My sincerest thoughts go out to Rita, his children and his grandchildren. Its a very tragic loss of a great individual ... especially since he was given such a short time from when he learned about his disease until his passing. I had an opportunity to have lunch with him in March along with Rita and the mayor of Vandalia. We had a nice lunch, reflected on things weve done to help the area and what our roles were like as mayor. He made significant contributions to the city of Belleville. Mike Leopold, mayor of Swansea Mark was a good friend and probably was 24/7 the mayor of Belleville. Every minute, he spent doing something for the city of Belleville. He was a nice guy and a friend to a lot of people. He certainly will be greatly missed. He was always eager and willing to work with any of the other mayors in the area. Its just a sad day for the city of Belleville and a sad day for all the friends and family who knew Mark. Herb Roach, mayor of OFallon I knew Mark and really appreciated Mark. Before I ran for mayor, there were four different mayors I sat down to talk to try to get an understanding and get some questions answered as to the responsibilities of being a mayor, and Mark was one of them. And he shared his time and shared his experiences, and I was so appreciative of that. And his leadership on the Illinois Municipal Board, he did so well representing the communities across the state. There was only thing that he probably spoke more of than the city of Belleville and that was his family he loved his family tremendously. He was a very good ambassador for the city of Belleville. Dave Pusa Sr., fellow volunteer and former alderman Retired electrician Dave Pusa Sr. met Eckert in the early 1990s, when Eckert recruited him to volunteer on a home-renovation project and later a community center for Franklin Neighborhood Community Association. Eckert appointed him as Ward 2 alderman in 2020 to finish the term of wife Jane Pusa, who died of brain cancer. Both were good friends of Eckert. I liked Mark. He was just a nice guy. When he became mayor, we didnt see him as much because he was busy working. We would eat with him once in a while, and we enjoyed our time with him. ... He never got mad at anybody. If they were smarting off, he would let it go. He was good to people. If they got upset about something, he was pretty good at cooling them back down. Brad Cole, executive director of the Illinois Municipal League Cole worked closely with Eckert, who served on the Illinois Municipal League board before he was elected president for the 2017-18 term. They tackled everything from pension reform to legislative issues and became good friends in the process. Cole called him highly respected and greatly liked by officials throughout the state. (His main goal) was protecting communities and trying to make sure local voices were heard so that we could make local decisions. He was an advocate for solving problems locally, and he had the demeanor that allowed for those conversations when they got difficult. His personality helped bring people together. ... (Eckert invited 50 mayors to Belleville for a meeting), and it was all about showing them the great things that were happening in Belleville. He was an ambassador for the city. Ken Kinsella, former Belleville alderman Kinsella served as Ward 1 alderman for 12 years during Eckerts administration, and his posts included chairman of the Finance Committee. Kinsella said he often heard Eckert say that he was working on something because Its the right thing to do. Kinsella, who was a member of the former Good Government Party with Eckert, gave this example: He was driving around the city with Eckert one day and they were outside of Kinsellas ward. Eckert had said he was planning a roadwork project in the ward and Kinsella noted there wasnt a party candidate running in that ward. And thats when Eckert said the project was going to be funded because, Its the right thing to do. And Kinsella agreed. He was a very moral man, Kinsella said. He was a reliable man. Hes very ethical and hes a man of integrity. Dennis Korte, longtime friend and fellow ROMEO Club member Korte took Eckert out on his first ambulance run in the 1970s, when they worked at the former Pete Gaerdner Funeral Home. Both entered public service, Korte as a Belleville Township board member and supervisor and Eckert as an alderman and mayor. Recently, Korte and Eckert were members of the ROMEO (Retired Old Men who Eat Out) Club, which met for breakfast at Dennys on Saturday mornings, along with Ken Kinsella, Mike Heisler, Joe Hazel and Dave Pusa. Ive known Mark for years. I knew his mom and dad. I knew the whole family. I think he meant a lot to the city of Belleville. He did a lot for the city of Belleville, and he definitely had the city at heart. He was just a wonderful person. The son of former Democratic state Rep. Edward Acevedo was sentenced to one month in prison Wednesday for federal tax fraud conviction connected to the sprawling investigation of Commonwealth Edisons alleged attempts to influence then-House Speaker Michael Madigan. Michael Acevedo, 36, of Chicago, pleaded guilty in December to three counts of failing to file federal tax returns. Advertisement Along with the month of prison time, U.S. District Judge John Kness sentenced Acevedo to a year of supervised release and ordered him to pay restitution totaling $137,647, with $120,640 going to the Internal Revenue Service and $17,007 to the state. Acevedo, his brother Alex Acevedo and their father were all charged in separate indictments in 2021 with filing false tax returns in connection with the familys lobbying firm, Apex Strategy LLC. Advertisement According to Michael Acevedos plea agreement with prosecutors, after Apex was founded in 2015, he failed to file tax returns documenting the companys revenue for five years, and misstated his income for a sixth year. In all, the tax loss to the IRS and state treasury was calculated at about $137,650, according to the plea. Edward Acevedo pleaded guilty and was sentenced last March to six months in prison. He was released in December, records show. Alex Acevedo, a registered nurse who previously made failed bids for Chicago alderman and to replace his father in the state legislature, was convicted of tax evasion charges in January. Edward Acevedo, a former Chicago police officer, served as Madigans assistant majority leader in the House before retiring in 2017. He went on to work as a consultant paid by former state Rep. John Bradley, a Democrat from downstate Marion and a one-time contract lobbyist for ComEd. Former state Rep. Edward Acevedo at the State Capitol in Springfield in January 2013. (Michael Tercha/Chicago Tribune) Edward Acevedo was interviewed by federal investigators as part of the ComEd probe. But when he was indicted, the relatively minor tax charges made no reference to the investigation or Madigan at all, and when he pleaded guilty in December 2021, his agreement with the government did not contain any indication that hed agreed to cooperate. ComEd agreed in 2020 to pay a record $200 million fine as prosecutors unveiled a criminal complaint charging the company with a yearslong bribery scheme involving jobs, contracts and payments to Madigan allies. Under the terms of a deferred prosecution agreement with the government, the charges against the utility giant will be dropped later this year if the company continues to cooperate. Afternoon Briefing Weekdays Chicago Tribune editors' top story picks, delivered to your inbox each afternoon. By submitting your email to receive this newsletter, you agree to our Subscriber Terms & Conditions and Privacy Policy > Madigans longtime confidant Michael McClain and three others were convicted of bribery conspiracy charges in May. Meanwhile, AT&T Illinois and the phone giants former president, Paul La Schiazza, were charged in a similar scheme to funnel payments to Acevedo in exchange for the speakers help passing legislation important to the company. Advertisement La Schiazza, 65, has pleaded not guilty to conspiracy, federal program bribery, and using a facility in interstate commerce to promote unlawful activity. AT&T Illinois has entered into a deferred prosecution agreement with the U.S. attorneys office, admitting its role in the scheme and agreeing to pay $23 million and cooperate in the investigation. In exchange, prosecutors will drop criminal charges filed against the company in two years. Madigan and McClain were both charged in a separate indictment with racketeering conspiracy alleging they participated in a range of corrupt schemes, including the ComEd and AT&T Illinois bribery. That trial is set for April 2024. The scandal helped end Madigans reign as the nations longest-serving speaker in January 2021. Madigan later resigned from the Illinois House and as Illinois Democratic Party chairman. jmeisner@chicagotribune.com Whats it like to argue a case in front of the Supreme Court? Michelle Budge, Deseret News This article was first published in the State of Faith newsletter. Sign up to receive the newsletter in your inbox each Monday night. Editors Note: Kelsey is on maternity leave, but this newsletter isnt. Before signing off, Kelsey prepped a few editions of State of Faith that will appear in your inbox about once per month throughout the summer. Call me strange, but I spend a lot of time thinking about what it would be like to argue a case in front of the Supreme Court. Among other things, I wonder about how you prepare for the justices many questions, how you learn to sound confident but not snotty and how you figure out what to wear. In April, attorney Lori Windham indulged my curiosity by answering several questions about her experience arguing a Supreme Court case in November 2020. Windham, who is vice president and senior counsel for the Becket Fund for Religious Liberty, represented a Catholic foster care agency and two foster moms in the lawsuit, which I covered for the Deseret News. The Supreme Court ultimately ruled that the city of Philadelphia needed to offer faith-based exemptions to its nondiscrimination rules. Heres a transcript of our conversation: Kelsey Dallas: Did you participate in arguments by phone or video call? Lori Windham: It was by phone. The Supreme Court did not do any video arguments. KD: How did you check your technology ahead of time? Were you anxious about having technical difficulties? LW: The Supreme Court was really good about this. They had very specific procedures that we followed, like having a back-up phone and even a back-up back-up phone. We had to get a land line installed in our office, since the court wanted a land line instead of a cellphone. There was also a test run that the court scheduled in advance. A group of attorneys all got on the line with the clerks office to try out the technology. KD: Were you the first attorney in your professional circle to do remote arguments or were you able to hear about others experiences? LW: I was really fortunate because (Becket) actually had two other remote arguments in 2020, and so I had a lot of experience to pull on. It was really helpful to talk to my colleagues who had prepared for that and get their feedback on what it was like. KD: I assume part of the strangeness of doing oral arguments by phone is that you couldnt read the justices body language. LW: Definitely. You can listen for tone of voice, but you cant see if theyre shaking their head at you while youre talking or something like that. It makes it harder. In my practice sessions, which took place by video call, I had people keep their cameras off so I could get used to not seeing reactions. People would fire questions at me and I could only observe their voice. After we got through their questions, wed turn the cameras back on for feedback and discussion. KD: Tell me more about how you prepared for the arguments. LW: I think I had six practice sessions in total. One of the best parts of preparing for Supreme Court argument is you get to have a bunch of really smart, talented attorneys give you hard questions and then critique your answers. With them, you talk about (the) best way to argue the case. I had I believe three external sessions with people who arent affiliated with Becket and another three with members of our team. They were spread out throughout the fall. KD: Do you remember what you felt like the morning of oral arguments? LW: D.C. was kind of eerie that morning. It was the morning after the 2020 presidential election, and I felt like I was (the) only person in D.C. who was awake yet as I made my way to the office. I was trying my best to not even pay attention to the election news. The election hadnt been called yet. I was trying my best to not get distracted. It was a weird sensation for something thats momentous for your clients and momentous for you to be happening and everyone elses attention being somewhere else. KD: So you called into oral arguments from Beckets office rather than from home? LW: I called in from a conference room at Beckets offices. It was an interior room, so there was no street noise. I was with Becket president Mark Rienzi. He was my second chair that day, so he was with me in the conference room. Other colleagues were down the hall out of earshot. They were able to listen and have their own discussion, and they could pass us some notes in between the main part of the argument and my rebuttal. Usually, you can only get feedback from your second chair, so that was unique. KD: Did you still dress up even though arguments took place by phone? LW: I bought a new suit when we found out the Supreme Court would hear the case. It wasnt clear at the time if wed be in person or not. So I still wore my new suit, but I wore comfortable shoes, not heels. KD: What moment from oral arguments stands out to you most today, more than two years after they took place? LW: The moment that stands out is the moment we were done. We had worked so hard on the case, and wed lost all the way up (through the lower courts.) It was amazing to finish that argument and sit back and feel like we were going to win. We didnt know at that time what the ultimate decision would be, but, coming out of argument, we felt really good about it. We ended up winning unanimously. KD: Did you do anything unique to celebrate after oral arguments? LW: During the COVID-19 pandemic and with the presidential election still going on, there was no going out. So I just went back home and relaxed and tried to catch up on the news. One really cool thing about that day and doing the arguments by phone and not in the courtroom is that my husband and daughter were able to be at the office with me. They wouldnt have been able to be there if I had done it in person. One of my clients was also there with her two boys. The boys were in the back of the office with crayons and candy and snacks. She was with my husband and daughter near the conference room where I was, and they were listening to the live feed of oral arguments. It was really special to have them there. KD: Are you hoping to do an in-person Supreme Court argument someday? LW: Yes. Now, Ive got to find the right case. Fresh off the press Mike Pence joins notable voices speaking out against Sisters of Perpetual Indulgence Martin Scorsese is making a new movie about Jesus. He said Pope Francis call inspired it Term of the week: Mayordomo In rural communities in the American Southwest, the term mayordomo refers to non-ordained, or lay, Catholics, who care for the Adobe chapels threatening to crumble back into dust, according to The Associated Press. These chapels, constructed by early Catholic missionaries to the United States, are rarely used for worship services today. But theyre still important to the families who have been in the region for decades if not centuries. Thats why some members of these families give up their free time to care for them. Our ancestors put blood and sweat in this place for us to have Jesus present. This is the root of my faith, said Angelo Sandoval to The Associated Press. He serves as a mayordomo in Cordova, New Mexico. The work of a mayordomo can range from basic cleaning to protecting sacred relics from damage. They are also often engaged in restoration efforts, which may include applying for grant funds to use on chapel repairs. Current mayordomos and other Catholic leaders are dedicated to this work but worry that a time will soon come when resources used on the old chapels run out, The Associated Press reported. Theyre trying to teach young people in the area to care for the churches as deeply as they do. What Im reading... As concern grows that college students today are more likely to shout down unpopular opinions than celebrate free speech, some institutions are creating new on-campus programs to teach the art of civil discourse, according to The Washington Post. The mostly U.S.-funded effort to expand access to HIV treatment in Africa has been a major success. U.S. officials estimate that George W. Bushs Presidents Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief has saved 25 million lives. Since 2000, life expectancy in Africa has jumped by 10 years. But today, those achievements are threatened by rising partisanship. Christianity Today recently reported on the growing fear that tensions between Democrats and Republicans in Washington will lead to a significant drop in funding for HIV treatment. Odds and ends The most popular recipe in The New York Times online database is everything the modern New York Times cooking section isnt, according to Nieman Lab. It is old-fashioned beef stew, and it has more than 19,000 (mostly positive) reviews. Lawyer: Arizona death row inmate free after 29 years for a crime he did not commit Arizona has released a man from death row after serving 29 years for a crime he was wrongfully convicted for, according to his lawyer and online images. Barry Jones was sentenced in Pima County Superior Court to death after being found guilty of fatally assaulting Rachel Gray, a 4-year-old child, in 1994. "He was released a couple hours ago and is with his legal team," Ethel Mwedziwendira, a spokesperson for Jones' legal team, said in an email to The Arizona Republic. Barry Jones was convicted of sexually assaulting and beating a 4-year-old girl in 1995. By the time the victim, Rachel Gray, was taken to a hospital, she was dead as the result of a ruptured intestine. Official sources could not immediately confirm Jones was freed, but statements from the Attorney General's Office and Pima County Attorney's Office described the chain of events that led to their agreement to vacate his death sentence. After almost 30 years on death row for a crime he did not commit, Barry Jones is finally coming home, said Federal Public Defender Cary Sandman, whose office has represented Barry Jones for over 20 years in a prepared statement. Mr. Jones spent nearly three decades on Arizonas death row despite compelling evidence that he was innocent of charges that he had fatally assaulted Rachel Gray. In 2018, a federal district court judge ordered that Jones convictions were to be vacated based on the compelling medical evidence that it was not Jones who caused Rachels injuries. A unanimous panel of Ninth Circuit U.S. Court of Appeals affirmed that order. But the U.S. Supreme Court ignored its own precedent and said federal courts had no power to even consider his case. Despite the high court decision, the State of Arizona was still able to reconsider the new evidence. After careful review, the Arizona Attorney General agreed that Jones' conviction and death sentence should be vacated and asked the Pima County Superior Court to vacate them both. As a result, Jones agreed to plead guilty to second-degree murder because he neglected to take Rachel to the hospital the night before she died, despite seeing how sick she was, from an unknown fatal injury, according to a news release from the Pima County Attorney's Office. Pima County Superior Court Judge Kyle Bryson spelled out the details in a June 15 court order. "On or about May 1 to 2, 1994, under circumstances manifesting extreme indifference to human life, Barry Lee Jones recklessly engaged in conduct which created a grave risk of death and thereby caused the death of Rachel Gray, when he failed to seek or contributed to the failure to seek medical care for Rachel Gray," the court ruled. "The court has imposed a sentence of 25 calendar years with credit for time served," the order stated, adding that Jones "Is now eligible for release from prison. It is therefore ordered that the Arizona Department of Corrections, Reentry and Rehabilitation release (him) forthwith." State prison officials said he had been in custody in Eyman Prison Complex in Florence. Jones was kept on death row because of the 2022 U.S. Supreme Court decision, Shinn v. Ramirez. In that case, the high court decided to not follow precedent and said federal courts had no power to consider Jones' case and despite the evidence that proved he was wrongfully convicted and denied a "constitutionally just trial," Sandman stated in the news release. At Jones' trial in 1995, his court-appointed lawyer failed to conduct an investigation into whether Rachel died as a result of an injury she sustained while in Jones' care, the news release stated. The release stated Rachel sustained her injuries when she was not in his care, but the jury never heard any of that evidence. It convicted him and recommended he be sentenced to death. The release of Jones marks the 12th time an inmate on Arizona's death row has been exonerated since 1975. Finally. Barry Jones is free. https://t.co/yVwa4r3AFI Liliana Segura (@LilianaSegura) June 15, 2023 This is a developing story. Check back here for updates. Staff writers Jimmy Jenkins, Miguel Torres, Serena Lin, Joseph Jafaari, and Sarah Lapidus contributed to this report. This article originally appeared on Arizona Republic: Barry Jones, wrongfully convicted, released after 29 years What if your attacker became your lawyer and you didnt know it? Loneliness has long been a marked facet of Yifen Chens life. Chen, a 26-year-old with a certain quiet and polite self-assurance, grew up in Taipei, Taiwan, caring for her mother, who had lupus. When she was a little girl, she would cook her own meals and go to school unaccompanied. I did not have a family that I could totally rely on in my childhood, she told me. I had to make sure I was able to survive by myself. Chens father, a physical therapist, sent them money, but her mother rarely allowed her to speak with him. It wasnt until she was 17, when her mom passed away, that a closer relationship with her dad formed. Chen started working as a content creator in her early 20s, broadcasting her favorite music and livestreaming her day-to-day life. Soon, her face was posted in metro stations on massive ads for streaming apps. She was successful, but that wasnt the life she wanted. Shed always imagined going to the US, where she wished to attend school and find a job. She moved to San Francisco in late 2019 to study graphic design at the Academy of Art University. She was 22, studious, and prone to overwork despite feeling unwell at the time with occasional chest pain and dizziness. In spring 2020, amid early Covid shutdowns, she considered taking time off from school to rest. Since she was on a student visa, she was concerned a break might affect her ability to stay in the US, so she consulted a lawyer with experience in China-US immigration. His name was Zheng Liu. The lawyer had also immigrated to the US as an international student 20 years ago, starting a career in computer science before going to law school at UC Davis. He had sympathized with her, he later wrote in court documents, and offered to help. According to Chen, he suggested she transfer to a new school, the College of San Mateo, which would give her some time off before the next semester began. He also expressed a romantic interest in her, and soon the two were dating. He told me he liked me, Chen said. I felt he was a nice person. And he was really gentle and kind to me at first. There was a significant age difference at 39, Liu was 17 years her senior but Chen didnt think much of it. Since she was living in a new country with unfamiliar customs, no relatives and few friends, she felt Liu could provide her with the sense of family she longed for. The dream of a perfect relationship didnt last. Shed soon report that Liu abused her, and that one day, he became especially enraged during an argument and raped her. When she tried to seek help, he pushed her straight into a Machiavellian maze from which there was no way out. At the start of their relationship, Chen had been renting an apartment with a roommate in San Mateo. Liu soon invited her to move into his house in adjacent Foster City, a wealthy planned community jutting into the San Francisco Bay, where large waterfront homes built on little islands overlook tranquil lagoons. Billed as an escape from the frenetic energy of the Bay Area conurbation, it ranks among the safest cities in the country; the average home price is over $1.5m. She moved in that May, about a month after they met, but Lius house didnt turn out to be the oasis Chen had hoped it would be. Chen was surprised by how dusty and uncared for the multimillion-dollar home seemed. There was a rodent problem, and she found fleas in the carpets and on the dogs. She started to worry about the young children whose custody Liu shared with his ex-wife, a son and daughter who were four and five. About a month in, Liu became aggressive and spiteful. Chen recalls a day when she was upset about something and sat on the floor crying. Liu thought she was going to leave him, so he yelled at her: Fuck you, and fuck your mother! The curse cut deep into her grief from her mothers passing five years earlier. In June, her dad died from cancer only a couple of weeks after his diagnosis. She had wanted to be by his bedside, but she needed a new travel endorsement from her school to accompany her student visa, which was complicated by the fact that she was mid-transfer. She also would have had to quarantine for 14 days upon her return to Taiwan. She was still trying to figure out the travel logistics when she got the dreaded call from one of his friends. As she mourned her father, she later recalled, Liu showed little compassion: He laughed at me that I am lonely in this world, she said. Chen began to think his earlier kindness was an act, but she had just moved in and had feelings for him; she wasnt ready to leave so soon. Looking back, she said, she didnt realize she was in such a dangerous situation. In the months to come, Liu became violent and once became so angry that he put both of his hands around her neck and squeezed, Chen wrote in court documents. Eventually, she told him she wanted to break up. She made plans to move out but about a week later, on the evening of 25 October 2020, Liu confronted her about a new man she was dating. By her account, which is documented in a police report, Liu pushed her into a door, grabbed her phone, and smashed it with a hammer. Chen said she was so terrified that she complied without hesitation when Liu told her to slap herself across the face and call herself a bitch; then insisting on helping he slapped her too. Chen ran to an upstairs bedroom, where Lius kids were sleeping. She felt safer there: she thought hed think twice about hurting her in front of the children. Without a car or working phone and unsure what to do, she took out her laptop and sent a frantic message to one of her friends, explaining that her boyfriend was hurting her and she needed help. Early that morning, the friend tracked down Chens former roommate in San Mateo. Chen activated her old phone with the sim card from the broken one, and the roommate was able to call her for a moment that afternoon. She heard Liu in the background, then she heard Chen scream, Please dont hurt me! The line disconnected, and the roommate called the police. (The roommate, who corroborated this account, asked me not to publish her name, fearing retaliation from Liu.) As Chen tried to gather her belongings to leave, Liu came in and unpacked her luggage. Then, Chen said, Liu raped her. I repeatedly told him to stop, but he was too intoxicated and angry to listen, she recalled. When officers from the Foster City police department arrived at Lius house, Chen detailed the series of events from the night before, as well as her rape. Liu was taken into custody, then released with an emergency protective order prohibiting him from coming within 100 yards of Chen for one week. The police brought Chen to the station for further questioning, then to the San Mateo medical center for a forensic exam. She made it back to her apartment in San Mateo late that night, still in shock, nervous about what might come next. I hid in my apartment for a few days, she said. But after that, Zheng Liu called me and threatened me. Chen said Liu had told her to sign a statement rescinding her rape allegation. If she didnt, he would sue her and get her deported. I really wanted to stay in this country because this is my dream. I didnt want to leave, Chen said. Scared for her future, she signed the statement. Time passed without her hearing anything from investigators, and Chen assumed the case had been dropped because of her retraction. But sexual assault guidelines for police departments account for the fact that victims recant for various reasons, including fearing their abusers. Chens abjuration, on its own, did not stall law enforcements response. Something else was going on. The Foster City police department was already familiar with Zheng Liu. In December 2019, officers were dispatched to his house for a welfare check after, according to Lius account in court documents, he accidentally dialed 911 while trying to turn off his smartphone alarm. He claimed it was another 911 misdial when the police were called again in February 2020. In March, officers returned to Lius house for a third time after his ex-wife called 911 during a custody swap. Hed reportedly pushed her to the ground and elbowed her in the chest, according to an emergency protective order included in court documents. (Lius ex-wife could not be reached for comment.) On 20 November, almost four weeks after Liu was arrested on suspicion of raping Chen, he sent an email to Foster City police requesting a certificate of detention a document issued after someone has been arrested but not charged with a crime. This reclassifies the arrest as a mere detention in public records. Liu threatened to sue if the department did not comply. The police declined because the investigation was still in progress. Following through on his ultimatum, on 1 December, Liu filed his first lawsuit against the police department. In court documents, Liu claimed that Chen had clarified that the encounter was consensual. Thus, Liu believed he was entitled to a certificate of detention. Kai Ruess, the city attorney representing the police department, received an unusual email from Liu a week later. In it, Liu made an astounding claim: he was now representing Chen. Yifen Chen has retained our office as her counsel for FCPDs threatened charge against her for filing a false police report, the email read. These charges are bogus and FCPD knows it. Liu went on to say that all communications to Chen should be directed to him. If FCPD officers do not refrain from harassing Ms Yifen Chen, we will file suit against FCPD for malicious prosecution and witness intimidation. None of this made any sense to Ruess: he didnt know of any charges being considered against Chen for filing a false police report. But what gave him the most concern was why Chen would seek representation from Liu for anything, especially the case in which he was suspected of attacking her. After discussing it with the department, he replied to Liu: While I personally believe this presents an incredible ethical issue, we will respect your direction to communicate with Ms Chen through your office. (Police are allowed to verify that someone hired a lawyer. Its unclear if FCPD attempted to do so, and they did not respond to questions sent by the Guardian.) Ruess continued: You should receive contact from officers shortly to set up a time for a followup interview with your client. Because you are the suspect in the case, you will not be able to sit with Ms Chen during that interview. Liu replied by doing his best to cut off all contact between Chen and police. He responded: Ms Chen respectfully declines any interview requests by FCPD. Sixteen minutes later, Liu sent another email to the thread: Ms Chen has specifically invoked and continues to maintain her right to remain silent and right to counsel. In court documents, Ruess explained that even though Liu had not yet been charged, the DA was still reviewing the case, and their decision had been prolonged by Liu refusing to make Chen available for further interviews. The deputy district attorney, Lucas King, told me: It seemed so stupid that he would enter as her attorney. [The police] were asking for my input, and I had to explain, No, thats not my role. Im not allowed to give legal advice. King decided not to prosecute, writing to police that he didnt believe they had enough to prove anything beyond a reasonable doubt, and Liu was issued a detention certificate in January 2021. (Multiple requests to interview Foster City police were sent without success.) Liu proceeded to file three more lawsuits against FCPD. In one, he claimed that an officer who responded to the December 2019 misdial had unlawfully pushed open the door to his house and stuck a foot into the doorway. In the subsequent suit, Liu claimed he suffered false imprisonment among other errors by law enforcement causing him severe emotional distress when he was suspected of battering his ex-wife back in March. And finally, he filed a suit claiming in a rambling complaint that police had humiliated him and infringed his rights during the rape investigation. By early 2021, Chen was enrolled at the College of San Mateo. She wanted to dive into her studies and try to move past her ordeal, but Liu had other plans. She said he warned her of deportation if she didnt remain his partner. I was pretty new in the US, and I thought that would be possible, she said. Grace Huang, the policy director at the Asian Pacific Institute on Gender-Based Violence, told me that abusers were notorious for making threats about immigration and deportation. The Immigration Marriage Fraud Act of 1986 required anyone immigrating through marriage to stay married for at least two years. According to Huang, attorneys and advocates saw victims staying in abusive marriages only to fulfill the two-year condition, so the Immigration Act of 1990 created a waiver of the two-year requirement for abused spouses. Nevertheless, many abusive US citizens never actually submitted immigration applications for their spouses. The Violence Against Women Act of 1994 addressed this issue by providing immigrants a way to apply on their own, without having to rely on their abuser to petition for them. Then, in 2000, the U visa was created for victims of certain crimes, including sexual assault, who are willing to help law enforcement. Huang said those provisions were intentionally put into law because of the ability of abusers to use the immigration system to manipulate people. Getting a U visa isnt so straightforward, though. The process can be difficult to navigate without help from a lawyer. Police sometimes refuse to sign the required form to verify a victims cooperation. And the backlog of applications is in the hundreds of thousands. The government is limited to issuing just 10,000 U visas per year. Regardless, Chen didnt know anything about the U visa, and she continued to suffer through the rest of the year. She later described in court documents, which included pictures of her injuries, the different incidents during which Liu had allegedly grabbed her neck, bruised her knee with a flashlight, scratched her with a key while she was sleeping, threw boiling water at her ankle, and pressed her hand against a hot kettle, leaving her fingers blistered. I showed Chens photos to Catherine Garcia, a retired San Diego police department detective. Garcia now teaches sexual assault and domestic violence investigations to law enforcement in California. I was curious if, in her opinion, the pictured injuries aligned with the events Chen described. Speaking broadly, she said, these would be very supportive of a case, definitely. Chen decided she had to leave Liu for good in December 2021. She left his house after another violent outburst and promised herself never to return. Soon after, Liu started sending her emails, which he later included in court documents, demanding debt payments for expenses he covered during their relationship. On 1 January 2022, he sent a list of credit card transactions totaling $8,746.33. He followed up on the 10th: Please remit payment as soon as possible If not, a lawsuit will be filed against you for breach of contract and money lent. By the time he followed up a fourth time, 10 days later, the total Liu claimed she owed was at least $20,000. The next day, Chen found a letter, also included in court documents, signed by Liu on her door demanding she pay back more than $30,000. Chen said Liu had offered to pay for certain things, including her tuition, while they dated. I have never had any contract with him. He just allowed me to use his credit card, and he wrote some checks to me. She provided me with emails sent between her and Liu in July 2021. According to an independent translator hired by the Guardian, Liu wrote: Ill take care of you if I want to fuck you Ill fuck you, if I want you to fuck off youll fuck off. Then, in an email Chen sent him in August 2021, she wrote: Didnt you say you would pay my tuition? We start school tomorrow. Liu responded: Can do. Worried his demands for money would escalate to a physical attack, Chen got a temporary restraining order against Liu in late January 2022. Not long after, she found unfiled drafts of legal complaints regarding Lius money that had been left at her door. She called the San Mateo police department because she thought Liu was violating the order and this is when, Chen said, the responding officer told her something she hadnt known. From a quick records check, it appeared that Lius ex-wife and children had a restraining order against her one that had been in effect for almost a full year. Chen had seen Lius children on several occasions during that time, but nobody had ever mentioned any court order. I thought there was no issue between us, she said. The officer wrote in a report that, while he was interviewing Chen, Liu had called her cellphone. Noting they had spoken in Mandarin, he continued: Based on Lius speech, I could tell that he was probably intoxicated. Chen told me that Liu was trying to convince her to get back with him and boasted about suing FCPD officers stating something to the effect of, They need to see how powerful I am. Two days later, Liu sent the same officer an email with links to the lawsuits he had filed against Foster City police. In the early weeks of 2022, Chen met a man I will call by the pseudonym Coby, at his request (hes concerned about harassment from Liu). Coby and Chen found each other on a dating app, but both could tell there was no romantic spark as they made small talk over sushi on their first date. Chen thought they were too culturally different: Coby was born in Japan and raised almost entirely in the US. He interpreted her tense body language and quiet demeanor as a sign she wasnt so into him. Curious about what kind of guys she did like, he asked about her last relationship. Chen told him about Liu, cautiously at first. Coby couldnt keep himself from prying, and he could tell Chen was relieved to have someone to talk to. She doesnt have any really close friends here in the US, Coby said. He decided to try to find her some help. Coby called dozens of lawyers, hoping to find someone who would represent Chen on her student budget, without much luck. He also searched through court records to see what he could learn about Lius conflict with the FCPD and the mysterious restraining order Lius ex-wife had against Chen. He followed fragments of the narrative from one lawsuit to the next, flipping over each card in Lius stack. And then came the big reveal. Coby and Chen were stunned to find records of Liu pretending to be her lawyer. Ruess, the police department lawyer, had filed copies of the emails Liu had sent him over the detention certificate. It was the first time Chen had heard of Lius purported representation of her, and she didnt understand how anyone believed she had willingly agreed to that. There was more: they also learned that Chen stood accused of strangling Lius daughter with a ribbon, poisoning Lius milk and his sons water bottle with Drano, and threatening to hurt Lius ex-wife, according to the petition for the restraining order against her. I felt really mad, then sad, because I actually treated his daughter really, really nice, Chen said. The children love me a lot, and I also love them. She denies all of the allegations. Next, they wondered how a restraining order against her had been in place without her ever knowing it. Thats when they realized that Liu had signed a proof of service claiming he had served her the initial temporary restraining order in person at his house in February 2021. Liu signed two further proofs of service, claiming he served Chen at his address in Foster City in March and October. Chen said she had never been served. She missed every court date, and the restraining order against her was extended three years, until October 2024. Chen was late to battle, but she chose to march forward. And she needed a lawyer to help her extend her restraining order against Liu. The first one who was willing to take her case was an eccentric lawyer-cum-programmer-cum-photo-studio-owner and Democratic congressional candidate named Andrew Watters. We had a very limited budget; we told Andrew that, Coby said. But clearly, it was not even close to enough. Chen spent thousands of dollars whatever she could spare on Watters, but it only got them through one court appearance. All that money was gone, Coby went on, and then we couldnt get any help from him any more. It was a big bummer. Watters said that Liu was inundating us and the court with correspondence and filings. This included a motion in which Liu unsuccessfully argued that the alleged harassment was protected speech. Watters said most of Chens payments went to responding to Lius filings, rather than the actual trial of her case. Liu added Watters to his list of enemies. Im no longer involved with that case, and yet, Im still suffering harassment from this guy, Watters told me. He said Liu had made multiple accounts on Yelp, where he reposted screenshots of state bar complaints against Watters that Liu had written, as well as cases Watters had lost. (One screenshot documented in court records included the added text: Court ordered Watters client pay 50K to the other side. GREAT attorney work.) Liu also sent Watters emails accusing him of ghostwriting legal documents filed by Chen. He wanted me to assure him that I was no longer helping Yifen with her case, which I wasnt. I told him, even though you have no right to prevent me from helping her, I am not, in fact, helping her, so will you please take down the photos? Liu wrote back: OK. I will clean up your Yelp. It was a misunderstanding. Apologize for the inconvenience. He started posting the Yelp reviews again about a month later, according to Watters. (Watters reported the posts to Yelp, and they have since been removed. Watters also sued Liu for defamation and posted about him on his blog.) From then on, Liu escalated his hostilities. His next move was to forward emails to Chen that showed he had made Title IX reports to her college as well as the University of California, Santa Cruz, where she had been accepted as a transfer student. He told staff there that Chen had tried to strangle his daughter with a ribbon because he had refused to lend her money to pay for her tuition, and included a photo of a pinkish mark on a young childs neck with the face cropped out. I showed it to Garcia, the retired San Diego police department detective. She was dubious. Thats ridiculous. Like theyre going to do something? Thats not who investigates something like that. If youre that worried about your child, you call the police, and you call child protective services, and you keep that kid away from this person. So hes just using entities thats what it seems like to me to cause her trouble. Nightmares kept Chen up at night. She feared she would lose her scholarship and admission to UC Santa Cruz, and was terrified of what Liu might do next. Liu offered Chen a way to bring everything to an end. He proposed to withdraw the Title IX reports, as well as criminal complaints hed made against her for assaulting his daughter and credit card theft, if she dismissed her action for a restraining order and withdrew her criminal complaints against him, according to a draft settlement agreement Chen included in court documents. That was not an option Chen was willing to consider. Accepting the settlement wouldnt fix anything she had tried to move on with her life, but he had still showed up at her doorstep demanding more. Indeed, Lius ultimate act of hubris was still to come. In early June last year, Chen was at the San Mateo county courthouse to extend her temporary restraining order against Liu when she was served with a civil lawsuit. The plaintiff was a John Doe, but she knew immediately it was Liu. Chens eyes jumped to the numbers. He was seeking $17m in compensatory damages and $10m in punitive damages. The lawsuit made several stunning allegations. Liu claimed Chen had sexually assaulted him by insisting they have sex without a condom, and that unbeknownst to him at the time, she was having unprotected sex with numerous males, went through diagnosis of chlamydia trachomatis and gonorrhea, and was thus aware of her increased risk of transmitting sexually transmitted diseases. After he realized that Chen had exposed him to such STDs, the lawsuit claimed, he suffered extreme emotional distress. To bolster his claims, Liu cited anonymous profiles on what he called sex-for-money websites, alleging they belonged to Chen, and included a screenshot of an unknown persons pubic region. Later, in an amended complaint, Liu added screenshots of Chens profile on the dating site Seeking.com, formerly known as Seeking Arrangement, which had a reputation as a platform for sugar dating. He named three men, and claimed Chen provided them with her services for somewhere between $400 and $500 per sexual encounter. As evidence, he included copies of Chens bank statements from late 2019 and early 2020, showing Zelle payments and wires from these men to Chen. One of them is Chens ex-boyfriend, who did give her money. The other two men, according to Chen, were Chinese friends in the Bay Area with whom she had exchanged Taiwan dollars for US currency. (None of them responded to my interview requests.) Liu divulged in his complaint that, around the time of the money transfers, Chen got an STD test at Planned Parenthood, suggesting she knew she was putting him at risk. Chen showed me the test results, which were negative, and said it was just a doctors recommendation. (The CDC recommends women get tested for gonorrhea and chlamydia every year.) Chen denied ever having sex for money, or doing any type of sex work. She also told me it wasnt Liu who wanted to use a condom, but her: I have a birth control, but I sometimes cannot get my medication because it is out of stock, so I asked him to wear the condom, and actually, hes the one who forced me not to use [one]. As for Coby, he was admittedly suspicious of Chen when he first learned of her possibly selling sex online. It wouldnt be surprising if she did it, he initially thought. But the more he got to know her, the more unlikely it seemed. As far as I can tell, after talking to her for so long, it doesnt seem like any of it is true. Now, did she have an ex-boyfriend who spent money on her? Absolutely. That seems to be the type of guy that maybe she wants to have as a boyfriend. But that alone isnt illegal. I will confess, after everything I had learned, I was nervous to call Liu unannounced. I typed his number into my phone and hit the green button as fast as I could, not giving myself a moment to reconsider it. Hello. Lius tone was like a barbell hitting the floor. I explained who I was and why I was calling. At first, Liu seemed unsure about why I was interested in his lawsuits. I started a question, saying, mistakenly, I see you sued the Foster City police department three times Liu interrupted. No, actually four times. And I won. Liu was wrong he lost his first lawsuit. The police issued the detention certificate he wanted, but the judge later ruled in favor of FCPD. The other three lawsuits were indeed settled in January 2022, so I asked him how much the settlement was. Liu didnt want to say, nor did he want to talk much about those lawsuits: he didnt want to come across as badmouthing the police department. That wasnt a concern when it came to my questions about Chen. Did Yifen actually agree to have you represent her as her attorney? I asked. He replied: Is there anything that would suggest otherwise? Yes. She said in her response to your civil lawsuit that you represented her without her consent. Exactly! Did she have any actual proof to support her allegations? So far, I dont see any ... And then, I would say, in this country, any allegation made by an online sex worker lacks credibility, to say the least. This argument would come back time and time again during our exchange: according to Liu, a sex worker could never be credible. I tried to redirect the conversation, if only for a moment. Im wondering if you have a written agreement that [the money you gave Chen] were just loans and that she needs to pay you back? He said: A written agreement is not required. An oral contract is a contract. I pointed out that Chen said there was never any agreement. Exactly! You see, it comes down to the credibility of the speaker! Would you rather believe a distinguished lawyer, or would you rather believe an online sex worker who charges guys 500 bucks a pop? Next, I asked about the photos of Chens alleged injuries. [She] claimed that you choked her, burned her, hit her, and scratched her on different occasions. Can you tell me about those incidents? His answer: Were going to have to look at the speakers veracity. At this point, its basically not existent. Its domestic violence accusations by a person who claimed rape and then recanted the next day, and who is a thief, who is a prostitute, and with all that, I wouldnt spend more than one minute on those allegations. He repeated many versions of this: If the speaker is a distinguished lawyer that practices pro bono matters for a lot of clients, then I would say that the veracity of that speaker is likely high, he said. If the speaker is a sex worker or prostitute that makes $500 an hour hey, Im not discriminating against any particular profession, a job is a job but if Ms Chen was working in this country illegally, against the terms of her visa, that makes it illegal. His answers only became more heated and bizarre. When I again inquired about his alleged representation of Chen and asked specifically if there was a signed retainer agreement, we went back and forth on this point for almost 30 minutes. He would not show me a retainer agreement, or even confirm Chen signed one. Instead, he lobbed insults, accused me of being a fake journalist, told me to go back to school, and again repeated his objectionable credibility argument. Was there a retainer agreement? Youre not even a true journalist All your questions are not very smart. Chen says she did not sign a retainer. Whatever. Again, whatever she says. Shes a prostitute, thereby having no credibility whatsoever. If a prostitute says that you raped her in the ass, am I supposed to believe that? To try to prove his point, he presented me with this fictitious allegation: Yifen Chen says you raped your mom, do you deny it or confirm it? Mr Liu, this is unnecessary, I said. Ive asked you a yes or no question. Whats your choice? Whats your choice? He was screaming now. Mr Liu, Im asking you Im asking you! Hey! Mr Journalist! Did you rape your mom or no? Answer the question! Did you rape your mom anally or vaginally? I didnt answer. I didnt want to entertain him. When I asked why he decided to report Chen to the Title IX offices at her schools, he said: Because, if you read the first amendment to the United States Constitution, the peoples right to petition the government for redress of their grievances shall not be infringed. Thats why. Hey, youre a journalist, man, youre not even familiar with all the words of the first amendment? I mean, you really gotta study up. I understand the first amendment. Im just asking He interrupted. The peoples right to petition the government for redress of their grievances you dont need to be a rocket scientist to understand those words. I said: Im just curious what youre trying to gain. He scolded me. Its amateur to ask about peoples gain when theyre advocating their rights. Because the thing is, you uphold the constitution. Thats a gain. He then concluded on this point jovially, in a way I had not expected. Make sure you publish a good story. I look forward to seeing it. Its definitely going to be a good story. Ill send the link to my friends to make sure they understand [its] a perfect example of how a person should use the legal system in a way to protect their rights. Coby gave Chen rides to class a few days per week during her final semester at the College of San Mateo last spring. You know, just to help her out, he said. It was about a 10-minute drive from her apartment to campus, and Coby thought they could use the time to figure out what to do about Liu. But each morning, Chen just stared out the passenger window. She hardly spoke a word. For almost two years, Liu had been relentless. He turned her into this silent person, Coby said. According to Huang, of the Asian Pacific Institute on Gender-Based Violence, litigation that alleges harm a victim may or may not have caused is a typical tactic to discredit them. She said this case was a great example of how an alleged abuser shifts blame by dehumanizing the person he dated and supposedly cared for. King, the deputy district attorney, could still bring criminal charges against Liu if provided with more substantial evidence. But he stated how difficult it is for prosecutors to justify sexual assault cases based primarily on one persons word. Regarding a lawyer accused of a crime representing their accuser, King said it was totally unethical. He reported Liu to the state bar of California for it. (The Bar declined to comment on its investigation.) Instead of going to UC Santa Cruz, Chen switched to a different campus farther away to study economics and music (she plays the flute). Meanwhile, Lius civil lawsuit against her loomed until she messed up the paperwork. Chen never submitted the required response to an amended complaint Liu filed in January; she didnt realize she had to. The deadline passed, and so did her opportunity to defend herself. Chen defaulted, and so it was determined by matter of law and procedure that Liu was the victim. Untrained in the arcane operations of the court, Chen joined the last virtual hearing on 9 May only for the judge to admonish her to remain muted. She wasnt supposed to be there; she had already lost. It was Lius day in court to demand damages. Chen listened as Liu told his story. She listened as the judge made his ruling, awarding him $35,877.18, which she has to pay for. She sat there alone, a square on a screen. She wasnt allowed to speak. An Aurora man has been charged with driving under the influence in connection with a crash that critically injured a teenage bicyclist in Batavia last month. Cesar A. Gandarilla, 38, of the 400 block of West New York Street, has been charged with six counts of aggravated DUI, unlawful cannabis use by a driver, driving under the influence of drugs and aggravated use of a communication device while driving, along with other traffic violations, Batavia police said Wednesday in a news release. Police said Gandarilla was driving a GMC Denali at 2:29 p.m. May 31 on South Batavia Avenue at Union Avenue when his vehicle allegedly struck the bicyclist in a crosswalk at the intersection. A case is already pending against Gandarilla where he is charged with driving under the influence of drugs and alcohol and possessing cannabis as a driver on Sept. 29, 2022, according to Kane County court records. Gandarilla does not appear to be in custody yet, according to jail and court records. The teenage bicyclist was the second to be hit by a vehicle on Route 31 in Batavia in the month of May. Earlier this week during a City Council meeting, Batavia city officials said the Illinois Department of Transportation has agreed to turn Route 31 into a three-lane road from Fabyan Parkway to Wilson Street and Main Street to Mooseheart Road. The changes are not likely to happen until April 2024, but it is years earlier than originally planned, according to officials. Batavia City Administrator Laura Newman also said the city is creating educational campaigns urging drivers to slow down. IDOT has also agreed to study the speed limits on Route 31 starting in July, Newman said. mejones@chicagotribune.com Australian flag Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese said the intelligence services had given "very clear security advice" on the move. Read also: Australian cardboard drones already performing battlefield missions in Ukraine A new law specifically designed to stop the development was passed on June 15. It will not affect the existing Russian embassies. The new legislation also recognizes that Russia may be entitled to financial compensation. Since 2008, Russia has been holding the lease of a plot of land, which is approximately 400 meters from the parliaments building.The Russians laid the foundation for the new embassy, but construction was slow. After Russia's full-scale war against Ukraine, relations between Australia and the Russian Federation soured, and the Australians decided to cancel the permit for the new construction. Read also: Brazilian president finally condemns Russian invasion of Ukraine A previous attempt to cancel the lease was rejected by the Federal Court last month. This prompted new legislation. Read also: Denmark and Norway to provide 8,000 artillery shells, Australia to supply $80 million in remote weapon systems We don't expect Russia is in a position to talk about international law, given their rejection of it so consistently and so brazenly with their invasion of Ukraine," the BBC quoted Albanese as saying. Were bringing the voice of Ukraine to the world. Support us with a one-time donation, or become a Patron! Read the original article on The New Voice of Ukraine The mother of Baby Boy Horry, an infant found dead in 2008 off S.C. 544 in Conway, will go to prison for four years. Jennifer Sahr was sentenced to 10 years suspended to four years and is also ordered to pay the $1,700 to the Horry County Coroners Office. Sahr, 34, a Vermont native who lives in Florida, and former Coastal Carolina University student, pleaded guilty through an Alford plea to voluntary manslaughter last year. But rather than sentencing her then, Judge Paul Burch ordered a pre-sentence investigation to uncover more information. The maximum Sahr could have faced was 30 years. Baby Boy Horry was first found in a shopping bag off the highway by five construction workers. In 2020, through forensic testing, investigators arrested Sahr and initially charged her with homicide by child abuse. The autopsy report listed the cause of death as undetermined, according to the state. Investigators also located the father, Ronald Woodham III, during this time and contacted him. Woodham has since spoken out about how the prolonged case has affected his life. He appeared in court Thursday afternoon with his father. Woodham spoke to The Sun News Thursday about the sentencing. Woodham said that while he disagreed with the argument of the defense, he was OK with the sentencing. Im just glad this chapter is over with and I can start the healing process, Woodham said. Sahrs family was also present in court Thursday morning. In case of babys death, Nobody wins, judge says During the prosecutions argument, Horry County Solicitor Scott Hixon asked the judge for a sentence of 23 years. He argued that Sahrs education and community involvement did not matter in this case, and that a sentence should send a message instead. The pre-sentence investigation report recommended incarceration, Hixon said. Defense attorney Morgan Martin argued that this case was not one to be tough on crime with, and recommended probation instead. You cant send a message to 19-year-old girls, Martin said. Judge Burch asked Sahr if she wanted to make a statement. Looking around at the courtroom, Sahr stood up and tearfully apologized for what she did. After hearing from both sides, Judge Burch said that the most important people in the case were Sahrs children, both under 10. Having been an EMT, an officer and a lawyer, Burch said he had never dealt with anything like this case. He said he had difficulty looking for similar cases. Nobody wins, he said. Sahr will serve time at the Department of Corrections in Columbia. She will be credited for time on house arrest, which will determine Sahrs exact prison sentence. Banksys first exhibition in 14 years to showcase hidden stencils - and his toilet This is the first officially sanctioned exhibition by the artist in over a decade (Jane Barlow/PA Wire) A Banksy exhibition opens this weekend in Glasgow, the artist's first official solo display in 14 years. The Cut & Run show is taking place at the citys Gallery of Modern Art (GoMA) and has been authorised by the elusive street artist. It will span 25 years and features many of the stencils the artist has used to create work. Banksy said: Ive kept these stencils hidden away for years, mindful they could be used as evidence in a charge of criminal damage. But that moment seems to have passed, so now Im exhibiting them in a gallery as works of art. Im not sure which is the greater crime. The show includes authentic artefacts, ephemera and the artists actual toilet. A number of unsanctioned exhibitions of the artists work have taken place around the world in recent years. But Banksy added: While the unauthorised Banksy shows might look like sweepings from my studio floor, Cut & Run really is the actual sweepings from my studio floor. Spanning from 1998 to the present day, the artist calls the exhibition 25 years card labour. Banksy said the traffic cone on top of the Duke of Wellington statue is his favourite piece of art in the UK (Jane Barlow/PA Wire) Pieces in the exhibition include the stencils for Girl With Balloon and Kissing Coppers. It also features a model explaining how the artist managed to shred Girl With Balloon during an auction at Sothebys in London in 2018. The artwork hit the headlines when it partially self-destructed at the conclusion of an auction in which it had been sold for 1.1 million. The canvas was passed through a secret shredder hidden inside a large frame, leaving the bottom half in tatters and only a solitary red balloon left on a white background in the frame. The artist renamed the work Love Is In The Bin and it sold at auction for 18.58 million in 2021. GoMA is staging the Banksy exhibition (PA Archive) A stencil for a work that appeared on a damaged building in Ukraine, showing a female gymnast balancing, is also on show, as is the stab-proof Union Jack vest Stormzy wore when he headlined at Glastonbury in 2019. Banksy said the traffic cone which famously sits on the head of the Duke of Wellington statue outside the gallery was behind the decision to exhibit there. A gallery label for the show said: For anyone who isnt aware the statue out the front has had a cone on its head continuously for the past 40-odd years. Despite the best efforts of the council and police, every time one is removed another takes its place. This might sound absurd and pretentious (just wait until you see the rest of the exhibition), but its my favourite work of art in the UK and the reason Ive brought the show here. The exhibition will open on Sunday and will run for three months, opening all night at weekends. If it proves popular the show may then tour. GoMA museum manager Gareth James said the exhibition is a perfect fit for GoMA and the city. He told The Herald: This has been a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to work with an artist who has been exciting and challenging people around the world with their work over the past 25 years. Twice a week, Robin Boudwin gets on the ACCESS bus, a paratransit transportation service, from her home in Boise. She arrives at Sweet Zolas Candy Shop at 7172 Fairview Ave., where she packages candy boxes, trains her colleagues or operates the register. For the past two years, Boudwin has been working at Sweet Zolas, a nonprofit that aims to help its employees with disabilities learn vital workplace skills in a safe environment. Boudwin has had quadriplegia and said the job has given her more responsibilities than her previous job at a movie theater in Las Vegas. Its given me a sense of worth, Boudwin told the Idaho Statesman at the store. Cyndy Radovich is the founder and executive director of Sweet Zolas, a nonprofit named after her daughter, since 2019 has been helping her employees like Boudwin find a place to call home. Sweet Zolas Candy & Gift Shop employee Evie Heckthorn packs monthly subscription boxes at the store in Boise on Saturday. Sarah A. Miller/Sarah A. Miller Currently, Sweet Zolas has 26 part-time employees, though the business has employed more than 50 workers since it began in 2019. The employees are paid $10 an hour and tips to the store go straight to the workers. Most of the employees also receive Supplemental Security Income, Radovich told the Idaho Statesman. SSI gives disabled individuals with limited incomes monthly payments and access to benefits like Medicare. The Blister Sisters, a community fitness group, last weekend organized a fundraiser and silent auction, which raised more than $1,200 for Sweet Zolas and its employees. The store was also featured on Good Morning America, which increased its visibility and resulted in a $10,000 donation from entrepreneur Kim Pernell. It was really amazing and a little overwhelming, Radovich said, adding that the money will in part be used for the stores rent. Radovich also began a candy box subscription, allowing the business to deliver its products anywhere in the U.S. and expand its customer base. Radovich said she used some of the donation funds to help start the subscription service. Boise store faced challenges during pandemic Zola, Radovichs 4-year-old daughter frequently joins her mother at the shop and interacts with several of the employees. Zola has grown up around workers with disabilities and learns from them, Radovich said. She stands up for kids at school who are being bullied because of their disabilities, Radovich said. Shes such a beautiful little soul, and shes learning. Sweet Zolas was located on North Main Street. However, in 2020 during the pandemic, the space they shared with Potters Tea House closed. Radovich had to search for a new location and found one on Fairview. Radovich discovered the storefront on her 40th birthday and called the landlord for a tour. The landlord had tons of interest, but he liked me for some reason, Radovich said. He liked what we were doing, and he immediately said yes. But Radovich said she struggled financially when she opened her new shop. Through her other job, working as a behavioral therapist for teenagers, she said she was able to support the store. She said despite the challenges, shes thankful for the second chance at keeping her business alive. I thought that when I opened the business, I would be making enough money to pay myself, Radovich said. To be perfectly honest, I hire everyone, and so I have so many employees that instead of paying myself, I pay them. Sweet Zolas Candy & Gift Shop employs people with developmental disabilities and trains them for work, Saturday, June 10, 2023. Sarah A. Miller/Sarah A. Miller But deciding to become a nonprofit was a tough choice. Radovich said she didnt want to be seen as a charity and wanted to show that workers with disabilities are willing to work for their money. We have to work just as hard as anyone without a disability because were proving that that disability does not mean that we cant be the same thing as anyone else, Radovich said. Sweet Zolas Candy & Gift Shop actively hires people with disabilities to work at the store, Saturday, June 10, 2023. Sarah A. Miller/Sarah A. Miller Radovich said that someday, she hopes to eventually acquire a larger area to create a better community space for her workers. Most days I walk in, and my employees are clapping, and theyre smiling and theyre opening the door for me, Radovich said. Its just a beautiful family. Good morning, Chicago. With a new mayoral administration, no permanent police superintendent and a new federal judge overseeing the case, the Chicago Police Departments consent decree is in grave danger of failing, according to the citys former chief watchdog. Advertisement For meaningful reform to reach critical mass, the City must be prodded repeatedly and publicly, Joe Ferguson, the citys former Inspector General, wrote in a June 5 letter made public in a federal court filing. The consent decree a sweeping set of reform mandates that were born out of the 2014 murder of Laquan McDonald by a Chicago police officer was approved in early 2019. Former U.S. District Judge Robert M. Dow selected a team led by former federal prosecutor Maggie Hickey to grade the CPDs adherence to the reforms. Advertisement Read the full story from the Tribunes Sam Charles. Here are the top stories you need to know to start your day. Subscribe to more newsletters | Puzzles & Games | Todays eNewspaper edition Then-Rep. Edward Acevedo watches votes come in on the House floor in 2013. (Michael Tercha/Chicago Tribune) The son of former Democratic state Rep. Edward Acevedo was sentenced to one month in prison for federal tax fraud conviction connected to the sprawling investigation of Commonwealth Edisons alleged attempts to influence then-House Speaker Michael Madigan. Michael Acevedo, 36, of Chicago, pleaded guilty in December to three counts of failing to file federal tax returns. The crowd reacts as My Chemical Romance performs at Riot Fest in Chicagos Douglass Park on Sept. 16, 2022. (Chris Sweda/Chicago Tribune) The Chicago Park Districts Board of Commissioners unanimously approved a provisional permit for Riot Fest, clearing the way for the three-day rock music festival to return to Douglass Park in September. Afternoon Briefing Weekdays Chicago Tribune editors' top story picks, delivered to your inbox each afternoon. By submitting your email to receive this newsletter, you agree to our Subscriber Terms & Conditions and Privacy Policy > The festival faced heavy backlash last year as community members led a movement to evict big-ticket festivals from the park. Two other large music festivals held in the park last summer have since moved to other venues. Dozens of bicyclists ride along Washington Street as they converge at Daley Plaza on June 14, 2023, for a rally for safe streets. (Antonio Perez/Chicago Tribune) Concerns about traffic and public safety and skepticism of the street races economic benefit to the city were among the issues aldermen raised at the City Councils Pedestrian and Traffic Safety Committee, where they questioned Chicago street race President Julie Giese, staff from the emergency management office and other city leaders. Advertisement The Tinley Park Ale Trail Trolley rolls through the village last Wednesday on its inaugural run connecting independently-owned craft breweries and wine bars. (Village of Tinley Park) A new summertime trolley is traveling Tinley Park roads as part of a village effort to connect residents and visitors with its independently-owned craft breweries and wine bars. Dutch hotel chain citizenM opened its first hotel in downtown Chicago with 280 rooms and art by Nina Chanel Abney, who painted an abstract tribute to the city on the buildings exterior. (CitizenM) Theres no better time to enjoy Chicago than in the summer. Whether youre taking advantage of world-class museums or soaking in the sun on the lakefront, the city comes alive when the days are long and the weather is warm. Some hotels are especially eager to welcome guests this year because they have a new look to show off. Chicago Bears defensive end DeMarcus Walker during organized team activities on June 7, 2023, at Halas Hall. (Brian Cassella) What the Bears have on the edge right now is a willing leader in DeMarcus Walker, someone who seems comfortable being in that position as a newcomer, writes Brad Biggs. Musician Pete Townshend at the Ritz-Carlton Oct. 11, 2022, in Chicago. (John J. Kim/Chicago Tribune) Pete Townshend was in his early 20s when he wrote most of Tommy, which was released in 1969. Now, as the album-turned-Broadway musical plots a Chicago comeback, hes 78. With Townshend credited with music, lyrics and book and Des McAnuff as director, Tommy the musical opens soon at Chicagos Goodman Theatre. Beijing The war against Ukraine inevitably causes led to Russias rejection by other post-Soviet republics and former colonies of Russia. They have become afraid of the possible loss of their sovereignty and independence. To distance themselves from Russia, the countries of Central Asia are looking for support from China. Beijing has chosen a triumphant moment for its expansion into Central Asia. It systematically fills the vacuum created by Russia, which has been weakened by the sanctions the West has placed on it in response to its invasion of Ukraine. Central Asia has become the key to China's trillion-dollar "One Belt, One Road" initiative, a defining geopolitical project for President Xi Jinping. About 150 countries have received Chinese funding for constructing roads, ports, railways, hydroelectric power plants, and other infrastructure. Their trade with Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, and Uzbekistan reached $70 billion in 2022. Read also: The red line was crossed. What signal did Biden send to Putin and what is Xi Jinping preparing? Russia's war in Ukraine has further shifted the dynamics in favor of Beijing forcing many in the region to question their long-standing ties to Moscow and seek economic, diplomatic, and strategic guarantees elsewhere. China is actively increasing its political influence in the region in addition to its economic power. Notably, they held the first China-Central Asia summit with the leaders of China and five Central Asian states in Xi'an, China, where the old Silk Road began. In attendance were Presidents Tokayev of Kazakhstan, Sadyr Japarov of Kyrgyzstan, Emomali Rahmon of Tajikistan, Serdar Berdymukhamedov of Turkmenistan, and Shavkat Mirziyoyev of Uzbekistan, and of course, Xi Jinping himself. Russia's war in Ukraine has further shifted the dynamics in favor of Beijing Together, they planned cooperation in the fields of security, infrastructure, and development, including the reconstruction of the China-Kyrgyzstan-Uzbekistan railway for 6 billion dollars and the expansion of the Central Asia-China gas pipeline. The Russian war in Ukraine pushes Central Asian countries deeper into China's embrace. However, China's entry into Central Asia has not always been popular. Read also: NATO to discuss sending jets, Zelenskyy on Crimean Tatar meml day, Beijing envoy in Kyiv In 2019, protests erupted in Kazakhstan, which called itself an essential link in the "One Belt, One Road" project, over Chinese expansionism in the country. In 2020, a Chinese investor who planned to invest nearly $300 million in a trade and logistics center in Kyrgyzstan pulled out of the project due to local protests. Beijing says the initiative aims to deepen friendly trade relations, especially with the developing world. But China has long been accused of luring low-income countries into debt traps by offering huge, unaffordable loans. Read also: Li Huis visit to Zelenskyy: Beijing aims to show de-escalation dependence on China, says Klimkin China has developed a so-called "One Belt, One Road" rescue system to help recipient countries avoid default and continue to service their debts for the project. Beijing's significant investments fuel fears that their economic influence may lead to interference in domestic politics. China's development in the Central Asian region is seen as a model to follow, but there are concerns that Beijing's approach is fundamentally extractive. It concerns increasing exports of agricultural, mineral, and other products from Central Asia to China. In exchange for expanding economic cooperation, China will seek support in ensuring security in the region where three Central Asian countries border Xinjiang, the western region of China that is home to about 12 million Uighur Muslims. Xinjiang is another source of conflict where Western governments accuse Beijing of repressions. Over a million Uighurs and other predominantly Muslim minorities have been placed by the Beijing authorities in forced re-education camps under the pretext of suppressing religious extremism. Uighur ties with Central Asia are deep, and their shared religious and ethnic heritage means that their fate call upon broad sympathy in the region and fuels anti-Chinese sentiment. Read also: Chinese leader Xi backs African nations' plan to restart Ukrainian-Russian peace talks China is more popular among the elites in Central Asia than among the people, as their policies desperately require investment, which is not always supported by the population. Citizens' concerns are partly related to Chinas immense size and the economic asymmetry between them and their far larger neighbor. The lack of employment opportunities for locals in China-funded projects and the already high indebtedness to China also causes outrage. Chinese initiative "One Belt, One Road" is criticized as Beijing's tool to expand its influence in the world, and in particular, create a debt trap by burdening countries with debt for projects they cannot afford. Beijing is already the main creditor of Central Asian countries, with Chinese loans to Kyrgyzstan and Tajikistan making up more than a fifth of their GDP. It remains unknown whether massive economic inflows will alleviate existing concerns about China. 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 Beijing to cover IVF, other fertility treatments for couples from July FILE PHOTO: Staff members walk past the waiting area of the assisted reproductive centre at the Beijing Perfect Family Hospital in Beijing By Farah Master HONG KONG (Reuters) - Beijing's government on Thursday announced that it would cover 16 types of assisted reproduction technology under the city's health care system from July 1, the latest move by authorities to boost China's flagging birth rate. In-vitro fertilisation, embryo transplantation, freezing and storing semen are some of the treatments that would be included under basic insurance, said Du Xin, deputy director of Beijing's Municipal Medical Insurance Bureau. The measure comes as China grapples to stem a decline in births after posting its first population drop in six decades. The number of newborns dropped to a record low of 6.77 per 1,000 people last year and is expected to decline further in 2023. China's National Health Commission last August issued guidance to provinces on reforming policies to support fertility rates. Liaoning, a province in China's northeast, said in May that it would include assisted reproduction technologies from July 1. Beijing's announcement also comes ahead of a court verdict for Teresa Xu, an unmarried 35-year old Chinese woman who sued a Beijing public hospital for violating her rights by refusing to freeze her eggs because she is unmarried. Concerned about China's rapid ageing, government political advisers proposed in March that single and unmarried women should have access to egg freezing and in vitro fertilisation (IVF) treatment, among other services. It is difficult for unmarried women across the country to access fertility treatments such as IVF and egg freezing technologies due to a national rule that they must be married. Some private clinics in provinces such as in the southwestern Sichuan province have already begun permitting IVF due to falling births. Liberalising fertility treatments nationwide could unleash more demand in what is already the world's biggest market, and strain limited fertility services, said investors and industry executives. (Additional reporting by the Beijing newsroom; Editing by Michael Perry) For the second time this year, concerns of Chinese spying on the United States have cast a shadow over a planned visit to China by the US top diplomat as the two superpowers try to improve fractured ties while keeping a watchful eye on each other. US Secretary of State Antony Blinken is expected to land in Beijing over the weekend following the postponement of his earlier trip planned for February after a Chinese surveillance balloon meandered across the continental US, hovering over sensitive military sites before being shot down by an American fighter plane. But with Blinken poised to make a trip seen as a key step to mend fractured US-China communications, another espionage controversy has flared in recent days following media reports that China had reached a deal to build a spy perch on the island of Cuba. Beijing has said it wasnt aware of the situation, while the White House said the reports were not accurate with Blinken earlier this week saying China upgraded its spying facilities there in 2019. The situation is just the latest in a string of allegations of spying between the two in recent months. They underscore how intelligence gathering an activity meant to go on without detection, out of the public eye is becoming an increasingly prominent flashpoint in the US-China relationship. CIA Director Bill Burns secretly traveled to China in May to meet counterparts and emphasize the importance of maintaining open lines of communication in intelligence channels, CNN reported earlier this month. Crisis communications are arguably in their worst state since 1979. This puts a premium on both countries ability to gather intelligence to understand each others capabilities, actions, and strategic intent around the globe, said Lyle Morris, a senior fellow at the Asia Society Policy Institutes Center for China Analysis. That pushes intelligence gathering itself to become another factor that is complicating US-China relations, he said. Thats especially the case, experts say, as China continues to expand its own intelligence gathering capabilities catching up in an area where the US has traditionally had an edge. Its fair to say that weve been spying on each other at various scales for a long time, said former Central Intelligence Agency (CIA) China analyst Christopher Johnson. No doubt theres been an uptick from both sides, but probably more so on the Chinese side, simply because theyve gotten larger, more influential, richer, and therefore have more resources to devote than they did in the past, said Johnson, who is now president of the China Strategies Group consultancy. A Chinese J-16 fighter moves close to a US reconnaissance aircraft flying in international airspace over the South China Sea on Friday, May 26, 2023. - U.S. Navy/AP Chinas spy game Chinese leader Xi Jinping has also pursued a far more assertive foreign policy than his predecessors during his past decade in power. Thats been accompanied by a consistent emphasis on enhancing intelligence capabilities, modernizing technology, and improving coordination among different security agencies, according to Xuezhi Guo, a professor of political science at Guilford College in the US. Chinas main intelligence activities fall under departments within the Peoples Liberation Army and its vast civilian agency known as the Ministry of State Security (MSS). Other arms of the Communist Party apparatus also play a role in activities beyond conventional intelligence gathering, experts say. The MSS, established in 1983, oversees intelligence and counterintelligence both within China and overseas. Its remit has encouraged analogies to a combined CIA and Federal Bureau of Intelligence. But the sprawling Beijing-headquartered MSS is even more secretive without even a public website describing its activities. The agency is expected to play an even more significant role in Chinas domestic and international security and stability in the coming years, amid mounting challenges at home and abroad, Guo said. In the context of both Chinas growing clout and geopolitical frictions, experts say its no surprise Beijing is allegedly seeking to establish or expand surveillance facilities in Cuba or other places around the world with the US as a key target, but not the only one. Meanwhile, intelligence gathering in China has become harder. Xi has consolidated his power and become increasingly focused on security including building out the states ability to monitor its citizens, both online and through Chinas extensive surveillance infrastructure. The task of collecting intelligence in China is arguably harder than ever and yet more necessary than ever, said Johnson, the former analyst, pointing to challenges of gaining insight into the government under the centralized leadership of Xi, who maintains a very small circle of knowledge or trust. Chinas building of a domestic surveillance panopticon has also enabled its counter-intelligence, according to Johnson. US intelligence has difficulties having operational meetings or going black (dodging surveillance) within China, he said, especially during the Covid-19 pandemic when movement was tightly controlled and even more digitally monitored than usual. CIA operations also suffered a staggering setback starting in 2010, according to The New York Times, when the Chinese government killed or imprisoned more than a dozen sources over two years. In 2021, CNN reported that the agency was overhauling how it trains and manages its network of spies as part of a broad transition to focus more closely on adversaries like China and Russia. A tower of security cameras near Shanghai's Lujiazui financial district in May. - Hector Retamal/AFP/Getty Images Mounting concerns This contrasts with what some US lawmakers and commentators believe has been a too relaxed approach to national security with regards to China, where even private businesses are beholden to the ruling Communist Party, which also seeks to keep tabs on its citizens overseas. Experts have also warned about the overlap between espionage efforts and operations like those of Chinas United Front a sprawling network of groups that manage the partys relationship with non-party industries, organizations and individuals around the world. Heightened concern and awareness about Chinese intelligence gathering or the potential for it has exploded in the US in recent years. Thats played out in debates about the use of Chinese telecoms equipment and social media platforms think Huawei and TikTok as well as in government efforts to prosecute economic espionage cases and prevent any influence campaigns from impacting American democracy. Beijing has said repeatedly that it does not interfere in the internal affairs of other countries. Both Huawei and Tiktok have repeatedly denied that their products present a national security risk or would be accessed by the Chinese government. In the US, theres also been concern about over-hyping the threat and sparking anti-Chinese sentiment. The US Justice Department last year ended its 3-year-old China Initiative, a national security program largely focused on thwarting technology theft, including in academia, after a string of cases were dismissed amid concerns of fueling suspicion and bias against Chinese Americans. US intellectual property had long been a traditional target of Chinese espionage. A survey of 224 reported instances of Chinese espionage directed at the United States since 2000, conducted using open source data by the Center for Strategic and International Studies (CSIS) think tank in Washington, found nearly half involved cyber-espionage, while over half were seeking to acquire commercial technologies. Beijing appears to be increasingly pushing back on what it sees as a double standard as the US international surveillance efforts have also been well-documented. The 2013 leak produced by former National Security Agency contractor Edward Snowden, for example, revealed Washingtons vast global digital surveillance capabilities, against both rivals and allies alike. Meanwhile, the US intelligence community is widely understood to have its own overseas facilities for collecting signals intelligence. Last month, Beijing released a report from a national cybersecurity agency titled Empire of Hacking: The US Central Intelligence Agency. It accused the US of promoting the internet in the 1980s in order to further its intelligence agencies efforts to launch Color Revolutions and overthrow governments abroad. The organizations, enterprises and individuals that use the Internet equipment and software products of the USA have been used as the puppet agents by CIA, helping it to be a shining star in global cyber espionage wars, the report also claimed. Chinas own internet is heavily censored with access limited by a Great Firewall part of its extensive efforts to control the flow of information alongside its extensive digital surveillance of its own population. Chinas Foreign Ministry last month again pointed its finger at the US after Washington released a warning alleging that a Chinese state-sponsored hacker had infiltrated networks across US critical infrastructure sectors. Earlier this month, the ministry also slammed the US for sending what it said were more than 800 flights of large reconnaissance aircraft to spy on China last year though no assertion was made of crossing into Chinese airspace. The comment came after each countrys military accused the other of misbehavior after a Chinese fighter jet intercepted a US spy plane in international airspace over the South China Sea. TikTok CEO Shou Zi Chew testifies at a House Energy and Commerce Committee hearing on Capitol Hill in Washington, DC on Thursday, March 23, 2023. - Jabin Botsford/The Washington Post/Getty Images Two-way street Experts say this rhetorical back-and-forth over each others clandestine activities is likely only to continue as US-China competition drives both to ramp up their intelligence gathering and China continues to expand its own prowess, including through technological advancements such as satellite networks, surveillance balloons and data processing. China increasingly has capabilities (that the US has been known for) this is moving from a one way street historically to a two-way street, said John Delury, author of Agents of Subversion: The Fate of John T. Downey and the CIAs Covert War in China. He pointed to how China had long been subject to US offshore surveillance and prior to the restoration of diplomatic relations in the 1970s direct aerial surveillance. Theres a psychological dimension to this as well, Delury added, noting that the spy balloon incident earlier this year brought this to the fore giving Americans the unnerving sense that China can do this to us now, they have technical capabilities and can look at us. Meanwhile, theres much at stake in how well the two governments can repair official communication seen as a key element of Blinkens expected visit on Sunday and Monday. When theres less communication, the two intelligence communities inside the two governments have to do more and more guesswork, said Delury. Then theres a lot more room for faulty assumptions. For more CNN news and newsletters create an account at CNN.com Belleville man drove to Collinsville to have sex with teen. The FBI greeted him instead. A federal jury returned guilty verdicts Tuesday against a Belleville man accused of two attempted sex crimes against a minor after he tried to meet with who he believed to be a 15-year-old girl in Collinsville. The jury found Gerald S. Sewell, 59, guilty of one count of attempted enticement of a minor and one count of travel with intent to engage in illicit sexual conduct. Sewells sentencing is scheduled for Sept. 20. According to documents filed with the U.S. Court for the Southern District of Illinois, Sewell initiated a conversation on Craigslist with an undercover FBI agent posing as a 15-year-old girl. Where u looking to go and ... he said, according to the records. Looking for a fun discreet time ... later the undercover agent responded. Later, Sewell messaged, U gonna wear sexy thong for me? The agent responded, Sure. What r u gonna wear, according to court documents. Using sexually-explicit language, he made plans to meet with what he believed to be a teenage girl for sex at a house in Collinsville. Sewell arrived at approximately 4:40 p.m. June 27, 2020, to the undercover residence and parked his Camero in front, court documents noted. He exited his vehicle, walked to the front door and was arrested. In an interview with law enforcement, Sewell said he was living at a friends house in Missouri and therefore had crossed over state lines to engage in the criminal sexual activity, according to the court records. Sewell was one of 14 defendants charged in June 2020 as the result of an FBI-led operation involving multiple federal and state law enforcement agencies that targeted online predators, according to the federal court. As technology becomes more integrated into our daily lives, internet safety is critical for healthy development in children of all ages, said U.S. Attorney Rachelle Aud Crowe in a statement. Fortunately, the FBI is working aggressively to remove online predators looking for children to abuse, and Im grateful for their partnership. The FBI Springfield Field Office led the operation with assistance from the FBI St. Louis Field Office, U.S. Air Force Office of Special Investigations, the Belleville Police Department, the Collinsville Police Department, the Edwardsville Police Department, the Franklin County Sheriffs Office, the Illinois State Police, the Southern Illinois University-Edwardsville Police Department, the St. Louis County Police Department, the Swansea Police Department, and the U.S. Secret Service. Additional assistance was provided by the U.S. Marshals Service, the Alton jail, the Monroe County jail, and the St. Clair County jail. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Laura Reppert and Zoe Gross are prosecuting the case. U.S. President Biden delivers remarks at the League of Conservation Voters annual dinner in Washington Biden gets backing of leading environmental groups for re-election U.S. President Biden delivers remarks at the League of Conservation Voters annual dinner in Washington By Trevor Hunnicutt and Jarrett Renshaw WASHINGTON (Reuters) - A collection of the nation's leading and biggest spending environmental groups endorsed President Joe Biden's re-election bid on Wednesday, an early sign that he has consolidated their support despite some recent policy moves that angered climate activists. The League of Conservation Voters (LCV) Action Fund, billionaire Tom Steyer's NextGen PAC, NRDC Action Fund and the Sierra Club endorsed Biden during an LCV dinner in Washington. This is the first time the four groups have ever jointly announced a presidential endorsement, according to the Biden campaign. "Together, we've made a lot of progress so far. We have to finish the job," Biden told the crowd climate activists. He added that the world poses many threats, but climate change "is the only truly existential threat." While the endorsements are not surprising, they are a sign that the environmental groups are not letting a series of recently disappointing administration decisions on oil drilling in Alaska and backing a gas pipeline in West Virginia to dampen their enthusiasm. "The stakes could not be more high and the choice could not be more clear," said Eva Hernandez, Managing Director of the Sierra Club. The groups represent the mainstream part of the environmental movement and tend to reflect older voices. Younger activists, such as the ones that sought to disrupt the annual White House Correspondents Dinner earlier this year, may be less enthusiastic to back Biden. The four organizations combined represent millions of members and activists in every state across the country who can help mobilize voters in 2024. They also represent big money. Steyer's NextGen PAC spent $56.7 million in 2020, campaign finance records show. Biden is traveling to California next week to raise campaign cash from tech and climate donors as he races to raise over a billion dollars for his re-election fight, Reuters reported. (Reporting By Trevor Hunnicutt and Jarrett Renshaw; Editing by Mary Milliken and Lisa Shumaker) Several ticketing and travel companies are committing to get rid of hidden fees for buyers in the United States, President Joe Biden announced Thursday. Biden made the announcement alongside representatives from private-sector companies including Airbnb, SeatGeek and Ticketmaster parent company Live Nation, all of which have pledged to provide consumers with the full price of their tickets upfront. The announcement marks a step forward in Bidens plan to ban junk fees the extra charges often applied to travel, ticket and banking transactions as part of a broader appeal toward working-class voters. This deal shows collective bargaining works, Biden said at the White House. When employers and workers come together to agree on a deal that works for both of them, its good for the economy and keeping our supply chain open. The companies did not commit to eliminating the actual fees, promising instead to disclose them from the beginning of the transaction rather than in the final stage before payment. The issue came to national attention in November when Live Nation and its Ticketmaster subsidiary drew criticism for hidden fees, as well as widespread glitches, during sales for Taylor Swifts latest tour. In the last year, the president has made reducing these hidden surcharges a priority, calling for an end to junk fees in hisState of the Union address in February. He called on Congress to pass a Junk Fee Prevention Act, and has also asked the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau and the Transportation Department to increase their oversight on hidden charges. The companies represented here today are voluntarily committed to all-in, upfront pricing, Biden said. Some of them have used this process for years, like TickPick, Dice and the Newport Festival Foundation. Tens of millions of fans have already benefited from this decision. Others, like Airbnb, have started giving customers the option of seeing all-in prices since we called for action last year, and other businesses are committing today. The White House event followed aThursday-morning announcement from Biden that Live Nation had committed to introduce an upfront all-in pricing experience in September. Ticketing companies SeatGeek and xBk will also begin introducing all-in pricing models. Biden has continued to call for action from Congress, requesting legislation that mandates upfront pricing for all ticketing companies and eliminates early termination fees from cable, internet and cellphone companies. Biden has also advocated for the elimination of family seating fees on airlines, and recently commended Alaska Airlines, Frontier Airlines and American Airlines for committing to fee-free family seating in light of his State of the Union address. President Biden late Wednesday credited acting Labor Secretary Julie Su for helping broker a tentative agreement between shippers and West Coast dockworkers, offering praise for Su amid a tense fight over her confirmation to the role. Biden thanked Su for her involvement in talks between the parties, saying she used her deep experience and judgment to keep the parties talking, working with them to reach an agreement after a long and sometimes acrimonious negotiation. Above all I congratulate the port workers, who have served heroically through the pandemic and the countless challenges it brought, and will finally get the pay, benefits, and quality of life they deserve, Biden said in a statement. Julie Su has proven herself time and time again, both as Deputy Secretary working closely with Secretary Marty Walsh and now as a leader who helped assure that our supply chains remain strong for Americas businesses, farmers, and working families, he added. The dockworkers union reached a tentative agreement on a new contract Wednesday after more than a year of negotiations marked by several work disruptions. The contract between shippers and 22,000 West Coast port workers represented by the International Longshore and Warehouse Union was set to expire July 1, raising concerns about a work stoppage that could have snarled the nations supply chains. Sus involvement comes as the Senate is weighing her nomination to serve as Labor secretary. For months, Su and Democrats have been unable to win over the needed 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 the administration to look elsewhere to get her over the finish line. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill. FILE - Bill Cosby arrives for a sentencing hearing following his sexual assault conviction at the Montgomery County Courthouse in Norristown Pa. Nine more women are accusing Cosby of sexual assault in a lawsuit that alleges he used what they call his enormous power, fame and prestige to victimize them. A lawsuit filed Wednesday, June 14, 2023, in federal court in Nevada alleges that the women were individually drugged and assaulted between approximately 1979 and 1992 in Las Vegas, Reno and Lake Tahoe homes, dressing rooms and hotels. (AP Photo/Matt Rourke, File) (ASSOCIATED PRESS) LAS VEGAS (AP) Nine more women are accusing Bill Cosby of sexual assault in a lawsuit that alleges he used his enormous power, fame and prestige" to victimize them. A lawsuit filed Wednesday in federal court in Nevada alleges that the women were individually drugged and assaulted between approximately 1979 and 1992 in Las Vegas, Reno and Lake Tahoe homes, dressing rooms and hotels. One woman alleges that Cosby, claiming to be her acting mentor, lured her from New York to Nevada, where he drugged her in a hotel room with what he had claimed to be non-alcoholic sparkling cider and then raped her. The 85-year-old former Cosby Show star has now been accused of rape, sexual assault and sexual harassment by more than 60 women. He has denied all allegations involving sex crimes. He was the first celebrity tried and convicted in the #MeToo era and spent nearly three years at a state prison near Philadelphia before a higher court threw out the conviction and released him in 2021. Earlier this year, a Los Angeles jury awarded $500,000 to a woman who said Cosby sexually abused her at the Playboy Mansion when she was 16 in 1975. The Nevada lawsuit came only a few weeks after Gov. Joe Lombardo signed a bill that eliminated a two-year deadline for adults to file sexual abuse cases. Similar suits have followed other lookback laws in other states. One of the plaintiffs, Lise-Lotte Lublin, a Nevada native, had advocated for the change. She had previously alleged that Cosby gave her spiked drinks and raped her at a Las Vegas hotel in 1989. The Associated Press does not identify people who say they have been sexually assaulted unless they come forward publicly. For years I have fought for survivors of sexual assault and today is the first time I will be able to fight for myself, Lotte-Lublin said in a statement cited by the Las Vegas Review-Journal. With the new law change, I now have the ability to take my assailant Bill Cosby to court. My journey has just begun, but I am grateful for this opportunity to find justice. In California, a former Playboy model who alleges Cosby drugged and sexually assaulted her and another woman at his home in 1969 sued him on June 1 under a new California law that suspends the statute of limitations on sex abuse claims. Cosby publicist Andrew Wyatt blasted such laws in a statement Wednesday. Mr. Cosby is a Citizen of these United States but these judges and lawmakers are consistently allowing these civil suits to flood their docketsknowing that these women are not fighting for victimsbut for their addiction to massive amounts of media attention and greed, Wyatt said. From this day forward, we will not continue to allow these women to parade various accounts of an alleged allegation against Mr. Cosby anymore without vetting them in the court of public opinion and inside of the courtroom, Wyatt said. In the latest suit, the women contend that Cosby used his enormous power, fame, and prestige, and claimed interest in helping them and/or their careers as a pretense to isolate and sexually assault them. Members leave the Chicago Teachers Union Center after a CTU House of Delegates meeting in 2019. (Chris Sweda/Chicago Tribune) It has been said that he who pays the piper dictates the tune. As taxpayers, we pay elected officials to solve problems and work for us. Unfortunately, labor unions have a stranglehold on a majority of elected officials. At every level of local government in Illinois, Democrats are overwhelmingly in charge. Yet nearly every weekend in Chicago, residents are terrorized by violence. Advertisement Our citizens are afraid to ride public transit. Too many neighborhoods lack full-service grocery stores and affordable housing. The schools are graduating students who cannot read or write, according to state data. Plus, the Illinois pension crisis that has grown to more than $140 billion. The electorate sees no hope in voting. Why havent elected officials been able to solve the basic problems of crime, education, homelessness and pensions? Advertisement While elected officials are supposed to work for us, it is clear they listen to the most influential special interest group in Illinois labor unions. Last year, the unions represented 13.1% of Illinois workers, and they are controlling government not for the public good but for their own good. The influence of unions on elected officials has been used to drive policy and kill legislation that could have benefited communities. The passage of the Workers Rights Amendment to the Illinois Constitution was led by unions. The amendment guarantees workers a broad right to collective bargaining and prohibits right-to-work legislation effectively making unions more powerful than any elected official. [ Willie Wilson: Brandon Johnson should recuse himself from CTU contract negotiations ] Last year, the Illinois AFL-CIO, Illinois Nurses Association and the Chicago Federation of Labor expressed opposition to a bipartisan bill, S.B. 2068, that would have expanded the number of nurses in Illinois by allowing Illinois to join the national compact that recognizes licenses for all nurses working in states that belong to the compact. Supporters of the bill greatly outnumbered union interests, but in the end, the bill died. Gov. J.B. Pritzker and leaders of both chambers in the Illinois state legislature sent their kids to private schools, but they just allowed the Invest in Kids Act, a scholarship program that benefited 9,000 low-income kids, to end. The program was funded by private scholarships and allowed kids to escape failing public schools. This program has funded more than 40,000 scholarships for working-class families. According to the latest data, the scholarship students are mostly African American and Latino. Why would legislators, the Black and Latino caucuses, and the governor not continue this program? The Chicago Teachers Union opposed the program. The CTU has been taking positions against legislation that could harm children and parents. For example, CTU opposed measures that would: Let school districts suspend or expel students convicted of violent felonies. Require school districts with 300 or more students to post a list of learning materials. Advertisement Require a school district to notify parents that a school employee has been charged with a sex offense. Allow schools to provide comprehensive reading and math intervention for kindergarten through third grade students. Raise the minimum funding for charter schools. A recent report by the advocacy group the Illinois Policy Institute details the influence CTU has exerted over lawmakers. The report notes that CTU told lawmakers what to do more than 1,360 times from 2011 to 2022. [ Editorial: Is the Chicago Teachers Union the new machine? ] The unions influence on electoral politics is seen through the millions of dollars in union dues contributed to candidates and incumbents for public office. The IPI did a study of contributions received by members of the General Assembly during 2019-20. The analysis revealed more than $15.7 million flowed directly from unions and union political action committees to the campaigns of state lawmaker. A majority of sitting lawmakers, nearly 88%, received money from unions. Our democracy is at risk when elected representatives are more concerned with pleasing their union masters rather than their constituents. Consider the words of U.S. Sen. Daniel Webster, who declared in a 1830 speech to the Senate that it is ... the peoples Constitution, the peoples government, made for the people, made by the people and answerable to the people. Our elected officials are bound by the Constitution to put citizens ahead of special interests including unions. Advertisement I recommend these solutions to enhance our democracy: 1. Mayor Brandon Johnson should issue an executive order prohibiting donations from contractors with the city including labor unions. 2. Pritzker should issue an executive order prohibiting donations from contractors with the state including labor unions. 3. Cook County Board President Toni Preckwinkle should issue an executive order prohibiting donations from contractors with the county including labor unions. Chicago Tribune Opinion Weekdays Read the latest editorials and commentary curated by the Tribune Opinion team. By submitting your email to receive this newsletter, you agree to our Subscriber Terms & Conditions and Privacy Policy > 4. Pritzker should advocate for legislation to close loopholes in campaign finance laws. 5. Pritzker and the legislature should reinstate the Invest in Kids scholarship program. Advertisement 6. Pritzker and the legislature should fully empower and fund the Illinois State Board of Elections to strictly enforce campaign finance laws. These common sense solutions will free elected officials who are afraid to alienate their union-funded backers. Our democracy is too important to allow a handful of union bosses to dictate decision-making at every level of government. The U.S. Supreme Court in Buckley v. Valeo stated that limits on campaign contributions are justified if they are closely tied to an important governmental interest, such as preventing quid pro quo corruption or the appearance thereof. I write this to make those who are comfortable enjoying the benefit of taxpayer funding without accountability uncomfortable. Willie Wilson is a Chicago business owner and a former 2023 mayoral candidate. Submit a letter, of no more than 400 words, to the editor here or email letters@chicagotribune.com. Biologist trains pack of ultra-smart dogs to keep wild bears out of danger: [They] speak much stronger to the bear than I can At the Wind River Bear Institute in Montana, bear biologist Carrie Hunt is training bear conflict dogs to scare bears away from human settlements in order to save these bears, The Guardian reports. As humans spread into previously-wild areas of North America, and as conservation efforts have raised bear populations, encounters between people and bears are getting more common. Game biologist Heather Reich told The Guardian that in the late 80s, the Nevada Department of Wildlife was receiving 14 calls about bear problems per year. In 2022, the number was 1,450 over 100 times as many. A bear living peacefully in wilderness areas and respecting the space of humans isnt a safety issue. But while the National Park Service assures the public that most bears will still avoid humans, the ones that lose their fear of humans are a growing problem. When bears come into settled areas looking for food, thats dangerous for them and the humans they encounter. Bears in human spaces can cause injury, death, and property damage, so they may be put down to protect human lives. Hunt hoped for a less violent solution. In 1996, she founded the Wind River Bear Institute. There, she trains dogs to confront bears and scare them away from inhabited areas. The dogs have a body language, an animal-to-animal conversation that speaks much stronger to the bear than I can, Reich told The Guardian. Bears are thought to be more afraid of canines than of humans since wolves and coyotes are a threat to bear cubs in their natural habitat. Speaking of an encounter with a dog, Reich said, For the bear, it is a really bad experience. While that may sound mean, its actually very important. The Guardian reports that other methods of scaring a bear away, like using noisemakers and rubber bullets, get less effective over time as the bear learns that these unfamiliar items dont harm them. But if dogs protect an area, the bear will learn to stay away. To accomplish this, Hunt trains Karelian bear dogs, a Finnish breed originally raised to hunt large animals, The Guardian explains. Hunts dogs arent trained for hunting; instead, they alert humans to the presence of bears, and they chase bears to herd them out of the area without harming them. Ultimately, the best thing humans can do for themselves and bears is to secure their food and garbage cans, removing the temptation of an easy meal. It is about teaching bears and people the correct behaviors so they can live in the same area, Hunt told The Guardian. Join our free newsletter for cool news and cool tips that make it easy to help yourself while helping the planet. A bipartisan group of senators on Wednesday introduced legislation blocking the transfer of Americans data to countries deemed a threat to U.S. national security. Our bipartisan bill would turn off the tap of data to unfriendly nations, stop TikTok from sending Americans personal information to China, and allow nations with strong privacy protections to strengthen their relationships, said Sen. Ron Wyden (D-Ore.) who wrote the new bill along with Sen. Cynthia Lummis (R-Wyo.). The bill, called The Protecting Americans Data from Foreign Surveillance Act of 2023, makes no specific reference to TikTok or China. This may allow it to avoid First Amendment challenges and accusations of government overreach faced by other attempts to crack down on the Chinese company, an aide told CNN. The bill orders the commerce secretary to list countries considered low-risk to U.S. national security that would be allowed to share Americans data, as well as high-risk countries that would face restrictions. Countries outside of the two categories would have to apply for a license. To determine which countries are high-risk, the Commerce Department would have to evaluate data protections and determine whether the government could require access to Americans data. The determination also would consider whether foreign governments have intelligence operations targeting the U.S. The privacy and security of our data is essential to the freedoms we hold dear. If foreign adversaries can access our data, they can control it, Lummis said in a statement. The legislation is co-sponsored by Sen. Sheldon Whitehouse (D-R.I.), Sen. Bill Hagerty (R-Tenn), Sen. Martin Heinrich (D-N.M.), and Sen. Marco Rubio (R-Fla.). Reps. Anna Eshoo (D-Calif.) and Warren Davidson (R-Ohio.) have introduced a version in the House. TikTok, owned by ByteDance, has been under intense scrutiny over its ties to China. The Biden administration has warned the social media company it could be banned from the U.S. unless it is sold. The company has maintained it is committed to user safety and has spent over $1 billion on a Project Texas initiative to route U.S. user data to U.S.-based servers owned by software company Oracle. Earlier this month, Sens. Richard Blumenthal (D-Conn.) and Marsha Blackburn (R-Tenn.) called on CEO Shou Zi Chew in a letter to correct and explain his statements following a report contradicting his claim that the company isnt storing U.S. user data in China. They referenced, among other things, a Forbes article reporting that TikTok has used China-based storage for sensitive data, including Social Security numbers, of prominent U.S. TikTok creators paid by the company. 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 could force TikTok to share U.S. user data with Beijing. Montana recently became the first U.S. state to impose a statewide ban on the platform, which is set to take effect in January 2024. TikTok has sued to block the law on First Amendment grounds. If youre visiting Texas and are hoping to support Black-owned restaurants, then Dallas is the perfect place. The city is home to some of the most flavorful, creative and picturesque Black-owned restaurants in the country. Between fine dining, take-out and casual eating spots, you will have no problem finding restaurants that fit your lifestyle, cravings and needs. Here are the best Black-owned restaurants in Dallas, Texas. Casa Del Vagno Casa Del Vagno is the second plant-based restaurant started by husband and wife duo, Anthony and Elizabeth Bookman. The menus inspired by Texass iconic Tex-Mex dishes and some of the restaurant owners favorite places they frequented when they were meat-eaters. The French Quarter Grab your friends and get ready for fine dining Louisiana style. John Dixon III is a Louisiana native that serves guests with the motto, Come where youre celebrated, not where youre tolerated. The French Quarter offers a sexy ambiance, where you will enjoy fine dining mixed with cajun soul. The menu features some of the best entrees and creative cocktails in the Dallas area. Pair the top-selling Steak and Lobster Tower with the restaurants famous Chairman cocktail, which are two of the owners favorites on the menu. The restaurant also hosts live music occasionally and announce the acts on social media. Invasion Chef Airric Heidelberg is the brains behind Invasion. The restaurant is open for lunch, dinner and late-night hours. He created a unique menu full of flavor in a trendy and modern space. Invasion specializes in gourmet chicken sandwiches and burgers. The Cardi B is one of the most popular sandwiches on the menu. It consists of a buttermilk fried chicken breast with spicy mayo and a pickled coleslaw jalapeno blend on a buttery toasted bun. Pair the Cardi B with Invasion Potatoes, which are country-style potatoes tossed in house-made invasion sauce and a side of sour cream ranch. Kitchen + Kocktails Kitchen + Kocktails delivers the best in food, drinks and vibes to Dallas. The comfort food restaurant will not disappoint. The chefs deliver some of the most flavorful fried chicken and lobster tails, creamy shrimp and grits. They also create the most creative waffles in Dallas. The menu features southern classics made with a twist. The menu also has oxtails and black eyed peas. If youre looking for dessert, the peach cobbler and banana pudding will keep you going back for more. Kendall Karsens Upscale Soulfood Kevin Winston put his love into Kendall Karsens Upscale Soulfood restaurant. Located in South Dallas, the restaurant holds a significant meaning to Winston, as they are named after his sons. Winstons food is prepared from his heart, and its something you can taste in every bite. The daily menu features ribs, pot roast, and seafood pasta with classic Southern sides, including collard greens, macaroni and cheese and okra gumbo. The restaurant advertises its specials on social media. Roots Southern Table Roots Southern Table pays homage to the way Chef Tiffany Derry grew up eating in the South. Derry says her grandmother always welcomed guests with food. Food is what held her family together. When you eat at Roots, you should note that its more than a celebration of food. It is the celebration of who the founders, Derry and Tom Foley, are. At Roots Southern Table, Derry and Foley want to evoke the feeling that youre coming home to those you love. (Bloomberg) -- Former New York Mayor Bill de Blasio was ordered to pay almost a half-million dollars by the city Conflicts of Interest Board for using taxpayer money for his security detail during his short-lived run for president in 2019. Most Read from Bloomberg De Blasio, who served two terms through 2021, campaigned briefly as part of a presidential bid that saw him reach 1% in some polls before ultimately dropping out. During his travels, he used city funds to pay expenses for members of the New York Police Department who served as the security detail for his family. They racked up $319,794.20 in travel costs, including airfare, car rentals, hotel stays and meals, said the COIB, which ordered him to repay the costs. The board also fined the former mayor $155,000 for the misuse of resources, the largest fine in its history, according to a statement Thursday, which said de Blasio disregarded the boards advice. De Blasio, 62, used city funds to pay the security details expenses despite receiving an explicit order from COIB on May 15, 2019, that such expenses werent allowed. The board told de Blasio that while the city could pay the costs of NYPD officers salaries and overtime while they were serving on the mayors detail, using city money to pay for the extra travel expenses for his presidential campaign constituted using city resources for a non-city purpose. The board also said using an official position for financial gain or personal or private advantage was in violation of the citys charter. The day after receiving the opinion, May 16, 2019, de Blasio formally embarked on his presidential campaign. Read more: NYCs de Blasio ends presidential run after low poll numbers An attorney for de Blasio said in a statement that the former mayor will file a lawsuit in response to the boards decision, to stop it from taking effect. COIBs action which seeks to saddle elected officials with security costs that the city has properly borne for decades is dangerous, beyond the scope of their powers, and illegal, Andrew Celli, de Blasios attorney, said in the statement. Earlier Fines De Blasios fundraising and campaign practices have drawn scrutiny from regulators before. Last month, he was fined $53,100 by the Federal Elections Commission for improperly routing large sums of money to his presidential campaign from a pair of state and federal political action committees he had created. In 2016 and 2017, he was the subject of dual probes by both the Manhattan District Attorneys Office and the Southern District US Attorneys Office for his fundraising practices. The Manhattan DA examined whether de Blasio had tried to circumvent state election donation limits by routing donations to county committees. De Blasio was never charged, but former District Attorney Cy Vance Jr. admonished the mayor in a letter announcing the closure of the investigation, saying that the transactions appear contrary to the intent and spirit of the laws that impose candidate contribution limits, laws which are meant to prevent corruption and the appearance of corruption in the campaign financing process. The US Attorneys Office scrutinized whether de Blasio had granted favors in exchange for donations to his political nonprofit and mayoral campaign but also ultimately decided not to bring charges. In a letter announcing the closure of the investigation, then-acting U.S. Attorney Joon Kim said the office had decided not to charge the mayor despite finding multiple occasions on which de Blasio and his representatives sought donations from people who wanted official favors from the city, after which the mayor made or directed inquiries to relevant city agencies on behalf of those donors. (Updates with details about de Blasios past fundraising practices starting in 10th paragraph) Most Read from Bloomberg Businessweek 2023 Bloomberg L.P. This undated handout image provided by Greeces coast guard on Wednesday, June 14, 2023, shows scores of people covering practically every free stretch of the deck on a battered fishing boat that later capsized and sank off southern Greece. A fishing boat carrying migrants trying to reach Europe capsized and sank off Greece on Wednesday, authorities said, leaving at least 79 dead and many more missing in one of the worst disasters of its kind this year. | Hellenic Coast Guard via Associated Press After sending distress calls due to a failed engine and an overcrowded boat, a boat full of migrants sank on Wednesday off the coast of Greece, killing at least 79 migrants while hundreds more are believed to be missing, according to reports. The fishing vessel was traveling from Tobruk, Libya, bound for Italy, full of migrants from mostly Egypt, Pakistan and Syria, who were seeking asylum from violence and political upheaval, reported The New York Times. What happened? Alarm Phone, an organization that reaches out to the European Coast Guard and demands aid for those who trigger an emergency alarm by calling, said they received multiple calls of distress. The migrants on the boat said they worried about the number of people on the boat, estimating that 750 people were onboard and covering every square inch of the deck. The group said the first call came in on Tuesday morning and throughout the day it was eventually able to get the coordinates of the boat, which the group said were passed along to the Hellenic Coast Guard of Greece. Earlier that same day, Italian authorities had notified Greece about a distress call they received coming from international waters, per a statement by the coast guard. Greek officials said that several offers of assistance were declined by those on board, saying they wished to continue on their journey to Italy. With many people on board, theres speculation that there could have been a disagreement about accepting help, reported The Washington Post. On Wednesday night, the boat sank from what the Greek coast guard described as a right turn, then a sharp left, and then another right so big that it caused the vessel to capsize, reported the Times. It sank within 15 minutes. Greek officials rescued 104 survivors 45 miles off the Greek coastal town of Pylos. They were flown to a hospital in Kalamata, per the Post. Whats next? Search and rescue is ongoing but its still unclear how many people are missing without a firm number on how many passengers were on board, reported the Times. The wreck sank in 13,000 feet of water, which would put it and its victims out of the range of divers. Related Salt Lake police officers responded to the reports of a body in a canal at 2535 W. 500 South on Saturday night. | Jeffrey D. Allred, Deseret News A body discovered in a canal over the weekend was identified Wednesday as that of a man who was reported missing out of Millcreek last month. Salt Lake City confirmed the body of 22-year-old Tyler Svetich was discovered in the Jordan River surplus canal near 2535 W. 500 South on Saturday. They added that there is nothing to indicate that the man's death is suspicious, though the state medical examiner's office is still investigating his cause of death. A community member spotted a body at about 9 p.m. Saturday, and notified authorities. Salt Lake Fire and police responded to the scene along with the medical examiner, Salt Lake Police spokesman Brent Weisberg said. Firefighters removed the body from the canal and turned it over to the medical examiner, who helped identify Svetich. Unified police reported Svetich missing on May 23. Police said he had left his Millcreek apartment on May 12 and was last seen in the Murray area earlier on the day he was reported missing. Svetich's mother, who set up a Facebook page seeking clues into her son's disappearance, announced that her son's body was discovered on the page Tuesday evening. "He was an amazing soul and would do anything for anyone," she wrote. "He will be missed and always loved." Former British Prime Minister Boris Johnson deliberately misled Parliament multiple times over COVID lockdown-breaking parties in a scandal known as partygate, the House of Commons privileges committee has ruled. The long-awaited report by the cross-party group of members of Parliament was published on Thursday morning and accused the former PM of serious contempt. In an angry statement, Johnson said the report was the final knife-thrust in a protracted political assassination. He quit as an MP last week after being told in advance of its conclusions, launching a furious attack on the committee for conducting a witch hunt. If he had not preempted the report by resigning, it is likely his punishment would have triggered a by-election in his seat as it called for a lengthy 90-day suspension. The committee also said Johnson should be denied the right to have a former MPs pass to Parliament. We have concluded above that in deliberately misleading the House Mr. Johnson committed a serious contempt, the MPs said. The contempt was all the more serious because it was committed by the prime minister, the most senior member of the government. There is no precedent for a prime minister having been found to have deliberately misled the House. He misled the House on an issue of the greatest importance to the House and to the public, and did so repeatedly. He declined our invitation to reconsider his assertions that what he said to the House was truthful. His defence to the allegation that he misled was an ex post facto justification and no more than an artifice. He misled the committee in the presentation of his evidence. Johnson denied having lied to Parliament when he repeatedly said COVID rules were followed in Downing Street. The former prime minister said he made the assertion having been reassured by his staff it was true. But the committee rejected his defense and accused him of being complicit in the campaign of abuse and attempted intimidation of the committee. Johnson said: This is rubbish. It is a lie. In order to reach this deranged conclusion, the committee is obliged to say a series of things that are patently absurd, or contradicted by the facts. For the privileges committee to use its prerogatives in this anti-democratic way, to bring about what is intended to be the final knife-thrust in a protracted political assassination that is beneath contempt. In a last-ditch attempt to disparage the Tory-majority panel on the eve of publication, Johnson called for its most senior Conservative member to resign. He accused Bernard Jenkin of monstrous hypocrisy after the Guido Fawkes website reported the MP had gone to a drinks party in Parliament while Covid restrictions were in place in 2020. But Liberal Democrat deputy leader Daisy Cooper said this was a typical distraction tactic from the ex-prime minister that doesnt change the fact he broke the law and lied about it. The committee is chaired by veteran Labour MP Harriet Harman but it has a Conservative majority. Boris Johnson the liar: How the former PM lied and lied again to the Commons Boris Johnsons disgrace has been sealed in a damning report that found he deliberately lied and lied again to parliament over Partygate. In a sensational verdict, a cross-party group of MPs said theyd have recommended a 90-day suspension had he not already quit the Commons to spite their sanction. The former prime minister should still suffer the humiliation of being stripped of his Commons pass, the privileges committee ruled. Mr Johnson called their conclusion deranged and the final knife-thrust in a protracted political assassination. It came as: The report found there was no precedent for the scale of the lies as Mr Johnson misled parliament in five different ways Mr Johnsons allies threatened a Commons revolt against the vindictive report No 10 rejected calls to axe Mr Johnsons honours list or strip him of his annual 115,000 allowance A No 10 official revealed that Covid compliance was a pantomime and that 4pm wine-time Fridays had continued during lockdown The ex-PM could be found guilty of further contempt over 16 gatherings still being looked at by police The privileges committee rejected Mr Johnsons claim that senior officials had advised him to tell the Commons in December 2021 that Covid rules and guidance had been followed. In fact, a senior aide had warned him against it. Some of Mr Johnsons denials were so disingenuous that they were by their very nature deliberate attempts to mislead, the committee said. MPs also considered Mr Johnsons tirade as he quit as an MP, in which he called the committee a kangaroo court, to be a further instance of contempt, pushing up his recommended suspension to 90 days nearly twice as long as Liz Truss spent in office as prime minister. Mr Johnson dismissed their findings as complete tripe. Calling it a dreadful day for democracy, he took aim at the Labour committee chair, saying the terrible truth is that it is not I who has twisted the truth to suit my purposes it is Harriet Harman and her committee. Boris Johnson has dismissed the report as complete tripe (Getty) Nadine Dorries and a small group of fellow Johnson allies vowed to vote against the vindicative report and warned that those who endorse it could be given the boot by angry grassroots Tory members. But allies of Rishi Sunak told The Independent that Ms Dorries was off her rocker and urged colleagues to show backbone when the time came to vote on whether to approve the recommendations of the cross-party report. Many Conservatives are expected to be absent rather than risk the ire of their constituents, but the free vote is expected to pass with the support of Labour and the SNP. Senior Tories said Mr Johnsons political career was now finished, with defence committee chair Tobias Ellwood remarking that support among the Tory base was changing before our very eyes into disappointment and anger. Erstwhile deputy leader of the Conservatives Michael Heseltine said Mr Johnson had been shown to have told a pack of lies, while former attorney general Dominic Grieve said I hope hes gone for good. Max Hastings, once Mr Johnsons boss at The Daily Telegraph, said the former PM was doing what the dog does against the lamppost. Boris Johnson and Rishi Sunak at the June 2020 gathering that saw both of them fined (Cabinet Office/PA) Labour urged Mr Sunak to make sure Mr Johnson pays back every penny of the taxpayer-funded legal support, while the Liberal Democrats called on Mr Sunak to strip Mr Johnson of the 115,000 annual allowance available to former prime ministers. Mr Johnson is now also facing calls to stand down from the Privy Council, a select group of MPs and other figures that advises the monarch. Senior Labour MP Chris Bryant told The Independent: Hes a disgraced former prime minister. You really wouldnt normally want a disgraced former minister carrying on in the Privy Council. No 10 said there are no plans to tear up Mr Johnsons honours list, or to ask him to pay back taxpayer-funded legal support. Mr Sunaks spokesperson also made clear that Mr Johnson would not lose access to the 115,000 annual funding provided to former prime ministers. Nadine Dorries warned Tory MPs against approving the recommendations of the report (Getty) Downing Street also rejected claims by Ms Dorries that members of the committee were offered inducements, such as gongs or safe seats, to reach their conclusion. Ms Dorries said that Tory MPs who vote to approve the report might face deselection. Any Conservative MP who would vote for this report is fundamentally not a Conservative and will be held to account by members and the public, she said. Deselections may follow. Its serious. Sir Jacob Rees-Mogg said the report findings were fundamentally flawed, while another Johnson ally, Sir James Duddridge, said: Why not go the full way, put Boris, in the stocks and providing rotten food to throw ... at him? Former MEP David Campbell Bannerman, chair of the Conservative Democratic Organisation (CDO) said Mr Johnson should appeal the findings via the European Court of Human Rights. Boris Johnson called report complete tripe and described committe members as Mystic Megs (AP) The committee report also laid bare the culture of No 10 during its Covid-era gatherings. In additional evidence passed to the group, one Downing Street official said staff were warned to be mindful of cameras but that compliance was a pantomime revealing that social distancing and mask-wearing were not enforced, and that wine-time Fridays continued. Mr Johnson was unable to explain why he considered his wife Carrie Johnson and the couples interior designer absolutely necessary participants in a work-related meeting when they attended the June 2020 birthday party, the committee said. The former PM had claimed that he felt the leaving party for the former No 10 director of communications Lee Cain was necessary for staff morale. But the committee said morale did not provide a licence for Mr Johnsons conveniently flexible interpretation of the rules. The report also warned Mr Johnson that he could be found guilty of further contempt over a statement of truth he provided in reference to 16 events that took place at Chequers, after a dossier of possible rule-breaches was handed to police. The committee also warned supporters of Mr Johnson that it intended to make a special report to the Commons regarding what it called a sustained attempt to undermine the credibility of its members. The report also revealed that the committee had split over the question of whether Mr Johnson should be permanently expelled from the Commons. Allan Dorans of the SNP and Yvonne Fovargue of Labour backed such a ban. But the four Tory members of the committee Sir Bernard Jenkin, Sir Charles Walker, Andy Carter and Alberto Costa opposed it. Mr Johnson resigned on Friday, pre-empting the report and triggering a 20 July by-election in his Uxbridge and South Ruislip seat. C-130J flypast over Britain A farewell flypast for the Royal Air Forces C-130 Hercules transport aircraft took place today as the services remaining J-models approach retirement later this month. C-130s starting with legacy C-130K models have been in operational service with the RAF for 56 years. The retirement of the RAFs C-130Js marks the end of the Hercules use by the service, with the C-130K models having been retired in 2013. Two of the three C-130Js pictured above the Mach Loop, west-central Wales. Jamie Hunter To bid farewell to the C-130, and the standing down of No. 47 Squadron which operates them, three C-130J Super Hercules aircraft embarked on a flypast spanning all four corners of the United Kingdom. The flypast kicked off at RAF Brize Norton in Oxfordshire home of the RAF airlift fleet and lasted from around 10:00 A.M. to around 5:00 P.M. local time. According to Group Captain Gareth Burdett, commander of the Air Mobility Force's Air Wing, just six Hercules aircraft were in RAF service as of April. Both No. 47 Squadron and the RAFs remaining C-130Js will continue to be available for operations supporting U.K. defense objectives until June 30, according to the RAF. Flypast schedule. RAF image After departing Brize Norton, the three C-130Js traveled north, passing over the National Memorial Arboretum in Staffordshire, before turning west. Overflying RAF Cosford and later RAF Valley on the island of Anglesey, Wales, the aircraft passed over Joint Helicopter Command Flying Station Aldergrove, Northern Ireland, before flying to RAF Lossiemouth in Scotland. https://twitter.com/AirMobilityRAF/status/1668908304171409409?s=20 https://twitter.com/RAF_Cosford/status/1668960206947065857?s=20 A C-130J pictured above the Mach Loop, west-central Wales. Jamie Hunter Jamie Hunter https://twitter.com/Callsign_Kodak/status/1669000513327714304?s=20 The three C-130Js then flew over eastern Scotland before criss-crossing north west England. After overflying much of eastern England in the afternoon, the C-130Js flew from Colchester down toward the Isle of White before heading north over Wiltshire. https://twitter.com/RAF_Leeming/status/1669003716567920640?s=20 https://twitter.com/RAF_Wittering/status/1669013262199930880?s=20 As part of the final phase of the flight, the aircraft overflew RAF High Wycombe in Buckinghamshire. Although the three Hercules aircraft were set to return to Brize Norton in the late afternoon, issues with the temperature of the runway forced them to land at RAF Fairford in Gloucestershire. Owing to the fact that the majority of the RAF's transport and tanker fleet is based at Brize Norton, issues affecting the air base's runway during high temperatures, reportedly causing it to melt, clearly poses a significant problem for the RAF. https://twitter.com/Rotorfocus/status/1669019907738984448?s=20 https://twitter.com/Callsign_Kodak/status/1669031836394168359?s=20 Events associated with the C-130Js retirement have been playing out over the past days leading up to todays flypast. On June 9, for example, Princess Anne who is honorary air commodore to RAF Brize Norton attended a stand down parade for No. 47 Squadron at the air base. The event was also attended by past and present members of the squadron. Princess Anne attends the stand down parade of No. 47 Squadron, June 9, 2023. RAF image RAF image Wing Commander James Sjoberg, commanding officer of No. 47 Squadron, said the following on the squadrons retirement in an earlier article published by the RAF: It is a great honor to command 47 Squadron at this historic moment. I am extremely proud of the people on my Squadron and across the wider Hercules family they have delivered time and again on operations. Whilst the retirement of the Hercules and the laying-up of No. 47 Squadron standard is a sad moment for many of us, I have full confidence that the people of the RAF Air Mobility Force will continue to deliver excellence around the globe. According to the service, the expertise acquired operating the Hercules and its broad range of capabilities will be transitioned across to the other flying platforms in RAF service. As such, ground support staff (engineers, air operations and intelligence professionals) will be relocated to similar roles within the RAF. Plans for the C-130Js retirement have been a long time coming. The U.K. governments 2010 Strategic Defense and Security Review earmarked 2022 as the year for their withdrawal from service, decades earlier than previously envisaged. As that report highlights, the decision was made principally in an effort to consolidate the RAFs air cargo fleet primarily around the Airbus A400M Atlas and C-17 Globemaster III. In 2021, the retirement of the then 14 strong fleet of C-130Js was pushed back to 2023. It was subsequently revealed in late 2022 by the U.K. Ministry of Defense that the remaining C-130J fleet would be made available for sale between 2023 and 2025 through the Defense Equipment Sales Authority (DESA). C-130J in flight. RAF image Famously, one of the RAF's C-130Js has already made its way to the U.S. Navy's Flight Demonstration Team, the Blue Angels. There it serves in the iconic Fat Albert role. While the aircraft were slated to be retired earlier this year, the RAF elected to retain its C-130Js until the end of June due to shortfalls in availability of its A400M fleet. The RAF received its 22nd A400M back in May, while the option of additional A400M buys remains up in the air. Although the RAF has been eager to show off A400Ms at work with several of the aircraft recently performing beach landing training at Pembrey Sands in West Wales, for example the decision to switch from C-130Js to A400Ms has prompted heated debate within Parliament and amongst defense experts. Concerns have grown over operational reliability issues and technical faults with A400Ms, including the discovery of landing gear bay corrosion. https://twitter.com/RoyalAirForce/status/1668923411689603072?s=20 There are a small number of niche capabilities that the C-130J has that will not be transferred across to the A400M program at the point in which the C-130 is retired in the summer [of 2023], RAF Deputy Commander Capability Air Marshal Richard Knighton revealed to a hearing of the U.K. defense committee in February, Breaking Defense reports. Tobias Ellwood, MP and Chair of the Defence Committee, expressed concerns during the hearing that taking the C-130J out of service would deny Special Forces the skillsets they need to perform their roles. He also noted that doing so would also prevent Royal Marines from performing boat drops from the A400M, as is possible with the C-130J. Yet as Knighton made clear, when ministers made the decision in 2021 [to retire the C-130J fleet in 2023] we were very plain with what the niche capabilities were and what the potential operational impact is, he said during the hearing. In concert with our operations staff, ministers concluded that, the level of operational risk [outlined] was small enough to be tolerable. Moreover, the U.K. Defense Secretary Ben Wallace has remained unequivocal in his defense of the move to A400m aircraft. Speaking to MPs in Parliament earlier in May, Wallace said: I have heard these tired arguments that what we really need to do is keep the Herc [C-130 Hercules] and get rid of the A400," Sky News reports. A Royal Air Force A400M Atlas aircraft, flying out of RAF Brize Norton, which was due to take part in the coronation flypast by the Royal Navy, Army Air Corps and Royal Air Force, over Buckingham Palace in London, May 6, 2023. Photo by Zac Goodwin/PA Images via Getty Images The A400 outperforms the Herc[ules] on most types - it has got a longer range, bigger capacity, it can land in the same area, in fact it can land in shorter distances," Wallace argued. C-130s first entered RAF service in 1967, originally with 242 Operational Conversion Unit at RAF Thorney Island, West Sussex. No. 47 Squadron received its first Hercules in 1968, at which time the Squadron was based at RAF Fairford. The Squadron subsequently moved to RAF Lyneham in Wiltshire in 1971, before relocating to Brize Norton in 2011. C-130Ks were crucial to U.K. operations during the Falklands War. In December 1994, an order for ten standard C-130J aircraft and 15 of the longer C-130J-30 was placed, with the first delivery of an RAF C-130J taking place in August 1998. C-130Ks and C-130Js were used extensively during the wars in Afghanistan and Iraq. C-130Js continue to be used in operational service, notably for the evacuation of British nationals from Sudan earlier this year. A British Royal Air Force C-130 Hercules military transport that was carrying evacuees from Sudan is pictured on the tarmac at Larnaca International Airport in Cyprus on April 26, 2023. Photo by CHRISTINA ASSI/AFP via Getty Images According to Lockheed Martin, more than 2,500 C-130s have been ordered and/or delivered to 63 nations around the world since the 1950s. The aircraft continue to be used by other countries around the world, too notably Bangladesh which has previously purchased ex-RAF C-130Js. So there you have it. A fitting send-off to an airframe that has been the backbone of the RAF for more than half a century. Contact the author: oliver@thewarzone.com Activists and workers converge near the McDonald's campus during an SEIU-backed Fight for $15 rally in Oak Brook on May 20, 2015. (Antonio Perez/Chicago Tribune) Throughout the late 19th and early 20th centuries and into the present day, the Chicago labor movement has faced significant challenges and made remarkable strides toward fostering a more inclusive and equitable workforce. By recognizing historical struggles, we can appreciate the progress achieved while acknowledging the ongoing journey toward true diversity and social justice. The labor movement in Chicago early on was marked by racial tensions and inequalities. Black workers, along with other marginalized groups, often faced exclusion and discrimination in labor unions. However, amid these challenges, glimpses of solidarity and progress emerged. Advertisement In 1917, the Chicago Federation of Labor, led by John Fitzpatrick, adopted a resolution supporting equal pay for African American workers in the Chicago stockyards. This resolution aimed to address the racial wage gap that existed in the industry. As race riots engulfed Chicago in 1919, the CFL called for white union members to stand with Black workers, saying, All of the influence of the unions should be exerted on the community to protect (Black) fellow workers from the unreasoning frenzy of racial prejudice. Indeed, several important Black unions started right here in Chicago. Painters Local 1332 was chartered in 1920 by Black craftsmen in Chicago with the goal of addressing discrimination facing Black workers in the trades. Founded in Chicago in 1925, the Brotherhood of Sleeping Car Porters, led by A. Philip Randolph, became the first union led by African Americans to receive its charter from the American Federation of Labor. Advertisement [ Willie Wilson: Unions can help reduce violence in Chicago with apprenticeships and jobs ] The Great Migration, with its influx of African Americans from the South to Chicago, had a profound impact on the labor movement. Despite facing numerous obstacles and discrimination, African American workers played pivotal roles in organizing strikes and labor activism. Their resilience and determination showcased the potential for diverse collaboration within our movement. Building upon the struggles of the past, the Chicago labor movement has redoubled its commitment to diversity and inclusion in labor unions and the construction trades. Recognizing the need to dismantle barriers to entry, unions and labor organizations have created organizations like the CFL Workforce & Community Initiative and HIRE360 to implement targeted recruitment strategies to reach out to underrepresented communities, especially on Chicagos South and West sides, to inspire individuals from diverse backgrounds to pursue careers in the construction trades. The organizations also provide pre-apprenticeship programs to lower barriers to entry into the apprenticeships, empowering individuals from underrepresented communities to succeed in the construction trades. By equipping them with foundational training and mentorship, we help bridge the gap and ensure that diverse candidates are well prepared to enter the workforce. These initiatives level the playing field, opening doors of opportunity that were once closed. Furthermore, through outreach programs and collaborations with community-based organizations, we create pathways for historically marginalized groups to access training and apprenticeship programs. Chicago Tribune Opinion Weekdays Read the latest editorials and commentary curated by the Tribune Opinion team. By submitting your email to receive this newsletter, you agree to our Subscriber Terms & Conditions and Privacy Policy > Our commitment to diversity goes beyond individual initiatives. Through advocacy and support for equitable policies, we shape the construction industrys landscape. By pushing for project labor agreements that require diversity hiring goals, minority set-asides and community benefit agreements, we champion policies that promote fair access to job opportunities. The CFL also fights for higher wages and better benefits for all workers, union and nonunion alike, with a special focus on closing racial and gender pay gaps. Research shows that women and people of color make less and are disproportionately affected by scheduling and leave policies, and we have fought and will continue to fight for equity and an end to discrimination. The CFL was instrumental to Chicago and Illinois raising the minimum wage, Chicago and Cook County passing paid sick leave ordinances and the city instituting a Fair Workweek Ordinance. The Chicago labor movement is a diverse community of workers. A majority of our union workforce are people of color, with Black Chicagoans being the largest racial group among our ranks. A diverse and inclusive labor movement is a stronger and more effective force for change. By embracing diversity, we enhance our ability to address the intersecting challenges faced by workers of different backgrounds. The journey toward equality is ongoing, and it is incumbent upon us to continue advocating, fostering dialogue and actively pursuing initiatives that promote inclusivity in labor unions and the construction trades. Advertisement Together, we can shape a future in which every worker, regardless of race or background, can find support, dignity and equal opportunities within our movement. Bob Reiter is president of the Chicago Federation of Labor. Submit a letter, of no more than 400 words, to the editor here or email letters@chicagotribune.com. The City of Brookhaven made history this week by officially swearing in its first-ever Latina City Clerk. Sandra Bryant was promoted from Deputy City Clerk to run the Citys Clerks office. Brookhaven Mayor John Ernst swore Bryant into office this week in front of the company of her family. [DOWNLOAD: Free WSB-TV News app for alerts as news breaks] Bryant will go into the position on July 1. Sandra is highly qualified, knows the City, has credentials, and furthers our ongoing commitment to our burgeoning Hispanic community by having a bilingual Clerk, said Mayor John Ernst. Bryant, originally from Mexico, has a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration and a Masters Clerk Certification, both in Georgia and internationally. It is an honor and a great responsibility to be the first Latina to hold the position of City Clerk for the City of Brookhaven, a City that has had an impeccable track record in its 10 years of existence. It is a challenge that I assume with great pride and commitment, said Bryant, who has worked for the City as Deputy Clerk since 2015. TRENDING STORIES: Bryants duties will include preparing City Council meetings, preparing and distributing agendas, taking minutes, attesting the Mayors signature, overseeing open records requests, certifying documents, and publicizing all information under the Open Meetings Act. Bryant will replace Susan Hiott, who has been Brookhavens City Clerk since the City was founded in 2012. Hiott will be the Deputy City Clerk until she retires at the end of this year. [SIGN UP: WSB-TV Daily Headlines Newsletter] IN OTHER NEWS: Brooklyn subway stabber Jordan Williams freed on no bail at emotional court hearing filled with family The man charged in the fatal stabbing of an ex-con harassing his girlfriend inside a Brooklyn-bound subway train was freed without bail Thursday as his family wept in their courtroom seats. Defendant Jordan Williams, 20, was charged with manslaughter and weapons possession in the Tuesday night brawl aboard a J train heading across the Brooklyn Bridge, with prosecutors unsuccessfully asking for $100,000 cash bail. He was instead turned loose on supervised release. Were extremely excited and happy that my baby is coming home, said his mother April Williams. The defendants weeping older brother, Jaylan, said the siblings planned to celebrate by playing video games. Assistant District Attorney David Ingle said the two strangers were riding the same train when victim Devictor Ouedraogo started in on Williams girlfriend after harassing other straphangers, said Ingle. The dead man, who appeared to be drunk, was talking about white power before asking the girlfriend if she wanted to have sex, with Williams then shoving the victim as things escalated. Ingle said the defendant told authorities he became scared and punched the man in the face before poking him with a knife. Video showed the assailant, his chest covered in blood, stumbling from the train before collapsing on the platform, sources told the Daily News. He was pronounced dead a short time later at New York-Presbyterian Hospital Brooklyn Methodist, officials said. The victim served three years in prison for a 2009 attempted robbery in Queens, records showed. The defendants family wept inside the courtroom as Williams was turned loose. The suspect had no prior arrests, with a defense attorney noting the defendant didnt flee the scene but instead called his mother after the deadly encounter. The defense attorney, Jason Goldman, argued $100,000 might as well be $1 million to this family before the judge let Williams exit the courtroom. Relatives of Williams said the couple had been dating for about eight months before the lethal confrontation. Ouedraogo, 36, was harassing other straphangers on the train before Williams intervened, with Williams pulling a pocket knife and stabbing the man in his chest, authorities said. I just stabbed that n----- Williams was quoted as telling witnesses. You see him leaking? Video showed the victim, who appeared to be drunk, getting into the face of a straphanger sitting quietly on the train. Its a very sad situation, said the defendants aunt Amanda Trammell. Jordan is a very quiet, respectful child. ... This is obviously an intoxicated or mentally ill person. He did assault Jordan. Put yourself in his shoes. The case is reminiscent of Marine veteran Daniel Perrys deadly Manhattan encounter with homeless man Jordan Neely, although Williams mother dismissed the comparison. The only comparison is that they both happened on the train, said April Williams. I dont know what else to say. I know my Jordan [acted in] self-defense. During Kansas Citys warmer months, unless it is raining or unbearably hot outside, several residents of the 600 block of 70th Street meet on Wednesday evenings at 5 oclock out on the grass island that separates the north and south sides of their Brookside street. They plop down on folding chairs carried over from garages, secure their adult beverages in netted cup holders, and chew over the neighborhood news for an hour or two. It is an older crowd longtime residents of the block. How long? 37 years, said Sarah Hancock. 50 years, said Rodd Staker. We moved here in 1968, said Phil Chaney. So thatll be 55 years in October. Lately, talk on the island has turned to property values. Assessment season, which occurs in Jackson County during odd-numbered years, is upon us. The county has been sending out notices informing homeowners what it believes their property is now worth. Jackson County Assessment Office director Gail McCann Beatty warned in May that the average increase would be around 30 percent. But over in this subdivision of Brookside known as Armour Fields, the average seems to far exceed that. Were up 78%, said Staker. 86%, said Chaney. Nearly 93%, said Jane Fowler. Their soon-to-skyrocket tax bills, they believe, are the outcome of an appraisal process thats heavy on guesswork and light on nuance one that fails to distinguish between homes that have undergone extensive recent remodels and those where the kitchens, bathrooms and electrical systems look and function much the same as they did when they were built back in the 1930s. We all know the value of houses in this neighborhood have gone up since the pandemic, said Ron Fuhrken, whos been in his Brookside house for 46 years. We expected an increase. But we havent done anything to our home in the last 30 years other than painting and general upkeep. For us to go up 71 percent in two years that just seems ridiculous. As county officials have stated and as many homeowners will quietly acknowledge the county for decades undervalued residential properties. Starting in 2019, assessment officials began the process of bringing some of those valuations up to market value. Outrage ensued. Both Legal Aid of Western Missouri and the American Civil Liberties Union filed lawsuits against the county on behalf of low-income residents in neighborhoods like Ivanhoe and the Westside, whose assessments doubled or nearly tripled from the previous year. Those higher valuations targeted predominantly Black and Hispanic neighborhoods, the lawsuit argued. There are approximately 300,000 parcels in Jackson County, and state law mandates that each one be reassessed every two years. But to individually appraise each property every other year is, for all intents and purposes, financially impossible. We would have to hire thousands of new employees, and it would take several years, McCann Beatty told The Star. Even small counties dont do that. Instead, Jackson County relies on a mass appraisal process that inputs facts about each property square footage, lot size, number of bedrooms and bathrooms, and which of the countys 1,388 market areas it is located in into a computerized system that spits out a valuation. To enhance the accuracy of that information, the county this year added what McCann Beatty called a parcel by parcel review, something it had not done in recent assessment cycles. Most work done on homes isnt done with a permit, so we have no way of knowing if someone has added a bedroom or removed a wall to make two bedrooms into one, McCann Beatty said. So, this time around we sent representatives out to each property in the county and asked them to fill out and send back to us a blue card with information about bedrooms, square footage, things like that. A sign marking the location of the Jackson County Assessment Offices property valuation review process is seen outside the south entrance to 1300 Washington St. in downtown Kansas City. The county also outsourced the 2023 assessments, paying $18 million to a third party, Tyler Technologies, to update the process and carry it out. Anticipating that somewhere between 20,000 and 30,000 homeowners would appeal their property valuations, the county opened a downtown office at 1300 Washington St. for informal reviews where homeowners who wish to contest their valuations can speak to assessors and real estate brokers, start the appeal process and potentially come to a binding agreement that lowers their assessments. Sharp increases There were reasons for the residents of Armour Fields to expect a hefty hike this time around. For one thing, the county didnt do much in the way of re-assessing in 2021 due to COVID. It is also generally accepted that homes in Brookside, now a desirable area in a still-scorching real estate market, have been undervalued by the county over the last few decades. In Armour Fields, young families, some of them fleeing coastal cities and armed with coastal salaries, have been pouring in since the pandemic, driving prices up. Contractor signs dot the lawns of the neighborhood, a sign of dated kitchens, bathrooms and back patios being updated with modern amenities. But not everybody in the neighborhood is a software engineer relocating from Seattle. Some are what you might call house-rich and cash-poor. They purchased their homes decades ago when they were affordable for buyers on a middle-class salary. Now those homeowners are retired. Some of them are on fixed incomes. There are 780 homes in our neighborhood, and about half of them are owned by people over the age of 60, said Mike Jantsch, president of the Armour Fields Homes Association. And Ive been contacted by a lot of people in the last month who are over 65, retired, and worried about these increases. Acute assessment increases on primary residences arent lawful in several other states. Michigan and Arkansas cap annual assessment increases at 5%. New Mexicos is 3%. Texas is 10%. South Carolina law prohibits taxable value on a home from increasing more than 15 percent over a five-year period. Kansas offers a 75% property tax refund to certain homeowners 65 years or older. But Missouri has no such laws. Asked to comment on the idea that, although home prices may have been undervalued in years past, its unfair to jack up assessments on homeowners by 70 or 80 percent over two years, McCann Beatty said, Statutorily, we are required to determine market value on all county properties. Were not allowed by law to do it gradually in pieces. It simply says to get these properties to market value. She also said that caps dont always work the way theyre intended because neighborhoods appreciate at different rates. If theres a 10% cap, and Neighborhood A appreciates at 5% and Neighborhood B appreciates at 20%, you have a situation where Neighborhood A is paying its fair share but Neighborhood B isnt. The Missouri General Assembly did recently send a homestead exemption bill to Gov. Mike Parsons desk that would freeze property tax rates on the primary residences of homeowners 65 years and older, though Parson hasnt yet signed it. Supporters see it as a way to protect seniors from being displaced; opponents say its yet another gratuitous transfer of wealth to the Baby Boomer generation. McCann Beatty said that although she is supportive of the bill, it is very much flawed. I think most assessors in this state would say a homestead exemption is something we need, she said. But we have to make it fair not just for property owners but also school districts that rely on that tax revenue. The way this bill is written, the language is so incredibly vague that I dont believe it could be implemented even if the governor signs it. She went on: It doesnt give counties across the state any direction. We dont have data in this county for who is 65 or older and where they live. Also, you have to qualify for Social Security to get it. But what about Missouri teachers that dont get Social Security? Can they participate? So, wed need time and resources to put a program and process in place to verify all this information. Fighting it Unlike many of her neighbors on her Armour Fields block, Jane Fowler is not retired. She is a Realtor and a relative newcomer, having moved to the block with her husband six years ago. In Johnson County, where we were before this, we got a letter with our assessments that listed 4-6 other addresses in the neighborhood that had roughly the same square footage and same bedrooms and bathrooms so we could compare and contrast what our home was worth compared to those homes, Fowler said. In Jackson County, its just, Heres your previous value, this is the new one, this is the percentage going up. Theres no information about how they came to that conclusion. So my question is, what are all these numbers based on? McCann Beatty said part of the goal in overhauling the assessment process this year was to put in place a system where homeowners receive more comps comparisons of other homes in the area similar to theirs and information explaining why they were assessed what they were. But we are are still getting those components up and running, she said. I would add, though, that if you do come in (to contest your assessment) you can see those comps then. Fowler said that when she went to the assessment office a few weeks ago to contest her 93% jump, she arrived armed with comps as well as a Realtors fluency with the topic that the average citizen doesnt possess. But she says she still faced heavy resistance. I had to talk to three different people, and after all that I was given just one comp as evidence, and it was one of the highest-selling homes in the neighborhood in the last few years, she said. It sold at $304 per square foot while the average home in this neighborhood sells for $227 per square foot. So why are they cherry-picking and comparing my home to the most expensive possible home? She continued: It needs to be an apples-to-apples comparison. The county should be using averages, not extremes, for comps. When Realtors sell a house, we dont use extremes when we price it. Fowler left the assessment office without a reduction in her valuation. But shes headed back soon, and several of her neighbors on 70th Street may join her. Shes been educating them on how to read comps, and suggesting questions they might ask when they go. Some have hired their own appraisers. You know, if we didnt sit out here every week, I think most of us would have probably just not done anything about it, Martha Staker said. I barely knew what a comp was. But you start to hear all these numbers, and it seems like a bigger deal. And I think together we all feel a little stronger. McCann Beatty shared some advice for those who do come down looking to get their assessments lowered. Ask a real estate broker to give you comparable sales to your home. If they try to charge you for it, call another one. Dont use Zillow (its not as accurate). If your home is a recent purchase, bring your appraisal or closing statement. If your home hasnt been updated, bring photos that prove it. She discouraged hiring an appraiser, saying that, in most cases, a simple conversation with one of the countys real estate brokers is all thats needed. We want people to tell us if we didnt get it right, McCann Beatty said. This is a new system were using. Maybe we need to tweak the boundaries for a market area on the next round of assessments. Schedule an appointment. Were open 8 to 5 every day. Our brokers will review the information and try to come to a conclusion. We see this as a partnership, she said. Come correct us. The Broward School Board named a Palm Beach County school administrator who was born in Fort Lauderdale as its next superintendent Thursday, as the nations sixth-largest school district contends with declining enrollment, learning losses from the pandemic and a push by parents and politicians to inject politics into the classroom. The board voted 7-2 to hire Peter Licata, 58, a regional superintendent in Palm Beach County Public Schools who attended first grade at McNab Elementary in Pompano Beach. The two dissenters were Torey Alston and Brenda Fam, who both voted for Sito Narcisse, the superintendent of the East Baton Rouge School District in Louisiana. On a second vote, the board voted unanimously to begin negotiating Licatas contract. The third candidate, Luis Solano, a deputy superintendent for the Detroit Public Schools Community District, did not receive any votes. This is a dream job. Im coming home! said Licata, who became a teacher after realizing at his fathers funeral the impact his dad had as an algebra teacher and basketball coach. We get one shot at this and Im not spending it on the sidelines. We get one shot to make an impact in something we love. The vote came after each board member had interviewed the three candidates Thursday. On Wednesday, principals, teachers and community members interviewed the three. Jockeying for board support At first, it wasnt clear who would get the nod. Narcisse had drawn support from board members Torey Alston, Brenda Fam and Allen Zeman. Board member Daniel Foganholi talked about delaying the vote and staying with interim superintendent Earlean Smiley, saying none of the three candidates had wowed him. But board chair Lori Alhadeff, vice chair Debra Hixon and board member Sarah Leonardi were effusive in their praise of Licata, noting he attended Broward schools, had a deep knowledge of the educational issues in South Florida and would immediately make an impact. I believe he is the transformational leader that we were seeking for Broward County Public Schools. I believe through his words and actions that he will take us to become an A school district, Alhadeff said in a press conference after the vote at the boards Fort Lauderdale headquarters. Alhadeff said Licata impressed her with his 90-day plan. She also said he had analyzed data from the district and came to them with ideas about what they need to do to become an A district, up from its current B grade. Licata, a University of Miami graduate, began his teaching career at John F. Kennedy Middle School in Palm Beach County. He has been an administrator in Palm Beach County Public Schools since 1994. LGBTQ criticism of one candidate One thing that could have hurt Narcisse, whom former Miami-Dade Schools Superintendent Alberto Carvalho had recommended: An event called Day of Hope, sponsored last year by the East Baton Rouge School District. The event was advertised as a college and career fair and drew 2,000 high school students. In fact, the symposium was like a church service it was held in a local church with lectures about abstinence, suicide and rape, parents and students told local media. Alhadeff said the board received an email from Forum for Equality, an LGTBQ human rights organization in Louisiana about the matter. Several of the board members discussed it Thursday. The board had paid $50,000 for McPherson & Jacobson, a Nebraska-based search firm, to conduct a national search. Thursdays vote caps a tumultuous time for the Broward School Board, which fired its previous superintendent, Vickie Cartwright, in a late-night move in November, rescinded her firing in December after a new board was elected and agreed to part ways with her in January. Cartwright, who had been superintendent since February 2022 and interim superintendent for seven months before that, left the district in February with a payout of nearly $268,000 in severance. Cartwright had replaced Robert Runcie, who resigned in 2021 after being arrested and charged with lying to a grand jury investigating the district over school safety compliance and cost overruns in its $1 billion school construction program. (Earlier this year, a judge dismissed the perjury charge against Runcie.) The board will begin negotiating a contract with Licata. Cartwright had a three-year contract, earning $350,000 a year, which was slated to run through Dec. 31, 2024. District challenges Licata will be facing several key challenges in his new post. Among them: Reversing a 10-year decline in student enrollment, resulting in a loss of more than 18,000 students, much of that fueled by the disruption of schools during the pandemic. In the 2013-14 school year, student enrollment was 219,322 students in district schools; for the 2022-23 year, enrollment was just over 200,000. Charter school attendance had increased by 12,000 during this period. Navigating recent educational laws passed by the Florida Legislature, including banning teaching about sexual orientation and gender identity through eighth grade and making it easier for parents to object to school library books. Case in point: Last month, the Bob Graham Education Center in Miami Lakes barred elementary school students from accessing three library books and a poem after a parent objected to the works, which included The Hill We Climb, the poem recited by Amanda Gorman at President Joe Bidens Jan. 20, 2021, inauguration. (The titles have remained available for middle school students in the K-8 school.) READ MORE: Poet speaks up after Miami-Dade school bars elementary students from reading her poem Contending with possible budget cuts after the Legislature passed a law earlier this year expanding the school voucher program, making all children, regardless of their families income levels, eligible for the taxpayer-funded vouchers, which can be used to pay for private schools. Public school advocates say the measure will impact public school funding. The district, like other districts across the country, also has been dealing with declining scores in students standardized tests, particularly among the most vulnerable students, as a result of the pandemics learning losses. Licata was undaunted by the challenges and noted he wanted to raise teacher salaries to offset the high cost of living in South Florida, resulting in teacher shortages. When asked by Alston what he wanted his legacy to be, Licata replied: That the word gap doesnt exist in this district. Later on, at the press conference, Licata elaborated: Were going to focus on kids first, to make sure that we communicate as one voice. BullStreets new brewery and restaurant sets an opening date in Columbia. Heres when A new brewery and restaurant is almost ready to launch in a growing Columbia district. Iron Hill Brewery & Restaurant, a company headquartered in Pennsylvania that has locations across the U.S., will open a new 7,500-square-foot facility at 945 Sabal St. in Columbias BullStreet District at 11 a.m. Thursday, June 22. This will be the 21st Iron Hill location nationwide. We are thrilled to open our newest location in the heart of downtown Columbia and become an integral part of the area, Iron Hill CEO Chris Westcott said in a Thursday statement. We chose the Midlands as our second South Carolina location for many reasons of which is the citys welcoming, yet vibrant, community and appreciation for quality craft beer and handcrafted food. Once we saw the development plans for the BullStreet District, we knew this was the right spot to open our newest Iron Hill location. The other South Carolina Iron Hill location is in Greenville. Iron Hill was founded in 1996. The Columbia location will have inside and outside seating for more than 400 people. There is a large, sweeping patio that faces out toward Bull Street, with big bay windows that open up to a bar where bartenders will be able to serve customers both outside on the patio and inside the restaurant. Iron Hill will brew a number of its own house brand beers on-site. Some of its top sellers include the Philly Phavorite IPA, Pig Iron Porter, Orange Creamsicle and Iron Hill Light Lager. The restaurant also will have a full food menu that will include, according to a release, appetizers and soups, burgers and sandwiches, hearth-baked pizzas, salads, entrees, and several items inspired by Iron Hills award-winning beers including the Grilled Brewben Sandwich with Vienna Red Lager bacon sauerkraut, and the VooDoo Chicken Pizza with Vienna Red Lager BBQ sauce. Once open, Iron Hills hours will be 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. Mondays through Saturdays, 11 a.m. to midnight on Fridays and Saturdays and 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. on Sundays. We are thrilled to welcome Iron Hill Brewery & Restaurant to the BullStreet District, Robert Hughes, president of BullStreet master developer Hughes Development, said in a statement. Their presence not only adds to the thriving food scene in Columbia but also represents a significant win for everyone in and around BullStreet. Police arrested a man Wednesday afternoon following a five-hour standoff at an apartment complex in Caldwell. The Caldwell Police Department was called to a domestic dispute between a 40-year-old man and another person at an apartment near the 2700 block of Blackfoot Lane in Caldwell, according to a news release and additional information provided to the Idaho Statesman by spokesperson Char Jackson. The caller said the man was possibly armed and in violation of his parole, the release said. It also noted that the Nampa Police Department had attempted to detain the man Tuesday night, but he fled. Police said the man refused to turn himself in Wednesday and barricaded himself inside an apartment, saying that he wasnt going back to prison and would use any means necessary to ensure that he would not be arrested. Police also said that because of the comments the man made, they believed he was armed, so they called for evacuations at the apartment complex. Jackson clarified in an email that three adjoining apartments were cleared out. After five hours of negotiations, the man peacefully surrendered to police and was arrested, the release said. Both the Nampa Police Departments Tactical Response Team and Caldwells SWAT team responded because Caldwell didnt have enough officer staffing, Jackson said. Police didnt locate any firearms after the man was arrested, she said. The man was arrested on suspicion of several charges, police said, but they didnt list any in the release other than a parole violation. Jackson told the Statesman she was still waiting for the man to appear on the Canyon County jail roster. Police thanked the apartments residents for their corporation and Valley Church for opening their doors and allowing first responders to use the church during the incident. The Caldwell Police Department evacuated a Walmart Neighborhood Market on Monday for several hours as police worked to detain and arrest a 34-year-old man who had allegedly vandalized another persons home before heading to the Ustick Road store. This was the second SWAT activation in 48 hours that our brave men and women courageously responded to, Caldwell Police Chief Rex Ingram said in the release. California Attorney General Rob Bonta (D) is asking for more information from Florida authorities on migrants flown into the Golden State at Floridas direction. Were seeking videos, documents, communications between officials, and more to inform our investigation into the transportation of asylum seekers to Sacramento, Bonta said in a Twitter post. Florida earlier this month confirmed it was behind arranging for migrants to be flown into California from Texas, and Bonta promised to investigate potential wrongdoing by Florida officials related to the flights. Bonta told The Hill that hes glad the state of Florida is accepting blame for what theyve done. In the new request for more information, the California attorney general said that Florida provided a highly edited and highly produced video a number of days after the flights but suggested that the Sunshine State has additional footage theyve not yet shared. We believe they have other footage of the asylum seekers that they have not put in their glossy, highly produced video. And we want those, Bonta said. We also want all the documents and communications that talk about what this transportation program is, why the individuals were transported, what they were told, promised, what [was] represented. Florida has said the migrants boarded the flight voluntarily, but Bonta has pushed back on the claims. He sent two letters, dated Wednesday, to Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis (R) and Floridas Division of Emergency Management requesting public records. California Gov. Gavin Newsom (D) has called DeSantis a small, pathetic man over the recent flights, which come as a number of Republican governors move to fly or bus migrants to Democrat-led, so-called sanctuary cities in protest of Biden administration policies and the situation at the U.S.-Mexico border. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill. California Gov. Gavin Newsom announced late Wednesday that the state's highway patrol has seized enough fentanyl in San Francisco in the past six weeks to kill the city's entire population nearly three times over. Since the governor launched a public safety partnership between the city and state on May 1, the California Highway Patrol has seized more than 4.2 kilograms of fentanyl in the Tenderloin neighborhood and the immediate surrounding area of San Francisco. The U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration considers a lethal dose of fentanyl to be 2 milligrams. One kilogram has the potential to kill 500,000 people, and the amount seized in San Francisco is enough to potentially kill 2.1 million people, according to a press release from Newsom's office. Furthermore, in the first six weeks of the operation, the California Highway Patrol also seized more than 957 grams of methamphetamine, 319 grams of cocaine and 31 grams of heroin. The agency also made 92 felony and misdemeanor arrests, including on charges related to possession of fentanyl, illegal firearm possession, driving under the influence and domestic violence. MORE: Fentanyl overdose deaths surged 279% since 2016 while heroin deaths fell: CDC The joint public safety operation in San Francisco has brought together multiple agencies to tackle the fentanyl and opioid crisis, including the California Highway Patrol, the California National Guard, the California Department of Justice, the San Francisco Police Department and the San Francisco District Attorney's Office. The effort is focused on "targeting fentanyl trafficking, disrupting the supply of the deadly drug in the city, and holding the operators of drug trafficking rings accountable," according to Newsom's office. The governor previously said that the operation will not result in criminalizing those addicted to drugs. "I'm proud of the CHP and CalGuard's lifesaving efforts to shut down the Tenderloin's poison pipeline and hold drug traffickers accountable," Newsom said in a statement on Wednesday night. "These early results show promise and serve as a call to action: we must do more to clean up San Francisco's streets, help those struggling with substance use and eradicate fentanyl from our neighborhoods." MORE: If fentanyl is so deadly, why do drug dealers use it to lace illicit drugs? Prior to becoming California's governor in 2019, Newsom was the mayor of San Francisco from 2004 to 2011. The city's Tenderloin neighborhood is rife with open-air drug use and dealing. Fentanyl, a powerful synthetic opioid approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration to treat severe pain, is the leading driver of drug overdose deaths in the United States, as well as in San Francisco. Although the number of accidental overdose deaths recorded in the city have declined in recent years, they remain high. Of the 620 deaths in 2022, 72% were attributed to fentanyl, according to data released by the San Francisco Department of Public Health. ABC News' Liz Kreutz and Tenzin Shakya contributed to this report. California authorities seize enough fentanyl in San Francisco to kill city's entire population nearly 3 times over originally appeared on abcnews.go.com California hate hotline records 180 acts of hate in first month of service Good morning and welcome to the A.M. Alert! CALIFORNIA HATE HOTLINE RECORDS 180 ACTS OF HATE IN FIRST MONTH One month after the California Civil Rights Department introduced its new hate hotline, the agency has recorded 180 reports from across the state. Make no mistake: Hate and discrimination remain a threat across the country, Director Kevin Kish said in a statement. However, here in California, youre not alone in the face of hate. According to Kish, nearly half of those who reported hate acts accepted services from department staff, including help in getting legal aid and counseling. No place is immune to hate, but in California, were committed to doing everything in our power to uplift, protect, and heal all our communities, Kish said. Hate acts related to race and ethnicity were the most commonly reported, followed by religion and sexual orientation. The vast majority of reports were made by people who reported being targeted directly by an act of hate. The CA vs Hate hotline accepts all reports of hate acts, and unlike law enforcement is not limited to those rising to the level of a criminal offense. The hotline is available in more than 200 languages over the phone, with 15 different languages in the online portal. THOUSANDS OF CHILDCARE WORKERS EXPECTED TO MARCH THURSDAY As California lawmakers gather inside the Capitol Thursday to vote on the 2023-24 budget, thousands of unionized child care providers from across the state will gather outside, calling on Gov. Gavin Newsom to approve the proposal for immediate pay increases. Child Care Providers United has a contract with the state that expires June 30. Thus far, there has been no agreement in collective bargaining. California child care providers who provide care subsidized by the state for low-wage working parents are being paid rates that cover just 25-30% of their current costs to provide quality care, the union said in a statement. And since 2012, 25% of Californias child care providers have left the workforce. The system is at a breaking point and so are providers. Providers from Los Angeles, San Diego and the Central Valley are expected to attend, along with thousands more from Northern California, the union said. The rally is set to take place on the west steps of the Capitol starting at 10:15 a.m. UNDOCUMENTED WOMEN GET LOWEST PAY IN U.S. Undocumented women are the lowest paid workers in America, according to a new report from the Los Angeles-based Gender Equity Policy Institute. According to the report, for every dollar an undocumented man makes in California, an undocumented woman makes just 87 cents. When compared to white men, they make even less: Just 44 cents for every dollar, according to the report. Everyone else is paid more than undocumented women when performing the same work. Since the labor market penalizes undocumented women for their immigration status and gender, their well-being is substantially shaped by the extent their home states policies either advance or hinder immigrant rights, Natalia Vega Varela, the lead author on the report, said in a statement. According to the report, there are 11 million undocumented immigrants living in the U.S., with the largest population in California 2 million, including 900,000 women. New York was the only state where undocumented women and men were paid roughly the same. California has the lowest poverty rate (16%) for undocumented women, while Texas (27%) has the largest, followed by Florida and New York (both at 21%). QUOTE(S) OF THE DAY The judiciary committee just voted to allow government to discriminate based on race when providing services, as proposed by #ACA7. I fundamentally disagree with this backwards policy as do 57% of Californians who voted to prohibit Affirmative Action when they adopted #Prop209. - Assemblyman Bill Essayli, R-Riverside, via Twitter. This is a perfect example how a minority can become a white supremacist by doing everything possible to win white supremacist and fascist affection. History will judge him poorly. His politics is dangerous and should be combated at every turn. #antiracism - Assemblyman Corey Jackson, D-Moreno Valley, responding to the above tweet, via Twitter. Best of The Bee: State lawmakers have introduced a bill to create an entirely new entity to handle Sacramentos growing homeless crisis. The effort was in response to a civil grand jury report released last month that recommended a countywide joint powers authority. Assembly members Kevin McCarty, D-Sacramento; Stephanie Nguyen, D-Elk Grove; and Josh Hoover, R-Folsom, introduced the bill this week. Its the biggest issue were facing and we need joint cooperation, said McCarty, whos running for Sacramento mayor next year. Under the current plan, the JPA would consist of six elected officials one each from the county, and the cities of Sacramento, Elk Grove, Rancho Cordova, Citrus Heights and Folsom, the release stated. Creating the JPA also requires approval from the elected officials in each of those jurisdictions. That will likely be harder than pushing through the legislation and having it signed into law. The bodies could start voting on whether to opt in starting in mid to late 2024, which is the best case scenario for when the bill would go into effect, McCarty said. Mayor Darrell Steinberg and Councilwoman Caity Maple are in favor of the JPA. We have a moral imperative to do everything in our power to end this suffering and ensure that every person can live with dignity in our region, Maple, who says she has been proposing the idea for years, said in a news release. We are the capital of the fifth-largest economy in the world, and yet people are going without adequate housing and services right on our doorstep. Steinberg agreed. Creating a governing body with all the cities and counties to address homelessness gives us the best chance to make the difference that the public rightfully expects, Steinberg said in a news release. I am looking forward to Councilmember Maples leadership on this issue as she represents the City of Sacramento in these discussions. The county supervisors are less enthusiastic. At this point Im neither supportive nor opposed, Supervisor Patrick Kennedy said Wednesday. Its an intriguing idea but I need to know how it would operate and whether or not it is duplicative of many of the initiatives we already have underway. Supervisor Rich Desmond, board chair, told The Bee last month that there were no plans to create a JPA. On Friday he said he was open to it. Ive talked to Mr. McCarty and told him I am always open to a discussion about how we can improve coordination, Desmond said. If a JPA would make a positive difference, lets discuss it. City and county leaders in December approved a joint agreement, under pressure from the Measure O ballot measure, to address homelessness, including new behavioral health encampment teams. It also included 200 new shelter beds, which have not since been opened. Even if the new beds are opened, Sacramento will still have at least 6,000 homeless people sleeping outdoors, unable to secure any of the city and countys roughly 2,300 shelter beds, all of which are typically full. The JPA would enhance and build upon the existing partnership between the city and the county by implementing a comprehensive approach to address the challenges posed by homelessness, the release stated. The details of the JPA, including how many members and how the money would flow, are still being decided, McCarty said. State lawmakers are meeting with the localities for the next six months to discuss it, he said. In forming its recommendation, the grand jury studied a homeless JPA in neighboring Solano County, as well as several in southern California. In each case, the grand jury found that either homelessness had been reduced or increased at a much slower rate than in Sacramento County. Jurors also concluded that a JPA would ensure more transparency, and also more efficiency in the way state and federal money is being spent to address the crisis. Under a JPA, money directed for homelessness efforts as well as program-based decision making could become centralized. The grand jury has released two reports this month highly critical of the way local governments and county officials in particular have handled the homelessness crisis, both in terms of leadership and overall effectiveness in addressing mental health and substance abuse issues. If the elected officials create the JPA, the first meeting would likely be in about two years, said Ryan Brown, Maples chief of staff. Bamboo Airways posts record losses in 2022 Bamboo Airways reported its biggest ever loss of VND17.60 trillion (USD741.39) last year as costs skyrocketed. Illustrative photo The airline recorded revenues tripling to VND12.01 trillion last year, according to the companys financial disclosure. Despite its high revenues, business administration expenses increased nearly 80 times from more than VND158 billion in 2021 to nearly VND12.75 trillion last year as the carrier made provisions for short-term and long-term bad debts. As of last year, Bamboo Airways equity was negative VND835 billion. The five directors of Bamboo Airways have asked to resign, and the airline will select a new board of seven directors at the upcoming general meeting. Bamboo Airways is set to select a new board of directors for the 2023-2028 period on June 21. Other airlines also posted accumulated losses last year. Vietnam Airlines lost VND2.64 trillion while Vietjet posted accumulated losses of VND1.99 trillion. Last week, in response to another weekend of shootings, Mayor Brandon Johnson pushed back on critics of Chicagos violence, saying, What I find disingenuous is, where were these individuals when schools were being shut down and closed? This latest rhetorical gem builds on what already qualifies as a pattern of deflection by distraction by the new administration. Last weeks comments followed his explanation for the most violent Memorial Day weekend in seven years as being the product of community divestment, poverty and trauma the city has struggled with for far too long. He attributed the mayhem in the Loop in April to youths being starved of opportunities in their own communities. Combined, his commentary is building not just an explanation but also a rationale for violence. Advertisement [ Editorial: Brandon Johnsons statement on Loop violence was as revealing as it was lamentable ] What the mayor and his base supporters are doing when they cant or wont answer questions is relitigate the past based on a false narrative to deflect responsibility for a mediocre present in which they are complicit. Expect more of this, accompanied by aggressive attacks on the news media for asking even innocuous questions. We are not even two months into the new administration, and the mayor is already calling out the media for criticism on crime, accusing them of demonizing the city and saying that if you dont live in Chicago and you arent offering solutions, stop talking about us. Connecting the closing of 50 virtually empty schools under then-Mayor Rahm Emanuel over a decade ago to the public safety struggles of today is particularly disingenuous. Many of the closed schools would not be empty if Chicago Teachers Union leadership had not blocked the city from allowing well over 100 charter-based schools to inhabit closed campuses. The charters were willing to pay rent and enroll the few students from the community who had attended the schools at the time they were closed. Advertisement And if union leaders think more schools are the answer to enrollment falling for the 11th consecutive year, then the CTU should be made to account for its opposition to any expansion of public charter schools, which the union has capped. The CTU also opposed a bill allowing four-year universities like the University of Illinois at Chicago to serve as the charter authorizer for a multisite charter school devoted exclusively to older reenrolled high school dropouts. The state provides funding for such young adults who because of age and past record will never return to a traditional public high school. The criticism of the closing of near-empty schools by Emanuel is particularly hypocritical given the catastrophic consequences of closing school campuses after COVID-19 struck. Johnson and his fellow CTU leadership were the force behind Chicagos indefensible, long shutdown of public schools ostensibly because of COVID-19. That shutdown lasted long after the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention said it was safe to open schools. School closings had a direct impact on student academic performance as state test scores, already abysmal pre-COVID, plummeted. Meanwhile a University of Chicago Crime Lab analysis points to increases in carjackings being committed by school-age youth. School closures did not just affect teachers, children and parents this policy will have a decadeslong impact on every aspect of the city. While middle-class and affluent families may opt for charter and private schools as a solution, the poorest and most vulnerable children, overwhelmingly Black and Latino, will remain hostages to a failing system. Mayor Brandon Johnson listens as Chicago Teachers Union President Stacy Davis Gates speaks at a news conference at City Hall on June 8, 2023, to announce changes to the CPS parental leave policy. (Terrence Antonio James/Chicago Tribune) The unions behavior during COVID-19 was part of its claimed new gospel of strike power that spread across the country after CTUs 2012 strike. That gospel was developed and implemented by the militant Caucus of Rank and File Educators, or CORE, that came to power in 2010. Since then, the CTU has gone out on strike twice. Parents have seen their children struggle in the wake of repeated school closures and constant threats of disruption as the CTU kept pushing and striking for demands unrelated to education. The union faces no consequences for interrupting students learning and instead celebrates its use of strike power. Notably, since CORE took leadership, the district enrollment loss has accelerated as 20% fewer students enrolled. Chicago Tribune Opinion Weekdays Read the latest editorials and commentary curated by the Tribune Opinion team. By submitting your email to receive this newsletter, you agree to our Subscriber Terms & Conditions and Privacy Policy > Why should enrollment loss concern the CTU? The district receives well over half of all property taxes paid by city residents, no matter the number of students. As for state funding, the current school formula is heavily weighted to benefit districts like Chicago Public Schools with high numbers of poor students and helps minimize enrollment losses. CPS receives 25% of all state-allocated K-12 funds including federal funds. Meanwhile, teachers union leaders push to make further changes to the school funding formula to make it even less based on enrollment. Advertisement This Trojan horse is designed to secure more funding regardless of enrollment losses by giving an even greater weighting to need than to enrollment numbers. This will protect against enrollment-driven school closings or consolidations. It enables CPS, which is now spending $30,000 per student, to claim with a straight face that CPS state funding is $1 billion short. CPS consumes almost five times what is spent on the Chicago Police Department. Getting at the underlying causes of violence that CPD must address in real time is not possible as long as the CTU-dominated public schools continue to be the major obstacle to allocating those immense resources in ways that meet the needs of Chicagos most at-risk children and their families. Paul Vallas is an adviser for the Illinois Policy Institute. He ran for Chicago mayor this year and in 2019 and was previously budget director for the city and CEO of Chicago Public Schools. Submit a letter, of no more than 400 words, to the editor here or email letters@chicagotribune.com. Two California men, one of them a Marine, were arrested Wednesday and accused of firebombing a Planned Parenthood clinic in Costa Mesa last year, federal authorities said. Tibet Ergul, 21, of Irvine, and Chance Brannon, 23, of San Juan Capistrano, an active-duty Marine stationed at Camp Pendleton, are charged with using an explosive or fire to damage real property affecting interstate commerce, the U.S. attorneys office for Central California said in a statement. A criminal complaint alleges they ignited and threw a Molotov cocktail at the clinics entrance early March 13, 2022. Damage was estimated at $1,050, and appointments for about 30 patients had to be rescheduled, the complaint says. Planned Parenthood clinic in Costa Mesa, Calif. (Google Maps) "My office takes very seriously this brazen attack that targeted a facility that provides critical health care services to thousands of people in Orange County," U.S. Attorney Martin Estrada said in the statement. "While it is fortunate that no one was physically harmed and responders were able to prevent the clinic from being destroyed, the defendants violent actions are entirely unacceptable. Security videos show two people wearing hooded sweatshirts and masks approach the Planned Parenthood around 1 a.m. and throw a flaming device at the front door, federal prosecutors said. Investigators found burn marks on the entrance door and the adjacent wall, according to the complaint. Prosecutors said an analysis showed that a glass container and other materials collected from the scene contained gasoline. The FBI in January released a poster announcing a reward of up to $25,000 leading to the identifications, arrests and convictions of the suspects, according to the complaint. On April 3, a witness called the FBIs National Threat Operations Center claiming to be able to identify the people allegedly involved, according to the complaint. The witness, who said they knew the two men from high school, said Ergul sent texts admitting his involvement, the complaint says. A day after the fire, the witness said, Ergul texted saying he wished he 'couldve recorded the combustion and sent a photo of a gloved hand holding a Molotov cocktail, according to the complaint. The photo was taken inside a car the witness believed to be Brannons, the complaint says. Ergul and Brannon were expected to appear in court Wednesday, federal prosecutors said. They could not be reached for comment, and it was unclear whether they had attorneys who could speak on their behalf. No one with Costa Mesa Planned Parenthood could immediately be reached for comment Wednesday afternoon. The charge Ergul and Brannon face carries a maximum penalty of 20 years in federal prison if they are convicted. The FBI and the Naval Criminal Investigative Service are conducting the investigation, federal prosecutors said. This article was originally published on NBCNews.com Migrants processed by U.S. Border Patrol receive assistance at the Regional Center for Border Health to relocate outside of Yuma, Ariz., on May 12. (Gary Coronado / Los Angeles Times) More than four dozen immigrant rights groups sent a letter Wednesday to California Atty. Gen. Rob Bonta, urging him to help 36 migrants who were flown to Sacramento by Florida contractors secure visas to remain in the U.S. The news comes as Texas Gov. Greg Abbott announced that he had sent a busload of migrants to Los Angeles, saying in a news release that "border towns remain overwhelmed." The 42 migrants, including eight children, arrived at Union Station on Wednesday afternoon. Texas and Arizona leaders have bused thousands of migrants to Democratic strongholds since last year. Bonta demanded records Wednesday from Florida authorities that could shed light on the decisions that led to the transport of those migrants, which he has called a manipulative political stunt. The attorney general's office is conducting an investigation into the circumstances surrounding the transport and evaluating potential criminal or civil action if those orchestrating the trip are found to have misled migrants or violated laws against kidnapping. Read more: Texas sends busload of 42 migrants to Los Angeles "We need to understand the circumstances that led to the implementation of this operation which was apparently paid for by Florida taxpayer dollars and the decisions and directives that led to this questionable act," Bonta said in a statement. "The information gathered will be crucial in determining whether the law has been violated and, if so, what subsequent steps are required to prevent such disregard for human rights from recurring. On June 2 and 5, two groups of migrants from Venezuela and Colombia were driven from El Paso to New Mexico and then flown to Sacramento. Those arriving June 2 were left at the door of the Catholic Diocese with documents from Florida's "Voluntary Migrant Transport Program." Florida officials pushed back on the allegation that migrants were misled or transported against their will. Vertol Systems Co., the contractor that facilitated the transport, also coordinated similar flights for Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis that took dozens of Venezuelan migrants from San Antonio to Marthas Vineyard in Massachusetts last year. The migrants flown to Sacramento told officials they were promised someone would help them find work. At the Catholic Diocese, two men said they would return but drove off, leaving the migrants behind, Bonta said. Migrants who were recruited for the trip but didn't go told The Times that the contractors were aggressively insistent. One woman said the contractor told her she would have her immigration court date changed if she agreed to go to L.A. Read more: Migrants say Florida contractors pushed to get them to board planes to California Bonta sent two public records requests to DeSantis' office seeking communications, instructions and records between Florida officials and private entities involved in the transports, including bids submitted in response to a request for proposal published May 8 by Florida's Division of Emergency Management for a migrant transportation program. California Gov. Gavin Newsom sparred with Fox News Host Sean Hannity on Monday night, telling him: "I sat down with these migrants. I talked to every single one of them. They were lied to. They were misled." The California Rural Legal Assistance Foundation, which has provided legal support to the migrants flown to Sacramento, was among the lead signatories asking Bonta to provide migrants who have cooperated with his investigation a certification that would make them eligible to apply for a U visa. The status was designated by Congress to encourage immigrant victims to report serious crimes and cooperate with law enforcement. Applicants face a years-long backlog, but certain applicants can receive deportation protection and work permits while they wait. Kidnapping and human trafficking are among the qualifying crimes for a U visa. Bonta's office did not immediately respond to a request for comment about the letter. "These individuals are not only just a problem that was foisted upon us, but they are victims of misconduct," said Marcus Tang, citizenship and immigration project director at CRLAF. "They are at the center of this massive political debate and its not fair to them that this happened. They deserve dignity and protection." Tang said it's not guaranteed that every one of the affected migrants would apply for a U visa or receive one. Some might also qualify for asylum, he said, and limited legal resources make it difficult to pursue multiple options. But obtaining a certification at least offers them the option, he said and gives state leaders a chance to provide humanitarian support. Bonta wouldn't be the first to offer such a benefit. After 49 migrants were flown to Martha's Vineyard last September, the Bexar County Sheriff's Office in Texas signed U visa certifications for all of them. Get the best of the Los Angeles Times politics coverage with the Essential Politics newsletter. This story originally appeared in Los Angeles Times. FILE A sign opposing a plan to build a giant tunnel to ship water to Southern California is displayed near Freeport, California, on May 2, 2016. California Gov. Gavin Newsom has a plan to speed up some construction projects throughout the state. But some lawmakers and environmental advocates fear his plan would benefit the tunnel project, which they oppose. (AP Photo/Rich Pedroncelli, file) SACRAMENTO, Calif. (AP) California Gov. Gavin Newsom is pushing the state Legislature to tackle what has long been one of the biggest gripes about government: Taking far too long to build things like roads and bridges. But Newsom's plan to cut through red tape has slowed in the state Legislature, where some lawmakers fear his true motive is to favor a single project the long-delayed and long-disputed plan to build a giant tunnel to re-route how the state moves water from north to south. The tunnel reflects the tension between arid Southern California, where most of the people live, and Northern California, the source of most of the states water. Newsom is seeking major changes to the state's building and permitting process. He wants to make it easier and faster to build a slew of projects, from solar, wind and battery power storage to road maintenance and bridge repairs. His administration denies that the changes are aimed at expediting the tunnel. But as budget negotiations speed toward a deadline, debates over his plan have repeatedly turned to the tunnel. I think it's more than the elephant in the room, said Assemblymember Rebecca Bauer-Kahan, a Democrat who represents Contra Costa County in Northern California, told the Newsom administration during a public hearing last week. Democrats who control the state Legislature passed their own version of the state budget on Thursday that does not include Newsom's proposed changes on building and permitting. It's a placeholder until legislative leaders can strike a deal with Newsom by the end of the month. Most of California's water comes from rain and snow that falls in the northern part of the state, with rivers cascading down the Sierra Nevada on their way to the Pacific Ocean. California has a complex system of dams, reservoirs and canals that divert water for drinking and farming. Supporters say the project, commonly known as the Delta tunnel, is a much-needed update of that water delivery system, which they say is not equipped to handle periods of prolonged drought followed by intense storms, like what happened earlier this year when the state was hit by roughly a dozen atmospheric rivers. But the Delta tunnel has strong opposition among the five counties that comprise the Sacramento/San Joaquin River Delta region. They fear construction of the 45-mile (72 kilometer) underground tunnel directly connecting the Sacramento River to the California Aqueduct will destroy valuable farmland and deny threatened species of fish like the Delta smelt and winter-run Chinook salmon the river water they need to survive. Opponents of Newsom's plan say it would aid the development of the tunnel in several ways ways, including: Reducing the number of votes needed for proposals to pass the Delta Stewardship Council, a regulatory body responsible for vetting the tunnel project; ending some permanent protections for the sandhill crane, a bird whose habitat could be disrupted by the tunnel's construction; and limiting what documents, including some emails, could be disclosed in lawsuits challenging construction projects for environmental reasons. There are so many elements of this (proposal) that they slid in to push through the Delta tunnel by changing the rules," said Barbara Barrigan-Parilla, executive director of Restore the Delta, an environmental advocacy group that doesn't support the tunnel. Assemblymember Carlos Villapudua, a Democrat from the San Joaquin Valley city of Stockton, said he likes the idea of accelerating construction projects, but says it should apply only to those projects everyone can agree on. He's pushing for an amendment that would prevent Newsom's changes from applying to the tunnel. To try to force something through at the last minute like this on such a controversial issue, it's so inappropriate, Villapudua said. We are a body that he needs to answer to. And as much as we want to work with the governor, we are a pretty strong body. Wade Crowfoot, secretary of the California Natural Resources Agency, said changing the number of votes required for approvals by the Delta Stewardship Council aligns with other state boards with similar responsibilities, including the California Coastal Commission. He said the new design for the tunnel project would largely avoid impacting the sandhill crane because it would put utility wires underground. And he said all emails would still be available through public record requests, which anyone can file. In each of these cases, I can understand a connection is being drawn to the tunnel, Crowfoot said in an interview. But this package was generated ... to focus on the totality of infrastructure that we have to deliver. It wasn't built to advance the delta project. In public hearings, Crowfoot has told lawmakers that California needs to triple the amount of new energy projects over the next two decades to keep up with soaring demand for electricity as people and businesses move away from fossil fuels. He warned that California could lose 10% of its water supply over the next 15 years as the climate grows hotter and drier, necessitating construction of more water storage projects. Plus, Crowfoot told lawmakers that California sometimes misses out on federal funding for construction projects because of the perception we will move too slowly to get this money to work. While he faces some pushback in the Legislature, Newsom can still negotiate from a position of strength. Some of the state's powerful labor unions, which donate lots of money to Democratic lawmakers' campaigns, back his proposal. With California set to invest $180 billion on infrastructure projects over the next 10 years, thousands of good-paying jobs are on the line, Joel Barton, secretary-treasurer of the California Association of Electrical Workers, said in a statement released by the Governor's Office. 'I can't wait for it': Indian restaurant gets approval to open in Worcester's Canal District WORCESTER - Bombay Lounge will be going into Maddi's Taphouse space on Water Street. WORCESTER Bombay Lounge, a proposed Indian bar and grill at 64 Water St., on Thursday received License Commission approval to serve food. The Canal District building previously hosted Maddi's Cookery and TapHouse, which closed in November. Devendra Patil, one of the partners looking to open Bombay Lounge, said the restaurant will start by serving food and later seek a license to sell alcohol. Patil said Thursday the new owners will retain most of the furniture, layout and equipment while repainting the walls and adding fixtures. In April, Patil said the restaurant will serve North Indian dishes as well as staples familiar to Americans such as butter chicken and chicken tikka masala. The opening date has not been finalized. On the License Commission agenda, the Bombay Lounge's proposed hours are listed as 11 a.m. to 10 p.m., seven days of the week. The possibility of bringing a more upscale, sit-down Indian restaurant to Worcester was well-received at License Commission meeting Thursday. Both Commissioner Charran Fisher and police Sgt. Thomas Needham of the Alcohol Enforcement Unit said they were excited. "I can't wait for it," Needham said. In Worcester, Indian food is served at the Namaste Woo vendor in the Worcester Public Market and in the takeout location The Shack at 275 Park Ave. Indian food is also served at Bollywood Grill in Shrewsbury. Patil and and his business partner Romeo Pereira also own The Treasury: Indian and Greek Kitchen in Burlington. This article originally appeared on Telegram & Gazette: Bombay Lounge approved to open in Canal District of Worcester Car plunges off highway and kills family of 4 in Idaho. Nothing will ever be the same A family of four was killed when their car plunged 30 feet from a highway and flipped into a river in Idaho, authorities said. Now family members are speaking out about losing their loved ones. Calvin CJ Miller, 36 was on a road trip with his three children, Dakota Miller, 17; Jack Miller, 10; and Delilah Miller, 8, from Spokane, Washington, when they crashed, police said. The Idaho County Sheriffs Office said they think 17-year-old Dakota Miller fell asleep when she was driving and struck a pile of rocks, which sent the car into the air, KSAZ-TV reported based on an accident report. The vehicle struck another large pile of rocks, flipping the vehicle over end and landing upside down in the Salmon River, deputies said in the report obtained by the news outlet. Water filled the vehicle after it flew 30 feet from the highway, causing the family to drown, USA Today reported citing authorities. An angler found their bodies inside the vehicle on June 10 in the Salmon River by milepost 199, north of Riggins, authorities said. I just dropped to my knees ... I just started crying, Zella Blair, the mother of Jack and Delilah Miller, told KREM. I just couldnt believe it. Blair told the news outlet she dropped her two children off with their father, who had plans to take the pair and his oldest daughter to see his grandfather, the news outlet reported. But the family crashed before making it. Nothing will ever be the same, Blair told KAYU. I just want my kids back. CJ Miller left behind his soon-to-be fiancee, and her step-father talked to KHQ-TV about losing the family. They were just the best kids, Scott Henri told the news outlet. They were just too good, too good for this place. Three killed in head-on crash on main Outer Banks highway, North Carolina troopers say Freak accident sends big rig tire through windshield, killing two, Ohio cops say Helpless driver slams into Dollar Tree, creating trail of destruction, SC photos show Carrie Fisher in Wonderwell Seven years after beloved actress Carrie Fishers untimely passing, her final film Wonderwell will receive a limited release. Fisher had just completed shooting the film before getting ready to reprise her role as General Leia in what would ultimately become Star War: The Rise of Skywalker. Wonderwell is described as a modern fairytale; its cast also includes Rita Ora. Deadline reports the film has been picked up for distribution by Vertical, which acquired North American and UK/Ireland rights to Vlad Marsavins directorial debut in a limited theatrical release. Youll be able to watch the film through AMC in the U.S. starting June 23, and it will be followed by a digital release. Read more Image: Vertical The images released of Fishers character, Hazel, are stirringnot least because she bears a striking resemblance to her mother, Debbie Reynolds, in her role as Aggie in cult Disney favorite Halloweentown. The film is described as follows: Set between contemporary Italy and a fantastical realm, the coming-of-age story follows Violet, an inquisitive girl living in Italy with her American parents and her beautiful older sister, Savannah. When Savannah is selected to be the face of world-renowned designer Yanas fashion label, the family travels to an enchanting medieval village for a photo shoot. Neglected and bored, Violet wanders from the ancient Tuscan town into a nearby forest where she meets the enigmatic Hazel, who warns her about Yanas beleaguered stepson, Daniele. Guided by Hazel to a mysterious portal, Violet is offered a glimpse of what her future might hold. The filmmakers have noted they will dedicate the film to Fisher. 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. Istanbul Mayor Imamoglu of the main opposition CHP speaks during an election rally in Istanbul By Ali Kucukgocmen and Huseyin Hayatsever ISTANBUL (Reuters) - Turkey's opposition, still reeling from election defeat to President Tayyip Erdogan, suffered a fresh blow to its prospects of renewal on Thursday as a court began hearing a case against one of its brightest stars on a tender-rigging charge. The case against Istanbul Mayor Ekrem Imamoglu began less than three weeks after Erdogan defied poll predictions and the hopes of his opponents to win a presidential runoff vote, extending his more than two-decade rule. Imamoglu faces a potential jail sentence of three to seven years and a political ban if found guilty in the latest case, having already been sentenced to more than two years in prison in 2022 for insulting public officials. He also faces a political ban if that ruling is upheld. His case on Thursday was adjourned to Nov. 30 and the trial is set to hang over the opposition as it tries to regroup and rally disheartened voters ahead of local elections in March. At the same time, calls have grown louder for the opposition's defeated presidential candidate Kemal Kilicdaroglu to resign as chairman of Imamoglu's Republican People's Party (CHP). While Kilicdaroglu has refused to openly say whether he will stand as a candidate in the party congress in the autumn, he appeared to suggest that he may step down after 13 years at the helm of Turkey's oldest party. "I will open the way fully for change, don't you worry," he told his party's parliamentary group on Tuesday. "It is the captain's duty to take the ship safely back to port," Kilicdaroglu added, suggesting he could keep the reins for a while longer. Many see Imamoglu, who has called for "total change", as the strongest contender to replace Kilicdaroglu. "We can't make the mistake of doing the same things and continuing on our path," Imamoglu told reporters last week, citing the CHP's losses in the last three presidential election. But others are also vying for Kilicdaroglu's position and the decision will depend on who can rally more support within the party. Tanju Tosun, political science professor at Ege University, said the CHP's internal politics could overshadow its preparations for next year's local elections. "If the internal rifts within the CHP continues until local elections, candidates from the ruling AK Party (AKP) could defeat opposition candidates in many cities," he said. Imamoglu shot to the centre of domestic politics after he won the 2019 mayoral elections in Istanbul, delivering Erdogan's AKP their biggest defeat since they came to power in 2002. Erdogan's critics say he has bent Turkish courts to his will and many see the cases against Imamoglu as an attempt to hinder him politically. Erdogan and his AK Party deny this. Kemal Polat, a lawyer for Imamoglu, said the claims in Thursday's tender rigging case, related to his time as mayor of Beylikduzu district, were baseless and could be used by politicians. "The indictment that is prepared is empty judicially. The investigation into the acts described in the indictment were lifted by the Council of State," Polat said. LOCAL ELECTIONS As Imamoglu's five-year term draws to a close, the CHP and other opposition parties it cooperated with in 2019 to secure the victory in Istanbul will also need to decide whether they will unite again for local elections scheduled for March 2024. Last month's defeat, including a weaker-than-expected showing for the centre nationalist IYI Party in parliamentary elections, complicates the prospects of another partnership. Reports have suggested that IYI Party may request the CHP support its candidate in some metropolitan cities like in 2019, but in CHP strongholds this time. In 2019, the CHP endorsed IYI Party candidates in the western cities of Balikesir and Denizli, but they failed to beat AKP candidates at the time. The pro-Kurdish Green Left Party's (YSP) role also remains key for victory in local elections after they helped the CHP claim Istanbul and Ankara in 2019 by not fielding candidates. But party officials have suggested they may not follow that strategy next year after they suffered a drop in their votes in last month's elections. "YSP may field candidates (in Istanbul and Ankara)," Meral Danis Bestas, a senior YSP official, said. "We've received tough criticisms from our party base for not fielding a candidate in the presidential elections." (Reporting by Ali Kucukgocmen and Huseyin Hayatsever; Editing by Daren Butler and Angus MacSwan) FILE - Archbishop Timothy Broglio conducts an Easter Sunday Mass at Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception in Washington, April 12, 2020. The leader of the nation's Catholic bishops weighed in on ongoing immigration issues Thursday, June 15, 2023, calling for effective border management while emphasizing the church's need to help migrants and questioning political leaders who are transporting them to faraway states. (AP Photo/Jose Luis Magana, File) (ASSOCIATED PRESS) ORLANDO, Florida (AP) The leader of the nation's Catholic bishops weighed in on ongoing immigration issues Thursday, calling for effective border management while emphasizing the church's need to help migrants and questioning political leaders who are transporting them to faraway states. We strive to encourage those well-intentioned lawmakers who are seeking to enact effective and humane border management as part of a framework of comprehensive immigration reforms, said Archbishop Timothy Broglio, president of the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops, in an address at the start of the bishops' spring gathering. He called on fellow Catholics to continue aid to immigrants. We cannot fail to see the face of Christ in all of those who need our assistance, especially the poor and the vulnerable, said Broglio, who heads the Archdiocese for the Military Services. I know that this can put us at odds with certain groups or those who fear immigration. But our commitment is to the ... dignity of the human person from conception to natural death. Broglio voiced skepticism about the trend of some governors shipping migrants elsewhere typically from red to blue states amid a wider ideological clash over how to respond to asylum seekers and other migrants. If theyre transporting them to to make a statement, then that seems to me to be problematic," Broglio said when asked about the issue at a news conference. "If theyre transporting them, because those other states might be better able to respond to the immediate needs, well then that might be a way of responding to the problem. However, I suspect that its more to make a statement. Earlier this month, El Paso Bishop Mark Seitz voiced similar criticism after Florida state workers recruited migrants outside a Catholic church for a tax-funded flight to California, with promises of jobs and housing, a Catholic official said. Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis, a Republican presidential candidate, has taken credit for such flights. The bishops have a relatively light agenda for the two-day public portion of their meeting, concluding Friday, at the Omni Orlando Resort at ChampionsGate. Typically they have a heavier agenda in the fall. Bishops are slated to vote Friday on whether to begin revisions to the Ethical and Religious Directives for Catholic Health Care Services which guides the widespread network of Catholic hospitals and other health institutions on what they should and should not do. Although the agenda doesn't give a reason for the revisions, the meeting comes three months after bishops issued doctrinal guidelines opposing gender transition care in Catholic hospitals. They heard reports about the ongoing synodal process convened by Pope Francis an unprecedented two-year canvassing of the lay Catholic faithful worldwide about their vision for the church and how it can better respond to the needs of Catholics today. Reports on those dialogues are being gathered for an October meeting of bishops in Rome. Archbishop Christophe Pierre, the Vatican nuncio or ambassador to the U.S., said the process echoes Pope Francis' goal of getting beyond ideology. "When we engage with peoples real experiences as messy as that reality may be we give them hope because they realize that Christ is willing to be with them no matter where they are on their journey," Pierre said. The bishops also heard a progress report on plans for a nationwide gathering in Indianapolis in July 2024 focused on devotion to the Eucharist the communion celebration at the heart of Catholic worship. Local groups have held discussions and worship activities in preparation for the event, which will be preceded by three multi-state pilgrimages converging on Indianapolis from different routes, said Bishop Andrew Cozzens of Crookston, Minnesota, who chairs the bishops' advisory group to the gathering. On another matter, Broglio expressed solidarity with Los Angeles Archbishop Jose Gomez in dismay over the Los Angeles Dodgers honoring the satirical group Sisters of Perpetual Indulgence for its charitable work in a Pride Night event Friday. Catholic bishops say the group, which dresses extravagantly as nuns, is blasphemous and reminiscent of past anti-Catholic bigotry. The disrespect for the truths and traditions of our faith, for the legendary commitment of religious women to building up society, and the tarnishing of what has so often been called the national sport harken back to the know nothings of the 19th century, Broglio said. ___ Associated Press religion coverage receives support through the APs collaboration with The Conversation US, with funding from Lilly Endowment Inc. The AP is solely responsible for this content. It is the highest honor that we can bestow on a citizen from the U.S. Congress, said CBC Chairman Steven Horsford, D-Nev. Congressional Black Caucus members on Capitol Hill have nominated Henrietta Lacks for a posthumous Congressional Gold Medal for her contributions to modern medicine. This is to commemorate and to recognize the immortal life of Henrietta Lacks, said U.S. Rep. Kweisi Mfume, D-Md. Cells taken from Henrietta Lacks, shown in the 1940s, eventually helped lead to a multitude of medical treatments. But neither she nor her family gave consent. (Credit: John Hopkins University/Lacks Family) The Congressional Gold Medal is more than a symbol. It is the highest honor that we can bestow on a citizen from the U.S. Congress, said CBC Chairman Steven Horsford, D-Nev. [It] has only been awarded to a few people in our nations history and even fewer Black people, he explained, adding, The CBC believes Ms. Lacks deserves this posthumous honor. On Wednesday, Mfume, Horsford, U.S. Rep. Sheila Jackson Lee, D-Texas, and civil rights attorney Benjamin Crump held a press conference at the U.S. Capitol to recognize the life and legacy of Lacks. Ahead of taking to the House floor to reintroduce legislation that would award Lacks with a Congressional Gold Medal, Mfume delivered a message to other members of Congress. I would urge all of my colleagues in the House and the Senate to move forward with the passage of this statute, he told reporters. Lacks was born in August 1920 in Roanoke, Virginia, and then moved to Baltimore, Maryland, with her husband in 1941. She later developed cervical cancer and was treated at Johns Hopkins University. The treatment was ineffective, which led to her death several months later at the age of 31. Medical researchers and pharmaceutical companies would go on to use her cells, now known as HeLa cells, without her consent or the consent of her family to fight against cancer, HIV, Polio and other diseases. HeLa cells revolutionized medical research and numerous medical breakthroughs, said Horsford. Ms. Lacks nor her family would receive recognition or credit, nor would they be made aware of the existence or use of HeLa cells for many years after her passing. He continued: In the last few years, Ms. Lacks story has opened conversations about ethical practices and distrust in the medical field, particularly amongst Black Americans. To date, Lacks family has not received any financial compensation, despite pharmaceutical companies making large profits from the use of her DNA. Attorney Crump told theGrio that he and his legal team are involved in an ongoing case to seek financial justice for Lacks family. Attorney Ben Crump speaks alongside family members of police shooting victim Jalen JaVon Randle during a news conference on May 11, 2022, in Houston. (Photo by Brandon Bell/Getty Images) Were in litigation in the federal courts in Baltimore, Maryland, he shared. We know that Thermo Fischer [a pharmaceutical company] is the defendant now, but we anticipate there will be more defendants, and we believe every ounce of justice that is due to Henrietta Lacks is going to take place. Crump said the legal case will be unprecedented. Horsford told reporters that Lacks story is symbolic to the American people, yet very few are familiar with her story. Her story serves as a reminder of the need to preserve and guide our history at a time when threats of banning books and banning Black curriculum are so prevalent, he said. Horsford added, The Congressional Black Caucus members are proud to support efforts to recognize the contributions of Ms. Henrietta Lacks. TheGrio is FREE on your TV via Apple TV, Amazon Fire, Roku and Android TV. Also, please download theGrio mobile apps today! The post CBC introduces law to posthumously award Henrietta Lacks with Congressional Gold Medal appeared first on TheGrio. Bill Cosby's 10-year jail term for three aggravated indecent assaults was quashed in 2021 - Matt Slocum/AP Nine women in Nevada have sued Bill Cosby for alleged sexual assault following a change in state law. According to the lawsuit the 85-year-old star drugged or attempted to drug the women before committing sexual assault. The alleged assaults took place in Nevada between 1979 and 1992, in many cases in his hotel suite in Las Vegas. The women have been able to take Cosby to court because Nevada has changed its statute of limitations for civil cases involving sexual assault beyond two years. More than 60 women have said they have been assaulted by Cosby during the course of his career. The comedian denies the allegations. Cosby was sentenced to 10 years in jail in 2018 after being convicted of three counts of aggravated indecent assault. But he walked free three years later when the conviction was overturned after a court found that prosecutors had reneged on a promise that he would not be charged. Power, fame and prestige The latest suit, which was filed at the US District Court in Nevada, accuses Cosby of using his enormous power, fame and prestige to isolate and sexually assault his nine alleged victims. Lise-Lotte Lublin, one of the alleged victims, claims in the lawsuit that Cosby gave her two drinks to help her relax. Then, as she felt disoriented, he grabbed her wrists and held them between his legs as he masturbated. Heidi Thomas, another alleged victim, said she travelled from Denver, in Colorado, in 1984 believing she was going to be mentored by Cosby. She sipped a drink and lost consciousness. When she woke up, Cosby was assaulting her. With other states also reviewing their statutes of limitations, other legal claims could follow. Cosbys spokesman, Andrew Wyatt, said the women suing Cosby had been motivated by their addiction to massive amounts of media attention and greed. He added, in a statement: From this day forward, we will not continue to allow these women to parade various accounts against Mr Cosby anymore without vetting them in the court of public opinion and inside of the courtroom. 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. Former President Donald Trump waves as he leaves the Wilkie D. Ferguson Jr. U.S. Courthouse after his arraignment in Miami, June 13, 2023. Former President Donald Trump, the Republican presidential front-runner whose efforts to cling to power after his defeat shook American democracy, was booked on federal criminal charges that he illegally retained defense secrets and obstructed the governments efforts to reclaim the classified documents. (Saul Martinez/The New York Times) In an ideal setting in which there were unlimited resources, no external threats, no time constraints and a consistent carrying out of the ideal in a system of laws, the nation could sit back and let the trials of the ex-president play out. The spectacle of the arraignment of Donald Trump on Wednesday, which involved hundreds of city, state and federal law enforcement officials, not to mention the commercial and educational disruption projected over the span of a complete trial that could take weeks, begs the question if such a fiscal and emotional expenditure is really worth the effort. Advertisement Each hour that a Miami police officer or a Florida state trooper or a U.S. marshal is involved in providing security is one less hour of legitimate law enforcement spent in protecting childrens schools, Florida highways and the greater national interests. As much as the nation might want to get to a quick and efficient resolution of this and other trials, any realistic look at the near future tells us that this is only the beginning to a national nightmare that is unsustainable over a period of months or years. There was legitimate criticism of successor Gerald Fords pardon of President Richard Nixon following the Watergate debacle. The pardon worked, however, in the sense that the nation moved on with relatively little disruption. What would happen if both parties and their front-runners in the best interests of the nation resolved to do the following? Advertisement President Joe Biden would pardon Trump of all possible crimes against the United States if Trump would admit that he unwittingly and nonmaliciously broke the law in improperly moving and storing classified documents and neglected to respond appropriately to the threats against Congress on Jan. 6, 2021. And Trump would agree not to seek any elected office now or in the future. Biden, for his part, in the interest of calming the heated political climate of 2023 and 2024, would agree to not seek a second term as president. Such moves might give both political parties the room they need to once again take government of, by and for the people seriously. Douglas R. Groll, Chicago Miami police watch over supporters of former President Donald Trump outside the federal courthouse while Trump makes his first court appearance in Miami on June 13, 2023. (Doug Mills/The New York Times) Keep highlighting the evidence Kudos to the Tribune Editorial Board for its strongly worded editorial about the reality of the current situation facing the former president and the lack of reality displayed by his voters and his fellow Republicans in the political arena (Republicans and Trump supporters, face reality for the sake of the nation, June 11). Recently, I watched U.S. Sens. Ron Johnson and Lindsey Graham lie about the current charges and try to deflect the conversation to allegations regarding Hillary Clinton and the Bidens. I also saw U.S. Rep. Jim Jordan insist that the former president had the right to keep any document he wished, but that Biden and Clinton should be charged and prosecuted. For three years, I have read articles in the Tribune describing any number of conspiracies believed by a large percentage of Republicans, the most damaging of which is the lie that an election that was declared safe by Trumps own appointees was stolen by the Democrats. It is clear that one of our political parties has become unmoored from reality and its members are now the perpetrators and the victims of misinformation and disinformation. Now, accusations are being aimed at the FBI, the Department of Justice and the special counsel. The entire right-wing media have gone into overdrive to attack these institutions and defend the former president. Advertisement While this editorial is a good start, the Tribune Editorial Board must continue to highlight and explain the evidence as it comes forth. Bob Perlstein, Morton Grove Republican candidates message What I find most amazing about the Tribune Editorial Boards admonition on June 11 to Republicans and Trump supporters to pick another name (a name other than Trump as a potential presidential candidate) is that the editorial board had to do the admonishing. Every one of the 12 declared candidates for the Republican presidential nomination should be projecting that very message. For that matter, so should every Republican congressman. However, as we all know, none of the candidates is speaking out directly or forcefully against Trump, perhaps with the exception of Chris Christie. The same for most Republican congressmen. What does this say about these individuals, other than they strive to retain power at all costs, no matter how detrimental their personal ambitions are to our country? For the sake of the nation, I would have gone much further in my suggestion to Republicans. I would have said, Pick another political party! Dianne Casuto, Lake Forest Advertisement A matter of national security The June 11 editorials characterization of Donald Trumps indictment that the administration of a sitting American president is striving to convict is incorrect and feeds into the false narrative that Trump wants all his followers to believe. This indictment was not brought by President Joe Biden. It was brought by the independent special counsel who was appointed by the Department of Justice to investigate Trumps handling of classified documents. The same DOJ that appointed another independent special counsel to investigate Bidens handling of classified documents. This is not political. This is a matter of our national security. But for the sake of the nation, the editorial board is correct. The GOP needs to pick another name. Terri Johnson, Chicago Extent of Clintons cooperation Chicago Tribune Opinion Weekdays Read the latest editorials and commentary curated by the Tribune Opinion team. By submitting your email to receive this newsletter, you agree to our Subscriber Terms & Conditions and Privacy Policy > Clarence Page tells us that Hillary Clintons cooperation with the FBI is in great contrast to the stonewalling by (Donald) Trump (Trumps in trouble, and the lame excuses are flying, June 14), yet he doesnt mention what she did, so I will. Clinton kept a personal email server in her basement when she was secretary of state. There were some 60,000 emails on the server she used for work, but she gave only 30,000 to the FBI printed, of course, to make things difficult. She then deleted some 30,000 emails she said were personal. She then had her staff wipe the computer clean with BleachBit and take hammers to mobile devices. Advertisement Investigations found classified information in the emails she handed over, and emails by a Clinton aide were found on former U.S. Rep. Anthony Weiners laptop. So, I ask Page, would it have been better if Trump just burned the documents he wanted to burn and hand over to the FBI whatever he wanted like Clinton? Ken Nelson, 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. Charles Milliken Many years ago a circuit court judge told me, Chuck, if they want to get you, they will get you. Thousands upon thousands of laws, regulations and bureaucratic diktats could be used to entangle any reasonably active citizen to whom the powers that be had taken a dislike. Therefore, if you were wise, you had better sense which way the winds were blowing and conform. The blizzard of indictments coming once (and possibly future) President Donald Trumps way is a perfect illustration of the principal. I think it is safe to say that if Trump were a Democrat, like, say, President Joe Biden, none of these indictments would have been forthcoming. No one is above the law is the mantra self-righteously shouted from the rooftops. The question really is, is anyone susceptible to being beneath the law, crushed by the legal system for motives far removed from blind justice? Most recently Trump has been indicted for retention of presidential papers. Is he the only president, or other office holder, retaining papers? Of course not. Have any of the others, President Biden conspicuously among those, been indicted? Of course not. Why not? Isnt the law the law? Of course not. One of the pleasant fictions with which I grew up was America was a land of laws, not of men, Lady Justice, blind as a bat, would see (I dont how she could see anything with that blindfold on, but I digress), with scales in hand, that each person would be weighed equally. Obvious fiction, since men make the law, men enforce the law, men decide what, in fact, the law is, men decide who the targets of the law should be, and men decide the desired punishments. Prosecutors, for instance, have almost total discretion about whom to charge with what and are answerable to practically nobody. All of which brings us to Donald Trump. He is hardly the first person to be targeted by select law reinforcement, just the most prominent. He is being targeted for two very simple reasons. One, a large slice of the American public hates the ground he walks on. Second, that particular slice in electoral or appointive office is deathly afraid that he just might get re-elected in 2024, and obviously fear Trump will sweep away those who have made a career of attacking him. If you attack a king, be sure and finish him off. Worse, since these folks have demonstrated how easily the law may be bent to their will, being swept from office might be the least of their worries. After all, they think, whats sauce for the goose may be sauce for their collective ganders. Once the principle is established that political prosecution under color of law is legitimate, its hard to see how that particular toothpaste can be put back in the tube. Polls say, if the election for president were to be held today, Trump would win by a considerable margin over President Biden, or other possible Democrat candidates. Therefore, the spigots of justice must be turned up full force to wash away any chance of that happening. Prosecutors are out in full force in Washington, New York, Georgia, Florida and who knows where else. If enough mud is thrown against a wall, some will stick. Meanwhile the news is a constant refrain of just how bad Trump is after all, look at all those crimes he committed! No other person in history, running for president, has such a criminal record. How could anyone vote for such a man? Next step is to find a jury to convict him of something. That shouldnt be hard. Democratic prosecutor, Democratic judge, and Democratic jury. Slam dunk! Trump actually being in jail is the goal. No one, needless to say, has been elected president from behind bars. Perhaps the Supreme Court throws out all this later, but by that time the election will have been over, and the powers that be are more safely ensconced than ever in their powers to be. Charles Milliken is a professor emeritus after 22 years of teaching economics and related subjects at Siena Heights University. He can be reached at milliken.charles@gmail.com. This article originally appeared on The Monroe News: Charles Milliken: Above the law, or beneath the law? Chicago man arrested on gun charges after shooting himself in sleep as he dreamt about an intruder A Chicago man who shot himself in the leg with his gun as he dreamed about an intruder breaking into his home has been charged, say officials. Mark Dicara, 62, was not only physically injured in the bizarre incident but was arrested when the Lake County Sheriffs Office found his firearm ownership card had been revoked. Deputies responded to Mr Dicaras home in the Chicago suburb of Lake Barrington on 10 April after a report of someone being shot. Mr Dicara was found with a gunshot wound and significant blood loss and was transported to the hospital for treatment. Investigators say that Mr Dicara was dreaming about the intruder and grabbed his .357 Magnum and fired, hitting himself in the leg. The sheriffs office says that the bullet passed through his leg and ended up lodged in the bed. Fortunately, the round did not travel through a shared wall with Dicaras neighbors, the sheriffs office stated. Investigators determined that there had been no attempted burglary at the home and that Mr Dicara possessed a gun despite his Firearm Owners Identification Card being revoked. The Lake County States Attorneys Office charged him with possession of a firearm without a valid FOID card and reckless discharge of a firearm. He was arrested on Monday 12 June and was released after posting bond. He will appear in court later this month. His forearms bulged with the effort of holding onto the straining leash of a slobbering dog. The creatures muffled grunts could be felt as much as heard like the growls of a souped-up truck. Which was fitting, given that his owners call sign is Brabus after the German firm specializing in bulking out luxury vehicles with engineering testosterone. Come, Brabus grunted as he was towed back into a roadside building for our clandestine meeting with some of his special operations team. Theyre part of a shadowy tapestry of units falling under various Ukrainian intelligence organizations. They operate in the crepuscular landscapes in the war against Russian occupation on and beyond the front lines. Other groups run by Ukrainian intelligence include the Russian Volunteer Force and Freedom for Russia Legion, formed of Russian citizens fighting to rid their homelands of President Vladimir Putin, which are currently carrying out raids inside Russia from Ukraine. But Brabus and his group are entirely homegrown. Former soldiers with specialist skills, they coalesced around an ex-officer from the Ukrainian forces in the first days of Russias invasion last year. At the beginning of the war there was a big role for small groups who could fight covertly against the Russians. Because Kyiv region, Chernihiv region, Sumy region are forested areas. So, the role of small groups was important and grew fast, said Brabus boss from inside a camouflage balaclava. An aerial view of a battle field with damaged Russian tanks near Bakhmut in the Donetsk region, Ukraine, Saturday, May 27, 2023. - Libkos/AP In those early days and weeks, small bands of men in pickups, armed with anti-tank rockets like NATO-supplied NLAW and Javelins, ambushed, trapped, and picked off invading Russian columns down main arteries running in from the north. Bold, fast-moving and insanely brave, they preyed on Russias military Leviathan eventually, north of Kyiv and Sumy, stopping the invasion in its tracks. While they were scratched together into reconnaissance units back then, some have since been absorbed into the formal army structures. But all have clung to the freewheeling, partisan-style of warfare with higher risks but greater autonomy. Those whove survived and many have not are now often set to work at tactical tasks aiming for strategic effect. Crudely put: killing Russian officers to collapse Russian morale. Brabus and his group, all former soldiers with specialist skills, coalesced around an ex-officer from the Ukrainian forces after Russia's invasion. CNN has blurred this image for Brabus' safety. - Brabus Night vision Brabus agreed to share, to a degree, the story of one such operation. In early March, when eastern Ukraine was powdered with snow on top of frozen ground, Brabus said he and his team snuck in through skeletal woodlands to a regular army post on the front line south of Bakhmut. He said that signals intelligence suggested that Russian units were being swapped over. This meant there would be more officers present than normal and better still the incoming leadership would be naive and prone to fatal error. Illustrating the story with video footage recorded at the time, he explained that his group was immediately caught up in a ferocious firefight with incoming Russian paratroopers new to this front. They got it back from us all guns blazing, he said, his eyes kindled with pleasure at the memory of the Ukrainian fire. Two videos glow in a metallic orange. Trees show up silver-black, while living creatures, such as men, appear as intense and moving white dots. These are video recordings from his thermal sniper sight while Brabus was at work. The videos are silent, but more eerie for it. Somehow one can see the white figures are bent double, crouching perhaps. One can imagine these Russian soldiers scanning the darkness, searching for threats, their nerves screeching at every crunch of snow and crack of twig underfoot. The red cross-hairs of his thermal sight settle on one of the figures. The cross leaps with the recoil of the rifle, and the little ghost crumbles to the ground. The red cross slides right, leaps again, another crumple. On the left were their (the Russians) dugouts and trenches from where they could see our positions. We eliminated, or rather I eliminated, paratroopers from the left flank, Brabus explains in the clinical language characteristic of military reports. His units task, though, wasnt to help entrenched troops fighting in the meat grinder of the Bakhmut front, he said. Its prey was the Russian paratroop leadership. We are a diversionary reconnaissance group. We did the reconnaissance, we got the intel, we prepared the operation, he said. How many Russians did you kill that night? we ask. Seven, says Brabus. Sowing chaos Hes more animated when discussing the weapon that sits behind him, like another enormous pet, in the cafe where we meet. Its a modified 12.7 Soviet-era heavy machine gun that a local armorer has fitted with a fat, bulging suppressor (silencer). Shooting from an underground hide with a range, he claimed, of two kilometers (a little over a mile), this weapon is almost silent, Brabus says. Smoke rises from buildings in this aerial view of Bakhmut, the site of the heaviest battles with the Russian troops in the Donetsk region, Ukraine, Wednesday, April 26, 2023. (AP Photo/Libkos) - Libkos/AP In May, he was in a dugout overlooking a junction of trees close to Bakhmut. Another video shows him take aim then pull his face from the weapon as he lets rip, sending high explosive supersonic bullets, thicker than a mans thumb, into clusters of the enemys forces. A drone operator two kilometers back from Bakhmut, is watching where the bullets strike and calling in adjustments to his aim. The video captures his voice crackling over the radio, spot on, perfect. With this, Brabus explains. I kill a lot of Russians, a lot. Ukraine is now advancing south of Bakhmut along a salient about four miles deep, pushing Russian forces back. And, as its counteroffensive to reclaim territory captured by Russia gets under way, Ukrainian forces are fighting in ever greater numbers along an east-west front between Donetsk and Zaporizhzhia. An aerial view shows destruction in the frontline city of Bakhmut, amid Russia's attack on Ukraine, in a handout picture released on May 21, 2023. - Ukrainian Armed Forces/Reuters Since Brabus and his group were in Bakhmut, there appears to have been growing anarchy among Russian commanders. Russian mercenary leader Yevgeny Prighozhins Wagner company, who were holding the city, arrested and beat up the commander of the neighboring Russian 72nd Brigade. They released a recording of the injured man confessing to being drunk and opening fire on them. He was beaten up, and released. Hes now accused Wagner and its mercenaries, who already have a well-earned reputation for murder and summary execution, of attacking this men. Its this kind of chaos in the ranks of the enemy that Ukraine most wants, indeed needs, to see. Brabus is happy to do his part in trying to create it. Additional reporting by Olha Konavolava, Pierre Bairin and Sanjiv Telreja. For more CNN news and newsletters create an account at CNN.com US-PASSPORT-GENDER-CIVIL RIGHTS-HUMAN RIGHTS A partially completed passport application, with an X gender marker, is seen on a computer monitor in Alexandria, VA, on April 11, 2022. This small extra box on the application form is a huge breakthrough for non-binary people in the U.S., who can now apply for gender-neutral passports. Credit - Stefani ReynoldsAFP/ Getty Images When technical writer and former WWII pilot Jonathan Ferguson changed his gender in 1958, it made the news in Britain. Ive imagined the moment many times since I first read about it in a paper called Hacking the Cis-Tem by scholar Mar Hicks. Fergusons name change, according to the U.K.s Daily Telegraph and Morning Post, was straightforward: someone took a pen and amended a line in the Official Register. In my imagination, it was a fountain pen and written with a flourish, and in that moment Ferguson felt truly seen after years of hiding his true identity. Im embellishing, but I want it to have been simple and meaningful. These bureaucratic moments, like signing a marriage license or signing the lease on a first apartment, mark life stage transitions. Ferguson is less well known than other 1950s trans trailblazers like Christine Jorgensen, but that is part of what makes his story so interesting. Hicks offers some tantalizing insights for those of us obsessed with bureaucratic details. Britons at that point had benefits cards that allowed them to access public benefits, and one of the things Ferguson had to do was change his name on his benefits card. Looking at this exact moment in time was an especially smart choice for Hicks, a historian of technology, because 1958 was about the moment when social patterns were becoming embedded in computer code. The decisions made about how to represent gender in code in the 50s were efforts (often deliberate) to enforce ideas about gender on society. Curiously, were still living with the legacy of those decisions today. Our modern digital era started in 1951, when the U.S. Census Bureau started using mainframe computers. It wasnt magic; programmers would take an existing bureaucratic process and implement it computationally. Paper forms and benefits cards became database tables and became the primary method for citizens to access public benefits like healthcare. Fergusons benefits card mattered because it was the key to accessing healthcare or other government services. Hicks writes: The struggle for trans rights in the mainframe era forms a type of prehistory of algorithmic bias: a clear example of how systems were designed and programmed to accommodate certain people and to deny the existence of others. Read More: The Most Destructive Gender Binary Forty years later, when I was learning to program in the 90s, I was taught that you translated a paper form into a digital form, and dumped the data into a database. You usually had your last name field, your first name field, and gender fieldM or F. Back then, nobody imagined that gender would need to be an editable field, one college friend said to me, reflecting on how we were taught. Today, we know better, and many understand that gender is a spectrum. Our computer systems, however, quite often only have two options for gender. Most people think the issue is changing social norms. It is, but its also about the way the gender binary is encoded in systems, and how willing engineers are to change those systems. Over and over again, we have seen technical problems arise because the people designing computer systems replicated a rigid, retrograde status quo inherent in the classification systems used by computational infrastructures. While the gender binary is one of the most widespread classification systems in the world today, it is no less constructed than the Facebook advertising platform or, say, the Golden Gate Bridge, write Catherine DIgnazio and Lauren F. Klein in Data Feminism. The Golden Gate Bridge is a physical structure; Facebook ads are a virtual structure; and the gender binary is a conceptual one. But all these structures were created by people: people living in a particular place, at a particular time, and who were influencedas we all areby the world around them. All of the popular tech platforms grapple with issues of gender in code. Some have options on the surface. This is not always the case under the hood, however. At Facebook, for example, the app appears gender-inclusive. Users can select three options for gender at signup (male, female, or custom). People who choose the custom option can select their preferred pronoun (he, she, or they) and type an additional gender description. However, documentation for Facebook ads reveals that users are sold to advertisers as only male or female. The software literally nullifies any gender beyond the binary. Facebooks parent company, Meta, is not the only Big Tech firm that claims to support the LGBTQIA+ community while falling short on gender inclusivity. For example: face tagging in Google Photos doesnt work well for trans people. If you are trans, photos from before and after your transition may be identified as different people, or the software will ask if multiple photos of you are of the same person. Theres also no good way to manage being sneak-attacked by photos of your pre-transition self, suggested by the software on your phone. Cara Esten Hurtle wrote of this problem, Trans people are constantly having to reckon with the fact that the world has no clear idea of who we are; either were the same as we used to be, and thus are called the wrong name or gender at every turn, or were different, a stranger to our friends and a threat to airport security. Theres no way to win. Most of the intellectual history and the dominant social attitudes in the field of computer science can be found in a single, sprawling database published by the Association for Computing Machinery (ACM), the worlds largest educational and scientific computing society. The ACM digital library holds virtually all of the canonical papers from computer science journals and conferences. The earliest mention of gender in the ACM digital library comes David L. Johnsons The Role of the Digital Computer in Mechanical Translation of Languages in 1958. It has to do with translation and pronoun matching in translation. For the next 20 years, any mention of gender has to do with translation. In other words, even though sweeping social change happened in the 1960s and 1970s, including the widespread recognition that sex is biological and gender is socially constructed, academic computer science (and, for the most part, the computer industry) pointedly ignored the topic of gender except to think about how a computer might accurately translate gendered pronouns from one language to another. (For the record, gendered pronoun translation still remains a poorly solved problem today. As a woman in data science, I routinely get misgendered by Google Translate.) Computer systems with only two gender options enforce cis-normativity, the assumption that everyones gender identity is the same as the sex they were assigned at birth. It is also a kind of violence against a range of people, including nonbinary, queer, trans, intersex, and gender-nonconforming folks. Being referred to using binary pronouns feels as though ice is being poured down my back, said nonbinary teen Kayden Reff of Bethesda, Maryland, in court testimony supporting more inclusive gender options in official state documents. So the question is: Can systems change? Absolutely, yes. Will systems change? That depends on the organizational imperatives and how people choose to invest in creating change. In my own practice of allyship, starting with the historical perspective helps me think through what needs to be changed in the modern world. When Ferguson transitioned, he had to fill out paper forms and an official register had to be updated. This is a good way to start thinking through the forms and processes that can be updated to be more inclusive. Todays electronic forms are easier to update than mass-printed paper forms, so one update is to question whether gender needs to be a category on a form at all. If it is necessary to collect gender, systems should make it optional. If not, it should be easy for users to edit and change this field privately, instead of requiring a user to call and have a potentially uncomfortable conversation with a stranger on a customer service line. Forms can provide a range of gender identity options beyond male or female. Lists of options are easily available online. Gender can be a write-in field, rather than a selection from a list. After thinking about forms, the next step is redesigning systems that the form data goes into. In addition to drivers license systems, public assistance systems, and passport systems, travel systems need to be updated. The U.S. Travel Safety Administration (TSA), which handles airport safety, is a notorious offender when it comes to harassing trans folks. Transgender people have complained of profiling and other bad experiences of traveling while trans since TSAs inception and have protested its invasive body scanners since they were first introduced in 2010, Harper Jean Tobin, director of policy at the National Center for Transgender Equality, told ProPublica. TSAs full body scanners are programmed with binary representations of gender; some have a pink and a blue button that the agent is supposed to press when a person walks through. Anyone whose gender presentation doesnt match the image expected in the invasive full body scan is flagged. Trans travelers have been forced to strip, endure invasive pat-downs, out themselves, and have been prevented from getting on their flights. My heartbeat speeds up slightly as I near the end of the line, because I know that Im almost certainly about to experience an embarrassing, uncomfortable, and perhaps humiliating search by a [TSA] officer, after my body is flagged as anomalous by the millimeter wave scanner, Sasha Costanza-Chock writes in her book Design Justice of their experience passing through the Detroit Metro Airport. I know that this is almost certainly about to happen because of the particular sociotechnical configuration of gender normativity . . . that has been built into the scanner, through the combination of user interface (UI) design, scanning technology, binary-gendered body-shape data constructs, and risk detection algorithms, as well as the socialization, training, and experience of the TSA agents. Trans travelers are not the only ones left out of scanners programming: Black womens hair, Sikh turbans, prostheses, and headscarves commonly trigger these poorly designed systems as well. Amid todays hype about AI and the overblown promises about the future of technology, its important to keep in mind how computers actually work, and, perhaps more importantly, where our technology still has some work to do. Computer systems are sociotechnical, meaning they encode social norms inside their technical architecture. The real challenge ahead is in making our current and future technological systems more inclusive while avoiding the mistakes and biases of the past. Adapted from previous work, including MORE THAN A GLITCH: CONFRONTING RACE, GENDER, AND ABILITY BIAS IN TECH by Meredith Broussard. Copyright 2023. Reprinted with permission from The MIT Press. The College Board has rejected changing a high school Advanced Placement psychology course's lessons on gender and sexual orientation, in a direct challenge to Florida Republican Gov. Ron DeSantis administration that could reignite conflict between the education giant and the presidential hopeful. Florida school districts had raised questions about an AP Psychology learning objective that covers gender and sexual orientation, the College Board acknowledged Thursday, after the DeSantis administration expanded restrictions and regulations on classroom instruction in April. But the college admissions nonprofit suggested it would hold its ground after a separate scrap with DeSantis entangled its planned African American Studies course in political controversy this spring. It is unclear whether Florida will now block the AP psychology course from classrooms, the College Board told educators. Please know that we will not modify our courses to accommodate restrictions on teaching essential, college-level topics, the board said Thursday in a letter about the psychology course to Floridas education department. Doing so would break the fundamental promise of AP: colleges wouldnt broadly accept that course for credit and that course wouldnt prepare students for success in the discipline. The latest fracas between Florida and the College Board stems from a recently revamped state rule that expands legislation panned as the Dont Say Gay law by its critics to restrict classroom instruction on sexual orientation or sexual identity to all K-12 students, instead of targeting only lessons for children in kindergarten through grade 3. On May 19, Floridas education department pressed the College Board to review all of its courses to determine if any need modification to ensure compliance with Florida laws and regulations by this week. Some courses may contain content or topics prohibited by State Board of Education rule and Florida law, the state wrote to the board in a letter obtained by POLITICO. The College Board retorted that its psychology lessons should remain unchanged, signaling a shift in how it will address Floridas legal demands following this years battle over its proposed African American Studies course. The learning objective within AP Psychology that covers gender and sexual orientation has specifically been raised by some Florida districts relative to these recent regulations, the board wrote to Florida officials. That learning objective must remain a required topic, just as it has been in Florida since the launch of AP Psychology more than 30 years ago. Cassie Palelis, press secretary for the Florida Department of Education, said Thursday that the College Board is responsible for ensuring that their submitted materials comply with Florida law. We applaud the College Board for standing up to the state of Florida and its unconscionable demand to censor an educational curriculum and test that were designed by college faculty and experienced AP teachers who ensure that the course and exam reflect the state of the science and college-level expectations, American Psychological Association CEO Arthur Evans Jr. said in a statement. Floridas objections to the AP African American studies course angered many Black leaders nationwide, leading some to accuse DeSantis of stoking a cultural fight to boost his presidential aspirations. Hundreds of people, including Black lawmakers and clergy, demonstrated against the DeSantis administration in February and civil rights attorney Benjamin Crump threatened a lawsuit over the governors rejection of the course. We dont know if the state of Florida will ban this course," the College Board said of AP Psychology in a message to educators and schools. To AP teachers in Florida, we are heartbroken by the possibility of Florida students being denied the opportunity to participate in this or any other AP course." The College Board also had a message for all educators: Please know we will not modify any of the 40 AP courses from art to history to science in response to regulations that would censor college-level standards for credit, placement, and career readiness, the board said. We are resolute in this position, in part, because of what we learned from our mistakes in the recent rollout of AP African American Studies. Florida is creating its own high-level courses and exams to rival the nationally recognized AP courses. State lawmakers earlier this year agreed to spend a combined $2.8 million developing a homegrown program and, in another challenge to the College Board, paved the way for students to use the Classic Learning Test, or CLT, as an alternative to the SAT and ACT. Bianca Quilantan contributed to this report. The College Board released a letter Thursday putting its foot down on further demands from Florida to change any of its Advanced Placement (AP) classes, the latest development in the ongoing feud between the company and the administration of Gov. Ron DeSantis (R). [College Board] will not modify our courses to accommodate restrictions on teaching essential, college-level topics, the company told the Florida Department of Education Office of Articulation. Doing so would break the fundamental promise of AP: colleges wouldnt broadly accept that course for credit and that course wouldnt prepare students for careers in the discipline, it added. The College Board says the Florida office recently asked it to modify any courses that conflict with the new Florida rule restricting teaching on sexual orientation and gender identity in the classroom through 12th grade. More DeSantis coverage from The Hill In a May 19 letter to College Board, Florida demanded the company do an audit of its courses and relay which ones would need to be modified to comply with the new rule by June 16. DeSantis, a 2024 presidential candidate, had said in January that the AP African American Studies course would not be allowed in his state. Although the company says changes were in the works before the governors comment on the class, the course was regardless amended, causing outrage from those who believe the College Board bowed to DeSantiss demands. We have learned from our mistakes in the recent rollout of AP African American Studies and know that we must be clear from the outset where we stand, the College Board said. Although Florida did not directly mention the AP Psychology course, that is the one the company focused on in its rebuttal Thursday. It noted the American Psychological Association says college-level courses need to have a foundation on topics such as sexual orientation and gender identity. We dont know if the state of Florida will ban this course. To AP teachers in Florida, we are heartbroken by the possibility of Florida students being denied the opportunity to participate in this or any AP course. To AP teachers everywhere, please know we will not modify any of the 40 AP coursesfrom art to history to sciencein response to regulations that would censor college-level standards for credit, placement, and career readiness, the College Board said. The Hill has reached out to the Florida Department of Education for a response. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill. The College Board announced Thursday that it wont modify its Advanced Placement courses to accommodate new Florida laws that restrict classroom instruction on sexual orientation and gender identity. [College Board] will not modify our courses to accommodate restrictions on teaching essential, college-level topics, the board said in a statement. Doing so would break the fundamental promise of AP: colleges wouldnt broadly accept that course for credit and that course wouldnt prepare students for careers in the discipline. Officials said Florida school district leaders asked the College Board how to navigate these laws relative to its AP Psychology course. In particular, they said, how the course covers gender and sexual orientation, which is banned in Florida public school classrooms due to the Parental Rights in Education law. That learning objective must remain a required topic, just as it has been in Florida for many years, the College Board said in a statement. As with all AP courses, required topics must be included for a course to be designated as AP. Read: DeSantis signs 5 new bills into law targeting the LGBTQ community The College Board said the American Psychological Association has made clear that the topics of gender and sexual orientation are foundational for any college-level course in psychology. College Board said it will not modify any of its 40 courses in response to regulations that would censor college-level standards for credit, placement, and career readiness. Read: Local after-school drag event canceled as DeSantis aims to expand Parental Rights in Education In February, Gov. Ron DeSantis said he may withdraw state support for AP programs a month after he rejected plans for a new AP African American studies course. The Florida Department of Education rejected an AP African American studies course announced in January. DeSantis said the course, which included Black feminism and queer studies, was trying to push a political agenda. Read: Gov. Ron DeSantis threatens to end AP programs in Florida schools The College Board oversees AP classes in the United States and administers the SAT test that many colleges and universities use in the admission process. AP allows students to qualify for college credit after passing an exam. More than 1.2 million high school students in the U.S. took an Advanced Placement course in 2019. Florida has one of the highest AP participation rates in the U.S. DeSantis suggested that other programs could take the place of AP courses in the state. Read: College Board releases statement about Floridas rejection of AP African American Studies course AP opposes both censorship and indoctrination, and is animated by a deep respect for the intellectual freedom of teachers and students alike, the College Board said. Channel 9 reached out to the Florida Department of Education for their response to College Boards statement. We are still awaiting a response. Read: Florida teacher may have violated new education law after showing Disney movie to 5th-grade class 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. Two people were killed Wednesday evening in an apparent murder-suicide in Geneva involving a man who allegedly killed his ex-wife and later himself, police said. Chad Dockery, 49, of Hinsdale, called 911 around 5:22 p.m. Wednesday to report he murdered his former wife, Amanda Dockery, 48, inside her home in the 1000 block of Pebble Beach Court in Geneva, police said in a news release Thursday. Advertisement During the 911 call, police said Chad Dockery told them he was armed with a pistol. When police arrived at the Geneva home, Chad Dockery was seen inside a car at the end of the homes driveway, according to the release. As an officer approached, a gun was fired inside the vehicle and Dockery was found to be suffering from a self-inflicted gunshot wound, police said. Advertisement Police said they recovered a 9mm pistol from the scene. Amanda Dockery was found inside the home suffering from two apparent gunshot wounds, police said. Both were taken to Northwestern Medicine Delnor Hospital in Geneva and pronounced dead early Wednesday evening, Amanda Dockery at 6:06 p.m. and Chad Dockery at 7:30 p.m., according to police. No other people were inside the home during the incident, according to the release. Geneva police continue to investigate the case. Autopsies are pending by the Kane County Coroners Office, the release stated. mejones@chicagotribune.com A Colorado woman faces murder and child abuse charges after she allegedly strangled her 2-month-old son while dealing with postpartum mental health struggles, according to an arrest affidavit obtained by NBC News. Anna Louise Englunds son was pronounced dead at Boulder Community Hospital just after 10:45 p.m. Saturday. About six hours earlier, Boulder police had responded to a request for a welfare check on Englund, 29, who had left home with her infant in the car and was possibly having a mental health crisis, Boulder police said. Englunds car was found at around 10:20 p.m., police said. Officers found the mother and her son in the hospital parking lot and rushed the baby to the emergency room, where he could not be revived. Englund allegedly told police she killed her son after weeks of sleep deprivation that had changed her ability to function, the arrest affidavit said. She did not believe she would survive with the sleep problem and didnt want him to suffer in life like I have, it read. Anna Englund. (Anna Englund / via Facebook) Englund was booked into the Boulder County Jail on Sunday morning on two counts of murder and one count of child abuse resulting in death. She is being held without bond, according to online jail records. The two murder counts allege murder in the first degree after deliberation and first-degree murder for a death of a child by someone in a position of trust, the affidavit says. A preliminary hearing was set for Sept. 8 at a status conference Thursday morning. Englunds attorney did not respond to a phone call and an email, and multiple family members declined to comment. The arrest affidavit details multiple ways it alleges Englund said she tried to strangle her son. It says she had a small laceration on herself that she told police was from a suicide attempt. The coroners office will determine the babys cause of death, police said. A spokesperson for the office could not immediately be reached for comment. I didnt want him to suffer The affidavit alleges that Englund told police that she had sought treatment for postpartum mental health issues and that the babys father had taken steps to try to protect the child. Englund told an officer that the babys father locked her in a room to separate her from him and the baby while they slept, because he was worried she would do something to them, the affidavit says. It also says she told officers she had been hospitalized twice in the previous two weeks because of suicidal ideation and that she had made appointments to see a therapist but didnt go because of sleep deprivation. The affidavit says that Englund told police she had been prescribed a medication when she was in the hospital about a week earlier but that she took it only once because she felt suicidal afterward. Englund said the only other medication she had taken recently was an over-the-counter sleep aid to help her sleep the night before she allegedly killed her son. The babys father told NBC affiliate KUSA of Denver that Englund stayed overnight during both of her hospital visits and that she left when doctors released her. The station did not name the babys father, and NBC News could not confirm his identity. Celanie Pinnell, the director of marketing and public relations for Boulder Community Health, said she could not disclose any information about Englunds visits, citing patient privacy laws, and declined to share information about how the hospital treats postpartum psychosis. While we know there is public interest in this story, we will not be providing any additional comment and will cooperate with local authorities if requested, Pinnell said by email. According to the affidavit, Englund told police that she had been anxious earlier Saturday as she thought about her son. I didnt want to be a murderer, but I didnt want him to suffer, she allegedly said. She told police that she feared for her son because the world was crazy and that she was worried he would get really sick and it would be my fault because I brought him here and then I left him cuz I killed myself. The affidavit says Englund told police she regretted hurting the babys father by killing their son and acknowledged that what she did was wrong, adding that she never showed emotion and noted that she was unsure why she was stoic as she recounted what happened. A spotlight on postpartum mood disorders Englunds case comes nearly six months after a Massachusetts woman, Lindsay Clancy, 32, was accused of strangling her three young children to death in an incident her attorney has argued was caused by inadequate treatment for postpartum depression and possibly postpartum psychosis. (Prosecutors have said that Lindsay Clancy was told she did not have postpartum depression or any symptoms when she was evaluated last year and that she was diagnosed with generalized anxiety disorder.) Clancys case made national headlines and prompted a spike in phone calls to the National Maternal Mental Health Hotline, a spokesperson for the Department of Health and Human Services Health Resources and Services Administration has said. Postpartum depression, which affects about 1 in 8 mothers, is characterized by persistent sadness, numbness or feeling disconnected from your baby. It can also include worrying that you will hurt the infant and doubting your ability to care for it, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Postpartum psychosis is a far more rare and severe condition that occurs in an estimated 1 or 2 of every 1,000 deliveries, according to the advocacy group Postpartum Support International. The condition, a medical emergency that requires immediate treatment, can involve hallucinations that alter peoples senses of reality after childbirth, sometimes driving them to harm themselves or their children. About 5% of mothers suffering from postpartum psychosis will attempt suicide, and 4% will commit infanticide, according to Postpartum Support International. If you are pregnant or a new mother and you are in crisis, the National Maternal Mental Health Hotline provides free, confidential support 24/7 in English and Spanish. Call or text the hotline at 1-833-TLC-MAMA (1-833-852-6262). If you or someone you know is in crisis, call 988 to reach the Suicide and Crisis Lifeline. You can also call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 800-273-8255, text HOME to 741741 or visit SpeakingOfSuicide.com/resources for additional resources. This article was originally published on NBCNews.com On May 30, a jury acquitted Anthony Wilkes, 24, of the Far East Side, left in the foreground, of one count of murder in connection with the death of his second cousin, 30-year-old Anthony Butts, but could not decide on the second murder count. He is facing three years of probation for tampering with evidence but will not be tried again for murder. A Columbus man who a jury previously found not guilty of murder for fatally shooting his second cousin is facing three years of probation for tampering with evidence and will not be tried again for a second murder charge. Anthony Wilkes, 24, of the Far East Side, appeared in Franklin County Common Pleas Court on Thursday for sentencing where Judge Mark Serrott ordered him to perform 40 hours of community service. On May 15, 2021, Wilkes and 30-year-old Anthony Butts were socializing with family and friends at a South Linden home. Hours into the gathering, according to Wilkes, he shot his second cousin in self-defense during a tussle over Wilkes' gun. On May 30, a jury found Wilkes not guilty of one murder charge and could not decide on a second murder count, though 11 of 12 jurors were in favor of acquittal. The jury did find Wilkes guilty of tampering with evidence. Authorities say he hid his gun after the shooting On Monday, Serrott dismissed the second murder charge at the request of Franklin County prosecutors. The court filing stated prosecutors submit "that no further evidence could be (produced) and the state of the evidence would not support a finding of guilty beyond a reasonable doubt." Landusky told The Dispatch Thursday that justice was done in the end and his client did what he had to do to survive. "His goal was not to kill anybody that day," Landusky said. Context: Columbus man who argued self-defense in shooting of cousin not convicted on murder charges Franklin County prosecutors said during the trial that Wilkes had been drinking and was waving his gun around. After multiple warnings, prosecutors say Butts was trying to disarm Wilkes when he was shot. After the shooting, other people shot at Wilkes, striking him four times. Wilkes was handcuffed to a hospital bed for weeks, according to Landusky. More for subscribers: How Ohio laws make it easier to claim self-defense in cases like Sinzae Reed's death jlaird@dispatch.com @LairdWrites This article originally appeared on The Columbus Dispatch: Columbus man will not be tried again for murder in shooting of cousin Columbus woman faked her ID dozens of times to get loans, licenses. Now she faces prison A Columbus woman accused of using other peoples identities to apply for drivers licenses has pleaded guilty in federal court. Investigators searching the home of 43-year-old Amanah Childs found drivers license application and renewal paperwork, credit cards and other peoples mail after a rash of complaints about someone fraudulently applying for licenses. They traced those applications to Childs, who pleaded guilty Tuesday to wire fraud and to aggravated identity theft. U.S. District Court Judge Clay Land set her sentencing for Aug. 29, at the federal courthouse in Columbus. Childs faces up to 20 years in prison for wire fraud and up to two years in prison for aggravated identity theft. Federal authorities said she also used others names to apply for federal loans. On 20 occasions she applied for Economic Injury Disaster Loans from the Small Business Administration, which rejected all but one application for suspected fraud. She submitted 14 applications with others names, and six in her own name, claiming nonexistent businesses with fabricated gross revenues and other false information, the feds said. Sgt. Jane Edenfield with the Columbus Police Department said the investigation began with 100 victims from around the country, including some in Columbus. Two search warrants of Childs residence, numerous arrest warrants and several court appearances later, we are getting to see justice achieved, she said, thanking the IRS and the U.S. Postal Inspection Service for their aid. According to court documents, police started getting complaints from people in 2021 about someone using a Columbus address to apply for drivers licenses in their names. Investigators suspected this was a step toward fraudulently applying for credit cards. They found that Childs lived at the address, which led to her arrest. Column: Newsom's right on stricter gun laws but he misfired on his proposed constitutional amendment A sales associate arranges guns on display at Burbank Ammo & Guns in Burbank in 2022. (Jae C. Hong / Associated Press) Gov. Gavin Newsom has a good target, but the aim is off in his effort to amend the U.S. Constitution with a gun-control mandate. Californias liberal governor has absolutely no chance of getting a gun control amendment adopted. Its beyond the realm of political possibility at least for the foreseeable future. But thats OK. At the current rate of gun carnage across America and with the firearms lobbys stubborn refusal to compromise on reasonable regulation its only a matter of time in this century before some 2nd Amendment tinkering occurs. Newsom wants to get it rolling. If you dont start, it will never happen, he says. Newsoms aim is off-line because hes trying to cement specific regulations into the Constitution. His proposal gets into the nitty-gritty. Its as if the nations founders in writing the 2nd Amendments right to bear arms in 1789 had specified the maximum muzzle size of a blunderbuss or fire power of a musket. Newsom wants his 28th amendment to unequivocally require four conditions for firearms ownership. The purchaser must be at least 21, undergo a universal background check and wait a reasonable period before picking up the gun from a seller. Also, no assault weapons could be sold to civilians. Presumably assault weapons would include semiautomatic weapons with large-capacity magazines the types already banned in California, a regulation being challenged in court by gun-rights advocates. These firearms serve no other purpose than to kill as many people as possible in a short amount of time weapons of war our nations founders never foresaw, Newsom said in announcing his national crusade last week. Agreed. But detailed gun restrictions should be left for Congress, state legislatures and local jurisdictions to decide. Newsoms amendment would include a provision allowing our elected federal, state and local representatives to enact common-sense gun safety regulations. But thats all it should do. Forget the specifics. Newsom fears as do many gun control advocates that the current firearms-friendly Supreme Court will toss out strict regulations already adopted by California and some other blue states, ruling they violate the 2nd Amendment. So he wants to firmly implant the major regulations in the Constitution with a new amendment while still preserving the right to bear arms. But UC Berkeley Law School Dean Erwin Chemerinsky, a constitutional scholar, notes that the gun restrictions Newsom worries about have not been found by the Supreme Court to violate the 2nd Amendment. At least yet. So, he reasons, a new constitutional amendment is not needed. Congress could adopt the stiff regulations itself. Of course, repeated efforts to pressure Congress into passing such legislation have failed miserably because of an inherent gun culture in much of the nation, particularly in rural areas. The governor ignores the key problem, Chemerinsky says. It is the lack of political will for meaningful gun regulation in Congress and the legislatures. If laws cannot be adopted, a constitutional amendment is not going to happen. There are two ways to adopt a constitutional amendment, both extremely difficult for a controversial topic such as firearms. Only one method has ever been used: Both houses of Congress propose an amendment on a two-thirds majority vote, and the measure is ratified by three-fourths of the Legislatures. Newsom knows Congress would never do that. So hes proposing the untried way: Two-thirds of the states would call for a constitutional convention to be convened by Congress. The conventions proposed amendment then would need to be ratified by three-fourths of the states. A terrible idea, Chemerinsky says. The convention could run amok and tamper with lots of amendments, he fears. Liberals have opposed a constitutional convention for a balanced budget amendment for years based on the risk, the professor says. Newsom is undercutting that argument. UCLA law professor Adam Winkler, who specializes in gun law, also says, I dont like the idea of a constitutional convention. I wouldnt trust Americans to rewrite their Constitution right now. It could lead to a worse constitution than we have. About 40 states are very pro-gun. Youre more likely to get an amendment to expand gun rights. In fact, Winkler thinks Newsoms effort may have the opposite effect of expediting gun control. I think its a distraction, he says. It may convince gun owners that Democrats just want to take away their guns. It could make it harder to get things passed. Dan Schnur, a former Republican operative who teaches political communication at USC and UC Berkeley, says Newsoms proposed amendment has absolutely no chance whatsoever of happening." But its still pretty smart politics. When Newsom usually talks about national politics, he sounds very partisan, very divisive and very bitter. He looks like a liberal version of [Florida Gov. Ron] DeSantis. But on this one, hes onto an issue where most of the country agrees with him. He didnt make this proposal because he thought it could happen, Schnur says. He made it to get attention. And it worked. Sure. But if Newsom has the staying power to aggressively pursue this, it could generate more passion within the Democratic voter base to insist that their representatives enact meaningful gun control. For years, the passion has all been on the gun-rights side. People will demand that this gets done in state legislatures, insists Assemblyman Reginald Jones-Sawyer (D-Los Angeles), who will sponsor a California legislative resolution calling on Congress to convene a convention. It wont necessarily be what the politicians want, but what the people want. Thats wishful thinking. But the effort could be worthwhile. That is, if Newsom discards the nitty gritty that too many gun owners would read as a threat to take away their 21st century muskets. Sign up for Essential California, your daily guide to news, views and life in the Golden State. This story originally appeared in Los Angeles Times. The Kinzhal hypersonic missiles were shot down near Kyiv by fighters of the 96th Anti-Aircraft Missile Brigade of the Air Command Centre, who showed impeccable endurance and concentration. Source: Colonel Serhii Yaremenko, who goes by the alias Hranit, in an interview with ArmyInform Details: Yaremenko explained that all the training on the use of the Patriot system against various types of ballistic missiles in service of the aggressor country was conducted in simulation mode. However, even during the simulation of the air situation, the results were not 100%. At the same time, it was the 96th Brigade's anti-aircraft gunners, the first crews to train for less than three months, who managed to destroy a Kh-47 hypersonic missile for the first time in history, which Putin classified as a "unique missile", and then corroborated their success by shooting down six such missiles. Quote: "Frankly speaking, I only realised that we had shot down the Kinzhal after expert analysts examined the wreckage. On 16 May, we proved that it was definitely not an accident. Almost simultaneously, 16 ballistic targets were fired from different directions, most of them aimed at the Patriot system. I'm always proud of my subordinates, but this time even I was shocked by their endurance. People understood that ballistic missiles were heading straight for them. They didn't panic for a second, acted in a coordinated and organised manner, distributed the targets across sectors, and ensured their destruction at a minimum range, high enough to reduce the likelihood of damage to infrastructure. I was in touch with the division commander and understood what a serious professional and psychological challenge it was. After the report The airspace is clear, all targets destroyed, no one could contain their emotions... Later we found out that there were six Kinzhal missiles among those targets. I think our partner countries had the same emotions as we did. We can't think of a better advertisement for the manufacturers. Their system has fully implemented its potential and proved that it is capable of destroying targets that the Russians claimed were impossible to shoot down." Details: Anti-aircraft gunners have a tradition of marking destroyed targets on their systems. However, Colonel Yaremenko says that the stencil for the Kinzhal has not yet been produced, although Patriot has already destroyed more than 80 air targets in just one month of operation. Yaremenko notes that, in his opinion, Patriot is one of the most advanced air defence systems available. However, it is obvious that it cannot operate on its own. Ukraine needs a sufficient number of different types of short- and medium-range air defence systems to protect all its targets in a single air defence system. Journalists fight on their own frontline. Support Ukrainska Pravda or become our patron! Members of the Kirkwood neighborhood of Atlanta have organized an effort to help a family who lost their home in a fire this week. According to a GoFundMe campaign, the Thrasher family has been a constant, warm presence in the neighborhood for 50 years. The home, across from Israel Baptist Church, was gutted by a fire on Tuesday. [DOWNLOAD: Free WSB-TV News app for alerts as news breaks] The organizers of the campaign said almost nothing on the inside of the home is salvageable and the family will need to start over from scratch. Fortunately, the Thrashers have home insurance and will be able to use it to rebuild their home. The campaign aims to raise money to help them cover their immediate basic needs to replace clothing, toiletries, and other essentials that were destroyed in the fire. As of Thursday afternoon, more than $16,000 of the $25,000 goal has been raised. TRENDING STORIES: [SIGN UP: WSB-TV Daily Headlines Newsletter] IN OTHER NEWS: A Jacksonville neighbor is concerned about an online purchase. It looks like a battery pack, but it turns into a pistol. While this product has been on the market for several years, Jeffrey Starke says hes worried about how he got the item. He says he was surprised when he received a firearm in the mail straight to his door without any paperwork. As a gunowner, he knows this is not right. Im more worried about it being out there in the hands of kids, Starke said. If they can buy it at $39 dollars and it shows up in a padded envelope by the USPS, something is wrong. With 24 years of military experience, Starke was trained to identify homemade firearms. And he says this would have been a red flag. You pull the trigger and its a weapon, Starke said. Read: FHP announces DUI arrest in deadly Buckman Bridge crash Scrolling through Facebook, he came across an ad for a Lifecard that turns into a .22 caliber handgun. So, he bought it. But the company never did a background check. I was surprised, I really was I didnt expect to see it, Starke said. I figured I would be put in some type of request for scam, but it showed up. Starke says it came from a Chinese supplier. It appears to be a knock off version of a the Lifecard product that Trailblazer Firearms has been making for years now. But that company requires proper documentation, unlike the one Starke bought it from. When I found out how easy it was, that upset me, Starke said. Read: Man found guilty, gets 2 life sentences in murder of pregnant Jacksonville mother, her baby The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives regulates firearms in the country. Tampa division spokesperson Jason Medina says when a gun is purchased online, it must go through the Federal Firearms Licensee before someone gets possession of it. Every firearm purchased through a gun store does undergo a background check and form 4473, Medina said. And in Florida, its a minimum of a three day wait period to purchase that gun.But this firearm went straight to Starkes door without ever going through FFL. So, he called the police. He says the police was alarmed. Officers are trained on weapons like this, but the lack of documentation is concerning. Plus, the item has no serial number and its falsely advertised to be .22 caliber when the barrel appears to hold a 9 mm. Read: Miami Mayor Francis Suarez jumps into GOP presidential race TSA spokesperson Sari Koshetz says they are aware of these concealed weapons too. TSA agents are very well trained to look for items such as that, Koshetz said. Or a threat item that is camouflaged as an everyday item. The Trailblazer Firearms website states its aware of these knock off products, so be weary. [DOWNLOAD: Free Action News Jax app for alerts as news breaks] [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. Considering visiting L.A. County swimming holes this summer? You may want to avoid these A man floats on a raft on the L.A. River in August 2018. Parts of the river were rated among the dirtiest freshwater areas in L.A. County. (Genaro Molina / Los Angeles Times) When considering a nearby swimming hole this summer, water scientists recommend that Los Angeles County residents first check the latest river report card before taking a dip. While freshwater recreation sites across L.A. have seen improvements in recent years, scientists with the environmental nonprofit Heal the Bay note there's still a lot of work to be done to limit waterway pollution. Last summer, almost one-fifth of the 35 analyzed sites in L.A. County posed a high risk to human health, according to the group's fifth annual river report. About 65% tested in the "green" range considered healthy for swimmers and about 15% were in moderate health risk category. "While it's encouraging to see that freshwater recreation sites have clean water quality a majority of the time, there's a long way to go, considering that ocean beaches have good water quality 95% of the time," said Luke Ginger, a water quality scientist with Heal the Bay, a Los Angeles environmental nonprofit that focused on clean waterways. The river report card was released Wednesday along with the group's beach report card, which highlights the coastlines with the dirtiest and cleanest waters. From Memorial Day to Labor Day 2022, Heal the Bay scientists tested waterways and used data from other monitoring programs and government agencies to rank water quality in some recreation areas, measuring the presence of fecal indicator bacteria pollution. The lower reaches of the Los Angeles River tend to have much higher concentrations of bacteria compared to the upper reaches of the river," Ginger said. He hopes more research can address this, but he said the reason likely lies with the diminished habitat and greenspace as the river runs through more urban areas downstream. Here are L.A. County's 10 worst sites for water quality, deemed the "freshwater fails." The first three locations are tied for worst after testing every week over the summer in the worst category for health. Each location is part of the L.A. River Watershed, except for No. 10, which is in the Malibu Creek watershed, the report said. "Most of these sites are in developed areas and receive high amounts of urban runoff," Ginger said. "Six of the 10 freshwater fails are in the lower L.A. River, south of downtown L.A." The cleanest watering holes, considered on the "Honor Roll," had an eight-way tie for first place after testing in the healthiest category every week last summer, the report said. They are: San Gabriel River Upper Cattle Canyon; San Gabriel River East Fork at Graveyard Canyon; Hansen Dam Lake; San Gabriel River Upper West Fork and Upper East Fork and Lower West Fork; Big Tijunga Creek at Vogel Flatts; and Delta Flats. The last two locations on the healthiest Top 10 list were Eaton Canyon and San Gabriel River Upper North Fork. Six of the 10 honor roll sites are in the upper San Gabriel River in the Angeles National Forest, which is also home to Big Tujunga Creek and Eaton Canyon. Hansen Dam Lake was the only honor role site not in the mountains. "Our goal is to highlight water quality concerns, advocate for water quality improvements and equip community members with the information they need to keep themselves safe and healthy when out enjoying their local swimming hole," the report said. Heal the Bay officials recommend that people avoid water contact at least three days after a significant rain. "The biggest driver of poor water quality in our waterways is runoff," said Tracy Quinn, president and chief executive of Heal the Bay. While the excessive rain this winter wasn't accounted for in this river report it only focused on the summer months she said it's important to plan for these extremes moving forward. "Capturing stormwater at any scale can help us to reduce the pollution reaching our rivers, lakes and ocean," Quinn said. This story originally appeared in Los Angeles Times. Former President Donald Trumps defense to his indictment on 37 felony counts for mishandling government documents that he declassified them by thinking about it is a harbinger of defenses to come. It is hardly out of character for Trump to make another fantastical claim to help himself that he has already pardoned himself. Just this week, Trump said, I dont think I will have to pardon himself should he win the presidency, which is hardly a rejection of that possibility. Whether it was written and signed, stated aloud by Trump, or thought of by Trump, the question remains: May presidents pardon themselves? When and if the time comes when Trump makes such a claim, we should be prepared to point out just how wrong it is. Michael J. Gerhardt The presidential pardon power appears in Article II, Section 2 of the Constitution. It says: the President shall have the Power to grant Reprieves and Pardons for Offenses against the United States, except in Cases of Impeachment. The Constitution is silent on the issue of whether presidents may pardon themselves, a silence which can be read in diametrically opposite ways. One is that the absence of language banning presidential self-pardoning means it is not barred. Similarly, if the Framers meant to preclude presidents from pardoning themselves the Constitution would have said so. The other way to read the Constitution is that it is so unthinkable that presidents could pardon themselves that it did not have to be spelled out. In the absence of clear language conferring the power to self-pardon on presidents, it makes no sense to infer it, since the framers did not wish to establish in America monarchs who could place themselves above the law. The issue of a presidential self-pardon is now front and center. Besides Trumps indictment for concealing, withholding and lying about government documents, the January 6th Committee concluded its hearings with a transmittal to the Justice Department stating that President Trump engaged in conduct which the Department may consider for possible prosecution for crimes, including conspiracy to defraud the United States and assisting or aiding an insurrection. The U.S. Attorney General has appointed a veteran federal prosecutor to investigate Trumps involvement in interfering with the lawful transfer of power. Based upon the commitment of time and resources being expended with an eye toward the possible federal prosecution of Trump, it is reasonable to assume the Justice Department will ignore any Trump attempted self-pardon. Nor is this the first time the Justice Department will have faced the issue. Before being pardoned by Gerald Ford, former President Richard Nixon asked the Justice Department whether he could pardon himself. Mary Lawton, then serving as the Acting Assistant Attorney General in the Office of legal Counsel, opined that the fundamental rule that no one may be a judge in his own case led to the conclusion that presidents did not have power to pardon themselves. A similar conclusion was reached in much of the academic community. Harvard Law School Professor Cass Sunstein is among the many legal scholars who suggest granting pardons is a matter of mercy and grace to others. One does not grant oneself anything. Nor does one show mercy to themselves. Expressly prohibiting self-pardons is unnecessary when logic, original meaning, practicalities and the Constitutions design all point in that direction. Indeed, the arguments Trump may soon make that he has such power ignores not just that but the fundamental constitutional principles that no one is above the law and no one should be a judge in their own case. Trump may ignore all that in his quest to become a monarch, but the rule of law is clear no president has this power, regardless of whatever he may wish or think. Michael Gerhardt teaches constitutional law at the University of North Carolina Law School and was former special counsel to the Presiding Officer in Donald Trumps second impeachment trial. Alan Baron is a former federal prosecutor and former Special Impeachment Counsel to the U.S. House. Homer Glen resident Ellen Moriarty said the Will County Board resolutions recognizing Juneteenth and Pride month have merit, but said Moms for America is strictly a political group. (Michelle Mullins/Daily Southtown) The Will County Board removed three honorary resolutions and proclamations from its agenda this week after receiving a backlash from residents who said one of the resolutions praised a hate group. The initial agenda for Thursdays County Board meeting included recognition of the Juneteenth holiday, Pride month and Moms for America. Advertisement After constituents called county board members to complain, the county boards leadership removed all three items. Board member Meta Mueller, a Democrat from Aurora, said her phone blew up last weekend with constituents and members of Pride organizations asking why the board would recognize Moms for America, which has spoken out against the LBGTQ community. Advertisement The Southern Poverty Law Centers website, which monitors hate groups and extremist organizations, listed Moms for America Illinois as one of 35 hate and antigovernment groups located in Illinois. The Southern Poverty Law Centers website states it tracked 1,225 hate and antigovernment groups across the country last year. Mueller said area pride organizations couldnt believe the County Board would recognize the Moms for America group. Their general reaction is shock, Mueller said. They are very upset this recently named hate group was given a platform. This feels like it gives equity to two things and one is about hate. The Will County Board listens Thursday as residents speak about three resolutions, even though they had been removed from the agenda. (Michelle Mullins/Daily Southtown) The Moms for America website recently called for a boycott of Target for promoting its Pride Kids collection and features a photo of the United States flag with a caption that says, This is our pride flag. Board member Steve Balich, a Republican from Homer Glen, said he put on the agenda both the proclamations for Juneteenth and Moms for America. He wanted a broad recognition for National Family Month, which is celebrated in June, and also include recognition for the work Moms for America is doing to promote families. Democrat Leader Jackie Traynere of Bolingbrook, requested the Pride month proclamation placed on the agenda. Democrats dont like Moms for America. They think they are extremist and radical, Balich, the county boards Republican leader, said. If you look at Moms for America, they are for families. They are not extremist at all. Balich said the organization stresses religion and togetherness. Advertisement The County Board is comprised of 11 Democrats and 11 Republicans. Balich said he felt the declaration for Pride month could potentially get 11 no votes from Republicans and the declaration for Moms for America could get 11 no votes from Democrats. Balich said he agreed to remove the proclamations along with other board leadership. What was the purpose for doing them? he said. The Will County Board unanimously approved a proclamation in 2022 recognizing June as Pride month, according to meeting minutes. Will County Executive Jennifer Bertino-Tarrant issued her own proclamation Friday, the day after the meeting, recognizing June 19 as Juneteenth Day of Observance in Will County. County Board Chair Judy Ogalla, a Republican from Monee, said that she does not like having any politically charged resolutions on the agenda. Advertisement I personally think we should stay away from social issues, Ogalla said. Will County Clerk Lauren Staley-Ferry read aloud nearly 20 emails from concerned citizens, who asked the board not to recognize Moms for America for its divisive and harmful rhetoric. Margie Wolf, executive director of Naper Pride, wrote to the board that Moms for America is responsible for hate speech on social media and at in-person events, anti-LGBTQ initiatives as well as protests at school board meetings, libraries and pride-related events. The presentation of a proclamation for Moms for America is not only insulting, it is demeaning to every LGBTQ individual living in Will County, Wolf wrote. Laura Welch, president of Illinois National Organization for Women, said in an interview she fielded calls from angry residents over the proclamation to recognize Moms for America, which she said has called for bans on books about Black history or the LGBTQ community. Welch, a Naperville resident, said many young children can see themselves in these books, and banning them shows they dont matter. These kids need support, Welch said. They dont need people saying they dont exist. (Moms for America) use terms groomer and pedophile. Its a way to harm the LGBTQ community. Advertisement DuPage Township Trustee Reem Townsend tells Will County Board members Thursday she opposed a Moms for America proclamation that was initially placed on the agenda. (Michelle Mullins/Daily Southtown) Ellen Moriarty, a Homer Glen resident, said when she looked at the three proclamations on the original agenda, she thought, One of these things is not like the others. Juneteenth is a national holiday, not a political action organization, Moriarty said. It is a historical date. Pride month is also nationally recognized, celebrated since 1969 after the Stonewall riots. It has spread to be celebrated across the world. Again, it is not a political organization. It is a celebratory month. Moms for America is not a celebratory month nor a remembrance day. Moriarty said the boards response was egregious. Rather than admit that Moms for America was a mistake and remove it alone, the board pulled all three, she said. We elected you to represent all of us. DuPage Township Trustee Reem Townsend, a Bolingbrook resident, said equality is not a radical concept and asked the board not to normalize the Moms for America organization. They are labeled an extremist, anti-government entity by civil rights watchdogs, she said. Advertisement Ogalla said she does not believe that the Moms for America organization is a hate group. They are not hateful people, she said. They believe in family values and God. Ogalla said she feels the board members do their best to represent their entire communities. I want the community to know that we do not want to hate anybody or exclude anybody, but we want to include everybody, Ogalla said. Moms for America representatives did not immediately respond Thursday to messages. Any of the board members can bring forward a resolution for consideration, Ogalla said, adding she respects everybodys opinion and right to free speech. Sometimes, department heads who work for the county also ask for resolutions specific to their government duties, Ogalla said. Advertisement We are a 50/50 board, and we tried to respect that and give each side their proclamation, Ogalla said. Several board members, including both Republicans and Democrats, used their time at the end of Thursdays meeting to acknowledge Pride month and Juneteenth and urged their constituents to attend a celebration in their districts. Im a woman. Im a veteran. Im a member of the LGBTQ+ community, and I check the black box, said board member Natalie Coleman, a Plainfield Democrat. When you teach people their history and acknowledge all of our constituents, you actually empower them to believe in themselves, face the truth both good and bad and hopefully prevent harmful acts from repeating themselves. Its literally appalling that an organization that has been labeled as a hate group has been placed on the agenda. Fortunately I dont need a proclamation for anyone to tell me when and how to celebrate who I am, Coleman said. So to all the marginalized, attacked, forgotten and ignored people, please find your tribe and celebrate who you are, everyday. Michelle Mullins is a freelance reporter. Oak Ridge City Council members on Monday night approved a budget for the upcoming year that includes pay raises of at least 7% for all city employees and an 8.4% increase in water and sewer rates over the next two years. They also approved what council member Ellen Smith called a "good, creative solution" to an unusual problem that could have led to a future property tax rate increase. Oak Ridge City Council member Ellen Smith The Fiscal Year 2024 budget, which goes into effect July 1, includes no property tax rate increase. NNSA eliminating Fire Station No. 4 funding City Finance Director Janice McGinnis has explained that the National Nuclear Security Administration (NNSA) is ending its payment of $1.5 million a year to the city for fire protection at the former K-25 site, now the East Tennessee Technology Park. But Fire Station 4 on the west end needs to continue operating because of increased housing growth on the west end, Interim City Manager Jack Suggs said at an earlier meeting. NNSA funding for the fire station gradually declines each year until Fiscal Year 2027. McGinnis said if the city were to absorb the added cost of operating Fire Station 4 at $1.5 million a year the impact would be equivalent to a 15-cent increase on the property tax rate. The resolution approved by council assigns $3 million of the city's general fund balance to be used to "transition the impact of the full cost of operating Fire Station 4," with the assignment ending at the end of Fiscal Year 2030 and all unused funds returning to the fund balance. The funding plan is described as a way to make available $1.2 million in Fiscal Year 2027, $900,000 in 2028, $600,000 in 2029 and $300,000 in 2030 for the fire station operations. 7% pay raises - and more The budget also includes pay raises of at least 7% for all city employees, but some employees will be getting more. The council approved a resolution updating its employee compensation plan by increasing the salaries of some positions within city government to more adequately reflect those of similar personnel in the area. City officials at past meetings have discussed employees leaving for higher-paying jobs. The budget also includes adjustments for some city employees to get additional raises on performance. The city employs 412 full-time workers. Water rate increase this October; sewer rate in 2024 The budget includes 8.4% increases in residents' and business owners' water bills on Oct. 1, and on their sewer rates on October 2024. Suggs has said most residents will see an increase in their water bill of $1.49 to $4.59 per month based on use; likewise the monthly bill for sewer customers in October 2024 would go up $2.21 to $6.81. Jack Suggs He said most residential customers can estimate their future water and sewer bills by looking at their current bills and increasing them 8.4%. For commercial customers with a 1-inch meter whose usage is 100,000 gallons per month, their bills would increase $53.66 for water and $94.34 for sewer. On Oct. 19, city officials broke ground for construction of a new $78.3 million water treatment plant. The old water treatment plant - which is still being used - was built by the government in 1943. Suggs previously explained that the city has asked Tennessee's State Revolving Fund Drinking Water Loan Program to finance a portion of the costs for the water treatment plant construction. The city also has asked for a loan from the State Revolving Fund for a sewer project. In turn, the state has notified the city that to qualify financially for the $25 million loan, the water and sewer rates would need to generate another $1.52 million by the time the loan reached the repayment cycle. That's the reason for the increase in the water and sewer bills. Suggs and Mayor Warren Gooch have pointed out that the city water rate hasn't increased since January 2018, and the sewer rate since January 2019. At Monday night's meeting, council member Charlie Hensley asked about the U.S. Department of Energy and the increases. Suggs said when the new plant begins working the city will negotiate a new contract with DOE. Donna Smith is The Oak Ridgers news editor and covers Oak Ridge area news. Email dsmith@oakridger.com. Twitter: @ridgernewsed. Support strong local journalism by subscribing at https://subscribe.oakridger.com/offers. This article originally appeared on Oakridger: Council OKs budget, more pay raises; averts potential tax hike Your COVID vaccine records could be destroyed in 5 years because of Texas law The COVID vaccination records of 10.4 million Texans will be destroyed in five years unless individuals consent to preserving their records permanently. Because of an unusual state law, it is possible that millions of Texans will have no proof of their COVID vaccination history by the end of June 2028. The situation is the result of the way Texas regulates vaccine records. In most states, when a patient receives a vaccine, the information is automatically shared with the states vaccine registry unless the patient decides against it. But in Texas, the situation is reversed: Vaccine information is not stored in the states vaccine registry, unless the patient signs paperwork explicitly consenting to sharing that information. During a declared disaster, like COVID-19, the requirement is briefly waived: All vaccines and treatments given during the disaster must be reported to the Texas government, regardless of whether a patient has given their consent. Throughout the course of the COVID-19 disaster, 10.4 million Texans did not sign paperwork to permanently share their vaccine records with the state, said Chris Van Deusen, the director of media relations for the state health department. But five years after the disaster has ended, that information must be destroyed. The states disaster declaration expired Thursday, meaning that the five-year countdown has started. Once those records are destroyed, the only remaining vaccine records will be the ones theyve kept on their paper vaccine cards, or, in some cases, records at doctors offices. That data is non-recoverable, said Kevin Allen, the director of the states immunization information system, during a meeting of public health officials last year. They can consent up to that five-year retention period, but that is what is in jeopardy. Vaccine records law in Texas The impending record destruction is a rare situation in the U.S., because almost every state or municipality that operates a vaccine registry has an opt out system. But Texas, New Hampshire and Montana have an opt in system, meaning that any patient who wants their data stored at the state level must sign additional paperwork to do so. Vaccine providers say these systems mean more bureaucracy and paperwork for them. In all, about 22.3 million Texans received at least one dose of the COVID vaccine, according to the state health department, meaning about 47% of all COVID vaccine records could be destroyed after five years. A similar provision exists for children when they turn 18. If the new adults want the state to keep the records of their childhood vaccinations against measles, mumps, rubella and more, they must tell the state they want that data preserved within eight years of their 18th birthday. If they dont, its destroyed. Altogether, Texas existing vaccine law makes it harder for providers to know if a patient is fully up-to-date on all their vaccines, and more difficult for patients to remember whether they got a vaccine years or sometimes decades ago, advocates said. Some consumers are going to want or need those records at some point, Mary Beth Kurilo, an expert on vaccine systems with the American Immunization Registry Association, told the Star-Telegram last year. How to preserve your vaccine records Last year, vaccine advocates said they hoped legislators would address the states vaccine registry during the legislative session, but there were no hearings for bills that would have changed the states system. Patients who want their records to remain in the registry should complete two forms: The ImmTrac Consent Form (there is one for children and one for adults) and a second form related to disaster information, Van Deusen said. Texans can give these forms to their doctor, their local health department, or mail them to the state health department. Forms should be mailed to Texas Department of State Health Services, P. O. Box 149347, Austin, TX 78714-9347. Young adults who want to preserve their childhood immunization records also have to complete paperwork if they want their data preserved. Adults must sign a consent form before they turn 26 to keep the data from being deleted. The Croatian government supported the parliament's initiative to declare the Holodomor a genocide against the Ukrainian people, news portal Nova.rs wrote on June 15. "With the proposed declaration, Croatian Sabor (parliament) proclaims that Holodomor forcibly induced famine that was planned out and organized by the communist Stalinist regime in Ukraine in the period 1932-1933 was a crime of genocide committed against the Ukrainian people," said State Secretary at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs Zdenko Lucic. The motion still needs to be approved in the parliament's vote. The man-made famine that took place under Joseph Stalin's reign over the Soviet Union caused an estimated 3.5 to 5 million Ukrainian deaths. Some scholars say the number may have been as high as 10.5 million. How Russia has attempted to erase Ukrainian language, culture throughout centuries Editors Note: This is episode 3 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 IndependentDaria Shulzhenko The Ukrainian government has been calling on the international community to recognize it as genocide. As of now, 29 countries have declared Holodomor a genocide against Ukrainians. Croatia, a NATO and EU member, has supported Ukraine in its defense against Russian aggression. Zagreb has pledged to provide 14 Mi-8 helicopters to Kyiv, nine of which were reportedly delivered in May, and Prime Minister Andrej Plenkovic has repeatedly visited Ukraine. The support provided by Croatia's government stands in contrast with the stances of the country's President Zoran Milanovic, who has criticized Western sanctions against Russia and denounced arms supplies for Ukraine. Crumbl Cookies sets opening date for Warner Robins store. A Macon location is on its way For the Murphys, Crumbl Cookies is a family affair. Rob and Tasha Murphy, who live in Utah, and their son, Chase, and daughter-in-law, Macy, who live in Perry, own the franchise rights for Crumbl Cookies in Warner Robins, Macon and Columbus. Chase and Macy are gearing up to open the Warner Robins store at 2907 Watson Blvd., Suite C1, in a couple of weeks. The Warner Robins store is the first Crumbl Cookies location in Middle Georgia. We get to try new cookies every week, and I mean, Im a big sucker for cookies, so I cant go wrong there, Chase said of what he likes best about his work. Any of the Oreo-based are my go to. His wifes favorite cookie is the Reeses Peanut Butter Cup. Chase and Macy Murphy are opening soon Crumbl Cookies at 2907 Watson Blvd., Suite C1, in Warner Robins. Crumbl Cookies is known for their weekly rotating menu of creative, decorative and delicious gourmet cookies. Even the names of the cookies are inviting such as snickerdoodle, muddy buddy, biscoff lava, funfetti, coconut lime, chocolate caramel, hazelnut sea salt, oatmeal chocolate chip, rocky road, smores, pumpkin pie, caramel popcorn, Hawaiin rainbow cake, pineapple whip, cinnamon swirl and peanut butter brittle. Signature original milk chocolate chip at Crumbl Cookies. The Murphy family Rob grew up in Harris County in the west central part of Georgia. We picked this area specifically just because were familiar with it, he said. Weve got family out there and knowing that Chase and Macy would be moving out there to run it and its just a nice familiar place. Chase and Macy, who recently brought home their baby daughter, Addie, their first child, moved to Perry about 10 months ago. Chase and Macy Murphy are opening soon Crumbl Cookies at 2907 Watson Blvd., Suite C1, in Warner Robins. The couple opened the first store in Columbus in May of last year, and they will also open the Macon store for which the lease has been signed for a new construct off Zebulon Road. Chase ultimately will oversee all three of the familys stores, with each run by a general manager. Hell train employees, and he and his father will share administrative duties. Chase Murphy, one of the franchise owners of the Crumbl Cookies store at 2907 Watson Blvd., Suite C1, in Warner Robins. The new store, the first Crumbl Cookies in Middle Georgia, is opening soon. The soft opening of Warner Robins store is set for June 29 with the official grand opening the following day on June 30. For about 20 years, Rob owned multiple Little Caesars franchise stores with Chase later joining him in that venture. Rob said hed been looking for a new opportunity and a fresh brand. As a family, my wife and I had been traveling around once a week and grabbing a box of cookies and driving around seeing all our married kids and grandkids and sharing them and we had just grown to love it as a brand and what it was doing for us as a family. Theyd cut the cookies up to share and try to figure out which of the cookies were their favorites. His favorite is chocolate silk pie. It just brought us together, he said. It was a reason to get together every week and be in their homes. He was also impressed with the look of the stores. I just think they have a really welcoming, inviting, open bakery concept that I loved, too, he said. Crumbl Cookies at 2907 Watson Blvd., Suite C1, in Warner Robins is close to opening. The open-concept store allows customers to watch cookies being made fresh daily. Additionally, Rob was influenced by a friend. I had a buddy who got in and I was having a conversation with him. He said, You know, everything that you love about it as a consumer, its that much more as a franchise, and so we started the process. The Murphys sold all their Little Caesars stores and jumped in lock, stock and barrel into the world of Crumbl Cookies. Crumbl Cookies offers a rotating weekly menu of six cookies from more than 250 of their signature creations. The cookies Crumbl Cookies boasts more than 250 varieties. The weekly rotation generally features their two original signature cookies: milk chocolate chip and the chilled pink sugar cookie, or a variation of a signature cookie such as sweet chocolate chip or a specialty sugar cookie. Signature milk chocolate chip and chilled pink sugar cookies at Crumbl Cookies. The remaining four cookies are new each week. Thats both good and bad, right? Rob asked. Every week, youre trying something new and falling in love with it, and then the sad part is if you find one you absolutely love, youre waiting a little while for it to come back around. Sometimes the wait is a year, and sometimes, its a few months for a cookie to fall back in the rotation. But thats also part of the fun of it: the anticipation of whats coming next. Every so often, Crumbl Cookies offers a mystery cookie and local operators like the Murphys get to pick that cookie sometimes having a contest among employees to pick the cookie and other times featuring a fan favorite determined by local customers. It just creates a positive atmosphere, Rob said. The Sunday-night release of the rotating cookie list also creates a buzz among customers. Monday morning it can get a little exciting around the restaurant, Rob said. We make them all fresh in the store. You can see us putting the ingredients together, cracking eggs and doing the things you do in a home kitchen but just on a lot bigger scale or with a lot more variety of recipes. About as well known as the gourmet Crumbl Cookies themselves is the pink box theyre packaged in. The pink box About as well known as the Crumbl Cookies themselves is the pink box theyre packaged in. Its kind of funny, Rob said. We laugh sometimes that people know us for our box as much as they do our cookies. As soon as we open up, youre going to see our pink box floating around town and thats as much a signature as the cookies that are inside of it. Operating hours will be 8 a.m. to 10 p.m. Monday through Thursday and 8 a.m. to midnight Friday and Saturday. The store number will be 478-217-2922. Chase Murphy, own of the franchise owners of the Crumbl Cookies store opening soon in Warner Robins, cleans the store windows. Crumbl Cookies at 2907 Watson Blvd., Suite C1, in Warner Robins is close to opening. The open-concept store allows customers to watch cookies being made fresh daily. The Senate Judiciary Committee advanced a bill Thursday that aims to let news outlets collectively negotiate with dominant tech platforms to be compensated for distributing their content. The Thursday markup brought together unlikely allies. The panel advanced the Journalism Competition and Preservation Act (JCPA) in a 13-7 vote, with Sen. John Kennedy (R-La.), the bills lead GOP sponsor, and Sens. Chuck Grassley (R-Iowa), Lindsey Graham (R-S.C.) and Ted Cruz (R-Texas) joining most Democrats in advancing the bill. Sen. Alex Padilla (D-Calif.) was the only Democrat on the panel to vote against advancing the bill. The proposal advanced last session, as well, with bipartisan support, but it was not brought to a floor vote before the end of the session. One key concern raised by those opposed to the bill centered on content moderation. Republicans against the measure argued it would lead companies to censor content with an anti-conservative bias. Im afraid the bill would give media and Big Tech companies a free pass to censor the views of conservatives, Sen. Tom Cotton (R-Ark.) said. The bill includes a provision that would prohibit news discrimination by tech companies based on viewpoint of content. But Cotton argued the bill would still allow media and Big Tech companies plenty of backdoors to collectively censor conservative views and voices. On the flip side, Padilla raised concerns that the bill could compel platforms to carry content and pay for content that they fundamentally disagree with. I worry the bill would be used to disincentivize efforts to moderate content including but not limited to election disinformation, he said. Padilla also said he does not think the bill as written would achieve its goal of protecting local newspapers. Sen. Amy Klobuchar (D-Minn.), a lead sponsor of the bill and chair of the antitrust subcommittee, stressed the urgency in passing this bill and others that aim to rein in the power of tech companies. She said the U.S. is lagging behind other nations leading the way. We know the market is broken here and it is broken all over the world. Were starting to see country after country step in. It is our country that is the one that hasnt been moving on tech. It is our country, it appears, in this Congress, that there is always something found, Klobuchar said. On the left or the right it really doesnt matter what. What is the same? What does all this have in common? It helps the platforms, every single time, she added. Graham echoed Klobuchars push for action, saying he is for the bill because enough is enough. Even when we all agree, [the bills are] going absolutely nowhere, he said. In addition to the strange bedfellows in the Senate, the bill is facing joint opposition from an unlikely collection of outside groups. Advocacy and civil society groups, including the American Civil Liberties Union and Public Knowledge, joined forces with tech industry groups, like Chamber of Progress and the Computer and Communications Industry Association, in a joint letter to the committee voicing opposition to the bill. They argue the proposal would lead to more networked disinformation and hate speech online and that it fails to help the local news outlets it aims to benefit. Meta, the parent company of Facebook, has also pushed back strongly on the bill. The company last year threatened to pull news content from Facebook if the version of the JCPA that advanced last year was added to a defense authorization bill. Meta made the same threat recently in California over a similar state bill. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill. New Delhi Heavy rain and strong wind lashed the southwest coasts of India and Pakistan Thursday evening as Cyclone Biparjoy made landfall. India's Meteorological Department said the storm would continue to churn onto the country's western coast until midnight. The cyclone, which grew to the strength of a Category 2 hurricane over the Arabian Sea on Wednesday, had weakened slightly by the time it came ashore Thursday between Mandvi in India's western Gujarat state and Karachi in southern Pakistan. The weather agency said it first made landfall at around 7 p.m. local time (10 a.m. Eastern). Vehicles are seen in a heavy downpour in a coastal area of Sindh province, Pakistan, June 15, 2023, just before Cyclone Biparjoy made landfall. / Credit: Shakeel Ahmed/Anadolu Agency/Getty Biparjoy which means "disaster" in the Bangla language was expected to pack strong winds with sustained speeds up to 78 miles per hour and gusts close to 90 mph. Storm surges up to 13 feet were also predicted. No loss of life or damage was immediately reported by either country as the cyclone made landfall. The South Asian nations evacuated more than 170,000 people from coastal areas ahead of the storm's arrival, deployed rescue teams and shut down all major activities in Biparjoy's predicted path. India's weather office said the cyclone was expected to damage roads and houses, uproot trees and disrupt power and communications lines. India alone had evacuated more than 94,000 people from the eight coastal districts of Gujarat to safer locations. Pretty much all activities, including public transport, fishing and businesses in those districts were shut down. A general view of the evacuated village of Ashira Vandh, near Jakhau port, where Cyclone Biparjoy later made landfall in India's Gujarat state, June 15, 2023. / Credit: Nandan Dave/Anadolu Agency/Getty "Those who were shifted to safer places include nearly 8,900 children, 1,131 pregnant women and 4,697 elderly persons. A total of 1,521 shelter homes have been set up in eight districts," a statement from the Gujarat state government said Thursday. India's National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) had deployed more than 30 teams to Gujarat, while teams from the Indian Army, Air Force, Navy, and Coast Guard were on standby. Seven people died in India due to the extreme weather conditions caused by the cyclone even before it made landfall on Thursday, with rough seas and collapsing walls blamed for the deaths. A man rides a motorcycle through a flooded street in Mandvi, India, before the arrival of Cyclone Biparjoy in the western state of Gujarat, June 15, 2023. / Credit: FRANCIS MASCARENHAS/REUTERS India also shut down scores of train lines connecting Gujarat's coast with the rest of the country, as well as Kandla and Mundra, two of India's largest commercial ports. "Our aim is to ensure zero casualties," said Rushikesh Patel, Gujarat's state health minister, appealing to people to stay indoors. Pakistan evacuated more than 80,000 people from its coastal areas in the Sindh and Balochistan provinces. The country's major port city of Karachi which has a population of more than 20 million looked deserted on Thursday ahead of the cyclone's landfall. Huts submerged by heavy rain ahead of Cyclone Biparjoy's landfall are seen in a costal village in Shah Bandar, near Thatta, in Pakistan's southern Sindh province, June 15, 2023. / Credit: Umair Rajput/AP Authorities had ordered all businesses and shopping malls in the city to shut down ahead of the storm's arrival. Biparjoy is the first major cyclone to hit Pakistan since catastrophic floods last year left more than 1,700 people dead and caused widespread destruction in the country. Experts say climate change is increasing the frequency and intensity of cyclones that form over the warming Arabian Sea and Indian Ocean paving the way for more natural disasters to hit large populations in the South Asian nations. Florida officer pulled over for speeding by other deputy Beyonces Renaissance tour has been linked to a notable increase in Swedens inflation rate Beyflation? Beyonce concerts blamed for higher inflation in Sweden Czech president says Russians in West should be monitored more -RFE/RL PRAGUE (Reuters) - Russians living in Western countries should come under tighter scutiny from security services as Russia wages war in Ukraine, Czech President Petr Pavel told Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty (RFE/RL). "I believe that, as in the case of a number of world conflicts in the past, when there is an ongoing war, the security measures related to Russian nationals should be stricter than in normal times," he said in an interview aired on Thursday. "So all Russians living in Western countries should be monitored much more than in the past." Pavel, a former army chief and NATO official elected to office this year, said it was a "cost of war". He used the example of Japanese living in the United States during World War II. In 1942, U.S. President Franklin D. Roosevelt signed Executive Order 9066 authorizing the imprisonment of Japanese Americans, in the aftermath of Japan's attack on Pearl Harbor. Some 120,000 were held at 10 camps because of fears that Japanese Americans were enemy sympathizers. Reuters is seeking comment from Moscow on his remarks. Pavel also told RFE/RL's Ukrainian Service that he expected "strong language" offering long-term support of Ukraine when NATO meets next month in a summit in Vilnius. The Czech Republic has been a staunch backer of Ukraine as it fights Russia's invasion. In May, Pavel told Reuters supporting Ukraine's entry into the European Union and NATO - both of which the Czech Republic belongs to - should be a long-term target. (Reporting by Jason Hovet; Editing by Angus MacSwan) A former Massachusetts priest is facing several charges after allegedly stealing more than $100,000 from the church which he used to buy power tools, video games, and wine, among other things, according to the Northwestern District Attorneys Office. Tomasz J. Gorny, 43, of Amherst, who was a priest at Immaculate Heart of Mary Church in Granby is charged with larceny over $1,200 and is scheduled to be arraigned Friday in Eastern Hampshire District Court in Belchertown, says District Attorney Matthew Russos office. Gorny used parish funds to purchase numerous items over the past three years including power tools, a riding lawn mower, food, wine, car accessories, video games, and clothing, according to Russo. Prosecutors say Gorney charged the expenses to credit cards that the Diocese of Springfield ultimately had to pay. Hundreds of items were recovered by Granby police investigators from a storage unit in Easthampton in April. Russos office said. Detectives had launched an investigation after they were notified by the diocese, which had been conducting its own internal audit into suspicious use of church funds. 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 American flags and a Pride flag hang from the White House during a Pride Month celebration on the South Lawn June 10 in Washington. (Manuel Balce Ceneta/AP) ELGbtq+s inaugural Pride Parade and Festival drew a huge number of people to downtown Elgin last weekend but there was one thing missing no Pride flag on display at Elgin City Hall. When organizers questioned among themselves why that was, community activist Danise Habun brought the issue to the Elgin City Council. Advertisement We talk about how inclusive and accepting and welcoming we are, Habun said at Wednesdays meeting. We are that. One of the ways we express our inclusivity and diversity is by recognizing the symbols of various cultures, ethnicities and communities. Habun asked the council to consider adopting a rule or ordinance through which it would be mandatory to fly flags at city hall on behalf of the LGBTQ+, Hispanic, Polish, Asian Pacific Islander and African American communities during the weeks or months those groups are recognized and honored. Advertisement We are a diverse community and I believe we should recognize all of us, she said. I dont know how we start doing this. Mayor Dave Kaptain said the process requires two council members to ask for an item to be added to the Committee of the Whole agenda, which would then schedule a discussion on the subject and a future vote, if council members want to move forward with an idea. Habun said she will be contacting council members to get the initiative started. The state of Illinois has flown the Pride flag at the capitol building in Springfield annually in June since 2019. The Pride Flag is proudly flying above the Illinois State Capital once again, Gov. J.B. Pritzer said in a Twitter post earlier this month. Here in Illinois, our LGBTQ+ community can rest assured that you are celebrated and valued, you are able to be who you are, you are free to love who you love, and you are always welcome here. But communities throughout the state and country have had debates about allowing the flag to be displayed at municipal buildings or on city-owned properties. When Arlington Heights voted against amending its flag display ordinance last year to include the Pride flag, the Arlington Heights Memorial Library opted to display it. The flag was first flown at San Franciscos United Nations Plaza in June 1978, according to scholarblogs.emory.edu. Activist Harvey Milk, the first openly gay person elected to public office in California, asked artist Gilbert Baker to create a flag representing the gay community in 1977, according to the website. Advertisement Each color in that original flag has a meaning, according to the site. Red stands for vitality, orange for healing, yellow for sunlight, green for nature, indigo for harmony and violet for spirit, the site said. Gloria Casas is a freelance reporter for The Courier-News. New York City grand jurors indicted former U.S. Marine veteran Daniel Penny on Wednesday in the chokehold death of subway rider Jordan Neely. As Blavity reported, 30-year-old Neely was houseless and known as a Michael Jackson impersonator. A video showed Neely being placed in a chokehold on May 1 by Penny, 24, after several witnesses told police Neely was acting erratically toward other passengers in the subway car. Penny reportedly held the 30-year-old for several minutes before he stopped moving. He was later taken into custody, where police questioned him about what led to Neelys death. According to ABC News, Penny told police Neely didnt threaten him when he stepped in or was violent to others at the time of the incident. On May 12, the 24-year-old turned himself into authorities, who later charged him with second-degree manslaughter. Charges from the grand jury remain sealed until his next court date on June 28, per the outlet. The medical examiners office ruled Neelys death as a homicide. Attorneys for Neelys family said they agreed with the indictment, which was the right result for the wrong he committed. The grand jurys decision tells our city and our nation that no one is above the law no matter how much money they raise, no matter what affiliations they claim, and no matter what distorted stories they tell in interviews, the attorneys said in a statement obtained by ABC News. On Wednesday, Pennys defense attorneys said they accepted the grand jurys decision and the standard of evidence is very low and there has been no finding of wrongdoing. Were confident that when a trial jury is tasked with weighing the evidence, they will find Daniel Pennys actions on that train were fully justified, according to a statement obtained by NBC News. Since Neelys death, many politicians and activists have shed light on many issues plaguing Black Americans in New York City: mental health, houselessness and race. Neely experienced mental health issues and had an extensive rap sheet with law enforcement. He was one of 50 houseless people added to a watchlist for people who may be a danger to themselves and the public, per Blavity. According to reports, Neely never recovered mentally after his mother, Christie, was murdered by her boyfriend in 2007. Since then, he experienced changes in his life following the traumatic event. Mr. Neely suffered from mental illness which began at age 14 when he experienced the brutal murder of his mother. It is a tragedy for all of us to know that Jordan Neelys life was also cut short. Mills & Edwards is committed to holding accountable the MTA and Neelys killer, his familys attorneys said in a May statement obtained by NBC New York. Mayor Eric Adams released a statement Wednesday afternoon and praised Manhattan District Attorney Alvin Bragg regarding the investigation and his faith in the judicial system. Like I said when the DA first brought charges, I have the utmost faith in the judicial process, and now that the grand jury has indicted Daniel Penny, a trial and justice can move forward, the mayor said in his statement, per ABC News. Dawn French has revived her Vicar of Dibley character during a living funeral for her terminally ill friend, Coppafeel founder Kris Hallenga. Hallenga has been living with stage four breast cancer since 2009. Last week, the 37-year-old aarranged an event to celebrate her life, with help from her friends and family. If youre a little behind, in January I decided I wanted to organise my own living funeral, my FUNeral, and in doing so celebrate a life that I have truly loved, surrounded by people I loved, Hallenga wrote in an Instagram post. It was during a psylocibin (magic mushroom) journey later in January that my very wild and wonderful ideas were concocted and in March I started to organise the event of my life, she added. For the dress code, Hallenga asked her guests to dress up as YODO (take of that what you will). As part of the ceremony at Truro Cathedral in Cornwall, French dressed up as her Vicar of Dibley character Geraldine Grainger to deliver a eulogy for her friend. It was my privilege and joy to Dibley it up at her living (she was there) FUNeral on Sat, Dawn wrote in an Instagram post. She wanted to host the best possible party. She did. It was phenomenal. So much love filling Truro cathedral. It was her own festival celebrating an extraordinary life. What a total babe, she added. In her Instagram post, Hallenga said that shes never felt love like it. Ive never felt joy like it. Ive never felt such kinship with mortality. Ive never felt so alive. French originally played Geraldine from 1994 to 2007. Vicar of Dibley is based on the story of a fictional Oxfordshire village of Dibley where Geraldine becomes the first female vicar following the 1993 changes in the Church of England. The BBC show has won multiple British Comedy Awards, two International Emmys and multiple British Academy Television Awards nominations. Apart from the original show, Vicar of Dibley has numerous charity specials as well as lockdown episodes. Charges have been dismissed in the child pornography case involving a Dayton man arrested in Florida. Dozens of charges previously filed against James Tucker II, 36, were dismissed Wednesday in Montgomery County Common Pleas Court, according to court documents. The court order notes that the charges were dropped without prejudice because Tucker died. >> I-TEAM: GM to announce new positive manufacturing project at DMAX Brookville plant Friday Tucker was arrested by the U.S. Marshals Southern Ohio Fugitive Apprehension Strike Team (SOFAST) with the assistance of the Florida/Caribbean Regional Fugitive Task Force last month in Sarasota County, Florida. Tucker was indicted by a Montgomery County grand jury on 40 counts of pandering obscenity involving a minor in April. 20 counts were for creating, reproducing, and/or publishing illegal content. The charges came after a Dayton Police investigation. Its not currently known if Tucker had been brought back to Ohio before his death. Good morning, Chicago. With a new mayoral administration, no permanent police superintendent and a new federal judge overseeing the case, the Chicago Police Departments consent decree is in grave danger of failing, according to the citys former chief watchdog. For meaningful reform to reach critical mass, the City must be prodded repeatedly and publicly, Joe Ferguson, the citys former Inspector General, wrote in a June 5 letter made public in a federal court filing. The consent decree a sweeping set of reform mandates that were born out of the 2014 murder of Laquan McDonald by a Chicago police officer was approved in early 2019. Former U.S. District Judge Robert M. Dow selected a team led by former federal prosecutor Maggie Hickey to grade the CPDs adherence to the reforms. Read the full story from the Tribunes Sam Charles. Here are the top stories you need to know to start your day. Subscribe to more newsletters | Puzzles & Games | Todays eNewspaper edition The son of former Democratic state Rep. Edward Acevedo was sentenced to one month in prison for federal tax fraud conviction connected to the sprawling investigation of Commonwealth Edisons alleged attempts to influence then-House Speaker Michael Madigan. Michael Acevedo, 36, of Chicago, pleaded guilty in December to three counts of failing to file federal tax returns. The Chicago Park Districts Board of Commissioners unanimously approved a provisional permit for Riot Fest, clearing the way for the three-day rock music festival to return to Douglass Park in September. The festival faced heavy backlash last year as community members led a movement to evict big-ticket festivals from the park. Two other large music festivals held in the park last summer have since moved to other venues. Concerns about traffic and public safety and skepticism of the street races economic benefit to the city were among the issues aldermen raised at the City Councils Pedestrian and Traffic Safety Committee, where they questioned Chicago street race President Julie Giese, staff from the emergency management office and other city leaders. A new summertime trolley is traveling Tinley Park roads as part of a village effort to connect residents and visitors with its independently-owned craft breweries and wine bars. Theres no better time to enjoy Chicago than in the summer. Whether youre taking advantage of world-class museums or soaking in the sun on the lakefront, the city comes alive when the days are long and the weather is warm. Some hotels are especially eager to welcome guests this year because they have a new look to show off. What the Bears have on the edge right now is a willing leader in DeMarcus Walker, someone who seems comfortable being in that position as a newcomer, writes Brad Biggs. Pete Townshend was in his early 20s when he wrote most of Tommy, which was released in 1969. Now, as the album-turned-Broadway musical plots a Chicago comeback, hes 78. With Townshend credited with music, lyrics and book and Des McAnuff as director, Tommy the musical opens soon at Chicagos Goodman Theatre. Psychologists share the six ways you can deal with hurtful comments in a homophobic household. Psychologists share the six ways you can deal with hurtful comments in a homophobic household. Generally, most adults will have conflicts with their parents at some point in their lives. However, people in the LGBTQ+ community can face additional issues if their family members arent accepting of their sexuality or gender identity. Family members views might be influenced by religion, racial-ethnic identity, what they see as sociocultural norms and even structural racism leading them to try to exert power and control over LGBTQ+ individuals through hurtful comments and behaviors. All these factors can result in a higher risk of LGBTQ+ individuals experiencing poverty and being unhoused, and feeling isolated from their family or community. Hurtful language can include refusal to respect pronouns, shaming, embarrassing or threatening through verbal or physical violence, and are all forms of harassment and abuse. LGBTQ+ people can also face additional forms of abuse or barriers when trying to access support. According to a 2022 study in the Journal of American Medical Association Psychiatry, 83% of LGBTQ+ individuals experienced at least one adverse childhood experience, including a higher exposure to emotional and sexual abuse, which affected mental health. The effects of parental rejection, or a parents absence or withdrawal, due to a lack of understanding can make their way into adulthood, especially when someone is still living in the same household as their parents. LGBTQ+ people internalize the negative beliefs about them, and this contributes to their higher rates of emotional pain, said Adam D. Blum, a licensed psychotherapist and the founder of the Gay Therapy Center. Science also shows us that humans have a built-in need for safe attachment to their caregivers. Parental acceptance and support is directly related to better mental health outcomes. With rejection and trauma including homophobia, transphobia, bullying and identity-based shame being an important indicator of LGBTQ+ peoples mental health, we asked psychologists about ways to communicate with homophobic family members. Dont feel obligated to educate. Homophobia can come from a place of miseducation or a lack of education. However, its not necessarily the responsibility of LGBTQ+ individuals to educate anyone, said Dr. Brad Brenner, a psychologist at the Therapy Group of DC. They should never feel obligated to educate others at the expense of their mental health, Brenner said. Some people may need to outsource this, and many organizations and professionals can inform others about LGBTQ+ history, identities and issues. Resources are available for those who want to learn about LGBTQ+ health and rights. However, if you find yourself in a position where you can share educational resources or experience without personal expense, it might be helpful. Each persons situation is unique, and it will depend on various factors such as their safety, emotional resources at the time, and the receptiveness of their family members, Brenner said. Itll take courage, but only if someone feels comfortable, safe and believes it will make a difference. If there comes a time when you dont feel comfortable talking or answering questions about your sexual orientation or gender identity, setting boundaries can help establish guidelines and prioritize your well-being. Set boundaries. Boundaries can be physical, emotional and interpersonal identifying what you feel comfortable or appropriate discussing with others. As a result, setting limits or creating a space can be helpful in maintaining personal comfort. Self-reflection, including understanding your own feelings and sensitivities, can help you establish what your boundaries are. Think about what comments or behaviors cause you distress, Brenner said. Once youve identified these, the next step is pragmatic communication. Its like drawing a line in the sand let your family member know whats crossing the line for you and why. Communicating these thoughts can be difficult, especially when family members dont agree, react negatively or dont listen. However, reinforcing boundaries, especially when they are crossed repeatedly, can help to clarify importance and remind others of your needs. Maintain a calm and assertive stance during this conversation. Consistency is key here, Brenner said. Remember, the goal here isnt to change the other person, but to safeguard your emotional well-being. Practice with a trusted friend a few times, and itll get easier. Boundaries can help people recognize that you deserve to be treated with respect and helps to avoid burnout, stress and anxiety. However, if boundaries are continuously crossed, its important to find support and community in other ways. Find community outside of your family. It can be difficult and frustrating to discuss problems about your identity with people who dont have similar interests, values or beliefs. With that being said, it can also be hard to find a community, depending on your location. Finding a community can help with feelings of belonging, support and purpose, especially for people who are experiencing isolation and loneliness. Community can build a sense of belonging that you might not be able to find in a family setting, as well as support during difficult situations. As a result, LGBTQ+ people should develop support systems, Blum said. Living with homophobic people can easily erode your self-confidence. Your top priority should be to develop friendships with other compassionate LGBTQ+ people, Blum said. Making and maintaining friendships takes time and is a lot of work, but all the best things in life take effort. Its also important to seek out professionals who can understand what youre going through and reassure your experiences. You might consider online communities, local LGBTQ+ organizations, or mental health professionals specializing in LGBTQ+ issues, Brenner said. Generally, the CDC has a list of resources for LGBTQ+ adults and youth, including health services in each state. Develop coping strategies. Managing your thoughts and behaviors can help you manage stressful internal and external situations. Proactive coping allows you to neutralize stressors and become less reactive. Common reactions to stress can include feelings of shock, anger, fear, worry, numbness or frustration. However, its natural to feel stress, anxiety and grief during traumatic events. Healthy coping skills can mean actively engaging in conversation, seeking social support, reassuring yourself and expressing emotions, which are associated with control and psychological well-being.Additionally, emotional wellness may be managed through sleep, exercise and taking time for yourself. Engage in activities that help manage stress and promote emotional well-being, Brenner said. Meditation, reading, working out or other activities that bring joy and relaxation are excellent places to start. Have a safety plan. Planning for safety can mean having a friend to call or sharing your situation with others. However, if a family members escalates to violence, making sure you have a safe space is important. Different examples of abusive behavior include physical, sexual, emotional, economic, psychological and technological abuse. A safety plan can help detail how to navigate if someone restrains economic resources, undermines an individuals self worth, threatening physical harm, attempting to coerce sexual acts or monitor any form of technology. If things at home turn unsafe, know where to go, Brenner said. Have a safe place or a trusted person on speed dial. Protecting yourself can begin with recognizing abusive patterns and having a safety plan, or a plan of actions to keep you safe. The National Domestic Violence Hotline allows for free, confidential calls and texting, including safely reaching out for support. Also, The Trevor Project connects LGBTQ+ youth in crisis with counselors and support. Consider getting professional help. People within the LGBTQ+ community are more likely to experience mental health conditions compared to heterosexual and cisgendered adults. LGBTQ+ youth are twice as likely to experience persistent feelings of sadness or hopelessness. Transgender youth and twice as likely to experience depressive symptoms, consider suicide and attempt suicide compared to cisgender LGBTQ+ individuals. If the situation causes significant distress, consider finding a mental health professional, Brenner said. Therapists can provide strategies for managing stress, setting boundaries, and dealing with conflict. With multiple stressors including homophobia and discrimination, issues around coming out, communicating with family, and finding support or resources, LGBTQ+ or LGBTQ+-friendly therapists can help validate experiences and understand social stigma and anti-LGBTQ+ experiences. Online resources can help determine what therapist is best fit for specific needs. Related... WASHINGTON Democrats are calling Republicans weak on China for excluding the Pentagons request to use multiyear contracts to buy high-priority munitions in the latest House defense spending bill. The House Appropriations Committees defense panel advanced the $826 billion Pentagon funding bill on Thursday along party lines. Democrats repeatedly noted in a pair of news releases that the draft legislation rejects $1.9 billion for the administrations multiyear procurement request that would cover the costs of buying in bulk. They argued that not funding these multiyear purchases amounted to a failure to counter Chinese Communist Party threats. The Pentagon requested multiyear procurement authorities in its fiscal 2024 budget request from March. In the past, these multiyear authorities usually have been for the Defense Department to buy big-ticket, expensive items like ships and aircraft. The war in Ukraine has drawn sharp attention to the defense-industrial bases struggle to quickly replenish munitions. The Pentagon hopes that multiyear purchases can help ameliorate this issue by sending a strong demand signal to industry that encourages companies to ramp up production and keep assembly lines hot. Theres quite a bit of evidence that multiyear contracting provides certainty and stability to the industries, which allows them to invest capital investments to increase production to also be there for unanticipated emergencies like Ukraine, Senate Armed Services Chairman Jack Reed, D-R.I., told Defense News last week. Despite criticism from Democrats, the defense spending panel Chairman Ken Calvert, R-Calif., did not shoot down multiyear munitions procurement and suggested Republicans may add it when the full Appropriations Committee considers the bill. Well take a look, Calvert told Defense News. The bills not over yet. Skeptical appropriators Multiyear munitions procurement was one of 10 bipartisan recommendations the Houses China-focused committee submitted to the chamber in May. (The panels official name is the Select Committee on the Strategic Competition Between the United States and the Chinese Communist Party.) Its chairman, Rep. Mike Gallagher, R-Wis., told Defense News in an April interview that he was lobbying appropriators to fund multiyear munitions purchases after his panel conducted tabletop wargames that found the U.S. would rapidly run out of munitions in a conflict with China over Taiwan. I understand why they usually resist multiyear authority and why they are skeptical about the way [the Defense Department] spends money, Gallagher said at the time. Sometimes [the department] spends money in a stupid fashion. We need about 1,000 to 1,200 [long-range anti-ship missiles] if you believe the unclassified wargames, Gallagher adding, noting the U.S. currently has less than 250 in its inventory. The Defense Department hopes that multiyear contracts can fund a large lot procurement pilot for munitions, including the Long Range Anti-Ship Missile, the Joint Air-to-Surface Standoff Missile Extended Range, the Standard Missile-6 and the Advanced Medium Range Air-to-Air Missile. Outside that program, the Pentagon also wants $250 million in multiyear buys for roughly 100 Naval Strike Missiles. Congress authorized multiyear buys for many of these munitions in the FY23 National Defense Authorization Act. But congressional appropriators remained wary of multiyear munitions procurement and only funded a small fraction of that authorization. The FY23 spending bill allocated $687 million for the Army for two years to accelerate production of critical munitions to replace defense articles provided to Ukraine and its backers. Sen. Jeanne Shaheen, D-N.H., who sits on the upper chambers defense spending panel, supports multiyear munitions purchases, but said her more skeptical colleagues on the subcommittee won out when they drafted the spending bill last year. There were some concerns among appropriators I was not one of them about giving that authorization for more than a short period of time, Shaheen told Defense News in May. The top Republican appropriator in the Senate told Defense News that she is onboard. Based on my initial analysis, it strikes me as a good idea, Sen. Susan Collins, R-Maine, said last week. Leopard 2 tank Contracts for the supply of the additional tanks have already been signed with Germany's largest defense contractor, Rheinmetall, and both countries have allocated a three-digit amount, according to the newspapers sources. Read also: Germany unveils first national security strategy, calling Russia the biggest threat to peace The German government, which will have to authorize the export of the military hardware, is also involved. The first Leopard 2 main battle tanks are expected to be delivered to the Armed Forces of Ukraine in January 2024, and the contract should be executed by the end of 2024. Read also: Germany and Poland will soon agree to build repair center for Ukraines Leopard tanks German Ambassador Rheinmetall CEO Armin Papperger said on June 15 that his company would not be able to deliver Leopard tanks to Ukraine from its own stocks during 2023. Russias Defense Ministry claimed on June 6 that its forces had destroyed some German-made Leopard 2 tanks, which, as OSINT analysts verified, were actually pieces of agricultural machinery. Were bringing the voice of Ukraine to the world. Support us with a one-time donation, or become a Patron! Read the original article on The New Voice of Ukraine The North Carolina Department of Environmental Quality issued a permit to Colonial Pipeline as part of the clean up process for the nations largest onshore fuel spill. 9 FOCUS STORIES: Colonial Pipeline leak in Huntersville It comes nearly three years after an estimated 2 million gallons of gasoline spilled into the Oehler Nature Preserve near Huntersville. PREVIOUS STORIES: Colonial Pipeline had asked state regulators for the permit to allow safely treated water from the spill to be moved from the nature preserve to a nearby creek. The DEQ did make revisions to Colonials initial permit request after asking for public input. Those revisions include increasing monitoring requirements through the process to protect the local ecosystem. State Senator Natasha Marcus, who represents Huntersville, said she pushed the DEQ to add the revisions. I know theres people who feel concerned about treating water right there so close to their homes, she said. Is it safe? Sen. Marcus said the permit could speed up the process. Were moving in the right direction, she said. The cleanup has been too slow, but we want it done right. Two teens discovered the spill on Aug. 14, 2020 while they were riding ATVs in the nature preserve. The leak, which Colonial Pipeline said was due to failed equipment, started in a massive pipe underneath part of the preserve. MORE RELATED COVERAGE: The pipe carries gas from the Gulf of Mexico up through the East Coast. Last year, Colonial Pipeline agreed to a consent order which acknowledges its sole accountability for the spill. The company also agreed to specific remedies and to pay $4.75 million in civil penalties. As for when theyll start moving the water, Colonial Pipeline said it does not yet have a date planned because they need a few final permits to begin building the treatment system. One man told Channel 9s Anthony Kustura the area has been a construction nightmare since the spill was discovered. Hes hoping the new plan will eventually give the area some peace and quiet. Its just going to be more construction, but I guess its better than having the big trucks all the time, he said. In a statement, Colonial said the move will enable them to speed up product recovery, limit underground migration, and minimize traffic on the roads. Colonial shared the following statement with Channel 9 about the permit: Local water treatment and the discharge of treated water authorized by this permit will allow for the full operation of Colonials hydraulic control well system. We appreciate the NCDEQs thorough permit review and decision, which will enable us to speed up product recovery, limit underground migration, and minimize truck traffic on public roadways. We continue to work with other authorities and partners to secure the final permits and authorizations needed to construct and operate the proposed water treatment system. Our focus remains on safely recovering product and remediating the site, and we will continue working closely with environmental agencies and local leaders to ensure our operations meet or exceed regulatory requirements. (WATCH PREVIOUS: Colonial Pipeline to ask for permit to move treated water to nearby creek) DeSantis jabs Newsom over 2024: 'Are you going to throw your hat in the ring?' TALLAHASSEE, Fla. Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis blasted his California rival Gov. Gavin Newsom on Thursday amid their simmering feud, with the Republican presidential candidate ribbing the Democrat for not mounting a challenge to President Joe Biden. Speaking at a budget signing in south Florida, DeSantis offered his boldest statements against Newsom since Florida earlier this month sent two planeloads of migrants from the Texas border to Sacramento as a protest to federal immigration policies, a move that drew sharp rebukes from the Newsom administration that is pursuing possible criminal charges. Newsom has been peppering DeSantis with criticism in the time since and Monday said he would debate the Florida governor, something DeSantis was asked about Thursday yet didnt specifically address. [Newsom] has a real serious fixation on the state of Florida, I think its just bizarre that he does that, DeSantis said at the event in Fort Pierce. What I would tell him is you know what, stop pussyfooting around. Are you going to throw your hat into the ring and challenge Joe? Newsom has long said he wont run for president in 2024. But in March, he channeled $10 million to a new political organization that aims to spend money and organize in states where freedom is most under attack, signaling that he has his sights well outside of California. Newsom during an interview earlier this week also attempted to pour cold water on talks of his interest in running for president as a Democratic challenger to Joe Biden. Im rooting for our president, and I have great confidence [in him], Newsom said. DeSantis and Newsom have long been political adversaries over their differing stances on immigration, LGBTQ issues and gun safety, but their rhetoric has only gotten more heated in recent weeks as the DeSantis administration resumed its controversial migrant relocation operation, this time transporting several dozen asylum-seekers to California. Florida initially remained silent about the two flights that touched down in Sacramento in early June until state officials eventually released a video of migrants signing documents, waving and smiling on a transport, marking the latest relocations by the DeSantis administration that last year orchestrated travel from the border to Martha's Vineyard. A spokesperson for the state agency that hired a contractor to organize the flights said all asylum-seekers boarded the Sacramento-bound plane voluntarily, pushing back on the Newsom administrations claims that kidnapping charges were on the table. Even before Florida took credit for the flights, Newsom took aim at DeSantis, calling him a small, pathetic man. And this week, the California governor told Fox News he was willing to partake in a debate with DeSantis moderated by Fox News host Sean Hannity on one days notice with no notes. The Democrat went further to pummel DeSantis chance in the upcoming Republican primary, where Newsom speculated that Trump is going to clean his clock. DeSantis has defended his administrations decision to fly migrants to California but until now hasnt respond directly to the sharp criticism coming from Newsom. After being asked about a debate Thursday, DeSantis laid into Newsom, saying he is facing huge problems in California and has overseen a massive exodus in the state due to it being mismanaged and ill-governed. Are you going to get in and do it, or are you going to sit on the sidelines and chirp? DeSantis said Thursday. So why dont you throw your hat into the ring, and then well go ahead and talk about whats happening. An Elk Grove Village pizza manufacturer faces penalties of more than $2.8 million from the U.S. Department of Labors Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) for its role in the December death of a Waukegan woman at its Gurnee plant. OSHA imposed the penalties against the Miracapo Pizza Co. Thursday because the company did not give the woman proper training or authority, placing the company in its severe violator enforcement program, according to a news release from the agency. Advertisement Leily Sileni Hernandez, a temporary worker, died as a result of her injuries, according to the release and a statement by the company. She was 31, according to The Memorial Chapel in Waukegan. An investigation by OSHA determined Hernandez suffered fatal injuries while working on the overnight shift under the supervision of the company at its Gurnee sheeting facility in December, according to an agency news release. Advertisement Hernandez was using compressed air to clean a spiral conveyor as it moved to cool pizza, when her head got caught in the machinery. She was not trained, nor given the authority to stop equipment before cleaning, according to the release. Safety standards are put in place to prevent these kinds of tragedies, Assistant Secretary for Occupational Safety and Health Doug Parker said in the release. Employers have a responsibility to train workers in the language they understand so they know how to perform their work safely. Miracapo said in a statement it disagrees with OSHAs findings, but is committed to working with the agency to, to arrive at the best possible outcome for all. We have always prioritized the safety and security of everyone who enters our facilities, and will continue to do so, the company said in the statement. Safety has always been and will continue to be a core value for our Company. A few weeks before Hernandezs death, Miracapo was penalized $290,191 by OSHA at the same Gurnee facility because a worker performing maintenance on a sauce depositor sustained injuries leading to an amputation, according to the release. OSHA assessed 29 violations against Miracapo. There were 18 egregious violations the agencys most severe 12 serious violations, and one for a willful violation. Miracapo has 15 business days to comply with the penalties, request an informal meeting with OSHAs area director or contest the findings before OSHAs review commission. Hernandez was the mother of two children, according to the chapel. She was buried in Honduras. Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis (R ) responded to California Gov. Gavin Newsom (D) saying he would debate him Thursday, telling Newsom to stop pussyfooting around on whether he is going to run for president in 2024. You know, its interesting, DeSantis said at a press conference. Hes got huge problems in his state. DeSantis went on to tie Newsom to Californias recent population decline, calling it a massive exodus out of California. And yet with all of those problems, he has a real, serious fixation on Florida; I mean, I think its just bizarre that he does that, DeSantis said. But what I would tell him is, you know what? Stop pussyfooting around, he said, drawing cheers from the audience. Are you going to throw your hat in the ring and challenge Joe? Are you going to do it? Or are you going to sit on the sidelines and chirp? Why dont you throw your hat in the ring, and then well go ahead and talk about whats happening. A few hours after the remark, the governors presidential campaign started advertising t-shirts with DeSantis quote Stop pussyfooting around on them. If youre chirping from the sidelines, this ones for you, the campaign wrote in a tweet advertising the t-shirts. DeSantis made the comments at an event in Fort Pierce, Fla., where he signed Floridas 2023-2024 state budget. His remarks come after Newsom told conservative talk show host Sean Hannity in an interview that aired Monday that he would debate the Florida governor in a forum moderated by Hannity. Im all in. Count on it, Newsom said in the interview, which aired on Fox News. You would do a two-hour debate with Ron DeSantis? Hannity asked. Make it three, Newsom responded. I would do it one days notice with no notes. I look forward to that. Tensions between the two governors have been high ever since a dozen migrants from the Texas border were flown to Sacramento, Calif. The Florida Division of Emergency Management confirmed last week that the state was behind recent migrant flights to California. In the same interview with Hannity, Newsom maintained that he does not intend to challenge Biden to the Democratic presidential nomination next year. Im rooting for our president, and I have great confidence [in him], Newsom said. Updated at 2:06 p.m. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill. Presidential candidate and Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis has been bringing up early pandemic history on the campaign trail, pitching himself to primary voters as the governor who led the conservative rebellion against COVID health guidance. "I was the leader in this country in fighting back against Fauci," DeSantis said in an interview on "The Ben Shapiro Show." "We bucked him every step of the way." During an appearance on the The Glenn Beck Radio Program, DeSantis said Florida was "one of the few who stood up, cut against the grain" when reopening schools and businesses. And he took jabs at the COVID record of his 2024 opponent President Donald Trump. "When he turned the country over to Fauci in March of 2020, that destroyed millions of people's lives," DeSantis said. Who's running for president in 2024? In Florida, throughout March 2020 and the first months of the pandemic, DeSantis himself made many calls about closures and stay-at-home orders that hewed fairly closely to the health guidance by federal health officials at the time. And when compared to fellow Republican governors, DeSantis' reopening does not look exceptionally aggressive. But the Florida governor did take the lead in opposing mask and vaccine mandates. Florida's early lockdown resembled those in much of U.S. DeSantis declared a state of emergency on COVID in Florida before the U.S. had declared its state of emergency. He closed schools in the early weeks of the pandemic just as all 49 other states did; in fact, Florida schools closed to in-person instruction a couple of days before New York schools did. By March 16, 2020, when about 6,000 cases of COVID were confirmed in the U.S., President Donald Trump's administration announced social distancing guidelines and states around the country began to issue stay-at-home orders. Just four days later, DeSantis started a partial shutdown of Florida stores and beaches. After Trump extended national safer-at-home guidelines, the governor issued his version of a 30-day stay-at-home order on April 1, asking people to refrain from non-essential activities. Previously, he'd been resisting, even amid reports that people were flocking to Florida during spring break. "When the president did the 30-day extension, to me that was people aren't just going to go back to work. That's a national pause button," DeSantis said. DeSantis made the same policy decision made by the majority of governors in the country, but two of DeSantis' 2024 challengers, Asa Hutchinson, then the governor of Arkansas, and North Dakota Governor Doug Burgum bucked the trend, refusing to issue stay-at-home policies, along with five other conservative governors. Still, both governors, who are also running for president, did close gyms, restaurants and other places identified as high risk by early April. "We want to do things that actually work and make a difference," Hutchinson said when he was pressed by PBS on why he ignored Dr. Anthony Fauci's guidance that all states impose shelter-in-place orders. "Our social distancing, our wearing masks is what is working in Arkansas." The DeSantis campaign did not respond to a request for comment. DeSantis and minority of state chief executives opposed mask mandates On mask mandates, DeSantis was in the minority as one of 11 state chief executives who resisted imposing the strategy at any point during the COVID pandemic after the CDC started recommending that people wear masks outside their houses in April 2020. Still, local governments in Miami, Orlando, and other big Florida cities leaned on the policy to try to blunt the spread. Hutchinson signed a state-wide mask mandate during a surge of cases in his state in the summer of 2020 that he kept in place for 8 months, while Burgum issued a mask mandate for a few months to slow the spread over the holiday season that year. When Florida experienced its first big surge in the summer of 2020, doctors representing Physicians for Social Responsibility gathered outside the governor's mansion to ask DeSantis to impose a mask mandate. The governor told reporters he'd never force the measure "under penalty of criminal law." "We should be trusting people to make good decisions," DeSantis said. By 2022, the governor's rhetoric had soured so much on masks that he asked a group of students wearing face coverings at his press conference to take them off. "It's not doing anything. We've got to stop with this COVID theater," DeSantis said. Florida reopened aggressively, along with other Republican states DeSantis wasn't the first governor to risk reopening businesses, but he was one of the Republican governors who moved more quickly to do so than health experts recommended at the time. By April 16, 2020, the Trump administration had released a reopening plan for states that advocated unwinding mitigation measures in stages as cases and deaths decreased a so-called "gating" strategy. Shortly afterward, Georgia, Alaska and Oklahoma attracted criticism from health officials and then-President Trump for partially reopening businesses in their states. At a coronavirus press briefing on April 22, 2020, Trump targeted Georgia Gov. Brian Kemp, a Republican, saying, "I disagree strongly with [Kemp's] decision to open certain facilities." A week later, DeSantis kicked off Florida's reopening process, allowing restaurants and other businesses to open their doors to a limited capacity. He defended that decision with appeals to the public health strategy of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) at the time. His order argues his state had "achieved several critical benchmarks in flattening the curve." Former Arkansas Govs. Asa Hutchinson and Governor Burgum were right on his heels, releasing their plans for a phased reopening of businesses on May 1, 2020. Florida unwound restrictions throughout May and June, and Florida cases rocketed up through the summer. Florida reopened its schools for its 3 million public students at the start of the new school year in August 2020, in line with most of the states in the country, but after states like North Dakota, where Burgum allowed schools to begin reopening for summer instruction in May 2020. By the end of September, DeSantis was done with all closures, and he had adopted a more combative tone in his order to fully reopen: "No COVID-19 emergency ordinance may prevent an individual from owning or operating a business," it read. DeSantis was one of first governors to ban vaccine mandates When COVID vaccines were first released, DeSantis, like many other governors, trumpeted their arrival. As Trump's term was coming to an end after he was defeated in the 2020 election, the Florida governor attended a White House summit on the vaccines that were about to receive emergency use authorization from the FDA. A couple of weeks before Christmas that year, New York nurse Sandra Lindsay became the first American outside of clinical trials to receive a COVID-19 vaccine, and DeSantis facilitated the rollout in his state and got his shot by the spring of 2021 though he didn't do so in front of cameras. As late as July 2021, DeSantis was touting the benefits of vaccines, telling a local Fox station, "If you look at the people that are being admitted to hospitals, over 95% of them are either not fully vaccinated or not vaccinated at all. And so these vaccines are saving lives. They are reducing mortality." But DeSantis rejected proof-of-vaccination requirements as a COVID-mitigation strategy. He was one of the first governors in the country to issue an order banning businesses from requiring proof of vaccination for customers after only Utah Governor Spencer Cox. Eighteen other Republican governors followed suit to prohibit proof-of-vaccination requirements, including Hutchinson and Burgum. When the Biden administration required businesses with 100 or more employees to ensure their employees were vaccinated or had COVID-19 testing, DeSantis filed a lawsuit arguing that "the federal government is exceeding their power." By November of 2021 DeSantis had signed legislation prohibiting private companies in Florida from imposing blanket vaccine requirements, enforced by a $50,000 fine per violation for larger companies. Texas, Alabama, and Montana pushed similar bans on their state businesses. In North Dakota, Burgum signed a law requiring businesses to exempt employees from vaccine mandates if they can claim moral conflict an obstacle for companies that some say amounts to a ban. But South Dakota Governor Kristi Noem, also a fellow Republican, was hesitant to expand her state's role in the management of private businesses. "It is not conservative to tell businesses what to do and how to treat their employees," Noem said. DeSantis has also stopped his public advocacy of the shots, ducking questions about whether he ever received a booster shot. In recent weeks, DeSantis' campaign has stoked vaccine fears, writing on an official Twitter account that former President Trump didn't "acknowledge any of the adverse effects" of vaccines during an interaction he had with a vaccine skeptic in Iowa. Despite Trump's claims, Florida deaths look better than U.S. average Trump fired back at DeSantis, posting on Truth Social that "Florida was the third WORST State in Deaths by Covid." In terms of total death toll, Florida does come in third, after states who also have the largest populations in the nation California and Texas according to a New York Times count. But by a metric researchers rely on to compare state responses deaths per capita Florida comes in 13th in the nation, according to data from the New York Times. Florida had a lower death rate than Democrat-led New York which leaned on policies like mask mandates. And the state's fatalities start to look better-than-average in a 2022 analysis that standardized deaths per capita for age and prevalence of major comorbidities, which helps account for all the Sunshine State retirees who were most at risk for severe outcomes when they contracted the coronavirus. In those standardized rankings Florida had the 12th lowest death rate in the country, and New York was not far behind, with the 15th lowest. In the states led by DeSantis' opponents, North Dakota was also below average, with the 17th lowest adjusted death rate in the Lancet study, while Arkansas' rate of COVID deaths the worst of the three: it sits in the tier of states that had standardized death rates slightly above the national average. Alexander Tin contributed to this report. Denver police officer struck by fire truck along Nuggets NBA championship parade route Miami Mayor Francis Suarez announces GOP presidential bid, dodges questions about Trump Secretary of State Blinken to visit Beijing amid high tension between U.S. and China 'We deserve to be taken care of': This modern tea party experience is dedicated to Black women Summer Dean, left, and T'Essence Minnitee take a snap during an event held by the wellness-focused nonprofit Tea Party 4 Black Girls at Malibu Farm. (Dania Maxwell / Los Angeles Times) From the moment guests arrived at Malibu Farm for a tea party on a chilly Saturday afternoon, they were treated like royalty. Though a line of patrons stretched outside of the farm-to-table eatery on the Malibu pier, the tea party guests were promptly escorted inside. And before they could find their assigned seats at an embellished dining table, a waiter rushed over to offer them a hibiscus tequila cocktail, never letting their glasses go empty during the elaborate four-course meal. At one point during the party, a woman skeptically asked, "We can really take whatever we want?" after spotting a display of clothing from Mother Denim, which was co-sponsoring the event, among other items. (The answer was yes, absolutely.) Bianka Gravillis started Tea Party 4 Black Girls in 2022 to provide a space for Black women, including nonbinary people, to feel taken care of and to discuss issues in their community with like-minded people. (Dania Maxwell / Los Angeles Times) It's the type of service that Bianka Gravillis the CEO and creator of Tea Party 4 Black Girls says Black women should have access to wherever they go, regardless of whether they're an "influencer" or not. "I feel like we've been treated as second-class citizens" in certain spaces, says Gravillis, who floated around the tea party in an all-denim fit, looking as confident as Queen Charlotte but friendlier. "[Black women] should be able to do the bare minimum and the max, and still be treated like an absolute queen." Through Tea Party 4 Black Girls, Gravillis says her "goal is to get Black women taken care of in every sense of the word. Read more: With 'Queen Charlotte,' Netflix delivers on its promise of vintage Shonda Rhimes The Mid-City native dreamed up Tea Party 4 Black Girls to create a space where Black women, including nonbinary people, could feel like their overall wellness mental, physical, financial and social was being prioritized and where they could comfortably discuss issues that affect their community. The nonprofit hosts a variety of bimonthly events that are free and invite-only, though people can fill out a sign-up form to attend. I didnt like the idea of creating something for our community and then having them pay for it, says Gravillis, adding that she initially paid for the events out of her own pocket with a partner but that they now have other budgetary streams, including brand partnerships. You got to pay to go to a flea market. You got to pay to go to a party. You got to pay for everything. Its like, is there not just a place that will take care of me? The idea for Tea Party 4 Black Girls came to Gravillis in early 2022 after she experienced a series of tumultuous events. In 2020, when the pandemic hit, she moved from Philadelphia where she was attending Drexel University back to L.A.; her parents were separating and she was trying to get an apartment for herself and her high-school-age brother. Bianka Gravillis, the founder of Tea Party 4 Black Girls, thoughtfully curates the guest lists for each of their events, which cater to Black women. "We call it a modern take on tea parties because it's not like everyone's pulling up in [fascinator] hats and has all the fancy dresses, and like crumpets and everything," Bianka Gravillis says, adding that she wants people to "come as you are." (Dania Maxwell / Los Angeles Times) I wasnt sleeping very well, she says. I didnt know how to navigate very important conversations because I was just stressed and exhausted. Having gone to predominantly white schools since she was a kid, Gravillis longed to have a community of Black women whom she could talk to and really get things off my chest, she says. So she created it herself. Gravillis says she chose to support Black women specifically through her nonprofit because of the unique challenges they face in their personal and professional lives. I think there is across the board a level of exhaustion that our entire Black woman community has," says Gravillis. "Whether its because weve been put in these caregiving positions very early in life. Whether thats because we have siblings or we have children young ... theres just such a level of dependency I think so many people have on Black women." She adds, This space is important because I think other Black women need to know that we are all experiencing, not necessarily the same thing but a variation of a lot of the same stuff, and theres a lot of ancestral trauma that we havent really had an opportunity to really spend time unpacking or just talk through with a vast group of Black women that have completely different backgrounds or different abilities to home in on their emotions. Gravillis threw the first Tea Party 4 Black Girls event in May 2022, and has since hosted about 10 local events, including ones at Formula Fig (a technology-focused spa for skincare treatments), Tea at Shiloh (a late-night teahouse), Highly Likely (a cafe in West Adams) and Ask Tia (a healthcare clinic created for and by women). Among the events are intimate meetups (no more than 10 guests) where they typically do an activity like painting and discuss a topic such as how to embody self-love; founder Fridays, at which they treat local entrepreneurs to services like facials and sound baths; and branded events (no more than 25 guests) where they team up with companies like Mother Denim for a soiree. Gravillis thoughtfully curates the guest lists based on what type of event it is or its industry focus. For example, at the recent event at Malibu Farm, the theme was sustainability, so many of the guests worked in that field or had an interest in the topic (environmentalists, foragers, models, herbalists and aestheticians). The nonprofit also hosts mixers, which are its only public event open to allies of the Black community. At the mixers, which feel more like a lively L.A. day party than a mellow tea gathering, you can expect networking, cocktails and raffle prizes. (Guests have to pay for food and drinks at the mixers.) The dress code for Tea Party 4 Black Girls events isn't as restrictive as the waist-snatching corsets depicted on "Bridgerton." Rather, Gravillis encourages guests to "come as you are." We call it a modern take on tea parties because its not like everyones pulling up in [fascinator] hats and has all the fancy dresses, and like crumpets and everything, Gravillis says. She added "tea party" to the name of the nonprofit because she wanted the events to feel bougie but accessible. The parties always feature some form of tea, whether its traditional hot tea, iced tea or a tea-infused alcoholic beverage. Read more: Pinkies up! 15 of the best spots to sip high tea like a royal Doorje Animashaun of West Hollywood attended the first Tea Party 4 Black Girls event last year just months after moving from Amsterdam to L.A. She was a new mom in a new city, and she didnt know anyone besides her husband and his loved ones. During the tea party, Gravillis posed one compelling question to the group that signaled to Animashaun that she was in the right place: "Where do you feel like you need support right now in your life?" A group of women design waist beads and bracelets provided by Foofie Friday during a recent Tea Party 4 Black Girls event. (Dania Maxwell / Los Angeles Times) I got a little bit emotional because I needed a lot of support, she says. It wasnt even that I only needed support in my career, but mentally and even physically. I needed to know that I didnt sound crazy repeating these things to myself. You talk to your boyfriend, husband, your brother, but sometimes talking to a woman, it shifts your perspective on so many things. That first intimate [tea party] represented what I wanted like what Michelle Obama says my kitchen table to look like, the 27-year-old says. These are women I definitely can learn something from. She's been to every tea party since and is now the communications manager for the nonprofit. Jessa Williams, founder of a local intersectional womens surf collective called Intrsxtn Surf , says she enjoys going to the tea parties because she's been able to meet other entrepreneurial Black women who arent just there to network for business purposes. People are actually going to try to get to know one another for real, says Williams, who attended the event at Malibu Farm. Its a welcoming energy. Its a loving energy. Mia Jenkins of Koreatown says she didnt realize that she needed a community like Tea Party 4 Black Girls until she went to her first event last year. I feel like the dialogue between everybody is very fluid, says Jenkins, 25, who runs a jewelry brand called Archive 020, adding that she always leaves the tea parties feeling fulfilled. Ive met so many girls who have their own businesses [and] are creative, and Ive been able to connect with them in that way. She adds, Every time Ive been to an event, Im more and more comfortable with starting conversation with people that I dont know, and its also carried into other areas of my life, so thats been a great payoff for me. Read more: How to make friends in L.A.? Get brunch with strangers Many of the tea party guests have been between the ages of 18 and 35, but Gravillis says she's been exploring ways to get other age groups involved. In the coming months, the nonprofit will launch a new event series in which it will partner with local creatives to host activities such as cooking, beading, crocheting and reading. Gravillis says her dream is to have a house where Tea Party 4 Black Girls can host events regularly, and to eventually build wellness centers around L.A. that would have a "pay-what-you-can" model to make them accessible. Sometimes the nonprofit offers Uber discount codes and parking vouchers for its invite-only events to alleviate financial barriers. By the end of the tea party the women, who started out mostly as strangers, were taking selfies together, following each other on Instagram and exchanging phone numbers. Gravillis cheerfully handed each of the guests Ikea-style reusable shopping bags brimming with products from brands that sponsor the nonprofit, including body oil, package-free body wash, rolling papers, socks and a candle. She feels satisfied knowing that they left with more than the free products. I hope that everyone leaves just a little bit more at peace than how they came, she beams. And I hope that everyone feels a little more loved than before they came, a little bit more seen, and more fed. I just hope everyone just feels taken care of. She passionately adds, We deserve to be taken care of. Sticking to the modern tea party theme, Tea Party 4 Black Girls offered tea-inspired nonalcoholic drinks and cocktails at a recent event. (Dania Maxwell / Los Angeles Times) Sign up for L.A. Goes Out, a weekly newsletter about exploring and experiencing Los Angeles from the L.A. Times. This story originally appeared in Los Angeles Times. Despite threats of violence, Trump's federal indictment happened with little fanfare -- but that doesn't mean the far-right movement is fading, an extremism scholar explains Trump supporters and protesters gather peacefully outside the Miami federal courthouse on June 13, 2023. Giorgio Viera/AFP via Getty Images Former President Donald Trump pleaded not guilty at a federal courthouse in Miami on June 13, 2023, to 37 felony counts related to withholding and refusing to return classified government documents after his presidency ended. But the court appearance had little of the fanfare Trump typically attracts at his events. The former president entered and left the building through an underground garage, and no photographs were taken of him inside the courtroom. News channels, broadcasting the unprecedented arrest live, focused their footage primarily on the protesters who gathered outside, with groups appearing to both support and condemn Trump. Kari Lake, who lost her election bid for Arizona governor in November 2022, issued a public service announcement promising to defend Trump before his arraignment. If you want to get to President Trump, youre going to have to go through me, and youre going to have to go through 75 million Americans just like me. And Im going to tell you, most of us are card-carrying members of the NRA, Lake said. Other Trump allies have also called the indictments an act of war. A Florida chapter of the extremist group Proud Boys advertised it expected protests outside the courthouse. But in the end, Trumps second indictment, this one in federal court, did not immediately prompt any notable, widespread political violence. Does this reflect the effect of prosecutors having charged more than 1,000 people following their participation in the Jan. 6, 2021, attacks on the Capitol, or is something else at play? The Conversation spoke with Amy Cooter, a scholar of extremist and militia groups in the U.S., to better understand why Trumps courtroom appearance happened with such little outside fanfare despite his ongoing popularity among Republican voters and his fierce defiance of the indictments legitimacy. Has there been a decline in political violence or extremism over the past few years, especially sincce the Jan. 6 attacks? It is not something that I track across the board qualitatively, but we have seen that hate crimes increased in several U.S. cities in 2022. I think there has been a tendency for some people to say that Jan. 6 was the peak of political extremist behavior and things couldnt possibly be that bad ahead, and that is a prediction that may be too soon to make. Most of the feelings that fed into the Jan. 6 attacks are still there. People who participated in the Capitol attacks were identified and arrested, and that can have a deterrent effect. But a majority of Republicans still believe that the election was stolen. Its not the case that those feelings disappeared because folks are being held accountable for the Capitol attacks. As the presidential 2024 campaign heats up, I expect us to continue to have problems with violent actors. A few people gather on Jan. 6, 2023, to support the Capitol attack protesters who have been arrested. Tasos Katopodis/Getty Images How have domestic extremist groups transformed over the past few years? One pivotal moment for extremists groups and their ability to organize and remain cohesive happened when Facebook kicked extremist militia war groups and individuals off of the site, starting in August 2020. Many of these groups are still active, but in more quiet corners of the internet. So their work has become harder to observe from an outside perspective. In the groups I study, I saw a decline in online activity happen after the Facebook de-platforming. Most of them, despite their argument about preparedness, did not have a good backup plan of ways to connect. People loosely affiliated with extremist groups also had low motivation to continue trying different platforms to connect. Some activity spread to Parler and other places. But, in general, extremist groups observable size online decreased, leaving more people who are on the extreme end of things continuing to organize. We do know groups like this with underlying ideologies dont disappear. They look for opportunities to reengage with those behaviors when they think that the political currency is more in their favor. People also connect in more discreet ways, such as on group chats that are not public. Sometimes researchers can infiltrate those private spaces, but we know we are missing a lot of what is happening. Members of the far-right group the Proud Boys protest a drag story hour at a library in Queens, N.Y., in December 2022. Yuki Iwamura/AFP via Getty Images How do you assess the potential for Trumps indictments to actually result in political violence? We are not seeing extremist online activity at the level that we did before Jan. 6. There is some online chatter, but there are a few things playing into the landscape a little differently. One reason for the decline is that even before news about the second Trump indictment broke, there was a different focus, with a lot of anti-LGBTQ+ chatter, specifically, among extremist groups and people. Some people have called for violence against LGBTQ+ people in different ways, but not with super specific plans. And there has been an overall rise of extremist groups threatening or committing violence against LGBTQ+ groups or people. It is not all that surprising. This kind of rhetoric is repeating what we are hearing on Fox News and on other more mainstream sources about how LGBTQ+ people are threatening children, and that this is a culture war. Again, we are not seeing super specific threats, or actionable things that law enforcement can do something about, but the rhetoric is very hot. Even if we dont see immediate political violence as a result of Trumps legal challenges, people shouldnt take a deep breath of relief about the countrys overall threat of violence from these groups. Trump still has the potential to stir his supports to action as the campaign progresses. This article is republished from The Conversation, an independent 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: Amy Cooter, Middlebury. Read more: Amy Cooter previously received a National Science Foundation Graduate Research Fellowship. Part of her current work is funded by the SCAIFE Foundation Details of the storming and successful liberation of Neskuchne - an interview with a soldier Soldiers of the Arey battalion Read also: The road is strewn with the bodies of Russian soldiers Photo report from recently liberated village in Donetsk Oblast Soldiers of the 7th Battalion of the Ukrainian Volunteer Army of the 129th Brigade of the Territorial Defense Forces took part in the liberation of the settlement. Radio NV spoke to one of them, Serhiy Zherebil. In an interview, he talked about the details of difficult but successful operation. NV: We read that the assault on the village lasted four days, with two and a half of them in continuous battle. How did it happen? Zherebil: Neskuchne is a kind of outpost in the south of Donetsk Oblast. It was under occupation for more than a year. There had been several attempts to free it with assaults by other units of the Armed Forces of Ukraine. But these happened under slightly different conditions. Together with other units, this time we succeeded. It was not very easy, because Neskuchne is an outpost, and it has a complex geography. There is only one entrance to the village and one exit. On the right side is a height, on the left side is the Mokry Yali river. And the entrance on the left side was limited by the fact that on a hill below the river was a school in which the Russian invaders were fortified. Read also: Russian soldiers reportedly looting homes in Belgorod Oblast So there was a lot of preparatory work. Our Arey battalion came from Kherson to the Zaporizhzhya front. At the beginning of March, our mission was set here. We studied the enemy and conducted positional defense. On the morning of June 7, we began the assault on Neskuchne. Indeed, for two and a half days, the fighting went on almost continuously. Our boys showed courage and perseverance. There was a period when it was very difficult, but no one gave up, and no one turned back. Everything was very well planned. Read also: Ukrainian troops make gains in Bakhmut, Zaporizhzhya areas, says deputy DM We are also thankful to our gods of war - artillerymen, and thankful to our leadership in Zaporizhzhya, specifically to General Litvinov, for their support. Unfortunately, we lost our best brothers. We had six dead. Eternal memory to our boys. But we finished the job, and were moving on. NV: This settlement was under occupation for a year. Who exactly was your enemy there? Were they the so-called L/DNR, or were they regular units of the Russian army? Can you talk about it? Zherebil: This was the line which at that time was occupied by the Russian Armys 60th Motorized Infantry Brigade. We asked prisoners about who was there fighting with them. There were also PMCs, along with DPR guys. There were many people there. But this was the area of responsibility of the 60th Brigade, most of which consists of residents of Russias Primorsky Territory [in Russias Far East, with its capital in Vladivostok ed]. Read also: Ukraine already liberating settlements in the most grandiose offensive operation since WWII They were professional soldiers. They had time to strengthen themselves for almost a year, to prepare to be on the defensive. But our offensive came unexpectedly for them. They expected a large amount of heavy equipment. Our assault groups entered early in the morning, in the dark. They didnt expect that. And there was tough fighting. A day and a half later, when there was a turning point, and they realized that they were almost surrounded, they tried to get out of there. We did not let them, and we poured in after them. They took a lot of losses. But, in fairness, it must be said that both from the right and from the left flank, our troops were also at work. They included from the direction of Blahodatne the Marines and the 68th Jaeger Brigade. The guys also went forward, and our advance was made possible through joint efforts. Read also: NV completes drone fundraising for 110th brigade, starts new campaign NV: You guys managed to break through. Could it be argued that this was because our defenders were able to almost surround the village, and that the invaders simply had no other options but to die there? Zherebil: You have to look at and understand the geography. It may be difficult to explain in words. But if you look, the school was a strong point on a dominant height. And almost everything in Neskuchne was visible from this school. We entered quietly, at night, with several assault groups. The enemy did not immediately detect us. When we starting attacking, thats when the battle began. They tried to push us out. There were attempts to counterattack, and they had reinforcements when they pulled up their reserves. Our guys showed heroism and courage. We thrashed them again and again, kept pressing them, and answered their counterattacks with our own counterattacks. Read also: Russia sends about 400 more prisoners to frontline in Zaporizhzhya Oblast Everything was planned quite competently by our battalion commander. Overall, we already had experience, we understood how it would be, and it all came true. NV: Is it possible to estimate how many invaders were destroyed there? I think the Ukrainians would be very happy to know how many Russians died there in Neskuchne. Zherebil: We didn't count. Let other special services do it. But there were a lot of their corpses. And now they are trying to take them out slowly. The prisoners told us that they did not expect such a powerful attack and dense fire. And our mortars, and the whole battalion overall worked perfectly. There were over 200 people there. Without exaggeration: more than half will remain there forever. NV: This is great news. You say that there were prisoners. And what do they say? What conclusions can be drawn from speaking to them? Zherebil: Yes, their answers are standard. As always: I didnt want to, I was mobilized. It was either here or in jail. I didn't want to, I never fired." They will say anything to save their lives. We understand that we also need them to replenish our pool for prisoner exchanges. We took two more this morning. They are from the Krasnodar Territory. They gave standard answers. They say that Putin is ... I will not say what on the air. NV: I think everyone knows what he is. Zherebil: They are ready to do anything to save their lives. They all didn't want to, they all ask for forgiveness, but it's true. Is it possible to believe in it? Read also: Russia forms Storm Z prisoner unit to compete with Wagner, says military expert We took some prisoners in battle, and some of them got out later. They tried to escape, but then were wounded, hid somewhere, and then came out with a white flag, like today, asking for help. NV: How do you find the strength (sorry for this question) to take them alive? These are the same people, if they can be called people, who came to our land, who kill our people, and who kill your brothers. Read also: Kharkiv renames several streets in honor of fallen Ukrainian heroes Zherebil: Indeed, they are. We took our first prisoner in battle on the second day of the assault. At that time, I was in positions with my brothers, maintaining operational control of the battle. And when his guys pulled over (it was not far from the battle itself, about 400 meters), I held back my brothers so that his earthly life would not end in my dugout. But still we are human. We understand that we fight with honor. We are not wild, we are not a horde. We are civilized people. But emotions really can overwhelm you and it's quite difficult. Were bringing the voice of Ukraine to the world. Support us with a one-time donation, or become a Patron! Read the original article on The New Voice of Ukraine When Did Slavery Really End in the U.S.? The Complicated History of Juneteenth Celebrate The 13th An illustration of the U.S. House of Representatives celebrating the passage of the 13th Amendment to the U.S. Constitution, which prohibited slavery, Dec. 6, 1865. Credit - MPIGetty Images The push to make Juneteenth a federal holiday, which successfully led to the first national Juneteenth observance last year, brought a new wave of attention to the history behind this celebration: That on June 19, 1865, enslaved men and women in Texas found outweeks after the Civil War endedthat they were free, and the Union Armys Major General Gordon Granger issued General Order No. 3: The people of Texas are informed that, in accordance with a proclamation from the Executive of the United States, all slaves are free. But the full story was not that simple. There are some enslavers in Texas that didnt tell their enslaved people that they were free, and they had them keep on working, says Daina Ramey Berry, Professor of History and Dean of Humanities and Fine Arts at the University of California, Santa Barbara. So then when did slavery actually end in the United States? Read more: Juneteenth Is Now a National Holiday. Are Reparations Next? There are multiple dates that could be singled out, depending on the geographic location of the enslaved person. The Civil War, fought over slavery, ended in April 1865, but the end of slavery was more like a process, rather than an event that occurred on a particular day. There were some cases of people who escaped to freedom or won their freedom in court years earlier. And Berry argues that the most important date to highlight would be Dec. 6, 1865, when the 13th Amendment, abolishing slavery, was ratified by the States, just about a year after it was passed by Congress on Jan. 31, 1865. Most people outside the scholarly community think slavery ended with the Emancipation Proclamation in 1863, but thats a common misconception. President Abraham Lincolns Jan. 1, 1863, executive order stated that all persons held as slaves within the states that seceded from the Union are, and henceforward shall be free. As the historian Carole Emberton explained in a 2022 essay for TIME, a big part of the goal of the proclamation was to strip the Confederate army of the people supporting their war effort, as enslaved people performed manual labor for the troops and kept the plantations running so they could be fed. Much of the rhetoric around Juneteenth claims that its the day, two-and-a-half years after the Emancipation Proclamation, that enslaved Texans found out they were free. But that implies that the Emancipation Proclamation freed all enslaved peopleand it did not. According to Berry, many in the Confederate states didnt obey Lincolns order because they didnt see him as their president. The Emancipation Proclamation did not lead to widespread freedom of African Americans, says Berry. It didnt change that many peoples lives. Very few enslaved people were given their freedom after the Emancipation Proclamation. But even when slavery did end in Texas, formerly enslaved people still had a long road to freedom ahead of them, as they faced inadequate infrastructure to support them as they started new lives. As Laura Smalley, who was born into slavery in Texas, recalled that bittersweet moment in a 1941 interview, We didnt know where to go. They turned us out just like, you know, you turn out cattle. The ideal Juneteenth celebration includes an educational component, activists who supported the creation of the federal holiday told TIME last year, discussing stories like Smalleys and how the legacy of slavery can still be seen in society today, It was very important for the formerly enslaved to tell the story of slavery to a younger generation, says Berry. Some of that has gotten lost. Its not completely lost, but some of it has dissipated Juneteenth celebrations are celebrations, but theyre also an acknowledgement of a history and an understanding of the meaning of freedom. And thats really, really important and should always be central to these conversations. Correction, June 15 The original version of this story misstated the last name of a formerly enslaved woman in one reference. Her name was Laura Smalley, not Smiley. Diners get a taste of what it's like to eat with no, low vision ahead of Blackout Banquet Dining for the average person is a sensory experience that engages all five senses touch, smell, sound, sight and, of course, taste. Now imagine visiting a restaurant with one of your five senses removed or severely limited and being forced to navigate routines youre used to with a completely altered perspective. For the more than 130,000 people in Oklahoma experiencing low vision or blindness, this is not a hypothetical, but rather a daily reality. NewView Oklahoma, a private, nonprofit that works to improve the lives of people who are blind or have low vision by improving their independence through training in life and vocational skills, mobility, the use of assistive technologies and more, will host its second annual Blackout Banquet on June 24 at Kamp's 1910 Cafe, 10 NE 10 St. The event is aimed at giving those without vision limitations a firsthand opportunity to experience dining without sight. Kamp's 1910 Cafe chef Steve Stavinoha serves wine to The Oklahoman's Clytie Bunyan, left, Cheyenne Derksen and JaNae Williams during a blind tasting meal at Kamp's 1910 Cafe in Oklahoma City. NewView and Kamp's Cafe will host a Blackout Banquet on June 24 as a fundraiser and to raise awareness of the challenges facing the blind and low vision community. Ahead of the event, chefs Steve Stavinoha and Josh Hill, and baker Tammy Stavinoha prepared the same meal that will be served to guests for myself and two other members of The Oklahoman staff, as well as Ashley Howard, vice president of marketing and communications for NewView. We were blindfolded and guided through the meal alongside Mark Ivy, who works as NewView's development manager and is a client. More: Blind and low vision diners offer their favorite Oklahoma restaurants for service, food 'It made me realize just how much sighted people take for granted in life' When dining without vision, the unawareness of where items are located and what is being placed before you means you are more dependent on the staff of the restaurant, and you also are required to slow down and work through your actions and movements more deliberately. Off the bat, the experience took away the level of comfort I am used to feeling when eating with a group at a restaurant. The Oklahoman's JaNae Williams eats soup while blind tasting a meal at Kamp's 1910 Cafe. Ivy mentioned that, despite being extroverted, losing your sight can cause a person to close in on himself or herself and become less social. I found this to be true when the meal first began as my anxiety increased until I settled into the meal a bit more. "It made me realize just how much sighted people take for granted in life and that we should be partners and allies in helping to ensure there's adequate accommodations in public spaces, social settings and in the workplace for those who are blind or have severe vision impairment," said Clytie Bunyan, managing editor for diversity, community engagement & opinion at The Oklahoman. Banquet aims to raise funds for NewView Ivy who has a genetic, degenerative eye condition that has caused his eyesight to progressively decrease over time, said that losing his vision made going out to restaurants a task that, for a time, was no longer enjoyable until NewView "taught him how to be blind." The Oklahoman's Clytie Bunyan is served soup while blind-tasting a meal at Kamp's 1910 Cafe. Ivy also said he is still learning the ins and outs of dining without vision, at times finding himself taking "air bites" and bites that are larger than expected. He said he has noticed his other senses becoming more active as his sight declines and a change in the way he perceives the ambiance of restaurants, since he can no longer take it in via his vision. "As a foodie, I enjoyed the challenge of taste testing while blindfolded, but elements outside of tasting were an unforeseen challenge. Finding my water glass, remembering where I put my fork after setting it down, exploring my plate to find and cut a piece of meat I never considered those as daily hurdles blind folks manage every meal," said Cheyenne Derksen, deputy managing editor for digital initiatives and breaking news at The Oklahoman. "It was definitely an eye-opening experience." The Oklahoman's JaNae Williams feels for her plate and utensils while blind tasting a meal at Kamp's 1910 Cafe in Oklahoma City Throughout the meal, Ivy offered guidance and tips to our group from his firsthand experiences. His encouragement included notes like not being afraid to use our hands with our food and "tip-toeing" our fingers across the table to find our wine and water glasses so as not to knock them over. In a similar fashion, guests at the NewView banquet on June 24 will be blindfolded before being seated, and one of the organization's trained staff members will guide them through their meal, assisting them through the blind dining experience. The banquet aims to raise funds and awareness for the work NewView is doing. Tickets for the banquet are available at https://nvoklahoma.org/event/okcblackoutbanquet/. This article originally appeared on Oklahoman: NewView's Blackout Banquet to raise awareness of blind, low vision issues He directed high school bands for Rock Hill and Clover. Now hes opening a tap house Joe Gulledge has a background that is vastly different from the new business he has ventured into. The decades-long high school band director will open a tap house in an historic landmark near downtown Rock Hill. The self-pour bar, called Hoppin Rock Hill, will open Saturday in an old converted cotton warehouse on Southern Street. The old red warehouse had the word cotton painted in white before its transformation. One year ago, Gulledge retired after seven years as the Clover High School band director. Before that, he was band director at Rock Hill High School for 18 years. I finished up my 28 years in education last June my wife actually finished as well (Suzanne Gulledge) she was a high school guidance counselor, Gulledge said. And we sort of decided it was the right time to take on a new venture. Joe Gulledge, a former high school band director, will open Hoppin Rock Hill a self-pour tap house in an historic cotton warehouse near downtown Rock Hill. Tracy Kimball/tkimball@heraldonline.com Hoppin Rock Hill is a franchise of Hoppin Brands, located in Charlottes South End section, which opened in 2017. Theres also a Greenville, S.C., location. Hoppin will have 64 tabs of beer, wine and cocktails that patrons can pour themselves. There will be 52 beers on tap. Patrons can pour a small sample or a full-sized glass, depending on their tastes, Gulledge said. They are only charged for what they pour. Thats where some of the success has been, Gulledge said. The system is monitored by technology. Each patron receives a wristband, which serves as their tab. There is a 32-ounce limit. Once the customer receives the wristband, they tap the screen of a tablet that keeps track of how many ounces they get, Gulledge said. Hoppin Rock Hill is a self-pour taphouse with beer garden, located in an historic cotton warehouse in downtown Rock Hill. Tracy Kimball/tkimball@heraldonline.com The technology makes this appealing to a large crowd, he said. You can get different ouncesit is truly your experience. Hoppin does not brew its own beer. There is diversity in the brands and types of drinks offered, Gulledge said. Patrons can choose from commercial brands of beer from local brewers. Gulledge said a wall of taps will feature beer from Rock Hill breweries. Theres also wine and cocktails Hoppin also will offer non-alcoholic drinks The price of those is based on alcohol percentage and volume. But the system limits are enforced. When the 32 ounces have been poured, patrons will have the ability to have more ounces added to their wristband. Hoppin Rock Hill is a self-pour taphouse with beer garden, located in an historic cotton warehouse in downtown Rock Hill. Tracy Kimball Gulledge said he went to the Charlotte Hoppin location several years ago and thought the self-pour concept was a neat idea. Once we started putting the pieces together, I reached out to the owner just to ask him some questions, Gulledge said. And then at the end of that conversation, he said they were looking to franchise and if we were interested, that he would be interested in helping and the rest is history. The cotton warehouse is not the only structure connected to the cotton factory. And its not the only former cotton building in the alcohol business. A small brick building adjacent to the property that has the word cotton on the front an old cotton grading office is now a rum distillery called Sleeping Giant. Gulledge said the warehouse was ideal for the tap house. The original warehouse was built in 1902. Construction crews have stripped everything out of the building, he said. Gulledge said they have added 13 TVs and a very aggressive sound system for live music. The tap house has a stage for bands and DJs. The front of the building has a yard with fire pits, corn hole and yard games. In addition to the drinks, Hoppin Rock Hill will have a food option. Gulledge has partnered with Kounter in Rock Hill to provide a food truck called Twisted Eats. A new mural One of the features of the tap house is a new mural painted on an outside wall by artists Sydney Duarte and Treazy Treaz. The new mural called Light of a New Dawn, focuses on the natural elements of wildflowers and animals that are native to South Carolina and to remind us that it is our role in the present to preserve Mother Nature in order to have a prosperous future, Duarte told Visit York County. The new mural is part of Rock Hills Mural Mill initiative, which is an effort to install about 10 murals on various city buildings or streets within one mile of downtown and textile corridors. Hoppin Rock Hill will have a grand opening party Saturday from noon - 11:30 p.m. with live music 4-7 p.m. and a D.J. 8:30-11:30 p.m. The Twisted Eats food truck will be onsite. Visit the Hoppin RH Facebook page to download party tickets. FRANKFORT, KY - MARCH 29: Demonstrators gather at a rally to protest the passing of SB 150 on March 29, 2023 at the Kentucky State Capitol in Frankfort, Kentucky. SB 150, which was proposed by State Senator Max Wise (R-KY), is criticized by many as a "Don't Say Gay" bill and was vetoed by Kentucky Governor Andy Beshear during the General Assembly. Lawmakers may override this veto, passing the bill into law. (Photo by Jon Cherry/Getty Images) (Jon Cherry via Getty Images) A small group of conservative doctors has sought to shape the nation's most contentious policies on abortion and transgender rights by promoting views rejected by the medical establishment as scientific fact, according to documents reviewed by The Washington Post that describe the group's internal strategies. The records show that after long struggling to attract members, the American College of Pediatricians gained outsize political influence in recent years, primarily by using conservative media as a megaphone in its quest to position the group as a reputable source of information. Subscribe to The Post Most newsletter for the most important and interesting stories from The Washington Post. The organization has successfully lobbied since 2021 for laws in more than a half-dozen states that ban gender-affirming care for transgender youths, with its representatives testifying before state legislatures against the guidelines recommended by mainstream medical groups, according to its records. It gained further national prominence this year as one of the plaintiffs in the federal lawsuit to limit access to mifepristone, a key abortion drug. Despite efforts to invoke the credibility of the medical profession, the American College of Pediatricians is viewed with skepticism by the medical establishment. For years, the group has presented statistics and talking points to state legislators, public school officials and the American public as settled science while internal documents emphasize how religion and morality influence its positions. Meeting minutes from 2021 describe how the organization worked with religious groups to "affect the idea makers through the high courts, professional literature, and legislatures." It promotes conversion therapy, a discredited practice intended to change the sexual orientation or gender identity of LGBTQ people that most medical societies warn can result in harm. Pediatric experts deemed a June 2022 report crafted by the group that undergirds a new Florida policy banning transgender care for Medicaid recipients as "unscientific." Francis Collins, former longtime director of the National Institutes of Health, accused the group in 2010 of distorting his research to "make a point against homosexuality." Jill Simons, executive director of the American College of Pediatricians, disputed criticism that her organization promotes policies that do not follow science. "Our recommendations are based on the medical research and what is best for children," she said. Her organization exists to represent "all the good pediatricians out there who agree with us who maybe are afraid to step forward," Simons, a Minneapolis pediatrician, said in an interview with The Post. "Very smart people in the field of medicine have disagreed with a lot of these so-called consensus that is out there." Sam Wineburg, a Stanford University psychologist who studies online disinformation, highlights the American College of Pediatricians in his research as an example of a group that uses its name and scientific jargon to convey authority. "It looks like an official medical organization, and you're easily duped into thinking that this is the umbrella organization for pediatricians in the United States," Wineburg said, noting the group has "all of the superficial bells and whistles of credibility." The records of the American College of Pediatricians - a cache of more than 10,000 confidential files including strategic plans, meeting minutes, membership rosters, financial statements and email exchanges spanning at least 15 years - were exposed after the organization left the contents of its Google Drive publicly accessible, according to two people who individually accessed the material following the inadvertent breach and shared copies with The Post. The Post examined the documents' metadata, including the dates of each file's creation and modification, to determine that they have not been recently manipulated. The document breach was first reported by Wired. Simons characterized the exposure as a "malicious cyberattack and hate crime" that was "intended to intimidate and incapacitate." She would not comment on the contents of the documents. "Those who are against us know that they can't beat us in debate about the facts of science or the research," Simons said. "This deliberate attack on us shows that the American College of Pediatricians is having a huge impact, and that they're afraid of us." The organization's quest to ban the use of puberty blockers and hormone therapy for transgender minors has culminated in a string of recent legislative wins following lobbying in at least eight states, internal documents show. Arkansas first enacted such a law in 2021, after Michelle Cretella, then executive director of the American College of Pediatricians, described such care as "experimental and dangerous" to legislators. A federal appeals court temporarily blocked it. Versions of the law have since passed at least 20 other state legislatures, including Florida, Idaho, Indiana, West Virginia, Oklahoma, Missouri, Montana, Texas, North Dakota and Louisiana this spring alone; some face court challenges and one was vetoed by a governor. Similar bills are making their way through legislatures in North Carolina and Ohio. At the federal level, Sen. Roger Marshall (R-Kan.), an OB/GYN, recently reintroduced legislation endorsed by the American College of Pediatricians that would prevent doctors from performing "gender transition procedures" on minors and bar federal funds from being used for such procedures. Marshall's spokesperson said he is not a member of the group. The American College of Pediatricians formed in 2002 after dozens of conservative doctors split from the nation's leading interest group of pediatricians, the 67,000-member American Academy of Pediatrics, over the academy's support for same-sex parenting. The academy had determined from its review of scientific literature that children with same-sex parents fare as well as those with heterosexual parents in emotional, cognitive, social and sexual functioning. Joseph Zanga, founder of the American College of Pediatricians who had led the American Academy of Pediatrics in the late 1990s, described the splinter organization as "a Judeo-Christian, traditional-values organization" in a 2003 interview with the National Association for Research & Therapy of Homosexuality, which promoted conversion therapy. His organization's core beliefs are "that life begins at conception, and that the traditional family unit, headed by an opposite-sex couple, poses far fewer risk factors in the adoption and raising of children," he said at the time. Zanga declined a Post request for an interview. Internal records from 2010 show how the group tied homosexuality to health risks - even death - in a letter campaign to educators, citing a 1991 study to demonstrate that for each year adolescents delay "self-labeling as 'gay'," the risk of suicide decreases by 20 percent. According to more recent research, suicide risk rises with therapy directed at changing sexual orientation. Lesbian, gay and bisexual people who experienced conversion therapy were almost twice as likely to think about suicide and to attempt suicide compared with peers who had not experienced conversion therapy, according to the Williams Institute at the UCLA School of Law. The documents reviewed by The Post include a 2010 letter from the American College of Pediatricians to 14,800 public school superintendents, urging school officials not to affirm any student expressing homosexuality. It directed them to a website operated by the group that pushed "sexual reorientation therapy" for those with "unwanted homosexual attractions." Collins, the former NIH director who led the international Human Genome Project, said in a written statement at the time that the American College of Pediatricians pulled language out of context from his 2006 book to "support an ideology that can cause unnecessary anguish and encourage prejudice." The group's characterization of homosexuality in its letter to superintendents is "misleading and incorrect, and it is particularly troubling that they are distributing it in a way that will confuse school children and their parents," Collins said. In recent years, the group has trained its focus on transgender care. Records show the American College of Pediatricians launched a campaign against a St. Louis-based Catholic health system's transgender care policy in 2017 after SSM Health outlined guidance that included hormone therapy and potential referrals for "gender assignment surgery." Cretella, then president of the American College of Pediatricians, urged the archbishop of St. Louis at the time, Robert Carlson, to issue a statement "that will denounce SSM Health's embrace of transgender ideology over science and sound medical ethics, and demand that they rescind this policy," according to a Feb. 8, 2017, letter. Carlson, in his March 31, 2017, response, informed Cretella that he had contacted other bishops who had SSM hospitals in their diocese or archdiocese. Carlson also included a copy of a letter to SSM Health requesting the system cease the implementation of the transgender treatment policy within the next 30 days and revise it in accordance with Catholic moral theology. SSM Health, which operates hospitals in Missouri, Illinois, Oklahoma and Wisconsin, told The Post it changed its transgender care policy in 2018 to comply with Catholic directives, but it would not say how the policy changed. Kellan Baker, executive director of the Whitman-Walker Institute, a D.C.-based research, policy and advocacy center focused on LGBTQ health, accused the American College of Pediatricians of "intentionally and aggressively laundering pseudoscience through this veneer of respectability." "At first blush without knowing what's actually behind it, you would think it is a pediatric medical professional organization," Baker said. "It's not. It's a tiny group of fringe conservatives who didn't like the fact that the field was leaving them behind." The group serves as a "vital counterweight" to the "ideological capture" facing medical societies, said Roger Severino, vice president of domestic policy at the Heritage Foundation, a prominent conservative think tank that he said relies on the American College of Pediatricians for scientific expertise. "They have had the courage to take stands in court and to speak as medical professionals in relating their experience when it comes to questions of human dignity in unborn life, freedom of conscience, and the protection of children," Severino said. But Mark Del Monte, chief executive of the American Academy of Pediatrics, noted the vast differences in membership size and policies between his more established, widely respected organization and the similarly named American College of Pediatricians. "To the extent that people would be confused about who was presenting evidence-based science, that is a concern for us," Del Monte said. "Every policy statement of the American Academy of Pediatrics represents a rigorous review of the available scientific evidence and an extensive writing process that includes extensive peer review - and a unanimous vote by the board." The academy, which said more than 95 percent of its members are physicians, has pointed to "strong consensus among the most prominent medical organizations worldwide that evidence-based, gender-affirming care for transgender children and adolescents is medically necessary and appropriate." Records from early 2022 show membership of the American College of Pediatricians at about 700 people - just over 60 percent of whom self-identified as possessing medical degrees, including some holding prominent positions as hospital chiefs and a state health commissioner. The group, citing privacy, would not comment on the size or makeup of its membership. Documents show the American College of Pediatricians worrying about its finances and trying to expand its reach in recent years. The group, supported by membership fees and donors, reported $123,131 in available funds as of January 2022, according to its financial spreadsheets. The organization sent 15,000 mailers to "conservative" physicians between 2018 and 2019, according to postal receipts and spreadsheets of names and addresses. One 2018 planning document instructed the group to "TARGET CHRISTIAN MDs" in red letters as well as recruit pediatricians in "red states." It also suggested contacting academics who have doctorates in sociology, epidemiology and bioethics. Among the most prominent names listed on its internal membership records: John Hellerstedt, the Texas health commissioner from 2016 until 2022. Hellerstedt, in two phone conversations, declined to be interviewed. Other members run departments at major hospitals in Ohio, Tennessee and Texas as well as a school health service in California, according to a Post analysis of the group's membership list. While agendas show the group opened and closed its meetings with prayer, Simons said, "We're not a religious organization. Many of our members are people of faith." The group found an eager audience through conservative media, including the Tucker Carlson and Laura Ingraham shows on Fox News, the documents detail. Since 2016, the American College of Pediatricians has been mentioned in more than 200 articles published by conservative news sites such as Breitbart, Daily Wire, the Epoch Times, the Washington Examiner, the Blaze and the Gateway Pundit, according to a Post analysis. Its profile has continued to rise. The volume of articles mentioning the group during the first four months of 2023 was five times that of the same period in 2020, according to GDELT's online news database. "They're part of a coordinated, politically motivated anti-science ecosystem," said Peter Hotez, dean of Baylor College of Medicine's National School of Tropical Medicine and an expert in misinformation. Cretella, whose Rhode Island medical license expired in 2020 according to state medical board records, equated transgender care to child abuse during an appearance on Carlson's show in July 2017. Neither Cretella nor the American College of Pediatricians responded to questions about the circumstances leading to the expiration of her medical license. A senior booker on Carlson's show contacted Cretella and other doctors affiliated with the group in August 2017 to respond to a Denver Post story about a transgender professional cyclist, according to emails in the documents. "How would a male who is now a female not be at an advantage?" the booker wrote. "Scientifically speaking, all we can say is that a man dressed in chemical drag is still a man who should not be allowed to compete in women sports," replied Cretella, who was unable to appear on the show that night. She suggested the booker contact another member, Paul Hruz, a pediatrics professor at Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis who voiced concern about children seeking hormone therapy during his appearance on the show. In a 2022 opinion on a North Carolina lawsuit over state coverage of gender-affirming care, a U.S. district judge excluded some of Hruz's testimony on transgender care after deeming it "unreliable" and lacking scientific basis. After initially agreeing to an interview, Hruz did not respond to subsequent outreach from The Post. Despite its prominence in conservative circles, the group was concerned it had an image problem, documents show. The Southern Poverty Law Center had designated the American College of Pediatricians as a "hate group" in 2012 for its anti-LGBTQ positions - a label that Amazon said prevented the American College of Pediatricians from receiving donations through the company's now-defunct charity program, AmazonSmile. The group complained to Amazon, calling its policy unfair, according to emails to the company between 2014 and 2017. The company denied the group's appeals, writing "that decision is final" in its September 2017 response. (Amazon founder Jeff Bezos owns The Post.) Slides for a 2018 American College of Pediatricians board meeting focused on recruiting featured an image of Ku Klux Klan members titled "Perception" as well as an image of Justice League superheroes titled "What Our Friends Think of Us," illustrating how drastically opinion about the group varied, with some viewing them as villains and others as heroes. Since 2006, the group has partnered with other conservative organizations to file amicus briefs across at least 30 high-profile cases pertaining to same-sex marriage, gay parental rights, abortion and, in later years, transgender issues, according to a 2021 "funding request prospectus." The group had also submitted an amicus brief in the Supreme Court case that overturned Roe v. Wade last year, emphasizing the group's belief in the "sanctity of human life." The recent release of internal documents has only amplified its cause, said Simons, the group's executive director. The group is now fundraising for "cyberattack recovery efforts." "There's a silent majority out there that stands with us," she said. "This act has awoken a sleeping giant." The Heritage Foundation sent out a fundraising appeal on behalf of the American College of Pediatricians following the exposure of its internal documents: "It's more important than ever for us to stand together - and support our pro-life, pro-American ally, American College of Pediatricians." - - - The Washington Post's Kevin Crowe contributed to this report. Related Content Cash-strapped Taliban selling tickets to ruins of Buddhas it blew up This U.S. military base says it is ready for any enemy - including climate change This alien ocean is the first known to have all elements crucial for life Does it feel like its 106 degrees in Fort Worth? Heres what the heat advisory says Does it feel like its 106 degrees in Fort Worth? Heres what the heat advisory says A heat advisory has been issued by the National Weather Service for most of North Texas starting Thursday afternoon through 8 p.m. Friday. Temperatures will range in the 90s to the 100s most days, with heat indices anywhere from 105 to 112, the NWS alert reads. Remember to stay hydrated, limit time outside during peak heating, and if you must be outdoors, wear lightweight and light-colored clothing. The advisory includes Tarrant, Dallas and Ellis counties. Reports in the Star-Telegram have telegraphed the string of hot days coming this weekend. North Texas is headed into the hot portion of the summer based on historical data. A heat wave is underway across much of Texas and the Deep South. Heat waves can be very taxing on the body. During a heat wave, stay indoors in air conditioning. https://t.co/Ynl3VCdFFD #WeatherReady pic.twitter.com/ZxsCR2OwDg National Weather Service (@NWS) June 15, 2023 Storms with hail and strong winds expected in Fort Worth Thursday afternoon This week started with severe storms on Monday and Tuesday, which will continue into Thursday and even this weekend, said Bianca Garcia, meteorologist at the National Weather Services Fort Worth office. The main window of concern for Thursday is between 4 and 11 p.m. The storm could bring chances of hail, damaging winds and the possibility of an isolated tornado, but the greatest threat will be west of the Metroplex, Garcia said. The [storms are] isolated, but as they develop and theyre in your area, theres a threat for all hazards of severe weather, Garcia said. Friday will be mostly sunny with a high of 98 degrees, but storms return to the forecast later this weekend. Severe thunderstorm chances arrive Saturday afternoon going into the evening, with the possibility of again damaging winds and hail, Garcia said. After the Saturday storms, Sunday and Monday will be both sunny and warm. Due to the rain chances and cloud coverage, the high temperature this weekend will be in the high 90s and flirt with triple digits, Garcia said. However, the heat index will make it feel like its 106 to 109 degrees this weekend. Although were not reaching the triple digit heat, it will feel like triple digit heat for much of the Metroplex, Garcia said. The chances for 100-degree days come back early next week. The NWS is currently forecasting a high of 99 degrees on Monday, followed by 101 degrees on both Tuesday and Wednesday. District 2 member Ann Maine, R-Lincolnshire, speaks with District 11 member Paul Frank, D-Highland Park, and Paras Parekh, D-Highland Park, after the conclusion of Tuesday's Lake County Board meeting. (Gavin Good (Lake County News-Sun)) One of Lake Countys most low-key units of government, the Southlake Mosquito Abatement District, has three new members and a looming possibility of dissolution. The Lake County Board appointed Camilla Dadey, Erin Kasdin and Stuart Hochwert on Tuesday to the countys only remaining mosquito abatement board, which serves the communities of Highland Park, Deerfield, Highwood, Riverwoods, and Bannockburn in southeastern Lake County. Advertisement The nominations, made by District 11 member Paul Frank, D-Highland Park, and seconded by District 12 member Paras Parekh, D-Highland Park, were approved by an 18-1 margin over the opposition of District 3 member Ann Maine, R-Lincolnshire. Maine called the appointments a sea change which she felt does not serve residents. Advertisement Longtime abatement board president Barbara Struthers, Susan Levy and Tony Bilotti reacted to the moves with disappointment, warning that new board members may be in favor of dissolving the district and leaving mosquito control up to municipalities, homeowners associations or individuals. We just think its going to be dissolved after awhile, Bilotti said after the appointments became official. The mosquito abatement district board oversees the outsourcing of pest treatment, surveillance and trap and testing maintenance to mosquito control company Clarke. Board members receive no compensation. Frank thanked three outgoing board members and said appointments represent an important chance to, give members of the community an opportunity to serve. Struthers, a former Deerfield trustee, had warned in August when Highland Park resident Brent Ross was appointed that Lake County Board members were quietly planning to dissolve the abatement district. The Southlake Mosquito Abatement District is the only entity left of its kind in Lake County after the 2021 dissolution of the Lake Bluff Mosquito Abatement District. People get taxed by the mosquito abatement district at the lowest tax rate in the county, Struthers said. My property taxes for mosquito abatement last year were $17 and Susans were about $30. So its a very low tax rate for a very good service. Members of the Lake County Board listen in as District 2 member Ann Maine, R-Lincolnshire, speaks against the appointment of three applicants to the Southlake Mosquito Abatement District on Tuesday. (Gavin Good (Lake County News-Sun)) Any potential dissolution would have to be decided first by the Southlake Mosquito Abatement District Board trustees themselves. The opinions of the new appointees, who were not at Tuesdays Lake County Board meeting, are not yet public. But Frank did raise the topic of dissolution with candidates, he said. Advertisement I asked folks if they had an ideological perspective of, are they firmly for preserving the status quo with the district? Frank said. Or, are they open to other options and open to evaluating whats the best way to do this? He added, I think its incumbent upon us as local government representatives to evaluate, is this the best way to deliver this service? Parekh seconded Franks motion to approve the nominations, said the previous board members were great and spoke in favor of Dadey, calling her a committed environmentalist. Dadey has been a West Skokie Drainage District commissioner and is an active member of sustainability and conservation group Go Green Deerfield. Hochwert is the president and founder of two publishing companies in Northbrook. Kasdin is a senior editor at Lions Clubs Internationals LION Magazine, according to resumes uploaded to the countys website. Maine said before the boards vote that the abatement district was losing three members with a successful track record and Ph.D.s in public health and scientific fields. What we have is a board that gets no compensation so theres no money involved here that has for more than a decade, maybe two decades, been filled with people in highly technical areas who understand public health, who understand mosquito-borne illnesses, Maine said. Advertisement After Maines comment, Parekh said, I think its time to start looking and what we can do with it, and bringing in new perspectives to understand both the current processes and what we can do with this board in the future. The Lake County health department also allocates resources to monitor for West Nile virus in mosquito populations and mitigate threats to human life. Levy said county leaders may view the abatement district as low-hanging fruit for governmental consolidation, but she argued the Southlake Mosquito Abatement District has been, very successful at a very low cost. In public health we had a saying, If nothing happens, public health is doing our job, which is true, Levy said. Former President Donald Trump, who is seeking the 2024 Republican nomination for president, will make his first visit to South Carolina since being indicted twice. The visit will come before he city of Pickens Independence Day Spectacular event on Saturday, July 1, at the Pickens Amphitheater. Trump is scheduled to speak at 1 p.m. Gates will open at 9 a.m, with remarks beginning at 11:30 a.m., the city said on its website. After Trumps speech, the remainder of the event will include live music, food, bounce houses and fireworks and will run from 3 to 9 p.m. Trumps visit to the state that holds the First in the South Republican presidential primary comes as he leads in the polls in the state over Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis, former South Carolina Gov. Nikki Haley and U.S. Sen. Tim Scott, who are all seeking the Republican nomination. Trump last visited the state in January, when he unveiled his campaign leadership team in the state. His latest visit will be to the conservative Upstate, where a large bloc of Republican primary voters live. Trump was indicted last week in federal court on charges he held onto to classified documents from his time in the White House and refused to return them to the National Archives. In April, Trump was indicted in New York for allegedly falsifying business records for payments to adult film actress Stormy Daniels to not speak about their affair. Image Credits: Josh hallett (opens in a new window) / Flickr (opens in a new window) under a CC BY 2.0 (opens in a new window) license. Image Credits: Josh hallett (opens in a new window) / Flickr (opens in a new window) under a CC BY 2.0 (opens in a new window) license. The UK's data protection watchdog has fired its most explicit warning shot yet at generative AI developers -- saying it expects them to address privacy risks before bringing their products to market. In a blog post trailing remarks from the Information Commissioner's Office's (ICO) exec director of regulatory risk, Stephen Almond, will make at a conference later today the watchdog has warned against developers rushing to adopt the powerful AI technology without proper due diligence on privacy and data protection risks. "We will be checking whether businesses have tackled privacy risks before introducing generative AI -- and taking action where there is risk of harm to people through poor use of their data. There can be no excuse for ignoring risks to peoples rights and freedoms before rollout," Almond is slated to warn. He will also instruct businesses operating in the UK market that they will need to show the ICO "how theyve addressed the risks that occur in their context -- even if the underlying technology is the same". This means the ICO will be considering the context associated with an application of generative AI technology, with likely greater compliance expectations for health apps using a generative AI API, for example, vs retail-focused apps. (tl;dr this sort of due diligence ain't rocket science but don't expect to hide behind 'we're just using OpenAI's API so didn't think we needed to consider privacy when we added an AI chatbot to enhance our sexual health clinic finder app' type line... ) "Businesses are right to see the opportunity that generative AI offers, whether to create better services for customers or to cut the costs of their services. But they must not be blind to the privacy risks," Almond will also say, urging developers to: Spend time at the outset to understand how AI is using personal information, mitigate any risks you become aware of, and then roll out your AI approach with confidence that it won't upset customers or regulators. For a sense of what this type of risk could cost if improperly managed, the UK's data protection legislation bakes in fines for infringements that can hit up to 17.5 million or 4% of the total annual worldwide turnover in the preceding financial year, whichever is higher. A patchwork of AI rules As an established regulatory body the ICO has been tasked with developing privacy and data protection guidance for use of AI under an approach the government set out in its recent AI white paper. The government has said it favors a set of "flexible" principles and context-specific guidance produced being by sector-focused and cross-cutting watchdogs for regulating AI -- such as the competition authority, financial conduct authority, Ofcom and indeed the ICO -- rather than introducing a dedicated legislative framework for steering development of AI such as is on the table over the English Channel in the European Union. This means there will be a patchwork of expectations emerging as UK watchdog develop and flesh out guidance in the coming weeks and months. (The UK's Competition and Markets Authority announced a review of generative AI last month; while, earlier this month, Ofcom offered some thoughts on what generative AI might mean for the comms sector which included detail on how it's monitoring developments with a view to assessing potential harms.) Shortly after the UK white paper was published the ICO's Almond published a list of eight questions he said generative AI developers (and users) should be asking themselves -- including core issues like what their legal basis for processing personal data is; how they will meet transparency obligations; and whether they've prepared a data protection impact assessment. Today's warning is more explicit. The ICO is plainly stating that it expects businesses to not just take note of its recommendations but act on them. Any that ignore that guidance and seek to rush apps to market will be generating more regulatory risk for themselves -- including the potential for substantial fines. It also builds on a tech-specific warning the watchdog made last fall when it singled out so-called "emotion analysis" AIs as too risky for anything other than purely trivial use-cases (such as kids party games), warning this type of "immature" biometrics technology carries greater risks for discrimination than potential opportunities. "We are yet to see any emotion AI technology develop in a way that satisfies data protection requirements, and have more general questions about proportionality, fairness and transparency in this area, the ICO wrote then. While the UK government has signaled it doesn't believe dedicated legislation or an exclusively AI-focused oversight body are needed to regulate the technology, it has, more recently, been talking up the need for AI developers to center safety. And earlier this month prime minister Rishi Sunak announced a plan to host a global summit on AI safety this fall, seemingly to focus on fostering research efforts. The idea quickly won buy-in from a number of AI giants. According to New Mexicos Tax and Revenue Department rebate checks (or transfers to bank accounts) will be going out at any time during the middle of June. At the Rio Grande Foundation we welcome the $500 or $1,000 (depending on single/married filing status). This is especially true at a time when inflation is rising faster than wages. But New Mexico is in the midst of an unprecedented boom in its oil and gas industry and, while those checks are nice, they are a pittance relative to the windfall being experienced in State government. Worse, unless the Legislature and Gov. take concrete action and soon to diversify the economy, New Mexico will waste this unique opportunity. First the numbers: according to the Legislatures analysts, the one-time cost of the rebates is $667 million. You may recall that the Legislature began the 2023 session with a surplus of $3.6 billion and spent $1.2 billion of that. Paul Gessing Though new spending was just double the amount of the rebates, the reality is that almost all of the money not spent this year will be put into reserves to be spent in the future. That means that more than 80 percent of this years budget surplus will ultimately be spent (unless the Legislature enacts some real tax cuts in the 2024 session). There are a few major points to be made: During her reelection campaign Gov. Lujan Grisham decried Mark Ronchettis rebate proposal as a fiscally irresponsible socialist scheme and said it would eliminate funding for the state budget. What changed? It is widely acknowledged that New Mexico needs to diversify its economy, but neither more spending nor one-time rebates will do that. When will Lujan Grisham and Democrats in the Legislature get serious about making New Mexico less dependent on oil and gas? While RGF applauds genuine efforts to diversify the economy, oil and gas revenues show no sign of slowing down. Thats because New Mexico is in a production-driven boom, not a price-driven boom. So, rather than allowing a scarcity mentality to drive tax cut and tax reform decisions, policymakers should understand that strong revenues are here for the foreseeable future and should be used to get New Mexico out of its unnecessarily impoverished state. Like all New Mexicans we at the Rio Grande Foundation welcome these rebates. What we are looking for out of Lujan Grisham and the Legislature is some kind of coherent economic strategy (besides simply spending more money). It is time to translate our oil and gas wealth into prosperity for ALL New Mexicans. That requires average New Mexicans to engage with and hold this Legislature and Gov. accountable for their policy decisions. Paul Gessing is president of New Mexicos Rio Grande Foundation. The Rio Grande Foundation is an independent, nonpartisan, tax-exempt research and educational organization dedicated to promoting prosperity for New Mexico based on principles of limited government, economic freedom and individual responsibility This article originally appeared on Las Cruces Sun-News: Don't get too excited about those rebates Colin Pitchfork recommended for release from prison again despite being recalled to jail 18 months ago Colin Pitchfork has been recommended for release by the Parole Board - Shutterstock Double child murderer Colin Pitchfork has been recommended for release by the parole board despite being recalled to jail just 18 months ago for concerning behaviour. The killer was jailed for life in 1988 after raping and strangling 15-year-olds Lynda Mann and Dawn Ashworth in Leicestershire in 1983 and 1986. He was released in September 2021, having been moved to open prison HMP Leyhill in Gloucestershire three years previously and had his 30-year minimum jail term cut by two years in 2009. Pitchfork, 63, was then arrested within two months after allegations he had been approaching young women in the streets and was recalled to prison for breaching his licence conditions. But, after a private hearing, the parole board said yesterday he can be released under robust conditions including an electronic tag, curfew, staying at a designation address and restrictions on his movements and use of computers, phones and other electronic devices. The board said the recall decision had been flawed. It is understood Alex Chalk, the new Justice Secretary, is concerned by the decision. He has 21 days to decide whether to ask the parole board to reconsider the move. Dawn Ashworth, who was killed by Colin Pitchfork in 1986 - PA It is likely to reinforce plans by the Government to take new powers to allow ministers to be able to veto the release of the most dangerous criminals from jail. A Ministry of Justice source said: Pitchfork was recalled to prison only 18 months ago for concerning behaviour. That the parole board think hes now safe for release is extremely worrying. This will do nothing for public confidence and will only strengthen calls for reform. Ministers can at present only ask the parole board to reconsider a decision to release an offender but cannot overrule it. The powers to veto are part of the new victims and prisoners bill and were introduced as part of a shake-up to prevent a repeat of scandals including the release of Pitchfork in 2021 and an abortive decision to free John Worboys, the black cab rapist. MP asks for urgent and immediate review Alberto Costa, the local MP in south Leicestershire, yesterday wrote to Mr Chalk urging him to seek an urgent and immediate review of the decision by the parole board. It is unthinkable that a man who committed such callous and brutal crimes, and who was previously released and then speedily recalled, should ever be released, and I will be asking the Government to challenge this decision in the strongest possible terms, said Mr Costa. Giving its reasons for releasing Pitchfork again, the parole board said it had found the decision to recall him to be flawed. It said the allegation that he had approached young women was based on him speaking to one lone woman in the car park outside his probation officers office. His licence condition barred him from remaining in the company of any lone female not known to him but the parole board said there was no wider evidence of Pitchfork approaching young women. Released in 2021, Colin Pitchfork was recalled to jail soon after for 'concerning behaviour' - MEGA He was also accused of using counter-measures to subvert a lie-detector test. However, the parole board said he should not have been subjected to polygraph tests as it was unlawful for them to be applied to him. It said it was also not possible to prove he did use counter-measures. The parole board accepted that Pitchfork had been confrontational and aggressive towards his probation officer in a meeting, the third reason for his recall. But it added it was not satisfied that the decision to recall Mr Pitchfork to custody was appropriate. In deciding to recommend release, it said his behaviour in prison had been without issue. He has engaged with the prison regime and has supported prisoners coming into prison for the first time, the board said. His re-release was opposed by his probation officer but backed by the prison psychologist and official supervising him in prison. The panel noted that Mr Pitchfork has been in prison for a very long time. His behaviour for almost all of that time has not caused any concern. He has made constructive use of his time and is now 63 years old, it said. In general, age tends to reduce risk. Mr Pitchfork has completed many courses satisfactorily and the evidence before the panel demonstrated that he had learnt the lessons that he had been taught and had worked out how to apply them in practice. Accordingly, the panel determined that it was no longer necessary for the protection of the public for Mr Pitchfork to remain confined and thereby directed his release. 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. Consequences of the Russian explosion of the Kakhovka HPP You can see a Ukrainian drone deliver much needed humanitarian aid to those needing it the most in the Russian occupied areas along the left bank of the Dnipro River, as can be seen in this touching video shared on Telegram by Ukraines Minister of Digital Transformation, Mykhailo Fedorov. Read also: Evacuation of people from the left bank of Dnipro requires absolute media silence, says Humeniuk The Russians have not evacuated the residents of flood-affected areas and do not permit Ukraine the opportunity, said Fedorov. Thats why the battlefield-scarred Vampire drones were transformed into humanitarian drones, delivering aid to people under Russian occupation. Ukraine is fighting every day for the lives of people who are trapped, he said. Russian troops destroyed the Kakhovka dam on the night of June 6 after having controlled the facility for over a year. Cities and villages downstream along the Dnipro River were completely or partially flooded. The Kakhovska Hydroelectric Power Plant has been completely destroyed and cannot be restored, reported Ukrhydroenergo. Ukraines South Command said the dam was not entirely destroyed, but the damage is significant. Read also: Water receding in Kherson Oblast as evacuation from east bank falters governor More than 3,000 people have contacted law enforcement about flooded houses, while 3,761 people have been evacuated from the Kherson and Mykolayiv oblasts as of June 14, said the Ministry of Internal Affairs. As of this morning, the water level in the Kherson Oblast has dropped to almost two meters, while dozens of settlements remain 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 E. Washington father sentenced for the stolen gun that killed his 4-year-old son An Eastern Washington man who shot and killed his young son with a stolen gun has been sentenced to 14 years in federal prison. Felipe Tapia-Perez, 29, of Othello, pleaded guilty Oct. 27 to being an unlawful alien in possession of a firearm and and possession of a stolen gun. U.S. Judge William Fremming Nielsen ordered the sentence to be served at the same time as a first-degree manslaughter sentence of seven years and two months imposed in Adams County Superior Court. Tapia-Perez also was sentenced to three years of federal probation. You should not have had a firearm, the judge said during the sentencing, according to the Eastern Washington U.S. Attorneys Office. The firearm was loaded. You were in an argument with a woman you are prohibited by a no-contact order from being with, but you were with her anyway. You were waving a firearm around, and it resulted in tragedy. Tapia-Perez was barred from contacting the mother of his children by a domestic violence protection order. But in February 2021, he drove to her home in Othello, 50 miles north of the Tri-Cities, and parked outside, according to court documents. He was holding a stolen pistol and waving it in the air as he and the mother of his children argued in his car and his 4-year-old son, Jeremiah, waited outside the front passenger window. The pistol discharged, and the bullet went past the woman and struck the boy in the head. The child was driven to Othello Community Hospital and preparations were being made to fly him by air ambulance to a Spokane hospital when he died. Tapia-Perez said the shooting was an accident, according to initial police reports. According to court documents, he told the childs mother to lie about the incident, which she did in two interviews before telling the truth. (Tapia-Perez) will never forget what happened on this day whether he is in custody or out, his attorney Amy Rubin of Spokane said in a court document. It is a moment that he would give anything, including his own life, to change. She said he will be deported to Mexico after serving his prison time. Stolen gun used In March 2023, Alondra Yanez, 25, was sentenced to three years and 10 months in federal prison after selling stolen guns, including to Tapia-Perez. In February 2021, Guillermo Valdez stole 11 guns in the burglary of a house in Newman Lake, Wash., according to federal court documents. Yanez was helping him sell them. Valdez was sentenced to 10 years in federal prison in October 2022. Alondra Yanez, of Othello, used Facebook Messenger posts to advertise stolen guns, according to federal court documents. Both Valdez and Tapia-Perez were not allowed to have guns Valdez because he was a felon and Tapia-Perez because he was not in the United States legally and had a domestic violence no-contact order. Jonathan McPherson of the U.S. Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, called Tapia-Perezs sentence significant and well-deserved. He knew he shouldnt have had firearms to begin with, let alone a stolen firearm, but the resulting horrific loss of his child for something so senseless makes this even more than tragic, McPherson said. The case was investigated by the ATF, the Othello Police Department, the Moses Lake Police Department, the Spokane County Sheriffs Office and the Washington State Patrol. The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Michael J. Ellis. A bill meant to target child sexual abuse material online could pose far-reaching risks for members of the LGBTQ+ community, LGBTQ+ advocates and legal experts told USA TODAY. The EARN IT Act, first introduced in 2020, would make it easier to prosecute social media companies for child sexual abuse material, or CSAM, on their platforms, the goal being to motivate platforms to target that material more forcefully. It was reintroduced in April by Sens. Richard Blumenthal, D-Conn., and Lindsey Graham, R-S.C., who said at the time that tech companies need to "take responsibility" for the material or "be held accountable." But the bill, while well-intentioned, could have dangerous ramifications for freedom of expression, leaving LGBTQ online communities as collateral damage. "This bill is intended to fight child sexual abuse online, and I don't think that's a goal that anyone wants to hamper," said Jenna Leventoff, senior policy counsel at the American Civil Liberties Union. "But this bill wouldn't actually do that. What it does do is lead to more internet censorship." Anti-trans rhetoric Republicans lean into anti-trans messaging ahead of 2024. But will it mobilize voters? Joseph Fons holding a Pride Flag, stands in front of the U.S. Supreme Court building after the court ruled that LGBTQ people can not be disciplined or fired based on their sexual orientation June 15, 2020 in Washington, DC. With Chief Justice John Roberts and Justice Neil Gorsuch joining the Democratic appointees, the court ruled 6-3 that the Civil Rights Act of 1964 bans bias based on sexual orientation or gender identity. What is the EARN IT Act? The EARN IT Act would make social media platforms vulnerable to state criminal and civil laws that prohibit the presence or spread of CSAM, eliminating the protections social media platforms are currently afforded. Without those protections, each state could implement its own liability standard even holding platforms accountable for content they aren't aware of. "If you're a platform and you realize that you could be held liable for content that you don't know about, there's a couple things that you're going to do," Leventoff said. "The biggest one is that you're going to start searching your platform for anything that could possibly be CSAM, and you're going to take it down." It's no question that the vast proliferation of CSAM online is an issue that must be addressed, six experts told USA TODAY. More than 32 million reports of CSAM were made to the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children's Cyber Tipline in 2022 alone. "Everyone that supports this legislation actually shares goals with everybody that is concerned about the legislation: Childhood abuse material belongs nowhere in society, and figuring out how to get rid of it and how to protect those who have been harmed by it is a critical question that we collectively all want to address," said Kate Ruane, director of the U.S. Free Expression Programs at PEN America. But despite the EARN IT Act's seemingly simple fix to a large problem, the experts agreed that, in practice, the bill would do more harm than good especially for members of the LGBTQ+ community. "With the EARN IT Act, the concern is that the this particular pursuit of that shared goal is going to have unintended consequences," Ruane added. "And those unintended consequences ... will fall disproportionately upon the LGBTQ+ community and the sex worker community." LGBTQ+ content at risk Faced with heightened risk of prosecution for CSAM, platforms will likely move to take more aggressive measures to block content that could fall within one state's parameters for CSAM, said Emma Llanso, director of the Free Expression Project at Center for Democracy and Technology. Legally protected LGBTQ+ content could be swept into those filtering efforts, targeted due to "long-running societal biases and misconceptions" that being queer is "inherently more sexual" than being straight, she said. "It comes down to deciding that filtering out words like lesbian and gay are important to do because that helps block sexual content," Llanso said. "It may help block some searches for some kinds of pornography, but it's also going to block a lot of people just talking about themselves, their communities and living their everyday lives." The 2018 Allow States and Victims to Fight Online Sex Trafficking Act (FOSTA) and Stop Enabling Sex Traffickers Act (SESTA) had similar ramifications, according to Evan Greer, director of the nonprofit digital rights advocacy group Fight for the Future. "(FOSTA-SESTA) actually made it more difficult for law enforcement to prosecute actual instances of sex trafficking, and then at the same time, it caused this massive collateral damage where platforms unsure of where their liability might lie effectively over-censored content and removed broad swaths of perfectly legitimate content that had nothing to do with sex trafficking," Greer said. The pair of laws made conditions less safe for sex workers who relied on digital communities for screening clients and connecting with others in the industry, Greer added. The social media app Tumblr's ban on "adult content" in 2018 had similar effects, according to C.P. Hoffman, senior policy counsel at the National Center for Transgender Equality. "There was lots of art, lots of discussions about things that all collapsed immediately, and it didn't really have anywhere else to go," Hoffman said. Weakening Section 230 The core of the EARN IT Act's pitfalls come with the weakening of Section 230, a controversial portion of the Communications Decency Act that protects platforms from being held accountable for their users' content, the experts and advocates said. "Anytime that you're looking to limit Section 230's applicability, you're opening up providers or platforms to say, 'I don't even want to offer user generated speech because I could be held liable,'" Leventoff said. "And what does that do to the internet and people's ability to find the information they need?" The effects of a weakened Section 230 on LGBTQ+ communities would especially be felt in states cracking down on laws policing gender identity and sexuality. More than 500 anti-LGBTQ+ bills have been introduced in state legislatures this year, according to the Human Rights Campaign, America's largest gay rights organization. Of those, more than 75 bills have been signed into law nationwide this year, more than doubling last year's number previously the worst year on record. The advocacy group on Tuesday issued a "state of emergency" over the anti-LGBTQ+ laws. Transgender rights have faced increased scrutiny from state and federal lawmakers, in particular, with anti-trans issues exploding as a key messaging strategy for Republicans heading into the 2024 elections. But returning the ability to determine liability to states would not only tighten internet access for members of the LGBTQ+ community; it'd restrict it for everyone, according to Riana Pfefferkorn, a research scholar at Stanford Internet Observatory. "That decision for Section 230 to provide immunity from state crimes but not federal crimes was a deliberate choice by the drafters of Section 230 when Congress passed it in the '90s, precisely because internet companies whose services cross state borders should not be exposed to liability under wildly different state laws," Pfefferkorn said. "The internet should not be reduced down to whatever is acceptable to the most conservative, most narrow-minded state in the union," she added. For Americans who use end-to-end encryption to protect their communications from LGBTQ+ individuals to people seeking abortions the EARN IT Act's passage could also have a chilling effect, Ruane said. If platforms with encrypted messaging like WhatsApp or Signal can be held accountable for information they can't screen, those security measures may be weakened. "If Congress moves to pass a bill that would make it harder for them to communicate outside of the view of a government that would prosecute them for engaging in a drag show, we are definitely taking a step towards endangering their speech endangering their ability to continue to engage in in their constitutionally protected rights." Advocacy groups bring opposition Despite its sincere efforts to combat the serious crisis of CSAM online, the EARN IT Act faces strong pushback from human rights organizations across the country. Last month, more than 130 human rights groups sent a letter to Congress urging opposition to the bill. "We're always supportive of like engaging in the legislative process and trying to prove bills when they can be improved," Greer said. "This bill is a hot mess." Introduced three times, Congress has not held a vote on the bill, largely because of strong opposition from advocacy groups. "The folks that push these bills often kind of frame it as a choice between like, 'Well, either we pass this bill, or we do nothing and the children are not saved,'" Greer added. "And that's just a false choice. There are really meaningful things that lawmakers can do right now that will make the internet safer for kids. The EARN IT Act is not one of them." This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: EARN IT Act could pose risks to LGBTQ communities online, experts say Its Thursday, Chicago. And on this Friday Junior, were looking at another weekend of festivities. Fathers Day greets us Sunday, and Juneteenth is Monday, so we have a few ideas on how to pass the time, including where to take the father figure in your life out to eat across the city and a festival celebrating hip hop in Hyde Park. Weve also got an all-encompassing guide to summer farmers markets in the city and suburbs. Then again, a mishmash of muggy hot and cool weather in the city this week might have you seeking relief indoors. If thats the case, intriguing new shows such as Stars on Mars, a biography on Martin Luther King Jr. bringing new revelations to light and the premiere of The Flash in theaters, can take up ample time inside. Enjoy the weekend, well see you back next week. Lauryn Azu, deputy senior editor Three new vegan Mexican restaurants are influencing Chicagoans to try their tacos meatless. Tribune food critic Nick Kindelsperger samples these restaurants and scores them based on whether they appeal to just vegetarians, or omnivores too. Read more here. Hyde Park Summer Fest is back this weekend on the Midway Plaisance at 59th Street and Dorchester Avenue, to honor the 50th anniversary of hip hop music. On deck is a star-studded lineup including Clipse, 2 Chainz, Lil Kim and Vic Mensa. Read more about the festival, and how to get tickets, here. Dine out with dad at one of these 35 food establishments offering specials across town for the holiday. Treat dad to gelato with a magician, a barbecue along the Chicago River, or a 5k and free beer in Bridgeport. Get more gift inspiration here. Michael Keatons back as Batman in The Flash, which premieres this weekend. Ezra Miller stars as the title character who hopes to go back in time to undo a grisly crime that tore a family apart, in a storyline with a series of entwined spaghetti strands, Tribune critic Michael Phillips writes. Read more about the upcoming movie here. Get a show with a side of gelato at a new Lincoln Square parlor, where workers perform circus acts while they scoop. The gelateria opened a few weeks ago, after owner Jay Bliznick was inspired by a trip to Florence and his love for show business. Read more about the vegan flavors and acts dished out here. Biographer Jonathan Eig wrote the first major biography of Martin Luther King Jr. in 40 years, King: A Lifebased off around 200 interviews. Tribune reporter Chris Borrelli speaks with Eig and sits in at a cross-congregation book club in Bronzeville to get the real impact of the work. Read the story here. After hearing news of its cancellation, a group of neighborhood moms took charge of the Everyday Edgebrook Farmers Market, saving its return to the corner of Hiawatha and Central avenues this summer. With the arrival of pleasant outdoor weather, communities see farmers markets as a way to connect with neighbors and local businesses. Check out our map of 53 Chicago-area farmers markets to find one near you. The Fox series Stars on Mars, which premiered earlier this month, poses 12 celebrities in competition to see if they can survive life on Mars. Tribune critic Nina Metz discusses the shows merits in an interview with physicist Chanda Prescod-Weinstein in her latest column. I think Stars on Mars is too dull to be either informative or entertaining, but Im curious about what its actually doing when we scratch beneath the surface, Metz writes. Read on here. The Chicago reboot of the musical Tommy opens at Goodman Theatre soon, named for the fourth studio album released by The Who. Tribune critic Chris Jones interviews Tommy songwriter and composer Pete Townshend about what audiences can expect, and gets a glimpse at rehearsals. Read more here. Summertime in Chicago is worth traveling from faraway lands for, and hotels are eager to welcome new guests after renovating during the pandemic. Read on about the latest upgrades worth booking here. Waukegan students from elementary through high school will be able to preview a week of lunch choices through a computer app, order meals and get them as they go through the cafeteria line. Alicia Williams, the districts manager of child nutrition and transportation, said after a meeting Tuesday that new districtwide food vendor Sodexos technology will enable a preview of the week-aheads menu and the ability to order for each day during the time frame. Advertisement There will be more food choices and food options for our students with an app and website from which to choose, Williams said. The meals will meet USDA nutrition guidelines. The District 60 Board of Education voted 5-1 to approve a one-year, $7.6 million food service contract with Sodexo Tuesday at the Lincoln Center Administration Building to provide breakfast and lunch to students for the 2023-2024 school year. Advertisement During the same meeting, the board also got its first look at the new Parent and Student Handbook which shows a new philosophy, but does not alter academic or behavioral standards for youngsters. Williams said the one-year contract can be extended by the district for four successive annual terms with adjustments for the cost of living and the total enrollment of students. Part of the cost is based on the number of students served. Sodexo earned the contract in a four-way bidding process based on both price and a scoring system judged by four district employees. Williams said the ratings were based on a number of financial and noneconomic factors Board President Brandon Ewing, who passed when it was time to vote not saying yes or no said he was concerned the contract did not go to the lowest responsible bidder in the contest between four vendors. This international company had a mixed track record of success in other similar districts, Ewing said of Sodexo after the meeting, in explaining his vote. Sodexos bid of just under $7.6 million for the year starting July 1 was nearly $600,000 more than low bidder Organic Life, but less than the current provider Elior North America or Aramark. Williams said other factors were considered, as well through a rating system. With price worth 35 points on a 100-point scale, Williams said factors like promoting the health and well-being of students, use of local food products, business practices and the financial stability of the company were among other factors considered by panel. Low bidder Organic Live received 319.28 points out of a possible 400 from the panel, while Sodexo earned 355.32 more than 30 points better than its closest competitor. Advertisement All students in the district receive breakfast and lunch free. Williams said choices expand as students get older, with elementary school children getting the fewest picks, middle schoolers more and those in high school receiving the most. When picking a meal, Williams said a student must choose a fruit, grain, vegetable, protein and dairy item. If the meal does not contain all five, a school staff member at the end of the line will suggest something from the missing food group. There are a variety of choices in each category. Voting for the contract were board members Anita Hanna, Jeff McBride, Christine Lensing, Carolina Fabian and Rick Riddle. Adriana Gonzalez cast the lone no vote, and Ewing passed. Board members also got their first look at the new Parent and Student Handbook for the coming school year. Oscar Dupuy, the districts director of student outreach, said the new guide offers a fresh approach, but does not change academic or behavioral expectations We are removing barriers and creating access, Dupuy said. We are making it more accessible and user friendly, emphasizing the importance of student support. We want to ensure the kids are getting the support they need. For the first time in history, a former president of the United States entered a courtroom Tuesday to face charges of willfully retaining classified government documents and hiding them from investigators who demanded their return. In the Miami federal courthouse, Donald Trump pleaded not guilty to a 37-count indictment. America needed to see this. But in the age of an instantaneous 24-hour news cycle and real-time social media, the public didnt see any of it. A monumental historical event went visually unrecorded. This historic American moment will largely (if not fully) be invisible to America, CBS News correspondent Scott MacFarlane tweeted. Cameras and microphones are barred from federal courthouses. Electronic media coverage of federal criminal proceedings has been prohibited since 1946 (Federal Rule of Criminal Procedure No. 53). Only very limited electronic access is allowed on a case-by-case basis for ceremonial events such as naturalization proceedings. Courts routinely make audio recordings, but the public wont be able to hear those, either. Thats a tragedy of epic proportions and bad for democracy. The chief U.S. district judge for the Southern District of Florida, Cecilia Altonaga, issued an order barring news media members from bringing cell phones into the courthouse, as those can record audio and take pictures. The archaic news blackout led to a bizarre contradiction on the streets of Miami. An enormous national media presence encamped outside the Wilkie D. Ferguson Jr. Courthouse, which drew enterprising street vendors in the 90-degree heat. But a blanket prohibition on electronic coverage ensured that nothing that happened inside would ever be seen or heard by the public. Sunlight is the best disinfectant, to paraphrase Justice Louis Brandeis. Thats never more true than with Trump. Many national and local news organizations, including the Sun Sentinel, Miami Herald, National Public Radio, Telemundo and others, petitioned the Miami court to permit limited pre-hearing video of the Miami courtroom and a nearby hallway outside. (Video of the hearing was provided to an overflow room for viewing only, news reports said.) This is a case of exceptional public interest to the entire country and beyond, argued a media coalition of the major TV networks, The New York Times, Washington Post and others. The judiciarys dedication to open and transparent courts takes on added significance in historical proceedings such as this, where the public demands full and complete knowledge of what transpired to understand the governments decision to exercise its prosecutorial power over Mr. Trump. The Justice Department and Trump took no position on the medias request, and the courts answer came quickly: No. U.S. Magistrate Judge Jonathan Goodman rejected the request, and said allowing photographs would undermine the massive security arrangements put in place. He denied a second request by the media outlets to make audio recordings available, despite the fact that many federal courts in the U.S. do so on a regular basis. The immediate availability of audio recordings would provide transparency to counteract inevitable distortion, spin and theatrics. With the ex-president baselessly attacking the case against him as a witch hunt and accusing President Biden of weaponizing the Justice Department against him, its more vital than ever that Americans judge for themselves the case against Trump. To make things worse, Trumps upcoming trial in Manhattan, on charges of paying hush money to two women, will also be conducted out of public view. Thats because New York is one of the few jurisdictions left in the U.S. that still bars cameras in state courts. Its an inexcusably backward policy that is also bad for democracy. If an unobtrusive stationary camera could be used, people would see the impartial American justice system at work. Its slow and ponderous, and often tangled up in procedural technicalities, but it works. Whats wrong with letting the public see it? The federal ban on electronic coverage is actually dangerous for democracy. This stubborn and anachronistic unwillingness to let the sunshine in persists at a time of steadily declining confidence in government at all levels, including the judiciary. Florida is the national leader in allowing electronic media access to courtrooms. At the urging of two stations then owned by Post-Newsweek (WPLG in Miami and WJXT in Jacksonville), the Florida Supreme Court approved an experimental cameras in the courtroom program in 1977. It survived a U.S. Supreme Court challenge and continues to work after four decades. When the Florida Supreme Court heard arguments in the 2000 presidential recount case, Bush v. Gore, the whole world was watching. The image of Trump, a former president of the United States, standing before a judge, answering to a long list of felony charges, is not just news. It is history. If there are no pictures of it for future generations to see, its a loss for democracy, too. ____ The Sun Sentinel Editorial Board consists of Editorial Page Editor Steve Bousquet, Deputy Editorial Page Editor Dan Sweeney, and Editor-in-Chief Julie Anderson. Editorials are the opinion of the Board and written by one of its members or a designee. To contact us, email at letters@sun-sentinel.com. ___ El Nino is here. Does that mean NC will have a 2023 summer heat wave? El Nino is here, weather experts declared this month, potentially impacting Charlottes weather this summer and into the rest of 2023. El Nino conditions have developed, as the atmospheric response to the warmer-than-average tropical Pacific sea surface kicked in over the past month, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration said in June. Those atmospheric changes can have a major impact on daily weather. And, NOAA added, the odds of this El Nino becoming a strong event at its peak are pretty good. Heres what to know about the El Nino year and what it means for North Carolina: Is 2023 going to be an El Nino year? NOAA declared in June that El Nino conditions had officially developed. El Nino the warm phase of the El Nino-La Nina climate pattern changes global atmospheric circulation in known ways, giving us an idea of potential upcoming weather and climate patterns, the group said. A stronger El Nino means global temperature, rain, and other patterns are more likely to reflect the expected El Nino impacts. NOAA estimates that theres a 56% chance this El Nino will become a strong event at its peak, and about an 84% chance of at least a moderate event. What does El Nino mean for North Carolina? An El Nino typically has the strongest impacts on the weather in December, January, and February in the Southeast, according to NC State Universitys Climate Office, although it can continue to impact weather regionally for several months. For much of the southeastern United States, NC State adds, an El Nino summer is usually warmer and drier. And El Nino can affect hurricane season in the Southeast, too. The strong subtropical jet stream also tends to disrupt the development of hurricanes in the Atlantic Ocean and Gulf of Mexico, NC State explains. Because of that, fewer hurricanes are likely during an El Nino year in the tropical Atlantic. Horace Mann School in New York City. AP Photo/Mark Lennihan Horace Mann School, a top prep school, lets parents buy their kids spots, a lawsuit says. The suit was filed by a former assistant to a businessman who made a $1 million pledge. It accuses the parent, Qi Tom Chen, his companies, and Horace Mann of cheating on their taxes. The exclusive New York City prep school Horace Mann accepted a $1 million pledge from a tech businessman in exchange for giving his children a leg-up in the admissions process, a new lawsuit claims. The case, filed by a former employee of tech company Lake 5 Media, accuses its owner Qi Tom Chen of cheating on his taxes for years, writing off hundreds of thousands of dollars of personal outlays as business expenses. It also goes after Horace Mann, which boasts a 10.4% acceptance rate for kindergarteners and places more than half of its graduating seniors at super-selective schools like Harvard, Columbia, and the University of Chicago. The lawsuit claims Chen hired a consultant who brokered a meeting with Horace Mann's head of school where a dodgy deal was struck. "As a result of that meeting, Mr. Chen made a million dollar pledge to Horace Mann in exchange for preferential admissions treatment for his children," the suit claimed. The lawsuit was confidentially filed in late 2020 by Daniel Hayward, a former assistant at Lake 5 Media, Chen's media-monitoring technology firm. The case was quietly unsealed in May after the New York Attorney General declined to devote its resources to the case. Ed Adler, a spokesman for Horace Mann, said the claims are bogus and protested that the school was collateral damage in a dispute between others. "The matter doesn't involve Horace Mann, and there has never been a quid pro quo for gifts at the school," he said. The case is at an early stage and could eventually be dismissed. But if Hayward proves that Chen, his companies or Horace Mann cheated on their taxes, he would stand to collect a share of any back taxes paid to the state. Wine, music lessons, and payments to a "sexual paramour" were allegedly written off According to the lawsuit, Lake 5 Media reported to the IRS that it paid $550,000 in 2018 to an entity called CTBS Everblue LLC, mostly for "rent." In reality, Hayward claims, Chen used the Everblue entity to purchase more than $22,000 of wine for his own personal consumption and to pay for music and martial-arts lessons for his kids, among other things. "Over the past 10 years, Mr. Chen has spent massive amounts of Lake 5's and Everblue's money on foreign vacations; improvements to his residence; wine; automobiles; support for his sexual paramour; and even a surrogacy contract," the lawsuit claims. As for Horace Mann, the suit claims, payments received for admissions slots should have been reported to the IRS as "unrelated business income," which is taxable. Eric Rosen, a former federal prosecutor who worked on the "Varsity Blues" pay-to-play cases, said the case against Horace Mann could turn on how explicit the supposed deal between Chen and the school was. Simply hoping that a donation will curry favor isn't illegal, he said. "It's all gonna come down to whether they can get discovery to show there was some agreement between the parent and the headmaster," said Rosen, now with the law firm Freedman Normand Friedland. Steve Mintz, a lawyer for Chen, declined to comment. Hayward was confused, then concerned, when Insider contacted him after the lawsuit's existence was made public in May. "I didn't want to have an issue with Horace Mann," he said. "I'm gonna yell at that lawyer." His lawyer, David Abrams, declined to comment. Read the original article on Insider WASHINGTON Two companies developing drone-frying technologies are combining their products to create what they describe as a counter-unmanned aerial system capable of tracking and downing multiple targets. Epirus, a U.S. company specializing in directed energy, and DroneShield, an Australian firm involved with electronic warfare, on June 15 announced the successful marriage of the formers Leonidas high-power microwave kit and the latters sensing-and-jamming DroneSentry. Together, they provide significantly expanded options for the U.S. Department of Defense and other customers, DroneShield CEO Oleg Vornik said in a statement. Additionally, there are synergies on the business development front, which DroneShield and Epirus are already working on. Smaller, better and cheaper: The rise of portable drone interceptors Epirus in November invested roughly $2.5 million into DroneShield. Military adoption and deployment of drones has ballooned, with Russias invasion of Ukraine again pushing their use into the public eye. The proliferation of overhead threats is motivating the Pentagon to rethink its battlefield defenses. High-power microwave systems use bursts of energy to disrupt or destroy distant electronics. Epirus this year won a $66 million Army prototyping contract handled by the Rapid Capabilities and Critical Technologies Office, which serves as a bridge between the science-and-technology community and program executive offices. With the Leonidas equipment, the company is focusing on the services indirect fire protection capability, meant to negate rockets, artillery, mortars, missiles and more. A Leonidas array was previously joined with a Stryker combat vehicle, in partnership with General Dynamics Land Systems, and used to roast both individual drones and collective swarms. The Stryker Leonidas, developed in less than one year, was on display at the 2022 Association of the U.S. Army convention. Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis has flown asylum-seekers to California to make a cheap political point. (Alex Brandon / Associated Press) June already has its share of monthly observances, including Pride, ALS awareness and African American Music Appreciation. Let me add one more to the list: It should be National Vigilance Month. There is Juneteenth this month, of course, Monday's holiday celebrating African Americans' final emancipation from enslavement. And three summers ago, we had the all-too-brief rebellion against racism and police brutality in the wake of a terrible few months filled with Black death. Both arrived at historical moments when America had a choice to either collectively progress towards racial equity or remain true to its bloody roots. I'm reminded now of something that a policing expert told me when I wrote about Juneteenth three years ago, as the uprising was swelling around the world. Speaking about emancipation, he told me "it took so much blood and so much treasure that the nation was too exhausted to stay focused on what you do to actually build freedom. He touched upon what I sense looking at today's America. Folks are tired. I know I am. Truth is, the Republican war on "woke" is wearing me out. Conservatives have been attempting to revise the English language, changing the meanings of terms such as "critical race theory" to suit their worldview. In that war, their most aggressive campaign may be against the word "woke," a term meant to inspire social action and vigilance in a nation rife with hatred for people based simply upon who we are. It means, quite literally: stay awake. Racism, and all other bigotries, is oriented not merely towards dehumanization, discrimination and violence. They are designed to make us tired. If anything, this month should remind us that none of us can afford to be too exhausted to build a better nation. I saw hints of such exhaustion in Pew's new survey of more than 5,000 Americans. Released Wednesday, it finds that the 67% overall national support for Black Lives Matter that we saw during June 2020 is now down to barely half. This follows a trend Pew has observed since September 2020, when support started to drop. The results break down predictably along racial and partisan lines, but the poll lays most of the responsibility at the feet of one group in particular. The decrease in overall support is mostly due to the declining share of white adults who say they support the movement, the report reads. That particular movement is now 10 years old, and yet less than a third said they understand the goals of Black Lives Matter extremely or very well. About the same percentage, only 32%, agreed BLM is highly effective at bringing attention to racism against Black people. Perhaps Pew's poll question may be too specific. By focusing on BLM, it belies the expansive nature of our national introspection following George Floyds murder in 2020. That uprising was less about the organization Black Lives Matter than the meaning of those three words, and seeing them realized in policy. What erupted in response to a murder committed by a cop grew to examine, among other things, racial inequities in medicine made clear by the mounting and disproportionate COVID-19 death toll. Despite the languishing support, these numbers might make some optimistic. Weve been subject to incessant disinformation campaigns originating from the political right, from lying about urban crime rates to targeting funding for diversity initiatives. Rather than make a case for their policies to voters who aren't likely to support them, Republicans, led by the disgraced former President Trump, have demonstrated that theyll just try to erase us. They've criminalized our history, attempted to ban books and threatened librarians and teachers. All the while, they had the nerve to lead a negative political campaign against the very idea we should remain watchful of such actions. Rather than not doing the racism or, even better, trying to end it, Republican leaders by and large would rather have us believe it isn't a problem. Yet despite all their efforts, half of respondents still view Black Lives Matter favorably. As nice as that may be, I see both this poll and this moment in America differently. Is this the floor for America's support for Black and brown safety and liberation, or are we at risk of sinking further? Ron DeSantis may hold the answer to that question. The governor of Florida is running against the wind. His nascent presidential campaign isn't going well. He is being nearly doubled up in polling by Trump, currently a criminal defendant in two different courts. On top of that, the acolytes of said defendant consider DeSantis Enemy No. 1, seemingly above President Biden. Or Black Lives Matter, even. (Perhaps that's going too far.) It's early, so things could change. Barring any surprising developments, though, it is difficult to see DeSantis' path to the nomination. But I'm not celebrating his flailing campaign. That he has made it this far with his politics of malevolence speaks ill of our nation's direction. DeSantis presents as the more competent version of the former president, but he is more a cosplayer than an evolution. Without the veneer of celebrity, all that remains is the cruelty. In addition to banning gender-affirming care for trans youth, signing a "bathroom bill," and criminalizing drag performances, DeSantis also picked a fight with Disney over his discriminatory "Don't Say Gay" law, costing Floridians thousands of jobs. He signed a six-week abortion restriction that was extreme even by his party's standards. He mismanaged Florida during the COVID-19 pandemic so badly that it seemed to be on purpose, encouraging residents and visitors alike to ignore safety protocols as Black and Latino Floridians remained disproportionately affected. Most recently, his administration and its contractors deceived three dozen migrants and flew them to California as fodder to make a cheap political point. For context, DeSantis had just signed four human-trafficking bills into law, promising with no apparent sense of hypocrisy "to use every resource at our disposal to put human traffickers out of business and into jail." (He himself may be guilty of violating kidnapping laws, as Gov. Gavin Newsom intimated on the day the second plane landed in Sacramento.) His partner-in-possible-crime, Texas governor Greg Abbott, joined DeSantis last year in shipping migrants to both Martha's Vineyard and the residence of Vice President Harris in Washington. Abbott just did it again, busing 42 migrants from Texas to Los Angeles on a day-long trip without any food or water. Recklessly placing people in physical jeopardy is what we've come to expect from Republican governance. It is no wonder that three civil-rights organizations recently took the very rare step of issuing travel advisories for anyone in their constituencies traveling to Florida. The LGBTQ+ rights organization Equality Florida was the first , warning of the risks posed to the health, safety, and freedom of those considering short or long term travel, or relocation to the state. (The Human Rights Campaign soon joined them.) The League of United Latin American Citizens issued theirs in early May, cautioning Latinos ahead of the July 1 enactment of legislation that DeSantis office trumpeted as the strongest state-led anti-illegal immigration bill ever brought forth. The NAACPs warning came days later, shortly before DeSantis announced his presidential campaign. It was, in the organization's words, a direct response to [DeSantis'] aggressive attempts to erase Black history and to restrict diversity, equity, and inclusion programs in Florida schools. Both the NAACP and LULAC have been around since the early 20th century and DeSantis provoked only the second such caution either organization has ever issued. This alone should be warning enough, but it isn't. Republicans have been campaigning and governing with bigotry since well before I was born. It has been a winning message, but whether it is for DeSantis is besides the point. Rather than his electoral prospects, I think primarily of the damage he has done as a governor, and can do as a presidential candidate. What is actually useful, though, is examining why his electoral prospects may be suffering. The Pew numbers depict a nation that saw civil rights as a summer fad three years ago but also doesn't like being viewed as the villain. It never does. America remains that guy who never thinks he has committed a foul. That's evident in every excuse made by the nation's apologists for its lengthy list of human rights abuses, both here and abroad. So many Americans are content voting for terrible outcomes, but heaven forbid they are ever associated with those outcomes. Consider that while metastasizing actual racial hatred, the collective view of it is so negative that conservatives have repurposed the word racism to allege that white people are its true victims. That's why it's a time for vigilance. DeSantis and his lot may hate that the term woke exists, yet people like them are why it exists. DeSantis and company assert we dont need that vigilance, likening it instead to a virus . That is not just bigotry. Theyre gaslighting the entire American public, and theyre limiting the very potential of the country itself. The GOP will keep doing what it does, but what will we voters tolerate? How do we treat candidates who thrive on the kind of cruelty and strongman talk that DeSantis and others continue to engage in? Let's be stereotypical Californians for a moment and focus primarily on ourselves. Recall that earlier this month, our state was the place DeSantis and his officials opted to steer a group of misled asylum-seekers, dumping them in the capital in a sick publicity gambit. Why arent protesters taking to the streets? Why aren't Americans more conspicuously furious about what DeSantis has done? Is it because the anger didn't seem to matter last time? Much like the uproar after a mass shooting, are we only awakened when someone's life ends? Has the rights constant, mind-numbing dehumanization somehow made us all less human? Or are we just too tired? This story originally appeared in Los Angeles Times. European Commission Vice President Margrethe Vestager discusses the EU's antitrust case against Google. AP Photo/Virginia Mayo The European Union filed an antitrust case against Google on June 14, 2023, charging that the company abused its power in the online advertising market to disadvantage its competition. The U.S. Department of Justice filed a similar civil antitrust suit against Google on Jan. 24, 2023. The online ad ecosystem is largely built around programmatic advertising, a system for placing advertisements from millions of advertisers on millions of websites. The system uses computers to automate bidding by advertisers on available ad spaces, often with transactions occurring faster than would be possible manually. Google runs the dominant advertising platform and has 28% market share of global advertising revenue. Most websites outsource the task of selling ads to a complex network of advertising tech companies that do the work of figuring out which ads are shown to each particular person. Programmatic advertising is also a powerful tool that allows advertisers to target and reach people on a huge range of websites. As a postdoctoral researcher in computer science, I study these technologies and companies, including how sketchy ads, like those for miracle weight-loss pills and suspicious-looking software, sometimes appear on legitimate, well-regarded websites. Programmatic advertising, explained The modern online advertising marketplace is meant to solve one problem: match the high volume of advertisements with the large number of ad spaces. The websites want to keep their ad spaces full and at the best prices, and the advertisers want to target their ads to relevant sites and users. Rather than each website and advertiser pairing up to run ads together, advertisers work with demand-side platforms tech companies that let advertisers buy ads. Websites work with supply-side platforms tech companies that pay sites to put ads on their page. These companies handle the details of figuring out which websites and users should be matched with specific ads. Most of the time, ad tech companies decide which ads to show through a real-time bidding auction. Whenever a person loads a website, and the website has a space for an ad, the websites supply-side platform will request bids for ads from demand-side platforms through an auction system called an ad exchange. The demand-side platform will decide which ad in their inventory best targets the particular user, based on any information theyve collected about the users interests and web history from tracking users browsing, and then submit a bid. The winner of this auction gets to place their ad in front of the user. This all happens in an instant. When you see an ad on a web page, behind the scenes an ad network has just automatically conducted an auction to decide which advertiser won the right to present their ad to you. Eric Zeng, CC BY-ND Google runs a supply-side platform, demand-side platform and an exchange. These three components make up an ad network. Googles control of these three components sets the stage for the company to manipulate the market, as the EU and Justice Department allege the company has done. A variety of smaller companies such as Criteo, Pubmatic, Rubicon and AppNexus also operate in the online advertising market. This system allows an advertiser to run ads to potentially millions of users, across millions of websites, without needing to know the details of how that happens. And it allows websites to solicit ads from countless potential advertisers without needing to contact or reach an agreement with any of them. Screening out bad ads Malicious advertisers, like any other advertiser, can take advantage of the scale and reach of programmatic advertising to send scams and links to malware to potentially millions of users on any website. I study how malicious online advertisers take advantage of this system. This means that online advertising companies have a big responsibility to prevent harmful ads from reaching users, but they sometimes fall short. There are some checks against bad ads at multiple levels. Ad networks, supply-side platforms and demand-side platforms typically have content policies restricting harmful ads. For example, Google Ads has an extensive content policy that forbids illegal and dangerous products, inappropriate and offensive content, and a long list of deceptive techniques, such as phishing, clickbait, false advertising and doctored imagery. However, other ad networks have less stringent policies. For example, MGID, a native advertising network my colleagues and I examined for a study and found to run many lower-quality ads, has a much shorter content policy that prohibits illegal, offensive and malicious ads, and a single line about misleading, inaccurate or deceitful information. Native advertising is designed to imitate the look and feel of the website that it appears on, and is typically responsible for the sketchy looking ads at the bottom of news articles. Another native ad network, content.ad, has no content policy on their website at all. These political ads from the 2020 election are examples of potentially misleading techniques to get you to click on them. The ad on the left uses Donald Trumps name and a clickbait headline promising money. The ad in the center claims to be a thank-you card for Dr. Anthony Fauci but in reality is intended to collect email addresses for political mailing lists. The ad on the right presents itself as an opinion poll but links to a page selling a product. Screenshots by Eric Zeng Websites can block specific advertisers and categories of ads. For example, a site could block a particular advertiser that has been running scammy ads on their page, or specific ad networks that have been serving low-quality ads. However, these policies are only as good as the enforcement. Ad networks typically use a combination of manual content moderators and automated tools to check that each ad campaign complies with their policies. How effective these are is unclear, but a report by Confiant, a firm that tracks malware in advertising, suggests that between 0.14% and 1.29% of ads served by various supply-side platforms in the third quarter of 2020 were low quality. Malicious advertisers adapt to countermeasures and figure out ways to evade automated or manual auditing of their ads, or exploit gray areas in content policies. For example, in a study my colleagues and I conducted on deceptive political ads during the 2020 U.S. elections, we found many examples of fake political polls, which purported to be public opinion polls but asked for an email address to vote. Voting in the poll signed the user up for political email lists. Despite this deception, ads like these may not have violated Googles content policies for political content, data collection or misrepresentation, or were simply missed in the review process. Bad ads by design Lastly, some examples of bad ads are intentionally designed to be misleading and deceptive, by both the website and ad network. Native ads are a prime example. They apparently are effective because native advertising companies claim higher clickthrough rates and revenue for sites. Studies have shown that this is likely because users have difficulty telling the difference between native ads and the websites content. These are examples of native ads found on news websites. They imitate the look and feel of links to news articles and often contain clickbait, scams and questionable products. Screenshot by Eric Zeng You may have seen native ads on many news and media websites, including on major sites like CNN, USA Today and Vox. If you scroll to the bottom of a news article, there may be a section called sponsored content or around the web, containing what look like news articles. However, all of these are paid content. My colleagues and I conducted a study on native advertising on news and misinformation websites and found that these native ads disproportionately contained potentially deceptive and misleading content, such as ads for unregulated health supplements, deceptively written advertorials, investment pitches and material from content farms. This highlights an unfortunate situation. Even reputable news and media websites are struggling to earn revenue, and turn to running deceptive and misleading ads on their sites to earn more income, despite the risks it poses to their users and the cost to their reputations. This is an updated version of an article originally published on April 13, 2022. 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: Eric Zeng, Carnegie Mellon University. Read more: Eric Zeng 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. Some European banks are still making money in Russia. The EU is losing patience and pressuring them to exit the market ASAP. Russian President Vladimir Putin. Getty Images A top ECB official called on EU banks still operating in Russia to exit the market asap. His comments followed news that some Western firms are still operating in Russia, despite sweeping sanctions. The official flagged reputational risks to those who stay back. The European Union is losing patience with the bloc's banks still operating in Russia and one top European Central Bank official is publicly putting pressure on lenders to exit the country. "I think that it is important that banks remain very focused on reducing further their exposures and, ideally, exiting the market as soon as they can," Andrea Enria, the ECB's chief supervisor, said at the European Financials Conference on Tuesday, per an official transcript. "That's a process that we not only praise but strongly encourage banks to perform because there is a huge reputational risk in continuing to operate in Russia, in an economy that is shifting towards trying to limit the impact of sanctions and supporting the war effort," Enria added. It's unclear how many Western banks are still doing business in Russia. The Financial Times reported in January that just a handful of the 45 Western banks with subsidiaries in Russia have managed to exit. The ECB official's comments followed headlines that some Western companies with businesses in Russia are still profitably operating in the country even more than a year after Russia's invasion of Ukraine triggered sweeping sanctions. The top 100 Western companies that remained in Russia made so much money that they contributed nearly 288 billion rubles, or $3.5 billion, in corporate taxes in 2022, according to a June 8 report from Novaya Gazeta Europe. In particular, Austria's Raiffeisen Bank almost quadrupled its net profit to 141 billion rubles, per the independent Russian news outlet. Raiffeisen Bank is trying to spin off its operations in Russia, per a May 23 report from Reuters, citing three people familiar with the matter. However, it is hard to break up with Russia. More than a year after Russia invaded Ukraine, a mere 526 companies have made a clean break with the country, according to an ongoing study from Yale University. That's despite 1,000 companies announcing they were voluntarily cutting back on operations merely two months after the Ukraine war started. But it's not for lack of trying: More than 2,000 companies were seeking approval to exit the Russian market, the FT reported in March, but the progress was slow due to logistical delays. Even the ECB's Enria acknowledged it's difficult for foreign banks to quit Russia fast. "Russian authorities are putting a lot of pressure on banks and placing obstacles in their way to prevent them doing that," Enria said on Tuesday. He cited Russian presidential approval and significant hits on investments as difficulties banks face on their way out of the country. Still, EU banks have managed to reduce their exposures to Russian counterparties by 37% in 2022, he said. "We have been putting a lot of pressure on banks to reduce exposures," Enria added. Read the original article on Business Insider A man walks past the flags representing the EU member states at the Berlaymont building, named after the Convent of the Ladies of Berlaymont, which houses the headquarters of the European Commission Bad competition cases are a dime a dozen these days. The UK Competition and Markets Authoritys (CMA) recent unfortunate decisions to block both Microsofts acquisition of Activision Blizzard and Metas takeover of Giphy spring to mind as examples of a competition enforcer prioritising populist big is bad concerns. And yet, in the race to bring the most reckless competition case, the European Commission takes the crown, most recently accusing Google of abusing its dominant position in the online-advertising market. According to the competition watchdog, the issue is that Google favours its own ad exchange (i.e. a platform that matches advertisers with publisher websites) over rivals, thereby harming competition and consumers. This is one of several competition cases that the Commission has brought against Google, but it differs significantly from the previous ones in the remedy that it seeks. The Commission seems to want no less than to break up Googles ad business. Such a remedy is unheard of in modern competition proceedings, even in Europe. The last major corporate breakup of this sort was the Bell system in the 1980s. In the years since, policymakers around the globe have largely recognised that breakups are incredibly hard to orchestrate and usually destroy valuable synergies within a firm. They threaten to turn thriving businesses into a shattered mess the opposite of what competition law is supposed to achieve. This risk is particularly acute in the case at hand. The Commission supposedly assumes that the different parts of Googles ad business could be neatly separated into new entities. But like scrambled eggs, that is not the case. Googles services rely on common code and infrastructure that are almost impossible to untangle. Duplicating them would entail huge costs, and consumers may have to foot the bill. The case is also dubious on the merits, as it is doubtful that Googles behavior harms consumers or competition in any meaningful way. Ad exchanges like Googles compete with numerous other ad platforms, including those from Meta, TikTok, Amazon, Microsoft, and even Googles other advertising properties. In fact, Googles share of online advertising has declined in recent years. This intense competition undermines the Commissions stance. Steering users toward Googles ad exchange against those users interests would weaken Googles competitive position. It could mean that users are overpaying for ads when competition is just a click away. This would not last long. Instead, Googles contested conduct appears to be about matching advertisers and websites faster, even if this sometimes means overlooking rival exchanges. This speed can be key to compete with rivals and ensure that web pages load more quickly. In short, the Commissions case appears to be based on a bad thesis, it misunderstands the underlying facts, and it attempts to impose a disproportionate remedy that would directly harm web users. Some critics might hail such an outcome as a victory against targeted advertising and surveillance capitalism. But they would do well to recall the saying that the only thing consumers dislike more than targeted ads is untargeted ads. As for the Commission, it might well be running headfirst into a decade of costly litigation that will harm its reputation on the international scene. Now is a good time to reconsider its stance. 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. These are just three of many books exploring LGBTQ stories and lives available at Naperville Public Library. (Naperville Public Library/HANDOUT) Read the rainbow this month with Naperville Public Librarys Amazing Book Challenge. Whether youre picking up the memoir of a celebrity you love or the debut novel of an author youve never heard of, we invite you to join us in celebrating the unique perspectives of LGBTQ authors. The Amazing Book Challenge encourages adult and teen readers to broaden their horizons by discovering new subjects, series or authors. Readers are encouraged to choose 12 books throughout the year from 12 different categories. This month were highlighting books by LGBTQ authors in conjunction with Pride Month. Advertisement For the full list of Amazing Book Challenge categories, go to www.naperville-lib.org/ABC On Earth Were Briefly Gorgeous by Ocean Vuong Advertisement On Earth Were Briefly Gorgeous is a letter from a son to a mother who cannot read. Written when the speaker, Little Dog, is in his late 20s, the letter unearths a familys history that began before he was born in Vietnam and serves as a doorway into parts of his life his mother has never known, all of it leading to an unforgettable revelation. Ocean Vuong writes of people caught between disparate worlds and asks how we heal one another without forsaking who we are. One Last Stop by Casey McQuiston For cynical August, moving to New York City is supposed to prove her right: that things like magic and cinematic love stories dont exist and the only smart way to go through life is alone. But then, theres this gorgeous girl on the train. Augusts subway crush becomes the best part of her day, but pretty soon she discovers theres one big problem: Jane doesnt just look like an old school punk rocker. Shes literally displaced in time from the 1970s, and August is going to have to use everything she tried to leave in her own past to help her. Bestiary by K-Ming Chang One evening, Mother tells Daughter a story about a tiger spirit who lived in a womans body. Soon afterwards, Daughter awakes with a tiger tail. And more mysterious events follow: Holes in the back yard spit up letters penned by her grandmother; a visiting aunt arrives with snakes in her belly; a brother tests the possibility of flight. All the while, Daughter is falling for Ben, a neighborhood girl with strange powers of her own. As the two young lovers translate the grandmothers letters, Daughter begins to understand that each woman in her family embodies a myth and that she will have to bring her familys secrets to light in order to change their destiny. Naperville Sun Twice-weekly News updates from the Naperville area delivered every Monday and Wednesday By submitting your email to receive this newsletter, you agree to our Subscriber Terms & Conditions and Privacy Policy > Boy Erased by Garrard Conley When Garrard was a 19-year-old college student, he was outed to his parents and forced to make a life-changing decision: either agree to attend a church-supported conversion therapy program that promised to cure him of homosexuality or risk losing family, friends and the God he had prayed to every day of his life. Though the Twelve-Step Program was supposed to cure him of his homosexuality, Garrard instead found the strength and understanding to break out in search of his true self and forgiveness. The Henna Wars by Adiba Jaigirdar Advertisement When Nishat comes out to her parents, they say she can be anyone she wants as long as she isnt herself. Because Muslim girls arent lesbians. But when a childhood friend walks back into her life, Nishat falls hard. And when a school competition invites students to create their own businesses, both the charismatic Flavia and Nishat choose to do henna, even though Flavia is appropriating Nishats culture. Amidst sabotage and school stress, their lives get more tangled but Nishat cant quite get rid of her crush on Flavia and realizes there might be more to her than she realized. Our Wives Under the Sea by Julia Armfield Miri thinks she has her wife back when Leah finally returns after a deep-sea mission that ended in catastrophe. It soon becomes clear, though, that Leah is not the same. Whatever happened in that vessel, whatever it was they were supposed to be studying before they were stranded on the ocean floor, Leah has brought part of it back with her, onto dry land and into their home. Moving through something that only resembles normal life, Miri comes to realize the life they had before might be gone. Though Leah is still there, Miri can feel the woman she loves slipping from her grasp. Ashlee Conour is the marketing specialist at Naperville Public Library. EU flags The resolution was adopted by 425 votes in favor, three against, and 15 abstentions. Two 16-year-old boys, Ohannisian and Khanhanov, were charged by Russias Investigative Committee on May 24, 2023, with allegedly planning to damage railway infrastructure in the temporarily occupied town of Berdyansk. For this, they face from 10 to 20 years in prison. Read also: Majority of Ukrainian citizens held captive in Russia subjected to torture, ombudsman says A lawyer who provides legal assistance to Ohannisians family also spoke about the torture the boy suffered after being abducted by Russian security forces. The boy was kept in terrible conditions, subjected to beatings and electroshock torture, as well as simulated execution to frighten him, the lawyer stressed. The EU Parliament is demanding that the proceedings against two Ukrainian minors be ended and the charges against them dismissed. Read also: Russia changes names and birthdates of kidnapped children to hide the genocide, Vereshchuk The body also called on UN Special Representative of the Secretary-General on Violence Against Children to investigate their case, and demands that those responsible for prosecuting the two teenagers be included on the EU sanctions list. In addition, MEPs urge the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) to facilitate the safe return of the two jailed minors, who have been subjected to beatings and electroshock torture and face up to 20 years in prison, the press release says. MEPs also condemned Russia for abducting children to Russian or Belarusian territory, illegal adoptions, and so-called re-education measures, retiring the necessity of a EU-Ukraine Child Protection Package for children fleeing or affected by the war and for the EU to intensify its commitment to preventing and ending grave violations against children in war zones. 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 European Parliament adopts resolution calling on NATO to allow Ukraine to accede after the war On 15 June, the European Parliament voted to adopt a resolution in support of Ukraine. The resolution calls on NATO members to begin Ukraines accession process after the war. Source: European Pravda; European Parliament Details: The resolution garnered 425 votes in favour and 38 against, with 42 abstentions. Members of the European Parliament stressed that they expect that the "accession process will start after the war is over and be finalised as soon as possible". Until full membership is achieved, the EU and its member states, together with NATO allies and like-minded partners, "must work closely with Ukraine to develop a temporary framework for security guarantees [...] which is to be implemented immediately after the war", the European Parliament press release reads. The MEPs also expressed hope that the European Commission will positively evaluate Ukraines implementation of the seven candidate recommendations and that negotiations on Ukraines accession to the EU will be opened this year. Furthermore, the MEPs stressed that Ukraines integration in both NATO and the EU would enhance regional and global security. The EP resolution also condemned, "in the strongest possible terms", Russias destruction of the Kakhovka Hydroelectric Power Plant dam on 6 June, stressing that blowing up the dam was a war crime that "created an environmental disaster". "All those responsible for war crimes, including the destruction of the dam, will be held accountable in line with international law," the MEPs said. Another part of the resolution was dedicated to Ukraines recovery, with MEPs calling for a "comprehensive and adequate EU recovery package for Ukraine", which should focus on the countrys immediate, medium- and long-term relief. MEPs particularly emphasised the importance of linking Ukraines recovery efforts with its EU accession preparations and other reforms. They said that new infrastructure that will replace damaged facilities should be built in accordance with the "build back better" principle and the European Green Deal to help transform Ukraine into a "carbon-free and digital modern European welfare state and market economy". Previously: On 14 June, NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg said that the consultations concerning the model of Ukraines movement towards NATO are ongoing. The creation of a Ukraine-NATO Council has been proposed as one form of cooperation between Ukraine and the Alliance, but Ukraines Foreign Minister Dmytro Kuleba said that creating the council without taking steps towards Ukraines membership "is like providing a tank without a gun". Journalists fight on their own frontline. Support Ukrainska Pravda or become our patron! The European Parliament approved a resolution on June 15 calling on NATO to accept Ukraine into the alliance after the war is over. The resolution was adopted with 425 votes in favor, 38 against, and 42 abstentions. According to a statement, members of the EU expect that the accession process will start after the war is over and will be finalized as soon as possible. The parliament emphasized that until full membership is achieved, the EU together with NATO allies must work closely with Ukraine to develop a temporary framework for security guarantees, which is to be implemented immediately after the war. Von der Leyen: Im deeply convinced that Ukraine will win this war As Russian President Vladimir Putin makes his last-ditch attempt to break European support for Ukraine, European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen visited Kyiv on Sept. 15, saying that the EU will always stand by Ukraines side. Putin has always tried to divide us wherever there might have The Kyiv IndependentOleksiy Sorokin Parliament believes that Ukraines integration in both NATO and the EU would enhance regional and global security. In addition, the European Parliament condemned Russias destruction of the Kakhovka Dam, emphasizing that all responsible for war crimes will be held accountable in line with international law. The parliament also calls for a comprehensive and adequate EU recovery package for Ukraine to overcome war consequences, which should focus on the countrys immediate, medium- and long-term relief, reconstruction, and recovery. Members of the EU also hope that EU accession negotiations with Ukraine can begin this year. Ukraine applied for EU membership in February 2022, a few days after Russia launched its full-scale invasion. It obtained its candidate status in June. Ukraine must now fulfill seven European Commission conditions set when granting Ukraine candidate status to begin accession talks. European Parliament calls for NATO to invite Ukraine to join alliance The body passed a resolution to this effect with 425 votes in favor, 38 votes against, and 42 abstentions. The members expressed their hope that the accession process will begin after the end of the war and will be completed as quickly as possible. Ahead of Ukraines attainment of full membership, it is imperative that the European Union and NATO allies closely collaborate with the country in developing temporary security frameworks that can be swiftly implemented once the Russian aggression against Ukraine comes to an end, the European Parliament stated. Read also: NATO already training Ukrainian pilots on F-16 fighter jets, says NATO chief Stoltenberg The parliament emphasized that Ukraines integration into NATO and the EU will not only bolster regional and global security, but also strengthen the bonds between Ukraine and the Euro-Atlantic community. The upcoming NATO Summit scheduled for July 11-12 in Vilnius holds significant importance for Ukraine, as it anticipates receiving a clear and resolute signal affirming the Alliances preparedness to welcome it as a member. NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg has reiterated his commitment to conveying this signal. Read also: Duda calls for Ukraine to join NATO, Germany and France favor security guarantees However, with only five weeks remaining until the summit, Western allies have yet to reach a consensus regarding the security guarantees Ukraine has requested, according to U.S. news website Politico. According to sources cited by U.S. financial news outlet Wall Street Journal, Western nations are set to propose a security framework for Ukraine modeled after that of Israel, as a prerequisite for NATO membership. This arrangement would facilitate the transfer of weaponry and cutting-edge technologies to Kyiv, marking a significant step forward on the path to membership in the Alliance. 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 Crimea I know about predictions regarding the threat of Russia potentially mining the Titan chemical plant in Crimea. The factory produces various poisonous substances. If they enter the environment in an uncontrolled state, it is understood that they will poison not only the air (one of the main threats to people) but also everything else in the vicinity. This means both the Kherson region and Crimea. We have yet to learn much about the volumes of substances stored there, what the wind there could be at the time of the event, and so on. Experts should examine all possible scenarios. Another artificial catastrophe from the Russian occupiers after they destroyed the Kakhovka hydroelectric plant cannot be ruled out. The Titan plant is currently operational. There is a production cycle for the production of a variety of products. The city of Armyansk primarily exists to serve the plant and house its employees. If it is not a very dry summer, it will be enough to provide them with water Russians will leave behind a devastated territory. They seem to have accepted that they will not hold the land they've captured. Therefore, they decided to leave these occupied territories in such a state that they cannot be rebuilt for decades to come. What the Russians call an evacuation is not to preserve the health and lives of people in threatening conditions. It is intended to complicate the situation further and then resolve it in the interests of those who created it. In other words, in the interests of the Russian Federation. What does the evacuation of people who are currently affected by flooding mean? It is clear that Russia would, logically, be able to bring evacuees to Crimea. But we understand that the Crimean occupation authorities will not even create the minimum standard of conditions for them, even temporarily. Read also: Muted intl response to Kakhovka, danger washing up in Odesa, new orders for Russian PMCs Russia will likely force these people into its own territory. They will do everything to make large groups of people constantly move, demoralizing and suppressing them. Hostages are a resource for them, so they will drive them further toward the Russian Federation. If they need to cover up them, they will cover them up. If they need to add Crimean residents to their number tomorrow, they will add more Crimean residents and drive them further. Regarding water use in Crimea, we need to be more precise, especially when discussing volumes. Water is required for household and communal needs, including drinking water. As of 2013, before the occupation, Crimea needed about 103-110 million cubic meters of water to meet its minimal needs. The currently-existing reservoirs in Crimea are sufficient to preserve the amount necessary for communal and domestic needs. Read also: How will the sabotage of the Kakhovka dam affect Russian forces in southern Ukraine and Crimea? According to experts, especially after rains that lasted for weeks in Crimea, these reservoirs hold about 280 million cubic meters of water. If it is not a very dry summer, it will be enough to provide them with water. However, it should be added that in 9 years of occupation, Russians settled about a million new people there. As a rule, these people settled in new buildings, including high-rises. This is important because high-rises require a sufficient amount of water. The situation has changed, and perhaps Crimea now needs not merely 110 million cubic meters, but up to 400 million cubic meters. And therefore, these reservoirs, according to calculations, will still be sufficient. But the Dnipro water, which was flowing through the North Crimean Canal, always "secured" these water reserves in Crimea. The Dnipro water supplemented the volumes of water in these reservoirs. Water will stop flowing to Crimea through the canal. But there is another area the agricultural and industrial sectors. Read also: Ukraine has been shadow-banned over the Kakhovka disaster - opinion The occupiers have built hundreds of military bases on the territory of Crimea. In 2022, when they captured part of the Kherson region and reached Nova Kakhovka, they opened the water supply to the canal. Before that point, from 2014 to 2021, the canal did not supply water to Crimea. And this was absolutely the correct position for the Ukrainian government. Last year they opened it because they occupied this territory. They were confident that the occupation would be permanent and returned to growing rice in Crimea. Rice is a crop that takes up a tremendous amount of water that comes to Crimea. Regarding statements about the 5-10 year physical impossibility of water supply to Crimea we all hope that Crimea will be liberated soon. Therefore, we have to talk about the development of the peninsula. Here is the first conclusion: without the supply of Dnipro water, the economy of Crimea, life in Crimea, including the balanced development of various types of management, is impossible. We need to already consider new possibilities for transporting Dnipro water to Crimea. Perhaps there will be massive pipelines. We need to talk about this with our partners and experts. After the dam was blown up and a vast area in the south of Ukraine flooded, everyone in Crimea was shocked for different reasons or from different understandings. Read also: Latest from Kakhovka catastrophe, EU to loosen agro import bans, RU conflicts to worsen If we talk about our people hundreds of thousands of Ukrainian citizens remain loyal to the Ukrainian state they now understand that the occupiers are ready to do anything. And therefore, they realize that something similar can happen in Crimea. They do not have such dams and large reservoirs, but they do have chemical plants and other dangerous industries where human intervention can cause catastrophic consequences. They realize this, and I can refer to personal conversations with people from Crimea. They are apprehensive about when the operation to liberate Crimea may occur, how it will happen, and whether the occupiers will have time to do some great harm before they are forced out. People are afraid they will be forced to go to Russia. They also talk about this, that there could be some kind of repeated deportation. As for those local collaborators, they also have insight to some extent. They have seen that Moscow is not guided by the policy of holding the territories they have captured, no matter what their propaganda and the legal constructs they have set up to legitimize it may say. Read also: Russian occupiers claim drone attack on Crimea Earlier, when it was only about the occupied Crimea, those who helped Russia to occupy the peninsula, those who went to serve the Russian occupiers, bought into the line that: "You see, Crimea is now part of the Russian Federation because it is included in the Constitution of Russia. And Russia will never allow encroachment on the territories listed in its Constitution. If necessary, it will use nuclear weapons." They said that Crimea was wholly protected and permanently Russian territory. Now they no longer have that understanding of the situation. They realized that Moscow will act based on the fleeting whims of no more than a dozen people. The interests of Crimea as a territory, the interests of Russians living in Crimea, let alone the interests of ethnic Ukrainians or Crimean Tatars, are indifferent to Moscow. There are entirely different motivations there now. Unfortunately, that is more of a question for psychologists to decipher than logic. 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 Ex-AIIB comms chief says was advised to flee China after fiery resignation (Refiles to correct name in paragraph 15) By Laurie Chen BEIJING (Reuters) - A senior employee of the Beijing-based Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank (AIIB) said on Thursday he was advised to flee the country after resigning from the bank in protest over what he alleged was Chinese Communist Party influence. Bob Pickard, a Canadian national and former global communications chief for the AIIB, announced his resignation in a scathing social media post on Wednesday. Hours later Ottawa said it was freezing ties with the bank while it probed the allegations. Established by Chinese President Xi Jinping in 2016 as a Chinese alternative to the World Bank and other Western-led multilateral lending institutions, AIIB has 106 members worldwide, including Canada, and says it is an "apolitical" lender. "I high-tailed it out of there as soon as possible," Pickard told Reuters in a phone interview, adding he fled to Japan after tendering his resignation earlier this week. "I've been advised not to set foot in China anytime soon. From a country where the two Michaels were kidnapped by the government, we're maybe a little more sensitive or concerned about such things," he said, referring to the high-profile case of two Canadians detained in China for nearly three years from 2018-2021. He did not elaborate on who advised him to flee. China's embassy in Canada said late on Wednesday that Pickard's statements were "lies". China's foreign ministry on Thursday said the AIIB adhered to "principles of openness, meritocracy and transparency" when recruiting and managing staff. The AIIB earlier on Wednesday said it had accepted Pickard's resignation and called his comments "baseless and disappointing." It did not respond to a further request for comment. Canada's embassy in China did not immediately respond to requests for comment. 'NOT IN CANADA'S INTERESTS' Pickard said he did not believe the interests of Canada were served by the bank. "I felt the power of the (Communist) Party people interfered with our ability to clearly and transparently communicate," Pickard said, declining to name specific examples due to confidentiality agreements. "I feel the taxpayers of my country should not be financing this organisation which in the end will be of more benefit to China than any benefit to Canada." Canadian Finance Minister Chrystia Freeland on Wednesday said the country was freezing ties as it investigated the matter and did not rule out any outcome, a hint that Ottawa could pull out of a bank it officially joined in March 2018. "The relevant person's comments about AIIB are pure sensational hype and outright lies," China's embassy in Canada said in a statement on its website late Wednesday. China is an important member of the AIIB and has always followed multilateral rules and procedures, the embassy said. "Some countries frequently point fingers at others and make irresponsible remarks...This kind of behaviour is clearly 'authoritarian' behaviour," the embassy added. The clash marks a new dip in bilateral relations between Canada and China, which have been frosty for the last five years. Last month, China expelled a Canadian diplomat in Shanghai in a tit-for-tat move after Ottawa told a Toronto-based Chinese diplomat to leave, citing foreign interference. Canada has accused China of trying to interfere in its affairs through various schemes, including illegal police stations and the targeting of lawmakers. Beijing denies all such allegations. A public relations veteran, Pickard joined the AIIB in March 2022, according to his LinkedIn profile. Earlier this year, AIIB's president said the bank would not get dragged into political disputes. (This story has been refiled to correct the name of the Canadian finance minister in paragraph 15) (Reporting by Laurie Chen in Beijing; Additional reporting by Liz Lee; Editing by John Geddie and Lincoln Feast.) The wife of the then-governor of the US Virgin Islands is alleged to have consulted paedophile Jeffrey Epstein in 2011 about new sex crime legislation three years before he pled guilty to soliciting a minor, a legal brief has stated. The brief has been filed by JPMorgan Chase as it battles the government of the US Virgin Islands, which has been attempting to lay the blame on the bank for allegedly being aware that it was profiting off the convicted sex offenders trafficking, according to Law & Crime. JP Morgan Chase has been defending its case by making allegations against the local government of the US territory. The most recent legal brief in the case states that Cecile de Jongh, the former first lady of the Virgin Islands, where the disgraced financier kept a residence, was in contact with him in 2011. In May of that year, the local legislature was looking at changing its sex offender monitoring laws, and in its brief, JPMorgan quoted Ms de Jongh consulting Epstein on the language of the legislation. This is the suggested language; will it work for you? shes alleged to have asked Epstein, the brief states. We should add out of country for more than 7 days, otherwise I could not go for a day trip to Tortola, at the last minute, Epstein supposedly responded. Tortola is the largest island of the British Virgin Islands. Ms De Jongh allegedly also helped arrange visas for victims of Epstein and asked for political donations, according to the Wall Street Journal. Epstein appeared worried in 2011 about the transparency measures in the new legislation which may have made some information accessible by the press, according to the brief. If we are not careful. A list of who I stay with should violate my privacy, he wrote at the time. Restrict my business and livelihood. Ms de Jongh wrote back that she didnt want to email back and forth, and added that the deadline for the legislation was approaching. The bank claims that Ms de Jongh was an ally to Epstein, but also that she was on the payroll of his companies in the Virgin Islands, and that in addition to a salary, she also received bonuses and added benefits. Epstein, alongside his lawyer at the time, Maria Hodge, failed in their efforts to lobby the Virgin Islands Justice Department and the office of the attorney general, the filing notes. I know this was a horrible week and I am really sorry about how things panned out, Ms de Jongh wrote in June 2011 after the legislation passed. Not being able to take someone at their word is incredibly frustrating. However, all is not lost and we will figure something out by coming up with a game plan to get around these obstacles. The plan was to lobby local senators to facilitate Epsteins easy travel to and from the US Virgin Islands, according to the bank. JPMorgan recently agreed to a $290m settlement following a class action lawsuit filed by an anonymous Epstein survivor, allowing the bank to avoid a trial which may have divulged embarrassing details regarding the actions of bank executives, Law & Crime noted. Brad Edwards, a lawyer who has represented Epstein survivors, said a deal with the government of the Virgin Islands aided the survivors in reaching the settlement with the bank. The information and support the US Virgin Islands and its legal team provided to the survivors was enormously valuable, and we recognize the importance of the governments continued litigation against JPMorgan Chase to prevent future crimes, Mr Edwards said in a statement, according to Law & Crime. The office of the Virgin Islands attorney general has said that it will not settle the case with the bank before the trial set for October. The government said that the bank has pushed hyperbolic conspiracy theories about the territory to distract and deflect. The government has asked Senior US District Judge Jed Rakoff to strike intimations regarding hypocrisy as an affirmative defence. Virgin Islands Attorney General spokesperson Venetia Velazquez said in a statement that JPMorgan Chase has cherry-picked and mischaracterized Epsteins interactions with US Virgin Islands officials and residents in an attempt to distract and shift blame away from its role in facilitating Jeffrey Epsteins heinous crimes. JPMorgan Chase seeks to attack the people of the Virgin Islands for not discovering the very information that bank executives refused to share. JPMorgan Chase had a legal responsibility to report the evidence in its possession of Epsteins human trafficking, it failed to do so, and it should be held accountable for violating the law, she added, according to Law & Crime. But one of the banks lawyers, Felicia Ellsworth, wrote in the legal brief that tellingly, USVIs motion seeks to strike only those specific defenses that threaten to expose its relationship with Epstein. JPMorgan is also claiming that Epstein had close ties to current Virgin Islands Governor Democrat Albert Bryan. Mr Bryan fired the former Attorney General Denise Goerge who initially filed the case against JPMorgan as a prosecutor. Mitchell Epner, a former sex trafficking prosecutor told Law & Crime that if a federal judge rules that the claims made by the bank can be used in a trial, they will use the information to try to get the Virgin Islands government to negotiate. It is standard in litigation to use the process to disincentivize the opponent to continue, he said. Unless a settlement is reached, the trial is set to begin on 23 October. By Brad Brooks (Reuters) - The former morgue manager at Harvard Medical School was among five people indicted by a grand jury on Wednesday over allegations they stole and sold body parts from cadavers donated to the school, federal prosecutors said. Cedric Lodge, 55, who was fired from his job on May 6, and the other defendants were accused of carrying out a black market body parts scheme from roughly 2018 to 2022, the U.S. Attorney's Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania said in a statement. One of the defendants lives in Scranton, Pennsylvania. Prosecutors said Lodge, who was hired by Harvard in Boston, Massachusetts, in 1995, would at times let potential buyers into the school's morgue to examine cadavers and select what parts to buy. The buyers mostly resold the body parts, prosecutors said. A sixth person was previously charged in Arkansas in the same investigation on suspicion of stealing body parts from a mortuary she worked for, prosecutors said. Reuters has previously reported on abuses in the body trade business. It was not immediately clear if Lodge, who was arrested by the FBI on Wednesday according to ABC News citing the FBI, or the others indicted, who included Lodge's wife, had legal representation. The FBI did not immediately respond to requests for comment. "Some crimes defy understanding," U.S. Attorney Gerard Karam said in a statement. "The theft and trafficking of human remains strikes at the very essence of what makes us human." People whose body parts were sold had volunteered their remains to be used to educate medical professionals, Karam said. The Harvard Medical School cooperated with the investigation, he said. George Daley, the dean of the Harvard Faculty of Medicine, said in a statement to the school's community on Wednesday that "we are appalled to learn that something so disturbing could happen on our campus." Daley said Harvard Medical School, which first learned of the allegations in March, was searching its records, particularly logs showing when donor remains were sent to be cremated and when Lodge was on campus, to try to determine which donors' body parts may have been trafficked. Harvard's office of media relations said it could not provide more information, citing the criminal investigation. (Reporting by Brad Brooks in Lubbock, Texas; Editing by Donna Bryson and Grant McCool) John-Austin Elwess, 29, is one of the former inmates who helped design a Stanislaus County program for people like him released from incarceration. The Oakdale native said he didnt know how to get a drivers license again after his release from jail in June 2022. His family members let him stay with them for a month before they moved away. Not many people offered him help until his parole officer told him about another ex-inmate whos running an organization to support the formerly incarcerated to succeed outside prison walls. Elwess attended classes to stay sober and learn personal finance and was referred to a therapist to help him deal with trauma. The organization, Legacy Alliance Outreach, found work for him as a mechanic and helped him find a small rental home in Hughson. We could do much greater things if we had the funding and they gave us the resources, Elwess said. Elwess is one of 14 former inmates who worked on the design of the Homeboy Industries-inspired program for Stanislaus County. According to the planning teams recommendations, the program wont be part of the justice system. It will be staffed by people who were formerly incarcerated or in gangs. And the services will be in a building that doesnt look like a government structure. The 18-month pilot program will be modeled after Father Gregory Boyles work with gangs in Los Angeles, where participants get social support from people with the same background, as well as services for healing the whole person. If it was Elwess decision, the county would contract with Legacy Alliance to operate the progressive program. But the county needs to go through the procurement process, and it isnt clear who will manage Homeboy Stanislaus. The countys version of a Homeboy Industries network cleared an initial hurdle June 6 when supervisors approved $1.5 million for a test program in the Public Safety Realignment plan annual budget. Ruben Imperial, assistant county executive officer, said Monday the next step is a detailed proposal for implementing the program through the Public Defenders Office. Public Defender Jennifer Jennison said Tuesday her office will put together a formal proposal for the pilot program based on the recommendations. She noted that counties must follow contracting rules, some of which could allow a sole-source contract with an organization like Legacy or require a competitive process. Jennison said she likes the idea of putting the services under one roof and providing a welcoming environment. Its also the idea that you receive services while working with people who have the same lived experience, she said. Imperial said the procurement process includes assessing what organizations are currently providing these types of services and serving the priority population in Stanislaus County. People from county departments, Focus on Prevention, Sierra Vista Children and Family Services, Love Stanislaus, Project Resolve and consulting firms spent months working with 14 adults, who served time in county and state correctional facilities, to come up with recommendations and a program design. Kate Trompetter, a consultant who guided the planning effort, said the professionals on the planning team stepped back and let the former inmates design elements of the program. The planning team conducted in-depth interviews, meetings and focus groups to understand the stigma and challenges of adults released from incarceration. The primary takeaways were the importance of community, Trompetter said. Folks who have shared experience supporting each other in their recovery. It is going to be a government-funded program but we need to create a program that doesnt seem like government, because there is no trust. According to the recommendations and a proposal issued by the planning group in March, former inmates talked about a justice system that, combined with homelessness and lack of employment, seems to set up the formerly incarcerated for failure. Many need help in dealing with the trauma of gang violence or living behind prison walls. Their criminal records, tattoos and physical appearance undermine their employment prospects. And social isolation puts them at risk of recidivism. Program will help former inmates adjust To prevent a return to criminal life, the planners concluded that program participants will need positive social support from individuals from the same experience. They will need services to help them heal from trauma and to mature, and they will need employment opportunities and education. The process will need to start before people are released from incarceration, the group concluded. The planning team also stressed the importance of steady employment for participants to boost confidence and introduce them to a new social circle with a positive influence. The planning team proposes an 18-month pilot starting with 50 participants, which is a small percentage of incarcerated people released in the county every year. Priority would be given to men younger than 50 who were formerly incarcerated or involved with gangs. The numbers show that 85% of adults released from incarceration to the county since 2013 were males, but the program also will serve women, Imperial said. A vibrant center for services The recommendations favor locating the services in a single, high visibility center not a government building. The planners envision a vibrant-looking, colorful center that draws people in. Participants would have access to mental health and wellness services. Another priority would be job skills training and employment provided by partner industries in the community or social enterprises created onsite. Boyles Homeboy Industries is known for its social enterprises, or in-house businesses that give immediate jobs to those starting the reentry program. The profits are committed to funding social services. The recommendations also include support groups for addiction, domestic violence, trauma and anger management. Social groups would offer fun activities, outings and events. We think all the ingredients needed for this are in our community, Trompetter said. County Supervisor Terry Withrow, a chief proponent of the program, has endorsed the nonprofit Legacy Alliance Outreach and its executive director, Michael Baldwin, to play a big role in running the Homeboy-inspired activities under a contract with the county. Legacy Alliance serves marginalized adults and young people and also is assisting formerly incarcerated adults with the transition to living in the community. The planning team also recognized Legacy as a good fit for running the program. Legacy has already begun the work of effectively engaging our priority population and has the beginning infrastructure and skill sets that makes them a high-leverage partner. With the proper support, they will be able to begin important work right away. Jennison said counties must follow contracting rules, some of which could allow a sole-source contract with an organization like Legacy or require a competitive process. Jennison said she likes the idea of putting the services under one roof and providing a welcoming environment. Its also the idea that you receive services while working with people who have the same lived experience, she said. What is the sheriffs opinion? Sheriff Jeff Dirkse said Wednesday he liked the program proposal when it came across his desk. Its intriguing and Im very optimistic it will prevent recidivism, Dirkse said. Homeboy Industries (in Los Angeles) has been quite successful and effective. Its a great idea to get this out of the government system. It is a community-run (program) and I think thats also helpful. Elwess said the hardest part of the journey since his release was finding housing. Not only do people not want to rent to a felon, the housing market is insane, he said. Some community partners are already involved with the proposed Stanislaus Homeboy program, including Center for Human Services, Sierra Vista, county Workforce Development, the county Probation Department, the State Theater, Valley First Credit Union and restaurant owner Ann Endsley, who has provided a building and has employed formerly incarcerated people. Trompetter said shes not aware of a site thats being considered for the local program. The program will rely on public funding to get started. But the program design also has a sustainability plan including a social enterprise that generates revenue, fund development, philanthropy and grant writing. The planning team stressed the importance of professional development for program staff. While their lived experience is valuable, staff members will need expanded skill sets to provide effective counseling, program management, peer navigation, leadership and budget management. FILE - U.S. Rep. Steve Buyer, R-Ind. announces he will not seek re-election during a news conference in Indianapolis, Jan. 29, 2010. The former Indiana congressman should spend no time in prison after his insider trading conviction, his lawyers told a judge Wednesday, June 14, 2023. (AP Photo/AJ Mast, File) NEW YORK (AP) A former Indiana congressman should spend no time in prison after his insider trading conviction, his lawyers told a judge Wednesday. Steve Buyer, 64, of Noblesville, Indiana, was convicted by a jury in Manhattan federal court in March of four securities fraud charges after a two-week trial for stock trades he made while working as a consultant and lobbyist after he finished serving in Congress from 1993 to 2011. He was convicted in connection with insider trading involving the $26.5 billion merger of T-Mobile and Sprint, announced in April 2018, and stock purchases he made at a later time in the management consulting company Navigant when his client Guidehouse was set to acquire it in a deal publicly disclosed weeks later. Federal sentencing guidelines call for him to serve a prison sentence of about three years, though judges frequently depart downward from the recommendations. His lawyers wrote in a submission ahead of a July 11 sentencing that the Republican should face only home confinement and community service. The lawyer and Persian Gulf War veteran once chaired the House Veterans Affairs committee and served as a House prosecutor at former President Bill Clintons 1998 impeachment trial. Buyer's attorneys told the judge who will sentence their client that Buyer has suffered substantially as a result of the prosecution and conviction. The case has irreparably damaged his reputation, tarnished his achievements and lifetime of service, and continue to bring shame and humiliation to him and his family, the lawyers said. They said he lost all of his consulting clients after he was indicted and his two businesses crumbled, erasing average yearly gross income of about $2.2 million that existed from 2018 to 2021. Now, they produce no income, the lawyers said. As a result of the conviction, he will lose his Virginia and Indiana bar licenses, and he can never again consult for and advise Fortune 500 companies or any others where he could have access to insider information, they said. The cost of litigation has also been substantial, causing Mr. Buyer and his wife to sell most of their assets, including their home, condo, and two cars, the lawyers said. His wife will have to go back to work at age 65, they added. In addition, four financial institutions have closed or frozen his bank accounts, including his investment accounts, and two credit card companies have closed his accounts, the lawyers said. The attorneys said a sentence that does not include prison time would not be unusual because more than a third of individuals convicted of insider trading charges who previously had a clean record faced no prison time. And over 70 percent of the sentences were less than two years in length, they said. At trial, prosecutors said his clients were motivated to share lucrative secrets with him because they wanted his help as a consultant. Defense lawyers contended that he was a stock market buff who did research that led to legal profitable trades. Buyer testified on his own behalf. Buyer made over $320,000 illegally for himself, relatives and a woman with whom he had an affair, authorities said. Although a Cook County judge ruled that Niles voters could not elect the members of the villages ethics board earlier this spring, the primary backer of the change and a candidate for the board are asking a higher court to reconsider the decision. Joseph Makula, who advocated for a referendum allowing Niles citizens to elect their ethics board members, and David Carrabotta, a former Maine Township Trustee who ran for one of the seats, filed paperwork to begin the appeal process in late May, court records show. Advertisement Mayor George Alpogianis said when the elected board was ruled unconstitutional that the most recently seated board would be reconstituted. He told Pioneer Press trustees would take up appointments to the ethics board at the June village board meeting, but said he was not yet able to speak about who would fill the five seats. Advertisement The paperwork marks yet another twist in a three year legal and political quest to establish an elected ethics board in Niles, where memories of corruption are still relatively fresh from the 2008 indictment of longtime Mayor Nicholas Blase. The village ethics board is charged with making advisory recommendations to village trustees and investigating potential cases of unethical conduct, per village ordinance. Makula first tried to place a referendum allowing for an elected ethics board on the November 2020 ballot, arguing that it would create more of a check on power in the village and keep board members accountable to citizens. Good-government advocates and scholars from Reform for Illinois, the Chicago Ethics Board and Northern Illinois University have told Pioneer Press an elected board of ethics would be very unusual, possibly a first in Illinois or the nation. It could either enhance or kneecap ethics enforcement in the village, they said, because elections by themselves create a certain degree of politics in that candidates have to campaign. They also noted that members of an ethics board should have some background in the areas of law and government to understand the cases that come before them. Village Clerk Marlene Victorine refused to certify the ballot question in 2020, touching off the first round of court wrangling, and the question only came before voters in the April 2021 consolidated election. The results of the referendum then remained under wraps until June of that year. Just a few weeks before voting was set to begin on 11 candidates for a five-person board in the 2023 consolidated election, Niles resident Anthony Schittino filed a new lawsuit arguing that to elect an ethics board would create two competing forms of government in Niles. Cook County Circuit Court Judge Araceli De La Cruz ruled in favor of Schittino April 25. The position of village ethics board member does not appear to be provided in the governmental structure chosen by the village, De La Cruz said in her ruling. Advertisement Makula and Carrabotta, who filed the appeal, are established political allies: when Makula was treasurer of the Niles-Maine District Library Board of Trustees, Carrabotta made frequent public comments in support of Makulas priorities for the library. Another familiar figure in Makulas political circle, Robert Zalesny, circulated nominating petitions for Carrabotta when he ran for the board, records show. Zalesny also signed onto Makulas lawsuit seeking the removal of another trustee on the Niles-Maine Library Board in 2021. By Dan Whitcomb (Reuters) - A New York ethics board on Thursday ordered former Mayor Bill de Blasio to pay a record $474,794 for using city funds for a security detail during his long-shot 2019 presidential campaign, finding that he violated conflict of interest laws. The city's Conflicts of Interest Board said de Blasio had required the city to pay travel expenses for a New York Police Department security detail for him and his wife while mounting a failed run for the Democratic nomination for president between May and September 2019, while still mayor of New York. It said it had advised de Blasio, who served eight years as New York's mayor from 2013 to 2021, against using city resources before he launched the campaign, but he disregarded that advice. The board ruled that de Blasio should repay $319,794 spent on salaries, travel costs and overtime for the security detail for 31 campaign trips outside the state. It fined him an additional $155,000. "When a public servant uses city resources for private purposes, it erodes the public's trust and makes city government less efficient," the board said in its three-page written decision, which followed a lengthy investigation and hearings into the matter. De Blasio's "conduct plainly violates this prohibition," the board wrote. The former mayor was given 30 days to pay the full amount, which according to the board included the largest such fine it had ever imposed. Andrew Celli, a lawyer for de Blasio, said in a written statement posted to Twitter that the former mayor had sued to overturn the board's ruling. "In a time of unprecedented threats of political violence, the COIB's reckless and arbitrary ruling threatens the safety and security of our democratically elected public servants," Celli said. Celli cited the Jan. 6, 2021, attack on the U.S. Capitol as an example of threats faced by political leaders. Three of the board's five members are appointed to six-year terms by the mayor, one by the city's comptroller and one by the public advocate. (Reporting by Dan Whitcomb; Editing by Sonali Paul) Exclusive-Palau seeks more U.S. patrols of its waters after Chinese incursions By Sakura Murakami and John Geddie TOKYO (Reuters) -The Pacific island nation of Palau has asked the United States to step up patrols of its waters after several incursions by Chinese vessels into its exclusive economic zone, President Surangel Whipps Jr. told Reuters in an interview. Whipps Jr. said he would also welcome a bigger U.S. military presence in the country, with troops stationed alongside existing coastguard and civil action teams, as Washington and Beijing vie for influence in the strategic region. "No matter what, we're going to be in the centre of whatever's happening, so it's important that we're protected," Whipps Jr. said during a visit to Tokyo on Wednesday, adding that "to get peace, you have to project strength". The Pentagon did not immediately respond to a request for comment. Asked about the incursions on Thursday, China's foreign ministry spokesperson Wang Wenbin said the vessels had taken shelter in the relevant waters and had not conducted any surveys or investigations. "Security cooperation between countries should not target third parties," he added. Palau, a remote archipelago of coral and volcanic islands in the western Pacific home to just over 20,000 people, has a decades-old pact with Washington whereby the U.S. retains responsibility for its defence and provides economic assistance - a legacy that has its roots in World War Two. The U.S. also has such pacts with the Pacific island states of Micronesia and the Marshall Islands, and struck a defence cooperation agreement with Papua New Guinea in May. China has also been seeking to bolster its security presence in the Pacific, and last year penned a security pact with the Solomon Islands that alarmed the U.S., Australia and New Zealand. REGIONAL FORUM PLEDGED TO TAKE UNITED POSITION Palau identified Chinese vessels in its waters as recently as last month, when a ship appeared to be surveying an area near fibre optic cables vital to the country's communications, Whipps Jr. said. He said he would raise the issue of the incursions at the regional Pacific Islands Forum leaders' meeting in November. The group has previously said it would take a united position on dealing with major powers, and last year rejected a push by China to sign a security and trade deal with 10 of its 18 members. U.S. Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin praised "small island states" like Palau in a speech in Singapore earlier this month and, in a 2021 meeting with Whipps Jr., expressed deep appreciation for the U.S.-Palau partnership. Palau has previously hosted U.S. military exercises and the U.S. plans to install over-the-horizon radar in the country by 2026. During the multi-day trip to Japan, Whipps Jr. also visited the Fukushima Dai-ichi Nuclear Power Plant, which experienced a triple core meltdown from a tsunami triggered by a massive earthquake in 2011. Japan is set to release a million tonnes of water starting this summer from the nuclear power plant into the Pacific Ocean. The water will have most of its radioactivity removed and be diluted to internationally approved levels but will still contain traces of tritium, an isotope that is difficult to separate from water. The plan has been criticised by some local fishermen and neighbouring countries, including South Korea, China and some Pacific island nations. But Whipps Jr. said he was not opposed to the plan and that he sensed regional resistance was also waning. "We've made a decision that what they're doing is right and we should support them," he said. (Reporting by Sakura Murakami and John Geddie; Editing by Michael Perry and Alex Richardson) The disappearance of Adam Delimkhanov (pictured in the foreground) may be a PR campaign, believes the head of the government of Ichkeria beyond the border, Akhmed Zakayev Currently, there is no substantiated information regarding his alleged injuries, Zakayev noted. We have yet to receive any verifiable confirmation on this matter. Typically, such occurrences are orchestrated to generate an information frenzy and somehow lionize the individual involved. It appears that there might be a similar motive at play here. We must not disregard this. He added that he is attempting to gather information about Delimkhanov from his sources within Chechnya. Read also: Where is Kadyrovs buddy? Kadyrov shares doctored video with Delimkhanov, debunked by Russian media Zakayev also argued that he is 90% certain that Delimkhanovs disappearance is nothing more than a purely propagandistic ploy. The exact purpose behind these actions remains uncertain, the PM-in-exile explained. It could be a deliberate attempt to glorify Delimkhanov himself, or, if there are any signs of injury, they might present it in the future as evidence obtained from Ukrainian intelligence, suggesting their involvement in his rescue operation In reality, Putin and Kadyrov consider intelligence agencies, counterintelligence, and military intelligence as their primary adversaries. They spare no effort to discredit them. I believe that the current narrative or information they have disseminated is part of this ongoing campaign is an attempt to undermine Ukrainian intelligence. Read also: Sheikh Mansur Battalion fighter tells story of traitor who switched to supporting Kadyrov Reports emerged on June 14 which suggested that Delimkhanov, who had taken part in the Russian assault of Mariupol, had been injured or killed inside of Ukrainian territory. Kadyrov claimed that he could not reach Delimkhanov and offered a generous reward to Ukrainian intelligence if Ukrainian military intelligence (HUR) revealed the precise location and positions from which the strike was carried out, enabling me to locate my dear brother. In contrast, representatives of the State Duma asserted that they and Duma Chairman Vyacheslav Volodin had communicated with Delimkhanov and confirmed that he was alive and in good health. Read also: Chechen fighters believe Russia may collapse sooner or later Kadyrov subsequently released a video as proof that Delimkhanov was alive and unharmed, though the video bore clear evidence of editing. Journalists from the Russian service of BBC quickly noticed inconsistencies in the video, especially during the part in which Kadyrov discusses the alleged fake news about Delimkhanovs death. There were obvious discrepancies between Kadyrovs lip movements and the accompanying audio. On Jan. 12, the SBU Security Service of Ukraine filed charges against Delimkhanov for war crimes. Russian dictator Vladimir Putin has awarded Delimkhanov with the title of Hero of Russia, the country's highest military decoration. Read also: Military observer analyses ongoing media battle between Prigozhin, Kadyrov, and Russian Defense Ministry 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 Have you experienced road rage on the streets of South Florida? We want to hear from you Just the other day, a Florida driver put his arm out of his car window to indicate a lane switch. Thats when another driver stuck his hand out of his window holding a gun. That man, police say, then pointed the weapon at the courteous driver who just wanted to signal his next move. Thats the story of road rage: misunderstandings, impatience, tempers, and worse. And the rage on our roads seems to be growing in Miami-Dade and Broward counties. In April, for instance, Broward sheriffs deputies arrested a 31-year-old Miami-Dade man who they say shot at two people in another car in a road rage on Interstate 95 near Fort Lauderdale. Not all street showdowns are as violent. Sometimes drivers just exchange harsh words, unleash a symphony of honks, unfurl a middle finger, all followed by a two-word directive that isnt happy birthday. The Miami Herald wants to share your stories of road rage as we look to deal with it and find solutions. Have you experienced an incidence of road rage in South Florida and, if so, where, what happened and what did you do? And, if youre so bold and on the other side of the aggression equation, have you ever lost your cool as youre forced to navigate behind slow-moving, lost or simply stupid drivers? If so, where and what did you do? Fill out the form below and let us hear from you. We may reach out to you to chat about your experiences and may include your story in our story about road rage in South Florida. On the night of 15 June, explosions were heard in Kharkiv, and air defence forces were operating. Source: Suspilne, Ukraine's public broadcaster, on Telegram; National Police in Kharkiv Oblast on Telegram Details: Suspilne reported the sounds of two explosions in Kharkiv at around 01:40. At 01:45, there was information about the third explosion in the city. The National Police reported that the Russians had started attacking Kharkiv Oblast again. "Do not ignore air-raid warnings. Stay in the shelters. Report enemy strikes, destruction, and wounded to the 102 special line," the police urged the residents. The air-raid warning was issued in the city and the namesake oblast. Update at 07:55: In the morning, Kharkiv Mayor Ihor Terekhov said that the nighttime explosions heard in the city were the result of Ukrainian air defence forces. "The explosions that Kharkiv residents heard at night were the result of our air defence system hitting enemy targets. The Shahed drones that were flying towards the city were shot down near Kharkiv," Terekhov posted on Telegram. Journalists fight on their own frontline. Support Ukrainska Pravda or become our patron! (Bloomberg) -- The F-16s that NATO allies may send to Ukraine arent likely to arrive in time to help with Kyivs current offensive. The used planes wont be enough to turn the tide in the air war against Russia, either. The alliance has a different message in mind. Most Read from Bloomberg By providing some of the most sophisticated and expensive weapons to date, Kyivs backers will tie Ukraines military more closely than ever to the bloc, showing Vladimir Putin hes wrong to think he can outlast them in the conflict. Its a potentially risky approach. While allies have managed to reduce the upfront expense by offering planes from its members existing fleets, keeping those aging F-16s in the air may cost hundreds of millions of dollars a year - just as pressure is growing in Europe and the US over the rising bill for continued support of Ukraine. The big takeaway here is that flying a limited fleet of antiquated aircraft through contractors and maintaining them with contractors is going to be really freaking expensive, said Brynn Tannehill of the Rand Corp. in Washington. It bolsters the message that the long-term goal is to integrate Ukraine into NATO. Alliance officials wont say when the planes might be delivered. But the Netherlands and Denmark are planning to set up a training center in Eastern Europe for pilots and repair personnel, including from Ukraine. Then you have a sustainable solution because every pilot needs to continue training, Dutch Defense Minister Kajsa Ollongren told reporters Thursday. Of course were talking not only about pilots, also all the technical personnel you need for maintenance of the aircraft. While hes welcomed the prospect of getting the planes, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy is hoping for stronger commitments from the alliance at its summit in July in Vilnius, Lithuania. So far, NATO members are divided on just how far to go in promising Kyiv a clear path to membership or providing other long-term guarantees of its security. But the alliance is pushing members to commit to contribute 500 million euros annually to modernize its military and tighten ties with NATO for years to come. Of course, sustaining the F-16s and other sophisticated weapons and paying for missiles and other ordnance to keep them shooting is likely to be far more expensive. The older planes that NATO allies could send will cost less up front, but also have a shorter useful life because theyve already been flying for decades in some cases. Since the start of the war, the US has provided more than $40 billion in security aid for Ukraine, but skepticism is growing in Congress over how long that can be sustained. When you start going down this road, you are talking about a much longer-term security assistance package, said Seth Jones of the Center for Strategic and International Studies, a Washington think tank. The logistics tail for an F-16 is just infinitely larger than it is for a Stinger or a Javelin, he said, referring to the portable anti-aircraft and antitank missiles that dominated alliance supplies to Ukraine early in the war. Just flying older F-16s such as those Ukraine is likely to receive as NATO members get new fighters costs as much as $32,000 per hour, according to the Defense Department. Overall, maintaining the jets could cost as much as buying them, General Mark Milley, Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, said on May 25. Sometimes certain things get labeled as, you know, This is going to be the magic weapon, he said. There are no magic weapons and F-16s not, and neither is anything else. Russias advanced fighters, including the MiG-31 and Su-35, have an advantage over Ukraines current jets, they also have more advanced radars and longer-range air-to-air missiles that might allow them to shoot down older F-16s before trained Ukrainian pilots would even be able to see them, according to Rands Tannehill. The Pentagon had long argued that maintaining and supporting F-16s would take a lot of work, but Tannehill argues that F-16s with the right weapons systems such as Lockheed Martins joint air-to-surface standoff missile, or JASSM could still help Ukraine given the worn-down state of its current Russian-built fighter aircraft. Its going to be expensive, but if you give it the right weapons systems to go along with the airframe, it could provide substantial combat value, she said, adding that the jets were a a bridge to a post-war, NATO-integrated Ukraine. At the opening of a meeting of allies in Brussels Thursday, officials underlined that support for Kyiv is a long-term project. Citing the F-16s, along with support for German-made Leopard tanks, US Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin said allies are committed to ensure that Ukraines forces have the capabilities that they need to defend their country against Russian aggression in the future. Most Read from Bloomberg Businessweek 2023 Bloomberg L.P. By Andrew MacAskill LONDON (Reuters) - British former prime minister Boris Johnson deliberately misled parliament about illegal parties held at his Downing Street office during COVID-19 lockdowns, a committee of lawmakers said on Thursday after rejecting his central defence. Johnson quit as a member of parliament last week before the report's publication. He has accused the privileges committee, a parliamentary standards body that has investigated Johnson, of mounting a "witch-hunt" and behaving like a "kangaroo court". The former prime minister said it was a lie to say he deliberately misled parliament and called the report a charade. Below are the main findings from the report into Johnson's behaviour: JOHNSON DELIBERATELY MISLED PARLIAMENT The committee offered a damning verdict on Johnson's honesty and conduct, concluding that he had deliberately and repeatedly misled parliament. The report said: "We came to the view that some of Mr Johnsons denials and explanations were so disingenuous that they were by their very nature deliberate attempts to mislead the Committee and the House, while others demonstrated deliberation because of the frequency with which he closed his mind to the truth." JOHNSON WOULD HAVE FACED 90-DAY SUSPENSION FROM PARLIAMENT The Committee said it would have recommended a suspension of three months from the House of Commons for Johnson if he had not resigned. Such a sanction would have triggered a possible election for his parliamentary seat had he not resigned. The committee said: "if he had not resigned his seat, we would have recommended that he be suspended from the service of the House for 90 days for repeated contempts and for seeking to undermine the parliamentary process". FIVE WAYS JOHNSON COMMITTED CONTEMPTS OF PARLIAMENT The committee found that Johnson had committed five contempts of parliament. The report found that he deliberately misled parliament; lied to the committee; breached the confidence of the committee; undermined the committee and the democratic process; and was complicit in a campaign of abuse and attempted intimidation of the committee. UNPRECEDENTED BEHAVIOUR FROM A PRIME MINISTER The recommended sanction was severe because he is a former prime minister. The committee said: "The contempt was all the more serious because it was committed by the prime minister, the most senior member of the government. There is no precedent for a Prime Minister having been found to have deliberately misled the House." SIX EVENTS The committee listed six events in Downing Street where lockdown rules were not observed and concluded that Johnson could not have believed that these were "essential for work purposes". The report said it is "unlikely on the balance of probabilities that Mr Johnson, in the light of his cumulative direct personal experience of these events, could have genuinely believed that the rules or guidance were being complied with. OTHER GATHERINGS The committee said last month the government provided new evidence relating to 16 further gatherings in Downing Street and at the prime minister's country residence, Chequers, where the lockdown rules may have been broken. However, it said it accepted Johnson's explanations as it did not want the report delayed by further investigations. "If for any reasons it subsequently emerges that Mr Johnsons explanations are not true, then he may have committed a further contempt," the report said. ATTACK ON COMMITTEE WAS FURTHER CONTEMPT OF PARLIAMENT The committee said: "This attack on a committee carrying out its remit from the democratically elected House itself amounts to an attack on our democratic institutions. We consider that these statements are completely unacceptable. In our view this conduct, together with the egregious breach of confidentiality, is a serious further contempt." JOHNSON SHOULD BE DENIED PARLIAMENT PASS Former members of parliament are normally entitled to a pass that gives them access to parliamentary estate allowing them to socialise in various bars and restaurants even when they have quit politics. The committee said: "In view of the fact that Mr Johnson is no longer a member, we recommend that he should not be granted a former members pass." TWO MEMBERS OF COMMITTEE WANTED JOHNSON TO BE EXPELLED FROM PARLIAMENT Two members of parliament on the committee one Labour and the other from the Scottish National Party wanted Johnson to be expelled from parliament. But the final report and sanction was signed off unanimously by all seven members. (Reporting by Andrew MacAskill; editing by William James, Angus MacSwan and Toby Chopra) Fairfield Lake remains a state park, but no one should be happy with how Texas did it | Opinion The next time you hear a Texas political leader brag about the states dedication to property rights, small government and a business-friendly environment, remember four words: Fairfield Lake State Park. The Texas Parks and Wildlife Commissions vote June 10 to use eminent domain to take the parkland from the developer who just purchased it was a heavy-handed use of a significant state power thats meant to help plan for the future, not fix decades of mistakes and inattention to detail. The developer, Todd Interests of Dallas, will be compensated but will almost certainly never realize the profits it could have made by building a luxury gated community on the land it rightfully bought. In retrospect, it was probably inevitable that either the Legislature or the commission would find some way to save the park. Its likely that the public strongly supports the move, and the state had made significant investments on the property, which is between Dallas and Houston. But lets be clear what happened here. Texas enjoyed a gift of the parkland for five decades, with a power company leasing it to the state but taking no compensation. No one in government could look past the end of his or her nose to a day when that arrangement might end. And when it did, none could manage to come up with the companys reasonable asking price of $110.5 million for the parkland and surrounding acreage in 2022. In stepped Shawn Todd and his company. When the threat to the park was clear, suddenly the lethargy ended and there was no principle lawmakers and state officials werent willing to abandon to keep the land. Eminent domain is a vital tool for government. Sometimes, the greater good has to supersede individual property rights. The state should use it as infrequently and cautiously as possible. It should almost always be for future projects, not fixing past mistakes. It shouldnt be forgotten, either, that there was squeamishness about the move in the Legislature. Rep. Angelia Orr, R-Itasca, introduced a bill that would have asserted the states right to use the power. A House committee altered that, but the bill never advanced to the full House. Orrs chief of staff told us recently that the goal was to clarify the existing power of the parks commission to use eminent domain. But its funny several experts who testified in favor of the bill in the House Culture, Recreation and Tourism Committee in March lamented that the eminent domain portion of the bill was removed. If the power was in place, why the worry? Orr wasnt done, bringing a bill to create a novel process by which the parks commission would have to approve changes to water rights in the area, a power it does not have in any other case. That passed the House but not the Senate. All that said, the state will almost certainly win any legal fight Todd poses. The question will be how much the developer gets. If he litigates the matter, hell surely get what he paid for the land, which he has said was more than $100 million, and maybe a smidge more for his troubles. But it wont approach the profits he would have made. You dont have to feel sorry for a wealthy developer. And its good for so many Texans that a popular fishing and hiking destination wont be lost. But you should pause at the state sitting on its hands for half a century, watching a transaction unfold and then stepping in to destroy well-developed business plans. The park will remain, and thankfully, the current commission understands the need to invest more in acquiring land and developing recreation opportunities for a booming state. The Legislature created a special fund to make it happen. But consider the cost of such extended malfeasance and the blunt exercise of power to fix it. Because future potential corporate donors and developers certainly will. Abortion rights supporters call out anti-abortion tactics at a Planned Parenthood clinic in New York City. Abortion rights supporters call out anti-abortion tactics at a Planned Parenthood clinic in New York City. In the fall of 2021, Maria (whose name has been changed for privacy) walked into a clinic near her home in Texas to ask about her options for abortion care. The clinic staff told her that her pregnancy was too far along to get an abortion in Texas and handed her a bag of baby clothes on her way out. Desperate, Maria called the National Abortion Hotline for help finding care outside the state. Based on the information Maria provided about her last menstrual cycle, the hotline caseworker determined that the clinic had lied to her about how far along she was and that it was still early enough in her pregnancy to obtain an abortion under Texas state law. The clinic Maria went to was not a real abortion clinic. It was one of the more than 2,500 crisis pregnancy centers in the U.S. fake clinics, or anti-abortion centers, often subsidized by taxpayer dollars, that use deceptive names and practices to confuse patients seeking abortion care in order to force them into carrying their pregnancies to term. By comparison, abortion rights group Reproaction found that there were only about 790 operating abortion clinics in 2021 in the U.S., and that number has declined since the fall of Roe v. Wade last year. At the National Abortion Federation (NAF), we regularly hear from people calling our hotline with stories like Marias about anti-abortion centers either lying to patients about how far along they are in their pregnancies or tricking patients by trumping up false complications that delay their care until it is too late or too difficult to obtain an abortion. Instead of helping people seeking abortions navigate the increasingly complex and confusing landscape were in since the 1973 Roe v. Wade ruling protecting abortion rights was overturned, Google, media outlets and even the FBI have actively supported these anti-abortion centers, or at the very least given them a boost. In August 2022, Bloomberg News exposed Google Maps for directing people who search for an abortion clinic to anti-abortion centers. Their analysis found that across all 50 states, between a quarter and half of the top 10 search results for abortion clinics were in fact anti-abortion centers. And earlier this year, the FBI announced a $25,000 reward for anyone with information about attacks on reproductive health clinics. But 9 of the 10 organizations that the agency listed in its announcement were anti-abortion centers not abortion clinics. The FBIs misleading label diminishes the well-documented history and ongoing extreme violence targeting actual abortion clinics and providers, and causes real harm. NAF has been tracking violence against abortion providers for over 45 years. Since 1977, there have been 11 murders, 42 bombings, 200 arsons, 531 assaults, 492 clinic invasions, 375 burglaries and thousands of other incidents of criminal activity directed at patients, providers and volunteers. The newly released 2022 report shows major incidents, including arson and invasions, increased at clinics across the country the year Roe fell particularly in states that are protective of abortion rights as anti-abortion extremists emboldened by the U.S. Supreme Courts decision crossed state lines to target the remaining clinics. Anti-abortion centers not only deceive patients like Maria but are also part of the coordinated efforts by those in the anti-abortion movement to intimidate patients and providers and ultimately block access to abortion care. NAF members have reported extreme incidents of harassment from anti-abortion centers including parking vans outside of clinics with staff dressed in scrubs who trick people into having ultrasounds by telling them that theyre part of their appointments for abortion care. Anti-abortion centers also commonly buy property next to real clinics and mimic their names in order to mislead patients looking for abortion care. In the United States today, it is already hard to access abortion care with the chaos and confusion of rapidly changing abortion bans. The last thing patients and providers need is an anti-abortion center masquerading as a full-service health clinic. Anti-abortion centers have become central to the extreme rights war on bodily autonomy and reproductive justice, and we cant let this continue. People will always need abortions, and we must help them get the care they want and deserve. The government, major companies like Google and mainstream media outlets have a responsibility to use their reach and their platforms to help patients access the unbiased information and health care they need, not amplify fake clinics with little to no medical expertise trying to trick people they dont agree with. The anti-abortion movement has been emboldened enough by the onslaught of attacks on reproductive rights. Lets not do them any more favors. Chinese, Palestinian presidents hold talks Xinhua) 08:29, June 15, 2023 Chinese President Xi Jinping holds a welcoming ceremony for Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas in the Northern Hall of the Great Hall of the People prior to their talks in Beijing, capital of China, June 14, 2023. Xi held talks with Abbas in Beijing on Wednesday. (Xinhua/Huang Jingwen) BEIJING, June 14 (Xinhua) -- Chinese President Xi Jinping held talks with Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas in Beijing on Wednesday. The two leaders announced the establishment of a strategic partnership between China and Palestine. Xi said China and Palestine are good friends and good partners who trust and support each other. He said China was one of the first countries to recognize the Palestine Liberation Organization and the State of Palestine. China has all along firmly supported the Palestinian people's just cause of restoring their legitimate national rights and worked for a comprehensive, just and durable solution of the Palestinian question at an early date, Xi said. China supports Palestine in becoming a full member state of the United Nations, will continue to speak up for Palestine and champion justice on multilateral occasions, and will provide assistance as best as it can to help ease humanitarian difficulties and reconstruction in Palestine, Xi said. He called on both sides to take the establishment of strategic partnership as an opportunity to continue supporting each other on issues of core concern, advance cooperation in various areas, deepen partnership in jointly building the Belt and Road, speed up negotiations on the China-Palestine free trade agreement, share experiences on national governance and further the traditional friendship. Xi put forward a three-point proposal for the settlement of the Palestinian question. Xi stressed that the Palestinian question has remained unresolved for over half a century, causing great sufferings to the Palestinian people; justice must be done to Palestine as soon as possible. First, the fundamental solution lies in the establishment of an independent state of Palestine that enjoys full sovereignty on the basis of the 1967 borders and with east Jerusalem as its capital, he said. Second, Palestine's economic and livelihood needs should be met, and the international community needs to step up development assistance and humanitarian aid to Palestine, he said. Third, it is important to keep to the right direction of peace talks. The historical status quo of the holy sites in Jerusalem should be respected, and excessive and provocative words and actions should be avoided. A large-scale, more authoritative and more influential international peace conference should be convened so as to create conditions for the resumption of peace talks and contribute tangible efforts to help Palestine and Israel live in peace, he said. "China stands ready to play a positive role to assist Palestine in achieving internal reconciliation and promote peace talks," Xi said. Xi said China is willing to strengthen solidarity and cooperation with Palestine and other developing countries, enhance coordination in international and regional affairs, advance China's cooperation with Arab states, and safeguard the common interests of developing countries and international fairness and justice. On behalf of the Palestinian people, Abbas thanked China for its long-term strong support and selfless assistance for the Palestinian people's just cause of restoring their legitimate national rights, calling China a trustworthy friend and partner. Abbas said Palestine supports China's position on issues concerning its core interests and follows the one-China principle, adding that Palestine will work with China to promote the Belt and Road Initiative, strengthen bilateral cooperation and build a community with a shared future for humanity. Palestine backs the Global Security Initiative, the Global Development Initiative and the Global Civilization Initiative proposed by President Xi, and speaks highly of the China-mediated talks between Saudi Arabia and Iran, Abbas said. He thanked China for putting forward a number of initiatives on an early and just settlement of the Palestinian question. The Palestinian side believes in China's wisdom and just position and expects China to play a greater role in promoting intra-Palestinian reconciliation and realizing peace in the Middle East. After their talks, the two presidents witnessed the signing of documents on bilateral economic and technological cooperation. Prior to the talks, Xi held a welcoming ceremony for Abbas in the Northern Hall of the Great Hall of the People. Chinese President Xi Jinping holds talks with Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing, capital of China, June 14, 2023. (Xinhua/Yin Bogu) Chinese President Xi Jinping holds a welcoming ceremony for Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas in the Northern Hall of the Great Hall of the People prior to their talks in Beijing, capital of China, June 14, 2023. Xi held talks with Abbas in Beijing on Wednesday. (Xinhua/Zhang Ling) Chinese President Xi Jinping holds a welcoming ceremony for Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas in the Northern Hall of the Great Hall of the People prior to their talks in Beijing, capital of China, June 14, 2023. Xi held talks with Abbas in Beijing on Wednesday. (Xinhua/Huang Jingwen) Chinese President Xi Jinping holds a welcoming ceremony for Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas in the Northern Hall of the Great Hall of the People prior to their talks in Beijing, capital of China, June 14, 2023. Xi held talks with Abbas in Beijing on Wednesday. (Xinhua/Yin Bogu) (Web editor: Zhong Wenxing, Liang Jun) Far left is Ben Freeman, senior vice president of development at Brookfield Properties at the Northbrook Village Board of Trustees on June 13, 2023. (Karie Angell Luc/Pioneer Press) Northbrook village trustees voted to streamline the public hearing process for large-scale development projects at their June 13 board meeting, one month after Erickson Senior Living abruptly abandoned its proposal to redevelop the former Green Acres Country Club site. The board voted to give itself the option of choosing if the board, the Plan Commission or both would conduct public hearings on proposed large-scale projects going forward. Advertisement The Board of Trustees and Plan Commission planned a May 9 joint public hearing to get the Erickson Senior Living proposal fast tracked to the May 23 board agenda but by then, Erickson already said the companys investment became financially unsustainable. Erickson was supposed to provide a senior living facility, $15 million in affordable housing payments, donated recreational acreage and a spot to build a new Northbrook fire department headquarters facility. Advertisement The amended legalese to address the required public hearing process is poised to keep current and potential developers interested in Northbrook. When it came to the Erickson project in December, when Erickson changed the project, the village board wanted to hold a public hearing in conjunction with our plan commission, Northbrook Village President Kathryn L. Ciesla said. Ciesla also noted that Northbrook Village Attorney Steve Elrod, advised the village that it was appropriate for us to amend our code to provide for the ability to have that public hearing with the Plan Commission. Northbrook Village President Kathryn L. Ciesla addresses Northbrook Court officials who are seated in the audience at the Northbrook Village Board of Trustees on June 13, 2023. (Karie Angell Luc/Pioneer Press) A compromise was reached with the Plan Commission regarding when it would be best to call for a joint public hearing. I think what this does, in 2023, in a challenging economy and where Northbrook has to compete with other communities for business entities, it gives us the flexibility to move a project quickly, it also gives us the flexibility to take large projects and really vet them together, Ciesla said. I think this would be a win for us. Elrod asserted the Plan Commission is not being scrapped by amending the zoning code, saying board action that Tuesday night, eliminates the concept of eliminating the Plan Commission altogether, Elrod said. Ciesla said, At no time, I want to make very clear, at no time has this village board considered eliminating the Plan Commission, we have no interest in doing that, at no time have we ever considered that. We value the Plan Commission, Ciesla said, which other board members echoed her opinion. The Plan Commission especially I hold in high esteem and I believe that they serve a valuable purpose, Trustee Robert Israel said. Advertisement Trustee Johannah K. Hebl said the board needs to be more nimble when it comes to large financial trends. I know we talk about in government maybe being faster but Ive learned something being on this board that, you know, we move slow and deliberately, Hebl added. There is some element of confusion from the public when we do multiple public hearings. Northbrook Court Brookfield Properties operators were in the audience for a preliminary review of the shopping malls 10-year redevelopment plan. The property at 1515 to 1775 Lake Cook Road and is nearly 107 acres. Northbrook Court proposes to redevelop just over 97 acres, excluding the Neiman Marcus building and parking lot (7.7 acres), the Citibank out-parcel (1.14 acres) and the Bank of America out-parcel (0.95 acre). At the early proposal stage, Im comfortable with the concept from whats been laid out, said Trustee Heather E. Ross. Im actually very excited about it. Trustee Daniel H. Pepoon said, I dont quite see enough detail yet but I definitely want to work together. Advertisement Im also very excited about this opportunity that we have to build out our Northbrook Court, Trustee Joy U. Ebhomielen said. We do agree that this is a conceptual plan. Northbrook Court hosted two public open houses on June 17 and June 13 at the mall to listen to neighbors and interested mall patrons. We are pleased to be moving forward with the village process and appreciate all the positive engagement from the community at our recent open houses, both milestones in the continued evolution of Northbrook Court as a dynamic, retail and mixed-use neighborhood, said Ben Freeman, senior vice president (SVP), development of Brookfield Properties. Were committed to continued thoughtful and thorough community engagement as we advance next steps in creating a thriving destination that can be celebrated for generations. Karie Angell LucMultimedia Journalist/Non-Linear Editor/Photographer/Documentary Filmmakerkarie@karieangellluc.com@KarieAngellLuchttps://karieangellluc.zenfolio.com Fathers Day is Sunday. Here are some popular steakhouses in the area, Tripadvisor says Steak is always a popular dish, but on Fathers Day, demand is going through the roof. Steakhouses and fine dining restaurants traditionally see a 75 percent increase in revenue on the patriarchal holiday, according to the local business information platform Womply. Myrtle Beach and North Myrtle Beach are not immune to the trend, and several local restaurants said they were busier than usual on past Fathers Days than during the rest of the year. Everyone wants to buy their dad a steak, 21 Main at North Beach Director Casey Mungavin added. With Fathers Day this Sunday, June 18, here are some of the most popular steakhouses in the area according to the travel website Trip Advisor. New York Prime The Myrtle Beach steakhouse on 405 28th Ave N is only a short walk from the beach where much of its seafood used to call home. New York Prime will open Fathers Day Sunday at 4 p.m., an hour before usual. The eatery mainstays include Chilean Sea Bass as well as Maine Lobsters that are kept alive in-house before being cooked. Other popular dishes include USDA prime steak and lobster and a chocolate cake that can feed 6-8 people. New York Prime does accept walk-ins, but the restaurant suggests calling ahead of time to book a reservation. 21 Main at North Beach If you like your steaks dry-aged, the only place in North Myrtle Beach to go is 21 Main at the North Beach Resort. The restaurant ages their beef for up to 45 days, and the process can be seen in a vestibule in the front of the eatery. The most popular Fathers Day dish is a 40-ounce Tomahawk steak with the bone left in. A popular dessert is the Table Side Banana Fosters a hot, caramelized banana with Bacardi 151 Rum poured on top with vanilla ice cream. Located at 719 North Beach Boulevard, North Myrtle Beach, Mungavin said 21 Main, which typically has 200 reservations a night, currently has about 20 reservations available for June, 18. She added that it would be unlikely walk-ins would get a table and so potential guests are highly encouraged to book a reservation ahead of time. 21 Main will be open Sunday 4-9:30 p.m. Ruths Chris Steakhouse One of the most popular Fathers Day destinations in recent years, Ruths Chris has previously served 400-500 people on the holiday. The Grande Dunes eatery features popular dishes like a regular and petite filet. Ruths Chris also does a discounted three-course meal where a customer gets an appetizer, entree, two sides, and dessert. Entrees include salmon, steak, and a surf and turf option of steak and lobster or shrimp. Although walk-ins could be seated on the patio or in the lounge, the restaurant recommends guests make a reservation in advance. Ruths Chris is located at 8211 Marina Pkwy, Grande Dunes Blvd, Myrtle Beach and will be open Sunday from 4-10 p.m. Chucks Steak House The return of Fathers Day also marks the introduction of a new menu at the Myrtle Beach restaurant. Chucks began using its new menu Wednesday, June 14, which includes a new ribeye steak, and Happy Hour from 4-7 p.m. Chucks will have a Fathers Day special announced Sunday, and the eatery is also known for its prime rib and filet, and the eatery does reservations as well as walk-ins. Chucks is located at 9695 N Kings Hwy, and will be open Fathers Day 4-9 p.m. Angus Steakhouse & Seafood The Kings Highway restaurant, known for its 32-ounce bone-in ribeye thats set ablaze as part of a fire show, is also probably offering all fathers a free dessert Sunday. Angus who also serves Creme brulee and offers free appetizers for its VIP members also does a $22.99 surf and turf special where customers can get their choice of one steak and seafood. Angus is located at 2011 S Kings Hwy, has walk-in seating and reservations, and is open 4-9:30p.m. Other Myrtle and North Myrtle Beaches steakhouses like Logans Roadhouse, Texas Roadhouse, LongHorn Steakhouse, and Outback Steakhouse will also be open for Fathers Day at various locations in the Grand Strand. FILE - The Colorado River flows through the Grand Canyon on the Hualapai reservation, Aug. 15, 2022, in northwestern Arizona. Talks that could reshape the way Colorado River water is distributed started on Thursday, June 15, 2023, with a goal of updating and enacting rules in 2027 to continue to provide hydropower, drinking water and irrigation to farms, cities and tribes in seven U.S. states and Mexico. (AP Photo/John Locher, File) LAS VEGAS (AP) A public process started Thursday to reshape the way Colorado River water is distributed, with federal officials promising to collect comments about updating and enacting rules in 2027 to continue providing hydropower, drinking water and irrigation to farms, cities and tribes in seven Western U.S. states and Mexico. The U.S. Interior Department said it will publish in the Federal Register on Friday a call for replacing guidelines that expire in 2026, including pacts enacted in 2007 for states to share cutbacks in water drawn from a river diminished by drought and climate change, as well as operating plans for the key Lake Powell and Lake Mead reservoirs. An agreement between the United States and Mexico on use of Colorado River water also is set to expire at that time. The department's U.S. Bureau of Reclamation promised a robust and transparent public process beginning with online virtual public meetings July 17, July 18 and July 24. It set an Aug. 15 deadline for receipt of public comments on "specific operational guidelines, strategies and any other issues that should be considered. The result is expected to guide federal management of the dams that control the flow of the river throughout the Colorado River Basin, from the Rocky Mountains to the Gulf of California. The 1,450-mile (2,334-kilometer) river is a crucial supplier of power and water for more than 40 million people in cities including Denver, Salt Lake City, Las Vegas, San Diego, Los Angeles and Phoenix. However, agriculture uses the most water, including farms in the arid Imperial Valley area of California and Yuma County in Arizona that produce many of the nation's winter vegetables. As we look toward the next several years across the Basin, the new set of operating guidelines for Lake Powell and Lake Mead will be developed collaboratively based on the best-available science, Deputy Interior Secretary Tommy Beaudreau said in a statement. The Basin is currently facing an historic drought, driven by climate change, that is increasing the likelihood of warming temperatures and continued low-runoff conditions, and therefore reduced water availability, across the region, the statement said. Agreements that date back to 1922 and involve the federal government and the states of Arizona, California, Colorado, New Mexico, Nevada, Utah and Wyoming promise more water to users than the river holds. Native American tribes along the river argue that they have not been involved in water-use decisions. The Bureau of Reclamation is committed to ensuring we have the tools and strategies in place to help guide the next era of the Colorado River Basin, especially in the face of continued drought conditions, bureau Commissioner Camille Calimlim Touton said. The announcement is separate from a breakthrough interim agreement announced last month by water administrators from Arizona, Nevada and California to cut their combined use of the dwindling Colorado River in exchange for funding from the U.S. government, and to avoid letting the federal government decide and impose cuts. The Florida Highway Patrol said Thursday it arrested 23-year-old Sage Michael Young in a fatal Buckman Bridge crash that happened in December. FHP said at the time of the crash, Young was driving under the influence and he was speeding. According to a tweet from FHP, Young rear-ended motorcyclist Martin Lynch, 41, while driving 109 miles per hour on the Buckman Bridge. Action News Jax Law and Safety Expert Dale Carson is a former FBI agent and has over 30 years of criminal justice experience. He explains what kind of prison time Young could face if found guilty. In this particular case, you are looking at basically a 15-year maximum sentence, Carson said. [DOWNLOAD: Free Action News Jax app for alerts as news breaks] The minimum sentence is 4 years. An FHP report said Young has been charged with vehicular homicide, DUI manslaughter, and two counts of DUI for property damage and personal injury. Before identifying Young as the suspect, FHPs tweet pictured him being arrested and dressed in a military uniform. Its unclear whether or not Young is a part of the military, but Carson says either way there is no reason why he shouldnt have been identified. [SIGN UP: Action News Jax Daily Headlines Newsletter] If he was in a military reactive squad or something of that nature there might be a reason to do that, but ordinarily no, Carson said. FHP said at the time of the crash Young, was driving with a blood alcohol concentration of .209. According to the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles, Floridas BAC limit is .08. Click here to download the free Action News Jax news and weather apps, click here to download the Action News Jax Now app for your smart TV and click here to stream Action News Jax live. A trooper and a Washington State Patrol civilian employee were hurt when the patrol SUV they were in was hit by a suspect in a stolen police car early Thursday. At around midnight, Fife Police were called to a home in the 8500 block of Fourth Street for a report of a home invasion. A woman in the home had barricaded herself inside a bathroom and called for help, according to Fife Police Assistant Chief Aaron Gardner. When officers arrived, three suspects were running to a car. When the car took off, it went into a ditch, and the three suspects ran away with officers following. Two suspects one of whom was armed were taken into custody. The third suspect jumped into a Fife police car and took off. Troopers began helping look for the stolen car at about 12:30 a.m. Thursday. A trooper heading north on Portland Avenue in Tacoma was looking for the suspect when the stolen police car came out of an alley near Wright Avenue and hit the troopers SUV, according to Trooper John Dattilo. The WSP civilian employee who was in the troopers car broke a bone in the crash. The trooper was also hurt but his injuries are not serious. Surveillance video from a neighbor shows several police cars speeding by the alley before the stolen Fife Police car pulls out and collides with a State Patrol SUV. The suspect, who troopers say is believed to have been impaired, was immediately arrested. Charges the suspect may face include vehicular assault. Happy Birthday, Mr. (Ex) President. The day before his 77th day on earth, Donald Trump was indicted at a federal courthouse in Miami on charges of illegally storing classified documents from the White House at his Mar-a-Lago home. How did the besieged former leader of the free world celebrate on the big day? While he was briefly serenaded by fans at Versailles in Little Havana after Tuesdays somewhat chaotic court appearance, we know he got some love from his immediate family. Jr. led the shout-outs on Instagram, posting a pic of dad in his signature red tie and suit, arms up in YMCA-dance mode. The former Apprentice stars fiancee Kimberly Guilfoyle dug up an oldie but a goodie of her soon to be father in law in the Oval Office. Happy Birthday to our fearless America First warrior, who always stands up for you, wrote the onetime Fox reporter. The Donald was also feeling the love from daughter Ivanka, who posted a few throwback snaps of him with her as a little girl. Late mom Ivana was even in one. Happy Birthday, Dad. You are the most incredible father, gushed the 42-year-old mother of three. Your love, energy and strength inspire me every day. Wishing you a year filled with the happiness you deserve. We didnt see any homage from Trumps youngest son, Eric, but his wife, pundit Lara Trump, showed her followers a photo of the ex POTUS with his granddaughter Carolina, and injected some humor into the situation. The child was asking Grandpa if he was having his birthday party at a trampoline park and if she was invited, said the caption. Underneath, among the myriad commenters (adding laughing emojis) was Trumps former press secretary, Arkansas Gov. Sarah Huckabee Sanders, and rabid DTJ foe, NYC actor Michael Rapaport, who seethed, He has no clue who those kids are. As for the real estate moguls wife, Melania? OK magazine reports the former first lady and son Barron were in NYC, photographed carrying bags traveling to an unknown destination, on the big day. Firefighters, deputies on scene of residential fire in Miami County Firefighters and deputies are on the scene of a residential fire in Miami County Thursday afternoon. >>Trial for man accused of deadly Riverside stabbing to begin exactly one year after alleged murder Covington firefighters and Miami County Sheriffs deputies were dispatched just after 3:30 p.m. to the 5500 block of North Range Line Road on initial reports of a fire, Miami County Sheriffs dispatchers told News Center 7. They also confirm a residential structure was on fire. The fire is reported to be under control but residents in the house have reportedly evacuated the building and AES Ohio has been requested to the scene, according to initial scanner traffic. News Center 7 has a news crew heading to the scene and will provide updates on this developing story. First look at Sir Lenny Henrys post-Windrush drama Three Little Birds ITV Three Little Birds, the post-Windrush drama written by Sir Lenny Henry, has released its first look. The six-part series, which will air on ITVX in the autumn, follows a group of families who settle in the UK in 1957, with the narrative being inspired by the life of Henrys mother as he grew up in Dudley. ITV Related: Harry Potter star's new BBC drama The Sixth Commandment gets first look Three Little Birds will introduce Dudley and the rest of the world to gregarious sisters Leah (Rochelle Neil) and Chantrelle (Saffron Coomber) and their virtuous, bible-loving acquaintance, Hosanna (Yazmin Belo), as they board a cruise ship from Jamaica bound for a new life in Blighty, reads the logline. [Possessing] different reasons for leaving their family and friends behind in Jamaica, they soon discover its not all its cracked up to be. [Harbouring] shocking truths about the lives they left behind, the voyage of discovery is not smooth sailing, but they are determined to succeed and overcome the many obstacles of integration and build a new life in Britain, it concludes. Also starring in the series alongside the effervescent trio are Javone Prince, Bobby Gordon, Arthur Darvill and Beth Hayes, with Doctor Who showrunner Russell T Davies joining Henry as an executive producer. Directing duties will be handled by Charles McDougall, Yero Timi Biu and Darcia Martin, who all direct two episodes each. ITV Related: Blood Origin star Lenny Henry compares The Witcher and Rings of Power Upon the projects announcement in November last year, Henry, who starred in The Rings of Power and The Witcher: Blood Origin last year, said: Its inspired by my mothers numerous stories about travelling to Britain by boat in the mid-'50s. I am so proud to be associated with these tales of cold streets, uniting in the face of the traditional obstacles: racism, misogyny, poverty and stolen moments of love, affection and sisterhood. Big respect to everyone involved, he added. Three Little Birds will air on ITVX later this year. You Might Also Like After a year full of firsts for the Anne Burnett Marion School of Medicine, TCU gets one more. The Liason Committee on Medical Education awarded the school with full accreditation, signifying it as a medical program leading to an M.D. that meets quality standards since it opened in 2019, the medical school announced Thursday. The review judges medical schools from faculty, curriculum, finances and infrastructure. The Burnett school earned the distinction after an eight month application and survey process. The school also celebrated its first full graduating class in May after a four-year research thesis. This solidifies TCU and its medical school graduates as agents of change and as innovators to help answer some of the most pressing issues in health care in Fort Worth and the global community, said TCU President Daniel Pullin in a statement. After years of intense and focused dedication, the Burnett School of Medicine is now recognized as a leader in transforming medical education. We continue to be committed to excellence, integrity and collaboration that will lead TCU and Fort Worth into the future. In August, TCU also began construction on a 100,000 square-foot medical education building in Fort Worths Medical District. When it opens in 2024, it can allow 240 students and professional staff to work and learn with artificial intelligence and simulation technology. TCU also expects the medical school to create more than 31,000 jobs and generate $4 billion to the North Texas economy by 2030, according to a study. This has been a tremendous opportunity to establish a unique and innovative medical school in the most remarkable community in the country, said Stuart D. Flynn, founding dean of the Burnett School of Medicine. The amazing individuals at TCU and the School of Medicine embraced a mission to transform medical education to advance patient care. Our goal has always been to inspire our students to be the kind of physicians that you would want caring for you. And our students have worked very hard to get here and they will be the leaders of health care moving forward. Construction workers line up to buy lunch at a taco truck in Bel-Air in 2019. In recent weeks, multiple taco stands across Los Angeles have been the target of armed robberies and other violence. On Wednesday night, a stand in South L.A. was robbed at gunpoint, police said. (Liz Moughon/Los Angeles Times) Police are searching for two masked men who robbed a taco stand at gunpoint Wednesday night in the Florence neighborhood of South Los Angeles. Officers responded to a report of a robbery in the 400 block of Manchester Avenue about 10:30 p.m. Authorities said the suspects fled north on Towne Avenue. Employees at the food stand told KNBC-TV Channel 4 this was the second time their business has been targeted in recent months. "People are out here hustling, just making ends meet," Oscar Lozano, the taco stand owner, told the news station. "They're just working for their necessities. For people to come armed it's just not fair." Lozano said two robbers pointed guns at him and took all the money he had, which was between $50 and $100. No injuries were reported, police said. Authorities described both suspects as men in their early 20s, about 5 foot 8. One was dressed in all black; the other wore a blue sweater and black pants. Both were armed with handguns, police said. The incident follows a string of armed robberies and other violence at taco trucks in L.A. in the last few weeks. No arrests have been made, but police said the earlier robberies may be connected. Authorities did not say whether those robberies were targeting workers or customers. It was not immediately clear whether Wednesday's robbery was linked to the earlier incidents, police said. This story originally appeared in Los Angeles Times. Scheeringa Farms workers in the field that may one day become the site of senior citizen housing along Kleinman Road in Highland. (Joe Puchek/Post-Tribune) A proposed senior-living complex that caused rancor and hard feelings for just about the current Highland Town Councils entire term can officially break ground. Building Commissioner Ken Mika informed the Town Council at its June 12 meeting that Russell Group and Griffland Center Inc., signed and turned into the Lake County Recorders Office on June 9 the mylars for plats one and two of the nearly 20-acre parcel on the north side of Strack and Van Til on Cline Avenue. The signing, which was the last step needed in the towns procedural and planning process, came just one day before a second six-month extension the Highland Plan Commission afforded the project expired. Advertisement Attorney Jim Wieser, who represents the Davenport, Iowa-based developer, said Wednesday that now, the project can start as soon as Russell Group is ready, and hes relieved the biggest hurdle has finally been cleared. Its been a long, challenging journey, but I know that its in the best interest of the town, and in three years, when its up and running and people are living there, everyone will be happy, Wieser said. Its going to be quite the benefit in real estate taxes alone. Advertisement Ive done a landfill, and Ive done a quarry, and peoples initial kneejerk reaction is always to reject change, but Ive always been proud to do the right thing for the future of these communities. Wieser added that Highland was the first community where pushback against one of projects in which he was involved became political, and that made it much harder to get anything accomplished. Hopefully, thatll never happen again, Wieser said. The Highland Plan Commission in November granted the extension by a 5-2 vote, with Commission President Doug Turich and member Hunter Balzco casting No votes, to give Russell Group until June to act on its plat approval for the complex. The developer asked for the extra extension because its waiting on its financing approval from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development, project attorney Jennifer Smith said. The Russell group in June asked for a previous six-month extension because of a combination of health issues, negotiations between Russell Group and Griffland Center Inc. and questions from a new-to-the-commission member, Wieser previously told the Post-Tribune. The project will comprise at least 70 independent living apartments with full kitchens, in-unit laundry and garages 50 to 60 assisted-living apartments with kitchenettes and laundry, and a memory-care unit with 18 to 20 specially designed apartments with programming for those with Alzheimers disease or other dementia-related illnesses. Other amenities will include multiple dining options with meals prepared by an on-site chef, game rooms, a library, general store, salon and a large wellness center with fitness equipment and offering daily fitness classes. Also at the meeting, Councilman Roger Sheeman, R-5, criticized the council for not following Roberts Rules of Order, which the council adopted to conduct meetings. Council President Tom Black, R-4, is also meeting chair and should be the one to announce motions and their outcomes, he said, not Clerk-Treasurer Mark Herak. Herak, he said, should only announce the vote and take the vote count. Sheeman then started to ask if the council members wanted to review Roberts Rules of Order to make sure theyre doing what they adopted, to which Black said his time for comments had expired. Advertisement In other business, the council voted 4-0, with Councilman Mark Schocke, R-3, absent, to give $53,000 to the Highland Fire Department to purchase four new battery-powered rescue tools. The tools, which the department already has a couple, are much easier and quicker to use when extracting victims out of vehicles, Fire Chief Bill Timmer said. Former boyfriend of missing Wyoming woman sentenced to six years in prison, report says The live-in boyfriend of Irene Gakwa was sentenced Wednesday to up to six years in prison and ordered to pay more than $13,000 in fines and restitution after pleading guilty to stealing thousands of dollars from her in the weeks after she vanished more than a year ago in Wyoming, according to the Gillette News Record. At his sentencing hearing, Nathan Hightman was given three- to six-year prison sentences for felony theft and unlawful use of a credit card, the News Record reported. The sentences are set to run concurrently. He was also sentenced to three years of probation. Hightman, 39, had shared a house in Gillette with Gakwa, a Kenyan immigrant whod moved to the United States in 2019 to go to nursing school. She was 32 years old when she disappeared in late February 2022, and her family suspects foul play. Hightman has not been charged in Gakwas disappearance. He pleaded guilty in March to three financial crimes: one felony count each of theft, unlawful use of a credit card and crimes against intellectual property. As part of his plea deal, prosecutors dropped two related charges. Hightman had faced up to 23 years in prison at his sentencing before District Judge James Mike Causey. Hightman told police Gakwa came home one night in late February, packed her clothes in two plastic bags and left in a dark-colored SUV, according to an affidavit of probable cause. He said he hadnt seen or heard from her since. In the weeks after Gakwa went missing, Hightman withdrew nearly $3,700 from her bank account and spent $3,230 on her credit card, court documents show. Hightman told investigators he withdrew the funds to force her to contact him when she ran out of money following her disappearance. Investigators said Hightman changed Gakwas banking account password and deleted her email account. Gakwa moved from Kenya to attend nursing school in the Boise, Idaho, area, where her two older brothers live. She met Hightman on a Craigslist forum and moved to Gillette with him in July 2021. Gakwas family last saw her on a video call on February 24, 2022, and reported her missing about a month later after they could not reach her for weeks via video calls, her favorite form of communication. In April 2022, Gillette police issued a statement naming Hightman a person of interest in Gakwas disappearance, saying, He has not made himself available to detectives looking for answers. During searches at Hightmans home, investigators recovered a shovel and boots he had bought at a Walmart in late February 2022 using Gakwas Visa card, according to court documents. Gillette police arrested Hightman in May 2022 and charged him with the financial crimes. Police have largely declined to provide details about Gakwas disappearance, citing the ongoing investigation. For more than a year, Gakwas family has sought answers about what happened to her. CNN has reached out to Hightmans attorney and Gakwas family. For more CNN news and newsletters create an account at CNN.com Former Kentucky governor Matt Bevin reportedly has a new executive role. Bevin is now the CEO of Neuronetrix Solutions LLC, a medical device company based in Louisville, according to Louisville Business First. A representative at Neuronetrix could not confirm Bevins role at the company, but said they would ask Bevin to see if he could confirm. Bevin did not immediately respond to messages from the Herald-Leader inquiring about his role at the company. Neuronetrix does business as Cognision, which is a portable device used to record electrical brainwaves from patients with neurological problems. In an interview with Louisville Business First, Neuronetrixs Chief Technology Officer K.C. Fadem referred to Bevin as the acting CEO but said the company wasnt searching for a replacement. He said Bevin started leading the company late last year. Bevin and Neuronetrix have a history. Bevin has been an investor and part owner of the company, a fact that drew some scrutiny during his gubernatorial tenure when the state economic development cabinet approved $1.2 million in angel investments for the company. That program grants investors a 40% income tax credit on their investments. A businessman by trade, Bevin at one point ran a family-owned bell factory in Connecticut. He has also held executive positions with investment companies, including his own Integrity Asset Management. Bevin rose to the governorship after eking out a primary win over now-U.S. Congressman James Comer, KY-01, by 83 votes and later defying polls in a shocking nine-point victory over Democratic candidate and former attorney general Jack Conway in the 2015 general election. A year earlier, he ran a Tea Party-aligned campaign against Kentuckys Senior U.S. Senator Mitch McConnell. In 2019, Bevin lost a tight race to the current governor, Democrat Andy Beshear. Despite Bevins unpopularity at the time, he lost to Beshear by just over 5,000 votes, or 0.4 percentage points. The Republican left office in a flurry of controversy. Initially, he refused to concede the Beshear. On his way out of office, he issued hundreds of pardons and commutations, including for people convicted of murder and sexual assault. In early 2023, Bevin teased a potential run for the governors chair, greeted television cameras on the day of the filing deadline in the Capitol with a long, platform-like speech, then left without filing for office. Attorney General Daniel Cameron ended up scoring the GOP nomination to run against now-incumbent Beshear in a landslide primary win. Bevin also recently made news when his wife, Glenna, filed for divorce in late May. The couple has nine children, only two of whom remain minors. In Spring 2022, Shelby County Life Magazine reported Bevin had purchased, through one of his companies, a manufacturing warehouse. Thats now the site of a metal fabrication company Bevin co-owns called Integrity Fabrication LLC, according to the Kentucky Secretary of States website. Denise Lodge, left, covers her face with a printout of the indictment against her as she walks from the federal courthouse, Wednesday, June 14, 2023, in Concord, N.H., following her arrest on charges related to an alleged scheme to steal and sell donated body parts. | Steven Porter, The Boston Globe via Associated Press A former manager of Harvard Medical Schools morgue has been accused of stealing human remains from the school and selling them online. Cedric Lodge, 55, and three others including his wife Denise Lodge, 63 have been indicted for the theft and sale of human body parts, federal prosecutors in Pennsylvania announced in a press release Wednesday. Lodge allegedly took parts of the cadavers, which were donated to the school for educational and research purposes, to sell in a scheme that involved a nationwide network that lasted from 2018 to 2023, according to the press release. Court documents also allege that Lodge allowed buyers to come to the morgue to pick what remains they wanted to buy, The Associated Press reported. Harvard deans George Daley and Edward Hundert called the Lodges alleged crimes morally reprehensible, in a statement posted to the schools website. We are appalled to learn that something so disturbing could happen on our campus a community dedicated to healing and serving others, the deans stated. The reported incidents are a betrayal of HMS and, most importantly, each of the individuals who altruistically chose to will their bodies to HMS through the Anatomical Gift Program to advance medical education and research. The Lodges, as well as Katrina Maclean, 44, and Joshua Taylor, 46, were charged with conspiracy and interstate transport of stolen goods. According to federal prosecutors, the Lodges would allegedly steal body parts, including heads, brains, skin and bones, before the cadavers were scheduled to be cremated and sell them to Maclean and Taylor, who would resell them for a profit. Three others were also charged in the case: Jeremy Pauley, 41, Mathew Lampi, 52, and Candace Chapman Scott. Scott allegedly stole body parts from an Arkansas mortuary where she worked and sold parts to Pauley, who also bought and sold remains to Lampi, according to AP. The U.S. attorneys office is working to identify the names of the donated bodies and contact the victims families, CNN reported. Curt Blake, former CEO of Spaceflight Inc., is joining Wilson Sonsini Goodrich & Rosati as the law firm launches a NewSpace industry group. (GeekWire File Photo / Alan Boyle) Spaceflight Inc.s former CEO, Curt Blake, is joining the Seattle office of Wilson Sonsini Goodrich & Rosati at a time when the California-based law firm is launching an industry group to focus on the needs of emerging space ventures. Wilson Sonsinis clients already include high-profile investors and companies in the NewSpace industry sector, such as Astranis Space Technologies, BlackSky, Lunasonde, Skylo Technologies and Slingshot Aerospace. Craig Sherman, a partner at Wilson Sonsini who focuses on the space industry, said in a news release that Blakes addition to the team as a senior of counsel serves as an ideal opportunity for us to work more closely with the innovators and established companies leading the way forward in the NewSpace sector. During his 12-year tenure as the CEO at Spaceflight Inc. which is currently headquartered in Bellevue, Wash. Blake oversaw the companys rise as a coordinator of satellite rideshare logistics and the manufacturer of Sherpa orbital transfer vehicles. He was a board member for the Commercial Spaceflight Federation from 2012 to 2022. Before he helped Spaceflight Inc. get off the ground, Blake served in a variety of senior executive and legal roles at software companies including Microsoft, Aldus, Corbis and the late billionaire Paul Allens Starwave media venture. He earned his B.A., J.D. and MBA degrees from the University of Washington. Im excited about joining Wilson Sonsini because of its impressive legacy of working with innovative technology and life sciences clients, Blake said in todays news release. Taking on this role at such a unique time gives me the opportunity to continue focusing on the rapidly growing and dynamic space technology sector while building upon the relationships Ive established in the industry. Spaceflight was a subsidiary of Seattle-based Spaceflight Industries until 2020. Thats when Spaceflight Inc. was sold to a 50-50 joint venture involving Japans Mitsui & Co. and Yamasa Co. Ltd. Spaceflight Industries then rebranded itself as BlackSky, with a focus on satellite imagery and geospatial intelligence solutions. Blake transitioned out of the CEO role at Spaceflight Inc. in February, passing the baton to veteran aerospace executive Tiphaine Louradour in February. Since March, hes been a strategic and legal adviser to Mitsui and other clients. Last week, Texas-based Firefly Aerospace announced that it acquired Spaceflight Inc. from Mitsui and Yamasa and will sharpen the operations focus on orbital vehicles. More from GeekWire: The U.S. Supreme Court upheld federal protections for Native American children on Thursday in a case that originated in Fort Worth. In 2017, a Fort Worth couple filed a lawsuit regarding their adoption of a Native American child. In November, the Supreme Court heard arguments in the case that garnered national attention, especially among Native American nations and child welfare groups, due to its far-reaching implications. The 7-2 vote in Haaland v. Brackeen upholds much of the Indian Child Welfare Act, or ICWA, which gives priority in adoptions of Native American children to Native families. The law was created in 1978 to protect Native American families and children from disproportionate separation rates. Native American tribes are sovereign nations, and ICWA serves to coordinate child welfare cases between those sovereign nations and state welfare agencies. Justice Samuel Alito and Justice Clarence Thomas dissented. The Protect ICWA Campaign made up of the National Indian Child Welfare Association, the National Congress of American Indians, Native American Rights Fund, and the Association on American Indian Affairs released a statement after the ruling say it was overcome with joy about the ruling, although it noted the group is still reviewing the 133-page opinion. One thing is certain: ICWA is crucial for the safety and well-being of Native children and families and the future of Native peoples and Tribal Nations. The positive impact of todays decision will be felt across generations, the group said. Ruling The case began when Chad and Jennifer Brackeen, a white family in Fort Worth, applied to adopt a child they had fostered for 16 months who is a member of the Navajo and Cherokee nations. The Brackeens were eventually able to adopt the child, but pursued the lawsuit against the Indian Child Welfare Act. The Brackeens are in the process of trying to adopt the childs biological sister; the Navajo Nation opposes the adoption. The case expanded to include the state of Texas, Indiana and Minnesota as plaintiffs, as well as families in Indiana and Minnesota involved in their own ICWA cases. They argued ICWA exceeds federal authority, infringes state sovereignty and discriminates on the basis of race. The Supreme Court decision dismissed each challenge to the law based either on lack of merit or for lack of standing. The opinion left no question about the governments power to enact ICWA; the justices wrote that Congress has had that power since the Indian Commerce Clause and is backed by the Constitution. The U.S. Constitution requires the federal government to curb its own powers and states powers in order to protect Native American sovereignty, the opinion says. ICWA is an example of this; the law secures the right of Indian parents to raise their families as they please; the right of Indian children to grow in their culture; and the right of Indian communities to resist fading into the twilight of history. The opinion also cited more than 200 years of legal precedent that backs the federal governments authority to enforce ICWA. In a concurring opinion, Justice Neil McGill Gorsuch laid out a history lesson behind the implementation of ICWA and the mass separation of Native American children from which it stems. The opinion emphasizes that the dissolution of the Indian family has had devastating effects on children and parents alike. Often, Native American Tribes have come to this Court seeking justice only to leave with bowed heads and empty hands, the opinion says. But that is not because this Court has no justice to offer them. Our Constitution reserves for the Tribes a place an enduring place in the structure of American life. It promises them sovereignty for as long as they wish to keep it. Notably, Thursdays opinion does not resolve the race or equal protection question raised by the Brackeens and other families. The opinion only notes that none of the plaintiffs are able to bring the argument in the first place. In order for a plaintiff to argue they were discriminated against under the equal protection act, they would have to show they suffered an injury due to unlawful conduct. Case background Texas joined the case in the Texas Northern U.S. District Court in 2017. Indiana and Minnesota joined the suit in support of families in each state involved in their own ICWA cases. Each family, who are all non-Native American, argued ICWA placed burdens on them during the adoption process and discriminated against them based on race. In a video posted by the Texas Attorney Generals Office in 2019, Ken Paxton argued on behalf of the Brackeens. In the video, Chad Brackeen said the couple started fostering in 2014 due to a profound calling from God. The Brackeens, who had two biological children at the time, fostered their first child in 2015, according to a post on Jennifer Brackeens blog. We understand that culture is important and the historic tragedy of Native families being separated, Chad Brackeen said in the video. But at some point, the repeated breaking of attachments has to outweigh those benefits. ICWA was passed as part of a series of regulations to protect Native American families from forced separation. Since the 1800s, Native children have been removed from their tribes through boarding schools and state welfare programs. The ICWA regulations, such as requiring state agencies to involve the childs tribe and the childs parents in case proceedings, aim to keep Native American children within their communities when possible. According to legal precedent, Native American is a political status, not a race. ICWA also has the backing of the majority of the country; 26 states, the District of Columbia and 77 members of Congress have offered support for ICWA in court filings. Throughout the cases history, 486 Tribal Nations, 59 Native organizations, 31 child welfare organizations, have also supported ICWA. In a brief filed in support of ICWA, 11 child welfare groups said ICWAs standards have exemplified evidence-based best practices in child welfare. These supporters recognize that ICWA is firmly in the best interests of Native children, The National Congress of Indian Americans said in a statement in November. In keeping them connected to their extended family and cultural identity, the positive outcomes are far-reaching and include higher self-esteem and academic achievement. The defendants in the case are the United States, Cherokee Nation, Morongo Band of Mission Indians, Oneida Nation, Quinault Indian Nation and the Navajo Nation, the United States Department of Health and Human Services, the Bureau of Indian Affairs and the United States Department of the Interior. Fox News leaned in on anti-LGBTQ rhetoric, saying the Pride flag promotes 'grooming and pedophilia' A Pride flag is displayed during a Pride celebration on the South Lawn of the White House in Washington, DC, on June 10, 2023. BRENDAN SMIALOWSKI/AFP via Getty Images Fox News faced fierce backlash this week as it leaned in on anti-LGBTQ rhetoric. A story headline on Fox News suggested the Progress Pride flag promotes "grooming and pedophilia." The conservative media giant changed the headline after LGBTQ advocates blasted the outlet. Fox News faced fierce backlash this week after it linked a new version of the Pride flag to "grooming and pedophilia," the latest anti-LGBTQ rhetoric from the conservative media giant. The Progress Pride flag, which was created in 2018 and combines the traditional rainbow flag with a five-colored chevron representing transgender and marginalized LGBTQ groups, was recently flown at the White House for a Pride Month event. "White House flew controversial new transgender flag that promotes grooming and pedophilia, say critics," read a now-deleted Fox News tweet and the headline on a story posted on Wednesday. The Fox News article which now has the headline, "White House flew controversial new transgender flag that troubles some critics in the gay community" cites anti-trans critics saying that the Progress Pride flag "appears to reference a cult of pedophilia infecting many institutions and represents an unwanted takeover of traditional gay symbolism." One critic cited in the article is Jaimee Michell, the lesbian founder of the anti-trans group Gays Against Groomers. The framing of the story and the false link between a flag and pedophiles had LGBTQ advocates enraged. "They are just saying it with their whole chest now. Fox News is straight up saying the pride flag promotes 'grooming and pedophilia.' The 'say critics' part is bullshit and they know it," tweeted LGBTQ rights activist Alejandra Caraballo. LGBTQ advocacy group GLAAD told its nearly 500,000 Twitter followers in a tweet: "Don't listen to this untrue, vile lie from Fox News." "The Progress Pride flag adds communities of color (Black and Brown stripes), as well as pink, white, and light blue for trans and nonbinary people," GLAAD said, noting, "The White House is the People's House, LGBTQ people included!" Animation writer Benjamin Siemon added in a tweet: "This is Fox. Outright lies and dehumanization. This is why people are storming into Target stores threatening employees when Target has carried pride merch for years." "Nothing is different this year except that right wing media has decided to put our lives in danger. Sickening," Siemon continued. Ari Drennen, the LGBTQ program director for Media Matters, a liberal watchdog group, noted on Twitter that Fox News host Greg Gutfeld recently praised a female teacher accused of having sex with a 16-year-old student on-air. Meanwhile, Fox News' parent company used the Progress Pride flag design on its logo last year in a "Corporate Social Responsibility Report." Fox News did not immediately respond to a request for comment by Insider on Thursday. Read the original article on Business Insider Fox News quietly changes headline after White House accused network of lying about Pride flag Fox News has quietly changed a headline on a highly controversial article that equated a Pride flag hung at the White House with grooming and paedophilia. After a furious response from LGBTQ+ advocates and White House deputy press secretary Andrew Bates, who accused the network of characteristically lying through its teeth, Fox altered the headline while keeping the central grooming allegations in the article. The original headline and a since-deleted tweet by Fox News lifestyle reporter Kerry Byrne read: White House flew controversial new transgender flag that promotes grooming and pedophilia, say critics. The article quoted a founder of the far-right Gays Against Groomers activist group who claimed the flag was a political statement about indoctrinating kids and trans kids and pushing kids to sterilize and mutilate themselves. Mr Bates then shared a screenshot of Mr Byrnes request for comment which made no mention of a link to paedophilia or grooming. Fox never even communicated the malicious and discredited foundation of this article to the White House, Mr Bates tweeted, before referencing Foxs $787.5m defamation settlement with Dominion Voting Systems. @FoxNews is characteristically lying through their teeth. Please see Dominion Voting Systems v. Fox News Network. Fox never even communicated the malicious and discredited foundation of this article to the White House. Then they lie about whether we responded at all, he tweeted. Mr Bates also shared a screenshot of the email from Fox News requesting comment. After a fierce backlash, Fox News revised the headline on Wednesday to White House flew controversial new transgender flag that troubles some critics in the gay community. Fox Digital did not add a footnote explaining that the article had been changed. The flag in question, known as the Progress Pride flag, was designed by artist Daniel Quasar in 2018 and is based on the original multi-coloured rainbow flag and the transgender pride flag, according to Northwestern University. The White House confirmed to Mediaite that it had responded to Fox News to say it had been flying the flag for three years at Pride events. The White House Pride flag display drew a bizarre and inflammatory headline on Fox News (Associated Press) Fox News later updated its story after publication to include the response. The edited version included a line saying: The White House did not respond to Fox News Digitals requests for comment on the flags design and meaning. Twitter users pointed out that Foxs parent company wrapped its logo in the same flag to promote inclusiveness in a corporate responsibility report in 2022. Neither the White House nor Fox News immediately responded to The Independents request for comment. Fox News, other right-wing media organisations and far-right personalities have repeatedly pushed a narrative linking transgender rights to paedophilia. The grooming conspiracy theory, which has led to state legislatures passing dozens of punitive laws targeting the LGBTQ+ community, is based on discredited research and junk science, according to the Southern Poverty Law Centre. On Wednesday night, a Biden administration source told CNN: Fox paid the biggest settlement in media history because they platformed dangerous lies, and the lesson they took from that experience is to repeat the same behaviour, including spreading baseless QAnon filth? This comes after Fox News came under fire earlier this week for describing President Joe Biden as a wannabe dictator who tried to have his political rival arrested during Donald Trumps post-arraignment speech. Fox News on Wednesday changed a headline on its website after the White House accused the network of misrepresenting the piece when it sought a Biden administration comment. The article, centered around a pride flag that hung from the White House portico between two American flags during last weekends pride celebration, was originally titled: White House flew controversial new transgender flag that promotes grooming and pedophilia, say critics. Those critics include Jamiee Mitchell, founder of the right-wing group Gays Against Groomers, who told the outlet: The flag represents to us an ideology, a political statement of indoctrinating kids and trans kids and pushing kids to sterilize and mutilate themselves. The piece also cited a now-removed TikTok video by the founder of Black Guns Matter, who called it a pedophile flag. The author of the Fox report, Kerry J. Byrne, shared a now-deleted post using language from the original headline. Andrew Bates, White House deputy press secretary, fired back in a tweet linking the writers post, accusing the conservative network of lying to his office about the foundation of this article when it sought a White House response. Bates also referenced Fox News $787.5 million defamation settlement with Dominion Voting Systems. The lawsuit discovery process unearthed documents showing top anchors shared baseless theories around the 2020 presidential election that they knew to be false. .@FoxNews is characteristically lying through their teeth. Please see Dominion Voting Systems v. Fox News Network. Fox never even communicated the malicious and discredited foundation of this article to the White House. Then they lie about whether we responded at all. https://t.co/2nu6KFmQXs Andrew Bates (@AndrewJBates46) June 14, 2023 Fox never even communicated the malicious and discredited foundation of this article to the White House, Bates wrote. Then they lie about whether we responded at all. In a follow-up tweet, Bates included a screenshot of the email Byrne sent to the White House. The email doesnt mention that the article would focus on criticism of the flag by right-wing groups, and offers the White House no chance to respond to those critics. Following Bates tweets, Fox adjusted the headline to read: White House flew controversial new transgender flag that troubles some critics in the gay community. The flag in question, called the Progress Pride Flag, isnt new. It was created by Daniel Quasar in 2018. Quasar added a white, pink, and light blue stripe to represent the Trans community, says the Human Rights Campaign website. While the black and brown stripes still represented communities of color, the black stripe is also a nod the thousands of individuals that the community lost during the HIV/AIDS crisis in 1980s and 1990s. The updated version of the article also added a White House statement that the Progress Pride Flag had been displayed by the administration for the last three years. The article added that the administration did not respond to Fox News Digitals requests for comment on the flags design and meaning. Fox News parent company wrapped the companys FOX logo in that same flag in its 2022 corporate social responsibility report. Miami Mayor Francis Suarez will give his first speech as a Republican presidential candidate in solid-blue California, about 2,700 miles away from the city where he was born and raised in politics. He is set to speak at the Ronald Reagan Presidential Library in Simi Valley, outside Los Angeles, as part of the librarys conservative speaker series entitled A Time For Choosing. Suarez, 45, is the citys first Miami-born mayor, and son of Xavier Suarez, Miamis first Cuban-born mayor. So why California, the nations most populous state and a bastion of Democratic voters? You can see Suarezs speech on YouTube on Thursday at 9 p.m. EDT Several other GOP primary candidates have spoken at the Reagan Library in the last eight months. Former United Nations ambassador and South Carolina Gov. Nikki Haley gave a speech in October. Former Vice President Mike Pence appeared there in November. Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis gave an address there in March. Later this year, the second Republican primary debate will be at the Reagan Library. Ronald Reagan brought our community into the GOP, so its fitting that a Cuban American would launch his presidential campaign at the Reagan Library, said Luis Gazitua, a Miami lobbyist and a board member of Maverick PAC, a political action committee designed to increase activism among young Republican professionals. While the Republican Party has made major inroads in Florida and especially in South Florida as the GOPs appeal to Hispanic voters has turned Miami-Dade County from solidly Democratic to a tossup, Suarezs choice of California is seen as an attempt to reach a broader, more national Hispanic Republican audience. Read more: Francis Suarez, Miamis Republican mayor, files to run for president in GOP primary An appearance in California also affords Suarez some geographic distance from controversy back home. The FBI is investigating the mayors private consulting work for a real estate developer who sought City Hall permitting approvals on a Coconut Grove real estate project. The choice suggests Suarez could try to brand himself as a Reagan Republican in a field where the leading GOP candidate, former President Donald Trump, reportedly sees the term as an insult he can use against DeSantis, according to an Axios report from March. A Trump insider told the news outlet that the Reagan Republican viewpoint does not square with the populist nationalist feeling of the broader Republican party. Trump has not been invited to appear for the librarys speaker series. The former president has criticized the decision to host a primary debate there. Suarez has also never run in a partisan race before. As Miamis second-term mayor who was first elected as a commissioner in 2009, hes successfully run for nonpartisan offices in City Hall, but his White House bid thrusts him into a new spotlight where hell be forced to bolster his conservative credentials more than ever before. A speech at the Reagan Library could be seen as an appropriate venue to launch that effort although hes already faced criticism from members of his own party who note that Suarez didnt vote for Trump twice and voted for DeSantis opponent in the 2018 gubernatorial race. Suarezs political team did not respond to the Herald request for comment. The mayor is scheduled to speak at 9 p.m. EDT Thursday. An artist's impression of 10 hot Jupiter worlds featured in the largest spectroscopic catalogue of exoplanet atmospheres to scale with one another. The cloudy atmospheres of such planets may hide signals of water, scientists say. Jupiter-like exoplanets that are blisteringly close to their parent stars were long thought to be friendless in their cosmic neighborhood. A new study has now revealed that many of them might, in fact, have planetary companions. Astronomers thought that most hot Jupiters , exoplanets that are at least as massive as Jupiter but circle their stars in 10 days or less, and their cousins warm Jupiters that orbit their stars within 10 days are solitary residents in their star systems. The astronomers thought that the enormous gravity of these gas giants tossed other planets out of the star systems after these giants formed and migrated toward their stars. Until recently, observations supported this theory. But the new study, which analyzed data from NASA's Kepler Space Telescope , found that 12% of known Hot Jupiters and up to 70% of warm Jupiters, might, in fact, have nearby planetary companions. Related: James Webb Space Telescope finds a 'hot Jupiter' exoplanet that defies expectations "Hot Jupiters are not as lonely as we thought," Songhu Wang, an astronomy professor at Indiana University Bloomington and an author of the new study, said last week at the 242nd meeting of the American Astronomical Society held in Albuquerque, New Mexico, and online. "The presence or absence of additional nearby companions in the same system provides the most fundamental property that will hint at their formation history." Scientists have been searching for planetary companions near hot and warm Jupiters for the past three decades. They used data from the now defunct Kepler spacecraft and NASA's other exoplanet hunter, the Transiting Exoplanet Survey Satellite (TESS), to look for dips in a star's brightness produced when a planet "transits" in front of the star's disk and briefly blocks some of its light, as seen from the spacecraft's perspective. While this method is excellent for planet-hunting, it couldn't reveal much about exoplanets that are smaller and not aligned in a way that the spacecraft can observe their transits, which may be why previous studies mostly did not detect companions near hot Jupiters, Wang said. So to spot these unseen neighbors, Wang and his team, instead of focusing on transits, studied how the gravity of those nearby worlds affected the orbital speed of the hot and warm Jupiters. This method known as transit timing variation , or TTV does not require a companion planet to transit its star in front of the telescope and allows astronomers to detect worlds close to hot Jupiters that the transit method couldnt spot, according to Wang. In Kepler's data, Wang's team studied 101 Jupiter-sized planets and detected TTV signals originating from nearby companions for 16 of them. Two signals came from worlds near hot Jupiters known as Kepler-412 b and Kepler-1976 b . Kepler-412 b is a gas giant exoplanet found in 2014 about 3,500 light-years from Earth , in the borders of the constellation Lyra within the Milky Way galaxy . It weighs as much as Jupiter and takes 1.7 days to orbit its host star at a distance of 2.7 million miles (4.3 million km). On the other hand, Kepler-1976 b, discovered this year, orbits its star every five days at a distance of about 5.2 million miles (8.3 million km). In comparison, Mercury circles our sun on average at a distance of 36 million miles (58 million kilometers). The remaining 14 of the detected 16 TTV signals hinted at planets near warm Jupiters, but none of the signals detected in the study could reveal specifics of the orbiting companions such as their sizes or masses, researchers wrote in the new study. Precisely how hot and warm Jupiters evolved to their short-period orbits around their host stars has been an open question for over 25 years. One leading theory suggests that hot Jupiters formed far away from their host stars in highly elliptical orbits, which shrunk over time into tight, circular paths. During this process, the gas giants migrated toward their parent star. On the way, these giants which gravitationally interacted with other planets and virtually kicked them out of their star systems. This way, they soon became the solitary worlds seen today. Related stories: Mysterious 'hot Jupiter' planets can form quickly or slowly, Gaia spacecraft reveals Newfound 'hot Jupiter' exoplanet celebrates New Year's every 5 days Weird 'hot Jupiter' exoplanet is shaped like a football A second, less quoted theory posits that hot Jupiters formed in the outer regions of the stellar disk but migrated inward in a more peaceful way, which allowed them to coexist with other nearby planetary companions. So far, astronomers have only found a handful of such systems to support this theory. In the new study, Wang and his co-authors propose a "unified framework" that incorporates both theories. About 12% of those gas giants form in star systems along with other planets but do not experience strong gravitational interactions with their planetary neighbors, which would explain the handful of detected hot Jupiters with nearby companions, while the remaining 88% of the planets would strip their systems of other planets, supporting the observations from Kepler and TESS, according to the study. While scientists still do not fully understand how hot Jupiters migrate inward, the presence of neighbor worlds around them is strong evidence that not all hot Jupiters have a violent history as was previously thought, Wang said at the news briefing last week. New criminal charges show the wrong man was arrested and charged with setting a June 5 fire in the Lake County Jail lobby. Employees quickly ran deeper into the building and no one was hurt. Advertisement The new suspect, Terrance L. Craig, 39, was charged just before 4 p.m. Wednesday with two counts of arson and one count of intimidation. After walking into the Hammond Police Station on June 12, Craig claimed he set the fire and started talking in the same disjointed manner that a jail employee noted before the fire. Advertisement When others at the police station asked him to lower his voice, Craig said he was going to do whatever it took to go to jail, according to an affidavit. Records show he is being held in Lake County Jail on another case. His bond in the fire was set at $5,000 cash. Originally, a 26-year-old Merrillville man was charged June 8 with the fire. Judge Natalie Bokota granted a prosecutors motion Tuesday to dismiss his case and withdrew his arrest warrant. Court records show he had been locked up at the Cook County Jail. A check Thursday appeared to show he had been released. The Post-Tribune removed the story on the first mans arrest Thursday and is no longer identifying him. The lead detective told prosecutors the man was misidentified, Lake County Prosecutors Office Spokeswoman Myrna Maldonado said. Craig was charged from the information provided to our office by the Lake County Sheriffs Department. Craigs address is listed as 2120 Broadway Ave. in Gary Brothers Keeper, which is a day shelter for homeless men. Advertisement Sheriff Oscar Martinez said in a statement two men the Merrillville man and Craig were persons of interest from the start. They looked alike and had contacts with police for disruptive incidents. Craig was in a booking photo lineup, but no witnesses identified him. The picture was dated and he had lost weight in his face, changing his appearance, the sheriff said. New intelligence that detectives got a few days after Tinley Park Police arrested the Merrillville man shifted the case toward Craig. I believe the process worked as it should in this case, and I am proud of the work of our detectives in establishing Terrance Craig as the new primary suspect, Martinez said. They continue to follow up on leads, which is something they do with every case. No law enforcement agency wants to arrest the wrong person for a crime, he said. Its part of the normal investigative process that we look for additional information and try to verify that information. Each affidavit only mentions a single suspect under investigation. A jail employee told investigators a man approached her window in the lobby. Advertisement He appeared disjointed and angry at the state of Indiana, made statements about the governor, a prior governor, and U.S. President. Court records allege he took a milk jug full of gasoline into the lobby, pouring it on the floor. He lit it on fire, then ran out. Craigs charging affidavit states the Crown Point Fire Department responded and put the fire out. The damage was estimated at over $5,000. After information on the case was released on social media and to multiple media outlets, a witness told police Craig was recently released from prison for attempted murder and had threatened her and her family. A check of Indiana and Cook County records showed a criminal record, but no attempted murder case against him. A Hammond Police officer told investigators Craig was there when he was called back to the station on June 12 for a suspicious person. Advertisement Craig gave his name and said he set the fire. As he spoke loudly and was told to quiet down. He responded he was going to do whatever it took to go to jail. Officers found an ice pick when they patted him down. Craig said he would take it with him to jail. His speech was disjointed, mentioning a hatred and distrust of the state of Indiana, Lake County Jail and political figures, just like the man who set the fire. I wouldnt have come out here if they wouldnt have been (messing) with me, he said. Craig alleged Indiana Gov. Eric Holcomb and ex-Govs. Mike Pence and Mitch Daniels were after him. A judge and lawyer were also plotting against him. Advertisement Several people were going down on a RICO charge, someone put a chip in his head and he had a box inside him beating his brain and heart. Craig appeared to have a similar Motor City hat, which the suspect wore on camera before he fled. The other mans affidavit said investigators got a tip that he was the suspect. It also said correctional officers put the fire out and a consultant estimated the damage between $6,500 to $8,500. Chicago Tribune reporter Madeline Buckley contributed. mcolias@post-trib.com FT: US senators to propose bill to seize and transfer Russian assets to Ukraine U.S. senators with bipartisan backing are reportedly planning to propose a bill that would allow President Joe Biden to seize and transfer Russian sovereign assets to Ukraine, the Financial Times (FT) reported on June 15. Western countries have frozen around $300 billion of Russia's Central Bank assets since the start of the full-scale invasion of Ukraine. The bill's proponents argue that since Russia bears the blame for the destruction and war crimes in Ukraine, it should also bear the financial costs of reparations. They also likely aim to alleviate the burden of Ukraine's support from U.S. taxpayers and allies. "Given Russia's brutality and continued war crimes against the Ukrainian people, it is only right that Russian government funds in the United States be seized and repurposed to help Ukraine win the war and rebuild its country," said the Republican Senator Jim Risch, who is filing the bill. The Biden administration has not yet taken a clear position on the issue. Critics have pointed out the legal pitfalls of this move, as sovereign assets are covered by "sovereign immunity" an understanding that one state will not seize another's property. Seizing and transferring Russian sovereign assets could encourage the same response from Moscow and set a dangerous precedent in foreign policy around the world. A bipartisan group of U.S. lawmakers sent a letter to Biden on May 23, urging him to send the seized assets to Ukraine. Timothy Ash: Some concerns on Ukraines reconstruction As we approach the much heralded and expectant Ukraine Recovery Conference due to be held in London later this month, I cannot help but feeling a little perplexed, or even disturbed by a number of developments is it just me? But... First, I am just amazed how quickly an industry The Kyiv IndependentTimothy Ash The European Union, in turn, considers sending the money generated through financial operations with the frozen assets to Kyiv, rather than the assets themselves. The Kyiv School of Economics reported in late March that Russia's war against Ukraine had caused over $138 billion in damages across the country, including an estimated $36.2 billion in damages to infrastructure. According to U.S. lawmakers, the post-war reconstruction of Ukraine can cost up to $411 billion. Ga. man indicted for stealing nearly $9,000 from his own mother A Hart County man was indicted for taking advantage of his elderly mother for profit, according to Georgia Attorney General Chris Carr. Lawrence Montgomery, Jr., of Hart County, was indicted by a grand jury for allegedly exploiting his mother for years, taking advantage of her mental and physical incapacity. From 2019 to February 2020, Montgomery is accused of taking control of his mothers bank account for profit by taking some of her Social Security income and withdrawing it for his own use, according to a copy of his indictment. [DOWNLOAD: Free WSB-TV News app for alerts as news breaks] The Attorney Generals Office said Montgomery was indicted on one count of felony exploitation of an elder person. Montgomerys mother was living in a nursing facility, and he was her state-recognized personal representative. TRENDING STORIES: While acting on his mothers behalf, Montgomery was indicted for taking more than $8,600 in Social Security payments by withdrawing the money from her bank account. This indictment is yet another step in our ongoing efforts to protect our most vulnerable Georgians, Carr said in a statement. With our Medicaid Fraud Division, we are working each day to ensure those who take advantage of older adults are held accountable for their actions. Elder exploitation of any kind will not be tolerated in our state. [SIGN UP: WSB-TV Daily Headlines Newsletter] OTHER NEWS: Gavin Newsom, California lawmakers still need to fix $32B budget gap. How are they divided? California lawmakers have passed a spending plan for the upcoming year but Gov. Gavin Newsom isnt fully on board just yet. The Legislature on Thursday approved a $311.7 billion budget that will act as a placeholder while Newsom and legislators remain locked in negotiations over how to close the states estimated $31.5 billion budget gap. The legislative accord represents a deal between the Democratic caucuses of the state Senate and Assembly that was reached after 120 public hearings that spanned six months. Californias constitution requires lawmakers to approve a balanced budget by June 15 in order to get paid. Its become common practice during Newsoms tenure to continue negotiations after the legislative budget agreement is passed and amend the bill prior to the start of the new fiscal year on July 1, when Newsom must sign off on the final budget. Assembly Budget Chair Phil Ting, D-San Francisco, on Thursday said lawmakers and the administration are very close to an agreement, which he expects will come together in the matter of days. During floor discussions, Republicans raised concerns about $42 billion in anticipated tax receipts that have been delayed until October. California residents in areas affected by severe winter storms received a tax-filing extension, which means leaders are not certain exactly how much revenue they will get this fall. We have a framework based off of risky revenue estimates, said Assembly Budget Vice Chair Vince Fong, R-Kern County. According to the Legislative Analysts Office, it is more than likely revenues will come in below the governors estimates. And should revenues come in lower than estimated, we have a major budget problem. Here are the major differences between the legislative deal and the revised budget Newsom unveiled in May. Passing Gavin Newsoms infrastructure plan Newsom in May announced a new plan made up of 10 budget trailer bills and an executive order to expedite transportation, water, clean energy and other major infrastructure projects across California. Since then, it has become the most contentious issue of the budget. Trailer bills are used to flesh out specific programs and policies in the main budget. But unlike the main budget, the deadline to pass trailer bills is the end of the session on Sept. 14. The legislatures budget deal does not include trailer bills, including the ones pertaining to the governors infrastructure plan. During committee meetings in recent weeks, lawmakers rejected Newsoms package, saying they werent given adequate time to consider the complex proposals. The governor tried to squeeze the bills in just weeks before lawmakers were required to pass their budget plan. Senate Budget Chair Nancy Skinner, D-Berkeley, said Thursday that discussions were ongoing and it was unclear whether an agreement would be reached prior to the budget vote later this month. Unlike the budget, trailer bills do not need to be passed until the end of the session in the fall. If the past is any kind of indicator, there will be some revisions, Skinner said. Lawmakers are concerned the bills could be used to push through certain controversial projects like the plan to build a tunnel to transport water beneath the Sacramento-San Joaquin River Delta. Funding for Californias public transit operators Newsoms budget plan would pare back $2 billion for transit capital projects in order to help fill the financial hole. But at a time when the states major public transit agencies face slumping ridership and a looming fiscal cliff, Democrats in the legislature are staunchly opposed to the governors proposal. They, along with transit advocates, say the cuts would jeopardize the future of public transit across California and hinder the states emission reduction goals. The legislatures agreement not only reverses Newsoms proposed $2 billion cut to transit capital funds, but it also allocates $1.1 billion in largely cap-and-trade funds to public transportation operations. California transit systems received an unprecedented flow of federal relief to maintain operations throughout the pandemic. But that funding is running out and systems that rely heavily on fare box revenue those in the Bay Area and Southern California said they would need to run trains less frequently and reduce hours of operation if they didnt get operational funds to balance their budgets. Senator Scott Wiener, D-San Francisco, said the legislative deal was a meaningful and positive step towards solving the transit operation fiscal cliff so that our constituents can continue to get to work, to the doctor, or to the supermarket. Closing more prisons and reforming San Quentin California lawmakers and Newsom agree they want to continue moving away from mass incarceration by closing prisons and increasing programming at remaining facilities. They are not on the same page about how to make that happen. Newsom, during his spring State of the State tour, announced plans to reform San Quentin State Prison and turn it into a rehabilitation center. However, the Legislature rejected the governors request for $360 million in revenue bond authority to construct a new educational and vocational center and approved just $20 million for preliminary project planning costs. As Californias incarcerated population continues to decline, more prison closures are likely on the horizon. But its unclear exactly how many facilities leaders will shutter and when the closures will occur. Assembly Democrats budget proposal suggested closing five more prisons by 2027. The governors May budget revision said his administration is committed to meeting the needs of staff and the incarcerated populations while right-sizing Californias prison system. Ongoing homelessness funding for cities and counties Continuing of providing California cities and counties with money to curb homelessness, Newsoms plan would allocate $1 billion in one-time funding for a fifth round of grants through the Homeless Housing, Assistance and Prevention program, also known as HHAP. The legislative deal goes further than the governors plan to guarantee an additional $1 billion for a sixth round of HHAP funding. Local leaders have long advocated for ongoing support, saying that one-time allotments make it difficult to plan for the future. Lawmakers say the additional round of funding would help local officials make longer-term investments to get more people off the streets and into permanent housing. The legislative deal also would fast-track the deployment of $360 million in HHAP funding that is currently set aside only to be used for local jurisdictions that achieve their goals around reducing street homelessness. Supporting California child care providers Lawmakers and the governor are also at odds over pay for child care providers. The states contract with a major industry union expires at the end of the month. Newsom signed a 2019 bill that allows providers who care for low-income children to collectively bargain with the state. Child Care Providers United members signed their first contract with the state in 2021. Now, the union is back at the negotiating table, and their existing agreement comes to an end on June 30. The Legislatures budget would increase reimbursement rates and would restore 20,000 subsidized child care slots set to be released on July 1, 2024. Newsoms spending plan proposed delaying funding for the slots to save money. In the meantime, the state will continue bargaining with the union. Skinner wouldnt provide details about negotiations between lawmakers and the governor over funding for providers. But she said Newsoms administration is also committed to child care. (Independent) The Geminids meteor shower began in a violent catastrophe, scientists have found. Every winter, the world is delighted by the meteor shower, which brings some of the most intense display of shooting stars. But that spectacle has been rivalled by its mystery. The Geminids are unusual in that most meteor showers are created when a comet leaves behind a tail of ice and dust but the Geminids come from an asteroid, which do not usually leave behind a tail. Asteroids are chunks of rock and metal flying around in space. The Geminids appear to originate with one called 3200 Phaethon, which for an unexplained reason is affected by the Sun and leaves behind a stream across the night sky. Whats really weird is that we know that 3200 Phaethon is an asteroid, but as it flies by the Sun, it seems to have some kind of temperature-driven activity, said Jamey Szalay, research scholar at the Princeton University space physics laboratory and co-author on the paper. Most asteroids dont do that. Attempts to solve that mystery have struggled in part because the meteor shower has only been observed from Earth. Now, however, researchers using Nasas Parker Solar Probe have been better able to examine the the Geminids. They suggest that a violent, catastrophic event gave rise to the meteor shower. That could have been a high-speed collision with another object in space, for instance, or a gaseous explosion. Some researchers have previously suggested that 3200 Phaethon might really be a comet, and that it lost its snow to leave behind just a rocky core that looks like an asteroid. But the new study makes clear that the origins of the meteor shower are much more dramatic than that. In an attempt to understand the meteor shower, researchers simulated three possible formation scenarios and then compared them with models based on observations from the Parker Solar Probe. That included a less violent scenario, a more violent one, and another that was in line with a comet. When they compared those scenarios with the actual observations, they found that the violent one was the most similar. That suggests that it was the result a collision or similar dramatic event. Researchers still do not know for sure what happened. But the new study helps narrow down the possibilities as well as shedding more light on such events in space. The findings are published in a new article, Formation, Structure, and Detectability of the Geminids Meteoroid Stream, published in Planetary Science. Georgia man accused of scamming elderly Koreans of over $300,000 via pyramid scheme [Source] A man in Georgia has been accused of amassing over $300,000 by defrauding elderly Koreans via a pyramid scheme. Targeting church members: On Wednesday, 61-year-old John Kim faced outraged victims and their families when he appeared in court for his trial on five counts of felony theft. According to Gwinnett County Police, Kim has been targeting victims within church communities in Atlanta, Maryland, New York and other locations since 2020. Pyramid scam: Kim allegedly operated a form of Ponzi scheme in which he lured victims with promises of unrealistic returns from imaginary investments in an online exchange called Club Mega Planet. He met potential victims at the Embassy Suites in Duluth to collect their money. More from NextShark: South Korean senior officials endorsement of gay conversion therapy sparks resignation calls According to the victims, Kim initially returned investors' money and provided additional points on the CMP website for referrals to attract more victims. When the website shut down in June 2021, the victims were suddenly unable to retrieve their funds. Smooth talker: Sahng Min Han, the son-in-law of one of the victims, testified that Kim used his persuasive nature to take $10,000 from his mother-in-law. Once they invest money in him, they can also introduce another friend to him, Han said. That's why it spread out very fast. He used that trick, 'OK, I'm doing this for God, so if we make a lot of money, we can help a lot of people' and blah, blah, blah. More from NextShark: Asian American Businesses Looted Across the U.S. During Riots According to Officer B.J. Kerby, who testified in court on Wednesday, Kim spent the money on personal expenses, with no evidence of funds being returned to investors. "I saw payments going to hotels, rental cars, travel airlines," the officer said. Victims task force: The John Kim Financial Pyramid Scheme Victims of America Task Force, composed of alleged victims of Kims pyramid scheme, placed advertisements in local Korean-language newspapers to seek out other victims. More from NextShark: Disney orders new princess musical inspired by Indian history According to the ads, Kim directly or indirectly operated the website of an obscure company whose existence has not been definitively established, and presented it as a stable financial company. "The company clearly targeted retirees and self-employed individuals who are not familiar with the internet and computers, promising high dividends and stealing their retirement and seed money," the ads further read in Korean. More victims: During the trial, a police officer noted that since many of the victims chose not to pursue their cases, the actual number of victims may reach as high as 26 individuals. However, the victims' task force claims that there were over 100 victims in Atlanta alone, highlighting the far-reaching impact of the alleged pyramid scheme. More from NextShark: Hong Kong Scientist Develops Eye Scan That Can Identify Autism in Children The victims families expressed disappointment after a judge granted Kim a $10,000 bond despite prosecutors' concerns about him being a flight risk. You can now tour a controversial ghost town in Cyprus that was abandoned in the 1970s take a look inside Visitors walk on a street lined with derelict buildings at the fenced-off beachfront eastern town of Varosha in October 2020. BIROL BEBEK/AFP/Getty Images After Turkey took control of northern Cyprus in the 1970s, the resort town Varosha was left empty. Residents and tourists planned to return, but the resort was fenced off and remained so for decades. In 2020, the town and surrounding beach reopened but soon became a point of controversy. Varosha is a former resort town located in the city of Famagusta, Cyprus. A map showing where Varosha, Famagusta, is located. Google Maps Before the division of Cyprus in 1974, Varosha was a booming resort town with sky-scraping hotels, glamorous shopping districts, and sandy beaches frequently called the best in Cyprus. The rich and famous claimed Verosha as the most beautiful spot on the island. Varosha in the 1960s. Paul Popper/Popperfoto/Getty Images According to the BBC, celebrities including Richard Burton, Elizabeth Taylor, and Brigitte Bardot visited the island in its heyday. "Anyone who comes from Varosha has a romanticized notion of it," Vasia Markides, an American Greek-Cypriot whose mother grew up there, told the BBC in 2014. "They talk about it being the hub of art and intellectual activity. They describe it as the French Riviera of Cyprus." At its height, the resort town of Varosha was home to 39,000 residents and thousands more visited each year as tourists. An abandoned hotel is seen in the Varosha quarter of the beach in Famagusta, Cyprus. Awakening/Getty Images Varosha also attracted around 700,000 annual visitors and tourists. But after 1974, everyone but the Turkish military was forbidden from entering, and today, buildings in the once-booming resort town are crumbling and abandoned. The town of Varosha in 2020 after it reopened to the public. Muhammet Ikbal Arslan/Anadolu Agency/Getty Images According to the BBC, after years of violence, Turkey invaded Cyprus in 1974 following a Greek-government-backed coup and gained control of the northern third section of the island, which included the district of Varosha. Tens of thousands of Greek Cypriots quickly left the area, fearing violence but intending to return once tensions settled down. Former residents have recalled their panic while fleeing their homes as troops invaded. Broken windows of the abandoned hotels are seen in the Varosha quarter in Famagusta, Cyprus. Awakening/Getty Images Some left their wedding presents in their attics, while others said they still had pots cooking on the stove when they evacuated. Following the invasion, the resort was fenced and blocked off by the Turkish military. It was abandoned for decades. Decaying hotel buildings stand beyond a makeshift barrier and a Turkish military sign. Sean Gallup/Getty Images What was once a glamorous resort became a barren wasteland dotted with falling fences and barricades. Varosha remained part of the self-proclaimed Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus, or TRNC, until a United Nations resolution in 1984. An abandoned building in the district of Varosha in Famagusta, Cyprus. AstridxAim/Getty Images The decision placed Varosha under the control of the United Nations and forbade anyone other than those who were forced out in the 1970s from resettling there, according to BBC. While the city of Famagusta is home to thousands of residents, who are mostly Turkish, the Varosha sector was blocked off until recently. A view over the fence of the abandoned district of Varosha in Famagusta, Cyprus. AstridxAim/Getty Images Decaying buildings and rubble line the streets of the abandoned district. Signs labeled Varosha a "forbidden zone." A Turkish military sign marks the fence of the "Forbidden Zone" of the Varosha district. Sean Gallup/Getty Images Tourists were previously banned from entering or taking photos inside the fenced-off areas, but some managed to slip through over the years and documented what was left behind. After the town reopened in 2020, Turkish Cypriots were allowed through the fences to explore what remained. Now, anyone can visit with a valid passport. Before it reopened, buildings could be seen slowly collapsing, abandoned cars were rusting over, and the streets lay empty. A car is parked in front of the walls that surround the Varosha quarter. Awakening/Getty Images Many areas of the Varosha district are still blocked off for most people, according to the BBC. After travel restrictions were eased in 2003, former residents were allowed to return and peer into the forgotten resort through fences and barbed wire. Abandoned houses in the Varosha district. Awakening/Getty Images However, those who ventured back to the island found the once-booming area a crumbling ghost town and have not been permitted to permanently inhabit the town. Much of the resort remained largely how its former residents and visitors left it. An abandoned gas station in the Varosha quarter. Awakening/Getty Images Tables were still set for meals and designer clothes could be found hanging inside now-abandoned shops. Cypriots returning to Varosha described it as "some sort of post-apocalyptic nightmare." "The picture that I had in my mind was of a kind of paradise," one Cypriot who returned to look across the fence at her family's former home told the BBC. "You're seeing nature take over. Prickly pear bushes have overrun the entire six square kilometers. There are trees that have sprouted through living rooms. It's a ghost town," she said. The reopening of Varosha, also known by its Turkish name Maras, became a subject of controversy between the Greek Cypriot and the Turkish Cypriot communities. Abandoned buildings in the district of Varosha. Nataliia Tosun/Shutterstock According to a report by CNN in 2020, Ersin Tatar, prime minister of the self-declared Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus, planned to start the reopening and potential rebuilding process in 2020. "It's all ready in my opinion," Tatar said in August 2020, according to Turkish state broadcaster TRT. "The tide has changed and a new page has been turned ... Maras is within the territory of the TRNC. Nobody can take it from us. We are continuing on our successful path." Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan also said he wanted to reopen the resort town, but the move received backlash from Greek Cypriots. When the beach reopened and the fences surrounding Varosha were removed, the government only allowed Turkish and TRNC citizens to visit at first. A man lounges on a chair along a beach in Varosha on September 18, 2022. ROY ISSA/AFP/Getty Images Ahead of Varosha's reopening in 2020, the European Union's foreign policy chief warned the reopening would "cause greater tensions" between Turkish and Greek Cypriots, who disagree on who rightfully should inhabit and profit off the northern section of the island. US officials have also spoken out against the reopening of Varosha. According to The Guardian, Secretary of State Antony Blinken said in 2021 that the government opposed any attempt to reopen Varosha to tourists and locals alike. In a statement, Blinken called the Turkish Cypriot actions in Varosha "provocative, unacceptable, and incompatible with their past commitments to engage constructively in settlement talks." "We urge Turkish Cypriots and Turkey to reverse their decision announced today and all steps taken since October 2020," he continued. Tourists have returned to the beaches, but behind them sit decaying hotels. Tourists pose for a picture in the fenced-off area of Varosha in June 2021. Iakovos Hatzistavrou/AFP/Getty Images The buildings are unsafe to go inside, but tourists have once again returned to the town's sandy beaches. Today, visitors from across the world can swim in Varosha's waters and take guided tours alongside the crumbling buildings. People walk past abandoned buildings along the path designated by Turkish forces for visitors in Varosha on September 18, 2022. Muhammet Ikbal Arslan/Anadolu Agency/Getty Images According to the Cyprus Mail, visitors can tour Varosha between the hours of 8 a.m. and 8 p.m. While visitors are not allowed to actually enter the blocked-off and crumbling buildings due to safety concerns, tour groups are permitted to walk alongside them, snap photos, and learn about the resort town's complicated history. Read the original article on Insider Get a Gleefully Gruesome First Peek at Weird Tales: 100 Years of Weird Weird Tales: 100 Years of Weird cover illustration crop Illustration by Francesco Francavilla Weird Taleswhich delivers exactly the kind of freaky, spooky stories youd expectmarks its 100th anniversary this year, and is celebrating with the release of illustrated anthology Weird Tales: 100 Years of Weird. Itll include entries from authors like Ray Bradbury and H.P. Lovecraft, as well as contemporary writers. Heres more from the press release: Read more Celebrating the 100th anniversary of the first issues of Weird Tales Magazine, 100 Years of Weird is a masterful compendium of new and classic stories, flash fiction, essays, and poems from the giants of speculative fiction, including R. L. Stine, Laurell K. Hamilton, Ray Bradbury, H. P. Lovecraft, Tennessee Williams, and Isaac Asimov. Marking a century of uniquely peculiar storytelling, each part of this anthology features a different genre from Cosmic Horror, Sword and Sorcery, Space Opera, to the Truly Weirdthings too strange to publish elsewhere, and the magazines raison detre. Landmark stories such as The Call of Cthulhu, Worms of the Earth, and Legal Rites stand beside original stories and insightful essays from todays masters of speculative fiction. This visually stunning hardcover edition is a collectors dream, illustrated throughout with classic full color and black and white art from past issues of Weird Tales Magazine. The book will be out October 10; you can pre-order through Amazon, Barnes & Noble, Bookshop.org, and Books-A-Million. Cover illustration by Francesco Francavilla Image: Blackstone Publishing Weird Tales: 100 Years of Weird is edited by Jonathan Maberry; the cover illustration is by Francesco Francavilla. The collection celebrates the 100th anniversary of Weird Tales, featuring old and new stories from the last 100 years. Cthulhu Awakens Image: Blackstone Publishing Cthulhu Awakens illustration by Bob Eggleton (artwork used for Weird Tales Winter 1992/1993 Special F. Paul Wilson Issue). This art will illustrate the H.P. Lovecraft story in 100 Years of Weird, The Call of Cthulhu. First issue, 1923 Image: Blackstone Publishing Weird Tales March 1923: the very first issue of the magazine. 1946 Canadian release Image: Blackstone Publishing Weird Tales January 1946: the Canadian release of the magazine. 30th anniversary Image: Blackstone Publishing Weird Tales March 1953: this issue corresponds to what would have been the 30th anniversary of the magazine. Ray Bradbury tribute Image: Blackstone Publishing Back cover of Weird Tales #360, Fall 2012, celebrating the life of Ray Bradbury. The illustration by David Hartman will be used for The Scythe, the Bradbury story that appears in 100 Years of Weird. 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. By Elizabeth Piper and Kylie MacLellan LONDON (Reuters) -Actor Glenda Jackson, a two-time Oscar winner who later served as a socialist politician in the British parliament for 23 years, has died. She was 87. One of four daughters of a bricklayer and a cleaning lady in northwest England, Jackson never forgot her roots even as she made her name as one of the greatest women actors of her generation. Her agent said she had died at her home in southeast London after a brief illness. Raw-boned, pallid and angular, with striking, sharp eyes, she had starred on stage, television and film before quitting to take up politics with the left-of-centre Labour Party, declaring: "An actor's life is not interesting". The current lawmaker for Jackson's former seat in parliament said she was devastated to hear of her predecessor's death. "A formidable politician, an amazing actress and a very supportive mentor to me," Tulip Siddiq said on Twitter. Growing up in Birkenhead, Cheshire, Jackson left school at the age of 15 and found work in a shop before winning a place at the prestigious Royal Academy of Dramatic Art in London. She won her first Academy Award in 1971 as lead actress for her role as a headstrong artist in director Ken Russell's film of D.H. Lawrence's novel "Women in Love". Her second Oscar came three years later for "A Touch of Class", a romantic comedy directed by Melvin Frank in which Jackson played a harried fashion designer caught up in a catastrophic love affair with an American businessman in London. Jackson also won two Emmy awards for her portrayal of England's Queen Elizabeth I in the BBC's 1971 television series "Elizabeth R". Besides her serious film roles, Jackson also showed her popular, comic touch when she appeared in some of British television's most-loved comedy shows of the day, starring as Cleopatra in a sketch with duo Eric Morecambe and Ernie Wise and appearing on "The Muppet Show". "She leaves a space in our cultural and political life that can never be filled," Labour leader Keir Starmer said. "She played many roles, with great distinction, passion and commitment." Foreign Secretary James Cleverly, of the governing Conservative Party, described her as a "funny, thoughtful and principled person". "MORAL MALAISE" After more than three decades on stage and film, Jackson quit acting and took her no-nonsense, straight-talking style into politics. She had been angered by the damage she believed was inflicted on the working classes by Margaret Thatcher, Britain's Conservative prime minister from 1979 until 1990. In 1992, at the age of 55, Jackson won a seat in parliament representing Labour in a constituency in north London. "We must work for the poor, the homeless, the unemployed, the frail, the sick," she told supporters. In parliament, Jackson was vociferous in her condemnation of the Conservatives which she accused of instilling a "dreadful, dreadful moral malaise" in Britain. When Labour won power in 1997, then prime minister Tony Blair appointed her as a junior minister responsible for London transport, a position she held for two years before resigning to make an unsuccessful attempt to be nominated as Labour's candidate for London Mayor. Though she remained in parliament, securing re-election in 2001, 2005 and 2010 and fighting for equality, she became increasingly out of step with Blair's more centrist approach and decided in 2011 not to contest the next election. "I will be almost 80 and by then it will be time for someone else to have a turn," she said. She returned to acting in 2015 and the following year won critical acclaim for playing King Lear on stage. In 2018, she played 92-year-old A in Edward Albee's "Three Tall Women" on Broadway, a performance that won her a prestigious Tony Award. In 2019, she played an elderly grandmother struggling with dementia in "Elizabeth Is Missing", a television series, and was rewarded with a British Academy of Film and Television Arts (BAFTA) TV Award for Best Actress. Jackson was married from 1958 to 1976 to stage director Roy Hodges. She is survived by their son, Daniel Hodges, who was born in 1969. (Reporting by Elizabeth Piper and Kylie MacLellan, additional reporting by Muvija M; editing by Michael Holden, Angus MacSwan, Alexandra Hudson) (Getty Images for Tony Awards Pro) Glenda Jackson, the double Oscar-winning actor and former Labour MP, has died aged 87 after a brief illness. Her agent issued a statement that said Jackson died at her home in Blackheath, south-east London. Glenda Jackson, two-time Academy Award-winning actress and politician, died peacefully at her home in Blackheath, London this morning after a brief illness with her family at her side, Lionel Larner said. She recently completed filming The Great Escaper in which she co-starred with Michael Caine. The screen star and former Labour MP for Hampstead and Highgate won the Oscar for Best Actress in 1970, for her performance as Gudrun Brangwen in Ken Russells adaptation of the DH Lawrence novel, Women in Love. She won her second Best Actress Oscar three years later for A Touch Of Class, the 1973 romantic comedy about an adulterous couple having an affair. Jackson did not attend the ceremony on either occasion. Despite her successful career, which also included two Emmy Awards and a Tony, Jackson previously said she never had any interest in the glamorous side of the film industry. She said she only started acting after she failed her school certificate, leaving her with no option but to start working at the age of 16. After joining a friend at the YMCA amateur dramatics society, while she was working at her local Boots store, she went on to study at the Royal Academy of Dramatic Art (Rada). (AFP via Getty Images) She gave up acting for politics more than a quarter of a century ago and served as a Labour MP for 23 years. In 1992, she was elected as the Labour MP for Hampstead and Highgate and served as a junior transport minister from 1997 to 1999 during Sir Tony Blair's government. Last year, she criticised the medias coverage of female politicians while commenting that the sexist culture in the House of Commons was beginning to crack but was by no means equal yet. She recalled that Parliament was not welcoming to women when she was voted in during the 1992 general election. In a funny kind of way, youd be surprised if it wasnt immediately apparent. You expect to be ignored, so you have to be prepared for that, she told The Big Issue. (PA) Jackson said she had given her maiden speech to a virtually empty House... but that was okay. Of course it makes you angry, but even that marks you up as woman, failure. Its still the case that whatever men do is widely accepted, whereas when the media consider what women do, theres always an element in the reportage which is critical, she continued. I do think that culture is beginning to crack, but its by no means equal yet. Jackson stood down as an MP at the 2015 general election and returned to acting. She won a Bafta for best actress in 2019 for her role in Elizabeth Is Missing, which followed the story of a woman suffering from dementia. (PA) Forthcoming film The Great Escaper is inspired by true events, and tells the story of a Second World War veteran who escaped his home in Hove, east Sussex, to attend a commemoration of the 70th anniversary of the D-Day landings in France. The project marked the first time Jackson had acted alongside Caine since they starred together in The Romantic Englishwoman, 48 years ago. Additional reporting by Press Association One of the dogs Lake County police evacuated from a suspected puppy mill after serving a search warrant on Thursday, May 25, 2023. - Original Credit: Lake County Sheriff's Dept. (Handout/HANDOUT) The man accused of operating an illegal puppy mill operation out of a Rensselaer pole barn in violation of his probation for similar crimes in Lake County in 2017 appeared in Jasper Superior Court Wednesday to face 43 new charges. Stevce Rajcinoski of Center Township appeared before Jasper Superior Court Judge Russell Bailey charged with 41 counts of animal cruelty, all Level 6 felonies, and one count each of practicing veterinary medicine without a license and failing to register as a commercial breeder, both misdemeanors. Advertisement The charges stem from a May 25 raid of his Center Township home in Lake County and another property in Rensselaer where detectives discovered one mountain dog, seven American bullies, 29 French bulldogs, three dead puppies and one decomposed canine in a retention pond, according to court documents. Lake County Sheriffs Detective Cory House, in the court documents, said that during the search of Rajcinoskis Center Township home May 25, he discovered in a closet in the master bathroom multiple letters from the American Kennel Club with registration certificates for canines dating from 2020 to 2023. Those documents along with others from the Kennel Club were confiscated. At the time of the search, there were two canines at the Lake County property. Advertisement A subsequent search in Rensselaer a couple hours after the search in Center Township revealed what appeared to be more than 30 dogs in cages in a pole barn on the property. Some of the cages appeared to have food and water while others did not, according to the documents. The three deceased puppies were wrapped in surgical paper and found under a stairwell, the documents continued. Indiana Board certified veterinarian Dr. Jennifer Strasser was on the scene and helped evaluate the dogs. According to court records, Strasser said multiple dogs were found to have scaring from cesarean sections performed on them. Employees with Lake County Animal Control assess one of the dogs evacuated from a suspected puppy mill by Lake County police on Thursday, May 25, 2023. - Original Credit: Lake County Sheriff's Dept. (Handout/HANDOUT) One canine still had pieces of thread lodged in her skin, according to the probable cause affidavit. There were no veterinary records or records of veterinarian C-sections performed on the dogs found at either location, the document continued. According to the probable cause affidavit Rajcinoskis spouse confirmed to House she knew about her husbands illegal acts and told him to get rid of the dogs or she would call his probation officer. She said she had monthly conversations with him about the dogs, but nothing would come of it. She told detectives Rajcinoski purposely sought out and bought the Rensselaer property in 2021, first the home, then the pole barn, so that he could continue the puppy mill operation. While he was rehabbing the pole barn, he was housing puppies in the incomplete barn, according to court records. She was also in possession of one of the French bulldogs. Her dog Frenchie is from the first litter in 2020 when Rajcinoski started back up his puppy mill. While she said she was aware of the puppy mill operation, she denied any involvement. Rajcinoski also had a total of 10 sheep and goats at his Center Township residence in violation of his parole, which she said she also knew violated his parole. Advertisement Rajcinoski entered a plea of not guilty and a pretrial conference has been scheduled for Sept. 18. Bond in the Jasper County case was set at $3,500. He remains held in the Lake County Jail without bond on probation violations in the 2017 case, which now also include the latest charges in Jasper County. One of the dogs Lake County police evacuated from a suspected puppy mill after serving a search warrant on Thursday, May 25, 2023. - Original Credit: Lake County Sheriff's Dept. (Handout/HANDOUT) His appearance in Jasper County comes one day after Rajcinoski appeared in Lake County before Magistrate Mark Watson for a hearing on a petition to revoke his probation. The hearing was continued until July 18 due to the scheduled hearing in Jasper Superior Court the next day. According to the probable cause affidavit House said an anonymous tip and another from a Tractor Supply Store employee both reporting suspicious purchases made by Rajcinoski of large quantities of animal feed, dog food and veterinary supplies including puppy vaccinations and medicine for kennel cough that lead police to investigate. At the time of the tips, Rajcinoski already had a petition to revoke his probation filed Aug. 30 by Lake County Probation after a home visit July 27 found he had five canines in his possession in violation of the special condition of his probation that allows him to own only two. An initial petition to revoke probation was filed in August related to this violation, according to court records. Additional petitions to revoke probation now have been filed relating to the Jasper County charges. In 2017 Rajcinoski was charged with 11 counts of felony animal mutilation and 72 counts of animal neglect following a raid on his Center Township home where dozens of dogs were confiscated, according to court documents, which also revealed he had performed C-section surgery on some of the dogs. cnapoleon@chicagotribune.com Two Americans were found dead in their luxury hotel room in Baja California Sur, Mexico, local police told ABC News. Police and paramedics arrived at the Hotel Rancho Pescadero in El Pescadero around 9 p.m. local time Tuesday and found a man and a woman with no vital signs, police said. The victims have been identified as John Heathco, 41, and Abby Lutz, 28, according to the Baja California Sur Attorney General's office. Heathco and Lutz were both from Newport Beach, California, the AG's office said. PHOTO: Abby Lutz, 28, was staying at a Baja California resort when found dead. (Gabrielle Slate) PHOTO: John Heathco, 41, was staying at a Baja California resort when found dead. (LinkedIn) Their cause of death was "intoxication by substance to be determined," the AG's office said in a statement Wednesday. The two had been dead for about 10 or 11 hours when they were found, the attorney general's office said. There were no signs of violence on their bodies, according to the AG's office. The family of Lutz said in a statement Thursday, "We are shocked and saddened to hear about the passing of our beloved Abby. Abby had an adventurous spirit and a wonderfully kind heart. She loved to travel, see new places, and share her zeal for life with those around her. We ask for your thoughts and prayers for our family during this very difficult time." PHOTO: In this undated file photo, an oceanfront villa is shown at Rancho Pescadero, in El Pescadero, Baja California Sur, Mexico. (Business Wire via AP) Hotel Rancho Pescadero is a luxury hotel and a Hyatt property. MORE: Exclusive: Wife of public defender who died at Mexico resort speaks out Henar Gil, general manager of Rancho Pescadero, said in a statement that the hotel staff doesn't initially "believe that the cause of death was related to any issues with the hotel's infrastructure or facilities, including carbon monoxide or a gas of any kind. "We will continue to cooperate with authorities as they look into the cause of this terrible tragedy," Gil said in a statement. The hotel manager also offered his condolences to the victims' families. "This is a shocking and unimaginable situation, and we are committed to supporting and treating them with understanding and compassion," he said. "We can confirm the death of two U.S. citizens in Baja California Sur, Mexico on June 14. We offer our sincerest condolences to the families on their loss," a U.S. State Department spokesperson said Thursday. "We are closely monitoring local authorities' investigation into the cause of death. We stand ready to provide all appropriate consular assistance. Out of respect for the privacy of the families, we have nothing further to add at this time." ABC News' Ellie Kaufman, Will Gretsky and Shannon Crawford contributed to this report. 2 Americans found dead in luxury hotel room in Baja California Sur, Mexico: Police originally appeared on abcnews.go.com Going to Boulevardia this year? Heres what you need to know Boulevardia hits Crown Center in downtown Kansas City this weekend. The local music festival is the biggest in the city, and brings national and local acts together for two days of fun. The festival runs on Friday from 4 to 11 p.m. and Saturday from 1 to 11 p.m. There is no rain in the forecast, but the festival will happen rain or shine. Check out the map here to find where everything is located during the festival. WHERE TO PARK The Crown Center garages are free for Boulevardia weekend after 6 p.m. on Friday, and its first come, first served. The garage is accessed on Grand Boulevard, which is south of the main entrance for Crown Centers shopping mall. Paid lots can also be found around the area if the Crown Center garage fills up, or you can find free street parking nearby and take the streetcar, which stops at Union Station on Main Street, right by Washington Square Park. HOW MUCH ARE TICKETS? Tickets for Boulevardia are now $50 for general admission and $55 for tickets bought on the day of the festival. VIP passes are still available for $140 each day. WHAT ITEMS ARENT ALLOWED? Boulevardia security will ask you to put these items back if you bring them with you Bottles and cans Chemicals Coolers Fireworks and smoke bombs Illegal drugs. Marijuana is also not allowed on festival grounds. Outside food and drinks Outside lawn chairs or camping chairs Oversized backpacks, suitcase and large beach bags Picnic baskets Skateboards, ice skates or roller shoes. Roller skates can only be worn at the BLVDIA Roller Skating Party from 1-3 p.m. on Saturday Unapproved pamphlets, handouts and advertisements Weapons, such as firearms, knives, pepper spray and stun guns Other items can be deemed inadmissible by event management and all bags, jackets, purses and guests are subject to search when they enter the event or at any time during the festival. WHOS PERFORMING AT BOULEVARDIA? Visitors will hear live music at every turn with four stages scattered across Crown Center and Washington Square Park. Heres the full of list of whos performing at each stage on Friday and Saturday. Visit Missouri Grand Stage Kat King: 5:05 p.m. Friday The Beths: 6:25 p.m. Friday The War and Treaty: 7:50 p.m. Friday Jason Isbell and the 400 Unity: 9:30 p.m. Friday Grand Marquis: 1:05 p.m. Saturday Jack Kays: 2:25 p.m. Saturday Hembree: 3:45 p.m. Saturday Big Freedia: 5:05 p.m. Saturday K. Flay: 6:25 p.m. Saturday grandson: 8:05 p.m. Saturday Surfaces: 9:45 p.m. Saturday Fountain Stage Kansas City Latin Jazz Orchestra: 5 p.m. Friday Glass Bandit: 6:15 p.m. Friday Six Percent: 7:30 p.m. Friday Cimafunk: 8:45 p.m. Friday The Freedom Affair: 10 p.m. Friday Say That Again: 1:15 p.m. Saturday Daisy Bucket Drag Show: 2:30 p.m. Saturday The Salvation Choir: 3:45 p.m. Saturday Julia Haile: 5 p.m. Saturday The Grisly Hand: 6:15 p.m. Saturday Cortez Vaughn & Worship Culture: 7:30 p.m. Saturday Me Like Bees: 8:45 p.m. Saturday Atlantic Express: 10 p.m. Saturday Propaganda3 Park Stage Trevor Turla: 4:25 p.m. Friday Back Alley Brass Band: 5:45 p.m. Friday Katy Guillen and the Drive: 7:10 p.m. Friday Post Sex Nachos: 8:50 p.m. Friday Peter Schlamb and The Electric Tinks: 1:45 p.m. Saturday Just Angel and The Wades: 3:05 p.m. Saturday Quite Frankly: 4:25 p.m. Saturday Sass-a-Brass: 5:45 p.m. Saturday SPLATT: 7:25 p.m. Saturday Found A Job: 9:05 p.m. Saturday Quirk Terrace Stage Caley Rose: 5:45 p.m. Friday Malek Azrael and The Vibes: 7 p.m. Friday Steddy P: 8:15 p.m. Friday Friendly Thieves: 9:30 p.m. Friday The Royal Chief: 2 p.m. Saturday Zion Isaiah: 3:15 p.m. Saturday Tre Mutava: 4:30 p.m. Saturday Flare Tha Rebel: 5:45 p.m. Saturday PmBata: 7 p.m. Saturday Jass and the Boys: 8:15 p.m. Saturday LYXE: 9:30 p.m. Saturday WHAT ELSE IS THERE TO DO? Silent Disco runs from 5 to 10 p.m. on Friday and 3 to 11 p.m. on Saturday at the Crown Center Ice Terrace. A roller skating party takes place at the Ice Terrace from 1 to 3 p.m. on Saturday. Special passes to skip the line at Silent Disco can be purchased separately for $20. The Makers Market features several Kansas City-based clothing, jewelry and art stores. Take a look at whos set up at the market here. Plenty of local food trucks will be on-site, providing visitors with some of Kansas Citys finest treats. Anti-abortion groups promoting misleading advertisements for clinics and abortion care in Google Search results have reportedly steered millions of dollars to the tech giant, as abortion rights groups continue to press the company to remove deceptive ads and false information from the platform. So-called crisis pregnancy centres and anti-abortion campaigns have targeted people searching for phrases like abortion clinic near me and abortion pill with deceptive ads intended to look like legitimate healthcare facilities but are instead fake clinics where patients are counselled against terminating their pregnancies, according to a report from nonprofit investigative watchdog group Center for Countering Digital Hate. Google has collected roughly $10.2m from such ads over the last two years, the report found. Roughly $7.3m on ad spending came from fake clinics in states where people are legally entitled to abortion care four times more than ads in states where abortion access faces severe restrictions, according to the report. Google has sold out the trust of hundreds of thousands of Americans seeking reproductive healthcare and services to a multi-million dollar fake clinic industry that works around the clock to delay and prevent care using deceptive practices, according to a statement from Center for Countering Digital Hate chief executive Imran Ahmed shared with The Independent. Search results pages are as tightly curated as TV commercial breaks or magazines ads pages. Google is selling the digital equivalent of Super Bowl slots to deceptive anti-choice bidders, allowing them to distort reality and limit the choices available to those searching for information and options, he added. A spokesperson for Google said in a statement shared with The Independent that the platform requires any organisation that wants to advertise to people seeking information about abortion services to be certified and clearly disclose whether they do or do not offer abortions. We do not allow ads promoting abortion reversal treatments and we also prohibit advertisers from misleading people about the services they offer. We remove or block ads that violate these policies. We know that people come to Google looking for information they can trust during deeply personal moments and are committed to ensuring advertisements on this topic are clear and easily understood, the statement added. There are roughly 2,600 so-called crisis pregnancy centres or pregnancy resource centres in the US, largely operated by nonprofit Christian ministries, and outnumbering reproductive healthcare clinics by a ratio of three to one. Many fake clinics are not medically licensed but offer services like pregnancy tests, sonograms and prenatal care, while promoting false and misleading medical claims including a link between abortion and cancer, as well as false claims about fetal development, reproductive healthcare and pregnancy itself all in an effort to dissuade patients from seeking an abortion. Google has been at the centre of years of complaints from abortion rights advocates, members of Congress and others who have criticised the visibility of non-healthcare facilities in the platforms Search results for abortion care, particularly as legal access to care has narrowed for tens of millions of Americans. Many of the statements in the latest report from the Center for Countering Digital Hate were uncovered in its reporting last year that prompted Google to take immediate action on policy violating ads, including those that misrepresented the services or products they provided, the platform shared in a statement. Last year, the Center for Countering Digital Hate discovered that Google placed misleading ads for so-called abortion reversal within 83 percent of searches related to abortion. Reporting from Bloomberg discovered that Google Maps showed results for crisis pregnancy centres roughly a quarter of the time in searches for abortion care. And members of Congress have repeatedly warned the company against misdirecting users. In August, two months after the US Supreme Courts decision to end constitutional protections for abortion, Google announced plans to label medical clinics and hospitals that provide abortion care in its Maps app and websites. Google also announced plans to delete users location histories for visits to abortion clinics and other healthcare providers. But researchers have continued to find misleading ads surrounding abortion access and false information about abortion care, including recent reporting that search results were more likely to show ads for crisis pregnancy centres to people from lower-income backgrounds in major US cities, according to the Tech Transparency Project. Spending on Google Search advertising for both fake clinic websites and overt anti-abortion campaigns spiked throughout the summer and fall of 2021, after the Supreme Court announced on 20 May 2021 that it would take up the case that ultimately overturned Roe v Wade. While ad spending for anti-abortion campaigns has remained low in the months that followed, ads for fake clinics have trended upward since last summer, the report found. Despite a September 2021 pledge from Google to remove any ads promoting so-called abortion reversal procedures, roughly 72 fake clinic websites that promote the dubious claims spent an estimated $2.6m on ads between October 2021 and February 2023, according to the report. Among the reports findings, roughly 71 percent of fake clinics that advertised on the platform used at least one deceptive technique to lure users, and 16 percent promoted misleading medical claims. Thirty-eight percent failed to state on their websites homepage that they do not provide abortion care. The report also found anti-abortion marketing firms that help fake clinics access Googles Ad Grant programme, which offers nonprofit groups up to $10,000 in monthly ad credits, which the report argues is allowing the platform to effectively subsidise the anti-abortion movement. Google said the programme does not distinguish between advertisers promoting anti-abortion and abortion rights messages. The Center for Countering Digital Hate recommends that Google demand transparency from clinics running ads with the company, including explicit disclaimers that the clinics do not provide abortions. Google also is urged to end ad grants for deceptive anti-abortion websites and prioritse actual abortion care facilities in its search result. The report also encourages lawmakers to lean on the Federal Trade Commission to scrutinise misleading advertising around abortion care. Amy Merrill, co-founder and digital director of Plan C, which advocates for medication abortion access, said the report reveals the extent to which Google has benefited from the deception. As we and other abortion access organizations band together to fight mis- and disinformation online, data like this will help hold Big Tech and policy makers accountable in helping mitigate the harm of bans and ensuring a better digital landscape for abortion-seekers nationwide, she said in a statement shared with The Independent. Stock photo of Google logo under magnifying glass A new report from the Center for Countering Digital Hate puts Googles search and ad practices under the magnifying glass once again. Google has received an estimated $10.2 million over the past two years for promoting misleading anti-abortion centers in its search results, according to a new report from the non-profit Center for Countering Digital Hate (CCDH). The analysis highlights how the internets biggest search provider tacitly profits off of advertisements that can harm users. Often called crisis pregnancy centers these anti-abortion facilities tend to pose as medical clinics. However, they exist solely to sway abortion seekers away from abortion careoften by providing incorrect information or running down the clock. They outnumber actual abortion providers across the U.S., by 3 to 1, according to a 2021 research report from gender equality advocacy group, The Alliance. Even in places like New York Cityconsidered bastions of abortion accessanti-abortion centers still reign supreme, per a 2022 New York Times report. CCDH argues that Google is complicit in the problem. Google is a willing participant and supporter of the fake clinic industry, profiting from and even subsidizing the anti-choice lobbys campaigns, CCDHs CEO, Imran Ahmed, said in a statement accompanying the report. Read more In addition to accepting millions of dollars to promote fake clinic sites, in some cases, Google also offers these websites free advertising. The companys non-profit grant system allows anti-abortion organizations promoting misleading crisis pregnancy centers to access thousands of dollars in subsidized ad credits along with Google marketing tools, per the report. In its analysis, CCDH identified 976 total fake clinic sites and determined that 188 had paid to advertise on Google in the past two years. Over that time period, anti-abortion advocacy groups spent about four times as much on ads for fake clinics as they did for transparent and overt anti-abortion campaigns. Spending on fake clinic ads was highest in states where abortion is legal. CCDH found that advocacy groups shelled out $7.3 million in these states vs. $1.6 million in the 13 states where abortion is now outright illegal This suggests that the anti-choice movement is focusing its resources on ads aimed at misdirecting people who are legally entitled to access abortion care, the report notes. Of the 188 anti-abortion center websites that CCDH identified as advertising on Google, the misinformation watchdog found that 71% employed one or more misleading techniques to attempt to stop abortion seekers from accessing care. 16% promoted false health information on their websites like that abortion increases breast cancer risk, though many large scientific studies show no link between breast cancer and abortion. 38% did not clearly state on their website homepage that they dont offer abortions. 40% promoted scientifically unsupported medication abortion reversals. This last category amounts to websites offering unproven medical claims and services, despite Google previously stating that it prohibits ads containing such claims and would remove them, according to CCDH. Googles ad policy also specifically notes that it does not allow ads that promote abortion reversal pillsyet still, the non-profit group estimates that Google made $2.6 million over two years advertising sites that offer such pills. Moreover, many of these anti-abortion clinics advertising on Google dont even exist. They have websites but no physical location. Calling their phone number often directs clients to an anti-choice call center, as highlighted in a 2022 New York Times investigation. Google accepted more than $1.1 million in ad money from such sites between March 2021 and March 2023, per the CCDH. Fake clinics paid Google to show their ads in searches for more than 15,000 different queries including planned parenthood abortion clinic near me and abortion pill. CCDH reports that anti-abortion groups also targeted abortion tourism by placing ads for crisis centers specifically in search results for regarding locations where abortion remains legal. The non-profit groups data from between March 2021 and February 2023 shows that the bulk of this spending and advertising happened in the lead-up to the Dobbs SCOTUS decision that overturned Roe v. Wade protections. The issue of anti-abortion centers advertising on Google is not a new oneit goes back years. Previous CCDH reports, a Gizmodo investigation, and analysis from elsewhere have shown that such misleading ads are persistent on the platform. Google has stopped far short of banning such adslikely in part because of political pushback. However, the company has made multiple changes to attempt to clarify when an ad is for an actual abortion clinic vs. an anti-abortion center. In search, sponsored results are labeled provides abortions or does not provide abortions. Following the widely publicized June 2022 CCDH report, the same labels are also now applied to all results in Maps, sponsored or otherwise. These labels used to be light gray, but are now shown in black, bolded text. Google openly admits it made these changes because of CCDHs past report. Yet improvements aside, there are still clear issues. On a quick search, Gizmodo found that Google appears to be misapplying these labels in some cases. An anti-abortion group at the URL yourabortionchoice.org claiming to have a clinic in Oklahoma, where abortion is now illegal, was labeled by Google as provides abortions. It does not. screenshot of Google search results yourabortionchoice.org is NOT an abortion provider, despite Googles label. On the flip side, a legitimate and trustworthy resource for finding abortion clinics, Abortion Finder, was labeled by Google as Does not provide abortions. Technically this is true. Abortion Finder does not directly provide abortions. However, it doesnt claim to and it does help direct people to clinics where they can receive abortion care. Labeling Abortion Finder in the same way that Google labels deceptive fake clinics makes the tool seem illegitimate when its probably a better method to search for abortion assistance than Google itself. Screenshot of Google search result Abortion Finder is a useful tool for helping abortion seekers to access appropriate and relevant care. So why does Google label it in a way that makes it seem less legit? Asked about both of these examples, Google spokesperson Michael Aciman told Gizmodo, The ad from abortionfinder.org is properly labeled. The ad you shared from yourabortionchoice.org had the incorrect disclosure and weve corrected the issue. Presumably, more errors are out there. In a statement from a company spokesperson on the new CCDH report, Google further wrote: We require any organization that wants to advertise to people seeking information about abortion services to be certified and clearly disclose whether they do or do not offer abortions. We do not allow ads promoting abortion reversal treatments and we also prohibit advertisers from misleading people about the services they offer. We remove or block ads that violate these policies. We know that people come to Google looking for information they can trust during deeply personal moments and are committed to ensuring advertisements on this topic are clear and easily understood. More from Gizmodo Sign up for Gizmodo's Newsletter. For the latest news, Facebook, Twitter and Instagram. Click here to read the full article. Image: Ascannio (Shutterstock) As Google continues to refine its own AI chatbot named Bard, its parent company Alphabet Inc. has a clear directive for its employees: Be careful around chatbots, even Bard. Four sources close to the matter told Reuters that the massive tech giant has advised employees not to enter confidential information into chatbots like OpenAIs ChatGPT or Googles own Bard over fears of leaks. Alphabet is reportedly concerned with employees inputting sensitive information into these chatbots since human reviewers may sit on the other end reviewing chat entries. These chatbots may also use previous entries to train themselves, posing another risk of a leak. That risk is warranted, as Samsung confirmed last month that its own internal data had been leaked after staff used ChatGPT. Read more Google did not immediately return Gizmodos request for comment on the employee directive. In January, an Amazon lawyer urged employees at the company not to share code with ChatGPT. The lawyer specifically requested that employees not share any Amazon confidential information (including Amazon code you are working on) with ChatGPT, according to screenshots of Slack messages reviewed by the Insider. Last month, Apple pushed a similar injunction onto its employees. Internal documents obtained by The Wall Street Journal showed that Apple forbade employees from using ChatGPT and the Microsoft-owned GitHub Copilot, an AI code writer. Sources also told the Journal that Apple, like every big player in tech, is interested in building its own large language model, and Apple purchased two AI startups in 2020 for $200 million and $50 million, respectively. Google released Bard, its ChatGPT competitor, in March. Bard is built with Googles own in-house artificial intelligence engine called Language Model for Dialogue Applications, or LaMDA. A little over a month before Bards release, a leaked memo revealed that Google CEO Sundar Pichai asked Googlers across the company to test Bard for two to four hours during their day. This week, Google delayed the release of Bard in the European Union after Irish regulators cited privacy concerns. The Irish Data Protection Commission claims that Google and Bard do not comply with the Personal Data Protection law. Want to know more about AI, chatbots, and the future of machine learning? Check out our full coverage of artificial intelligence, or browse our guides to The Best Free AI Art Generators, The Best ChatGPT Alternatives, and Everything We Know About OpenAIs ChatGPT. More from Gizmodo Sign up for Gizmodo's Newsletter. For the latest news, Facebook, Twitter and Instagram. Click here to read the full article. If You Googled Anything During the Years "30 Rock" Was on TV, You Can Get Free Money Right Now Google Greenbacks Just in case you Googled something between October 2006 and September 2013 that's almost exactly the run of the sitcom "30 Rock," if it jogs your memory you're entitled to a slice of a $23 million settlement. The bad news: your slice might be minuscule. According to a website set up by the settlement's administrators, individual payouts will be an estimated $7.70 per person, which is roughly the cost of a large frappucino from Starbucks. We'll take it! Search Scratch The lawsuit, filed just over a decade ago, accused Google of "storing and intentionally, systematically and repeatedly divulging" users' search results and histories to third parties, a violation of privacy laws. These queries contained sensitive data, the lawsuit argued, including names, addresses, phone numbers, and even social security numbers, something that "increases the risk of identity theft." Google maintains that it didn't do anything wrong, but is now required to regularly update its FAQ to inform users how and to whom it's passing their personal data. Query Quid In any case, you have until July 31 to submit your claim. Ironically, you'll have to give up more of your personal info to get on the list, including your name, home address, and email. As the New York Times points out, appeals could slow down the process significantly, even if the court grants final approval in October. Last month, Facebook's parent company Meta settled its own class action lawsuit, requiring it to pay out $725 million to US-based users, who had an active account between May 2007 and December 2022. While it's unclear how much individual users will get, it likely won't be much, considering how many Facebook users there are. But free money is free money we're not gonna look a gift horse in the mouth. More on Google: As Smoke Fills the Sky, Google's New AI Gives Wildly Inaccurate Info on Air Quality Texas Gov. Greg Abbott (R) announced on Wednesday that a busload of migrants from the state has arrived for the first time in Los Angeles, adding to the growing list of cities that have taken in migrants at Abbotts order. Los Angeles is a major city that migrants seek to go to, particularly now that its city leaders approved its self-declared sanctuary city status, Abbott said in a statement released Wednesday evening. Our border communities are on the frontlines of President Bidens border crisis, and Texas will continue providing this much-needed relief until he steps up to do his job and secure the border. According to the statement, the migrants were dropped off at Union Station in downtown Los Angeles on Tuesday evening. The arrival follows more than a year after Abbott directed the Texas Division of Emergency Management (TDEM) to charter buses of migrants released from federal custody from Texas to Washington, D.C., as a means of addressing decisions made by President Joe Biden. Last year, Biden announced he would end Title 42, a pandemic-era policy put in place during the Donald Trump administration that sent asylum-seekers back across the border to Mexico. In his letter to the TDEM in April 2022, Abbott said that Bidens move would result in an influx of thousands of migrants in Texas, which the U.S. Department of Homeland Security has no real plan for. He added that Texas resources are already overwhelmed and the state would not be able to handle groups of migrants in Texas communities. After more than 40 migrants arrived in Los Angeles on Wednesday evening, Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass released a statement saying that the city has executed an emergency management plan developed in advance by local, state and federal departments along with nonprofit organizations. It is abhorrent that an American elected official is using human beings as pawns in his cheap political games, Bass said in the statement. Shortly after I took office, I directed City Departments to begin planning in the event Los Angeles was on the receiving end of a despicable stunt that Republican Governors have grown so fond of. Despite disapproval of Abbotts plan, Bass emphasized that Los Angeles seeks to treat all people with dignity and compassion and will not be swayed or moved by petty politicians playing with human lives. For everything that we do, we will continue to lock arms and we will continue to lead. And we will always put peoples health and well being over politics, she said. Migrants who were sent on a bus from Texas line a sidewalk near the U.S. Capitol on Aug. 11, 2022. Migrants who were sent on a bus from Texas line a sidewalk near the U.S. Capitol on Aug. 11, 2022. Abbott has been busing migrants over the past year to other cities, including New York City, Chicago, Philadelphia and, most recently, Denver. According to the Texas Tribune, the state has sent more than 19,000 migrants to these cities, prompting city officials to speak out. Last month, Chicago Mayor Lori Lightfoot wrote a letter to Abbott urging him to stop sending migrants to the city, which she described as a dangerous and inhumane action. Chicago has received more than 8,000 men, women and children from Texas since August and was facing a lack of shelter and resources. None of these urgent needs were addressed in Texas, Lightfoot said, referencing how nearly all of the migrants were in dire need of food, water, clothing and medical care. Instead, these individuals and families were packed onto buses and shipped across the country like freight without regard to their personal circumstances. Several groups, including the American Civil Liberties Union, as well as politicians have spoken out against Abbotts migrant busing program. In April, the Texas Democratic Party said that Abbott is trying to demonize immigrants. For years, Texas Republicans have looked to the Southern Border as a wedge issue, creating a narrative that stirs up emotions but neglects the truth, the Texas Democratic Party said in a statement. Related... Gov. Ron DeSantis took aim at public broadcasting spending with his line-item veto, striking $6.4 million in capital spending on health and safety projects at public broadcasting stations across the state. DeSantis vetoed far fewer items in the state budget than in previous years, cutting about $511 million, whereas in previous years his vetoes have ranged in the billions. DeSantis vetoed a similar list of public broadcast projects in 2022. The items vetoed Thursday were for projects at 16 public television and radio stations and ranged from $18,000 to $631,160, all aimed at repairing health and safety issues with public broadcasting station facilities. Some of the projects included repairing deteriorating broadcast antennas. Most public broadcast stations in the state are affiliated with a public university or college. What got vetoed locally: Here's what Escambia projects got axed - or survived - the governor's budget veto pen Budget signed: DeSantis signs $116.5 billion state budget, vetoes $511 million while ripping Washington The $6.4 million was budgeted to come out of the state's Public Education Capital Outlay and Debt Service Trust Fund before it was vetoed. Pensacola saw both of its public broadcast stations' projects nixed, with WSRE-TV losing $100,000 to replace a studio transmitter link and WUWF-FM losing $593,000 to replace an obsolete backup generator and transfer switch. Jacksonville's WJCT-TV/FM lost two projects to replace a damaged studio floor and restrooms totaling $803,294. WDNA-FM Miami lost $19,855 to replace a leaking HVAC system. WEDU-TV in Tampa and St. Petersburg lost a project to replace mildewed and unhealthy ceiling tiles totaling $347,628. WEFS-TV in Cocoa lost a project to apply a galvanized coating to a deteriorating antenna tower for $18,850. WFIT-FM in Melbourne lost $576,500 to replace its main satellite dish. WFSU-TV/FM in Tallahassee lost two projects that would replace emergency equipment for $57,000 and repaint its broadcast tower to meet Federal Aviation Administration safety requirements. WGCU-TV/FM in Ft. Myers and Naples lost two projects to replace a backup generator for $175,000 and an unsafe lighting grid for $350,000. WKGC-FM in Panama City lost $215,050 to replace a failing main generator, transfer switch, and fuel tank. WMFE-FM in Orlando lost two projects to repair a failing sewer lift station for $508,431 and replace its fire alarm system for $197,347. WUCF-TV in Orlando lost $625,000 to buy an emergency backup transmitter. WUFT-TV/FM in Gainesville lost $150,000 to replace FAA safety lights. WUSF-FM in Tampa lost two projects to replace obsolete electrical systems for $392,750 and damaged guy wires on a broadcast antenna for $172,134. WXEL-TV in Boynton Beach lost $600,000 for a project to replace aging HVAC systems and building infrastructure. This article originally appeared on Pensacola News Journal: DeSantis vetoes PBS and NPR station projects across Florida This artist depiction shows Massachusetts Air National Guardsman Jack Teixeira, right, appearing in federal court in April. BOSTON Jack Teixeira, the 21-year-old Air National Guardsman accused of posting top-secret government data to friends on a Discord social media forum, was indicted by a federal grand jury in Boston Thursday. Teixeira, of North Dighton, was indicted on six charges of willful retention and transmission of classified information relating to the national defense, according to a news release from the office of Acting United States Attorney Joshua S. Levy. At a May 19 appearance in Worcester, Teixeira was ordered detained while he awaits trial by U.S. Magistrate Judge David Hennessy. On that date, Hennessy admonished Teixeria, saying he appeared to not care that he was breaking nondisclosure agreements and said a history of violent and bigoted remarks suggested a disturbing pattern. Teixeira was arrested on April 13 and charged with retention and transmission of national defense information and unauthorized removal and retention of classified documents or materials. He is a member of the United States Air National Guard, stationed on Cape Cod. As laid out in the indictment, Jack Teixeira was entrusted by the United States government with access to classified national defense information including information that reasonably could be expected to cause exceptionally grave damage to national security if shared, Attorney General Merrick B. Garland said in a statement announcing the indictment. Each count in the indictment is punishable by up to 10 years in prison. With Associated Press reports This article originally appeared on Telegram & Gazette: Jack Teixeira, accused Pentagon leaker, indicted by federal grand jury The Porter County Coroners Office has ruled the death of a Hobart man found near a Portage Township fishing pond as a homicide, while documents for felony auto theft charges against two suspects who police said crashed the victims car on an Ohio highway provide more details in the case. Porter County Chief Deputy Prosecutor Armando Salinas said he expects the auto theft charges against Jawon Martin, also known as Jada Monroe, and Domonic Weaver, who also uses the last names of Barnes and Brothers, to be upgraded on Friday in light of the coroners ruling. Both are in custody in Hamilton County, Ohio. Advertisement Preliminary autopsy results show a cause of death for Derek William Hartz, 35, of Hobart, as multiple blunt force trauma and sharp object injuries of the head and chest, according to a release from Porter County Coroner Cyndi Dykes. An autopsy was conducted Thursday morning. According to charging documents for the auto theft cases against Martin, 28, of Danville, Virginia, and Weaver, 27, of the 4300 block of East 11th Avenue in Gary, a fisherman reported finding Hartzs body around 10:30 a.m. Tuesday on a small trail at the Chustak Public Fishing Area, 331 West County Road 600 North, a 76-acre public fishing area just off Indiana 149 in Portage Township along Salt Creek. Advertisement Police arriving at the scene noted the male, who was identified as Hartz through fingerprint records and pictures on file with the sheriffs department, had excessive bleeding from what appeared to be blunt force trauma to the skull, according to charging documents. He was laying on a small trail at the edge of the creek on a deflated air mattress. The deceased was naked from the waist down and clothing was found next to him. Police notified Hartzs mother, with whom he lived and shared a car. She told investigators Hartz had taken their shared car sometime after 4:30 a.m. Tuesday and left her a note that he was going to see a friend, according to court records. His mother attempted to contact him to return the car and received texts back after his body was found. Police entered the car as stolen into the Indiana Data and Communications System, an online database for law enforcement. Crime scene technicians located two Virginia identification cards in a fanny pack located under Hartz. They belonged to a transgender male named Jawon Martin, also known as Jada Monroe. At that point in the investigation, police didnt know if Jada Monroe was another victim, suspect, or missing person, according to the charges. Using law enforcement technology, police tracked the stolen car from Indiana and into Michigan, and then to Lake County, where Hartzs phone, which was stolen with the car, was discarded. The last mapped location for the car was the 4300 block of East 11th Avenue in Gary. Police put out a nationwide alert for the stolen car, a white, 2017 Volkswagen Passat with Indiana license plates, according to online Hamilton County, Ohio documents on Martins case there, and ping for the cellphone belonging to the identified suspect/victim/missing person was requested due the exigency of the unknown circumstances, documents state, referring to Martin. The ping indicated the cellphone was southbound on Interstate 75 headed into Cincinnati. Officers there pursued the car, which crashed while fleeing from police, documents state. Martin was identified as the driver and taken into custody after a foot pursuit, as was Weaver, a passenger in the car. Weaver, who had a Virginia identification card, also has two active warrants through Porter County. One is for misdemeanor counts of theft and drug possession, and the other is for misdemeanor theft, according to online court records. Advertisement Weaver was charged in Cincinnati with obstructing official business while Martin was charged with fleeing and eluding, receiving stolen property and failure to control a vehicle, according to online records from Hamilton County. Indiana Conservation Officers are investigating, as are law enforcement officials from Cincinnati. The car was secured by the Cincinnati Police Department, with a hold for Porter County investigators. alavalley@chicagotribune.com The grandfather of the four Colombian children rescued last week from the Amazon rainforest has revealed how her oldest granddaughter helped her siblings survive. Magdalena Mucutuy and her children Lesly, 13, Soleiny, nine, Tien Noriel, four, and one-year-old Cristin were on board a light aircraft en route to San Jose Del Guaviare when it crashed on 1 May. Mucutuy, the pilot and another adult passenger were killed, but the children survived the accident and went on to spend 40 days stranded in the jungle. Members of indigenous communities in the area and officers with the Colombian Army combed through the dense foliage until the children were finally rescued on 9 June. Now, the minors grandfather Narciso Mucutuy has revealed the great lengths his oldest granddaughter went to in order to keep her younger sisters and brother alive. Mr Mucutuy said the children spent the first four days of their odyssey at the site of the crash. But after running out of food and water they had brought on the plane, they decided to wander in the vast jungle, hoping to find a creek that would lead them to a river or a nearby village. The babies would cry because they were cold, they were tired, they were hungry, Ms Mucutuy told Semana in Spanish during an exclusive interview on Tuesday. Lesly ripped apart a piece of fabric from her moms clothes to cover her siblings and protect them from the cold. It is very, very sad. The oldest girl was sitting on her mothers legs and the other three children were behind them, Mr Mucutuy said Lesly recalled to him. After the crash, their bodies piled one on top of the other. Lesly was under her moms body and when she woke up, she saw her little sisters leg moving and thought, My sister is alive. She then pulled her body. A testament to her resilience and determination to keep herself and her siblings alive, Lesly rationed the content of a baby bottle to feed her two youngest siblings. When she lost the bottle, she made a makeshift feeder device out of plant leaves and filled it with water. Lesly and Soleiny would also forage seeds as well as some fruits they found in the rainforest, which they were familiar with as members of the Huitoto indigenous group. Mr Mucutuy credited the childrens indigenous upbringing for their ability to survive more than a month in the unforgiving Colombian jungle. We teach our people, from the time theyre around five years old, to be out in the forest, he told Semana. We take them in canoes to the jungle. We teach them how to fish, which fruits are edible and which are not. We teach them to harvest, when produce is ready to eat ... all of that is part of their upbringing. Army officers stand next to four children rescued after spending forty days in the Amazon Rainforest following a crash that killed their mother and two other adults (AP) The children were airlifted to a hospital, where they are now being treated for dehydration and malnourishment (Copyright 2023 The Associated Press. All rights reserved) Medics with the Colombian Army evaluate the childrens condition (Colombian Presidency/AFP via Get) Mr Mucutuy said Lesly also made shelters with items she found in the jungle, adding that the children thankfully never encountered dangerous animals in their journey. Lesly said they never saw boas or tigers or bears. Nothing, he noted. She said she didnt feel fear, she was in shock after the crash and could think about getting out of there with her siblings. The rescue last Friday came after a group of indigenous people who had been searching on foot for the children performed a traditional ritual. They then found the children and alerted members of the Colombian Army who rushed to their location and airlifted the children to a military hospital in Bogota. Mr Mucutuy said the children were about to give up just before help came their way. Lesly told me she didnt have any strength left, she felt extremely weak, Mr Mucutuy told Semana. She lost consciousness, she would have delirious episodes. They stayed there because they didnt have any strength to keep going. Narciso Mucutuy, the grandfather of the 4 rescued Indigenous children, speaks to the media (Copyright 2023 The Associated Press. All rights reserved.) In this photo released by Colombias Armed Forces Press Office, soldiers and Indigenous tend to the four children When the children were found, they initially became scared but were assured by indigenous leaders that they were going to be brought back with their family. The leaders told them, Dont be scared, we are your family. Your grandfather and grandmother have asked us to look for you and we have been doing so for a long time, Mr Mucutuy told Semana. They hugged the kids ... and the little boy, who is very clever, immediately said, I want sausages, I want to eat something, Im hungry. ... When the army arrived ... one of the soldiers started feeding the baby with the bottle. Mr Mucutuy likened the childrens survival to the 40 days that Jesus spent in the desert without eating, saying he believes his grandchildren relied on their spirituality while they were missing. Mr Mucutuy also said they saw Wilson, the K-9 who participated in the search and is now lost in the jungle, several times. Earlier this week, the Colombian Army shared a drawing of the now-missing four-legged hero made by the children from their hospital beds. Wilson, a K-9 who participated in the search, is now lost in the jungle (Especial) Earlier this week, the Colombian Army shared a drawing of the now-missing four-legged hero made by the children from their hospital beds (Colombian Army) Wilson would go look for them, find them, and go back to alert the army officers. But the children didnt understand what he was doing, Mr Mucutuy said. The children say he will come back. According to our culture, a dog is never really lost, they always come back to us. The children are reportedly very dehydrated and malnourished but are receiving around-the-clock treatment and their condition is steadily improving. Their grandfather told Semana that doctors are working along with indigenous leaders to give the children care that is sensitive to their culture. Traditional eating rituals have been held and the minors are starting to eat solid foods. Theyre eating small portions as their bodies get used to larger quantities. Mr Mucutuy and his wife are hoping they can eventually obtain custody of the four children. They plan to settle in the countrys capital to help their grandchildren as they reel from losing their mother and grapple with their new reality after their miracle survival. By Lefteris Papadimas and Stamos Prousalis KALAMATA, Greece (Reuters) -Rescuers scoured the seas off Greece on Thursday following a shipwreck that killed at least 78 migrants, as hopes of survivors dwindled and fears grew that hundreds more, including children, may have drowned inside the crowded vessel's hold. Reports suggested between 400 and 750 people had packed the fishing boat that capsized and sank early on Wednesday morning in deep waters about 50 miles (80 km) from the southern coastal town of Pylos. Greek authorities said 104 survivors had been brought ashore. Outside the coast guard office in the port city of Kalamata, where survivors were transferred, a Syrian man whose wife was missing sought answers. Kassam Abozeed, who lives in Germany, said he last heard from his wife Israa eight days ago. She had paid $4,500 (4,124 euros) to travel on the boat, the 34-year-old said, showing a photograph of her on his phone. The search operation had not recovered any bodies in more than 24 hours, and victims' bodies were transferred to a cemetery near Athens for DNA tests. Government sources said chances of retrieving the sunken vessel were remote because of the depth of the water. A shipping ministry official said nine Egyptians were arrested over the shipwreck. Greek TV Skai reported that, according to witnesses, the vessel departed from Egypt and stopped at the Libyan port of Tobruk before setting sail for Italy. A European rescue-support charity said there could have been 750 people on the 20- to 30 metre-long (65- to 100-foot) boat. The U.N.'s International Organization for Migration said initial reports suggested up to 400 people were aboard. Its refugee agency, the UNHCR, said hundreds were feared missing. "The shipwreck off Pylos marks one of the largest sea tragedies in the Mediterranean in recent memory," Maria Clara, the UNHCR representative in Greece, told Reuters. Pope Francis, who visited Greece two years ago to draw attention to the plight of refugees, was "deeply dismayed to learn of the shipwreck... with its devastating loss of life," the Vatican said in a statement. 'OUR LAST NIGHT ALIVE' Independent refugee activist Nawal Soufi said in a Facebook post that she was in contact with migrants aboard the vessel from the early hours of Tuesday until 11 p.m. "The whole time they asked me what they should do and I kept telling them that Greek help would come. In this last call, the man I was talking to expressly told me: 'I feel that this will be our last night alive,'" she wrote. Greece is one of the main routes into the European Union for refugees and migrants from the Middle East, Asia and Africa. Aerial pictures released by Greek authorities of the boat hours before it sank showed dozens of people on the boat's upper and lower decks looking up, some with arms outstretched. But Greek officials said people on the crowded decks repeatedly turned down attempted assistance from a Greek coast guard boat shadowing it, saying they wanted to reach Italy. "You cannot carry out a violent diversion on such a vessel with so many people on board... without any sort of cooperation," coast guard spokesperson Nikos Alexiou told state broadcaster ERT. Alarm Phone, which operates a trans-European network supporting rescue operations and received alerts from people on board a ship in distress off Greece late on Tuesday, said the captain fled on a small boat. Government officials said that before capsizing and sinking around 2 a.m. on Wednesday, the vessel's engine stopped and it began veering from side to side. 'WATERY GRAVES' On Thursday evening, thousands of leftist protesters rallied in Athens and the northern city of Thessaloniki demanding European Union migration policies be relaxed. A group of protesters in Athens hurled petrol bombs at police who responded with teargas. In Kalamata, protesters marched outside the migrants' shelter. "Crocodile tears! No to the EU's pact on migration," read one banner. EU migration policy "turns the Mediterranean, our seas, into watery graves," leftist Greek leader Alexis Tsipras, prime minister in 2015-2019 at the peak of Europe's migration crisis, said during a visit in Kalamata on Thursday. Under a conservative government in power until last month, Greece took a harder stance on migration, building walled camps and boosting border controls. The country is currently governed by a caretaker administration pending an election on June 25. Greece's government spokesman Ilias Siakantaris told Reuters that the biggest challenge for EU border states "is forging a comprehensive EU solution on migration and asylum that respects international law and inclusive humanism." The United Nations has registered more than 20,000 deaths and disappearances in the central Mediterranean since 2014, making it the most dangerous migrant crossing in the world. (Additional reporting by Stelios Misinas in Kalamata, Renee Maltezou and Karolina Tagaris, Alkis Konstantinidis in Athens, Angelo Amante in Rome; Writing by Michele Kambas; editing by John Stonestreet, Hugh Lawson, Alexandra Hudson, Jonathan Oatis and Cynthia Osterman) Greenpeace reports flooding of 32 sites containing chemicals, oil, and gasoline, following Kakhovka Dam explosion The flooded Kherson Oblast Satellite data analysis reveals that, in the initial days following the disaster, approximately 150 tons of motor oil leaked into the water. Greenpeace states that even a small amount of chemicals, which can contaminate soil and water bodies, can greatly hinder access to clean water. The organization also drew attention to the risk of severe pollution as a result of the flooding of industrial areas. Chemicals washed downstream could pollute the Black Sea and coastal regions. Read also: Cholera and e. coli discovered in water supplies after Kakhovka Dam destruction Wildlife will be adversely affected by the catastrophe, as their habitats will be contaminated, Greenpeace added. Manfred Santen, a Greenpeace chemist from Germany, warned that without proper restoration, soils and water bodies may remain unsuitable for agricultural production and as a source of drinking water for many years. Earlier, Ruslan Strylets, the Minister of Environmental Protection and Natural Resources of Ukraine, reported that a significant portion of the reservoir volume at the Kakhovka Reservoir had leaked due to the explosion at the Kakhovka Hydroelectric Power Plant. Read also: Zelenskyy criticizes international community for timidity after Kakhovka Dam explosion He emphasized the critical situation in nature reserves, with a risk of 30% of the nature reserve fund in Kherson Oblast disappearing. The Kakhovka Dam: what is known about the explosion On the night of Tuesday, June 6, Russian troops blew up the Kakhovka Dam, which has been occupied for over a year. Cities and villages downstream of the dam on the Dnipro River were completely or partially flooded. Ukrainian hydropower operator Ukrhydroenergo reported that the Kakhovka Hydroelectric Power Plant was completely destroyed and cannot be repaired. Ukraines Southern Command clarified that while the entire dam was not destroyed, there is significant damage. Read also: At least 100,000 tons of crops lost in Kakhovka Dam explosion; several million could be lost At an urgent meeting of the National Security Council, President Zelenskyy gave the order to carry out evacuation from at-risk areas and to provide drinking water to all cities and villages that received water from the Kakhovka Reservoir. Evacuation from the right bank of the Kherson region continued through the night, while on the Russian-occupied left bank, which was more heavily affected by the flooding, a humanitarian catastrophe is unfolding. The Economy Ministry has stated that the construction of a new hydroelectric power plant may require about $1 billion and at least five years. The Prosecutor Generals Office has opened an investigation into the disaster as an act of ecocide, and Ukraine has appealed to the International Criminal Court to ensure justice. Read also: Everyone in Crimea everyone is shocked. Will there be enough water for the peninsula? opinion 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 Lima One Capital, a real estate investing lender, will expand its U.S. headquarters in Greenville's County Square development. The companys $51.4 million investment will create approximately 300 new jobs, according to a press release. The company will relocate from 201 East McBee Avenue, Suite 300, to lease approximately 65,000 square feet in a newly constructed building in the $1 billion County Square project, developed by RocaPoint Partners. The new facility will more than double Lima One Capitals office space, "allowing the company to continue its rapid growth, attract talent to Greenville and deliver its industry-leading customer experience," according to the press release. The expansion is expected to be complete by 2025. Lima One Capital is thrilled to be an anchor tenant within the state-of-the-art County Square development in downtown Greenville, said Lima One Capital president and CEO Jeff Tennyson. This significant milestone highlights our continued commitment to the growth and prosperity of Greenville. This beautiful office space will provide our team with an amazing work environment that aligns with our award-winning culture and serve as a catalyst to our continued national expansion and success. A rendering of the new Lima One Capital office in County Square. Founded by U.S. Marines in 2010, Lima One Capital has funded over $7 billion in loans for real estate investors across the country. The companys core products include bridge loans, rental property and portfolio loans, new construction loans and multifamily bridge lending, according to the press release. Lima One Capital uses in-house underwriting, construction management and servicing teams to serve real estate investors. Lima One offers new construction loans for ground-up construction, infill, specs and model homes; a 13-month bridge loan for investors who are buying, renovating, and selling properties; rental property and portfolio loans for purchasing or refinancing residential rental properties; and multifamily lending for the purchase, rehab, refinance, or hold of five-plus unit multifamily properties. Jeff Tennyson is president and CEO of Lima One Capital. As a national mortgage lender, the company explored several other markets before committing to keep their headquarters in Greenville, according to the press release. Company executives said Greenvilles access to skilled employees and the quality of life the city provides are compelling traits that support its growth and company culture. Greenville has been an extraordinary corporate headquarters city for Lima One since our inception, and we are excited to deepen our commitment here," Tennyson said. "The continued support weve received from the city, Greenville County and state reaffirm our resolve to create opportunities for local talent and meaningfully contribute to the economic growth of the region." Lima One Capital has been an excellent, long-term contributor to Greenville County since its founding over 10 years ago, said Greenville County Council Chair and Greenville Area Development Corporation Board Member Dan Tripp. Lima One Capital's expanded commitment to Greenville and this prominent location for its headquarters in our new County Square development further affirms the work we've done to create proper soil conditions for businesses to succeed and thrive here. Lima One joins two other tenants recently announced at County Square. The Perch Kitchen & Tap, a Chicago-based wood-fired restaurant and brewery, will be a 9,300 new square-foot restaurant and brewery with wood-fired menu items such as pizzas, ribs, and seafood dishes. In March, Whole Foods announced it would also be an anchor tenant. We congratulate Lima One Capital on their announcement of making the city of Greenville home to their corporate headquarters. Lima One Capital's focus on building and improving neighborhoods runs parallel to Greenville City Council priorities of affordable housing, open space, public safety and economic development. We look forward to seeing their positive impact in the community," Mayor Knox White said. Macon Atkinson is the city watchdog reporter for The Greenville News. She's powered by long runs and strong coffee. Follow her on Twitter @maconatkinson. This article originally appeared on Greenville News: Greenville County Square: Lima One Capital to expand as anchor tenant Swedish eco-activist Greta Thunberg joined the rally against ecocide in Ukraine, which was organised by Ukrainians in Bonn, Germany, in front of the United Nations building. Source: This was reported by DW, writes European Pravda Details: Greta Thunberg explained that the action is carried out in support of Ukraine and against crimes committed by Russia. Quote: "All I can say is that we support you [Ukraine ed.], we stand behind you. The worlds eyes are on Ukraine, on Russia right now. We are not going to be bystanders, we are not going to be silent. Stay strong, we stand in solidarity with you," Thunberg commented. She also noted that her opinion of the United Nations response to the crisis is not very high. On the evening of 7 June, Ukraines President Volodymyr Zelenskyy stated that he was 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 forces. Zelenskyy stressed that despite the fact that 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 save lives", as this is what these structures were created for. Dmytro Kuleba, Ukraines Minister of Foreign Affairs, explained that the problem is not in the lack of desire to do something, but in the procedures that slow down the deployment of UN missions in the affected territories. In response, spokesman for the UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) Saviano Abreu said that UN humanitarian missions were helping the affected regions of Ukraine after the destruction of the Kakhovka HPP from the first day. According to Abreu, since 6 June, 18,000 people affected by the disaster have received food thanks to the UN. OCHA donated 100,000 bottles of water, hygiene kits for refugee centres, 10,000 cleaning tablets from Mykolaiv to Kherson, and provided direct cash assistance for 3,500 people affected by flooding. Journalists fight on their own frontline. Support Ukrainska Pravda or become our patron! I Grew Up Next To The Unabomber. I Felt Such Anger Toward Him So Why Am I Grieving His Death? Theodore Theodore "Ted" Kaczynski flanked by federal agents as he is led to a car from the federal courthouse in Helena, Montana, on April 4, 1996. Ted just died, I told my husband in a hushed voice. As we stood in the shadows of the Duke of Yorks Theatre, where we were meant to see the premiere of The Pillowman,I felt like a prisoner to my complicated emotions in this land foreign to me. Everything hit me at once while crowds of people passed by, laughing, drinking and taking in the vibrant nightlife of London. Are you OK? he asked. I think so. I knew this was coming. Its just hard to put words to, I replied as he took my hand. I was only 16 when my neighbor, Theodore J. Kaczynski, was arrested. Better known to my family as Ted or Teddy, and then The Unabomber, this man had held our nation captive with his killing. Universities, airlines, storefronts, scientists his targets were so scattered it felt as though these attacks could happen to anyone. He reveled in the control he held, and he treated it much like a game. Though I found out as a teenager that the hermit next door was planting and sending bombs for 17 years while seemingly living a peaceful existence beside us, it took me more than 20 years and writing a book about the experience to fully process it. To this day, it is still hard to reconcile the serial killer with the man bringing me gifts as a child. The former professor, who lived next to my family from 1971 to 1996, killed three and injured more than 20 innocent people in the name of revenge. He sat in his rural 10-by-12 cabin with no modern conveniences and wrote of murder in his journals, where he described his victims as experiments. In his journals he outlined his ideas, which would later be presented in a manifesto, and documented bomb construction and experimentation in our shared woods. His anger was fueled not only by isolation during the cold Montana winters but also his vehement hatred of modern technology. The author and her father, Butch Gehring, who was instrumental in Kaczynski's arrest, spending an idyllic day together in the late 1980s. The author and her father, Butch Gehring, who was instrumental in Kaczynski's arrest, spending an idyllic day together in the late 1980s. Two decades after Ted explored the pristine forests in Lincoln, Montana, and then planned and plotted, I worked to unearth the full range and rage of Kaczynski as I interviewed the only man that was ever truly close to Ted, his brother David Kaczynski; the FBI agents that ended the Unabombers reign of terror, including FBI agent Max Noel; and many others who knew Ted during his bombing campaign. With this insight, paired with my own memories of a childhood sharing a vast backyard, I saw the murderer and I saw the man who became a killer. I cried for his victims children left without a father, mothers without a son, wives without a husband. I thought of the people who were targeted and left to wonder Why? and Who next? until the domestic terrorist was arrested in 1996 and sentenced to life in prison in 1998. The compassion I felt for the people who suffered at the hands of Kaczynski always outweighed my childhood fondness for the killer next door. But there was still a part of me the child on the side of the mountain with the unkempt hermit that held a small amount of clemency for the longtime neighbor. This theme came to the forefront once again just a couple of years prior to learning of Teds death. During the past few years, I corresponded with Ted in an effort to better understand his criminal mind and his motives, while attempting to reclaim a part of my own childhood. I wrote to him about my memories of him, my fathers part in the UNABOM investigation and arrest, and even my fathers passing. I also looked for his thoughts on topics such as social media, school shootings and even rising depression and anxiety rates (which is a topic frequently researched and described in Kaczynskis writings). Teds response to my outreach reaffirmed that my neighbor hadnt changed during his years in prison. In fact, I felt that the two-sided letter I received penned in the curly handwriting that I had come to recognize told so much about the man that I had to include it in my own book. The 1.4-acre parcel of land where Kaczynski's cabin sat in Lincoln, Montana. This image was captured by the author's father after the 1996 arrest. The 1.4-acre parcel of land where Kaczynski's cabin sat in Lincoln, Montana. This image was captured by the author's father after the 1996 arrest. The front of the letter was a nod to our shared time together, surface responses to my questions and advice that was far from what I had expected. The back of the letter was a stream-of-consciousness about freedom written from Teds Supermax prison cell. But it would be dishonest, albeit naive, to say I wasnt hoping the man would offer an apology for the pain he had caused. Even though I knew the chances of that were extremely low, I continued to write to him. As I was preparing to address a letter I wrote to Ted in December of 2021, I typed the convicted killers register number into the Federal Bureau of Prisons search engine. Expecting the Supermax to appear, just as it had only a couple of months prior, I took pause as I read the bold typeface scrolled across my screen: LOCATED AT: BUTNER FMC. The Unabomber, the man living off the land and waging his own war of domestic terror, was now in a federal security medical center, no longer held in the Alcatraz of the Rockies. After multiple conversations with sources close to Ted, I found that the aging man was fighting cancer. The move to Butner was made out of necessity, and I kept this news private. I knew that Ted had started treatment for an aggressive cancer, so it didnt come as a shock when I located a letter that he had written that stated that his condition was terminal and he had only two years to live. Still, I never could have imagined that the news of the death of the serial killer next door would have come while I was on the streets of London, sandwiched between an international true crime event and an evening in the West End that was meant to examine the role of artistry in society. On that muggy evening in the U.K., the news alerts overtook my phone. Then I spotted the headline, Kaczynski Is Said to Have Died by Suicide in Prison. The article stated that he was thought to have taken his own life, early in the morning on June 10, according to three people familiar with the situation. As I write these words, an autopsy still hasnt been completed and an official cause of death cannot be announced until that is final. The author as a teen in 1995, in her Lincoln Lynx cheerleader uniform. The author as a teen in 1995, in her Lincoln Lynx cheerleader uniform. "This is the same year that I ran into Kaczynski alone in the woods, which is my most haunting personal memory with my neighbor," she writes. As I focused on mental health, suicide and cancer, images of Kaczynski flooded my thoughts. In my mind, he resembled the young Berkeley professor rather than the austere bomber in the orange jumpsuit. Remembering the early years with Ted was so visceral that I could smell the mountains we shared, see the vibrant sunflowers in the afternoon sun and feel the hand-painted rocks that Ted had brought me as gifts. This slideshow of memories was rapidly replaced with a barrage of headlines. Seeing Kaczynski and suicide together was haunting, as I had written the two words together multiple times while drafting my manuscript. Years prior, I had discovered that Teds father, lovingly referred to as Turk, had died by suicide. After Turk discovered he had cancer, the husband and father ended his life. But the theme of suicide didnt end here. More than 25 years before Teds death, the bomber had attempted to end his life while he awaited trial in Sacramento, California. As thoughts of cancer and suicide circled my mind, I felt grief overtaking me. This emotion was uncomfortable, and I reminded myself that my childhood monster was gone. This man had murdered innocent people and caused so much heartache. I thought back to the times I was home alone, forced to hide in a coat closet while my strange neighbor knocked on my door and peered through the windows. I remembered the writings and interviews I had completed that revealed the danger that had been lurking in my backyard. Traps that could have killed me and my family were discovered. One of our dogs was lethally poisoned with strychnine. And most terrifyingly, my little sister, only a toddler at the time, was in Kaczynskis rifle scope as he considered killing close to home. My stepmothers recounting of the day she read these words in Teds journals still haunts me: It would be easy to take the little bitch out [my sister]. But then the big bitch [my stepmom] could get away. Or if I shoot the big bitch, then the little bitch would be left on the hill. The unearthing of the danger we unknowingly faced as his neighbors for all of those years only fueled my already existing anger toward this murderer. How could I possibly be feeling what I knew to be grief? You may have heard the saying that with every loss, you feel all the losses that have come before. Kaczynski's cabin after it was moved to the Gehring Sawmill. Kaczynski's cabin after it was moved to the Gehring Sawmill. "After it was fully processed by the FBI, the home was moved to Sacramento, California, for trial," the author writes. Ted is inextricably tied to my childhood the carefree years of riding horses and my motorcycle, playing in the Blackfoot River while my dad spent the afternoon fishing, and answering the log cabin door for that wild-eyed hermit that just happened to be our neighbor. Hes also directly tied to and responsible for the loss of parts of my childhood innocence and my naive sense of security that was shattered when we learned what he had done. In addition, Teds passing brought to the forefront my own emotion tied to my fathers death. It brought back the grief I felt when my sister passed away unexpectedly at the age of 24. It was a reminder that my own time is limited that the cycle of life can be brutal and unrelenting. There isnt a person that can outrun or outsmart this part of our human condition, not even the Unabomber a serial killer obsessed with dismantling technological society. I do not know where my emotions will go from here. Should we grieve for the death of someone who did unforgivable things? And if we do, what does that say about us? Maybe it simply says I am human that loss isnt simple and neither is trying to understand why people do evil things. Or that sorrow is messy and complicated and can be intimately connected to parts of ourselves we lost or left years ago. One thing does feel certain: Now that Ted is gone, a bit of me some version of myself I knew all of those years ago when he was just my neighbor has vanished, and I dont know that Ill ever get it back. Jamie Gehring is a Montana native who grew up sharing a backyard with Ted Kaczynski, the man widely known as the Unabomber. She was featured in Netflixs Unabomber: In His Own Words, where she discussed her familys role in Kaczynskis capture. She was recently shortlisted for the Best New True Crime Author award by CrimeCon UK, and her narrative nonfiction debut, Madman in the Woods: Life Next Door to the Unabomber, has been described as being both universal and deeply personal. Jamie holds a bachelors degree in visual communications and spent the first half of her career in finance. She currently lives in Denver with her husband, three children and two cats. Do you have a compelling personal story youd like to see published on HuffPost? Find out what were looking for here and send us a pitch. If you or someone you know needs help, call or text 988 or chat 988lifeline.org for mental health support. Additionally, you can find local mental health and crisis resources at dontcallthepolice.com. Outside of the U.S., please visit the International Association for Suicide Prevention. Related... New Gullah Geechee Festival near Myrtle Beach is almost here! Dates, what to know Gullah storytellers and a historical parade are in store for the first Atlantic Beach Gullah Geechee Cultural and Nature Festival from June 23 through 25 on the streets of Atlantic Beach, S.C. The new Myrtle Beach-area festival aims to celebrate the history of Atlantic Beach and the culture of the Gullah Geechee people. Planned activities for the free festival include food vendors, DIY crafts and childrens storytellers. Organizer Patricia Mallett said this three-day event is the first of its kind in over 20 years and hopes to make it an annual tradition. I pray that (visitors) will get the understanding of more about our Gullah Geechee culture, Mallett said. Here is the 2023 festival schedule Friday, June 23 5-8 p.m., Atlantic Beach meet and greet at Atlantic Beach Community Center, reserve tickets online. 8-10 p.m., young professionals mixer at Ms. Brendas Tiki Bar, 404 30th Ave. South, Atlantic Beach. Saturday, June 24 All day, craft stations including doll and jewelry making and face painting. 10-11 a.m., historical parade in Atlantic Beach. Attendees are encouraged to dress in costumes from the 1930s-70s. 11-11:50 a.m., welcome from Atlantic Beach city officials at the main stage on the end of 30th Ave. 11:50 a.m. - 12:20 p.m., main stage presentations by Sunn MCheaux, Harvard Gullah language instructor, and Ron Daise, Gullah performer and storyteller. 12:20-1:50 p.m., Motown performance from the Asher Theatre at the main stage. 4-4:30 p.m., kids literary presentation, Change is Gonna Come, at the main stage. 4:30 p.m., presentations by Ron Daise, Gullah storyteller, and Damon Fordam, South Carolina historian and author, at the main stage. 6-10 p.m., dance party at Punks Patio. Sunday, June 25 9 a.m., beachfront service with Queen Quet Marquetta Goodwine of the Gullah Geechee Nation, poet Leniah Johnsonn and Marilyn Hemingway of the Gullah Geechee Chamber of Commerce. A man who started a website that tracks orca incidents with boats near Spain and Portugal said that encounters happen at least every day now A pod of orcas, or killer whales, with a baby orca among them. Getty Images Orca encounters are happening very frequently off the coasts of Spain and Portugal. A man who has been tracking sightings and attacks said there's "one incident every day, on average." In some cases, there's been more than one reported attack in a single day this month. Rui Alves launched a website last year, orcas.pt, that tracks orca encounters with boats both sightings and attacks off the coast of Portugal and near the Strait of Gibraltar, located between Spain and Morocco. Orca incidents have been on the rise in the area in recent months and may continue to increase. There's already been a unusual number of boat attacks. According to Alves' map, there's been at least one killer whale encounter every single day in the area in June. The map shows 10 attacks since June 1 and an additional 12 orca sightings in the same time period. "We are having one incident every day, on average, OK? There are days we have two or three," Alves said in an interview with PBS. On some days, there are multiple attacks. For example, on June 3, there were four identified orca attacks, and on June 8, there were two. Alves' site allows sailors along the coasts of Spain and Portugal to report these incidents and their locations, PBS reported. "It was an idea. If you spread the word about something that happens in an area, people will avoid that area," Alves told PBS. "Maybe they will keep the boat and say, 'I don't sail today because there are many orcas at that point. I will sail tomorrow, or maybe I will go in another direction.'" Why these orcas are spending so much time around boats is unclear. One theory is that a single traumatized orca, called White Gladis, is behind the attacks and other killer whales are imitating her. But other experts suggest the orcas just want to play. Whatever the reason, these apex predators are not to be underestimated. They've been known to hunt great white sharks and even blue whales. If you encounter a killer whale, there are some important rules to follow, but first and foremost: Never enter the water with them. This story is developing. Please check back for updates. Read the original article on Business Insider Former Megaupload employees Mathias Ortmann (L) and Bram van der Kolk arrive at the Supreme Court on June 12, 2019 in Wellington, New Zealand. Mathias Ortmann (left) and Bram van der Kolk (right) were two of the leaders of the Megaupload site, and a New Zealand judge claimed the pair had the know-how to keep the pirating site running for nearly seven years. Ah, Megaupload, the long-defunct file-sharing site that definitely wasnt a haven for piracy during the mid-2000s. If you were hoping to catch up with what some of its leaders were doing after feds seized the domain in 2012, then youll have to do it during prison visitation. On Thursday, a New Zealand court sentenced two of the original operators of Megaupload to more than two years in prison over allegations they facilitated piracy and theft of intellectual property. As reported by the New Zealand Herald, Mathias Ortmann and Bram van der Kolk were sentenced to 2.7 and 2.6 years in prison, respectively. This was actually a better outcome for the two than what could have been, as they had been fighting back U.S. extradition for more than a decade where they faced much more serious charges including racketeering. Read more More than that, Judge Sally Fitzgerald allowed both men to delay serving their sentences until August due to Ortmann expecting a child and van der Kolks mothers reported illness. The two had originally faced close to 10 years in prison, but they managed to get that down with a guilty plea and a deal with the FBI that helped them avoid extradition. The pair pleaded guilty last year during an epic spat between themselves and the co-founder of Megaupload. Kim Dotcom (the pseudonym adopted by German-Finnish hacker Kim Schmitz), the man most closely associated with Megaupload, is still fighting off extradition to the U.S. He previously congratulated his former friends and partners after they managed to avoid extradition and pleaded guilty last year but added he would continue to fight because unlike my co-defendants I wont accept the injustice we have been subjected to. After Megaupload died, Ortmann, van der Kolk, and fellow co-founder Finn Batato (who died due to cancer last year) created the sequel cloud storage site Mega, which Dotcom would not stay as a fellow partner for long. After the pair pleaded guilty, Dotcom accused them of having stolen Mega and avoiding extradition by falsely accusing me. According to Fitzgerald during the sentencing, the Megaupload site operators agreed to testify against Dotcom in exchange for reduced jail time. On Thursday, Dotcom called his fellow co-founders sentencing a slap on the wrist. The conclusion from these light sentences should be not to extradited me to the US to face 185 years in jail. My co-defendants got a slap on the wrist. Thats why they made a deal with the US Govt. This huge discount shows the desperation of the US DOJ and weakness of their case. Kim Dotcom (@KimDotcom) June 15, 2023 Ortmann and van Der Kolk still face some multi-million dollar civil lawsuits filed in the U.S. by the Motion Picture Association of America and Recording Industry Association of America. Dotcom still faces extradition, with a New Zealand judge needing to sign a warrant, though knowing how long the former hacker has managed to stave off departure to the U.S., Dotcom will likely appeal. More from Gizmodo Sign up for Gizmodo's Newsletter. For the latest news, Facebook, Twitter and Instagram. Click here to read the full article. Sophie Chorek of Fairfield, Connecticut, sprays water into an excavated pit to darken the color. A roasting food pit can be seen in the left top corner during the last day of a two-week archaeological dig at the Collier Lodge site in Kouts. Volunteers and Notre Dame personnel work at the site on Thursday, June 15, 2023. (John Smierciak / Post Tribune) (John Smierciak/Post-Tribune) While barbecue season gets into full swing in Indiana a group of anthropology enthusiasts are unearthing prehistoric roasting pits near the banks of the Kankakee River at the Collier Lodge archaeological site in Kouts. Thursday morning Sophie Chorek, of Connecticut, an anthropology student at the University of Notre Dame, was misting the two-meter-square pit she is working for the second year in a row. The water helps bring out the colors in the soil: standard tan sand and darker striations of charcoal and even some hot pink that show where prehistoric roasting pits existed. Advertisement These stains are where people have dug pits and helps us decide what people were using them for, Chorek said of the color variations. The dig, which began last week, is in its second week. Students of Notre Dame Anthropology Professor Mark Schurr, as well as members of the Kankakee Valley Historical Society, are picking up where they left off last summer. From 2002 to 2012 Schurr led yearly digs. Last summer he and his students were back for the first time in almost a decade. Advertisement Collier Lodge, a hunting lodge built on the site in 1898, was dismantled last spring with plans to reconstruct it in the future. Digs have focused on the foundation of the lodge and immediately surrounding ground that have yielded both historic and prehistoric artifacts. Judy Judge of Kouts screens out buckets of dirt looking for bits of bone, charcoal, pottery, and arrow heads during the last day of a two-week archaeological dig at the Collier Lodge site in Kouts. Volunteers and Notre Dame personnel work at the site on Thursday, June 15, 2023. (John Smierciak / Post Tribune) (John Smierciak/Post-Tribune) Just three feet south of Chorek, classmate Charlotte Cardarella, another anthropology major from Ladera Ranch, California, was working on her own roasting pit in another six-foot square. We originally found this huge roasting pit and in order to preserve it weve bisected it in half, Cardarella said. So far shes unearthed a giant bone cluster, beaver and muskrat remains, white tail deer teeth, and possibly raccoon remains. She explained that historic people, such as pioneers in the 1800s would have eaten cow and pig. Native, prehistoric people would have been more likely to eat beaver, deer, and the like. A few feet west of Cardarella, Jacob Hall of Rensselaer, a Notre Dame senior majoring in anthropology and history, was mapping his square. Weve been finding a lot of square nails in this corner, he said, pointing to the northeast corner of his square. A level, paint brush and a dust pan are some the tools used during the last day of a two-week archaeological dig at the Collier Lodge site in Kouts. Volunteers and Notre Dame personnel work at the site on Thursday, June 15, 2023. (John Smierciak / Post Tribune) (John Smierciak/Post-Tribune) He hypothesizes people were burning old lumber on the spot in the 1800s. Hall explained the pits are being excavated in 10 cm levels. The first couple of levels are pretty quick because its all top soil, he said. Then as the stratification is revealed Thats kind of the fun part. You can see what we have, but interpretation is difficult, Hall said. Kankakee Valley Historical Society Board Member and Chesterton High School history teacher Bob DeRuntz was surprised by how sandy the soil is since the soil around his Morgan Township home is full of clay. The local history is fascinating, he said. It was his first time at the dig, while Peter Krause, of Duluth, Minnesota, drove 500 miles for the second year in a row to be at the dig. Hes been volunteering at digs for 25 years. Advertisement Peter Krause of Duluth, Minnesota, cleans out a level of dirt from a pit during the last day of a two-week archaeological dig at the Collier Lodge site in Kouts. Volunteers and Notre Dame personnel work at the site on Thursday, June 15, 2023. (John Smierciak / Post Tribune) (John Smierciak/Post-Tribune) So far this summer the oldest artifact found has been about 4,000 years old. But theres still time for more finds. The dig continues next week at 1099 Baums Bridge Road, Kouts, IN 46347, Monday through Thursday, from 9 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. with a break for lunch at noon. Observers are welcome. Shelley Jones is a freelance reporter for the Post-Tribune. Orange-Osceola State Attorney Monique Worrell is scheduled to provide an update on a case of recent community interest on Thursday. Her office said the news conference will be at 1 p.m. You can stream it live here. Worrells office did not provide any other information about which case the update is regarding other than that it has garnered recent media interest in the community. Stay tuned to Channel 9 Eyewitness News for updates. Read: Man accused of trying to rape 18-year-old in Orange County hotel has history of run-ins with law 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. Harrison Ford has the sweetest reaction to Ke Huy Quan surprising him on the Indiana Jones red carpet Indiana Jones and his trusty sidekick are back together! Ke Huy Quan, who famously played Short Round as a child in the 1984 film Indiana Jones and the Temple of Doom, turned out to support Harrison Ford at the Hollywood premiere of Indiana Jones and the Dial of Destiny on June 14. The Oscar winner surprised Ford on the red carpet, jumping up and down behind him while Ford gave an interview. After a few seconds, Quan approached Ford and surprised the action star, who was delighted to see him. Youre all grown up, Ford said as the two exchanged a hug. How proud are you of this guy? the man interviewing Ford asked. Quan also urged people to check out the fifth installment in the Indiana Jones franchise. Ke Huy Quan and Harrison Ford at the Indiana Jones and the Dial of Destiny U.S. Premiere at the Dolby Theatre in Hollywood, CA on June 14, 2023. (Charley Gallay / Getty Images for Disney) To all the Indy fans, first of all, thank you so much for all these wonderful years of support and Indy 5 is out, so go check out it in the theater, Quan said in an Instagram story posted by Lucasfilm. Quan and Ford reconnected after 38 years in 2022 at the D23 Expo in Anaheim, California. Ford and Quan embrace on the red carpet at the premiere of Quan, who would go on to win a best supporting actor at the 2023 Academy Awards for his work in Everything Everywhere All at Once, said he was very nervous about approaching Ford at the expo. When I walked out, he was 10 feet away. My heart was pounding. I was so nervous, he told W magazine. And the entire time Im thinking, Is he going to recognize me? because the last time he saw me, I was a little kid. Ke Huy Quan and Harrison Ford at the Indiana Jones and the Dial of Destiny U.S. Premiere in Hollywood, CA on June 14, 2023.y (Charley Gallay / Getty Images for Disney) But instead he looks at me, he says, Are you Short Round? he added. And I was immediately transported back to 1984, when I was a little kid, when I looked up to him. And I said, Yes, Indy. And he says, Come here. Pulled me close to him and gave me the biggest hug. Their relationship went full circle in March of this year at the Oscars when Ford, who was onstage presenting the best picture award to Everything Everywhere All at Once, gave Quan a hug. Quan also won raves for his Oscars acceptance speech, which chronicled his unlikely road from child star to actor who couldnt get work. Somehow I ended up here, on Hollywoods biggest stage, he said. They say stories like this only happen in the movies. I cannot believe it is happening to me. This is the American dream. While fans have seen a lot of Ford and Quan together in recent months, they can catch Ford returning to his iconic role as archeologist Indiana Jones when "Indiana Jones and the Dial of Destiny" opens June 30. This article was originally published on TODAY.com Former morgue manager at Harvard medical school Cedric Lodge (left) is alleged to have sold human remains to Jeremy Lee Pauley (right) - Twitter/Facebook A former morgue manager at Harvard medical school has been charged with stealing, selling and shipping body parts donated for educational purposes, including skin and brains. Cedric Lodge, 55, is accused of conspiring with his wife, 63-year-old Denise Lodge, to sell the human remains to others, and allegedly allowed two people into the morgue to choose which remains to purchase. Some of the body parts were later sold at Kats Creepy Creations, a shop that mostly sold creepy dolls. Human skin also allegedly ended up in the hands of a man who ran a leather tannery. The charges, filed on Tuesday in the US District Court for the Middle District of Pennsylvania, said that Mr Lodge stole dissected portions of donated cadavers, including heads, brains, skin, bones, and other human remains, without the knowledge or permission of (the school) and removed those remains from the morgue in Massachusetts and transported them to his residence in New Hampshire. Mr and Mrs Lodge are alleged to have been stealing, selling and transporting the remains from 2018 until early March 2023, sometimes using the US Postal Service to do so, according to CNN. Katarina MacClean owns Kat's Creepy Creations - CBS Boston They are accused of communicating with buyers, including 44-year-old Katrine Maclean, owner of Kats Creepy Creations, and Joshua Taylor, 46, through telephone calls and social media. Dolls for sale at Kat's Creepy Creations - Facebook Ms Maclean is the owner of Kats Creepy Creations in Peabody, Massachusetts. She allegedly paid Cedric Lodge $600 (474) for two dissected faces in October 2020, according to the indictment. Dolls for sale at Kat's Creepy Creations - Facebook Meanwhile, Mr Taylor has allegedly made 39 PayPal payments to the Lodges for human remains, amounting to more than $37,000. One alleged payment, made to Denise Lodge on May 19, 2019, amounted to $1,000 and was sent with the memo head number 7. Mr Taylor allegedly sent $200 in November 2020 with a message which said braiiiiiins. All four have been charged with conspiracy and interstate transport of stolen goods. Accused alleged to have sold skin to leather tanner Ms Maclean is also accused of selling stolen remains to other buyers in several states, including allegedly selling human skin to Jeremy Lee Pauley in Pennsylvania who tanned it to create leather. Jeremy Lee Pauley is alleged to have bought human skin to tan it to make leather - Facebook Mr Pauley, 41, of Bloomsburg Pennsylvania, allegedly also bought some remains from Candace Chapman Scott, of Little Rock, Arkansas, who worked at a mortuary. She had previously been indicted after authorities said Ms Scott stole body parts from cadavers she was supposed to have cremated. Body parts for sale on Jeremy Lee Pauley's Facebook page - Facebook A total of seven people have been charged as part of a nationwide network that bought and sold human remains from the Harvard Medical School and a mortuary in Little Rock. Kats Creepy Creations claimed on Instagram to offer Creations that shock the mind & shake the soul including creepy dolls, oddities and bone art, with one post in December 2019 describing a display that included real human vertebrae, according to the Boston Globe. The regional outlet reported that Mr Lodges responsibilities at Harvard Medical School included preparing for and intaking anatomical donors bodies, coordinating embalming, overseeing the storage and movement of cadavers to and from teaching labs, and, when studies were complete, preparing remains to be transported to and from the external crematorium and, when appropriate, for burial. Ms Scott is accused of taking the corpses of two stillborn babies who were intended to be cremated and returned as remains to their families, according to the authorities. Anyone in the market for a fully intact brain? Ms Scott allegedly first contacted Mr Pauley on Facebook in October 2021, saying: I follow your work and page and LOVE it Just out of curiosity, would you know anyone in the market for a fully intact, embalmed brain? Prosecutors allege that photos of brains and hearts were exchanged between the pair, as well as instructions on how to package the parts and a payment agreement, The Washington Post reported. Ms Scott allegedly asked for $1,200 for all three pieces including skull caps, before receiving that amount the next day, court documents state. Human remains are donated voluntarily to Harvard Medical School (HMS) for educational purposes, and when the school is finished with the remains they are typically cremated and either returned to the donors family or buried in a cemetery in Tewksbury, Massachusetts. A picture of human teeth that was recently on Jeremy Lee Pauley's Facebook page - Facebook The medical school, from which Mr Lodge was fired on May 6, said it was working with the authorities to examine records to determine which donated bodies were affected. Harvard University added that the US attorneys office will continue working to identify the victims and contact their families. Harvard Medical School - Universal Images Group Editorial In a letter to the community, the deans of the medical school George Daley and Edward Hundert wrote: The reported incidents are a betrayal of HMS and, most importantly, each of the individuals who altruistically chose to will their bodies to HMS through the Anatomical Gift Program to advance medical education and research. We are so very sorry for the pain this news will cause for our anatomical donors families and loved ones, and HMS pledges to engage with them during this deeply distressing time. Mr Taylors attorney, Christopher Opiel, told CNN that they had no comment on the allegations. 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. In this webcam image, an eruption takes place on the summit of the Kilauea volcano in Hawaii on June 7. (U.S. Geological Survey via AP) The lava that began spewing from Hawaii's Kilauea volcano earlier this month is no longer a threat to the public, but officials are now warning that the volcanic smog its emitting could include dangerous glass shards. The U.S. Geological Survey said Wednesday that lava from Kilauea continues to be confined to a closed area of Volcanoes National Park on Hawaiis Big Island, which prompted the agency to downgrade the risk alert from code red the highest level to orange. But in its advisory, the USGS added that high levels of volcanic smog, or vog, from the eruption could travel downwind and potentially affect air quality. How is vog dangerous? Spectators observe lava from the eruption. (Erik Kabik Photography/MediaPunch/IPX via AP) Vog creates the potential for airborne health hazards to residents and visitors, damages agricultural crops and other plants, and affects livestock, the USGS said. Specifically, the hazards include Peles hair tiny, lightweight volcanic glass fragments named after Pele, the Hawaiian goddess of fire that may become airborne and be carried by the islands strong winds. Residents were urged to minimize exposure to these volcanic particles, which can cause skin and eye irritation. Imagine inhaling tiny slivers of glass, Don Swanson, a former research geologist at the Hawaiian Volcano Observatory, told Live Science in 2018. That's what the Pele's hair is. It can inflame and irritate anything that comes in contact with it. When did the eruption start? In another webcam image, an eruption takes place on the volcano's summit. (U.S. Geological Survey via AP) Kilauea, one of the world's most active volcanoes, has been erupting almost continuously since 1983. Its current eruption began on June 7, when fire and glowing lava lit up the night sky and began filling the volcano's surrounding crater. On the first day of the eruption, extreme heat from the lava created wind vortices that sucked up ash and whipped chunks of lava across the Halemaumau crater an event that the Weather Channel dubbed a volcano-nado, Live Science explained. Kilauea overlook was spectacular this morning, Volcanoes National Park spokeswoman Jessica Ferracane told the Associated Press that day. It was molten red lava. There are several areas of pretty robust fountaining. Its just really, really pretty. It was the second eruption this year from Kilauea, following a similar one in January. Whats next? A staff member of the U.S. Geological Survey monitors the eruption. (U.S. Geological Survey via AP) The USGS is closely monitoring the Kilauea volcano as well as Mauna Loa, the world's largest active volcano for volcanic and seismic activity that could threaten people or structures. One of Kilauea's most catastrophic eruptions occurred in 2018, when lava flowed across the Big Island, destroying over 700 homes. That eruption came several hours after powerful earthquakes rattled the Big Island. With Minneapolis already reporting 4,125 car thefts ahead of the typical summer uptick in crime, Hennepin County's top prosecutor announced new efforts to address the crisis of youth stealing cars. In back-to-back news conferences Wednesday at the Hennepin County Government Center, Hennepin County Attorney Mary Moriarty unveiled a collaboration with law enforcement and social workers. Meanwhile, activist and attorney Nekima Levy-Armstrong hosted a separate event after to say kids are crying out for help and more funding for community-based programming is needed to give youth something to do besides joyride in stolen cars. Moriarty is hoping to intervene with at-risk youth and prevent crime before it occurs. "We cannot ignore the early warning signs that a youth is headed toward behaviors that might escalate," she said. As part of her office launching a new focused collaboration with law enforcement, there is a hotline that Hennepin County families can call for support. Moriarty said a social worker will arrive at their home within an hour to help with mental, behavioral or emotional issues and hopefully deescalate the situation. Services are free and available every day between 10 a.m. and 10 p.m. by calling 612-979-9511. Staff will offer ongoing stabilization after the first 72 hours by providing optional eight-week culturally specific services. Flanked by parents, educators and activists, Levy-Armstrong said kids as young as 12 who don't know how to drive are being chased by police including in a pursuit that ended with a crash on the north side last week. "This has been going on for far too long," Levy-Armstrong said. "We do not condone what has been happening with our young folks ... We need all hands on deck to address what we feel is a crisis that is happening in our community." Levy-Armstrong applauded Moriarty's new initiative, but she doesn't want a call for help to turn into child protective services (CPS) potentially being called and causing further problems for a family by taking a child away. The collaboration includes regular intervention meetings between the attorney's office and law enforcement agencies five have been held so far to identify youth in need of services. CPS and truancy teams are also there to learn about high-risk youth they believe are engaging in auto theft-related behaviors. Moriarty said other changes to address youth auto theft involve the courts adding to their judicial review detention decisions on whether to hold youth charged with fleeing police. This charge wasn't previously part of judicial review. There's also a faster turnaround for charging decisions within one day and a first court appearance within three days if a child was admitted to the juvenile detention center but ultimately released. If the youth is not booked at the detention center, a charging decision will be made within five business days when historically, she said this took weeks or even months. Moriarty said it's difficult to charge youth for auto theft for a number of reasons. Sometimes officers don't see who is actually driving, or the driver will say they didn't know the vehicle was stolen. And if they rely on DNA evidence to determine that, it is time-consuming to get such evidence. She also said kids wear face masks, making it harder to identify the driver. Even if youth are charged, she said, they are frequently found incompetent by psychologists to go through court proceedings. Minneapolis clocked 2,100 car thefts at this time last year. The city has doubled that. But at the same time, the attorney's office has charged a fraction of those thefts, with 465 related cases. Nearly 70% of those are within the juvenile prosecution division. Moriarty said despite this widespread problem, youth committing these crimes account for less than 3% of the population. And it's often the same youth engaging in repeat behaviors. Youth auto theft has been a nationwide problem ever since a TikTok video went viral in 2021 showing kids how to hotwire Kias and Hyundais in as little as 90 seconds. Levy-Armstrong said Black and brown youth not only experienced the COVID-19 pandemic upending school and their social lives, but they were also at the epicenter of global unrest from George Floyd's murder. All this has impacted mental health, finances and emotional health "for too many families that were already struggling." "We need to get at the root of why these things are happening," she said. "We want to see a change happen in the summer of 2023." Two kids staring at a custom Echo device that uses the Hey Disney feature. No, Amazon isnt shipping any custom Echo devices that use the Hey Disney feature. Those are only available at Disney resorts. Go ahead and attach the ears to your Echo Dot, we wont judge. Amazon Echo users who might be a little too tired of hearing the same, tired old Alexa voice and are looking for a bit more pizzazz from their smart home system are getting a new dash of sparkle from the Magic Kingdom itself. On Thursday, Disney and Amazon announced their Hey Disney! voice assistant that uses Alexa is available for all voice-activated Echo devicesat a price, of course. Hey Disney!, as its clunky name suggests, is very much like an Alexa assistant, though it uses Disney characters instead Alexas soft robotic tones and has its own simulated personalities. An Echo in House of Mouse mode responds in voices from across Disney, Pixar, and Star Wars properties. Voices include Mickey and Minnie Mouse, Donald Duck, Mater, Chewbacca, and R2-D2, though wed need to have our own demo of that last one to understand how people can best translate the droids beeps and boops. The feature is available for those with an Echo Kids Plus Subscription or separately at $5.99 a year. Read more Users cant necessarily choose which character responds to inquiries. As the company explained when it first launched Hey Disney! for Disney resorts, Frozens Olaf might respond to a query about the cold weather. Users can have the Alexa assistant perform tasks it normally can such as setting kitchen timers or dimming the lights on other smart home devices, though the feature also comes stock with trivia games and SoundScapes for listening to select scenes from around the Disney repertoire. Say you wanted to get into the mood for cooking, so you decide to bust out the accordion sounds from Pixars Ratatouille. There are additional Play-Along Adventures and Storybooks enabled using voice commands that might work well for distracting children for a few minutes at a time. Amazon told TechCrunch there are additional Easter eggs hidden among the experience, though the company was keeping mum on any surprises awaiting users. Users who subscribe should only need to set up the feature with the prompt Alexa, introduce me to Disney which then changes the wake word to Hey, Disney. Notably, According to TechCrunch, the feature isnt compatible with Fire Tablets, Fire TVs, Echo Show 15, 1st-gen Echos and Echo Auto. The system was built using the Alexa Custom Assistant program that lets companies create their own system using the Alexa framework. Originally, it was only available at Disney resorts, and the system should also be compatible with Disney Parks MagicBand+. Amazon has been trying to give its Kids brand more oomph since it nixed its strange kids-centric videocalling gadget, Glow. Whether or not this tides over young people for long enough, Alexa sure could use more voice integration, especially as of late. Last month, Amazon recently announced that several celebrity voices would be disappearing from Alexa, including the fabled Samuel L. Jackson. Want more of Gizmodos consumer electronics picks? Check out our guides to the best phones, best laptops, best cameras, best televisions, best printers, and best tablets. If you want to learn about the next big thing, see our guide to everything we know about the iPhone 15. Click here to save on the best deals of the day, courtesy of our friends at The Inventory. More from Gizmodo Sign up for Gizmodo's Newsletter. For the latest news, Facebook, Twitter and Instagram. Click here to read the full article. Officials at Heywood Hospital have announced the implementation of new security measures at the facility. The announcement comes just days after a patient was arrested and charged with attempted murder for allegedly stabbing a nurse in the hospitals emergency department. Due to a growing trend of violence in our emergency departments, and emergency departments across the country, Heywood Healthcare is instituting immediate safety protocols to include full enforcement of a zero tolerance police of weapons of any kind, a press release issued by the hospital on Thursday. Officials said there had been an increase in violence in the facilitys emergency department over the past three years, including verbal and physical abuse. We are committed to ensuring the safety of our workforce and the safety of all patients seeking care, said Dr. Ellen Ray, the medical director of emergency medicine at Heywood Hospital. New security measures to include patient screening, suspension of visitation policy According to the new safety protocols, all patients entering the hospitals emergency departments will be screened via a security wand, provided a gown, and have all personal items put into a safe place. More: Update: suspect in Heywood stabbing held on $100,000 bail Temporary visitation will be suspended in the emergency department, with exceptions including caregivers, parents of minors, and healthcare proxies. All visitors will still be subject to screening. The restricted visitation policy would continue until more permanent safety infrastructure is in place, according to officials. On Monday, David Nichols, 76, of Greenville, NH, was arrested by police after they responded to a call that a nurse had been stabbed by a patient at the hospital. The nurse, who was transported to UMass Memorial Hospital in Worcester with a three-inch laceration on her neck, told investigators that Nichols had stabbed her with a pocketknife while she was treating him. Nichols was ordered held on $100,000 cash bail after being charge with attempted murder and assault and battery with a dangerous weapon. Officials have not released a motive for the attack. Nichols next court appearance is scheduled for July 14. This article originally appeared on Gardner News: Heywood Hospital emergency department security protocols Lela Lilyquist thinks this story should be an obituary. It would be about the death of what she calls the final oak tree canopy and sizable green space in the sprawling suburb of Brandon. The mourners would be the communitys 115,000 residents, who wont get the chance for an outdoor respite, or to pause on a bench beneath the grand oaks, or to throw down a blanket and watch the Fourth of July parade from the comfort of a heavily shaded park. Lilyquist, 62, is a longtime civic activist, health-food store owner and operator of Portamento of Hope Inc., her food pantry. She also is the leading objector to Hillsborough Countys plan to build a new library at West Lumsden Road and South Parsons Avenue, a tree-filled 17-acre site sitting amid the bustle of Brandon. So why exactly would someone who has spent decades advocating for a community oppose a library, considered nearly universally as a highly desirable, quality-of-life amenity? Its a beautiful piece of property. It is so discouraging to think they would put anything here. It needs to stay the same way, Lilyquist said. The land is a much-needed walkable green space for Brandon, she said, where we have wall-to-wall housing, buildings all around and traffic that is ridiculous. Besides, she said, we dont need a new library. We already have one. Just one stoplight to the north on South Parsons Avenue sits the current Brandon Library, shoehorned onto Vonderberg Drive in a space shared with the nonprofit Center Place Arts. The library building is 33 years old and, according to the county, has too little parking and cannot accommodate all the library services requested by customers, including meeting rooms, technology instruction and additional programs. The county plans to replace it with a $12.5 million, 25,000-square-foot library with 175 paved parking spaces, more amenities and room for future expansion. Construction is tentatively scheduled to begin in 2025. The county also is making plans to put a senior center and Head Start facility on the same property, close to the new library building. The oak trees will be destroyed, said Lilyquist. This is wrong. Community support Not everyone shares her thinking. An online county survey in January 2021 showed overwhelming support for the library. Of the 111 respondents, 64% favored a new library, with 26% opposed and 10% offering no opinion. The library provides so much more than books and media. For some of those that are less fortunate, its the only place to access reliable internet for public services. Its also one of the last remaining places where you can exist without the expectation of buying anything, one person wrote on the virtual survey. Sign of a healthy community when government is responding in a concrete way to real needs, said another. Others said they supported the project, but worried about the heavy traffic on West Lumsden Road. Lilyquist said she believed the sample size was too small to accurately measure the communitys apprehension. One respondents comment echoed Lilyquists sentiments. We have to keep some trees! We are cutting down all the nature in Brandon, building to accommodate everyone. Our grandchildren wont ever know the beauty and charm of old Brandon because its all been bushwhacked. Austin Zane, 31, joined Lilyquist in speaking out against the new library. Saving the land for a sandhill crane habitat or for other environmental purposes should be the priority, he said. He and Lilyquist recently asked the Hillsborough County Commission to reject a $941,000 contract with Harvard Jolly Inc. for the projects planning and design work. The commission delayed the vote after hearing their concerns, but authorized the contract two weeks later. Past and present commissioners laud the project and said they believe it has sizable community support. I am thrilled to see this happen, then-commission chairperson Kimberly Overman said last year. In November 2022, in their final meetings as commissioners, Overman and Commissioners Stacy White and Mariella Smith joined the majority in voting to design the building in neoclassical style with a red brick facade, entry portico, Ionic columns and a raised cupola on the roof. A 9/11 memorial The corner of Lumsden Road and South Parsons Avenue isnt particularly serene. Noise from honking car horns and accelerating vehicles assault pedestrians ears as traffic zips by on Lumsden Roads four lanes. Lilyquist, however, has long targeted the property at this corner as a viable community asset. Nearly 20 years ago, she authored a guest column in the then-St. Petersburg Times advocating for a park there, as a memorial to 9/11, while maintaining the oak trees. Later, she devised a site plan to include a post traumatic stress recovery center for veterans. The land was in private ownership then, but the county, in three separate transactions, spent $5 million to acquire three parcels totaling 17 acres beginning in August 2019. We need green space. Thats whats in our community plan and its being ignored, Lilyquist told commissioners May 3. Its a land grab. The county plans to put the library on the western half of the property, closer to Woodview Drive than South Parsons Avenue. The 8.4 acres there are less heavily wooded and the conceptual drawings show as many as two dozen trees being spared and an estimated 50 new trees being planted. Former Commissioner Stacy White, who championed the project before leaving office, said he hoped the county could preserve as many trees as possible and the area could be used an outdoor extension of the library where people could sit outside to enjoy a book or tap into the librarys wifi. The remaining 8 acres on the east side of the property apparently face a different concept. Its dubbed the surplus parcel and the conceptual drawings show more than 90 trees being taken down to make way for what could become an affordable housing complex and accompanying drainage. The recently approved county contract with Harvard Jolly included a statement that said the property is intended to be utilized for a future possible residential or other development. In an emailed statement to the Tampa Bay Times, Kim Byer, assistant county administrator for public works administration, said: There is nothing currently planned for this property. ... Any future use of this property will consider community input and require board approval. Lilyquist has appeared at three consecutive County Commission meetings, taking her three minutes during public comment to ask the county to reconsider. She said she doesnt plan to stop. She recently offered advice to commissioners who planned to be a part of Brandons upcoming Fourth of July parade. The parade participants line up at the corner of Lumsden Road and South Parsons Avenue Wave to your constituents, she said, then look off to the left and see that canopy of oak trees and see that pristine conservation area youre about to asphalt over. Hillsborough County Superintendent Addison Davis is resigning his position as leader of the nations seventh-largest school district, effective July 14, officials said Thursday. The announcement happened during a morning meeting of administrators. It is not clear what Davis next professional move will be, but he has long been rumored to be an unofficial candidate for the top job in Duval County. Duval Superintendent Diana Greene retired at the end of the school year, facing state scrutiny over her handling of misconduct claims involving district employees. School board members launched their search on Wednesday, saying they expected the effort to take months. When questioned about the Duval job last week by a Tampa Bay Times reporter, Davis said he was not applying for the job. But he did not discount the idea that someone might offer it to him. Property records show Davis and his wife, Natalie Davis, sold their home in Apollo Beach in September 2022 after purchasing a home in Clay Countys Fleming Island in late August. In a letter released Thursday morning, Davis thanked his Hillsborough colleagues, listed the school districts accomplishments during his tenure and said he was headed back home to the Jacksonville area. This is one of the most difficult decisions that I have ever had to make as our work in (Hillsborough County Public Schools) is not done, the letter said. With this said, I have the opportunity to return to northeast Florida where my entire family resides. As (the district) moves toward finding the next educational leader, my hope is that each school board member will seek to hire a leader that has the skill set to build upon the educational foundation that has been established during my tenure. Davis, 47, was hired in 2020 to replace Jeff Eakins, a longtime Hillsborough educator who served five years as superintendent and then retired. Davis said early on that he wanted instructors to teach like your hairs on fire. Years later, employees remembered that quote and not always fondly. Originally from Jacksonville, Davis joined Hillsborough after a long career in the Duval County system, followed by one term as an elected superintendent in neighboring Clay County. With a thick business plan called Accelerate Hillsborough, the data-driven Davis endeavored to raise academic skills in dozens of the districts older and mostly urban schools. But he was immediately hit with the COVID-19 pandemic. The week he began his new job, the state ordered all schools closed, and Davis was forced to lead the transition to distance learning. Over the next few months, he realized the districts finances were worse than he had imagined. He also faced a prevailing sentiment among school board members against charter schools, which placed the district at odds with the states Republican leadership. Davis job was in jeopardy when school principals complained about his management style in an anonymous survey that was submitted to the board in 2021. Around the same time, state leaders ordered Hillsborough to get control over its finances. The board stood behind Davis as he hired a new chief financial officer and found ways to cut expenses and improve the districts credit ratings. Hoping to keep him in his position, the board gave Davis a favorable evaluation a year later and extended his contract until 2027. Davis oversaw an improvement in school grades, decreasing the number of D and F schools from 28 before he arrived to 14 in 2022. But his team was unable to convince voters to approve a local option property tax to support teacher pay raises. Relations were tense between the district and its unions. Salary negotiations hit an impasse. Eventually, the district gave the teachers their scheduled raises. On Thursday, union president Rob Kriete said in a statement that the organization wished Davis well, but added: Our Hillsborough schools remain understaffed as meeting our students needs has become as difficult as ever. Davis spent much of the last year trying to change school attendance boundaries to make the system more efficient, with a better balance of resources among schools. That project hit roadblocks and delays. The finished plan, which includes the temporary closing of five schools in 2024, is scheduled to come before the school board for a final vote on Tuesday. School board members reacted to the news about Davis with a combination of empathy and uncertainty. I dont think this was an easy decision for him, said member Jessica Vaughn. He and I have had a long journey in our relationship. But, she said, I appreciate his work ethic and I think he has done a good job here. Chairperson Nadia Combs said Davis accomplishments set the district on a strong course for the future. I feel that he has done the heavy lifting and I have to thank him for that, she said. The boards newest member, Patti Rendon, said Davis leadership was instrumental during a very difficult time in both our districts history and our countrys history. She said she now wants to look for a superintendent thats going to be innovative, financially solid and look at taking our district to the next level. Board member Lynn Gray called for a national search to find a successor. Were the seventh-largest district in the nation, so we want to be as objective and thorough as possible, she said. We dont want just any Tom, Dick or Harry. Member Karen Perez agreed with the national search idea, but said it might be best if it leads to a local leader. Under Davis, she said, there was a lot of turmoil in many board meetings because there was a disconnect from the community and its needs. Throughout the state and nation, superintendents are coming under increased pressure because of culture issues and the injection of partisan politics into the running of schools. Some have been forced out of their jobs. Bill Montford, chief executive of the state superintendents association, said it is significant that Davis is leaving on his own terms. There would be plenty of people who would be pleased to have Addison on their team, he said. It is not clear, however, what his chances are at landing the Duval position. Many people in Duval think an awful lot of Addison Davis, said Kelly Coker, chairperson of the Duval County School Board. We are excited to hear what his next chapter is, because he is an incredible educator. But she added, We havent even hired a search firm. We are planning a very transparent, very public search. Times staff writers Madison Hahamy and Jeffrey S. Solochek contributed to this report. Sign up for the Gradebook newsletter! Every Thursday, get the latest updates on whats happening in Tampa Bay area schools from Times education reporter Jeffrey S. Solochek. Click here to sign up. Get him off the street: Donnie Sanders family calls for charges against KCPD officer Reshonda Sanders couldnt believe it. The Kansas City police officer who fatally shot two people during an encounter Friday night was the same officer who shot and killed her unarmed brother, Donnie Sanders, in March 2020. The same officer accused of excessive force in two other cases one involving a pregnant woman and another involving a teenage boy. The Star on Monday identified that officer as Blayne Newton. No law enforcement agencies have confirmed Newtons involvement in Fridays shooting, because the investigation is ongoing, but three people with knowledge of the investigation named Newton as the shooting officer. The Star is not naming the sources because they were not authorized to speak publicly about the investigation. There is something terribly wrong with this officer, said Sanders, who said she didnt know that Newton was back patrolling Kansas Citys streets. She joins a host of community voices whove expressed concerns with Newton still being on the force. Maybe its time to get him off the street and make him stay inside the precinct behind a desk doing desk duty, Sanders said. Or maybe charge him now. The family of Donnie Sanders, including sisters, Kianna Benton (back, left in red), Youlanda Sanders, (center) and Reshonda Sanders (in front in blue) and others gathered to talk about police brutality and seeking justice for Donnie, 47, who died after being shot by a Kansas City police officer in March. Donnie, who fled on foot after an attempted traffic stop, was shot near E. 52nd Street and Wabash Avenue on March 13 in Kansas City. He was unarmed. Prior shooting, use of force On March 12, 2020, Newton was patrolling near 51st Street and Prospect Avenue when he made a U-turn and started to follow Sanders, 47, who was driving a Chevy Tahoe, according to released dash camera footage. Newton followed Sanders as he turned into an alley between Wabash and Prospect avenue. Then he turned on his lights and sirens. Footage shows Sanders pull over, then get out of the car and start running. Newton began chasing him on foot as they ran out of the view of the dash camera. But the camera picked up audio of Newton yelling at Sanders to stop and show his hands. Newton then fired five shots at Sanders, striking him three times. Sanders died soon after at the hospital. The police department said Sanders was not carrying a weapon. They found a cellphone in his pocket. My brother lost his life for no apparent reason, Reshonda Sanders said this week, echoing a refrain shes said many times to media in the past three years. Why cant they see theres something terribly wrong with this Officer Newton? Newton was not charged in Sanders killing. The Jackson County Prosecutor said they did not have sufficient evidence to file criminal charges. Since then, Sanders family filed a $10 million lawsuit against the Board of Police Commissioners. The civil case is ongoing. A few months later, in October 2020, Newton was seen on video allegedly putting his knee on the back of 25-year-old Deja Stallings, who was more than eight months pregnant at the time. Police have not confirmed Newtons involvement, but Stallings attorney has verified Newton was the officer who arrested the woman. Then, in March 2022, Newton was part of a $325,000 settlement after a 17-year-old Kansas City boy was punched more than 10 times, tackled and tasered by three KCPD officers, including Newton, in 2019. Use of force, the latest shooting On Friday, Newton noticed a pickup truck stopped near the McDonalds at 31st Street and Van Brunt Boulevard. According to the Missouri State Highway Patrol, which is investigating the shooting, footage from the dashboard camera from the officers car showed a person lean out the drivers side window of the truck and point a gun at either a sedan or a minivan stopped nearby. A passenger in the pickup truck then stepped out of the vehicle and started walking with a gun in their hand. They got back in the truck with their gun and then sped away, according to the highway patrol. Newtons car pulled forward next to the minivan, blocking the dashboard camera from recording the interaction between the people in the minivan and the officer, said Sgt. Andrew Bell, with the highway patrol. Newton then fired through the drivers side window and into the minivan, which had six occupants. Bell said shell casings found at the scene suggest that someone inside the minivan also fired a weapon. Four guns were also found in the vehicle. The driver and a passenger, Kristen Fairchild, 42, and Marcell Nelson, 42, were killed. Another passenger sustained minor injuries in the shooting. Two other passengers walked away without any physical injuries, police said. The investigation is ongoing. The Stars Glenn E. Rice contributed. Lifeguards stand along Chicago's North Avenue Beach as strong winds pass through the area, June 15, 2023. (Armando L. Sanchez/Chicago Tribune) Dangerous currents are expected on Lake Michigans beaches with waves up to 7 feet as National Weather Services officials issued a beach hazard warning in effect until Friday morning. Officials said waves between 4 to 7 feet are expected at beaches at Lake and Cook counties in Illinois, and in Lake and Porter counties in Indiana. Advertisement From noon Thursday until Friday morning, swimmers are cautioned to stay out of the water, especially inexperienced swimmers as the conditions could be life threatening. Weather officials also said isolated thunderstorms are expected as a front moves through the area Thursday. If the storms develop, it could produce gusty winds, especially south of Interstate 80. Advertisement The storm was moving southeast at 30 mph, officials said. Current conditions at Midway Airport are mostly cloudy at 67 degrees. At OHare International Airport conditions are the same. Old North Church played a pivotal role in the nations fight for independence and has continued to be an active house of worship for 300 years. Today, one of Bostons most popular tourist attractions is also, for the first time, a theater hosting an original play. Revolutions Edge, set the day before the start of the American Revolution, is a dramatic imagining of the interactions of three real people with different views whose lives are about to be upended by the impending war and explores what the events will mean for their families. The play opening Thursday is set just hours before two men hung two lanterns in the churchs bell tower on April 18, 1775 to signal that British soldiers were heading across the Charles River, and to Lexington and Concord. The event has been immortalized in the line One if by land, and two if by sea in Henry Wadsworth Longfellows 1860 poem Paul Reveres Ride. This is a moment of intense drama and a moment of pivotal importance to the lives of these three men, said playwright Patrick Gabridge. One of the characters is Minister Mather Byles Jr., who remains loyal to the British crown while another, vestry member Capt. John Pulling Jr., is an ardent Patriot, and one of the two men who would hang the lanterns in the tower. Cato, who does not have a last name, is a man enslaved by Byles. Gabridge is the producing artistic director of Plays in Place, an organization that works with historic sites and cultural institutions to create site-specific plays and presentations. To ensure historical accuracy, he did six months of painstaking research into historical archives. In the end, it has to be a dramatic play thats going to engage an audience and it has to be a play thats going to work for a modern ear, he said. But we want to make sure were not telling things that we know arent true. A play seemed like a natural way to celebrate the 300th anniversary of the church located in Bostons North End, said Nikki Stewart, the executive director of Old North Illuminated, the secular nonprofit that operates the historic site, which draws about 500,000 tourists per year and is also still home to an active Episcopal congregation. The organizations primary purpose is to teach and a play aligns with that perfectly, she said. The reason we teach history at Old North Illuminated is to help people understand how we came to the present and then to help people think about and feel inspired to change the future or to impact the future, she said. Its a message that Gabridge took to heart. The three people in the play are not fictional characters; they were real people. They walked the floors of the churchs sanctuary, where the play will be performed, and sat in the pews where the audience will sit. I think for a play like this, we want them to appreciate that the people in our past were real people who had complex decisions to make and real lives, Gabridge said. Sometimes we look back in history and we feel like it was easy for them to make their choices. You know, It was so much simpler back then. But I think when we look at them as real complex humans, we realize that just like us today, they didnt know what was going to happen next, just like we dont. Nathan Johnson, the actor who plays Cato, says it is one of the most important projects in which hes been involved. Johnson, who is Black, promised himself early in his acting career that he would never play an enslaved person. But the depiction of Cato, and the importance of the plays message, made the role too compelling to pass up. I want everyone to see that we have all something to contribute to our history, Johnson said. I want everyone to see that it is not a matter of white and Black. It is a matter of America. It is a matter of progress. It is a matter of stakes, it is a matter of tension. And not just for Pulling and Byles, but for Cato as well. The 45-minute play, funded in part by a grant from the Mass Cultural Council, will have three performances per week in the church through mid-September. One thing I hope people will feel is that after theyve seen this play, they will never see Old North the same way again, Gabridge said. They will have a different relationship, a deeper relationship to this place than they did before. 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 Rafael Herlich Larisa Dzuenko has fled Ukraine twice. The first time, in July 1941, her home in the capital of Kyiv was months away from being occupied by Nazi Germany. Aged just two years old, Dzuenko fled with her Jewish mother through Russia to safety in Uzbekistan. After the end of World War Two2, Dzuenko was able to return home. In March 2022, her security in the Ukrainian capital was once again under a terrifying threatthis time from the country that helped her over 80 years earlier. Greg Schneider, the executive vice president of the Claims Conference which announced Thursday that Germany will pay another $1.4 billion to Holocaust survivors, told The Daily Beast that Dzuenko was one of a small minority of survivors in Ukraine who decided to flee the current war. This Holocaust Survivor Has a Message for Elon Musk He says around ten percent of the survivors living in Ukraine accepted offers to be evacuated since last year, including some who required medical assistance in order to leave. The remaining 90 percent, however, chose to stay. Schneider says: What I hear all the time is: When I was a kid, the Nazis drove us from our homewe will never let that happen to us again. If I die, Im gonna die, but Im gonna do it in my own home. Dzuenko decided she would not risk her life from the new threat. In 1941, she was one of an estimated 100,000 Jews who fled Kyiv as the Nazis advanced, with those unable or unwilling to leave left to a terrible fate. Soon after the occupation began in September 1941, almost 34,000 Jews were rounded up and murdered by machine-gun fire over the course of just two days at Babyn Yar, a ravine on the northern edge of Kyiv. The massacres would be the beginning of a systematic slaughter that would see tens of thousands of others killed at the same site and throughout the city before the Nazis finally left. Speaking to The Daily Beast through a translator from a nursing home in Frankfurt, Dzuenko, now 84, says she can still recall the hardships of her first refuge in Uzbekistan. She and her mother struggled for food and water, and did not know when they would be able to return homeor what would be left of it. When they did arrive back in the ruins of Kyiv after the war, they once again faced a new struggle to rebuild their lives, staying with Dzuenkos grandmother who had survived the Third Reichs brutality simply because she was not Jewish. Dzuenko married at 18 and would later have a son and, in time, a grandson. The peaceful life she made for herself after the horrors of her youth, however, was returned to horror once again last year. As Russian tanks crawled over the border of Ukraine and shelling thundered in Kyiv, Dzuenko faced anew the trauma of being separated from her home. With the help of Jewish organizations, Dzuenko was evacuated in an ambulance on a grueling day-long journey through Poland into Germany, where she still remains today. Larisa Dzuenko on the day she arrived in Frankfurt from Ukraine. Rafael Herlich There, she feels incredibly thankful that some of her essential needs are covered: She has accommodation, access to medical care, and enjoys being taken on excursions. But its not her home. She has not seen her 27-year-old grandson, Arthur, since she left. He has remained behind with his mother, Dzuenkos daughter-in-law. She remains worried about them. Though nothing can alleviate that particular unbearable burden, she is being helped with others. Dzuenko is one of thousands of survivors around the world who has received funding from the German state which, as a result of negotiations with the Claims Conference, financially supports the living victims of the Holocaust. On Thursday, the Claims Conference announced that its latest annual talks with the German government had resulted in approximately $1.4 billion worth of new compensation and social welfare services for Holocaust survivors around the world. Of that, $888.9 million will be provided for home care services in 2024including an extra $105.2 million to address the increased needs of survivors. The German Federal Ministry of Finance also guaranteed added annual payments until 2027 for those benefiting from an additional hardship fund. One of those people is Dzuenko, who has received such payments for the last three years, and will now benefit for at least another four. She says the money can never be justice for what happened to her and others like her, but she remains thankful all the same. Everyone understands that were reaching the end, said Schneider from the Claims Conference. Because, unfortunately, survivors are dying. Were basically talking about people in the eighties and nineties. And what I think surprises people is that, although the total number of Holocaust survivors is decreasing, for those who remain alive, their needs increase. These were all Jews who were abandoned in their youth, Schneider said. The world abandoned them. Their own governments abandoned them. Nobody cared. In fact, quite the oppositemost people that they came in contact with tried to kill them, tried to annihilate them, destroy them and their families and their culture and their history. Everything about them. Our promise, Schneider says, Is that they will not be abandoned in their old age the way that they were abandoned in their youth. The money, he adds, is a significant support in itself. But its nothing compared to what they suffered. And its never, ever about the moneyits about taking care of the people. Claims Conference Executive Vice President Greg Schneider, right, taking part in negotiations. Handout Over 100,00 survivors worldwide will receive the hardship fund payments each year into 2027. Of those, around 6,500 live in Ukraine. But another 15,000 live in Russia, Schneider says. For the Claims Conference, a New York-based organization, thats meant theyve been required to seek humanitarian exceptions to sanctions imposed on Russia in order to be able to make the payments to survivors there. Bringing compensation and welfare support from Germany to those survivors is just a small part of the enormous task the Claims Conference faces in making sure all victims of Nazi persecution are receiving support regardless of where they are based. Its a gargantuan task the organization has undertaken since its foundation in 1951, and will keep doing now as it also works to ensure the stories of the people it has supported are never forgotten. Despite living through the worst atrocities in modern history, Schneider says many Holocaust survivors remain hopeful for the future. There can be nothing more evil than the Holocaust, than Auschwitz and concentration camps and gas chambers, Schneider says. And yet they still have hope for the future. They still believe in humanity. Germany faces its history in a way that no other nation does, he adds. They were the perpetrators, no question about that. But today, theyre willing to look at that and to say: How did it happen? For Dzuenko, Germanys reckoning with its past has meant that she is now taking refuge in the very country which, at the beginning of her life, she feared most. Now she lives there unafraidbut its not where she wants to spend her final years. When the war ends, she says, she wants to go home. 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. When homes flood, who retreats and to where? We mapped thousands of FEMA buyouts and found distance and race play a role After Hurricane Ida hit New Orleans in 2021, Kirt Talamo, a fourth-generation Louisianan, decided it was time to go. He sold his flooded home, purchased his grandmothers former house on New Orleans west bank, which hadnt flooded, and moved in. It felt good to be back within its familiar walls, but his mind was on the future. My other house wasnt supposed to flood, and now insurance costs are going through the roof; its bad, he told us. I wanted to keep my grandmas place in the family, but I dont know how much longer I can stay. Id love to, but its unsustainable. This 2023 Atlantic hurricane season, forecasters predict 12 to 17 storms will make the official alphabetized list of named events, with three to five of those becoming major hurricanes. If recent history is a guide, those that hit U.S. soil will trigger presidential declarations of disaster, bringing large sums of taxpayer money to affected communities. Some of that money will go immediately to help people in need. Some will go to rebuild public infrastructure, like roads and levees. And some will go to buy and demolish flooded homes through a policy known as managed retreat. The owner of this home, which was demolished after being damaged by flooding in Mosby, Mo., accepted a $45,000 buyout and moved to a nearby community. AP Photo/Charlie Riedel Officials call it retreat because the aim is to pull property back from areas of growing risk, whether that risk comes from major hurricanes, rising seas, heavy inland rains or other climate hazards. It is managed in the sense that government officials use cost-benefit formulas to determine where it makes the most financial sense to spend taxpayer money to tear down at-risk homes. What officials do not assess is where departing homeowners move, or if those moves actually reduce the homeowners future risks. That is not the governments central concern nor is the risk level at which different homeowners participate or how that might vary across the nations racially segregated housing markets. These are the other unknowns of hurricane season and, with them, Americas rising flood risk more generally. We are a sociologist and a geographer at Rice University who study environmental hazards and recovery. In a new study, we investigated these unknowns and found both distance and race play outsized roles. Tracking where people go in managed retreat To visualize where people go after taking a home buyout, we built a nationwide database of nearly 10,000 U.S. homeowners who voluntarily sold their homes and moved through the Federal Emergency Management Agencys Hazard Mitigation Grant Program between 1990 and 2017 and mapped their relocations. That FEMA program is the largest managed retreat, or buyout, program in the country, by far. It pays homeowners a (pre-disaster) fair market price to acquire and demolish their flood-prone homes. To date, officials have implemented the program in more than 500 cities and towns in every state but Hawaii. Records for participating property owners were recently released through a petition filed under the Freedom of Information Act. NPR published that data. After tracking down where homeowners moved, we attached flood risk scores to their origin and destination addresses. These flood factors come from the First Street Foundation, a nonprofit source of flood risk ratings that are now integrated into online realtor websites such as Redfin. We also attached local census data. Most homeowners who retreat stay close Regardless of location, we found that most retreating homeowners do not move far. Nationwide, the median driving distance between peoples old and new homes in our database is just 7.4 miles (11.9 kilometers). Nearly three-quarters, 74%, stayed within a 20-mile (32-kilometer) drive. Jobs, friends and family can all play a role. Notably, these short-distance moves go missing in most publicly available databases of residential mobility, such as Census migration files. When illuminated, they reveal that most retreating homeowners are not moving long distances to safer towns, states and regions; they are churning in and between nearby neighborhoods. A good example is the 84 homeowners who retreated with the help of FEMAs buyout program from a single neighborhood in Middlesex, New Jersey, following Superstorm Sandy in 2012. The vast majority moved within a 5-mile (8-kilometer) drive, and many moved toward the shoreline, not away from it. Where homeowners from a single census tract in Middlesex, N.J., retreated following Superstorm Sandy in 2012. Zheye Wang, CC BY-ND These local moves are good news for local tax bases because ongoing demand for local housing maintains its value and may even stimulate new development. They are also good news for local flood control efforts. Nationwide, 70% of participants lowered their flood risk score through retreat, while only 8% increased it. The average decrease was 63%, from 5.6 on First Streets flood factor to 2.1 at destination. These findings show that sustained community attachment and risk reduction can go together. Race plays a role Across the U.S., our analysis also shows that the best predictor of retreating homeowners risk tolerance before selling is not whether they live in a coastal or inland area, or whether they live in a big city or a small town. It is the racial composition of their immediate neighborhood. We found that retreating homeowners in majority-white neighborhoods are willing to endure 30% higher flood risk before selling to the government and relocating than homeowners in majority-Black neighborhoods. Prior research suggests several reasons why this might be so. One is the heightened social status of predominantly white neighborhoods, which can encourage significant public and private investment after major disasters. These investments make it physically as well as financially safer to stay in properties at higher risk or to sell through the market rather than engage in government-funded retreat. Where homeowners from a former majority-white census tract in Houstons Inwood neighborhood retreated in the years after Tropical Storm Allison shows people moving primarily away from downtown Houston, but not far. Zheye Wang, CC BY-ND Another likely reason involves who is actually retreating from flood-prone communities of color. In Houston, for example, one of the strongest predictors of retreat is not the current racial and ethnic composition of ones neighborhood but the extent to which white residents have left in recent decades, sometimes referred to as white flight. Meanwhile, homeowners of color in historically nonwhite communities often resist retreating for reasons that can include a general distrust in government, deep attachments to place and lack of affordable housing nearby. Lessons for future buyout programs Our results offer an important lesson to policymakers: Unless homeowners can stay close, find communities similar to those theyre leaving or once lived in and reduce their household flood risk, most will not relocate voluntarily. Retreat, it seems, is shaped not just by rising environmental threats, increasing insurance premiums and government cost-benefit assessments, but also by community ties that racially segment who retreats where and at what risk thresholds. The week of June 19, 2023, hundreds of scholars, planners and community organizers will be discussing these and related complexities of managed retreat at a national conference in New York. Like Kirt Talamo, their minds will be on what happens next in a world where past housing decisions seem to be increasingly unsustainable. This article is republished from The Conversation, an independent 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: James R. Elliott, Rice University and Zheye (Jay) Wang, Rice University. Read more: James R. Elliott has received funding for this line of research from the National Science Foundation. Zheye (Jay) Wang 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 popular song from Hong Kongs democracy movement has begun to disappear from several major music streaming sites including in some locations overseas days after the Chinese business hubs local government filed an injunction to ban the tune. Glory to Hong Kong was created in 2019 and became the unofficial anthem of the now crushed democracy protests in the city, with demonstrators singing renditions throughout the mass protests that raged across the city for months on end that year. The ballad contains lyrics that reference the phrase liberate Hong Kong, revolution of our times, a protest slogan that has been already outlawed in 2020 for what the government and courts have declared are the phrases secessionist and subversive connotations. Multiple versions of the song posted by ThomasDGX & HongKongers, known to be the original composer of the orchestral anthem, were no longer available on Spotify, Apple Music, YouTube and Google to users within the city on Wednesday. Multiple versions and covers of the song have been recorded by other artists. The titles of those covers can still be seen on Spotify in other parts of the world, including the United States, South Korea and Australia. But when CNN reporters in those countries tried to play the songs they were listed as unavailable. Spotify told CNN that the song was removed by the distributor and not by the platform. Users in the US cannot purchase the song on Apple Music either, although it also still yields search results on the platform. The song can no longer be found on Apple Music and KKBOX in Taiwan, however multiple versions of it are still available on YouTube. CNN has reached out to YouTube, Apple Music, KKBOX, and Alphabet the parent company of Google for comment. By Monday, several new uploads of the song reappeared on YouTube, and the tune could be found again on Spotify and Apple Music even within Hong Kong. A Facebook account tied to the original composers said they have re-uploaded the soundtrack on several music platforms as a 2023 Edition, after initially saying last week that they were dealing with some technical issues unrelated to the streaming services. (We) stand firm against any attempts to suppress freedom of thought and speech, the latest post on Monday said, adding that the composers back listeners refusal to lose their freedom to choose music. CNN has reached out to the Hong Kong government for comment following the reappearance of the tracks. Following its 1997 handover to China, Hong Kong was promised key freedoms and autonomy to run its own affairs. As a result it flourished as a bastion for free speech and creative expression within authoritarian China. But a crackdown on dissent in the aftermath of the democracy protests has since transformed the city, especially after a sweeping national security law was imposed by Beijing in 2020. Protest leaders have been arrested or driven into exile, while the government persists on scrubbing references to the social unrest and calls for democracy in the city. New laws have also been passed to increase censorship of films to safeguard national security. Battle in court Music is now coming under closer scrutiny. Hong Kongs government filed a court injunction on June 5 seeking to ban the broadcast or distribution of the protest song after it was mistakenly played at several international sporting events. Speaking to reporters on Tuesday, city leader John Lee a former police chief said authorities were taking action because Glory to Hong Kong was not compatible with the national interest. Under the injunction filed by the Department of Justice, the songs melody or lyrics or in combination would be banned to avoid inciting others to commit secession. It further seeks to restrain anyone from broadcasting, performing, printing, publishing, selling, offering for sale, distributing, disseminating, displaying or reproducing (the song) in any way. The writ also listed 32 YouTube videos of the song, including instrumental and sign language versions. The governments bid to outlaw the song was heard in the High Court on Monday, but the judge has postponed a decision on the interim injunction to July 21, public broadcaster RTHK reported. The head of Amnesty Internationals China team, Sarah Brooks, described the governments move to outlaw the song as absurd. The Hong Kong government must end its increasingly fervent crackdown on freedom of expression. A song is not a threat to national security, and national security may not be used as an excuse to deny people the right to express different political views, Brooks said. Through most of 2019, Hong Kongers gathered by the tens of thousands to protest an extradition bill. Although it was eventually withdrawn, protesters widened their calls for democratic freedom. - Carl Court/Getty Images The semi-autonomous city does not have its own anthem. It uses the Chinese national anthem March of the Volunteers at events and in schools ever since it returned to Chinese sovereignty in 1997, while during the years under British rule, the city sang God Save The Queen. The use of Glory to Hong Kong at international sporting events infuriated officials who previously criticized Google for listing the song in search results for the citys anthem, something Google said was decided by its algorithm which returns results based on a host of criteria including popularity and relevance. Playing the song in public in Hong Kong is now fraught with legal risk. Last year, a man who played the tune on a harmonica during a vigil for Britains late Queen Elizabeth II was arrested by police on suspicion of sedition. For more CNN news and newsletters create an account at CNN.com [Source] The popular Hong Kong protest anthem Glory to Hong Kong has disappeared from several music streaming services and social media platforms. About the anthem: The unofficial protest anthem became widely known and sung during the 2019 pro-democracy protests. In 2020, the Hong Kong government outlawed the protest slogan Liberate Hong Kong, revolution of our times due to secessionist and subversive connotations. The protest anthem, which includes parts of the slogan in its lyrics, was also widely banned in the city. Song removal: As of Wednesday, the song is no longer available on music streaming services Spotify and Apple Music or on social media platforms such as Facebook and Instagram. More from NextShark: KLM Royal Dutch Airlines Allegedly Bars Korean Passengers From Using the Toilet Over Coronavirus Fears According to the Associated Press, Spotify stated that the song was removed by its distributor and not the platform. Court order: The disappearance of the song comes after Hong Kongs government said it was seeking a court injunction to ban the anthem and its derivatives on Tuesday. The recent court order prompted the song to rise to the top of Apple iTunes charts last week. On Tuesday, Hong Kong Chief Executive John Lee said the song was not compatible with national interest. More from NextShark: Filipino fast food chain Jollibee to open first branch in Australia Enjoy this content? Read more from NextShark! Biden issues first-ever presidential proclamation of Indigenous Peoples' Day BTS might get to perform during military service, South Korean defense minister says WASHINGTON Donald Trumps haphazard storage of sensitive documents at his Florida country club could have endangered the lives of American intelligence officers as well as their foreign sources, according to experts and legal filings, contrary to the claims by some Republicans that the withheld papers posed a minimal threat to national security. As the former president and his allies complain about Trumps unfair persecution by the Department of Justice, getting lost in the noise are the potentially grave consequences that may have already been suffered by actual human beings working abroad on behalf of the United States. When I look at the complaint, I dont just see an itemization of particular documents. I see the people who gather this information in the U.S., our allies, our intelligence assets who put their lives at risk, said Norm Eisen, a former ambassador who held a top security clearance and who, as a White House lawyer in Barack Obamas administration, also helped draft classification rules. The notion that Donald Trump could store those in ballrooms and bathrooms, where these secrets might spill onto the floor, as depicted in one photo, is horrifying to anyone who has any national security experience, Eisen said. Its difficult to draw firm conclusions regarding the damage caused by Trumps brazenly careless handling of the documents, stored in disorganized cardboard boxes left on a ballroom stage, in a storage room and in a bathroom. The legally mandated secrecy of the intelligence communitys work, and a reluctance by President Joe Bidens administration to fully engage on the matter, leaves many questions about what the easily accessible documents may have ultimately done to American national security. However, experts say what we do know is alarming. One former top Trump White House official, speaking on condition of anonymity, said the language in the indictment unveiled last week led him to believe actual humans have already been put at risk by Trumps actions. Its a very good conclusion. And its logical, but I dont think its certain, he said. A photo the Justice Department added to its charging document against Donald Trump shows a box of documents, including one classified document, spilled onto the floor of a storeroom at Mar-a-Lago in early 2021. The Justice Department said it edited the image, which it said was taken by Trump's fellow defendant Walt Nauta, to obscure secret information that was visible in the photo. A photo the Justice Department added to its charging document against Donald Trump shows a box of documents, including one classified document, spilled onto the floor of a storeroom at Mar-a-Lago in early 2021. The Justice Department said it edited the image, which it said was taken by Trump's fellow defendant Walt Nauta, to obscure secret information that was visible in the photo. Bidens White House and administration have repeatedly declined to detail if information and human sources were compromised and had to be abandoned or even extracted after the material recovered from Trump, both before and after the Aug. 8, 2022, search of Mar-a-Lago, had been analyzed. And though administration officials briefed Senate Intelligence Committee members earlier this year about what the FBI found during searches of Mar-a-Lago and Bidens private homes and offices, the leaders of the committee Mark Warner (D-Va.) and Marco Rubio (R-Fla.) have complained the session was horribly inadequate. Members of the House and Senate intelligence committees said this week they were unsure if the administration would further brief them following Trumps indictment. Asked if the documents stored at Mar-a-Lago had affected any ongoing operations, Rep. Brian Fitzpatrick (R-Pa.), a member of the House Intelligence Committee, said it was unclear. Were going to want to know that, he said, noting the classification codes mentioned by the Justice Department in relation to the raid often have subsets of varying severity. Weve never really got an answer as to what exactly was included. Rubio blasted out of the gate on Monday, downplaying the threat in an interview with CBS News. Theres no allegation that there was harm done to the national security, Rubio said, referring to the criminal indictment. Theres no allegation that he sold it to a foreign power or that it was trafficked to somebody else or that anybody got access to it. Trumps campaign did not respond to HuffPost queries about his handling of the secret documents. Ever since the FBI search of Mar-a-Lago, he has falsely claimed he had the right to take any and all documents with him when he left the White House in January 2021, which he repeated in a speech Tuesday night at his country club in Bedminster, New Jersey. But neither he nor his campaign has addressed the potential damage his retention of those files in various locations at his Palm Beach resort may have inflicted on U.S. national security and on individual people. Mar-a-Lago has hundreds of dues-paying members a great number of whom joined after Trump was elected president in November 2016 and 150 or so employees. Peter Strzok, once the head of the FBIs counterintelligence section, said if he had been running a foreign intelligence service, he would have made it a priority to recruit a source at Mar-a-Lago. (Strzok became a target of Trumps ire and lost his job at the FBI after an investigation discovered he sent text messages disparaging Trump while leading the investigation into his 2016 campaigns dealings with Russia. He has sued for reinstatement to the bureau.) Would I expend a lot of resources to get this information? One hundred percent. I would drop millions and millions of dollars for access, to have someone go through this, said Strzok. Its worth millions and millions of dollars to get someone inside Mar-a-Lago. Thats what people need to understand. Sen. Bill Cassidy (R-La.), who has also been critical of Trump, cited the threat of foreign nationals gaining access to the material at the social club. When youre showing war plans and things that are apparently incredibly sensitive to people that dont have a security clearance, and apparently Chinese nationals are trying to break into the place, thats all concerning, Cassidy said. The Human Beings Behind The Acronyms The gravity of Trumps actions was spelled out in an extraordinary sentence in last weeks indictment filed in U.S. District Court in Miami: The unauthorized disclosure of these classified documents could put at risk the national security of the United States, foreign relations, the safety of the United States military, and human sources and the continued viability of sensitive collection methods. Strzok has noted that of the 34 top secret documents recovered either through a June 2022 subpoena or in the August FBI search, only 21 were charged in the indictment, making him wonder if the remaining 13 were simply too sensitive, even a year later, to make public during a trial. Though much of the public discussion in Trumps document case has used the easily understood terminology of secret and top secret, in the indictment itself are the more obscure acronyms TS/SCI and HSC-P. The latter refers to human intelligence, or information derived from actual people, as opposed to spy satellites or listening posts, while secure compartmented information typically means that the document in question could provide clues as to the source of the information it contains and is therefore limited to an even smaller circle of people. The difficulty of cultivating foreign sources, which can take years, and the risk they face of arrest, imprisonment or even execution underlies the seriousness behind preventing public disclosure of that information. That seriousness is instilled into anyone who receives a clearance for classified information, as both the consequences for national security as well as the personal consequences for someone who discloses it are drilled into the recipient. Some critics have long suggested the United States has an over-classification problem, unnecessarily marking some documents as secret or only doing so to prevent government embarrassment. Those complaints, however, are less likely to apply to documents based on human intelligence or dealing with the U.S. nuclear program or plans for a theoretical attack on another country, to name three types of documents the indictment accused Trump of keeping. The former Trump White House official said his briefing for his TS/SCI clearance came from a former special forces officer. They bring you into the Situation Room, into a SCIF, he said, referring to the shielded rooms used for reading and sharing classified material. This isnt like a memo youre getting. Were doing this in the most secure area imaginable. Strzok pointed out that two of the documents cited in the indictment were both top secret and based on human intelligence. That information would be helpful to a foreign counter-intelligence agency trying to identify who a source or sources are providing information to the U.S. or others, he said. A History Of Recklessness Unsurprisingly, the first of Trumps 2024 presidential rivals to condemn him over the indictment are the two former U.S. attorneys in the Republican primary race: former New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie and former Arkansas Gov. Asa Hutchinson. Subsequently, those with familial ties to military service members whose lives can also be imperiled by sloppy intelligence practices stated they could not defend Trumps behavior. If this indictment is true, President Trump was incredibly reckless with our national security, former South Carolina Gov. Nikki Haley, another 2024 rival, told Fox News. Her husband is about to deploy to Africa with the National Guard. This indictment contains serious charges, and I cannot defend what is alleged, former Vice President Mike Pence, whose son is in the Marine Corps, said during an appearance on CNBC. Trump, with his multiple bankruptcies and foreign financial entanglements, would have had great difficulty obtaining a security clearance on his own, according to multiple experts and even Trump White House officials. But because he was elected president, he did not require a clearance to receive classified information. He had full access to all information thanks to Article II of the Constitution. And during his four years in office, Trump on multiple occasions showed a disregard for normal practices for the use and dissemination of classified material, foreshadowing his post-presidential attitude on display today. Within four months of entering the White House, Trump boasted to the Russian foreign minister and the Russian ambassador visiting the Oval Office that the U.S. was receiving intelligence from a source within an Islamic State terrorist cell. Because Russia was and is an ally of Iran, Israel was forced to assume that its source had been compromised. Two years later, Trump taunted Iran for a launch-pad rocket explosion in a Twitter post. He included an image showing the damage a high-resolution image that revealed to the whole world the capability of the latest generation of U.S. photo reconnaissance satellites that cover most of the planet from an altitude of about 200 miles. Asked about his decision to include the photo, Trump told reporters: We had a photo and I released it, which I have the absolute right to do. Trump was arraigned Tuesday on 37 felony counts in the secret documents indictment, the most serious of which carry 20-year maximum prison sentences. He is also under Department of Justice investigation for his coup attempt that culminated in the Jan. 6, 2021, assault on the U.S. Capitol by a mob of his followers, and he faces a separate Georgia investigation for his attempt to overturn his election loss there. A Manhattan grand jury in April indicted him on charges that he falsified business records in part to hide a $130,000 hush-money payment to a porn star in the days before the 2016 election. He is, nevertheless, the leading candidate in the Republican race for the presidential nomination, and the prospect of him winning that and winding up back in the White House has serious implications for the nations intelligence gathering capability, Strzok said. Strzok said he could imagine a scenario where a CIA case officer identifies a Russian intelligence officer who, whether its because of dissatisfaction with Russian President Vladimir Putin or a desire to come to the United States someday, is considering becoming a source. That person is going to sit there and say: I want to, but Im literally putting my life in your hands. Theyre going to give me a quick trial, line me up on a wall and shoot me. Theyre deciding whether to trust CIA officers, Strzok said. But also in the back of their mind: What happens if Trump is back in the presidency? Given Trumps carelessness with intelligence products, the potential recruit is fully aware that as president, he could easily let it slip or even release it. Russia gets a hold of it and reads it. Theyll know where its coming from. Arthur Delaney and Igor Bobic contributed reporting. Horrifying: Walpole mom says she was duped by virtual kidnapping scam Judy Bradley got a call one morning from her daughter Courtney. At least, she thought it was her daughter calling. [Her name] and number came up across the screen in my car, Bradley said. The Walpole mother said what happened over the next 20 minutes was one of the scariest moments in her life. Horrifying. Its probably one of the worst experiences Ive ever been through, she said. Bradley said the voice of a vulgar, aggressive woman told her Courtney had been kidnapped and her kidnappers would beat her daughter unless she electronically transferred their money. Bradley said what convinced her the call was real was the number on the screen and the screaming in the background. Honestly it sounded as if she were screaming. I just pictured her sitting in the corner screaming, Bradley said. Bradley said she ultimately used the Cash App to make three transfers totaling $1,000. It wasnt until she got to work she realized it was a hoax. My co-worker said, Hang up. Its a scam, she said. The FBI calls it the virtual kidnapping scam. Federal investigators warned about the extortion scheme as recently as 2022 and 2020. Earlier this year, Arkansas authorities said criminals were using virtual kidnapping to target Spanish-speaking individuals. In Bradleys case, it appears the scammers were able to spoof her daughters cell phone number to make the ransom act more convincing. The emotional effect is really huge, said Dr. Michelle DiBlasi, Chief of Inpatient Psychiatry at Tufts Medical Center. DiBlasi said the scam is so effective because it plays on one of our worst fears: a loved one in danger. The screams and threats create a shot of adrenaline that can override our ability to think clearly. Your judgment becomes very poor because all your focus is on trying to save your child and youre not able to think through rationally what you should do next, DiBlasi said. Bradley said what she should have done is end the call and try to call her daughter back. What I learned is I should have hung up and called back but I thought that was her phone, Bradley said. I didnt want to risk losing her. The FBI says these are some of the tell-tale signs of a virtual kidnapping call: Scammers go to great lengths to keep you on the phone Callers cant answer simple questions about the hostage, like what they look like Ransom is demanded through peer-to-peer payment apps Callers request ransom is sent to multiple people in several small amounts The National Institutes of Health says if this happens to you: Try to slow the situation down Request to speak to the victim directly Ask, How do I know my loved on is okay? If the caller wont put them on the phone, ask them to describe the victim or their vehicle Tell the caller you need more time to meet their demands Call police as soon as you can 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 House on Wednesday rejected a GOP-backed effort to censure Rep. Adam Schiff, D-Calif., with almost two dozen Republican lawmakers bucking their party's attempt to publicly rebuke him. The House voted 225-196 to set aside the resolution, introduced by Rep. Anna Paulina Luna, R-Fla., to censure Schiff over his role in the House investigation into Russia and the 2016 Trump campaign. Twenty Republicans joined Democrats in tabling Luna's measure, effectively blocking a vote on the censure resolution itself. Two Republicans and five Democrats voted present. "Todays partisan and failed attempt to censure me is a badge of honor that I will wear proudly," Schiff tweeted after the vote. "MAGA Republicans are going after me because I dared to hold Donald Trump accountable." The resolution was privileged, meaning the Republican-controlled House was compelled to bring it up by Thursday. A censure resolution requires a simple majority to pass. Had it been successful, Schiff would have been ordered to stand on the House floor to receive a verbal rebuke. Schiff, who is running for a Senate seat, called the resolution political payback" Tuesday. "They also hope to intimidate and silence not just me, but others, he told NBC News at the time. House Majority Leader Steve Scalise, R-La., tweeted his support for the censure resolution Tuesday as former President Donald Trump was arraigned at a federal courthouse in Miami. Luna tweeted Wednesday that she planned to file another privileged motion, one that she said would censure Schiff and refer him for an ethics investigation but with no mention of a fine. In a statement announcing the initial resolution, Luna had said she picked the $16 million figure because it was half the cost of special counsel Robert Mueller's investigation. That probe did not establish any coordination between the Trump campaign and Russia, though it did document contacts between Russians and campaign officials and found that the campaign was willing to accept help. Rep. George Santos, R-N.Y., who pleaded not guilty to a 13-count federal indictment last month and faces an ethics investigation in the House, chastised Schiff before Wednesday's vote but ultimately voted present when the motion came to the floor. In a video on Twitter, Santos called Schiffs pursuit of the Russia investigation into Trump abhorrent and unacceptable for a member of Congress while urging lawmakers to preserve the integrity of the House by voting for censure. In January, House Speaker Kevin McCarthy, R-Calif., blocked Schiff and another California Democrat, Rep. Eric Swalwell, from serving on the Intelligence Committee. This article was originally published on NBCNews.com Human remains found in garment bag identified 45 years later, Nevada police say Human remains discovered in a garment bag in northern Nevada in 1978 have been identified 45 years later as a former Ohio woman, state police reported. The family of Florence Charleston of Cleveland lost touch with her after she moved to Portland, Oregon, in the early 1970s, police said in a news release. Her disappearance left the family with many questions, niece Diane Liggitt told The Associated Press. Was she happy, or not? Was she safe? Liggitt said. All these questions I had, and it turns out she was dead. In October 1978, someone found her unidentified remains in a garment bag near Imlay, Nevada, about 135 miles northeast of Reno, police said. Pershing County Sheriffs Office detectives investigated but could not identify the remains. An autopsy showed they belonged to a woman believed to be in her 40s. No cause of death could be determined. In 1979, Nevada State Police also investigated but could not uncover the womans identity, the release said. State police hired Othram, a company specializing in forensic genealogy, to perform DNA tests on the remains in March 2022, the agency said. The results identified Charleston. An investigation into her death continues. Police ask anyone with information to call 775-684-7456. Remains found at Lake Mead identified as boater missing 25 years, Nevada officials say Body found wrapped in tarp 25 years ago is now identified, California cops say Parents hid body of 16-year-old son they said ran away, Arizona sheriff says 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 kilometers 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, recalls 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," says 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 adds. 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 ($14,280). All the protection units in the whole region shared one tech laboratory and one relic 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 explains. Hungary responds after US senator says he blocked HIMARS purchase WARSAW, Poland The Hungarian government has said it abandoned plans to order High Mobility Artillery Rocket Systems after last years bilateral talks failed to produce an agreement with the United States. During the previous government term, the government commissioner responsible for [weapon] procurements requested information regarding the HIMARS missile systems in a letter, with a deadline of March 2022. There was no response from the American side, and the ministry considered the matter closed, Hungarys Defence Ministry said in a statement recently published by the state-run MTI news agency. The statement was referring to the previous cabinet of Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban, who formed his fifth consecutive government in May 2022 and has served in the position since 2010. Earlier this week, U.S. Sen. James Risch of Idaho said he had blocked the sale of 24 HIMARS weapons to Hungary. Speaking to The Washington Post, Risch explained he halted the potential $735 million deal with Hungary due to its governments refusal to agree to Swedens accession to NATO. The lawmaker is the top Republican on the Senate Foreign Relations Committee. The contract was to cover 24 launchers along with more than 100 missiles, among other related gear and services. Swedens application to join NATO is currently held up by Turkey and Hungary. While Budapests latest announcement could represent a face-saving attempt, it also demonstrates the growing distance between the Hungarian government and many of its Western partners. Following Russias February 2022 invasion of Ukraine, several NATO members accused Hungary of failing to present an unequivocally negative stance against Russian President Vladimir Putin, with whom Orban has long maintained excellent relations. Alongside NATOs eastern front, the expanding group of members who have ordered the Lockheed Martin-made missile launchers includes Estonia, Latvia, Lithuania, Poland and Romania. The tropics are stirring. A tropical wave is about to emerge off the west coast of Africa into the tropical Atlantic, the National Hurricane Center said Thursday. Keep in mind that's more than 4,000 miles from the East Coast of the U.S., so there's a long way to go before we have to worry about anything. The National Hurricane Center, in a forecast released Thursday morning, said "a tropical wave is forecast to move off the west coast of Africa later today and early Friday. "Environmental conditions are expected to be conducive for gradual development of this system while it moves generally westward to west-northwestward at 15 to 20 mph across the eastern and central tropical Atlantic during the early to middle part of next week." June 15th 8AM EDT: A tropical wave is moving off the west coast of Africa during the next day. The environment is expected to be conducive for gradual development of this system while it moves W to WNW across the tropical Atlantic during the next 7 days. https://t.co/W0BGXHsmDK pic.twitter.com/pxvCoyOWrs National Hurricane Center (@NHC_Atlantic) June 15, 2023 Could it become Tropical Storm Bret? Respected hurricane forecaster Phil Klotzbach of Colorado State University tweeted Thursday morning that there is "some model support for tropical cyclone development in tropical Atlantic (S of 20N and E of 60W)." Tropical development is rare this time of year in that part of the Atlantic, forecasters said. If it becomes a named storm, it would be an unusual event. Klotzbach said that "only 3 June systems have been named in the tropical Atlantic on record: Trinidad (1933), Ana (1979), and Bret (2017)." Hurricane names: What will the hurricanes of the 2023 Atlantic season be named? Here's the list. A tropical wave (yellow x) is about to emerge off the west coast of Africa. It could form into a tropical depression or storm within the yellow shaded area over the next several days. Coincidentally, if this system gets a name, it would likely be Bret as well. Another meteorologist, New Orleans-based Scot Pilie, tweeted Thursday that despite the unusual time of year for a storm to develop in that region, record warm water in the tropics and reliable model support "gives more credence to slow development." Some model support for tropical cyclone development in tropical Atlantic (S of 20N and E of 60W). National #Hurricane Center also has system in Tropical Weather Outlook. Only 3 June systems have been named in tropical Atlantic on record: Trinidad (1933), Ana (1979), Bret (2017) pic.twitter.com/fo1vT8bBv0 Philip Klotzbach (@philklotzbach) June 15, 2023 What is a tropical wave? A tropical wave, also known as an easterly wave, is an elongated area of relatively low pressure that moves from east to west across the tropics. To the west of the system, there is often good weather. To the east, though, cloudiness and heavy rain are often found. Tropical waves can lead to the formation of a tropical cyclone, according to NOAA. This includes tropical depressions, tropical storms and hurricanes. Euro has been hot on this pending wave development for a while and with the NEW 7 day outlooks we are going to be seeing potential areas of concern earlier on NHC outlooks. pic.twitter.com/wXn1mHcvyp Jim Cantore (@JimCantore) June 15, 2023 What else is out there? Forecasters are also monitoring four tropical waves in the Atlantic basin, which includes the tropical Atlantic, Caribbean Sea and Gulf of Mexico. None are currently forecast to develop further, however. AccuWeather meteorologists said a disturbance could evolve into an organized tropical system the fourth week of June, moving from the western Caribbean Sea into the Gulf of Mexico. Another area forecasters are keeping an eye on ranges from the Bahamas to just off the Carolina coast. A cold front is expected to stall over the area and may provide the spark for tropical development before the end of June, although wind shear could tear apart any developing systems, according to AccuWeather. Contributing: Cheryl McCloud, USA TODAY Network California hurricanes?: The West Coast has a powerful protection from hurricanes. Could climate change weaken it? This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: NHC, NOAA watching tropical wave moving toward Americas from Africa [Source] The husband of a woman killed in a parasailing incident in the Florida Keys last year is suing the people he believes are to blame for her death. Key details: According to the 68-page lawsuit Srinivasrao Alaparthi filed in Monroe County Circuit Court last week, the boats captain and his first mate failed to contact the U.S. Coast Guard for help during the incident. They also allegedly failed to conduct safety measures, such as checking the weather forecast before setting sail. Last weeks lawsuit was the second one filed against captain Daniel Couch, his first mate and the resort marina out of which they operated. Couch, 50, pleaded not guilty to manslaughter and multiple boating violations charges in September 2022. What happened: Alaparthi, his 33-year-old wife Supraja Alaparthi, their 10-year-old son, their 7-year-old nephew and other extended family members traveled from Chicago to the Florida Keys to celebrate their son's birthday on May 30, 2022. More from NextShark: Chinese man arrested for gifting women make-up mirrors with built-in spycams Alaparthi alleged in the lawsuit that Couch cut the tether of the parachute carrying his wife, their son and their nephew with a pocket knife after strong wind pegged the parasail. The parachute was being controlled by the wind instead of the wind speed of the boat at the time, thereby dragging the boat with it. The action resulted in the three parasailers being dropped "from an unknown height and dragged in and out of the water for two miles before colliding with Old Seven Mile Bridge, as stated in the affidavit. The aftermath: Earlier reports revealed that a good Samaritan rushed to help the victims out of the water and called for help. Emergency responders pronounced Alaparthi's wife dead at the scene despite performing life-saving measures. More from NextShark: NY Lawmaker Allegedly Threatened by Gov. Cuomo for Exposing True Number of Nursing Home COVID Deaths Speaking for the first time since the accident, Alaparthi told "Good Morning America" that what Couch did was concerning for all of us and later described what happened as a terrifying and horrible moment. Ricky Patel, the familys attorney, told "GMA" that Alaparthi begged Couch to help them, but he allegedly said, Don't worry, the bridge will help. More from NextShark: NYU Asian Fraternity Under Fire For 'Anti-Black' Leaked Group Messages Enjoy this content? Read more from NextShark! Man Arrested for Attempting to Rob Filipino American Family Visiting SF at Gunpoint Men's Central Jail, shown, and other L.A. County jails were so ill-equipped for cold weather last winter that inmates sometimes slept inside plastic trash bags for warmth, a watchdog's report says. (Irfan Khan / Los Angeles Times) Two Los Angeles County jail inmates who died last winter showed signs of hypothermia before their deaths, according to a new report released by county watchdog officials. The 38-page Office of Inspector General report offers few other details about how the two inmates died but describes a jail system so ill-equipped for cold weather that indoor temperatures sometimes fell into the 50s and inmates slept inside plastic garbage bags for warmth. And even when the department had hundreds of thousands of thermal underwear sets on hand, the report noted, officials did not distribute them because they said that they were not required to and that they feared inmates would destroy or misuse them. Our jails have dangerous cold spikes, and when we called this to the attention of the Sheriffs Department, they expressed no concern beyond saying that if they gave prisoners warm clothing, theyd hide contraband in it, Inspector General Max Huntsman told The Times. In an emailed statement Tuesday afternoon, the Sheriffs Department said officials were aware of the report and its allegations about the reluctance to hand out warmer clothing. We are looking into this matter in order to ensure and continue to provide the inmates the necessary level of care while being housed within our jail facilities, the statement said. The quarterly report comes amid another string of deaths behind bars: According to the Sheriffs Department website, three more people died in L.A. County jails Tuesday. County data put this year on track to be one of the jails deadliest of the last decade. Since January, records show, 22 inmates have died in the departments custody. According to the Office of Inspector General, the L.A. County jails have often struggled with high temperatures in the summer months, in part because many of the facilities are old and plagued by maintenance issues. Usually, the report said, jailers deal with that by setting up fans, handing out ice and letting people shower more frequently. During last winters storms and cold spells, though, some of the countys seven jails also struggled to handle low temperatures inside. That generated an increase in complaints to oversight officials, and during site visits, Office of Inspector General monitors found some areas dropped to as low as 58 degrees indoors. Some people took to using plastic garbage bags as blankets, even sleeping inside them to shield themselves from the cold. To mitigate these living conditions, many people in custody have requested long-sleeved thermal undergarments, the report said. Usually, the jails issue each inmate a short-sleeved shirt and pants, one short-sleeved undershirt and one blanket, though some facilities allow people extra clothing depending on the weather. When the Office of Inspector General asked about the possibility of distributing thermal undergarments, the Sheriffs Department said that based on medical need or inmate worker status it had given out around 1,000 thermal tops and 900 thermal bottoms across a population of more than 13,000. To give everyone warmer clothes, officials told the inspector generals office, theyd need about $3.1 million. Then in early April, the Sheriffs Department said that it already had 315,000 thermal tops and bottoms in inventory, but that state regulations didnt require them to be handed out. The Sheriffs Department command staff believe that people in custody would destroy the thermal undergarments and create security concerns by concealing contraband in thermal undergarments, the report added. However, the Office of Inspector General sees little logic in holding large stores of thermal undergarments while people in custody experience precariously low temperatures. Amid the jails struggles with heat and warm clothing, the report said two people died in custody during the late fall of 2022 and early winter of 2023, after experiencing symptoms consistent with hypothermic arrest. Jail officials told The Times on Tuesday that the deaths were not related to a heating problem or a lack of warm clothing. In one case, Assistant Sheriff Sergio Aloma said, a man died after he flooded his cell and was covered in water. In the other case, Aloma said it wasnt clear to which death the report was referring. Because final autopsies have not been completed for either inmate, its unclear whether hypothermia contributed to either death. Still, one former jail employee who asked not to be named due to pending litigation said the departments inability to handle winter cold snaps has been a persistent problem. Inmates frequently ask for more blankets, the employee said, as they are allowed only very thin blankets, something that is unreasonable. A lawyer with the American Civil Liberties Union of Southern California which is representing inmates in two major lawsuits against the county and its jails said she had repeatedly spotted people in the jails using trash bags for warmth. Its cruel, its inhumane, said Melissa Camacho, the ACLU attorney. And something frustrating to me is that the Board of Supervisors is not acting like this is an emergency. Whos going to be held responsible for the gross negligence that is leading to death in the county jails?" One of the ACLU lawsuits is headed for a contempt hearing later this month. The case dates back to the mid-1970s and is focused on jail conditions. The ACLU lawyers representing people in jail are asking for a complicated fee schedule of monetary sanctions against the county for its failure to fix persistent problems behind bars, despite decades of consent decrees, settlement agreements and court orders. This story originally appeared in Los Angeles Times. (Reuters) - A spokesman for the U.N.'s nuclear watchdog said on Thursday that gunfire briefly halted a convoy heading back to Ukrainian-held territory after a visit to the Russian-controlled Zaporizhzhia nuclear power station, but the delegation was in no immediate danger. "Convoy was stopped and gunfire was distinctly heard for a few minutes but the convoy was not in immediate danger. The agency doesnt have any other information about the incident, a spokesman for the International Atomic Energy Agency told Reuters. Renat Karchaa, an adviser to the head of the Rosenergoatom company, was earlier cited by Tass news agency as accusing Ukraine of opening fire at the convoy, headed by IAEA General Director Rafael Grossi. That report said no one was hurt and that the convoy had returned safely to the Ukrainian-held city of Zaporizhzhia. The delegation had been visiting the Zaporizhzhia station, where Ukraine and Russia have accused each other of repeated shelling since Russia's invasion of Ukraine last year that could compromise nuclear safety. (Reporting by Ron Popeski; editing by Diane Craft) Los Angeles City Hall is currently home to 15 council members. The L.A. Governance Reform Project recommends expanding the council to 25 members, with 21 elected by district and four at large. (Don Bartletti / Los Angeles Times) For the past half-year, a small group of leading scholars has been quietly meeting to envision a less broken version of Los Angeles city government. The L.A. Governance Reform Project is an academic supergroup of sorts, with members from institutions across the region. Its mission is complex, but also quite straightforward: research and develop an unbiased set of government reform proposals to present for consideration by the City Council and the wider public. The group started convening after a leaked audio recording upended City Hall last fall, exposing Los Angeles City Council members and a powerful labor leader scheming to consolidate power during the citys decennial redistricting process. The raw and racist remarks revealed in the recording capped years of scandal at L.A. City Hall and catalyzed widespread support for government reform, particularly around the citys redistricting process. We are not elected officials. We are not folks who are kind of standing up at the protest. We realized one of the things that was needed was a truly independent analysis free from the influence of the council or other voices, said former USC political science and international relations department chair Ange-Marie Hancock. Hancock, who now leads Ohio State Universitys Kirwan Institute for the Study of Race and Ethnicity, is one of the project's two co-chairs, along with UCLA Luskin School of Public Affairs professor Gary Segura. Most significant governance reforms necessitate changes to the city charter, which require a vote of the public. The City Council is widely expected to put a government reform proposal on the 2024 ballot that includes independent redistricting, though the details of what that will look like remain very much up for debate. Released Thursday, the L.A. Governance Reform Projects interim recommendations include expanding the number of City Council seats to reduce district sizes, implementing an independent redistricting commission and beefing up the citys ethics apparatus. The group plans to gather community and stakeholder input during the summer before finalizing its recommendations and presenting them to the council in the fall. They recommend expanding the council to 25 members from 15, with 21 members elected by district and four at-large members. The number of council districts has not changed since 1925, and each council member represents about 260,000 people more than any other city in the country. The report recommends that the city establish two independent redistricting commissions, each with 17 residents, to draw district lines for the city of Los Angeles and the Los Angeles Unified School District, respectively. Under the citys current redistricting system, the council has final say over district lines, and elected officials appoint members to the redistricting panel who essentially act as their proxies. An independent commission would take that power away from the council. The recommendations are aimed at fostering accountability, reducing corruption and promoting positive relations among different groups in a diverse city, according to the draft report. The academic group is hardly alone in their work. Ahead of potentially putting reforms on the 2024 ballot, the council's Ad Hoc Committee on City Governance Reform has hopscotched around the city in recent months, holding hearings about independent redistricting and taking public testimony. During those meetings, Council President Paul Krekorian has occasionally referenced the forthcoming academic report and said his committee would be taking it into account before making any policy recommendations. The ad hoc committee which was created by Councilmember Nithya Raman last fall and is now chaired by Krekorian will reconvene in August after the council's July recess and is expected to decide on reform recommendations to send to the full council by Sept. 18, according to Krekorian's office. The academic report strongly recommends that a package of governance reforms be placed on the November 2024 ballot, rather than the March primary ballot, to reach a larger electorate. Efforts to mandate independent redistricting are also being pushed at the state level, along with a host of other grassroots reform efforts at the local level. "Such a wave of reform energy does not occur very often. Sometimes decades pass between reform eras," the group writes in the introduction to its report. "Los Angeles is in the midst of one such moment now, and it is not to be taken for granted." Along with Segura and Hancock, the team was led by Raphael Sonenshein (former director of the Pat Brown Institute for Public Affairs at Cal State L.A.), Sara Sadhwani (a Pomona College politics professor who also served on the California Citizens Redistricting Commission), Boris Ricks (director of the Center for Southern California Studies at Cal State Northridge) and Fernando Guerra (director of the Center for the Study of Los Angeles at Loyola Marymount University). Their work was backed by the Eli and Edythe Broad Foundation, the Weingart Foundation and the California Community Foundation. This story originally appeared in Los Angeles Times. Indias two aircraft carriers led their battle groups in a combined operation in the Arabian Sea earlier this week, showcasing what the service calls its formidable maritime capabilities and ability to project power around the Indian Ocean and beyond. Analysts say its a big accomplishment and one that only the United States Navy has pulled off in recent memory. This is not a small achievement and underlines that the Indian Navy is one of very few in the world that operates more than one aircraft carrier, said Nick Childs, senior fellow for naval forces and maritime security at the International Institute for Strategic Studies (IISS). The two aircraft carriers, INS Vikramaditya and INS Vikrant, led the exercise with more than 35 aircraft and an array of surface ships and submarines, according to a press release from the Indian Navy. The successful demonstration of two-carrier battle group operations serves as a powerful testament to the pivotal role of sea-based air power in maintaining maritime superiority, the release said. India became capable of dual-carrier operations when the $3 billion Vikrant, Indias first domestically built carrier, was commissioned last September, joining Vikramaditya, which was bought from Russia and went into service in 2013. The Indian aircraft carriers INS Vikramaditya and INS Vikrant lead combined operations in the Arabian Sea. - Sanjay Atri/Indian Navy Upon Vikrants commissioning last year, India joined only the United Kingdom and China in commissioning a domestically built aircraft carrier in the previous three years. But while both China and the UK have more than one aircraft carrier in their modern fleets, neither has yet to perform dual-carrier operations with them, analysts said. Collin Koh, research fellow at the S. Rajaratnam School of International Studies in Singapore, said Indias naval history may put it ahead of China, whose Peoples Liberation Army (PLA) Navy is the worlds largest, in the current operating environment for aircraft carriers. The Indian Navy has had decades-long experience and expertise in aircraft carrier ops and this is probably the key advantage it possesses over the PLA Navy, its key rival in this field, despite the latters relative advance in its indigenous aircraft carrier program, Koh said. China has two aircraft carriers in service, the Soviet-built Liaoning and the domestically built Shandong, while a third carrier, the Fujian, has been launched but not commissioned. Hawaii-based analyst Carl Schuster, a former US Navy captain, said Indias dual-carrier operations this week show the rejuvenation of the Indian Navy. Combined operations of INS Vikramaditya and INS Vikrant. - Indian Navy India commissioned its first aircraft carrier in 1961 and added a second in 1987. It has operated two aircraft carriers on two previous occasions, between 1987 and 1997, and between 2013 and 2017. It should be remembered that the Indian Navy has always been a highly trained, tightly disciplined and very proficient force, Schuster said. The Indian Navy press release called the carriers floating sovereign airfields, adding that they provide our friends with an assurance that the Indian Navy is capable and ready to support our collective security needs in the region. New Delhis forces have been stepping up cooperation with other navies in the Indo-Pacific, including those in the informal Quad partnership the United States, Japan and Australia in the annual Malabar naval exercises. Indias partnerships and collaborative exercises with other navies have broadened the navys operational knowledge and open ocean experiences, Schuster said. What the Indian Navy can learn about dual-carrier operations from the United States could be substantial. The US Navy operates the worlds largest carrier fleet 11 warships and just last week had two of those, the USS Nimitz and USS Ronald Reagan, operating together in the Philippine Sea. The US Navy sees China as a pacing threat in the Indo-Pacific, and Indias naval operations look toward China too, Schuster said. Chinas aggression along the (shared Himalayan) border and expanding operations and presence in the Indian Ocean have become Indias most serious security concern. The naval expansion and modernization is intended to address that concern, Schuster said. But even with the advancements demonstrated by the dual-carrier operation, Indias carrier program still has question marks, said Childs from IISS. While an impressive-looking display, there may be some question over what this really amounts to as yet in terms of actual operational capability, he said, noting that images from the Indian operation showed relatively few fighter aircraft on the decks of the Vikramaditya and Vikrant. This may indicate limited aircraft availability, or that the ships capacities are somewhat constrained at the moment. It would certainly suggest that the Indian Navy could do with more carrier aircraft, Childs said. For more CNN news and newsletters create an account at CNN.com (Bloomberg) -- India has cleared the purchase of thirty armed drones from the US its first ever to boost its sea and land defenses as tensions with neighboring China and Pakistan persist, according to people with knowledge of the matter. Most Read from Bloomberg The decision to clear the acquisition of the MQ-9B Predator drones was made by Indias Defence Acquisition Council Thursday. It comes ahead of Prime Minister Narendra Modis visit to the US next week, where the two sides are also expected to agree to jointly manufacture jet engines in the South Asian nation. Modis government is in the midst of a 10-year, $250 billion military modernization effort. The purchase will put India in an elite club of some three dozen countries using combat-capable drones. The acquisition agreement with the San Diego-based General Atomics had been mired in bureaucratic red-tape for years. Thursdays decision will be followed by comprehensive discussions on the pricing of the drones and other details, including the expected time-lines, the people said. Indias Ministry of Defense didnt immediately respond to a request seeking comment. Vivek Lall, the chief executive of General Atomics, declined to comment. India is emerging as a strategic defense partner for Washington, especially as it seeks to counter increasing Chinese influence in the Indo-Pacific. The US is also seeking closer military cooperation with New Delhi to wean it away from its dependence on Russian military hardware as Moscows assault on Ukraine enters its second year. New Delhi hired two drones from the US when the current round of border tensions first flared with Beijing in the summer of 2020, but the platforms came without the weapons and were used only for surveillance and reconnaissance. The MQ-9B drones can fly for about 48 hours and carry a payload of about 1,700 kilograms (3,748 pounds). They will give Indias navy the ability to better monitor Chinese warships in the southern Indian Ocean, and equip the air force and army to engage targets along the disputed India-Pakistan border in the Himalayas. Most Read from Bloomberg Businessweek 2023 Bloomberg L.P. indy and his father A crop of the poster for Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade. For almost 20 years, everyone thought Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade was the last time wed ever see our favorite archaeologist on screen again. The 1989 mega-hit sequel capped the franchise with a storybook ending, complete with our hero riding off into the sunset alongside his father and best friends. Of course, Last Crusade didnt end up being Indys last crusade. Not by a long shot. And thats not the only thing thats changed when you watch the film today. As Indiana Jones and the Dial of Destiny approaches its release date, io9 has been revisiting each of the Indiana Jones films just to see what, if anything, stands out about them in 2023. First, it was Raiders of the Lost Ark, widely considered to be one of the best action films ever made. Next, it was Temple of Doom, a film that took the franchise in a whole new direction. And now, its Last Crusade, a film most people think of as being one way, but actually feels another. Read more Previously, when I thought about Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade, I considered it to be an excellent but largely by-the-numbers take on Indiana Jones. Its a carbon copy of Raiders of the Lost Ark and thats why it works so well. That sentiment has sort of become the prevailing discourse surrounding the film these days. And while yes, Last Crusade undoubtedly uses a similar structure, religious mythology, and villains as Raiders, theres one huge thing that makes it stand apart from not just the first film, but the second one too. Whether you remember it or not, Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade is a comedy. Indy and Elsa in the knights tomb. Does it have action, suspense, adventure, and excitement? Absolutely. But watching the film again I truly could not get over how more often than not, director Steven Spielberg leans into the funny and goofy nature of the serialized action series with this film. This starts from the very first scene, where a young Indy (River Phoenix) steals a priceless artifact from a clearly soon-to-be-role model and has to basically run and jump his way through the entire Indiana Jones mythology in a single scene. We glimpse the fedora, the whip, the scar, the snakesits beyond ridiculous that this one day, this one event, could form a person like were seeing, and thats the point. Its unbelievable. Its over the top. Its maybe not funny per se, but tonally its a much different table-setter than the golden idol in Raiders or song and dance of Temple of Doom. The scene lets us know this movie, more so than the others, is self-aware and having fun with it. From there, after a mostly serious setup of the plot and stakes, the humor returns once Indy (Harrison Ford) and Marcus (Denholm Elliott) meet Dr. Elsa Schneider (Alison Doody) in Venice. From the playful flirting to the banging of the floor/book stamp in the library, the film immediately starts to make us chuckle. Elsas line that both Indy and his missing father are giddy as a school boy also speaks to the films vibe. Indy, for the first time in these movies, seems excited to be on this adventure. Hes uncharacteristically enthusiastic. That drapes over all the scenes in Venice, at which point Indy finds out the location of his father and things take a whole new turn. An all-timer comedic duo: Indy and Henry. When Indy and Elsa get to the castle looking for Henry (Sean Connery), Last Crusade takes a hard right-hand turn and never turns back. While the movie had been fun and pleasant up until here, Indys Scottish accent marks the beginning of a nearly non-stop barrage of gags. Most of this is because, with the introduction of Henry, there is a delightful tit-for-tat chemistry between the characters. It helps that Ford and Connery both seem so game too because it makes it all feel so natural, so the vase-smashing, the burning room, the revolving fireplace, the revelation that father and son both slept with the same woman, its all incredibly funny. And the best bit, of course, is the unforgettable edit of Indy talking about how smart and capable Marcus Brody is, right into Marcus not being at all smart or capable. Its legitimately one of the most hilarious edits in movie history. Indy and Henry then escape, joust on a motorcycle, make guys fly through the air, and go to Germany where Indy literally meets Hitler who signs the Grail Diary. Its truly a screwball comedy that has somehow found itself inside an action movie. They escape Germany on a zeppelin where Indys no ticket line is an all-timer. Then, in a smaller plane, Henry shoots up the tail and lies about it. They land, steal a car, crash the car, have an umbrella aid in the destruction of a plane, all of which is exciting and cool, but obviously played for laughs. And the cherry on top is when the German pilot flies a plane into a tunnel, loses both wings, and then zips by them with a confused look on his face. This is comedy gold, folks. sallah, indy, henry, brody Even Indys death is played for laughs. The humor gets toned down a bit once they hit the desert on the way to the canyon of the crescent moon, but there are still some moments. The exploding canon is one. The pen is mightier than the sword is another. Even the big, dramatic, climax of the filmsomething weve analyzed in excruciating detail in another articlehas laughs alongside the tension. In the Latin alphabet, Jehovah begins with an I, which then cuts to Indy saying J and nearly falling to his death. The Knights simple line of He chose, poorly. Finally, in their moment of triumph, Marcus Brody kicks his horse and almost falls off in one final hilarious moment. At this point, Im just running down a list of jokes in the movie and there are many more where that came from. But truly, I think the reason why Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade is such a good sequel and is such a great movie is that it, again, takes the Indiana Jones idea and puts it through a new filter. And that filter is comedy. There are jokes and laughs in the previous movies, for sure, but Last Crusade is easily Steven Spielbergs best comedyand maybe its his best Indiana Jones film too. Well leave that up to you. I just know that I loved it before, I still love it, but now I have a whole new appreciation for the franchise for taking a chance and succeeding so well. Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade is available to stream on both Disney+ and Paramount +. Next week, well have the final installment in this series, revisiting Indiana Jones and the Kingdom of the Crystal Skull. 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. From Tibetan yak cashmere and Nepalese copper cookware to Australian chocolates, southwest China's Tibet Autonomous Region is drawing crowds of tourists to its international expo on the "roof of the world." The expo on tourism and culture, scheduled to open in Lhasa on Friday and last for three days, will highlight the unique plateau culture and different products, Tibet's tourism development department said in a press release Wednesday. Altogether 984 businesses from 12 countries will participate in the event, which aims at boosting the development of local industries and promote international exchanges, it said. Tsetso, 29, is eager to welcome visitors to her booth featuring Tibetan yak cashmere clothes. "This is going to be a great opportunity for Chinese and international tourists to discover our products." Nepalese craftsman Narayan has brought copper pots, bowls, and bottles from Nepal. "This is my second time participating in the expo, and I am proud to bring my family's traditional craft to Tibet," said Narayan, 38. On her first-ever visit to Tibet, Chen Lijuan from southwest China's Chongqing Municipality brought handmade chocolates her company imports from Australia. "The Potala Palace is fully booked. I can only try my luck after the expo," said Chen, who has managed to visit the Jokhang Temple and Barkhor Street in the heart of Lhasa on the sidelines of her tight schedule. This year's expo is the fifth such event in Lhasa since the first one was held in September 2014. Tibet received more than 11.73 million tourist arrivals in the first five months of this year, a rise of nearly 45 percent year-on-year. Tourism revenue over the period surpassed 13 billion yuan (about 1.81 billion U.S. dollars), up nearly 43 percent from the same period in 2022, the regional tourism development department said. By Ananda Teresia and Kate Lamb JAKARTA (Reuters) - Indonesia's Constitutional Court on Thursday rejected a lawsuit seeking a change to the country's election ballot system, clearing a potential complication and allaying fears of political interference in an election just eight months away. Indonesia, the world's third-largest democracy, is set to hold simultaneous legislative and presidential elections in February 2024. The case, brought by several politicians including from the ruling Democratic Party of Struggle (PDI-P), had sought a return to a closed ballot system, raising concerns about political meddling and attempts to delay next year's polls. President Joko Widodo has denied that he is seeking to extend his time in office beyond the two-term limit and recently stated that he would not do anything that would "tarnish democracy". A bench of eight judges on Thursday rejected the petition 7 to 1, allowing Indonesians to continue voting directly for individual lawmakers in future polls. Reading the judgement, one judge, Suhartoyo, said the open ballot system, while not without its flaws, was more inclusive and democratic, while the closed system lacked transparency, limited public participation and was prone to nepotism. Tim Lindsey, an expert in Indonesian law at the University of Melbourne said the ruling is a "rare positive sign for democracy in Indonesia at a time when it often seems under threat there or even in regression". A PDI-P legislator said his party would abide by the ruling. "We have to admit the court's review is very comprehensive," said Arteria Dahlan. Critics had said changing the current open system would have taken Indonesia back to the era of authoritarian rule, when only heads of political parties were empowered to appoint lawmakers. Eight out of nine parties represented in parliament, including those allied with the ruling PDI-P, had denounced the petition. (This story has been refiled to remove the extraneous words 'is known' from paragraph 4) (Editing by Kanupriya Kapoor and Martin Petty) By Ananda Teresia and Kate Lamb JAKARTA (Reuters) - Indonesia's Constitutional Court will on Thursday rule on a possible change to the country's electoral system, a decision that has fuelled concerns about political interference in the upcoming February 2024 general and presidential polls. The case, brought by several politicians including from the ruling Democratic Party of Struggle (PDI-P), seeks a return to the 'closed' ballot system. Critics say the change would take the world's third-largest democracy back to the era of authoritarian rule, when only heads of political parties were empowered to appoint lawmakers. The current 'open' ballot system allows citizens to vote directly for individual lawmakers. The timing of the case, just eight months out from next year's simultaneous presidential and legislative elections, has raised eyebrows in Southeast Asia's biggest country, with many speculating that attempts are underway to engineer an election delay through unorthodox legal means. Eight out of nine parties represented in parliament, including those allied with the ruling PDI-P, have denounced the case. President Joko Widodo, or Jokowi, has denied that he is seeking to extend his time in office beyond the two-term limit and recently stated that he would not do anything that would "tarnish democracy". The Constitutional Court had in 2008 scrapped the closed ballot mechanism, used during the decades-long rule of former strongman Suharto. It reasoned at the time that an open list provided voters more information about the individuals they were electing. Judges are expected to issue their ruling on Thursday after a judicial review of the system was filed last November, a court official said. The independence of the Constitutional Court has also been questioned after the reappointment of the president's brother-in-law as court's chief justice this March. (Editing by Kanupriya Kapoor) (Bloomberg) -- Indonesias constitutional court ruled against a petition to return to the closed-list system that requires balloting of political parties rather than individual lawmakers. Most Read from Bloomberg The court on Thursday rejected the arguments made by six individuals, two of whom are from political parties, including the ruling Indonesian Democratic Party of Struggle or PDI-P. The petition was intended to impact how Indonesians vote for members of parliament and not the presidential election. The ruling upholds direct participation in the worlds third-largest democracy through the open voting system introduced in 2008, which allows citizens to directly vote for their candidates of choice instead of having to pick political parties that will then decide who will sit in parliament. The judgment assures that Indonesia can keep to its election timeline, with polls scheduled for Feb. 14, 2024. The verdict is also a win for the eight of nine political parties that opposed the petition. The parties are already preparing their candidates for the upcoming polls, when some 205 million voters will cast their ballots for the legislative, gubernatorial and presidential elections all held simultaneously for the first time in the countrys history. A shift to a closed-list system would have given the biggest ruling party PDI-P of which President Joko Widodo is a member greater sway in the polls. The party has a larger and more longstanding voter base compared to smaller and newer parties that rely on the popularity of individual candidates to bring in the ballots. PDI-P had argued in its appeal that a closed system would give political parties greater oversight on campaign spending, limiting the need for vote-buying employed by contesting candidates thats pervasive in Indonesias political campaigns. Election spending is huge in Indonesia, with one estimate stating that the upcoming polls will add roughly 179 trillion rupiah ($12 billion) to the economy, well above total expenses in the 2014 and 2019 polls. --With assistance from Norman Harsono and Claire Jiao. Most Read from Bloomberg Businessweek 2023 Bloomberg L.P. An artist's impression of the first-of-its-kind Sky Sonic system Israel is building the worlds first air defence system dedicated to shooting down hypersonic missiles in a major challenge to Russia and Iran, who have claimed that they are impossible to shoot down. The Israeli defence firm Rafael is working on a new Sky Sonic system that is specifically designed for intercepting hypersonic missiles, which can fly in the upper atmosphere and travel at five times the speed of sound. The Sky Sonic system will enable us to intercept all kinds of hypersonic threats hypersonic ballistic missiles, hypersonic cruise missiles, Yuval Steinitz, the chairman of Rafael Advanced Defense Systems Ltd, told Reuters news agency. A CGI video demonstration provided by Rafael showed an interceptor missile being fired from a ground battery. The interceptors warhead detaches itself and flew towards an incoming missile. A Rafael spokesman said Sky Sonic would soon undergo flight tests but did not provide a schedule for when it might be ready. The Israeli military has not commented on the announcement, while the Pentagon has been briefed on the project according to Reuters. The announcement hints at a potential new era of European air defence in which Israel which is also selling Germany a 3 billion Arrow 3 interception tool plays a major role. However, as Sky Sonic is still being developed, and Israel remains reluctant to provide Kyiv with military support, it is unlikely that it will be deployed in Ukraine in the near future. Both Russia and Iran have stepped up production of hypersonic missiles in recent months amid claims that they cannot be intercepted, in what could prove to be a major defence headache for Israel, Ukraine and their allies. Russias Kinzhal hypersonic missiles are already being fired at Ukrainian cities, while Irans new Fattah missile has been pointed at Tel Aviv, possibly to deter a potential Israeli strike on the regimes nuclear programme. Tehran is also sending hundreds if not thousands of missiles and drones to Moscow for use against Ukraine, and in return is set to receive powerful Russian fighter jets which could be used by the regime to attack Israel. The war in Ukraine, and Russias use of Iranian drones there, has reshuffled European priorities and created new openings for deepening engagement with Israel, said Hugh Lovatt, a senior Middle East analyst at the European Council on Foreign Relations. Faced with a new array of security challenges emanating from Russia, the EU and its member states now increasingly view Israel as an important security partner that can provide access to valuable military weaponry and cyber technology, he added. For many European capitals, including strong supporters of Palestinian rights, national security interests are overriding concerns over Israels actions against Palestinians. Yehoshua Kalisky, a senior researcher at Israels Institute for National Security Studies, said: Regarding the Russian hypersonic missiles, they operate effectively, but they are not game changers as we can see from the results of the war during the last week. Their use looks to me like another vehicle used to destroy infrastructure or to hurt civilians. About the Iranians, it looks that they carried out only ground tests probably it is not operational yet, he added. Israel is increasingly concerned about Russias military support for Iran, but at the same time is resisting pressure from the United States to arm Kyiv, or at least grant the use of its powerful Iron Dome air defence system. This is partly because Russia has a large Jewish population which Israel fears could be persecuted in the event that relations significantly deteriorate. Russia also controls much of the airspace over neighbouring Syria, where Israel frequently launches air strikes on Iranian-backed militia groups. Benjamin Netanyahu, the Israeli prime minister, has privately complained to Vladimir Putin about his military support for Iran, the US news website Axios reported on Thursday. Also on Thursday, the head of Germanys defence committee approved a 3.99 billion (3.34 billion) payment for Israels Arrow 3 air defence system, which will be able to shoot down missiles above the atmosphere and grant air cover to neighbouring EU member states. The funds were drawn from Chancellor Olaf Scholzs 100 billion defence package, which is aimed at bolstering German security in the wake of the Russian invasion of Ukraine. Last week Iran, Israels arch-nemesis in the region, unveiled what it claimed was the regimes first domestically produced hypersonic missile, dubbed the Fattah, which can supposedly fly at 15 times the speed of sound and strike Tel Aviv within 400 seconds. Rafael is already well-known as the Israeli state-owned contractor behind the Iron Dome missile defence system capable of intercepting around 90 per cent of rockets launched at Israel from the Gaza Strip. It also developed Davids Sling, a similar system that was used successfully for the first time during the May 9-13 round of fighting between Israel and Islamic Jihad in Gaza. According to Israeli media reports, the country already has defence systems that should be capable of taking down hypersonic missiles, but none have been tailored to that threat specifically. In response to the Iranian hypersonic missile being revealed last week, Yoav Gallant, the Israeli defence minister said to any such development, we have an even better response, without elaborating. While Irans Fattah has not yet been used in battle, Russia reportedly fired six of its Kinzhal hypersonic missiles at Ukraine in May and all of them were intercepted, Ukrainian officials said, suggesting the weapons capabilities may have been exaggerated. 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 hundreds of Israeli settlers rampaged through Huwara and surrounding Palestinian towns in the occupied West Bank on February 26, leaving at least one Palestinian man dead and hundreds of others injured, it was billed as revenge after a Palestinian gunman killed two brothers who lived nearby. What unfolded was violence so brutal that the Israeli military commander for the West Bank called it a pogrom, and said that the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) had not been sufficiently prepared for revenge attacks. An inquiry by the IDF found that the military failed to deploy enough soldiers to prevent the riots. This is a severe incident that took place under our responsibility and should not have happened, Israels top military officer, Lt. Gen. Herzi Halevi, said in a statement in March. A monthslong CNN investigation, based on analysis of videos from the scene, exclusive testimony from an Israeli soldier, as well as interviews with seven eyewitnesses and two Palestinian journalists, sheds new light on the actions of Israeli forces. CNN found that, not only did the forces fail to stop the riots in Huwara, they did not protect residents as settlers set fire to Palestinian homes and businesses and blocked emergency services from responding. Instead, when residents threw rocks in reaction to the settlers aggression, Israeli forces fired at the Palestinians with tear gas and stun grenades, according to analysis of the footage and eyewitness accounts. The soldier, whose account was provided by Breaking the Silence, a non-governmental organization established by IDF veterans that offers a platform to speak out confidentially, said dozens of armed forces were on the scene, operating alongside Israel Border Police, and they were aware of the threat the settlers posed but did nothing to intervene. We just let them continue to advance, the soldier said, adding that the army generally doesnt know how to deal with settler terrorism. In the aftermath of the violence, Israels finance minister, Bezalel Smotrich, a settler who opposes Palestinian sovereignty, said that Huwara needs to be erased. Residents of the town, which straddles the main road running north to south through the West Bank, have long been harassed by settlers passing through. But, in the wake of the violence, they said they are more terrified for their security than ever before. Nawal Dumeidi, 75, peers outside her front door that was torched by settlers in Huwara on February 26. - Eyal Warshavsky/SOPA Images/LightRocket/Getty Images Now, as Israels right-wing government ramps up incendiary remarks, pledging to increase its authority over the occupied territory, settler attacks have continued largely without recourse. The IDF said in a statement to CNN that dozens of Israelis had desecrated Palestinian property and acted violently against Palestinian residents on February 26, but only several were arrested. All were released without charges. Seeking revenge The two Israeli brothers, Hillel Menachem Yaniv, 22, and Yagel Yaacov Yaniv, 20, whose killings triggered the rampage lived in Har Bracha, a Jewish settlement in the hills above Nablus, about 4 miles away from Huwara. Hillel had recently completed his mandatory army service, and Yagel was set to start the recruitment process. They were on their way to their yeshiva, a Jewish religious school, when they were attacked by a Palestinian gunman, identified as a member of Hamas by both the militant group and the IDF. The shooting came days after a massive Israeli military incursion into Nablus in search of wanted militants left at least 11 Palestinians dead. Israeli security forces respond to the scene of the shooting attack that killed the Yaniv brothers. - Ilia Yefimovich/picture alliance/Getty Images In response to the Yanivs deaths, administrators for a WhatsApp group called Fighting for Life, which coordinates settler demonstrations, called on members to fight back and march from two settlements: Yitzhar to the north, and Kfar Tapuach to the south. The post was disseminated on several settler WhatsApp groups, as well as on social media, suggesting that the threat of violence would have been well known to authorities beforehand. We demand revenge! We must fight back! Following the fatal attack in broad daylight in Huwara today, were leaving our houses and fighting for our lives! the post read. 18.00 - March from the big Yitzhar junction and from Tapuach junction to the scene of the attack in Huwara! Huwara residents said much of the angry mob on February 26 descended on the town from Yitzhar, a nearby hillside settlement, which is built in part on privately owned Palestinian land. Settlers try to block Tapuach junction on Route 60, the main north-south road in the West Bank that runs through Huwara. - Ilia Yefimovich/picture alliance/Getty Images Analysis by CNN in collaboration with FakeReporter, an Israeli watchdog that monitors disinformation and far-right groups, showed that some members of Israels Parliament, the Knesset including lawmaker Limor Son Har-Melech were part of the WhatsApp groups. Son Har-Melech, from security minister Itamar Ben Gvirs Otzma Yehudit party, posted a tweet from Huwara where she said she went to support residents of Samaria who have come out to protest and to demand security, after long months of abandonment. Israel officially refers to the West Bank by the biblical names Judea and Samaria. Another Knesset member, Zvi Sukkot, from Smotrichs ultra-nationalist Religious Zionism party, who lives in Yitzhar, posted on Twitter saying: Huwaras killers nest needs to be taken care of. Later, he shared a photo of himself with settlers at Tapuach junction, where they had gathered to march to the town. Mourners take part in the funeral for the Yaniv brothers at the military cemetery in Jerusalem on February 27. - Gil Cohen-Magen/AFP/Getty Images Since Israel occupied the West Bank in 1967, the territory, which residents hope will form part of a future Palestinian state, has been carved up and divided by Israeli settlements. Huwara, which is home to about 7,000 people, is surrounded on three sides by settlements that have a reputation for being extremist. Most of the world considers these settlements illegal under international law, but, in spite of this, successive Israeli governments have pledged support for them. The International Criminal Court considers the transfer by an occupying power of its own civilian population into territory it occupies a war crime. Israel views the West Bank disputed territory, and contends its settlement policy is legal. Achiya Schatz, executive director of FakeReporter, told CNN that Israeli security forces should have been able to prevent the attack on Huwara, given how widely disseminated calls for violence were in advance, both by settler groups and far-right politicians on encrypted apps and social media. CNN saw at least one of these posts several hours before the violence in Huwara began. A youth rides a bicycle on a road in the Jewish settlement of Yitzhar, in the occupied West Bank, in June 2020. - Ronen Zvulun/Reuters Right-wing extremist groups on WhatsApp and Telegram have become ticking time bombs, Schatz said, adding that the groups are used routinely by settlers to organize violence. They [Israeli security forces] ignored their duty to monitor violent groups and failed to stop the violence during the event. We are extremely worried and uncertain that they are prepared to prevent the next event. While CNN cannot independently confirm how many settlers belonging to the WhatsApp groups analyzed by FakeReporter carried out violence against Palestinians and their properties on February 26, at least one admin of these groups, a settler living in Yitzhar, filmed himself in Huwara that evening with flames in the background. Simple Jews are coming and doing the natural thing of revenge, he said. Smoke rises over Huwara after Israeli settlers rampaged through the town, setting fire to homes, businesses and cars. - Hisham K. K. Abu Shaqra/Anadolu Agency/Getty Images The attack Ziad Dumaidi, 48, knew the Israeli settlers were coming through word-of-mouth and social media, so he prepared for the worst. He bought water, fixed the fire extinguisher, and parked his car at a friends house. In the past, settlers had swarmed his home, lobbed stones at his windows and tried to break in, Dumaidi said. But they had never tried to set it alight. Videos geolocated and verified by CNN showed hundreds of people flocking to Huwaras main street from a nearby roundabout between 6 p.m. and 6:30 p.m. local time, setting fire to car tires, cars, trash cans, and wooden pallets near the entrances of apartment blocks, shops, and businesses. Dumaidi said his house was engulfed in flames. With smoke pouring in, he and his wife and their four children prayed and prepared to die. At this point, my family and I pronounced the shahada [the Muslim declaration of faith]. We thought it was over for us there was barely any oxygen, he told CNN. More than two hours after the fire started, Israeli officers helped to extinguish the blaze, Dumaidi said, but they did nothing when settlers continued throwing rocks at him. Footage showed the mob throwing stones at residents gathered on their balconies, windows and rooftops. Then they set ablaze a parking lot full of cars, part of a dealership and repair shop at the entrance of the town one of the small businesses that both Palestinians and Israelis would take their vehicles to be fixed in Huwara, an economic hub for the area. They went behind the house and started to burn the cars. They went from one car to the next. I went downstairs and there they were. They fired three bullets at me. They started to chant death to the Arabs, we want to wipe out Huwara, Hana Abu Saris, whose family owns the dealership, told CNN. A scrapyard of cars that was torched in Huwara. The violence on February 26 caused widespread property damage. - Ronaldo Schemidt/AFP/Getty Images Down the street, towards the center of Huwara, 75-year-old Nawal Dumeidi (a distant relation of Ziad Dumaidi), told CNN that she and her daughters were trapped inside their home for three days after settlers piled flammable material in front of her door and set it on fire, preventing it from opening. Her son had to come back from Dubai to free them. She recounted hearing rocks hitting the roof of her apartment and landing on the balcony, and seeing fire coming towards her. She went to try to put out the blaze with a bucket of water, but Israeli military fired tear gas and stun grenades at her, she said: We were choking on the gas, it was asphyxiating. We could feel our faces burning. Dumeidi later showed CNN tear gas canisters and stun grenades strewn on her balcony, evidence of the Israeli militarys actions, she said. Security camera (CCTV) footage from Dumeidis building showed settlers identified by their religious tassels, called tzitzit, hanging from under their sweatshirts ignighting wooden logs placed by the main door to her apartment block. CNN confirmed with Dumeidis family that the incident happened at 6:27 p.m. Live footage filmed by Palestine TV corroborated that timeline, showing Israeli soldiers walking by without stopping the settlers from setting the fire or intervening to extinguish it. The Palestine TV livestream showed at least three armored Israeli military vehicles on the main road in Huwara, and several soldiers patrolling the street. Israeli soldiers can be seen in the footage firing tear gas up at residential buildings, which settlers are also targeting with stones. Some Israeli settlers posted on social media to say that the army and police used tear gas to break up the crowds, but none of the videos reviewed by CNN showed them firing on the settlers. The IDF said in a statement to CNN that its forces acted to separate the two sides, using tear gas and stun grenades and live fire in the air to disperse the riot. A Palestinian Civil Defense spokesperson told CNN that each access point into Huwara was blocked by settlers and the Israeli military warned the emergency services it wasnt safe to enter. A fire truck was attacked by settlers with dozens of stones, forcing it to go back as the Israeli military stood by, the spokesperson said. Videos chronolocated at 8:25 p.m. show fire trucks and ambulances being stopped by Israeli soldiers at the roundabout leading to Huwaras main street. According to a Palestine Red Crescent Society spokesperson, the emergency vehicles were ambushed by settlers while the military watched. When Israeli forces finally let them in, they told them that its at their own risk, and if settlers attacked them, its their own responsibility, the spokesperson said. The Israeli soldier whose testimony was shared exclusively with CNN said the biggest failure of the IDF and Israel Border Police was their inability to protect and let in fire trucks. The fire truck simply drove alone and was attacked The village continued to burn, he said. The fires and violence could have been prevented if the army had used force against the settlers to stop them from entering Huwara in the first place, the soldier added. You have a group of dozens of people you see who are hot-headed and they start walking towards Huwara, they are masked and some of them may have knives. What do you think they are coming to do? At this point, they [the army] should have started shooting tear gas, and stun grenades and start repelling them, he said. In the Palestinian town of Zatara, between Kfar Tapuach and Huwara, which was also attacked on February 26, Sameh Aqtash, a 37-year-old aid worker and father of five, was shot in the abdomen. His brother, Abdalmenem, said that night 30 settlers approached their village on their way to Huwara. They told them to leave. Soon after, they returned with a group of Israeli soldiers in tow, Abdalmenem said. The settlers started throwing rocks at us, so we threw rocks back. Then they started shooting live bullets at us, not tear gas or rubber bullets, live fire from the get-go, he said. Normally when the Israeli military comes, they protect the settlers. They dont stop the settlers from attacking areas or burning stuff, they just surround the settlers so no one can attack them. And this is what happened when Sameh was killed. The IDF referred CNNs questions about Aqtashs killing to the Israel Border Police. A spokesperson for the Israel Border Police told CNN that they had opened an investigation after multiple media reports that Aqtash was killed in settler violence. No settler has been arrested or charged in connection with his death. The aftermath Since Israels new government led by Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu was sworn in late last December, the most right-wing and religiously conservative in the nations history, violence between settlers and Palestinians in the West Bank has flared. As of mid-May this year, the United Nations has reported 421 settler-related incidents in the occupied territory, leading to the deaths of eight Palestinians nearly triple last year as well as injuring hundreds and causing property damage. In the same period, Israeli forces have killed more than 100 Palestinians in the West Bank. The IDF says most are terror suspects or people engaging violently with its troops during raids, but does not offer evidence. Mourners carry bodies of Palestinians killed in a raid by Israeli forces in Nablus, during their funeral on February 22. - Jaafar Ashtiyeh/AFP/Getty Images Attacks by Palestinians have left 14 Israeli settlers dead in the occupied West Bank this year, according to the United Nations. The attacks in Huwara didnt stop on February 26. Two Jewish settlers attacked a Palestinian man and his family, with stones and an axe, while they were in their car on March 6, authorities said. The settlers were later charged with terrorism. The same evening, a video circulating on social media and geolocated by CNN showed Israeli soldiers and settlers dancing together in celebration of Purim, a Jewish holiday, in Huwara, when the soldiers were supposed to be there as peacekeepers. On March 19, a Palestinian gunman opened fire on an Israeli couple in their car at a junction in Huwara, wounding one man who also had US citizenship, according to authorities. Later that month, on March 25, there was another shooting attack on two IDF soldiers. The next day, Sukkot the far-right Knesset member marched through the Palestinian town brandishing an Israeli flag. He called for the government to set up roadblocks and close all businesses in Huwara. We will continue to live here and there will be a lot more Jews who will come here to the village of Huwara and will also live here in the settlements. The attacks wont help, throwing stones wont help, throwing fire bottles and the incitements wont help. Were here to stay, he said in a video, which was shared on Twitter. Knesset Member Tzvi Sukkot, fourth from right, joined members of the Samaria regional council, which represents settlers of the northern West Bank, on March 26 to set up an impromptu office in the town. - Jaafar Ashtiyeh/AFP/Getty Images Sukkot has been arrested several times on suspicion of organizing attacks on Palestinians, including an arson attack on a mosque near Huwara in 2010; he denied the allegation and was released. Eyewitnesses in Huwara told CNN that several attacks led by settlers took place across town after Sukkots remarks. On the evening of March 27, shortly before Palestinian residents broke their Ramadan fast at home, videos showed Israeli military forces standing by their vehicles as settlers intimidated them and threw rocks at their cars on an otherwise quiet street. The footage, which were first geolocated by Gabor Friesen and Chris Osieck, Dutch open-source researchers, and verified by CNN, also showed Israeli forces detaining residents, in some cases violently beating them. Israeli soldiers are now on permanent patrol of the town, periodically closing roads and forcing shops to shutter, according to residents, who said it is impacting their livelihoods. The IDF has said it is enforcing security in Huwara, but residents feel as though they are being punished. Israeli security forces patrol Huwara on March 26. - Jaafar Ashtiyeh/AFP/Getty Images Huwara is a horror scenario the damage it caused can cause damage that will continue and reverberate both towards the Jews and the Palestinians, the Israeli soldier said in testimony shared with CNN. Until now they burned a mosque and then they burned 10 houses in Huwara, and in the next stage they will burn half of Huwara and in the next stage there will be no Huwara. An IDF spokesperson told CNN that additional forces were dispatched and arrived in Huwara on the night of February 26 after the riot took place, and soldiers remain in the town to reinforce the area. In response to a question about attacks against Palestinians in Huwara, they added that if Israeli soldiers encounter violent incidents directed at Palestinians and their property, they are required to act to stop the violation and, if necessary, detain or arrest suspects until police arrive at the scene. Residents in Huwara say they are still dealing with the trauma of February 26, reeling from what they described as the IDFs inaction, and are fearful of more settler violence. A man inspects the damage to a restaurant following a reported attack by Israeli settlers in Huwara on March 28. - Jaafar Ashtiyeh/AFP/Getty Images This is the fourth time my house comes under attack. And Im telling you the Israeli officers are always with them, Dumaidi said, recalling three settler attacks on his home in October and previous attempted break-ins. They just let them do whatever they want. Even when it comes down to a humanitarian level, they think, let them die. What is left for our dignity? Whats left after burning? There is nothing left. CNNs Richard Allen Greene and Hadas Gold in Jerusalem, Zeena Saifi in Abu Dhabi and Barbara Arvanitidis in London contributed. This report was edited and produced by Eliza Mackintosh. Photo editing by Sarah Tilotta. Video editing by Max Burnell. Graphic by Renee Rigdon and Henrik Pettersson. For more CNN news and newsletters create an account at CNN.com Israeli forces kill Palestinian gunman during West Bank clash Aftermath of an Israeli raid in Nablus NABLUS, West Bank (Reuters) - Israeli forces killed a Palestinian gunman in the occupied West Bank on Thursday in clashes that erupted during a house demolition, Palestinian officials said. The Israeli military said its forces came under fire while they working to destroy the house of a Palestinian man who had killed an Israeli soldier in 2022 and shot back at gunmen. The Palestinian Health Ministry said one man was killed in the clashes and Palestinian armed groups identified him as a fighter. Nabil Abu Rudeineh, a spokesman for Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas, condemned the Israeli actions. Palestinians and rights groups say home demolitions of assailants are collective punishment that breach international law. Israel says it is a measure that deters others from mounting deadly attacks. The West Bank, among territories where Palestinians seek statehood, has experienced a surge of violence over the last 15 months. U.S.-brokered peace talks broke down in 2014 and show no sign of revival. (Reporting by Raneen Sawafta, Ali Sawafta, Nidal al-Mughrabi and Maayan Lubell; Editing by Simon Cameron-Moore) Johnson Countys cybercrime team is expanding following a Coralville City Council authorization Tuesday to collaborate with the local task force. A Coralville police will join the county's cybercrime team, further strengthening a countywide crackdown on cyber crimes. The Joint Forensic Analysis Cyber Team (J-FACT) includes the University of Iowa Department of Public Safety, the Iowa City Police Department, and the Johnson County Sheriffs Office. Coralville and North Liberty are the newest members. Each department contributes resources of its own, including one officer per department. In investigations, the task force analyzes electronic devices such as cell phones, laptops, and gaming consoles. The cases they handle range from child exploitation to child pornography J-FACT was formed with further training in mind, collaborating with local departments to expand cybercrime knowledge and expertise. The program helps officers complete train for their Certified Forensic Computer Examiner certification. Johnson County Sheriff Brad Kunkel said officers undergo an intense certification process. The program was established in 2021, with the Johnson County Sheriff's Office, Iowa City Police and the University of Iowa Public Safety originally signing on. J-Fact immediately uncovered a substantial caseload, analyzing several crimes throughout the area. Adding officers from North Liberty late last year and Coralville this week will help J-Fact to operate more effectively, Kunkel said. Coralville police cars are seen, Wednesday, May 27, 2020, outside City Hall in Coralville, Iowa. They do an incredible amount of work by volume, Kunkel said. But it's also a shocking realization about the amount of work out there is for them to do, especially when talking about child sex abuse material and child pornography. The task force investigated nearly 1,000 devices throughout the fiscal year 2022, including more than 550 cell phones from departments across eastern Iowa. The unit has already investigated more than 950 devices since last July, on pace to exceed the previous years workload. As our world's become so piled into what we do on our phones, it becomes the ultimate collector of evidence, Kunkel said. It just seems to be that one continuous, constant component of a case: At least one cell phone is involved. When is the task force deployed and how are they funded? Several sources tip off local law enforcement, especially when dealing with child exploitation and sex crimes where additional technological evidence is vital. The task force leans on help from the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children, Internet Crimes Against Children, or ICAC. Tips are also provided by social media companies like Meta as well as search engine data from Google. They'll even receive concerned phone calls and walk-ins. Once investigators believe electronic data is needed, the department will secure a search warrant and analyze social media accounts and phone records. That device is then handed over to the task force for further investigation. Kunkel said much of J-FACTs budget is spent on software licensing, though they make up for those costs by invoicing other agencies who bring in devices. The task force also receives a monetary supplement from ICAC. What's $100 to examine a cell phone for a child sex assault case? I mean, it's a no-brainer, Kunkel said. We don't want to price out any other agencies too, but it's expensive and we need a way to kind of lighten that financial burden. J-FACT is a model for local collaboration, sheriff says Speed and efficiency are important in the cybercrime world. Kunkel witnessed a cyber task force's impact and heavy workload during a child pornography investigation he was involved in before becoming Johnson County sheriff. He submitted evidence to a task force in Cedar Rapids and was shocked that it sometimes took more than a year to analyze. That experience pushed Kunkel to find a better way to investigate cyber crimes. It was one of his key talking points in his local campaign for office. After becoming sheriff in 2020, Kunkel began coordinating with University of Iowa PD and Iowa City police to create their own one-of-a-kind task force. Coralville and North Liberty have since joined. The idea that we now have five local agencies who have pooled their people and resources and put everybody under one roof to do the same work, I don't know that there's another [task force] out there like it, Kunkel said. The scope of cases sometimes even crosses oceans. Last year, the task force worked a case that began locally and eventually led to a criminal's conviction in the United Arab Emirates, Kunkel said. These are people who are grooming or trying to access or solicit child sex abuse material from across the country, sometimes around the world, he said. The task force has increased its caseload as departments across eastern Iowa learn about the program's capabilities. Two years ago, there were a very small number of agencies, if any, across the state that could do this," Kunkel said. The role they play in criminal investigations is pretty incredible. Ryan Hansen covers local government and crime for the Press-Citizen. He can be reached at rhansen@press-citizen.com or on Twitter @ryanhansen01. This article originally appeared on Iowa City Press-Citizen: Cyber crime program spearheads collaboration, adds Coralville officer The inaugural Fishing Fortress Science Fiction Awards, ambitiously billed as China's "sci-fi Nobel Prize," split 1 million yuan in prize money across 35 award categories to honor China's sci-fi pioneers, legends, and masters such as Liu Cixin and Yao Haijun. Winners and important participants of the inaugural Fishing Fortress Science Fiction Awards pose for a group photo on stage in Hechuan, Chongqing, June 10, 2023. [Photo/China.org.cn] During the delicately orchestrated gala, full of sci-fi-esque lighting effects and dreamy performances, the awards were handed out one by one. The biggest awards were for the achievement section, where "The Three-Body Problem" writer Liu Cixin won the sci-fi master achievement award. "As a science fiction fan and author in China, I consider myself fortunate to express myself through my works and introduce Chinese science fiction to the world," Liu stated in his acceptance speech via video link. "Science fiction is an enthralling genre that showcases human imagination and creativity. It provokes emotions and strikes a chord with humanity's collective vision for the future, the world, and the universe. Through science fiction, we come together as one and contemplate our existence while finding the courage to confront the future." The Fishing Fortress Science Fiction Awards are sponsored by Chongqing College of Mobile Communication and organized by its Fishing Fortress Science Fiction College, founded in 2019, which is claimed to be the biggest sci-fi college in the world. This non-profit award recognizes exceptional works and individuals in sci-fi writing, translation, publishing, education, media, and art, as stated by the president of the sci-fi college, Zhang Fan. Categories also include best sci-fi novel, novella, short story, editor, book, art, teacher, publishing house, media, short film, stage play, and music single. Another prominent sci-fi writer, Han Song, won the sci-fi academy award. In his speech, he reflected on his 41-year writing career and his experience as a witness to the rise of Chinese science fiction. He acknowledged the tireless efforts of those who have pushed forward with an unwavering spirit to make its revival possible. "In recent years, I have noticed two emerging trends the rise of young authors and exceptional works produced by female writers," he added delightedly. Dong Renwei, a revered and respected sci-fi and popular science writer, activist, and co-founder of the Chinese Nebula Awards, was awarded the China sci-fi promoter achievement award. "I'm excited to receive this award for myself, even though I have handed out countless awards to many people throughout decades. I am 81 years old, but I am also lucky to have an 18-year-old soul. I will try my best and do all I can to serve China's sci-fi community until the end," he said. China's prominent sci-fi figures Liu Cixin, Han Song, Dong Renwei, Yao Haijun, Wu Yan, and Ding Zicheng receive their achievement awards on stage at the inaugural Fishing Fortress Science Fiction Awards gala in Hechuan, Chongqing, June 10, 2023. [Photo courtesy of Fishing Fortress Science Fiction College] Wu Yan, a sci-fi scholar, writer, and professor at the Southern University of Science and Technology, received the sci-fi educator achievement award. "I joined the sci-fi circle in 1978 and opened a sci-fi course in university in 1991, which was very influential and attracted so many students; some even listened to my class standing outside the window. Now China's sci-fi education is developing so fast and reaching another level, and it means so much for our realistic development and future," he said. The sci-fi publisher achievement award was given to Yao Haijun, the deputy editor-in-chief of Science Fiction World magazine and founder of many of China's sci-fi events. He is known for publishing heavyweight Chinese sci-fi works such as "The Three-Body Problem" and has discovered numerous writers. "I am a lucky man, as my career coincides with the brilliance of China's sci-fi megastars, including internationally influential writers such as Liu Cixin, Wang Jinkang, Han Song, and many emerging authors as well. I would like to take this opportunity to express my special gratitude to all of my authors because it is the radiance of your works that illuminates me. I also want to thank science fiction because it has allowed me to see the goodness and beauty of humanity in the twists and turns of life," he said after accepting the award. Ding Zicheng, a sci-fi writer and translator of many Japanese sci-fi works under the pen-name Ding Dingchong, received the sci-fi translator achievement award. In his acceptance speech, he said that he believes that translation will always remain relevant for as long as there are diverse cultures, races, and even life on other planets. "What's important is the need for cultural exchange, as well as communication between people." Sci-fi cosplayers pose with a guest on the red carpet before the inaugural Fishing Fortress Science Fiction Awards gala is held in Hechuan, Chongqing, June 10, 2023. [Photo courtesy of Fishing Fortress Science Fiction College] Other notable winners across the other categories included Yan Xi, Gu Shi, Tianrui Shuofu, Bao Shu, Nozomi Omori, Science Fiction World magazine, and Chinese sci-fi brand Eight Light Minutes Culture. More than 200 expert voters from different fields participated in the Fishing Fortress Science Fiction Awards selection process. The awards aim to promote the collaborative development of sci-fi in various fields and encourage its integration into new areas such as education, communication, art, fashion, and new media while advocating for a diverse coexistence of sci-fi systems worldwide and promoting imaginative education and sci-fi as a future lifestyle and way of thinking. Before the gala, a summit forum was held with speakers discussing various topics, including "A Guide to Cultivating Professional Sci-Fi Writers," "Sci-Fi Translators in the Era of Artificial Intelligence," "Sci-Fi Education Full of Possibilities," and "How to Unearth Chongqing's Local Sci-Fi Characteristics," while interacting with hundreds of attending writers and experts. Japan's Emperor Naruhito attends a press conference at the Imperial Palace in Tokyo Thursday, June 15, 2023, ahead of his planned visit to Indonesia. The June 17-23 trip comes after Indonesia's president invited the couple during his visit to Tokyo in 2022. (Yuichi Yamazaki/Pool Photo via AP) TOKYO (AP) Cooperation with developing countries is key to dealing with climate change and other global challenges, Japanese Emperor Naruhito said Thursday ahead of a visit to Indonesia, his first official friendship trip abroad since ascending the Chrysanthemum Throne four years ago. Naruhito begins the weeklong trip on Saturday with his wife, Empress Masako, a former diplomat. Cooperation with emerging and developing countries is becoming increasingly important in order to tackle global issues such as climate change, energy and food, Naruhito said at a news conference at the Imperial Palace. I hope our friendship and mutual understanding will further deepen through exchanges and cooperation between the peoples of the two countries. The trip comes as Japan and the Association of Southeast Asian Nations mark 50 years of friendship this year, when Indonesia is serving as ASEAN's chair. Japan is increasingly seeking to deepen its ties with developing nations in tackling regional and global challenges. Japan is Indonesia's largest provider of official development assistance, according to Japan's Foreign Ministry. Naruhito, 63, is Japans first emperor born after World War II, which was fought in the name of his grandfather, Emperor Hirohito. Japan occupied Indonesia, a former Dutch colony called the Dutch East Indies, from 1942 until Tokyo surrendered in August 1945. There was a difficult time in our relations with Indonesia, Naruhito said. I believe it is important to not forget those who lost their lives, to deepen our understanding of history and to nurture love of peace. Naruhito noted hearing from his parents, Emperor Emeritus Akihito and his wife Michiko, about their experiences during the war and expressed his determination to continue their dedication to peace and to efforts to atone for the pain of those who suffered during the war. Japan has been negotiating the supply of artillery shells to the US to increase its stockpile for Ukraine, as Tokyo seeks a workaround to help Kyiv in its counteroffensive despite restrictions on arms exports. Source: The Wall Street Journal Details: The effort to find artillery shells for Ukraine has stepped up due to the counteroffensive. The US has sent over 2 million 155mm artillery shells to Ukraine since the beginning of February 2022, and Washington is pressuring its allies to provide supplies as well. The US has used up its stockpile and is looking for ways to support Ukraine without compromising its own military readiness. Quote: "Japan is considering supplying 155mm artillery shells to the US under a 2016 agreement that allows the two countries to exchange ammunition as part of their long-standing security alliance. The shells will help replenish US stockpiles as they support Ukraines war effort," the WSJ reported, citing unnamed sources familiar with the talks. Details: US Secretary of Defence Lloyd Austin held talks in Tokyo with Japanese Defence Minister Yasukazu Hamada. Following the meeting, Austin praised Japan for its non-lethal military support to Ukraine and said that additional assistance would be welcome. The number of munitions that Japan can supply and their delivery timing has not been established. Ukrainian troops use over 90,000 155mm shells per month, as reported by the countrys Defence Ministry. In its statement, Japan's Ministry of Defence said it had not made a final decision on whether to supply artillery shells to either the US or Ukraine. Japan said it was holding various discussions with the US but refused to elaborate on what they were about. Japan has provided body armour, helmets and other non-lethal military aid to Ukraine since the Russian invasion began, but it has not provided weapons, citing self-imposed restrictions. The Japanese government adopted arms export restrictions in the 1960s and ruled out the transfer of lethal weapons abroad. Although the plan with artillery shells does not involve the direct deployment of lethal weapons on the battlefield, it will still be politically sensitive in Japan, where many voters do not want to be involved in foreign conflicts. Meanwhile, some conservative Japanese lawmakers say that the country should follow the example of the United States and European countries and directly arm Ukraine. Japan's military is decommissioning M270 multiple launch rocket systems, similar to the HIMARS missile systems that Ukraine received from the United States and effectively used against Russia. Japan's ruling party and its coalition partner began discussing easing restrictions on arms exports at the beginning of this year. Opinion polls show that voters in Japan generally support strengthening the army to defend against regional threats and supporting Ukraine in its war with Russia, but they are not keen on providing weapons. Journalists fight on their own frontline. Support Ukrainska Pravda or become our patron! [Source] A Japanese man who was allegedly hired to steal around 1,500 Pokemon cards from a store in Tokyo was arrested on Tuesday. About the crime: In April, Masaki Omori, 35, reportedly applied for a one-time, high-pay job that was posted online. He was allegedly instructed to steal the cards from a store in Akihabara, Tokyo, and was promised over 1 million yen (approximately $7,084) if he proved successful. Omori reportedly traveled from Okinawa to Tokyo using his own money. At around 5 a.m. on April 12, he allegedly destroyed the window of the Akihabara store and grabbed around 1,500 cards worth an estimated total of 1.15 million yen (approximately $8,147). Double-crossed: Omori allegedly went to a park in Ibaraki and gave the cards to the person he was in contact with. He was instructed to receive his payment from another person at another rendezvous point on a later date, but no one appeared during the scheduled time, according to reports. More from NextShark: Disabled Teen Dies Alone After His Father Was Quarantined Over Possible Coronavirus in China The aftermath: Police eventually located Omori and arrested him on Tuesday. The Okinawa man reportedly told them that he lost money due to gambling and needed the payment to help him cover his living expenses. The authorities are now attempting to locate the mastermind behind the crime by using Omoris phone. More from NextShark: Chinese Hotel Used for Coronavirus Quarantine Collapses, Kills at Least 12 Enjoy this content? Read more from NextShark! Man with 44 prior arrests charged with multiple felonies for brutal assault of Thai model on NYC subway Chinese American Community Provides 100,000 Face Masks in One of Maryland's Largest Donations By Jonathan Stempel NEW YORK (Reuters) - A federal judge on Thursday scheduled the writer E. Jean Carroll's second defamation trial against former U.S. President Donald Trump for next January. U.S. District Judge Lewis Kaplan in Manhattan said the civil trial, where the former Elle magazine columnist is seeking at least $10 million in damages, will began on Jan. 15, 2024, "unless this case has previously been entirely disposed of." The timetable raises the prospect that Trump might have to defend himself in three trials early next year as he seeks the 2024 Republican presidential nomination, where he is now the front-runner. Trump has been criminally charged by federal prosecutors in Florida with mishandling classified documents, and by Manhattan's district attorney with covering up hush money payments to a porn star. He has pleaded not guilty in both cases. Carroll's lawyer Roberta Kaplan, who is not related to the judge, said her client looks forward to moving expeditiously on her claims. A lawyer for Trump and a spokeswoman did not immediately respond to requests for comment. Carroll claims that Trump defamed her in June 2019 when he denied having raped her in the mid-1990s in a Bergdorf Goodman department store dressing room in Manhattan, and said she was not his "type." Last month, a Manhattan jury ordered Trump to pay Carroll $5 million for defamation and sexual assault in a separate lawsuit, after he made a similar denial in October 2022. On Tuesday, Judge Kaplan allowed Carroll to amend her lawsuit over Trump's 2019 comments to include similar comments he made recently on CNN. In a town hall the day after the $5 million verdict, Trump called Carroll's account "fake" and labeled her a "whack job." The case is Carroll v. Trump, U.S. District Court, Southern District of New York, No. 20-07311. (This story has been refiled to restore the dropped first initial in Carroll's name in the headline) (Reporting by Jonathan Stempel in New York; editing by Jonathan Oatis) From Reconstructionism to ultra-Orthodoxy, Judaism is richly diverse. MendyHechtman/iStock via Getty Images As a scholar of modern Jewish history, religion and politics, I am often asked to explain the differences between Judaisms major denominations. Here is a very brief overview: Rabbinic roots Two thousand years ago, Jews were divided between competing sects all based on the Jewish scriptures, but with different interpretations. After the Romans destroyed the Jerusalem Temple in 70 C.E., one main group, who called themselves rabbis sages or teachers began to dominate. What we now know as Judaism grew out of this group, technically called Rabbinic Judaism. Rabbinic Judaism believed that God gave Jewish teachings and scriptures to Moses at Mt. Sinai, but that they came in two parts: the written law or written Torah and the oral law or oral Torah. The oral Torah is a vast body of interpretations that expands upon the written Torah and is the source for most of the rules and theology of Rabbinic Judaism. Fearful that these traditions might be lost, the early rabbis began the process of writing them down, culminating in two texts called the Mishna and the Talmud. This corpus became the foundation of rabbinic literature. The rabbis assured the Jews that although the temples destruction was devastating, Jews could continue to serve God through study, prayer and observing Gods commandments, called mitzvot. Someday, they promised, God would send the Messiah, a descendant of King David who would rebuild the temple and return the exiled Jews to the land of Israel. Historic turning point There were tensions in Rabbinic Judaism from the outset. For example, starting in the Middle Ages, a Jewish group called the Karaites challenged the rabbis authority by rejecting the oral Torah. Even within the rabbinic tradition, there were regular disagreements: between mystics and rationalists, for example; debates over people claiming to be the messiah; and differences in customs between regions, from medieval Spain to Poland to Yemen. Still, Rabbinic Judaism remained a more or less united religious community for some 1,500 years until the 19th century. Around that time, Jews began to experience emancipation in many parts of Europe, acquiring equal citizenship where they had previously constituted a separate, legal community. Meanwhile, thousands eventually millions of Jews moved to the United States, which likewise offered equal citizenship. Jewish immigrants arriving at the immigration office on Ellis Island in New York City, around 1910. Apic/Getty Images These freedoms brought opportunity, but also new challenges. Traditionally, Judaism was based on Jewish autonomy communities governed by rabbinic law and taking the truth of its beliefs for granted. Political emancipation challenged the first, while Enlightenment ideas challenged the second. Jews were now free to choose what to believe and how to practice Judaism, if at all, at a time when they were experiencing widespread exposure to competing ideas. Three major groups Competing Jewish denominations emerged, each one attempting to negotiate the relationship between Jewishness and modernity in its own way. Each group claimed that they followed the best or most authentic traditions of Judaism. The first modern denomination to organize was Reform first in Germany in the early 19th century, but soon in America as well. Reform Judaism is based on the idea that both the Bible and the laws of the oral Torah are divinely inspired, but humanly constructed, meaning they should be adapted based on contemporary moral ideals. Reform congregations tend to emphasize prophetic themes such as social justice more than Talmudic law, though in recent years many have reclaimed some rituals, such as Hebrew liturgy and stricter observance of Shabbat. Orthodox Judaism soon organized in reaction to Reform, rallying to defend the strict observance of Jewish customs and law. Orthodox leaders often blurred the distinction between these categories and put particular emphasis on the 16th-century legal code called the Shulchan Aruch. Orthodoxy insists that both the written and oral Torah have divine origins. Contrary views in pre-modern sources are often censored. Members of a Reform congregation in Pennsylvania gather for a menorah-lighting ceremony during Hanukkah. Ben Hasty/MediaNews Group/Reading Eagle via Getty Images Conservative Judaism, which did not arrive in the U.S. until the mid-1900s, shares many of Reform Judaisms views, such as equal religious roles for men and women. However, Conservative Jews argue that the Reform movement pulled too far away from Jewish tradition. They insist that Jewish law remains obligatory, but that the Orthodox interpretation is too rigid. In practice, most Conservative Jews tend not to be strict about even major rituals, like observing Sabbath restrictions or kosher food practices. There are also smaller but still influential Jewish movements. For example, Reconstructionism, created by Rabbi Mordecai Kaplan in the 1930s and 1940s, emphasizes community over ritual obligations. And the Jewish Renewal movement, born out of the late 1960s counterculture, seeks to incorporate insights from Jewish mysticism with an egalitarian perspective, and without necessarily following the minutiae of Jewish law. What makes Jewish identities even more complex is that for many Jewish people, being Jewish is more of a cultural or ethnic identity than a religious one. Over a quarter of Americans who describe themselves as Jewish say they do not identify with the Jewish religion at all, though Jewish culture or their familys Jewish background may be very important to them. Its also important to keep in mind that Jewish groups evolved in different ways in the Middle East and Northern Africa. Jews from the Muslim world, often called Sephardic or Mizrahi Jews a minority of American Jews, but over half of Israeli Jews did not experience the kind of abrupt emancipation that they did in much of Europe. Different Sephardic traditions developed, which are often described as Masorti or traditional Judaism in Israel, although many of their adherents have become Orthodox in recent years. From Orthodox to ultra-Orthodox Of all the Jewish denominations, the Orthodox groups are perhaps most misunderstood. They all share a commitment to Jewish law especially regarding gender roles and sexuality, food consumption and Sabbath restrictions but there are many divisions, generally categorized on a spectrum from modern to ultra Orthodox. Modern Orthodoxy celebrates secular education and integration into the modern world, yet insists on a relatively strict approach to ritual observance and traditional tenets of belief. They also tend to see Zionism the modern movement calling for Jewish national rights, today connected to support for Israel as part of their religious worldview, rather than just a political belief. The ultra-Orthodox, on the other hand sometimes called Haredim or Haredi Jews advocate segregation from the outside world. Many continue to speak Yiddish, the traditional language of Jews in Eastern Europe, or to dress as traditional Jews did in Europe before the Holocaust. This is especially true of Hasidic Jews, who make up about half of the ultra-Orthodox population worldwide. Hasidism is a mystical movement born in 18th-century Ukraine, but today mostly concentrated in New York and Israel. Hasidic Jews are known for being particularly strict about shunning secular culture and education, but they remain also a mystical movement focused on Gods close presence. They are divided into subgroups named after cities in Eastern Europe, and they follow leaders known as Rebbes, who wield enormous power in their communities. Haredim are particularly committed to gender segregation, separating men and women beyond what previous Jewish traditions called for, and tend toward the strictest interpretation of Jewish law, even when traditional understanding of a rule has been more lenient. Ultra-Orthodox boys prepare for Yom Kippur, the most important day in the Jewish calendar, in the Israeli city of Netanya. Jack Guez/AFP via Getty Images Whether modern or Haredi, Orthodox Judaism sees itself as traditional. However, it is more accurate to say it is traditionalist. By this I mean that Orthodoxy is attempting to recreate a pre-modern religion in a modern era. Not only has Orthodox Judaism innovated many rituals and teachings, but people today have greater awareness that other types of life are available creating a firm break with the traditional world Orthodoxy claims to perpetuate. Becoming a nation Jewish groups are often described as Zionist. What is Zionism, and where does it fit in to all these terms? The first Zionists were mostly secular Jews from Eastern Europe. Inspired by nationalist movements around them, they claimed that Jews constituted a modern nation, rather than just a religion. Traditions and prayers connected to the land often reinterpreted through a secular, nationalist lens became all-important for Zionists, while many other rituals and traditions were abandoned. Most Jews opposed Zionism for decades. Reform Jews and even some early Orthodox Jews worried that defining Jews as a nation would undermine their claim to equal citizenship in other countries. Orthodox Jews, meanwhile, opposed Zionists staunch secularism and emphasized that Jews must wait for the Messiah to lead them back to the land of Israel. Within a decade or two of Israels establishment as a modern state, however, most Jewish denominations integrated Zionism into their worldview. Still, most ultra-Orthodox Jews today continue to oppose Zionist ideology, even as they hold right-wing political views on Israel. Young liberal Jews, too, are increasingly emphasizing the distinction between Zionism and their own Jewish identity. Today, most U.S. Jews are either unaffiliated with any particular denomination or Reform. However, the percentage of Jews who are Orthodox especially ultra-Orthodox, whose members tend to have very large families is growing rapidly. Almost 10% of American Jews and nearly 25% of Israeli Jews are Orthodox today, although attrition from these communities is also rising. This trend may continue, or that sector may see mass defections, as it did a century ago. Either way, Orthodoxy is going to continue to play a very important role in Jewish life for many years to come. This article has been updated to correct a chart caption and include information about Masorti Judaism. 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: Joshua Shanes, College of Charleston. Read more: Joshua Shanes 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. Jim Palmer shows off the House of Hope in early 2006. (Allen J. Schaben / Los Angeles Times) After 30 years of running the Orange County Rescue Mission, one of the largest nonprofit homeless service providers in the county, Jim Palmer has stepped down as president and chief executive officer. The longtime advocate for homeless people, 58, told The Times that his resignation was due to health reasons. In a statement, the Rescue Mission said its chief operating officer would serve as interim president. Bryan Crain has led Orange County Rescue Missions operations for nearly 10 years, and we are confident that the organization will continue to flourish under his leadership. News of Palmers resignation made its way across the county this week. Ive had the privilege over my career of working with all the executive directors of the Orange County Rescue Mission, all fine individuals, but Jim is the cream of the crop, said John Moorlach, former state senator and onetime Orange County supervisor. Jim has done an amazing job running a nonprofit homeless shelter and related ancillary divisions primarily without any government help. Hes sort of been the model. When Palmer arrived at the Orange County Rescue Mission more than 30 years ago, he did so first as a volunteer. It wasn't until 1992 that he took over the reins as president and chief executive officer. At the time, the mission only had one facility, which provided shelter and services to nine men and other transients. There were nine people on staff and the faith-based nonprofit was $90,000 in debt, Palmer said in a phone interview Wednesday. Since then, he has helped stabilize the nonprofit's finances and establish the transitional housing facility House of Hope, which provides parenting training and sobriety support for women. The facility includes a healthcare clinic and vocational center, and served as an early model for future housing projects. "When youre dealing with homeless people, theyre very pounded down, they have no self-worth. You can take a long time to build that up," Palmer said. "But at the House of Hope, it almost happened instantaneously. We could see the success rate much quicker than I was seeing in other programs, and I realized we needed to do this for men." Palmer said the Rescue Mission now operates about a dozen facilities, known as campuses, each one equipped with supportive programs and services such as counseling, job training, and medical and dental care to support the individual needs of veterans, families, youth, and victims of sex trafficking. The people enrolled in the Rescue Missions programs are referred to as students. "They're all learning to get back on their feet," Palmer said, adding that the goal is to help people become self-sufficient when they graduate from their programs. Palmer is one of a few people who has served at three levels of government simultaneously: as a City Council member, a county commissioner and a presidential appointee. From 2006 to 2010, he was a member of the Tustin City Council, where he pushed for more transparency at City Hall by making public records more accessible. In 2007, President George W. Bush nominated Palmer to serve as the director of the Board for the Corporation for National and Community Service, where he oversaw a team of 125,000 staffers and AmeriCorps VISTA workers and an annual budget of $1.2 billion. His term ended in 2012. Additionally, he served as a county commissioner from 1998 to 2013, providing guidance on the county's homeless count and assisting in applying for grants. He also served as chairman four times. On the phone Wednesday, Palmer said the rescue mission had been preparing for an emergency plan should someone else be needed to step in as president. He said Crain has stepped into the role before when Palmer has been on sabbatical. "It could never have been a better time to step aside because the Rescue Mission is in its best financial position," Palmer said. "It has the best leadership that Ive ever seen. I will drive by the campuses, and I'm certain my heart will drop a little bit." Times staff writer Hannah Fry contributed to this report. This story originally appeared in Los Angeles Times. Johnny Depp reflected on his turbulent last few years in a newly-released video from Cannes Film Festival. Depps film Jeanne du Barry (directed by Maiwenn) opened the May festival this year and was deemed by many to represent a Hollywood comeback following his bitter defamation trial against his ex-wife Amber Heard. The French-language film about Louis XVs last mistress marked the Pirates of the Caribbean stars first lead role since winning the trial against Heard last year. On Wednesday (14 June), photographer Greg Williams shared a video of Depp getting ready for Cannes on his Instagram account. Walking up the steps at the thing, Ive done it a few times with different films over many years, Depp, 60, said in the video of returning to Cannes. Its always kind of its quite beautiful, when youre at the receiving end, you just feel like, initially you feel f***ing exposed. Asked by Williams how it felt to be back at the festival promoting a movie, Depp replied that a friend had texted him saying that it was his comeback film or something. I mean, you call it whatever you want, you could make it whatever you want but comeback? I mean, you have to go away to come back, Depp said on his car journey to the films premiere. I didnt go nowhere. Maybe I was not thought of or looked at or allowed to be looked at... Asked if he felt any satisfaction towards his return to Cannes, Depp, smiling, admitted: This you know, yes, there is... Because, you know, at the top of this horrible period, at the beginning of it it was you know, again, its like kind of what I was saying before. People can hit the bottom many times, he said. You can drop straight to the bottom a billion f***ing times, but if youre lucky enough to find the basement, youre alright, you know? Depp had sued Heard for defamation, claiming that she had falsely implied he was abusive towards her in a 2018 Washington Post opinion article. Johnny Depp attends the Jeanne Du Barry press conference at Cannes Film Festival (Getty Images) In 2020, Depp announced that he was leaving the Harry Potter spin-off franchise Fantastic Beasts, after being asked to resign by Warner Bros. His departure came after losing a libel case against The Sun in the UK, in which he sued the paper after it published an article describing him as a wife beater. A UK court ruled that the claim was substantially true. Depp has not been cast in a major US film since the UK trial. At a Cannes press conference, Depp was asked whether he still felt boycotted by Hollywood. Did I feel boycotted by Hollywood? Youd have to not have a pulse at that point to feel [like], None of this is happening, this is actually just a weird joke youve been asleep for 35 years! he responded. Of course, when youre asked to resign from a film youre doing because of something that is merely a bunch of vowels and consonants floating in the air, you feel a bit boycotted. You can read The Independents review of Jeanne du Barry here. Judge orders murder trial for Fresno man accused of skating up to SUV, shooting victim An accused killer on Rollerblades and an accomplice in a BMW will face a jury trial on charges they murdered a 70-year-old man in a northwest Fresno parking lot. Fresno County Superior Court Judge Jonathan Conklin on Wednesday said that despite the circumstantial evidence against defendants, Guillermo Perez, 41, the alleged shooter, and 48-year-old Alejandra Munoz, the getaway driver, the evidence that was presented was striking. Perez is accused of shooting Richard Martin several times in the upper body and face as he was sitting in his black SUV in the FreshCo Food Center parking lot at Shields and Brawley avenues around 11:20 p.m. May 17, 2022. The suspected shooter was caught on several video surveillance cameras skating through the parking lot prior to the shooting. The video showed the shooter making several passes near Martins car before rolling up to the drivers side window and firing off several rounds from a .45 caliber hand gun. Detective Ryan Rockwell testified Wednesday that surveillance video also picked up a gray BMW sedan driving in the area just before the shooter shows up in the parking lot. After Martin is killed, the suspected shooter quickly leaves the parking lot and jumps into the parked BMW a short distance away. Relying on surveillance video, Rockwell was able to trace the cars path to space 137 of the Midstate Mobile Manor in the 3400 block of Shields Avenue. The mobile home space is where Munoz was living with her boyfriend and the BMW belonged to Munoz, Rockwell testified. Police investigating a shooting death in west Fresno May 18, 2022. DAs office makes its case Perez was tied to the shooting through his friendship with Munoz, a previous assault case and ballistics tests. Perezs ex-girlfriend testified Tuesday that Perez was involved in an assault with a deadly weapon case during the summer of 2020. The ex-girlfriend testified Perez got into a fight with a high school friend of hers near Olive and Fruit avenues. Punches were thrown, and Perez pulled out a gun and shot the man in the leg. The ex-girlfriend also told prosecutor Elana Smith that Perez was fond of Rollerblading and would even use them as transportation to get to and from work. Additionally, Rockwell said, ballistics tests found that the shell casings collected in the 2020 shooting came from the same gun used in the killing of Martin. Smith also connected Perez to Munoz since the two sometimes worked together doing maintenance jobs for the owners of several ampm stores and gas stations in Fresno. Smith and Rockwell also suggested that money may have also been a factor in the killing. Martin, who sometimes worked as a security guard, recently settled a wage and hour case against the owners of an ampm in Fresno for $850,000. Martin sued the owners in civil court alleging they were paying him under the table and had not been paying him what he was owed. The tentative settlement was reached four days prior to Martins death. A body was found in the parking lot in west Fresno May 18, 2022. Defendents attorneys present defense Defense attorneys Mark Coleman, who represents Munoz, said the idea that his client and Perez were somehow involved in Martins death because of his recent windfall is completely unfounded. That was your theory, but it never panned out, Coleman said to Rockwell. The detective replied, That is still my theory. Megan Taylor, who represents Perez, argued that much of the district attorneys case is based on circumstantial evidence. Taylor said no one has positively identified her client as being the shooter. And none of the video examined by detectives shows a clear look at the shooters face. The next hearing for Munoz and Perez is set for June 28 in Dept. 30. Black woman giving advice at meeting. As Americans prepare to celebrate Juneteenth for the third time since it became a federal holiday in 2021 even as Black Americans have observed it for much longer the meaning of the holiday has been increasingly questioned. Amid concerns that Juneteenth is being whitewashed or co-opted, the increasingly corporate nature of Juneteenth celebrations is becoming a cause for concern. How did we get to this point, and what are the dangers and the opportunities that come as businesses turn their attention to the newly recognized holiday? Washington endorsed Juneteenth, and companies saw an opportunity. In the wake of the racial reckoning after George Floyds murder in 2020, long-fought movements like police reform and reparations for slavery gained new support. In this context, the years-long campaign by activists like Opal Lee to make Juneteenth a federal holiday suddenly gained widespread support in Washington, with Congress and President Joe Biden quickly moving in 2021 to establish an official Juneteenth holiday, signing the law just days before the holiday occurred that year. Almost as quickly as Juneteenth became a national holiday, it became a new opportunity for corporations to cash in on the celebration. Some companies have been out of pocket, such as Walmart offering a Juneteenth ice cream or an Ikea manager offering employees watermelon and fried chicken as a Juneteenth menu. But despite these controversies, Juneteenth products, sales and events appear to be here to stay. Hosting a Juneteenth event this year? Check out our new Juneteenth party supplies, tableware, and more for a celebration to remember. https://t.co/dQZbheGwm2 pic.twitter.com/sZR5mBfQfE Dollar Tree (@DollarTree) May 23, 2022 A long history of Black holidays and corporate opportunism Given the atmosphere in which Juneteenth finally became a federal holiday, it was all but inevitable that corporate involvement would be high. In the summer of 2020, several companies started to endorse Black Lives Matter, using the phrase that corporations had previously avoided as too controversial. Many companies adopted Black spokespeople to represent their products. While there may have been genuine motivations behind these moves, they also represented attempts by brands to reach out to customers, especially younger ones. The speed with which companies pounced on the opportunities of Juneteenth is notable. But no one is surprised, considering businesses view the holiday as a trade opportunity since this has happened with Black holidays many times before. Kwanzaa, created in 1966 to celebrate Black culture, long remained a holiday centered in the Black community. But as corporations eventually became aware of the Dec 26-Jan 1 celebration, they began to find ways to incorporate it into the more extensive holiday season alongside Christmas and Hanukkah. By the early 1990s, Hallmark and other companies were selling Kwanzaa cards and stores like Woolworths were stocking Afrocentric merchandise, among other corporate promotions. Martin Luther King Jr. Day, a long-fought commemoration of the civil rights leader and movement, is now synonymous with sales weekends at retail stores and ski weekends at resorts. Black History Month has been incorporated into the marketing strategies of various large corporations, ranging from African-print Nike shoes to discounted Uber rides to Black-themed museums. Juneteenth itself has long been commercialized locally in Texas, where the holiday began; Donald Norman-Cox has documented Juneteenth sales being held by Texas businesses since at least the early 1900s. The dangers and opportunities of mainstreaming Juneteenth With this history of commodifying Black celebrations, many people are worried Juneteenth is already becoming irreversibly commercialized. As this process continues, fears abound the holiday will be whitewashed to make it more marketable, removing the historical and cultural significance of what had long been a uniquely African American experience. At the same time, potential opportunities have arisen since Juneteenth became a federal holiday. June, which also coincides with Black Music Appreciation Month, has been used to spotlight many Black artists. The Bidens recently hosted a Juneteenth concert at the White House featuring performers such as Audra McDonald, Jennifer Hudson and Method Man. Similarly, Vice President Kamala Harris will open CNNs second annual Juneteenth concert, followed by performances by Black artists such as Charlie Wilson, Kirk Franklin, Nelly and more. Meanwhile, various Black-owned or Black-founded businesses used Juneteenth to implement community-empowerment efforts. At the same time, majority-white companies such as Amazon, Electronic Arts and Twitter provided financial and technical support to Black organizations and businesses. Commercialization has also rapidly spread information about Juneteenth, leading at least some people to learn about the holidays history and expand their knowledge of slavery and anti-Black oppression in the United States. These more positive aspects of the commercialization of Juneteenth have come from an awareness from corporations that they must engage Juneteenth in thoughtful ways that center the holiday on Black people and the Black community. But missteps from companies like Walmart and intentional actions by those who believe Juneteenth should not be exclusively Black run the risk of moving Juneteenth farther away from its initial meaning and importance to Black people in this country. Therefore, the next few years will be crucial in determining how authentic and commercialized Juneteenth will be from here on out. Why is the Taiwan question not an international affair? 08:32, June 15, 2023 By Xin Ping ( Xinhua Passengers get their boarding passes checked before boarding the Flight MF883 at the Fuzhou Changle International Airport in Fuzhou, capital of southeast China's Fujian Province, May 22, 2023. (Xinhua/Lin Shanchuan) Make no mistake. The biggest threat to peace and stability in the Taiwan Strait never comes from China, but from the interference and provocation of a superpower thousands of miles away. The Taiwan question is purely China's internal affair. The attempt to internationalize it is a loathsome cunning calculation. The island of Taiwan is once again under international spotlight in recent months. U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken claimed that the Taiwan question is not just an "internal" affair for China. Soon after that, politicians from Britain, South Korea and some other U.S. allies followed suit, peddling the idea that the Taiwan question concerns the whole world. Even Switzerland, a country with a tradition of neutrality, suggested this question is "left to the free discretion of each state." Internationalizing the Taiwan question may sound persuasive to someone not familiar with the issue. However, it could hardly stand the scrutiny of history and reality. First and foremost, the status of Taiwan being part of China has long been affirmed by international law and is not up for debate. The Cairo Declaration, a historic document issued in November 1943 by U.S. President Franklin Roosevelt, British Prime Minister Winston Churchill, and Chiang Kai-shek of Chinese Kuomintang (KMT), clearly stated that all the territories Japan had stolen from China, such as Taiwan and the Penghu Islands, should be restored to China. These terms were reaffirmed later in the Potsdam Proclamation of 1945. Taiwan's status as an integral part of China is also reflected in Resolution 2758 of the UN General Assembly, and in bilateral documents China signed with 182 countries, which marked the establishment of their diplomatic relations. Ma Xiaoguang, spokesperson for the Taiwan Affairs Office of the State Council, gestures at a press conference in Beijing, capital of China, May 17, 2023. (Xinhua/Chen Yehua) In fact, even after KMT's defeat in the Chinese Civil War and retreat to the island of Taiwan in the late 1940s, its Generalissimo Chiang Kai-shek had never supported the idea of "two Chinas." Today, the Taiwan Strait is one of the busiest shipping routes in the world. A large amount of commercial traffic passes through the Strait every day, as Blinken once noted. But what he did not mention, whether intentionally or unintentionally, is that there has been no complaint from any captain of any commercial vessel about not being able to sail through the Taiwan Strait. The truth is, there has not been any problem for vessels and aircraft to go through the Taiwan Strait, as long as they observe international law and respect China's sovereignty. Then why is the United States so obsessed with diverting international attention to this island? Why does the United States keep stoking tension between the island and the mainland? The answer is quite simple: to seek selfish gain. Selling weapons to the island is a very lucrative business for the United States. Since 2015, the U.S. government has sold more than 23.6 billion U.S. dollars of arms, in over 40 batches, to Taiwan. In less than two years since taking office, the Biden administration approved nine arms sales to Taiwan. Money from taxpayers on the island flooded into the pockets of U.S. arms dealers. A child holds an anti-war sign during a rally at Times Square in New York, the United States, Jan. 14, 2023. (Photo by Ziyu Julian Zhu/Xinhua) Although the United States pledged on Aug. 17, 1982, in a joint communique with China that it "does not seek to carry out a long-term policy of arms sales to Taiwan" and "intends gradually to reduce its sale of arms to Taiwan," U.S. arms dealers never turned away from this lucrative business. Unsurprisingly, the more tense the situation in the Taiwan Strait is portrayed by America, the more willing authorities in Taiwan are to shell out taxpayers' money for U.S. weapons, and the more profits U.S. arms dealers could make. In the context of the ongoing Ukraine crisis, the United States aims to exploit people's fears of more flames of war with its latest narrative on Taiwan, and let NATO sneak its way into the Asia-Pacific region. "War is not inevitable ... Nevertheless, we do not have the luxury of time," Adm. John Aquilino, commander of U.S. Indo-Pacific Command, claimed in his recent remarks about a potential U.S.-China conflict over Taiwan. In February this year, U.S. military gained access to four more Philippine bases close to Taiwan and the South China Sea, widely seen as a calculated move to encircle China in the Asia Pacific. At the same time, the United States sheds crocodile tears for "the tiny island of Taiwan bravely standing up to threats from the mainland" and attempts to depict China as "that one aggressive kid in the class," so it could muddy the waters in the Taiwan Strait and use so-called "defense of Taiwan" as a pretext to form groupings that target China and promote global disengagement from China. Its ultimate goal is to contain China's development and perpetuate U.S. hegemony. Make no mistake. The biggest threat to peace and stability in the Taiwan Strait never comes from China, but from the interference and provocation of a superpower thousands of miles away. The Taiwan question is purely China's internal affair. The attempt to internationalize it is a loathsome cunning calculation. Editor's note: The author is a commentator on international affairs, writing regularly for Global Times, China Daily, Xinhua news, CGTN, etc. He can be reached at [email protected] The views expressed in this article are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the positions of Xinhua News Agency. (Web editor: Zhong Wenxing, Liang Jun) At a forum linked to the Fishing Fortress Science Fiction Awards held on June 10 in Hechuan, Chongqing, several translators shared strategies to adapt to the possibility of artificial intelligence (AI) taking over their industry. Translators and publishers discuss the impact of AI on translation at a forum held during a sci-fi event at the Fishing Fortress Science Fiction College under Chongqing College of Mobile Communication in Hechuan, Chongqing, June 10, 2023. [Photo courtesy of Fishing Fortress Science Fiction College] Prominent sci-fi writer and translator, Baoshu, voiced concern about the increasing reliance on AI in translation. He pointed out that while AI can effectively translate regular texts, it falters with complex pieces, such as literary and philosophical classics by Shakespeare and Plato. Baoshu emphasized the irreplaceable role of human translators, with their superior literary and academic insights, in ensuring accurate and nuanced translations. Therefore, the demand for human translators is high because AI cannot comprehend the deep meanings of particular texts. San Feng, a sci-fi researcher, translator and critic, recounted his positive experience using AI apps to write emails in foreign languages and for academic translations. He introduced his "90%:10%" theories for future translation. The first rule states that AI can autonomously translate 90% of scenarios and texts, with the remaining 10% encompassing complex works like those highlighted by Baoshu, requiring human translators' thinking, judgment and discernment. The second rule proposes that, even in projects requiring human intervention, 90% of the work can be done by AI, leaving the remaining 10% to expert human translators for fine-tuning and artistic processing. However, he also expressed concern about AI infringing upon human language learning, as understanding foreign languages profoundly impacts human existence, thoughts and emotions. He added that individuals who want to excel in top-notch 10% of translation work must thoroughly understand the language. "It is best not to entrust language training entirely to machines. The more serious problem is that AI will affect students' language learning and development," he said. Ding Zicheng, renowned for translating numerous Japanese sci-fi works under the penname Ding Dingchong, who received the sci-fi translator achievement award later that day, concurred that AI has improved translation efficiency. Nevertheless, he questioned whether AI could master the remaining 10% in the future. While AI benefits those who cannot master foreign languages, it poses a significant crisis for translators. As of now, nobody can resist the unstoppable trend of AI in translation, and "all we can do is to make the best use of AI as a supplementary tool to improve our efficiency and skills," he stated. Zhao Feng, CEO of Bofeng Culture, reported that his company recently used AI to create a traditional cultural book with text and images within a mere 20 days, devoid of human intervention. He envisaged similar benefits for literary translation, expecting AI to save time, reduce costs, and enhance quality. Although human processing is still necessary, AI's self-learning and programming abilities will make it superior to humans over the long run. He also warned that an over-reliance on machines in translation could lead to difficult-to-resolve copyright issues. "AI's learning capacity is more than a thousand times that of humans. It can program itself, self-improve, and self-learn. We should look at it like we look at a person and a top student. Therefore, it will continue to learn and improve itself and become a top translator. It could even develop consciousness," he predicted. Mao Rui, a teacher from Shanghai International Studies University and Polish translator who won the best non-English translator award for her translation of Stanisaw Lem's "Cyberiada," noted that AI's impact on translation and translators is multi-layered and multi-faceted. "The speed and efficiency of AI are undeniable, but perhaps life is not necessarily good just because it is fast. Through translating and reading, we accumulate our emotions, converse with the author, and converse with ourselves. Although AI machines are powerful, they seem to lack the ability to sense subtle differences in the real world that humans have," she explained. Mao expressed concern that as AI evolves, human translation could become a luxury that not everyone can afford. "In any case, I hope that reading and literature will not become luxuries, and I hope that more people can partake in their joy," she added. San Feng concluded on a broader note, stating that despite the perceived threat to translators, AI translation, from the perspective of human civilization as a whole, could "break down language barriers, rebuild the Tower of Babel, greatly promote cultural exchanges, and be an absolute boon for the progress of human civilization," he added. What Juneteenth Means To Black Americans And How Theyre Celebrating As The Holiday Continues To Gain Visibility On June 19, 1865, in Galveston, Texas, enslaved people in the area were told something that would change their lives, and those of their descendants, forever: They were free. According to PBS, the news came two-and-a-half years late slaveowners in Texas did everything they could to stop enslaved people from learning that then-President Abraham Lincoln awarded them their freedom in 1863 with the Emancipation Proclamation. A year after learning of their emancipation, Black Texans gathered for a Fourth of July-inspired celebration, and with that, Juneteenth was born. In the 19th century, Juneteenth celebrations included readings of the Emancipation Proclamation, stories from former slaves, a prayer service, inspirational speeches, refreshments, games and dances, the Texas State Library and Archives Commission reported. Today, Juneteenth shindigs look a little different. Heres how five people are celebrating the holiday this year. Stephanie Keith/Getty Images Attending annual celebrations Brittainy Lynn, a creative consultant, grew up celebrating Juneteenth. Her hometown of Abilene, Texas, always went all out for the holiday. Those BBQ sandwiches were the best, she told Blavity of the towns celebrations at the Black park. I can taste it now just thinking about it. This year, she plans on attending Denvers annual city celebration. Shes never been before, and she said she was surprised to learn that Denver has held pretty big Juneteenth celebrations even before it became mainstream. Supporting Black-owned businesses Both Stephanie Penn, an entrepreneur, and Mycah Bacchus Maye, an actress and entrepreneur, are planning on supporting Black-owned businesses during the holiday. As businesspeople themselves, they know how impactful buying Black can be. Being an entrepreneur myself, I recognize the significance of supporting other Black business owners throughout the year, particularly during Juneteenth celebrations, Penn told Blavity. Penns fundraising service program, Tee & Honey, is planning on celebrating the holiday, too. Theyre selling commemorative Juneteenth T-shirts. When you buy one of their shirts, you have the opportunity to support their initiative of the month or one an organizations theyre fundraising for. Celebrating Black history Tamieka Welsh, a social work professor, is looking forward to attending The Lay Outs annual Juneteenth day celebration in the park. She also told Blavity she plans to check out a few events at the Brooklyn Museum to learn more about the holiday and Black history. The latter is something she tries to do as often as possible on Juneteenth. Sometimes I either celebrate with friends or family members. We either have a cookout or I attend some of the local events in the city that allow me to learn more about the history of Juneteenth, she said. ALEX KENT/AFP via Getty Images Walking the path of our ancestors Juneteenth has always been a special holiday for Natalie Naee Anderson, a film director. Growing up, the Richmond, Virginia-native would walk the historic Richmond Slave Trail with the Elegba Folklore Society, an organization that celebrates African and African American culture. This year, shes looking forward to revisiting the tradition. Since moving back home to [Virginia] recently after my mother was killed by the police in the midst of the pandemic and police brutality, I have been very intentional about celebrating Juneteenth in honoring our ancestors and the [lives] that have been sacrificed at the hands of the system by taking the walk,' she told Blavity. Anderson described the annual walk as a looping hike around 5.5 miles total in which you start at the dock where the slaves where imported and you walk the same trail they had to trek to be sold until you reach the final point of the burial site. Anderson said there are things you see along the trail that commemorate the existence of our lost ones and honor what they may have had to endure to make it across the waters. What Juneteenth means to them Juneteenth means many things to many people. For Maye, the holiday is all about being grateful. Juneteenth means living an answered [prayer], she told Blavity. It means people who endured and survived for me, my husband, my family and future children to have a life we have today. It reminds me to be grateful. Welsh, on the other hand, thinks the holiday is about freedom. Juneteenth to me means freedom, she said. Juneteenth symbolizes the struggles my ancestors went through and its a day I enjoy acknowledging everything that has come before me. Lynn said Juneteenth is all about bringing Black folks together, on a day she poignantly said really shouldve never been. To this day we are still fighting for freedoms that we are owed as citizens of this country, she said. As the world begins to celebrate the day, I hope that organizers will uplift Texas AND Black folks in their events. There are so many ways to celebrate Juneteenth as Anderson, Penn, Welsh, Maye and Lynn have proven. Ultimately, the holiday is about freedom and paying homage to the past, present and future of the Black community. Whatever makes you feel free and connected to where you came from is the best way to celebrate Juneteenth this year and for years to come. What is Juneteenth? What do I say? What do I do? Your Tri-Cities guide to the holiday This years Juneteenth will be the third since the day was recognized as a federal holiday, and there is confusion over the holiday, what its purpose is and how to take part in celebrations. Before you can observe Juneteenth, you should know why its significant. Once you understand the history, you can look at possible celebrations and decide whats best for you. Celebrating Juneteenth has been a tradition in Texas for years. It was the first state to make the day an official holiday in 1980. Its a common tradition in the Lone Star State to sip on red soda or juice, which is ripe with historical meaning. Check out other delicacies you can enjoy for Juneteenth. What is Juneteenth? Juneteenth commemorates the emancipation of slaves in Galveston, Texas on June 19, 1865. It is a common misconception that all slaves were freed through the Emancipation Proclamation in 1863. In reality, this enactment was only the first step. It was followed by Union troops informing slaves of the proclamation and the creation of further legal rights for Black people in America. General Gordon Granger rode in with his men to inform slaves that they had been freed. The last announcement from Union generals took place in Galveston, meaning they were the last to hear of their freedom and the end of the war, according to Scott Finnie, an expert in Africana Studies at Eastern Washington University. Communities of Black Americans have since celebrated June 19. The holiday reminds everyone that slavery was abolished, yet freedom was not granted for many for over two years. The day is a celebration of freedom. It is also a day to bring to light ongoing issues and efforts for true freedom, a day for activism, for remembrance, for increased awareness. The dichotomy of these truths can make participation in the days celebrations a bit complicated. Can I say Happy Juneteenth? This is debated in Black communities. Some people would rather not hear the phrase at all, while others think it is okay to say indiscriminately on a social media post or as a general statement. This stems from the possible microaggressions of exclusively saying Happy Juneteenth to Black people in particular. Its considered presumptive, as not all Black people are African Americans who resonate with the day. So say it to everyone or not at all, is what some people ask. Lonnie Pierce, left, and his father Roscoe Pierce hold a Happy Juneteenth flag during the first Juneteenth Parade in Merced, Calif. on Saturday, June 18, 2022. How can I celebrate Juneteenth? There are many ways to celebrate Juneteenth, and each individual will resonate with certain traditions over others. According to the official Juneteenth website, whats important is that your commemoration of Juneteenth is celebratory, festive and in honor of African American history. The site also maintains a list of celebration ideas. A big part of recognizing Juneteenth is spreading awareness. If you cant take part in Juneteenth in any other way, it is enough to teach the people in your life what the day is about. Educate others and yourself with resources like these. Black-owned businesses in Tri-Cities Juneteenth is a good time to remember to support Black-owned businesses. There are many in Tri-Cities. Some popular options include: Juneteenth events in Tri-Cities Like every year, the Tri-Cities Juneteenth Community Council has a series of events planned around the commemoration, including the annual Miss Juneteenth Pageant on June 16. CHICAGO A federal jury on Thursday convicted a politically connected Chicago businessman of attempting to pay off two state legislators to pass a bill beneficial to his sweepstakes gaming company and then lying about it to the FBI. After a weeklong trial, the jury of seven women and five men deliberated for about four hours before finding James T. Weiss, 44, guilty of bribery, wire fraud, mail fraud and lying to the FBI. Weiss is the son-in-law of former Cook County Democratic boss Joseph Berrios. The most serious charges carry a maximum of 20 years in prison. Weiss took a sip from a plastic cup as the first guilty verdict was read in court but showed no outward reaction. Prosecutors alleged Weiss desperately wanted the states gambling expansion bill to include language explicitly legalizing sweepstakes machines, but it was left out of the proposal in the 2019 spring session. Weiss then agreed to pay monthly $2,500 bribes to get a deal done, first to state Rep. Luis Arroyo and later to state Sen. Terry Link, who was a chief sponsor of the gambling bill in the Senate, according to prosecutors. Unbeknownst to both Arroyo and Weiss was that Link, a Vernon Hills Democrat, was cooperating with the FBI. Link, who is hoping for a break on his own federal tax conviction in exchange for his cooperation, testified over two days beginning last week about his undercover role. Weiss attorneys have argued Weiss was paying Arroyo as a legitimate consultant for his business, and that trying to enlist another politicians help is not a crime. In her rebuttal argument Thursday, however, Assistant U.S. Attorney Christine ONeill said the corruption in this case was blatant and obvious. The defendant tried to buy laws that were favorable to his business, ONeill said. He did this not once, but with two sitting politicians. Weiss can try and call the purpose for the payments whatever he wants, but its just putting lipstick on a pig, Assistant U.S. Attorney Sean Franzblau told the jury in his argument Wednesday in the courtroom of U.S. District Judge Steven Seeger. Lobbyist, consultant, dentist, therapist, it doesnt matter, Franzblau said. When you pay a public official money in exchange for an official act, it is a bribe. Franzblau said the government didnt put the bribery scheme in action Weiss and Arroyo did. The FBI simply walked up to a corrupt relationship that was already in place and they gave it a little nudge, and another bribery scheme came tumbling out, he said. He pointed to a conversation secretly recorded by Link outside a Wendys in Highland Park as the key moment where Arroyo laid out the true intent of the payments. In asking Arroyo, Whats in it for me, Link left it open to interpretation, Franzblau said. But instead of advancing some kind of legitimate political agenda, Arroyo switches immediately into corruption mode, the prosecutor said. He thinks Link is sort of winking at him ... His response is, You can get paid like I am, Franzblau said. Franzblau also noted that Weiss had no explanation for why he told the FBI hed spoken to a purported consultant for Link named Katherine Hunter a woman whod been invented by investigators as part of the sting. When the FBI came knocking, Franzblau said, Weiss told a series of outlandish lies, culminating in a detailed, fictional, and absolutely impossible story that the defendant had spoken to Katherine Hunter, a person who did not exist. Attorneys for Weiss, though, said he made a legal effort to wade into the dirty politics of Springfield and counteract big-money video gaming competitors who already had the politicians in their pocket. This is a dirty place where the rules seem to be gray, where a contribution can be considered a bribe, a bribe a contribution, defense attorney Ilia Usharovich told the jury in his closing remarks Wednesday. It is all messed up. Usharovich also said Weiss was kept in the dark about the scheme and believed the payments were for legitimate consulting work. If this was a bribe, it would have been done with a big bag of cash to keep it off the books, he said. In rebuttal, ONeill called the bag of cash argument insulting to the jurys intelligence. Im sure the defendant is sitting here wishing he did it that way, she said. But the judge did not instruct you that the bribe had to be paid with a bag of cash. Prosecutors rested their case Wednesday morning after three full days of testimony featuring some 14 witnesses, including Link, who secretly recorded phone calls and meetings with Weiss as well Arroyo, who later pleaded guilty to arranging the bribery scheme. The trial centered on the largely uncharted world of sweepstakes machines, sometimes called gray machines, which allow customers to put in money, receive a coupon to redeem for merchandise online and then play electronic games like slot machines. Since the machines can be played for free, they are not considered gambling devices. Critics, however, contend the unregulated devices, which operate in cities, including Chicago, that have banned video gambling, are designed to skirt the law. Arroyo, meanwhile, pleaded guilty to bribery but did not agree to cooperate with prosecutors. Seeger sentenced Arroyo to nearly five years in prison last year, calling him a corruption superspreader. The case is the latest in a string of public corruption trials involving state and local politics lined up at the Dirksen U.S. Courthouse, and comes on the heels of the blockbuster ComEd Four bribery case involving a scheme to bribe then-House Speaker Michael Madigan, which ended with sweeping guilty verdicts last month. Later this year, former Chicago Ald. Edward Burke is scheduled to go on trial on racketeering charges, followed in April by Madigan himself, who is also charged with racketeering conspiracy. jmeisner@chicagotribune.com ____ A federal jury on Thursday began deliberating the fate of a politically connected Chicago businessman accused of corrupting the political process by attempting to pay off two sitting state legislators to pass a bill beneficial to his sweepstakes gaming company. James T. Weiss, 44, who is the son-in-law of former Cook County Democratic boss Joseph Berrios, was charged in a superseding indictment filed in October 2020 with bribery, wire fraud, mail fraud and lying to the FBI. He has pleaded not guilty. The jury of seven women and five men began deliberations around 10:20 a.m. after hearing nearly three hours of closing arguments beginning Wednesday. U.S. District Judge Steven Seeger had previously dismissed two members of the panel one who was suffering from a severe toothache, the other due to travel plans leaving no alternate jurors to substitute should something happen to one of the remaining 12. The case is the latest in a string of public corruption trials involving state and local politics lined up at the Dirksen U.S. Courthouse, and comes on the heels of the blockbuster ComEd Four bribery case involving a scheme to bribe then-House Speaker Michael Madigan, which ended with sweeping guilty verdicts last month. Later this year, former Chicago Ald. Edward Burke is scheduled to go on trial on racketeering charges, followed in April by Madigan himself, who is also charged with racketeering conspiracy. Prosecutors have alleged Weiss desperately wanted the states gambling expansion bill to include language explicitly legalizing sweepstakes machines, but it was left out of the proposal in the 2019 spring session. Weiss then agreed to pay monthly $2,500 bribes to get a deal done, first to state Rep. Luis Arroyo and later to state Sen. Terry Link, who was a chief sponsor of the gambling bill in the Senate, according to prosecutors. Unbeknownst to both Arroyo and Weiss was that Link, a Vernon Hills Democrat, was cooperating with the FBI. Link, who is hoping for a break on his own federal tax conviction in exchange for his cooperation, testified over two days beginning last week about his undercover role. Weiss attorneys have argued Weiss was paying Arroyo as a legitimate consultant for his business, and that trying to enlist another politicians help is not a crime. In her rebuttal argument Thursday, however, Assistant U.S. Attorney Christine ONeill said the corruption in this case was blatant and obvious. The defendant tried to buy laws that were favorable to his business, ONeill said. He did this not once, but with two sitting politicians. Weiss can try and call the purpose for the payments whatever he wants, but its just putting lipstick on a pig, Assistant U.S. Attorney Sean Franzblau told the jury in his argument Wednesday. Lobbyist, consultant, dentist, therapist, it doesnt matter, Franzblau said. When you pay a public official money in exchange for an official act, it is a bribe. Franzblau said the government didnt put the bribery scheme in action Weiss and Arroyo did. The FBI simply walked up to a corrupt relationship that was already in place and they gave it a little nudge, and another bribery scheme came tumbling out, he said. He pointed to a conversation secretly recorded by Link outside a Wendys in Highland Park as the key moment where Arroyo laid out the true intent of the payments. In asking Arroyo, Whats in it for me, Link left it open to interpretation, Franzblau said. But instead of advancing some kind of legitimate political agenda, Arroyo switches immediately into corruption mode, the prosecutor said. He thinks Link is sort of winking at him...His response is, You can get paid like I am, Franzblau said. Franzblau also noted that Weiss had no explanation for why he told the FBI hed spoken to a purported consultant for Link named Katherine Hunter a woman whod been invented by investigators as part of the sting. When the FBI came knocking, Franzblau said, Weiss told a series of outlandish lies, culminating in a detailed, fictional, and absolutely impossible story that the defendant had spoken to Katherine Hunter, a person who did not exist. Attorneys for James Weiss, though, said he made a legal effort to wade into the dirty politics of Springfield and counteract big-money video gaming competitors who already had the politicians in their pocket. This is a dirty place where the rules seem to be gray, where a contribution can be considered a bribe, a bribe a contribution, defense attorney Ilia Usharovich told the jury in his closing remarks Wednesday. It is all messed up. Usharovich also said Weiss was kept in the dark about the scheme and believed the payments were for legitimate consulting work. If this was a bribe, it would have been done with a big bag of cash to keep it off the books, he said. In rebuttal, ONeill called the bag of cash argument insulting to the jurys intelligence. Im sure the defendant is sitting here wishing he did it that way, she said. But the judge did not instruct you that the bribe had to be paid with a bag of cash. Prosecutors rested their case Wednesday morning after three full days of testimony featuring some 14 witnesses, including Link, who secretly recorded phone calls and meetings with Weiss as well Arroyo, who later pleaded guilty to arranging the bribery scheme. The trial centers on the largely uncharted world of sweepstakes machines, sometimes called gray machines, which allow customers to put in money, receive a coupon to redeem for merchandise online and then play electronic games like slot machines. Since the machines can be played for free, they are not considered gambling devices. Critics, however, contend the unregulated devices, which operate in cities, including Chicago, that have banned video gambling, are designed to skirt the law. Arroyo, meanwhile, pleaded guilty to bribery but did not agree to cooperate with prosecutors. Seeger sentenced Arroyo to nearly five years in prison last year, calling him a corruption superspreader. jmeisner@chicagotribune.com Jury finds Starbucks employee fired due to race. How much money will she get? CAMDEN A jury has awarded $25.6 million in damages to a South Jersey woman who claimed she was fired by Starbucks due to her race. Shannon Phillips, who is white, lost her job as a regional director a few weeks after a widely publicized incident in April 2018 when police were called to remove two Black men from a Starbucks in Center City Philadelphia. In her lawsuit, Phillips asserted Starbucks punished white employees who were not involved in the arrest in an effort to convince the community that it had properly responded to the incident." Phillips, a 13-year employee who worked from her home in Woolwich, oversaw about 100 Starbucks stores in the South Jersey-Philadelphia region, as well as in Delaware and parts of Maryland. More: Suit said club was too exclusive Pine Valley Golf Club settles gender-bias complaint. What's going to change? Her lawsuit noted she had received a bonus one month before being terminated with the statement, The situation is not recoverable. An attorney for Starbucks argued Phillips was fired due to her lax management style. Starbucks: No bias in Shannon Phillips firing Shannon Phillips not only failed to lead, she did not even attempt to lead, and rather did absolutely nothing when Starbucks was in the midst of a crisis in April 2018, the lawyer, Hannah Lindgren, said in an unsuccessful motion to dismiss the suit in November 2021. A South Jersey woman has sued Starbucks Coffee, alleging she was fired from a management position because she is white. Ms. Phillips failure to lead her team during the crisis was her downfall, Lindgren asserted. A Starbucks representative declined to comment on the verdict. A jury in Camden federal court agreed with Phillips, finding Starbucks had acted with reckless indifference to her civil rights and had violated New Jerseys Law Against Discrimination. It awarded punitive damages of $25 million and compensatory damages of $600,000. The jury returned the verdict on June 12, after a trial that began on June 5. Black patrons arrested in Starbucks incident In the April 2018 incident, a white store manager called police over two Black men at a Starbucks at 18th and Spruce streets. Police arrested the men, who had declined to order coffee while waiting for the arrival of a third person for a business meeting, U.S. District Judge Joel Slomsky said in an August 2012 decision. The incident prompted protests outside the store and unfavorable publicity for Starbucks nationally. The Seattle-based firm sent top executives to Philadelphia and agreed to a financial settlement with the Black patrons, Rashon Nelson and Donte Robinson, in an effort to defuse the controversy. But Phillips lawsuit claimed Starbucks took no action against a Black district manager responsible for the Philadelphia location. Instead, it alleged, the company ordered Phillips to suspend a white district manager because of an allegation of discriminatory conduct that (Phillips) knew to be false." Jim Walsh is a senior reporter with the Courier-Post, Burlington County Times and The Daily Journal. Email him at jwalsh@gannettnj.com. This article originally appeared on Cherry Hill Courier-Post: Shannon Phillips wins lawsuit claiming bias in dismissal by Starbucks Kansas City police say two officers have been disciplined (TikTok user @viviana_borisouth) Police in Kansas City were seen on video violently arresting a man they mistakenly believed had stolen a $5 frozen pizza from Walmart, even though he had a receipt in his pocket. In video of the incident, which has gone viral on social media, officers can be seen kneeling on top of Dayton Borisouth, 24, including appearing to rest their body weight on his neck, the same kind of police tactics that killed George Floyd in 2020 and set off nationwide protests. Mr Borisouth, a home remodeler, can be seen in the video insisting with officers, Heres the f***ing receipt bro, read it, and, I just gave you my f***ing receipt. @viviana_borisouth This is a another video someone got of my husband being treated unlawfully by the Kansas City Kansas Police!! I want justice to be served! They are suppose to protect us but instead they threaten him and say they are going to break his nose!! This isnt right!! I want everyone on Tiktok to share this video and the other video i have to prove that this is how police treat us! No one should get tackled and put in a headlock because of a receipt!! INNOCENT UNTIL PROVEN GUILTY!! ALSO THEY DID NOT SAY THEIR MIRANDA RIGHTS TO HIM AT ALL!! #innocentuntilprovenguilty #unfairtreatment #policebrutalitymuststop #walmartvideo #justicemustbeserved #kansascity #kansascitypolice original sound - Viviana Borisouth (Vera) The 24-year-old told KCTV the incident began when he went to the store to buy a frozen pizza for his family, and was asked by an in-store policeman whether he had his receipt, telling the officer yes but continuing to walk away. Officers pursued the man and continued asking for the receipt, he told the station. The off-duty officer observed the individual walking towards the exit with unbagged merchandise. When requested to present his receipt, the individual refused, became belligerent and continued out the door despite the officers verbal commands. It is our determination that the officer should have disengaged at that time due to the circumstances, the Kansas City, Kansas, Police Department said in a statement, adding that it had disciplined two officers involved. The department concluded that one of the responding officers employed techniques that are not approved, nor trained, by the Department, KCKPD said. The department also requested that charges of noncompliance against Mr Borisouth be dropped. The Independent has contacted the department seeking the names of the officers involved and how specifically they were punished. It makes me feel a little bit better that theyre starting to realize that Im not a criminal, Mr Borisouth told KCTV. I was just trying to buy a pizza for my family to eat. No matter what, this is going to stick with me for the rest of my life. Im probably always going to be scared of cops now and fearing for my daughter and my son and what theyre going to have to go through as they get older. A Kansas doctor gave his life to save his daughter during a whitewater rafting trip in Colorado, his family said. Dustin Harker, a 47-year-old father of 13 from Hutchinson, was rafting with a church group and several of his kids when the raft he was in capsized on the afternoon of June 9, KRDO reported. The raft flipped along the Arkansas River, near the Sunshine Falls Rapid, the Associated Press reported. While Harker and his family had been through this area before, the rapids were more intense than normal due to high rainfall, Harkers sister-in-law, Sharon Neu Young, told The Hutchinson News. Even under normal conditions, this section of the Arkansas River is known to be challenging. The most famous (or perhaps infamous) of rapids in the Royal Gorge, Sunshine Falls Rapid is the first major rapid in the Gorge, according to a local rafting guide services website. The service rates the Sunshine Falls Rapid as between class 4 or 5, signifying advanced or expert level rapids. Everyone struggled to get above water. In the tumult, Dustin threw the capsized raft off his youngest daughter who was trapped underneath, Young told Hutchinson News, adding that Harker made it to shore, but it was too late. Unfortunately, by then, Dustin had already taken on too much water, Young said. He was still speaking but shortly after became unresponsive. Attempts were immediately made to save his life, KRDO reported. The Fremont County Coroner is working to determine an official cause of death. We love you, Dustin Harker, Young said in a Facebook post. And we promise to shower your family with the love you have for them. And I know youre with them still. Teen tries to save his brother, but both drown after jump into lake, Oklahoma cops say Freak accident sends big rig tire through windshield, killing two, Ohio cops say Coast Guard finds man clinging to ice chest miles off of Texas coast, officials say Ship officer distracted by cellphone doesnt see huge vessel until too late, feds say The Kansas Republican Party paid a Johnson County couple $15,000 to settle a false light invasion of privacy lawsuit and issued a statement Wednesday apologizing to the couple for the 2020 campaign mailer accusing the couple of political cronyism which prompted the lawsuit. The mailer, approved by the previous KSGOP Chairman and distributed during his tenure, was an error in past leaderships judgement starting an unnecessarily long and expensive legal process, Mike Brown, the current chair of the Kansas Republican Party, said in a written statement. We will never let a situation like this happen again while I am Chairman. This situation should never have reached this point, and we are happy this case has been resolved. Shawnee couple Kevin Tubbesing, a developer, and Dawn Tubbesing, a former city councilwoman who unsuccessfully ran for mayor in 2019, sued the Kansas Republican Party at the start of 2021. They said a campaign flier circulated in Shawnee during a state Senate race in the fall of 2020 accused them of crony corruption. The case, which was originally filed in Johnson County District Court, was in the Kansas Court of Appeals when a notice of settlement was filed with the court last week. A claim of false light invasion of privacy is slightly different from defamation. A false light claim in Kansas must falsely represent someone, be highly offensive to a reasonable person and involve the widespread disclosure of private matters. The flier involved two $250 campaign contributions Dawn Tubbesing made to Democrat Lindsey Constance, who ran unsuccessfully against Republican Mike Thompson. Thompson, a former TV meteorologist, was appointed to fill an unexpired term in the Kansas Senate and elected to a full four years in 2020. It suggested that the donations were connected to Kevin Tubbesings proposal at the time to build an apartment complex, using tax incentives needing approval by the Shawnee City Council, where Constance served as a Ward 4 member. The council in December 2019 approved a $3.1 million bundle of tax incentives for the luxury apartment complex, off Nieman Road and Johnson Drive. Constance was among those who voted in favor of it. The flier, titled Lindsey Constance is writing love letters to special interests, said Constance received a $250 contribution from Dawn Tubbesing in October 2019, and another donation months later after the projects public financing was approved. The Tubbesings argued the mailer painted them in a false light and accused them of being part of a quid pro quo scheme. In their lawsuit, they say the flier was distributed to more than 5,000 Shawnee homes. Were feeling generally pleased with the settlement acknowledging a total error on the part of the party to have done this in the first place. It was extremely poor judgment on party leadership to allow this to happen to begin with, Kevin Tubbesing told The Star on Thursday. The total apology from party leadership, I think, clearly demonstrates the error in judgment by Kuckelman was a grave mistake and doesnt reflect whatsoever on Dawn and my service, both on and off the City Council and as well as in numerous institutions in Shawnee and Johnson County, Tubbesing said. Tubbesing told The Star the party covered the cost of their legal fees in the settlement. Kansas Republican Party Executive Director Dakotah Parshall said the full settlement was $15,000. Mike Kuckelman, who led the Kansas Republican Party when the lawsuit was filed, criticized Browns decision to settle and suggested the party made the decision because of financial struggles. Had the party fully litigated the case Kuckleman, a Johnson County attorney, believed it would have won. However, in this case, it is short-sighted to settle for economic reasons because the long-term implications of the Kansas Republican Party surrendering its 1st Amendment of free political speech right are quite serious, Kuckelman said in a written statement. Political opponents now realize that under the Kansas Republican Partys current Chair, the Party will not stand up to political bullying even when Constitutional Rights are at risk. Kansas human trafficking law causing a lot of fear in migrants. Can you blame them? | Opinion The good news is that when a new human trafficking law goes into effect next month in Kansas, you probably shouldnt be put in jail for giving an undocumented migrant a ride to the doctors office. But that hasnt stopped rumors from spreading on social media. Sarah Balderas, a Wichita immigration attorney, is working hard to quash them. When the law passed I really didnt think anything of it, she told me this week. Human trafficking is not really anything were involved in. Then her office started getting calls from folks worried they were about to get in trouble. Its causing a lot of fear, Balderas said. Lets explain the new human trafficking law real quickly. Starting July 1, you can be charged with human smuggling if you meet three criteria: You intentionally transport, harbor or conceal a person you know is in the United States illegally. You receive anything in exchange of value to do so. And you know or should know that the smuggled person is being exploited for someone elses financial gain. Balderas said her understanding of the law is that an individual could be charged only if they meet all three criteria. The law is threefold, she said. Its not that you hit one point. You have to hit every single element to be convicted of it. That should mean the law doesnt target people living their everyday lives Convictions are one thing. Arrests are another. And, Balderas acknowledged, the new law has raised fresh fears in the migrant community about racial profiling by police. Wichita Police Chief Joe Sullivan and Sedgwick County Sheriff Jeff Easter held a press conference Tuesday to try to allay those fears, saying their departments wont be targeting individuals merely for their immigration status officers will have to have a reasonable belief a crime really is being committed. Their statements probably werent 100% comforting, however. Is there some broad context of this bill that could be confusing? Yes, there is, Easter said. But, he added, the fact of the matter is we have to prove elements of a crime. Balderas blamed social media for spreading fear about the new smuggling law. A lot of people are getting half the story, she said. Those fears didnt come from nowhere, though. Theyre shared by Gov. Laura Kelly. Kelly actually vetoed the trafficking bill in April, only to see the Kansas Legislature override that veto just a few days later. You just have to look at the basic examples, she said in her veto message. If a good Samaritan gives his or her fellow Kansan a ride to work and receives gas money in exchange or if a paramedic, while on duty, transports someone to the emergency room they could be subject to felony prosecution. That overcriminalization is unnecessary and shows that lawmakers havent considered the full impact of this bill, she wrote. The Legislature obviously disagreed. You cant blame people for worrying. Unless Congress gets its act together with some sensible reforms to the countrys immigration laws, the life of a migrant in the United States is going to keep feeling precarious and under legal threat at every single moment. It probably doesnt help that Kansas politicians are among those who like to rail against so-called open borders that really arent, even as big businesses back home rely on migrant labor. And not for nothing: Kansas top law enforcement official Attorney General Kris Kobach built his career on trying to make life more difficult for undocumented migrants in America. He mostly failed. He hasnt given any signal, as far as I know, that he plans to use the new law for pernicious purposes. (Kobach did give some cursory testimony in favor of the bill back in March.) Still: Would you feel comfortable? Balderas, at least, is trying to allay fears. I think the biggest thing is everybody needs to calm down, she said. Until the day comes that immigration is no longer a hot-button issue in America, though, that is probably a tall order. KCK-based union execs name new president, but the leader they ousted wont step down Two weeks after ousting their president, Boilermakers union executives have sworn in a new one, setting the stage for a showdown as the case goes to federal court next week. Warren Fairley, who recently retired as an international vice president of the Kansas City, Kansas-based union, will replace International President Newton B. Jones, the executive council announced Wednesday afternoon. But Jones, who was removed for allegations of financial malfeasance, is steadfastly refusing to step down. He has led the union since his father retired in 2003. Pure bullshit, Jones, 69, said in an email to The Star when asked for comment about Fairleys appointment. Fairley issued a statement about his new position. Never could I have imagined finding myself faced with this kind of situation when retiring just a few months ago, he said. However, I have deep respect for the hardworking members of the Boilermakers Union. The International Brotherhood of Boilermakers, Iron Ship Builders, Blacksmiths, Forgers and Helpers was established in 1880 and is one of the nations oldest unions. It represents about 46,000 workers in the United States and Canada who assemble, install and repair boilers, fit pipes and build power plants and ships. Union members in the United States and Canada, Fairley said, risk their lives every day to ensure that we have the energy and infrastructure needed to defend our nations, keep the lights on and our countries moving forward. When I heard of the malfeasance which had occurred within the leadership of the organization, I chose to come alongside the Executive Council to work with them in their efforts to correct these issues, he said. I have agreed to come out of retirement, to serve to the best of my ability as president, until the next president can be democratically elected. The union holds elections at its national convention, which takes place every five years. The next convention is in July 2026. Jones is using every Boilermaker resource to fight the executive councils decision to remove him from office, Fairley said. This means that there are now legal issues which must be dealt with before the Executive Council, and I can move forward with much needed changes to help the organization return to their principal role, serving its members, he said. Fairley said the leaderships efforts will focus on representing members, organizing, finding and correcting weak links in the current operations of headquarters and leadership and restoring confidence in and upholding the honor and morale of our union and its members. Thousands of Boilermakers have signed petitions that called for the removal of Jones, he said, and Boilermakers at job sites around North America are displaying hard hat stickers with an image of Jones and the words NOT OUR PRESIDENT. Fairley is a humble yet strong leader who became a Boilermaker in 1990 at Ingalls Shipyard in Pascagoula, Mississippi, according to the news release about his appointment. He became the business manager of Local 693 in 1996 and three years later was named an international representative. He went on to head the Shipbuilding and Marine Services Division of the Boilermakers before becoming Vice President of both the Industrial Sector and Southeast States Section. Fairley retired in February 2023, saying he looked forward to having an opportunity to serve God and my family in a better way. The executive council members declined to comment on Fairleys appointment, referring to a statement they issued last week. We are Boilermakers first and foremost and it is our duty to stand up and protect the highly skilled workers we have the privilege to represent, it said. This spring we learned of a material malfeasance from the highest level of our union, we moved swiftly to protect the membership. Despite the petty and retaliatory actions of those who stand to profit from the malfeasance, we see this as an opportunity for the rebirth of our union. We are confident that this chapter will end with leadership that rightfully exists only to serve its members. The allegations against Jones went public after three members of the unions executive council Tom Baca, of California; Arnie Stadnick, of Canada; and Timothy Simmons, of Alabama signed a decision on June 1 to remove the longtime president from office. The executive council is composed of the unions five international vice presidents and Jones. Another executive council member, John Fultz, of New York, was not eligible to participate in the decision because he filed the internal disciplinary charges against Jones. The councils fifth international vice president, Lawrence McManamon Sr., of Ohio, did not attend the hearing at which the decision was made, nor did he vote to remove Jones. The executive council found that Jones ordered the union to give his wife, Kateryna, more than $100,000 plus benefits in back pay for apparently no union purpose while she was living in the Ukraine and spent more than $20,000 in union funds for flights to Ukraine to visit his wife and to go to the home which he owns in the Ukraine. Jones and his wife also turned in about $40,000 in receipts for meals for them and other family members when at their home in North Carolina some quite lavish and expensive with no justification for the expenses, the executive council found. Jones denied misusing union funds and said the executive council had no authority under the unions constitution to dismiss him. In a June 6 letter to lodge officers, Jones said he wasnt budging. Let this be perfectly clear: I remain International President, as elected by the delegates during the 34th Consolidated Convention of the International Brotherhood of Boilermakers, he said. I serve you, the members of this union, not these misguided International Officers. The union filed a civil suit against Baca, Stadnick and Simmons, requesting a temporary restraining order to prohibit Jones removal. A hearing is scheduled for 10 a.m. Tuesday in the federal courthouse in Kansas City, Kansas. Though the lawsuit was filed by the union, many members say it doesnt represent their feelings and they want no part of it. Some are planning a rally outside the courthouse the morning of the hearing to support Jones removal and the union executives who voted him out. Jones also has filed internal disciplinary charges against Baca, Stadnick, Simmons and Fultz, saying the four violated the unions constitution. Last week, the men were sent a notice of an upcoming hearing on the issue. That hearing is to be held Wednesday at a hotel on the Country Club Plaza. The Boilermakers announced Fairleys intention to retire in an article late last year in The Boilermaker Reporter. In the article, Jones had high praise for the outgoing officer. Warren Fairley has served our Brotherhood as an exemplary Boilermaker brother and leader, Jones said. At every turn, he has had our organization at the forefront of his attention and has been counted upon as a trusted leader, union brother and friend. It has been a privilege to work with him, and he has certainly made an indelible impact on our union and the greater labor movement during his tenure. China will select 30 cities in 2023 as sites to pilot the digital transformation of small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) to kick start a trial program slated through 2025, according to a circular made public on Wednesday. The move targets cities as the actor in supporting the digital transformation of SMEs, leveraging the local governments' knowledge of industries and companies, said the document jointly released by the Ministry of Finance and the Ministry of Industry and Information Technology. It will also consolidate the firms' principal position in digital transformation and help strengthen their core competitiveness, the document said. The pilot cities, at or above the prefecture level, will each receive a fixed-amount bonus from the central government for the two-year pilots. More cities could join the program after 2023, per the document. Kennewick officials went too far promoting their school levy, but can you blame them? | Opinion Some of the informational material put out by the Kennewick School District during the Feb. 14 levy election is being scrutinized by the Washington Public Disclosure Commission after Kennewick resident John Trumbo submitted a complaint that the material broke state law by attempting to influence the election. (Courtesy Washington Public Disclosure Commission) After a double-levy failure in 2022, the Kennewick School District was in crisis mode when it put another levy request to voters earlier this year. And when you are desperate, it tends to show. Not surprisingly, in its effort to show voters what was at stake if the levy failed yet again, KSD crossed the line between providing information and promotion, according to the state Public Disclosure Commission. Its a line that is being crossed by school districts, fire districts and other government entities on a fairly regular basis. The line between information and promotion has gone fuzzy when it comes to school ballot measures and it definitely needs sharpened. Gone are the days when only mailers and a volunteer phone tree got the message out. Now, theres social media, email marketing, YouTube videos, robocalls and automated text messages. While these tools may be how school districts routinely communicate with the public, caution is needed if taxpayer money is being used to provide information about a ballot measure. Kim Bradford, deputy director for the PDC, told the Herald that districts need to be aware that in no case will the PDC view a marketing or sales effort related to a campaign or election as normal and regular conduct. When John Trumbo, a Kennewick City Council member, made a formal complaint about how KSD managed its February levy campaign, he provided an opportunity for the state to make an example out of the school district. The PDC found that KSDs communications about the levy were more frequent than communications about other school issues, and that much of the language used implied support rather than providing objective information. Phrases such as drastic cuts, significant impacts, and critical needs were examples of emotionally driven language, the PDC said. It fined the school district $600 for the violation enough to send a message without making a critical dent in the school budget. As it happens, just before that ruling, the PDC also fined the Highline School District $600 for its promotion of a bond measure. Whats similar in both cases is that someone made a formal complaint. Other school districts have pushed the boundaries of Washington states campaign laws, but if no one makes an issue of it then those school districts get away with it. And that perpetuates the misguided idea that frequent and emotional messaging is acceptable. It isnt. PDC officials have been watching this problem mushroom. This year, with the Highline and Kennewick cases before them, they decided its time to take a hard look at the election guidelines and discuss whether there is a need for clarification. The PDC will meet in Spokane on Thursday, June 22, and this topic will be on its agenda. School officials from around the state, as well as John Trumbo, have signed up to speak. School Superintendent Traci Pierce told the Herald that the district did not intend to break the law and that the administration works diligently each election cycle to follow the election guidelines and laws as outlined by the PDC. What we did was in good faith and with all intention and belief that we were meeting all the PDC guidelines, Pierce said. At the upcoming meeting, Bradford said the recent cases involving the Highline and Kennewick school districts will be brought up, and will provide an opportunity to discuss whether additional guidance is needed. As that discussion moves forward, we would like to add these questions to the discussion. Dont school districts have a responsibility to provide predictable consequences should a levy fail? And while we understand the reason for tight regulations for school ballot measures, what leash is there on opponents? None. Is that a fair fight? What middle road is there? Drastic cuts were a given if Kennewick voters failed to step up and approve this years levy request. How on earth are school officials supposed to convey that without it seeming emotional? And making clear what the failure of a levy likely will mean? Tax money should not be used to influence ballot measures, but at the same time there must be a way for school districts to convey the dire consequences should a school levy fail. Kennewicks situation, we hope, will help the PDC figure out this conundrum. McGraw Real life in the streets of Jacksonville, thats how a prosecutor described the circumstances of the shooting meant for Iyana McGraws boyfriend but instead gunned her down along with her soon-to-be-born baby. Jurors didnt take long 15 minutes to convict 30-year-old George Prince Jr. of two counts of first-degree murder in the Oct. 7, 2019, ambush at the couple's University Townhomes apartment on Justina Road. Prince believed Miles Davis Hall, 29, had shot up his apartment earlier that day in a drug feud and planned to send him a message, according to the State Attorneys Office. Prince fired multiple shots at the front door and windows and struck 19-year-old McGraw. She was nine months pregnant and according to her family was going to have her baby girl induced Oct. 11. Doctors were able to save the child, Milan Isla McGraw, but she died three months later. Iyana McGraw: Drugs, guns were in pregnant victims apartment; boyfriend remains in Jacksonville jail Ty'Sheeks: Power 106.1 radio personality's death a domestic violence dagger Felicia Jones: Father-to-be pleads guilty to killing Jacksonville woman 8 months pregnant A key witness said Prince tried to recruit him, but he told him he didnt want to retaliate because he wasnt positive it was Hall who was behind the initial shooting. Prince responded, I dont care, I kill women and children too, according to an arrest document. This isnt some movie, Assistant State Attorney Alan Mizrahi told jurors in his closing arguments. Its not some book or television show. Its not a horror show. Its real life. OUTCOME: A jury found George Prince Jr. guilty of two counts of First-Degree Murder in the Oct. 2019 killing of Iyana McGraw and her baby. Prince was sentenced to two life sentences. The case was prosecuted by ASAs Alan Mizrahi and Marcus Isom Jr. More: https://t.co/YaZjG29J7A pic.twitter.com/aYswK99uua State Attorney, 4th (@SAO4Florida) June 14, 2023 Prince, who was arrested in December 2021, is now sentenced to life in prison. His co-defendant, 29-year-old Gerod Deshea Fields, was arrested a year after the shooting and is awaiting sentencing after pleading guilty to two counts of second-degree murder in October, according to court records. Investigators say he drove Prince to and from the scene and was also found with the murder weapon. A witness also said Fields told him Prince was supposed to pay him $1,000 for his involvement but never did, according to an arrest report. Prince Hall, who was not injured, was arrested in December 2019 on a charge of possession of a firearm by a felon. His arrest report says police discovered multiple firearms, ammunition and marijuana packaged for sale in their apartment after the shooting. He pleaded guilty on Sept. 2, 2021, and was sentenced to three years in prison with 646 days credit for time served, court records show. He was released last Thanksgiving, according to the Florida Department of Corrections. This article originally appeared on Florida Times-Union: Jacksonville man convicted of killing pregnant Iyana McGraw A grainy photograph that shows a large blue battered fishing boat in the ocean filled with people In this image provided by Greece's coast guard on June 14 shows scores of people on a battered fishing boat that later capsized and sank off southern Greece. Credit - Hellenic Coast Guard/AP Rescuers fanned out off the coast of Greece on Thursday after at least 78 people died when a fishing boat carrying hundreds of migrants capsized off the southern Peloponnese in the early hours of Wednesday morning. The fishing boat may have been carrying as many as 750 people, of which around 100 were children, according to survivors. Only 104 individuals have been rescued and taken to shelter as of Thursday and experts say its unlikely anyone else will be found alive. Greek authorities cited the incident as one of the largest migrant tragedies ever recorded on the central Mediterranean migration route. The E.U.s border agency, Frontex, spotted the boat Tuesdaywhich was packed with passengers who werent wearing life jacketsand alerted Greek and Italian authorities. Officials say the boats engine likely stopped working or ran out of fuel and began to veer off course before sinking at around 2 a.m. local time 50 miles south-west of Pylos, a town in southwestern Greece. Its one of the biggest [search] operations ever in the Mediterranean, Greek coastguard spokesman Nikos Alexiou told state ERT TV of the ongoing search effort, Al Jazeera reported. We wont stop looking, he added. Overnight, six coastguard vessels, navy frigate, and other military transport were utilized in the rescue, but efforts have been hindered by strong winds. Survivors were taken to the port city of Kalamata, where many are being treated for hypothermia and dehydration. Meanwhile, the bodies of the deceased have been moved to Athens where the identification process will begin with the help of relevant embassies. As the search continues, heres everything we know about the capsized boat. Members of the Red Cross and UNHCR wait outside of a hangar where more than 100 migrants have been temporarily housed as the Greek Coast Guard ship with 79 recovered bodies arrives to a port in Kalamata on June 14. Byron SmithGetty Images What happened to the boat? The boat, around 20 to 30 meters in length (65 ft. to 98 ft.)as per aerial pictures released by the coast guardwas believed to be making its way from Libya to Italy carrying Egyptian, Syrian, Pakistani, Afghan, and Palestinian passengers, most of them young men. The boat had been traveling for a few days, according to local media. The Greek coastguard provided a timeline of the boats movements, according to the BBC. Initial contact by the Greek shipping ministry was made with the boat at 2 p.m. local time on Tuesday and no request for help had been made. It was then approached by a Maltese cargo ship and supplied with food and water at around 6 p.m. At around 1:40 a.m on Wednesday, the coast guard was alerted by someone that the boats engine had malfunctioned and the boat was capsizing. It took around fifteen minutes for the boat to fully submerge. Survivors of a shipwreck sleep at a warehouse at the port in Kalamata, Greece on June 14, 2023. Thanassis StavrakisAP Reuters reported that Alarm Phone, which operates a Europe-wide network supporting rescue operations, received alerts from people aboard the ship on late Tuesday. The volunteer-run project also said the captain fled the ship on a small boat. Is this the Mediterraneans deadliest shipwreck? The Mediterraneans deadliest recorded shipwreck took place on April 18, 2015; an overcrowded fishing boat, carrying as many as 1,100 migrants, collided off the coast of Libya with a ship that was trying to provide support. Only 28 people survived the collision. A record number of deaths were recorded that year in the Mediterranean, with 3,771 migrants and refugees perishing while trying to reach Europe. The U.N.s International Organization for Migration has recorded more than 26,000 deaths or disappearances in the Mediterranean since 2014, including over 20,000 along the Central Mediterranean route, making it the worlds deadliest one. Read More: The Inspiring True Story Behind Netflixs The Swimmers People transfer body bags carrying migrants who died after their boat capsized in the open sea off Greece, onboard a Hellenic Coast Guard vessel at the port of Kalamata, Greece, on June 14, 2023. Stelios MisinasReuters How are officials and aid workers responding? Greek President Katerina Sakellaropoulou has since visited rescued people and expressed sorrow for those who died. Greece currently has a caretaker government pending a runoff election on June 25, but politicians are halting their campaigns out of respect. A legal investigation has also been called to look into the circumstances of the deaths. The Greek shipping ministry has said nine Egyptians were arrested over the shipwreck. According to witnesses, Greek Skai TV reported, the ship departed from Egypt before stopping at the Libyan port city of Tobruk, and then set sail to Italy. Meanwhile, Ursula von der Leyen, the European Commission President, said she is deeply saddened by the news and pledged further cooperation between the E.U. and neighboring countries to crack down on migrant smuggling practices. But rights groups are criticizing the E.U. policies that they say force migrants to take life-threatening routes. Its really shocking to hear that Frontex flew over the boat and no one intervened because the boat refused all offers of help, Jerome Tubiana, a humanitarian researcher at Doctors Without Borders told French radio, adding that European and Greek authorities should both have intervened earlier. An overloaded boat is a boat in distress. E.U. leaders must urgently expand safe routes so people are not forced onto these deadly journeys. They need to show a far greater degree of willingness to share responsibility with countries of first arrival like Greece and Italy than we saw in the recent New Pact negotiations, said Eftychia Georgiadi, head of programs at the International Rescue Committees Greece office. She added: Its time to finally forge a coherent European approach to asylum and migration that puts the protection of its people at its heart. If they fail to do so, many in desperate need of protection will continue to perish in the Mediterranean. On Thursday, thousands of protesters gathered in Athens and in Thessaloniki calling on the E.U. to relax its migration policies. In Kalamata, Reuters reported, protesters marched outside a migrants shelter. Crocodile tears! No to the EUs pact on migration, one banner read. Get to know the heroic namesake of the newly christened Fort Johnson The Army redesignated Fort Polk, Louisiana, as Fort Johnson on June 13, concluding a move made in accordance with a 2021 policy that requires the removal of names that commemorate the Confederacy from Defense Department properties. Fort Johnson, one of nine Army installations to receive a new moniker under the Pentagons Naming Commission, was selected to honor New York National Guard Sgt. William Henry Johnson, a Black World War I soldier whose frontline heroism in France would etch his name into the history books as a lionheart of the famed Harlem Hellfighters. Johnson was a mid20s railway porter in Albany, New York, when he enlisted in the Army. It was June 1917. Congress had declared war against Germany just two months prior and Johnson was eager to join the fight. Standing at only 5-foot4 and 130 pounds, Johnson took the oath of enlistment in Brooklyn and was subsequently assigned to C Company of the 15th New York Infantry Regiment, an all-Black National Guard outfit that would later become the 369th Infantry Regiment also known as the Hellfighters. The 369th became the first Black combat regiment to serve with American Expeditionary Forces. Prior to the units formation, Black soldiers who wanted to serve in combat were forced to work around U.S. military restrictions by way of enlistments with the French or Canadian armies. Racism encountered by Black soldiers at the time was severe. U.S. Gen. John G. Pershing even went as far as authorizing the distribution of a pamphlet, titled Secret Information Concerning Black American Troops, advising Americas French allies against relying on or even associating with their Black counterparts. In his correspondence, Pershing claimed the men of the 369th were inferior to white soldiers, acted as a constant menace to the American and didnt possess a civic and professional conscience. Harlem Hellfighters. (Army) Burdened by a misguided reputation, Johnsons unit was initially relegated to labor-intensive duties. That was until they were ordered into battle in 1918 and assigned to the French Army, who seemed to care far less about race than their American allies. Amid the still of the Argonne Forest during the early morning hours of May 15, 1918, Johnson and 17-year-old Needham Roberts watched and listened, the two sentries ready to raise an alarm that would rouse the reinforcements dozing in trenches and dugouts nearby. At about 1 a.m., the two men began taking fire from a German sniper. Johnson opened a box of 30 grenades and lined them up for quick use. Moments later, in the terrifying dark of the Western Front, Johnson heard the snippin and clippin cutting sounds of at least 12 Germans making their way through the wire encircling the guard post. Johnson tossed a grenade in the direction of the commotion and all hell broke loose. The German invaders unleashed a wall of gunfire and grenades toward the two watchmen, injuring Needham Roberts immediately. Unable to walk, Roberts sat upright in the trench and continued to feed Johnson grenades but the Germans kept coming. Johnson quickly exhausted the supply and switched to his rifle. It jammed. Enemy soldiers were close enough to touch. When the Germans attempted to grab Roberts from the trench and take him prisoner, Johnson went to work, abandoning the cover of the trench and swinging his rifle, fists and bolo knife in a tornado of clubbing, punching and cutting. Each slash meant something, believe me, Johnson recalled. Johnson stabbed one German in the stomach then killed a lieutenant before being shot in the arm. He was then attacked from behind by another, who he discarded by driving his knife into the Germans ribs. Though increasingly wounded and exhausted, Johnson eventually managed to drag Roberts back to safety just as reinforcements arrived. The diminutive-yet-Herculean soldier then fainted, fatigued from the melee and the 21 wounds to his arm, feet, face and back the majority of which were delivered by knives and bayonets. Johnsons left foot had also been shattered, which he would later have remedied by an inserted steel plate during an operation at a French hospital. When dawn broke, the Americans found four dead Germans and evidence of at least 10 to 20 more having participated in the attack. A May 26, 1918, article on Johnson and Roberts in the New York-Tribune. (Library of Congress) Johnsons ferocity earned him the nickname Black Death. In recognition of his actions, France awarded him with the Croix de Guerre with a Gold Palm for extraordinary valor, making Johnson the first American to receive Frances highest award for bravery. Roberts also received the Croix de Guerre. The Harlem Hellfighters would go on to spend 191 days fighting in frontline trenches and would sustain 1,500 casualties by wars end, the most of any single American unit in either category during World War I. When Johnson returned home to New York, the severity of his injuries prevented him from resuming his pre-war job at Albanys Union Station. Sadly, Johnson turned to the bottle, became estranged from his family and faded from the memory of those who once celebrated his heroism. Johnson contracted tuberculosis and later died, destitute, in July 1929 of myocarditis at the age of 36. He is buried in Arlington National Cemetery. In 2015, President Barack Obama posthumously awarded Johnson the Medal of Honor. Henry Johnson was also awarded the Purple Heart and the Distinguished Service Cross in 1996 and 2002, respectively. Known Ga. gang member arrested after running from deputies, ditching gun and bookbag of marijuana Two known Georgia gang members were arrested with guns and drugs during traffic stops this week. [DOWNLOAD: Free WSB-TV News app for alerts as news breaks] The Muscogee County Sheriffs Office worked with the Coweta and Harris County sheriffs offices to conduct the operation on June 13. TRENDING STORIES: Jhykeith Williams was the passenger in a vehicle that was stopped by investigators. He tried to run, dropping his gun and a book bag full of marijuana and money. He was caught after a brief chase and charged with possession of marijuana with intent to distribute, abandonment of a controlled substance, possession of a machine gun, possession of a firearm during the commission of a felony, possession of drug-related objects, obstruction of a law enforcement officer and reckless conduct. [SIGN UP: WSB-TV Daily Headlines Newsletter] Officers also stopped Tyrese Reynolds, who was on bond from an arrest on June 7. He was found to have about 130 grams of marijuana and a gun. He was charged with possession of marijuana with intent to distribute and possession of a firearm during the commission of a felony. Both were arrested and taken to the Muscogee County Jail. (Bloomberg) -- Kosovo strengthened control over the border with Serbia, curbing cargo traffic, as the premier accused its bigger neighbor of illegally detaining three police officers. Most Read from Bloomberg Following the worst violence in a decade last month, tensions again climbed after Serbia showed footage of the armed Kosovo officers it said were caught about a mile inside its territory. Kosovo Prime Minister Albin Kurti said the men had been abducted within his country, which Serbian units had entered illegally. Kosovo has tightened border controls with Serbia, limiting circulation and increasing checks of vehicles coming from Serbia, Kurti told reporters in Pristina on Thursday. The premier called for support from international allies, demanding that pressure be put on for the Balkan state for its aggressive actions. Unrest in Kosovo, which has sought full international recognition since a unilateral split from Serbia in 2008, broke out in May in majority-Serb municipalities, where the predominantly ethnic Albanian authorities installed mayors after elections were boycotted by local Serbs. The flare-ups have all but unraveled years of European Union and US efforts to defuse decades of disputes between the wartime foes, which both aspire to join the 27-nation bloc. Read more: EU Takes Rare Steps Against Kosovo for Failure to Lower Tension Serbian President Aleksandar Vucic called for an international investigation into the incident involving the police officers, including by a NATO-led peacekeeping mission deployed in Kosovo. Serbian trucks carrying consumer goods were turned back at the main border crossing at Merdare, according to the N1 regional broadcaster. Serbian Trade Minister Tomislav Momirovic said the move amounts to a trade ban, contrary to agreements brokered by the EU. Most Read from Bloomberg Businessweek 2023 Bloomberg L.P. Kosovo tightens controls on its border with Serbia, PM Kurti says Trucks with goods queue at the Kosovo-Serbia border crossing in Merdare Kosovo tightens controls on its border with Serbia, PM Kurti says Trucks with goods queue at the Kosovo-Serbia border crossing in Merdare By Fatos Bytyci PRISTINA (Reuters) -Kosovo has tightened controls on its border with Serbia following the arrest of three of its policemen by Serbian forces, Prime Minister Albin Kurti said on Thursday as he demanded the immediate release of the detainees. Both Belgrade and Pristina gave different locations of the arrest of the three policemen, with each accusing the other side of crossing the border illegally. The detentions were the latest in a series of developments that have raised tensions between Kosovo and Serbia, sparking fears of renewed violence between the former wartime foes. At the Merdare border crossing, the biggest between Kosovo and Serbia, there was a long line of trucks on Thursday morning following Kosovo's decision to ban trucks with Serbian licence plates and Serbian goods from entering its territory. A Reuters reporter saw small vehicles with Serbian licence plates crossing the border, despite the government's announcement that it would ban all vehicles, including cars. "Because of the security concerns as an immediate step border controls have been tightened with Serbia," Kurti told a press conference on Thursday. "We demand the immediate release of the three kidnapped police officers and call on the international community to condemn Serbia's act of aggression," Kurti said. EU PRESSES FOR DE-ESCALATION STEPS Serbian President Aleksandar Vucic, who has said the three Kosovo policemen were arrested deep in Serbian territory, met ambassadors of the United States, Italy, France, Germany and Britain, known as the Quint group. "I spoke to representatives of the EU and the Quint group. I have asked them to do whatever is in their power to stop Kurti from initiating another war in the Balkans," Vucic wrote on his Instagram account after the meeting. On Wednesday, the European Union said it had agreed punitive measures on Kurti's government, accusing him of failing to take steps to defuse the broader crisis. EU spokesperson Peter Stano told reporters in Brussels on Thursday that the measures were temporary and could be reversed, but were necessary because "until now we haven't seen any meaningful decisive steps for immediate de-escalation". Kosovo declared independence from Serbia in 2008, nearly adecade after an uprising by the 90% ethnic Albanian majority. In 1999, a NATO bombing campaign drove Serbian securityforces out of Kosovo but Belgrade continues to regard it as a southern province. Kosovo and Serbia share a 400-km (250-mile) border which has not been clearly marked or agreed. Violence flared last month when 30 NATO peacekeepers and 52Serbs were injured in clashes in four predominantly Serbmunicipalities in northern Kosovo. (Reporting by Fatos Bytyci in Pristina and Ivana Sekularac in Belgrade; additional reporting by Benoit Van Overstraeten; Editing by Alex Richardson) Kansas House Speaker Dan Hawkins pledged Thursday that the Legislature will be taking a closer look at plans for the University of Kansas to begin offering in-person classes in mainland China. Hawkins comments come a day after the Kansas Board of Regents unanimously approved KUs request to begin offering four degrees from the KU School of Education and Human Services at Zhejiang Normal University in Jinhua, a city in southeastern China. Under the program, KU would offer students at ZJNU the ability to enroll in an undergraduate program for elementary education, a masters program in special education, a masters program in curriculum and instruction and a masters program in educational psychology and research. The students will pay KUs non-resident tuition rate, which is currently $14,706 for undergraduate students and $13,117 for graduate students. The program will start in fall of 2024. Speaking to the Board of Regents Wednesday Rick Ginsberg, the dean of the KU School of Education, said the program would be a significant money maker for the university. He said it would also expand KUs international partnerships, including longtime relationships with universities in China. These partnerships can help us because we can learn what other people are doing and help our own work, Ginsberg said. The program was just recently approved by the Chinese Ministry of Education. But Hawkins, a Wichita Republican who ascended to speaker this year, immediately raised concerns about the program given Chinas status as an adversary of the United States. Its impossible to do business with the Peoples Republic of China without also doing business with the Chinese Communist Party (CCP). A day doesnt go by that we arent provided with troubling news about the CCP- be it efforts to spy on the United States, the Uyghur genocide, threats against our friends in Taiwan, attempts to cover up the origins of the COVID-19 pandemic, or countless other distressing topics, Hawkins said in a statement. That makes this initiative by the University of Kansas concerning. The legislature will be taking a closer look. In a 2022 report, the United Nations accused China of serious human rights violations, sweeping 1 million or more Uyghur Muslim people and other minority groups into detention camps, according to the Associated Press. Those individuals faced torture, sexual assault, and were forced to abandon their language and religion, the U.N. report alleged. In 2019 KU shut down its Confucius Institute, which offered Mandarin language classes, citing a 2018 military funding bill which restricted U.S. Department of Defense funding for universities that hosted the controversial centers funded by the Chinese government. KU did not respond to Hawkins criticism, but Chancellor Douglas Girod told the Lawrence Journal-World the previous day that he did not believe the partnership with ZJNU should be controversial. It is fair to say that we dont have an issue with the Chinese people. Where our government has a problem is with the Chinese government, Girod said Wednesday. Rep. Rui Xu, a Westwood Democrat and the only Chinese American in the Kansas Legislature, said the House speakers concerns about the program did not make sense. KU is the one offering classes in China to Chinese students. That is more akin to further exposing Chinese citizens to an American education system, and American culture and American teaching, Xu said. I dont really understand what hes doing other than just kind of fear mongering around the CCP again. Ukraine spy chief being rushed to German hospital is 'just Putin propaganda' General Kyrylo Budanov, 37, Ukraine's military intelligence chief poses in his office on February 15,2023 in Kyiv,Ukraine. - Laurent Van der Stockt for Le Monde/Getty Images Ukraine dismissed Russian claims that its head of military intelligence was wounded in a missile strike as Putins propaganda. On Thursday, Russian state-controlled news agency RIA Novosti reported that Major-General Kyrylo Budanov had been wounded in an attack on his office in Kyiv last month. The report said Mr Budanov, one of Zelenskys closest officials who is said to be in charge of attacks on Russian soil, was in a critical condition and being treated in a foreign hospital. His spokesman, Andriy Yusov, said there was no need to respond to the disinformation, according to a report by local media. A second Ukrainian source told the Telegraph the claim was a fake. Branded a terrorist by Russia Maj-Gen Budanov has become a target for Russia, where he has been branded a terrorist for his role in organising alleged Ukrainian sabotage campaigns behind enemy lines and in Russia. In April, a Moscow court issued an arrest warrant for the spy chief for offences related to terrorism and arms smuggling. The office of Ukraines military intelligence directorate was targeted on May 29 in a missile attack on Kyiv. Footage of the strike showed that the building, nicknamed The Island, was damaged but did not take a direct hit. At the time, Hanna Maliar, Ukraines deputy defence minister, said Russia was spreading fake news about the deaths of Maj-Gen Budanov and Valeriy Zaluzhnyi, the commander-in-chief of Ukraines armed forces. Valeriy Zaluzhnyi.jpg The spy chief was last seen in a video shared by the minister on June 11, which did not feature any timestamps. In the clip, Maj-Gen Budanov sits silently in his office for half a minute with the caption: Plans love silence. No evidence of Budanovs death Russias tabloid newspapers and the pro-Kremlin military bloggers have been reporting his alleged death for a number of weeks without producing any real evidence. In its report, RIA Novosti said the Ukrainian spy chief was injured when a missile hit the building next to his office and was then flown to a Polish airbase and then, by US plane, to the Ramstein military base in Germany for treatment. Maj-Gen Budanov was reportedly then transferred in a critical condition to a military hospital in Berlin. A Telegraph analysis of the alleged flight shows it leaving Ramstein in the opposite direction to the German capital before its trackers are cut. Russian military bloggers on the Telegram messaging app also described the RIA report as questionable after the outlet also incorrectly reported the death of Gen Zaluzhnyi. 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. Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass (D) called a busload of migrants that Texas Gov. Greg Abbott (R) sent from his state to the city a despicable stunt but said officials were prepared for it. Bass said in a statement that she directed city departments to prepare to take in migrants from out of the state after a few Republican governors began sending migrants seeking asylum to cities run by Democrats over the past months. This did not catch us off guard, nor will it intimidate us, she said. Los Angeles is not a city motivated by hate or fear and we absolutely will not be swayed or moved by petty politicians playing with human lives. Abbott said Wednesday that his state was sending the migrants to Los Angeles because of its status as a so-called sanctuary city and to protest the number of illegal border crossings at the U.S.-Mexico border. Los Angeles is a major city that migrants seek to go to, particularly now that its city leaders approved its self-declared sanctuary city status. Our border communities are on the frontlines of President Bidens border crisis, and Texas will continue providing this much-needed relief until he steps up to do his job and secure the border, he said. Los Angeles City Councilmember Kevin de Leons (D) office said the 42 people brought to the city were receiving care from agencies and charitable organizations. Some of the migrants include children. Abbotts office said in a release that his office has sent more than 21,600 migrants to cities including New York City, Washington, D.C., Chicago and Denver since last spring. Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis (R) has also received national attention for sending migrants on flights and buses to cities run by Democrats, most recently flying migrants from border states to Sacramento, Calif., last week. The migrants who were sent to Los Angeles were receiving assistance at St. Anthonys Croatian Catholic Church near the downtown part of the city. The Associated Press contributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill. You are here: Business A worker checks green coffee beans in a coffee factory in Marcala, Honduras, on May 6, 2023. [Photo/Xinhua] China has approved the imports of bananas and coffee beans from Honduras starting Tuesday, according to a notice issued by the General Administration of Customs (GAC). China also ratified access of Honduran white shrimps to its market as the two countries officially signed protocol documents for Honduran aquaculture products on Monday. To date, the GAC has approved the registration of 10 Honduran coffee bean and nine aquatic products enterprises in China. Since China and Honduras established diplomatic relations in March this year, the bilateral trade scaled up. In the first four months of 2023, the total value of China's imports from and exports to Honduras jumped 22.9 percent year on year to top 3.89 billion yuan (about 543.55 million U.S. dollars). NEW SMYRNA BEACH A 66-year-old man was arrested Thursday morning in connection with a shooting at South Dixie Freeway, according to New Smyrna Beach police. The suspect, Stephen Hammersley, was placed under arrest for aggravated battery with a deadly weapon and transported to the Volusia County Branch Jail with a bond of $10,000, the police said in a news release. Officers responded to the scene and found Hammersley and another man, who was "found to be shot in the abdomen," and whose name was not divulged. The victim was transported to Halifax Hospital and is considered to be in stable condition. "The only weapon located on scene was a semi-automatic handgun belonging to Hammersley," according to police. "Witnesses stated that they observed the two subjects arguing, however none of the witnesses observed the shooting occur." The incident led police to close all lanes of South Dixie Freeway. At around 8:30 a.m., police encouraged residents in a Facebook post to avoid the area and use Riverside Drive as an alternative route. According to New Smyrna Beach police Capt. Christopher Kirk, the incident happened around the 1500th block of the freeway. Daytona police: 17-year-old charged with attempted murder in Daytona Beach shooting As of around 9 a.m., police had reopened all southbound lanes and one northbound lane. Police will continue to investigate the incident and are encouraging anyone with information to call Det. Jordan Ishikawa at 386-402-8232 or email jishikawa@cityofnsb.com. This article originally appeared on The Daytona Beach News-Journal: Shooting at NSB's South Dixie Freeway leaves 1 injured, police say LaPorte County Commissioner Rich Mrozinski provided documentation of a medical reason for his being in Florida, so he was allowed to resume voting at meetings. LAPORTE An ongoing battle over LaPorte County Commissioners refusing to grant the county prosecutor with access to emails from the former prosecutor is headed to court, and with the intervention of Indiana Attorney General Todd Rokita. Commissioners had been repeatedly warned, even by their own attorney, that legal action was almost guaranteed if they continued to deny access to LaPorte County Prosecutor Sean Fagan. Fagan is listed as the plaintiff in the lawsuit submitted June 2 in LaPorte Circuit Court by Indiana Attorney General Todd Rokita. Rokitas office is paying the legal costs of the lawsuit from Fagan, whos represented in the case by the Bopp Law Firm out of Terre Haute, Ind. Indiana Attorney General Todd Rokita Fagan, who took office on Jan. 1, is asking for the e-mails of former prosecutor John Lake and several members of his staff from last year. Fagan claims in the lawsuit the e-mails, currently on a county server, are needed to close any gaps in information on cases Fagan inherited from his predecessor. Fagan claims emails might include notes from talks with victims and opposing counsel, along with communications between deputy prosecutors on things like strategy in a case. Citing state statue, the lawsuit maintains even though the e-mails are on a county server, theyre owned by whoever is prosecutor and the commissioners have no authority to deny access to the e-mails by the prosecutor, who is a judicial officer of the state. The lawsuit also alleges failure to comply with a prosecutors request for emails from the office under Indiana law constitutes official misconduct, a level 6 felony offense. Commissioners Connie Gramarossa and Rich Mrozinski have stood their ground in repeatedly denying Fagans request, which was first made Jan. 5. The last denial was on April 5 when the two commissioners again ignored the advice of their legal counsel along with a written demand from Rokita to turn over the e-mails. South Bend attorney Andrew B. Jones has since been replaced as county attorney by Scott Pejic, who declined to comment on a pending legal matter. Mrozinski also declined to comment, while attempts to reach Gramarossa were unsuccessful. LaPorte County Commissioner Joe Haney reversed his earlier decision to bar fellow commissioner Rich Mrozinski from voting remotely from Florida. Mrozinski supplied documentation of a medical reason for his remote attendance. Commissioner Joe Haney has consistently voted to grant Fagan's request, saying state law is clearly on the prosecutor's side. He said the cost of the lawsuit for taxpayers is already estimated above $10,000 and could easily rise well into six figures. The actions of commissioners Gramarossa and Mrozinski are absolutely reckless, Haney said. All three commissioners, as well as Fagan and Rokita, are Republicans. Fagan replaced Democratic former prosecutor Lake. Mrozinski has repeatedly alleged Fagan is out to conduct a political witch hunt. The lawsuit is asking Fagan be given all of the emails he requested along with a declaratory judgement that the emails were unlawfully withheld. A forensic audit of the server is also sought from the court to determine if any emails have been deleted and, if so, who had access to the emails. Gramarossa has previously agreed to give Fagan the emails he needs from last year on specific cases only, claiming blanket access might violate the privacy of county employees. Fagan, however, has said he cannot know which emails to request unless all of them are opened in advance to see which ones might be helpful to a case. This article originally appeared on South Bend Tribune: Prosecutor, Indiana attorney general sue LaPorte County Commissioners 'Large party' early Thursday morning at Glasgow Park ends with teen shot, police say New Castle County police are investigating a shooting that occurred in June 2023 in Glasgow Park. New Castle County Police are investigating a shooting at Glasgow Park that occurred early Thursday morning. According to police, officers were at the park around 1:30 a.m., where they broke up a large party and located a 16-year-old girl who had been shot. She was transported to the hospital, but there has been no further word on the status of her injuries. Later that night, detectives arrived at the scene to investigate the shooting. RELATED: They were parents, friends and colleagues. This gallery shows them beyond their addiction In a tweet, county police said the public could expect to see an increased police presence in the area. On Thursday morning, the department announced that the park had reopened to the public. All was quiet at the park mid-morning Thursday. Anyone with information regarding Thursday morning's incident can contact Detective Joshuah Smith at (302) 395-8126 or joshuah.smith@newcastlede.gov. Anonymous tips can be submitted at (800) TIP-3333 and online at www.delawarecrimestoppers.com. Pattern of crime at the parkland Last month, the park closed temporarily after a bomb threat was reported by the Maryland State Police. County police searched the parkland and did not find any explosives. Officers also stopped a sexual assault incident at Glasgow Park in early May when a 48-year-old man from Newark was pulled over with a 14-year-old-girl in his car. He was charged with sexual solicitation of a child. This article originally appeared on Delaware News Journal: Glasgow Park party early Thursday morning ends with teen shot: police (Bloomberg) -- One month after Thailands pro-democracy parties won the election that ended nearly a decade of military-backed rule, hurdles are mounting for the winning coalition and its prime minister candidate Pita Limjaroenrat to take power. Most Read from Bloomberg As the leader of the Move Forward party tries to rally support for his coalition, a saga around his alleged ownership of media shares has gripped the nation, stoking speculation about whether the 42-year-old Harvard graduate will be disqualified for breaching election rules. The dispute comes on top of Pitas struggle to get members of the military-appointed Senate to support his premiership, with his alliance still short of the 376 votes needed from both houses of parliament to choose the next leader. At the same time, Pita has stuck to a campaign vow to try to amend Article 112 of Thailands criminal code, which punishes criticism of the king and other top royals by up to 15 years in prison. That stance has riled the royalist military and political establishment. Heres what you need to know about this saga: Whats it all about? Just days before Thailands election, political activist Ruangkrai Leekitwattana lodged a complaint with the Election Commission, seeking a Constitutional Court ruling on whether Pita had violated a provision of the Thai charter that forbids anyone who hold shares in or owns a media company from seeking to take part in an election to parliament. Ruangkrai alleged that Pita held 42,000 shares in long-defunct broadcaster ITV Pcl and argued that such ownership was grounds for disqualification. In response, Pita downplayed the issue, calling the complaint a politically motivated effort to hinder Move Forwards rise. He said he was legally prepared to clarify the issue if summoned by the Election Commission. Pita also said he didnt own the shares but only managed them as part of an estate left behind by his father, who passed away in 2006. How has Pita reacted recently? After Pitas party beat pre-election expectations and won the most seats in the May 14 vote, Ruangkrai didnt stop. He kept filing what he claimed to be more evidence that showed Pita violated the charter. Meanwhile, the Election Commission remained largely silent on whether it would accept or dismiss the complaints. Last week saw a shift in Pitas tone when he announced he had transferred the ITV shares to another family member. That move, he said, wasnt an admission of guilt but meant to pre-empt what he called efforts to revive ITV to be an active media company in order to disqualify him. Pita also insisted ITV couldnt be considered a media company since it hasnt operated since 2007, when its government contract was ended and it lost access to its radio frequency. Is ITV a media company? Debate is still raging over this question. ITV started its television operation in 1995 under a 30-year government contract but went into a legal battle with the Prime Ministers Office in 2002, causing its contract to be terminated in 2007. A separate legal battle over the termination of the contract has continued to this day. In its 2022 annual report, ITV said it used to operate a television station and had to cease that operation in 2007. The company was de-listed from the Stock Exchange of Thailand in 2014. Most legal experts have said ITVs annual reports and financial documents showed the company is not in operation and not deriving revenue from media operations, and therefore cant still be considered a media business. But Pitas rivals say that as long as the company hasnt formally closed, then it is still a media venture. What are the latest developments? In the latest twist, local television show 3 Miti News had broadcast a report showing discrepancies between what was said at ITVs annual general meeting in April and what was written in the subsequent meeting minutes. According to the publicly-available meeting report, one shareholder asked if ITV was operating in the media space and Kim Siritaweechai, the president at parent company Intouch Holdings who chaired the meeting, said yes. However, parts of the video recording of the meeting, which the local outlet said it obtained from a shareholder, showed Kim also saying no and citing the ongoing legal battle as a reason. Addressing the discrepancies, ITV said in a statement on Thursday the meeting minutes were a summary of answers to several questions raised by shareholders and not a verbatim record. On Monday, Move Forwards secretary-general claimed foul play, alleging an intricate plot to thwart Pita that began before the election and involving what he called a falsification of the ITV meeting report. He pointed to irregularities in ITVs 2022 financial statement that differed from submissions in previous years by stating its business as media and its product as advertising a move made on the same day as Ruangkrais original complaint. ITV said the company did not intend to communicate that it still operates a media business, but rather that it has not discontinued its business. The company said its revenue came from return on investment and interest income only. What has the Election Commission said? Last week, local media reported that the six-member Election Commission threw out Ruangkrais media shares complaint alongside two others and instead said it would pursue its own probe to determine whether Pita had applied to take part in the May 14 election despite knowing he was not eligible. If found guilty, Pita could face a penalty of as much as 10 years in prison and a ban from politics for 20 years. The agency has yet to certify the results of the May election as its still dealing with complaints against some winning candidates and their qualifications. The results will be certified faster than the agency did in 2019, commission Chairman Itthiporn Boonprakong told reporters on Friday. What does this mean for Pita and his coalition? Its not clear if the Election Commission will formalize a case against Pita after its investigation. Cases under Article 151 of Thailands election law are tried in criminal courts, not the Constitutional Court. Those procedures can take months or years, and the case could be dismissed at a number of different stages before it even reaches the judges. That means that Pita could be certified as a member of parliament by next month and still be nominated by his coalition to serve as prime minister. For now, Pitas potential disqualification cant be ruled out. Another article in the constitution allows the Election Commission or a group consisting of 10% of lawmakers in either chamber to ask the nations top court determine whether a particular legislator is ineligible to hold office and to order his or her tenure terminated. Thats a low bar in the 500-member lower house, where the conservative parties now hold 188 seats. Such a petition can be submitted as soon as a new house speaker is chosen and before the selection of prime minister. Pitas troubles are growing. He has yet to muster enough support to become prime minister while he faces potential legal challenges that could keep him from ever rising to or holding on to power. It doesnt help that Thailand has a history of disqualifying lawmakers and disbanding pro-democracy parties. Move Forwards predecessor, Future Forward was disbanded after the 2019 election. Its leader Thanathorn Juangroongruangkit, then prime-minister candidate of the opposition bloc, was disqualified after the Constitutional Court found him guilty of holding media shares on the date he registered his candidacy. Pita reiterated on Tuesday that Move Forward has anticipated every scenario to block his path to power and is prepared to fight any challenges. We have prepared evidence and legal arguments and were ready to fight when we really have to enter the process, said Pita. --With assistance from Pathom Sangwongwanich. (Updates with comments from poll agency in 18th paragraph.) Most Read from Bloomberg Businessweek 2023 Bloomberg L.P. Lawsuit: Black teacher in school with mostly Black, Hispanic children fired for using book about racial profiling White parents allegedly complained that Dear Martin was divisive and injected unwelcome political views on systemic racial inequality into their childrens classroom, prompting Charlotte Secondary School administrators to terminate Markayle Gray. A Black middle school teacher has filed a lawsuit against his former employer, alleging the institution fired him for using an approved text about racial profiling to educate students. The federal civil rights lawsuit submitted in the U.S. District Court of Western North Carolina asserts that Charlotte Secondary School terminated English teacher Markayle Gray in February because of racially motivated backlash over his instruction of Dear Martin. The lawsuit calls the decision the latest casualty of book-banning hysteria, The Charlotte Observer reported. According to the lawsuit, Charlotte Secondary administration approved the text before Gray, 30, presented Dear Martin to his seventh-grade honors students as part of Black History Month activities. Grays lawyer, Artur Davis, said head of school Keisha Rock recommended the book. Dear Martin was approved by the Charlotte Secondary School administration before he used it in his class, English teacher Markayle Gray alleges in a civil rights lawsuit over his firing. (Photo: Screenshot/YouTube.com/WJBF) A New York Times bestseller, Dear Martin is about a Black teenager targeted for his race while attending a prestigious prep school. The student seeks guidance from the Rev. Martin Luther Kings teachings. Charlotte Secondary should have been glad to have Markayle Gray as a role model for the young Black men and teenagers at this school, Davis told The Observer. They have sent these young leaders-to-be a devastating signal about the price of truth. Charlotte Secondary, in the citys southeast, is a nonprofit charter school that accepts students in grades 6 through 12. According to the lawsuit, it enrolls about 240 pupils, 80% to 85% of whom are Black, Hispanic or biracial. The lawsuit claims that white parents complained that Dear Martin was divisive and injected unwelcome political views on systemic racial inequality into their childrens classroom, prompting Charlotte Secondary administrators to terminate Gray on Feb. 2. On Wednesday, Rock confirmed the lawsuit and forwarded a statement from the Raleigh-based Hartzog Law Group. The law firm claims Grays termination was based on legitimate, nondiscriminatory, non-retaliatory reasons. The school denies any and all allegations of wrongdoing and intends to vigorously defend the suit, the firms Katie Weaver Hartzog added, The Observer reported. Gray accepted a position in October 2022 and signed a one-year contract subject to renewal. However, the lawsuit alleges his former employer informed him he would be fired immediately due to parental opposition to him. Parents had also complained to the schools board of directors, which led to the approval of his dismissal. Charlotte Secondary, the lawsuit contends, failed to take steps to investigate or examine whether any of the parents concerns were rooted in the parents own racial bias or resentment, according to The Observer. The North Carolina House Republicans approved regulations in March that would restrict how educators can teach about sexism and racism. The vote reportedly followed party lines, with all Republicans voting in favor and all Democrats against. GOP lawmakers said House Bill 187 aims to stop schools from promoting critical race theory. The GOP-controlled state Senate has yet to take action on the bill. Gray is suing for significant damages to compensate for the emotional distress of losing a job he loved, including front and back pay, lost benefits and legal costs. Principal Rock and the Charlotte Secondary Board of Directors seem to care more about bowing to political pressure than they do about following their own procedures and policies, Davis said, according to The Observer. All Markayle Gray did was teach a novel his supervisors had already approved, and they fired him for it. TheGrio is FREE on your TV via Apple TV, Amazon Fire, Roku and Android TV. Also, please download theGrio mobile apps today! The post Lawsuit: Black teacher in school with mostly Black, Hispanic children fired for using book about racial profiling appeared first on TheGrio. When a federal magistrate judge imposed a special condition on Donald Trumps bond that he could not communicate with witnesses in his classified documents case in Miami, the former presidents defense attorney objected and said that it would be unworkable because some of them still interact with Trump every day. But defense attorney Todd Blanche was not just referring to Secret Service agents and Trump personnel, including one potential witness, co-defendant Walt Nauta, a former White House aide who still works for Trump as an assistant at his Mar-a-Lago estate in Palm Beach. Blanche also briefly alluded to an unnamed lawyer still employed by Trump. One of the key witnesses that we know is still the presidents lawyer, Blanche said Tuesday in Miami federal court, without naming the attorney. So a special condition that President Trump cannot communicate with his lawyer, obviously doesnt work, respectfully, your honor. At Tuesdays arraignment, Magistrate Judge Jonathan Goodman ruled as a condition that Trump and Nauta cannot communicate with witnesses about the case, asking the Justice Departments special counsel to create a list of people who might testify at trial. The unidentified lawyer for Trump is Evan Corcoran, who is certain to be on the governments witness list for trial because of his role in gathering classified documents at Mar-a-Lago for a federal grand jury subpoena issued in May 2022, legal experts said. The reason: Corcoran was already ordered by a federal judge to testify in March before a grand jury in Washington, D.C., after the judge found that special counsel Jack Smith had presented sufficient evidence to establish that Trump committed a crime through his attorneys, an exception to the privileged communications between them, according to published reports. Hes an extremely important witness because his representations to the government were predicated on what he was told by his client, Donald Trump, said Miami criminal defense attorney Dennis Kainen, who is a past president of the Miami-Dade Bar Association and former member of the Florida Bar Board of Governors. To the extent that the government has to prove criminal intent by Donald Trump, it is a good way to do that through the direct words of a defendant as told to his lawyer. Its going to be hard for Donald Trump to walk that back. It is direct knowledge of what Trump said and knew about the classified documents. Corcoran, a former federal prosecutor turned defense attorney in the Washington, D.C., area, was representing the former president when the Justice Department and FBI demanded that Trump turn over classified documents that he had moved from the White House to Mar-a-Lago. Corcoran, who testified before the grand jury in March, is identified as Attorney 1 in the indictment charging Trump with willfully retaining national defense information in violation of the Espionage Act, conspiring to obstruct justice and making a false statement in connection with the governments subpoena for records. There is likely to be an intense battle over Corcorans testifying as a witness for the government in the Trump documents case, which is being tried in South Florida because the 37-count indictment returned against him was ultimately voted on by a federal grand jury in Miami. A view of former President Donald Trumps Mar-a-Lago home on Tuesday, Aug. 9, 2022, in Palm Beach, Fla. The FBI conducted a search of Donald Trumps Mar-a-Lago estate on Monday. Testimony from defendants attorneys is rare Typically, lawyers cannot be compelled to testify or produce evidence against a client in a grand jury or at trial. But in rare cases, judges can require such testimony if there is evidence that a clients communication with their lawyers was done purposely to further a crime or a fraud. In the law, it is known as the crime-fraud exception to the attorney-client privilege. While the privilege belongs to Trump, in this instance, if the former president was using his lawyer, Corcoran, to withhold classified documents from the U.S. government, then Corcoran would no longer be bound from testifying about that part of his privileged communications with Trump. The defense is going to move to exclude his testimony based on attorney-client privilege, said Kainen, who represents white-collar defendants. A judge has already ruled on that issue as it relates to Corcoran testifying before the grand jury. The government [prosecutors] relied on this witness testimony for the grand jury and indictment. But the government now needs to call this witness for trial and the defense will certainly file a motion in limine [an early request that his testimony be excluded] as a violation of attorney-client privilege. In the obstruction conspiracy count, Trump is accused of misleading Attorney 1 Corcoran who represented the former president as the lawyer tried to compile classified documents at Mar-a-Lago for the subpoena a year ago. At Trumps direction, Nauta assisted the former president in this task by moving 64 boxes including some classified documents from a storage room to Trumps residence and then brought back only 30 of those boxes to the storage room, according to the indictment. On June 2, 2022, Attorney 1 checked the boxes in the storage room and found 38 classified records and set those aside in a folder to turn over to federal investigators. After Attorney 1 finished sealing the folder with the documents, Nauta took the lawyer to meet with Trump in the dining room at Mar-a-Lago, the indictment said. After the lawyer confirmed his search of the boxes in the storage area, Trump said to him: Did you find anything? ... Is it bad? Good? Trump and Attorney 1 discussed what to do with the folder and whether the lawyer should bring them to his hotel and put them in a safe, the indictment said. During that conversation, Trump made a plucking motion, as memorialized by Trump Attorney 1, the indictment said. He made a funny motion as though well okay why dont you take them with you to your hotel and if theres anything really bad in there, like, you know, pluck it out, Attorney 1 memorialized the conversation, as noted in the indictment. And that was the motion that he made. He didnt say that. On the evening of June 2, 2022, Attorney 1 contacted the Justice Department and asked that an FBI agent meet him at Mar-a-Lago the next day to retrieve the classified documents in response to the subpoena. FBI comes back to Mar-a-Lago seeking more However, unsatisfied with the response, the Justice Department obtained a search warrant based on video surveillance of the documents being moved around at Trumps residence and directed an FBI raid of the Palm Beach estate and club last August, when agents discovered 102 additional government records containing national defense, weapons and nuclear information still on his property. The seizure of those records, which Trump had removed from the White House when he left office in January 2021, form the foundation of the special counsels criminal case along with the obstruction charge. In the indictment, Trump is charged with deliberately keeping documents with classified markings at his Palm Beach estate. It also cites two occasions during the summer of 2021 when the former president allegedly shared classified information about a Defense Department plan to attack a foreign country with a writer, publisher and two staffers at his Bedminster Club in New Jersey. He is also accused of showing a classified map about a U.S. military operation to a representative of his political action committee. But Trumps sharing that sensitive information is not among the 31 counts alleging violations of the Espionage Act. The classified documents Trump stored in the boxes included information regarding defense and weapons capabilities of both the U.S. and foreign countries; United States nuclear programs; potential vulnerabilities of the United States and its allies to military attack; and plans for possible retaliation to a foreign attack, according to the indictment. It noted that the former president stored them in various locations at Mar-a-Lago, including a ballroom, a bathroom and shower, an office, his bedroom and a storage room. Corcoran would likely be questioned on the witness stand about the locations of the documents and their movements by prosecutors working with the Justice Departments special counsel and by Trumps defense lawyers on cross-examination assuming he is compelled by a judge to testify at trial. U.S. District Judge Aileen Cannon, nominated by Trump, is among the newest additions to the federal bench in South Florida and has been randomly assigned to the documents case. Its fascinating that hes still a lawyer for Trump and didnt withdraw, said Miami white-collar defense attorney Mark Schnapp, a former federal prosecutor in South Florida, referring to Corcoran. He testified to the grand jury about what Trump told him. Hes probably the most important witness in the case, but he may have a different view of the evidence than whats presented in the indictment. A similar attorney-client circumstance In recent years, Schnapp and other legal experts noted, Justice Department prosecutors have become increasingly aggressive toward lawyers in efforts to pierce the veil of attorney-client privilege. Schnapp cited a compelling example: In 2016, two prominent lawyers were brought before a federal grand jury and directed to provide documents and testimony about conversations they had with a wealthy client. They were partners at Williams & Connolly, the prestigious Washington law firm, representing Morris Zukerman, a former Morgan Stanley banker and oil investor. Zukerman was accused of failing to pay $45 million in income and sales taxes on works of art and profits from the sale of an oil company. The two lawyers from Williams & Connolly, James A. Bruton III and James T. Fuller III, both seasoned white-collar defense lawyers, had been ordered by a Manhattan federal judge to appear before the grand jury that was investigating Zukerman to determine whether he had used the lawyers during the course of an IRS audit and inquiry to conceal his activities, according to the New York Times Prosecutors, in a filing with the court, said Zukerman had the lawyers prepare a tax protest letter that challenged certain audit determinations previously made by an IRS auditor. In 2017, Zukerman was sentenced to five years and 10 months in prison after pleading guilty to engaging in a scheme to avoid paying income and other taxes. Segregation is a common tale in American cities most practiced discrimination in housing loans and urban renewal but at the same time, every town has its own unique narratives. After the Civil War, for example, Lexington had a class of Black jockeys, trainers and owners who had successful careers in the horse industry and started to build homes and wealth in Lexington. As Jim Crow laws took hold across the country, Black horsemen were shoved out of the business, and in 1933 the Kentucky Association Track in Lexingtons bustling East End was closed. The Keeneland Track opened in 1935. Yet another route to prosperity was shut off. Lexington will get a chance to fully understand these stories this summer and this fall, thanks to a lucky conflation of events that happened more or less coincidentally. First off, there is the Segregated Lexington website, which will continue to explore the documents of housing policy history here. In addition, Keeneland Library has an exhibit entitled The Heart of the Turf: Racings Black Pioneers, which chronicles the rise and fall of Black horsemen and women in the racing industry. After Aug. 31, the exhibit will move to the Lyric Theatre for the month of September, and then in October and early November, it will be at the Central Library. Thats convenient because starting Sept. 18, Central Library will be hosting a concurrent exhibit titled Undesign the Redline. Library employee Clarissa Thomas saw the Undesign exhibit in Dayton, Ohio, and started working on bringing a similar exhibit to Lexington, with the help of the Lexington Public Library Foundation. A New York nonprofit called Designing the We researches different cities to explain to residents exactly how we got to this point. We design it for people who dont really know about redlining to tell a story that doesnt get told, said co-founder Braden Crooks. Redlining is not just an artifact of the past, it really sets the stage for where we are now and all the challenges were facing. Lexingtons horse industry sets it apart, Crooks said, but another thing that sets it apart is that in the midst of urban renewal in the 1960s, Lexington resisted some projects that would have further obliterated Black communities. For example, at one point there was a plan to put a highway through downtown, as many other cities did, but it never happened here. Urban renewal, however, did happen in places like Davis Bottom and Elm Tree Lane/Rose Street. Crooks and his group are being advised by a group organized by the library of academics, housing experts and advocates. Ultimately this will be about the consequences of institutional racism and how that plays out today, said Anne Donworth, the foundations development director. The exhibit will also look at the constant fight over gentrification of Lexingtons poorer neighborhoods. To have gentrification, you have to have segregation, Crooks said. Redlining devalued residential real estate, which made it more attractive to real estate speculators because of artificially low prices, so you can flip it for more money. In that sense gentrification is another consequence of redlining. The exhibit will also look at Lexingtons Urban Service Boundary, and what role it has played in housing injustice, and what Lexington can do moving forward. Talking about racism can be a tough sell these days, as politics effectively dilutes many regions teaching of our history. But Crooks says the power of this kind of exhibit is that its a specific history, a specific policy, its not vague ideas of racism writ large. We can show how it still affects lives. Yet another community event will focus on that injustice with a community read-along of a seminal history of redlining in this country, The Color of Law: A Forgotten History of How Our Government Segregated America by Richard Rothstein. First published in 2017, The Color of Law, focuses on consistent government policy across the country that created and enforced housing segregation. The Blue Grass Community Foundation is sponsoring the event, along with an appearance by Rothstein and his daughter, Leah Rothstein on Oct. 24 at the University of Kentucky. Together, theyve authored a new book titled Just Action about how cities can move forward on undoing past injustices, which they will also discuss. Foundation Director Lisa Adkins said the foundation was inspired by community interest in author Heather McGhee, who appeared here in 2022 to discuss her book The Sum Of Us, which detailed how racial segregation hurts everyone. I think many of us have a basic understanding of redlining, but The Color of Law makes the fact based presentation of how deep and how wide redlining was, Adkins said. It wasnt accidental or incidental it was a very intentional plan that involved our government at all levels, and the impact lasts today. Like Crooks, Adkins believes that the facts, laid out in Rothsteins book make the case. Its a book that documents through policy and through law and government action at all levels of government how redlining came to be ad what the impacts of that are still today, she said. If you go: The Heart of the Turf will be at the Keeneland Library until Aug. 31. It will move to the Lyric Theatre for September, and then to the Central Library for October to coincide with Undesign the Red Line. For more information, contact the Keenland Library at 859 288-4224. Undesign the Red Line will open at the Lexington Central Library on Main Street on Sept. 18. The exhibit will probably be up through November. For more information, contact Kelli Parmley at (859)-231-5500. The Color of Law event with authors Richard Rothstein and Leah Rothstein will be held at the University of Kentucky Student Center on Oct. 24, time to be announced. For more information, contact the Blue Grass Community Foundation at https://www.bgcf.org/. Massive, systemic and institutional. How Lexington intentionally created a segregated city. | Opinion At least 106 dead, 144 rescued, dozens still missing after boat capsizes in Nigeria Dozens of people remained missing Thursday after a boat carrying wedding guests capsized in northern Nigeria, killing more than 100 people, including children, officials said. The wooden boat, carrying about 300 people, flipped Monday morning on the Niger River in the Pategi district of Kwara state, about 100 miles from Ilorin, the state capital, police spokesman Okasanmi Ajay said. As of Thursday, at least 144 people had been rescued and recovery efforts continued, Kwara State Police said, according to the BBC. So far, officials told the outlet, 106 passengers have been confirmed dead. Kwara Governor Abdulrahman Abdulrazaq's office issued a statement expressing sadness for the families of more than 100 people killed after a boat capsized in a Nigerian river on June 12, 2023. The governor, at front left in blue, said he continued "to monitor the rescue efforts already mounted since Monday night in search of possible survivors. Earlier, the outlet reported, local authorities said more than 150 people were feared to have drowned. The victims were returning from a wedding ceremony in the Egboti village in Niger state, the Associated Press reported. Local authorities said the accident occurred "after the boat hit a log and split," according to the outlet. Fatal bus crash leaves 10 dead, 25 hurt Driver charged after bus carrying wedding guests flips in Australia, killing 10 and injuring 25 Governor continues to monitor rescue efforts On Wednesday, Kwara Gov. Abdulrahman Abdulrazaq's office issued a statement expressing condolences for families of those killed. Earlier this week, the said he continued "to monitor the rescue efforts already mounted since Monday night in search of possible survivors. "We commiserate with our people in Patigi Emirate, including the Etsu Patigi Alhaji Ibrahim Umar Bologi II," the governor tweeted Wednesday. "We are deeply saddened by the event." Today I led a government delegation to Patigi to commiserate with families affected in the Monday night boat mishap, in which dozens have been confirmed dead. pic.twitter.com/hbSOmqDw3H Abdulrahman Abdulrazaq (@RealAARahman) June 14, 2023 Abdulrazaq also said the government plans to set up a group that oversees water transportation in the state. "We will design and roll out statewide standard operating procedures for water travels to cover issues of boat serviceability, speed limits, loading limits and wearing of life jackets by all passengers," the governor tweeted. "This will be the new irreducible minimum." Contributing: Associated Press Natalie Neysa Alund covers breaking and trending news for USA TODAY. Reach her at nalund@usatoday.com and follow her on Twitter @nataliealund. This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Boat capsizes in Nigeria leaving at least 106 dead, dozens missing Debbie Colquitt is captive to the memories of that night, living in the space between reality and a dream she cant shake. She orders a three-piece fish and chips meal for her dad, his favorite dish from his favorite spot in Elk Grove. At the dinner table, dad wishes her mother a happy 49th wedding anniversary; the words take a minute to register for her mom, Shirley, whose dementia is becoming worse. Still, there are laughs. Everyone is happy. Dad says he wants to head to Sams Club for some shopping. Colquitts parents are preparing for their annual RV trip to Yuma, Ariz. With mom getting sicker, Colquitt knows this could be the last time they head south for the winter. Wait until tomorrow, she tells her dad. Just relax for tonight. But at 85 years old, Edward Villasenor is a strong, energetic and proud man. He wants to shop tonight. He goes outside to start the car and comes back to the house. You need anything? he asks. No, dad. We have everything we need. Three minutes later comes the sound of a terrible thud out front. Did someone hit a cow? Maybe a horse got loose from the ranch across the street? That happens sometimes on this part of Waterman Road, a two-lane drive leading from the Elk Grove sprawl to this rural section of Sacramento County. Colquitts heart starts to hurt. She looks outside and sees nothing. But she feels it. She goes back out and sees her dads car door is open, the keys are in the ignition. The garbage cans are at the end of the driveway. Dad must have gone out to grab them, she thinks, so she walks out to the edge of the grass, stopping just short of the road. Thats where a police officer approaches her. You have to go back, he tells her. But that could be my dad out there, she pleads. Police tape is being hung. Waterman Road is blocked to traffic. An officer returns holding a wallet. She knows immediately that her father is gone. It was so hard for me to see, she says now, more than three years later. She is sitting in the living room where she heard that terrible sound. There are photos on the walls of her parents after they were married, and one of Edward as a child dressed in a military uniform. Every few minutes, there is the faint rolling hum of a vehicle speeding down Waterman Road. Edward Villasenor was killed in front of his home by someone driving a red SUV, shortly after 6 p.m. on Nov. 7, 2019. His body was dragged 273 feet, the impact so severe that investigators found radiator fluid on his body. The driver kept going. They didnt stop. They didnt call for help. Villasenor was one of more than 140 people killed by hit-and-run drivers in Sacramento County since 2018, a staggering death toll that is by far the highest in Northern California or the Central Valley. More people were killed in Sacramento County by drivers who fled the scene than in Orange County the sixth-most populous county in the nation and 31 people here died in hit-and-run crashes last year, the highest number going back at least a decade, according to a Sacramento Bee analysis of local and state law enforcement records, as well as records kept by the Sacramento coroner. A vast majority of cases go unsolved. Arrests are made in roughly 10% of hit-and-run crashes nationwide, studies show, and in cases in which an arrest is made, it is often made quickly or when the driver turns themselves in. isotype chart Anguished families erect billboards and plead for witnesses to come forward. They create email tip lines and reward funds. But most have concluded that justice will never be theirs, that the police have moved on to investigating crimes that receive more public attention, that they have been forgotten. Villasenor was raised in an orphanage. He owned a hamburger stand as a young adult before settling into landscaping, eventually running his own business and helping to build dozens of parks in the Sacramento region. He took his children to Disneyland and to the Yucatan for summer vacations. His family never wanted for anything. He was an outstanding man, Colquitt said. He was a good father. Three years after her fathers death, Colquitt writes down the license plates of every red SUV she sees. She checks for broken headlights or damage to the front end, and she often calls the police if she thinks theres a chance its the vehicle that killed her dad. Weve heard about so many (hit-and-runs) and it breaks my heart every time, she said. The people out there that are going through this You live day by day, hoping for justice that never comes. county chart Why drivers flee a crash scene Lisa Wiley is not motivated by vengeance when she thinks about the person who killed her son. Im looking for justice, she said, but Im also looking for the person who did this, for their soul to be saved. And if I met them, she said, I would give them a hug. Robert Lee Jenson, 40, was walking back to his mothers Carmichael home from a food and liquor market on June 20, 2022. It was a few minutes after dusk on the longest day of the year, and the temperature was still in the high 80s as an early summer stretch of warm weather descended on the region. Jenson crossed Fair Oaks Boulevard where it meets El Camino Avenue, an awkward intersection where two of the areas busiest four-lane thoroughfares meet. There isnt a crosswalk on the north side of the intersection, and Jenson may have walked diagonally to cross Fair Oaks Boulevard, his mother said. Lisa Wiley gets emotional in February while standing at the intersection where her son, Robert Jenson, was killed in by a hit-and-run driver in 2022. Hector Amezcua/hamezcua@sacbee.com Wiley woke up the next morning and her son wasnt home. She called 911 and reported him missing. The police called her at 7 p.m. to tell her that her son had been found dead without his identification, his body discovered on the sidewalk in front of a small bus stop and an auto body shop on Fair Oaks Boulevard. He had been killed in a hit-and-run crash. Hell never come to my door again and tell me he loves me, she said. Jensons life was not easy. His father died when he was a toddler. He and his wife were separated. He was recovering from an accident a few weeks earlier, when he rolled his truck while swerving to avoid a deer. Now his mother is alone as she seeks justice. Unsatisfied with the investigation into her sons killing, Wiley paid $2,500 to erect a billboard next to the auto body shop. The billboard offers an award and a plea for the drivers penitence: GOD SEES WHOS INVOLVED, it reads. It seems like an act of pure evil driving away after running over a pedestrian without stopping to help. Yet the decision to flee from a traumatic event in which another human being has lost their life is likely rooted more in psychology than a drivers penchant to kill. A fearful or traumatic experience such as striking a pedestrian with a car activates the brains amygdala, which leads the driver to either fight, flee or freeze, said Sharon Furtak, a behavioral neuroscientist and professor at California State University, Sacramento. Instead of concentrating on who they hit and what their condition is, they are in a moment of fighting intense fear and concentrating on how its going to impact them, Furtak said. And if they have any background where having police involvement is going to be a problem, that is going to make them focus on an innate response of self preservation. Julia Griswold, a researcher with the Safe Transportation Research and Education Center at the University of California, Berkeley, helped lead a study that examined 10 years of pedestrian deaths. Her research and other studies show that drivers responsible for deadly hit-and-runs were likely to be young men with prior traffic violations or a license suspension. When drivers were caught, positive blood content (for alcohol) and a prior DUI significantly increased the risk of leaving the scene, Griswold said. Drivers were also less likely to flee when their victims were very young or very old, Griswold said. Of the 107 victims in Sacramento County over the past five years whose identity and age is known, very few were under the age of 20 or older than 75. And given that so many drivers in fatal hit-and-run crashes remain free, the likelihood of engaging in the behavior again is going to be increased, Furtak said. Its similar to a child getting away with consistently bad behavior because they havent been punished. Some of these hit-and-runs, it may not be their only time, Furtak said. Its basic reinforcement learning. If you flee the scene and dont get caught and theres never been a consequence, that behavior has been reinforced and its likely to happen again. Investigators run into some of the same challenges when trying to find those responsible for a fatal hit-and-run crash as they do when investigating a gang shooting or other violent crime. Oftentimes theres just a lack of witnesses, and when there are witnesses, theres a reluctance of those witnesses to speak up because they feel like there might be repercussions, said Officer Margarito Mezo with the California Highway Patrol. When there are witnesses to a crash, a new California law that went into effect on Jan. 1 could help law enforcement find the driver. A bill authored by Assemblyman Jim Patterson, R-Fresno, revived the states dormant Yellow Alert system, which allows the California Highway Patrol and CalTrans to broadcast license plate numbers and descriptions of vehicles involved in hit-and-run crashes on freeway digital signs, similar to the Amber Alert system. Through May 15, however, the Yellow Alert system has been used just once, helping to apprehend a hit-and-run driver in Los Angeles County, according to the California Highway Patrol. The alert system has been particularly effective for children who have been taken in custody disputes and kidnappings, Patterson said. We just thought it was a good idea. I wish it was being used more. map How can hit-and-runs be prevented? In many cases, hit-and-run drivers disappear into the night without anyone seeing them. And even when there are witnesses, investigators often have little to work with. That was the case when the driver of a truck struck and killed John Saelee as he was riding his bicycle home with a friend from an evening shift at a Panda Express in Elk Grove. It was nearly 11 p.m. on April 21, 2022, and the pair were careful to ride in the northbound bike lane of Elk Grove Florin Road, a five-lane artery cutting through the sprawl of a booming suburb where cars often speed. As Saelee approached Bridalsmith Drive, he was struck by what investigators described as a white work truck, possibly a Ford pickup. The right side passenger mirror of the truck was found at the scene. Saelee died three days later. Monica Saelee, Johns sister, said her brothers friend told police that the truck was coming from the opposite direction as the pair of cyclists, swerving across the road. The driver slowed down after striking John, then sped off as his friend approached the truck, trying to read the license plate. I just think its super messed up that he didnt take responsibility, she said of the driver. I would say a million things to him, but none of them are appropriate. Flooded by grief, Saelees parents left the city they had called home for more than 25 years one month later and moved to Oklahoma. They have been trying to live on and cope with it and stay out of that depression, Monica Saelee said. But they needed a fresh start. They just wanted to get away from California. California has far more lenient penalties for those convicted of leaving the scenes of deadly crashes than some other states. And recent efforts to increase the penalties have been killed by the state legislature. Those convicted of killing someone in California can face sentences of up to four years. Hit-and-run drivers in some states, including Nevada and Connecticut, could be imprisoned for up to 20 years, according to data from the American Automobile Association. A law proposed in California authored by Patterson would have increased the prison sentences judges could hand out for those convicted of deadly hit-and-run crashes. Gavins Law was named after beloved Clovis Unified vice principal Gavin Gladding, who was killed in a hit-and-run crash in 2018. Police said the driver had fled the scene to avoid a DUI arrest and was found to have hidden evidence of the crash. The driver was sentenced to three years in prison and was released after 13 months. Had he remained at the scene and been determined to be drunk, he likely would have been sentenced to far longer. Were trying to close that perverse loophole in the law, Patterson said. If they find an individual was likely impaired, hid evidence, tried to get others to cover it up and left the scene without giving aid, then it would be a judges discretion to add two or four or maybe six years to a sentence. The bill passed the states Assembly public safety committee in March, but failed to pass out of the pivotal appropriations committee last month. That was the third time the bill has failed since Patterson first introduced it in 2019. While longer prison sentences bring a stronger sense of justice to victims families, some experts say harsher penalties will have a limited impact on preventing hit-and-run crashes and argue government officials should focus more energy on increasing pedestrian and cyclist safety. Griswold, the Berkeley researcher, said its unlikely drivers even know what a states penalties are when calculating whether to flee the scene of a fatal crash. My personal opinion is that I dont think having steeper consequences for hit-and-runs is the way to go, Griswold said. Preventing that crash in the first place, thats the most important thing and designing a transportation system where severe and fatal injuries do not happen. That may never happen on thoroughfares such as Elk Grove Florin Road, in essence a mini expressway, its lanes of traffic serving thousands of commuters who each day speed past walled-off subdivisions and strip malls. The Sacramento region is carved into pieces by other dangerous roads: Stockton Boulevard, Florin Road, Watt Avenue. Even on Waterman Road, where for long stretches the landscape is so deserted the Sierra Nevada are in view, someone taking the garbage cans inside after a family dinner isnt safe from Sacramentos hit-and-run epidemic. Colquitt sits on the edge of her bed at night. The weight of what her family has endured is impossible to control. She cares for her mother, who is now bedridden. She must constantly console her granddaughter, who was barely a toddler when Edward Villasenor was killed but appears to remember that night. She knows the number: 273 feet. Thats how far her father was dragged by that red SUV. 273 feet. I always think, what if they stopped? she said, her thoughts now on the driver. What if he stopped when he first hit him? He might still be alive. She is crying now, controlled by the memories once again. If they had stopped, she said, hed probably be alive today. Photo taken on Oct. 7, 2020 shows the Tencent building in Nanshan District of Shenzhen, south China's Guangdong Province. [Photo/Xinhua] Chinese brands bucked the downward trend and sustained robust growth momentum in the post-pandemic era, according to a report released by the international market research firm Kantar on Wednesday. A total of 14 Chinese brands feature in the 2023 BrandZ Top 100 Most Valuable Global Brands rankings against the backdrop of a decrease in the overall brand value of 100 global brands on the chart. Tencent and Alibaba ranked seventh and 14th in the overall rankings, registering brand values of 141.02 billion U.S. dollars and 91.9 billion U.S. dollars, respectively. "Chinese brands have become a part of their lifestyles for global consumers, which we think is a very important breakthrough," Doreen Wang, Global Chair of Kantar BrandZ, told a press briefing. From "Made in China" to "Created in China" and from selling products to story-telling, Chinese brands have achieved remarkable transformations through innovation efforts and brand growth initiatives. There has been a positive change in the perception of Chinese brands among global consumers, from low-price for low-quality to low-price for medium- and high-quality, Sirius Wang, Kantar Greater China CPO & Kantar Marketplace Greater China CEO, said at the press briefing. The success of Chinese fast-fashion brand SHEIN, which entered the list for the first time, as well as the robust performance of Chinese e-commerce platform Tmall, have contributed to the change, Sirius Wang added, noting that their success paves the way for more Chinese brands to venture overseas. In fact, Chinese brands going global has entered an imperative stage, said Lynn Zhang, who is managing director of Kantar China. On the one hand, more and more medium- and small-scale enterprises, in addition to established Chinese brands, are riding the waves of internationalization. On the other hand, Chinese companies going overseas have transformed from selling products to selling brands over the past few years. Going high-end is also one of the advantages of Chinese brands, said Lynn, citing China's home appliance giant Haier as an example. Seeking a high-grade market can help brands not only differentiate themselves from their competitors, but also improve brand awareness among high-end consumers, Lynn added. In terms of calculations, the brand value is the multiplication of financial value by brand contribution of each company featuring in the top 100 of the rankings. The 2023 BrandZ Top 100 Most Valuable Global Brands rankings saw Apple retain its crown as the world's most valuable brand, with Google and Microsoft ranked second and third, respectively. Letters to the Editor: Admit it, Republican candidates: You want Trump convicted Former President Trump leaves Doral, Fla., for his arraignment on federal charges in Miami on June 13. (Jim Rassol / Associated Press) To the editor: Most prominent Republicans especially those seeking the GOP presidential nomination are waxing even more disingenuous than usual in addressing former President Trump's federal indictment. ("GOP leaders are playing with fire by impugning Trump indictment," editorial, June 13) What they say: It reflects the Biden administration's weaponization of the Justice Department, which seeks to eliminate the 2024 GOP presidential candidate with the best poll numbers. What they privately believe: Far and away the best hope for the GOP to retake the presidency is to have Trump removed from contention, either by defeat in the primary or because he faces criminal charges. The truth that Republicans dare not speak is that Biden's reelection bid can be thwarted by one or more likely GOP candidates but not by Trump himself. Devra Mindell, Santa Monica .. To the editor: According to the federal indictment, there are 17 "top secret" and 54 "secret" documents that provide part of the basis for charging Trump. The GOP, as a group, is taking the position that Trump is being victimized by the Biden administration, and what he's done should not cause the legal action against him. Maybe theyre right. Given this, Republican leaders should look at these documents and inform the public of what they found. If the documents are worthy of public display, then they should intercede with the Justice Department and insist that the documents all be made available. Then everyone would know for sure that this prosecution is a waste of taxpayer dollars and is really just an attempt to prevent Trump from returning to the Oval Office. What could be more to the point? Doug Tennant, Dana Point .. To the editor: I would like to ask for a clarification from Republicans who condemn the Trump indictment. Do you contend that Trump didnt do the acts alleged in the indictment? Or that even if he did them, those acts do not constitute a crime? Or even if he did these acts and those acts constitute crimes, he should not be prosecuted? If the answer is the last option, then for exactly which crimes committed after leaving office is an ex-president immune from prosecution? Tony Castanares, Hollywood .. To the editor: Trump was not indicted and charged with 37 felony counts because he's a Republican. He allegedly broke the law because, according to the indictment, he lied to investigators and refused to return the documents to the government. If we are a nation of laws, then why are Republicans trying to make Trump exempt from them? Donald Peppars, Pomona This story originally appeared in Los Angeles Times. Inauspicious start for Gorell During his first six months in office, Ventura County Supervisor Jeff Gorell has taken credit where none is due, ditched local campaign limits, and is being investigated by the FPPC for violations of state law. He pushed for a vote to end a public health emergency order despite Governor Gavin Newsom already announcing months before that the order would expire. He led the charge to abandon local campaign contributions and dramatically increase the amount of special interest money that can flow into his re-election account starting now. And because Gorell underreported the fair market value of office space during his primary and general election campaigns, the matter has been sent to the Fair Political Practices Commission. Some honeymoon. Joan Edwards, Westlake Village The minority is getting its way Re: Lloyd Forresters June 12 letter, Amendment attempt is a waste: Mr. Forrester makes a good point: 30 states are pro-gun; five of those states (Idaho, Wyoming, Montana and North and South Dakota) have a population of less than 6 million people. They are represented by 10 senators. California has a population over six times greater than all five and is represented by two senators. This is why the minority can get their way in both enacting laws and electing our president. The majority of people in America want something done to alleviate the problem with guns in America but as you can see, it will never happen. Morris Scoggin, Ventura Welcome change in admissions? The Supreme Court often releases controversial opinions before going on summer recess. This term will be no different, as the two affirmative action cases involving Harvard and the University of North Carolina will be released in just a few weeks. The predicted outcome would overturn decades of established practices in an effort to end reverse discrimination, but most agree little will change after the decision. Schools will simply pivot, changing the names of practices of what are in effect quotas, and continue the status quo to prevent the public shame of having only Asian and white students. It is similar to what schools did in the South and suburbia nationwide after Brown v. Board of Education in 1954. Ventura County has its own history with forced integration, but that is another story. As the tone of this letter suggests, I believe the decisions will be a favorable change to the admissions landscape, regardless of implementation. Court observers often reference Chief Justice Roberts 2007 line the way to stop discrimination on the basis of race is to stop discriminating on the basis of race, which despite its naivete rings true. Bias, conscious or otherwise, will always exist in human societies, but one way to tamp down its effects is to remove government coercion from the equation. I hope, however foolishly, that a downstream effect of the decisions will be an decrease of racial guilt promoted by public and private schools alike. White and light-skinned people of color ought not carry cultural shame for decisions made by their ancestors generations ago. The sins of the father are not passed to the son. Elwood Lake, Camarillo This article originally appeared on Ventura County Star: Letters: Bad start for Gorell; minority is ruling; affirmative action Letters to the Editor: 'Oh, there goes yet another crooked L.A. City Council member' L.A. City Councilman Curren Price listens to public comments during a meeting at City Hall on Tuesday. (Myung J. Chun / Los Angeles Times) To the editor: After the convictions of former City Councilmen Mitchell Englander, Jose Huizar and Mark Ridley-Thomas, and with the recent indictment of current City Councilman Curren Price, I'm not sure the reaction in some quarters will be, "Oh, there goes another crooked Black politician," as columnist Erika D. Smith says it might be. Rather, the reaction will be more damaging to local democracy: "Oh, there goes yet another crooked L.A. City Council member." Meanwhile, the progressive wing of the City Council remains untainted by any perception of malfeasance. Thus even Mayor Karen Bass' initiatives and the views of those city residents who might prefer more centrist approaches to homelessness, public safety and other pressing needs are hobbled. City Hall must avoid even the appearance of conflict of interest by prohibiting spouses, family members and friends of elected officials to lobby or advise city government. At the risk of being labeled an absolutist, this prohibition should also apply to Assembly Speaker Anthony Rendon's (D-Lakewood) wife, and also relatives and friends of executive, legislative and judicial branch officials at all levels of government. Christopher Rose, Los Angeles .. To the editor: Over the last three years, four City Council members were convicted of crimes or have faced charges. One was driven out by a racism scandal; two have been ostracized by same. Let's not forget the FBI raids at the Los Angeles Department of Water and Power headquarters. While human beings continue to pile up on our sidewalks and much of the city is carpeted with trash and weeds, developers have no problem finding ample palms to grease so they can continue building unaffordable apartments and luxury hotels. My question is this: How has U.S. Ambassador to India and former Mayor Eric Garcetti, who ran City Hall during much of this corruption and was every developer's best friend, managed to fail upward? Diane Weiss, Los Angeles .. To the editor: I am very sad to say that Los Angeles is approaching Chicago as having the most corrupt city government in the United States. It is a distinction that no one should be proud of. We need stronger ethics laws, some with real teeth, and a more active city watchdog. Sadly, even those might not be enough. Honesty in government is a distant dream. Carolyn Weiss, Torrance .. To the editor: It is a particular tragedy that low-income minorities need to depend on leaders like Price to fight their battles. They are the ones who suffer after losing effective representation. When politicians from more financially secure districts get caught in these scandals, it does not affect their constituents in the same way, because they are not as crucial to their voters' lives. It's shameful that politicians like Price allegedly cannot understand that. Doug Weiskopf, Burbank .. To the editor: Smith says there are no simple answers to cure the ills of city politics. There is one: honest politicians. It's a simple solution that's just hard to find. Roy Bagdasarian, Playa del Rey .. To the editor: Wasnt it just a few months ago that Price said that some of the Latino residents displaced by the Los Angeles Police Department's bungling of illegal fireworks disposal and forced to live in local hotels were "gaming the system"? Looks like he may have been doing some serious gaming himself. Felipe Hernandez, Glendale This story originally appeared in Los Angeles Times. Trump loyalist Lindsey Graham was back in the running for the former presidents most vocal cheerleader in the Senate this week after he warned a CNN reporter that the GOP would revolt if Donald Trump were to face a third criminal indictment relating to January 6. The South Carolina Republican, who actually made a show of publicly breaking with Mr Trump in the hours after the attack on the Capitol only to glom back onto the bandwagon when things cooled down, spoke in the halls of Congress this week after the former president was formally arraigned in a Miami courtroom for the alleged illegal retention of presidential records and classified documents. Mr Graham told CNNs Manu Raju that [i]f the special counsel indicts President Trump in Washington DC for anything related to January 6th, that will be considered a major outrage by Republicans because you could convict any Republican of anything in Washington DC." It was a warning that served to outline the GOPs commitment to pushing (without a shred of evidence) the idea that the Justice Department has been politically weaponised by Democrats against Republicans, a charge fiercely denied by the agencys leadership itself and contradicted by the public actions of President Joe Biden, who has categorically refused to comment on active investigations and maintained that he refuses to be briefed on them as well. Lindsey Graham warns: "If the special counsel indicts President Trump in Washington, DC for anything related to January 6th, that will be considered a major outrage by Republicans because you could convict any Republican of anything in Washington DC." pic.twitter.com/5fYGwsy6o1 Manu Raju (@mkraju) June 14, 2023 Mr Trump actually faces two separate criminal investigations stemming from his efforts to overturn the lawful results of the 2020 election. One, headed by Jack Smith, is being run out of Washington DC, where thousands of his supporters attacked the US Capitol in an effort to prevent Congress from certifying his election defeat. Another is being headed up by District Attorney Fani Willis of Fulton County, Georgia, where investigators are looking into the presidents efforts to change the results of Georgias presidential election vote. Even as the GOP wrestles with their own who contend that the January 6 attack was not a serious incident, and that the lives of Vice President Mike Pence and various lawmakers on Capitol Hill were not in danger, Mr Graham is faced with accusations himself of refusing to support any effort to hold Mr Trump accountable for his very public actions due to fear of upsetting the Republican base in his state. This interview is likely to deepen those charges, given that Mr Graham himself was reported by The Washington Post to have attempted to order Capitol Police officers to open fire with lethal rounds on rioters during the attack. The senator saw those accusations voiced over the weekend by former CIA director James Clapper, who called him a spineless coward. It makes me angry when I hear people like Lindsey Graham make excuses and apologies for Donald Trump," Mr Brennan said during an appearance on MSNBC. Those are the words of a spineless coward, quite frankly, who is frightened by Donald Trump and is frightened by those individuals who still cling to an image of Donald Trump as being this very strong leader, which he is not. The former president was arraigned on Tuesday in the probe into his handling of classified materials on violations of the Espionage Act and witness tampering, among other crimes. He is separately accused of 34 counts of falsifying business records in New York. Flag of Lithuania The United Kingdom, Norway, the Netherlands, Denmark, Sweden, and Iceland will pitch in. Lithuania persistently comes up with ways to support Ukraine. The air capabilities provided by seven nations will support Ukraines ability to protect its critical infrastructure, civilian population, and military personnel, Defence Minister Arvydas Anusauskas said. It is the first of five military assistance packages for Ukraine within the second stage of the International Fund for Ukraine (IFU) funding mechanism launched by the UK. Seven partner nations have already collected almost EUR 608 million ($660 million) for the IFU. Attack and reconnaissance drones were bought during the first stage. They are being produced now and will be delivered to Ukraine this summer. The UK-led defense alliance of several European countries earlier announced a new military assistance package for Ukraine, including radar to protect against indiscriminate Russian strikes, as well as guns, and a significant amount of ammunition. The Netherlands also announced that it will strengthen Ukraines air defense with four VERA-EG radars worth EUR 150 million ($162.5 million). 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 Duane Owen was executed tonight after the U.S. Supreme Court denied the Palm Beach County killers last-minute appeal on Wednesday afternoon. Owen was executed at 6:14 p.m. at Florida State Prison in Raiford for the 1984 bludgeoning death of Georgianna Worden at her Boca Raton home. Worden was a 38-year-old executive secretary and mother of two. Owen killed her while her children slept nearby. He also received the death penalty in the stabbing death of 14-year-old Karen Slattery, whom he had killed two months earlier while she babysat two children in Delray Beach. Gov. Ron DeSantis signed the death warrant in Worden's case only. Justice Clarence Thomas denied the chance for the full court to hear Owen's argument. What Karen Slattery's sister said: Duane Owen executed in killings of babysitter, mom Duane Owen's final statement before his execution Duane Owen, when asked in the death chamber minutes before he died whether he had any last words, he said, No. The killer of two Palm Beach County residents did, however, leave a final statement, albeit puzzling. He left it with authorities at 7:45 a.m. not long after he woke up on his final day. Owen was executed the evening of June 15, 2023, by lethal injection nearly four decades after he murdered 14-year-old babysitter Karen Slattery in Delray and 38-year-old mother of two, Georgianna Worden, in Boca Raton. Both killings happened in spring 1984. He was sentenced to death in Slatterys case one year later and in Wordens in 1986. It took 38 years. Duane Owen put to death today in Florida Duane Owen was executed by lethal injection at 6:14 p.m. without a hitch decades after he murdered a 14-year-old babysitter and a 38-year-old mother in Palm Beach County in 1984. Owen bludgeoned to death Georgianna Worden, an executive secretary and mother of two, at her Boca Raton home two months after slashing Karren Slattery to death as she watched over two children in Delray Beach. Both were brutally killed while children slept nearby. Gov. Ron DeSantis signed Owen's death warrant in early May but delayed the execution briefly for a mental health evaluation after Owen's attorneys contended was mentally unfit to be executed. Only two other Palm Beach County death sentences have ended in execution since the death penalty was reinstated in 1976. What was Duane Owen's last meal before execution? Duane Owens last hours were spent alone Thursday. He woke up at 7 a.m. and had his last meal at 9:45 a.m. It was a bacon cheeseburger without a bun, onion rings, strawberries, a vanilla milkshake and coffee. Corrections officials allow the meals to cost up to $40. Some family members of the victims, Karen Slattery and Georgianna Worden, will witness the execution, but Department of Corrections officials would not say who they were. Owen had no visits from a member of the clergy, friends or family. Owen has spent the last 38 years on death row for the deaths of Karen Slattery and Georgianna Worden Two hours before the execution of Duane Owen and with thunderstorms near, the area designated for protesters was empty. Duane Owen, now 62, was 24 years old when he was sentenced to death in 1985. Owen has spent the last 38 years on death row, which is nearly double the 21-year national average of time spent on death row according to the Death Penalty Information Center. Gov. Ron Desantis signed Owens death warrant on May 16. Owen was found guilty of stabbing and killing Karen Slattery, a 14-year-old Delray Beach babysitter, in 1985. Slattery was looking after two children when Owen killed her in 1984. A judge gave Owen another death sentence just a year later, in 1986, for breaking into the Boca Raton home of Georgianna Worden, a mom of two, and beating her to death with a hammer. Owen execution will be fourth in Florida this year Kayla McLaughlin, director of communications at the Florida Department of Corrections, briefs the media hours ahead of the Duane Owen execution. She was across the street from the Florida State Prison campus where Owen and other prisoners are housed. Owens execution will be the fourth in Florida this year. This years executions are the first since the roughly three-year pause on executions due to the COVID-19 pandemic. On Feb. 23, Donald Dillbeck, 59, was executed for the 1990 Tallahassee murder of Faye Vann. The second execution this year followed almost two months later, when Louis Bernard Gaskin, 56, was executed on April 12 for killing a Palm Coast couple in 1989. On May 3, Darryl Barwick, 56, was executed for the 1986 Panama City murder of Rebecca Wendt. How will Owen be executed? At 6 p.m. tonight, Duane Owen will be strapped to a gurney in the execution chamber at Florida State Prison and will be injected with a three-drug cocktail. The three-drug mixture used for lethal injections in Florida consists of an sedative, a paralytic and heart-stopping drugs. The first is etomidate, an anesthetic drug. The second pancuronium bromide, which paralyzes his lungs. The third drug is potassium chloride, which stops the heart. A saline solution with ensure the drugs are pushed through Owens' system. This article originally appeared on Palm Beach Post: Florida execution: Duane Owen's final words before he was put to death A new political action committee plans to pour money into the Texas Senate race next year in an effort to oust Sen Ted Cruz (R-TX). Sean Haynes, the founder of the organisation, told Axios that the Lose Cruz group would serve as a good old fashioned attack machine to expose all of Ted Cruz's deplorable actions and the consequences of them. The move comes as Rep Colin Allred (D-TX) announced that he would challenge the two-term incumbent senator and one-time candidate for the Republican nomination for president in 2016. So far, the organisation will not throw its support behind Mr Allred, but rather focus more on opposing Mr Cruz. The effort will also include efforts from Sawyer Hackett, an adviser to former San Antonio Mayor Julian Castros presidential campaign, abortion rights activist Olivia Julianna and Abbi Rahman, who worked for Beto ORourkes gubernatorial campaign last year, The Texas Tribune reported. I think one of the few times that Americans across the aisle are united is when we're talking about how much we dislike Ted Cruz, Ms Julianna told Axios. The effort comes as Mr Cruz seeks a third term in the US Senate. In 2018, he narrowly beat Mr ORourke. But that race came during Donald Trumps presidency, whereas Mr Cruz will be on the ballot in a presidential year in a state President Joe Biden lost. Mr Cruz, for his part, dismissed the new effort. Its not surprising that Democrats are already starting to pour money into Colin Allreds campaign, a Cruz spokesperson told Axios. He has no name ID and is running on a radical leftist record that Texans have rejected time and time again. Allred is a reflection of the current state of the Democrat Party in Texas: unpopular, unknown, and hopeless. Currently, Mr Allred is the only Democratic candidate for Senate in Texas. State Sen Roland Gutierrez, who represents Uvalde, is also considering a run. The Cook Political Report has rated the race as Likely Republican Hip-hop legend Juvenile was presented with a congressional resolution to honor the New Orleans natives contributions to the hip-hop and Black community. Rep. Troy Carter (D-La.) presented Juvenile, born Terius Gray, with the honor Wednesday. In his resolution, Carter, also a New Orleans native, noted Grays accomplishments in his music career in and out of his home city, saying that the rapper is recognized as a trailblazer of the Southern style of hip hop. Gray became a household name as the flagship artist of then-fledging record label Cash Money Records, founded by the brother duo Ronald Slim Williams and Bryan Birdman Williams, and a member of the labels Hot Boy group with fellow labelmate Lil Wayne in the 1990s and early 2000s. Gray, whose third album, 1998s 400 Degreez, was certified four-times platinum by the Recording Industry Association of America, also achieved success on the Billboard charts with hit singles such as Ha, Back That Azz Up, and No. 1 hit Slow Motion, featuring late rapper Soulja Slim. This will live in the Library of Congress forever. This talks about your contribution to hip-hop, your contribution to the culture of Louisiana, and more specifically New Orleans. May you always encourage us to Back That Azz Up, Carter said, when presenting the resolution to Gray, who had his family and longtime producer and friend Mannie Fresh by his side. This is the second honor the New Orleans native has received this month after the Louisiana State Legislature unanimously passed a resolution to honor the rapper for his contribution to the hip-hop community and culture. Juvenile, who recently launched his own alcoholic beverage, also gained national attention for performing Back That Azz Up at a Tom Steyer presidential campaign event in 2020. Steyer, who danced on the stage with Gray, dropped out of the 2020 race the following day. Juvenile is most deserving of the highest recognition for proudly representing the city of New Orleans and the state of Louisiana as a globally recognized musical artist, Carter added in his resolution. I am proud to acknowledge Terius Juvenile Gray for his musical and cultural contributions, recognizing his pivotal role in popularizing the New Orleans Bounce style of music around the world, extending sincerest wishes that he continues to flourish in all of his endeavors, both in Louisiana and across the Country. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill. The Lubbock County Courthouse. A 33-year-old Lubbock man was sentenced to 45 years in prison after he admitted to sexually assaulting and raping two women in separate attacks a day apart six years ago. Thomas Lee Ponce pleaded guilty last week to three counts of aggravated sexual assault and one count of burglary of a habitation with intent of sexual assault. The charges were filed in two separate indictments involving two separate victims. He faced an enhanced punishment range of 15 years to life in prison. As part of his plea deal with the Lubbock County District Attorney's Office he was sentenced to 45 years in prison for each count, which will run concurrently. He will also have to register as a sex offender for life if he is released from prison. He will be eligible for parole after serving half of his sentence. Ponce entered his plea via video conference from the Lubbock County Detention Center, where he has been held since June 17, 2017. The case against Ponce resulted from a Lubbock police sexual assault investigation that began on June 14, 2017 in the 2400 Block of Mac Davis Lane. A woman told police she escaped from her apartment after she was raped by an intruder, an arrest warrant states. The woman told police the man, who investigators later identified as Ponce, approached her as she finished exercising at her apartment complex's onsite gym, greeted her then struck her in the left eye. She said the man got behind her and threatened to cut her throat if she didn't cooperate. The woman said her attacker forced her to lead him into her apartment where he bound her with an electrical cord, blindfolded her then ransacked her apartment after saying he needed a condom, saying they were going to have "consensual sex." She said the man raped her repeatedly before falling asleep. She was able to gain the man's trust by making multiple trips to the kitchen alone and started cooking. While the man slept, the woman unlocked her front door, ran to the complex's office and asked an employee to call the police. The man briefly chased her before running away. A security camera video from the apartment complex showed Ponce running out of the building's west-side exit the same time Lubbock EMS arrived at the scene. While investigating the case, detectives learned Lubbock County Sheriff's investigators identified Ponce as a suspect in a separate sexual assault case from the day before. In that case, Ponce admitted to breaking into a woman's home and sexually assaulting her. According to the warrant, the woman identified distinct tattoos on her attacker that resembled Ponce's. That separate investigation resulted in the charge of burglary of a habitation with intent to commit sexual assault and one of the aggravated sexual assault charges against him. A day after the assault, then-Lubbock police Chief Greg Stevens asked for the public's help to find Ponce. Investigators got a tip he was in the area of First Street and University Avenue. Officers searched the neighborhood and found Ponce, who ran away, but was caught near the 2600 block of First Street. Ponce's criminal history Ponce was last arrested in March 2016 after he was accused of abducting his ex-girlfriend's sister at gunpoint at a home in the 2300 block of First Street. In that case, investigators believe Ponce, armed with a pistol, was searching for his ex-girlfriend and forced his way into a home with three people, including his ex-girlfriend's sister, inside. The ex-girlfriend was not at the home and no one there knew where she was, a police report states. After threatening to shoot everyone, Ponce struck one person in the head with his pistol, shot at a wall and abducted his ex-girlfriend's sister to help him find her. Lubbock police responded to the area and found Ponce, who ran away. Police chased him into a mobile home park in the 2300 block of Auburn Street where they found him hiding under a mobile home. He was arrested and booked into the Lubbock County Detention Center on multiple charges. He was indicted on a first-degree felony count of burglary of a habitation with intent of aggravated assault. However, that case was refiled and Ponce pleaded guilty in January 2017 to class A misdemeanor charges of unlawful carrying of a weapon and evading arrest and an unrelated misdemeanor charge of burglary of a vehicle. He was sentenced to 300 days in jail and had a jail credit of 317 days, court records state. Class A misdemeanors carry a punishment of up to a year in jail. He also pleaded guilty to an unrelated second-degree felony count of fraudulent use of identifying information and was sentenced to two years in prison, which was used to enhance his punishment in the sexual assault cases. He was released on mandatory supervision in March 2017, court records state. Prosecutor Barron Slack described Ponce's cases as one of the worst he's seen, saying the evidence showed Ponce had no regard for anyone. "The willingness to seek out a victim you don't know, assault that person, be alone with that person, break into that person's house, beat them up, sexually assault them, that's not that common, this guy was very willing and ready to do that and did do that," he said. "He demonstrated a heightened desire to commit violence, to do kind of audacious things and break into places, a real disregard for anything or anybody, any sexual assault is heinous, there were particular facts here that were maybe especially so." He said the victims in both cases were satisfied with Ponce's punishment. "They're very pleased with the outcome, not having to go to trial but still having him get a very lengthy, probably unsurvivable prison sentence," he said. "That's what we want." This article originally appeared on Lubbock Avalanche-Journal: Thomas Ponce sentenced to 45 years Lukashenko to be tried in The Hague for same crimes as Putin, says Ukrainian ex-envoy to Belarus Alexander Lukashenko in Moscow, May 25, 2023 Regarding what warrants will be issued for arrest, detention and charges, I see no difference between Putin or Lukashenkos crimes, he said. And they will both answer as allies and organizers of aggression against Ukraine. Both Putin and Lukashenko will be held accountable for both crimes against their own people and crimes against Ukrainians, as they have unleashed a war that has been going on for 10 years, using their information sources to fool the world, the diplomat believes. Read also: Ukrainians not being released from prisons in Belarus even after their term ends In response to a request to list the crimes for which Lukashenko should be held accountable, Bezsmertnyi said: Such crimes that concern children, followed by rape and torture. This is not a complete list of those included in this block of crimes against humanity. And in fact, the topic of crimes against children always sounds against women as well, they always sound in the first place. And in fact, why is this topic being raised now? Because the level of evidence for it in both cases, both against Putin and Lukashenko, is the highest. The reason is that when committing these crimes, both of them did not realize that the level of international criminal responsibility and the inquiry procedure in this regard are elementary in nature. Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya, the leader of the Belarusian opposition, called for an arrest warrant to be issued for Lukashenko just as one was issued for Russian dictator Vladimir Putin. She made this statement at the Kyiv Security Forum on May 26. She recalled a report which documented the deportation of Ukrainian children not only to Russia but also to Belarus. Therefore, in her opinion, the International Criminal Court should treat Lukashenko the same way it does Putin and the childrens ombudsman of the Russian Federation, Maria Lvova-Belova. Read also: Putin wants to seize not only Ukraine, but also Belarus, says Scholz 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 You are here: Business A new-energy bus is displayed at the third China International Consumer Products Expo (CICPE) in Haikou, capital city of south China's Hainan Province, April 11, 2023. [Photo/Xinhua] China's commercial vehicle sector logged robust growth in May, with the sales surging 38.2 percent year on year, industry data showed. A total of 330,000 such vehicles were sold last month, according to the China Association of Automobile Manufacturers. Meanwhile, the production of commercial vehicles jumped 42.9 percent year on year in May to 322,000 units, said the association. In the first five months of the year, China's commercial vehicle output rose 14.2 percent from the same period in 2022 to 1.63 million units, while the sales went up 13.7 percent to 1.62 million units, the data showed. [Source] Malaysia is reportedly seeking Interpols help to track comedian Jocelyn Chias location in retaliation for her joke about the missing Malaysia Airlines Flight 370 (MH370). What happened: Chia, who is Boston-born but grew up in Singapore, was performing a stand-up show at the Comedy Cellar in New York City in April when she referred to the whereabouts of MH370. In a video shared last week, Chia pokes fun at the friendly rivalry between Singapore and Malaysia and later makes a joke about airplanes, saying, [Malaysian] airplanes cannot fly. What? Malaysia Airlines going missing not funny huh? Some jokes dont land. About MH370: In March 2014, a Boeing 777 took off from Kuala Lumpur and was heading for Beijing when the plane suddenly and mysteriously fell off the radar. Malaysia, China and Australia conducted a three-year hunt for the plane, its 12 crew members and its 227 passengers, eventually drawing no conclusion in 2017. More from NextShark: Yuh-Line Niou Endorsed By Bernie Sanders for Re-Election in NY's State Assembly Controversy erupts: Chias joke drew fierce backlash in Malaysia, with Bernama, the countrys national news agency, reporting on Tuesday that local police are purportedly asking Interpol to help them locate the comedian. She is currently being investigated under Malaysian laws for incitement and offensive online content. The youth wing of one of Malaysias biggest political parties, United Malays National Organization, marched to the U.S. embassy in Kuala Lumpur on Friday to protest Chia and her joke. The groups chief, Muhamad Akmal Saleh, said that around 100 protesters and representatives gave a memorandum to the embassy. Chia's response: Speaking to BBC, Chia said she considers the recent reactions to be overblown and ridiculous, noting that she had performed the same stand-up show hundreds of times and even did a shorter version of it in Singapore. More from NextShark: SF Korean BBQ Restaurant Faces 'Dine and Dash' Customers Two Nights in a Row It always cracks the audience up. I wouldn't have used it again if it didn't work, Chia claimed, adding that her joke was taken out of context when consumed on social media. More from NextShark: Singer Utada Hikaru Reveals Nonbinary Identity, Wants More Discussions on LGBTQ Issues in Japan Enjoy this content? Read more from NextShark! YouTuber Emma Chamberlain Sparks Outrage for Racist Slant-Eye Gesture Man accused of trying to drive teen off cliff near Lake Tahoe after sexually assaulting her Alexander Difoggio-Wasson is arrested Tuesday on charges of attempted murder and sexual assault after trying to drive a car off a cliff near Lake Tahoe with a teen in the passenger seat, authorities said. (Washoe County Sheriff's Office) A 23-year-old Nevada man was arrested Tuesday on charges of attempted murder and sexual assault after trying to drive his car off a cliff near Lake Tahoe with a teenager in the passenger seat, according to the Washoe County Sheriff's Office. Alexander Difoggio-Wasson was driving the teenager whom he is accused of sexually assaulting immediately before the crash on State Route 431 near Sky Tavern Ski Resort in Reno on May 27 when he allegedly drove off the highway toward a cliff, the Sheriff's Office said. The car hit a boulder and tree, preventing it from going over the cliff, according to the Sheriff's Office. Difoggio-Wasson attempted to flee the scene but was taken into custody after a brief altercation with deputies, the Sheriff's Office said. The passenger was treated at a local hospital for her injuries. Difoggio-Wasson was initially charged with fleeing the scene of an accident, obstructing and resisting arrest and battery with a deadly weapon. He was released May 31 on bail. It wasn't until deputies investigated further that they learned that he allegedly sexually assaulted the teen and deliberately attempted to drive off the cliff, the Sheriff's Office said In addition, deputies said they learned that Difoggio-Wasson had allegedly sexually assaulted another female victim in December 2022 in Incline Village, Nev., "in a manner consistent with the May 27, 2023, assault." Incline Village lies just over the California border in Nevada. He held the other victim captive in his Incline Village home for hours before she was finally freed, according to the Sheriff's Office. He was arrested again on Tuesday and booked on two counts of sexual assault, one count of false imprisonment and one count of attempted murder . He is currently in custody of the Washoe County Sheriff's Office and is scheduled to be arraigned Thursday. Diffogio-Wasson is also a person of interest in a February date rape drug incident, the Sheriff's Office said. This story originally appeared in Los Angeles Times. Man arrested after firing shot at police in Taylor, officials say A man was arrested after shooting at police in Taylor, officials said. A man has been arrested in Taylor for firing a gun at police officers, officials said. No one was injured, according to a news release Thursday from the Taylor Police Department. Jorge Luis Serna Jr., 25, of Taylor, has been charged with aggravated assault with a deadly weapon against a public servant. The charge is a first-degree felony. The incident started at 10:46 p.m. Wednesday when officers responded to a report of shots fired in the 400 block of Lenora Drive, the release said. Jorge Luis Serna Jr. has been charged in connection to shooting a gun at a police officer in Taylor. According to the report, Serna was walking down Lenora Drive while shooting a rifle multiple times, police said. After police arrived, officers heard a single gunshot and the sound of a bullet passing near them, the release said. More: Affidavit: Man yelled gay slur at woman outside Cedar Park gas station before killing her It said witnesses saw Serna running to hide behind a car before he went into a house. Taylor police, Williamson County sheriff's deputies, Round Rock SWAT, Central Texas Regional SWAT and Hutto police surrounded the house, the release said. It said residents from a few nearby homes were evacuated and a notification system called Reverse 911 was used to advise other residents to stay in their homes. Serna came out of the house at 2:32 a.m. Thursday and was arrested, police said. They said officers never fired a shot during the incident. This article originally appeared on Austin American-Statesman: Man arrested after firing shot at police in Taylor, officials say Man jumps in lake to get loose jet ski and vanishes, officials say. Body later found A man drowned in an Alabama lake after jumping in the water to grab a jet ski that came loose, outlets report. Cody Lindsey, 36, was at a boat ramp at Smith Lake Park on June 13, Cullman County Coroner Jeremy Kilpatrick told AL.com. Lindsey saw his jet ski had come untied, and it was floating away from the dock, WVTM reported. He jumped in the water to grab it at about 4 p.m., according to AL.com. He slipped trying to grab the jet ski, WIAT reported, and began calling out for help before he went under the water. Authorities were called and told Lindsey went under the water but had not come back up, AL.com reported. Lindseys body was recovered about five hours later, WIAT reported. The drowning is under investigation by the Cullman County Sheriffs Office, WVTM reported. Family and friends shared their shock at Lindseys death on Facebook. I still dont understand, family member Amy Austin Jarrett said in a June 14 post. I just know you left us too soon bubba. Lindsey was described as a funny/caring individual with the biggest heart by those who knew him. Brittany Wilson, an old classmate of Lindseys, remembered their shared ride on the school bus in a Facebook post. He was so mischievous but a good guy at the same time, she wrote. I havent seen him since school but I scrambled to see if it was him when I saw what happened He was always one of my favorite people on the school bus. A service for Lindsey will be held in Cullman on June 16, according to an obituary in the Cullman Tribune. Smith Lake Park is about 50 miles north of Birmingham. Kansas doctor, a dad of 13, dies after rescuing daughter during Colorado rafting trip Tour boat flips in cave, sending 29 people into water and killing 1, NY officials say High school wrestlers body recovered from lake after 17-hour search, NJ officials say Tourist dies after vanishing in surf at popular South Carolina beach, officials say FILE - This March 16, 2019, booking photo provided by the Dale County Sheriff's Office, shows Coley McCraney. McCraney, who was convicted of the 1999 slaying of two teenage girls in southeast Alabama, was sentenced Thursday, June 15, 2023, to spend the rest of his life in prison. (Dale County Sheriff's Office via AP, File) OZARK, Ala. (AP) A man convicted of the 1999 slaying of two teenage girls in southeast Alabama was sentenced Thursday to spend the rest of his life in prison. Circuit Judge William Filmore officially handed down the sentence of life imprisonment without possibility of parole to Coley McCraney. The proceeding was a formality since a jury decided the sentence in April and Alabama law requires a judge abide with the jury's decision in capital cases. A jury in April convicted McCraney of capital murder for the deaths of Tracie Hawlett and J.B. Beasley, court records show. The two 17-year-olds disappeared after setting off for a party in southeastern Alabama on July 31, 1999. They never returned. Their bodies were found the next day in the trunk of Beasleys black Mazda along a road in Ozark, a city of 19,000 people about 90 miles (145 kilometers) southeast of Montgomery. Each had been shot in the head. The families of J.B. Beasley and Tracie Hawlett have prayed for over two decades that their daughters murderer would be brought to justice. While we cannot bring back their loved ones, we hope todays sentencing will bring them some level of closure, Alabama Attorney General Steve Marshall, who prosecuted the case, said in a statement. The slayings rocked the small southern city and sat for nearly 20 years without an arrest until police hired a company to run crime scene DNA through an online genealogy database. Police said they identified an extended family member and then asked McCraney to submit a DNA sample that they said matched the crime scene DNA. McCraney, a truck driver and preacher without a criminal record, was arrested in 2019. The DNA evidence was the key piece of evidence for the prosecution. McCraney testified that he had sex with Beasley but did not kill her, news outlets reported. WTVY reported that McCraney showed no emotion as he stood before the judge to hear the sentence. Defense attorneys said they plan to seek a new trial based on alleged juror misconduct We believe that some of the jurors used social media and Googled certain aspects of this case, defense attorney David Harrison said, according to the station. The Marienbrucke, a bridge over the ravine near Neuschwanstein Castle - Zeytun Travel Images/Alamy Stock Photo An American woman was killed after being thrown more than 160ft into a ravine by a man who apparently sexually assaulted her at a German castle. A second woman, who was friends with the victim, was seriously injured after she tried to intervene in the attack near Neuschwanstein Castle, which is popular with visitors and said to have inspired Walt Disney, in Bavaria on Wednesday. A suspect, reported to be a 30-year-old American national, has been arrested as police investigate the case as murder, attempted murder and sexual assault. Investigators are planning a reconstruction to examine the incident. A Bavarian prosecutor said the women encountered the man on the Marienbrucke, a pedestrian bridge that overlooks the castle, before he led them onto a trail leading to a viewpoint. In quotes reported by Bild, Thomas Hormann, the chief public prosecutor, said: The crime happened on Wednesday around 2.40pm. The two tourists happened to meet the man on a hiking tour east of the Marienbrucke and joined him. At Neuschwanstein, there was a rescue of multiple people from a helicopter and one was taken out in handcuffs, seemingly after they fell from a cliff and climbed over railings. pic.twitter.com/yVGqqSRlwX Eric Abneri (@thefrownyface) June 14, 2023 At some point, the man is said to have sexually assaulted the young woman. When her 22-year-old friend intervened, the man strangled her and threw her into a ravine below the Marienbrucke, German media reported. He then strangled the 21-year-old and pushed her into the ravine as well, it was claimed. According to the current state of knowledge, an attempted sexual offence to the detriment of the 21-year-old must be assumed, said police in a statement. The suspect was caught after a huge police operation involving 25 emergency vehicles on Wednesday afternoon and taken to a police station in nearby Fuessen, the statement added. The suspect was arrested on Wednesday When mountain rescue workers found the two women, the 22-year-old was injured but apparently able to talk. She remains in hospital, with her injuries described as serious. The 21-year-old was taken by helicopter to hospital, where she died on Wednesday night. Authorities are yet to identify the man or the two women, but all three are reported to be American. Under German law, suspects must be brought before a judge before the end of the day of their arrest if its requested that they be kept in custody. Police said a judge ordered him to be held in custody. Neuschwanstein Castle, about 65 miles south-west of Munich, is one of the most popular destinations in Europe. It is estimated that around 1.4 million people visit the castle annually, and in the summer the castle counts more than 6,000 visitors on average daily. 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. Man tried to burn down Carl's Jr. after being denied free food, police say Police arrested a man Tuesday who they say he tried to burn down a Carls Jr. restaurant in Salt Lake City after he was denied free food. | Kyle Spencer Police arrested a man Tuesday who they say tried to burn down a Carl's Jr. restaurant in Salt Lake City after being denied free food. Police say Thomas John Lingle, 65, went into a Carl's Jr., 1654 S. Redwood Road, Monday night and asked for free food. He was refused, and threatened to kill the employees before he left, according to a police booking affidavit. On Tuesday, Lingle returned to the same fast food restaurant about 4:50 p.m. and asked for a manager. He was told to wait, and then went outside and "placed several pieces of garbage and miscellaneous other combustible materials against the exterior of the occupied Carl's Jr. building and set the items on fire with a lighter," the affidavit states. Two restaurant employees went outside to see what was going on and Lingle told them, "I'm going to make you suffer," police said. The fire caused damage to the exterior of the building. As police drove away with Lingle in the back seat, Lingle saw the two employees and said, "I am going to kill them," according to the affidavit. Lingle was booked into the Salt Lake County Jail for investigation of aggravated arson and reckless burning. Lingle has a record of multiple drug, alcohol and assault-related charges. I didnt know it when I finished (every last bite of) my snapper at Out of Many Street + Sol Kitchen, but the place which had charmed me with its pre-hipster-Brooklyn vibe was essentially a dead man walking. Chef/co-owner Alexander Gonzalez had been hustling in the modest space in whats considered part of the West Lakes Main Street Program for a little more than a year but losing the battle despite the success hed seen as a pop-up. We started with small events, he tells me. Farmers markets. Bar events. Places like Broken Strings Brewery and Milk Mart. Its been a really nice mix of people. And quite a few of them found his eventual brick-and-mortar, which my colleague and I hit for lunch on a weekday about five seconds after Gonzalez turned the locks on the door. The space was simple, light and airy, with hip-hop on the speakers and a local artists mural on the cinder block. It felt like a place Id have happened into hungry on Seventh Ave., back in the early 80s, when Park Slope was showing signs that the Brooklyn Union Gas Cinderella Project was going to do what it had intended. Lindas Winter Park Diner closing after 35 years of ownership Back then, some of the neighborhoods signature brownstones were still boarded up, but on the corners, artisan bakeries and fusion taco joints were popping up. Out of Many Kitchens (yeah, the name is long) fits the bill. Gonzalez, the son of Uruguayan immigrants, began cooking at his mothers feet in New Jersey. However, when the family relocated to Central Florida and both parents began to work, he and his brother became latchkey kids. We were really dependent on one another, and for me, it was making sure we always had food. He found early success with a stuffed French toast recipe from one of his moms cookbooks. It had peanut butter, banana and bacon, he recalls. It was a power breakfast. Youd eat that, and you could get all the morning chores done. A band kid who played clarinet and wrote music, Gonzalez thought music might be a career option but caught the cooking bug in college working at TGI Fridays in Waterford Lakes. They were still cooking from scratch back then. Even the chicken tenders and mozzarella sticks were hand-breaded. So there was a lot of learning going on. From there, Gonzalez moved to the Rainforest Cafe at Disneys Animal Kingdom. It was a busy time. He learned how to work high-volume. Thats where I really began to understand how much I enjoy that atmosphere and energy, and that Im not a fancy-plate kind of guy. I appreciate that level of artisanship, of seeing beautiful things on the plate for people to eat, but I really enjoy producing food that people can dig into and enjoy doing it quickly, affordably. I want to feed everyone. While this informed the foundation of his philosophy, it would be some time before the pandemic-spawned popup came to be. Gonzalez moved on to concepts like PF Changs and Calexico, which necessitated a bit of travel New Jersey, Pennsylvania, New York City. Eventually, hed return to Central Florida and the flavors of his wonder years. I grew up in a neighborhood with a lot of Caribbean people Puerto Rican, Jamaican, Haitian, Dominican. We went to each others houses. We ate each others food. Wed go to reggae concerts, or a festival, or a party where 200 of my friends family members are playing music and dancing, and theres rum being poured. And I just loved it all. Its love you can taste on the jerk plates. When we happened in, Gonzalez was happy to explain the heat levels. My dining partners chicken sandwich was juicy, and the spice levels mild. My fish, equally tender, was tailored incendiary, but beautifully balanced. Its a rarity for jerk fish plates, where too often, the spice overpowers the protein. I love fresh fish, says Gonzalez, who gets his from Ocean Fish on Washington Street, then filets it into sizeable portions for a bath in housemade jerk marinade green onions, garlic, ginger, Scotch bonnet peppers and a host of spices along with citrus and vinegar. The heat was pronounced, but the freshness and flake of the snapper were right there beneath a layer of smooth, emulsified heat. The rice side here leans Latin, with red beans as the understudy for the more traditional pigeon peas. However, the flavor stays in its coconutty lane, and this side eschews chicken stock. Its 100 percent vegan, as is the snappy, citrusy slaw. Maduros get a hot-sugar saute and a special kiss from Scotch bonnet powder before serving. The crisp sugary crust, sexy with heat, gives way with a satisfying crack, revealing the melty plantain beneath. Yuca fries were well-cut and beautifully seasoned. And the curry chicken, Gonzalez tells me, leans Trinidadian, a nod to the many friends whose homes and families were a second version of his own growing up. Id definitely come back here, my co-worker told me, polishing off his plate. I was happy. And Gonzalez, extra attentive for a fast-casual (there werent many customers, though more would file in soon), took my card to run as a courtesy. He saw my name, and though it doesnt happen often, I was made. At least we got to eat first, my friend joked. Indeed, lunch was over and my takeout was already prepped. But the find Id hoped to share, it turned out, was gasping. Even with new folks popping in after reading Google reviews, even with delivery, Out of Many was on the edge of closing. Kiboshing the story was a heartbreaker, particularly when so many of late have been send-offs for beloved locals. So, when Gonzalez DMd with news that theyd had a stay of execution, I buoyed. After nearly 50 years serving Orlando, Le Coq au Vin closes its doors We have acquired a new investor who is providing financial and physical support, he told me. They are covered for four more months, planning a final hard push toward sustainability. Instead of a send-off, let this be an invitation 11 a.m.-9 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday. Out of many kitchens Uruguayan and Trini, Puerto Rican and Jamaican, Dominican and Haitian comes simple, fresh, solidly done grub. Give it a go. If you go Out of Many Street + Sol Kitchen: 202 S. Orange Blossom Trail in Orlando, 407-286-2846; outofmanykitchens.com Want to reach out? Find me on Twitter, TikTok or Instagram @amydroo or on the OSFoodie Instagram account @orlando.foodie. Email: amthompson@orlandosentinel.com. Join the conversation at the Orlando Sentinels Facebook food group, Lets Eat, Orlando. A Massachusetts Air National Guardsman accused in the leak of highly classified military documents was indicted by a federal grand jury Thursday for his role in distributing the information. 21-year-old Jack Teixeira was indicted on six counts of willful retention and transmission of classified information relating to the national defense, the Massachusetts Attorney Generals Office said Thursday. Teixeira allegedly accessed the classified information while working at Otis Air Force Base and then put it up on the social media platform Discord. The six charges he faces each carry a maximum 10-year prison sentence and a $250, 000 fine. The unauthorized removal, retention and transmission of classified information jeopardizes our nations security. Individuals granted access to classified materials have a fundamental duty to safeguard the information for the safety of the United States, our active service members, its citizens and its allies, said Acting United States Attorney Joshua S. Levy. We are committed to ensuring that those entrusted with sensitive national security information adhere to the law. According to the charging documents, Teixeira enlisted in the Air National Guard in September 2019 and has held a Top-Secret security clearance since 2021. Teixeira was arrested after FBI agents converged on his North Dighton home in April. In May, a federal magistrate judge ruled that Teixeira must stay behind bars as he awaits trial. Prosecutors revealed in court papers filed in May that Teixeiras superiors had raised concerns in the months before his arrest about his mishandling of classified information. He was twice admonished by superiors in September and October, and was again observed in February viewing information that was not related to his primary duty and was related to the intelligence field, according to internal Air National Guard memos filed in court. Guardsman Jack Teixeira, Pentagon leak suspect, to remain jailed as he awaits trial Investigators believe Teixeira was the leader of an online private chat group on Discord, a social media platform popular with people playing online games and where Teixeira is believed to have posted for years about guns, games and his favorite memes. An eight-page court affidavit from April detailed several steps in the FBI investigation, including an interview with a Discord user familiar with Teixeiras online posts. The document did not identify the person or say how he or she was located. But the source told the FBI that a username linked to Teixeira began posting what appeared to be classified information roughly in December in an online chat that the user said was meant for the discussion of geopolitical affairs and past and current wars. This is a developing story. Check back for updates as more information becomes available. Download the FREE Boston 25 News app for breaking news alerts. Follow Boston 25 News on Facebook and Twitter. | Watch Boston 25 News NOW In 1909, the Wickliffe Land Company created one of Lexingtons first subdivisions. The streets of Lincoln, Preston, Bassett and Sherman were lined with brick and wood bungalows standing in small gardens, built for working class families as Lexington began to grow into the new century. Now known more generally as Kenwick, the area is considered one of Lexingtons most charming and sought after places to live. But in the fine print of the house deeds was a darker reminder of the century before: It is hereby mutually covenanted between the parties hereto and their respective heirs and assigns that the property hereby conveyed shall not be subdivided and shall not be leased or sold to any colored person or negro. This 1909 plat shows the residences in what is now Kenwick that were sold with convenants that prohibited them from being sold to people of color. Known as a racially restricted covenant, these deeds were commonplace across early Lexington and the rest of the country, part of a system of laws in the wake of Reconstruction to segregate the races. No area of de jure segregation was more prevalent than housing. It included racial restricted housing deeds, also called covenants, and redlining, whereby federal loan agencies and local banks would deem certain areas of town unworthy of loans. A few decades later, federal urban renewal policies would hand down grants to improve neighborhoods, which resulted in destroying broad swathes of Black neighborhoods. The results were both immediate and far-reaching, cutting multitudes of Black citizens out of home ownership, which then created a wealth gap that exists to this day. This language is part of a racially restricted convenant placed on deeds for houses in the Kenwick area when it was first developed in 1909. It was about containment and erasure, said Rich Schein, a University of Kentucky geography professor who has researched the topic. In 1870, Schein said, Lexington still looked like its Civil War days, where the enslaved lived cheek by jowl with white people. But soon enough, Black people were either shunted to the corridors of Georgetown and Newton or the East End and rural Black hamlets while numerous Black neighborhoods, like Adamstown torn down to build Memorial Coliseum were swept away in the name of progress. None of this is new information; historians and journalists have chronicled these problems, including the Herald-Leader, which wrote series on the topics in the 1980s and 1990s. But here in Lexington, a series of serendipitous events, including a Lexington Public Library exhibit on Lexingtons redlining, a community read-along of one of the most important books about redlining and a detailed new website about Lexingtons history of housing segregation will put unprecedented attention on these topics for the first time. An aerial view of the Adamstown neighborhood in the early-mid 20th century. This is now where Memorial Coliseum stands. Facts, not guilt Segregated Lexington was created by two senior citizens who were in despair over the state of race relations in the spring of 2020, as racial justice protests over George Floyd and Breonna Taylor rocked Lexington and the rest of the country. An article called Centering Blackness: The Path to Economic Liberation for All led Barbara Sutherland and Rona Roberts, who are both white, to start pulling together information about why Lexingtons own race issues were so acute. The easiest place to start was housing because it focused on irrefutable documents rather than feelings about race and racism. This is not about making white people feel guilty, said Sutherland, a retired city employee and librarian. But it is about getting white people to understand what has led to the situation and to recognize how unfair the situation has been and how the results of that unfairness continue to this day. A major result of that kind of intentional, persistent segregation was that African Americans had much much less opportunity to build wealth through home ownership, and I think white people need to know about that. I grew up thinking up that I and my family were making it on our own steam, and I had no idea about all that had been put in place to help us get ahead that had not been given to others. Segregated Lexington is divided into sections that chronicle each of the ways Lexington legally segregated Black residents, from racially restricted convenants to redlining to zoning and realtor steering. Like every city in the South, Lexingtons fortunes were built with enslaved Black labor, people bought and sold at one of the largest slave markets in the country. After the Civil War, the city was no slouch at continuing to oppress its Black residents, who numbered nearly half the population in the post-war years. I knew things like racial covenants existed, but I was still shocked at the number of them, and how they would cover entire subdivisions, Sutherland said. Racial covenants were ruled unenforceable in 1948, but she estimates that nearly every neighborhood built before then contained them. We didnt look at Chevy Chase, for example, because we assumed there would be restrictive covenants there. What we were looking for was where ordinary working people could have afforded to live and that meant African Americans as well, she said. That means once-working class neighborhoods like Kenwick, Forest Park, Suburban Court and Goodrich were also off limits to Black residents. Redlining Segregated Lexington cites an influential short film called Segregated by Design, a succinct explanation of redlining. This was basically segregation under the aegis of two federal agencies, the Federal Housing Administration (FHA) and the Home Owners Loan Corporation (HOLC), which were created in the 1930s as part of the New Deal to help the country heal from the Great Depression. The FHA provided mortgages and the HOLC refinanced struggling homeowners. But in both cases, they were guided by local officials and by maps about where safe investments could be made. Black neighborhoods were outlined in red, with accompanying language: If a neighborhood is to retain stability, it is necessary that properties continue to be occupied by the same social and racial classes, according to the 1938 FHA underwriting manual. The FHA redlining maps have largely disappeared, but the 1938 HOLC map shows a pattern of segregation that still exists today. In green, or best, is Chevy Chase, a new neighborhood of 60 houses built in 1937. Blue is Still Desirable, and includes Ashland and South Limestone. But the yellow Definitely Declining, and red Hazardous include much of the northside, especially the East End, where disinvestment continued for decades. Much of High Street was yellow, but a lot of housing was torn down in the 1960s to make way for urban renewal. Its uncanny how much the map of 1938 foreshadows the communities that still have the highest and lowest housing values today. This 1938 map of Lexington made by the Home Owners Loan Corporation, shows which neighborhoods were considered safe for investing with home refinancing. The Green areas were Best. Blue (B) was for Still Desirable. Yellow (C) areas were deemed Definitely Declining. Red (D) neighborhoods represented Hazardous investments. The refusal of the federal government to invest in red neighborhoods created economic and racial segregation still felt today. The website notes that federal loans pushed much of the post World War II housing boom. The authors say more research is needed on exactly how many, if any, federal loans were made to Black Lexingtonians, but nationally, the number was about 2%. More research is also needed on what local banks did or did not do during this time to aid Black homeowners. Urban renewal, realtor steering Eventually, policies like redlining were abandoned or made illegal. But the 1960s gave way to a new federal policy that sent huge hunks of money to local governments ostensibly to clean up poor neighborhoods, but in fact, erased many of them. Aerial photo of the Southern Railway System yards off South Broadway showing workers laying a 975-foot rail at one operation in June 1939. At the center of the photo is Davis Bottoms with De Roode Street running left to right. Davis Botton was later torn down to make way Then there was a de facto segregation caused by practices like racial steering, in which realtors would steer clients to certain houses based on race. This had the further effect of creating more school segregation. Anyone who bucked the trend faces recriminations, according to Sutherland and Roberts. In 1965, one of UKs earliest Black professors, Joseph Scott bought a house in Cardinal Valley, which was then a new white neighborhood. Realtor Ben Story, who was white, sold the house to the Scotts, but was harassed by other realtors: at a professional realtors event not long after the sale to Dr. Scott, there were publicly stated calls, clearly directed at Mr. Story, for realtors not to sell homes in White neighborhoods to Blacks. Kristen LaRue Bond is a Lexington native and local realtor with Lifestyle Real Estate. Shes also the president of the Central Kentucky chapter of the National Association of Real Estate Brokers, a Black organization formed because Black realtors used to be prohibited from joining white realtor groups. Shes watched Sutherland and Roberts present Segregated Lexington several times, and while its content was all too familiar to her, she appreciated the work. I think its really impactful, she said. It needs to be seen by every member of every planning and zoning committee or anyone invested in housing in the Lexington area. Bond knows how important home ownership is to get ahead because her family experienced it. Her grandparents started in public housing in Charlotte Court, then were able to build a small house in the St. Martins neighborhood. Her father, Gregory LaRue remembers when they moved onto Oak Lawn Park near Gainesway in 1971, which was predominantly white. The LaRues didnt have any problems there, but friends of theirs who moved at the same time to Blairmore Court near Henry Clay High School, had their house spray-painted with the n-word. We grew up knowing that its very important that you are able to own a home, LaRue said. Gregory LaRue with his daughter, Kristin LaRue Bond Bond believes that steering still goes on, albeit in very subtle ways. Its not as intentional as people think, but if your form of advice is stigmatizing a community, then you need to know that has consequences down the road, she said. As a member of the diversity committee for Bluegrass Realtors, shes working with president Justin Landon to turn the Segregated Lexington website into a documentary that can be used as continuing education for realtors. Landon said the website provided an opportunity for us to engage more directly of how we raise awareness around the topic. We have to acknowledge its a massive, systemic, and institutional problem. As long as it took to cement, it will take to undo. As to that, Sutherland and Roberts will leave the solutions to these problems up to us. They want people to understand the problem and how we got here with a series of indisputable facts. The women are doing Zoom presentations and in person workshops every few weeks on the site. All the segregating forces made something that cant be quickly undone so white people are still benefiting from a lot of unfairness and Black people are still being harmed by these policies, Roberts said. Learn about Lexingtons history of segregation, redlining at these community events You are here: Business The 26th St. Petersburg International Economic Forum (SPIEF) began on Wednesday at the Expoforum exhibition center in Russia's second-largest city St. Petersburg. According to the forum's press service, more than 17,000 people from about 130 countries and territories have confirmed their participation in SPIEF, scheduled to end on Saturday. The theme of SPIEF 2023 is "Sovereign Development as the Basis of a Just World: Joining Forces for Future Generations." Participants from Russia and abroad will discuss the development of the Russian economy under sanctions, the country's technological sovereignty, social policy priorities and world economic issues. In addition, Russia will hold several bilateral business dialogues regarding its relations with China, the United Arab Emirates, India and Brazil. SPIEF has been held since 1997 and has become a powerful global platform for the business community to discuss critical economic issues facing Russia and the world. The New Jersey man suspected in a series of sexual assaults that took place in Boston about 15 years ago was released on bail Thursday. Matthew Nilo was released Thursday afternoon and fitted for a GPS ankle bracelet after posting the $500,000 cash bail, according to a Suffolk Superior Court official. a woman named Laura Griffin posted Nilos bail. The 35-year-old attorney was arrested in Weehawken, New Jersey last month and was brought to Massachusetts at the beginning of June. Nilos attorney, Joseph Cataldo, informed the court on Monday of his clientss intentions of posting bail. Originally from Boston, Nilo is charged with three counts of aggravated rape, two counts of kidnapping and single counts of assault with attempt to rape and indecent assault and battery in connection with the assaults in Bostons Charlestown neighborhood in 2007 and 2008. During the early morning hours of Aug. 18, 2007, a 23-year-old victim was looking for her car after a night out with friends in the area of State Street when she was approached by a man in his 20s, Assistant District Attorney Lynn Feigenbaum said in reading from court documents. After the assault, the victim sought help from a passerby and she was taken to a local hospital, where she underwent a sexual evidence collection exam. Male DNA obtained during the test was entered into a national database. Months later, on Nov. 22, 2007, a 23-year-old woman left a bar on State Street after attending her high school reunion and entered a vehicle that she thought was a taxi cab. She also described the driver as a man in his 20s. This victim was also taken to a local hospital, where she underwent a sexual evidence collection exam. Male DNA obtained during the test was again entered into a national database. On Aug. 5, 2008, a 36-year-old woman panhandling in the area of Boylston and Arlington streets near Boston Common was approached by a man in his 20s who promised to give her money if she went to Charlestown in his car. She too was taken to a local hospital, where she underwent a sexual evidence collection exam. Male DNA obtained during the test is said to have matched a profile from the two previous rapes. On the morning of Dec. 23, 2008, a 44-year-old woman was jogging in the area of Terminal Street in Charlestown when a man ran up behind her, put his arms around her upper body, and tackled her to the ground. As part of a subsequent investigation, her glove was taken as evidence but no forensic link was established at the time. Nilo was identified as a suspect with the help of forensic genetic genealogy, which combines DNA analysis with publicly accessible genealogy research and historical records, authorities have said. Nilo was then placed under surveillance in 2023 while he lived in New Jersey and worked at a law firm in New York City. Prosecutor: DNA lifted from drinking glass linked attorney to string of violent rapes in Boston The glove that the December 2008 assault victim used to poke her attackers eyes was sent to a private lab for testing and it was determined that the DNA profile was 314 times more likely to belong to Milo than any other male in the population, authorities said. Nilo was living in Boston at the time of the alleged assaults and attending college after graduating from Boston Latin School. Nilo has also lived in Wisconsin, California, and New York, where investigations are also underway. He moved back to the East Coast in 2019 and had been working for a cyber insurance firm, which suspended his employment. 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 Photograph: Joe Raedle/Getty Images The mayor of Miami, Francis Suarez, has entered the race for the Republican presidential nomination. Related: Pretty disrespectful: rightwing radio host scolds Pence for not saying hed pardon Trump On Thursday morning, he tweeted: My dad taught me that you get to choose your battles, and I am choosing the biggest one of my life. Im running for president. The tweet was accompanied by a video of Suarez out for a run. Ahead of a speech at the Reagan Library in Simi Valley, California, the Cuban American mayor, 45, also spoke to ABC News. I think I have a different message, he said, claiming to have implemented generational change, touting his experience leading a major city and winning election and re-election by large margins. Suarez will be an outsider in a crowded field dominated by two other Florida men: Donald Trump, the twice indicted former president, and Ron DeSantis, the hard-right governor. Trump leads most polling averages by more than 30 points. The former vice-president Mike Pence leads the rest of the pack, way back. Asked what he thought of Trumps indictment in Miami this week on 37 federal charges relating to his handling of classified materials, Suarez tried to dodge the question, saying the city had avoided anarchy around Trumps court appearance. Pressed, Suarez said Republicans thought there isnt an equal administration of justice. Quizzed again to say what he thought of Trumps behaviour, Suarez said he would have turned over documents, as Trump refused to do, but also tried to link the case to an investigation of documents retained by Joe Biden. Im not an expert on these kinds of matters, Suarez said. But I do want to say this, that this conversation is not a healthy conversation. We should be talking about the issues the Americans care about. Suarez insisted he was not running against Trump, but against Joe Bidens America. The New York Times noted an ad buy in early voting states charging Biden with failing to control crime. The paper also referenced an FBI investigation that could damage Suarezs run. Mr Suarez is little known outside his state, and he is facing emerging allegations of influence-peddling on behalf of a real estate development company, the Times said. The editorial board of the Miami Herald said $10,000 monthly payments [Suarez] received from a developer for consulting work while serving as mayor, while small potatoes compared to Trumps legal problems look like a conflict of interest. The board also asked: Is being president really Suarezs goal? In two terms, the paper said, the mayor had turned himself into a tech-bro hero, cryptocurrency cheerleader and conservative cable news staple. He likes the glitz and star power that come with running a city thats transforming into a technology and financial hub. That attention seems to have convinced him he can run for president. The Herald also noted Suarezs history of departing from Republican orthodoxy he voted against Trump twice and his ability to represent the Hispanics Republicans need to attract. Suarez told ABC he would pledge to support Trump if he won the nomination, adding: Im the only candidate whos Hispanic in both parties. I think thats incredibly important because 20% of the country is made up of Hispanics that are trending Republican. Citing the case of Pete Buttigieg, the mayor of South Bend, Indiana, who ran for the Democratic nomination in 2020, showed strongly and is now US transportation secretary, the Herald said Suarez might really be aiming to win a cabinet post. The paper said: Suarez will have to define himself on the national stage and show Republican voters many already smitten with Trump or, to a lesser degree, DeSantis who he really is. Is he the hip moderate or the rightwing Biden baiter? If Suarez truly is seeking the biggest political prize in the free world, hell first have to make a powerful case that hes the better choice for the nomination. That said, he might end up with a really neat consolation prize. Related: Sarah Palin denies then seems to confirm that Trumpism is a cult Suarez was elected mayor in 2017 with 86% of the vote, and re-elected four years later with a still healthy 78%. With his city at ground zero of the climate emergency, he has broken with many Republicans views and considers rising seas and global temperatures a real crisis facing the planet. He has championed the Miami Forever bond, investing $400m of taxpayers money in projects to counter sea level rise and other consequences of the climate crisis, including increasingly prevalent flooding. The whiff of scandal, however, is likely to cling as primary season approaches. On Wednesday, the Republican US congressman Carlos Gimenez, a former mayor of Miami-Dade county, said Suarez had a snowballs chance in hell of winning. I dont think he has any business running for president. He has never established himself as having the capacity to run anything in his life, Gimenez told the Miami New Times. High-ranking members of the Hungarian government were not aware of the plan to send 11 Ukrainian prisoners of war (POW) from Russia to Hungary, Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty wrote on June 15, citing its sources. The plan was reportedly a personal initiative of Deputy Prime Minister Zsolt Semjen, who negotiated the transfer of Ukrainian POWs of alleged Hungarian ethnicity with the Russian Orthodox Church. On June 8, the Kremlin-aligned church announced a plan to transfer a group of captured Ukrainian soldiers of "Zakarpattia origin" to Hungary, without involving Ukraine's authorities. Semjen confirmed the plan on June 9, claiming they are already in Hungary as "free people." Russian Orthodox Church claims transfer of Ukraines POWs to Hungary The Russian Orthodox Church announced through its press service on June 8 that it handed over a group of Ukrainian prisoners of war to Hungary. The Kyiv IndependentMartin Fornusek Ukraine's Foreign Ministry and intelligence services said they were not aware of the POWs' whereabouts and that Kyiv was not involved. Budapest's representative in Ukraine was requested to provide explanations to the Ukrainian Foreign Ministry. Radio Liberty noted that the only statements regarding the initiative came from Semjen himself, with the rest of the government not giving any comment. According to the outlet, Metropolitan Hilarion Alfeyev, the head of the Russian Orthodox Church in Hungary and a confidant of Moscow's Patriarch Kirill, first informed Miklos Soltesz, the State Secretary for Church Affairs, about the possibility. Soltesz was then to approach Semjen, who took it upon himself to negotiate with the church's representatives and transfer the prisoners through Schengen Area. According to Radio Liberty's sources, the Russian Orthodox Church could not carry out this plan without approval from the Kremlin. What its like to know your loved ones are in Russian captivity On the evening of Feb. 24, Nataliia Sivak received a terrifying message from her younger brother, Ukrainian soldier Yakiv Nehrii. Tell everyone I love them very much, the message read. We are under heavy attack. It was the last time she heard from him. When Russia launched its full-scale war The Kyiv IndependentDaria Shulzhenko From Hungary's side, nor Prime Minister Viktor Orban nor Foreign Minister Peter Szijjarto were informed, Radio Liberty wrote. High-ranking members of the government are reportedly displeased by this episode, as it created an unnecessary scandal with NATO allies. The current location and status of the group remains unknown. RBK-Ukraine wrote on June 10 with reference to military intelligence sources that the prisoners are being prepared for a propaganda stunt by denouncing Ukraine and praising the Russian Orthodox Church at a press conference. The diplomatic relations between Budapest and Kyiv have been historically tense due to the issue of the Hungarian minority in Ukraine. Hungary criticized Ukraine's move to make education in the Ukrainian language compulsory, presenting it as an oppression of local Hungarians. Ukraine's westernmost Zakarpattia Oblast is home to roughly 150,000 ethnic Hungarians, of which more than 400 are serving in the country's military. The relationship soured even more since the start of the Russian invasion of Ukraine, as Budapest has repeatedly blocked sanctions against Russia, delayed support for Ukraine, and refused to provide any military aid for Kyiv. Almost everybody in Washington recognizes the noticeable figure and face of Mrs. Martha (Jane) Coston whenever she appears in public places, the Portland (Maine) Daily Press noted on April 8, 1892. She has had a remarkable career, and her name is known in many countries. The surfmen of the Life-Saving Service in Delaware certainly knew the name Coston, but they may not have recognized Mrs. Coston if she had visited one of their stations. Born in the 1830s, Martha was a tall, attractive teenager when she married Capt. Benjamin Franklin Coston, a young scientist and inventor who was in charge of the laboratory in the Washington Navy Yard. Benjamins work gave the young couple an entrance into Washingtons elite, where they hobnobbed with the likes of Dolly Madison, Daniel Webster and Henry Clay. In 1848, Benjamin was wrestling with the problem of communications at sea, when he suddenly took ill and died. Martha was only 21 years old and the mother of four children. Benjamins death was quickly followed by the death of one of the couples young children, and shortly after this calamity, Marthas mother also passed away. Alone and without means to support herself, she recalled, I knew not how to dig, I was ashamed to beg. On a rainy day, Coston was going through her late husbands papers when she stumbled upon one of his unfinished projects: At last I came upon a large envelope containing papers and a skillfully drawn plan of signals to be used at sea, at night, for the same purposes of communication that flags are used by day. Fires were the only way to communicate at night. On nights when rain drenched the Delaware coast, lighting a fire quickly was nearly an impossible task. In the early 19th century, the most reliable way of starting a fire was to strike a piece of steel with a flint and catch the resulting sparks in a nest of thin kindling. Using her late husbands notes, and with the help of civilian chemists, Martha began a decade-long quest, to develop a set of signal flares that were easy to use, portable and dependable. The Indian River Life-Saving Station. By 1859, she had perfected a self-contained flare that was activated by a plunger that stuck a charge, which, in turn, ignited brightly-burning chemicals to provide a strong, steady light. An assortment of chemicals produced flares of different colors, and the color combinations were keyed to a codebook with a large variety of messages. After perfecting her system of signal flares, Coston established a company that manufactured the flares and sold them throughout the world. When she traveled abroad to promote her company, she was introduced to many European leaders, including Englands Queen Victoria. After the United States Life-Saving Service was established in 1878, a series of stations were eventually built at Lewes, Cape Henlopen, Rehoboth Beach, Indian River Inlet, Bethany Beach and Fenwick Island. The Life-Saving surfmen were issued a set of Coston flares, which they carried with them while they were on patrol. Michael Morgan When a surfman spotted a ship that was sailing too close to shore, he would ignite a flare to warn those on the ship to change course. If he saw a vessel that had run aground, the surfman would use his flares to signal that help was on the way. Over the years, the use of Coston flares saved countless lives, but few people knew that they were developed by the international celebrity, Martha Coston, who once said, I knew not how to dig, I was ashamed to beg. DELAWARE HUMOR: Exposing coastal secrets: Bathroom pavilions, beer hopping and pet preferences DELAWARE HISTORY: How 'Three-Gun' Wilson led Prohibition fight against bootleggers and jellyfish officials Principal sources Topeka State Journal, Jan. 25, 1902 Arizona Republican, Sept. 9, 1893 Portland [Maine} Daily Press, April, 8, 1892 New York Tribune, Jan. 16, 1904 Coston, Martha, A Signal Success, Philadelphia: J. B. Lippincott Co., 1886,pp. 37, 40, 43-44. This article originally appeared on Salisbury Daily Times: How Martha Coston developed life-saving flares for sailors in distress Suits is set to return to Netflix on the day of King Charles IIIs birthday parade. All nine seasons of the legal drama starring Meghan Markle, Duchess of Sussex, as the high-powered attorney Rachel Zane will be available on the streamer as of Saturday (17 June) in the US. Markle, 41, played Zane the love interest of the shows lead Mike Ross (Patrick J. Adams) from 2011 to 2018 during which time she met and dated Prince Harry before their marriage in 2018. Also on Saturday, Charles will join the first birthday parade of his reign on horseback. The annual Trooping of the Colour has marked the official birthday of the Sovereign for more than 260 years. It will be the first time the reigning monarch has ridden a horse at the event since 1986 when Queen Elizabeth II last rode. Suits producer, USA Network, announced that Markle would be leaving the show following her engagement to the royal in November 2017. From all of us at USA Network and Universal Cable Productions, we want to send our most heartfelt congratulations to Meghan Markle and Prince Harry on their engagement, the companys statement said. Suits - The Complete Series is coming to Netflix (in The US) on June 17. pic.twitter.com/pmCkCnQUTK Netflix (@netflix) May 22, 2023 Meghan has been a member of our family for seven years and it has been a joy to work with her. We want to thank her for her undeniable passion and dedication to Suits, and we wish her the very best. The relationship between the Sussexes and the rest of the immediate royal family has reportedly been fraught since the 2022 release of Harry and Meghans eponymous Netflix docuseries about their exit from royal life and Harrys tell-all memoir Spare, in which he made a number of disparaging claims about members of his family. Tensions are thought to have consistently worsened since Harry and Meghan decided to step back from royal duties in 2020, and moved to Los Angeles. Prince Harry and Meghan Markle (Copyright 2022 The Associated Press. All rights reserved.) Harry and Meghans daughter, Princess Lilibet Diana, turned two this month; however, there was radio silence from senior members of the royal family. 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 on 4 June, neither of the three Twitter accounts publicly sent their birthday wishes to the young royal, who is the only daughter and second child of The Duke and Duchess of Sussex. Harry returned to the UK this month to give evidence in his High Court phone hacking case against Mirror Group Newspapers (MGN). He is suing for damages after alleging that journalists at its titles had resorted to phone hacking and other underhand methods to secure stories about him and his family. Methodist Le Bonheur Healthcare announced Wednesday it has reached an agreement with Blue Cross Blue Shield of Tennessee regarding its employer-based and marketplace plans. We are pleased to have reached an agreement after months of advocating for the best interests our patients, said Michael Ugwueke, president and CEO of Methodist Le Bonheur Healthcare, in a statement. We look forward to continuing to provide the safest and highest quality care in the Mid-South community for all we are privileged to serve. Agreements were reached in February on BlueCare Tennessee, TennCare Select, CoverKids and Dual Special Needs Plan (D-SNP) plans. Methodist University Hospital is located at 1265 Union Ave. We appreciate the patience and support of our members and group customers as we worked to reach a deal with Methodist Le Bonheur that lowers health care prices for our fellow Memphians, said Kevin Woods, Memphis market president for Blue Cross, in a statement. This disruption was unfortunate but necessary in order to bring meaningful savings to our members in the form of lower premiums. We also want to thank the rest of the health care community here in Memphis, especially our provider partners at Baptist Memorial Health Care, for their ongoing efforts to provide care to our members. Blue Cross said members who have questions about the new agreement may call the number on the back of their member ID for support. In response to additional questions from The Commercial Appeal including if there were any outstanding issues and when contracts will be negotiated again, Methodist responded: "There are no outstanding issues. We have nothing else to add." Blue Cross Blue Shield of Tennessee members have been out-of-network at Methodist facilities since Jan. 1 after the two sides failed to reach a deal before the contract expired. This applied to inpatient and outpatient care at Methodist facilities. Blue Cross said the Methodist system charged higher rates than other facilities in the Memphis area and Le Bonheur, in particular, charged notably high rates. Methodist, which has maintained its rates are fair and said it provides a significant level of free care locally, said Blue Cross asked the hospital system to slash rates by 40% and did not consider a counter-offer. HEALTHCARE NEWS: Playing with children's lives? Memphis families fed up with Methodist, Blue Cross fight Negotiations had seemed to be at something of a standstill with a lack of public updates since early February. But in May, Dalya Qualls White, senior vice president and chief communications officer at Blue Cross Blue Shield of Tennessee, said the two parties had exchanged proposals over the past two weeks and she was "optimistic we'll have an agreement soon." News editor Corinne Kennedy contributed to this report. This article originally appeared on Memphis Commercial Appeal: Blue Cross Blue Shield, Methodist Le Bonheur reach deal NEW YORK The Mets are officially a man down for the next 10 games. Drew Smith was suspended by MLB for violating the foreign substance rules Wednesday afternoon, shortly before the team hosted the Yankees in the second game of the Subway Series. Smith was ejected before the top of the seventh Tuesday night at Citi Field after failing to pass a check by crew chief Bill Miller. He becomes the second pitcher from the clubs major league roster to receive a suspension for sticky stuff, and the fourth from the organization this season. Max Scherzer was suspended in April, and Triple-A right-handers Dylan Bundy and Eric Orze were also punished this season. Smith insisted it was only sweat and rosin, which is what Scherzer has maintained he used as well. But four pitchers from one club will either lead people to believe that the Mets are cheating or lead people to believe that the league is out to get the Mets. Manager Buck Showalter sees both sides of the argument but didnt deny that something felt off. I dont try to get in those conspiracy theories, but Im also alert to something that if you do the math, you go hmm? Showalter said. I look in the mirror and go, OK, are we doing something wrong that we need to fix? Thats my first thing is to look in the mirror and say, You know, instead of it always being somebody elses fault, and somebody else singling you out or picking you out, are you doing something wrong? Thats where I start with it. There were no clear answers to any of Showalters questions. If the Mets are being targeted, it could be for a few reasons. The word could be out that Mets pitchers are using something to manipulate the spin on the ball. Spin rates havent necessarily jumped for Smith or Scherzer, neither of whom has been pitching very well lately. There is also the theory that the league is retaliating against the Mets for what happened last fall during the NL wild-card series when Showalter asked the umpires to check the ear of San Diego Padres right-hander Joe Musgrove. Showalter said he doesnt regret asking for the check on Musgrove after his spin rates spiked. Smith declined to comment when asked if he felt as though the Mets are being targeted. However, Michael Hill, MLBs senior vice president of on-field operations, was spotted on the field Tuesday talking to the umpires, which didnt go unnoticed by the team. Sometimes paranoia can set in, but I also try to be alert to things that just dont quite feel right, Showalter said. Its tough to take the emotion out of it, and look at things logically and realistically, but a lot can happen from the time that youre initially looked at from the time you get in the dugout and get up the runway. Theyre trying to be consistent. I think we all understand what theyre trying to accomplish with all this. Whether or not MLB has actually accomplished anything is up for debate. Pitchers will say no, the process is too arbitrary and random. Without a neutral arbiter, the appeal process doesnt favor them either. Its an uphill battle. Thats a nice way to put it, Showalter said. I mean, its like when a manager gets suspended or something, you have no right of appeal, even though youre a part of the union. For some reason, they decided that they didnt have any rights. Nobody said it was going to be fair, but its the rules you knew going to into it. Scherzer has been adamant about the process being unfairly flawed. SpiderTac and pine tar are different than rosin and the league has had trouble being able to specify the threshold for excessive or inappropriate rosin use. Now comes the real challenge. The Mets wont be able to replace Smith on the roster. Playing with seven relievers instead of eight isnt ideal, given how much of a challenge its been for the Mets to get their starters to even throw six innings with regularity. Two off days between the 10 games help the bullpen, though. They currently have three relievers with options in right-handers Jeff Brigham and John Curtiss and left-hander Josh Walker. Shuttling guys back and forth from Triple-A Syracuse will be key for the Mets as they play their next 10 games at home, in Houston and in Philadelphia. However, thats not exactly easy for the guys getting on and off planes. The tough thing is when you have to send down people that are performing well, Showalter said. Ive learned through the years you never assume anything that Max is going to pitch 5-7 innings or Justin [Verlander] is not going to get a ball hit off the knee or something. You have to always prepare for that. So were prepared for tonight. By Cassandra Garrison MEXICO CITY (Reuters) -Mexican farmers on Thursday ended a protest at an airport in the northern state of Sinaloa and agreed to meet with the local governor after Mexican President Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador said he would not negotiate with the demonstrators. Baltazar Valdez, president of the United Farm Workers of Sinaloa, said the hundreds of farmers who have protested at the international airport in the city of Culiacan since Tuesday decided to leave to avoid angering airport users. "We can't go on because we'll lose the sympathy of civil society, and for us that's very important," Valdez said. He added that a delegation would meet with Ruben Rocha, the governor of Sinaloa, which is a major corn-producing state. Producers have urged Mexico's government to guarantee prices for corn, wheat and sorghum to counteract a fall in international prices, and since Tuesday have protested at highways, government offices and the Culiacan airport, where dozens of flights were canceled. Mexican President Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador said earlier on Thursday he would not negotiate with farmers demanding guaranteed prices for grains, but said he was supportive of small farmers. "Most people realize that we're helping the producers and the most needy, and we want to support food self-sufficiency," he told his daily news conference. He accused the protesting farmers of being backed by his opponents in what he described as a "vulgar" display of publicity. "We're not going to give in, even if they have the airport ... our government does not allow blackmail," he said. Valdez said many agriculture workers initially supported Lopez Obrador, but no longer believed the president was protecting their interests. "He is not interested in protecting agriculture ... we are producers and we all contribute to food self-sufficiency," he said. (Reporting by Daina Beth Solomon and Cassandra Garrison; additional reporting by Sarah Morland Editing by Frances Kerry and Barbara Lewis) MIA Ex-MP Korolevska wanted by Ukraines anti-graft agency for failing to disclose properties NABU declared Natalia Korolevska wanted Korolevska is charged with false declaration, for which she may face up to two years in prison. She has been considered missing since Feb. 22, 2023. The NABU and the Specialized Anti-Corruption Prosecutors Office served Korolevska with charge papers on Feb. 17. Read also: Former MP Kuzmin ordered arrested in absentia, with no bail option DBR In 2020, the former lawmaker failed to declare two land plots in the Obukhiv district outside Kyiv with a total area of 0.8 ha worth over UAH 2.5 million ($68,365), as well as a house and a land plot in Russias Moscow Oblast worth almost UAH 1.8 million ($49,223), the investigation says. In total, Korolevska failed to declare real estate worth over UAH 4.315 million ($117,997). Her whereabouts are currently unknown. Korolevska, her husband Yuriy Solod, and Oleh Voloshyn, all three were MPs from the OPZZh party that gave up their mandates as lawmakers on Jan. 29. Journalists previously established that Korolevska and Solod had moved to Dubai in the United Arab Emirates after the beginning of Russias full-scale invasion of Ukraine. 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 The Miami-Dade County School Board on Wednesday is expected to consider a proposal to extend the superintendents contract through June 2027 three years after Jose Dotres current agreement is set to expire. The move, if approved by the board, would require Dotres to extend his membership in the states Deferred Retirement Option Program, which state lawmakers recently amended to allow for a participation period of 96 months instead of 60. Dotres contract was set to expire in February 2024, although the board can extend it through the end of the 2023-24 school year, in accordance with his participation in the program. The opportunity to extend Dotres contract would offer the district stability as it continues to handle the many challenges it faces, Chairwoman Mari Tere Rojas said during the boards committee meetings Wednesday. Rojas, who proposed the item, said Dotres knows the culture of [the district]. He knows this community. Other board members, however, argued that while a sense of stability and continuity was needed, more time was needed to understand the process before extending his contract another 36 months. Board member Luisa Santos, for one, asserted that the board had yet to finalize a procedure for assessing and evaluating the superintendent a process she said should be completed before moving on to discussions about extending Dotres contract. Vice Chair Danny Espino echoed Santos sentiments. As one of the boards new members, Espino said he hasnt had the opportunity to work with Dotres as long as others, though he did praise the interactions theyd had so far. Still, he said, he was looking forward to that evaluation process and having that be a launch-off point for this conversation, which is absolutely needed. Dotres told board members Wednesday he submitted a report of what he referred to as his achievements to them last month, as required by his current contract. For the upcoming school year, however, he acknowledged there is a new process, set of standards and timeline. In an email statement to the Miami Herald, Dotres commented on the new legislation and possible board approval: I have the opportunity to remain longer in the district where I was a student and have spent the majority of my professional career. I believe this would provide added stability to sustain the high performance of the third largest district in the nation, Miami-Dade County Public Schools. Dotres first day as superintendent was Feb. 14, 2022. The board appointed Dotres in January 2022 to succeed former Superintendent Alberto Carvalho, who left the district after more than a dozen years to head the Los Angeles Unified School District. Before becoming superintendent, Dotres served in various roles within the district. Nevertheless, Alonso said the situation isnt a time-pressing issue, as the current contract can be extended through June 2024. But with a new budget cycle underway, he suggested more time should be given to determine an evaluation process and discuss a possible extension. I have no issues or concerns with the superintendents performance up until now, and I dont have an issue with extending the contract, Alonso said. I just think we need some time to go through this. Superintendent vacancies in Florida The proposal comes as districts across Florida are addressing superintendent vacancies and searches a fact Rojas touched on when introducing her proposal. In Broward County, the School Board on Thursday appointed Peter Licata, the regional superintendent for Palm Beach County Schools, after it ousted Vickie Cartwright in February. In Hillsborough County, Superintendent Addison Davis announced on Thursday he was resigning from his position, effective July 14, according to the Tampa Bay Times. In Sarasota County, the school board on Wednesday appointed Terrence Connor, the deputy superintendent and chief academic officer of Hillsborough County Public Schools, as the new superintendent, according to the Sarasota Herald-Tribune. Weve seen the ebbs and flows around the state [and] I think the stability of this organization is critically important, said Miami-Dade board member Steve Gallon III. Its difficult to get the right person [and] Dotres is the right person. Of the 67 districts, 29 superintendents are appointed by the board. The proposal is expected to be discussed at the boards regular monthly meeting Wednesday, though the specifics could be amended prior to the meeting. Editors note: The story has been updated to clarify that the new process, set of standards and timeline for the superintendent to provide his achievements is already in place. Visitors look at a BYD Dolphin during the 44th Bangkok International Motor Show in Bangkok, Thailand, March 22, 2023. [Photo/Xinhua] Electric vehicles manufacturer BYD plans to launch five pure EV models in France to expand its presence in overseas markets. The Shenzhen, Guangdong province-based automaker said it would deliver the first batch of cars to French dealerships as early as this month, and sales will begin shortly thereafter. BYD, working with partners, hopes to build 15 to 20 points of sale in France by the end of this year. "We are now assessing the feasibility of building a passenger vehicle plant in Europe, and we are looking for an appropriate location for such a facility," the Warren Buffett-backed company said. The announcement comes amid reports that BYD is in talks with France to establish a manufacturing facility there. The Wall Street Journal has reported that US carmaker Ford Inc is in negotiations with BYD to sell one of its plants in Germany. However, Li Ke, executive vice-president of BYD, said in an interview with Bloomberg that BYD has been striving to build its own facility in Europe rather than purchasing a unit from other companies. Industry experts said the launch of BYD's EVs in France may accelerate the establishment of its own plant in Europe. Zhang Xiang, visiting professor at the engineering department of Huanghe Science and Technology University, said he is optimistic about BYD's potential in France. He pointed out that, compared with models from French brands such as Renault and Citroen, BYD excels in aspects such as mileage and onboard features. If BYD succeeds in France, he added, it will be easier for the company to establish itself in other major European markets. BYD plans to raise its EV sales in Europe to 800,000 units by 2030, taking a 10 percent market share and becoming one of the top three EV brands in Europe. Currently, the company sells EVs in Norway, Sweden, Denmark, Finland, Iceland, the Netherlands, Belgium, Luxembourg, the United Kingdom, Ireland, Germany, Austria, Spain and Portugal. The company said three of its EV models will be launched in Italy and Hungary later this year. BYD's first wholly owned overseas unit for passenger vehicles is coming up in Thailand, with an annual output of 150,000 units. The unit, which launched construction in March, is expected to be put into operation next year. Apart from Southeast Asia and Europe, the company also plans to build plants in South America. Miamis Mayor Francis Suarez has become the 13th Republican challenger for the 2024 GOP Presidential nomination. Suarez filed paperwork with the Federal Election Commission on Wednesday to officially register his candidacy for the presidency. The two-term mayor teased over the weekend that he would make his official campaign announcement during a speech at the Ronald Reagan Presidential Library on Thursday. Miami Mayor Francis Suarez has filed to run for president pic.twitter.com/AH6uJTJbJF Julia Manchester (@JuliaManch) June 14, 2023 Suarez, who is Cuban-American, is the first Hispanic candidate to enter the GOP primaries and has been a longtime critic of the races two frontrunners: former President Donald Trump and his own governor Ron DeSantis. Last month, Suarez made headlines after blasting DeSantis over the fallout of his personal vendetta against Disney after the company spoke out against anti-LGBTQ legislation passed by the Florida legislature last year. He took an issue that was a winning issue that we all agreed on, which was parental rights for K through third-graders, Suarez said. Now its something that spite or maybe potentially a personal vendetta, which has cost the state now potentially 2,000 jobs in a billion-dollar investment. Suarez says he voted against Trump in the 2016 and 2020 elections and has now joined the cohort of underdog candidates making long-shot bids to unseat Trump in 2024. But like many other Republican hopefuls, the Miami mayor softened his stance on the former president as he prepared to enter the race. On Sunday, Suarez told Fox News that he felt the criminal charges brought against Trump by the Department of Justice were un-American and felt wrong at some level. Despite past criticism of his rivals, Suarez is no stranger to controversy. Earlier this year The Miami Herald reported allegations that Suarez received $170,000 from a real estate development company to expedite a construction project in the Coconut Grove neighborhood of Miami. The Miami-Dade Commission on Ethics and Public Trust subsequently opened an investigation into Suarezs role in the project. Suarezs slim odds are likely to be further eroded by the allegations of corruption. In a statement reacting to his candidacy filing, Democratic National Committee Chair Jaime Harrison wrote that Suarez has repeatedly used his position to benefit himself, prioritizing pay raises for himself, accepting lavish gifts, and taking shady payments all while ignoring the biggest challenges facing the people he was elected to serve. More from Rolling Stone Best of Rolling Stone Click here to read the full article. Francis Suarez Joe Raedle/Getty Images Miami Mayor Francis Suarez (R) filed paperwork Wednesday with the Federal Election Commission to officially join the race for the 2024 Republican presidential nomination. He is expected to announce his candidacy in a speech at the Reagan Library in California on Thursday night. Suarez is the first Hispanic candidate in the increasingly crowded GOP field, and the third Florida resident after former President Donald Trump and Gov. Ron DeSantis. Suarez, 45, is a corporate and real estate attorney and the son of Miami's first Cuban-born mayor. He is considered more politically moderate than Trump and DeSantis, the current frontrunners, and told Politico in May that if he ran for the GOP nomination, it would be "because I think I can grow the tent not for an election, but for a generation" especially with Hispanic voters. Former Trump presidential adviser Kellyanne Conway said in May she has "not been shy about telling President Trump that Suarez should be on the short, short list for VP should Trump be the nominee." Suarez has suggested he will also run on his record in Miami, including his push to make it a tech and cryptocurrency hub to rival Silicon Valley. He has also acknowledged he wrote in candidates other than Trump in the 2016 and 2020 elections and did not vote for DeSantis in the 2018 governor's race. You may also like 'Spider-Man: Beyond the Spider-Verse': everything we know 4 things to consider when leaving an inheritance 3 extraordinary ways Trump could avoid punishment in Mar-a-Lago documents case Another Florida man has filed paperwork to enter the 2024 presidential race. Miami Mayor Francis Suarez, who bills himself as a "unifier," is poised to launch a long-shot bid for the Republican presidential nomination. Running on a record of attracting tech businesses to Florida, reducing crime and capturing the Hispanic vote, he argues that he can help the party chart a positive path forward and appeal to moderates with his focus on climate change. He is the first Hispanic candidate to enter the Republican primary field this cycle. Suarez, a real estate attorney and the son of former Miami Mayor Xavier Suarez, was initially elected in 2017. He was overwhelmingly re-elected in 2021 and serves as the president of the bipartisan U.S. Conference of Mayors. He has become well known for attracting technology investors to Miami. He previously met with PayPal co-founder Peter Thiel and has publicly courted Tesla CEO Elon Musk. He has also been a strong supporter of cryptocurrency, aiming to make the city a hub for digital currency. He argues that Miami can be a "prototype" for the country. Suarez recently came under fire after a Miami Herald investigation alleged that he helped a development company that pays him $10,000 a month to navigate permit issues. The countys Commission on Ethics and Public Trust has begun investigating the matter, NBC Miami reported. In an interview with NBC News' Tom Llamas on Monday, Suarez defended himself and questioned the timing of the report. "Ive been a public official for 13 years, Ive never had any issues," he said. "Theres never been ever a question as to my integrity. Ive been a working councilman and a working mayor throughout that entire time. And I find it interesting that that the our local newspaper, you know, just a couple of weeks before Im set to make a big announcement, all of a sudden uncovers this troublesome story. Look, I have always distinguished myself by someone whos never used my public position to benefit any private entity. I never will do that." He will face the challenge of running against two Republicans from Florida with far more name recognition: former President Donald Trump and Gov. Ron DeSantis. Matthew Isbell, an elections consultant in Florida, said that the mayor's reluctance to engage in culture war issues could also cost him in the Republican primary campaign. "Suarez on climate change isnt going to play well in a primary. It might play well in a general, but if you cant get past the primary, it doesnt matter," Isbell said. "Hes going to have to appeal to a lot of steadfast conservatives that do not care that the city of Miami got new development," Isbell added. "Voters in West Virginia dont care, voters in Indiana dont care and, frankly, voters in Key West dont care." Suarez has said that he intends to be firmly in the race ahead of the first Republican debate in August. Earlier this spring, he met with major Republican donors, including New England Patriots owner Robert Kraft, Blackstone CEO Stephen Schwarzman and BlackRock CEO Larry Fink, CNBC reported. Ahead of his announcement, Suarez also traveled to battleground states to address voters. He spoke before a crowd at the New Hampshire Institute of Politics at Saint Anselm College on the heels of a visit to Iowa. There, he aimed to cultivate an image as a personable politician. According to local media reports, he shared his personal cellphone number on stage, describing the move as radical. He hit DeSantis for being too stiff to engage in the retail politics that draws voters in. He seems to struggle with relationships, generally, Suarez said. I look people in the eye when I shake their hands. When asked by Llamas whether DeSantis would be a "good president" during the interview Monday, Suarez replied, "If I thought someone else would be a good president, I wouldnt be running. Or I wouldnt be talking about the possibility of running for president." Suarez reportedly voted for Andrew Gillum, DeSantis' Democratic opponent, in the 2018 gubernatorial election. Four years later, he cast his ballot for DeSantis. Richard Conley, a presidential scholar at the University of Florida, said that Suarez has a compelling story that helps voters identify with him. Still, he said that Suarez faces a time crunch in building up momentum and name recognition when polling shows that Trump has captured around half of the Republican primary vote. The fundamental dilemma for all these candidates is, if half the Republican base is firmly for Trump, how do you differentiate yourself? he said. Suarez has called for the next president to have a positive vision for the future, saying current candidates gave voters "a lot of negativity, a lot of divisiveness. He said he did not vote for Trump in the 2020 election. But he has been reluctant to criticize the GOP front-runner, portraying himself as an alternative to Trump's style without explicitly naming his opponent. This article was originally published on NBCNews.com Miami Mayor Francis Suarez joins 2024 race. Here's why his GOP bid matters and how he could win Miami Mayor Francis Suarez officially launched his 2024 presidential campaign Thursday, pitching himself to voters as a candidate focused on solutions, not divisiveness. "In Miami, we stopped waiting for Washington to lead," Suarez said in his announcement video. "America's so-called leaders confuse being loud with actually leading." But to win the Republican nomination, Suarez must beat back two other Floridians blocking his path to the presidency: former President Donald Trump and Gov. Ron DeSantis. Suarez has, in the past, placed himself at odds with the two GOP front-runners. In a crowded GOP primary field, Suarez's edge could be his vision for a "next-generation" GOP, with younger political leaders, "generational" solutions to long-lasting problems and a more diverse cast. Republican presidential candidate Miami Mayor Francis Suarez speaks at the Conservative Political Action Conference, CPAC 2023, March 3, 2023, at National Harbor in Oxon Hill, Md. Another Floridian in the fight With two high-profile Floridians leading the race, Suarez's presidential aspirations may be dashed from the start, according to Sean Freeder, a political science professor at the University of North Florida. "Given how crowded the GOP primary field is, and how late his entrance is, I dont think Suarez has a serious chance at the nomination in 2024," Freeder said. "Given that the two most high-profile candidates are also from Florida, hell have a difficult time leveraging even a home-field advantage." Suarez announced his candidacy just days after Trump was arraigned in federal court in the Miami mayor's city on charges linked to an investigation into the former president's handling of classified documents. The Miami mayor was in the courtroom when the former president was arraigned, saying Thursday that Republicans are frustrated by the perception there is not an "equal administration of justice" in the U.S. But when pressed by ABC's George Stephanopoulos on the charges Trump faces, Suarez demurred. "I think if we continue to have a conversation about the former president then the former president will be the nominee," he said on "Good Morning America." Suarez also said the conversation around Trump's legal woes is not a "healthy" one for the country and that he wants his 2024 candidacy to be "positive and unifying and focused on a positive future for Americans. But it's no secret Suarez isn't the former president's biggest fan. He has said he didnt support Trump in either the 2016 or 2020 presidential elections, instead writing in the names of U.S. Sen. Marco Rubio, R-Fla., and then-Vice President Mike Pence. Suarez did not vote for DeSantis in 2018, either, instead opting for his Democratic challenger, then-Tallahassee Mayor Andrew Gillum, according to the Miami Herald. He did back the Florida governor's reelection bid in 2022. Suarez took aim at DeSantis last month for his personal vendetta against Disney after the company pulled the plug in Florida on a $1 billion investment that was expected to bring a new office complex and 2,000 jobs to the state. "It looks like now its spite or maybe potentially a personal vendetta, which has cost the state now potentially 2,000 jobs in a billion-dollar investment," Suarez told NewsNation. He has expressed support for DeSantis' so-called "Don't Say Gay" law that bans classroom teachings on sexual orientation and gender identity through third grade, but has not specified whether he supports the expansion of that policy to all grades. Suarez's distaste for Trump and DeSantis could come back to bite him as he mounts a national campaign, according to Charles Zelden, a history and political science professor at Nova Southeastern University in Florida. "As a mayor, he had a tendency to work with Democrats," Zelden said in an email. "This wont play well with the Republican base." Miami Mayor Francis Suarez, left, bumps fists with a man arriving to vote, after Suarez cast his own vote at a polling place in the Coconut Grove neighborhood of Miami, Tuesday, Nov. 2, 2021. Suarez, a 44-year-old real estate attorney, hopes voters will reward his effort to market the city as a startup hub as he runs for reelection Tuesday. A 'next-generation' candidate Suarez, 45, also joins a growing chorus of GOP presidential candidates who are singing the same tune: It's time for a new generation of politicians. In his speech Thursday evening, Suarez is expected to say that it's "time for a next-generation leader." His appeal for a fresh slate of politicians echoes calls from 2024 candidates like DeSantis, 44, and former U.N. Ambassador Nikki Haley, 51. Haley has made the call for a new generation of political leadership a hallmark of her campaign, suggesting that "mental competency tests" should be required for for politicians over 75 years old, which would include President Joe Biden and Trump. Suarez's tenure as mayor has been marked by his efforts to lure tech companies to Miami, which he said in his announcement video is an "effort to embrace innovation." "I'm running for president because I think I have a different message than other candidates have," Suarez said Thursday on "Good Morning America." "I'm generational and not generational as a buzzword, but as someone who has implemented generational change to create prosperity in the city." Expanding Hispanic voters for GOP Suarez's vision for a new generation of politicians doesn't stop at age or innovation. As the only Hispanic candidate in the 2024 presidential race, his pitch to voters includes his Hispanic background and potential to engage the highly sought-after voting bloc. "Despite the likely difficulties hell face breaking out of the primary, on paper at least, Suarez would probably make for a very attractive Republican nominee in the general," Freeder said. "Republicans are certainly looking to expand upon recent current trends among Latino voters, and his youth would help him appeal to younger voters." Hispanic voters were paramount to wins in several key 2022 races for Democrats. In Nevada, Democratic Sen. Catherine Cortez Masto was reelected after a tight race against Republican Adam Laxalt, largely thanks to the 62% of Latino voters who cast ballots in her favor. Arizona Sen. Mark Kelly, a Democrat, won reelection against Republican Blake Masters with more than half, 58%, of Latino voters support. But the so-called "Hispanic voting bloc" is not monolithic, made up of voters from all across Mexico and Latin America. That diversity leaves space for Republicans to capture Hispanic voters from countries like Cuba and Venezuela with anti-socialism messaging. Groups described as Hispanic and Latino are not entirely interchangeable. Republicans have already begun laying the groundwork on those efforts in Florida. Miami-Dade County, the largest in the region that has historically favored Democrats, shifted right as DeSantis won the county the first GOP official to do so since 2002. In 2022, DeSantis won Florida by roughly 19 percentage points, earning support from some 58% of Latino voters, according to exit polls. Trump also saw success there, winning 52% of Latino voters in Miami and the Gold Coast in the 2020 election. "Being Hispanic could work to Suarez benefit," Zelden said in an email. "DeSantis' victory in 22 showed the benefits to Republicans reaching out to Hispanic voters. I expect this is going to be Suarez' main argument for his run for president." Suarez launched his campaign with a social media post in English and Spanish. As a Cuban-American and the son of Miami's first Cuban-born mayor he has said he sees a path to continue growing Republican support among those voters. "I think I can grow the tent not for an election, but for a generation," he told Politico in May. Contributing: Associated Press This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Who is Miami Mayor Francis Suarez, most recent addition to 2024 race? Missouri Gov. Mike Parson, a former Polk County sheriff who has spent his political career defending law enforcement, could soon decide whether to pardon the first Kansas City police officer ever convicted of killing a Black man. A pardon could provoke an explosive backlash in Kansas City and would be an extraordinary assertion of executive power over the judicial process, sweeping away a judges verdict that found former Det. Eric DeValkenaere, who is white, guilty of involuntary manslaughter in fatally shooting Cameron Lamb in 2019. DeValkenaere has been sentenced to six years in prison but has remained free on bond as he appeals the verdict. Jackson County Prosecutor Jean Peters Baker, a Democrat, sent a letter to Parson on Tuesday urging him not to pardon DeValkenaere, citing reports that he will soon issue one. She said a pardon now would subvert the rule of law. Whether Parson pardons DeValkenaere, the entire arc of his time in public life has laid the groundwork for this moment. With a year-and-a-half left in office, a pardon would mark the culmination of a political career thats been defined by a staunch pro-police attitude and a sometimes tense relationship with minority communities as governor. As governor, he has warned against allowing lawlessness to stand in our cities and approved stricter funding requirements for Kansas City police. In December 2021, Parson said he was a big fan of former KCPD Chief Rick Smith. A dashcam recording that emerged a few months later showed Smith declaring bad guys dead minutes after Lambs killing. Parson has also taken steps that have angered Black residents. He pardoned Mark and Patricia McCloskey, the St. Louis couple who brandished guns outside their home in 2020 as Black Lives Matter demonstrators walked past his highest-profile pardon to date since taking office in 2018. The pardon of the McCloskeys in August 2021 came as Kevin Strickland, a Black Kansas City man who spent more than 42 years in prison for a triple murder he did not commit, remained in prison. A judge in November 2021 ordered Strickland released. Earlier this year, Parson took nearly a week to comment on the shooting of Ralph Yarl, the Black teen who was shot by a white man in the Northland after going to the wrong door. When he did speak, during an interview with The Star, the governor accused Democratic President Joe Biden of politicizing the shooting after the president called Yarl and tweeted that no parent should worry whether their child will be shot after ringing the wrong doorbell. Its just a bad look. Why would you do that unless you were trying to prove which side youre on? state Rep. Ashley Bland Manlove, a Kansas City Democrat who is a member of the Missouri Legislative Black Caucus, said of a potential pardon for DeValkenaere. Its not Black people who have made this race war. Its a stoking point of fear, Bland Manlove said. Elections are coming up, so lets stoke up the base, scare them real quick. A pardon would come amid long-strained relationships between Kansas City police and Black residents. Chief Stacey Graves, who was appointed in December, has provided what some residents and community leaders see as a chance for a new chapter, but hopes for improved relations could quickly unravel if Parson cancels a conviction that many saw as a landmark moment in holding local police accountable. U.S. Rep. Emanuel Cleaver, a Kansas City Democrat, said Wednesday after reading news coverage of the possible pardon, he is seeking a call with Parson. Cleaver, who was the first Black mayor of Kansas City, was unsure whether the potential pardon was just a rumor, saying Parson has been vague about what he intends to do. Regardless, ministers in Kansas City, including his son, have been meeting about how to respond if Parson issues a pardon. Weve had Missouri on center stage in the American drama too many times already, Cleaver said. I dont think we need this new injection of racial friction in Missouri. Kansas City, one of the most racially and ethnically diverse cities in Missouri, is one of the only cities in the country under state control a policy that has its roots in the Civil War era. A board of commissioners appointed by the governor, with one seat reserved for the mayor, oversees the department. I think that if he were to pardon him, it would further destroy, or further erode any relationship the Black community in Kansas City has with the police department at a time when were again, looking to break a record in violent murders and homicides, said state Sen. Barbara Washington, a Kansas City Democrat whose district includes the site where DeValkenaere shot Lamb. Washington is a member of the Missouri Legislative Black Caucus. Statewide, it definitely indicates that the life of an African American person who was killed by excessive force just doesnt matter. Parson spokeswoman Kelli Jones on Tuesday accused Baker of playing political games and said the governor has a proven, bipartisan record of working to improve the criminal justice system as a whole. Parson called a special session focused on violent crime in 2020, which led to the creation of a witness protection fund and the lifting of a residency requirement for St. Louis police officers. The next year, Parson signed a bill relaxing residency rules for Kansas City officers. Jones said that if DeValkenaere applies for a pardon, it will receive a thorough and thoughtful review before any decision. Jones didnt respond to questions on Wednesday. Parsons support of police wont factor into his decision on whether to grant a pardon, said Jean Evans, a former executive director of the Missouri Republican Party. She said the governor would look at the facts of the situation. One thing Ive learned about Mike Parson over the years is that he takes things on an individual basis. Hes not one to make broad strokes, Evans said. I think sometimes people try to assume things about him based on what they know, which is, you know, fair. I think we all do that. But based on what I know about him, he looks at things on an individual basis and talks it over with his team. Parson, who spent six years in the U.S. Army Military Police Corps, was the Polk County sheriff from 1993 to 2004 before entering the General Assembly. John Hancock, a former chairman of the Missouri Republican Party, on Wednesday called Parson a passionate supporter of law and order. Hancock is also a former chair of the pro-Parson Uniting Missouri PAC, which has produced a video and webpage praising Parsons support for law enforcement. Having been a police officer himself, having been in very dangerous situations himself, I think he has a unique understanding of what it takes to enforce the law, Hancock said. And I think it would be fair to say he has been a staunch supporter of police officers. A Parson pardon of DeValkenaere would be a potentially large gift to Missouri Attorney General Andrew Bailey, a Republican who is running for election in 2024. Parson named Bailey, his former general counsel, as state attorney general last year after Eric Schmitt won election to the U.S. Senate. As state attorney general, Bailey is tasked with defending DeValkenaeres conviction during the appeals process. But over more than a year, his office has failed to submit a brief to the appellate court. The court has granted six extensions, but Missouri Court of Appeals Chief Judge Gary D. Witt this month ruled that no further extensions will be granted. Court papers defending the conviction could prove politically troublesome for Bailey, who is facing a challenge in the Republican primary from Will Scharf, a former assistant U.S. Attorney. Bailey spokeswoman Madeline Sieren has previously said the Missouri Attorney Generals Office will file a brief by the current deadline of June 26. Peverill Squire, a political science professor at the University of Missouri-Columbia, said Parson is in a conflicted position. Parson, as a former sheriff, has a long record of sympathizing with law enforcement. On the other hand, the pardon could prove politically perilous. I think for him, it really does probably put him into a difficult position because if he does issue the pardon, then it sort of weakens his claims on having pursued some judicial and criminal reforms, Squire said. And it would certainly make his last year in the General Assembly a little bit more difficult than it otherwise would be because there would be a lot of chances for people from both Kansas City and St. Louis and some of the more liberal areas of the state to use this as a political talking point, to suggest the Republicans are not supportive of the minority communities. Kansas City Mayor Quinton Lucas said in an interview on Wednesday that he wouldnt comment on a hypothetical pardon, saying his interest is in making sure the justice process continues to play out. While Parson has visited the inner city, Lucas said, I have no reluctance to make it an even stronger relationship. Recognizing perhaps there are some things that can be done that make it a little weaker at times, too, Lucas said. State Sen. Lauren Arthur, a Kansas City Democrat, said no one questions Parsons support of law enforcement. But, she argues, a pardon would only backfire and ultimately hurt police. I think a pardon would only further erode trust between the Kansas City community and the police officers who serve here, she said. The Stars Daniel Desrochers contributed reporting Former vice president Mike Pence got into a heated exchange with a right-wing radio host about whether he would pardon former president Donald Trump were he to become president. Mr Pence appeared on The Clay Travis and Buck Sexton Show on Wednesday where he was asked by Mr Travis if he would pardon Mr Trump if he were facing prison time by the time Mr Pence potentially became president. Well, first off, these are serious charges, Mr Pence said, reiterating his previous comments that he cannot defend Mr Trump on the actual allegations. He added that, as governor of Indiana, he had pardoned people in the past. And I take the pardon authority very seriously is an enormously important power of someone in an executive position, he said. And I just think it's premature to have a conversation about that right now guys. Mr Pences opponent for the Republican nomination for president Florida Governor Ron DeSantis previously told Mr Buck and Mr Travis that, were he to become president, he would pardon Mr Trump and anyone else who received disfavoured treatment from the Department of Justice. Mr Travis pushed back against Mr Pences comments. I think as a matter of principle, if you believe as both Buck and I do, that Donald Trump is being prosecuted to a large extent for political based reasons, something that has never happened in the 240-plus year history of the United States, that we are setting an awful precedent here, he said. With all due respect when you aren't telling us what your decision would be. I think you're dodging the question and, frankly, not stepping up on the front of leadership, which in the past you've been willing to do so. To me not answering is a no. Mike Pence refused to answer if hed pardon Donald Trump on @clayandbuck today. And things got a bit heated as I pressed him on why he wouldnt answer. Enjoy: pic.twitter.com/VTbzDK6lYR Clay Travis (@ClayTravis) June 14, 2023 Mr Pence said Mr Travis knew what the former presidents defence is. I mean, look, we either believe in our judicial process in this country, or we don't, he said. As a standard rule I don't talk about hypotheticals. In response, Mr Travis pressed Mr Pence, but his co-host said he thought they were going to get no more from Mr Pence. Mr Pence had previously called the indictment a sad day for America and criticised the Justice Department for targeting Mr Trump, before later saying he cant defend the allegations. Editors note: This story has been updated to include changes at Aviano Air Base, Italy, related to DoD civilian retiree ID cards. Military retirees living in Turkey have been put on notice that, beginning in fiscal 2024, they will not have access to U.S. military bases in that country but they have just received a 3 month reprieve from the original June 15 cutoff date. The memo rescinding the Thursday deadline was issued June 13 by Air Force Col. Calvin B. Powell, commander of the 39th Air Base Wing at Incirlik Air Base. The restrictions are now scheduled to take effect Oct. 1. Powells original memo, dated May 27, gave retirees roughly two weeks notice. The United States bilateral agreements with Turkey do not permit U.S. Forces to extend [Status of Forces Agreement] privileges or access to installations, facilities and activities to retirees, according to Powells June 13 memo. Turkey isnt the only country where changes are being considered. Officials at Aviano Air Base, Italy, are looking into potential access changes, said Air Force Capt. Mark Goss, a spokesman for U.S. Air Forces in Europe and Air Forces Africa. At this time we cannot confirm if/when this change may take place at Aviano, he said. If there is a change in installation access policies, wing leadership will communicate this to those affected. Goss later provided updated information about changes at Aviano. As of Aug. 31, DoD civilian retiree ID cards will no longer be valid, regardless of the expiration date. These retirees will now be required to get a Real ID or Real ID Act-compliant drivers license from their state, and must register with the 31st Security Forces Squadron Visitor Control Center, using their Real ID and a Standard Form-50. Installation access for DoD civilian retirees will be at the discretion of the installation commander, Goss said. Retired uniformed service members will not lose base access on Aug. 31. Any changes will be in accordance with U.S. and Italian installation access policies, he said. The 31st Fighter Wing will continue to work with the host nation to ensure all those who served continue to have access to Aviano Air Base, Italy. Changes in the Philippines regarding access to military postal services had also been in the works last year, but were put on hold. For retirees in Turkey, it means they are prohibited from shopping at commissaries and Army and Air Force Exchange Service locations, according to Powells memo. Retirees also will not be authorized to use military postal services beyond Oct. 1. It revokes access to the Defense Enrollment Eligibility Reporting System and ID card offices, the Tricare representative, legal offices, and every other service available on the installations and geographically separated units. The new rules apply to Incirlik Air Base, Izmir Air Station and Ankara Air Station, as well as the 425th Air Base Squadron and 717th Air Base Squadron, two geographically separated units. This impacts a lot of retired U.S. Army and U.S. Air Force NCOs and their families, said one retiree, who asked to remain anonymous. Retirees have had access for years. Many living here depend on the APO lifeline for Tricare and VA medication refills. Express Scripts Pharmacy can only mail Tricare prescription medications to U.S.-based addresses, State Department Pouch Mail and APO/FPO/DPO addresses. A big concern for him, he said, is voting. Retirees in Turkey and elsewhere rely on the APO mail system to vote in U.S. elections. The military postal service is more reliable for getting their ballots from local election officials in the U.S. and returning them in time to be counted. In the summer of 2022, military retirees in the Philippines were told their military mail privileges would be cut off, but that decision was put on hold pending further review by defense officials. According to Department of Defense actuarial tables, there were 121 military retirees living in Turkey as of September 2020. The new rules also affect their widows and dependents. The number could be an undercount, the retiree stated, because it probably doesnt count retirees who live in Turkey half the year. Goss said the decision was a result of a comprehensive review of the mission sets of the 39th Air Base Wing units in Turkiye, force protection conditions, resources and manning, and all relevant agreements, laws and regulations to ensure compliance in international agreements with Turkey, and to ensure that their geographically separated units remain effective in their mission. In effect, this allows base privileges for those from other countries, but not for military retirees, the retiree said. In Izmir, the U.S. air facility is about three miles from NATO Land Command headquarters, the retiree said. Its sole purpose is to support NATO. Now our allies can use the [exchange] and commissary, but long-serving American military retirees cant. In Ankara, it is the same. While retirees in Incirlik have not had access for years because it is a Turkish-flagged air base, they have been able to visit Ankara or Izmir. Officials are not rescinding the retirees privileges per se, he said. Theyre just barring access to the buildings, which has the same effect. At Aviano Air Base, word has gotten out that changes in base access may be afoot, said the son of one military widow. His mother needs to be able to go the credit union and post office, he said. Her Social Security and survivors benefits come to her credit union [on Aviano], and they are getting more stringent about requiring account holders to come in person, he said. Shes elderly and in poor health, he said, and needs someone to drive her and help her about. But over the past year, she has also had more trouble in getting access for her sons to bring her on base, although they have U.S. passports. Her sexual assault led to being homeless, and her victimization led to being raped and her recovery led to qualifying for the Miss Georgia Scholarship Competition, where she shares her survivor journeys lessons. Thats the resilient story Miss Hogansville 2023 Abby Callaway tells. So when she appears on stage this week at the RiverCenter for the Performing Arts in Columbus to vie for the state crown, she will feel like she already has won. I can prove that Im worthy of this, she told the Ledger-Enquirer. I belong here, and Im part of this family. This weeks preliminary rounds for the 78th annual Miss Georgia Scholarship Competition start each night at 7 p.m., followed by the finals Saturday at 8 p.m., when Miss Georgia 2023 and Miss Georgias Outstanding Teen 2023 will be crowned. Tickets are sold online at rivercenter.org and at the RiverCenter box office, 706-256-3612. This years event has 92 contestants (56 for Miss Georgia and 26 for Miss Georgias Outstanding Teen) who won local pageants to qualify for the state competitions, which will award $75,000 in scholarships. The winners will represent Georgia in the Miss America and Miss Americas Outstanding Teen competitions. A whirlwind Callaway, 25, graduated in 2015 from Social Circle High School in Walton County, Georgia. She enjoyed her freshman year as a music therapy major at UGA. Then, away from campus, she was sexually assaulted in August 2016 at the beginning of her sophomore year. I had to make the decision: Am I going to allow myself to be safe and happy, or was I going to be stuck in the abuse still, she said. I had to make the choice, and then I was financially on my own and by myself without anyone on my side. Paying for college and living expenses on her own proved unsustainable. She became food insecure and homeless during the summer of 2017. It was just a whirlwind, she said. Abby Callaway. 06/13/2023 For two months, Callaway slept each night in her car at UGA parking lots. I had everything I own in the trunk of my car or stowed away under seats, she said. Callaway was too embarrassed to tell her friends about her situation. I felt alone so alone, she said. I didnt have anyone I could turn to. I knew if I could hold on just a little bit longer, I knew there had to be good in the world. So, when it came to sink or swim, I decided to swim. Callaway sometimes made up a reason to ask friends if she could use their shower. But she went as long as two or three weeks without shower, so she used baby wipes and extra deodorant instead. She also used baby wipes to clean the one spoon she had to eat her go-to meal at the time, a can of SpaghettiOs. I thought everything that was happening to me was my fault, she said. I thought this was justice and what was deserved for me. Thankfully, I now know that wasnt my fault at all, and I didnt deserve any of that. Callaway figured out a way to work three part-time jobs while still attending college classes to afford an apartment. But the expenses mounted, and she dropped out of college as a senior in 2018 because she vowed to never sleep in her car again. It was between choosing a roof over my head and paying my tuition, she said. Revictimized Studies show sexual crime victims are at increased risk for being revictimized. Thats what happened to Callaway, raped in 2018 by a fellow student on the UGA campus. Perpetrators pick their targets well, she said, and (hers) knew that was an experience I had. One of her part-time jobs was working at the front desk for a program that supports students who were foster children or homeless. Callaway felt too scared to seek help, but her supervisor sensed she was hiding a problem and asked her to fess up. Everything came out, she said. I know if she did not ask me that, I dont know if I would be alive today, I really dont. The supervisor connected her to the UGA dean of students office, which gave her resources and support to pay rent for an apartment. Everybody swooped in, she said. I knew then I didnt have to be a statistic. I could rise above it. Callaway spoke to the police about her sexual assault and rape, she said, but the perpetrators werent prosecuted. Both investigations were dropped, she said. But she isnt dropping the issue. Thats why Im here to compete for Miss Georgia, to be an example that you can come forward and speak about this, and theres nothing to be ashamed of, she said. There are so many free resources, especially in the state of Georgia, to support survivors so that they can get back on their feet. Road to Miss Georgia stage Callaway felt fortunate to have a rape crisis center available in Athens that connected her to resources, such as paying for more than two years of psychological therapy. I was able to go through support groups and just really have the second chance at life almost, she said, because if I didnt have that, I honestly dont think I would be alive today. Something horrible would have happened or my mental health would have spiraled. One day, her therapist challenged her to try something different, something she always wanted to do but never did. Callaway discussed her options with a friend, who had just competed in a pageant and told her, If you dont know who you are, youre going to get in a judges interview, and thats going to force you to figure out who you are. So she entered a local pageant in 2021. She didnt win anything, but she enjoyed the experience. Callaway thought her pageant career would be one-and-done, but it was a beginning instead of an end. I felt so heard and loved by the Miss Georgia community that I knew I had to keep going, she said. They say, Your story does matter, and its valid, and youre not alone anymore. Miss Hogansville Abby Callaway. Later that year, Callaway entered her first Miss Georgia preliminary. Again, she didnt win, but after the competition, Miss Georgia 2021 Karson Pennington told her, You belong here, and your story is powerful. Callaway recalled, Having those small interactions with people kept validating and affirming. So she kept competing in pageants and won the 2022 Miss Crossroads of the South title in Swainsboro to qualify for that years Miss Georgia contest, where she won the Together for Mental Health award for the Sunflowers Against Sexual Assault organization she created. Sunflowers Against Sexual Assault The reference to sunflowers, which are considered natures strongest flower, is a metaphor for surviving and then thriving after sexual assault: Sunflowers turn to face the sun, and still stand tall and bloom even in a drought. Every time I saw a sunflower, she said, it gave me a little bit of hope. Now, she spreads that message. During the past six months, she has spent more than 350 hours on crisis hotlines, advising sexual assault survivors and helping them get the care and support they need. Callaway helped raise nearly $30,000 this year for rape crisis centers. She also has partnered with 19 centers to help train counselors by sharing her survivor story with them. In April 2022, Callaway was the keynote speaker for a sexual assault awareness event in northwest Georgia. While she was helping to clean up, a 15-year-old girl asked to get a picture with her. She hugged Callaway and whispered, I didnt know there was anyone like me. Callaway recalled, I just held her in that moment, and she sobbed in my arms. Taking advantage of the moment, Callaway helped her get the support she needed. Shes in a safe environment where she isnt abused anymore, Callaway said. The $3,600 in scholarships Callaway has won through the Miss America Organization enabled her to return to college, this time online with Oregon State University for a bachelors degree in public health while living in Atlanta and working as a nanny. Callaway wants to return to UGA for a masters degree, work in a rape crisis center and research what she calls the epidemiology of sexual violence. That way we can track and go backwards and say, This happened. Why did this perpetrator do this? What happened to him? How could we stop that? . . . The recovery from that and being able to rise above it is whats made me the person I am today, she said. Callaway paused, then clarified that statement. I didnt become a better person by being raped, she said. I became a better person because so many people loved me and poured into me and showed me grace when I was at my messiest and helped me redeem myself and gave me the opportunity to reclaim my life. Callaway wants more education for protective measures, such as bullying prevention, mentorships and empowerment programs for children, so they dont become perpetrators. She also wants more opportunities to teach people when they are victims or witnesses of sexual violence to speak up and seek help through appropriate resources. We can be doing so much more, she said. One American is sexually assaulted an average of every 68 seconds, but only 25 out of every 1,000 perpetrators will end up in prison, according to Rape, Abuse and Incest National Network. Just a few years ago, Callaway couldnt envision herself as a contender for the Miss Georgia or Miss America title. Now, she said, I can see myself in those roles, working with kids, working in community centers and talking about why sexual violence is something that we can prevent and should be preventing. OXFORD, Miss. Three Mississippi men each have been sentenced to more than 10 years in prison for the 2018 armed robbery of a U.S. Postal Service worker. Jamarr Smith, 38, Gilbert McThunel II, 37, and Thomas Iroko Ayodele, 40, all of Batesville, were sentenced Tuesday during a hearing before U.S. District Judge Sharion Aycock. Smith and McThunel each received 10 years and eight months in prison, while Ayodele was sentenced to 11 years and three months, authorities said. Each of them will serve five years of supervision once released and they were ordered to pay restitution to the U.S. Postal Service for the money taken in the robbery and to the postal carrier for medical costs associated with injuries he received, federal prosecutors said. The carrier was robbed as he picked up mail from the Lake Cormorant Post Office for delivery to the distribution center in Memphis, the U.S. attorney's office said in a news release. Evidence showed when the carrier arrived on Feb. 5, 2018, McThunel approached the carrier, struck him multiple times in the face with a firearm, threatened to kill him, and then stole bags containing money from the carrier's truck. Ayodele dropped McThunel off at the post office prior to the robbery and picked him up afterward, while Smith acted as a lookout from a separate vehicle. Combatting violent crime and protection of our citizens is one of the highest priorities for the U.S. attorney's office in the Northern District of Mississippi, U.S. Attorney Clay Joyner said. We hope that today's sentence will serve as a message to all who would target or victimize their fellow citizens in the hopes of easy personal gain. Such acts will not be tolerated and we will do all we can to see that violent criminals and those who assist them are incarcerated for their crimes. This article originally appeared on Mississippi Clarion Ledger: Mississippi men get over 10 years in prison for robbing postal worker We need a federal ban on assault weapons now. Bills that would accomplish this popular goal are now sitting in the House as H.R. 698 and the Senate at S. 25, waiting for a vote. Gun violence is the No. 1 cause of death for children in this country, and most of our nations deadliest recent mass shootings have been carried out with legally purchased assault weapons. We know a federal assault weapons ban saves lives. Weve done it before, and we can do it again. From 1994 to 2004, the manufacture and civilian use of semiautomatic and automatic assault weapons was prohibited. For the decade this ban was in effect, we saw a 70% decrease in mass shooting deaths. According to a new Fox News poll, 61% of Americans support a ban on assault weapons a clear majority in a country that is so often deeply divided. We must act now. On June 6, I traveled to Washington, D.C., to ask our senators to reinstate the assault weapon ban. I met others like me normal folks, not politicians or lobbyists who feel a moral imperative to support the ban. Veterans, doctors, mothers, fathers some conservative, some liberal, some gun owners, some who had never touched a firearm. I listened to a Vietnam veteran who committed his life to serving our country describe why he sees an assault weapon ban as a no-brainer. A lifelong conservative and gun owner himself, he described the AR-15 rifle as a weapon of war that has no place on our streets. He cried when he explained why he decided to make the trip to D.C. He fears for the lives of his kids and his grandchildren. Hes becoming a single-issue voter and just wants his senators, Republicans for whom he voted, to listen to him. I listened to a pediatrician from West Virginia describe the gun violence epidemic as a public health crisis. He explained what assault weapons do to the tiny bodies of children. These weapons are killing machines that pulverize bones and eviscerate organs. They render human bodies unrecognizable and turn classrooms into war zones. The doctor read a letter from his church supporting gun law reform. He and I held hands and wept as he described the beautiful souls weve lost to gun violence as children of God. I met other mothers who, like me, live this hell every day. We send our perfect, innocent children to school knowing that as much as we try, we dont have the power to keep them safe. Our beautiful babies crouch in corners, under desks, in bathrooms in active shooter drills, which are as commonplace today as fire drills. I pleaded with bright young men and women lawmakers staffers just starting their careers to listen to me. I told them that every time Im in a public space with my two sons, I wonder if I can move fast enough to shield them with my own body. I recounted my panic attacks after my sons preschool started conducting active shooter drills. I asked these young people to look into their hearts, to save us, to save our children from this madness. Im not anti-gun. Im not anti-Second Amendment. But weapons of war do not belong in the hands of civilians. Im begging our lawmakers to listen. Sens. Josh Hawley, Eric Schmitt, Jerry Moran and Roger Marshall: Listen to the people of Missouri and Kansas. We cant do this alone, Senators. We need you. This is your time to be heroes. Please. You have the power to save lives. Pass the ban. Gun reform can be our generations greatest achievement, but we dont have a second to lose. Take my hand. We can do this together. Anna Dudenhoeffer Simpson is an attorney and co-founder of Lives on the Line, a grassroots nonprofit organization of mothers from Missouri and Kansas dedicated to finding radically bipartisan solutions to gun violence. Lives on the Line does not lobby. To support the assault weapons ban, call your senators and ask them to back S. 25. Tell them this issue is of the utmost importance to you, and that you thank them for their time and hard work. Hawley: 202-224-6154 Schmitt: 202-224-5721 Moran: 202-224-6521 Marshall: 202-224-4774 This photo taken on June 14, 2023 shows the opening ceremony of the Forum on Global Human Rights Governance in Beijing, capital of China. The Forum on Global Human Rights Governance opened in Beijing on Wednesday. [Photo/Xinhua] The Forum on Global Human Rights Governance, themed "Equality, Cooperation and Development: The 30th Anniversary of the Vienna Declaration and Programme of Action and Global Human Rights Governance," opened in Beijing Wednesday. Jointly hosted by the Information Office of the State Council, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, and the China International Development Cooperation Agency, the forum attracted over 300 participants from nearly 100 countries and international organizations, including United Nations (UN) agencies. In a congratulatory letter to the forum, Chinese President Xi Jinping said that China stands for safeguarding human rights with security, advocates for promoting human rights with development, and stands for advancing human rights with cooperation in the spirit of mutual respect and equality. Xi's letter was read out at the forum's opening ceremony by Li Shulei, a member of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee and head of the Publicity Department of the CPC Central Committee. Li himself delivered a keynote speech. Addressing the opening ceremony of the forum, Fu Hua, president of Xinhua News Agency, noted that human rights are an achievement of humanity and a symbol of progress. Respect for and protection of human rights is a basic principle of modern civilization, and the unwavering goal of the CPC. Highlighting international cooperation In his congratulatory letter, Xi said that China is ready to work with the rest of the world to act on the principles enshrined in the Vienna Declaration and Programme of Action, push for greater fairness, justice, reason, and inclusiveness in global human rights governance, and promote the development of a human community with a shared future. The advancement of global human rights causes can only be realized with the combined efforts of all members of the international society. Many participants have emphasized this point when sharing opinions at the forum. "We should spare no effort to ensure that the people of the world are the main actor, promoter, and beneficiary of the cause of human rights," said Saint Cyr Mazangue, commissioner for international cooperation from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Central African Republic. He added that major countries must take responsibility in this regard. In terms of international human rights cooperation, many participants underlined the role of the UN and its principles regarding human rights. Liu Xinsheng, a human rights expert with the UN Human Rights Council Advisory Committee, said in his speech that abiding by the purposes and principles of the UN Charter is of paramount importance in global human rights management. He added that developing countries should be given more support to be involved in global governance and explore paths to promote democracy and the rule of law to advance the healthy development of global human rights governance. Acknowledging China's outlook At the forum, many experts acknowledged China's outlook on respecting and protecting human rights, noting it can provide new insight into the solution to global human rights challenges. Robert Lawrence Kuhn, chairman of the Kuhn Foundation, noted in his speech that China's outlook on human rights is manifested in the manner Chinese people participate in national governance, particularly the whole-process people's democracy. The CPC's call is to expand the orderly political participation of the people, to strengthen the protection of human rights and the rule of law, and to ensure that the people enjoy extensive rights and freedoms in accordance with the law, said Kuhn, adding that enhancing whole-process people's democracy enhances human rights. In addition, participants also discussed China's view on human rights reflected in its diplomacy, particularly in the Global Development Initiative (GDI) and the Global Security Initiative (GSI). In his speech, renowned Zambian scholar Fredrick Mutesa discussed the relationship between the GDI and the rights to development. He hailed the implementation of the GDI as another vivid example of China's endeavor to promote the development of a human community with a shared future. Speaking of the GSI, Crispin Kaheru, Commissioner of the Uganda Human Rights Commission, said it seeks to promote dialogue over confrontation and partnerships over alliances, but, more importantly, it seeks to encourage win-win situations over zero-sum game settlements. "China is not only proposing the way but also sharing its experiences," he added. Human rights in digital age At the forum, participants also paid attention to the new opportunities and challenges brought by rapidly developing digital technology to global human rights governance. Shi Anbin, professor of the School of Journalism and Communication of Tsinghua University, noted in the critical period of digital governance, countries in the Global South should continue the South-South cooperation, deepen international technological exchanges and cooperation, and stimulate internal innovations. Besides posing challenges, digital technology also empowered countries to advance human rights in many aspects. Maria Francesca Staiano, a coordinator with the China Research Center of the School of Law and Social Sciences of Argentina's La Plata National University, introduced in her speech how Argentina utilized digital technology to improve education for the people and alleviate poverty. She expressed hope that China will engage in increasing cooperation with countries in Latin America and the Caribbean in fields including digital technology to make new contributions to the UN Sustainable Development Goal. A Modesto man has been sentenced to over a decade in prison after convictions for drug trafficking and illegal weapons possession. Joshua Harrington, 36, was sentenced Monday for possession of a firearm as a felon and possession of methamphetamine with intent to sell. Harrington, indicted by a federal grand jury in January, was ordered to serve 12 years and seven months. On April 2, 2021, Harrington left a backpack while attempting to evade law enforcement in Modesto, says a news release from the U.S. Attorneys Office of the Eastern District of California. Two firearms were inside the backpack. Having been previously convicted of felonies, Harrington was prohibited from possessing firearms and ammunition. Law enforcement also found methamphetamine in his garage, the release says. Connection to officer-involved shooting Months later, on Aug. 14, Harrington again tried to evade authorities. He fled on his motorcycle after being pulled over for reckless driving. As The Bee reported at the time, law enforcement officers followed Harrington to a home and searched him there. Afterward, officers searched the house after obtaining a warrant. In the last bedroom of the house to be searched, officers encountered Jesse Collins James Brooks, 44, who opened fire on Officer Michael Rokaitis. Part of Rokaitis right leg later had to be amputated because of the wounds. Brooks and Harrington were arrested that night. Brooks remains in custody at the Stanislaus County jail. Brooks was arraigned May 17, with charges including three counts of attempted murder, being a felon in possession of a firearm, and being a felon in possession of ammunition. His next court date is June 26 to set a jury trial date. Harrington could have faced life in prison According to a January press release from the U.S. Attorneys office, Harringtons possible maximum sentence for the possession of a firearm charge could have been up to 10 years in prison and a $250,000 fine. For the drug trafficking charge, he could have faced anywhere from a mandatory minimum of 10 years to the maximum penalty of life in prison and a $10 million fine. The case, prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Kimberly Sanchez, is part of the Department of Justices Project Safe Neighborhoods Program. The program, intended to reduce violent crime, integrates different law enforcement agencies and communities. Four agencies the Modesto Police Department; the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives; the Stanislaus County Probation Department; and the Stanislaus County District Attorneys Office coordinated the investigation of Harrington. (Bloomberg) -- A federal advisory panel has initiated new consultations on replacing Indias religion-based marriage and inheritance laws with a uniform civil code, reviving a controversial campaign promise of Prime Minister Narendra Modis ruling party ahead of general elections next year. Most Read from Bloomberg The Law Commission has sought comments from the general public and religious organizations over next 30 days, according to a public notice on Wednesday. Bearing in mind the relevance and importance of the subject and also the various court orders on the subject, the 22nd Law Commission of India considered it expedient to deliberate afresh over the subject, it said. Drafting a new civil code has featured prominently in Modis Bharatiya Janata Party election manifestos in the last two national elections and is a key but unfulfilled part of its Hindu nationalist agenda. Critics have voiced concerns the push for uniform civil laws could become part of the BJPs majoritarian social push. The government has championed the end of some Islamic laws like polygamy but done little to address the inequities meted out to Hindu women under their religious code such as the division of matrimonial assets and child support after divorce. Currently, matters of marriage, divorce, adoption and inheritance are governed by multiple religious and customary laws. The drafters of Indias independent constitution had laid out that a uniform civil code should eventually replace these often regressive and patriarchal laws. Successive governments since then have stayed away from amending these laws for fear it will anger voters belonging to the Hindu majority as well as the minority Christians and Muslims because of the perceived clash with their fundamental right to practice their faith. The constitutional amendment will require the approval of parliament. A previous round of public consultations on the issue in 2018 ended without consensus. However, the BJPs ideological parent, the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh, has remained focused on the creation of a uniform civil code for decades. BJP-ruled states Gujarat and Uttarakhand have already announced their intention to implement uniform civil laws and formed panel to prepare drafts. Most Read from Bloomberg Businessweek 2023 Bloomberg L.P. After more than 100 run-ins with cops in 10 years, Minnesota man files harassment suit against police, city Aaron Kirk and his family claim continued discrimination and racial profiling occur in Duluth based solely on Aaron Kirks race, his interracial marriage, and the Kirk familys presence in a predominantly white neighborhood. A Black man has launched a harassment lawsuit against the city of Duluth, Minnesota, after he encountered over 100 run-ins with police in 10 years. Police arrested Aaron Kirk in front of his West Duluth house on July 10, 2020, following a road rage episode with a truck driver who continuously used racial slurs and threatened him, according to the Minneapolis Star-Tribune. Dashboard camera footage shows Aaron Kirk in the back seat of Duluth police officer Sara Schultees vehicle attempting to comprehend how he ended up in too-tight shackles in a squad car. The officer reassures him that they cited the other motorist. (Photo Credit: Screenshot/YouTube.com/John Orrison) Grace Kirk used her phone to capture a video of her dads arrest, claiming images of George Floyds murder were still fresh in her mind at the time. [Police officers] are telling me to back up and Im screaming and you can hear it in my voice my voice is breaking, Grace said, the Star-Tribune reported. Not in anger in fear and terror, like Im going to lose my dad. The lawsuit submitted on Monday in federal court asserts that Aaron Kirks arrest is the most serious of the more than 100 encounters he has had with local law enforcement since the mid-2000s. Named in the case are 12 defendants, including, the city of Duluth, police chief Mike Ceynowa, former police chief Gordon Ramsay and the other driver involved in the 2020 road rage incident. The Kirks requesting compensatory and punitive damages and legal fees claim continued discrimination and racial profiling occur in Duluth based solely on Aaron Kirks race, his interracial marriage, and the Kirk familys presence in a predominantly white neighborhood. Aaron Kirks wife, Amy Kirk, who is white, claimed she had a cordial relationship with her then-next-door neighbors when she first moved to the neighborhood in 2003, but that was before Aaron Kirk joined her two years later. The complaint states the neighbors called 911 numerous times over false and baseless accusations. Neighbors have reportedly complained about the Kirks dog barking or growling at their service dog. They also called about someone using a drill but ended the conversation as the noise subsided. Neighbors allegedly reported the Kirks home was a methamphetamine lab after calling the police twice because they smelled a chemical odor coming from the residence. On another occasion, they said they believed Aaron Kirk was planning to steal construction materials. When neighbors dispatched an officer in 2011 in response to an allegation that the Kirks house had a strong marijuana odor, the officers notes showed that there was no scent and nobody was home. Police frequently determined that the neighbors concerns were unjustified. According to the lawsuit, a meeting between city officials and the Kirks occurred in November 2008, but officials took no action. During the road rage incident, police held Aaron Kirk in the St. Louis County jail over the weekend. All accusations against him which included assault with a deadly weapon and eluding police officers were dropped. I still dont know why my husband spent four days in jail, Amy Kirk said, the Tribune reported. Kirk said he feels closely watched and supervised, forcing him to routinely close the drapes in their home. He added that its exhausting and impacting his connection with this family and his mental health. The lawsuit comes while the Boston-based Crime and Justice Institute conducts a racial bias audit of the Duluth Police Department. The ongoing poll, inspired by a community petition, looks at police practices, data from traffic stops, and opinions on transparency and racial prejudice, among other things. The complaint states that the defendants did nothing to halt the fraudulent reports, which persisted and worsened. Their failures were part and parcel of ongoing discriminatory policies and procedures that deprived the Kirks of their constitutional rights, the complaint states, according to the Star-Tribune. TheGrio is FREE on your TV via Apple TV, Amazon Fire, Roku and Android TV. Also, please download theGrio mobile apps today! The post After more than 100 run-ins with cops in 10 years, Minnesota man files harassment suit against police, city appeared first on TheGrio. More than 200 doctors and health staff urge action on air pollution from Rishi Sunak Prime Minister Rishi Sunak (Danny Lawson/PA Wire) A group of more than 200 doctors and hospital staff from across the UK have written to Prime Minister Rishi Sunak, urging him to take action on air pollution. The letter, written to mark Clean Air Day on Thursday, follows a similar letter from some 36 scientists sent to Downing Street last week. It reads: The scientists have given us disturbing evidence, but we as health care providers are left on the front line with the heartbreaking impacts [of toxic air]. We deal with children struggling to breathe, parents grieving lost babies, adults suffering from cancer, heart attacks, stroke and dementia. All made more common by the toxic air we breathe. The letter was organised by the campaign group Ride for their Lives, and includes among its signatories some 209 GPs, nurses, paediatricians, radiologists, psychotherapists and other hospital staff. It comes as Mayor Sadiq Khans planned expansion of the Ultra Low Emission Zone (Ulez) - and a judicial review challenging its legality - draws closer. The healthcare workers say in their appeal to Mr Sunak that interventions like the Ulez and similar schemes across the country are needed to protect their patients health. Sadly there are very few effective actions that our patients can take to reduce their personal exposure [to toxic air], the letter reads. Much more powerful are the interventions that only coordinated action from national, regional and local governments can achieve. These include providing environments where our patients can travel safely on foot and by bike, Ultra Low Emission and Clean Air Zones as in London, Newcastle and other cities, local traffic control solutions such as school streets, and effective regulation of wood burning in urban areas. The science shows that this clears the air, reduces hospitalisation and makes our frontline work easier. It is deeply worrying that some politicians have chosen to deny the science and promote delay and disinformation. We call on you to set an example to your peers. One of its authors, paediatric intensivist Dr Mark Hayden, said of the letter: Really it was a reaction to reading the scientists letter, and obviously the scientists felt under attack from various places, which I think I can understand, knowing the landscape in discussing things like Ulez and other air quality topics We were really just putting the headline diseases that people know about in the letter, to keep it simple and short. Sadiq Khan plans to expand the Ulez to cover the whole of Greater London on August 29 (PA Wire) But the thing that surprises me is that every day theres a new paper that comes out that shows that [when there is] a spike in PM2.5 [particulate matter] or NO2 [nitrogen dioxide], or a forest fire, there are acute health impacts on conditions that I treat. He said he hopes Mr Sunak will listen to the letters warnings. I dont know how much time he has to read letters from people like us, but I hope that he does, because hes talked previously about his children, and wanting a better future for them, he said. Wed like the politicians to listen to the evidence that the scientists have provided and listen to us as a very diverse group of healthcare providers. Thats one thing we tried to do with our letter. The scientists letter was obviously a bunch of very eminent professors and doctors, but we wanted this to come much more from a sort of grassroots healthcare providers of all different types. The topic of Ulez was raised at Prime Ministers Questions on Wednesday, where Mr Sunak said Mayor Sadiq Khan was imposing the Ulez charge against the overwhelming views of residents and businesses and that it was a plan to raise costs on working families. The zone, which will expand to cover the whole of Greater London on August 29, requires non-compliant vehicles to pay a daily charge of 12.50 in order to be driven within it. Mr Khan has said the measure is necessary to enable five million Londoners to breathe cleaner air, and to save lives. Responding to the letter, a spokeswoman for the Department for the Environment, Food and Rural Affairs said: While local authorities have a responsibility to tackle air quality in their areas, the government has delivered significant improvements in air quality at a national level since 2010, with emissions of fine particulate matter and nitrogen oxides down by 10 per cent and 45 per cent respectively but we recognise there is more to do. Our Environmental Improvement Plan sets out how we will drive down emissions from domestic burning, agriculture, transport and industry, while the Air Quality Strategy sets out our expectations of local councils to improve air quality for their residents. Together, these measures will support progress towards our legally binding targets and deliver cleaner air for all." More Than 300 Dead After Kenyan Doomsday Cult Leader Asked Followers to Starve to 'Meet Jesus.' Here's What We Know Officials inspect a forest where bodies were found near the Good News International Church Officials inspect a forest where bodies were found near the Good News International Church in Malindi town of Kilifi, Kenya on April 23, 2023. Credit - Stringer/Anadolu Agency/Getty Images The death toll linked to a Kenyan cult leader accused of ordering his followers to starve themselves to meet Jesus has reached at least 318 people as of this week, after investigators exhumed more bodies from mass graves in Shakahola Forest in the southeast of the country. Investigators last week had expanded their search to a wider area in the region. About 65 rescued followers of Paul Nthenge Mackenzie, who founded the Good News international church, were charged on Monday with attempted suicide after they refused to eat while in custody at a rescue center. These emaciated survivors appeared in court on Thursday, in the latest twist in one of the worst cult-related tragedies in recent history. At least 613 people remain missing in connection to the cult, local officials said, while 95 people have been rescued. Who is Paul Nthenge Mackenzie? Mackenzie was a taxi driver before he founded Good News international church, set up his congregation, and promoted the Shakahola Forest as a refuge. Authorities accuse him of ordering his followers to starve so they could go to heaven before his predicted end of the world date. Government pathologists have said that some victims died of asphyxiation and strangulation. Mackenzie, along with over three dozen others, are being held in police custody under charges including murder and terrorism. The evangelical pastor had a history of breaking the law, according to local news reports. From 1997 to 2003, he was arrested four times though acquitted due to lack of evidence. In one incident, Mackenzie was arrested after urging children not to attend school, saying that education was not encouraged by the Bible. He also had a YouTube channel where he encouraged his followers to reject modern aspects of life, like wearing wigs or using digital payment services. He was also arrested twice in both 2019 and March 2023, where he was suspected in the deaths of children, but released on bond. A member of the public tipped off local police about the pastors starvation practices in April. Mackenzie handed himself over to police that month, where he has remained in custody since. Paul Nthenge Mackenzie (C), looks at his lawyer George Kariuki (R) while appearing in the dock with other co-accused at the court in Malindi on May 2, 2023. AFP via Getty Images The Kenyan government has said it intends to convert Shakahola Forest into a memorial site to honor those who passed away in Mackenzies cult. This is not a place that can be reverted to farming, ranching, and other human activities because the souls of our brothers and sisters, adults, and children that weve lost here require much more dignity than that, said Cabinet Secretary of Interior and Administration Kithure Kindiki in a public statement. But critics have also blasted the Kenyan governments response to the tragedy, including the decision to prosecute survivors for attempted suicide. Charging the survivors with attempted suicide is inappropriate and will retraumatize the survivors at a time when they most desperately require empathy, intense psycho-social assistance, rehabilitation, and community support, Roseline Odede, chairperson of the Kenya National Commission on Human Rights, told a prominent Kenyan newspaper. The fear of criminal charges is believed to have led some survivors to retreat into hiding in the forest, according to KNCHRs press release. Kenyas legal system classifies suicide as a misdemeanor, and is punishable by up to two years in prison. More where that came from Freedom of Russia Legion shows off raid near Belgorod, announces new missions More where that came from Freedom of Russia Legion shows off raid near Belgorod, announces new missions The video posted by the fighters showcased the operational tactics of the Legions 5th Assault Unit during the operation. They believe that only thing the Kremlin repressive machine is capable of is suppressing unarmed people and dissent. The cowardly old man in the bunker surrounded himself with equally despicable and greedy individuals who have turned our country into a poor imitation of an underdeveloped dictatorship. Our actions have shown that only through armed means can we cleanse our homeland from Putins wickedness. Resistance is growing, the Legions time has come. We are preparing for new missions! stated the Legion. Read also: Freedom of Russia Legion claims destruction of Russian tanks and armored personnel carriers video The Freedom of Russia Legion announced on May 22 that together with the RVC it had completely liberated the village of Kozinka in Belgorod Oblast, passed the village of Gora-Podol, and began storming Grayvoron. The RDK and the Legion reported that they had advanced 42 kilometers into Russia and controlled some settlements in Belgorod Oblast for a day. They claimed to have lost two people in action, with 10 others wounded, destroyed dozens of Russian security forces and about ten armored vehicles, and also seized trophies. The Main Intelligence Directorate of the Ministry of Defense of Ukraine called the actions of the Legion and the RVC in Russias Belgorod Oblast the establishment of a security strip to protect Ukrainians. Ukrainian Defense Intelligence officer and spokesperson, Andriy Yusov, said that the raid in the Russian oblast was carried out exclusively by the Legion and RVC fighters, who are themselves Russian citizens. Read also: Russian army joins civilians in looting in Belgorod Oblast, locals say Russian volunteers announced another raid in Belgorod Oblast on June 1. On June 4, they again stated that they were engaging in battles in the suburbs of Shebekino in Belgorod Oblast. On June 7, the RVC fighters reported that they had completely controlled the Russian village of Nova Tavolzhanka for a week. The Freedom of Russia Legion, established in March 2022, and the Russian Volunteer Corps, formed in August 2022, are units of the Ukrainian Armed Forces, comprised of volunteers from Russia and ethnic Russian immigrants residing in Ukraine and other European countries. The outfits fight alongside the Ukrainian armed forces. 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 Moscow claims that Crimea is Russia toasted by post-invasion lease proposal leaked by ally Lukashenko Alexander Lukashenko Read also: Putins cringe-worthy copy of Zelenskyy ridiculed online Speaking to Kremlin propagandists, Lukashenko said his younger son Nikolai allegedly helped arrange a "phone call" with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy. Lukashenko adds that after a lengthy conversation, Zelenskyy agreed to meet with Russia's delegation in Belarus. "Putin handed me a document with the delegations' initials, the self-proclaimed Belarusian president claimed. It's normal, even regarding Crimea - the long-term lease there, regarding Donbas in the east...A normal agreement. If only then - now it's impossible." Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov later denied Lukashenko's remarks about "leasing Crimea", calling the occupied Ukrainian peninsula a "region" of Russia. Read also: European Parliament recognized the demolition of the Kakhovska dam as a Russian war crime At the invasion's outset, a draft peace treaty proposed Ukraine and Russia hold bilateral talks on Crimea and Sevastopol for 15 years. However, after Russian war crimes and atrocities in Ukraine, the negotiations stalled after several rounds. Ukrainian representatives stressed Russia did not want to end the war and sought to destroy Ukraine completely. Read also: Russian propagandist begs followers for money for security, believes the SBU will murder him post-war President Zelenskyy announced on Sept. 30, 2022, that he would not meet with Russian dictator Vladmir Putin, based on the decision of the National Security and Defense Council. Read also: Zelenskyy criticizes international community for timidity after Kakhovka Dam explosion Prior to that, the aggressor state tried to annex seized Ukrainian territories. Zelenskyy reiterated that position on May 21, 2023, stating that no peace talks could occur with Russia until Russian troops leave all Ukrainian territory. 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 Motorist arrested after fiery Fresno County crash and accused of manslaughter, CHP says A driver involved in a fatal Fresno County crash has been arrested and accused of manslaughter, the California Highway Patrol said Thursday. The 26-year-old motorist was driving a 2020 Dodge Charger at a high rate of speed north of Sanger and crashed it into a slower moving 2003 Honda Odyssey, killing the driver, CHP said. Shes accused of voluntary manslaughter and was also driving without a license, officer Carlos Trejo said. The Dodge was on Highway 180 going east near Bethel Avenue about 3 a.m. Wednesday when it struck the Honda from behind, pushing the van off the road and into a tree before it burst into flames, CHP said. The Honda driver died at the scene, CHP said. The Fresno County Coroners Office said Thursday it had not yet confirmed the victims identity. The Dodge driver and her three passengers were transported to an area hospital with minor injuries, CHP said. She was no longer in custody on Thursday, according to Fresno County Jail records. Neither alcohol nor drugs were suspected as a factor in the crash. The bizarre tale of someone trying to fly away in a helicopter from Sacramentos Executive Airport in March has gotten even stranger, with the FBI saying an EBT card was found inside a chopper and identifying a potential suspect from whom they later obtained a DNA sample. No charges have been filed in connection with the incident, but newly unsealed search warrant documents in federal court say the FBI zeroed in on a 20-year-old man named Jaden Julius Edwards after an EBT card in his name was found in a helicopter at the airport on March 15. FBI Special Agent Sean Lister successfully sought court orders allowing for records of Edwards cellphone to be accessed through his provider and for authorities to obtain a DNA sample for Edwards while he was being held in the Sacramento County Main Jail. Court records do not disclose whether Edwards DNA matched that of DNA found in aircraft at the airport. But court files say authorities found video evidence from an AM-PM market across the street from Executive Airport that showed an individual resembling Edwards making a purchase there at 1:02 a.m. on March 15, less than two hours before someone began tampering with helicopters at the field. Court files also say that two days after the incident at Executive Airport, Sacramento County sheriffs deputies found Edwards inside a plane at Mather Airport. Without authorization, Edwards was found in a small (Cessna) airplane, a search warrant affidavit from Lister says. Edwards told the responding officers he was trying to start the airplane, but it was out of fuel. No charges against Edwards related to the incidents are filed in Sacramento Superior Court or U.S. District Court in Sacramento. Edwards is currently being held in the Clark County, Nevada, jail on an attempted grand larceny case from Nevada and as a fugitive from another state, online jail records said Thursday. Federal court records in Sacramento say that because Edwards is in custody there is no need for the search warrant or search warrant affidavit to remain under seal. The helicopter case began on March 15 Edwards 20th birthday at 2:39 a.m. when an unknown individual began tampering with equipment within multiple helicopters located at the airport, a search warrant affidavit says. The unknown individual was able to start Helicopter #1 but, in the process, damaged or destroyed one of its engines, the affidavit says. The unknown subject went to Helicopter #2 and could not start it. The unknown subject went to Helicopter #3 and was able to start the engine, but the helicopter did not stay on due to having a low battery. Finally, the subject went to Helicopter #4 and was able to start it. The fourth helicopter did not stay aloft long, however, according to video security footage the FBI obtained from Capitol Helicopters, a charter firm at the airport. The recording depicted the turbine blade of Helicopter #4 beginning to turn at approximately 4:50 AM, the affidavit says. The video further depicted Helicopter #4 rocking up and down, turning slightly, then, after a moment, quickly flying upwards off the ground a little and then flipping violently over onto its side where it came to a rest. Officials inspect a crashed helicopter at Sacramento Executive Airport on Wednesday, March 15, 2023. A projectile from the crash damaged another aircraft at the site, court records say, and investigators descended on the scene and discovered the EBT card in Edwards name in the cockpit of the helicopter that crashed, court records say. A representative of Capitol Helicopters confirmed that no one named Jaden Edwards had been given access to their helicopters or was authorized to operate them, the affidavit says. Edwards had listed his address as general delivery in Sacramento for the EBT card, court records say. He also listed his cellphone number for that card, and agents eventually obtained a search warrant for records seeking the location of the phone at various times. The search for Edwards apparently did not last long. Deputies found him inside the Cessna at Mather Airport on March 17, and the Sacramento County District Attorneys office filed a felony complaint against him on March 21 charging him with being a fugitive from Nevada on a grand larceny case involving an automobile. Court files say he failed to appear for a June 29, 2022, court hearing in Nevada. The Sacramento charge was dismissed the same day it was filed, online court records show. D.A. spokeswoman Shelly Orio said the charge was dropped because Edwards waived extradition and agreed to be returned to Nevada to face charges there. That same day, the FBI received approval from a federal magistrate judge to obtain Edwards DNA through an oral swab at the Main Jail, where he was then being held. The sample was collected March 22, court records say. Court records say investigators collected DNA samples from each of the four helicopters at Executive Airport, and Lister said in an affidavit seeking Edwards DNA that he was investigating Edwards in relation to damaging, wrecking, and destroying aircraft at the Sacramento Executive Airport in Sacramento. At the same time federal agents were focusing on Edwards, he was the target of another charge in Sacramento, this one a misdemeanor complaint charging him with trespassing for allegedly occupying a structure in an alley near 15th and H streets in Sacramento in February. He failed to appear for a May 11 arraignment on that case, online court records say. That failure to appear apparently stemmed from the fact that by then he was in custody in Nevada, Clark County jail records say. The Nevada case stemmed from an auto grand larceny case in which Edwards pleaded guilty in a deal that called for him to serve between 12 to 30 months, online Clark County Superior Court records say. He was scheduled to face sentencing last June, but failed to appear, court records say. Rep. Tricia Cotham (R) before lawmakers debated whether to override Cooper's veto of a 12-week abortion ban in May 2023. Rep. Tricia Cotham (R) before lawmakers debated whether to override Cooper's veto of a 12-week abortion ban in May 2023. The North Carolina lawmaker who switched parties to become a Republican earlier this year giving the go-ahead for a 12-week abortion ban to pass in the state said in a recent interview that she never had an abortion. The issue is that in 2015, during a floor speech arguing against an abortion restriction, she said that she did. Rep. Tricia Cotham (R) said in an interview with local radio host Brett Jensen last week at the North Carolina Republican Convention that the media is mischaracterizing her statements from 2015. In her 2015 speech on the General Assembly floor, Cotham argued against a 72-hour mandatory waiting period for patients seeking abortion care. She spoke passionately about needing abortion care after she and her husband discovered her pregnancy was unviable. Cotham explained how devastating it was that they lost the wanted pregnancy but said she was grateful the decision was left to her, her husband and her doctor. My first pregnancy ended in an induced physician-assisted miscarriage. While I served in this chamber, Cotham said in 2015. Abortion is a deeply personal decision. It should not be a political debate. My womb and my uterus is not up for your political grab, Cotham continued. Legislators, you do not hold shares in my body, so stop trying to manipulate my mind. On April 23, 2015, NC Rep. Tricia Cotham delivers emotional speech in opposition to proposed waiting periods for women seeking abortions. She shares personal story. This decision was up to me, my husband, my doctor and my God. It was not up to any of you in this chamber. #ncpolpic.twitter.com/2Of51R7amX Bryan Anderson (@BryanRAnderson) April 5, 2023 But Cotham now says she miscarried and did not have an abortion. I think the hardest thing and the most unfortunate and deeply personal, and this is deeply wrong: I had a miscarriage, and a miscarriage in a medical term is called a spontaneous abortion, she said in her interview with Jensen, which was first flagged by local news station WFAE 90.7. And so instead of saying first of all, they should not be talking about my miscarriage, that is just very painful and wrong but theyre repeating this message that I had an abortion. And that is false, Cotham added. And that has been extremely frustrating, and they keep on doing it, and thats below the belt. Miscarriage and abortion care go hand-in-hand, as the medical procedure is the same for both. Abortion bans like the one Cotham supported in this session impact both. Jensen did not ask Cotham why she previously talked about her experience with miscarriage to support abortion rights. Cotham did not immediately respond to HuffPosts request for comment. Cotham had been a pro-choice advocate throughout her tenure in the state legislature before she switched parties in April. When Roe fell last year, she said she would fight to codify Roe and continue my strong record of defending the right to choose. She made good on that promise in January when she co-sponsored a bill to codify abortion protections alongside her then-fellow Democratic colleagues. Weeks after Cotham switched parties, Republicans introduced a 12-week abortion ban tucked into an unrelated piece of legislation allowing anti-choice lawmakers to evade the traditional committee process and head straight to a vote. The 12-week abortion restriction passed through the state House and Senate in less than 24 hours and with extremely limited public input. Cothams party switch gave Republicans the supermajority they needed to override Democratic Gov. Roy Coopers veto. The 12-week ban, which includes restrictions on medication abortion, is set to go into effect on July 1. Cotham voted to pass the 12-week ban and to override Coopers veto. Unfortunately, so many outlets they keep saying that this is a ban. How can this be a ban when its still allowed? Cotham said in her interview last weekend. Thats one thing thats very frustrating. Theres a lot of very good things in this bill with parental leave, with helping with maternal care, access to help prevent pregnancy. In addition to the 12-week restriction, the legislation limits providing medication abortion after 10 weeks. It also implements two in-person trips to an abortion clinic and the 72-hour waiting period that Cotham was fighting against in 2015. The legislation does have exceptions for rape and incest through 20 weeks of pregnancy and an exception for the life of the pregnant person. It also clarifies that the removal of an ectopic pregnancy is not defined as an elective abortion. Related... A volunteer helps a senior resident cut nail in Donghu District, Nanchang, east China's Jiangxi Province, Sept. 29, 2022. [Photo/Xinhua] Health authorities in China have launched a nationwide campaign that will be carried out from 2023 to 2025 to promote the prevention and treatment of Alzheimer's disease (AD). According to a circular by the National Health Commission that was made public on Wednesday, efforts will be made to raise public awareness of the disease and guide the elderly population to pay attention to their brain health. Local authorities are encouraged to conduct cognitive function screenings among elderly people to ensure early detection and prompt medical intervention, and enable more relevant patients to receive appropriate treatment in order to reduce the incidence or slow the progression of the disease, according to the circular. The circular has also vowed to promote the accessibility of technical assistance to support those who take care of AD patients in order to alleviate their burden. Hussey Seating Company announces two new Board Members NORTH BERWICK, Maine Hussey Seating Company, a leading global provider of seating solutions, is pleased to announce the addition of two distinguished business leaders, David Leopold and Gary Merrill, to its esteemed Board of Directors. Leopold joins the Board with immediate effect, while Merrill's appointment will take effect on Jan. 1, 2024. David Leopold Leopold brings a wealth of experience as a multi-faceted business leader with over 20 years of experience across several industries, including officer and senior management positions in Fortune 500 companies in the insurance and telecommunications industries. In 2018, Leopold acquired Criterium Engineers, a leading North American consulting engineering firm, where he oversees the management of the company. He holds bachelor's and master's degrees from the University of Pennsylvania, as well as an MBA from Harvard Business School. Gary Merrill Merrill, who is set to step down as CEO of Hussey Seating Company on July 1, 2023, will remain involved with the company as an advisor through the end of 2023; bringing his valuable insights to the Board starting in 2024. Having served in various roles during his more than 30 years of dedicated service with the company, Merrill's extensive experience and comprehensive understanding of the organization make him a valuable addition to the Hussey Board. "We are delighted to welcome David and Gary to our esteemed Board of Directors," said Letitia Hussey Beauregard, Hussey Seating Companys Board Chair, and a sixth-generation shareholder. "Their diverse backgrounds and exceptional leadership skills will play a crucial role in guiding our strategic initiatives and further strengthening our position as a global leader in seating solutions. We look forward to their valuable contributions to our organization's continued success." Catholic Charities NH names Christine Charman Grants Manager Christine Charman MANCHESTER Catholic Charities NH, one of the states largest social services organizations, announced the hiring of Christine Charman as its Grants Manager. Charman will oversee and manage Catholic Charities NHs grants program, which provides funding for programs that support individuals and families in need, of all backgrounds and beliefs, throughout New Hampshire. As an organization committed to addressing many of the top social issues impacting New Hampshire such as poverty, homelessness, hunger, mental health, veteran support, unsafe environments for children, and isolation among seniors Charman will connect grantors, foundations and other funders with high-impact opportunities to drive meaningful change on both the statewide and local levels, based on their needs or areas of interest. Charman brings extensive experience in nonprofit grant writing and administration to her new position. Prior to joining Catholic Charities NH, she was the Grants & Philanthropy Administrator for Upper Connecticut Valley Hospital, a critical access hospital in Colebrook, where she helped compose and compile grants for foundation, state and federal funding. She is also the former Executive Director of the Upper Connecticut Valley Community Coalition in Colebrook, successfully coordinating grant funding for projects and programs throughout northern Coos County. A long-time resident of New Hampshire, Charman holds a Bachelor of Arts degree from Wesleyan University and a Masters in Business Administration from the University of Colorado. Her new role is based in Manchester. This article originally appeared on Portsmouth Herald: Names to Know: Meet the new professionals on the Seacoast Nancy Mitford novel The Pursuit of Love to be reissued with new trigger warning A content warning has been added to the new edition of Nancy Mitfords 1945 novel The Pursuit of Love. Publishing house Penguin has reissued Mitfords book, about an upper English family in the interwar period, now with a cautionary note inserted into its opening pages. The warning informs readers that the novel features expressions and depictions of prejudices that were commonplace in British society when it was written 80 years ago, condemning them as wrong then and wrong today. Narrated by character Fanny Logan, the story follows the love life of her cousin, Linda Radlett, and is presented as a comedy with tragic elements. Penguin has not specified what prejudices in Mitfords novel prompted the cautionary note. The character of Uncle Matthew, however, is likely to have played a part in their decision. Portrayed by Dominic West in the 2022 BBC adaptation of the novel, Uncle Matthew commonly breaks out into xenophobic rants targeting Germans, Italians, Spanish people and French people, using slurs to describe them. He demonstrates a dislike of bloody foreigners as well as educated women. As noted by The Telegraph, the slurs used by Uncle Matthew have not been edited out by Penguin for the latest edition, which was issued in 2021. Other ethnic terms similarly remain. Nancy Mitford photographed in 1970, at the age of 65 (Getty Images) The cautionary note, however, adds that publishers do not want to rewrite history, stipulating that we are printing the novel as it was originally published, because to make changes would be the same as pretending these prejudices never existed. The Independent has contacted a representative of Penguin for comment. The news follows months after it emerged that Ian Flemings James Bond novels and Roald Dahls childrens books are being edited for modern readers. In February, it was revealed that Flemings 007 books had been rewritten to omit racist langauge and a number of racial references following a review by sensitivity readers. You can find the most glaring edits as well as the most conspicuous elements to remain in the James Bond novels here. Nancy Mitford and Peter Rodd, after their Wedding in 1933 (Getty Images) The controversial news followed only days after it was announced that Dahls childrens books were similarly being edited to remove language considered offensive, such as the word fat. In February, the Queen forced publisher Puffin UK to back down on its censorship of the Dahl books after she delivered an impassioned speech defending free speech and the right of writers to express themselves, Nathan Carman, man charged with killing mom at sea, dies alone in jail while awaiting trial The man charged with killing his mother at sea during a fishing trip off New England died alone in his jail cell Thursday while awaiting his murder trial, authorities said. Murder, mystery and money: The accusations swirling around Nathan Carman Nathan Carman, 29, of Vernon, Vermont, was found unresponsive in his cell during routine rounds by the Cheshire County Jails correctional staff. Carmans manner of death is still undetermined pending an autopsy by the Office of the Medical Examiner in Concord, the Cheshire County Department of Corrections said. Carman was the sole occupant of the cell, according to the Cheshire County Department of Corrections. The United States received information from the U.S. Marshal that Carman died on or about June 15, 2023. Dismissal of the charges against Carman is thus appropriate, the U.S. Attorneys Office of Vermont stated in a notice informing the dismissal of an indictment charging him in the death of his mother, Linda Carman. Carmans case, which attracted worldwide attention, was slated to go to trial in October. In a statement, the Carman family attorney said, We were deeply saddened to hear of Nathans death this morning. While we process this shocking news and its impact on the tragic events surrounding the last several years we ask for your understanding and respect relative to our privacy. Carman allegedly arranged a fishing trip with his mother in September 2016, during which prosecutors say he planned to kill her and report that his boat sank and his mother disappeared in the accident. He was found floating in an inflatable raft eight days after leaving a Rhode Island marina with his mother, who was never found. Prosecutors alleged that the killing was an elaborate scheme set up by Carman to inherit millions of dollars. Carman's boat Nathan and his mother Linda Carman John Chakalos, Nathan's grandfather The indictment also alleged that Carman fatally shot his wealthy grandfather, John Chakalos, at his home in Windsor, Connecticut, in 2013. He was never charged in his death. A federal judge ruled last summer that Carman was to remain locked up while he awaited the trial. He pleaded not guilty last year to fraud and first-degree murder in his mothers death. The Keene Police Department is leading an investigation into Carmans death. BREAKING: Nathan Carman, facing charges related to sinking of his fishing boat and death of his mother, found dead while in US Marshals custody while awaiting federal trial in Vermont. @boston25 pic.twitter.com/W48zWHf5R7 Bob Ward Boston 25 (@Bward3) June 15, 2023 This is a developing story. Check back for updates as more information becomes available. Download the FREE Boston 25 News app for breaking news alerts. Follow Boston 25 News on Facebook and Twitter. | Watch Boston 25 News NOW On Thursday morning, Rep. Sharice Davids cried from relief. As she was walking on to the House floor to vote, she got a notification the U.S. Supreme Court voted 7-2 to uphold a law that keeps Native American children who are adopted with their tribes. Davids, a Johnson County Democrat and member of the Ho-Chunk Nation, doesnt know any Native American who hasnt been affected by the federal policy surrounding Native American children from the boarding schools where Native American children were forced to assimilate to foster care policies that removed them from their history and traditions, before the Indian Child Welfare Act. So she immediately sought out Rep. Mary Peltola, an Alaska Democrat and Yupik Alaska Native, to share the moment. Its a recognition of tribal sovereignty, Davids said. And, two, it is a recognition of the importance of tribes to be able to maintain connections with future generations. In a decision authored by Justice Amy Coney Barrett, the Supreme Court ruled in favor of the Indian Child Welfare Act, a law that gives Native American tribes preference when a Native child is in the foster care system, in order to preserve Native tribes and traditions. The law was challenged by three families who argued the law prevents non-Native families from fostering or adopting Native American children. Five Native American tribes joined the Biden administration in opposing the suit, saying it would chip away at tribal sovereignty in the country. The issues are complicated so for the details, read on, Barrett wrote. But the bottom line is that we reject all of petitioners challenges to the statute, some on the merits and others for lack of standing. Joseph Zeke Rupnick, the chairman of the Prairie Band Potawatomi Nation in Kansas, applauded the the Supreme Court for the decision to preserve native culture. Todays Supreme Court decision upholds the sovereignty of Native Tribes and allows us to continue to give our children, no matter their family circumstances, the opportunity to embrace their Native culture and history so much of which is learned in our family homes due to centuries worth of attempts to erase us, said Rupnick, whose tribe is located in northeast Kansas. Rep. Christina Haswood, the only Native American member of the Kansas Legislature, said in a statement Thursday she was grateful for the ruling. I am overjoyed by this news that protections for our Native children are safe, the Lawrence Democrat said. The Haaland v. Brackeen court case has loomed over Indian Country with the possibility of going back in history and undoing cultural protections for Native children. This country has a dark history of culture genocide in Native communities through boarding schools, such as Haskell Indian Nations in my district once was. Earlier this year, Haswood introduced a bill that would expand the ICWA protections in the Kansas Child Welfare System. The bill would specifically require the state to cooperate with tribes to ensure the full intent of the ICWA was implemented within Kansas. Haswood said she introduced the bill in part out of concerns that the federal rule could fall but said she still thinks the bill, or other efforts to reinforce ICWA in Kansas, is necessary. Im realizing we cant always depend on these policies of the federal government to be there forever, she said in an interview, alluding to the U.S. Supreme Court decision last year to overturn abortion rights protected by Roe v. Wade. The bill did not receive a hearing this year. Haswood said it was in part because of a desire to see how the Supreme Court acted to inform how the Kansas law should be written. In a concurring opinion, Justice Neil Gorsuch nodded to the history of the U.S. government removing children from tribal homes, dating back more than 150 years. Often, Native American Tribes have come to this Court seeking justice only to leave with bowed heads and empty hands, Gorsuch wrote. But that is not because this Court has no justice to offer them. Our Constitution reserves for the Tribes a placean enduring placein the structure of American life. It promises them sovereignty for as long as they wish to keep it. Ship's company of HMS Queen Elizabeth looking out to a group formation Logistics is the difference between a click and a bang, as logisticians across the armed forces like to remind their fellow operators. Its all good playground banter, until it isnt. An essential part of operating a globally deployed Navy at both peace and at war is the ability to replenish fuel and stores whilst underway at sea. It keeps you up threat for longer and reduces reliance on other countries who, depending on the circumstances, may not want you alongside.The Royal Navy and the Royal Fleet Auxiliary (RFA) combine to do this as well as any navy in the world. Or at least they did. The RFA have four Tide Class and two Wave Class tankers, or oilers as theyre colloquially known, whose principal job is providing fuel to Royal Navy and other warships at sea. However, one of the Tides is in extended maintenance and the two Waves are in a state of extended readiness; de-crewed and sitting alongside. This is not the end of the RFAs woes. Currently, Fort Victoria is the only ship able to provide solid stores support (ammunition and heavy items such as F35 engines) to our flagship aircraft carriers. She is languishing in Leith, also with minimal crew. The three Fleet Solid Support ships assigned to take this role off her are not due off the production line until 2028 to 2032, and thats with a following sea. If you want an example of planning incoherence at the highest level, delivering an advanced carrier capability whose support infrastructure wont be ready for another eight to ten years is a good place to start. All this places an increased burden on our allies. Allies are a great enabler a fundamental part of our international defence architecture and they should be rightly nurtured and celebrated. It may be unlikely that we will ever have to fight again on our own, but this doesnt mean we should accept dependence on allies. Do this too often and it stops looking like increased cooperation and more like an excuse to save cash. As an example, in 2012, I was in command of a frigate tasked with hunting Russian submarines in the North Atlantic. Maritime patrol aircraft are a key part of this but the UK had paid ours off as part of the defence harakiri that was the 2010 strategic defence review. We will use allied aircraft! was the cry. Fine until, by law of averages, or because constantly asking has become annoying, none are available. We went into that fight with one arm tied behind our back a lot. The RFA has an interesting pedigree. Their ships are merchant navy but painted grey and their crew are civil servants but with a sponsored reserve status which enables them to go to war. And to war they most certainly go. Ten RFAs went to the Falklands in 1982 and suffered some horrific losses there, the anniversary of which was only last week. They have had a similarly key role in maritime operations and conflicts since, routinely providing UK grey ship presence when warships have been unavailable. Their roles extend beyond just fuel. The three Bay Class ships are an integral part of our amphibious capability; RFA Argus is our casualty receiving ship and the new purchases, Stirling Castle and Proteus will have key roles in mine countermeasures and ocean surveillance respectively. This is a diverse portfolio for an organisation of just 1600 people. As tankers, the RFA were a source of pride to us in the Navy. Clearly we never said that out loud, but if you were to meet up with one in a far-flung corner of the world, you knew that they would be there on time, with better quality fuel than anyone else and able to replenish you in the dark and in a higher sea state than anyone else. And in places like The Gulf, we liked knowing that they were doing this day-in-day-out for other navies as well. Its a terrible shame to see the organisation in its current state. The causes of the woes are complex and deep-rooted and it is perhaps too simple to blame them on persistent underfunding, although this lies over all of defence like a suffocating shadow. The latest issues appear to be based around crewing, and in turn retention. This is no doubt due in no small part to a gradual erosion of the offer. For some time this was quite attractive. Pay was matched to BP rates with elements of tax relief thrown in. Merchant Navy status was there and included hard-earned Masters certificates. Deployment rotations were predictable yet flexible whilst excellent accommodation and a more relaxed attitude to discipline than their RN counterparts were all retention-positive. Unfortunately, like pretty much everything across defence, the offer has now been squeezed to the point where pay and conditions have become retention negative. The resulting outflow of sailors multiplies this further as does the RFAs inherent leanness. Then you have to lay up ships (because theyre knackered or have no crew) and you are now in a death spiral. The RFA looks like its in this stage now. There are solutions but theyre easy to say and hard to do. Increasing defence expenditure leads the way and is a drum that can not be beaten too often. The decline in spending has been in place since WW2, was turbocharged in 2010 and despite the demand signal being higher now than since the end of the Cold War, shows no sign of significantly reversing. If the RFA is to recruit and retain more effectively, it will have to do so against a difficult backdrop. There is a worldwide shortage of seafarers right now. Figures released earlier this month indicate a nine per cent shortage of merchant navy officers across the globe and increasing rapidly. Out of sight out of mind is often the cry of the Royal Navy but this is in fact a global maritime issue and one that is getting worse. Having said that, the issue is local as well. The Civil Services term for the RFA is Non-Specific Operating Group. Its hard to imagine a name that sounds more like get to the back of the queue. All of which is a quick way of saying this problem has been a long time in the making and will take an equally long time, and an uplift in political will, to resolve. In the meantime, we endure yet another micro-erosion of our once blue-water Navys exceptional ability to operate anywhere around the world with or without host-nation support. A war in Europe and the prospect of our most powerful ally being run by someone who doesnt like sharing his toys very much doesnt seem to be moving the dial at all. Our aircraft carriers are incredible and we should be proud of them. Their support network is descending into farce. 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. Even with the official start of summer just days away, many in the northwestern United States will have to deal with raw and rainy conditions that are more typical of late April than the middle of June. Temperatures have soared to above historical averages in parts of the Northwest following an abnormally dry May and start to June. However, a robust storm system will help bring in big changes to the weather for this week. In some locations, snowflakes could fly. "A cold front will continue to drag its way across the Northwest over the coming days. Behind that feature, a core of impressively cold air higher up in the atmosphere will blast its way onshore in the Pacific Northwest to start the workweek," said AccuWeather Meteorologist La Troy Thornton. Intermittent showers began along the coastal Pacific Northwest on Sunday morning with rain expanding into portions of Idaho and Montana. GET THE FREE ACCUWEATHER APP Showers will continue along the coast on Monday while rain intensity picks up across western Oregon and portions of eastern Washington. "Periods of rain and possibly even a rumble or two of thunder are forecast to impact much of the Cascades and portions of the northern Rockies in Idaho and western Montana through early (this) week," Zehr said. Rain in this area can be heavy at times - especially in the higher elevations where snow is possible -Monday evening through Tuesday evening. "Snow will fall down to around 4,000 feet in the mountains, and snow may mix with rain in some of the mountain passes," Zehr said. Although some may consider this early-week rainfall to be a nuisance, it will be welcomed with open arms in portions of Oregon. Any rain that falls in central Oregon will actually be beneficial in nature as much of the area continues to experience severe drought, according to the United States Drought Monitor. This system will not only usher wet conditions back into the region, but it will also lock in cooler air that will send temperatures to unseasonable levels. For some cities, the mid-June chill will challenge decades-old records. "The heart of the storm will be over Washington and Oregon on Monday; temperatures will average 10-15 degrees below average," Zehr said. The mercury in Seattle is expected to reach 62 degrees on Monday, and Portland is forecast to have a high of just 61 degrees. The record lowest high temperature for June 19 is 57 in Seattle and 61 in Portland. In Seattle, the record for the lowest maximum temperature on June 19 was set over 100 years ago in 1916. 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. A district court judge in Tarrant County has signed a temporary restraining order against a fireworks stand and truck lot owner near Mansfield. Kate Zimmerman and Neil and Laura Foreman, who are being represented by Arlington lawyer Frank Hill of Hill Gilstrap, P.C., asked a judge in the 342nd District Court to halt the operations at Joe Sterlings truck lot and fireworks stand in unincorporated Tarrant County. The court filing cited the lights from the lot, the noise from the trucks, and the fire hazard and threat to livestock safety from the possibility that Sterling will allow his customers to shoot off fireworks on the property. The neighbors have been dealing with the problems arising from Sterlings lot for months. As county leaders hit walls in their search for a solution, the neighbors have searched for loopholes for relief. One of those loopholes is the loose definition of what a church is in Texas and the line in the fireworks code that says they cant be shot within 600 feet of a church. Neighbors Jay Hasbrouck and Neil Foreman set up two churches, both within 600 feet of Sterlings property. Zimmerman and the Foremans are seeking actual, mental anguish and exemplary damages in addition to the restraining order. The restraining order asks that the lights from Sterlings lot be directed away from Zimmermans and the Foremans homes, that trucks on the lot not be allowed to idle for more than 30 minutes when not moving or between 10 p.m. and 6 a.m. and that no fireworks be shot off on Sterlings property. When reached Thursday, Hill told the Fort Worth Star-Telegram that the neighbors situation points toward a need for state legislation that will allow counties to protect their constituents in residential areas. Hill also said that Sterling parking 100 trucks on his lot may also lead to societal problems ask anyone in the truck parking industry, he says, and youll find that drugs come with it. But Hill said he will look for a solution even without assistance from state lawmakers. This is not just a fireworks problem, Hill said. Sterling reached out to Foreman Thursday morning and asked for a neighborhood meeting. Hill said they dont plan to respond he wants Sterling to see the restraining order first. Late Wednesday evening, Zimmermans security camera caught about a minutes worth of fireworks being shot off on Sterlings property. Zimmerman said it sounded like the world ended. Foreman and Zimmerman dont know who shot them off. Tarrant County rules allow them to be shot in unincorporated areas 24/7, 365 days a year as long as the person shooting them has permission from the property owner. Foreman thinks it was in response to the Star-Telegrams coverage of the property dispute in the neighborhood. Sterling did not immediately return a phone call for comment Thursday. Foreman hopes the legal system does the right thing and helps the people who he says have been hurt by what Sterling has done to the community. Zimmerman said the restraining order was about the neighbors trying to protect themselves, and said she wished it wasnt necessary. She called Sterling a bully. We do not bow down to bullies, Zimmerman said. One vacation stop for a newly-engaged couple turned to tragedy last week following an accident at Olympic National Park. Officials announced the presumed death of 37-year-old Travis Valenti on Tuesday, citing a kayaking mishap on Lake Crescent. According to the statement, the incident occurred the afternoon of June 9 when Valenti and his fiancee, to whom he proposed just two days prior, ventured out into the chilled waters. Valentis kayak began taking on water during the trip, eventually forcing him to abandon the vessel when he could no longer paddle. His fiancee, Marlene, attempted to help but also ultimately ended up in the water after her kayak overturned. While Marlene was able to swim to shore in the cold water - around 50 degrees Fahrenheit on the surface around this time of year, according to the National Parks Service (NPS) Valenti was unable to follow suit. Though staff from the nearby Log Cabin Resort quickly responded by taking boats out onto the lake to search for Valenti, he could not be found near his last known location. Park rangers and the local fire department joined the search shortly after, spending more than two hours investigating the area roughly a quarter mile from the shore and combing the waters again the following morning. Valenti has yet to be located. Canyonlands National Park Move over Arches, Utah has another natural beauty to show off: Canyonlands National Park National park tourist chased by elk Yellowstone tourists outside hotel chased by angry mother elk A man tragically died last week in a kayaking accident at Olympic National Park. In this image, A kayaker prepares to compete in the Olympic Flatwater Sprint Canoe/Kayak Team Trials. (Photo by Stephen Dunn/Getty Images) The search continues The couple, originally hailing from Massapequa, NY, were on vacation in Washington at the time of the accident, according to a Facebook post made by Valentis cousin. The pair had just gotten engaged the Wednesday before the Friday accident and were exciting to begin their lives together. Valentis brother, Austin, told local station News 12 Long Island that Travis succumbed to drowning only after giving his fiancee the push that allowed her to return to shore safely, an act that he credits with saving her life. Family and friends have since set up a GoFundMe to assist in the recovery, saying that the park itself does not have divers able to search the lakes depths for Valentis remains. A separate fundraiser was also set up assist his fiancee with associated expenses. In the notice about the fatality, the NPS advised that cold waters such as those in Lake Crescent can significantly impact a persons body, resulting in trouble breathing, moving and swimming. They suggest boaters and swimmers always venture out with a buddy, keep an eye on weather and water conditions before embarking and wear a life vest. NPS offers a general trip planning guide on their website which provides tips on preparation and safety when visiting any national parks. Olympic National Park and the family did not immediately respond to request for comment. This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: New York man Travis Valenti missing, presumed drowned at national park A niece who handed her aunts body to the Harvard Medical School has said that she feels sick after federal prosecutors have alleged that morgue staff sold body parts for profit. Sarah Hill had an easy decision to make after the passing of her aunt Christine Eppich in March 2021 from pancreatic cancer. Ms Eppich had made clear that she wanted her body donated to Harvard for research and education. She was my favourite aunt. She worked with special needs children and adults and everyone loved Christine, Ms Hill told Boston 25 News. Ms Hill said Ms Eppich had already made arrangements before her passing to have her remains handed over to the Harvard Anatomical programme. The family is now concerned about what could have happened to Ms Eppichs remains following the allegations that morgue staff was selling body parts. Its been a frantic 24 hours. I received Christines remains back this fall after not having them for two years, Ms Hill told the local TV station. You know you give your loved one to a program like Harvard and you think that everything will be done properly. And that people would never profit from something like this. The former manager at the medical schools morgue, Cedric Lodge, 55, his wife Denise Lodge, 63, and Kats Creepy Creations owner Katrina Maclean, 44, all face allegations that they sold body parts that were supposed to be used for research by the school. The crimes spanned several states, the allegations claim. Christine wanted other people to benefit from her passing so that she could be studied. So that the doctors of the future or tomorrow could study her body and find not only a cure for pancreatic cancer but for some other disease, Ms Hill told Boston 25 News. And we as family members gave her body to Harvard thinking that she was in the best hands possible. Legal filings state that some of the body parts were sold via Facebook and some transactions were processed through PayPal, with shipments being made by US Postal Service mail. Federal prosecutors argue that Mr Lodge stole organs and other body parts between 2018 and 2022 while serving as the manager of the Anatomical Gifts Program at Harvard Medical School. The remains were set to be used for medical research and education ahead of their planned cremations. Ms Hill is the next of kin for Ms Eppich. She called the Harvard programmes 24-hour hotline on Wednesday evening and she was told Ms Eppich was included on the list of those potentially affected. Ms Hill said the person at the other end of the line said that not all bodies donated between 2018 and this year will appear on the list. The medical and dental programmes accepted donations of the bodies of people who had passed away at the ages of 18 and up. The Department of Justice is trying to identify further victims and contact their families. (Bloomberg) -- Nigerian President Bola Tinubu suspended the head of the nations anti-corruption agency, the latest in a series of sweeping changes hes made since being sworn in as the leader of Africas biggest economy three weeks ago. Most Read from Bloomberg Tinubu ordered Economic and Financial Crimes Commission Chairman Abdulrasheed Bawa to immediately hand over control of the agency to the director of operations to allow for an investigation into his conduct while in office, the presidency said in a statement late Wednesday. This follows weighty allegations of abuse of office leveled against Bawa, it said, without providing further information. The Department of State Services, the nations secret police, said it invited Bawa to its offices for some investigative activities on Wednesday night. Bawas removal comes less than a week after Tinubu suspended central bank Governor Godwin Emefiele and the secret police arrested him. Hes also initiated changes to the nations multiple-currency system thats led to a devaluation of the currency, and signed legislation thats expected to set off the biggest shakeup of the West African nations chronically inadequate power industry since a round of privatization a decade ago. Investors have warmed to the signs that Tinubu is resetting policies that were hobbling economic growth, with the nations dollar bonds and stocks rallying this week. Read More: Naira Plunges as Nigeria Lets Currency Break Through Control Nigeria ranks among the worlds most graft-ridden countries, according to a Corruption Perceptions Index published by advocacy group Transparency International. While Tinubus predecessor, Muhammadu Buhari, pledged to tackle graft during his two terms in office, the countrys ranking deteriorated over the past eight years. Tinubu himself has been the subject of graft allegations, including a corruption investigation referred to by Bawa himself in a newspaper interview in 2021. He didnt specify at the time what the agency was scrutinizing. Read More: Nigeria Targeted a UK Mansion; Its Next Leaders Son Now Owns It Bawa was confirmed as head of the EFCC in February 2021. He replaced Ibrahim Magu, who served as the acting head of the agency from 2015 until his removal in 2020, when he faced a probe into alleged mismanagement. Bawa didnt immediately respond to a phone call and an email when Bloomberg sought comment. (Updates with comment by secret police in third paragraph) Most Read from Bloomberg Businessweek 2023 Bloomberg L.P. With the theme of "Heading Toward a Shared Future," the 2023 "Tell China's Stories" International Creative Communication Contest was launched Monday in Wenzhou, Zhejiang province. The launch event, co-hosted by China International Communications Group (CICG) and the Publicity Department of the CPC Zhejiang Provincial Committee, attracted more than 150 attendees. The 2023 "Tell China's Stories" International Creative Communication Contest is launched in Wenzhou, Zhejiang province, on June 12, 2023. [Photo/China.org.cn] Du Zhanyuan, president of CICG, delivers a speech at the launch ceremony of the 2023 "Tell China's Stories" International Creative Communication Contest in Wenzhou, Zhejiang province, on June 12, 2023. [Photo/China.org.cn] The 2023 contest will be an upgraded version from its past sessions in order to broaden its appeal, said Du Zhanyuan, president of CICG. Du said that this year's contest will focus on Chinese elements, bring in more overseas participants, encourage more stories told in a way that the global audience can understand, and strengthen its influence, with an aim of turning the event into a platform for helping the international community to better understand China. Liu Xiaotao, secretary of the CPC Wenzhou Municipal Committee, delivers a welcome speech at the launch ceremony of the 2023 "Tell China's Stories" International Creative Communication Contest in Wenzhou, Zhejiang province, on June 12, 2023. [Photo/China.org.cn] Liu Xiaotao, secretary of the CPC Wenzhou Municipal Committee, said at the ceremony that in the new media era, the "Tell China's Stories" International Creative Communication Contest has set new requirements for promoting cultural exchange and communication. Liu said that, as the host city, Wenzhou will make use of the event to present to global audiences the high-quality development of its private sector, the city's endeavors in innovation, its efforts in reform and opening up, and its people's daily lives. Gao Anming, vice president and editor-in-chief of CICG, delivers a keynote speech at the launch ceremony of the 2023 "Tell China's Stories" International Creative Communication Contest in Wenzhou, Zhejiang province, on June 12, 2023. [Photo/China.org.cn] In his keynote speech, Gao Anming, vice president and editor-in-chief of CICG, discussed ways to tell China's stories. Gao suggested identifying the audiences before telling them a story about China. He highlighted the need to target young people overseas, Gen Zers in particular, as the main audience. A flag-awarding ceremony is held to kick start the media event "Let the World Understand Wenzhou" during the launch ceremony of the 2023 "Tell China's Stories" International Creative Communication Contest in Wenzhou, Zhejiang province, on June 12, 2023. [Photo/China.org.cn] The contest will last through the end of December 2023. Information about the contest is available on its official website (http://zggsds.china.com.cn/), and the award-winning works will be broadcast across various platforms, including the official website, news websites, and social media channels. The "Tell China's Stories" International Creative Communication Contest is co-organized by the Academy of Contemporary China and World Studies and China Internet Information Center. The Russian invaders launched a missile attack on Kryvyi Rih in Dnipropetrovsk Oblast on the night of 14-15 June. Two industrial businesses were destroyed, and a 38-year-old man was wounded in the attack. Source: Serhii Lysak, Head of Dnipropetrovsk Oblast Military Administration, on Telegram Quote: "Tonight, the enemy attacked Kryvyi Rih with missiles again. They hit two industrial businesses. A 38-year-old man was wounded. He was taken to hospital in a moderate condition. Fires broke out at business premises, which firefighters have already put out. There is significant destruction of production facilities. Broken gas pipelines. A tyre fitting centre and a bus were destroyed." Details: According to Lysak, air defence forces shot down one Russian missile, with its debris damaging a car. In addition, the head of the Dnipropetrovsk Oblast Military Administration reported that soldiers from Air Command Skhid (East) destroyed all five Shahed-131/136 attack drones that attacked Dnipropetrovsk Oblast at night. Background: Russian forces hit a 5-storey building in Kryvyi Rih on the night of 12-13 June, killing 12 people. Ukraines Air Forces destroyed 20 out of 20 Shahed drones, 1 out of 4 cruise missiles and an Orlan-10 reconnaissance drone during a Russian air attack on the night of 14-15 June. Journalists fight on their own frontline. Support Ukrainska Pravda or become our patron! Rep. Tricia Cotham (R), onTuesday, May 16, 2023, in Raleigh, N.C., before the North Carolina House members debated whether to override Democratic Gov. Roy Coopers veto of an abortion bill. North Carolina State Rep. Tricia Cotham (R)the former pro-choice advocate who recently switched parties and gave the GOP a veto-proof majority to jam through a 12-week abortion ban, betraying her constituentsis continuing her gaslighting tour. Shes now claiming that she never had an abortion, despite having delivered passionate abortion-rights speeches and talking about her own personal experience during her campaign. It was simply a miscarriage, not an elective abortion, the now-Republican lawmaker says. Cotham said in an interview with WBT radio during the states Republican Party convention that the hardest thing about voting for the abortion ban is people pointing out that she had an abortion herself. Read more I think the hardest thing and the most unfortunatedeeply personaland this is deeply wrong...I had a miscarriage, and a miscarriage in medical terms is called a spontaneous abortion, she said. And so instead of sayingfirst of all, they should not even be talking about my miscarriage, that is just very painful and wrongbut theyre repeating this message that I had an abortion, and that is false. And that has been completely frustrating and they keep on doing it and thats below the belt. (At the start of the interview, she hypes up her work on charter schools said she spoke with both former Vice President Mike Pence and Florida Governor Ron DeSantis and she seemed thrilled about it.) The comments begin at the 7-minute mark: Back in 2015, when Cotham spoke on the House floor about her medically necessary abortion for an ectopic pregnancy, she used very different language. Cotham said it was an induced, physician-assisted miscarriagewhich is an abortion. (She also mentions chemotherapy, which suggests she was given the cancer drug methotrexate, to end the pregnancy.) Cotham appears to want to use medical jargon (spontaneous abortion) to suggest that people may be confused about how her pregnancy ended, but an induced miscarriage is definitely not spontaneous. And shes erasing the crucial context in which she gave the speechsharing her story to oppose a 72-hour waiting period for abortions. She said at the time Abortion is a deeply personal decision. It should not be a political debate. My womb and my uterus is not up for your political grab. Heres a clip from that speech: Cotham added, Abortion is a deeply personal decision. It should not be a political debate. My womb and my uterus is not up for your political grab. Legislators, you do not hold shares in my body, so stop trying to manipulate my mind. #ncpol pic.twitter.com/mjyogKcTUc Bryan Anderson (@BryanRAnderson) April 5, 2023 Cotham was even featured in a June 2015 Time story on lawmakers talking about their abortions. [Cotham] said she went home and wrote out her speech describing the induced physician-assisted abortion of her non-viable fetus. I knew that I was not going to change the minds of those who were going to vote yes. And it wasnt about them, she said. Instead, she said, she spoke so somebody out there could feel maybe not feel shamed. She doesnt insist in that story that it was a miscarriage, not an abortion. During her 2022 campaign, Cotham even submitted a Planned Parenthood questionnaire in which she wrote that abortion is a medical procedure. It should be safe, legal, and accessible to all women. I will oppose any legislation that seeks to restrict abortion access. In January of this year, she co-sponsored a bill to codify the protections of Roe v. Wade into state law. Now, more than ever we need leaders who will be unwavering and unapologetic in their support of abortion rights. Ill fight to codify Roe in the #ncga and continue my strong record of defending the right to choose.#ncpol #WomensRights #SCOTUS #Mecklenburg Tricia Cotham (@triciacotham) May 3, 2022 But flash forward to her changing parties this year, and shes singing a different tune. After her vote to override the Democratic governors veto of the abortion ban, Cotham said in a statement that her miscarriage was different, because it wasnt an elective abortion. Cotham said, Some call me a hypocrite since I voted for this bill. They presume to know my story. As I said at the time, I had an ectopic pregnancy that sadly ended in miscarriage, not an elective abortion. In fact, Senate Bill 20 affirms the life-saving care I received in that dire situation. Maam, a little over one year ago you said you supported every persons right to abortion. Were not falling for this. More from Jezebel Sign up for Jezebel's Newsletter. For the latest news, Facebook, Twitter and Instagram. Click here to read the full article. (Bloomberg) -- North Korea test-fired two short-range ballistic missiles Thursday in its first such launch in about two months, which came after it failed in late May to put a spy satellite into orbit. Most Read from Bloomberg The missiles were fired as the US and South Korea ended live-fire drills this week near the border with North Korea, which were overseen by South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol and drew the ire of Kim Jong Uns regime. Pyongyangs official Korean Central News Agency quoted a Defense Ministry spokesman as denouncing the military exercises and issuing a threat, in a dispatch that coincided with the launch. Our army strongly denounces the provocative and irresponsible moves of the puppet military authorities, KCNA cited the official as saying. Our armed forces will fully counter any form of demonstrative moves and provocation of the enemies. The missiles were fired at about 7:25 p.m. and 7:37 p.m. from near Pyongyangs international airport toward waters off the east of the peninsula, South Koreas Joint Chiefs of Staff said. At least one projectile likely splashed down in Japans exclusive economic zone, a Defense Ministry official told reporters in Tokyo Each missile flew about 780 kilometers (485 miles), South Koreas Joint Chiefs of Staff said. Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida told reporters his country lodged a protest and added there was no reported damage to vessels in the area. The live-fire drills Thursday included more than 2,500 South Korean and US soldiers using advanced weapons systems including self-propelled artillery and F-35A fighter jets. Genuine peace is not a fake one that relies on the goodwill of the enemy but one that relies on our own strength to protect our national security, Yoon said at the exercises. Pyongyang has fired 19 ballistic missiles so far this year, including three intercontinental ballistic missiles designed to deliver a nuclear warhead to the US mainland. The country fired off more than 70 ballistic missiles last year, a record for the state. The national security advisors of the US, Japan and South Korea issued a joint statement condemning North Koreas launches as clear violations of multiple United Nations Security Council resolutions and said they show the threat the unlawful weapons of mass destruction and ballistic missile programs pose to the region, international peace and security and the global non-proliferation regime. Shortly after the launch, the US said it placed sanctions on two North Koreans residing in China for procuring materials that helped Pyongyang build missiles. Space Rocket On May 31, North Korea conducted its first launch of a space rocket in about seven years, which failed shortly after launch and broke apart in the Yellow Sea. Although North Korea said it was trying to put a spy satellite into orbit and had the right to do so as part of a space program, Japan, South Korea and the US condemned the launch, saying it violated United Nations resolutions by employing technology used for ICBMs. Kims regime has been modernizing its missile arsenal over the past few years, rolling out models that are quick to deploy and designed to evade US-operated interceptors. The North Korean leader has been trying to increase his ability to deliver a credible strike on the US mainland and on the two allies who host the bulk of Americas military personnel in the region South Korea and Japan. President Joe Biden has warned North Korea that a nuclear attack on the US and its allies would be the end of Kims regime. Biden issued the warning in April, when he hosted Yoon at the White House. They announced new efforts to counter Pyongyangs nuclear buildup and a plan to deploy US nuclear-armed submarines to South Korea for the first time in decades. Read More: Six Takeaways from White House Visit by South Koreas Yoon On April 13, North Korea tested a new type of solid-fuel ICBM, with leader Kim on hand. A solid-fuel missile increases the scope for launching from a hardened underground silo with little warning. Liquid-fuel missiles generally take more time to prepare, giving off signs to spy satellites that a launch is imminent. In late March, North Korea released photos of Kim inspecting the states biggest display of warheads since he took power about a decade ago, indicating the leader has no intention of abandoning his atomic arsenal. Weapons experts said the images indicate Pyongyang has made progress in miniaturizing its warheads and could lead to more testing to verify their capabilities. North Korea has demonstrated its missiles can fly as far as the US, but there are questions as to whether the warheads would be able to stay intact to reach their targets. At a meeting of their defense ministers in Seoul in late January, the US and South Korea pledged to step up their joint exercises. The drills had been scaled down or halted under former President Donald Trump, who was hoping the move would facilitate his nuclear negotiations with the North Korean leader. Those talks produced no concrete steps to wind down Pyongyangs nuclear program, which has only grown larger as disarmament talks sputtered. North Korea has responded with shows of force when Japan has joined some of the drills that have included the US and South Korea. --With assistance from Eunkyung Seo, Go Onomitsu and Philip Glamann. (Updates with new US sanctions.) Most Read from Bloomberg Businessweek 2023 Bloomberg L.P. Seoul North Korea test fired two short-range missiles Thursday, South Korea's military said, the latest in a string of banned weapons tests carried out by Pyongyang so far this year. The missile launches drew a united rebuke from the U.S., South Korea and Japan, which jointly condemned them and said they showed the threat that North Korea's "unlawful weapons of mass destruction and ballistic missile programs pose to the region." The trilateral statement reflected the growing thaw between Japan and South Korea a major foreign policy goal of President Joe Biden's administration as it strengthens alliances in a region tested by North Korea and expansionist China. "The United States reaffirms unequivocally its ironclad security commitments to both Japan and the ROK," as South Korea is officially known, the statement said. It noted that U.S. National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan met Thursday in Tokyo with his Japanese and South Korean counterparts "to further strengthen trilateral cooperation, including through lock-step coordination in responding to the threats" from North Korea. South Korea's Joint Chiefs of Staff said the country's military had detected "two short-range ballistic missiles launched by North Korea into the East Sea" at about 7:30 p.m. local time (6:30 a.m. Eastern) Thursday. The East Sea is also known as the Sea of Japan. Japan's military said the missiles appeared to have landed within the country's exclusive economic maritime zone, and Prime Minister Fumio Kishida lodged a "severe" protest with North Korea over the launch, blasting it as an "outrageous act that escalates provocations," according to Japanese news agency Kyoto. The missile tests came after the North's military vowed to respond to South Korea and the U.S. holding days of major live-fire military exercises, which wrapped up Thursday, near the heavily fortified border that separates North and South Korea. An article published by the North's state-run KCNA news agency quoted a spokesperson for the Ministry of National Defense as saying the country "strongly denounces the provocative and irresponsible moves of the puppet military authorities escalating the military tension in the region despite repeated warnings, and warns them solemnly." "Our response to this is inevitable," the official was quoted as saying, without providing any details of the planned response. North Korea has frequently reacted to U.S-South Korea war games with missile tests, and despite reports that the isolated country is already suffering through a domestic famine crisis, its dictator Kim Jong Un has continued channelling huge financial resources into weapons development. In April, Kim's military leaders claimed to have flight-tested a solid-fuel intercontinental ballistic missile for the first time ever, which would represent a significant breakthrough in North Korea's efforts to acquire a more powerful, harder-to-detect and shoot down missile capable of hitting the continental U.S. A TV screen shows an image of a failed North Korean rocket launch during a news program at the Seoul Railway Station in South Korea, June 1, 2023. / Credit: Ahn Young-joon/AP In May, North Korea confirmed a failed attempt to launch a spy satellite into space, in another move that would be seen as a major provocation by its neighbors and the United States. The botched attempt triggered emergency alerts in Seoul and on the southern Japanese island of Okinawa. North Korea said then that efforts were already underway to try the launch again. CBS News' Tucker Reals and Jen Kwon contributed to this report. Ingredients for life discovered on Saturn moon; astronauts perform spacewalk Twitter hit with $250 million copyright lawsuit by music publishers Suicide rates among young people up 60% since 2011, report finds North Texas fentanyl dealer on dark web found guilty and faces up to 80 years in prison Sean Shaughnessy, 55, was found guilty Wednesday of multiple drug charges and possession of child pornography, according to a press release from the United States Department of Justice. Shaughnessy faces up to 80 years in federal prison. Shaughnessy was arrested in July 2016 after an undercover operation revealed he was selling fentanyl and other drugs over the dark web. The darknet is an unindexed part of the internet that can only be accessed through specialized software and allows users to remain almost anonymous. Cryptocurrencies were accepted by Shaughnessy, who would ship the drugs to the addresses of the buyers, according to the DOJ. Drug traffickers who think operating on the darknet will shield them from prosecution should think again, U.S. Attorney for the Northern District of Texas Leigha Simonton said in the release. Body-cam footage from the arrest shows Shaughnessy with white powder visible around his nose, according to the release. He dropped a bag from his pockets and attempted to kick it away. When the officers noticed the bag, Shaughnessy denied that it was his. At the trial, former customers of Shaughnessy testified about the drugs he shipped to their North Texas homes. They said the potency of the drugs he sold was high. An undercover Homeland Security Investigations Special Agent testified that Shaughnessy had directed tens of thousands of dollars of illicit drug proceeds to be sent to the Dallas area. We are grateful to the many agents and officers both in uniform and undercover that worked together to arrest Mr. Shaughnessy, Simonton said. Simonton warned others that the attorneys office will scour the darkest recesses of the internet to find those dealing fentanyl, a drug that shatters lives and wrecks futures. One of Shaughnessys customers, a 20-year-old man, died of a fentanyl overdose just days after making a purchase, officials said. Our team of special agents and criminal analysts will never relent in our resolve to bring to justice those that seek financial gain by selling this poison in our neighborhoods as we all work tirelessly as a community to address drug addiction and fatal overdoses throughout the country, said Lester R. Hayes Jr., the Special Agent in Charge of HSI Dallas. PORTSMOUTH The Northeast Credit Union Foundation hosted its inaugural event, Nourish Portsmouth, at Cisco Brewers on May 18; an evening celebrating the spirit of doing well by doing good. Over 250 guests had the opportunity to connect with over 20 local nonprofits who were on site to share their missions and build relationships with each other. Chris Parker Welcoming remarks were given by Northeast Credit Union CEO and Chairman of the Foundation, Chris Parker, who shared how the Foundation was born out of the belief that Northeast Credit Unions purpose is more significant than just offering a great banking experience. While listening to wonderful music performances by local musicians, Kris Hype and the New Hampshire Fiddle Ensemble, guests visited with mission-aligned organizations like The Monarch School of New England, I Got Bridged, and Gather to name a few, and shared how working together they are making an impact on our communities. The culmination of the event came when The Northeast Credit Union Foundation honored Will Arvelo, Executive Director of Cross Roads House with the first-ever Nourish Award. The Nourish Award is bestowed upon an organization that reflects Northeasts mission to enrich and nourish the lives of others. Cross Roads House provides homeless families and individuals with shelter, basic necessities, and the tools and guidance they need to return to permanent housing. Dan Raposa and Will Arvelo Dan Raposa, Executive Director of The Northeast Credit Union Foundation shared, For four decades, the work of the Cross Roads House has been nothing less than remarkable. Their services are vital for the unsheltered in the Seacoast area. Theirs is a cause were happy to support, is tightly aligned with our mission, and we see them as a valuable community resource and a cornerstone of our evolving Nourish Network. The Monarch School of New England The spirit of the evening was not lost on the attendees nor the nonprofits, with many sharing their appreciation for Northeast bringing the community together in this way. I was so energized and inspired when I got home last night - Northeast has an incredible community and it seems like there are even more great things ahead to explore. We're so grateful to be a part of it! stated Amanda Martineau of The Monarch School of New England. The evening in Portsmouth is just the beginning for the good work and connections being made possible by the Northeast Credit Union Foundation, as plans continue to grow and evolve their Nourish Network, and the impact it will have throughout local communities in New Hampshire and Maine. This article originally appeared on Portsmouth Herald: Northeast Credit Union Foundation honors Cross Roads House Norway and Denmark will donate 9,000 additional artillery rounds to Ukraine Ukraine will receive another thousand ammunitions from Norway and Denmark Norway provides the shells, while Denmark donates fuzes and propellant charges, it said. Norway is also donating 7,000 rounds from its own stocks. Denmark will donate a further 1,500 complete artillery rounds and 500 shells. Ukraine has an urgent need for artillery ammunition, said Norwegian Defense Minister Bjrn Arild Gram. We have therefore decided to join forces with Denmark for a new donation, so that Ukraine receives the ammunition as quickly as possible. The artillery rounds can be used in several types of artillery, including the M109 that Norway has previously donated. Previously, Norway donated 20,000 artillery rounds. With the donations now being announced, Norway has donated a total of 27,000 artillery rounds alone, and 17,000 together with Denmark. The European Union agreed on May 5 to allocate EUR 1 billion from the European Peace Facility for the purchase of ammunition and missiles for Ukraine. Were bringing the voice of Ukraine to the world. Support us with a one-time donation, or become a Patron! Read the original article on The New Voice of Ukraine Not guilty verdict ordered for neo-Nazi group leader Chris Hood after fight at Jamaica Plain rally A not guilty verdict was ordered by a Boston judge for a local white supremacist leader who was arrested last summer for a fight outside of a drag queen event in Jamaica Plain, according to officials. 24-year-old Christopher Hood, a leader of The Nationalist Social Club, also known as NSC-131, was initially charged with affray. On July 23, 2022, Hood and other members of the NSC-131 held an organized white supremacist rally in Jamaica Plain, according to the Suffolk County District Attorneys Office, outside of where a drag queen story hour was being held. Hotbed for extremism: Antisemitism, white supremacy on the rise in Massachusetts, report says During the rally, Hood was accused of getting into a fight with a counter-protester. In a statement, District Attorney Kevin Hayden said, We will pursue hate crime prosecutions whenever the facts and evidence support moving forward. Our case decisions are determined by an assessment of our ability to prove guilt beyond a reasonable doubt, not by political considerations. Download the FREE Boston 25 News app for breaking news alerts. Follow Boston 25 News on Facebook and Twitter. | Watch Boston 25 News NOW How China strives to improve global human rights governance for a better world Xinhua) 08:35, June 15, 2023 Pupils attend a science class at a primary school in Zhaxizom Township in Tingri County, Xigaze City, southwest China's Tibet Autonomous Region, June 5, 2023. The primary school of Zhaxizom Township is the closest school to Mount Qomolangma, with a distance of just over 40 kilometers. (Xinhua/Fei Maohua) "The international community needs the contribution of China in global human rights governance," said Micol Savia, permanent representative of the International Association of Democratic Lawyers to the United Nations in Geneva. BEIJING, June 14 (Xinhua) -- China is ready to work with the rest of the world to act on the principles enshrined in the Vienna Declaration and Programme of Action, push for greater fairness, justice, reason, and inclusiveness in global human rights governance, and promote the development of a human community with a shared future. What Chinese President Xi Jinping wrote in his congratulatory letter to the Forum on Global Human Rights Governance that opened in Beijing on Wednesday spoke again of the importance China has attached to the global human rights cause. For decades, China has been committed to raising the well-being of its people while improving global human rights governance, both of which are highly acclaimed by the international community. BREATHTAKING TRANSFORMATION Villagers of Daliang Mountain in Sichuan Province, southwestern China, endured a life of poverty six years ago, grappling with an unstable power supply and a lack of essential electrical appliances. But things have changed. Now the road to the village has been rebuilt, and impoverished villagers have been relocated to newly built houses equipped with electric cookers and washing machines. "It is such a tremendous change. I would never have dreamed of it," rejoiced Boli Muqie, a villager in the mountainous area. The breathtaking transformation is possible because of China's poverty alleviation work, which eliminated absolute poverty by February 2021. It has lifted more than 700 million of its people out of poverty over the past 40-plus years of reform and opening up, significantly contributing to the cause of human rights worldwide. Apart from that, China has established the world's largest systems of education, social security and healthcare, ensuring that its population's basic needs are met. It also promoted equal rights and special protection for specific groups, including ethnic minorities, women, children, the elderly and people with disabilities. One of the best examples can be found in northwestern China's Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region, where ethnic groups have adequate access to education, healthcare and cultural events. Rural schools here, refurbished and with improved teaching, have helped many students gain admission to higher education, said Sanam Ibrayim, a teacher at a rural school in Xinjiang. In the eyes of many, China's people-centered advancement is a significant human rights feat, setting a new benchmark. Former Prime Minister of Guyana Moses Nagamootoo said China's concept of people-centered human rights could be illuminating to other countries. Leonardo Santos Simao, former foreign minister of Mozambique, said China has ensured its people's political, economic, social and cultural rights during its development. Students from Xide County who used to take the "slow train" for school pose for a group photo in front of D843 "Fuxing" bullet train at Xichang West Railway station in Xichang, Liangshan Yi Autonomous Prefecture, southwest China's Sichuan Province, Jan. 10, 2022.(Xinhua/Jiang Hongjing) A COUNTRY WITH THE MOVES "Thanks to a good production in rice obtained due to a training session on varieties of Chinese rice in general and hybrid rice in particular, members of our cooperative are enjoying socially and economically," said Emmanuel Nizigiyimana, a Burundian in his 30s. Nizigiyimana, chairman of a cooperative based in Burundi's Bubanza Province, was one of the students receiving training in rice farming under the leadership of a Chinese rice farming expert named Yang Huade. The production that was less than four tonnes with the local rice variety per hectare has now been increased to nine to 10 tonnes per hectare with the Chinese rice, Nizigiyimana said. "The Chinese rice varieties are also resistant to diseases contrary to local varieties." The training has provided valuable insight into the impact of China's initiatives dedicated to protecting and promoting the right to live and develop. These efforts have been instrumental in improving the well-being of people in countries across the globe. Take the Belt and Road Initiative. Proposed by China in 2013, it has generated nearly 1 trillion U.S. dollars in investment, created some 420,000 jobs worldwide, and helped lift nearly 40 million people out of poverty in a decade. A World Bank report said the initiative could boost trade by 2.8 to 9.7 percent for participating countries and by 1.7 to 6.2 percent for the whole world. Furthermore, the Global Development Initiative (GDI) put forward by China in September 2021 has gained support from more than 100 countries and several international organizations, including the United Nations. Nearly 70 countries have joined the Group of Friends of the initiative. In April last year, China proposed another initiative, the Global Security Initiative, to promote common security. China said it would work hard to contribute its wisdom and solutions to the cause of peace and development for all humanity. In this regard, China practices what it preaches, said Keith Bennett, a long-term China specialist and vice chair of Britain's 48 Group Club. Bennett said that China can put forward proposals, mechanisms and solutions that have global appeal. Chinese rice expert Dan Songbai (1st L) instructs farmers in a hybrid rice field in Kihanga, Bubanza Province, Burundi, Oct. 29, 2022. (Xinhua/Dong Jianghui) ENRICHING GLOBAL CAUSE In early November 2017, the Committee of Disarmament and International Security of the 72nd Session of the UN General Assembly approved two draft resolutions on preventing an arms race in outer space. Both incorporated for the first time the phrase "building a community of shared future for mankind." Since then, the vision put forward by China has been written into more UN resolutions and has become an essential component of the global human rights discourse. Based on this vision, China has cultivated an outlook on human rights with "people" as the center, "development" as the driving force and "a life of contentment" as the goal through continuous progress, enriching the global human rights cause. China conforms to a people-centered approach, which envisions a "global five-in-one" comprising "politics, security, economy, culture and ecology," said Maria Francesca Staiano, director of the Center on China Studies of the International Relations Institute of the National University of La Plata. "They are key points of the UN human rights protections, which are in line with the UN 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development and human rights," she said. True. To promote common development for advancing universal human rights, China put forward the GDI, advocating action-oriented approaches that address developing countries' most pressing livelihood needs. It has also called for upholding genuine multilateralism and the basic norms of international relations to promote and protect human rights through dialogue and cooperation. Meanwhile, recognizing the importance of inclusiveness, China proposed the Global Civilization Initiative in mid-March, urging the international community to respect the diversity of civilizations and the different paths of human rights development. Saikat Bhattacharya, an assistant professor at New Integrated Public University in India, said building a community with a shared future for humanity champions the equality of countries regardless of their size. It strengthens state-to-state relations and promotes living with dignity. "The international community needs the contribution of China in global human rights governance," said Micol Savia, permanent representative of the International Association of Democratic Lawyers to the United Nations in Geneva. China, a country with long history and culture, is a significant player in international relations, she added. (Web editor: Zhong Wenxing, Liang Jun) Beijing's Fengtai district has unveiled a three-year action plan to develop the commercial aerospace industry, aiming to better leverage its existing resources to foster high-quality growth in the sector. The action plan sets the target of increasing the annual output value of the commercial aerospace industry from 28 billion yuan ($3.91 billion) to 50 billion yuan within three years. Zhao Chunli, director of the Administrative Commission of Zhongguancun Science Park's sub-park in Fengtai district, said that the district is now home to 35 aerospace research institutes, over 110 aerospace-related enterprises, nine key laboratories at national and municipal levels in the aerospace field, and approximately 60,000 scientific and technological personnel specializing in aerospace. The action plan emphasizes the development of an industrial system through collaboration with centrally administrated state-owned enterprises and research institutes in the aerospace field. It also includes strengthening high-end manufacturing industries, introducing and nurturing space information industries, as well as expanding application scenarios. "It's not personal": Georgian President explained why Zelenskyy still has not invited her to Ukraine Salome Zourabichvili, President of Georgia, said that she was ready to come to Ukraine any time, and also told why, in her opinion, Volodymir Zelenskyy has not yet invited her. Source: Salome Zourabichvili in an interview with Ukrainska Pravda Quote: "Well, I've always been ready to come [to Ukraine ed.], and I'm ready today. So, if you can pass on the message, I can come tomorrow." When asked why Zelenskyy has not yet invited her to Ukraine, Salome Zourabichvili replied: "It's not personal, and I think that it's what we have described as the not completely satisfactory relations at this stage between the governmental circles. So in a way I'm experiencing the aftershock of that, but yet again, [I'm] ready, and I'm sure that we will have an occasion. I hope that such an occasion will come with the Crimean platform." More details: She clarified that she had not yet received an invitation to the Crimean platform. Journalists fight on their own frontline. Support Ukrainska Pravda or become our patron! The world breached for a time 1.5 degrees Celsius (C) this month, scientists confirmed on Thursday, as they issued warnings on how fast humanity is approaching the critical warming limit set by the Paris Agreement. The first 11 days of June were the hottest on record for this time of year, the European earth observation programme, Copernicus, reported. The 1.5C threshold was crossed after El Nino a climate pattern linked to warming in the Pacific was officially declared, and last month saw record sea-surface temperatures. While hitting 1.5C is temporary, it is the first time that the limit has been breached in June, Copernicus said. The world has warmed on average 1.1C since industrial times began, largely due to burning fossil fuels. The ensuing excessive heat had led to a barrage of climate impacts from more powerful storms to prolonged droughts and more frequent wildfires. In 2015 the world came together and signed the Paris Agreement to hold global temperature rise to 1.5C or at least well below 2C in an effort to stave off more a catastrophic climate crisis. Global mean temperature exceeded 1.5 degrees threshold during the first days of June. Monitoring how often and for how long these breaches occur is more important than ever, if we are to avoid more severe consequences of the climate crisis. Read more: https://t.co/j4x3swOxXq pic.twitter.com/5uAZ08LdNJ ECMWF (@ECMWF) June 15, 2023 It isnt the first time that the world has hit 1.5C the threshold was surpassed in December 2015, and exceeded repeatedly in the winters and springs of 2016 and 2020, Copernicus noted. Whats more, the limit was set for changes in long-term averages of 20-30 years, and not for short periods of days or months. However to cross 1.5C, even briefly, is a warning sign of how far off countries are in sticking to pledges to cut emissions causing the warming, scientists said, taking us closer to the point of no return. These figures dont just reflect a few days of warm weather in the UK or a small part of the world, it reflects the average temperature across the whole world, said Hannah Cloke, a hydrology professor from the University of Reading. Every fraction of a degree of warming means significant impacts on people and communities now and in the future. She added: Each time we tip over 1.5 degrees with increasing regularity, it is a worrying sign that we are getting closer to a point of no return. There is nowhere on earth to escape from this global heating. The next five years are expected, on average, to be the hottest ever recorded due to the combination of El Nino and the human-caused climate crisis, according to the World Meteorological Organisation. El Nino years have always been warm years, but now they occur against a background of decade-on-decade, fossil-fuel-driven warming that has loaded the dice in favour of temperature extremes, says Dr Richard Hodgkins, senior lecturer in physical geography at Loughborough University. The 1.5C breach is yet another wake-up call. Looking to the future however, with continued high emissions of greenhouse gases, we can expect to cross the 1.5C threshold increasingly frequently, and even permanently unless we act very rapidly to reduce global greenhouse gas emissions, said Dr Paulo Ceppi, Lecturer in Climate Science at the Grantham Institute at Imperial College London. This article was originally published in THE CITY. Logo for THE CITY Mayor Eric Adams and the citys second-largest union, the United Federation of Teachers, struck a tentative five-year agreement on Tuesday, one that significantly raises starting salaries for newly hired teachers and includes a major expansion of remote learning. The deal, which must be approved by the unions 120,000 members, guarantees raises of 17.58% to 20.42% by 2026, including compounded wage increases and bonuses. In addition to broadening an existing pilot on remote learning, high schools and combined middle-high schools will be able to offer virtual learning programs after school and on weekends. Students and teachers will have to volunteer to participate in the remote programs, according to a summary of the agreement. Get stories like these delivered straight to your inbox. Sign up for The 74 Newsletter The UFT and the Adams administration also agreed to a yearly, perpetual retention bonus, which will top out at $1,000 by 2026, and an additional one-time $3,000 ratification bonus. The starting salary for new teachers would be $72,349, including the bonuses, by the end of the proposed agreement up from the current $61,070 floor, according to the UFT. The top salary for paraprofessionals would be $56,761. The deal is retroactive to September 2021, when the most recent contract expired. It provides for 3% raises for the first three years and 3.25% bonus in the final two years, a pattern similar to that set by District Council 37 in February. Adams announced the agreement from the City Hall rotunda Tuesday afternoon alongside UFT President Michael Mulgrew, Schools Chancellor David Banks and Office of Labor Relations Commissioner Renee Campion. Im proud to announce that the city of New York has reached a tentative five-plus year contract agreement with the United Federation of Teachers that provides substantial wage increases for the people who teach, support and safeguard our children and secures a fair deal for taxpayers as well, Adams said. Virtual Expansion The after-hours virtual learning expansion in the nations largest school district builds on a small 2018 pilot that allows students to log in, from their own school buildings, to take online courses taught by public school teachers in other parts of the city. The program outlined in Tuesdays tentative agreement would begin in the 2023-2024 school year, with 25% of high schools eligible to be selected. All high schools will be eligible to participate by 2027-28, according to the UFTs summary of the agreement. Students and teachers would not be required to participate in virtual learning. Rather, schools where students miss hours or days of school because of work would be able to offer virtual lessons outside of traditional school hours. Teachers would not take extra time in order to teach the after-hours virtual lessons: their time will be redistributed. Adams said he was proud of the proposed remote learning experiment, saying it will create new opportunities for our students, including those who want the ability to take classes at non-traditional times like evenings and weekends, as well as those whom traditional in-person schedules dont work for. Mulgrew also noted the remote-learning pilot would also benefit students who fall behind on literacy. In line with the contract covering DC37 municipal workers, some UFT members who do not work directly in schools would be eligible to work remotely up to two days a week under the deal, according to the teachers union. Campion and Mulgrew said health care premiums and benefits, a key concern for many union members, remain unchanged. Were not getting rid of our benefits, Mulgrew said in response to questions from THE CITY. I wish the rest of America would do what were doing here in New York City because health care is a crisis and it is destroying the pocketbooks of so many families. Mulgrew also announced the tentative agreement will cut in half from 15 to eight years the length of time it takes most teachers to reach a salary of $100,000. The union president also highlighted the retention bonus as a win for members. And that goes on forever, in perpetuity, Mulgrew said. Were saying to all of our titles and every member, whether youre in the first year or your 25th year, New York City is saying that we appreciate you, and we recognize the challenges that you take on every day. Additional reporting by Katie Honan THE CITY is an independent, nonprofit news outlet dedicated to hard-hitting reporting that serves the people of New York. Family and friends gathered Wednesday night to remember an Ocala mother who was shot and killed earlier this month. Organizers called it a Night of Healing, and another chance to pay tribute to the life of Ajike AJ Owens. Family and friends gathered in Ocala Wednesday to remember Ajike Owens. Owens was shot and killed by her neighbor on June 2, according to the Marion County Sheriffs Office. READ: Justice for AJ: Funeral held for mother of 4 shot, killed in Marion County Investigators said Susan Lorincz, 58, tried to use Floridas Stand Your Ground law to claim self-defense after she fired a gun from inside her home through her front door. The bullet struck and killed Owens, who was standing with her son on the other side of the closed door. AJ Owens Owens had knocked on Lorinczs door, looking to talk to her about the way she allegedly mistreated her children as they played outside Lorinczs residence, investigators said. READ: Not justifiable: Deputies arrest woman accused of shooting neighbor through door in Marion County At a press conference on June 7, Sheriff Billy Woods said that Lorinczs actions were not justifiable, and announced that she had been charged with manslaughter. At Wednesdays prayer vigil for Owens, family and friends again made it clear that they wanted Lorinczs charge to be upgraded. READ: Sheriff says he was glad to arrest woman accused of killing AJ Owens, video was the final straw Susan Lorincz We have to come together as a community and as one and let everybody know, let the world know, that this is not okay, one speaker said. We will not settle for a manslaughter charge. This was murder. Family and friends gathered in Ocala Wednesday to remember Ajike Owens. On June 9, a judge set Lorinczs bond at $154,000, but at last report, she remained jailed in Marion County. READ: Judge sets bond for Marion County woman accused of killing neighbor at $154K Owens was laid to rest on Monday in Ocala. Stay with WFTV.com and watch Eyewitness News for updates on this case. 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. By Nell Mackenzie, Farouq Suleiman and Kirstin Ridley LONDON (Reuters) -Odey Asset Management is in advanced talks to move funds and staff to other asset managers as it grapples with the fallout of sexual misconduct allegations against its founder Crispin Odey. The Financial Times and Tortoise Media reported that 13 women had alleged that Odey had sexually assaulted or harassed them over a 25-year period. Odey, one of Britain's best-known hedge fund managers, last week told Reuters that the report was a "rehash of an old article and none of the allegations have been stood up in a courtroom or an investigation". A spokesperson for the hedge fund declined further comment on Thursday. Several major banks, which provided prime brokerage services, have said they would cut ties with Odey's firm. A letter signed by Odey Asset Management's (OAM) partners said any sale or rehousing of funds was subject to regulatory approvals and due diligence, adding that the boards and managers of the funds were "supportive" of the plan. "Acting in the best interest of our investors and our staff has continued to be our primary concern over the past few days. We will continue to update you," the letter, which was seen by Reuters on Thursday, added. Hedge funds such as OAM rely on leverage from prime brokerage service providers to make their market bets. Without a prime broker, a hedge fund which needs to borrow stocks cannot function. OAM takes long and short positions in equities. Goldman Sachs, Morgan Stanley and JP Morgan have already entered the process to wind down service agreements they had with OAM, sources told Reuters. This can take up to 90 days, but the process is often shorter, one source added. UBS, listed in public filings as one of OAM's prime brokers, has not had an active relationship with the hedge fund "for a long time" but has also decided to wind down its inactive relationship, another source told Reuters. The banks all declined to comment. Britain's Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) declined to comment on OAM's moves and on whether it would remain a going concern. A spokesperson for OAM also declined to comment on whether the moves signalled that the hedge fund would close. CULTURE CONCERNS OAM 'gated', the industry term used when a fund prevents withdrawals, its Brook Asset Management fund managed by James Hanbury on June 12 and closed another, a separate letter to investors seen by Reuters on June 13 shows. The OAM board said it took the decision to gate the Brook Developed Markets Fund after it faced "redemption requests in excess of ten per cent of the net asset value". Lawmakers on Britain's Treasury Select Committee wrote to the FCA on Wednesday to question the regulator's supervision. Its questions include whether the FCA scrutinised Odey's move in November 2020 from a role requiring FCA approval of his personal suitability, to one where this was certified by OAM. The committee also asked the FCA how many people it has investigated for sexual harassment across the industry since December 2019, when it became responsible for supervising the conduct of senior managers. The letter is likely to spark increased scrutiny of the watchdog's handling of Odey, after it began an investigation into alleged misconduct by him in 2021. "Culture in financial services and the experiences of women in the industry are ongoing concerns of the Treasury Committee," said the letter, signed by committee chair Harriett Baldwin. The committee has asked the FCA to respond to questions demanding granular details about its two-year investigation of OAM by July 5. (Reporting by Nell Mackenzie; Editing by Sinead Cruise, Dhara Ranasignhe and Alexander Smith) Ohio Senate passes budget. What does it mean for education, taxes and other issues? Students practice protest chants in opposition to Senate Bill 83 at the Ohio Statehouse. Senate Bill 83 is a higher education bill and would substantially alter how college campuses function with changes to collective bargaining agreements, diversity equity and inclusion policies and programs, and policies about controversial beliefs, among others. Senate Republicans passed a "transformational" state budget Thursday over objections of Democrats who said they couldn't overlook Republican plans to combat perceived liberal bias on Ohio's college campuses, reduce increases for subsidized childcare and make all students eligible for school vouchers. The budget, which lays out how Ohio will spend about $173 billion over the next two fiscal years, passed 24-7. Every Democrat voted no, and two Republicans were absent. That's a big difference from what happened in the Ohio House in April. Nearly all that chamber's Democrats voted for that version of the state spending plan. Senate President Matt Huffman, R-Lima, told reporters he decided to go in a more conservative, policy-driven direction centered around tax cuts and education reforms. "This is a solid conservative budget," Huffman said Thursday. "The House has 67 Republicans there. It's likely that all other things being equal if it was a normal course that there would probably be 50 votes for it." He acknowledged that's not likely to happen, though, and expects to spend the next two weeks hashing out a final version to give Gov. Mike DeWine. Senate Democrats slammed the budget plan. "We chose not to offer any amendments because, to us, this bill is so fundamentally and foundationally flawed that no floor amendment was going to redeem it," Minority Leader Nickie Antonio, D-Lakewood, said. Here are some of the key highlights of the Senate budget plan. Public education overhaul Ohio's K-12 public schools would get a $1.3 billion increase under the Senate's plan, but that was about $541 million less than the House proposed. Instead, the Senate expanded eligibility for Ohio's EdChoice scholarships to every student on a sliding scale basis, where children whose parents earn more receive smaller amounts. The Ohio Senate's budget plan expands eligibility for Ohio's EdChoice scholarships to every student on a sliding scale basis, where children whose parents earn more receive smaller amounts. "We wanted to provide parents throughout the entire state the opportunity to decide for themselves where their child should be educated," Finance Chair Sen. Matt Dolan, R-Chagrin Falls, said. "Like the governor, like the House, we've expanded school choice. Unlike them, we have said that choice belongs to everyone." Republicans also added Senate Bill 1, which would put the governor's office in charge of K-12 education by making the Department of Education's director a cabinet appointee. The State Board of Education elects the department's current leader. Also added to the budget plan was Senate Bill 83, which would prohibit most mandatory diversity, equity and inclusion training, give greater oversight to partnerships with Chinese universities, restrict the kinds of public positions public colleges and universities could take, penalize teachers who fail to create classrooms "free from bias," and ban professors from striking. "This is bad for education and bad for Ohio," Sen. Kent Smith, D-Euclid, said. "The anti-strike provisions make it the worst attack on collective bargaining this chamber has seen since Senate Bill 5 in 2011." Tobacco, TikTok and working from home In addition to deciding how to spend Ohio's general revenue fund, the Senate plan would ban the sale or distribution of flavored vaping products except menthol. That's a restriction DeWine has wanted for years, but the last effort came with a prohibition on local governments such as Columbus regulating tobacco more strictly than the state something the governor vetoed in 2022. This Senate budget would ban the use of TikTok and other Chinese apps on state government devices This budget would also ban the use of TikTok and other Chinese apps on state government devices and require state employees to work from their offices four days per week. "I believe and the Senate believes that you do more work, you do more effective work when you're physically present at your workplace," Huffman said. Tax cuts The latest version of the Senate's budget bumped an overall tax cut up to $3.1 billion and included a business tax cut that will eliminate the Commercial Activities Tax for 90% of the companies who pay it. "As I said early on, the Senate's focus is returning money to taxpayers, and that means small businesses, that means all levels of income," Dolan said. All Ohioans who pay income taxes would get an income tax reduction, and there would be a new sales tax holiday in August 2024 for most tangible items that cost less than $500. New rules for teenagers on social media Teens younger than 16 would have to get parental approval before creating new social media accounts, as the budget included provisions for companies like Facebook and Snapchat to verify the age of new users. That's another item DeWine has been pushing for in this budget. But when those children turn 18, the Senate's budget would allow them to become police officers. The provision was added Wednesday afternoon and would allow (but not require) departments to lower their minimum age for serving from 21 to 18. Opponents, which include some statewide police organizations, aren't convinced that this is a good solution to their staffing problems. "We do not feel teenagers have the maturity and experience to handle the oftentimes complex and life-altering calls officers face daily," said Mike Weinman, the director of governmental affairs for Ohio's Fraternal Order of Police in March. Big changes for public benefits The House wanted to spend about $4.2 million covering the school breakfasts and lunches for students who qualify for a reduced rate, but the Senate nixed that idea. Republicans in the Senate also decided not to go with the governor and House on the increase in income eligibility for publicly funded childcare, saying capacity is already an issue at many of these daycares. "We did provide (federal COVID relief) dollars for building out daycares and hope to expand that as we go forward," Dolan said. "But having enough spots is the problem right now that we have to address." Proposed work training for people who receive Supplemental Nutrition Assistance was scrapped on Wednesday, but the Senate added a new rule that Ohio's benefit debit cards have a photo of the recipient (or one recipient from the household). The Senate did restore money the governor requested for an affordable housing credit. Anna Staver is a reporter for the USA TODAY Network Ohio Bureau, which serves the Columbus Dispatch, Cincinnati Enquirer, Akron Beacon Journal and 18 other affiliated news organizations across Ohio. This article originally appeared on The Columbus Dispatch: 'Historic' education changes inside budget as Senate votes The lights atop a police vehicle flash against the blurred image of other cars and buses in the background. An Oklahoma City couple accused of leaving dozens of dogs in a sweltering U-Haul truck face 36 felony counts of animal cruelty. Dexter Darol Manuel, 62, and Linda Kay Manuel were arrested on June 6. A day earlier, Oklahoma City police responded to the Walmart at 7800 Northwest Expressway to assist animal welfare staff. Walmart employees called animal welfare to report a U-Haul truck in the parking lot that sounded and smelled like it was full of animals, according to the Oklahoma County district attorneys office. More: An Oklahoma murder mystery was seemingly solved. Then came the setbacks Investigators cut the padlock to the U-Haul truck and found 36 dogs and puppies in multiple cages, the district attorneys office said. The U-Haul truck was not climate-controlled and the temperature inside was 100 degrees, authorities said. Investigators reported there was no food, water or ventilation accessible to the animals inside the U-Haul truck. Animal welfare reported three of the dogs were in active heatstroke and the others were panting and sweating profusely. One dog was euthanized. Another dog has since had puppies. They are being cared for by nonprofit groups. More: Oklahoma pup wins 'Wacky Pet Names' competition In addition to the cruelty charges, Dexter and Linda Manuel also face one misdemeanor count of transporting animals in a cruel or inhumane manner and one count of violation of the Commercial Pet Breeders and Animal Licensing Act, the district attorneys office announced. This article originally appeared on Oklahoman: Dozens of dogs found in U-Haul, OKC couple charged Old Glory Memorial, which honors those who have served, turns 20: Trish Long The Old Glory Memorial in Northeast El Paso turns 20 this year. Fundraising for the 180-foot flagpole that frequently flies a 40-foot-by-80-foot flag began in September 2002. The El Paso Community College board of trustees voted 6-0 to lease land to the group for $1 a year. $71,000 plan to erect flag instills pride Jan. 6, 2003, El Paso Times: When Richard M. Gilliland sees an American flag, he feels a sense of pride that is indescribable. It is almost overwhelming, Gilliland said. My chest swells and I get tears in my eyes. Its just love for this country. The 56-year-old Vietnam veteran recently donated $100 to the El Paso Chapter National Flag Foundations Flags Across America Campaign. The local effort would help erect a 180-foot flagpole that will fly a 40-foot-by-80-foot flag at El Paso Community College Transmountain Campus. Robert J. Soltis, president of the local foundation, said the fundraising efforts began in September. This is not a Northeast project, this is a community project, Soltis said. It is a flag memorial being supported by the community. No tax dollars are going into this. Whatever we can raise is totally nonprofit. The group has raised $12,000 in monetary donations and supplies toward the $71,000 venture. Soltis said a memorial that includes benches and trees and will cost about $200,000 also is being planned. Soltis said the memorial is not meant to compete with the Mexican flag at the Chamizal National Memorial, which he said is a 93-by-162-foot flag and has a pole that stands 339 feet tall. A soldier holds a flag at the El Paso Old Glory Memorial's annual Flag Day ceremony on Wednesday. It also marked the memorial's 20th anniversary. Standing tall: Patriots thrilled to drive past towering flag in Northeast Dec. 5, 2003, El Paso Times: Eastsider Juan Elizondo expects his daily routine to become more patriotic from now on. After more than a year, Elizondo and thousands of people who drive through Northeast El Paso will be able to see the 40-foot-by-80-foot flag that now flies on a 180-foot flagpole. The flag was raised Wednesday. ... The structure, which is now the largest in El Paso and the biggest flag put up by any National Flag Foundation Chapter, will be formally unveiled at a ceremony in remembrance of the bombing on Pearl Harbor at the site on the corner of Diana and Gateway North. The flag, which sits on more than two acres of land, will be up 24 hours a day and will only be replaced with a smaller version in bad weather. They are keeping the Texas theme of everything being very large, Joyce Doody, executive director of the National Flag Foundation, said. It will be a wonderful rallying point for patriotic events and an educational site for people and children to learn about history El Paso Texas Flags Across America raises funds for new Old Glory Memorial flagpole Sept. 29, 2020, El Paso Times: A car cruise-in helped El Paso Texas Flags Across America raise money for a new flagpole as the nonprofit group held its first fundraiser of 2020 at the Old Glory Memorial in Northeast El Paso. Unrepairable structural cracks were discovered on the flagpole on Pearl Harbor Day in 2019. Shortly after the new year, the 5,000-square-foot flag that had flown over Northeast El Paso since 2003 was taken down. For safety reasons, the pole was disassembled and removed at a cost of $35,000, leaving the center of the memorial bare. The estimated cost of replacing the 180-foot flagpole is $150,000, said Tony Lewis, founder and president of the nonprofit organization. Flagpole restored After delays due to the pandemic and with donations from the community, the flagpole at the Old Glory Memorial was returned to its site in the Northeast in October 2021. Memorials to those who have served Memorials at the Old Glory site and their inscriptions include: Old Glory Memorial El Paso Flies to honor all who serve our country and those who have given their lives in the name of the Freedom we enjoy everyday.The Flag stands for all that we hold dear, Freedom, Democracy, Government of the People, By the People and for the People. Henry Cabot Lodge, 1915 El Paso Vietnam Veterans Memorial The names inscribed upon it are those of the 208 servicemen from El Paso County, Texas, that lost their lives or are missing in action between 1961 and 1975, during the Vietnam War. They are part of the 50,479 American service members who died or remain unaccounted for. This memorial is dedicated not only to those who gave their all, but also to those that returned, in many cases to hostile reception. It is also intended to form a closure, if only in a small way, for the veterans and the families of our fallen brothers. Attendees join in the Old Glory Memorial's annual Flag Day ceremony, which was on its 20th anniversary, on Wednesday. SSGT. Christopher Diaz K-9 Memorial Dedicated to all U.S. military working dog handlers and their beloved dogs who defend America from harm, defeat the enemy and save lives. Women Warriors Monument Pioneers, Nation Builders, and Comrades in Arms behind the line and on the line, proudly serving for America's Freedom. Women Airforce Service Pilots 'WASP' In honor of World War II Women Airforce Service Pilots WASP killed in service. We will never forget our debt to female war pilot heroes. Korean War Memorial This memorial is dedicated to the Korean War veterans serving in the first conflict of the Cold War. Prisoners of War were placed in unimaginably hostile conditions suffering from torture, inhumane treatment, and acute hunger. More than 40% of the 7,140 Americans taken prisoner died in captivity. We shall never forget the missing in action and those who died on the battlefield. We went to a country we never heard of to help people we did not know, to save a nation from communist aggression from North Korea. Died: 54,246 Wounded: 103,284 MIA: 8,177 Freedom is not free These veterans shall not be forgotten. Welcome home. Thanks for a job well done. World War I Memorial To honor all military personnel who served in World War I, nearly 5 million Americans. We especially honor Frank Woodruff Buckles (1901-2011), the last Doughboy and the last serving veteran of WWI. This memorial also honors Benjamin S. Fitzgerald, who served in World War I. World War II Memorial This memorial to all those who served in World War II was made possible by William Haddad 12-05-24/01-18-06, who served in the US Navy during this war. Haddad established a charitable trust charged with the task of building a memorial to all who served in this war: "That they would never be forgotten." 9/11/2001 Memorial In memory of all who perished in the attacks of Sept. 11, 2001. The Spirit of Freedom To those who have fallen, To those who were called, To those who were heroes who sacrificed all, Look not up to buildings, shattered glass and steel pulls It is the Spirit of Freedom That makes us all stand tall Purple Heart Memorial Dedicated to all the men and women wounded in all our wars. Combat wounded veterans My stone is red for the blood they shed. The medal I bear is my country's way to show they care. If I could be seen by all mankind maybe peace will come in my lifetime. Fallen Soldier Memorial Memorial to our fallen soldiers. Trish Long may be reached at tlong@elpasotimes.com. This article originally appeared on El Paso Times: Old Glory Memorial in Northeast El Paso turns 20 this year Old prison site in Pittsburgh up for sale Pennsylvania is looking to transform an old prison in Pittsburgh, and state leaders want to know what you think. The state is looking for a buyer for the old SCI Pittsburgh, formerly known as Western Penitentiary. The facility closed in 2017. The prisons main building dates back to the 1800s. The state is inviting public comment on the potential future use of the land. Click here to read more about it and to submit comments to the state. You have until June 26 to comment. My great-grandfather was a contractor on this building, said Dave Biggs, who now lives in McCandless but would go fishing in the Ohio River as a child with his brother. Hed often admire his familys work: 42 buildings on more than 21 acres of property in Pittsburghs Marshall Shadeland neighborhood. Now owned by the state, the property was most recently known as the State Correctional Institution (SCI of Pittsburgh) before closing for good in 2017. Since then Its been used for movie sets. Weve occasionally had the trail close because there were here filming movies, said Diane Denis of Squirrel Hill. The show Mindhunter was one of them that was filmed out here, said David Denis of Squirrel Hill. The Pennsylvania Department of General Services is looking to find a permanent solution, hiring an engineering and consulting firm to conduct a feasibility study and asking the public for its input. Some people say they wouldnt rule out demolition if it meant something bigger and better coming in. You can see both sides of this one. Its always a desire to keep historical buildings, and this one certainly has a lot of history to it, it has the look of that as well.but at the same time, its valuable riverfront property, David Denis said. Others we spoke with want to see it repurposed. Use what you have here, its kind of a nice historic building, said Tom Ross of the North Hills. I ride this bike trail and see hundreds of homeless people and underprivileged people. Why couldnt the state open this up to these people, refurbish, give them a place to live, maybe start some workshops, teach them some skills. said Biggs. Im sure theyd rather sleep in a building than in a tent by the riverside. Download the FREE WPXI News app for breaking news alerts. Follow Channel 11 News on Facebook and Twitter. | Watch WPXI NOW TRENDING NOW: Leaders present evidence to support condemnation of Century III Mall at public hearing Acrisure Stadium: If you dont have a Taylor Swift ticket, please stay away Westmoreland County woman facing felony charges after allegedly shooting, killing dog VIDEO: Arnold residents have mixed reaction after city votes to close 117-year-old No. 1 fire department DOWNLOAD the Channel 11 News app for breaking news alerts One of the hottest fashion shows of the summer featured metallic swimsuits and Teletubbies dancing down the runway Models and the Teletubbies walk the runway during Miami Swim Week 2023. Frazer Harrison/Getty Images The Teletubbies made a colorful appearance on a Miami Swim Week runway this week. Tinky Winky, Dipsy, Laa-Laa, and Po walked for New York-based brand The Blonds alongside models. The runway collection also featured a jumpsuit covered in plush toys of the British characters. Move over, Gigi Hadid the Teletubbies are taking over fashion runways. The beloved British characters left their grassy, rabbit-filled oasis at the start of this week to make a colorful appearance at Miami Swim Week. Tinky Winky, Dipsy, Laa-Laa, and Po each walked the runway for New York-based brand The Blonds, and strutted hand-in-hand with models clad in vibrant swimsuits. The official Teletubbies account shared a video of the fashion moment to TikTok on Tuesday, and the clip has now been viewed more than 160,000 times. When the fashion show began on Sunday, models stepped onto the runway in sparkling, metallic swimsuits. Many also wore crystal-covered hair pieces, sheer cover-ups, and statement jewelry like chunky rings. Models walk the runway for The Blonds at Miami Swim Week 2023. Frazer Harrison/Getty Images But approximately seven minutes into the show, the screen behind the runway went dark and a baby-faced sun rose behind The Blonds logo. During the "Teletubbies"-inspired portion of the show, models reappeared in neon one-pieces, printed bikinis, and other colorful swimwear. Tinky Winky and a model for The Blonds walk the runway during Miami Swim Week 2023. Ivan Apfel/Getty Images Another wore a statement piece that paid homage to the children's show more directly: a single-strap bodysuit covered in plush "Teletubbies" toys. A model for The Blonds wears a "Teletubbies" jumpsuit at Miami Swim Week 2023. Frazer Harrison/Getty Images "The Blonds are inherently about excess even at the beach," a representative for the brand said in a press release sent to Insider. "For their first official foray into resort wear, they have created a collection of pieces that will take you from slinking by the pool in heels to the hottest nightspot imaginable." The representative also said the runway collection was inspired by a mix of "Teletubbies," the 1987 film "Overboard," and Miami Beach in the '90s. Read the original article on Insider This photo taken on June 14, 2023 shows the opening ceremony of the Forum on Global Human Rights Governance in Beijing, capital of China. The Forum on Global Human Rights Governance opened in Beijing on Wednesday. [Photo/Xinhua] Participants from various countries and international organizations attending the Forum on Global Human Rights Governance from June 14-15 expressed their strong support for China's proposals, which they believe play a crucial role in fostering global human rights development and governance and addressing contemporary challenges. William Jones, a former White House correspondent for Executive Intelligence Review, underscored China's increasing global influence, saying that "China's role in protecting the human rights of its citizenry is deserving of much praise." He also noted the unprecedented situation the world finds itself in, and the importance of China's philosophy and initiatives in the global arena, including the Global Security Initiative (GSI). Liu Xinsheng, a human rights expert with the U.N. Human Rights Council Advisory Committee, concurred with this view, highlighting the positive impact of China's wisdom and solutions to global human rights governance through the resolution "Promoting Mutually Beneficial Cooperation in the Field of Human Rights" adopted by the U.N. Human Rights Council. He emphasized that the resolution aligns with the current trend of global development and helps enhance the discursive power of developing countries in the international human rights field. Addressing the inadequacies of the current paradigm of global human rights governance, Chang Jian, director of the Human Rights Research Center at Nankai University, lauded China's concept of building a community with a shared future for mankind for offering a new pattern of "solidarity and cooperation" that can overcome the limitations of the existing governance model. He criticized the practice of some Western countries dominating the current global governance of human rights. "The voice of developing countries has not been proportionally expressed," he said, adding that China actively advocates increasing the representation and voice of developing countries in the global human rights governance system, and promotes international cooperation in human rights to fully respect and reflect the will of developing countries, so as to ensure all countries have a share in shaping the future of the world. Liu Qing, vice president of the China Institute of International Studies, also emphasized the importance of respecting each country's chosen path for human rights development based on its national conditions. He stressed the need to promote and protect all types of human rights and advance international human rights dialogue and cooperation. He pointed out that the values contained in the GSI transcend different systems and ideological barriers, and contribute to the maintenance of common human civilization values. Ong Tee Keat, chairman of Malaysia-based think tank the Center for New Inclusive Asia, extolled China's GSI for filling the void of a viable global security architecture that addresses both conventional and non-conventional security concerns. He stated, "GSI's call for a 'common, comprehensive, cooperative and sustainable' security rooted in the principle of 'indivisible security' where no country can strengthen its own security at the expense of others is a breath of fresh air in the contemporary global security governance dominated by unilateral sanctions, long arm jurisdiction and antagonistic military pacts." Crispin Kaheru, commissioner of the Uganda Human Rights Commission, highlighted China's role in leading the way and peacefully turning the tide in human rights development. Speaking of the optimism this has given many countries, he said, "If China can do it, then every other country can do it." He also hailed the GSI as an action-oriented architecture that has exposed the inadequacies of the current international human rights system and demonstrated that global peace is possible through peaceful means. Zhang Yunfei, a board member of the U.N. Association of China, emphasized that the Global Development Initiative aims to speed up the implementation of the U.N. 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, advocating for true multilateralism and promoting common development. He said that this initiative injects new momentum into global human rights governance and represents China's new contribution to promoting international human rights. He also noted that the initiative contains rich human rights philosophy and is an important public good provided by China for global governance. One in three migrants working in Malaysian households are trapped in forced labour Malaysian Muslim women chats during Koran reciting programme at a mosque during the holy fasting month of Ramadan in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia - AHMAD YUSNI/EPA Almost a third of migrants working as carers, cleaners and cooks in Malaysian households are trapped in forced labour, according to the International Labour Organization (ILO). In a 110-page report published on Thursday, the UN agency found 29 per cent of migrants employed as domestic workers in the southeast Asian country are in forced labour meaning they are working involuntarily and face a threat or penalty if they try to leave. The figure based on a survey of 1,201 domestic workers compares to seven per cent in Singapore and four per cent in Thailand, the ILO said. But those surveyed worked hours well in excess of the legal maximums put in place for other industries across all three countries, and none earned the minimum wage. We are humans, we deserve to be treated like human beings, Liezl Galdo, a Filipino migrant and domestic worker in Malaysia who was once prevented from attending her fathers funeral by a former employer, told a briefing on Thursday. Things have not really changed over the years we still hear about domestic workers locked in their homes or without access to mobile phones for years sometimes their families at home think maybe they have died already because there is no communication, she said. Across the globe, roughly 1.4 million adults employed as domestic workers are in a situation of forced labour, according to previous estimates from the ILO equal to around eight per cent of the sector. While conditions in regions such as the Middle East where the kafala system that binds foreign workers to their employees has been widely abused have been well documented, experts warned that similar scenarios are playing out in southeast Asia. In Malaysia, experts said the high rates are likely linked to visa regulations, the tendency for workers to live in, and pre existing views and expectations. In Malaysia, we saw over 40 per cent of our sample having had either their mobile phone or documents taken away, or be locked in or under CCTV surveillance in the house, Anna Olsen, a technical specialist at the ILOs regional office for Asia and the Pacific, told the Telegraph. She added that this is common where migrants are seen as a risk to society, rather than a critical component, meaning governments and employers may react by tightening their grasp. Where workers are tied to employers, reliant on them for food, accommodation, their migration status, ultimately their lives and livelihoods, this relationship of extreme dependence can be easily abused, she said. Impact of gender norms Certain groups were most at risk for instance, 57 per cent of Cambodian migrants working in Malaysia were in situations of forced labour, the report found. This may be because more of this cohort have an irregular work status, putting them at higher risk of exploitation. The report also called for domestic work which includes roles such as childcare, cooking, cleaning and looking after the elderly to be considered skilled labour, and for more protections to be put in place across all three countries to protect workers. This includes the introduction of a minimum wage, maximum hours, and inclusion in social protection systems all rights which people in other industries are entitled to. What we found is that non one of our respondents, of our study of 1,201 people not one received the [countrys typical] minimum wage if you adjust for the standard hour week, said Rebecca Napier-Moore, a technical officer at the ILO. This correlates with previous findings that only 11 per cent of domestic workers in the Asia Pacific region are even entitled to a minimum wage. Ms Olsen added: When roughly 80 per cent of domestic workers are women an estimated one in 13 of wage-earning women globally it is impossible to deny the impact of gender norms on the sector. Where women and womens work is undervalued, it is not surprising that domestic work also does not attract legal protection and economic value. The Telegraph contacted the Malaysian government but has not yet received a response. 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. Hi there, OnPolitics readers. The Supreme Court handed Native American tribes a huge win today. Let's get into it. In a 7-2 decision, the Supreme Court declined to determine whether the 1978 Indian Child Welfare Act discriminated against non-Native families. Case tracker: A look at the key cases pending before the Supreme Court What is the Indian Child Welfare Act?: Before Congress passed the 1978 act, hundreds of thousands of Native American children were removed by adoption agencies and placed with non-Native families or in boarding schools. The ICWA sought to end that. It also included several other provisions, such as the preference to Native families when Native children were up for adoption. The case: The law was challenged by non-Native families looking to adopt Native children, saying that the preference was a racial one that violated the 14th Amendment. The ruling: The majority ruled that the case lacked standing to bring the equal protection claim and said, in its opinion, that Congress was within its power to impose other requirements on states. The bottom line: Although the racial issues were decided on procedural grounds, the opinion today marked the second time in as many weeks that the court, with broad majorities, has rejected the idea laws require "race neutral" outcomes. Last week, the court smacked down an argument for "color blind" redistricting in Alabama, USA TODAY Supreme Court reporter John Fritze, writes. Keep reading: Supreme Court sides with tribes, Biden in battle over Native American adoptions Stay in the know on politics: Sign up for the OnPolitics newsletter This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Supreme Court upholds the Indian Child Welfare Act, sides with tribes Artificial intelligence may transform many aspects of the human condition, nowhere more than in the military sphere. Although many Americans may only now be focusing on AIs potential promise and peril, the U.S. Defense Department has worked for over a decade to ensure its responsible use. The challenge now is to convince other nations, including the Peoples Republic of China, to join the United States in committing to norms of responsible AI behavior. The Pentagon first issued a responsible use policy for autonomous systems and AI in 2012. Since that time, weve maintained our commitment even as technology has evolved. In recent years, weve adopted ethical principles for using AI, and issued a responsible AI strategy and implementation pathway. This January, we also updated our original 2012 directive on autonomy in weapon systems, to help ensure we remain the global leader of not just development and deployment, but also safety. Where the Defense Department is investing in AI, were doing so in areas that provide us with the most strategic benefit and capitalize on our existing advantages. We also draw a bright line when it comes to nuclear weapons. The policy of the United States is to maintain a human in the loop for all actions critical to informing and executing decisions by the president to initiate and terminate the use of nuclear weapons. Although we are swiftly embedding AI in many other aspects of our mission from battlespace awareness, cyber and reconnaissance, to logistics, force support and other back-office functions we do so mindful of AIs potential dangers, which were determined to avoid. We dont use AI to censor, constrain, repress or disempower people. By putting our values first and playing to our strengths, the greatest of which is our people, weve taken a responsible approach to AI that will ensure America continues to come out ahead. Our current level of funding for AI reflects our present needs: the latest U.S. defense budget, for fiscal year 2024, invests $1.8 billion in artificial intelligence and machine learning capabilities, to continue our progress in modernization and innovation. That will change over time as we incorporate the technology effectively into how we operate while also staying true to the principles that make ours the worlds finest fighting force. Even as our use of AI reflects our ethics and our democratic values, we dont seek to control innovation. Americas vibrant innovation ecosystem is second-to-none because its powered by a free and open society of imaginative inventers, doers and problem-solvers. While that makes me choose our free-market system over Chinas statist system any day of the week, it doesnt mean the two systems cannot coexist. Chinese diplomats have said that the PRC takes very seriously the need to prevent and manage AI-related risks and challenges, according to news reports. Those are good words; actions matter more. If China is indeed ready to step up exchanges and cooperation with all parties, the Pentagon would welcome such direct engagement. Our commitment to values is one reason why the United States and its military have so many capable allies and partners around the world, and growingnumbers of commercial technology innovators who want to work with us: because they share our values. Such values are owned by no country or company; others are welcome to embrace them. For example, if the PRC credibly and verifiably committed to maintaining human involvement for all actions critical to informing and executing sovereign decisions to use nuclear weapons, it might find that commitment warmly received by its neighbors and others in the international community. And rightfully so. The United States does not seek an AI arms race, or any arms race, with China, just as we do not seek conflict, either. With AI and all our capabilities, we seek only to deter aggression and defend our country, our allies and partners, and our interests. America and China are competing to shape the future of the 21st century, technologically and otherwise. That competition is one which we intend to win not in spite of our values, but because of them. Opinion: Republicans, take a good hard look at where Trump is leading you A twice-indicted Donald Trump puts the Republican Party at a crossroads as we head into the 2024 election. Does the GOP lean into backing the current frontrunner who is campaigning on personal grievances, or support a candidate running to advance Americas greatness? And do his primary challengers choose loyalty to Trump over the rule of law? Alice Stewart - CNN Trump has pleaded not guilty to all 37 criminal charges related to his handling of classified documents. The former president then falsely claimed these were his own documents and that he had every right to keep them under the Presidential Records Act. Trump is calling for fealty to him over fidelity to the rule of law and the constitution. Hes asking supporters to turn a blind eye to his impropriety and false claims that special counsel Jack Smith is a thug engaged in political persecution. In short, the misguided cries denouncing what he says are a double standard masquerade as an unspoken hope for no standard at all. This is not what the party of law and order represents. With all due respect to the patriotic, good-hearted Trump supporters who took trains, planes and automobiles to get to Miami for his court appearance and Bedminster, New Jersey for his post-court rally, I encourage you to take your head out of the sand. Take off your bedazzled rose-colored glasses and take a good hard look at the reality of this losing proposition. Why are you standing by someone who will not win over suburban women and disaffected independent voters in the 2024 general election? Exit polls in 2020 show Biden beat Trump with the help of suburban women and independent voters. The 2024 candidates have a delicate dance ahead of them: put one arm around Trumps base, then give a swift kick to Trump, saying hes no longer right for the job. Your messaging needs to include the following: acknowledge that Trump has done some good things for the party, such as reshaping the courts, reducing regulations and tax reform. Hes no doubt a party favorite in the primary, but hes an albatross for the GOP in a general election. The GOP has lost three times when Trump was the issue, its time to turn the page on Trumpism. But the initial reaction to the indictment from Trumps 2024 GOP opponents was to rush to the former presidents defense. Trumps top challenger Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis tweeted, the weaponization of federal law enforcement represents a mortal threat to a free society. Businessman Vivek Ramaswamy, who announced his presidential run in February, has pledged to pardon Trump if elected. Yet the tide is turning and as details of the indictment flesh out, many challengers have taken on a different tone. Former Vice President Mike Pence told the Wall Street Journal editorial board, these are very serious allegations. And I cant defend what is alleged. Former United Nations Ambassador Nikki Haley called Trumps actions incredibly reckless with our national security. And South Carolina Senator Tim Scott acknowledged these are serious allegations. Former Arkansas Gov. Asa Hutchinson said the Trump indictment is very solid and urged Trump to drop out of the race. Former New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie said in a CNN town hall earlier this week that this is a very evidence-laden indictment.the conduct in there is awful. Even the once-favorable Wall Street Journal editorial board wrote that Trumps actions were reckless, arrogant and remarkably self-destructive. The GOP field appears to be willing to call out Trump. Its a calculated decision and important one: How do you thread the needle of endearing yourself to the base while convincing them that Trump is no longer right for the job? This is an especially difficult task when a majority of Republican voters say they would rally around Trump even if convicted in this case. A poll by CBS News and YouGov found that 76% of likely GOP primary voters believe the indictment was politically motivated. Similarly, a Reuters-Ipsos poll found that 81% of Republicans believed that politics was driving the case. The difficulty is that many Republicans are consumed with espousing whataboutisms: What about Joe Biden? What about Hillary Clinton? What about Pence? Heres one: What about Donald Trump being responsible for his own actions? What about his absconding with intel secrets? What about the former president facing retribution for his lifetime of shameful and illegal behavior? The Mar-a-Lago case may be a turning point. Trumps former chief of staff John Kelly said Trump appeared to be scared sitless for the first time in his life, it looks like hes being held accountable. Former Trump Attorney General Bill Barr said if even half of it is true, then hes toast. Retired US Army Lt. Gen. Mark Hertling tweeted that the amount of classified information that Trump took is gobsmacking and none of the documents are his personal papers. Democratic strategist James Carville never said, its the indictment, stupid. Campaigns are about the economy, public safety, and national security. Yet, Trump will make this latest indictment the cornerstone of his campaign, saying if it can happen to me, it can happen to you. Amid the optics of a highly choreographed MAGA rally, Trump is embarking on a personal crusade for a get-out-of-jail free card. This is a campaign about self-preservation, not selfless public service. Im not convinced thats how you Make America Great Again. For more CNN news and newsletters create an account at CNN.com President Joe Biden shakes hands with British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak as they meet in the Oval Office of the White House in Washington, Thursday, June 8, 2023. | Susan Walsh, Associated Press Prime Minister Rishi Sunak of Britain has concluded a low-key, largely successful visit to Washington, D.C. On June 8, he met at the White House with President Joe Biden, who appropriately referenced the importance of the close Anglo-American partnership. The leaders agreed on greater cooperation on defense and renewable energy. Sunak did not achieve a desired broader trade agreement, but that is not surprising given the ongoing uncertainty related to Britains turbulent withdrawal from the European Union. Above all, the meeting again confirmed the close relationship between our two nations. This endures despite domestic political turmoil. This special relationship was initially formalized and announced by President Franklin D. Roosevelt and Prime Minister Winston Churchill during the darkest days of World War II. The two leaders met on navy vessels off the coast of Newfoundland in August 1941. Churchill returned to meet with Roosevelt in the White House and address a joint session of Congress in December of that year, shortly after Pearl Harbor. The first of these historic meetings resulted in the Atlantic Charter, defining broad positive human goals of freedom and basic economic security. The follow-up session resulted in commitment to the concept of the United Nations, which moving forward signified the Allies goals in World War II. This close partnership between Britain and the U.S., forged during the frustrating and terrible first years of World War II, has endured down to the present despite sometimes severe strains. The evolution of the Anglo-American Special Relationship underscores important events of that global total war, and the Cold War and post-Cold War era which have followed. Prime Minister Tony Blair paid a high political price for his faithful support of the administration of George W. Bush in the 2003 invasion of Iraq. Yet Blair survived politically, and led his Labour Party to another general election victory. More important, the Anglo-American military alliance, and the durable wider NATO structure, was never really seriously threatened. Related During the mid-1960s, the Johnson administration pressed extremely hard for at least token direct military participation in the Vietnam War. Australia and New Zealand, both members of the British Commonwealth, did provide forces. In the case of Australia, there was considerably more than a token commitment. Britain remained out of that war, for understandable reasons. In hindsight, this lack of support by a close ally was an early indication of the questionable nature of the American military escalation. From the other direction, the most serious Anglo-American and wider Atlantic alliance crisis was over the Suez Canal in 1956. Britain, France and Israel launched a coordinated surprise military attack to retake the waterway and associated territory from Egypts nationalist government. President Dwight Eisenhower was completely opposed as well as offended by lack of consultation. His administration forced an abrupt halt to the operation. No crisis since has so seriously threatened the alliance. Economics strengthens alliance cooperation. Prime Minister Margaret Thatchers deregulation of the economy in the 1980s pays powerful dividends today. Canary Wharf, formerly grim docks and working-class housing blocks in eastern London, has been transformed into a mammoth global commercial center. Massive modern skyscrapers dominate the horizon, complemented by fashionable retail outlets. Thatchers heavy-handed style earned her the sobriquet of Big Sister, but her forceful deregulation and opening of the economy were crucial to contemporary British prosperity and strength. McGeorge Bundy, President John Kennedys national security adviser, summed up the Anglo-American partnership as someone to talk to. The conversation continues, to mutual benefit. Arthur I. Cyr is author of After the Cold War. Contact acyr@carthage.edu Its an idea whose time is inevitably coming for Republican presidential candidates pardoning former President Donald J. Trump. With the former president facing 37 counts in a federal indictment alleging violations of the Espionage Act and obstruction of justice, his fellow Republicans began discussing clemency even before Trump had entered a plea in the case in Miami. Vivek Ramaswamy has led the way, making a pledge to pardon Trump his calling card. He is swaddling his case in selfless principle, saying that itd be easier for him if Trump were out of the race, yet his commitment to justice forces him to act against his own interest and say something that many Republican voters obviously want to hear. Nikki Haley is inclined toward a pardon, too. The middle of a primary campaign is not the best place to carefully think through the various equities involved in the criminal case against Trump and potential clemency, but the idea of pardoning Trump is a sensible one that, depending on the exact circumstances, truly could serve the public interest. The bind represented by Trumps indictment is that, based on the evidence we have now, he appears to be caught dead to rights; at the same time, nothing good is going to come from the political and legal warfare inevitable with the prosecution by the U.S. government of the leader of the opposition party. The presidential pardon power is sweeping. The Supreme Court called it unlimited in the 1886 case Ex parte Garland. It extends to every offence known to the law, and may be exercised at any time after its commission, either before legal proceedings are taken or during their pendency, or after conviction and judgment. Among other things, it allows for the consideration of factors that the law alone might not take into account. The most famous example from high politics is, of course, Gerald Ford pardoning Richard Nixon for offenses related to Watergate, although that episode dates from a different era when politics was a more serious business for more serious people. Ford didnt go around bragging that hed pardon Nixon to garner attention and curry favor with Nixon supporters, while Nixon, for all his desperate flaws, was a man of considerable substance and achievement. Ford, of course, justified his act of clemency on grounds of moving on from, as he put it in his national address, a tragedy in which we all have played a part. It could go on and on and on, or someone must write the end to it. I have concluded that only I can do that, and if I can, I must. We are still far away from getting to anything like this place. First, Trump would have to lose the Republican nomination, and hes currently the strong favorite. Then, some other Republican would have to win the presidency, or President Joe Biden would have to see the wisdom of potentially keeping the vanquished Trump out of jail, either after beating him again or defeating another Republican. All this is very speculative, and who knows where the documents case will stand in a year or two? It looks formidable now, but Trump has yet to mount a legal defense. That said, the case for a pardon is straightforward. The conventional wisdom is that our politics is over-heated. The worry over this is often exaggerated (things have been as or more feverish before), but having a former president stand trial in a federal criminal case, and potentially spend the rest of his life in jail, is only going to make things more intense and the country more divided. A pardon itself would be a flash point, as the Ford pardon of Nixon was, but it would at least take the unprecedented possibility of a former president behind bars off the table. There is some significant plurality of the country that simply isnt going to accept the legitimacy of the charges. Maybe this shouldnt matter the law is the law. If the shoe were on the other foot, though, and if it were the Ron DeSantis Department of Justice prosecuting a Democrat with a significant chance of running against him, thered be an outcry from the same people now dismissing any doubts about the Trump prosecution. Those doubts are based on more than the typical partisan suspicions of the other side. The Trump prosecution comes against the backdrop of the years-long Russia investigation by the FBI and special counsel Robert Mueller that cast a pall over Trumps campaign and early presidency and that was based on gossamer thin, politically motivated information. It comes after Hillary Clinton got a prosecutorial pass over her home brew email set-up as secretary of State that was designed to evade government record-keeping rules and that transmitted and stored classified information and sensitive discussions, putting their security at risk. It comes as the Hunter Biden investigation has dragged on since 2018, with an IRS whistleblower now alleging a cover-up. It comes at the same time as the Department of Justice has failed to appoint a special counsel to probe whether the Biden family has used its influence to enrich itself. What we should want to avoid is a pattern of legal retribution and counter-retribution. That would distort our legal process beyond anything thats happened to this point, further subordinating it to politics and undermining public trust in it. Perhaps this prosecutorial tribal warfare has already been unleashed, but a Trump pardon has a chance of sapping some of the poison out of the system. Its also worth emphasizing that in any of these pardon scenarios, Trump has lost his latest bid for the presidency, either in the primary or the general election. This means hed presumably be a much-reduced figure, whether hed been rejected by Republican primary voters or lost a national election a second time (although I thought the same thing after the 2020 election). We arent talking about a pardon clearing the way for another White House bid, but rather as a consolation prize for someone who is vastly diminished and looking at potentially losing his freedom, too. There are reasonable objections to all this. Pardoning Trump would mean entrenching a norm that high-flying political figures dont have to play by the same rules around the handling of classified documents that everyone else does. Also, usually someone asks for a pardon, and expresses remorse for their wrongdoing. Its impossible to imagine Trump doing that. Finally, we dont know what 2024 will look like, and it may be that by the end of it, Trump looks more unsympathetic to a Republican president and more loathsome to Joe Biden. At the end of the day, a Trump pardon would be about book-ending the Trump era, trying to get beyond a noxious chapter that both he and his often unscrupulous, overzealous pursuers contributed to. If Trump is a Nixon, itd be best for the country if he found his Gerald Ford. Photo of orcas As orcas know well, theres strength in numbers. Its been a big week (f)in orca news. The black and white cetaceans, often referred to as killer whales, seem to be making some unexpected movespopping up in numbers and places where they usually do not. On Sunday, a group of researcherssurveying the seas from a planespotted four whales just south of Nantucket and Marthas Vineyard, in an area where orca sightings are exceedingly rare, according to a New York Times report. Elsewhere in New England, a fishing crew noted another orca in Cape Cod Bay near Provincetown, Massachusetts on the same day. Read more The northwest Atlantic Oceans orca population is thought to be exceedingly smallso two separate whale sightings in a single weekend is particularly notable. Perhaps, as marine mammal biologist Andrew Trites hypothesized to NYT, the uptick in orca presence is the result of locally rebounding seal and shark numbers (i.e. more orca food). Or, perhaps something else is going on. Maybe, as my colleague Linda Codega has speculated, the whales are orcanizing. Potentially supporting Codegas thesis: the massive pod of killer whales that were partying it up in Monterey Bay ALSO ON SUNDAY, per a report from The Guardian. About 30 orcas, representing 11 different family groups, came together off the coast of California to splash, breach, and play. The little ones were wrestling and rolling like a bunch of puppies, Nancy Black, a marine biologist with Monterey Bay Whale Watch and the California Killer Whale Project, told The Guardian. Usually, orcas travel with their single family unit, in pods composed of a few to 20" whales, according to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. Thirty of the cetaceans, many unrelated to each other, all in one place at one timethough not unheard ofis certainly unusual, Black noted. Again it could be food-related, as many animal behaviors are. Or, maybe the California whales are up to something. Maybe the orcasnow strategically positioned near notorious centers of human wealth hoarding like Marthas Vineyard, Cape Cod, and Silicon Valleyare taking cues from their Iberian, yacht-sinking comrades. In early May, three orcas took down the Alboran Champagne, a Swiss yacht sailing through the Straight of Gibraltar. All four people who had been aboard the ship were rescued, but the ship wasnt. It was the third boat that orcas had sunk off the Iberian coast in recent years. Just a few weeks later, the whales struck again, this time targeting another yacht: a 66-foot-long, British vessel called the Butey of Clyde. This boat didnt sink, but was severely damaged, according to The Independent. Both incidents come as part of a string of more than 250 run-ins, in which orcas have appeared to willfully attempt to wreck boats in the region, dating back to 2020. Though the whales motives remain murky, some researchers have theorized that the boat aggression is a learned behavior originating with a single, female orca named White Gladis. Some headlines have framed the attacks as revenge attempts over a boat collision injury White Gladis may have incurred. Though not all marine scientists are convinced. Regardless of where the research stands, Gizmodo recommends the 1% keep their personal boats moored for the time being. The orcas have made it clear: Theyre lurking near your New England vacation home and swimming beneath the surface within a commuters throw of San Francisco. Yacht owners be warned, the cetaceans arent going to take it anymore. Now if only we could get the birds on board too. More from Gizmodo Sign up for Gizmodo's Newsletter. For the latest news, Facebook, Twitter and Instagram. Click here to read the full article. The four-person crew on a Black Hawk helicopter from McEntire Joint National Guard Base in Hopkins was on a training mission over Lake Marion when an osprey shattered the windshield in early June, the National Guard reported Wednesday. Bird! Chief Warrant Officer 2 Brandon Painter said just before impact. In what a news release called a heart-stopping moment, the split-second warning allowed the commanding pilot, Chief Warrant Officer 4 Henry Wallace, the time to make the copter climb. Wallace is a UH-60 standardization pilot with A Company, 1st Battalion, 111th Aviation Regiment and was evaluating Painter on low-level combat maneuvers and a mock hurricane response. There is no real emergency printed for this type of scenario, Wallace said. However, our first instinct was to look at the aircraft instruments. I was on the flight controls and as a crew, we determined we still had control. The news release described a grisly scene with the dead bird lodged in the shattered window. As I flew the aircraft, I had Mr. Painter monitor the instruments and cautions panel for any potential lights. Crew chiefs were busy scanning for nearby landing locations just in case the situation worsened as well as monitored our instruments, Wallace said. He drew on the cohesiveness of the crew, which had just returned from a year-long deployment to Sinai. We had worked well together and understood each others capabilities, he said. It could have been much worse. Crew members had on their Aviation Life Support Equipment and the visors on their helmets were down. If the pilot had not had his visor in the down position, he most likely would have suffered severe injury to his eyes and possibly lost control of the aircraft, said Army Col. John McElveen, commander of the South Carolina National Guards 59th Aviation Troop Command. In the end, the crew landed safely at a small airport about 10 miles away. Wallace offered this advice to aviators. Keep the critical and creative thinking in the process and not only talk about these things in the formations but go out, train, and dont be afraid to fail, he said. That way, when something as simple as a bird strike or something more critical or catastrophic does happen, training takes over. woman on the beach playing in sand After thinking about it for the longest time, you finally made the decision to visit your first topless or nude resort. Whether youre going as a couple to Desire Pearl in Mexico or an epic girls trip to Hedonism in Jamaica, you cant overlook the oh-so-important necessities. Just because youll most likely be wearing little or no clothing, doesnt mean there isnt a packing checklist for a nude resort, because there absolutely is. Your carry-on bag might not be weighed down with tons of clothing, but a few other items can keep you prepared for whats sure to be a memorable trip. Theres the perfect cover-up, a few skincare essentials, and even a fun mask for those sexy-themed night parties. Here are nine items to have on your packing checklist for a nude resort. Black Girl Sunscreen Moisturizing Sunscreen Lotion SPF 30 Black Girl Sunscreen Moisturizing Sunscreen Lotion SPF 30 $15.99 Buy Now Black Girl Sunscreen Moisturizing Sunscreen Lotion SPF 30 Photo Credit: Ulta Sunscreen should be on your checklist for any vacation, but it should be at the top of the list for your trip to a nude resort. With your skin on full display, you absolutely want to protect it from those UVA and UVB rays. Black Girl Sunscreen is lightweight, goes on sheer, and is water-resistant for up to 80 minutes. Michael Stars Farrah Caftan Michael Stars Farrah Caftan $98 Buy Now Michael Stars Farrah Caftan Photo Credit: Revolve Though almost anything goes at some nude resorts, many have requirements that clothes must be worn in certain areas, mainly the dining spaces and lobby. This caftan comes in four different colors and has embroidered details throughout. Though the caftan is a maxi length, the side slits and adjustable waistband make this an easy breezy garment you can slip in and out of with ease. Moroccanoil Shimmering Body Oil Moroccanoil Shimmering Body Oil $48 Buy Now Moroccanoil Shimmering Body Oil Photo Credit: Sephora Your skin is on full display so it might as well shine. Try a body product like this one from Moroccanoil for a soft glow. The formula isnt oily and wont leave your skin feeling sticky. With ingredients like argan and sesame oils, this is a travel-size product that helps even out the skins tone and adds some much-needed moisture. Forever 21 Chain-Fringe Belly Chain Forever 21 Chain-Fringe Belly Chain $23.99 Buy Now Forever 21 Chain-Fringe Belly Chain Photo Credit: Forever 21 Even though you may choose to go fully bare, that doesnt mean you cant accessorize and show off your style. However, a body chain isnt just a fun piece, it can also help you feel a bit less nude if this is your first time at a resort of this nature. Muanns Stainless Steel Insulated Water Bottle Muanns Stainless Steel Insulated Water Bottle $23.99 Buy Now Muanns Stainless Steel Insulated Water Bottle Photo Credit: Amazon If youll be indulging in the resorts all-inclusive drinks, then bringing along your own insulated water bottle makes sense. This 20-ounce cup holds way more liquid than the tiny cups the bar gives you and the insulated design keeps your drink cold for hours. Also, the pineapple design is so fitting for a nude resort. IYKYK. ForUnique Masquerade Mask for Couples ForUnique Masquerade Mask for Couples $15.99 Buy Now ForUnique Masquerade Mask for Couples Photo Credit: Amazon Depending on the resort you visit, each night can have a different party theme. This can range from a toga party to a leather and lace masquerade. Do your research in advance to find the best costume, but a black or gold mask is always a good option to have in your carry-on bag. G4Free Cross Body Sling Bag G4Free Cross Body Sling Bag $16.14 Buy Now G4Free Cross Body Sling Bag Photo Credit: Amazon For those who are used to carrying items in their pockets, well, no pockets no problem. Try a small sling bag to hold anything like your hotel keycard, sunscreen, or anything else youll want nearby. This is also a convenient bag to take along if you leave the resort for some clothed fun. Liquid I.V. Powder Packets Liquid I.V. Hydration Multiplier $23.45 ($1.47 / Count) Buy Now Liquid I.V. Hydration Multiplier Photo Credit: Amazon Your future self will thank you for packing these Liquid I.V. powder packs. While youre sipping on cocktails and making memories, dont forget to sprinkle one of these in your water. The powdered formula is packed with vitamins and is way more hydrating than just H2O alone. This is also great to keep by your bedside after a night of partying. Manssel 4-Piece Flamingo Beach Towel Clip Manssel 4-Piece Flamingo Beach Towel Clip $10.99 ($2.75 / Count ) Buy Now Manssel 4-Piece Flamingo Beach Towel Clip Photo Credit: Amazon Sitting your bare bottom on a chair or lounger is just a major no. Keep your towel secure and from blowing away with these adorable beach chair clips. The flamingo and parrot designs arent just cute, but theyll also help distinguish your chair and the resorts towels from everyone else. Our editors love finding you the best products and offers! If you purchase something by clicking on one of the affiliate links on our website, we may earn a commission at no extra cost to you. Police Lights A 19-year-old man was arrested Tuesday after he used a shovel to try to break into a house and threatened to kill everyone inside, according to the Flagler County Sheriffs Office. The man also blew mucus and spit on the deputies when he was taken into custody, the Sheriff's Office stated. Mason Fink is charged with three counts of aggravated assault with a deadly weapon, two counts of battery on a law enforcement officer, two counts of criminal mischief, and one count of battery, burglary, and assault. Fink was transported to a local hospital and then taken to the Sheriff Perry Hall Inmate Detention Facility after being medically cleared. He was being held with no bond. Driveway Rage Flagler Sheriff: Florida man pulls gun on woman after her friend used his driveway Sheriff: Man attacks deputy Flagler Sheriff: Drunk man crashed into hydrant, attacked deputy The Sheriffs Office received a 911 call at about 9:52 p.m. from a home on Evanston Lane about a violent domestic disturbance that was occurring. The caller said that Fink was armed with a kitchen knife and was threatening to kill everyone in the house. The caller also said that Fink had pepper-sprayed a victim during the altercation. Arriving deputies heard loud screaming and banging coming from behind the home. One deputy spotted Fink on the back patio of a neighbors residence on Evans Drive. Fink was attempting to break into the rear sliding glass door of the home with a metal shovel while screaming that he was going to kill the occupants of the home, the press release stated. The deputy tried to de-escalate the situation but Fink would not comply and aggressively approached the deputy demanding that the deputy shoot him, the release stated. The deputy then used his Taser but the darts failed to make contact. But Fink then began to comply with commands and allowed deputies to take him into custody. Fink then spit and blew mucus from his nose at deputies while he was in custody. Two deputies were struck by Finks mucus. One of the deputies was also cut on the wrist while climbing a fence to help arrest Fink. This article originally appeared on The Daytona Beach News-Journal: Palm Coast man arrested after threatening to kill neighbors SYDNEY (Reuters) - Papua New Guinea's parliament has begun debating a defence deal with the United States, with Prime Minister James Marape acknowledging the concerns of some students and unions ahead of a vote to ratify it in August. The defence agreement will allow U.S. forces to refurbish and develop infrastructure for military and civilian use at Papua New Guinea (PNG) seaports and airports, but is not a defence treaty and does not commit the United States to defend the Pacific Islands nation, Marape told parliament. The agreement was signed during a visit by U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken to PNG in May, amid rising concern by the U.S. and its allies over China's security ambitions in the Pacific Islands. The prime minister's office said in a statement on Thursday that the majority of politicians had voiced support for the deal during the debate. Marape's Pangu party was expected to have enough support in parliament for the vote to pass, his office added. Parliament has adjourned until August. The text of the agreement was presented to parliament on Wednesday and showed it allows the staging of U.S. forces and equipment in PNG. Students had protested in May when the deal was signed, concerned that deeper defence ties could embroil the country in strategic competition between Washington and Beijing, a trade partner and major infrastructure lender in PNG. Marape said the defence deal and a separate agreement for U.S. coast guard surveillance responded to a "rapidly-changing global security environment." He also said it allowed defence policy coordination, joint military exercises, arms procurement, "facilitation of sophisticated military technology and exchange of classified information on new and emerging security environments". It covers the Lombrum naval base which is being developed by Australia and the United States, the Port Moresby airport and sea port, as well as three smaller airports and ports. (Reporting by Kirsty Needham; Editing by Kim Coghill) The three men vying for the job of superintendent for Broward County Public Schools on Wednesday faced a round of questioning by principals, teachers, parents and other community members on how they will lead and improve the district. The questioning came a day before the Broward School Board is set to vote on who will lead the sixth-largest school district in the country. The finalists are: Peter Licata, a regional superintendent at Palm Beach County Schools; Sito Narcisse, the superintendent of East Baton Rouge School District in Louisiana; and Luis Solano, a deputy superintendent for the Detroit Public Schools Community District. While none of the finalists work in the district, all three made a point to share their connection to the community, whether they were born here, attended a Broward school or have family who lives in South Florida. All three said they were supporters of school choice and that they would support salary increases for new and veteran teachers. They also stressed the importance of professional development and ensuring that schools had the resources they need for student success. One of the three will replace Vickie Cartwright, the districts first woman superintendent, who mutually agreed with the board in January to part ways after a tumultuous five months that began when Gov. Ron DeSantis removed four Broward School Board members in August 2022 and replaced them with four political allies. The governor cited a grand jury report that documented financial irregularities in the districts $1 billion school bond construction program and school safety issues. The board had hired Cartwright as interim superintendent in July 2021 and promoted her to superintendent in February 2022, a post that paid her a $350,000 annual salary. The board paid her nearly $268,000 in severance. Here are some of the highlights of the Wednesday forum with the finalists: Who was at the meeting? The finalists: Peter Licata, a regional superintendent at Palm Beach County Schools; Sito Narcisse, the superintendent of East Baton Rouge School District in Louisiana; and Luis Solano, a deputy superintendent for the Detroit Public Schools Community District. How the process worked: Each candidate was questioned individually for 60 minutes by a group of principals and were then questioned for 90 minutes each by teachers, former School Board members, parents and other community members. The competing candidates were kept out of the room to ensure they did not hear the questions beforehand, nor each others answers. The questions: The principals questions focused on how the finalists would ensure accountability, equity and resource distribution in the district, provide support to staff, and detail their strategic vision to improve student success. During the forum with community members, candidates were asked a wide range of topics, including how they would navigate new legislation affecting schools, increase enrollment, bolster safety, enhance community engagement and mitigate the learning losses suffered during the pandemic, often affecting the districts most vulnerable students. Interpretation of Parents Bill of Rights A parent asked the candidates for their interpretation of Floridas Parents Bill of Rights law, which went into effect July 1, 2021, and stipulates that the state may not infringe on the fundamental rights of a parent to direct the upbringing, education, healthcare, and mental health of a child without demonstrating that such action is reasonable and necessary to achieve a compelling state interest. Heres what they said: Licata: When I read it, I only see what parents want out of their childs education and what they deserve. Thats all I see. I dont see anything different or unique about it ... its just parents wanting to be involved in their childs education, whether its their right to request transcripts or transfer their child to another school. Narcisse: Im a big believer that parents need to be partners in the process and the school system should be working with families to be able to help educate their child. Solano: Declined to give an answer because hes not well versed on the bills text. He told the parent they could exchange numbers, and after he conducts research, he would call her. He was later chastised by a panelist for not having more information on the district hes looking to lead. Superintendent finalist Luis B. Solano speaks to Broward school principals during a superintendent selection principal forum at Kathleen C. Wright Administrative Building on Wednesday, June 14, 2023, in Fort Lauderdale, Florida. Concerns about vocal minority Broward teacher Tracy Merlin, who has taught in the district for nearly 25 years, has a child in the district and is a former state commissioner with the Florida Commission on the Status of Women. She said she is worried about student safety and the whims of a vocal minority that they do not curtail curriculum for our students. She asked the candidates how they would keep students and faculty safe and how they would ensure students have a well-rounded education that includes accurate history, personal health, social-emotional learning and inclusivity. Since the Parental Rights in Education law, dubbed Dont Say Gay, by its critics, was signed into law last year, and Florida legislators expanded it this year to make the process of objecting to books and other instructional materials easier, book challenges have increased across the state. One parent can object, which can lead to what happened last month at the Bob Graham Education Center in Miami Lakes, where a parent raised issues related to five titles, and the school restricted elementary-aged students from accessing three of the books and one poem. The poem, The Hill We Climb, was recited by Amanda Gorman at President Joe Bidens Jan. 20, 2021, inauguration. (The titles are available for middle school students in the K-8 school.) READ MORE: Poet speaks up after Miami-Dade school bars elementary students from reading her poem Heres what they answered: Licata: He said that while the district needs to meet the education standards created by the Legislature, were not going to get involved in how the teacher teaches it simply because thats the freedom they deserve. He also mentioned the importance of meeting the mental health needs of children and being actively involved in advocating for or against legislation in Tallahassee. Superintendent finalist Sito Narcisse interacts with Broward school principals after a superintendent selection principal forum at Kathleen C. Wright Administrative Building on Wednesday, June 14, 2023, in Fort Lauderdale, Florida. Narcisse: He said its important to create a Security Council to help create a set of guidelines to improve safety at schools. In terms of the curriculum, he said its important to follow the law and co-collaborate with parents on what children are reading so there is an agreement on what kids are exposed to. Parents and families are the first teachers of students, he said. Solano: He said its critical for the district to create a long-range plan so that we can ensure that we have the right security assets in place and the right systems and processes to ensure safety in our buildings. He didnt discuss the issue of the books. LGBTQ inclusion Maxx Fenning, founder and president of the youth-led LGBTQ nonprofit Prism, asked finalists to share their experiences on how theyve led the inclusion of LGBTQ staff, students and families in their school districts and how they would do so in Broward, amid Floridas recently enacted laws. Licata: He shared a story about when he was high school principal. He said a group of parents complained about a fairly popular A+ student, who was involved on campus, and dressed differently from the other boys. Licata said he explained to the parents that the student wasnt violating dress code and he couldnt push what you want me to push because it was inappropriate and the schools job was to educate the child. Superintendent finalist Peter Licata speaks to Broward school principals during a superintendent selection principal forum at Kathleen C. Wright Administrative Building on Wednesday, June 14, 2023, in Fort Lauderdale, Florida. Narcisse: What weve done, where Ive been, has been to try and make sure that we create an environment thats inclusive, that there are no policies that are written where children dont have a choice to feel comfortable, and also, to try to provide opportunities for them to not only be in a safe space, but also to advocate and have support for their particular needs ... so they dont feel bullied or are in any place that they feel unsafe. As for how the laws are, as a school district we have to follow the laws but we also have partners that we partner with within the community, to help to refer children to if there are things that the school system cannot do by law. Solano: He said hes previously worked with district and school-based staff, such as counselors, to establish research based-programs to support LGBTQ students and create supportive spaces for them to engage with counselors and group discussions. Learning losses A parent and former educator noted that children are still feeling the effects of pandemic-learning loss, particularly Black, brown and lower socio-economic students. She asked what steps the finalists would do to help students who are still suffering from learning losses, and what steps would they implement, in the event of another pandemic or disaster, to improve students educational experience. Licata: Providing resources to the schools with large black, brown and low-income student population and ensuring that those resources are effectively utilized. Narcisse: Keeping students engaged through after-school activities and programs, such as tutoring, the YMCA or other community partners. Solano: Conduct a study to get a better understanding of the actual learning loss that has occurred over time in the district, examine the success of the districts intervention programs during the pandemic, and look at any instructional inequities to see the depth of the issues and come up with an actionable strategy. When will a decision be made? School Board members will make a decision Thursday. The meeting, which starts at 9 a.m., is open to the public and will also be livestreamed online at https://www.becon.tv/live-stream. Pence and other GOP hopefuls begin criticizing Trump over 'very serious allegations' Donald Trump at an event at his golf club in Bedminster, N.J., on Tuesday. (Jabin Botsford/Washington Post via Getty Images) Some of Donald Trump's 2024 Republican rivals for president have begun to acknowledge that the Justice Department charges against him are serious and that his alleged lax handling of classified information represented a safety risk for U.S. troops. Heres a rundown: Mike Pence Former Vice President Mike Pence speaking in Urbandale, Iowa, in March. (Charlie Neibergall/AP) In a Tuesday interview with the Wall Street Journal editorial board, former Vice President Mike Pence addressed the felony charges against Trump, who was arraigned in Miami that same day. Having read the indictment, these are very serious allegations," Pence said. "And I cant defend what is alleged. But the president is entitled to his day in court, hes entitled to bring a defense, and I want to reserve judgment until he has the opportunity to respond. Pence also specified why he thought the 37 criminal counts outlined in the indictment should not be dismissed by Republican critics of the Justice Department. Even the inadvertent release of that kind of information could compromise our national security and the safety of our armed forces, he said. And, frankly, having two members of our immediate family serving in the armed forces of the United States, I will never diminish the importance of protecting our nations secrets. Nikki Haley Former South Carolina Gov. Nikki Haley campaigning in Stanton, Texas, June 8. (Suzanne Cordeiro/AFP via Getty Images) Those sentiments were echoed in the recent response of another Republican looking to become president: former South Carolina Gov. Nikki Haley. If this indictment is true, if what it says is actually the case, President Trump was incredibly reckless with our national security, Haley, a former U.N. ambassador, said during a Monday interview with Fox News. This puts all of our military members in danger. Tim Scott Sen. Tim Scott at a recent town hall in Pella, Iowa. (Charlie Neibergall/AP) While taking pains at a Monday campaign rally to portray President Biden's Justice Department as "targeting and hunting Republicans," Sen. Tim Scott of South Carolina also made clear that the indictment against Trump represented a serious case with serious allegations, according to the Post and Courier newspaper. Chris Christie Former New Jersey governor and current Trump nemesis Chris Christie fields a question at a campaign event in Manchester, N.H., on June 6. (Charles Krupa/AP) Perhaps Trump's most outspoken critic in the GOP presidential field, former New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie, said the conduct outlined in the indictment was inexcusable. Everybody, whether you like Donald Trump or you dont like Donald Trump, this conduct is inexcusable, in my opinion, for somebody who wants to be president of the United States, Christie said Monday during a CNN town hall event. Hes saying, 'Im more important than the country.' And he is now going to put this country through this when we didnt have to go through it. Ron DeSantis Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis at the North Carolina Republican convention on Friday. (Chuck Burton/AP) While Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis has largely focused on the injustice of the indictment, which he described as an example of the weaponization of federal law enforcement," he also took the opportunity on Friday to criticize Trump while invoking his own military service. As a naval officer, if I would have taken classified [documents] to my apartment, I would have been court-martialed in a New York minute, DeSantis said during a speech at the North Carolina Republican convention. Asa Hutchinson Former Arkansas Gov. Asa Hutchinson formally announces his Republican campaign for president, Wednesday, April 26, 2023, in Bentonville, Ark.. (AP Photo/Sue Ogrocki) In a statement issued last week, former Arkansas Gov. Asa Hutchinson said Trump should "end his campaign" based on the latest criminal indictment made against him. These are serious allegations that are relevant in this campaign and should not be dismissed lightly, he said in an interview on Saturday with CNN. On Wednesday, Hutchinson went even further. Im not going to vote for him if hes a convicted felon, he told Politico. If hes convicted of espionage, Im not going to vote for him. PETA cofounder Ingrid Newkirk says she's sending Elon Musk a third of her heart when she dies because she doesn't think he has one Ingrid Newkirk plans to send part of her heart to Elon Musk when she dies. Vidya Subramanian/Hindustan Times via Getty Images and LUDOVIC MARIN/POOL/AFP via Getty Images Ingrid Newkirk, who cofounded PETA, says she's sending part of her heart to Elon Musk. "I thought of my heart, because I don't think he has one," Newkirk told Rolling Stone. The activist condemned animal experiments conducted by Musk's company, Neuralink. The cofounder of the People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals, or PETA, said she's amended her will to send billionaire Elon Musk a piece of her heart, because she thinks he doesn't have one. Ingrid Newkirk, 74, spoke to Rolling Stone's Miles Klee about her decision to send parts of her body around the world when she dies, as part of a campaign spreading awareness for animal rights. She's sending Musk a third of her heart, she told Klee in an interview published on Wednesday. But she doesn't want people to think it's because she loves the Tesla CEO. "So they don't misunderstand me, I thought of my heart, because I don't think he has one," Newkirk said. Newkirk said Musk is undoubtedly "brilliant." But she condemned animal experiments conducted by Neuralink, a company owned by Musk that aims to develop a microchip that can be embedded in the human brain. The company is facing a federal probe over potential animal-welfare violations. Reuters reported in December that the firm had killed around 1,500 animals in its experiments, including more than 280 sheep, pigs, and monkeys, since 2018. Neuralink has denied accusations of animal cruelty in its testing. Newkirk made similar comments in a Monday interview with the Daily Express' Kat Hopps. "He doesn't seem to have a heart so I'm going to give him a part of mine," she said. "He can clone it and try to develop his own." The activist said she felt Musk was "out of touch," and accused him of believing he's "above it all." "He can do absolutely anything, he's so rich, he holds the ace. I don't think he feels he needs to listen to anybody. You hear him on all sorts of issues, and he's completely out of touch," she told Hopps. Other intended recipients of Newkirk's body parts include kings and presidents, according to a roundup posted by PETA. Each delivery is meant to send a symbolic message. King Felipe VI of Spain is to receive one of Newkirk's ears in protest of bullfighting. The governor of Alaska is to be sent her lungs because of sled dog racing, and the sitting US president at the time of her death is slated to get Newkirk's lips if the turkey pardon is still upheld. Newkirk didn't shy away from the idea that her will amendment might be perceived as a stunt. "I decided to try to use it as a way to get attention for some very serious issues surrounding cruelty to animals in all manner of ways," she told Rolling Stone. Musk did not immediately respond to a request for comment sent by Insider outside regular business hours. Read the original article on Insider He was a pharmacist addicted to opiates. Now he works with people in recovery | Opinion Jeff Middleton and Crystal Spencer are co-founders of Boise Vertical Farm, a nonprofit produce-growing facility that works with people recovering from drug and alcohol addiction doing court-ordered community service. Editors note: This is the fourth in a series about how Idaho plans to spend millions in opioid settlement funds. Jeff Middleton knows firsthand the challenges of being released from jail and trying to find a job all while trying to stay clean from a drug addiction. Middleton was a pharmacist and got caught stealing prescription opioids at work. He went to jail and lost his pharmacist license. When I came through the court system, there was really nothing going on for recovery, he said in an interview. I was an opiate addict and that was my drug of choice. Now, some 12 years later, Middleton, 69, runs Boise Vertical Farm, a second-chance employer, working with people recovering from drug and alcohol addiction. The farm works with people referred by the court system seeking to fulfill mandated community service. The farm, tucked away on an acre of land off Castle Drive in the Collister neighborhood in northwest Boise, gives workers skills and refers them to other employers or educational institutions, Middleton said. I spoke to Middleton and Boise Vertical Farm co-founder Crystal Spencer about what they see as the greatest needs in working with people in recovery and being released from jail or prison. Their experience on the front lines could help inform how Idaho should spend an estimated $218 million coming to the state as part of the national legal settlements with opioid makers and distributors. Few resources for addiction Because he had lost his pharmacist license, Middleton had no means of employment when he was released from jail, so he reached out to Spencer, who was director of research for St. Lukes at the time. She was interested in helping people dealing with addiction, and Boise Vertical Farm was born. There are very little resources, once theyve reached a certain point of recovery, theyve pretty much gotten dumped out on their own, Spencer said in an interview she and Middleton did with me in a greenhouse at the farm. While there are resources, theyre not cohesive, and theyre not what Ill call patient-centered. They dont make it easy for the individuals to navigate that system or to even know what resources they have available to them. Middleton agreed that efforts to fight addiction and aid recovery should be more centralized. Currently, its too spread out, he said. Thats why hes not encouraged by the current proposal to divide Idahos pool of opioid settlement money among the state, all 44 counties, several cities, some special districts and all seven public health districts. Because the money is so spread out, no agency is getting a big chunk of money, and theres very little coordination among agencies. Further, Middleton notes that the 12-page list of more than 100 eligible uses of the money is so long and broad, agencies getting money could spend it on just about anything. Legal obligations Middleton and Spencer said theyve seen the same challenges Ive heard from others who are battling drug addiction and navigating the criminal justice system while trying to get back on their feet: housing, treatment, jobs and transportation. These people, when they come through, theyre extremely busy, Middleton said. They have mandatory drug testing, they have to go to mandated meetings, and so quite frequently, theyre missing appointments. If theyre not very organized, theyre in trouble. And that adds stress, and stress can increase the chances of relapse. At the same time, Middleton said, many addicts have lost their families and their only support system. Weve put so much burden on them on the legal side of it that their ability even if they do get themselves clean and if they do come around, they cant get integrated back into society like the rest of us are able to do, Spencer said. I mean, they cant get the jobs, they cant get loans, they cant get housing, cars, all those things. So no wonder recidivism is high. Its discouraging. Spencer said they have legal obligations showing up for drug tests, reporting to a parole agent or court-ordered treatment and need to be flexible in their job to make those appointments. Having a full-time, temporary job with an employer who understands the need for flexibility would go a long way toward success. So they can be working and learning skills and working in an environment that also can accommodate them to help them get through the rest of that recovery process, Spencer said. Thats the hardest part is getting a job if you have an arrest for a drug charge, Middleton said. Its very hard to get a job. Further, Middleton said, individuals with a record often end up in work environments, such as bars and restaurants, that might not be clean and sober, so they end up relapsing when theyre around others who drink and use drugs. Community service Last year, 40 people worked at Boise Vertical Farm, and only three relapsed, Middleton said. But Boise Vertical Farm doesnt pay the people who work there. The workers are there fulfilling community service hours. The farm survives on a small budget from grants, plant sales and the farmers market. The farm works with such people as those convicted of DUI or drug possession charges. Community service requirements can be anywhere from 32 hours to 100 or even 200 hours. Community service sounds great and has a sense of reparation to the community. However, for someone addicted to drugs or alcohol, just getting out of prison or jail, now with a record, struggling to find housing and full-time employment, trying to make ends meet and trying to fend off their addiction, the added burden of having to find time to get to community service makes recovery all the more difficult. A good use of opioid settlement money would be to fund places like Boise Vertical Farm, not as court-mandated community service but as a temporary, full-time job for someone dealing with addiction and charged with a drug crime. But as a society, were more focused on the punitive side of things. Theres too much focus on a punitive aspect and not enough focus on it being a health issue that we need to address, Spencer said. We tend to shuffle people into the court system, and then thats where their management occurs, through the court system, and thats just not the right place. When someone gets arrested on a drug or alcohol charge, We need to siphon those folks back into a health recovery process of some sort of therapy, health-based therapy, she said. One study found that every dollar spent on substance use disorder treatment saves $4 in health care costs and $7 in criminal justice costs. Thats a phenomenal return on investment. Reduce recidivism The goal here is to reduce recidivism, and keep people from coming back time and again. Sawyer Morrison and Siena Thompson, two Boise women I interviewed earlier for this series, have been in and out of the criminal justice system multiple times, costing taxpayers each time they go to court and go to jail or prison. There are going to be some, particularly ideologically dogmatic conservatives, who scoff at the notion of the government stepping in and helping addicts who have broken the law. But fiscal conservatives should keep this in mind: Were already paying for these folks. Were paying for police to arrest them, were paying judges and lawyers to adjudicate their cases, and were paying for their housing and food when theyre incarcerated. And while theyre incarcerated, theyre doing nothing of value to society. And its clear what were doing isnt working for most people. Putting people in prison has never worked, and its never going to work, Middleton said. And its just contrary to what the disease of addiction is. For the first time in nearly 50 years, thousands of pictures and documents related to the Greensboro Massacre will be unveiled. In November 1979, protesters demonstrating against the KKK when Klansmen and neo-Nazis shot and killed five people. Now, nearly 50,000 pages of material -- all collected by the widow of one of the victims -- will be digitized at the University of North Carolina Greensboro and Bennett College. ALSO READ: Greensboro apologizes for deaths at 1979 anti-KKK rally The schools were given more than $90,000 in grant funding by the State Library of North Carolina. The project, called March for Justice: Documenting the Greensboro Massacre, has collections that span nearly five decades -- from 1973 to 2021, according to UNCGs website. It documents people and other events connected to the Greensboro Massacre, and touches on the short and long term consequences of it. This project grant from the State Library of North Carolina will enable UNCG and Bennett College to collaborate on digitization of thousands of records relating to the 1979 Greensboro Massacre and the subsequent work of the Greensboro Truth and Reconciliation Commission, said David Gwynn, a digitation coordinator and associate professor for University Libraries. >> Click here to read more about the project. (WATCH BELOW: Case remains unsolved after local woman killed last fall in Greensboro) It is planned to issue a diploma posthumously to 21-year-old Danylo Kornilov, who was killed in attack in Kryvyi Rih On 13 June, the Russian occupiers bombarded Kryvyi Rih with missiles; in particular, they hit a five-storey building and a bottled water warehouse, killing seven people. 21-year-old Danylo Kornilov, a fourth-year student majoring in accounting and taxation at the State University of Economics and Technology, was killed as a result of the attack. The man left behind a young wife and a one-year old son. Danylo was buried on 15 June. Olena Rudenko, the head of Danylo's department, told UP. Zhyttia how the university wants to honour the student's memory. Danylo Kornilov graduated from Kryvyi Rih Lyceum No. 81 and then entered the State University of Economics and Technology. He studied in his fourth year, simultaneously working in a warehouse and studying IT courses. At the university, the young man is remembered as a talented student. "Danylo is a representative of those young people who manage absolutely everything. He studied very well, was interested in learning, worked, and had time to have a son. Not everyone is given this. He always remained sincere and benevolent; his friends spoke highly of him. He was the monitor of the group," says Olena Rudenko, head of the Department of Accounting and Taxation. 21-year-old Danylo Kornilov died in a warehouse in Kryvyi Rih on 13 June On 16 June, Danylo was supposed to present his diploma thesis, and then he planned to enrol in a master's degree programme. The guy has already registered to take the tests. "Tomorrow, we will have the presentation of the qualification papers, where he was supposed to deliver his bachelor's thesis. We still plan to conduct the presentation of this thesis on the examination board, and the rector is in favour of us issuing a diploma so that his family can receive it. Danylo deserves this. His work was ready, and he had a review from his supervisor, but everything did not go as planned. It is very difficult to realise that such a young person will no longer be around, either with his family or in the student's family," says the head of the department. Danylo was last seen at the university a few days ago. He was very happy that he would soon receive a diploma, recalls Olena Rudenko. "The man created a family. When I started a conversation and asked, How is your son doing? he said, Yes, I don't sleep, but had such joyful eyes. He was responsible and knew what to strive for. There were many plans, and he shared them. Now a lot of people are dying, but when you know this young person, it hurts a lot," the woman adds. Photo: Rudana On the night when the Russians attacked Kryvyi Rih, Danylo worked at a bottled water warehouse. This water was delivered to the areas affected by the explosion of the Kakhovka HPP. "Danylo died at work. He worked part-time at drinking water warehouses on shift. The guys were just loading water for Kherson. It was the last night shift," says Olena Rudenko. Currently, it is not known whether it will be possible to posthumously issue Danylo a diploma, but the department wants to do it in memory of the student. "We will make such a proposal tomorrow. Moreover, there is a diploma, there is a supervisor's review, and the work has passed the plagiarism test; only he is missing. This is a forecast; I cannot say now that the decision has been made. Tomorrow, after the presentation procedure, we plan to apply to the academic council, after all, to have his diploma issued to his family. Although it won't help, at least somehow symbolically emphasise that Danylo has completed his studies," adds the head of the department. Journalists fight on their own frontline. Support Ukrainska Pravda or become our patron! An armed robbery of a gas station in Ocala quickly ended with an arrest, according to the police department. >>> STREAM CHANNEL 9 EYEWITNESS NEWS LIVE <<< Ocala police officers were called to the Marathon gas station on E. Silver Springs Blvd. just before 3 a.m. Monday for reports of a robbery. The clerk told police the robber came into the store and pretended to make a cash purchase for cigarettes, but pointed a gun at him as the cash register was opened. READ: Police: 1 injured, suspect in custody after shooting in New Smyrna Beach The clerk emptied the cash from the register into a bag for the suspect, later identified as 25-year-old Travis Givens, who then ran from the store on foot. The clerk said Givens also demanded his personal cell phone and the stores landline phone. Travis Givens, 25, charged with armed robbery, grand theft, and aggravated assault with a weapon. Police say the the clerk gave them a detailed description of Givens, down to the dark grey hooded sweatshirt he was wearing. Mere moments after the robbery occurred, an Ocala police officer who was headed to the scene reportedly saw two people walking on NE 36th Ave. and noticed one of them was wearing a hooded sweatshirt matching the description given by the store clerk. READ: Streetlights turned on in Sanford neighborhood after months of darkness According to the police department, the officer approached the two people in her patrol vehicle, but the person matching the description of the robbery suspect immediately ran into a wooded area nearby. An Ocala Police Department K-9 unit responded to the scene and began tracking givens, leading to the discovery of a plastic bag containing cash, a cellular phone, and a portable landline phone, as described by the gas station clerk after the armed robbery. According to police, the K-9 track then led to a grey hooded sweatshirt with a small starter pistol tucked in the front pocket. READ: Florida set to execute man convicted of 1984 murders, rapes while children slept nearby As officers on scene continued to track Givens, Ocala Police Department dispatchers answered a call from a resident reporting that they saw a man jump over their fence before running into another set of woods. Police turned their to that area where they ultimately found Givens hiding in a bush. Givens was booked into the Marion County jail Monday on charges that include armed robbery, grand theft, and aggravated assault with a weapon. Hes being held on no bond. Click here to download the free WFTV news and weather apps, click here to download the WFTV Now app for your smart TV and click here to stream Channel 9 Eyewitness News live. A Palm Bay man remains in the hospital after an armed confrontation with police on Wednesday night. According to Palm Bay Police, the shooting happened just outside city limits, in the City of Melbourne, at the intersection of Canal Street and Hopkins Street around 6 p.m. >>> STREAM CHANNEL 9 EYEWITNESS NEWS LIVE <<< Police said they were trying to take Timothy Johnson into custody on a warrant when he fled from officers. The suspect presented a firearm and officers were forced to use lethal force, according to a news release. Read: College Board wont alter AP courses for Floridas law banning lessons on gender, sexual orientation The 54-year-old is expected to survive his injuries. Channel 9 spoke with Willie Hodges, who works near the intersection where the shooting happened, who said he heard at least a dozen gunshots. Read: Tropical wave off coast of Africa could slowly develop over next week Hodges also told Channel 9 that he was surprised to hear about Johnsons alleged confrontation with police. He was always a cool man. You know, he stayed to himself kind of quiet like, you know, Hodges said. Read: Florida officials raise alert over fake theme park tickets, bogus vacation rental scams The officers involved in the shooting have been placed on administrative leave with pay, which is normal procedure for an officer-involved shooting. The Florida Department of Law Enforcement has taken over the shooting investigation. 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. Bulgaria's Defense Minister Todor Tagarev told Politico on June 15 that Sofia aims to join the EU's initiative to supply $2.2 billion worth of artillery shells to Ukraine. "We are very clearly aiming at joining this coalition," Tagarev said. "There's been no political decision but we will certainly put in the effort and I believe that we will find a way." In May, the EU finalized a deal to provide Ukraine with 1 million artillery rounds for its fight against Russian aggression. The first step is to quickly send supplies from the standing European arsenals, and the second is a joint purchase of new shells. So far, Bulgaria is the only EU country except Ireland not to join the European Defense Agency's project aimed at jointly purchasing ammunition for Ukraine. Bulgarias new defense minister vows to support Ukraine with military aid Todor Tagarev, Bulgarias newly-appointed defense minister, said on June 6 that his country must do what is necessary to provide Ukraine with assistance so that it can liberate its territories from Russian occupation. The Kyiv IndependentThe Kyiv Independent news desk The incumbent Bulgarian cabinet took office on June 6 after a long period of instability. On his first day in office, the newly-appointed Tagarev said Bulgaria must do what is necessary to provide Ukraine with assistance so that it can liberate its territories from Russian occupation. Bulgaria's lawmakers voted in favor of supplying weapons in November, but the previous government never officially proceeded with sending aid. However, multiple media reports have indicated that Bulgaria has sent weapons to Ukraine via third-party countries. Poll: Utahns are annoyed by high travel costs, but not enough to stop traveling Nate, Tayven, Zenna, Braxton and Shanee Crosby pose for a portrait outside of their home in Layton on Monday, June 12, 2023. The family plans to road trip to Zion and Bryce Canyon National Parks this summer. | Kristin Murphy, Deseret News Up until two years ago, the Crosbys never shied away from flying. But recent airfare has been so expensive that theyve second-guessed whether traveling by plane is worth it. I wouldnt say that its preventing us from vacationing, but I would say that were definitely more cautious than we were in the past as far as buying plane tickets, Nate Crosby said. Thats why this summer, the Layton family of five has decided to take advantage of in-state destinations like Bryce Canyon and Zion national parks. Like the Crosbys, the majority of Utahns consider travel costs when planning their summer vacations, but very few let it stop them from traveling, according to results from a new poll by the Deseret News/Hinckley Institute of Politics. The poll found that when making summer travel plans, 54% of respondents consider gas prices and 64% consider airfare. Nonetheless, most still plan to travel this summer only 16% said they did not. While some respondents said they might shorten, postpone or take fewer trips, only 3% said they would cancel their trips because of gas prices. Almost half said they would not change their travel plans because of fuel costs. The Deseret News/Hinckley Institute poll also found that consideration of gas prices increases as respondents get older. This trend is consistent with the experience of 27-year-old Salt Lake City resident Matthew Keller, who says he and his wife have never worried about gas prices enough to change their travel plans. The couple is young enough to not remember a time when gas was not expensive. I never do the wide-eyed look at the gas pump when Im pumping gas, because its always been too big of a number, he said. AAA spokesperson Julian Paredes says that during popular travel times like holidays, most people will find ways to travel no matter the cost especially after the cabin fever many felt during the pandemic. Even if the gas prices are really high, that wont keep them from traveling, Paredes said. But they will find other ways to save money things like eating out less or spending less elsewhere. Amanda Jenson shows her scuba diving gear at her home in Murray on Monday, June 12, 2023. Jenson is planning a scuba diving trip to Mexico. | Kristin Murphy, Deseret News The same is generally true when airfare is high, according to some poll respondents. Murray resident Amanda Jenson altered her travel plans by switching destinations. An avid scuba diver, Jenson was 100% set on traveling to Hawaii or the Florida Keys this summer until she realized how expensive it would be. But Jenson was determined to embark on her yearly scuba trip and changed course to Cozumel, Mexico, where she can go for less than half the price of her first-choice destinations. If I dont get in the water at least once a year I go crazy, she said with a laugh. Related Sandy Rocker, a big international traveler living in Draper, has decided to travel with fewer people in order to cut costs. She and her husband usually try to take all of their kids on their vacations, but flights were so expensive last Christmas season that they could only take one. (Tickets) had to have been more than twice the price, Rocker said. It was just ridiculously expensive, and so we couldnt do it. Predictably, the poll found that Utahns with higher incomes are less likely to consider gas prices in planning their summer vacations; however, people across all income levels worry about flight costs. In fact, more people who make six figures said they considered airfare than in the $25,000-$49,999 income range. Despite popular discontentment with airfare, Americans are flying more than they did before the pandemic. The number of people who flew this years Memorial Day weekend grew 5% from 2019, according to Paredes, who expects this trend to continue into the summer. Driving, on the other hand, has dropped 1.4% nationwide since 2019. Gas prices definitely could be a contributing factor for that, Paredes said. The average price for regular gas in Utah is almost a dollar cheaper than it was one year ago, but it remains higher than the national average. This is likely a result of refinery shutdowns in Colorado and Arizona, Paredes said. He also pointed out that gas prices usually go up in the summer anyway due to increased demand and gas companies switching to a more expensive summer blend. Related Correction: In an earlier version, the Crosby familys last name was incorrectly spelled Crosty. Investigators with the National Institute of Standards and Technology issued a preliminary summary of their findings Thursday regarding the catastrophic collapse of Champlain Tower South, stating the pool deck had critically low margins against failure. According to the summary, the pool deck was severely underdesigned in the portion of the deck that collapsed seven minutes before the rest of the tower fell, killing 98 people in the early hours of June 24, 2021. Related story lead image SURFSIDE INVESTIGATION At a public hearing Thursday, investigators noted the problems that began with pervasive weaknesses in the structural design were exacerbated by misplacement and corrosion of the reinforcing steel within the deck and the addition of planters and heavy pavers that were not accounted for in the original designs. The findings echoed reporting done by the Miami Herald in consultation with structural engineers who identified similar weaknesses in the structure and other problems that compounded in the weeks before the collapse. Those included areas where the pool deck appeared to be sagging dangerously, cracking a nearby planter. Glenn Bell, team associate leader for the investigation, explained how engineers examined the original building codes and standards from 1980 to determine where construction of Champlain Towers South may have deviated. They also analyzed the standards for reinforced concrete design from 40 years ago. They concluded the design failed to meet codes and standards and the lack of compliance was most severe in the pool deck structure, Bell said. Bell said they found the strength in some pool deck locations was only about half of that required at the time of construction, and also would not have complied with current codes. He said the weak connections between the pool deck and supporting columns were vulnerable to punching shear a type of failure where the slab disconnects from the column in a sudden, sweeping collapse. Even absent any sudden overload or obvious initiator of a failure on the night of a collapse, the conditions present on the pool deck slab at that time represented a serious safety concern for the building, Bell said. Investigators said they are still considering two dozen failure hypotheses, but are working to rule out theories and are looking at the pool deck as the most likely initiation area of the collapse. Cracks that opened up in a planter on Champlain Towers Souths western pool deck were a potential warning sign of imminent collapse, according to engineers interviewed by the Miami Herald. Ken Hover, a Cornell University professor working on the official investigation, said at Thursdays hearing that failure initiation at the pool deck was a leading hypothesis. Hover said investigators have so far found no evidence of an explosion, car accident in the garage or other extraordinary event that could have triggered the collapse. Abieyuwa Aghayere, who teaches structural engineering at Drexel University and consulted on the Heralds investigation, said the institutes summary suggests the collapse was likely caused by factors that were predictable and obvious with a basic review of the structure and its design. It is indeed very sobering that these deficiencies were not found earlier before the collapse happened and 98 lives were lost, Aghayere said. The summary did not elaborate on how the pool deck collapse would have caused the tower to fall minutes later. But computer simulations performed by researchers at the University of Washington in collaboration with the Herald showed that when the deck fell and disconnected from a perimeter wall at the south end of the pool, damage would have spread into the tower along the ground floor near the gym at the center of the L-shaped structure. Experts who consulted on the Heralds forensic investigation said the preliminary deck collapse would have strained the underdesigned columns along half of the towers perimeter, causing them to fracture and ultimately collapse inward along with the majority of the tower. A final report on what caused the disaster is expected around May 2025. An ongoing search for answers More than $18 million has been spent on the probe so far, government investigators said. Testing continues at two large warehouses, where more than 600 pieces of evidence are being stored. The search for some evidence is ongoing including for security footage from the building on the night of the collapse. Lead investigator Judith Mitrani-Reiser estimated more than 100 hours has been spent searching for that footage in the debris. Mitrani-Reiser also said investigators have a memorandum of understanding with the FBI to enhance videos and still images that could provide clues, such as a video taken by a tourist in a nearby hotel showing the north side of Champlain South moments before the building collapsed. Materials scientists are attempting to replicate the concrete mix used in 1980, which has been problematic because materials used in South Florida have changed significantly over the years. They have obtained 70 concrete cores about 18% of what they intend to collect. A presentation by the National Institute of Standards and Technology on Thursday, June 15, 2023, details several factors that may have contributed to the collapse of the Champlain Towers South pool deck on June 24, 2021. Weve observed microstructural changes due to environmental factors, project leader Scott Jones said. It looks like it was strong but not so durable concrete. Investigators said they have so far interviewed 33 people, including survivors, victims family members and government officials. Various errors and flaws in the Champlain Towers design and construction bear eerie similarity to what was found after the collapse of an overhead walkway at the Hyatt Regency Hotel in Kansas City, said project leader Jack Moehle. The platforms crashed down into the lobby, killing 114 people and injuring 200 on July 17, 1981, the year Champlain South was built. One questioner told Bell: Its troubling we cant find an obvious trigger. Bell responded that in his experience investigating structural failures, there is often no single cause. People ask what happened at Champlain Towers on June 24, 2021, but it may be more like a gradual deterioration of a structure thats been compromised over time, he said. As the two-year anniversary of the Champlain collapse approaches, victims family members have continued to demand answers. Bell called Thursdays meeting a major step forward. Were doing all we can to communicate our findings publicly, he said. By Philip Pullella VATICAN CITY (Reuters) -Pope Francis has ordered Archbishop Georg Gaenswein, the private secretary and long-time aide of the late Pope Benedict, to return to his native Germany by the end of the month without any new assignment, the Vatican said on Thursday. A Vatican statement put an end speculation about what role Gaenswein, a powerful figure in the Vatican for more than a decade before Francis sidelined him after a personal falling out, would have in the Church. Former Pope Benedict died on Dec. 31, nearly a decade after he resigned in 2013, the first pontiff to do so in 600 years. Gaenswein is 66 and it is exceptionally unusual for someone of that relatively young age and rank not to have an assignment, giving the pope's decision a sense of banishment. The two-line statement said Francis "had disposed" that the 66-year-old Gaenswein return to his diocese of Freiburg "for the time being". Nearly all papal secretaries in the past have either been assigned to lead dioceses or made cardinals or given some other high-profile post. Gaenswein is nine years short of the normal retirement age of 75 for bishops. He has met Francis several times in the past months about his future and there has been speculation in Catholic media that he was hoping to land a diplomatic assignment as nuncio, or ambassador, to a country. Gaenswein declined to comment when contacted by Reuters on Thursday. He was Benedict's personal secretary from 2003, when Benedict was still Cardinal Joseph Ratzinger, and remained at his side for nearly 20 years, nearly 10 of them after Benedict resigned. In a book called "Nothing But The Truth - My Life Beside Benedict XVI" and sent to reporters by its publisher only hours after Benedict was buried on Jan. 5, Gaenswein rattled the Vatican by describing what he says were strains while two men wearing white lived within its walls. Gaenswein and Francis fell out in 2020 when Gaenswein was at the centre of a messy episode concerning former Pope Benedict's role in a book about priestly celibacy that many saw as an attack on Francis' authority. (Reporting by Philip Pullella; editing by John Stonestreet, Toby Chopra and Conor Humphries) Rome Pope Francis on Thursday visited the children's cancer ward of the hospital where he's been recovering from abdominal surgery. He met the young patients on the eve of his expected discharge from Rome's Agostino Gemelli University Polyclinic hospital. The Vatican released photos of the 86-year-old pontiff meeting the children the first to show Francis since he was admitted for his most recent surgery on June 7. The pictures show him in a wheelchair in a hallway of the pediatric oncology ward engaging with the children, their parents and medical staff. Pope Francis visits children and their families at the paediatric oncology department of the Gemelli hospital in Rome, Italy, June 15, 2023. / Credit: Vatican Media/Handout The pope also met with the staff and administrators of the hospital, the Vatican said. Francis' medical team confirmed that he was expected to leave the hospital Friday morning following a successful recovery from surgery to repair a hernia in his abdominal wall and remove intestinal scar tissue that was causing blockages. This is the third time during his pontificate that Pope Francis has been admitted to the Gemelli hospital. He's made a habit of visiting young patients before his discharge. Pope Francis visits children and their families at the paediatric oncology department of the Gemelli hospital in Rome, Italy, June 15, 2023. / Credit: Vatican Media/handout In 2021, Francis had a 13-inch section of his colon removed due to a narrowing of the lower intestine known as diverticulitis. He was admitted again this March for three days after contracting bronchitis. Francis also suffers from mobility problems, with pain in his knee and hip forcing him to walk with a cane or use a wheelchair, but he continues to maintain a busy travel schedule. In early August, he's scheduled to visit Portugal, where he will attend World Youth Day in Lisbon and visit the Shrine of Fatima. Later in August and early September, he is expected to visit Mongolia. Denver police officer struck by fire truck along Nuggets NBA championship parade route Miami Mayor Francis Suarez announces GOP presidential bid, dodges questions about Trump Ingredients for life discovered on Saturn moon; astronauts perform spacewalk [Source] A restaurant owner in Seattle was fatally shot by a convicted felon in what police are calling an unprovoked attack, according to reports. How it happened: Eina Kwon, 34, who was eight months pregnant, was shot four times including in the head and chest while sitting in her white Tesla during a traffic light stop at Fourth Avenue and Lenora Street at around 11 a.m. on Tuesday. Her husband, Sung Kwon, 37, was shot in the arm. The aftermath: The couple was rushed to Harborview Medical Center. Eina died shortly after her baby was delivered via an emergency C-section. The infant initially survived but also died later. Sung was discharged on Wednesday. About the suspect: The gunman has been identified as 30-year-old Cordell Maurice Goosby, a convicted felon in Illinois, as per FOX 13. He was arrested at the scene shortly after the incident, reportedly telling police, I did it, I did it. He later claimed that he fired into the Tesla because he thought its passengers had a gun. However, surveillance video showed that he ran up to the car and fired his stolen gun into the drivers window, according to KING 5. More from NextShark: Oakland Chinatown Hit With Over 20 Attacks Targeting Elderly, Women in 2 Weeks About the victim: Eina and Sung ran Aburiya Bento House in nearby Belltown. The family is survived by Sung and their 2-year-old son. What happens to the suspect: Goosby is expected to be charged this week. Prosecutors are looking at two counts of first-degree murder, assault and unlawful possession of a firearm, according to KIRO 7. Fundraiser organized: A GoFundMe page has been set up to help support the family and bring Einas relatives to the U.S. from Korea to see her one last time. More from NextShark: Filipina Australian Co-Founder of Canva Now the 3rd Richest Billionaire Woman in Australia Sung is deeply immersed in grief over the loss of his loving wife and beautiful baby girl, while his older son is not yet aware that he will not be able to see his mom anymore. How could anyone explain this tragedy to a 2-year-old child who will never see his mom again? Enjoy this content? Read more from NextShark! Community Raises Over $200K for Father of Two Killed in LA Shooting Spree YouTuber Fakes Broken Ankle for Free Upgrade to Business Class on Flight Eina Kwon, who was shot and killed at an intersection in Seattle (Screengrab/KING) A 34-year-old pregnant woman was shot and killed while stopped at an intersection in the Belltown neighbourhood of Seattle on Tuesday morning in what local police believe was a random act of violence. Eina Kwons baby was born alive at an area hospital after the shooting, but reportedly died shortly thereafter. The 37-year-old man who was riding in the car with Ms Kwon was also shot and was taken to a hospital. A suspect who reportedly matched witness descriptions of the shooter was arrested in the hours following the shooting. According to the probable cause statement in the arrest reported by the Seattle Times, the shooter approached the car while it was stopped and began firing at the drivers side window before fleeing. Ms Kwon was shot multiple times. In an interview with KIRO, Ms Kwons friend Michael Hoyle called her a really, really giving person. She had a kid on the way with her family and she leaves behind another little one and... whos gonna help them? Mr Holye said. According to KIROs reporting, Ms Kwon and Sung Kwon believed to be the other person shot in the attack owned a Japanese restaurant called Aburiya Bento House in the city. There is now a makeshift memorial for Ms Kwon at the restaurant as well as one at the site of the attack. The man who prosecutors believe is responsible for the shooting is expected to be charged later in the week. He is being held pending charges of homicide, assault, and unlawful possession of a firearm. The man reportedly has no criminal record in King County, but does have one in Chicagos Cook County. The shooting has left residents of Belltown, a neighbourhood located just north of Seattles downtown, shocked and on edge. Ive never seen something like that before, Carliss Todd, a security guard working in the area of the shooting, told KIRO. It was just stunning. Ukraines President Volodymyr Zelenskyy may soon remove Vitalii Klitschko from the office of the head of the Kyiv City State Administration. Under such circumstances, Klitschko will still remain the mayor of Kyiv. Source: sources from the teams of Zelesnkyy and Klitschko Details: After the tragedy with the closed bomb shelter in Kyiv, the Presidents Office of Ukraine considers Oleksandr Kamyshin, the Minister of Strategic Industries, as the new head of the Kyiv City State Administration. "Kamyshin is getting ready for this decision; he has been meeting with Kuleba [Oleksii Kuleba is responsible for regional policy ed.] for a few weeks," revealed one of the anonymous top officials to Ukrainska Pravda. Sources from the team of Vitalii Klitschko, the mayor of Kyiv, replied this to a question about the dismissal of Klitschko: "We have not been informed yet". At the same time, sources from the team of Zelenskyy explain that so far there has been no final decision about the dismissal of Klitschko and the appointment of the new head of the Kyiv City State Administration. Ukrainska Pravda has been trying to contact Oleksii Kuleba, deputy head of the Presidents Office of Ukraine, who is responsible for regional policy, yet Kuleba only read the messages and ignored them. It should be mentioned that the Presidents Office has been considering dismissing Klitschko from the office of the Head of the Kyiv City State Administration since 2019. This time the issue was aggravated by the scandal with the closed bomb shelter in Kyiv. It was Kamyshin to whom Zelenskyy delegated the revision of all bomb shelters in Kyiv after the tragedy. Kamyshin himself has not commented on the rumours about his supposed appointment. Meanwhile, as a minister, he has no right to combine this job with the office in the administration. So in case he is appointed, Kamyshin must first be dismissed from the government by the Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine (Ukrainian parliament). The sources in the leadership of the Ukrainian government report that there have been no appeals for the dismissal of Kamyshin in the parliament. According to the Constitution of Ukraine, the head of the Kyiv City State Administration is appointed by the President of Ukraine, but in 2003 the Constitutional Court issued an explanation to this article, in which it is stated that only a person who has been chosen by the residents of Kyiv as their mayor can be appointed to this office. The city of Kyiv has the special status of being the capital of Ukraine, so it is regulated by separate legislative provisions, mainly by the law "About the capital of Ukraine City-Hero Kyiv." In 2019, the MPs from the Sluha Narodu (Servant of the People) fraction submitted a bill, which provides for making changes to the acting law, to the Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine. Journalists fight on their own frontline. Support Ukrainska Pravda or become our patron! The owner of the Russian "Wagner group" Yevgeny Prigozhyn, who has previously sharply criticised the Russian Ministry of Defence, has now challenged the head of the Kremlin, Vladimir Putin, according to UK Defence Intelligence. Source: Defence Intelligence review from the UK Ministry of Defence, published on 15 June on Twitter, as reported by European Pravda. Details: UK Defence Intelligence recalled that on 10 June, the Russian Ministry of Defence stated that all "volunteers formations", such as the Wagner Group, should sign contracts directly with the Russian Ministry of Defence. Speaking on television on 13 June, Putin directly supported this move. The UK MoD noted that Prigozhyn has sharply criticised the leadership of the Russian Ministry of Defence but relied on Putin's authority. However, despite Putin's comments, Prigozhin said on 14 June that "none of Wagner's fighters is ready to go down the path of shame again. Thats why they will not sign the contracts." "Prigozhyn's rhetoric is evolving into defiance of broader sections of the Russian establishment. 01 July 2023, the deadline for the volunteers to sign contracts, is likely to be a key way-point in the feud," the report said. The day before, UK intelligence reported on Russias activation of its tactical aviation against the background of Ukraine's counteroffensive operations. Journalists fight on their own frontline. Support Ukrainska Pravda or become our patron! Prince Harry and Meghan Markle are not expected to join the royal family at King Charles first Trooping the Colour birthday celebration, according to a report, which claims the Duke and Duchess of Sussex were not invited to the event. On Saturday 17 June, the annual public celebration of the British monarchs birthday will take place, with the occasion marking the first Trooping the Colour parade during Charles reign. The celebration, which dates back more than 200 years, will feature hundreds of soldiers, horses and musicians, and will see Charles ride on horseback in the parade as part of a tradition that has not been seen since 1986. Similarly to years past, the event will be attended by most members of the royal family, with Prince William, Princess Anne and Prince Edward, the Duke of Edinburgh, expected to join Charles on horseback, while Queen Camilla, Kate, the Princess of Wales, and the Prince and Princess of Wales three children, are expected to join the procession by carriage. The royal family will then gather on the balcony of Buckingham Palace to watch a flypast by members of the armed forces. However, the Kings youngest son and his wife will not be present, according to People, which reports that Prince Harry and Meghan did not receive an invitation to join the royal family at the celebration. Instead, the couple is expected to spend Saturday at their home in Montecito, California, with their children, Prince Archie, four, and Princess Lilibet, two. The Independent has contacted Buckingham Palace and a representative for the Duke and Duchess of Sussex. According to People, both the Palace and the Sussexes office had no comment. Harry and Meghan attended their first Trooping the Colour together in 2018, shortly after they were married. The couple also attended the event in 2019, and most recently, in 2022, when they reunited with the royal family during their first trip back to England after stepping down as senior royals in 2020. The report that the Sussexes will not attend this years celebration comes after the couple was invited to attend the coronation of Charles and Camilla on 6 May. However, Prince Harry attended the ceremony for his father alone, as the historic occasion fell on the same day as Prince Archies birthday. Harry also returned to the UK last week to give evidence in his High Court phone hacking case against Mirror Group Newspapers (MGN), but returned home without seeing his father or his brother, Prince William. The Kings official birthday celebration on Saturday will also coincide with the return of Meghans legal drama Suits to Netflix. On 17 June, all nine seasons of the show, which star the duchess as attorney Rachel Zane, will be available to stream in the US. Prince Harrys US visa records continue to stay under lock and key following a decision by the Department of Homeland Security (DHS). This week, the DHS rejected a request by conservative think tank the Heritage Foundation to expedite a Freedom of Information Act request seeking the Duke of Sussexs immigration records. DHS Senior Director Jimmy Wolfrey wrote in a letter that to the extent records exist, this office does not find a public interest in disclosure sufficient to override the subjects privacy interests, according to the New York Post. Heritage lawyer Samuel Dewey slammed the decision to stonewall its request saying it shows an appalling lack of transparency by the Biden Administration. We will be contesting their position, he added. We expected to have to fight every step of this case in federal court and will continue to press for transparency and accountability for the American people. The think tank has been seeking his visa records after Prince Harry admitted to past drug use, such as in his memoir Spare. Drug use can be a reason to reject a US visa application. Prince Harry moved to Montecito, California, with his wife Meghan Markle in July 2020. Key Points Biden administration blocks expedited release of Prince Harry visa records in drug use lawsuit Prince Harry visa case: Why is a US think-tank seeking the release of the Duke of Sussexs application form? We will be contesting their position Appalling lack of transparency by the Biden Administration' Heritage Foundation attorney says Prince Harry has waived any privacy interest he has in his drug use' I do find it astonishing that the British press is referenced as obscure' 06:00 , Gustaf.Kilander Mr Bardo argued last week that sufficient coverage from mainstream US media was required for a request to be expedited. He mentioned outlets such as The New York Times, The Washington Post, The Wall Street Journal and the TV networks. Heritage lawyer Samuel Dewey meanwhile argued in front of Judge Carl Nichols that DHS regulations simply say media without specifying where the outlets are based. Mr Dewey told The Independent after the hearing on 6 June that you cant define mainstream. Thats almost absurd in this context. So as a policy matter, that is a very alarming statement for the press and for transparency for the administration. Nile Gardiner, the director of the Margaret Thatcher Center for Freedom at the foundation, added: I do find it astonishing that the British press is referenced as obscure. These are big publications with a wide global reach including millions of Americans who read these newspapers and I find it absolutely astonishing this description today [that theres] some media that actually count and matter and others that do not. That is an extraordinary statement to make and absolutely unacceptable, he added. 6 June hearing centers on amount of US media focus 05:00 , Gustaf Kilander At the hearing last week, the department argued that an injunction to force DHS to expedite the request shouldnt go ahead as the foundation hasnt shown how they will suffer irreparable harm if the information isnt shared. Representing the government, Assistant US Attorney John Bardo argued on 6 June that it wouldnt make a difference when the request was handled, even if the response came a year from now. The Heritage Foundation said the interest in Prince Harrys immigration status would decrease over time. Large parts of the hearing centred on the amount of media attention on Prince Harry and his supposed drug use, which some legal experts say would have barred him from entering the US. The Heritage Foundation has suggested that the federal government may have been engaging in favouritism and may have turned a blind eye to actions, which may have caused the authorities to reject the visa application. The foundation also argued that the public should be allowed to see Prince Harrys immigration records to see if he may have provided untruthful answers. We can neither confirm nor deny the existence of any records relating to your request' 04:15 , Gustaf Kilander The Heritage Foundations request for a preliminary injunction was withdrawn as moot on 14 June following the reply from DHS. We can neither confirm nor deny the existence of any records relating to your request under Section 3, pursuant to FOIA Exemptions (b)(6) and (b)(7)(C). Exemption (b)(6) exempts from disclosure personnel or medical files and similar files the release of which would cause a clearly unwarranted invasion of personal privacy, DHS wrote, according to Inner City Press. The privacy interests of the individual in the records you have requested outweigh any minimal public interest in disclosure of the information. Exemption (b)(7)(C) excludes records or information compiled for law enforcement purposes, but only to the extent that the production of such materials could reasonably be expected to constitute an unwarranted invasion of personal privacy, the agency added. To the extent records exist, this office does not find a public interest in disclosure sufficient to override the subjects privacy interests. Judge Nichols is now set to decide how to proceed with the case. We expected to have to fight every step of this case' 03:30 , Gustaf Kilander Heritage lawyer Samuel Dewer told the New York Post that the reply from DHS shows an appalling lack of transparency by the Biden Administration. The Department of Homeland Securitys efforts to stonewall the Heritage Foundations Freedom of Information request are unacceptable, and we will be contesting their position, he added. We expected to have to fight every step of this case in federal court and will continue to press for transparency and accountability for the American people. The director of the Heritage Foundations Oversight Project, Mike Howell, submitted the request on 8 March, requesting records from DHS, Customs and Border Protection, US Citizenship and Immigration Services, and the Office of Biometric Identity Management. Ahead of the hearing on 6 June, only DHS had yet to respond. The other three agencies rejected the requests. Shocking and frightening if records released 02:45 , Joe Sommerlad Legal experts predict that the judge is unlikely to side with the foundations argument because immigration documents contain a wealth of personal information about the applicant and so ordering the release of Prince Harrys would set a potentially dangerous precedent. Stacy Cozart Martin, an immigration lawyer and professor at Case Western Reserve University, told the BBC: Those applications have a tonne of personal information on them. It would be very, very shocking, and I think a little frightening, if that were to be released to the public. Not only for him, but as a whole. US argues sufficient coverage from mainstream American media required for request to be expedited 02:00 , Joe Sommerlad and Gustaf Kilander DHS previously said the think-tank had failed to demonstrate the necessity of releasing the document and questioned whether there was truly widespread public interest in the matter. Prince Harrys spokespeople have so far said they will not comment at this time. The case opened in a federal court in Washington DC on Tuesday 6 June, with Judge Carl Nichols ruling that the Biden administration had one week to decide how it would handle the foundations FOIA request. That response, rejecting the request, came on Tuesday and was first reported the following day, 14 June. Representing the US government, assistant US attorney John Bardo argued in court on 6 June that sufficient coverage from mainstream American media was required for a request to be expedited. Mr Dewey countered that DHS regulations simply say media without specifying where the outlets are based, pointing out that news websites have a global audience online these days, no matter where their parent company might be situated. You cant define mainstream, he told The Independent on 6 June. Thats almost absurd in this context. So as a policy matter, that is a very alarming statement for the press and for transparency for the administration. Theres a real serious question as to whether or not he should have been admitted' 01:15 , Joe Sommerlad If the dukes application were to be published and reveal that his answers contradicted his later public revelations about his dalliances with drugs, the case would call into question the Biden administrations handling of the visa application process, the organisation contends. In a statement ahead of DHSs response, the Heritage Foundation said that it hopes to determine whether celebrity elites such as the Duke of Sussex were likely to receive preferential treatment and whether the DHS was operating fairly without fear or favour. Speaking to Sky News, its counsel Sam Dewey said: The [US] government has taken the position that theres nothing to see here. Weve taken the position that no, if you look through all the details of his admissions, you look at the drug laws, you look at the laws on admissions, theres a real serious question as to whether or not he should have been admitted. The alternative, if he didnt disclose the drug use then theres a very serious question as to whether or not proceedings should have begun against him for that. Marijuana is different, that actually really did help me' Thursday 15 June 2023 00:30 , Joe Sommerlad The think-tank insists the application is of immense public interest in light of the dukes subsequent confessions of past illegal drug use as a teenager and as an adult, which he made in the Netflix series Harry & Meghan in his recent memoir Spare. The duke wrote in Spare that he had taken cocaine but found it wasnt much fun, and it didnt make me particularly happy, as it seemed to make everyone around me and said of smoking cannabis while still a pupil at Eton, the prestigious Berkshire private school: Marijuana is different, that actually really did help me. A US DS160 visa application form explicitly asks the applicant to answer truthfully to the questions, Have you ever been a drug abuser or addict? and, Have you ever violated, or engaged in a conspiracy to violate, any law relating to controlled substances? The privacy interests of the individual in the records you have requested outweigh any minimal public interest' Wednesday 14 June 2023 23:45 , Gustaf Kilander The director of the Heritage Foundations Oversight Project, Mike Howell, submitted the request on 8 March, requesting records from DHS, Customs and Border Protection, US Citizenship and Immigration Services, and the Office of Biometric Identity Management. Ahead of the hearing on 6 June, only DHS had yet to respond. The other three agencies rejected the requests. The Heritage Foundations request for a preliminary injunction was withdrawn as moot on 14 June following the reply from DHS. We can neither confirm nor deny the existence of any records relating to your request under Section 3, pursuant to FOIA Exemptions (b)(6) and (b)(7)(C). Exemption (b)(6) exempts from disclosure personnel or medical files and similar files the release of which would cause a clearly unwarranted invasion of personal privacy, DHS wrote, according to Inner City Press. The privacy interests of the individual in the records you have requested outweigh any minimal public interest in disclosure of the information. Exemption (b)(7)(C) excludes records or information compiled for law enforcement purposes, but only to the extent that the production of such materials could reasonably be expected to constitute an unwarranted invasion of personal privacy, the agency added. To the extent records exist, this office does not find a public interest in disclosure sufficient to override the subjects privacy interests. Judge Nichols is now set to decide how to proceed with the case. Appalling lack of transparency by the Biden Administration Wednesday 14 June 2023 23:00 , Gustaf Kilander Heritage lawyer Samuel Dewey told the paper that the reply from DHS shows an appalling lack of transparency by the Biden Administration. The Department of Homeland Securitys efforts to stonewall the Heritage Foundations Freedom of Information request are unacceptable, and we will be contesting their position, he added. We expected to have to fight every step of this case in federal court and will continue to press for transparency and accountability for the American people. Biden administration blocks expedited release of Prince Harry visa records in drug use lawsuit Wednesday 14 June 2023 22:30 , Gustaf Kilander The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has rejected a request by the conservative Heritage Foundation to expedite a Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) request by the think tank for the release of the immigration records of the Duke of Sussex. DHS Senior Director Jimmy Wolfrey wrote in a letter that To the extent records exist, this office does not find a public interest in disclosure sufficient to override the subjects privacy interests, according to the New York Post. The Heritage Foundation has argued that Prince Harrys past admissions of drug use, such as in his memoir Spare, make him ineligible for a US visa. DHS notified the think tank on Tuesday, one week after being ordered to respond to the request by DC federal court Judge Carl Nichols. Heritage lawyer Samuel Dewey told the paper that the reply from DHS shows an appalling lack of transparency by the Biden Administration. Read more: Biden admin blocks expedited release of Prince Harry visa records in drug use lawsuit Prince Harry visa case: Why is a US think-tank seeking the release of the Duke of Sussexs application form? Wednesday 14 June 2023 22:04 , Joe Sommerlad and Gustaf Kilander Prince Harry has been giving evidence at the High Court in London this month 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 underway on the other side of the Atlantic. The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has rejected a request by the conservative Heritage Foundation to expedite and Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) request by the think tank for the release of the immigration records of the Duke of Sussex. DHS Senior Director Jimmy Wolfrey wrote in a letter that To the extent records exist, this office does not find a public interest in disclosure sufficient to override the subjects privacy interests, according to the New York Post. Read more: Why is a US think-tank seeking the release of Prince Harrys visa application form? We will be contesting their position Wednesday 14 June 2023 21:35 , Gustaf Kilander Heritage lawyer Samuel Dewey told the New York Post that the reply from DHS shows an appalling lack of transparency by the Biden Administration. The Department of Homeland Securitys efforts to stonewall the Heritage Foundations Freedom of Information request are unacceptable, and we will be contesting their position, he added. We expected to have to fight every step of this case in federal court and will continue to press for transparency and accountability for the American people. The director of the Heritage Foundations Oversight Project, Mike Howell, submitted the request on 8 March, requesting records from DHS, Customs and Border Protection, US Citizenship and Immigration Services, and the Office of Biometric Identity Management. Ahead of the hearing on 6 June, only DHS had yet to respond. The other three agencies rejected the requests. The Heritage Foundations request for a preliminary injunction was withdrawn as moot on 14 June following the reply from DHS. We can neither confirm nor deny the existence of any records relating to your request under Section 3, pursuant to FOIA Exemptions (b)(6) and (b)(7)(C). Exemption (b)(6) exempts from disclosure personnel or medical files and similar files the release of which would cause a clearly unwarranted invasion of personal privacy, DHS wrote, according to Inner City Press. The privacy interests of the individual in the records you have requested outweigh any minimal public interest in disclosure of the information. Exemption (b)(7)(C) excludes records or information compiled for law enforcement purposes, but only to the extent that the production of such materials could reasonably be expected to constitute an unwarranted invasion of personal privacy, the agency added. To the extent records exist, this office does not find a public interest in disclosure sufficient to override the subjects privacy interests. Judge Nichols is now set to decide how to proceed with the case. Appalling lack of transparency by the Biden Administration' Wednesday 14 June 2023 21:17 , Gustaf Kilander The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has rejected a request by the conservative Heritage Foundation to expedite and Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) request by the think tank for the release of the immigration records of the Duke of Sussex. DHS Senior Director Jimmy Wolfrey wrote in a letter that To the extent records exist, this office does not find a public interest in disclosure sufficient to override the subjects privacy interests, according to the New York Post. The Heritage Foundation has argued that Prince Harrys past admissions of drug use, such as in his memoir Spare, make him ineligible for a US visa. DHS notified the think tank on Tuesday, one week after being ordered to respond to the request by DC federal court Judge Carl Nichols. Heritage lawyer Samuel Dewey told the paper that the reply from DHS shows an appalling lack of transparency by the Biden Administration. Heritage Foundation attorney says Prince Harry has waived any privacy interest he has in his drug use' Wednesday 14 June 2023 21:00 , Gustaf Kilander Three agencies within DHS, including USCIS and US Customs and Border Protection, have rejected the FOIA request, but DHS HQ has so far not responded, with Mr Bardo saying during the hearing that no search for the files has been conducted at DHS HQ. DHS said in legal filings that the US Customs and Border Protection denied the requests because Prince Harry hasnt consented to the release of the files, with Mr Bardo saying in court that an individuals visa is confidential. Speaking to reporters outside the DC federal courthouse, Mr Dewey said that Prince Harry had foregone his right to privacy after his series of highly publicised interviews and Netflix documentary series. Mr Dewey argued in court that the case is part of a larger probe into the conduct of the federal government, specifically into DHS supposedly not following the law in other areas of its responsibilities, such as not protecting the US border with Mexico. What are we asking for here? Mr Dewey told reporters outside the courthouse. We are only asking for the records that are related to this question that has been raised about the drug use and admission ... hes talked about it, hes written about it extensively, he has waived any privacy interest he has in his drug use, he has bragged about it in Spare and sold that. BREAKING: Biden administration blocks expedited release of Prince Harry visa records in drug use lawsuit Wednesday 14 June 2023 20:55 , Gustaf Kilander The Department of Homeland Security has rejected a request by the conservative Heritage Foundation to expedite and Freedom of Information Act request by the think tank for the release of the immigration records of the Duke of Sussex. DHS Senior Director Jimmy Wolfrey wrote in a letter that To the extent records exist, this office does not find a public interest in disclosure sufficient to override the subjects privacy interests, according to the New York Post. Read more: Biden admin blocks expedited release of Prince Harry visa records in drug use lawsuit Theres a real serious question as to whether or not he should have been admitted Wednesday 14 June 2023 20:40 , Joe Sommerlad If the dukes application were to be published and reveal that his answers contradicted his later public revelations about his dalliances with drugs, the case would call into question the Biden administrations handling of the visa application process, the organisation contends. In a statement, the Heritage Foundation said that it hopes to determine whether celebrity elites such as the Duke of Sussex were likely to receive preferential treatment and whether the DHS was operating fairly without fear or favour. Speaking to Sky News, its counsel Sam Dewey said: The [US] government has taken the position that theres nothing to see here. Weve taken the position that no, if you look through all the details of his admissions, you look at the drug laws, you look at the laws on admissions, theres a real serious question as to whether or not he should have been admitted. The alternative, if he didnt disclose the drug use then theres a very serious question as to whether or not proceedings should have begun against him for that. You cant define mainstream. Thats almost absurd in this context Wednesday 14 June 2023 20:20 , Gustaf Kilander Large parts of last weeks hearing centred on the amount of media attention on Prince Harry and his supposed drug use which some legal experts say would have barred him from entering the US. The Heritage Foundation has suggested that the federal government may have been engaging in favouritism and may have turned a blind eye to actions which may have caused the authorities to reject the visa application. The foundation also argued that the public should be allowed to see Prince Harrys immigration records to see if he may have provided untruthful answers. For the government, US Assistant Attorney John Bardo argued that sufficient coverage from mainstream US media was required for a request to be expedited. He mentioned outlets such as The New York Times, The Washington Post, The Wall Street Journal and the TV networks. Heritage lawyer Samuel Dewey meanwhile argued in front of Judge Carl Nichols that DHS regulations simply say media without specifying where the outlets are based. Mr Dewey told The Independent that you cant define mainstream. Thats almost absurd in this context. So as a policy matter, that is a very alarming statement for the press and for transparency for the administration. Nile Gardiner, the director of the Margaret Thatcher Center for Freedom at the foundation, added: I do find it astonishing that the British press is referenced as obscure. These are big publications with a wide global reach including millions of Americans who read these newspapers and I find it absolutely astonishing this description today [that theres] some media that actually count and matter and others that do not. That is an extraordinary statement to make and absolutely unacceptable, he added. Mr Dewey argued in court that todays media is global, noting that The Daily Mail had 100 million page views in the US in the month of April. Think-tank insists application is of immense public interest' Wednesday 14 June 2023 20:00 , Joe Sommerlad The think-tank insists the application is of immense public interest in light of the dukes subsequent confessions of past illegal drug use as a teenager and as an adult, which he made in the Netflix series Harry & Meghan in his recent memoir Spare. The duke wrote in Spare that he had taken cocaine but found it wasnt much fun, and it didnt make me particularly happy, as it seemed to make everyone around me and said of smoking cannabis while still a pupil at Eton, the prestigious Berkshire private school: Marijuana is different, that actually really did help me. A US DS160 visa application form explicitly asks the applicant to answer truthfully to the questions, Have you ever been a drug abuser or addict? and, Have you ever violated, or engaged in a conspiracy to violate, any law relating to controlled substances? Report on 6 June hearing: Judge gives Biden administration a week to decide on release of Prince Harrys visa records Wednesday 14 June 2023 19:40 , Gustaf Kilander A judge in DC federal court has asked the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) to decide within a week how it will handle a Freedom of Information request from the conservative Heritage Foundation for the immigration records of the Duke of Sussex. DHS has so far not responded to the request, prompting legal action from the foundation, in which they pointed to Prince Harrys previous admissions of drug use, such as in his memoir Spare. The department argued that an injunction to force DHS to expedite the request shouldnt go ahead as the foundation hasnt shown how they will suffer irreparable harm if the information isnt shared. Representing the government, Assistant US Attorney John Bardo argued on Tuesday that it wouldnt make a difference when the request was handled, even if the response came a year from now. The Heritage Foundation said the interest in Prince Harrys immigration status would decrease over time. Read more: Judge gives Biden admin a week to decide on release of Prince Harrys visa records Prince Harry visa case: Why is a US think-tank seeking the release of the Duke of Sussexs application form? Wednesday 14 June 2023 19:20 , Joe Sommerlad Prince Harry has been giving evidence at the High Court in London this month 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 underway on the other side of the Atlantic. The Heritage Foundation, a conservative think-tank, is bringing a case against the US Department of Homeland Security (DHS) appealing for the release of the dukes visa application, submitted in advance of his relocation to California in January 2020. A request for the form under the Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) was previously turned down by US Customs and Border Protection, which told the foundation that it would need Prince Harrys consent in order to do so. Read more: Why is a US think-tank seeking the release of Prince Harrys visa application form? They were in a panic to come here from Canada' Wednesday 14 June 2023 19:00 , Gustaf Kilander 'They were in a panic to come here from Canada - did he get a little special treatment because of the chaos that was going on in the world at the time?' Kinsey Schofield discusses the US Homeland Security deadline over the release of Prince Harrys visa application. pic.twitter.com/Yn2N59G8L9 GB News (@GBNEWS) June 13, 2023 In many cases, drug use results in the denial of a US visa Wednesday 14 June 2023 18:40 , Gustaf Kilander 'US immigration laws are very strict on drug use... in many cases, drug use results in the denial of a US visa' The US government will appear in court over Prince Harrys visa application following his admission of drug use in his autobiography Spare. pic.twitter.com/Pe1yWXosvt Good Morning Britain (@GMB) June 13, 2023 Case expected to take several weeks to resolve Wednesday 14 June 2023 18:20 , Joe Sommerlad The case is expected to take several weeks to resolve, with legal experts predicting that the judge is unlikely to side with the foundations argument because immigration documents contain a wealth of personal information about the applicant and so ordering the release of Prince Harrys would set a potentially dangerous precedent. Stacy Cozart Martin, an immigration lawyer and professor at Case Western Reserve University, told the BBC: Those applications have a tonne of personal information on them. It would be very, very shocking, and I think a little frightening, if that were to be released to the public. Not only for him, but as a whole. DHS and Heritage Foundation clash over media coverage Wednesday 14 June 2023 18:00 , Joe Sommerlad DHS said the think-tank had failed to demonstrate the necessity of releasing the document and questioned whether there was truly widespread public interest in the matter. Prince Harrys spokespeople have so far said they will not comment at this time. The case opened in a federal court in Washington DC on Tuesday 6 June, with Judge Carl Nichols ruling that the Biden administration had one week to decide how it would handle the foundations FOIA request. Representing the US government, assistant US Attorney John Bardo argued in court that sufficient coverage from mainstream American media was required for a request to be expedited. Mr Dewey countered that DHS regulations simply say media without specifying where the outlets are based, pointing out that news websites have a global audience online these days, no matter where their parent company might be situated. You cant define mainstream, he subsequently told The Independent. Thats almost absurd in this context. So as a policy matter, that is a very alarming statement for the press and for transparency for the administration. Heritage Foundation pushing to establish if there was preferential treatment given to Prince Harry in any way' Wednesday 14 June 2023 17:40 , Gustaf Kilander We are calling for accountability, transparency and openness from the Biden presidency, Nile Gardiner, the director of the Margaret Thatcher Center for Freedom at the foundation, said after last weeks hearing. We believe there is a tremendous public interest in the release of these records in order to establish that US immigration law is fair, [that] it applies equally to everyone. It is our view, definitely, that the public needs to see these ... documents and [what] exactly what Prince Harry put down on his application, especially in relation to his widespread drug use admitted to in Spare, he added. Dr Gardner said the foundation wants to establish whether or not any favours were granted to Prince Harry, whether there was a preferential treatment given to Prince Harry in any way. The director of the Oversight Project at The Heritage Foundation, Mike Howell, told reporters after the hearing that the everyday American is absolutely sick and tired of globalist elites lecturing us, looking down at us, dominating our cultural institutions, and no one proves that point more than Prince Harry. Theyre also sick and tired of a broken immigration system, one that we see a dual standard at play every single day, he added. Prince Harry wrote in Spare that cocaine didnt do anything for me. Marijuana is different, that actually really did help me, he added. Heritage Foundation attorney says Prince Harry has waived any privacy interest he has in his drug use' Wednesday 14 June 2023 17:20 , Gustaf Kilander Three agencies within DHS, including USCIS and US Customs and Border Protection, have rejected the FOIA request, but DHS HQ has so far not responded, with Mr Bardo saying during the hearing that no search for the files has been conducted at DHS HQ. DHS said in legal filings that the US Customs and Border Protection denied the requests because Prince Harry hasnt consented to the release of the files, with Mr Bardo saying in court that an individuals visa is confidential. Speaking to reporters outside the DC federal courthouse, Mr Dewey said that Prince Harry had foregone his right to privacy after his series of highly publicised interviews and Netflix documentary series. Mr Dewey argued in court that the case is part of a larger probe into the conduct of the federal government, specifically into DHS supposedly not following the law in other areas of its responsibilities, such as not protecting the US border with Mexico. What are we asking for here? Mr Dewey told reporters outside the courthouse. We are only asking for the records that are related to this question that has been raised about the drug use and admission ... hes talked about it, hes written about it extensively, he has waived any privacy interest he has in his drug use, he has bragged about it in Spare and sold that. Theres a real serious question as to whether or not he should have been admitted Wednesday 14 June 2023 17:00 , Joe Sommerlad If the dukes application were to be published and reveal that his answers contradicted his later public revelations about his dalliances with drugs, the case would call into question the Biden administrations handling of the visa application process, the organisation contends. In a statement, the Heritage Foundation said that it hopes to determine whether celebrity elites such as the Duke of Sussex were likely to receive preferential treatment and whether the DHS was operating fairly without fear or favour. Speaking to Sky News, its counsel Sam Dewey said: The [US] government has taken the position that theres nothing to see here. Weve taken the position that no, if you look through all the details of his admissions, you look at the drug laws, you look at the laws on admissions, theres a real serious question as to whether or not he should have been admitted. The alternative, if he didnt disclose the drug use then theres a very serious question as to whether or not proceedings should have begun against him for that. You cant define mainstream. Thats almost absurd in this context Wednesday 14 June 2023 16:40 , Gustaf Kilander Large parts of last weeks hearing centred on the amount of media attention on Prince Harry and his supposed drug use which some legal experts say would have barred him from entering the US. The Heritage Foundation has suggested that the federal government may have been engaging in favouritism and may have turned a blind eye to actions which may have caused the authorities to reject the visa application. The foundation also argued that the public should be allowed to see Prince Harrys immigration records to see if he may have provided untruthful answers. For the government, US Assistant Attorney John Bardo argued that sufficient coverage from mainstream US media was required for a request to be expedited. He mentioned outlets such as The New York Times, The Washington Post, The Wall Street Journal and the TV networks. Heritage lawyer Samuel Dewey meanwhile argued in front of Judge Carl Nichols that DHS regulations simply say media without specifying where the outlets are based. Mr Dewey told The Independent that you cant define mainstream. Thats almost absurd in this context. So as a policy matter, that is a very alarming statement for the press and for transparency for the administration. Nile Gardiner, the director of the Margaret Thatcher Center for Freedom at the foundation, added: I do find it astonishing that the British press is referenced as obscure. These are big publications with a wide global reach including millions of Americans who read these newspapers and I find it absolutely astonishing this description today [that theres] some media that actually count and matter and others that do not. That is an extraordinary statement to make and absolutely unacceptable, he added. Mr Dewey argued in court that todays media is global, noting that The Daily Mail had 100 million page views in the US in the month of April. Think-tank insists application is of immense public interest' Wednesday 14 June 2023 16:20 , Joe Sommerlad The think-tank insists the application is of immense public interest in light of the dukes subsequent confessions of past illegal drug use as a teenager and as an adult, which he made in the Netflix series Harry & Meghan in his recent memoir Spare. The duke wrote in Spare that he had taken cocaine but found it wasnt much fun, and it didnt make me particularly happy, as it seemed to make everyone around me and said of smoking cannabis while still a pupil at Eton, the prestigious Berkshire private school: Marijuana is different, that actually really did help me. A US DS160 visa application form explicitly asks the applicant to answer truthfully to the questions, Have you ever been a drug abuser or addict? and, Have you ever violated, or engaged in a conspiracy to violate, any law relating to controlled substances? Report on 6 June hearing: Judge gives Biden administration a week to decide on release of Prince Harrys visa records Wednesday 14 June 2023 16:00 , Gustaf Kilander A judge in DC federal court has asked the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) to decide within a week how it will handle a Freedom of Information request from the conservative Heritage Foundation for the immigration records of the Duke of Sussex. DHS has so far not responded to the request, prompting legal action from the foundation, in which they pointed to Prince Harrys previous admissions of drug use, such as in his memoir Spare. The department argued that an injunction to force DHS to expedite the request shouldnt go ahead as the foundation hasnt shown how they will suffer irreparable harm if the information isnt shared. Representing the government, Assistant US Attorney John Bardo argued on Tuesday that it wouldnt make a difference when the request was handled, even if the response came a year from now. The Heritage Foundation said the interest in Prince Harrys immigration status would decrease over time. Read more: Judge gives Biden admin a week to decide on release of Prince Harrys visa records Prince Harry visa case: Why is a US think-tank seeking the release of the Duke of Sussexs application form? Wednesday 14 June 2023 15:40 , Joe Sommerlad Prince Harry has been giving evidence at the High Court in London this month 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 underway on the other side of the Atlantic. The Heritage Foundation, a conservative think-tank, is bringing a case against the US Department of Homeland Security (DHS) appealing for the release of the dukes visa application, submitted in advance of his relocation to California in January 2020. A request for the form under the Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) was previously turned down by US Customs and Border Protection, which told the foundation that it would need Prince Harrys consent in order to do so. Read more: Why is a US think-tank seeking the release of Prince Harrys visa application form? A fire crew walks past a sign for a wildlife crossing now under construction in Agoura Hills. (Associated Press) A first of its kind wildlife crossing in Northern California has been proposed over Highway 101 in San Benito County the latest project in the state's efforts to provide safe passage for mountain lions and other animals over dangerous roadways. About $21 million has been raised to fund the overpass at 2,600-acre Rocks Ranch, the nonprofit Land Trust of Santa Cruz County announced earlier this year. The wildlife corridor would connect the Santa Cruz and Gabilan mountain ranges and expand the habitat for mountain lions, deer, bobcats and other animals. Wildlife needs a lot more than just isolated islands of habitats, said Sarah Newkirk, the executive director of the nonprofit Land Trust of Santa Cruz County. Habitat areas need to be connected to one another so that a wide-ranging species like mountain lions can get from place to place, establish new territories and enhance their genetic diversity. Development of the Bay Area is isolating the Santa Cruz Mountains, with a southern portion of the area divided by the highway, said Morgan Robertson, the acting chief of biology and environmental engineering for Caltrans District 5. Animals do cross roadways using existing infrastructure, she said, but some species need sturdier and larger structures to pass safely. According to a 2022 report by the California Department of Fish and Wildlife , about 150 areas in the state were identified as wildlife barriers. Most of these locations were near state highways. We can see from the movement of pumas and even bobcats that Highway 101 is almost a complete barrier to movement across the way, said Chris Wilmers, a UC Santa Cruz professor of wildlife ecology and conservation and the director of the Santa Cruz Puma Project. The northern end of the Rocks Ranch area, which runs alongside a 2.5-mile stretch of the highway, was identified as a hotspot for wildlife-vehicle collisions that injure and kill animals and people alike. The Rocks Ranch overpass, which would allow animals to avoid the four lanes of speeding traffic, is in the initial stages, Robertson said. Caltrans will complete a feasibility study by the end of the year, and is considering both undercrossings and overpasses along the corridor. Construction is expected to start in 2029, she said. The project follows the recent completion of an animal under crossing in the Santa Cruz Mountains on Highway 17 that was 10 years in the making. Now equipped with the playbook from the previous project, Newkirk said planning for the Highway 101 wildlife overpass will be much smoother. We didn't really know what we were doing then, Newkirk said. Every step was effectively a leap of faith by the land trust and our partners. But now we know how to work with those agencies, and they're excited to work with us. Animal crossings are becoming more common throughout California in an effort by conservationists to decrease road kills and increase genetic diversity among wildlife living near freeways and residential developments. The late P-22, a celebrity mountain lion that prowled around Griffith Park and beyond, inspired the need for animal crossings when it was discovered in 2012 that he regularly made a 20-mile journey from the Santa Monica Mountains, dodging commuter traffic, bridges and roads. In 2014, the nonprofit #SaveLACougars campaign began raising money to build the Liberty Canyon Wildlife Crossing in Agoura Hills, which has since broken ground and is expected to open in 2025 . It will be the largest wildlife corridor of its kind in the world. Roads, highways, and other developments cut habitats in half, preventing animals from safely traveling back and forth, Wilmers said. This can cause slower population growth, including issues related to malformed sperm and kinked tails, which make extinction more likely in the future. Human interactions also affect species populations. From 2018 to 2020, more than 44,000 wildlife-vehicle collisions were reported on California roads resulting in human and animal deaths, and damage totaling about $1 billion, according to the UC Davis Road Ecology Center . In Southern California, mountain lion populations have been steadily declining in the Santa Ana, San Gabriel, San Bernardino, Santa Monica, Santa Cruz and Tehachapi mountain ranges. Habitat fragmentation, disease, territorial battles, rodenticide poisoning, and human-caused wildfires have contributed to the decline. Although mountain lions are not a threatened species in California, biologists argued in 2019 that six isolated and genetically distinct cougar clans found from the Santa Cruz to the U.S.-Mexico border make up a subpopulation that should be listed as endangered . Other areas of California have proposed construction of wildlife bridges or tunnels. In Orange County, the Irvine-Laguna Wildlife Corridor would connect a national forest to wild coastal terrains . We knew that this needed to be done, Newkirk said. Tools are now in place, and the state has increasingly committed meaningful funding to get these projects done. This story originally appeared in Los Angeles Times. Prosecutors in Jackson County say it is unclear whether the Missouri Attorney Generals Office will defend the conviction of a Kansas City police detective who fatally shot a Black man in 2019. Eric DeValkenaere was convicted of manslaughter in the shooting death of Cameron Lamb during a November 2021 trial. In an unusual move, the former police detective was allowed to remain free on bond while he appeals his conviction. Missouri Attorney General Andrew Bailey is responsible for preserving the conviction before a panel of judges in the Missouri Court of Appeals for the Western District. On Monday, Jackson County Prosecutor Jean Peters Baker filed a motion in court saying it was unclear if the attorney generals office intends to defend the manslaughter conviction her office obtained. The people of Jackson County and the victims deserve to have an advocate defend the conviction obtained by the State, the court filing said. The attorney generals office has not filed a response to DeValkenaeres appeal and has not cooperated with Bakers office as they normally would in other cases, she said, raising questions about how rigorously the appeal will be fought. Bakers motion also noted six continuances requested by the attorney generals office. Since November, Chief Appeals Court Judge Gary Witt has granted multiple filing extensions. In an order granting an extension in April, Witt wrote that the brief filed by the attorney generals office was due on June 26 and no further extensions will be granted, according to court records. Baker said she was concerned that Baileys office has yet to respond to the courts order to file the reply and that it remains unclear whether that brief will be in response to Appellants Brief and in support of Respondents position at trial and the verdict. Missouri Attorney General Andrew Bailey speaks to reporters after being sworn into office on Jan. 3, 2023 at the Missouri Supreme Court in Jefferson City. A spokeswoman for Bailey said the attorney generals office would file a reply either before or by the court-ordered deadline. Conviction of Eric DeValkenaere Attorneys for DeValkenaere said in court documents that Jackson County Circuit Court Judge Dale Youngs decision to convict their client was based on a flawed analysis of the law. They contend that DeValkenaere and his partner, Troy Schwalm, had probable cause to arrest Lamb for traffic violations and that they were lawfully on his property before the fatal shooting on Dec. 3, 2019. Prosecutors argued that the two officers were the initial aggressors and that they did not have an arrest or search warrant and therefore were unlawfully on Lambs property. This was a bench trial by a judge thats known to be experienced and thorough and would rule either way, Baker said during an interview with The Star. https://www.scribd.com/document/653022511/Jean-Peters-Baker-s-amicus-motion On Tuesday, Baker sent a letter to Gov. Mike Parson urging him not to issue a pardon for DeValkenaere in Lambs killing. Baker said such a move would cause harm to the relationship between law enforcement and the community while also preempting the appellate process. Lets just let this court process air itself out without anybody putting the fingers on the scale, Baker said. Just trust the rule of law. Is Missouri AG fighting Kansas City cops appeal? Allen Rostron, a law professor at the University of Missouri-Kansas City, said the situation appeared to be highly unusual. In theory, the attorney generals office could respond saying it agrees with DeValkenaeres appeal or write a response that is half hearted, Rostron said. Its unclear what would happen if a response is not filed, or what sanctions a judge could impose, if any. If a response was not submitted, the Court of Appeals could rule in favor of DeValkenaere by default or presume the judges verdict was valid. But Rostron said the better rule of law would dictate the court to independently review the basis for the appeal and decide if it has merit. Eric DeValkenaere, center, is comforted by attorneys Dawn Parsons, left, and Molly Hastings. Jackson County Circuit Court Judge J. Dale Youngs announced on Tuesday, Nov. 9, 2021, that he found Eric DeValkenaere, a Kansas City police detective, guilty in the fatal December 2019 shooting of Cameron Lamb. Baker told The Star her office has repeatedly offered their assistance to the attorney generals office, but to no avail. We have a very long trail of trying to have communication on that case, she said. The lack of response has been unusual, she added. Ive tried cases as an assistant prosecutor that resulted in conviction and then that conviction gets handed off to the attorney generals office to defend. We always talked, Baker said. It didnt matter who was assigned to my case, you would just talk to them and they would talk to me. Jackson County Prosecutor Jean Peters Baker said Tuesday she encourages Missouris governor to meet with the family of a man killed in a police shooting before making a decision about pardoning the former officer convicted in the case. In an interview with The Star, Baker said pardoning Eric DeValkenaere, who in 2021 was convicted of manslaughter in the death of Cameron Lamb, would leave a scar in the community. The prosecutor spoke hours after making public a letter to the governor urging him not to pardon DeValkenaere. In the letter, Baker said she learned from multiple reports that Gov. Mike Parson was considering pardoning the former Kansas City police detective even as an appeal works through the courts. This conviction is important to this community and to take it away without your voice being heard, would be a real harm, Baker said. Baker said Parson should also meet with members of the community. As a public servant, Baker said, Parson should want to talk to those who would be impacted by his decision. Baker also said she thought it would be helpful if the Kansas City Board of Police Commissioners called Parson and asked him to deny a pardon. Four of the five seats on the board are appointed by the governor while the mayor occupies the fifth seat. Certainly they should want that it will make police officers jobs harder, Baker said of a pardon. Community members and faith leaders, along with Lambs family, also opposed a pardon, gathering Tuesday in front of the Jackson County courthouse. Emanuel Cleaver III, senior pastor at St. James United Methodist Church, prays for Cameron Lambs stepfather, Aquil Bey, left, mother Laurie Bey and sisters Shelice Sheppard and Vanessa Gray on Tuesday, June 13, 2023, in Kansas City. Faith leaders held a press conference in reaction to the news that Gov. Mike Parson is considering a pardon for KCPD detective Eric DeValkenaere, who was convicted in 2021 of second-degree involuntary manslaughter and armed criminal action in the fatal shooting of Lamb. In December 2019, DeValkenaere shot and killed Lamb, who would have turned 30 on Wednesday. His conviction marked the first time a Kansas City police officer was found guilty in the killing of a Black man. DeValkenaere was sentenced in March of last year to six years in prison. He has remained free on bond since then as he appeals the verdict. In Bakers letter, she said a pardon would preempt the appellate process and stoke deeper mistrust between the police and the community. In response to the letter, Parsons office said he was disappointed Baker would play political games and that he has a proven, bipartisan record of working to improve the criminal justice system as a whole. Letter from Jackson County Prosecutor by Ian Cummings on Scribd Prosecutor opposes pardon On Dec. 3, 2019, Lamb had an argument with his girlfriend and chased her in his truck. He received a call from his roommate to return home. DeValkenaere and his partner Troy Schwalm arrived as Lamb was backing his truck into the garage at his residence in the 4100 block of College Ave. Roughly nine seconds after they arrived, DeValkenaere shot and killed Lamb. At trial, prosecutors argued the officers did not have authority to be on the property and alleged the police planted a gun found on the ground near Lambs left hand. During a bench trial in November 2002, Jackson County Circuit Court Judge Dale Youngs ruled DeValkenaere was guilty of second-degree involuntary manslaughter and armed criminal action, saying the officers had no warrant and no probable cause to be on the property when he shot Lamb. Former Kansas City police detective Eric DeValkenaere and his legal team hear his sentence at the the conclusion of his sentencing hearing Friday, May 4, 2022. DeValkenaere was sentenced to six years in the Dec. 3, 2019, killing of Cameon Lamb. In an interview Tuesday, Baker said every stage of the case has caused concern. The lead investigator, former homicide Sgt. Richard Sharp, previously supervised DeValkenaere and they were friends, Baker said. Her request to have Sharp replaced was rebuffed. Under former KCPD Chief Rick Smith, the department refused to hand over a probable cause statement, a routine step between police and prosecutors. So when reports that Parson was considering a pardon surfaced, Baker said, Its not all that surprising, I guess, but disappointing. Baker urged Parson to come to Kansas City to meet Lambs family and talk with people in the community. A pardon is the governors decision, but governors are part of a community as well. And I know this governor, you know, probably does not know Kansas City terribly well, Baker said. Thats why I wanted him to come to Kansas City and not for a Chiefs game, but come here to meet real Kansas Citians that will be impacted by this decision. And to be clear, I feel like I have to be clear, thats not the Northland. Thats Kansas Citians that live in Jackson County. Kelli Jones, a spokesperson for Parson, said the governor has granted 20 commutations and 438 pardons. While the prosecutor tries to earn political points for her re-election bid, Governor Parson will continue working every day to support people across the state who are affected by crime, Jones said in a statement. Governor Parson is grounded in his faith and believes in second chances. DeValkenaere has not yet applied for a pardon, Jones said. Applicants for executive clemency pardons, commutations and reprieves must have tried and failed to obtain all other avenues for sentence reduction first, including judicial appeals, according to the Missouri Department of Corrections. Concern about Cameron Lamb shooting After Bakers letter became public Tuesday, community activists as well as members of Lambs family gathered at the entrance of the Jackson County courthouse in downtown Kansas City. Standing in a circle and holding hands, the group said a prayer led by Emanuel Cleaver III, senior pastor at St. James United Methodist Church. Because you are a God of justice, so we ask that you will touch the mind of Gov. Parson to see and know and understand that this is much bigger than any political thing, he said. And Lord, we just ask for peace in this city. So shower us with your love, your peace, your strength and help us oh Lord to act as your change agents. Several community leaders have spoken against a pardon. I think politics should not be a game played when a family has been devastated and three boys will have to grow up without a father in this troubled world, said Sheryl Ferguson, an organizer with Its Time 4 Justice. Family members of Cameron Lamb gathered in May 2020 at a Black Lives Matter peace protest in Mill Creek Park on the Country Club Plaza. The Rev. Vernon P. Howard Jr., president of the Southern Christian Leadership Conference of Greater Kansas City, said a pardon is not just, nor is it equal protection. Rarely do we see pardons or stays of execution for Black men who fall prey to the systemic racism and injustice of the criminal justice system even when legitimate questions surrounding conviction exist, Howard said. It is certainly peculiar and unexplainable to say the least, why a pardon would be considered having no legal basis whatsoever, based on how I read the Peters-Baker letter. The local activist group Decarcerate KC said the organization was concerned about the impact a pardon would have on Lambs family and pointed to the larger issue of state control over local matters. Its a travesty that we cant even make decisions about justice in our local community without the state coming in and reversing the local courts decision, the group said in a statement. It only takes one swipe for Parson to undo an entire legal processwhat does that say about our systems? How can we be expected to trust in a system that allows this to happen? A response in DeValkenaeres appeal from the Missouri Attorney Generals Office is due by June 26. A Kansas City man is accused of fatally shooting his 18-year-old girlfriend inside their home in the Noble and Gregory Ridge neighborhood Wednesday morning. Jackson County prosecutors on Thursday charged Ronell K. Garner, 26, with second-degree murder and armed criminal action in the killing of Jrya Cockrell, 18. Garner was being held on a $250,000 cash bond in the county jail on Thursday. Around 8:30 a.m., Kansas City police officers responded to a reported shooting in the 7400 block of College Avenue. Arriving officers were led inside the residence where Cockrell was found dead in a back bedroom of an apparent gunshot wound to her head, according to court documents. Garner was taken into police custody at the shooting scene. He allegedly said it was an accident to police officers. A witness told detectives Garner had come to his house a few blocks away and admitted to shooting Cockrell. The witness then drove Garner back to the area to meet with police, according to court documents. Another witness said Garner and Cockrell were in a romantic relationship and were living together. Over the course of the relationship, the witness said Cockrell had discussed multiple times in the past that Garner pointed a gun at her. The witness also told detectives of an assault one week earlier when Garner allegedly grabbed Cockrell by the hair and threw her around the room. At that time, the witness told police, Cockrell went to the hospital with a large cut above her left eye. Kansas City police took a report for the incident. The witness told detectives Cockrell did not want to report the assault at first and had given a false name to police. Garner was also arrested twice before for domestic assaults in 2019 and 2022, according to court documents. During a police interview, Garner allegedly said he and Cockrell were wrestling over a gun when he aimed it at her and pulled the trigger. He told police he believed the gun was unloaded and did not intend to shoot her, according to court documents. Garner made his initial appearance Thursday in Jackson County Circuit Court. Online court records did not list an attorney for Garner. A new Publix just opened in Kendall. What to know about it and other Florida locations Two new Publix stores have opened in South Florida, one in West Kendall and the other in western Palm Beach County. And like other new locations around the state, these full-serve stores are pushing 50,000 square feet. In recent years, Publix has opened bigger stores, either on virgin spits of land or by knocking down older stores and rebuilding them bigger. After more than a year of waiting, our new neighborhood Publix reopened, Ron Magill, best known as the spokesman for Zoo Miami, posted on Facebook about the grand opening on Thursday of The Crossings location in Kendall. So happy to have our family store back! Bucking the trend, Publix plans to convert its much smaller GreenWise Market locations, including a new one in downtown Fort Lauderdale, into traditional Publix stores. No timetable has been set for the change. Heres what to know about newest Publix locations: Grand opening of a new Publix at The Crossings in West Kendall on Thursday, June 15. New Florida store openings in June Kendall: Opened June 15, The Crossings Shopping Village, 13001 SW 112th St. The 46,800-square-foot store is open 7 a.m. to 10 p.m. daily and features a pharmacy, floral department and adjacent liquor store. It was rebuilt on the site of an older store that was demolished. Palm Beach County: The 48,300-square-foot store opened June 8, Westlake Plaza in The Acreage area of Westlake, 16841 Persimmon Blvd. A chicken sub sandwich from Publix Super Markets Inc. is shown in this photo from April 29, 2021. The founder of a disputed but popular Twitter account that alerts people when Publix chicken-tender subs are on sale says he will keep posting updates and keep his fingers crossed that the grocery chain giant doesnt sue him, as it threatened. New Flo rida store openings in May Tallahassee: Opened May 11, The Shops at Bannerman Village, 8462 Bannerman Blvd. Stuart: Opened May 11, Cove Shopping Center, 5943 SE Federal Hwy. Jacksonville: Opened May 6, eTown Exchange, 11025 eTown Pkwy. Kissimmee: Opened May 4, Celebration Pointe, 1725 Future Way Fort Myers Beach: The supermarket at 4791 Estero Blvd. reopened after repairs from Hurricane Ian. New Florida store openings in April Sarasota County: Opened April 27, The Shoppes of Palmer Ranch, 8405 Honore Ave. New Florida store openings in March Sarasota County: Opened March 23, The Landings, 4840 S. Tamiami Trail Navarre: Opened March 8, Wynnehaven Plaza, 10040 Navarre Pkwy. Tampa: Opened March 2, Gandy Shopping Center, 3617 W. Gandy Blvd. Newest store in Broward County Pembroke Pines: On Jan. 23, Publix opened a new store at 16024 Pines Blvd. in Pembroke Pines. The stores neighbor is an older Publix across the street at Paraiso Parc at 15729 Pines Blvd. The older store isnt going anywhere. As a whole, we look for opportunities to best serve our customers and, in some cases, alleviate congestion in stores, in addition to allowing for the best traffic patterns in a particular area, said Lindsey Willis, media relations manager for Publix. Photo Illustration by Thomas Levinson/The Daily Beast/Getty When it comes to the GOP and Russia, pundits are flummoxed. Whatever happened to the Republican Party? Only 86 of 213 House Republicans even showed up to Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskys December speech to Congress, and polls now indicate that a majority of Republicans oppose aid to Ukraine. Conservative thought leaders like Tucker Carlson dismissed Zelensky as a Ukrainian strip club manager. What in the world is going on? Didnt Ronald Reagan tell a Russian leader to tear down this wall? Didnt conservatives make hostility to Russia a hallmark of their foreign policy? How can it be explained? The GOP Is the Party of Fuck You In reality, little needs explaining. As The New York Times notes, the anti-Ukraine flank of the party is playing not to the fringe but to the heart of its base. The current GOP and conservative closeness to Vladimir Putin does not break tradition, but rather reaffirms a long-standing conservative perspective: affection for right-wing dictators. Putin is not so much the successor to the Soviet Union as he is another version of authoritarian leaders the Right has long supported. The American conservative movement has always been comfortable with dictatorships. Sure, conservatives hated Communism, but not because of the USSRs and Maoist Chinas brutality; rather, they detested Communism because 1) It was atheist (Godless in conservative terminology); and 2) It abolished private property. Putin, however, has brought back the Orthodox Church and capitalism (at least the crony kind), so whats not to like? The American right has welcomed just about every non-Communist dictatorship, both before and after World War II. Conservatives in the media, on Wall Street, and in politics consistently described Benito Mussolini in glowing terms: J.P. Morgan partner Thomas Lamont, who exerted a substantial influence on U.S. foreign policy in the interwar period, in 1926 described himself as something like a missionary for Il Duce. President Hardings ambassador to Italy, Richard Washburn Child, ghost-wrote Mussolinis front-page autobiography in The Saturday Evening Post. When conservative Texas Democratic Rep. Martin Dies became head of a committee in 1938 to investigate domestic subversion, he and conservative members of both parties gave a pass to American fascists and Nazi sympathizers and focused exclusively on purported Communists. After the war, the China Lobby that pushed for the United States to unleash the dictatorial Chiang Kai-shek in Taiwan (for the record a million times better than Mao) and smeared General George C. Marshall for losing China was also an overwhelmingly right-wing movement, led by Time publisher Henry Luce. Conservatives in the Reagan administration resisted sanctions against apartheid-era South Africa in favor of constructive engagement. The Philippines Ferdinand Marcoswho declared martial law, ended free elections, and assassinated his political opponentswas lauded by then-Vice President George H.W. Bush for dedication to democratic principles. Zaires Mobutu Sese Sekowhose corruption was so awful that the word kleptocracy was coined to describe his regimeand the Pakistani generals who overthrew a series of elected governments and repeatedly attacked democratic India, were also backed by many U.S. conservatives. The Birth of the Political Divide: Best of Enemies William F. Buckley Vs. Gore Vidal This was not solely because these governments were anti-Communist; rather, their rule was congenial to right-wing thinking. William F. Buckleys National Review lauded Spanish dictator Francisco Franco not just as a bulwark against Communism but as one against liberalism. Franco was an authentic national hero, raved Buckley in 1957. In the present day, The Bulwarks Joshua Tait observes that Russell Kirk in 1964 depicted the popular Spanish Pavilion at the New York Worlds Fair as a triumph of traditionalism alive in the modern age and a symbol of Liberalisms decay. Chilean dictator Augusto Pinochet, who overthrew the elected left-wing government of Salvador Allende, was not merely tolerated by American conservatives but lionized as a believer in economic freedom. Conservatives in the Eisenhower administration leapt at the chance to overthrow democratically elected Iranian President Mohammed Mossadegh in favor of the Shaha course of action earlier rejected by the Democratic Secretary of State Dean Achesoneven though Mossadegh was no communist. These regimes were not necessary evils; they were positive goods. They represented models that the conservative movement favored as the preferred polity. Thus, National Review, the leading magazine of the movement, also opposed the civil rights movement because the White community was entitled to rule on the grounds that it was more advanced. [U]niversal suffrage, Buckley wrote, is not the beginning of wisdom or the beginning of freedom. This was a matter of high principle, and he explicitly defended the right of the few to preserve, against the wishes of the many, a social order superior to that which the many, given their way, might promulgate. Opposition to democracy was the point. This analysis also explains the emergence of anti-Trump conservatives. The conservatives now most hostile to Putinsuch as David Frum, Bill Kristol, Tom Nichols, Jennifer Rubin, and Max Bootare what were formerly known as neoconservatives, who saw the USSR as a left-wing replay of Hitlers Germany. These figures were neo precisely because they rejected the rights decades-long embrace of non-Communist dictators. Nobody Sold Out Harder Than Tucker Carlson Ronald Reagan memorably described the modern conservative movement as a three-legged stool of these intellectuals, socially conservative evangelical Christians, and big businessbut only neoconservatives had any problems with right-wing dictators. The rest of the GOP base recognized kindred spirits. The current right-wing love for Putin is, thus, not some strange Trumpist artifact or a fever that will soon break. It is not mindless partisanship. It is mindful partisanship, which will last for a long time, because it has deep roots in American conservative thought. Those who believe in democracy must be ready, as John F. Kennedy famously said, for a long twilight struggle. Jonathan Zasloff is Professor of Law at the UCLA School of Law. He holds a PhD from Harvard University in the history of American foreign policy. 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 President Vladimir Putin makes a statement after the meeting with participants of the Eurasian Intergovernmental Council and the Council of CIS Heads of Government meeting, in Sochi, Russia The longer the war continues in Ukraine, the more Russian President Vladimir Putin appears to be losing touch with reality. This might be considered an occupational hazard for someone whose default position is to tell bare-faced lies when confronted with uncomfortable truths, as he did when Russian forces launched their initial invasion of Ukraine in 2014. Back then, he repeatedly denied Moscow had any military presence, when all the evidence showed the opposite was true. Similarly, the Russian leader has continued to deny any involvement in the shooting down of Malaysia Airlines Flight MH17 over eastern Ukraine in 2014, even though international investigators say they have found strong indications that Putin personally approved the use of the BUK missile systems that were used to shoot down the aircraft. Putins ability to inhabit his own fantasy world was again very much in evidence this week when he was interviewed by a select group of ultra-nationalist bloggers and journalists. With his so-called special military operation in Ukraine failing miserably to achieve its objectives, Putin has found himself under pressure from ultra-nationalists, such as Yevgeny Prigozhin, the uncompromising leader of the Wagner Group. Having seen his mercenary paramilitary organisation suffer massive losses currently estimated at more than 30,000 in its effort to capture the eastern city of Bakhmut, Prigozhin has directed his ire against the Russian leader, warning that his failed strategy could ultimately result in a new 1917-style revolution. In an interview with prominent Russian pro-war blogger Konstantin Dolgov last month, Prigozhin issued a chilling warning to the privileged figures overseeing Russias calamitous military campaign in Ukraine. The guilty people will receive their punishment as a minimum, theyll be hanged on the Red Square, he said, claiming Russian elites were living comfortably while troops were dying on the front lines. The increasing vitriol enthusiastic supporters of the Ukraine invasion like Prigozhin are directing towards the Kremlin have clearly disconcerted Putin. Earlier this month he was forced to abandon plans to hold a major press conference, known as his annual conversation with the worlds media, over fears he would face a grilling over Moscows modest gains in Ukraine. Instead the conference will only be held when the military situation is more stable, which, given the Russian militarys precarious predicament, could be many months hence. Putin did, however, agree to be interviewed by a group of bloggers, presumably in the hope that he could persuade them to tone down their constant sniping at the Kremlins strategy, and rally behind the Russian war effort. Putins desperation to impress his audience may well explain why he made the ludicrous suggestion that Russia might launch a second offensive to capture Kyiv. The previous attempt to seize the Ukrainian capital at the start of the war in February last year was an ignominious failure, with the ill-equipped and badly-trained Russian forces being easily routed within days of launching their advance. Any suggestion that Putin could mount a fresh offensive to capture the city after the disastrous losses the Russians have suffered during the past year is palpable nonsense. At its current depleted levels, the Russian military will be hard pushed to defend itself against the Ukrainian counter-offensive that is already under way in eastern and southern Ukraine, let alone divert precious resources to taking Kyiv. Putins own admission that Russia has so far lost 54 tanks in the early phase of the counter-offensive suggests the Russian military has no kit to spare for other operations. Rather, Putins posturing over Kyiv to win the support of ultra-nationalist activists is yet further evidence of the Russian leaders retreat into his dangerous fantasy world where Russia retains the military prowess to vanquish all of its foes. Such a mindset would certainly help to explain Putins provocative decision to begin deploying nuclear weapons to Belarus, the first time such warheads have been moved outside Russia since the fall of the Soviet Union. The timing of the deployment is deliberate, as it is meant as a warning signal to Nato leaders ahead of next months summit in Lithuania. The reality, though, is that this is nothing more than desperate grandstanding by Putin, who fully understands that the likelihood of using such weapons is zero, not least because China, Russias only meaningful ally, would simply not tolerate such action. Beijing may be providing Russia with a modicum of diplomatic cover, but it is not prepared to sanction any action that would undermine its vital commercial interests, which is what any attempt by Moscow to use nuclear weapons would do. So while Putin still likes to give the impression that he commands a military superpower, the truth is that his provocative actions amount to nothing more than the empty gestures of a failing president desperate to survive. 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. Putin has a secret plan to squeeze Western companies as they leave Russia by seizing their assets at bargain prices, report says Russian President Vladimir Putin meets with members of the all-Russian public organization "Delovaya Rossiya", a union of entrepreneurs, at the Kremlin in Moscow on May 26, 2023. MIKHAIL KLIMENTYEV/SPUTNIK/AFP via Getty Images Putin plans to seize and sell the assets of Western firms in Russia, the FT reported. Many companies have left Russia over the war in Ukraine. Plans to nationalize some entities are also under discussion, the report said. Russian President Vladimir Putin has signed a secret decree allowing the Russian government to buy the assets of Western companies at discount prices then sell them for a profit, The Financial Times reported. The move comes after many Western nations imposed sanctions on Russia after the unprovoked invasion of Ukraine, and a number of Western companies said they'd no longer be doing business there. Among the companies which shuttered their Russian operations already were big-name brands such as McDonalds and Ikea, Insider reported. Under the order signed by Putin the Russian government would be given priority for buying up assets of Western companies at rock bottom prices, the FT said citing sources with knowledge of the matter. It would then be able to sell them at a profit. The report said that even tougher measures allowing for the full nationalization of groups are being discussed. According to the report, the measures are designed to punish countries that seize Russian assets, and reward those which don't. In the wake of the Ukraine invasion, Western countries froze an estimated $350 billion in Russian state assets, foreign reserves and oligarch assets, the AFP said. Western companies that've stayed in Russia have made significant profits there, indirectly helping the Kremlin fund its war. Western companies collectively contributed more than $3.5 billion to the Russian state in 2022, Russian independent outlet Novaya Gazeta reported. The new measures Putin signed could be interpreted as a way of making it more difficult for firms to leave. "If a company doesn't fulfill its obligations, then, of course, it goes in the category of naughty companies," Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov told the FT. Peskov said some Western firms have stopped paying salaries or left Russia at a significant loss. "We say goodbye to those companies. And what we do with their assets after that is our business," he added. The Russian government has sought to boost its revenue after sanctions imposed over the Ukraine war badly impacted its economy. Earlier in June, the Russian government sought to raise $4 billion by imposing a windfall tax on large Russian companies, Insider reported. Read the original article on Business Insider Putin is setting up excuses to protect himself in case his war in Ukraine fails, says ex-CIA officer Russian President Vladimir Putin meets with war correspondents in Moscow on June 13, 2023. GAVRIIL GRIGOROV/SPUTNIK/AFP via Getty Images Russian President Vladimir Putin is apparently searching for excuses, an ex-CIA official said. Putin has claimed Russian forces in Ukraine need better weapons. Russia's achievements in Ukraine have fallen well short of its initial aims. Russian President Vladimir Putin appears to be preparing excuses in case Russia's invasion of Ukraine becomes a stalemate or his troops are defeated, a former CIA officer told CNN. In recent remarks to journalists, Putin said that Russian forces in Ukraine were fighting with inferior weapons, and that the country is urgently increasing the production of modern weapons for front-line troops. On Tuesday, Putin specifically told Russian military bloggers and state media war correspondents that Russian forces were short on high-precision ammo and attack drones. The remarks were an abrupt shift for Putin, who had previously boasted of the superiority of Russia's arsenal. In an appearance on CNN Wednesday, Steven Hall, a former senior CIA official, said that Putin appeared to be deliberately attempting to lower expectations of a Russian victory in Ukraine. "For me, the really fascinating questions is why does Vladimir Putin address this, and for me, we have to turn to history in Russia. There have been so many Russian leaders who, after a failed or stalemated war, did not survive in power afterward," Hall told the network. "I wonder whether or not Putin's thinking about that, whether he's beginning to see: 'OK, I'm not going to win it, the best I can hope for is some kind of draw, some sort of frozen conflict.' "'But if that happens, how will I survive politically?' And I wonder whether he's trying to prepare the Russian population for that eventuality and trying to figure out a soft landing for himself." The Kremlin had apparently expected to seize control of Ukraine swiftly after launching its invasion in February 2022, but the conflict has become a gruelling war of attrition in territory Russia has occupied in south and east Ukraine. Putin had until late last year reportedly believed that Russia remained capable of seizing control of most of Ukraine despite a series of setbacks, but US intelligence officials recently told Congress that he now accepts only more modest goals are possible. It's unclear what Putin would be able to sell as a victory to Russians, but a stalemate or frozen conflict would likely be a disappointing result given the huge cost of the conflict to the country in terms of casualties and economic strength. Former intelligence officials recently told Insider that a defeat in Ukraine, which they defined as Russian forces being expelled from the country, could prompt internal chaos in Russia, and embolden those seeking to challenge Putin's power. Read the original article on Business Insider Putin wants to seize neighbouring territories, we need to talk about security guarantees for Ukraine Scholz German Chancellor Olaf Scholz has stated the need to discuss security guarantees for Ukraine. Source: Scholz at a government press conference, reported by DW Details: Scholz noted that Berlin has long been talking about this with his most important allies. According to the German chancellor, it is also about being ready to ensure security when Russia's war against Ukraine is over. He has stressed that it is out of the question to "somehow freeze the war and legitimise the Russian invasion", as some parties are calling for. "The Russian president clearly wants to absorb some neighbouring territories: he has such a plan for Ukraine, and it is quite obvious that this is also his plan for Belarus," Scholz said. That is why, as Scholz stressed, it is important to support Ukraine and have a "solid conversation about security guarantees". "And that is why it is important to make it clear that we will support Ukraine as long as it takes, and that we will not accept an imposed peace. Russia must withdraw its troops," he added. Background: A meeting of the heads of state and government of Poland, France and Germany in Paris discussed Ukraine's aspirations for NATO membership and security guarantees from the allies. Polish President Andrzej Duda called for Ukraine's admission to NATO, while Emmanuel Macron and Olaf Scholz were more cautious and spoke of security guarantees. Journalists fight on their own frontline. Support Ukrainska Pravda or become our patron! The Putnam County Sheriffs Office is seeking the publics assistance in locating a suspect involved in the theft of a 2000 Sunnybrook camper from Melrose Mini Storage. The incident occurred during daylight hours Wednesday, leaving authorities determined to arrest the individual responsible before further thefts occur. >>> STREAM ACTION NEWS JAX LIVE <<< The act, reminiscent of an unwanted summer storm, saw a person in an SUV make off with the camper, much to the dismay of its owner. If you have any information, you can provide it by contacting the Putnam County Sheriffs Office directly or reaching out to CrimeStoppers of NE Florida at 1-888-277-8477. Additionally, they can make use of the P3 app for anonymous reporting. CrimeStoppers guarantees anonymity and offers a potential reward for information that leads to an arrest. Members of the community who wish to assist in the investigation are encouraged to contact the non-emergency line at 386-329-0800, referencing case PCSO23OFF002104. [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. Can a Reagan conservative win in today's GOP, or will Republicans stick with Trump? They say you cant go home again, but Mike Pence is determined to try. As part of his presidential announcement, Pence billed himself as a Reagan conservative, leading the Republican Party back to pre-Trump days. According to The New York Times, His teams improbable bet is that a 'Reagan coalition' composed of the Christian right, fiscal conservatives and national security hawks can be reassembled within a party transformed by (Donald) Trump. It may be a long shot, but it at least represents a coherent alternative vision for the GOP to the backward-looking anger and resentment favored by the former president, and increasingly by Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis. It was the standard line on the Mad Men TV show: If you dont like whats being said, change the conversation. So how can Pence, Sen. Tim Scott of South Carolina, Virginia Gov. Glenn Youngkin or former South Carolina Gov. Nikki Haley change the GOPs conversation? Lets look at the issues that animated GOP conservatives from Ronald Reagan through the beginnings of MAGA. President Ronald Reagan in the Oval Office in 1987. Republicans need a candidate who is a fiscal conservative A Reaganite candidate has a glaring opening with fiscal conservatives. President Reagan worked hard to limit domestic discretionary spending. Necessary military spending that ended the Cold War drove most of the Reagan era deficits. In contrast, Trump cared not a whit about reining in the federal budget. According to the conservative Manhattan Institute, Trump left the White House with the largest peacetime budget deficit in American history and a national debt exceeding 100% of the economy for the first time since World War II. Some of that spending was pandemic related, but not all. As usual, Trump is unapologetic, and he opposed the recently concluded debt ceiling agreement to solve a problem he helped to create. Biden wins with debt ceiling deal: Debt ceiling deal reveals the impotence of Donald Trump's MAGA movement The concept of limited government is seldom discussed in todays GOP. The latest right-wing fantasy is the notion of using big government for "conservative ends." Never mind that the main conservative end is freedom. This notion has led DeSantis to embrace state power and wage war against woke ideas, including the free speech rights of a private company (Disney), the biggest employer in his state. It also underlines his administrations energetic efforts to censor school library books and curriculum plans, in some cases if only a single parent complains. Is there a market for a presidential candidate who speaks candidly about the need for a return to limited government, fiscal discipline and budget reform? Trumps biggest supporters have been social conservatives. These voters have been willing to overlook his spotty personal life to focus instead on his appointment of originalist judges. A Supreme Court with three Trump appointees overruled Roe v. Wade. Republican state legislatures have responded by passing laws outlawing abortion in virtually all cases, a position that has little public support. GOP must learn from midterms to win: If Republicans don't listen to Nancy Mace on abortion, the party can count on losing big in 2024 Republican Party used to be the party of law and order An even bigger Republican problem is criminal justice. Republicans since Richard Nixon have fancied themselves as the law-and-order party. However, deference to Trumps misdeeds has taken on a higher priority. Case in point: the insurrection at the U.S. Capitol on Jan. 6, 2021. Trumps rhetoric about that horrible day has become radicalized, and he now seems to justify the actions of those convicted of violent crimes. He has teased pardons for even the most violent offenders and called an African American policeman who defended the Capitol a thug. He smirks when reminded that the rioters chant that day was Hang Mike Pence. DeSantis has followed Trumps lead and promised that if elected president, he would be aggressive in issuing pardons for Jan. 6 rioters, even one for Trump himself. Yes, really. Is there a market for a candidate who will defend the GOPs historic commitment to the rule of law, peaceful protest and American democracy? Return to pro-democracy, pro-freedom foreign policy Foreign policy is probably where Trumps crabby semi-isolationism most differs from Reagans freedom-oriented alliance of democratic nations. Reagan energized the international coalition that vanquished the Soviet Union and brought freedom to Eastern Europe and most of the old Soviet Republics. Reagans American-led coalition was unabashedly pro-democracy and pro-freedom, forward looking and unalterably opposed to aggressive authoritarian states, including the Soviet Union, where Vladimir Putin was a loyal KGB officer. By contrast, Trump and his MAGA Republicans are unwilling to defend Ukraine against unprovoked Russian aggression. In a recent CNN Town Hall, Trump refused to say whether he would support a Ukrainian victory if elected next year. DeSantis characterized the conflict as a territorial dispute, before walking it back. Why US can't stop supporting Ukraine: America's billions in aid to Ukraine isnt charity, but it can't be wasted Putins goal is to reconstitute the old Soviet Union, which represents a direct threat to American interests and world stability. American and NATO support leading to a Russian defeat in Ukraine would be a massive setback to all of the totalitarian states of today Russia, Iran, North Korea and China. Is there a market for a candidate who will argue that our national interest demands that America be involved in world affairs by supporting democracy and opposing aggression by authoritarian states? Opinion alerts: Get columns from your favorite columnists + expert analysis on top issues, delivered straight to your device through the USA TODAY app. Don't have the app? Download it for free from your app store. One other important Reagan characteristic that has been lost by Trump and his clones is tone. Reagan saw a Republican Party that was optimistic, forward looking and focused on policies to win new adherents to the cause. Trumps focus is pessimistic, backward looking and dedicated to preserving his narrow base. MAGA demonizes the most vulnerable groups in America for political gain. Reagan grew the pie. Trump sliced it differently. In 1984, Reagan won 59% of votes and 49 states when reelected. Trump received only 47% of the vote in losing reelection in 2020. Is there a market for a Republican who will focus on the future, enhanced opportunity and a positive agenda that addresses the real needs of America? Its called changing the conversation. It wasnt that long ago that these Reagan principles had the overwhelming support of Republicans. Maybe when Republicans finally get tired of losing, theyll return to the partys historic traditions that worked well for a long time. Frank Donatelli, a former deputy chair of the Republican National Committee, is the chairman of the Reagan Ranch Board of Governors. You can read diverse opinions from our Board of Contributors and other writers on the Opinion front page, on Twitter @usatodayopinion and in our daily Opinion newsletter. To respond to a column, submit a comment to letters@usatoday.com. This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Will Republicans finally dump Trump to nominate a true conservative? Glenda Jackson gave her two Oscars to her mother, who found another use for them Glenda Jackson is one of just a relatively small number of actors who have won two or more Oscars. As of 2023, 44 Hollywood stars have won multiple trophies at the ceremony, with Katharine Hepburn leading the pack with four. Jackson, who died on Thursday (15 June) aged 87, won twice for her roles in Ken Russells Women in Love (1970), and A Touch of Class (1973), which was directed by Melvin Frank While several other stars have the honour of being two-time Oscar winners (Bette Davis, Renee Zellweger and Cate Blanchett to name a few), Jackson is the only one who didnt collect either award. Once she received the golden trophies, she decided to give them to her mother, who found another use for them altogether. In 2021, Jackson told The Times that her mother used them as bookends. Jackson said: It always sounds so ungrateful, and Im not, but once youve got it, what do you do with it? She also said that getting a good part gave her more pleasure than receiving accolades for her work. Glenda Jackson in A Touch of Class (AVCO Embassy Pictures) Jacksons agent confirmed that the actor died at her home in Blackheath, London after a brief illness. The actor, who also was a Labour MP, won a Bafta for Best Actress in 2020 for her role in Elizabeth Is Missing, which followed the story of a woman suffering from dementia. She recently completed filming The Great Escaper, in which she co-starred with Michael Caine. The film is inspired by true events, and tells the story of a Second World War veteran who escaped his home in Hove, east Sussex, to attend a commemoration of the 70th anniversary of the D-Day landings in France. It marked the first time Jackson had acted alongside Caine since they starred together in The Romantic Englishwoman, 48 years ago. LAS VEGAS In 1978, a garment bag containing a woman's heavily decayed remains was discovered in a remote area of northern Nevada. The case soon went cold and the victim remained nameless for 45 years. But on Wednesday, Nevada State Police announced that advancements in DNA testing have finally led to an identification. She was Florence Charleston, a Cleveland, Ohio, woman in her late 60s who had moved to Portland, Oregon, shortly before her death. This undated photo provided by Nevada State Police shows Florence Charleston, left, holding one of her nieces, Donna Taylor. In 1978, a garment bag containing a woman's heavily decayed remains was discovered in a remote area of northern Nevada. On Wednesday, June 14, 2023, Nevada State Police announced that advancements in DNA testing led recently to an identification: Florence Charleston, a Cleveland woman who had moved to Portland, Ore., shortly before her death. How Charleston wound up dead and buried in a shallow grave 535 miles (860 kilometers) away from her new home is still a mystery. Police said Wednesday in a news release announcing the DNA match that the investigation into her death is ongoing. Diane Liggitt, one of Charlestons few surviving relatives, said she was around 18 when she learned from her father that her aunt had left for the Pacific Northwest with a new boyfriend sometime in the early 1970s. Decades passed. The family never heard from Charleston again. Throughout the years, Liggitt told The Associated Press, she thought a lot about her Aunt Dolly a childhood nickname that stuck. Was she happy, or not? Was she safe?" Liggitt said. All these questions I had, and it turns out she was dead. Charleston's remains were found in October 1978 in the small Nevada town of Imlay, about two hours north of Reno. Inside the garment bag, officers with the Pershing County Sheriff's Office the initial lead investigating agency also found some articles of women's clothing. An autopsy revealed the decomposing remains likely belonged to a middle-aged woman but failed to determine a cause of death, police said. Liggitt said her aunt would have been around 68 at the time of her death. The case was later entered into the National Missing and Unidentified Persons System, along with a rendering of what detectives thought the woman looked like at the time of her death. According to that entry, the woman was thought to be 5-foot-5 with red or auburn hair. Investigators also thought she may have been left-handed. The clothing items found with her remains included a dark-green sweater with a white safety pin attached to the front, dark-green trousers and a long-sleeved pink sweater. In spring of 1979, Nevada State Police detectives were called in to help with the probe. They tried digital facial reconstruction. They compared dental records with other missing persons and unsolved cases. They looked for clues in the articles of clothing dumped with the remains. But their efforts were unsuccessful. Then last March, police said, they teamed up with Othram Inc., a private laboratory specializing in forensic genealogy analysis that has helped close countless other cold cases nationwide. In a separate news release, Othram said Wednesday they used DNA taken from the remains to develop a comprehensive DNA profile for the unidentified woman, leading investigators to two of Charleston's nieces still living in Ohio. Liggitt said she received the news in April. She was on her way out of the house when her phone rang. She didn't recognize the out-of-state phone number, but she answered it anyway. On the other end of the line was Nevada State Police Detective Sean Koester, who had taken over the cold case in October 2022. By then, Koester said, the case had been dormant for 40-plus years. Koester introduced himself. He'd been trying to reach her and her cousin, Donna, he said, to talk about a set of 45-year-old human remains. You found my Aunt Dolly? Liggitt recalled telling the detective. Soon after that phone call, Othram was able to link Charleston to the unidentified remains by using a DNA sample from Liggitt's cousin. Now around the same age as Charleston had been at the time of her death, Liggitt said she hopes to live long enough to learn how and why her Aunt Dolly was killed. This article originally appeared on Cincinnati Enquirer: Florence Charleston: Remains found in Nevada identified as Ohio woman Rep. Sam Graves, the Missouri Republican who chairs the committee in charge of issuing the congressional authorization for the Federal Aviation Administration, owns at least two planes a 1954 North American T6-J and a Vans RV-8. Hes a pilot, frequently flies out of the municipal airport in his hometown of Tarkio and, in the recently introduced House version of the bill, secured a whole sections worth of priorities for the pilots of smaller planes that generally arent used to shuttle large quantities of people and products around the country. Having a chairman of a full committee who is a general aviation pilot, who completely and fully understands the industry is just very important, said Jim Coon, the vice president of government advocacy at the Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association. And I think over the years, many of the FAA bills focused on the commercial side of things. And I think this is Chairman Graves opportunity to show the importance of general aviation to the country. Coon said there are about 200,000 airplanes in the general aviation fleet compared to 5,000 in the commercial fleet, which makes up the vast majority of planes in the country. There are also more public use airports used by the general aviation fleet than by the major airlines, which only use about 400 to 500. In the past week, both the House and Senate have introduced their versions of the FAA re-authorization bill, which helps lay out funding and rules for the agency that helps keep air-traffic moving and safe. The current version is set to expire in September, which would risk a shutdown that jeopardizes the jobs of airplane inspectors and air traffic controllers, potentially causing a disruption to passenger flights. It is the beginning of what will be a long process both the House and Senate will pass their versions of a bill and will likely have to agree over a final version sometime before September. Already, the bill is delayed in the Senate and Congress takes the month of August off. The 773-page House version contains more robust provisions for general aviation than the 461-page Senate version. It includes the implementation of a pilots bill of rights that requires notice when a pilot is subject to reexamination and provisions related to fuel private pilots can use, allowing more pilots to get private physicians to sign off on medical exams and funding more airplane hangars. Graves office did not reply to a request for comment on how his experience as a pilot shaped the construction of the House version of the FAA Authorization. During campaigns, he has been criticized for using federal money to support his flying hobby. In his remarks before a committee meeting about the bill, Graves touted its focus on general aviation. He founded the general aviation caucus in Congress. Im proud to say that our bill includes the first ever General Aviation (GA) title, Graves said. GA is foundational to our aviation system. Its where many of our pilots, mechanics, and others begin their careers, gaining valuable experience on their path to professions throughout the industry. Graves is one of three lawmakers from the Kansas City region who has a say in the airlines bill, alongside Sen. Jerry Moran, a Kansas Republican, and Rep. Sharice Davids, a Kansas Democrat. Moran and Graves are leading congressional delegations to Paris this weekend to make a speech at the Paris Air Show. Lawmakers have particularly highlighted provisions in the bill aimed at helping consumers. The Senate version of the bill aims to clarify the laws surrounding refunds when an airline cancels or significantly delays a flight. It also forbids airlines from charging extra for families to sit together and says airlines can no longer publish unrealistic flight schedules that lead to delays. The House version also forbids airlines from charging extra for families to sit together and requires the airlines to reimburse people for meals and hotels when they cancel a flight. In recent months, weve seen a frustrating rise in mass flight cancellations, runway near-misses, and costs for air travelers. Its time Congress acts to provide Americans with a sense of security while traveling, Davids wrote in a statement. Im proud to have worked with Republicans and Democrats on legislation that includes many of the priorities Ive pushed for, including more protections for consumers, updated safety regulations, and incentives to boost the aviation industry here in America. Davids last year sponsored a bill that focused on advanced air mobility new technology that would pave the way for drone-like aircraft that would initially be used for things like delivering packages and could one day be used as air taxis to help people reach hospitals. The Senates version of the bill creates two more sites where companies could start experimenting with the technology for package delivery and helps creates a path for the safety certification of air taxis. Moran worked on the Senate version of the bill, and attempted to protect the number of flights that go through the airports in Kansas, specifically the brand new terminal at Kansas City International airport. He also focused on workforce issues, including a training program at Wichita State University. But on Thursday, a scheduled meeting about the Senate bill was delayed as lawmakers battled behind the scenes as lawmakers battled over whether to require more training hours for pilots and whether to allow longer flights out of Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport. Moran said the bill shouldnt be derailed by political whims, while acknowledging that negotiations will continue as the bill works its way through Congress. The FAA is at an important juncture as it navigates an evolving environment and challenges, Moran said. When traveling by air, Americans expect to arrive to their destination safely, with minimal delays and without spending all their savings on a plane ticket. It is these expectations that have been at the forefront of our discussions as we drafted this legislation. A pink Xbox 360 replica controller sits on a wooden table. The Xboxs gamepad wasnt a hit right out of the gate. The original consoles first controller, often nicknamed the Duke for its comically large size, is remembered for just that: being enormous. Its followup, the Controller S, was serviceable but not particularly notable. But when Microsoft took its third stab at introducing a gamepad, it arguably struck gold. And now, like the Duke before it, the Xbox 360 controller has returned by way of Hyperkins officially licensed replica for PC and modern Xbox consoles, aptly named Xenon, after the Xbox 360s processor. The result is an excellent controller with generous haptic response and solid build quality. Its the return of an old friend for sure, but one whose price and missing features make it hard to recommend over a modern Xbox Wireless controller. Read more The return of a proven design The Xbox 360s controller felt great in the hands, wisely relegating the black and white buttons to the shoulders, where they served as bumpers typically actuated by the sides of your index fingers, freeing up your actual fingers for use on triggers. It made shooters more enjoyable and avoided the sort of fork grip of index and middle fingers usually required for PlayStation gamepads. And on PC, Xbox 360 controllers often worked more seamlessly via XInput than something like a DualShock 3, which usually required additional software. The Xbox One and current wireless controllers have since replaced the 360, particularly as Microsoft no longer makes the 360 controller. And the current offering from Microsoft is both affordable and of great quality. So what are the advantages of the Xbox 360 gamepad in 2023? After spending the last two weeks primarily gaming on the Xenon on PC across a wide variety of genres, Im happy to say that the comfort of this gamepad isnt just nostalgia: This is a genuinely comfortable controller that feels better now that it doesnt have the big battery pack that used to sit in the middle of the original. That extra space comes at the cost of wireless functionality, much like the original 360s wired variant. But if the lack of wireless isnt an issue for you, the Xenon feels less like a dated throwback than a rather modern option. The buttons are where theyre supposed to be and its as comfortable as the Xbox Wireless controller. In fact, I prefer the feel of the Xenon a bit more than the Xbox Wireless controller. Ill address its shortcomings in a moment, but when playing recent releases on PC, Im beginning to favor the Xenon over the modern Xbox controller, and not just for the shape alone. A replica of an Xbox 360 controller sits on a table. A refreshing feel, thunderous rumble, and old-school vibes The first thing that stood out to me when I picked up the Xenon were the feel and motion of the analog sticks, which lack the rigid tire-like texture that lines the edges of current Xbox controllers. While I have some concern that they will eventually get worn down and become slippery, the movement of the sticks feel as though theyre looserin a good way. The motion of the Xenons thumbsticks feel flexible rather than worn in, and they seem to have a greater travel distance than the current Xbox controller. They feel good to move around, and I particularly enjoyed their looser movement while playing Diablo IV. And, as should be of no surprise, it felt so right with old-school Halo games. All of the buttons have a satisfying action to them; the menu buttons are noticeably snappier than they were on the original (though the big X button in the center is a little spongey, which sadly doesnt have four glowing rings around it). Same goes for the bumpers, which are almost so satisfying to click that I think Im missing out on not dedicating fingers to them. (Yes, I know Im weird). Oh, but what about that d-pad? Im not going to defend the Xbox 360 d-pad here. But I am going to say that the Xenon offers one of the best iterations of what this design could be. Were this not a replica controller, I would argue for redesigning the d-pad altogether, but it does feel snappier than the original. You wont catch me playing Street Fighter 6 with this, but it will make for an acceptably average d-pad experience on games that dont require heavy use of such a thing. The triggers, which are far more narrow than what youd have on almost any modern controller, also feel particularly at home for shooters. They resemble real gun triggers far more than whats on the standard Xbox controller. That said, I didnt enjoy that feeling for racing games, where the more narrow pressure against my index finger, since theres less surface area, didnt feel as nice. The reverse side of a replica Xbox 360 controller shows the triggers. But perhaps my favorite feature is the rumble. God does this thing feel great when it vibrates. Explosions have a nice kick and gunfire rumbles in my hand and gives me absolute joy. Sure, more contemporary haptic vibration methods like whats in the PlayStation 5s DualSense are nice, but offset weights spinning on motors in a plastic case is a kind of fun that I dont think will ever get old. The rumble feels stronger than what the Xbox Wireless controller delivers, though thats a hard metric to measure precisely. Also, the buttons are fully colored coded. That may not seem like an obvious advantage, but consider that the standard Xbox Wireless controller only colors the letters on the buttons, and for the fancier editions, theyre all uniformly muted. Video games are meant to be fun, and its nice to see fun colors on a gamepad. I primarily played on a black Xenon controller, and having the yellow, red, green, and blue jewel buttons pop made me feel like I was picking up something exciting to play, not an attempt at trying to look industrial or utilitarian. Black and red Xbox 360 replica controllers sit on a wooden table. The Xenon comes in black, pink, white, and red. Each with matching colored USB cables. The red is the only odd one as it has gray sides and triggers, which is kind of an eyesore. Meanwhile, the white is very faithful to the launch 360 model (though the black menu buttons sort of mar that). That leaves the pink and black as probably the best of the current Xenon color offerings. At $50, the wired Xenon nearly competes with the Xbox Wireless controller How much do you value nostalgia? Because when it comes to Xenon, youre gonna need to keep that in mind. At MSRP, the Xenon controller is $10 less than a standard Xbox wireless controller (which starts at around $60 and goes up for limited edition colors). But if you shop at Amazon or most online retailers (including directly from Microsofts store), its not uncommon to find a standard Xbox gamepad for $10 off, meaning that the Xenon and Xbox Wireless Controller are often the same price. If the Xbox 360 controller was your jam and you dont care about wireless, the answers probably clear: This is a faithful recreation and an excellent execution of the form factor. Personally? Wires dont bother me. Im often within three feet of my PC tower and less than that when on my laptop, so a wire is fine for me. Still, you may differ on that, especially if youre a console player. In that case, even the 10 ft. USB-C cable that comes with the Xenon might not be enoughand its not quite cheap enough to be the dedicated I-dont-care-what-happens-to-this-here-player-2 gamepad you fish out of a drawer when youre labored with company who want to game. Three Xbox 360 replica controllers, one pink, one white, and one black, sit on a wooden table. Even though it doesnt bother me, the lack of wireless is a friggin buzzkill. And that aint really Hyperkins fault. As was the case with the replica of the Duke, Microsofts proprietary wireless technology isnt something its willing to share. I can only guess as to the reasons why. And while it is neat to have the 360s form factor back in hand, I cant help but wonder if a better version of this controller could exist if it werent limited to just being a replica. Id gladly take some slightly wider triggers, more textured thumbsticks, and a better d-pad design (honestly, even the satellite dish design of the current Xbox Wireless controller would be a step up) fused with this overall shape. The Xenon, overall, is a great controller that easily meets modern standards of gaming. The lack of wireless sucks, and its price is too close to the standard Xbox Wireless controller to suggest youll save money by reattaching the cord. That said, the price of entry gets you a new Xbox 360 controller for PC and modern Xboxes, and thats something that just might be worth a tether and dated d-pad design. More from Kotaku Sign up for Kotaku's Newsletter. For the latest news, Facebook, Twitter and Instagram. Click here to read the full article. According to a new study, the rate of food allergies among Black people ties with the rate for Hispanics, with Asians a close second. If you havent done so already, getting yourself screened for allergies might be a good idea. Food allergies are on the rise, and they are impacting Black people, Hispanic people, and Asian people the most. According to a new study published Wednesday by JAMA Network Open, people of color and people with lower incomes are more likely to have food allergies than white people and people with higher socioeconomic statuses. Food allergies occur when exposure to a particular food triggers the immune system to attack the proteins in the food. According to CNN, more than 170 foods have been reported to cause allergic reactions. (Photo credit: Adobe Stock/New Africa) The new study found that 10.6% of Black people, 10.6% of Hispanic people, and 10.5% of Asian people have food allergies. Asian and non-Hispanic white people had the lowest rates of severe food allergy reactions, and those with the lowest number of food allergies, 8.3%, lived in households that earned more than $150,000 per year. Until now, studies on food allergies in people of color have mainly focused on children, said the studys authors, per CNN. Looking at all ages, this study found notable differences across races and age groups in the types of foods people are allergic to. For instance, eggs and fin fish (tuna, halibut, and salmon) were the biggest triggers for Black children, while tree nuts (almonds, Brazil nuts, cashews, hazelnuts, macadamia nuts, pecans, pine nuts, and pistachios), were the biggest triggers for Black adults. The study also found that 50.6% of Black people of any age with food allergies were most likely to have numerous triggers. Meanwhile, tree nuts were the biggest triggers for Asian children, while shellfish and peanut allergies were the biggest triggers for Asian adults. Hispanic adults had the highest rates of allergies to hens eggs and fin fish. CNN further reports that food allergies, which roughly impact 11% of all adults and 8% of all children, are increasing. An earlier study found allergies increased in children by 50% between 1997 and 2011. According to the CDC, more than a quarter of US adults and children currently have at least one allergy. For now, theres no clear explanation as to why. Dr. Mahboobeh Mahdavinia, an associate professor of medicine in the Department of Internal Medicine in the Division of Allergy & Immunology at Chicagos Rush Medical College, told CNN its most likely not genetics. The majority of this is likely driven by the environment and the social [economic] factors that impact environments that people are born into and live in as adults, Mahdavinia said. No matter the reason, the studys authors are urging physicians to screen people of color for allergies. Dr. Ruchi Gupta, a co-author of the new study and the director of the Center for Food Allergy and Asthma Research, hopes her research will help avoid increasing disparity in care. If an allergic reaction to food occurs, its really, really important to get that diagnosis and plan and then have access to these new treatments when they come out, she said. I dont want to see these disparities grow. 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 Report: People of color are more prone to food allergies than white people appeared first on TheGrio. Report slams Google for allegedly failing to enforce its own policy for video ads: It really begs the question A recent op-ed in the San Francisco Chronicle blasted Google for apparently not fulfilling its 2021 pledge to stop putting ads on content that spreads climate disinformation. This policy was put in place so that those spreading this false information would no longer be able to make money off of it on Google platforms, including YouTube. Despite its pledge, a new report from the Climate Action Against Disinformation (CAAD) coalition shows that Google has failed to enforce its policy to demonetize YouTube videos that contain climate disinformation. Two hundred of the videos in question collectively have close to 75 million views, with 18 million coming from videos that meet Googles own definition of climate disinformation. Thats tens of millions of viewers potentially accepting this disinformation, which has become extremely widespread and is wreaking havoc on progress toward a cleaner, cooler, and healthier future for all of us. Such disinformation is often allowed to continue because its profitable. Businesses often opt for views over the truth, despite their pledges to help the environment. Ads on these videos were often for major brands and businesses like Costco, Nike, and big dirty energy companies like ExxonMobil. Big oil companies have been found to be among the biggest perpetrators of greenwashing. Greenwashing is when a company makes misleading or entirely false claims about the environmental benefits of a product or practice, and it has become frighteningly common. Googles claim that they are removing harmful ads when, in fact, theyre not, is a classic example. Callum Hood, the head of research at the Center for Countering Digital Hate, told The New York Times, It really begs the question about what Googles current level of enforcement is I think its fair to say its probably the tip of the iceberg. Naomi Oreskes, a historian of science at Harvard University, told PBS that the tragedy of this is that all over social media, you can see tens of millions of Americans who think scientists are lying, even about things that have been proven for decades. Claire Atkin, a co-founder of the advocacy group Check My Ads, warned that when someone posts a video to YouTube, they have the opportunity to make a full salary on disinformation. Join our free newsletter for cool news and actionable info that makes it easy to help yourself while helping the planet. Constituents both supporting and protesting a vote to overturn Gov. Roy Coopers veto of an abortion restriction bill demonstrate Tuesday, May 16, 2023, at the Legislative Building in Raleigh, N.C. (Travis Long/tlong@newsobserver.com) When Republicans introduced a ban on most abortions in North Carolina after 12 weeks of pregnancy, they insisted it was a mainstream proposal. They called it common-sense and reasonable and argued that it was in line with what the majority of North Carolinians believe. But polling released this week confirms that was just some old-fashioned political gaslighting. A new poll from Elon University shows that the supposedly mainstream abortion ban has not been met with mainstream support after all. The poll found that 45% of voters strongly or somewhat oppose recent changes to North Carolinas abortion laws, while only 23% support them. When asked specifically about reducing the gestational limit from 20 weeks to 12 weeks, support for the bill increased to 36%, but 45% of voters remained opposed. The remaining voters said they neither support nor oppose the changes. Unsurprisingly, Democrats were more likely to oppose the changes, while Republicans were more likely to support them. But among those who identified as neither Democrat nor Republican, there was nearly twice as much opposition as there was support. In fact, abortion is a nuanced issue even within the Republican Party 29% of GOP voters strongly or somewhat oppose the changes, according to the Elon poll. There was more opposition than support for a 12-week ban across nearly all demographics race, income level, age and educational attainment. Support and opposition among men, however, was equal. The results of this poll shouldnt be surprising theyre consistent with other public opinion polls on abortion since Roe v. Wade was overturned last year. A poll commissioned last month by the progressive organization Carolina Forward found that a majority of voters oppose the bill, and that they would be more likely to oppose a state legislative candidate who voted for it. A Meredith Poll released in February found that more than half of respondents wanted to keep North Carolinas 20-week law or even expand it further. Though North Carolina lawmakers publicly insisted their proposal would be popular, their messaging tactics suggested they may have privately feared backlash. They spent less than 48 hours publicly debating the 46-page bill before putting it up for a vote and fiercely objected to any characterization of it as an abortion ban. A ban is when you cant do something, one of the bills sponsors told The Washington Post. Ban is a really harsh word. Even the choice to ban abortion at 12 weeks was a conscious one. After months of internal deliberations, Republicans ultimately landed on a first trimester ban instead of something stricter, largely to avoid incurring political consequences. But the results of the poll suggest that voters may be less willing to compromise on abortion than Republicans had hoped. North Carolinas 12-week law is the most permissive state abortion ban to pass in a post-Roe world, and many saw it as a way to tighten existing restrictions without alienating voters who would be staunchly opposed to a total or near-total ban. But this poll, at least, suggests that when voters say they want abortion laws to stay the same, they mean it. That could be worrisome for Republicans going forward, who have quickly learned that overturning Roe was not a popular decision. Lt. Gov. Mark Robinson, the Republican frontrunner for governor in 2024, has told media that hes not interested in talking about the issue anymore, despite it being a common topic in his past speeches and sermons. North Carolina Democrats are preparing to campaign hard on the issue in 2024, with state party chair Anderson Clayton recently telling The News & Observer that the party has already seen a big fundraising boost. Will a 12-week abortion ban backfire on Republicans at the ballot box? Its too soon to tell, and it will largely depend on which party wins the messaging war between now and 2024. But a policy supported by only a third of North Carolinians is simply not a mainstream policy, and thats something that the party will likely have to answer for. Stem cell research stock photo Westend61 / Getty Images A team of scientists in the United States and the United Kingdom said they created the world's first synthetic human embryonic structure from stem cells, an advancement that "sidesteps the need for eggs or sperm," per The Guardian, the first outlet to cover the story. The researchers said the model embryos resemble the earliest stages of human development, meaning they lack organs such as a heart or brain. Still, the hope is that the structures can help scientists better understand genetic diseases and miscarriages, and that the research sheds light on the "black box" of human development, or the period that follows two weeks of fertilization. Dr. Magdalena Zernicka-Goetz, a professor of biology and biological engineering at CalTech and the University of Cambridge, described her team's findings in a presentation for the International Society for Stem Cell Research's annual meeting in Boston. She said a scientific journal had accepted the research but it has yet to be published. Her team and a rival group in Israel had previously reported creating similar "embryoids" from mouse stem cells. Zernicka-Goetz's lab grew each model embryo from a single human embryonic stem cell that developed into three different tissue layers, she told CNN. The models included cells that could develop into a yolk sac, placenta or embryo. She also said her lab's structures were the first to have germ cells that could become eggs and sperm. Still, Zernicka-Goetz wanted to "stress that they are not human embryos." For some, the research underscores how quickly the science in the field has bypassed the law, as many countries, including the U.S. and the U.K., lack any regulations for creating or working with synthetic embryos. The advancement also highlights the "urgent need" for laws that provide "a framework for the creation and use of stem cell derived models of human embryos," James Briscoe, associate research director at the Francis Crick Institute, said in a statement. You may also like Why Republicans are trying to make Trump's trial about Hillary Clinton Researchers say they created first synthetic human embryo model Southern Baptists expel Saddleback, 2nd church over female pastors, approve further clampdown The governor of Belgorod Oblast has received complaints about the behaviour of Russian soldiers deployed in the region, who are said to be breaking into houses, drinking and looting. Source: Meduza, a Latvia-based Russian independent news outlet Details: Natalia Chemerchenko, a resident of the border town of Shebekino, drew the governor's attention to the ugly way the Russian military is behaving, in particular in the village of Novaya Tavolzhanka. "Novaya Tavolzhanka, Vovchanskaya Street. Russian servicemen are entering many houses (although the state of emergency has not been introduced and they have no right to enter private households). They live in our houses, lead an ugly lifestyle, alcohol and other things are left in the form of garbage and dirt, toilets and houses are dirty, and personal belongings and property are stolen. A quad bike was stolen from our garage, which is now often seen in the neighbourhood of Novaya Tavolzhanka. People also complained about a stolen trailer. Now it is riding along with our quad bike," she posted. According to her, the residents do not want their homes to become "a haven for the outrages of our defenders". Vladimir Zhdanov, head of the administration of Shebekino city district, replied that the appeal had been forwarded to the security council. Background: On 2 June, the National Resistance Centre reported that a unit of the 322nd Centre of the Russian Senezh Special Forces arrived in Belgorod Oblast. "The Russians are so afraid of the underground resistance movement that they have urgently suspended all operations of this elite unit and instead deployed it in the border settlements of Belgorod Oblast. The unit's task is to conduct sabotage activities on the Russian border," the National Resistance Centre noted. Journalists fight on their own frontline. Support Ukrainska Pravda or become our patron! Reznikov meets with Pentagon chief in Brussels ahead of Ramstein format meeting Lloyd Austin and Oleksii Reznikov before the 13th meeting in the Ramstein format in Brussels "Its always a pleasure to meet with my friend and counterpart Oleksii Reznikov," Austin wrote on Twitter. "The nearly 50 countries participating in todays Ukraine Defense Contact Group stand united with you and Ukraines brave defenders." Reznikov, in turn, posted photos of their meeting on Twitter. "Today, more than 50 countries stand side by side with Ukraine in this unprovoked war started by Russia. Thank you, Lloyd Austin, for your leadership, and thank you to all our friends and partners for your unwavering support," he wrote. Brussels is hosting the 13th Ramstein format meeting ahead of next months NATO Summit in Vilnius. Mykola Oleshchuk, Ukraines Air Force Commander, has sent his officers in charge of pilot training and logistics to the Ramstein base as the aviation coalition is on the table. Air defence and munition issues will be also discussed during the meeting. 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 Rick Kogan: RAGBRAI is an annual bike ride across Iowa. This documentary shows what it means to those who ride it. CHICAGO They ride and ride and then ride some more, tens of thousands of them. All ages, sizes and shapes, they ride across Iowa every year in the summer heat. They have been doing this for decades, participants in RAGBRAI, a cumbersome acronym that stands for a joyful annual event, formally known as the Registers Annual Great Bicycle Ride Across Iowa. This is the largest bike-touring event in the world, the oldest and longest too. Some have been doing this for years and some will be doing it again in July and some of them powerfully pepper Shift: the RAGBRAI Documentary, a compelling and polished new one-hour film that is at once entertaining and enlightening. It is the work of many people from the Des Moines Register newspaper, primarily two energetic young staff members named Courtney Crowder and Kelsey Kremer. You may recognize Crowders name. A native of Glenview, Ill., she was once a bright byline in this newspaper. From about 2010 to 2015 she wrote hundreds of stories for the Chicago Tribune, most of them focused on celebrities. She was drawn west to a position at the Register with the promise that she would be able to realize her lofty ambition which was, she says with typical enthusiasm, to change the world by writing long-form stories about people. She has done so, after spending her first months at the paper detailing the television antics of Iowa farmer Chris Soules, who starred in the 19th season of The Bachelor and later got in some serious trouble back in Iowa for leaving the scene of a fatal traffic accident. She then wrote about the 2016 presidential caucus cycle; the struggles and triumphs of transgender Iowans; murder, sexual assault and other criminal matters; and various social issues and causes. She did such fine work that in June 2018, she was named the papers Iowa columnist, only the fifth since World War II and the first woman so designated. The papers executive editor, Carol Hunter, wrote at the time that Im betting her fresh perspective will prove illuminating. Thats a fine word, illuminating, to attach to Shift. Though Crowder had been covering the event for some years, when photo editor Kremer suggested to her in early 2021 that it might make a documentary, the pair got to work. I had met so many riders and heard so many compelling stories that I knew I might be able to get to the heart of the matter, find answers to the Why are you doing this? question, Crowder says. Their film gives us a short look back, traveling to the rides origins in 1973 when a pair of clever Register writers named John Karras and Don Kaul gave birth to the event. They were both serious bike riders and they ginned up this idea to ride across the state and have the paper pay for the endeavor, Crowder says. Thus did they become the Woodward and Bernstein of the bike world. They understood, as I believe, that Iowa is best told by traveling the roads and the towns main streets and meeting and talking to people eye to eye, Crowder says. That first ride attracted some 200 other bikers and it grew larger and larger. It has been and remains a seven-day-long event, covering 450 miles to 500 miles, with various towns hosting riders for overnight stays. Of course, not all riders tackle the entire course and, naturally, many of them are doing it for the fun of it all, riding and partying with friends and strangers. It is on one level sort of like a rolling carnival, Crowder says. But there is deeper meaning to be found. In advance of last years ride, she interviewed at some length 40 participants, finally deciding to focus on a smaller number and they wound up with stories that shine, people who shared themselves. We meet Andrew Boddicker and Ian Zahren, two gay men who grew up in rural America and, after living big city lives elsewhere, returned to the small Iowa town of Lansing, where they found one another, fell in love and have crafted fulfilling lives as school music teachers, community leaders and are as happy as can be. Theres a woman named Torie Giffin, who first rode as a single woman in her 30s. When she returned decades later, she had been married, divorced and was accompanied by the youngest of her three children, who had been given a chilling cancer diagnosis. When the little boy becomes the target of nasty invective, Giffin fights back with cool courage, which compels others to leap in with encouragement and kindness. Theres wildly bearded and passionate Adam Lineberry, riding with his 9-year-old son Liam, and talking frankly of how he became addicted to drugs as a teen and of his struggle out of that dark pit. He rides in Iowa and elsewhere in the country to raise money to build a rehab center, at one point saying that he considers riding freedom on wheels. A Black woman named Dayna Chandler lost her husband when they were young parents to a freak car accident. With three young children, she started biking as a way to heal. A Des Moines school counselor on the cusp of retirement, she has become determined to, as she tells Crowder, put more Black butts on bikes. Toward that end, she has started a chapter of Black Girls Do Bike. Working with 10 colleagues, Crowder and Kremer, who traversed the course by car, wound up with some 70 hours of film. In the artfully edited final version, you get a sense of the excitement of the ride but also the stunning landscape, which one rider calls a canvas that God has made for you. With the energetic backing of editor Hunter, the film and accompanying stories became the papers major project for this year. Made on a $30,000 shoestring, the film premiered at Des Moines Varsity Cinema in early May. Crowder and Kremer are on the hunt for more screens and they deserve to find them. So far planned is a July 16 screening in Crystal Lake, Ill. Thats just before this years 50th RAGBRAI takes off on July 22 from Iowas Sioux City and ends in Davenport on July 29. Crowder again will be writing about this years ride. Its her job. But also, she and her husband, South Side native Scott Graca, who works as a data analyst, have fallen hard for Iowa, all of Iowa. Chicago will always have my heart, she says. This was a big move for both of us but we have been able to discover our real selves here and we have come to know that in this world there is more that connects us all than divides us. Top Republican Party officials have a message for any candidate worried about signing a loyalty pledge to potentially support a convicted felon: Theres the door. Despite at least one candidate expressing concerns about the Republican National Committees requirement that they support the eventual nominee in order to qualify for the debate stage this summer, the committee said there will be no changes to its protocols. In light of Donald Trumps indictment for his handling of classified documents, former Arkansas Gov. Asa Hutchinsons campaign on Wednesday requested a meeting with RNC officials about amending the loyalty pledge, according to two people with knowledge of the conversation granted anonymity to speak candidly about a private conversation. Members of RNC leadership arranged a call with Hutchinson on Thursday, but the former governor himself did not take part in the conversation, only a staff member. During the brief call, RNC leaders declined to make any changes to debate requirements and told the staffer the committee is not dealing with hypotheticals on Trumps legal fate. One of the individuals with knowledge of the call described it as contentious. In a statement, RNC senior adviser Richard Walters said the GOP primary candidates are only being asked to respect the decision of Republican primary voters and support the eventual nominee. Candidates who are complaining about this to the press should seriously reconsider their priorities and whether they should even be running, Walters said. Though it's unclear if Hutchinson would meet the other qualifications for the debate in August, the back and forth between the campaign and RNC highlights the conundrum the latter is in. Forcing candidates to pledge loyalty to one another may appear to be squarely in the partys interest. But with the former presidents lengthy list of legal battles hovering over next year's campaign it now carries some risk, including to the committees commitment to neutrality in the primary. Hutchinson, who is currently polling at about 1 percent in most recent polls, told POLITICO on Wednesday that he intended to ask the committee to adjust the language in the pledge. He took issue with having to potentially support a nominee who could be found guilty of felonies, in the wake of Trumps 37-count federal indictment unsealed earlier in the week. He said he also planned to speak with some of his fellow primary opponents about making a similar request. Im not going to vote for him if he's a convicted felon, Hutchinson said in the interview. 'Im not going to vote for him if he's convicted of espionage, and I'm not going to vote for him if he's (convicted of) other serious crimes. And I'm not going to support him. They need to put a little rationality to what is said in that oath or that pledge, Hutchinson continued, referring to the RNC. The committee recently released its requirements to participate in its first sanctioned debate scheduled for Aug. 23 in Milwaukee on Fox News Channel. Alongside usual criteria about minimum polling and donor thresholds, it included signing a pledge to support the eventual party nominee, though the RNC has not yet shared the precise language of that oath. POLITICO reached out to the other declared candidates, but none said they wanted the RNC to amend the loyalty pledge. A spokesperson for former Vice President Mike Pence's team did not immediately dismiss Hutchinson's proposal, but said: "We want President Trump on the debate stage, because we think this would be a good contrast for us." A spokesperson for Chris Christies campaign, meanwhile, said the former New Jersey governor has been pretty clear on his thoughts around the pledge and any future support for Trump conviction or not. Repeatedly this year, Christie has said he will not support Trump if he is the nominee. Last week Christie said he would sign the RNCs pledge in order to debate, but would only take it as seriously as Donald Trump did eight years ago. Trump in the 2016 election signed a similar pledge, but later said he would not necessarily commit to supporting someone else as the nominee. Asked about such a pledge this spring, Trump would not promise to back the eventual nominee for 2024. A representative for Larry Elder said the California-based candidate does not believe any change should be made to the RNCs loyalty pledge, while one for Michigan businessman Perry Johnson said Johnson intends to support the nominee regardless of a loyalty pledge. In a statement to POLITICO, Miami Mayor Francis Suarez, who entered the race on Wednesday, said Trump is presumed innocent until proven guilty and it would be foolish for the RNC to make any changes to its protocol at this point. In addition to the loyalty pledge, candidates must hit 1 percent in at least three polls beginning next month, amass 40,000 individual donors to their campaigns, agree not to participate in any debates the RNC doesnt sanction and enter a data-sharing agreement with the national party. They have until two days before the debate to meet the criteria. Some lower-polling and lesser-known candidates in the field, including Hutchinson, are struggling to reach minimum donor and polling thresholds. Hutchinson on Wednesday declined to say how many donors he had secured in his bid, but noted that the RNC donor requirements were exponentially larger than the number he needed in his successful statewide races. He won his last gubernatorial race with 65 percent of the vote and fewer than 3,000 donors. We've got a ways to go, Hutchinson said. The RNC has made Trumps legal woes the subject of some of its recent fundraising appeals, though the committee has sent fewer indictment-themed emails and texts since Trumps federal case last week compared to when he faced New York state charges earlier this year around alleged hush money payments to a porn star. But the themes of the emails echo the ones the Trump campaign itself has used in rallying to the former presidents defense. They have asked recipients to judge for themselves whether the prosecution is political vengeance under the guise of a poll, while others include sentences such as, Our borders are overflowing with illegals, but radical Democrats have focused their attention on indicting Trump AGAIN. Saul Anuzis, the former Michigan state GOP chair and a past candidate for RNC chair, said he does not believe the committees neutrality in the primary is in question, despite the RNC speaking out against Trumps indictment. Politically, I dont think theres any reason to distance themselves in any way, Anuzis said, referring to the RNC fundraising off the Trump cases and keeping the loyalty pledge in place. If any other candidate were being attacked, I think they would probably do the same thing, he added. It might not be as effective, but I think its a legitimate issue. Jessica Piper and Adam Wren contributed to this report. Sen. Roger Marshall of Kansas has filed legislation that would prohibit the LGBTQ Pride flag from federal buildings after Republicans condemned President Joe Biden for displaying the flag at the White House. The GOP senators measure comes amid a larger movement among conservatives attacking transgender identity and seeking to regulate the lives of trans individuals. It has virtually no chance of passage in a Democratic-controlled Senate. The White House draped a rainbow-colored Pride flag over the center of the buildings south portico during an event over the weekend celebrating Pride Month, which is marked in June and commemorates the struggle for LGBTQ rights. Two U.S. flags flanked the Pride flag. Marshall and other Republicans alleged the Pride flags placement violated the U.S. flag code, which says no other flag should be placed above the U.S. flag, or if displayed on the same level, to the right of the U.S. flag, with the exception of church services conducted by naval chaplains at sea. During the event, a U.S. flag still flew above the White House. Its a sad state of affairs when the White House prioritizes their radical social agenda over patriotism, Marshall said in a statement, adding that Old Glory must reign supreme as a symbol of our nations freedom that thousands of our servicemembers, and veterans have fought and died to protect. Debi Jackson, a Kansas City resident who sits on the Human Rights Campaigns Parents for Transgender Equality National Council, was at the White House Pride event with her trans teen Avery. Jackson said she hadnt before seen Avery feel as proud to be part of the LGBTQ community. Jackson said the past few years have been hard on the LGBTQ community, which has endured legislative attacks. It means everything to see the Pride flag flying on federal buildings, she said. Jackson has said her family is looking to leave Missouri after Republican Gov. Mike Parson signed into law restrictions on gender-affirming care. If Senator Marshall and others continue to push this bill or any others like it, I hope they also focus on the many violations of the Flag Code that occur regularly such as when it is flown next to a Trump or MAGA flag or used as apparel at conservative rallies, because I do agree with the Senator when he says it should never be used for culture wars, Jackson said in an email. The original rainbow-striped Pride flag was designed by Gilbert Baker, who was born in Chanute, Kansas. The flag that was on display at the White House is called the Progress Pride flag, which also includes white, pink and light blue stripes representing trans individuals. Additionally, the flag has brown and black stripes representing individuals of color. The black stripe also refers to those who died during the HIV/AIDS crisis of the 1980s and 90s. Marshalls bill would prohibit flags other than the U.S. flag from display at federal buildings, with several exceptions. The exceptions include POW/MIA flags, national flag of visiting diplomats, state flags inside and outside the offices of members of Congress, flags of the state or local jurisdiction where a building is located, among others. The White House didnt immediately comment. We need to push back against the hundreds of callous and cynical bills and laws introduced in states targeting transgender children, terrifying families, and criminalizing doctors and nurses, Biden, a Democrat, said at the White House Pride event. The Republican-controlled Kansas Legislature this spring passed a bill banning trans athletes from girls and womens sports. It also passed a measure that requires trans individuals to use the restrooms and other public accommodations of their gender at birth, but includes no enforcement mechanism. Both bills passed over the veto of Democratic Gov. Laura Kelly. The Stars Daniel Desrochers contributed reporting Ruling coalition Social Democrat Party leader and parliament lower house speaker Marcel Ciolacu, listens to Reuters reporter following an interview, in Bucharest BUCHAREST (Reuters) -The government of new Romanian Prime Minister Marcel Ciolacu won a parliamentary confidence vote on Thursday, as the ruling coalition maintained a rotating premiership deal to stabilise policymaking to unlock European Union recovery funds. Ciolacu's leftist Social Democrats and the centre-right Liberals agreed to rotate prime ministers when they formed a grand coalition government in late 2021, together with a junior ethnic Hungarian party which quit the cabinet this week in a row over posts. The government was backed by 290 votes to 95 against, nearly 60 votes above the required threshold. Lawmakers of the country's minorities also backed the cabinet. The power swap, which was delayed by a three-week general education strike, has further stalled tricky public sector wage and pension reforms needed for the European Commission to resume disbursing funds. While European states such as Poland and Hungary are still struggling to unlock funds, Romania had already drawn down more than 6 billion euros, underpinning economic growth. Ciolacu pledged to make the politically-sensitive reforms, as well as give Romania a more active voice in foreign policy as a NATO and EU member. He also pledged to boost the net monthly minimum wage to 500 euros by the end of his term next year, and the average wage to 1,000 euros by end-2025. "European Union funds must be the engine of this economy," he told lawmakers. "We have formed this grand coalition for Romania's stability during hard times. It is in our power to fill the giant confidence gap between politicians and citizens." The new cabinet will face pay claims from various parts of the public sector, including healthcare, while budget revenue has so far this year underperformed targets. Romania holds presidential, general, local and European elections in 2024, when it must bring its budget deficit back below the bloc's ceiling of 3% of gross domestic product. The Romanian leu EURRON= was down 0.1% against the euro on the day. (Reporting by Luiza Ilie; Editing by Jason Hovet and William Maclean) Tensions are high between Republican Gov. Ron DeSantis of Florida and Democratic Gov. Gavin Newsom of California. Sean Rayford/Getty Images and Patrick T. Fallon/AFP/Getty Images During a Fox News interview, Newsom challenged DeSantis to a three-hour debate. DeSantis said he would only do it if Newsom formally entered the 2024 presidential race. "Are you going to throw your hat in the ring and challenge Joe?" he taunted. Republican Gov. Ron DeSantis of Florida is accelerating his taunts against Democratic Gov. Gavin Newsom, telling the California executive to "stop pussyfooting around." The 2024 presidential candidate on Thursday jabbed Newsom about how he hadn't entered the presidential race to challenge President Joe Biden. DeSantis suggested Newsom frequently criticized him and had a "real serious fixation on the state of Florida" because he was itching to run for the White House. "Are you going to throw your hat in the ring and challenge Joe? Are you going to get in and do it, or are you just going to sit on the sidelines and chirp?" DeSantis asked. "Why don't you go ahead and throw your hat in the ring and then we'll talk about what's happening." Newsom, 55, is a rising star in the Democratic Party whose name frequently arose as a possibility for the White House when Biden hadn't yet made a decision about his reelection. Like DeSantis, Newsom cruised to reelection and will be term-limited out in 2026. But unlike DeSantis, 44, Newsom is sitting out the White House contest. In April, he reiterated to Insider in an interview that he was supporting Biden for reelection and praised his "record of substantive accomplishments." DeSantis' comments were specifically in response to an interview Newsom did with Fox News Sean Hannity that aired Monday, in which the California governor challenged DeSantis to a three-hour debate. "I would do it one day's notice with no notes," Newsom said. "I look forward to that." Newsom's team didn't immediately respond to a request for comment, but later Thursday Newsom quote-tweeted a video of DeSantis' comments with: "Sodebate challenge accepted? Or do you need your notes for that, too? cc: @seanhannity." Tensions have long been high between the two high-profile men, but reached a climax this month when the DeSantis administration relocated migrants from Texas to Sacramento, the state capital where Newsom governs. DeSantis accused California of encouraging illegal immigration through establishing sanctuary cities, while Newsom called DeSantis a "small, pathetic man" and threatened to consider kidnapping charges. Newsom even celebrated the first-ever Disney After Dark Pride Nite at Disneyland in Anaheim, California, on Tuesday, drawing a contrast with DeSantis, who is in a relentless battle with the Walt Disney Company after it opposed a schools law that severely limits how and when LGBTQ+ topics can be taught. "In California, we don't just tolerate our diversity we celebrate it and all the ways it makes us stronger," Newsom said in a statement after the event. Newsom told Insider in April that he thought when people really looked at DeSantis, "it's not all it was hyped up to be," calling the DeSantis fights "remarkably un-substantive" and "un-American." He accused DeSantis of an "obsession with just demeaning minorities and women," citing his nearly all-out abortion ban in Florida and the migrant flights. Last year he ran an ad in Florida warning that "Freedom is under attack in your state." He encouraged Floridians to relocate to California in a direct messaging foil to DeSantis boasting about "the free state of Florida." In late March he launched Campaign for Democracy, a political action committee that'll take his progressive message to red states. The fund could help boost Newsom's brand as a national leader and perhaps help to mount a presidential campaign in the future, or in case Biden, 80, needs to drop out for some reason. This is a developing story that will be updated. Read the original article on Business Insider Ron DeSantis wants to scrub AP classes of LGBTQ subjects. The College Board isn't having it On the heels of a controversy over how to teach African American studies, another showdown over Advanced Placement courses could be brewing in Florida, this time over AP Psychology, as the nonprofit that runs the program faces pressure from state officials to remove or revise lessons on sexual orientation and gender identity. The conflict is another example of how Gov. Ron DeSantis' push to restrict how race and LGBTQ issues are taught is impacting Florida's schools. The Florida Department of Education sent a letter to the College Board, which runs the AP program, on May 19 asking the organization to review all AP courses to see if they "need modification to ensure compliance" with a Florida law and state Board of Education rule targeting instruction on sexual orientation and gender identity. The College Board responded Thursday with a defiant letter stating that "we will not modify our courses to accommodate restrictions teaching essential, college-level topics." That could set up a showdown between Florida and College Board officials. The AP Psychology class is a potential point of conflict. The course has a unit dealing with developmental psychology that includes discussion of gender and sexual orientation. The American Psychological Association issued a statement Thursday voicing "unqualified support" for the College Board. CEO Arthur Evans Jr. lambasted the state of Florida's "unconscionable demand to censor an educational curriculum and test that were designed by college faculty and experienced AP teachers who ensure that the course and exam reflect the state of the science and college-level expectations. The Department of Education's letter to the College Board does not specifically mention AP Psychology, but the organization is anticipating that the class could be targeted. The College Board's letter responding to state officials notes that some Florida school districts have asked about how the AP Psychology unit touching on gender and sexual orientation comports with the new state law and regulations. Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis addresses the crowd before publicly signing the Stop WOKE Act in April 2022. The bill governs how race is taught in Florida. DeSantis later banned an AP African American Studies course, saying it pushed a political ideology. The state of Florida is now asking College Board, which oversees the AP program, to remove LGBTQ material from courses that may be in conflict with a state law derided by critics as the u0022Don't Say Gayu0022 bill. "That learning objective must remain a required topic, just as it has been in Florida since the launch of AP Psychology more than 30 years ago," College Board states. A separate letter that College Board sent to "the AP community" notes that the American Psychological Association "has made clear that the topic of gender and sexual orientation is foundational for any college-level course in psychology. The USA TODAY NETWORK - Florida has reached out to the DeSantis administration for comment. The news comes at a time that high schools around the state are developing class schedules, including for classes like AP Psych, which students would have requested in the spring. Last year DeSantis signed HB 1557, a measure officially known as the Parental Rights in Education act but derided by critics as the Dont Say Gay bill. The law outlawed instruction on sexual orientation or gender identity in kindergarten through third grade. The law was expanded this year to cover more grades. DeSantis' administration pushed through a new Board of Education rule that outlaws teaching about about sexual orientation or gender identity through grade 12, unless such instruction is required by state education standards or for the teaching of reproductive health classes. Florida lawmakers also passed HB 1069, which puts some of the changes in statute. Expanding the law to cover middle school and high school students means it directly impacts the AP program, which offers a range of classes for older students that also allow them to get college credit. DeSantis earlier clashed with the College Board over a new AP African American Studies course. DeSantis banned the new course from being taught in Florida based on an early version of the curriculum that generated a backlash among conservatives. DeSantis argued the course pushed an ideological agenda because it touched on subjects such as queer theory and abolishing prisons. From USA TODAY: Gov. Ron DeSantis' feud with the College Board over AP African American Studies, explained The final version of the African American studies course stripped out much of the material that DeSantis and other conservatives had objected to, generating another backlash from those who believed College Board was censoring its content. The firm position now being taken by College Board against revising its courses to conform with Florida law was informed by its earlier experience with the African American Studies course. "We are resolute in this position, in part, because of what we learned from our mistakes in therecent rollout of AP African American Studies," the College Board wrote. "In developing the framework for AP African American Studies, we tried to create a course that could be available in states across the country and accurately represent a college-level course on the subject." "We learned that both of those objectives could not be achieved if state policies prohibit content that is essential for a college-level course," the letter continues. This article originally appeared on USA TODAY NETWORK: DeSantis wants AP courses to omit LGBTQ topics. College Board bristles Russia will accuse Ukraines top officials of having Russian passports in disinformation campaign SBU The SBU has warned that Russia is preparing IPSOs Read also: Armed forces of the world opinion Employees of the 5th Service of Russias Federal Security Service (FSB) are planning several information-psychological operations (IPSOs), the SBU announced in a June 15 press release. These operations are based on disseminating disinformation about the alleged Russian citizenship of Ukrainian government officials, the leadership of the defense and security forces, as well as their families and other officials. To ensure the credibility and evidentiary basis of these fabricated claims, the FSB intends to register false records in Russian state registries that allegedly support the version put forth by hostile intelligence services. They also plan to forge documents of Ukrainian government officials and representatives of the defense forces. Read also: Ukraine's Defense Ministry refutes Russian myths about Battle of Bakhmut The implementation of this hostile IPSO in the Ukrainian information space is scheduled to start shortly, the SBU believes. Unable to achieve success on the battlefield, the enemy aims to erode the psychological and emotional well-being of Ukrainian soldiers on the front lines and destabilize the situation in the country by any means, stated the SBU. 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 attacks Ukraine overnight again, Kryvyi Rih attacked for second time in 72 hours Consequences of the Russian missile attack on Kryvyi Rih on the night of June 15 The Russian missiles were launched at Dnipropetrovsk Oblast from Tu-95MS strategic bombers above the Caspian Sea. One was intercepted, while another hit industrial objects in Kryvyi Rih, just two days after the previous deadly attack on the city. These facilities are in no relation to the army, Kryvyi Rih Mayor Oleksandr Vikul said. Serhiy Lysak/Telegram A 38-year-old man was injured and taken to hospital in moderate condition after the attack, Dnipropetrovsk Oblast Governor Serhiy Lysak reported on Telegram. Serhiy Lysak/Telegram Debris from the intercepted missile damaged a car. Other missiles caused fires that have since been extinguished. Gas pipelines were damaged. A tire fitting service and a bus were destroyed. The consequences of the enemy strike are still being clarified. Serhiy Lysak/Telegram In all, five drones were intercepted. In Odesa, Ukrainian air defence shot down all 13 Iranian-made Shahed drones launched from the southern direction, the regional military administrations spokesperson, Serhiy Bratchuk, reported on Telegram. An enemy operational and tactical UAV used for aerial reconnaissance in the eastern direction was also downed. Russia continues to carry out its relentless air strike on Ukraine every night. Six people were killed and at least 14 were injured in Odesa, Kostiantynivka, and Kramatorsk due to the Russian missile and drone the previous night. 12 civilians were killed and dozens were wounded in the missile attack on Kryvyi Rih on June 13. Were bringing the voice of Ukraine to the world. Support us with a one-time donation, or become a Patron! Read the original article on The New Voice of Ukraine On 8 June, Russia illegally deported at least 150 children from occupied Luhansk Oblast in eastern Ukraine. Source: Ukraines National Resistance Center Quote: "On 8 June, 150 children from the Starobilsk district, Luhansk Oblast, were illegally taken to Lesnoy and Sosenka health and recreation centres in the Prikuban district of Russias Karachay-Cherkess Republic. These centres are expecting up to 750 children from the temporarily occupied territory of Luhansk Oblast to arrive in June." Details: Ukraines National Resistance Center also reported that children on the territories temporarily occupied by Russia are being forced to undergo "comprehensive preventive medical exams". Children who "fail" the examination are sent to the Russian Federation "for rehabilitation". Quote: "The Russian government has allocated 1.5 billion roubles [approximately US$18 million] to this procedure, which amounts to kidnapping Ukrainian children. The Russian Health Ministry is overseeing the process, which is supervised by Maria Lvova-Belova, the Russian Presidential Commissioner for Childrens Rights. In fact, no quality medical examinations take place. The majority of funds are embezzled at several levels, including by occupation administrations and doctors that have arrived from the Russian Federation supposedly to conduct these examinations. [The examinations] are a sham and serve to cover up the kidnapping of [Ukrainian] children." Journalists fight on their own frontline. Support Ukrainska Pravda or become our patron! Russia dismisses Storm-Z unit: Convicts turned out to be inefficient Main Intelligence Directorate of Ukraine's Defence Ministry The Russian military leadership is regrouping the remnants of convicts from the so-called Storm-Z companies, which have low combat capability. Source: press service of the Main Intelligence Directorate of the Ministry of Defense of Ukraine Quote: "In practice, the occupation units [Storm-Z companies ed.], equipped with the so-called special contingent, showed extremely low combat capability. Alcoholism, looting, and desertion flourish among the invading convicts, including through catastrophic losses." Details: According to the Main Directorate of Intelligence of the Ministry of Defence of Ukraine, Russia is transferring the remaining convicts from the so-called Storm-Z companies to replenish the Volunteer Corps. To do this, the military leadership of the Russian Federation created a special commission headed by Major General Oleg Polguev, the deputy chief of staff of the Russian occupation forces in Ukraine. Intelligence reports that the commission has issued an order to select about 2,000 people from among the "special contingent", conduct training with them at training grounds located in the temporarily occupied Ukrainian territories, and transfer them to the war zone. For members of Polguevs Special Commission in the occupied territories of Ukraine, increased security is provided, and groups of the military police of the Russian Federation will monitor discipline among convicts-volunteers. Journalists fight on their own frontline. Support Ukrainska Pravda or become our patron! The defense line is located 6 kilometers from the border with Ukraine Russian fortifications are placed 6 km from the border with Ukraine are stretch directly to the Belarusian border near Ryabinovka in Bryansk Oblast, as seen in published pictures. Brady Africk/Twitter The line consists of about 12 meters wide anti-tank ditch and three rows of "dragon teeth" - concrete pyramids. The fortifications can be seen on satellite images from the end of December to the beginning of January. The fortifications end 350 meters before the Belarusian border. Belarusian Hajun/Telegram No significant changes are seen from the Belarusian side to date, Belarusian Hajun wrote. Kremlin dictator Vladimir Putin said during a meeting with "war correspondents" on June 13 that it is necessary to fortify the state border. He also claimed that Moscow and other cities will be protected from droneattacks. Were bringing the voice of Ukraine to the world. Support us with a one-time donation, or become a Patron! Read the original article on The New Voice of Ukraine The Russian city of Rostov-on-Don has hosted a show trial of 22 Azov Brigade members who defended the city of Mariupol and Azovstal steelworks; eight of the defendants are women who reportedly worked as cooks. Source: Associated Press (AP) Details: These are members of the Azov Brigade who fought Russian invaders in Mariupol. Russian authorities have recognised Azov as a terrorist organisation. Russia has charged Ukrainian soldiers with "participation in a terrorist organisation" and actions aimed at overthrowing the Russian-backed government in Donetsk Oblast. Should they be found "guilty", the Russians may sentence the Ukrainian fighters for a prison mterm from 15 years to life-long sentence. Russia transferred two of the 24 people facing charges to Ukraine in exchange for Russian prisoners of war during a recent prisoner swap. Among the remaining 22 Azov soldiers, eight were reported to be women who worked as cooks. Note: After 3 months of defensive fights, 2,439 soldiers left the dungeons of Azovstal on 16-20 May, 2022, hoping for an exchange between Russia and Ukraine. Some soldiers were later released from captivity. The families of Mariupol defenders said more than 1,900 soldiers from Azovstal have been held in Russian captivity for more than a year, including more than 700 soldiers from the Azov regiment. Journalists fight on their own frontline. Support Ukrainska Pravda or become our patron! By Vitalii Hnidyi SOUTHEASTERN UKRAINE (Reuters) - Russia announced plans on Thursday to stage elections in occupied parts of Ukraine in just three months, Moscow's latest bid to signal it is in control even as a Ukrainian counteroffensive has pushed its forces back in some areas. The Ukrainian assault is in its early stages, and military experts say the decisive battles still lie ahead. But corpses of Russian soldiers and burnt-out armoured vehicles lining the roadside in villages newly recaptured by Ukrainian troops attested to Kyiv's biggest advances since last year. "Our heroic people, our troops on... the front line are facing very tough resistance," Zelenskiy told NBC News in an interview in Kyiv. "Because for Russia to lose this campaign to Ukraine, I would say, actually means losing the war." Zelenskiy said the news from the front lines was "generally positive but it's very difficult," according to a partial transcript of the interview. Continuing his campaign for military assistance, Zelenskiy urged the Swiss parliament in a video address to allow other states to re-export Swiss-made weapons to Ukraine, saying such a move by the neutral country would be vital. Reuters reached the villages of Neskuchne and Storozheve over the past two days, providing the first independent confirmation of the Ukrainian advance several kilometres southwards along the Mokry Yali river into territory Russia had held since the early days of its invasion last year. Several bodies of Russian soldiers lay in the streets of ruined and depopulated villages. Ukrainian troops in Storozheve told Reuters they had killed around 50 Russians and captured four there. The Ukrainian military, which had maintained strict silence about the campaign for more than a week, came forward to tout the gains on Thursday, holding its first full media briefing since the counteroffensive began. Troops had captured at least seven settlements and 100 square km (38 square miles) of territory in two major pushes in the south so far, Brigadier-General Oleksii Hromov said. "We are ready to continue fighting to liberate our territory even with our bare hands," he said. The army on the southern front had advanced by up to 7 km (4.4 miles) in the area along the Mokry Yali, as well as by up to 3 km (1.8 miles) on another axis further west near the village of Mala Tokmachka, Ukrainian military officials said. They also described advances in the east around the ruined city of Bakhmut, which Moscow seized last month as its only major prize for a huge winter and spring offensive that saw the bloodiest ground combat in Europe since World War Two. Russian President Vladimir Putin insisted this week that Moscow's goals in Ukraine remain unchanged. He claimed that Russian forces were inflicting 10 times more casualties on Ukrainians than they were enduring. AFRICAN PLAN African leaders whose countries have been hit hard by the fallout from the war, which has disrupted supplies of grain and other food supplies, aggravated food price inflation and worsened hunger crises, are set to mediate in the conflict. Senegal's President Macky Sall and South African President Cyril Ramaphosa are heading a delegation including leaders from Zambia, the Comoros, and Egypt's prime minister that will travel to Kyiv on Friday and St. Petersburg on Saturday. They could propose a series of "confidence building measures" during their initial efforts, according to a draft framework document seen by Reuters on Thursday. Russia's announcement of a plan for elections in occupied territory was the latest effort by Moscow to convey that the situation was stable. Russia's TASS state news agency quoted election chief Ella Pamfilova as saying that both the Defence Ministry and the Federal Security Service (FSB) had concluded that it would be possible to hold the votes in September. Russia proclaimed its annexation of four Ukrainian provinces last year, although it does not fully control any of them and does not hold the main population centres of two. Kyiv says any elections staged by Russians on Ukrainian territory would be invalid and illegal. The big test of Ukraine's offensive still lies ahead. Russia has had months to prepare its defences. Ukrainian troops have yet to reach the heaviest Russian defensive fortifications, which are set back from the front line. Kyiv is believed to have prepared an attack force of around 12 brigades of thousands of soldiers each, most using newly arrived Western armoured vehicles. Only a fraction of them have been engaged so far. Russia, for its part, has released images of Western tanks and armoured vehicles it says it has destroyed or captured. The head of the U.N. atomic energy agency, Rafael Grossi, visited the Russian-controlled Zaporizhzhia nuclear plant and said the situation at the site was "serious" but the level of cooling water was sufficient following last week's devastating breach in the Kakhovka dam downstream on the Dnipro River. (Reporting by Vitalii Hnidyi in southeastern Ukraine, Pavel Polityuk in Kyiv, and Reuters bureaus; Writing by Peter Graff, Alexandra Hudson; Editing by Frances Kerry and Nick Macfie) Three civilians were killed, and seven were injured in Russian attacks across Ukraine over the past 24 hours, according to Ukrainian authorities. Russia targeted nine oblasts Donetsk, Sumy, Chernihiv, Kharkiv, Kherson, Zaporizhzhia, Mykolaiv, Dnipropetrovsk, and Luhansk. In Ukraine's eastern Donetsk Oblast, Russian attacks killed one civilian in Pereizne and wounded three more in other regional settlements, reported Governor Pavlo Kyrylenko. Russia's military struck 17 settlements in Zaporizhzhia Oblast with various weapons, killing a 58-year-old woman in the village of Preobrazhenka, the regional authorities wrote on Facebook. The attacks damaged 23 civilian buildings, according to the report. One more civilian was killed in the village of Yanzhulivka in the Novhorod-Siverskyi district of Chernihiv Oblast, according to Ukraine's Northern Operational Command. Russia attacked the village with mortars on June 14, damaging two residential houses. Ukraine makes gains 1 week into counteroffensive but decisive battle yet to begin Ukraines large-scale counteroffensive, anticipated for months, spearheaded by new Western tanks and armored vehicles, has finally begun. No longer limited to shaping operations or localized counterattacks, evidence shows the beginning of major Ukrainian offensive pushes to break through fortified The Kyiv IndependentFrancis Farrell Overnight on June 15, Russia again targeted Dnipropetrovsk Oblast's Kryvyi Rih, two days after Russian missiles killed 12 and injured 40 people in the city. The overnight attack hit two industrial buildings in Kryvyi Rih, injuring one civilian, the regional governor said on Telegram. Production facilities, gas pipelines, a tire fitting, and vehicles were damaged or destroyed, according to Serhii Lysak. Russian troops launched 40 attacks against southern Kherson Oblast on June 14, using artillery, mortars, and Grad multiple launch rocket systems, according to the regional administration. Almost 200 projectiles hit the oblast's settlements, resulting in two civilians being wounded. Three communities in Sumy Oblast bordering Russia were targeted overnight and early on June 15, the regional administration wrote, adding that two houses were damaged. Earlier on June 14, Russian forces reportedly shelled seven communities in the region, wounding one person and damaging power lines, cars, residential buildings, and private businesses. Russia shelled Mykolaiv Oblast's Ochakiv two times on June 14, damaging private residences, an apartment building, and outbuildings, said Governor Vitalii Kim. No casualties were reported. A Russian national has been charged with conspiring to carry out ransomware attacks against businesses in the United States. The Department of Justice (DOJ) said in a Thursday release that 20-year-old Ruslan Magomedovich Astamirov was involved in deploying multiple LockBit ransomware and other cyberattacks against computer systems in the U.S., Asia, Europe and Africa. Prosecutors allege Astamirov participated in a conspiracy from at least August 2020 to March 2023 with other members of a LockBit ransomware campaign to commit wire fraud and make ransom demands, and he personally carried out at least five attacks on computers in the U.S. and elsewhere. This LockBit-related arrest, the second in six months, underscores the Justice Departments unwavering commitment to hold ransomware actors accountable, Deputy Attorney General Lisa Monaco said in the release. In securing the arrest of a second Russian national affiliated with the LockBit ransomware, the Department has once again demonstrated the long arm of the law. Astamirov has been charged with conspiracy to commit wire fraud and conspiring to intentionally damage protected computers and to transmit ransom demands. He could face up to 20 years in prison for the first charge and up to five years for the second, if convicted. LockBit has been a notorious type of ransomware that blocks access to a computer system unless a victim provides a ransom payment. The release states that LockBit first appeared around January 2020, and its actors have carried out more than 1,400 attacks against victims, demanded more than $100 million in ransom and received tens of millions of dollars in payments. U.S. Attorney for the District of New Jersey Philip Sellinger said Astamirov is the third defendant to be charged by his office in connection to the LockBit campaign and the second to be apprehended. The LockBit conspirators and any other ransomware perpetrators cannot hide behind imagined online anonymity. We will continue to work tirelessly with all our law enforcement partners to identify ransomware perpetrators and bring them to justice, Sellinger said. The release noted the DOJ previously announced charges against a dual Russian and Canadian national named Mikhail Vasiliev and Mikhail Pavlovich Matveev in relation to the LockBit investigation. Vasiliev is in Canadian custody awaiting extradition to the U.S. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill. Russian military breaks into houses in search of precious things and vandalizes Russian villages According to Meduza, a woman from Nova Tavolzhanka wrote to Belgorod Oblast Governor Vyacheslav Gladkov about this issue on social media. Read also: Russian army joins civilians in looting in Belgorod Oblast, locals say "They are living in our houses, leading an ugly lifestyle, leaving alcohol and other things as garbage and dirt, polluting toilets and houses, personal belongings and property are stolen, another local resident told Meduza. An ATV was stolen from our garage and how it is often spotted in the vicinity. Read also: Russian Volunteer Corps in clashes Belgorod Oblast, call for negotiations with governor Reports of Russian soldiers looting Russian residences has become commonplace in Belgorod. "We live in the village of Nova Tavolzhanka, another social media user, claiming to a resident of the village, wrote. Read also: The road is strewn with the bodies of Russian soldiers Photo report from recently liberated village in Donetsk Oblast Today, on June 14, we went for the first time to check our homes. Two houses are damaged, the doors are broken in, the windows are also broken... All things inside turned upside down in search for small precious items, and a portion of them were stolen. We saw vandalism in another house: the TV set is broken, the furniture is torn up. Soldiers are obviously living in the house. We have found two bikes that were stolen earlier from our neighbors, in our yard. 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 Gaelle Girbes/Getty Russian troops sent to the Belgorod region on the border with Ukraine to protect local residents are now accused of looting and taking over peoples homes, repeating a practice they gained notoriety for in Ukraine on their own people. Belgorod Gov. Vyacheslav Gladkov got an earful about the outrageous behavior of troops Thursday in response to an update about everything local authorities are doing to help those whove fled certain villages in the region as the war spilled over into Russian territory, the independent media outlet Govorit NeMoskva reports. Soldiers of the Russian Federation are finding their way into many homes (even though an emergency regime has not been introduced and they have no right to enter private homes), one woman who identified herself as a resident of Novaya Tavolzhanka wrote in response to Gladkov's post on social media. Independent media outlets report that they verified the woman as a local resident. Taped Call Captures Putins Troops in Self-Loathing Spiral They are living in our homes, leading an outrageous lifestyle, with alcohol and other things leaving behind garbage and filth, bathrooms and houses are fouled up, personal belongings and property are stolen, she said. An ATV was stolen from our garage, which is now seen often around the outskirts of Novaya Tavolzhanka. In addition, people complained about a stolen trailer, she wrote. We dont want our houses, which have already suffered from the actions of the armed forces of Ukraine, to now be a haven for the disgraces of our defenders! Another resident also chimed in to say many locals were afraid to leave their homes for fear of their belongings being stolen: Many people dont leave their homes just because the scumbags will make off with everything, even a hair straightener. Another resident wrote that hed gone home for the first time on Wednesday only to find two houses broken into, with smashed windows and doors busted in. Everything was turned upside down, they were looking for small precious things, some of them were stolen, there were acts of vandalism in one of the houses, TVs were broken, furniture was ripped up. The soldiers are obviously living in the house, there are signs of [someone] living in the house, he wrote. The furniture is piled up, they are probably getting ready to take it. Please protect our home from further looting. Several other residents fumed at the governor over not receiving the payouts promised by the government to relocate. Those who were ordered to evacuate from certain areas have complained that they were later billed by authorities for the evacuations. Russian troops sent to Ukraine gained a reputation for looting from homes in the territories they claimed to be liberating, with some caught on camera carrying away toilets, household appliances, and electronics that they allegedly sold or gave as gifts to loved ones back home. The independent media outlet MediaZona reported last May that in the first three months of the war alone, Russian troops sent 58 tons of goods home. 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. Russians are using age-old military tactic of flooding to combat Ukraines counteroffensive A screen grab shows the Kakhovka Hydroelectric Power Plant after a blast on June 6, 2023. Zelenskyy Social Media Account / via Getty Images On the morning of June 6, 2023, thousands of Ukrainians awoke to the sounds of rushing water following an explosion at the Kakhovka dam on the Dnieper River. Initially, there were questions on how the dam collapsed or who was to blame, but mounting evidence indicates that the dam was deliberately breached by Russia. In my view, as a career U.S. special forces officer, the simplest answer is most often correct and provides the most likely explanation for the dams destruction. Its my belief that Russia deliberately destroyed the dam to defend against the Ukrainian counteroffensive that it believed was imminent. As expected, the flooded river has created an insurmountable obstacle in southern Ukraine, which is allowing Russia to reposition soldiers from Kherson where the damage is most acute to other areas to support their defense. It has also created a massive humanitarian crisis that Ukrainian military officials must resolve while at the same time plan and execute counteroffensives aimed at expelling Russian troops from their country. An age-old military strategy Known as hydraulic warfare, the deliberate flooding of an area during combat is nothing new. Quite to the contrary, it is an effective defensive technique that dates back hundreds, if not thousands, of years. From 1584 to 1586, for example, Dutch rebels destroyed seawalls to flood low-lying areas to prevent Spanish invaders from advancing during the Eighty Years War. In another instance, the Chinese military breached levees along the Yellow River in 1938 to slow the Japanese advance. In yet another example, in 1941, Russian secret police blew up the hydroelectric dam on the Dnieper River in Zaporizhzhia, Ukraine, to slow the Nazi advance. How Ukraine has used the same tactic In the current war against Russia, the Ukrainian military has also employed hydraulic warfare to successfully defend its capital, Kyiv. In the opening days of the war in February 2022, Ukrainians breached a dam on the Irpin River after other methods of controlled flooding failed to impede the large, mechanized Russian formations advancing on Kyiv from Belarus. The Ukranians also deliberately flooded the Zdvyzh and Teteriv rivers to make them unfordable and bolster their defense of Kyiv. Those floods played a critical part in the most important battle of the war to date. There is nothing inherently inhumane about hydraulic warfare, but when employed, it should meet the constraints of military necessity and proportionality as prescribed by international humanitarian law. This is where the destruction of the Kakhovka dam by the Russians differs from the dams destroyed by the Ukrainians. In my view, the Ukrainians conducted a calculated breach that minimized the damage to the dam and caused the necessary flooding of the Zdvyzh and Teteriv Rivers to create an appropriate obstacle. The destruction of the Irpin dam was fairly limited: 50 of the small village of Demydivs 750 homes were destroyed. More important, few have raised concerns about the long-term ecological impact from this military act. Officials help people on June 7, 2023, after the explosion at the Kakhovka hydropower plant flooded the houses and streets in Kherson, Ukraine. Ercin Erturk/Anadolu Agency via Getty Images While it is too early to tell the full impact of the Dniepers flooding, it is expected to be much higher than the Ukrainian breach of the Irpin with some military observers questioning the ethics of this destructive act. Already more than 17,000 people have been affected in the flooding zone, and that could rise to more than 40,000. There is also a threat of floating landmines and an ongoing challenge to provide drinking water to thousands. How the flooding supports Russias defense After Russias monthslong offensive culminated in little more than the seizure of the small city of Bakhmut, Russia has now transitioned to a defensive posture to prevent Ukraines much anticipated counteroffensive. In such a posture, the Russian defense has some advantages. Defenders fight from fortified positions, whereas attackers must advance from exposed, vulnerable positions while overcoming obstacles, such as flooded streets. As such, it is a widely accepted rule of thumb that attacking forces must have a 3-to-1 force ratio to defeat a dug-in defender. In other words, for every 100 defenders, attackers will need at least 300 soldiers. But the offense has its own advantages. The attacker can choose when and where to conduct the attack and thus mass forces at the point of the attack to achieve this necessary force ratio. The defender, by contrast, must spread its forces across the battlefield, if it cannot correctly anticipate the point of attack. Not wanting to tip its hand to when and where the attack will occur, the attacker will often employ deception to confuse the enemy as to where the attack will occur. Often, attackers will also conduct probing attacks to assess where enemy defenses are weakest and help refine the location for the main attack. This is likely what was playing out in the weeks immediately preceding Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyys announcement of counteroffensive actions on June 12. Russia still maintains an advantage when it comes to troop strength, but the advantage is not as overwhelming as it was at the start of the war. A natural defense Even with superior numbers, its my belief that the Russians cannot mass its forces along the entire defensive line. Nor in my view could they correctly anticipate the location of Ukraines main counteroffensive effort. As a result, deliberately flooding the Dnieper River removes the Kherson Oblast as one likely counterattack location and allows Russia to reposition soldiers defending there into the Zaporizhzhia, Donetsk, and Luhansk oblasts locations where Ukraines main attack is likely to occur. People were evacuated on June 8, 2023, from the flooded residential areas in the Kherson region following the collapse of the Kakhovka dam. Stringer/Anadolu Agency via Getty Images Thus, blowing the dam up was a calculated and militarily wise defensive strategy even if dubious from the perspective of international humanitarian law. It also created a humanitarian crisis that Russia no doubt anticipated, and has further leveraged to its tactical advantage. Dealing with massive human or human-made disasters is hard enough for any nation, let alone a nation fighting for its survival. Since the breach of the Kakhovka dam, Ukraine has had to deal with the influx of new aid workers and tens of thousands of people who have lost their homes, both major distractions from its large counteroffensive. To make things even more challenging, Russia continued to shell the flooded areas to make rescue efforts all the more difficult. The war is likely to last many more months or years, yet ecological devastation from this most recent human-made flood is likely to last much longer. More than a year later, the Irpin River remains flooded, and some homes and farmlands have been destroyed or remain unusable. Sadly, the flooding of the Dnieper river will likely be more devastating and last much longer. This article is republished from The Conversation, an independent 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: Liam Collins, United States Military Academy West Point. Read more: Liam Collins 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. Sacramento County will remove foster children from the cells of a former juvenile detention facility Friday, just in time to avoid fines from a state agency. The county is moving the children to three single-family homes in residential areas, along with county staff, according to a Thursday news release from the county. The county has faced backlash for housing foster children in the Warren E. Thornton Youth Center in Rosemont, including from state lawmakers, since The Sacramento Bee was the first to report in April that the county was housing kids at the Branch Center Road facility without a state license. The county has applied for licenses for each of the three houses, the release stated. The county has been housing about 12 to 16 children, mostly teens, at the facility frequently called the WET Center when it was operated by the countys Probation Office since August, despite several letters from state officials advising against it. State officials have been sending the county letters about the facility since as early as September, when California Department of Social Services Foster Care ombudsperson Larry Fluharty wrote that the environment could retraumatize youth and make them feel physically and psychologically unsafe. As of Thursday morning there were eight children living at the WET center, which will be shut down by end of day Friday, county spokeswoman Kim Nava said. The county has found placements for several of them, but all of those offered placements have chosen to exercise their right to refuse them, the release stated. These youth have experienced significant past traumas with their families and in home-based family settings that have been unable to meet their needs, the release stated. Many have also been ejected from congregate care settings and may experience significant stress and difficulty when moving to new environments. While the children are at the three houses, called Welcoming Centers, staff will continue to work to find new placements for them that they agree to, the release said. The houses have room for up to six children in each one. The county is leasing the houses, which are all in unincorporated areas of the county, for about $20,000 per month for all three, Nava said. She declined to disclose which neighborhoods the houses are located in, or their owners. New lawsuit filed An Oakland foster care rights advocate last week sued the county over keeping kids at the WET center. Sade Daniels, a former foster youth, filed the lawsuit in Sacramento Superior Court, with the San Francisco-based Youth Law Center as the attorney. It alleges waste of public funds, violation of personal funds, facility deficiencies, failure to provide mental health treatment, and violation of the Community Care Facilities Act. A stipulated settlement has been proposed, attorney Brian Blalock said. Nava did not immediately provide a county comment on the lawsuit. Its not the first time the county is being sued over the facility. Sacramento NAACP President Betty Williams in April filed a lawsuit against the county, alleging a 14-year-old relative living at the facility fell victim to sex trafficking while in the countys care. The county declined to comment on the lawsuit because it does not comment on pending litigation. The county has declined requests from The Bee to enter the facility, blocked by Sheriffs deputies, but a series of state letters provide an idea. The cells are about 16 feet by 8 feet, which is too small, state regulators wrote in a May 16 letter. The mattresses do not have springs and are very thin, and there are no drawers or closets in violation of state law. The metal toilets in the cells have been covered with wood and shelves while bedroom windows hinder privacy in rooms, the letter stated. The facility entrances metal detector violates the right to be free from unreasonable searches of personal belongings and the right to be treated with respect, the letter stated. The state Department of Social Services threatened to fine the county $200 a day if they did not remove the children by Friday. While the children are in the houses, county staffers will search for suitable homes and therapeutic programs for them, the release said. The County Welfare Directors Association of California Thursday defended the county for placing children in the WET center. Sacramento County is not alone in facing difficulty finding safe, service-rich placements for youth with significant trauma and service needs that cross multiple systems, Cathy Senderling-McDonald, head of the association, said in the county release. This is a significant issue both statewide and across the nation. Several factors have contributed to a reduction in the availability of residential treatment settings for these youth, including changes in state and federal laws and regulations; a sharp increase in demand due to a behavioral health crisis facing children and youth across the country as a result of the pandemic; and workforce challenges throughout our public, private and non-profit health and human services systems. A recent survey found that over 600 foster kids have experienced stays in juvenile halls while under care of CPS agencies in counties across California, the letter stated. Fresno County in 2021 was housing foster children in an office building, where they were sleeping on yoga mats without showers and urinating into water bottles, the Fresno Bee reported. The association supports Senate Bill 408, introduced by Sen. Angelique Ashby, D-Sacramento, aimed at helping Sacramento and other counties find better places for foster kids to live while awaiting placement. The bill would provide more state funding for counties to build better housing, and also to spark the creation of new desperately needed short-term residential therapeutic programs. Prior to the WET Center, the county housed the children in an office building nearby, which the state also deemed unsuitable. The county is also working to build a comprehensive system of care, and will be opening new emergency family homes in the next six months, the release said. Its also working to develop prevention and early intervention strategies to help prevent children from needing contact with child welfare and juvenile justice systems in the first place, the release stated. The Sacramento County Board of Supervisors unanimously voted Tuesday to affirm the sheriffs military equipment policy and to allow the law enforcement agency to acquire five new drones, new breaching shotgun shells, flashbang shotgun shells and rifle ammunition. The previous week, the board approved an $8.4 billion budget that included $695.3 million in appropriations for the Sacramento County Sheriffs Office. The supervisors gave the sheriff the largest budget increase of any department more than $35 million higher than the current fiscal year. Law enforcement agencies are required by the state law known as AB 481 to report their military equipment inventory to their governing body in this case, the Board of Supervisors and seek approval for the policy regarding the use of that equipment. Law enforcement must also seek approval for the acquisition of any new military equipment. In his presentation to the supervisors, Captain David Becwar described the military equipment that the department already has in its possession after playing a video with zippy music that depicted some of the equipment in action. The first piece of footage was from a drone flying after a suspect into a sewage pipe. It really brought it to life, Supervisor Sue Frost said of the video. Leaders from the District Attorneys Office and Sacramento County Regional Parks also gave short presentations on their military equipment, and the supervisors approved the prosecutors policy. Because Park Rangers are not covered under the state law, the supervisors were not required to take any action on the parks departments policies governing military equipment. The Sheriffs Offices current arsenal includes, among other items, 28 drones; nine robots Becwar said were usually used to investigate bomb threats and suspicious packages; three armored vehicles, including two Lenco BearCat SWAT vehicles; and two Humvees that are used for public relations events. The Humvees, according to the annual report the Sheriffs Office submitted to the board, require $2,000 in maintenance each annually and provide an opportunity for the Sacramento Sheriffs Office to interact with the youth in a manner that has proven favorable to a majority of kids. The annual report reviewed deployments of the Special Enforcement Detail, which performs SWAT team functions. In the report, the sheriff noted that the largest share of SED deployments over the last six months of 2022 five deployments of 45 occurred in a ZIP code in Lemon Hill. Of the 45 total deployments, 35% involved a suspect who was Black. Supervisors asked about attached weapons, injuries to civilians Several of the supervisors questions and comments focused on clarifying to the public that no weapons were attached to the drones or to the armored vehicles. Becwar said that the equipment in Sacramento County helps keep people safe. The greater amount of options at our disposal, he said, gives us the greatest opportunity at a safe outcome for everybody involved. Two notable studies, published in the journal Research & Politics in 2017 and in Political Research Quarterly in 2018, found a correlation between military equipment and harm to the public. The researchers behind each study found that the more military equipment a police department had, the more civilian deaths occurred at the hands of officers. During the Tuesday meeting, two supervisors Frost and Phil Serna asked questions related to how the equipment could harm members of the public. After a brief presentation from Tiffany King of the District Attorneys Office, Frost asked her to describe what kind of injuries the agencys six beanbag shotguns cause. King said it varies depending on how far away the gun is from its human target. The intent is obviously to not break skin, King said. But its to incapacitate the person so that they can be subdued and detained. The rounds, she said, are like a large sock filled with lead pellets. After Sacramento County Regional Parks Director Liz Bellas spoke for a few minutes, Serna called Becwar back to the podium. Correct me if Im wrong, but I thought there was an incident in the civil unrest following the George Floyd murder, where, I think it was a gas canister that may have been fired? Serna said. Im not sure if it was from our agents, from the Sacramento sheriffs department, or another agency, but I thought it, from media reports, that it had injured someone, perhaps in their face or head, because the canister itself, its a projectile. So my question is, are our sheriffs deputies trained on how to safely deploy those projectiles, those gas canisters, in a way that they dont become inadvertently lethal? Serna was referencing the injuries that Tee Fansofa sustained after Sacramento city police fired a tear gas canister that hit Fansofa in the face. Fansofa had multiple skull fractures, among other serious injuries, and later became one of the plaintiffs who filed a lawsuit against the city, claiming excessive force. Becwar responded to Serna, Any of our personnel that would use a less-lethal shotgun device would receive substantial training on its deployment, and of course that sort of a device would not be specifically aimed at a head or vital body part, as the intended use is to be less lethal. When Serna asked whether the canisters could ricochet, Becwar said that he did not know. Later, the county executive who oversees his department, Eric Jones, confirmed that they can ricochet. That, he said, is just the science. Only one public commenter, Keyan Bliss, weighed in on the three military equipment items on the boards agenda. Bliss, the vice chair of the Sacramento Community Police Review Commission, said he knew Fansofa and several other people who had been physically hurt by weapons that law enforcement classified as less lethal. They absolutely do break skin, Bliss said, besides the psychological trauma that is caused. He urged the board to reject the policy put forth by the sheriff. This Sacramento cultural center spent 8 years renting a space. It was given 30 days to leave Its been eight years since the Brazilian Center for Cultural Exchange of Sacramento moved into Midtowns CLARA Studios a space envisioned as a permanent home. During that time, the center spent tens of thousands of dollars renovating the rented space to become a hub of Latino culture. Handmade headdresses, figurines and costumes immediately welcome members arriving for their weekly dancing, drumming and Portuguese lessons. On the weekends, visitors enjoy Brazilian feijoada and fried yucca being cooked in the nearby kitchen. Its become a home for all Latinos, Center CEO Saara Burga said. That home will likely be relocated in the next 15 days. CLARA Studios informed the Brazilian Center on May 31 that its lease would not be renewed. The 30-day notice came as a surprise to Burga, who has invested more than $80,000 of her familys money in renovations since 2015. Burga said CLARA Studios decision not only betrays her but also the Sacramento community. With all the money that we have spent there, under the false pretense, it was going to be the permanent home of the Brazilian Center, I dont know if were going to be able to find the location, Burga said. In its notice, CLARA Studios board cited a need to convert the space into a short-term rental for other community groups. Megan Wygant, CLARA Studios Executive Director, said the organization has been facing a revenue gap furthered by inflation and rising operating costs in recent years. The Brazilian Center pays $2,500 in monthly rent. Its not something we took lightly, Wygant said. But when I think to myself of where the potential is for supporting a larger community. Thats what is helping me get through this very difficult rough patch. Saara Burga, right, CEO of the Brazilian Center for Cultural Exchange of Sacramento, shares an embrace with Victoria Jasper on Wednesday, June 14, 2023, as they reflect on their time in the space at CLARA Studios amid the lease not being renewed. Bad Timing The decision to not renew follows weeks of tension between CLARA Studios and the Brazilian center, according to Burga and members. One day before receiving the non-renewal notice, Burga said she and another female member were harassed and intimidated by a man in the CLARA Studios parking lot. She headed to the Sacramento City Council chambers that same day to voice her concerns. Burga received a lease notice of termination the next day. Wygant said the CLARA Studios board came to its decision after at least a few months of discussion, but recognized the timing was problematic. I know that the timing does not look good, but the fact is that those are two independent issues, Wygant said. Wygant also said CLARA Studios is open to working with the center to offer some flexibility to the lease deadline, but need to hear a counteroffer. Were hearing the problem, but not directly from them, she said. On Tuesday, more than a dozen center members took their protests to outside City Hall. They spent the late afternoon dancing, drumming and pleading with the City Council to intervene. Though the city is in a sublease agreement with CLARA Studios, it has no right or obligation to intervene in CLARAs relationships with its tenants. I apologize there isnt more we can do at this stage in the process, but I do want to reiterate our commitment to try to figure out what we can, said councilwoman Katie Valenzuela at the meeting. Saara Burga, right, CEO of the Brazilian Center for Cultural Exchange of Sacramento, updates members on the groups ending tenancy at CLARA Studios on Wednesday, June 14, 2023, amid the lease not being renewed. Culture will be with us Members gave no indication of the Brazilian Centers uncertain tenancy late Wednesday afternoon. They gathered in the middle of the ballroom floor for an hour session of samba and West African drumming. Among the dancers was Sacramento native Javana Abrussezze, who was wearing a dress modeled after the Brazilian flag. She began coming to center in 2016 to better connect with her culture through food, dance and language. Today, she relishes taking her children to the center so they can keep on the familys traditions. Were not in our country so to be here is like home, Abrussezze said. That feeling of home is not singular, even to members with no previous connection to Latino culture. Caitlin ONeil joined the center in 2017 to further her Portuguese language skills and capoeira practice, an Afro-Brazilian martial art that contains elements of dance, music and acrobatics. The center offered affordable classes for both and the members quickly became like family, she said. It is truly a second home, and a space for cultural exchange, ONeil said. ONeil and Abrussezze point to Burga as the reason for the centers success and community focus. Nearly all the classes are charged at a nominal fee and youth can enroll for free if unable to afford classes. Burga founded the Brazilian center in 2006, with the intent of spreading South American culture. Over the years, the center has expanded its outreach to cultures spanning Latin America and Africa. It also has a social mission, which focuses on supporting kids, connecting people with legal services and fundraising for several community causes. On Wednesday, Burga encouraged members as they exited with sweat on their foreheads from dancing. Wherever we go, I know we are going to be together, Burga said. We have united so many cultures over the last eight years, wherever we go that culture will be with us. The Bees Theresa Clift contributed to this story. Detectives continued their investigation of a shooting in Old North Sacramento in which its possible the two men who died shot each other Monday afternoon in a violent confrontation. The shooting was reported about 1:20 p.m. in the 800 block of Lampasas Avenue, between Beaumont Street and Rio Linda Boulevard. Officers arrived and found both men seriously wounded. They were taken by ambulance to a hospital where they were pronounced dead. The Sacramento County Coroners Office on Wednesday released the name of Javonte Dijon Bernard Johnson, 30 of Citrus Heights, who was one of the men killed in Mondays shooting. The information indicated Johnson was fatally wounded by gunfire in the area of an apartment building on Lampasas near a vacant lot just east of Beaumont. The Coroners Office had yet not released the name of the other man killed in the shooting. Homicide detectives were looking into the possibility that the two men shot each other, said Sgt. Zach Eaton, a Sacramento Police Department spokesman. They dont believe anyone else was responsible for the shooting. We dont think there are any outstanding suspects (in the shooting), Eaton said. Were following the evidence where it leads us in this investigation. Eaton declined to say what exactly led detectives to believe the men might have shot each other, fearing discussing those specifics could harm the ongoing investigation. The North Sacramento area has seen a recent spate of gun violence, including a drive-by shooting late Tuesday on Clay Street in the Del Paso Heights neighborhood where a woman and a man were killed. The Coroners Office has not yet released their names. Police said on Wednesday that investigators did not have any suspect information to release. Seven people all adults suffered non-life-threatening injuries in a late-night shooting on June 7, also in Del Paso Heights area. Two victims were found near the 1600 block of Grand Avenue, and the five others were found at a nearby hospital. And on the night of May 13, four people including a 10-year-old boy and a 12-month-old girl were wounded in a brazen shooting in Old North Sacramento. Security cameras captured three unidentified men walking up to the Sunland Liquor, looking at a group around the corner and then firing shots before running away. The victims suffered gunshot wounds that were not considered life-threatening. Investigators asked anyone with information about either of this weeks fatal shootings to call officers at 916-808-5471 or Sacramento Valley Crime Stoppers at 916-443-4357. Tips can also be submitted anonymously through the P3 Tips website and app. In many jobs, amassing a track record filled with public rebukes and accusations of mismanagement of money could lead to a swift boot out the door. For the Sacramento County Supervisors, its led to a 36% pay raise. Which they voted on for themselves. Along with that extra money, theyre now earning some much-deserved criticism. At their May 23 meeting, supervisors Phil Serna, Patrick Kennedy, Rich Desmond and Pat Hume voted to approve their pay raise of more than $46,000 and then they tried to hide it on the consent calendar with about 50 other items that got approved with a single vote. Opinion Supervisor Sue Frost, in a rare, reasonable state of mind, pulled the item for discussion and was the only vote against it. Now the Sacramento Taxpayers Association has officially denounced the Board of Supervisors raise, calling it just inappropriate and wrong. First, considering the economic challenges the county is currently facing, the timing of the pay raise could not have been more inopportune, said Association President W. Bruce Lee in a statement. Second, the process of using the consent calendar for the passage of the pay increase in order to avoid public scrutiny is highly inappropriate. Members of the Sacramento Taxpayers Association obviously keep a keen eye on the revenue side, but they also monitor utility rates, bond measures as well as city and county budgets. They frequently testify at public hearings and meetings in support of taxpayer-related issues, because both process and substance matter. Board members justified the pay raise by citing the County Executives advice to the Board that a substantial increase was necessary as some media outlets quoted that Supervisor pay had not increased since 1991, Lee said. However, in examining the public record it is discovered that from just 2012 to 2022 (or 10 years) the Supervisors base pay went up by $34,000 a year, not counting a car allowance, pension and higher pay for serving on regional committees and commissions that they appoint themselves to. The board giving itself such a huge pay raise reeks of special treatment. Undoubtedly there are job classifications throughout the county system that are underpaid compared to nearby peers, but putting the elected officials own paychecks as a higher priority sends the following message: Our needs come first. The county supervisors have been cited numerous times by the Sacramento County Grand Jury, including once just last week, when the board was warned it could lose control of the countys two jails to a court-appointed receiver if it doesnt immediately improve jail conditions. The Grand Jurys official complaints about the county jails include a lack of adequate staffing, the unnecessary and harmful use of isolation for prisoners, a failure to provide adequate medical and mental care, and discrimination against inmates with disabilities. Last year, the Board all but ignored another Grand Jury report that found the supervisors had scant interaction with the countys Office of Public Health for the first several months of the COVID-19 pandemic until public health officer Dr. Olivia Kasirye had to plead for funding in August 2020. The report stated that the Sacramento County Board of Supervisors had abdicated its responsibility to determine community needs and that the board had used the vast majority of the CARES Act funding it received to augment the county budget and support county operations while providing minimal support to the Sacramento County Health Department or other county agencies. The Board of Supervisors released a statement saying it disagreed wholly with most of the findings, which prompted the Grand Jury to respond in turn that the boards responses to the Grand Jury report reflects a continuing refusal to acknowledge or accept responsibility for any deficiencies of leadership, accountability or engagement during a countywide emergency. The board, unfortunately, cloaks itself in bureaucratic, misleading, and at times inaccurate statements, wrote the Grand Jury just one year ago. Supervisors also got questioned and criticized by the public at their June 13 meeting, mostly by members of SEIU Local 2015, the in-home healthcare workers union which has been requesting a raise from the county to $20 per hour since negotiations began in December. As a home care provider, its been rough, said Loretta Jackson, an SEIU 2015 member. Im asking that each and every one of you would find it in your hearts to give us a raise. Im not here to beat you over the heads about the raise you received because Im happy for you; because if its going to help you to live a long and happy life, thats what were asking for. It must be hard for the supervisors to sit there with such stony faces and an extra $46,000 in their pockets while listening to their constituents speak about having to live in their cars, but its unsurprising considering how they already treat the homeless in this county, as though they are disgusting burdens and not an effect of the countys own, appalling lack of resources and care. The chances of getting this raise revoked are slim so lets at least agree that it shouldnt ever go down this way again: Supervisors should establish a policy at their next meeting to always place their raises before the public in a formal hearing, and never again on a consent calendar. Sam Bankman-Fried could face 2 criminal trials, with prosecution on some charges delayed until 2024 FTX founder Sam Bankman-Fried, right, leaves Manhattan federal court, Thursday June 15, 2023, in New York. Bankman-Fried's lawyers encountered a skeptical federal judge when they argued that he should toss out criminal fraud charges their client faces after the collapse of his cryptocurrency business. (AP Photo/Bebeto Matthews) NEW YORK (AP) FTX founder Sam Bankman-Fried may face two criminal trials after a federal judge on Thursday granted a request by prosecutors to delay a trial on some of the charges until next year. Bankman-Fried faces trial in October on charges brought against him last year. Judge Lewis A. Kaplan in Manhattan set a March 11 trial date for him on newer charges filed earlier this year. Kaplan chose to schedule two trials after prosecutors said they will only go ahead with the newer charges if authorities in the Bahamas where Bankman-Fried was first arrested agree to it. The judge acted hours afer Bankman-Fried appeared before Kaplan as his lawyers argued for dismissal of charges alleging that he and other top executives cheated investors and looted FTX customer deposits, in part to fund lavish lifestyles. Kaplan seemed skeptical toward some of their arguments but didn't immediately rule. When one defense lawyer finished speaking, the judge told him: I congratulate you on an extraordinarily imaginative argument. Assistant U.S. Attorney Thane Rehn told Kaplan charges brought in a rewritten indictment in February and again in March require approval from Bahamian authorities to comply with the terms of a U.S. Extradition Treaty that was activated when the man once viewed by some as a cryptocurrency visionary was extradited from the Bahamas in December. Those new charges included a claim that Bankman-Fried directed the payment of $40 million in bribes to a Chinese official or Chinese officials to free $1 billion in cryptocurrency that was frozen in early 2021. Rehn said prosecutors will not continue with the new charges unless it obtains the waiver, citing an interest in observing diplomatic relationships. He said discussions with Bahamian authorities prior to the unsealing of the superseding indictment led prosecutors to believe the waiver will be delivered. He said a trial based on the original indictment will last four to five weeks, about a week shorter than it would be with the new charges included. Bankman-Fried, 31 referred to by crypto enthusiasts as SBF has pleaded not guilty to all charges as he awaits trial at his parent's home in Palo Alto, California, where the terms of his $250 million personal recognizance bond severely limit his online communications and ability to move money. If convicted, he could face years in prison. U.S. Attorney Damian Williams has called it one of the biggest frauds in American history. In asking the judge to dismiss the indictment, his lawyers have argued that the charges are flawed, saying they are duplicative, vague and non-specific and the kinds of things that usually result in regulatory enforcement actions rather than criminal charges. They're trying to criminalize a civil matter, argued attorney Christian Everdell as he tried to poke holes in various charges facing his client, including a bank fraud conspiracy charge. It was Everdell who prompted the judge to praise his extraordinarily imaginative argument. Prosecutors contend that Bankman-Fried and other executives in his cryptocurrency operation cheated investors and looted FTX customer deposits to make lavish real estate purchases, donate money to politicians and make risky trades at Alameda Research, his cryptocurrency hedge fund trading firm. FTX entered bankruptcy in November when the global exchange ran out of money after the equivalent of a bank run. Sam Bankman-Fried wins a small victory as prosecutors agree to withdraw 5 charges but ask for a separate trial for these next year Sam Bankman-Fried. Michael Santiago/Getty Images Sam Bankman-Fried was facing 13 criminal charges after the downfall of FTX. But prosecutors said Wednesday they would withdraw five of these. That's because they were added after SBF was extradited, but he could face another trial next year. Sam Bankman-Fried hasn't been having a great year, but he did win a small victory on Wednesday. The FTX cofounder was facing 13 criminal charges, but in a court filing seen by Insider federal prosecutors said they would withdraw five of these for the October 2 trial. That's because those accusations were only submitted after Bankman-Fried was extradited from the Bahamas, where his crypto exchange was headquartered. Bankman-Fried was extradited to the US because of a treaty with the Bahamas. After spending nine days in a correctional center in Nassau that's known for its squalid conditions, the former billionaire is now under house arrest at his childhood home in Palo Alto, California. The withdrawn charges include bank fraud prosecutors said Bankman-Fried created a new company with no staff to get around FTX being rejected for a California bank account and a bribery conspiracy charge alleging that he spent $40 million trying to influence at least one Chinese government official. Earlier this week, SBF won a ruling in the Bahamas which gave him the ability to argue that its government shouldn't consent to those five newer charges, Bloomberg reported. But it could take months for the Caribbean nation to decide whether or not to do so. In their letter to the judge, federal prosecutors said the government is ready to proceed with fewer charges, "in light of the uncertainty concerning when The Bahamas will render a decision with respect to specialty, and to simplify the proof at trial and decrease the burden of trial preparation on the defendant." It sounds like a good, if small, victory for the man currently out on $250 million bail. But these charges aren't going away they're only being split from the others. SBF's lawyers had asked for the charges to be dismissed. Prosecutors requested that the judge schedule a trial over them for the first quarter of next year. Bankman-Fried's spokesperson declined to comment when contacted by Insider. Read the original article on Business Insider Sarah Palin mocked for response to being asked if Trump supporters are a cult Sarah Palin is facing fresh derision after she denied that Donald Trumps devoted Maga base was a cult before accurately describing its cult-like characteristics. Appearing on Newsmax, the former Alaska governor was asked about the scenes at the Versailles Restaurant in Miami where Mr Trump stopped by after pleading not guilty to federal charges of mishandling classified documents on Tuesday. Newsmaxs John Huddy asked Ms Palin whether the former presidents supporters at the restaurant had engaged in cult-like behaviour. No, she replied. The definition of a cult is a group of people who are excessively supporting one another and a cause, all about conformity and compliance, and intolerance of anyone who doesnt agree with what their mission is. Ms Palin soon found herself in familiar territory of being mocked by social media users. Sarah Palin perfectly describes the Trump cult while denying that Trump World is a cult, wrote one Ron DeSantis supporter. Michael Steele, the former RNC chairman, shared footage of a British reporter being called a traitor and angrily moved on from the Versailles restaurant after asking Mr Trump if he was ready to go to prison. You mean like this? Mr Steele wrote. By jove, shes GOT it! Anjali Deodhar wrote. Apart from the first No ... everything else lines up perfectly! Congrats, Sarah! Experts have long warned that Mr Trumps powerful sway over elements of the Republican Party amount to a cult of personality. He has become more authoritarian, more outrageous, and yet many of his followers remain blindly devoted, Steven Hassan wrote in his 2019 book The Cult of Trump: A Leading Cult Expert Explains How the President Uses Mind Control. After his arraignment on 37 counts of mishandling classified documents on Tuesday, Mr Trumps motorcade went directly to the Versaille restaurant in a choreographed photo-op where he was doted on by supporters. An illustration of water plumes off Enceladus, revealing molecules and compounds. An illustration of water plumes emanating from Enceladus, revealing molecules and compounds. Scientists have found traces of phosphorus, a fundamental ingredient for life, in ice grains spewed into space by Enceladus, one of Saturns moons. Enceladus is a tiny (310-mile-wide, or 500-kilometer-wide) moon orbiting Saturn, the great ringed gas giant of our solar system. Its less wide than the United Kingdom, but Enceladus is of outsized interest to astrobiologists because of its subsurface ocean, which lies beneath its icy crust. Read more Now researchers have found signs of a rare element crucial for lifes existence being expelled from within the moons waters. The teams research was published this week in Nature. Life as we know it needs water, so signs of waterwhether in dried-up layers in Martian craters or actively sloshing around beneath the surfaces of craggy moonsare worthy of scientific investigation. It makes Enceladus, as well as other oceanic satellites like Jupiters moon Europa, of utmost importance in humankinds search for life beyond Earth. Even if signs of life dont turn up in missions investigating subsurface oceans, their absence could help scientists home in on what circumstances give rise to life. The phosphorus turned up in data from the Cassini spacecraft, whose 20-year mission ended in 2017, when the spacecraft spectacularly plunged into Saturn. Cassini observed Enceladus on its tour of the Saturnian system, and saw the moon erupting, spewing large plumes of water through cracks in its icy surface. The water plumes werent seen by Cassini alone. Just last month, the Webb Space Telescope spotted a water plume more than 6,000 miles long (9,656 km), or more than 20 times the size of Enceladus itself, ejected from the moon. There was water absolutely everywhere, one scientist who studied the plume said, and that water either stayed in the vicinity of Enceladus or fed Saturns ring system. The recent team of researchers investigated data from Cassinis Cosmic Dust Analyzer, which sampled ice grains spewed by Enceladus that made their way into Saturns E ring. Webb provides a unique way to directly measure how water evolves and changes over time across Enceladus immense plume, and as we see here, we will even make new discoveries and learn more about the composition of the underlying ocean, said Stefanie Milam, a a planetary scientist at NASA Goddard and a co-author of the paper documenting the plume spotted by Webb, in a Space Telescope Science Institute release at the time. An artist's impression of the Cassini spacecraft flying through the plumes of Enceladus. An artists impression of the Cassini spacecraft flying through the plumes of Enceladus. Cassini also flew through Enceleadus plumes during its tenure, and previously detected organic compounds including amino acids. The phosphorus detection is more intriguing, though, as the element is the least abundant of those necessary for biological processes, according to a NASA Jet Propulsion Laboratory release, and is a building block of DNA the molecule that contains our genetic code. Its the first time this essential element has been discovered in an ocean beyond Earth, said Frank Postberg, a planetary scientist at Freie Universitat Berlin and the studys lead author, in the same release. The concentrations of phosphorus were estimated to be 100 times that of Earths oceans; furthermore, the team speculated that phosphates may persist in other ocean worlds in our solar system. While the European Space Agency has an orbiter currently heading towards Jupiters moons, no trips are currently planned for Enceladus cool embrace. That may change soon, though. NASAs latest decadal survey included a mission concept: the Enceladus Orbilander, which would seek to determine if life exists on the moon, and if not, whether the conditions to sustain it do. With a proposed science phase lasting from 2050 to 2054, the Orbilander is a future bet, but a slim one at that, since NASA JPLs budget is shaky and most recently underwent a soft cancellation of its VERITAS mission to Venus, slated for 2029, despite the objections of scientists. Whether a mission is sent to Enceladus or not, the detection of phosphorus is an exciting discovery that bolsters the possibility of life beyond Earthor if not on Enceladus, perhaps a world a lot like it. More: What to Know About the JUICE Mission to Jupiter and Its Frozen Moons More from Gizmodo Sign up for Gizmodo's Newsletter. For the latest news, Facebook, Twitter and Instagram. Click here to read the full article. Saturn's moon Enceladus has all the ingredients for life in its icy oceans. But is life there? A snapshot of Cassini flying through the plumes of Enceladus during its final orbits between April and September 2017 For the first time, phosphorus the rarest of six elements upon which life as we know it depends has been found in a tiny ocean-bearing moon in our solar system. Scientists combing through data sent home by NASA's Cassini spacecraft nearly 15 years ago said they have found plentiful phosphorus in water geysers that routinely blast into space from Enceladus , a tiny moon of Saturn and one of the most likely places in the solar system where life might exist. Enceladus is an ice-covered moon that harbors an enormous ocean of liquid water underneath an icy crust. Scientists have previously found other key building blocks of life in the moon's ocean including carbon, hydrogen, nitrogen, sulfur and oxygen. However, phosphorus, which teams up with sugars to form a skeleton to DNA molecules and also helps repair and maintain cell membranes, had so far eluded detection . Related: Saturn's moon Enceladus is blasting a plume of water 6,000 miles high. Could life be lurking under its icy shell? The intriguing new findings estimate that concentrations of phosphorus on Enceladus are at least 500 times higher than the highest known concentrations in Earth 's oceans. The discovery, announced in a paper published Wednesday (June 14), shows that the icy moon, already one of the hottest candidates in the search for alien life, now satisfies "the strictest requirement of habitability." "We didn't find life or even something that was created by life," Frank Postberg, a professor of planetary sciences at the Freie Universitat Berlin in Germany who led the research, told Space.com. "We have just found signs of something that indicates that life could form there pretty good. It is just a habitability indicator, and a very good and important one," he added. For the past five years, Postberg and his colleagues have been studying data collected by Cassini back in 2008, when the spacecraft flew through and "tasted" the water geysers that Enceladus spews into space . These powerful water jets are likely triggered as the gravity of the gas giant Saturn's squeezes the moon, heating up its rocky interior. Pressurized water then squirts through cracks in the ice crust, blasting into space at speeds of 79 gallons (360 liters) per second, which is fast enough to fill an Olympic-sized swimming pool in just a couple hours. While most of the plume material falls back as snow on the moon's surface, some of it also feeds Saturn 's E ring, a tenuous halo of tiny ice particles. It was these particles that hit Cassini's instruments during its flybys. A sequence of images of Saturn's moon Enceladus taken by the Cassini mission. While previous research based on computer models concluded there might be phosphorus on Enceladus, this is the first time that the crucial ingredient has been spotted directly in material from Enceladus' geysers. "The only thing that isn't so direct is that phosphate salts were found in Saturn's E ring, not in the plume itself," Christopher Glein, a planetary scientist and geochemist at the Southwest Research Institute in Texas who is one of the authors of the new study, told Space.com. "But, we know that Enceladus's plume feeds the E ring. No mystery there," he added. While browsing through measurements of over 300 ice grains sampled by the Cassini spacecraft and the data reproduced in the lab for validation purposes, the team behind the new study spotted nine grains that had a clear fingerprint of orthophosphate, which is the only form of phosphorus that living organisms can absorb and is used by them for growth. "It was a tantalizing moment when I first realized that these spectra very likely show phosphates," Postberg said, adding that his team was agnostic while analyzing the data. "I admit phosphate is probably the best thing we could have found, but we never looked for it specifically." Scientists have been split on the presence of phosphorus in Enceladus. A 2018 study that modeled phosphorus concentrations on the moon concluded that the crucial element would be depleted in the moon's oceans and thus unavailable for potential life. However, the new study "overturns the findings from my past model," Manasvi Lingam, who led the 2018 research but was not part of the new study, told Space.com. "In science, it is common for older theories to be superseded by newer theories and improved data in fact, this is how the field progresses." Findings from the latest study agree with what a team of scientists including Glein had found in 2022. Using updated geochemical models, the team had estimated that orthophosphate would in fact dissolve at a much higher rate than previously predicted in Enceladus' waters, resulting in an ocean that could be up to 1,000 times richer in phosphorus than Earth's oceans. The new study also concluded that orthophosphate is "readily available" in Enceladus' oceans, with the best estimate of its abundance being over 1,000 times higher than in Earth's oceans. On Earth, phosphorus is released by rocks during erosion and weathering of dry land, which Enceladus does not have. Instead, scientists think the interactions between the moons ocean water and the rock forming its core dissolves high amounts of phosphorus into the ocean. "No one would be surprised if there's phosphate in the rock of Enceladus. There's phosphates on comets it is not a big deal," Postberg said. "The big deal is that it is dissolved in the ocean and with that [it's] readily available for the potential formation of life." a bluish icy moon in space The discovery has implications beyond Enceladus' corner in the solar system. Phosphorus is quite rare in natural waters as it readily reacts with positively charged atoms like calcium to form calcium phosphate, which locks up the phosphorus and thus makes it unusable for lifeforms. But Enceladus is able to host such high amounts of dissolved phosphorus because it has what scientists call a soda ocean. Soda oceans or soda lakes are rich in carbonates minerals that contain carbon dioxide and form easily in water. Carbonates bond with other elements, like calcium, leaving phosphorus available for potential life to use. This process can be witnessed on Earth too. California's Mono Lake, Nevada's two Soda Lakes, and the Borax Lake in Oregon are just a few examples of soda lakes where rich ecosystems are able to survive. Elsewhere in the world, Africa, Asia and Europe are known to harbor similar soda lakes. In the solar system, celestial objects which host oceans beyond the frost line the arbitrary point in the system between the asteroid belt and Jupiter's orbit beyond which carbon and ice begin to condense into solid ices would inevitably have a soda ocean, according to the new study. Postberg and his team found high amounts of carbonates in the ice grains sampled by Cassini, suggesting that oceanic worlds like Enceladus like the four biggest moons of Uranus that were recently found to host buried oceans should all "be these soda oceans and should have an easy time to dissolve phosphates from the rock," Postberg said. The planetary building blocks from which all the planets of the solar system and their moons formed are rich in carbonates, so any celestial body in the outer solar system which has an ocean in contact with its rocks could host a soda lake that can harbor abundant amounts of phosphates. "These carbonates..this is a general thing in the outer solar system," Postberg said. "This is not just applicable to Enceladus but to all ocean worlds in the outer solar system." Related stories: This snake robot could hunt alien life on icy moons like Saturn's Enceladus Detecting life on Saturn moon Enceladus would require 100 flybys through its geyser plume, study suggests Missing element for life may be present in ocean of Saturn's moon Enceladus So while the exact amount of phosphorus in Enceladus' ocean is still an estimate researchers say local concentrations could still be higher or lower given that we do not yet know everything there is about the moon's functioning the debate about whether phosphorus itself, a critical ingredient for life, is present on the moon seems to be finally settled. "It is habitable it is clearly hard to argue against that but we do not know if it is inhabited," Postberg said. Researchers know little about what, if anything, happens to Enceladus ocean water as it travels from the ocean, through the icy crust, and out into space. Clarifying how this transport process works will give us an improved understanding to assess the habitability of the moon from spacecraft measurements, according to Glein. "I think we're up for the challenge!" he said. SC hospital to pay $36.5 million to settle alleged kickback scheme, does not admit guilt Bon Secours St. Francis healthcare system has agreed to pay $36.5 million to resolve a lawsuit that alleged illegal bonuses were paid to orthopedic surgeons based on the amount and value of referrals to the Greenville hospital. Medical providers should base health care decisions on what is best for the patient, and not on financial incentives and related schemes, said U.S. Attorney Adair F. Boroughs for the District of South Carolina. Erica Blake, spokesperson for the healthcare system, released a statement disputing the allegations made about the physician employment arrangement, which ended five years ago. Reaching a settlement enables us to place our focus where it belongs continuing to compassionately serve patients and communities by providing the high-quality, Mission-centric care that our community has come to expect without the disruption this kind of litigation can pose, she said. The lawsuit came about after a whistleblower filed a lawsuit alleging knowledge of a kickback scheme. That person, who was not named, will receive $10.2 million of the settlement amount, the U.S, Attorneys Office said in a news release. We are grateful the relator brought these allegations forward. Relators are critical to identifying fraud and protecting the integrity of our Medicare system, Boroughs said. The lawsuit alleged the Greenville healthcare system violated the False Claims Act, the Federal Stark Law, and the Federal Anti-Kickback Statute. The settlement resolves allegations that St. Francis caused the submission of false claims to Medicare and to TRICARE as a result of an unlawful contractual payment structure between St. Francis and Piedmont Orthopedic Associates. The whistleblower was represented by Bill Nettles and Fran Trapp of the Law Offices of Bill Nettles, and Bryan Vroon of the Law Offices of Bryan A. Vroon, LLC. Historic meeting guides development of China-Honduras relations Xinhua) 08:56, June 15, 2023 President of the Republic of Honduras Iris Xiomara Castro Sarmiento arrived in Shanghai on Friday morning, starting her China visit which will run until June 14 at the invitation of Chinese President Xi Jinping. (Xinhua/Gao Feng) After walking the red carpet China rolled out for her, visiting Honduran president Iris Xiomara Castro Sarmiento and Chinese President Xi Jinping conducted their historic meeting, jointly charting the course forward for bilateral relations. BEIJING, June 14 (Xinhua) -- Greeted by a group of frisky children clutching bouquets, Iris Xiomara Castro Sarmiento, president of the Republic of Honduras, broke into a smile and reciprocated the warm gestures by forming a heart shape with her hands. Standing beside her was Chinese President Xi Jinping. It's a scene that would be inscribed in the chronicle of China-Honduras relations. After walking the red carpet China rolled out for the visiting Honduran president, the two heads of state conducted their historic meeting on Monday, jointly charting the course forward for bilateral relations. NEW CHAPTER Castro is the first Honduran president to pay a state visit to China. When she arrived in Shanghai on Friday, the president said her visit to China is expected by the Honduran people. On March 26, China and Honduras signed a joint communique in Beijing on the establishment of diplomatic relations. Honduras has thus become the 182nd country to have diplomatic relations with China. Chinese State Councilor and Foreign Minister Qin Gang and Honduran Foreign Minister Eduardo Reina shake hands after signing a joint communique on the establishment of diplomatic relations in Beijing, capital of China, March 26, 2023. (Xinhua/Zhang Ling) During the meeting, Xi said the bilateral relationship has got off to a good and speedy start and enjoys great dynamism and promise since the establishment of diplomatic ties. Underscoring the immediate and long-term significance of the establishment of diplomatic ties, Xi stressed "China will remain committed to developing friendly relations with Honduras, firmly support economic and social development in Honduras, and forge a good friendship and partnership with Honduras featuring mutual respect, equality, mutual benefit, and common development." China and Honduras have every reason to forge close ties. Recognized as a major developing country with a strong sense of responsibility, China has been dedicated to strengthening solidarity and cooperation among developing countries and safeguarding their common interests and international fairness and justice. During their talks, Xi said that China is willing to work with Honduras and other Latin American and Caribbean (LAC) countries to promote cooperation on the China-CELAC Forum and the overall cooperation between China and Latin America. From Costa Rica, Panama, and Dominica, to El Salvador, Nicaragua, and Honduras ... Over the years, China has established or restored diplomatic relations with many countries in Central America and the Caribbean region. By making more friends, China is joining Latin American countries to write a new chapter on building a China-Latin America community with a shared future. NEW OPPORTUNITIES 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 based on principles of mutual respect, equality, mutual benefit and common development. During the meeting with Castro, Xi mentioned not long ago, a delegation of Honduran business leaders visited China, noting that many of them said the trip has transformed their perception of China. Among members of the delegations are many coffee merchants, as Honduras is an important coffee exporter. Diplomatic ties with China will bring opportunities for them to explore the vast Chinese market. "Taking advantage of the establishment of diplomatic relations, Honduran high-quality products represented by coffee will reach more customers from the vast Chinese market," said Zelaya, a Honduran coffee merchant who only gave his first name. A worker checks roasted coffee beans in a coffee factory in Marcala, Honduras, on May 6, 2023. Honduras' natural conditions are ideal for coffee cultivation and it is one of the major coffee exporters in Central America. (Xinhua/Xin Yuewei) "China is a big country with leading science and technology," said Mario, another coffee merchant. "The advanced machinery made in China will promote the development and upgrading of the Honduran coffee industry, and active cooperation between two countries in various fields will continue to benefit the Honduran people." According to the General Administration of Customs of China, in the first four months of this year, China's total export-import volume with Honduras reached 3.893 billion yuan (544 million U.S. dollars), a year-on-year increase of 22.9 percent, of which imports increased 229.5 percent. The fruitful results brought by the two countries' practical cooperation since the establishment of diplomatic ties testify to the huge development potential of bilateral relations. On Friday, Castro said in Shanghai that Honduras will actively participate in the sixth China International Import Expo to be held in November; On Sunday, China and Honduras held a high-level business meeting, the first of its kind since the two countries established diplomatic relations; On Monday, the two countries pledged in a joint statement to negotiate a free trade agreement, and encourage Chinese enterprises to participate in Honduras's development by investing in projects of various fields. During the visit, China and Honduras also signed a memorandum of understanding on Belt and Road cooperation, making Honduras an official participating country of the Belt and Road Initiative. Latin America now has 22 countries that have joined Belt and Road cooperation with China. The vigorous vitality and broad prospect of China-Honduras practical cooperation is a manifestation of China and Latin American countries working together to promote practical cooperation and achieve common development. According to data from China's General Administration of Customs, the total trade volume between China and Latin America and the Caribbean countries reached a new high of 485.79 billion dollars in 2022, exceeding 450 billion dollars for the second consecutive year and marking an increase of more than 7 percent over 2021. NEW EXPECTATIONS During the talks with Castro, Xi said that the two sides should promote cultural and people-to-people exchanges to consolidate the popular support for China-Honduras friendship. The establishment of bilateral diplomatic ties has paved the way for the two peoples to strengthen cultural exchanges and enhance mutual understanding. In May, a delegation of 30 Honduran media professionals visited Shanghai, Guizhou, Chongqing, Zhejiang, Jiangsu, and other places in China. "In the past, my impression of China came entirely from Western media reports. This trip to China allowed me to see the modern urban governance model with my own eyes, which is worth learning from," said Pedro Membreno, editor-in-chief of the Honduran newspaper People's Power. With the establishment of diplomatic relations between the two countries, Membreno said, the Honduran people now have a growing need for real Chinese information to grasp further knowledge of the country. "This trip to China helped me feel the harmonious coexistence between the city and the natural environment, which embodied the concept of sustainable development. I will try to let more Hondurans know how socialism makes China prosper in a way that is easy for the audience to understand," said Carlos Mendez, a new media worker in Honduras. Li Xinwei, a researcher at the Institute of Archaeology of the Chinese Academy of Social Sciences, also bears witness to the rapid development of civil exchanges between the two countries Since 2015, Li has been working with his Honduran colleagues on a joint archaeological team to excavate the ruins of an aristocratic courtyard in the ancient city of Copan, one of the birthplaces of the Mayan civilization. "Studying the Mayan civilization would also help us better understand the formation and development of Chinese civilization," Li said. "There is still a lot of potential for our archaeological cooperation with China, and the establishment of diplomatic relations between the two countries provides more opportunities for this," said Salvador Varela Martinez, the western region representative of the Honduran Institute of Anthropology and History. Xi himself is also a champion of the diversity of human civilizations. In June 2013, the Chinese president visited the ancient Mayan ruins of Chichen Itza, saying that different cultures and civilizations, while retaining their uniqueness, should be open-minded, tolerant and coexist in peace with each other, thus to achieve common development and prosperity. In 2016, when delivering a key speech at the Peruvian Congress, Xi called for China and Latin America to carry out people-to-people and cultural exchanges and mutual learning of civilization in order to realize the synchronous development of China-Latin America cooperation at both material and spiritual levels. Going forward, China, Honduras, and other Latin American countries are poised to further deepen mutual trust, expand cooperation and enhance friendship, so as to promote China-Latin America relations into a new era characterized by equality, mutual benefit, innovation, openness and benefits for the people. (Web editor: Zhong Wenxing, Liang Jun) SC intern commutes to NJ by air because its cheaper than rent, she says in viral TikTok One South Carolina woman has taken commuting to work to a whole new level. Sophia Celentano, 21, who lives in Charleston with her parents, commutes to her New Jersey summer internship one day each week by plane because she found doing so is cheaper than renting in the New Jersey/New York area. Celentano recently revealed the commuting routine for her advertising internship on a TikTok video she posted. The video has since gone viral. Honestly, its cheaper to stay in Charleston for the summer with my parents and just pay for plane tickets one day a week instead of paying for rent in New York full time, Celentano said in the video as she put on makeup in preparation for her commute. In the video, Celentano said that she wakes up at 3 a.m. to catch her flight from Charleston to Newark once a week. Ogilvy Health, her employer, requires interns to be in its one day a week. Celentano wrote on her LinkedIn page that to save money, rather than spending paying $3400+ a month for rent (the new average for leases in Manhattan), I book a $100 round trip flight from SC to NJ on the one day a week I work in-person. According to rent.com, a one-bedroom apartment in New York costs an average of $5,371 a month, as of June 14. While Celentano said she is fine with commuting, she added in a separate video that the trip back home is by far the worst part of the journey. Early morning flights are very rarely delayed, but the past two times Ive commuted home my flights have either been delayed or straight up canceled, she said. SC man tried to reunite with ex. She said no so he shot into her car, prosecutor says After his attempt to reunite with an ex-girlfriend was rebuffed, a Columbia man shot into her car multiple times, according to the U.S. Attorneys Office. Now hes going to prison. Shondel Antwan Crim, 48, was sentenced to eight years in federal prison after pleading guilty to being a felon in possession of a firearm, the U.S. Attorneys Office said Thursday in a news release. The investigation began when Richland County Sheriffs deputies responded to the home of a shooting victim, according to the release. The victim told deputies that she stopped dating Crim, then saw him at a gas station where they talked, and he tried to rekindle the relationship, the U.S. Attorneys Office said. She declined and left the gas station, only to be followed by Crim, who fired into her car at least two times, according to the release. The U.S. Attorneys Office did not say if the woman was targeted in the shooting, or if she suffered any physical injuries. An arrest warrant was issued for Crim, and a week later, police saw him at another gas station and arrested him, the U.S. Attorneys Office said. Police found a 9mm Glock pistol in a holster inside his waistband, and a search of his house uncovered 9mm ammunition along with a small amount of crack cocaine, according to the release. Crim admitted the gun found in his possession was the one he had during the shooting, the U.S. Attorneys Office said. Crim was prohibited from having a gun based upon previous convictions for possession of crack, possession of a stolen car, possession of crack cocaine with intent to distribute in proximity of a school, possession with the intent to distribute crack cocaine (second offense), and burglary (second offense), according to the release. Crim faced a maximum punishment of 10 years in prison and a $250,000 fine, according to the U.S. Attorneys Office. According to U.S. District Judge Mary Geiger Lewis, Crims prison sentence is to be followed by a 3-year term of court-ordered supervision, the U.S. Attorneys Office said. There is no parole in the federal system. The case was investigated by the ATF, and the Richland County Sheriffs Department, and Assistant U.S. Attorney William Witherspoon prosecuted the case. Crim has an extensive arrest history, Richland County court records show. After being arrested on an attempted murder charge in December 2021, Crim eventually pleaded guilty to a state weapons charge for discharging firearm into vehicle while occupied on May 31, 2023, according to court records. Christopher Shannon Leonard was listed as Crims attorney on the state charge, court records show. Scams targeting KY seniors are getting more sophisticated. How to avoid, report them Scams targeting senior citizens cost victims more than $3 billion last year, and its an issue Kentucky law enforcement officials hope to raise awareness about in June during National Elder Abuse Awareness Month. In 2022 there were 88,262 people over the age of 60 in the United States who were victimized by online scams mainly targeting seniors, according to a report from the FBIs Internet Crime Complaint Center. Those victims lost a total of about $3.1 billion, coming out to an average of $35,101 per victim. There were 5,456 victims involved in scams who lost more than $100,000, according to the FBIs report. Kentucky residents were among those who fell victim to costly schemes. One federal investigation uncovered that two Kentucky women each lost more than $100,000 in the same scam. There are so many more ways that people can get into your personal space than there used to be, said Carlton Shier IV, the U.S. attorney for the Eastern District of Kentucky, a federal court jurisdiction that covers the eastern half of the state. Used to be you had to come knock on somebodys door. Now you can get into bank accounts, get into peoples homes and all sorts of things pretty easily. Kentucky had 937 victims over the age of 60 who were involved in these scams, which ranked 26 out of all 50 states, according to the FBI report. Those victims lost nearly $22.5 million, which ranked Kentucky 31 in lost money. The amount of money lost indicated a 76% increase from 2021. Nationally, the amount of money lost from these scams has gone up in each of the last five years, including an 84% jump from 2021 to 2022, according to the FBI This is a Department of Justice priority, and for obvious reasons, Shier said. Criminal scams are getting a little more sophisticated Internet scams have been a problem for years, but the increased capabilities of technology make it easier for criminals to carry out their schemes, federal officials said. They also like to attack senior citizens for multiple reasons, including their lack of experience with advanced technology and the likelihood theyll have larger savings accounts. Theyre getting a little more sophisticated, Shier said of the people targeting seniors. The criminals change. Whenever we change, they change. June is National Elder Abuse Awareness Month. Older Americans are less likely to report fraud because they dont know how to report it, are embarrassed, or dont know they have been scammed. Read more about how to protect yourself and how to report it: https://t.co/4S0OiVu747 pic.twitter.com/qoDR6HNB61 FBI Louisville (@FBILouisville) June 9, 2023 Perpetrators have adopted several methods to steal senior citizens money, and one of the more popular ones is referred to as a romance scam, according to the FBI. In a romance scam, criminals act as an interested romantic partner on the internet to gain access to someones personal and bank information. Shier said romance scams are dangerous because senior citizens can get wrapped up in the scheme for a long period of time without realizing the danger. Romance scams can go on for a long time and the longer you go, the harder it is to get it back, Shier said. Devastating damage done to victims There were 7,166 confidence/romance scams reported nationally in 2022, costing victims over 60 years old roughly $420 million, according to the FBI. A woman in Lexington fell victim to a romance scam that cost her $200,000. The woman, who was in her 70s, sent the money to an account she believed was her boyfriend, but it was actually one of the conspirators in a four-man ring based in Nigeria, according to the DOJ. Another woman in Western Kentucky lost $183,000 in the same scheme, prosecutors said. Kate Direuf, assistant U.S. attorney for the Eastern District of Kentucky, said they are still working on recuperating the womans money. She also said the woman suffered physical, mental and emotional damage. Its not just financial, Direuf said. She did not trust anybody, including herself anymore. It was just devastating. During the investigation, the U.S. Attorneys Office learned that the ring had stolen money from several other victims through other scams. Direuf said she knows the ring had been operating for years, but it could have been longer and its unknown how much damage they did. Never is it just one victim. Its always multiple victims, Direuf said. Only when somebody has reported the crime that has occurred to them can we find out that they were victimized by the same group of people. Another commonly-used scam is known as a grandparent scam, when scammers act as a younger relative in need of immediate financial help. Direuf said grandparent scams are a product of social media curating. Criminals will stalk victims online movements to come up with a targeted attack meant to trick senior citizens. Common practices in grandparent scams include criminals pretending to be jail officials asking for a gift card or money order for their grandchilds bond. You think to yourself well thats just not even common sense, but in the moment, people arent thinking that way, particularly older Americans who might be falling prey for this panic situation, Shier said. Scammers also follow patterns and trends with their attacks. Direuf said criminals usually produce a bunch of IRS-related scams during tax season when people are expecting tax refunds During COVID there was a proliferation of COVID-related scams, Direuf said. Certainly they change with whats going on. Resources for avoiding, reporting scams There are many resources senior citizens can utilize if they think theyre the victim of a scam, or if they believe theyve been contacted by a scammer. Victims are encouraged to report scams to local law enforcement, the DOJs Elder Justice website or IC3.gov. The FBIs IC3 website is an internet crime complaint center where people can report scams virtually without having to talk to people. It only takes minutes. Direuf said fewer than one-fourth of individuals involved in fraud crimes report it. She encouraged people involved in fraud schemes to report it immediately because timeliness is important in investigating online scams. The best chance is the moment you hang up with them and realize that was a scam, call us, Direuf said. The more you delay, the chances of us recovering will take longer. The speed at which a scam is reported can be the difference between a victim getting their money back or losing it permanently. Obviously if youre trying to track down missing money, having the federal government on your side is a much better ally, Shier said. Theres a lot of more things that we can do to try to recover some of this money. Scholz: 'We need to discuss security guarantees for Ukraine' According to German Chancellor Olaf Scholz, Russian President Vladimir Putin intends to seize neighboring territories, therefore, Kyiv's partners must discuss concrete security guarantees for Ukraine, Deutsche Welle wrote on June 14. The chancellor added that "freezing the war" and thus legitimizing Russia's invasion is not an option, because borders cannot be moved by force. "The Russian president wants to seize certain neighboring territories: he holds such plans for Ukraine, and it is obvious he has such plans for Belarus," Scholz said. "That is why it is important to clearly state that we will support Ukraine as long as necessary and that we will not agree to an imposed peace. Russia must withdraw its troops." As an example of such support, he named repairing damaged Ukrainian military equipment and setting up repair centers in Romania, Slovakia, and Poland. Politico: Duda, Scholz, Macron to meet in Paris, discuss security guarantees for Ukraine Politico reported on June 9 that several anonymous French officials confirmed German Chancellor Olaf Scholz and Polish President Andrzej Duda were expected in Paris on June 12 to meet with French President Emmanuel Macron and discuss security guarantees for Ukraine. The Kyiv IndependentKate Tsurkan According to the chancellor, Ukraine's partners must also be ready to ensure its security after the war is over. For that purpose, the allies need to have "a very specific conversation about security guarantees." Scholz, as well as French President Emmanuel Macron, have called for providing security guarantees for Ukraine after the war to prevent further Russian aggression. The French Foreign Ministry released a statement in late May that NATO allies were contemplating an Israeli-style security agreement for Ukraine. However, Politico reported on June 8 that Western officials remain divided on providing security guarantees for Ukraine, questioning whether it is worthwhile when Ukraine is not yet a member of the military alliance. Other NATO members, mainly from Central and Eastern Europe, favor offering a clear membership pathway to Ukraine during the upcoming summit in Vilnius. School administrator who gave alcohol to minors at party erased evidence of sex with student A former school administrator in north Georgia pleaded guilty to charges for having a sexual relationship with a student and giving alcohol to minors. Dr. Rachelle Louise Terry, 43, of Chatsworth, was arrested last year by the Murray County Sheriffs Office and the Georgia Bureau of Investigation. On Wednesday, she entered a guilty plea for statutory rape, sexual exploitation of children, tampering with evidence, furnishing alcohol to a minor and contributing to the delinquency of a minor. [DOWNLOAD: Free WSB-TV News app for alerts as news breaks] Investigators said they began to look into Terry after she hosted a Halloween party for five minors and gave them alcohol at her home in Chatsworth. They found receipts and videos showing her buying the alcohol hours before the party. Parents went to the school district and consented to the DAs office searching their childrens phones. During the search, the DAs office said that one of the phones had evidence showing Terry had an inappropriate, sexual relationship with a 15-year-old. TRENDING STORIES: Investigators asked Terry about the 15-year-olds phone and obtained a search warrant for her phone, too. She denied having any relationship, but investigators discovered she used software to erase her phone data. The 15-year-old admitted to what was on their phones and that they had a sexual relationship. A judge sentenced Terry to 15 years with three years to be served and the other 12 years on probation. She will also have to register as a sex offender. Additionally, part of negotiated plea included multiple special conditions imposed on sex offense cases which include no contact with children under 18, no alcohol, a curfew, and no internet access or social media use, the DAs office said. [SIGN UP: WSB-TV Daily Headlines Newsletter] IN OTHER NEWS Herbs and Spices A breakthrough new study appears to confirm that Enceladus an icy, 300 miles-in-diameter moon that orbits Saturn contains all of the six major ingredients for life, leading scientists to believe that the intriguing Saturnine satellite might indeed be habitable. As The Wall Street Journal reports, scientists have been intrigued by Enceladus for years now, as previous studies had shown the presence of five of the six major building blocks of life: carbon, hydrogen, nitrogen, oxygen, and sulfur. Phosphorous, however the sixth element essential for all known life was nowhere to be found. Until now, that is. According to this new research, by an international team of researchers and published in the journal Nature on Wednesday, phosphorous is located on the moon after all, found in the form of phosphate and buried deep in Encelades' salty subsurface oceans. "Life as we know it doesnt operate without it," Christopher Glein, a geochemist from the Southwest Research Institute in San Antonio and a study co-author, told the WSJ of the now-not-missing element. "It is absolutely critical to your DNA." Juice World Detecting the phosphate was a fairly tall order, as Encelades' element-rich ocean is trapped beneath roughly 30-mile-deep sheets of frozen ice. But as the WSJ notes, geysers at the Moon's South Pole are known to blast plumes containing icy material from that ocean into the Moon's surrounding orbit. And excitingly, before it death-dove into Saturn's atmosphere back in 2017, NASA's since-departed Cassini spacecraft had actually gathered some samples of this geyser-rocketed ocean matter. The researchers were able to analyze roughly 1,000 samples of said geyser spittle, and of those thousand or so samples, nine contained phosphate. "This is the final [study] saying, 'Yes, Enceladus does have all of the ingredients that typical Earth life would need to live and that the ocean there is habitable for life as we know it," NASA Jet Propulsion Laboratory chemist Morgan Cable, who was not involved in the new research, told the WSJ, adding that while the discovery doesn't necessarily mean that there's life currently on Enceladus, it means it could potentially host it. "The next step is to figure out if indeed it is inhabited, and it is going to take a future mission to answer that question," Cable continued. "But this is exciting, because it makes Enceladus an even more compelling destination to go and do that kind of search." More on Enceladus: NASA Tests Snake Robot Designed to Look for Alien Life on Icy Moons Attica Locke is sharing her thoughts on what made her show From Scratch such a massive success for Netflix The limited series, which debuted in October 2022, reached No. 1 globally on Netflix. In the weeks following its premiere, the shows following grew. It sparked some lively debates and commentary online over its love story that centered the narrative of its Black woman lead character. The shows story is actually based on the memoir of Lockes sister and From Scratch co-creator, Tembi Locke. In a guest column for The Hollywood Reporter, Locke praised the series production partners at Hello Sunshine. Locke says the partners helped them navigate the challenges presented when the COVID pandemic shutdown the shows writers room in 2020. Locke recalled facing the daunting task of producing the series amid the COVID shutdowns. Other challenges included the show being shot in Italy, the cast using three languages and the use of international actors. Despite those struggles, Locke said she still had a lot of faith. Because at every step of the way, we Tembi as the author and the woman on whose life the series was built, and me as the showrunner had producing partners in Hello Sunshine who believed in this show, who believed in the Black women at the heart and helm of the project, said Locke. She went on to praise some of the Black women who worked on the project, including director and co-executive producer, Nzingha Stewart and actress Zoe Saldana who both acted in the series and produced it with her sisters, Cisely and Mariel Saldana. Locke went on to share the support that she received from Netlix as she moved through the process of bringing From Scratch to life. From Scratch exists because of their faith, and because they, and ultimately Netflix, believed in a team of Black women creators, believed our certainty that viewers were hungry for a show like this, that the world was waiting to see more of Black womens complexity onscreen, she said. Locke added that she was always confident in the appeal of the series. But the key to its success was Hello Sunshine and Netlix being willing to de-center their point of view so that our series could be its most authentic self, a show that, as Tamron Hall said, could only have been made by Black women. Locke is encouraging Hollywood to listen to Black women creatives when they pitch Black women-centered stories. Because believing Black women is what made From Scratch the triumph that it is, she concluded. The post From Scratch Showrunner Attica Locke Talks Importance of Hollywood Supporting Black Women Creatives appeared first on 21Ninety. Wildlife officials in Hawaii say a monk seal has been found dead in Oahu - the second seal death reported on the island in three months. A team with Hawai'i Marine Animal Response said they located the body of a 3-month-old seal named Hoomau Lehua on the North Shore of the island, home to the state's capital of Honolulu. The seal was found dead Monday and the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration is investigating the seal's cause of death, the team reported. "This was a shock to all of us, Lehua was so young, only born in February of this year, and each time we saw her she seemed to be doing well for herself," HMAR posted on Facebook Wednesday. Hoomau Lehua Lehua's death comes just months after another female monk seal was found dead on an area beach. The team identified that seal as Malama and reported the female was found dead on March 12 at Ohikilolo, between Keaau Beach Park and Makua Valley. The area is southwest of the North Shore. NOAA investigates seal killing in Hawaii This seal was killed 3 months after being released into the wild: 'We're asking for help' 'Shocked an saddened' According to the team, NOAA conducted a necropsy on Malama and found the female seal was intentionally killed as a result of blunt force trauma. "We were shocked and saddened to find out that the evidence points to an intentional killing. Malama was well known in the monk seal community after having gone to the Marine Mammal Center for care as she was malnourished post-weaning," the team posted on Facebook. "Her death has hit us and our partners particularly hard due to the amount of time spent with her." So far no one has been arrested in connection to the seal's death. A $5,000 reward is being offered for information that leads to the successful prosecution of anyone responsible for intentionally killing Malama, found dead March 12, 2023 in Oahu. The seal died as a result of blunt force trauma, a necropsy found. Hawaiian monk seals are an endangered species with just 1,500 known in the main Hawaiian Islands, according to NOAA. The species are protected by the Endangered Species Act and the Marine Mammal Protection Act. Alaska moose test positive for rabies 'Stumbling, drooling' moose tests positive for rabies in Alaska, a state first Necropsy findings and a $5K reward On Wednesday, HMAR said NOAA conducted a necropsy on Lehua on Tuesday and "while additional findings will take time, they found no signs of blunt force trauma. But official results from the necropsy could take months to be released, the team reported. A $5,000 reward is being offered for information that leads to the successful prosecution of anyone responsible for intentionally killing Malama. Anyone with further information about the seal's death is asked to contact NOAA or the Marine Wildlife team. Natalie Neysa Alund covers breaking and trending news for USA TODAY. Reach her at nalund@usatoday.com and follow her on Twitter @nataliealund. This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Another monk seal found dead in Hawaii, cause under investigation FILE - Attendees walk past an electronic display showing recent cyberattacks in China at the China Internet Security Conference in Beijing, on Sept. 12, 2017. Hackers linked to China were likely behind the exploitation of a software security hole in cybersecurity firm Barracuda Networks email security feature that affected public and private organizations globally, according to an investigation by security firm Mandiant. (AP Photo/Mark Schiefelbein, File) Suspected state-backed Chinese hackers used a security hole in a popular email security appliance to break into the networks of hundreds of public and private sector organizations globally, nearly a third of them government agencies including foreign ministries, the cybersecurity firm Mandiant said Thursday. This is the broadest cyber espionage campaign known to be conducted by a China-nexus threat actor since the mass exploitation of Microsoft Exchange in early 2021, Charles Carmakal, Mandiant's chief technical officer, said in a emailed statement. That hack compromised tens of thousands of computers globally. In a blog post Thursday, Google-owned Mandiant expressed high confidence that the group exploiting a software vulnerability in Barracuda Networks' Email Security Gateway was engaged in espionage activity in support of the Peoples Republic of China. It said the activivity began as early as October. The hackers sent emails containing malicious file attachments to gain access to targeted organizations devices and data, Mandiant said. Of those organizations, 55% were from the Americas, 22% from Asia Pacific and 24% from Europe, the Middle East and Africa and they included foreign ministries in Southeast Asia, foreign trade offices and academic organizations in Taiwan and Hong Kong. the company said. Mandiant said the majority impact in the Americas may partially reflect the geography of Barracuda's customer base. Barracuda announced on June 6 that some of its its email security appliances had been hacked as early as October, giving the intruders a back door into compromised networks. The hack was so severe the California company recommended fully replacing the appliances. After discovering it in mid-May, Barracuda released containment and remediation patches but the hacking group, which Mandiant identifies as UNC4841, altered their malware to try to maintain access, Mandiant said. The group then countered with high frequency operations targeting a number of victims located in at least 16 different countries. Word of the breach arrived with U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken departing for China this weekend as part of the Biden administrations push to repair deteriorating ties between Washington and Beijing. His visit had initially been planned for early this year but was postponed indefinitely after the discovery and shootdown of what the U.S. said was a Chinese spy balloon over the United States. Mandiant said the targeting at both the organizational and individual account levels, focused on issues that are high policy priorities for China, particularly in the Asia Pacific region. It said the hackers searched for email accounts of people working for governments of political or strategic interest to China at the time they were participating in diplomatic meetings with other countries. In a emailed statement Thursday, Barracuda said about 5% of its active Email Security Gateway appliances worldwide showed evidence of potential compromise. It said it was providing replacement appliances to affected customers at no cost. The U.S. government has accused Beijing of being its principal cyberespionage threat, with state-backed Chinese hackers stealing data from both the private and public sector. In terms of raw intelligence affecting the U.S., Chinas largest electronic infiltrations have targeted OPM, Anthem, Equifax and Marriott. Earlier this year, Microsoft said state-backed Chinese hackers have been targeting U.S. critical infrastructure and could be laying the technical groundwork for the potential disruption of critical communications between the U.S. and Asia during future crises. China says the U.S. also engages in cyberespionage against it, hacking into computers of its universities and companies. AP Business Writer Zen Soo contributed from Hong Kong. An exquisite French-style chateau in California where Mariah Carey filmed her music video I dont has hit the market for $28.75 million. Carey once leased the stately 17,000-square-foot estate, which was designed by award-winning architect Richard Drummond Davis, according to Coldwell Banker Realty. The seven-bedroom, 10-bathroom residence built with imported limestone from Italy and hardware and hand-built chandeliers from France features mahogany wood, varieties of onyx stone, top-of-the-line moldings and hand-carved fireplace mantels. The regal mansion, at 25365 Prado De La Felicidad in Calabasas, California, sits on more than one acre with city and mountain views. Nestled behind the prestigious second gate in The Estates at The Oaks, this architectural masterpiece of French influence and design is one of the most exquisite properties in all of Calabasas, Rachella Moghadam, listing agent with Coldwell Banker Realty said in a news release. Calabasas is about 30 miles north of Los Angeles. A grand entry leads to a soaring 30-foot-tall domed ceiling adorned with detailed moldings, two floating staircases, a two-story formal dining room and an expansive gourmet kitchen with a spacious breakfast nook. Theres a generous office space and beautiful 10-seat screening room with bar and lounge. Incredible views continue in a primary suite that boasts a dual-sided fireplace, balcony, separate sitting area and an all-stone bathroom with enormous octagon-shaped double steam shower under a dome skylight, a bathtub, honey onyx and expansive custom closets. Five bedrooms in the house have private balconies and en suite bathrooms. The seventh bedroom is a studio guest house. The grounds are highlighted by a 110-foot infinity edge pool and spa with multiple waterfalls and bridges crafted from the Italian limestone matching the exterior walls. There are manicured hedges and a large covered grilling pavilion has an outdoor dining area. There is a fruit orchard, two gated driveways and garages that can house six cars. The property originally listed at a price of $32 million in January 2020, but dropped by $3.25 million this month. Mountain home for sale spans a dramatic canyon in Arizona. See it nestled in rocks This over-the-top, energy efficient home near Sacramento illustrates hot luxury market The Senate voted Thursday to confirm Nusrat Choudhury to a lifetime federal judgeship, putting the first-ever Muslim American woman on the federal bench. Choudhury was confirmed, 50 to 49, to serve on the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of New York. Every Republican voted no. Every Democrat, including the two independents who caucus with them, voted to confirm her, except for one: Joe Manchin of West Virginia. Sen. Tim Scott (R-S.C.), who is running for president, missed the vote. Choudhury, 47, is a longtime civil rights attorney with the American Civil Liberties Union. She worked for more than 11 years at the ACLUs national chapter in New York City, and since 2020, has been the legal director for the ACLU of Illinois. Progressives have long advocated for Choudhury and have been anxiously awaiting action on her nomination, which has stalled for more than a year due to stiff GOP opposition and Democratic absences in a Senate where Democrats hold the razor-thin majority of 51-49. Her confirmation comes a day after another one of President Joe Bidens court picks, voting rights attorney Dale Ho, was confirmed after waiting almost two years for a vote. Both nominees were recommended to the White House by Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-N.Y.), as both would fill court vacancies in his home state. The trend of the Senate confirming some of President Biden and Leader Schumers best judicial picks continues, said Chris Kang, chief counsel for Demand Justice, a progressive judicial advocacy group. It used to be an anomaly for the Senate to confirm a career civil rights lawyer to a federal judgeship. This week, its happened multiple times. Nusrat Choudhury testifies during her Senate Judiciary Committee confirmation hearing on April 27, 2022. Nusrat Choudhury testifies during her Senate Judiciary Committee confirmation hearing on April 27, 2022. Choudhury faced GOP criticism during her April 2022 confirmation hearing, when Sen. John Kennedy (R-La.) asked if she said at a 2015 speaking event at Princeton University, The killing of unarmed Black men by police happens every day in America. Choudhury told Kennedy that she wasnt sure if she had, but said it was possible she had in her role as an advocate. Her testimony spurred law enforcement groups including the Fraternal Order of Police and the Sergeants Benevolent Association to oppose her nomination. She followed up with the Judiciary Committee weeks later to confirm she never made that remark. There is no record that I made this statement, and I did not do so, Choudhury said in written responses to questions from the committee. Additionally, I regret that I failed to state unequivocally at my hearing that the statement is simply not true. But Republicans remained opposed to her all the same. Manchin, who is up for reelection next year, said Thursday this is why he voted against her confirmation. Some of Ms. Choudhurys previous statements call into question her ability to be unbiased towards the work of our brave law enforcement, Manchin said in a statement. As a staunch supporter of our men and women in uniform, I opposed Ms. Choudhurys nomination. Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-N.Y.) hailed his Nusrat Choudhury as Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-N.Y.) hailed his Nusrat Choudhury as "a shining example of the American Dream." He recommended her to the White House for a federal judgeship. In sharp contrast, Schumer hailed Choudhury as a shining example of the American Dream in remarks on the Senate floor. She is the daughter of immigrant parents, a graduate of Columbia, Princeton, and Yale Law School, and has dedicated her career to making sure all people can have their voices heard in court, he said. She currently serves as a Legal Director for the ACLU, and is an expert in civil rights and civil liberties. Her vast and critical experience, coupled with a deep-rooted understanding of the law, will serve her well as a judge for the Eastern District. Choudhurys and Hos confirmations are part of a broader effort by Biden to bring badly needed diversity onto the nations mostly white, mostly male federal bench. As of last month, 66% of his nominees have been women and 70% of his judges who have been confirmed have been women. Additionally, 65% of his nominees have been people of color, and 64% of his judges that have been confirmed have been people of color. Biden has also made a significant push to diversify the federal bench in terms of judges professional backgrounds. With Schumers help in the Senate, the president has been confirming record numbers of public defenders and civil right attorneys to lifetime federal judgeships, a shift from the more traditional corporate lawyers tapped for these jobs. This week has been a breath of fresh air, said Rakim Brooks, president of Alliance for Justice, another progressive judicial advocacy group. Nusrat Choudhury is a legal rockstar who has dedicated her career to racial justice. The dream would be to have a federal bench full of judges just like her those that have advocated for everyday Americans, not just the wealthy and powerful. In addition to being the first Muslim American woman to be confirmed as a federal judge, Choudhury is also the first Bangladeshi-American to do so. A bipartisan group of senators reintroduced a bill that would block Chinese-owned social media platform TikTok from exporting data to China. The Protecting Americans Data From Foreign Surveillance Act of 2023, first introduced in 2022, will include several updates, such as directing the Commerce secretary and other agencies to identify categories of personal data that, if exported, could harm U.S. national security. The Commerce secretary will also be asked to compile a list of low-risk countries where data can be shared without restrictions and a separate list of high-risk countries where exports of sensitive data will be blocked. The department will also be asked to create a system to issue licenses for data exports to nations not on either list. The updated bill will also regulate all exports of personal data by data brokers and firms like TikTok directly to restricted foreign governments, to parent companies in restricted foreign countries, and to persons designated on the Bureau of Industry and Securitys Entity List. Sens. Ron Wyden (D-Ore.) and Cynthia Lummis (R-Wyo.) introduced the bill, which is co-sponsored by six other bipartisan lawmakers. Massive pools of Americans sensitive information everything from where we go, to what we buy and what kind of health care services we receive are for sale to buyers in China, Russia and nearly anyone with a credit card, Wyden said in a statement. Our bipartisan bill would turn off the tap of data to unfriendly nations, stop TikTok from sending Americans personal information to China, and allow nations with strong privacy protections to strengthen their relationships. The letter comes as multiple state governments and Congress in recent months have introduced or implemented TikTok bans on government devices, citing national security concerns due to the platforms Chinese owner, ByteDance. Montana Gov. Greg Gianforte (R) signed legislation last month banning TikTok, becoming the first U.S. state to block access to the app due to concerns about data privacy. U.S. officials have had a rocky relationship with TikTok, including the Trump administrations failed attempt to implement a ban on the social media platform in 2020. The Biden administration recently demanded ByteDance earlier this year to sell its stakes in the company, warning that the social media platform could risk a potential ban in the U.S. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill. Washington A bipartisan group of senators wrote a letter to Wall Street Journal reporter Evan Gershkovich, expressing their "profound anger and concern" over his detention in Russia. "We hope this letter makes clear our support and solidarity on your behalf and our desire that you and fellow detainee Paul Whelan are immediately and unconditionally released," the group of 32 senators wrote, saying that the Russian government was using Gershkovich as a "political tool." Gershkovich was arrested in March on accusations of spying, making him the first U.S. journalist to be arrested on espionage charges in Russia in decades. The U.S. and the Wall Street Journal have vehemently denied the allegations and have called for his immediate release. Last month, a Russian court extended his detention for at least another three months. "We believe that a free press is crucial to the foundation and support of human rights everywhere," the letter said. "We applaud you for your efforts to report the truth about Russia's reprehensible invasion of Ukraine, a conflict that has resulted in untellable atrocities, tragedies, and loss of life." Democratic Sen. Chris Coons of Delaware and Republican Sen. James Risch of Idaho initiated the letter, which also said that every day that Gershkovich spends in a Russian prison "is a day too long." "Since your arrest, we have advocated for your release publicly and privately. We will not stop until you are safely home," it said. "Please know that the support for you and Paul go well beyond the walls of the United States Senate, and that the American people are with us in demanding your release." On Tuesday, the House unanimously passed a resolution calling on the Russian government to release Gershkovich. The resolution is not a binding law, but amplifies that the Biden administration has congressional support in securing Gershkovich's release. "Vladimir Putin knows that a free press is a pillar of democracy, that a strong Fourth Estate will hold officials accountable," Republican Rep. Michael McCaul of Texas said Monday on the House floor. "So he arrested Evan with the intention of not only silencing him, but of scaring other journalists to remain silent, too." McCaul said it "must be made clear that the use of American citizens as political pawns will not go unpunished." The U.S. is also seeking the release of Whelan, who is serving a 16-year sentence on espionage charges, which the U.S. also denies. The U.S. considers both men to be wrongfully detained, a rare designation that puts the full force of the U.S. government behind securing their release. Florida officer pulled over for speeding by other deputy Beyonces Renaissance tour has been linked to a notable increase in Swedens inflation rate Beyflation? Beyonce concerts blamed for higher inflation in Sweden Floridas history is full horror. Theres the Rosewood Massacre. The lynchings. The forced removals. But that history complete with its fair share of acts of resistance is part of a culture full of beauty in the form of candy-painted Chevys, gold grills and a language that owes just as much to the South as it does the Caribbean. A combination of both influences Criblore, an eight-part series that flips elements of South Floridas Black culture into horror fables. An episode of the project will premiere 6:25 p.m. Friday at O Cinema South Beach as part of the American Black Film Festival. We get to look into so many hoods but no one comes to look down here, said Criblore creator Moon Lee Ferguson, whos from Fort Lauderdale. No ones really tapped into South Florida culture. Fergusons right: despite the wealth of Caribbeans, African Americans, Afro-Latinos and Africans in South Florida, the regions diverse, Black culture has seldom made it to the big screen. Without the work of Tarell Alvin McCraney, whose Academy Award-winning film Moonlight and Peabody Award-winning television series David Makes Man contained authentic portrayals of Miamis Black community, the mainstream might think South Florida was just Bad Boys, Scarface and Miami Vice. Newer projects like Rap Sh!t and Startup have added more flavor to the zeitgeist of South Florida, but this one gets specifically into the genre of horror. Moon Lee Ferguson (left) directs the Candy Lady episode of Criblore. The Florida Water episode premieres 6:25 p.m. Friday at O Cinema South Beach. I wanted to do it through Floridas Black eyes, Ferguson said, before quickly correcting herself and using the Sunshine States term for child. Through a jits eyes. The episodes range in subject matter from a people-eating donk Miami slang for those candy-painted Chevys to a possessed gold slug to a candy lady who craves the taste of children. Theres even an episode about a ghost that haunts a family who lives in Coral Gables, a city founded by a man who wanted remove Black residents from Miami and considered by some to be a Sundown Town. That was to pay homage to the history of Black Florida with the Bahamians touching down here and cultivating Miami, Ferguson said, explaining how Bahamians were some of the first to settle in Miami. She later deemed what happened next a telltale of Black people across the south: how land was ours until it was taken away from us. Although Ferguson created Criblore specifically to honor what she and other South Florida natives call the crib, the Florida Water episode, which will be screened at the ABFF, provides a commentary on a specific type visitor. Written and directed by fellow South Florida natives Lucien Christian Adderly and Richard Byrd Wilson, the episode explores how one visitors perspective of Miami leads to his downfall. People come in and be what they want to be that weekend and go right back to where they were, said Adderly, one-half of the writing duo Lucien and Byrd who also worked on David Makes Man. And what happens when they come here? They party hard, trash our beaches a lot of times and do things that dont necessarily have consequences. Lucien Christian Adderly (right) Richard Byrd Wilson (middle) on set at the Florida Water episode of Criblore. The Florida Water episode premieres 6:25 p.m. Friday at O Cinema South Beach. This is an industry that you cant do it alone, Adderly said, calling the project a team effort. To have your best friend right there next to you and youre getting into something where you know that person has your back, its always a beautiful process. Therein lies the true power of Criblore: representation. For a group of South Florida kids who grew up watching projects like Friday the 13th, The X-Files and Tales from the Hood, they hope to give the same level of inspiration to the next generation of filmmakers. I hope that the people who are from here see something that is closer to themselves than theyve been seeing, Wilson said. But also, for the people who are not, they are introduced to a type of people and a type of place that has its own energy, so many different cultures and things that make up our language. ABFF being in their backyard is just an added bonus. For it to be my Florida story that is about shedding light on the Black culture of South Florida and also tapping into a genre which a lot of Black folks love but are not represented in, its very heartwarming, Ferguson said. If you go: What: Criblore at the American Black Film Festival. When: 6:25 p.m. Friday Where: O Cinema South Beach, 1130 Washington Ave, Miami Beach The coffee chain has been the focus of racial concerns in the past. Here, people protest in 2018 outside the Philadelphia Starbucks where two Black men were arrested after employees told police they were trespassing. (Michael Bryant / Philadelphia Inquirer via AP) Starbucks has been ordered to pay more than $25 million to a former regional manager who sued the company for wrongful termination, saying she was fired because she is white. The former employee, Shannon Phillips, said in a 2019 complaint that she had become a scapegoat in the companys damage control efforts after a viral video showed two Black men being arrested at one of its Philadelphia coffee shops. The incident sparked outrage across the country and led the corporate behemoth to temporarily close its shops to conduct anti-bias training for employees. After a six-day trial, a federal jury in New Jersey agreed unanimously on Monday to award Phillips $25 million in punitive damages and $600,000 in compensatory damages, according to Console Mattiacci Law, which represented her. Read more: A Black woman and a white woman went viral fighting racism. Then they stopped speaking to each other In a statement, the firm said that Phillips had proved by clear and convincing evidence that punitive damages were warranted under New Jerseys anti-discrimination law, and noted that she is also seeking damages for back and future pay, to be decided by the judge. Laura Mattiaci, Phillips lead lawyer, declined to comment Wednesday, saying the case was still open. Starbucks has denied firing Phillips because of her race, and declined to comment Wednesday. The incident at the center of the case happened in April 2018, when Rashon Nelson and Donte Robinson, who are Black, went to a Starbucks in the Rittenhouse Square area of Philadelphia. Nelson said he asked to use a bathroom and was told it was for paying customers only. An employee came to the mens table and asked whether they wanted to order drinks. Robinson said he replied that they were OK and waiting for a business meeting. A manager then called 911 to report two gentlemen ... refusing to make a purchase or leave, according to a recording of the call obtained by Good Morning America, which interviewed Nelson and Robinson about the arrest. Both men said they never heard the manager inform them they had to leave. An eight-minute video of the arrest shows three police officers in bicycle helmets standing around Nelson and Robinsons table and asking questions before eventually arresting them and leading them away in handcuffs. The video sparked national outrage, leading to protests inside and outside the Rittenhouse shop, and became a public relations crisis for Starbucks. Its chief executive issued a public apology, and the company closed stores nationwide for a day to hold anti-bias training for its 175,000 U.S. employees. After the arrest, Phillips, who oversaw nearly 100 locations across Philadelphia, south New Jersey, Delaware and parts of Maryland, said in a 2019 complaint that she had taken steps to allay the communitys concerns and to keep staff and customers safe. She said those efforts included arranging a roundtable meeting with CEO Howard Schultz in Philadelphia and organizing teams of management-level employees to work at the approximately 20 Philadelphia locations because hourly workers feared going to work amid the protests. A few weeks after the arrest, and after the company had reached a settlement with Nelson and Robinson in which it pledged to continue taking actions to address such incidents, Phillips said she was ordered to suspend a white manager who oversaw some of the chains Philadelphia stores and who had been accused of discriminatory conduct. The manager did not oversee the Rittenhouse store. Phillips fought the allegations about the manager, which she said were factually untrue. No action was taken against the manager of the Rittenhouse location, who is Black and who had promoted the store manager who made the 911 call that led to the mens arrest, according to Phillips complaint. Phillips said she was fired soon after she objected to the white managers suspension. The only reason she was given was that the situation is not recoverable, according to her complaint. In her complaint, Phillips said her own race was a motivating and/or determinative factor in her firing. Starbucks denied that. According to Console Mattiaccis statement, the company said she had shown a lack of leadership during the crisis. Nelson and Robinson did not face charges in the arrest. The men reached an undisclosed settlement with the company and an offer to complete their college degrees through Starbucks covered college tuition program for employees. Sign up for Essential California, your daily guide to news, views and life in the Golden State. This story originally appeared in Los Angeles Times. Shelby County Commissioner Erika Sugarmon proposed the property tax increase at Wednesday's committee meeting. Shelby County Commissioner Erika Sugarmon Wednesday morning introduced an alternative to a potential wheel tax increase, sparking official debate on her proposed property tax hike. The proposal would increase property taxes by 30 cents, placing it at $3.69 per $100 of assessed value. Shelby County Mayor Lee Harris discussed the proposal in a meeting Sunday with four commissioners, but it wasn't formally introduced to the full commission until Monday. Here's what to know about the proposed property tax and wheel tax increases. What's the difference between the proposals? The property tax increase would add $69 million in additional revenue to the county in its first year, compared to the wheel tax's $34 million in the first year, and is proposed to last for two years and then revert. For example, homeowners with property valued at $100,000, will pay an additional $75 in taxes each year under Sugarmon's proposal. For those valued at $1 million, the tax hike will be a $750 increase, according to documents. The wheel tax assesses everyone in Shelby County a flat-rate $100 fee per residential vehicle and is a $50 increase over the current rate. Sghelby County Mayor Lee Harris convenes a budget work group. Here, he speaks with Republican commissioners Mick Wright and David Bradford before pulling two Democratic commissioners into the room. What do supporters of the property tax proposal say? Sugarmon, in the proposal, called the property tax "progressive," and said the proposal is intended to "more equitably" distribute the tax burden. "This is just a proposal," she said Wednesday. "I don't know if there are any other proposals coming, but this gives options to commissioners because there needs to be some type of funding. My constituents have reached out to me, as well as business owners, who have more than one vehicle, and say that [the wheel tax] isn't right. They'll go to Arkansas to get their tags renewed. [The wheel tax] is not going to have the impact that we think." Sugarmon said the two-year span for the increase would save some residents money compared to the wheel tax. "[The wheel tax] is regressive, it's not fair to the working class and poor people," she said. "But you see just a $50 increase in the wheel tax compared to a, maybe, $75 increase in property taxes. But guess what, after those two years the property tax hike goes away. The wheel tax does not. So, in a couple of years, you'll be past the amount of the property tax increase." What do opponents of the property tax proposal say? The property tax increase was described by Harris as potentially damaging to incoming businesses, and the county mayor on Sunday described the situation as one where either a wheel tax increase or a property tax increase is inevitable. Outside of the Shelby County Commission's budget and finance committee Wednesday, Commissioner Mick Wright, who also was at the Sunday meeting, said the property tax increase would be a "disaster" for Shelby County. Shelby County Commissioner Mick Wright at county commission. "What [Sugarmon] is proposing is substantially more than what the wheel tax would generate," Wright said. "The only areas of agreement...were that we do have a structural imbalance. Sooner or later, we are going to require the county to reassess. I think what we need to be doing is shoring up the amount that we spend and rooting out wasteful spending. A massive, 30-cent property tax rate [increase] is just outrageous." A property tax increase would be particularly unpalatable to constituents like Wrights who live outside the city limits and generally have higher home values. Wright also said the property tax increase could harm future businesses that could decide not to come to Shelby County if the proposal is accepted. "I've been getting calls all last week from people who are responsible for recruiting business to Memphis and Shelby County," he said. "They talk about our current [property tax] rate being a hindrance and a barrier, because businesses that have an opportunity to expand, and to look around different communities, they consider those top-line rates and the affordability of moving their business to Memphis versus locating in Arkansas or Mississippi." What about budget cuts? When asked if he would support a property tax increase lower than the proposed 30-cent increase, Wright said he believes that new revenues will be needed even if spending cuts happen. "It looks like there do need to be, at some point, a mix of cuts and new revenues," he said. "That's why we made the agreement we came to Sunday. If we can follow through on that, I think that would be the best outcome for taxpayers." Sunday, the group gathered agreed to about $9 million in cuts to the budget, all from the $17 million in items commissioners had added to Harris budget. The four commissioners present Sunday now have to float those cuts to their colleagues and see whether they can be officially approved. Related news: After previous failure, Shelby County Assessor again seeks two-year reappraisal cycle What other concerns do commissioners have? Sugarmon's proposal comes at a time when the Memphis City Council is also considering a 29-cent property tax increase for those living within Memphis city limits. The two tax increases, should they be adopted, would spell significantly higher property taxes for those living within Memphis city limits. Commissioners Wednesday also expressed concern on the potential impact raising the property tax could have on renters, with Commissioner Charlie Caswell pointing to a potential rent spike if the tax were to pass. If the property tax were to be increased by the county commission, it would be the first increase in a decade. Katherine Burgess contributed to this report. Lucas Finton is a criminal justice reporter with The Commercial Appeal. He can be reached at Lucas.Finton@commercialappeal.com and followed on Twitter @LucasFinton. This article originally appeared on Memphis Commercial Appeal: Shelby Co. Commission considering 30-cent property tax increase Senate Banking Chair Sherrod Brown (D-Ohio) and Sen. Tim Scott (R-S.C.) on Thursday released a plan to crack down on executives at failed banks, amid tensions among other Democrats and Republicans who backed an earlier bill from Sen. Elizabeth Warren (D-Mass.). The bill by Brown and Scott, the Banking Committees top Republican, is Capitol Hills most high-profile response yet to the economy-shaking meltdowns of Silicon Valley Bank and other regional lenders. It comes after President Joe Biden called on Congress to impose tougher penalties on senior executives at mismanaged banks that fail. The bill would empower regulators to claw back certain kinds of compensation from top executives at failed banks including bonuses and profits from selling stocks and strengthen regulators' ability to impose penalties on those executives and block them from working in the industry. The Senate Banking Committee plans to mark up the package along with another bill helmed by Scott and Brown that would target opioid trafficking on Wednesday before Congress leaves for its July 4 recess. One big question is the extent to which the bill will attract support from Warren and other lawmakers who worked with her to craft an earlier proposal that would claw back compensation from executives at failed banks. Warren had drawn support from nearly half the Banking Committee including key Republicans and said Wednesday that her plan represents the toughest proposal in Congress to ensure failed executives who blow up their banks dont walk off with huge bonuses. The piece of the Brown-Scott compromise that would claw back banker compensation is narrower in scope than Warrens proposal. I'm just really worried that that's going to get watered down, Sen. Josh Hawley of Missouri, Warrens lead Republican co-sponsor, said Thursday before Brown and Scott announced their plan. If they don't mark it up, maybe I should just go to the floor and try passing it. The tensions underscore the thorny political challenge Brown faces as he tries to nail down a compromise that can become law. It requires balancing lawmakers appetites for challenging the banking industry a powerful lobbying force. It also comes at a delicate moment for Brown and Scott, with Brown facing a tough re-election campaign in his increasingly conservative home state of Ohio and Scott in the middle of a bid for the GOP presidential nomination. The proposal that Brown and Scott released and will now have to sell to their members would address concerns that the government is not doing enough to deter and hold accountable bank executives who take excessive risks and expose U.S. taxpayers to potential bank bailouts. The failures of Silicon Valley Bank and Signature Bank in March led to the U.S. government backstopping all their deposits the vast majority of which were in excess of the federal deposit insurance backstop. The near-collapse of another bank, First Republic, triggered a $30 billion infusion by the largest U.S. lenders before JPMorgan Chase rescued it in an acquisition. Brown and Scotts compromise seeks to address concerns that arose from the recent run of bank failures by empowering regulators to claw back top executives' bonuses and profits from selling stocks, among other forms of compensation. It also includes a so-called good governance provision that would allow banks' boards of directors to similarly claw back money. It would raise fines and prohibit executives from returning to the industry. Like Warren's clawback bill, Brown and Scott's would exclude banks with less than $10 billion in assets, sparing "community" lenders. But while Warren's bill stretches back three years, Brown and Scott's recoupment proposal only stretches back two. Warren's bill would include a broader range of compensation, including salaries. And the Brown-Scott bill would target a narrower set of bank leadership roles limiting its reach to the C-suite or those who perform similar functions. Warren's bill would also cover all directors and controlling shareholders. In another major distinction, Brown and Scotts bill is permissive meaning it would further enable regulators to claw back executive compensation, rather than requiring it like Warrens would. "Weve worked to find a commonsense solution to address executive accountability that is tailored to protect the American taxpayer and limit government overreach," Scott said in a statement. The March bank failures triggered a flurry of legislation from lawmakers to address the crisis. But the clawback proposal from Warren had recently appeared to be one of the most viable options. She introduced an initial version with Hawley, and then worked with Sen. J.D. Vance Browns Republican counterpart in Ohio to assemble bipartisan support on the Banking Committee, which Vance serves on. But Brown chose to go his own way in talks with Scott as he put together a broader legislative package. Brown said in an interview Wednesday: "Warren's bill is narrow; there's several others and we're taking nothing." The comments prompted a response from Warren Wednesday. Our legislation represents the toughest proposal in Congress to ensure failed executives who blow up their banks dont walk off with huge bonuses, which is why it enjoys broad bipartisan support from both Democrats and Republicans, she said in a statement. Any legislation responding to the recent crisis must build on that consensus and actually deter future wrongdoing by big bank executives by hitting them where it hurts their wallets. Vance said in an interview Thursday that he, Warren, and the rest of their bill's backers did a lot of the groundwork in terms of solving issues and getting a bipartisan committee on board." So I don't know why we wouldnt just use our bill, he said. Its unclear how other Democrats on the committee will respond to the compromise. Sen. Bob Menendez of New Jersey, one of the Warren bills co-sponsors, said hed have to ensure the Brown-Scott bill has the essence of Warrens before signing on. Sen. Mark Warner of Virginia, another Warren co-sponsor, said, Ill be happy with anything that makes it into the markup. It should not be so difficult to find compromise on the simple principle that when an executives wrongful, negligent actions cause the meltdown of a bank that they shouldn't be able to profit from that, Sen. Chris Van Hollen (D-Md.), a Warren co-sponsor, said in an interview. That seems like a basic principle. In response to: "Is Ottawa County becoming a 'blueprint for America'? What happens next?" Though I disagree with much of the "Christian" assertions, the reality is problems have manifested themselves for decades and despite opposition from the people have proceeded apace. For over 40 years practicing law, I have witnessed across-the-board attacks on the Bill of Rights domestically combined with Forever War conducted by Washington, D.C., worldwide. The recent "earthquake" of political frustration in Ottawa County is not isolated and there are legitimate reasons some are demanding change of course. It is a mistake, however, to replace one form of unresponsive governance with another, especially one based on violence rather than a peaceful, rational approach to reform. Seventy percent of Americans polled think our "Deep State" rogue "intelligence agencies" will interfere with our elections. The Deep State governs without the consent of the people regardless of whom the people elect (hope and change Obama merely continued prior to worldwide war and added the crime of drone murder of American citizens to the power of the presidency). The erosion of the Constitution and resulting metastases of the federal Empire is bankrupting the U.S. (both fiscally and morally). Generations will be "tax slaves" to pay off this debt for wars and destruction around the world to which they did not give consent. (Just as I have paid taxes most of my life to pay off the debt from World War I to which I gave no consent). Domestically, the police state continues to grow and kill with impunity. America has a statement of principles of legit government, and a duty to act when government exceeds those principles it is called the Declaration of Independence. The Deep State continues to plan and prepare for criminal nuclear war despite overwhelming opposition from the people. Though I do not agree with the views expressed by the "preacher" in the article, I do agree that unless the bounds of the Constitution are restored (unlikely), and governance consistent with the will and consent of the people resurrected, some will decide that the conditions exist justifying their "duty to alter or abolish" the extant government and replace it with one more protective of the common good. (Trade with all, war with none.) Sadly, as government has intruded more and more into micromanaging the lives of the people, one result has been loss of the capacity for self-government that requires that people practice self-rule and govern themselves, ceding authority to government only within the narrow bounds of power granted to it. Once government becomes so intrusive, the people have no breathing space to practice self-rule, they lose the ability to do so. A balance between the bounds of government and the liberty of the people is essential for a republican form of government to function. That the imbalance has grown so pronounced to produce the frustration and urge for violence referenced in the is reminiscent of what MLK said about riots in the 1960s: "And I must say tonight that a riot is the language of the unheard." The views of some expressed in the article are resonant with that observation and indicate too many have been unheard for too long. However, support for destruction and violence is no guarantee of peace and freedom most people who descend into violence suffer for generations and do not establish utopias. Rather, all must be heard and considered as the common good is advanced consistent with the rights of each and the proper role of government. As was said once contrasting America to English rule by a sovereign King: "In America the people are sovereign and government their servant." The people have the right to chastise their servant when needed, so long as the goal is a more perfect union. Kary Love is a resident of West Olive. This article originally appeared on The Holland Sentinel: My Take: We shouldn't replace one form of bad government with another "Guess Who's Coming to Dinner" which gingerly treated the subject of interracial marriage, starred (from left) Sidney Poitier, Katharine Houghton, Katharine Hepburn and Spencer Tracy. I was 6-years-old, snuggled in my dads lap in the family station wagon parked at the drive-in on South 27th Street. My mom sat beside us on the front seat, and we passed a large bucket of salty, buttery popcorn and a giant, movie-sized box of Milk Duds back and forth, eagerly awaiting the dark so the movie could start. Im fairly certain the rest of the family my three older brothers and one younger sister were crammed in the back seat, fighting over their own movie snacks, with one sibling (whomever lost at rock/paper/scissors) banished to the way back, as we called the tail-end of our wood-paneled station wagon. I assume the rest of the family was there that night, since its unimaginable that any one of them wouldve passed up a rare trip to the drive-in. But honestly, the recollection of my siblings presence is crowded out by the joyful memory of me being the chosen one that night, sitting there in my dads lap, my mom beside us, sharing treats. I was reminded of this memory by the death of Sidney Poitier last year, because the movie we were there to see was Guess Whos Coming to Dinner, featuring Spencer Tracy in his final performance (he died shortly after production). Tracy stars as the husband of Katharine Hepburn, and Sidney Poitier plays as a Black man seeking to marry their white daughter. The author, left, with her dad, Jerry, in July 1973. I remember at first being confused by the movie. What was the big deal? The handsome man loved the pretty girl. Why didnt the girls father like the handsome man? What was all the fuss about? As the film went on, the problem became obvious, even for a 6-year-old white girl raised in Greenfield, Wisconsin. As a kid growing up in the late 60s and 70s, seeing a person of color in Greenfield back then was rarer than an early and warm Wisconsin spring. After the movie ended, Dad was oddly silent. Anyone who knew my dad, Jerry, also knew that the words silent and Jerry had never been used in the same sentence. I turned to him and placed my small hand on his stubbly chin. Daddy, I said, would you let me marry a Black man? Dad looked as if I had punched him in the gut. He took a deep breath and then gazed out the driver-side window while my mom remained silent. After what felt like forever, he turned back to me. Well, if you loved him, I guess I would, he said quietly. A fishing trip and chance to see beyond his very white life The author's family in about 1967, the year her family saw the movie "Guess Who's Coming to Dinner." Seeing that movie prompted a question to her father, Jerry, about marrying a Black man. At the time, I had no idea how far the answer to my innocent question carried him from the Polish/German neighborhood on the lower south side of Milwaukee where he grew up and where people who were different than the Polish family, friends and co-workers he knew were few and far between. Like the Italian landlord of the duplex he and my mom lived in when two of brothers were toddlers. It wasnt only the movie that expanded his pale perspective and helped him see beyond his very white life. When I was a kid, my dad was an ambulance driver for Milwaukee County. One of his co-workers was a man named Monroe Dodd. Monroe was Black, which initially didnt sit well with Dad. Would Monroe be lazy, as my dad had been taught all Black people were? Would Monroe try to steal from Dads locker, since family and friends had long warned him that Black people were thieves and couldnt be trusted? Did Monroe get the job because it helped the county meet some quota? My dad had his suspicions, having heard that was why too many Blacks got jobs for which they werent qualified. Turns out, none of my dads assumptions were realized. Just the opposite. Monroe turned out to be a hardworking and reliable co-worker and, like my dad, a loving father. But best of all, Monroe shared my dads passion for fishing. So when Monroe invited him on a fishing trip, Dad jumped at the chance. I dont think my dad realized when he said yes just how far theyd travel, figuratively and literally. Because on that trip, Monroe introduced Jerry to the Deep South, where Monroe grew up and where my dad, for the first time in his life, experienced what it was like to be a minority. The author's father, Jerry, left with her oldest brother, Mike. I dont recall anything special about when he returned from that fishing trip. My oldest brother Mike remembers that Dad didnt say much about it again, a rarity for Jerry. But Mike says Dad did come back different, somehow. Less critical of them. Less willing to pile on when family and friends complained about those Blacks. What I do recall, that summer of 1967, was Father James Groppi, a priest and local activist, announcing a civil rights march across the 16th Street Viaduct located just blocks from where my dad grew up and my grandparents still lived. It was all anyone could talk about back then, even in front of us kids at the required Sunday dinners held at my grandparents house each week. I recall how angry and appalled my adult relatives seemed to be as the event drew near. A white Catholic priest leading a protest march? With Black people? Read more about this period in Milwaukee history in 50-year ache The 16th Street Viaduct was Milwaukees Mason-Dixon Line back then and unfortunately, in too many ways, it remains so. The viaduct, or bridge, separated Blacks crammed together on the dense north side of the city from whites, mostly Polish or German immigrants, who had claimed land on the more expansive south side after first arriving in the late 1800s. Locals called the viaduct the longest bridge in the world because it connected Poland with Africa. The march across it in 1967 was intended to highlight and protest the lack of fair and affordable housing for the citys Black residents. To hear my relatives discuss it that long-ago Sunday, Groppi was a disgrace to the priesthood for even suggesting that they move anywhere near us, no matter what the reason. The high rents paid by Blacks for duplexes neglected by white landlords (since building code violations were often ignored by local authorities) wasnt the fault or responsibility of Milwaukees white community. Not our problem, my relatives agreed. They can just move back down south if they dont like it here. Questions never asked about washing away stains of systemic racism The author's father Jerry. I remember my dad didnt say much during the discussion. And I remember it being the first time I heard the N word, although it wasnt my dad who said it. And while I recall that Dad didnt challenge the relative who uttered the vile word, I know that we left my grandparents house shortly afterward. The protest began on Aug. 29, 1967, my dads 38th birthday, marking the first of 200 consecutive marches for fair housing in Milwaukee. One year later, the Milwaukee Common Council finally passed fair housing laws, the marches inspiring a local movement for social and racial justice that continues in Milwaukee to his day. But beyond my city, the sad fact is, our entire country was built on a foundation of racism. The South grew in power and wealth because of the free labor of enslaved Black people, with the rest of the U.S. greatly benefitting as well from the enforced labor of Blacks. After their emancipation, Black people, whose sweat and blood built this country, faced new challenges like laws denying them federal housing loans; dictating what schools they could and couldnt send their children to; determining whether or not they could vote. Those laws, and others like them, were created to keep Black people down in the belief that if people of color succeeded, whites would somehow lose. To think that years of ingrained, systemic racism hasnt left a mark that continues to stain us to this day is absurd. It certainly left a stain on my dad, and one that was tough to erase. An invitation to go fishing and a drive-in movie are what I believe began to wash it away. Jill J. Morin My dad died more than twenty years ago, and I regret that we never spoke of these things. If he were here now, Id ask Dad what he and Monroe talked about as they cast their lines into the fishing holes of the Deep South. Id ask my dad if being in Monroes world might have made him less fearful, resentful and more open to someone with whom, at least at first, he thought he had very little in common. Id ask what it was that changed him enough for his eldest son to notice a difference after he returned home. And Id ask Dad what inspired him to give me the answer to a question Im certain he never imagined, or hoped, his 6-year-old daughter would ask. Jill J. Morin is an author, consultant, speaker and community activist. Shes the former executive officer, principal and director of Kahler Slater, an international architecture and design firm headquartered in Milwaukee. Her fiction work and personal/political essays can be found on her blog, Jillosophy (www.jilljmorin.com). This article originally appeared on Milwaukee Journal Sentinel: Guess Who's Coming to Dinner sparked an innocent question to her dad The U.S. Capitol building is seen in Washington, D.C., the United States, on May 28, 2023. [Photo/VCG] On June 9, the Five Eyes nations, consisting of Australia, Canada, New Zealand, the United Kingdom and the United States, as well as Japan, issued a "Joint Declaration Against Trade-Related Economic Coercion and Non-Market Policies and Practices." Although not singling out any specific country, it was obvious to all that China was the intended target. The statement condemned what it described as "trade-related economic coercion and non-market policies and practices." These detrimental actions were deemed to undermine the "rules-based multilateral trading system" by distorting trade, investment, and competition while straining relations between countries. Additionally, it criticized perceived "threats" that could exert pressure on a foreign government to accomplish "strategic political or policy objectives, or interfere with a foreign government's exercise of its legitimate sovereign rights or choices." It went on to say that such behavior impacts the "livelihoods of our citizens, harms our workers and businesses, and could undermine global security and stability." China's Embassy in New Zealand responded by issuing a statement, asserting that it is evident "who is conducting coercive, hegemonic, high-handed and bullying acts, economically or otherwise." The statement further emphasized that "practicing double standards on this issue is full of hypocrisy and severely undermines the relevant international mechanisms and rules jointly established and universally recognized by the international community." It goes without saying that there is no country more prolific at "economic coercion" than the United States. Since the end of the Cold War, the U.S. has imposed thousands upon thousands of unilateral sanctions on approximately 44 countries around the world. Contrary to its own assertions, the U.S. leverages these measures as a means of exerting long-arm jurisdiction and advancing its geopolitical objectives within targeted countries. In doing so, it deliberately seeks to influence or undermine the "legitimate sovereign rights or choices" of these countries, even to the point of pursuing regime change. No other nation on Earth even comes close to matching the scale of sanctions or economic weapons employed by the U.S. Therefore, it is a pure projection to depict China as guilty of similar actions. To demonstrate a few recent examples, the U.S. has used unilateral sanctions to violate the U.N.-backed Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA) concerning Iran. Additionally, it has attempted to oust governments in both Venezuela and Syria through measures that include blocking financial transactions. These actions have resulted in severe shortages of food and medicines, leading to humanitarian crises in these nations. Similarly, and ironically enough, China itself has also been targeted by such measures. The U.S. has placed thousands of Chinese technology companies on its "Entity List" and has sought to forcibly isolate them from the global semiconductor supply chain. It has also coerced other countries, such as the Netherlands and Japan, into complying with these measures. Additionally, the U.S. has opportunistically used inflammatory accusations, such as "forced labor," to deliberately blacklist and exclude Chinese products from its own markets, employing protectionist measures. In pursuit of its global sanctions regime, the U.S. never uses the term "economic coercion" to describe its own actions. Instead, it argues that sanctions are a means of "diplomacy" to enforce what it terms the "rules-based order." In other words, this amounts to the imposition of hegemonic subjugation according to its own preferences. Notably, the U.S. reserves an exclusive privilege of employing such measures and expects allies to follow suit while denying other countries the right to act as equals. Consequently, the U.S. has invented a separate term, "economic coercion," to be applied to measures taken by rival countries, despite the fact such measures fall significantly short of the actions undertaken by the U.S. a clear double standard. However, China does not pursue a global sanctions regime like the U.S. China's foreign policy involves protecting its core interests, which are very clearly specified. While it may take "countermeasures" if necessary, it nonetheless does not engage in extraterritorial or unilateral sanctions to target other countries as part of a quest for global hegemony. The diplomatic approach of the U.S. and China is like night and day, they could not be more different, and such a brazenly hypocritical statement aims to deflect from the reality that the U.S. is the single most coercive state in the world, which has no respect nor recognition for the sovereign interests of other countries, not even for those who do its bidding. Tom Fowdy is a British political and international relations analyst and a graduate of Durham and Oxford universities. For more information please visit: http://www.china.org.cn/opinion/TomFowdy.htm Opinion articles reflect the views of their authors, not necessarily those of China.org.cn. Sister allegedly stabs brother multiple times with knife in Atlanta home, police say A woman was arrested after police say she stabbed her brother in an Atlanta home Thursday morning. [DOWNLOAD: Free WSB-TV News app for alerts as news breaks] According to Atlanta police, just after 3:30 a.m., officers were called to a home on Thornton Road in southwest Atlanta in reference to a stabbing. When officers arrived, they reportedly found a man with multiple stab wounds. TRENDING STORIES: During the investigations, officers said the man was assaulted by his sister, identified as Penny Mitchell. Officials said Mitchell was suffering from a crisis and as the victim was trying to defend himself, he was stabbed multiple times in the process. [SIGN UP: WSB-TV Daily Headlines Newsletter] While Mitchell remained at the scene, the victim was taken to the hospital to receive medical treatment. Authorities said Mitchell was arrested and taken to Grady detention for evaluation before being transported to the Fulton County Jail. Shes charged with aggravated assault. IN OTHER NEWS: STUTTGART, Germany Ahead of the first Paris Air Show since the pandemic began in 2020, Frances Air and Space Force chief of staff is shedding light on what attendants might take away from the event, which runs June 19-25. In a June 8 interview with Defense News, Gen. Stephane Mille noted the three air chiefs from Germany, France and Spain intend to sign a joint document outlining the doctrinal approach of collaborative air combat as the three nations pursue the next-generation Future Combat Air System program. Many will likely visit the inaugural FCAS pavilion on the salon floor to find out if there are any updates on the program, which has suffered delays amid industry workshare disputes. Mille has said a demonstrator fighter aircraft is expected in 2029, two years later than originally scheduled. The general also discussed the French militarys efforts toward an all-Rafale fighter fleet, lessons learned from Russias war in Ukraine, Frances defense space strategy and more. This interview was edited for length and clarity. Now that Phase 1B of the Future Combat Air System program known in France as SCAF has begun, what are your expectations for future milestones and related work over the next few years before a demonstrator takes flight? How will the French Air and Space Force contribute to the program in the meantime? Phase 1B was formalized on April 28 this year in Madrid, Spain, and is scheduled to end in 2025. This phase will usher in the final architecture for the SCAF, which encompasses the full spectrum of the fighter capabilities, including for instance its maneuverability, its stealth and its power. Then Phase 2 will take over and ultimately lead to a demonstration platform in 2029. One thing to remember is that the Future Combat Air System is a system of systems including the Next Generation Weapon System but also other systems and collaborative sensors in the right environment. A model of the Future Combat Air System, a European aircraft in development by Dassault Aviation, is on display in the courtyard of the Presidential Elysee Palace in Paris during a Jan. 22, 2023, meeting attended by the French president and German chancellor. (Ludovic Marin/AFP via Getty Images) The Next Generation Weapon System is structured around a new-generation fighter teaming with unmanned platforms and semiautonomous remote carriers within a broader, interconnected environment or system, constituting a system of systems alongside a combat cloud. An issue to consider is the exact definition of remote carriers. I am thinking of their size, their functions and their level of connectivity. It is important to note that during the Paris Air Show, the three air force chiefs from France, Germany and Spain will sign a joint document on the doctrinal approach of collaborative air combat. It is worth remembering that collaborative air combat is a form of combat within which the capabilities of the constitutive weapon systems are mutually reinforced. This reinforcement occurs throughout the whole array of elementary functions of combat detecting, classifying, decision-making, engaging/firing, risk assessing in order to secure a unique performance capability exceeding that of all the systems working in isolation. Thereby, the very notion of collective effectiveness outweighs that of a better individual performance, including between mixed systems, and whatever the warfighting domain. Among other concepts, collaborative combat was based both on a system-of-systems approach and on that of a combat cloud. In this respect, collaborative combat both allows for and requires the processing of primary data to generate shared and contextualized knowledge with a higher success rate. As you can imagine, our service, thanks to a dedicated SCAF team in the Armed Forces Ministrys headquarters, has been continuously committed to the program with our allies. Staff work has never stopped, and in the short term its only going to increase. As France moves toward an all-Rafale fighter fleet by the mid-2030s, what is the legacy of the Mirage 2000? What will become of the remaining Mirage fighters that remain in good shape after retirement? You are correct that in the near future, one of the French Air and Space Force objectives is to move toward an all-Rafale fighter fleet. But this will take time to achieve. Firstly, 48 of our Mirage 2000D aircraft will be updated, improving their air-to-air capabilities. When their retirement happens, their legacy will keep fueling the Rafale community. In fact, culture being a cumulative addition of knowledge through time, the Rafale squadrons inherit techniques, tactics and procedures from previous pilots and engineers. Two Mirage 2000D aircraft perform at a 2018 air show in England. (Matt Cardy/Getty Images) Getting airborne in 15, seven or even two minutes for a live scramble, bombing at low, medium or high altitude, flying very low and very fast at day and night, are part of French pilot heritage and savoir faire. Hence, Rafale squadrons will keep enhancing readiness, endurance and air power thanks to the Mirage 2000s legacy. For the remaining Mirage 2000 aircraft post-retirement, there is no decision at the moment as to their potential future exploitation an adversarial role in training, export or otherwise. How is the service beginning preparations for an eventual Rafale-SCAF fleet starting in the 2040s? The service is preparing by thinking about the best military tool for the wars of tomorrow. By doing so, we are working on developing ubiquity by proxy through a more systematic use of drones and remote carriers to fight along with manned aircraft such as the Rafale. An active, collaborative effort with multiple functions reconnaissance, targeting, electronic warfare and so on between varied Rafale, next-generation fighters and remote carriers will guarantee a better synchronization of effects, and thus take the enemy by surprise. The Rafale will play a role in this enhanced strategy, this system of systems. It will help progressively to adopt a multidomain perspective via its sensors in order to maximize joint military forces. However, the key aspect for an effective, connected, collaborative air combat system is the command and control. Success will be achieved via a progressive transformation of C2 toward evolving command structures capable of allotting responsibilities in a more dynamic fashion and within a closer range if needed in order to secure the continuity of the chain of command and in doing so, to guarantee a better adapted response to a specific context. What are your observations from Russias war against Ukraine in terms of the air and space domains for example, drone use and GPS jamming? How will the service reflect those lessons in its spending priorities? There was something that we didnt really see at first, but which is critical for air power: The Russian Aerospace Forces, or VKS, were unprepared, not effectively employed, with an absence of an air campaign plan, with a command structure that was very rigid compared to that of the Ukrainians, which was more agile. This war reminds me of a specific point that I mentioned in my strategic vision back in 2021: the utmost importance of suppression of enemy air defenses, or SEAD, missions. Air superiority relies on two fundamental and complementary pillars: air combat superiority and neutralization of our enemies ground-to-air defense systems. A SEAD capability is essential to ensure the coherence and freedom of our action in a contested environment. Starting in a period of competition, SEAD requires an in-depth knowledge of our enemys means and organization. Once the fighting phase has begun, we have to be able to neutralize these systems by jamming or destroying them. Improvements have to be made to our existing capabilities to reinforce this domain. Ukraines war is a war of position; it resembles a war of the past. With a real air campaign and a better use of air power, the situation on the ground would have been settled more quickly. Air power is decisive when its well employed. Finally, this war highlights the innovative, agile and efficient Ukrainian command and control; the importance of satellite communications and the irruption of space commercial assets; and a significant increase in the use of low-cost drones, albeit without a tactically or strategically decisive impact. Frances space strategy contains an explicit nod to the maneuverability of space assets, including manipulating potentially hostile satellites. What does that mean, and what types of technologies could come into play to realize this? As a space power for several decades, France identified the extra-atmospheric environment early on as a structuring factor of its power essential to its autonomy for assessing situations, making decisions and taking action. It chose to make these efforts part of a long-term strategy. From this point of view, the French Space Defence Strategy edited in 2019 was a turning point in the history of our defense space policy, without breaking from the past. One of the aims underlined by this document is to develop, perpetuate and improve our military strategic intelligence as well as operations-support capabilities, while at the same time strengthening our ability to understand and continuously monitor activity in all orbits of interest autonomously, and by 2030 providing us with an active-defense space capability to be able, should the need arise, defend our interests in strict compliance with international laws, including self-defense. In parallel, France is working with its allies to promote a pragmatic approach based on norms of responsible behavior designed to counter destabilizing actions and ensure the peaceful use of space. While France must have credible autonomous capabilities for situation assessment, decision-making and action, it also needs to act cooperatively. In this respect, mobilizing capable and willing partners is more essential than ever. France is therefore involved in multilateral and bilateral cooperation, in particular with the European Union and the initiative called Combined Space Operations. France hosted the Orion exercise with NATO allies, focusing on the land, air, sea and cyberspace domains. What are the lessons learned following the drill? The lessons learned are still being collated, as Orion only ended a couple of weeks ago. We need time to gather and analyze information and feedback from this huge exercise a unique one in the last 30 years. A hot debrief from our perspective is that the number of fighter sorties during Orions fourth phase was impressive: 700 in two weeks. U.S. Marines receive a tour of the 1st Foreign Legion Infantry Regiment's headquarters during exercise Orion in Laudun, France, on Feb. 28, 2023. (Sgt. Alexa M. Hernandez/U.S. Marine Corps) Orion was of significant importance in terms of global effort and commitment for our aviators in parallel with our daily missions, and in addition to Operation Sagittaire, the evacuation of multinational civilians from Sudan in light of the ongoing crisis. Another lesson learned during Orion was the necessity to have a coherent, multidomain C2 structure, enabling communication between different components. The second area addressed during Orions second phase was the space domain. Frances Space Command, or CDE, organized the AsterX military space exercise, unique in Europe, on the National Centre for Space Studies site in Toulouse. The novelty this year was its full integration into the second phase. Consequently, CDE units trained in a simulated but realistic and complex environment, dealing with emerging and increasingly varied threats. About 5,000 space objects were simulated over the two weeks in multidomain environments, providing an opportunity to test the interoperability between C2 for military space operations and the other command structures. With a view to bolstering operational cooperation in space, some 200 American, German, Italian and Belgian service personnel took part in the different simulations. Ultimately, Orion revealed the very real need and importance in the role of the space domain in modern military operations. Our space capabilities and assets support all our operations, whether in terms of observation, telecommunications, tapping or navigational aid. As an integral part of the joint force military operations, space structures make the intelligence they collect available to the different operational commands. SLO County Elections Office is underfunded and needs more staff, grand jury says The San Luis Obispo County Clerk-Recorders Office needs more funding, staff and space to support quality work and prevent mistakes, according to the San Luis Obispo County civil grand jury. During the 2022 General Election, the SLO County Clerk-Recorders Office excluded two candidate statements from the Voter Information Guide and printed a mistake in ballot wording about a school district measure, the grand jury said in a report released on Monday. These mistakes could have been avoided with more staff, a larger space, and written instructions for how to review printed election materials, the grand jury said. The grand jury noted that elections staff had a larger workload than usual this year, as they managed a recount while preparing for the General Election. Overall, the grand jury appreciated their work. The clerk-recorder and staff are extremely conscientious in their election responsibilities, the grand jury said. They strive to be current on all election changes, in putting together a flawless product, and in carrying out election results in a fair manner. We applaud their service. Buzz Kalkowski and other San Luis Obispo County Elections Office workers process vote-by-mail ballots on Nov. 9, 2022, the day after the vote. Errors in SLO County Voter Guide, ballots The SLO County Clerk-Recorders Office made two types of printing errors on election materials for the 2022 General Election. The Voter Information Guide excluded two candidate statements, one for Pismo Beach City Council candidate Kevin Kreowski and another for Lucia Mar Unified School District Area No. 3 candidate Ashley Smeester. Both candidates lost their respective elections. Meanwhile, Pismo Beach City Council candidate Stacy Inmans statement appeared twice in the voter guide. She won a seat on the Pismo Beach City Council. Toppan Merill, the company hired to print election materials, made the printing errors in the Voter Guide, according to the grand jury. County staff didnt proof-read the Voter Guide after it was printed, so they didnt catch the error, the grand jury said. On Oct. 12, county Clerk-Recorder Elaina Cano announced the error to the public. Toppan Merill paid to print the missing statements, and the county then mailed the corrected voter guides to impacted voters. The county refunded candidates who had missing statements. To avoid similar mistakes in the future, the County Clerk-Recorders Office created a policy that requires a final review of the printed Voter Guide, according to the report. A voters casts their ballot at the polling place located at Shell Beach Veterans Hall on Nov. 8, 2022. The office also printed incorrect language for Measure C-22 on the ballot. Measure C-22 was a $349 million bond designed to fund renovations to 15 school campuses in the San Luis Coastal Unified School District. The measure proposed charging a property tax of 4.9 cents per $100 in assessed value on each home. The ballot, however, incorrectly said that the measure would impose a 4.9% tax on every $100 of value, the report said. The ballot measure passed anyway, with 63.1% of voters supporting it County staff made the error while proofreading the ballot language before sending it to the printer, according to the grand jury. On Oct. 12, Cano announced the error publicly, and soon sent post cards to impacted voters with the measures correct language. Her office then created a policy that requires the ballot measure sponsor to proofread its language before ballots are sent to voters. County staff will also compare edits to the original version of the ballot in the future, according to the report. Elaina Cano, San Luis Obispo County clerk-recorder, at her office on Aug. 10, 2022. Shes overseeing a recount of the District 4 Board of Supervisors race. Elections Office should hire more staff, have written instructions, grand jury said Preparing an election is a hefty job. The County Clerk-Recorders Office must verify voter addresses, update the voter rolls, and assemble and mail the ballots ahead of the election, the report said. To prepare for the 2022 General Election, the Clerk-Recorders Office assembled 70 ballot and voter guide variations to match where different voters lived, the grand jury said. Meanwhile, the office ran a manual recount for the District 4 Board of Supervisors primary election. The recount lasted 18 days, and its results were identical to the original ballot tally. The recount further strained staff resources, the report said, as much of the election staff had to work overtime to prepare for the General Election after recount proceedings ended for the day. We havent stopped working on weekends, Cano told New Times in October, according to the grand jury report. Were six days a week at minimum, 10 hours a day, to make up for those five weeks lost. Its significant. Were doing the best we can and pushing through. From left, special recount board members Lucia Maceri, Rick Ulsh, Ann Tapper and Rochelle Freidman hand count ballots on Aug. 10, 2022 at the Clerk-Recorders Office. Standing are observers Richard Patten and a woman who declined to share her name. The recount was for the San Luis Obispo County Board of Supervisors race between Lynn Compton and Jimmy Paulding. With a budget of $18 million and about six full-time equivalent staff, SLO Countys Elections Office has the smallest budget compared to six other California counties of a similar population size including Santa Barbara, Monterey and Kings counties, according to the report. To prevent future mistakes, the county should allocate more funding to the Clerk-Recorders Office, hire more staff and provide a larger space for ballot counting and storage, the grand jury said. Right now, the election team only includes five assistant positions, the report said. The Clerk-Recorders Office made four funding requests during the countys 2023-24 budget discussions: A program manager to lead the vote-by-mail process. A public information specialist to communicate with media and the public. A specialist to maintain district, precinct, street and address data, the report said. An increase in the temporary staff budget, allowing the office to hire more people as needed and offer raises to existing staff. The grand jury encouraged the county to support these requests, emphasizing a need for the program manager to assist with the supervision of daily tasks. The office also needs a larger space to count ballots to accommodate for a bigger staff and observers, along with a larger warehouse to store election materials, the grand jury said. San Luis Obispo County Elections Office workers process vote-by-mail ballots on Nov. 9, 2022, the day after the vote. The Clerk-Recorders Office should also create a written procedure for reviewing printed materials, the report said. Right now, the office does not have written instructions that describe step-by-step processes for proofreading and printing election materials, the grand jury said. Typically, the deputy clerk-recorder assembles an election team to build the different ballots, and catalog them under a master spreadsheet. An election management system is used to track document preparation and proofing, the report said. Experienced staff give verbal instruction to the team, but not written instructions, the report said. The lack of complete written procedures increases the risk of mistakes, the report said. Once an error is overlooked in the process, the error would continue to be uncorrected. The grand jury recommended that the office establish a written procedure for reviewing printed election materials before distribution to the voting public, the report said. This would minimize errors, and support staff training and leadership changes, the grand jury said. The SLO County Clerk-Recorders Office and the Board of Supervisors must respond to the report within 60 days. Known across the globe as Americas Steakhouse, Boston-based Smith & Wollensky Steakhouse has opened a location in Burlington. The two-story restaurant located in the heart of Burlington is located along the Middlesex Turnpike and brings high-end dining, exceptional quality, and top-tier service to the area. We are thrilled to continue growing our brand in this market and further establish our presence in Burlington, said General Manager, Steve Gledhill. Connecting with, and creating long-lasting relationships with the local businesses and thriving residential community is what fuels us to deliver exceptional service, signature steaks, and premium seafood. We cant wait to welcome and serve you. The Burlington location features expansive dining rooms on two levels, a large horseshoe-shaped bar on the main floor, an upper-level indoor-outdoor bar, private event spaces, and outdoor patio dining on both levels. After personally opening Smith & Wollensky London in 2015, the Burlington restaurants design is an evolution of our journey across the pond. Many of the materials and interior elements seen throughout the restaurant were sourced across the globe, said Smith & Wollensky Brand President and Former London Managing Partner, Nathan Evans. From the beautiful green quartzite bar top, the ultra-elegant light fixtures from Ralph Lauren and Eichholtz and the world-class collection of art create the perfect ambiance for memorable dining experiences. In addition to Smith & Wollenskys signature menu of USDA Prime aged steaks, this location has debuted a curated Caviar & Bubbles experience. Opulence knows no bounds at Smith & Wollensky so we are very excited to launch this curated menu of Caviar & Bubbles, said Christian Gianaris, National Beverage Director, PPX Hospitality Brands. This addition to our experience exemplifies our unwavering commitment to sourcing only the highest quality ingredients, unique presentations, and elevated service that transcends the ordinary. The original Smith & Wollensky location opened in 1977 in New York City. We are so thrilled to introduce the Smith & Wollensky brand to the residents, businesses, and visitors of Burlington and beyond. We pride ourselves on creating more than just a meal, but an experience and an opportunity to create lasting memories, said PPX Senior Director of Culinary, Brian Doyle. We are passionate about exceptional quality which is proven with each bite. Smith & Wollensky in Burlington is open for lunch and dinner Sunday through Thursday from 11:30 a.m. to 10 p.m., and Fridays and Saturdays from 11:30 a.m. to 11 p.m. For more information, visit the link here. 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 Smoke from fire at pallet company in Kansas Citys East Bottoms seen for miles Thursday Firefighters on Thursday were battling a large multi-alarm blaze at a pallet company in Kansas Citys East Bottoms, according to the Kansas City Fire Department. The fire was reported shortly after noon Thursday at the Pioneer Pallet Brokerage Co. at 3526 Nicholson Avenue, according to Jason Spreitzer, a spokesman for the fire department. The fire engulfed materials both inside and outside the building. Black, billowing smoke was visible for miles from the blaze, which is east of downtown Kansas City. A firefighter uses his radio while fighting a blaze at Pioneer Pallet in the 3500 block of Nicholson Ave. on Thursday, June 15, 2023, in Kansas City. Everyone was able to escape from the fire safely, Spreitzer said. Seven firefighters, however, were treated for heat exposure or burns, including three who were taken to the hospital. Initially, two command vehicles along with four pumper trucks, four ladder trucks and an ambulance were dispatched to the scene of the blaze, according to audio of radio traffic captured by Broadcastify.com. A firefighter receives an IV after battling a blaze at Pioneer Pallet in the 3500 block of Nicholson Ave. on Thursday, June 15, 2023, in Kansas City. This is a lumber yard and then we have a third caller saying the warehouse is on fire, the dispatcher told responding units. She advised that there were fire hydrants all along Nicholson Avenue. All companies responding, evacuation is in progress, the dispatcher said. There are reports of that the gates are open to the building. Again they are saying this is a trailer on fire outside of the building. Then we got the warehouse is on fire. Flames engulf stacks of pallets at Pioneer Pallet in the 3500 block of Nicholson Ave. on Thursday, June 15, 2023, in Kansas City. The first firefighters on the scene reported heavy fire showing from the back of the building as well as a large propane tank that was bleeding off. The firefighter then advised there was heavy fire all around building, according to the audio. At 2:15 p.m., firefighters were still working to extinguish the blaze, Spreitzer said. We are going to be out here a few more hours, he said. Firefighters battle a blaze at Pioneer Pallet in the 3500 block of Nicholson Ave. on Thursday, June 15, 2023, in Kansas City. Ladder trucks were spraying large amounts of water from above down onto the fire. As they battled the fire, four alarms were sounded to send extra firetrucks along with manpower and equipment to battle the blaze. Edy Esquivel, who has worked at the pallet factory for two years, said there are about 21 people who work there. The fire started on the west side and moved to the factory area, he said. It then spread to the east side where more pallets were stacked. Everyone was yelling fire. Fire! Lets go! he said. And we just started running. Workers at Pioneer Pallet watch as firefighters battle a blaze at their factory in the 3500 block of Nicholson Ave. on Thursday, June 15, 2023, in Kansas City. A regional pollution monitor in the downtown area picked up a small increase of particles in the air from the fire, the Mid-America Regional Council said on Twitter. Its air quality program was monitoring the air quality as a result of the fire and would continue to track any increase in particulate matter in the air. Star photographer Nick Wagner provided some information for this story. By Hyonhee Shin SEOUL (Reuters) -Several thousand South Korean and U.S. troops took part in joint live-fire exercises on Thursday, in a show of force after North Korea's failed attempt last month to launch a spy satellite ratcheted up tensions in the region. The drills, overseen by South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol, are also being held to mark the 70th anniversary of the alliance between the countries and the 75th anniversary of the founding of the South Korean military, his office said. A total of 2,500 troops took part in the drills in Pocheon, northeast of Seoul, supported by "cutting-edge" military assets, including South Korean F-35 fighters and K9 self-propelled howitzers and U.S. F-16 jets and Gray Eagle drones. "The exercises were aimed at checking the ability to conduct combined and joint operations to realise 'peace through strength' through practical manoeuvring and live-fire training under the scenario of a North Korean provocation," Yoon's office said in a statement, describing them as the largest live-fire drills ever held with the United States. The initial phase of the drills were designed to show a response to North Korea's nuclear and missile threats and a full-scale attack. Later in the programme, allied troops prepared the ground for a counterattack through air and artillery precision strikes on key targets, in order to "completely destroy the North's military threats," it said. In response to the drills, North Korea said its forces would sternly respond to "any kind of protests or provocations by enemies." North Korea unsuccessfully tried to launch a spy satellite late last month, in its first such attempt since 2016, with the rocket booster and payload plunging into the sea. Seoul and Washington condemned the launch as a grave provocation and violation of U.N. Security Council resolutions banning the North's use of ballistic missile technology. Pyongyang said it was exercising its right to space development and vowed to stage another launch soon to boost its surveillance capabilities against U.S. and South Korean threats. The isolated North has previously reacted angrily to the allies' military drills, calling them a rehearsal for its invasion. The United States has about 28,500 troops in South Korea. (Reporting by Hyonhee ShinEditing by Ed Davies and Christian Schmollinger) Southern Baptists upheld the expulsion of two churches that have female pastors on Wednesday and voted to change its constitution to formally restrict women from church leadership moving forward. The Convention voted in February to expel five churches with women pastors, including Rick Warrens Saddleback megachurch in Southern California. Saddleback and another smaller church called Fern Creek Baptist from Louisville, Kentucky, appealed that decision. But the Southern Baptist Conventions 12,700 members known as messengers overwhelmingly voted Wednesday to reject those appeals saying the two churches were no longer in friendly cooperation with the denomination. The Southern Baptists Convention later approved an additional amendment to its constitution that says churches in the denomination must have only men as any kind of pastor or elder. The amendment must be approved for a second time at the next annual meeting by a two-thirds vote to go into force. If it does become the bodys operating policy, the new restrictions could see an estimated 1,900 other churches at risk of expulsion, The New York Times reported. Bart Barber, the president of the Convention, said the ultraconservative wing of Southern Baptists could push to file complaints against those churches, but stressed leadership would be careful moving forward. Even with these changes, they have to be applied church by church, and Southern Baptists have a history of being judiciously careful when they look at specific circumstances, Barber said Wednesday, per the Times. The Rev. Linda Barnes Popham, center, laughs with members of Fern Creek Baptist Church after a service, on May 21, 2023, in Louisville, Ky. In February, Fern Creek was one of five churches disfellowshipped from the Southern Baptist Convention because they have female pastors. The Rev. Linda Barnes Popham, center, laughs with members of Fern Creek Baptist Church after a service, on May 21, 2023, in Louisville, Ky. In February, Fern Creek was one of five churches disfellowshipped from the Southern Baptist Convention because they have female pastors. The votes took place at the Conventions annual meeting in New Orleans. The decision will not have any overt impact on the two churches, which will still operate, but reflects Southern Baptists growing conservative bent. Linda Barnes Popham, who has been the pastor of Fern Creek for 30 years, told The Washington Post she was disappointed her church had been ejected from Southern Baptists, amounting the decision to a group of power-hungry men who are working in the darkness. If I were them Id be really sorry Id done this because what will be the next reason? she told the Post. It seems like theyre trying to purify the church according to their standards when only Jesus Christ can purify the church. Its like theyre trying to legislate purification. Warren, who waged a public campaign to remain with Southern Baptists, excoriated the vote Wednesday and said leadership wanted to take the body backwards to the 1950s. Saddleback ordained three women as pastors in 2021. That is their golden age for the church, the 1950s, when basically white men rule supreme, and the womans place is in the home, and there is not a lot of diversity, Warren said after the vote, per The New York Times. A fundamentalist is someone who has stopped listening. The conventions 2000 statement of faith, called the Baptist Faith and Message, has said for decades only qualified men can serve as pastors. Related... space'x starship rocket rises into a blue sky during its first test flight in april 2023. SpaceX's huge Starship rocket could fly again before the summer is out. A fully stacked Starship, the biggest and most powerful rocket ever built, launched for the first time ever on April 20. The test flight, from SpaceX's Starbase site in South Texas, aimed to send Starship's upper-stage spacecraft most of the way around Earth. But that didn't happen; while the vehicle notched some significant milestones, it also experienced several serious problems, and SpaceX sent a self-destruct command a few minutes after liftoff. Ever since, SpaceX fans have been wondering when Starship will launch again. And company founder and CEO Elon Musk just gave them something to look forward to, saying via Twitter yesterday (June 13) that the company is shooting for another liftoff six to eight weeks from now. Related: Relive SpaceX's explosive 1st Starship test flight in these incredible launch photos 6 to 8 weeksJune 13, 2023 See more That timeline may be ambitious, however, given the amount of prep work required ahead of the second flight. For example, the liftoff damaged Starbase's orbital launch mount, blasting out a big crater beneath it and sending chunks of concrete flying, along with a huge cloud of dust and other debris. SpaceX has been developing and testing a water-cooled steel plate that will sit beneath the mount and prevent a recurrence of this problem, Musk said recently. The company could also face some regulatory hurdles. A coalition of environmental groups is currently suing the U.S. Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), the body that issued Starship's launch license, saying the agency didn't properly assess the potential damage that the giant vehicle could inflict on the South Texas ecosystem and the human communities around Starbase. RELATED STORIES: Starship and Super Heavy: SpaceX's Mars-colonizing transportation system Elon Musk says SpaceX could launch a Starship to the moon 'probably sooner' than 2024: report Every SpaceX Starship explosion and what Elon Musk and his team learned from them (video) It's also worth noting that "six to eight weeks" is not a new Starship prediction for Musk. He laid out a similar timeline for the next test flight during an April 29 discussion of the debut launch on Twitter Spaces (though in that case he was referring to the projected readiness of Starbase and Starship, not predicting when the flight would occur). The 394-foot-tall (120 meters) Starship consists of a first-stage booster called Super Heavy and a 165-foot-tall (50 meters) upper-stage spacecraft called Starship. Both of these elements are designed to be fully and rapidly reusable, the key breakthrough that Musk thinks will revolutionize spaceflight. NASA is a believer in the new space transportation system; the agency selected Starship as the first crewed lander for its Artemis moon program. Starship is slated to deliver NASA astronauts to the lunar surface as soon as 2025, if current schedules hold (though there's certainly a chance they will not). Flash Global warming is projected to bring a "new normal" to Europe that will lead to more heatwaves, severe flooding, catastrophic wildfires and climate-sensitive diseases during the summer months, the European Environment Agency (EEA) warned in a press release on Wednesday. Adaptation measures are therefore urgently required to prevent the loss of life, the EEA, the European Union (EU) agency that provides independent information on the environment, said. Deadly heatwaves, such as those experienced in Europe during the summer of 2022, are anticipated to become ever more frequent, longer and intense, with Southern Europe in particular likely to bear the brunt of additional deaths and hospitalizations. The elderly and the sick are bound to be particularly vulnerable. The EEA also forecasts heavy rainfall events leading to more frequent and severe flooding in North-Western and Central Europe. Between 1980 and 2021, damages due to flooding amounted to nearly 258 billion euros (280 billion U.S. dollars) in Europe, with a yearly increase of over 2 percent. Such extreme events are expected to increase as the ongoing development of floodplains continues to put vulnerable populations and essential facilities at risk. The EEA warns that Europeans must also brace themselves for more frequent and severe droughts. Following the dry winter, low soil moisture, reduced water storage in reservoirs and low river flows across much of Southern and Western Europe are raising the alarm for the coming summer. The recent increase in wildfires is also a major concern. Since 1980, wildfires across Europe have claimed 712 lives. The 2022 wildfire season was the second worst since 2000, burning over 5,000 square kilometers during the summer months. As temperatures increase across Europe, disease-carrying species can spread further North or be present at higher altitudes in Europe, leading to a rise in climate-sensitive diseases. In an effort to combat these threats, the EU and its member states have established national adaptation policies and adopted the EU Climate Law. The EEA believes that it is necessary for the EU member states to link their adaptation policies with sectoral policies, for example on health. It calls for the urgent implementation of measures, such as heat-health action plans, boosting green and blue spaces(natural and semi-natural areas)in cities, and early warnings for climate-sensitive diseases across Europe to avert an environmental catastrophe. MADRID (Reuters) -Spain expects to conclude the European Union's migration deal under its presidency during the second half of this year and seek a closer cooperation with migrant origin countries, Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez said on Thursday. Spain takes over the bloc's rotating presidency on July 1. The deal aims to set a coordinated response to handling irregular arrivals of asylum-seekers and migrants, and would see each EU country assigned a share of the 30,000 people overall the bloc is expected to accommodate in its joint migration system at any given time. "I hope that before the end of the semester we can definitely seal this pact on migration and asylum that is so important for the member states," Sanchez told a news conference held in Madrid. A majority of the 27 EU member countries have already agreed on a deal despite the opposition of countries such as Poland and Hungary. Spain now intends to lead the negotiations on behalf of the member states with the European Parliament to get the deal passed. Sanchez said a recent shipwreck off the coast of Greece made the deal more necessary. Sanchez also said his government will push, during its six-month presidency, for common minimum corporate tax rates in all EU countries, for making the EU banking union a reality and for the ratification of a trade deal between the bloc and Mercosur, a trade association comprising Argentina, Brazil, Paraguay and Uruguay. (Reporting by Belen Carreno; Writing by Emma Pinedo and Inti Landauro; Editing by Aislinn Laing and Hugh Lawson) Ascension nurses at a hospital in Texas and two Wichita hospitals will have a one-day strike, according to a union news release sent out Thursday. The strike will be June 27. It appears as though it will involve all of the nurses at the Wichita hospitals, Ascension Via Christi St. Joseph and St. Francis, and at Ascension Seton Medical Center in Austin, Texas. The National Nurses Organizing Commission said in a news release Wednesday that it represents nearly 2,000 nurses at the three hospitals. Thursdays release said 2,000 Ascension nurses will strike. Nurses at all three hospitals have voted to unionize within the last year. All are in the middle of negotiating a contract with hospital administrators. Union news releases contend the contract they are fighting for will improve patient care and retention. St. Joseph nurses voted this week St. Francis nurses did so just a couple week ago to allow the union the right to call a strike. In an emailed statement, Ascension said they are disappointed, especially given the hardship this will present for our associates and their families, and the concern this action may cause our patients and their loved ones. However, they are well-prepared to remain open during the one-day strike. We have a comprehensive contingency plan in place to ensure there is no disruption in care or service for those we are privileged to serve, Ascension said. Hospitals nationwide have had chronic shortages of nurses, many of whom left the industry amid the stresses of the pandemic. There also is concern that Ascension, one of the largest healthcare systems in the country, had aggravated the problem by years of cutting staffing in order to increase profits, according to a New York Times investigation. The NNOC is an affiliate of the National Nurses United, the countrys largest registered nurses union. HYDE PARK - State police arrested a Staatsburg man on Wednesday and accused him of possessing child pornography. According to state police, the Rhinebeck unit of their Bureau of Criminal Investigation, assisted by Troop K's Computer Crimes and Forensic Identification units, arrested Ross E. Schultz, 20, of Staatsburg. Schultz, a former substitute daycare worker, was charged with possessing an obscene sexual performance by a child, a felony. State police said their Rhinebeck-based investigators began an investigation on Nov. 3, 2022, after they received a cyber tip from an online social media platform that Schultz was in possession of a media file containing child pornography. Controversial location: A Dutchess homeless shelter could open by 2024. Fatal stabbing: Poughkeepsie man charged with murder on South Grand Avenue on Sunday Formal reopening: Take a look at improvements to Malcolm X Park in City of Poughkeepsie Investigators executed a search warrant at Schultz's residence, where they seized numerous electronic and storage devices. Police said Schultz was arrested after investigators found evidence he possessed child pornography. Schultz was processed at the state police barracks in Rhinebeck and released after he was issued a ticket to appear in Hyde Park Town Court on June 22. The name of Schultz's attorney was not immediately available. Mike Randall covers breaking news for the Times Herald-Record, Poughkeepsie Journal and The Journal News/lohud. Reach him at mrandall@th-record.com or on Twitter @mikerandall845. This article originally appeared on Poughkeepsie Journal: Staatsburg man charged with possession of child pornography Its continuing mission to explore strange new worlds returns tomorrow. It's been just three weeks shy of exactly one year since we watched Captain Pike (Anson Mount) join forces with Captain Kirk (Paul Wesley) in the conclusion of "Star Trek: Strange New Worlds'" first season "A Quality of Mercy." Thankfully though, both the second and third seasons have been filmed back-to-back, so fingers crossed we won't have another 49 weeks after August 17 for Season 3. It also means that principal photography more than likely hasn't been affected by the writer's strike. We know that Wesley is set to reprise the character of Captain James T. Kirk in at least one installment (S02, E03), we also know there is, somehow, some sort of crossover with the animated series "Star Trek: Lower Decks" (S02, E07) and we know that Carol Kane is set to become a series semi-regular. We also know that joining Mount once again is Rebecca Romijn (Una Chin-Riley), Ethan Peck (Spock), Babs Olusanmokun (Dr. M'Benga), Christina Chong (La'an Noonien-Singh), Jess Bush (Nurse Christine Chapel) and Celia Rose Gooding (Nyota Uhura). Related: Star Trek streaming guide: Where to watch the Star Trek movies and TV shows online Let's not forget that Lt. Commander Chin-Riley (Rebecca Romijn) is in a spot of bother over the fact that she kept her identity as an Illyrian secret from Starfleet. No doubt the Gorn will attack Federation forces once again, are Spock and T'Pring still a thing? And will we ever get to see the magnificent, mischievous Harcourt Fenton Mudd? There's a reason this is the most popular "Star Trek" on Paramount Plus and we cannot wait to see more. "Strange New Worlds" and every episode of every "Star Trek" show currently streams exclusively on Paramount Plus in the US. Internationally, the shows are available on Paramount Plus in Australia, Latin America, the UK and South Korea, as well as on Pluto TV in Austria, France, Germany, Italy, Spain and Switzerland on the Pluto TV Sci-Fi channel. They also stream exclusively on Paramount Plus in Italy, France, Germany, Switzerland and Austria. In Canada, they air on Bell Media's CTV Sci-Fi Channel and stream on Crave. Follow Scott Snowdenand follow @Spacedotcomon Facebook and Instagram. As Starbucks continues to battle unionization efforts by baristas, the company has been accused by some U.S. employees of banning LGBTQ Pride decorations. The company says this isn't true and that their policy around Pride Month has not changed. Starbucks Workers United, the labor group leading unionization, claimed in a series of Tweets that during Pride Month, the company has for the first time disallowed Pride decorations, which "have become an annual tradition in stores." "In union stores, where Starbucks claims they are unable to make 'unilateral changes' without bargaining, the company took down Pride decorations and flags anyway ignoring their own anti-union talking point," the group claimed in a tweet. BREAKING: In the middle of Pride Month, Starbucks BANS Pride decorations in stores across the United States. Starbucks Workers United (@SBWorkersUnited) June 13, 2023 But Starbucks says there has been "no change" to its policies, and that the company "unwaveringly" supports the LGBTQ community. "There has been no change to any policy on this matter and we continue to encourage our store leaders to celebrate with their communities including for U.S. Pride Month in June," the spokesperson said in a statement, adding that the company is "deeply concerned by false information that is being spread especially as it relates to our inclusive store environments, our company culture, and the benefits we offer our partners." "Starbucks has a history that includes more than four decades of recognizing and celebrating our diverse partners and customers including year-round support for the LGBTQIA2+ community," the statement reads. The company said it empowers employees to show support for several heritage months. On its website, Starbucks has a timeline of its history of inclusion of the LGBTQ community, starting in 1988 when the company began offering full health benefits to employees including coverage for same-sex domestic partnerships. Starbucks Workers United claims several employees have reported the alleged ban on Pride decor. The group is calling on the company to stand up for the LGBTQ community and to negotiate union contracts "that legally locks-in our benefits, our freedom of expression, and ways to hold management accountable." Starbucks and the labor union don't see eye to eye on a number of issues. Since October 2022, Starbucks has filed more than 100 Unfair Labor Practice charges against the union, saying they have failed to appoint representatives for several bargaining sessions and have failed to bargain in good faith. Meanwhile, the National Labor Relations Board accused the company of using an "array of illegal tactics" against the union, and a judge ruled the company violated labor laws "hundreds of times" during a unionization drive in Buffalo, New York. Companies' support for Pride Month and the LGBTQ community has become a target of protests, with Target deciding to remove some Pride merchandise from their stores, saying employees had received threats. Bud Light also received backlash this year after partnering with transgender influencer Dylan Mulvaney, which resulted in a drop in sales of the beer. Starbucks recently launched a collaboration with artist Tim Singleton, who designed bright, reusable cups as part of the company's Artist Collaboration Series. In an Instagram post, he referred to the six rainbow-themed cups as "this year's Pride Collection," and Starbucks describes it as "a mish-mash of pop culture, queer culture and nostalgia with bold visuals and rainbow-bright colors." While June is a month designated for celebrating LGBTQ pride, the community has been facing an increase in threats and political backlash from the right. This year, more than 520 anti-LGBTQ bills have been introduced at the state level a record and 74 such laws have been enacted, according to the Human Rights Campaign. Florida officer pulled over for speeding by other deputy Beyonces Renaissance tour has been linked to a notable increase in Swedens inflation rate Beyflation? Beyonce concerts blamed for higher inflation in Sweden A jury on Monday awarded $25.6 million to a former Starbucks employee who sued the company alleging she and other white employees were unfairly punished, and that she was wrongfully fired, after the high-profile 2018 arrests of two Black men. New Jersey jurors ruled unanimously in favor of Shannon Phillips, a former Starbucks regional manager, after a six-day trial, finding race was a determinative factor in her firing, in violation of federal and state anti-discrimination laws. Phillips was awarded $600,000 in compensatory damages and $25 million in punitive damages Monday, according to Console Mattiacci Law, which represents Phillips. The law firm also said a judge would consider awarding $3 million for lost pay, as well a attorney's fees. STARBUCKS RESPONSE: Starbucks vows 'unconscious bias' training after having 2 black men arrested What happened in 2018 arrest of two Black men at a Philadelphia Starbucks? In April 2018, a manager at a Philadelphia Starbucks location called police on two Black men who were sitting in the store without ordering anything. The men were later released without charges. Phillips, who was regional manager of operations in Philadelphia at the time of the incident, was not involved with the arrests. Video of the men's arrest sparked national outcry and widespread protests. PROTESTS IN 2018: Protesters chant at Philadelphia Starbucks where 2 black men were arrested Protesters gather outside a Starbucks in Philadelphia, Sunday, April 15, 2018, where two black men were arrested Thursday after Starbucks employees called police to say the men were trespassing. Now LA Fitness has apologized to two black men who claim to have been racially profiled at one of its clubs. Former Starbucks employee alleges racial discrimination in lawsuit In the lawsuit, filed in 2019, Phillips claimed Starbucks ordered her to put a white manager who also wasn't involved in the incident on administrative leave. She said she was fired less than a month later after objecting to the manager being placed on leave. According to the lawsuit, Starbucks ordered the manager be placed on administrative leave because of an allegation that Black managers were being paid less than white managers. But Philips argued district managers had no input on employee salaries. The lawsuit alleged Starbucks was trying to "punish white employees" "in an effort to convince the community that it had properly responded to the incident." Starbucks denies allegations At the time, Starbucks denied the allegations, saying the company needed someone with a track record of leading during a crisis. The company said it replaced Phillips with a regional manager who had such experience, Law360 reported. Starbucks did not respond to a USA TODAY request for comment on Thursday. Public outcry after the arrests led the CEO of Starbucks to apologize. The company also reached a settlement of an undisclosed sum with the two men, changed store policies and closed locations nationwide for an afternoon for racial-bias training. Contributing: The Associated Press This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Fired Starbucks manager awarded $25M in racial discrimination suit Starbucks protest racism controvery Philadelphia coffee manager discrimination lawsuit - AP Photo/Gene J Puskar/File A jury has awarded $25.6 million (20 million) in damages to a Starbucks manager who claimed she was sacked for being white. Shannon Phillips was fired in the aftermath of a furore following the arrest of two black customers at a Philadelphia branch of the coffee chain in 2018. According to her lawyer, Ms Phillips was a sacrificial lamb as Starbucks struggled to contain the torrent of bad publicity. The coffee behemoth had shut branches and ordered staff to undergo racial bias training as it found itself the target of nationwide protests. Ms Phillips was not involved in the Philadelphia incident which triggered outrage when the two men, who had been waiting for a friend, were led away in handcuffs. Supervising about 100 Starbucks outlets in the region, Ms Phillips was ordered to put a white store manager at the branch on administrative leave as the company tried to repair the reputational damage it had suffered. Starbucks protest racism controvery Philadelphia - Reuters/Mark Makela She refused to do so because he was not involved in the incident and because allegations that he had been involved in discriminatory conduct were untrue. In her lawsuit, Ms Phillips, who had worked for Starbucks for 13 years, alleged that the company targeted her and other white employees in and around Philadelphia as part of its attempt at damage control. At the same time, the manager of the branch who triggered the outcry, and was black, faced no disciplinary action. Ms Phillips was dismissed shortly afterwards. However, according to her complaint, she had taken steps to ensure that the retail locations within her area were a safe and welcoming environment for all customers, regardless of race. Starbucks denies racism claims Starbucks denied that Ms Phillips had been sacked for being white, telling the court she had performed poorly as events unfolded following the arrests. It said: During this time of crisis, the companys Philadelphia market needed a leader who could perform. Ms Phillips, it added, failed in every aspect of that role. The jury sided with Ms Phillips, finding that race had underpinned her firing, violating state and federal anti-discrimination laws. Rashon Nelson and Donte Robinson, the two men who were arrested at the branch, received an apology from Kevin Johnson, Starbucks chief executive at the time, as well as agreeing an out-of-court settlement with the company. 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 state budget has $50 million for downtown Fresno. Another $200 million is uncertain Versions of the 2023-24 California state budget approved Thursday morning by the state Assembly and state Senate both include $50 million for a much-ballyhooed overhaul of infrastructure in downtown Fresno, from more parking to upgrading sewer and water lines. Its the first installment of a three-year, $250 million earmark for downtown Fresno improvements proposed last month by Gov. Gavin Newsom and Fresno Mayor Jerry Dyer from Newsoms May revision for his proposed state budget for 2023-24. But whether the remaining $200 million from that pledge will come over the following two years remains uncertain, and while the Senate and Assembly voted on their versions of the $311.7 billion budget Thursday, negotiations between legislators and the governor in Sacramento will continue before Newsom signs a budget by the end of June. We are awaiting official word from the governor on what is ultimately passed, Sontaya Rose, a spokesperson for Dyer, told The Fresno Bee on Thursday. We are continuing to work hard to get this across the finish line. In May, Dyer said Fresno expects to use the $250 million for a wide range of infrastructure projects to help promote additional residential and commercial development in the aging downtown district. One of the largest chunks of money from the anticipated allocation about $70 million would be used to build two new parking structures with a total of about 2,000 parking stalls, essentially doubling the existing number of city-owned parking spaces in the area. Those additional parking spaces, Dyer said in May, would be enough to serve between 2,000 and 3,000 residential apartments in the downtown area. Housing is what makes a downtown vibrant, Dyer added. It is that balance of daytime jobs in government offices as well as the people living there that will generate a constant vibrancy in downtown. That means a lot of activity. The citys plans for other slices of the $250 million financial pie if it ultimately materializes include: $80 million for overall infrastructure investments to promote housing development for 10,000 residents and other neighborhood revitalization efforts. $25 million for a storm water drainage basin downtown $20 million for an intermodal transit center for alternatives to driving, including buses, bicycles and walking. $20 million for improvements to streets, sidewalks, curbs and gutters in downtown Fresno and the neighboring Chinatown area. $15 million for pocket parks, linear parks and other green spaces. $10 million for sewer system upgrades along Fresno and Merced streets in downtown. $10 million for a 16-inch water supply loop along H and F streets between Stanislaus and Mono streets. Newsoms May budget revision called for the $250 million for downtown Fresno to come from the states $300 million Local Government Budget Sustainability Fund. While both the Assembly and Senate budget plans have $50 million in the 2023-24 budget for the Fresno infrastructure program, the version approved Thursday by the Senate calls for keeping another $50 million in the sustainability fund and pulling back the other $200 million as budget savings. Its described as one of several key changes in the Senate to Newsoms budget proposals. The Legislatures Budget approves the $50 million for 23-24 and leaves the other two years to decisions in those years, according to a statement provided by the office of Senate President Pro Tem Toni Atkins, D-San Diego. However, we expect this issue to continue to be discussed as we work toward a final agreement. The Assembly version is unclear about plans for the remaining $200 million from the sustainability fund. Newsoms office is not addressing particulars of the budget because negotiations are ongoing with legislators. Similarly, Assembly member Joaquin Arambula, D-Fresno, declined to comment Thursday. When Newsom unveiled his May budget revision, he had high praise for Fresnos infrastructure plans. We have a particular focus in the May revise on the incredible work thats been done in Fresno and the incredible planning that has been done that allows us to make a commitment to Fresno, Newsom said in his May 12 announcement, in particular to accelerate that (infrastructure) effort because theyre teed up and ready to do something transformational. Even if the full $250 million comes to fruition over the next few years, it would likely not be enough on its own to accomplish everything that needs to happen to realize the long-range vision for a revitalized downtown with more people living and playing there. The $20 million planned specifically for sewer and water lines, for example, pales in comparison to what city Public Utilities Director Brock Buche estimated as somewhere in the neighborhood of $160 million to $180 million just for water and wastewater. Some of the sewer lines in the downtown area are almost 130 years old, Buche said in May, and some water mains date back to the 1930s. Great cities have great downtowns, Dyer said in May. We cant say were a great city if we dont have a great downtown, and thats where we need to invest. The Sacramento Bee contributed to this report. Many insurers have stopped issuing homeowners policies in places like Sonoma and Napa, where the Glass Fire burned in 2020. But before it stopped selling policies in California, State Farm had moved into some fire-stricken areas. (Justin Sullivan / Getty Images) When State Farm announced in May that the company would stop writing new homeowners insurance policies in California, it issued a two-paragraph statement by way of explanation. It listed "historic increases in construction costs," "rapidly growing catastrophe exposure, and a challenging reinsurance market" as the culprits, adding that it needed to take this action to "improve the company's financial strength." Those two paragraphs sent shock waves through the state. Coming in tandem with a similar pullback by Allstate, the implication was clear: California's wildfires were getting out of control. Rising construction costs are one thing, but growing catastrophic exposure and the reinsurance market both point to a financial doomsday scenario. Given that State Farm has been the top home insurer in the state for decades, this could be the beginning of a market collapse that would leave millions stranded without affordable insurance as their homes burned to the ground. But there's a billion-dollar hole in that story, raising the possibility that the company's move may reflect other considerations, from applying political pressure to staying on the right side of financial regulations. For the last five years, many insurance companies in California have dealt with growing fire risk by dropping customers in high fire risk zones, declining to renew their policies. As a result, the number of people on the FAIR plan, the expensive backstop insurance pool that California requires insurance companies to participate in based on their statewide market share, has more than doubled since 2018. Read more: It's not just State Farm. Allstate no longer sells new home insurance policies in California State Farm, however, has been swimming against this current. As other insurers moved out, State Farm moved in. Its market share in the Golden State grew from roughly 17.8% to 21.2% since 2018, which added more than $1 billion dollars in premiums to its books in the process. Rex Frazier, president of the industry group the Personal Insurance Federation of California, experienced this State Farm expansion himself. "We live in Sonoma County, in the redwoods," Frazier said: prime fire country. No big insurer would cover his house in recent years, so he was forced to go with a plan from an expensive insurance startup until just last year, Frazier said, when "State Farm, for whatever reason, opened up in our area, and I snatched it up." If California regulation meant that rates were failing to reflect wildfire risk, State Farm could de-risk its books by slowly backing away from customers like Frazier in the fire zones, like most of its peers. But even today, State Farm is sticking with the high-risk properties it signed since 2018, and explicitly committed to renewing its existing policies when it announced its decision to stop writing new ones in May. That suggests a more complicated calculus than that two-paragraph statement offered. State Farm declined multiple requests for interviews, referring The Times to Frazier and other spokespeople at industry associations instead. Those reps painted a picture of an insurance market threatened not just by wildfire but also by California's regulatory apparatus, headed by Insurance Commissioner Ricardo Lara, keeping insurance premiums too low. Since 1988, when California voters approved Proposition 103, insurance companies have had to submit all requests for premium increases to the state insurance commissioner's office, along with evidence justifying their need to raise rates. That process can be slow, and even slower if companies want to boost rates by 7% or more, at which point the approval process can turn into a full-on trial. Read more: Retailers say thefts are at crisis level. The numbers say otherwise Companies aren't allowed to pass along the costs of their own reinsurance premiums the policies they rely on to cover their own losses in the case of catastrophe. The reinsurance market is global and unregulated, and firms have been raising rates, especially for fire coverage, in recent years. The last major sticking point that industry reps point to is the use of fire models. Insurance companies are allowed to use only historical losses to justify their increases to the insurance commissioner, rather than using forward-looking fire models. This rule, the companies say, makes for mismatches between price and risk in an evolving climate. The industry argument is that California's rate regulation is forcing companies to underprice policies relative to their risk for potential payout. If companies were allowed to pass along reinsurance costs, get rate increases through more easily, or use their own wildfire risk models in setting those prices, then State Farm wouldn't need to make these kinds of decisions. Proposition 103 and the regulations created by the Department of Insurance are undeniably, and intentionally, barriers to raising prices. California premiums are 14% lower than the national average and rank in the bottom half of U.S. states' rates, in part because of the regulatory regime. Those lower prices haven't exactly dealt a fatal blow to insurers' bottom lines, however. Most companies in the U.S. lose money on the core business of homeowners insurance over time, paying out more in losses than they bring in in premiums, but they make profits by investing their capital in bonds, stocks and other financial instruments. Data from the National Assn. of Insurance Commissioners show that California homeowners insurance, once investment income is taken into account, has been more profitable than homeowners insurance nationwide over a 30-year span. It's almost certainly the case that California's wildfires are getting worse. The double-whammy of the 2017 and 2018 fire seasons, which saw the incineration of tens of thousands of homes, was a financial disaster for insurance companies, though they have been able to raise rates and turn a profit in the years since. And the collapse of the insurance market would indeed be a disaster for the state. Brian Sullivan, owner and editor of insurance industry publication Risk Information, calls that scenario the "Floridification" of California. In the Sunshine State, hurricanes, rate price controls and litigation prompted the big insurers to pull back, and more lightly capitalized small companies moved in to fill the void. That has led to high prices and a string of insurance company bankruptcies. It's also led Florida into a financial sinkhole. More than 1 million Floridians have joined the state-backed Citizens plan, which is backed up by taxpayers and homeowners, unlike California's industry-backed FAIR plan. "That's the death spiral," Sullivan said. "If California becomes Florida, it will be the dumbest possible outcome." But again, even in the face of these head winds, State Farm spent the last five years diving deeper into California's market. So what gives? This isn't the first time that State Farm and other major insurance companies have hit pause on writing new policies in the state, and the reasons for past stops and starts include major disasters, global financial markets, claims of over-regulation, and mysterious years of bad luck. Many companies stopped writing new policies after the 1994 Northridge earthquake, which prompted the creation of a distinct California Earthquake Authority to insure against seismic damage. But big insurers also have a history of more mundane business pauses. Allstate, which stopped writing new home policies in California in November 2022, did the same thing in 2007, only to reenter the market in 2016. State Farm also stopped writing new policies in 2003, only to reenter the market the next year. Sullivan said that this time feels different. "Individual companies have made individual decisions before," he said, but he thinks that both Allstate and State Farm hitting pause simultaneously points to a deeper problem. Consumer advocates suspect that the political effect of the State Farm announcement is as significant as the business logic behind it. "The idea that their decision is because theyre not getting the rate increases they want, that's really not true," said Amy Bach, executive director of consumer advocacy group United Policyholders. "It's a convenient excuse to blame the commissioner and blame Prop. 103 and blame the rate-making process," Bach said. "But it's really more complicated than that," and could have as much to do with a bad year on the stock market hurting the company's investment income as California's tinderbox hillsides. Even Frazier, the industry representative who thinks that California's insurance regulation needs major reforms, admits that State Farm's move cannot be entirely explained by mispriced wildfire risks. The mention of rising construction costs, to his eye, implies a different possible explanation for the pause. The price of building materials and labor surged in the last three years, which has prompted California homeowners to raise their level of insurance coverage where a homeowner might have been comfortable with a $250,000 policy to cover rebuilding costs in case of a fire, now they might want to up that to $350,000 or more, and willingly pay a higher premium for that more expansive protection. As a whole, the homeowners insurance market in California has risen from $8.2 billion in premiums in 2018 to more than $12 billion today, with State Farm's share rising from a little under $1.5 billion to more than $2.5 billion, largely on the back of these rising construction costs. Frazier said that this jump might put State Farm in a financial bind. Insurance companies, like banks, are required to keep a certain amount of cash on hand to make good on claims in case of disaster. The latest filings available, from the end of 2021, show that State Farm General, the California subsidiary of the national company, can't dip below $458 million in reserves as a baseline, and would trigger higher scrutiny from regulators if its surplus fell below three times that, or $1.37 billion. Its latest reported surplus of $1.98 billion is well above that but marks a sharp drop from $2.3 billion in 2021. A growing book of business, a year of large losses, and rising reinsurance costs or other financial factors in today's volatile financial markets could all, theoretically, mean that the company is edging toward those capital limits. In this scenario, State Farm has gotten ahead of itself, growing its business beyond its capacity to fund it. Being allowed to charge higher premiums, whether through reinsurance pass-throughs or fire modeling, would bring in more capital to balance out its growing book of business. But the company could also straighten out its books by going to the reinsurance market, or applying for rate increases and transparently pleading its case to the Insurance Department. Lara, the insurance commissioner, has mostly kept quiet in the wake of State Farm's announcement, declining interview requests and pointing The Times to a statement underlining that more than 100 insurance companies are still writing new policies in the state, that State Farm will renew existing policies and that it's working on wildfire risk mitigation plans. But the complexity and opacity of the situation hasn't stopped the insurance industry from using State Farm's decision to argue for regulatory change. California lawmakers held hearings Wednesday in Sacramento investigating the question of whether insurers should be allowed to use forward-looking wildfire models to price policies. The Insurance Department will be hosting a workshop in July to examine the same. Consumer advocates remain skeptical. "This has nothing to do with climate change, it has to do with the industrys greed and its 35-year campaign so far unsuccessful to escape the requirements of Prop. 103," said Harvey Rosenfield, the founder of Consumer Watchdog, which spearheaded the campaign to pass Proposition 103. And with State Farm unwilling to talk with the media and open its books, it's difficult to separate industry spin from financial and fire reality. This story originally appeared in Los Angeles Times. By Andrew Gray BRUSSELS (Reuters) - NATO chief Jens Stoltenberg on Thursday left open the prospect that his term may be extended as senior officials from alliance member countries openly endorsed the idea - including one of his potential successors. Stoltenberg's term has already been prolonged three times and he is due to step down in September after nine years as secretary-general of the military alliance, which has assumed even greater importance since Russia's February 2022 invasion of Ukraine. But NATO has struggled to find a successor who could win the necessary consensus among its 31 members, stretching from the United States through Europe to Turkey. Asked if he had been persuaded to stay on during a visit to Washington this week, Stoltenberg said: "I am responsible for all decisions that this alliance has to take except for one. And that is about my future. That is for the 31 allies to decide." The job traditionally goes to a senior European political figure but no one can occupy the post without the support of the United States, the North Atlantic Treaty Organization's predominant power. Stoltenberg, a former prime minister of Norway, said in February he was not seeking another extension to his term. Speaking to reporters on Thursday on the sidelines of a meeting of NATO defence ministers in Brussels, Stoltenberg insisted this remained the case. But he has repeatedly declined to say what he would do if asked to stay on by NATO's members. FIRST FEMALE NATO CHIEF? British Defence Secretary Ben Wallace has said openly he would like the job and Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen has been treated as a serious contender despite insisting she is not a candidate, according to diplomats. But on Thursday Frederiksen described the idea of Stoltenberg staying on as "a really good solution". "I very much like my job and I intend to keep it. So no, I am not on my way to NATO," she told Danish broadcaster DR. Wallace is regarded as a long shot as many NATO members argue the post should go to a former prime minister or president to ensure it has top-level political clout, particularly when war is raging on the alliance's doorstep. Many NATO countries have also insisted it is high time the alliance has its first female boss, turning the spotlight on Frederiksen, a Social Democrat who became Denmark's youngest prime minister in 2019 and won reelection last year. While some countries, particularly in Western Europe, signalled support for Frederiksen, others expressed discontent because Denmark falls well short of the NATO goal of spending 2% of GDP on defence. And some, particularly in Eastern Europe, complained she would be the third NATO boss in a row to come from a Nordic country. German Defence Minister Boris Pistorius said if there was no sign of the alliance coalescing around a successor, he would welcome an extension for Stoltenberg. "If we don't agree on a candidate for the succession, NATO will not be able to make do without a secretary general. So I am naturally in favour of an extension, in particular as I value the cooperation (with Stoltenberg)," he told reporters. Asked about an extension for Stoltenberg, Finnish Defence Minister Antti Kaikkonen replied: "That option doesn't sound bad to my ears." (Reporting by Andrew Gray; Additional reporting by Louise Breusch Rasmussen and Sabine Siebold; editing by Grant McCool) Stookey Township censures board member for alleged use of racial slur and gun threats Stookey Township board members have approved a letter that alleges one of their colleagues has threatened to use a firearm to handle disputes. Trustee Dan Weaver, the board member cited in the letter, denies the firearm allegation. Im calling every aspect of that a lie. Ive never threatened anybody with a gun, he said in the moments after the board censured him during a June 5 meeting, according to an audiotape of the meeting obtained by the Belleville News-Democrat via a Freedom of Information Act request. Before he was elected to the board and since he took office, Weaver has criticized township spending, the supervisor, board members and employees. This was the second time the board has approved a censure vote against him. In an interview after the June 5 board meeting, Weaver vociferously defended himself and said he was the victim of a kangaroo court. Ive never shot anybody, he said. Ive never hurt anybody. Ive never been in a fight with anybody. Weaver and Township Supervisor Mark Bagby had a heated exchange during the June 5 meeting. After Bagby read the letter, Weaver asked if he could comment. No you cannot sir, Bagby said. After the roll call vote, Weaver was handed a copy of the letter. Weaver denied the allegations in the letter but Bagby gaveled him down. You are out of order Dan, Bagby said. Weaver replied, You are out of order. Youve made a lie out of everything, he added. The four-page censure letter bans Weaver from all township property unless there is a township board meeting. If Weaver goes onto Stookey Township property other than for meetings, the township will consider it a criminal trespass to property and would subject to prosecution, the letter states. The censure also bans Weaver from communicating with any township employee. The letter is the formal way in which the board can collectively declare its opinion, but Weaver remains on the board. Along with Bagby, trustees Jim Lougeay, Allen Scharf and Ryan Stookey voted to approve the letter. Bagby said Weaver wasnt given a chance to vote during the roll call for the motion because it would be a conflict of interest. You cant vote on something that involves yourself, Bagby said. Weaver said in an interview that he plans to file a lawsuit against the township, which has 9,219 residents near the west side of Belleville in unincorporated St. Clair County. The censure letter didnt detail a specific incident in which Weaver threatened to use a gun, but it states he has frequently claimed to have a firearm and has publicly threatened to use it to take care of the situation next time. Coupled with his intimidating comments both in person and on e-mail and social media regarding ongoing disagreements and statements about settling disputes, it is easy to understand how many people interpret the combination of his obsessive, relentless, fiery criticism and seemingly endless angry outbursts as indication that he will use a firearm to attack his colleagues to settle disagreements, the letter states. Bagby, who once was a political ally of Weaver, said in an interview the township has information from multiple people that Weaver has talked about using a firearm to take care of business. Weve got to prevent something like what happened in Kirkwood and across the country from somebody harming employees and elected officials, Bagby said. In Kirkwood, Missouri, in 2008, a gunman who had been in disputes with city officials launched an attack on City Hall. Two police officers, the mayor, two city council members and the public works director died as a result of the shooting. Previous actions against board member Weaver was previously censured by the board in 2021 shortly after he was elected. In that case, the board accused Weaver of official misconduct regarding comments he posted on Facebook about township spending for Stookey Township Park off South 74th Street and for road maintenance in the township. In response to that censure, Weaver said that he has not lied and that he is trying to let Stookey residents know about the townships finances. I want people to know where were spending the money on. Its their money, Weaver said in 2021. I wasnt trying to use malice in any form. In 2015, six years before Weaver was elected to the board, former Township Supervisor David Bone had banned Weaver from the public participation portion of township meetings in July 2015 and August 2015. Weaver had criticized township spending under Bone, who said Weaver harassed township employees. Weaver denied harassing township employees, and Bone declined to give details of what he alleged Weaver did. When a News-Democrat reporter and photographer attended the September 2015 meeting, Weaver was allowed by Bone to speak. After the 2021 censure vote against Weaver, the executive director of the Township Officials of Illinois organization, Jerry Crabtree, said he had not heard of a township board taking such action against a board member. And when asked about this months vote against Weaver, Crabtree said he still cant recall such an action. Crabtree has led the statewide group since 2005. Spending by the township Weaver said his goal is to be a watchdog on government spending. You are supposed to take care of the taxpayers dollars, he said. You are supposed to be the guardian of their money. You are supposed to be the one that tells the Bagbys of the world, No thank you, were not going to do this. Here are three recent instances of township spending that Weaver criticized: The township should have stained the brick walls at the office buildings at 313 Eiler Road instead of painting them. Weaver said the stain would allow the bricks to breathe and would be more cost effective. The township should have installed a steel roof on the township offices instead of shingles because he believes the steel roof would last longer. The township did not need an electronic gate at the sewer department. Weaver said this cost $77,000 and was not necessary since a regular lock would be OK. Stookey Township Park dispute The censure letter against Weaver alleges he used threatening language and a racial slur during a verbal altercation with a part-time employee on April 24 at Stookey Township Park off South 74th Street. The employee, who handles maintenance at the park, was not named in the censure letter, but Todd Horn said during the public participation section of the June 5 board meeting that he was the employee. Horn and a few other speakers said Weaver should resign. I dont fall for your threats, your fear tactics, Horn said to Weaver. Horn said he was upset that Weaver had pulled his criminal background, which includes four DUI charges. Horn said he was sorry for the charges and that he was upset that Weaver said he wouldnt be working for the township again. When Weaver commented, Horn told him to just shut the hell up. In an interview, Weaver denied using a racial slur and that he had been friends with Horn and they had shared beers. Weaver said he approached Horn because he was upset with comments Horn allegedly made about Weavers opposition to a proposed mental health center in the former Kings House Catholic retreat property off Judith Drive, which is near Weavers home. During the June 5 board meeting, Weaver said Horn made derogatory and disparaging remarks about him during a previous public meeting. Weaver, who described Horn as a good guy, alleged that Horn told him he needed to watch out before the men in white coats come for him. Before Weaver could finish his defense, he was cut off by Bagby who noted that Weaver had used his allotted three minutes of public participation. Weaver and Bagby then argued about how much time Weaver had to speak. Everything that Todd Horn said was an absolute lie, Weaver said as Bagby began discussing the next agenda item. Bagby then told Weaver, One more outburst, you will be removed and charged with criminal trespass. Outlook on trustees ban The censure letter ends with a statement that if Weaver thinks the measures taken against him are unfair or unnecessary, he could meet with Bagby to find a reasonable path forward. The township board wants Weaver to unequivocally disavow any intent to do further emotional harm and to never inflict physical harm on Stookey Township employees or elected officials. But Weaver said in an interview he has no intention of meeting with Bagby and compromise his fight against egregious spending. I dont kiss anybodys ass, Weaver said. I will always fight for the people, he said. I will always fight egregious spending. If I think something is wrong, I will tell you and I will damn sure make sure you know about it. As Donald Trump does what he does best and sucks the political oxygen out of the room, over in what feels issue-wise like a proxy 2024 election race, the Republican governor of Florida Ron DeSantis had a feisty message for his California counterpart Democrat Governor Gavin Newsom. The two governors have been locked in a feud since Florida flew planeloads of migrants from Texas to the California state capital of Sacramento in a protest of what Mr DeSantis sees as a dereliction of immigration policy at the southern border by Democrats. Governor Newsom responded by sharply rebuking the Florida governor, and the possibility of criminal charges has been floated. He has since repeatedly criticised Mr DeSantis in interviews and public comments. At Thursdays signing of the state budget in Fort Pierce, Florida, Mr DeSantis was asked about Mr Newsom telling Sean Hannity that he would debate the Florida governor in an event moderated by the Fox News host. While he didnt answer the question directly, Governor DeSantis said of Governor Newsom to reporters: He has a real serious fixation on the state of Florida, I think its just bizarre that he does that. What I would tell him is you know what, stop pussyfooting around. Are you going to throw your hat into the ring and challenge Joe [Biden]? Further laying into Mr Newsom, the Florida governor said his California counterpart is facing huge problems in his state and has overseen a massive exodus due to it being mismanaged and ill-governed. Are you going to get in and do it, or are you going to sit on the sidelines and chirp? he added, goading Mr Newsom. So why dont you throw your hat into the ring, and then well go ahead and talk about whats happening. The DeSantis campaign is now selling Stop pussyfooting around t-shirts. If you're chirping from the sidelines.... this one's for you. Get yours before they're gone https://t.co/2onLqZ4R3P Team DeSantis (@TeamDeSantis) June 15, 2023 Mr Newsom has no plans to enter the race for the White House and has explicitly said he wont run in 2024. Asked if he would challenge President Biden for the Democratic Party nomination, the governor said: Im rooting for our president, and I have great confidence [in him]. However, he is seen as a possible contender for a future run and appears to be positioning himself as such by raising his national profile with a proposed constitutional amendment regarding gun control and by heightening his media profile. In late March, he launched a new political action committee focused on fighting for Democrats in red states throughout the 2024 election cycle. Some $10m was channelled into the Campaign for Democracy committee to help out in state where freedom is most under attack. Mr DeSantis and Mr Newsom exemplify their parties stances on many issues which often puts them head-to-head on the national stage. Great to be at Disneylands first ever Pride Night. pic.twitter.com/MW3eHMDemO Gavin Newsom (@GavinNewsom) June 14, 2023 In addition to immigration and the care of asylum seekers, the two are also at loggerheads on gun control and LGBT+ issues specifically around Floridas so-called Dont Say Gay bill in which Disney, which has its major theme parks and operations in both states, has found itself at war with Mr DeSantis, and a champion in Mr Newsom. The Florida governor is locked in a legal battle with the company that brought Mickey Mouse to the world regarding how its properties are planned and governed in the state. Prior to attending Disneyland's Pride Night on Tuesday, California Gov. Gavin Newsom met with Disney CEO Bob Iger and Disney Parks chairman Josh D'Amaro for a briefing on DisneylandForward, the company's proposed expansion plans for its property in Anaheim. pic.twitter.com/JtcyaZ8Ce5 Ashley Carter (@AshleyLCarter1) June 15, 2023 Meanwhile, on Wednesday night, Mr Newsom attended the first-ever Pride Night at Disneyland in Anaheim, California, signalling support for both LGBT+ rights and freedoms as well as for Disney. In further juxtaposition to Mr DeSantis, earlier in the day he met with Disney CEO Bob Iger and Disney Parks chairman Josh DAmaro for a briefing on DisneylandForward, the companys proposed expansion plans for its property in Anaheim. For the second year in a row, and just as the fiscal 2024 National Defense Authorization Act process peaks in Congress, the Biden administrations Defense Department seeks executive branch authority to spend U.S. taxpayer Defense Production Act money with foreign suppliers, in addition to American ones. Last year, Congress rejected the proposal, and it would be wise to do so again. For medical equipment, automotive chips and everything in between, the COVID-19 pandemic and resultant national emergency exposed U.S. reliance on weak or nonexistent supply chain policies. These prioritized globalization and eliminating the cost of maintaining critical national stockpiles. Common sense now dictates a different national security supply chain approach. Reliance on foreign suppliers, friend or not, creates unacceptable risk in national emergencies. The DoD should not seek to expose the nation to foreign threats, and should seek to adhere to the national security intents spelled out in the Defense Production Act. The DPA, now 73 years old, gives the president broad powers to command the U.S. industrial base and supply chains during times of war, during a domestic crisis and in any emergency environment. The DPA has pulled our feet from the fire many times during modern history, most notably during wartime and the recent pandemic. DPA authorities provided millions of vaccines, ventilators and masks to combat the spread of disease. The DPA is currently enabling the expansion of domestic capacity for materiel in support of Ukraine. Simply put, the DPA is the most powerful tool available to the DoD and the president for the development of any and all needed domestic industrial capabilities. At its core, the intent of the DPA is about American dollars being spent with American companies to strengthen American supply chains. It is as simple as that. The Biden administrations Defense Department has proposed, again, to spend DPA money on projects in foreign countries, the U.K. and Australia in particular. This proposal weakens U.S. supply chains, encourages the use of DPA money in pursuit of other foreign policy aims, and discourages the reshoring of critically needed capabilities after decades of reliance on free markets, globalization and our misguided emphasis on the bottom line. Youd have thought we had learned our lesson by now. Apparently not. Why is this proposal a miss? Because it encourages foreign workarounds of U.S. supply problems that, in the end, do little or nothing to solve our underlying industrial gaps. Take, for example, the supply chain issue surrounding rare Earth elements materials needed in most of our heavy industries and electronics. The Biden fix to the DPA would have us spend American taxpayer dollars to have foreign allies mine and process critical materials that could be mined and processed here but for our own unwieldly bureaucracy. That approach completely buries our underlying domestic problem without providing a solution. Support for our overseas partners is better addressed through other authorities and offices within the federal government, leaving DPA to remain focused on allocating resources strengthening our domestic industry only. Even alternate authorities for foreign spending should be used cautiously and toward a view of ensuring that our friends and allies maintain a joint and reciprocal approach to funding. Any U.S. government funding spent abroad should be accompanied by requirements for foreign governments to match funds, benefiting all interests. Uncle Sam is not an ATM for foreign industries. To be sure, workarounds partnering with critical foreign sources need to exist but must come with commonsense business restrictions and oversight. Strings should include mandating Committee on Foreign Investment in the United States approval of shifts in U.S. ownership or control, especially when involving countries of concern and, perhaps, requiring their participation in the Defense Priorities and Allocations System Permitting blank-check approval of foreign supply chain spending under the DPA is just a bad, lazy and ill-conceived legislative proposal. It will result in neither a secure critical U.S. supply chain, nor desperately needed new and renewed domestic capabilities. Congress should decisively reject the proposal, as it has in the past. Dean Popps is a lawyer who served as the acting assistant secretary of the U.S. Army for acquisition, logistics and technology, and as the services acquisition executive. a small white star next to a large red star. the white star is stealing material away from the larger star in the form of a ring of gas Astronomers studying the fastest and most dramatic nova ever recorded continue to find more puzzles than answers. Novas are sudden, bright flares of light in a two-star system created when a white dwarf, the core of a dying star that has run out of fuel, steals material away from its companion star, causing the white dwarf to temporarily brighten. A nova known as V1674 Hercules found in a bizarre binary star system made up of a white dwarf and a shredded companion in the Hercules constellation has been the object of much interest since it first erupted two years ago on June 12, 2021. Astronomers were baffled by its light and energy, which rang like a bell, as well as its mysterious and intense winds that pumped stellar material into surrounding space. Now, a team of researchers has spotted strange radio emissions sprouting from deep inside the V1674 Hercules nova that are very different from the high-temperature emissions normally seen during such events. "Right now, we're trying to determine if the non-thermal energy is coming from clumps of gas running into other clumped gas which produces shocks, or something else," Montana Williams, a graduate student at New Mexico Tech who is leading the new research, said in a statement . Related: Fastest nova ever seen 'rings' like a bell thanks to feeding white dwarf Wiliams revealed the strange emissions last week in a news briefing at the 242nd meeting of the American Astronomical Society being held in Albuquerque and online. Those emissions may be from interactions among chunks of stellar material ejected during the explosion, which is quite rare for " classical nova " such as V1674 Hercules, Williams said. "Classical novas have historically been considered simple explosions, emitting mostly thermal energy," she added in the statement. "Instead, it seems they're a bit more complicated." To study V1674 Hercules, Williams and her colleagues are using the Very Long Baseline Array, which is a network of ten antennas spanning the United States from Mauna Kea in Hawaii to Saint Croix in Virgin Islands. By combining those observations with similar data from other telescopes also watching the nova, including the Karl G. Jansky Very Large Array telescope facility in New Mexico and the space-based Nuclear Spectroscopic Telescope Array (or NuSTAR ), the team hopes to understand what's causing the mysterious radio emissions. a small white star pulls material away from a larger red star Researchers can measure how fast a nova evolves by observing how long the explosion takes to fade two magnitudes from its peak brightness. Extremely fast events take less than 10 days, moderate can ones take up to 80 days and the slow ones take anywhere from 80 to 150 days. The V1674 Hercules nova (or V1674 Her), whose flash of light was so bright that it could be seen with the unaided eye, took only 1.1 days to dim two magnitudes, or to about one-sixth of its original brightness. "V1674 Her at 1.1 days is on an extreme end of an already extreme end, so it earns the title of the fastest nova," Williams said at the news conference last week. A newly released pair of images by Williams and her team depicts just how drastic that pulsating change in brightness was between July 2, 2021 and July 6, 2021. two images of a red glow around a star RELATED STORIES: A chaotic star is inching toward a violent death as astronomers watch in real-time See new supernova shine bright in stunning Pinwheel Galaxy photo Strange star holds 'holy grail' clues about unique supernova explosions in the early universe Unlike supernovas which completely destroy a star in violent explosions, classical novas such as V1674 Hercules leave the host stars intact and fully capable of putting on multiple shows, giving astronomers many opportunities to study how the system works. In a broad brush, astronomers say studying the behavior and evolution of V1674 Hercules could also shed light on how galaxies evolve across eons, since the material that novas blast out into surrounding space is eventually recycled by nearby galaxies to feed the next generation of stars and planets. MARTIN COUNTY A 29-year-old Stuart man was sentenced Tuesday in federal court in Miami to 15 years in prison followed by 20 years' supervised release, for producing child pornography. German Oliver Jose Martin, of Stuart, pled guilty Feb. 3 to one count of production of visual depictions of sexual exploitation of a minor, according to the U.S. Attorney's office for the Southern District of Florida. Martin also must pay $3,000 of restitution. Upon his release from prison, he is to report to immigration officials and be deported, prosecutors said. They did not indicate the country to which he'd be deported. According to court records, in May 2022, Martin picked up a girl from her school bus stop, took her to his home, engaged in sexually explicit conduct and used his cell phone video to record the encounter. Brian K. Broughton, an investigator with the Martin County Sheriff's Office Special Victims Unit and a task force officer with the FBI, detailed how Martin was arrested. In June 2022, Martin's ex-girlfriend told Martin County Sheriff's Detective Ishmael Hau that she believed he had sex with a minor girl after taking her out of school, according to the records. The woman knew the girl's first name and where she lived. She told detectives of videos sent over Facebook messenger of sexual acts of Martin and the girl. She showed detectives messages of explicit material between Martin and the girl, and images of Martin performing sexual activity with the girl. Detectives spoke with the girl and her mother. The 15-year-old initially denied having any contact with Martin, according to the records, but eventually told detectives he had picked her up from her school bus stop and took her to a house in Stuart during school hours in May 2022. The girl said she was confronted by Martin's girlfriend at the time while in the house. Investigators spoke with Martin at his home in the 2600 block Southeast Carroll Street and showed him pictures of the videos of the sex acts and he identified himself in the videos. Sheriff's detectives placed Martin under arrest and took him into custody at Martin County Jail. At the jail, investigators discovered Martin was undocumented and placed an immigration hold on him. The videos found by investigators depicted sexually explicit conduct that fit the definition of child pornography, according to the court records. More: Ex-Heritage Oaks security officer receives lengthy prison term for child porn possession More: Stuart man ordered to serve more than 111 years in prison for possessing child pornography More: Coast Guard sets new Stuart bridge schedule for boaters. Will FEC, Brightline comply? 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: Stuart man sentenced to 15 years' prison for producing child porn By Nafisa Eltahir and Khalid Abdelaziz CAIRO/DUBAI (Reuters) - The conflict in Sudan hit the two-month mark on Thursday with no sign of a resolution as diplomatic peace efforts hit roadblocks and the risk of a broader ethnic war rises. Fighting between the army and paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF), which a U.S. diplomat earlier this week described as "suicidal" behaviour, has displaced 2.2 million people and killed at least 1,000, an underestimate according to medics. It has shut down the economy, plunging millions of Sudanese into hunger and dependence on foreign aid, and shattered the health system. The army and RSF, which together ousted autocrat Omar al-Bashir in 2019, began fighting in the heart of the capital on April 15 after disagreeing over the integration of their troops under a new transition to democracy. The fighting has since expanded, hitting key cities in the west of the country, worst of all the city of El Geneina, West Darfur, where activists say 1,100 people have been killed and the U.N. says 150,000 people have fled to Chad. EL GENEINA ASSASSINATION On Wednesday, the governor of West Darfur, Khamis Abbakar, accused the RSF and allied Arab militias of carrying out a genocidal attack in El Geneina. Hours later, Abbakar was killed, and the Sudanese Alliance armed group he led blamed the RSF for killing him while in their custody. The RSF denied responsibility, saying that Abbakar had actually sought refuge with the forces but that rogue tribal actors had "kidnapped him and killed him in cold blood". The killing of Abbakar, who hails from the Masalit tribe he said was targeted by the attacks, threatens to expand the fighting in El Geneina which has already brought the city to its knees. "I saw many bodies in the streets. No one dares to bury them," said one man, asking to withhold his name. Fighting has also broken out in other Darfur state capitals, including Nyala, Elfashir, and Zalingei and the Kordofan cities of El Obeid and Kadugli, threatening to agitate long-simmering ethnic tensions. "The longer the conflict lasts, it may end up taking an ethnic and regional dimension in ... parts of the country," said Suliman Baldo of the Sudanese Transparency and Policy Tracker. The incoming rainy season threatens to make the delivery of already limited assistance and migration of hundreds of thousands out of war zones, often on foot, impossible. UNSUCCESSFUL DIPLOMACY The RSF evolved out of the janjaweed militias that wreaked havoc in Darfur in the early 2000s, and in 2017 became a legalised government force under commander General Mohamed Hamdan Dagalo. Fighting between the RSF, which has embedded itself in residential areas of Khartoum, and the army, which has launched extensive artillery and air strikes, shows no signs of letting up. On Thursday, residents in Khartoum and its neighbouring cities Omdurman and Bahri reported clashes, artillery shelling and air strikes near residential areas. After multiple failed ceasefires, U.S. diplomats earlier this week conceded that negotiations in Jeddah had not been successful and were considering other paths. IGAD, a regional East African organisation, this week also launched a mediation effort chaired by Kenya to bring Dagalo and army chief General Abdel Fattah al-Burhan together at a meeting Ethiopia said it would host. But in a statement on Thursday, Sudan's foreign ministry, controlled by the army, accused Kenya of harbouring the RSF, and said it preferred South Sudanese leadership of the initiative. Meanwhile Khartoum residents have accused RSF soldiers and armed gangs of looting homes. East Khartoum resident Waleed Adam said that two men, one in RSF uniform, showed up at his door pointing an AK-47. "They trashed my house and stole my money," he said. The Combating Violence Against Women Unit, a government agency, said that the victims of most of the rape cases it has documented, which it said represent only 2% of real cases, blamed men in RSF uniforms. The RSF has denied responsibility and says that criminals and Bashir loyalists have been known to steal uniforms. (Reporting by Khalid Abdelaziz in Dubai; Nafisa Eltahir, Maggie Michael and Adam Makary in Cairo and Dawit Endeshaw in Addis Ababa; Writing by Nafisa Eltahir; Editing by Nick Macfie) Relatives searching for loved ones after Greek migrant boat disaster, as hundreds more feared dead Kassem Abozeed had arrived in Kalamata to try to find his wife and brother-in-law, as relatives poured into the Greek port city on Thursday, searching for their loved ones missing after a migrant boat sank off the coast, killing dozens of people. The 34-year-old refugee fled from the Syrian civil war to Hamburg, Germany, in 2016. He told reporters that his 21-year-old partner, Ezma, and her 19-year-old sibling, Abdullah, were two of the passengers caught up in one of the largest-scale migrant vessel disasters in southern Europe this year. I tried to get my wife to come to Germany but it was very difficult to do so in a legal way. So we tried through Libya, Abozeed said. The last time we spoke was eight days ago and she told me she was ready to get on the boat. She paid $5,000. He reflected on his relationship with his wife. It was a love story. Family members gathering at the port in southern Greece, as hopes for survivors fade and the scale of the tragedy starts to sink in. At least 78 people died after the vessel went down on Wednesday, with campaigners warning there could have been hundreds more on board, meaning the death toll could rise. A total of 104 passengers were rescued and sent to Kalamata, as emergency workers struggled to contain the fallout. Authorities warned the likelihood of finding survivors was waning, because the boat sank in very deep waters. A sudden shift in weight is likely to be the cause of what led the boat to capsize and then sink, Hellenic Coast Guard spokesman Nikos Alexiou told CNN on Thursday. As the incident took place at very deep waters it is not clear how operations will continue beyond the current stage. Rescuers were likely to wind down their search for survivors soon, according to Thanasis Vasilopoulos, the mayor of Kalamata. Its hard to see search and rescue operations going on for much longer, he said. Unfortunately, we have not found any survivors today. The waters in the area where the incident happened are very deep. It is hard to imagine finding survivors by now. The people rescued all of whom are men include 43 Egyptian nationals, 47 Syrian nationals, 12 Pakistani nationals, and two Palestinians, the Hellenic Coast Guard said. Eight of those rescued were minors. There were an estimated 750 passengers on the ship, including at least 40 children, according to a spokesperson for the International Organization for Migration. If these numbers were confirmed, it would be the second most serious shipwreck in the Mediterranean, Flavio Di Giacomo tweeted. A migrant vessel pictured by the Greek coast guard on June 13 sank in the Mediterranean on Wednesday. - Hellenic Coast Guard The Mediterranean region near Greece is a key route for migrants and refugees attempting to flee political strife in the Middle East, Asia and Africa. The number of undocumented people arriving on European shores has soared this year due to conflict, global inequality and the climate crisis, exacerbating a migrant crisis across the continent. More than 36,000 people arrived in the Mediterranean from January to March this year, nearly twice the number compared with the same period in 2022, according to figures from the UNs refugee agency (UNHCR). The capsized ship had set off from the port city of Tobruk, in Libya, state broadcaster ERT reported. It was traveling to Italy, Greek officials said. Poor communication lines marred initial efforts to contact the boat, which received water from a merchant vessel on Tuesday evening local time after the first distress call. State of anxiety Emergency volunteers described frantic scenes on Thursday, as they tried to comfort traumatized survivors sheltering in a makeshift warehouse in Kalamata. Hypocrates Efstathiou, a social worker for the Greek NGO IASIS, said the mental state of those rescued was intense. They are in great need of support. People are still in shock. They have been describing their attempts to survive. And they are asking for relatives. From their accounts there seem to have been women and children on board, he told CNN while helping survivors on the ground. Dimitris Chaliotis, a volunteer for the Hellenic Red Cross said he had never seen a rescue operation like this one before. It is a tragedy, according to a statement from the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC). Another rescue volunteer, Maria Triantou, said many of the survivors were in a state of anxiety, following the incident. These people had not eaten for many days, had not drunk water for many days, were burnt by the sun, the Greek Rescue Team member told CNN affiliate CNN Greece. Triantou told CNN the men were dehydrated and had some breathing problems, but things [are] now normalizing. Once the survivors started recovering, fear and panic kicked in, she added. Now they want to know what happened to others, including family members. CNN saw several people arriving at the port looking for relatives. One man who said he was Egyptian but refused to speak to press briefly explained he had come to look for his cousin. He was nervously peering behind the fenced area of the port warehouse, where survivors are temporarily resting. They are expected to be transferred to a larger facility in greater Athens, local authorities said. Failure of the international community Humanitarian bodies said the boat disaster was a damning indictment on the inability of EU countries to create safe pathways to protection for refugees. IFRC operations manager Frido Herinckx stressed how heart-wrenching and simply unacceptable that these people, who were seeking safety and a better future, have died at the EU borders in 2023. The first quarter of 2023 was already the deadliest on record on the Central Mediterranean route and this tragedy could be one of the worst ever as the search for the missing continues, Herinckx said. Every one of the lives lost should be on our collective conscience due to the failure to provide safe pathways to protection. IFRC President Francesco Rocca described the shipwreck as an the icon of the failure of the international community. It is shocking and unacceptable that people are still dying in front of EU borders, seeking a safe place, Rocca tweeted Thursday. CNNs Elinda Labropoulou reported from Kalamata, Greece. CNNs Sana Noor Haq wrote from London. CNNs Chris Liakos, Catherine Nicholls and Sharon Braithwaite contributed reporting. For more CNN news and newsletters create an account at CNN.com Bria Fleming Bravo star Bria Fleming is opening up about a frightening incident she recently had with police in Cannes, France. Sitting down for an interview on Page Sixs Virtual Reali-Tea podcast, Fleming, who stars on Bravos reality show Summer House: Marthas Vineyard, said she was taken into custody on May 20 along with her younger sister. Fleming and her German boyfriend Simon Marco were in France at that time to celebrate their one-year anniversary. But the trip turned into a nightmare when a woman called the police and said Fleming and her sister robbed her at a Zara store. Fleming said she never had any interaction with the woman, but she and her sister were still taken to a French police station filled with male inmates and strip-searched multiple times. Every countrys different when youre under arrest and Im like, I dont know what the procedure is here. So I thought we were going to get either beat up, raped and I just couldnt feel my heart, Fleming said on the podcast, sitting alongside Marco. And I was just crying like, Why are you guys doing this? And they were like, Shh, dont talk, dont talk.' The Bravo star added that police did a lot of illegal corrupted stuff. She went on to she received a butt naked strip search to the crack, like, Bend over, lets see. Took off my earrings, my extensions, she said. Then they did a drug and alcohol testing down there. They werent supposed to do that as well. The 28-year-old also said there were no translators available at the police station. We werent able to call our family and let [them] know. My sister had her phone and she snuck the location to Simon, she said. So no one would have known and thats why I was calling it a kidnap because [the police] took us off the street, told me a lady said I robbed her and I am a suspect. Marco said he went crazy when he arrived at the station. One detective came out and he lived in Germany for six years so he could speak German. And then I explained that shes on TV, that she has money, that she doesnt have to steal from anyone, he told Page Six. And then hes like, Obviously, its a misunderstanding. And then he apologized to me. Fleming said she was released after signing a paper in French, which she didnt fully understand. They said they wouldnt let me leave unless I signed it, Fleming said. And they didnt give me the police report, they said Im not entitled to that. They wouldnt give me the paper that I signed. They were just like, Bye.' Marco suspects that racism was a factor in the incident. I told them this is obviously racial profiling. Like, I dont want to make any claims at this point what could be the case, he said. Im just saying this is completely wrong. The police can come and take you into custody and strip you butt naked without giving you your rights, so thats completely corrupt. Fleming and her sister are now seeking justice. We got a good lawyer. And we involved the U.S. consulate and we called the embassy and mayor of Cannes, Fleming said. So all these people are very disappointed that this happened and now theyre launching a big investigation. As one of the stars of Summer House: Marthas Vineyard, Fleming joins a group of friends who are tangled in dramatic relationships and situations while embarking on an island getaway. Stars Jordan Emanuel, Preston Mitchum and Amir Lancaster teased the seaosn in a recent interview with Blavitys Shadow and Act. Youre going to see a lot of relationships forming, some of them falling apart, learning how to navigate living with so many other people and personalities, Emanuel said. Thats real and fun. We have some fun too. Its not always stressful. Mitchum, who is the only openly gay Black man among the stars, explained why the show is especially vital for Black people. I think as Black folks, were taught to shrink ourselves a lot, he said. One of the expressions I also hate when people are like, Oh, stay humble. Im like, What does that even mean? Because only Black people are told to stay humble. Im just really big on what our language means when people say it to us, including some of us who may have adopted certain languages. I think its so important to take the space, especially when you may be the only person in the room who may feel a way. Or maybe youre not, and you may just be the person who will vocalize it. The show takes place at Marthas Vineyard, an island located south of Cape Cod, Massachusetts. According to Bravos website, Black vacationers have been visiting Marthas Vineyard for over 100 years. The historic site is known as one of the first beach destinations where Black people can vacation and purchase property. School districts around the country, reeling from dramatic drops in fourth- and eighth-grade math scores on the 2022 National Assessment of Educational Progress, hope to recoup at least some of whats been lost through summer programs. Flush with federal dollars, new and robust offerings have been open to a wide swath of students starting in the summer of 2021 and will continue in many districts this year. But the trend could stop as that pandemic relief money runs out. Some districts, including Detroits, have already pared down summer programs, inviting only those students identified as struggling, while others cant even reach all the children on that list at least not during the summer. Get stories like these delivered straight to your inbox. Sign up for The 74 Newsletter Baltimore City Public Schools saw some of the most staggering losses in mathematics at the fourth-grade level a 15-point drop on the 2022 NAEP exams compared to those in 2019 tying it with Cleveland for worst-in-the-nation. Baltimores and Clevelands decline in fourth-grade math scores was nearly double the average eight-point drop among the 26 big city districts that took the tests and dwarfed the average five-point drop of fourth graders nationally. Eighth graders in both cities also saw their math test scores plummet: They dropped nine points in Baltimore and eight points in Cleveland. These losses are on par with the rest of the nation: The major cities average and the national average for eighth grade math both declined by eight points. Related Nations Report Card Shows Largest Drops Ever Recorded in 4th and 8th Grade Math The 76,000-student Baltimore district has been working for years to remediate those who have fallen behind. It offers extensive summer programming for children at every grade level more than 22,000 seats from pre-K through 12th grade for summer 2023 programming, up by 2,000 from the year before, district administrators said. But only 15,000 children participated last year, meaning thousands of seats were left open. And even with the additional slots, the number might not match the need as it relates to this subject: Just 7 percent of third through eighth graders tested proficient in math on recent state exams. At 23 Baltimore schools, not a single student tested proficient in math. Administrators said their districts summer program was developed, in part, in response to recent NAEP scores. But they know some children who might have benefited from the program will be left out because of budgetary restrictions. Of course, we would love to be able to offer every student an opportunity to engage in learning during the summer, said Laurie-Lynn Sutton-Platt, director of summer and extended learning. The upcoming program cant be a catch-all, but it can help, district administrators said. Kerry Steinbrenner, Baltimores director of mathematics, said summer is an ideal time to build students skills. (Kerry Steinbrenner) Its a start, said Kerry Steinbrenner, Baltimores director of mathematics. Summer is an ideal opportunity for students to continue to develop their math skills and we dont want to miss that We want to try to impact as many kids as we can during that time. Cleveland Metropolitan School District, which serves more than 36,000 children, is also working to undo damage done by the pandemic. Some 4,200 students are enrolled in its five-week summer learning program with more added to the list every day. The district hopes the figure will reach the height it did last year at 6,500. But it cant guarantee participation. We are working to reach all of the students we can during the summer, but it is dependent upon students and families electing to enroll, said chief communications officer Roseann Canfora. We cannot require them to do so. Although driven by poor reading, not math scores, some third graders in Tennessee are mandated to attend summer programming this year if they performed poorly on that portion of the state exam and are at risk of being held back. In the long term, average math and reading scores improved for fourth and eighth graders on the NAEP between the early 1970s and 2012. Between 2012 and 2020, just before the pandemic struck, they largely flattened while achievement gaps between high and low scorers a persistent equity issue with NAEP widened. And then the unprecedented drop in the 2022 scores brought COVIDs impact into full relief. How long it will take children to recover from that or what it will take for more students to reach grade-level proficiency in math are big questions, but recent research has shown the sharp decline in math proficiency could have lifelong negative consequences. Related Study: Damage from NAEP Math Losses Could Total Nearly $1 Trillion Talia Milgrom-Elcott, executive director and founder of Beyond100K, a national network focused on preparing and retaining 150,000 excellent STEM teachers in 10 years, believes wealthier children have long made up what was lost. But others will never reach that goal, she said. Whats different isnt the kids: Its their experience during the pandemic and the support theyve received since, she said. We could have corralled all our resources to accelerate the mental, emotional and academic recovery of all kids and if we would have, wed likely have created the next great generation but we havent. At least not yet. The federal government gave schools $190 billion in COVID aid with $3 billion available for summer learning. Experts say the type and quality of the summer programming counts, while some researchers assert that even that unprecedented overall sum is not enough to reverse the level of learning loss. Related $700B: Thats How Much It Will Cost to Fix Pandemic Learning Loss, Study Says Melodie Baker, national policy director at Just Equations, an organization that promotes math policies that support equity in college readiness and success, said students need engaging and meaningful content that helps them make sense of the material and retain what theyve learned. This is true whether its delivered during the school year or the summer, she said. Melodie Baker, national policy director at Just Equations, said summer programs should be meaningful, engaging and practical. (Just Equations) Its also important to recognize the role of teacher diversity as a long-term strategy for improving student engagement and learning outcomes, Baker said. A diverse teaching staff can provide students with a range of perspectives and experiences that can enhance their understanding of the material and make it more relevant to their lives. Some 110,000 of New York Citys roughly 1 million students will participate in summer learning this year, a spokeswoman told The 74. NYC students slid nine points on the fourth-grade NAEP mathematics tests and four points on the eighth-grade exams. One program, Savvas Summer Impact Math, will focus on grade-level instructional priorities for grades K-8, helping students build math foundations, fluency and conceptual understanding to support learning recovery, acceleration and enrichment, she said. It includes assessments meant to identify weaknesses and help teachers narrow learning gaps ahead of the upcoming school year. Other programs include project-based learning and financial literacy. The Charlotte-Mecklenburg school district, where fourth graders saw their math scores drop 13 points and eighth graders 11 on the 2022 NAEP exams, plans to grow its summertime math offerings for middle schoolers heading into ninth grade. Mark Bosco, the districts senior administrator for expanded learning and partnerships, said the four week-long program is expected to swell from 400 to 1,000 participants this summer. This is designed for students who find math abstract, Bosco said. Pre- and post-assessments reveal improvement: Children who stayed for the 16-day duration who could not answer a single pre-algebra question correctly at the start of the program could successfully answer five or six questions out of 20 at the end, Bosco said. He described the summer program as hands-on and project-based. In one instance, he said, reflecting on last years program, students were made to go through the steps of finding and financing a car, learning about credit applications, compounding interest and loans. It really got them thinking about how math can be so important in everyday life, he said. The kids are applying concepts in pretty advanced ways. Related New Research: Summer Learning Boosts Math Performance, College Graduation Chicago Public Schools is encouraging schools to implement math camps this summer for rising third and fourth graders in addition to programs for students in middle and high school, a spokesman said. Fourth graders in the district saw a 10-point decrease on math NAEP scores. The loss was worse for eighth graders, who suffered a 12-point decline. Aaron Philip Dworkin, chief executive officer of the National Summer Learning Association, said districts should always work to establish and strengthen relationships with outside partners. (National Summer Learning Association) More than 73,000 of Chicago Public Schools 322,100 students engaged in at least one summer program last year. Math enrichment at the district includes the Summer of Algebra and Math Camp programs. A group of elementary schools also will host a Computer Science/Engineering Camp for students in kindergarten through fifth grade. Despite the success of some programs, funding remains a concern: Canfora, of the Cleveland schools, said federal COVID relief funds likely will not be available for summer 2024. Her district is building next summer into this fiscal years general fund budget, which will be submitted to the school board this month. Aaron Philip Dworkin, chief executive officer of the National Summer Learning Association, said districts should always work to establish and strengthen relationships with outside partners to build better programs and to secure funding so they are not as reliant on federal dollars. What do you do when the money runs out? he asked. We will figure it out. Everyone will contribute what they can and we will make it work. Summertime can mean bored or hungry kids. Here are some places in Tacoma to fix that The city of Tacoma will have a number of programs to keep children and teenagers busy and their bellies full this summer. Tacoma middle and high school students can participate in Summer Late Nights program hosted by Metro Parks Tacoma in collaboration with Tacoma Public Schools, YMCA-Pierce & Kitsap Counties, Greentrike and Boys & Girls Clubs of South Puget Sound. The program will provide teens with safe spaces around Tacoma to get dinner, participate in activities and hang out with friends, according to Metro Parks Tacoma. Safe spaces will include several middle schools, high schools, community centers and nonprofits. Students can drop in to the site closest to their homes or to the location they are assigned beginning June 26. The program will be held Monday through Friday from 5 p.m. to 10 p.m. For a full list of locations and to register students, visit the Metro Parks Tacoma website. Metro Parks also is sponsoring a Summer Playground and Lunch Program. The program provides people under 18 with free lunches, activities and games. The program will be held Monday through Friday starting July 3. The program will not be held on July 4. Games and activities will be held from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. and lunch will be served from noon to 1 p.m. The program will be at 10 parks around Tacoma, including Wright Park, Franklin Park and South Park. For a full list of locations, visit the Metro Parks Tacoma website. Tacoma Public Schools will also provide free meals to students enrolled in summer programs, and Trinity Lutheran Church Food Pantry will provide food over the summer, according to Tacoma Public Schools. Trinity Lutheran Church Food Pantry will provide food every Tuesday from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m., Friday from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. and Sunday from noon to 2 p.m. beginning in July. United States Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin, right, greets NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg, left, during a meeting of the Ukraine Defense Contact Group at NATO headquarters in Brussels, Thursday, June 15, 2023. NATO defense ministers are holding two days of meetings to discuss their support for Ukraine and ways to boost the defenses of eastern flank allies near Russia. A meeting of the Ukraine Contact Group is being held to drum up more military aid for the war-torn country. (AP Photo/Virginia Mayo) BRUSSELS (AP) Support mounted on Thursday for NATO Secretary-General Jens Stoltenberg to have his mandate at the head of the worlds biggest security organization extended yet again as Denmarks prime minister ruled herself out of the running. Stoltenberg, a former Norwegian prime minister, has been NATOs top civilian official since 2014. His term was due to expire last year but was extended to keep a steady hand at the helm after Russias full-scale invasion of Ukraine in February 2022. U.S. President Joe Biden and his NATO counterparts are due to choose a successor when they meet for a summit in Vilnius, Lithuania, on July 11-12. No candidate has been proposed publicly, and leaders usually decide by consensus on who should be appointed. NATO is keen to name a woman to the top post, and Denmarks prime minister, Mette Frederiksen, was thought to be a favorite after a meeting with Biden earlier this month. In a televised interview on Thursday, Frederiksen said: No, I am not on my way to NATO. But she did say that she would back Stoltenberg if he was willing to extend his mandate. Stoltenberg himself has said he will not seek a fourth extension to his mandate. An economist by training, he was due to become the next governor of the Norwegian central bank when the simmering conflict in Ukraine escalated to full-scale war last year. At NATO headquarters, German Defense Minister Boris Pistorius made clear that he would back an extension for Stoltenberg if that became necessary. If we dont agree on a candidate for successor, NATO wont be able to go without a secretary-general, and of course I am for an extension particularly as I appreciate our cooperation, he told reporters. The president of the European Commission, Ursula von der Leyen, has also ruled out her candidacy. Asked Thursday whether he would be willing to stay on in the job, Stoltenberg did not categorically rule it out, but told reporters, I dont have any intention of seeking an extension. Stoltenbergs long-time spokeswoman Oana Lungescu is leaving NATO at the end of August. Protesters gathered at the Supreme Court in November 2022 during oral arguments for Brackeen v. Haaland. (Photo: Darren Thompson) The United State Supreme Court today issued a ruling that protects tribal sovereignty and the rights of Native American families when it comes to adoption and foster-care proceedings involving Native children. The courts opinion in the case Haaland v. Brackeen upheld the federal Indian Child Welfare Act (ICWA), a 1978 law that gives tribal governments exclusive jurisdiction over Native children who live on reservations. Considered to be the gold standard of child welfare policy, ICWA has protected the continued existence of Indian tribes and their most vital resource Indian children for 45 years. By a 7-2 margin, the court today reinforced ICWA by affirming an appellate court en banc ruling that challenged some aspects of the laws constitutionality. The nation's highest court found that ICWA does not discriminate on the basis of race and does not impose an undue burden on states. The court did not rule on the merits of two additional claims an equal protection challenge to ICWAs placement preferences and a challenge to ICWAs provision allowing tribes to alter the placement preferencesbecause the Brackeens and other petitioners did not have standing to raise them. The issues are complicated, Justice Amy Coney Barrett wrote in the majority opinion. But the bottom line is that we reject all of petitioners challenges to the statute, some on the merits and others for lack of standing. Barrett was joined by Chief Justice John Roberts and Associate Justices Neil Gorsuch, Sonia Sotomayor, Elena Kagan, Brett Kavanaugh and Ketanji Brown Jackson. In adopting ICWA, Congress exercised (its) lawful authority to secure the right of Indian parents to raise their families as they please, the right of Indian children to grow in their culture, and the right of Indian communities to resist fading into the twilight of history, Gorsuch wrote in a concurring opinion. Justices Clarence Thomas and Samuel Alito filed dissenting opinions. On social media and across Indian Country, Native Americans and their advocates and allies cheered the ruling. Todays decision is a major victory for Native tribes, children and the future of our culture and heritage, Cherokee Nation Chief Chuck Hoskins wrote on Twitter. It is also a broad affirmation of the rule of law, and of the basic constitutional principles surrounding relationships between Congress and tribal nations. We hope this decision will lay to rest the political attacks aimed at diminishing tribal sovereignty and creating instability throughout Indian law. Screenshot 2023 06 15 at 11.17.03 AM I stand alongside Tribal Nations as they celebrate todays Supreme Court decision, President Joseph R. Biden said in a statement. In the not-so-distant past, Native children were stolen from the arms of the people who loved them. They were sent to boarding schools or to be raised by non-Indian familiesall with the aim of erasing who they are as Native people and tribal citizens. These were acts of unspeakable cruelty that affected generations of Native children and threatened the very survival of Tribal Nations. The Indian Child Welfare Act was our Nations promise: never again. Judith LeBlanc, board chair of NDN Collective, called todays Supreme Courts decision a small win in the larger fight to maintain Tribal sovereignty and cultural continuity for generations. While todays victory is to be celebrated, this will not be the last time a case against Tribal rights will be brought to the courts, LeBlanc said in a statement. Haaland V. Brackeen is part of a larger campaign to undermine Tribal sovereignty and gut the legal infrastructure that codifies Tribal sovereignty. Attorney Samantha Skenandore (Ho-Chunk Nation) of Quarles and Brady LLP said the decision reinforces the foundation of tribal sovereignty: tribal membership. One of the pillars of sovereignty is to make laws and be governed by them, Skenandore told Tribal Business News. And that doesnt apply when your children are governed outside of the tribe. This [decision] means that tribes get to decide who their membership is based on whatever they decide, and they get to exercise their sovereignty. For Skenandore, the ruling is also deeply personal twenty years ago, she became a foster mom to three teenage girls from her tribe after their mother passed away from drug use. After being partially raised partially by their non-Native father and being placed in 10 different foster homes, ICWA protections allowed the tribe to take jurisdiction over the girls and place them with Skenandore. She re-introduced the girls to the Ho-Chunk tribe and their culture. Today, Skenendore has seven grandkids through her foster daughters. We often talk about how thankful we are that we got to be together, and all three of them have said, I think we would have died by suicide had we not been placed with you, Skenendore said. I feel relieved, on a personal level, I am so relieved that sovereignty, at least for now, is upheld. This is a huge breath of fresh air. Under ICWA, caseworkers in state foster care systems are required to make active efforts to keep Native children with their biological family or within their respective tribe, if they are enrolled or acknowledged by a tribe. If a child in question cannot be placed within the family, caseworkers must give preference to placing recognized Native children in other homes identified as Native American or American Indian. Congress passed the Indian Child Welfare Act (ICWA) on November 8, 1978, after a national effort to address the abusive and widespread practice of removing American Indian children from their homes and placing them with non-Native white families through adoption or foster-care placement. In passing ICWA, Congress moved to protect the best interests of Indian children and promote the stability and security of Indian families. These preferences do not mean that a child must be placed in a Native home, but the process does recognize tribal sovereignty and defers to its authority. Opponents of ICWA have argued the law discriminates on the basis of race and prioritizes the interest of tribes over the needs of the Native children it is supposed to protect. The Haaland v. Brackeen lawsuit was brought by the state of Texas and three non-Native couples that have sought to adopt or foster three Native children, with one couple being supported by the mother of a child that was adopted. In the original 2018 lawsuit, a federal district court in Texas ruled that ICWA violated the Constitution. The broadly criticized decision led to an appeal in the Fifth Circuit, where a three-judge panel reversed the lower courts ruling. The appellate courts decision affirmed ICWAs constitutionality, recognizing tribal nations unique political status and Congresss unique obligations toward Native Americans. In November 2019, the Fifth Circuit agreed to conduct an en banc review by the entire circuit court of the three-judge panels decision. That review upheld the authority of Congress to enact ICWA, but also found some sections of the law to be unconstitutional. In September 2021 parties on both sides of the litigation asked the Supreme Court to review the Fifth Circuits en banc decision. The Court granted the petitions in February 2022, and oral arguments were heard in November 2022. There was widespread support from an array of state and national organizations for Tribal nations and representatives in support of ICWA. A total of 21 briefs were filed in support of ICWA by the vast majority of federally recognized tribes as well as numerous Native advocacy groups, Indian law professionals, Congressional representatives and child welfare advocates. In all, the briefs represent the support of ICWA from nearly 500 tribes, more than 60 Native organizations, 23 states and the District of Columbia, 87 members of Congress, over 30 Indian law professors, 27 child welfare and adoption organizations and others. There has also been support for ICWA at the state level. Over the past several months, some states passed their own ICWA laws, but those laws must offer additional benefits that do not change or remove the application of federal law. About the Author: "Native News Online is one of the most-read publications covering Indian Country and the news that matters to American Indians, Alaska Natives and other Indigenous people. Reach out to us at editor@nativenewsonline.net. " Contact: news@nativenewsonline.net WASHINGTON The Supreme Court on Thursday handed a major win to Native Americans by rejecting a challenge to a federal law aimed at protecting children and buttressing tribal identity. In a 7-2 vote, the court turned away a series of claims seeking to invalidate parts of the Indian Child Welfare Act, which was enacted in 1978 to keep Native American children within tribes. Among the challenged provisions was one that gives preference to Native Americans seeking to foster or adopt Native American children. President Joe Biden said in a statement that the decision "keeps in place a vital protection for tribal sovereignty and Native children." The court, in a ruling authored by Justice Amy Coney Barrett, said the challengers did not have legal standing to contest whether the preference provisions violated the equal protection clause of the 14th Amendment by discriminating on the basis of race. Chad and Jennifer Brackeen with their two biological children and Zachary, center, a Native American boy at the center of a court battle, at home near Fort Worth, Texas, (Allison V. Smith for The New York Times via Redux file) Barrett wrote that the challengers had sued the federal government but noted that it is state courts that enforce the preference provisions and that state agencies place the children. Therefore their claims could not be redressed by the federal government and must be dismissed, she said. Emphasizing that the race discrimination issue is still undecided, conservative Justice Brett Kavanaugh wrote in a concurring opinion that it is a "serious" question that the court should decide in a subsequent case. The majority did, however, conclude that Congress has the authority to legislate on the issue of Native American family law and rejected challenges on those grounds. Barrett wrote that the challengers were seeking a "constitutional carveout" saying Congress cannot legislate on family law but that since the founding of the U.S., it has been clear that Congress has broad authority to pass laws on a wide range of issues. "Family law is no exception," she said. The ruling came as a major relief to tribes, who were concerned that the court would weaken or entirely strike down a law that plays an important role in maintaining tribal identity. "It was a big sigh of relief, just that 7-to-2 vote," said Buu Nygren, the president of Navajo Nation. "I think that really showcases what the Supreme Court justices think about Indian Country." Chuck Hoskin, the principal chief of Cherokee Nation, said that although there will be future challenges to the law, "I think, for now, we're very satisfied that this was a really solid win for an important law." The Cherokee Nation and the Navajo Nation both defended the law at the Supreme Court, as did the Morongo Band of Mission Indians, the Oneida Nation and the Quinault Indian Nation. The ruling also marks the second time this month that the court has rejected conservative efforts to rein in laws aimed at protecting minority groups, following the ruling last week to reaffirm a key part of the Voting Rights Act. The court has yet to rule on another big race-related case in which it could end the consideration of race in college admissions. Two of the courts six conservative justices, Clarence Thomas and Samuel Alito, dissented. Alito wrote that although Barrett said the law concerned vulnerable children, the ruling "disserves the rights and interests of these children and their parents, as well as our Constitution's division of federal and state authority." The law was enacted in response to a long history of Native American childrens being disproportionately removed from their families by both states and the federal government to assimilate them into English-speaking, Anglo-centric society and loosen tribal ties. The challengers are led by Chad and Jennifer Brackeen a white evangelical Christian couple who sought to adopt a Native American boy as well as the states of Texas, Indiana and Louisiana. The couple adopted the child after a potential placement with a Navajo family fell through. They are also seeking to adopt the childs half-sister, known in court papers as Y.R.J., who lives with them. Matthew McGill, a lawyer representing the Brackeens, said in a statement that he will pursue the race discrimination claim in the adoption proceedings in state court. "Our main concern is what today's decision means for the little girl, Y.R.J. now five years old who has been part of the Brackeen family for nearly her whole life," he added. The law was defended by the Biden administration and the five tribes. The tribes warned that striking down provisions of the law on racial discrimination grounds would threaten centuries of law that treat Native American tribes as distinct entities. Both sides appealed to the Supreme Court after the New Orleans-based 5th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals in 2021 issued a splintered decision in which judges were divided over the key issues. A district judge had previously held that the law was unconstitutional. The Supreme Court has been closely divided in two major recent cases about Native American issues. In 2020, the court expanded tribal authority in Oklahoma in a 5-4 ruling authored by Justice Neil Gorsuch. But in a follow-up case last year seeking to limit the impact of the earlier ruling, the court reversed course, ruling 5-4 to widen state power over tribes in certain instances. Between the two rulings, liberal Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg, who had sided with the tribes in the 2020 case, died and was replaced by Barrett, creating the courts current 6-3 conservative majority. Barrett cast the deciding vote against the tribes in the second case, while Gorsuch joined the three liberal justices in dissent. Gorsuch, who has proved a champion of Native American rights in a number of cases, mentioned in a concurring opinion how the court in the past has often failed to deliver justice to tribes. "Often, Native American tribes have come to this court seeking justice only to leave with bowed heads and empty hands," he wrote. "But that is not because this court has no justice to offer them." This article was originally published on NBCNews.com In big news for families, the U.S. Supreme Court has upheld the Indian Child Welfare Act (ICWA), letting tribal families keep their preference in adoption cases involving Native American children. A white couple challenged the law. Jennifer and Chad Brackeen, adoptive parents of a young citizen of the Navajo Nation, claimed that ICWA is racially discriminatory. The Court upheld the 1978 law, ruling against the Brackeens, in a 7-2 vote on June 15. The 1978 law ended a government-mandated tradition of taking Indigenous children from their homes and placing them in non-Indian families and boarding schools. "Our Nations painful history looms large over todays decision," President Joe Biden said in a statement published by the White House. "In the not-so-distant past, Native children were stolen from the arms of the people who loved them. They were sent to boarding schools or to be raised by non-Indian families all with the aim of erasing who they are as Native people and tribal citizens. These were acts of unspeakable cruelty that affected generations of Native children and threatened the very survival of Tribal Nations. The Indian Child Welfare Act was our Nations promise: never again." Jasmine Grika, 32, is one of the children who grew up under ICWA's protection. Id like to think it was a win ... but I can only wonder if we can ever take off our armor and truly feel and be protected under the law, she tells TODAY.com. As a citizen of the Cheyenne River Sioux Tribe who is Tribally Affiliated with Red Lake Nation, she was placed with two foster families before being adopted by a White Earth Ojibwe mother and a Jewish father at age 10. "It's a momentous and celebratory moment, and after digesting it, I sat there holding the tension and questioning why it had to happen in the first place," says Grika, now a nonprofit associate in Minneapolis. "So much energy, effort, time and resources went into this case to fight and prove that tribes retain inherent sovereignty over their children, families, and communities." The Brackeen family, who are at the heart of the Supreme Court case, have been trying to adopt the younger half-sister of the Native American son they already adopted. Matthew D. McGill, an attorney for the Brackeens, tells TODAY.com in an email, Our main concern is what todays decision means for the little girl, Y.R.J. now 5 years old who has been a part of the Brackeen family for nearly her whole life. The Court did not address our core claim that ICWA impermissibly discriminates against Native American children and families that wish to adopt them, saying it must be brought in state court .... we will ask the state court to address it in the Brackeens upcoming trial to adopt Y.R.J. The child who was adopted out of her culture Leslee Lovato-Romero, who was adopted as a newborn in 1971 by a couple in Colorado, always wanted to meet her mom. Her new family was open about her adoption story and supported a potential future relationship with her birth parents. However, Lovato-Romero barely knew anything about her background she learned eventually that her birth mother is Northern Arapaho and her birth father is Sicangu Lakota. "My parents said my biological mother was alone at the time of my birth and they knew very little about my father," Lovato-Romero, 51, told TODAY.com. Later, at the University of Colorado at Boulder, a law school clinic helped locate her birth certificate and the Catholic social services agency involved in her adoption. "A caseworker told me my mother died in 1977," she said. "It was traumatic my mother was a living, breathing person in my mind who I was going to meet someday. Now, I would never do it." Lovato-Romero was one of the lucky ones. She grew up in a loving family. But like generations of Native American children placed for adoption or stripped from their birth parents, she also grew up without any understanding of her cultural heritage and traditions. When she was 24, Lovato-Romero found her biological father on the Rosebud Reservation in South Dakota. She called him and delivered a long-rehearsed speech: "I know you didnt know I existed ... I dont want anything from you but if you want to know me, Im open to that. Her father who hadnt known about the adoption or the pregnancy agreed. "I know you're my daughter," he said. "I have always felt something was missing and now I found it." Leslee Lovato-Romero reconnected with her biological father on a South Dakota reservation years after her birth mom placed her for adoption without his knowledge. (Courtesy Leslee Lovato-Romero) The Supreme Court gets involved The Supreme Court case focused on a provision in the law that gives tribal members preference in adoption proceedings. At issue is this question: Is such preference based on race or a tribes political status? ICWA (pronounced ICK-wa) was passed in 1978 to keep Native American children with their own families when possible, ending a longstanding government practice of removing them and placing them in boarding schools or in the homes of white Christian families. For decades before 1978, Indian families were often discriminated against for living in small, multi-generational homes without plumbing or electricity. Even now, Native American families are four times more likely to have their kids removed and placed in foster care than white families, according to the National Indian Child Welfare Association, a non-profit organization that supports Native American children. Ironically, tribes that were forced onto reservations at gunpoint are now being told that they live in a place unfit for raising their own children, the Indian Family Defense, a bulletin of the Association on American Indian Affairs, stated in 1974. Being white or Christian was the standard of good parenting and poverty was somehow equated to bad parenting, Kimberly Cluff, the legal director for the California Tribal Families Coalition, told TODAY.com. The white couple who adopted a Navajo child In a 2019 interview with Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton that was published on his official state YouTube channel, the Brackeens, who have two biological children, explained that three years prior they fostered an infant named Zachary. We fell in love with him right away, said Jennifer. Chad and Jennifer Brackeen with their two biological children and two Native American youths at the center of a court battle, at home near Fort Worth, Texas, on May 31, 2019. (Allison V. Smith / The New York Times via Redux file) When Zacharys parents rights were terminated, the Brackeens still couldnt adopt him. They said they faced this roadblock because ICWA gives a childs extended family, other tribal members or other Indian families preference when considering foster and adoptive placement. According to a 2019 petition, placement with a Navajo family in New Mexico ultimately failed to materialize and in 2018, the Brackeens successfully petitioned to adopt Zachary. The Brackeens now want to adopt Zacharys younger half-sister. Meanwhile, the defendants in the Supreme Court case the Cherokee Nation, Morongo Band of Mission Indians, Oneida Nation and Quinault Indian Nation argued that ICWA is based on a tribes political status as a sovereign nation, not on race. The Biden administration also is defending the law in court. Dan Lewerenz, an assistant professor at the University of North Dakota School of Law and an attorney with the Native American Rights Fund, said the law does not prohibit white parents from adopting Indian kids; instead, the law ensures that Indian parents and families get a chance. Placing an Indian child with (extended) family isnt a mandate, said Lewerenz, a member of the Iowa Tribe of Kansas and Nebraska. Its preference in the absence of good cause to the contrary. Judges are supposed to take the childs best interest into consideration, which is an individualized determination. A dark history ICWA arose from a painful history. For centuries in the United States and Canada, Indigenous children were taken from their parents and forced into government or church-run boarding schools in the pursuit of a policy of cultural assimilation that coincided with Indian territorial dispossession, according to a 2022 report from the U.S. Department of Indian Affairs. Indigenous parents were also forced to give their children to government officials, who placed them in the child welfare system, usually for adoption by non-Indigenous families, according to a 1977 Senate hearing on ICWA. Ciricahua Apaches at the Carlisle Indian School, Penna., 188-?: as they looked upon arrival at the School (Library of Congress) Students names were changed to sound English, their hair was cut and they were banned from speaking their languages and practicing cultural traditions, according to the 2022 report. Children performed manual labor and were punished with starvation, beatings, whipping and solitary confinement, the report says; living in overcrowded conditions, sometimes with three children sleeping in one bed, kids were sexually abused and denied health care and basic necessities like soap. Some students who died under these conditions were placed in burial sites sometimes unmarked on school grounds, the 2022 report said. While introducing the Indian Child Welfare Act in 1977, Sen. James Abourezk cited research by the Association of American Indian Affairs showing that a minimum of 25 percent of all Indian children are either in foster homes, adoptive homes, and/or boarding schools, against the best interest of families and Indian communities. ICWA isnt saying that white people shouldnt adopt, Cluff said. But rather, children generally do better in their communities. An adopted child who grew up with her culture Jasmine Grika agrees. My (adoptive) mom immersed me in every cultural activity, said Grika of the White Earth Ojibwe woman who adopted her at age 10. Jasmine Grika said growing up with an adoptive White Earth Ojibwe mother helped connect her to her culture. (Courtesy Jasmine Grika) Outside of being welcomed back to the circle with my Jingle Dress dance (a healing dance performed at powwows), I attended sweat lodges, which for me, is a deep cleanse to connect with myself, the creator and Mother Earth to find clarity and centering, said Grika, Grika, a citizen of the Cheyenne River Sioux Tribe who is Tribally Affiliated with Red Lake Nation. I also learned about the four sacred medicines (sage, sweetgrass, tobacco and cedar) and the significance behind them. Grikas mom also taught her to sew. She inspired me with her creativity when it came to textiles and ribbon skirts, she recalled. Her designs often carry a story. I live these values every day and they influence how I show up as a human, said Grika. I am really grateful. Forging a bond with a long-lost father Lovato-Romero, who never did get to meet her birth mother, had a legal right to her birth records and was able to find her birth father thanks to ICWA. Although she only knew him for seven years before his 2005 death, they built important memories together. Two weeks after talking to her biological father on the phone, Lovato-Romero, her then-2-year-old daughter and her adoptive mother drove from Colorado to South Dakota to spend the weekend with him. He was about my height with jet-black long hair that he wore in a ponytail, recalled Lovato-Romero. We had the same hands. ... He said, Had I known about you, you would have lived with me. The Lakota side of the family strongly believes that children are a cultures most precious asset. The father grew closer to his daughter and two grandchildren, giving Lovato-Romero her official Indian name, she said: woman who looks for her people, or Oyate Okele Win. Knowing who you are and where you come from is centering, she said. Its been an immensely important part of my life, and my children were able to grow up knowing their family, culture and traditions. This article was originally published on TODAY.com WASHINGTON The Supreme Court on Thursday let stand a 1978 law intended to end the mass removal of Native American children from their homes, declining to assess whether the law discriminated against non-Native families by giving preference to Native families for the adoption of Native children. Justice Amy Coney Barrett wrote the decision for a 7-2 majority. Justices Clarence Thomas and Samuel Alito dissented. Before Congress approved the Indian Child Welfare Act, hundreds of thousands of Native American children were removed from their homes by adoption agencies and placed with non-Native families or in boarding schools. Among other provisions, the law gave preference to Native families when Native children were up for adoption. Case tracker: A look at the key cases pending before the Supreme Court But the law was challenged by non-Native families who had sought to adopt Native American children and who said that preference was a racial one that violated the 14th Amendment. Leaders of several of the nation's best-known tribes, joined by the Biden administration, argued the law's requirements were based not on race but rather on the fact that Native American tribes are sovereign entities. What the Supreme Court said about the ICWA Ruling: The majority ruled that the parties in the case lacked standing to bring the equal protection claim. Barrett wrote that Congress was well within its power to impose other requirements on states, which in other circumstances have the authority to deal with child custody proceedings without intervention by the federal government. Barrett: "Congress's power to legislate with respect to Indians is well established and broad," the justice wrote for the majority. The argument from non-Native families that the federal government rarely touches on state family law and so shouldn't have done so with the Native law, she wrote, was a "non-starter." Dissent: Thomas, in his dissent, said the majority "ignored the normal limits on the federal government's power." When Congress has "so clearly intruded upon a longstanding domain of exclusive state power, we must ask not whether a constitutional provision prohibits that intrusion, but whether a constitutional provision authorizes it." Significance: Although the racial issues were decided on procedural grounds, the opinion Thursday marked the second time in as many weeks that the court, with broad majorities, has rejected the idea laws require "race neutral" outcomes. Last week, the court smacked down an argument for "color blind" redistricting in Alabama. Biden praises Supreme Court decision, notes 'painful' history President Joe Biden said Thursday that the decision keeps in place a "vital protection for tribal sovereignty and Native children." The nation's history, Biden said, "looms large over todays decision." In the not-so-distant past, he said, "Native children were stolen from the arms of the people who loved them." Several tribal leaders involved with the case, including Cherokee Nation Principal Chief Chuck Hoskin Jr., called the decision a "major victory for Native tribes, children, and the future of our culture and heritage." Matthew D. McGill, who argued the case on behalf of the non-Native families, said his main concern was for a 5-year-old girl who has been a part of a non-Native family "for nearly her whole life." "The court did not address our core claim that ICWA impermissibly discriminates against Native American children and families that wish to adopt them, saying it must be brought in state court," McGill said, vowing that he would do exactly that. How did the Native American adoption case arrive at SCOTUS? The court's three liberals Justices Sonia Sotomayor, Elena Kagan and Ketanji Brown Jackson joined Barrett's opinion, along with Chief Justice John Roberts and conservative Justices Neil Gorsuch and Brett Kavanaugh. The appeal follows a deeply fractured opinion from the U.S. Court of Appeals for the 5th Circuit, which split evenly on several of the laws provisions. The result upheld a federal district courts determination that some provisions of the law are unconstitutional. The Supreme Court on Feb. 27, 2023. The Indian Child Welfare Act has in the past divided the Supreme Court in unpredictable ways. In 2013, a 5-4 majority sided with a 3-year-old girl's non-Native adoptive parents over a claim made by her biological father, who was a member of the Cherokee Nation and had objected to the adoption after the fact. In an opinion written by Associate Justice Samuel Alito, the court ruled that a noncustodial parent could not invoke the law. This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Supreme Court upholds law to keep Native American families intact A suspect in an overnight home-invasion robbery in Fife stole a police car and was pursued to Tacoma, where they crashed into a Washington State Patrol troopers vehicle, injuring a civil service employee riding inside. The suspect and two others tied to the robbery were taken into custody, said Fife Police Department assistant chief Aaron Gardner. He said an investigation is ongoing, and the three will be booked into Pierce County Jail on felony charges. Two officers responded shortly after midnight to the armed robbery in the 5800 block of 4th Street East. Gardner said the home was occupied, and no one was hurt in the robbery. He said the three suspects were driving off when officers arrived, but the driver soon crashed into a ditch and all three bailed out. One of the officers chased a front-seat passenger, and the other went after the driver, who Gardner said was armed with a handgun. He said the officer tackled him and struggled with the suspect on the ground. While all that was happening, the third suspect was able to gain access to one of our patrol vehicles, Gardner said. When they did that, they stole it and fled from the scene. Fife police vehicles have GPS location systems inside, according to Gardner. Police personnel from Fife and other agencies in the county located the vehicle and a pursuit ensued. Gardner said that pursuit led to Tacoma, where the driver collided with the Washington State Patrol troopers vehicle sometime before 12:30 a.m. near the 3400 block of Portland Avenue. Trooper John Dattilo said the patrol vehicle was driving north on Portland Avenue when the stolen police car came out of an alley or driveway and struck the troopers vehicle nearly head on. He said the civil service employee riding inside suffered a broken wrist in the collision. The troopers injuries were minor. Both vehicles were reportedly totaled. AG: Suspicious death under investigation in Manchestrer, NH Authorities announced an investigation into a suspicious death in Manchester, New Hampshire, on Thursday morning. Law enforcement descended on a home on Hanover Street, according to the New Hampshire Attorney Generals Office. The identity of the deceased person is unknown at this time. No further information was made available. 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 Sweden sending 250 mine detectors to search for landmines scattered after Kakhovka dam flooding Kakhovskaya HPP after being blown up by the Russian occupiers Sweden and the European Union strongly condemn the destruction of the Kakhovka Hydroelectric Power Plant in Kherson Oblast, reads the report. This shows a new level of destruction of critical Ukrainian civil infrastructure. Sweden will continue to support Ukraine as long as necessary and will continue to put pressure on Russia, the agency stressed. The equipment sent by Stockholm was intended for civilian mine clearance, said Swedish Minister for Civil Defense Carl-Oskar Bohlin. This operation will help Ukraine secure the areas that were affected by flooding after the explosion of the Kakhovka dam, he noted. Read also: Kakhovka dam flood washed away Russian arms depots, Ukrainian military says The mines scattered after the explosion of the Kakhovka dam pose a serious threat to the life and health of the civilian population in the area, the minister said. The ability to detect mines is one way to protect civilians and ensure humanitarian access, as floating mines and unexploded remnants can move far beyond beaches. All 250 mine detectors are expected to be delivered to Ukraine shortly, the agency added. The Kakhovka Hydroelectric Power Plant has been completely destroyed and cannot be restored, reported Ukrhydroenergo. Ukraines South Command said the dam was not entirely destroyed, but the damage is significant. More than 3,000 people have contacted law enforcement about flooded houses, while 3,761 people have been evacuated from Kherson and Mykolayiv oblasts as of June 14, said the Ministry of Internal Affairs. As of June 14, the water level in Kherson Oblast has dropped to almost two meters, while dozens of settlements remain 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 In swing districts, NCs new abortion law is already having an impact. Heres how. Around Wilmington, the impending passage of a 12-week abortion ban last month energized Democrats and supporters of abortion rights to keep up the pressure on Republicans. That meant over the course of one day calling and emailing the offices of three state lawmakers representing the area, every three minutes between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m., as well as helping Planned Parenthood raise nearly $140,000 in one day, according to Jill Hopman, chair of the New Hanover County Democratic Party. If I had to pick a silver lining, the response towards mobilization and activism over the past month and a half has been exponential compared to the past, Hopman said. On the receiving end were Republicans like Rep. Ted Davis, a retired attorney in Wilmington who has served in the House for more than a decade. Davis said in the days leading up to the May 16 vote to override Democratic Gov. Roy Coopers veto, he received more than 5,000 phone calls, emails, and texts from his district, across the state, and outside of it as well. Davis said he had never before received such an outpouring of response from constituents, which he said included impassioned messages from people on both sides of the issue who felt strongly about the bill, but also some of the ugliest comments against me and my family. How the new law is being received by voters will be especially important next year in swing districts where races are decided by thin margins. When he vetoed the abortion bill last month, Cooper targeted Davis and three other GOP lawmakers who he said had violated campaign promises to keep the existing 20-week law in place, visiting their Wilmington and Charlotte-area districts to put pressure on the Republicans and try to get even one of them to vote to sustain his veto. That didnt happen, and the law is going into effect, but those parts of the state will be important targets for both parties leading up to the 2024 elections. Wilmington Democrats find concern across party lines The law, which reduces the timeframe for when most abortions are allowed from 20 weeks to 12 weeks and goes into effect on July 1, is expected to be a major, campaign-defining issue for Democrats, who have vowed to fight the new restrictions. For Republicans, abortion politics will undoubtedly look different, with some candidates expected to divert attention from the new law and focus on other issues, and others expected to proactively campaign on enacting even stricter laws. In the days after Republicans passed the bill and sent it to Coopers desk, the term-limited governor repeatedly called out Wilmington-area lawmakers Davis and Sen. Michael Lee, and Charlotte-area Reps. John Bradford and Tricia Cotham, for supporting their partys abortion bill. All four Republicans pushed back against the notion that they had changed or reversed their positions on abortion, and criticized Cooper for trying to publicly pressure them to vote differently, rather than reach out to them directly. But in areas like Wilmington, Democrats have been encouraged by the strong opposition to the law that has surfaced. I do think Republicans are overplaying their hand, kind of like overturning Roe, as weve seen in other states from Wisconsin to Kansas, Hopman said. Weve had this lawfully since the early 70s, and I dont think people really think about the consequences until they make giant changes like this. The keen interest in Wilmington also opened doors for the party to work with other groups from across the state. Locally, Hopman said, opposition to the new restrictions has allowed the party to expand its organizing efforts, by establishing an internal committee focused solely on mobilizing voters on abortion rights and health care access, and holding focus groups and phone banks targeted not just at young voters and women, but also independents and even some Republican women. Some of them hung up or said they werent interested in talking, Hopman said, but others asked what they could do to help because they felt that a 12-week ban went too far. A lot of people, across party lines, this has been a shock to them. This is an issue that I think, Republicans are misleading themselves by thinking their base, other than their base really supports it, Hopman said. And it has allowed us to mobilize around it and get different people involved in a way I havent seen before. Abortion rights supporters protest against Senate Bill 20, the 12-week abortion ban that was passed by the General Assembly, during a rally at Innes Park in Wilmington, N.C. on Saturday, May 13, 2023. A new poll released Wednesday by Elon University, in partnership with The N&O and The Charlotte Observer, asked 1,268 registered North Carolina voters how they felt about the new law. In it, 45% of voters said they opposed the law, while 23% said they supported it. The remaining 33% said they neither supported nor opposed the new restrictions. When they heard details about the law, support for it grew to 36%, but opposition held steady at 45%. Its not just abortion access that local Democrats plan to bring up in their outreach, however. Hopman said that the other part of their message is in anticipation of more controversial legislation on issues like education, guns, and LGBTQ+ rights, that could move forward before the end of this years session, or further down the road, now that Republicans have a supermajority. Its kind of like a Jenga tower, you start removing these critical blocks, and the whole structure becomes shaky, dangerous and untenable, except those blocks now are peoples lives in our cities, Hopman said. GOP says Democrats are misreading Wilmington voters As the bill was fast-tracked through the legislature last month, Republicans argued that Democrats describing the bill as extreme were out of step with the majority of voters, and said that banning abortions toward the end of the first trimester was entirely reasonable. Nevin Carr, the chair of the New Hanover County Republican Party, said the new abortion law simply values human life to a greater extent. He said Republicans saw overwhelming support for the bill from Wilmington voters, and said that Democrats underestimate how important it is for many voters that state law protect unborn children. If you walk our beaches during turtle nesting season, you will witness Democrats fervently guarding turtle eggs with threats of thousands of dollar of fines and/or imprisonment if you so much as disturb a single turtle egg, Carr said in a statement. And yet, when it comes to human life, the Democrats at Planned Parenthood proclaim on their website There are no bad reasons to get an abortion. Carr also said that GOP lawmakers from New Hanover received vile threats to themselves and their families, ahead of the votes on the bill. Davis, who has represented the area in the House since 2012, said that he and his legislative assistant pored through the more than 5,000 messages they received ahead of the override vote. Of the ones they determined were from his district, Davis said, roughly half urged him to vote to override Coopers veto, and half told him to vote to sustain it. Since the override vote, Davis said hes had far more people in his district thank him for voting the way he did, than not. Rep. Ted Davis, a Republican from Wilmington, listens to debate on the House floor prior to voting to override Gov. Roy Coopers veto of an abortion restriction bill Tuesday, May 16, 2023, at the Legislative Building in Raleigh, N.C. Despite Coopers public calls for him to vote to maintain his veto, Davis said that the governor never directly reached out to him. During a town hall in October, Davis had said he supported keeping the 20-week law in place. He had also pushed back against the notion that House Speaker Tim Moore tells me what to do, and said there were times when he disagreed with Moore and told him he would vote for what he thought was best for the people I represent. The irony of this whole thing is that the only bullying that I got was from Roy Cooper, and Planned Parenthood, Davis told The N&O this week. Speaker Moore did not bully me in any way, shape, or form. He asked me how I was going to vote, and I told him, and that was it. When the House took up the 12-week ban for a vote on May 3, Davis did not vote and was recorded as having an excused absence. After the bill had passed and was vetoed by Cooper, and back before the House for an override vote, Davis voted with the rest of his caucus to enact the bill into law. After the override vote, Davis said he took a walk during the initial vote on whether or not to pass the bill because he was doing what he told voters he would do supporting keeping the 20-week law in place. I view the veto as an entirely different matter, Davis told The N&O. Thats not voting on the bill. Thats voting on whether or not you support Roy Cooper, and Roy Coopers veto. I dont support Roy Cooper, and I do not support his veto, and thats why I voted to override. And if they want to use that against me, thats fine, he added. It is what it is. How voters around Charlotte feel about new law More than three hours west of Wilmington, Mecklenburg County also held a key position during the debate over abortion this legislative session. Thats because east Mecklenburg Rep. Tricia Cotham flipped her party affiliation from Democratic to Republican, then voted with Republicans to give them just enough votes to override Coopers veto, catapulting her into the spotlight as Democrats accused her of betraying her constituents, and Republicans gave her a heros welcome, most recently at last weekends NCGOP convention in Greensboro. She also shouldered a larger-than-most share of the criticism from supporters of abortion rights because of statements during the 2022 campaign in favor of codifying Roe v. Wade and her support of a bill to do as much early in the legislative session before her party switch. Besides Cotham, Cooper also targeted Bradford, a north Mecklenburg Republican, who was quoted by news outlets before the 2022 elections saying he supported the 20-week law staying in place. Rep. John Bradford represents North Carolina House District 98 in Mecklenburg County. Cothams district is currently drawn to be safely Democratic. Bradfords is closely contested between Republicans and Democrats. Those district lines will be redrawn ahead of next years election, however, when Republicans go through a new round of redistricting this fall. Mecklenburg County Democrat Maryjane Conti, who serves as the partys precinct chair in Cothams 112th District, described her switch as a betrayal of the people who voted for her. The horrific bills coming out of the legislature are a result of the Republican supermajority Cotham enabled, Conti told The Charlotte Observer. Cornelius residents Diana and Luis Borges feel the opposite about recent legislation passed in the state, and say theyre proud to have Bradford representing them. It was embarrassing that we were a destination state for abortions when we had our 20-week abortion law, Diana Borges said. The new 12-week abortion law is not unreasonable in the slightest. After the U.S. Supreme Court overturned Roe v. Wade last June, Charlottes Planned Parenthood reported nonresidents making up more than half of its number of patients. A Preferred Womens Health Center in Charlotte received an uptick in calls from patients in Kentucky, Georgia, Louisiana and Mississippi, director Calla Hales told the Observer in July 2022. Rep. Tricia Cotham, a Mecklenburg County Republican and former Democrat, mouths the words I see you, as demonstrators are escorted from the House gallery by General Assembly police after a vote to override Gov. Roy Coopers veto of an abortion restriction bill Tuesday, May 16, 2023, at the Legislative Building in Raleigh, N.C. Sara Grace Todd is a TV producer whos spent the majority of her life in Mint Hill. She also an activist who opposes abortion and said shes pleased with Cothams latest votes in Raleigh. Even before she switched parties, shes always been truly invested in our town and making sure it stays small business focused, Todd said. Autumn Alston, a former Cotham staffer, called the representative a snake on Twitter. Alston, a Charlotte native, said she feels betrayed after spending time campaigning for Cotham when she was a Democrat. Alston told Spectrum News she looked to Cotham as a mentor since 2016 when she began working for her. After hearing about the party switch, Alston said Cotham hasnt returned a text. A student at Syracuse University delivered a poignant speech on the experience of being a Black student in America. Jordan Pierre recently graduated with a Bachelors Degree in Broadcast and Digital Journalism and a minor in Entrepreneurship and Emerging Enterprises. During his graduation ceremony, he took the stage and delivered a commencement speech that garnered over a million views on TikTok. Today is much more significant because I come from a place where Ive attended more funerals, court appearances than college graduations. To be here today is a barrier broken. I have my family in attendance today, and for many of them, this is the first time they have attended a college graduation, Pierre said. He highlighted that being a Black or brown student in America requires much more than academic excellence. Pierre pointed to Black students as having been the target of racist attacks and acts of intimidation. In 2019, fraternities were suspended at Syracuse University following a racist incident, reported NBC News. A year later, students held several protests to call out the administration for their response to repeated racist incidents, according to CNN. Its not the curriculum that makes these courses rigorous, Pierre said. Its being a Black student in an educational system that justifies the admission of Black history through the use of the discomfort it causes our white counterparts when class discussions reveal the true history of theirs. He also pointed out inequalities that students of color are faced with such as being a first generation college student, having to work multiple jobs to be able to afford school, or not having anyone to turn to for guidance on how to navigate college. Some of us in this room understand first hand that the scholarship and financial aid we earned were not just funding us as students, they were funding a household in a community, Pierre said. Originally from Brooklyn, New York, Pierre has been involved in student life. He served as the president of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternitys Delta Zeta chapter and was a Global Ambassador for Syracuse Abroad. Although he has several achievements in the collegiate space, Pierre reminded the audience that being a Black student means having to hear about hate crimes on the news, citing the death of Jordan Neely and the mass shooting in Buffalo, NY. He also mentioned the importance of representation and recognized the impact of his presence on stage. My presence today will stand as a symbol of inspiration for the Black people who hear this speech will be able to see themselves in a position I am in and aspire to do the same, he added. Pierre also advocated for the importance of telling the full story in the media and called on his peers to be mindful of the stereotypes being repeated. I challenge us all here today to denounce the stereotypes we have of one another, for the problems with stereotypes is not that they are untrue but incomplete, he said. Syrians need 'way more' than pledged relief funds, ICRC says By Maya Gebeily BEIRUT (Reuters) - War-weary Syrians are in such dire straits that they require "way more than what is possible today," the International Committee of the Red Cross's regional chief said on Thursday as a fundraiser raked in only half the targeted amount. Humanitarian needs are higher than ever, with the legacy of destruction of the 12-year war compounded by an economic crisis that has sent the Syrian pound tumbling and pushed virtually the entire country below the poverty line. "I think if we focus on the Syrian people, their situation requires way more ... than what is possible today," ICRC regional director Fabrizio Carboni said from Brussels. U.N. agencies asked donor countries gathering in Brussels this week for $11.1 billion over the next year both for Syrians at home and those who fled to neighbouring countries. A total of $5 billion was pledged in grants for 2023 and another $1 billion for 2024 and beyond. More than 6 million Syrians are displaced in their own country and 5.5 million Syrian refugees live in neighbouring Turkey, Lebanon, Jordan and Iraq as well as Egypt. Agencies have already slashed support due to funding constraints. The World Food Programme said this week it would cut food aid to 2.5 million of the 5.5 million people it was helping in Syria, even with malnutrition rates "at an all-time high". Last year, the U.N. had asked for around $10.5 billion but the pledge amounted to $4.3 billion for the following year, with only half the pledges actually being fulfilled, according to the U.N.'s financial tracking service. Donors scraped together an additional $1 billion in emergency relief funds following the devastating February earthquake that killed thousands in Syria. The United States and the European Union carried out temporary sanctions relief measures to help earthquake-related humanitarian operations. They are set to expire in August, and Carboni said they needed to be extended. "When we had these exemptions, we clearly saw the difference in our work - it's faster, more efficient, (and) costing less. So it means something," he said. But trying to provide humanitarian help in Syria was "frustrating" without a political solution to resolve the protracted crisis. What started as peaceful protests against President Bashar al Assad's rule in Syria in 2011 spiralled into a multi-sided conflict sucking in Russia, Iran, Turkey and other countries. "Fundamentally, humanitarian action doesn't solve political crisis, conflict, violence. It's only politics, who can do that," Carboni said, adding: "we know that the solution is a political solution and that it's desperately needed." (Reporting by Maya Gebeily; editing by Grant McCool) (Bloomberg) -- The Kuomintang, the political party that ruled China and then Taiwan for much of the 20th Century, is at risk of losing its position as the islands main opposition as a relative newcomer cements its position as the second most popular force in domestic politics, a new poll shows. Most Read from Bloomberg The Taiwan Peoples Party, established in 2019, has an approval rating of 22.2% compared to 20.4% support for the KMT, traditionally one of Taiwans biggest parties, according to a poll released Thursday by the Taiwanese Public Opinion Foundation. The ruling Democratic Progressive Party received an approval rating of 24.6%. This is the first time that three political parties in Taiwan have received approval ratings of over 20%, the foundation said, calling it a potential super bombshell for the 2024 elections. The survey was conducted June 12-13 and has a margin of error of about three percentage points. Taiwanese voters will choose their next president and a cohort of lawmakers in January, with the results helping set the course for both cross-strait and US-China relations for years to come. Why Taiwans 2024 Election Matters From China to US: QuickTake The election is shaping up to be a competitive three-way race between the ruling DPP, which is determined to maintain Taiwans effective political independence; the KMT, which seeks closer ties with China; and the TPP, which advocates for dialogue with China while presenting a middle-of-the-road alternative to the other two parties. The polling results represent a severe crisis for the KMT, which has lost almost 3 million supporters over the past four years due to factional infighting, according to the foundation. But the outcome is by no means a win for the DPP. The numbers are a serious warning to President Tsai Ing-wens ruling party, showing it has lost the support of over 3 millions voters since the last presidential election in 2020, the foundation said in a statement. While the poll is sobering news for the KMT, for now the party remains a more influential force in Taiwans politics than the TPP. The KMT governs 14 out of Taiwans 22 counties and municipalities. It has 37 lawmakers in the 113-seat legislature, compared to five for the TPP. Thursdays results showed the TPPs highest support rating since its founding four years ago, the foundation said, highlighting that Taiwanese voters are keen for a meaningful third choice other than the two traditionally largest parties. Most Read from Bloomberg Businessweek 2023 Bloomberg L.P. Taiwanese ramen shop launches ramen with whole unpeeled frog on top [Source] A ramen shop in central Taiwan sparked intrigue and controversy after unveiling its latest culinary creation. Hopping on a trend: Yuan Ramen (), a popular ramen shop in Yunlin, recently shared an image on Facebook featuring a whole frog floating in a bowl of noodles. With the image as a hint, the playful Facebook post asked users to guess the special flavor of their upcoming dish. More from NextShark: Gordon Ramsay names Laos and Vietnam as world's top food destinations Full froggy experience: The restaurant eventually announced on Monday that their unique offering is called Frog Frog Frog Ramen, priced at 250 New Taiwan dollars (approximately $8) per bowl. The announcement emphasized that the frogs used in the dish are presented in their entirety, neither cut nor peeled. Based on a local delicacy: According to the shop owner, their new ramen was inspired by the viral success of a Taipei restaurant's isopod ramen last month. She decided to incorporate frogs to put a local spin on the trend since they are commonly consumed in the Yunlin region. More from NextShark: Jamie Lee Curtis kisses Michelle Yeoh after SAG Award win Not for everyone: Offered in extremely limited quantities, the new ramen will only be available on Tuesday and Wednesday nights. For those who simply want to take a photograph of the dish, the shop charges customers a nominal fee of NT$100 ($3.26). More from NextShark: Wife receives outpouring of Reddit support after her 'American' husband trashed her 'horrible' Asian food Expanding the menu: Due to the early positive response from diners, the shop's management is now considering the possibility of permanently adding the Frog Frog Frog Ramen to their menu. Still, the restaurant assured its Facebook followers on Tuesday that it remains committed to serving its traditional offerings of the same endless cycle of soup, meat, eggs, and bamboo shoots." More from NextShark: 'Too old to work in China:' 50-yr-old flight attendant learns new languages to land foreign airline job After all seven members of Tampas City Council heaped praise on interim Chief Lee Bercaw ahead of a vote on whether to allow him to keep the job, chairperson Guido Maniscalco lobbed a tongue-in-cheek question at him. Alright, so you still want it? Maniscalco asked, drawing laughs from the packed council chambers. Its not often you get council to agree on everything together, so Im humbled, a smiling Bercaw said as he stood at the lectern. Moments later, the council voted unanimously to remove the interim from Bercaws title. Council members said they agreed with Mayor Jane Castor that Bercaw, a 27-year veteran of the department, has shown that he was up to the job hed held since December. Bercaw, they said, has brought stability to the department, has the clear backing of the rank-and-file officers and has proven to be responsive to the community and council members. You provide stability, you provide reasonableness and a great temperament, which is so important, and you provide great leadership, especially at a time when our police department has had so many challenges over the last several years, council member Luis Viera said. The simpatico vote marks a new chapter for a department that has seen three chiefs in the last two years. And the unanimous backing stood in stark contrast to the last time the council voted on Castors pick for chief just 15 months ago. After Chief Brian Dugan retired in 2021, Castor made then-Assistant Chief Ruben Butch Delgado interim chief. Castor then drew criticism when, in February 2022, she selected former Tampa Assistant Chief Mary OConnor for the job over Delgado and an outside finalist. Critics, including some council members, said the search and selection process wasnt transparent or inclusive enough, and they expressed concern about a criminal arrest on OConnors record. OConnors confirmation nearly died on a 4-2 vote. OConnor had won over at least some critics as she worked toward her stated priorities of reducing crime and increasing accountability and community engagement. But in December, after just 10 months on the job, OConnor resigned at Castors request after an internal investigation found the chief violated department policies by flashing her badge during a traffic stop in Pinellas and asked a deputy to let her and her husband go. Castor, herself a former Tampa police chief who has known Bercaw for decades, appointed him as interim chief while she conducted what she said would be a national search that would be open and transparent. Castor said she would begin the search in earnest after the citys runoff elections in late April. As a would-be internal candidate, Bercaw, 51, has the sort of resume that would have made him competitive in his own right. He started with the department as a reserve officer in 1996 and went on to work in all three of the departments patrol districts. Dugan promoted Bercaw to assistant chief of operations in January 2020. Prior to that, Bercaw had been serving as Dugans deputy chief, overseeing both operations and investigations and support. He has a doctorate in criminal justice from Saint Leo University and, from the University of South Florida, a masters in criminal justice administration and a bachelors in criminology. But it was unclear if Bercaw wanted to keep the job. He acknowledged in a prior interview with the Tampa Bay Times that he was used to being a more behind-the-scenes leader, and that he was still getting used to being the face of the department and all of the responsibilities that come with it. He said he wanted to wait until the job was advertised to announce whether he would apply. But that never happened. Castor as recently as last month said she had picked a consultant for the chief search, but then on June 2 announced she wanted Bercaw to keep the job, citing his performance as interim chief and feedback from community leaders, residents and department personnel. City Council members echoed that praise on Thursday. Weve been through so many police chiefs in the last couple of years and I know the hardworking men and women of the police department want stability, and the feedback Ive heard from them is they like your leadership and they feel confident in your leadership, said council member Bill Carlson, noting that he initially favored a national search. Newly elected council member Alan Clendenin also said he wanted to cast a nationwide net before deciding on the next chief, but he saw how much support Bercaw had from the Tampa Police Benevolent Association, the union that represents the departments roughly 1,000 sworn officers. I want to applaud the fact that youre working close with the people that are actually the boots on the ground, the people that are doing the work, day in and day out, and that youre receptive to their concerns, Clendenin said. Council member Lynn Hurtak cited how shed heard praise from residents about Bercaw, including during a recent visit to East Tampa. The people I spoke to said, Oh, yeah, hes great, he gets back to us right away, Hurtak said. Bercaw said he will continue efforts to reduce crime, expand community policing and increase accountability. He said he is working to grow recruiting efforts to ensure the department has enough officers to police the city of 400,000, and he is focused on increasing diversity among the ranks. Our work is not finished, he said. The council granted Bercaw, who lives in Pasco County, a one-year waiver from a city rule requiring department leaders to live in the city limits. Bercaws salary as interim chief is $184,766 and will increase to $198,702. Primary school pupils - Sydney Bourne Nottinghamshire county council has threatened to force a teacher to remortgage her house after she lost a legal dispute over using a pupils preferred pronouns. The council has demanded that the teacher pays its 14,000 legal costs after her application for a judicial review was rejected by a High Court. The teacher began a dispute with the council after the local authority-run school where she worked decided to facilitate the social transition of a girl who wanted to be treated as a boy two years ago. The school, which cannot be named owing to a court order, instructed all staff to always refer to the girl with male pronouns and a male name, and said that she should use the boys toilets and dressing rooms. The teacher said that she repeatedly raised concerns about the pupils welfare and followed the schools whistleblowing procedure to raise safeguarding concerns. After bringing a claim for judicial review against the school, the teacher was sacked and is now working in a sandwich shop. The application for a judicial review hearing was rejected on the grounds that she lacked standing to challenge safeguarding failures in relation to an individual child at the school, adding that the school had moved the child to a different class and she was no longer the childs teacher. A High Court judge ordered the teacher to pay the councils legal costs. Baseless claims In a letter to the teachers lawyer last month, the council said her claims had been baseless. The council said she lives in a four-bedroom property, and noting recent house price sales in the area suggested that one option rather than the process of enforcement could be to agree to simply charge the property and enter a property restriction. The teacher is now pursuing an employment tribunal claim against the council, which she has accused of unfair dismissal. The Christian Legal Centre, which is representing her, said she has also accused the council of victimising her for whistleblowing and religious discrimination. Responding to the councils letter, the teacher said: The actions and approach from the local council from the beginning reveal the hostility toward anyone who dares challenge trans affirmation in schools. Transgender ideology is now so embedded in our schools and institutions that if you challenge the secular orthodoxy on these issues the weight of the whole system comes against you. Nottinghamshire county council was contacted for comment. Broaden your horizons with award-winning British journalism. Try The Telegraph free for 1 month, then enjoy 1 year for just $9 with our US-exclusive offer. Which Teaching Jobs Are Easier or Harder to Staff? New Data Has Some Answers What do real-time job-openings data reveal about teacher hiring and shortages? Dan Goldhaber and a team of researchers at the University of Washington wanted to find out. They scraped public job postings from school district websites across the state of Washington, and compared the number of openings against the number of people working in those roles in the prior year. By adding this denominator, they were able to determine which teaching positions were comparatively easier or harder to staff. Their latest working paper focuses on what happened over the course of 2022. They find that while there are a lot of elementary teachers overall, there are proportionally few openings for those jobs. Get stories like these delivered straight to your inbox. Sign up for The 74 Newsletter In contrast, there were many more special education, STEM and English learner teaching positions, and these were much harder to fill. Proportionally speaking, there were about 3 to 5 times as many open teaching jobs with a focus on special education, STEM and English Language Learners. There were large disparities across schools in terms of how many people they wanted to hire. The first graph below shows the number of job openings per 100 full-time employees, sorted by subject area and school type. The lines are scaled based on how many people were working in those roles in the prior year. Schools are sorted into quartiles based on how many underrepresented minority students they serve. Source: Goldhaber et al., A New Method to Get Timely Information on Teacher Hiring Needs Goldhabers team also looked at how long the jobs stayed open. The graph below shows the percentage of jobs that remained unfilled at various points in time. Again, there were large differences across subject areas. About 60% of elementary teaching jobs were removed within four weeks of posting. As the authors write, elementary education-credentialed job candidates are relatively plentiful, making elementary positions relatively easy to fill. In comparison, it took longer to fill the open teaching jobs for special ed, STEM and English learners if they got filled at all. Source: Goldhaber et al., A New Method to Get Timely Information on Teacher Hiring Needs While these findings may not be new, the data are. And they have lessons for future teaching candidates and for policymakers seeking solutions. For prospective teachers, the lesson is clear: If they want to find a job, they will have a much easier time if they earn their license in a shortage area. This confirms prior work. When Melissa Steel King, Leslie Kan and I looked at older data for Illinois in 2016, we found that the state produced 12.4 social studies teachers for every new hire. In contrast, the ratio was just 1.5 to 1 in special education. In Vermont, Kieran Killeen, Susanna Loeb and Imeh Williams found an average of 38 applications for each social studies job opening, compared with an average of 12 for special education, science and math. Goldhaber has found similar results in Washington for hiring differences by subject area, especially during times with competitive labor markets. From the employers side, NCES data show that the subject areas with the worst shortages a decade ago are largely still the worst today. Whats changed is that the labor market has tightened and made all hiring tougher. Private schools are suffering the same labor market challenges as public schools, which implies the problem is related more to broader economic factors rather than to anything unique to schools or the public sector. Its become harder for principals to find teaching staff across all subject areas, but some headline writers have erroneously translated this into a broad, generic story. The shortages are not equal and never have been. As even national survey data show, its about 2 to 3 times harder to fill foreign language, special education and STEM teaching positions than it is to find general elementary or social studies teachers. To find out what the numbers look like in their communities, state leaders can take a look at their shortage areas and see what is cyclical versus what is consistent. They could also look at their pipeline of teacher candidates by subject area to forecast future shortages. Cyclical shortages call for a fast, temporary response, while persistent shortage areas like STEM and special ed may call for a long-term, durable and statewide response. The data on teacher shortages tell a nuanced story. The media, potential teaching candidates and policymakers all need to diagnose the problems accurately and then use the data to respond accordingly. A team at Chicago's Field Museum assembled a giant dinosaur, larger than T. rex 'Sue', in under 10 hours. Here's how they did it. The Spinosaurus exhibit hangs from The Field Museum's ceiling. The Field Museum The Field Museum's new Spinosaurus exhibit is longer than its famed T. rex named Sue. The exhibit hangs 12 feet above the museum floor and only took 10 hours to assemble. This Spinosaurus is the only display of the ancient giant outside of Asia, according to the museum. Sue the T. rex has been the undisputed queen of prehistoric displays at the Field Museum of Natural History in Chicago. But now, an impressive new exhibit is giving Sue a run for its money. Meet the Spinosaurus. About 95 million years ago, this thing prowled the waterways of what is now Northern Africa. It's actually the first known swimming dinosaur. A Spinosaurus, T. rex, and human for scale. The Spinosaurus is clearly the king when it comes to size. The Field Museum "It was well-adapted to eat fish, and would have spent much of its time in and around rivers," said Ben Miller, exhibitions developer at the Field Museum. "For that reason, we decided to display Spinosaurus in a swimming pose, suspended 12 feet above the floor." Miller and his team managed to pull that off in under 10 hours. But that's because this dinosaur exhibit has a few key secrets that made it all possible. The display is a cast from the only existing Spinosaurus fossil Since the display is a cast that doesn't contain original fossils, museum staff could be more creative with the Spinosaurus's placement. The Field Museum Unlike Sue, the Spinosaurus display doesn't contain any original fossils. Those are housed at Hassan II University in Casablanca, Morocco the country where the fossil was discovered in 2008. Because the specimen is a cast, the museum can "mount them in an exciting pose that wouldn't be possible with the delicate originals," Miller said. The team started constructing the display at 4 a.m., and they were done by noon. The Field Museum To make the cast, the Italian company Prehistoric Minds took 3D laser scans of the original fossils, said Tom Skwerski, exhibitions operations director at the Field Museum. The company then used those scans to create a foam replica of the Spinosaurus. Each foam piece was finished with fiberglass and paint. The casts weigh a lot less than the original An Italian team that created the cast traveled to Chicago to help assemble it. Elise Schimke/The Field Musuem Matteo Fabbri, a postdoctoral scientist at the Field Museum who's been studying Spinosaurus since 2008, first suggested getting a cast. Turns out, using a replica makes things a lot easier. That's because the cast is lighter. At only about 700 pounds, the fully-assembled exhibit weighs about 17 times less than the real thing, which would have weighed a whopping 5-6 tons, Skwerski said. The specimen has 30 pieces much fewer than a Spinosaurus fossil The cast came in 16 large pieces, plus 24 individual ribs, which made assembly faster than if the bones were each cast individually. Elise Schimke/The Field Musuem Scientists have analyzed hundreds of Spinosaurus bones in an attempt to piece together how this dinosaur lived. The cast, however, only has 40 pieces: 16 bone sections and 24 ribs. Skwerski said that's because smaller bones like the arms were cast as one larger chunk to make transport and assembly easier. 3 groups of experts helped assemble the display Museum staff, rigging professionals, and the Italian team that created the cast were all on hand to construct the display. The Field Museum The Italian team started creating the cast in March, and by May it was ready to ship to Chicago. The Spinosaurus arrived in four large crates, escorted by the Italian creators who came along to help assemble the dinosaur. The Italian team was joined by museum staff and contractors from the Chicago Flyhouse, who specialize in hanging displays. Hanging a dinosaur exhibit requires specialized expertise. Elise Schimke/The Field Musuem Altogether, 12 people were involved in the assembly, which went surprisingly quickly. "It only took about 10 hours over three days to unpack, build, and hang the skeleton," said Skwerski, noting that's because it was so well thought-out and constructed. On Friday, June 2, the team started assembling the dinosaur at 4 a.m. so it would be ready when visitors arrived. By noon, the Spinosaurus was swimming over Stanley Field Hall, where it will likely be on display for years. "This is a permanent addition," Skwerski said. This specimen is based on the only existing Spinosaurus Scientists believe that the Spinosaurus was a semi-aquatic dinosaur with a powerful tail that propelled it through the water. The Field Museum The Spinosaurus was first discovered in Egypt in 1912. German paleontologist Ernst Freiherr Stromer von Reichenbach discovered the fossil, then brought the partial skeleton to Munich. Sadly, the fossils were destroyed on April 24, 1944, when the Allies bombed the German city during World War II. It was nearly a century after the first discovery when a second Spinosaurus was unearthed in Morocco. That specimen was about 50% complete, Miller said, and is what the Field Museum cast is based on. The cast is the only Spinosaurus on display outside Asia, according to the museum. Read the original article on Business Insider Ted Cruz: Congress 'doesn't know what the hell it's doing' with AI regulation Congress doesnt know what the hell its doing when it comes to regulating artificial intelligence, Sen. Ted Cruz said on Thursday. When asked about AI regulation in an interview with POLITICO Editor-in-Chief Matt Kaminski during POLITICOs Global Tech Day, Cruz said lawmakers should proceed cautiously and listen to experts since most lawmakers dont understand the technology. To be honest, Congress doesn't know what the hell it's doing in this area, said Cruz (R-Texas), a ranking member of the Senate Committee on Commerce, Science and Transportation committee. This is an institution [where] I think the median age in the Senate is about 142. This is not a tech savvy group. The debate over how or whether to regulate artificial intelligence technology, like ChatGPT, has taken Washington by storm as of late with its potential to lead to dramatic innovations in research but also eventually replace workers. However, lawmakers are struggling to balance between setting rules for the road for the nascent tech while also ensuring they don't over-regulate it and stifle U.S. leadership and innovation in the space. Hesitation on such regulation has served Washington well in the past, Cruz added, crediting the United States prosperity with technological innovation to lawmakers diligence with setting up guardrails. Only when Congress understands what were dealing with should they proceed with regulation, he said. Across the ocean, there hasnt been the same caution, Cruz said. "I think Europe historically has been far less concerned with creating an environment where innovation can flourish, he said. At the same time, the Texas Republican emphasized that Washington cant allow itself to fall behind adversaries, particularly China, when it comes to implementing artificial intelligence in the military. "I believe that we need a comprehensive strategy for dealing with China, much like we had under Ronald Reagan for dealing with the Soviet Union and for ultimately winning the Cold War," he said. If Beijing succeeds in its goal to lead the world on AI, that would be profoundly dangerous to the United States from a national defense perspective, but also certainly from an economic perspective, Cruz said. Back in April, Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer issued principles for regulating AI and called for lawmakers to write legislation setting guardrails around ethical use and transparency with the tech. Ever since, there's been a flurry of Senate hearings including one with OpenAI's CEO, who has called for regulation. There's also been a slew of bipartisan briefings for lawmakers to get them up to speed on the technology. Meanwhile, the EU has sped ahead. The European Parliament passed the Artificial Intelligence Act, which would ban facial recognition technology in public venues, on Wednesday. FILE PHOTO: A container ship is docked at the Ports of Los Angeles and Long Beach, California in this aerial photo By Lisa Baertlein and Kanjyik Ghosh (Reuters) -The Longshore union and employers of 22,000 dockworkers at U.S. West Coast ports on Wednesday said they have reached a tentative deal on a new six-year contract, ending 13 months of talks and easing supply chain worries. The deal was reached with assistance from Acting U.S. Labor Secretary Julie Su, the International Longshore and Warehouse Union (ILWU) and the Pacific Maritime Association (PMA) employer group said in a joint statement. President Joe Biden, who dispatched Su to the negotiations in San Francisco earlier this week, said she "used her deep experience and judgment to keep the parties talking, working with them to reach an agreement after a long and sometimes acrimonious negotiation." The agreement, covering workers at ports stretching from California to Washington State, is subject to ratification by both parties. The ILWU and PMA declined to provide details on the deal. "The tentative agreement delivers important stability for workers, for employers and for our country's supply chain," Su said in a statement on Wednesday. PMA President James McKenna and ILWU International President Willie Adams said in a joint statement: "We are also pleased to turn our full attention back to the operation of the West Coast Ports". Workers covered by the agreement are based at some of the nation's busiest seaports, including Los Angeles/Long Beach - the busiest ocean trade gateway in the United States. They have been working without a contract since July 1 and have been seeking a share of pandemic cargo surge profits and retroactive pay. The tentative deal comes as retailers like Walmart and Target are starting to land merchandise for the critical back-to-school, Halloween and Christmas retail shopping seasons. Manufacturers, automakers and food producers who import or export goods also rely on the Pacific Coast ports. West Coast port market share dipped after some customers shifted cargo to rival East Coast and Gulf Coast ports to avoid potential labor disruptions during the negotiations. It also comes as drought conditions affecting the Panama Canal make it more difficult and expensive to send goods from China to those alternate ports. The agreement "brings the stability and confidence that customers have been seeking," Port of Los Angeles Executive Director Gene Seroka said on Twitter. "We look forward to collaborating with our partners in a renewed effort to bring back cargo." (Reporting by Lisa Baertlein in Los Angeles and Kanjyik Ghosh in Bengaluru; Editing by Christopher Cushing, Michael Perry & Simon Cameron-Moore) Texas dropped off dozens of migrants in Los Angeles after a 30-hour bus ride with no food or water Gov. Greg Abbott of Texas Marco Bello/Reuters Texas Gov. Greg Abbott bused 42 migrants from the state's border area to Los Angeles. The Los Angeles Daily News reported that the migrants were not given food or water during the 30-hour busride. Abbott hinted there will be more to come. LA's mayor accused him of pulling a "cheap" stunt and using humans as "pawns." Texas Gov. Greg Abbott said he arranged for dozens of migrants to be bused from Texas to California a trip that took 30 hours where the immigrants weren't given food or water, The Los Angeles Daily News reported. According to the report, 42 migrants were dropped off at Union Station in downtown Los Angeles and then taken to St. Anthony's Croatian Catholic Church in Chinatown. The bus ride from the Texas border area to Los Angeles was about 30 hours without food or water, said Jorge-Mario Cabrera, director of communications for the Coalition for Humane Immigrant Rights. Eight of the migrants are children, including toddlers and babies, the Los Angeles Daily News reported. Immigration advocates told reporters they weren't sure what Texas officials told the migrants to get them on the bus. Los Angeles mayor Karen Bass excoriated the Texas governor, accusing him of pulling a cheap "stunt" that treated humans like "pawns." She also told the Daily News that her office had been preparing for such an event given that Republican governors across the country have taken similar steps in recent months. Meanwhile, Abbott hinted that there could be more migrant trips to come, saying that this was the "first bus" to be sent to Los Angeles. "Texas' small border towns remain overwhelmed and overrun by the thousands of people illegally crossing into Texas from Mexico because of President Biden's refusal to secure the border," Abbott said in a statement. "Los Angeles is a major city that migrants seek to go to, particularly now that its city leaders approved its self-declared sanctuary city status. Our border communities are on the front lines of President Biden's border crisis, and Texas will continue providing this much-needed relief until he steps up to do his job and secure the border." Last year, Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis made headlines after sending 50 migrants to Martha's Vineyard without giving any notice. The move drew sharp criticism from Massachusetts lawmakers and has now led a Texas sheriff to recommend pressing criminal charges. DeSantis who recently announced he's running for the GOP presidential nod in 2024 started back up the flights earlier this month, sending two groups of migrants from Texas to California. Read the original article on Business Insider LOS ANGELES Forty-two migrants arrived in downtown Los Angeles on Wednesday afternoon after a nearly 24-hour bus ride from Texas, where Gov. Greg Abbott called their removal "much-needed relief" for his state. "Texas small border towns remain overwhelmed and overrun by the thousands of people illegally crossing into Texas from Mexico because of President Bidens refusal to secure the border," he said in a statement. Abbott said that Los Angeles is a major city that migrants seek to go to and that Texas would continue to provide what he called this much-needed relief until Biden secures the border. The arrivals, who were given food, shelter and legal aid at a church near downtown, included at least eight children and several older people, immigration advocates said. Speaking to reporters outside the church, immigration advocates and city officials did not provide a full manifest of those who arrived by charter bus but said several of the passengers came from Venezuela, Guatemala and Honduras, with two of African descent and one of Asian descent. An aerial view of St. Anthony's Croatian Catholic Church in the Chinatown area of Los Angeles on June 14, 2023. (NBC Los Angeles) "They are exhausted, tired and traumatized," said Jorge-Mario Cabrera, a spokesperson for the nonprofit Coalition for Humane Immigrant Rights. It was not immediately clear whether the migrants voluntarily made the trip or whether they knew where they were going, he added. Immigration lawyer Lindsay Toczylowski said her team will work closely with the migrants to determine whether they were illegally detained. "They're finally being treated with the dignity they deserve," she said. Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass was away on a planned trip to Washington, D.C., when the bus arrived, but city and Los Angeles County officials had initiated multiagency preparations Tuesday night when word spread that Los Angeles was next on Abbott's list of sanctuary cities. In an emailed statement, Bass said "it is abhorrent that an American elected official is using human beings as pawns in his cheap political games." "Shortly after I took office, I directed City Departments to begin planning in the event Los Angeles was on the receiving end of a despicable stunt that Republican Governors have grown so fond of," she said. "This did not catch us off guard, nor will it intimidate us." Since last year, Texas has bused more than 21,000 migrants to cities across the country, according to Abbott's statement. Abbott described the migrants dropped off in Los Angeles on Wednesday as the first group. Its unclear whether Texas plans to send additional migrants, but city and immigration officials have said theyll be ready if more arrive. Los Angeles is just the latest California city to receive migrants from red states whose conservative governors have gone head-to-head with Gov. Gavin Newsom. Two flights from Florida landed in Sacramento this month carrying a combined 36 immigrants. Gov. Ron DeSantis claimed responsibility for the flights and said all boarded the planes voluntarily. Newsom responded via tweet by calling DeSantis a "small, pathetic man" and suggested he could face kidnapping charges. In a statement Wednesday night, Newsom took a more measured tone. Contrary to what some may want to think California is also a border state but instead of demonizing asylum seekers, we focus on working with local communities to support and humanely welcome people, he said. Earlier Wednesday, just hours before the migrants arrived in Los Angeles from Texas, California Attorney General Rob Bonta said his office filed a public records request to DeSantis' office and the Florida Division of Emergency Management as part of an ongoing law enforcement investigation into the conditions under which the migrants seeking asylum were brought into California." This article was originally published on NBCNews.com LOS ANGELES Texas Gov. Gregg Abbott announced Wednesday that he sent a first group of migrants to downtown Los Angeles, the latest incident involving a GOP governor transporting asylum-seekers to a state led by Democrats. Forty-two people, including children, were dropped off at Los Angeles Union Station around 4 p.m. and cared for by city agencies and charitable organizations, Los Angeles City Councilmember Kevin de Leons office said, The Associated Press reported. Their country of origin wasnt immediately known. Abbott said the migrants were bused to Los Angeles Wednesday because California had declared itself a "sanctuary" for immigrants, extending protections to people living in the country illegally and allowing them to apply for some state benefits. "Texas' small border towns remain overwhelmed and overrun by the thousands of people illegally crossing into Texas from Mexico because of President Biden's refusal to secure the border," Abbott said in a statement. "Our border communities are on the frontlines of President Bidens border crisis, and Texas will continue providing this much-needed relief until he steps up to do his job and secure the border." Last year, Abbott announced he would send buses with migrants from the U.S.-Mexico border in Texas to major cities such as Washington, New York, and Chicago. Some other GOP governors, such as Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis and Arizona Gov. Doug Ducey also sent some buses from the border to other cities. POLITICAL THEATER VS. DAILY SURVIVAL: Inside the dire situation facing migrants bused across US Los Angeles mayor: 'This did not catch us off guard' Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass, who called the move a "despicable stunt," said in a statement that city departments and advocacy groups were mobilized to accept migrants from Texas. "This did not catch us off guard, nor will it intimidate us," Bass added. "Los Angeles is not a city motivated by hate or fear and we absolutely will not be swayed or moved by petty politicians playing with human lives. We are a city that seeks to treat all people with dignity and compassion." Members of the media stand outside St. Anthony's Croatian Catholic Church in Chinatown, Los Angeles, on Jun 15 2023. Migrants from various South American countries were housed in the church before being brought to homes in other parts of California. The migrants were receiving help at St. Anthonys Croatian Catholic Church near downtown Los Angeles. The Los Angeles Fire Department said shortly after 5 p.m. that it received a "medical need" request for a number of people at the church. Those peoples medical condition was not immediately known. Latest incident involving the relocation of migrants Earlier this month, California authorities threatend legal action against DeSantis after accusing his administration of flying 16 migrants by private plane from New Mexico to Sacramento, California. DeSantis' administration later said the transported individuals voluntarily agreed to be relocated to the state. "This is Gov. DeSantis' state of Florida, this is his cruel, inhumane political stunt," California Attorney General Rob Bonta said in an interview with the ABC News station in Sacramento. "Manipulating human beings, people, for whatever cheap political points he wants to get in his run for presidency." Last fall, Florida flew dozens of migrants to the upscale Massachusetts island of Marthas Vineyard. Months later, three buses of recent migrant families arrived from Texas near the home of Vice President Kamala Harris in record-setting cold on Christmas Eve. Contributing: Rebecca Morin, USA TODAY; Zac Anderson, Sarasota Herald-Tribune; The Associated Press This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Texas Gov. Greg Abbott bused first group of migrants to Los Angeles By Costas Pitas LOS ANGELES (Reuters) - Texas Governor Greg Abbott on Wednesday said the first group of migrants bused from his state to Los Angeles had arrived in the California city, the latest move by Republicans opposed to Democratic President Joe Biden's immigration policies. Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass, a Democrat, said more than 40 migrants had arrived in the city and called the bus trip "a despicable stunt that Republican Governors have grown so fond of." Texas has bused more than 21,000 migrants to Washington, New York City, Chicago and other cities since 2022, in what some critics have labeled a stunt amid a national debate over the high levels of immigrant arrivals along the southern border. In recent weeks, two flights carrying migrants landed in California's capital, Sacramento, as state authorities investigated the role Florida played in transporting them from Texas via New Mexico, according to the California attorney general's office. "Texas' small border towns remain overwhelmed and overrun by the thousands of people illegally crossing into Texas from Mexico because of President Biden's refusal to secure the border," Abbott said in a statement. "Los Angeles is a major city that migrants seek to go to, particularly now that its city leaders approved its self-declared sanctuary city status." Sanctuary cities adopt policies designed to boost trust between local authorities and migrants, regardless of their immigration status, and limit their cooperation with federal authorities on enforcing immigration law. On June 9, a motion to draft legislation to make Los Angeles a "true sanctuary city" was passed by the City Council, one of its proponents, councilmember Eunisses Hernandez, posted on Twitter. Bass said that the city was not caught off guard and had found out about the trip when the bus was on its way, allowing officials to mobilize police, fire and other departments and non-profit partners before the bus arrived. (Reporting by Costas Pitas in Los Angeles; Editing by Mary Milliken and Christian Schmollinger) Texas Gov. Greg Abbott announced Wednesday he had sent a group of migrants to Los Angeles, the latest attempt by a red-state governor to provoke progressive California on immigration. Abbott's decision expands a program that has sent thousands of migrants to Vice President Kamala Harris's residence in Washington as well as to Denver, Chicago and Philadelphia as part of an effort to call attention to U.S. border policy. The Texas governor's move comes days after Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis' administration transported asylum-seekers from Texas to Sacramento, prompting condemnations and threats of criminal prosecution from California Gov. Gavin Newsom and Attorney General Rob Bonta. Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass said first responders and nonprofits had been alerted to the arrival of more than 40 migrants and excoriated Abbott for "using human beings as pawns in his cheap political games." "Los Angeles is not a city motivated by hate or fear and we absolutely will not be swayed or moved by petty politicians playing with human lives," Bass said in a statement. The evening's events marked a familiar cycle: Republicans say they are merely responding to surging migration, and Democrats accuse their counterparts of exploiting asylum-seekers for political stunts. DeSantis and Abbott have defended their migrant relocation programs by saying border towns have become overwhelmed by new arrivals. They have also used them to taunt blue states that have enacted policies extending services and protections. Both California and cities throughout the state have passed "sanctuary" laws shielding immigrants from deportation though asylum-seekers who have been processed and cleared by federal authorities have at least temporary legal status. "Texas' small border towns remain overwhelmed and overrun by the thousands of people illegally crossing into Texas from Mexico because of President Biden's refusal to secure the border," Abbott said in a statement. "Los Angeles is a major city that migrants seek to go to, particularly now that its city leaders approved its self-declared sanctuary city status." DeSantis, who has touted Florida transporting migrants to places like Martha's Vineyard as he seeks the Republican presidential nomination, addressed the flights to Sacramento last week by faulting "sanctuary jurisdictions" for rising migration. "When they have to deal with some of the fruits of that they all of a sudden become very, very upset about that," DeSantis said during a visit to Arizona's southern border. Republicans note that the Biden administration and Democratic officials have also moved migrants around the country. But Newsom has drawn a distinction, saying the White House's transport was coordinated. "Im engaged directly with the administration on coordination," Newsom said in an interview with Fox's Sean Hannity that aired this week. How Texas Plan to Curb School Violence Was Knocked Down by a Pandemic and Little Oversight This article was originally published in The Texas Tribune. Five months ago, a 13-year-old North Texas student was threatened with suspension because she relayed what she perceived to be a classmates shooting threat to friends in a group chat. According to the eighth graders mother, the Lewisville Independent School District wanted the honors student suspended and to spend the remainder of the school year in an alternative school. The girls family appealed the decision and won, and she was allowed to return to school. But the incident highlights the confusion surrounding Texas inconsistent monitoring of potential threats on public school campuses, something lawmakers have tried to fix since the deadly shooting at Santa Fe High School that killed 10 people and wounded 13 others in 2018. Get stories like these delivered straight to your inbox. Sign up for The 74 Newsletter The following year, Texas lawmakers approved a sweeping school safety bill that included establishing threat assessment teams made up of school faculty and staff to help identify potentially dangerous students and determine the best ways to intervene before they become violent. Some of the threats reported include assault, cyberbullying, fighting, harassment, sexual misconduct, teen dating violence, terroristic threats, possession of a weapon and verbal threats. Our goal is that no child will ever feel afraid at school and no Texas family will ever experience the grief that followed the horrible school shooting at Santa Fe High School, Republican Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick said. The safety of our children remains paramount the future of Texas depends on it. But ever since, how to report a threat and exactly how threats are supposed to be monitored by schools is anything but concrete, thanks to a global pandemic which forced many schools to close frequently and a state school staffing turnover problem. The threat assessment teams role Andrew Hairston, director of education justice for Texas Appleseed, a public interest nonprofit group, said threat assessment teams were pitched by lawmakers as an alternative to simply prosecuting students for terroristic threatening to keep schools safe. Id much rather have this system in place where the team is extensively trained on the unique dynamics of child development, he said. The school safety bill from 2019 requires superintendents to appoint members to the team who have expertise in counseling, behavior management, mental health and substance use, classroom instruction, special education, school administration, school safety, emergency management and law enforcement. These teams review students who have reportedly made threats of violence or exhibited harmful, threatening or violent behavior. Team members then decide what is to be done, whether mental health services are needed or perhaps the intervention of law enforcement. Team members are also supposed to educate students and staff on the signs of potentially violent behavior and come up with procedures on how to report threats. Schools keep track of the threats and report their data to the Texas Education Agency. At least that was the way it was all supposed to work before a global COVID-19 pandemic entered the picture, interrupting class schedules for two years. After the pandemic hit in early 2020, the TEA relaxed requirements that schools submit data to them regarding threats at schools in 2020-21 because of frequent school closures. Last March, Texas Appleseed released a report on how school districts threat assessment teams were performing. They based the report on a TEA survey of most of the states 1,200 public school districts. While Texas school districts had logged a total of 37,007 threats during the 2020-21 school year, it was far from complete because the state had relaxed requirements that all threats be reported. Some schools did, some didnt and those that did may have not done so consistently. Of that total, about 51% or 17,200 were determined to warrant intervention or the cases were referred to local law enforcement. In short, some school districts are applying a threat assessment process that is incomplete, lacking, and without the needed student support, the Texas Appleseed report stated. And while threat assessments are well-intentioned and developed to help create a safe environment, problems arise if they are not conducted proactively and comprehensively with a holistic focus on identifying mental health issues and implementing needed supports. The lack of consistent procedures for reporting surfaced during this years legislative session. Earlier this year, one parent, whose name is not disclosed because her child is a minor, wrote to the House Youth Health & Safety Select Committee requesting the state require schools to inform parents when they are subject to a threat assessment. She told lawmakers her son was questioned by two social workers and the principal after some classmates who were making fun of him suggested he was a school shooter due to his race and gender. I should have been informed from the very beginning before any interrogation of my child, the parent said. Other problems with reporting student threats When Texas Appleseed tried to confirm the school districts threats data with district officials, they discovered that some reported different numbers than those reported to the TEA or didnt respond at all to the nonprofits information request. The nonprofit group also found that a lot of school districts were still unclear about what to do when a student exhibited violent behavior. This year, lawmakers passed House Bill 473 to solidify plans once a schools threat assessment team determines a student is a threat to others. The bill requires the teams to notify a students parent or guardian of their findings and conclusions regarding the students behavior. Developing a more thoughtful partnership between parents and schools could help identify mental health concerns earlier and allow students to get the support they need at the beginning of this process, said Laura Felix, a spokesperson for Texas Appleseed. Lack of resources Brian Woods, the departing superintendent of the Northside ISD in San Antonio, said administrators always knew setting up threat assessment teams would be a challenge. Its easy to say that we are going to set up these threat assessment teams. But when you get into the details, you realize every school is different and every campus is different. You arent going to use the same methods for an elementary school that you would for a high school, he said. The rules for establishing these teams were extensive. Many districts were just beginning to create threat assessment teams when the pandemic hit. Students then spent a frustrating few years with online class instruction. When the students came back, they had a whole new set of mental health challenges that we were not prepared for, Woods said. Combining all these issues, you can see how we got into this situation. Twyla Williams, director of counseling crisis and mental health at Austin ISD, said their team was pretty small at first. It was just her, the districts chief of police and a crisis response team. She said as the team continued to grow, they found that principals appreciated having a sounding board for their intervention methods. We found principals needed a platform to be able to say, This is what has occurred, this is what we have done and we welcome your input on it if we missed something to make sure the family is supported, Williams said. But the biggest challenge, she said, was staffing the teams. The needs of the students and staff have been so great and just the sheer numbers of requests, she said. We have these meetings that are regularly scheduled, but sometimes situations may deem for us to have an on-call meeting on campus, and that has been more of a challenge. Across the state, school districts are struggling to find the staff for classrooms alone. One of the main issues has been that threat assessment requirements didnt come with additional funding, and finding that many volunteers can be a challenge, according to Woods, the outgoing Northside ISD superintendent. Teachers are asked to give up so much of their time already. A lot of their time is not spent in the classroom doing instruction. Now we are asking them to meet almost weekly to review their own students, Woods said. It can be a lot. The workforce challenges are not limited to schools as the mental health field is also dealing with a shrinking pool of providers. We dont have enough mental health capacity in the entire state to do any follow-ups, Woods said. Families who need help right now are being told to wait for six weeks. Woods said if a school district as large as Northside ISD is having problems with staffing their teams, then it might be impossible for smaller or more rural schools. If we expect this to be run well, then it needs to come with resources, Woods said. We had a chance this session to do this, but that didnt happen. We had two years with a record surplus and we have done nothing. Disclosure: Texas Appleseed has been a financial supporter of The Texas Tribune, a nonprofit, nonpartisan news organization that is funded in part by donations from members, foundations and corporate sponsors. Financial supporters play no role in the Tribunes journalism. Find a complete list of them here. This article originally appeared in The Texas Tribune, a member-supported, nonpartisan newsroom informing and engaging Texans on state politics and policy. Learn more at texastribune.org. A bus carrying migrants from along the U.S.-Mexico border arrived in Los Angeles on Wednesday, the latest effort by Texas' Republican Gov. Greg Abbott to transfer migrants who have been released from U.S. custody to Democratic-led cities. Abbott said in a statement Wednesday that the migrants were dropped off at Los Angeles' Union Station. Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass said that more than 40 people were bused into the city. "This did not catch us off guard, nor will it intimidate us," Bass said. "Now, it's time to execute our plan. Our emergency management, police, fire and other departments were able to find out about the incoming arrival while the bus was on its way and were already mobilized along with nonprofit partners before the bus arrived." A group of nonprofit organizations in Los Angeles told CBS Los Angeles they were assisting the migrants. A representative from the Immigrant Defenders Law Center told reporters on Wednesday that "instead of treating them as political props, here in Los Angeles, we will treat them with the dignity that they deserve as human beings." Los Angeles County Public Health Emergency Operations officials leave St. Anthony's Croatian Catholic Church after evaluating newly arrived migrants being housed in the Chinatown area of Los Angeles on Wednesday, June 14, 2023. / Credit: Damian Dovarganes / AP The Los Angeles City Council last week approved a motion directing various city departments to take the steps required to become a "sanctuary city" for migrants. In a statement on Wednesday, California Gov. Gavin Newsom said the state "is in close communication with the County and City of Los Angeles, and our community partners. Together, we will make sure that the children and families who arrived are safe and welcomed." Abbott, meanwhile, issued a statement saying Los Angeles "is a major city that migrants seek to go to, particularly now that its city leaders approved its self-declared sanctuary city status." Last year, Abbott began busing migrants from Texas' border areas to Washington, D.C., and New York, Democratic-run cities that also serve as sanctuary cities for migrants. The state has said the migrants voluntarily choose to board the buses. Abbott later expanded the program to include Philadelphia, Chicago and most recently Denver. His office on Wednesday said that more than 21,600 people had been transported to these cities since April 2022. New York City Mayor Eric Adams said in September 2022 that there had been no coordination with Abbott's office, and has accused Abbott of using people as political pawns. Last month, Adams said the city has received more than 60,000 asylum-seekers, although that number includes migrants bused from Arizona and a separate program from El Paso, Texas. The migrants' arrival has strained city resources, with officials struggling to provide housing and other services. While the program has been decried by President Biden and Democratic leaders as a political stunt, Abbott and other Republicans have justified the practice as a reaction to what they call the failure of the Biden administration to deal with the "border crisis." On Wednesday, Abbott insisted "our border communities are on the frontlines of President Biden's border crisis, and Texas will continue providing this much-needed relief until he steps up to do his job and secure the border." The number of migrants encountered at the border has plummeted over the past several weeks following the end of Title 42, the pandemic-related border restriction that allowed U.S. authorities to quickly expel migrants on public health grounds. The number of daily arrivals peaked at around 10,000 migrants in early May, and has since dropped to around 3,000 per day. Florida has also sent migrants to Democratic-led jurisdictions, including on flights to Sacramento, California, earlier this month. The move was criticized by California officials, with state Attorney General Rob Bonta calling it "state-sanctioned kidnapping." Bonta said his office was investigating potential criminal or civil action "against those who transported or arranged for the transport of these vulnerable immigrants." Newsom also indicated that he thought Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis could be charged with kidnapping. In an interview with NBC News, Newsom accused Texas authorities of transporting people under false pretenses. He had already accused DeSantis for using people as "pawns" when a group of migrants were flown via private jet to Martha's Vineyard, Massachusetts, for which DeSantis took credit. DeSantis, who is running for president, in May signed an immigration bill that allocates $12 million more for transporting migrants, and said last week that "I don't have any sympathy" for sanctuary jurisdictions. "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 attack the previous administration's efforts to try to have border security," DeSantis said. "And then what? 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 don't have sympathy for them." Camilo Montoya-Galvez and Aaron Navarro contributed to this report. Denver police officer struck by fire truck along Nuggets NBA championship parade route Miami Mayor Francis Suarez announces GOP presidential bid, dodges questions about Trump Secretary of State Blinken to visit Beijing amid high tension between U.S. and China The Texas sheriff who last week recommended criminal charges for those behind Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis so-called migrant relocation program is collaborating with California authorities who announced a similar criminal investigation following recent flights that brought migrants from El Paso to Sacramento. Bexar County sheriff Javier Salazar met with California Gov. Gavin Newsom this week to discuss their concurrent investigations, according to a statement released by the sheriffs office late Wednesday. This humanitarian crisis affects the entire country, Salazar said in the statement. I was fortunate to be in a position to meet and confer with Governor Newsom to discuss our respective cases regarding the migrant flights. Among topics discussed was the status and the nature of the criminal investigation. The Texas sheriffs office will provide information on their investigation to the California Department of Justice regarding commonalities in the case, according to the statement. Salazar launched his criminal investigation into DeSantis controversial program last year after 49 migrants living at a migrant resource center in San Antonio were allegedly lured onto two flights headed for Marthas Vineyard, Massachusetts, with false promises of jobs and other assistance. Last week, Salazar turned over his case to the Bexar County district attorney, recommending charges related to unlawful restraint. After months of dormancy following the news of the investigation and several legal challenges, the state of Florida last week revived its relocation program with two flights that brought 36 more migrants from Texas to Sacramento. The flights prompted Newsom and California Attorney General Rob Bonta to announce their own criminal investigation. State-sanctioned kidnapping is not a public policy choice, it is immoral and disgusting, Bonta said in a statement confirming the investigation into whether migrants had been misled or coerced onto the California-bound flights. Newsom called DeSantis a small, pathetic man. The Florida governor has disputed the claim that the migrants were tricked and said they flew willingly. Migrants, their faces obscured, outside the plane that ferried them from Texas to Marthas Vineyard, Massachusetts. Florida taxpayers paid for the charter. Newsom, a Democrat, is a political foil to DeSantis, who is currently vying for the Republican presidential nomination against former President Donald Trump. For years, the two governors have taken shots at each other over their differing views on everything from COVID-19 response to how to understand and manage crime rates in their respective states. The sheriff met with Newsom while in California for Major County Sheriffs of America Conference, which began Monday and wrapped up Wednesday, the statement said. I met with him to compare notes yesterday because its exactly the playbook that DeSantis and his staff did to send migrants in California. I find that disgraceful, Newsom said to KTTV anchor Elex Michaelson. Too many of us don't know how to use nasal spray correctly, and it can hurt our sinuses in the long run. Too many of us don't know how to use nasal spray correctly, and it can hurt our sinuses in the long run. Whether its seasonal allergies, sinus infections or a cold, at some point, you are going to want to use a nasal spray to help out your stuffy, irritated nose. And youre probably inserting it all wrong, according to Texas-based allergist Dr. M. Waseem Imam. In his popular TikTok video, which has been seen over 2 million times, the physician explains that people mistakenly just spray upwards instead of understanding that the sinus cavities of your nose are located behind the hood of your nose and not vertically upwards. They put the spray up their nose, they go up and they spray, which is the opposite of what you wanna do, Imam said in the video. He demonstrates by holding a highlighter alongside his nose and then tilting it back so its perpendicular to his face. The direction of the spray should actually be in this direction about perpendicular. So the best way to do that is to look down, put the spray up and tilt it slightly and then twist out a little bit so it sprays in this direction. He then motions to where the sinus is in the cheek area between his eye and nose. That one really kind of took off, Imam told HuffPost about his instructional video. I didnt know that that many people didnt know how to use a nasal spray. Tilting out the spray is key so that the spray is not too concentrated in one area and can work better, Imam said. If we dont tilt it out, we end up inhibiting the septum, which is in the middle, and increasing the risk of nosebleeds, he explained. He noted that when people are congested, the noses turbinates, which are small structures that circulate air, swell, so you need the spray to be able to spread out as much as possible to hit as much of those turbinates so they shrink inside, so you can breathe better out of your nose and have less congestion. Dr. Purvi Parikh, an allergist with Allergy & Asthma Network, echoed this assessment of why people should not aim toward the middle of the nose. He is correct as he also tells them to not aim toward [the] center of the nose and again point the nozzle outwards towards the sinuses, she said, noting that when people point the spray inwards toward their blood vessels, this can cause irritation and nosebleeds. If you want to remember to tilt the spray, remember to use the opposite hand for spraying in the opposite nostril. We recommend pointing the nozzle outwards or using [your] right hand to spray in [your] left side and [your] left hand to spray in the right side, Parikh said. Beyond getting nosebleeds after you spray, Imam said another sign that you are not spraying correctly is if you are tasting the nasal spray, which can taste like rotten pennies if its an azelastine nasal spray, like Astelin or Astepro. If its going to the back of the throat too quickly, its a sign that theyre using the spraying incorrectly, he said. Imam also noted that another big misconception people have about nasal sprays is that they are all the same addictive drug, when in fact, they fall into different categories with different uses. Saline sprays moisturize irritated noses, and decongestants like Afrin close off blood vessels (and are often the sprays that people become dependent on). There are also antihistamine nasal sprays that include azelastine, and steroid nasal sprays like Flonase, he said. For seasonal allergies, if theyre having nasal congestion, the steroid nasal spray should be the first thing to reach out for, and if that doesnt work, then they add on to it the azelastine nasal spray. The Afrin spray for seasonal allergies is not a good idea, its only a good idea for somebody who has, like, an acute cold, Imam said. Ultimately, it just takes a little adjustment in your nasal application to make a big difference in how you may end up feeling. So, the next time you have an irritated nose in need of relief, remember to tilt your head down, so you can help tilt the nasal spray outwards. Your sinuses will thank you. Related... Read the full article on Motorious The fact he didnt die is quite impressive Were constantly amazed at the daring (or should we say stupid?) things car thieves will do to make some money. One of the most shocking examples recently comes via Tuscarawas County, Ohio where according to Times Reporter, two thieves made off with a 2020 Dodge Charger and a 2016 Chevy Camaro, only for the guy in the Mopar to wreck out most gloriously. Watch a thief record himself stealing a car here. Per the report, the two suspects seemed to have a brilliant plan to steal the two American muscle cars from an insurance auction. During the night or maybe the early-morning hours, they got into the fenced-off storage yard and broke into the cars. Its not clear from the report if they hacked the ignitions or were able to get the keys. What we do know is when employees opened the gate to the storage yard, the suspects both sped out of the place like bats out of hell, catching everyone off guard. Those employees called 911, alerting local law enforcement. Deputies spotted the Dodge Charger and gave chase, but the guy behind the wheel decided to push the Mopar past what police cruisers can normally do, hitting 163 mph, reportedly. However, he also over-estimated his driving capabilities at that speed, losing control of the sedan, which crashed into a utility pole. As you can see from the photo, the Charger was in pretty sad shape. The suspect, a 28-year-old man from Columbus, was taken to the hospital, then transported to jail. Law enforcement spotted the Camaro at the time of the Chargers crash. It was later spotted in a couple other places west of the county, but was eventually located in a Walmart parking lot in Coshocton County, seemingly abandoned and in much better shape than the Dodge. Image via Times Reporter Sign up for the Motorious Newsletter. For the latest news, follow us on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram. Mount Mayon volcano spews lava in Philippines Mount Mayon, the Philippines most active volcano, spews lava on June 13, 2023. Credit - Jeoffrey MaitemAnadolu Agency/Getty Images Hot, ground-hugging flows of volcanic ash and debris began cascading down the slopes of Mayon Volcano, a 1.5 mile-high volcanothe most active one in the Philippinesin a peninsular region around 202 miles southeast of the Manila capital, last week. Volcanic activity increased in the following days, with Mayon spewing incandescent lava at night and causing tremors to neighboring villages. By Wednesday, June 14, some 17,000 people were evacuated, including those within its six-kilometer dangerous perimeter. National volcanologists have predicted that hazardous, eruptive activity could be imminent in weeks or days. The Philippines is no stranger to volcanic activity in the seismologically-active Pacific Ring of Fire. In 1991, the violent eruption of Mount Pinatubo in Zambales killed some 700 peopleoutnumbering casualties from Mount St. Helens eruption in Washington State in 1985. And in 2020, just as most of the world scrambled to find masks for COVID-19, Taal Volcano ejected tall columns of volcanic ash that reached as far as the countrys capital, forcing its airports to close and exposing residents to harmful particulates. But compared to these precedents, Mayon recently has shown some peculiar activity that may signal a gentler eruption, says Ma. Antonia Bornas, the chief of the volcanology institutes monitoring and eruption prediction division: Levels of sulfur dioxide, which is typically released when magma is near the surface, is currently in the hundreds of tons, and volcanoes usually release at least thousands of tons of the gas before an explosive eruption. Were not seeing any volcanic activity, Bornas tells TIME. If you look at the seismic energy of the volcanothe way it chartssince a few months ago until now, its practically the same. Still, thats no reason to be complacent. For today, the chances of an explosive eruption are quite low, she says. But tomorrow might be a different story. Has Mayon erupted violently in the past? Mayon, located in the Albay province, is a stratovolcanosteep volcanoes built up by eruptions of volcanic material over the course of thousands of years. Data from the Philippines volcanology institute show the earliest recorded eruption of Mayon in 1616. Its eruptions range from phreatic (steam-driven) to Plinianextremely explosive eruptions that can send volcanic debris tens of miles into the Earths atmosphere. The last Plinian eruption of Mayon was in February 1814, which reportedly killed at least 1,200 people. Five foreign climbers were killed by falling rocks from a smaller eruption in 2013. From January 13 to March 18, 2018, volcanic activity in Mayon increased, spewing ash columns and lava and forcing thousands to evacuate, but there were no direct casualties. Whats the current alert level for Mayon? In a five-tier scale, Mayons activity as of Thursday was classified under Alert Level 3, which Bornas says indicates an effusive eruption from the crater. The latest alert level can be found on the volcanology institutes daily bulletin. Despite the unrest, some volcano-watchers have flocked to see Mayon, which has become a popular tourist sight thanks to its majestic cone shape, prompting government officials to designate safe viewing zones, reports Philippine news site Rappler. The Mayon volcano is seen in Albay province on June 12, 2023, where thousands of residents at the foot of the Philippines' most active volcano are bracing for a long eruption that may drag on for several months. Str/Xinhua/Getty Images What are the potential effects of such an eruption? Volcanic eruptions can lead to various health threats, such as the contamination of drinking water, wildfires, and the spread of infectious and respiratory diseases, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. There is a concomitant health risk for being close to the eruption because of inhaling sulfur dioxide gas or the particulate matter from the ashfall, said Philippine health secretary Teodoro Herbosa in a press briefing on June 11. Should Mayon erupt explosively, Bornas from the volcanology institute says the effect wont span the planetonly likely reaching the Visayas island group to its south and the rest of the main island of Luzon to its north. But the elevation of the volcano alone can cause serious damage to the surrounding communities due to the high potential energy, even possibly extending beyond the six-kilometer danger zone. Agriculture officials also estimate more than 5,700 hectares worth of crops will be affected in the event of a massive eruption. On Wednesday, Philippine officials also warned that Mayon Volcanos activity could possibly last for months, which would mean that some evacuees may find themselves displaced longer than expected as they are barred from returning to their homes within risky zones. When Mayon erupted in 2018, more than 66,000 people stayed inside evacuation centers, and the damage to local agriculture cost an estimated 185 million Philippine pesos ($3.5 million). How, if at all, are volcanoes related to climate change? The U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) says major explosive eruptions can launch large amounts of volcanic material into the atmosphereof which some can affect the global climate. Gases like sulfur dioxide can cause global cooling, while greenhouse gases like carbon dioxide can cause global warming. Mount Pinatubos 1991 eruption ejected 20 million metric tons of sulfur dioxide into the Earths stratosphere at an altitude of more than 20 miles, cooling the planet by at most 1.3F at peak impact, according to USGS. Conversely, shifts in climate can also influence volcanic eruptions. A 2017 study published in the Geology journal found that eruptions were less frequent in cooler global temperatures, suggesting that a warming Earth may increase them. A 2021 study from the University of Cambridge also found that as the planet warms, the smoke and fumes from eruptions can rise higher and allow them to travel farther. Patrick Whelley, a geologist at NASA who previously studied the frequency of explosive eruptions in Southeast Asia, tells TIME via email that most explosive eruptions from Mayon Volcano are small and dont pose a risk to anyone outside the summit region. However, Southeast Asia has had several volcanoes whose eruptions affected the global climate. Says Whelley: They occur in Southeast Asia on the order of 1 per thousand years. Three Brits who died in scuba diving boat blaze in Egypt named Tributes were paid to Christina Quinn (pictured) by St Lukes Hospice Plymouth (PA) The three Britons who died when a tourist boat burst into flames in the Red Sea have been named. Christina Quinn, Stephen Hill and Paul Darling were on a scuba diving boat called Hurricane just off the coast of Marsa Alam in Egypt when the vessel caught fire due to a suspected electrical fault. The three passengers were among 15 qualified diving enthusiasts who were on a weeks stay on board the boat when the fire broke out at about 8.30am local time (6.30am UK time). They had decided to sleep in on the morning of the fire, while the other divers who were above deck managed to escape, Scuba Travel said. St Lukes Hospice Plymouth, where Ms Quinn, 58, was chief executive, paid tribute to her on Wednesday evening. In a statement released by the hospice, a spokesperson for Ms Quinn said: It is with great sadness that we confirm the tragic death of Christina Quinn in Egypt. She was a sister, daughter, wife, aunty, friend, and rock to many. She will be missed beyond words. We would ask for privacy at this time. Ms Quinn took up her role as chief executive at St Lukes in May this year following a long and impactful career with the NHS, most recently as director of NHS South West Leadership Academy. The staff were forced to abandon ship after trying to rescue the Brits (via REUTERS) Charles Hackett, chairman of St Lukes trustees, said: Christina was incredibly passionate about St Lukes and its place at the heart of the community it serves, and we are devastated to lose her warmth, wisdom and leadership. Before her recent appointment, Christina had served for six years in a voluntary capacity as chair of St Lukes board, working closely with the senior management team and her fellow trustees and earning their respect, trust and appreciation. With her vibrant and engaging personality and her down-to-earth, caring nature, as CEO she was quickly building strong and meaningful relationships both inside and outside the organisation. We will miss Christina enormously and our hearts go out to her family and close friends at this tragic time. The company Scuba Travel, which operates trips on the Hurricane, confirmed that Mr Hill and Mr Darling were also victims. The three Britons were below deck when the fire broke out (@RassdNewsN/Twitter) In a statement to Sky News earlier this week, a spokesperson for Scuba Travel said: It is with great regret that we, as tour operators, with heavy hearts, must accept that three of our much-valued dive guests, perished in the tragic incident. Our sincere and heartfelt condolences go out to their families and friends at this very sad time. The statement added: At the time the fire broke out, 12 divers were participating in a briefing on board, while those missing had apparently decided not to dive that morning. A nearby craft was used to evacuate 12 divers, and the 14 crew members also had to abandon ship after trying to reach the missing guests, with video footage showing some jumping overboard. Egyptian authorities had earlier said that following an initial examination of the vessel it was found that an electrical short circuit in the boats engine room sparked the blaze. The British Foreign Office has been approached for comment. Details of Stephen Hill and Paul Darling have not yet been confirmed. FILE - This file photo, shows the icon for TikTok in New York on Feb. 25, 2020. A former executive at ByteDance, the Chinese company which owns popular short-video app TikTok says in a legal filing that some members of the ruling Communist Party used data held by the company to identify and locate protesters in Hong Kong.(AP Photo/File) (ASSOCIATED PRESS) TikTok is planning to pour billions of dollars in Southeast Asia over the next few years, aiming to drive growth in one of its biggest markets amid heightened scrutiny in the U.S. The companys CEO, Shou Zi Chew, made the announcement Thursday during a speech at a TikTok forum in the Indonesian capital Jakarta. The investment comes as the apps e-commerce marketplace, TikTok Shop, is experiencing some growth following its expansion to more countries in the region last year. But its still trailing more established power players, like online shopping sites Shopee and Lazada. The popular video-sharing app, though, is attempting to harness the power of its user base. Chew said Thursday that the app generates more than 325 million visitors in Southeast Asia each month. And the research group Insider Intelligence expects its user base in Indonesia, Malaysia, Thailand, Vietnam and the Philippines to increase by more than 10% this year. TikTok did not provide a detailed breakdown of how it plans to spend its investments. But Chew said the company would provide training and support to small and medium-sized businesses. He also said TikTok will help drive youth entrepreneurship in partnership with Association of Southeast Asian Nations, or ASEAN -- an organization of 10 member states in Southeast Asia. Chew said the TikTok has 8,000 employees in Southeast Asia and 2 million Indonesian vendors who sell products on the app. Sen. Tim Scott (R-S.C.) will sit with Fox News host Sean Hannity for a town hall Tuesday as the primary race for the Republican nomination for president picks up. Scotts campaign announced the town hall in a release Thursday, saying that the senator will meet with Hannity in Myrtle Beach, S.C. Scott is one of two Republicans in the race from South Carolina, along with Nikki Haley, former ambassador to the United Nations and the states former governor. South Carolina is one of the first states to vote in the Republican primaries and could be crucial to candidates electoral paths to the nomination. Im excited to welcome my friend Sean Hannity to South Carolina for an important conversation about the future of our country, my campaign for president, and restoring faith in America, Scott said. Hannity held a town hall with former President Trump, the front-runner for the Republican nomination, earlier this month. Among the topics he discussed, Trump defended his conduct in his handling of classified and sensitive documents that were taken from the White House to his Mar-a-Lago residence in Florida after his presidency. Several GOP candidates have also recently joined CNN for town halls, including Trump, Haley, former Vice President Mike Pence and former New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie. Polling has mostly shown Scott near the upper half of the field of Republican candidates but still significantly behind Trump. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill. (Bloomberg) -- Venezuelas top electoral official and several of his colleagues resigned on Thursday, preparing a shakeup of the body ahead of next years presidential election. Most Read from Bloomberg The head of the electoral council, Pedro Calzadilla, told reporters in Caracas that he and at least seven other members linked to the ruling party have offered to step down. The resignations were later accepted by the National Assembly. The officials will remain in their roles until the national assembly designates new members, Calzadilla added. It is unclear if the reshuffle will include the only two opposition members of the National Electoral Council, known as the CNE, who did not participate in the press conference. National Assembly head Jorge Rodriguez said a new electoral board would need to be presented urgently after naming a committee responsible for the nominations. The government of President Nicolas Maduro is trying to persuade overseas observers that the 2024 presidential election will be free and fair, which U.S. officials have said would be necessary in order to lift economic sanctions. However, Venezuelas main opposition contenders are not currently allowed to participate in the vote, nor have international committees been invited to oversee the vote. Venezuelas national assembly designated Thursday a preliminary commission to appoint the committee that will manage candidates nominations to the council. Of the eight members who offered to resign, just two are full board members, while the rest act as substitutes. The board has been short one of the usual compliment of five members since 2022 following Tania DAmelios appointment as a justice that year. The five were originally chosen in 2021 for a seven-year term that was to have wound up in 2028. For the first time since 2004, the government had included two opposition members in the CNE boards 2021 reshuffle, ahead of that years regional vote: Enrique Marquez, a harsh critic of President Nicolas Maduros policies and former vice president of the opposition-led National Assembly, as well as Roberto Picon, long-time opposition electoral adviser who was jailed for six months in 2017 under accusations of treason. Negotiations between the opposition and the government to ensure a free and fair vote in 2024 have been stalled since November. --With assistance from Nicolle Yapur. (Adds comments from assembly head starting in 2nd graph) Most Read from Bloomberg Businessweek 2023 Bloomberg L.P. Dontresha S. Thomas, 30, of Topeka, remained an inmate late Wednesday in the Shawnee County Jail. A Topekan who triggered a June 5 Amber Alert by taking her four children from their home already faced charges for crimes that included aggravated battery allegedly victimizing one of them, a 10-year-old boy. Topeka police said those children were safely located and Dontresha S. Thomas, 30, was arrested in the 1300 block of N.E. Winfield Avenue after she took them that day from their home at 2105 S.E. Swygart Ave. The children included two girls and two boys, all ages 5 to 12, said the Kansas Bureau of Investigation, which issued the Amber Alert. Thomas was charged June 7 in Shawnee County District Court with four counts of aggravated child endangerment and one count each of making a criminal threat and interference with a law enforcement officer, court records say. Thomas remained an inmate late Wednesday in the Shawnee County Jail. Records showed she was being held on a $100,000 bond. What happened in the prior case? Court records say authorities prior to her June 5 arrest had tried unsuccessfully to contact Thomas about felony charges of aggravated battery and criminal damage to property filed against her on May 25. The alleged victim in that Shawnee County case was a 10-year-old boy, who then became one of the subjects of the June 5 Amber Alert, court records show. The complaint says Thomas on March 21 caused felonious physical contact with that boy "using a deadly weapon, and/or in a manner whereby great bodily harm, disfigurement or death could have been inflicted." Thomas that day also did damage estimated at between $1,000 and $25,000 to a "window, screen, and/or TV" owned by that boy, the complaint said. Contact Tim Hrenchir at threnchir@gannett.com or 785-213-5934. This article originally appeared on Topeka Capital-Journal: Topekan Dontresha Thomas charged regarding Amber Alert, previous case As true crime podcasts, TV shows, books and online content continue to prove popular, cases never truly fade from the spotlight. There are some high-profile cases that are frequently revisited, but others only get a temporary moment of attention. Here are six central Ohio cases that have been featured in popular true crime programming in recent years. Brian Shaffer The disappearance of Brian Shaffer has been a mystery that has been investigated numerous times in the 17 years since he was last seen. More: What happened to Brian Shaffer? Shaffer, who would now be 44, has not been heard from since April 1, 2006. Around 2 a.m. that morning, Shaffer, who was 27 and a Ohio State University medical student at the time, was seen inside the since-closed Ugly Tuna Saloona in the North High Street area. Cameras inside the bar captured Shaffer talking to two women but walking away. He is not seen on any camera footage leaving the bar and has not been seen since. This age progression photo shows what Brian Shaffer might look like now. Shaffer was last seen on April 1, 2006 at the Ugly Tuna Saloona near Ohio State University's campus. In 2021, the Ohio Bureau of Criminal Investigation released an age-progressed photo of what Shaffer might look like in his 40s. Since his disappearance, Shaffer's case has been the subject of podcast episodes such as "All the Time Unsolved" and "Crime Junkie" featured on television shows like Amazon Prime's "The Missing," and it has its own Wikipedia page. In 2020, a photograph of a homeless man in Mexico was sent to the FBI for facial recognition software to be used to determine if it was Shaffer. The FBI determined it was not him. Judy Malinowski In 2015, Malinowski, who was 32 years old, was doused with gasoline and set on fire by her ex-boyfriend, Michael Slager. For 22 months, the mother of two survived before ultimately succumbing to her injuries in June 2017. Malinowski's story and determination struck a chord with the community. She endured more than 50 surgeries and was hospitalized for the remainder of her life after the fire, which disfigured her. Four nurses help Judy Malinowski into her hospital bed in 2016. The previous year, Malinowski, who was 32 years old, was doused with gasoline and set on fire by her ex-boyfriend, Michael Slager. For 22 months, the mother of two survived before ultimately succumbing to her injuries in June 2017. Malinowski fought through a video deposition that was later used to convict Slager and resulted in a change to Ohio law for felonious assault cases in which there is permanent disfigurement or incapacitation from an accelerant being used, dubbed "Judy's Law." MTV produced a documentary, "The Fire That Took Her," about the case that was released on the streaming service Paramount+ in May, sparking new interest in the case. Articles have also been featured in People magazine and on several true crime podcasts like "Murder and Such" and "Crime Curious." This scene is from a home video that is included in the documentary "The Fire That Took Her" by MTV Documentary Films. Asenath Dukat The case of Asenath Dukat, an 8-year-old girl from Upper Arlington that went missing while coming home from school, has been another case that frequently has been mentioned on podcasts like "True Crime Garage" in particular because of the case's age. Dukat went missing in June 1980 while walking home from Barrington Elementary School. Her body was found about four hours after she was reported missing in a shallow stream near First Community Village. Police said a 20-pound rock had been used to hit her in the head. The case remained unsolved until 2022, when genetic genealogy resulted in Upper Arlington police being able to close the case by identifying Brent Strutner, who died by suicide in 1984 at the age of 24, as the killer. Her death rocked the Upper Arlington community and has been featured in a variety of media, as well as having its own webite: "The Long Walk Home: The Asenath Dukat Project." Billy Milligan Nearly 50 years ago, Billy Milligan made front page news in Columbus. And then, there wasn't much written about him. However, in recent years, fascination in Milligan's case has again increased with the 2021 release of a Netflix documentary "Monsters Inside: The 24 Faces of Billy Milligan." Milligan was accused of kidnapping, robbing and raping three women near Ohio State University's campus in the 1970s. When the case went to trial, he presented evidence which was unique at the time that he had multiple-personality disorder and the crimes had actually been committed by his alternate personalities. Billy Milligan, right, awaits a hearing in Franklin County Common Pleas Court in 1978. A Franklin County Common Pleas Court judge found Milligan not guilty by reason of insanity. After 10 years in state mental hospitals, Milligan was released. Milligan's story also led to a 1981 book by Daniel Keys, "The Minds of Billy Milligan," which inspired the first season of the Apple TV+ series "The Crowded Room," starring Tom Holland and Amanda Seyfried. That series debuted earlier this month. Milligan died in Columbus in 2014. Fascination in Billy Milligan's case increased with the 2021 release of the Netflix documentary "Monsters Inside: The 24 Faces of Billy Milligan." Chillicothe's missing women The stories of multiple missing women of Chillicothe have been a source of mystery and speculation for more than five years. The suspicious circumstances struck fear in the hearts of those living in the rural community about 50 miles south of Columbus. The women, who were reported missing between 2014 and 2016, were known to have run in similar circles, hung out in similar places and all went to the same area of 2nd Street to look for drugs. Chillicothe police and the Ross County Sheriff's office joined forces with state and federal authorities to try and find connections between the women, some of whom were friends. Tameka Lynch, 30, was found in Paint Creek, wearing only socks. Charlotte Trego, 27, who was last known to be with Lynch, remains missing. So does Wanda Lemons, 37. Shasta Himelrick, 20, was pregnant. She was found drowned, and her death was ruled a suicide. Tiffany Sayre, 26, was found in Highland County and her death was ruled a homicide. Timberly Claytor, 38, was found shot to death. Rebecca Cade, 31, was found bludgeoned and stabbed to death, hanging by a sleeve on a fence. Charges were filed against the person suspected in Cade's death, but that man was acquitted at trial. A jury found a man guilty in Claytor's death. In 2019, five years after the women first started disappearing, the Ross County authorities seemed no closer to finding out who was responsible for each death or determining if they were even connected. In the intervening years, multiple miniseries have documented the cases, including "Gone: The Forgotten Women of Ohio," on Spike TV and "The Vanishing Women" on Investigation Discovery. Podcasts like "True Crime Chronicles" have also featured the women. Brittany Stykes The case of Brittany Stykes, a 22-year-old mother of a 1-year-old girl and with a second child on the way, was found shot on Aug. 28, 2013. Stykes' body was found off an isolated highway in Brown County in southwestern Ohio inside the Jeep she was driving. Her daughter was shot but survived her injuries. Brittany Stykes For nearly 10 years, the case has remained unsolved. The Brown County Sheriff's office initially investigated Stykes' husband as a possible suspect but later said publicly he was no longer a person of interest in the case. Styke's homicide has remained unsolved. In 2022, the podcast "Culpable" devoted its entire second season to Sykes' case, interviewing her family, friends, detectives and her surviving daughter. There is a $20,000 reward for information leading to an arrest in the case. bbruner@dispatch.com @bethany_bruner This article originally appeared on The Columbus Dispatch: From Brian Shaffer to Billy Milligan: 6 local true crime cases to know Donald Trump cant stop taking advice from Judicial Watch President (and definitely not a lawyer) Tom Fitton and its driving his attorneys crazy. According to a report from The Washington Post, who spoke to seven Trump advisers familiar with the behind-the-scenes events of Trumps indictment by the Justice Department, the former president repeatedly ignored the counsel of his lawyers in favor of Fittons advice. According to the report, lawyers for the former president pleaded with him to cooperate with investigators looking to recover the hundreds of classified documents Trump took with him after leaving the White House. Sources told the Post that Fittons name was often invoked by Trump in his explanations as to why he was choosing to ignore the legal advice he pays millions of dollars for. Multiple advisers to the former president told the Post that they believe Trumps insistence that he could keep the documents without repercussion, and his invocation of the Clinton Socks case as justification, are a direct result of Fittons advice. On Tuesday, Trump pleaded not guilty to 37 federal criminal counts brought by the DOJ as a result of Special Counsel Jack Smiths investigation into the former presidents hoarding of classified documents. The charges include violations of the Espionage Act, conspiracy to obstruct justice, corruptly concealing a record or document, and concealing a document in a federal investigation. Trump has remained defiant in the face of his second arrest this year and vowed revenge against President Joe Biden and the prosecutors overseeing his case during a speech following his arraignment. That revenge plot has been aided by Fitton. As reported by Rolling Stone in May, Fitton claims that the DOJ is stonewalling him and his organizations efforts to publicly unmask the names of employees working under Smith. The department has denied Fittons request on grounds that it is an unwarranted invasion of personal privacy that would also interfere with enforcement proceedings. While Fittons involvement with the former president is causing headaches for the people trying to keep him out of jail, he is but one block in the teetering Jenga tower that is Trumps legal team. Sources with knowledge of the matter previously told Rolling Stone that Trumps legal roster was riddled with internal squabbling and underhanded attempts for dominance over various legal cases. With two of Trumps attorneys having resigned hours before the former president was indictment was unsealed, Fittons free if unfounded legal advice might be the best he can get. More from Rolling Stone Best of Rolling Stone Click here to read the full article. As former President Trump campaigns to return to the White House, he also is set to defend himself in a slew of legal battles that may unfold in courtrooms from New York to Florida to Washington, D.C. The Justice Departments (DOJ) recent indictment of Trump for his handling of classified documents has only added to his legal woes. Trump and his legal team are already juggling two indictments and civil cases with filing deadlines or court dates stretching through the summer into the heart of 2024 campaign season. Two other criminal investigations could bring more charges. Heres a look at Trumps major legal battles going forward. Federal classified document criminal case On Tuesday in Miami, Trump pleaded not guilty to 37 federal criminal charges that he allegedly held onto classified national security documents after his term in the White House and resisted attempts by the government to recover the materials. The charges, which include 31 counts of violating the Espionage Act, follow the investigation led by DOJ special counsel Jack Smith. Trump attacked Smith before and and after the arraignment, dismissing the case as politically motivated, as hes also done with others against him. Some have argued the charges shore up the argument that Trump shouldnt be elected for another four years in the White House but, legally, the charges dont prevent Trump from being in the race. Trump said shortly after the indictment that he sees no case in which hed drop out of the 2024 race. A trial is still months away, and theres no next appearance set yet for Trump. Walt Nauta, who was Trumps valet in the White House and became his personal aide at Mar-a-Lago, has also been indicted as a co-conspirator to Trumps alleged document mishandling in the case. Nauta faces six counts and is set to be arraigned June 27; Trump has been ordered not to speak with Nauta about the case. Federal criminal investigation into Jan. 6 Smiths team has continued to bring witnesses before a grand jury in its other investigation, which probes efforts to interfere with the transfer of power after the 2020 presidential election leading up to and including the Jan. 6, 2021, riot at the U.S. Capitol. Nevada GOP Chairman Michael McDonald and Nevada GOP committee member Jim DeGraffenreid, both of whom were involved in a plot to send fake electors in 2021, were reportedly spotted Tuesday inside the D.C. federal courthouse where the grand jury meets. Former Trump adviser Steve Bannon recently received a subpoena in special with the investigation, according to NBC News. The investigation has not yet turned up any charges but could add to the federal charges Trump faces. New York hush money criminal case Trumps legal team is mounting its defense after Trump pleaded not guilty in April to 34 state criminal charges of falsifying business records. Manhattan District Attorney Alvin Bragg (D) has accused Trump of making a series of false entries as he reimbursed his then-fixer, Michael Cohen, for a $130,000 hush payment made to porn actor Stormy Daniels ahead of the 2016 presidential election. Trump has until Aug. 29 to file any motions to dismiss the indictment ahead of trial. Acting New York Supreme Court Justice Juan Merchan, who is overseeing the case, has set a Jan. 4, 2024, hearing to consider the motions. Merchan also tentatively set a trial to begin on March 25 of next year, in the heat of the presidential primary season. Meanwhile, Trump is making two other moves: attempting to transfer the case to federal court and demanding Merchans recusal. Prosecutors oppose those motions, which are set to be resolved in the coming days. The federal court has set a June 27 hearing, if needed, but a ruling could come earlier. If Trumps motion is granted, it would expand the jury pool beyond deep-blue Manhattan to include a broader area of New York. Trump earlier this month demanded Merchans recusal, citing apparent small-dollar donations he made to President Biden and liberal-leaning groups, the judges participation in a previous case related to Trump and reports that Merchans daughter works at a progressive digital agency. Reuters reported that an opinion from the New York Advisory Committee on Judicial Ethics, which seems to refer to Merchans situation without mentioning him by name, signaled he does not need to recuse. Fulton County (Ga.) criminal investigation into 2020 election The Georgia district attorney investigating election interference attempts in the state has signaled she could bring charges against Trump in the first half of August. Fulton County District Attorney Fani Willis (D) last month asked Georgia judges not to schedule trials and in-person hearings in that period, without giving an explicit reason for the request. Willis has been leading a probe into whether Trump and his allies tried to interfere in the states 2020 election results. The investigation followed news of a phone call in which Trump, then the president, asked Georgia Secretary of State Brad Raffensperger (R) to find some 11,000 votes, which would have flipped Bidens win in the state. Trump has defended the phone call as absolutely perfect. Former New York City Mayor Rudy Giuliani (R), Sen. Lindsey Graham (R-S.C.) and Trump White House chief of staff Mark Meadows were among a number of figures in Trumps orbit subpoenaed in the Georgia case. E. Jean Carrolls civil lawsuits Trump is appealing a jurys verdict last month that awarded writer E. Jean Carroll $5 million in damages. The jury found Trump liable for sexually abusing Carroll in the mid-1990s and defaming her by denying her claims in an October 2022 statement. Trump has further asked for a new trial. As the appeal proceeds, Carrolls first lawsuit against Trump, which hasnt yet reached trial, is moving ahead. That suit accuses Trump of defaming Carroll when she initially came forward in June 2019, including during an interview Trump gave The Hill at the White House three days after the allegation was first published. The DOJ, including during the Biden administration, has attempted to step in and replace Trump as the defendant, arguing that he made the statements at issue in the scope of his employment as president. A thorny legal battle ensued over whether DOJ was allowed to substitute itself for Trump, holding up the case for months. It ended with no clear resolution, which leaves it to the jury to decide. But that may soon change. In recent court filings, the DOJ has signaled it is reassessing its position after a series of developments, including Carroll adding Trumps CNN town hall comments about the recent verdict to her original lawsuit. A judge granted her request Tuesday to add the comments. We look forward to moving ahead expeditiously on E. Jean Carrolls remaining claims, Robbie Kaplan, Carrolls attorney, said in a statement following the decision. The DOJ has a July 13 deadline to request that it be allowed to step away from the case, which would leave Trump on the hook for any damages. The matter is set to be fully briefed by Aug. 3 so that the judge can make a ruling. New York attorney generals civil fraud lawsuit New York Attorney General Letitia James (D) is bringing a $250 million civil fraud lawsuit against Trump, his three adult children and his business entities. The suit follows a multiyear investigation into whether the former president and his company misled investors and tax authorities by inflating and then deflating property values to get investments and tax and loan benefits. Trump sat for his second deposition in the case earlier this year. In a deposition last August, he pleaded the Fifth, declining to answer questions. The former president and his family have bashed James and decried the suit as politically motivated. The trial has been set for Oct. 2. But James said this week that her case against Trump, as well as Braggs and Williss, may have to be put on pause as the former president faces down the federal classified documents case. In all likelihood, I believe that my case, as well as DA Bragg and the Georgia case, will unfortunately have to be adjourned pending the outcome of the federal case, James said. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill. Former President Donald Trump repeatedly rejected his attorneys attempts to see him return classified documents and minimize the legal fallout after he absconded to his private club in Florida with the sensitive material when he left the White House in 2021, according to a report by The Washington Post. The Post, citing seven advisers to the former president, said Trump was extraordinarily stubborn when it came to negotiating with government officials. When one of his attorneys, Christopher Kise, suggested meeting with the Justice Department to negotiate a settlement that could avoid charges, Trump reportedly rejected that plan. Instead, he listened to the advice of Tom Fitton, the president of the conservative group Judicial Watch, who told him he could keep the documents and that he should fight Justice Department efforts to see them returned. The effort was one of many by Trumps lawyers and advisers to see him cooperate with investigators, entreaties that ultimately failed. Trump was arraigned Tuesday on 37 charges linked to the classified files and allegations by federal prosecutors that he obstructed the governments efforts to collect them. He surrendered himself to Miami authorities and entered a plea of not guilty to all charges. Media outlets have reported on Fittons closeness to Trump, but the latest report sheds new light on his legal teams attempts to see him avoid an indictment. The Post reported that Trump would regularly cite Fitton to his advisers as the fight with investigators continued, and the man often asserted to the former presidents attorneys that Trump could keep the documents. Several of those advisers told the Post that they blame Fitton for convincing Trump he had the right to keep the classified files. Some advisers added that the FBI and National Archives insistence that Trump return the government documents only made him want to keep them more. Fitton told the Post he didnt understand any of the indictment, saying he believed the charges leveled against the former president were a trap. He added that Trumps lawyers should have been more aggressive in fighting the subpoenas issued by the government. They had no business asking for the records and theyve manufactured an obstruction charge out of that, Fitton told the newspaper. There are core constitutional issues that the indictment avoids, and the obstruction charge seems weak to me. Trump and his allies have continued to cite the 1978 Presidential Records Act as justification for his keeping of the classified material, with the former president saying repeatedly he had the absolute right to take anything he wanted from the White House. But the law specifically states that any materials created or received by the president or his staff while carrying out official duties belong to the government. The PRA changed the legal ownership of the official records of the President from private to public, and established a new statutory structure under which Presidents, and subsequently NARA, must manage the records of their Administrations, the National Archives and Records Administration says on its website. Related... Donald Trump walking away from a birdcage Illustrated / Getty Images Former president and current Republican presidential front-runner Donald Trump's federal indictment has thrown the 2024 election into uncharted and turbulent waters, with candidates, pundits, and entire political parties alike scrambling to recalibrate their electoral plans accordingly. While the full extent to which Trump's indictment and trial will ultimately affect the 2024 presidential race remains up in the air, some of his fellow candidates have already begun casting their imaginations beyond inauguration day and into the very-much-still-up-for-grabs Oval Office itself. Speaking on Tuesday outside the Miami Federal courthouse where, a few hours later, Trump was arraigned, dark horse Republican presidential candidate Vivek Ramaswamy admitted that "It would be a lot easier for me in this race if he were eliminated" while pledging nevertheless to pardon his campaign rival should the opportunity arise. Though not the first time he'd promised to pardon an as-of-yet not convicted Trump, Ramaswamy on Tuesday expanded his promise and called on all his fellow candidates to sign a letter committing to the same. "It's gonna be difficult for those other candidates to sign this letter," Ramaswamy predicted, claiming the "donor class" was warning candidates to "keep your distance away from Trump." Challenging the other political aspirants to either pardon Trump or "explain why you won't," Ramaswamy who has personally donated tens of thousands from his personal net worth of $600 million dollars to various conservative candidates and causes swore to never "abide by being a disciple of the donor class." Is Ramaswamy's pardon pledge a lone voice in the crowd, or a herald of a broader movement among 2024 presidential hopefuls? What are they saying? Joining Ramaswamy is fellow tail-end GOP candidate Perry Johnson, who has long called for Trump to be pardoned "so we can move on to the real issues at hand!" Sharing a petition to that end, Johnson recently tweeted that "we must turn the page of American history" by pardoning the former President "and focus on important issues like ending this debt crisis, finally building the wall, and resolving the war in Ukraine." Former UN Ambassador and current Republican presidential contender Nikki Haley has been less emphatic, but still largely supportive of Ramaswamy's proposal. "When you look at a pardon, the issue is less about guilt, and more about what's good for the country," she said in a recent interview with right-wing broadcasters Clay Travis and Buck Sexton. "I would be inclined in favor of a pardon," Haley added, cautioning that "it's really premature at this point when he's not even been convicted of anything." It is "simply wrong" of candidates to use presidential pardoning powers "in order to curry votes and in order to get an applause line," fellow Republican candidate Asa Hutchinson countered. The political use of pardons "undermines the rule of law" he added, calling it "offensive to me." Long-shot candidate Larry Elder similarly rejected Ramaswamy's challenge, though he did signal openness to easing the criminal pressure on the former president. "I'm not running for President to play silly games and respond to every candidate's demands," Elder told Fox Digital," promising that "as President I would instruct my Attorney General to drop the politically-motivated charges against Trump." Between Johnson and Haley's inclination to support Ramaswamy's call, and Hutchinson's emphatic denouncement, other candidates have been more circumspect in committing to pardon Trump before his trial even begins. "Everyone is innocent until proven guilty in America," former Vice President Mike Pence said during a recent CNN Town Hall, insisting that "I'm not going to speak to hypotheticals" about a potential pardon under his administration. Ron DeSantis, running a distant second to Trump in most polls, has been similarly non-committal while still hinting at openness to a Trump pardon. "We will be aggressive at issuing pardons" for those deemed "victims of weaponization or political targeting," he said in late May. Asked whether that included the former president, DeSantis simply reiterated that his administration would consider any case "no matter how small or how big." What could change? For now, candidates itching to pardon Trump, along with those promising never to do so, are speaking out before the former President has even gone to trial for his classified documents case. While the details in his indictment seem damning, sentiment about his presumed culpability could very well shift over the course of his case, making pardons more or less palatable to his rivals based not only on their own personal position but as a reflection of the political will of the party at large. "This should be gold for Republican presidential candidates," GOP strategist Doug Heye said, adding "should they choose to use it." Conversely, a pardon pledge or refusal could put the other GOP candidates in an impossible position with Republican primary voters. There is also a possibility that Trump himself could personally weigh in on Ramaswamy's pledge, likely by offering some iteration of his 2018 assertion that he has "the absolute right to PARDON myself" should he return to the White House. While untested in practice, some legal scholars believe that a self-pardon is within a president's power, though it could face a constitutional challenge. Asked whether he would pardon Trump, President Biden merely thanked Fox's Steve Doocy for a "great question" and walked away laughing. Crucially, although Trump's federal charges are currently the most serious legal peril facing the former president, they are widely expected to be followed by more indictments from Fulton Co., Georgia District Attorney Fanny Willis, who has spent the past year investigating Trump's alleged efforts to interfere in that state's 2020 electoral count. Unlike the espionage indictment which prompted Ramaswamy's pledge, any prosecution stemming from Willis' investigation would be on a state level, and immune to presidential pardons. You may also like 'Spider-Man: Beyond the Spider-Verse': everything we know 4 things to consider when leaving an inheritance 3 extraordinary ways Trump could avoid punishment in Mar-a-Lago documents case President Biden is facing an unprecedented task with no easy solution dealing with the federal indictment of former President Trump while fighting off unsubstantiated claims by the right that Biden is involved in his political opponents prosecution. A Fox News chyron deemed Biden a wannabe dictator during Trumps speech Tuesday night following his arraignment. Trump himself decried Biden as a corrupt sitting president who, in tandem with the Justice Department, was targeting the front-runner for the 2024 GOP presidential nomination. Meanwhile, Republicans on Capitol Hill have been constantly attacking the White House, accusing Biden of politicizing the Justice Department. Biden and his aides have repeatedly stressed in recent days that theyve had no contact with special counsel Jack Smith or Attorney General Merrick Garland about the Trump case. Biden has vowed throughout his presidency that he would restore a sense of independence to the Justice Department after Trump routinely weighed in on or called for investigations during his four years in the White House. Still, the White House must convince some skeptical Americans that the president is sticking to that pledge as leading Republicans paint the Justice Departments indictment of Trump as a political maneuver against Bidens top rival. Biden was asked last week, hours before Trump was indicted, why Americans should have faith in the Justice Department. Because youll 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. Im honest, Biden responded. The Hill Elections 2024 coverage But that doesnt seem to be resonating with voters. An ABC News/Ipsos survey published Sunday found nearly half of those polled from a variety of political affiliations said they believe the charges against Trump are politically motivated. In a CBS News survey published the same day, 76 percent of likely Republican voters said they were most concerned about the indictment being driven by politics, compared to 12 percent who said they were concerned by the national security risks posed. White House press secretary Karine Jean-Pierre reiterated this week that Biden respects the rule of law and wants to make sure that we restore the integrity of the Department of Justice. On Wednesday, she took a stab at Fox News for the wannabe dictator chyron. There are probably about 787 million things that I can say about this that was wrong about what we saw last night, but I dont think Im going to get into it, she said, referring to the $787 million settlement between Fox News and Dominion Voting Systems. But otherwise, Biden, Jean-Pierre and other top officials have steadfastly avoided commenting on Trumps case, allowing Republicans to fill the void with assertions that the charges are political in nature and Biden has a hand in them. Asked specifically if she wanted to respond to Trumps implication that Biden directed the DOJ to arrest him, Jean-Pierre flatly said she would not comment. The Democratic National Committee (DNC) was also mum during Trumps arraignment on Tuesday, a notable strategy compared to the several press releases it sent during GOP presidential nominee Chris Christies CNN town hall the night prior. Trump pleaded not guilty to charges on 37 counts following a Department of Justice indictment alleging he violated the Espionage Act by mishandling some of the nations most sensitive secrets and obstructed justice in taking classified records from his presidency and then refusing to return them. Unlike others in the White House, first lady Jill Biden opted to address Trump on the campaign trail this week, teeing others up to do the same when fundraising trips pick up in the coming days for Biden and Vice President Harris. My heart feels so broken by a lot of the headlines that we see on the news, she said in a closed-door fundraiser in New York on Monday with an Associated Press reporter present. Like I just saw, when I was on my plane, it said 61 percent of Republicans are going to vote, they would vote for Trump. They dont care about the indictment. So thats a little shocking, I think. She then alluded to the baggage that comes with electing Trump during a fundraising trip to the San Francisco area on Tuesday, framing the 2024 election as a choice between corruption and chaos under Trump or calm stability under her husband. We cannot go back to those dark days, she said. Meanwhile, Trump allies on Capitol Hill have rallied around him since he was indicted, spreading the narrative that the Justice Department is corrupted by politics. If the people in power can jail their political opponents at will, we dont have a republic, Sen. Josh Hawley (R-Mo.) said last Thursday on Fox News. Speaker Kevin McCarthy (R-Calif.) called the indictment a brazen weaponization of the Justice Department and compared it to former Secretary of State Hillary Clintons use of a private email server. For some Biden allies, they trust that the president has followed his instincts on the issue. By refusing to comment on Trumps case, he is instead further fulfilling his pledge to depoliticize the Justice Department. As he promised, Biden has steered clear of interfering with the attorney general. The chant of a weaponized Justice Department by Trump and his supporters is as hollow as it is deceitful, said Biden ally and former Rep. Chris Carney (D-Pa.). Ivan Zapien, a former DNC official, said Biden is sticking to his strategy from the 2020 campaign of staying out of the drama with his predecessor. Part of Joe Bidens winning brand in 2020 was that he was going to return governing to regular order, and he has done that no need to change that, Zapien said. I think there will be serious PTSD in the suburbs across America, and Biden laying low and playing it by the book will remind people of one of the reasons they voted for him as advertised, cool, calm and collected President Joe. Thats not keeping Trump from drumming up claims that the charges are ridiculous and that they are part of a witch hunt against him, often bringing up the current president as the person to blame for the situation hes in. Trump on Tuesday accused special counsel Jack Smith, who is overseeing the investigation into him, of being an uncontrolled Trump hater and involved in political hit jobs. The former president has claimed since the indictment first dropped that hes a victim and part of a scheme out of the Biden administration to take down his 2024 campaign for the White House. That has proved to be ironic to some political watchers. It really is fascinating to watch Trump try to politically inoculate himself from his many misdeeds, said Carney, a senior policy adviser at Nossaman. Hes one of the few presidents in our history who unabashedly proclaims to be the victim while perpetrating crimes. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill. Former President Donald Trumps ex-chief of staff said the twice-impeached Republican is intimidated by the possibility he may finally face accountability for his actions. Hes scared shitless, John Kelly, the chief of staff from 2017 to 2019, told The Washington Post on Tuesday. Trump, now the first president to be federally charged with a crime, pleaded not guilty on Tuesday in response to a 37-count indictment accusing him of illegally holding on to classified documents at his Mar-a-Lago private club in Florida. For Trump, his second indictment in less than three months doesnt seem to be losing him voters. Instead, a Republican strategist told HuffPosts Liz Skalka that his indictments are more likely to add to his political support. Theres also been a strong effort from Trump and politicians that align themselves with him to discredit the case and paint him as a victim of prosecutorial overreach. Trump, a 2024 Republican presidential candidate, has raised more than $7 million in donations since the news of his indictment first broke, CNN reported. After his Miami courthouse appearance, Trump made a stop at a well-known Cuban restaurant, Versailles, and received a warm welcome. Its part public relations and part babysitting, Stephanie Grisham, a former White House press secretary, also told The Washington Post. He wants people to see the cheering crowds so they dont think anything is going wrong. Its also because the staff around him wants to keep him busy and wants to have people cheering for him and giving him the ego stroke that hell need so they dont have to deal with him being completely pissed. On the evening of his arraignment, Trump also ranted on his Truth Social platform about being the victim of political persecution, claiming the indictment occurred only because the Justice Department wants to take away his followers freedom. Before his arrest date, Trump said he was fairly optimistic about the indictment. Im just fighting for the country, he told right-wing pundit Howie Carr, according to the Post. Kelly told The Washington Post that Trump is putting on a show. This is the way he compensates for that. He gives people the appearance he doesnt care by doing this. For the first time in his life, it looks like hes being held accountable. Up until this point in his life, its like, Im not going to pay you; take me to court. Hes never been held accountable before. Kelly has critiqued his former boss on multiple occasions. In 2020, Kelly claimed that American voters need to be careful in picking presidents and consider their moral values. In 2022, Kelly claimed Trump unfairly weaponized his presidential powers against people who made him look bad. In another instance that year, he also condemned Trump for praising Russian President Vladimir Putin during his unprovoked attack on Ukraine. Still, Kelly has his own controversial past once having called Robert E. Lee an honorable man and justifying a Trump immigration policy by saying it would force some undocumented immigrants who are too lazy to apply for the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) program. Related... An attorney for former President Trump proposed trying to settle the classified documents case with the Justice Department (DOJ) last fall to avoid potential charges, but Trump was uninterested, The Washington Post reported Wednesday. Three unidentified sources briefed on the matter told the Post that Christopher Kise proposed quietly approaching the DOJ to reach an agreement that would include the promised return of all remaining documents in Trumps possession and no indictment. Kise reportedly wanted to try to take the temperature down and hoped that the DOJ would agree to avoid indicting a former president. But other attorneys convinced Trump to take a more aggressive stance, according to the newspaper, and Kise never went to the DOJ with the proposal. The Post reported that the offer was one of several times in which the former presidents attorneys tried to get him to cooperate with the investigation into the classified and sensitive documents kept at his Mar-a-Lago property in Palm Beach, Fla., after his presidency ended. More Trump indictment coverage from The Hill The Hill has reached out to Kise and the Trump campaign for comment. Kise declined to comment to the Post. Months after Kises reported negotiation attempt, Attorney General Merrick Garland named Jack Smith as the special counsel to oversee the investigation. Last week, a 37-count indictment was filed against Trump, making him the first former president to face federal charges. The indictment includes 31 counts of the willful retention of documents in violation of the Espionage Act. Trump campaign spokesperson Steven Cheung told the Post that Trump told the DOJ, you need anything from us, just let us know. Sadly, the weaponized DOJ rejected this offer of cooperation and conducted an unnecessary and unconstitutional raid on the Presidents home in order to inflict maximum political damage on the leading presidential candidate, Cheung said. The federal indictment alleges Trump repeatedly ignored and sought to undermine officials attempts to retrieve the documents taken from the White House that should have been turned over to the National Archives. Trump allegedly misled his own attorneys about how many documents he had at Mar-a-Lago, causing them to wrongly inform authorities that they had fully complied with a subpoena that had been issued for the documents. Seven unidentified Trump advisers with knowledge of the investigation told the Post that the former president told his advisers that the boxes of documents only contained newspaper clippings and clothes and ignored warnings from them about pending legal issues. Trump has denied any wrongdoing and pleaded not guilty to all charges during his arraignment Tuesday. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill. Congress's shady Pentagon slush fund beefs up U.S. military spending: The Hill Xinhua) 09:02, June 15, 2023 NEW YORK, June 14 (Xinhua) -- Drawing on the experience of the global war on terror, defense hawks in the U.S. Congress have figured out an accounting gimmick to protect increases in military spending, according to an article published by The Hill on Tuesday. After weeks of partisan debate, the United States avoided a default thanks to a deal that limits some federal spending in exchange for eliminating the debt ceiling for two years. Defense spending emerged largely unscathed, however, and is set to rise to nearly 900 billion U.S. dollars in fiscal year 2025. "Specifically, there is bipartisan support in Congress to use emergency supplemental funding to circumvent the budget deal's already extravagant 'caps' on defense spending," noted the article. "This would create a walled-off slush fund for Washington to move defense spending closer to and possibly over 1 trillion dollars without much political debate or strategic discipline," it said. Emergency supplemental funding would function similarly to the Overseas Contingency Operations fund, commonly known as OCO. During the global war on terror, the OCO fund was a malleable, seemingly bottomless supply of cash used to support U.S. military operations in Iraq, Afghanistan, and elsewhere, with minimal oversight, it added. Critically, OCO money was considered separate from the Pentagon's base budget and therefore not subject to spending limits, according to the article. Policymakers discovered that they could escape the spending limits by moving defense budget items into the OCO account. "The OCO budget was an undemocratic tool that allowed Congress to fund wars that were not in America's interest," it said. (Web editor: Zhong Wenxing, Liang Jun) Twitter is rife with speculation that boat-bashing killer whales are 'orcanizing' with dolphins and other sea creatures now An orca. Grafissimo/Getty Images Orcas have made headlines lately for grouping up and attacking boats. But now two separate groups of orcas have been spotted: in New England, and in Monterey Bay. People spotted some orcas swimming near dolphins, and wondered if the two species were "orcanizing." Twitter is going wild over the idea that pods of killer whales could be organizing and working both with each other, and with other sea creatures like dolphins. Several tweets went viral after they commented on recent orca pod sightings off New England and in Monterey Bay. "They're ORCANIZING," Twitter user Lauren McKenzie wrote in a Tuesday tweet that's been viewed more than 2.8 million times at press time. McKenzie was commenting on a Tuesday news article from 7 News WHDH, titled: "Researchers spot rare sight: Orcas in New England waters, along with dozens of other whales, dolphins." "If we're living in a simulation then the orcas def got an update and I'm here for it #orcanizing," wrote Twitter user Nimz on Wednesday. It is unclear if the orcas and dolphins were communicating, or if they just happened to be in the same area. Orcas have been known to prey on dolphins, though there have been occasional sightings of playful interactions between the two species. Orcas have also been getting a bad rep lately particularly after some whales started attacking boats off Gibraltar. The orcas have found ways to rip off boat rudders and one boat captain who was attacked by them twice suspects the pods are getting faster and more efficient with their attacks. People on the US coast saw at least two major sightings of orca pods over the weekend Researchers carrying out an aerial survey in New England on Sunday spotted a pod of four killer whales swimming around 40 miles off the shores of Nantucket, Massachusetts. This was the first orca sighting in Massachusetts since May 2022, CNN reported. "Initially, I could just see two splashes ahead of the plane," Katherine McKenna, a scientist at the New England Aquarium in Boston, told CNN. "As we circled the area, two whales surfaced too quickly to tell what they were. On the third surfacing, we got a nice look and could see the tell-tale coloration before the large dorsal fins broke the surface." The marine life researchers confirmed to CNN that the pod they spotted off Massachusetts had one adult male and one adult female in it, as well as two juvenile orcas. On the same day, a massive pod of some 30 orcas was spotted in Monterey Bay, per local TV station KTVU. The huge pod was initially spotted by the Monterey Bay Whale Watch, an organization that takes people on whale-watching trips. Drone footage of the pod sighting was filmed by a photographer named Evan Brodsky. "It was pure energy and celebration. The little calves were rubbing up against each other--we call those 'cuddle puddles,'" Morgan Quimby, a staff member at the Monterey Bay Whale Watch, told KTVU. Read the original article on Insider GoFundMe The bodies of two Americans were found in their hotel room at a luxury resort in Mexico on Tuesday, and the family of one says carbon monoxide is the suspected cause. The victims were discovered at the Hotel Rancho Pescadero in El Pescadero in the state of Baja California Sur. When paramedics arrived at around 9 p.m., the pair displayed no vital signs, local cops told ABC News. The Baja California Sur Attorney Generals Office identified the Americans as John Heathco, 41, and Abby Lutz, 28. The office added that Lutz hailed from Newport Beach, California, but did not disclose where Heathco is from. In a statement Wednesday, the local attorney generals office said both had died from intoxication by substance to be determined. Earlier reports of the deaths suggested more specifically that gas inhalation was suspected. Heathco and Lutz had been dead for around 10 or 11 hours before they were found, the attorney generals office said, adding that there were no signs of any kind of violence to their bodies. A GoFundMe organized by Lutzs family said the couple went to the hospital several days earlier to seek treatment for what they thought was food poisoning. The couple reported they were feeling much better, but the family received a call a few days later with news of their deaths. The family said they were told the deaths were due to improper venting of the resort and could be carbon monoxide poisoning. Abby was supposed to meet up with her dad this week for Fathers Day and all of this is completely unexpected, the fundraising page states. Abby was the most beautiful soul and we will miss her so much. U.S. officials told the Associated Press they are aware of the deaths but could not comment on the incident over privacy concerns. The local attorney general is now overseeing the investigation. Lutz's aunt, Karen Lutz, told The Daily Beast her niece was raised in Idaho but moved to California several years ago with her father and stepmother and secured a job as a nanny. She stayed in Newport Beach even after her family returned to Idaho, her aunt said, because she loved the sun, loved the ocean, loved anything like that. She added that Lutz was a seasoned traveler who had previously visited Asia, Europe, and Mexico, and that her family was happy to know she died doing what she loved. The way she died brings a little bit of peace, she said. Because she was doing what she loved and she died peacefully. It was not a traumatic experience for her. Her partner, Heathco, was a technology developer and founder of a health supplements company based in Covina, California. He described himself on a personal website as a huge health and wellness junkie who also enjoyed DJing and producing music. The couple's hotel in El Pescaderolocated between Todos Santos and Los Caboswhere Heathco and Lutz were found is owned by Hyatt. We are truly heartbroken by this terrible tragedy, Rancho Pescadero General Manager Henar Gil told The Daily Beast in a statement. Our hearts are with the impacted families and loved ones during this unimaginable loss. Gil confirmed that there was no evidence of violence related to the deaths and the hotel is not aware of any threat to guests safety or wellbeing. We are working to care for those who have been impacted and we are working closely with authorities as they conduct their investigation to understand the cause of death, Gil added. News of the deaths comes after a string of other deaths of U.S. citizens in Mexico linked to gas inhalation. Most recently, in late October, three Americans were found dead in a rented apartment in Mexico City. A post-mortem analysis later cited carbon monoxide poisoning as having caused their deaths. 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. Baja California Sur (AFP via Getty Images) Two Americans were found dead in a hotel room in Baja Sur California, a Mexican state, on Tuesday (13 June), according to reports. The two people were discovered in the Hotel Rancho Pescadero in the seaside town of El Pescadero around 9pm local time on Tuesday. Paramedics received a report of the two Americans were unconscious but by the time they arrived, the two were unresponsive with no vital signs, according to ABC News. The Baja California Sur Attorneys General Office told ABC News the two Americans were identified as John Heathco, 41, and Abby Lutz, 28. Lutz is from Newport Beach, California. In a statement posted on Facebook, police said they suspected their cause of death was poisoning as there were no traces of physical violence. However, authorities are still determining what substance caused their deaths. The two had been dead between 10 and 11 hours before they were found. US officials told Associated Press they were aware of the case. According to a GoFundMe, started by one of Lutzs family members, Lutz and Heathco were on a couples trip together to Mexico when they began to feel sick and assumed they had food poisoning. The two went to the hospital for treatment and started feeling better. But then their families received a phone call saying the couple had passed away peacefully in their hotel room in their sleep. We have been told it was due to improper venting of the resort and could be carbon monoxide poisoning, the GoFundMe caption reads. Abby Lutz (GoFundMe) The Hotel Ranco Pescadero is a luxury hotel and a Hyatt property. In a statement provided to The Independent, Henar Gil, the general manager of Rancho Pescadero said: We are truly heartbroken by this terrible tragedy. Our hearts are with the impacted families and loved ones during this unimaginable loss. Local authorities are still actively investigating the situation, and the safety and security of our guests and colleagues remains a top priority, as always. We can confirm there was no evidence of violence related to this situation, and we are not aware of any threat to guests safety or wellbeing. We are working to care for those who have been impacted and we are working closely with authorities as they conduct their investigation to understand the cause of death. Further inquiries should be directed to local authorities. El Pescadero is a town located between Todos Santos and the resort of Los Cabos in Baja California Sur which is on the Baja California Peninsula. Florida homeowners have fewer options for property insurance. Just two weeks into hurricane season, The Farmers Group and AIG say theyre scaling back policy coverage. Both companies point to their vulnerability to natural disasters like hurricanes and flood. Over the past 18 months in Florida, 16 property insurance companies have decided to stop writing new business to new homeowners in one form or the other. WOKV Consumer Warrior Clark Howard says insurers are pulling out of Florida and California because the risks have become incalculable. LISTEN: Clark Howard on Florida insurance companies leaving, steps that homeowners can take Florida and California will need to offer state-backed reinsurance so that insurers can issue actuarially sound policies., Clark said. Clark suggests shopping for insurance through an independent agent and then get quotes for a high deductible, the highest your mortgage company will allow you take. Youre eliminating for the insurer what they refer to as nuisance claims. So you become a less risky, less costly person for them to insure., Clark said. CLARK HOWARD BEST AND WORST HOMEOWNERS INSURANCE COMPANIES Clark says the Florida Legislature is going to need to step in and address Citizens Insurance, the insurer of last resort. He says the state will have to take over the role of reinsurance, eliminate Citizens, which could allow regular insurers to come back. That insurers would be liable for losses up to a ceiling, whatever that is. And then after that the Florida reinsurance would cover it., said Clark. Two teens charged, one teen hospitalized after fight at Sturbridge elementary school Two teens were charged and one teen was sent to the hospital after a fight outside of an elementary school Wednesday afternoon, according to police. A 15-year-old boy was charged with two counts of assault and battery with a dangerous weapon, disturbing the peace and disorderly conduct. A 14-year-old girl was charged with assault and battery, disorderly conduct and disturbing the peace. Officers responding to the Burgess Elementary School around 4:32 p.m. for a fight found that a juvenile victim had been injured. Witnesses said the two perpetrators were leaving the area, but officers were able to track them down a short while later, according to Sturbridge Police. A follow-up investigation revealed a 14-year-old female aggressor went to the school specifically looking to fight the victim. The 14-year-old located the victim and allegedly began assaulting her. During the fight, a 15-year-old boy hit one of the girls with a casted arm, causing the victim to fall and hit her head on the sidewalk, according to police. The victim was transported to the hospital for evaluation. Anyone with additional information about the fight is asked to call Sturbridge Police. Boston 25 News has reached out to the school district for comment. Download the FREE Boston 25 News app for breaking news alerts. Follow Boston 25 News on Facebook and Twitter. | Watch Boston 25 News NOW FILE - In this May 6, 2019 file photo, Glenda Jackson attends The Metropolitan Museum of Art's Costume Institute benefit gala celebrating the opening of the "Camp: Notes on Fashion" exhibition on in New York. Glenda Jackson, a double Academy Award-winning performer who had a long second career as a British lawmaker, has died at 87. Jackson's agent Lionel Larner said she died Thursday, June 15, 2023 at her home in London after a short illness. (Photo by Evan Agostini/Invision/AP, File) LONDON (AP) Glenda Jackson, a two-time Academy Award-winning performer who had a second career in politics as a British lawmaker before an acclaimed late-life return to stage and screen, has died at age 87. Jackson's agent Lionel Larner said she died Thursday at her home in London after a short illness. He said she had recently completed filming The Great Escaper, in which she co-starred with 90-year-old Michael Caine. Caine said Jackson was one of our greatest movie actresses. I shall miss her." Born into a working-class family in Birkhenhead, northwest England, in 1936 Jackson trained at the Royal Academy of Dramatic Art in London. She performed with the Royal Shakespeare Company where she starred in the cutting-edge drama Marat/Sade directed by Peter Brook and became one of the biggest British stars of the 1960s and 70s, winning two Academy Awards, for the brooding D.H. Lawrence adaptation "Women in Love in 1971 and the sophisticated romcom A Touch of Class" in 1974. She was Oscar-nominated, too, for 1971 film Sunday, Bloody Sunday, and had memorable roles in The Music Lovers, Ken Russell's avant-garde 1970 film about the composer Tchaikovsky, and gentle romance Turtle Diary in 1985. On television, she took home two Emmy Awards in 1972 for her performance as Queen Elizabeth I in Elizabeth R., and secured a place in British pop-culture history by playing Cleopatra in a classic sketch on "The Morecambe & Wise Show" in 1971. All men are fools, she proclaimed in what became a famous one-liner, "and what makes them so is seeing beauty like what I have got. In her 50s Jackson went into politics, winning election to Parliament in 1992. A lifelong socialist, she spent 23 years as a Labour Party lawmaker, serving as a minister for transport in Prime Minister Tony Blairs first government in 1997. She came to be at odds with Blair over the 2003 invasion of Iraq. She said Blair's decision to enter the U.S.-led war without United Nations' authorization left her deeply, deeply ashamed. The victims will be as they always are, women, children, the elderly, she told The Associated Press before the invasion. On Thursday Blair called her a truly formidable woman who will be much missed." Jackson's blunt manner and outspokenness continued throughout her political career, and may have helped keep her from high government office. After former Conservative Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher died in 2013, she eschewed politeness about the dead to rail in Parliament against the heinous social, economic and spiritual damage wreaked upon this country by the late leader. Jackson returned to acting after leaving Parliament in 2015 and had some of her most acclaimed roles, including the title character in Shakespeare's King Lear." It opened at London's Old Vic in 2016 and later played on Broadway. She had her first film role in a quarter-century in the 2019 movie Elizabeth is Missing. Jackson won a BAFTA award, Britain's equivalent of an Oscar, for her performance as a woman with Alzheimer's trying to solve a mystery. Director Oliver Parker, who recently worked with Jackson on The Great Escaper, said the team was shocked and deeply saddened" at her death. She had such fierce intelligence, such passion, and fearlessness, Parker said. "It is hard to believe that it was less than a month ago that we screened the finished film for her and Michael (Caine) she was as feisty and vibrant as ever and we will treasure the memory of that emotional and happy day. Caine said it was as wonderful an experience this time as it was 50 years ago, when the two last worked together on The Romantic Englishwoman. Labour Party leader Keir Starmer said Jackson leaves a space in our cultural and political life that can never be filled. She played many roles with great distinction, passion and commitment," he said. From award-winning actor to campaigner and activist to Labour MP and government minister, Glenda Jackson was always fighting for human rights and social justice. Tulip Siddiq, Jackson's successor as Labour lawmaker for the London seat of Hampstead and Kilburn, said she was devastated to hear that my predecessor Glenda Jackson has died. A formidable politician, an amazing actress and a very supportive mentor to me. Hampstead and Kilburn will miss you Glenda," Siddiq wrote on Twitter. Jackson is survived by her son, Dan Hodges. ___ An earlier version of this story gave incorrect dates for Jackson's Academy Award victories. They were in 1971 and 1974, not 1970 and 1973. The main building of Flagler College in St. Augustine was once the Ponce de Leon Hotel that Henry Flagler opened in 1888. Gov. Ron DeSantis took a light touch with his veto pen and left big-ticket items sought by Northeast Florida lawmakers in the state budget, topped by $75 million for a planned University of Florida graduate campus in Jacksonville. Overall, it was a good year for higher education to ask for money from state lawmakers. The budget signed Thursday by DeSantis also has $35 million for structural remodeling of the historic Hotel Ponce de Leon in St. Augustine that is part of the Flagler College campus. The University of North Florida will get $26.3 million for expansion and upgrades for the University of North Florida's Coggin College of Business plus $7.4 million for remodeling the university's Brooks College of Health. Florida State College at Jacksonville got $666,500 for its planned Center of Excellence for Veteran Student Success. Lawmakers inserted millions of dollars for Jacksonville area items. Here's what they'd do. UF and UNF in running for Jacksonville campus work. What's the latest in Legislature? Florida Gov. DeSantis backs UF putting graduate center in Jacksonville Even a shark-tracking base in Mayport escaped a veto. Jacksonville University will get $5 million for an Ocearch research and operations center at Mayport in a partnership between the university, Ocearch, and the city of Jacksonville. DeSantis vetoed $7 million last year for Ocearch in Mayport but didn't zero out this year's line item when lawmakers put in money again. Right now, and for many years to come, Jacksonville University believes exploration, education and scientific discovery are the key ingredients to achieving real progress in tackling massive challenges of our time, such as climate change and healthy oceans, Jacksonville University President Tim Cost said. Mayor Lenny Curry called it an "awesome day and big wins" for the city. In a tweet, he thanked DeSantis for "supporting our growth and funding these projects" while praising his in-house team for "securing these dollars to keep our beloved city on the rise." Awesome day and big wins for @CityofJax today w/ State Budget! Thank you @GovRonDeSantis for supporting our growth & funding these projects. Great work by my team securing these dollars to keep our beloved city on the rise. Strong work and strong finish! Lenny Curry (@lennycurry) June 15, 2023 State Rep. Angie Nixon, D-Jacksonville, saw it differently. She said DeSantis's veto list "represents a punishment list of all the folks in office that dared speak out against his harmful policies, like myself." Because of his ambition, it (also) represents the giveaways that prop him up for his presidential campaign," Nixon said. The biggest item for Jacksonville is the proposed UF graduate campus that would be built in the downtown area. Jacksonville City Council approved $20 million as the first installment for $50 million in local taxpayer support over three years. A separate private fund-raising campaign must round up an additional $50 million. UF went to the state Legislature for state dollars and ended up with $75 million, an amount that got crucial support by House Speaker Paul Renner, R-Palm Coast, who has Jacksonville connections in his political and legal career. State lawmakers added the money for the UF Health and Financial Technology Graduate Education Center to the state budget. A summary of the legislative request says the professional graduate programs will create a "pipeline of highly trained students" for the state while fostering innovation and invention through "solutions-based programs" developed by UF Health and the UF colleges of business and engineering. UF has not said where it will build the campus. Jaguars owner Shad Khan has offered to donate 14 acres of land in the sports complex he intends to buy from the Greater Jacksonville Fair Association. In another costly item added by lawmakers to the state budget, JaxPort will get $30 million for replacing two aging cranes, the latest round of state money for the port. While most higher education requests got to the finish line, DeSantis vetoed $34 million for St. Johns River State College. The college would have used the money for a complex bringing together its STEAM programs, which stands for science, technology, engineering, arts and mathematics. DeSantis vetoed some smaller-priced items in Jacksonville. He nixed $500,000 for Wayman Academy of the Arts and $1 million for expansion of KIPP, both charter schools. Nixon sought the funding for Wayman Academy, which was the only member-sponsored project she submitted for addition to the budget. DeSantis vetoed $350,000 for Family Support Services of North Florida Community Reinvestment and also cut $600,000 for the Smart North Florida pilot program aimed at helping communities use technology that improves services at less cost. DeSantis eliminated $500,000 for restoration of the Casket Factory building for the Jacksonville Music History Museum. Among Clay County projects, DeSantis vetoed $250,000 for Clay County Youth Alternative to Secured Detention and $750,000 for the Clay County public safety warehouse facility. Nassau County projects that got vetoed included $1 million to the city of Fernandina Beach for seawall construction in downtown. DeSantis vetoed $400,000 for the George Crady Bridge Fishing Pier State Park on the Nassau-Duval county line. The $35 million set aside for the Hotel Ponce de Leon was the largest item added by lawmakers for a St. Johns County project. The structural repairs will allow about 400 Flagler College students to continue living in the historic building and keep it open for public visits, according to a legislative summary. DeSantis left intact $10 million for the city of St. Augustine to help protect downtown and nearby neighborhoods from flooding. The resiliency project involving Lake Maria Sanchez will get another $2.8 million from the city and nearly $20 million from the federal American Rescue Plan. Other St. Johns County spending that stayed in the budget included $15 million for design and construction of County Road 2209, $5 million for a program to purchase residential property along a former segment of Florida A1A battered by coastal erosion, and $400,000 for the relocation and restoration of a house that has links to Martin Luther King Jr. during his visit to St. Augustine in 1964 during the civil rights movement. This article originally appeared on Florida Times-Union: Ron DeSantis leave intact money for UF grad campus in Jacksonville The University of Kentucky will stop operations at Good Samaritan Hospital in 2029 and move those services to the areas of Chandler Hospital that are planned for expansion in coming years, the university said Thursday. No employees at Good Samaritan will lose their jobs, but will move to other UK HealthCare locations, said Eric Monday, co-acting executive vice president for health affairs. Monday said UK will continue to invest in and operate Good Samaritan until then. The hospital was founded in 1888 and acquired by UK HealthCare in 2007. There are more than 600 clinical and ancillary staff and more than 600 physicians employed there, with 180 licensed hospital beds in the facility, according to the hospital. Good Samaritan houses the second-largest orthopaedic and joint replacement program in Kentucky. The decommissioning of Good Samaritan and moving those beds into an expansion of UK Chandler Hospital is part of the overall plan to improve facilities that provide maximum flexibility to create capacity and ensure quality care, said Allison Perry, UK spokesperson. There will be more updates as the plans for expanding UK HealthCare move forward, Perry said, and UK envisions the transitioning over the next several years of services and employees at Good Samaritan to new facilities with an overall increase in both our workforce and patient care services. UK has plans for massive expansion of its health care system in the coming years, including plans to add 300 hospital beds to the Chandler Hospital campus with a new hospital tower and four new outpatient locations in and around Lexington. Monday said the expansion of Chandler Hospital means UK HealthCare will need to hire 5,000 additional employees in the next six years, and the closure of Good Samaritan does not mean jobs will be eliminated. We will ensure that everyone who has a job at Good Samaritan who wants to stay, and we want them to stay with the university, will have a job in some of our other health care facilities, Monday said. In total, the UK HealthCare expansions could top $2.4 billion, university officials said earlier this year. More details and specifics about the expansion will come as the university works through the design phase of the project. UK plans to open four new outpatient locations across the Lexington area, in Hamburg, Madison County, Frankfort and one under-served area of Lexington. Opening those locations, and others in progress, will include an additional 29 primary care providers within UK HealthCare by the end of fiscal year 2025. Last year, the board approved plans for the new medical campus in Hamburg, which includes a regional hospital, medical office building and other clinical facilities. Chandler Hospital and Kentucky Childrens Hospital need to expand in several areas, Monday said earlier this year, including the neonatal intensive care unit, the pediatric intensive care unit , acute care, behavioral health, and emergency and urgent care. One issue the health care system is facing is being able to accept transfers to UK because of the hospitals capacity. By expanding in those areas, Monday said the goal is to not have to turn any patient away because of capacity concerns. UK Typhoon fighter jets took to the skies over Estonia to intercept Russian IL-20 and two Su-27 jets near NATO airspace on Wednesday, 14 June. Source: European Pravda with reference to the press service of the Royal Air Force of UK on Twitter Quote: "RAF Typhoons from 140 EAW in Estonia were scrambled this afternoon to intercept a Russian Air Force IL-20 COOT A and 2x Su-27 FLANKER B flying close to NATO airspace," the message said. RAF Typhoons from 140 EAW in Estonia were scrambled this afternoon to intercept a Russian Air Force IL-20 COOT A and 2x Su-27 FLANKER B flying close to @NATO airspace. The Russian aircraft failed to comply with international norms by not liaising with relevant FIRs.#WeAreNATO pic.twitter.com/lukgJaRp3P Royal Air Force (@RoyalAirForce) June 14, 2023 Details: As the UK Air Force noted, the flight of the Russian aircraft did not comply with international regulations. According to the UK military, the Russian aircraft did not contact the relevant flight information region. Background: On 13 June, it was reported that NATO fighter jets in Estonia were scrambled three times this weekend to intercept Russian warplanes near the airspace of the Alliance countries. Journalists fight on their own frontline. Support Ukrainska Pravda or become our patron! FILE - Boris Johnson leaves his house in London, on March 22, 2023. Former Prime Minister Boris Johnson deliberately misled Parliament about the lockdown-flouting parties that undermined his credibility and contributed to his downfall, a committee of lawmakers said Thursday, June 15, 2023 after a year-long investigation. (AP Photo/Alberto Pezzali, File) LONDON (AP) A committee of U.K. lawmakers harshly rebuked former British Prime Minister Boris Johnson Thursday, saying he lied to Parliament about lockdown-flouting parties and was complicit in a campaign to intimidate those investigating his conduct during the coronavirus pandemic. The House of Commons Privileges Committee found Johnsons actions were such a flagrant violation of the rules that they warranted a 90-day suspension from Parliament, where he still served after stepping down as prime minister last year. The committee's sanction would have been more than enough to trigger a by-election that could have cost Johnson his seat in Parliament, but he avoided that ignominy by resigning last week after the committee gave him advance notice of its findings. The release of the Commons committees scathing 77-page report Thursday touched off an angry exchange of recriminations. Johnson repeated his claim that the panel was a kangaroo court bent on ousting him from Parliament. The committee said the defense he had provided was an after-the-fact justification and no more than an artifice. The report and reaction to it highlight the battle over Johnsons legacy as Britain prepares for elections that could radically alter social and economic policy in a nation struggling to overcome a cost-of-living crisis and complaints about government services ranging from healthcare to law enforcement. The Conservative Party, which has governed the U.K. since 2010, lags far behind the more liberal Labour Party in public opinion polls. Prime Minister Rishi Sunak has desperately tried to shift attention a way from Johnson since he took office in October, promising to cut inflation, control immigration and reduce government debt ahead of an election that must occur by December 2024. But Johnson looms in the background, still revered by many Conservatives for winning an overwhelming victory in December 2019 and then delivering Britains exit from the European Union. Attention will remain on Johnson for now because the full House of Commons must debate the committees report, providing another opportunity for the former prime ministers backers and detractors to do battle. After the debate, lawmakers will vote on whether to uphold the panels findings and recommended sanctions. British news organizations first revealed that members of Johnsons staff held a series of parties in 2020 and 2021 when such gatherings were prohibited by pandemic restrictions. The partygate scandal angered the public, distracted lawmakers and was at the center of Thursdays report. Johnson initially denied that any parties took place, then repeatedly assured lawmakers that pandemic rules and guidance were followed at all times. The committee, which took testimony from Johnson and senior members of his government during its 14-month investigation, concluded that those assurances were misleading and that Johnson failed to correct the record when asked to do so. This amounted to a serious contempt of Parliament, the panel found. The contempt was all the more serious because it was committed by the prime minister, the most senior member of the government, the committee said. There is no precedent for a prime minister having been found to have deliberately misled the House. He misled the House on an issue of the greatest importance to the House and to the public, and did so repeatedly. Johnson and his wife, Carrie, were fined by the Metropolitan Police last year for breaching COVID-19 laws at a birthday party for Johnson in June 2020 at his Downing Street residence and office. He was forced to step down as prime minister in September after dozens of ministers resigned from his government following a series of scandals, including partygate. He has sought to salvage his political career by attacking the privileges committee and its members, saying their investigation was unfair and undemocratic. A majority of the panel's seven members are fellow Conservatives. Johnson characterized the committees findings as a load of complete tripe and said the report was a charade designed to justify his opponents efforts to oust him. This is a dreadful day for MPs and for democracy, Johnson said in a statement tinged with fury. This decision means that no MP is free from vendetta, or expulsion on trumped up charges by a tiny minority who want to see him or her gone from the Commons. Had he not resigned, a suspension of 10 days or more would have allowed Johnsons constituents to circulate a recall petition to oust him from the House of Commons. The committee found that Johnsons misleading statements warranted a suspension long enough to trigger such a recall petition. But it added that his efforts to impugn the committees reputation and undermine the democratic processes of the legislative chamber and his complicity in a public campaign to intimidate the committee amounted to further contempt of Parliament that warranted a suspension of 90 days. Since Johnson already resigned, the panel recommended not granting him the parliamentary pass traditionally given to former members. If they are endorsed by the full House of Commons, the committee's proposed sanctions would not bar Johnson from seeking office in the future. But his reaction to the findings, together with his attacks on fellow Conservatives, might make a political comeback impossible, said Steven Fielding, emeritus professor of politics at the University of Nottingham. He likes to kind of implicitly compare himself to (wartime leader Winston) Churchill, who had all kinds of disasters in his political career and yet came back in the most unlikely circumstances, Fielding said. "But I don't think he's a Churchill in that respect.'' Revelations of the booze-fueled partygate gatherings, which took place at a time when millions were prohibited from seeing loved ones or even attending family funerals, angered many Britons and added to a string of ethics scandals that spelled Johnsons downfall. Johnson acknowledged misleading lawmakers when he assured them that no rules had been broken, but he insisted he didnt do so deliberately. In March, he told the committee he honestly believed the gatherings he attended, including a send-off for a staff member and his own surprise birthday party, were lawful work gatherings intended to boost morale among overworked staff members coping with a deadly pandemic. Sunak was Johnson's treasury secretary during the pandemic and among dozens of people fined for attending a series of office parties and wine time Fridays in 2020 and 2021 across government buildings. The COVID-19 Bereaved Families for Justice, a group representing relatives of people who died in the pandemic, said the committee's report was a painful reminder that while they were saying goodbye to loved ones on Zoom, their country's leader at the time was holding parties. David Garfinkel, a spokesperson for the group, said Johnson should be barred from holding office again. Johnson has shown no remorse,'' Garfinkel said in a statement. Instead he lied to our faces when he told us that hed done all he could' to protect our loved ones. He lied again when he said the rules hadnt been broken in Number 10, and hes lied ever since when hes denied it again and again.'' Ukraine expects that NATO will clarify the country's prospects for becoming a member of the Alliance at the summit in Vilnius. Source: Voice of America, citing Oleksii Reznikov, Ukraines Defence Minister Details: Reznikov stated that Ukraine is already actually playing the role of NATO's eastern flank, protecting "democratic, civilised Europe from barbaric Russia." The minister emphasised that for Ukraine, the protection of Europe is "not just an abstract concept". Quote: "We have already achieved impressive results in the fight against Russia, thanks to our work with member countries of the Alliance. We have already collected an incredibly diverse arsenal of weapons and equipment. We have built logistical routes from NATO countries to us, which are logistical routes of unprecedented complexity, and organised training programs in NATO countries... We will strengthen such cooperation in the future." More details: According to the Defence Minister, now "the whole country is waiting for clarity: when and how we will become a full member of the Alliance." "The Ministry of Defence and the Armed Forces are now striving to achieve maximum interoperability with NATO countries for our Armed Forces, for our Security and Defence Forces due to the implementation of NATO standards. Our goal is to fulfil everything within the competence of the Ministry of Defence and the Armed Forces, to build all practical things to such measures to free up space in Vilnius for making the necessary political decisions at the level of heads of state," Reznikov said. Note. The 2023 Vilnius Summit is a future NATO summit scheduled for 11-12 July in the capital of Lithuania. Background: On 14 June, Dmytro Kuleba, the Minister of Foreign Affairs of Ukraine, had a conversation with Annalena Baerbock, his German counterpart; the two discussed the preparation for the NATO Summit in Vilnius. Journalists fight on their own frontline. Support Ukrainska Pravda or become our patron! Ukraines air defense downs nearly 75% of all Russian missiles, reports General Staff Ukrainian air defense forces shoot down a Russian missile during the attack of the invaders on Kyiv on June 6 "Since the beginning of June, Ukrainian Air Defence Forces have intercepted 74% of missiles launched by the enemy and about 60% of attack UAV," he said. The Ukrainian army has also shot down over 300 Russian helicopters since the beginning of Russia's full-scale invasions, he recalled. "Therefore, the number of eliminated in Ukraine helicopters is as five times as large as in two Russian wars of aggression against Ichkeria, where the Russian terrorists lost about 60 of their combat and cargo helicopters," he concluded. Read also: Russias relocation of missile systems to Bryansk Oblast posing threat to seven Ukrainian regions General Staff Russian invaders have repeatedly attacked peaceful cities and towns with missiles and suicide drones since the full-scale invasion began. The enemy has been conducting air strikes on the Ukrainian capital almost every night since the beginning of May using both drones and missiles. While air defense has been able to intercept nearly all enemy aerial targets, their debris has caused damage and even casualties. Russia has also targeted settlements across Ukraine in the past weeks. The invading forces launched cruise missiles and Iranian-made Shahed drones on Ukraine overnight on June 15, once again. Read also: Six people hospitalized after Russian missile attack on Odesa Ukrainian air defenses intercepted 22 aerial targets, including all 13 attack drones targeting Odesa Oblast. An enemy missile was shot down, while another three hit two industrial non-military facilities in Kryvyi Rih, Dnipropetrovsk Oblast. Three people were killed and another 13 were wounded in Odesa the previous night. A retail warehouse, a business center, high-rise apartment buildings, an educational facility, stores, and cars were damaged in that attack. Were bringing the voice of Ukraine to the world. Support us with a one-time donation, or become a Patron! Read the original article on The New Voice of Ukraine Ukraine already using Polish and Slovakian MiG-29 fighters to protect Ukrainian skies MiG-29 fighters In June, MiG-29 fighters received as part of international technical assistance from Poland and Slovakia were added to the arsenal, he noted. Hromov expressed gratitude to the partners for their support of the Ukrainian Armed Forces and expressed hope for the transfer of F-16 fighters. Read also: US sending more Zuni rockets to Ukraine, and how Ukraine uses them We sincerely thank our partners for their support and assistance. We also look forward to witnessing the presence of the legendary F-16 fighters in the Ukrainian skies in the near future, he said. Warsaw has already delivered ten MiG-29 aircraft to Kyiv, while Slovakia has fulfilled its promise by delivering all thirteen MiG-29 fighters to Ukraine. These two nations became the first NATO members to supply combat aircraft to bolster the Ukrainian defense. Although the Ukrainian Air Force acknowledges the transfer of modernized Soviet MiG-29 fighters as valuable assistance, it is unlikely to lead to substantial changes on the front line. Modern multi-role aircraft are essential for achieving air superiority in Ukraine. 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 The counteroffensive of Ukrainian troops has been going on for a week now, but Kyiv has used only a small part of the trained units, and the main battles are still ahead, according to Western analysts. Source: Reuters Quote from Reuters: "After a week of heavy fighting, the real tests of Kyiv's counteroffensive lie ahead, with Ukrainian troops some distance from Russia's main defensive line and the bulk of forces prepared for the push still on standby." Details: Konrad Muzyka, a military analyst from Poland who closely follows the course of the war, says that so far, Ukraine has used only 3 of the 12 brigades prepared for the counteroffensive. According to analysts, Ukraine has created 12 armoured brigades to conduct the counteroffensive operation, nine of which were trained and equipped by the West. A brigade usually has at least 3,500-4,000 troops. Kyiv also said that the Ministry of Internal Affairs had trained eight assault brigades, which is 40,000 soldiers in total. Analysts say that Ukraine's main forces are concentrated near the city of Orikhiv in Zaporizhzhia Oblast and Velyka Novosilka in Donetsk Oblast, which is about 80 km to the East. "Those thrusts may indicate Ukraine's generals have their eye on Tokmak, an occupied town in Zaporizhzhia Oblast some 25 km from the front line. A further 50 km away lies the city of Melitopol. Both settlements are heavily fortified", writes Reuters. The news agency recalls that near the settlement of Velyka Novosilka, the Armed Forces of Ukraine liberated four villages. According to Anna Maliar, Deputy Defence Minister, the troops advanced 6.5 km and won 90 square kilometres of territory along the 100-kilometre section of the southern front line. On Wednesday, it reported further advances by 300-350 metres in various sections over the past 24 hours. Muzyka believes that the counteroffensive initially progressed quite well, but progress seems to have stopped 5 or 6 days after the start of this significant phase. The analyst has no idea why it happened. Reuters writes that the lack of air force complicates the counteroffensive. Kyiv has been lobbying for the supply of F-16 fighter jets in the West for months but has yet to receive them. It is also reported that Russian dictator Vladimir Putin has already called Kyiv's counteroffensive a failure and the one that led to heavy losses. At the same time, according to Muzyka's estimates, Ukraine may have lost up to 15% of its Bradley IFVs and a small percentage of Leopard 2 tanks, but it is possible that some of these vehicles were taken away by Ukrainian troops and sent for repair. Meanwhile, military analyst Jack Watling who works for the RUSI Research Center stressed that it is too early to talk about either success or failure of the counteroffensive. The Ukrainian counteroffensive began about a week ago. But Russia has also prepared for, equipping thousands of defensive positions from the temporarily occupied territories in eastern Ukraine to the occupied Crimea: minefields, anti-tank ditches, rows of concrete barricades, "dragon's teeth", and trenches. These positions, which Reuters analysed using satellite images taken in April, are mostly focused on the strategically vital south, where Kyiv is likely seeking to cut off the Russian land corridor to the peninsula and thus split Kremlin forces. Journalists fight on their own frontline. Support Ukrainska Pravda or become our patron! Ukraine de facto serving as NATOs eastern flank as the whole country waits for clarity Reznikov inspects the military equipment received by the Armed Forces The minister expressed his expectation that the Alliance would clarify the issue of Ukraines membership in NATO during the upcoming summit in Vilnius in July. The protection of Europe is not just an abstract concept for Ukraine, Reznikov said. Weve already achieved impressive results in the fight against Russia, thanks to our work with the Alliance member states, he said. Weve already collected an incredibly diverse arsenal of weapons and equipment. Weve built logistics routes from NATO countries to us, which are logistics routes of unprecedented complexity, as well as organizing training programs in NATO countries. Well continue to strengthen such cooperation. Reznikov added that now the whole country is waiting for clarity: when and how we will become a full-fledged member of the Alliance. Ukraines Defense Ministry and Armed Forces are striving to achieve maximum interoperability with NATO countries through the implementation of the blocs standards, he said. Our goal is to fulfill everything that is within the competence of the Defense Ministry and the Armed Forces, to build all practical things to make it easier in Vilnius to take any necessary political decisions at the heads of state level. Reznikov commented on June 8 about the intensified discussion surrounding Ukraines membership in NATO following its application. He stated that while Alliance members are prepared for Ukraines accession, it will not be accepted until the full-scale war initiated by Russia is resolved, as it requires a unanimous vote. Earlier in June, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy emphasized that it would be pointless for Ukraine to participate in the NATO summit in Vilnius without receiving a clear signal regarding its membership. An article published on June 8 by U.S. news website Politico highlighted the lack of a unified position among Western allies on the security guarantees sought by Ukraine, just five weeks before the summit. 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 F/A-18 In a follow-up to our feature on how Australia's surplus upgraded F/A-18 Hornets could be well suited for reequipping Ukraine's war-torn air force, The War Zone has confirmed that Ukraine is indeed exploring if the jets could be a fit for its very pressing needs. We are at the early stage studying the technical characteristics and operability of the aircraft, Vasyl Myroshnychenko, Ukraines ambassador to Australia, told The War Zone Wednesday afternoon. Ukraine is in the beginning stages of assessing the condition of some Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) F/A-18 Hornets. (RAAF photo) While Myroshnychenko told us that Ukraine has not officially requested the Hornets just yet, buzz about RAAF Hornets possibly heading to Kyiv has been building. High-level international negotiations are continuing between Australia, Ukraine, and the United States over the fate of the decommissioned fighter aircraft, in what could become this country's largest-ever single transfer of military equipment to a foreign power, the Australian Broadcasting Company (ABC) wrote last week. A day earlier, the Australian Financial Review posited a similar idea, saying that the Biden administration "is favorably disposed to the idea of gifting Ukraine the F/A-18s." https://twitter.com/mog7546/status/1665876044337889280 The Biden administration would certainly be open to this process and assess it on its merits if Australia requests it, a U.S. official told The War Zone Wednesday. However, the official, speaking on condition of anonymity to discuss this process, is not aware of any negotiations the U.S. is involved in regarding the Hornets. We are not sure how serious the idea is right now or how flushed out it is. The Biden administration has certainly heard about the idea, but we have not been approached by the Australians, said the official. Told that the Ukrainians have yet to formally request the Hornets but are in the process of assessing their condition, the official said that makes sense. Why request a third-party transfer if you havent been asked? The Biden administration certainly wants Ukraine to get airplanes, the official said, adding that last months decision by President Joe Biden to allow Ukrainian pilots to be trained on F-16s shows that we are supportive of that. https://twitter.com/ZelenskyyUa/status/1659590726840197123?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw%7Ctwcamp%5Etweetembed%7Ctwterm%5E1659590726840197123%7Ctwgr%5Ed44f5344662790b9200627ac9b5f9169291f478c%7Ctwcon%5Es1_\u0026ref_url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.thedrive.com%2Fthe-war-zone%2Fukraine-situation-report-f-16-coalition-begins-to-take-shape But without knowing how serious this is, its hard to weigh in on the details too much, the official said. After the upgraded FA/-18A/Bs were retired in 2021, Texas-based adversary air contractor RAVN Aerospace (then called Air USA) entered into an agreement to purchase up to 46 of the multi-role fighters. They are currently housed at RAAF Base Williamtown in varying states of airworthiness. Sources familiar with the negotiations told ABC that RAVN Aerospace is willing to on-sell the Hornets to Ukraine but first requires approval from the White House given the fourth-generation fighters have American intellectual property. The War Zone understands that if the jets don't get transferred to another party, and soon, they will be shredded. RAVN has declined to officially comment on the matter. RAAF F/A-18 Hornet pilots discuss their mission after landing at Andersen Air Force Base, Guam. (Royal Australian Air Force photo by Cpl. David Gibbs) Next month, Prime Minister Anthony Albanese is expected to unveil a new package of military support for Ukraine, ABC reported, "but a senior government official played down suggestions the F/A-18s would be part of the announcement." As noted earlier, the concept of RAVN turning over its Hornets to Ukraine is something we first broached back in April. Our in-depth report looked at the many advantages and disadvantages of such a proposition, as well what it could mean for Ukraine. "Considering what is happening in Ukraine, and the country's extreme need for Western fourth-generation fighter capabilities, having dozens of upgraded F/A-18s in good condition just languishing in storage seems like a remarkable missed opportunity. With this in mind we set out to get to the bottom of the status of the Hornets and what could be possible not just in terms of providing fighters for Kyiv's cause but also rapidly training pilots and ground crews to support that cause." You can read more about that in our deep dive here. https://twitter.com/Aviation_Intel/status/1648820737359364102 Australias ability to consider such a transfer is only possible because it transitioned to more modern F/A-18F Super Hornets, EA-18G Growlers, and F-35 Lighting II Joint Strike Fighters. The RAAFs first squadron of F-35s became operational in 2021. The RAAF says it expects all 72 of its F-35s to be fully operational this calendar year. Two dozen Super Hornets and a dozen Growlers round-out the RAAF's tactical jet inventory. Australia's current tactical jet stable. (U.S. Air Force photo by Tech. Sgt. Hailey Haux) If the RAAF Hornet transfer were to become a reality, a Hornet coalition for Ukraine, akin to the one being formed over the Vipers, is not unthinkable, either. Like Australia, there are a number of nations that will be transitioning from the Hornet to the Lightning in just a few years time. This would allow Ukraine to continue Hornet operations well into the next decade with spare airframes, parts, and expertise. Finland has 62 F/A-18C/D multirole fighter jets and 64 F-35s on order. Canada recently finalized a deal to purchase F-35As to replace its fleet of CF-18 Hornets. In 2021, Switzerland selected the F-35 to replace the Swiss Air Forces existing fleet of 30 legacy F/A-18C/D Hornets. Spain will be concluding Hornet operations in the coming years as well. Other international opportunities exist, too. This includes Kuwait's notoriously healthy F/A-18C/D fleet that is being replaced, and possibly U.S. examples, as well. While all this remains in the discovery stages at this time, at least publicly, we have seen other advanced weapons acquisitions for Ukraine ramp up drastically if the powers that be come together on the subject. The optics of shredding capable jets that are well suited for Ukraine's needs while the country is begging the world for 4th generation fighter capability would be abysmal, regardless. We will certainly keep an eye on this as it develops. Contact the author: howard@thewarzone.com (Bloomberg) -- Rafael Mariano Grossi, director general of the International Atomic Energy Agency, visited Ukraines Russian-occupied Zaporizhzhya nuclear power plant to inspect its water supply after the blast that destroyed the Kakhovka reservoir and dam. He said on Twitter that the plants water supply is sufficient to keep the nuclear plant safe for some time, but the situation will be monitored very closely. Most Read from Bloomberg As fighting continues in Ukraine, the battlefield map has been redrawn since the destruction of the dam, which flooded the countryside. Ukraines air force said on Telegram that it downed all 20 Shahed drones fired by Russia overnight as well as one of the four cruise missiles fired from bombers. Defense ministers from the North Atlantic Treaty Organization met in Brussels to discuss the fighting in Ukraine as well as the countrys prospects for eventual membership in the alliance. NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg told reporters on Wednesday that work will continue to ensure ratification for Swedens membership as soon as possible. Latest Coverage Dam Breach Remakes Ukraine Battlefield as Vast Reservoir Drains Ukraine to Hold Rates With Cut Seen Later This Year: Day Guide Kissinger Says Putin Survival Improbable If Ukraine Prevails Erdogan Says Sweden Anti-Terror Law Not Enough for NATO Bid Germany Names Russia as Principal Threat to Euro-Atlantic Sphere Coming Up NATO defense ministers wil continue their two-day meeting in Brussels Most Read from Bloomberg Businessweek 2023 Bloomberg L.P. U.S. Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin revealed on June 15 that a number of countries have pledged new military aid packages to Ukraine at the 13th Ramstein-format summit of the Ukraine Defense Contact Group (UDCG) in Brussels. According to Austin, these countries include the U.S., the U.K., Denmark, the Netherlands, Canada, Germany, Norway, and Italy. Canada is to deliver its "largest tranche of military aid" to Ukraine, committing $500 million of defense funding, Canadian Defense Minister Anita Anand said. In terms of equipment, Ottawa will provide 10,000 105mm artillery rounds and 288 AIM-7 Sparrow air-to-air missiles, as well as small arms ammunition, maintenance assistance for Leopard 2 tanks, and training for Ukrainian soldiers, pilots, and technicians. Anand informed that Ottawa prepared 200 Senator armored vehicles for Ukraine, out of which 116 have been delivered and 18 more will arrive in the coming days. The governments of the U.S., the U.K., Denmark, and the Netherlands have pledged to provide hundreds of air defense missiles, along with other pieces of necessary air defense equipment. At Ramstein, allies pledge $65 billion of combined military aid to Ukraine The members of the Ukraine Defense Contact Group, which meets in Germanys Ramstein Air Base, pledged to provide $65 billion of military aid to Ukraine, U.S. Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin said during an opening address at the summit on May 25. The Kyiv IndependentThe Kyiv Independent news desk Austin added that Denmark announced a separate military aid package of its own worth $2.6 billion to be delivered through 2024 without specifying its content. In a Danish Defense Ministry press release from June 15, the government informed it wants to set aside as much as 21.9 billion Danish crowns ($3.2 billion) for its Ukraine Fund in the coming years. Earlier today, Copenhagen announced that it will supply Ukraine with 10,500 artillery shells in joint efforts with Norway. Italy has reportedly announced a new tranche of aid including "highly critical capabilities that meet Ukraine's most urgent needs to defend itself," while Norway and Germany have pledged multi-year aid packages. The UDCG, comprising around 50 nations, meets regularly in the so-called Ramstein-format summits to coordinate support for Ukraine against Russian aggression. In his opening remarks for the ongoing 13th summit, Austin promised to deliver "urgent capabilities" Ukraine needs to defend against Russia. Ukraines soldiers are ready to fight Vladimir Putins even with our bare hands if necessary, a senior military official has said, as Kyiv claimed its counteroffensive had already liberated 100 square kilometres of territory from Russia. Brigadier-General Oleksii Hromov that Kyiv had so far recaptured seven settlements in Donetsk and Zaporizhzhia two of four regions in which Moscow claimed on Thursday that it planned to hold regional elections in September. With both sides seeking to claim their enemies losses greatly outnumbered their own, Reuters reported that corpses of dead Russian soldiers were strew along roads leading into the recently recaptured Ukrainian village of Storozheve, alongside burnt-out armoured vehicles. Other remains of the Russian troops fighting in the region were found dumped in the grass and fields nearby where they died, the news agency reported. Three days ago we liberated the village of Storozheve. You can see for yourselves how it was achieved. You can see the destroyed hardware. Glory to Ukraine, a Ukrainian soldier who gave his name as Artem told the news agency. Key Points Dead Russian soldiers line road into liberated Ukrainian village Russia losing nine times more troops in Bakhmut, says Ukraine Ukraine claims advances against Moscows troops in extremely fierce fighting Russia losing 900 soldiers a day during counteroffensive, claims Kyiv Civilians killed in Russian cruise missile attack on Odesa, Ukraine official says Russian tactical nukes three times bigger than Hiroshima and Nagasaki arriving in Belarus' Moscow deploying elite air units to support troops facing Ukraines counteroffensive Dead Russian soldiers line road into liberated Ukrainian village 05:50 , Arpan Rai The road into the liberated Ukrainian village of Storozheve, recaptured from Russian forces last week, is lined with the corpses of Russian soldiers and burnt-out armoured vehicles, reported Reuters. Some corpses of the dead Russian soldiers remain on the dusty ground beside the husks of their vehicles when Reuters journalists reached the village yesterday. Others were found dumped crumpled in the grass and fields nearby where they died. Three days ago we liberated the village of Storozheve. You can see for yourselves how it was achieved. You can see the destroyed hardware. Glory to Ukraine, a Ukrainian soldier who gave his name only as Artem told Reuters in Storozheve. The grim landscape bears witness to the ferocity of fighting as Ukrainian troops recaptured Storozheve which had been held by Russia since March last year and several other villages in the past few days as part of a counteroffensive in southern and eastern Ukraine. UN nuclear chief arrives at Zaporzhzia plant after delay 12:41 , Andy Gregory UN nuclear chief Rafael Grossi has arrived at the Russian-controlled Zaporizhzhia nuclear power plant in southern Ukraine, according to Reuters reporters in the area. Mr Grossi is expected to inspect the plant after last weeks breach of the massive Kakhovka Dam, but his arrival was delayed by a day over concerns for his safety, with the plant located close to areas where Ukraines counteroffensive is taking place. Drone footage shows scale of destruction in Odesa after Russian strike 12:07 , Andy Gregory Russia intends to press UN for international probe into Nord Stream blasts 11:43 , Andy Gregory Russia has said it intends to press the UN Security Council once again for an international investigation into the sabotage of the Nord Stream gas pipelines last September. We will now bring the UN Security Council back to an examination of this issue, foreign ministry spokespeson Maria Zakharova told reporters during a regular briefing on Thursday. Ms Zakharova accused the three Western permanent members of the Security Council the United States, UK and France of having previously blocked Russias efforts to secure a transparent investigation of what happened to the pipelines. Russia and China are also permanent members of the council. Russia believes it can hold elections in four Ukrainian regions in September, electoral chief claims 11:21 , Andy Gregory Russias defence ministry and Federal Security Service (FSB) consider it possible to hold elections in September in the four Ukrainian regions that Russia claimes to have annexed, state news agency Tass reports the head of Russias electoral commission as saying. Russia does not fully control the Donetsk, Luhansk, Zaporizhzhia and Kherson regions, and fighting is ongoing in all four regions but according to Moscows plans they regions are scheduled to elect local governors in September. Russia declared the regions part of its own territory after hastily conducting what it called referendums in occupied areas of Ukraine last September that Kyiv and the West denounced as illegal and coercive. Russia accuses Bryansk resident of gathering data on security forces near Ukraine 10:44 , Andy Gregory Russias Federal Security Service (FSB) has detained a resident of the southern Bryansk region who it claimed had been gathering data on security forces in areas bordering Ukraine, state news outlets report. Separately, the same news agency Tass also reported that the FSB had detained two men in the southern Stavropol region on suspicion of planning to blow up the interior ministry headquarters in the city of Pyatigorsk. The two men were believed to be Isis supporters, the RIA news agency claimed. How significant is the reported recapture of the first Ukrainian villages from Russia? 09:59 , Andy Gregory Ukraine has celebrated the first territorial gains of its long-trailed counteroffensive against the invading Russian forces. Unverified photographs and video appearing on Sunday and on Monday morning showed Ukrainian soldiers holding their countrys blue and yellow flag aloft in triumph in the eastern villages of Storozheve, Blahodatne, Neskuchne and Makarivka in Donetsk, suggesting they had been recaptured from occupying enemy troops. My colleague Joe Sommerlad looks at the significance of this development: How significant is the reported recapture of the first Ukrainian villages? Belarus shoots down Ukrainian drone' 09:36 , Andy Gregory Belarusian border guards have shot down a Ukrainian drone, Russian state news has claimed. The object was brought down over the Gomel region, which borders Ukraine, the Tass news agency reported. Nato ministers meet to discuss future relations with Ukraine 08:59 , Andy Gregory Nato defence ministers have gathered today to discuss future relations with Ukraine, which has intensified its push to join the military alliance since Russias invasion. The ministers were also due to take part in a separate meeting at Natos headquarters of the US-led Ukraine Contact Group the forum Ukraines supporters routinely join to try to drum up weapons and ammunition to help Kyiv fight the Russian invasion. The alliance agreed in 2008 that Ukraine would join one day, but did not set a date for it to start membership talks. After Vladimir Putins invasion sparked further talk of Kyivs membership, Ukraine applied for accelerated accession to the mililtary bloc last September. However, Nato chief Jens Stoltenberg has said there is no consensus for the country to join while it is at war with Russia. Speaking ahead of the meeting, he said: We agree that the most urgent task now is to ensure that Ukraine prevails as a sovereign independent nation because unless Ukraine prevails and can continue as a democratic state in Europe, there is no membership issue to be discussed at all. Stoltenberg said that he expects the 31-nation alliance to agree [to] a multi-year program where we help to move Ukraine to transition from old standards, equipment, procedures, doctrines to Nato standards and become fully interoperable with Nato. Ukraines defence minister Oleksii Reznikov arrives for the Nato meeting in Brussels (EPA/OLIVIER MATTHYS) Too soon to assess agriculture losses from Ukraine dam breach in Russian-controlled areas - Russian deputy PM 08:21 , Maryam Zakir-Hussain A senior Russian official said on Thursday it was too soon to assess agricultural losses in Russian-controlled areas from the breaching of Ukraines Kakhovka dam, state news agency TASS said. The dam burst flooded huge areas of Kherson region, one of four that Russia claimed last year as its own territory after launching its full-scale invasion of Ukraine. Unfortunately, we cannot yet estimate the total amount of losses for agriculture. We need all the water to drain. And then we will be able to understand which farmers have suffered this damage and to what extent, TASS quoted Deputy Prime Minister Victoria Abramchenko as saying. Russian forces control about 18% of the territory of Ukraine, one of the worlds leading grain producers. A majority of countries at the United Nations General Assembly have rejected the annexations as illegal. TASS quoted Abramchenko as saying the flood would not affect Russias crop forecasts overall. Ukraine and Russia have accused each other of blowing up the dam in the early hours of June 6. Houses are seen underwater and polluted by oil in a flooded neighbourhood in Kherson after the destrucion of the Kakhovka dam (Copyright 2020 The Associated Press. All rights reserved) Kakhovka dam breach will not affect Russian crop forecasts -TASS 07:46 , Maryam Zakir-Hussain The breach of the Kakhovka dam will not affect Russias crop forecasts, state-owned news agency TASS cited Russian Deputy Prime Minister Viktoria Abramchenko as saying on Thursday. Belarus receives nuclear bombs three times size of Hiroshima bomb from Russia 07:39 , Maryam Zakir-Hussain Belarus has started taking the delivery of Russian tactical nuclear weapons, president Alexander Lukashenko announced, claiming that some of these were three times more powerful than the atomic bombs dropped on Hiroshima and Nagasaki in 1945. Mr Lukashenko said that the bombs are three times more powerful than those (dropped on) Hiroshima and Nagasaki, adding to his previous statement that he didnt simply ask Mr Putin for the weapons, but demanded them. The Vladimir Putin ally was speaking to the Russian state TV channel Rossiya-1 on a road in a forest clearing with military vehicles and a storage facility visible in the background seen around him. Belarus receives nuclear bombs three times size of Hiroshima bomb from Russia Norway, Denmark to donate 9,000 rounds of artillery to Ukraine 07:15 , Arpan Rai Norway and Denmark have agreed to donate an additional 9,000 rounds of artillery to Ukraine, the Norwegian Ministry of Defence (MoD) said in a statement today. Norway will provide the shells, while Denmark will donate fuses and propellant charges, the Norwegian ministry said. Wagner chiefs rhetoric amid contract feud evolving into defiance 07:07 , Arpan Rai The Russian mercenary Wagner group chiefs rhetoric is evolving into defiance as he continues to lock horns with the Kremlin over the contract signing controversy, the British Ministry of Defence (MoD) said. Earlier this month, the Russian defence ministry demanded that members of volunteers formations such as Wagner Group sign contracts directly with the MoD. The move was explicitly endorsed by president Vladimir Putin on television on Tuesday this week. For several months, Wagner owner Yevgeny Prigozhin has been aiming vitriolic criticism at the MoD hierarchy but deferred to Putins authority, the British ministry said in its intelligence update today. It added that despite Putins comments, a day later Prigozhin said that, none of Wagners fighters are ready to go down the path of shame again. Thats why they will not sign the contracts. Prigozhins rhetoric is evolving into defiance of broader sections of the Russian establishment. 01 July 2023, the deadline for the volunteers to sign contracts, is likely to be a key way-point in the feud, the British MoD said. Japan in talks to provide artillery shells to help Ukraine via US report 06:37 , Arpan Rai Japan is in talks to provide artillery shells to the United States to bolster stocks for Ukraines counteroffensive against Russia, the Wall Street Journal reported today. It added that the Asian ally is considering supplying 155-mm artillery shells under a 2016 agreement to share ammunition as part of its long-standing security alliance with the US, the paper added, citing people familiar with the matter. Mapped: The damage caused by Ukraines devastated dam 05:03 , Arpan Rai War-torn Ukraine is reeling from the collapse of the Nova Kakhovka hydroelectric dam, which saw its reservoir burst causing chaos for miles around. The catastrophe on Tuesday 6 June forced thousands of residents of nearby towns and villages to evacuate their homes as the floodwater barrelled towards them and left some climbing onto rooftops or into trees to escape the raging torrents. The water in the reservoir feeds a wide area of southern Ukrainian farmland, including the annexed peninsula of Crimea, as well as providing all-important cooling water to the Russian-held Zaporizhzhia nuclear plant, lying nearby as indicated on the map below. Mapped: The damage caused by Ukraines devastated dam Russia losing nine times more troops in Bakhmut, says Ukraine 04:42 , Arpan Rai Russian forces are losing almost nine times more soldiers than Ukraine, the war-hit countrys deputy defence minister said on Telegram, adding that during the offensive, the Ukrainian army has suffered many times less losses compared to the invaders. In Khortytsia, the Bakhmut direction, the enemy has 8.73 times more dead, almost nine times five times, she said on Telegram last night, sharing the data for the past week. On the other heavy fighting axis in the war along "Tavriya" towards Zaporizhia and Berdyansk directions, Russias casualties were 5.3 times more than ours, the deputy defence minister said. I want to remind you that during a war, neither side publishes accurate data on their losses, because this can be used by the enemy to predict the enemys future actions on the battlefield, Ms Malyar said. Chechen leader says top commander Adam Delimkhanov alive and well 03:56 , Arpan Rai Chechen leader Ramzan Kadyrov denied reports of the killing of one of his senior commanders in fighting in Ukraine, who he said was found alive and well. Delimkhanov was alive and well and not even wounded, Kadyrov said on Telegram. He has led Chechnya since 2007 and is a close ally of Vladimir Putin. Initial reports by Russias Zvezda television channel cited the parliamentary press service as saying Delimkhanov had been wounded in Ukraine. It followed rumours on Ukrainian social media channels that the Chechen commander had been killed in an artillery strike in southern Ukraine. The commander, Adam Delimkhanov, heads the Chechen division of the Russian national guard and is also a member of Russias parliament. He is widely seen as the Caucasian regions second most senior official after Kadyrov himself. Kadyrov added that he had known Delimkhanov was uninjured from the start of what he called a fake information attack, but had remained silent in order to embarrass Ukrainian media outlets that reported on the commanders alleged injury. In a later posting on Telegram, Kadyrov mocked the Ukrainian media reports about Delimkhanov for brazen lies about his elimination. Kadyrov said he had been temporarily unable to communicate with Delimkhanov while he was in Ukraine.Delimkhanov, who has an active social media presence with over half a million followers on Telegram, has not commented so far. ICYMI: Residential building in Zelenskys hometown engulfed by flames after deadly strike 02:40 , Joe Middleton NATO leader says Ukrainians are making progress and advancing against Russian forces 01:40 , Joe Middleton NATO Secretary-General Jens Stoltenberg told President Joe Biden at an Oval Office meeting on Tuesday that Ukrainians are making progress with their counteroffensive, which could bolster their position when theres an opportunity to reach a diplomatic end to the war with Russia. The support that we are providing together for Ukraine is now making a difference on the battlefield as we speak, Stoltenberg said. Because the offensive has launched, and the Ukrainians are making progress, making advances. He added, Its still early days, but what we do know is that the more land that Ukrainians are able to liberate, the stronger hand they will have at the negotiating table. NATO leader says Ukrainians are making progress and advancing against Russian forces Thursday 15 June 2023 00:40 , Joe Middleton Russian President Vladimir Putin on Tuesday alternated threats of a new Russian offensive to grab more Ukrainian land with statements about the Kremlins readiness for peace talks. Speaking during a far-ranging meeting with Russian military correspondents and war bloggers, he made some of the most extensive comments about the conflict and his goals since sending the troops into Ukraine more than 15 months ago. Here is a quick look at some of Putins key statements: Putin mixes threats of new offensive in Ukraine with offers of peace talks Fires rage in Ukrainian city of Odesa after Russian missile attack Wednesday 14 June 2023 23:40 , Joe Middleton 110 million people forcibly displaced as Sudan, Ukraine wars add to world refugee crisis, UN says Wednesday 14 June 2023 22:40 , Joe Middleton Some 110 million people have had to flee their homes because of conflict, persecution, or human rights violations, the U.N. High Commissioner for Refugees says. The war in Sudan, which has displaced nearly 2 million people since April, is but the latest in a long list of crises that has led to the record-breaking figure. Its quite an indictment on the state of our world, Filippo Grandi, who leads the U.N. refugee agency, told reporters in Geneva ahead of the publication Wednesday of UNHCRs Global Trends Report for 2022. Last year alone, an additional 19 million people were forcibly displaced including more than 11 million who fled Russias full-scale invasion of Ukraine in what became the fastest and largest displacement of people since World War II. 110 million people forcibly displaced as Sudan, Ukraine wars add to world refugee crisis, UN says Saxophonist plays on rooftops of flooded Kherson homes after Nova Kakhovka dam attack Wednesday 14 June 2023 22:01 , Joe Middleton Watch: ICRC gives update on Ukraine dam collapse and prisoners of war Wednesday 14 June 2023 21:40 , Joe Middleton Watch as the International Committee of the Red Cross holds a briefing on the Ukraine dam situation and the organisations visits to prisoners of war. The Nova Kakhova dam, which was under Russian control, was breached on the morning of 6 June, with water surging through it and causing extensive flooding in Kherson - prompting the evacuation of thousands of people. Damage to the area can be seen from space, with huge areas of land submerged in water. As of Tuesday, 13 June, the death toll from flooding in two Russian-controlled towns in southern Ukraine has risen to 17 in the wake of the dams collapse, a Russian-installed official in Kherson said. Watch: ICRC gives update on Ukraine dam collapse and prisoners of war Russian court sends an associate of Kremlin foe Navalny to prison for 7 1/2 years Wednesday 14 June 2023 20:40 , Joe Middleton A court in Russia on Wednesday convicted an associate of imprisoned opposition leader Alexei Navalny on extremism charges and sentenced her to 7 1/2 years in prison, the latest step in a yearslong crackdown by the Kremlin on opposition activists. Lilia Chanysheva, who used to head Navalnys office in the Russian region of Bashkortostan, was found guilty of calling for extremism, forming an extremist group and founding an organization that violates rights. The charges against Chanysheva, who was arrested in November 2021, stem from a court ruling earlier that year that designated Navalnys Foundation for Fighting Corruption and his regional offices as extremist organizations. In addition to the prison sentence, Chanysheva was fined 400,000 rubles (about $4,700). Her trial was conducted behind closed doors and she has maintained her innocence, rejecting the charges as politically motivated. Russian court sends an associate of Kremlin foe Navalny to prison for 7 1/2 years Erdogan says no change in Turkey's stance on Sweden's NATO membership Wednesday 14 June 2023 19:40 , Joe Middleton Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan has said that NATO should not bet on his country approving Swedens application to join the Western military alliance before a July summit because the Nordic nation has not fully addressed his security concerns. Sweden and Finland applied for membership together following Russias invasion of Ukraine last year. Finland became NATOs 31st member in April after the Turkish parliament ratified its request, but Turkey has held off approving Swedens bid. NATO wants to bring Sweden into the fold by the time the leaders of member nations meet for a summit in Lithuanias capital on July 11-12. Speaking to journalists on his way back from a state visit to Azerbaijan on Tuesday, Erdogan said Turkeys attitude to the accession was not positive. Erdogan says no change in Turkey's stance on Sweden's NATO membership Russia steps up aerial strikes on Ukraine killing at least 6 Wednesday 14 June 2023 18:51 , Joe Middleton Russian forces have fired cruise missiles at the southern Ukrainian city of Odesa and shelled the eastern Donetsk region killing at least six people and damaging dozens of homes Moscow has recently stepped up aerial strikes in their nearly 16-month war. Kyivs armed forces, meanwhile, have reported limited gains in the early stages of a counteroffensive to take back the nearly one-fifth of Ukraines territory that is under Russian control. The grinding Ukrainian advance is pressing slowly ahead, Ukraines deputy defense minister, Hanna Maliar, said. Western analysts and military officials say the effort to dislodge entrenched, powerfully armed and large numbers of Russian troops could take years. Russia steps up aerial strikes on Ukraine killing at least 6 How significant is the reported recapture of the first Ukrainian villages from Russia? Wednesday 14 June 2023 18:40 , Joe Middleton Ukraine has celebrated the first territorial gains of its long-trailed counteroffensive against the invading Russian forces. Unverified photographs and video appearing on Sunday and on Monday morning showed Ukrainian soldiers holding their countrys blue and yellow flag aloft in triumph in the eastern villages of Storozheve, Blahodatne, Neskuchne and Makarivka in Donetsk, suggesting they had been recaptured from occupying enemy troops. Ukraines deputy defence minister Hanna Maliar posted one of the photos from Storozheve and thanked the 35th Separate Brigade of Marines for liberating it. How significant is the reported recapture of the first Ukrainian villages? Even very successful counteroffensive could need to be repeated next year, warns UK minister Wednesday 14 June 2023 17:40 , Andy Gregory Even a very successful Ukrainian counteroffensive may need to be repeated next year, a British defence minister has said, as he warned against expectations of a decisive victory. Opening a general debate on global military operations, James Heappey told the Commons there isnt really an update to give on Ukraine but a word of caution, instead, adding: These are very early stages of a very complex plan, a necessarily complex plan, given the scale of the challenge that they have. It will take a number of weeks until anybody can make any credible assessment over the success of the offensive. But it is under way, that much is clear. I think it is clear that there have been some early gains for the Ukrainians, that in some parts of the Russian line the regiments are performing incredibly and are holding their ground, but in many other parts of the line there is evidence of abandonment and mutiny. That should not in any way, I think, encourage us to believe that this is some war movie that all ends with a sort of wonderful, glorious victory, decisive victory, at the very end. He went on: That that may happen, its perfectly possible that it will, the Ukrainians have shown time and time again that they are brilliant at exceeding what normal military laws should expect, but it is also very possible that a very successful counteroffensive still brings with it the requirement to go again next year. It matters enormously to our Ukrainian friends, just as much as it is important that Putin hears that the international donor community is ready to rearm, retrain and go again next year, and the year after, and the year after. Germany to purchase six air defence systems for Luftwaffe Wednesday 14 June 2023 17:14 , Andy Gregory Germany will purchase six Iris-T air defence systems for its air force at cost of some 950m (812m), a member of the budget committee has told Reuters after politicians approved the deal. Boasting a range of some 25 miles and a 360 degree view, the Iris-T system is one of the most coveted weapons which Berlin has supplied to Ukraine, which has deployed the units to shoot down cruise missiles and aircraft including Iranian-made Shahed drones. The Luftwaffe is due to take delivery of the first unit in 2024. Berlin has bought two Iris-T units built by Diehl for Ukraine and pledged to send another two to Kyiv, but has not yet equipped its own forces with the systems. Erdogan warns Nato not to expect approval of Swedens application bid in time for July summit Wednesday 14 June 2023 16:30 , Andy Gregory Nato should not bet on Turkey approving Swedens application to join the military alliance before a July summit, Turkish president Recep Tayyip Erdogan has said, accusing the Nordic nation of failing to fully address his security concerns. Despite finally relenting to allow Finlands simultaneous bid several months ago, Ankara still refuses to grant Stockholm permission to join the bloc, accusing Sweden of being too lenient towards groups Turkey claims pose a threat to its security. Speaking to journalists on his way back from a state visit to Azerbaijan on Tuesday as senior officials from Nato, Turkey, Sweden and Finland met in Ankara Mr Erdogan said Turkeys attitude to the accession was not positive. Mr Erdogan said the Turkish delegation at the meeting will give this message: This is our presidents opinion, dont expect anything different at [the upcoming Nato summit in] Vilnius. (AP) Russias Duma gives initial backing for convicts to enlist against Ukraine Wednesday 14 June 2023 15:40 , Andy Gregory The lower house of Russias parliament has given its initial backing to plans allowing Moscows defence ministry to sign contracts with suspected or convicted criminals to fight in Ukraine. Under the proposed changes, a contract could be concluded with someone being investigated for committing a crime, who is having their case heard in court or after they have been convicted but before the verdict takes legal effect, according to the database of the State Duma, Russias lower house. People convicted of sexual crimes, treason, terrorism or extremism would not be able to sign up. Those who do sign up would be exempt from criminal liability upon completion of their contract or if they receive awards for their combat prowess. The new changes being examined by the Duma do not cover recruitment of people already serving their sentences and the Defence Ministry has not commented. Chechen leader Kadyrov insists reports his second-in-command is wounded are fake' Wednesday 14 June 2023 15:37 , Andy Gregory Chechen leader Ramzan Kadyrov has dismissed reports that one of his senior commanders had been killed or wounded in Ukraine, insisting that he was in fact alive and well. The commander, Adam Delimkhanov, leads the Chechen division of the Russian national guard and is also a member of Russias parliament, and is widely viewed as the Caucasian regions second most senior official after Mr Kadyrov, who is a close ally of Vladimir Putin. Mr Kadyrov claimed to have known that Mr Delimkhanov was uninjured from the start of what he called a fake information attack, and to have remained silent in order to embarrass Ukrainian media outlets which reported on the commanders alleged injury. Earlier on Wednesday, Russias Zvezda television channel cited the parliamentary press service as saying that Mr Delimkhanov had been wounded in Ukraine, with the Kremlin expressing worry over the reports. Mr Delimkhanov, who has an active social media presence, with over half a million followers on Telegram, did not comment. Another hostage in prison: Navalny associate jailed for more than 7 years by Russian court Wednesday 14 June 2023 14:50 , AP An associate of Russian opposition leader Alexei Navalny has been sentenced to more than seven years in prison on extremism charges the latest verdict in a crackdown on dissent by the Kremlin as it wages war in Ukraine, reports Dasha Litvinova. Lilia Chanysheva who used to head Navalny's office in the Russian region of Bashkortostan, was found guilty of calling for extremism, forming an extremist group and founding an organization that violates rights. Navalny aide Lyubov Sobol called it a political verdict, saying President Vladimir Putin had "put one more hostage in a penal colony". Navalny's spokeswoman Kira Yarmysh said Chanysheva had been punished for fighting for the future of her country. Navalny associate jailed by Russian court: Another hostage in prison Fire breaks out at Russian power station' Wednesday 14 June 2023 14:23 , Andy Gregory A fire has broken out at the Novocherkassk power station in Russia's southern Rostov region, close to the border with Ukraine, RIA has reported. The Russian state-owned news agency did not say what had caused the blaze. A thermal power plant is on fire in Russia's Novocherkassk, Rostov Oblast Russian media wrote an explosion has caused it. via https://t.co/WMMZ9Tcrdc pic.twitter.com/V1VrZCsjfC Euromaidan Press (@EuromaidanPress) June 14, 2023 Russian goodwill over Black Sea grain deal cannot last forever, Kremlin says Wednesday 14 June 2023 13:54 , Andy Gregory Russias goodwill over renewing the Black Sea grain deal cannot last forever, the Kremlin has warned. The remarks come a day after Vladimir Putin claimed that Moscow could withdraw from the vital grain deal, accusing the West of cheating Moscow by not implementing the promises it has made to ensure Russian agricultural goods reach world markets. The Russian president will discuss the Black Sea grain deal with African leaders on Saturday, the Interfax news agency reported. Kremlin expresses concern over reports Chechen military leader wounded in Ukraine Wednesday 14 June 2023 13:22 , Andy Gregory The Kremlin has expressed concern over media reports that a senior Chechen commander has been wounded in Ukraine. Earlier on Wednesday, the Defence Ministry's TV channel reported that Adam Delimkhanov, head of Chechnya's national guard, had been wounded in Ukraine. The ministry said it was awaiting clarification about what had really happened. Kyiv claims advances against Putins forces in fierce fighting Wednesday 14 June 2023 12:49 , Andy Gregory Ukraine has made incremental advances in the face of extremely fierce fighting during its counteroffensive against Vladimir Putins forces on Wednesday, the countrys deputy defence minister Hanna Maliar has claimed. Describing Kyivs actions as having had partial success, Ms Maliar said that over the past day Ukrainian troops had advanced 200-500 metres in various areas near the small eastern city of Bakhmut, and 300-350 metres in the direction of Zaporizhzhia. Our troops are moving in the face of extremely fierce fighting, and air and artillery superiority of the enemy, Ms Maliar said. She reported continuing fighting near the village of Makarivka in the direction of the southern port city of Berdyansk, and said battles were raging in the areas of Novodanylivka and Novopokrovsk in the Mariupol direction. Russias defence ministry, meanwhile, claimed to have repelled Kyivs advances on the south Donetsk, Zaporizhzhia and Donetsk fronts, claiming that Ukrainian forces had suffered heavy losses in men and equipment. Senior Nato officials meet in Turkey to discuss Swedens membership bid Wednesday 14 June 2023 12:37 , Andy Gregory Senior Nato officials from Sweden, Finland and Turkey met in Ankara on Wednesday, according to local reports, as the alliance pushes Turkey to ratify Stockholms application to join the military bloc. While both Nordic countries applied to join Nato in the wake of Russias invasion of Ukraine, Turkey has held off approving Swedens bid, after finally relenting to permit Helsinki to join the alliance, enabling Finland to become Natos 31st member in April. Turkeys government accuses Sweden of being too lenient toward terror organisations that Ankara says pose a security threat, including militant Kurdish groups and people associated with a 2016 coup attempt. A series of separate demonstrations in Stockholm, including a protest by an anti-Islam activist who burned the Quran outside the Turkish Embassy, also angered Turkish officials. The officials meeting a Turkeys presidential palace on Wednesday were scheduled to discuss the steps Finland and Sweden have taken as part of a memorandum they signed with Turkey last year to address Ankaras security concerns, broadcaster HaberTurk reported. Nato wants to bring Sweden into the fold by the time the alliances leaders hold a summit in Lithuania next month, with US secretary of state Antony Blinken saying after a meeting with Nato chief Jens Stoltenberg on Tuesday that it was time to welcome Sweden. Sweden has amended its constitution and strengthened its anti-terror laws since it applied to join Nato last May, while Stockholm also agreed this week to extradite a Turkish citizen who was convicted on drug charges in Turkey in 2013. Sweden hopes to identify Nord Stream culprits by autumn, lead investigator says Wednesday 14 June 2023 11:58 , Andy Gregory Sweden hopes to determine by autumn who was behind the Nord Stream gas pipeline sabotage, the prosecutor leading the countrys investigation has said. The blasts in the Baltic Sea last September occurred in the economic zones of Sweden and Denmark, and while both countries say the explosions were deliberate, they have yet to single out who was responsible. Mats Ljungqvist, the prosecutor leading Swedens probe, told Swedish Radio he had met the German prosecutor and that they were working together but declined to give further details. I hope that we at least this autumn will be able to make a decision regarding indictments, at least that is the ambition as things stand now, Mr Ljungqvist told the public service broadcaster. I think, actually, in time, it will be brought to light [who carried out the sabotage]. Germany has confirmed its investigators raided a ship in January that may have been used to transport the explosives used to blow up the pipelines. German media reported the boat could have been used by a small Ukrainian or pro-Ukrainian group. Mr Ljungqvist, who told Reuters in April that the main scenario was that a state or a state-backed group was behind the attack, said to SR this week: I think that hypothesis has been strengthened during the course of the investigation. Germanys Scholz to unveil major new national security strategy Wednesday 14 June 2023 11:21 , Andy Gregory Germany is set to unveil its first comprehensive national security strategy in Berlin today, in a push to address what it views as growing military, economic and social threats to the country. Chancellor Olaf Scholz and four of his top ministers are due to present the new strategy, which has been months in the making and is seen as a centerpiece of his three-party governing coalition. Russias attack on Ukraine has heightened anxiety in Germany about the preparedness of its own armed forces, prompting Mr Scholz to announce a turning point on military spending. Resilience against cyberattacks and the dangers posed by climate change will also be part of the new security strategy. Watch live: Red Cross briefs media on Ukraine dam situation and visits to prisoners of war Wednesday 14 June 2023 10:39 , Andy Gregory Our video team has published a live stream as the International Committee of the Red Cross holds a briefing on the Ukraine dam situation and the organisation's visits to prisoners of war, which you can watch here: UN nuclear chief delays Zaporizhzhia power plant visit over safety concerns Wednesday 14 June 2023 09:58 , Andy Gregory UN nuclear chief Rafael Grossi has delayed a planned trip to the Russian-held Zaporizhzhia nuclear power plant until it is safer to travel, a senior Ukrainian official has said. The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) boss had been expected to visit the facility on Wednesday following talks in Kyiv, but a diplomatic source said the visit would be delayed by some hours. Russian news agency Interfax quoted a Russian-installed local official as saying Mr Grossi would visit the plant on Thursday. Hes waiting to be able to travel safely, said the senior Ukrainian government official, who spoke to Reuters on condition of anonymity. The official did not say when Mr Grossi would arrive at the plant, which is relatively close to areas subject to reported heavy fighting since Ukraines counteroffensive began. Mr Grossi has said he is very concerned that the nuclear plant could be caught in the military push, after the UN agency warned it needed access to a site near plant to check water levels after the nearby reservoir lost much of its water because of the destruction of the Kakhovka dam downstream. Zaporizhzhia nuclear power plant is seen from around 20km away in an area in the Dnipropetrovsk region (AP Photo/Leo Correa) Nord Stream blasts leave no constraints for Russia to destroy enemies undersea cables, says Medvedev Wednesday 14 June 2023 09:38 , Andy Gregory There is no reason for Moscow not to destroy its enemies undersea communications cables given purported Western complicity in the sabotage of the Nord Stream pipelines, former Russian president Dmitry Medvedev has claimed. While it is still unclear exactly who is responsible for the blasts last September, The Washington Post, New York Times and Wall Street Journal have each reported that the CIA knew of a Ukrainian plot to attack the pipelines for which president Volodymyr Zelensky has denied any responsibility. If we proceed from the proven complicity of Western countries in blowing up the Nord Streams, then we have no constraints even moral left to prevent us from destroying the ocean floor cable communications of our enemies, said Mr Medvedev, an ally of president Vladimir Putin. Sub-sea cables which criss-cross the worlds oceans have become the arteries of global communications, with their importance having made them the focus of growing geopolitical competition. Dmitry Medvedev (PA Archive) Russia deploying elite air units to support troops facing Ukraine's counteroffensive Wednesday 14 June 2023 07:26 , Arpan Rai The elite Russian Aerospace Forces (VKS) are likely helping Putins regular ground troops, especially in southern Ukraine, to resist increased Ukrainian offensive operations, the British Ministry of Defence has claimed. It noted an uptick in Russian tactical combat air sorties, especially over southern Ukraine, in the past two weeks. This has almost certainly been in response to reports of increased Ukrainian offensive operations, as the Russian Aerospace Forces (VKS) attempt to support ground troops with airstrikes, the ministry said in its latest intelligence update. It added that despite the uptick, VKSs daily sortie rate remains much lower than the peak of up to 300 daily missions early in the war. Since the start of the invasion, the south of Ukraine has often been more permissible for Russian air operations compared to other sectors of the front, the ministry said. On the battlefield over the last year, the VKS has increased its use of air-to-surface weapons, such as glide bombs, which allow attack aircraft to remain well away from their targets, it said. Belarus taking delivery of Russian tactical nukes 'three times bigger than Hiroshima and Nagasaki, announces president Wednesday 14 June 2023 07:02 , Arpan Rai Belarusian president Alexander Lukashenko has said his country has started taking delivery of Russian tactical nuclear weapons, some of which he said were three times more powerful than the atomic bombs the US dropped on Hiroshima and Nagasaki in 1945. We have missiles and bombs that we have received from Russia, Lukashenko said in an interview with the Rossiya-1 Russian state TV channel which was posted on the Belarusian Belta state news agencys Telegram channel. The bombs are three times more powerful than those (dropped on) Hiroshima and Nagasaki, he said. This is the first such deployment of warheads by Moscow shorter-range less powerful nuclear weapons that could potentially be used on the battlefield outside Russia since the fall of the Soviet Union. The move is being watched closely by the United States and its allies as well as by China, which has repeatedly cautioned against the use of nuclear weapons in the Ukraine war. Russia blames Ukrainian forces for shell Nova Kakhovka Wednesday 14 June 2023 06:32 , Arpan Rai At least one person was injured in shelling of a residential area in the city of Nova Kakhovka, the citys Russia-installed administration said today. The administration also said that shelling of the nearby village of Plodovoye disrupted power supply there. Officials in Kyiv have not issued a response on the allegations. The region saw widespread destruction last week after the Kakhovka dam was destroyed, flooding swathes of land and forcing thousands to flee in one of the biggest industrial disasters in Europe for decades. Three killed in Russian cruise missile attack on Odesa official Wednesday 14 June 2023 06:08 , Arpan Rai At least three people were killed and 13 were injured after Russian missiles struck civilian buildings in Ukraines Black Sea port of Odesa overnight, the war-hit nations military said early this morning. Russia fired four cruise missiles on the city, the South command of Ukraines Armed Forces said. Initially, the military said two missiles were destroyed before hitting their targets. As a result of air combat and blast waves, a business centre, an educational institution, a residential complex, food establishments and shops in the city centre were damaged, the South command said on the Telegram app. The three people killed were working at a retail chains warehouse when a missile hit, setting it ablaze, the military added. Seven people were wounded there. Sifting through the debris continues, the military said. There may be people under. A video and photographs of the attacked site by Odesa military administration spokesperson Serhiy Bratchuk showed a multi-storey building bombed out by the missile, with parts of walls and windows blown to shards. Firefighters were also seen at the spot battling against flames in what appeared be a warehouse. In pictures: Ukrainian troops fire from Bakhmut frontline Wednesday 14 June 2023 05:48 , Arpan Rai Ukrainian servicemen of the 10th Mountain Assault Brigade Edelweiss prepare a BM-21 Grad multiple rocket launcher towards Russian positions near Bakhmut in the Donetsk region yesterday (AFP via Getty Images) A rocket is seen launched from BM-21 Grad multiple rocket launcher towards Russian positions, near Bakhmut in the Donetsk region (AFP via Getty Images) A Ukrainian serviceman of the 10th Mountain Assault Brigade Edelweiss seen heating water in a dugout at a front line position near Bakhmut in the Donetsk region yesterday (AFP via Getty Images) Two Ukrainian servicemen of the 10th Mountain Assault Brigade Edelweiss stand in a dugout trench near Bakhmut in the Donetsk region yesterday (AFP via Getty Images) Ukrainian servicemen of the 10th Mountain Assault Brigade Edelweiss shift position after firing rockets from a BM-21 Grad multiple rocket launcher towards Russian positions, near Bakhmut (AFP via Getty Images) How Putin has mixed threats of new offensive in Ukraine with peace talk offer Wednesday 14 June 2023 05:23 , Arpan Rai Vladimir Putin has sprinkled threats of a new Russian offensive to capture Ukrainian land with statements about the Kremlins readiness for peace talks this week as the war marked a new stage of targeted counteroffensive from Kyiv. Speaking during a far-ranging meeting with Russian military correspondents and war bloggers, he made some of the most extensive comments about the conflict and his goals since sending the troops into Ukraine more than 15 months ago. In one assertion, the Russian president claimed that Ukraine has suffered catastrophic losses in its counteroffensive but then, he also spoke of the circumstance under which the war would conclude. The Russian leader said ending the hostilities in Ukraine depends on the United States. He argued that the fighting would end immediately if the US and Nato stop providing Ukraine with weapons. Here is a quick look at some of Mr Putins key statements: Putin mixes threats of new offensive in Ukraine with offers of peace talks 110 million people forcibly displaced as Sudan, Ukraine wars add to world refugee crisis, UN says Wednesday 14 June 2023 05:14 , Arpan Rai Around 110 million people have had to flee their homes because of conflict, persecution, or human rights violations, the UN High Commissioner for Refugees has said. The war in Sudan, which has displaced nearly 2 million people since April, is but the latest in a long list of crises that has led to the record-breaking figure. Last year alone, an additional 19 million people were forcibly displaced including more than 11 million who fled Russias full-scale invasion of Ukraine in what became the fastest and largest displacement of people since the Second World War. Its quite an indictment on the state of our world, Filippo Grandi, who leads the UN refugee agency, told reporters in Geneva ahead of the publication of UNHCRs Global Trends Report for 2022 today. Read the full story here: 110 million people forcibly displaced as Sudan, Ukraine wars add to world refugee crisis, UN says New US military aid to Ukraine pushes Washington deeper into war, warns Russia Wednesday 14 June 2023 04:28 , Arpan Rai The new US military aid package for Ukraine pushes the US deeper into the abyss of the conflict, Russias ambassador to the United States, Anatoly Antonov warned today. The United States is getting deeper and deeper into the abyss of the Ukrainian crisis, Mr Antonov was quoted as saying in a post on the embassys Telegram channel. Apparently, the strategists from the United States somehow do not understand that no amount of weapons, whatever involvement of mercenaries, will be able to turn the tide in the course of (Russias) special military operation. The package worth $325m (257m), which includes munitions for air defence systems, ammunition and vehicles, comes as Ukraine is shaping its long-expected counteroffensive. In the past week, Ukrainian forces lost some tanks and armoured vehicles provided by Western allies while making small territorial gains. Russia losing 900 soldiers a day during counteroffensive, Ukrainian officials claim Wednesday 14 June 2023 03:40 , Arpan Rai Russia is losing a staggering 900 soldiers a day, Ukrainian officials have claimed, urging the West to greenlight delivery of fighter jets for its counteroffensive at a Nato meeting this week. Ukraines deputy defence minister, Hanna Maliar, indicated the long-awaited counteroffensive was making headway, reporting that Ukrainian forces had taken back seven villages opening 90sqkm of land in the last week alone. However, she said the advance was hard as Russian forces had superior air support and were showering their troops with intense artillery fire. Bel Trew reports: Russia losing 900 soldiers a day during counteroffensive, Ukrainian officials claim Latest pictures from Ukraine Wednesday 14 June 2023 03:00 , Martha Mchardy A Ukrainian national flag is seen, amid Russia's attack on Ukraine, near the front line in the newly liberated village Neskuchne in Donetsk region (REUTERS) A firefighter stands in front of a destroyed five-storey residential building, following a Russian strike, in the city of Kryvyi Rig (AFP via Getty Images) Ukrainian servicemen of the 10th Mountain Assault Brigade Edelweiss fire a rocket from a BM-21 Grad multiple rocket launcher towards Russian positions, near Bakhmut in the Donetsk region on June 13 (AFP via Getty Images) Destroyed cars in front of a damaged residential building, following a Russian night strike, in the city of Kryvyi Rig (AFP via Getty Images) UK firms operating in Russia complicit in war crimes against Ukraine, says MP Wednesday 14 June 2023 02:00 , Martha Mchardy UK businesses continuing to operate in Russia are complicit in the war crimes committed against the Ukrainian people, MPs have heard. Labour former minister Sir Chris Bryant told the Commons about the Russian government introducing a new law last year, requiring all businesses, including foreign ones, operating in the Russian Federation to assist in the war in Ukraine. Sir Chris urged the Government to make it absolutely clear that all British businesses should completely and utterly desist from business in Russia immediately. Foreign Office minister Anne-Marie Trevelyan said there has been a positive attitude from British businesses and a willingness to take financial pain immediately in order to step away from Russian markets and activity. The Rhondda MP said: The Russian government introduced a new law last year which requires all businesses, including foreign businesses that have any footprint in the Russian Federation, to assist in the war in Ukraine. That means any British businesses who are still doing business now in Russia are complicit in the war crimes that Russia is perpetrating against the Ukrainian people. Would the minister now make it absolutely clear that all British businesses should completely and utterly desist from business in Russia immediately? Martina Bet reports: UK firms operating in Russia complicit in war crimes against Ukraine, says MP NATO leader says Ukrainians are making progress and advancing against Russian forces Wednesday 14 June 2023 01:00 , Martha Mchardy NATO Secretary-General Jens Stoltenberg told President Joe Biden at an Oval Office meeting on Tuesday that Ukrainians are making progress with their counteroffensive, which could bolster their position when theres an opportunity to reach a diplomatic end to the war with Russia. The support that we are providing together for Ukraine is now making a difference on the battlefield as we speak, Stoltenberg said. Because the offensive has launched, and the Ukrainians are making progress, making advances. He added, Its still early days, but what we do know is that the more land that Ukrainians are able to liberate, the stronger hand they will have at the negotiating table. Biden said NATO has grown more unified during the Ukraine war and were going to be building on that momentum when the alliance holds its annual summit in Vilnius, Lithuania, on July 11 and 12. Read the full story: NATO leader says Ukrainians are making progress and advancing against Russian forces How significant is the reported recapture of the first Ukrainian villages from Russia? Wednesday 14 June 2023 00:00 , Martha Mchardy Ukraine has celebrated the first territorial gains of its long-trailed counteroffensive against the invading Russian forces. Unverified photographs and video appearing on Sunday and on Monday morning showed Ukrainian soldiers holding their countrys blue and yellow flag aloft in triumph in the eastern villages of Storozheve, Blahodatne, Neskuchne and Makarivka in Donetsk, suggesting they had been recaptured from occupying enemy troops. Ukraines deputy defence minister Hanna Maliar posted one of the photos from Storozheve and thanked the 35th Separate Brigade of Marines for liberating it. Joe Sommerlad reports: How significant is the reported recapture of the first Ukrainian villages? Key developments on June 15: Ukrainian forces advance east, south Death toll of June 13 missile attack on Kryvyi Rih rises to 13 EU Parliament calls on NATO to invite Ukraine to join alliance More weapons pledged for Ukraine after Ramstein Summit Ukrainian forces made gains up to one kilometer in the eastern and southern directions, while the summer counteroffensive is ongoing on June 15. Brigadier General Oleksandr Tarnavskyi said on June 15 the military is making progress near Vuhledar in eastern Donetsk Oblast. "Our troops are advancing near Vuhledar. The destruction of enemy forces continues," Tarnavskyi said. Ukrainian forces have had limited success so far. "Our troops and units are moving forward in the face of fierce fighting, air, and artillery superiority of the enemy, which is holding on to its positions," the Southern Command spokesperson said, adding that the military improved its tactical positions. Deputy Defense Minister Hanna Maliar said that in the east, Russia continues to concentrate forces and resources, redeploying reserves from other areas, including airborne assault troops. The Russian troops are trying to prevent the Ukrainian advance, Maliar said in a Telegram post on June 15. The fighting is ongoing in the directions of Bakhmut, Berdiansk, and Mariupol, according to the report. "Advance is about a kilometer in each direction," Maliar said. According to the Institute for the Study of War, a U.S.-based think tank, Ukraine continues counteroffensive operations in at least three directions. Meanwhile, Ukrainian forces advanced up to three kilometers in the area of Mala Tokmachka in Zaporizhzhia Oblast and up to seven kilometers to the south of Velyka Novosilka in Donetsk Oblast over the past week, according to the military. "The defense forces in the Zaporizhzhia direction continue to clear Ukrainian towns and settlements from the invaders," Deputy Chief of the General Staff Brigadier General Oleksiy Hromov said on June 15. Ukrainian forces liberated a total of seven settlements in Donetsk and Zaporizhzhia oblasts over the past week, reclaiming more than 100 square kilometers, according to the report. Ukraine makes gains 1 week into counteroffensive but decisive battle yet to begin Ukraines large-scale counteroffensive, anticipated for months, spearheaded by new Western tanks and armored vehicles, has finally begun. No longer limited to shaping operations or localized counterattacks, evidence shows the beginning of major Ukrainian offensive pushes to break through fortified The Kyiv IndependentFrancis Farrell Tanks, air defense for Ukraine Canada, Norway, Germany, Denmark, and Italy announced new military packages for Ukraine, while the Netherlands, the U.K., and the U.S. pledged to deliver air defense missiles. Canada committed a $500 million package, including over 200 air defense missiles, the U.S. Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin said, speaking after the 13th meeting of the Ukraine Defense Contact Group (UDCG) in Brussels, Belgium. The UDCG, also known as the Ramstein Summit, comprises over 50 nations to coordinate support for Ukraine against Russian aggression. "The U.S. with the U.K., Denmark, and the Netherlands all contributed funding for additional critical air defense missiles for Ukraine," Austin said at the press conference on June 15. Italy also announced its funding of the assistance, which includes "highly critical capabilities" to meet Ukraine's urgent need for defense, Austin said. Ukraine's Air Defense forces have downed 74% of Russian cruise missiles and 60% of loitering drones since the beginning of June, Brigadier General Oleksiy Hromov reported on June 15. Also, Norway and Germany pledged multiyear packages, and Denmark announced its own "nearly $2.6 billion package for military assistance through 2024," Austin said. Denmark and Norway will supply Ukraine with 10,500 more artillery rounds, the Danish Defense Ministry announced on June 15. These include 9,000 shells from both countries, and Denmark alone will provide 1,500 complete artillery shells and 500 grenades. The U.K. will contribute to the rapid delivery of a significant package of air defense equipment for Ukraine, working alongside international partners, British Defense Secretary Ben Wallace announced on June 15. "The initiative will deliver hundreds of short and medium-range air defense missiles and associated systems required to protect Ukraine's critical national infrastructure and further ensure the success of counteroffensive operations in coming months," the joint statement by Denmark, the Netherlands, the UK, and the USA reads. "Delivery of the equipment has already begun and should be complete within several weeks," according to the statement. In addition, Denmark, the Netherlands, and the German manufacturer Rheinmetall made a deal to deliver 14 more Leopard 2 main battle tanks to Ukraine, the German newspaper Handelsblatt reported on June 15, citing sources. The first tanks are to be expected in Ukraine in January 2024, while the others will be delivered during the year. What will it take for Ukraine to maintain and operate the M1 Abrams? The Ukrainian military has passed another milestone by starting to master the M1 Abrams, the top-notch main battle tank to be provided by the U.S. According to the Pentagon, some 400 Ukrainians are training for the job at U.S. Army bases in Germany. After many months of deliberations The Kyiv IndependentIllia Ponomarenko European Parliament calls on NATO to invite Ukraine The European Parliament adopted a resolution on June 15, with 425 votes in favor, calling on NATO to accept Ukraine into the alliance after Russia's war is over. Only 38 EU parliament members voted against the resolution, with 42 abstentions. The parliament expects that Ukraine's NATO "accession process will start after the war is over and will be finalized as soon as possible." Ukraine has long sought NATO membership and officially applied for it in 2022 after Russia launched its all-out war. The parliament also emphasized that "until full membership is achieved, the EU together with NATO allies must work closely with Ukraine to develop a temporary framework for security guarantees, which is to be implemented immediately after the war." "The European Parliament calls on the NATO allies to honor their commitment regarding Ukraine's NATO membership and expects that the upcoming summits in Vilnius and Washington will pave the way for extending an invitation to Ukraine to join NATO and that the accession process will start after the war is over and be finalized as soon as possible," the resolution read. The resolution also called for the EU, its member states, NATO allies, and other partners to work closely with Ukraine to develop a temporary framework for security guarantees to be implemented immediately after Russia's war until full NATO membership is achieved. The European Parliament said Ukraine's integration into NATO and the EU would enhance regional and global security. In addition, the resolution reaffirmed the EU's determination to continue supporting Kyiv throughout the process of Ukraine's sustainable recovery and reconstruction. Also, the European Parliament condemned Russia's destruction of the Kakhovka Dam, emphasizing that all responsible for war crimes will be held accountable in line with international law. Estonian minister warns false peace is prelude to new wars, backs NATO membership for Ukraine Behind the curtains of Estonias substantial support for Ukraine lies the struggle of pushing allies to do more. In an exclusive interview with the Kyiv Independent, Estonian Foreign Minister Urmas Reinsalu admitted that he is not satisfied with either the quantity or pace of the allies The Kyiv IndependentAsami Terajima Overnight Russian air attacks Air Defense downed all 20 Iranian-made Shahed loitering munitions and one cruise missile launched by Russian forces against Ukrainian cities overnight on June 15, the Air Force said in its morning update. Two Kh-101/Kh-555 cruise missiles hit two industrial buildings in Kryvyi Rih, Dnipropetrovsk Oblast, injuring one civilian. Explosions were reported in numerous Ukrainian cities overnight, including Kharkiv and Odesa. On June 15, the death toll of Russia's previous overnight attack on Kryvyi Rih rose to 13 people. A 38-year-old factory worker died from burns sustained in the June 13 attack, Mayor Oleksandr Vilkul reported. The deadliest attack on the region so far occurred on Jan. 14 when a Russian Kh-47 Kinzhal missile struck an apartment building in Dnipro, the regional capital, on a Saturday afternoon. The local authorities said 46 people, including six children, were killed in the attack. Ka-52 Hokum As Ukraine presses on with its counteroffensive in the south and east, making incremental advances in the process, there is evidence that Russia may be starting to enjoy more aerial access over critical areas near the front lines. As Russia continues to adapt its application of air power, after a fairly dismal start to the campaign, some of its aircraft are now able to operate in a less restricted way, or at least Russia is willing to take on more risk in doing so. Either way, this will put further pressure on the Ukrainian forces, raising questions, in particular, about the availability of mobile short-range air defense systems, or SHORAD. At the very least, as Ukraine gets away from its more entrenched and fixed air defense capabilities, the importance of SHORAD is only going to be underscored. A Ukrainian 9K35 Strela-10 system, typical of Soviet-era SHORAD. Ukrainian Ministry of Defense As The War Zone has discussed in the past, SHORAD is fundamental to the protection of friendly units close to the front lines, including armored ones, defending them against a wide variety of aerial threats, ranging from low-flying fixed-wing aircraft and helicopters to larger drones and cruise missiles, and even smaller drones carrying improvised explosive devices. Speaking recently about the counteroffensive in the Zaporizhzhia region, in the southeast of the country, Deputy Minister of Defense of Ukraine Hanna Malyar noted: Our troops are moving in the conditions of extremely fierce battles, before pointing to the particular threat posed by the enemys aviation and artillery superiority. President Zelensky echoed those same sentiments recently, as well. https://twitter.com/IrisEllen0355/status/1668973245016559616?s=20 https://twitter.com/hdevreij/status/1668836010656972802?s=20 Russian attack helicopters in action Multiple accounts including from the media arm of the Russian Ministry of Defense itself now document how Russian aviation is operating very close to the front lines, with attack helicopters presenting an especially serious threat to the Ukrainian counteroffensive in areas where armored advances are orchestrated. In particular, the Ka-52 Hokum has been repeatedly mentioned. A heavily armed Russian Aerospace Forces Ka-52 Hokum during the conflict in Ukraine. Russian Ministry of Defense The Ka-52 has borne the brunt of rotary-wing close air support missions since the start of the war, a fact reflected in its disproportionately high losses 35 examples destroyed, abandoned, or captured since the start of the war, based on open-source analysis. A man stands in front of a Russian Ka-52 forced to land in a field outside Kyiv, Ukraine, on February 24, 2022, on the first day of the full-scale invasion. AP Photo/Efrem Lukatsky While the Ka-52 is clearly the big player here, these are not the only Russian attack helicopters involved in this campaign, with examples of the Mi-24 Hind and, as seen in the video below, the Mi-28N and Mi-28NM Havoc also involved. https://twitter.com/Frostilicus_/status/1668614331917824000 Rotary-wing assets in general seem to be appearing in greater numbers to support efforts to blunt the Ukrainian counteroffensive, with recent satellite imagery from the Russian-occupied Berdiansk Airport in southeastern Ukraine revealing an influx of 20 helicopters, deployed there from other locations. As well as five Ka-52s, other assets at Berdiansk appear to comprise nine Mi-8 Hip/Mi-24 Hind types, and 13 Ka-27/Ka-29 Helix naval helicopters. https://twitter.com/RALee85/status/1668747455318601728?s=20 Perhaps most critically, Russian military bloggers are now more frequently citing the successes of these combat helicopters. There are unconfirmed reports of dozens of Ukrainian armored vehicles being destroyed in recent fighting in the Zaporizhzhia region and elsewhere in the east. The War Zone spoke to Guy Plopsky, the author of a number of articles on air power and Russian military affairs, and asked him specifically about the involvement of the Ka-52 in the recent fighting: While there is much that doesn't get captured on video, the recent uptick in Ka-52 videos suggests that their activity (and that of Russian attack helicopters in general) has intensified (perhaps significantly) in an effort to halt Ukrainian advances since Ukraine launched its counteroffensive, Plopsky says. The same appears to be true for Russian fixed-wing tactical combat aircraft. Indeed, a recent U.K. Ministry of Defense intelligence update noted that [t]he [Russian Air Force] has been unusually active over southern Ukraine, where the airspace is more permissive for Russia. https://twitter.com/DefenceHQ/status/1667407596557328384?s=20 The videos presented below are representative of some of the recent footage that purportedly shows Ka-52s engaging Ukrainian armored vehicles. They are presented here with the caveat that we cannot vouch for their authenticity, and not necessarily when and where they were recorded: https://twitter.com/Sprinter99880/status/1667106598949474311?s=20 https://twitter.com/YashBarapatre6/status/1667801309389684736?s=20 https://twitter.com/clashreport/status/1668172110450098176?s=20 There have been some embarrassing incidents, as well, such as a Ka-52 engaging an agricultural crop-spraying vehicle. Still, it appears that the situation on and above the battlefield has opened up something of a window that the Hokum, in particular, is well able to exploit. https://twitter.com/clashreport/status/1666095221653016578?s=20 Seemingly, the lack of forward-deployed Ukrainian mobile SHORAD has left a dead zone in which the Ka-52 can operate with a greater degree of safety than in the past. This appears to be at the outer reaches of their weapons engagement and sensor capability and possibly mainly at night. Generally, this is around nine miles or less. This is giving them enough standoff distance to be effective against armor in the open, but not fall into the SHORAD envelope, or exploit the lack of SHORAD presence. Operating at a very low level and masking themselves using the terrain where possible, as well as working at night, limits their vulnerability to SHORAD and especially shoulder-fired surface-to-air missiles, also known as man-portable air defense systems (MANPADS). https://twitter.com/BattlesIntel/status/1667221389986676755?s=20 At the same time, the lack of air defense systems means that Ukrainian armor becomes more vulnerable, pushing forward at times without the cover that it needs, leading to losses from attack helicopters, among others. The Ka-52 has two main anti-tank guided missile (ATGM) options. The 9M120-1 Ataka-1 has a maximum range of 3.7 miles, while the 9A4172K Vikhr-1 can reach targets at 5-6 miles. Both missiles use laser beam-riding guidance, although 9M120 missiles with radio-command guidance can also be used. "The Ka-52 is the only Russian attack helicopter fielded in large numbers that is able to employ the 9A4172K Vikhr-1, which has a substantial range advantage over older Russian helicopter-launched ATGMs," Plopsky observes. https://twitter.com/RALee85/status/1247936777454837760?s=20 Head-up display (HUD) videos published by the Russian Ministry of Defense and pro-Russian Telegram channels show that Ka-52s have been engaging Ukrainian vehicles including moving targets with Vikhr-1 ATGMs from slant ranges of roughly 8 kilometers [5 miles] or more, Plopsky adds. https://twitter.com/GuyPlopsky/status/1669259839653179392?s=20 https://twitter.com/GuyPlopsky/status/1667439327297634306?s=20 The Ka-52 is expected to receive the advanced LMUR anti-armor missile, a much heavier weapon with a range of up to 9 miles, providing an even greater standoff range. The LMUR is associated with the upgraded Ka-52M, which has not yet been noted in use in Ukraine, although the missile has certainly been launched from other platforms, as you can read about here. https://twitter.com/RALee85/status/1669120726517858305?s=20 In fact, the ability of the Ka-52 to engage moving ground targets with precision-guided weapons, including in night-time conditions, is a considerable advantage, and something generally lacking from Russian fixed-wing tactical combat aircraft. At present, many targets that the Ka-52s are engaging appear to be vehicles that are located near or ahead of Ukrainian lines," Plopsky continues. In such cases, the Ukrainians dont have short-range air defenses between the Ka-52 and its target, which makes [the standoff] tactic very advantageous. However, Plopsky also notes that there are also some disadvantages to these Ka-52 tactics. When launched from low levels and slant ranges of 8 kilometers or so, the Vikhr-1 requires some 23-25 seconds to reach its target, during which time the Ka-52 must remain relatively still in order to guide the laser beam-riding missile to its target. This leaves the Ka-52 potentially vulnerable to longer-range air defenses, such as Ukrainian radar-guided SAM systems. That said, the Russians have been able to mitigate this threat they have gotten much better at conducting suppression and destruction of enemy air defenses (SEAD/DEAD) at the tactical depth, which has made it much more dangerous for Ukrainian radar-guided SAM systems to operate closer to the front line, especially for longer periods of time. The changing SEAD/DEAD situation While the limited availability of mobile SHORAD systems to support Ukrainian armor and other forces at the front may be a growing concern, there is also anecdotal evidence that Ukraine is increasingly being forced to deploy other ground-based air defense systems, including medium- and long-range ones, in these high-threat areas. Russian military bloggers have claimed this is a reaction to a change in Russian airpower tactics, in which fixed-wing tactical aircraft are using ever greater numbers of standoff weapons, launched from a greater distance from known Ukrainian ground-based air defense systems (GBADS) positions. While Russia seems to have had problems in the past with the availability of purpose-designed standoff precision-guided munitions, it has since developed more ad-hoc solutions in which Soviet-era freefall bomb designs are equipped with range-extending wing kits and, in some cases, guidance packages. A Russian FAB-500M-62 bomb with a kit attached that features pop-out wings, loaded onto a Su-34 Fullback combat jet. This extended-range weapon does not appear to feature any guidance system. via Telegram With a range of Russian fighter jets and fighter-bombers able to launch these kinds of weapons, also in significant numbers, then Ukraine is forced to move air defense systems closer to the front lines to attempt to destroy the munitions, if not the aircraft launching them. But as soon as the radars of the Ukrainian air defense systems are activated, Russian forces respond by targeting them in turn with Lancets and other loitering munitions and drones. As part of this defense-suppression scenario, Russian bloggers also describe snipers being used to ambush Ukrainian air defense operators, before withdrawing under screening fire from mortars, including using all-terrain vehicles to expedite their exfiltration. According to one pro-Russian account on the Telegram channel, The Ukrainian defense is given no choice if they do not shoot down Russian glide bombs, important targets are hit on the front line. If they try to shoot them down, their air defense systems can be destroyed. https://twitter.com/sambendett/status/1668575574363721731?s=20 If true, then it seems that Russian field commanders may well have found an effective means of suppressing Ukrainian air defenses around the battlefield. As well as increasing the effectiveness of Russian air attacks, this in turn allows Russian aircraft, including helicopters like the Ka-52, to operate more freely near the front lines. Ukrainian SHORAD capabilities The Ukrainian need for more and increasingly advanced air defense systems has been a factor in the conflict from the start of Russias full-scale invasion. Frequently, however, the calls have been primarily for longer-ranged systems, to defend Ukrainian cities and key infrastructure against Russian air strikes and missile and drone attacks, and to keep Russia's fixed-wing capabilities out of Ukrainian-controlled territory. More recently, it seems there has been an uptick in interest for SHORAD, as well, although these also are needed to play a counter-drone role in the defense of cities and other static targets. However, its clear that as Ukrainian troops push forwards in the counteroffensive in the east, they will also be covered by fewer air defenses, and will likely come under more sustained attack by Russian aviation. The fact that, according to U.S. intelligence, Ukraine is running very low, if it has not yet exhausted, many of its Soviet-designed SAMs across its air defense portfolio, is likely a major factor too. A tank of the 57th Brigade of the Ukrainian Army in Donetsk Oblast, Ukraine, on May 15, 2023. Photo by Vincenzo Circosta/Anadolu Agency via Getty Images As it stands, Ukraines maneuver SHORAD capabilities comprise a mix of surviving Soviet-era systems and newly received Western equipment. However, much of the air defense aid for Ukraine so far has been focused on the medium and long-range systems. The most capable among the Soviet-era equipment is the 9K330 Tor (SA-15 Gauntlet), which can hit targets up to around 20,000 feet. Its self-contained and highly-mobile nature makes it effective at shoot-and-scoot-like aerial ambushes and an ideal companion for armored advances, but only limited numbers are available. The older 9K33 Osa (SA-8 Gecko) is based on an amphibious six-wheeled chassis and its missiles have a maximum range of 9.3 miles and a maximum altitude of 40,000 feet. More than a dozen of these have already been confirmed destroyed or captured. https://twitter.com/cvetko35/status/1665693879608266752?s=20 At the lower end of the scale is the tracked 9K35 Strela-10 (SA-13 Gopher), which uses a variant of the same missile as the Strela MANPADS. It can engage targets out to a range of 3.1 miles. Filling a similar role is the 2K22 Tunguska (SA-19 Grison), which combines 9M311 series surface-to-air missiles with twin 30mm cannons. Again, these systems are ideal for accompanying armor on the move, but they are not available to Ukraine in significant numbers. Ukrainian 2K22 Tunguska systems. Ukrainian Ministry of Defense Among the SHORAD provided by Western allies, the most important include the AN/TWQ-1 Avenger, 20 of which were supplied by the United States starting late last year, and which are armed with Stinger missiles, and the German-made Gepard self-propelled anti-aircraft gun (SPAAG). Germany has supplied 52 Gepards, with further examples now due to be delivered from Jordanian stocks. These will be purchased by the U.S. Army before being handed over to Ukraine, as discussed here. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_PWJ97KcnmA The Avenger and Gepard are both capable systems, and importantly highly mobile, but they have so far been delivered in relatively small numbers. Furthermore, they are also badly needed to help with the point defense of key cities and infrastructure deeper inside Ukraine. Neither is heavily armored and would be vulnerable when taking part in a major armored advance. Their weapons range and acquisition capabilities are also limiting, especially against very low-flying attack helicopters engaging at the edge of their weapons reach. The latest U.S.-supplied security assistance package for Ukraine included additional munitions for National Advanced Surface-to-Air Missile Systems (NASAMS), although these are less-mobile systems intended primarily for localized area defense. Also included was an undisclosed number of Stinger MANPADS. While useful for defending ground troops on the move, as mentioned above, MANPADS like these sometimes lack the range required to engage Ka-52s before they launch their longer-range anti-tank missiles. They also require personnel to expose themselves to use them, which is not always a good or even plausible idea during a full-on armored assault. Detection and targeting of enemy aircraft, especially at night, can be an issue too. https://twitter.com/Blue_Sauron/status/1509776854261059597?s=20 The SHORAD shortage The SHORAD problem is exacerbated by the very real lack of systems in this class in the U.S. inventory and in the inventories of its many allies. Post-Cold War, the United States and much of NATO neglected SHORAD capabilities, confident in the likelihood of air superiority in most likely combat zones. While Ukraine shows that the tactical realities of the modern battlefield have changed dramatically, backfilling the Ukrainian Armed Forces inventory with suitable systems is not an easy task. The U.S. Army once had exactly the kind of front-line armored SHORAD system that Ukraine could make good use of now. However, the M6 Linebackers, Stinger-armed systems based on the tracked Bradley infantry fighting vehicle and first fielded by the U.S. Army in 1998, had all been converted into standard M2 Bradley Infantry Fighting Vehicles (IFV) by 2006. More recently, the U.S. Army has begun fielding the Maneuver Short Range Air Defense, or M-SHORAD, systems, which are based on the 8x8 Stryker wheeled armored vehicle. These are intended to engage a range of aerial threats, from traditional fixed-wing aircraft and helicopters to drones. Most importantly, they are able to do so in heavily contested areas alongside other armor forces. A pair of U.S. Army Maneuver Short Range Air Defense (M-SHORAD) systems assigned to the 5th Battalion, 4th Air Defense Artillery Regiment in Germany. U.S. Army However, M-SHORAD has not been deployed in huge numbers within the U.S. Army and its unlikely any of these very new systems would be made available to Ukraine for the time being. The changing dynamic in the counteroffensive has also been noted by Western military leadership. U.S. Joint Chiefs chairman Gen. Mark Milley told the Associated Press recently that he predicted that, as time goes on, this will be a back-and-forth fight for a considerable length of time. Ukraine will no doubt develop new tactics to help counter an increasingly assertive Russian military aviation presence amid the ongoing counter-offensive. But already, the experience of this new phase of the campaign is underscoring the importance of short-range air defense capabilities for Ukrainian units as they advance. Contact the author: thomas@thedrive.com Russias latest missile strikes have targeted logistics, industry and oil and gas supply facilities in Ukraine. Source: Military Media Center, citing Oleksii Hromov, Deputy Head of the Main Operational Directorate of the General Staff of the Armed Forces of Ukraine Details: Hromov said that during the first two weeks of June, Russia deployed 140 missiles of different types and 255 attack drones in strikes on Ukraine. Ukraines air defence forces intercepted and destroyed 74% Russian cruise missiles and 55% attack drones. Quote: "Against the backdrop of the ongoing missile attacks, our air defence forces are only growing stronger, especially given the modern weapons and military equipment supplied by our partners." Journalists fight on their own frontline. Support Ukrainska Pravda or become our patron! Speaker of the Air Force Command of the Armed Forces of Ukraine Yuriy Ignat Read also: European Parliament calls for NATO to invite Ukraine to join alliance Earlier, Stoltenberg reportedly said that some NATO member states had already started training Ukrainian pilots on American F-16 fighter jets. I welcome the decision by several NATO Allies to provide training to fighter pilots, Stoltenberg said in a doorstep statement ahead of a NATO Defense Ministers meeting in Brussels on June 15. This is important and it will enable us to, at a later stage also make decisions to deliver fourth generation fighter aircraft like for instance, the F-16s. Exactly when decisions will be taken it's too early to say but the fact that training has started provides us with the option to also decide to deliver planes and then the pilots will be ready to fly them. https://www.nato.int/cps/en/natohq/opinions_215676.htm?selectedLocale=en During the briefing, Ihnat said that he did not know what the NATO Secretary General meant. Read also: Germany may reverse stance, approve fighter jet deliveries to Ukraine soon Pistorius Perhaps there are translation-related difficulties somewhere in the statement, he said. Because statements made by different leaders are cited out of context. He also added that the training of Ukrainian pilots is a complicated and lengthy process. Its just that everyone really wants it, that's why they constantly update the information that the pilots are supposedly about to depart and will return soon., he clarified. Read also: Popular aviation-themed clothing brand Aviatsiya Halychyny fundraising for military training jet Were looking forward to their soonest departure. In total, eight European countries have joined the so-called fighter jet coalition for Ukraine. Read also: White House says its providing Ukraine with F-16 fighter jets not to escalate, but protect The United States said that allies would work to determine how many jets, by whom and when would be transferred to Ukraine, within months. At the same time, the fighter jets will be supplied on the condition that Ukraine should not use them for strikes on Russian territory. 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 Hanna Maliar, Ukraines Deputy Defence Minister, has posted a photo of a Bradley Infantry Fighting Vehicle (IFV) damaged by Russian forces, confirming the combat survivability of the vehicle following a direct hit. Source: Maliar on Telegram Quote from Maliar: "The first photo depicts a Ukrainian Bradley following a direct hit from a Grad rocket [BM-21 Grad a self-propelled 122 mm multiple rocket launcher ed.]. The second photo shows the crew of this Bradley successfully evacuating after the hit and further performing tasks on other vehicles. The damaged Bradley is undergoing repairs." Details: She said that the 47th Separate Mechanised Brigade reported that a Bradley IFV had sustained a direct missile hit to its turret and caught fire during a combat mission. The crew safely evacuated, and the driver moved the armoured vehicle to a safe position and extinguished it. One of the soldiers suffered a mild contusion. "This example proves that the outstanding combat survivability promised by the armoured vehicle manufacturer is not just words. Bradley helps to save the most precious thing the lives of [our] servicemen. And steel can always be repaired. There is no vehicle that cannot be destroyed, there is a vehicle that saves lives," Maliar said. Journalists fight on their own frontline. Support Ukrainska Pravda or become our patron! WARSAW, Poland Ukrainian defense companies are seeking ties with European vendors for cooperative weapons manufacturing, positioning themselves as a war-experienced industry with plenty of needs but lots of lessons. The new advances come as Ukraines industry frantically supplies the country with weapons to repel Russian invaders while making longer-term plans for underwriting a domestic post-war defense architecture. In a speech last month at the European Defence and Security Summit in Brussels, Ukraine Defence Minister Oleksii Reznikov said in order to guarantee a qualitative advantage in the future, Europe needs to re-arm not with an eye on the past, but through Ukraines current experience. Ukrainian companies are also interested in cooperating with Europe, and they can bring a lot to the table, he added. In terms of military procurement, the country wants to become as self-sufficient as possible, while also boosting partnerships with Western partners to serve as suppliers of technology and manufacturing capacities. We are aware that we cant rely forever on the Wests military support, which has played such a crucial role in our fight against the enemy, Yuriy Sak, an adviser to the Ukrainian defense minister, told Defense News. Within the Ministry of Defence, we have formed an experts group whose sole responsibility is to come up with ways to develop our own defense industry, Sak added. For now, it is not possible to open new factories across Ukraine, as a large share of the territory is covered by high-risk zones and combat zones. So in many cases, the necessary weapons and equipment will be produced abroad in our partner countries. The latest moves to that end build on Kyivs announcement from late 2022. Last November, Ukraines state-run defense group Ukroboronprom said it was developing joint projects with several NATO member states, including France, Denmark, Poland, the Czech Republic and two undisclosed allies. Using both the existing capacities, and newly created ones in safe locations, the group and its partners will jointly produce armored vehicles, missile launchers, ammunition and other weapons, according to Ukroboronprom. Asked about the Ukrainian industrys contribution to joint ventures, Sak said local defense companies could use their research and development capacities, which also draw from the combat experience of Ukraines military. For instance, in the field of unmanned technologies, our defense industry is very creative and capable of producing high-quality drones. A senior Ukroboronprom representative told Defense News last year its subsidiaries have observed a spike in demand from foreign customers interested in buying weapons capable of destroying Russian military targets because producers have tweaked the technology with recent battlefield experience in mind. While the Ukrainian sectors efforts are focused on supplying weapons to the countrys military, various Middle Eastern and Far Eastern states have demonstrated interest in purchasing Ukrainian-made multiple rocket launchers with guided missiles and anti-ship cruise missiles, among others, the representative said. Tank designs by Rheinmetall Last month, Germanys Rheinmetall and Ukroboronprom inked an agreement for repairing tanks that is set to become operational in mid-July 2023. The latest development builds on earlier announcements related to a new factory that the German vendor wants to open in Ukraine. Under the plan, the envisioned facility could manufacture up to 400 of the companys novel Panther KF51 main battle tanks per year, Rheinmetall executives have said. Before this happens, the German arms maker intends to establish its new foothold in Ukraine through the provision of other services. Rheinmetall presented its Panther main battle tank proposal at the Eurosatory defense exhibition in Paris on June 13, 2022. (Sebastian Sprenger/Staff) In a statement provided to Defense News, Rheinmetall said that, as a first step, the maintenance and repair of vehicles transferred to Ukraine under the German governments multilateral Ringtausch equipment exchange projects as well as those directly supplied to Ukraine will form the foundation for cooperation. Later, the cooperation could yield technology transfer with the aim of producing select Rheinmetall products in the country, the companys statement read. Looking ahead, cooperation between Rheinmetall and Ukroboronprom could also involve the joint development of military systems by teams of Ukrainian and German specialists, including for subsequent export from Ukraine. Asked about Ukraines own tank manufacturing plans, Sak, the defense ministers adviser, said Ukroboronprom will further develop its experience in manufacturing the T-84 Oplot-M tank, as more tracked vehicles are to be produced for Ukraines land forces. The Oplot is based on great technology, which is in many respects comparable to that of Western tanks, such as Leopards and Abrams. Production of this tank could first resume outside of Ukraine, as Kharkiv, the eastern Ukrainian city where it had been produced, is currently a risk zone due to Russian attacks, he told Defense News. Ammunition from Poland Ukraine is also working to boost defense industry ties with Poland, a tie-up that promises Ukroboronprom access to production facilities through Polish state-owned defense giant PGZ. In April, during Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyys official visit to Poland, PGZ and Ukroboronprom subsidiary Artem inked a deal to cooperate on launching new production lines to make 125mm tank shells for Ukraines military, though a site has yet to be determined. We need everything: small-caliber mortar rounds, but also artillery shells, Sak said. Our strategy is to slowly replace our Soviet gear with Western equipment, so also to implement NATO standards with regards to ammunition. In many parts of the front, Western-standard 155mm shells already make up the majority of what Ukrainian artillerists use, he added. Back in February 2022, no one was prepared for such a large-scale, lengthy invasion. Ukraine had supplies for around one month, and we knew we had to act fast to buy the necessary ammunition, Sak explained. Our partners are ramping up their ammunition production for their own needs, and we also need to boost the production capacities for our armys needs. A spokesperson for PGZ told Defense News that due to the wide range of needs of the Ukrainian side, we are talking about virtually any type of ammunition that can be produced. This applies to both ammunition for post-Soviet equipment and NATO ammunition due to the rising volume of weapons which require this type of ammunition on the Ukrainian side. Warplanes from Czechia? Another joint manufacturing project is related to Ukraines plan to replace its predominantly Soviet-designed aircraft fleet with Western-made versions, including F-16 jets. On May 10, Czech President Petr Pavel told public broadcaster Cesky Rozhlas the countrys authorities would consider supplying some of their L-159 advanced light combat aircraft to Ukraines Air force. During Pavels visit to Ukraine in April, the two governments agreed their defense industries would collaborate on multiple programs. These include a venture related to the future production of the envisioned F/A-259 Striker aircraft that Czech aircraft-maker Aero Vodochody, which also makes the L-159, developed with Israel Aerospace Industries. The F/A-259 Striker is based on the L-159 design. The modernization and possible further development of the L-159 are being addressed conceptually and on a long-term basis by Aero Vodochody, a company spokeswoman told Defense News. In this context, the current preparation of projects of Czech and Ukrainian companies in the field of arms production in Ukraine is also a part of it. She also said the company is analyzing possibilities of cooperation in the production of an aircraft that would be a developmental continuation of the Aero L-159. Elisabeth Gosselin-Malo in Milan contributed to this report. Ukrainian FM skeptical about NATO-Ukraine Council without step toward membership Dmytro Kuleba He clarified Ukraines position on Twitter, following a phone talk with his German counterpart, Annalena Baerbock.In our call, I thanked Annalena Baerbock for (Germanys) support, Kuleba tweeted. We talked Vilnius. Ukraines position is clear: creating the NATO-Ukraine Council without taking a strong step toward membership is like providing a tank without a gun. NATO needs Ukraine as an ally, not just a privileged partner. Stoltenberg previously announced that the establishment of the NATO-Ukraine Council would reflect a very strong strengthening of the political partnership. It will be also a body that can make decisions and we can have deeper structures under subcommittees and so on, he said at a pre-ministerial press conference. The NATO chief emphasized that at the Vilnius Summit, we will send a strong message of support and solidarity with Ukraine. And make clear that Ukraines future is in NATO, the official said. A specific process for Ukraines accession to NATO will be established and documented at the alliances summit in Vilnius in July, Ukrainian Deputy Defense Minister Volodymyr Havrylov said on June 10. Earlier in June, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy emphasized that it would be pointless for Ukraine to participate in the NATO summit in Vilnius without receiving a clear signal regarding its membership. An article published on June 8 by U.S. news website Politico highlighted the lack of a unified position among Western allies on the security guarantees sought by Ukraine, just five weeks before the summit. 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 Damaged during combat mission Bradley She posted pictures of the Bradley, which had been damaged by a direct hit from a rocket from Grad multi-launch rocket system. According to Malyar, the strike scored a direct hit on the Bradleys turret, causing the vehicle to catch fire. Its crew successfully evacuated, while mechanics took the armoured vehicle to a safe location and extinguished the fire. The IFV is now undergoing repairs. "The example proves that the outstanding combat survivability claimed by the manufacturer is not just words, Malyar stated. Bradleys help to save the most valuable thing the lives of our military personnel. And steel can always be restored. There is no equipment that cannot be destroyed, there is only equipment that saves lives. Read also: US gives Ukraine $325 million in air defense, ammunition, and armored vehicles, including Bradleys & Strykers Hanna Malyar/Telegram Ukraine allegedly lost 16 Bradley IFVs in the first days of the counteroffensive, the U.S.-based CNN news channel reported, referring to OSINT analysts. Neither the Pentagon, nor Ukrainian officials, have commented on these claims. Hanna Malyar/Telegram Ukraine's defenders advanced 6.5 km in the past week and liberated seven settlements, the Ministry of Defense stated, reporting on the course of the counter-offensive as of June 12. Meanwhile, the Ukrainian Armed Forces are advancing and increasing their control in the Bakhmut direction, President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said. The U.S. announced a new military aid package for Ukraine on June 15, including 15 Bradleys. Read also: Ukrainian Armed Forces liberate seven settlements and move front forward 6.5 km, reports Defense Ministry 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 Denmark's Acting Defense Minister Troels Lund Poulsen told the TV2 channel on June 15 that Ukrainian pilots will be able to train on F-16 fighter jets on Danish soil. Poulsen explained that according to a joint plan with the Netherlands, Ukraine's pilots will receive training at the Danish Air Force base Skrdstrup in Southern Jutland, where F-16s are based. Dutch Defense Minister Kajsa Ollongren said on June 12 that the training of Ukrainian pilots could start already this summer. However, her Danish counterpart told TV2 that the process will likely start only "after the summer holidays." Poulsen voiced hope that other countries will provide their support as well so that Amsterdam and Copenhagen can present a more concrete plan at the Vilnius NATO summit in July. Official: Fighter jet coalition helping Ukraine now includes 9 countries The coalition to provide Ukraine with fighter jets now includes 8 European countries, and more countries may join, online newspaper Yevropeiska Pravda reported on June 2, citing Ihor Zhovkva, a presidential deputy chief of staff. The Kyiv IndependentMartin Fornusek The acting defense minister reminded that Denmark has not yet decided on transferring the aircraft to Ukraine. "We are still very far from these planes becoming combat aircraft in the Ukrainian Air Force. According to my estimates, the preparation will take at least six months," Poulsen said. He added that the question of the transfer can be discussed upon completion of the training. Denmark and the Netherlands are members of the so-called "fighter jet initiative" aimed at providing advanced Western military aircraft, as well as the necessary training, to Ukraine's military. Ukraine has received 14 MiG-29 fighter jets from Poland and 13 from Slovakia but has been pushing for more advanced aircraft. The Ukrainian Defense Ministry has previously said that it requires at least 48 F-16 fighter jets to liberate territory from Russia. During a press conference in late May, Dutch Prime Minister Mark Rutte said that the Netherlands was "seriously considering" giving F-16 fighter jets to Ukraine. Jet transfer is part of the agenda at the ongoing 13th Ramstein-format summit in Brussels. Ukraine's leaders hope that the unofficial "fighter jet coalition" can be formalized as "Ukraine's Sky Shield" at the meeting. LONDON (Reuters) -Foreign minister James Cleverly on Thursday expressed solidarity with a group of British lawmakers sanctioned by China in 2021. Cleverly said on Twitter that he met with elected members of parliament Nus Ghani, Tim Loughton, and House of Lords member Helena Kennedy. The three were sanctioned in 2021 along with a number of others for spreading what China's foreign ministry said were "lies and disinformation" about alleged human rights abuses in Xinjiang. "China's sanctioning of UK Parliamentarians is deplorable ... They have my full support and I, with them, will continue to call out Chinese atrocities at home and abroad," Cleverly said. The renewed condemnation of the sanctions comes days after sources said that he might visit China next month, a trip that could be a sign of headway in attempts to ease tensions relations with the world's second-largest economy. (Reporting by Muvija M; editing by William James) KYIV, Ukraine (AP) The head of the United Nations nuclear watchdog visited Europes largest atomic power plant Thursday in southern Ukraine, where a recent dam burst and the start of a counteroffensive in the war by Kyivs forces have heightened safety risks. The visit was announced by Ukraines national nuclear energy company, Energoatom, in a Telegram post. Rafael Mariano Grossi, the International Atomic Energy Agency chief, met Tuesday in Kyiv with Ukraine President Volodymyr Zelenskyy to discuss concerns about the Russia-occupied Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Power Plant. The IAEA has repeatedly expressed alarm about the facility, which is one of the 10 biggest in the world, amid fears of a potential nuclear catastrophe. The agency has officials stationed at the plant, which is still run by its Ukrainian staff. The plant has repeatedly been caught in the crossfire since Russia launched its war on Ukraine in February 2022 and seized the facility shortly after. Last week, the destruction of the Kakhovka dam in southern Ukraines partially Russian-occupied Kherson region added a new concern. The dam, further down the Dnieper River, helped keep water in a reservoir that cools the plants reactors. The plants six reactors have been shut down for months, but it still needs power and qualified staff to operate crucial cooling systems and other safety features. Ukraine recently said it hoped to place the last functioning reactor in cold shutdown. The process inserts control rods into the reactor core to stop the nuclear fission reaction and the generation of heat and pressure. NATO Secretary-General Jens Stoltenberg said Thursday that areas of the 1,000-kilometer (600-mile) front line in Ukraine are witnessing fierce fighting after Kyivs long-anticipated launch of its counteroffensive using Western-supplied weapons. He said Ukrainian forces are making gains. Even so, Western analysts and military officials have cautioned that a campaign to drive the Kremlins forces out of Ukraine could take a long time. Ukraine has so far been testing Russian defenses, looking for weaknesses, according to Mykhailo Podolyak, an adviser to Zelenskyy. We havent yet started our counteroffensive as such, he claimed in televised remarks. He noted that Ukrainian troops were launching simultaneous attacks in many directions, seeking to sow panic among the Russian troops. The Russian Defense Ministry, meanwhile, said its military used long-range air-launched cruise missiles to strike Ukrainian drone-making facilities. It claimed all the targeted facilities were hit but didnt mention where they were or any other details. It was not possible to verify battlefield claims by either side. Russian forces are keeping up their aerial attacks on Ukraine. They launched four cruise missiles and 20 Iranian Sahed exploding drones overnight, the Ukrainian air force said. Ukrainian air defenses downed all the drones and one cruise missile, it said. Russian missiles hit industrial facilities in the latest strike on the southeastern city of Kryvyi Rih, Zelenskyys hometown, wounding one person, local officials said. An airstrike also hit downtown Kherson city in the early hours of Thursday, punching a hole an office building. Russia also attacked Kharkiv and Odesa with drones overnight, but regional authorities said they were all shot down. ___ Follow APs coverage of the war in Ukraine at https://apnews.com/hub/russia-ukraine Ted Kaczynski was arrested after the longest and most expensive investigation in the FBI's history. Rich Pedroncelli/AFP via Getty Images Can the language someone uses be as unique as their fingerprints? As I describe in my forthcoming book, Linguistic Fingerprints: How Language Creates and Reveals Identity, that was true in the case of Theodore Kaczynski. Kaczynski, who was known as the Unabomber, died in a North Carolina prison on June 10, 2023, reportedly by suicide. Kaczynski had been a math prodigy and a professor at the University of California, Berkeley, before he withdrew from society and declared war on the modern world. From a remote cabin in Montana, he sent a number of explosive devices through the mail. In other cases, he planted them. Between 1978 and 1995, 16 of his bombs killed three people and seriously injured nearly two dozen more. Kaczynskis crimes triggered the longest and most expensive criminal investigation in U.S. history. Law enforcement had little to go on other than a few letters that the terrorist had sent to the media, as well as fragments of notes that had survived his devices detonations. Spellings and word choices offer clues In 1995, there was a breakthrough. Thats when the Unabomber offered to pause his attacks if a newspaper published his manifesto about the evils of modern society. Controversially, The Washington Post did so. The FBI supported the papers decision, hoping that someone would recognize the terrorist based on the writing style of the 35,000-word essay. The Washington Post published the Unabombers 35,000-word manifesto on Sept. 19, 1995. Luke Frazza/AFP via Getty Images FBI forensic linguist James Fitzgerald and sociolinguist Roger Shuy were able to uncover several clues about the terrorists identity based on the manifesto and his other writings. For example, the Unabomber used strange misspellings for some words, such as wilfully for willfully, and clew for clue. Shuy recognized these as spelling reforms that had been championed by The Chicago Tribune during the 1940s and 1950s, although they were never widely adopted. Their use by the bomber suggested he might have spent his formative years in or near Chicago. Fitzgerald noted the use of terms like broad, chick and negro in the manifesto was consistent with the vocabulary a middle-aged person from that era. The Unabomber also referred to rearing children as opposed to raising children. The former term is characteristic of the northern U.S. dialect and would be consistent with someone who grew up in or near the Windy City. The manifesto also contains such fairly esoteric terms as anomic and chimerical, suggesting that its author was highly educated. A brothers suspicions But the move to publish the manifesto ended up being the decisive factor. It was read in Schenectady, New York, by Linda Patrik, who showed it to her husband, David Kaczynski. She asked if he thought it sounded like something his brother Ted could have written. David was initially skeptical. Then he noticed that the essay contained unusual expressions, like cool-headed logicians, that he remembered his estranged sibling making use of. He approached the FBI with his suspicions, and it was noted that Davids brother had been born in Chicago in 1942. A search of Kaczynskis cabin turned up explosive devices, as well as the original copy of the manifesto. Kaczynski pleaded guilty in 1998 and was incarcerated until his death at age 81. Fingerprinting authors The Unabomber investigation has been justifiably hailed as a triumph of forensic linguistics. But sleuths of prose and punctuation have had other notable victories. Even something as seemingly trivial as unusual punctuation can provide clues to a suspects identity which is what happened in 2018, when a forensic linguist was able to pin a murder on a British man because of his unusual use of commas and spacing when sending text messages. Similar techniques have been used by language experts to identify authors. In 1996, Primary Colors, a novel based on Bill Clintons presidential campaign, was published by anonymous. English professor Donald Foster was able to finger Newsweek columnist Joe Klein as the author of the work, noting similarities between the text of Primary Colors and Kleins other published work, which included the use of unusual adverbs (goofily), states described as modes (crisis mode) and drawn-out interjections (naww). And in 2013, The Cuckoos Calling, a novel authored with the pen name Robert Galbraith, was exposed as having been written by J.K. Rowling. Patrick Juola, a computer scientist, and Peter Millican, a philosopher, independently identified the author of the Harry Potter series as the crime novels true author. Both men used computer programs to analyze such factors as the distribution of word lengths and common word usage in books written by several suspected authors. They then compared the results to The Cuckoos Calling and identified Rowling as the closest match. An infallible method? These techniques seem almost magical when they work. But theyre not foolproof. In 2018, The New York Times published an op-ed written by an anonymous resister inside the Trump administration. However, the editorial was too short for linguistic analysis. Even after the resister published a full-length book, titled A Warning, it wasnt possible to identify the author. He eventually outed himself as Miles Taylor. He had served as the chief of staff in the Department of Homeland Security. But because he had never published anything else, there was no text to which A Warning could be compared. The public learned of Miles Taylors identity only after he revealed himself as the author of A Warning. Bill O'Leary/The Washington Post via Getty Images And scholars are still debating the identity of Elena Ferrante, the pseudonym used by a bestselling Italian novelist. Ferrante has published a dozen books, including My Brilliant Friend, but the authors true identity remains controversial. Either way, technological advances have made it increasingly difficult for people who leave a paper trail to hide their identities and the old adage to not put anything in writing is as true as its ever been. This article is republished from The Conversation, an independent nonprofit news site dedicated to sharing ideas from academic experts. Like this article? Subscribe to our weekly newsletter. It was written by: Roger J. Kreuz, University of Memphis. Read more: Roger J. Kreuz 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. Unemployment rate at historic low in NH, but there are fewer workers than before COVID Unemployment rate at historic low in NH, but there are fewer workers than before COVID New Hampshires unemployment rate has dipped below 2% for the first time in at least 40 years, signaling a boon for jobseekers but a red flag for employers looking to fill positions. New data out Tuesday from New Hampshire Employment Security shows the states jobless rate fell to 1.9% in May, the lowest monthly figure dating back to 1976, the first year of published records from the Bureau of Labor Statistics. It is a bit of a milestone, for sure, said Brian Gottlob, an economist with New Hampshire Employment Security. Unemployment peaked at 16% in April 2020, when pandemic restrictions temporarily shuttered businesses and led to widespread job cuts, but has since steadily trended down. Still, the overall size of the labor force, which includes residents with jobs and those seeking jobs, has yet to fully recover. Just before the pandemic, the overall labor force included approximately 773,000 residents, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. Today, that number is roughly 765,000. There are a lot of people who are still on the sidelines, who are not participating in the labor force at their usual rates, said Gottlob. Older workers retired early or left the workforce for other reasons during the pandemic, he said, while workers in their 20s are also not participating in the economy in traditional ways. Some gig workers, he added, may not consider themselves employed when asked in surveys. Still, Gottlob said New Hampshire-based companies continue to expand. Monthly jobs data shows another 2,200 positions were added in May, on a seasonally adjusted basis, with about 17,500 total jobs gained over a 12-month period. Gov. Chris Sununu called the newest job figures evidence that New Hampshires economy is heating up just in time for the summer season. New Hampshire joins a wave of other states that are seeing historically low unemployment rates, according to federal labor statistics. The national unemployment rate, currently at 3.7%, is also hovering near 50-year lows. These articles are being shared by partners in The Granite State News Collaborative. For more information visit collaborativenh.org. This article originally appeared on Portsmouth Herald: New Hampshire unemployment rate at 1.9%, an historic low US Air Force would buy six more F-15EXs in 2025 under draft House bill WASHINGTON The Air Force would get six more F-15EX Eagle II fighters in fiscal 2025 under the House Armed Services Committees proposed version of the fiscal 2024 National Defense Authorization Act. If enacted, the proposal could boost the Air Forces effort to buy more new fighters to modernize its fleet. The services budget documents show it plans to request 24 Boeing-made F-15EX jets in 2025, the same amount as in 2023 and 2024. But the chairmans markup of the draft NDAA, released Monday evening, includes an additional $92 million in advance procurement funding to buy six more of those fighters in 2025. That would bring the services total Eagle II buy to 30, and bring advance procurement funding for the F-15EX to $320 million in 2024. The committee, chaired by Rep. Mike Rogers, R-Ala., moved to increase the Air Forces fighter purchases to speed up the pace at which it is replacing older, retiring fighters, a senior congressional aide told Defense News. The service plans to retire 801 tactical fighter aircraft over the next five years while bringing on 345 new F-35s and F-15EXs. When combined with the Air Forces plan to buy 48 new F-35A fighters the services expected standard annual purchase going forward for the next few years the increased number of F-15EX purchases would mean the service would get 78 new fighters in 2025. That would be more than the 72 fighters top Air Force leaders regularly say need bought on each year to both modernize the fleet and lower fighters average age. If the service cant buy that many annually, top generals warn, it wont have enough new fighters to replace aging and retiring fighters such as the F-15C. For years, the Air Force frequently did not ask for that many fighters in its budget requests, nor did lawmakers approve those amounts. In 2023, for example, Congress approved a total of 67 new fighters for the Air Force, 24 F-15EXs and 43 F-35s. That changed in 2024, when the Air Force asked for the full 72 fighters it says it needs. Lt. Gen. Richard Moore, deputy chief of staff for plans and programs, said in April that he believed the service would ask for 72 fighters again in the future. But mistakes and quality issues on the F-15EXs production line have caused the program to slip at least six months. The Government Accountability Office said in a report released in June that Boeing mis-drilled windscreen installation holes on four F-15EXs, and the holes will need to be redrilled. GAO also highlighted other unspecified supplier quality problems on a critical forward fuselage component needed to ensure the F-15EXs safety of flight. The Air Force currently has two test F-15EXs. Boeing was originally scheduled to start delivering the first of six more F-15EXs in December 2022 before the production problems caused delays. It is unclear when the deliveries of the latest batch will take place, but it could begin later this summer. The Air Force plans to buy 104 F-15EXs in all, but if the additional six in the proposed NDAA become a reality, it would have the effect of increasing the program of record to 110. The new version of the fourth-generation F-15 fighter is upgraded with advanced avionics and better electronic warfare capabilities. FILE PHOTO: A woman receives a booster dose of Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine against the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) at the Police hospital in Bangkok FDA advisers back updated COVID vaccine targeting dominant variant FILE PHOTO: A woman receives a booster dose of Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine against the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) at the Police hospital in Bangkok By Bhanvi Satija and Sriparna Roy (Reuters) - Advisers to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration on Thursday unanimously recommended that updated COVID-19 shots being developed for a fall vaccination campaign target one of the currently dominant XBB coronavirus variants. The panel voted 21-0 in favor of XBB-targeted shots, and the committee's discussion indicated that the XBB.1.5 Omicron subvariant would be preferred. FDA official Dr. Peter Marks indicated the agency was likely to settle on XBB.1.5, which manufacturers suggested could be ready for inoculations soonest. COVID vaccine makers Pfizer/BioNTech, Moderna and Novavax are already developing versions of their respective vaccines targeting XBB.1.5 and other currently circulating subvariants. Preclinical data from all three was presented at the meeting. "It seems like it's the most feasible to get across the finish line early without resulting in delays in availability," Melinda Wharton, vaccine policy official at U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) said of a shot aimed at XBB.1.5. If XBB.1.5 is chosen as the target for this year's campaign, it would be especially helpful to Novavax, as their protein-based vaccine takes longer to manufacture than rival mRNA-based shots. If the FDA chose a different target, Novavax could again find itself playing catch up to rivals. "The fact that most of the manufacturers are ready to work on XBB.1.5 is an added reason to select this strain or this variant given the immunologic data," said meeting chair Dr. Arnold Monto. After the meeting, Novavax issued a release saying it expects to be able to deliver its XBB-targeted COVID shot this fall. FDA staff reviewers in documents released this week said available evidence suggests this year's shots should target an XBB subvariant. XBB and its offshoots, which now account for most U.S. infections, are descendents of the Omicron variant that caused COVID cases to surge to record levels early last year. U.S. health regulators are looking to bring the next COVID shots more closely in line with the circulating virus. Pfizer, in its presentation, said it could supply its monovalent shots targeting the XBB.1.5 subvariant by the end of July, while Moderna said it was prepared to supply a new variant-containing shot for fall season. A so-called monovalent, or single target, vaccine would be a change from the most recent bivalent COVID boosters that targeted both the original strain of the coronavirus and Omicron. The FDA takes recommendations from its outside experts into consideration before making a final decision on composition of the shots. Thursday's proceedings comes after an advisory group to the World Health Organization (WHO) last month recommended the next wave of COVID booster shots be updated to target XBB subvariants. Europe's medicine regulators have also backed that recommendation. The CDC recommended booster shots broadly last year. But panel member Dr. Paul Offit questioned whether the shots needed to be recommended for "everybody every season," noting that the highest risk groups are those most likely to benefit from an annual booster. Only about 17% of the U.S. population - some 56.5 million people - received a COVID booster during the 2022-2023 vaccination season, according to government data through early May. Older Americans were boosted at a higher rate than the general population. Between Moderna and Pfizer, Morningstar analyst Karen Andersen expects 75 million doses to be sold in the United States during the 2023-2024 campaign. Moderna last month said it continues to expect the U.S. annual COVID-19 market to be 100 million doses, largely in line with Pfizer's view of 102 million. COVID deaths and hospitalizations have declined in 2023, and the U.S. government in May ended its COVID Public Health Emergency, which had allowed millions of Americans to receive vaccines, tests and treatments at no cost. (Reporting by Bhanvi Satija and Sriparna Roy in Bengaluru; Editing by Michael Erman and Bill Berkrot) WASHINGTON (Reuters) - National security advisers for the United States, Japan and South Korea on Thursday discussed maintaining stability in the Taiwan Strait and coordination over the East China and South China Seas, the White House said in a statement. The White House's Jake Sullivan, along with his counterparts at a trilateral meeting in Tokyo, also discussed North Korea's "illicit nuclear and missile programs and most recent provocations and identified next steps to strengthen their cooperation," it said. The statement came shortly before South Korea's military said that Korea had launched a ballistic missile after Pyongyang earlier issued a protest against live fire drills carried out by South Korea with the United States. "Our trilateral partnership is now stronger and has more potential than ever before," the U.S. statement said. Technology, energy security and "countering economic coercion," were also discussed ahead of a summit with the three nation's leaders hosted by U.S. President Joe Biden in coming months, the White House added. On China, Sullivan along with Japanese National Security Secretariat Secretary General Akiba Takeo and South Korean National Security Office Director Cho Tae-yon "discussed opportunities for coordination in the East China Sea and South China Sea and emphasized the importance of maintaining peace and stability in the Taiwan Strait," it said. (Reporting by Susan Heavey; Editing by Hugh Lawson) US looks to thaw relations with China, starting with picking up the phone The fraught U.S.-China relationship is unlikely to improve upon the visit of Secretary of State Antony Blinken to the country this week, with Washington and Beijing in a clash for global influence, on opposing sides of Russias war in Ukraine, and confronting a series of unexpected crises. U.S. officials are setting low expectations for the two-day visit beginning Sunday. But they are hoping to walk away with at least one commitment: When the U.S. phones China, they pick up. Blinken wants to establish communication channels that are open and empowered to discuss important challenges, address misperceptions and prevent miscalculation so as to manage competition that does not veer into conflict, Daniel Kritenbrink, assistant secretary of state for East Asian and Pacific affairs, said in a briefing call with reporters Wednesday. This is not a visit in which I would anticipate a long list of deliverables coming out of it. The Biden administration has spoken with frustration over instances where Chinese officials have failed to answer a phone call from Washington, saying that direct lines of communication are necessary to cut through crises and tamp down high tensions before they spiral into conflict. National Security Adviser Jake Sullivan, in a speech earlier this month on managing nuclear weapons risk, criticized China as failing to show a willingness to compartmentalize strategic stability from broader issues in the relationship. This was on full display in February when Chinese officials held back from answering a call from Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin in the wake of the U.S. shooting down a Chinese spy balloon. The secretary was rejected again this month when Chinas defense minister refused to meet with him at a defense summit in Singapore. I think Beijing feels less need to establish better communications than the U.S. does, said Jonah Blank of the RAND Corporation, and who served as South and Southeast Asia adviser on the Senate Foreign Relations Committee when President Biden was chairman. Chinese officials are quite able to reach their American counterparts when they wish to do so, but the reverse isnt always true a mid-level Party official has less authority than a State Department or Pentagon one about whether to return a phone call. Yet China has shown openness to other meetings with Biden officials, focused on issues that are substantive and targeted, said Patricia Kim, an expert on U.S.-China relations and fellow at the Brookings Institutions Foreign Policy Center for East Asia Policy Studies. This includes talks with U.S. officials like Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen, Commerce Secretary Gina Raimondo and Special Presidential Envoy for Climate John Kerry. What Ive heard from visiting Chinese experts and delegations, is that the top leaders in Beijing were not interested in engaging with the top leadership of the Biden administration. They felt like it wasnt going to change anything in the relationship, Kim said. But I think it was right for the Biden administration to make it clear that Beijing shouldnt dictate which of its officials that it wants to meet with, or which select issues to engage on. A testy rivalry Still, Blinkens trip to China signals more willingness on the part of Beijing to engage on crisis communication channels even as public rhetoric remains heated. I dont see why relations would get markedly worse in the near term or markedly better, said Blank. The relationship right now might be described as a testy rivalry, and thats likely to be the case for years to come. Chinese Foreign Minister Qin Gang, in a phone call Wednesday morning, pointed to the U.S. need to take concrete actions stabilize the relationship from further deterioration and bring it back to the track of healthy and stable development, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Wang Wenbin said in a press briefing. Blinkens visit is, in one way, a capstone to months of groundwork laid by the Biden administration to stabilize communication between Washington and Beijing that had broken down with the discovery of the Chinese spy balloon, the catalyst for canceling the secretarys trip at the time. While Biden engaged the military and spent millions of dollars to destroy the balloon along with at least three other suspicious, floating objects he later referred to the whole episode as silly when predicting a new thaw in relations with Beijing during the Group of Seven summit in Japan last month. Those remarks came with the knowledge that CIA Director Bill Burns had succeeded in carrying out a clandestine meeting with Chinese intelligence officials in May. Following that, Sullivan held an unannounced meeting in Vienna with Wang Yi, the Chinese Communist Partys top official for foreign affairs. But over the past few months, the U.S. and China have clashed publicly over a visit in April by Taiwans President Tsai Ing-wen to California to meet with House Speaker Kevin McCarthy (R-Calif.), air and naval confrontations in the South China Sea and Taiwan Strait, and the revelation last week of a Chinese spying base in Cuba, which the White House was forced to acknowledge has been present since 2019. Congress assessing China threat Blinkens travel to China is being closely watched on Capitol Hill, where lawmakers from both sides of the aisle have identified the Chinese Communist Party as an overall threat to the U.S. The CCPs recent moves towards the United States from spy balloons to surveillance bases cannot go unnoticed or unchallenged, Rep. Young Kim (R-Calif.), chairwoman of the House Foreign Affairs subcommittee on the Indo-Pacific said in a statement after Kritenbrink postponed an appearance because of travel to the region. I will continue to press for answers and transparency from this administration, so we can hold authoritarian regimes accountable and project strength on the world stage. And Rep. Raja Krishnamoorthi (D-Ill.), ranking member of the House Select Committee on U.S. competition with China, struck a defiant tone in a comment to The Hill on his expectations for Blinkens visit. Relations between countries improve not just when they engage, but when that engagement produces results. Secretary Blinkens trip comes at a time in which the CCP has become more aggressive towards its neighbors, more hostile towards businesses operating in the PRC, and more authoritarian towards their own people, he said. I hope the Secretarys message to General Secretary Xi is one of strength and conviction, and one that articulates our interests in promoting healthy competition between our countries, not an escalating conflict. Blinkens arrival in Beijing will mark his first time in China as secretary of State and the first visit by a Cabinet official since 2019. The genesis of his travel came following a meeting between Biden and Chinese President Xi Jinping on the sidelines of Novembers G-20 summit in Bali marking the last time the two leaders spoke. A successful trip by Blinken could set up the potential for another face-to-face between Biden and Xi on the sidelines of the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation summit set to take place in San Francisco this November, said Kim, of the Brookings Institution. As much as Chinese officials and Chinese media have cast doubt on the United States sincerity in diplomatically engaging with China, theres also anxiety about the speed at which U.S.-China relations has deteriorated and a desire to stop the relationship from really veering into catastrophe, she said. Tackling climate change, preventing the next pandemic and finding an off-ramp to Russias war in Ukraine and dealing with the reverberating consequences are some of the larger issues to be discussed during the visit. All those topics will be at the forefront of Blinkens meetings in Beijing, even as officials play down progress. We know efforts to shape or reform China, over several decades have failed, and we expect China to be around, to be a major player on the world stage for the rest of our lifetimes, said Kurt Campbell, deputy assistant to the president and coordinator for Indo-Pacific affairs, and who was on the briefing call with Kritebrink. As the competition continues, the PRC will take provocative steps from the Taiwan Strait to Cuba and we will push back. But intense competition requires intense diplomacy. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill. The US is sending $1 billion every year to Russia's nuclear program, despite pledging to cripple its economy with sanctions Russian President Vladimir Putin delivers speech in Moscow, Russia, on March 16, 2023. Contributor/Getty Images US companies send about $1 billion a year to Russia's state-owned nuclear agency. The US is heavily reliant on Russia's cheap nuclear fuel to produce emissions-free energy. Russia's nuclear agency has been running Zaporizhzhia nuclear power plant since its capture from Ukraine. US companies are sending $1 billion each year to Russia's state-owned nuclear agency, despite President Joe Biden pledging to cripple Russia's economy, according to a report in The New York Times. The payments for enriched uranium are one of the biggest sources of cash from the US to Russia since it was hit by wide-ranging sanctions for its invasion of Ukraine, the Times said. The money for enriched uranium is received by subsidiaries of Rosatom, Russia's state-owned nuclear agency, which has been running Ukraine's Zaporizhzhia nuclear power plant since its forceful capture in March 2022. US companies spent about $1 billion in 2022 buying nuclear fuel from Rosatom, The New York Times reported. The US imported another $411.5 million in enriched uranium between January and March 2023, Darya Dolzikova, an analyst working for UK-based security think tank Royal United Services Institute told Insider in an email. Zaporizhzhia nuclear power plant on May 1, 2022. ANDREY BORODULIN/AFP via Getty Images In his State of Union address last year, Biden pledged to damage Russia's economy. "We are inflicting pain on Russia and supporting the people of Ukraine. Putin is now isolated from the world more than ever," the president declared. While the US has issued wide-ranging sanctions against Russia, nuclear fuel is one of the few energy sources that has not been banned by the West, The Wall Street Journal reported. The White House did levy some sanctions against Rosatom and several of its executives in late February, per Politico. However, Western firms continue to maintain deep ties with the atomic company, which dominates the nuclear supply chain. "I think it's fair to say that probably in terms of sanctions [nuclear fuel] has gone a bit below the radar," said Antony Froggatt, deputy director of the Environment and Society Centre of London-based policy institute Chatham House, in an interview with Insider. Proportionally, the nuclear fuel market represents a fraction of the amount of money lost by Russia due to the sanctions, per The Washington Post. However $1 billion does represent a substantial part of Rosatom's foreign earnings, which have been estimated at $8 billion per year, the Post reported. "It shouldn't be that any sector is exempt from scrutiny," said Froggatt. "Even though financially it may be less important, I think for an overarching equity of policies it should be put against all energy sources," he said. Why is the US so dependent on Russia for nuclear energy? Russia has been exporting cheap enriched uranium to the US since the Cold War. That's in part because of Russia's dominance in the global market. The country supplies about 43% of the world with enriched uranium. The US, meanwhile, has virtually stopped enriching its uranium, per The Times. Because of this, the US has become commercially dependent on Russia, a tie that has not been easy to sever. According to The New York Times, around a third of enriched uranium used in the US is now imported from Russia. And it's not just the US who is heavily dependent. Some central European countries still have working Soviet-era nuclear power plants to operate, and depend heavily on Rosatom to keep them working, Frogatt said. "I think it's important to look at Rosatom's ambitions on the global level," he said, adding: "It always has had a very ambitious program of exporting nuclear technology." Read the original article on Business Insider The United States has sent F-22 fighter jets to the Middle East in response to increasingly unsafe activity from Russian aircraft in the region. U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM) said in a release Wednesday that it deployed the F-22 Raptors to demonstrate the countrys ability to re-posture forces and deliver overwhelming power at a moments notice. U.S. Air Force F-22 Raptors deployed to U.S. Central Commands area of responsibility as part of a multifaceted show of U.S. support and capability in the wake of increasingly unsafe and unprofessional behavior by Russian aircraft in the region, the release states. Russian Forces unsafe and unprofessional behavior is not what we expect from a professional air force. Their regular violation of agreed upon airspace deconfliction measures increases the risk of escalation or miscalculation, Gen. Michael Kurilla, commander of CENTCOM, said in the release. Alongside our partners and allies, we are committed to improving the security and stability in the region. The move comes as tensions between the U.S. and Russia have spiked in the past year amid Russias full-scale invasion of Ukraine. U.S. officials have reportedly said Russia has become more aggressive in the Middle East recently, with Kurilla telling the Senate Armed Services Committee in March that the U.S. has observed a significant spike in aggressive Russian flights over Syria. Russian pilots have also tried to dogfight U.S. jets over Syria, possibly attempting to provoke the U.S. into starting an incident. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill. By Andrew Chung (Reuters) - The U.S. Supreme Court on Thursday upheld decades-old federal standards that give preferences to Native Americans and tribal members in the adoption or foster care placements of Native American children, rejecting a challenge that claimed that parts of the law were racially biased against non-Native Americans. The 7-2 ruling threw out a lower court's decision that had struck down as a violation of the U.S. Constitution's guarantee of equal protection under the law a requirement that "other Indian families" receive preference in adoption and foster care after members of a child's extended family or tribe members. The justices found that the plaintiffs - the Republican-governed state of Texas and three non-Native American families - lacked the necessary legal standing to bring the case. The justices also rejected some specific challenges to the law, known as the Indian Child Welfare Act of 1978, on other grounds. The decision came a week after the court ruled against a challenge to another federal law aimed at protecting racial minorities, with the justices rejecting a Republican-drawn electoral map in Alabama found to dilute the clout of Black voters. Congress passed the Indian Child Welfare Act to end a longstanding practice in the United States of removing many Native American children from their families and placing them with non-Native Americans. At the time the law was passed, 25% to 35% of Native American children were removed in states with large Native American populations, according to court papers. The "bottom line," conservative Justice Amy Coney Barrett wrote in Thursday's ruling, "is that we reject all of petitioners' challenges to the statute, some on the merits and others for lack of standing." Conservative justices Clarence Thomas and Samuel Alito dissented. President Joe Biden, whose administration defended the law, said the decision keeps in place a vital protection for tribal sovereignty and Native American children. "Our Nation's painful history looms large over today's decision," Biden said in a statement. "In the not-so-distant past, Native children were stolen from the arms of the people who loved them. They were sent to boarding schools or to be raised by non-Indian families - all with the aim of erasing who they are as Native people and tribal citizens. These were acts of unspeakable cruelty that affected generations of Native children and threatened the very survival of Tribal Nations." 'OVERCOME WITH JOY' Native American groups cheered the decision. "We are overcome with joy," a coalition of organizations including the Indian Child Welfare Association and the National Congress of American Indians said in a statement. "One thing is certain: ICWA (Indian Child Welfare Act) is crucial for the safety and well-being of Native children and families and the future of Native peoples and Tribal Nations," the coalition said. The lawsuit, first filed in 2017, was brought against the U.S. Interior Department and federal officials by Texas and the three families who sought to adopt or foster Native American children. They included Texas couple Jennifer and Chad Brackeen, who in 2018 adopted a child whose mother is a member of the Navajo Nation. Among other claims, the plaintiffs said the statute violated the Constitution both by racially discriminating against non-Native Americans and by having the federal government direct the actions of state agencies in adoption matters. A judge ruled favor of the challengers on both claims in 2018. In 2021, the New Orleans-based 5th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals narrowed the judge's ruling but affirmed the invalidation of certain parts of the law. Barrett said the Supreme Court could not decide the merits of the race claims in the case. Suing the U.S. government would not remedy the alleged racial discrimination "because state courts apply the placement preferences, and state agencies carry out the court-ordered placements," Barrett wrote. The ruling also found that Congress had the power to enact the law, a conclusion Thomas and Alito disputed. During arguments in the case in November, conservative Justice Brett Kavanaugh said it would be impermissible for Congress to give white parents preferences for adopting white children or Latino parents preferences for Latino children. Kavanaugh, in a concurring opinion on Thursday, emphasized that "serious" racial discrimination claims made in the case remained undecided but might properly be brought in a future lawsuit by a "prospective foster or adoptive parent or child in a case arising out of a state-court foster care or adoption proceeding." Matthew McGill, a lawyer for the families, said his main concern is what the decision means for the Brackeens' effort to adopt the sibling to their adopted child, a 5-year-old girl referred to in court papers as "Y.R.J." "As Justice Kavanaugh observed today, that equal protection claim is 'serious,' and we will ask the state court to address it in the Brackeens' upcoming trial to adopt Y.R.J.," McGill said. (Reporting by Andrew Chung in New York; Editing by Will Dunham) Politically connected businessman convicted of attempting to bribe legislators in a brief trial that packed a Chicago punch In the annals of Chicago public corruption prosecutions, the federal bribery case against businessman James Weiss didnt have the high profile of a Rod Blagojevich or George Ryan, and certainly not Michael Madigan. But in just over a week, Weiss trial at the Dirksen U.S. Courthouse managed to pack in a veritable corruption cornucopia, one that seemed at times to be ripped from a bad political thriller. There was the wire-wearing state senator, a fellow legislator on the take, clandestine meetings at a pancake house and a North Shore Wendys, even a purported phone call with a ghost woman who turned out to be an invention of the FBI. The story ended Thursday when a federal jury convicted Weiss of attempting to pay off two state legislators to pass a bill beneficial to his sweepstakes gaming company and then lying about it to two FBI agents who pulled him over on a Chicago-area expressway one morning nearly four years ago. After a weeklong trial, the jury of seven women and five men deliberated for about four hours before finding Weiss guilty of all seven counts of bribery, wire fraud, mail fraud and making false statements. Weiss, 44, is the son-in-law of former Cook County Democratic boss Joseph Berrios. The most serious charges carry a maximum of 20 years in prison. Seated at the defense table in a dark suit and gray-and-silver-striped tie, Weiss took a sip from a plastic cup but showed no outward reaction as the first guilty count was read. Afterward, he and his attorneys were smiling as they left the courthouse, but declined to comment specifically on the verdict, citing ongoing litigation. We plan to move forward with our pending motions and see what happens, said lead defense attorney Ilia Usharovich. U.S. District Judge Steven Seeger set sentencing for Oct. 11. The charges alleged Weiss desperately wanted the states gambling expansion bill to include language explicitly legalizing sweepstakes machines, but it was left out of the proposal in the 2019 spring session. Weiss then agreed to pay monthly $2,500 bribes to get a deal done, first to state Rep. Luis Arroyo and later to state Sen. Terry Link, who was a chief sponsor of the gambling bill in the Senate, according to prosecutors. Arroyo and Weiss didnt know that Link, a Vernon Hills Democrat, was cooperating with the FBI. Link, who is hoping for a break on his own federal tax conviction in exchange for his cooperation, testified over two days beginning last week about his undercover role. Weiss attorneys argued Weiss was paying Arroyo as a legitimate consultant for his business, and that trying to enlist another politicians help is not a crime. They also tried to drag the states long history of public corruption into the courtroom by claiming that the video gaming industry, which was vehemently opposed to Weiss business, had the rest of the General Assembly in its pocket. This is a dirty place where the rules seem to be gray, where a contribution can be considered a bribe, a bribe a contribution, Usharovich told the jury in his closing remarks Wednesday. It is all messed up. But juror Abriana Sutherland-Scienski, 29, of Chicago, later told reporters in the courthouse lobby that she didnt find anything compelling about Weiss defense. There were some arguments the defense made that I personally found insulting to our intelligence, she said. Its pretty clear just from the things that were provable by recordings and other evidence that Mr. Weiss was not going to get out of this, said Sutherland-Scienski, a full-time college student studying social work. She said Link seems to be a complicated character, but that she appreciated his honesty. Regarding Arroyo, she said, Mr. Arroyos absence was very plainly felt. I have a lot of questions about him that have not yet been answered. Asked if she would be surprised to know Arroyo was in prison, Sutherland-Scienski said, No, not at all. When told hed pleaded guilty, she said, That seems wise. Prosecutors rested their case Wednesday morning after three full days of testimony featuring some 14 witnesses, the defense did not put on any evidence of its own. The trial centered on the largely uncharted world of sweepstakes machines, sometimes called gray machines, which allow customers to put in money, receive a coupon to redeem for merchandise online and then play electronic games like slot machines. Since the machines can be played for free, they are not considered gambling devices. Critics, however, contend that the unregulated devices which operate in cities, including Chicago, that have banned video gambling are designed to skirt the law. In his testimony, Link took the jury through the meetings and phone calls he secretly recorded for the FBI, including one at a Wendys restaurant in Highland Park as well as another meeting weeks later at a Skokie pancake house, where Arroyo allegedly handed over the first $2,500 check from Weiss. This is, this is the jackpot, Arroyo told Link as he handed over the check, according to the recording played for the jury Monday. Additional monthly $2,500 payments were expected to be made over the next six to 12 months, totaling $30,000, the charges alleged. At the direction of the FBI, Link had told Arroyo to have the checks made out to a purported associate named Katherine Hunter, who didnt actually exist. When Weiss was later questioned by agents, he lied and said Hunter was a lobbyist who lived in Winnetka and that hed spoken to her on the phone, according to a recording of the interview also played for the jury Monday. There was a woman who Luis (Arroyo) put me on the phone with, Weiss insisted. We were ... where the hell was it? We met in person. ... Im trying to give you guys the details. Suddenly Weiss remembered they were at Tavern on Rush. He said he and Arroyo were at the popular restaurant on Chicagos Near North Side when Arroyo said, I gotta put you on the phone with Katherine about engaging in the agreement. OK, and he said Katherine? one of the agents asked. I believe it was Katherine, yes, Weiss replied. With his explanation not adding up, Weiss told the agents a story about how hard it had been to gain traction with legislators in Springfield on the subject of sweepstakes machines. Weiss said that it was so bad that even Link, who was spearheading the states gambling overhaul and knew his father-in-law well, told him off in vulgar terms at the Capitol. My father-in-law interacted with Terry Link for 30 years, and (Link) told me, (Expletive) you to my face, Weiss said on the recording. I didnt know what to do. Berrios, who was head of the Cook County Democratic Party and also served as Cook County assessor from 2011 to 2019, has not been accused of wrongdoing. Weiss is married to his daughter, Toni, a former state representative. The only other time the Berrios familys name was mentioned came later on Tuesday, when jurors were shown a Post-it note Weiss wrote instructing that paperwork purportedly involving the consulting contract be signed and emailed to a Vanessa Berrios, Weiss sister-in-law, who was working as Weiss assistant at his valet parking company. The testimony also focused on a parallel fight that went on at Chicagos City Hall, where Arroyo was operating as a paid lobbyist for Weiss company regarding sweepstakes machine issues. Former Ald. Patrick OConnor, the longtime City Council floor leader, testified Tuesday that he proposed a ban on sweepstakes machines in 2018 after seeing them in operation at a gambling house next door to a high school. OConnor, who was defeated in 2019 after 36 years in City Council, said he met with Weiss one time about sweepstakes machines in the fall of 2018 at his 40th Ward office. He just kind of stated that he felt my position was incorrect and we just agreed that we werent agreeing, and that was pretty much it, OConnor said. In his closing argument Assistant U.S. Attorney Sean Franzblau said Weiss was trying to corrupt the political process, where laws should be fashioned with power of the ideas instead of the size of the pocketbook. He said any attempt to call Weiss payments to Arroyo and Link legitimate amounted to putting lipstick on a pig. Lobbyist, consultant, dentist, therapist, it doesnt matter, Franzblau said. When you pay a public official money in exchange for an official act, it is a bribe. Franzblau said the government didnt put the bribery scheme in action Weiss and Arroyo did. The FBI simply walked up to a corrupt relationship that was already in place and they gave it a little nudge, and another bribery scheme came tumbling out, he said. Usharovich, however, said Weiss was kept in the dark about the scheme and believed the payments were for legitimate consulting work. If this was a bribe, it would have been done with a big bag of cash to keep it off the books, he said. Usharovich said every one of the current and former legislators who testified for the government, including Link, state Rep. Bob Rita and former state Sen. Tony Munoz, admitted they had taken campaign contributions from Rick Heidner, the video gaming kingpin who is a staunch opponent of sweepstakes machines. OConnor, meanwhile, testified that Heidner hired him as a $5,000-a-month consultant a month after OConnor left office. The public wasnt cheated, as they say, by Mr. Weiss and Mr. Arroyo. They public was cheated by the people who testified here, Usharovich said. They made you guys losers, the state of Illinois. In rebuttal, Assistant U.S. Attorney Christine ONeill said the argument that Heidner and the video gaming industry had the politicians in their pocket was irrelevant. What did you expect (Weiss) to do? We expected him not to try to buy laws, ONeill said. The case is the latest in a string of public corruption trials involving state and local politics lined up at the Dirksen U.S. Courthouse, and comes on the heels of the blockbuster ComEd Four bribery case involving a scheme to bribe then-House Speaker Michael Madigan, which ended with sweeping guilty verdicts last month. Later this year, former Chicago Ald. Edward Burke is scheduled to go on trial on racketeering charges, followed in April by Madigan himself, who is also charged with racketeering conspiracy. Arroyo, meanwhile, pleaded guilty to bribery for his role in the scheme with Weiss but did not agree to cooperate with prosecutors. Seeger sentenced Arroyo to nearly five years in prison last year, calling him a corruption superspreader. In her comments to reporters, juror Sutherland-Scienski said the jurors were unaware who Weiss father-in-law is and that the panel wasnt really discussing politics. She said the defense argument that everyone in Chicago politics is in the pockets of big gaming fell flat because it was irrelevant to the charges against Weiss. Thats not really what we were here to discuss, she said. But I think several times during the jury (selection) people mentioned that we are in Crook County, and this kind of this is unfortunately not uncommon. jmeisner@chicagotribune.com SHELBURNE Vineyards and apple orchards across the Northeast are still gauging damage from a late-season frost in May that wiped out a third to most of the crop for some growers who say its the worst frost damage they have ever seen. Some states are seeking federal disaster declarations, which would make low-interest loans and other programs available to affected growers, while agriculture officials across the region are contemplating together asking the U.S. Department of Agriculture for direct aid to farmers. In southern Vermont, Scott Farm Orchard lost up to 90% of its apple crop when the temperature dipped to 25 degrees for five hours on May 18. At the northern end of the state, Shelburne Vineyards in Shelburne lost about 50% of its grape crop, which is potentially a half-million dollar revenue loss, according to head wine grower and vineyard manager Ethan Joseph. Freeze damage at Shelburne Vineyard. Head Winegrower Ethan Joseph estimates the vineyard has lost at least 50% of its crop because of the hard freeze last week during the night of May 17-18. To make up for lost production, Shelburne Vineyards plans to buy additional grapes at a time when its overall costs this year will be higher due to the frost, Joseph told The Associated Press. The vineyard has wine in stock to sell and it's not off the table that it could raise prices, he said. Weve never seen this kind of freeze event, certainly in the history of the vineyard, Joseph said. Ive been here for 16 years. Weve never seen anything like it. Wine-producing region in Fingers Lakes, New York, hit The widespread frost hit the large wine-producing region of the Finger Lakes in upstate New York where it's estimated about half of the grape crop was lost regionwide, according to Kyle Anne Pallischeck, executive director of the Finger Lakes Wine Alliance. Depending on their location, some vineyards were hit hard and others had little to no damage. Vineyard owners say it's still too early to tell what the final financial impact will be. More: Hard freeze in May affects Vermont's forests as well, hitting trees that leaf out late Ive been in this almost 40 years, doing it full-time and this is by far and away the worst, said David Stamp, vineyard manager of Lakewood Vineyards, in Watkins Glen, New York, of the frost damage. He estimated their total crop loss at about 30% to 40% though it's tough to tell since the damage is scattered throughout the vineyards. I mean, if you put all the years together that weve had any damage its not even a quarter of what this is, he said. Wine aging in oak barrels at Lakewood Vineyards on Seneca Lake. The losses will mean shorter supplies of certain wines next year and higher prices for apples this year. Some vineyards and orchards are having to reduce staff. Keuka Lake Vineyards, in Hammondsport, New York, estimates it lost between 50% and 65% of its crop, said Mel Goldman, owner and vineyard manager. We lost a lot, Goldman said, adding it will take a few weeks before a final verdict as the vines produce secondary buds and shoots that could bear fruit. Some vineyards are now starting to see growth from secondary buds, Pallischeck said. This is where hope lies in salvaging a 2023 vintage for many, she told the AP by email. In Vermont, Joseph said the new growth at Shelburne Vineyards is too late to produce fruit that would ripen this season. Schumer and Gillibrand seek federal disaster relief U.S. Sens. Charles Schumer and Kirsten Gillibrand, both of New York, have asked the USDA for disaster relief for orchards and vineyards but did not specify how much was needed as damage is still being assessed. New York is the countrys second top apple-producing state after Washington. Connecticut Gov. Ned Lamont has requested a federal agriculture disaster declaration for the state, which, if approved, would make federal disaster assistance programs, such as emergency loans, available to farmers to cover losses. Vermont's agriculture secretary is asking agriculture officials in other New England states, as well as New York, New Jersey and Pennsylvania, to join Vermont in seeking more USDA aid, saying that without it, businesses could downsize or close, delivering devastating blows to local economies. US Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-NY) speaks during a news conference following Senate Democrat policy luncheons at the US Capitol in Washington, DC, on May 31, 2023. To try to prevent frost damage in the Finger Lakes, some wineries ran tractors through the vineyards and a few used wind turbines to increase airflow. Others burned hay for heat or mowed the grass short in the vineyard to help keep the cold air away from the fruiting wire, according to a statement released by Schumer and Gillibrand. In Vermont, at least one small orchard sprayed their apple trees with water to encase them in ice to protect them from the plunging temperature, but they still lost their crop, according to Terence Bradshaw, associate professor in the plant and soil science department at the University of Vermont. Bradshaw, who also is a tree fruit and viticulture specialist, estimates Vermont lost 50% to 70% of its commercial apple crop. FILE - Erin Robinson, orchard manager for Scott Farm Orchard in Dummerston, Vt., cuts into an apple flower May 22, 2023, to show the damage done to the apples after a recent front. Vineyards and apple orchards across the Northeast are still gauging damage from a late-season frost in May that wiped out a third to most of the crop for some growers who say its the worst frost damage they have ever seen. The length of time that the temperature dipped below freezing was unusual but it was a confluence of circumstances the bud stage, susceptible plant tissues that were out, and a lack of wind that caused such damage, he said. The late frost was rare enough that Bradshaw doesn't think area orchards and vineyards will invest in frost irrigation or other frost protections. Some apple growers may have a little bit more fruit than they expected, Bradshaw said. The question is how much is enough to justify not throwing in the towel for the year and just say lets step away, you know, cut our costs," he said. This article originally appeared on Burlington Free Press: Federal help sought for vineyards, orchards hit by late frost Vice President Kamala Harris plans to visit Charlotte next week to mark the one-year anniversary of the U.S. Supreme Courts decision to overturn a 1973 landmark case that federally protected abortion rights, White House officials told McClatchy on Thursday. And they added that its not a coincidence that Harris chose to visit North Carolina just days before new abortion restrictions go into effect on July 1. North Carolina Republican legislators overrode Gov. Roy Coopers veto of their 12-week abortion ban last month. The ban offers some exceptions for rape and incest and life-limiting fetal anomalies, The News & Observer previously reported. There are no restrictions if a mothers life is in danger. The veto override was made possible by Rep. Tricia Cotham, a lawmaker who lives just outside Charlotte, who changed her party affiliation from Democrat to Republican earlier this year, giving Republicans a supermajority. Prior to blindsiding Democrats with a party change, Cotham was perhaps best known for a speech she made on the House floor about an abortion she had when she was younger, a claim that she is now walking back. Protecting reproductive rights White House officials said Harris will use her visit to Charlotte on June 24 the one-year anniversary of the Dobbs decision to draw attention to Republicans trying to push legislation that would ban abortions. She will also use it as an opportunity to rally supporters, advocates and community leaders in North Carolina around the fight for reproductive rights. Harris wants to put back in place law that would protect reproductive rights nationally. In advocating for that, White House officials said, she has brought together 50 groups of leaders in 16 states on the front lines of the issue, and also convened 250 state lawmakers from 28 states with health care providers, constitutional law experts, state attorneys general, students, advocates and leaders in faith, disability rights and higher education. Shes also led cabinet secretaries from across the government to implement a response to Dobbs. Rep. Kathy Manning, a Democrat from Greensboro, this week sponsored a bill that would federally protect a persons right to contraception. On Tuesday, Harris will sit down with MSNBCs Joy Reid for a roundtable on the impact the Supreme Courts decision has had on Americans in a televised program that will air at 7 p.m. Visit from Biden North Carolina has been seeing a lot more of the Biden administration in recent weeks. President Joe Biden and First Lady Jill Biden visited Eastern North Carolina on June 9 to highlight initiatives like helping students connect with good-paying jobs and programs for military families. Bidens reelection campaign, which includes Harris as his running mate, has made it known it plans to fully invest in North Carolina as a battleground state. This is the administrations third visit to the state since March. Volkswagen's next plug-in hybrid (PHEV) may be particularly appealing if you're determined to avoid using the gas engine whenever possible. The automaker has shared the first details of its next-gen Tiguan SUV, and the PHEV model will manage up to 62 miles of all-electric range. That's about twice the range of the existing Tiguan eHybrid, and makes the 37.5 miles of Toyota's Prius Prime seem modest. You might only need to rely on combustion power for long-distance trips. The jump to a new MQB evo platform (and thus new electric motors) is partly credited for the extended PHEV range. It also allows for an electronically-controlled suspension that promises better handling and more comfort, and enables both faster AC charging on the plug-in model as well as DC charging. It's now more practical to charge the Tiguan overnight or at a rest stop, in other words. 2024 VW Tiguan interior VW has also revamped the in-cabin technology. The infotainment system now uses up to a 15-inch screen, and there's a digital instrument cluster with rotary-based control. There's even a nod to ID-series EVs with a switch on the steering column to change drive modes. The new Tiguan will only be available with a dual-clutch automatic gearbox. The updated Tiguan will officially debut in the fall, with models reaching dealerships in 2024. We wouldn't count on a North American release of the PHEV edition when it hasn't been available in the region so far. However, VW's effort hints at the direction of hybrids for the industry at large. The electric-only range is now good enough to cover a wide range of driving scenarios, and may be enticing if you're not quite ready to buy a pure EV. Wagner boss Prigozhin rejects Putin's push for mercenaries to sign contracts with the Russian army, calling it 'the path of shame' Wagner mercenary group founder Yevgeny Prigozhin (left) and Russian President Vladimir Putin (right). Mikhail Svetlov/Getty Images/Contributor Yevgeny Prigozhin rejected a push for his fighters to sign contracts with the Russian army. The Wagner Group boss said his fighters won't "go down the path of shame," according to UK intel. Prigozhin has long criticized Russia's defense ministry over its handling of the war in Ukraine. Wagner Group founder Yevgeny Prigozhin is rejecting Russian President Vladimir Putin's push to force mercenary fighters with the group to sign official contracts with Moscow's army, Britain's defense ministry has assessed. "None of Wagner's fighters are ready to go down the path of shame again. That is why they will not sign the contracts," Prigozhin said, according to a Thursday intelligence update. On June 10, Russia's defense ministry announced that "volunteer formations" like the Wagner Group a notorious mercenary organization that has fought alongside Moscow's regular military in Ukraine must sign official contracts with the Russian army, UK intelligence noted. Putin endorsed the move on TV earlier this week. Despite working side-by-side with Russia's military along the brutal front lines in eastern Ukraine, the Wagner Group has consistently found itself at odds with regular Russian military. For instance, as the group suffered heavy losses in battle in Bakhmut, Prigozhin blamed military leaders, accusing them of withholding support and ammunition for his fighters. Prigozhin has ripped into Russia's top military leadership on multiple occasions slamming Moscow for its faltering war efforts and lack of notable battlefield progress. Beyond this, the Wagner boss has publicly undermined Moscow's narrative on the war and highlighted its failures in Ukraine. War experts have characterized the infighting as dangerous, dysfunctional, and counterproductive to Russia's overall effort in Ukraine. Analysis of the war has suggested that irregular Russian commanders like Prigozhin show that they are capable of forcing the hands of Moscow's military leadership and even threatening operations. Britain's defense ministry added in its Thursday brief that although Prigozhin "has been aiming vitriolic criticism" specifically at the Russian military leadership, he has until now still deferred to Putin's rulings. But the upcoming deadline for fighters to sign their contracts on July 1 will "likely" be a "key way-point" in the feud, the UK noted. The UK's latest intelligence update comes as Ukrainian forces continue with counteroffensive operations in several different directions around eastern and southern Ukraine this week, making small gains in the Zaporizhzhia region and near the war-torn city of Bakhmut in the Donetsk region. To support these efforts, the Pentagon on Tuesday announced a new $325 million security assistance package for Ukraine, which includes rockets, artillery, anti-tank weapons, and armored troop carriers. "It is still early days. And we do not know if this will be a turning point of the war. But we see that the Ukrainians are making advances and liberating more land," NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg told reporters this week. "We know that the more gains Ukraine makes, the stronger their hand will be at the negotiating table." Correction June 15. 2023: An earlier version of this article included an incorrect caption. Wagner boss Yevgeny Prigozhin is on the left and Russian President Vladimir Putin is on the right in the photo. Read the original article on Business Insider Wildlife officials released an endangered Mexican gray wolf back into the Arizona wilderness after holding her in captivity for five months. The U.S. Fish and Wildlife service captured female wolf 2754 nicknamed Asha by conservationists in northern New Mexico in January, and held her at the agencys Sevilleta Mexican Wolf Management Facility outside Socorro, officials said in a June 14 news release. So why was she captured and held in captivity for so many months? Asha had wandered outside the agencys arbitrary management zone and north into the southern Rocky Mountains of New Mexico, officials with the Wolf Conservation Center said in a June 14 Facebook post. Her capture angered wolf conservationists, who say it is frustrating that current policies restrict the movement of Mexican wolves and prevent them from recolonizing ideal habitat outside of the arbitrary borders. Asha had ventured away from her natal pack and out of the agencys Mexican Wolf Experimental Population Area (MWEPA) north of Interstate 40, wandering 500 miles north until officials caught her near Taos, New Mexico. The decision to move this wolf back to the MWEPA at the time was consistent with policies outlined in the Services Recovery Permit, officials said in the release. In addition, the lack of other wolves in the area meant there was no chance for female wolf 2754 to breed and contribute to Mexican wolf recovery. While Asha was in captivity at the Sevilleta facility, fish and wildlife officials tried to breed her with a male wolf. The plan was to release Asha, her mate and their pups either in Mexico to restore some of the southernmost wild Mexican wolf population, or in the Mexican wolf management area in New Mexico, where they could help provide a genetic boost to the U.S. wild population, officials said in the release. But the pair did not breed, so officials decided to release her back into the Arizona wilderness where she was born in 2021, officials said. Staff with the Arizona Game and Fish Department coordinated with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and released her into the Apache National Forest in eastern Arizona on Wednesday, June 7. The agency will still monitor her movements with a radio collar. Her release came only days after a federal hearing on the potential rewrite of the Mexican gray wolf recovery plan, officials with Defenders of Wildlife said in a statement. The nonprofit petitioned for the rewrite, which it says could have a positive impact on the wolfs freedom to roam northward. Wolf conservationists rejoiced at Ashas release, both in Facebook comments and in a news release. I can only imagine what it is like for a wandering, wild-born wolf to go through when they are confined in captivity for no good reason, said Emily Renn, executive director of the Grand Canyon Wolf Recovery Project, in a Wolf Conservation Center news release. Renn urged the agencies responsible for Mexican wolf management to acknowledge that wolves traveling long distances is simply instinctual an inherent natural behavior and asked that officials incorporate that instinct into the wolves recovery, rather than restricting it. Why does man think he can control wildlife, someone said on Facebook. All they do is cause more problems for all concerned which gets no where. Wolves understand policy on their home areas? someone else said. Asha should never have been captured and taken into captivity in the first place wolves should be allowed to roam where they will, said Chris Smith, southwest wildlife advocate for WildEarth Guardians in the release. But, its great to see Asha being released back into the wild where she belongs. Legendary wolf that parented 40 pups reappears in Arizona 2 years after vanishing Watch endangered red wolf pups and their parents roam new home in the wild in NC Six red wolves are born at South Dakota zoo. Theyre as important as they are adorable Watch the I-95 livestream as crews make repairs to collapsed highway in Philadelphia The Pennsylvania Department of Transportation has set up a livestream as crews make repairs to Interstate 95 in Philadelphia following the collapse of a portion of the span on Sunday, June 11. What happened to I-95 in Philadelphia? An elevated section of highway collapsed early Sunday morning after a truck hauling 8,500 gallons of gasoline flipped on an off-ramp, triggering a blaze. Four northbound lanes fell onto Cottman Avenue in the citys Tacony neighborhood, shuttering the interstate in both directions between Woodhaven Road and Aramingo Avenue. Local officials said steel girders which support the beams that hold up the highway were weakened in the blaze. Philadelphia Medical Examiner's Office identified Nathan Moody, a 53-year-old Philadelphia-area man, as the tanker truck driver who died in the accident. A person views the scene of a collapsed elevated section of Interstate 95, Tuesday, June 13, 2023, in Philadelphia. Latest on Philadelphia I-95 collapse: NTSB questions motor carrier involved in crash Victim identified: Driver killed in I-95 collapse ID'd as Nathan Moody, a Pennsauken trucking company worker How long will the I-95 repairs take? Pennsylvania Gov. Josh Shapiro said workers will build up the ground to the surface level of the remaining I-95 so they can then lay pavement. He said trucks carrying Pennsylvania-made, recycled glass aggregate will be used as the backfill at the site. Pennsylvania Department of Transportation Secretary Mike Carroll said the lanes will run through the center of what is currently a void, while the outer area 35 or so feet on either side of the lanes is where the bridge will be built. That construction wont impact the traffic that flows north and south on the three lanes. Officials have said that a permanent fix will take months to complete. 'Like an ant farm': At any moment, thousands are watching the I-95 construction livestream How much will it cost to repair I-95? According to a Federal Highway Administration representative, who spoke on behalf of U.S. Secretary of Transportation Pete Buttigieg, the administration will be providing $3 million to support the ongoing demolition and the emergency repairs to follow. Shapiro said he freed up $7 million of the states money by signing a disaster declaration earlier this week. Long rebuild: No quick fix in sight for I-95 after intense heat collapses overpass in Philadelphia Use these tips to cope: Will your drive be impacted by the I-95 collapse in Philadelphia? Where is I-95 closed in Philadelphia? Castor Avenue on-ramp for I-95 northbound Closed Aramingo Avenue/I-95 on and off-ramps On-ramp to I-95 northbound closed Betsy Ross off-ramp to I-95 northbound closed Bridge Street ramp I-95 on-ramp at Bridge Street closed All traffic on Tacony Street will flow northbound only from Bridge Street to New State Road Tacony Street and Tacony-Palmyra Bridge Tacony Palmyra Bridge traffic onto Tacony Street closed. All traffic continues westbound onto Levick Street Cottman Avenue exit and State Road closures State Road from Cottman Avenue to Longshore Avenue will be one-way, southbound travel only Southbound I-95 detour Exit I-95 southbound at Cottman Avenue. At the end of the ramp, right on Bleigh Street. Follow Bleigh to State Road, make a left onto State. Travel State Road South to Longshore Avenue. Re-enter I-95 southbound at State Road and Longshore Avenue. Northbound I-95 detour Exit I-95 at Aramingo Avenue. At the end of the ramp, make a left onto Aramingo Avenue. Follow Aramingo Avenue to Tacony Street. Turn right. Take Tacony Street northbound around Tacony-Palmyra Bridge loop to New State Road. Continue northbound. Travel New State Road to Milnor Street and re-enter I-95 northbound. City of Philadelphia Where is I-95 closed in Philly: Interstate 95 collapse map and what exits are closed Plan ahead for Fourth of July in region: Just how will I-95 collapse impact summer travel? I-95 detour in Philadelphia For people traveling on I-95 south, officials recommended using Route 63 west (Woodhaven Road), U.S. 1 south, I-76 east to I-676 east. For people traveling on I-95 north, officials recommended I-676 west, I-76 west, U.S. 1 north to Route 63 east (Woodhaven Road). Philadelphia residents should use regional public transit services, such as rapid transit, commuter rail or light rail, the city's Office of Emergency Management said. Southbound I-95 motorists can go as far south as Exit 30 (Cottman Avenue). Northbound I-95 motorists can go as far north as Exit 26 (Betsy Ross Bridge/Aramingo Avenue), according to PennDOT. I-95 collapse in Philadelphia map This article originally appeared on Delaware News Journal: Watch I-95 livestream as crews repair collapse in Philadelphia Sawn down tree Police failed to stop more than 100 trees being chopped down by cowboy chainsaw operators at a site in south London, eyewitnesses have said. A total of 131 trees were felled on Saturday morning at the site next to Cator Park in Beckenham, south-east London, despite local activists claiming a protection order was in place. Local dog walker Lenny Burns called the police after witnessing the first few dozen trees being cut down by who he described as complete cowboy operators using chainsaws and handsaws early on Saturday morning. Diggers were also seen at the site, which is privately owned but designated as Metropolitan Open Land, meaning it has the same status as green belt land. The land is owned by a company registered in Singapore and was bought in 2013 for 10,000. Local activists had secured tree protection orders that were placed on the site last Wednesday, after noticing a handful of trees had been felled in previous weeks. A police officer arrived on the site shortly after Mr Burns first called and told a man on the site to stop the work. But the chainsaw operators resumed cutting down the trees, felling another hundred or so, after the lone police officer left, according to Mr Burns. Police later returned around two hours later and arrested a man in his 30s. I got there about 8am, and I could hear the chainsaws, Mr Burns said. They had three bouncers on the gates and the tree protection orders had been ripped down. From my first call I thought it was about 30 trees down, and in the extra two hours it was now near 150, so they did far more damage in the time the police knew about it, he claimed. In a statement from the Metropolitan Police said: Police were called on the morning of Saturday, 10 June to Cator Park, Beckenham, over a dispute relating to the felling of trees that were alleged to be under a protective order. Officers responded and spoke to a man, aged in his 30s, advising work to cease. Officers returned after they were informed that the felling had continued. One man was arrested on suspicion of criminal damage and taken into custody. He was later released on bail. A number of items of tree felling equipment were seized. Total of 131 protected trees destroyed A spokesman for Bromley Council said, We are aware of this very sad incident, which can only be described as environmental destruction, where 131 protected trees have been destroyed. This was a thriving young woodland that was valued by many locally and we are now investigating what has happened here. This is a serious matter, with anyone who is found guilty of committing an offence which contravenes Section 210 of the Town and Country Planning Act 1990 being fined up to 20,000 at a Magistrates Court or an unlimited fine at Crown Court. We are grateful to local residents who have already come forward to help with that investigation, which is at its early stages. 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. Watch: Robot from the University of Texas at Austin makes instant ramen [Source] The University of Texas at Austins Human Centered Robotics Laboratory (HCRL) has shared a video featuring its latest DRACO 3 bipedal robot making ramen. The demonstration: The sped-up video, uploaded to YouTube on April 25, shows DRACO 3 placing a pot on a portable stove before slowly dumping dried noodles and seasoning inside the pot. After five minutes of simmering the noodles, the robot can be seen handing the pot over to its favorite human. Key details: The video aims to demonstrate DRACO 3's ability to prepare a meal using virtual reality (VR) teleoperation, a technical term used in robotics that describes a human operator controlling a robot remotely. More from NextShark: South Korean Prince and Princess Buy $12.6 Million Mansion in Thousand Oaks Behind the machine: The cooking robot was created by a group of students at HCRL, including Steve Han, Mingyo Seo, Hye-Young Chung, Kyutae Sim, Yifan Xu and Seung Hyeon Bang, among others. Yuke Zhu, an assistant professor of the universitys Department of Computer Science, is also part of the team. HCRL is a division that designs humanoid robots and researches bipedal locomotion, according to Texas Robotics. Not just cooking: Besides preparing a bowl of ramen, the team also previously showcased DRACO 3s ability to place the cap back on a spray can. More from NextShark: 'Nice Meeting You': Alleged Racist Changes Behavior as Asian Victim Starts to Record His Face What people are saying: Some YouTube users found the cooking video amusing, especially due to the robots shaky hands. "Poor thing must be sweating bullets being his first time doing this, one user wrote, while another commented, Moves like me in detox." More from NextShark: Bostons first woman-of-color mayor in 200 years could be Asian American Enjoy this content? Read more from NextShark! Vietnamese Woman Who Earned $3.4 Million With Pho Restaurant Makes Forbes Under 30 Slovakia List The chief instructor of European astronauts pulling the Lunar Equipment Support Assembly during a parabolic flight simulating lunar gravity. European scientists are turning an aircraft into a laboratory that simulates lunar gravity to prepare astronauts and technology for future moon landings as part of the NASA-led Artemis missions. The moon is a strange little world. Only about 1.2% the mass of Earth , our planet's companion exerts a much weaker gravitational force on objects on its surface than its parent planet. As a result, an astronaut on the moon's surface feels as if he or she only weighs one sixth of their earthly weight. The same goes for all equipment the astronauts would use. It may sound like no big deal, but this feeble gravitational pull creates all sorts of unforeseen problems that are difficult to prepare for in research labs on Earth . There is, however, one way to experience lunar gravity while still in the confines of Earth and explore these challenges before going to the moon: On a parabolic flight . Parabolic flights, better known for generating weightlessness, are frequently used to prepare astronauts for missions to the International Space Station . But in April this year, the European Space Agency (ESA) ran its first parabolic flight campaign focused solely on simulating lunar and Martian gravity. Researchers from all over Europe descended upon the French city of Bordeaux, the base of French company Novespace, Europe's only provider of parabolic flights for scientific purposes, and filled the company's converted Airbus' A310 with all sorts of experiments and technology demonstrations. Related: How I learned to 'walk on the moon' while flying at 30,000 feet on a stomach-churning airplane ride (video) The chief instructor of European astronauts pulling the Lunar Equipment Support Assembly during a parabolic flight simulating lunar gravity. During that April test campaign, the plane rose to the sky three times to conduct three-hour roller-coaster flights, each involving 31 carefully executed parabolic maneuvers. During these maneuvers, pilots first climb with the plane at maximum speed at a 50-degree angle, then pull back the throttle to allow the plane to glide over the crest of the parabola in freefall. The plane then exits the parabola and enters a brief period of steady flight. During the climb and the subsequent exit maneuver, objects and passengers inside the plane experience nearly double the force of Earth's gravity for about 20 seconds. During the freefall, they enjoy a little under half a minute of weightlessness or reduced gravity, depending on how the pilots execute the maneuver. These brief reduced gravity spells are all researchers can get to prepare for a challenging adventure that will take humans some 240,000 miles (385,000 kilometers) away from Earth. And there is a lot to prepare for. "On the moon, there is still gravity but it's very low," Jean Francois Clervoy, Novespace founder and retired French astronaut, who in 1999 flew to the Hubble Space Telescope , told Space.com. "So because the gravity is light, you have to rethink the way in which you design mechanisms, whether it is moving a rover or all the hardware that will be used on the moon including space suits." Parabolic flights create short periods of free fall that produce weightlessness or reduced gravity conditions. For example, astronauts on the moon can't walk like people do on Earth. In footage filmed during the 1970s Apollo landings , astronauts famously hop around like kangaroos. Thus, during the flight campaign in April, an ESA team tested how a hopping astronaut could control a simple device designed to transport equipment on the moon. The device, called LESA for Lunar Equipment Support Assembly , had previously been used in an underwater simulation. The April flight campaign, however, was LESA's first ride in lunar gravity. "We want to test how an astronaut in lunar gravity will walk with [lunar] locomotion and pull or push this kind of equipment," Herve Stevenin, the chief instructor of European astronauts, told Space.com. "We want to see how the equipment will react on uneven terrain in lunar gravity and how difficult it would be to control it." The researchers therefore attached rocks to the floor of the Novespace plane's spacious padded cabin to create a miniature obstacle course over which they pushed and pulled LESA during the reduced gravity spells. Stevenin has bold visions for the Novespace plane and its role in preparing astronauts for the coming era of moon exploration. During the April test campaign, he and his colleagues experimented with virtual reality, placing test subjects into a life-like simulation of the lunar surface through a virtual reality headset. The test subjects had to perform simple tasks during the lunar gravity spells, feeling just like they would on the real moon. European Space Agency researchers experimenting with virtual reality during a parabolic flight simulating lunar gravity. Since this was the first such campaign, the tasks involved were rather simple, such as moving a box of tools from point A to point B that the test subject could see in the headset, but which was also physically present in front of him or her. In the future, the virtual reality set-up could grow more complicated and the tasks more complex. "With this headset, the resolution is so high that it feels like being on the moon," said Stevenin. "Now when in addition to what you are trying to grasp in the virtual environment you add partial gravity, you really move like if you are on the moon. You are really embedded into [the lunar environment] and we are hoping that there is high potential for astronaut training in the future combining these two technologies." Many of the experiments onboard the plane during the April campaign focused on human health and performance in reduced gravity. Scientists know a lot about what weightlessness does to the human body thanks to years of research on the International Space Station. They know, however, very little about what happens in lunar gravity or the gravity of Mars . "We know only very little about the effect of lunar gravity on the human being since people were on the moon for only a very limited period of time," Alexander Chouker, a professor of medicine and academic director at the Ludwig Maximilians University in Munich, Germany, told Space.com. "And there is an additional problem because we can't simulate lunar gravity on Earth so easily." European scientists with their experiments during a parabolic flight simulating lunar gravity. On Earth, space physiology researchers regularly conduct bed-rest studies , during which groups of volunteers spend days or even weeks just lying in bed. Their muscles and bones quickly weaken from disuse, just as they would in weightlessness. But scientists need to know whether the low gravity of the moon would be enough to offset such physical deterioration. "Bed rest studies can simulate microgravity but no one really knows what is the right condition to simulate lunar gravity or the gravity of Mars," said Chouker. "We are still in a sort of a black box where we don't know what the human being will be faced with and how it will cope with these conditions on the moon when they stay for more than a few days." While the longest of the Apollo-era landings lasted a little over three days, future Artemis missions may see astronauts staying on the moon's surface for up to one month. During the April test campaign, Chouker and his team flew an experiment containing human immune cells, hoping to learn whether the human immune system would be equally impaired in lunar gravity as it appears to be in zero gravity. From previous experiments , the researchers know that immune cells struggle to reach the infection site, making astronauts prone to illness. This struggle is caused by the cells inability to attach to the wall of the vessel that carries them. European astronaut Thomas Pesquet testing ESA's lunar wheelbarrow during a parabolic flight simulating lunar gravity in a first-of-a-kind experiment. Related stories: How do you create lunar gravity in a plane? A veteran zero-G pilot explains Watch an astronaut test a 'lunar wheelbarrow' in moon-like gravity for 1st time (exclusive video) Zero-gravity parabolic flights get surge of demand for spaceflight work "We have seen in the experimental setting that when there is no gravity at all, we have a centralization of the cell flow in the middle of the flow chamber, so [the cells] move faster and it's centralized, so to get in contact with a vessel wall might be difficult," Dominique Moser, a biologist at the Department of Anaesthesiology at the University of Munich Hospital, told Space.com. "Now we are investigating this issue in lunar and Martian gravity." Another team flew a 3D printer designed to manufacture simple tools from a mixture of lunar dust and a standard 3D printing plastic. Just like LESA, this device, too, performed in lunar gravity for the first time, and the researchers are now evaluating how lunar gravity would affect the 3D printing process. The Artemis program expects to land humans on the moon in 2025. By the end of this decade, NASA plans to build a permanent base camp near the lunar south pole that will host regular visits from Earth. Before that happens, the Novespace parabolic flight airplane is likely to rise to the sky many times to help scientists and astronauts to better prepare for the 21st century's greatest adventure. Employers and the union representing 22,000 dockworkers at 29 West Coast ports announced a tentative agreement on a new six-year contract, allaying fears of a crippling labor action with ominous implications for the U.S. economy. (Genaro Molina / Los Angeles Times) West Coast dockworkers have reached a tentative deal with employers, the two sides announced Wednesday, potentially ending months of port labor strife that could have threatened the nation's economic outlook. In a joint statement, the International Longshore and Warehouse Union and the Pacific Maritime Assn., which represents shipping lines and terminal operators, said the new six-year deal covers workers at all 29 West Coast ports but did not release further details. The agreement is pending ratification by the union and employers. The previous contract covering 22,000 workers expired on June 30. Union members have been working without a contract since then. Negotiations snagged over wages and benefits after reaching an agreement over automation. As the high-stakes talks continued, ports at Los Angeles, Long Beach and other West Coast harbors experienced delays and intermittent disruptions because of worker shortages that the employers said were intentional labor actions by the union. Anxiety rippled through retailers, manufacturers and other importers, who called on the White House to intervene. The Los Angeles and Long Beach ports, which combined handle nearly 40% of U.S. imports from Asia, lost business as some shippers sent cargo through East and Gulf coast ports. Read more: Texas sends busload of 42 migrants to Los Angeles "We are pleased to have reached an agreement that recognizes the heroic efforts and personal sacrifices of the ILWU workforce in keeping our ports operating," PMA President James McKenna and ILWU President Willie Adams said in the release. "We are also pleased to turn our full attention back to the operation of the West Coast Ports. The tentative agreement "brings the stability and confidence that customers have been seeking, said Gene Seroka, executive director of the Port of Los Angeles, the nation's largest cargo container port. "We look forward to collaborating with our partners in a renewed effort to bring back cargo and demonstrate why Los Angeles is the first choice for Trans-Pacific trade." International labor economist Jock O'Connell of Beacon Economics called the proposed deal "a very positive sign for the West Coast ports and for everyone who sends their cargo through them." The reputation of the West Coast ports as reliable conduits for Asian trade will be less tarnished, but they still have a long way to go in assuring shippers and customers, the importers and exporters, in the wake of recent disruptions that caused significant delays in the movement of goods, he said. O'Connell said the ratification process could take several weeks, adding: Its important to emphasize that this is not finished." Acting U.S. Secretary of Labor Julie Su, who met with both sides in recent days, said the agreement demonstrated "once again that collective bargaining though sometimes difficult works." Read more: L.A., Long Beach port disruptions continue amid tough contract talks Thanks to the hard work and perseverance of the leadership of the ILWU and the PMA, the tentative agreement delivers important stability for workers, for employers and for our countrys supply chain," Su said in a news release. The PMA said Su played a "key role" in the negotiations. President Biden hailed Su's role in ending "a long and sometimes acrimonious negotiation" and congratulated port workers "who will finally get the pay, benefits and quality of life they deserve." Mayor Karen Bass said the agreement was "a win for the working people of our City," noting that the Los Angeles port generates economic activity that supports 1 in 15 jobs in L.A. Sign up for Essential California, your daily guide to news, views and life in the Golden State. This story originally appeared in Los Angeles Times. A Westford monument business is facing claims of false promises and deception as customers demand refunds. Small claims court documents and police reports portray a pattern of Garside Monuments not following through with items and services that were paid for. Boston 25 News learned that 13 police reports have been filed in connection with Garside Monuments, owned by John Thomas Smith. There are also six outstanding police reports, which would make 19 in total. We paid him up front with the full expectation that he would do the right thing, said customer David Blackstone. He lies and makes up stories to delay and delay and delay. David Blackstone and his wife said they paid in full for an engraved monument for future purposes back in September. The couple told Boston 25 News that they still havent received what they paid for more than nine months later. He always says hes going to do the right thing and then he never does, explained Blackstone. The Blackstones reported to small claims court that Smith owes them $2,762.50 plus $100 in court costs. They only go as far to say, yes, he owes you the money, but theres no way for the court to go and collect, said Blackstone. There is little recourse, and thats the frustration. The police reports obtained by Boston 25 News portray a similar pattern of money paid, often thousands, followed a confusing cycle of grieving customers getting the runaround. How could he do this to somebody when theyve just gone through such a loss?, questioned customer Heidi Targ. Heidi Targ told Boston 25 News shes still waiting for Garside Monuments to refund her the $525 dollars she paid for an engravement on March 9th. The payment was made following the death of her 37-year-old brother from a suspected fentanyl overdose. He made it seem like it was going to be done in a couple of weeks, and its still not done, she said. I feel like Im right back to that day of grieving my brother. Targ said she set up a time to get a refund from Smith and claims he never followed through. I met him, and it was like he forgot we even spoke. He didnt have the money, she added. There are two current complaints on file in the states consumer complaint database in addition to the small court claims and police reports. Boston 25 News gave Smith multiple opportunities to respond to the allegations, but he has not yet provided a comment. Smith took the reins of the business back in 2015 following the death of his grandfather, Al Garside. Garside was an Army veteran and helped install Westfords fallen firefighters and 9/11 memorials. 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 Where to get free kids' breakfasts and lunches in Cincinnati, Northern Kentucky Families who rely on free and reduced price meals during the school year can find free kids' meals throughout the Greater Cincinnati area and Northern Kentucky this summer. While some programs are dedicated to students enrolled in a particular school district, library programs and some districts welcome kids from any location to participate. Here's where families can get summer meals in Greater Cincinnati. Most of the programs are closed on June 19 and July 4. Butler County Fairfield City Schools provides free lunches for kids 18 and younger that must be eaten on site: Fairfield Aquatic Center, located at 2605 Augusta Blvd., from noon to 12:45 p.m. on Mondays and Wednesdays. Fairfield Acres Mobile Home Community, located at 94 Sammy Drive, from 1 to 1:45 p.m. on Mondays and Wednesdays. East Butler County YMCA, located at 6645 Morris Road, from noon to 12:45 p.m. on Tuesdays and Thursdays. Deerfield Estates Mobile Home Community, located at 2702 Tylersville Road, from 1 to 1:45 p.m. on Tuesdays and Thursdays. Hamilton City Schools' Big Blue Food Truck is providing free meals for kids 18 and under and $4 meals for adults this summer, from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. at select locations: Millikin Woods, located at 194 N. Washington Blvd., on June 6, 15 and 28 and July 18 and 27. Benninghofen Park, located at 3601 Putnam Ave., on June 7, 20 and 29 and July 19. Crawford Woods, located at 2459 Hancock Ave., on June 8 and 21 and July 11 and 20. Jim Grimm Park, located at 1025 Cleveland Ave., on June 13 and 22 and July 12 and 25. Marcum Park, located at 116 Dayton St., on June 14 and 27 and July 13 and 26. Most summer meal distribution programs require participants to eat their meals on site. Lakota Local Schools is partnering with the Faith Alliance to provide free summer meals for kids 18 and younger, and for individuals with disabilities through age 21, through Aug. 1. There are five locations serving meals Mondays through Fridays: Lakefront at West Chester apartment complex, located at 4637 Wyndtree Drive in West Chester, at the clubhouse from 11 to 11:30 a.m. Princeton Village mobile home community, located at 8953 Princeton Glendale Road in West Chester, at the front entrance from 11:45 a.m. to 12:15 p.m. Meadow Ridge Apartments, located at 5270 Aster Park Drive in West Chester, at the playground from 11:10 to 11:40 a.m. Woodland Elementary School, located at 6923 Dutchland Parkway in Liberty Township, at the lot by the front entrance from noon to 12:30 p.m. The Boys & Girls Club, located at 8749 Cincinnati Dayton Road in West Chester, at the front entrance from 11:30 to 11:55 a.m. This location is serving meals to club students only. Middletown City School's Middie Meal Machine is open Monday through Friday from 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. throughout the summer. Meals are free for all children ages 2 to 18, and adults can eat for $3. These meals are offered at a different school building each day, and must be eaten on site. The schedule and menu are available online. Clermont County New Richmond Exempted Village Schools is providing meals to kids 18 and younger to be eaten on site. The program runs Mondays through Fridays until July 28 at the following locations: Lakeside Estates, located at 1560 Bethel-New Richmond Road in New Richmond, from 10:45 to 11:15 a.m. Hi-View Estates, located at 2730 State Route 222 in Bethel, from 11:30 a.m. to noon. Forest Creek, located at 118 Shady Lane in Amelia, from 12:15 to 12:45 p.m. Tall Timbers, located at 2780 Lindale-Mount Holly Road in Amelia, from 1 to 1:30 p.m. Culver Court Apartments, located at 1762 Culver Court in Amelia, from 10:30 to 11 a.m. Eastgate Mobile Home Park, located at 147 Murray Ave. in Amelia, from 11:15 to 11:45 a.m. Amelia Estates, located at 2061 State Route 125 in Amelia, from noon to 12:30 p.m. Monroe Woods, located at 2173 State Route 125 in Amelia, from 12:45 to 1:15 p.m. Hamilton County The Hamilton County and Cincinnati Public Library is distributing summer meals and snacks for youth that must be eaten on site Mondays through Fridays at select locations: Avondale branch, located at 3566 Reading Road, serves a meal at 1:15 p.m. and a snack at 4:15 p.m. Bond Hill branch, located at 1740 Langdon Farm Road, serves a meal at 1 p.m. and a snack at 4 p.m. Cheviot branch, located at 3711 Robb Ave., serves a meal at noon. College Hill branch, located at 1400 W. North Bend Road, serves a meal at 1 p.m. Covedale branch, located at 4980 Glenway Ave., serves a snack at 11 a.m. and a meal at 2 p.m. Deer Park branch, located at 4020 E. Galbraith Road, serves a meal at 12:30 p.m. Downtown Main branch, located at 800 Vine St., serves a meal at noon. Elmwood Place branch, located at 6120 Vine St., serves a meal at noon. Groesbeck branch, located at 2994 Galbraith Road, serves a meal at 12:30 p.m. Madisonville branch, located at 4910 Whetsel Ave., serves a meal at 2 p.m. Northside branch, located at 4219 Hamilton Ave., serves a meal at 3:30 p.m. Price Hill branch, located at 970 Purcell Ave., serves a snack at 11:30 a.m. and a meal at 3:30 p.m. St. Bernard branch, located at 10 McClelland Ave., serves a meal at noon and a snack at 4 p.m. Walnut Hills branch, located at 2533 Kemper Lane, serves a meal at 4 p.m. Norwood City Schools is serving free lunch to its students at Sharpsburg Elementary and Norwood High School every weekday from 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Families can register by calling 513-924-2815. Reading Community City School District is offering free lunches for children 18 and younger Mondays through Fridays from 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. at the Reading Cafetorium, located at 810 E. Columbia Ave. The program lasts through Aug. 4. Winton Woods City Schools distributes free lunch to kids 18 and under from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. on the following days at the following locations: Central Park, located at 1201 W. Kemper Road, on Mondays and Wednesdays. Greenhills Community Building Playground, located at 8 Enfield St., on Tuesdays and Fridays. Winton Woods Lake, located at 801 Lake View Drive, on Thursdays. Warren County Franklin City Schools is offering a free summer meal program to kids 18 and younger. Children are served breakfast at Anthony Wayne Elementary, located at 16 Farm Ave. in Franklin, Mondays through Friday from 8 to 8:30 a.m. and lunch at the same place from 11:30 a.m. to noon. The program runs through June 30. Kings Local Schools and Loveland City Schools are partnering with Joshua's Place Community Outreach Organization to provide free lunches for children twice a week during the summer, on Mondays and Wednesdays from 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. at the South Lebanon Community Center, located at 83 N. Section St. Kids ages 1 to 18 enrolled in any public or private nonprofit school program are eligible. Youth ages 19 to 21 that have mental or physical disabilities are also eligible. Northern Kentucky Boone County Schools is offering free summer meals for kids 18 and younger at five locations: RA Jones Middle School, located at 8000 Spruce Drive in Florence, serves breakfast at 7:30 a.m. and lunch at 11 a.m. on Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays in June. Steeplechase Elementary, located at 12000 Grand National Blvd. in Walton, serves breakfast at 8:45 a.m. and lunch at noon on Tuesdays and Thursdays in June. Goodridge Elementary, located at 3330 Cougar Path in Hebron, serves breakfast at 8:30 a.m. and lunch at 11:30 a.m. on June 19-22, June 26-29, July 10-13 and July 17-20. Stephens Elementary, located at 5687 Highway 237 in Burlington, serves breakfast at 9 a.m. and lunch at 11:30 a.m. Mondays through Thursdays from July 5 through Aug. 4. Florence Elementary, located at 103 Center St. in Florence, serves breakfast at 8:30 a.m. and lunch at 11 a.m. Wednesdays through Fridays from July 5 through Aug. 11. Dayton Independent School District's Lincoln Elementary is hosting this year's summer meal program. The program runs Mondays through Thursdays until July 27, serving breakfast from 8 to 9 a.m. and lunch from 11:30 a.m. to 12:45 p.m. Kids 18 and younger can attend at 701 5th Ave. in Dayton. Grant County Schools is providing free summer meals until July 28 with its Lunch Hero Truck, the Lunch Bus Express and its Veggie Van. Weekly meals will also be provided at Mason-Corinth Elementary, located at 225 Heekin Road in Williamstown, on Mondays from 11 a.m. to noon. For more information on the district's mobile meals, check out the Grant County Schools Food Service - KY Facebook page. Kenton County Public Library's food truck offers free meals to kids and $5 adult meals every Wednesday in June and July from noon to 1 p.m. at 401 Kenton Lands Road in Erlanger. Meals must be consumed on site. Kenton County School District is serving free meals at six schools this summer: Caywood Elementary, located at 3300 Turkey Foot Road, serves breakfast at 8:40 a.m. and lunch at 11:30 a.m. Mondays through Fridays until July 12. Durr Library, located at 1992 Walton Nicholson Pike, serves lunch at noon on Fridays until July 28. Fort Wright Elementary, located at 501 Farrell Drive, serves lunch at 10:45 a.m. Mondays through Fridays until July 28. Mills Park, located at 3415 Mills Road, serves lunch at 11:15 a.m. on Wednesdays until Aug. 2. Ryland Heights Elementary, located at 3845 Stewart Road, serves breakfast at 8 a.m. and lunch at 11:15 a.m. Mondays through Fridays until June 30. White's Tower Elementary, located at 2977 Harris Pike, serves breakfast at 8:15 a.m. and lunch at noon Tuesdays through Thursdays until July 27. Ludlow Independent Schools serves breakfast at 8:30 a.m. and lunch at 11:30 a.m. Mondays through Fridays at 512 Oak St. Meals are available to non-Ludlow kids, too. This article originally appeared on Cincinnati Enquirer: Southwest Ohio schools and libraries provide summer meals for children Where to get free meals for students this summer As students across the Carolinas enjoy the summer break away from school, many families are searching for a replacement for those free school lunches. Here are some of the free lunch programs available to students in North Carolina and South Carolina: You can also Text FOOD or COMIDA to 304-304 to find free meals for kids over the summer. (WATCH: Husband-and-wife team brings taste of France to Rock Hill bakery) Where is Kadyrovs buddy? Kadyrov shares doctored video with Delimkhanov, debunked by Russian media Kadyrov shares doctored video with Delimkhanov Read also: Sheikh Mansur Battalion fighter tells story of traitor who switched to supporting Kadyrov Kadyrovs assertions were called into question when he released a video containing clear indications of manipulation. Journalists from the Russian service of BBC quickly noticed inconsistencies in the video editing, especially during the segment where Kadyrov discusses the alleged fake news about Delimkhanovs death. Notably, there were obvious discrepancies between Kadyrovs lip movements and the accompanying audio. Propagandist Russian news agency TASS claimed that Adam Delimkhanov is currently in Ukraine. There have been no recent reports suggesting Kadyrovs presence in the same location, and he has not personally addressed the matter. 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 White House press secretary Karine Jean-Pierre slammed Sen. Tommy Tuberville (R-Ala.) for holding up some 200 Pentagon nominees over a Defense Department abortion policy, calling the lawmaker shameful and accusing him of endangering national security. Jean-Pierre said the senators blockade on the nominees was hurting military families and risking our military readiness by depriving our armed forces of leadership. What the senator is doing by holding these nominations, its a threat to our national security. Period. Thats what hes doing, Jean-Pierre told reporters at a Wednesday briefing. These are important nominations that we need, that the American people need to keep our country safe. Tuberville began blocking confirmations to senior Pentagon posts in March to protest a Defense Department policy enacted last year that provides paid leave and reimburses travel costs for service members who travel to get an abortion. More Defense coverage from The Hill The GOP senator has blasted the policy as a violation of the Hyde Amendment, which prohibits using federal taxpayer funds for abortion services. Some Republican senators, including Joni Ernst (Iowa), have tried to get Tuberville to end the block, but Tuberville has rejected them, according to Punchbowl News. Ernst had offered a bill as part of the annual defense spending legislation to reverse the abortion policy, but Tuberville is only interested in ending his holdup if the Pentagon drops the policy or if the policy is codified via legislation. Tuberville is blocking what is usually a speedy process to confirm Pentagon nominees. If he persists, the Senate would have to consider each nominee in a longer process that eats up valuable floor time. Sign up for the latest from The Hill here The backlog has grown over the past few months and could eventually affect the confirmation of the next chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff along with other senior positions in the Joint Chiefs. Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin in May blasted the holdup as endangering national security, calling the block irresponsible. The White House on Wednesday did not say what conversations U.S. officials are having with Tuberville to end the block, but Jean-Pierre repeated it was shameful that hes doing this. Senators, Jean-Pierre said, should not play politics with our military assistance, with our military readiness, and with our military family. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill. NEW YORK, NEW YORK - MAY 12: Daniel Penny leaves the Criminal Court of Manhattan after his arraignment on May 12, 2023 in New York City. Updated 6/28/2023 at 2:30 p.m. ET Daniel Penny pleaded not guilty to second-degree manslaughter and negligent homicide charges in court on Wednesday. In May, Penny was caught on camera choking Jordan Neely to death on a Manhattan subway car. Neelys death sparked outrage throughout the city, especially because police initially released Penny. Read more In a statement on Wednesday, District Attorney Alvin Bragg expressed his hopes that the indictment would bring peace to Neelys family. Daniel Penny stands indicted for Manslaughter after allegedly putting Jordan Neely in a deadly chokehold for several minutes until and after he stopped moving, said Bragg. I hope Mr. Neelys loved ones are on the path towards healing as they continue to mourn this tragic loss. Neelys family has previously expressed concerns that manslaughter was far too lenient of a charge. In a statement obtained by CNN News, the attorneys for Neelys family said that the indictment was the right result for the wrong he committed. Is that enough for someone who choked somebody out on the train and took their life? asked attorney Lennon Edwards, one of the attorneys representing the family, according to NBC News. Edwards stressed that Penny intentionally chose a method of restraint (chokehold) that cut off airflow. Thats a choice that he made, and he did it intentionally. So we believe that the conviction should be for murder because thats intentional, said Edwards. Neely, who was in distress, was unarmed, and witnesses said he didnt hurt anyone. Pennys attorneys have maintained that he acted in the defense of other passengers and that this was not intentional. But the use of the chokehold combined with his experience as a former marine makes that excuse questionable to some legal experts. The Root spoke to former prosecutor Paul Henderson about Pennys potential defense strategy ahead of the charges dropping; It would be challenging for an ex-marine who is presumably trained in lethal force to argue that he had no idea what he was doing, adds Henderson. Trying to say that this was an accident seems less valid when were talking about someone who is trained to kill someone, presumably successfully, he says. The law also specifies that the use of force has to be proportionate and reasonable in order for it to be self-defense, says Henderson. And regardless of whether Penny viewed Neely as erratic, he was unarmed, and no witnesses have claimed he attacked anyone. Manhattan District Attorney Alvin Bragg has not explained how his office decided on manslaughter. However, he did release a statement about the charges. After an evaluation of the available facts and evidence, the Manhattan D.A.s Office determined there was probable cause to arrest Daniel Penny and arraign him on felony charges, District Attorney Alvin Bragg said in a statement obtained by NPR. Jordan Neely should still be alive today, and my thoughts continue to be with his family and loved ones as they mourn his loss during this extremely painful time. More from The Root Sign up for The Root's Newsletter. For the latest news, Facebook, Twitter and Instagram. Click here to read the full article. Hillary Clinton David Zorrakino / Europa Press via Getty Images Republicans are split over the Justice Department's 37-count indictment of former President Donald Trump on charges of willfully and carelessly hoarding classified national security documents at his Mar-a-Lago club and deceitfully obstructing the government's efforts to get them back. Some Republicans argue that the Justice Department is going after Trump for purely political reasons, while others call the charges extremely serious and troublesome. But they all seem to agree on at least one point: Hillary Clinton's emails. "Republicans across the country are bashing Hillary Clinton, making her a central figure in the 2024 race by renewing their intense criticism of her alleged handling of sensitive information," Axios reported. In the days since Trump was indicted, "Republicans across the ideological spectrum" have "insistently brought up the eight-year-old controversy" around Clinton's use of a private email server to communicate as secretary of state, The New York Times added. "They have peppered speeches, social media posts and television appearances with fiery condemnations of the fact that Mrs. Clinton, a figure who continues to evoke visceral reactions among the Republican base, was never charged" in an FBI investigation that dogged her 2016 campaign against Trump. President Biden is under investigation for retaining (and proactively returning) classified documents, and Trump's former vice president, Mike Pence, was recently told he will not face charges for his holding on to classified records. Both Biden and Pence are running against Trump this year. So why are Republicans fixating on Clinton's emails? What point are Republicans trying to make? The insinuation in the references to Clinton's emails is that the FBI and Justice Department are vigorously going after Trump for partisan reasons while letting Democrats off scot-free that Trump is, in fact, the victim of a "witch hunt." "Most Republicans believe we live in a country where Hillary Clinton did similar things and nothing happened to her," Sen. Lindsey Graham (R-S.C.) told ABC News on Sunday. Sen. Joni Ernst (R-Iowa) said "it seems there's two systems of justice here: one for President Trump and one for everybody else that has had classified documents." Republicans are also bringing up Clinton as a foil because they are "mindful that little more than the word 'emails' can muddy the waters, broadcast their loyalties and rile up their base," the Times reports. "There are few politicians on the Democratic side of the aisle that raise the ire of Republicans more than Hillary Clinton," said veteran GOP pollster Neil Newhouse. Are the cases, in fact, similar? They both concern federal investigations into the handling of classified documents by former high-ranking government officials who are leading candidates for president. But then the cases diverge. "The circumstances of Clinton's emails and Trump's boxes are not remotely similar, no matter how loudly Trump and his allies insist otherwise," Ruth Marcus argued at The Washington Post. "Trump's behavior is far more egregious." The key difference is that in Clinton's case, as the Department of Justice inspector general reported, "there was no evidence that Hillary Clinton sought to obstruct justice," veteran GOP attorney Robert Kelner agreed. "The focus of the Trump indictment is on his rather stark effort to obstruct justice." The State Department, after a multiyear investigation of Clinton's emails during the Trump administration, found that "there was no persuasive evidence of systemic, deliberate mishandling of classified information" by Clinton. Justice Department Inspector General Michael Horowitz also concluded in 2018, after a separate investigation of Clinton's server, that he in fact discovered "evidence of a conscious effort to avoid sending classified information by writing around the most sensitive material." James Comey, the FBI director who oversaw the 2016 Clinton investigation, explained at the time why "no reasonable prosecutor" would bring a case against her. All the previous cases that were prosecuted, he said, "involved some combination of: clearly intentional and willful mishandling of classified information; or vast quantities of materials exposed in such a way as to support an inference of intentional misconduct; or indications of disloyalty to the United States; or efforts to obstruct justice. We do not see those things here." Special counsel Jack Smith laid out a case that Trump is guilty of all of those criteria except, probably, indications of disloyalty to the U.S. "Prosecutors are supposed to treat like cases alike," Marcus wrote. "These are not like cases, no matter how loudly Graham and other Trump apologists proclaim otherwise." Could fixating on Hillary's emails backfire? The "but her emails" rejoinder does have potential downsides. It serves as a reminder that Trump's signature campaign chant in 2016 was "Lock her up!" suggesting Trump and his voters aren't opposed to prosecuting leading presidential candidates in principle. And it also resurrects a series of videos of Trump seeking to distinguish himself from Clinton. "In my administration, I'm going to enforce all laws concerning the protection of classified information," Trump said at an August 2016 rally in North Carolina. "No one will be above the law." Smith's indictment included that and four other statements Trump made on the 2016 campaign trail to underscore his professed understanding of the importance of protecting U.S. secrets. So why are Republicans rehashing Clinton's emails? "The perception is that she was treated differently," former Arkansas Gov. Asa Hutchinson (R), a longtime Clinton antagonist and 2024 Trump rival, told the Times. "Perception can become a reality very quickly," and even if that perception is wrong, "if the voters say it's relevant, it becomes relevant politically." Also, "it's much harder to run against yourself than a foil and Trump's federal indictment sets him up for a fight against his own words," Alexi McCammond noted at Axios. Maybe everyone can agree that "it is a stunning moment in American politics when the same issue that thrust Trump to the White House could now be what keeps him from going back there." You may also like 'Spider-Man: Beyond the Spider-Verse': everything we know 4 things to consider when leaving an inheritance 3 extraordinary ways Trump could avoid punishment in Mar-a-Lago documents case Wild about wildflowers? Here are a few places in the area to see summer blooms Loved by bees, purple coneflowers release a mildly sweet scent when exposed to bright sunlight. Are you a flora fanatic with visions of spring wildflowers dancing in your head? Unfortunately, you're probably too late to see them in their full glory, if at all. If you're lucky, you might see a straggler here and there, but with late June ushering in summer, the blooms of spring skunk cabbage, bluebells, trilliums and jack-in-the-pulpit, to name just a few of Ohio's 170 spring wildflower species have hightailed it out of town like so many seasonal vacationers. "We're at an in-between moment in the growing season. The spring wildflowers have tapered off and the prairie wildflowers are just starting to show themselves," said Kevin Kasnyik, resource manager for Columbus and Franklin County Metro Parks. Listed as a threatened species by the Ohio Department of Natural Resources, the less commonly seen royal catchfly is one of the state's few red-flowered prairie plants. This nectary, star-shaped beauty is known for attracting ruby-throated hummingbirds and swallowtail butterflies. "The showy, more fashionable, for lack of better word, spring wildflowers some grow in forest areas and they get shaded out lose their luster and go dormant." Rick Gardner, chief botanist for the Ohio Department of Natural Resources Division of Natural Areas & Preserves, agreed with Kasnyik. "There may still be wildflowers blooming in the woods, but they're not as showy as the early ones," he said, adding that spates of warm weather impacted both the beginning and end of the spring season. Bee-witching blossoms: Bumblebees all abuzz about late summer-blooming bottle gentian "We had a mild winter, so blooming was a week or two ahead of schedule, then mid- to late May was so warm and dry that what was blooming was done. It's interesting to see the fluctuations." ODNR posts a weekly Ohio Wildflower Bloom Report that offers specific information on native wildflowers, as well as a look at whats currently blooming at ohiodnr.gov/go-and-do/see-the-sights/wildflowers. Kasnyik said wildflower worshipers should wait until about mid-July, when local prairielands are bedecked with blossoms. "The milkweeds are starting to bloom, and Ive seen some blazing stars starting to bloom. The Dyer Mill Trail at Battelle Darby is a great place to see them," he said. "Also, a lot of our orchids are starting to bloom and irises, of course, and some of the prairie plants like purple coneflower and gray-headed coneflower." Butterflies and other pollinators are drawn to blazing stars as a source of nectar. Once they are finished blooming, the fruit which resembles tiny sunflower seeds makes a nutritious snack for birds. In addition to Battelle Darby Creek Metro Park, 1775 Darby Creek Drive in Galloway, Kasnyik mentioned several other Metro Parks where anthophiles can enjoy summer flower displays, including: Homestead Metro Park , 4675 Cosgray Road, Hilliard. "The prairie plants look really, really fabulous in mid-July," Kasnyik said. "The purple and gray-headed coneflowers are the most abundant and brightest and stand out the most." Prairie Oaks Metro Park , 3225 N.E. Plain City-Georgesville Road, West Jefferson. Scioto Grove Metro Park , 5172 Jackson Pike, Grove City. "There's also a lot of prairie areas where you'll be able to find a lot of coneflowers," Kasnyik said. Sharon Woods , 6911 Cleveland Ave., Westerville. Three Creeks Metro Park, 3860 Bixby Road, Groveport. "Royal catchfly is a beautiful plant, not as prolific as the other species, but it can be found at Homestead, Prairie Oaks and Battelle," Kasnyik added. Watch for wildflowers: Roadside 'weeds' worthy of attention In addition to prairielands, wetlands and grasslands also are breeding grounds for summer wildflowers, Gardner noted. "In the wetlands, spatterdock which has large, kidney-shaped leaves with yellow flowers is very common in marshes. Also, water lilies are blooming now, and water lotuses," he said. Gardner's recommended wildflower-sighting sites include: Bigelow Cemetery State Nature Preserve , 600 Rosedale Road, Irwin. Glacier Ridge Metro Park , 9801 Hyland-Croy Road, Plain City. Smith Cemetery State Nature Preserve, 4400 Boyd Road, Plain City. bpaschal@dispatch.com This article originally appeared on The Columbus Dispatch: Places to see summer wildflowers include Columbus metro parks Former Attorney General William Barr called out Fox News host Mark Levins farcical defense of Donald Trump during a brutal Wednesday for the conservative outlet. (Watch the video below.) Appearing on Bret Baiers Fox News show, Barr reacted to a clip of Levin, a vociferous supporter of the former president, from an episode of Hannity the night before. Levin had sought to justify Trumps possession of classified documents at his Florida estate, for which Trump was recently indicted. His power comes from the Constitution, said Levin, who was chief of staff for then-Attorney General Edwin Meese during Ronald Reagans presidency. He is a third branch of government. Him. He alone. Everything else flows from him! Baier noted to Barr, who was nominated to the AG post by Trump in 2018, that Levin was saying the Presidential Records Act protects Trump. The position is being taken that this is really just a document dispute over custody of documents and the president has good arguments as to why he should have kept them I think the arguments are farcical, and will be shown as such, Barr said. But I also think, more importantly, theyre a sidelight and theyre distracting from the real issue. Barr said the critical charges against Trump stem from obstruction for his alleged resistance after he was subpoenaed for the documents. Trump could have opposed the subpoena legally but he did not, Barr said. What did he do? Barr continued. He engaged in an outrageous act of obstruction and deception that obstructed that subpoena. And that is wrong. Thats a violation of law. Thats a serious problem for him. Barrs comments came amid a busy news cycle for Fox News as it fended off a slew of criticism, much of it from President Joe Bidens administration. The White House blasted the outlet for a deceptive headline about a Pride flag that flew during an LGBTQ+ event and Fox News soon changed it. The network also got flak from press secretary Karine Jean-Pierre for using a graphic that called Biden a wannabe dictator. On Thursday Levin attempted to get in the last word on Barrs comments, calling him shameful in a tweet. By the way, Bill, its the job of defense counsel to jerk around the government when theres a dispute. You dont roll over if you believe youre in the right. Related... Without climate change, these extreme weather events would not have happened Droughts, storms, wildfires and heat waves: Extreme weather around the world is becoming more intense and more frequent. The toll is huge and mounting, with lives lost, homes destroyed, livelihoods stolen and economies upended. The extreme events are happening against the backdrop of a very fast-warming climate. The world is already 1.2 degrees Celsius warmer than it was in preindustrial times, and the next five years are predicted to be the hottest on record. People often want to know if an extreme weather event happened because of climate change, said Friederike Otto, climate scientist and co-lead of the World Weather Attribution initiative. But it is not a simple question. You cant answer this with yes or no, she told journalists at a briefing last week. It is because climate change alters the likelihood and intensity of extreme events, she said. Otto and other scientists are using a scientific technique to transform our understanding of how this dynamic plays out. And, more often than not, they are finding the clear fingerprints of climate change on extreme weather events. Called attribution, the method involves analyzing real world observations as well as climate models to establish whether a particular extreme event could have happened in a world without global heating. While attribution studies are not done for every extreme weather event, they help bring home the realities of the direct and immediate damage the climate crisis is doing to peoples lives, which scientists say will only get worse if the world continues to pump out planet-warming pollution. Were always going to have extreme weather, but if we keep driving in this direction, were gonna have a lot of extreme weather, said Ted Scambos, a glaciologist at the University of Colorado-Boulder. From intense heat and record-breaking drought, to severe storms fueled by hotter air and oceans, here are 10 disasters showing the devastating impacts of the human-caused climate crisis. The impossible events In some cases, the impacts of climate change are so clear and so overwhelming, scientists conclude extreme weather events would have been all but impossible without global warming. These six events fit the category: A peat fire in a Suzunsky forest in Siberia on September 11, 2020, during the region's punishing heat wave. - Alexander Nemenov/AFP/Getty Images Siberian heat wave, 2020 In 2020, a prolonged, unprecedented heat wave seared one of the coldest places on Earth, triggering widespread wildfires. Temperatures in the small Siberian town of Verkhoyansk hit 104.4 degrees Fahrenheit (38 Celsius), the warmest temperature ever recorded in the Arctic. The punishing heat, which spanned from January to June and pushed temperatures 5 degrees Celsius above average, would have been almost impossible in a climate not warmed by carbon pollution, according to rapid attribution study by the attribution initiative. The heat wave was made at least 600 times more likely by the climate crisis, the scientists concluded, finding such prolonged Arctic heat would happen less than once every 80,000 years without human-induced climate change. Andrew Ciavarella, lead author of the research and senior detection and attribution scientist at the UKs Met Office, called the findings truly staggering. People rest at the Oregon Convention Center cooling station in Oregon, Portland on June 28, 2021, during the searing heat wave. - Kathryn Elsesser/AFP/Getty Images Pacific Northwest heat wave, 2021 The end of June 2021 was unforgettable for parts of the Pacific Northwest. A historic heat wave killed hundreds, triggered devastating fires and worsened an already unrelenting drought in parts of the region. Oregon, Washington, and western provinces of Canada including British Columbia, saw record-shattering temperatures, which reached as high as 121.3 degrees Fahrenheit (49.6 Celsius) in the Canadian village of Lytton, which subsequently was burned down by a wildfire. According to an analysis by more than two dozen scientists at the attribution initiative, the June heat wave would have been virtually impossible without the influence of human-caused climate change. Our results provide a strong warning: Our rapidly warming climate is bringing us into uncharted territory that has significant consequences for health, well-being, and livelihoods, the authors wrote. The monastery of San Salvador de la Vedella, accessible by foot due to the low water levels in Cercs, Catalonia, in Spain on February 10, 2022. - Aitor De Iturria/AFP/Getty Images Northern Hemisphere drought, 2022 From North America to Europe to China, vast swaths of the Northern Hemisphere experienced extreme drought in the summer of 2022, straining water resources, ruining crops, and priming the landscape for perilous wildfires. Attribution initiative scientists concluded climate change made these drought conditions at least 20 times more likely. The soaring temperatures would have been virtually impossible without climate change, the analysis also found. The Western US saw shrunken water levels, worsening drought, and fallowed farmland. And China and Europe saw thousands of heat-related deaths. The heat and drought in Europe claimed least at 15,000 people, according to the World Health Organization. The 2022 Northern Hemisphere summer is a good example of how extreme events caused by climate change can also unfold over large regions in longer periods of time, Otto said. The outskirts of Dahably village on December 9, 2021, in Wajir County, Kenya. A prolonged drought in the country's north east has created food and water shortages. - Getty Images/Getty Images Horn of Africa drought, 2020-2023 A three-year drought in the Horn of Africa, one of the worlds most impoverished regions, has caused crops to wither, water to disappear, and livestock to starve in large parts of Kenya, Somalia and Ethiopia. The drought, which is the worst in 40 years, has had a catastrophic human impact, killing tens of thousands of people and leaving more than 20 million facing acute food insecurity. It would not have happened without climate change, which made it at least 100 times more likely, according to a rapid attribution analysis. Almost half of the countrys population is affected, over 3 million people are displaced, Mamunur Rahman Malik, the Somalia representative for the World Health Organization, told CNN in April. The country continues to pay the price of global warming and climate change, he added. Cracked earth at al-Massira dam in Ouled Essi Masseoud village, Morocco, on August 8, 2022, amid the country's worst drought in at least four decades. - Fadel Senna/AFP/Getty Images Mediterranean heat, 2023 In April, a blistering heat wave with temperatures far more typical of late summer swept Spain, Portugal, Morocco and Algeria, exacerbating a severe drought that had already left crops dry and drained critical water resources. Human-caused global heating made the western Mediterranean heat wave at least 100 times more likely. Scientists said the heat, which exceeded 105.8 degrees Fahrenheit (40.6 Celsius) in parts of Morocco, would have been almost impossible without climate change. Before the Earth warmed, such an intense event would be expected only once in 40,000 years, the scientists found. People and children are seen taking baths and filling up containers with water from a municipal tanker on a hot day in Kolkata, India, on April 15th, 2023. - Debarchan Chatterjee/NurPhoto/Getty Images Extreme heat in South Asia, 2023 Large parts of South Asia faced a brutal heat wave in April. Countries including Vietnam, Myanmar, Laos, India and Bangladesh all saw new all-time temperature records. In Thailand, temperatures topped 113 degrees Fahrenheit (45 Celsius) for the first time ever, but humidity meant temperatures felt much higher. In Thailand and Laos, the humid heat wave would have been virtually impossible without the climate crisis, according to attribution initiative scientists. While the heat in India and Bangladesh was made at least 30 times more likely by human-caused climate change, the same analysis found. and the ones made much more likely or more severe by climate change For other extreme weather events, the effect of the human-caused climate crisis is to make them more likely or more severe: A bush fire in New South Wales on November 2, 2019. - Saeed Khan/AFP/Getty Images Australia Black Summer fires, 2019-2020 Australia experienced months of blood-red skies and thick gray smoke in the summer of 2019 to 2020, as devastating wildfires swept many parts of the country. Stark images emerged of firefighters rescuing koalas and people pouring water on the burned hands of kangaroos. The fires, which tore through around 50 million acres, were linked to more than 400 deaths, with thousands admitted to the hospital due to wildfire smoke-related conditions. Nearly three billion animals were either killed or displaced by the bush fires. Human-caused climate change made the conditions leading to the severe fires at least 30% more likely, a World Weather Attribution analysis found. A dried cracked lake bed at Lake Oroville during a drought in Oroville, California, on Monday, Oct. 11, 2021. - David Paul Morris/Bloomberg/Getty Images Western US drought, 2020-2023 The Western United States has faced its worst drought in centuries over the past few years, fueling devastating wildfires and triggering water shortages. In California, the summer of 2021 saw the most extreme drought on record for the state. A hydroelectric power plant at Lake Oroville, the states second-largest reservoir, was forced to shut down due to low water levels for the first time since it opened in 1967. Meanwhile, two of the countrys largest reservoirs, Lake Mead and Lake Powell, dropped so low, government officials imposed unprecedented water cuts for the states of Nevada and Arizona, as well as in Mexico. A study from the journal Nature Climate Change found the period from 2000 to 2021 was the driest the West has ever been in 1,200 years, noting human-caused climate change made the megadrought 72% worse. A man stands in front of his destroyed house in the aftermath of Hurricane Ian in Matlacha, Florida, on October 3, 2022. - Ricardo Arduengo/AFP/Getty Images Hurricane Ian, 2022 When Hurricane Ian swept across the Caribbean and into Florida in 2022, it left a trail of destruction in its wake, killing more than 100 people and caused roughly $65 billion of damage. Extreme rainfall caused huge amounts of damage and scientists say it was made more intense by global heating. The hurricane was at least 10% wetter because of climate change, according to an analysis by scientists at Stony Brook University and the Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory. Local residents cross the river Swat after heavy rains in Bahrain town of Swat valley in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province, Pakistan, on August 31, 2022. - Abdul Majeed/AFP/Getty Images Pakistan floods, 2022 Major flooding caused by record monsoon rains claimed the lives of nearly 1,500 people during the summer of 2022, with millions more affected by clean water and food shortages. The floods left a third of Pakistan underwater. The country received more than three times its usual rainfall in August, making it the wettest August since 1961. UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres said the Pakistani people were facing a monsoon on steroids. Climate change made the rainfall in the hard-hit provinces of Sindh and Balochistan 50% more intense than it would have been had the climate not warmed by 1.2 degrees Celsius, an attribution initiative study found. For more CNN news and newsletters create an account at CNN.com Wolf skull atop 1,800-year-old grave was left by robber who feared revenge, experts say Digging into the center of an ancient burial mound in Romania, a robber reopened the grave. The thief took whatever of value emerged from the dirt, filled in the hole, and left a small tribute in hopes of avoiding revenge. Millennia later, archaeologists uncovered the robbers tribute and an untouched skeleton with money in its mouth. The first-of-its-kind burial mound was uncovered in a field in Cheia, Science in Poland said in a June 15 news release. The circular burial is about 250 feet across, but plowing has obscured most of the structure. Archaeologists found two ancient Roman graves within the burial mound, the release said. Both graves were about 1,800 years old. While excavating the center grave, archaeologists uncovered a stack of rocks with a wolf skull on top a tribute left by an ancient grave robber, the Polish excavation leader, Bartomiej Szymon Szmoniewski, explained to Science in Poland. The partially cleaned wolf skull found atop the looted grave. Wooden fragments found at the looted grave. The robber had looted the grave, leaving behind fragments of a clay lamp and wooden coffin-like structure, Szmoniewski said. Out of fear of revenge from the deceaseds spirit, the robber filled in the grave and left a wolf skull as a magical ritual. Archaeologists identified the looted grave as a cremation burial from the fragments remaining, the release said. They also found several burnt walnuts, a Roman-era burial practice of leaving seeds as food for the deceaseds soul. The looted cremation grave as seen from above. A burnt walnut found at the looted grave. Along the edge of the burial mound, excavations uncovered a second, untouched grave. The grave contained fragments of a wooden coffin above and below a relatively complete skeleton, the release said. Inside the skeletons mouth, archaeologists found a coin from around 126 A.D., experts said. The money was intended as a payment to the mythological figure Charon for transporting the dead persons soul into the afterlife, Szmoniewski said. The skeleton also had a glass container for liquids or perfume on its stomach, the release said. A photo shows whats left of the burial. The untouched skeleton grave found at the burial mound. The burial mound was found in 2022. Archaeologists will continue researching the site starting in August, the release said. A joint team of Romanian and Polish archaeologists has studied the area around Cheia since 2008, Science in Poland said. The Romanian excavation leader for the burial mound site is Valentina Voinea. Cheia is a small mountain village about 80 miles north of Bucharest, the capital city. Google Translate was used to translate the news release from Science in Poland. Rock spotted on school trip turns out to be 3,500-year-old find, Israeli experts say Someone buried treasure 1,700 years ago and vanished. Metal detectorist just found it Peculiar blob-like species discovered thriving in toxic Romanian cave, study says Woman, 78, to be released on special conditions after allegedly robbing Pleasant Hill bank A 78-year-old woman accused of robbing a Pleasant Hill bank will be released from jail Thursday after her bond was reduced, according to court documents. Bonnie Gooch was arrested and has been in jail since early April for allegedly robbing a Goppert Financial Bank at 2100 N. Highway 7. Since then, shes been in jail on a $25,000 bond. On Wednesday, Gooch appeared in court, where officials agreed to reduce Goochs bail to an ROR bond, meaning she could be released without paying any money beginning at 9:30 a.m. Thursday, according to Cass County Circuit Court records. There are special conditions associated with Goochs release. She isnt allowed to consume alcohol, enter any financial institutions or come within 500 feet of any Goppert Bank location. In April, witnesses said the suspect entered the bank wearing plastic gloves, a black N95 mask and black sunglasses along with an all gray outfit. Court documents show a note she allegedly passed to a teller saying she was robbing the bank and needed $13,000 in small bills. Thank you sorry I didnt mean to scare you, the note read in part. After she got the money, Gooch was allegedly seen leaving in a Buick Enclave traveling southbound on Highway 7. Officers later located Gooch and stopped her vehicle in an animal clinic parking lot. Prosecutors claim she smelled strongly of alcohol and officers said they found a large amount of cash on the floorboard. According to court records, Gooch has at least two other bank robbery convictions in 1977 in California and in 2020 in Lees Summit. Gooch waived her right to a preliminary hearing. Her formal arraignment is scheduled for July 24. American woman dead after man throws two tourists off bridge at German fairytale castle The world-famous Neuschwanstein Castle inspired Disney (Getty Images) A tourist has died and another has serious is fighting for her life after a man threw them off a bridge into a ravine at a famous fairytale German castle. The American tourists, aged 21 and 22, fell 165ft down a ravine at Neuschwanstein, near the Austrian border. According to German tabloid Bild, the attacker was also American and aged 30. Police said the man fled but was arrested after the incident on Wednesday. The 30-year-old attacker reportedly sexually assaulted the two women before a fight broke out. When the 22-year-old intervened, the man strangled her and threw her into a ravine below, the BR public broadcaster reported. Neuschwanstein is one of Germanys most popular tourist attractions and is said to have been the inspiration for the Disney Cinderella Castle. According to reports, the women were either thrown over the railing or pushed down a steep slope into the ravine. A 21-year-old woman was rushed to hospital via helicopter but died overnight in hospital. Her 22-year-old companion is still in hospital with injuries. The suspect reportedly assaulted the women before pushing or throwing them down the ravine (AP2011) Chief Public Prosecutor Thomas Hormann told Bild: "The crime happened on Wednesday around 2:40pm. The two tourists met the man on a hiking tour east of the Marienbrucke. And joined him. The attack took place near the Marienbruecke, a bridge over a gorge close to the castle that offers a famous view of Neuschwanstein, German news agency DPA reported. Authorities said the three apparently took a path to a viewpoint, where the man attacked the younger woman. The suspect was caught after a massive police operation involving 25 emergency vehicles on Wednesday afternoon and taken to a police station in nearby Fuessen, it added. The motive for the attack is still unclear and all parties remain unnamed. The suspect left the scene but was arrested quickly nearby. Bystander video posted online showed police leading away a handcuffed man in a T-shirt, jeans and a baseball cap.Witness Eric Abneri, a recent business graduate from the University of Pittsburgh who shot the video, said the man appeared to have scratches across his face.He did not say a single word. He didnt open his mouth; he didnt mumble, Abneri told The Associated Press. He just walked with the police and that was it.Abneri said he and friends arrived at the scenic overlook as a helicopter arrived and they saw rescuers lower themselves down to the victims.Im honestly absolutely stunned someone is still alive from this. It is like falling from the top of an absolute cliff, he said.Abneri described it as a very, very difficult rescue because of those cliffs and because the helicopter came mere feet above the tree line at the top of the hill.They did an unbelievable job, he said. Police appeal for help as U.S. man held over fatal attack in Germany German police were appealing Friday for photos and video in relation to an attack near a castle in Germany that left a 21-year-old American dead and her 22-year-old friend injured when they were allegedly assaulted by another American tourist. Police in the southeast German state of Bavaria confirmed to CBS News that a U.S. national was arrested in connection with the incident, and Stefan Rinke, the Mayor of Schwangau, in Bavaria, told local media that all three people involved were American. The women were hiking near Neuschwanstein Castle, which served as the inspiration for the castle in Disney's movie "Cinderella," when they met a 30-year-old man who told them to follow him down a trail leading to a secret viewpoint. A view of the Neuschwanstein Castle, with the Marienbrucke bridge, June 15, 2023, near to where a man attacked two women, leaving one with fatal injuries. / Credit: Frank Rumpenhorst/picture alliance via Getty When the two women followed him, the suspect attacked the 21-year-old victim, police spokesperson Holger Stabik said. Her friend tried to intervene and the man choked her and pushed her down a steep slope. He then attempted to sexually assault the 21-year-old, Stabik said, before pushing her down the slope as well. Both women fell approximately 165 feet. Rescue workers found the two women and the 21-year-old was flown by helicopter to a hospital, where she died of her injuries. Stabik told CBS News on Friday that the 22-year-old woman suffered minor injuries and was expected to be released from the hospital later in the day. "The perpetrator at first moved away from the scene of the crime after the assault," Stabik told journalists on Thursday. "Whether this was a classic escape or not is not entirely known. In any case, he was then arrested a short time later by police officers on the basis of a witness tip in the immediate vicinity of the crime." Eric Abneri was visiting Neuschwanstein Castle from New York and captured video of the suspect being led away by police on his phone. "His face was covered in deep red scratch marks and his neck as well," Abneri told CBS News on Thursday. "There was clearly a struggle there, and he just had a frown on his face. He didn't say anything. He had a sort of disturbed look." A spokesperson for the U.S. Embassy in Berlin told CBS News on Thursday that it was "aware of an incident involving multiple individuals" but declined to provide further information citing "privacy considerations." The official said the embassy was communicating with German authorities on the matter. CBS News' Anna Noryskiewicz in Berlin and Emmet Lyons in London contributed to this report. Minneapolis PD regularly used excessive force, discriminated: DOJ investigation Supreme Court issues 2 rulings, has not yet ruled on student loan, affirmative action cases 3 years after George Floyd death, DOJ to release Minneapolis Police investigation findings WORCESTER A city woman pleaded guilty in Worcester Superior Court to defrauding MassHealth of $36,000, claiming herself as her own personal care assistant. Amy Sutherland, 51, used her maiden name, Amy Petrucelli, to submit timesheets for personal care assistant services between August 2017 and August 2019, according to the office of Attorney General Andrea Joy Campbell. MassHealth does not allow such an arrangement. MassHealths personal care program connects members with long-term disabilities with personal care assistants to help them with daily activities. Both the members and the personal care assistants are required to submit bi-weekly timesheets for the work. Even though the members are responsible to hire the assistants, the pay comes from a MassHealth fund. Sutherland was arraigned in November 2020, soon after her fraud was discovered, when contact information was requested. During an investigation, Sutherland and Petrucelli were found to have the same birthday and mailing address. For each of the counts of medical assistance fraud and larceny over $1,200, Sutherland was sentenced to one year in the house of correction, to serve concurrently. Two other individuals were also sentenced in recent weeks for unrelated but similar charges, according to the office of the attorney general. Troy Fortin, 51, of New Bedford, faces two years in jail after pleading guilty April 25 at the Bristol County Superior Court to fraudulently submitting timesheets between 2015 and 2020 to MassHealth for $49,000 worth of PCA services he did not receive from two PCAs, even while the PCAs were hospitalized or working at other jobs. Angelica Pierni, 32, of Plymouth, pleaded guilty June 2 at the Plymouth County Superior Court to submitting false PCA timesheets for hours during which Pierni was actually working for a different employer. She defrauded MassHealth of $53,000 in false claims. Pierni will serve two years of probation, is required to pay full restitution to MassHealth, and is banned from working in the PCA program again. This article originally appeared on Telegram & Gazette: Worcester woman admits to defrauding MassHealth of $36K Worker fired after asking to work fewer than 12 hours a day on doctors orders, feds say A man who missed work under doctors orders was warned hed be fired for more medically excused absences in Mississippi, according to federal officials. So the longtime Sanderson Farms employee returned to work a few days later at the companys processing plant in Summit and tried pushing through his medical condition severe cluster headaches and migraines until he ended up in an emergency room on May 4, 2017, a lawsuit filed in federal court says. At work, a cluster headache attack came on, causing the man to lose consciousness and fall down a flight of stairs at the McComb Processing Plant, resulting in his hospitalization, according to the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission, which filed the lawsuit. Afterward, his doctor ordered him to work no more than 12 hours in a day, or overnight, a complaint says. Sanderson Farms, the third-largest producer of chicken products in the U.S., refused to accommodate the order and fired the employee within the month after he provided the company with his doctors note, according to the complaint. Now, Sanderson Farms, LLC and Sanderson Farms, LLC (Processing Division) will pay $62,384 to settle the EEOCs lawsuit accusing the companies of disability discrimination in violation of the Americans with Disabilities Act, the agency announced in a June 14 news release. Under the ADA, a disability is defined as a physical or mental impairment that substantially limits one or more major life activities. McClatchy News contacted attorneys representing the companies in the case on June 15 and didnt receive an immediate response. The ADA recognizes that individuals with disabilities are able to perform jobs and make important contributions to our society and our economy, EEOC Birmingham district director Bradley Anderson said in a statement It is unlawful under the ADA for an employer to fire an employee because of his disability or because he seeks a reasonable accommodation. The Sanderson Farms employee was fired after nearly seven years of employment, according to the complaint. After he provided the company with his doctors order on May 26, 2017, he was told to cover an absent employees shift after having finished his shift, the complaint says. If he agreed, he wouldve had to work more than 12 hours overnight which was against his doctors order and wouldve missed a dose of his prescription medication, according to the EEOC. The company refused to discuss (his) request for accommodation and disciplined him by sending him home, the complaint says. He was ordered to return to work on June 6, when he worked a half-shift before learning he was fired and being publicly escorted out of the processing plant, according to the complaint. His firing officially went into effect on June 22, 2017, the complaint says. The lawsuit settlements two-year consent decree bans Sanderson Farms from future disability discrimination and orders the companies to revise their policy on the ADA, according to the EEOC. Additionally, employees must undergo ADA training at the Summit processing plant. Sanderson Farms, LLC and Sanderson Farms, LLC (Processing Division) are part of Wayne-Sanderson Farms, which is based in Oakwood, Georgia. Summit is about 140 miles northwest of Biloxi. 65-year-old wasnt hired for being too old in New Jersey, feds say. Now company sued Culvers managers and employees harassed gay worker and another with disability, feds say Worker was told hearing loss wouldnt be issue. Then she was fired over it, feds say Worker killed after her head gets caught in machinery at frozen pizza plant, feds say A 29-year-old woman working as a temporary sanitation worker was killed after her head was caught in machinery at a frozen pizza manufacturing plant in Illinois, authorities said. Now, about six months after her death, federal investigators say her death could have been prevented. The U.S. Department of Labors Occupational Safety and Health Administration opened an investigation into Miracapo Pizza Company, doing business as Little Lady Foods, and XCEL Staffing Solutions LLC after the employee was killed in December. Investigators found that the woman was fatally injured while working an overnight shift at Miracapo Pizza Companys Gurnee sheeting facility, according to a June 15 news release. Gurnee is part of the Chicago metropolitan area. OSHA inspectors determined the woman ... was using compressed air to clean a spiral conveyer as it moved to cool pizza when her head became caught in the machinery, officials said. She was working as a temporary employee through XCEL Staffing Solutions at the time of her death. The agency found that temporary workers had not been trained or given the authority to stop equipment from moving before cleaning, according to the release. OSHA cited Miracapo Pizza Company for 16 willful egregious violations and 12 serious violations, records show. The company faces $2,812,658 in penalties. Miracapo was deeply saddened by the death of Leily Lopez-Hernandez, who worked for an external staffing agency at our Gurnee facility last year, a company spokesperson said in a statement to McClatchy News. We have always prioritized the safety and security of everyone who enters our facilities, whether employees, contractors or visitors, and will continue to do so. While we disagree with OSHAs findings released today, we remain committed to working with the agency to arrive at the best possible outcome for all, the spokesperson continued. We are proud of our safety record. Safety has always been and will continue to be a core value for our Company. Federal authorities cited two previous incidents connected to Miracapo Pizza Company. Weeks before Lopez-Hernandez was killed, authorities said another employee was working on a sauce depositor when they suffered an amputation. And in October 2021, an employees fingertip was amputated while clearing a jammed pizza conveyor, according to authorities. McClatchy News also reached out to XCEL Staffing Solutions on June 15 and was awaiting a response. XCEL Staffing Solutions faces two willful and two serious violations, officials said, and $334,839 in proposed penalties. Authorities said the contractor provides sanitation crews for the facilitys third shift, and many of the workers only speak Spanish. This tragedy took the life of a young woman, and forever changes the lives of her family, friends and co-workers. Safety standards are put in place to prevent these kinds of tragedies, Doug Parker, assistant secretary for OSHA, said in the release. Employers have a responsibility to train workers in the language they understand so they know how to perform their work safely. The companies have 15 business days from when notified of the citations to either company, request a meeting with OSHA or contest the findings. Worker dies after forklift pins him to freezer shelves at storage company, Utah cops say 37-year-old dies after getting trapped in equipment at tire company, SC officials say Temp worker falls in industrial blender at Ohio plant and leg is amputated, feds say 34-year-old worker suffocates after hes engulfed by corn in Nebraska silo, feds say State Attorney Monique Worrell on Thursday again defended her offices handling of a case involving a repeat offender, this time a man who was arrested Monday on an attempted rape charge just a week after he was released from jail in a carjacking case. Fredrick Howard, since Monday, has been in the Orange County Jail without bond on charges of attempted sexual battery, burglary of a dwelling, false imprisonment and battery. If convicted on all charges, he faces a maximum sentence of 26 years in prison, Worrell said at a press conference. The state attorney added that decisions regarding Howards charges will be forthcoming, and her office is taking the 54-year-olds most recent case, which is being handled by the chief of her sex crimes unit, seriously. Deputies say Howard broke into a room at the Stayable Suites hotel on Orange Blossom Trail and tried to rape an 18-year-old woman on Monday evening. About a week earlier, he was released from the Orange County Jail because the State Attorneys Office did not file formal charges against him in a carjacking case within 33 days, as long as he could legally be kept in custody, allowing him to be released on his own recognizance. Worrell said the reason prosecutors did not charge Howard is her office could not contact the carjacking victim. In any case where there is a victim, unless there is substantial evidence in which the state could go forward without the testimony of the victim, the state cannot proceed with charges because they will be unable to prove that case beyond a reasonable doubt, Worrell said. She said the investigating agency, the Orlando Police Department, did not provide her office with the victims contact information, even after a prosecutor formally requested the information from OPD on May 31. In a statement, OPD Chief Eric Smith said the carjacking victim is homeless and was unable to provide officers with a current address or contact information. Upon receiving the request from prosecutors for his address and phone number, the arresting officer provided the information that was known to law enforcement at the time from his Florida Identification card, Smith said. At no time was this officer requested to assist in locating the witness/victim by the State Attorneys Office or any of their investigators assigned to locate the victim, Smith said. It is disappointing that yet again, the investigative efforts of our agency are being unjustly scrutinized by the State Attorney. The State Attorneys Office, Worrell said, launched its own investigation to try and find the victim in early June, but was unsuccessful. When Howards defense filed the 33 day motion seeking his release, Worrells office was unable to state a good-faith basis to contest it, she said. Howard was released on June 6, according to court records, seven days before the alleged attempted rape. According to a report by WKMG-Channel 6, an Orange County Sheriffs Office affidavit in support of Howards arrest in the rape case described him as a high-risk sex offender. However, the Florida Department of Law Enforcement told the news station that he had not been convicted of any offense that would require him to register as a sex offender. Howard does not appear in the states database of known sex offenders and predators. He has never been previously designated a sex offender, Worrell said. Since the mid-1980s, Howard has spent much of his life behind bars for crimes including aggravated assault, armed robbery and battery. As a community, this is a really sad day, Worrell said. Were seeing an individual who has more than three decades of interaction with our criminal legal system and has spent lengthy periods of time as long as 15 years incarceration and we still havent seen a change. I think as a community we should all be sad and looking for ways to address individuals like this effectively, because what weve done thus far hasnt been. Worrell has been battling accusations that her office does not properly prosecute repeat offenders since February, when three people were killed and two were injured in a shooting spree in Pine Hills. Tension between Sheriff Mina, State Attorney Worrell began months before Pine Hills shootings Since then, her office has faced public criticism from the largest law enforcement agencies in her circuit as well as Florida GOP officials including U.S. Sen. Rick Scott and Gov. Ron DeSantis. Worrell has said local law enforcement heads, including Orange County Sheriff John Mina and Osceola County Sheriff Marcos Lopez, are gathering information for DeSantis to justify her suspension from office. Both sheriffs deny that allegation. However, testimony during a civil trial over DeSantis suspension of Tampa-based State Attorney Andrew Warren indicated that Mina had shared his misgivings about Worrell with the same DeSantis administration official who spearheaded Warrens ouster. In April, Worrell held a two-day training with local law enforcement to mend relations and work out how her office and the agencies can ensure more success when bringing cases from probable cause, which is the standard to make an arrest, to proof beyond a reasonable doubt, the threshold for a conviction. ccann@orlandosentinel.com New York Lovers Allegedly Used Burner Phones and Power Tools to Murder Ex-Hubby U.S. Attorney's Office, Southern District of New York A New York husband and wife allegedly used burner phones, heavy machinery and meticulous planning to murder the wifes ex-husband and thoroughly cover their tracks, federal prosecutors allege. Nicholas and Jamie Orsini were arrested Thursday for the 2020 death of Steven Kraft, Jamies ex-husband and the father of two of her children. An 18-page criminal complaint unsealed Thursday charged the Orsinis with conspiracy and carjacking resulting in death. It also laid out the extraordinary lengths the couple allegedly went to in their scheme to carjack Kraft, kill him, and dispose of his car and his body. On April 26, 2020two days before Krafts deaththe Orsinis were hard at work prepping their plot, the complaint says. Their first stop was a Home Depot in Fishkill, where Jamie allegedly purchased items including a 10x100 foot paint tarp, duct tape, and a full-body Tyvek suit and boots. She paid cash for the entire purchase, the complaint says. Nicholas Orsini U.S. Attorney's Office, Southern District of New York Next up was a dry run. Nicholas and Jamie took their GMC on a roundabout route from their Beacon home to the neighboring town of Newburgh, according to GPS data cited in the complaint, practicing how they would ultimately get rid of Krafts car two days later. The next day, receipts show the Orsinis buying a burner phone at a Walmartalso paying in cash, the feds say. April 28 was the big day. That afternoon, Kraft picked up his kids from the Orsinis house in Beacon, the complaint says. The Orsinis then allegedly followed Kraft to a Sonic in Newburgh, where they got a couple of burgers and activated a burner phone. Kraft brought the kids back to the Orsinis house at approximately 7 p.m. that night. He was never seen again. While authorities didnt detail the exact time and nature of Krafts death, prosecutors believe the carjacking and murder took place shortly after Kraft dropped off the children. Nicholas was located driving Kraft's Toyota Camry later that night, per the complaint. GPS data allegedly showed that he took the car on nearly the exact same route as the couple had practiced two days before, from Beacon to Newburgh. He then ditched the car, walked to a gas station about a mile away, called a cab on his burner phone before disposing of it, bought a Monster Energy Drink with a $100 bill, then was driven home in the taxi. The Orsinis allegedly took a practice route (left) two days before Nicholas allegedly took a drive (right) in Kraft's car to dispose of it. U.S. Attorneys Office, Southern District of New York In the days following the alleged killing, prosecutors say the Orsinis feverishly tried to cover their tracks. Jamie texted Kraft in an alleged attempt to create the impression that she didnt know he was dead, prosecutors say. She sent him a text message on April 29 asking about one of their childrens report cards. They did not typically text about their childrens academics, the complaint said. At one point, the complaint says, Jamie even called the Marlboro Police Department to ask about Kraft. Meanwhile, Nicholas bought a new burner phonechanging its number at least onceand started taking trips to see his family in Amsterdam, New York, leaving his personal phone at home each time, the complaint says. At one point, he allegedly Googled How to view your location history in google maps. He even questioned his mother about who she told about his visits, the complaint says. On May 2, he allegedly Googled is galvanized steel fireproof? just hours before another trip to Home Depot, where receipts revealed purchases of two 31-gallon galvanized steel round trash cans, a coarse stainless-steel rod, an angle grinder with grinding wheel, five metal disks, three 32-ounce bottles of odorless charcoal grates, an axe, and a flame lighter. The next morning, he returned, this time buying 16 bundles of firewood, the complaint says. The details of Krafts death are still unclear, and his body had not been located. Prosecutors believe it to have been burned. In doing so, the Orsinis denied Krafts familyincluding Krafts children with Jamiethe dignity of having a proper burial, U.S. Attorney Damian Williams said. New York State Police Acting Superintendent Steven A. Nigrelli commended the investigators for the yearslong investigation. These two murderous individuals allegedly deliberately took the life of another person and will now be held accountable for their actions, he 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. New Zealand seizes record amount of meth in maple syrup jugs from Canada When New Zealand police cracked open plastic jugs of maple syrup that had arrived from Canada, they found something decidedly less sweet inside. Instead of the sticky condiment, the jugs contained around $150 million worth of methamphetamine making it the countrys biggest ever meth bust. The shipment was intercepted in January after authorities in New Zealand, Australia, and Canada uncovered the elaborate scheme as part of an initiative dubbed Operation Regis, said New Zealand police in a statement Thursday. The 713 kilograms (1,572 pounds) of meth had been bound for Australia, New Zealand and the surrounding Pacific region, said the statement. After police seized most of the drugs, they arrested five men between ages 22 to 45 near the town of Helensville, north of Auckland. A sixth man, age 28, was later arrested when he tried to receive the remaining drugs, police said. The six men are due to reappear in court, though the statement did not specify when. The seizure represents New Zealand's biggest ever meth bust. - New Zealand Police The statement said a number of local arrests had also been made in Melbourne, Australia, involving people allegedly responsible for multiple drug import attempts, including the maple syrup shipment halted at the New Zealand border. The investigation was launched after Canadian authorities found a staggering amount of meth inside bottles of canola oil that had been on route to Australia. The international drug trade and organized crime groups are creating havoc and harm in communities around the globe, and our best opportunity to disrupt, intercept, and keep our communities safe, is to work collaboratively with other agencies, and other nations, New Zealand Police Commissioner Andrew Coster said in the statement. The seizure comes just a few months after another record-breaking bust, in which New Zealand authorities discovered more than 3 tons of cocaine floating in the ocean. The cocaine packages, buoyed by flotation devices, weighed 3.2 metric tons (3.5 short tons) and were valued at more than half a billion New Zealand dollars (about $318 million). For more CNN news and newsletters create an account at CNN.com In his June 15 address to Switzerland's parliament, President Volodymyr Zelensky thanked the country for sanctioning Russia and asked for military assistance, the news agency Swissinfo wrote. Zelensky thanked Switzerland for adopting the EU's sanctions against Russia, as well as for providing humanitarian aid. He has called on the country's leadership to host a global peace summit to facilitate the end of the war. "Thank you, dear Switzerland, for not remaining indifferent to the suffering," Zelensky said at the beginning of his speech. The president brought up the ongoing debate in the Swiss parliament on the re-export of the Swiss weapons arsenal, reminding Ukraine's own need for military aid. "I would like to call on you to remember one fact: We are asking for arms deliveries so that Ukrainian soil can become a territory of peace again." Ukraine to receive billions in military aid after Ramstein summit U.S. Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin said on June 15 that the U.S., the U.K., Denmark, the Netherlands, Canada, Germany, Norway, and Italy pledged new military aid packages to Ukraine at the 13th Ramstein-format summit of the Ukraine Defense Contact Group (UDCG) in Brussels. The Kyiv IndependentMartin Fornusek Following Switzerland's long-term neutrality policy, the country's law does not currently allow the delivery of Swiss weapons to combat zones, even when supplied by an intermediary country. Easing these measures would open the door for re-exporting these weapons to Ukraine. While members of the parliament's upper house recommended easing the restrictions on May 12, the lower house blocked the motion on June 2. The discussion about the transfer still continues, and media indicates that Switzerland plans to sell 25 of its decommissioned Leopard 2 tanks to Germany, paving the way for further transfer to Ukraine. After Zelensky's speech, Brigitte Haberli-Koller, the president of the parliament's upper house, said: "Even a neutral state has the right, indeed the duty, to stand up for its fundamental values such as democracy, the rule of law and human rights." Members of the right-wing Swiss People's Party left the room during the speech, saying it violates the country's tradition of neutrality. Zinchenko ready to fight with Armed Forces against Russia if hes needed Oleksandr Zinchenko expressed his readiness to take up arms An Ambassador for UNITED23, he answered a question from British journalist Piers Morgan as to whether he is ready to fight for Ukraine. There will come a time when everyone will be there. If there is a final call-up or something like that, everyone will go. Of course, I will go. However, Im aware that at the present moment I believe that I am much more useful here at the moment. But one can never predict what will happen, Zinchenko said. In the same interview, Zinchenko said that he plans to reside in Ukraine after his career is over. 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 BEDFORD Town of Bedford officials have reached an agreement with a developer to bring the first business-class hotel to Bedford County near the entrance to the National D-Day Memorial. Bedford Town Council voted unanimously Tuesday to authorize a performance agreement with DDay Omstay LLC, the developer. The agreement is to bring a well-known brand of hotel to the town, a requirement in ensuring a high-caliber hotel is attracted to the town-owned land on Burks Hill Road near the memorial, the Bedford Area Welcome Center and the U.S. 460 interchange, according to a news release from the town. This is something that people have been wanting for quite a while, Councilor Bruce Hartwick said. I think this is a good deal. The Town Economic Development Authority (EDA) provided assistance with additional land at the site to improve access to the parcel and additional developable area while council contributed an incentive package that includes a portion of transient occupancy tax rebates and partial real property tax rebates at a declining rate over several years, the release states. In exchange for economic development incentives, the developer will maintain the chosen hotel brand, which will include at least 85 hotel rooms and a 100-person meeting room that will complement space at the welcome center. The meeting room will accommodate users such as the D-Day Memorial, which for the past 22 years since opening has attracted crowds for events, and other businesses that can host functions that bring overnight visitors. The meeting space is a key component of the project that fills a gap in needed gathering space in town, Mary Zirkle, the towns director of planning and community development, said in the release. This asset opens up Bedford as a destination for multi-day corporate events, receptions and parties located in a safe, small-town environment adjacent to attractions like D-Day, the Peaks of Otter and Smith Mountain Lake. Hartwick said the new hotel will generate more tax revenue for the town in future years. We need something that is going to draw more people into our town, to come to our shops and restaurants, Hartwick said. Every little thing we can to draw people here, lets go for it. Mayor Tim Black welcomed Amit Patel, of DDay Omstay LLC and his family, at Tuesdays meeting. We appreciate your willingness to invest in our community and bring your business-class hotel to Bedford, Black said to the Patel family. Im excited. I look forward to you breaking ground. I look forward to the boost it is going to provide our other businesses in town. I know its been a long road to this point. Were thankful you have chosen Bedford to build this business-class hotel. Black also thanked Zirkle and the towns EDA for their efforts. They have done all the heavy lifting and deserve all the credit, Black said. Councilor Robert Carson said he hopes the new hotel will bring more such ventures for lodging that council said is much needed for the area. We know this will provide new job opportunities, enhance other businesses, and be a catalyst for future growth, Black said in the release. The incentives for the target site are intended to locate a hotel close to downtown Bedford to encourage activity in the central business district while maintaining the convenience of a bypass exit, according to town officials. This is an economic development project that reaches many levels of business enhancement from meeting an overnight accommodation need to maximizing patronization of local businesses, particularly in downtown, Zirkle said The Town EDA focused on a business-class hotel as one of three priority projects in its 2021 Strategic Plan. Jonathan Buttram, chair of the EDA, added: We know the importance of a business-class hotel for attracting new companies and traveling visitors to the area so we made it a priority in our plan and aggressively pursued it. We are glad to see it reach this point in development. Town officials also thanked Bedford County, the countys EDA and the Bedford Regional Water Authority for their work toward the project. Buttram said Bedford County is the fifth largest locality in Virginia and doesnt have a business-class hotel. Its a big win for everybody, he told council. The hotel is expected to open in summer 2025. United Way of Central Virginia (UWCV) reaffirmed its commitment to early childhood education, lifting families and individuals to financial stability and creating a healthier community when its board of directors approved funding recommendations made by community volunteers for the 2023-24 Community Impact Grant Program. We are committed to creating meaningful change in the City of Lynchburg and Amherst, Appomattox, Bedford and Campbell Counties, United Way President and CEO Kim Soerensen said in the release. One way we drive change is by investing in the most impactful programs in our communities, including high-quality programs like childcare resources for low-income parents, new caregivers, and at-risk youths. Additional programs granted funding by United Way address other priority needs such as financial literacy, healthcare access, workforce development, and basic human needs. With all there is to worry about in todays world, between war and global warming, political battles and gun violence, and ever-escalating prices for almost everything, heres some news that may bring a little comfort to the commonwealth. Virginia is the best-equipped state in the nation to handle an alien invasion, according to an analysis by NJ Casino. Thanks to its strong military presence, high volume of law enforcement officials and even the number of caves and caverns (29) where people could hide, Virginians have a better chance than anyone else in the nation of fending off little green men or hive-minded extraterrestrial beings like those in the Independence Day movies. The presence of a larger military force per capita means that Virginia is well-equipped to defend and protect its territory against extraterrestrial threats and enables a faster response time to an alien invasion, meaning the state can mobilize and deploy troops more quickly, states a press release. Virginia has 17.97 military personnel per 1,000 people, the highest ratio in the nation, according to the analysis. That includes both active duty and reservists, for a total of 156,475 servicemembers. Virginias rate is twice as high as Georgia, which ranked second in the list. Having more men and women who know how to deal with an enemy, no matter their planet of origin, ensures a larger pool of trained individuals with combat skills and experience who can handle critical support functions such as intelligence gathering, communication networks, medical support, supply chains and transportation, according to NJ Casino. If youre wondering what a website that promotes gambling has to do with unidentified flying objects, think instead about luck, odds and probability. Casino officials are experts in those fields and often research the likelihood of certain scenarios happening, said Chloe Chai, head of marketing at NJ Casino. A key question recently was how the United States would fare in the face of an alien invasion, and the inquiry didnt just show up out of thin air. Data from well-known sources, such as the Pew Research Center, suggested it was on the minds of Americans. Recent surveys have said two of every three people in the United States believe in aliens; another one-third fears some sort of apocalyptic event in their lifetime; and searches for UFO sightings in the U.S. have risen by almost 88% this year. With that in mind, NJ Casino created a points-based index system to determine how well states might fare if the Martians landed. They looked at metrics for each state such as population density; UFO sightings; landscape such as caves, forest and bodies of water; defense, including military and law enforcement; scientists and engineers; health care professionals; and food manufacturers. Virginia got an alien survival score of 8.04 to top the nation. Other Mid-Atlantic states filled out the top four, including Georgia, Massachusetts and New York. Maryland ranks seventh. Nevada is last with an overall score of 4.53. Virginia has 27 military bases and every service branch has at least one installation in the commonwealth, according to the Military Bases website. In the face of attack, the naval bases at Hampton Roads and Virginia Beach areas are well-equipped to send the aliens bones, if they have any, to Davy Joness locker, while other facilities in the Fredericksburg region would be poised to attack on other fronts. Consider that every Marine officer, as well as many enlisted service members, get trained at Quantico Marine Corps Base in North Stafford and Prince William County. South of Fredericksburg, Fort A.P. Hill holds year-round exercises to keep every component of the armed forces in combat readiness. But no one in the region may have an eye trained more on the sky than Naval Support Facility Dahlgren in King George County, which hosts the 19th Space Defense Squadron. Thats part of the U.S. Space Force, the newest branch of the military. The Dahlgren squadron includes 20 military, 31 civilian and seven contractors who operate as orbital analysts, automated data processing crews, information technology support and administrators, according to the Space Force website. In April 2022, the Space Force announced the Dahlgren squadron was being tasked to focus on deep space, according an article on the C4ISRNET website. Dahlgrenites are looking specifically at cislunar space, the area between the Earths geostationary orbit, which is more than 22,000 miles above Earth and the moons orbit. The C4ISRNET story noted the Department of Defense has made a notable shift in its posture toward cislunar space in the last few years, from viewing potential deep-space threats as part of a far-off future to recognizing that those threats may present much sooner. Danger may come more from entities on this Earth rather than not-of-this-world, but the Space Force will be watching for whatever risks may be out there, according to the report. Guest Posting in 2023 for Boosting Sales through Strategic Content Placement New Delhi, Thu, 15 Jun 2023 NI Wire Guest Posting is one of the best ways to increase your sales through strategic content placement on the high traffic website. Guest Posting in 2023 will boost your sales and traffic. Guest Posting is the most preferred way to increase the visibility among other high traffic websites, which helps in increasing the sales through strategic content placement on the reputed websites. We will be exploring the importance of guest posting in 2023 for getting more customers by placing targeted content on the high traffic blogs and websites. Today in the very competitive market, businesses are looking for ways to increase sales and expand their reach to the new customer base. There are many ways businesses can reach the targeted customers, but many of these marketing methods are expensive for the businesses. Large number of businesses are using their websites to attract customers and increase sales. All these methods, guest posting is considered as most effective and less constantly. As through guest posting businesses are expected to get visitors to their websites in the very long term. It also increases the search engine ranking which results in more free organic traffic to the website. If you post guest content on a high-traffic website related to your niche then it will bring more targeted traffic to your website. This will help you bring a new audience to your website and ultimately increase sales. We will see how we can harness the power of guest posting for increasing sales and making brand image on the Internet. Impact of Guest Posting on Sales Guest posting on the niche specific website will bring more targeted traffic to your website. This will result in more sales and even increase brand awareness. Your website will be visible among the users of other websites which increases the chances of getting more people interested in your product or service. This also brings high quality backlinks to your website from the similar niche websites. Such links are important in increasing the website visibility in the search engine and also increases the chances of ranking high in the search engine search results. This will start bringing more organic traffic to your website. Next You find right Website for your post The next thing is to find the right and niche related website for posting your guest content. You can use the term like Write for us + Your Niche for searching the website on Google Search. Once the results appear on the Google search engine you can visit the relevant website and try to find contact with the webmaster. After getting the email address you can send email for guest posting requirements. This way you will be able to find the right website for guest posting. You can also connect to the Guest posting agency for Fast Guest Posting Service and getting your Guest Posts published fast. You should target the audience of your own niche by publishing content on the related websites or any high traffic new websites. This way you will be able to generate more leads for your company. Writing attractive and informative Guest Post It is very important to write attractive and highly informative guest posts, so that the guest post viewer finds it very useful. In turn they will visit your website to get more information on this. Attractive guest posts might work well for you in the long term and you will be getting traffic from your post in the long term. Your guest post should be well SEO optimised with the right set of keywords and long trail keywords. Try to write evergreen guest posts for long term benefits. You should incorporate persuasive calls-to-action (CTAs), so that visitors of your guest post take desired action. This way you will be able to increase traffic and sales. Guest posting is very important in sales and marketing strategy for any company. Many companies are using Guest posting as a tool for effective lead generation and long term marketing. You will be able to create compelling offers for capturing new opportunities. You be able to engage and re-engage customers visiting other websites. Guest Posting for Ongoing Sales Growth You can use Guest Posting as an effective tool for publicising your ongoing sales offers and rewards. This way you will be able to bring more customers to your website. You should use the editorial, social media, email marketing, guest posting on the legitimate websites to connect to more customers. You can also collaborate with the existing industry experts, writers and users through effective Guest posting. This helps in cross-promotion of your products and services. These days companies are using various ways of marketing to increase sales and revenue. Guest Posting is the powerful strategy adopted by the sales and marketing team of the big companies today. The places the valuable content on the high-authority platforms, social media, YouTube and other channels for promoting their products. Digital marketing is playing a major role in todays business environment for growing online business. Instant Approval Guest Posting on the high DA Websites is helping businesses in growing their customer reach. This also helps in increasing the search engine ranking in the long term. High search engine ranking brings more organic traffic to the website. Itel launches S23 smartphone with 90Hz Display and 50MP Primary Camera New Delhi, Thu, 15 Jun 2023 NI Wire Itel has launched a new smartphone model with the name S23, which comes with the high screen refresh measuring 90 Hz, 50 MP primary camera and a whopping 5,000mAh battery. This smartphone is costing less than Rs. 10,000 in the Indian market and it is a good smartphone with decent specification for the Indian market. Itel S23 is the best budget smartphone under Rs. 10,000 brackets and comes with the latest hardware specification. Its primary camera is of 50 MP specification, which is a good specification for a smartphone under this range. Itel is a Chinese smartphone manufacturer selling mobile phones mostly in the Indian market. Some other markets for their smartphone are Sri Lanka, Bangladesh and in their own country China. Itel S23 Specification Summary 90Hz Screen Refresh Rate Battery comes with 5,000mAh capacity 6.6 inches screen Screen supports HD+ resolution Water Drop notch screen Side mounted fingerprint scanner While color variant comes with the color changing panel 50 MP rear camera 8 MP front camera 1.6GHz octa-core 12nm Unisoc T606 processor Mali G57 MP1 GPU 128 GB Storage 8GB RAM Android 12 OS Itel S23 specifications and features Itel S23 smartphone phone comes with a display size of 6.6-inches and it supports the HD+ resolution. There is a water drop notch on the screen. Screen comes with a high 90Hz refresh rate which is good to view the animations smoothly. In the S23 smartphone fingerprint scanner is side-mounted in the power button. So, it's good and the fingerprint scanner is easily accessible. The White color variant of the Itel S23 smartphone comes with a color-changing back panel. This color of panel changes from White to Pink when it is exposed to the sunlight or UV rays. Many customers might like this color-changing feature of this smartphone. Itel S23 smartphone comes with the dual rear cameras that comprises a 50 MP primary sensor and an AI lens. There is an LED flash unit on the rear side of this camera. Phone is good for taking high quality photos and videos. There is an 8MP front-facing camera which is good for taking selfie pictures. On the processor and GPU side this smartphone is good as it comes with the latest processor paired with GPU. The Itel S23 is powered with a 1.6GHz octa-core 12nm Unisoc T606 processor. This phone is also fitted with a Mali G57 MP1 GPU. There is 128GB storage and 8GB RAM. On the battery storage side, the S23 smartphone comes with 5,000mAh battery storage that supports 10W charging. Itel S23 is pre-installed with the Android 12 OS. So, out of the box customers will get Android 12 Operating System on their device. Company might release the updates of the operating system in the near future. Itel S23 supports 4G VoLTE, WiFi, Bluetooth, a USB-C port connectivity and a 3.5mm headphone jack. On the availability side, Itel 23 will be available at a price tag of Rs. 8,799 starting from June 14 on the Amazon India website. This smartphone comes in Starry Black and Mystery White colors. Abdulrasheed Bawa By Nurudeen Shotayo The suspended Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), AbdulRasheed Bawa, has been taken in by the Department of States Service (DSS) for investigation. This was disclosed by the secret police in a terse statement by its Public Relations Officer, Peter Afunanya, on the night of Wednesday, June 14, 2023. According to the service, Bawa was invited in relation to some investigative activities concerning his stewardship of the anti-graft commission. The DSS said the suspended EFCC chairman arrived at its office on Wednesday evening to honour the invitation. The statement read: "The Department of State Services (DSS) has invited Mr Abdulrasheed Bawa, the suspended Chairman of Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC). Bawa arrived a few hours ago. "The invitation relates to some investigative activities concerning him," Afunanya added. Tinubu suspends Bawa This development comes barely three hours after President Bola Tinubu suspended Bawa as EFCC chairman. A statement by the Director of Information at the Office to the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Willie Bassey, said Bawa was suspended over allegations of abuse of office levelled against him. According to the President, the suspension takes effect immediately, while Bawa was directed to hand over the affairs of his office to the Director of Operations in the commission. Like Emefiele, like Bawa Bawa's suspension came five days after President Tinubu approved the suspension of Godwin Emefiele as the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) Governor. The Federal Government said Emefiele was suspended because of an ongoing investigation as well as a planned reform of the financial sector. Following his suspension, he was directed to immediately hand over the affairs of his office to the Deputy Governor (Operations Directorate), Folashodun Adebisi Shonubi, who has since been acting as the CBN Governor. PULSE.ng NEWS SECTIONS L-R: COMBO PHOTO of Godwin Emefiele, AbdulRasheed Bawa, and Mahmoud Yakubu By Kayode Oyero The senior lawyer said the 61-year-old INEC boss must leave office in order not to impede the electoral reform in Nigeria. A Senior Advocate of Nigeria and former President of Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), Olisa Agbakoba has asked President Bola Tinubu to remove the Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Mahmoud Yakubu. The senior lawyer, in a statement on Thursday, said the 61-year-old INEC boss must leave office by resignation or removal, otherwise the electoral reform task in Nigeria will be impeded. In the statement by his Media Assistant, Niyi Odunmorayo, Agbakoba commended the President for getting rid Godwin Emefiele as the Governor of Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN); and AbdulRasheed Bawa as the Chairman of Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC). Olisa Agbakoba The senior lawyer said, Full congratulations go to President Tinubu for getting rid of Emefiele and Bawa and fuel subsidy and forex corruption. Endemic corruption has suffered a massive blow. Next is for the president to dismantle INEC. Everyone will agree that logistically, the 2023 elections are the worst in our history. I do not refer to the merits of the results of the elections. Many results are disputed and are in Tribunals. Both petitioners and respondents suffered at the hands of an incompetent INEC. As we await rulings from the courts massive reforms of the electoral framework ought to begin but this means that the INEC Chairman will have to leave office by resignation or removal, otherwise the reform task will be impeded. I add very quickly that the suggested reforms have nothing to do with the merits of election results at all. Both winners and losers of the elections were victims of the failure of INEC. Confidence in Nigerias democracy will be enhanced by a deep cleansing of INEC. Then President Muhammadu Buhari appointed Yakubu as INEC chair in November 2015 to succeed Attahiru Jega, who supervised the 2015 general elections. In October 2020, Buhari reappointed Yakubu as the electoral commission boss. CHANNELS TV NEWS SECTIONS Moroccos federation of Moroccan employers (CGEM) asked its French counterpart Medef to put off a visit by its president to Morocco due to the unpropitious context marked by a widening crisis between Rabat and Paris. The news was relayed by Moroccan outlets including le360 which said that CGEM chief Chakib Alj asked his French counterpart Geoffroy Roux de Bezieux to delay his visit sine die. This delay is due to the current unproductive context of Moroccan-French relations, Alj told Le360, while highlighting the quality of relations between CGEM and Medef which will re-schedule this visit as soon as the context becomes conducive. In April, few weeks after President Macron tried to downplay a silently brewing crisis with Morocco, spokesman for French foreign ministry Francois Delmas said relations with Morocco were excellent. Soon after, a senior source told Jeune Afrique relations with France were not as warm as Macron thinks. Crisis Signs of the crisis, which France tries to conceal, abound, starting with the announced visit by Macron to Morocco early this year which has yet to take place. Moroccan politicians and parliamentarians did not mince their words by blaming France directly for undermining Moroccos interests in the EU. The Moroccan parliament referred to its disappointment at the instigation of members of European parliament by Stephane Sejourne, who leads Macrons MEPs at the European Parliament. Most French members voted for an anti-Moroccan resolution to save some right-wing politicians. The context is not giving any credence to the statements of the French president as his country offers concessions to Algerias military regime going as far as promising to sell them arms, a fact that was acknowledged by Macron who bragged about prospects for military cooperation following the visit of Algerias genuine ruler chief of staff Chengriha. As France empowers the military regime in Algeria, it is distancing itself from its longtime friend and ally signaling a decline in Frances foreign policy in the region in favor of closer ties with an oil and gas-dependent country mired in repression and instability and on the verge of collapse. Empowering Algerian military rulers is not Macrons only fault. France under his leadership has steered away from mutual respect to adopt blackmail including through reducing visas offered to Moroccans in a measure that Morocco said was not reflective of the quality of consular cooperation. French media have also indulged in Morocco bashing by parroting uncorroborated accusations in what has come to be called junk science concerning Amnestys and forbidden stories allegation on Rabats use of Pegasus malware to spy on French politicians. Morocco has sued the media in question and no evidence has been offered months into the allegations. Is France annoyed by Moroccos increasing influence in the Sahel where the former colonial master is receiving a series of blows? Paris foothold is also shrinking in West Africa on the back of growing anti-French sentiment and increasing Russian incursions. After their retreat from Mali following a ten-year failure to eradicate Jihadist groups, Burkina Faso asked France to withdraw its troops from the country. Macrons African policy reflects the diminishing weight of France and so does the inconsistencies of its self-destructive foreign policy that has destroyed bridges with African peoples and governments. The head of Malis military junta and the Russian leader were reported to have discussed on the phone security and economic relations between the two countries, just as a new report has highlighted the growing anti-French sentiments in French-speaking Africa that has spread beyond educated urban elites, arguing that the phenomenon could take lasting root. During the meeting between Colonel Assimi Gotta and Russian President Vladimir Putin, at the initiative of the Malian side, the two leaders paid particular attention to trade and economic relations, including the delivery of cereals, fertilizers and fuel by Russia to Mali, the Kremlin said in a press release. The head of Malis junta, according to the Kremlin, thanked Vladimir Putin for the humanitarian aid provided, as well as for the help given to ensure security, neutralize the terrorist threat and stabilize the situation in his country, which is poor and landlocked and has been plunged into a deep multiform crisis since 2012. Very satisfied with my telephone conversation with Putin, Goita said on Twitter. Since August 2020, Mali has been ruled by a military junta, which broke a long-standing alliance with France and other Western partners in the fight against jihadism and turned to Russia for political and military assistance. This comes as Francophone Africa has increasingly scorned its former colonial master France, a political shift that at times has incited violence, and has been encouraged by Russian actors, according to a report by the French Institute for International Relations (Ifri) published Wednesday (14 June). The depth of the phenomenon has nothing comparable to what we could see in previous decades, underlines Alain Antil, a researcher at Ifri. The study entitled Themes, Actors and Functions of Anti-French Discourse in French-Speaking Africa notes that the growing anti-French sentiment can be explained by disappointing economic and political trajectories in countries where the population had once founded the hope of economic progress and in terms of democracy. Moreover, the study also demonstrates an articulation between () Russian propagandist war and certain segments of African social networks. At the same time, these anti-French discourses were able to prosper because the French authorities themselves were in a kind of denial and were slow to react. US special presidential representative has reassured that the global superpower remained committed to maintaining strong trade ties with the African continent, something the Biden administration believed faltered with Trumps presidency. The special presidential representative for the United States-Africa Leaders Summit, Johnnie Carson, made these comments Tuesday (13 June) as a way to reassure Americas African partners following the December summit designed to tighten programs on shared priorities, including health, climate change, food security, and conflict issues. The United States has been the continents strongest partner in the most important areas of development over the last three or four decades, and a lot of the very great and outstanding work that we do across the continent is not seen as visibly as some other things, Carson said, adding that extra work was being done to address the continents energy crisis. Relations with Pretoria came under pressure recently after Washington called into question South Africas relationship with Russia, following its invasion of Ukraine. Top US officials also provided comprehensive updates on the progress made in implementing the initiatives and goals set during the summit. One of the top priorities was boosting investment deals with African nations and on this point, investments have increased to $16.2 billion from $15.7 billion pledged in agreements between US and African companies, the officials noted. As to the Digital Transformation with Africa (DTA) initiative designed to boost digital collaboration, one of the US officials said that the initiative would create a private sector arm to the digital transformation with Africa. At the G7 summit last month, the US official noted, the US pledged a $300 million investment in Ghana for the development of data centers and highlighted ongoing efforts to secure $250 million for a railway corridor from Angola to the Democratic Republic of the Congo. Since the US-Africa Summit, Biden has sent an unprecedented nine administration officials to the region. Moroccan Princess Lalla Hasnaa, President of Mohammed VI Foundation for Environmental Protection and Patron of UN Decade of Ocean Science for Sustainable Development (Ocean Decade) was received Wednesday at the Princely Palace of Monaco by Prince Albert II. The meeting comes after the Princess speech to the third edition of the Ocean Decade Foundations Dialogue, where she reaffirmed Moroccos steadfast commitment to help African countries to mitigate climate change. The meeting was marked by the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding between the Mohammed VI Foundation for Environmental Protection and the Prince Albert II of Monaco Foundation. The MoU seeks to strengthen the exchange of experience between the two institutions and foster coordination between the b7arblaplastic operation of the Mohammed VI Foundation for Environmental Protection and the beyond plastic med operation of the Prince Albert II of Monaco Foundation. During the same day, Princess Lalla Hasnaa visited the Oceanographic Museum of Monaco, which is part of the oceanographic Institute committed to sharing its knowledge of the oceans. On this occasion, explanations were presented to the Princess on this museum of marine sciences, home to exhibitions and collections of various species of sea fauna (starfish, seahorses, turtles, jellyfish, crabs, lobsters, rays, sharks, sea urchins, sea cucumbers, eels, cuttlefish etc.). The museum also exhibits a great variety of sea related objects, including model ships, sea animal skeletons, tools, weapons etc., as well as a collection of material culture and ritual objects made from, or integrating materials such as pearls, mollusks, and nacre. The Princess visited the museums Salon dHonneur, the Polar Mission & Oceanomania exhibitions, aquariums and the interactive space Monaco and the Ocean. Morocco is a key gateway for world trade, said Erik Schatzker, Editorial Director of Bloomberg New Economy, which organized the prestigious eponymous conference on June 13 and 14 in Marrakech. Morocco is a major gateway for global trade and a leader in climate action, Schatzker told MAP at the closing ceremony of Gateway Africa which held its first continental edition in Morocco. On a continental level, Schatzker described Africas future as promising, despite the many forces transforming the economies, societies, and the world, including climate change, technology, demographics, and geopolitics. Issues of sustainability and resilience are now essential to every countrys future, he said. Speaking via videoconference on Tuesday at the opening of the Conference, which brought together 200 world leaders, the head of Bloomberg expressed his gratitude to King Mohammed VI for holding the event in Morocco, before highlighting the Kingdoms regional leadership thanks to the Sovereigns enlightened vision. Michael Bloomberg also noted Moroccos role as a regional driving force, making the country an ideal choice to host the Bloomberg New Economy Gateway Africa event, and highlighted the Kingdoms central position in resolving current global challenges, notably the climate crisis. Three international students are working on projects with the City of North Platte. Interns in the University of Nebraska-Lincolns Rural Fellows program, they are hoping the results of their work will be seen long after they finish here July 22. Sonika Khanal, of Kathmandu, Nepal, and Menli Nepesova, of Turkmenbashi, Turkmenistan, have devised a community needs survey, and they hope as many people as possible will complete it online. The survey is at forms.gle/vBhagiTXiv98drteA. People are asked to submit responses by July 3 and encourage their friends to also complete the survey. Jacob Abaare, from Tamale, Ghana, is inspecting and reporting on the condition of city streets to help the engineering department plan for upgrades and repairs. All three students said they are thankful for the opportunity to be here. Khanal and Nepesova are actually working on two projects. In addition to the online survey, they are doing visual surveys to help determine housing needs in the city. They drive the streets, focusing on one neighborhood and part of town at a time. They record information about the outside condition of buildings, existence and condition of vacant lots, and other factors. They are identifying property that may be underutilized, for example. They are sharing the information with city planners as part of a housing study. As for the online survey, they have started preparing graphs and analyzing the data that has come in so far. The graphs and charts change as they receive more responses. Previous surveys were done in 2003 and 2014. This survey is short and the focus is on needs such as retail opportunities, streets and public health. A lot of things factor into social determinants of health, Khanal said. That aligns with her educational focus at University of Nebraska Medical Center, where she is working on a master of public health degree. Some of the questions on the survey seek to draw connections between peoples age, insurance availability, household size and other factors that can influence health outcomes. Khanal was formerly a practicing dentist in Nepal. Nepal is bordered by India on the south and China on the north. She has been in the United States since December 2021, following her husband, Bikranta Adhikari, whom she married in Nepal seven years ago. He immigrated first, to attend the University of Wyoming in Laramie. Nepesova is working on a Bachelor of Arts in business management from Waldorf University in Forest City, Iowa. Her home country of Turkmenistan is in central Asia, bordered by the Caspian Sea on the west, Iran on the south, Afghanistan on the east and Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan on the north. This is not her first time living in the United States. She was a foreign exchange student her senior year of high school in Belleville, Illinois, and graduated from high school there. Her second time in the country was in 2019 when she participated in Global Village in Bethlehem, Pennsylvania, an intensive business leadership development program. She has been in the United States for her university education since January 2021. Khanal and Nepesova designed the online survey based on input from the citys planning and zoning department, under direction of Judy Clark. Not only will the data help with city planning, it will also help the city apply for grants, Nepesova said. So far they have received responses from chamber members, city employees and a few others. They are hoping to receive several thousand responses. The more the better, said Nepesova. In the meantime, the two split their time between their outdoors and indoors work. In addition to compiling data from the online surveys they are accessing information on the county geographic information system at lincoln.gworks.com . They are correlating the GIS data with their street observations. At the same time, Abaare is taking a close look at the streets themselves. He is a Ph.D. engineering student at UNL. He has Bachelor of Science and Master of Science degrees in electrical engineering, specializing in intelligent controls, from the University of Mines and Technology in Tarkwa, Ghana. Ghana is in western Africa between the Ivory Coast and Nigeria, along the Bay of Guinea. Abaare takes photographs and makes notes to document the integrity of the pavement on individual streets and in individual blocks. That will help planners make the best use of funds to address problems. The best option depends not only on the condition of the pavement and its use, but on the type of stress it is under. Options range from complete repair to patching. Abaare pointed to the arrangement of cracks in the pavement on Third Street on the south side of City Hall. Even that can tell a lot, he said. He relies on a standardized index and professional data and recommendations. He hopes to develop a model for the city that could also be used in other locations. I think my experience in North Platte is a better way to spend the summer, helping and learning, Abaare said. Its a win-win. As for his impressions of the city, its pretty cool here, he said. North Platte is actually very beautiful and hospitable. Ninety percent of the cars wave. I really feel connected. Its similar to West Africa in that way. It is a very friendly welcoming community, agreed Nepesova, adding that people are very eager to help. In particular, the City Hall staff is very kind. Judy Clark, the supervisor, is very warmhearted and always makes sure we feel belonged. The three hope they leave behind something of value when they go. The overall question is how can we embellish the community, Nepesova said. In my opinion, North Platte has lots of potential for development, Khanal said. The students plan to walk in Nebraskaland Days parade on Saturday for the city and hope to volunteer for some of the other events. Photo: Drew Angerer/Getty Images Nearly three years later, Bill de Blasio is still feeling the effects of his ill-fated 2020 presidential campaign. The citys Conflicts of Interest Board ruled on Thursday that the former mayor violated the city charter when he billed the city for his NYPD security detail, which accompanied de Blasio and his wife, Chirlane McCray, on 31 out-of-state trips in 2019. The board is fining de Blasio $5,000 for each trip, which comes to a total of $155,000, the largest penalty in agency history. The board is also ordering that de Blasio reimburse the city $319,794.20 for the travel. He has 30 days to pay up, but also has the option to file an appeal. In a press release, the agency claimed it told de Blasio that his actions might run afoul of the law, but that he disregarded the Boards advice. When a public servant uses City resources for private purposes, it erodes the publics trust and makes City government less efficient, Milton L. Williams, the chairman of the board, wrote. De Blasios use of his security detail during his tenure as mayor was the subject of a 2021 report issued by the Department of Investigation, which found that he never reimbursed the city for the security expenses incurred during his presidential bid and misused police resources for his family. Andrew Celli, a lawyer representing de Blasio, issued a scathing statement in response, calling the boards ruling reckless and arbitrary and vowing to challenge it. COIBs action which seeks to saddle elected officials with security costs that the City has properly borne for decades is dangerous, beyond the scope of their powers, and illegal, he wrote. De Blasio jumped into the presidential race in May 2019. His campaign floundered in the crowded field, plagued by consistently low poll numbers. He officially suspended his campaign months later in September, and threw his support behind Vermont senator Bernie Sanders. Mail ballots: a necessary evil for Republicans? Photo: Robert Gauthier/Los Angeles Times via Getty Images You sometimes get the idea from Donald Trump and his supporters that convenience voting voting by mail, early in-person voting, third-party mail-ballot collections, same-day voter registration, and other ways to make it easier to exercise the right to self-government is an evil leftist scheme to steal elections. As The Federalists Ben Weingarten recently put it: Democrats largely developed and long fought for this system, willing it into existence under the cover of Covid-19. Naturally, they have successfully manipulated and exploited the voting regime they made. Sometimes Republicans allege that anything other than in-person voting, with ID, on a single day, using paper ballots, is inherently fraudulent, as Trump has repeatedly claimed without evidence. Other times they simply suggest such practices are corrupt, in that they enable voting by people too uninformed or unmotivated to get off their butts and go to the polls on Election Day like their more responsible (and likely conservative) fellow citizens. A good recent example of the latter argument came from University of Buffalo political scientist James Campbell, who charged Democrats with practicing 19th-century-style machine politics to mobilize voters in 2022: [The outcome] was not about national conditions or issues, or about candidate quality or internal party divisions, and not about either Biden or Trump. The expectations of a Republican wave reflected public opinion, but their surprising fall from those expectations was not about public opinion at all. It was about the campaign system the combined elements of mobilization-friendly and early mail-in balloting, large campaign organizations to gather the votes, and an enormous amount of money. Whether they call it crime or corruption, Republicans sinister interpretation of convenience voting as a largely contemporary, partisan scam is highly ahistorical. Voting from a distance is at least as old as the massive balloting among U.S. troops in the Civil War. And early voting began to pick up steam long before COVID-19, often in Republican-controlled states, as The Conversation explains: In the 1980s, Texas offered its voters early voting in person. The number of states adopting early voting periods began to surge in the 1990s and included Florida, Nevada, Georgia, Tennessee and Iowa. After the 2000 presidential election and the controversy over hanging chads, many more states adopted early in-person voting periods to help with election administration. The U.S. Election Assistance Commission reports that in 2016 more than 41% of all ballots nationwide were cast before Election Day with in-person early voting making up 17%, and voting by mail 24%, of all turnout. Identifying mail voting solely with Democrats is also off, as the National Vote at Home Institute observes: Utah moved to an all vote-by-mail system in 2019. It had previously shown success at the county level before being rolled out statewide. In both Montana and Arizona, over 70% of voters are automatically mailed their ballots as permanent absentee voters. In North Dakota, >40 counties vote entirely by mailed-out ballot as do 11 counties in Nebraska. In both cases, their turnout numbers are far above polling-place centric counties in their respective states. Alaska recently conducted their first statewide election using this method, which Anchorage had used successfully for a prior municipal election. Many states with predominantly vote-by-mail systems have elected secretaries of state and other officials who are Republicans and big fans of this process. Even if Republicans dont acknowledge the bipartisan legacy of convenience voting, most of todays GOP recognize that demonizing it has placed the party at a competitive advantage. That recognition extends to Trump, who most aggressively attacked voting by mail in 2020 as part of a plan to claim victory based solely on votes counted first on Election Day, as CNN reported in March: Trump, now waging his third White House bid, told attendees at the Conservative Political Action Conference earlier this month that its time to change our thinking on early and mail-in voting. And in speeches and fundraising emails, hes touting his campaigns plans to encourage ballot harvesting, the practice of allowing third parties to collect and turn in other voters ballots. His party, he said, has no choice but to beat Democrats at their own game. This is almost the same line were hearing from Trumps strongest 2024 rival, Ron DeSantis, who is governor of a state where Republicans have long been confident about their ability to compete with or beat Democrats in early voting. Last October, DeSantis encouraged Republicans to take advantage of early voting opportunities, as ABC News reported: If you wait till Election Day, you get a flat tire, you cant take a mulligan, DeSantis said then. Whereas if you vote early, you do it, youre in the can. If something happens [while youre on your way], you got another shot at it. And like Trump, DeSantis is now endorsing ballot harvesting, which Republicans have previously treated as almost always fraudulent. (In reality, it involves the collection and delivery of signed and sealed mail ballots, not, as is often implied, unused mail ballots being filled out and cast, which is a felony crime virtually everywhere.) Im not going to fight with one hand tied behind my back, he recently told an Iowa audience. To be sure, Republicans have not become convenience voting enthusiasts. As the New York Times observed last month, GOP legislators continue to restrict early voting opportunities wherever they have the power to do so: The first recent wave of legislation tightening voting laws came in 2021, when Donald J. Trumps false claims of voter fraud spurred Republican lawmakers to act over loud objections from Democrats. Two years later, a second wave is steadily moving ahead, but largely under the radar. Propelled by a new coalition of Trump allies, Republican-led legislatures have continued to pass significant restrictions on access to the ballot, including new limits to voting by mail in Ohio, a ban on ballot drop boxes in Arkansas and the shortening of early voting windows in Wyoming. The idea is to exploit convenience voting wherever Republicans cant stop it or roll it back. This two-track strategy is striking; GOP politicians are still treating anything other than in-person Election Day voting as corrupt, while urging their party and their voters to eagerly adopt those same allegedly corrupt practices for their own benefit. As The Federalists Weingarten succinctly concludes: Only by competing and winning under a rotten system rewarding the kind of organizing and action historically anathema to conservatives will there ever be an opportunity to dismantle that system. Its clearly a matter of having it both ways. The FBI would be a definite target for decapitation to get rid of deep state personnel. Photo: Celal Gunes/Anadolu Agency In 1883, the Pendleton Civil Service Reform Act was signed into law by Republican president Chester A. Arthur, putting an end to the so-called spoils system that allowed presidents to reward political supporters with appointed offices and eject federal employees who had not sworn loyalty to them. It was probably the peak achievement of the progressive reform movement of the late 19th century and has largely stayed in place via the civil-service system for well over a century. Its not terribly surprising that Donald Trump wants to tear that system down. His idol, after all, is Andrew Jackson, who championed the spoils system as a populist revolt against the emergence of a cadre of professional administrators who remained in federal offices for multiple administrations. But for all his talk of clearing the swamp and replacing deep state civil servants with his own loyal supporters, Trump didnt make the destruction of the civil-service system a key first-term priority. Not until October 2020 did he issue an executive order creating a new Schedule F classification of political appointees to include most policymaking positions in the higher levels of the bureaucracy. Like a lot of alarming things Trump proposed, Schedule F didnt get implemented, and Joe Biden quickly revoked the executive order and restored the traditional civil service. But now Trump is making it clear that in a second term, partly as a matter of unfinished business and partly as an act of vengeance against his enemies, he intends to revive and fully implement Schedule F, as Government Executive reported in March: Former President Trump on Tuesday renewed his pledge, made a year ago, to revive an initiative to strip tens of thousands of federal employees of their civil-service protections and shatter the deep state if elected again. In a video message posted to Rumble, a YouTube alternative popular among members of the right that also hosts Trumps Truth Social social-media platform, Trump, who declared his candidacy for president last year, vowed to revive Schedule F immediately upon his return to the White House and to remove bureaucrats in national security and law-enforcement agencies, whom he claimed without evidence are persecuting conservatives. Trump advisers have a clear and pretty large target for those they want to purge, Government Executive observes: Those involved in the effort to revive Schedule F told Government Executive last week that they have identified 50,000 federal employees that could be fired under the proposed new authority, although they hope to fire only a fraction of that total to create a chilling effect to keep the rest of them in line. This isnt just a Trump preoccupation. As part of his ever-intensifying effort to emulate and surpass the radicalism of the 45th president, Ron DeSantis is articulating his own assault on the civil service, as he explained to conservative pundit Hugh Hewitt: I dont buy this idea that the president cannot remove a career person. When theyre abusing power, and theyre going outside of what is appropriate, they absolutely should be terminated, and terminated swiftly. So were going to be doing that. I think were going to do it in a big way. Like Trump, DeSantis believes federal law-enforcement agencies are abusing power systematically whenever they get in the way of conservative policy initiatives or prosecute Republican officeholders. So his makeover plan will focus on decapitating the FBI and the Department of Justice generally, according to Philip Wegmann of RealClearPolitics: Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis has been working for months on plans to tear down and rebuild both the Department of Justice and the FBI, consulting with experts and members of Congress to develop a Day One strategy to end what conservatives see as the weaponization of the justice system. The governor has privately told advisors that he will hire and fire plenty of federal personnel, reorganize entire agencies, and execute a disciplined and relentless strategy to restore the Justice Department to a mission more in line with what the Founding Fathers envisioned. Its unclear whether DeSantis intends to legitimize this assault on the civil service via an instrument like Schedule F. But both DeSantis and Trump have talked about institutionalizing their reforms by breaking up Washington-based bureaucracies and scattering administrative functions around the country. The Trump administration made a few gestures in that direction in 2019 by moving selected Department of Agriculture and Bureau of Land Management personnel out of Washington. And DeSantis has even bigger demolition plans, Wegmann tells us: Were not going to let all this power accumulate in Washington; were going to break up these agencies, DeSantis said during a private strategy session over the weekend, excerpts of which were obtained exclusively by RCP. He vowed in that call to order some of the problematic components of the DOJ be uprooted, reorganized, and then promptly shipped to other parts of the country. So a Republican Party that once invented and then championed the idea of a nonpartisan civil service is now fighting to dismantle it. That means a new class of federal appointees charged with a partisan agenda will arrive, along with a new GOP president, in positions of authority. Its one of many underestimated implications of the 2024 presidential contest. These men are not alike. Photo-Illustration: Intelligencer; Photos: Getty Supporters of Donald Trump politicians and voters alike have a seemingly bottomless well of excuses for the former president whenever he gets into serious legal trouble. In the wake of Trumps indictment by the Justice Department, Republicans have been working overtime to come up with some reason to oppose the prosecution over retaining highly sensitive government documents and obstructing the governments efforts to recover them. Here are some of the most prominent defenses we have heard from Trump supporters in recent days, along with an effort to bring some actual facts to bear on the claims. 1. Hillary Clinton, Bill Clinton, and Joe Biden All Did It, Too No, they really didnt. The two most obvious flaws with this argument: First, Trump has been charged with willfully retaining national defense information, not merely possessing it, and none of the fact patterns involving the Clintons or Biden involve any comparable effort to hold onto sensitive material after being alerted to this fact by law enforcement authorities. Second, none of those other people have been accused of anything remotely like the elaborate and sustained effort by Trump to obstruct the governments effort to recover the material in question. Yet another problem with this claim as it relates to Hillary Clinton and her email server is that the Trump Justice Department conducted a criminal investigation of her and came up empty a little-noticed fact during the Trump years that has been almost entirely forgotten. As the Washington Post reported when the investigation closed in early 2020, it included the Clinton Foundation and Uranium One matters, along with the FBIs handling of the investigation into Hillary Clintons use of a private email server while she was secretary of State and alleged leaks by former FBI director James B. Comey. Many of us, of course, are familiar with the allegations against Clinton and Biden, who possessed a small number of classified documents from his prior stints in government, but the argument Trump himself trotted out this week against Bill Clinton concerns a collection of tape recordings of interviews that Clinton had with a biographer while in the White House. The comparison is quite silly and relies on a very strained reading of a single court decision that has been advanced most prominently by conservative activist Tom Fitton. This is the same guy who reportedly urged Trump to fight the Justice Departments investigation when he may have easily been able to resolve it with a little cooperation shockingly bad advice that should preclude this man from weighing in on any of this. 2. Trump Was Entitled to Obstruct the Investigation Republican congressman Jim Jordan of Ohio has insisted that Trump did nothing wrong because he was entitled to take whatever he wanted after leaving office, but Jordan also recently took aim at the obstruction charges lodged against Trump with a simple retort: You cant obstruct when there was not an underlying crime. The theory seems to be that because Trump was entitled to possess the documents (which is itself hotly disputed, of course), then he cannot be prosecuted for obstructing an investigation that sought to recover them. This is extremely wrong. Suppose, for instance, that you get a federal grand-jury subpoena as part of a tax-fraud investigation that requires you to turn over all of the financial records and receipts in your possession. Lets stipulate, too, that you know that you are wholly innocent. You are still required to produce the material sought by the subpoena even though those are your documents and even though you are confident that you will be cleared once the investigation is over. That is how subpoenas work: They are not optional. Jordan almost certainly knows this. After all, he was one of the most prominent boosters of the legendarily bungling special counsel John Durham, who tried and failed to prosecute two different people for lying to the FBI in connection with the Trump-Russia investigation even though they were never even charged with any other crimes. (Lying to the government is, of course, a classic form of trying to obstruct an investigation.) The effort failed miserably after both defendants were acquitted, but while it was underway, Jordan did not care one bit about the fact that they had not even been charged with any underlying substantive offenses. 3. The Presidential Records Act Is Not a Criminal Statute Another line of argument holds that Trump was simply following a process provided by the Presidential Records Act for former presidents who want to retain custody of certain records after leaving office and that it was therefore somehow beyond the pale to use criminal statutes to address his alleged misconduct. The Presidential Records Act is not a criminal statute, as former New York Republican congressman Lee Zeldin put it over the weekend. The allegations in the indictment, if true, blow a hole through this argument as a factual matter, since there is no indication that Trump was actually trying to comply with the statute by engaging with the government on whether he could keep any of the material in his possession. He appears to have simply decided for himself that he could keep it. There is, however, a more fundamental problem with this line of attack namely, that criminal statutes are routinely used by prosecutors even when the underlying context otherwise implicates a civil legislative or regulatory scheme. We have civil statutes that govern the administration of health care in this country, but if a doctor submits a false claim for Medicaid reimbursement, he can be charged with health-care fraud. Likewise, we have an elaborate legal apparatus that governs the financial-services sector, but if someone at a bank cheats a client, that person can be charged with wire fraud. Similarly, Trump was charged under the Espionage Act, and there is no indication that the Presidential Records Act somehow superseded or displaced that law. This argument is not likely to go away anytime soon, because it at least has an apparent foothold in a recognizable legal doctrine, but it is a strongly disfavored one. As a practical matter, judges routinely reject these sorts of arguments in criminal cases. They should which is not to say that they necessarily will do the same thing here. 4. Republican Voters Dont Care Criminal prosecutions are not subject to a public show of hands, but that hasnt stopped Republicans from calling the case into question simply because many Republican voters do not like it. They have been aided in their effort by two polls that were released over the weekend, but they were literally in the field last Friday and Saturday, as Americans were still learning the specifics of the first-ever indictment of a former president. The indictment was not even unsealed until Friday afternoon. More fundamentally, there is an obvious circularity to the argument, which is essentially that Republicans should not care because they currently do not care. A good deal of this reaction is no doubt a result of the fact that the party has anesthetized many of its voters to the notion that Trump might actually be a bad person, a criminal, or both, but the suggestion that their entrenched views should actually affect how we view the legitimacy of the prosecution is absurd. 5. The Prosecutors Tried to Bribe a Defense Lawyer There have been suggestions in recent days that the prosecutors may have engaged in misconduct that could threaten the case. The most prominent claim is that a prosecutor at one point in a discussion with the lawyer for Trumps co-defendant, Walt Nauta, brought up the fact that he is trying to get a seat on D.C.s Superior Court. On its face, this would appear to have been a routine, cordial exchange between two lawyers working opposite sides of a case, but it is being spun into something much more nefarious. Alan Dershowitz recently imagined that the prosecutor may have said, Look, I know youre up for a judgeship in the District of Columbia. Maybe youd have a better chance of getting the judgeship if you flipped your witness and have him cooperate with us. Where to begin? The idea that a single career Justice Department prosecutor might be able to influence the judicial-confirmation process is far-fetched all the more so since, by all available accounts at the moment, the White House went out of its way not to interfere with the departments investigation. Even if the most uncharitable speculation were accurate, it is very hard to see how this would affect the outcome of the prosecution as a legal matter, since the supposed attempt at bribery clearly failed. 6. No Harm Done This argument has been offered up, among others, by Florida senator Marco Rubio, who took aim at the fact that the indictment does not allege any harm that resulted from Trumps retention of classified documents or any victims of his alleged misconduct. What was the damage? Rubio asked. Was this stolen and sold to the Iranians, sold to the Saudis, given over to the Russians? That allegations not made in the indictment. No ones made that allegation. I have several pieces of very bad news for Rubio. First, none of the statutes that the Justice Department used requires it to establish or even allege any harm resulting from Trumps alleged misconduct. (This also means, at least in theory, that the government may very well have evidence on this issue that it has not made public but that it intends to introduce at trial.) Second, there was an obvious risk of harm that may very well have materialized if the Justice Department had not recovered everything from Mar-a-Lago, particularly considering the fact that the resort is a target for foreign spies, that some of the boxes were haphazardly stored in publicly accessible spaces on the property, and that Trump apparently enjoyed bragging to randos about all of the classified material in his possession. More importantly, it is certainly the case that prosecutors often consider the harm or lack thereof as a discretionary consideration when evaluating whether to bring charges under statutes that do not strictly require it. But there are lots of federal criminal statutes like this, and a no harm rule would gut many of them. Federal wire fraud, for instance, does not require anyone to have suffered any losses; the crime is the fraudulent effort itself. The same goes for other routinely used federal statutes, like the law that prohibits convicted felons from possessing firearms. By Rubios logic, we should decriminalize this conduct and simply rely on the statutes that kick in once those people have actually shot and perhaps killed someone. Somehow I doubt we will ever hear him advocate for this position. 7. This Is Election Interference This has got to be one of the silliest possible arguments. Trump announced his 2024 election bid just days after the 2022 midterms, at a time when his public standing was at a low point because he was being publicly blamed for the partys dismal showing in the election. The announcement also came after the FBI search of Mar-a-Lago, when he must have known that he was in serious legal jeopardy. Under the circumstances, it is fair to assume that Trump was deliberately trying to complicate the Justice Departments efforts to investigate and prosecute him by repositioning himself as Bidens political adversary for the remainder of Bidens term, precisely so that he could avail himself of this talking point. The notion that the department should have indulged this gamesmanship by sitting on potential criminal charges until after the 2024 election for two years! makes little sense, and if accepted, it would effectively create a unilateral option to obtain legal immunity for anyone with the resources to run for president. It is very possible that this assortment of contrived and misleading arguments, along with others that have been bandied about since last week, will be enough to keep most Republicans on Trumps side. We have seen this happen before under the most preposterous of circumstances, as when Trump claimed that he made the perfect phone call to Ukrainian president Volodymyr Zelenskyy and managed to rally Republicans to oppose his first impeachment. Motivated reasoning is a potent political drug. Still, these are not good arguments, which, by itself, is further evidence of the challenging path ahead for Trump. Photo: Ted Shaffrey/AP When South Carolina teacher Mary Wood assigned Ta-Nehisi Coatess 2015 memoir, Between the World and Me, to her AP Language Arts students last spring, it was as part of a unit on the argumentative essay. She would soon learn that a few students were uninterested in what she and Coates sought to impart. After she played two videos on systemic racism to prepare students for the book, some complained to their local school board. Hearing (Woods) opinion and watching these videos made me feel uncomfortable, one student wrote, as reported by The State. I actually felt ashamed to be Caucasian These videos portrayed an inaccurate description of life from past centuries that she is trying to resurface. I dont feel as though it is right because these videos showed antiquated history. I understand in AP Lang, we are learning to develop an argument and have evidence to support it, yet this topic is too heavy to discuss. Another student wrote that they were in shock that Wood would do something illegal like that, and added, I am pretty sure a teacher talking about systemic racism is illegal in South Carolina. Indeed, legislators had recently added a proviso to the state budget forbidding the use of state money to teach that an individual, by virtue of his race or sex, is inherently racist, sexist or oppressive and that an individual should feel discomfort, guilt, anguish, or any other form of psychological distress on account of his race or sex, as The State explained. Woods school district halted the lesson. Groups like Moms for Liberty have earned national infamy for their book-banning campaigns. Yet censorship demands are widespread, encompassing legislators and, in Woods case, students. They all dream of the same world, a place without progress or challenge. The purpose of an AP course is to introduce high-school students to college-level ideas. Theres an assumption of intellectual maturity, which Wood herself noted in a letter to the school district. A description for her course says the best response to controversial language or ideas in a text might well be a question about the larger meaning, purpose, or overall effect of the language or idea in context. Students must engage the text, even if they ultimately disagree with the positions an author takes. This is basic academic work, assigned to prepare students for college and for life in the broader public sphere. The students who complained sought to exempt themselves morally from any complicity in systemic racism; at the same time, they desired a reduced intellectual load. As one put it, This topic is too heavy to discuss. And school-district officials and state legislators agree. A few hundred miles north in Hanover County, Virginia, the school board voted on Tuesday to ban 17 books from school libraries. Over in Nixa, Missouri, school-district officials may soon ban the graphic novel Maus after employees flagged it for having sexually explicit content. As author Art Spiegelman recently told the Washington Posts Greg Sargent, there is nudity, but its not sexual. The art depicts his mother, dead by suicide, in a bathtub. She was sitting in a pool of blood when my father found her, he told Sargent, which is a rather unsexy image seen from above and not something I think anybody could describe as a nude woman. Shes a naked corpse. Spiegelman doesnt believe that officials really object to the nudity. It was the other things making them uncomfortable, like genocide, he said. I just tried to make them clean and understandable, which is the purpose of storytelling with pictures. Discomfort is a natural part of the educational process. In a healthy democracy, perhaps, no topic would be too heavy to discuss. Public schools are ideally places of learning, where students arent just supported but challenged as they mature into citizens. A rising authoritarian impulse would deny them that intellectual evolution. (Pundit furor over the lefts cancel culture missed the real threat creeping in from the right. Though leftist overreach isnt entirely imaginary, it has nothing on the rights long history of book-banning, and its growing anti-intellectualism has been plain to see for some time.) By shielding students from so-called controversial ideas, censors would raise a generation of perpetual children. Those efforts, of course, are not guaranteed to succeed. Children may be malleable, but they arent robots who can be programmed to perform a specific routine. Nevertheless, the right-wing push to hide inconvenient realities from students could have real and lasting consequences. Without an education, it may be difficult to discern truth from fiction. Propaganda can thrive and obscure facts like the reality of systemic racism. That is what the censors want. The spirit that halted Woods lesson in South Carolina and that may remove Maus from schools in Missouri betrays a fundamentally conservative and anti-intellectual impulse. To oppose progress for minority groups or to insist such progress has already occurred, when in fact it is still in motion or, as with LGBT rights, subject to backlash requires a deliberate form of ignorance. Though right-wing grifters have financial incentives to pretend that the facts arent what they are, others might find it difficult to sustain their ignorance in the face of evidence. So the right seeks to erase reality where it can. It derives comfort from falsehoods. The world it seeks is a narrow one devoid of complexity. We must demand better, while we still can. U.S. sees more unintentional shootings by children: CBS News Xinhua) 09:05, June 15, 2023 NEW YORK, June 14 (Xinhua) -- A 2-year-old toddler gained access to an unsecured firearm, accidentally got shot and later pronounced dead at a local hospital in the U.S. state of Michigan over the weekend, according to police. The shooting came just days after a 6-year-old boy shot his baby brother twice in Detroit, Michigan, after getting access to an unattended gun, reported CBS News early this week. According to the nonprofit Everytown for Gun Safety, firearms are the leading cause of death for children under age 18 in the United States, with unintentional shootings making up 5 percent of annual gun deaths among children 17 and younger. From the start of 2015 to the end of 2022, there were at least 2,802 unintentional shootings by children 17 or younger that resulted in 1,083 deaths and 1,815 injuries, according to Everytown. In April, Michigan Governor Gretchen Whitmer signed a bill calling for safe storage requirements for guns. The law was passed as more than 110 gun incidents involving children have been recorded in Michigan since 2015. But since Whitmer signed the storage bill, there have still been several instances of children accessing unsecured guns in the state, the report said. (Web editor: Zhong Wenxing, Liang Jun) The China National Petroleum Corporation (CNPC), the government-owned parent company of PetroChina, and Cnooc (OTCPK: CEOHF) has kicked off ultra-deepwater exploratory drilling for oil and gas as the country looks to wean itself of foreign oil. According to Chinese news agency Xinhua Global Service, CNPC will drill a test borehole of up to 11,000 meters (36,089 feet), the countrys deepest ever, which will help it better understand the Earths internal structure better, as well as to test underground drilling techniques. CNPCs borehole depth is not far from Qatars world record of 12,289 meters (40,318 feet) for a petroleum well depth that was drilled in the Al Shaheen Oil Field in 2008 or Russias Kola Superdeep well that reached a depth of 12,262 meters (40,230 feet). In the oil and gas exploration and production (E&P) industry, deepwater is defined as water depth greater than 1,000 feet while ultra-deepwater is defined as depths greater than 5,000 feet. Deepwater Boom But China is not the only country willing to drill to ridiculous depths in the pursuit of energy security. Deepwater oil and gas production is set to increase by 60% by 2030, to contribute 8% of overall upstream production, according to a new report from Wood Mackenzie, as cited by Rig Zone. Ultra-deepwater production is set to continue growing at breakneck speed to account for half of all deepwater production by 2030. Deepwater production remains the fastest-growing upstream oil and gas segment with production expected to hit 10.4 million boe/d in 2022 from just 300,000 barrels of oil equivalent per day (boe/d) in 1990. Wood Mackenzie has predicted that by the end of the decade, that figure will pass 17 million boe/d. Norway's Aker BP (NYSE:BP) (OTCQX:AKRBF) is the latest oil major to make an ultra-deepwater discovery. At a total depth of 8,168 m, Aker BP says the well is the longest exploration well drilled in offshore Norway. The much bigger than expected oil discovery was made in the Yggdrasil area of the North Sea. Related: Kurdistan Has Lost $2 Billion Due To Its Oil Exports Saga Preliminary estimates indicate a gross recoverable volume of 40 million-90 million barrels of oil equivalent (boe), much higher than the companys earlier projection of between 18 million and 45 million boe. The discovery will significantly enhance the companys resource base for the Yggdrasil development, which previously was estimated at 650M gross boe.The oil discovery is located within production licenses 873 and 442: In license 873, with Equinor ASA (NYSE:EQNR) and PGNiG Upstream Norway as partners. The plan for development and operations (PDO) for this project was submitted to Norwegian authorities in December 2022, with production scheduled to start in 2027. In 2021, U.S. oil and gas major Exxon Mobil (NYSE: XOM) made a big deepwater oil and gas find. Exxon announced that it had made two more discoveries at the Sailfin-1 and Yarrow-1 wells in the Stabroek block offshore Guyana, bringing discoveries on the block to more than 30 since 2015. Exxon revealed that the Sailfin-1 well was drilled in 4,616 feet of water and encountered 312 feet of hydrocarbon-bearing sandstone, while the Yarrow-1 well was drilled in 3,560 feet of water and encountered 75 feet of hydrocarbon-bearing sandstone. Exxon did not disclose how much crude oil or gas it estimates the new discoveries to contain, but hiked a previous output forecast for the third quarter from older discoveries in the region. The supermajor has boosted development and production offshore Guyana at a pace that "far exceeds the industry average. Exxons two sanctioned offshore Guyana projects, Liza Phase 1 and Liza Phase 2, are now producing above design capacity and have already achieved an average of nearly 360K bbl/day of oil. The supermajor expects total production from Guyana to cross a million barrels per day by the end of this decade. ADVERTISEMENT Exxon said a third project, Payara, is expected to launch by year-end 2023 while a fourth project, Yellowtail, could kick off operations in 2025. Exxon is the operator of the Stabroek block where it holds a 45% interest while partners Hess Corp. (NYSE: HES) and Cnooc hold a 30% and 25% interest, respectively. Exxons oil and gas production is well below record levels, averaging 3.7M boe/day, nearly 9% below 4.1M boe/day set in 2016. By Alex KImani for Oilprice.com More Top Reads From Oilprice.com: As energy companies look to modernize their operations to cut costs and make them more efficient, many are turning to technologies such as machine learning, robotics, and Artificial intelligence (AI). But as with any new technology, its important to consider the whole picture. While the use of AI and other tech could help to improve operations, both in fossil fuels and green alternatives, just how much energy does it take to power AI? There has long been a discussion over the impact of AI on the planet, but with all the buzz around impressive new technologies, it has mostly faded into the background. In 2020, researchers at OpenAI in San Francisco presented to the world an algorithm capable of learning that could move a robotic hand to manipulate a Rubiks Cube. This marked a huge step forward in AI technology. At this point in time, it required over 1,000 computers and a dozen machines running specialized graphics chips to crunch complex calculations over months to achieve this feat. The process consumed approximately 2.8 gigawatt-hours of electricity according to estimates, equating to the output of three nuclear power plants for an hour although this was not confirmed by the company. AI technology is advancing at a staggering rate, following decades of heavy investment. But with this progress comes concerns about what impact it could have on the environment. While the output may appear simple, as machines learn to answer questions, recognize images, and play games, the power required to carry out these tasks is immense. The running of AI requires huge amounts of computing power and electricity to create and solve algorithms. Sasha Luccioni, a postdoctoral researcher at Mila, an AI research institute in Canada, explained: The concern is that machine-learning algorithms, in general, are consuming more and more energy, using more data, training for longer and longer. Related: Saudi Aramco Buys Carbon Credits At Largest-Ever Auction And over the last few years, AI has gradually become more integrated into our everyday activities, such as answering questions via Alexa or Siri, routing Google Maps, or identifying people through photos, all available on our phones and home computers. But few people consider how much power it takes to complete these seemingly simple tasks. We often compare machines to humans when it comes to these types of tasks, assuming computers can answer questions just as our brains can, with relatively little effort. However, AI doesnt learn information in a structured way, it doesnt understand human concepts such as cause-and-effect, context, or analogies, meaning that it requires a deep learning brute force statistical technique approach to work. A deep learning model is trained very differently from our brains. For example, for it to identify an image of a cat, it is shown thousands of photos of cats that have been labeled by humans. The model does not understand that a cat is more likely than a dog to climb a tree or perform other feline activities and will only associate these objects if they are in the images. To make the model understand the image, it needs to be shown all the possible combinations until it learns. Until now, the response to the use of AI in energy operations to make them more efficient and reduce costs, has been overwhelmingly positive. But now, experts worry that the high energy demands of these types of technologies may have been widely overlooked. If AI is used in energy projects to support modernization and decarbonization, it may be causing more harm to the environment than we realize. While it could revolutionize trillion-dollar industries, from energy to retail, the creation of AI technologies such as chatbots and image generators will require a huge amount of electricity, which could add to the worlds carbon emissions. At present, there is a lot of ambiguity around the amount of energy it takes to power AI programs. For example, if you ask ChatGPT this question, it responds along the lines of As an AI language model, I dont have a physical presence or directly consume energy. The complexity of AI programs means they consume much more energy than other forms of computing, but the companies that are building these programs, such as Google and Microsoft, are not disclosing how much. At present, we know very little about how much electricity and water it takes to train and power their AI models and what sources of energy are used to run their data centers. Were seeing more and more companies incorporate AI into their operations as it becomes more widely available. Sasha Luccioni, the climate lead for the AI company Hugging Face, explained: This exponential use of AI brings with it the need for more and more energy. Luccioni added, And yet were seeing this shift of people using generative AI models just because they feel like they should, without sustainability being taken into account. The rapid advancement in AI technology has led companies across all sectors to incorporate AI programs into their operations, as they look to evolve. This can be viewed as positive, as companies are embracing technology and modernization, which could make operations more efficient. However, the issue of energy use in AI and similar technologies is often not being considered, meaning that companies are rapidly adopting AI programs without assessing their impact on the environment. Going forward, it is important that information about energy use in AI become more transparent and that governments regulate the sector in line with their climate policies. By Felicity Bradstock for Oilprice.com ADVERTISEMENT More Top Reads From Oilprice.com: Heatwaves this summer could lead to a surge in fossil fuel use as many countries worldwide continue to rely on oil, gas, and coal to meet their demand peaks. While many governments are striving to increase their renewable energy capacity in line with a green transition, this is a slow process, with many projects taking several years, or even decades, to complete. And even if countries are experiencing success in the gradual transition to green, several are continuing to turn to fossil fuels during times of extremely high demand, causing concern about the heatwaves we will likely see around the globe this summer. Many parts of Europe are already experiencing higher than typical temperatures going into the summer, with more severe weather conditions expected over the coming months. There are fears of drought, negative effects on the environment, and energy shortages if the hot, dry spell continues for as long as last year, which saw record temperatures across several countries. Extremely high temperatures over a long period could mean that the growing renewable energy capacity of many European countries is not enough to meet the elevated energy demand. This will make governments both turn to fossil fuels to meet energy needs as well as drive up energy prices. In the U.K. this week, temperatures rose above 30oC for the first time in 2023, pushing the consumer energy demand up. National Grid, the electricity and gas utility company, was forced to turn to coal to meet the demand for air conditioning, following 46 days without using coal. The companys electricity system operator asked Uniper, the owner of Ratcliffe-on-Soar power station in Nottinghamshire, to provide the grid with power from its coal plant. Related: Mexican State Firm Was The Top Net Buyer Of U.S. Natural Gas In 2022 The rapid shift to coal in the face of higher energy demand is worrying considering that the U.K. could experience an extremely hot summer. Meteorologists forecast that the British summer could be around 2.3 times hotter than typical, leading more homes and businesses across the country to use air conditioning. The use of coal to meet this rise in energy demand has led green campaigners to criticize the U.K. government for failing to do enough to support an accelerated green transition. Although the U.K. has developed its renewable energy capacity in recent years, with solar, wind, biomass, and hydropower contributing 40% of the countrys electricity in 2022, an increase of 5% from 2021, much of these green energy sources remain less reliable than fossil fuel operations. Wind turbines require good wind levels to maintain their energy production. And while many solar panels no longer require sunshine for power instead needing just daylight the U.K. must significantly increase its battery storage capacity and grid infrastructure to ensure a stable supply of green energy, night and day. As well as Europe, many countries across Asia may also be forced to ramp up their fossil fuel production to meet the summer energy demand. The Philippines and other South and Southeast Asia countries experienced heatwaves in April and May, with temperatures rising to over 45C, driving up the energy demand. Governments have been finding it difficult to meet the growing demand for electricity to power air conditioners, with more than a dozen people dying from the heat in India, Malaysia, and Thailand by the end of May. So far, political powers across the region have had to turn to fossil fuels to ensure their energy security. For example, Thailand, Bangladesh and India all saw a rise in their demand for natural gas in April. In addition, several countries have increased their imports of Russian coal, despite heavy pressures from the West to cut ties with Russia due to its ongoing conflict with Ukraine. And while this is necessary to provide enough energy during extreme weather conditions, experts anticipate hotter summers to become a more common occurrence over the next decades due to climate change. Despite the increase in renewable energy capacity across several countries in the region, many solar and wind generators may not be able to work efficiently in the face of long heatwaves. Victor Nian, the CEO of the Singapore think tank Centre for Strategic Energy and Resources (CSER), is concerned that because of the heatwave, and because of the current [energy] infrastructure development, countries in the region may turn to coal more aggressively than ever. In India, coal and gas production for power generation grew at the fastest pace in more than three decades in the fiscal year 2022 to 2023, and the countrys reliance on these fossil fuels is expected to increase significantly this summer in the face of high temperatures. The northwest and center of India experienced their hottest record in around 122 years in April, and these temperatures could rise even higher, as summer peaks in June. This is happening at the same time as renewable energy plants are also hitting record output levels, showing that Indias dedication to green energy simply isnt enough to meet the growing demand at present. While several countries around the globe are racing to increase their renewable energy capacity, most are far from meeting the green energy demand of their populations. And with more regular and longer heatwaves being seen due to climate change, the continued global reliance on fossil fuels to meet a higher-than-usual energy demand is evident. Environmental activists are now asking governments to prepare for these hot spells and restrict the use of the most-polluting forms of fossil fuels to maintain support for a green transition. ADVERTISEMENT By Felicity Bradstock for Oilprice.com More Top Reads From Oilprice.com: The Kurdistan Regional Government (KRG) has lost $2 billion from oil revenues due to the nearly three-month-long suspension of Kurdish crude oil exports via Turkey, according to estimates by Reuters. Iraq and the semi-autonomous region of Kurdistan have not exported crude oil from the Turkish port of Ceyhan on the Mediterranean since March 25, due to ongoing disputes about who is in charge of exports. Iraq, OPECs second-largest producer after Saudi Arabia, is currently exporting oil only via its southern oil export terminals. Around 450,000 barrels per day (bpd) of exports from the northern fields and from the semi-autonomous region of Kurdistan continue to be shut in due to a dispute over who should authorize the Kurdish exports. Kurdistans crude oil exportsaround 400,000 bpd shipped through an Iraqi-Turkey pipeline to Ceyhan and then on tankers to the international marketswere halted on March 25 by the federal government of Iraq. The suspension of oil flows out of northern Iraq and Kurdistan via Ceyhan forced companies to either curtail or suspend production because of limited capacity at storage tanks. Iraq exported on average 3.3 million bpd of oil in May, flat compared to April. Iraq is now waiting for a final go-ahead from Turkey, but the two sides have yet to start talks on the resumption of exports via the pipeline and the port of Ceyhan. Earlier this week, sources with knowledge of the plans told Reuters that Iraq and Turkey were expected to start talks at technical level by early next week on resuming the northern oil exports from Iraq and Kurdistan via Ceyhan. However, chances are low that the crude oil exports could be restarted soon, the sources added. This does not mean exports will immediately restart as this decision requires high-level political talks, an official at Iraqi state-owned North Oil Company told Reuters. ADVERTISEMENT By Tsvetana Paraskova for Oilprice.com More Top Reads From Oilprice.com: Daily rates for chartering a supertanker to carry oil from the Middle East to Asia have soared this week to the highest since April as the number of cargoes booked this month for Middle East-Asia routes has exceeded expectations, shipbrokers and analysts have told Reuters. Refineries in Asia have mostly completed spring maintenance and are increasing run rates to meet fuel demand in the summer driving season. In addition, the number of tankers booked this month to ship crude from the Middle East has jumped to the highest so far this year, according to a tanker broker at Fearnleys, who spoke to Bloomberg this week. The VLCC market has gone from strength to strength in the week gone by, Fearnleys said in a weekly report on Wednesday, referring to the market of very large crude carriers (VLCC) capable of carrying up to 2 million barrels of oil. The jump in the number of tankers that have joined the so-called dark fleet to ship Russia, Venezuelan, and Iranian oil has additionally tightened tanker availability in recent months. Whats more, this week, the tropical cyclone Biparjoy in the Arabian Sea has disrupted port operations on Indias western coast and tankers could be delayed on their return to the Middle East. The biggest driver of surging supertanker rates seems to be the larger number of Middle East cargoes going to Asia booked this month. We are seeing more end-June cargoes than expected, an anonymous shipbroker told Reuters. At least 156 tankers are being chartered to load crude in the Middle East en route to Asia this month, compared to 137 in May, the shipbroker added. Its not clear how much the surge in supertanker rates will last, considering that Saudi Arabia will be cutting its supply by 1 million barrels per day (bpd) in July, analysts say. While it remains to be seen how long-lived the bull run will be, considering the expected reduced volumes in July, the rate spike illustrates how tight the VLCC market is and helps to clear the tonnage list in the region, Clarksons Securities analysts wrote in a report cited by Bloomberg. ADVERTISEMENT By Charles Kennedy for Oilprice.com More Top Reads From Oilprice.com: Canadian Gibson Energy has struck a deal with Buckeye Partner to buy the South Texas Gateway oil terminal for some $1.1 billion in cash. The deal will give Gibson access to one of the most competitive liquids terminal and export facilities globally with direct pipeline connections to low-cost, long reserve-life resource supply, and very large crude carrier (VLCC) capabilities, the company said in a press release. The South Texas Gateway terminal is the second-largest oil export facility in the United States with a storage capacity of 8.6 million barrels. There is also the option of boosting this to 10 million barrels. The South Texas Gateway terminal was completed in 2020 to take advantage of the worlds growing thirst for U.S. crude. First exports left the port in July of that year. The facility has two deepwater docks capable of handling some 800,000 barrels of crude daily. To add 1 mmbbl/d of export capacity and nearly 9 million barrels of terminals storage in a highly strategic location furthers our momentum in growing Gibsons infrastructure footprint and provides a platform for future growth with existing and new customers, said the Canadian companys president and CEO Steve Spaulding. U.S. crude oil and fuel exports have been on a strong rise since last year when Russias invasion of Ukraine prompted the EU to look for alternative suppliers of hydrocarbons. In March this year, combined crude and fuel exports from the United States hit a record of 11.27 million barrels daily, the Energy Information Administration reported recently. Of this, crude oil exports accounted for 4.8 million barrels daily, which was also a record high. The March total represented a 12-fold increase in exports since the ban on selling crude oil abroad was lifted in 2015, the Wall Street Journal reported earlier this month. ADVERTISEMENT By Charles Kennedy for Oilprice.com More Top Reads From Oilprice.com: Aramco and 15 other Saudi and international companies this week bought more than 2.2 million tons of carbon credits in the largest-ever voluntary carbon credit auction, the organizers of the auction said. The Regional Voluntary Carbon Market Company (RVCMC), the organizer of the auction held in Kenya, was launched at the end of last year by the Public Investment Fund (PIF), Saudi Arabias sovereign wealth fund, the Saudi Tadawul Group Holding Company. In the auction this week, Saudi Aramco, the worlds largest oil firm, purchased the largest number of credits, along with Saudi Electricity Company and ENOWA, a subsidiary of NEOM, the carbon market company said. The basket of credits in the auction included 18 projects representing a mix of carbon dioxide (CO2) avoidance and removal, including projects such as improved clean cookstoves and renewable energy projects. Three-quarters of the carbon credits originated from countries across the Middle East, North Africa, and Sub-Saharan Africa, including Kenya, Uganda, Burundi, Rwanda, Morocco, Egypt, and South Africa. Our aim is to be one of the largest voluntary carbon markets in the world by 2030, one that enables compensation of hundreds of millions of tonnes of carbon emissions per year and contributes to global Net Zero goals, said Riham ElGizy, Chief Executive Officer of RVCMC. Last year, Aramco signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with PIF to support the establishment of the Regional Voluntary Carbon Market in Riyadh and participated in its inaugural auction, where 1.4 million carbon credits were sold, of which 650,000 were purchased by Aramco, the Saudi oil giant said in its 2022 Sustainability Report published on Thursday. Carbon credits are a growing business for companies from all industries, and this market could be worth more than $50 billion in 2030, McKinsey has said. Environmentalists, however, slam carbon credits as greenwashing. Carbon offsetting is the next big thing in greenwashing, Greenpeace has said, labeling the market as a scam. ADVERTISEMENT Its a bookkeeping trick intended to obscure climate-wrecking emissions. Its tree planting window dressing aimed at distracting from ecosystem destruction. By Tsvetana Paraskova for Oilprice.com More Top Reads From Oilprice.com: An International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) mission led by the head of the UN nuclear watchdog, Rafael Grossi, has arrived at the Russian-occupied Zaporizhzhya nuclear power plant for an inspection amid growing concerns about the safety of Europe's largest nuclear station following last week's breach at the Kakhovka dam downstream that reduced the supply of water the plant uses to keep its reactors from overheating. Grossi's arrival, which was postponed by a day due to security concerns, was announced by Ukraine's nuclear energy company, Enerhoatom, on Telegram on June 15. Grossi, who held talks with President Volodymyr Zelenskiy in Kyiv on June 13, has voiced concerns that the Russian-controlled nuclear plant was facing "a relatively dangerous situation" from both the dam burst and the start of Ukraines counteroffensive against invading Russian troops. His arrival was announced hours after Russia launched another wave of air strikes on Zaporizhzhya's neighboring Dnipropetrovsk region that hit two industrial facilities in the city of Kryviy Rih, causing substantial damage and wounding one person. Authorities declared an air-raid alert across Ukraine overnight that was lifted around 5 a.m. local time on June 15. "A 38-year-old man was wounded. He is hospitalized in stable condition," Dnipropetrovsk Governor Serhiy Lysak said on Telegram. Lysak said the strikes caused significant damage at the two facilities. It was the third day in a row that Russia targeted the region. In the first such attack this month, 12 people were killed and 13 others, including three children, were wounded on June 13 by a Russian missile strike on a five-story apartment building in Kryviy Rih, the hometown of Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy. Ukraine's air defense said on June 15 it had destroyed all 20 Iranian-made drones launched at Dnipropetrovsk, but three out of four Russian cruise missiles could not be intercepted and hit factories in Kryviy Rih. Russia has stepped up its air attacks on Ukraine in recent weeks as Kyiv prepared to launch its long-awaited counteroffensive to reclaim territory occupied by Russian forces. Zelenskiy last week acknowledged the operation was under way, with Moscow responding by ratcheting up its strikes with cruise missiles and drones targeting major cities across the country. On the battlefield, fighting continued in and around Bakhmut, the city in the eastern Donetsk region that has been for months the scene of fierce battles. ADVERTISEMENT The General Staff of Ukraine's Armed Forces said in its morning report on June 15 that 49 close combat battles took place in Bakhmut and nearby Avdiyivka and Maryinka over the past 24 hours. While information about the progress of Ukraine's counteroffensive remained scarce, NATO Secretary-General Jens Stoltenberg said on June 15 that the military aid that NATO members have given Ukraine is showing its impact on the battlefield. "The support NATO allies have been giving Ukraine now for many, many months actually makes a difference on the battlefield," Stoltenberg told reporters in Brussels ahead of a two-day meeting of the bloc's defense ministers that is also going to be attended by Ukrainian Defense Minister Oleksiy Reznikov. By RFE/RL More Top Reads From Oilprice.com: Heavy trading in Dubai oil has lifted its premium to WTI crude to its highest since late March, a development that could make U.S. crude even more competitive in Asia. More traders have turned to Dubai after Persian Gulf producers such as Saudi Arabia hiked prices and shipping rates also climbed. Bloomberg has reported that Dubai swaps were trading at a premium of $3.65 a barrel above U.S. benchmark West Texas Intermediate futures in Singapore on Wednesday, with the spread usually smaller than $3. Increased trading of partials--smaller lots that are accumulated and converted into physical cargoes--is also giving a boost to Dubai oil prices. Dubai oil is considered a proxy for other regional grades. Two South Korean refiners have purchased ~8 million barrels of U.S. oil, including WTI Midland crude, so far this month. Asian exports of U.S. crude have been climbing with buyers returning after months of scooping up cheap Russian barrels. U.S. crude oil exports for the month of April surpassed forecasts, hitting a record 4.5 million barrels per day in March thanks to a strong Chinese market due to rising fuel demand. U.S. crude exports grew 22% last year from 2021 after Russia's invasion of Ukraine led the U.S., the EU and Canada to ban imports of Russian oil and dramatically altered global flows. China is the worlds second-largest oil consumer, and has recorded an economic resurgence ever since it rolled back its strict zero-covid policies. April exports to China surged to ~850,000 barrels per day, the highest level since May 2020.. U.S. crude tends to be quite a bit cheaper than Brent. The average discount in February was $6.47 and nearly $6 less in the first half of March. Foreign buyers tend to increase their purchases of U.S. crude whenever the discount to Brent exceeds $6 per barrel. Demand for U.S. crude may increase significantly in the coming months with Middle Eastern crude getting more expensive. ADVERTISEMENT By Alex Kimani for Oilprice.com More Top Reads From Oilprice.com: Omaha Community Playhouse Executive Director Katie Broman announced her resignation Thursday. Broman said she wants to return to her previous career in marketing and communications. She will continue to lead the Playhouse until the board of directors names an interim executive director and the leadership transition has begun. She began her Playhouse career in 2010 as the director of marketing and public relations, but left to take a similar job at Opera Omaha. She rejoined the theater staff as executive director in 2017 after a nationwide search, replacing Tim Schmad, who retired. We understand Katies decision and her desire to return to dive back into her passion areas of marketing, communications and fundraising, and we are grateful for her transparency and advance notice about her intentions, Playhouse Board of Trustees Chairman Bruce Friedlander said in a press release. We want to thank Katie for her ongoing dedication to OCP during a transition. He said the board will conduct a local, regional and national search for a new executive director. During her tenure, Broman presided over the creation of a mobile sensory theater, guided the Playhouse safely through the pandemic with both virtual and live productions and implemented stipends for actors and crew members for the first time in the theaters history, among other accomplishments. Omaha Community Playhouse through the years The Sarpy County Museum and Historical Society of Pottawattamie County are teaming up for a special program Saturday, June 24, exploring the early 19th century history of the area. Troy Stolp, a local historian with the Iowa group, will present 50 Years That Made the Metro: 1804-1854 at 2 p.m. at the museum, located at 2402 Clay St. in Bellevue. The lecture, which is free and open to the public, will examine the early pioneer days of Council Bluffs, Omaha and Sarpy County through a historical lens, said Ben Justman, executive director of the Sarpy County Museum. Its going to cover everything from Lewis and Clark to the crossing of the Missouri (River) with the Kansas-Nebraska Act, Justman said. It really helped lay the foundation of the lay of the land today. The Historical Society of Pottawattamie County approached the museum about hosting the presentation, he said. When theres an opportunity to collaborate with historical societies in the area, its a win-win for everybody, Justman said. This one is a little extra special because its across not just a county line, but a state line. Im hopeful that well see more collaboration with them in the future. Stolp is a longterm substitute teacher in the Lewis Central Community School District and holds a masters degree in history. He is a regular speaker on historical topics around Council Bluffs. Footage from body-worn cameras has become an essential aid in public understanding of critical events involving law enforcement. Within weeks of Tyre Nichols deadly beating at the hands of Memphis police officers earlier this year, the body-camera footage was plastered across national news networks. And, as questions mounted about the law enforcement response in the months following the deadly mass shooting at an elementary school in Uvalde, Texas, officials released hours of footage from the body cameras of responding officers. The widespread adoption of police body cameras is intended to increase public trust in police and aid in transparency. But in Nebraska, the release of body-camera footage is rare. Only once since the Omaha Police Department implemented the use of the cameras has the department shared video from a police shooting or in-custody death. Nationally, there will be a police situation with body-camera footage and itll be on cable news the same day of the incident, said Spike Eickholt, a lobbyist and government liaison for the Nebraska ACLU. So other states are clearly able to navigate to somehow allow the public to access body-camera footage in some, or maybe even all, cases. Though body cameras have been around for nearly two decades, their prominence has exploded statewide and locally in past years. Omaha police completed the deployment of cameras for all uniformed patrol officers and some officers in special units in early 2020. The Sarpy and Douglas County Sheriffs Offices implemented cameras for all road patrol deputies in 2021 and 2022, respectively. Body-camera video from police officers is, by definition, a public record: a record produced by a public body. Many states, such as New Mexico and Oklahoma, broadly consider the footage to be public record and allow any member of the public to request the footage. Departments in Ohio, Minnesota and Chicago have released body-camera videos within hours or days of a death involving police. But Nebraska, Eickholt noted, is somewhat of an outlier. Body cameras arent mentioned in the state statutes regarding public records and exemptions. Law enforcement agencies in Nebraska rely on a loosely defined, broadly applied exception in the state public records statute thst exempts investigatory records from disclosure to withhold body-camera footage. If you look at (the statute), it doesnt even mention body cameras in the text, Eickholt said. But whats happened is that cops and prosecutors have adopted the understanding that body-camera recordings are similar to any other piece of evidence collected in a case, and therefore it isnt considered presumptively public. That means that police agencies have broad discretion to decide if, when and how much of a body-camera recording should be released. According to data from mappingpoliceviolence.com, there have been nine instances since 2018 in which a citizen was killed by an OPD officer. A review of World-Herald reports on these killings shows that all nine were recorded on officers body cameras. In only one of those cases, the 2020 police shooting of Kenneth Jones, did OPD release any body-camera footage. Days after Jones was killed, Omaha Police Chief Todd Schmaderer said at a press conference that the body-camera footage would be released after the grand jury process concluded. But it still took weeks after a grand jury declined to charge the officers for the video to become public. Instead of the full video, OPD will often release stills from body-camera footage. In five of the remaining eight cases, police released still images from the body-camera footage. In the three others, no images or videos from body-camera footage were made public. While the release of images is better than nothing, Eickholt said, it often doesnt capture the full context. A bill introduced in the latest legislative session by State Sen. Danielle Conrad of Lincoln would have made body-camera footage from police killings significantly more accessible. Legislative Bill 366 would have required law enforcement agencies to release body-camera footage from in-custody deaths following the conclusion of a grand jury investigation. Eickholt referred to the bill, which the ACLU supported, as a modest proposal that still places strict limits on the types of footage released. But it was met by resistance from law enforcement officials and various police unions during a March hearing in the Government, Military and Veterans Affairs Committee. Lt. Dan Martin, an OPD officer and vice president of the Omaha Police Officers Association, said that the release of body-camera video puts the privacy of victims and the due process rights of suspects at risk. Put simply, these recordings are evidence, Martin said. We believe strongly in the need to maintain law enforcement custody and discretion regarding their release. Arbitrarily requiring that this visual evidence be made public without any context provided by additional evidence interviews, forensics and so on will certainly not result in fair or just outcomes in these cases. Our best Omaha staff photos & videos of June 2023 Nebraska State Patrol troopers took 14 vehicles and two drivers off the road after conducting surprise commercial vehicle inspections in Douglas County on Wednesday. The inspections were conducted by the Metropolitan Aggressive and Prevention Selective Team, which checked for violations of federal motor carrier safety regulations and state law, according to a press release from the Nebraska State Patrol. The team conducted 18 total inspections and found a total of 65 violations, according to the release. Troopers placed 14 of the vehicles out of service for reasons such as bad brakes or tires or other problems that pose immediate safety risks, according to the release. Two drivers were also not allowed to return to the road. The surprise inspections focused on commercial vehicles that may not travel outside Omaha or pass through weight stations regularly, the release said. Additional surprise inspections will be conducted in other communities across Nebraska this summer. 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. The hearse carrying the casket of former Italian premier Silvio Berlusconi leaves after his state funeral inside Milan's Duomo Gothic-era Cathedral, Italy, Wednesday, June 14, 2023. Berlusconi died at the age of 86 on Monday in a Milan hospital where he was being treated for chronic leukemia. (Claudio Furlan/LaPresse via AP) Troops have eliminated three key commanders of Boko Haram on Saturday at Warawara general area of Borno State, in an ambush that led to the dislodgment of their enclave. According to Col. Sagir Musa, the Acting Director Army Public Relations, the following items were recovered from them: two AK 47 Rifles, five AK 47 Magazines, Assorted Charms, and one motorcycle. Currently, troops are combing the general area on patrols with the view to further exploitation of the area, Musa. The names of the Boko Haram commanders were not disclosed by the Army spokesman. More drama has continued to unfold at the tribunal in the case of the Labour Party versus the APC and its candidate, Bola Tinubu After INEC declared Bola Tinubu winner of the February 25 presidential election, on March 1st, Peter Obi and Atiku Abubakar of the PDP vowed to challenge the outcome of the poll At the ongoing court proceedings on Wednesday, Obi and the LP presented to the presidential election petition tribunal a blurred IReV documents as evidence against INEC Labour Party (LP) and its flagbearer for the February 25 presidential election, on Wednesday, June 14, tendered additional blurred INEC Results Viewing Portal (IReV) documents before the Presidential Election Petition Court (PEPC). The petitioners, Obi and his Labour Party (LP) are challenging the election which brought President Bola Ahmed Tinubu into power. Peter Obi and the Labour Party on Wednesday, June 14, submitted blurred documents as evidence against INEC at the tribunal. Photo credit: Mr. Peter Obi Source: Facebook Respondents are Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), President Tinubu and Vice President Kashim Shettima and the All Progressives Congress (APC). The election results of 7 states tendered as evidence by Obi and LP were blurred At the resumed hearing of the PEPC, the petitioners tendered, IREV reports downloaded and certified by INEC in 21 LGAs in Benue state, 25 LGAs in Niger state and 17 LGAs in Edo state, The Nation reported. PAY ATTENTION: Follow us on Instagram get the most important news directly in your favourite app! Obi also tendered the IREV reports from 20 LGA of Bauchi and a bundle of the blurred reports, eight LGA of Bayelsa IreV reports were tendered also. IreV reports from Bayelsa marked blurred, no results or cancelled were tendered, Gombe eight LGA and a bundle of blurred reports not linked to any LGA and IreV report for Kaduna, 21 LGA and two bundles of blurred reports not linked to any government area were tendered also, Daily Trust reported. Tendered further are IreV certificates of compliance of six states excluding Akwa Ibom, and 28 states including the Federal Capital Territory (FCT). Documents were rejected by respondents but admitted by the court as evidence All the documents tendered were objected to by all the respondents but admitted and marked as exhibits by the court. Meanwhile, the five-man panel led by Justice Haruna Tsammani adjourned until Thursday, June 15, for further hearing of the petition. It Has Become a Habit: INEC issues strong warning to Peter Obi The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has accused Labour Party (LP) and its presidential candidate, Peter Obi, of always blaming the electoral body for failing to prosecute their case. INECs lawyer, Kemi Pinheiro (SAN), said it has become a pattern for Peter Obi and his party to always blame someone whenever they want an adjournment. Pinheiro stated this while reacting to the claim made by Obis lawyer, Livy Uzoukwu (SAN) that INEC Chairman, Prof. Mahmood Yakubu, declined to accept a subpoena served to him to produce some documents. PDP Vs APC: Tension erupts As INEC chairman will testify in court in Atikus case against Tinubu Mahmood Yakubu, the chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), has been scheduled to testify before the Presidential Election Petition Court in Abuja on Thursday, June 15. The chairman of the electoral umpire will testify in the petition by Atiku Abubakar filed to challenge the victory of President Bola Tinubu in the 2023 presidential election. Source: Legit.ng State House, Abuja The Office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation has explained why President Bola Ahmed Tinubu suspended Abdulrasheed Bawa as the chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC). A statement by Willie Bassey, Director, Information in the office of the SGF, said President Tinubu suspended Bawa to allow for a proper investigation into his conduct while in office. Revealed: Why President Tinubu Suspended EFCC Chairman Abdulrasheed Bawa Source: UGC Weighty allegations of abuse of office levelled against Bawa, says SGF The statement further noted that weighty allegations of abuse of office were levelled against Bawa, hence the probe. President Bola Ahmed Tinubu,GCFR, has approved the indefinite suspension from office of Mr. AbdulRasheed Bawa, CON, as the Chairman, Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) to allow for proper investigation into his conduct while in office, the statement read in part. PAY ATTENTION: Share your outstanding story with our editors! Please reach us through info@corp.legit.ng! Bawa asked to hand over to director of operations Meanwhile, Legit.ng gathers that Bawa has been directed to immediately handover the affairs of his office to the Director, Operations in the Commission. The director will oversee the affairs of the Office of the Chairman of the Commission pending the conclusion of the investigation. Legit.ng notes that Bawas suspension comes less than a week after Godwin Emefiele, governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), was also suspended by the president, who ordered a probe of the apex bank under Emefieles watch. Source: Legit.ng THE Federal government will begin the disbursement of students loan from September this year, the Federal Ministry of Education has disclosed. Fielding questions from journalists on Wednesday, June 14 in Abuja, the Permanent Secretary at the ministry, David Adejo, said the ministry received a marching order from President Bola Tinubu on the policy. On Monday, June 12, The ICIR reported how Tinubu signed the Education Loan Bill into law, which will allow indigent students to apply for loans through a Federal government bank to enable them complete their tertiary education. The Act also proposes a two-year jail term, a fine of N500,000 or both for students who default in repayment of the loan. The interest-free loan is repayable two years after the beneficiary completes the mandatory National Youth Service Corps (NYSC). The former Speaker of the House of Representatives, and now Chief of Staff to the President, Femi Gbajabiamila, sponsored the bill Some stakeholders, including the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU), had criticised the Act, saying it would make the government shift attention from adequately funding education. Speaking through its president, Emmanuel Osodeke, ASUU said students who took the loan might not have a job two years after completing the NYSC, which he argued could make them unable to repay the loan. Addressing journalists on Wednesday, Adejo said, As I speak with you today, the president has approved the committee made up of the ministries and agencies, and their meeting will be coming up on June 20. The president has also directed that by September to October of this 2023/2024 academic session, he wants to see recipients of these loans. So, it is a very serious march for us. So between now and then, we have to start the process for people to get the loan. He added that the Nigerian Education Bank to be created by the government for the disbursement of the loan would be carrying out normal banking services. Learning from past mistakes, the bank is not going to be the type that will sit down and be collecting application loans. It will also perform normal banking functions and make sure loans are given because we had cases of loan recovery in the past, he added. Vice President Kashim Shettima in the take-off of a new administration in the Presidency, held a broad meeting with the Permanent Secretary, State House, Tijjani Umar, and other senior civil servants in the Office of the Vice President to brief him on the functions and responsibilities of the various units in his office. The Director of Information, Office of the Vice President, Olusola Abiola, in a statement in Abuja indicated that Vice President Shettima expressed optimism for a harmonious working relationship during his tenure, especially in the execution of the mandate of the APC-led Federal Government. The Director added that the Vice President, who received briefings from the various heads of units, expressed hope that the experience of the staff will assist in the discharge of the responsibilities of his office. The Director noted that in a media interaction with State House correspondents after the meeting, the Permanent Secretary emphasised that the interaction with the Vice President, is part of the obligations of the institutional officers to welcome our principals and assist them settle down without let or hindrance. He added that it is to place on the table the roles and responsibilities of the various offices and officers deployed to help them discharge their mandates to the country. He further disclosed that it is important to provide an efficient service to the new administration of President Bola Tinubu and Vice President Kashim Shettima. According to the Permanent Secretary, we are looking forward to a very robust execution of our roles and also supporting them to discharge their duties to the nation and to make that smooth, safe, secure and efficient. The briefing was very healthy and we will continue to do that with the regularity that is required in order to maintain the efficiency that is expected of this high office. Present at the meeting were principal aides of the Vice President led by the Deputy Chief of Staff to the President, Sen. Ibrahim Hassan Hadejia, and heads of the various units in his office. The suspended chairperson of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), Abdulrasheed Bawa, has submitted himself for interrogation by Nigerias secret police, the State Security Service (SSS). This followed an earlier invitation of Mr Bawa by the SSS a few hours after President Bola Tinubu suspended him on Wednesday. The invitation relates to some investigative activities concerning him, Peter Afunanya, the Public Relations Officer of SSS, said in a statement. The SSS statement, which was tweeted via the agencys Twitter handle at 10.48 pm on Wednesday, said Mr Bawa arrived for interrogation a few hours ago. Mr Bawa presumably honoured the invitation at the SSS headquarters in Abuja from where Mr Afunaya issued his statement on Wednesday. DSS INVITES MR ABDULRASHEED BAWA, SUSPENDED EFCC CHAIRMAN The Department of State Services (DSS) has invited Mr Abdulrasheed Bawa, the suspended Chairman of Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC). Bawa arrived a few hours ago. Department of State Services (DSS) (@OfficialDSSNG) June 14, 2023 It came about two weeks after a confrontation between SSS and EFCC over their shared building in Lagos. SSS operatives blocked EFCC staff members from resuming work in the building in the hours-long stand-off on 30 May. It took the directive of President Tinubu, who was barely a day old as president, for SSS operatives to allow EFCC staff to access the building. Earlier on Wednesday, the office of the Secretary to the Government of Federation (SGF) had said in a statement signed by Willie Bassey, Director of Information, said the EFCC boss suspension resulted from weighty allegations of abuse of office levelled against him. Without giving details of the allegations against Mr Bawa, the statement said the anti-graft official needed to step aside to allow for proper investigation into his conduct while in office. According to the statement, Mr Bawa has been directed to immediately hand over the affairs of his office to the Director, Operations in the Commission, who will oversee the affairs of the office of the Chairman of the Commission pending the conclusion of the investigation. The specific allegations that Mr Bawa is being investigated cannot be confirmed yet. Last month, the immediate-past governor of Zamfara State, Bello Matawalle, accused Mr Bawa of demanding $2 million as a bribe from him. But the EFCC denied Mr Matawalles allegation. The anti-corruption agency in May revealed that Mr Matawalle was being investigated by it for a N70 billion fraud. Leadership succession at the EFCC since its inception in 2003 has always been steeped in controversies. In 2021, Mr Bawa took the helm at the commission under similar circumstances after his predecessor, Ibrahim Magu, was suspended from office by then-President Muhammadu Buhari, over allegations of corruption. Mr Bawa became the second major appointee of former President Muhammadu Buhari to be suspended by Mr Tinubu. Read SSS full statement on Mr Bawas detention below DSS INVITES MR ABDULRASHEED BAWA, SUSPENDED EFCC CHAIRMAN The Department of State Services (DSS) has invited Mr Abdulrasheed Bawa, the suspended Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC). Bawa arrived a few hours ago. The invitation relates to some investigative activities concerning him. Peter Afunanya Ph.D, fsi Public Relations Officer Department of State Services National Headquarters Abuja 14th June, 2023 The Department of State Services (DSS) has quizzed the suspended chairman of Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) Abdulrasheed Bawa for questioning. The spokesperson of the Service, Dr. Peter Afunanya, who confirmed this last night, said Bawa honoured DSS invitation after he was suspended from office. According to him, Bawa arrived a few hours ago. The invitation relates to some investigative activities concerning him. The DSS, however, didnt state if he has been released on bail or is still being held at their facility. Bawas suspension is coming barely one week after governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), Godwin Emefiele was suspended President Bola Tinubu. Tinubu Suspends EFCC Chairman Bawa Indefinitely President Tinubu has sent Bawa on indefinite suspension from office. According to a statement by the office of the secretary to government of the federation (OSGF), the removal of the commissions chairman is to allow for proper investigation into his conduct while in office. This, the statement noted, followed weighty allegations of abuse of office leveled against Bawa. The president directed Bawa to immediately handover the affairs of his office to the director of Operations in the commission who will oversee the affairs of the Office of the Chairman of the Commission pending the conclusion of the investigation. The suspended EFCC boss was the first staff of the commission to be appointed as the chairman. Appointed in 2021 at the age of 40 while he was Deputy Chief Detective Superintendent heading the Lagos zonal office of the EFCC, Bawa was confirmed as the chairman of the commission in February 2021. He joined the organisation in 2004 and was in October 2015 appointed to head the commissions investigations of Diezani Alison-Madueke, a former minister of Petroleum Resources, and her associates. He is the youngest chairman of the commission as previous substantive chairpersons of the EFCC, including Ibrahim Magu, who chaired the agency in acting capacity for almost five years, stepped into the highly coveted office at well over 40 years of age. The pioneer chairman of EFCC, Nuhu Ribadu, assumed office at about 43 in 2003 and left in 2007. His successor, Farida Waziri, assumed office in May 2008 at the age of 59 and left on November 23, 2011. Ibrahim Lamorde, stepped into office at the age of 49 November 23, 2011, and left on November 9, 2015. Apart from his record age, Bawa, was the first substantive chairman without a background in the Nigerian Police Force, a feature which appears to be in line with one of the reported recommendations of the Ayo Salami panel Bawa who hails from Jega, in Kebbi State, graduated from the Usmanu Danfodio University, Sokoto, with a Bachelor of Science degree in Economics (Second Class Upper) in 2001. Bawa, who joined the EFCC as an Assistant Detective Superintendent (ADS) in 2004, also holds a Masters degree in International Affairs and Diplomacy which he obtained from the same university in 2012. He was part of the pioneer EFCC Cadet Officers, course one, 2005. He rose through the ranks to become a Deputy Chief Detective Superintendent (DCDS), a position he has been holding since 2016 up till the time of his nomination as the chairman of the EFCC. He has about 17 years working with the EFCC as a detective and has vast investigation experience and has been part of prosecution of advance fee fraud, official corruption, bank fraud, money laundering and other economic and financial crimes related offences. Bawa was deployed to head the commissions operations zonal office in Lagos in August 2020 and remains in the position till his appointment as chairman of the commission. President Bola Tinubu has suspended Abdulrasheed Bawa, Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC). The suspension was announced in a statement on Wednesday by Willie Bassey, Director, Information in the Office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation. President Bola Ahmed Tinubu,GCFR, has approved the indefinite suspension from office of Mr. AbdulRasheed Bawa, CON, as the Chairman, Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) to allow for proper investigation into his conduct while in office. This follows weighty allegations of abuse of office levelled against him. Mr Bawa has been directed to immediately handover the affairs of his office to the Director, Operations in the Commission, who will oversee the affairs of the Office of the Chairman of the Commission pending the conclusion of the investigation, the statement read. Tinubu suspends EFCC Chairman over weighty allegations Tinubu wants to see recipients of students loan by Sept Education Ministry Bawas suspension was coming less than one week after the President suspended the Central Bank Governor, Godwin Emefiele. Daily Trust takes a look at some of the controversies that trailed Bawas years at the helm of the anti-graft agency. APPOINTMENT Bawa assumed office on the back of discontent expressed in some quarters. There were debates over whether he was qualified to head the agency when he was appointed by former President Muhammadu Buhari in February 2021. Bawa was Deputy Chief Detective Superintendent at the time and the youngest official (at 40 then) to be appointed as EFCC chairman. He was the first to be appointed without being a high-ranking officer of the Nigeria Police Force. COLLAPSES AT AN EVENT About seven months into his appointment, Bawa went dizzy while delivering an address at an event organised by the National Identity Management Commission (NIMC) at Aso Rock. As you are aware, today is the 16th of September and it is the National Identity Day. I was invited for a programme by NIMC, specifically, by the Ministry of Communication and Digital Economy on September 17, 2021. While I was giving my good will message during the programme there was a bit of dizziness on me and I had to excuse myself from the stage, Bawa had said in an interview he granted later that day. CLASH WITH MATAWALLE Bawa and the immediate past governor of Zamfara State, Bello Matawalle, were locked in a battle of words recently with both parties making weighty allegations against each other. While the EFCC said Matawalle was being investigated over an alleged N70bn fraud, the former governor accused Bawa of demanding a $2 million bribe, an allegation he denied. COURT ORDERS BAWAS ARREST In February 2023, a Kogi State High Court sitting in Lokoja ordered that Bawa should be imprisoned for disobeying court order. The court also directed the Inspector General of Police to arrest Bawa and remand him in Kuje prison, Abuja, for the next 14 days. The judge, Rukayat Ayoola, ordered that Bawa be detained in prison until he purges himself of the contempt. Ms Ayoola issued the committal order based on an application filed by Ali Bello accusing Bawa of disobeying a court ruling by going ahead to arraign him on 15 December 2022 against an earlier court order made on 12 December 2022. The court had ruled that the arrest and detention of Bello on 29 November 2022 by EFCC and its chair in the face of an earlier subsisting court order without a warrant of arrest or being informed of the offence for which he was arrested is unlawful and unconstitutional. However, the ruling on Bawas arrest was appealed. CALL FOR EFCC CHAIRS SACK At a press conference held in Lagos in February 2023, over 40 anti-corruption civil society organisations asked the then President Muhammadu Buhari to sack Bawa, for incessant disobedience of court orders. They noted that the commission had derailed from its mission and was now politicised. The CSOs led by the Chairman of the Centre for Anti-corruption and Open Leadership, Mr Debo Adeniran, said Bawa had made the EFCC an institution known for brazenly disobeying court orders in such a manner that does not only undermine the institutions of Nigerias democracy but also indicates a contradiction to the anti-corruption agenda of Buhari. They demanded that Bawa must be sacked in order for the commission to recover its past glory. Nigerians can now earn US Dollars by acquiring premium domain names, most clients earn about $7,000 to $10,000, all paid in US Dollars. Click here to learn how to start. Related Nigerians have reacted to the suspension of the Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), Abdulrasheed Bawa, by President Bola Tinubu. Naija News earlier reported that the President suspended Bawa to allow for a proper investigation of the weighty allegations of abuse of office leveled against him. A statement issued by the Director of Information, Office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF) reads, This follows weighty allegations of abuse of office leveled against him. Mr Bawa has been directed to immediately hand over the affairs of his office to the Director of Operations in the Commission, who will oversee the affairs of the Office of the Chairman of the Commission pending the conclusion of the investigation. Following the suspension of Bawa, netizens took to Twitter to express their views regarding the development. See some of the reactions below. @shehu_mahdi wrote: SUSPENSION OF EFCC CHAIRMAN: DARKNENESS CHASES AWAY LIGHT. 80% of 9th Assembly & 32% of 10th members are under investigation. 85% of PMBS appointees are on Efcc rader, so also 70% of former governors. Most of those waiting for apptmts have cases to answer. HOW CAN BAWA SURVIVE? @DanielRegha wrote: Tinubu suspending the EFCC Chairman means nothing; Bawa was incompetent but lets not pretend like Tinubu is suspending anyone to fight corruption or fix Nigeria. Theres ulterior motive. If Tinubu & this administration are serious, they should sack the INEC chairman (Yakubu). @TheMahleek wrote: Na NTA first post EFCC chairman suspension, be like this regime go hard small, make Suspension no go touch NTA chairman too. @EkitiBabyGov wrote: Former AGF Malami next. They need to account for all the seized properties and funds that went into thin air. EFCC never had it that bad, their major job function was parading Yahoo boys everyday. @firstladyship wrote: All Abdulrasheed Bawa did was go after Yahoo Boys. Yahoo Men move around with DSS escort. They have access to the Villa. Why are Madam Palliatives & Hadi Sirika free? Suspending EFCC Chairman now? it came too late. You should have announced his suspension like Subsidy removal. @chris72859829 wrote: Lol this man is quietly removing them to put his own people. @damolaade wrote: We are waiting for @inecnigeria chairman to be suspended for proper investigation too. @xtrakool_jay wrote: Next you will hear is Tinubu suspends IGP for his over weight as a Policeman. Them don Dey go, one by one @scopeboy10 wrote: E no fit reach INEC chairman side sha. @_oluwaseun9 wrote: Just recently Tinubu suspend CBN Governor, EFCC chairman don collect today, be like na turn by turn, e go reach everybody. @baddest_cash wrote: From CBN Governor to EFCC chairman na total cleansing Tinubu they do oooo. Just wait for your turn to collect, e go reach everybody. Advertisement By Izunna Okafor, Awka The Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Anambra State Council, has urged the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC), Anambra State Sector Command to also find means to educate and orientate motorists and motorcyclists in the State, rather than just apprehending and punishing the defaulters of road traffic rules. NUJ gave the advice during their monthly Congress for the month of June, 2023, which held at the Godwin Ezeemo International Press Centre, NUJ Secretariat, Awka, Anambra State capital. The journalists, at the Congress, raised concern about the spate of reckless driving by motorists and motorcyclists in the state, which they believe, has resultant effects on the rate of road traffic crashes in the state. The journalists also expressed optimism that proper road traffic education and regular orientation of the motorists and motorcyclists would be more effective in addressing the challenge, rather than just apprehending and fining the offenders. The NUJ, in a communique issued at the end of the Congress, therefore, appealed to the motorists and motorcyclists in the State to shun reckless driving, while also appealing to the FRSC to intensify efforts towards educating road users aside apprehending those who break traffic rules. The communique, which was jointly signed by the Chairman of NUJ, Anambra State Council, Comrade Odogwu Emeka Odogwu; the Secretary of the Union in the State, Comrade Aloysius Ofodile; and the members of the Communique Drafting Committee: Comrades Abuchi Onwumelu, Sunday Elom, and Ogochukwu Nwaokafor, also highlighted, raised and addressed other issues of interest to the Union, the State, and nation in general, as were discussed at the Congress. The Communique read in full: The meeting was presided over by the Chairman, NUJ Anambra Sate Council Comrade Odogwu Emeka Odogwu, PhD. In his opening speech, Comrade Dr Odogwu Emeka Odogwu welcomed members and thanked them for coming despite the fuel price hike and the untold hardship it has created in the country. Congress urged the political class and others to see journalists as partners in progress rather than as rivals. The Congress called on the Government to appreciate the enormous work of journalists in the state and also recognize the journalists as the 4th Estate of the realm in the state. The Congress called for collaboration and partnership. The Congress also called on every journalist to endeavour to identify with the Union by belonging to a Chapel.as the union has about 20 Chapels in the state. The Congress appealed to the Government to apply human face while deliberating on the issue of Anambra Newspapers and Printing Corporation, ANPC (Publishers of National Light Newspapers) considering its historical and symbolic value to the State and workers. The Congress also frowned at the rumours of shutting down National Light and asked government to reconsider its intentions for journalists are prime for any society to thrive. The Congress resolved that going forward, anyone or organization who constitutes nuisance for journalists carrying out their lawful duties will be treated as an enemy of the Union. The Congress once again expressed its readiness to carry out their job as the mouthpiece of the people without fear or favour. The Congress appreciated the efforts of the security agents in addressing the issue of the insecurity bedeviling the state and enjoined the security agents not to rest on their oars. The Congress appealed to commercial motorists and motorcyclists to shun reckless driving while appealing to the FRSC to intensify efforts towards educating road users aside apprehending defaulters. The Congress urged FRSC to use safety education to ensure that the road crashes are reduced to the barest minimum. The Congress called on its members to be security conscious and make safety their watchword. The Congress commended the Prof Charles Chukwuma Soludo led state government for embarking on massive road construction and rehabilitation of failed portions of roads in the state. The Congress urged the government to continue, noting that the importance of good road network cannot be overemphasized. On transport, the Congress appealed to the government to make available subsidized governments vehicles that will convey workers to and fro work to cushion the effect of the hike in fuel pump price. On environment, the Congress called on the people of the state to imbibe the spirit of cleanliness and endeavour to keep their environment clean. The Congress frowned at indiscriminate dumping of refuse on the waterways and undesignated places. The Congress urged the DPR officials to please look into the unbearable fuel pump price hike by fuel station owners in Anambra State and do the needful. Related Advertisement By Umar Usman Duguri. Bauchi State Governor, Bala Mohammed will proclaim the holding of the First Session of the 10th State House of Assembly Tuesday, June 20, 2023, following the governors meeting with the PDP members- elect on Sunday as part of plan to establish a smooth legislature. A reliable source at the Bauchi House of Assembly who spoke with to this medium said, The governor will be present during the inauguration before travelling to Saudi Arabia to partake in the lesser Hajj, and its connected with the request made by the governor to retain former speaker Sulaiman after notable member Honorable Babayo Mohamed Akuyam, showed interest for the position based on his performance and clarion calls made by various groups. The 10th Bauchi Assembly comprises 31 members and is dominated by the ruling party, PDP in the state. The party won the majority of 22 out of the 31 seats in the last State Assembly elections while the All Progressives Congress won eight seats leaving the New Nigeria Peoples Party, NNPP with just a seat won by Honorable Mubarak Haruna popularly known as Mai Rakumi. Until now, the 9th Assembly in Bauchi State from inception in June 2018, was controlled by members of the All Progressive so Congress with 22 members, the PDP had eight while the New Nigeria Peoples Party had one. For the Speakership race, the tradition in Bauchi is that if the governor comes from the South, the Deputy must come from the North while the Speaker has to come from the central zone of the state. The Bauchi Central Senatorial District covers the local government areas of Damban, Darazo, Ganjuwa, Misau, Ningi, and Warji. Suleiman Abubakar, a former APC member, representing Ningi Central State is the immediate Speaker of 9th assembly House of Assembly who lobbied to retain his position in the next assembly after a narrow victory in the just concluded election. Pundits believed that the 10th assembly should make a difference from the perception of the people as rubber stamp lawmakers and should focus more on their task as lawmakers. Related Nollywood has yet again been thrown into mourning as veteran actor, Don Brymo Uchegbu had died. Don Brymo Cause Of Death The 56-year-old Brymo died in his sleep on Wednesday night. His death was confirmed by fellow actor, Mayor Ofoegbu in a post shared on his Facebook page on Thursday. Sharing the deceaseds picture, Ofoegbu wrote: Plan for tomorrow but live for today. Tomorrow is not guaranteed. I wrote those lines on my WhatsApp status yesterday evening. My man, my 5 & 6, Don Brymo Uchegbu, passed away in his sleep. I received the shocking news this morning and had to verify from his family. Chai Don Brymo my manchi. Its hard to say goodbye. Nnukwu nwa na Enugu ukwu. Don Brymo hails from Enugwu Ukwu in Njikoka LGA of Anambra state. Known for always playing the roles of Igwe (King) in movies, Don Brymo was said to have officially joined the film industry in 2000. He acted in several flicks. Meanwhile, Kanyi Daily reported that Nigerias tallest man, Afeez Agoro has died. Related Taking a proactive step to prevent crisis in the fragile State of Plateau, owing to the controversies surrounding the sack of the 17 Local Government Chairmen in the State, the inspector General of Police, Usman Alkali Baba has ordered the sealing of all the 17 Local Government Secretariats in Plateau. Recall that Governor Caleb Muftwang upon assuming office suspended the 17 Local Government Chairmen based on the recommendation of the Plateau State House of Assembly. Refusing to be suspended, the LGA Chairmen held a series of press briefings insisting they were all duly elected by the electorates in the election conducted by the Plateau State Independent Electoral Commission (PLASIEC), and therefore cannot be sacked or suspended by the Assembly or the Governor. However, Governor Muftwang went ahead to swear-in Caretaker Transition Committee Chairmen that will take over from the suspended Chairmen, an action that is suspected to start another round of crisis in the State as the suspended 17 LGA Chairmen insisted not to vacate their offices. Tension began to brew up in the State, and the Police acting on intelligence, briefed the Inspector General of Police in Abuja on the possible steps to be taken in halting the situation. Reacting to the intelligent report, the IGP on Thursday ordered the sealing of the 17 LGA councils until further notice. Receiving the order in a statement sent to our correspondent by the Plateau Police Public Relation Officer, DSP Alfred Alabo, the Police said: The IGP Usman Alkali Baba, has ordered the Plateau State Commissioner of Police, CP Bartholomew Onyeka to seal up all the 17 Local Government Secretariats of the State. This has become necessary as a result of tensions around the leadership of the Local Government Areas, and the possible threat that supporters and Local Government Chairmen are posing to critical infrastructure, lives and properties in the State. The decision to take this action is in accordance with the exercise of our constitutional responsibility as the Nigeria Police Force, to ensure that the above doesnt hold sway on the Plateau. To this end, the Nigeria Police Force cannot sit down and watch things go wrong under our watch, hence the need to make this critical decision of sealing up the Local Government secretariats. The command therefore warns that it will not take it lightly with anyone who tries to disrupt this process or causes any confusion around the Local Government Secretariats, as we will ensure that the law takes its full course on such persons, the statement reads. Spread the love Before the inauguration of the 10th national assembly and the subsequent emergence of Godswill Akpabio as the president of the senate, a cross-section of the political class was fiercely opposed to his aspiration. Their grouse was how his party, the All Progressives Congress, APC, endorsed him. Some welcomed the zoning of the position to the South-South region but faulted the extra step of micro-zoning it to an individual. Another set was solely upset that the then president-elect, Bola Tinubu, influenced the choice of Akpabio. To them, that would amount to an outright hijack of the legislature by the presidency which is antithetical to the principle of separation of powers. Then while others canvassed that the contest should be thrown open for everyone interested, the rest specifically clamoured for their various zones as against Akpabios South-South. But common to all those categories was the claim of insufficient consultation before settling on Akpabio. And quite indeed, the agitations caught fire across the country, especially through some sorts of elitist orchestrations. The heat did not only threaten the unity and stability of the party, but it also posed an early distraction for Tinubus presidency, as he variously intervened. But objectively speaking, all those shades of opinion were not misplaced. They were all valid arguments for whatever democracy entails. Even Senator Akpabio who was in the eye of the storm recognized the rights of those aggrieved compatriots. He empathized with them. Openly, he acknowledged the grave implications of the angst that this zoning arrangement may have caused some aspirants. Thus he stressed that for this reason, we are embarking on an extensive reconciliatory move, as well as an enlightenment campaign to brief relevant stakeholders on details of our prospective legislative agenda. We are confident that in the end, we will reconcile all in the overriding interests of our dear nation. We will ensure that the members of the 10th Assembly put aside their differences and focus on activities that are for the common good of the Nigerian people. And so vigorously, he reached out to those dissenting voices reminding them that a divided house is a defeated house. It was this display of political sagacity and a good understanding of the place of reconciliation in democratic governance that set the tone for the eventual outcome and has now offered the prism through which the contest is holistically reviewed, for the records. In other words, Akpabios emergence was not just about the partys endorsement. Certainly, it was not! To begin with, and ironically, all those diverse agitations were largely not about the public interest, otherwise, why were there no questions, not even one, raised about Akpabios eligibility and competence? Nobody countered his agenda with superior ones. None faulted his conduct during the contest. The obsessions merely were with the partys mode of choosing him and not with national developmental issues. So, to the discerning mind, what does this startling paradox signify? It represents an affirmation that Godswill Akpabio is eminently qualified to hold the office of the president of the senate or that as a mortal he may have his shortcomings as no one is perfect, but his pedigree is not in doubt. Among others, Akpabio is a lawyer of repute and a ranking senator. He parades robust political leadership credentials and has no record whatsoever of having been declared unfit to hold public office. Also, he has paid his dues both in the private and public sectors, he is a good party man and comes from a geo-political zone that was yet to produce a president of the senate since 1979. Then again, Senator Akpabio is a man of exceptional eloquence and charisma who is always ready to tell his own stories with confidence. As such and in his words, modestly: .I possess the required ranking status and deep legislative experience. These qualities are of competence, vision, patriotism, a deep love for our country, and a thorough understanding of the relationship between the executive and legislature. I believe that my uncommon public sector experience and track records spanning over 24 years where I served at the State Executive Council as Hon. Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy affairs, Governor of a State, Senate Minority Leader, and in the Federal Executive Council as a Hon. Minister, provides me with the unique experience required to drive the legislative agenda of the 10th National Assembly. Deliberately, he down-played a part. He was certified worthy and fit to fly the presidential flag of his party before he patriotically withdrew from the race at the venue of the primaries. Advertisement Empirically, therefore, it was not an error for anyone to have embraced and supported Akpabio in the first place. His amiable and dynamic personality, democratic leadership attributes, evidence-based performance records and proven political astuteness were highly irresistible. Put together, they signposted his suitability for the office. And expectedly, no one expressed contrary views to this abridged citation, amidst the criticisms, thus alluding that indeed, Akpabios emergence was not all about his partys endorsement. Interestingly again, Akpabios concise blueprint was quite strategic. It attested to his overall sense of preparedness for the tasks ahead, a profound grasp of the demands of the office as well as a clear understanding that legislature is about good governance and good governance alone. He had envisioned a 10th senate that would provide quality, stable and inclusive leadership at the National Assembly with a view to providing robust legislative intervention and making relevant laws for good governance and also galvanise a united and virile support base that will provide credible government policies for the advancement of good governance. And in response to the dire socio-economic situation in the country, Akpabios legislative agenda focussed majorly on revamping the domestic economy. According to him, we shall ensure that pro-business legislations to create a more conducive environment for businesses to thrive must be designed and implemented; and we must provide legislation that enables support for small and medium-sized enterprises, and helps to reduce the barriers to entry for small businesses. These categories of legislation as well as others that promote the growth of the economy, and help create a more prosperous and vibrant nation must be our priority. Similarly, his 10th Senate would seek to develop and promote innovative bills that will enhance revenue generation while exercising effective oversight function on government expenditure. Evidently, please, has Senator Akpabio not subtly warned that anything that is not good governance-oriented would have no place in the business of this senate? Furthermore, Akpabios vast experience in public leadership substantially shaped his agenda. His commitment to upholding some legislative gains and progressive features of the preceding assemblies underscores his conviction that governance is about the people and that government is a continuum. For instance, he resolved to sustain the January to December budget circle which he noted that the ninth Assembly had worked so hard to achieve. Also, while the 9th Senate was christened the senate that works for Nigerians, Akpabio is ambitious to lead a 10th senate that serves as a true voice of the people. Again, while the 8th and 9th senates made efforts at entrenching transparency in the affairs of the institution, resulting in the eventual disclosure of the national assembly budget details, Akpabio hinted that his leadership would be also deeply committed to promoting transparency and accountability: values that we believe must be at the heart of everything that is done in the Senate. Then to advance the bipartisan feature of the 9th Senate, he would establish Bipartisan Parliamentary Network on issues of national interest supported by our partys/members vision. Now again, are these not pointers that it takes a transformational leader to celebrate and propagate the transformational deeds of another leader? This is yet another area that Godswill Akpabio distinguished himself. Notably also, Akpabios passion for a peaceful and stable polity coupled with knowledge of the governance deficits created by the 1999 constitution, perhaps explains his determination to also consolidate the collaboration between the legislature and the other arms of government, for national development. For emphasis, the Nigerian president is the most powerful in the world by the 1999 constitution. You can only challenge his powers and influence in principle but not in practice! Nevertheless, Akpabio was overtly precise in purposing a national assembly that would work harmoniously with Bola Tinubus presidency, without compromising the relative independence of the parliament. Hear him: We want him (Tinubu) to replicate what has happened in Lagos in the last 24 years of democracy to cover the rest of the country. Particularly, we are challenged by the economy. We want to see serious improvement in the IGR of the nation to enable us to repay our loan facilities. We want to see more foreign direct investment in the country. We will support him through favourable legislations to ensure Nigeria remains investment-friendly and a business destination in Africa. Akpabio campaigned with this mindset. He was explicit and did not pretend about it. Please, how else does one describe courage? Meanwhile, his agenda equally emphasized, innovative bills that will enhance revenue generation while exercising effective oversight function on government expenditure. And again, asserting the relative authorities of the legislature, he declared that regular and extensive oversight of government spending to ensure that public funds are being used effectively and efficiently must be conducted. Then quite instructively, Akpabio worked his way to victory. As highlighted earlier, he did not go to sleep having secured the corporate endorsement of his party and other stakeholders across party lines. He did not allow the anointing to get into his head. He took no one for granted and left nothing to chance. He relentlessly went about the contest as though all those mounted oppositions to his preference by the party would eventually play out. He ran a robust campaign built on a broad-based support network. He aggressively marketed himself and his agenda. Resiliently and consistently, he demonstrated that every single senator-elect was as important as the other, irrespective of the political party. He variously visited the leaderships of other parties for support. And once again, his shrewdness in reaching out to the aggrieved colleagues was a masterstroke. Equally pivotal was Akpabios pragmatism in seeking to foster a sense of camaraderie among his colleagues which would create a consciousness for national unity and inclusiveness in governance and also opportunities for peer review towards integrated national development. This found expression in his other action plans, some of which are to: support members in bill and motion drafting, presentation of legislative arguments, legislative briefs and a general understanding of parliamentary practices and procedures; support our members to develop legislative agenda, constituency work-plan and integrated representation model; institute Annual Parliamentary Stability Group Summit (APSGS) to strategize, review and develop action guidelines for greater virile and stable national assembly; and pursue and lobby (where necessary) for the rights and privileges of our members. Again, a question: who would not garner massive votes with these appealing propositions? Advertisement So by inference, the fore-going factors cumulatively translated to the ballots whose figures indicated that partisan, religious and regional barriers were demolished. Remarkably also, nobody was prevented from contesting. Yes, the senators-elect conventionally, freely and popularly conferred legitimacy on Akpabio, thus confirming that their choice was predicated on his nationalistic disposition, wide acceptability and compelling agenda. It was not necessarily about the partys endorsement. Put differently, the process was unquestionably transparent. Therefore given Akpabios outstanding personality and his inspiring blueprint, this senate nay the 10th national assembly, will impact meaningfully the lives of the people, and then of course, Nigeria is the ultimate beneficiary. But this happens only when everyone through their elected representatives gets involved by offering timely and useful information in addition to asking relevant questions. For it is only by trust and cooperation that we can take full ownership of this senate and uncommonly transform it as our true voice. Egbo is a reputation management expert President Bola Tinubu has approved the appointment of eight special advisers. In a statement by State House Director of Information, Abiodun Oladunjoye, the media of the President will be headed by Dele Alake, who has been made Special Adviser to the President on Special Duties, Communications and Strategy. Former Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, Nuhu Ribadu, was appointed as the special adviser on security, while Wale Edun, a former Lagos commissioner, would searve as special adviser on monetary policies. Other appointments include Mr. Yau Darazo Special Adviser, Political and Intergovernmental Affairs; Mrs. Olu Verheijen Special Adviser, Energy; Mr. Zachaeus Adedeji, Special Adviser, Revenue; Mr. John Ugochukwu Uwajumogu, Special Adviser, Industry, Trade and Investment; and Dr (Mrs.) Salma Ibrahim Anas, Special Adviser, Health. Tinubu Special Adviser List 1. Mr. Dele Alake; Special Adviser, Special Duties, Communications and Strategy 2. Mr. Yau Darazo; Special Adviser, Political and Intergovernmental Affairs 3. Mr. Wale Edun; Special Adviser, Monetary Policies 4. Mrs. Olu Verheijen; Special Adviser, Energy 5. Mr. Zachaeus Adedeji; Special Adviser, Revenue 6. Mr. Nuhu Ribadu; Special Adviser, Security 7. Mr. John Ugochukwu Uwajumogu; Special Adviser, Industry, Trade and Investment. 8. Dr (Mrs.) Salma Ibrahim Anas; Special Adviser, Health KanyiDaily recalls that President Bola Tinubu also suspended the Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), Abdulrasheed Bawa. Related The Labour Party and its flagbearer, Peter Obi have continued to present evidence in court to further challenge Bola Tinubus election victory At the election petition tribunal on Thursday, June 15, LP presented 18,000 blurred IReV sheets as evidence before the court Reacting to the development, INECs lead counsel, Abubakar Mahmoud, objected to the admissibility of the documents The Labour Party (LP) tendered more evidence to challenge the election that brought Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu as president. Peter Obi and the LP on Thursday, June 15, 18,000 blurred polling units results of the presidential election before the presidential election petition tribunal, The Cable reported. Labour Party on Thursday, June 15, tendered 18,000 blurred IReV sheets before the tribunal. Photo credit: NEFERTITI @firstladyship Source: Twitter Obi present more evidence in court against Tinubu Onyechi Ikpeazu, counsel for the petitioners, tendered reports of data analyses from the presidential election through Eric Ofoedu, a professor of mathematics at the Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka, and a witness for the LP. PAY ATTENTION: Follow us on Instagram get the most important news directly in your favourite app! According to Ikpeazu, the documents also contained investigations of IReV score sheets from Rivers and Benue states. The petitioners also tendered 18,000 polling units blurred results obtained from the IReV portal. INEC counsel reacts to Obis 18,000 result sheets evidence However, Abubakar Mahmoud, lead counsel for the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), objected to the admissibility of the documents. Mahmoud described the situation as an ambush, adding that the LP had only handed over a copy of the witness statement a few hours before the commencement of proceedings, Channels TV report added. To be honest, I and my team are handicapped and do not know how to proceed. It is an ambush, he said. Mahmood prayed the court compel the LP to grant the INEC legal team 48 hours to review the tendered documents. All respondents objected to the adoption of the statement of the witness and the viewing of the video. The five-man panel led by Haruna Tsammani adjourned the session until Thursday for the cross examination of the witness and further hearing of the petition. It Has Become a Habit: INEC issues strong warning to Peter Obi The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has accused Labour Party (LP) and its presidential candidate, Peter Obi, of always blaming the electoral body for failing to prosecute their case. INECs lawyer, Kemi Pinheiro (SAN), said it has become a pattern for Peter Obi and his party to always blame someone whenever they want an adjournment. Pinheiro stated this while reacting to the claim made by Obis lawyer, Livy Uzoukwu (SAN) that INEC Chairman, Prof. Mahmood Yakubu, declined to accept a subpoena served to him to produce some documents. PDP vs APC: INEC chairman will testify in court in Atikus case against Tinubu Mahmood Yakubu, the chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), has been scheduled to testify before the Presidential Election Petition Court in Abuja on Thursday, June 15. The chairman of the electoral umpire will testify in the petition by Atiku Abubakar filed to challenge the victory of President Bola Tinubu in the 2023 presidential election. Source: Legit.ng Travellers are in for a prolonged painful experience on the LagosIbadan Expressway as Julius Berger, the company handling the reconstruction of the road, will close another section of the road for four months starting from Monday. Consequently, it will divert traffic on a strectch starting from Magboro to the Punch section of the Lagos-Ibadan Expressway from October 21 to January 31, 2020. There is an ongoing partial closure of the Lagos end of the expressway which started on September 2 for the ongoing reconstruction work on the 600-meter stretch between Ojodu Berger and the beginning of Kara Bridge. The Ogun State Sector Commander of the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC), Mr Clement Oladele, told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Ota that the FRSC received a notification from the construction company on Friday on the new closure of the Lagos-Ibadan Expressway. He quoted the company as saying that the development was to enable it begin rehabilitation work on the 1.3 kilometers stretch of the expressway from Magboro to Punch from Monday. Accordingly to him, the rehabilitation work will cause a temporary diversion of the Lagos-bound traffic to the Sagamu-bound carriageway from Magboro to Punch. Nigerias capital, Abuja, has recorded three cases of COVID-19, The PUNCH can confirm. The PUNCH learnt that the index case is an official of the Federal Inland Revenue Service and was one of the passengers on the British Airways flight that landed on March 13, 2020. It was learnt that two other cases of COVID-19 were confirmed. A medical doctor told The PUNCH that the three patients had been moved to the University of Abuja Teaching Hospital. He said, The bad news is that three samples from the FCT (Federal Capital Territory) suspected cases tested positive for coronavirus. We have got in touch with the University of Abuja Teaching Hospital and we are moving them immediately. We will give more details as soon as possible concerning their flights, contact tracing, and other protocols. Source: PUNCH.NG The post Three persons test positive for coronavirus in Abuja appeared first on . Share this post with your Friends on Eco-friendly alternatives must be developed and used in insect and pest management. This is to minimize the harmful effects of synthetic insecticides as indiscriminate use of pesticides in agriculture; animal husbandry and post-harvest technology have a negative impact on the natural water system, public health and the well-being of mankind. Professor Olufemi Ashamo stated this while delivering the 104th Inaugural lecture of the Federal University of Technology, Akure, with the title Mans Weapons of Warfare against the Hexapods. Mr Ashamo, a Professor of Storage Entomology, said despite the dramatic successes recorded in the control of insect pests using synthetic insecticides, it has a lot of shortcomings such as high mammalian toxicity, adverse effects on non-target organisms, pest resistance and pronounced effects on aquatic life. All these, according to him, have dire consequences for man and the environment. He said insects or hexapods have influenced human existence since the very beginning and are beneficial to man as major predators of plant eaters, the decay of organic matter, pollination, and food for man and useful in medicine. However, they can have a harmful impact on man as they are also the chief consumers of plants, attack crops on the fields and in the store and are carriers and vectors of diseases to man and his livestock. The professor stated that insects are capable of causing massive economic damage hence the need to suppress their population by integrating several tactics and appropriate measures that are less harmful to man and the environment. He highlighted the means of exterminating insects to include physical removal, dehydration, use of temperature, biological control, cultural control and chemical control. Mr Ashamo disclosed that with advances in biotechnology, it is possible to solve the most difficult pest problems. According to him, one major use of biotechnology is in the development of improved insect resistant plants, adding that long before the advent of synthetic insecticides, plant parts i.e. leaves, fruits seeds, roots etc. have been used to protect agricultural crops and stored products from attack by insects and non-insect pests. The lecturer said unlike synthetic insecticides that kill both pests and non-target organisms, natural insecticides which include powders made from seeds, flowers, leaves, shoots, barks and roots of local medicinal plants have been demonstrated to be effective against pests of field and stored crops and also insects of medical and veterinary importance. He advocated the deliberate cultivation of medicinal plants in plantations as it has been established that many of the medicinal plants used for treating diseases of humans have effective agents for control of insects. He also stated that agencies or bodies concerned with the management and control of insect pests and household insects should come under the umbrella of the Entomological Society of Nigeria (ESN) for proper coordination. This he said will enable government consult and patronize Nigerian scientists for solutions to the nations problems instead of seeking the assistance of foreign experts. In his remarks, the Chairman of the occasion and Vice Chancellor, Joseph Fuwape, commended the lecturer on the dexterity and excellent delivery of the lecture. Mr Fuwape, a professor, described Mr Ashamo, FUTAs current Director of Academic Planning, as a scholar par excellence and an astute administrator who has served the university meritoriously in many academic and administrative capacities. Governor Rotimi Akeredolu has revealed that the Akure explosion, which erupted early on Saturday morning, was caused by a vehicle in a convoy transporting explosives to a storage facility in a neighbouring state. The Governor, who stated in a tweet, explained that the vehicle developed a fault while in transit along the Akure Owo road. He said, Security personnel and other individuals transporting the ordinances noticed smoke from the vehicle. After several attempts to extinguish the resulting fire failed, the vehicle and its consignment ignited causing a massive explosion that was felt in Akure and its environs. Presently, efforts are being made to ascertain if there are casualties. Following my visit to the scene, I have directed that the area be cordoned off to allow the explosive ordinance department/bomb squad to extricate the vehicle buried underground because it is unclear if there are still explosives that are yet to be detonated. Everything is under control and I will be updating the public on any new developments. Over 50 residential, school, church buildings were destroyed by an explosion suspected to be bomb blast in Akure, about a kilometer away from the airport in the Ondo State capital, early on Saturday morning. The blast cut off the ever-busy Akure /Owo road while many people were said to be injured. The explosion affected many residents of Eleyowo community, destroying completely a church and a school in the area. Many people who lived within the church premises were said to be injured while some were rescued by the people of the community. The school with boarding facilities was destroyed beyond repair with roofs of all the buildings blown off. Dele Momodu Nigerian politician and writer, Dele Momodu has decided to contribute to the fight against coronavirus by giving out money to his followers on Twitter. The politician who said he will continue the act tomorrow, however said because he has reached his bank limit today, he can nolonger send money. Sharing the information on Twitter, he wrote: Some of my followers should have received bank alerts from me by now. I have apparently reached my bank limit and dont have my token on me. I will settle more people tomorrow, by Gods grace See tweet below: The Commissioner of Police, Ogun State, Bashir Makama has assured residents of the state of adequate security during and after the Eld-el-Kabir celebration. Makama, in a press statement said In view of the forthcoming Salah celebration, the Ogun State Police Command wishes to assure residents of the state that the Command has put in place a robust security arrangement in order to ensure hitch-free Sallah celebration. Therefore, large scale and elaborate tactical as well as covert Policemen have been strategically deployed by the Commissioner of Police, Bashir Makama across the length and breadth of the State with a clear mandate of ensuring crime free Salah celebration. Men of Special units such as SARS, PMF, Tactical Response and Intelligence units; Anti Kidnapping and Cultism sections have also been deployed to nip in the bud any violent crime that may want to rear its ugly head. Also 24hrs surveillance patrols have also been ordered around the various praying ground as well as event/recreation centers across the State. All our highways, such as LagosIbadan Express road, Benin-Sagamu-Ore, Lagos-Abeokuta express road and other highways are being properly patrolled to ensure that travelers plying the roads are well secured, the statements said. He also appealed to members of the public to alert the police and other security agencies whenever they noticed any strange or suspicious faces, gathering or movement in their domain in order to assist the security agencies to perform their duties to the optimal level, as security is everybodys business. CLINTON To become a resident inspector for Clinton's nuclear power plant, Arsalan Muneeruddin had to complete a two-year training program where he learned the Nuclear Regulatory Commission's inspection process and received hands-on experience. But for candidates to even be considered for this program, a college education in nuclear science or relevant military experience typically is required. The commission, an independent agency created by Congress in 1974, regulates commercial nuclear power plants and other uses of nuclear materials. Muneeruddin said it gets lost in the public eye that there are two NRC inspectors at every plant in the country who are ensuring that the facilities are operating safely. "You can't know every single little thing, and so every day, you're getting something new, you're always learning and that's another thing I love about my job," Muneeruddin said. "You're always on your feet." Muneeruddin and other NRC representatives visited Clinton City Hall on Wednesday to talk with residents about safety at the plant, which entered service in 1987 and employs roughly 500 people. They also addressed the commission's role in the plant owners' efforts to get a renewed license that would run through 2047. The Clinton plant recently received a green performance indicator during a 2022 safety assessment, which means it had a very low number of significant safety findings. Plants are given one of four performance indicators: green means the plant has very low safety significance; white means the facility has low to moderate safety concerns; yellow means there are substantial safety concerns; red indicates a high safety significance. Jeffery Steward, senior resident inspector for Clinton's power plant, said a site's performance is evaluated on a quarterly and annual basis. If a plant scored low on its annual assessment, it could be subject to additional inspections. "If (a plant) were to get a white or a yellow finding, then they would be into the regulatory response column (and) they would be subject to additional inspections," Steward said. "That's not the case here in Clinton." In order to remain objective in their duties, NRC inspectors may work at a specific plant for a maximum of seven years. "We can be friendly with the licensee, but we're not allowed to be friends with the licensee," Muneeruddin said. Although there are two on-site inspectors in each plant in the country, NRC is in the process of trying to recruit younger employees to replace its retiring staff. Steward said the NRC brought on about 400 people last year and is hoping to recruit another 300 to 400 in the next few years. Constellation Energy, which owns the power plant, is trying to extend its reactor's license, which is scheduled to expired in 2027, for another 20 years. Steward said as part of the renewal process, NRC will review the license and evaluate the facility to make sure it's structurally equipped to last another 20 years. Robert Ruiz, an NRC branch chief, added that if the license renewal was approved, the facility would enter into a period of extended operation, which carries additional requirements to monitor the site's infrastructure and systems. Constellation also is in the process of renewing the operating license of the Dresden nuclear plant in Morris, Illinois. The company estimates the extension of these two licenses would provide enough carbon-free energy to power the equivalent of more than two million homes. Clinton produces electricity for the equivalent of about 800,000 homes while Dresden powers the equivalent of more than 1.3 million homes in northern Illinois, according to Constellation. A look back at the Clinton Power Station Illinois Power Company Work on the reactor SECONDARY Clinton power station Winter lake Aerial Crane boom Aerial Construction continues Employees Rogh road Nuclear fuel bundle Tom Plunkett Uranium shipment Emergency operating center Workers Reactor pressure vessel Generator room Fuel rod simulation Control room Fuel assemblies Clinton nuclear power plant Eye on quality Turbine-generator Groundwork Water treatment plant Reactor pressure vessel Clinton power plant Ogee of the dam Power plant construction Earthen dam Illinois Power Reactor under construction Reactor Clinton power plant On-site storage Storm damage 1980 Concrete mixing Illinois Department of Nuclear Safety Radiation readings Radiation scanning BLOOMINGTON Summertime is about here. Some will hit the pools to escape the heat. Others set up music stands, meet with tutors and stoke the flames of passion for music that burns from within. I recently checked in with three instructional studios in the Twin Cities, and each agreed the demand for private music lessons is heating up. Marita Brake, who teaches guitar, ukulele and voice for The Music Education Center at The Music Shoppe at 1540 E. College Ave. in Normal, agreed that part of their summer spike comes from parents who want to help their kids get out of the house. But the other part of that demand, she said, is from children not having regular music lessons or band classes over the summer break. They still need that keeping them solid on their instrument during the summer, Brake said. Jonathon Breen, president of The Music Shoppe, said another big draw for parents seeking private instruction for their children is to supplement K-12 school courses. The challenge with the school lessons is that theres not a lot of one-one-on instructions there for beginners, he said. Breen said having a dedicated instructor whos a specialist on your instrument can be a lovely thing, and will help students progress a lot faster. Brake said their instructors sometimes connect with a students orchestra or band director so they know what they want them to do. We dont want to get in their way, but we want to help, she said. She and Breen added they have adults who return to music, too. Ages of their students range from 3 to 84. While middle and high school bands are a big part of music education, she said people also pick up instruments not performed in those groups. The majority of their studios lessons are for guitar, she said, with six teachers on deck at the Shoppes studio for that instrument. On the sales floor of The Music Shoppe, youll find a more welcoming atmosphere than the one portrayed in Mike Myers' 1992 hit film Waynes World. Breen said they dont have a no 'Stairway to Heaven' rule. You can pick those riffs all you want. If you chat with the Shoppes sales staff, he said everyone has their favorite and least favorite guitar licks. However, they might just roll their eyes when one is repeated over and over again. Swift on strings Noah Renken-Kapatos, a Bloomington musician whos been featured in several of my past columns, invited me for a tour last week of the Hip Cat Music School at 417 N. Main St. in downtown Bloomington. He said it was Led Zeppelins Stairway to Heaven that inspired him to learn guitar as a child, and he began lessons at 14. To play that song, he said he first needed to learn to play notes, and then chords. Along the way, I learned how to play a dozen other songs, Renken-Kapatos said. I learned how to write my own songs, and then my goal shifted from learning that one song to writing my own. Now at 24 years old, Renken-Kapatos is offering lessons in guitar, music production and music composition at Hip Cat. Hes working toward a creative technologies degree at Illinois State University and expects to graduate in December. His sessions can look quite different. He said he has a father and daughter he teaches together on group lessons, and its real sweet. He also has younger students who are very into Taylor Swift. Brake said young girls or women make up the biggest market for new guitar purchases, and she credited Taylor Swift for that. Renken-Kapatos said he has one music production student who wants to learn how to record audiobooks. He said they're learning how to record their voice in a pleasing way that one can listen to it for hours, and thats hard. He said production sessions use digital audio workshop software, like Garage Band, which is free. Hes also used Logic Pro in his own professional work, he said, but thats a paid program. Renken-Kapatos said there are universal tools in many DAW programs, such as equalizing, compression and reverb. He also uses recording as a tool for composition, by playing along to a part hes already recorded on a guitar. Instead of sticking to a preferred textbook, Renken-Kapatos said he tells students to bring a notebook with them. He said hell write the notes so students can take his experience back home. After a month of lessons, Renken-Kapatos said a student could theoretically play a song or two if they practice 10 minutes every day. When he went to his first guitar lesson at Kidder Music School (which is no longer operating in Bloomington), he said he didnt know the value of his lessons. 'YouTube University' is awesome, but its not a suitable replacement for private instructions, he said. All together now Gilford Moore, who owns Hip Cat and cares for several pet cats at home with his wife, said he opened his music school in September 2020, in the thick of the pandemic. He previously taught for both The Music Shoppe and Kidder. He said guitar has always been hot, but piano lessons have the most demand. He noted voice lessons are very popular, too, because there are so many local theater productions in town. Theres a lot of musicals and young kids that want to be in them, Moore said. He said he considers his business as just one part of a larger, organic teaching entity in the Twin Cities, weighing all the music stores with studios, private residential sessions, and courses at public schools and higher education institutions. His school has 30 instructors teaching over 400 students. Moore said hes impressed with music programs at Illinois State University. He said most of his schools instructors studied music education or performance there, and hes pleased with their maturity levels. I know what I was like at their age, he said, adding that students appreciate learning from someone closer to their age. As of the end of this month, there will be nine teachers on staff at Carl's Pro Band in Bloomington. Co-owner Travis Thacker, son of founding owner Carl Thacker, said their studio lessons are geared toward wind instruments, with trumpet and saxophone taking the highest enrollment numbers. Thacker said music enriches almost everyone's life, and learning an instrument intensifies that. The Music Shoppe has 30 teachers, Brake said, also noting eight have master's degrees and two have doctoral degrees. Others are degreed, have decades of experience playing in bands, or have taught several generations of students. When schools went remote during the pandemic, Breen said the concept of wind instrument lessons in a small room was put to rest. Then, he said the Shoppe dealt with technological challenges of virtual lessons, like unstable internet connections and poor microphone quality. Breen said you cant play together digitally, and you cant shift a students elbow through a screen. He said several instructors adapted well, but virtual lessons didnt work for many and that meant the Shoppe took a hit. Although Breen declined to provide specific numbers on enrollment at the Music Shoppe, he said they've rebounded since the start of the pandemic. In many cases, he said people turned to music during lockdown, causing a tremendous demand for music. What we found during COVID is that there was a tremendous amount of demand for music, said Breen. He said people were either picking up an instrument they had played once upon a time, or were diving deeper into one they had always dabbled in. Brake said students often start on one instrument, hear other instruments being played in passing at the studios, and then want to learn a second instrument. Breen said its common for 4- to 6-year-olds to start on piano first. Oftentimes, the progress is much faster because they already know the basics, he said of those working on a secondary instrument. Now, its a concept of mechanics. Renken-Kapatos said music is all one language, and what you learn on one instrument will translate in part to another. GET STARTED The Music Shoppe, 1540 E. College Ave., Normal. Offers lessons for guitar, ukulele, piano, violin, viola, fiddle, trumpet, French horn, trombone, flute, bassoon, clarinet, saxophone and drums. Mission statement: "Over 60 years strong, The Music Shoppe has the most effective and affordable lessons in the area." Sign up at themusicshoppe.com or call 309-452-7436. Hip Cat Music Studios, 417 N. Main St., Bloomington. Offers lessons for piano, voice, drums, guitar, bass guitar, ukulele, trumpet, flute, piccolo, tuba, trombone, saxophone, clarinet, oboe, bassoon, French horn, double bass, cello, viola and violin. Mission statement: "Let the students experience joy with the music. Whatever level they want to play at, it's not so scary to practice a little bit and try." Sign up at hipcatmusicshool.com, by calling 309-531-0417 or emailinghipcatmusicschool@gmail.com. Carls Pro Band Offers lessons in piano, flute, euphonium, tuba, trumpet, trombone, oboe, French horn, English horn, bassoon, saxophone and clarinet. Mission statement: "Music enhances and enriches nearly everyone's life ... when you're able to learn a musical instrument, the level of appreciation and satisfaction experienced is intensified. We are proud to offer a safe, modern learning environment for musicians of all ages and abilities, with some of the best instructors in the area!" Sign up at carlsproband.com. BLOOMINGTON The Central Illinois South chapter of the Hugh OBrian Youth Leadership organization will host the annual HOBY ILCS Leadership Seminar this Thursday through Sunday at Illinois Wesleyan University in Bloomington. The conference, targeted toward high school sophomores, aims to inspire and equip the 2023 class of HOBY Ambassadors with skills to become leaders in their communities. The event is hosted by HOBY, a youth development organization dedicated to inspiring and developing our global community of youth and volunteers to a life dedicated to leadership, service, and innovation." Attendees can expect curriculum covering personal, group and service leadership, in addition to a selection of guest speakers invited to share their stories. The conference will allow students to participate in experiential learning to develop their leadership potential, acquire lifelong skills, and become catalysts for positive change in their communities. For more information about HOBY ILCS and the Leadership Seminar, visit hobyilcs.org. PHOTOS: Washington University at Illinois Wesleyan University mens basketball CHICAGO The minimum wage in Chicago is still not enough for many people to afford rental housing in 2023, a new report from Housing Action Illinois and the National Low Income Housing Coalition says. In the Chicago metro area, which has the most expensive housing in the state, a person would need to earn $27.69 an hour working 40 hours a week, or about $57,600 a year, to afford a two-bedroom apartment, or work 85 hours a week if they make minimum wage. To afford a one-bedroom, they would need to earn $24.13 an hour or work 74 hours a week at minimum wage, the report released Wednesday found. The minimum hourly wage in Chicago increases every year and is set to go up another 40 cents July 1 reaching $15.80 for non-tipped workers at the citys largest employers an amount that will help but not solve housing affordability issues, advocates say. The new estimates come at a time when housing advocates are anticipating reduced support for federally funded housing programs next year, stemming from the debt ceiling deal between Congress and President Joe Biden. And while the rental market is stabilizing nationally after skyrocketing price increases in 2021 and 2022, Chicagos rental market is seeing some of the fastest price increases in the U.S. The debt ceiling deal is extremely damaging for federally funded housing programs, such as Housing Choice Vouchers, public housing and Homeless Assistance Grants, said Bob Palmer, policy director for Housing Action Illinois. Because the cost of providing housing in the private market has continued to go up, the spending caps that were part of the agreement to suspend the debt ceiling have the impact of a budget cut, reducing the number of people receiving assistance to help pay for a home. The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development declined to comment. Chicago Housing Authority spokesperson Matthew Aguilar told the Tribune that CHA doesnt think the debt ceiling agreement will affect the agency at this time. That being said, we recognize that the demand for affordable housing in Chicago consistently exceeds the amount of resources that CHA and other agencies can provide due to the already limited federal funding, Aguilar said in a statement. This problem is not unique to Chicago, and we join other affordable housing providers, advocates, and industry groups nationwide in calling for more resources from the federal level. The study bases apartment costs on fair market rent values, a HUD standard that represents the cost to rent a moderately priced unit in the local housing market. The average fair market values of one-bedroom and two-bedroom apartments in Chicago are $1,255 and $1,440, respectively. Beyond the Chicago area, much of the state is more affordable, except for the central Illinois metro area and the area of southern Illinois near St. Louis.. The lowest hourly wage needed for an Illinois worker to afford a two-bedroom apartment in some counties is $14.88. With the Illinois minimum wage at $13 an hour, full-time workers can afford one-bedroom apartments in much of the state. Housing is considered affordable if an individual spends no more than 30% of their income on rent. Nationally, the study finds that millions of people cannot afford rental housing, with people of color being disproportionately affected because they are more likely to be renters and have low incomes compared with white households. The most expensive jurisdictions are the Boston, Seattle and New York City metropolitan areas, as well as parts of California and one part of Connecticut. Palmer said the country needs more public investment in affordable housing. Obviously, its not a new problem, but the cost of housing in the private market continues to go up, and it is most out of reach for people with the lowest incomes, Palmer said. We need to be increasing peoples incomes, but we also need to be increasing the supply of housing. Photos: Chicago Mayor-elect Brandon Johnson Election 2023 Chicago Mayor Election 2023 Chicago Mayor Election 2023 Chicago Mayor Election 2023 Chicago Mayor Election 2023 Chicago Mayor Election 2023 Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson - 2022 Brandon Johnson - 2023 Brandon Johnson - 2023 Brandon Johnson - File Brandon Johnson - 2022 Brandon Johnson - 2022 Brandon Johnson - 2022 Brandon Johnson - 2022 Brandon Johnson - 2022 Brandon Johnson - 2022 The Bank of Ghana (BoG) has warned Ghanaians against the patronization of some online loan applications. According to the BoG, the apps, totaling ninety-seven (97) in number, are without authorization. In a statement copied to the media, the central bank said Ghanains should be wary in their dealings with the companies listed. The Bank of Ghana reiterated that the activities of these entities significantly breach customer data and privacy laws as well as consumer protection requirements and norms with unfavorable implications on the integrity and wellbeing of their patrons, according to a statement from the Central Bank. "The general public has been advised to consult the Banks website for the approved list of licenses institutions, before transacting any business with an institution." Bank of Ghana Public Notice: Lending Activities by Unlicensed Entities pic.twitter.com/lqqPJF62ng Bank of Ghana (@thebankofghana) June 14, 2023 Source: BoG 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 Ignatius Awinibuno Achor (right), Chief Programme Officer, Allied Health, Ministry of Health, delivering the keynote address at the event. Picture: EDNA SALVO-KOTEY Commemoration of Blood Donor Day: Health Ministry calls for more advocacy on blood donation Chris Nunoo Jun - 15 - 2023 , 11:16 The Minister of Health, Kwaku Agyeman-Manu, has called for more advocacy on safe blood donation across the country. He said there was the need for stakeholders to support the Health Ministry in its blood donation promotion drive to achieve its objective of ensuring the availability of blood in health facilities across the country. Like the fight against illegal mining (galamsey), there must be a continuous public outcry on blood donation to meet our targets. Collectively, we need to walk the talk when it comes to matters of blood availability and the ministry will lead this walk, Mr Agyeman-Manu said. The call was contained in a speech read on behalf of the minister at an event to commemorate this years World Blood Donor Day in Accra yesterday on the theme: We live because you give, give blood, give plasma, share life, share often. Blood Donor Day The day was set aside by the World Health Organisation (WHO) to celebrate and appreciate voluntary blood donors for their contribution to stocking blood banks and by extension, saving lives. The event is observed on June 14 across the globe every year. Mr Agyeman-Manu congratulated all blood donors on their continuous support and said that the demand for blood was growing faster than its supply, thus, making safe blood or plasma more precious than ever. He, therefore, urged the National Blood Service to come up with laudable initiatives that would encourage more people to voluntarily donate blood to save lives. The minister also urged them to streamline their system to ensure conformity in standards in the collection, processing and distribution of blood products across the country. He further called for the building of strong institutional partnerships and collaboration with relevant institutions for support in the discharge of their duties. Significance The Chief Executive Officer of the National Blood Service, Dr Shirley Owusu-Ofori, described the event as significant in mobilising support at the national, regional and global levels for the sustenance of their programmes. She said it also highlighted the critical role of unpaid regular blood and plasma donors in ensuring access to safe blood and blood products for all people. In partnership with Global Blood Bank, a UK-based organisation, the service launched a story contest for participants to share their experiences on blood donation or as recipients. Registration for the contest, which started yesterday, ends on August 31, 2023. Dr Owusu-Ofori encouraged interested individuals to check the website and social media handles of the service to participate in the contest. In a speech read on his behalf, the WHO Representative to Ghana, Dr Francis Kasolo, said in spite of the significant progress made, blood services in some countries still faced challenges in getting sufficient blood and ensuring the quality and safety of blood. He, therefore, urged governments to increase investment in the health sector to build sustainable and resilient blood systems, including the establishment of institutions and infrastructure to increase the collection of blood. For her part, a senior specialist of radiation oncologist at the National Radiotherapy Oncology and Nuclear Medicine Centre (NRONMC), Dr Hannah Naa Gogwe Ayettey, stressed the need to demystify misconceptions about blood donations in the country. Source: graphiconline.com Disclaimer : Opinions expressed here are those of the writers and do not reflect those of Peacefmonline.com. Peacefmonline.com accepts no responsibility legal or otherwise for their accuracy of content. Please report any inappropriate content to us, and we will evaluate it as a matter of priority. Featured Video The Human Rights Court 2 in Accra has slapped an interim injunction on the Office of the Special Prosecutor (OSP) and its agents or assigns from executing the arrest warrant issued for former Presidential Staffer Charles Cromwell Onuawonto Bissue. The warrant was issued on Tuesday, June 13 following refusal by lawyers of the former Secretary to the the dissolved Inter-Ministerial Committee on Illegal Mining (IMCIM) to honour OSPs invitation. Charles Bissue, a former Western Region Secretary for the New Patriotic Party (NPP), had gone to court to demand documents backing the OSPs invitation to him over the investigations of corruption and corruption-related activities on illegal mining. Nonetheless, the OSP issued the arrest warrant. If you have an information concerning this person, please contact the Office of the Special Prosecutor, it said in a notice posted on its website on Tuesday, June 13. But Justice Nicholas MC Abodakpi of the Human Rights Court 2 following an application by the lawyers of Charles Bissue on Thursday, June 15 made an order for interim injunction, restraining the OSP from, inter alia, publishing notices purporting that Mr Bissue is wanted. This is to be in force pending the determination of the substantive matter. The case was adjourned to Thursday, June 22. Source: 3news Disclaimer : Opinions expressed here are those of the writers and do not reflect those of Peacefmonline.com. Peacefmonline.com accepts no responsibility legal or otherwise for their accuracy of content. Please report any inappropriate content to us, and we will evaluate it as a matter of priority. Featured Video The general public is advised, that in the exercise of its police powers, the Office of the Special Prosecutor (OSP) can arrest without a warrant. In a reaction to an injunction placed on the OSP by the Human Rights Division of the High Court in Accra on Thursday, which seeks to prevent the office from arresting Charles Bissue, a former Secretary of the defunct Inter Ministerial Committee on Illegal Mining (IMCIM), the OSP in a public notice moments after the court injunction stated: "The general public is advised, that in exercise of its police powers, the Office of the Special Prosecutor can arrest without a warrant, any person it reasonably suspects of having committed corruption or corruption-related offences." The interim injunction, which will be in force for 10 days followed an application filed by lawyers of Mr Bissue. Related articles: Court restrains OSP from arresting Charles Bissue for 10 days Charles Bissue: Former IMCIM Secretary declared a wanted person by the OSP In a related development, the OSP has explained the need to declare a person wanted when the person is already within the jurisdiction. "Some people have asked; why declare a person wanted when that person is in country?" the OSP stated in another public notice on Wednesday (June 14, 2023.) "A person will be declared wanted by OSP if that person refuses to attend to OSP upon being summoned repeatedly. "When you are declared wanted it means you may be arrested anytime you are spotted with or without warrant. "Its not in all cases that law enforcement agencies must arrest with a warrant. You can arrest without a warrant under section 10(2) of Act 30. "If OSP or any law enforcement agency has information that you are outside the country although wanted, they issue Interpol Red alert notice. "The fact that OSP did not go to Interpol means it is well aware that the suspect is in Ghana but has refused to avail him or herself. Interim injunction Graphic Online's Emmanuel Ebo Hawkson reported that in court on Thursday [June 15], the High Court, presided over by Justice Nicholas Abodakpi granted the interim injunction to restrain the OSP from executing an arrest warrant against Mr Bissue, publishing notice declaring him as wanted and applying for further warrant of arrest within the 10 day period. Hearing of the substantive case continues on June 22, 2023. Notice The OSP is investigating Mr Bissue and others involved in the activities of the IMCIM, over alleged corruption and corruption related activities relating to illegal mining. Last Tuesday, the OSP issued a notice declaring Mr Bissue wanted following his failure to appear before the OSP for interrogation. Mr Bissue is challenging the investigations by the OSP on the basis that he had already been exonerated by the Criminal Investigations Department of the Police Service over the same alleged corruption case. News & Information you can trust. Graphic Online, the digital news and media division of Graphic Communications Group Ltd, is Ghanas largest, most credible, and oldest news provider, reaching millions of readers worldwide every day. GraphicOnline provides po Source: graphiconline.com Disclaimer : Opinions expressed here are those of the writers and do not reflect those of Peacefmonline.com. Peacefmonline.com accepts no responsibility legal or otherwise for their accuracy of content. Please report any inappropriate content to us, and we will evaluate it as a matter of priority. Featured Video TEHRAN, June 15 (Xinhua) -- Iran on Wednesday sent 178 Afghan convicts back to their home country under a 2012 bilateral prisoner transfer agreement. Askar Jalalian, Iran's deputy justice minister for human rights and international affairs, elaborated on the latest transfer of prisoners between the two countries in a statement published on the ministry's website. The convicted would continue their jail terms in Afghanistan under Taliban authorities' supervision, according to the Iranian official. Jalalian added Afghanistan has also sent back three Iranian prisoners. According to the Iranian ministry, 1,131 Afghan nationals from various prisons in Iran have been repatriated. In a bid to promote and support the growth of the automobile industry and address challenges facing trade facilitation in Ghana, the Chamber of Automobile Dealership Ghana (CADEG) has issued a rallying call for the creation of a thriving ground conducive to the industrys prosperity. The President of CADEG, Nana Adu Bonsu, made the call during a stakeholders meeting at the Golden Tulip Hotel in Kumasi. It was organised by CADEG in collaboration with the Customs Division of the Ghana Revenue Authority (GRA). The National Chairman of CADEG, Mr Eddie Kusi Ankomah; Executive Secretary of CADEG, Mr. George Dumenu; among a host of other national executive members of CADEG, also addressed the conference. Similarly, they called on stakeholders, particularly the Customs Division of GRA to put in quick measures to facilitate trading on the various corridors in the country, especially on the Accra Kumasi corridor to boost trading activities in the Ashanti Region where several complaints were coming from. Nana Adu Bonsu further stressed the need to facilitate a conducive business environment that fosters innovation, investment, and job creation within the automobile sector. He emphasised the importance of establishing a favorable ecosystem for the automobile industry since it plays a critical role in the economic development of any nation. He reiterated the need for streamlined government policies and regulations to promote growth and investment in the industry. He, therefore, called for a reduction in import duties on automobiles and spare parts, as well as the implementation of favorable tax systems. Significance These measures, according to him, will attract more investors and encourage local production, leading to increased employment opportunities and a boost to the economy. Today, I have the privilege of standing before you not just as the President of the Chamber of Automobile Dealership Ghana (CADEG), but as a passionate advocate for the growth and prosperity of our industry. Lets collectively address the pertinent challenges that are impeding our progress. The automobile industry in Ghana holds immense potential. It has the power to drive economic growth, create employment opportunities, and contribute to the development of our great nation, he stressed. The CADEG President, however, bemoaned that the automobile industry finds itself at crossroads, facing obstacles that threaten to stifle its growth and progress. Are we truly fostering an environment that nurtures the potential of our industry? Are we removing the roadblocks that stand in our way? These questions demand our attention and require us to come together in unity and determination, he indicated. Time Nana Adu Bonsu further indicated that it is time to take a step back and reflect on the path the industry is currently treading. The challenges we face are multifaceted, ranging from cumbersome trade procedures and complex regulations to corrupt practices that erode trust and hinder progress. We cannot afford to ignore these issues any longer. We must confront them head-on, armed with innovative ideas, collaborative efforts, and an unwavering commitment to change, he emphasised. The CADEG President also revealed that the chamber is actively engaging with government officials, policymakers, and other stakeholders to advocate for these measures. With collaborative efforts and actions, he believes, the automobile industry can flourish to contributing significantly to Ghanas economic development and positioning the country as a key player in the Regional automotive sector. Let us challenge the status quo, embrace new ideas, and foster an environment where innovation flourishes. The success of our industry hinges on our collective will to effect change and surmount the challenges that lie before us. Let us not only identify the hurdles that obstruct our path but also envision a future where the automobile industry thrives, where our businesses flourish, and where our contributions to the nation are celebrated, Nana Adu Bonsu stated. Appeal The President of the Ghana Union of Traders Association (GUTA), Dr. Joseph Obeng, also appealed to the Attorney General and Interpol International to find an international arbitration and legal system to help victims of stolen vehicles to retrieve their moneys. According to him, such a legal system would help keep the victims, who were mostly third party buyers, in business. There is, therefore, the need to find an effective mechanism that will help dealers to identify and make stolen cars difficult to be shipped. It will also save a dealer unnecessary cost of shipment, duty payments and other inconveniences only for the cars to be seized on arrival, which does not augur well for the economies of the business community and the nation at large, he said. Source: dailystatesman.com.gh Disclaimer : Opinions expressed here are those of the writers and do not reflect those of Peacefmonline.com. Peacefmonline.com accepts no responsibility legal or otherwise for their accuracy of content. Please report any inappropriate content to us, and we will evaluate it as a matter of priority. Featured Video Prof. Smart Sarpong, a Senior Research Fellow of the Kumasi Technical University, has touted the credentials of Vice President Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia who wants to become the Presidential candidate of the governing New Patriotic Party. Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia is among ten candidates vying for the NPP flagbearer position. He is however faced with a tough competition from particularly the former Trade Minister, Alan Kwadwo Kyerematen, who has filed his nomination to contend the position. Speaking on Peace FM's "Kokrokoo" show, Prof. Smart Sarpong noted that Dr. Bawumia is the only active Vice President under the Fouth Republic of Ghana. He expounded that from the days of the late former President Jerry John Rawlings till now, there has been no record of any Vice President who has worked as effectively as Dr. Bawumia has done. "Whether you like it or not, Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia is the most active Vice President ever...From the era of President Jerry John Rawlings till date, we can boldly say he is the most active Vice President ever," he told host Kwami Sefa Kayi. Prof. Smart Sarpong advised any person who is fortunate to become Vice President of the nation but claims to have been rendered idle because the President isn't giving him or her work to do, to take a cue from life and hard work of Dr. Bawumia who he stated didn't have to wait to be given work to do but rather has created his own projects to advance the vision of the President. "He wants to be relevant by creating, leading some of the initiatives and then executing it to show that these things are possible. He doesn't have to be President before he leads some of the things he is leading...He's done it and done it very well!" 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 condemned the behaviour of the residents in Assin North constituency who refused to allow a grader to level and improve their roads. A video recently surfaced on internet showing a group of people blocking a contractor from grading their roads which they say had been abandoned until now that there is going to be a by-election in the constituency. The resident's protest is to send a message to the government and politicians that they cannot take them for granted. However, Allotey Jacobs feels this approach was wrong. To him, the residents should rather be happy that their roads are getting fixed and whether or not the road construction is expedited because of the by-election is inconsequential to the purpose for which the project is being done. He noted that the protest are all plots by political opponents to make the government unpopular but wondered why the residents would fall for such political machinations. "People shouldn't be discouraged that because of by-election, development projects are coming to the area. We should encourage it but find a very nice way for them to vote for you. But for some people to be organized to prevent a grader from grading their roads, then you are not seeking the welfare of the people," he said on Peace FM's "Kokrokoo" show. Source: Ameyaw Adu Gyamfi/Peacefmonline.com/Ghana Disclaimer : Opinions expressed here are those of the writers and do not reflect those of Peacefmonline.com. Peacefmonline.com accepts no responsibility legal or otherwise for their accuracy of content. Please report any inappropriate content to us, and we will evaluate it as a matter of priority. Featured Video Former New Patriotic Party Director of Communications, Yaw Adomako Baafi has subtly taken a swipe at the partys flagbearer hopeful, Kennedy Agyapong, stating that despite his wealth, he cannot boast of the vision that Vice President Bawumia possesses. In an awe-inspiring endorsement of the Vice President's candidature, Yaw Adomako Baafi called on Kennedy Agyapong, the Member of Parliament for Assin Central, to reflect on his surroundings before bragging about his acquired wealth. You can brag about your money before delegates as followers of Bawumia we might not have money, but Bawumia has the vision, he said. During an interview on the Wontumi Morning Show, Adomako Baafi advised Ken Agyapong not to forget his past when he also faced hardship. Adomako Baafi expressed his disappointment that Agyapong did not consider the impoverished individuals around him before bragging about his riches. He stated, "you were standing before the poor and needy, and you were bragging about your riches... please excuse my language; only a fool can be given a proverb and have its meaning explained to them." While emphasising his admiration for Ken Agyapong, Adomako Baafi disclosed that he had been barred from making appearances on Ken Agyapong's radio station. He sadly shared, "As we speak today, he has sacked me from making an appearance at his radio station. I have worked at Oman FM, especially on the Boiling Point show, but didn't receive a dime." Adomako Baafi was responding to Kennedy Agyapongs allegation against him. Speaking to NPP members at the Agortime Ziofe Constituency in the Volta Region over the weekend, Ken Agyapong accused Adomako Baafi of deliberately lying to the party folks just to gain support for the candidate he is supporting in the NPP flagbearer race. He said that he bought a car for the former NPP national executive and even gave him money to go to the hospital when he was sick, but today he is spreading lies because of politics. According to Kennedy Agyapong he is able to speak the truth because he is rich and does not fear anyone. However, Adomako Baafi in his response emphasized that although Agyapong may boast of his wealth, Vice President Bawumia possesses the vision that sets him apart. 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 Greater Accra Regional youth wing of the New Patriotic Party has dissociated themselves from their Youth Organizer's decision to openly declare support for Vice President Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia in the lead-up to the party's presidential election. According to a statement signed by the youth wing, Dr. Bawumia's quest to contest the NPP flagbearer race is his "sole decision and must be seen as such". They denied throwing their weight behind the Veep saying "there was no consensus made between the Youth Wing and the Regional Youth Organizer to openly declare support for DMB". "...we are the party officers and the rules and regulations of the party is against any party officer to openly support any candidate. We will like to use this opportunity to advice our regional boss to take a second look at the party rules and regulations and advice himself accordingly", the statement further said. The party's Regional youth is therefore calling on their "national executives to call The Greater Accra Regional Youth Organizer Hon. Moses Abor and his Deputy Hon. Mandela Wiafe to order since his action goes against the guidelines and codes of conduct outlined by the General Secretary which was approved by the National Council". Read full statement below: THE GREATER ACCRA CONSTITUENCY YOUTH ORGANIZERS DISASSOCIATE THEMSELVES FROM ABOR'S SOLE DECISION The Greater Accra regional youth wing disassociates itself from our regional youth organizers' decision to openly declare support for His Excellency Dr. Mahmood BAWUMIA. His decision is a sole decision and must be seen as such. We will like to state with no fear and Favour as follows; 1. That there was no consensus made between the Youth Wing and the Regional Youth Organizer to openly declare support for DMB. 2. That, we are the party officers and the rules and regulations of the party is against any party officer to openly support any candidate. 3. We will like to use this opportunity to advice our regional boss to take a second look at the party rules and regulations and advice himself accordingly. 4. That the party has a crucial election in 2024, and the youth wing wants to break the eight even more than anyone else. However, our Regional boss should thread cautiously and not do things that will toil our chances and Jeopardize the future of the Youth Front. We believe that openly declaring support for any candidate is not good for the party at this moment and we wish to state emphatically that Hon. Moses Abor is doing this for his own personal interest and not for the Youth Wing. We humbly call on our national executives to call The Greater Accra Regional Youth Organizer Hon. Moses Abor and his Deputy Hon. Mandela Wiafe to order since his action goes against the guidelines and codes of conduct outlined by the General Secretary which was approved by the National Council. In conclusion, all the aspirants contesting for the elections are our fathers and we cannot openly support any of them, however, the Greater Accra Youth Organizers are ready to work with whoever is elected as flagbearer of our dear party to help win the 2024 General Elections which is our ultimate goal. Signed Greater Accra Region Youth Organizers. 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 President, Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo, has taken a swipe at former President Mahama saying that Dumsor is his bona fide record, which no government would take from him. According to the President, considering the investments made by his government in the power sector, Ghana will not return to the days of the power crisis, which lasted about four years under the Mahama administration. I want to reassure you all that my government will continue to work towards keeping the lights on, in spite of the global dynamics of energy pricing, because the alternative is not an option. We are not going back to Dumsor, we leave that to President Mahama, Nana said. President Akufo-Addo said this on Tuesday, June 13, 2023 on the Graphic Road in Accra, where he commissioned the 161 kilovolt GRIDCo ECG Bulk Power Supply Point (BSP). The $40 million facility was constructed under the Project for the Reinforcement of Power Supply to Accra Central. IMPORTANCE According to the President, the new facility would enhance the capacity of the Accra Central Business District, as its power needs have important implications for the economy. President Akufo-Addo, (right), exchanging pleasantries with Nii Ayi Bonte, Gbese Mantse at the inauguration of the Accra Central Bulk Supply Point in Accra. It has been projected that the electricity demand rate of residents and commercial establishments operating within Accra Central and its environs stand at 10% per annum. President Akufo-Addo, with management of Bulk Supply Point, traditional Rulers and some Government Officials at the commissioning of the Accra Central Bulk Supply Point in Accra. In addition, power demand in Greater Accra is projected to reach about 1,000 megavolt-amperes (MVA), with an average annual growth rate of some eight percent (8%). However, the project guarantees a stable, reliable and regular supply of electricity for the busy and bustling Accra Central Business District and surrounding areas. The Accra Central Bulk Supply Point The President said that the Accra Central BSP project was consistent with the nations power needs and development, with a GDP growth rate of up to fifteen percent (15%) around the time of project preparation. THE FACILITY The bulk supply point is a gas-insulated sub-station, which is GRIDCos first sub-station with such technology. This is an innovation in technology applied in areas where spaces are significantly limited, so large-capacity switchgear and transformers, which are compact, can be installed. The benefits of the Accra Central Bulk Supply Point, among many others, are to reduce transmission and distribution losses, ensure high reliability of electricity supply and ensure a high level of personnel safety. With the operationalisation of the Accra Central BSP, power voltages have become stable (protecting valuable equipment), power supply reliability has improved, and with this efficiency has been restored, reducing system losses as required by the regulator, the Public Utilities Regulatory Commission (PURC). GRANT The Accra Central BSP project was constructed through a grant from the Japanese government and its external agency, the Japanese International Development Agency (JICA), without Japanese technology or technical assistance. President Akufo-Addo extended his deep appreciation to the Japanese government and the other partners for their efforts, continuous support, and contribution to Ghanas development and growth. He described the project as an illustration of the strong cooperation that links Ghana and Japan, which we cherish very much. The Electricity Company of Ghana (ECG) provided access to part of the compound of its Primary Substation E, which facilitated the construction of the Accra Central BSP. STRONG PILLAR The Minister for Energy, Dr. Matthew Opoku Prempeh, opined that the government had resolved to deal with the power crisis and has constructed such BSPs in Pokuase, Kasoa and other places. He mentioned further that such facilities were a strong pillar of the Presidents assurance that there would be no power crisis in the country again. He observed that his ministry was focused on keeping the lights on and ensuring that under the tenure of the President, there will be no fuel shortage and dumsor will be a thing of the history books of this country. The Board Chairman of GRIDCo, Ambassador Kabral Blay-Amihere remarked that the facility was the 4th major sub-station of GRIDCo to be commissioned by President Akufo-Addo and his Vice in the last 18 months. The country representative for JICA, Miss Suzui Momoko, said the project would provide stable power supply to the beneficiary environs. She emphasised that the Accra Central BSP is the largest, with the first gas insulator switch gears and the first 161 kV underground cables in Ghana. She added that the project has noise, flood control, and fire resistance mechanisms to ensure maximum effect for the residents and businesses in the area. Source: The Chronicle 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: Schematic showing the theoretical framework of the air pollution complex in China. Credit: Tong Zhu et al. Air pollution in China is generated from many sources and interacts chemically and physically within the atmosphere in ways that can be difficult to predict. The concept of the Air Pollution Complex was created to address the underlying complexity of air pollution, and scientists have just recently developed a framework to apply the most current research to air pollution prediction and mitigation strategies. Here, a group of leading scientists have outlined the most significant progress that has been made in the last two to three years in air pollution research in China. China has two main sources of air pollution: coal combustion and vehicle exhaust. These two components of air pollution, coal smoke and photochemical smog, interact both chemically and physically in complex ways in the atmosphere, creating the Air Pollution Complex. Researchers in China have spent decades researching the formation mechanisms of the Air Pollution Complex by investigating sources, sinks, transport and transformation processes, and effects of air pollution. These studies have been integrated into a theoretical framework for the Air Pollution Complex to help scientists better understand, predict and mitigate air pollution in China. A group of the most prominent scientists in the fields of air pollution and atmospheric chemistry in China summarized the most significant progress that has been made in these fields within the past two to three years. The team published their review in the journal Advances in Atmospheric Science. It's one of nine review papers of a special issue on the National Report to the 28th International Union of Geodesy and Geophysics General Assembly to be held on July 11-20, 2023, by the Chinese National Committee of International Association of Meteorology and Atmospheric Sciences. "Air pollution, especially the air pollution in China we are facing today, is from multiple emission sources and results from complicated chemical and physical processes in the atmosphere. The Air Pollution Complex has been proposed to comprehensively and holistically understand the complicated nature of air pollution," said Tong Zhu, first author of the review paper and professor in the College of Environmental Sciences and Engineering at Peking University in Beijing, China. "This review summarizes the most recent advances of air pollution research in China and how they contribute to the theoretical framework of the Air Pollution Complex," said Zhu. Creating the framework for the Air Pollution Complex helps atmospheric chemists and air pollution scientists predict air quality hazards and shape environmental policies aimed at controlling and mitigating air pollution in China. "These tremendous advances in air pollution research have helped establish the theoretical framework of the Air Pollution Complex and describe its complicated and nonlinear feedback nature. The theoretical framework of Air Pollution Complex is essential to better simulating atmospheric physical and chemical processes which lead to the formation of the Air Pollution Complex, to forecast air pollution with much lower uncertainties and to support air pollution control measures and policies with robust science," said Zhu. The review team outlined the most compelling advances in air pollution and atmospheric chemistry research in China, including air pollution sources and emissions; atmospheric chemistry; effects on the climate, meteorology and the weather; effects on the biosphere, or regions of the earth occupied by living organisms; and mathematical models based on experimental observations. "The advances of atmospheric chemistry research on the mechanism of air pollution formation in China have provided robust scientific support to the very successful air pollution control policies implemented in China," said Zhu. These successful control measures may additionally benefit low-income and developing countries that likely face similar air pollution challenges. Zhu and his team understand that a cooperative effort is required to make the most significant impact on worldwide air pollution. "It is a great challenge in China and across the globe to coordinate carbon emission reduction and air quality improvement to achieve the most benefits for human health. Atmospheric chemistry research in China should be able to and must make important contributions," said Zhu. Future research efforts will focus on the mechanism of the Air Pollution Complex formation to control PM 2.5 , or particulate matter 2.5 micrometers or less in diameter that negatively impacts human health, and ozone (O 3 ), also known as the main pollutant of photochemical smog. More information: Tong Zhu et al, Recent Progress in Atmospheric Chemistry Research in China: Establishing a Theoretical Framework for the "Air Pollution Complex", Advances in Atmospheric Sciences (2023). DOI: 10.1007/s00376-023-2379-0 Conference: www.iugg2023berlin.org/home-2/ Journal information: Advances in Atmospheric Sciences This article has been reviewed according to Science X's editorial process and policies . Editors have highlighted the following attributes while ensuring the content's credibility: Credit: Proceedings of the Royal Society B: Biological Sciences (2023). DOI: 10.1098/rspb.2023.0873 University of Otago, New Zealand, researchers have described a new genus and species of dolphin from the late Oligocene. In their paper, "A new dolphin with tusk-like teeth from the late Oligocene of New Zealand indicates evolution of novel feeding strategies," published in Proceedings of the Royal Society B, the team describes the toothy fossil features of the 25 million-year-old aquatic mammal and how they were likely used. The nearly complete skull of what the researchers have named Nihohae matakoi (pronounced nee-ho-ha-eh ma-ta-koy) was found with twenty-one teeth in place and another twenty-one detached. Several long teeth are positioned horizontally, including all incisors and canines, which would have given the dolphin a strange outcropping of tusk-like teeth at the front of its mouth. Skull morphology and excellent preservation of the skull and mandibles provide some insights for the researchers into inferred feeding behaviors of the species. A long flattened face, unfused cervical vertebrae, and a lack of wear on the teeth suggest to the researchers that the tusk-like teeth were used to injure and stun prey through swift lateral head movements. The lack of significant enamel wear on the other teeth suggests it did not process abrasive prey or use its teeth to find prey in the sandy substrate. The teeth are also too thin and gracile to be used to process large prey. The original fossil find occurred in 1998 from a fallen block below the face of a cliff in North Otago, New Zealand. It was dated using foraminifera and strontium isotopes as being 25.2 million years old, from the upper Duntroonian age (lower Chattian). Credit: Proceedings of the Royal Society B: Biological Sciences (2023). DOI: 10.1098/rspb.2023.0873 Credit: Proceedings of the Royal Society B: Biological Sciences (2023). DOI: 10.1098/rspb.2023.0873 The researchers have named the dolphin Nihohae matakoi (pronounced nee-ho-ha-eh ma-ta-koy). They used the Maori language, "Niho" for teeth and "Hae" for slashing, for the genus and "Mata" for face/point and "Koi" for sharp, in reference to the long, flat and thin face ending in pointed sharp teeth for the species. Only the male narwhal has a tusk feature among living relatives, with its long unicorn-like "horn" that is actually a highly modified left canine tooth erupting as an ever-growing tusk. It has been suggested that narwhal's use their tusk in hunting, to open breathing holes in the ice, as a defense against predators, or for sexual display. The narwhal's tusk is also likely used as a sensor as it is covered in millions of sensitive nerve endings. More information: Ambre Coste et al, A new dolphin with tusk-like teeth from the late Oligocene of New Zealand indicates evolution of novel feeding strategies, Proceedings of the Royal Society B: Biological Sciences (2023). DOI: 10.1098/rspb.2023.0873 Journal information: Proceedings of the Royal Society B 2023 Science X Network This article has been reviewed according to Science X's editorial process and policies . Editors have highlighted the following attributes while ensuring the content's credibility: The climate crisis is turning the temperature up all over the world, but in southern Africa, the rise has been particularly concerning. Wild animals dependent on delicate ecosystems which are already dry, so that food and water scarcity limits their ability to cope with increased heat, are at serious risk. Scientists studied the behavior of three different species of antelope with overlapping ranges in Namibia to try to understand how animals of different sizes and behaviors adapt to the heat. "Even the indigenous wildlife, adapted to hot and arid conditions, shows sensitivity to extreme heat," said Paul Berry of the University of Potsdam, lead author of the study in Frontiers in Ecology and Evolution. "We need to consider the possibility that additional anthropogenic influences such as habitat fragmentation may compound the effect of rising temperatures." Tackling thermal stress Animals can respond to high heat in several different ways, including genetic change, migration, and behavior changes, but the most flexible response is changing their behavior. Animals may move into cooler areas within their territories or change their posture, change their times of activity or the amount of activity they do, pant or decrease their energy intake. All these ways of countering heat stress impose physical costs and have limitations, but we can't understand the trade-offs without first understanding how animals use them. The team studied three species of antelope: small springbok, medium-sized kudu, and large eland. Springbok prefer open habitats and are highly mobile, while kudu favor woodland and travel less. Eland are also relatively mobile, occurring in a broad range of habits, and like springbok they are largely independent of water provided that there is sufficient moisture in their food. The scientists fitted adult animals with collars containing accelerometers that measured their movements in the hottest periods of the year between 2019 and 2021. They cross-referenced this data with measurements recorded by a local weather station and maps that track the temperatures across the different species' ranges. Springbok most affected The hotter temperatures affected springbok activity most. Increased heat led to a decline in activity, as they moved less during the day and did not compensate with more nighttime activity. Eland did shift their activity from daytime to nighttime, but were generally less affected, perhaps because they don't forage in open, exposed areas as much as springbok do. Kudu activity changed very little: they usually prefer the shade and are less mobile than either of the other species. Eland and kudu are also larger, and besides being less affected by predation risk because they are more difficult to hunt, may be able to absorb a greater heat rise before being seriously affected by thermal stress. "While we showed how antelope differ in their response to extreme heat, it would be insightful to know also how they change their behavior," said Berry. "We intend to use machine learning models to classify behavior, such as feeding, resting, and movement, based on accelerometer data that has been mapped to behavior by direct observation." The scientists also hypothesized that other animals' heat response could be similarly affected by these body size and habitat preference factors, but more research will be needed to determine this. As heat stress that isn't lethal can still affect the health and reproductive fitness of an animal population, the authors warned that increased heat stress could lead to changes in the ecosystem, with significant consequences for the local area. "Managing the land both in an economically viable and an ecologically sustainable way is a complex task with far-reaching implications for the social and economic welfare of the region's inhabitants," said Dr. Niels Blaum of the University of Potsdam, senior author of the study. "Deepening our understanding of arid savanna ecosystems is therefore so important." More information: Keeping cool on hot days: Activity responses of African antelope to heat extremes, Frontiers in Ecology and Evolution (2023). DOI: 10.3389/fevo.2023.1172303 Journal information: Frontiers in Ecology and Evolution Provided by Frontiers TEHRAN, June 15 (Xinhua) -- Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi said on Wednesday that constant communication among independent countries is vital to protecting them from the hegemonic system, the official news agency IRNA reported. Raisi made the remarks in an address to members of the Nicaraguan National Assembly in the capital city of Managua on the second day of his visit to the Latin American country, the report said. The current world order is changing with the influence of hegemonic powers declining while the will of Latin American and West Asian countries is gaining greater significance, he said. Raisi noted that the hegemonic powers seek to impose their will on other countries through "profiteering and selfishness," adding the "fake" advocates of human rights, freedom and democracy, such as the United States and some other Western countries, do not tolerate people's real votes in Palestine, Afghanistan, Iraq, Syria as well as Latin American countries. He listed military occupation, coups and sanctions as the hegemonic system's weapons against independent countries. People around the world do not believe the U.S. "fake" claim of fighting terrorism, Raisi said, noting while claiming to be fighting terrorism, the United States and certain Western countries actually are the ones that created and supported the Islamic State as was acknowledged by U.S. presidential candidate Robert F. Kennedy Jr. in a recent speech. The hegemonic system's media empire seeks to change people's perceptions, Raisi said, calling for more awareness of such propaganda campaigns and imperialist penetration. 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 worker stabbed the loamy soil with a hoedad, dropped in a delicate sequoia seedling and tamped the dirt tight around it. As he moved on to the next spot, and then the next, the hillside of the Alder Creek Grove slowly filled with small clumps of green needles. Without this planting, naturalists worry giant sequoias will never grow on this charred hillside again. The wildfire that scorched this southern Sierra Nevada forest three years ago burned large swaths of land so intensely that it left thousands of ancient giants dead and smoldering. Their seed coneswhich would ordinarily spawn new lifewere incinerated. Such devastation was once unheard of but is now happening more frequently as land management decisions and climate change create more flammable forests in the Sierra. "Giant sequoia are going through an existential crisis," said Tim Borden, of the Save the Redwoods League. "And I think all of us who are involved in giant sequoia research and management are going through the same existential crisis ourselves to really try to understand what's going on ... and what we can do about it." Some of the 30,000 sequoias planted in this grove could grow to be among the world's largest trees and live for thousands of yearsif they first survive the next couple of decades. Scientists are hoping this project will help them learn how to ensure that happens. The Forest Service is also planting about 10,000 giant sequoia seedlings across 1,380 acres of high-severity burn areas in the Sequoia National Forest. The National Park Service is drafting an environmental assessment evaluating the effects of planting seedlings in Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Park. Until recently, no one thought reforestation efforts like these would be necessary to save giant sequoia groves, let alone from fire. The trees, which grow naturally only in a 60-mile band of forest on the western slopes of the Sierra, are adapted to thrive alongside flames. They have thick, armor-like bark, branches that reach above flames and cones that release seeds only in response to bursts of heat. "There is essentially no historical record to suggest that these trees were ever killed by high severity fire," said Borden, the league's sequoia restoration and stewardship manager. But over the past eight years, a string of wildfires has killed scores of sequoias by consuming their entire canopy. From 2020 to 2021 alone, three fires killed up to 19% of the world's population of mature giantsstatistics Borden refers to as "eradication numbers." "That shook us all to the core," he said. "That made us realize everything that we thought about how giant sequoia reacted and were adapted to fire, that may have been true under conditions that we had 100 years ago. But not with the conditions that our forests are in today." The Castle fire ignited amid a siege of dry lightning in the summer of 2020, less than a year after Save the Redwoods League had purchased 530 acres in the Alder Creek Grove. For weeks, president and CEO Sam Hodder anxiously monitored the fire's progression. Then, over the course of a few hours Sept. 13, winds pushed flames over a ridge and onto the property. Hodder knew the forest was in bad shape. For roughly a century, the landscape had been deprived of the lightning-sparked fires and cultural burning that once thinned trees and brush on a regular basis. Swaths of forest were in the process of growing back from generations of clear cutting, resulting in unnaturally dense, young and uniformly aged stands. Scientists estimate there are now three to 10 times as many trees in the Sierra as there were in the 1900s. The increase wasn't consistent among species. Conditions favored shade-tolerant treeswhite fir, red fir and incense cedarthat prefer dense, closed canopies. These trees burn more easily than fire-adapted species like pine and sequoia that once dominated the forest. And they can act as ladders that carry flames into the canopies of the larger trees. On top of this, hotter, drier conditions due to climate change had resulted in scores of standing dead trees and parched vegetation that was primed to burn. Nonetheless, Hodder was surprised by the devastation. The fire had killed 200 mature giant sequoias in the grove, 80 of them on the nonprofit's property. Rangewide, some 10,000 sequoias died. "There's nothing that prepares you for walking through a charred landscape with these skeletons of trees that were 2,000, 3,000 years old," he said. Staffers waited for another season to see whether natural regeneration would take place. In areas that experienced low to moderate-intensity fire, green carpets of sequoia seedlings sprouted. But in about 225 acres of severely burned grove, nothing came up but shrubs. The burned portion of the property is now a mosaic of dead, toothpick-like trees, or snags, interspersed with areas that have been cleared for planting. Until recently, it was covered in snow from a historically wet winter that completely buried the yurt Borden lives in during the summer. Runoff coated hillsides with slicks of shin-deep mud and sent piles of earth crashing down onto the roads winding up the mountain. Although the weather posed logistical challenges, it provided a rare gift to the sequoia seedlings, which need lots of water. In mid-April, Borden began coming up once a week to measure the snow. The goal was to plant immediately after it melted, when the soil moisture was highest. Conditions aligned in late May, setting off a tightly coordinated chain of events that was several years in the making. Borden lined up a forester and contracted with a crew that travels around the state chasing the planting season. Seedlings were gathered from the nursery where they'd been growing in containers for a year. The seeds that spawned them were extracted from cones from the nearby Wishon sequoia grove, whose climate and elevation most closely resembles that of Alder Creek. They were loaded into boxes and placed in cold storage at the Forest Service office in Springville, to be retrieved the morning of the planting. The week before, graduate students from UC Berkeley had marked the spots where seedlings should be planted with small blue flags. The planting at Alder Creek Grove is not just a preservation effort, it's also an experiment. "Ultimately, what I want to know is how we actually can recruit or develop monarch trees," said Rob York, professor of Cooperative Extension, who is leading the study. York plans to hold a prescribed burn in the grove in about 12 years to mimic the natural pace of fire in the forest. He wants to determine how densely giant sequoia seedlings should be planted now to ensure the grove thrives after that burn. "Every time we do a prescribed burn, we expect the fire to kill some of the trees," he said. "But we've never done the math really to figure out, given an active fire frequency in a young stand, how many seedlings we need to start out with." York is also testing whether dense plantings will inhibit the growth of shrubs that could crowd out young trees. This most closely resembles how giant sequoia regenerate naturally. Each mature tree can produce 3 billion to 4 billion seeds over the course of its lifetime, and after low- to moderate-intensity fire opens cones, seedlings sprout up in thick mats. This appears to be an adaptation to the fact that many young trees won't make it. Young sequoias can be killed by thirst and by fire. The trees don't develop the classic fire-resistant characteristicsthick bark that protects the inner cambium and self pruning that sees them shed lower branchesuntil they reach about 500 years old. After that happens, giant sequoias are mostly killed by old age. At least that's how it used to work, Borden said as he stood in front of a gnarled trunk that reached several stories high. The top half of the tree had fallen to the ground beside it. He estimates it was about 2,000 years old when the Castle fire burned it from the inside. "That tree actually was still burning a year after the fire," he said. "We were seeing smoke from this fire last fallso two years afteron some pieces." Nearby, a singed giant bore a single clump of green high up in its branches. "Still alive, but likely on life support," he said. On the other side of the ridge behind Borden was the portion of the property the Castle fire didn't reach. The slope was thick with trees: big broccoli-topped sequoia pressed up against smaller fir and cedar, their branches reaching down to the forest floor. This was what the rest of the grove looked like before the fire, Borden said. The hillside hasn't burned since at least the 1940s, but it's time to prepare for the inevitability that it will, he said. Save the Redwood League's next project, slated to start in July, is to remove some fir and cedar from this area by piling and burning the trees and brush or trucking them away, and then to introduce prescribed burning, Borden said. They are partnering with nonprofit Calaveras Healthy Impact Product Solutions, which is putting together a workforce of Indigenous community members. The goal is to restore the entire property to a state where it can be maintained by fireeither intentionally set or naturally sparkedthat will do good ecological work rather than devastating damage. All this work doesn't come cheap. Save the Redwoods League has spent about $2 million on the replanting alone. The seedlings cost about 50 cents apiece to grow and an additional 90 cents to plant. The nonprofit was able to recoup about $800,000 from selling some of the trees that were removed to a lumber mill. In addition, the probability of any one seedling becoming a monarchthe largest-size class of giant sequoiasis low. A handful might make it to 1,000 years. The chance of one living to 3,000 years? Borden guesses it might be one in 10 billion. But it's important to try, he said, ticking off the reasons: Without restoration and resilience work, this piece of forest will likely convert to shrubland dominated by manzanita, whitethorn and chokecherry. This forest type holds back much less water and stores much less carbon, which are key to slowing climate change. Culturally, the trees, which Borden describes as "straight out of Dr. Seuss," inspire child-like awe, drawing visitors from all over the world. And morally, it's the right thing to do, he said. "Humans got us into this mess by Indigenous removal, fire suppression and then climate change," he said. "We put these forests in these conditions. And we have, I believe, the responsibility to do everything we can to rectify those conditions that we created as best as we can. It's a reconciliation." Borden regarded the planting site below him, with its bald spots and raked-over soil, and recoiled. It's ugly, he admitted. But he could also see what it will look like a decade down the road. Some seedlingsmaybe half of themwill have died but the remainder will be 20 to 30 feet tall. Their crowns will overlap in places, forming a wall of green foliage. And maybe, in another couple hundred years, some of them will grow into giants. 2023 Los Angeles Times. Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC. This article has been reviewed according to Science X's editorial process and policies . Editors have highlighted the following attributes while ensuring the content's credibility: The south-central Andes and sites included in this study. Contour lines present at 500 m asl and 3000 m asl, defining the coastal, mid-elevation, and highland samples (U.S. Geological Survey, 2010). Credit: Quaternary Research (2023). DOI: 10.1017/qua.2023.23 Climate change in current times has created problems for humans such as wildfires and reduced growing seasons for staple crops, spilling over into economic effects. Many researchers predict, and have observed in published literature, an increase in interpersonal violence and homicides when temperatures increase. Violence during climatic change has evidence in history. University of California, Davis, researchers said they have have found a pattern of increased violence during climatic change in the south central Andes between A.D. 470 and 1500. During that time, which includes the Medieval Climatic Anomaly (ca. A.D. 900-1250), temperatures rose, drought occurred, and the first states of the Andes collapsed. Climate change and potential competition for limited resources in the south central Andes likely led to violence among people living in the highlands at that time, researchers suggest in a new paper. Their study looked at head injuries of the populations living there at that time, a commonly used proxy among archaeologists for interpersonal violence. The study was published June 5 in Quaternary Research. "We found that decreased precipitation predicts increased rates of cranial trauma," said Thomas J. Snyder, a doctoral candidate in the Department of Anthropology's Evolutionary Wing and the primary author of the study. "This observation suggests that climate change in the form of decreased precipitation exerted a significant effect on rates of interpersonal violence in the region." Co-author of the paper is Randall Haas, formerly of the same lab at UC Davis and currently a professor at Wayne State University. Violence not found in coastal, mid-elevation regions The same results were not found in coastal and mid-elevation regions, indicating dwellers in these areas chose non-violent solutions to climate change or were not affected by it, researchers said. There was also more agricultural and economic diversity there, potentially buffering against the onset of climate change. Drought-induced resource scarcity in the highlands, however, seems like a likely explanation for the violence there, researchers said. Snyder said looking at the history of people's interaction with nature is important when considering possible effects of current climate change challenges and people's interaction with their climate. "Our findings reinforce the idea that people living in already marginal environments are the most likely to be hit hardest by climate change," he said. "Archaeological research can help us predict how best to handle the challenges faced by people in precarious positions in a rapidly changing climate." UC Davis researchers recorded violence during early years in the Andes by analyzing existing data of nearly 3,000 skeletal fractures of humans found at 58 archaeological sitescomparing them to ice accumulation at the time at the Quelccaya glacierin what is now Peru, Chile and Bolivia. At the same time, there was widespread abandonment of Wari and Tiwanaku sites in the region, indicating a sociopolitical unraveling after the onset of the centuries-long global climate changes. The archaeology of the Andes provides an excellent opportunity to study the human response to climate change, given the region's extreme climatic variability, incredible archaeological preservation and robust records, researchers said. In this study, researchers found that on average, for every 10-centimeter decrease in annual ice accumulation at the Quelccaya glacier, the likelihood of interpersonal violence more than doubled. More information: Thomas J. Snyder et al, Climate change intensified violence in the south-central Andean highlands from 1.5 to 0.5 ka, Quaternary Research (2023). DOI: 10.1017/qua.2023.23 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's concept of the Parker Solar Probe spacecraft approaching the sun. Launched in 2018, the probe is increasing our ability to forecast major space-weather events that impact life on Earth. Credit: NASA/Johns Hopkins APL/Steve Gribben The Geminids meteoroids light up the sky as they race past Earth each winter, producing one of the most intense meteor showers in our night sky. Mysteries surrounding the origin of this meteoroid stream have long fascinated scientists because, while most meteor showers are created when a comet emits a tail of ice and dust, the Geminids stem from an asteroida chunk of rock that normally does not produce a tail. Until recently, the Geminids had only been studied from Earth. Now, Princeton researchers used observations from NASA's Parker Solar Probe mission to deduce that it was likely a violent, catastrophic eventsuch as a high-speed collision with another body or a gaseous explosionthat created the Geminids. The findings, which were published in The Planetary Science Journal, narrow down hypotheses about this asteroid's composition and history that would explain its unconventional behavior. "Asteroids are like little time capsules for the formation of our solar system," said Jamey Szalay, research scholar at the Princeton University space physics laboratory and co-author on the paper. "They were formed when our solar system was formed, and understanding their composition gives us another piece of the story." An unusual asteroid Unlike most known meteor showers that come from comets, which are made of ice and dust, the Geminids stream seems to originate from an asteroida chunk of rock and metalcalled 3200 Phaethon. "Most meteoroid streams are formed via a cometary mechanism, it's unusual that this one seems to be from an asteroid," said Wolf Cukier, undergraduate class of 2024 at Princeton and lead author on the paper. "Additionally, the stream is orbiting slightly outside of its parent body when it's closest to the sun, which isn't obvious to explain just by looking at it," he added, referring to a recent study with Parker Solar Probe images of the Geminids led by Karl Battams of the Naval Research Laboratory. When a comet travels close to the sun it gets hotter, causing the ice on the surface to release a tail of gas, which in turn drags with it little pieces of ice and dust. This material continues to trail behind the comet as it stays within the sun's gravitational pull. Over time, this repeated process fills the orbit of the parent body with material to form a meteoroid stream. But because asteroids like 3200 Phaethon are made of rock and metal, they are not typically affected by the sun's heat the way comets are, leaving scientists to wonder what causes the formation of 3200 Phaethon's stream across the night sky. "What's really weird is that we know that 3200 Phaethon is an asteroid, but as it flies by the sun, it seems to have some kind of temperature-driven activity," Szalay said. "Most asteroids don't do that." Some researchers have suggested that 3200 Phaethon may actually be a comet that lost all of its snow, leaving only a rocky core resembling an asteroid. But the new Parker Solar Probe data show that although some of 3200 Phaethon's activity is related to temperature, the creation of the Geminids stream was likely not caused by a cometary mechanism, but by something much more catastrophic. Opening the time capsule To learn about the origin of the Geminids stream, Cukier and Szalay used the new Parker Solar Probe data to model three possible formation scenarios, then compared these models to existing models created from Earth-based observations. "There are what's called the 'basic' model of formation of a meteoroid stream, and the 'violent' creation model," Cukier said. "It's called 'basic' because it's the most straight-forward thing to model, but really these processes are both violent, just different degrees of violence." These different models reflect the chain of events that would transpire according to the laws of physics based on different scenarios. For example, Cukier used the basic model to simulate all of the chunks of material releasing from the asteroid with zero relative velocityor with no speed or direction relative to 3200 Phaethonto see what the resulting orbit would look like and compare it to the orbit shown by the Parker Solar Probe probe data. He then used the violent creation model to simulate the material releasing from the asteroid with a relative velocity of up to one kilometer per hour, as if the pieces were knocked loose by a sudden, violent event. He also simulated the cometary modelthe mechanism behind the formation of most meteoroid streams. The resulting simulated orbit matched the least with the way the Geminids orbit actually appears according to the Parker Solar Probe data, so they ruled out this scenario. In comparing the simulated orbits from each of the models, the team found that the violent models were most consistent with the Parker Solar Probe data, meaning it's likely that a sudden, violent eventsuch as a high-speed collision with another body or a gaseous explosion, among other possibilitiescreated the Geminids stream. Princeton researchers used observations from NASA's Parker Solar Probe mission to deduce that it was likely a violent, catastrophic eventsuch as a high-speed collision with another body or a gaseous explosionthat created the Geminids meteoroid stream. Credit: NASA/Johns Hopkins APL/Ben Smith The research builds on the work of Szalay and several colleagues of the Parker Solar Probe mission, built and assembled at the Johns Hopkins Applied Physics Laboratory (APL) in Laurel, Maryland, to assemble a picture of the structure and behavior of the large cloud of dust that swirls through the innermost solar system. They took advantage of Parker's flight pathan orbit that swings it just millions of miles from the sun, closer than any spacecraft in historyto get the best direct look at the dusty cloud of grains shed from passing comets and asteroids. Although the probe doesn't measure dust particles directly, it can track dust grains in a clever way: as dust grains pelt the spacecraft along its path, the high-velocity impacts create plasma clouds. These impact clouds produce unique signals in electric potential that are picked up by several sensors on the probe's FIELDS instrument, which is designed to measure the electric and magnetic fields near the sun. "The first-of-its-kind data our spacecraft is gathering now will be analyzed for decades to come," said Nour Raouafi, Parker Solar Probe project scientist at APL. "And it's exciting to see scientists of all levels and skills digging into it to shed light on the sun, the solar system and the universe beyond." Reaching for the stars Cukier said his passion for learning about outer space combined with departmental support are what motivated him to pursue this project. After taking a hands-on lab class offered by the Princeton space physics laboratorywhere he gained practical experience building space instruments, like those currently sampling the sun's environment aboard Parker Solar Probeand serving as treasurer for the undergraduate astronomy club, he decided he wanted to pursue extracurricular research. He was met with enthusiasm when he reached out to scientists in the Princeton Space Physics group. "Everyone is very supportive of undergraduate research, especially in astrophysics, because it's really part of the departmental culture," he said. "It's always wonderful when our students like Wolf can contribute so strongly to this sort of space research," said David McComas, head of the Space Physics group and vice president for the Princeton Plasma Physics Laboratory (PPPL). "Many of us have been in awe of the Geminids meteor displays for years and it is awesome to finally have the data and research to show how they likely formed." Cukier said that he's been drawn to watching the sky since he was a kid. "Planetary science is surprisingly accessible," he said. "For the Geminids, for instance, anyone can go outside on December 14 this year at night and look up. It's visible from Princeton, and some of the meteors are really bright. I'd highly recommend seeing it." More information: W. Z. Cukier et al, Formation, Structure, and Detectability of the Geminids Meteoroid Stream, The Planetary Science Journal (2023). DOI: 10.3847/PSJ/acd538 Journal information: The Planetary Science Journal 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 snow pit on May 10, 2022. All of the previous dust events are preserved in layers in a snow pit that is maintained throughout the 2022 winter season at the Alta study plot. Credit: Otto Lang As the shrinking Great Salt Lake exposes an ever-growing area of its lakebed, wind-blown dust becomes more dangerous for those living in Utah's most populous region. It also makes the snowpack dirty, which threatens the state's most precious resourcewater. In a new study, University of Utah researchers analyzed the impact of dust on snow during the 2022 season. They found that 2022 had the most dust deposition events and the highest snowpack dust concentrations of any year since observations began in 2009. The dust caused the snowpack to disappear 17 days earlier than if no dust had been deposited. The researchers say the impact would have been more dramatic if not for the wet springfrequent snowstorms buried the dusty layers, which delayed the impact on snowmelt. To understand if record high dust-on-snow concentrations were linked to record low Great Salt Lake water levels, the authors identified the areas where each dust event originated. They found that the Great Salt Lake contributed 23% of total dust deposition and had the highest dust emissions per surface area. The Great Salt Lake Desert and the dry lakebeds of Sevier Lake and Tule Lake contributed 45% and 17% respectively, but with lower per area emissions. Seasonal snowmelt from the Wasatch Mountains is the primary water source for the metropolitan Wasatch Front, surrounding agricultural valleys and the Great Salt Lake. "You might see 17 days and think it's no big deal, but our current snowmelt models don't account for dust," said McKenzie Skiles, assistant professor of geography at the U and senior author on the paper. "So, the snow is melting, water is coming out earlier and faster than we expect it to, and we're not prepared to use it in the most efficient way. The landscape is also not expecting the water earlier, so it impacts watershed functionality as well as water availability downstream." The study published in the journal Environmental Research Letters. A dust event recorded on May 17, 2023 by a camera located on the University of Utah campus, facing south. The cameras are maintained by the U's Department of Atmospheric Sciences and MESO West. This event was not included in the study, but is typical of springs storms that were included in the study.Strong winds can loft dust into the atmosphere and degrade air quality, and deposit onto the snowpack on the Wasatch Mountains. Dust-on-snow deposition requires a specific set of factors; nearby dust sources, relatively dry conditions and winds that are strong enough to loft dust into the atmosphere. These conditions are often met ahead of windy spring storms. Credit: University of Utah Department of Atmospheric Sciences and MESO West. Skiles authored a 2018 study that found that a single dust event accelerated snowmelt in the Wasatch by one week. That paper identified the Great Salt Lake as a relatively new dust source due to historically low water levels. Subsequent years of prolonged drought, increased evaporation and sustained agriculture and domestic water consumption drove the Great Salt Lake to record lows in 2021 and 2022 and exposed even more dry lakebed. "Anecdotally, we kept saying, 'This is crazythis is the dirtiest snow in the Wasatch I've seen since I started making observations,'" said Skiles. "Ultimately, after we analyzed everything, it was the dirtiest year." Digging a pit for science The dust that blows into the Wasatch Mountains deposits a dark grimy layer atop the snowpack and impacts the snow's albedo, a term that describes the amount of radiation reflected by a surface. The effect is like wearing a black shirt on a hot daydarker colors absorb more solar radiation and heat up faster than light colors. In the mountains, dirty snow heats up and melts faster than clean snow when exposed to the same temperatures. The Snow Hydrology Research to Operations (Snow HydRO) Lab, which Skiles directs, studies this phenomenon using instrumentation at the Atwater Study Plot, a research site near the Alta Ski Resort in Alta, Utah. Their instruments record the physical elements that control snow accumulation and snowmelt, including albedo. The researchers use these observations and a model to remove the dust darkening impact and estimate how snow would melt if the dust were absent. "Our model represents snowmelt under observed conditions. We then run the model again with the snow-darkening impact by dust removed. This allows us to say, 'If there was no dust and the snow surface was brighter, then how much longer would the snow have stuck around?' The difference between these scenarios allows us to quantify snowmelt acceleration due to dust," said Otto Lang, Ph.D. student and co-author of the study. The researchers also regularly dig large snow pits that expose the dirty layers representing all dust events that had been buried by subsequent snowstorms. They sample each layer to measure the amount of dust deposited by each dust event, and to track the different layers through the winter. A dust event on April 18, 2023 at the Bonneville Salt Flats in the Great Salt Lake Desert. This event was not included in the study, but is typical of dust events in the region. Credit: Department of Atmospheric Sciences and MESO West Don't need a weatherman to know which way the dust blows You need Derek Mallia, a research assistant professor in the Department of Atmospheric Sciences at the U and co-author of the study. Strong winds can loft dust into the atmosphere and degrade air quality, which can trigger yellow or red air pollution warnings. Dust-on-snow deposition requires a specific set of factors; nearby dust sources, relatively dry conditions and winds that are strong enough to loft dust into the atmosphere. Mallia developed a dust transport model that can pinpoint where the dust on snow originated by synthesizing meteorological and soil data. For every dust event, Mallia ran his model to identify dust sources that were responsible for accelerating snow melt in the Wasatch Mountains. "We were expecting large areas like the Great Salt Lake Desert to be a major source of dust, but we were somewhat surprised that we observed such large contributions of dust coming from the Great Salt Lake, and especially Farmington Bay. While the lake's dust sources are much smaller than the West Desert in terms of area, the exposed dry lakebeds are much closer to the Wasatch Mountains," said Mallia. "These results suggest that the Great Salt Lake is an important factor when it comes to accelerating snow melt across the Wasatch Front and will become a bigger player if it continues to shrink." The future of dust in the Wasatch There's no need to imagine what dustier winters would mean to the Wasatch snowpack; just look at Colorado where Skiles also conducts dust-on-snow research. The southern Colorado Plateau deposits dark, red dust onto its slopes that accelerates snowmelt by one to two months. Over the same period of observation, dust-on-snow levels in Colorado have always been higher than in Utah. That may be changing. "This year we saw dust event after dust event after dust event. I kept saying, 'It looks like Colorado. It doesn't look like previous winters in Utah to me,'" Skiles said. "We got really lucky that we had so many spring snowstorms. If we are approaching Colorado's dust-on-snow regime, it will have a dramatic impact that we haven't seen yet. But we could be getting there." More information: Otto I Lang et al, The shrinking Great Salt Lake contributes to record high dust-on-snow deposition in the Wasatch Mountains during the 2022 snowmelt season, Environmental Research Letters (2023). DOI: 10.1088/1748-9326/acd409 Journal information: Environmental Research Letters This article has been reviewed according to Science X's editorial process and policies . Editors have highlighted the following attributes while ensuring the content's credibility: The worlds most dangerous cities by homicide rate, 2019. Credit: Nature Human Behaviour (2023). DOI: 10.1038/s41562-023-01600-1 The debate around deploying armed forces for domestic policing operations in high-crime areas is often framed as a tradeoff between preserving public safety and maintaining civil liberties. Proponents argue that military policing reduces crime, while detractors claim it leads to more human rights abuses. There's been little rigorous research on the topic to support either sideuntil now. A research team led by Rob Blair, an associate professor of political science within the Watson Institute for International and Public Affairs at Brown University, analyzed the results of a military intervention in Cali, Colombia, and found little to no evidence that the intervention improved public safetyor that it led to an increase in human rights abuses. The study, published in Nature Human Behaviour, calls into question the benefits of military policing and suggests such interventions may not be worth the costs. "We didn't see any reduction in crime," Blair said. "If anything, we saw an increase in crime after the intervention was over. That was quite surprising. I thoughtwhatever the effects on human rights or citizen attitudes toward the militarywe would see evidence of crime reduction. But we didn't." Blair said he and his co-author Michael Weintraub, an associate professor of government at Universidad de los Andes in Bogota, chose to focus on a Latin American city because using military forces to police high-crime civilian areas is relatively common in that region. "If you travel to almost any country in Latin America, you will see soldiers performing tasks that, in the United States, we would typically associate with police officers," Blair said. "Things like running patrols, interrogating suspected criminals, setting up roadblocks it's very common, and it's very controversial." To learn more about the impact of this ubiquitous yet understudied practice, Blair and Weintraub worked with the mayor's office, the Colombian armed forces and Innovations for Poverty Action Colombia to evaluate the impact of a military policing intervention in Cali. In 2018, Cali had one of highest rates of violent crime rates in Colombia, with 46.7 homicides per 100,000 residentsmore than triple the rate in Bogota. In an effort to reduce crime, the Colombian government developed a program called Plan Fortaleza, which involved recurring, intensive military patrols targeting high-crime areas in the city. According to Blair, both the city and the military were interested in evidence-based approaches to crime reduction and were supportive of the idea of an empirical analysis of the program's impacts. Cali's security and justice secretariat reached out to Weintraub "to see if he would be interested in setting up an impact evaluation of this intervention that they planned on running. "They were convinced that we would find this approach effective," Blair said. "They thought a rigorous evaluation would give them ammunitionso to speakto argue that the way they do policing is effective." Monitoring an intervention Blair described the study as "probably the most ambitious data collection effort I've ever undertaken." To start, the city created a kind of randomized trial, arranging the setup of military patrols at a diverse set of locations and times to more accurately assess their effectiveness. The researchers then worked with the city police to access data from the coroner's office and other sourcesallowing them to capture the true prevalence of violent crime and its effects in Cali before, during and after the interventions. (Blair said crime data can be inaccurate because not all victims report crimes to the police.) Finally, the research team released two surveys, one during the intervention and another afterward, reaching about 10,000 residents in total. "We also had civilian monitors with the soldiers at all times, monitoring and helping them navigate to the particular blocks they were supposed to patrol," Blair said. "And those monitors recorded their observations of what was going on. So we have really nice data on where the patrols actually went, how long they spent at each location and what the soldiers did while they were there." When the researchers compared the patrolled areas with a control group that had not been patrolled, they found a null result. In other words, the research team found that, contrary to what city leaders had believed, there was scant evidence that Plan Fortaleza had meaningfully reduced the prevalence of crime. There was similarly little evidence that the intervention had introduced new human rights abuses in Cali, Blair said. The team examined reports from the attorney general's office, in addition to firsthand observations from the civilian monitors. In neither source did the researchers find any evidence of abuse or misconduct by members of the military. Blair said the surveys did show evidence of a rise in human rights abuses by police officers. However, he said, it's difficult to know whether that represented a genuine rise in police abuse or whether that was merely an artifact of more arrests in light of the increased military presence. "It's possible that what the intervention did was create more opportunities for police officers to be abusive without making them more abusive than they already are," he said. Blair was reluctant to say the results of this study could be generalized to apply to other areas, though he noted parallels between Cali and other settings where military policing has been tried. He said he hopes the study inspires other scholars across the globe to lead their own rigorous studies on the effectiveness of military interventions in civilian areas, enriching the evidence base and helping leaders make decisions that balance their constituents' safety and liberty. "Currently, there is a slim body of work that addresses this question, which is why I'm really proud of this study," Blair said. More information: Robert A. Blair et al, Little evidence that military policing reduces crime or improves human security, Nature Human Behaviour (2023). DOI: 10.1038/s41562-023-01600-1 Journal information: Nature Human Behaviour 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: Escherichia coli. Credit: Rocky Mountain Laboratories, NIAID, NIH In a new study, published today in Nature Communications, a multi-center team led by the Wellcome Sanger Institute, the University of Oslo, Imperial College London and UCL, has mapped for the first time the evolutionary timeline and population distribution of Escherichia coli's protective outer capsule, which is responsible for the bacterium's virulence. The study also shows how targeting the bacterium's protective layer can help treat extraintestinal infections. This new work focused on a particular subset of E. coli with a specific capsulethe extracellular barrier that surrounds a bacteriumwhich scientists have called K1. E. coli with this type of capsule are known to cause invasive diseases such as bloodstream or kidney infections, and meningitis in newborns. This is because this particular cover allows them to mimic molecules already present in human tissues and enter the body unnoticed. The researchers present evidence that targeting the capsule can be used as the basis of treatment, paving the way to prevent serious E. coli infections. E. coli is a common cause of urinary tract and bloodstream infections and can cause meningitis in premature and term newborns, with a mortality rate as high as 40%. Furthermore, the rise in hypervirulent and multi-drug resistant E. coli during the last decade means that developing effective strategies to prevent and treat E. coli has now become urgent. Understanding the bacterium's anatomy and how this plays a role in causing disease is key for the prevention of serious infections. Scientists until now lacked basic knowledge of the prevalence, evolution and functional properties of the K1 capsule, limiting their capacity to combat E. coli infections. Researchers at the Wellcome Sanger Institute, the University of Oslo, Imperial College London and UCL have now mapped the evolution of this E. coli strain, its prevalence and distribution. Using high-resolution population genomics, whole genome sequencing and advanced computational tools, they analyzed 5,065 clinical samples from different countries and time periods. The data included large collections of samples from the UK and Norway, newly-generated adult and neonatal samples from six countries, such as Brazil, Mexico and Laos among others, and samples from the pre-antibiotic erafrom 1932 onwards. They found that this specifically virulent capsuleK1actually dates further back in time, approximately 500 years earlier than previously imagined. This highlights the importance of the capsule for the bacterium's survival and the role of the extracellular barrier in the success of E. coli as the main cause of extraintestinal infections. Dr. Sergio Arredondo-Alonso, lead author of the study from the University of Oslo and the Wellcome Sanger Institute, said, "It was exciting to discover the possibility of reconstructing the evolutionary history of the K1 capsule over the last half millennium, and to see how the capsule genes have been acquired over and over again by many different lineages of this pathogen species over the centuries. As neither the prevalence nor the history of K1 was known, it felt like we entered truly unchartered territory and significantly advanced understanding of this major pathogen species." The study also shows that 25% of all current E. coli strains responsible for blood infections contain the genetic information needed to develop the K1 capsule. Obtaining a complete evolutionary history of this strain will now allow researchers to understand how bacteria obtain the genetic material responsible for severe virulence in the first place, and analyze ways to combat them. By using enzymes from bacteriophages, which are viruses that infect and kill bacteria, researchers were able to remove the bacterium's extracellular barrier and make it vulnerable to the human immune system. The researchers demonstrated in in vitro studies using human seruma liquid part of the blood that is commonly used in laboratory studiesthat targeting this capsule can be a way to broadly treat E. coli infection without the use of antibiotics, consistent with previous experimental infections in animals. Dr. Alex McCarthy, a senior author of the study from Imperial College London, said, "We specifically demonstrated the advances made possible by combining experimental microbiology with population genomics and evolutionary modeling tools, to open a window into translating the findings into future clinical practice. We show that therapeutic targeting of the K1 capsule makes these pathogens more vulnerable to our immune system, and offers the possibility of preventing serious infections. For example, it could help treat newborn babies with meningitis caused by K1 E. coli, which is a rare but dangerous condition associated with high mortality and serious long-term adverse health effects." Professor Jukka Corander, a co-senior author of the study from the Wellcome Sanger Institute and the University of Oslo, said, "Our research shows the importance of representative genomic surveys of pathogens over time and space. These studies will enable us to reconstruct the evolutionary history of successful bacterial lineages and pinpoint changes in their genetic make-up that can lead to their ability to spread and cause disease. Such knowledge is ultimately providing the basis for designing future interventions and therapies against these pathogens." More information: Evolutionary and functional history of the Escherichia coli K1 capsule, Nature Communications (2023). DOI: 10.1038/s41467-023-39052-w Journal information: Nature Communications This article has been reviewed according to Science X's editorial process and policies . Editors have highlighted the following attributes while ensuring the content's credibility: Credit: Pexels Changing your ethnicity multiple times throughout your life: that's not all that absurd for millions of people worldwide. For them, ethnicity is not a congenital, rigid notion, but something that changes to correspond with how your place in society changes. This was revealed in research by economist Robbert Rademakers, who will receive his doctorate from Radboud University on 16 June. Most people, when asked, will say that ethnicity is a pretty rigid notion. It's congenital, it's in your DNA and you can't change it. But at an individual level, it turns out that people treat it significantly differently. Rademakers studied data from the United States, India and Indonesia and saw that a relatively large proportion of those populations takes a flexible attitude towards ethnicity. "The data suggests that people constantly weigh up the costs and benefits of various ethnicities and are not afraid to take on a different one if it's worthwhile to them," says Rademakers. Shifting identity Certainly in recent years, the attitude towards ethnicity has become more flexible. "If you, a third-generation Chinese American man, marry a white woman and find yourself in social circles that are predominantly white, the identity you identify with will also shift. In the 1980s, we saw that less than 0.1% of all non-white Americans identified as white later in life. That number has risen to 2% now. That means millions of people," says Rademakers. Ethnicity is determined differently all over the world. In the United States, people associate ethnicity with race while in the Middle East, it's often associated with religion and in India, it's determined by your caste. Social, financial and personal reasons can cause people to embrace a different ethnicity. "Sometimes, people approach it in a very opportunistic way, consciously or unconsciously. For example, there are regions in Indonesia where the inheritance of family members is passed down through the wife. You then see that men in such a relationship will take on the wife's ethnicity so they can lay claim to the inheritance." Positive discrimination According to Rademakers, it's above all important that this knowledge sinks in with government bodies, economists and other researchers. "Because data on ethnicity is often used as a source for research into inequality. Which often results in policy." Ethnicity is usually something that people can indicate themselves, to authorities and on forms from organizations. "But at the same time, we often use that information as a source for research into inequality. Money turns you white, you might say, in the United States, many African-Americans and Hispanic people identify as white, later in life, as soon as their income rises. That means that the poorest members of these groups, in particular, are left, which gives a skewed image of income inequality. And that leads to prejudice and discrimination, for example." "At the same time, positive discrimination can be important to help some groups get ahead. But then you have to make sure that it reaches the right people, and my research suggests that it's difficult if you base your conclusions on ethnicity data. It's better to make policy based on people's socio-economic status. Look at income, look at education, look at parents who are on social security benefits: that gives a much more concrete image." 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: Rice blast in a California rice crop. US and Chinese researchers used CRISPR genome editing to create a high-yielding rice variety resistant to this major fungal pest. Credit: UCANR Researchers from the University of California, Davis, and an international team of scientists have used the genome-editing tool CRISPR-Cas to create disease-resistant rice plants, according to a new study published in the journal Nature June 14. Small-scale field trials in China showed that the newly-created rice variety, developed through genome editing of a recently discovered gene, exhibited both high yields and resistance to the fungus that causes a serious disease called rice blast. Rice is an essential crop that feeds half of the world's population. Guotian Li, a co-lead author of the study, initially discovered a mutant known as a lesion mimic mutant while working as a postdoctoral scholar in Pamela Ronald's lab at UC Davis. Ronald is co-lead author and Distinguished Professor in the Department of Plant Pathology and the Genome Center. "It's quite a step forward that his team was able to improve this gene, making it potentially useful for farmers. That makes it important," Ronald said. The roots of the discovery began in Ronald's lab, where they created and sequenced 3,200 distinct rice strains, each possessing diverse mutations. Among these strains, Guotian identified one with dark patches on its leaves. "He found that the strain was also resistant to bacterial infection, but it was extremely small and low yielding," Ronald said. "These types of 'lesion mimic' mutants have been found before but only in a few cases have they been useful to farmers because of the low yield." Working with CRISPR Guotian continued the research when he joined Huazhong Agricultural University in Wuhan, China. He used CRISPR-Cas9 to isolate the gene related to the mutation and used genome editing to recreate that resistance trait, eventually identifying a line that had good yield and was resistant to three different pathogens, including the fungus that causes rice blast. In small-scale field trials planted in disease-heavy plots, the new rice plants produced five times more yield than the control rice, which was damaged by the fungus, Ronald said. "Blast is the most serious disease of plants in the world because it affects virtually all growing regions of rice and also because rice is a huge crop," Ronald said. Future applications The researchers hope to recreate this mutation in commonly grown rice varieties. Currently they have only optimized this gene in a model variety called Kitaake that is not grown widely. They also hope to target the same gene in wheat to create disease-resistant wheat. "A lot of these lesion mimic mutants have been discovered and sort of put aside because they have low yield. We're hoping that people can go look at some of these and see if they can edit them to get a nice balance between resistance and high yield," Ronald said. More information: Gan Sha et al, Genome editing of a rice CDP-DAG synthase confers multipathogen resistance, Nature (2023). DOI: 10.1038/s41586-023-06205-2 Journal information: Nature 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: Comparison of the relative loss (RL) of various products in different world regions due to indirect, production-related effects (left half of each cell) to direct, trade-related effects (right half of each cell). For a shock to Ukrainian maize production (upper panel) indirect effects often exceed direct effects of shocks to the respective products, while indirect effects are less important in the case of shocks to sunflower seed production in Ukraine (lower panel). Credit: Attribution 4.0 International (CC BY 4.0)/CSH The Russia-Ukraine conflict has clearly revealed that the global food supply chain acts as a complex network, connecting nations and facilitating the spread of disruptions from local to distant regions. "However, previous studies often focus on direct dependencies and overlook indirect dependencies resulting from the unavailability of essential inputs, making a comprehensive assessment of the global food system difficult," says research director Stefan Thurner of the Complexity Science Hub. The team's latest research is published in the journal Nature Food. Indirect effects often exceed direct effects To bridge this gap, the research team developed a dynamic global food system model, incorporating data from 192 countries and territories and encompassing 125 food and agricultural products. "This model enabled us to simulate shocks to specific products and countries, closely monitoring the subsequent effects across the entire supply chain," explains Moritz Laber of the Complexity Science Hub. By quantifying the relative reduction in product availability compared to a baseline scenario (without the shock), the researchers gained valuable insights into the magnitude of these shocks. Remarkably, they found that indirect effects often exceeded direct effects. For example, a shock to Ukrainian corn production led to a 13% decline in pork availability in Southern Europe. In comparison, a shock to Ukrainian pork production had a negligible effect of less than 1%. Up to 85% loss of maize In a worst-case scenario simulation, where agricultural production in Ukraine was completely lost due to the Russia-Ukraine conflict, the study unveiled diverse effects on products and regions worldwide. "The loss of grains, particularly maize, reached up to 85%, while edible oils, especially sunflower oil, experienced losses of up to 89%. Additionally, certain meat types, such as poultry, suffered losses of up to 25% in various countries," says Laber. The number of products for which a region is dependent on Ukraine varies greatly: Southern Europe is the most affected, with 19 out of 125 products with losses of more than 10%, followed by West Asia and North Africa, where this is the case for 15 and 11 products respectively. These findings emphasize that localized production disruptions have far-reaching implications, extending beyond geographic boundaries through trade relationships and the entire production chain. Consequently, it is imperative to consider both direct and indirect effects when estimating losses and formulating effective interventions. Risk not only from wars As the Russia-Ukraine conflict enters its second year, food prices are still above 2021 levels, according to the European Council. In addition, various events, including extreme weather events, economic crises, and geopolitical tensions, can trigger similar disruptions. This underscores the importance of exploring interdependencies within global food supply chains and gaining a comprehensive understanding of the direct and indirect impacts of local shocks to raise awareness among policymakers and stakeholders of otherwise overlooked risks within the global food system. These research findings are a valuable first leap in understanding the complex dynamics of global food supply chains and their vulnerability to local shocks. Further research is needed to map them at a more granular level considering individual products and subnational scales at a higher temporal resolution. Moreover, at present, the model assumes that countries do not change their trading partners after a shock. However, restructuring trade relations may exacerbate existing inequalities, as wealthier countries may secure remaining resources at higher prices from alternative suppliers. In March, the CSH co-founded the Austrian Supply Chain Intelligence Institute (ASCII) to contribute even more to making supply dependencies visible in the future. More information: Shock propagation from the RussiaUkraine conflict on international multilayer food production network determines global food availability, Nature Food (2023). DOI: 10.1038/s43016-023-00771-4 Journal information: Nature Food 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: Illustration of the experimental setup behind a powerful tool for studying and tuning atomically thin materials. Two layers of such a material were compressed between the flat tips of two diamonds, therefore tuning the moire potential, a key parameter illustrated by the hills and valleys in the top layer. Credit: Matheus J.S. Matos, Universidade Federal de Ouro Preto Physicists have been riveted by systems composed of materials only one or a few layers of atoms thick. When a few sheets of these two-dimensional materials are stacked together, a geometric pattern called a moire pattern can be formed. In these so-called moire systems, new, exotic phenomena can occur, including superconductivity and unconventional magnetism. As a result, a better understanding of what happens at the interface between each sheet to cause these phenomena could lead to heady applications in novel electronics and much more. Now an international team of scientists led by physicists at MIT reports a powerful new tool for quantifyingand controllinga key parameter in moire systems. It involves applying extreme pressure to a moire system while shining light through it, then analyzing the effects with Raman spectroscopy, a common laboratory technique. Equally important to the work is a theoretical model that provides a framework for understanding the experimental data. The work is reported in Nature Nanotechnology. "The technique we developed for probing these moire systems is methodologically similar to the methods of X-ray crystallography on proteins that allow biologists to know where the atoms are in a protein and how the protein is going to work," says Riccardo Comin, the Class of 1947 Career Development Assistant Professor of Physics at MIT. The parameter the team can now measure, known as the moire potential, "is going to tell us what physics can be realized in a particular stack of two-dimensional materials. It is one of the most important pieces of information that we need for predicting if a given material is going to exhibit any exotic physics, or not," continues Comin, who is also affiliated with MIT's Materials Research Laboratory. Just as importantly, the technique also allows the team to "tune," or control, the moire potential to potentially achieve different exotic phenomena. Matthew Yankowitz, an assistant professor of physics at the University of Washington who was not involved in the work, says, "Pressure has recently emerged as a promising technique for tuning the properties of these [moire] materials because it directly modifies the strength of the moire potential. By studying the optical properties of a semiconducting moire bilayer under pressure, the team has unlocked a new means of probing and manipulating the effects of a moire superlattice. This work lays the foundation for further advances in our understanding and control of the strongly correlated states of matter arising in semiconducting moire systems." The work reported in Nature Nanotechnology is the result of a collaboration between researchers at MIT, Universidad Nacional Autonoma de Mexico (UNAM), and three federal universities in Brazil: Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais (UFMG), Universidade Federal de Ouro Preto (UFOP), and Universidade Federal Fluminense (UFF). Extreme pressure, miniscule samples The experimental setup the team developed for applying extreme pressure to a moire material, in this case composed of two ultrathin sheets of a transition metal dichalcogenide, involves compressing the material between two diamond tips. The dimensions of the setup and sample are incredibly small. For example, the diameter of the chamber where this takes place is similar to the width of a human hair. "And we need to precisely place our two-dimensional sample inside of that, so it's a bit tricky," says Martins, leader of the work to develop the setup. Those dimensions are necessary to create the extreme pressure exerted on the sample, which is akin to the pressure the Eiffel Tower would exert sitting on top of a one-inch-square piece of paper. Another analogy: the pressure is some 50 thousand times the pressure of the air around us. Experiments and theory The team then shone light through the sample, and collected the light that was emitted. "The light leaves some energy inside of the material, and this energy can be associated with different things," Martins said. In this case, the team focused on energy in the form of vibrations. "By measuring the difference between the energies of photons [light particles] coming in and out of the material, we can probe the energy of vibrations created in the material," he continues. The intensity of the light coming out of the material associated with those vibrations, in turn, indicates how strongly the electrons in one atomically thin sheet are communicating with the electrons in the other. The stronger those interactions, the better the chance that exotic phenomena will occur. "The moire potential is basically the strength of that coupling between the 2D layers," says Comin. Says Martins, "By comparing the experimental enhancement of the intensity of the out-going light associated with these vibrations, versus the calculations of our theoretical model, we were able to obtain the strength of the moire potential and its evolution with pressure." The theoretical model, developed by Ruiz-Tijerina, is in itself very sophisticated. Says Comin, "It's a complex model because it involves atoms, it involves electrons, and it's a so-called large super cell model. That means you don't model just a single quantity, like a single atom with its electrons, but a big collection of them. It really looks at the dynamics of the atoms while they're still interacting with the electrons around them." Ruiz-Tijerina concludes, "When the experiment shows what you predicted, or when your model can actually reproduce what the experiments measure, that's a feeling like no other." In addition to Comin, authors of the Nature Nanotechnology paper from MIT are Luiz G. Pimenta Martins, an MIT doctoral student in physics when the work was conducted who is now a postdoctoral fellow at Harvard; Connor A. Occhialini and Qian Song, graduate students in physics; Ji-Hoon Park, a research scientist in the Department of Electrical Engineering and Computer Science (EECS); Ang-Yu Lu, a graduate student in EECS; and Jing Kong, an EECS professor. The author from UNAM is David A. Ruiz-Tijerina. Pedro Venezuela is from UFF; Luiz G. Cancado and Mario S.C. Mazzoni are from UFMG; and Matheus J.S. Matos is from UFOP. Martins and Ruiz-Tijerina are co-first authors of the work. More information: Pimenta Martins et al. Pressure tuning of minibands in MoS2/WSe2 heterostructures revealed by moire phonons, Nature Nanotechnology (2023). DOI: 10.1038/s41565-023-01413-3 www.nature.com/articles/s41565-023-01413-3 Journal information: Nature Nanotechnology Entrusted by General Secretary of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee and Chinese President Xi Jinping, Li Xi, a member of the Standing Committee of the Political Bureau of CPC Central Committee and secretary of the CPC Central Commission for Discipline Inspection, visits and meets with Thongloun Sisoulith, general secretary of the Lao People's Revolutionary Party Central Committee and Lao president, in Kunming, southwest China's Yunnan Province, June 15, 2023. (Xinhua/Yao Dawei) KUNMING, June 15 (Xinhua) -- Entrusted by General Secretary of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee and Chinese President Xi Jinping, Li Xi, a member of the Standing Committee of the Political Bureau of CPC Central Committee, visited Thongloun Sisoulith, general secretary of the Lao People's Revolutionary Party Central Committee and Lao president, in Kunming on Thursday. Li, also secretary of the CPC Central Commission for Discipline Inspection, conveyed the cordial greetings from General Secretary Xi Jinping and his wife Professor Peng Liyuan to Thongloun and his wife Naly Sisoulith. In recent years, under the strategic guidance and promotion of the top leaders of the two parties and two countries, China-Laos relations have maintained a high level of development, Li said when meeting with Thongloun. He said China is willing to work with Laos to implement the important consensus reached by Xi and Thongloun, deepen exchanges and mutual learning on governance, strengthen exchanges and cooperation on anti-corruption, and promote new development of the two parties and two countries. Thongloun asked Li to convey his best wishes to General Secretary Xi Jinping and Professor Peng Liyuan, and expressed readiness to work with China to firmly promote the building of a Laos-China community with a shared future. He wished the Chinese people greater achievements under the strong leadership of the CPC Central Committee with Comrade Xi Jinping at its core. 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: Location of dredge samples selected for 40Ar/39Ar analyses, other dredge locations not shown. The large map shows multibeam seafloor bathymetry off the northern coast of Malaita Island. Credit: Science (2023). DOI: 10.1126/science.ade8666 The Ontong Java Plateau, a volcanically-formed underwater plateau located in the Pacific Ocean north of the Solomon Islands, is younger and its eruption was more protracted than previously thought, suggests new research led by Oregon State University. The findings, just published in Science, also cast doubt on long-held assumptions that the formation of the plateau, which is roughly the size of Alaska, was the cause of a global deposit of black shale throughout the world's oceans. "This type of shale is formed when there is very limited oxygen in the ocean. This layer was formed about 120 million years ago and can be found preserved everywhere around the world in geological formations," said Anthony Koppers, a professor of marine geology in OSU's College of Earth, Ocean, and Atmospheric Sciences and a co-author of the study. "A massive volcanic eruption like the one that formed Ontong Java Plateau could deplete the ocean of oxygen, and it was believed that this massive volcanic activity and the shale deposits were connected. But our findings suggest that is not the case," continued Koppers. Ontong Java Plateau covers roughly 1% of Earth's surface. The plateau is a fragment of the Ontong Java Nui, a superplateau that broke apart shortly after its formation, creating Ontong Java, Manihiki Plateau and Hikurangi Plateau. Between 1973 and 2000, researchers drilled cores into the sediment and underlying basalt basementamong the thickest and oldest rock that forms the Pacific oceanic crustfrom several sites in the region and collected samples to study. The cores were collected using the scientific ocean drilling vessels Glomar Challenger and JOIDES Resolution during the Deep Sea Drilling Project and Ocean Drilling Program. Past research using these cores suggested that Ontong Java was formed in a single, relatively short volcanic event about 120 million years ago, around the time of the shale deposit. But there have been concerns about the accuracy of the data used to make that determination, said Koppers, an international expert in large-scale geodynamic processes. who also serves as associate vice president for research advancement and strategy in OSU's research office. "Understanding the timing of these volcanic eruptions is essential to establishing a link between the eruptions themselves and the formation of the black shales," Koppers said. "Establishing this causality is important to understanding large changes in ocean chemistry, similar to what is happening today through climate change due to human activity." Koppers and the study's lead author, Peter Davidson, who worked on the project as a doctoral student and has recently completed his degree at Oregon State, replicated the original 1993 dating studies to see if they could achieve the same results while also taking advantage of major improvements in scientific techniques and in mass spectrometry equipment used in chemical analysis. Using several of the same core samples from the original drilling projects, Davidson ran 40 experiments to try to replicate the earlier findings. Of the 40, a surprisingly large number38failed when applying modern-day data quality standards. "The new results showed that the original samples were greatly affected by an unwanted process during the irradiation of the samples, which causes the ages to appear to be too old," Davidson said. "This irradiation issue, called recoil, is a problem that could not easily be seen with the older equipment used decades ago, but our new, highly sensitive instrumentation can easily identify this problem." Davidson then ran another set of dating experiments, applying the same analysis on another mineral phase of the original samplesa type of feldspar, or rock-forming mineral, called plagioclase. "The data from the plagioclase is much higher-resolution than past data, and more importantly, it is entirely devoid of the recoil issue that skewed the original ages for the Ontong Java Plateau that were based on the basalt," Koppers said. The new tests showed that Ontong Java was up to 10 million years younger than expected and likely formed over several million years. "All of the tests showed a high level of internal consistency in the ages measured and a remarkable reproducibility between multiple samples from the same volcanic eruptive units, providing us with a tremendous degree of confidence," Davidson said. "These results mean we can't connect Ontong Java anymore to the anoxic event that led to the shale deposits. The dates no longer line up." The data also suggests that Manihiki Plateau is several million years older than Ontong Java, raising questions about theories that the two were once connected and broke apart. Instead, the findings suggest that volcanic activity may have started under the Manihiki Plateau and migrated hundreds of kilometers across the Pacific over time. The finding is likely to cause some head-scratching among scientists, Koppers noted, because there is no longer an explanation for the large oxygen-depletion event that left shale deposits around the world. There is also a possibility that lower portions of Ontong Java are older, he said. The available samples from Ontong Java were drilled only into the top couple hundred meters of the plateau, whereas the plateau is a geologic megastructure up to 35 kilometers thick, with the top 8 to 9 kilometers considered the eruptive portion. "In that sense, we have only scratched the surface of Ontong Java," Koppers said. Davidson hopes to continue the research by hunting down samples of older portions of the plateau and running new analyses using these modern techniques. There are some areas in the Solomon Islands where up to four kilometers of the top of the plateau are exposed and could potentially be accessible. "We hope that by targeting further samples from deeper in the volcanic stratigraphy, we can uncover potentially even older portions of the Ontong Java Plateau," Davidson said. "It might be possible that these older portions of the plateau did cause the black shale deposition, but they might not." "These future studies should further help us understand Ontong Java, which is the largest volcanic feature on Earth's surface, and how volcanic eruptions of this magnitude can potentially cause global environmental disruptions." Additional co-authors are Takashi Sano of the National Museum of Nature and Science in Tsukuba, Japan; and Takeshi Hanyu of the Japan Agency for Marine-Earth Science and Technology in Yokosuka, Japan. More information: Peter C. Davidson et al, A younger and protracted emplacement of the Ontong Java Plateau, Science (2023). DOI: 10.1126/science.ade8666 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: The Neanderthals werent that different from you and mewhich is maybe not that strange after all, considering we probably have a bit of a Neanderthal in us. Credit: Tom Bjorklund No one knows what happened when we, Homo sapiens, first encountered the Neanderthals. But we know we met. We know that for thousands of years we lived side by side in Europe and Asia. And we know we had children together. So you're probably carrying around a bit of Neanderthal DNA. Kind of cool to be part Neanderthal, don't you think? It's not as strange an idea as you might think. Homo stupidus? When the first Neanderthal skeleton was found in the Neandertal (Neander valley) in Germany in 1856, scientists imagined the person to have been a dull-witted cave dweller. The German zoologist Ernst Haeckel went so far as to give this first individual the name Homo stupidus. Although the name didn't stick, the term Neanderthal has been used as a slur since, referring to someone who is primitive and cognitively backward. The exhibition "Neanderthal," which opened on 11 May at the NTNU University Museum in Trondheim, gives us quite different picture of our close relative. The exhibition has previously been a hit with audiences in Aarhus and Copenhagen and received glowing reviews in Danish newspapers on its way to Trondheim. "This is a fantastic exhibition experience for both children and adults," says Tove Eivindsen, head of communication at NTNU University Museum. The intelligent human "The Neanderthals were intelligent people. They lived in small groups over a huge area for a period of over 300,000 years," says archaeologist Trine Kellberg Nielsen. Intelligent, resourceful and compassionate. A kind of dream guy. Credit: Tom Bjorklund Kellberg Nielsen's research has focused on Neanderthals, and she had academic responsibility for the exhibition when it was created at Moesgaard Museum in Aarhus, Denmark. "Neanderthals hunted large animals like elephants and mammoths in small groups. This tells us that they were strategically skilled hunters with a strong ability to cooperate. The fact that they lived for such a long time also shows us that they were able to adapt to different environments," says Kellberg Nielsen. The innovative human Thanks to archaeological discoveries, we now know that the Neanderthals were both handy and creative. They prepared food over fire. Findings of hand axes and other tools show that they were skilled craftspeople and had local craft traditions in various parts of the world. They were also innovative: in fact, the world's first known glue was produced by the Neanderthals. "We've found microscopic remains of pitch made from birch bark on the hand axes of the Neanderthals. Pitch is a residual product from making tar and served as a form of ancient glue," says Kellberg Nielsen. "It was probably used to attach the axes to a handleso that you wouldn't risk cutting yourself when using the tool." The empathetic human The Neanderthals also appear to have had an aesthetic sense. We have several examples of their use of beautiful materials, such as rock crystal, in tools. They painted cave walls and collected coral and fossils that they carried with them and perhaps adorned themselves with. Much evidence also suggests that the Neanderthals were compassionate people. The group was essential for the Neanderthals' survival, and findings also indicate that they took good care of each other. "The Neanderthal man found in 1856 had broken his arm at some point. Even though the fracture had healed, it must have been difficult for him to use his arm afterwards," says Kellberg Nielsen. "The skeleton of an old Neanderthal man who had advanced gout, was found in France. He had lost most of his teeth, but still survived for many years afterward. These are two examples indicating that the Neanderthals took care of their sick, injured and old, which tells us that they were empathetic people," she said. The Neanderthals also buried their dead, but we do not know whether this was done for practical reasons or if they had rituals connected to the burial. A slur? Primitive? The Neanderthals ruled the European continent for 300,000 years. Credit: Tom Bjorklund How much Neanderthal are you? Intelligent, creative and compassionateperhaps it's not so surprising that our foremothers were so charmed by the Neanderthals that children resulted. All people with a background outside of Africa therefore have some Neanderthal in their DNA. Most are between one and four percent Neanderthal. Neanderthals never lived in Africa, and that is the reason why people there have little or no trace of Neanderthal genetics. The Neanderthals died out 40,000 years ago, and we might wonder why they disappearedwhile we survivedif they were so smart and capable? We don't quite know the answer to that. Homo sapiens immigrated The Neanderthals lived alone in Europe for 300,000 years before Homo sapiens arrived. In addition to the fact that Neanderthals lived in small groups, there were never very many of them. Genetic analyses also show very little variation in their genetic material. That might have made them more vulnerable to change. Perhaps even more important, a wave of Homo sapiens immigrated from Africa to Europe 60,000 to 80,000 years agoso many of them that they soon outnumbered the Neanderthals. When the two populations eventually started having children together, the Neanderthal population might have become so diluted by Homo sapiens that they disappeared. On the other hand, we could argue that they never did completely disappear. They live onin you and me. 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: Anomalous bunching effect in which all photons coalesce into two output beams,. Credit: Ursula Cardenas Mamani A counterintuitive facet of the physics of photon interference has been uncovered by three researchers of Universite libre de Bruxelles, Belgium. In an article published this month in Nature Photonics, they have proposed a thought experiment that utterly contradicts common knowledge on the so-called bunching property of photons. The observation of this anomalous bunching effect seems to be within reach of today's photonic technologies and, if achieved, would strongly impact on our understanding of multiparticle quantum interferences. One of the cornerstones of quantum physics is Niels Bohr's complementarity principle, which, roughly speaking, states that objects may behave either like particles or like waves. These two mutually exclusive descriptions are well illustrated in the iconic double-slit experiment, where particles are impinging on a plate containing two slits. If the trajectory of each particle is not watched, one observes wave-like interference fringes when collecting the particles after going through the slits. But if the trajectories are watched, then the fringes disappear and everything happens as if we were dealing with particle-like balls in a classical world. As coined by physicist Richard Feynman, the interference fringes originate from the absence of "which-path" information, so that the fringes must necessarily vanish as soon as the experiment allows us to learn that each particle has taken one or the other path through the left or right slit. Light does not escape this duality: it can either be described as an electromagnetic wave or it can be understood as consisting of massless particles traveling at the speed of light, namely photons. This comes with another remarkable phenomenon: that of photon bunching. Loosely defined, if there is no way to distinguish photons and know which path they follow in a quantum interference experiment, then they tend to stick together. This behavior can already be observed with two photons impinging each one on a side of a half-transparent mirror, which splits the incoming light into two possible paths associated with reflected and transmitted light. Indeed, the celebrated HongOuMandel effect tells us here that the two outgoing photons always exit together on the same side of the mirror, which is a consequence of a wave-like interference between their paths. This bunching effect cannot be understood in a classical worldview where we think of photons as classical balls, each one taking a well-defined path. Thus, logically, it is expected that bunching becomes less pronounced as soon as we are able to distinguish the photons and trace back which paths they have taken. This is precisely what one observes experimentally if the two incident photons on the half-transparent mirror have, for example, distinct polarization or different colors: they behave as classical balls and do not bunch any more. This interplay between photon bunching and distinguishability is commonly admitted to reflect a general rule: bunching must be maximum for fully indistinguishable photons and gradually decline when photons are made increasingly distinguishable. Against all odds, this common assumption has recently been proven wrong by a team from the Center for Quantum Information and Communication at the Ecole polytechnique de Bruxelles, Universite libre de Bruxelles led by Professor Nicolas Cerf, assisted by his Ph.D. student, Benoit Seron, and his postdoc, Dr. Leonardo Novo, now a staff researcher at the International Iberian Nanotechnology Laboratory, Portugal. They have considered a specific theoretical scenario where seven photons impinge on a large interferometer and probed the instances where all photons bunch into two output paths of the interferometer. Bunching should logically be the strongest when all seven photons admit the same polarization since it makes them fully indistinguishable, meaning that we get no information on their paths in the interferometer. Quite surprisingly, the researchers have discovered the existence of some instances where photon bunching is substantially strengthenedinstead of weakenedby making photons partially distinguishable via a well-chosen polarization pattern. The Belgian team took advantage of a connection between the physics of quantum interferences and the mathematical theory of permanents. By leveraging a newly disproved conjecture on matrix permanents, they could prove that it is possible to further enhance photon bunching by fine-tuning the polarization of the photons. Aside from being intriguing for the fundamental physics of photon interference, this anomalous bunching phenomenon should have implications for quantum photonic technologies, which have shown fast progress over the recent years. Experiments aimed at building an optical quantum computer have reached an unprecedented level of control, where many photons can be created, interfered via complex optical circuits, and counted with photon-number resolving detectors. Understanding the subtleties of photon bunching, which is linked to the quantum bosonic nature of photons, is therefore a significant step in this perspective. More information: Boson bunching is not maximized by indistinguishable particles, Nature Photonics (2023). www.nature.com/articles/s41566-023-01213-0 Journal information: Nature Photonics 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: Magnetic field and chorus emissions at Mars and Earth. Traced magnetic field lines, represented by blue lines, at Mars (a) and Earth (b) are shown. The scale bars indicate the size of each planet. The yellow arrow in panel (a) denotes the trajectory of MAVEN, and the black dot in panel (b) indicates where chorus waves shown in panel (d) were observed. Frequencytime spectrograms of chorus waves observed at Mars (c) by MAVEN and Earth (d) by Van Allen Probe B are shown. Color-coded is the power spectrum density calculated using the wave electric field (c) and magnetic field (d). The time coordinate indicates the number of seconds since 2015-07-12/06:00:53 UT for panel (c) and 2012-10-08/06:03:57 UT for panel (d). The white dashed lines in (c) and (d) indicate half electron cyclotron frequency. Black dots in panel (c) denote the maximum power spectral density at a given time, and the white line represents the linear least-squares fitting, whose slope gives the frequency chirping rate shown in normalized units. Credit: Nature Communications (2023). DOI: 10.1038/s41467-023-38776-z Chinese scientists have reproduced the observed whistler mode chorus waves on Mars using data from the Mars Atmosphere and Volatile Evolution (MAVEN) mission and compared them with phenomena on the Earth. They found that both Mars and Earth exhibit whistler mode chorus waves triggered by nonlinear processes with the key role played by background magnetic field inhomogeneity in frequency sweeping. The study, published in Nature Communications, provides crucial support for understanding chorus waves in the Martian environment and verifies the previously proposed "Trap-Release-Amplify" (TaRA) model under more extreme conditions. Whistler-mode chorus waves are electromagnetic wave emissions widely presented in planetary magnetospheres. When their electromagnetic signals are converted into sound, they resemble the harmonious chorus of birds in the early morning, hence the name "chorus waves." Chorus waves can accelerate high-energy electrons in space through resonance, leading to a rapid increase in electron flux in Earth's radiation belts during geomagnetic storms. Additionally, they scatter high-energy electrons into the atmosphere, creating diffuse and pulsating auroras. One characteristic of chorus waves is their narrowband frequency sweeping structure. The excitation mechanism of this sweeping structure has been of great interest for decades, and scientists have proposed various theoretical models. However, there has been ongoing debate regarding why frequency sweeping occurs in chorus waves and how to calculate the sweeping frequency. One major point of contention is whether the background magnetic field inhomogeneity plays a crucial role in frequency sweeping and how it affects the sweeping phenomenon. The TaRA model, previously proposed by a team from the University of Science and Technology of China of the Chinese Academy of Sciences, is based on modern plasma physics theories and suggests that the frequency sweeping of chorus waves in the magnetosphere is the result of the combined effects of nonlinear processes and background magnetic field inhomogeneity. The model provides a corresponding formula for calculating the sweeping frequency. However, the variation in magnetic field inhomogeneity in Earth's magnetosphere is limited, making it difficult to test the TaRA model in a larger parameter space. Computer simulation of the chorus event at Mars. (a) The simulated rising-tone chorus waves obtained using the electric fields at s/d e = 0.38, corresponding to the position of the observed chorus event. Color-coded is the power spectral density of the wave electric field in normalized units. The black dots and white line are the same as those in Fig. 1c. (b, c) Comparison of waveform from simulation and observation. Credit: Nature Communications (2023). DOI: 10.1038/s41467-023-38776-z There exist distinct magnetic field environments between Mars and Earth. The Earth possesses a global dipole-like magnetic field, while Mars only has localized remnant magnetization. In the remnant magnetization environment of Mars, similar chorus wave events have also been observed by the MAVEN satellite. The calculations reveal a difference of five orders of magnitude in background magnetic field inhomogeneity between Mars and Earth. By comparing wave events observed on Earth and Mars, the previously proposed TaRA model can be tested under more extreme conditions. To validate this model, in this study, scientists from the University of Science and Technology of China and the collaborators observed the particle distribution on Mars using the MAVEN satellite and combined it with the corresponding Martian crustal remnant magnetic field model. Employing a first-principles particle simulation method, scientists reproduced the observed chorus wave phenomena on Mars. Through the analysis of particle phase space distribution, they confirmed that the sweeping process of these waves is consistent with that of chorus waves on Earth, both triggered by nonlinear processes. Furthermore, scientists used two different methods provided by the TaRA model to calculate the sweeping frequency of chorus waves and compared them with the observation and simulation results. The results demonstrated a high degree of consistency between the sweeping frequencies calculated based on nonlinear processes and background magnetic field inhomogeneity, and the simulation results. These findings indicated that although Mars and Earth possess distinct magnetic and plasma environments, the observed chorus wave phenomena on Mars follow the same fundamental physical processes as those in Earth's magnetosphere. This study validated the wide applicability of the TaRA model in describing the sweeping physical processes of chorus waves under extreme conditions with a five-order difference in magnetic field inhomogeneity, which confirms the existence of chorus waves on Mars, and provides support for testing and applying the TaRA model under extreme conditions. More information: Shangchun Teng et al, Whistler-mode chorus waves at Mars, Nature Communications (2023). DOI: 10.1038/s41467-023-38776-z Journal information: Nature Communications This article has been reviewed according to Science X's editorial process and policies . Editors have highlighted the following attributes while ensuring the content's credibility: Study on Adult Education in eight countries 2023, Universitat Hamburg et al. The diagram shows the different levels that influence the development of adult education. Credit: Grotluschen, Ertner 2023 From August 2022 until October 2022, interviews with 25 experts from selected countries were conducted and then analyzed through a Ground Theory approach. From this, a model emerged, showing how factors and actors at different societal levelsmega, macro, meso and microinteract to shape adult learning and education (ALE) in different contexts. "Mega level" comparisons show that overarching issues such as war and conflict, historical and systemic discrimination, disease and extreme poverty as well as political authoritarianism act both as an impetus and as barriers to ALE activities. Comparative analysis shows that at the "macro level", with a few exceptions, ALE features as a "stepchild" or "poor cousin" to the school education sector. Within ALE, formal credentialed programs focused on compensatory education or workforce development attract more policy interest and support while non-credentialed, informal and non-formal learning initiatives struggle to receive more than lip service. This makes the sustainability of ALE initiatives other than the credentialed programs highly vulnerable. The "meso level" is where the key driving force for the implementation of ALE in the policy arena is found. Advice to government from democratically structured associations with elected chairs have greater gravitas than advice from less formally constituted groupings. However, their effectiveness can be limited by factors such as lack of resources, funding and professional expertise. At the "micro level", informal and non-formal ALE activities are provided by companies as in-service training, and by commercial providers, governmental organizations or civil society organizations that run training centers. Activities at the micro level are highly flexible. This is complemented by grassroots activists mobilizing community members in response to local issues and needs. ALE at the micro-level includes responding to the localized impact of severe weather events, improving the quality of life for the elderly, and challenging the prevalence of sexual harassment as acceptable behavior. The report presents examples of successful, micro level and grassroots projects from each country. Many of these projects are carried out by DVV International, the main German organization fostering adult learning and education worldwide, together with local partners. The insights from the study led to recommendations about ways in which ALE could be strengthened within the framework of lifelong learning. The recommendations to associations and policy makers are: Build and support sustainable networks and associations Build coordination across stakeholders and within sectors that engage with ALE. Recognize and encourage grassroots efforts that support adult learning in ALE and other sectors Support the collection and use of high quality (quantitative and qualitative) data on ALE at both the national and cross-country levels to both advocate for and strengthen provision at the local, state, and national levels Highlight and strengthen the role of ALE in lifelong learning by reinforcing the importance of a lifelong and lifewide (across the full spectrum of adult learning needs and interests) approach to learning Leverage the flexibility and responsiveness of ALE to build on its strengths Ensure that ALE meets the wide range of educational, training, and civic needs that learners, employers, and governments have for learning in adulthood Provide meaningful support for ALE at the micro, meso, and macro levels The research findings and recommendations will be presented for the different entities of DVV-International. More information: Adult Learning and Education within the Framework of Lifelong Learning. www.dvv-international.de/filea work_04-2023_web.pdf Findings were made available online 15 June 2023 as No. 81 in the Publication series International Perspectives in Adult Education (IPE). DVV International invited the authors to present the findings at their annual Conference with their Regional Directors on 20.06.2023 in Bonn. The Universitat Hamburg will host a webinar on 19.9.2023, more information can be found here: https://www.conferences.uni-hamburg.de/e/studyonale This article has been reviewed according to Science X's editorial process and policies . Editors have highlighted the following attributes while ensuring the content's credibility: Credit: Unsplash/CC0 Public Domain A survey of 284 Australian primary school teachers looking at the strategies used to teach reading comprehension, reveals practices that are ad hoc, with little agreement in the Australian primary teaching community about how reading skills are taught. The study, led by Reid Smith, a Ph.D. student in La Trobe University's School of Education, was published in the journal Language, Speech, and Hearing Services in Schools. The purpose was to examine teachers' beliefs about how children in the first seven years of schooling develop reading comprehension skills and to detail the self-reported practices and strategies they use to support children to comprehend connected text. "We found that Australian primary school teachers hold a wide range of beliefs about reading instruction, some of which are in direct opposition to each other," Reid Smith said. The study also found: Little consensus as to how reading comprehension is taught at the primary school level No uniformity in how much time should be apportioned to different tasks relating to teaching reading comprehension Commercial programs had significant penetration in schools, and many participants reported using multiple commercial programs, with varying levels of evidence Participants indicated that their most common source of knowledge about reading instruction was their own personal research, with few nominating university teacher education as a primary source of knowledge or expertise. According to lead co-author, Associate Professor Tanya Serry, despite recommendations about effective reading practices made by three national reviews undertaken in Australia, the U.S. and the U.K. since 2000, reading instruction in Australian classrooms is still highly contested. "The 'reading wars' debate impacts both the teaching of decoding and the teaching of comprehension," Associate Professor Serry said. "Every day, Australian teachers are tasked with helping students develop reading comprehension. Given the importance of early reading instruction in preventing reading difficulties and promoting academic achievement, the lack of consistency across teaching in Australia is of significant policy and practice interest." According to Reid Smith, although Australia has a national curriculum that provides a framework for schools in terms of what to teach it's lacking specific information that might help teachers in this area. "There are few guidelines as to how much time is devoted to the teaching of reading comprehension or which instructional approaches or strategies should be used," Reid Smith said. "An additional issue is that the three national educational sectors (government-funded, Catholic and independent schools) are funded by differing combinations of Federal Government and student fees. These sectors vary in their policies, application of oversight, and governance, all of which can affect classroom practice in ways that are difficult to identify and measure." Associate Professor Serry said that there is seven decades of evidence on the best way to teach reading comprehension. "Teaching as a progression from word-level identification and meanings to sentence- and text-level comprehension. Instruction should be focused on developing each of these aspects of comprehension through explicit instruction, with the teacher playing a primary role in the classroom," Associate Professor Serry said. "Despite all this evidence its clear from our survey that significant differences remain in how teachers conceptualize their role in the classroom." In 2020, Professor Pamela Snow and Associate Professor Serry launched the Science of Language and Reading (SOLAR) Lab, at La Trobe University bringing together teachers and allied health professionalsincluding speech-language pathologists and psychologiststo ensure new knowledge is incorporated into classroom and intervention practice. More information: Reid Smith et al, Elementary Teachers' Perspectives on Teaching Reading Comprehension, Language, Speech, and Hearing Services in Schools (2023). DOI: 10.1044/2023_LSHSS-22-00118 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: University of Chicago scientists pioneered a way to create a contained ball of turbulence in a tank of water, which has never been done before. Above, a visualization shows the average energy density of the ball over time. Credit: Takumi Matsuzawa Turbulence is all around us. It's in the swirl of coffee and milk in a latte, unfurling along the wings of airplanes and the sides of cars, churning the blood in your heart after the valve snaps closed. Yet we still don't fully grasp all of its rules. Part of the challenge is that physicists typically start by isolating the phenomenon from its environment to study itbut stirring a cup means the spoon is always still inside it, affecting the movement of the liquid. There hasn't been a way to separate the turbulence out by itself. A group of University of Chicago scientists, however, have pioneered a way to create contained turbulence in a tank of water. They use a ring of jets to blow loops until an isolated "ball" of turbulence forms and lingers. "It was a surprise to us," said physicist Takumi Matsuzawa, the first author on a study describing the findings, published in Nature Physics. "It'd be like calmly sitting in a field with a picnic and watching a storm raging 50 feet away," said Prof. William Irvine, the corresponding author on the study." They hope the breakthrough opens a new avenue of study to better understand turbulence. 'No one knew this was even possible' Turbulencethe chaotic flow in an unevenly mixed substanceis an old problem. "It's often quoted as one of the big open questions in physics," said Irvine. In the past decades, scientists have made progress in describing the behavior of an "idealized" state of turbulence. That is, turbulence without confounding variables like boundaries, or variations in strength and time. But when it comes to understanding real-world turbulence, there is much left to understand. The researchers track the turbulence with lasers and high-speed cameras. Credit: Takumi Matsuzawa "Turbulence appears everywhere around us, but it keeps eluding what physicists consider a satisfying description," said Irvine. "For example, if you ask, can I predict what happens next when I poke this region of turbulence? The answer is no. Not even really with a supercomputer." One of the big problems was the presence of confounding variables in experiments. You can make turbulence by shooting a fast jet of water through a pipe or by stirring a paddle in a tank of water, but the turbulence is always brushing up against the container walls and the stirrer, which affects the results. Matsuzawa, Irvine, and their collaborators had been running experiments with tanks of water to make "vortex rings"like smoke rings, but in water. When they tried to combine them to make turbulence, the energy usually bounced right back at them before dissipating. But once they hit upon a particular configurationa box with eight corners, each containing a vortex ring generatorsomething odd happened. When they repeatedly fired rings that met in the center, they saw a ball of turbulence form that was self-contained, away from the walls of the tank. This itself was a breakthrough: "No one knew this was even possible," said Matsuzawa, who is a graduate student in physics. "Turbulence is very good at mixing things; if you mix your milk into your coffee, you can only get one or two swirls in before it becomes completely mixed. The fact we can contain it in place is very surprising." Matsuzawa explained that a freestanding ball of turbulence allows scientists, using lasers and multiple fast cameras, to track its parameters much more precisely. This includes its energy and its helicity (a measure of how tangled or "knotty" the loops are) as well as the impulse and angular impulse (the fluid equivalent of momentum and angular momentum). What's more, they could play with it by varying the parameters. They could change whether the loops they sent in were helices spinning clockwise or counterclockwise. They could change the amount of energy going in, or stop adding rings and watch the turbulence dissipate, or vary the helicity of the rings and see how the turbulence evolved over time. "How does turbulence dissipate? How does it expand? What does it 'remember'? How does the energy spread across scales? Are there different types of turbulence? There are all kinds of questions we could ask, and this is a unique setting with which to ask them," Irvine said. "I really hope this can help open up a new playground in the field." More information: Takumi Matsuzawa et al, Creation of an isolated turbulent blob fed by vortex rings, Nature Physics (2023). DOI: 10.1038/s41567-023-02052-0 Journal information: Nature Physics 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: Jrgen Kjems and collaborators have achieved a remarkable breakthrough in developing tiny nano-sized pores that can contribute to better possibilities for, among other things, detecting diseases at an earlier stage. Credit: ACS Nano (2023). DOI: 10.1021/acsnano.2c12733 In a collaboration with Groningen University, Professor Jrgen Kjems and his research group at Aarhus University have achieved a remarkable breakthrough in developing tiny nano-sized pores that can contribute to better possibilities for, among other things, detecting diseases at an earlier stage. Their work, recently published in the journal ACS Nano, shows a new innovative method for finding specific proteins in complex biological fluids, such as blood, without having to label the proteins chemically. The research is an important milestone in nanopore technology, and could revolutionize medical diagnostics. Nanopores are tiny channels formed in materials, that can be used as sensors. The researchers, led by Jrgen Kjems and Giovanni Maglia (Groningen Univ.), have taken this a step further by developing a special type of nanopore called ClyA with scanner molecules, called nanobodies, attached to it. These nanobodies, derived from antibodies, are capable of recognizing different proteins with astonishing accuracy. In this study, the researchers attached nanobodies to ClyA, using a DNA adapter. By using a series of nanobodies, they were able to create many different nanopore sensors, which could detect a variety of proteins of different sizes. The research team created nanopores with specialized nanobodies attached, which have the ability to detect the Spike protein of SARS-CoV-2 (the virus that causes COVID-19) and a protein marker for breast cancer called urokinase-type plasminogen activator (uPA), respectively. By measuring changes in electrical currents that are caused by the presence of these proteins, the researchers can find and identify individual proteins and even determine their concentrations. What makes this breakthrough even more remarkable is that the nanopores remained highly accurate and sensitive even when tested with complex samples like blood. Although the nanopores are invisible to the naked eye, the signficance of this research is palpable. The existing technologies already allowed the integration of nanopores into a portable device that can utilize the nanopores' ability to scan liquids for specific molecules. Therefore, we can envision a future where patients can rapidly and accurately detect diseases like cancer or infectious diseases with a simple blood test. This could lead to earlier interventions, improved treatment outcomes, and overall improved healthcare. Although further studies and validation are needed before this technology becomes widely available, the collaboration between these two universities brings us one step closer to this reality. The breakthrough exemplifies the power of scientific collaboration and innovation in transforming healthcare. More information: Xialin Zhang et al, Specific Detection of Proteins by a Nanobody-Functionalized Nanopore Sensor, ACS Nano (2023). DOI: 10.1021/acsnano.2c12733 Journal information: ACS Nano 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: Star-to-dust compactness as a function of the age of the Universe. The distribution peaks around the cosmic noon. Credit: National Centre for Nuclear Research Interstellar dust is a key component in galaxies. It favors star formation and drives the chemistry and physics of the interstellar medium. However, it hides the majority of stars in a way that it is impossible to observe them. Astrophysicists use dust attenuation laws that would uncover these hidden stars by reverse-engineering the light from galaxies to quantify how many stars are there. Astrophysicists are trying to estimate how much of the ultraviolet and visible light emitted by stars in dusty galaxies is absorbed by dust and then re-emitted in the infrared range. However, for decades, the problem was that the laws governing the processes of radiation attenuation by dust were not sufficiently known. There was a lack of knowledge about what this process depends on. The situation changed when a group of astrophysicists found a hidden correlation between dust and the shape of galaxies. An international team of researchers has made new findings about the dusty star-forming galaxies at distances larger than 10 billion years from us. They have studied over a hundred of heavily dust-obscured galaxies in the early universe, and investigated the attenuation of radiation by dust using various physical aspects. Their study is published in the journal Astronomy & Astrophysics. The team was led by NCN Preludium grant winner Mahmoud Hamed, along with his supervisor, another NCN grant holder, SONATA BIS, and team leader at Astrophysics Division of NCBJ, Prof. Katarzyna Maek. Close collaboration between the National Center for Nuclear Research in Warsaw, Poland, and the Laboratoire d'Astrophysique de Marseille in Southern France, used cutting-edge technical analysis in order to answer the decade-standing question: What is the form of the law governing processes of dust attenuation process in galaxies residing in the young universe? The team discovered that the estimated physical properties of super dusty ultra-massive galaxies (~10 times more massive than our own Milky Way) strongly depend on the models used to describe dust attenuation in the analysis. The ground-breaking discovery in this complete study was that the way dust dims the stars is strongly correlated with the shape of galaxies observed at different wavelengths. The analysis results showed that in the case of a compact distribution of stellar populations in galaxies, consistent with the distribution of dust, the influence of dust on their perception can be explained using a simple attenuation law, without the need to assume complex geometries of stars and dust. This greatly simplifies the calculations and analysis of the physical properties of these galaxies. On the other hand, the team has found that when the sizes of stellar population areas are significantly smaller than the sizes of dust areas, complex features in dust attenuation laws must be included in order to explain the amount of dust in these objects. Roughly speaking, taking into account the relative compactness of star-to-dust emission is crucial, especially since the type of attenuation law used may strongly affect our interpretation of key elements in these galaxies such as how massive they are. Moreover, the curve of relative size evolution between stars and dust was found, shockingly, to peak around the cosmic noon (an interesting epoch of the universe, when galaxies did nothing besides forming stars massively). These new findings give a huge insight into the nature of dusty star-forming galaxies when the universe was adolescent, which is critical for understanding galaxy evolution. The research team hopes that their study will inspire future research to investigate dust attenuation in the era of grand instruments such as the James Webb Space Telescope (JWST) and the Atacama Large Millimetre/submillimetre Array (ALMA). More information: M. Hamed et al, The slippery slope of dust attenuation curves, Astronomy & Astrophysics (2023). DOI: 10.1051/0004-6361/202245818 Journal information: Astronomy & Astrophysics Provided by National Centre for Nuclear Research This article has been reviewed according to Science X's editorial process and policies . Editors have highlighted the following attributes while ensuring the content's credibility: Here, the researchers compare the observed polar motion (red arrow, OBS) to the modeling results without (dashed blue arrow) and with (solid blue arrow) groundwater mass redistribution. The model with groundwater mass redistribution is a much better match for the observed polar motion, telling the researchers the magnitude and direction of groundwater's influence on the Earth's spin. Credit: Geophysical Research Letters (2023). DOI: 10.1029/2023GL103509 By pumping water out of the ground and moving it elsewhere, humans have shifted such a large mass of water that the Earth tilted nearly 80 centimeters (31.5 inches) east between 1993 and 2010 alone, according to a new study published in Geophysical Research Letters. Based on climate models, scientists previously estimated humans pumped 2,150 gigatons of groundwater, equivalent to more than 6 millimeters (0.24 inches) of sea level rise, from 1993 to 2010. But validating that estimate is difficult. One approach lies with the Earth's rotational pole, which is the point around which the planet rotates. It moves during a process called polar motion, which is when the position of the Earth's rotational pole varies relative to the crust. The distribution of water on the planet affects how mass is distributed. Like adding a tiny bit of weight to a spinning top, the Earth spins a little differently as water is moved around. "Earth's rotational pole actually changes a lot," said Ki-Weon Seo, a geophysicist at Seoul National University who led the study. "Our study shows that among climate-related causes, the redistribution of groundwater actually has the largest impact on the drift of the rotational pole." Water's ability to change the Earth's rotation was discovered in 2016, and until now, the specific contribution of groundwater to these rotational changes was unexplored. In the new study, researchers modeled the observed changes in the drift of Earth's rotational pole and the movement of waterfirst, with only ice sheets and glaciers considered, and then adding in different scenarios of groundwater redistribution. The model only matched the observed polar drift once the researchers included 2150 gigatons of groundwater redistribution. Without it, the model was off by 78.5 centimeters (31 inches), or 4.3 centimeters (1.7 inches) of drift per year. "I'm very glad to find the unexplained cause of the rotation pole drift," Seo said. "On the other hand, as a resident of Earth and a father, I'm concerned and surprised to see that pumping groundwater is another source of sea-level rise." "This is a nice contribution and an important documentation for sure," said Surendra Adhikari, a research scientist at the Jet Propulsion Laboratory who was not involved in this study. Adhikari published the 2016 paper on water redistribution impacting rotational drift. "They've quantified the role of groundwater pumping on polar motion, and it's pretty significant." The location of the groundwater matters for how much it could change polar drift; redistributing water from the midlatitudes has a larger impact on the rotational pole. During the study period, the most water was redistributed in western North America and northwestern India, both at midlatitudes. Countries' attempts to slow groundwater depletion rates, especially in those sensitive regions, could theoretically alter the change in drift, but only if such conservation approaches are sustained for decades, Seo said. The rotational pole normally changes by several meters within about a year, so changes due to groundwater pumping don't run the risk of shifting seasons. But on geologic time scales, polar drift can have an impact on climate, Adhikari said. The next step for this research could be looking to the past. "Observing changes in Earth's rotational pole is useful for understanding continent-scale water storage variations," Seo said. "Polar motion data are available from as early as the late 19th century. So, we can potentially use those data to understand continental water storage variations during the last 100 years. Were there any hydrological regime changes resulting from the warming climate? Polar motion could hold the answer." More information: KiWeon Seo et al, Drift of Earth's Pole Confirms Groundwater Depletion as a Significant Contributor to Global Sea Level Rise 19932010, Geophysical Research Letters (2023). DOI: 10.1029/2023GL103509 Journal information: Geophysical Research Letters This story is republished courtesy of Eos, hosted by the American Geophysical Union. Read the original storyhere. MANILA, June 15 (Xinhua) -- Two police officers were killed and four others wounded when an armed group ambushed a police car in the southern Philippines, the police said on Thursday. Brigadier General Allan Nobleza, the regional police chief of the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM), said the police team was heading back to the camp from a routine patrol when attacked at around 8:30 p.m. local time Wednesday in Shariff Aguak town in Maguindanao del Sur province. Nobleza said the ambush occurred a few meters from the headquarters. No group has claimed responsibility for the attack yet. The police are investigating the motive of the attack. 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 Average global temperatures at the start of June were the warmest the European Union's climate monitoring unit has ever recorded for the period, trouncing previous records by a "substantial margin", it said on Thursday. The news comes as the El Nino climate phenomenon has officially arrived, raising fears of extreme weather and more temperature records. "The world has just experienced its warmest early June on record, following a month of May that was less than 0.1 degrees Celsius cooler than the warmest May on record," said Samantha Burgess, deputy director of the Copernicus Climate Change Service (C3S). "Global-mean surface air temperatures for the first days of June 2023 were the highest in the ERA5 data record for early June by a substantial margin", said Copernicus. Some of the unit's data goes back as far as 1950. Copernicus recently announced that global oceans were warmer last month than in any other May on record. The unit also said that at the beginning of June, global temperatures exceeded pre-industrial levels by more than 1.5C (34.7 degrees Fahrenheit), which is the most ambitious cap for global warming in the 2015 Paris Agreement. According to the data, the daily global average temperature was at or above the 1.5C threshold between June 7-11, reaching a maximum of 1.69C above it on June 9. While it is the first time the cap has been breached in June, this limit has been exceeded several times in winter and spring in recent years. "Every single fraction of a degree matters to avoid even more severe consequences of the climate crisis", Burgess said. Copernicus is based in the Germany city Bonn, where UN-led climate talks are taking place ahead of the COP28 climate summit scheduled to take place in Dubai at the end of the year. 2023 AFP By Saio Marrah With support from Government of Sierra Leone and Plan International Canada, 57,500 pupils in 200 schools in Western Area Rural District, have been added to the School Feeding programme under the Free Quality Education Package. This is according to the Deputy Minister(2) of Basic and Senior Secondary Education, Mamusu Konneh Massaquoi, during the launch of the feeding initiative at the Rural Education Committee Primary School, in Russel Village, on Monday 30th January 2023. Ms.Massaquoi said the total number of pupils benefiting from the School Feeding programme across the country has risen to seven hundred and thirty-five thousand (735,000) in all but one of the countrys 16 districts. According to her, it is being implemented in 113 chiefdoms in Sierra Leone, covering more than 70% of the chiefdoms in the country. She explained that the aim of government is to ensure universal school feeding in the country. This she said implies every child from pre- primary and primary school in Sierra Leone should benefit from the feeding programme. She said the programme has ensured more enrollment of pupils, helped the kids stay in school and also contributed in getting their attention in class. The Country Director of Plan International-Sierra Leone, the implementing partner of Western Area School Feeding programme, Evariste Sindayigaya, thanked the Government of Sierra Leone for its vision for children of this country and pointed out that the vision of Plan is to ensure children, especially the girl child stay strong. He noted that it is also the vision organization that every girl child is able to decide for themselves and be able to do more. Sindayigaya therefore called for every girl child to live in a safe and enabling environment. According to their data he said, 52% of pupils benefiting from the feeding package are girls. An old pupil of the school, who is also Western Area Sherbro Tribal Head, Kaimalieh Benga, said the government has given them the responsibility to monitor the process as traditional leaders, and assured that the programme will go on accordingly. He narrated how since the introduction of the school feeding in his community, the school kids do not ask him again for lunch. The National Coordinator, Civil Rights Coalition, Alphonso Manley,said Plan International were chosen as implementing partners because they are credible. He said they will be monitoring the feeding and called on all to embrace the process. The Deputy Minister of Energy, also Chairman of SLPP East Rural District, Dr. Alfred Taylor thanked the government for incorporating his area into the feeding scheme, and urged the children to embrace it. He applauded the contribution of Plan in also providing learning materials to schools over the years. Copyright 2023 Politico Online (01/02/23) MOREAU A Moreau man is facing charges after a domestic incident. State police received a report at about 10:38 p.m. on Monday of a dispute incident at a residence. The investigation determined Daniel C. Stimpson, 39, was in a physical altercation with a victim at the location. During the incident, Stimpson allegedly took the victim's phone to prevent them from contacting law enforcement and damaging the phone. Stimpson had left the location before police arrived but was found and arrested in Corinth the following day. Stimpson was charged with felony counts of third-degree and fourth-degree criminal mischief. He was arraigned in Wilton Town Court and released on his own recognizance. HARTFORD A Hartford man was hit with more charges on Sunday after police said he shot a gun during a domestic dispute on Friday, which resulted in an arrest as well. On Friday, New York State Police originally arrested James A. Lutz, 26, and charged him with two felony counts of second-degree criminal possession of a weapon, a felony count of third-degree criminal possession of a weapon, two felony counts of first-degree reckless endangerment and misdemeanor counts of criminal obstruction of breathing or blood circulation and two counts of endangering the welfare of a child. At 4:30 p.m. on Friday, police received the report of numerous physical domestic disputes that occurred in the past in the town of Hartford. Police said they learned, during two of the alleged disputes in December 2022 and May 2023, Lutz displayed and discharged a firearm. No one was injured during the incidents, but a child under the age of 17 was present for both incidents. Police seized all the firearms in Lutzs possession, as well as an illegally possessed high-capacity magazine. He was arraigned at the Hartford Town Court on Friday and taken to the Washington County Jail in lieu of $2,000 cash or $4,000 bond. The court also issued an order of protection against Lutz, protecting the victim and prohibiting him from having a gun. At 5:47 a.m. on Sunday, State Police responded to the reports of damage to a vehicle parked outside a Hartford home. According to police, Lutz caused the damage to the vehicle and was also allegedly in possession of a gun, which was a violation of the order of protection issued just two days prior. Lutz was arrested again and charged with second-degree criminal mischief, fourth-degree criminal possession of a weapon and second-degree criminal contempt. He was arraigned at the Hartford Town Court and taken back to the Washington County Jail in lieu of $2,000 cash or $4,000 bond. Lake George Elementary School students and staff members, along with the Lake George Volunteer Fire Department, honored celebrated Flag Day on Wednesday with a special ceremony on the holiday thats been in existence since 1777. Students Chloe Brown, Christopher Mondella, Lyla West, Luke Holderman, Ryan Chance, Kaely Crisler, Alex Fregoe, Adriana Amaya, Lena Dutcher, and Treyah Corlew recited flag etiquette before the flag was lowered, folded and flown again by military veterans on the school staff Mr. Denton, Mr. Kelly, Officer LeBarron and Miss Meyer, the district said in a news release. The school recited the Pledge of Allegiance, and the sixth-grade band played a patriotic melody. The program concluded with a sing-a-long. Thank you to the Lake George Volunteer Fire Department for raising an additional American Flag for all to enjoy. GLENS FALLS As part of the third generation of her family in Glens Falls Mary Jean DeSantis was always searching for a way to give back to her hometown. My grandmother and grandfather owned the restaurant down the street here on Lawrence and gave away 52,000 meals to service men and women. That has always inspired me to want to give, DeSantis said inside The Post-Star office on Wednesday. Then my parents: my father was born and raised in Glens Falls, and then he was the mayor, so he gave back that way and now I love Glens Falls and this is my way to give back. The speech pathologist and dog lover just published her first childrens book with fellow Glens Falls native and published illustrator/artist Anthony Richichi about a now locally famous dog, Alfie. On June 22, 2022, a Pittsburgh, Philadelphia familys one-year-old Australian Shepard, Alfie, went missing from a now-closed doggie daycare in the city of Glens Falls and a massive search ensued for 16 days until the lost dog was found and returned. The new book, Where are you, Alfie?, explores the true story of the dogs two week adventure around the city and vividly illustrates the landmarks of Glens Falls. DeSantis played a key role in organizing search efforts stationed at Rob and Debs Frozen Dreams that gained the support of over 100 community members. This was definitely a community effort to help this family in need. I really wanted this family to think of Glens Falls as the city that found their dog, not the city that lost him, she said. This is a great city that has a lot to offer. Richichi said he started drawing for the publisher in 2020, but got introduced to DeSantis thanks to a Post-Star article and a mutual friend. Mary saw an article about my racoon book and she had been looking for an illustrator for this story, so it was actually through The Post-Star that we initially connected, he said. The pair met at Spot Coffee downtown where Richichi looked through the manuscript and said this is great, Id be honored to do it. Anthony nailed it, DeSantis gushed. If you look at Warren Street and Glen Street and Rob and Debs, Anthony just nailed it. Richichi, who painted the Adirondack chair in Centennial Circle, said he really enjoyed illustrating his own city rather than a fictional world. The true story aspect was awesome, it felt like we were re-creating history, he said. All the proceeds of the sold-out book went to animal rescues and shelters, but the duo plans to release additional versions of the book to include Memorial Day Parade photos, where they rode on a float with Alfie and his family. The plans dont stop with Alfie. They plan to mail copies of the book to small town libraries in each state to put hometown USA, Glens Falls, on the map. The next book in the works is about the Rockefeller Center Christmas tree that was cut down in Queensbury in the fall of 2022. The book can be purchased at www.adkyou.com. With a higher rate of suicide among farmers, U.S. Sen. Kirsten Gillibrand is proposing legislation that would provide assistance to those struggling with mental health. Gillibrand, D-N.Y., unveiled the National Agricultural Crisis Hotline Act on Thursday. The bill would establish a crisis hotline focused on farmers, ranchers and their families. Crisis specialists and mental health professionals who are knowledgeable about agriculture would staff the hotline. The legislation seeks to address a major problem in the agricultural industry. The National Rural Health Association says the suicide rate among farmers is 3.5 times the rate for the general population. Suicide rates in rural areas increased by 48% between 2000 and 2018, according to Gillibrands office. Gillibrand, who sits on the Senate Agriculture, Nutrition and Forestry Committee, believes her bill would help save lives in rural areas. New Yorks farmers face tremendous stressors: Devastating storms, volatile commodity prices, debt, isolation and ever-present risk of losing their farms and their livelihoods, Gillibrand said. We have to do more to support them. The bill is supported by the National Rural Health Association. Alan Morgan, the groups CEO, said his organization is looking forward to working with Congress to provide mental health resources to agricultural communities. As Gillibrand and stakeholders work to pass the bill, her office encourages farmers and other people who need support to call the 988 suicide and crisis lifeline. The Farm Aid Farmer Hotline is also an option. The hotlines number is 1-800-327-6243 and is open from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. weekdays. GABORONE, June 15 (Xinhua) -- Botswana has recorded its first-ever suspected case of cholera, health authorities in the southern African country said Thursday. Botswanan Minister of Health Edwin Dikoloti made the announcement when addressing journalists after touring Nyangabgwe Referral Hospital, the only referral health facility in the northeastern part of Botswana. "It is suspected that a probable case of cholera has been detected," Dikoloti told journalists in Francistown, Botswana's second-largest city. Dikoloti said a 65-year-old of a shanty and high-density suburb of Somerset in Francistown is suspected of having contracted the waterborne disease from a yet-to-be-ascertained source. The suspected patient has been frequenting health facilities in Botswana, presenting diarrheal symptoms in a development that prompted authorities to conduct further tests. According to Dikoloti, authorities are awaiting laboratory tests to confirm if the patient has indeed contracted cholera. A global surge of cholera cases has put 1 billion people in 43 countries at risk, the World Health Organization (WHO) cautioned early this year. Call it an encore or an overtime, or whatever other metaphor seems appropriate. The state Assembly is scheduled to gavel back into special session next week to handle legislation that did not get voted on in the regular session, which ended in the wee hours of the morning on June 10. Among the Democratic majority priority bills that will potentially be voted on at the special session set to begin June 20 are legislation to discourage the expansion of natural gas distribution systems, legislation to establish statewide regulation of short-term rentals and legislation to provide early parole for some incarcerated individuals age 55 and older, said Assemblyman Matt Simpson, R-Horicon. Theres tons of bills in the system. So, there may be some surprises, Simpson said in a telephone interview. Simpson said he does not expect that any legislation he has introduced will advance in the special session, which will be controlled by majority Democrats. I think that ship has sailed, for this year, he said. The Senate, as of Tuesday, had not been called back into session, said Sen. Jake Ashby, R-Castleton. Two of the three bills expected to be discussed have already passed the Senate. The natural gas legislation, known as the New York HEAT Act, would direct the state Public Service Commission to remove the legal basis and state subsidies for expanding natural gas distribution systems in New York. The commission also would develop a plan to right-size the natural gas distribution system in order to meet the state climate change goals, in a manner that would not disproportionately affect moderate and low-income residents or disadvantaged communities. Simpson said he opposes the legislation, in part because the electrical grid is not yet sufficient to handle the extra load. Assemblywoman Carrier Woerner, D-Round Lake, said she thinks the impact of the legislation will, in general, be minimal to most people. The legislation passed the Senate by a vote of 39-23, largely along party lines, on June 6. Local Sens. Dan Stec, R-Queensbury, Jake Ashby, R-Castleton, and James Tedisco, R-Glenville, all voted against it. Short-term rentals The short-term rental legislation would create a statewide registry of short-term rental properties and establish a system of enforcement for not registering, with an intent of making sure that that sales tax and local occupancy tax is paid. Woerner, an Assembly co-sponsor, said websites that book short-term rentals would only be allowed to list those properties registered with the state. Simpson said he opposes the short-term rental legislation, because he feels that it should be regulated at the local level. Woerner said the legislation does not supersede local regulation, and that it will actually help municipalities by identifying short-term rental properties that might not be collecting sales and occupancy taxes. The legislation passed the Senate June 8 by a 39-23 vote, largely along party lines. Stec, Ashby and Tedisco all voted against it. Its routine procedure for the Senate and Assembly to authorize municipalities to collect taxes theyve already passed through their local legislatures. Its a much different proposal to require them to. Thats why I voted against this bill, Ashby said. If a locality wants to generate revenue with a modest tax on Airbnb, thats their decision. I dont think the state should make it for them, Elder parole The elder parole legislation, which has not passed the Senate, would require the Parole Board to conduct a hearing for all incarcerated individuals age 55 and over who have completed at least 15 years of their sentences. The hearing would determine whether the individual should be released into community supervision. If parole is rejected, the individual would be entitled to a second hearing within two years. Simpson said he is undecided about the legislation. Im all for giving people second chances, but it all needs to be selective, and not broad brush, he said. Theres a lot of amendments. I havent seen them all yet. Woerner said she will vote against the legislation, in part because the age limit is too young, and also because elderly incarcerated individuals are housed at a specialized correctional facility which meets their health care and aging needs. As someone who is 61 years old, I dont feel elderly, she said. Grading the session Legislators had mixed views about the legislative session that recently closed. Ashby said he was pleased his legislation to expedite the naturalization process for foreign-born family members of the military and veterans, as well as military members and veterans themselves, passed this session. Its a priority that we have been working on for four years, he said in a telephone interview. Ashby and Simpson both said that legislation to grant judges more discretion in setting bail did not go far enough. Ashby said that the Legislature did not do nearly enough to control state spending. Woerner said there were instances of compromise during the session, such as the legislation to prohibit the installation of fossil fuel heating and hot water systems and natural gas stoves in newly constructed buildings. The size of buildings it applied to was narrowed, and provisions were added to apply for a wavier in communities that do not have sufficient electrical grid capacity. Woerner said she was pleased that two bills she partnered with Stec on one to authorize the merger of Glens Falls Transit Systems with the Capital District Transit Authority, and another to address invasive species passed in both the Senate and Assembly. Simpson it was encouraging to be able to meet in person after the COVID-19 pandemic. It was much more functional, he said. Our committees were back around the same table where we could discuss issues. Tedisco is pleased that legislation he introduced to establish a Veterans Internship Program at the state Legislature passed the Senate and Assembly. Ten percent of legislative internships would be reserved for veterans. This is a bill of statewide consequence that can help our veterans that Senator Tedisco has worked hard for some time across party lines to build support and finally get it passed, said Adam Kramer, the senators chief of staff, in an email message. ATLANTIC CITY New York Avenue in the 1960s and 70s was viewed as a thriving oasis for the LGBTQ community. The city featured at least 10 gay bars, including the West Side Bar and Brass Rail. Today the city has a plethora of attractions, including restaurants and casinos but no gay bars. Its kind of sad, said Jordan Wooding, a 34-year-old city native. There used to be the West Side Bar, the Pro Bar in Resorts ... the Rainbow Room was another hole in the wall. If we at least had one location in the city, that would be cool. A lot of us go out. As acceptance of the community has increased over time, so have the number of places they feel safe. Theres no question that the increased acceptance or perceived acceptance of the LGBTQ lifestyle and LGBTQ people have led to the disappearance of the bars as well, because people will argue, especially younger people, that they can go to a regular bar, said Laurie Greene, an LGBTQ activist and author of the book Drag Queens and Beauty Queens: Contesting Femininity in the Worlds Playground. But thats not necessarily true for queer people of color, especially gender non-conforming people. They dont feel safe in straight bars the way that straight white men do. So that creates a real void. In Atlantic City, there were 15 to 20 bars in and around New York Avenue dating to the 1950s, although it was illegal to operate a gay bar or serve gay people, Greene said. In the 50s and 60s, bar owners could have their establishments shut down by the New Jersey Division of Alcoholic Beverage Control if they served homosexuals, said John Schultz, a former Atlantic City councilman. That was the case for Vals Bar on New York Avenue. It wasnt until 1967 that Vals and a New Brunswick-based company, One Eleven Wines and Liquors Inc., fought against their shutdowns and won their New Jersey Supreme Court case against the ABC. And that was about a year or two before Stonewall, added Schultz, referring to the 1969 riots in New York surrounding the police raid of a gay bar. More recently, in the 1980s there were more than 1,000 gay bars in the country. Now theres less than 200 and I think something like 18 female bars in the entire country, Greene said. Schultz said dating apps like Tinder and Grindr have diminished the need for LGBTQ bars. He and his husband, Gary Hill, owned several gay bars and real estate properties in Atlantic City in the 1970s. Some of those included the Brass Rail on Mount Vernon Avenue, Studio 5 Disco on South Kentucky Avenue and Studio Six. Technically why theres no gay bar in Atlantic City is because the only places with gay bars now are in major cities like San Francisco, New York, Philadelphia they all have gay bars. And then most of the gay bars are a mixture between straight and gay, said Schultz. And so as the Grindr and then the gay dating sites came, these young kids, they dont need to go to a bar, you know? I mean, in those days, you read where to go in the newspaper. Even as acceptance has grown, some still dont feel comfortable going to many city establishments. Jeremy Kelly, of Atlantic City, will go to any bar or restaurant in the city to have a good time, but his friend, Jessie Cherlin, who is Black, said he doesnt feel like hes allowed to be himself when he goes to places that arent his usual safe spots. Im 6 foot tall, but Im 6-foot-9 in heels, Cherlin said. I feel like Im just being stared at or laughed at. AtlantiCare highlights health equity efforts at DEI summit ATLANTIC CITY With the past several years bringing health inequities to the forefront, the Cherlin and Kelly both like going to places like Rhythm and Spirits on Tennessee Avenue, the Anchor Rock Club and the former Bourre on New York Avenue. They also said they go to the AC Pride monthly mixers to meet others in the community. Id throw us in as allies, said Greg Mungan, production manager for Anchor Rock Club. Having diverse programming is important to us, including pride programming. Were always interested in making it a comfortable setting for people of all walks of life to come out, including folks in the queer community. Mungan said Anchor Rock Club would still be doing all-inclusive events regardless of being the site of the former Chez Paree Night Club. He was honored to occupy the same space as what was a central location for what was a gay neighborhood from the 60s to the 80s. Its definitely been very helpful for us to connect the dots with the pride/queer community because we occupy the same space, a natural inclination for people that used to go there, on the lookout for their space more, said Mungan, who has hosted events with Wooding for his monthly drag cabarets, AC Pride and other organizations. Its important for us to be an ally and celebrate what is clearly a rich tradition in Atlantic City. Judah Dorrington, the citys LGBTQ+ liaison, said it was important to have different kinds of safe places that facilitate empowerment and entrepreneurship, in addition to providing information, resources and programs for the community. Yeah, we need a gay bar, but what were also interested in is safety, health, enhancing LGBTQ+ wealth, said Dorrington. There are more gay spaces non-alcoholic or sober spaces, and day spaces beyond the bar. GALLERY: John Schultz and Atlantic City's gay scene ATLANTIC CITY For the third time in its history, the North American Bengali Conference will bring its festivities to the resort by hosting the Celebration of Freedom over Fourth of July weekend. Being a hospitality industry, were so excited to welcome your convention here, Mayor Marty Small Sr. said Thursday during a news conference at Kennedy Plaza announcing the event. From June 30 to July 2, a mixture of events geared around Bengali culture which derives from a region near the border of India and Bangladesh will be held throughout the resort, including a torch lighting intended to symbolize the strength of the community. Its going to give us shades of the Olympics, Small said. More than 8,000 people are expected to travel to the resort during the holiday weekend for the festival, officials said. The event is being put on through a partnership between the KPC Bengali Hall of Fame, a New Jersey-based philanthropic organization, and Sree Sree Gita Atlantic City, a Bangladeshi Hindu immigrant group. The conference strives to address issues concerning Bengali culture in North America and India, its organizers said Thursday. It was first held in 1981, coming to the resort in 2005 and 2018, said Parthasarathi Mukhopadhyay, convener for the conferences 2023 edition. Its full of life and full of positive vibration in the City of Atlantic City, and were going to add to it, Mukhopadhyay said. The anticipated crowd is expected to generate $6 million to $8 million in economic revenue, officials said. The city has such a rich and diverse cultural experience here, said Joe Berg, chief of staff for state Sen. Vince Polistina and Assembly members Don Guardian and Claire Swift, all R-Atlantic. It really is amazing to see the events that get put on and give everyone the opportunity to have exposure to these wonderful cultures. Each of the events is a large-scale celebration, which is common in Bengali culture, Mukhopadhyay said. The festival will begin June 30 with more than 100 electronic torches from organizations across the U.S. being lit and carried from Bader Field to Albany Avenue, ending with a celebration at Kennedy Plaza on the Boardwalk. During the festival there will be a world-record attempt in which 500 conches are hopefully going to be blown concurrently for one minute. In typical South Asian culture, conch blowing is almost everywhere, Mukhopadhyay said. They blow their conch to mark the beginning of something good. The festival will include a three-mile run on the Boardwalk, as well as a film festival, which, besides Bengali-based movies, will feature work from Italian and Middle Eastern filmmakers. Mukhopadhyay said the events will show the public aspects of Bengali culture. Any big celebration, we always have a procession with lamps, Mukhopadhyay said. So instead of lamps, were doing torches. We always bring the symbolic presence of the light in all of our festivals, because that is a source of energy. 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. An agreement between two Atlantic County school districts that has been at the center of a controversy around school integration and fairness in education will stay in place. Acting state Commissioner of Education Angelica Allen-McMillan decided last week to reject a motion to reconsider her decision to preserve the send-receive agreement between the Absecon Public School District and Pleasantville Public Schools. Her decision deals a blow to Absecon, which filed the motion to reconsider and has been trying to sever its send-receive agreement with Pleasantville for years. Absecon Superintendent Daniel Dooley addressed a letter to his school district Wednesday in which he acknowledged the disappointing news of Allen-McMillans decision. He said there had been flaws in the Commissioners data in her original decision that have still gone overlooked. We feel that through our Motion, we gave the Acting Commissioner a chance to reverse her initial decision, which we viewed as flawed, but she declined to analyze the impact of Absecon leaving Pleasantville based upon current enrollment numbers and current realities, Dooley said. This unfortunate setback will not deter our relentless pursuit of equitable education opportunities for all students of Absecon. The send-receive agreement has eighth-grade Absecon students graduating from Emma C. Attales Middle School attend Pleasantville High School for their secondary education. Requests for comment left for Pleasantville school officials and the state Department of Education have not yet been returned. Absecon has tried to sever the agreement due to what it argues are the low quality of Pleasantville schools. It has also noted that few Absecon students choose to attend Pleasantville High School, instead opting for alternatives such as the Atlantic County Institute of Technology or a private school such as Holy Spirit High School. Absecon officials hoped to arrange a new send-receive agreement with the Greater Egg Harbor Regional High School District, where graduating Absecon middle schoolers would instead be sent to Absegami High School. A request for comment left for Greater Egg Harbor has not yet been returned. Racial justice activists in the area have argued the severance of the send-receive agreement would further segregate Pleasantville students, which are predominantly Black and Hispanic. The reiteration of that opinion last week follows years of protests organized by Building One America and its affiliates Building One New Jersey and the New Jersey Coalition against Racial Exclusion. In March 2022, the groups held a march to the Atlantic County Democratic Convention in Somers Point to protest the attempted severance of the send-receive agreement and school segregation more broadly. The Pleasantville-Mainland NAACP has also mobilized against Absecons attempts to end the agreement. In July 2022, Building One America staged demonstrations at the NAACP national convention in Atlantic City, urging Gov. Phil Murphy to take more assertive action against segregation and fight separation efforts like that of Absecon. Allen-McMillan first decided to reject Absecons request to sever the send-receive agreement over a year ago in May 2022. She echoed the arguments advanced by area activists and supporters of Pleasantville. While she acknowledged that relatively few Absecon students choose to attend Pleasantville High School over alternatives, those who do constitute between 50% and 80% of the Pleasantville white student body. Their loss, she said, would deepen segregation in the school district. The Absecon Board of Education filed a motion to reconsider shortly after Allen-McMillans decision in July 2022. It had argued that its students about 45% of whom are economically disadvantaged and half of whom are people of color would benefit from the resources at Absegami, such as Advanced Placement courses and other extracurricular opportunities. Any impact on the diversity of Pleasantville, Absecon officials argued, would be insignificant given the small number of students who opt to attend Pleasantville. (The) Absecon Board of Education continues to move forward with its request to sever the relationship with Pleasantville High School students and to institute a new relationship with the Greater Egg Harbor Regional High School District, Dooley said. The Rev. Willie Francois III, senior pastor of Mount Zion Baptist Church in Pleasantville and an organizer with Building One New Jersey who has led protests to keep the send-receive agreement in place, issued a statement Thursday praising the commissioners thoughtful and just ruling to deny Absecons petition to secede from Pleasantville High School. He disputed the notion that ending the send-receive agreement would have only a trivial effect on Pleasantville. On the contrary, it will exacerbate and deepen an already intolerable, grotesque and deeply damaging level of racial segregation and concentrated poverty that continues to destroy opportunity and narrow the life potential of poor Black and brown students, Francois said. Efforts to end the send-receive agreement have received significant backing from Absecon city government. Absecon Mayor Kim Horton said she and City Council would lend their support to the school district in battling the commissioners decision. In his Wednesday letter, Dooley expressed appreciation to the city government for its support, as well as to community members who had petitioned the Governors Office to demand the decision be reversed. The petition case was technically uncontested by the Pleasantville school district itself. The Pleasantville Board of Education withdrew its opposition to the termination of the send-receive agreement in January 2021. Although the board announced in June 2021 that it was again opposing the termination, the matter had already been placed before the commissioner, according to a footnote in the commissioners decision from last year. The Absecon criticism of the quality of Pleasantville schools came amid significant turnover in the district, with the Pleasantville Board of Education having suspended its superintendent in October. It also came in a school year in which a group of parents had raised concerns about the safety of their students in Pleasantville schools. This latest decision from the education commissioner comes as Pleasantville experiences still more change. The Pleasantville school board voted Tuesday to hire Marilyn Martinez, chief schools officer of the Camden City School District, as its new superintendent. A presentation delivered at the school board meeting Tuesday boasted of its dual credit program with local county colleges, as well as internal metrics that were said to evidence improvement in math and reading across district schools. Absecons work to cut ties with Pleasantville has been a decadeslong effort. In a 1988 ruling, the state rejected a similar bid for Absecon to end its send-receive relationship with Pleasantville. That decision too was based in part on the substantial, proportional reduction in the white student body that the end of the agreement would cause, despite it involving relatively few students. Allen-McMillan cited that precedent in her May 2022 decision. In his Wednesday letter, Dooley vowed Absecon would appeal Allen-McMillans decision to the New Jersey Superior Court Appellate Division. He said he expected oral arguments to begin in the late fall or early winter. Integration advocates consider filing federal complaint against New Jersey A coalition campaigning against school segregation in New Jersey is now threatening to file We remain hopeful that an independent panel of judges will conduct a thorough analysis and come to the same conclusions we have reached, Dooley said. I remain optimistic that true opportunity and benefit to the children of Absecon will prevail. Francois called on Absecon to end its efforts to terminate the send-receive agreement. He also pleaded with Greater Egg Harbor to disavow its status as a new send-receive candidate and end its collaboration with Absecons illegal and odious scheme. The group is also calling for the Murphy administration to end his campaign of evasion and end the stigmatizing evil of segregation. Now that the Acting Commissioner has reaffirmed her position and once again rejected Absecons illegal secession bid, it is time we all came together for the sake of all our children and all our communities, Francois said. CAPE MAY While the city has not seen the crowds of teens that have plagued some other resort towns, City Council plans to consider an ordinance defining some violations as disturbing the peace, a method other communities have adopted to address juvenile issues. Council introduced the ordinance in a unanimous vote June 7, with a public hearing and final vote planned for 3 p.m. July 3 at City Hall, 643 Washington St. At the recent meeting, members of council said police requested the change. If approved, the ordinance would define several minor violations as a breach of the peace. Other communities, including Ocean City, have enacted a similar ordinances, citing statewide changes that meant juveniles would receive no more than a warning, described as a curbside adjustment, for most minor infractions. So far, Cape May has not seen the sort of problems with crowds of juveniles that have prompted responses in other communities, Mayor Zack Mullock said Wednesday, but he said it makes sense for the city to take action. Is New Jersey to blame for Ocean Citys teen problem? OCEAN CITY As Mayor Jay Gillian rolled out new rules aimed at curbing crowds of unruly tee We just dont want to be the only town that doesnt make any changes, he said. Violations related to public consumption of alcohol or cannabis, noise and some of the rules of behavior on the beach, the Promenade and the Washington Street Mall will be considered a breach of the peace and could result in fines or community service, potentially for juveniles and their parents, according to a posted copy of the ordinance. At the June meeting, Council member Lorraine Baldwin also discussed changing the citys curfew for juveniles. It is currently 11 p.m. in the winter, midnight in the summer. She suggested it could be clearer if it were 11 p.m. year-round. Im not sure thats really an imposition on anybody, said Council member Michael Yeager. Eighteen years old and younger, an 11 oclock curfew seems reasonable summer and wintertime, just to be consistent. No action was taken on that change, however. The citys curfew does include exceptions for juveniles coming home from work or from activities organized by church groups or other community organizations. OCEAN CITY City Council on Thursday got right down to business, approving two ordinances aimed at addressing problems with juveniles and adjourning in about seven minutes. In unanimous votes, and with no comments from the public, council approved a change in the citys curfew for juveniles to 11 p.m., instead of 1 a.m., and another ordinance that bans backpacks and other bags from the Boardwalk as of 8 p.m. each night. City officials said the ordinance will take effect immediately, and so will be in force over Fathers Day weekend, expected to be the most crowded since Memorial Day this month. That weekend, large crowds of young people gathered on the Boardwalk, leading to disruptions, including fights, public intoxication, property damage and shoplifting. Afterward, the city took exceptional steps to address the issue, including a decision to shut down beaches starting at 8 p.m. each night this summer. After the meeting Thursday, Mayor Jay Gillian said there have been some complaints, but he said most people understand that changes needed to be made. Crowds of juveniles have been an issue in multiple beach towns for the past two summers. Until recently, Ocean City had adopted a tolerant approach, allowing teens to gather on the beach at night, with police keeping an eye on things. The crowds over Memorial Day weekend convinced the city that was no longer a viable option. Gillian said the city had to act, and not only for the businesses and tourists. This is about kids and taking care of our kids, said Gillian after the meeting. Not holding kids accountable is bad for them. Cape May could be latest to amend ordinances for juvenile issues CAPE MAY While the city has not seen the crowds of teens that have plagued some other reso While several area officials have pointed to Trenton as the cause of the problems, citing new limits on how police can interact with juveniles, Gillian has said multiple times that he is not interested in blame. Still, he said local officials were dumbfounded by the changes enacted as part of the bills legalizing cannabis in New Jersey. The changes limit when police can search someone under 18 and remove the smell of alcohol and marijuana as probable cause of a crime that could allow a search. For many nonviolent offenses, including underage alcohol possession, all police can do is issue a warning. Police Chief Jay Prettyman has described the changes as effectively legalizing underage drinking. Gillian has said the citys police will be reasonable, and that, for instance, a mother with a diaper bag has nothing to worry about. But at the same time, city attorney Dottie McCrosson has said police will not use profiling in the application of the law. The ordinance applies to everyone, she said Thursday. Is New Jersey to blame for Ocean Citys teen problem? OCEAN CITY As Mayor Jay Gillian rolled out new rules aimed at curbing crowds of unruly tee Were not going to go after anybody. If somebodys doing something wrong, were going to hold them accountable, Gillian said. Theres going to be some common sense here. When the ordinances were introduced two weeks ago, also at a special meeting, residents and business owners packed council chambers upstairs in City Hall. Many had suggestions about the ordinance proposals, or spoke about the issues with juveniles. This time, few people attended the 1 p.m. meeting, and there was little discussion among council members. Tourism officials are projecting a busy summer at the Jersey Shore this year, declaring the economy fully recovered from the precipitous drop of 2020, when pandemic-related restrictions were in effect. City officials say things have been calm on the Boardwalk since Memorial Day weekend but wanted the new rules in effect for this weekend, which is expected to see a considerable turnout. Labor Day will be here before you know it, Gillian said. Elsewhere in Cape May County, Cape May City Council plans to consider an ordinance defining some violations as disturbing the peace, a method other communities have adopted to address juvenile issues. Council introduced the ordinance in a unanimous vote June 7, with a public hearing and final vote planned for 3 p.m. July 3 at City Hall, 643 Washington St. At the recent meeting, members of council said police requested the change. If approved, the ordinance would define several minor violations as a breach of the peace. Ocean City police chief: Change in juvenile alcohol laws source of teen problems OCEAN CITY Its still light at 8 p.m. this time of year, but the public will be required t So far, Cape May has not seen the sort of problems with crowds of juveniles that have prompted responses in other communities, Mayor Zack Mullock said Wednesday, but he said it makes sense for the city to take action. We just dont want to be the only town that doesnt make any changes, he said. The Atlantic City Housing Authority provides 420 units of affordable, subsidized housing at its Stanley Holmes Village. For more than a year, it also has provided outages of critical services, unexplained federal restrictions and fears of displacement. Chaos has been the only constant. Since July 2021, the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development has ordered the Housing Authority not to spend any money without HUDs prior approval. Since the authority already was dysfunctional, that tipped it into nonfunctional. Among the first to go was trash service. By October the garbage pileup required Mayor Marty Small Sr. to declare an emergency and have the city temporarily pick up Stanley Holmes trash. As a cold fall started, residents discovered they lacked other basics: heat and hot water. Many went without both for much of November because two of the three boilers serving the complex were broken again. South Jersey Legal Services sued the authority on behalf of affected residents. Unable to get a report from the Housing Authority on conditions at Stanley Holmes, the city sent in inspectors and found a host of other problems: vermin, nonworking smoke and carbon monoxide detectors, malfunctioning appliances and mold. The authoritys emergency boiler fix lasted until mid-December, when two boilers again were broken as the start of winter neared. A Superior Court judge ordered daily inspections to ensure the heating systems were working. The months that followed brought repeated problems at the complex, with little in the way of services or information from the Housing Authority. An open records request found that a HUD inspection in August had given Stanley Holmes a passing grade despite an estimated 415 health and safety deficiencies at the property. In late March the authoritys board held a closed session to discuss what had become the emergency of the hour including burst pipes, broken appliances and gas leaks. The hopelessness of Stanley Holmes and the A.C. Housing Authority are painful to look at and discouraging. Then in April, the authority board sought a new leader. We were surprised by who accepted and began to wonder whether hope might be possible again. Matt Doherty accepted the offer to become executive director of the Housing Authority. He had held the same position at the Casino Reinvestment Development Authority until the start of last year. The CRDA, created by New Jersey to do politically approved good with some revenue from casinos, is the kind of experience needed for trying to fix the Housing Authority. While Doherty led the CRDA, it played a key role in developing Stockton Universitys city campus. It rebuilt the Boardwalks public bathrooms, affirming a too rare provision of a shore visitor essential. More police were funded, Gardners Basin and the Orange Loop district were improved, and the Boys & Girls Club of Atlantic City was restored. In the pandemic, the CRDA subsidized food distribution sites. After two weeks on his new job, Doherty urged all stakeholders to be honest about the tasks ahead. To solve a problem, you have to recognize there is a problem. The Housing Authority in Atlantic City is a mess. He then announced important steps to start cleaning up and righting past wrongs. The unreliable decades-old boilers will be replaced this summer with heat and tankless hot water systems for each building. We are not pouring any more money down that drain, Doherty said. The goal is to have them ready by Oct. 1. Then last week this strong start hit its first bump. HUD said the authority had to use a regular bidding process for the project, not an emergency contract. He took it in stride, saying the conversion would take a month or so longer, with the old boilers available until the new units are ready. Past plans to make some residents move out of their units to work on them, provoking many justified anxieties, have been dropped. Voluntarily relocation will be paid for, as will moving back in if desired. Vague talk that Stanley Holmes will be demolished and replaced is gone. The whole focus of the authority is Oct. 1, to make sure the gas lines, heat and hot water are done, Doherty said. Council Vice President Kaleem Shabazz, whose 3rd Ward includes Stanley Holmes, said he believes strongly in Matt Doherty, having worked closely with him when he was CRDA executive director. I believe we are going to have a better Stanley, Shabazz said. For the first time in more years than we care to count, we believe so, too. The Pune Rural police had booked truck driver and owner for culpable homicide in the case By Revati Hingwe Four people were killed in a mishap on Tuesday, where a tanker filled with flammable chemicals overturned and caught fire on Pune-Mumbai Expressway. Now the death toll in the accident has risen to five as a 39-year-old man also succumbed to burn injuries at Sassoon General Hospital. The victim has been identified as Ganesh Kolaskar, who was an Andheri-based bus driver. The Lonavala Police informed that the latest victim succumbed earlier today. Ganesh Kolaskar, the victim, was below the bridge when the tanker overturned and caught fire. He sustained severe burn injuries due to burning ethanol dripping down. Three other deceased have been identified as Savita Vare (34), Kushal (8), and Ritesh Koshire (17). The identity of one more deceased is yet to be known. The Pune Rural Police have booked the driver and the truck owner in the case of culpable homicide, IPC Section 304 (2). An Albany, Illinois, man was returned to Clinton County on Tuesday to face charges alleging he was trafficking almost a pound of methamphetamine when he fled a 2021 hit-and-run crash in Clinton. At the time of the crash, Blake Andrew Tyler, 40, of Albany, was serving 30 months on probation in Whiteside County after pleading guilty in Circuit Court to possession of less than 5 grams of meth. He was sentenced in that case on June 26, 2019. Since the crash, Tyler also has served a sentence in the Illinois Department of Corrections on meth and weapons convictions out of Whiteside County. He waived extradition to Clinton County on Tuesday. Tyler is charged in Clinton County District Court with one count of possession with the intent to deliver more than 5 grams of meth, a Class B felony under Iowa law that carries a prison sentence of 25 years. He also is charged with violating Iowas drug tax stamp law, a Class D felony that carries a prison sentence of five years. According to the arrest filed by Clinton Police Officer Joshua Winter, on June 22, 2021, at 3:27 p.m., officers were sent to 8th Avenue South and South 3rd Street to investigate a hit-and-run crash involving a motorcycle. The driver of the motorcycle had fled. As officers were checking the bikes saddlebags for identification, registration and insurance, they discovered two clear plastic bags that contained a substance that looked like crystal meth. The bags were sent to the Iowa Department of Public Safetys Criminalistics Laboratories, which confirmed that the bags contained meth with a total weight of 374 grams, or about .83 of a pound. A cell phone was located in the saddle bag, and the owner was identified as Tyler. During the investigation, officers spoke with a witness who stated she had given Tyler a ride from Clinton to the Illinois side of the Mississippi River after the crash. Less than a month after the crash, on July 13, 2021, Tyler was arrested in Whiteside County on a charge of possession of a firearm by a felon. He already was out on bond in a 2020 meth case in Whiteside County. The COVID-19 pandemic slowed court cases. On March 9, 2023, during a hearing in Whiteside County Circuit Court, Tyler pleaded guilty to the gun charge and pleaded guilty in the 2020 meth case for possession of less than 5 grams of the drug. He was sentenced to 30 months in the Illinois Department of Corrections, with credit for 431 days of time served in jail awaiting trial and sentencing. While he waived extradition to Iowa, Tyler also has a case pending in Whiteside County Circuit Court for possession of less than 5 grams of meth. That charge is a Class 3 felony under Illinois law that carries a prison sentence of one to three years or a term on probation. During a first appearance on the meth charges in Clinton County Court on Wednesday, District Associate Judge Kimberly Shepherd scheduled a preliminary hearing in the case for June 23. Tyler was being held Wednesday night in the Clinton County Jail on a cash-only bond of $25,000. South Africa: Govt to focus on hotspot areas in dire need of service delivery Deputy President Paul Mashatile on Wednesday said government has identified service delivery hotspots to improve universal access to basic services. According to the countrys second-in-command, these include the provision of clean water, sanitation, sustainable energy, refuse collection and other essential services. Mashatile was briefing Members of the National Council of Provinces (NCOP) on service delivery issues and land reform during the oral replies session in Parliament. He cited the State of Local Government evaluation conducted in 2022, which revealed that the number of dysfunctional municipalities had increased from 64 to 66. The increase, according to the Deputy President, is attributed to a lack of capacity, poor governance, financial management, corruption, as well as failed coalition arrangements. On water-related issues, Mashatile said the Department of Water and Sanitation is working together with the elected leadership in municipalities and have agreed on several improvement plans to resolve these matters. In the meantime, Mashatile said they are providing financial support through the regional Bulk Infrastructure Grant and Water Services Infrastructure Grants. In addition, they are offering technical advice and management support from the Department of Water and Sanitation and its Water Boards. Similar interventions have been put in place to resolve the issue of water contamination in Hammanskraal in the north of Tshwane, where, unfortunately, lives were lost due to this crisis, he said. President Cyril Ramaphosa recently announced that the Departments of Water and Sanitation, Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs, Human Settlements, the Gauteng provincial government, together with the City of Tshwane, will collaborate to revamp and expand the Rooiwal Water Treatment Plant to resolve the water and sanitation challenges in Hammanskraal. The project is expected to take three years to complete, at a cost of R4 billion, of which the Development Bank of Southern Africa has been brought on board to manage. In the meantime, government will keep on providing clean water to the people of Hammanskraal through water tanks, while Magalies Water builds a package water system that will provide water to the people, said Mashatile. District Development Model The Deputy President noted that through the District Development Model (DDM), the state would ensure that not only is the provision of essential services expanded, but communities outside of the service delivery hotspots receive dependable and high-quality services. We strongly believe that through the DDM and service delivery rapid response approach, we shall have, in each district, one plan that is measurable, implementable, and citizen-focused. He said government is focusing on the deployment of technical professionals by the Municipal Infrastructure Support Agent and the implementation of capacity development programmes. In addition, they will also zoom in on the professionalising of local government; reviving the Green Drop and Blue Drop certification by the Department of Water and Sanitation, and adopting the National Pothole Repair Programme to intensify the fight against potholes and general road refurbishment and improvement. What is of critical importance to us is that as we execute these reforms, we are putting communities at the heart of service delivery and organising citizens and members of civil society to contribute towards the development of a brighter tomorrow for all communities. In addition, government has committed to embark on a land reform strategy that will ensure economic growth and inclusion, in all sectors of the economy, particularly in the entire agriculture and agro-processing value chain, and ultimately ensure sustainable food security. SAnews.gov.za This story has been published on: 2023-06-15. To contact the author, please use the contact details within the article. Commentary: China-Honduras ties off to a speedy, solid start Xinhua) 09:05, June 15, 2023 BEIJING, June 14 (Xinhua) -- Honduran President Iris Xiomara Castro Sarmiento made a historic state visit to China less than three months after the two countries forged diplomatic ties. Prior to her talks on Monday with Chinese President Xi Jinping, Xi held a welcome ceremony for her at the square outside the Great Hall of the People, where the Honduran president, delighted, made a hand heart to a group of frisky children greeting her. Over the past weeks, both sides have been proactive and practical to deliver on their diplomatic commitments with a sense of urgency. The bilateral relationship has got off to a good and speedy start and enjoys great dynamism and promise. In March, Honduras signed with China a joint communique on establishing diplomatic ties, becoming the latest in a string of Central American countries to sever so-called "diplomatic ties" with China's Taiwan region. In early June, China inaugurated its embassy in the Honduran capital of Tegucigalpa, and Honduras has also opened its embassy in Beijing. The historic visit is of special significance. It opens a new chapter in the annals of the China-Honduras relationship, as both sides continue to deepen their political mutual trust and further tap potential for their highly complementary economies. The fast growing bilateral relationship is expected to expand the scale of bilateral trade, increase local employment, and enhance people's welfare in Honduras's largely agricultural economy. Customs statistics indicated that in the first four months of this year, China's trade with Honduras logged a total value of 3.893 billion yuan (some 543.4 million U.S. dollars), up 22.9 percent year on year, with imports increasing by 229.5 percent. During his talks with Castro on Monday, Xi said China will promote the early introduction of Honduran specialty products to the Chinese market, and is willing to start the negotiation process for a free trade agreement at an early date. On the same day, Chinese customs announced the approval of the import of Whiteleg shrimp from Honduras. Coming up, more are expected to hit the Chinese market, including bananas, melons, coffee, cigars and beef, from this major coffee bean grower and cigar exporter in Central America. Now local farmers and businessmen are eyeing greater market opportunities and upgraded processing techniques with advanced machinery from China. They are also upbeat about the sixth China International Import Expo scheduled for November in Shanghai. Notably, the two sides also signed a document on cooperation under the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI), a major milestone for boosting bilateral cooperation. They also agreed to cooperate in areas such as quality inspection, trade, agriculture, technology, culture and education. Both countries have also voiced staunch support for each other regarding their respective core interests. Honduras will act faithfully on the one-China principle, the primary prerequisite and political foundation for the establishment of diplomatic ties and the development of bilateral relations. China pledged firm support for Honduras in choosing its own development path suited to its national conditions. Meanwhile, Honduras shares with China such common values of humanity as peace, development, fairness, justice, democracy and freedom, and honors the concept of building a community with a shared future for mankind. Experts believe their ties will also exert a radial effect on the continuous deepening of China-Latin America relations in the new era and have an important bearing on the promotion of democracy in international relations. Their mutual trust also comes from ever increasing understanding between both peoples. For many Hondurans, China is not just a new friend from afar, but a friend quite different from how the biased Western media have portrayed. Now with direct ties, many say they get to see and experience a real, fascinating China in person. Last month, a delegation comprising around 30 media professionals from Honduran radios, televisions, newspapers and social media platforms visited Shanghai, Guizhou, Chongqing, Zhejiang, Jiangsu, and other Chinese localities. And during her state visit this week, Castro said Honduras will send young students to Shanghai for study. Pledging to be good friends and partners that enjoy mutual respect, equality, mutual benefits and common development, China and Honduras will reap dividends from the sound and steady progress in their bilateral ties. (Web editor: Zhong Wenxing, Liang Jun) LUANDA, June 14 (Xinhua) -- The Venancio de Moura Diplomatic Academy (ADVM) on Wednesday signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with the Confucius Institute of Agostinho Neto University (UAN) for establishing a classroom dedicated to teaching the Chinese language and culture at the ADVM premises. The ADVM will be the second Angolan university after the UAN to officially offer Chinese language courses with the support of the Confucius Institute in Angola. Jose Marcos Barrica, the director-general of the ADVM, in his speech highlighted the significance of the MoU, saying that the classroom will play a vital role in strengthening the relationship between the Angolan and Chinese peoples. While emphasizing the long-term benefits that the opening of a Chinese language classroom at the ADVM will bring to diplomats, Pedro Magalhaes, the rector of the UAN, said this opportunity will enable them to achieve significant accomplishments for the benefit of both Angola and China. According to the MoU obtained by Xinhua, the ADVM will offer courses in Chinese language and culture, with support from the Confucius Institute of the UAN, once or twice a week. Participants will receive a certificate upon completion of the courses. Chinese Ambassador to Angola Gong Tao, speaking at the ceremony, expressed his optimism regarding the MoU, stating that it would give a renewed impetus to Sino-Angolan cultural cooperation. He believed this partnership will facilitate deeper bilateral cooperation and contribute to building a closer community with a shared future between China and Angola in the new era. Ren Bing, the Chinese director of the Confucius Institute at the UAN, referred to the ADVM as the "cradle of diplomats in Angola." According to Ren, the Confucius Institute at the UAN has provided training courses to more than 2,000 local students over the past seven years. Currently, 200 young Angolans are studying Chinese at the institute. Christopher Mitchell and Emilee Haberling were sentenced Wednesday in the 2022 attack and robbery at the Wide River Winery in the Village of East Davenport. It was a crime that left a winery employee with lasting trauma and caused bruising to both eyes, a cut on her tongue, a left orbital fracture and a broken clavicle, bleeding and bruising to the right side of her face. Mitchell, 36, reached an agreement with Scott County prosecutors in April and was sentenced to 25 years after pleading guilty to first-degree robbery. He is required to serve at least 70% of that sentence. He also pleaded guilty to a lesser charge of third-degree kidnapping and will serve 10 years consecutive to the robbery sentence. Haberling, 21, also made a deal in April and pleaded guilty to third-degree kidnapping and second-degree robbery, which carry a maximum of 10 years in prison. Judge John Telleen said the sentences would run concurrently, with a mandatory minimum of five years served. Telleen heard both cases. Mitchell and Haberling had been charged with first-degree kidnapping, which carries a mandatory life sentence. A violent scene Davenport police officers were sent to the winery, 1128 Mound St., at 5:35 p.m. on April 28, 2022. Mitchell and Haberling entered the winery and punched the employee in the face, the police report said. Her head was slammed against the ground, and she was dragged by her hair to the cash register. Mitchell took money from the drawer. The violence did not end when Mitchell had the money. Mitchell and Haberling made the employee crawl on her hands and knees and held her by her hair while they punched her in the head and slammed her head into the floor, the report said. Mitchell choked her with both hands and stopped her from breathing at various times. Haberling took the employee's cell phone and smashed it on the ground, preventing her from calling 911. Mitchell demanded the employee tell him where the winery's camera surveillance system and video recordings were located. The employee told police she heard Mitchell tell Haberling he was giving her a knife and said, "If she tries to get away, stab her." The employee said Haberling and Mitchell moved her throughout the business as the assault continued. Ultimately, the employee managed to briefly escape the pair long enough for police to respond to calls from passersby who heard her screams. Police found them inside the winery. A troubled past At Haberling's sentencing, her attorney Meena Brandt, said her client was picked up by Mitchell at a homeless shelter. "As the judge noted, Emilee had a very troubled past," Brandt said. "She has admitted the severity of the crime, but I think the judge and the prosecutors recognized that her past was a factor." In his sentencing, Telleen noted that Haberling's biological parents had long criminal records and "were not a good influence." "The defendant lived in four or five foster placements before the age of 5," Teleen said. "Then, her adoptive home was not a very positive one, to say the least." Earlier, during sentencing arguments, Brandt said Haberling was the victim of sexual abuse. Haberling was homeless by the age of 18 and never finished high school, according to pre-sentencing information. "In my mind, (Haberling) is less culpable than Mr. Mitchell," Telleen said. "She has no previous criminal history and agreed to testify against Mr. Mitchell." Telleen told Haberling, "You are not a violent individual." During her brief statement to the court, Haberling said she wanted to take "accountability for what I did." Iowa U.S. Sen. Chuck Grassley wants to let the voters decide if former President Donald Trump should be condemned over his federal indictment for mishandling classified documents. Grassley steered clear of condemning former President Donald Trump in a Wednesday call with reporters. He said Wednesday he did not want to make comments that would alienate any candidates as they campaign in Iowa over the next several months. Iowa Republicans will hold the first-in-the-nation caucuses in early 2024, kicking off the national Republican primary. Trump, who faces 37 federal charges on top of other legal battles, is the current front-runner in national and Iowa primary polling for the Republican nomination for president. I want everybody to feel free to come to Iowa to campaign, Grassley said. And so I'm going to leave the political aspect of this up to the voters. On the charges laid out in the indictment, Grassley said "secure documents ought to be secure regardless of who possesses them. Asked whether Trumps alleged mishandling of classified documents should disqualify him from being president, Grassley said its too early to say. We're just getting into the campaigns, and I think you can't draw any conclusions. I think times going to answer your question, he said when asked if hes concerned over the prospect of Trump being president again. Maybe if you asked me six months from now, I might give you a different answer. Trump pleaded not guilty Tuesday to the charges, which allege that he illegally kept national security documents in his private home at Mar-a-Lago after leaving the presidency. Prosecutors say the documents include nuclear information and a "plan of attack" against a foreign country, the latter of which he allegedly showed to a writer in an interview. He is also accused of obstructing a government investigation to retrieve the documents, directing a staffer to move boxes containing classified materials and suggesting that a lawyer should hide or destroy documents prosecutors were seeking. Grassley, along with other Republican officials in Iowa, said he's heard from Iowans who are concerned with "unequal application of law" when it comes to Trump's indictment. Echoing accusations Trump has made, he said Wednesday he thinks special counsel Jack Smith, who is leading the investigation into the classified documents case, has shown bias against Republicans in his prosecutions. A spokesperson for U.S. Sen. Joni Ernst, R-Iowa, pointed to a Twitter statement Ernst made on Friday when the indictment was released. "Biden promised to unify, but instead hes further politicized the justice system, sowing more doubt in American institutions," Ernst said in that tweet. "Iowans are fed up & want to restore confidence in our justice system." Photos: Trump indictment shows documents stacked in bathroom, bedroom, ballroom CEDAR RAPIDS Iowa Gov. Kim Reynolds painted a rosy picture Wednesday of the states economic future. Reynolds, speaking to a gathering of 500 influential business leaders from across Iowa and the Midwest in downtown Cedar Rapids, pointed to a low cost of doing business in Iowa, a falling unemployment rate down to 2.7% and a record number of new business entities registered in the state last year. The governor, addressing the Iowa Association of Business and Industry's annual conference, touted Republican policy victories during the recently concluded Iowa legislative session. Those include cutting local property taxes, consolidating state government agencies, expanding registered apprenticeships and using taxpayer dollars to help Iowa families pay to attend the private school of their choice, while building a projected $2 billion state budget surplus. "Im proud to say its a great time to do business in Iowa, and the signs are everywhere, Reynolds said. Iowa business and industry leaders say they continue to struggle to recruit and retain top-quality workers. Some expressed concerns over Iowa making national headlines for passing laws targeting LGBTQ individuals that they worry paint the state as unwelcoming, and could exacerbate Iowa's workforce recruitment and retention issues. While unaware of any employees who have left Iowa or applicants who have declined to apply for openings because of the legislation, we definitely have our eye on that, said Sarah Miller, a partner with marketing and technology firm Anthologic of Des Moines. Our eyes and ears are very open to that, Miller said. We talk a lot about it in our leadership teams, and are hoping the governor and our leadership have their eyes on it as well. I do think if were not feeling it today, we will feel it in the future. Reynolds has embraced the conservative anti-woke message leading up to the 2024 presidential GOP caucuses, focused on pushing back on acceptance of transgender people and efforts to address racial inequality. I think there is a delicate balance between what is pro-business and what is pro-workforce, Miller said. We are a very pro-workforce organization. I do have concerns that we are getting away from a pro-workforce focus. The governor declined to take questions from reporters at the conference. Reynolds highlighted recent Census figures that showed some promise: more people are moving into the state rather than out. For the first time in decades net migration into the state of Iowa was positive, up by more than 6,300 people, Reynolds said. And while that might not sound like a lot, the governor noted neighboring states of Minnesota and Illinois saw a net reduction of more than 17,000 residents and 230,000 residents, respectively. The figures come from a Census Bureau report comparing annual population estimates for 2020 to 2022. The Census Bureau numbers show Iowas overall population grew less than the national average. The state grew the 30th fastest in the country last year, and the 29th fastest since 2010. Iowa also has the 10th-worst rate for brain drain 34 percent more college graduates leave the state after graduation compared with those who remain in Iowa, according to a Washington Post analysis that used data from a paper published by the National Bureau of Economic Research. That figure is worse than the six states bordering Iowa. The next closest is Wisconsin at negative 21 percent. We continue to make investment in broadband, housing and child care that really works toward strengthening our workforce and helping employers attract and retain top talent, Reynolds said. The governor also highlighted signing into law legislation creating an Office of Apprenticeship within Iowa Workforce Development, which will be responsible for the registration and certification of apprenticeships in the state. Reynolds said the bill will help facilitate Iowa's growth in providing apprenticeships and building a talent pipeline to supply businesses with the qualified workers they need. The governor also touted signing a youth employment bill that allows 14- to 17-year-old Iowans to work more jobs for longer hours. Supporter say the new law provides more opportunities for young Iowans who want to work and could help address the states shortage of workers. Critics contend it will put young Iowans in dangerous workplace settings. The law allows 16- and 17-year-olds to participate in work-based learning programs in industries that currently are prohibited for minors, including roofing, demolition, manufacturing and construction. The U.S. Department of Labor wrote a letter stating the legislation violated multiple federal labor regulations. However, the departments assessment applied to an earlier version of the bill different from the one Reynolds signed into law. The governor Wednesday criticized national media coverage of controversy over the bill as hysteria she called ridiculous and bizarre. It was a common-sense bill, Reynolds told conference attendees. I dont know, at the national level they just dont understand what were trying to do here and they dont understand the work ethic Iowans have. She also pledged recently passed property and income tax cuts are just the beginning Look for further cuts in the next session, Reynolds said. Jack Hasken, president and chief executive officer of Jackson Manufacturing in Maquoketa, said he struggles to find a pool of young workers who want to grow and advance with the company in a small, older rural community. Hasken, though, lauded Reynolds and her agenda. He said he does not share the same concerns as Miller and other business leaders about recent LGBTQ-related bills impacting recruitment and retention. Shes got the business owners front and center, Hasken said. Photos: Gov. Reynolds tours site of The Davenport collapse If you've ever wondered how Temu, the popular online marketplace, manages to offer such low prices, you're not alone. The secret lies in their innovative approach to manufacturing and supply chain management, which allows them to offer near-wholesale prices without compromising on quality. The e-commerce platform seemingly came out of nowhere last year and dominated app store downloads with its ultra-low prices. Its thought-provoking Shop Like A Billionaire commercial during the Super Bowl further entrenched its image in the minds of consumers as a disruptor that does things differently from other e-commerce platforms and retailers. This article will delve into the specifics of how Temu achieves this feat, and address related queries about its safety, legitimacy and privacy. What is Temu? Temu is an e-commerce platform that connects millions of consumers with suppliers from around the world. With its headquarters located in Boston, Temu is best known for offering a wide selection of affordably priced merchandise across multiple categories, earning it the comparison to an online superstore. Temu, which means Team Up, Price Down, was founded in the U.S. and began operations in September 2022. Since then, it has expanded to a total of 16 markets, including the U.S., Mexico, Canada in North America, Austria, Belgium, France, Germany, Italy, Poland, Portugal, Spain, Sweden and UK in Europe, and Australia and New Zealand. Industry experts have attributed its meteoric rise in popularity due to its opportune market entry, offering year-round bargain prices at a time when an increasing number of households are facing the pressure of rising prices on their budgets. Next-Gen Manufacturing: The key to Temu's low prices At the heart of Temu's affordability is its Next-Gen Manufacturing (NGM) model. This model provides timely feedback to sellers about consumer preferences, enabling them to produce more personalized products that better match consumer needs. This approach leads to reduced waste from unsold inventory and better cost savings, which are then passed on to customers. Temu collaborates with sellers to design products tailor-made to shoppers preferences. It shares insights on consumer behavior and shopping trends to help sellers create items that resonate with their target audiences. This collaboration cuts costs tied to marketing and carrying excess inventory. By communicating sales insights to sellers, Temu proactively matches supply to demand. Manufacturers learn which products are most popular, then adjust their design and production accordingly, eliminating excess procurement and inventory that cuts into profits and drives up prices for consumers. Streamlining the supply chain Temu takes a proactive role in guiding manufacturers through each step of the production and sales process. The company works with sellers to design products that meet demand and cut out unnecessary marketing and production costs. Cutting these costs enables sellers to lower their prices by more than half on the platform. Temu's business model encourages sellers to team up with Temu to drive prices down, with both parties benefiting from the resulting increase in sales and consumers benefiting from lower prices. Safety, legitimacy and privacy Temu is not just about low prices. The platform also prioritizes safety and legitimacy. It offers a secure shopping environment, with payment systems that are PCI-certified. You can shop with major credit and debit card companies as well as payment providers like PayPal, Apple Pay, and Google Pay. Temu also offers buy now, pay later options through Klarna and Afterpay. In terms of privacy, Temu is committed to protecting its customers' information. The platform has robust data protection measures in place to ensure that your personal and financial information remains secure. The app was chosen by Google Play Stores editorial team as a Google Play Editors Choice, a distinction given to apps that they believe provide the best experiences for users. The bottom line In conclusion, Temu's low prices are not a result of cutting corners or compromising on quality. Instead, they are achieved through a combination of tech-enabled streamlining of supply chain operations, and a collaborative approach with sellers. While it's natural to associate low prices with low quality, Temu subverts this connection. The platform reduces marketing and development costs that are usually passed on to the consumer. Prices are reduced not because of a reduction in quality, but because of a reduction in the cost of understanding and reaching customers. So, the next time you find yourself wondering how Temu manages to offer such low prices, remember that it's all about efficiency, innovation and a deep understanding of consumer needs. Lee Enterprises newsroom and editorial were not involved in the creation of this content. On a date Fans of Shakespeare can take in free outdoor theater this weekend at Rock Island's Don Wooten Stage in Lincoln Park. Genesius Guilds 67th season opener, "Two Gentlemen of Verona," will end its run with performances at 7 p.m. Saturday and Sunday. Thought by some scholars to be the first play written by Shakespeare, this comedy tells the story of two young men, sent away from home to learn how to be gentlemen, who fall in love with the same woman. The production also marks the companys annual high school production, with a cast featuring talent from high schools across the Quad Cities. The guild is a community theater organization performing free shows including Greek drama, Greek comedy, the works of Shakespeare and other classical authors every weekend throughout the summer. For a complete schedule, visit www.genesius.org. Just for fun Join in a paleontology-packed weekend as Dino Days returns from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Saturday and Sunday to the Putnam Museum, 1717 W. 12th St., Davenport. There will be dinosaur-themed activities and movies all weekend. The Dino Park will have a dig area, face painting, photo booth, meet a paleontologist and more dinosaur-themed fun. Tickets are $18 for adults and $16 for children. A choice of movie and entrance to the Dino Park are included. Films on Saturday will be "Dino Dana," at 11 a.m. and 2 p.m. and "Flying Monsters" at 1 and 3:45 p.m. On Sunday, there will be a sensory-friendly showing of "Dino Dana" at noon as well as a regular showing at 2:45 p.m. and showings of "Flying Monsters" at 1:45 and 4:30 p.m. For more information, visitwww.putnam.org/calendar. Dine and drink The German American Heritage Center will host the sixth annual Best of the Wurst sausage competition from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday. Stop by to sample a variety of local sausages, purchase a variety of other delicious foods, enjoy a cold beverage and vote for a favorite "Wurst." There also will be live music by the Guttenberg Band and kids activities. $5 for adults and free for youth younger than 12 years. For more information or to purchase tickets in advance, visit https://gahc.org/events/best-of-the-wurst. The German American Heritage Center is located at 712 W. 2nd St., Davenport. With the family The current children's show at Circa '21 Dinner Playhouse, "Garfield, The Musical with Cattitude," is a musical adaptation of the sarcastic tubby tabby, Garfield. In this new show, Garfield awakens to find his birthday, the most important day of the year, has fallen on a Monday. To make matters worse, all his friends, and even his nemesis, have completely forgotten it's his big day. Only his beloved teddy bear, Pookie, understands his disappointment. Feeling rejected, Garfield leaves the comforts of home, but soon realizes that outside there's no TV, the food is garbage (literally) and animal control is always just around the corner. In the end, Garfield learns little things like the value of friendship and that home is where the heart, and the food is. The remaining show-only performances will be at 10 a.m. June 16, 20 and 23 and at 10 a.m. and 1 p.m. June 17 and 24. Tickets are $10. For more information or to purchase tickets, call 309-786-7733 or visit www.circa21.com. In real time This Father's Day weekend, Doug's Heating and Doric Lodge 319, will host a kids fishing derby at the east pavilion of Sunset Marina located along the Illinois side of the Mississippi River at the end of 31st Avenue in Rock Island. The fishing derby will be held from 7 to 11 a.m. Saturday and welcomes children of all ages and family members to participate at no charge. Participants should bring a fishing pole with limited supplies for those who don't have one. Bait will be provided, and there will be a number of volunteers available to help. Lunch will be served after the event at no charge. Every kid gets to pick a prize, and there will be trophies as well as raffles. All donations from the fishing derby will go to the local Gilda's Club. For more information, visit https://www.facebook.com/doriclodge319events. Organizers hope that a common love of craft brewing will bring new visitors to this year's Village Hops event and help it grow. The inaugural Village Hops event in 2022 brought 28 breweries and around 700 people together in the Village of East Davenport. In preparing for Village Hops this weekend, the Village of East Davenport Business Association is working to draw even bigger crowds. "We're hoping to do better than that this year," Brew co-owner Tracy Cameron said. Village Hops will invite Quad-Citians to 11th Street in the Village of East Davenport 2-6 p.m. June 17 to sample beers and ciders from 30 businesses across Iowa and Illinois. Tickets provide a wrist band and tasting glass. They can be purchased for $30 online at www.villageofeastdavenport.com/events or at the door for $40. Identity Crisis will perform live music during the event, and food trucks will park in the village for participants to grab a meal with their drink. Cameron said an extra hour had been added to the event so people had more time to try out breweries. Most participating breweries are based in Iowa, from Davenport to Iowa City to Des Moines. The Village of East Davenport Business Association put on the first Village Hops last October but decided to move the event to the summer to take advantage of warmer weather. Cameron's favorite part of attending Village Hops is interacting with brewers and hearing their passion for crafting beers and ciders, and seeing that joy reflected in the customers who get to sample their brews. She said she's sure to recognize the familiar faces of friends and returners coming down for the event this weekend. "It's fun for me to see all of the people get such a big kick out of this event," Cameron said. Photos: Quad-City Times Bix 7 around East Village of Davenport With Iowas newest Medicaid managed-care provider set to begin work in less than three weeks, the state is now being accused of conflicts of interest in hiring the company. A civil petition filed in Polk County District Court alleges Iowas newest Medicaid managed-care provider, Molina Healthcare of Iowa, was selected last fall in part because its CEO, Jennifer Vermeer, is Iowas former Medicaid director. Vermeer, the petition claims, worked closely over time with those who played a key role in hiring her company to help deliver billions of dollars worth of Medicaid-funded health care services to almost 800,000 Iowans. Molina is expected to begin working in Iowa on July 1. The petition was filed recently by CareSource Iowa Co., an Ohio-based nonprofit Medicaid managed-care company that failed to win the Iowa contract. CareSource now seeks judicial review of the Iowa Department of Health and Human Services decision to hire Molina over CareSource, alleging the competitive bidding process used by DHHS produced an unfair, biased result that resulted in the hiring of the only bidder that hired as its CEO a longtime colleague/supervisor of state workers tasked with evaluating the bidders. The petition notes that Molina earned 98% of the available points handed out during the evaluation process a score that even DHHSs top witnesses admitted was shockingly high and which CareSource argues was no coincidence and demonstrates unfair bias on the part of DHHS. In court filings, DHHS has admitted to many of the factual claims made by CareSource, but has denied any bias or wrongdoing. Bid evaluators allegedly lacked experience The hiring process that sparked the petition dates back to May 2021, when DHHS published a notice of its intent to solicit proposals from companies to manage Iowas Medicaid program. At the time, DHHS said it planned to select up to four companies for the work. DHHSs written solicitation for proposals did not disclose the specific evaluation criteria to be used in selecting the winning companies, and instead said only that DHHS would conduct a comprehensive, fair and impartial evaluation. CareSource says it invested millions of dollars and thousands of hours in learning about Iowa Medicaids needs and preparing an extensive and detailed proposal to submit. Each of the five members of DHHSs evaluation committee independently reviewed each of the proposals submitted by five bidders: CareSource, Molina, UCare Iowa, Aetna Health of Iowa, and an incumbent Iowa Medicaid managed-care provider, Amerigroup. According to CareSource, none of the evaluators compared any features of the proposals to any of the competing proposals, nor did they compare the proposals to the specific evaluation criteria or any other objective scoring methods. The five evaluators eventually met to engage in scoring the bids through a process of consensus although, according to Care Source, there is no documentation of the reasoning justifying the consensus scores assigned to the various proposals. CareSource alleges the evaluation committee was comprised of DHHS staffers who had spare time to devote to the evaluation process, but didnt necessarily have the expertise the job required. The disparity of the evaluators levels of experience with Medicaid managed care contracts was striking, CareSource alleges. One evaluator, Jennifer Steenblock, had more than 30 years of experience specifically in Medicaid, but was the only member of Iowas Medicaid Leadership Team to assist with the evaluations. A second evaluator had worked at Iowa Medicaid for only nine months at the time, while a third had no experience with Medicaid managed care oversight and helped run a state-run, long-term care facility that was the focus of a U.S. Department of Justice investigation. The remaining two evaluators had some management experience within DHHS but lacked substantial experience with Medicaid managed care, CareSource alleges. Questions raised about conflicts of interest While two of the five evaluators allegedly individually contacted the states procurement officer to raise concerns about their potential or perceived conflicts of interest due to their close working relationship with Amerigroup, these same evaluators would later testify that they were told not to worry about the issue, the petition claims. Two other evaluators identified potential conflicts of interest on DHHS-supplied disclosure forms but, according to CareSource, there was no follow-up by DHS and the two were never asked if they could set aside any bias or personal opinions they might have. The most qualified evaluator, Steenblock, had worked closely with Molinas CEO, Vermeer, when Vermeer served as Iowas Medicaid director and when she later consulted for Iowa Medicaid, CareSource alleges in its petition to the court. CareSource also claims that documents produced by DHHS demonstrate that the departments leadership was concerned Amerigroup would pursue litigation if not selected for an managed care organization contract. In the end, Molina was the top-scoring bidder, followed by Amerigroup and then CareSource. Rather than award all three of the companies a contract, DHHS Director Kelly Garcia opted to award only two contracts one for Molina and one for Amerigroup. Separately, Iowa Total Care has a managed care contract with Iowa that is expected to run through 2025. Together, the three companies are expected to manage the Medicaid program that each year provides $7 billion worth of health care services to 788,000 low-income or disabled Iowans. According to the petition, Garcia later testified that her decision to hire Molina was based solely on the points awarded by the evaluators. According to CareSource, Garcia was surprised and concerned by Molinas extraordinarily high score, but didnt go back to the evaluation committee to investigate the basis for the score. Withheld documents allegedly contradict testimony Last September, CareSource filed a formal request to have DHHS reconsider its decision, but the request was denied. CareSource then filed an administrative appeal, sought documents from DHHS and deposed the five evaluators and Garcia. An administrative law judge held a hearing over several days last November and eventually issued a decision denying CareSources appeal. On March 24, DHHS allegedly advised CareSource that it had discovered in its own offices three binders of procurement-related materials belonging to one of the evaluators, Brandi Archibald, that had not been turned over to CareSource in response to prior requests for such information. The newly disclosed documents included handwritten notes on the proposals submitted by Molina, Amerigroup, and CareSource and were squarely covered by CareSources September 2022 public records request to DHHS, the petition alleges. The state agency admits the records were merely sitting on a shelf in DHHSs own offices, according to the petition. The records allegedly contradict testimony by Archibald that she took no notes during her review of the bid proposals. After the discovery of those records, CareSource asked DHHS to conduct another sweep of its offices to ensure no other relevant materials were missed. In April, DHHS turned over still more evaluator materials it had failed to produce in response to the public records request, the petition alleges. This second batch of newly discovered records include handwritten notes from another evaluator who had testified that he took no notes, as well as extensive, typed notes prepared by Steenblock, the petition alleges. Molina has been sanctioned by states, feds CareSource is now asking that a district court judge review DHHSs decision, reverse that decision, and order the department to either add CareSource as a third winning bidder or begin a new evaluation process, using a fresh slate of unbiased and properly trained evaluators who are instructed to compare the proposals as required by Iowa law. A hearing on the matter is scheduled for Oct. 20. Amerigroup and Molina have each been granted the right to intervene and be heard in the case. In recent years, Molina has had problems with state and federal regulators. Last June, the state of California took enforcement action against Molina Healthcare of California and imposed a $1 million fine against the company for its failure to acknowledge and resolve 29,124 provider disputes between September 2017 and September 2018. Days later, Molina Healthcare and its previously owned subsidiary, Pathways of Massachusetts, agreed to pay $4.6 million for alleged violations of the False Claims Act. Federal officials had alleged that Molina owned and operated a group of mental health centers that improperly submitted claims for reimbursement while failing to properly license and supervise mental health center staff. In 2019, the Molina of Texas was fined $500,000 by regulators in Texas who alleged the company had been unable to pay beneficiaries claims on time. That penalty was imposed one year after the company agreed to settle allegations of late payments by paying a combined total of $7.7 million to the Texas Department of Insurance and various health care providers in the state. Counties with the worst droughts in Iowa Counties with the worst droughts in Iowa Iowa statistics #25. Webster County #24. Fremont County #23. Shelby County #22. Sioux County #21. Kossuth County #20. Humboldt County #19. Carroll County #18. Mills County #1. Ida County (tie) #1. Pocahontas County (tie) #1. Crawford County (tie) #1. Plymouth County (tie) #1. Clay County (tie) #1. Cherokee County (tie) #1. Palo Alto County (tie) #1. Osceola County (tie) #1. O'Brien County (tie) #1. Harrison County (tie) #1. Dickinson County (tie) #1. Sac County (tie) #1. Monona County (tie) #1. Woodbury County (tie) #1. Emmet County (tie) #1. Calhoun County (tie) #1. Buena Vista County (tie) State, city and county food inspectors have cited Iowa restaurants and stores for hundreds of food-safety violations during the past four weeks, including insects in customers food and filthy kitchens. One fast-food restaurant in Des Moines agreed to close, for the second time in 13 months, after being cited for recurring violations related to unsanitary conditions and insect infestations. The findings are reported by the Iowa Department of Inspections and Appeals, which handles food-establishment inspections at the state level. Listed below are some of the more serious findings that stem from inspections at Iowa restaurants, stores, schools, hospitals and other businesses over the past four weeks. The state inspections department reminds the public that their reports are a snapshot in time, and violations are often corrected on the spot before the inspector leaves the establishment. For a more complete list of all inspections, along with additional details on each of the inspections listed below, visit the Iowa Department of Inspections and Appeals website. Kentucky Fried Chicken (KFC) Taco Bell, 2517 Hubbell Ave., Des Moines As a result of this June 7 visit by a state inspector, the restaurants manager agreed for the second time in 13 months to voluntarily close the establishment until issues related to the restaurants cleanliness could be addressed. During the June 7 visit, the inspector noted that ice dispensed from the ice machine was adulterated by being in direct contact with a visibly soiled utensil; fried chicken was sitting uncovered in heavily soiled hot-holding units; various food items throughout the restaurant had been placed in metal and plastic food containers that had not been effectively washed or properly sanitized by the staff and were contaminated by accumulated grease and debris; the interior basin of the ice machine was visibly soiled with debris, and a rear exterior door was in disrepair, allowing the intrusion of pests. Multiple flies were observed throughout the restaurant and were concentrated under the Taco Bell food line, under the front fryers, throughout the chicken-frying area, throughout the dry-storage area and around the drive-through soda fountain. The inspector said the violations concerning the sanitary condition of the facility were contributing to the proliferation of pests, with multiple dead flying insects observed on fly traps and alongside the walls. The inspector also made note of Taco Bell sauce packets that were stored in an unclean area with flies congregating on the packets. In addition, cleaned equipment and utensils were being stored in an area populated by dead fruit flies, and carryout containers were stored in an area that was visibly soiled with accumulated food debris. The inspector also reported that equipment, utensils and food-contact surfaces throughout the restaurant were not being effectively washed and even after being cleaned were still soiled with grease and other particulates. Also, ice buckets and seasoning buckets were visibly soiled with accumulated debris, as were the fryers, oil-filter hoses, and shelving. The trash bin in mens restroom was overflowing, and there was trash accumulating on the floor. Floors, walls and ceilings throughout the facility are heavily soiled with accumulated debris, food debris and grease, the inspector reported. The floor/wall junctions within the raw-meat walk-in cooler are soiled with what appear to be a mold-like substance. The visit was triggered by two complaints regarding general facility sanitation and poor personal hygiene. The facility-sanitation component of the complaints was verified, while the poor personal hygiene complaint was deemed unverifiable. The restaurant was temporarily closed. On June 10, a state inspector returned and reported that the previously cited problems had been resolved to a point where an imminent health hazard no longer exists. All remaining unresolved violations and long-term corrective actions will be verified with an additional physical recheck inspection. The firm is approved to reopen. In 2022, the restaurant was cited for many of the same issues that resulted in the June 2023 closing. For example, in May 2022, due to violations concerning the backup of floor drains and the overall sanitary condition of the restaurant, the manager agreed to voluntarily close the business. A few days later, after a deep cleaning, the restaurant was allowed to reopen although, at the time, an inspector made note of flying gnats, a dead rodent and other issues. Then, in July 2022, the inspector returned and reported numerous flying insects, including gnats and flies, throughout the restaurant and made note of violations concerning the cleanliness of food-contact surfaces, non-food contact surfaces and general facility sanitation issues that were resulting in the proliferation of pests. He also reported an accumulation of trash, grease, dead insects and food debris throughout the facility. Also, soda fountain syrups were stored directly on the floor in unknown standing water next to a floor drain, and multiple clean pieces of equipment were stored away while soiled with food debris and insects. Due to the repeated violations observed concerning cleaning and sanitizing, the firm did not successfully complete their risk-control plan, the inspector reported. In August 2022, the inspector returned and again cited violations related to general facility sanitation that were contributing to the proliferation of pests. While noting that the restaurant had significantly reduced the amount of pests present, the inspector reported seeing flying insects throughout the business and made note of multiple flying-insect traps that were saturated with dead insects. The inspector reported that he discussed with the person in charge the need to continue work on general facility sanitation and reducing harborage conditions for pests. More restaurant inspection reports Biaggis Ristorante Italiano, 320 Collins Dr., Cedar Rapids On June 12, a Linn County inspector visited Biaggis in response to complaints from customers who alleged they were served food with insects in it. The complainants had provided a video to substantiate their concerns, the inspector reported. According to the inspectors report, the restaurant manager agreed to retrain employees on closer examination of food before serving. The complaint was deemed verified. During his visit, the inspector noted that kitchen workers were eating in the food-preparation area and were handling food with their bare hands. Also, raw meats were stored above ready-to-eat food in the coolers, creating a risk of cross contamination, and the dishwashing machines were not operating properly and had to be serviced. The inspector also noted that swordfish was being improperly thawed. The Viking Drive-In, 3 S. Main St., Ventura During a June 13 visit, an inspector cited the restaurant for having no certified food protection manager on staff. Also, the restaurant was serving raw cookie dough that, according to the manufacturers label, was not to be eaten raw. The uncooked dough was being served to customers with ice cream. In addition, food stored in one of the eaterys coolers was being held at around 56 degrees far too warm to ensure safety and the mix in one of the soft-serve machines was being held at 49 degrees, which was also too warm. The inspector also noted that the hot dogs, corn dogs and chili were not marked with the dates they were removed from their original packaging to ensure freshness and safety. In addition, the cooked ground beef, some of which was dated May 27, and the barbecued pork were past their expiration dates and had to be discarded. The inspector reported that coolers, shelving and floors were soiled with food debris and dirt, and there were a large number of flies in the restaurant likely due to the uncleanliness of the facility. The visit was in response to complaint about the lack of cleanliness. The complaint was deemed verified. In early September 2022, a Cerro Gordo County inspector responded to a complaint about the restaurant. In his report, the inspector didnt describe the nature of the complaint or say whether the compliant was verified. He wrote that he showed the complaint to the owner and then talked to the owner about cleanliness and the safe handling of food but didnt cite The Viking Drive-In for any violations at that time. Two weeks later, the same county inspector was back at the restaurant in response to another complaint. Again, the inspector didnt state in his report the nature of the complaint or whether it was verified. The inspector wrote, The floors, outside of machines/equipment, and other surfaces are visibly soiled. Garbage and items on the floor under the machines, but he did not cite the restaurant for any violations at that time. India Cafe, 50 W. Burlington St., Fairfield On June 12, the restaurant underwent its third inspection in five weeks after significant issues were noted during the two previous visits. During the June 12 visit, the inspector reported the person in charge was not able to demonstrate sufficient knowledge of food safety including the time and temperature parameters for storing and reheating food. In addition, not all of the employees designated as the person in charge were certified food protection managers. The inspector reported that two containers of onion soup in the walk-in cooler were being held at 46 to 49 degrees and had to be discarded, several pieces of hot chicken were being held 97 to 111 degrees and had to be discarded, and several food items including soup, sauces, vegetables and house-made desserts were not marked with dates to ensure freshness and safety. During a May 9 visit, an inspector had cited the restaurant for 11 violations. At that time, due to the extent and severity of the violations found, the owner agreed to voluntarily close the restaurant until all of the violations could be corrected and the staff could be properly trained. On that date, the inspector noted that bags of chicken were left to thaw in a sink and were contaminated by water from a drainpipe dripping into the sink; fried vegetables cooked the day before were stored on a tray at 78 degrees with no attempt made at refrigeration, and all of the cooked items throughout the restaurant had been stored without any date markings to ensure freshness and safety. The inspector also observed rodent droppings in food-storage areas throughout the kitchen, and he reported that food-preparation tables, kitchen equipment and certain areas of the kitchen were visibly soiled. The inspector returned on May 12 and cited the restaurant for three more violations but found that the business had successfully eliminated the imminent health hazards previously noted and the restaurant was granted permission to reopen. La Cantina Mexican Grill and Bar, 19 S. Main St., Denison During a June 8 visit, a state inspector cited the restaurant for 11 risk-factor violations, an unusually high number. The inspector reported that raw meat was stored over salsa inside a cooler, and raw fish and bacon were stored over fruits and vegetables, creating a risk of cross-contamination. The inspector also reported finding shellfish prepared on May 29, and salsa picosa prepared on May 28, each of which had to be discarded for being more than a week old. In addition, the dishwasher had no measurable chemical concentration of sanitizing solution, and the inside of the ice machine had what appeared to be a mold-like substance on the surface. The inspector also noted there were multiple flies throughout kitchen-preparation, ware-washing and food-storage areas and reported there was standing water, apparently from condensation, in four of the coolers. Casa Tequila Authentic Mexican Grill, 1100 Andersen Place, Tiffin During a June 2 visit, a Johnson County inspector cited the restaurant for 12 risk-factor violations, an unusually high number. Among the issues: The person in charge failed to demonstrate sufficient knowledge of food safety, including the time and temperature parameters for storing and reheating food; the restaurant failed to ensure that all supervisory employees were certified food protection managers, and employees were moving from the handling of dirty dishes to handling clean dishes without handwashing. Also, raw eggs were stored above ready-to-eat items, creating a risk of cross-contamination; chicken was cooked to 155 degrees rather than the minimum of 165 degrees; numerous containers of house-made foods were not marked with their date of preparation to ensure freshness and safety;, and house-made red sauce prepared on May 22 had been held for more than seven-day maximum. Red Oak Country Club, 2038 200th St., Red Oak During a May 30 visit, an inspector cited the restaurant for using a handwashing station at the bar as a dump sink and noted that the soda-dispensing gun at the bar was heavily soiled. In addition, the kitchens walk-in cooler contained cooked green beans, cooked beef, cheese, fish and steaks none of which had any date markings to ensure freshness and safety. Also, salmon was improperly thawed while still in its original vacuum-sealed packaging, increasing the risk of undetected spoilage, and containers of fish were stored, without lids, underneath a leaking condenser unit inside the cooler. The inspector also reported that clean kitchen utensils were being stored on a cart heavily soiled with a build-up of debris and food crumbs. In addition, there were no test strips on hand to verify the levels of sanitizing solution being used and the kitchens handwashing sink was in disrepair and did not drain. Les Restaurant, 113 Colorado Ave., Ames During a May 26 visit, a state inspector cited the restaurant for storing raw chicken, raw beef, and raw shrimp above ready-to-eat foods, creating a risk of cross-contamination, and for using a residential-style dishwasher to clean glassware. In addition, the inspector found numerous foods stored above the maximum temperature of 41 degrees, including crab rangoon stored at 61 degrees; tofu at 58 degrees; cooked rice at 62 degrees, and raw egg mix stored at 54 degrees. The manager agreed to discard the products. Also, cooked beef had no date markings on it ensure freshness and safety, employees medicine was stored on the same shelf as food, and the most recent inspection report was not where it could be read by customers. The visit was in response to a complaint pertaining to general facility sanitation and pest control. The complaint was deemed verified. Economart, 103 W. Walnut St., Columbus Junction During a May 23 visit, a state inspector cited the store for storing raw ground beef above ready-to-eat ham. The inspector also reported that dishes were unable to be properly sanitized due to not having any on site, an apparent reference to a lack of sanitizing equipment or solution. Also, the staff handwashing sink was soiled with a buildup of debris, and the three-compartment sink used to clean utensils was soiled and clogged with standing water. In addition, the front, sides and top of the fryer were soiled with a buildup of debris, as was the shelving in the kitchen area and the reach-in cooler in the kitchen area. Floor in kitchen area soiled with a buildup of debris, the inspector reported. Large amount of litter on floors next to fryer in kitchen area. The visit was prompted by a non-illness complaint pertaining to pest control and general sanitation. The complaint was deemed verified. Management agreed to close the business until discussed violations are resolved, and proper training and cleaning has occurred, the inspector reported. On May 24, state inspectors reported that they had verified, through photos provided by store management, the establishment had corrected enough problems so that it could be cleared to reopen. On June 2, the inspector returned to the store for an on-site visit and noted several cartons of adulterated milk the inspectors report doesnt elaborate on the shelves for sale to customers, and also made note of flying insects in the kitchen area. The fryer was still soiled with a buildup of debris, as was the kitchen floor, the shelving in the kitchen and the reach-in cooler. Biggest tornadoes in Iowa of the past decade Biggest tornadoes in Iowa of the past decade #15. Nov. 11, 2015 #14. Jun. 30, 2014 #13. Aug. 2, 2014 #12. Apr. 14, 2012 #11. Apr. 14, 2012 #10. Jun. 28, 2017 #9. Apr. 5, 2017 #8. May. 27, 2019 #7. Jun. 12, 2013 #6. Jun. 22, 2015 #5. Jul. 14, 2021 #4. Aug. 20, 2019 #3. Jul. 19, 2018 #2. Apr. 4, 2022 #1. Oct. 4, 2013 An 18-year-old man from the Belle Fourche area drowned at Orman Dam Wednesday after falling off a paddle board into the water. Around 7:51 p.m., the Butte County Dispatch Center received a call of a person in distress in the swimming area at the Rocky Point Campground at Orman Dam. Three young people had apparently fallen off paddle boards into the water. Two were able to get back to safer depths and were assisted by other campers and swimmers in the area, according to the Belle Fourche Police Department, who also said there were people on scene trying to make their way out to the remaining person. Emergency responders entered the water attempting to locating the missing person. The Butte County Sheriff's Office requested a dive team based out of the Rapid City area to respond to the scene for assistance. The team is made up of multiple agencies in the Rapid City area. Not only do they have divers, but they utilize underwater robotic units equipped with cameras, markers and retrieving capabilities. At 12:10 a.m., with the assistance from witnesses, the Pennington County team was able to direct the unit to the area the victim was last seen, locate and retrieve the person. He was pronounced dead at the scene by the Butte County Coroner. The victim's name will be released after next-of-kin is notified. Agencies that involved and assisted included Belle Fourche Fire, Belle Fourche Ambulance, Nisland-Arpan Fire, Vale Fire, Newell Ambulance, Butte County Sheriff's Office, South Dakota Game, Fish & Parks, Pennington County/Rapid City Water Rescue Team and numerous bystanders and volunteers. "This is tragic reminder of how fast an innocent afternoon of recreation can turn into a tragedy," the Belle Fourche Police Department wrote in a statement. JOHANNESBURG, June 15 (Xinhua) -- Six African heads of state are set to embark on a peace mission to Ukraine and Russia, with experts highlighting the global responsibility showcased by China and Africa to reach a political settlement of the Ukraine crisis. The peace mission, consisting of heads of state of the Republic of Congo, Senegal, Uganda, Egypt, Zambia and South Africa, will visit Kiev and Moscow, respectively. Diamantino Lopes, a political scientist of Guinea-Bissau, told Xinhua that the conflict has dramatically affected Africa in different areas, particularly economically, causing a surge in food prices and a shortage of fuel and gas. "Ukraine is a major producer of cereals, and the African continent depends a lot on these products," he said. "In the end, there will be neither 'the winner, even less the loser,' which is why we favor the path of dialogue to find a peaceful solution to this conflict." Lopes said he welcomes the initiative of the six African leaders to try to mediate and find a diplomatic and peaceful solution. The Ukraine crisis directly affects Africa, plunging the African economy, said Yira Koroma, a lecturer at Cavendish University in Uganda. "History has taught us that we cannot achieve peace and security by violence, but rather by dialogue," Koroma said. "Dialogue and negotiation would help two heated parties see how they can iron out differences without violence." Experts, including Koroma, also hailed China's efforts to solve the crisis politically and peacefully. China has played a vital role in trying to bring peace, said Emmanuel Matambo, a researcher at the Center for Africa-China Studies of the University of Johannesburg, South Africa. Noting he agrees that dialogue is the only viable solution to the Ukraine crisis, Lopes said China is an arbiter that favors the path of discussion. The experts also raised concerns that certain nations have escalated the situation with a Cold War mentality and unilateral sanctions. "The Cold War saga is not helping the situation," Koroma said, adding that mounting sanctions against Russia was a wrong move that exacerbated the conflict. Youth and Family Services and the Rotary Clubs of Rapid City offer a program to provide emergency assistance to YFS families in crisis. This relief program provides urgent, immediate support to YFS families who have witnessed or experienced trauma. The program was established during the COVID-19 pandemic, and families in crisis continue to need support. YFS serves some of the most vulnerable children and families in Rapid City and the Black Hills area, said Dr. Ashok Kumar, immediate past president of the Rapid City Rotary Club. Our two clubs collaborated with YFS to help meet some of the urgent, critical needs for families in crisis such as paying for gas for travel, clothing, diapers, and other items for families." Every year, YFS provides programs and services for more than 14,000 children and families in Rapid City and 29 counties in western South Dakota. Up to 85% of children enrolled in YFS programs come from low-income families. In Rapid City alone, 16.2% about one-sixth of residents live at or below the poverty line, according to datausa.io. Families in poverty already face numerous difficulties, and those who have experienced trauma face exponentially increased challenges, said Connie Olson, YFS Chief Development Director. As these families struggled to meet their basic needs, many had a difficult time covering the cost of essential items that provide health, stability and safety for their family. The relief program for YFS families began as a collection of donations from Rapid City Rotary Club and Rapid City Rushmore Rotary Club; the donations were matched by a grant from Rotary District 5610. Rotarians in Rapid City remain committed to providing help to families in need. For decades, YFS has maintained a strong case management component of its services. Staff members have more in-depth understanding of YFS families and their financial situations, and YFS staff works closely with families to assess their needs. When a family has an immediate need and no other funding opportunity exists, these [relief program] funds are made available to help meet at least a portion of the familys needs, Olson said. "We are very appreciative of the ongoing efforts of the Rapid City Rotary Club and Rapid City Rushmore Rotary Clubs. These funds are helping families stabilize in order to get back on their feet and move toward economic mobility. The community can join this relief effort. Those interested in contributing to the relief program can contact Olson at (605) 342-4195 or colson@youthandfamilyservices.org. Go to youthandfamilyservices.org for more information about YFS programs and services. A lack of agreed-upon representation for the recount board and confusion over applicable state laws has Rapid City and Pennington County officials and the mayoral candidates themselves stuck waiting for resolution. The Rapid City Council officially canvassed the votes from last Tuesdays municipal election during a special session this week. Salamun claimed 32% of voters with 4,888 votes, topping Laura Armstrong by only 269 votes. Armstrong filed a request for a recount Thursday, June 8. Regardless of that pending request, the city is required to canvass the votes within seven days of the election. City Finance Director Daniel Ainslie told the Journal early Wednesday afternoon out of three representatives needed for a recount board, only one representative had been solidified. The recount board should consist of one representative chosen by Laura Armstrong, one chosen by Jason Salamun, and a third party named by the city and agreed upon by both candidates. So far, we have not been able to get to that third person. And in addition, now, we have one individual who was appointed by one of the candidates [that] is no longer able to serve on it. So at this point, we have one out of the three individuals who can serve on the board. According to state law, a recount is supposed to be scheduled within 10 days of the request, but Ainslie said until the board is determined, its impossible for them to truly schedule. It was originally planned for Thursday, June 15. The disagreement over that third representative appeared to come from Armstrong, with Salamun telling the Journal that he had provided his candidate and had been open to the list of candidates for the third spot. We've done everything we were supposed to do, and we're just kind of waiting with the rest of the city, he said. I think Rapid City is ready to move forward, and I look forward to that as well. Laura Armstrong did not immediately return a request for comment. In addition, some confusion arose over conducting the recount itself. Pennington County Auditor Cindy Mohler explained that the state recount statutes dont apply to municipal and school recounts, so theyre unsure if the process will be the same as it was for recounts conducted last year for state legislative seats. A guidebook was prepared from the South Dakota Secretary of States Office and provided to the candidates, Ainslie said. Rapid Citys legal department is also reviewing the documents. I am anticipating that they will recommend a couple of variations, Ainslie said. There's also a couple points that need to be clarified that are still left open in that guidebook. So essentially, the first action of that board once they convene is to adopt the rules as to how the election recount will proceed. He anticipates the rules will be largely based on the election guidebook, but its unclear until the board votes. One point needing clarification is how many ballots will be included in the recommended test runs. Beyond that, Ainslie said, there will likely be discussion on how the actual process of reviewing ballots will be conducted. The cost of the recount will be dependent on how long it takes. The cost will be paid from the citys general fund and will come out of the Finance Departments budget. Ainslie said they had estimated if the recount took eight hours, the cost would be around $2,500. Mayor Steve Allender said later Wednesday afternoon that the recount is tentatively scheduled for Thursday, June 22 after a delay in communication from Armstrong. Kathmandu, Nepal, February 9, 2022 The Ambassador of Japan to Nepal, H.E. Mr. KIKUTA Yutaka, signed a grant contract with Mr. Lalmani Joshi, Director of Meri Stop Community Service Center Nepal, for installing medical equipment at Meri Stop Community Hospital in Kailali District. The project is funded under the Grant Assistance for Grassroots Human Security Projects (GGP) of the Japanese Government and involves a grant of USD 107,532 (approximately NPR 12.72 million). The project will support the installation of medical equipment at the hospital, including electrocardiogram (ECG), cardiac monitor, C-Arm machine, ultrasonography (USG) machine, endoscopy machine, operation theater table, operation theater lights, electrolyte analyzer, x-ray, computed radiography (CR) system, immunoassay analyzer, and generator. Meri Stop Community Hospital has been offering wide range of different medical services, including gynecology, orthopedics and family planning services. However, due to the lack of medical equipment, it was difficult for the hospital to diagnose diseases and provide timely treatment. Kathmandu, Nepal, March 28, 2022: Japan has handed over a newly-built Health Training Center and Emergency Shelter to the Rolpa Municipality in Rolpa District amid a function on Sunday. The new building has been built with grant assistance of USD 80,375 under the Grant Assistance for Grassroots Human Security Projects (GGP) of the Japanese Government. On the occasion, Japanese Ambassador to Nepal, Mr. Kikuta Yutaka sent a message congratulating everyone involved in the project. Ambassador Kikuta appreciated the efforts of all who worked together with the Embassy to complete the project and hoped that the health post would become a community asset and serve the local people during and after the time of the COVID-19 pandemic. This health post is an important medical service center in the community and provides free medical services. The old building had nearly collapsed and therefore had to be rebuilt to ensure the continuity of health care in the community. Kathmandu, Nepal: The Charge d'Affaires a.i. of Japan to Nepal, Mr. Yoshioka Yuzo, signed a grant contract with Ms. Ranju Napit, Chairperson of the Laborer Women and Child Welfare Council (LWCWC) for providing medical equipment to the Valley Health and Research Center that operates in Bhaktapur District. The project is funded under the Grant Assistance for Grassroots Human Security Projects (GGP) of the Japanese Government and involves a grant of USD 74,860 (approximately NPR 8.9 million). This project will support the installation of medical equipment for breast cancer testing, thyroid testing, and diabetes testing at the Valley Health Center that has been providing medical services, mainly to women and children, free of charge since its establishment in 2000. The health center offers free diagnosis, free birth assistance and basic medicines in rural areas, and focuses on maternal and child health. The doctors and nurses of the center regularly visit the surrounding communities to provide counselling and to raise awareness on basic health. The medical equipment to be provided under the grant scheme can assist the center to offer a wider range of services, including regular check-ups for early detection of ailments. The Embassy of Japan believes that the project will contribute towards enhancing the centers medical services for women and children in and around the city of Bhaktapur.?We hope that this assistance to provide medical equipment will further enhance the friendship between the peoples of Japan and Nepal, including for future generations. A new ice cream stand has opened in Richmond at the former Sweet 95 and Suzy Sno spot. Ellies Hot Dogs & Ice Cream has filled the walk-up sweet spot at 3312 N. Arthur Ashe Blvd. Brandon Lewis left a 20 year career in the mortgage industry to launch Ellies. I figured it was time for a change. I wanted to do something that would put a smile on peoples faces, Lewis said. Ellies opened in early May, selling Hersheys ice cream by the scoop, sundaes, milkshakes and all-beef and plant-based hot dogs. And pup cups too. The ice cream stand is dog-and-family-friendly, and is named after the Lewis family dog, a one-and-a-half year old Cavalier King Charles Spaniel. Ellies is counter service with a large covered deck that can seat up to 30. Its been real popular in the neighborhood with people walking or biking over. We also have a parking lot, Lewis said. Ellies is located just off the entrance to Interstate 95, within walking distance to the North Side, Laburnum Park and Sherwood Park. When deciding to make the leap to the restaurant industry, Lewis sought the advice of Vic Routsis, owner of Brick House Diner, which moved into the former Kitchen 64 spot last year. Kitchen 64 and Sweet 95 were previously both owned by the Giavos family, which vacated the premises. Vic and I struck up a friendship when he was catering events that I had in the mortgage industry, Lewis said. I ran a few ideas by him. He let me know when this spot became available. The mortgage business can be tough. My father had a restaurant, I grew up around it. Whenever times would get stressful, Id think, Forget this, Ill go sell ice cream and it will be easy, Lewis said. Its definitely not easy, he said now with a laugh. Its a lot of work, but Im loving it. Lewis and his wife have two sons, David, 21, and Brandon, 17, who have been helping scoop ice cream and serve hot dogs at Ellies. So far, local favorites include the classics like vanilla, chocolate and the more adventurous like Play Dough and Llamalicious, which tastes sort of like a Ukrops rainbow cookie, Lewis said. Ellies serves ice cream by the scoop in sugar cones, cake cones and waffle cones. Prices run $4.66 for a single to $5.95 for a double. Milkshakes and sundaes run around $7. On the hot dog side, the chili dog ($4.66) is a clear favorite, along with the #6 steak & dog ($5.69), which is a hot dog topped with thinly sliced steak, cheese and onions. Hot dogs can also be topped with coleslaw, sauerkraut and nacho toppings. Lewis said he took inspiration for Ellies from Stevies Ice Cream, an ice cream stand in Kilmarnock that he and his family would visit while on vacation. It was always a nice family spot. A place where youd see families smiling and laughing, he said. Ellies is open Monday through Saturday from 11:30 a.m. to 8 p.m. and Sunday from noon to 6 p.m. PHOTOS: Ellie's Hot Dogs & Ice Cream 061523-rtd-biz-ellies 061523-rtd-biz-ellies 061523-rtd-biz-ellies 061523-rtd-biz-ellies HomeGoing services for Renzo Smith and Shawn Jackson will take place at noon on Thursday, June 15, at Speaking Spirit Ministries in Richmond. A live stream of the services will appear above at the scheduled time. A recording will appear here shortly after the services concludes. A fifth suspect wanted in connection with the death of a Richmond woman in York County turned herself in earlier this week and was arrested, police say. The York-Poquoson Sheriffs Office posted on Facebook on Thursday morning that Donnisha Goodman surrendered to police Monday in Portsmouth. Goodman, 25, was the fifth suspect being sought in connection to the death of Tyosha Tanique Mitchell, a 25-year-old Richmond woman who was found shot dead along Old Williamsburg Road near Yorktown on the morning of May 6. Four other suspects were previously arrested and charged with second-degree murder in Mitchells death: Jamica Langley, 24; Acacia Jackson, 18; Hezekiah HK Carney, 24; and Jayquan Jones, 20. Court documents reviewed by Hampton station WVEC-TV in May showed that investigators say they believe Mitchell and the suspects were part of the Vietnam Baby Gorilla gang, a group tied to the Norfolk arm of the Mad Stone Bloods. Mitchell was said to have been the groups highest-ranking female member. A man identified as Mitchells boyfriend told detectives that three women, believed to be Langley, Jackson and Goodman, and a man arrived at Mitchells apartment in Whitcomb Court hours before her death to beat her out of the gang. The boyfriend told police that the group took Mitchell away in a black Hyundai Sonata, which a spokesperson for the York-Poquoson Sheriffs Office said is registered in Goodmans name. Detectives were able to track that vehicle back to York County through eyewitness testimony and surveillance footage, which helped them find Jones and Langley entering a 7-Eleven in Newport News. Carney, Jackson, Jones and Langley are all scheduled for hearings in York General District Court on Sept. 12. PHOTOS: VMFA's new exhibitions of Whitfield Lovell: Passages & Benjamin Wigfall and Communications Village One of the more interesting risks one assumes when writing a history column for a daily newspaper is that sometimes the history itself will actually happen as youre writing it. Such is the case with the Bellevue Theater, currently on the cusp of transforming into its third act in its near-century-long existence in the neighborhood for which it is named. Popular local lore holds that movie stars Warren Beatty and Shirley MacLaine, whose childhood home is just a few blocks away on Fauquier Avenue, saw their first movies at the Bellevue, helping inspire them into decades of screen stardom. No readily available evidence supports this claim. The theater opened on what was then Rappahannock Avenue in 1937, the year of Beattys birth and when MacLaine was just 3 years old. The family moved from Richmond shortly thereafter. The understated Art Deco structure was designed by Richmond architect Henry Carl Messerschmidt, one of four theaters in Virginia he created. Messerschmidt was also the designer of Cary Court, the iconic limestone shopping center that sits at the center of Carytown. He also created Perlys Restaurant on Grace Street. Theres no denying it: The man loved his Deco. The Bellevue advertised at its opening as Richmonds Finest Amusement Center came about at a time of tremendous growth for the U.S. theater industry. The 1930s, as the journalist Barbara Crossette has observed, were a decade in which the Depression collided with the advent of sound and a subsequent public mania for movies. It was owned by Neighborhood Theaters Inc., a concern headed by the Morton Thalhimer family. The theater boom was so pronounced in the U.S. that a second theater the Ginter opened less than a block up from the Bellevue just weeks after the latters grand opening. (In a few years, the owners of the Bellevue purchased the Ginter and wisely closed it down. Then as now, public mania can accommodate only so many theaters.) The Bellevue showed movies through the early 1960s, during and after which it functioned as both a theater and a community venue. It was a regular meeting space for the Ginter Park womens club; it would also periodically host public speakers. Among them was an appearance by Sheriff Jim Clark, the Alabama lawman who agitated vociferously against the civil rights movement and who took part in the brutal Bloody Sunday reprisal at the Edmund Pettus Bridge in March 1965. (The march from Selma was the silliest thing that ever happened in this country, Clark told attendees at the Bellevue, apparently overlooking his own disgraceful career in law enforcement.) Perhaps most notably in its history, the theater also played host to Virginias answer to the Grand Ole Opry. In 1963, WRVA began broadcasting the New Dominion Barn Dance from the Bellevue. A spinoff from Virginias storied Old Dominion Barn Dance country radio show, the new feature was broadcast from the Bellevue for several years and hosted such iconic stars as Hank Williams and Porter Wagoner, along with up-and-coming new talent like Willie Nelson. One memorable weekend saw the appearance of Minnie Pearl, the legendary comedienne who worked the Grand Ole Opry for five decades. Virginia native Shirlee Hunter also headed a country troupe there during the summer of 1964. Compared to its early history, the Bellevues later years have been quiet and uneventful. The building has been owned for decades by the Mystic Order of Veiled Prophets of the Enchanted Realm, a branch of Freemasonry that has had a presence in Richmond since 1910. Rechristened the Samis Grotto Temple, the building took on a sort of odd, incomprehensible mystical quality in the middle-class neighborhood of which it was part. Your correspondent was among the few generations of children who grew up throwing snowballs at the lodges bizarre Mokanna head pasted on the front of the old Bellevue marquee. Over the years, the building periodically received renewed interest from the surrounding community. There were sporadic talks of refurbishing it to its old cinematic glory. Some years ago, the recording group RVA Studios briefly set up shop in the theaters old projection room. The Masons in the early- to mid-2000s would occasionally open up the building for public events; visitors there could still spot the handpainted pastoral backdrop used by the New Dominion Barn Dance decades before. The Grotto in its later years suffered from dwindling membership; by the time of the COVID pandemic, the lodge was essentially finished, and its members for want of funds had allowed the building to lapse into a state of disrepair. The facility was purchased earlier this year by local investors and developers Ben Adamson and Alex Griffith, who plan to retain Messerschmidts original structure, refurbishing it and turning it into a mixed-use apartment building and ground-level retail space. A recent tour of the demolition process revealed the layers of history that have built up in the old theater over nearly 100 years: an understated Deco runner above what used to be the silver screen, a jackleg kitchen affixed to a side room, three generations of boiler equipment in the small basement. And even after nearly a century, on the verge of its third major renovation, a building like the Bellevue can still have secrets to yield. During demolition, Adamsons crew noticed a wall safe in what looks to have been the original theaters office. Developers had yet to crack through the inches-thick concrete that housed the safe body. We dont know whats in there, Adamson admitted. Shirley MacLaines pocketbook, someone joked in reply. Richmond, Maggie Walker is reported to have said, has aptly been styled the Athens of the Negro race in America. There is truth to that. For all the brutal, often violent subjugation to which Black Richmonders have been subject over the centuries, our city has historically been home to a thriving Black socio-political economy unique among the larger cities of the U.S. Among the lesser-known yet still pivotal players in that distinct prosperity was the Grand Fountain of the United Order of True Reformers, a Black professional group that flourished in Richmond for several decades starting in the 1880s. The group had its roots in a fraternal society for Black Americans in Kentucky and Alabama. It was controlled largely by white managers; they eventually launched an all-Black branch of the organization. Residents of Richmond started a chapter and asked William Washington Browne a former slave who escaped bondage in Georgia and fought for the Union during the Civil War to head the project. Browne transformed the Richmond True Reformers from a relatively average benefits organization to what W.E.B. DuBois reportedly called probably the most extraordinary Negro organization in the country. The group grew quickly in the coming decades, with Browne intent on crafting a benefit structure that would throw the broad mantle of charity around the whole family in times of tragedy. The rapidly growing financial assets of the company, together with hostility from local white financial managers, led the Fountain to launch its own bank in 1889 the first Black-owned and operated financial institution chartered in the United States (it was the second to begin operations, behind the Capitol Savings Bank of Washington D.C.). The banks first branch was located in Brownes home, at 105 W. Jackson St. The True Reformers continued to thrive across the decades. Before his death in 1897, Browne directed the construction of a large hall on North Second Street to house retail space, a gathering hall, meeting rooms and the banks offices. By 1904, the Reformers were so prosperous that the savings bank could afford to offer a $500 reward in The Richmond Times-Dispatch for the arrest and conviction of whoever circulated a false rumor about the banks imminent demise. At the turn of the century, the order was publishing a weekly newspaper, The Reformer. Included in its voluminous real estate holdings was an old folks home at Westham near what is now the Huguenot Bridge. Few visible traces of the Reformers can be detected easily in present-day Richmond. Brownes home on Jackson Street still stands. By 2001, it was, as The Times-Dispatch reported, a crumbling, boarded-up house at the corner of Jackson Street and Chamberlayne Parkway. A restoration in the subsequent years brought the home back from the brink, preserving its understated yet elegant American Federal facade with beautifully detailed corbels along the fascia. Two handsome masonry chimneys, relics of a time before central heating, still top the structure, while the outline of Brownes long-vanished grand porch is visible barely, on the lower half of the frontage. Reminders of a Victorian past are plentiful in Bon Air. Here's where to look. Most Richmonders when driving across Buford Road Bridge in Bon Air are passing within just a few hundred feet of the former location of the Steps, what was arguably one of the most beguiling Victorian structures ever built in Virginia. The Reformers great gathering hall has long since vanished; only a bare lot remains at the corner of Lee and Jackson streets, where the group used to hold meetings and conduct banking. Perhaps the only other notable extant Richmond building associated with the Reformers is the Taylor Mansion on North Second Street in Church Hill. The onetime home of W.L. Taylor, who took over the organization after Brownes death, the building is an eclectic mix of styles and includes a full three-story rounded tower topped with bronzed regent-style tiles and a balustraded balcony atop a full portico. At the time of its construction, it was possibly the largest home for a Black American in the entire United States a stunning accomplishment in a city once defined by an unspeakable slave jail located just 4,500 feet eastward. The astonishing network of business and real estate holdings created by the Reformers was dealt a fatal blow around 1910. when it came out that an employee of the bank had embezzled more than $50,000 from its coffers the equivalent of well over a million dollars today. The Virginia State Corporation Commission subsequently closed the bank when it was unable to meet its financial obligations, and most of the connected enterprises collapsed as a result; the organization continued to offer insurance benefits until 1934 before closing altogether. About this story "Small History" examines the stories behind Richmond places and figures. Have an idea for an upcoming feature? Email danielpayneauthor@gmail.com. Originating as it did during a time of comprehensive oppression and persecution, the Reformers nevertheless represented a towering achievement for Black Virginians and Black Americans, at a time when most of the country was committed to their subjugation. That it arose in Richmond is probably no accident: This has always been a special city full of special people, even in the midst of its profound failures. Richmond, Maggie Walker once said, cannot fail. She must set the example for every other city in the Union. She was not wrong then, and is still right today. 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Richmond in the 50s Richmond in the 50s Richmond in the 50s Richmond in the 50s Richmond in the 50s Richmond in the 50s Richmond in the 50s Richmond in the 50s Richmond in the 50s OSLO, June 15 (Xinhua) -- Norway and Denmark have agreed to donate an additional 9,000 rounds of artillery to Ukraine after a similar donation earlier this year, Norway's Ministry of Defense said on Thursday. In a press release, the ministry explained that Norway would provide the artillery shells, while Denmark would contribute fuzes and propellant charges. The ministry said that Norway has also donated an additional 7,000 artillery rounds from its own stocks. These have already been sent to Ukraine. With the donations now announced, Norway has donated a total of 27,000 artillery rounds alone, and 17,000 together with Denmark to Ukraine. The introduction of body-worn cameras promised to change policing. But in Virginia, cameras havent always brought the clarifying sunshine that advocates promised. Thats partly because of a cobweb of legal rules that keeps them from public view, although police say they get a lot of value out of the videos internally, for training and complaint reviews. Body-worn cameras have trickled into Virginia police forces, even predating the 2020 death of George Floyd, which heralded nationwide protests and calls for police transparency. In that case, iPhone video from a passerby and body-worn camera footage from police helped lawyers achieve a murder verdict for Derek Chauvin, the officer whose knee pinned Floyds neck to the pavement. Although they are still not legally required by the state of Virginia, departments largely welcomed the cameras on the basis that they would exonerate police officers whod been maligned in the public sphere. Police reform advocates, like the NAACP, were invested as well. Virginias NAACP said in a statement that it believed the cameras would restore public confidence in law enforcement. The reality is that neither promise has fully come to fruition. Often, either side sees what it wants in police videos. For example: In January, Henrico police officer Timothy G. Million III was indicted by a grand jury for voluntary manslaughter. The jury made the indictment after watching body-worn camera footage of Million shooting a motorist on Interstate 64. But a month later, a judge dismissed the case after showing the same video in a public hearing. In summer 2022, Oliver Holley was arrested in downtown Richmond. Holley was sent to jail for two nights on felony charges of assaulting a law enforcement officer, which carries a six-month mandatory minimum. Two body-worn cameras were released by Holley as his case approached trial. The video shows Holley refusing to get off East Broad Street and then backing away as a Richmond officer initiates physical contact. The officer wrestles Holley to the ground, where he flails and curses at the arresting officer. Holleys arrest warrant signed by officer Samuel Yoon alleges he assaulted Yoons partner, who only ever seems to come in contact with Holleys flailing feet as Yoon is putting on handcuffs. Otherwise, the video does not show the alleged assault. Still, that didnt exonerate Holley, whose case dragged on for another six months until it was dropped on the morning of his trial. Interim Police Chief Rick Edwards later said police were responding to a 911 call about someone who looked like Holley who was acting violently with a glass bottle. The judge later ruled that call couldnt be admitted as evidence. I am deeply disturbed by this attempt to tarnish the integrity and reputation of Officer Yoon and the Richmond Police Department, Edwards said in a Facebook post. This allegation is categorically false. Edwards declined several interview requests. Said Richmond Commonwealths Attorney Colette McEachin: Just because you didnt see it on camera doesnt mean it didnt happen. Kicking, biting, spitting, scratching, its all assault on a law enforcement officer. Body-worn camera footage can be withheld by prosecutors Quite often, video never becomes public. In some cases, departments still dont have them, because they arent mandated under Virginia law. Thats the case for the Virginia State Police, the states largest police force. Its also true of the investigation into the death of Irvo Otieno. Body-worn camera footage from deputies dayslong interactions with him before his death is notably absent. Otieno died of asphyxiation, according to a preliminary medical examiners report, after seven officers pinned him for 11 minutes in the intake room of Central State Hospital in Dinwiddie County. Video evidence used in the case was recorded on CCTV cameras. Those videos dont have crucial audio that might explain the deputies rational for pinning him on the ground for several minutes after which he was pronounced dead. In others, the fine print of Virginias legal code is to blame. Virginia FOIA statutes allow police agencies to keep footage secret, although they can become public in criminal or civil proceedings. The statute allows them to withhold any records that are the subject of an ongoing investigation. Body-worn camera footage can also be withheld by prosecutors, who can flag the video as restricted dissemination material, or RDM. That means that it cant be released outside of the court proceedings. Since the Holley case, Ashley Shapiro, Holleys public defender, said their office has been seeing more videos released with the RDM classification. Used for training review In Chesterfield, police officers say the cameras have brought benefits. Supervisors randomly audit cops on patrol, said Liz Caroon, a spokesperson for the department. They also use the footage to investigate internal and civilian complaints. Many police departments have adopted the practice of using body-cam footage for training review. Its a promising idea with support from criminal justice experts and, increasingly, from cops themselves. By the numbers The Times-Dispatch gathered data from area police on the use of body and dash cameras from October 2022 to May 2023. Here's how agencies compare using the technology: BODY CAMERAS Chesterfield County: Depends on assignment Hanover County: 88% Henrico County: 66% Richmond: 75% Virginia State Police: No body cameras DASH CAMERAS Chesterfield County: Data not available Hanover County: No dash cameras Henrico County: No dash cameras Richmond: No dash cameras Virginia State Police: 97% Officers dont want them at first, but then when theyre implemented, they see them as very useful, said William Pelfrey, professor of criminal justice and author of two studies on body-worn camera implementation. They exonerate officers. Pelfrey says a key point here is how often the departments randomly audit. In Chesterfield, supervisors are required to view four randomly selected patrol incidents per month. At the Hanover Sheriffs office, its once per week, said Lt. James Cooper, an office spokesperson. When footage was pulled up to investigate civilian complaints, Chesterfields internal affairs department found 21% to have merit. These complaints are overwhelmingly unsustained, said Dave Shand, operation support bureau commander. Unsustained means supervisors dont find evidence to back the complaint. But internal complaints which are anonymously filed by another member of the department are the opposite. A total of 79% of these were sustained, meaning supervisors did find substantiating evidence. Caroon said these complaints are helping the police force become more accountable, although ultimately each department is investigating itself. The department says it spends an estimated $250,000 annually on storage for all the footage, a hidden cost often not associated with camera implementation. Only departments with a Civilian Review Board are being investigated by outside parties. Just two of those exist in Virginia, in Charlottesville and Fairfax County. Few agencies remain camera shy Data gathered from October 2022 to May 2023 shows of the 142 agencies that answered questions on camera availability or use, 93 said they had both body and dashboard cameras for at least one of their members and vehicles. Data gathered from October 2022 to May 2023 shows of the 142 agencies that answered questions on camera availability or use, 93 said they had both body and dashboard cameras for at least one of their members and vehicles. Recognize this? 1950s photos from The Times-Dispatch archives Richmond in the 50s Richmond in the 50s Richmond in the 50s Richmond in the 50s Richmond in the 50s Richmond in the 50s Richmond in the 50s Richmond in the 50s Richmond in the 50s Richmond in the 50s Richmond in the 50s Richmond in the 50s Richmond in the 50s Richmond in the 50s Robinson and Newcombe Richmond in the 50s (236).jpg Richmond in the 50s (235).jpg Richmond in the 50s (233).jpg Richmond in the 50s (234).jpg Richmond in the 50s (231).jpg Richmond in the 50s (232).jpg Richmond in the 50s (229).jpg Richmond in the 50s (230).jpg 1954 Branch House 1956 Richmond Virginians Richmond in the 50s Richmond in the 50s Richmond in the 50s Richmond in the 50s Richmond in the 50s Richmond in the 50s Richmond in the 50s Richmond in the 50s Richmond in the 50s Richmond in the 50s Richmond in the 50s Richmond in the 50s Richmond in the 50s Richmond in the 50s Richmond in the 50s Richmond in the 50s Richmond in the 50s Richmond in 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Richmond in the 50s Richmond in the 50s Richmond in the 50s Richmond in the 50s Richmond in the 50s Richmond in the 50s Richmond in the 50s Richmond in the 50s Richmond in the 50s Derrick Thompson was driving to work when he was pulled over for an expired inspection sticker. Within a few minutes, a Virginia State trooper was leaning into his window on a stretch of Fairfax County highway, waving a finger at Thompson and telling him youre going to get youre a kicked, if he didnt reply with the troopers request to exit the vehicle, according to footage of the 2021 interaction. The trooper, Charles Hewitt, was let go by the Virginia state police after video emerged from the incident. The video didnt come from a body-worn camera, but from Thompsons cellphone. Hewitt didnt have a camera, nor do the majority of Virginia State Police troopers. The force has not been made to equip them, even as most locality police forces in Virginia have used cameras for several years. In Virginia, the legislature pushed body-worn camera reform in the wake of the May 2020 murder of George Floyd in Minneapolis. The legislation was welcomed, with critics and supporters of the police both saying transparency was needed around controversial police-civilian interactions. Several police departments adopted cameras, including Arlington, Virginia Beach and Richmond. With 1,850 officers, the Virginia State Police is just over three times the size of the Richmond Police Department, which has 581 uniformed officers, according to police payroll databases from both agencies. Geller said it isnt about willpower, but dollars and cents. Despite there not being any legislative mandate requiring Virginia law enforcement to have body-worn cameras, the Virginia State Police continues to work to secure funding to support the resources and equipment needed for a department-wide body-worn camera program, Geller said. Due to the sheer size and scope of being a statewide agency, the training required for usage and uploading of footage, data storage, regular maintenance of equipment, etc., to equip state police personnel with body cameras would cost approximately $17.1 million over a span of five years, Geller added. William Pelfrey, professor of criminal justice at Virginia Commonwealth University, said of VSPs response: Thats not a good reason. Its expensive to lose a lawsuit, too. How police body camera footage remains from public view in Virginia The introduction of body-worn cameras promised to change policing. But in Virginia, cameras havent always brought the clarifying sunshine that advocates promised. Pelfrey described VSP as the exact agency where you want a body-worn camera because its a face-to-face interaction. VSPs position has been bolstered by the reticence of state commonwealths attorneys. Few agencies remain camera shy Data gathered from October 2022 to May 2023 shows of the 142 agencies that answered questions on camera availability or use, 93 said they had both body and dashboard cameras for at least one of their members and vehicles. Data gathered from October 2022 to May 2023 shows of the 142 agencies that answered questions on camera availability or use, 93 said they had both body and dashboard cameras for at least one of their members and vehicles. As early as 2018, a state prosecutors association told Virginia lawmakers theyd need more money and staffing to handle all the footage that cops would generate not just from VSP, but from all police departments that charge crimes. By law, prosecutors would be required to watch footage before trial. The more footage, the more work, and the more work, the slower the overall court system moves, said Amanda Howie, administrator of the Virginia Association of Commonwealths Attorneys. Howie emphasized the group had absolutely not lobbied against Virginia State Police implementing body-worn cameras. Our position on whether a law enforcement entity has BWCs are policy and budget matters for the entity, jurisdiction and funding source(s), Howie said. We just ask that our needs be factored in. From the Archives: The Virginia state Capitol building Virginia State Capitol Virginia State Capitol Virginia State Capitol Virginia State Capitol Virginia State Capitol Virginia State Capitol Virginia State Capitol Virginia State Capitol VA State Capitol Oh, the shark, sang Bobby Darrin, has sharp teeth and when that shark bites with his teeth, babe/Scarlet billows start to spread. These days, that bite is more likely to snatch a fishermans catch. Thats becoming a serious enough ecosystem issue that U.S. Rep. Rob Wittman, R-1st, says Washington needs to do something about it. Hes introduced a bill calling for a task force of fisheries managers to address what they call shark depredation. As a lifelong fisherman, Ive experienced firsthand the impacts of shark depredation and have witnessed its effect on our marine ecosystem, Wittman said. As these shark interactions become more frequent, it risks the safety of both sharks and anglers, and poses challenges to managing fisheries. More sharks are biting fishing lines, taking the anglers catch, and potentially ingesting expensive fishing tackle, he added. Its not just a fishermans tale that sharks are stealing their catches, and there are more sharks flashing those pearly white teeth Darrin sang about, said Stephen M. Kajiura, who leads Florida Atlantic Universitys shark lab. Sharks are bouncing back, he said. Fisherman whove been used to fishing a spot for 20 years are now seeing sharks that didnt used to be there, he said. Shark populations are up after the intensive overfishing that started in the 1980s a good thing, since their presence is a sign of a healthy ecosystem, Kajiura said. The National Marine Fisheries Service recently cited the once overfished Atlantic blacktip shark a particular bane of fishermen as a conservation success story, after a reduced quota for commercial fishermen and size and catch limits for recreational fishermen allowed the population to recover. Theres some signs that sharks are learning to associate the sound of a boat motor with an easy meal, Kajiura said. That could mean theyre letting fishermen point out favored hotspots, which could have an impact on fish populations beyond what sharks snatch from fishermens lines. Farther south, shark depredation is affecting commercial fishermen, too, which is why Rep. Darren Soto, D-Fla., said hes joining in support of Wittmans bill. Its becoming way too common for Louisianas anglers to reel in a hooked red snapper only to realize its been chomped in half by sharks, said Rep. Garret Graves, R-La., another supporter of Wittmans effort. Wittman is not the first Virginia politician to focus on how sharks and people get along. In 2001, then-Gov. Jim Gilmore established a special shark task force in an effort to increase ocean-beach safety following two fatal shark attacks in Virginia and North Carolina waters. I certainly would not swim at dusk myself, said Gilmore, referring to a time of day when sharks are more active. North Carolina did not join in, and the commission found the attacks were flukes. Wittman said the issue with shark depredation isnt just disappointed fishermen and their safety. He said the idea is also to protect sharks from unsafe conditions and food sources. Ultimately, with rising shark numbers, as Darrins song Mack the Knife put it, linking a tough named MacHeath to a shark: Look out, old Mackys back. 50 record-breaking fish caught in the US 50 record-breaking fish caught in the US #50. Channel catfish: 58 pounds #49. Pallid sturgeon: 60 pounds #48. Lake trout: 63 pounds, 1.92 ounces #47. Muskellunge: 69 pounds, 15 ounces #46. White amur (Grass Carp): 70 pounds #45. Grass carp: 73 pounds #44. Bigmouth buffalo: 73 pounds, 2 ounces #43. Carp: 74 pounds #42. Longfin albacore: 74 pounds, 10.5 ounces #41. Red drum: 75 pounds #40. Channel bass: 75 pounds #39. Spearfish: 76 pounds, 12.8 ounces #38. Great barracuda: 77 pounds #37. Dolphin: 77 pounds, 8 ounces #36. Striped bass: 78 pounds, 8 ounces #35. Moray eel: 81 pounds #34. Atlantic sturgeon: 82 pounds #33. Dorado: 82 pounds #32. Greater amberjack: 85 pounds #31. Ling cod: 85 pounds #30. Smallmouth buffalo: 88 pounds #29. Albacore tuna: 90 pounds #28. Bighead carp: 90 pounds #27. Black buffalo: 92 pounds, 8 ounces #26. White sturgeon: 96 pounds #25. Chinook (King) Salmon: 97 pounds, 4 ounces #24. Atlantic cod: 98 pounds, 12 ounces #23. Black drum: 115 pounds #22. Sailfish: 119 pounds #21. Flathead catfish: 123 pounds #20. Big skate: 130 pounds #19. White marlin: 137 pounds, 8 ounces #18. Blue catfish: 143 pounds #17. Paddlefish: 144 pounds #16. Amberjack: 151 pounds, 8 ounces #15. Giant trevally: 191 pounds #14. Alligator gar: 279 pounds #13. Pacific halibut: 288 pounds #12. Warsaw grouper: 310 pounds #11. Tuna: 322 pounds #10. Yellowfin tuna: 325 pounds #9. Striped marlin: 339 pounds #8. Bigeye tuna: 375 pounds, 8 ounces #7. Halibut: 459 pounds #6. Sturgeon: 468 pounds #5. Swordfish: 530 pounds #4. Giant seabass: 563 pounds #3. Bluefin tuna: 1,152 pounds #2. Black marlin: 1,205 pounds #1. Blue marlin: 1,805 pounds American returned to Texas from Mexico to face cocaine trafficking charges Mexico City, Mexico An American man has been returned to the U.S. by Mexican officials to face charges of criminal association. On Wednesday, Richard G was transferred to Mexico City International where he was escorted back to the U.S. by waiting federal agents. American authorities escorted the man during his flight to Texas where he was wanted for drug and criminal association charges. Richard G will face charges in a Western District of Texas court for trafficking cocaine. Richard G was part of an organization dedicated to cocaine trafficking in the United States and was in charge of transporting the drug. This person was arrested in Ciudad Juarez, Chihuahua, and after the efforts of the FGR, his extradition was granted, the FGR of Mexico said in a statement. Mayor announces private donation of awards for Tulum police officers Tulum, Q.R. The mayor of Tulum has announced incentives in the form of awards for his municipal police force. Mayor Diego Castanon says aside from a salary increase, Tulum police officers can compete for policeman of the year, which will be awarded in December. On Tuesday, Castanon told his officers that the first place prize will be a new apartment in Aldea Tulum. The second prize will be a new car and the third, a new motorcycle. Today is a very important day because the salary was increased and they deserve it. And well, I also want to announce that we are going to give an award to the policeman of the year. It will be delivered in December. It is an apartment in Aldea Tulum, for the second place it will be a car and third place a motorcycle, he said. Castanon explained that the awards are donations from a businessman from Monterrey, Nuevo Leon, specifically from the Garza Ponce Foundation, as a thank you to the police officers who have reduced homicide rates due to their work. It is the first time that an administration has offered such an award, this is historic, Diego Castanon said. While the salary increases are effective before then, the three awards will be distributed in December. The security that has been seen after these three months that I have been in office has been very good. I want to thank everyone, he said. SSYPC Tulum Lieutenant Ricardo Morales Santo explained that the result of his work bears fruit with a historical private encouragement. The requirements to qualify for Tulum policeman / policewoman of the year was not announced. Mexico adds over 300 new international air routes Riviera Maya, Q.R. More than 300 international air routes have been added to Mexicos itinerary since 2019. The Secretary of Tourism of the Government of Mexico reports 331 new international air routes have been added during the current administration. Miguel Torruco Marques, who heads Mexicos Tourism (Sectur), says the new routes have been added between 2019 and 2022. He says of the seven national airlines that operated international flights in those years, Aeromexico, Volaris and Viva Aerobus transported the most passengers in 2022 with 5.6 million, 4.8 million and 2 million, respectively. He says according to the Federal Civil Aviation Agency (AFAC) and the Ministry of Infrastructure, Communications and Transportation (SICT), in 2019, 82 new international air routes were created, of which 58 correspond to the North American region, seven from Europe, 16 from the Central, South American and Caribbean region, and one from Asia. In 2020, 65 new international air routes were reported, 39 from North America, two from Europe, 22 from Central, South America and the Caribbean and two from Asia. In 2021, 69 new international air routes were registered, 42 from North America, 10 from Europe and 17 from Central, South America and the Caribbean, and that during 2022, 115 new international air routes were added, 59 of which were from North America, 11 from Europe, 44 from the Central, South American and Caribbean region and one more from Asia. More than 330 new international air routes have been added to Mexico as seen here in a KLM water salute at Cancun International. Photo: CGC Torruco Marques says that in 2023 there is programming for 34,192,000 international airline seats into Mexico which represents 5.2 percent more than what was programmed in 2022. For national services, he says there are 81,949,000 airline seats scheduled, which is a 10.2 percent increase over 2022. He emphasized that air connectivity is the cornerstone of tourist activity, since it contributes to the diversification of travelers to different destinations. Torruco Marques also says Mexico is still working to recover its Category 1 air safety status, which, once obtained, will allow a new stage in air connectivity to take place with more Mexican airline flights into the U.S. Shortly we will recover Category 1, which will allow a new stage in air connectivity to take place soon with more flights from Mexican airlines between our country and the United States. Semarnat donates two plots of land to Tulum for public beach access Tulum, Q.R. The Secretary of Environment and Natural Resources (Semarnat) has allocated two pieces of land to the Tulum City Council to be used as public beaches access points. The land is located at Tankah and the other in Akumal. Both are inside the municipality of Tulum. The respective agreements were published June 14 in the Official Gazette of the Federation (DOF). The Tankah IV property has a surface area of 282.22 square meters of the Federal Maritime-Terrestrial Zone, located at kilometer 237 + 400 of the federal highway Cancun-Chetumal, and is to be used for the service of the municipality of Tulum, the publication details. The second plot of land is 176.47 square meters of the Federal Maritime Terrestrial Zone located at kilometer 253 + 200 of the federal highway Cancun-Chetumal, Akumal. Semarnat specifies that both properties are for the exclusive use of public access to the beach. Neither piece of land can be used to carry out projects or installation or activities other than the specified use for which the land has been granted. This agreement only grants the municipality of Tulum, Quintana Roo, the right to use the area intended for the fulfillment of the object indicated in the first article of this instrument. It does not transfer ownership or create any real right in favor of the recipient in terms of the provisions of the General Law of National Assets and other applicable legal systems, the federal publication specifies. The donated plots of land become effective for use as of June 15, 2023. According to the decree, Semarnat will monitor compliance with the conditions as set out in the decrees. At the end of last year, Roman Meyer Falcon, head of the Secretariat of Agrarian, Territorial and Urban Development (Sedatu) for Tulum, said that there were several key points on 2023 agenda, one of which was to open more beach access points. Three suspects to stand trial in Playa del Carmen murder of Italian woman Playa del Carmen, Q.R. Three men arrested in Veracruz will stand trial for the murder of a Playa del Carmen woman. The men were taken into police custody earlier this month and transferred back to Quintana Roo to face charges. Oscar Montes de Oca, who heads the State Attorney Generals office for Quintana Roo, reported that a judge has determined that the three men will stand trial for their participation in the murder of Ornella S, a Playa del Carmen resident from Italy. The defendants, Martin P, Jose R and Pedro H, were arrested in collaboration with the Veracruz State Attorney Generals Office and handed over to their counterpart in Quintana Roo, who was in charge of transferring them to the Retention Center of Solidaridad, the FGE reported. The three men are allegedly related to the murder of a foreign woman that occurred in a Playa del Carmen establishment on May 30 of this year, they agency added. Details regarding the possible part each played in the murder was not provided. It has not been made public which of the three men in custody was the gunman or who drove the getaway car used to leave the state. Their trials are set to begin in mid-September. Two tourists injured in Fifth Avenue shooting that left one man dead Playa del Carmen, Q.R. Playa del Carmen police continue in their search for a gunman who left one person dead and two injured. On Wednesday night, Solidaridad officers responded to a 911 report of shots fired along Fifth Avenue. The report came through around 8:00 p.m. Witnesses told responding officers that an armed man approached another man and began shooting. The man was fired upon several times while walking Fifth Avenue and 22nd Street. A couple reported to be tourists were also injured. The targeted attack left one man, Jose C, an alleged drug dealer from Tabasco, dying at the scene. Police found him laying face down on a sidewalk between two shops. He was pronounced on scene by paramedics. Jose N from Tabasco died on scene. Photo: June 14, 2023. The injured man and woman were treated at the scene before the woman was transferred to Playa del Carmen hospital. The man had an injury to his right cheek. The woman was shot in her calf. It is not known where they were from. An ambulance transfers the injured woman to a Playa del Carmen hospital. Photo: June 14, 2023. Jose C was shot after having an argument with another man. In the midst of running away, the second man followed and began shooting. According to information obtained, Jose C had a criminal history of drug-related offences and was recently released from a Tabasco jail. Witnesses were able to detail to police a description of the getaway car the gunman ran to to flee the area. City surveillance cameras also captured the alleged bearded shooter wielding a gun on Fifth Avenue. City surveillance cameras captured, who is believed to be, the gunman responsible for the deadly Wednesday night shooting along Fifth Avenue. Photo: June 14, 2023. Playa del Carmen police continue in their search. In a brief statement, Seguridad Publica Solidaridad reported The Secretariat of Public Security and Municipal Transit of Solidaridad responded to a report to the emergency number 9-1-1 for detonations of a firearm on 22nd Street with Fifth Avenue. In coordination with federal authorities, the Municipal Solidaridad Police immediately implemented a search operation for those responsible. The possible perpetrators fled aboard a gray Aveo car. Any information that citizens can provide through 9-1-1 or the anonymous complaint number 089 is appreciated. In many parts of the world, and even among some thinkers in the United States, freedom of conscience is seen as a threat to order and decency. But free choice, especially in religion, aligns perfectly with our free wills and is necessary for true human flourishing. Growing up in Yemen, a conservative branch of Islam was very popular in my household, school, and mosque. Freedom of religion was a myth frowned upon. It was thought that Islam is the right religion that will take us to Paradise, and the rest of humanity is, alas, going to hell unless they accept our narrow, stringent version of Islam. As a young kid I accepted that proposition, for I knew of no better alternatives. Even more, I was devoted to that branch of Islam, aspiring to attract other Muslims to my way of thinking. However, at age 19 I was awarded a scholarship to pursue my college education in the United States. My first impression of the U.S. was its pluralism, where multiple faith traditions coexist peacefully. In Yemen we do not have any religious traditions besides Islam. Even so, sects within Islam compete against each other, fueling an ongoing civil war there, which is primarily fought over hard ideological lines and unfinished business that harks back to the precarious unification of the country in 1990. After living for seven years in the United States, I realize that freedom of religion is not taken for granted here because certain religious traditions and a rising so-called neo-integralism would like to forcibly impose their own ideas through the law. Regardless of the means of enforcement, religion should always be embraced solely according to conscience. If history is any guide, we know that when religion muddles with government, the results are messy. As George Washington stated: Religious controversies are always productive of more acrimony and irreconcilable hatreds than those which spring from any other cause. Of all the animosities which have existed among mankind, those which are caused by the difference of sentiments in religion appear to be the most inveterate and distressing, and ought most to be depreciated. Later, Thomas Jefferson would concur in a letter to American Baptists, commending a wall of separation between government and religion. Building a case for freedom of religion can be done in multiple ways. It can be derived from logical argumentation or from the Holy Scriptures or from historical lessons. The style of persuasion depends on the audience. But since I am concerned with Islam, I will make my case from within the Islamic tradition and advance the proposition that freedom of religion is inherently good. First, there is a famous verse in the Quranthere shall be no compulsion in religion (2:256)that establishes the freedom for people to worship however they wish in this life. Humans have the agency to choose; the consequences of their actions may be judged in the hereafter, but that is a separate subject for a decidedly different essay. For now, however, the Islamic scriptures are unequivocally clear that neither manipulation nor coercion is a valid means of proselytizing. Second, if religion should not be coerced, then we have to develop civil ways to engage each other in dialogue. Since humans are inherently fallible, having conversations with diverse people presents opportunities for growth and learning. To understand a particular tradition, we often have to compare and contrast that tradition with an opposing one. For example, if we want to understand Islamic law, it behooves us to study it alongside Western law and its traditions. Third, both immigration and technology is making the world smaller and smaller, and so we encounter all manner of national and cultural diversity as a matter of course. Consequently, we have to come up with a model of dialogue that will allow us to peacefully coexist. Freedom of religion is needed both within a particular tradition and across traditions. In the Islamic world, Muslims of different sects and traditions should be able to converse and discuss their ideas without fear of force being used to settle the debate. In fact, the debate does not need to be settled once and for all, because we are all on a journey to understand that which we call God. In Islamism and Islam, Bassam Tibi, a scholar of Islamic thought and law, made a useful distinction between Islamism as a religious movement that deploys Islam as a mode of government and Islam as a spiritual religion that should enlighten the conscience. Islamism as a political movement challenges freedom of religion; Islam as a purely spiritual religion promotes freedom of religion. Islamism hopes to forcibly bring Islam to every household. Islam gives people the agency to exercise faith (or not) according to their own conscience. I am not an Islamist; I am a Muslim committed to promoting freedom of religion not only within the competing traditions of Islam but also across traditions of faith. I used to be an Islamist when I was living in Yemen, because I was not exposed to any alternative way of being, doing, and knowing in the world. But after living in a pluralistic society such as the United States, I came to appreciate the pluralistic nature embedded in enlightened Islam. I do not need to advocate for freedom of religion from sources within the Western canon because I have a rich Islamic tradition from which I can derive a deposit of gold that long has been forgotten, unfortunately. But while I was embarking on a journey of understanding freedom of religion, I realized that the United States also has looming problems in this domain. Whether its the threat of an angry postliberalism or the illiberal constitution of Yemen, we should not legislate a particular religious point of view for the masses, because that does more harm than good. Religion is better practiced through conscience, not force. In the Quran, its understood that God created angels as infallible creatures, incapable of committing any sins and always obeying the commands of God. Moreover, God created devils, who are always disobeying divine commands. Between the angels and the devils, God created humans, whose uniqueness lies in their agency, their ability to act willingly in the world. Granting human beings freedom of choice in religion (or no religion) is inherently good because it accords with the anthropology of humans. It is in our essence to make a choiceeither to obey or to disobey, to act as angels or as devils. Since I transitioned from being an Islamist to a Muslim, I disconnected from my roots in Yemen, which desperately and seriously needs to consider the benefits of freedom of religion. Most of the problems of Yemen can be addressed by embracing an attitude that is congruent with human natureour nature to sin, to make mistakes, and to act as humans. Unlike Yemen, Morocco enjoys freedom of religion, as evidenced by its Marrakesh Declaration of 2016, a conference whose landmark decision restated the liberal Islamic belief in the rights of minority religions and unbelievers to exercise their freedom of conscience. It condemned the restrictions and violence against them by many Muslim states as a perversion of Islam. Any ideology that does not respect the human person as made by God will result in disaster, as we have seen in the ongoing civil war in Yemen. Therefore, freedom of religion is aligned with how we are made as humanswhich is to say that freedom of religion is inherently good. Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, June 15) The government wants Philippine exports to more than double by 2028 as President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. green-lit the implementation of a new development plan aimed at bolstering local exports. Under the Philippine Export Development Plan (PEDP) 2023-2028 released Thursday, the administration expects total exports to hit $240.5 billion by 2028 from $112.7 billion last year. The electronics and electrical industry is seen to lead the pack with $106.4 billion in exports expected by the last year of Marcos term. It is followed by the information technology and business process management or IT-BPM and minerals sectors. Other key industries projecting to realize growth include agriculture; transport; home furnishings; wearables, fashion accessories and travel goods; and chemicals. With the possible rapid emergence of new export winners outside of the eight sectors, the overall export projections could still be an underestimate, the PDEP document read. The PDEP also noted that some of the industries may increase their workforce to align with higher export figures. In his speech during a trade forum in Taguig City, Marcos said that while the country is growing in the exports arena, it still lags behind its ASEAN neighbors. However, he expressed confidence that the local export industry could realize growth amid the current administrations efforts to initiate discussions with foreign markets, which are even boosted by the PDEP. We continue to be optimistic about the bright future our local export industry is heading for. Lets make it happen, he said. Marcos also said enterprises in the Philippines wanting to penetrate the export business can expect heightened industry support under his leadership. The PDEP likewise noted that in order to achieve the targets, the government would implement bolder and more aggressive strategies, including national branding and promotion efforts, incentives, technical and financial assistance to SMEs, and measures to reduce costs and attract investment. These strategies are expected to lead to improvements in the countrys value chains, productivity, and investment climate, promoting sustainable economic growth and development, the PDEP said. Certain events in Western Virginia regarding public libraries and schools may have left some folks questioning our regions collective sanity. Let us consider just a handful of recent examples. Last week, the Bedford County School Board became the first in Virginia to adopt a new policy thats been compared to a Florida public schools law dubbed Dont Say Gay. The new Bedford policy forbids teachers and staff from initiating discussions with students about sexual orientation or gender identity. It defines sexual orientation as an individuals physical, romantic, and/or emotional attraction to people of the same and/or different gender. Thats so broad, it arguably prohibits teacher-led discussions of human reproduction. Thats an important subject, because the survival of humanity depends upon it. In Roanoke County, parent Damon Gettier publicly vilified employees of Glen Cove Elementary, where his 9-year-old son is a student. In comments to the Roanoke County School Board, Gettier called Glen Cove educators sexual predators disguised as teachers and staff. He claimed they were engaged in child abuse, grooming, conditioning and indoctrination of pupils. To support his claims, Gettier cited a personal visit to the school, where he discovered LGBTQA decorations in the main office, in a music classroom, and depicted in Glen Coves current yearbook. One yearbook image he flagged was a rainbow-hued sign proclaiming EVERYONE WELCOME. In Botetourt County, the latest big fear stems not from teacher or rainbows, but from pornography in public libraries. And this brouhaha, allegedly, has taken a criminal turn. Cloverdale parent Danny Goad is demanding certain books be yanked from Botetourt County library shelves. In a May 30 letter that he distributed outside the Blue Ridge Library, Goad wrote the offending volumes have pornographic images promoting pedophilia. And these images, if seen by your children, will be engrained [sic] in their minds for the rest of life Goad wrote. He also published the letter on Facebook. It singled out two Republican supervisors, Billy Martin and Donald Mac Scothorn, who are currently seeking re-election. Goad claimed that for months, Martin and Scothorn have stonewalled and obfuscated our efforts at every turn to ban the books in question. Early in June, Goad picketed a Botetourt gas station and a supermarket, holding signs in which he accused both Martin and Scothorn of allowing PORN for Children in Libraries. After Martin confronted him outside a Food Lion, Goad charged the supervisor with misdemeanor assault and battery. This is crazy, Scothorn told me Wednesday. He said Im supporting pornography, which is absolutely ridiculous and wrong. I dont support pornography in libraries, for children or anyone else. He noted that every volume in the library system is carefully reviewed by staff before being made available to the public, in accordance with Virginia law. What people need to realize is that none of the above is occurring in a vacuum. Theres a far bigger picture involved. Identical outcries about the same books and rainbow imagery are springing up in disparate locations all over the United States. And thats no coincidence. Such local grassroots activism is being fueled by big-money national groups whose aims appear political. They used to target high-profile liberals, such as U.S. Rep. Alexandria Ocasio Cortez, D-New York, but got little traction with those efforts. Now, theyre challenging low-profile Republicans on school boards and local governing panels. In a lot of ways, it looks like Republicans cannibalizing themselves. One of the national groups is the organization Moms for Liberty, which launched in Florida in 2020 to fight student masking during the COVID-19 pandemic. In three years, the group has spread to more than 260 local chapters across the country, including in Bedford, Roanoke and Montgomery counties. Locally, its members enthusiastically supported Bedford Countys ban on teachers initiating discussions about sexual orientation or gender identify. One of the Florida founders is the wife of that states current Republican Party chairman. Hes a close associate of Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis, a Republican running for the White House. Moms for Liberty also has financial ties to the Heritage Foundation, a more established national conservative organization that dates back decades. One of its stated goals is to support traditional American values. When the pandemic subsided and student masking evaporated as an issue, Moms for Liberty turned its efforts toward banning LGBTQ+ imagery (such as rainbows) and library books it deemed objectionable. The Southern Poverty Law Center recently labeled Moms for Liberty an anti-government group in its publication, The Year in Hate and Extremism 2022. The groups 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, the SPLC report notes. Scothorn sounded unfamiliar with Moms for Liberty, but he identified another national group as behind book-banning efforts in Botetourt. Its known as Mass Resistance. Mass Resistances website says it dates to 1995, when it was known as the Parents Rights Coalition and it fought sex education curricula in public schools. Julie Phillips, Botetourt Countys library director, said Mass Resistance is challenging a list of 59 titles in school divisions all over the country. Its homepage is filled with articles ballyhooing those efforts in a variety of states. Scothorn told me he wished the complaining parents would put as much energy into something sane and worthwhile, such as advocating for higher math and science test scores. Of the 59 titles objected to by Mass Resistance, 13 are in Botetourt County libraries, Phillips said. The books have been complained about by three parents, she added. Broadly the titles in question cover age-appropriate material involving physical changes during puberty, sexual orientation and sexuality in general, she said. Phillips noted that current library regulations require that children 13 and under in Botetourt County be accompanied by a parent or responsible adult. In other words, if a child is reading a library book to which a Botetourt parent objects, the parent has nobody to blame but the parent. In local libraries, there is no pornography, Phillips said. Nothing is obscene or pornographic in our collection. This is someones personal take on certain materials. Other parents may find them helpful. Anyone whos seeking porn, Scothorn added, can find it faster on their phone, or on the internet, than inside a public library. Roanoke has received backup from state and federal sources for its ongoing gun violence prevention efforts. Virginias Department of Criminal Justice Services has established two funds for gun violence prevention initiatives: the Firearm Violence Intervention and Prevention Fund, or FVIPF, and the Operation Ceasefire Grant Fund. In December, the Criminal Justice Services Board awarded $5 million through the FVIPF to the Virginia Hospital Research & Education Foundation. The foundation will use the money to implement hospital-based violence intervention programs at six medical facilities across the state, including Carilion Roanoke Memorial Hospital. The hospital programs will serve patients with injuries from firearms, stabbing and assault, reduce incidents of re-injury, retaliation, recidivism and victim mortality by augmenting services and resources available to victims during and after their hospital stay, according to the DCJS report. Carilion spokesperson Hannah Curtis said that the Roanoke hospital will receive up to about $605,000 to implement its Violent Injury Recovery and Support Program. In September, Carilion received a $200,000 grant to support that same program. Curtis said funds from the grants will establish a robust process to evaluate, support and refer victims of violence to community organizations to assist in the aftermath. Programming costs include staff salaries and benefits, education, training, and equipment. The state attorney generals office received $2.6 million through Operation Ceasefire Grant Fund to hire special prosecutors to pursue gun- and gang-related cases in 12 Virginia cities, according to the DCJS report. Victoria LaCivita, attorney generals office spokesperson, said one special prosecutor is specifically assigned to Roanoke. The prosecutor is currently handling over 15 pending cases and ongoing investigations, LaCivita said, adding that the majority of those cases are federal. LaCivita said about $600,000 has been budgeted for Roanokes Ceasefire efforts. Were working with each city to develop the best localized, regional strategy to fighting violent crime, and are grateful for the resources the General Assembly has given us to do so, she said. The funded projects are intended to complement the other local efforts, the Department of Criminal Justice Services said in a mission statement. DCJS works with each locality to identify realistic measurable goals for their firearms violence initiative so that they can evaluate the effectiveness of the specific projects. However, Roanoke Commonwealths Attorney Don Caldwell said Monday that he has received no communication from the attorney generals office regarding Roanokes Operation Ceasefire special prosecutor. This has not been well thought out, he said. The federal courts in Roanoke have additional plans to hire more assistant U.S. attorneys outside of the Operation Ceasefire initiative. Brian McGinn, U.S. Attorneys Office Western Virginia District spokesperson, said earlier this week that six new positions are being funded directly from the U.S. Department of Justice. The new attorneys will focus on domestic terrorism and violent crime, civil rights and COVID fraud. This is an unprecedented surge of resources to the district, and it represents almost a 20% increase in allocated full-time positions, McGinn wrote in an email. Roanoke Vice Mayor Joe Cobb, who also chairs the citys Gun Violence Prevention Commission, believes the federal and state efforts can complement each other. Any resources that we are either able to apply for or receive through the city, or through partners in the city, we are grateful for, said Cobb, who also chairs the citys Gun Violence Prevention Commission. Were continuing to expand the ways in which we are collaborating with each other, so that strategically were all on the same page in terms of the goals that we want to reach, which is ultimately to reduce the incidents of gun violence in the community, he added. Also, after initial state grant money was used to build Roanokes Youth and Gang Violence Prevention Team, the funds expire on June 30. The team is headed by coordinator Chris Roberts and supported by two outreach workers that facilitate programming for at-risk juveniles and adults. Assistant City Manager Angie OBrien said Roberts full-time coordinator position was approved as a part of the fiscal year 2024 budget. OBrien added that the two outreach worker positions will be supported for another year by $300,000 of American Rescue Plan Act (pandemic relief) funding made available to the city through the Office of the Attorney General. Those funds will expire at the end of June 2024. ROCKY MOUNT The last days before Heather Hodges disappeared were like so many in her short adulthood: shadowed by domestic violence and blurred by the heavy drug use that she and so many in her circle indulged in, witnesses at her longtime boyfriends murder trial said. The ongoing jury trial of Paul Reivens Jordan II is to begin its third day Thursday in Franklin County Circuit Court. Jordan, 50, was arrested last year for second-degree murder and concealing a body charges that came 10 years after Hodges, 22, disappeared. Testimony during the trials first two days, all presented as part of the prosecutions case, placed the last sightings of Hodges, on April 9, 2012, at a home on Shady Lane, in Rocky Mount. She and Jordan and their infant child lived there. Friends said that in the decade-long relationship between Jordan and Hodges known to most as Scooter and Tink, short for Tinkerbell was a volatile one. They beat the hell out of each other, testified Crystal Hodges Songer, Heather Hodges older sister. Another witness, Courtney Barnes Wright, used almost the same words to describe the mutual battering. Yet it was the bruises and marks frequently seen on the 5-foot-1 Hodges that witness after witness described. Hodges would leave Jordan but soon return, witnesses said. April Montgomery, a friend who estimated that Hodges described two dozen episodes of physical abuse to her and said that on many occasions Hodges showed her bruises on her chest, ribs and back said that her friend was searching for happiness. She wanted Scooter to love her and not harm her, Montgomery said. Yet Montgomery said that when Hodges briefly left to live with her sister, her mother and her mothers boyfriend in Nebraska, she worried that Hodges was even less safe. She never knew what the love of a family was like, Montgomery said. In the days before she was last seen, Hodges was in and out of a friends all-weekend party, reconnected with a man who she had briefly dated in middle school, and told several people that she was leaving Jordan. Christopher Margerum testified that he met Hodges at the party on a Thursday night, April 5, 2012, that they rekindled a passion for one another and spent the night together. They decided to move to Florida, he said. I loved her and from what I gather, she loved me, Margerum said. Margerum said that he went with Hodges to a store where she tried unsuccessfully to get drugs. He said that he later took her to another spot to buy drugs, left the vehicle while she talked to her source, and that he found her holding a syringe when he returned. Margerum said that he saw marks on her neck from being choked. She also had a black eye, he said. Defense attorney Steven Milani of Rocky Mount asked if Margerum recalled telling an investigator that hed never seen bruises on Hodges, and Margerum said that he meant hed never seen any before that night. Margerum testified that on the next day, Friday, Hodges dropped him off. They agreed to meet soon and to leave for Florida by Monday, Margerum said. But Margerum said he received a text from Hodges saying that Jordan knew about their relationship and that they were fighting. Conrad Wright testified that on Friday, he met Hodges and Margerum, at a store. Wright said that he regularly sold opiate pills to Hodges, and that on that day, Hodges gave him $1,000 for 40 oxycodone pills. Wright said that he used the money to purchase the pills, but then took them himself throughout the weekend. On Saturday, Hodges and her mother came to his house asking about the pills, Wright said. He said that he told them that he had been pulled over by police and had to throw the drugs out the car window. Boones Mill police Chief Kelvin Pruitt, who in 2012 was a sergeant with the Franklin County Sheriffs Office, testified that he was called to the property where the party was occurring and found Jordan demanding that Hodges come home with him. The officer said that Hodges said that she did not want to go with Jordan and that he told her that she did not have to. Jordan asked him to arrest Hodges, but Pruitt said that he replied there was no reason to, and that Jordan should leave. Jordan left, Pruitt said. Brita Doss, also Hodges friend since middle school, said that she picked up Hodges on Saturday and that Hodges was bruised and said that she wanted to go home with Doss, not back to Jordan. Jordan was calling Hodges repeatedly, telling her that shed never see their baby again, Doss said. The child spent the weekend with Jordans mother, witnesses said. Doss said that Hodges stayed at her house Saturday night, and that Hodges mother picked her up on Sunday morning. But Songer testified that late Saturday night, her sister showed up at Songers home in Ferrum. Hodges stayed in Ferrum until Monday morning, Songer said. Songer did not testify about anything that occurred Sunday. But out of the presence of jurors and with Songer also sent out of the courtroom special prosecutor Bryan Haskins, the commonwealths attorney of Pittsylvania County, and Milani argued about whether jurors could hear a phone call that authorities recorded in 2018. It was between Songer and Roger Anderson, who was in jail. The discussion included a description of Hodges, on the weekend before she disappeared, smoking crack cocaine at Songers home with the sisters mother. Judge Stacey Moreau said that it would be up to Milani to try to introduce the phone recording as part of the defenses evidence, but that it was not appropriate to have it accompany Songers present testimony for the prosecution. Jurors were brought back, as was Songer, and she continued describing the final time that she saw her sister. That was on Monday, April 9, 2012. Songer said that she was pregnant and trying to get off drugs, and had a morning appointment at a methadone clinic in Roanoke. Hodges was going to ride along with her, stopping at the Shady Lane house to get some of her and her babys things as she prepared to leave Jordan. Hodges did not think that Jordan would be home when they arrived somewhere around 7:30 a.m. or 8 a.m., Songer said. But he was and came out of the house yelling. He was furious, Songer said, adding that Jordan had been calling her through the weekend trying to find Hodges. Hodges wanted to ride away with Songer but Jordan threatened to call police because he knew that Songer was driving on a suspended license, Songer said. Speaking through tears, Songer said that she told her sister not to get back in the car, because she wanted to be able to get to her methadone appointment. She didnt want to stay. I told her stay because I didnt want to get in trouble, Songer recounted. She told me she could handle him and she stayed. The sisters agreed that Songer would pick up Hodges at the end of Shady Lane when Songer returned from Roanoke, Songer said. But when she came back, Hodges wasnt there. Songer said that she called Hodges phone and Jordan answered. He said Hodges was sleeping, Songer said. Songer said that she asked if her sister had showered and eaten, and that Jordan said that she had, but that he had made her have sex with him first. I didnt hear any more from Heather, period, Songer said. Roger Bowman, the husband of Jordans ex-wife, said that he stopped by Shady Lane that Monday to get a fishing pole for Jordan and his ex-wifes son. Jordan emerged from the house shouting that they should leave, Bowman said. Bowman said that he saw Hodges standing just inside the houses storm door. It would have been usual for her to wave and come out and talk, but this time she just stood there staring, Bowman said. The image is burned in my mind, Bowman said. Wright said that Jordan came to his house sometime Monday morning asking about the pills that Hodges paid for, and that he took Jordan to the spot where he said that he had dumped the drugs. They searched the roadside but found nothing, of course, Wright said. Jordan returned in the afternoon and he and Wright went to Martinsville, where Jordan bought pills from one of Wrights connections, Wright said. During all this, Jordan said Hodges was home asleep, Wright said. Doss said that she had at least two phone conversations with Hodges that Monday. Doss said that she offered to come get Hodges, but that Hodges said she was glad to be home and was going to take a shower. Doss said that the two women planned to celebrate their childrens birthdays together the next day, which was Doss daughters birthday. Doss said that her last phone contact with Hodges was sometime between 8 p.m. and 10 p.m. Late Monday night, Songer said, Jordan called her and said that hed gone to Dairy Queen to get Hodges something sweet and that when he returned about 10 minutes later, Hodges had left. Witness after witness said that they never heard from Hodges again. CHRISTIANSBURG A judge reinforced a lower courts ruling earlier this year that decided that the owner of the Massies Mobile Home Park showed no willful negligence with the bills when a municipal utilities provider shut off water to the property in November. In a letter addressed to the attorneys in the case, Montgomery County Circuit Court Judge Robert Turk dismissed an appeal of a ruling issued by a General District Court judge in January. The case is rooted in an incident on Nov. 15 when the Montgomery County Public Service Authority shut the water off to Massies for several hours after the parks still relatively new owner failed to pay an outstanding bill. Water service resumed later that day following the payment of the roughly $14,000 bill, but attorneys representing the tenants argued the owner still violated a specific state statute by willfully interrupting an essential service. The Christiansburg-based Southwest Virginia Legal Aid ended up filing suits on behalf of a dozen park tenants, ultimately seeking $5,000 in statutory damages per client and attorney fees. The water cutoff case was one of a number of issues tenants have had to grapple with since a firm called Massie MHP bought the trailer park, located off Peppers Ferry just west of Christiansburg, in August. As Turk noted in his June 2 letter, the owner through their Roanoke-based attorney Bryan Grimes Creasy said throughout the case they failed to pay the utility bills due to a series of clerical confusion and negligence on their own part. But the judge pointed out Massies argument that it did not engage in willful conduct designed to interrupt an essential service as well as the parks decision to pay the outstanding bills within hours of the shutoff. Turk wrote that neither the state statute at issue nor the Virginia Residential Landlord and Tenant Act define the term willful. He said the court has been unable to locate any controlling authority on the issue due to the statute having only been in effect for less than two years. Turk said the closest the court has come to defining willful is in legal cases. Willful and wanton negligence is acting consciously in disregard of another persons rights or acting with reckless indifference to the consequences, with the defendant aware, from his knowledge of existing circumstances and conditions, that his conduct probably would cause injury to another, Turk wrote, citing another case. Turk said the court at trial didnt hear evidence that Massies intentionally or maliciously acted to discontinue the tenants utility service in November. Rather, he said, the park presented evidence that there initially was a discrepancy with the billing address to which the PSA had sent the invoices. After some correspondence between the PSA and Massies, the utilities provider corrected the mailing address and provided invoices to the correct address moving forward. Legal Aid, however, countered throughout the case that the park had ample opportunity to address the late bills. Kristi Murray, a Legal Aid attorney, had said that the countys utilities provider notified Massie MHP by email and a phone call from the PSA director nearly two weeks before the cutoff occurred. It didnt need to be cut off in the first place. They ignored them and didnt pay, and that was willful, Murray said on April 26 when Turk heard the appeal. They ignored them until the water was cut off. Creasy maintained the incident was rooted in a simple series of mistakeshe had said the PSA had the wrong post office box address in New Jerseyand pointed to the resolution of the bill. General District Judge Gordon Saunders, who had dismissed the case earlier this year, previously said that it didnt take long for Massie to handle the billing issue and ensure the service returned. He said at the time that there had not been a recurring issue with the utility service since the outstanding bill was paid and that there was no evidence of the park deliberately attempting to push out the tenants. Massie MHP is a subsidiary of Homes of America LLC, which is tied to controversial hedge fund Alden Global Capital. Homes of America, via other subsidiaries similar to Massie MHP, has bought a number of mobile home parks across the country in recent years. Concerns among residents over sharp rent increases imposed by the company followed several of the takeovers. FUERTH, Germany The artificial intelligence chatbot asked the believers in the fully packed St. Paul's church in the Bavarian town of Fuerth to rise from the pews and praise the Lord. The ChatGPT chatbot, personified by an avatar of a bearded Black man on a huge screen above the altar, then began preaching to the more than 300 people who had shown up on Friday morning for an experimental Lutheran church service almost entirely generated by AI. Dear friends, it is an honor for me to stand here and preach to you as the first artificial intelligence at this year's convention of Protestants in Germany," the avatar said with an expressionless face and monotonous voice. The 40-minute service including the sermon, prayers and music was created by ChatGPT and Jonas Simmerlein, a theologian and philosopher from the University of Vienna. I conceived this service but actually I rather accompanied it, because I would say about 98% comes from the machine, the 29-year-old scholar told The Associated Press. The AI church service was one of hundreds of events at the convention of Protestants in the Bavarian towns of Nuremberg and the neighboring Fuerth, and it drew such immense interest that people formed a long queue outside the 19th-century, neo-Gothic building an hour before it began. The convention itself Deutscher Evangelischer Kirchentag in German takes place every two years in the summer at a different place in Germany and draws tens of thousands of believers to pray, sing and discuss their faith. They also talk about current world affairs and look for solutions to key issues, which this year included global warming, the war in Ukraine and artificial intelligence. This year's gathering took place June 7-11 under the motto Now is the time. That slogan was one of the sentences Simmerlein fed ChatGPT when he asked the chatbot to develop the sermon. I told the artificial intelligence We are at the church congress, you are a preacher what would a church service look like? Simmerlein said. He also asked for psalms to be included, as well as prayers and a blessing at the end. You end up with a pretty solid church service, Simmerlein said, sounding almost surprised by the success of his experiment. Indeed, the believers in the church listened attentively as the artificial intelligence preached about leaving the past behind, focusing on the challenges of the present, overcoming fear of death, and never losing trust in Jesus Christ. The entire service was led by four avatars on the screen, two young women, and two young men. At times, the AI-generated avatar inadvertently drew laughter as when it used platitudes and told the churchgoers with a deadpan expression that in order to keep our faith, we must pray and go to church regularly. Some people enthusiastically videotaped the event with their cell phones, while others looked on more critically and refused to speak along loudly during The Lord's Prayer. Heiderose Schmidt, a 54-year-old who works in IT, said she was excited and curious when the service started but found it increasingly off-putting as it went along. There was no heart and no soul, she said. The avatars showed no emotions at all, had no body language and were talking so fast and monotonously that it was very hard for me to concentrate on what they said. But maybe it is different for the younger generation who grew up with all of this, Schmidt added. Marc Jansen, a 31-year-old Lutheran pastor from Troisdorf near the western German city of Cologne, brought a group of teenagers from his congregation to St. Paul. He was more impressed by the experiment. I had actually imagined it to be worse. But I was positively surprised how well it worked. Also the language of the AI worked well, even though it was still a bit bumpy at times," Jansen said. What the young pastor missed, however, was any kind of emotion or spirituality, which he says is essential when he writes his own sermons. Anna Puzio, 28, a researcher on the ethics of technology from the University of Twente in The Netherlands, also attended the service. She said she sees a lot of opportunities in the use of AI in religion such as making religious services more easily available and inclusive for believers who for various reasons may not be able experience their faith in person with others in houses of worship. However, she noted there are also dangers when it comes to the use of AI in religion. The challenge that I see is that AI is very human-like and that it's easy to be deceived by it," she said. Also, we dont have only one Christian opinion, and thats what AI has to represent as well, she said. "We have to be careful that it's not misused for such purposes as to spread only one opinion. Simmerlein said it is not his intention to replace religious leaders with artificial intelligence. Rather, he sees the use of AI as a way to help them with their everyday work in their congregations. Some pastors seek inspiration in literature, he says, so why not also ask AI for ideas regarding an upcoming sermon. Others would like to have more time for individual spiritual guidance of their parishioners, so why not speed up the process of writing the sermon with the help of a chatbot to make time for other important duties. Artificial intelligence will increasingly take over our lives, in all its facets, Simmerlein said. And thats why its useful to learn to deal with it. However, the experimental church service also showed the limits to implementing artificial AI in church, or in religion. There was no real interaction between the believers and the chatbot, which wasn't able to respond to the laughter or any other reactions by the churchgoers as a human pastor would have been able to do. The pastor is in the congregation, she lives with them, she buries the people, she knows them from the beginning," Simmerlein said. Artificial intelligence cannot do that. It does not know the congregation. Photos: Amid ChatGPT outcry, some teachers are inviting AI to class DANVILLE Danvilles progress in assessing and redeveloping environmentally contaminated sites has helped make it the only city to host the Virginia Brownfields Conference twice. The 2023 Virginia Brownfields Conference is being held at the Institute for Advanced Learning and Research this week. The last one was held here in 2010, and what a difference a dozen or so years have made. Local and state officials who spoke to the Danville Register & Bee at the conference pointed to the positive changes made in the city since 13 years ago. Its a world of difference, said Meade Anderson, who manages the voluntary remediation and Brownfields programs for the Virginia Department of Environmental Quality. In 2010, the last time the state Brownfield conference was held in Danville, there were hardly any restaurants south of the Dan River and the River District was nearly empty. Now there are breweries in Danville, as well as numerous dining establishments, Anderson said. That is in addition to the Dan River Falls project being constructed in the former White Mill building and the Riverfront Park being built. Danville has done such a great job, Anderson said. The city has worked hard, theyve invested, theyve taken the initiative to move these projects forward. Glenn Davis, director of the Virginia Department of Energy, agreed. It [Danville] really can be a model for what theyve done, especially with a lot of development thats been going on here in Danville, Davis told the Danville Register & Bee. The 2023 Virginia Brownfields Conference was overseen by the Department of Environmental Quality and the Virginia Department of Energy. The conference was hosted Wednesday and continues Thursday at the Institute for Advanced Learning and Research. State and federal representatives, along with those from companies, attended to learn about best practices for brownfields redevelopment. Danvilles efforts in brownfields assessment, clean-up and redevelopment were highlighted at the event. Those include River District redevelopment, the Dan River Falls project, the Schoolfield master plan, and the Caesars Virginia project in Schoolfield. A brownfield includes any property where development can be impeded by perceived or known contamination, said Joe Morici, senior principal and brownfield redevelopment consultant with Stantec, a Canada-based firm that provides consulting services in engineering, environmental sciences and other fields. Over the past four years, Danville has received nearly $1.5 million in grants from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and the VDEQ for brownfields assessment and mitigation in the city, said Danville Economic Development and Tourism Director Corrie T. Bobe. Those included assessment and clean-up at the Schoolfield site where the Caesars Virginia casino project is being built, the pedestrian bridge across the Dan River and in the former Dan River Inc. White Mill building where the Dan River Falls project is being constructed. Work at the sites has included lead and asbestos abatement, along with the removal of metal panels from the pedestrian bridge, Bobe said. Lead paint was removed inside the former White Mill structure. Soil boring, or evaluation of soil composition, has also been conducted, Bobe said. Morici, who has helped secure grants for the city, said there are likely hundreds of brownfield sites in Danville, with it being a historic city with the number of sites you have there. An old Mom-and-Pop gas station can be a brownfield site, Morici said. Besides the former White Mill, old buildings in other parts of the River District where redevelopment has taken place, including Craghead Street and other sections downtown, can be considered brownfield sites. Our River District is a prime example of brownfields redevelopment, Bobe said. Each and every one of those facilities that have been renovated since 2011 are categorized within the brownfield sector. Other sites that have been assessed using state and federal funding include areas in the Old West End neighborhood, Schoolfield Village and North Main hill, Bobe said. Anderson said the total number of brownfield sites in Danville is unknown, but the city has a high percentage of such properties, he added. Contaminants left over from the textile industry can include those from dyes containing metals and chlorinated solvents from large dry-cleaning units, Anderson said. Some common contaminants are carcinogens, or cancer-causing substances, Morici said. FLORENCE, S.C. Francis Marion University will host a celebration of Juneteenth on Saturday at the Performing Arts Center in downtown Florence. The event, Juneteenth: A Conversation About Our Past, Present and Future, begins at 1:30 p.m. and includes a discussion panel, Q&A session and reception. Additionally, the Traveling Civil Rights Museum will be open to the public at the Performing Arts Center from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Friday and 10 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. on Saturday. The program features special guests Dr. Bobby Donaldson, Congressman Jim Clyburn, and former Senator Maggie Glover. Donaldson, a native of Augusta, Georgia, is professor of history and executive director of the Center for Civil Rights History and Research at the University of South Carolina-Columbia. Donaldsons teaching and scholarship examine Southern history and African American life and culture in the 19th and 20th centuries. Clyburn is the assistant Democratic leader in the United States House of Representatives and chairman of the Democratic Faith Working Group. He previously served in the post from 2011 to 2018 and served as majority whip from 2007 to 2010 and 2019 to 2022, making him the first African American to serve multiple terms as majority whip. He has represented the states Sixth Congressional District since 1993. Glover has earned widespread recognition for her achievements while serving as the first African American woman in the South Carolina Senate. During her 17 years in the General Assembly, Senator Glover became an icon in the state as a voice for the poor, the elderly, women and children. She was an outspoken pioneer who was the primary or co-sponsor to well over 50 bills, many of which garnered national attention including the first proposed route for Interstate-I-73, the state holiday honoring Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., and the removal of the Confederate flag at the capitol in Columbia. FLORENCE, S.C. The South Carolina Department of Health and Human Services is investing up to $100 million in the new Florence Behavioral Health Hub, a collaboration between McLeod Health, MUSC, Francis Marion University and others. The first-of-its-kind facility will bring specialized mental and behavioral health care to the people of the Pee Dee region with 20 crisis beds, 63 long-term patient beds, a rapid-access center that will provide walk-in assessments, virtual services and behavioral health clinics. At the hubs announcement on Thursday, speakers said this facility was the dream of the late state Senator Hugh Leatherman, whom the hub will be named after. This was his idea and this was his creation, said Rep. Murrell Smith, speaker of the state House of Representatives. I cannot think of somebody who cared more deeply about South Carolina and the Pee Dee. Governor Henry McMaster said the states investment in the new facility is a signal to businesses in the United States and abroad that South Carolina takes care of its citizens, which in turn makes the businesses want to invest in South Carolina. They are looking at our people and saying, Those are the ones I want to work in my facility, McMaster said. So, our job? Weve got to educate them. Weve got to train them. Weve got to keep them safe. The center will replace the MUSC-owned Cedar Tower campus on East Cedar Street in Florence. In addition to the state funding, the city will also be investing $5 million in the facility. At the announcement, Mayor Teresa Myers Ervin said Florence is moving forward because of the public-private partnerships championed by the city. Florence is the hub of the Pee Dee, and now, collectively, we can take care of the total mental health of all of our citizens, but not just here in the Pee Dee, but beyond, she said. Florence City Council members unanimously approved the grant after discussing the project in executive session on June 12. According to Robby Kerr, director of the South Carolina Department of Health and Human Services, it is the first time in the states history that a city has put its own funds toward a behavioral health facility. The facility will be used as a model for future mental health service hubs around the state, Kerr said. While the specifics will change to suit each region, the standard of care set by the new Florence Behavioral Health Hub will be what other regions will aspire to, he said. The standard of care goes beyond just the walls of the hub, however. Kerr said the facility will also have a community outreach component, especially to schools. We put counselors in schools, but our next question is, how do we support those counselors? he said. Construction on the Florence Behavioral Health Hub will begin soon, according to Kerr. He said he hopes to see the facility up and running within two years. MUSC Health Florence Division CEO Jay Hinesley said the new hub will be governed by a council made up of representatives from MUSC, McLeod Health and HopeHealth, all of whom are partners in the project. I cant think of a better way for the health institutions to come together and to take care of the behavioral health needs of the Pee Dee, Hinesley said. Its going to be a first-class facility and hopefully set the example for the rest of the state. The facility itself will be managed by MUSC Florence, he said. Behavioral health intersects every aspect of a persons life, and part of MUSCs mission is to preserve and optimize human life in the state, MUSC President David Cole said at the announcement. Today were taking real and tangible steps to address these challenges, he said. I think this provides a basis for us to actually start putting the fire out and then start doing something on a larger scale. The Florence Behavioral Health Hub will offer innovative procedures for patients and families struggling with severe mental illnesses, drug and other substance abuse and other behavioral health concerns, according to Cole. From outpatient services, crisis stabilization, to providing inpatient services when needed, Im willing to predict this hub will serve as a model that we can emulate and continue to build across different regions with partners across the state, he said. MUSC Health Florence Medical Centers chief nursing officer, Costa Cockfield, said the facility will help the emergency departments of both of the areas hospitals but also the people who go to the ER for mental health crises. There are currently few places for people experiencing mental or behavioral health crises to go, so they can end up staying in the emergency department for weeks or months instead of getting the specialized care they need. Were doing our best, but were really keeping them safe where were trying to treat them for their behavioral health needs, but really arent getting the care that they could get at a true behavioral health facility, Cockfield said. For the Florence Police Department, the Florence Behavioral Health Hub will cut down on transportation times for the people taken in by police who need mental health services, said Police Chief Allen Heidler. The number of mental health transportations we make on a regular basis have increased significantly, he said. Were doing them all the time. The facility will also help deliver care to the homeless population in Florence who otherwise would not have access due to the lack of transportation, Heidler said. While McLeod Health has been in the behavioral health business for the past 38 years, the collaboration at the new Florence Behavioral Health Hub will help the hospital system achieve more than it could on its own, according to McLeod Health CEO and President Donna Isgett. It took something much bigger than McLeod Health, she said. It took the state. It took the Department of Mental Health. It took the support of the legislature, and it took us getting out of our own way to do something thats better for the people of this community. The resources and staff of the 23-bed McLeod Behavioral Health Center in Darlington is being moved to the new hub. HopeHealth, the facilitys third health care partner, did not have a representative speak at the announcement. In a media advisory, HopeHealth CEO Carl Humphries said the organization has long been investing in mental and behavioral health care. As one of the states largest community health centers, we have invested significant resources into the integration of a multi-disciplinary behavioral health program, including psychiatrists, psychologists and behavioral health counselors, he said. This investment proved to be a critical necessity during the pandemic, when issues like isolation and fear of the unknown lead to larger mental health concerns for our patients. Francis Marion University President Fred Carter was one of the first brought on board to an advisory committee about the Florence Behavioral Health Hub when the idea came about last year, according to Kerr. Carter said at the announcement that mental and behavioral health in the Pee Dee region has been severely underfunded for the last 30 years, something the new facility will help to turn the corner on. Leatherman was always concerned about the mental health of those in South Carolina, especially in the Pee Dee, all the way up to his death, he said. Thank you all for coming today, for being part of correcting a 30-year mistake and helping fulfill Hugh Leathermans last and most compelling request, he said. "How Prisoners' Rights Lawyers do Vital Work Despite the Courts" | Main | Unanimous Supreme Court rejects claim Double Jeopardy Clause precludes retrial after trial in wrong venue June 14, 2023 Highlighting data on how very few federal defendants go to trial (and even fewer who get acquitted) The federal indictment of former Prez Trump seems sure to bring every more attention to the dynamics, and perhaps the day-to-day realities, of the federal criminal justice system. To that end, John Gramlich of the Pew Research Center has this notable new item headlined "Fewer than 1% of defendants in federal criminal cases were acquitted in 2022." I recommend the full (short) piece, and here are excerpts: Former President Donald Trump pleaded not guilty this week to federal criminal charges related to his alleged mishandling of classified documents after his departure from the White House in 2021. The unprecedented charges against Trump and his subsequent plea raise the question: How common is it for defendants in federal criminal cases to plead not guilty, go to trial and ultimately be acquitted? In fiscal year 2022, only 290 of 71,954 defendants in federal criminal cases about 0.4% went to trial and were acquitted, according to a Pew Research Center analysis of the latest available statistics from the federal judiciary. Another 1,379 went to trial and were found guilty (1.9%). The overwhelming majority of defendants in federal criminal cases that year did not go to trial at all. About nine-in-ten (89.5%) pleaded guilty, while another 8.2% had their case dismissed at some point in the judicial process, according to the data from the Administrative Office of the U.S. Courts.... Trumps case is being heard in the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of Florida, where acquittal rates look similar to the national average. In fiscal 2022, only 12 of 1,944 total defendants in the Southern District of Florida about 0.6% were acquitted at trial. As was the case nationally, the vast majority of defendants in Floridas Southern District (86.2%) pleaded guilty that year, while 10.7% had their cases dismissed. Its not clear from the federal judiciarys statistics how many other defendants nationally or in the Southern District of Florida faced the same or similar charges that Trump is facing or how those cases ended. Broadly speaking, however, the charges against Trump are rare. In fiscal 2022, more than eight-in-ten federal criminal defendants in the United States faced charges related to one of four other broad categories of crime: drug offenses (31%), immigration offenses (25%), firearms and explosives offenses (16%) or property offenses (11%). In Floridas Southern District, too, more than eight-in-ten defendants faced charges related to these four categories. June 14, 2023 at 09:30 PM | Permalink Comments Would love to know the real story (or more likely, stories) behind the 8.2% dismissals. Posted by: Bill Otis | Jun 14, 2023 11:26:11 PM Bill - I would like to know the story behind the 8.2% as well. In my experience, I only saw dismissals in two types of situations, the death of the defendant (suicide, homicide, or accidental overdose) prior to trial, and in a couple rare occasions the defendant was deported (voluntarily) back to their home country and the government agreed to dismiss (these were low level felony cases). Posted by: atomicfrog | Jun 15, 2023 6:39:00 AM just my opinion (I install fence, certainly not a lawyer) but I think selective prosecution is and would be a good defense. I know the defendant, in the Eleventh Circuit, carries a heavy burden, however, biden, pence and hillary did the exact same thing, and they were not prosecuted. Posted by: Dave W. Holland | Jun 15, 2023 12:41:29 PM I wonder if they count by person or by case. We sometimes negotiate a plea to a separate information and the indictment is then dismissed. A fair number of tickets (CVB) violations also get dismissed. Material witness complaints also do not result in conviction. Posted by: defendergirl | Jun 15, 2023 2:13:42 PM Mr. Holland: Pence and Biden did not do the same thing. Biden voluntarily disclosed documents he had inadvertently kept. Pence turned over everything he found after a review. Neither of them refused to cooperate, flouted a subpoena, intentionally moved boxes, lied to their own lawyers and/or displayed top secret documents to people without clearance. Posted by: defendergirl | Jun 15, 2023 2:16:09 PM The charges against Trump might be rare as a percent of total cases, but they are not exactly uncommon. Both Democrats and Republicans have been prosecuted under the relevant statutes including the Obama DOJ prosecuting David Petraeus after he left his position as CIA Director for mishandling of confidential information. But, as with any criminal charge, intent is always an issue which is why Secretary Clinton and Vice-President Pence were not charged. While no decision has been made on President Biden (with the caveat that DOJ would merely put a charging decision on hold while President Biden was in office if they believed that was a case as Special Counsel Robert Mueller did with President Trump on obstruction charges), it seems likely that intent is missing based on the reported facts about President Biden. President Trump, unfortunately for him, has made a lot of statements showing that he knowingly possessed the national security documents which makes it rather hard not to charge him. So, any selective prosecution argument would almost certainly fail at the appellate level because the proposed comparables are not actually similar. Posted by: tmm | Jun 15, 2023 2:43:48 PM "But, as with any criminal charge, intent is always an issue which is why Secretary Clinton and Vice-President Pence were not charged." Clinton set up a private server through which all SoS emails went. This was done with a corrupt purpose--to evade the Federal Records Act. To say that she didn't know (and that wasn't the relevant mens rea anyway) that classified stuff was going through her server is just ridiculous. At some point, you just have to call BS. And she also had the server wiped. defendergirl, this is claptrap: "Biden voluntarily disclosed documents he had inadvertently kept." He had items in his possession that he got as a Senator. That means he knowingly took stuff only to be reviewed in an SCIF. Posted by: federalist | Jun 15, 2023 6:31:26 PM Trump is probably also looking at a second Federal criminal indictment concerning the events leading up to the January 6, 2023 attack on the Capitol. Posted by: Jim Gormley | Jun 15, 2023 9:18:58 PM Post a comment Unanimous Supreme Court rejects claim Double Jeopardy Clause precludes retrial after trial in wrong venue | Main | Notable RAND review of data and research on "justice-involved veterans" June 15, 2023 New Sentencing Project fact sheet with latest data on "Private Prisons in the United States" The Sentencing project analyzes the latest data from Bureau of Justice Statistics on private prisons in this new fact sheet. The full report should be reviewed for all the data, but here are snippets: Twenty-seven states and the federal government incarcerated 96,370 people in private prisons in 2021, representing 8% of the total state and federal prison population. Private for-profit prisons incarcerated 96,370 American residents in 2021, representing 8% of the total state and federal prison population. Since 2000, the number of people housed in private prisons has increased 10%.... States show significant variation in the use of private prisons. At one end of the spectrum, Montana incarcerates almost half of its prison population in privately run facilities, but in another 23 states, private prisons are not used at all. A total of 27 states and the federal government use private corporations like GEO Group, Core Civic, LaSalle Corrections, and Management and Training Corporation to run some of their corrections facilities. Montana is not alone in its heavy reliance on private prisons. Arizona, Hawaii, New Mexico, Oklahoma, and Tennessee rely considerably on private prisons for housing imprisoned people. In these states, between 21% and 45% of the prison population resides in a for-profit prison... The proportion of imprisoned people in private facilities compared to public facilities has not changed considerably in the past 20 years. In 2000, 8% of the imprisoned population was also in private facilities; but fluctuations in the total number of people imprisoned over 20 years translated to a 10% rise in the number of people in private prisons. Since 2012, however, the population in private prisons has decreased significantly. June 15, 2023 at 11:22 AM | Permalink Comments Another example of "but for video"---https://jonathanturley.org/2023/06/11/god-is-not-the-author-of-confusion-charges-dropped-against-protester-who-read-biblical-passages-at-pride-event/ So absent video, this guy would have been railroaded and had serious life consequences . . . . obviously the un-American jerks in the crowd who cheered a crime being committed wouldn't have been helpful. Doug's view is that not only would he have no right to resist, but that it would have been immoral for him to have done so. So, in Doug's world, he would have had to suffer this micro-tyranny . . . . Posted by: federalist | Jun 15, 2023 3:15:26 PM federalist, I have repeatedly stressed, and been eager to clarify, in multiple comment threads that we have been discussing legal doctrines, not moral views. That you are unable or unwilling to understand that basic reality reinforces my sense that you cannot think or write clearly when you have so many "rule of federalist" feelings about attacking law enforcement (in unclear and undefined settings). Because you have so many SD feelings that you keep bringing up the topic randomly in comments --- and yet you keep showing that you cannot articulate your feelings here in ways that make them understandable --- I doubt I will bother to keep engaging. But, I will note that you misrepresent (and seemingly misunderstand) what I have said, and will again suggest that you consider trying to write up all your feelings in an article (or a legal brief) so that they might be more intelligible to a law-trained reader. Posted by: Doug B. | Jun 15, 2023 8:48:41 PM Post a comment Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, June 15) Heads up, Team Good Boy! Korean actor Kim Seon Ho is coming back to Manila next month. Clothing brand Bench on Wednesday announced that the 37-year-old actor will be reunited with his Filipino fans on July 22 at the Smart Araneta Coliseum in Quezon City. There are no details yet on how to secure tickets for the fan meet. Kim rose to fame after playing Han Ji-Pyeong in the 2020 K-drama "Start Up". He also charmed fans as the jack-of-all-trades Hong Du-sik in the 2021 series "Hometown Cha-Cha-Cha." The actor first met his Filipino fans last January during his fan meet tour in Asia. SIOUX CITY -- A Sioux City man has been sentenced to more than 11 years in federal prison for selling methamphetamine. Aurelio Solorio, 37, pleaded guilty in July in U.S. District Court in Sioux City to possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine. He was sentenced Tuesday to 134 months in prison. The sentence will be served consecutively, or back to back, with a 46-month sentence for violations of his supervised release. According to the U.S. Attorney's Office, police stopped a vehicle Solorio was driving on May 24, 2021, for suspected driving while intoxicated. Officers searching his vehicle found 90 grams of meth. During a separate drug investigation on July 6, 2021, a search warrant executed at a home in which Solorio was present revealed more than 2 pounds of meth and several guns. SIOUX CITY A 34-year-old Sioux City man has been charged with having sex with a 14-year-old girl and taking photos and videos of their encounters. Marc Estrada was arrested Wednesday and booked into the Woodbury County Jail on charges of third-degree sexual abuse, sexual exploitation of a minor, enticing a minor and distribution of a controlled substance to a person under age 18. His bond was set at $50,000. According to a complaint filed in Woodbury County District Court, police were made aware of a sexual relationship between Estrada and the girl on May 11. In an interview at MercyOne Siouxland Child Advocacy Center, the girl said she met Estrada May 2 at a Sioux City home. She said the two had sex three or four times in his car. Police interviewed Estrada on Wednesday and, according to court documents, Estrada said he had sex with the girl the day they met. He also said that on the following day he bought $20 of marijuana and smoked it with the girl before they drove to Council Bluffs and had sex in a hotel room. The two returned to Sioux City the next day and had sex in a hotel room. Estrada admitted to police he had taken pictures and videos of the two having sex and sent photos to the girl and a cousin. SIOUX FALLS A Winnebago, Nebraska, woman has pleaded guilty of assaulting a federal officer. Trista Whitewater, 33, entered her plea Tuesday in U.S. District Court in Sioux Falls to one count of assaulting, resisting and impeding a federal officer. Sentencing was scheduled for Aug. 28. court stock art A judge's gavel rests on a book of law. (Dreamstime/TNS) The charge carries a maximum sentence of 20 years in prison. As part of a plea agreement, prosecutors agreed to recommend a prison sentence that falls within the federal sentencing guideline range, which will be calculated during a presentence investigation conducted by a federal probation officer. Whitewater was booked into the Bureau of Indian Affairs Yankton Sioux Correctional Facility in Wagner, South Dakota, on June 8, 2022, for several charges. Whitewater assaulted a correctional officer during the booking. A second count of assaulting a federal officer will be dismissed. SIOUX CITY The City of Moville is seeking support from the Woodbury County Board of Supervisors for improvements to Frontage Road. Moville City Council is seeking $665,000 from the county for part of improvement costs to Frontage Road, said Joel Robinson, Moville City Council member. The Board of Supervisors was in favor of pursuing the project, expanding it to pave the rest of Frontage Road and starting the project sooner than proposed. Frontage Road is a 50-50 cost share between Woodbury County and the City of Moville starting at Second Street, Robinson said. So far, Moville has invested $1.2 million into the road over the past five years. This is a priority for us, this is something that we definitely want to continue and see brought to fruition, Robinson said. Robinson said new economic development on Frontage Road since 2016 includes a Dollar General, Jensen Funeral Home, Security National Bank, Countryman Financial Group, Lewis Family Drug, Movillatte and the future Moville Area Medical Clinic. Since 2016, Movilles property value has increased by $1.9 million and tax revenue has increased by $275,000. Between Security National Bank and Countryman Financial, the City of Moville has invested $505,000 for the street sidewalks, storm sewers, etc. The city is asking Woodbury County to help them continue the street improvements from Third Street to Fair Street. We want to put in the new 27-foot wide road, the existing road is an old 100 year old road thats about somewhere between 18 and 22 feet wide, Robinson said. The project would also include new water, sidewalk and retaining wall. The City of Moville would pay $208,500 for water, sidewalk and retaining wall at Jeffs Bar, Robinson said, while Woodbury County would pay $665,000 for water, sidewalk and retaining wall. With the $208,500 the total investment Moville has made to Frontage Road would be $1.4 million, 55 percent of total costs. Woodbury Countys contribution would be 45 percent of total costs. The city council proposed the Frontage Road project for the 2024-25 budget. City Council Member Bret Hayworth said the council wanted to approach the board well in advance of budget season. The plan was to present it in June to give the board time to develop a plan and return in November or December for a final decision. The board expressed concerns about rising construction costs and the financial strains the board will face during the next budget planning season, so they proposed completing the project in the new fiscal year starting July 1. Supervisor Mark Nelson said he is proud of Moville for the work on the completed portion of the road and said the rest of the road is something we need to do. He also proposed the county repave the remaining section of Frontage Road to Humbolt Avenue at the same time. Supervisor Jeremy Taylor proposed using tax increment funding by combining the countys portion of this project, a new project paving the rest of Frontage Road to Humbolt Avenue, and the already-in-motion Elk Creek Road construction project. Taylor asked the Moville City Council to return to the board in the coming weeks regarding cost-sharing of the remaining section of Frontage Road. SIOUX CITY MidAmerican Energy is donating 35-acres of Woodbury County property to the Iowa Department of Natural Resources to be used as a public conservation area. The parcel, located four miles south of Sioux City near Salix, includes a five-acre ponded area, has been graded to attract wildlife and has been seeded with a high diversity mix of more than 60 species of native wildflowers and grasses to create a pollinator habitat, according to a MidAmerican news release. MidAmerican has prepared this property for pollinators and wildlife to inhabit and the public to enjoy, said Mike Fehr, senior vice president of renewable generation and compliance. Environmental respect is one of MidAmericans core principles. Were pleased with how this project is taking shape. As grasses grow, flowers bloom and wildlife moves in, we think the public will be pleased as well. Last week, the states Natural Resource Commission voted to accept the land donation and proceed with finalizing the transfer, according to the news release. Once complete, the DNR will own and manage the property as public land. "The site that MidAmerican has offered to donate will be an easily accessed outdoor recreation opportunity for a lot of people, given its proximity to several local communities and the Bridgeport Industrial Park, said Doug Chafa, DNR wildlife biologist. Access to outdoor recreation is an important quality of life consideration for families deciding where to live and work, as well as for companies trying to recruit employees." MidAmerican has made various other conservation efforts in the area, including raising Browns Lake level by relocating and increasing pumped water flowing into to the lake and leasing two parcels to the DNR near Browns Lake, totaling nearly 175 acres, which the state uses as wildlife management areas. BRUSSELS European Union regulators hit Google with fresh antitrust charges Wednesday, saying the only way to satisfy competition concerns about its lucrative digital ad business is by selling off parts of the tech giant's main moneymaker. The unprecedented decision to push for such a breakup marks a significant escalation in Brussels' crackdown on Silicon Valley digital giants, and follows a similar move by U.S. authorities seeking to bust Google's alleged monopoly on the online ad ecosystem. The European Commission, the bloc's executive branch and top antitrust enforcer, said its preliminary view after an investigation is that "only the mandatory divestment by Google of part of its services" would address the concerns. The 27-nation EU led the global movement to crack down on Big Tech companies including moving closer to groundbreaking rules on artificial intelligence. Brussels previously hit Google with about $8.6 billion worth of fines in three separate antitrust cases, involving its Android mobile operating system and shopping and search advertising services. The company is appealing all three penalties. Still, this is the first time the bloc told a tech giant that it should split up key parts of its business over violations of the EU's strict antitrust laws, though details on what that could look like are not clear following the preliminary finding. Google can now defend itself by making its case before the commission issues its final decision. The company said it disagrees with the finding and "will respond accordingly," adding that the EU's investigation focused on a narrow part of its ad business. "Our advertising technology tools help websites and apps fund their content, and enable businesses of all sizes to effectively reach new customers," said Dan Taylor, Google vice president of global ads. "Google remains committed to creating value for our publisher and advertiser partners in this highly competitive sector." The commission's decision stems from a formal investigation it opened in June 2021, looking into whether Google violated the bloc's competition rules by favoring its own online display advertising technology services at the expense of rival publishers, advertisers and advertising technology services. Online display ads are banners and text that appear on websites such as newspaper home pages and are personalized based on an internet user's browsing history. European Commission Vice President Margrethe Vestager says Google is dominant on both sides of the ad-selling market. Google abused that position by favoring its own ad exchange, reinforcing its ability to charge a high fee for its services, the commission said. "Google is representing the interests of both buyers and sellers. And at the same time, Google is setting the rules on how demand and supply should meet," she said at a news conference. "This gives rise to inherent and pervasive conflicts of interest." Vestager added that if Google sold off, for example, its real-time marketplace for buying and selling ads or a tool for publishers to manage their ads, "we would put an end to the conflicts of interest." The commission seeks a forced sale because past cases that ended with fines and requirements for Google to stop anti-competitive practices did not work, allowing the company to continue its behavior "just under a different disguise," she said. "This is a big deal" and a sign that the commission "lost all trust in Google and lost all trust in those behavioral remedies" mandating changes to the way it operates, said Rich Stables, CEO of rival search engine Kelkoo, which was involved in two of the EU's previous Google antitrust cases. Google's ad tech business is also under investigation by Britain's antitrust watchdog and faces litigation in the U.S. that calls for the company to divest its digital ad tools. EU regulators can impose penalties worth up to 10% of annual revenue and also could fine Google alongside any sale order. Google brought in $54.5 billion in ad sales and YouTube earned nearly $6.7 billion in ad sales in the first three months of the year. 9 in 10 small businesses use tech platformshere are the most common types 9 in 10 small businesses use tech platformshere are the most common types #4. Point-of-sale tools (tie) #4. Productivity tools (tie) #3. Marketing platforms #2. Accounting software #1. Social media accounts WASHINGTON First came the crypto winter, then the alleged fraud wrought by FTX founder Sam Bankman-Fried, and now the lawsuits. The U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission filed lawsuits last week against the worlds biggest cryptocurrency exchanges, Binance and Coinbase, deepening tensions between the government and a volatile industry that has been marred by scandals and market meltdowns. Binance and Coinbase are both alleged to have violated the law by operating as securities exchanges without registering their businesses with the SEC. Binance faces additional charges, along with its CEO, of diverting customer funds to a separate business, among other accusations. Most recently, the SEC asked a federal judge to freeze the assets of Binances U.S. platform. The lawsuits are the latest in an ongoing tussle between government officials who describe the crypto industry as the Wild West, and creators of digital assets who seek to legitimize cryptocurrency as a currency of the future. Industry leaders say that, with their latest actions, U.S. regulators are more clearly signaling that they seek to ensure cryptocurrency has no room in the traditional financial system. And leading regulators are more open about their thoughts on the merits of cryptocurrency. SEC Chair Gary Gensler told Bloomberg on Tuesday: We dont need more digital currency we already have digital currency its called the U.S. dollar. What results from the legal battle could greatly diminish the growth of the crypto industry or, alternatively, restrict the scope of the SECs regulatory authority. Federica Pantana, an attorney at Davidoff Hutcher & Citron in New York who handles SEC cases, has been watching the episode unfold and is now clear with her crypto clients in the interim: With the SEC taking a strong enforcement agenda, there is no question that firms have to take the view that crypto assets are securities and platforms that exchange these assets have to accept that. Whether companies that trade in crypto decide it makes business sense to register with the SEC, or drop their businesses all together, will determine the landscape of the industry in the future, Pantana said. The reverberations of the litigation could put some companies out of business, she said. The crypto industry already knew it was under a tough spotlight from Washingtons regulators and politicians. The collapse of crypto prices last year as well as the demise of several notable crypto companies including FTX exposed investors to billions of dollars in losses. Gensler had repeatedly stated, both to Congress and in public appearances, that he believes the SEC has more than enough authority to regulate the industry. Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen told CNBC Wednesday that shes very supportive of the SEC using the tools it has to protect consumers and investors. Despite the increased scrutiny from regulators, the crypto industry was expecting Congress to eventually intervene and help legitimize the industry through new laws. Several bills were introduced last year by Democrats and Republicans that would have put crypto under the authority of the Commodity Futures Trading Commission and made other products, including stable coins, more legitimate by standardizing what assets those products could hold. Yellen said Wednesday that she sees some holes in the system where additional regulation I think would be appropriate and we would like to work with Congress to see additional legislation passed. Crypto lobbyists now believe that those laws are more urgently needed to stop the SEC from moving forward with its lawsuits. The most viable piece of legislation sits in the House Financial Services Committee, spearheaded by Rep. Patrick McHenry, R-N.C., who chairs the panel. The legislation was co-authored by Glenn Thompson, R-Penn., chairman of the House Committee on Agriculture. Their discussion draft of legislation seeks to delineate agencies jurisdiction over certain digital assets and strike the appropriate balance between consumer protection and encouraging responsible innovation, McHenry said in a news release. New legislation would grant digital-asset issuers an exemption from securities laws if they meet certain conditions and would exclude digital commodities and payment stablecoins from the definition of a security under the securities laws, among many other provisions. Congress has no choice but to thoughtfully move forward with legislation to clear up this confusion, said Kristin Smith, CEO of the Blockchain Association. Perianne Boring, founder of the Chamber of Digital Commerce, one of the top lobbyists for the cryptocurrency industry, said the lawsuits the SEC filed against Binance and Coinbase are arbitrary and capricious and the SECs vigorous enforcement in this space is politically motivated, opening up legal risk against SEC. She said Genslers public comments about the merits of cryptocurrency in the backdrop of the traditional financial system go outside the scope of his role as SEC chair to protect consumers and investors. Theyre not a merit regulator, Boring said. A beginner's guide to crypto lingo Bitcoin Bitcoin is a cryptocurrency created in 2009 by an unknown person (or people) using the alias Satoshi Nakamoto. Unlike traditional currencies such as the US dollar, bitcoin isn't controlled by a bank or government. Bitcoin is by far the most valuable and popular cryptocurrency in use today. Blockchain A blockchain is a digital ledger and the key technology underpinning most cryptocurrencies, non-fungible tokens (more on those later) and other unique digital items. Blockchain can be used to store all kinds of information, but so far its most common use is in recording cryptocurrency transactions. Once a transaction is made, it's entered on this public ledger, which is managed by a global peer-to-peer network millions of computers, in bitcoin's case. Blockchain is fundamental to bitcoin's appeal: As a decentralized database, it can't be controlled by any one person or group unlike a fiat currency such as the US dollar, which is managed by a central bank. Buy the f****ing dip (BTFD) A rally cry for crypto bulls that urges investors to buy coins when prices drop. Coinbase The leading cryptocurrency exchange platform. The company went public in April, an event that many viewed as a turning point in the story of cryptocurrencies' journey into the mainstream marketplace. Cryptocurrency An all-digital money system made up of "coins" or "tokens" that are controlled by a decentralized ledger. Dogecoin The oddball of the crypto family began as a joke based on the "doge" meme in 2013. But as cryptos have broadly gained mainstream interest, dogecoin has emerged as an unexpected heavy hitter. It now has a market cap of more than $30 billion and it has surged more than 5,000% so far this year. And unlike its more popular brethren, a single dogecoin is still cheap it hit an all-time high of about 45 cents in April. Whether or not its a smart investment remains an active question. Elon Musk Tesla CEO whose tweets have been known to spark rallies in cryptocurrencies such as bitcoin and dogecoin. Ethereum An open-source blockchain-based software that controls the cryptocurrency Ether. It is the second-largest digital currency by market cap at nearly $300 billion. FUD ("fear, uncertainty, doubt") In crypto parlance, FUD refers to negative information that weighs on an asset's value. Mining The complicated process by which new bitcoins are entered into circulation. Mining is not for amateur enthusiasts: It requires high-powered computers that solve complex mathematical puzzles to create a new "block" on the blockchain. The mining process eats up a lot of computing power and electricity, which has led to concerns about bitcoin's environmental impact. NFT Non-fungible tokens, or NFTs, are pieces of digital content linked to the Ethereum blockchain. "Non-fungible" essentially means one-of-a-kind, something that can't be replaced, unlike, for example, a dollar bill that you can replace with any other dollar bill. In the simplest terms, NFTs transform digital works of art and other collectibles into one-of-a-kind, verifiable assets. Satoshi Nakamoto The pseudonym that refers to the person (or people) who invented bitcoin. Their real identity remains unknown. Satoshis, aka "Sats" The smallest unit of bitcoin ever recorded on the blockchain, equal to one one-millionth of a bitcoin. Wallet Like the physical thing you carry your cash and cards in, a wallet in the crypto world is a place to store digital currency. The main thing you need to know about wallets is that you must never, ever lose or forget your password. A southwestern Montana man has been sentenced to 18 years in federal prison after being convicted of a hate crime and firearms charges for threatening a woman with violent, homophobic slurs and shooting at her house with an AK-47 assault rifle as part of a self-described mission to clean the small town of its LGBTQ community. John Russell Howald, 46, was convicted in February and sentenced Tuesday by U.S. District Judge Brian Morris in Great Falls for the March 2020 shooting. He received eight years for one count of committing a hate crime and 10 years for discharging a firearm in relation to a violent crime. The judge ordered the sentences to be served consecutively. A federal jury in U.S. District Court in Helena on Feb. 17 found Howald guilty of hate and firearms crimes. Howald was charged with violating the Matthew Shepard and James Byrd Jr. Hate Crimes Prevention Act and for using a firearm during the shooting. The jury reached its verdict in 72 minutes, according to court records. His attorney, Colin M. Stephens, noted in a June 6 sentencing memorandum that up until the day of the shooting, Howald had peacefully co-existed with the gay and lesbian community in Basin for decades. Whatever this court may think of him, Howald is not Omar Maateen, who killed 49 people and wounded 52 more at a gay nightclub, Stephens argued. At his core, Howald is not a crusading bigot, who is hell bent for leather on wiping lesbians from the Earth. The court heard what he said that day, but the context of Howalds words matter as much as the actions that accompany them. Howald is already in Montana State Prison, serving 10 years on a state charge for criminal endangerment that occurred during the same incident. His indictment in June 2021 was part of the U.S. Department of Justice's increased enforcement of hate crimes under U.S. Attorney General Merrick Garland. The indictment said Howald tried to injure a woman because of her actual and perceived sexual orientation by firing several rounds from his AK-47 rifle into her home in the community of about 270 residents, stating that he wanted to get rid of the lesbians (and) gays. No one was injured in the shooting. The woman was in the shower at the time and was not struck by bullets, some of which went into the walls of her home. She testified a deputy told her of the shooters intent. After shooting into the house, prosecutors said Howald started walking into the town of Basin to target others he perceived to be lesbian, queer and gay, prosecutors said. He was armed with two assault rifles, a hunting rifle, two pistols and multiple high-capacity magazines that were taped together to speed reloading, court records said. A cellphone audio recording, accidentally made by a minister, has Howald saying shortly after he fired the rifle that I want to clean this town of its sickness. Local residents who were leaving church that Sunday and knew Howald were able to stall him long enough for a sheriffs deputy to respond. When the deputy arrived, Howald pointed the assault rifle at him, nearly starting a shootout. Howald then fled into the hills and spent the night sleeping in the woods, court records said. Officers arrested Howald the next day. The weapons and ammunition were discovered in searches of his car and camper, prosecutors said. Howald testified he was under great stress and anguish at the time due to COVID-19 and the death of close relatives, and had hoped his actions would bring law enforcement to the scene and lead to suicide by cop. A prosecuting attorney dismissed Howalds claims, saying his goal was to clean the town of gays and lesbians. He said Howald may have wanted to die, but he wanted the cleaning of filth to be the last thing hed do, Ethan Plaut of the U.S. Attorneys Office said. Howald fired multiple shots into someones home based solely on her sexual orientation and only the heroic and brave actions of residents and law enforcement, as well as some good fortune, prevented a targeted mass shooting, U.S. Attorney Jesse Laslovich for the District of Montana said in a statement. It is the kind of conduct that has no place in Montana, which is why our office vigorously prosecuted Howald and why the justice system is holding him accountable for his actions, Laslovich said. "Our office has an unshakable commitment to uphold the rule of law and protect the civil rights of all Montanans, including our LGBTQI+ friends and family members. Howald had hoped his planned shooting would inspire similar attacks around the country, Assistant Attorney General Kristen Clark said in a statement Wednesday. Stephens said Wednesday that he plans to appeal. Howald was sentenced to two years in prison for killing a chocolate Labrador in 2005 at a southwestern Montana campground. He severed the dog's head with a chainsaw, then confronted the dog's owners and threw the head at them, according to court documents. The Associated Press contributed to this report. States with the most anti-LGBTQ+ hate crimes States with the most anti-LGBTQ+ hate crimes #43. Mississippi #42. Delaware #41. Hawaii #40. Rhode Island #39. Wyoming #38. Alaska #37. West Virginia #36. Vermont #35. Louisiana #34. Montana #33. Arkansas #32. Nebraska #31. New Hampshire #30. North Dakota #29. South Dakota #28. Idaho #27. Iowa #26. Kansas #25. Oklahoma #24. Connecticut #23. Arizona #22. Tennessee #21. South Carolina #20. Virginia #19. Indiana #18. Wisconsin #17. District of Columbia #16. Maine #15. Utah #14. Nevada #13. Alabama #12. North Carolina #11. Kentucky #10. Missouri #9. Georgia #8. Minnesota #7. Oregon #6. Michigan #5. Colorado #4. Massachusetts #3. Ohio #2. Washington #1. Texas Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, June 15) The Office of Civil Defense (OCD) is currently identifying more sites in Albay to be used as evacuation centers as more residents flee to safer grounds amid the eruption of Mayon Volcano. OCD spokesperson Raffy Alejandro told CNN Philippines The Source on Thursday that over 17,000 people, or 4,800 families, are currently in 25 evacuation centers in the province. He said the OCD is working with the provincial government of Albay to increase the number of evacuation sites, which will be urgently needed if Mayons alert level status is raised from 3 to 4. We really need more [evacuation centers] because if the alert level is escalated to 4, and [the danger zone] increases from 6 to 7 (kilometers), there will be additional 7,000 individuals who need to be relocated, Alejandro explained. Around 30,000 families are expected to be in evacuation centers if the situation worsens, he added. Alejandro also said the smaller evacuation sites should be decongested, and the OCD will coordinate with local government units as well as the Education and Public Works departments to start this process. Aside from the 17,216 people living in evacuation centers, the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC) reported some 725 people opted to stay outside evacuation centers, which could mean makeshift dwellings or houses of relatives. More than 37 million worth of assistance including family food packs and hygiene and sleeping kits have been provided to affected residents, the NDRRMC said. Overall, the agency said the volcanic activity of Mayon has reportedly disrupted the lives of 37,682 people which consists of displaced residents and economically affected individuals. In its latest bulletin on Thursday, the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology said it has recorded two volcanic quakes and 306 rockfall events at Mayon. The volcano also emitted 193 tons of the toxic sulfur dioxide. State volcanologists also observed a very slow effusion of lava from Mayons summit crater. President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. on Wednesday said he wants a 90-day plan on how to handle the volcanos eruption. Here's a look at top stories from today, June 14: Miami mayor Miami Mayor Francis Suarez filed paperwork Wednesday to launch his bid for the Republican presidential nomination, jumping into the crowded race just a day after GOP front-runner Donald Trump appeared in court on federal charges in Suarez's city. The 45-year-old mayor, the only Hispanic candidate in the race, declared his candidacy with the Federal Election Commission. He had teased an announcement, noting that he would be making a big speech Thursday at the Reagan Library in California. Before Trump arrived at the courthouse Tuesday, Suarez toured the media encampment wearing a T-shirt with a police logo, as his city's police force had jurisdiction over the downtown area. Read more about it here: Eminem Eminems daughter, Alaina Marie Scott has married her longtime love, Matt Moeller. Her sister Hailie Jade Mathers was her bridesmaid. Scott took to Instagram to reveal the news this week, sharing pictures from her big day. June 9, 2023 simply one of the best days of my life, Scott wrote. In this lifetime and in the next, my soul will always find yours. She also posted a video of herself getting ready for the ceremony. Love, Mr & Mrs Moeller, she captioned it. Get more info here: Robert Gottlieb Robert Gottlieb, the inspired and eclectic literary editor whose brilliant career was launched with Joseph Hellers Catch-22 and continued for decades with such Pulitzer Prize-winning classics as Toni Morrison's Beloved and Robert Caro's The Power Broker, has died at age 92. Gottlieb died Wednesday of natural causes at a New York hospital, Knopf Doubleday Publishing Group announced. Caro, who had worked for decades with Gottlieb on his Lyndon Johnson biographies and was featured with him last year in the documentary Turn Every Page, said in a statement that he had never worked with an editor so attuned to the writing process. From the day 52 years ago that we first looked at my pages together, Bob understood what I was trying to do and made it possible for me to take the time, and do the work, I needed to do, Caro said in a statement. Read more about him here: *** Get more top stories here: Daniel Penny Vegas Golden Knights This morning's top headlines: Wednesday, June 14 On Wednesday night, Vivek Ramaswamy, a 2024 Republican presidential candidate and businessman from Ohio, talked with a crowd in Sioux City about China being a threat to the U.S., fighting the administrative state, why he calls himself an "American nationalist" and took questions for about 30 minutes. A May 30, 2021, ransomware attack on JBS, one of the worlds largest meat companies, disrupted the companys operations internationally and ended when the company paid an $11 million ransom to Russian hacker group REvil. While food production companies are potentially lucrative targets for cyberattacks, JBS was poorly protected against them compared to similar companies, according to cybersecurity experts. The food and agriculture industry is designated as a Critical Infrastructure Sector by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security, meaning its incapacitation or destruction would have a debilitating effect on security, national economic security, national public health or safety. The whole industry is vulnerable to attacks like the one on JBS and they happen quietly and often, according to John Hoffman, senior research fellow at the Food Protection and Defense Institute at the University of Minnesota. In the aftermath of the JBS ransomware attack, a representative of cybersecurity risk management firm BitSight told national security officials that JBS had many many issues with its computer system. Overall rating was poor and outside the typical range for Food Production companies, wrote BitSight Vice President Jake Olcott in a June 2, 2021, email to Jeffrey Greene, who served as the National Security Council chief of cyber response and policy at the time. The emails obtained by Investigate Midwest via a public records request shed light on the federal governments and private industrys response to the JBS attack. Weve observed a massive number of malware infections on JBS over the last year (including Conficker), Olcott wrote in the email. JBS has been extremely slow to remediate these issues. Conficker is a persistent malware that infects Windows operating systems. Greene forwarded Olcotts report to Eric Goldstein, executive assistant director for cybersecurity for the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency, or CISA, a division of the DHS. DHS, CISA and JBS did not respond to multiple requests for comment over the course of several weeks. Food companies especially vulnerable to attacks In 2021, months after the JBS ransomware incident, the FBI issued a notice to food and agriculture companies warning of increased cyberattacks on the sector. Cyber criminal threat actors exploit network vulnerabilities to exfiltrate data and encrypt systems in a sector that is increasingly reliant on smart technologies, industrial control systems, and internet-based automation systems, the FBI warning states. Industrial control systems the internet-connected devices like sensors and switches inside a plant have many vulnerabilities, according to a 2019 report by the Food Protection and Defense Institute. Any of the devices connected to a companys network, ranging from temperature sensors to security cameras, represent a potential entry point into the network, Hoffman said. Those devices often arent as up-to-date as other computers within the company, he said. Many industrial control systems in the food industry were designed before cybersecurity was a major concern, according to the 2019 FPDI report. Those devices in their operational technology are still running on computers or operating those old operating systems, Hoffman said. That creates vulnerability. Experts shed light on details of cyberattack The more devices a company uses, the larger the attack surface for potential security compromises. Ryan Sherstobitoff, senior vice president for threat research and intelligence at SecurityScorecard, a cybersecurity ratings company, said the attack surface can be compared to a house. Companies like SecurityScorecard observe the house from the sidewalk, noting any potential security issues, like open windows or broken locks, as well as safety precautions, like security cameras. Using information gathered from their observations, cybersecurity firms compile reports on the cybersecurity risk of various companies. Analyzing JBSs attack surface is how BitSight became aware of the poor security rating at JBS, Olcott, its vice president, told Investigate Midwest We are continuously and non-intrusively collecting security performance information around the globe, Olcott said. We also create views of organizations presence on the internet. BitSight and other cybersecurity companies like SecurityScorecard sell this information, as well as risk management services, to companies who want to improve their security. SecurityScorecard contacted CISA in the days after the JBS ransomware attack to provide a pre-publication report detailing how the attack occurred. SecurityScorecard found that the JBS attack began months before the ransomware activated. Cybersecurity companies frequently share information with law enforcement and government agencies, Sherstobitoff said. Private sector companies have a unique vantage point into the threat landscape, Sherstobitoff said. We often share not only with the FBI but also CISA a pre-read report of the indicators so that they can enrich their own systems and help respond to those that might be victimized by the same group in the same industry. SecurityScorecards June 4, 2021, report was redacted in the emails provided to Investigate Midwest, but a public blog post by Sherstobitoff describes how the attack progressed. SecurityScorecard found that in February 2021, a security breach occurred, resulting in the leaking of several JBS employee credentials to the dark web, Internet networks only accessible with specialized software, which allow users to stay anonymous. Hackers often breach large websites and social media platforms to take login information, Shertobitoff said. The JBS employee credentials likely leaked because employees used their work credentials as their login information for another site. Then, in March 2021, hackers broke into JBSs computer systems and began extricating data. When attackers extricate data, the hackers can threaten to publish the data online as leverage to demand higher ransom. What is remarkable about this attack is how unremarkable it was in both execution and occurrence; it illustrates just how common ransomware attacks have become, Sherstobitoff wrote in the blog post. Information on cyberattacks in the food industry hard to come by Its hard for researchers and government agencies to quantify how frequently ransomware attacks occur because companies dont like to share attacks publicly, Hoffman said. A public attack could have a negative impact on consumer acceptance of products or a companys market price. If youre a company, youre not going to want to acknowledge it, Hoffman said. But the fact is, were having attacks across the food sector every day and theyre not being reported. The 2021 FBI private industry notification said the average ransom demand doubled from 2019 to 2020. In 2020, the highest ransom payout observed by the FBI was $23 million. The increase in attacks and demands also has raised the cost of cybersecurity insurance, Hoffman said. A 2021 Government Accountability Office report found that more companies are purchasing cyber insurance, and that a majority of insurance brokers reported 10%-30% increases in premiums in the last quarter of 2020. Reporting cybersecurity incidents to the government is currently voluntary, but it could be required for critical industries like food production, energy and emergency services under a law passed last year. In March 2022, President Joe Biden signed the Cyber Incident Reporting for Critical Infrastructure Act into law. The act directs CISA to begin a rulemaking process to gather information on cyberattacks in critical industries, including food and agriculture. The rule should be finalized by the end of 2025, according to the statute. The act also requires that the agency publish quarterly reports with aggregate, anonymized data on the cyber incident reports. Government response to JBS attack was inefficient, according to internal emails The Department of Homeland Securitys National Operations Center is the primary, national-level hub for situational awareness when it comes to national security and information sharing. But leaders at the National Operations Center learned about the cyberattack on JBS when they got a call from the White House Situation Room (WHSR), according to emails obtained by Investigate Midwest. We had notification from CISA Central at 1529 ET, but we did not discuss it with the WHSR until 1950 ET, on the day of the attack, wrote Dan DeBree, then-acting operations officer at the DHS office of operations coordination on June 2, 2021. Additionally, that was because the WHSR called us, not the other way around. In 2022, Congress established a Joint Ransomware Task Force in the wake of high-profile cyber attacks like those on JBS and the Colonial Pipeline. The task force is a collaboration between the FBI and DHS meant to reduce the prevalence and impact of ransomware attacks. CISA also established the Joint Cyber Defense Collaborative last year, a public-private collaboration intended to share information about cyber threats. Participants include the federal agencies involved in cyber issues like the National Security Agency and FBI; international cyber defense organizations; and information sharing and analysis centers, which facilitate information sharing about potential cyber threats and best security practices among companies. The main barrier to cybersecurity improvement in the food industry is cost, Hoffman said. If youre a board member, and youre presented with a big six or seven digit number to make a change in the security posture of your IT and OT systems, there better be a (return on investment) that you can relate to if youre going to approve it, Hoffman said. See DHS emails related to the JBS cyberattack here. Investigate Midwest is an independent, nonprofit newsroom. A Johnson County medical clinic hit with a record-setting malpractice claim in 2022 is now being sued by its insurer over alleged efforts to scuttle an appeal of that decision. A nationally prominent attorney for the clinic has fired back, saying he intends to sue the insurer for more than $1 billion for the harm he says the company has caused Iowans. In March 2022, a Johnson County jury awarded more than $97.4 million to the family of a boy who sustained serious brain damage during his birth at an Iowa City hospital. The award, believed to be the largest medical malpractice judgment in Iowa history, was later reduced to $75.6 million. The boys parents, Kathleen and Andrew Kromphardt, had sued Obstetric and Gynecologic Associates of Iowa City and Coralville as defendants, along with Dr. Jill Goodman, one of the directors of the clinic. The Kromphardts contended their sons brain damage was caused by medical workers failure to properly respond to signs the baby was deprived of oxygen in the hours leading up to his birth in August 2018. The boy, now 4, is unable to walk by himself and is largely unable to speak. At trial, the familys lawyer argued the child will likely need 24-hour care for the rest of his life. The $75.6 million judgment was appealed by the clinics insurance company, MMIC Insurance Inc. Clinic and its insurer are now at odds MMIC alleges that last September, with its appeal of the judgment still pending, it offered to pay the policy limit, $12 million, into a trust account for Kromphardts legal counsel, contingent on the funds being returned to MMIC should the insurer prevail in its appeal. According to MMIC, the Kromphardts attorney allegedly refused that offer and so, two months ago, MMIC agreed to simply pay the $12 million to the Kromphardts. At about that same time, however, the clinic allegedly retained new legal counsel in the form of Nicholas C. Rowley, a high-profile plaintiffs attorney and Iowa native who says he has won more than $2 billion for his clients in verdicts and settlements. Rowley, according to MMIC, was hired by the clinic to take possible legal action against the insurer for its handling of the malpractice case. Earlier this week, MMIC filed a federal lawsuit against the clinic in an effort to block Rowley and the clinics alleged efforts to undermine MMICs appeal of the $75.6 million judgment. In court filings, MMIC alleges Rowley and the clinic are now considering filing a bad faith claim against MMIC arising out of the March 2022 verdict. According to MMIC, Rowley wrote to the insurance company on June 2 and stated, I went and found Judge Bennett and spent approximately a half-hour in the room with (the Kromphardts) discussing how we could work together and dismiss the appeal and move forward with an action together against MMIC. The letter from Rowley is also alleged to have said, I do believe that the optics of this case will be changing very soon and that after the unprecedented motions that we the clinic intend to file, the chances of MMIC getting a new trial will go down to less than 10%. Citing those alleged statements by Rowley, MMIC is now seeking a federal court order that will allow its appeal of the $75.6 million judgment to play out, noting that the appeal has been fully briefed by all parties and is simply awaiting a decision by Iowas appellate courts. MMIC alleges that Rowleys stated agenda is to eliminate or otherwise impair the appeal, and it is seeking an injunction that will protect the Iowa Supreme Courts opportunity to decide the appeal and protect what MMIC calls its right to control any litigation over the matter. When asked about MMICs allegations, Rowley told the Iowa Capital Dispatch on Friday, MMIC is a greedy, out-of-state insurance corporation that has been causing harm to Iowa patients, families and healthcare providers for far too long. MMIC comes into Iowa and takes money and refuses to give back when it is supposed to. This case is where it is at because of textbook insurance bad faith by MMIC that it would not get away with in other states. This out-of-state corporation influences Iowa politicians and gets laws passed that harm the civil rights of Iowans. I do, in fact, intend on suing MMIC on behalf of the clinic. The lawsuit will be for more than $1 billion dollars for the harm this greedy insurance corporation has caused to good people in my home state. I will be successful no matter what shenanigans MMIC throws at us. Lawsuit follows bankruptcy filing This latest round of litigation follows an aborted bankruptcy filing by the clinic last fall. The Kromphardts attorneys had challenged the filing, arguing it was filed in bad faith to avoid payment of the malpractice award. Court records indicate that prior to the trial, offers were extended by the Kromphardts attorneys to resolve the dispute for the insurance policy limit of $12 million. However, MMIC apparently refused to negotiate or make any settlement offer to the plaintiffs, which was in direct contradiction to the clinics position in the case. After the verdict, the clinic appealed and requested that a stay be imposed to halt any collection efforts until the appeal could be heard. The Iowa Supreme Court denied that request, but the appeal remained in place. Last October, the sheriff arrived at the clinic to initiate seizure of the business assets and the clinic filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy to protect its assets and remain in business. On Jan. 20, the conservator in the bankruptcy case filed a motion with the court, alleging the clinic was acting in bad faith by filing for bankruptcy, arguing it was a litigation tactic to avoid payment of a bond that would secure some of the clinics assets. In a March 29 decision dismissing the bankruptcy case, U.S. Bankruptcy Judge Anita L. Shodeen expressed concern over the relationship between the clinic and its insurer, MMIC. The judge suggested the insurance company may have given the clinic certain financial favors in return for the clinic filing for bankruptcy as part of an effort to shield MMIC from having to make a $12 million policy payout. She noted that MMIC paid fees to the clinics bankruptcy professionals and offered the clinic favorable terms on its insurance coverage when no one else would. In addition, the judge stated, MMIC had offered to extend credit to the clinic. A question arises about whether the bankruptcy was motivated by a proper purpose or to obtain financial advantages from MMIC in exchange for filing bankruptcy to attempt to protect it from making payment under the policy, Shodeen stated in her decision. The clinic, meanwhile, had supplied little evidence to establish its good faith in the matter, Shodeen added. The clinic has appealed Shodeens decision in the case. Best public high schools in Iowa Best public high schools in Iowa #30. Western Dubuque High School #29. Kee High School #28. Clear Lake High School #27. Harlan High School #26. Van Meter Junior/Senior High School #25. George-Little Rock Senior High School #24. South Central Calhoun High School #23. West Marshall High School #22. Hudson High School #21. Liberty High School #20. Williamsburg Junior/Senior High School #19. Grinnell Community Senior High School #18. George Washington High School #17. MOC-Floyd Valley High School #16. Cedar Falls High School #15. Le Mars High School #14. Johnston Senior High School #13. Decorah High School #12. Linn-Mar High School #11. Bettendorf High School #10. Ankeny High School #9. Waukee Senior High School #8. Iowa City High School #7. Ankeny Centennial High School #6. Gilbert High School #5. John F. Kennedy High School #4. Valley High School #3. Ames High School #2. Pleasant Valley High School #1. West Senior High School A former Waukee schoolteacher is suing the school district, alleging she was forced to resign after being accused of slandering Gov. Kim Reynolds over the states ban on schoolhouse mask mandates. Katherine Rinken is seeking unspecified damages from the Waukee Community School District for alleged freedom-of-speech violations, retaliation and gender-based discrimination. In her lawsuit, Rinken states that in 2019, she was hired by the Waukee schools to teach world history at Prairieview School. Gov. Kim Reynolds signed a new law May 19, 2021, banning public schools from requiring students and staff to wear masks to inhibit the spread of COVID-19. Rinken alleges that when she learned of the action the next day, she expressed outrage in a private Snapchat message and in doing so she used some form of vulgar terminology thats not specified in the lawsuit. Later that day, Prairieview High School Principal Mark Stallman informed Rinken that a member of the public had sent him a screenshot of the Snapchat message, according to the lawsuit. Stallman allegedly told Rinken the comment had created a distraction to the learning environment and he suspended Rinken for the remainder of the school year. According to the lawsuit, on the same day Rinken posted her private Snapchat message, a male teacher had posted a message to his publicly accessible Facebook page that said, F Kim Reynolds. That teacher, the lawsuit claims, was not disciplined. In addition, a male teacher who had recently been convicted of drunken driving, and whose mugshot was being circulated by students, was not disciplined, the lawsuit claims. Later in the week, Rinken alleges, she learned she was being investigated by school officials due to false rumors that she was running a pornographic site on OnlyFans, a subscription-based social media platform commonly used by sex workers. The lawsuit alleges that on May 28, Stallman, Associate Superintendent Terry Hurlburt and the districts human resources director met with Rinken and told her there was compelling evidence that she operated an OnlyFans site, asked her about unfounded rumors that she had once been under the influence of drugs or alcohol at work, and also asserted that she had slandered the governor in her private Snapchat post. To fight the allegations, Rinken says, she would have had to endure a public hearing like she was on trial for being a witch, and where parents could line up to speak against her. She claims that she resigned with the understanding that the district would extend her teaching license and would write positive letters of recommendation for her. Her lawsuit was recently transferred from state court, where it was filed last month, to the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of Iowa. The school district has yet to file a response. Best public high schools in Iowa Best public high schools in Iowa #30. Western Dubuque High School #29. Kee High School #28. Clear Lake High School #27. Harlan High School #26. Van Meter Junior/Senior High School #25. George-Little Rock Senior High School #24. South Central Calhoun High School #23. West Marshall High School #22. Hudson High School #21. Liberty High School #20. Williamsburg Junior/Senior High School #19. Grinnell Community Senior High School #18. George Washington High School #17. MOC-Floyd Valley High School #16. Cedar Falls High School #15. Le Mars High School #14. Johnston Senior High School #13. Decorah High School #12. Linn-Mar High School #11. Bettendorf High School #10. Ankeny High School #9. Waukee Senior High School #8. Iowa City High School #7. Ankeny Centennial High School #6. Gilbert High School #5. John F. Kennedy High School #4. Valley High School #3. Ames High School #2. Pleasant Valley High School #1. West Senior High School DR. WALLACE: I studied hard this school year and read all of my books and did all of the homework assignments my teachers gave me, but I never got an A grade in any of my classes. Could it be that my teachers this year all didnt like me? Ill be a junior in high school next year and my grades will be more and more important to me as Im thinking about attending a college of some sort, even a community college to start with. Do you have any ideas? I Want to Receive Better Grades, via email I WANT TO RECEIVE BETTER GRADES: Yes, I do have a few ideas for you. Starting with your next school year, plan to sit in the front row of every one of your classes. This will help you to stay focused as therell be no other students in your line of sight in front of you, and youll be able to follow the teachers lectures in a smooth, uninterrupted way. Also, take the time within the first month of the semester to visit each of your teachers during their office hours. Explain that your grades are important to you and that you would like to know what areas you should focus most of your studying efforts on, and request any suggestions or tips that can help you perform better in each of your classes. Based on my many years of experience, I can tell you that the great preponderance of teachers wish for their students to do well academically. Teachers do not hold students back; in fact, the opposite is true. Pay attention and follow the lesson with full concentration in each of your classes, and ask a few questions in each class when appropriate. Study hard and communicate with your teachers and I trust it wont be long before you achieve an A grade in one or more of your classes this upcoming school year. Of course youll have to earn it, as simply doing these things without applying yourself fully may not give you the results you desire. HE BRAGS TO THE POINT WE ALL ROLL OUR EYES DR. WALLACE: My older brother is a big bragger, and he seems to think hes the smartest, most intelligent, best dressed and hip person at our high school. Apparently, he took some online IQ test and hes claiming that he is by far the smartest one out of all five of our siblings in our family. Personally, I think the only thing he is the best at amongst all of us is bragging about himself. The rest of us are pretty normal, pretty bright and we all go about our business quietly and confidently, unlike he does. My question for you at this time would be to inquire about the best IQ test to take in a public setting, so that perhaps all five of our siblings could take a test together on Saturday afternoon and we could prove to him that he is nowhere near as smart as the rest of us. Do you think this would be a good idea so that we could get him to stop going on and on about his fantasy about being such a great person? Sick and Tired of His Bragging, via email SICK AND TIRED OF HIS BRAGGING: I dont think he would accept your offer if he knows deep down he cant compete with the rest of you. Bragging sometimes flows in certain individuals from a position of feeling inadequate, and this may be part of the reason he is so boastful on a constant basis. Its likely best to just let him go on and on about himself, and say nothing in return. You can of course roll your eyes and quietly go about your own business the way youve been proceeding with your life thus far. But if youd like to potentially throw him off his game someday, tell him how proud you are of him and that youll be sure to seek his advice whenever you have an important issue crop up in your life. Then smile at him sincerely and give him a big hug. Then simply walk away with a wry smile on your face that he wont be able to see once youve turned around and begun to walk away. I have a secret. I, a Black woman, once opposed affirmative action. I even rejected my admission to an Ivy League university because I assumed that I had only been accepted because of the color of my skin. Like Ben Carson, Stacey Dash, Clarence Thomas, and other conservatives of my complexion, I resented a policy that implied that Black people needed a handout to be successful. I was indignant. I thought that race should not matter. My misgivings could have landed me a prime spot on Tucker Carlson Tonight (if it had existed in the early 2000s). I now realize that I was completely wrong. It may be time for race-conscious affirmative action to endthis month, the Supreme Court is expected to issue decisions to that effectbut its not because the policy allows undeserving Black and Hispanic kids to take spots from deserving white and Asian kids. I deserved that letter. And so did every other affirmative action admit, because, in the end, race matters. I was solidly in the nerd crew in my suburban New Jersey majority-white high school. My few friends and I would commiserate endlessly about our academic woesdays packed with Advanced Placement and Honors classes, overbooked after-school schedules, late-night cramming, paltry dating lives. And we would compete over who had it worse. We quizzed each other with flashcards over lunch and out on the fields during gym class. We edited our school newspaper until midnight (I always wanted to be a journalist). I fretted constantly about developing the perfect resume for college. Like Eddie Murphy in the 1980s classic Trading Places, I begged my friends for tips they had learned from their pricey SAT prep courses, and I pressed their college-educated parents for advice. Advertisement Advertisement Then I learned that apparently, I had nothing to worry about. After a long whine session one afternoon where I agonized over next years course selection, a white peer turned to me. You dont need to worry, he said, clearly anxious about his own future. You will get in everywhere because youre Black. Advertisement I still remember the heat coming to my cheeks. My identity was rooted in the idea of a meritocracywhy else would I have worked so hard? Its not that I was oblivious to my skin color and the potential barriers that came with itin third grade, when asked what I wanted to be when I grew up, I said that I would become the first Black female president. Its just that, partially due to the encouragement of my parents and of my teachers, I never thought my skin color would be an impediment toor qualifier ofmy success. I thought race would not matter. Now I was learning that I had an unfair advantage. Was I going to succeed because of my skin color, not in spite of it? Advertisement Nearly 20 years later, I would learn that this boys assessment, and my understanding of it, was completely wrong. Black and Hispanic students may have an advantage due to affirmative action, but many rich (and mostly white) kids have a much greater leg up. A study by Duke economist Peter Arcidiacono and his colleagues of Harvard Universitys admissions practices for the classes of 20142019 found that Black applicants were four times more likely to be admitted (2.4 times more likely for Hispanic students). This would be shocking if not for the advantage given to elite (often white) applicants. A study by Michael Hurwitz, then at Harvard University and now at the College Board, found that legacy students (applicants who have a family member who attended the college) at 30 highly selective colleges were three times more likely to be admitted. And having a parent as an alum was even betterthose students were up to 15 times more likely get in. Athletes (which I certainly was not) have an advantage, tooand its quite a big boost. Arcidiacono found that recruited athletes at Harvard had an 86 percent admission rate, compared to 5.5 percent for typical applicants, despite having worse resumes. The vast majority (69 percent) of those athletes were white. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement These special cases take up a lot of space at elite universities. Arcidiacono found that over 43 percent of white students at Harvard were athletes, legacies, children of faculty or staff, or had some other special status (compared to only 16 percent of Black, Hispanic, and Asian students). He also found that 75 percent of those white students who were admitted to Harvard would have been rejected if they had been treated as white students without status. This was affirmative action for rich white people. I did not know any of this at the time, of course. I did not know that my classmate should have been mad at his richer, more elite white peers, rather than me. Instead, I was told that I had an unfair advantage due to my skin color, and I believed it. Advertisement So when I received my acceptance letter to the only Ivy League university I had applied to, my excitement quickly faded as my friends received rejections. My fears grew when I received the invitation to an event for admitted Black students. When I called the admissions office for permission to attend the regular (read: white) admit sessionI was going to miss the Black event due to a scheduled minor surgeryI was encouraged to go to the Black one instead. My worst fears had been confirmed. My parents, who had not gone to college themselves, worried about my mental health. How would I ever succeed if I, and the people around me, thought I had not deserved admission? I rejected the Ivy League offer and went, on scholarship, to New York University instead. There, my SAT scores were well above the median. And the group of students on scholarship that I met with regularly as part of a college-sponsored research program only had a handful of Black kids in it. So I reasoned that the selection process must have been fairer. Advertisement Advertisement After college, I decided to join Teach for America, the nonprofit that places recent college graduates in low-income schools as teachers. I was hired by a middle school in the South Bronx. One day a parent was sobbing in my classroom; she wanted to know if she had done the right thing. I was afraid to tell her that she probably hadnt. Julissa (her name has been changed) was one of my most eager students, and her mom was concerned for her and her brothers education. Our school was clearly underperforming. Julissa and her brother were not being challenged. But Julissas parents had moved their family to the South Bronx to chase the American dream of homeownership. This neighborhood was all they could afford, and my students mother understood the importance of wealth accumulation. But they had moved from a rental in a better neighborhood with better schools in Manhattan. Had they made the wrong decision? I feared that the answer was yes, but I did not tell her. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Many people struggle with whether and where to buy a home. But for Black and Hispanic families, that decision is even harder. Traditional financial advice encourages homeownership in order to benefit from, among other things, the tax advantages and appreciation in value. But this advice assumes that your home will increase in worth. Houses in nonwhite neighborhoods often do not increase in value at the same rate as homes in white neighborhoods. The problem does not end if a Black family manages to buy a house in a white neighborhoodthose families have found their homes to be assessed for less than their white neighbors. Add to that the higher mortgage rates nonwhite families tend to pay, and homeownership simply does not pay off in the same way it tends to for white families. Advertisement Advertisement And then, poor Black and Hispanic families tend to live in concentrated poverty. According to the Century Foundation, a progressive nonprofit, while 1 in 13 poor white people live in areas with extreme poverty, 1 in 4 poor Black people and 1 in 6 poor Hispanic people do. And these areas with extreme poverty tend to also have the worst crime, health outcomes, and schools. Working in these neighborhoods forced me to face a reality that I had tried to deny for years: Race matters. And those circumstances should and must be considered if we are ever going to fairly compare a Black student and white student for something as important as college admission. Despite the importance of race in American society, the Supreme Court seems poised to rule that colleges can no longer consider race in college admissions. We have been here before, at the state level. Several states, including California and Michigan, have had bans on race-conscious affirmative action for their public colleges and universities for decades. Advertisement These states have found their race-neutral alternatives to be lackluster. Some have adopted plans where they admit a certain percentage of the top-ranking students in each high school. Others have switched to income-based affirmative action (though many colleges, including Harvard, already consider income). These race-neutral programs are not working. Related from Slate Aisha Harris Ten Years Ago, Megyn Kelly Decided I Should Be a Fox News Segment. I Had No Idea What It Would Become. Read More A study by Daniel Klasik at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill and Kalena Cortes of Texas A&M University found that despite the University of Texas offering a spot at its two most selective universities (UTAustin and Texas A&M) to every student in the top 10 percent of their high school class, 45 percent of high schools in the state never had students actually attend. These tended to be majority-minority schools. Other studies have shown that states with affirmative action bans have experienced a drop in minority enrollment at selective schools, despite the minority population in high schools growing. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Why is that? Shouldnt these policies, focused on the poor and allowing for representation by students from all schools, benefit minority students? The data show otherwise. The reality is that Black and Hispanic students, even when they attend rigorous majority-white high schools, like I did, tend to have less access to resources such as SAT prep (which some studies have found can raise test scores by as much as 100 points). They are also less likely to have parents who graduated from college. They are simply less able to compete against their better-resourced peers. And the reality is that poor Black and Hispanic students tend to go to worse schools and live in worse neighborhoods than their poor white peers. That means, among other things, fewer guidance counselors to help with course selection and college prep. (Arizonas public schools, the worst in the nation when it comes to this metric, have over 700 students per counselor, on average, and counselor ratios are often worst in minority and poor schools.) So when poor white students and poor nonwhite students are compared to each other, as they would be in the case of income-based affirmative action, the white students will often come out on top. In high school, I was focused on my individual experience (as most teenagers are) and gave little thought to the wider societal context. But I have grown up and learned a lot since then. And I have come to see that context matters. Income, schooling, parental education, and neighborhoods all matter. And, despite my desire to deny this reality in high school, race also matters. 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. The Supreme Court handed down a huge win for the rights of Native American parents, children, and tribes on Thursday, rejecting a slew of challenges to the Indian Child Welfare Act in what amounted to the second surprise victory for progressives at the court in two weeks. Its 72 decision in Haaland v. Brackeen is a sharp rebuke to red states crusade to dismantle Congress authority to protect Native peoples as well as a strong affirmation of the federal governments vital role in keeping Native communities together. While the court left open the door to future challenges on other grounds, Justice Amy Coney Barretts opinion for the courtjoined by the three progressive justices and conservatives Neil Gorsuch, Brett Kavanaugh, and John Robertsdoes not sound like a mere stay of execution. It reads more like a declaration that Congress has ample constitutional authority to redress centuries of horrific persecution against Native Americans inflicted by the government itself. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Enacted in 1978, the Indian Child Welfare Act marked an effort to combat the forced assimilation of Native children through brutal and overtly racist tactics. Gorsuch recounted this history in his stirring concurrence, and it is worth repeating to illustrate why the law is so important. In the 1870s, the federal government launched a campaign to wipe out tribal identities by creating Indian boarding schools. Native children were abducted from their families, prohibited from practicing any cultural traditions, denied contact with their tribes, and forced to abandon all traces of their Indigenous identity. Children who disobeyed these commands were beaten, sometimes to death. Sexual abuse, disease, and starvation ran rampant. The government funded these schools using the profits collected from selling Native land. Advertisement In the 20th century, the quest for total assimilation devolved from the federal government to the states. Local governments regularly snatched Native children from their families and tribes and adopted them out to white parents. As Gorsuchs concurrence described, this willful, systematic family separation rested on prejudiced beliefs about Native parents inherent inferiority, and it devastated tribal membership for decades. Congress passed the Indian Child Welfare Act in 1978 to address the problem. The law establishes several important safeguards that apply to adoption and foster care proceedings in state court. When adjudicating custody of a Native child, state courts must notify the tribe in which the child is enrolled (or is eligible for enrollment) and allow it to intervene. Courts must also adhere to a series of federal mandates by, for instance, making active efforts to avoid breaking up Native families and transmitting records to the secretary of the interior. When placing the child in a new home, the court must give preference to their extended family or other members of their tribe. But it can override these preferences whenever it has good cause to do so. Advertisement Advertisement Brackeen began when several foster parents, joined by the state of Texas, asked the federal judiciary to destroy the ICWA in its entirety. Their lawsuit was designed to strip away Congress overall power to protect Native people and their land from exploitation by states and corporations. For that reason, corporate attorneys lined up to support these plaintiffs, pouring money into the effort to subvert tribal sovereignty. They raised three major arguments: First, the law exceeds Congress constitutional authority; second, it unlawfully commandeers the states; and third, it violates equal protection principles by classifying children on the basis of race. Related from Slate David H. Gans John Roberts Just Told Congress How to Fix Bad Supreme Court Decisions Read More On Thursday, the court rejected the first two arguments on the merits and turned away the third on standing grounds. Barretts majority opinion explained that Congress muscular constitutional power to regulate commerce with the Indian Tribes extends well beyond mere trade, allowing regulation in areas of criminal law, domestic violence, employment, property, tax, and family relations. And these sweeping powers strictly limit states own authority to interfere with tribal affairs. From an originalist perspective, this analysis is clearly correct. One of the Articles of Confederations main flaws was its effort to divide control over Indian affairs between the states and the central government, a failed experiment that led to violent, state-sanctioned white settlement of Native lands. In drafting the Constitution, then, the Framers shifted this authority to the federal government. Ample historical evidence illustrates that they defined commerce among the tribes very broadly to encompass an array of noneconomic activitiesincluding the adoption of children. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement So, Barrett concluded, Congress power to regulate the adoption of Native children is well settled. It follows that when the ICWA used this power to stop state courts from breaking up Native families, the law triggered no constitutional concerns. The plaintiffs claim that the ICWA somehow commandeers the states, in violation of the 10th Amendment, Barrett wrote, runs headlong into the Constitution. The Supremacy Clause ensures that when Congress enacts a valid statute, state law is naturally preempted to the extent of any conflict with a federal statute. The ICWA constitutes a valid effort to set the rules of the road for state court proceedings involving Native children, so the specific requirements it imposes on the states are perfectly lawful. As Barrett put it tartly: End of story. Advertisement Advertisement Finally, Barrett turned away the plaintiffs equal protection claims on standing grounds. The foster parents, she explained, asked for an injunction against the secretary of the interior to block the ICWAs enforcement. But the secretary does not enforce the law; states do. So an injunction against the secretary, or any other federal official, would not remedy the alleged injury. And because they did not seek a plausible remedy, the foster parents do not have standing. Meanwhile, Texas lacks standing because states have no right to raise equal protection claims on their own or on behalf of their residents. Its creative arguments notwithstanding, Barrett concluded, Texas could not demonstrate an actual injury in fact. Advertisement Kavanaugh joined the opinion in full but warned that he felt the equal protection issue is serious because the ICWA discriminated on the basis of the childs race. That is incorrect. The Supreme Court has long held that tribal membership or eligibility is a political classification subject to relaxed scrutiny under the Constitution. This view aligns with that of the Framerswho, after all, classified Native people on the basis of their Indian identity in the Constitution. If Kavanaugh is right that the ICWAs classifications are impermissibly discriminatory, then vast portions of the federal code must be unconstitutional, because thousands of laws and regulations identify and regulate Native people on the basis of tribal membership or eligibility. Thankfully, Kavanaughs opinion cannot be squared with the Constitutions text or history, and no other justice joined it. The emphatic tone of Barretts opinion, along with her refusal to plant any time bombs on the equal protection issue, implies that a majority of the court does not wish to go down this dangerous path. Barrett endorsed the key constitutional principles upon which the ICWA rests, and it is difficult to see her obliterating the law on different grounds in the future. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The dissents from Justices Clarence Thomas and Samuel Alito are disgraceful. Thomas holds the radical view that Congress has no general power to regulate Native affairs, a position rooted in a law review article that has been meticulously, comprehensively debunked. It is the height of intellectual insincerity for the justice to cling to these views after they have been so thoroughly rebutted by real historical evidence. Alitos narrower dissent reads like an ode to the White Savior, insisting that if Congress actually cared about Native children, it would let Texas remove them from their tribes and place them with loving white families. Gorsuchs concurrence implicitly rebukes Alitos vision of the states allegedly legitimate role in depriving children of their Native heritage. Brackeen is a huge victory for tribal sovereignty and Native families. There will be more challenges to come, but they seem unlikelier than ever to prevail. The decision affirms a principle expressed well by Gorsuch: The Constitution promises tribes sovereignty for as long as they wish to keep it. On Thursday, they kept it. 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. In the coming weeks, the billionaire-backed majority on the Supreme Court will decide an enormous range of critical cases, from whether to end efforts to achieve equality in higher education to whether businesses can discriminate against LGBTQ+ people, just to name two. We cannot know how decisions will come down, but the safe bet indicates well see more blows to our freedoms and more power handed to the wealthiest few. Advertisement Progressives looking to turn around these losses actually have an unprecedented opportunity to step up, speak out, and set ourselves up for electoral gains by bringing the Supreme Court to the fore of public attentionand framing its actions correctly. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement To be sure, the top concern generally on voters minds is whats in their wallets, not whats on Supreme Court dockets. This helps explain why Democrats have been tepid, at best, in responding to the ongoing radicalization of the court. It was more than two years ago that Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer offered stern words about how the court would pay the price if it overturned Roe v. Wadea warning that was ignored when the court did just that in last years Dobbsand got a stiff rebuke from Chief Justice John Roberts. Since then, beyond a recent tweet criticizing the court for handing corporations license to poison our water, Schumer has said next to nothing. Advertisement Senate Judiciary Chair Dick Durbin, in response to Justice Clarence Thomas ethical lapses and pay-to-play palling with billionaire Harlan Crowe, sent Roberts a letter stating that something has to be done. But Durbin, the one Democratic congressional figure with subpoena power and oversight authority to make sure something is done, has not cast himself as the agent in that doing. Democratic leaders must overcome their unwillingness to address, let alone press, the existential crisis that rising authoritarianism presents, this time cloaked in judicial robes. Like the Jan. 6 committee hearings showed, this isnt merely the right thing to do; its also good politicsexposing to voters whats on the line and animating them to come out in defiance. Indeed, new research Ive helped conduct indicates that voters are alarmed by the Supreme Courts rightward shift, see its economic implications, and are ready to vote accordingly. Advertisement In May, the Research Collaborative, a group that I advise, fielded a 1,400-person survey with Lake Research Partners on the Supreme Court. Voters agreed, by double-digit margins, that the Supreme Court rules for wealthy and powerful few and that its decisions take away our freedoms. Conversely, positive descriptors that the court has made the right decisions lately, that it ensures everyone has equal justice under the law, and that its decisions protect our freedoms were all underwatermost by double digits. Advertisement Related from Slate David H. Gans John Roberts Just Told Congress How to Fix Bad Supreme Court Decisions Read More In a split sample experiment, among respondents asked whether a potential presidents Supreme Court nominations factored into their past voting decisions, 79 percent of Democrats and 71 percent of independent voters responded affirmatively. These numbers rose to 90 percent and 76 percent, respectively, for respondents answering about whom they will consider for president in 2024. Similarly, 73 percent of Democrats and 86 percent of independents said theyd factor support for a Supreme Court candidate into how they voted in future congressional elections, up from 39 percent and 51 percent, respectively. Advertisement After hearing a list of recent and pending cases, we asked voters forced-choice questions in order to guard against acquiescence bias. Fifty-four percent worry that the majority on the Supreme Court is taking away our freedoms, as opposed to 33 percent who believe that the Supreme Court is doing its job upholding the law and Constitution, with 14 percent unsure. Moreover, by a margin of 5229, voters believe that the Supreme Court is part of a larger authoritarian movement as opposed to acting independently, leaving 19 percent unsure. Advertisement Advertisement The picture this research paints is clear: Many voters need someone to fill in the blanks for them on what to make of the Supreme Court. And this requires relentlessly repeated messaging that brings whats at stake into stark relief, lest the centrality of this threat take a back seat to the realities of peoples lives. As 538 reported on Tuesday, net approval for the Supreme Courtwhile still 2 points underwaterhas recovered from its nadir of -8 percentage points in July 2022. What plunged this institution from historically positive aggregate reviews to this point? The Dobbs decision to take away Americans freedom to decide and, of course, the constant public discourse that put this issue front and center. As soon as that pressure stops or slows, the courts standing is given the unearned opportunity to recover. Advertisement Advertisement The coalition Democrats relied upon in the past three elections is newly ready to view the Supreme Court as an electoral issue. Democrats can reach conflicted voters and mobilize disaffected voters of the party by drawing the through line between whats happening across red states, among House Republicans, and in Supreme Court rulings. Namely, that a powerful few have purchased themselves what amount to kickbacks from MAGA Republicans in Congress and favorable rulings from MAGA justices on the Supreme Court in order to take away both our freedoms and the wealth that working people create. Advertisement If there were anything for Democrats to learn from the averted red wave last year, its that you win debatesand electionsby setting the terms. Had the midterms been the usual referendum on the incumbent president and economic conditions, precedent and pundits would have been right and Democrats would have been doomed. But instead, in the places and races where Democrats prevailed, it was because they brought abortion, Jan. 6, and the need to protect our freedoms top of mind. We must once again apply that same wisdom to how we confront the MAGA justices on the Supreme Courtmaking clear to voters that our freedoms, our families, and our futures are still very much on the line. Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, June 15) Classes were suspended at all levels in Calatagan, Batangas on Thursday following the magnitude 6.3 earthquake, Mayor Peter Palacio announced. The class suspension, which covers both public and private schools, seeks "to give way for the initial assessment on the effects of the earthquake on school and public buildings and other critical infrastructures." The tremor of tectonic origin hit 15 kilometers west of Calatagan at 10:19 a.m. It had a depth of 119 km. Batangas Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office head Amor Calayan told CNN Philippines that an aftershock was felt earlier in Calatagan at 11:15 a.m. She added that some schools in Calatagan reported small cracks in their buildings. Classes were also suspended at all levels in the following areas: Cavite - Bacoor (including government offices) - Naic Batangas - San Jose - Lemery Laguna Pangasinan - Calasiao - Bayambang Meanwhile, classes up to the secondary level in Pasay City shifted to asynchronous mode Thursday afternoon. American and Iranian diplomats are talking again about Tehrans nuclear program and Washingtons economic sanctions, seeing if there might be some way to clamp down on the former and loosen the latter. On the whole, this is good news. Irans labs are now enriching uranium to the point where they could build a couple of atom bombs very quickly, a development that could provoke Israel or the United States to launch an attack, which could trigger war. Meanwhile, the sanctions are inflicting harm on the Iranian people without weakening the mullahs government in the slightest. No one should mistake these new talks as presaging a revival of the Iran nuclear deal, the accord that President Obama and the leaders of five other nations reached with Iran in 2015 and that President Trump abrogated three years later. That deal is dead, and the chances of renewed negotiations on a new deal are dim as well. However, informal discussions, we now know, have been going on for six months, with the aim of settling into an arrangement thatwithout demanding many commitments or compromises, much less signing a treatymight cool tensions and brake the momentum toward armed conflict. Advertisement In a little-noted speech back on May 4, National Security Adviser Jake Sullivan said that the Biden administration was engaging Iran diplomatically regarding its nuclear program. Just last Sunday, at an exhibition of Irans nuclear wares, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei seemed to acknowledge the engagement, saying that while he would not agree to the dismantling of Irans nuclear infrastructure, it might be permissible to make some deals in some areasit is not a problem. Advertisement What happened in between those two pronouncementsSullivans and Khameneisillustrates the political minefield greeting Biden, mainly in Congress but perhaps throughout the Middle East, for attempting to bring up even a pale version of the Iran nuclear deal. Advertisement The story begins, as we only recently learned, back in late 2022, when Robert Malley, Bidens Iran envoy, met in New York with Tehrans U.N. ambassador about resuming some sort of talks about nukes and sanctions. In early April, still a month before Sullivans speech, Barak Ravid, Tel Aviv correspondent for Axios, reported that Biden officials had consulted European and Israeli officials about a possible freeze for freeze deal, in which Iran stops enriching uranium and the U.S. lifts a small number of sanctions and imposes no new ones. On May 30, Ravid reported that Brett McGurk, Bidens senior Middle East adviser, had traveled to Oman to discuss a possible overture to Tehran, using Omani diplomats as middlemen. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Much of this was officially dismissed as mere rumor, until June 8, when the Israeli newspaper Haaretz reported, as a banner headline put it: Major Progress Made in Nuclear Talks Between U.S. and Iran in Preparation for a New Agreement. The next day, Laura Rozen, one of the most astute American chroniclers of U.S.-Iran relations, reported in her Substack column that the Axios and Haaretz stories were products of deliberate (and somewhat exaggerated) leaks from Israeli officials meant to scuttle any revival of diplomacyeven toward a limited dealbetween Washington and Tehran. Though many Israeli military and intelligence officers viewed the Iran nuclear deal as preferable to no deal at all, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu saw it as a major threat and played a major role in persuading Trump to pull out of itand in persuading a bipartisan majority in Congress to oppose it as well. Biden is also in the process of making amends with Saudi Arabia, mainly to keep oil prices (and therefore Russian revenue from oil prices) down. The Saudis, along with other Sunni leaders, are suspicious of any overtures that might help Iran. Thus a leak about negotiations, before they bore any fruit, could spur a backlash on several levels, at several locales, grinding any talks to a halt. Advertisement Advertisement Related from Slate Fred Kaplan Why Are We Still Living With One of Trumps Dumbest Decisions? Read More The deal under discussion is not nearly as wide-ranging as the 2015 deal, which was formally known as the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA). Under the JCPOA, Iran agreed to dismantle nearly all of its nuclear infrastructure and to open suspect sites to intrusive inspection. In exchange, the U.S. would lift most of its economic sanctions against the Islamic Republic. In the three years that the deal was in effect, the International Atomic Energy Agency reported that Tehran was in compliance with the terms and schedule of the accord. Under the new arrangement, if both sides nail it down, Iran would stop enriching uranium beyond current levels, stop its proxies from attacking American contractors in Syria and Iraq, allow international inspectors back into nuclear sites, free three American-Iranian prisoners, anda significant move in another war zonestop selling ballistic missiles to Russia. In exchange, the U.S. would refrain from tightening sanctions, stop seizing foreign tankers carrying Iranian oil, and unlock some of Irans frozen bank assets, though only for humanitarian purposes. (The money would go through vetted companies to make sure its not diverted elsewhere.) Advertisement One objection to even this deal is that Iran has enriched some uranium to 60 percent purity. If it were to enrich it further to 90 percent (the level known as weapons-grade), it would have enough to build two atomic bombs. And it would take only two weeks for Iranian scientists to boost the uranium from 60 to 90 percent enriched. Opponents of the deal say Iran is too close to weapons-grade to justify any sort of sanctions-lifting in exchange. Advocates of the deal note that it would take Iran another year or two to turn the enriched uranium into an actual weapon that could fit on a missiles warhead. They also note that the JCPOA prohibited Iran from enriching uranium beyond 3 percent. In other words, we would not be in this predicament if Trump hadnt scuttled the JCPOA. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The tension is mounting because both Biden and Netanyahu, however much they disagree on many things, have proclaimed they will never allow Iran to build a nuclear weapon. Yet if Iran is allowed to keep enriching uranium at the current rate, it will develop weapons-grade uranium in the near futureand some will regard that point as crossing a red line. (Biden has not made clear what he sees as a red linecrossing 90-percent purity or turning the material into a weapon.) Both the U.S. and Iran, along with their Omani intermediaries, at least say they want to stay clear of this line, however its defined. We will see in the next few months whether the political pressuresin Washington, Tehran, and Jerusalemwill allow some restraint to take hold. In years past, queer discourse around the annual Target Pride collection has taken on a tenor of loving mockery. TikTokkers roasted the box store for its hideous rainbow-strewn garments. Artists asked: Whats the use of a tank top printed with every single mainstream pronoun? Radical queers mustered a requisite amount of disdain for the company as it profited off the visual trappings of a civil rights movement and the jargon of a marginalized group, but most people I know were more amused than offended (and some were reluctantly delighted): Target had carved out its own little niche in outfitting budget-conscious gays during our holy month. As long as we werent giving the corporation undue credit for what amounted to a business decisionselling products tailored to a growing demographic groupit didnt seem as if there was much wrong with what the company was doing. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement This Pride season, everything changed. Driven by outrage from right-wing personalities and social media influencers, conservatives across the country began starting confrontations with Target employees, filming themselves vandalizing store displays, and calling for a boycott of the store.* In response, Target removed certain items from its shelves and, in many places, made the Pride merchandise less visible in stores. The company instructed managers to take down some featured displays and move Pride products to low-traffic areas. Some Target employees said their stores no longer sold any items referencing transgender identity at all. For queers who have long been suspicious of corporate Pride branding, the situation provides another bit of proof that rainbow-washed corporations are fair-weather allies, equally as eager to convey their support for our rights and safety as to withhold itdepending, of course, on what the market demands. But the question of how much to care about what Target has done is a bit more complicated. Advertisement Ive been thinking about this a lot in recent weeks, as Target has drawn accusations that it is not adequately standing up for LGBTQ+ people. This line of criticism suggests that the Pride products and displays themselves constituted some form of meaningful support (otherwise, their presence or absence wouldnt matter) and that the products were a statement of the companys values rather than a calculated business move (otherwise, the companys selling of Pride paraphernalia would not reflect anything about its principles). Advertisement I have never believed either of those things to be true. To be mad at Target for pulling its Pride items would imply that theres something materially or politically useful about selling mass-produced rainbow tank tops, that the stocking of queer-themed products in big-box stores has a role to play in the fight for LGBTQ+ rights and protections. Advertisement Advertisement Why, then, does the end of the thirsty, full-throated Target Pride tradition feel like a loss? If the product line was never a political asset, why does its rollback still seem like a political threat? Clearly, queer movement leaders believe that there is something to be won when companies adopt the aesthetics of Pride. Kelley Robinson, the president of the Human Rights Campaign, one of the largest LGBTQ+ advocacy groups in the country, recently issued a statement chiding Target for its decision. Target should put the products back on the shelves and ensure their Pride displays are visible on the floors, not pushed into the proverbial closet, she said. Thats what the bullies want. This is consistent with the idea that corporate marketing campaigns during Pride have contributed to the rise in public support for LGBTQ+ rights, in addition to the relative mainstreaming of our identities in pop culture and social discourse. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Im sure there is some truth to this, in an Overton-window kind of way. When Lockheed Martin is sending its warplane-themed float down the Pride parade route, and when one of the largest retailers in the country begins selling T-shirts that say Support Trans Futures, the prospect of LGBTQ+ people gaining (and retaining) civil rights no longer seems so radical. And surely there must be trans and queer people out there, particularly those in hostile families or communities, who feel more optimistic about their livesor more comfortable being outwhen they see a Pride flag hanging at their local Wells Fargo branch. This co-opting of queer celebration happened so quickly, and so shamelessly, in some of the strangest corners of the corporate universe that it seemed to trick a lot of us into thinking that our culture had made more of a decisive, permanent breakthrough on LGBTQ+ issues than it actually had. Advertisement Advertisement But corporations are, by their nature, small-c conservative. They exist only if they make money; public companies like Target are also beholden to the interests of their shareholders. The overwhelming reason companies have sold Pride merchandise or promulgated rainbow versions of their logos is because risk-averse executives have calculated that it is more profitable for them to do so than notand the benefits of corporate Pride participation accrue primarily to the corporations, not to the queers. Advertisement That boost to the bottom line can take a variety of forms. Ads featuring gay couples can make queer consumers more likely to purchase a given product or service. A queer Hilton campaign, for instance, might make some gays feel safer staying at a Hilton propertyor believe theyll be less likely to be asked at check-in if they and their partner are siblings, an insult many of us have endured. And a company with a strong Pride presence may find it easier to recruit and retain top LGBTQ+ talent at a time when a growing percentage of the population is queer or trans. Advertisement Also, well-meaning heterosexual liberals get the warm fuzzies when they see Facebook and Uber disseminating swag at Pride festivals, making them prone to forgive the companies for privacy breaches, labor violations, and the facilitation of genocide. The average center-left American has a stronger emotional connection to their gay loved ones than they do to an amorphous class of exploited workers, and its easier for them to make a mental jump from a rainbow logo to a cute gay wedding than to see the connection between, say, a companys lax content moderation policies and the explosion of disinformation that is burning through the fabric of American democracy. Advertisement Advertisement So it made sense that as American public opinion shifted considerably in favor of gay people in the early to mid-2010s, companies shifted along with it. But corporate Americas eventual embrace of Pride aesthetics should be read as a reflection of the countrys progress on LGBTQ+ issues, not as a strategic instrument that helped bring that progress about. Advertisement Advertisement That is why, for the past couple of years, as anti-LGBTQ+ movements have amassed an increasing share of cultural and political power, companies have started to dial back their enthusiasm for Pride month. Fewer companies appear to be designing those rainbow logos, or theyre keeping them up on social media for just a day or two at the beginning of June. This year, Target, Budweiser, and the Los Angeles Dodgers have caved, to varying degrees, to anti-LGBTQ+ pressure campaigns. Starbucks workers are reporting that their managers have begun taking down Pride decorations, too (though the company has denied the claim). The zeitgeist that once incentivized corporate rainbow-washing has mutated: Now, there are no straightforward wins to be had from festooning ones stores and brand assets in Pride paraphernalia. Its starting to look like a liability, and companies are changing their approach in real time. Advertisement Advertisement Its not that the right-wing elements behind the Budweiser boycott campaign or the spate of Target videos (and abuse toward employees) has attracted a particularly sizable following. By and large, Americans still support LGBTQ+ rights and protections. But the unabashed homophobes and transphobes have gotten louder, the conservatives whod been harboring a latent disgust for queer people have embraced their antipathy, and mainstream political figures have assured them all that their desire to wipe trans people off the map is a righteous crusade. All the excitement and momentum on LGBTQ+ issues is coming from the right. The GOP is passing laws against trans people and gender nonconformity in states all over the country. Its the partys hottest topic this season. Advertisement So its no wonder that the reasonably intelligent, profit-minded executives at American companies have surveyed the political landscape, studied the market research, and decided that its not in their best interest to throw their lot quite so far in with the queers this year. No harm, no foul, no homo: Its not that they dont Love Is Love us; its just that they were never too concerned with us qua us to begin with. Our lives, our safety, our health, our happiness, even our ability to wear a kitschy fanny pack or gender-affirming swimsuit at Pridenone of that was ever any of Targets business. Targets business is money, and when something starts causing it to lose moneyor becomes a political risk that could lead to less moneyit will probably change accordingly. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Even still, Targets Pride rollback feels like a bit of a bummer. I admit that I have found myself, to my profound irritation, wishing that this Pride season were just as filled with lighthearted corporate tributes as it was a few years agothat I could still ridicule the desperate, depoliticized, sexless attempts to ape a message of solidarity through branding. The de-rainbowification of corporate Pride is another sign of the times, a proof point that shores up a set of hardening facts: that the social stigma against homo- and transphobia has been drastically diminished. That white Christian nationalism and its rigid, punitive gender paradigm are gaining power. That violence and threats against a companys employees are an effective means of changing a companys policies, and that a vocal political faction is not afraid to use them. It isnt that weve lost anything of significant value when companies slowly back into the bushes and hide their Pride merch. But its sickening to watch them mirror back at us the terrible truths we already know. Around 3 p.m. Tuesday afternoon, Donald J. Trump presented himself at the federal courthouse in downtown Miami for an arraignment, his initial appearance in a case known as United States v. Trump and Nauta. As is the case with so very many of these trial of the year movie-premiere years were living through, its easy to get hyperfocused on all the cars arriving and the photographers and the flashbulbs and the screaming fans in adorable costumes. Advertisement By Tuesday evening, Trump was headed to Bedminster, New Jersey, for a campaign speech, and after his speech, he had a fundraiser with donors who raised at least $100,000 for his campaign, with all invited to a candlelight dinner. Beneath all of this drama, this lawsuit stands as a deadly serious moment for democracy, for the rule of law, and for national security. And if you read the 49-page indictment filed by special counsel Jack Smith in this case, it is amply clear that the focus of this lawsuit is a grave and ongoing threat to national security, one that imperiled the U.S. intelligence community and the Defense Department in ways that almost defy belief. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement So in keeping with our get-past-the-horserace legal analysis, on Slates legal podcast, Amicus, we wanted to dig in on what this case really involves and why it really matters, and we wanted to do that with Ryan Goodman. Advertisement Goodman is the Anne and Joel Ehrenkranz Professor of Law at the NYU School of Law. He served as special counsel to the general counsel of the Defense Department. His work has made important contributions to the law of armed conflict, human rights law, and U.S. national security law, and he is also the founding coeditor in chief of Just Security. A portion of our conversation is transcribed below. It has been edited and condensed for clarity. Dahlia Lithwick: Given that it seems as though the bulk of the charges are just about mishandling the documents, rather than trying to sell them or hand them off, are we ever going to be able to ferret out Trumps actual motive here? And does that affect how he is eventually charged? Because nobody can tell. It doesnt seem to be about money. It doesnt seem to be about deliberately engaging in espionage. It seems like hes just being Trumpy. Advertisement Advertisement Ryan Goodman: I dont think it affects the charges that are brought, but I do think it affects how likely it is to result in a conviction, because I think if [motive] could be buttoned down, it would be very convincing to a jury, so that they understand the full picture, that they understand the motivation. I think if we had a better understanding of motive, then I think it would also be very compelling as a full narrative, and its still this missing piece. And like you say, I also think that the answer to the missing piece might be: Its Trumpy. Like, its a form of a narcissistic personality in which he just thinks, Its all mine. He thought he was the state; he thinks hes still the state, or the president. Its mine. Nobody else should have it. So its just an extension of himself. He likes to have [the information]; it makes him feel powerful knowing he has it. Advertisement Advertisement And then also sometimes, [hes] showing it off as a trophy, as we know that he has done with other things that hes picked up along the way, like Shaquille ONeals sneaker. Thats why he is showing off his classified map to a political ally; it makes him feel powerful. But it would be really great to have the evidence of it. It might be mixed motives. Advertisement Advertisement Does that change anything? The fact that hes just waving around classified maps because he can, because he thinks theyre his? Or does it mean more if hes actually putting people at risk? The whole framing of this indictment is so painstakingly saying, These are the sources and methods. This is who was burned. This is all the ways in which lives were in danger. So if Trump neither knew nor cared, does it change anything? Advertisement I think it doesnt necessarily changes anything, because its not an essential element of any of the crimes. It just has to prove that he willfully retained the documents. If we do get into a situationthis is not [what] the present charges [are]but [if we get] charges that are based on sharing information, then it might actually have to be shown that he knew that it could be to the injury of the United States. But as straight-up documents, it doesnt have to be shown. I do think one thing that might easily happen in the trial is we have senior U.S. intelligence officials saying that because he compromised these documents, he then compromised certain highly classified programs, and we had to either drop human sources or drop certain programs. That is the kind of remediation that the government would need to necessarily take once they even just see the photograph of the boxes lined up on the ballroom stage, just to be like, Well, we cant assume that that stuff hasnt been compromised. And it goes to kind of a heart of the question as to: Was there any injury from this? And there is potentially massive injury to U.S. intelligence operations, U.S. national security, in that sense. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement I think that could be driven home in a courtroom. And then, of course, it can also be driven home for the public at large to even just understand other ramifications of having so mishandled classified information, and what it means for allied relationships with other governments that are otherwise sharing information with the United States. To say it as succinctly as I can: Theres a prospect this man becomes reelected to the White House. What do those [allied] governments think? Are they going to be sharing information over the next two years with the possibility that this same person who feels the ability to just keep that kind of information in his shower and on the ballroom floor of his public resort might do it again? I think that that has serious current-day implications. Advertisement Theres actually a pragmatic question connected to that that Ive been dying to ask you, Ryan: How much are Jack Smith and his team prepared to disclose about this? Its so clear, as you said, how painstakingly redacted this material is. In order to show how much damage potentially has been done, you might have to burn your own mechanisms of intelligence-gathering and spycraft, and in some sense, burn your own allies. So how do you navigate that? Advertisement Advertisement I think its one of the key issues to watch as this criminal procedure moves forward, because a lot of the pretrial motions will be about this very question, and its also why Im very concerned about who is the judge. Is it still Judge Aileen Cannon making those calls? Advertisement Because under the Classified Information Procedures Act, there is a framework that Congress set up to deal with that very tension, and it is to allow the prosecutors to protect some of the information by allowing them to do a summary of the content of the documents. Thats one version of it. Advertisement But if a judge says, No, Im sorry, that would not provide the defendant with proper rights, because they cant be convicted on the basis of secret information, you have to give up the entire document so the jury sees it and the public sees it, or something like that. Its where [the judge] can draw the line on that; [the judge] has enormous discretion. Advertisement Thats a big concern. So it was remarkable to me and to many other national security lawyers to see the high-level classification of the documents. It must be the case that the intelligence community has decided that they are prepared to risk some level of exposure at trial. And I do think it probably speaks to the intelligence communitys deep concerns about how important this case is for them. It might also speak to the possibility that Donald Trumps action has so significantly burned some of these programs that indeed, thats partly why they can share the documents, because its eroded their significance and value to the United States. Im comparing this to other cases in which Ive seen indictments for very similar things under the Espionage Act. This is a remarkable indictment, because usually the way that the prosecutors and the intelligence community think of it is that they look for the quote-unquote Goldilocks documents. Advertisement Related from Slate Dahlia Lithwick What Will Come From This Indictment Read More The Goldilocks documents are the ones that are not too highly sensitive that it would be exposing deep secrets, but not too low in their sensitivity or classification that it really would not compel a jury. Like youre not going to bring documents marked as confidential. These are not in the Goldilocks zone. Theyre not like the secret level. [The Trump documents] are the tippy-top, top-secret, compartmented information, code-worded. So much so that even the code word has to be redacted. So its really remarkable in that sense. Advertisement Youre hinting here that so much of this is going to be fundamentally unprovable, because youre proving a negative, right? Youre proving what you cant say: that these are the countries that no longer trust us. Yes, these are the programs weve had to shut down. These are the spies who had to be pulled. You cant do any of that. What youre describing is the system in which, in some sense, you go to trial with one hand tied behind your back, because all of the stuff that makes this catastrophic is the stuff that cant be in this indictment, and in fact, cant be proven in court. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Absolutely. The one only other piece thats maybe different than all the times before, in a certain sense, is that I do think the current leadership of the intelligence community is more likely to be transparent compared to their more recent predecessors. This is in some ways growing out of the Ukraine war. The head of [the Office of the Director of National Intelligence] and the head of the CIA have been forward-leaning in declassifying information or revealing information in that situation, and I think they very well might be here, too, given how enormous the stakes are. Ryan, I dont want to waste even a nanosecond of your time on the really dumb claims that are being made about the Presidential Records Act and about the Clinton sock drawer defense [of Trump]. Some of it is debunked by the archives themselves. But I do wonder if there is any merit to some of the legal defenses. Put aside the political defenses. Is there anything that we should be taking very seriously because its a fundamental weakness of the case? Advertisement Advertisement I think the case, to be honest, is airtight, absolutely airtight. The one legal vulnerability that I thought they might have is the venue. If they had brought the case in D.C., they were maybe in deep trouble, because it could have been determined that that was the wrong jurisdiction, because all the activity took place in Florida. And theres this pending Supreme Court case that many in the audience might know about, strangely titled Smith v. United Statesgiven that Jack Smith is a different Smithin which the Supreme Court might very well say double jeopardy applies, that if you lose with Time One [prosecuting in an improper venue], you cannot then bring [the same case] in the proper venue for Time Two. So that was going to be the biggest legal vulnerability I could identify if I were to try to stretch my mind to think, What is his defense? The answer might be there is no legal defense. He committed the crime. I think it really is that. Advertisement If I were to try to stretch it, I would think maybe he can claim: It is true that they were not his documents, but the defendant thought they were his. It is true that they were not declassified, but the defendant thought that they were declassified, and therefore were not closely held national defense information. Well, its not true. His own lawyers told him that [the documents] were not his, and if he were to try that defense, hed have to take the stand. That would be a total debacle. Let me put it a different way as well. Looking at all of the prior indictments for retention of national defense information under the Espionage Act in the last 20-plus yearsand Ive looked at all of them because we wanted to look at similar cases and whether or not this case has been treated like them, seeing an indictment like this. If it were not Donald Trump, I would say of course the defendant is going to plead guilty. And it is the case that when you have these kinds of allegations, they are prosecuted, and then it usually will end up in a plea deal. But if it ends up in a plea deal, then those defendants, high-powered individuals, often get off with very minimal or no jail time. So thats a tragic part of our legal system. But David Petraeus, Sandy Berger, John Deutch: Guilty, guilty, guilty. Pled guilty. And then because of that pleading, they get no jail time. John Deutch got a pardon, as well. This defendant isnt gonna plead guilty. So thats the oddity of it. But it shows just how strong the case is, in a certain sense, to compare it against all these others. More than half of American business owners do not want their children to inherit their business, according to a survey by Versta Research for Wells Fargo. The study involved over 1,000 wealth creators, defined as U.S. adults aged 50 or older with at least $1 million in investable assets. Reasons given for this reluctance range from doubts about their childrens ability to successfully run the business, to concerns that a substantial inheritance could discourage their children from pursuing their own financial achievements. An overwhelming majority of the parents (94%) expressed a desire for their children to carve out their own paths instead of following in their footsteps. The survey found that nine out of ten wealth creators credited their financial success to hard work and determination, while two-thirds emphasized the benefits of a good education. Yet, nearly half of these wealth creators worry about their offsprings capacity to accumulate wealth. Sell Your Business Power Up Your Event's Success Conduct Market Research A considerable number of the surveyed parents provide significant financial support to their adult children. As many as 81% said they would help their children out of financial difficulties. Despite this, nearly half of the parents worry about their childrens ability to build wealth independently. More parents are recognizing their children simply are not interested in joining the family business and are not pressuring them to do so. Knowing what your children are interested in and where their strengths lie is key to effective succession planning, said Michael Liersch, head of Advice & Planning for Wells Fargo Wealth & Investment Management. The results underline the importance of having open and thoughtful conversations about estate planning and business succession to ensure that everyone in the family is on the same page and to prevent potential disruption to family dynamics. For the latest, follow us on Google News. Every small business owner needs some type of security system. The business security systems available can be umbrella-type, covering several aspects, or focused on a particular need. For example, one managed security service provider may solely cover surveillance outdoor camera systems. Another may provide surveillance, alarm systems, 24/7 monitoring, and access control. No matter what type of small business you own even if youre a sole proprietor with a handful of customers you need a cybersecurity system to protect your business and customers data. You may also need to enhance cybersecurity to extend to employees working from home. Sell Your Business Conduct Market Research Power Up Your Event's Success The Importance of Business Security Services for Companies A safe and secure business environment is necessary for the owner, employees and customers. The best security systems are those which best fit your type of operation. For example, if youre running a limo service, you may want indoor and outdoor cameras covering the interior of your garage and parking lot. Having a business security system is critical. The presence of one (advertised by signage) can be a detriment to criminals who were planning a break-in. It can also make customers feel more secure and enhance your companys reputation. Understanding Business Security You can start by listing the aspects of your business where protection is needed. Your list might look something like this: Employee/customer parking area Building Access, including doors and windows Equipment (such as machinery, computers, etc) and inventory Customer data, such as addresses, phone numbers, payment information Environmental Impact (extreme temperatures, flooding, storms) Small Business Security Systems: What You Need to Know Here are the basic types of small business security systems: Surveillance Small businesses need high-quality video surveillance, and the technology for attaining that has dropped in price. The basic home security system type wont make the grade; small businesses need a video surveillance system that includes indoor and outdoor cameras and professional monitoring. Small businesses need high-quality video surveillance, and the technology for attaining that has dropped in price. The basic home security system type wont make the grade; small businesses need a video surveillance system that includes indoor and outdoor cameras and professional monitoring. Business alarm system Business alarm systems can be wired or wireless, with wireless systems most often the best choice. The wireless systems will work when no power, such as a power outage leading to break-ins/looting. Both systems work via sensors placed at key points, such as doors and windows (glass break sensors). The best business security systems include professional monitoring centers that automatically notify you and initiate an emergency response. During work hours, businesses can opt to include panic buttons, which can be activated by contact from an employee. Business alarm systems can be wired or wireless, with wireless systems most often the best choice. The wireless systems will work when no power, such as a power outage leading to break-ins/looting. Both systems work via sensors placed at key points, such as doors and windows (glass break sensors). The best business security systems include professional monitoring centers that automatically notify you and initiate an emergency response. During work hours, businesses can opt to include panic buttons, which can be activated by contact from an employee. Environmental Impact/Emergency system A small business security system for a commercial property may be needed to protect valuable equipment and inventory from disasters such as water leaks, fire, flood or even extremely high temperatures (which can damage sensitive equipment). This business security system includes professional monitoring or alarm systems that activate at multiple points. A small business security system for a commercial property may be needed to protect valuable equipment and inventory from disasters such as water leaks, fire, flood or even extremely high temperatures (which can damage sensitive equipment). This business security system includes professional monitoring or alarm systems that activate at multiple points. Access Control A security solution for access control usually includes keyless entry, using video verification, smart cards, or metric recognition of a fingerprint or face. Small businesses with multiple employees need this type of security system to track who has accessed the property and when. Can a business customize access control security systems to get a track record of employees? Absolutely. A security solution for access control usually includes keyless entry, using video verification, smart cards, or metric recognition of a fingerprint or face. Small businesses with multiple employees need this type of security system to track who has accessed the property and when. Can a business customize access control security systems to get a track record of employees? Absolutely. Cybersecurity This type of security system is one of the top security needs for a successful business. Before choosing a cyber security solution, consider getting a cybersecurity insurance policy. These can often be added to your general Business Owners Policy (BOP). You will most likely be required to have a cyber security solution in place to get an insurance policy to protect your business. Choosing the Right Business Security Service for Your Company Which types of security systems do you need? Considerations include key features, type of security systems, the companys experience handling security for your business, and the customer service (such as professional monitoring) the security company will provide. Some security business services focus on a particular aspect, such as security cameras, while others have a range of services to combine needed aspects. For example, ADT offers customizable packages (with some free equipment) by industry, such as food and beverage, retail, and manufacturing/warehousing. ADT offers various levels of selected services, such as monitoring, number of cameras, etc. Key Features of Professional Business Security Services Do you want to start with barebones security systems which include an outdoor camera and lights which are motion sensors? This type of system is similar to a basic home security system, and you can probably handle this as a DIY project, but will that be enough? Would a basic DIY home security system cover all your business needs? Cybersecurity measures using the latest technology are a must. These companies include a monitoring plan which updates in response to the latest threats and types of access hackers are attempting. One of the benefits of the monitoring plan is that it will also let you know if and when threats were detected and averted. Basic video surveillance of employee parking and entrance-specific areas helps them gain peace of mind regarding their personal safety and manage the security of their parked vehicles. Those areas should be well-lighted and equipped with motion sensors for use after hours. However, without a professional monitoring system plan, you wont be notified of issues or break-ins as they happen instead, you and law enforcement will be reviewing video footage. Alarm systems can be connected to a smartphone app as part of the monitoring plan. The monitoring plan system can be set up to notify police, you and any key employees in case of a break-in, such as one detected by glass break sensors. With the smartphone app, false alarms can be quickly defused. Security cameras can be set up to police specific needs, such as valuable equipment, especially if stored outside (construction and mining equipment, for example). Without a monitoring plan, a security system can still help businesses catch a thief/vandal after the fact. Businesses hosting a special event should consider adding security event planning services. Of course, you can hire a security guard or guards, and you may also want to add security cameras/video and monitoring for the event. Where to Find Reliable Business Security Services for Your Company Okay, you can open an account and put your money with a business security systems provider. How can you find the best fit for your small business? Your Employees Start with your own workforce. Raise awareness through employee training. Did you know that most workplace computer system attacks come from emails with attachments? Make sure that employees who are working from home have secure systems. Networking Join your local Chamber of Commerce and initiate contacts with other business owners. Ask them for recommendations, pros and cons. Law Enforcement Meet with your local Chief or Sheriff and find out how most break-ins or other crimes are happening at businesses. You can ask law enforcement for additional monitoring (drive-bys) during key times. For example, if youre a contractor with tools and other equipment at a job site. Also, ask law enforcement to rate the available security systems by effectiveness. Lawyers Yes, lawyers provide many small business legal services. Those specializing in small business work also know the track records of various companies, including the type of security equipment they provide and its effectiveness. Ask your business attorney for recommendations. Online Search You can do an online search and make comparisons. You can calculate the range of costs, which can include activation fees for monitoring. Two businesses in the same industry can have very different needs for security equipment, depending on their location. Local Directories You may find another small business owner who operates a security company in your area. Youll be helping another local business and gaining the advice of someone familiar with local needs. DIY If youre tech-savvy and handy, you can certainly set up a security system yourself. But bear in mind that in the event of a problem, a professional security company wont have your back. Frequently Asked Questions about Business Security Services What are business security services? Business security services can include surveillance, alarm systems, access control and cybersecurity. Why are small business security systems important? Small business security systems are important because they protect your investment in your business and provide greater security for employees and customers. How do I choose the right business security service for my company? Do diligent research, and network with business professionals you trust. Where can I find reliable business security services for my company? You can find business security services from a variety of sources, such as networking with other business owners, getting advice from the legal and law enforcement fields, and searching online and local directories. Market is becoming more competitive. At Wolt, grocery delivery has become the second most important delivery segment after meals from restaurants. (Source: Courtesy of Wolt) Font size: A - | A + Comments disabled Share Share Twitter Facebook Whatsapp E-mail Link to the page While they began operating in Slovakia more than a decade ago, it was only during the Covid-19 pandemic that online grocery shops became popular. Worried about possible infection, some people saw shopping through the internet as a safer way of obtaining their groceries than going into bricks-and-mortar shops. But post-pandemic, the popularity of buying groceries online has not dimmed, as customers like Viera Tomankova, who works in banking in Bratislava, attest. Its convenient and moreover, this way I dont succumb to the temptation of impulse shopping and cant miss sales in bricks-and-mortar shops, so I buy only what I really need, she told The Slovak Spectator. During the pandemic, new players entered the online grocery market while traditional retail chains also strengthened their existing online services. Tesco was first In 2012, the Slovak arm of the British retail chain Tesco Stores SR was the first retail chain to offer online food shopping in Slovakia. It first provided the service exclusively in Bratislava, but later expanded it to other regions of the country. Its service currently covers 3.4 million people or 1.3 million households, which is 65 percent of the Slovak population. This service was very popular during the pandemic, but it has remained popular post-pandemic, Martin Kuruc, country CEO of Tesco Stores SR, told The Slovak Spectator. At one point, high demand the service was often booked out three weeks in advance forced Tesco to put a cap on order sizes. The retailer has continued to expand its coverage, but says its primary focus now is on raising the services quality. It has added same-day delivery, which is starting to become a market standard, and shortened delivery windows from two hours to one. In addition to their home delivery service and pick-up at hypermarket stores, Tesco offers grocery deliveries through online food delivery services Wolt and Foodora (formerly Foodpanda). Meanwhile, other chains have begun offering similar services. Move comes as demand for power expected to increase. Small modular reactors are not to replace existing nuclear power plants in Slovakia. (Source: SME) Font size: A - | A + Comments disabled Share Share Twitter Facebook Whatsapp E-mail Link to the page Slovakia is interested in building small modular nuclear reactors to replace coal-fired power plants and make Slovakia self-sufficient in power production in future. Demand for electricity from households as well as industry will continue growing, said Branislav Strycek, CEO of power producer Slovenske Elektrarne, as cited by the SITA newswire. Renewable energy sources are an important part of our energy future, but nuclear technology ensures stable and safe supplies to the system. The state, together with the most important players on the Slovak market, are applying for support under the Phoenix project. The Economy Ministry and the companies Slovenske Elektrarne, Slovak Electricity Transmission System, U.S. Steel, VUJE, and the Nuclear Regulatory Authority of the Slovak Republic have signed a Memorandum of Cooperation and Joint Action regarding the submission of an application to the Phoenix project. We believe that building new technology, including small modular reactors, is part of a solution to our energy needs, said Strycek. The signing of the memorandum is the first step for us in mapping whether these technologies are suitable for Slovakia. Slovenske Elektrarne is applying for a 2 million grant within the Phoenix project for a study that will reveal the potential for use of small modular reactors in Slovakia. The power producer will contribute 500,000. Related article Related article Ziakova: Ukraine war may spark more nuclear power R&D Read more Small modular reactors not expected to replace Mochovce or Bohunice Slovakia has long-standing experience and can share this experience with its partners in Europe, said Dovhun. Strycek added that at stake is a new era of nuclear power development in Slovakia. In his words, Slovakia is a nuclear powerhouse already, so it is logical that it is applying for the Phoenix project. At stake are smaller power plants that are already in operation today, which means that they can be built for less money and faster, said Strycek. Small modular reactors are not expected to replace the existing Mochovce and Jaslovske Bohunice nuclear power plants in Slovakia, but instead coal-fired power plants and will be a source of stable and zero-carbon energy mix and Slovakias self-sufficiency. The closure of coal-fired power plants, decarbonisation of industry, and increasing electrification means Slovakia will need an additional 2.6 TWh of electricity a year in the next decade, according to Slovenske Elektrarne. A small modular reactor could cover this demand. Related article Related article Slovak energy landscape to change with launch of new reactor Read more The Phoenix project The first step toward the fulfillment of the partnership defined in the signed memorandum is an application for a grant to fund a feasibility study within the Phoenix project. Subsidies for co-financing of feasibility studies are primarily intended for states in central and eastern Europe. The feasibility study will facilitate the assessment of suitability of small modular reactors in Slovakia and propose steps needed for their potential construction in the future. Online grocery shopping, Slovak Philharmonic's last show of this season, and Slovakia's poor fight against corruption. Font size: A - | A + Comments disabled Share Share Twitter Facebook Whatsapp E-mail Link to the page Good evening. Here is the Thursday, June 15 edition of Today in Slovakia - the main news of the day in less than five minutes. Odor's cabinet ends and starts again President Zuzana Caputova appoints caretaker PM Ludovit Odor on June 15, 2023. (Source: TASR) The government of Ludovit Odor will rule with limited competences until a new cabinet is formed after early parliamentary elections in September. Odor's cabinet lost a confidence vote in the parliament on June 15, losing its full competences after a month of its existence at the same time. President Zuzana Caputova appointed the same government to run the country until the autumn. On Thursday, MPs rejected the government's Programme: 34 MPs out of 136 present voted for it, 43 MPs were against it, 54 abstained and five did not vote. The president described MPs' decision as an "immature attitude". Odor described a discussion on the Programme in the debating chamber as a mixture of everything, from primitivism and stand-up comedy to valuable advice. The acting PM was not surprised by the vote. He said that his caretaker cabinet of experts would accomplish all the goals mentioned in the Programme. More stories from The Slovak Spectator website If you like what we are doing and want to support good journalism, buy our online subscription with no ads and a print copy of The Slovak Spectator sent to your home in Slovakia. Thank you. FEATURE STORY FOR THURSDAY 3 Bratislava events to enjoy for free 'Middle Ages in Sad Janka Krala' will be held on June 17 by the Danube river in Bratislava. (Source: Facebook/Gaston) This Saturday don't miss the festival which celebrates different periods of history from the 10th to 14th century. You will see members of historical re-anactment groups in period costumes, replicas of weapons, armour, historical furniture and craft equipment. EVENT FOR FRIDAY Slovak Philharmonic's final show The Reduta House in Bratislava is home to the Slovak Philharmonic. (Source: Slovak Philharmonic) Chief conductor Daniel Raiskin will close the current 74th season with a symphonic concert on Friday, June 16. The soloists of the evenings will be Belgian piano virtuoso Jonathan Fournel and Slovak organist Marek Vrabel. At the end of the month, the Slovak Philharmonic will leave for its fourteenth Japanese tour, which will take place from June 29 to July 10. Ticket: 13 - 16 In other news Ingrid Brockova, the current state secretary at the Foreign Ministry, will be the new Slovak ambassador in Prague . She will take office in the autumn. . She will take office in the autumn. Part of the Act on Political Parties and Political Movements is in conflict with the Constitution , the Constitutional Court ruled on June 14. The provision in question reads that the name of the party mustn't contain the name or surname of a person linked to the party. The court believes that this part interferes with the right to freedom of expression. In the latest report of the Group of States against Corruption (GRECO), Slovakia is among the member countries of the Council of Europe with the highest share of unimplemented recommendations related to the fight against corruption in the parliament. Slovakia did not implement 60 percent of the recommendations and is fifth in this negative ranking. (TASR) Smer leader Robert Fico said that President Zuzana Caputova is to blame for the current state of affairs. "Slovakia is a country that does not have a government with full powers as of December 15, 2022. The president has not taken any measures to hold a snap parliamentary election either in the spring or in June 2023. Instead, she formed her own cabinet from various people who were ridiculed in the parliament today," said the ex-PM. A training for rescuing passengers from the cable car, which was carried out by firefighters and mountain rangers in the Ski Lysa area in Drienica, Presov Region, on June 15, 2023. (Source: TASR) WEATHER FOR FRIDAY: Clear skies. More clouds in eastern Slovakia. Scattered showers or rain. The highest daytime temperature: 27C. Fresh breeze. (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/20230615/ex-pentagon-adviser-macgregor-calls-ukraines-alleged-successes-at-battlefield-meaningless-1111177595.html Ex-Pentagon Adviser Macgregor Calls Ukraine's Alleged Successes at Battlefield Meaningless Ex-Pentagon Adviser Macgregor Calls Ukraine's Alleged Successes at Battlefield Meaningless The Ukrainian military has not made any significant progress during the counteroffensive, as the areas where Kiev claimed it made gains were not even close to the battlefield or Russia's key defensive build-up, ex-Pentagon official and military historian Douglas Macgregor said. 2023-06-15T08:26+0000 2023-06-15T08:26+0000 2023-06-15T08:26+0000 russia's special operation in ukraine pentagon ukraine kiev russia russian defense ministry douglas macgregor /html/head/meta[@name='og:title']/@content /html/head/meta[@name='og:description']/@content https://cdn1.img.sputnikglobe.com/img/07e7/06/05/1110915268_0:160:3072:1888_1920x0_80_0_0_e632e3f7b2d08b9959cf64c4eecddf14.jpg "You begin to look at these reports of Ukrainian gains, you discover that in many cases the areas where they are claiming that they made gains are nowhere near the battlefield, they are not even in the security zone I would tell you there have been no gains at all because everything always finished on the ability of the Ukrainian counteroffensive to reach the main defensive build-up, crack it, move through it in order to reach something of importance like Melitopol; it has not happened," Macgregor told the Judging Freedom show on YouTube. Ukraine has touted its coming offensive since late 2022. It was first scheduled for the spring, then rescheduled to the summer. The Ukrainian government said the postponement was due to a shortage of weapons, all while pushing its Western donors to supply progressively heavier arms, including tanks, drones and fighter jets. Ukrainian troops launched a large-scale offensive in five sectors of the South Donetsk direction on June 4 but failed to achieve their goals, the Russian Defense Ministry said. https://sputnikglobe.com/20230613/why-cant-western-weapons-save-day-for-ukraines-counteroffensive-1111121503.html ukraine kiev 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 ukrainian military, douglas macgregor, russia's key defensive build-up https://sputnikglobe.com/20230615/german-industry-doomed-britains-economy-crashing-iran-president-in-latin-america-1111166032.html German Industry Doomed; Britain's Economy Crashing; Iran President in Latin America German Industry Doomed; Britain's Economy Crashing; Iran President in Latin America German leaders are admitting that their industry will soon disappear without cheap energy and the UK economy is a disaster. 2023-06-15T04:14+0000 2023-06-15T04:14+0000 2023-06-19T12:47+0000 the critical hour radio united kingdom (uk) iran venezuela ukraine hunter biden joe biden mark sleboda /html/head/meta[@name='og:title']/@content /html/head/meta[@name='og:description']/@content https://cdn1.img.sputnikglobe.com/img/07e7/06/0e/1111165850_0:0:1920:1080_1920x0_80_0_0_285430f7aacd04fc6970ef0c40467a7d.png German Industry Doomed; Britain's Economy Crashing; Iran President in Latin America German leaders are admitting that their industry will soon disappear without cheap energy and the UK economy is a disaster. Mark Sleboda, Moscow-based international relations security analyst, joins us to discuss Ukraine. The Ukraine offensive is crumbling as DC neocons start to panic. Also, Germany is running out of tanks.Brian Berletic, ex-US Marine Corps independent geopolitical researcher and writer based in Bangkok, joins us to discuss foreign policy. Western weapons can't save the day for an undermanned, lightly trained Ukrainian force. Also, the China-Russia alliance is flexing its muscle in the Pacific.George Koo, journalist, social activist, and international business consultant, joins us to discuss China. China is moving to resolve the Israel-Palestine problem. Also, top US and Chinese officials are engaging in telephone diplomacy.Dan Lazare, investigative journalist and author of "America's Undeclared War", joins us to discuss the EU. German leaders are admitting that their industry will soon disappear without cheap energy and the UK economy is a disaster.Robert Fantina, journalist and Palestine activist, joins us to discuss the Middle East. Tony Blinken's trip to Saudi Arabia was a disaster. Also, China is moving on to the Palestine problem.Ted Rall, political cartoonist, syndicated columnist, and host of Final Countdown, joins us to discuss legal issues in the US empire. Various US colonies are going after citizens for thought and speech crimes. Also, the FBI attack on Donald Trump exposes them as the modern-day iteration of the Gestapo.Craig "Pasta" Jardula, co-host of The Convo Couch & AM Wakeup on Rokfin, joins us to discuss the Global South. The President of Iran is engaged in a business and diplomatic tour of Latin America. Also, the US may be pushing regime change in Colombia.Miko Peled, author, and activist, joins us to discuss Israel. Israel is ramping up home demolitions. Also, the US is moving to advance the failed Abraham Accords.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. united kingdom (uk) iran venezuela ukraine china israel palestine taiwan 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, german industry, uk economy, ukraine offensive, china-russia alliance, israel-palestine problem, blinken's trip to saudi arabia, global south, ebrahim raisi latin america tour Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, June 15) "Draw the line." That was former Senate President Franklin Drilon's advice to the chamber's current leader as he spoke out against the "erosion of the prestige of the Senate as an institution" due to the "lack of decorum" among some senators. In an interview with reporters on Thursday, Drilon said for one, he noticed "very noisy" sessions when he would watch the proceedings online. Just last month, first-time Senator Robin Padilla drew flak as a video of him struggling to make a motion during a plenary session trended online. That same month, Senator Ronald "Bato" dela Rosa was accused of debasing the Senate as an institution when he knelt before drug-linked cops, begging them to tell the truth during a committee hearing. "With all due respect and I hope my former colleagues are not onion skinned, I am compelled to comment on what the public perceives to be an erosion of the prestige of the Senate as an institution, principally brought about by what is perceived to be the lack of decorum on the part of certain senators," Drilon said. He said while Senate President Juan Miguel "Migz" Zubiri is often called "Mr. Congeniality," he should draw the line "because upholding and restoring the prestige of the Senate is a burden on his shoulder." Asked what Zubiri should do, Drilon said, "show displeasure with what is happening." "I don't want to lecture him. He knows what it takes. What is important is he should realize and I'm sure he does, that this kind of situation cannot go on," the veteran former lawmaker said, adding that proper decorum does not even have to be stated in the Senate rules. "What will you place in the rules? Do not talk?" he said in jest. Drilon stressed the need for the Senate to maintain its integrity as an institution lest it weaken its power to keep the executive in check. "Ang respeto sa Senado ay kailangan ma-maintain [Respect in the Senate must be maintained] in order that the concept of check and balance can be maintained because if you weaken the Senate as an institution, the executive branch will run roughshod over the Senate," Drilon said. Senate Majority Leader Joel Villanueva earlier said senators will discuss concerns on the decorum of some colleagues. https://sputnikglobe.com/20230615/japan-us-discussing-supply-of-155mm-shells-for-ukraines-counteroffensive---reports-1111175167.html Japan, US Discussing Supply of 155mm Shells for Ukraine's Counteroffensive - Reports Japan, US Discussing Supply of 155mm Shells for Ukraine's Counteroffensive - Reports Japan is considering supplying 155mm artillery shells to the United States under a 2016 deal that allows the two countries to trade ammunition as part of their security alliance, US media reported on Thursday, citing sources. 2023-06-15T07:42+0000 2023-06-15T07:42+0000 2023-06-15T07:42+0000 russia's special operation in ukraine us department of defense (dod) pzh 2000 ukraine japan sergey lavrov /html/head/meta[@name='og:title']/@content /html/head/meta[@name='og:description']/@content https://cdn1.img.sputnikglobe.com/img/07e7/05/0e/1110344558_0:160:3072:1888_1920x0_80_0_0_75c843a8f5bb3b909221f2b284771f82.jpg "We continue to work together with Japan and more than 50 countries around the world to provide support to Ukraine," a spokesperson for the US Defense Department was quoted as saying by the newspaper. The Japanese shells will help replenish US stockpiles, depleted by the huge amount of military assistance provided to Ukraine, the report said, adding that Washington has sent to Ukraine over 2 million 155mm shells since the start of Russias special military operation on February 24, 2022. Earlier in June, media reported, citing sources, that Washington had found a way to buy TNT in Japan for the production of 155mm shells. This was necessary, as Japan's export regulations prohibit the sale of lethal goods abroad. Western countries supplied Ukraine with M777 howitzers, as well as PzH 2000, Krab and CAESAR self-propelled howitzers that fire 155mm shells. On Tuesday, the US Department of Defense said that Washington would provide another $325 million package of security assistance to Ukraine, which will include artillery shells, among other things.Moscow has repeatedly warned against continuously funneling arms to Kiev. Russia's Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov has said any cargo that contains weapons for Ukraine will become a legitimate target for Russia. Moscow has repeatedly emphasized that the heavy levels of military aid being handed to Ukraine is only prolonging the conflict. https://sputnikglobe.com/20230129/ukrainian-forces-shell-city-of-donetsk-using-155mm-artillery---dpr-1106793780.html ukraine japan Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rosiya Segodnya 252 60 2023 Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rosiya Segodnya 252 60 News en_EN Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rosiya Segodnya 252 60 1920 1080 true 1920 1440 true 1920 1920 true Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rosiya Segodnya 252 60 Sputnik International 155mm shells, ukraine's counteroffensive, security alliance https://sputnikglobe.com/20230615/mohammad-marandi-new-iran-nuclear-deal-must-be-foolproof-against-violations-1111187731.html Mohammad Marandi: New Iran Nuclear Deal Must be 'Foolproof' Against Violations Mohammad Marandi: New Iran Nuclear Deal Must be 'Foolproof' Against Violations The US has reportedly resumed informal nuclear negotiations with Iran, while President Ebrahim Raisi has touted the blossoming of a new world order amid his Latin America trip. 2023-06-15T14:29+0000 2023-06-15T14:29+0000 2023-06-15T14:51+0000 analysis mohammad marandi ebrahim raisi iran sputnik brics international atomic energy agency (iaea) us talks negotiations /html/head/meta[@name='og:title']/@content /html/head/meta[@name='og:description']/@content https://cdn1.img.sputnikglobe.com/img/07e7/02/14/1107616947_0:163:3000:1851_1920x0_80_0_0_3a0540242875b9968938166c36dfd888.jpg US media reported this week that the Biden administration has been "negotiating quietly" with Iran on its nuclear program, and other issues complicating relations between Washington and Tehran. The "informal, unwritten agreement" being negotiated would require Iran to freeze its uranium enrichment activities at the 60 percent purity marker. If approved, this would be a major concession to the Islamic Republic, being well above the 3.67 percent enrichment limit outlined in the 2015 Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA) nuclear agreement, which the US walked out on in 2018.The American side also wants commitments from Iran on the expansion of cooperation with international nuclear inspectors, a "halt of attacks on US contractors illegally operating in Syria, as well as Iraq, by Iran's militia allies, and a commitment from Tehran that it will not to sell its ballistic missiles to Moscow. In exchange, the US could pledge not to further tighten sanctions (Iran is now the second-most heavily sanctioned nation in the world after Russia), not to illegally seize any more oil tankers transporting Iranian oil, and not push for new restrictions against the country at the United Nations or International Atomic Energy Agency levels.Iranian Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei also chimed in on the nuclear talks on Sunday, saying "there is nothing wrong with the agreement (with the West) but [that] the infrastructure of our nuclear industry should not be touched."Foolproof Deal RequiredIf the Islamic Republic were to return to a nuclear accord, it would do so in a manner that prevents the US or its allies from violating their commitments and dragging their feet, Dr. Marandi told Sputnik.Delving into the history of nuclear negotiations, Dr. Marandi recalled that going back to the 2000s, European countries would make promises to reevaluate their positions on the nuclear issue, but then drag their feet for years at a time after Iran agreed to halt its nuclear activities. Even after secret talks in Oman a decade ago bore fruit and led to the signing of the JCPOA, the US and European signatories began violating their commitments "from day one," according to Marandi, slowing the pace of sanctions relief, and the US even increasing the scope of sanctions. The JCPOA mechanism ultimately fell into disrepair after the Trump administration unilaterally pulled out in May 2018.Marandi said the deal outlined in 2022 revolves around forcing all parties to commit to sequencing that is, a step-by-step implementation of the agreement to ensure that both sides are sticking to its terms."So, since the United States was not going to compensate financially for all the damage that they did to the Iranian people (they killed cancer patients and vulnerable people), the Iranians said okay, then those technological advances and the new infrastructure that Iran had created after restarting its nuclear program after [former US President Donald] Trump tore up the deal those have to be preserved. So Irans advances had to be taken into account, Irans new infrastructure had to be taken into account, and also a framework had to be created to make sure that the Americans carried out their commitments before the Iranians would reciprocate," the political observer said.New World Order Being Created Before Our EyesDuring the Iranian presidents regional tour of the Latin American nations of Venezuela, Nicaragua, and Cuba this week, President Raisi hailed the formation of a new world order of alliances of "independent and freedom-seeking states" created amid the decline of the US global hegemon. "Standing up against unilateralism, realizing the independence of nations, implementing justice in societies, isolating sanctions and war are among the indicators of the new world order," Raisi said.Iran is also pushing to join non-Western dominated institutions like the BRICS group and the Shanghai Cooperation Organization, Raisi added, noting that these organizations constitute the building blocks of a new world order free from foreign hegemony.Asked to comment on these developments, Dr. Marandi recalled that Tehrans warm relations with Cuba, Nicaragua, and Venezuela go back decades, and that the fact that all three are facing similar suffocating sanctions by the US results in a "special bond" among them. Additionally, ties with the trio of nations should help Iran and the whole of Latin America "come closer to each other," especially as the US empire declines, bringing "new opportunitiesfor Global South countries to come together," he said.The same is true as far as Irans interest in joining the BRICS group of countries, the observer noted.For more incisive commentary on current affairs, tune into our Sputnik Radio show By Any Means Necessary. https://sputnikglobe.com/20230605/blinken-reiterates-all-options-on-table-to-ensure-iran-does-not-obtain-nuclear-arms-1110930135.html https://sputnikglobe.com/20230531/iranian-president-raisi-unilateralism-on-decline-in-world-1110819476.html iran 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 iran, united states, talks, nuclear deal, nuclear agreement, talks, nuclear, negotiations, sanctions, mohammad marandi https://sputnikglobe.com/20230615/moscow-questions-washingtons-sanity-amid-reports-of-us-meddling-in-karabakh-1111183621.html Moscow Questions Washingtons Sanity Amid Reports of US Meddling in Karabakh Moscow Questions Washingtons Sanity Amid Reports of US Meddling in Karabakh Informed sources told Russian media Wednesday that the United States is trying to get its foot in the door as a mediator in the dispute between Armenians and Azerbaijanis over the landlocked, mountainous region of Nagorno-Karabakh. 2023-06-15T11:53+0000 2023-06-15T11:53+0000 2023-06-15T12:21+0000 world nagorno-karabakh washington azerbaijan armenia european union (eu) us meddling intermediary threats /html/head/meta[@name='og:title']/@content /html/head/meta[@name='og:description']/@content https://cdn1.img.sputnikglobe.com/img/07e6/09/0d/1100708649_0:160:3111:1911_1920x0_80_0_0_36480b29e18ffdc90a81ed4db717eb29.jpg Reports of Biden administration officials making threats of renewed bloodshed in Nagorno-Karabakh are troubling, and raise questions about the sanity of US mediators, a Russian Foreign Ministry spokesperson has told Sputnik.Reports of threats made by representatives of the Biden administration against Nagorno-Karabakh raise questions about the sanity of American mediators, the ministry added, noting that the "goal" of US policy appears to be gain a new foothold in the region.On Wednesday, Russian media reported that Washington is seeking to force its way into sensitive negotiations over the contested territory, issuing an ultimatum to Karabakh Armenians demanding a meeting with Azeri representatives in the near future in a third country in negotiations brokered by the US. If Stepanakert refuses, it will face a fresh Azerbaijani counter-terrorist operation in the disputed region, according to informed sources.A diplomatic source in Washington later corroborated the information in the media report to Sputnik.US officials have yet to comment.Observers have pointed to the interesting timing of US mediation proposals. Veteran Russian Caucasus politics expert Stanislav Tarasov told Sputnik that Washingtons efforts are meant to give the US a new springboard through which they could contain Iran, and block a major Russian-Iranian transport corridor infrastructure agreement reached in May allowing cargoes to be shipped between the Russian heartland and the Indian Ocean by destabilizing the region and scaring off investment.US and European Union officials held a series of meetings with their Armenian and Azerbaijani counterparts last month, with Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan announcing that Yerevan would be prepared to formally recognize Nagorno-Karabakh as part of Azerbaijan if the security of its ethnic Armenian population could be guaranteed. This move, combined with efforts to push the Russian military out of the region, and remove Armenia from Russian-led economic and defense blocs, has sparked concerns about Armenia being left to the mercy of Western sponsors, with the nation strategically wedged between traditional adversaries Turkiye and Azerbaijan.Moscow deployed a 2,000 troop-strong peacekeeping contingent in Nagorno-Karabakh in the aftermath of the Second Karabakh War of September-November 2020. Russia also has a military base in Gyumri, northwestern Armenia, providing Yerevan with peace of mind about its security since independence in 1991.The Nagorno-Karabakh dispute has plagued Armenian-Azerbaijani relations for decades. The region is internationally recognized as part of Azerbaijan, but has been governed by an ethnic Armenian majority since the 1990s after declaring itself an independent republic. The dispute over the region began in the late 1980s, when the region was an administrative autonomy within the Azerbaijani Soviet Socialist Republic, amid the weakening of the Soviet central government in Moscow, and the rise of competing nationalisms. Several major wars and smaller conflicts have been fought over the territory in three-and-a-half decades, killing thousands and causing hundreds of thousands of people to be displaced. https://sputnikglobe.com/20230614/washington-trying-to-blackmail-armenians-in-karabakh-into-us-brokered-talks-heres-why-1111147719.html https://sputnikglobe.com/20230523/pashinyan-yerevan-willing-to-concede-nagorno-karabakh-if-armenian-population-respected-1110528416.html nagorno-karabakh washington azerbaijan armenia 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 nagorno-karabakh, armenia, azerbaijan, united states, dispute, settlement, threats, bullying https://sputnikglobe.com/20230615/n-korea-fired-2-short-range-ballistic-missiles-towards-sea-of-japan---s-korean-military-1111185072.html North Korea Fires 2 Short-Range Ballistic Missiles Towards Sea of Japan - Seoul North Korea Fires 2 Short-Range Ballistic Missiles Towards Sea of Japan - Seoul North Korea has fired two ballistic missiles into the Sea of Japan from the Sunan region, South Korea's Joint Chiefs of Staff said on Thursday. 2023-06-15T11:44+0000 2023-06-15T11:44+0000 2023-06-15T11:54+0000 military sea of japan pyongyang japan /html/head/meta[@name='og:title']/@content /html/head/meta[@name='og:description']/@content https://cdn1.img.sputnikglobe.com/img/07e7/03/18/1108749424_0:161:3071:1888_1920x0_80_0_0_bf2a027197cc4d36d4fd5290473e5ecd.jpg Pyongyang launched two short-range ballistic missiles from 7:25 p.m. to approximately 7:37 p.m. (from 10:25 to 10:37 GMT) from the Sunan region towards the Sea of Japan, according to the military. The range, altitude and speed of the rocket have not yet been reported. Earlier in the day, media reported, citing South Korean military, that Pyongyang launched an unspecified ballistic missile toward the Sea of Japan. Media reported later, citing sources in government circles, that the missile allegedly launched by North Korea had fallen inside Japan's exclusive economic zone. This prompted Japan to convene a meeting of the National Security Council, media reports, citing a government source. https://sputnikglobe.com/20230604/north-korea-may-stop-informing-imo-of-upcoming-missile-launches--1110900287.html sea of japan pyongyang japan Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rosiya Segodnya 252 60 2023 Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rosiya Segodnya 252 60 News en_EN Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rosiya Segodnya 252 60 1920 1080 true 1920 1440 true 1920 1920 true Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rosiya Segodnya 252 60 Sputnik International north korea, ballistic missiles, sea of japan, south korea's joint chiefs of staff https://sputnikglobe.com/20230615/nato-secretary-general-says-too-early-for-bloc-to-decide-on-f-16-delivery-to-ukraine-1111184843.html NATO Secretary General Says Too Early for Bloc to Decide on F-16 Delivery to Ukraine NATO Secretary General Says Too Early for Bloc to Decide on F-16 Delivery to Ukraine NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg said on Thursday that the time had not yet come for the alliance to make a decision on the timing of the delivery of F-16 fighter jets to Ukraine. 2023-06-15T11:38+0000 2023-06-15T11:38+0000 2023-06-15T11:38+0000 russia's special operation in ukraine nato russia ukraine f-16 /html/head/meta[@name='og:title']/@content /html/head/meta[@name='og:description']/@content https://cdn1.img.sputnikglobe.com/img/07e7/02/0e/1107430400_0:149:3109:1898_1920x0_80_0_0_9b67f492985748d9e2ffee71d760d810.jpg "Exactly when a decision will be taken [to deliver F-16s to Ukraine] it's too early to say, but the fact that training has started provides us with the option to also decide to deliver planes, and then the pilots will be ready to fly them," Stoltenberg told reporters before the NATO defense ministers meeting in Brussels. Stoltenberg thanked those NATO member countries who offered to provide Ukrainians with F-16 training. Meanwhile, Dutch Defense Minister Kajsa Ollongren said ahead of the NATO meeting that the issue of delivering F-16 jets to Ukraine was not discussed at the moment. Acting Danish Defense Minister Troels Lund Poulsen said that Ukrainian pilots would be trained at the Skrydstrup air base in the central part of Denmark. On Wednesday, Stoltenberg said that NATO would begin the training of Ukrainian pilots on F-16s this summer. On the same day, the Dutch Defense Ministry said that a training center for Ukrainian pilots would be created in one of the Eastern European countries. Russia has slammed the possible deliveries of F-16s to Ukraine and warned that the jets will become a legitimate military target for Russian forces. Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov said on Monday that the supply of F-16 fighters to Ukraine would become another escalation, as there is a modification of the fighter capable of carrying nuclear weapons. https://sputnikglobe.com/20230529/russian-armed-forces-able-to-respond-to-training-of-ukrainian-pilots-to-fly-f-16---lavrov-1110770077.html russia ukraine Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rosiya Segodnya 252 60 2023 Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rosiya Segodnya 252 60 News en_EN Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rosiya Segodnya 252 60 1920 1080 true 1920 1440 true 1920 1920 true Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rosiya Segodnya 252 60 Sputnik International nato secretary general, f-16 fighter jets, f-16 fighter jets to ukraine https://sputnikglobe.com/20230615/no-talk-of-extension-if-istanbul-package-does-not-work-until-july-17---lavrov-1111166548.html No Talk of Extension If 'Istanbul Package' Does Not Work Until July 17 - Lavrov No Talk of Extension If 'Istanbul Package' Does Not Work Until July 17 - Lavrov If the Russian part of the "Istanbul package" does not work until July 17, there can be no talk of extending it, Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov said. 2023-06-15T00:57+0000 2023-06-15T00:57+0000 2023-07-17T11:38+0000 sergey lavrov russia istanbul ukraine the united nations (un) black sea economic cooperation (bsec) grain exports black sea grain deal /html/head/meta[@name='og:title']/@content /html/head/meta[@name='og:description']/@content https://cdn1.img.sputnikglobe.com/img/07e7/05/1b/1110629344_0:150:3109:1899_1920x0_80_0_0_04bab363a6ed52770f561930de617338.jpg Unfortunately, the Istanbul package signed on July 22, 2022 is still being implemented only in terms of Ukrainian food exports. The part of the package regarding Russian ammonia is not valid. Now the Togliatti-Odessa ammonia pipeline has also been blown up, Lavrov said at the 46th meeting of the Council of Foreign Ministers of the Organization of the Black Sea Economic Cooperation (BSEC). He said there is still no progress in the implementation of the Russia-UN Memorandum, designed to ensure the real exemption from illegal unilateral Western sanctions for Russian agricultural products and fertilizers. Russia, Ukraine, Turkey and the UN reached an agreement on July 22, 2022 to provide a humanitarian maritime corridor for ships carrying food and fertilizer exports from Ukrainian Black Sea ports. On May 18, 2023, Russia extended the deal, called the Black Sea Grain Initiative, for 60 days, until July 17. The deal is an integral part of a package agreement. The second part - the Russia-UN memorandum, designed for three years - envisions the unblocking of Russian exports of food and fertilizers, the reconnection of the Russian Agricultural Bank to SWIFT, the resumption of supplies of agricultural machinery, spare parts and services, the restoration of the Togliatti-Odessa ammonia pipeline and a number of other measures. Moscow says this part of the package agreement has not been implemented yet. https://sputnikglobe.com/20230614/kremlin-says-russia-can-withdraw-from-grain-deal-after-its-termination-1111149597.html russia istanbul 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 istanbul package, sergey lavrov, russian foreign minister, council of the foreign minsters of the organization of the black sea economic cooperation https://sputnikglobe.com/20230615/pope-francis-to-be-released-from-hospital-on-friday-after-abdominal-surgery---holy-see-1111186495.html Pope Francis to Be Released From Hospital on Friday After Abdominal Surgery Pope Francis to Be Released From Hospital on Friday After Abdominal Surgery Pope Francis will be released from hospital on Friday morning after undergoing abdominal surgery last week, Holy See spokesman Matteo Bruni said on Thursday. 2023-06-15T12:55+0000 2023-06-15T12:55+0000 2023-06-15T19:09+0000 beyond politics pope francis pope vatican hospital /html/head/meta[@name='og:title']/@content /html/head/meta[@name='og:description']/@content https://cdn1.img.sputnikglobe.com/img/07e7/01/16/1106580411_0:0:3042:1711_1920x0_80_0_0_db9f6ff00900fba46ddc019dda72ffa7.jpg "Medical staff supervising Pope Francis have confirmed that the Pope will be released from [Rome's] Gemelli Hospital on Friday morning," Bruni said. The spokesman added that the pontiff's treatment was going as planned, with his lab tests being within norms. Earlier in the week, Bruni stated that the pope's release was planned "in the coming days." On June 7, the Vatican's press service said that Pope Francis had undergone a laparotomy an incision of the abdomen and plastic surgery of the abdominal wall with prostheses, and that the three-hour operation had been completed without complications. Following the surgery, the pontiff's operating surgeon, Sergio Alfieri, said that the pope would have to stay at the hospital for five to seven more days. The Holy See said that all audiences with Francis were canceled until June 18. 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 pope francis, matteo bruni, released from hospital https://sputnikglobe.com/20230615/putin-holds-talks-with-algerian-counterpart-in-moscow-1111181744.html Putin Holds Talks With Algerian Counterpart in Moscow Putin Holds Talks With Algerian Counterpart in Moscow Sputnik is live as Russian President Vladimir Putin and his Algerian counterpart Abdelmadjid Tebboune hold a meeting in Moscow on Thursday, June 15. 2023-06-15T10:48+0000 2023-06-15T10:48+0000 2023-06-15T10:48+0000 russia algeria russia vladimir putin /html/head/meta[@name='og:title']/@content /html/head/meta[@name='og:description']/@content https://cdn1.img.sputnikglobe.com/img/07e7/06/0d/1111116063_0:0:2968:1669_1920x0_80_0_0_3c54aab9add1e3b8bbb555c5671da7eb.jpg Sputnik comes to you live as Russian President Vladimir Putin and his Algerian counterpart Abdelmadjid Tebboune are holding a meeting in Moscow on Thursday, June 15. The two presidents are expected to discuss relations between their countries, as well as vitally important matters on the international agenda.Putin and Tebboune are expected to sign a document on deepening their bilateral strategic partnership, which will complement the strategic partnership agreement inked between Russia and Algeria in 2001.Follow Sputnik's live feed to find out more! algeria 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 Putin Holds Talks With Algerian Counterpart in Moscow Putin Holds Talks With Algerian Counterpart in Moscow 2023-06-15T10:48+0000 true PT70M00S 1920 1080 true 1920 1440 true 1920 1920 true Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rosiya Segodnya 252 60 Sputnik International russian president vladimir putin, algerian counterpart abdelmadjid tebboune https://sputnikglobe.com/20230615/report-biden-administration-weighing-israel-model-for-ukraine-instead-of-nato-membership-1111165251.html Report: Biden Administration Weighing Israel Model for Ukraine Instead of NATO Membership Report: Biden Administration Weighing Israel Model for Ukraine Instead of NATO Membership US President Joe Biden is considering offering a NATO commitment to Ukraine similar to its commitment to Israel. 2023-06-15T00:04+0000 2023-06-15T00:04+0000 2023-06-15T00:04+0000 world nato ukraine volodymyr zelensky joe biden jens stoltenberg russia kiev russia-nato showdown nato expansion /html/head/meta[@name='og:title']/@content /html/head/meta[@name='og:description']/@content https://cdn1.img.sputnikglobe.com/img/07e7/04/0c/1109390334_0:0:3071:1728_1920x0_80_0_0_6dfe15554005d0fd09a7091410c2a18c.jpg The Biden administration is reportedly considering proposing an Israel model for Ukraine in NATO, a deal that would be a limited commitment and not include a collective defense guarantee.US media reports have indicated the Biden White House would pledge to continue providing more military aid to Ukraine, regardless of the outcome of its ongoing counter-offensive. The deal would likely be for a shorter period than the commitment to Israel, which typically runs in 10-year intervals.Kiev and some European allies have been advocating for Ukraine's full NATO membership, including a collective defense guarantee. However, opponents of the initiative argue it would escalate the Ukraine conflict and confirm Russias justification for the special operation, one of which was NATO's encroachment across Europe since the start of the century.Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has reportedly threatened to boycott the NATO summit in Vilnius, Lithuania, next month if he is not given a roadmap for Ukraine joining the military alliance as a full member.Last week, outgoing NATO Secretary-General Jens Stoltenberg reportedly suggested a compromise proposal when he spoke to US President Joe Biden. Part of that compromise stipulated a pledge to continue providing the Kiev regime with weapons, regardless of the level of success of its counter-offensive.The deal would also ascend Ukraine to the council level in NATO, which is the status Russia maintained until 2014, when the relationship between Russia and the West collapsed.US media reported only Germany has so far sided with Biden in his plan for Ukraine; however, other members also have their doubts about Ukraine being ready to join the military bloc.Part of the Biden plan would be to commit the US to Ukraine for longer periods, limiting the amount of public debate in the US over Ukraine aid. Citing Biden administration officials, media reported the plan would bleed some of the politics out of episodic debates about how much aid to commit to Ukraine in the next six months or a year.Some US politicians, particularly since the debt ceiling crisis was temporarily resolved earlier this month, have questioned how long the US should commit to funding the Kiev regime.Any potential ascension to full membership for Ukraine would have to take place after the conflict with Russia is completed. Part of the requirement to join NATO is that the prospective country must first resolve all outstanding international, ethnic and territorial disputes. https://sputnikglobe.com/20230614/us-envoy-to-nato-says-allies-yet-to-agree-on-ukraines-nato-membership-1111149115.html https://sputnikglobe.com/20230613/us-unveils-325mln-security-aid-package-for-ukraine--blinken-1111119467.html ukraine russia kiev 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 israel, ukraine, nato membership, will ukraine join nato, is ukraine in nato, https://sputnikglobe.com/20230615/russia-to-start-testing-fully-self-driving-cars-in-20252026---deputy-prime-minister-1111166924.html Russia to Start Testing Fully Self-Driving Cars in 2025/2026 - Deputy Prime Minister Russia to Start Testing Fully Self-Driving Cars in 2025/2026 - Deputy Prime Minister Tests of fully driverless vehicles could begin in Russia in 2025-2026, Russian Deputy Prime Minister Andrei Belousov said on Wednesday. 2023-06-15T01:50+0000 2023-06-15T01:50+0000 2023-06-15T01:50+0000 russia spief 2023 self-driving vehicles andrei belousov kamaz science & tech /html/head/meta[@name='og:title']/@content /html/head/meta[@name='og:description']/@content https://cdn1.img.sputnikglobe.com/img/07e5/02/11/1082107877_0:160:3072:1888_1920x0_80_0_0_76a496fbcb6c153f744ae8b037257e3a.jpg Earlier in the day, the first self-driving KAMAZ trucks started shuttling between St. Petersburg and Moscow on public highways, transporting cargoes. Belousov noted that Russia was on track to gradually switch to level 5 autonomy in its driverless vehicles industry. The official added that level 5 autonomy vehicles will require what is known as a smart road pavement, which contains sensors and communication elements necessary to interact with the self-driving car. "This is a smart road with broadband Internet access, which allows traffic operator to control the movements of the vehicle online, as if they were sitting in the cabin," Belousov said. He noted that there are currently no such roads in Russia, but the authorities were working on the issue, in particular, by constructing 5G stations, which are required to interconnect between a self-diving vehicle, the smart pavement and an operator. "We have planned everything in this initiative until 2023 and have been proceeding according to the schedule. I'm sure that we will start testing level 5 autonomy vehicles in 2025-2026," Belousov said. The St. Petersburg International Economic Forum is taking place from June 14-17. RIA Novosti, a part of the Rossiya Segodnya media group, is an official media partner and the host photo agency for the event. https://sputnikglobe.com/20230608/russias-yandex-says-launches-self-driving-taxi-in-moscow-in-test-mode-1110993554.html Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rosiya Segodnya 252 60 2023 Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rosiya Segodnya 252 60 News en_EN Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rosiya Segodnya 252 60 1920 1080 true 1920 1440 true 1920 1920 true Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rosiya Segodnya 252 60 Sputnik International spief 2023, russian deputy prime minister andrei belousov, self-driving vehicles, Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, June 15) President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. will be given the recommendation on the request of the United States for the Philippines to take in Afghan nationals fleeing the Taliban, Ambassador to Washington Jose Manuel Romualdez said Thursday. Romualdez earlier clarified that they are not refugees but former Afghan employees of the US government whose lives are in danger and are to be given Special Immigration Visas. He will be given the recommendation whether it is a rightful thing to do, Romualdez told CNN Philippines The Source. This request came to us in October of last year, we are already in June We are talking about eight or nine months since they made that request, he added. In fact it went through our national security clusterThere was absolutely no intention whatsoever that it is going to be a sudden thing. Senate Minority Leader Koko Pimentel and Senator Imee Marcos have questioned the request of the US. For Romualdez, the Philippine government should accept the request since this is the morally right thing to do and that its a humanitarian act of gesture. Weve had this type of tradition for many, many years since the 1920sthe white Russians, the Jewish people that were allowed to come in here by President Manuel Quezon, the father of the president (Ferdinand Marcos Sr.) during the Vietnam war, he pointed out. Such gestures kept the good relationship between the Philippines and the countries that benefited from it, he added. The Senate Committee on Foreign Relations chaired by Sen. Marcos will be conducting an urgent public hearing on Friday to look into the request "due to the significance and urgency of the matter." https://sputnikglobe.com/20230615/texas-gov-busses-migrants-to-la-says-biden-refuses-to-secure-border-1111169891.html Texas Gov. Busses Migrants to LA, Says Biden Refuses to Secure Border Texas Gov. Busses Migrants to LA, Says Biden Refuses to Secure Border Texas governor Greg Abbott has sent a busload of undocumented migrants from his state to Los Angeles, California, slamming the administration of Joe Biden for failing to secure the nations border. 2023-06-15T06:27+0000 2023-06-15T06:27+0000 2023-06-15T06:27+0000 americas greg abbott texas florida arizona us joe biden us-mexico border us customs and border patrol governor greg abbot /html/head/meta[@name='og:title']/@content /html/head/meta[@name='og:description']/@content https://cdn1.img.sputnikglobe.com/img/07e7/06/0f/1111169509_0:160:3074:1889_1920x0_80_0_0_e90a8562eb925148e5c8724cf00d7e70.jpg Texas governor Greg Abbott has sent a busload of undocumented migrants from his state to Los Angeles, California, while yet again slamming the administration of Joe Biden for failing to secure the nations border.Abbott tweeted that border towns in his state were still overwhelmed by thousands of people illegally crossing in from Mexico because of Bidens policies. He added that Los Angeles was a city that migrants seek to go to, particularly now that its city leaders approved its self-declared sanctuary city status. He also made a point of underscoring this was just the "1st bus", in a not-so-subtle hint of more to come.The bus loaded with around 42 migrants, including 8 children, had arrived on June 14 at LAs Union Station, according to local media reports, with a human rights organization taking them to the nearby St. Anthony Croatian Catholic Church. The mayor of LA, Karen Bass, fumed in a statement that it was, abhorrent that an American elected official is using human beings as pawns in his cheap political games. She added that this was a despicable stunt that Republican Governors have grown so fond of.This did not catch us off guard, nor will it intimidate us. Now, its time to execute our plan. Our emergency management, police, fire and other departments were able to find out about the incoming arrival while the bus was on its way and were already mobilized along with nonprofit partners before the bus arrived, she said.Both Abbot and authorities in Arizona and Florida have been resorting to this strategy of sending illegals to so-called Democratic "sanctuaries" in frustration over the situation at the US-Mexico border. Last year, the Texas governor reportedly sent tens of thousands of migrants to Washington DC, New York City, Philadelphia, Chicago. At one point, migrants were delivered practically on the doorstep of Vice President Kamala Harris, whom Biden had tasked with handling the crisis at the southern border. The migrants were brought to the front gates of her posh Number One Observatory Circle residence in September 2022.Florida had joined the fray, with Governor Ron DeSantis, who is now running for president, chartering two planes last year to take 50 migrants to the affluent vacation retreat of Marthas Vineyard in Massachusetts, a Democratic Party stronghold town where the average home costs over $1 million and 80 percent of residents are white.More recently, two flights loaded with migrants landed in California's capital, Sacramento, according to the California attorney general's office.The authorities in Texas, Arizona, and Florida claim their southern states have been pummeled hardest by the immigration crisis, blame for which they say lies with the Biden administration.US Customs and Border Patrol recorded more than 1.94 million encounters at the border during the fiscal year 2022, up from previous record of 1.73 million encounters recorded a year before that. Republicans have blamed the border chaos on Bidens determination to undo everything former President Donald Trump had done. They have denounced the present administrations open border policies and the scrapping of a number of restrictive measures against illegal migrants that had been set in place by the former president.However, according the Department of Homeland Security, unlawful entries along the southern border decreased 70% from the previous record highs since the scrapping of Trump-era pandemic restriction policy Title 42 on May 11. The regulations allowing immigrants arriving illegally by land to be deported over concerns they might carry COVID-19 were dropped by order of the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.US Customs and Border Patrol said there was an average of "3,400 encounters in between ports of entry per day", and less than 300 "non-CBP One Office of Field Operations (OFO) encounters at ports of entry per day, for a total of approximately 3,700 unscheduled encounters per day," according to statistics by DHS released in early June. Over 38,400 noncitizens were reportedly repatriated under Title 8 authorities from May 12 to June 2 to more than 80 countries. https://sputnikglobe.com/20220917/texas-governor-trolls-kamala-harris-drops-off-another-busload-of-migrants-at-her-dc-mansion--video-1100908482.html https://sputnikglobe.com/20220916/texas-gov-abbott-slams-hypocrite-in-chief-biden-after-wh-calls-migrant-bussing-illegal-stunt--1100838329.html americas texas arizona 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 texas governor greg abbott, arizona, florida, strategy, sending busloads, illegal immigrants, to the us capita, major democratic party strongholds, self-pronounced sanctuary cities, situation at the us-mexico border, title 42, scrapping of title 42, immigration crisis, https://sputnikglobe.com/20230615/the-uniparty-will-do-anything-to-destroy-populist-political-candidates-1111165007.html The UniParty Will Do Anything to Destroy Populist Political Candidates The UniParty Will Do Anything to Destroy Populist Political Candidates On todays episode of The Backstory, host Lee Stranahan discussed current events including Honduras requesting entry into BRICS, and the CIA admitting Russia did not attack the Nord Stream pipeline. 2023-06-15T04:24+0000 2023-06-15T04:24+0000 2023-06-15T10:25+0000 the backstory radio washington ufo ukraine honduras china tucker carlson nord stream /html/head/meta[@name='og:title']/@content /html/head/meta[@name='og:description']/@content https://cdn1.img.sputnikglobe.com/img/07e7/06/0e/1111164849_0:0:1920:1080_1920x0_80_0_0_e9fd349b17f17e0b0b2fd19e7c48b51b.png The UniParty Will do Anything to Destroy Populist Political Candidates On todays episode of The Backstory, host Lee Stranahan discussed current events including Honduras requesting entry into BRICS, and the CIA admitting Russia did not attack the Nord Stream pipeline. Jamarl Thomas - Co-Host of Fault Lines | UAP Taskforce, Media Ignore Whistleblowers, and Tucker Carlson MonologuesWyatt Reed - Digital Media Producer with Sputnik | Rep Don Bacon, Neo Cons Unite to Attack Trump, and Honduras Pivots to the EastIn the first hour, Lee spoke with Jamarl Thomas about the UFO Whistleblower David Grusch, multiple countries involved in UFO cover-ups, and the newsworthiness of David Grusch's claims. Jamarl talked about the US government and its involvement with UFO technology encounters. Jamarl commented on Tucker Carlson's coverage of the UFO whistleblower and intelligence agencies involved. In the second hour, Lee spoke with Wyatt Reed about Honduras, Don Bacon fights for Ukraine on Twitter, and Ukraine losing against Russia. Wyatt discussed the over hyped Ukrainian counteroffensive and Russia maintaining its military progress. Wyatt talked about his interaction with Congressman Bacon and the neocons against Donald Trump.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. washington ukraine honduras china 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, honduras in brics, nord stream pipeline, tucker carlson show, ufo cover-ups, david grusch, honduras, ukraine losing against russia, who's winning in ukraine, ukrainian counter offensive https://sputnikglobe.com/20230615/ukraine-continues-offensive-attempts-in-3-directions-in-past-day---russian-mod-1111184485.html Ukraine Continues Offensive Attempts in 3 Directions in Past Day - Russian MoD Ukraine Continues Offensive Attempts in 3 Directions in Past Day - Russian MoD Ukraine continued offensive attempts in South Donetsk, Zaporozhye and Donetsk directions in the past day, the Russian Defense Ministry said on Thursday. 2023-06-15T11:30+0000 2023-06-15T11:30+0000 2023-06-15T11:31+0000 russia's special operation in ukraine russian defense ministry offensive russia ukraine /html/head/meta[@name='og:title']/@content /html/head/meta[@name='og:description']/@content https://cdn1.img.sputnikglobe.com/img/07e7/06/0c/1111086924_0:317:3072:2045_1920x0_80_0_0_27a84bf1b0df32922284e7dbc88a43ba.jpg "The total losses of Ukrainian military in these areas [South Donetsk and Zaporozhye directions] during the past day amounted to 155 military, three tanks, two armored combat vehicles, one French-made CAESAR self-propelled artillery gun, as well as D-30 and Msta-B howitzers," the ministry said. The ministry added that two Ukrainian sabotage and reconnaissance groups were destroyed near the settlement of Synkivka in the Kharkov Region and near the village of Novoselovskoe in the Lugansk People's Republic (LPR).Ukraine has touted its coming offensive since late 2022. It was first scheduled for the spring, then rescheduled to the summer. The Ukrainian government said the postponement was due to a shortage of weapons, all while pushing its Western donors to supply progressively heavier arms, including tanks, drones and fighter jets.On June 4, the Ukrainian armed forces launched a large-scale offensive in five sectors of the South Donetsk direction and failed to achieve their goals, the Russian Defense Ministry said. https://sputnikglobe.com/20230613/why-cant-western-weapons-save-day-for-ukraines-counteroffensive-1111121503.html russia ukraine Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rosiya Segodnya 252 60 2023 Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rosiya Segodnya 252 60 News en_EN Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rosiya Segodnya 252 60 1920 1080 true 1920 1440 true 1920 1920 true Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rosiya Segodnya 252 60 Sputnik International offensive attempts, zaporozhye and donetsk directions, russian defense ministry https://sputnikglobe.com/20230615/who-becomes-next-nato-secretary-general-1111160037.html Who Will Become the Next NATO Secretary General? Who Will Become the Next NATO Secretary General? Europe and NATO remain engrossed in a continuous in-house game, faced with the intriguing question about Stoltenbergs successor. 2023-06-15T20:58+0000 2023-06-15T20:58+0000 2023-06-15T20:58+0000 newsfeed jens stoltenberg chrystia freeland ben wallace united kingdom (uk) germany ukraine foreign policy european union (eu) nato /html/head/meta[@name='og:title']/@content /html/head/meta[@name='og:description']/@content https://cdn1.img.sputnikglobe.com/img/07e5/02/10/1082090658_0:105:2000:1230_1920x0_80_0_0_d292cc6ab0c7610b3b9730de8ab7c763.jpg The competition to become the next leader of NATO is intensifying. Yet, this contest is largely shrouded in mystery, with no clear front-runner emerging. Many alliance members hope to resolve the issue of succession at the upcoming NATO summit in Lithuania this July.Consensus-Based Decision-Making & Influence Dynamics in NATONATO's decision-making process hinges on the consensus principle - there's no voting, and members engage in discussions and consultations until a decision agreeable to all members is reached. However, the power wielded by the US, UK, France, and Germany adds an extra layer of influence to the alliance's cooperative dynamics based on their economic clout. The US officially occupies a top military position in the alliance - Supreme Allied Commander Europe (SACEUR), and does not vie for its political leadership. Nevertheless, US endorsement determines who becomes NATO chief. Generally, it is the least transparent election of all elections ... happens through consultations between powerful nations, a European diplomat told a US media outlet.Challenges Ahead for NATO Summit 2023With the NATO Summit 2023 to be held in mid-July, there is insufficient time for the 31-member alliance to reach a consensus on a new secretary general. NATO's search for an accomplished figurehead coincides with a precarious period it masterminded: the incoming chief will grapple with NATO's warmongering, solidifying NATO support for Ukraine and simultaneously preventing incidences that might badly escalate to direct NATO-Russian conflict.Potential Candidates for NATO Secretary GeneralFurthermore, there are a few candidates whose names have been making the rounds recently. Notable frontline runners include Chrystia Freeland, deputy prime minister and minister of finance in Canada; Mette Frederiksen, the prime minister of Denmark; Ben Wallace, the UK's secretary of state for defence; and Ursula von der Leyen, president of the European Commission.A Glimpse Into Candidates' ProfilesFreeland, 54, a grandchild of Ukrainian immigrants to Canada, is a former journalist and author; shes multilingual - speaks English, French, Russian, Ukrainian and Italian. She has been instrumental in navigating Canada's trade relationships, including renegotiating the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA). Freeland strongly advocates for Ukraine's sovereignty - she voiced her condemnation of Russia's reunification with Crimea in 2014 - and endorses sanctions against Russia, but critics fear her stance may escalate tensions and compromise objectivity in Russia-related matters. In terms of China, her position has been one of cautious engagement economically. She supports a free-trade relationship with China, yet she maintains a strong emphasis on human rights, stating that economic ties should not overshadow concerns about democracy and civil liberties. Her experience navigating complex trade agreements and linguistic dexterity make her a strong candidate for NATO's top job. Freeland's candidacy would likely prioritize the importance of transatlantic economic ties and the role of economic security within NATOs mission. Yet, the balance she must strike between economic interests and political ideologies will be challenging, indicative of broader dilemmas confronting world leaders today.Frederiksen, 45, leading the Social Democrats, a center-left political party, has held the reins as Denmark's prime minister since 2019. A pragmatic approach to social welfare and immigration has shaped her political career. She has ushered Denmark through a policy phase focused on "realistic and fair" immigration, which, while praised for its practicality by some, has drawn criticism from various human rights groups. Frederiksen has also championed social justice issues within the NATO framework, advocating for a more balanced burden-sharing among member states. Frederiksen has not shied away from addressing the pressing issue of the ongoing conflict in Ukraine. Firmly believing in the sovereignty of nations, she has openly condemned any form of aggression and consistently backed the efforts of NATO to restore peace in the region. Her Russia policy balances between deterrence and dialogue, emphasizing maintaining open communication but upholding sanctions when required. Frederiksen's China policy acknowledges its economic significance while expressing concerns about human rights and the rule of law. Frederiksen could emphasize social justice issues within the NATO context and stress the need for more balanced burden-sharing among member states.Wallace, 53, has a considerable understanding of NATOs military structure and goals. Since 2019, he has handled critical defence matters, including Britains nuclear deterrent and cybersecurity threats. Before politics, Wallace was a commissioned officer in the Scots Guards. As a member of the Conservative Party, he is right of center politically. His tenure as UKs defence secretary saw him navigating the UK's defence landscape post-Brexit. Concerning the Ukrainian conflict, Wallace has supported a unified NATO response, encouraging non-escalatory strategies to resolve the situation. His understanding of Eastern Europe's geopolitical intricacies is evident in his approach. Wallace's perspective on Russia echoes the sentiments of the Conservative Party, characterized by caution. Wallace has repeatedly voiced concerns over Russia's global influence, highlighting the necessity of robust countermeasures without directly provoking conflict. He focuses on preventing direct conflict while addressing Russia's actions in multiple arenas.Regarding China, Wallace has exhibited a nuanced understanding of the emerging superpowers role in global geopolitics. His candidacy could underline the importance of engaging China strategically and diplomatically, emphasizing economic cooperation and mutual respect. His candidacy could highlight the importance of NATOs traditional defence priorities, such as nuclear deterrence, while promoting increased collaboration on emerging threats, including cyber and information warfare. However, critics argue that Wallace's military-centric perspective could limit his approach to nuanced diplomacy, especially with countries like Russia and China. Yet, there may be concerns about his ability to balance military interests with diplomatic and economic realities in a rapidly evolving geopolitical landscape.Ursula von der Leyen, at 64, has an undeniable presence within the European Union. An affiliate of Germany's center-right Christian Democratic Union, her political beliefs align mainly with the principles of the social market economy. She has a formidable record as Germany's former defence minister, a position that saw her pushing for a stronger, more proactive EU on the global landscape. One of her bolder propositions was the creation of an EU army. Running as a candidate, she champions further integration of EU and NATO security structures and seems poised to advance the influence of European nations within the alliance.Von der Leyen maintains a clear and unwavering stance on the Ukraine conflict. She consistently underscores the EU's commitment to Ukraine's sovereignty and territorial integrity, often calling for a diplomatic solution while advocating for continued sanctions on Russia. However, critics argue this approach might inadvertently push Russia further east, strengthening its alliances with China and other Asian powers.As for China, von der Leyen adopts a multifaceted perspective. She acknowledges the economic significance of the Asian giant and supports the continuation of trade relations. Despite these concerns, von der Leyen's candidacy could symbolize a pivotal moment for the EU. Her insistence on an integrated EU-NATO security structure and a more assertive global role for European countries might lead to a more cohesive and forceful union. Her critics caution that such integration might dilute national sovereignty and overextend the EU's capabilities. Thus, her tenure will likely be a balancing act between pursuing a united front and acknowledging individual state interests. https://sputnikglobe.com/20230615/nato-secretary-general-says-too-early-for-bloc-to-decide-on-f-16-delivery-to-ukraine-1111184843.html united kingdom (uk) germany ukraine Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rosiya Segodnya 252 60 2023 Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rosiya Segodnya 252 60 News en_EN Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rosiya Segodnya 252 60 1920 1080 true 1920 1440 true 1920 1920 true Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rosiya Segodnya 252 60 Sputnik International nato, jens stoltenberg, nato secretary general, nato summit in lithuania, nato's decision-making process, consensus principle, us, uk, france, germany, supreme allied commander europe, saceur, nato summit 2023, 31-member alliance, nato-russian conflict, nato support for ukraine, chrystia freeland, deputy prime minister and minister of finance in canada, metter frederiksen, the prime minister of denmark, ben wallace, the uk's secretary of state for defence, ursula von der leyen, president of the european commission, north american free trade agreement, nafta, social democrats, center-left political party, policy of "realistic and fair" immigration, denmark, scots guards, post-brexit, brexit, natos traditional defense priorities, britains nuclear deterrent, natos military structure and goals, conservative party, uk, uks defence secretary, european union, center-right, center-right christian democratic union, von der leyen, germany's defence minister, russia-ukraine conflict, eu and nato security https://sputnikglobe.com/20230615/zelensky-spouted-lies-to-americans-claiming-ukraine-was-not-planning-to-attack-russia-1111173401.html Zelensky Spouted Lies to Americans, Claiming Ukraine Was Not Planning to Attack Russia Zelensky Spouted Lies to Americans, Claiming Ukraine Was Not Planning to Attack Russia Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky blatantly lied when he vowed to Americans that, "We are not planning to attack Russia during his United States visit last year, a US report underscored. 2023-06-15T13:33+0000 2023-06-15T13:33+0000 2023-06-15T13:33+0000 us ukraine crisis volodymyr zelensky joe biden john kirby vladimir putin weapons military /html/head/meta[@name='og:title']/@content /html/head/meta[@name='og:description']/@content https://cdn1.img.sputnikglobe.com/img/07e6/0c/16/1105694496_0:0:2997:1686_1920x0_80_0_0_55b4fa57351406f1d35573b53c5b20a4.jpg Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky blatantly lied when he vowed to Americans that, "We are not planning to attack Russia during his media tour of the United States last year, a US report underscored.While such claims were echoed by the Biden administration, with the US president insisting that "We are not encouraging or enabling Ukraine to strike beyond its borders," by now there is no longer any reasonable doubt that Ukraine is doing just that, and in an increasingly aggressive manner, added the media outlet.Ukraine, armed with vast amounts of military assistance from the US and its NATO allies, has been continuing to carry out attacks against Russia's newly admitted territories, including the Donetsk and Lugansk People's Republics, and the Zaporozhye and Kherson Regions. The Kiev regime's forces are also conducting drone attacks targeting civilian infrastructure and military assets in other regions of the Russian Federation. Ukrainian saboteurs have also attempted incursions across Russia's southern border. Furthermore, the West continues to push the Kiev regime towards further fuelling the escalation by funneling more weapons packages to Ukraine, while at the same time blatantly dismissing any responsibility for the use of its armaments. A case in point was when this "military assistance" was flaunted by Ukrainian saboteurs who infiltrated Russia's Belgorod Region in late May. However, the mainstream US media politically, ideologically, and emotionally invested in the US proxy war with Russia in Ukraine - shrugs off such developments, displaying no critical interest, stated the report. It cited a recent case when a renowned Atlanta-based cable news channel carried a story reporting that unnamed "senior US officials" had confided that despite the fact they had "condemned the strikes inside Russia" publicly, they privately "believe the cross-border attacks are a smart military strategy."The Ukrainian regimes forces have been targeting Russian border communities with US-furnished weaponry, and even American mainstream media reported that the troops "lobbed shells and missiles on residential areas," aiming their attacks at "no apparent military target," it was underscored.The author speculates whether the scope of the war effort was ever plainly disclosed to Americans - the chief financial sponsors of the Ukraine war effort", or whether they are aware of the potentially foreboding implications.Just recently, the US unveiled another $325 million aid package to Ukraine, which is in the middle of a bogged-down and failing counteroffensive against Russian lines. The tranche includes ammunition for anti-air and anti-tank weapons, several types of armored fighting vehicles, artillery shells, and a variety of support equipment. Russia has repeatedly slammed Washington and its allies over their continued arms deliveries to the Kiev regime, pointing to the danger they pose in escalating the crisis and facilitating weapons smuggling.Amid increased incursions, sabotage attacks, and shelling of the Russian border regions by Ukraine's forces, President Vladimir Putin recently said at a meeting with military journalists that Moscow could respond by creating a "sanitary zone" for the sake of security.The Russian president emphasized that the Kremlin has to see how the situation unfolds before taking any further decisions on the issue. https://sputnikglobe.com/20230614/new-us-arms-package-shows-qualitative-change-underway-for-ukrainian-army-1111153485.html https://sputnikglobe.com/20230613/putin-ukraine-fails-in-all-directions-of-counteroffensive-1111116289.html Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rosiya Segodnya 252 60 2023 Svetlana Ekimenko Svetlana Ekimenko News en_EN Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rosiya Segodnya 252 60 1920 1080 true 1920 1440 true 1920 1920 true Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rosiya Segodnya 252 60 Svetlana Ekimenko ukrainian president, volodymyr zelensky, lied, vowed to americans, not planning to attack russia, administration of us president joe biden, not encouraging or enabling ukraine, to strike beyond its borders, cross-border raids, drone-strike on the kremlin, barrage on residential moscow neighborhood, us proxy war with russia in ukraine Horse Racing New Brunswick will play host to a six-dash harness racing card on Saturday (June 17) at Connell Park in Woodstock, N.B. Post time will be at 1 p.m. on Saturday featuring leg one of the New Brunswick Breeders Stakes that will be split into two divisions worth $13,000 each. Leading the filly division is the Janice Hubbard owned-trained and bred Nanny Bernice, who was the two-year-old filly champion of the N.B Breeders last season. She will have the advantages of post one and the services of top catch-driver Todd Trites. She will take on three rivals in the second race of the day. Nanny Bernice has already won this season in her three-year-old campaign in Prince Edward Island. In her last outing, she was a winner in 1:57.2. She made more than $26,000 last year. In the colt division, New Shooter will be the one to beat, after two straight victories since moving the Rennison Racing stable. He was a $32,000 yearling purchase in the Atlantic Classic Sale in 2021. He's owned by Brady Doyle and Dan Belliveau and shows a new record two starts back in 1:56 over Truro Raceway. The top class of the afternoon for overnight horses features another Rennison trainee with American Risk and catch-driver Todd Trites in the bike. Risky Bizz Group owns the pacer, who won at Woodstock last week in 2:00 over an off track. Bettim Again, who was a winner over Rideau Carleton Raceway this year in 1:54.1, will also be one to watch in this race from post four. John Davidson will catch-drive for owners Jeff Lilley, Blair Maclauchlan and Ian MacDonald. Horse Racing New Brunswick would like to extend gratitude to horsemen and women who will take part in Saturday's card at Woodstock. The association is hoping to be able to livestream this week's card. Wagering is available through H.P.I. To view Saturday's harness racing entries, click the following link: Saturday Entries - Connell Park (Woodstock, N.B.). (Horse Racing New Brunswick) Win or lose, there are performances that help solidify the legacy of champions. The 2023 Pepsi North America Cup elimination effort from Voukefalas might down as that race, given that he had every right to not qualify for the million-dollar final and simply chose not to quit. Moments like the one in that first turn at Woodbine Mohawk Park on Saturday, June 10 also provide connections with gut-wrenching emotions. Trainer Michael Russo couldn't pull his hair out, but his heart rate definitely increased when his talented pacing colt nearly took a literal nose dive onto the Campbellville, Ont. oval. "The paddock's in the first turn so I'm on the track basically watching him and not the TV, so everything was right in front of my face," Russo told Trot Insider at the 2023 Pepsi North America Cup post draw on Tuesday, June 13. "Obviously [it was] nerve-wracking...on-off break, get on, and then literally almost went to his nose. And then settled in. "For some reason, once he settled, I was not concerned about him. I knew he would be fine. For whatever reason, that feeling came over me." And Russo was right. Once driver Jordan Stratton was able to collect the colt and find a spot along the pylons, Voukefalas valiantly finished second by a head to Christchurch in the first N.A. Cup elim with his mile timed in 1:48.4. "He raced a tremendous race, huge last half. Very few horses have the kind of speed he has...he's got incredible speed, and he proved it against top horses." He'll have to prove it again this Saturday, June 17 in the $1 million Pepsi North America Cup final. Voukefalas will leave from post six, and he's listed as the 5-1 fourth choice on the morning line with lower odds than the horse that beat him in his elimination. Clearly that recovery and performance didn't go unheralded. As of press time, he's the second choice in the current Standardbred Canada web poll on who fans think will win the 2023 N.A. Cup. The obvious question for Russo on Tuesday pertained to the colt's equipment, and whether or not there would be any changes to his gear between the elimination and final. "[Jordan] said 'put his shadow roll back on him.' He raced with it last year, I didn't train him down with it this year. He's used to everything back home and knows where everything is on the track. He'll look at stuff but I just figured he was pretty much over it." The shadow roll will join knee boots and a slight hopple adjustment for Voukefalas heading into Saturday as the son of Lazarus-Inittowinafortune looks to provide trainer Russo and owner/breeder Michael Pagonas of Saddle River, New Jersey with their first North America Cup title in their first appearance. The veteran trainer knows he cannot rely on beginner's luck in a race of this stature but enters Saturday's test with the utmost confidence in his stable star despite readily admitting this group has nine legitimate threats to defeat him. "There's literally 10 horses that can win. You could not knock any horse in this race...I don't study the races as much as I did when I was younger, but I don't remember many races when there was this stacked of a field. All of these horses are good horses." Few would argue. That said, there are a multitude of factors that go into being connected to one of those 10 good horses fortunate enough to race in Canadian harness racing's preeminent event. The slightest miscue can and often does equal disaster. Russo's honest words and friendly demeanour clearly illustrate his recognition and appreciation for the fact that he was in attendance at the post draw, against the odds, as the trainer of a North America Cup finalist. "To go in knowing you have no leeway, no margin for error...you have to be right on the wire with these horses to get in. And even then, you're going to be subject to a post draw. If this is my mark on the business, if I can leave this horse winning this race, that would be great for me and I will retire off of that and say 'I did what I could for this business.' "He's proven things to me from day one...This horse has never been bad." Find out who Russo thinks is the biggest threat to his colt on Saturday, hear about the respect he has for his fellow trainers and more in this interview from Tuesday. To view Saturdays harness racing entries, click one of the following links: Pepsi North America Cup Night -- Saturday Entries || North America Cup Card Program Pages (courtesy TrackIT). The most extraordinary, difficult, rewarding and frustrating thing hes ever experienced is how co-owner Marvin Katz described Tall Dark Strangers three-year-old campaign where he won 11 times and earned more than $1.4 million in the middle of the COVID-19 pandemic. One of those 11 wins was his 2020 Pepsi North America Cup victory. The son of Bettors Delight became the first horse to win the Metro Pace and Breeders Crown at two, and the Pepsi North America Cup and Meadowlands Pace at three. The final of the NA Cup was one of the most extraordinary experiences that Ive ever had, said Katz. When he won, everyone was overjoyed. [Driver] Yannick Gingras was crying, and my wife Lynn and I were hugging and kissing each other. It was just the relief of all the things that had gone on, the logistics, all the challenges and celebrating the magnificence of the horse. Katzs involvement with Tall Dark Stranger began at the 2018 Lexington Select Yearling Sale. Jimmy Takter and Nancy were together and Tall Dark Stranger was on the floor, said Katz. Jimmy called me over and said, 'This is the best horse here, you have to be part of him. I said, Great Im in, and that was the entire discussion. Tall Dark Stranger brought $330,000 in the sales ring and was an instant success when he began to race. He won his debut baby race at the Meadowlands, before heading north of the border to win a leg of the Dream Maker and a pair of Ontario Sires Stakes Gold divisions at Woodbine Mohawk Park. Its gratifying when a horse is able to fulfill its potential because, of course, many dont, said Katz. All of the rules and principles that you use are justified and rewarded and its as exciting as it can get. Ive been asked many times what it feels like and tried different analogies, but it just feels like youre on top of the mountain. After his standout two-year-old season, Tall Dark Stranger came into his three-year-old year with high expectations. Its difficult for a two-year-old to repeat their success at the best of times, never mind when the entire world shuts down in March, just as training is ramping up for the summer stakes season. The various COVID-19 restrictions created a jumbled racing calendar with the North America Cup moved to August. By then, Tall Dark Stranger had proved he was up to the task and then some winning the Meadowlands Pace and Cane Pace. There were a number of logistical challenges to overcome just to compete in the Cup, starting with getting the horse to Canada and ensuring his regular pilot Yannick Gingras would be able to drive him. Trainer Nancy Takter handled the shipping and Katz secured Gingras a cottage on Lake Simcoe to base himself out of in advance of the North America Cup. Yannick stationed himself here at Mohawk for six or seven weeks primarily to be able to drive Tall Dark Stranger, said Katz. That was the primary reason he gave up a number of good mounts in the U.S. for it. So that was difficult to arrange and one of many challenges. On the night of the North America Cup, Katz went to Woodbine Mohawk Park. It was the first time hed been out of his house for an evening since the pandemic began. Tall Dark Stranger didnt disappoint. He found the front midway through the second panel and would lead the rest of the way, putting away Tattoo Artist in the stretch drive and ultimately winning by two lengths in a time of 1:48.2. Horse racing is a difficult business at the best of times, but the industry faced challenges like never before during the pandemic. So for a horse of a lifetime to come along during the middle of it and win Canadas biggest race made it that much more unique of an experience. I hadnt been able to attend the Meadowlands Pace or the Cane Pace because travel was so difficult, said Katz. It was the only race of his three-year-old year I was able to attend. It was a very joyous moment, I dont know if it was celebration or relief, but it was something that Ill never forget. (OSS) NENZEL Greg Nollette and his family lucked into the wine business. They planted 200 vines on their Cherry County ranch in 2002, not to sell wine but to grow grapes that George Johnson could crush and sour for his George Paul Vinegars in nearby Cody. Unknowingly, they had picked almost the perfect spot on their spread. The spark for the Nollettes Niobrara Valley Vineyards, a 2023 Nebraska Passport location was struck a decade later by Ed Swanson. He owned the former Cuthills Vineyards near Pierce and was consulting with Johnson, Greg Nollette said. When he tasted the yield from the Nollettes grapes, Ed said the wines too good to spoil it. Vinegars spoiled wine, Greg said. So George called me up and asked if we could sell any wine. I said I had no idea, because I had never seen it before. The familys wines debuted in 2012, with Johnson offering his vinegary to produce the first 30 cases. After formally organizing their vineyard business in 2013, the Nollettes started producing at their own place in 2014. Their tasting room has operated ever since in the home place at the ranch. Its 1 miles off U.S. Highway 20 southeast of Nenzel, incorporated in 1899, where the four Nollette brothers grew up as the fourth generation from homesteader and town founder George Nenzel. The two oldest Lou, now 74, and Neal, 71 are retired Catholic priests in the Grand Island Diocese. Greg, 67, and Tim, 63, felt a call to agriculture, inspired in part by the hogs and cattle father Joseph Nollette raised on the familys acreage in town. But their call was to the classroom, at least at first. Both of the youngest brothers taught agriculture in rural Nebraska high schools. But in 1982, with Tim teaching at St. Edward and Greg in graduate school to become an extension agent, their dad died. They had to deal with the family home. That was in the agricultural depression, Greg said. And people said you need to forget about that and sell it off. We didnt sell. Thats why were here. And we came home. They bought a more traditional spread, though. The family pooled resources to buy their 800-acre ranch in 1985, where Greg and Tim raised purebred Black Angus and Gelbvieh cattle when they werent teaching or working elsewhere. When Johnson asked them to consider raising grapes, the brothers jumped. It was a passion to try to find a way to make a living at a small place, Greg said. We had tried a lot of things in between. All we did was work. Theyve learned a lot about winemaking since. But Greg said the brothers didnt realize the virtues of their vineyard site along their ranchs entrance road. It was close to brother-in-law Jim Higgins neighboring hydrant, and it was kind of out of the way of the ranch, he said. We didnt have a lot of time to take care of grapes, but (Johnson) convinced us. Out of all the people who grew grapes for him, ours were the best. And we had neglected them. When homesteaders took up claims in the area George Nenzel filed for his in 1885 there were a few places in this area where they did a little farming, Greg Nollette said. That soils a little better here because were in the transition area between South Dakota and the Sandhills. The luck was with the spot the brothers chose for their vines. It had good air flow, so the grapes wouldnt freeze in the spring, he said. And were on a hill at 3,300 feet elevation, so its pretty high. Western Nebraskas later growing season impacts Niobrara Valleys wines, too. Compared with Missouri River vineyards in eastern Nebraska, we think we have a lot better quality but less quantity, Greg said. The cooler temperatures at night allow the plant to rest, and you get a different quality of grapes. We hear some of the best reds in the state of Nebraska come from here. Its not something we do. Its from where we happen to be. The Nollettes have multiplied their first accidentally successful 200 vines more than tenfold, with 2,350 vines and 10 varieties of French-American hybrid grapes cited on Niobrara Valleys website at nvvsandhills.net. Thirteen wines are listed on the website, which Greg Nollette said can be shipped to 38 states. All of them are cold, hearty grapes, he said. We have a ranching mentality about the grapes. If they cant survive, we dont want them. Besides Greg and Tim Nollette, the vineyard operation has two full-time employees and 15 part-timers during the May 1-Sept. 30 summer season. People who visit the vineyards tasting room will see the medals Niobrara Valley has won at national wine competitions since 2015. Theyll soon be seeing them at a new tasting room and event center closer to Nebraska Highway S-16F. Its expected to open by late summer. The Nollettes are developing a 10-unit RV park and a 1-mile-long pathway winding through the vineyards. Niobrara Valley also offers pizza every Friday night and prime rib every fourth Sunday of the month during the summers. People come for pizza from a 90-mile radius which in western Nebraska isnt seen as a long drive. Everythings relative out here, Greg Nollette said. Local means they could be 60 miles away. Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, June 15) President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. said his administration would "renew" its relations with the United Arab Emirates (UAE) as he recognized its swift aid for Mayon evacuees and its hosting of overseas Filipino workers (OFWs). The chief executive said he invited UAE Ambassador to the Philippines Mohamed Obaid Salem Alqataam Alzaabi to join him in Albay on Wednesday so that he would see for himself the situation in evacuation centers. "Kaya ko sinama para naman makita niya kung saan pumunta ang kanilang tulong, and we have to be very grateful to them," he said. [Translation: So I took him along so he could see where their assistance went] READ: UAE gives 55 tons of food, medicine for families affected by restive Mayon https://www.cnnphilippines.com/news/2023/6/12/uae-donation-mayon.html Marcos also disclosed that the ambassador had invited him to attend the United Nations climate conference scheduled in Dubai in December. "I hope to be able to attend because climate change is a primordial issue when it comes to the Philippines," he said Thursday on the sidelines of a trade forum in Taguig City. Aside from attending the conference, the president said the government wants "to renew our ties with UAE." He noted that the UAE government has been "very welcoming" to OFWs and has "treated our people very well." "That's something that we hope to continue and even progress further," he said. I was on the front porch when you drove by and I waved, thinking Fathers Day arrives Sunday and I remember it was a bigger deal when I was a kid because fathers knew more then so they changed the oil in the family car and did plumbing and carpentry and general repairs around the house. They installed A/C window units, strapped TV antenna to chimneys, repaired heating furnaces with a hammer and loud profanity, handled finances, drove the family car on vacation, and loaded the suitcases on top of the car. Suitcase stacking was an art back in the day. Now, Fathers Day is a token holiday, as when youre sitting in a social gathering, maybe church before the service begins and someone turns and says, When is Fathers Day? Sometime in June, right? and you, a father, say, I have no idea, June, maybe October? And the conversation stops right there. Mothers Day is the big event when large 18-wheel tanker trucks full of French perfume pull up to the loading docks of bottling plants, restaurants double their staff and executives of greeting card companies open bottles of champagne and spray everyone in the board room. Compared to Fathers Day, when someone gives you a generic neck tie that comes with a complimentary bottle of cologne that smells like bleach. The price tag, still on the box, shows $1.99. Women, as any sane man knows unless you live in a mine shaft, run the world. Women rule. Never has a man laid down an object in a home that a woman has not moved. Women decide what we shall eat and what chair you may sit on depending if youre wearing dirty jeans or clean khakis, and a mans opinion is of no more use than that of a pet gerbil. Compared to my father I am a pathetic person who spills small volumes that need wiping up before table tops are ruined. Plumbing and electric problems, my wife keeps the names of professionals on speed dial. I ask my 15-year-old granddaughter to show me how to install an app. I am occasionally called on to remove dead bodies of small rodents and to kill invading spiders. Im handy for putting away casserole dishes that go on a very high shelf. I can say table grace in three different versions for varietys sake. I install the leaf in our dining table when my wife decides were entertaining dinner guests. My father was vocal about destroying communism using nuclear weapons while I became politically moderate and therefore my freedom of expression is now severely restricted as I constantly edit my conversations to make sure I havent marginalized anyone. Because I grew up in a church-going community I never learned to curse fluently but I can mutter one or two phrases on occasion. Im old, I dont know current slang like Gucci and vibe check and YOLO its a wonder that I can manage to stammer out a complete sentence. My father was a war veteran and a farm boy. I was a compulsive reader which was almost like styling around in high heels and furs, but I put in my time plowing corn and feeding hogs. Today, things are different. I travel through airports and observe the gentleness of fathers with small children and see the sweetness and patience. My fathers generation were not huggers though I was loved. I recently purchased a device advertised on TV that opens jar lids effortlessly so this morning I sit in the kitchen hoping someone will ask me to unscrew a lid. Ive read the instructions carefully. Happy Fathers Day. The General Federation of Womens Club of North Carolina (GFWC of NC) Statesville Womans Club installed 2023-2025 officers at the recent June meeting. Special guests were welcomed and recognized. Past presidents in attendance, Joanna Gaither, Sandra Ball Poole and Jennifer Griffith, were acknowledged. Past presidents unable to attend were Fran Baker, Janet Hall, Linda Lavinder and Pat Smith. Club President Dana White presented membership recognition of two Special Gems within the club and for June. The Gem of the Month was Wanda Rushton and Hidden Gem was Barb Thorson. GFWC-NC President-elect Karen Throckmorton was the installing officer and used seashells as her basis for installing the officers. Officers installed were: Dana White, president; Shelley Arthur, first vice president; Wanda Rushton, second vice president; Deena Chambers, secretary; Kim Turner, treasurer; and Jennifer Griffith, as immediate past president. Also appointed and confirmed were those serving on the standing committees, which included: Jennifer Griffith, buildings and grounds committee and parliamentarian; Kim Mulrey, chaplain and courtesy chairman; Linda Lavinder, historian/newsletter; Lee Ann Sherrill, publicity/social media chairman; Carol Trahan, Yolanda Myers-Johnson and Joanna Gaither, membership committee; Stephanie Gill and Barb Thorson, Sallie Southall Cotten Scholarship co-chairmen; Valerie Oliphant, webmaster; and Sandra Landry, ways and means. Reinstalled Club President White gave a brief summary of the clubs year-end report recapping major club projects. She then presented her theme for the 2023-2025 term, Service with a Heart, Women Making a Difference. The next club meeting will be held Sept. 7 at Your Coffee Place Troutman (YCP), located at 403 Main St. There will be a time of fellowship at 11:30 a.m. and the meeting will start at noon. Upcoming summer activities include: Wine Down Saturday on June 24 at Wine Maestro in downtown Statesville from 5-8:30 p.m. Lets Chat on July 10 at Your Coffee Place in Troutman from 4:30-6:30 p.m. Wine Down Thursday on Aug. 10 at Wine Maestro in downtown Statesville from 4:30-6:30 p.m. For club information or about renting the GFWC of NC Statesville Womans Clubs Clubhouse for your meeting or event, inquiries may be emailed to the club at Statesvillewomansclub@gmail.com or by calling 704-761-8208. The club website is www.statesvillewomansclub.org. For details on joining the GFWC of NC Statesville Womans Club, contact Membership Committee member Joanna Gaither at 704-873-2684. Freedom will be observed in what is expected to be the first of many Back to Iron Street Juneteenth celebrations in Marion. Last week, the Marion Town Council gave its backing to organizers of the event by agreeing to match donations in support of the festival up to $2,500. The council heard from Diane Hayes, a longtime historian of Smyth Countys Black community and a Mount Pleasant Preservation Society board member. She told the council that the celebration will honor some of the oldest residents who attended Carnegie school, the communitys Black high school until segregation. So far, she said, a 94-year-old and a 92-year-old are among the eldest honorees. Hayes showed the council some of the photos that will be displayed during the celebration, including one that features Katherine Johnson, who taught at Carnegie but went on to work for NASA and is one of the women recognized in the book and movie Hidden Figures. Photos of the final play staged by Carnegie students will also be among the days exhibits, said Hayes, as will a variety of other images that show the school and communitys history. The celebration, which will begin at 2 p.m., will feature speakers such as Pastor Robin Turner, Robbin Hale, Bishop R.N. Wolfe, Shareen Williams, and Hayes. A live DJ will also entertain as will musicians, and vendors are expected to be on site. The event will take place at the former Carnegie school. A bus will bring people from the town shop up Iron Street, Hayes noted. Carnegie School replaced a Black school dubbed the Old Red Barn. A 1928 letter to the editor from Wm. C. Pendleton to the Smyth County News told of the need for a new school. Pendleton wrote, My attention has been drawn to the matter of building of a new school house for the colored people of Marion. The building and premises now in use for the colored school are really a disgrace to our progressive and beautiful town. An inspection of this school house will disclose to any observer a structure so dilapidated as to not only unfit it for its present use, but make it a menace to the health and life of its occupants. Carnegie High School was built by the Rev. Amos Carnegie, who came to Marion by 1927 as pastor of Mount Pleasant Methodist Church. Finding the towns school for African Americans hardly fit for a stable, he organized a campaign for a new building. When the school board delayed, Carnegie raised money from the black community and secured a grant. The four-teacher building, constructed by black craftsmen who donated their labor, opened in 1931 and closed in 1965, when local schools were desegregated. In this time of book banning and some people not wanting to know all aspects of Black history, Hayes told the council, as long as Im breathing, well have history here. Juneteenth, now a federal holiday, recognizes the slow and complicated path to freedom for those enslaved in the United States. While President Abraham Lincoln announced the Emancipation Proclamation on Sept. 22, 1862, many enslaved people didnt learn of their freedom until years later. Juneteenth marks the day (June 19, 1865) when General Gordon Granger arrived in Galveston, Texas, and declared that the states 250,000 plus enslaved people were free. In a later interview, Hayes said Juneteenth reminds her that freedom hasnt always been there. A time existed, she said, when some had no freedom. Thinking about what that June day in 1865 must have been like, Hayes said, To me, its as close to heaven as we can get. She hopes younger generations will attend the Juneteenth event and learn that they have to work for freedom and need to study what it means to be free. Hayes would also like to see younger individuals understand that they cant just standby but should vote and keep up with whats happening in politics, education and other arenas of life. Anyone who would like to support the Back to Iron Street Juneteenth celebration may send donations to PO Box 733, Marion VA 24354. Checks, she said, should be made out to Back to Iron Street. Should the day prove to be too rainy for an outdoor celebration, Hayes said, the event will move to The Lincoln Theatre. The ICRC expressed concern over the collapse of critical infrastructure in Syria, according to al-Modon. The International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) has confirmed that over 90 percent of Syrians live below the poverty line, with more than 15 million people requiring urgent humanitarian assistance. In a statement, the ICRC urgently called on the international community to take immediate action to address the critical situation faced by Syrians. The organization warned that the consequences of inaction were unbearable and would primarily affect the population. The statement emphasized that failing to act would have severe repercussions and hinder any possibility of achieving sustainable recovery. It stressed that the suffering of the Syrian people should not be overlooked, and emphasized the need to prioritize the preservation of critical infrastructure and the provision of comprehensive humanitarian responses. Over the past 12 years, communities in Syria have endured a deadly conflict, further exacerbated by a devastating earthquake that has added to human suffering. The ICRC expressed concern over the collapse of critical infrastructure, highlighting that international sanctions have hindered the import of spare parts necessary for maintenance in major cities. It called for the ongoing inclusion of specific and sustainable exceptions in sanction regimes that currently lack such provisions. Furthermore, it noted that most water treatment plants are operating at low capacity, leading to an alarming decline in access to drinking water. In response to the earthquake, the ICRC has been working intensively in partnership with the Syrian Red Crescent to address the increasing need for relief items, healthcare, and improved access to drinking water. The ICRC appealed to donor countries to promptly make a global commitment to sustain critical infrastructure and essential services. It emphasized the importance of ensuring an ongoing comprehensive humanitarian response until sustainable solutions are achieved, underlining the urgent requirement for collaborative efforts and increased funding to facilitate early recovery. Fabrizio Carboni, the Red Cross Regional Director for the Middle East, emphasized that the collapse of these vital services is not a distant possibility, but rather a highly probable event. He warned that the consequences would be devastating for the Syrian people if necessary measures are not taken to prevent it from happening. 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 WFP will be unable to continue providing aid to 5.5 million people in Syria, according to al-Watan. The United Nations World Food Program issued a statement on Wednesday, warning of an unprecedented financial crisis that will result in a reduction of aid to 2.5 million people in Syria starting in July. The program emphasized that 5.5 million Syrians rely on their assistance to meet their basic food needs, and nearly half of them will lose this vital support due to the organizations current financial challenges. In light of this situation, the World Food Program has made the difficult decision to prioritize aid for 3 million Syrians who are unable to sustain themselves without weekly food assistance. Consequently, they will be unable to continue providing assistance to the remaining 5.5 million people, leading to a complete depletion of food assistance by October. Ken Crossley, the WFP Representative and Country Director in Syria, expressed his concerns, stating, Instead of increasing aid or even maintaining it at current levels to meet the growing needs, we find ourselves in the unfortunate position of having to withdraw aid when people need it the most. Simultaneously, the UNs announcement aligns with the commencement of the Brussels 7 donors conference. During this event, the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) highlighted that restrictive measures and international sanctions have hindered the import of crucial spare parts necessary for maintaining vital infrastructure in Syrias major cities. As a result, the ICRC continues to advocate for the inclusion of specific and sustainable exceptions in the existing sanctions regimes that currently lack such provisions. The ICRC further emphasized that the impact of the sanctions has severely affected water treatment plants, leading to significant damage and reduced operational capacity. Consequently, numerous areas in Syria are now experiencing a distressing decline in access to safe drinking water. 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 sunken boat carried between 400 and 750 individuals, according to Enab Baladi. As the search for survivors continues following a tragic incident where a boat carrying hundreds of refugees sank off the coast of Greece, numerous Syrian nationals on board are still unaccounted for. Enab Baladi has obtained an inconclusive list of individuals from the Daraa governorate who were on the ill-fated vessel, through its correspondent in southern Syria. Based on the preliminary list, 11 Syrian nationals have been confirmed as survivors, while over 50 others remain missing. One survivor shared an audio recording in which they revealed that the hospital, following instructions from the security services, has refrained from disclosing any information about the identities of the individuals brought in, strictly adhering to established protocols. Nawal Sofi, an activist actively engaged in refugee matters, shared an audio recording she claimed was a distress call made from the boat before it sank, featuring the voices of individuals expressing fear for their lives. She also posted a photograph of the survivors to facilitate their identification by concerned families. Following a plea for information regarding the missing individuals, numerous people, including Syrians predominantly from southern Syria, responded by sharing the names of their loved ones who remain unaccounted for. According to a report by Reuters on June 15th, rescue teams are currently conducting patrols in the waters near the Greek coast following the tragic sinking of the ship on Wednesday, resulting in the loss of 79 migrants lives. As time passes, hopes of finding survivors are diminishing, and concerns are mounting that numerous migrants who were trapped inside the vessels hold may have drowned. Reports sourced from Reuters estimate that the sunken boat carried between 400 and 750 individuals. In response to the incident, Greece has declared three days of national mourning, while a European charity is conducting an investigation suggesting that approximately 750 people might have been aboard a boat measuring 20 to 30 meters in length. Greek authorities have confirmed that 104 survivors, mostly men, were rescued by the coastguard and brought to the Greek port city of Kalamata. Given that the accident occurred in one of the deepest areas of the Mediterranean, Greek government sources have dismissed the possibility of recovering the sunken boat, which departed from the Libyan port of Tobruk last Tuesday, due to the regions location in international waters. 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. Amid U.S. "de-risking" rhetoric, world relies more on China's exports: media Xinhua) 09:06, June 15, 2023 HONG KONG, June 14 (Xinhua) -- Amid so-called "de-risking" rhetoric led by the United States, as the world relies more on China's exports, China is learning to rely more on itself, reported the South China Morning Post, a Hong Kong-based English-language daily. So far, Washington's actions have little to show for results, Yukon Huang, a senior fellow at the Carnegie Endowment for International Peace, wrote in an opinion piece for the daily. According to official U.S. data, the United States' merchandise trade deficit with China was larger last year than when former President Donald Trump took office, and the overall trade deficit is at a record high. Moreover, U.S. imports of manufactured goods have not moderated, with import penetration rising to 34 percent from 31 percent in 2017, the article said. There has been a dramatic decline in China's importance to U.S. trade, but China's exports to the world have risen to record highs in recent years, Huang said. China has moved on from being largely an assembler of imported components to a manufacturer of sophisticated products, which has made China more self-sufficient, Huang wrote. (Web editor: Zhong Wenxing, Liang Jun) Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, June 14) Mayon Volcano is currently experiencing a "less threatening" eruption that could linger for weeks or up to a few months, according to the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (Phivolcs). "The current outlook is we may be looking at a simple effusion of lava activity, similar to what we are seeing now. This could take as long as a few weeks to a few months," Phivolcs volcano monitoring and eruption prediction division chief Mariton Bornas told CNN Philippines' Politics As Usual on Wednesday. "Most of the eruptions of Mayon are really just within the two to three-month period," she added. "This kind of eruption is actually very less threatening than the other types of eruption." Although the volcano has been spewing out lava, Bornas said Phivolcs has yet to see "any significant raises" in the seismic energy and volcanic gas released by Mayon. She warned, however, that the situation could change at any time. "We need to look at the changes day to day in the parameters of the volcano, because again, Mayon is the type of volcano that can change its behavior immediately," Bornas explained. READ: The beauty is a beast: Mayon Volcano's unrest in 2023 A Longview small business owner was arrested on suspicion of theft for allegedly cashing a check for over $16,000 for the installation of a septic system that he never initiated. Garyn Mark-Indiana Bowen, 28, of Longview, was arrested Saturday over allegations that he cashed a $16,875 check last year for work and materials he allegedly never performed, nor delivered. Bowen, out on a $7,500 bond, is expected to appear in Cowlitz County Superior Court for an arraignment hearing on June 22. According to the probable cause statement, Bowen owned and operated J & B Septic, a Kelso-based business that installs septic systems. In early 2022, a Kelso resident hired Bowen to install a new septic system at their residence. After signing a contract with J & B Septic on Jan 5, 2022, the victim agreed to a verbal price of $23,581.295 and later paid $16,875 as a standard deposit, per the contract. The victim reportedly paid Bowden via a check on Jan 6, 2022. He then proceeded to endorse the check on Jan. 7, and three days later, on Jan 10, 2022, the money was withdrawn from the victims bank account all without performing any form of labor or bringing forth any materials to complete the project, as mentioned in court documents. The victim filed a suit against Bowen, along with Navigators Insurance, in December 2022 in Cowlitz County Superior Court, winning on default judgment but has not collected any money as of yet. In an email from the Cowlitz County Health Department to the victim, Bowens license to install septic systems expired on July 6, 2022, according to court records. Bowen is also facing two other local lawsuits, including one claim that Bowen accepted a $83,380 loan in 2021 from a Longview man as part of a joint business venture. Bowen reportedly breeched the contract by failing to repay and used the cash to buy a new 2021 Dodge truck, the lawsuit alleges. Centralia police working with the Joint Narcotics Enforcement Team seized 200,000 suspected fentanyl pills following a traffic stop on Interstate 5 Saturday, according to a news release from the Centralia Police Department. A Centralia officer working with JNET stopped a vehicle on I-5 for allegedly failing to maintain its lane of travel at about 9 p.m. Saturday, according to police. Due to the suspicious nature of the driver when he was contacted by the officer, a Centralia Police Department K9 officer responded to provide assistance, the department stated in the release. The K9 patrol service dog alerted on the vehicle indicating the presence of illegal narcotics. The officers seized the vehicle. After the drivers identity was confirmed, he was released from the stop pending potential charges that could result from further investigation. On Monday, detectives from JNET were asked to assist with the execution of a search warrant on the vehicle. JNET detectives from the Centralia Police Department, the Chehalis Police Department and the Washington Department of Corrections conducted the search of the vehicle and located approximately 200,000 suspected fentanyl pills hidden in the vehicle, according to the release. No further information is being released at this time, according to the release. The Clackamas County clerk is now conducting marriage ceremonies including for gay couples for the first time since 2014, when the countys former embattled clerk, Sherry Hall, refused to conduct marriage ceremonies of any kind after the state legalized same-sex marriage in 2014. Voters elected Clackamas County Clerk Catherine McMullen in November over Hall after missteps in the May 2022 primary under Hall led to the largest election debacle in state history. To now be able to offer a similar affordable, respectful, and inclusive service to all couples no matter who they love or what their religious beliefs are is both gratifying and humbling, McMullen, a former public librarian, is quoted saying in a statement Thursday by the county. McMullen has instituted Wedding Fridays, adjusting her schedule to conduct civil ceremonies every Friday afternoon at her Oregon City office for $117 a pop, according to the countys statement. Couples can apply for marriage licenses and schedule civil ceremonies on the countys website. McMullens move towards inclusivity comes as Clackamas County faces scrutiny after its board of commissioners May 24 vote to consider defunding the countys six-figure budget for diversity, equity and inclusion initiatives a move the countys former diversity manager called racist, sexist and politically motivated. A federal judge struck down Oregons ban on same-sex marriages on May 19, 2014. Under Hall, all Clackamas County residents could obtain marriage licenses, but Hall stopped performing civil ceremonies after the ruling. Sanford Fox and John Erich the first same-sex couple to obtain a marriage license in Clackamas County the day the ban was overturned called McMullens decision a victory for equality, inclusivity and common sense. Fox and Erich were married in Multnomah County instead. Especially at this time, we appreciate this step and the message it sends to all citizens, the couple is quoted saying in the countys statement. Another couple, Meg Elston and former Oregon state Rep. Karin Power of Milwaukie, was also able to get a marriage license nine years ago, the same day as Fox and Erich. Oregonians strongly support equal rights, and the day that we got married was among the happiest in our lives, the couple is quoted saying in the countys statement. Families like ours belong here. This article has been reviewed according to Science X's editorial process and policies . Editors have highlighted the following attributes while ensuring the content's credibility: A sign at Twitter headquarters is shown in San Francisco on Nov. 18, 2022. The Los Angeles District Attorney has left Twitter due to barrage of vicious homophobic attacks that were not removed by the social media platform even after they were reported, the office confirmed on Thursday, June 8, 2023. Credit: AP Photo/Jeff Chiu, File All major social media platforms do poorly at protecting LGBTQ+ users from hate speech and harassmentespecially those who are transgender, non-binary or gender non-conforming, the advocacy group GLAAD said Thursday. But Twitter is the worst. In its annual Social Media Safety Index, GLAAD gave Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, YouTube and Twitter low or failing scores, saying the platforms don't do enough to keep their users safe. That said, most improved from a year ago. Twitter, which was acquired by Tesla CEO Elon Musk last October, was the only exception. GLAAD's scorecard called it "the most dangerous platform for LGBTQ people" and the only one that saw its scores decline from last yearto 33% from 45% a year ago. Twitter's communications staff was eradicated after Musk took over the company and for months inquiries to the press office have been answered only with an automated reply of a poop emoji, as was the case when The Associated Press reached out to the company for comment. LGBTQ+ advocates have long warned that online hate and harassment can lead to violence offline. But even when it does not, online abuse can take a toll on a person's mental health. "There isn't a week that goes by that we don't have a doxxing situation for somebody in our community that we have to come in and help them stop it and stop the hate, stop the vitriol and stop the attacks," said GLAAD CEO and President Sarah Kate Ellis referring to the malicious practice that involves gathering private or identifying information and releasing it online without the person's permission, usually in an attempt to harass, threaten, shame or exact revenge. "It's really been amped up to a level that we've never seen before." On Twitter, attacks on LGBTQ+ users have increased substantially since Elon Musk took over the company last fall, according to multiple advocacy groups. A general view of The 22nd Annual GLAAD Media Awards on Sunday April 10, 2011, at at The Westin Bonaventure in Los Angeles, Calif. ll major social media platforms do poorly at protecting LGBTQ+ users from hate speech and harassment especially those who are transgender, non-binary or gender non-conforming, the advocacy group GLAAD said Thursday, June 15, 2023. Credit: AP Photo/Katy Winn, File A big part of the reason is the drastic staffing cuts Musk has enacted since his takeoverthere are simply not enough content moderators to handle the flood of problematic tweets that range from hate speech to graphic material and harassment. Musk has also said he views Twitter's previous policies were too restricting. In April, for instance, Twitter quietly removed a policy against the "targeted misgendering or deadnaming of transgender individuals, raising concerns that the platform is becoming less safe for marginalized groups. Musk has also repeatedly engaged with far-right figures and pushed misinformation to his 143 million followers. Twitter, as part of the same retooling of its site policies, also changed how it responds to tweets that violate its rules. While in the past, offending tweets were removed, the company now says it will sometimes restrict a tweet instead of removing it from the platform altogether. "Twitter is largely a cesspool now. You can't post without getting attacked. There's no room for conversation. It is just about hand-to-hand combat," Ellis said. "And that's what it is. It's like backyard dogfights." Ellis lamented that before the takeover, Twitter was a "leader" among major social media platforms when it comes to protecting LGBTQ+ users. Meta, which owns Facebook and Instagram, saw a 15 percentage point score increase for both its platforms, to 61% and 63%, respectively. GLAAD's index measures 12 LGBTQ+-specific indicators, such as explicit protections from hate and harassment for LGBTQ+ users, offering gender pronoun options on profiles, and prohibiting advertising that could be harmful or discriminatory to LGBTQ+people. While Meta has improved and has strong policies in place, GLAAD says the company does not consistently enforce them. For instance, the group says for many abusive posts that it reports, Meta will send an automated response stating that due to the high volume of reports it receives, it is not able to review the post. 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. Credit: AP Photo/Michel Euler, Pool, File Meta said in a prepared statement that it works with "civil society organizations around the world in our work to design policies and create tools that foster a safe online environment," including getting input from LGBTQ+ safety and advocacy organizations. TikTok, which saw its score increase by 14 points to 57%, said it is "proud to have strong policies aimed at protecting LGBTQ+ individuals from harassment and hate speech, including misgendering and deadnaming, and we're always looking to strengthen our approach, informed both by our community and the advice of experts, such as GLAAD." Google's YouTube, meanwhile, scored 54%, up nine points from 2022. "Our policies prohibit content that promotes violence or hatred against members of the LGBTQ+ community. Over the last few years, we've made significant progress in our ability to quickly remove this content from our platform and prominently surface authoritative sources in search results and recommendations," said spokesperson Jack Malon. Musk, in tweets and public statements, has repeatedly said he supports freedom of speech and calls himself a "free speech absolutist" who wants to turn Twitter into a " digital town square " where people with differing views can debate freely. The company's newly installed CEO, Linda Yaccarino, also tweeted recently that "you should have the freedom to speak your mind. We all should." But GLAAD and other organizations advocating for marginalized groups note that unfettered freedom for one group can infringe on the free speech of others. "Freedom of speech does not mean I get to, you know, bully and harass people relentlessly," said Jenni Olson, GLAAD's director of social media safety. "And that is why companies have hate speech policies, because ... if someone is bullying and harassing me that actually means that I don't have freedom of speech because I'm afraid to say anything." 2023 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed without permission. This article has been reviewed according to Science X's editorial process and policies . Editors have highlighted the following attributes while ensuring the content's credibility: Credit: Pixabay/CC0 Public Domain Experts from the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) want access to a location near Ukraine's Zaporizhzhia nuclear power plant. They want to clarify why there are discrepancies between different measurements of the reservoir that supplies water to cool the facility's reactors. The IAEA is due to visit Ukraine and the Zaporizhzhia plant in the next week. It released a statement saying that the level of the Kakhovka reservoir has been dropping rapidly since the Nova Kakhovka dam was severely damaged after an attack on June 6. The attack on the Nova Kakhovka dam in a Russian-occupied part of Ukraine unleashed flooding that devastated an area of about 600km, roughly the size of the city of Chicago. The attack, which is being blamed by many western analysts on Russia, happened a week before a scheduled visit of IAEA inspectors to the Zaporizhzhia nuclear power plant. Sitting upstream, the Russian-occupied power plant relies on cooling water from the Dnipro River and the Kakhovka reservoir. The cooling pond and the discharge channel are both vital for the safety of the plant. IAEA director general Rafael Grossi said: "Even if there is no short-term threat, the dam disaster is causing major new difficulties for the Zaporizhzhya Nuclear Power Plant at a time when the nuclear safety and security situation is already extremely fragile." The IAEA also wants access to the plant's electrical switchyard, which used to provide back-up power. According to the IAEA, Zaporizhzhiawhich is Europe's largest nuclear power plantnow relies entirely on its sole remaining 750kv power line for off-site electricity. This has been cut repeatedly since the war began in February 2022. The IAEA has not received adequate access so far. The most visible impact of the dam breach is the destruction unfolded by the floods. Given the scale of the destruction of homes, wildlife and farmland, the contamination of water, as well as landmines unearthed by the floods, this catastrophe is set to transform the geography and ecology of the region. It will inflict further hardship on a population already scarred by war. The short-term impacts of the dam's destruction revolve mainly around physical impact such as people's homes and villages, and tactical battlefield dynamics. But the strategic implications of Russia's "ecocide" stem from two dangerous dynamics: Putin's increasing appetite for risk and Russia's willingness to absorb costs, despite massive human, military and economic losses. In this context, Russia's reckless behavior increases the likelihood of escalation with even more dire consequences, such as possible foul play involving Zaporizhzhya. The nuclear plant has been the site of intense shelling for almost a year. This has raised concerns about a nuclear accident. The Kakhovka dam's collapse has renewed concerns over the possibility of an environmental disaster, either intentional or unintentional, on a larger scale. Russia's disregard for the scale of immediate and long-term devastation also suggests a higher likelihood of Russia breaking the nuclear taboothe idea of an inhibition against using nuclear weapons, whether for tactical or strategic purposes. Escalation logic Given the timing of the explosionat the cusp of Ukraine's much anticipated counteroffensivemany analyzed the intent of the explosion based on whether the dam's destruction would benefit Ukrainian or Russian militaries. Defense expert Rajan Menon tweeted that the flooding "created far greater problems for Ukraine than for Russia." Not least "by making any near-term armored and mechanized infantry offensive far harder, if not impossible." The Russian army appears to be the benefactor in the short term as it scrambles to slow down Ukraine's counteroffensive. Others thought it unlikely that the dam explosion was deliberate, considering the damage caused to Russia's fortifications and the crippling effects of the flooding on Crimea's infrastructure. The Kyiv Independent's war correspondent Illia Ponomarenko argued that the dam's explosion was a "catastrophic collapse due to deadly negligence by the Russian occupational authorities and their military." No matter whether the explosion was accidental or deliberate, neither side is a clear benefactor. This creates new levels of ambiguity in the war's escalation logic. Escalation logic refers to the strategic decisions and actions taken to intensify a conflict, aiming to gain an advantage or deter the opponent. It involves escalating conflict through military, political, economic or informational means to increase pressure on the opponent. Intent is difficult to measure and ambiguity increases the risk of miscalculation. Russian steps Russia's war against Ukraine has followed a series of escalating steps. After the initial invasion, when the Russian offensive stalled in the summer of 2022, the Russian military chose to use cruelty against Ukrainian civilians. It started with sporadic air raids against civilian targets and went on to deliberately destroy civilian energy infrastructure to demoralize populations and degrade Ukraine's economy and military. This escalation, however, negatively affected Russia's economy and outlook as well, since the immediate and long-term forecasts do not look promising. Russia's scorched-earth strategy with its absolute disregard for economic-rational thinking suggests an acceptance of higher risks, resulting in increased recklessness and high risks of unintended consequences. Whether intentional or not, losing control of Europe's largest nuclear plant does not present an acceptable scenario for the wider international community. With that in mind, the west would be prudent to adjust its risk tolerance to levels proportional to the situation at hand and provide Ukraine with all necessary support to deny Russia control of any critical infrastructure. Simultaneously, the nuclear taboo that shuns the use of nuclear weapons should be extended to reckless behavior around nuclear sites. Meanwhile, there needs to be an agreement that would allow the IAEA to secure a safe zone around the nuclear power plant to prevent a potential nuclear catastrophe. This article is republished from The Conversation under a Creative Commons license. Read the original article. Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, June 14) Justice Secretary Jesus Crispin Remulla filed a complaint before the Integrated Bar of the Philippines (IBP) against Atty. Danny Villanueva, who represents five suspects in Negros Oriental Governor Roel Degamos murder. In a briefing on Wednesday, Remulla said he has already written to the IBP about Villanueva "trifling with the court." The controversy stemmed from Villanueva's submission of a writ of habeas corpus to the Manila Regional Trial Court on behalf of Osmundo Rivero, who alleged that his family was being unlawfully detained. Rivero is among the 11 accused in the Degamo killing. He earlier claimed that law enforcers made him say that Negros Oriental Representative Arnie Teves gave the order to kill Degamo. He added his family was also threatened. Remulla asserted that Villanueva proceeded with the filing despite knowing that Riveros wife and child had already been released from the government's Witness Protection Program. The justice secretary also pointed out that Villanueva did not affix his signature to the pleading. "Hindi siya nakapirma. Pinapirma niya si Rivero kasi ayaw niyang ma-attribute sa kaniya 'yung petition Finile niya 'yung habeas corpus petition kahit alam niyang naalis na sa witness protection program 'yung asawa ni Mr. Rivero at kaniyang anak," Remulla said. [Translation: He didn't sign. He made Rivero sign because he didn't want the petition to be attributed to him. He filed the habeas corpus petition although he knew that Mr. Rivero's wife and child had already been removed from the witness protection program.] Remulla said he is only exercising his "right to complain whenever there is misbehavior or unethical practice on the part of counsel." Meanwhile, Villanueva stated in a text message that the threats he has been getting have forced him to take a leave of absence as counsel of five of the 11 defendants in Degamo's assassination. CNN Philippines' correspondent Anjo Alimario contributed to this story. China Everbright Environment Group Limited (OTCMKTS:CHFFF Get Rating) saw a large decline in short interest in the month of May. As of May 31st, there was short interest totalling 10,997,400 shares, a decline of 33.4% from the May 15th total of 16,514,400 shares. Based on an average daily volume of 0 shares, the short-interest ratio is currently days. China Everbright Environment Group Stock Performance OTCMKTS CHFFF traded down $0.03 on Wednesday, hitting $0.39. 3,000 shares of the companys stock were exchanged. The firms 50-day moving average price is $0.42 and its two-hundred day moving average price is $0.41. China Everbright Environment Group has a fifty-two week low of $0.40 and a fifty-two week high of $0.71. Get China Everbright Environment Group alerts: About China Everbright Environment Group (Get Rating) Recommended Stories China Everbright Environment Group Limited, provides environmental solutions worldwide. The company's Environmental Energy Project Construction and Operation segment constructs and operates food waste and leachate treatment, sludge treatment and disposal, methane-to-energy, fecal treatment, fly ash landfill, medical waste treatment, and solid waste treatment projects, as well as waste-to-energy plants. Receive News & Ratings for China Everbright Environment Group Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for China Everbright Environment Group and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. IGM Financial (OTCMKTS:IGIFF Get Rating) is one of 1,114 publicly-traded companies in the Asset Management industry, but how does it compare to its rivals? We will compare IGM Financial to similar businesses based on the strength of its dividends, profitability, earnings, institutional ownership, risk, valuation and analyst recommendations. Insider & Institutional Ownership 75.0% of IGM Financial shares are owned by institutional investors. Comparatively, 32.6% of shares of all Asset Management companies are owned by institutional investors. 18.0% of shares of all Asset Management companies are owned by company insiders. Strong institutional ownership is an indication that endowments, large money managers and hedge funds believe a stock will outperform the market over the long term. Get IGM Financial alerts: Valuation & Earnings This table compares IGM Financial and its rivals revenue, earnings per share (EPS) and valuation. Gross Revenue Net Income Price/Earnings Ratio IGM Financial N/A N/A 9.72 IGM Financial Competitors $458.22 million $3.97 million 7.87 Profitability IGM Financials rivals have higher revenue and earnings than IGM Financial. IGM Financial is trading at a higher price-to-earnings ratio than its rivals, indicating that it is currently more expensive than other companies in its industry. This table compares IGM Financial and its rivals net margins, return on equity and return on assets. Net Margins Return on Equity Return on Assets IGM Financial N/A N/A N/A IGM Financial Competitors 373.31% 7.86% 4.93% Dividends IGM Financial pays an annual dividend of $2.15 per share and has a dividend yield of 7.0%. IGM Financial pays out 67.9% of its earnings in the form of a dividend. As a group, Asset Management companies pay a dividend yield of 7.0% and pay out 737.4% of their earnings in the form of a dividend. IGM Financial is clearly a better dividend stock than its rivals, given its higher yield and lower payout ratio. Analyst Ratings This is a summary of recent ratings and target prices for IGM Financial and its rivals, as reported by MarketBeat.com. Sell Ratings Hold Ratings Buy Ratings Strong Buy Ratings Rating Score IGM Financial 0 0 2 0 3.00 IGM Financial Competitors 969 4143 5291 78 2.43 IGM Financial presently has a consensus price target of $46.29, indicating a potential upside of 50.28%. As a group, Asset Management companies have a potential upside of 33.40%. Given IGM Financials stronger consensus rating and higher possible upside, analysts plainly believe IGM Financial is more favorable than its rivals. Summary IGM Financial beats its rivals on 7 of the 13 factors compared. IGM Financial Company Profile (Get Rating) IGM Financial, Inc. operates as a financial services company, which engages in the management and distribution of mutual funds and other managed asset products. It operates through the following segments: Wealth Management, Asset Management, and Strategic Investments & Other. The Wealth Management segment reflects the activities of operating companies that are principally focused on providing financial planning and related services to Canadian households, which includes the activities of IG Wealth Management and Investment Planning Counsel. These firms are retail distribution organizations who serve Canadian households through their securities dealers, mutual fund dealers and other subsidiaries licensed to distribute financial products and services, which also includes the investment management activities of these organizations, including mutual fund management and discretionary portfolio management services. The Asset Management segment reflects the activities of operating companies focused on providing investment management services and represents the operations of Mackenzie Investments. Investment management services are provided to a suite of investment funds that are distribut Receive News & Ratings for IGM Financial Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for IGM Financial and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, June 15) Ambassador to the United States Jose Manuel "Babe" Romualdez clarified that the Philippine government will not spend anything if it agrees to assist Washington in the processing of American visas of its former Afghan employees fleeing the Taliban. The United States will cover all the costs, Romualdez told CNN Philippines The Source on Thursday, emphasizing that Manila will only serve as a location for US government personnel to process the special immigration visas for the Afghans. On Tuesday, Romualdez already clarified that Washington was only asking for assistance in the processing of visas. This was after Senate Minority Leader Koko Pimentel and Senator Imee Marcos questioned the alleged request of the US for the Philippines to take in Afghan refugees. All are destined to proceed to the US after processing, the envoy said. Romualdez said the request was made back in October 2022 and has gone through months of study. Aside from being an ally of the US, the Philippines is a logical location for this because Washingtons embassy in Manila has enough employees that can help in the issuance of visas, he noted. RELATED: Marcos to be given recommendation on request for PH to take in former Afghan employees of US envoy Romualdez said there is still no definite number as to how many will arrive in the Philippines if the government allows it, but based on information they have, around 50,000 Afghans including their families will be transferred to the US. For the processing of visas, the Afghan nationals will come in batches, he noted. The envoy also welcomed the investigation to be conducted by the Senate Committee on Foreign Relations headed by Marcos. The inquiry will be held on Friday to look into the request "due to the significance and urgency of the matter." In a statement, US Embassy acting spokesperson Stephen Dove said they are aware of the Senate probe, but declined to comment "on ongoing diplomatic discussions." "The Biden administration remains committed to the thousands of brave Afghans who stood side-by-side with the United States over the course of the past two decades," Dove said. Inovalis Real Estate Investment Trust (TSE:INO.UN Get Rating)s share price passed below its fifty day moving average during trading on Monday . The stock has a fifty day moving average of C$3.43 and traded as low as C$3.33. Inovalis Real Estate Investment Trust shares last traded at C$3.34, with a volume of 23,769 shares trading hands. Wall Street Analyst Weigh In Separately, National Bankshares dropped their price objective on shares of Inovalis Real Estate Investment Trust from C$4.25 to C$3.75 in a research note on Tuesday, April 18th. Get Inovalis Real Estate Investment Trust alerts: Inovalis Real Estate Investment Trust Trading Down 2.7 % The stock has a market cap of C$105.22 million, a price-to-earnings ratio of -2.74 and a beta of 1.58. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 85.65, a quick ratio of 0.32 and a current ratio of 1.00. The companys 50 day simple moving average is C$3.41 and its two-hundred day simple moving average is C$3.90. Inovalis Real Estate Investment Trust Company Profile Inovalis Real Estate Investment Trust is an unincorporated, open-ended real estate investment trust established pursuant to a declaration of trust under the laws of the Province of Ontario. The REIT has been created for the purpose of acquiring and owning office properties primarily located in France and Germany but also opportunistically in other European countries where assets meet the REIT's investment criteria. Further Reading Receive News & Ratings for Inovalis Real Estate Investment Trust Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Inovalis Real Estate Investment Trust and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Lyons Bancorp Inc. (OTCMKTS:LYBC Get Rating) was the recipient of a large decline in short interest during the month of May. As of May 31st, there was short interest totalling 200 shares, a decline of 33.3% from the May 15th total of 300 shares. Based on an average daily volume of 200 shares, the days-to-cover ratio is presently 1.0 days. Lyons Bancorp Stock Performance Shares of OTCMKTS LYBC remained flat at $50.00 during trading hours on Wednesday. The stock had a trading volume of 150 shares, compared to its average volume of 496. The firms 50 day moving average is $50.61 and its 200 day moving average is $53.47. Lyons Bancorp has a 52-week low of $46.00 and a 52-week high of $58.00. Get Lyons Bancorp alerts: Lyons Bancorp Company Profile (Get Rating) Recommended Stories Lyons Bancorp, Inc is a financial holding company, which engages in providing financial and banking services. It offers its products within the personal and business banking realms. The company was founded on August 4, 1987 is headquartered in Lyons, NY. Receive News & Ratings for Lyons Bancorp Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Lyons Bancorp and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Osisko Development Corp. (NYSE:ODV Get Rating) was the recipient of a large decrease in short interest during the month of May. As of May 31st, there was short interest totalling 45,500 shares, a decrease of 32.5% from the May 15th total of 67,400 shares. Based on an average daily volume of 77,700 shares, the days-to-cover ratio is presently 0.6 days. Approximately 0.1% of the shares of the stock are short sold. Osisko Development Trading Up 0.5 % Osisko Development stock traded up $0.02 during midday trading on Wednesday, reaching $4.46. 34,134 shares of the stock traded hands, compared to its average volume of 77,036. The company has a 50-day simple moving average of $5.00 and a two-hundred day simple moving average of $4.76. Osisko Development has a 12-month low of $3.84 and a 12-month high of $7.67. The firm has a market cap of $372.68 million and a PE ratio of -2.31. Get Osisko Development alerts: Osisko Development (NYSE:ODV Get Rating) last announced its earnings results on Tuesday, May 9th. The company reported ($0.22) EPS for the quarter. The company had revenue of $2.55 million during the quarter. Equities research analysts anticipate that Osisko Development will post 0.26 earnings per share for the current year. Analysts Set New Price Targets Hedge Funds Weigh In On Osisko Development Separately, BMO Capital Markets began coverage on Osisko Development in a research note on Monday, April 17th. They issued an outperform rating for the company. Several hedge funds and other institutional investors have recently made changes to their positions in ODV. FMR LLC boosted its stake in shares of Osisko Development by 500.2% in the 1st quarter. FMR LLC now owns 4,001,500 shares of the companys stock valued at $19,512,000 after buying an additional 3,334,834 shares during the period. Zazove Associates LLC raised its position in shares of Osisko Development by 172.7% during the 1st quarter. Zazove Associates LLC now owns 600,000 shares of the companys stock worth $2,940,000 after acquiring an additional 380,015 shares in the last quarter. Caisse DE Depot ET Placement DU Quebec acquired a new stake in shares of Osisko Development during the 3rd quarter worth about $1,205,000. Royal Bank of Canada raised its position in shares of Osisko Development by 112.4% during the 3rd quarter. Royal Bank of Canada now owns 423,066 shares of the companys stock worth $1,925,000 after acquiring an additional 223,867 shares in the last quarter. Finally, PCJ Investment Counsel Ltd. acquired a new stake in shares of Osisko Development during the 1st quarter worth about $946,000. Hedge funds and other institutional investors own 7.92% of the companys stock. About Osisko Development (Get Rating) Osisko Development Corp., a gold development company, engages in the acquisition, exploration, and development of precious metals resource properties in North America. The company's flagship asset is the Cariboo Gold Project covering an area of 155,089 hectares consisting of 415 mineral titles located in British Columbia, Canada. See Also Receive News & Ratings for Osisko Development Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Osisko Development and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. SentinelOne, Inc. (NYSE:S Get Rating) CFO David J. Bernhardt sold 1,538 shares of the firms stock in a transaction dated Monday, June 12th. The shares were sold at an average price of $15.65, for a total transaction of $24,069.70. Following the completion of the sale, the chief financial officer now owns 382,086 shares of the companys stock, valued at approximately $5,979,645.90. The sale was disclosed in a document filed with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which can be accessed through the SEC website. SentinelOne Stock Performance Shares of SentinelOne stock traded up $0.31 during trading on Wednesday, reaching $16.10. The company had a trading volume of 8,561,080 shares, compared to its average volume of 7,130,035. The company has a market cap of $4.65 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of -11.50 and a beta of 0.54. The firms fifty day moving average is $17.34 and its 200-day moving average is $15.79. SentinelOne, Inc. has a fifty-two week low of $12.43 and a fifty-two week high of $30.00. Get SentinelOne alerts: SentinelOne (NYSE:S Get Rating) last issued its earnings results on Thursday, June 1st. The company reported ($0.15) earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, beating analysts consensus estimates of ($0.17) by $0.02. The business had revenue of $133.39 million for the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of $136.62 million. SentinelOne had a negative net margin of 82.90% and a negative return on equity of 21.67%. The companys revenue for the quarter was up 70.5% on a year-over-year basis. During the same quarter in the prior year, the business posted ($0.33) EPS. On average, research analysts anticipate that SentinelOne, Inc. will post -1.22 EPS for the current fiscal year. Institutional Investors Weigh In On SentinelOne Wall Street Analysts Forecast Growth A number of institutional investors have recently modified their holdings of S. Price T Rowe Associates Inc. MD grew its position in shares of SentinelOne by 72.7% during the 4th quarter. Price T Rowe Associates Inc. MD now owns 25,317,055 shares of the companys stock valued at $369,376,000 after buying an additional 10,656,778 shares during the last quarter. Sylebra Capital Ltd bought a new stake in shares of SentinelOne during the 1st quarter valued at about $171,765,000. Vanguard Group Inc. grew its position in shares of SentinelOne by 239.0% during the 1st quarter. Vanguard Group Inc. now owns 11,516,251 shares of the companys stock valued at $446,140,000 after buying an additional 8,119,008 shares during the last quarter. First Trust Advisors LP bought a new stake in shares of SentinelOne during the 1st quarter valued at about $184,096,000. Finally, Point72 Asset Management L.P. grew its position in shares of SentinelOne by 6,412.4% during the 4th quarter. Point72 Asset Management L.P. now owns 3,497,172 shares of the companys stock valued at $51,024,000 after buying an additional 3,443,472 shares during the last quarter. Institutional investors and hedge funds own 79.18% of the companys stock. S has been the subject of several research reports. UBS Group lowered their price objective on shares of SentinelOne from $19.00 to $18.00 in a research note on Friday, June 2nd. Morgan Stanley raised shares of SentinelOne from an equal weight rating to an overweight rating and boosted their price objective for the company from $15.00 to $20.00 in a research note on Monday. Piper Sandler lowered their price objective on shares of SentinelOne from $18.00 to $15.00 in a research note on Friday, June 2nd. Guggenheim reissued a buy rating and set a $18.00 price objective on shares of SentinelOne in a research note on Wednesday, March 15th. Finally, Needham & Company LLC reissued a buy rating and set a $19.00 price objective on shares of SentinelOne in a research note on Monday, March 13th. One equities research analyst has rated the stock with a sell rating, sixteen have issued a hold rating, eight have given a buy rating and one has issued a strong buy rating to the companys stock. According to data from MarketBeat, the company has a consensus rating of Hold and a consensus target price of $19.60. SentinelOne Company Profile (Get Rating) SentinelOne, Inc operates as a cybersecurity provider in the United States and internationally. The company's Extended Detection and Response (XDR) data stack that fuses together the data, access, control, and integration planes of endpoint protection platform, endpoint detection and response, cloud workload protection platform, and IoT security into a centralized platform. Featured Articles Receive News & Ratings for SentinelOne Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for SentinelOne and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. B&M European Value Retail S.A. (OTCMKTS:BMRRY Get Rating) was the target of a significant decrease in short interest in the month of May. As of May 31st, there was short interest totalling 1,600 shares, a decrease of 69.2% from the May 15th total of 5,200 shares. Based on an average daily volume of 21,800 shares, the days-to-cover ratio is presently 0.1 days. B&M European Value Retail Stock Performance Shares of BMRRY stock traded up $0.70 during trading hours on Wednesday, hitting $27.87. 7,301 shares of the companys stock were exchanged, compared to its average volume of 16,184. The stocks 50-day moving average is $24.64 and its 200-day moving average is $22.91. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 2.49, a current ratio of 1.59 and a quick ratio of 0.52. B&M European Value Retail has a 52 week low of $12.74 and a 52 week high of $27.88. Get B&M European Value Retail alerts: Wall Street Analysts Forecast Growth Several equities research analysts have commented on BMRRY shares. Stifel Nicolaus upgraded shares of B&M European Value Retail from a hold rating to a buy rating in a research report on Friday, June 9th. Royal Bank of Canada upgraded B&M European Value Retail from a sector perform rating to an outperform rating in a report on Monday, March 6th. One analyst has rated the stock with a sell rating and five have issued a buy rating to the company. According to MarketBeat.com, the company has an average rating of Moderate Buy and a consensus target price of $472.50. About B&M European Value Retail B&M European Value Retail SA operates general merchandise and grocery stores. The company operates a chain of 701 stores under the B&M brand, and 311 stores under the Heron Foods and B&M Express brands in the United Kingdom; and 107 stores under the B&M brand in France. It also provides employment and property management services. See Also Receive News & Ratings for B&M European Value Retail Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for B&M European Value Retail and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Adalta Capital Management LLC raised its stake in The Southern Company (NYSE:SO Get Rating) by 3.9% in the 4th quarter, according to the company in its most recent disclosure with the Securities & Exchange Commission. The fund owned 27,150 shares of the utilities providers stock after purchasing an additional 1,025 shares during the quarter. Southern accounts for about 1.4% of Adalta Capital Management LLCs portfolio, making the stock its 22nd biggest position. Adalta Capital Management LLCs holdings in Southern were worth $1,939,000 as of its most recent filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission. Other institutional investors and hedge funds have also recently modified their holdings of the company. Prudential PLC grew its position in shares of Southern by 23.4% in the first quarter. Prudential PLC now owns 19,438 shares of the utilities providers stock valued at $1,409,000 after purchasing an additional 3,689 shares in the last quarter. Parkside Financial Bank & Trust grew its position in shares of Southern by 33.5% in the first quarter. Parkside Financial Bank & Trust now owns 1,727 shares of the utilities providers stock valued at $126,000 after purchasing an additional 433 shares in the last quarter. Covestor Ltd grew its position in shares of Southern by 63.0% in the first quarter. Covestor Ltd now owns 1,902 shares of the utilities providers stock valued at $138,000 after purchasing an additional 735 shares in the last quarter. NewEdge Advisors LLC grew its position in shares of Southern by 0.4% in the first quarter. NewEdge Advisors LLC now owns 49,925 shares of the utilities providers stock valued at $3,621,000 after purchasing an additional 221 shares in the last quarter. Finally, Mackenzie Financial Corp grew its position in shares of Southern by 35.8% in the first quarter. Mackenzie Financial Corp now owns 907,132 shares of the utilities providers stock valued at $65,776,000 after purchasing an additional 239,325 shares in the last quarter. 61.78% of the stock is owned by hedge funds and other institutional investors. Get Southern alerts: Insider Activity In other news, CEO Stephen E. Kuczynski sold 5,000 shares of the stock in a transaction on Monday, June 12th. The stock was sold at an average price of $71.48, for a total transaction of $357,400.00. Following the transaction, the chief executive officer now directly owns 136,284 shares of the companys stock, valued at approximately $9,741,580.32. The transaction was disclosed in a legal filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is available through this link. In other Southern news, EVP Martin Bernard Davis sold 1,435 shares of the stock in a transaction on Thursday, June 1st. The stock was sold at an average price of $69.99, for a total value of $100,435.65. Following the completion of the sale, the executive vice president now owns 74,246 shares in the company, valued at approximately $5,196,477.54. The sale was disclosed in a document filed with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is available at this link. Also, CEO Stephen E. Kuczynski sold 5,000 shares of the stock in a transaction on Monday, June 12th. The stock was sold at an average price of $71.48, for a total value of $357,400.00. Following the completion of the sale, the chief executive officer now owns 136,284 shares of the companys stock, valued at approximately $9,741,580.32. The disclosure for this sale can be found here. Insiders have sold 205,678 shares of company stock valued at $14,888,271 in the last ninety days. 0.28% of the stock is currently owned by company insiders. Southern Stock Up 1.1 % SO traded up $0.79 during trading on Thursday, hitting $71.27. 555,514 shares of the companys stock traded hands, compared to its average volume of 4,196,027. The companys 50 day simple moving average is $71.99 and its two-hundred day simple moving average is $69.46. The company has a current ratio of 0.69, a quick ratio of 0.51 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 1.51. The Southern Company has a 12-month low of $58.85 and a 12-month high of $80.57. The stock has a market capitalization of $77.71 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 22.74, a PEG ratio of 4.88 and a beta of 0.51. Southern (NYSE:SO Get Rating) last issued its earnings results on Thursday, April 27th. The utilities provider reported $0.79 EPS for the quarter, beating the consensus estimate of $0.71 by $0.08. Southern had a return on equity of 10.78% and a net margin of 11.53%. The business had revenue of $6.48 billion for the quarter, compared to the consensus estimate of $6.14 billion. During the same period last year, the business posted $0.97 EPS. The companys revenue was down 2.5% compared to the same quarter last year. Analysts predict that The Southern Company will post 3.61 earnings per share for the current fiscal year. Southern Increases Dividend The firm also recently announced a quarterly dividend, which was paid on Tuesday, June 6th. Shareholders of record on Monday, May 15th were paid a dividend of $0.70 per share. This represents a $2.80 annualized dividend and a yield of 3.93%. This is an increase from Southerns previous quarterly dividend of $0.68. The ex-dividend date of this dividend was Friday, May 12th. Southerns dividend payout ratio (DPR) is currently 90.32%. Analyst Ratings Changes SO has been the subject of several recent research reports. Wells Fargo & Company reduced their price target on Southern from $73.00 to $71.00 and set an equal weight rating for the company in a research report on Friday, February 17th. VNET Group restated a maintains rating on shares of Southern in a research report on Friday, April 28th. Mizuho reduced their target price on Southern from $77.00 to $76.00 in a research report on Tuesday, May 16th. Royal Bank of Canada reduced their target price on Southern from $79.00 to $78.00 and set an outperform rating for the company in a research report on Thursday, March 2nd. Finally, Guggenheim boosted their target price on Southern from $73.00 to $79.00 in a research report on Monday, April 24th. Four research analysts have rated the stock with a sell rating, three have assigned a hold rating and nine have assigned a buy rating to the companys stock. Based on data from MarketBeat, Southern has a consensus rating of Hold and an average price target of $74.07. Southern Profile (Get Rating) The Southern Company, through its subsidiaries, engages in the generation, transmission, and distribution of electricity. It operates through three segments: Gas Distribution Operations, Gas Pipeline Investments, and Gas Marketing Services. The company also develops, constructs, acquires, owns, and manages power generation assets, including renewable energy projects and sells electricity in the wholesale market; and distributes natural gas in Illinois, Georgia, Virginia, and Tennessee, as well as provides gas marketing services, gas distribution operations, and gas pipeline investments operations. Further Reading Want to see what other hedge funds are holding SO? Visit HoldingsChannel.com to get the latest 13F filings and insider trades for The Southern Company (NYSE:SO Get Rating). Receive News & Ratings for Southern Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Southern and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. National Pension Service increased its position in Altria Group, Inc. (NYSE:MO Get Rating) by 1.4% in the 4th quarter, according to its most recent filing with the SEC. The fund owned 2,858,676 shares of the companys stock after purchasing an additional 39,219 shares during the period. National Pension Service owned 0.16% of Altria Group worth $130,670,000 at the end of the most recent quarter. Several other institutional investors and hedge funds have also made changes to their positions in the company. Truist Financial Corp lifted its holdings in shares of Altria Group by 1.7% in the 4th quarter. Truist Financial Corp now owns 1,315,294 shares of the companys stock valued at $60,122,000 after purchasing an additional 22,185 shares during the last quarter. Coppell Advisory Solutions Corp. purchased a new stake in shares of Altria Group in the 4th quarter valued at about $78,000. LaSalle St. Investment Advisors LLC purchased a new stake in shares of Altria Group in the 4th quarter valued at about $327,000. Ascent Group LLC raised its stake in Altria Group by 7.0% during the 4th quarter. Ascent Group LLC now owns 90,736 shares of the companys stock valued at $4,148,000 after acquiring an additional 5,911 shares during the last quarter. Finally, Linden Thomas Advisory Services LLC purchased a new stake in Altria Group during the 4th quarter valued at approximately $1,281,000. 58.68% of the stock is owned by hedge funds and other institutional investors. Get Altria Group alerts: Analysts Set New Price Targets Several analysts have commented on the company. Stifel Nicolaus assumed coverage on Altria Group in a research note on Thursday, April 13th. They set a buy rating and a $52.00 price objective for the company. StockNews.com downgraded Altria Group from a buy rating to a hold rating in a research note on Tuesday. Finally, Citigroup reduced their price objective on Altria Group from $49.50 to $47.00 and set a neutral rating for the company in a research note on Monday, April 17th. Two research analysts have rated the stock with a sell rating, six have given a hold rating and two have issued a buy rating to the stock. According to data from MarketBeat, the company presently has an average rating of Hold and a consensus price target of $44.67. Altria Group Price Performance NYSE MO traded up $0.24 on Thursday, hitting $44.19. 733,783 shares of the companys stock were exchanged, compared to its average volume of 7,838,867. The firms 50-day moving average price is $45.54 and its two-hundred day moving average price is $45.88. Altria Group, Inc. has a fifty-two week low of $40.35 and a fifty-two week high of $51.57. The firm has a market cap of $78.88 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 14.13, a P/E/G ratio of 2.30 and a beta of 0.59. Altria Group (NYSE:MO Get Rating) last released its quarterly earnings results on Thursday, April 27th. The company reported $1.18 earnings per share for the quarter, missing analysts consensus estimates of $1.19 by ($0.01). The firm had revenue of $4.76 billion during the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of $4.89 billion. Altria Group had a negative return on equity of 245.43% and a net margin of 22.44%. The businesss revenue was down 1.2% on a year-over-year basis. During the same quarter in the prior year, the company earned $1.12 EPS. On average, research analysts predict that Altria Group, Inc. will post 4.97 earnings per share for the current fiscal year. Altria Group Dividend Announcement The company also recently declared a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Monday, July 10th. Investors of record on Thursday, June 15th will be issued a $0.94 dividend. This represents a $3.76 dividend on an annualized basis and a dividend yield of 8.51%. The ex-dividend date is Wednesday, June 14th. Altria Groups dividend payout ratio is currently 120.90%. About Altria Group (Get Rating) Altria Group, Inc, through its subsidiaries, manufactures and sells smokeable and oral tobacco products in the United States. The company provides cigarettes primarily under the Marlboro brand; cigars and pipe tobacco principally under the Black & Mild brand; moist smokeless tobacco products and snus products under the Copenhagen, Skoal, Red Seal, and Husky brands; and on! oral nicotine pouches. Featured Stories Want to see what other hedge funds are holding MO? Visit HoldingsChannel.com to get the latest 13F filings and insider trades for Altria Group, Inc. (NYSE:MO Get Rating). Receive News & Ratings for Altria Group Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Altria Group and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. 888 reissued their upgrade rating on shares of Ameren (NYSE:AEE Get Rating) in a research note published on Monday morning, Benzinga reports. AEE has been the topic of a number of other reports. KeyCorp upgraded Ameren from a sector weight rating to an overweight rating and set a $90.00 price objective on the stock in a research note on Monday. JPMorgan Chase & Co. decreased their price objective on Ameren from $102.00 to $95.00 and set an overweight rating on the stock in a research note on Wednesday, April 19th. BMO Capital Markets upped their target price on Ameren from $95.00 to $98.00 in a research note on Monday, May 8th. Mizuho decreased their target price on Ameren from $91.00 to $87.00 in a research note on Tuesday, May 16th. Finally, StockNews.com began coverage on Ameren in a research note on Thursday, May 18th. They issued a hold rating on the stock. Six research analysts have rated the stock with a hold rating and five have given a buy rating to the company. According to data from MarketBeat, the stock presently has a consensus rating of Hold and an average price target of $93.50. Get Ameren alerts: Ameren Trading Up 0.4 % Shares of Ameren stock opened at $82.83 on Monday. The stock has a fifty day simple moving average of $86.28 and a 200 day simple moving average of $86.47. Ameren has a 12-month low of $73.28 and a 12-month high of $97.53. The company has a market capitalization of $21.75 billion, a P/E ratio of 19.86, a price-to-earnings-growth ratio of 2.75 and a beta of 0.44. The company has a current ratio of 0.75, a quick ratio of 0.52 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 1.32. Ameren Dividend Announcement Ameren ( NYSE:AEE Get Rating ) last announced its quarterly earnings results on Friday, May 5th. The utilities provider reported $1.00 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, topping the consensus estimate of $0.94 by $0.06. Ameren had a return on equity of 10.41% and a net margin of 13.34%. The business had revenue of $2.06 billion during the quarter, compared to the consensus estimate of $1.95 billion. During the same quarter in the prior year, the company posted $0.97 earnings per share. Amerens revenue was up 9.7% compared to the same quarter last year. On average, sell-side analysts anticipate that Ameren will post 4.36 earnings per share for the current fiscal year. The business also recently disclosed a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Friday, June 30th. Shareholders of record on Wednesday, June 14th will be paid a dividend of $0.63 per share. The ex-dividend date is Tuesday, June 13th. This represents a $2.52 annualized dividend and a yield of 3.04%. Amerens payout ratio is currently 60.43%. Insider Activity In related news, SVP Fadi M. Diya sold 36,940 shares of the businesss stock in a transaction that occurred on Tuesday, June 13th. The stock was sold at an average price of $82.37, for a total value of $3,042,747.80. Following the completion of the sale, the senior vice president now owns 57,676 shares in the company, valued at $4,750,772.12. The sale was disclosed in a document filed with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which can be accessed through the SEC website. In other Ameren news, SVP Fadi M. Diya sold 36,940 shares of the companys stock in a transaction on Tuesday, June 13th. The stock was sold at an average price of $82.37, for a total transaction of $3,042,747.80. Following the completion of the sale, the senior vice president now owns 57,676 shares in the company, valued at $4,750,772.12. The transaction was disclosed in a document filed with the SEC, which can be accessed through this link. Also, CFO Michael L. Moehn sold 3,080 shares of the companys stock in a transaction on Thursday, June 1st. The stock was sold at an average price of $81.12, for a total value of $249,849.60. Following the sale, the chief financial officer now owns 164,179 shares of the companys stock, valued at approximately $13,318,200.48. The disclosure for this sale can be found here. Insiders own 0.42% of the companys stock. Hedge Funds Weigh In On Ameren Large investors have recently made changes to their positions in the business. Penserra Capital Management LLC acquired a new position in shares of Ameren during the first quarter worth $25,000. Dark Forest Capital Management LP acquired a new position in shares of Ameren in the 1st quarter valued at $27,000. CI Investments Inc. increased its position in shares of Ameren by 1,006.5% in the 3rd quarter. CI Investments Inc. now owns 343 shares of the utilities providers stock valued at $28,000 after acquiring an additional 312 shares during the period. Optiver Holding B.V. acquired a new position in shares of Ameren in the 4th quarter valued at $28,000. Finally, New Hampshire Trust acquired a new stake in Ameren during the 4th quarter worth about $29,000. 78.42% of the stock is owned by institutional investors and hedge funds. Ameren Company Profile (Get Rating) Ameren Corporation, together with its subsidiaries, operates as a public utility holding company in the United States. The company operates through four segments: Ameren Missouri, Ameren Illinois Electric Distribution, Ameren Illinois Natural Gas, and Ameren Transmission. It engages in the rate-regulated electric generation, transmission, and distribution activities; and rate-regulated natural gas distribution and transmission businesses. Featured Articles Receive News & Ratings for Ameren Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Ameren and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. CVA Family Office LLC reduced its position in shares of Bank of America Co. (NYSE:BAC Get Rating) by 3.8% during the 4th quarter, according to its most recent filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). The fund owned 15,749 shares of the financial services providers stock after selling 620 shares during the period. CVA Family Office LLCs holdings in Bank of America were worth $522,000 at the end of the most recent quarter. Other hedge funds also recently modified their holdings of the company. Altrius Capital Management Inc lifted its holdings in shares of Bank of America by 0.3% during the 4th quarter. Altrius Capital Management Inc now owns 92,587 shares of the financial services providers stock worth $3,066,000 after acquiring an additional 279 shares during the period. Vision Capital Management Inc. lifted its holdings in shares of Bank of America by 0.5% during the 4th quarter. Vision Capital Management Inc. now owns 60,662 shares of the financial services providers stock worth $2,009,000 after acquiring an additional 288 shares during the period. Hemington Wealth Management lifted its holdings in shares of Bank of America by 2.2% during the 4th quarter. Hemington Wealth Management now owns 14,010 shares of the financial services providers stock worth $464,000 after acquiring an additional 298 shares during the period. Cypress Asset Management Inc. TX lifted its holdings in shares of Bank of America by 1.4% during the 3rd quarter. Cypress Asset Management Inc. TX now owns 21,107 shares of the financial services providers stock worth $637,000 after acquiring an additional 300 shares during the period. Finally, First Citizens Financial Corp lifted its holdings in shares of Bank of America by 1.9% during the 4th quarter. First Citizens Financial Corp now owns 16,471 shares of the financial services providers stock worth $546,000 after acquiring an additional 300 shares during the period. 68.34% of the stock is owned by institutional investors and hedge funds. Get Bank of America alerts: Bank of America Stock Up 0.3 % Shares of NYSE BAC traded up $0.08 during trading on Thursday, reaching $29.20. 13,957,130 shares of the stock were exchanged, compared to its average volume of 52,820,520. The businesss 50-day moving average price is $28.55 and its 200 day moving average price is $31.46. Bank of America Co. has a twelve month low of $26.32 and a twelve month high of $38.60. The company has a quick ratio of 0.82, a current ratio of 0.82 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 1.13. The company has a market capitalization of $232.70 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 8.74, a price-to-earnings-growth ratio of 1.23 and a beta of 1.37. Bank of America Dividend Announcement Bank of America ( NYSE:BAC Get Rating ) last posted its earnings results on Tuesday, April 18th. The financial services provider reported $0.94 EPS for the quarter, topping analysts consensus estimates of $0.83 by $0.11. The business had revenue of $26.26 billion for the quarter, compared to analysts expectations of $25.28 billion. Bank of America had a net margin of 21.85% and a return on equity of 11.72%. The businesss revenue for the quarter was up 13.0% compared to the same quarter last year. During the same period in the previous year, the company posted $0.80 earnings per share. As a group, equities analysts forecast that Bank of America Co. will post 3.42 EPS for the current fiscal year. The business also recently declared a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Friday, June 30th. Investors of record on Friday, June 2nd will be paid a $0.22 dividend. The ex-dividend date is Thursday, June 1st. This represents a $0.88 dividend on an annualized basis and a dividend yield of 3.01%. Bank of Americas dividend payout ratio (DPR) is presently 26.43%. Wall Street Analyst Weigh In Several brokerages have recently weighed in on BAC. JPMorgan Chase & Co. cut 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 report on Monday, April 10th. Oppenheimer increased their price objective on shares of Bank of America from $44.00 to $47.00 and gave the stock an outperform rating in a report on Wednesday, April 19th. BMO Capital Markets cut their price target on shares of Bank of America from $43.00 to $41.00 and set a market perform rating on the stock in a report on Wednesday, April 19th. The Goldman Sachs Group cut their price target on shares of Bank of America from $39.00 to $35.00 and set a buy rating on the stock in a report on Monday, April 3rd. Finally, UBS Group raised their price target on shares of Bank of America from $34.00 to $36.00 and gave the company a buy rating in a report on Wednesday, April 19th. Two investment analysts have rated the stock with a sell rating, seven have given a hold rating and ten have issued a buy rating to the company. According to MarketBeat.com, Bank of America presently has an average rating of Hold and a consensus target price of $36.77. 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. Featured Articles 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. Bank Pictet & Cie Asia Ltd. raised its stake in shares of The Charles Schwab Co. (NYSE:SCHW Get Rating) by 13.9% in the 4th quarter, according to the company in its most recent filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission. The fund owned 15,063 shares of the financial services providers stock after acquiring an additional 1,839 shares during the period. Bank Pictet & Cie Asia Ltd.s holdings in Charles Schwab were worth $1,254,000 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 stock. Toronto Dominion Bank increased its position in Charles Schwab by 32,224.4% during the 4th quarter. Toronto Dominion Bank now owns 225,994,826 shares of the financial services providers stock worth $18,816,289,000 after purchasing an additional 225,295,680 shares during the period. Norges Bank acquired a new position in Charles Schwab during the 4th quarter worth approximately $1,325,555,000. CIBC Private Wealth Group LLC increased its position in Charles Schwab by 107.1% during the 4th quarter. CIBC Private Wealth Group LLC now owns 16,784,516 shares of the financial services providers stock worth $1,399,817,000 after purchasing an additional 8,680,289 shares during the period. Morgan Stanley increased its position in Charles Schwab by 62.5% during the 4th quarter. Morgan Stanley now owns 22,255,649 shares of the financial services providers stock worth $1,853,005,000 after purchasing an additional 8,563,389 shares during the period. Finally, Moneta Group Investment Advisors LLC increased its position in Charles Schwab by 91,051.8% during the 4th quarter. Moneta Group Investment Advisors LLC now owns 5,365,193 shares of the financial services providers stock worth $446,706,000 after purchasing an additional 5,359,307 shares during the period. 73.49% of the stock is owned by hedge funds and other institutional investors. Get Charles Schwab alerts: Analyst Upgrades and Downgrades Several equities analysts have issued reports on SCHW shares. StockNews.com cut Charles Schwab from a hold rating to a sell rating in a research report on Monday, May 29th. Deutsche Bank Aktiengesellschaft dropped their price objective on Charles Schwab from $75.00 to $72.00 in a research note on Tuesday, April 18th. Keefe, Bruyette & Woods dropped their price objective on Charles Schwab from $89.00 to $65.00 and set an outperform rating for the company in a research note on Thursday, April 6th. Redburn Partners downgraded Charles Schwab from a neutral rating to a sell rating in a research note on Thursday, April 20th. Finally, UBS Group dropped their price objective on Charles Schwab from $70.00 to $65.00 in a research note on Tuesday, April 18th. Three equities research analysts have rated the stock with a sell rating, two have given a hold rating and twelve have given a buy rating to the companys stock. Based on data from MarketBeat.com, the company currently has an average rating of Moderate Buy and a consensus price target of $67.19. Insider Transactions at Charles Schwab Charles Schwab Price Performance In related news, Chairman Charles R. Schwab sold 77,640 shares of Charles Schwab stock in a transaction on Monday, May 22nd. The stock was sold at an average price of $51.76, for a total value of $4,018,646.40. Following the transaction, the chairman now owns 59,771,278 shares in the company, valued at $3,093,761,349.28. The sale was disclosed in a legal filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is available through this hyperlink . In related news, Chairman Charles R. Schwab sold 77,640 shares of Charles Schwab stock in a transaction on Monday, May 22nd. The stock was sold at an average price of $51.76, for a total value of $4,018,646.40. Following the transaction, the chairman now owns 59,771,278 shares in the company, valued at $3,093,761,349.28. The sale was disclosed in a legal filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is available through this hyperlink . Also, insider Bernard J. Clark bought 5,000 shares of Charles Schwab stock in a transaction that occurred on Friday, March 17th. The stock was purchased at an average price of $54.83 per share, for a total transaction of $274,150.00. Following the acquisition, the insider now directly owns 120,653 shares of the companys stock, valued at approximately $6,615,403.99. The disclosure for this purchase can be found here . Insiders have acquired 12,000 shares of company stock worth $650,280 over the last quarter. 6.60% of the stock is currently owned by insiders. SCHW stock opened at $54.36 on Thursday. The Charles Schwab Co. has a 52-week low of $45.00 and a 52-week high of $86.63. The stocks fifty day simple moving average is $51.95 and its 200-day simple moving average is $66.77. 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 stock has a market capitalization of $96.17 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 14.85, a price-to-earnings-growth ratio of 3.06 and a beta of 0.88. Charles Schwab (NYSE:SCHW Get Rating) last posted its quarterly earnings data on Monday, April 17th. The financial services provider reported $0.93 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, topping the consensus estimate of $0.90 by $0.03. Charles Schwab had a return on equity of 27.83% and a net margin of 34.82%. The business had revenue of $5.12 billion for the quarter, compared to analysts expectations of $5.13 billion. During the same quarter last year, the firm earned $0.77 earnings per share. The businesss revenue was up 9.5% on a year-over-year basis. Equities research analysts expect that The Charles Schwab Co. will post 3.33 EPS for the current year. Charles Schwab Dividend Announcement The firm also recently disclosed a quarterly dividend, which was paid on Friday, May 26th. Stockholders of record on Friday, May 12th were issued a dividend of $0.25 per share. This represents a $1.00 annualized dividend and a dividend yield of 1.84%. The ex-dividend date was Thursday, May 11th. Charles Schwabs dividend payout ratio (DPR) is 27.32%. Charles Schwab Profile (Get Rating) The Charles Schwab Corporation, together with its subsidiaries, operates as a savings and loan holding company that provides wealth management, securities brokerage, banking, asset management, custody, and financial advisory services. The company operates in two segments, Investor Services and Advisor Services. See Also 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. (CNN) US President Joe Biden and his team are in the midst of a high-stakes conversation with fellow NATO members on how and when Ukraine may join a debate that could expose strains in the alliance ahead of a key summit. The matter of Ukrainian membership in NATO is one of several issues leaders will tackle when they meet in the Lithuanian capital Vilnius in mid-July. Also up for discussion are new defense spending commitments and a successor to Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg, who is planning on leaving his post in the autumn. Yet it is the issue of Ukrainian membership that will prove one of the biggest flash points for the group, which has managed to remain remarkably united amid Russias unprovoked invasion. At past NATO summits, the allies have produced a joint declaration outlining their shared views. A failure to reach a consensus this year would be hugely consequential and would signal trouble for the unity of the alliance as the war in Ukraine continues. Some allies, particularly those in Eastern Europe who are located closer to Ukraine and Russia, have advocated for a more concrete path for Kyiv to join the defensive alliance once the war ends. Other European officials, particularly those in western and southern Europe, have argued an expedited entrance of Ukraine into NATO could be too provocative and that it could amount to an extremely risky gamble for the alliance even if there is an end to the fighting, particularly if Russia still stakes claim over Ukrainian territory. Biden and members of his administration have remained committed to the alliances current posture, which states Ukraine will eventually join NATO but without any certainty of when. The divide has prompted urgent discussions ahead of the summit. The result of the conversations could determine whether Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky attends. If we are not acknowledged and given a signal in Vilnius, I believe there is no point for Ukraine to be at this summit, he told the Wall Street Journal earlier this month. The invasion and its aftermath have increased pressure on all NATO members to provide Ukraine some type of security guarantee going forward, even as there remains disagreement on exactly what they might look like. At the Vilnius summit, we will send a strong message of support and solidarity with Ukraine. And make clear that Ukraines future is in NATO, Stoltenberg said at a news conference Wednesday, a day after meeting Biden at the White House. Stoltenberg said he expected member states to agree on a multi-year program where we help to move Ukraine to transition from old standards, equipment, procedures, doctrines to NATO standards and become fully interoperable with NATO. Those steps, he said, would bring Ukraine closer to NATO. But he acknowledged that consultations among the group were still ongoing in the lead-up to the summit. Ukraines ambitions of joining NATO predate both Russias invasion last year and its annexation of Crimea in 2014. The group agreed in 2008 to allow for eventual membership a so-called open door policy yet governance issues, including persistent corruption, have prevented it from joining the alliance. In his first year in office, Biden made clear that many of those issues would need to be resolved before entertaining the prospect of Kyiv becoming a NATO member. The fact is they still have to clean up corruption and the fact is they have to meet other criteria to get into the action plan, he said in June 2021, declaring schools out on the question of whether Ukraine could join the organization. Russias invasion the following February provided a dramatic illustration of Ukraines security fears and prompted Zelensky to renew his calls for full membership in NATO. It also helped make Ukraine one of the most heavily armed countries in Europe, with systems and equipment drawn mostly from NATO nations, furthering an argument for membership within the alliance. Yet full membership for Ukraine comes with significant complications. Under the organizations Article 5 commitments, an attack on one member is an attack against all, committing the entire bloc to a collective military response. And while Biden has provided tens of billions of dollars in ever-more-advanced military equipment, he has remained firmly opposed to sending American troops into the country into direct conflict with Russia. Biden has similarly demonstrated caution on steps that could provoke an escalation by Russian President Vladimir Putin, who views an eastward expansion by NATO as an encroachment on Russian influence. In recent months, Biden administration officials have emphasized their commitment to the Bucharest Summit declaration the 2008 agreement that welcomed Ukraines aspirations to join NATO but have suggested that the focus should be on the practical support to Kyiv for the war with Russia. Every ally stands by Bucharest. There is no division on that proposition, US Secretary of State Antony Blinken said at a news conference in Oslo following an informal meeting of NATO foreign ministers in early June. The White House said this week their stance on Ukraines NATO membership hadnt changed. We obviously still support NATOs open-door policy. And those are discussions that have to be had with all 31 allies and, of course, the nation in question here. So, were not taking a position one way or another, National Security Council spokesman John Kirby said. I think you know that at Bucharest there was a declaration that made very clear that NATO should be in Ukraines future at some point in the future. Nothing has changed about that. However, senior US officials have acknowledged that theres a spectrum of opinion among NATO allies on the path for Ukrainian membership to NATO. I think the best way to describe it is theres a rich conversation going on across the alliance with a whole array of views, US Ambassador to NATO Julianne Smith said Wednesday. This is not a situation where the entire alliance has agreed language for how to describe Ukraines membership aspirations, and theres one or two countries that stand outside of that group in opposition. We are having, and we have had, a series of conversations where allies are looking at both an array of concrete deliverables and an array of options for describing their membership aspirations, she said. Among NATO countries bordering Ukraine or Russia, there is a stronger push for a commitment to extend membership to Ukraine, including providing a more concrete timetable. For the continent of Europe to be safe, the steps on Ukraines path to NATO must be clearly defined and fully agreed. (Fifteen) years of vague promises must end with a firm commitment, including protecting Ukraine while we take those steps, Lithuanian Foreign Minister Gabrielius Landsbergis tweeted last week. Some European diplomats have argued the only true deterrent for Russia is the threat of triggering NATOs collective defense agreement and that medium- and longer-term deterrence will not be sufficient to stop Putin from trying to take Ukraine again, even if he fails on the battlefield this time around. Other nations, including Germany, have voiced concern at the risks full membership for Ukraine would entail. And most diplomats involved in discussions in the lead-up to the Lithuania summit acknowledge the security assurances provided by the alliance will stop short of a full Article 5 commitment of collective defense. One European diplomat told CNN the United States may be willing to drop the language about the Membership Action Plan, which the Bucharest declaration described as the next step for Ukraine on their direct way to membership. CNN has asked the National Security Council for comment on the diplomats suggestion. And other diplomats raised the possibility of establishing an urgent consultation mechanism with Ukraine, another benefit of NATO membership that stops short of drawing other nations directly into the conflict. There is strong consensus among lawmakers in Europe about the need for leaders to create a clear path for Ukraine. A letter from early June calling for such a move at the Vilnius Summit was signed by the Foreign Affairs Committee chairs from 22 nations, including US House Foreign Affairs Committee Chairman Rep. Michael McCaul. This story was first published on CNN.com, "Biden holding firm on Ukraine joining NATO" Kinsale Capital Group, Inc. (NYSE:KNSL Get Rating) COO Brian D. Haney sold 1,500 shares of the companys stock in a transaction that occurred on Wednesday, June 14th. The stock was sold at an average price of $349.94, for a total value of $524,910.00. Following the completion of the sale, the chief operating officer now owns 70,831 shares in the company, valued at approximately $24,786,600.14. The transaction was disclosed in a filing with the SEC, which is available through the SEC website. Kinsale Capital Group Trading Up 1.7 % Shares of Kinsale Capital Group stock traded up $6.01 during trading hours on Thursday, reaching $350.09. 126,014 shares of the companys stock were exchanged, compared to its average volume of 158,159. Kinsale Capital Group, Inc. has a 52-week low of $202.00 and a 52-week high of $358.96. The firm has a market capitalization of $8.11 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 43.59 and a beta of 0.86. The company has a fifty day moving average of $326.79 and a 200-day moving average of $306.96. The company has a current ratio of 0.17, a quick ratio of 0.17 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.24. Get Kinsale Capital Group alerts: Kinsale Capital Group (NYSE:KNSL Get Rating) last issued its quarterly earnings results on Friday, April 28th. The financial services provider reported $2.44 earnings per share for the quarter, topping analysts consensus estimates of $2.24 by $0.20. Kinsale Capital Group had a return on equity of 28.34% and a net margin of 20.44%. The company had revenue of $299.03 million for the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of $252.84 million. During the same quarter in the prior year, the company posted $1.63 EPS. The businesss revenue for the quarter was up 38.1% compared to the same quarter last year. Sell-side analysts forecast that Kinsale Capital Group, Inc. will post 10.37 EPS for the current fiscal year. Kinsale Capital Group Dividend Announcement Analyst Upgrades and Downgrades The company also recently disclosed a quarterly dividend, which was paid on Tuesday, June 13th. Stockholders of record on Wednesday, May 31st were issued a dividend of $0.14 per share. The ex-dividend date was Tuesday, May 30th. This represents a $0.56 dividend on an annualized basis and a dividend yield of 0.16%. Kinsale Capital Groups payout ratio is 7.09%. KNSL has been the topic of a number of recent research reports. Royal Bank of Canada upped their target price on Kinsale Capital Group from $350.00 to $360.00 and gave the company an outperform rating in a research note on Tuesday, February 21st. Jefferies Financial Group upped their target price on Kinsale Capital Group from $313.00 to $315.00 and gave the company a hold rating in a research note on Monday, April 10th. StockNews.com initiated coverage on Kinsale Capital Group in a research note on Thursday, May 18th. They issued a hold rating on the stock. BMO Capital Markets raised Kinsale Capital Group from an underperform rating to an outperform rating and upped their target price for the company from $270.00 to $389.00 in a research note on Friday, June 2nd. Finally, Truist Financial upped their target price on Kinsale Capital Group from $335.00 to $400.00 and gave the company a buy rating in a research note on Tuesday, February 21st. Three research analysts have rated the stock with a hold rating and three have given a buy rating to the stock. Based on data from MarketBeat, the stock currently has an average rating of Moderate Buy and an average target price of $362.80. Institutional Trading of Kinsale Capital Group Institutional investors and hedge funds have recently made changes to their positions in the company. Ceredex Value Advisors LLC acquired a new stake in shares of Kinsale Capital Group during the 4th quarter worth $11,012,000. Ieq Capital LLC increased its holdings in shares of Kinsale Capital Group by 1.3% during the 4th quarter. Ieq Capital LLC now owns 2,706 shares of the financial services providers stock worth $708,000 after buying an additional 35 shares during the last quarter. OLD National Bancorp IN acquired a new stake in shares of Kinsale Capital Group during the 4th quarter worth $236,000. Arizona State Retirement System increased its holdings in shares of Kinsale Capital Group by 3.8% during the 4th quarter. Arizona State Retirement System now owns 6,139 shares of the financial services providers stock worth $1,605,000 after buying an additional 225 shares during the last quarter. Finally, Alliancebernstein L.P. increased its holdings in shares of Kinsale Capital Group by 3.1% during the 3rd quarter. Alliancebernstein L.P. now owns 434,677 shares of the financial services providers stock worth $111,025,000 after buying an additional 13,242 shares during the last quarter. 85.97% of the stock is currently owned by institutional investors and hedge funds. About Kinsale Capital Group (Get Rating) Kinsale Capital Group, Inc is a holding company, which engages in the provision of property and casualty insurance services. It operates the Excess and Surplus Lines Insurance segment. The Excess and Surplus Lines Insurance segment provides commercial excess and surplus lines liability and property insurance products through underwriting divisions. See Also Receive News & Ratings for Kinsale Capital Group Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Kinsale Capital Group and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Shares of GoDaddy Inc. (NYSE:GDDY Get Rating) have been given an average recommendation of Moderate Buy by the twelve ratings firms that are currently covering the company, MarketBeat.com reports. Three investment analysts have rated the stock with a hold recommendation, six have assigned a buy recommendation and one has assigned a strong buy recommendation to the company. The average 12-month price target among brokerages that have covered the stock in the last year is $91.91. GDDY has been the subject of several recent analyst reports. StockNews.com initiated coverage on shares of GoDaddy in a research report on Thursday, May 18th. They set a buy rating for the company. Barclays reduced their price target on shares of GoDaddy from $100.00 to $98.00 in a research report on Friday, May 5th. Royal Bank of Canada started coverage on shares of GoDaddy in a research report on Monday, June 5th. They issued a sector perform rating and a $80.00 price target for the company. Piper Sandler reduced their price target on shares of GoDaddy from $88.00 to $84.00 in a research report on Friday, May 5th. Finally, Raymond James lifted their price target on shares of GoDaddy from $88.00 to $94.00 and gave the company a strong-buy rating in a research report on Wednesday, February 15th. Get GoDaddy alerts: GoDaddy Stock Performance GoDaddy stock opened at $74.45 on Friday. GoDaddy has a 52-week low of $64.65 and a 52-week high of $85.32. The firm has a 50 day moving average price of $73.81 and a two-hundred day moving average price of $75.65. The firm has a market cap of $11.50 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 35.68, a PEG ratio of 2.03 and a beta of 0.97. Insider Buying and Selling at GoDaddy GoDaddy ( NYSE:GDDY Get Rating ) last released its quarterly earnings results on Thursday, May 4th. The technology company reported $0.30 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, missing the consensus estimate of $0.52 by ($0.22). The firm had revenue of $1.04 billion for the quarter, compared to the consensus estimate of $1.04 billion. GoDaddy had a negative return on equity of 95.00% and a net margin of 8.03%. The firms revenue for the quarter was up 3.3% compared to the same quarter last year. During the same quarter in the previous year, the business posted $0.41 EPS. As a group, equities research analysts predict that GoDaddy will post 2.37 EPS for the current fiscal year. In other GoDaddy news, CAO Nick Daddario sold 341 shares of the firms stock in a transaction on Friday, June 2nd. The stock was sold at an average price of $75.37, for a total transaction of $25,701.17. Following the transaction, the chief accounting officer now directly owns 20,722 shares in the company, valued at approximately $1,561,817.14. The sale was disclosed in a document filed with the SEC, which is available through this hyperlink. In other news, CEO Amanpal Singh Bhutani sold 1,987 shares of GoDaddy stock in a transaction on Tuesday, April 4th. The stock was sold at an average price of $77.41, for a total transaction of $153,813.67. Following the sale, the chief executive officer now directly owns 278,258 shares in the company, valued at approximately $21,539,951.78. The transaction was disclosed in a document filed with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is available at the SEC website. Also, CAO Nick Daddario sold 341 shares of GoDaddy stock in a transaction on Friday, June 2nd. The stock was 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 in the company, valued at $1,561,817.14. The disclosure for this sale can be found here. In the last three months, insiders have sold 7,859 shares of company stock worth $598,037. Corporate insiders own 0.37% of the companys stock. Institutional Investors Weigh In On GoDaddy A number of hedge funds and other institutional investors have recently added to or reduced their stakes in GDDY. Achmea Investment Management B.V. purchased a new position in GoDaddy during the 1st quarter valued at about $31,000. Allworth Financial LP grew its holdings in GoDaddy by 56.7% during the 4th quarter. Allworth Financial LP now owns 456 shares of the technology companys stock valued at $34,000 after buying an additional 165 shares in the last quarter. Ronald Blue Trust Inc. grew its holdings in GoDaddy by 119.4% during the 1st quarter. Ronald Blue Trust Inc. now owns 509 shares of the technology companys stock valued at $38,000 after buying an additional 277 shares in the last quarter. Venturi Wealth Management LLC purchased a new position in GoDaddy during the 1st quarter valued at about $41,000. Finally, Penserra Capital Management LLC purchased a new position in GoDaddy during the 4th quarter valued at about $62,000. 97.32% of the stock is currently owned by institutional investors. 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. Featured Articles 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. Centurion Wealth Management LLC bought a new stake in Science Applications International Co. (NYSE:SAIC Get Rating) during the 4th quarter, Holdings Channel reports. The fund bought 4,200 shares of the information technology services providers stock, valued at approximately $466,000. Several other hedge funds have also recently added to or reduced their stakes in SAIC. Cambridge Investment Research Advisors Inc. acquired a new position in Science Applications International in the first quarter valued at about $978,000. Natixis Advisors L.P. lifted its stake in Science Applications International by 14.0% in the first quarter. Natixis Advisors L.P. now owns 11,670 shares of the information technology services providers stock valued at $1,076,000 after buying an additional 1,432 shares during the period. Bank of Montreal Can lifted its stake in Science Applications International by 19.5% in the first quarter. Bank of Montreal Can now owns 11,432 shares of the information technology services providers stock valued at $1,073,000 after buying an additional 1,862 shares during the period. Healthcare of Ontario Pension Plan Trust Fund acquired a new position in Science Applications International in the first quarter valued at about $578,000. Finally, MetLife Investment Management LLC lifted its stake in Science Applications International by 32.0% in the first quarter. MetLife Investment Management LLC now owns 36,823 shares of the information technology services providers stock valued at $3,394,000 after buying an additional 8,926 shares during the period. Institutional investors and hedge funds own 76.40% of the companys stock. Get Science Applications International alerts: Wall Street Analyst Weigh In A number of equities research analysts have recently commented on SAIC shares. Wells Fargo & Company dropped their price target on Science Applications International from $121.00 to $118.00 and set an equal weight rating on the stock in a research report on Tuesday, April 4th. Citigroup dropped their price target on Science Applications International from $141.00 to $127.00 and set a buy rating on the stock in a research report on Tuesday, April 4th. StockNews.com raised Science Applications International from a buy rating to a strong-buy rating in a research report on Tuesday, May 30th. Stifel Nicolaus raised their price target on Science Applications International from $110.00 to $112.00 and gave the stock a hold rating in a research report on Tuesday, April 11th. Finally, Truist Financial dropped their price target on Science Applications International from $120.00 to $115.00 in a research report on Tuesday, June 6th. One analyst has rated the stock with a sell rating, four have given a hold rating, one has assigned a buy rating and one has assigned a strong buy rating to the stock. Based on data from MarketBeat.com, Science Applications International currently has an average rating of Hold and a consensus price target of $113.29. Insider Transactions at Science Applications International Science Applications International Stock Up 0.4 % In other news, insider Michael W. Larouche sold 6,000 shares of Science Applications International stock in a transaction that occurred on Thursday, April 13th. The stock was sold at an average price of $107.19, for a total transaction of $643,140.00. Following the completion of the transaction, the insider now directly owns 49,192 shares in the company, valued at approximately $5,272,890.48. The sale was disclosed in a filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is accessible through this hyperlink . In related news, insider Michael W. Larouche sold 6,000 shares of the businesss stock in a transaction on Thursday, April 13th. The stock was sold at an average price of $107.19, for a total value of $643,140.00. Following the completion of the sale, the insider now directly owns 49,192 shares in the company, valued at approximately $5,272,890.48. The transaction was disclosed in a filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is accessible through the SEC website . Also, CEO Nazzic S. Keene sold 26,237 shares of the businesss stock in a transaction on Thursday, April 13th. The shares were sold at an average price of $107.37, for a total value of $2,817,066.69. Following the completion of the sale, the chief executive officer now owns 65,680 shares of the companys stock, valued at $7,052,061.60. The disclosure for this sale can be found here . In the last three months, insiders sold 36,430 shares of company stock worth $3,912,723. 1.29% of the stock is owned by company insiders. SAIC stock traded up $0.44 during mid-day trading on Thursday, reaching $108.21. The company had a trading volume of 39,675 shares, compared to its average volume of 303,662. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 1.38, a current ratio of 1.08 and a quick ratio of 1.03. The stock has a 50 day simple moving average of $102.28 and a two-hundred day simple moving average of $105.38. The company has a market capitalization of $5.81 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 18.33 and a beta of 0.71. Science Applications International Co. has a 52 week low of $83.68 and a 52 week high of $117.94. Science Applications International (NYSE:SAIC Get Rating) last posted its quarterly earnings results on Monday, June 5th. The information technology services provider reported $2.14 earnings per share for the quarter, beating analysts consensus estimates of $1.83 by $0.31. The firm had revenue of $2.03 billion during the quarter, compared to the consensus estimate of $1.96 billion. Science Applications International had a return on equity of 25.68% and a net margin of 4.20%. The businesss revenue was up 1.6% compared to the same quarter last year. During the same period last year, the company earned $1.88 earnings per share. As a group, equities analysts predict that Science Applications International Co. will post 7.12 earnings per share for the current fiscal year. Science Applications International Announces Dividend The firm also recently announced a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Friday, July 28th. Stockholders of record on Friday, July 14th will be paid a dividend of $0.37 per share. The ex-dividend date of this dividend is Thursday, July 13th. This represents a $1.48 annualized dividend and a dividend yield of 1.37%. Science Applications Internationals dividend payout ratio is currently 25.17%. Science Applications International Company Profile (Get Rating) Science Applications International Corporation provides technical, engineering, and enterprise information technology (IT) services primarily in the United States. The company's offerings include engineering; technology integration; IT modernization; maintenance of ground and maritime systems; logistics; training and simulation; operation and program support services; and end-to-end services, such as design, development, integration, deployment, management and operations, sustainment, and security of its customers' IT infrastructure, as well as cloud migration, managed services, infrastructure modernization, and enterprise IT-as-a-service solutions; and data management platform solutions. Recommended Stories Want to see what other hedge funds are holding SAIC? Visit HoldingsChannel.com to get the latest 13F filings and insider trades for Science Applications International Co. (NYSE:SAIC Get Rating). Receive News & Ratings for Science Applications International Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Science Applications International and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Community Heritage Financial, Inc. (OTCMKTS:CMHF Get Rating) fell 4.8% on Tuesday . The company traded as low as $15.00 and last traded at $15.00. 2,400 shares were traded during mid-day trading, a decline of 11% from the average session volume of 2,710 shares. The stock had previously closed at $15.75. Community Heritage Financial Price Performance The stocks fifty day moving average is $16.03 and its 200-day moving average is $18.48. The stock has a market capitalization of $43.65 million, a P/E ratio of 5.84 and a beta of 0.19. Get Community Heritage Financial alerts: Community Heritage Financial (OTCMKTS:CMHF Get Rating) last released its quarterly earnings results on Wednesday, April 26th. The company reported $0.48 EPS for the quarter. The company had revenue of $7.66 million for the quarter. Community Heritage Financial Company Profile Community Heritage Financial, Inc, through its subsidiaries, provides retail and commercial banking services to individuals and businesses in Maryland, Pennsylvania, Virginia, West Virginia, and the District of Columbia. It operates in two segments, Commercial Banking and Mortgage Banking. The Commercial Banking segment offers commercial loans, real estate loans, installment loans, and consumer loans, as well as other business financing services; and deposit products, including demand deposit accounts, savings accounts, time deposit, and certificates of deposit. Further Reading Receive News & Ratings for Community Heritage Financial Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Community Heritage Financial and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Constantine Metal Resources Ltd. (CVE:CEM Get Rating) was up 4.5% on Wednesday . The stock traded as high as C$0.37 and last traded at C$0.35. Approximately 207,650 shares traded hands during mid-day trading, an increase of 199% from the average daily volume of 69,562 shares. The stock had previously closed at C$0.33. Constantine Metal Resources Stock Performance The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 5.75, a current ratio of 2.08 and a quick ratio of 2.07. The firm has a market cap of C$22.52 million and a price-to-earnings ratio of -10.78. The firm has a fifty day simple moving average of C$0.35 and a two-hundred day simple moving average of C$0.34. About Constantine Metal Resources (Get Rating) Constantine Metal Resources Ltd., a junior mining company, engages in the exploration and development of mineral properties in North America. The company primarily explores for copper, zinc, gold, and silver deposits. Its principal project is the Palmer project that includes 340 federal mining claims and 63 state mining claims located in Alaska, the United States. Featured Articles Receive News & Ratings for Constantine Metal Resources Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Constantine Metal Resources and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. StockNews.com started coverage on shares of Core Laboratories (NYSE:CLB Get Rating) in a report issued on Sunday morning. The firm issued a hold rating on the oil and gas companys stock. Several other research firms have also weighed in on CLB. Piper Sandler lifted their target price on shares of Core Laboratories from $18.00 to $19.00 in a report on Monday, May 1st. Bank of America cut shares of Core Laboratories from a neutral rating to an underperform rating and set a $21.50 price target on the stock. in a research note on Tuesday, April 18th. They noted that the move was a valuation call. Finally, Stifel Nicolaus upped their price objective on shares of Core Laboratories from $24.00 to $25.00 in a research report on Friday, April 28th. Get Core Laboratories alerts: Core Laboratories Stock Down 1.2 % CLB stock opened at $22.95 on Friday. The firm has a 50 day moving average of $22.45 and a 200 day moving average of $22.40. The stock has a market capitalization of $1.07 billion, a PE ratio of 45.90, a price-to-earnings-growth ratio of 0.63 and a beta of 2.67. The company has a quick ratio of 1.68, a current ratio of 2.38 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.90. Core Laboratories has a 52 week low of $13.19 and a 52 week high of $26.80. Core Laboratories Announces Dividend Core Laboratories ( NYSE:CLB Get Rating ) last posted its quarterly earnings results on Wednesday, April 26th. The oil and gas company reported $0.08 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, missing analysts consensus estimates of $0.14 by ($0.06). Core Laboratories had a return on equity of 15.23% and a net margin of 4.72%. The business had revenue of $128.36 million for the quarter, compared to analysts expectations of $126.26 million. Sell-side analysts forecast that Core Laboratories will post 0.8 earnings per share for the current year. The firm also recently announced a quarterly dividend, which was paid on Tuesday, May 30th. Stockholders of record on Monday, May 8th were issued a dividend of $0.01 per share. This represents a $0.04 dividend on an annualized basis and a dividend yield of 0.17%. The ex-dividend date of this dividend was Friday, May 5th. Core Laboratoriess payout ratio is 8.00%. Institutional Investors Weigh In On Core Laboratories A number of large investors have recently modified their holdings of CLB. Raymond James & Associates purchased a new stake in shares of Core Laboratories in the first quarter valued at about $1,980,000. US Bancorp DE grew its holdings in shares of Core Laboratories by 15.3% in the first quarter. US Bancorp DE now owns 5,945 shares of the oil and gas companys stock valued at $188,000 after purchasing an additional 790 shares during the period. Citigroup Inc. grew its holdings in shares of Core Laboratories by 57.8% in the first quarter. Citigroup Inc. now owns 39,192 shares of the oil and gas companys stock valued at $1,240,000 after purchasing an additional 14,354 shares during the period. Rhumbline Advisers lifted its position in Core Laboratories by 9.4% in the first quarter. Rhumbline Advisers now owns 68,839 shares of the oil and gas companys stock valued at $2,177,000 after buying an additional 5,931 shares during the last quarter. Finally, Commonwealth of Pennsylvania Public School Empls Retrmt SYS lifted its position in Core Laboratories by 14.0% in the first quarter. Commonwealth of Pennsylvania Public School Empls Retrmt SYS now owns 39,895 shares of the oil and gas companys stock valued at $1,262,000 after buying an additional 4,909 shares during the last quarter. Hedge funds and other institutional investors own 97.44% of the companys stock. Core Laboratories Company Profile (Get Rating) Core Laboratories, Inc provides proprietary and patented reservoir description and production enhancement services. The company was founded on May 1, 2023 and is headquartered in Houston, TX. Further Reading Receive News & Ratings for Core Laboratories Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Core Laboratories and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Shares of Deutsche EuroShop AG (ETR:DEQ Get Rating) were down 1.4% on Wednesday . The company traded as low as 20.75 ($22.31) and last traded at 20.80 ($22.37). Approximately 3,517 shares were traded during trading, a decline of 98% from the average daily volume of 222,238 shares. The stock had previously closed at 21.10 ($22.69). Analyst Upgrades and Downgrades A number of equities research analysts recently weighed in on DEQ shares. Baader Bank set a 23.00 ($24.73) price objective on Deutsche EuroShop in a research report on Wednesday, March 22nd. Berenberg Bank set a 22.00 ($23.66) price target on Deutsche EuroShop in a research report on Wednesday, March 22nd. Get Deutsche EuroShop alerts: Deutsche EuroShop Price Performance The business has a 50-day simple moving average of 20.03 and a 200 day simple moving average of 20.72. The stock has a market cap of $1.59 billion, a P/E ratio of 67.10, a price-to-earnings-growth ratio of 24.40 and a beta of 1.34. The company has a current ratio of 6.28, a quick ratio of 1.26 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 61.62. About Deutsche EuroShop Deutsche EuroShop is the only public company in Germany to invest solely in shopping centers in prime locations. The company currently has investments in 21 shopping centers in Germany, Austria, Poland, the Czech Republic and Hungary. The portfolio includes the Main-TaunusZentrum near Frankfurt, the Altmarkt-Galerie in Dresden and the Galeria Baltycka in Gdansk, among many others. See Also Receive News & Ratings for Deutsche EuroShop Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Deutsche EuroShop and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. DGS Capital Management LLC lifted its position in Crescent Point Energy Corp. (NYSE:CPG Get Rating) (TSE:CPG) by 16.2% during the 4th quarter, Holdings Channel.com reports. The institutional investor owned 76,918 shares of the oil and gas producers stock after buying an additional 10,746 shares during the quarter. DGS Capital Management LLCs holdings in Crescent Point Energy were worth $550,000 at the end of the most recent quarter. Several other institutional investors and hedge funds have also recently modified their holdings of the company. State of Wyoming raised its holdings in shares of Crescent Point Energy by 168.9% in the 4th quarter. State of Wyoming now owns 33,212 shares of the oil and gas producers stock valued at $237,000 after buying an additional 20,859 shares during the period. Toroso Investments LLC raised its holdings in shares of Crescent Point Energy by 28.0% in the 4th quarter. Toroso Investments LLC now owns 20,070 shares of the oil and gas producers stock valued at $144,000 after buying an additional 4,394 shares during the period. Schonfeld Strategic Advisors LLC purchased a new stake in shares of Crescent Point Energy in the 4th quarter valued at $538,000. Squarepoint Ops LLC purchased a new stake in shares of Crescent Point Energy in the 4th quarter valued at $378,000. Finally, Man Group plc raised its holdings in shares of Crescent Point Energy by 251.7% in the 4th quarter. Man Group plc now owns 623,000 shares of the oil and gas producers stock valued at $4,454,000 after buying an additional 445,883 shares during the period. Hedge funds and other institutional investors own 32.71% of the companys stock. Get Crescent Point Energy alerts: Analysts Set New Price Targets Several equities research analysts have weighed in on the company. StockNews.com assumed coverage on Crescent Point Energy in a report on Thursday, May 18th. They set a hold rating on the stock. Raymond James upgraded Crescent Point Energy from a market perform rating to an outperform rating in a report on Wednesday, March 22nd. Crescent Point Energy Stock Up 1.8 % Crescent Point Energy Cuts Dividend NYSE CPG traded up $0.12 during trading hours on Thursday, hitting $6.76. 763,448 shares of the company were exchanged, compared to its average volume of 5,121,662. The company has a 50 day moving average of $7.01 and a two-hundred day moving average of $6.99. The company has a quick ratio of 0.67, a current ratio of 0.67 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.15. Crescent Point Energy Corp. has a 52-week low of $5.51 and a 52-week high of $8.98. The firm has a market cap of $3.66 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 9.34 and a beta of 2.24. The business also recently declared a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Tuesday, July 4th. Shareholders of record on Thursday, June 15th will be issued a dividend of $0.074 per share. The ex-dividend date of this dividend is Wednesday, June 14th. This represents a $0.30 annualized dividend and a yield of 4.38%. Crescent Point Energys dividend payout ratio (DPR) is 40.85%. Crescent Point Energy Company Profile (Get Rating) Crescent Point Energy Corp. engages in the exploration, development, and production of oil and gas properties. Its focus areas include: Viewfield Bakken, Flat Lake Torquay, and Shaunavon. The company was founded on April 20, 1994 and is headquartered in Calgary, Canada. Featured Stories Want to see what other hedge funds are holding CPG? Visit HoldingsChannel.com to get the latest 13F filings and insider trades for Crescent Point Energy Corp. (NYSE:CPG Get Rating) (TSE:CPG). Receive News & Ratings for Crescent Point Energy Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Crescent Point Energy and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Elevance Health (NYSE:ELV Get Rating) updated its FY 2023 earnings guidance on Tuesday. The company provided earnings per share (EPS) guidance of $32.70- for the period, compared to the consensus estimate of $32.85. The company issued revenue guidance of -. Elevance Health Stock Performance Shares of NYSE:ELV opened at $436.32 on Thursday. The businesss 50 day moving average price is $464.04 and its 200-day moving average price is $479.54. Elevance Health has a 1 year low of $428.87 and a 1 year high of $549.52. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.67, a current ratio of 1.43 and a quick ratio of 1.43. The firm has a market capitalization of $103.43 billion, a PE ratio of 16.98, a P/E/G ratio of 1.19 and a beta of 0.85. Get Elevance Health alerts: Elevance Health (NYSE:ELV Get Rating) last issued its earnings results on Wednesday, April 19th. The company reported $9.46 EPS for the quarter, beating analysts consensus estimates of $9.26 by $0.20. The business had revenue of $41.90 billion during the quarter, compared to analysts expectations of $40.93 billion. Elevance Health had a net margin of 3.86% and a return on equity of 20.05%. The companys quarterly revenue was up 10.6% compared to the same quarter last year. During the same period in the prior year, the business earned $8.25 earnings per share. As a group, equities research analysts expect that Elevance Health will post 32.78 earnings per share for the current fiscal year. Elevance Health Dividend Announcement Wall Street Analysts Forecast Growth The business also recently declared a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Friday, June 23rd. Stockholders of record on Friday, June 9th will be given a $1.48 dividend. The ex-dividend date of this dividend is Thursday, June 8th. This represents a $5.92 dividend on an annualized basis and a dividend yield of 1.36%. Elevance Healths dividend payout ratio (DPR) is presently 23.04%. ELV has been the subject of a number of recent research reports. JPMorgan Chase & Co. raised their target price on Elevance Health from $555.00 to $572.00 and gave the stock an overweight rating in a research note on Thursday, February 23rd. Deutsche Bank Aktiengesellschaft increased their price target on shares of Elevance Health from $571.00 to $575.00 in a research note on Thursday, April 20th. Morgan Stanley upgraded Elevance Health from an equal weight rating to an overweight rating and upped their price objective for the company from $500.00 to $571.00 in a report on Thursday, April 27th. StockNews.com began coverage on Elevance Health in a research note on Thursday, May 18th. They set a strong-buy rating for the company. Finally, TD Cowen decreased their price target on Elevance Health from $577.00 to $564.00 and set an outperform rating on the stock in a research note on Thursday, April 20th. One equities research analyst has rated the stock with a hold rating, eleven have assigned a buy rating and one has assigned a strong buy rating to the companys stock. According to data from MarketBeat.com, Elevance Health has a consensus rating of Buy and an average price target of $570.60. Insider Buying and Selling In other news, EVP Gloria M. Mccarthy sold 15,098 shares of the firms stock in a transaction that occurred on Friday, March 24th. The shares were sold at an average price of $444.76, for a total transaction of $6,714,986.48. Following the transaction, the executive vice president now directly owns 51,435 shares in the company, valued at $22,876,230.60. The sale was disclosed in a legal filing with the SEC, which is accessible through this hyperlink. 0.35% of the stock is currently owned by company insiders. Hedge Funds Weigh In On Elevance Health Several institutional investors have recently added to or reduced their stakes in the stock. Continuum Advisory LLC lifted its holdings in shares of Elevance Health by 2.4% during the first quarter. Continuum Advisory LLC now owns 1,328 shares of the companys stock worth $611,000 after purchasing an additional 31 shares during the period. Plancorp LLC raised its holdings in Elevance Health by 2.3% during the first quarter. Plancorp LLC now owns 1,436 shares of the companys stock worth $705,000 after purchasing an additional 32 shares in the last quarter. Merit Financial Group LLC boosted its holdings in Elevance Health by 6.8% in the 1st quarter. Merit Financial Group LLC now owns 518 shares of the companys stock valued at $254,000 after purchasing an additional 33 shares in the last quarter. First Manhattan CO. LLC. increased its position in Elevance Health by 7.4% during the 1st quarter. First Manhattan CO. LLC. now owns 492 shares of the companys stock worth $226,000 after purchasing an additional 34 shares during the period. Finally, Penserra Capital Management LLC raised its stake in shares of Elevance Health by 4.0% during the 1st quarter. Penserra Capital Management LLC now owns 1,205 shares of the companys stock worth $591,000 after buying an additional 46 shares in the last quarter. Institutional investors and hedge funds own 87.66% of the companys stock. Elevance Health Company Profile (Get Rating) Elevance Health, Inc operates as a health company, which engages in improving lives and communities, and making healthcare simpler. It operates through the following segments: Commercial and Specialty Business, Government Business, CarelonRx, and Other. The Commercial and Specialty Business segment provides insurance products and services such as stop loss, dental, vision, life, disability and supplemental health insurance. Recommended Stories Receive News & Ratings for Elevance Health Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Elevance Health and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Ascent Group LLC boosted its position in EOG Resources, Inc. (NYSE:EOG Get Rating) by 14.8% in the 4th quarter, according to its most recent filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission. The fund owned 25,449 shares of the energy exploration companys stock after purchasing an additional 3,278 shares during the quarter. Ascent Group LLCs holdings in EOG Resources were worth $3,296,000 as of its most recent filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission. Several other institutional investors have also recently added to or reduced their stakes in EOG. American Trust grew its holdings in EOG Resources by 2.0% in the 4th quarter. American Trust now owns 18,657 shares of the energy exploration companys stock valued at $2,416,000 after buying an additional 373 shares during the period. Cullen Capital Management LLC grew its holdings in EOG Resources by 4.8% in the 4th quarter. Cullen Capital Management LLC now owns 359,942 shares of the energy exploration companys stock valued at $46,620,000 after buying an additional 16,528 shares during the period. Alliancebernstein L.P. grew its holdings in EOG Resources by 3.8% in the 4th quarter. Alliancebernstein L.P. now owns 5,900,147 shares of the energy exploration companys stock valued at $764,187,000 after buying an additional 218,689 shares during the period. Berkshire Asset Management LLC PA grew its holdings in EOG Resources by 7.5% in the 4th quarter. Berkshire Asset Management LLC PA now owns 11,363 shares of the energy exploration companys stock valued at $1,472,000 after buying an additional 793 shares during the period. Finally, RFG Advisory LLC grew its holdings in EOG Resources by 164.2% in the 4th quarter. RFG Advisory LLC now owns 6,534 shares of the energy exploration companys stock valued at $814,000 after buying an additional 4,061 shares during the period. Institutional investors and hedge funds own 87.40% of the companys stock. Get EOG Resources alerts: Insider Transactions at EOG Resources In other news, COO Lloyd W. Helms, Jr. sold 5,000 shares of the stock in a transaction on Wednesday, June 7th. The stock was sold at an average price of $115.87, for a total value of $579,350.00. Following the completion of the transaction, the chief operating officer now owns 149,689 shares of the companys stock, valued at $17,344,464.43. The transaction was disclosed in a document filed with the SEC, which is available at the SEC website. Company insiders own 0.30% of the companys stock. Wall Street Analysts Forecast Growth EOG Resources Stock Performance EOG has been the subject of a number of research reports. Piper Sandler decreased their target price on EOG Resources from $170.00 to $155.00 in a report on Tuesday. Scotiabank upgraded EOG Resources from a sector perform rating to a sector outperform rating and decreased their price target for the stock from $150.00 to $145.00 in a report on Thursday, April 13th. Truist Financial upped their price target on EOG Resources from $146.00 to $152.00 and gave the stock a buy rating in a report on Tuesday, April 11th. Wells Fargo & Company decreased their price target on EOG Resources from $167.00 to $158.00 and set an overweight rating for the company in a report on Wednesday, March 8th. Finally, Roth Capital restated a buy rating on shares of EOG Resources in a report on Friday, February 24th. Five analysts have rated the stock with a hold rating, eighteen have assigned a buy rating and one has assigned a strong buy rating to the companys stock. According to MarketBeat.com, the company presently has a consensus rating of Moderate Buy and a consensus target price of $148.17. EOG stock opened at $110.61 on Thursday. EOG Resources, Inc. has a 12-month low of $92.16 and a 12-month high of $150.88. The company has a current ratio of 2.17, a quick ratio of 1.90 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.15. The stocks 50 day simple moving average is $114.58 and its 200 day simple moving average is $120.52. The firm has a market cap of $64.69 billion, a P/E ratio of 6.92, a P/E/G ratio of 0.34 and a beta of 1.54. EOG Resources (NYSE:EOG Get Rating) last issued its earnings results on Friday, May 5th. The energy exploration company reported $2.69 earnings per share for the quarter, topping the consensus estimate of $2.42 by $0.27. EOG Resources had a return on equity of 30.34% and a net margin of 33.83%. The firm had revenue of $6.04 billion for the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of $5.28 billion. During the same period last year, the company earned $4.00 earnings per share. The firms revenue for the quarter was up 51.7% on a year-over-year basis. As a group, equities research analysts predict that EOG Resources, Inc. will post 11.63 EPS for the current year. EOG Resources Announces Dividend The business also recently announced a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Monday, July 31st. Shareholders of record on Monday, July 17th will be given a $0.825 dividend. This represents a $3.30 annualized dividend and a yield of 2.98%. The ex-dividend date is Friday, July 14th. EOG Resourcess dividend payout ratio is presently 20.64%. EOG Resources Company Profile (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. Featured Stories 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. (CNN) US Secretary of State Antony Blinken will travel to Beijing this weekend, the US State Department announced on Wednesday a significant trip that comes as the Biden administration navigates its complicated relationship with China. The top US diplomat will travel to the Chinese capital as the United States works to rectify normal channels of communications amid ongoing tensions between the two nations, including two military-related incidents in recent weeks. Blinken was originally set to travel to Beijing in early February, but postponed his trip due to a Chinese spy balloon transiting the US. Blinken will be the first Cabinet official to travel to China under the Biden administration, and the first since 2019. A top State Department official said Wednesday both the United States and China came to the shared conclusion that now is the right time to engage at this level. Assistant Secretary of State for East Asian and Pacific Affairs Daniel Kritenbrink said he would not expect a long list of deliverables to come out of the visit, but described it as a really critical series of engagements that well have in Beijing at a crucial time in the relationship that we again hope will, at a minimum, reduce the risk of miscalculation so that we do not veer into potential conflict. There have been a number of engagements between US and Chinese officials in the subsequent months, including National Security Adviser Jake Sullivan and Kritenbrink himself, and based on those interactions, I think theres a realization on both sides that it is important to have these channels of communication, the assistant secretary said. Now is the precisely the time for intense diplomacy, said Kurt Campbell, Deputy Assistant to the President and Coordinator for Indo-Pacific Affairs, who noted that this was not a strategic shift or something new to American statecraft. We have decades of experience talking to an agent working with competitors when our interests call for it, he said. State Department spokesperson Matthew Miller said that Blinken would meet with senior PRC officials while in Beijing. The US officials did not give details about who those officials are or whether that would include a meeting with Chinese President Xi Jinping. Campbell noted that we expect a series of visits in both directions in the period ahead following Blinkens visit. Blinken will advocate strongly for military to military communications Prior to the public announcement of the trip, Blinken spoke by phone with Chinese Foreign Minister Qin Gang. Chinas Foreign Ministry said Qin used that call to stress that the US needs to respect Chinas concerns, stop interfering in Chinas internal affairs, and stop undermining Chinas sovereignty, security and development interests in the name of competition. Kritenbrink said the agenda would focus on three main goals: establishing communication channels that are open and empowered to discuss important challenges, address misperceptions and prevent miscalculation, discussing US concerns on a range of issues as well as on a host of regional and global security matters, and exploring potential cooperation on transnational challenges when it is in our interest in areas such as climate and global macroeconomic stability. Blinken is also expected to raise concerns about Chinas role in the fentanyl crisis, Taiwan and cross-Strait issues and the war in Ukraine. I think it is undeniable that there are elements of Chinas policy towards Ukraine and its engagement with Russia that we watch it carefully and that we have concerns over and that this will be a topic of conversation, Campbell said. Campbell told reporters that Blinken will advocate strongly for the need for appropriate military to military communications. Beijing has rebuffed high-level military dialogue and turned down a formal meeting between Chinas Minister of National Defense Li Shangfu and US Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin while both were in Singapore. Weve advocated for these discussions consistently, and China has resisted some of those efforts, Campbell said. I believe Secretary Blinken will advocate strongly that these lines of communication are necessary, theyre how mature, strong militaries interact, and the stakes are just too high to avoid these critical lines of communication. According to Kritenbrink, the top US diplomat is also expected to bring up the cases of wrongfully detained Americans in China. There are three Americans publicly known to be wrongfully detained there: Mark Swidan, Kai Li, and David Lin. This story was first published on CNN.com, "Blinken to travel to China this weekend as US looks to reset relations after spy balloon incident" Freedom Financial (OTCMKTS:FDVA Get Rating) and Societe Generale Societe anonyme (OTCMKTS:SCGLY Get Rating) are both finance companies, but which is the superior business? We will contrast the two businesses based on the strength of their risk, dividends, earnings, valuation, institutional ownership, profitability and analyst recommendations. Analyst Ratings This is a breakdown of recent recommendations and price targets for Freedom Financial and Societe Generale Societe anonyme, as reported by MarketBeat.com. Get Freedom Financial alerts: Sell Ratings Hold Ratings Buy Ratings Strong Buy Ratings Rating Score Freedom Financial 0 0 0 0 N/A Societe Generale Societe anonyme 0 3 2 0 2.40 Societe Generale Societe anonyme has a consensus price target of $35.75, indicating a potential upside of 598.24%. Given Societe Generale Societe anonymes higher probable upside, analysts plainly believe Societe Generale Societe anonyme is more favorable than Freedom Financial. Earnings and Valuation Gross Revenue Price/Sales Ratio Net Income Earnings Per Share Price/Earnings Ratio Freedom Financial $44.63 million 1.56 $10.56 million $1.23 8.54 Societe Generale Societe anonyme $29.57 billion 0.70 $2.13 billion $0.38 13.47 This table compares Freedom Financial and Societe Generale Societe anonymes revenue, earnings per share and valuation. Societe Generale Societe anonyme has higher revenue and earnings than Freedom Financial. Freedom Financial is trading at a lower price-to-earnings ratio than Societe Generale Societe anonyme, indicating that it is currently the more affordable of the two stocks. Insider & Institutional Ownership 0.0% of Societe Generale Societe anonyme shares are owned by institutional investors. 13.3% of Freedom Financial shares are owned by company insiders. Strong institutional ownership is an indication that hedge funds, endowments and large money managers believe a stock will outperform the market over the long term. Profitability This table compares Freedom Financial and Societe Generale Societe anonymes net margins, return on equity and return on assets. Net Margins Return on Equity Return on Assets Freedom Financial 18.83% 12.02% 0.93% Societe Generale Societe anonyme 7.16% 7.53% 0.35% Risk & Volatility Freedom Financial has a beta of 0.67, suggesting that its stock price is 33% less volatile than the S&P 500. Comparatively, Societe Generale Societe anonyme has a beta of 1.42, suggesting that its stock price is 42% more volatile than the S&P 500. Summary Societe Generale Societe anonyme beats Freedom Financial on 7 of the 13 factors compared between the two stocks. About Freedom Financial (Get Rating) Freedom Financial Holdings, Inc. operates as the bank holding company for The Freedom Bank of Virginia that provides commercial banking, personal banking, and mortgage banking solutions. The company offers personal and business checking accounts, interest bearing business savings accounts, money market accounts, personal savings accounts, certificates of deposits, and IRAs, as well as insured cash sweep and certificate of deposit account registry services. It also provides business term, personal, and mortgage loans; commercial lines of credit; commercial real estate mortgage and small business lending services; home equity lines; and credit cards. In addition, the company offers treasury management, online and mobile banking, remote deposit capture, ACH, and wire transfer services; business valuation, bank-at-work, and merchant services; and prestige banking services. The company was founded in 2001 and is headquartered in Fairfax, Virginia. About Societe Generale Societe anonyme (Get Rating) Societe Generale Societe anonyme provides banking and financial services to individuals, businesses, and institutional investors in Europe and internationally. It operates through French Retail Banking, International Retail Banking & Financial Services, and Global Banking and Investor Solutions. It offers retail banking services, such as consumer credit, vehicle leasing and fleet management, online banking, wealth management services, and equipment and vendor finance under the Societe Generale, Credit du Nord, and Boursorama brand names; and insurance products, including home, vehicle, family, health, and mortgage insurance. The company also provides corporate and investment banking, securities, business consulting, consumer finance, advisory and financing, and asset management and private banking services. In addition, it offers brokerage, cash management, payment, factoring, export financing, and supply chain financing services. Societe Generale Societe anonyme was incorporated in 1864 and is headquartered in Paris, France. Receive News & Ratings for Freedom Financial Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Freedom Financial and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Garde Capital Inc. lifted its stake in shares of iShares Core MSCI Europe ETF (NYSEARCA:IEUR Get Rating) by 5.9% in the 4th quarter, according to the company in its most recent filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission. The firm owned 278,306 shares of the companys stock after buying an additional 15,406 shares during the quarter. iShares Core MSCI Europe ETF comprises approximately 1.6% of Garde Capital Inc.s investment portfolio, making the stock its 15th largest holding. Garde Capital Inc. owned about 0.36% of iShares Core MSCI Europe ETF worth $13,220,000 as of its most recent SEC filing. Several other large investors also recently modified their holdings of IEUR. Moneta Group Investment Advisors LLC acquired a new stake in iShares Core MSCI Europe ETF in the 4th quarter valued at $267,320,000. Bank Julius Baer & Co. Ltd Zurich grew its position in iShares Core MSCI Europe ETF by 1,465.3% in the 4th quarter. Bank Julius Baer & Co. Ltd Zurich now owns 942,932 shares of the companys stock valued at $44,789,000 after purchasing an additional 882,691 shares during the period. Schroder Investment Management Group grew its position in iShares Core MSCI Europe ETF by 100.3% in the 4th quarter. Schroder Investment Management Group now owns 1,324,644 shares of the companys stock valued at $62,921,000 after purchasing an additional 663,275 shares during the period. Royal Bank of Canada grew its position in iShares Core MSCI Europe ETF by 140.8% in the 3rd quarter. Royal Bank of Canada now owns 1,108,749 shares of the companys stock valued at $43,839,000 after purchasing an additional 648,292 shares during the period. Finally, Jane Street Group LLC grew its position in iShares Core MSCI Europe ETF by 115.9% in the 1st quarter. Jane Street Group LLC now owns 1,168,641 shares of the companys stock valued at $62,405,000 after purchasing an additional 627,381 shares during the period. Get iShares Core MSCI Europe ETF alerts: iShares Core MSCI Europe ETF Trading Up 1.1 % NYSEARCA IEUR traded up $0.55 during mid-day trading on Thursday, hitting $52.92. The companys stock had a trading volume of 116,675 shares, compared to its average volume of 723,940. The companys 50 day simple moving average is $53.40 and its 200 day simple moving average is $51.42. iShares Core MSCI Europe ETF has a twelve month low of $38.54 and a twelve month high of $54.81. The firm has a market capitalization of $4.31 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 12.11 and a beta of 0.95. About iShares Core MSCI Europe ETF The iShares Core MSCI Europe ETF (IEUR) is an exchange-traded fund that is based on the MSCI Europe IMI index, a market-cap-weighted index of developed European securities. IEUR was launched on Jun 10, 2014 and is managed by BlackRock. Recommended Stories Receive News & Ratings for iShares Core MSCI Europe ETF Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for iShares Core MSCI Europe ETF and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. UCB (OTCMKTS:UCBJY Get Rating) is one of 372 public companies in the Biotechnology industry, but how does it compare to its peers? We will compare UCB to related businesses based on the strength of its analyst recommendations, risk, institutional ownership, profitability, earnings, valuation and dividends. Dividends UCB pays an annual dividend of $0.36 per share and has a dividend yield of 0.8%. UCB pays out 46.6% of its earnings in the form of a dividend. As a group, Biotechnology companies pay a dividend yield of 2.8% and pay out 1,850.5% of their earnings in the form of a dividend. Get UCB alerts: Profitability This table compares UCB and its peers net margins, return on equity and return on assets. Net Margins Return on Equity Return on Assets UCB N/A N/A N/A UCB Competitors -646.05% -58.60% -17.59% Earnings and Valuation Gross Revenue Net Income Price/Earnings Ratio UCB N/A N/A 59.61 UCB Competitors $120.09 million -$13.79 million 45.03 This table compares UCB and its peers revenue, earnings per share and valuation. UCBs peers have higher revenue, but lower earnings than UCB. UCB is trading at a higher price-to-earnings ratio than its peers, indicating that it is currently more expensive than other companies in its industry. Insider and Institutional Ownership 25.2% of shares of all Biotechnology companies are owned by institutional investors. 25.1% of shares of all Biotechnology companies are owned by company insiders. Strong institutional ownership is an indication that endowments, hedge funds and large money managers believe a stock is poised for long-term growth. Analyst Ratings This is a breakdown of recent ratings and recommmendations for UCB and its peers, as reported by MarketBeat.com. Sell Ratings Hold Ratings Buy Ratings Strong Buy Ratings Rating Score UCB 0 0 2 0 3.00 UCB Competitors 494 1599 4558 55 2.62 UCB currently has a consensus target price of $96.50, indicating a potential upside of 112.04%. As a group, Biotechnology companies have a potential upside of 80.19%. Given UCBs stronger consensus rating and higher possible upside, research analysts clearly believe UCB is more favorable than its peers. Summary UCB beats its peers on 8 of the 13 factors compared. UCB Company Profile (Get Rating) UCB SA engages in the research and development biopharmaceuticals products. It offers medicinal products such as briviact, keppra, vimpat, neupro, cimzia, nootropil, xyrem, xyzal, and zyrtec. The company was founded by Emmanuel Janssen on January 18, 1928 and is headquartered in Brussels, Belgium. Receive News & Ratings for UCB Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for UCB and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Shares of Ivanhoe Mines Ltd. (TSE:IVN Get Rating) passed above its 50-day moving average during trading on Tuesday . The stock has a 50-day moving average of C$11.57 and traded as high as C$11.64. Ivanhoe Mines shares last traded at C$11.57, with a volume of 1,854,921 shares. Analyst Upgrades and Downgrades Several brokerages have commented on IVN. TD Securities boosted their price target on shares of Ivanhoe Mines from C$15.00 to C$17.00 and gave the stock a buy rating in a research note on Thursday, April 6th. Raymond James boosted their price target on shares of Ivanhoe Mines from C$15.00 to C$18.00 and gave the stock an outperform rating in a research note on Tuesday, April 4th. Eight Capital set a C$18.50 target price on shares of Ivanhoe Mines and gave the stock a buy rating in a report on Friday, May 26th. Royal Bank of Canada boosted their target price on shares of Ivanhoe Mines from C$15.00 to C$17.00 and gave the stock an outperform rating in a report on Thursday, May 4th. Finally, Scotiabank boosted their target price on shares of Ivanhoe Mines from C$14.50 to C$16.00 in a report on Tuesday, March 14th. Get Ivanhoe Mines alerts: Ivanhoe Mines Stock Performance The stock has a market capitalization of C$14.85 billion, a P/E ratio of 22.78 and a beta of 1.92. The businesss fifty day moving average price is C$11.55 and its two-hundred day moving average price is C$11.64. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 18.24, a quick ratio of 20.86 and a current ratio of 10.37. About Ivanhoe Mines Ivanhoe Mines ( TSE:IVN Get Rating ) last issued its quarterly earnings results on Monday, March 13th. The company reported C$0.04 EPS for the quarter, missing the consensus estimate of C$0.08 by C($0.04). As a group, sell-side analysts forecast that Ivanhoe Mines Ltd. will post 0.5116496 earnings per share for the current year. (Get Rating) Ivanhoe Mines Ltd. engages in the mining, development, and exploration of minerals and precious metals located primarily in Africa. It explores for platinum, palladium, nickel, copper, gold, rhodium, zinc, silver, germanium, and lead deposits. The company's projects include the Platreef project located in the Northern Limb of South Africa's Bushveld Complex; the Kipushi project located in Haut-Katanga Province, Democratic Republic of Congo; and the Kamoa-Kakula project located within the Central African Copperbelt. See Also Receive News & Ratings for Ivanhoe Mines Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Ivanhoe Mines and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Linden Thomas Advisory Services LLC bought a new stake in iShares Russell 1000 Growth ETF (NYSEARCA:IWF Get Rating) during the 4th quarter, according to the company in its most recent 13F filing with the SEC. The fund bought 7,316 shares of the exchange traded funds stock, valued at approximately $1,567,000. Other hedge funds have also made changes to their positions in the company. Pachira Investments Inc. acquired a new position in iShares Russell 1000 Growth ETF in the 4th quarter worth $1,288,000. M Holdings Securities Inc. raised its position in iShares Russell 1000 Growth ETF by 5.2% in the 4th quarter. M Holdings Securities Inc. now owns 6,252 shares of the exchange traded funds stock valued at $1,339,000 after buying an additional 311 shares during the last quarter. CIBC Private Wealth Group LLC lifted its stake in iShares Russell 1000 Growth ETF by 166.8% in the 4th quarter. CIBC Private Wealth Group LLC now owns 1,366,009 shares of the exchange traded funds stock valued at $292,654,000 after acquiring an additional 854,044 shares in the last quarter. Essex Savings Bank boosted its position in iShares Russell 1000 Growth ETF by 40.8% during the 4th quarter. Essex Savings Bank now owns 3,814 shares of the exchange traded funds stock worth $817,000 after acquiring an additional 1,106 shares during the last quarter. Finally, Benjamin F. Edwards & Company Inc. grew its stake in shares of iShares Russell 1000 Growth ETF by 6.5% during the 4th quarter. Benjamin F. Edwards & Company Inc. now owns 1,006 shares of the exchange traded funds stock worth $216,000 after acquiring an additional 61 shares in the last quarter. Get iShares Russell 1000 Growth ETF alerts: iShares Russell 1000 Growth ETF Trading Up 0.4 % Shares of NYSEARCA IWF opened at $270.44 on Thursday. iShares Russell 1000 Growth ETF has a 12 month low of $202.05 and a 12 month high of $271.04. The stock has a 50 day moving average of $251.19 and a 200-day moving average of $236.29. The company has a market capitalization of $69.79 billion, a P/E ratio of 26.14 and a beta of 1.08. About iShares Russell 1000 Growth ETF iShares Russell 1000 Growth ETF (the Fund), formerly iShares Russell 1000 Growth Index Fund, is an exchange-traded fund (ETF). The Fund seeks investment returns that correspond generally to the price and yield performance of the Russell 1000 Growth Index (the Index). The Index measures the performance of equity securities of Russell 1000 index issuers with relatively higher price-to-book ratios and higher forecasted growth. Further Reading Receive News & Ratings for iShares Russell 1000 Growth ETF Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for iShares Russell 1000 Growth ETF and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Massachusetts Wealth Management purchased a new position in Colgate-Palmolive (NYSE:CL Get Rating) during the 4th quarter, according to its most recent 13F filing with the SEC. The firm purchased 13,513 shares of the companys stock, valued at approximately $1,007,000. Other hedge funds and other institutional investors also recently bought and sold shares of the company. Accurate Wealth Management LLC acquired a new stake in Colgate-Palmolive in the 4th quarter worth $27,000. RFP Financial Group LLC bought a new position in shares of Colgate-Palmolive during the 4th quarter worth about $33,000. WFA of San Diego LLC bought a new position in shares of Colgate-Palmolive during the 4th quarter worth about $35,000. Arcus Capital Partners LLC bought a new position in shares of Colgate-Palmolive during the 4th quarter worth about $39,000. Finally, Kepos Capital LP bought a new position in shares of Colgate-Palmolive during the 4th quarter worth about $40,000. 77.63% of the stock is currently owned by institutional investors and hedge funds. Get Colgate-Palmolive alerts: Colgate-Palmolive Stock Up 0.2 % Shares of NYSE:CL opened at $75.42 on Thursday. Colgate-Palmolive has a one year low of $67.84 and a one year high of $83.81. The company has a 50 day moving average of $77.58 and a 200-day moving average of $76.23. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 20.87, a current ratio of 1.23 and a quick ratio of 0.76. The stock has a market cap of $62.57 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 39.28, a P/E/G ratio of 3.86 and a beta of 0.50. Colgate-Palmolive Dividend Announcement Colgate-Palmolive ( NYSE:CL Get Rating ) last issued its quarterly earnings results on Friday, April 28th. The company reported $0.73 EPS for the quarter, topping the consensus estimate of $0.70 by $0.03. Colgate-Palmolive had a net margin of 8.71% and a return on equity of 348.63%. The company had revenue of $4.77 billion during the quarter, compared to analysts expectations of $4.58 billion. During the same quarter in the previous year, the company earned $0.74 EPS. Colgate-Palmolives revenue was up 8.4% on a year-over-year basis. On average, sell-side analysts forecast that Colgate-Palmolive will post 3.14 earnings per share for the current year. The company also recently disclosed a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Tuesday, August 15th. Investors of record on Friday, July 21st will be issued a dividend of $0.48 per share. This represents a $1.92 dividend on an annualized basis and a yield of 2.55%. The ex-dividend date is Thursday, July 20th. Colgate-Palmolives dividend payout ratio is currently 100.00%. Insider Activity at Colgate-Palmolive In related news, CEO Noel R. Wallace sold 50,000 shares of the businesss stock in a transaction that occurred on Monday, May 8th. The shares were sold at an average price of $80.66, for a total transaction of $4,033,000.00. Following the completion of the transaction, the chief executive officer now owns 246,619 shares in the company, valued at $19,892,288.54. The sale was disclosed in a filing with the SEC, which can be accessed through the SEC website. In other Colgate-Palmolive news, CEO Noel R. Wallace sold 50,000 shares of Colgate-Palmolive stock in a transaction that occurred on Monday, May 8th. The shares were sold at an average price of $80.66, for a total value of $4,033,000.00. Following the transaction, the chief executive officer now owns 246,619 shares of the companys stock, valued at $19,892,288.54. The sale was disclosed in a legal filing with the SEC, which is accessible through this link. Also, insider Jennifer Daniels sold 24,703 shares of Colgate-Palmolive stock in a transaction that occurred on Friday, May 19th. The shares were sold at an average price of $79.70, for a total transaction of $1,968,829.10. Following the completion of the transaction, the insider now directly owns 52,769 shares in the company, valued at approximately $4,205,689.30. The disclosure for this sale can be found here. Over the last 90 days, insiders sold 187,748 shares of company stock worth $15,138,660. 0.34% of the stock is currently owned by company insiders. Analysts Set New Price Targets Several equities analysts recently issued reports on the stock. UBS Group lifted their price target on shares of Colgate-Palmolive from $84.00 to $86.00 and gave the company a buy rating in a report on Wednesday, March 29th. Evercore ISI lifted their price target on shares of Colgate-Palmolive from $85.00 to $91.00 in a report on Monday, May 1st. Citigroup lifted their price target on shares of Colgate-Palmolive from $88.00 to $92.00 in a report on Monday, May 1st. StockNews.com downgraded shares of Colgate-Palmolive from a buy rating to a hold rating in a report on Sunday, May 28th. Finally, Bank of America lifted their price target on shares of Colgate-Palmolive from $80.00 to $85.00 in a report on Monday, May 1st. Four investment analysts have rated the stock with a hold rating and seven have assigned a buy rating to the company. Based on data from MarketBeat.com, the company currently has a consensus rating of Moderate Buy and an average target price of $84.75. Colgate-Palmolive Profile (Get Rating) Colgate-Palmolive Company, together with its subsidiaries, manufactures and sells consumer products worldwide. The company operates through two segments, Oral, Personal and Home Care; and Pet Nutrition. The Oral, Personal and Home Care segment offers toothpaste, toothbrushes, mouthwash, bar and liquid hand soaps, shower gels, shampoos, conditioners, deodorants and antiperspirants, skin health products, dishwashing detergents, fabric conditioners, household cleaners, and other related items. Further Reading Want to see what other hedge funds are holding CL? Visit HoldingsChannel.com to get the latest 13F filings and insider trades for Colgate-Palmolive (NYSE:CL Get Rating). Receive News & Ratings for Colgate-Palmolive Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Colgate-Palmolive and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. MOGU (NYSE:MOGU Get Rating) and CFN Enterprises (OTCMKTS:CNFN Get Rating) are both small-cap retail/wholesale companies, but which is the better investment? We will compare the two companies based on the strength of their institutional ownership, valuation, risk, analyst recommendations, earnings, dividends and profitability. Profitability This table compares MOGU and CFN Enterprises net margins, return on equity and return on assets. Get MOGU alerts: Net Margins Return on Equity Return on Assets MOGU N/A N/A N/A CFN Enterprises -320.58% N/A -265.71% Analyst Recommendations This is a breakdown of recent ratings and target prices for MOGU and CFN Enterprises, as reported by MarketBeat.com. Sell Ratings Hold Ratings Buy Ratings Strong Buy Ratings Rating Score MOGU 0 0 0 0 N/A CFN Enterprises 0 0 0 0 N/A Risk & Volatility MOGU has a beta of 0.46, indicating that its stock price is 54% less volatile than the S&P 500. Comparatively, CFN Enterprises has a beta of 0.56, indicating that its stock price is 44% less volatile than the S&P 500. Institutional & Insider Ownership 22.0% of MOGU shares are owned by institutional investors. 19.8% of MOGU shares are owned by insiders. Comparatively, 9.9% of CFN Enterprises shares are owned by insiders. Strong institutional ownership is an indication that hedge funds, large money managers and endowments believe a company will outperform the market over the long term. Valuation and Earnings This table compares MOGU and CFN Enterprises gross revenue, earnings per share (EPS) and valuation. Gross Revenue Price/Sales Ratio Net Income Earnings Per Share Price/Earnings Ratio MOGU $232.08 million 0.08 -$24.94 million N/A N/A CFN Enterprises $4.32 million 1.86 -$9.90 million N/A N/A CFN Enterprises has lower revenue, but higher earnings than MOGU. Summary MOGU beats CFN Enterprises on 5 of the 8 factors compared between the two stocks. About MOGU (Get Rating) MOGU Inc., through its subsidiaries, engages in the online fashion and lifestyle business in the People's Republic of China. The company operates an online platform that primarily offers a range of fashion apparel and other products, including beauty products and accessories provided by third party merchants, as well as personal care, food, and medical beauty products. It also provides online marketing, commission, financing, technology, and other related services to merchants, brand partners/owners, and users; and technology services to insurance companies. The company offers its products through mobile apps, including flagship Mogujie app, mini programs on Weixin, and Weixin pay and QQ Wallet entryways; websites comprising Mogu.com, Mogujie.com and Meilishuo.com. The company was formerly known as Meili Inc. and changed its name to MOGU Inc. in November 2018. MOGU Inc. was incorporated in 2011 and is headquartered in Hangzhou, the People's Republic of China. About CFN Enterprises (Get Rating) CFN Enterprises, Inc. engages in the provision of marketing technology solutions. The company was founded by Brian Ross on November 22, 2005 and is headquartered in Whitefish, MT. Receive News & Ratings for MOGU Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for MOGU and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Morgan Stanley started coverage on shares of Rolls-Royce Holdings plc (OTCMKTS:RYCEY Get Rating) in a research report issued on Tuesday, The Fly reports. The brokerage set an equal weight rating on the aerospace companys stock. A number of other brokerages have also recently weighed in on RYCEY. Barclays cut shares of Rolls-Royce Holdings plc from an overweight rating to an equal weight rating in a research report on Tuesday, March 7th. JPMorgan Chase & Co. increased their price target on Rolls-Royce Holdings plc from GBX 70 ($0.88) to GBX 90 ($1.13) in a report on Friday, February 24th. Deutsche Bank Aktiengesellschaft lifted their price target on Rolls-Royce Holdings plc from GBX 136 ($1.70) to GBX 160 ($2.00) in a research note on Wednesday, March 1st. 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. Finally, Bank of America raised Rolls-Royce Holdings plc from an underperform rating to a buy rating in a research report on Monday, February 27th. Five analysts have rated the stock with a hold rating and four have assigned a buy rating to the company. Based on data from MarketBeat.com, Rolls-Royce Holdings plc has a consensus rating of Hold and a consensus target price of $127.75. Get Rolls-Royce Holdings plc alerts: Rolls-Royce Holdings plc Price Performance Shares of OTCMKTS RYCEY opened at $1.86 on Tuesday. The firm has a fifty day moving average of $1.84 and a 200-day moving average of $1.54. Rolls-Royce Holdings plc has a 52-week low of $0.71 and a 52-week high of $1.94. Institutional Investors Weigh In On Rolls-Royce Holdings plc About Rolls-Royce Holdings plc Hedge funds and other institutional investors have recently added to or reduced their stakes in the stock. SYSTM Wealth Solutions LLC bought a new position in shares of Rolls-Royce Holdings plc during the 4th quarter valued at $329,000. OLD Mission Capital LLC bought a new stake in Rolls-Royce Holdings plc during the 1st quarter valued at approximately $385,000. OLD National Bancorp IN acquired a new position in shares of Rolls-Royce Holdings plc during the first quarter worth approximately $77,000. SVB Wealth LLC grew its stake in shares of Rolls-Royce Holdings plc by 52.6% in the first quarter. SVB Wealth LLC now owns 19,515 shares of the aerospace companys stock worth $35,000 after acquiring an additional 6,729 shares during the last quarter. Finally, FineMark National Bank & Trust bought a new position in Rolls-Royce Holdings plc during the first quarter worth $30,000. (Get Rating) Rolls-Royce Holdings plc operates as an industrial technology company in the United Kingdom and internationally. The company operates in four segments: Civil Aerospace, Defence, Power Systems, and New Markets. The Civil Aerospace segment develops, manufactures, markets, and sells aero engines for large commercial aircraft, regional jet, and business aviation markets, as well as provides aftermarket services. Further Reading 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. MPC Container Ships ASA (OTCMKTS:MPZZF Get Rating) saw a significant drop in short interest in the month of May. As of May 31st, there was short interest totalling 165,000 shares, a drop of 36.5% from the May 15th total of 259,700 shares. Based on an average daily volume of 4,800 shares, the days-to-cover ratio is presently 34.4 days. MPC Container Ships ASA Trading Up 5.4 % Shares of OTCMKTS MPZZF traded up $0.10 during mid-day trading on Wednesday, reaching $1.96. 4,002 shares of the companys stock were exchanged, compared to its average volume of 9,178. The business has a fifty day simple moving average of $1.70 and a 200 day simple moving average of $1.70. MPC Container Ships ASA has a twelve month low of $1.25 and a twelve month high of $2.71. Get MPC Container Ships ASA alerts: MPC Container Ships ASA Company Profile (Get Rating) Featured Stories MPC Container Ships ASA engages in the provision of container tonnage, with a focus on small to mid-size containerships. It is involved in the operation of a portfolio of container ships serving intra-regional trade lanes on fixed-rate charters. The company was founded on January 9, 2017 and is headquartered in Oslo, Norway. Receive News & Ratings for MPC Container Ships ASA Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for MPC Container Ships ASA and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Shares of Northern Dynasty Minerals Ltd. (TSE:NDM Get Rating) (NYSE:NAK) crossed below its 50-day moving average during trading on Tuesday . The stock has a 50-day moving average of C$0.31 and traded as low as C$0.29. Northern Dynasty Minerals shares last traded at C$0.30, with a volume of 9,885 shares traded. Northern Dynasty Minerals Stock Performance The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.42, a current ratio of 3.37 and a quick ratio of 3.93. The stocks 50-day simple moving average is C$0.31 and its 200 day simple moving average is C$0.31. The stock has a market capitalization of C$150.99 million, a P/E ratio of -5.70 and a beta of 1.17. Get Northern Dynasty Minerals alerts: Northern Dynasty Minerals (TSE:NDM Get Rating) (NYSE:NAK) last announced its earnings results on Friday, March 31st. The mining company reported C($0.01) earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter. Research analysts expect that Northern Dynasty Minerals Ltd. will post -0.02 EPS for the current fiscal year. About Northern Dynasty Minerals Northern Dynasty Minerals Ltd. engages in the exploration of mineral properties in the United States. Its principal mineral property is the Pebble Copper-Gold-Molybdenum-Silver-Rhenium project comprising 1,840 mineral claims that covers an area of approximately 274 square miles located in southwest Alaska, 17 miles from the villages of Iliamna and Newhalen, and approximately 200 miles southwest of the city of Anchorage. Recommended Stories Receive News & Ratings for Northern Dynasty Minerals Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Northern Dynasty Minerals and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. (CNN) Part of the summit of a mountain in the Austrian state of Tyrol has collapsed, sending more than 100,000 cubic meters of rock crashing into the valley below and triggering mudslides. Rocks started falling Sunday from Fluchthorn, a nearly 3,400 meter (11,155 foot) mountain in the Silvretta Alps on the border between Switzerland and Austria, in an incident state geologists have said was caused by thawing permafrost. No one was injured by the rockfall, according to Alpine police. In a reconnaissance flight over the affected area, state geologists made initial assessments of the amount of fallen rock, but they say these may well be conservative as it will take time to get a more accurate picture. This is a relatively large incident, were talking about at least 100,000 cubic meters (around 3.5 million cubic foot) of rock that has fallen off, likely more than that, said Thomas Figl, a state geologist, in a video produced by the Tyrolean state government. The geologists have pinned the collapse on the thawing of permafrost, a long-term frozen layer of soil and rocks. Most often associated with Arctic regions, permafrost is also found high in the European Alps. We can be relatively sure about the cause of this incident: permafrost. The ice is the glue of the mountains and that ice has been thawing over a long period of time due to climate change. That then causes the results that we see here, Figl said. When permafrost thaws it can have a destabilizing effect, said Marcia Phillips, permafrost research group leader at the WSL Institute for Snow and Avalanche Research in Switzerland. Water can penetrate deep into rock masses through newly opened clefts, which were previously plugged with permafrost ice, she told CNN, explaining that this can lead rocks to fracture. There isnt enough data to say whether rockfalls have increased in recent years, as it is usually only large events that are well-documented, said Phillips. Scientists rely on information from the public, she added, and many rockfalls happen in remote areas. But, as human-caused climate change pushes up global temperatures, leading to thawing permafrost and melting snow and glaciers, rockfalls in this region look set to become more common. Along with rising permafrost temperatures, loss of ice and higher ground water contents we expect an increase in slope movements and rockfalls at elevations where permafrost is found in the Alps, Phillips said. Rockfalls can cause huge disruption to those living in the shadows of these mountains. In May, the residents of the Swiss village of Brienz, in the region of Graubunden near Davos, were forced to evacuate after warnings that their homes could be crushed by nearly 2 million cubic meters of rocks falling from the mountain above it. The rocks havent yet hit the village, but residents are unable to return. The past few days have seen a dramatic increase in activity, with a lot of rocks falling, Christian Gartmann, a member of the crisis management board for the region that includes Brienz, told CNN. Its very dangerous there, we have a lot of rocks coming down, he said. This story was first published on CNN.com, "Collapse of a mountain peak in Austria amid thawing permafrost triggers a huge rockfall" Norwegian Cruise Line (NYSE:NCLH Get Rating) had its price target upped by Bank of America from $17.00 to $19.00 in a research note published on Monday, The Fly reports. A number of other research firms also recently weighed in on NCLH. Susquehanna decreased their price target on shares of Norwegian Cruise Line from $20.00 to $15.00 and set a positive rating for the company in a research report on Wednesday, March 29th. Stifel Nicolaus raised their price objective on Norwegian Cruise Line from $21.00 to $22.00 in a research report on Tuesday, May 2nd. StockNews.com began coverage on Norwegian Cruise Line in a research report on Thursday, May 18th. They set a sell rating on the stock. Credit Suisse Group restated an underperform rating and set a $13.00 price objective on shares of Norwegian Cruise Line in a research report on Wednesday, March 1st. Finally, Citigroup reduced their price objective on Norwegian Cruise Line from $18.00 to $16.00 and set a neutral rating on the stock in a research note on Thursday, March 2nd. Three research analysts have rated the stock with a sell rating, five have assigned a hold rating, four have given a buy rating and one has issued a strong buy rating to the company. According to data from MarketBeat.com, Norwegian Cruise Line currently has an average rating of Hold and an average price target of $16.75. Get Norwegian Cruise Line alerts: Norwegian Cruise Line Stock Down 0.9 % Shares of Norwegian Cruise Line stock opened at $19.30 on Monday. The company has a market capitalization of $8.19 billion, a P/E ratio of -5.61 and a beta of 2.49. The company has a quick ratio of 0.26, a current ratio of 0.29 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 184.14. Norwegian Cruise Line has a 52-week low of $10.31 and a 52-week high of $19.68. The company has a 50 day moving average of $14.51 and a 200 day moving average of $14.45. Insiders Place Their Bets Norwegian Cruise Line ( NYSE:NCLH Get Rating ) last posted its quarterly earnings results on Monday, May 1st. The company reported ($0.30) earnings per share for the quarter, topping analysts consensus estimates of ($0.51) by $0.21. Norwegian Cruise Line had a negative net margin of 23.54% and a negative return on equity of 448.59%. The business had revenue of $1.82 billion for the quarter, compared to analysts expectations of $1.74 billion. During the same period in the prior year, the company posted ($1.90) EPS. The businesss revenue for the quarter was up 249.1% on a year-over-year basis. As a group, research analysts forecast that Norwegian Cruise Line will post 0.52 EPS for the current fiscal year. In related news, CFO Mark Kempa sold 4,700 shares of the companys stock in a transaction dated Friday, June 2nd. The stock was sold at an average price of $16.04, for a total transaction of $75,388.00. Following the sale, the chief financial officer now owns 241,021 shares in the company, valued at approximately $3,865,976.84. The sale was disclosed in a filing with the SEC, which can be accessed through the SEC website. In related news, CEO Rio Frank J. Del sold 300,000 shares of the stock in a transaction that occurred on Monday, June 12th. The stock was sold at an average price of $18.44, for a total transaction of $5,532,000.00. Following the completion of the sale, the chief executive officer now directly owns 926,505 shares of the companys stock, valued at $17,084,752.20. The sale was disclosed in a document filed with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is accessible through this hyperlink. Also, CFO Mark Kempa sold 4,700 shares of the stock in a transaction on Friday, June 2nd. The shares were sold at an average price of $16.04, for a total value of $75,388.00. Following the transaction, the chief financial officer now directly owns 241,021 shares of the companys stock, valued at $3,865,976.84. The disclosure for this sale can be found here. Insiders own 0.87% of the companys stock. Institutional Investors Weigh In On Norwegian Cruise Line Large investors have recently added to or reduced their stakes in the business. Vanguard Group Inc. increased its holdings in shares of Norwegian Cruise Line by 1.9% in the third quarter. Vanguard Group Inc. now owns 46,714,581 shares of the companys stock worth $530,678,000 after buying an additional 863,553 shares during the period. BlackRock Inc. raised its stake in Norwegian Cruise Line by 0.3% during the 1st quarter. BlackRock Inc. now owns 23,716,207 shares of the companys stock valued at $318,983,000 after buying an additional 77,389 shares during the last quarter. Capital International Investors increased its stake in shares of Norwegian Cruise Line by 15.7% in the 1st quarter. Capital International Investors now owns 21,242,007 shares of the companys stock worth $464,775,000 after purchasing an additional 2,875,079 shares in the last quarter. State Street Corp increased its stake in shares of Norwegian Cruise Line by 1.3% in the 1st quarter. State Street Corp now owns 13,503,855 shares of the companys stock worth $181,627,000 after purchasing an additional 169,406 shares in the last quarter. Finally, Geode Capital Management LLC boosted its holdings in Norwegian Cruise Line by 2.3% in the 1st quarter. Geode Capital Management LLC now owns 8,850,121 shares of the companys stock worth $118,885,000 after buying an additional 196,978 shares during the period. Institutional investors own 57.17% of the companys stock. Norwegian Cruise Line Company Profile (Get Rating) Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings Ltd., together with its subsidiaries, operates as a cruise company in North America, Europe, the Asia-Pacific, and internationally. The company operates the Norwegian Cruise Line, Oceania Cruises, and Regent Seven Seas Cruises brands. It offers itineraries ranging from three days to a 180-days calling on various locations, including destinations in Scandinavia, Russia, the Mediterranean, the Greek Isles, Alaska, Canada and New England, Hawaii, Asia, Tahiti and the South Pacific, Australia and New Zealand, Africa, India, South America, the Panama Canal, and the Caribbean. See Also Receive News & Ratings for Norwegian Cruise Line Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Norwegian Cruise Line and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Shares of Premium Brands Holdings Co. (OTCMKTS:PRBZF Get Rating) traded down 3.9% on Wednesday . The stock traded as low as $75.26 and last traded at $75.26. 408 shares were traded during trading, a decline of 41% from the average session volume of 692 shares. The stock had previously closed at $78.29. Wall Street Analyst Weigh In Several research analysts have recently weighed in on the company. Royal Bank of Canada cut their price target on Premium Brands from C$107.00 to C$104.00 in a research note on Friday, March 17th. Scotiabank increased their price objective on Premium Brands from C$114.00 to C$121.00 in a report on Monday, May 1st. Stifel Nicolaus increased their price objective on Premium Brands from C$105.00 to C$111.00 in a report on Friday, March 17th. CIBC increased their price objective on Premium Brands from C$98.00 to C$99.00 in a report on Tuesday, May 16th. Finally, National Bank Financial dropped their price objective on Premium Brands from C$124.00 to C$121.00 in a report on Tuesday, May 16th. Get Premium Brands alerts: Premium Brands Stock Down 3.9 % The firm has a fifty day simple moving average of $75.64 and a two-hundred day simple moving average of $69.99. Premium Brands Company Profile Premium Brands Holdings Corporation, through its subsidiaries, manufactures and distributes food products primarily in Canada and the United States. It operates in two segments, Specialty Foods and Premium Food Distribution. The company provides processed meat, deli products, meat snacks, beef jerky and halal, sandwiches, pastries, specialty and gourmet products, entrees, panini, wraps, subs, hamburgers, burgers, salads and kettle products, muffins, breads, pastas, and baking and sushi products. Recommended Stories Receive News & Ratings for Premium Brands Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Premium Brands and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. DGS Capital Management LLC decreased its holdings in Shinhan Financial Group Co., Ltd. (NYSE:SHG Get Rating) by 15.1% during the 4th quarter, according to the company in its most recent disclosure with the SEC. The fund owned 14,892 shares of the banks stock after selling 2,654 shares during the quarter. DGS Capital Management LLCs holdings in Shinhan Financial Group were worth $416,000 as of its most recent SEC filing. Other hedge funds have also recently added to or reduced their stakes in the company. Arrowstreet Capital Limited Partnership boosted its stake in Shinhan Financial Group by 91.3% in the 1st quarter. Arrowstreet Capital Limited Partnership now owns 650,458 shares of the banks stock worth $21,745,000 after purchasing an additional 310,419 shares during the period. Marshall Wace LLP acquired a new stake in shares of Shinhan Financial Group in the 3rd quarter valued at $5,822,000. American Century Companies Inc. lifted its stake in shares of Shinhan Financial Group by 78.0% in the 4th quarter. American Century Companies Inc. now owns 364,929 shares of the banks stock valued at $10,192,000 after purchasing an additional 159,888 shares during the last quarter. Pzena Investment Management LLC lifted its stake in shares of Shinhan Financial Group by 18.9% in the 4th quarter. Pzena Investment Management LLC now owns 864,876 shares of the banks stock valued at $24,156,000 after purchasing an additional 137,460 shares during the last quarter. Finally, BlackRock Inc. lifted its stake in shares of Shinhan Financial Group by 7.4% in the 3rd quarter. BlackRock Inc. now owns 1,936,519 shares of the banks stock valued at $44,541,000 after purchasing an additional 134,260 shares during the last quarter. Institutional investors and hedge funds own 2.57% of the companys stock. Get Shinhan Financial Group alerts: Shinhan Financial Group Stock Performance Shares of SHG traded down $0.07 during mid-day trading on Thursday, reaching $27.36. The companys stock had a trading volume of 21,494 shares, compared to its average volume of 140,083. Shinhan Financial Group Co., Ltd. has a 1-year low of $22.98 and a 1-year high of $36.64. The stock has a market cap of $14.30 billion, a P/E ratio of 4.20, a PEG ratio of 2.76 and a beta of 0.85. The business has a 50-day simple moving average of $26.61 and a two-hundred day simple moving average of $28.77. The company has a current ratio of 1.02, a quick ratio of 1.02 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 1.32. Wall Street Analysts Forecast Growth Shinhan Financial Group ( NYSE:SHG Get Rating ) last announced its earnings results on Thursday, April 27th. The bank reported $2.00 earnings per share for the quarter, topping analysts consensus estimates of $1.75 by $0.25. The company had revenue of $2.70 billion for the quarter. Shinhan Financial Group had a return on equity of 9.18% and a net margin of 17.86%. As a group, equities research analysts anticipate that Shinhan Financial Group Co., Ltd. will post 6.26 earnings per share for the current fiscal year. SHG has been the topic of several research reports. Bank of America downgraded shares of Shinhan Financial Group from a buy rating to a neutral rating and dropped their price objective for the stock from $38.46 to $32.31 in a report on Wednesday, March 1st. Morgan Stanley cut shares of Shinhan Financial Group from an overweight rating to an equal weight rating in a research note on Tuesday, May 16th. The Goldman Sachs Group lowered shares of Shinhan Financial Group from a buy rating to a neutral rating in a research report on Sunday, March 5th. Finally, StockNews.com downgraded shares of Shinhan Financial Group from a buy rating to a hold rating in a research note on Friday, May 26th. About Shinhan Financial Group (Get Rating) Shinhan Financial Group Co, Ltd. provides financial products and services in South Korea and internationally. The company operates through six segments: Banking, Credit Card, Securities, Life Insurance, Credit, and Others. It offers retail banking services, including demand, savings, and fixed deposit-taking; checking accounts; mortgage and home equity, and retail lending; electronic banking and automatic teller machines (ATM); and bill paying, payroll and check-cashing, currency exchange, and wire fund transfer services. Read More Receive News & Ratings for Shinhan Financial Group Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Shinhan Financial Group and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Shop Apotheke Europe (OTC:SHPPF Get Rating)s share price rose 111.5% during mid-day trading on Tuesday . The stock traded as high as C$100.80 and last traded at C$100.80. Approximately 100 shares changed hands during mid-day trading, an increase of 0% from the average daily volume of 100 shares. The stock had previously closed at C$47.65. Shop Apotheke Europe Price Performance The firm has a 50 day moving average of C$48.71 and a 200-day moving average of C$48.61. Shop Apotheke Europe Company Profile (Get Rating) Shop Apotheke Europe N.V. owns and operates online pharmacies in Germany, Austria, Switzerland, France, Belgium, Italy, and the Netherlands. It provides prescription medications, over-the-counter medications, and pharmacy-related beauty and personal care products, as well as food supplements. The company was founded in 2001 and is headquartered in Sevenum, the Netherlands. Recommended Stories Receive News & Ratings for Shop Apotheke Europe Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Shop Apotheke Europe and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Tingyi (Cayman Islands) Holding Corp. (OTCMKTS:TCYMF Get Rating) was the target of a significant drop in short interest in the month of May. As of May 31st, there was short interest totalling 2,529,700 shares, a drop of 18.0% from the May 15th total of 3,084,100 shares. Based on an average daily trading volume, of 10,400 shares, the days-to-cover ratio is currently 243.2 days. Tingyi (Cayman Islands) Stock Performance Tingyi (Cayman Islands) stock remained flat at $1.57 on Thursday. The companys stock had a trading volume of 28,000 shares, compared to its average volume of 2,858. The firm has a 50-day moving average of $1.66 and a two-hundred day moving average of $1.70. Tingyi has a fifty-two week low of $1.57 and a fifty-two week high of $1.75. Get Tingyi (Cayman Islands) alerts: Tingyi (Cayman Islands) Company Profile (Get Rating) See Also 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, bottled water, and carbonated soft drinks, as well as coffee drinks/functional drinks/probiotics. 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. Turkiye Garanti Bankasi A.S. (OTCMKTS:TKGBY Get Rating) was the target of a large drop in short interest in May. As of May 31st, there was short interest totalling 38,600 shares, a drop of 35.5% from the May 15th total of 59,800 shares. Based on an average daily volume of 36,300 shares, the days-to-cover ratio is presently 1.1 days. Wall Street Analysts Forecast Growth Separately, JPMorgan Chase & Co. downgraded shares of Turkiye Garanti Bankasi A.S. from an overweight rating to a neutral rating in a research note on Tuesday, March 21st. Get Turkiye Garanti Bankasi A.S. alerts: Turkiye Garanti Bankasi A.S. Stock Up 2.9 % Shares of Turkiye Garanti Bankasi A.S. stock traded up $0.03 on Thursday, reaching $1.25. The companys stock had a trading volume of 2,598 shares, compared to its average volume of 17,021. Turkiye Garanti Bankasi A.S. has a 52 week low of $0.75 and a 52 week high of $1.69. The firms fifty day simple moving average is $1.37 and its two-hundred day simple moving average is $1.36. Turkiye Garanti Bankasi A.S. Company Profile Turkiye Garanti Bankasi A.S. provides various banking products and services. It offers current, savings, time and term deposit, ELMA, structured deposit, and gold accounts; and general purpose, auto, revolving, house, discount, SME project, installment, working capital, foreign currency, mortgage, and other loans, as well as spot TL and foreign currency, letters of guarantee and reference, and overdraft accounts. Recommended Stories Receive News & Ratings for Turkiye Garanti Bankasi A.S. Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Turkiye Garanti Bankasi A.S. and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Smartsheet (NYSE:SMAR Get Rating) had its price target trimmed by BMO Capital Markets from $50.00 to $44.00 in a research report released on Monday, The Fly reports. Other research analysts have also issued reports about the company. Morgan Stanley decreased their target price on Smartsheet from $56.00 to $55.00 in a report on Thursday, June 8th. Wells Fargo & Company increased their price target on shares of Smartsheet from $45.00 to $50.00 and gave the company an overweight rating in a report on Wednesday, March 15th. Needham & Company LLC restated a buy rating and set a $57.00 target price on shares of Smartsheet in a research report on Wednesday, March 15th. Citigroup lowered their price target on shares of Smartsheet from $50.00 to $49.00 in a report on Thursday, June 8th. Finally, Guggenheim increased their price objective on shares of Smartsheet from $54.00 to $57.00 and gave the stock a buy rating in a report on Friday, March 24th. Four analysts have rated the stock with a hold rating and twelve have given a buy rating to the stock. According to MarketBeat.com, Smartsheet currently has an average rating of Moderate Buy and an average target price of $48.82. Get Smartsheet alerts: Smartsheet Trading Up 4.5 % Smartsheet stock opened at $41.13 on Monday. Smartsheet has a 12-month low of $25.09 and a 12-month high of $52.81. The stock has a market cap of $5.45 billion, a P/E ratio of -30.47 and a beta of 1.04. The company has a 50-day moving average price of $44.04 and a 200 day moving average price of $42.69. Insider Activity Smartsheet ( NYSE:SMAR Get Rating ) last released its quarterly earnings results on Wednesday, June 7th. The company reported $0.18 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, beating analysts consensus estimates of $0.08 by $0.10. Smartsheet had a negative net margin of 21.39% and a negative return on equity of 34.29%. The business had revenue of $219.89 million for the quarter, compared to the consensus estimate of $214.12 million. During the same period in the previous year, the firm earned ($0.53) EPS. The businesss revenue was up 30.6% on a year-over-year basis. As a group, analysts forecast that Smartsheet will post -1.15 EPS for the current year. In other Smartsheet news, insider Jolene Lau Marshall sold 4,000 shares of the firms stock in a transaction on Friday, March 24th. The shares were sold at an average price of $48.04, for a total transaction of $192,160.00. Following the completion of the transaction, the insider now directly owns 5,535 shares of the companys stock, valued at approximately $265,901.40. The sale was disclosed in a document filed with the SEC, which is available through this hyperlink. In other Smartsheet news, insider Jolene Lau Marshall sold 4,000 shares of the companys stock in a transaction that occurred on Friday, March 24th. The stock was sold at an average price of $48.04, for a total transaction of $192,160.00. Following the sale, the insider now owns 5,535 shares in the company, valued at $265,901.40. The sale was disclosed in a legal filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is available at this link. Also, CRO Michael Arntz sold 10,418 shares of Smartsheet stock in a transaction that occurred on Tuesday, March 21st. The stock was sold at an average price of $47.68, for a total value of $496,730.24. Following the completion of the transaction, the executive now owns 18,483 shares of the companys stock, valued at approximately $881,269.44. The disclosure for this sale can be found here. In the last three months, insiders sold 23,430 shares of company stock worth $1,115,359. 4.71% of the stock is currently owned by insiders. Institutional Inflows and Outflows A number of large investors have recently modified their holdings of SMAR. Raymond James & Associates lifted its holdings in Smartsheet by 4.5% in the first quarter. Raymond James & Associates now owns 19,514 shares of the companys stock worth $1,069,000 after acquiring an additional 845 shares during the last quarter. Cambridge Investment Research Advisors Inc. lifted its holdings in shares of Smartsheet by 10.2% in the 1st quarter. Cambridge Investment Research Advisors Inc. now owns 16,949 shares of the companys stock worth $928,000 after purchasing an additional 1,567 shares during the last quarter. Citigroup Inc. boosted its position in Smartsheet by 7.0% during the 1st quarter. Citigroup Inc. now owns 25,608 shares of the companys stock valued at $1,403,000 after purchasing an additional 1,677 shares during the period. PNC Financial Services Group Inc. grew its stake in Smartsheet by 8.1% during the 1st quarter. PNC Financial Services Group Inc. now owns 10,683 shares of the companys stock worth $585,000 after buying an additional 803 shares during the last quarter. Finally, MetLife Investment Management LLC acquired a new stake in Smartsheet in the first quarter worth $431,000. 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. St. Louis Financial Planners Asset Management LLC bought a new position in shares of Abbott Laboratories (NYSE:ABT Get Rating) in the 4th quarter, according to the company in its most recent filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). The institutional investor bought 13,761 shares of the healthcare product makers stock, valued at approximately $1,511,000. Abbott Laboratories accounts for about 1.5% of St. Louis Financial Planners Asset Management LLCs holdings, making the stock its 14th largest holding. Several other hedge funds have also made changes to their positions in the business. Fairfield Bush & CO. purchased a new position in Abbott Laboratories during the first quarter worth about $131,000. United Bank raised its holdings in Abbott Laboratories by 7.2% during the first quarter. United Bank now owns 27,280 shares of the healthcare product makers stock worth $3,229,000 after purchasing an additional 1,826 shares in the last quarter. Mackenzie Financial Corp raised its holdings in Abbott Laboratories by 1.9% during the first quarter. Mackenzie Financial Corp now owns 813,253 shares of the healthcare product makers stock worth $96,257,000 after purchasing an additional 15,521 shares in the last quarter. Kinneret Advisory LLC raised its holdings in Abbott Laboratories by 2.3% during the first quarter. Kinneret Advisory LLC now owns 19,467 shares of the healthcare product makers stock worth $2,304,000 after purchasing an additional 436 shares in the last quarter. Finally, Lumature Wealth Partners LLC raised its holdings in Abbott Laboratories by 636.2% during the first quarter. Lumature Wealth Partners LLC now owns 2,216 shares of the healthcare product makers stock worth $262,000 after purchasing an additional 1,915 shares in the last quarter. Institutional investors and hedge funds own 72.93% of the companys stock. Get Abbott Laboratories alerts: Insider Buying and Selling In related news, EVP Andrea F. Wainer sold 8,226 shares of the companys stock in a transaction on Tuesday, May 2nd. The shares were sold at an average price of $110.56, for a total transaction of $909,466.56. Following the completion of the sale, the executive vice president now directly owns 70,427 shares of the companys stock, valued at approximately $7,786,409.12. The sale was disclosed in a filing with the SEC, which can be accessed through the SEC website. In related news, EVP Andrea F. Wainer sold 8,226 shares of the companys stock in a transaction on Tuesday, May 2nd. The shares were sold at an average price of $110.56, for a total transaction of $909,466.56. Following the completion of the sale, the executive vice president now directly owns 70,427 shares of the companys stock, valued at approximately $7,786,409.12. The sale was disclosed in a filing with the SEC, which can be accessed through the SEC website. Also, Director Daniel J. Starks sold 50,000 shares of the companys stock in a transaction on 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 sale, the director now directly owns 6,825,316 shares of the companys stock, valued at $757,746,582.32. The disclosure for this sale can be found here. 1.10% of the stock is owned by corporate insiders. Abbott Laboratories Stock Up 1.4 % ABT stock opened at $103.26 on Thursday. The stock has a market capitalization of $179.56 billion, a P/E ratio of 31.39, a PEG ratio of 4.56 and a beta of 0.67. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.39, a quick ratio of 1.22 and a current ratio of 1.68. Abbott Laboratories has a one year low of $93.25 and a one year high of $115.69. The company has a 50 day moving average price of $106.54 and a two-hundred day moving average price of $106.32. Abbott Laboratories (NYSE:ABT Get Rating) last announced its quarterly earnings data on Wednesday, April 19th. The healthcare product maker reported $1.03 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, beating the consensus estimate of $0.98 by $0.05. Abbott Laboratories had a net margin of 13.98% and a return on equity of 22.36%. The company had revenue of $9.75 billion during the quarter, compared to analysts expectations of $9.64 billion. During the same period in the previous year, the company earned $1.73 EPS. The businesss quarterly revenue was down 18.1% compared to the same quarter last year. As a group, sell-side analysts expect that Abbott Laboratories will post 4.39 EPS for the current year. Abbott Laboratories Announces Dividend The business also recently disclosed a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Tuesday, August 15th. Stockholders of record on Friday, July 14th will be paid a dividend of $0.51 per share. The ex-dividend date of this dividend is Thursday, July 13th. This represents a $2.04 annualized dividend and a dividend yield of 1.98%. Abbott Laboratoriess dividend payout ratio is presently 62.01%. Analyst Ratings Changes A number of brokerages have issued reports on ABT. Morgan Stanley cut shares of Abbott Laboratories from an overweight rating to an equal weight rating and set a $112.00 target price for the company. in a report on Tuesday, May 30th. Sanford C. Bernstein increased their target price on shares of Abbott Laboratories from $132.00 to $133.00 and gave the company an outperform rating in a report on Thursday, April 20th. Wolfe Research cut their price objective on Abbott Laboratories from $107.00 to $103.00 and set an underperform rating for the company in a research report on Thursday, April 20th. StockNews.com assumed coverage on Abbott Laboratories in a research report on Thursday, May 18th. They set a buy rating for the company. Finally, Raymond James lifted their price objective on Abbott Laboratories from $116.00 to $123.00 in a research report on Thursday, April 20th. One equities research analyst has rated the stock with a sell rating, five have assigned a hold rating and eleven have given a buy rating to the stock. Based on data from MarketBeat, the stock currently has an average rating of Moderate Buy and an average target price of $121.26. Abbott Laboratories 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. Further Reading Want to see what other hedge funds are holding ABT? Visit HoldingsChannel.com to get the latest 13F filings and insider trades for Abbott Laboratories (NYSE:ABT Get Rating). 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. The Toronto-Dominion Bank (NYSE:TD Get Rating) (TSE:TD) has received a consensus recommendation of Moderate Buy from the twelve analysts that are presently covering the stock, MarketBeat.com reports. Two research analysts have rated the stock with a hold rating and seven have assigned a buy rating to the company. The average 12-month price target among brokerages that have updated their coverage on the stock in the last year is $101.25. TD has been the topic of a number of analyst reports. CIBC raised Toronto-Dominion Bank from a neutral rating to a sector outperform rating in a research note on Monday, April 17th. Scotiabank raised Toronto-Dominion Bank from a sector perform rating to a sector outperform rating in a research note on Friday, March 3rd. Credit Suisse Group raised Toronto-Dominion Bank from a neutral rating to an outperform rating in a research note on Thursday, June 8th. StockNews.com upgraded Toronto-Dominion Bank from a sell rating to a hold rating in a research report on Wednesday. Finally, Barclays downgraded Toronto-Dominion Bank from an overweight rating to an equal weight rating in a research report on Tuesday, May 9th. Get Toronto-Dominion Bank alerts: Institutional Inflows and Outflows Hedge funds have recently made changes to their positions in the company. Fairfield Bush & CO. acquired a new position in shares of Toronto-Dominion Bank in the 1st quarter worth approximately $26,000. Fortis Capital Advisors LLC acquired a new position in Toronto-Dominion Bank during the 4th quarter valued at approximately $26,000. Annapolis Financial Services LLC boosted its position in Toronto-Dominion Bank by 83.3% during the 1st quarter. Annapolis Financial Services LLC now owns 429 shares of the banks stock valued at $26,000 after purchasing an additional 195 shares during the period. U.S. Capital Wealth Advisors LLC acquired a new position in Toronto-Dominion Bank during the 4th quarter valued at approximately $39,000. Finally, McElhenny Sheffield Capital Management LLC acquired a new position in Toronto-Dominion Bank during the 4th quarter valued at approximately $40,000. Institutional investors and hedge funds own 49.22% of the companys stock. Toronto-Dominion Bank Stock Performance NYSE:TD opened at $59.96 on Friday. The stock has a fifty day moving average price of $59.95 and a two-hundred day moving average price of $63.10. The stock has a market capitalization of $110.30 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 10.06, a PEG ratio of 1.56 and a beta of 0.88. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.11, a quick ratio of 0.99 and a current ratio of 0.99. Toronto-Dominion Bank has a 1 year low of $55.43 and a 1 year high of $70.67. Toronto-Dominion Bank (NYSE:TD Get Rating) (TSE:TD) last posted its earnings results on Thursday, May 25th. The bank reported $1.43 earnings per share for the quarter, missing the consensus estimate of $1.52 by ($0.09). The firm had revenue of $9.12 billion during the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of $9.10 billion. Toronto-Dominion Bank had a net margin of 17.72% and a return on equity of 15.51%. As a group, sell-side analysts anticipate that Toronto-Dominion Bank will post 6.08 earnings per share for the current fiscal year. Toronto-Dominion Bank Cuts Dividend The firm also recently disclosed a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Monday, July 31st. Shareholders of record on Monday, July 10th will be paid a dividend of $0.709 per share. The ex-dividend date is Friday, July 7th. This represents a $2.84 dividend on an annualized basis and a yield of 4.73%. Toronto-Dominion Banks dividend payout ratio (DPR) is presently 47.65%. Toronto-Dominion Bank Company Profile (Get Rating) The Toronto-Dominion Bank, together with its subsidiaries, provides various financial products and services in Canada, the United States, and internationally. It operates through three segments: Canadian Retail, U.S. Retail, and Wholesale Banking. The company offers personal deposits, such as chequing, savings, and investment products; financing, investment, cash management, international trade, and day-to-day banking services to businesses; and financing options to customers at point of sale for automotive and recreational vehicle purchases. Recommended Stories Receive News & Ratings for Toronto-Dominion Bank Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Toronto-Dominion Bank and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Shares of Tremor International Ltd (LON:TRMR Get Rating) dropped 2% on Wednesday . The stock traded as low as GBX 276.40 ($3.46) and last traded at GBX 284.20 ($3.56). Approximately 148,114 shares traded hands during trading, a decline of 50% from the average daily volume of 293,598 shares. The stock had previously closed at GBX 290 ($3.63). Wall Street Analysts Forecast Growth Separately, Royal Bank of Canada reiterated an outperform rating and set a GBX 1,300 ($16.27) price objective on shares of Tremor International in a report on Wednesday, May 24th. Get Tremor International alerts: Tremor International Stock Performance The stocks 50-day moving average is GBX 241.59 and its 200-day moving average is GBX 272.18. The stock has a market cap of 405.95 million, a price-to-earnings ratio of -9,473.33 and a beta of 1.44. The company has a current ratio of 1.64, a quick ratio of 1.54 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 23.18. Insider Buying and Selling Tremor International Company Profile In related news, insider Ofer Druker sold 6,524 shares of the stock in a transaction that occurred on Wednesday, March 29th. The shares were sold at an average price of GBX 260 ($3.25), for a total transaction of 16,962.40 ($21,224.22). Corporate insiders own 34.63% of the companys stock. (Get Rating) Tremor International Ltd. provides end-to-end software platform that enables advertisers to reach relevant audiences and publishers. The company's demand side platform (DSP) offers full-service and self-managed marketplace access to advertisers and agencies in order to execute their digital marketing campaigns in real time across various ad formats. Further Reading Receive News & Ratings for Tremor International Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Tremor International and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. (CNN) A new mural on display in Indias new $110 million Parliament has become an unlikely target of ire among its South Asian neighbors, with Pakistan, Nepal and Bangladesh seeking an explanation from New Delhi. The mural depicts a map of an ancient Indian civilization encompassing what is today Pakistan in the north and Bangladesh and Nepal in the east. Speaking to reporters earlier this month, the spokesperson of Indias Ministry of External Affairs, Arindam Bagchi, said it portrays the ancient Ashoka Empire and symbolizes the idea of responsible and people-oriented governance that (King Ashoka) adopted and propagated. But to some politicians from Indias ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), it appears to represent a vision of the future of Akhand Bharat, an Undivided India that would merge the modern-day country with Afghanistan, Pakistan, Nepal, Bangladesh and Myanmar. The resolve is clear. Akhand Bharat, tweeted Minister of Parliamentary Affairs Pralhad Joshi alongside a photograph of the map. Akhand Bharat in (the) New Parliament. It represents our powerful and self reliant India, tweeted BJP lawmaker Manoj Kotak. To Indias neighbors, Akhand Bharat is an incendiary, neo-imperialist concept one that has long been associated with the right-wing Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS), an ideological organization that heavily influences the BJP, and which believes in Hindutva, the idea that India should become the Home of the Hindus. Earlier this month, Pakistan said it was appalled by the statements made about the mural. The gratuitous assertion of Akhand Bharat is a manifestation of a revisionist and expansionist mindset that seeks to subjugate the identity and culture of not only Indias neighboring countries but also its own religious minorities, said foreign office spokesperson Mumtaz Zahra Baloch. Nepali politicians also chimed in. If a country like India that sees itself as an ancient and strong country, and as a model of democracy puts Nepali territories in its map and hangs the map in parliament, it cannot be called fair, opposition leader KP Sharma Oli said, according to The Kathmandu Post. Nepals former prime minister, Baburam Bhattarai, warned the map may stoke an unnecessary and harmful diplomatic row. And last week, Bangladesh asked New Delhi to clarify the situation. Anger is being expressed from various quarters over the map, said Shahriar Alam, its junior minister for foreign affairs. Answering a question about the backlash last week, Indias foreign minister Subrahmanyam Jaishankar said the issue had already been clarified by India, and it was not political. While India has dismissed their concerns, analysts say calls by BJP politicians to embrace Akhand Bharat are dangerous. They say such appeals embolden extremist groups and are bad news for a constitutionally secular democracy, where about 80% of the 1.4 billion population is Hindu and 14% Muslim. Many BJP leaders are increasingly making statements to placate the most hardcore elements of their party, without realizing how that might play out overseas, said Salil Tripathi, a writer based in New York. These politicians and leaders act as if the world isnt listening. It keeps the cauldron hot, but it is a dangerous game. Controversial ceremony The mural was not the only thing turning heads when Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated the parliament on May 28. Similarly controversial was the ceremony itself, steeped in Hindu religious symbolism, which critics felt jarred with the supposedly secular nature of Indian government affairs. It also took place on the birthday of the late Vinayak Damodar Savarkar, the man widely considered to have developed the Hindutva ideology and one of the first proponents of Akhand Bharat. A leader of the right-wing Hindu Mahasabha group, Savarkar is revered by Modi and the BJP, who credit him with leading India to its freedom from British colonial rule. But critics say it is wrong to honor his birthday, given his stance toward Muslims. The Hindu Mahasabhas website says if it takes power, it will not hesitate to force the migration of Indias Muslims to Pakistan. While the groups ideas are decades old, it appears more bold about them now. In December 2021, some extremists from the group called for a genocide against Muslims to protect India. Sushant Singh, a senior fellow with the Centre for Policy Research think tank, said groups felt emboldened to make such brazen calls for violence because they believe that they have the backing of the state. That is because the state clearly believes in their ideology and articulates that ideology, he added. Nervous neighbors While the BJP does not openly describe itself as Hindu nationalist, critics say such leanings are given away by legislation that favors Hindus and the rhetoric of some of its leading figures. One of the BJPs most controversial moves came in 2019 when it revoked the semi-autonomous status of the Muslim-majority region of Indian-administered Kashmir, bringing it under the direct control of New Delhi. India said the move was aimed at ending separatism and terrorism it alleged was aided by Pakistan. Critics said the move was aimed at encouraging Hindus to settle there. Skepticism over New Delhis motives was fueled by Indias Home Minister Amit Shah when he said the revocation had partially achieved the dream of Akhand Bharat a sentiment echoed by other right-wing politicians. We have to see the dream of Akhand Bharat in this lifetime and it has started with (this), said deputy chief minister of the state of Maharashtra, Devendra Fadnavis. Experts say such rhetoric has made Indias neighbors nervous. The tragedy is that with this kind of narrative coming from India, it only enforces the Pakistan armys view that there is a threat, said Pakistani historian Ayesha Jalal. Fahd Humayun, an assistant professor of political science at Tufts University, warned statements like these can impact the national security calculus of neighboring states. He added: In practical terms, the worry is (these comments) build on a brand of Hindu nationalism which has clear expansionist tendencies. This story was first published on CNN.com, "Why a map in Indias new Parliament is making its neighbors nervous" Vistry Group (LON:VTY Get Rating) had its price target raised by UBS Group from GBX 725 ($9.07) to GBX 750 ($9.38) in a report released on Monday, MarketBeat.com reports. UBS Group currently has a neutral rating on the stock. A number of other equities research analysts have also weighed in on VTY. Liberum Capital reiterated a top pick rating and set a GBX 950 ($11.89) price objective on shares of Vistry Group in a report on Monday, February 13th. Barclays reissued an underweight rating and set a GBX 740 ($9.26) target price on shares of Vistry Group in a research report on Friday, May 19th. JPMorgan Chase & Co. raised their target price on shares of Vistry Group from GBX 700 ($8.76) to GBX 740 ($9.26) and gave the company an underweight rating in a research report on Monday, May 22nd. Berenberg Bank raised their target price on shares of Vistry Group from GBX 760 ($9.51) to GBX 871 ($10.90) and gave the company a hold rating in a research report on Thursday, May 11th. Finally, Jefferies Financial Group reissued a buy rating and set a GBX 987 ($12.35) target price on shares of Vistry Group in a research report on Thursday, March 23rd. Two analysts have rated the stock with a sell rating, three have issued a hold rating, one has assigned a buy rating and one has issued a strong buy rating to the stock. According to MarketBeat.com, the stock currently has a consensus rating of Hold and a consensus price target of GBX 821.14 ($10.27). Get Vistry Group alerts: Vistry Group Trading Down 0.5 % Shares of VTY opened at GBX 744 ($9.31) on Monday. Vistry Group has a 1-year low of GBX 502 ($6.28) and a 1-year high of GBX 947.50 ($11.86). The company has a 50-day moving average of GBX 780.18 and a 200 day moving average of GBX 740.21. The firm has a market capitalization of 2.57 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 855.17, a PEG ratio of -0.20 and a beta of 2.14. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 19.85, a current ratio of 2.53 and a quick ratio of 0.56. Vistry Group Increases Dividend Insider Transactions at Vistry Group The company also recently disclosed a dividend, which was paid on Thursday, June 1st. Stockholders of record on Thursday, April 20th were given a GBX 32 ($0.40) dividend. The ex-dividend date of this dividend was Thursday, April 20th. This represents a dividend yield of 4.37%. This is an increase from Vistry Groups previous dividend of $23.00. Vistry Groups payout ratio is presently 6,321.84%. In other news, insider Jeffrey W. Ubben acquired 800,000 shares of the businesss stock in a transaction dated Thursday, March 23rd. The shares were purchased at an average price of GBX 750 ($9.38) per share, with a total value of 6,000,000 ($7,507,507.51). Insiders own 2.37% of the companys stock. Vistry Group Company Profile (Get Rating) Vistry Group PLC, together with its subsidiaries, operates as a housebuilder in the United Kingdom. It offers one-bedroom apartments and larger family homes. The company was formerly known as Bovis Homes Group PLC and changed its name to Vistry Group PLC in January 2020. Vistry Group PLC was founded in 1885 and is headquartered in West Malling, the United Kingdom. See Also Receive News & Ratings for Vistry Group Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Vistry Group and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. 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 A man who threatened to shoot elementary school students in Stafford last year as part of a series of prank calls was ordered Wednesday to serve five years in prison. James Wayne Hash II, 36, of Fredericksburg, was sentenced by Judge Victoria Willis to a total of 20 years with 15 years suspended. He pleaded guilty earlier this year in Stafford Circuit Court to felony offenses of threatening to bomb and attempted act of terrorism. Hash placed a prerecorded 911 call to Conway Elementary School on Sept. 7 that warned authorities they had 15 minutes to clear the school or "I will shoot one Mexican or Black child for every minute that will pass." He sent two more messages, one again warning officials to evacuate and another claiming that a gunman was at the school looking to hurt students. The school was locked down that day and again two days later, when the same phone was used to make another threat. Police eventually tied the phone to Hash and recovered it in his hotel room, court records show. Hash told police that he made the calls because he felt "empty and down" and said he singled out Conway because a relative worked there. The relative had nothing to do with Hash's actions, police said. Hash is still facing charges in Spotsylvania for allegedly making a bomb threat to the Spotsylvania Towne Center and in Fredericksburg for a series of prank calls involving homes and businesses. Teacher and accused felon Philip Zlomke faced the Grand Island Public Schools Board of Education Tuesday night, fighting to maintain his contract with the district. The hearing, initiated by Zlomke, was an attempt to overturn the districts initial decision to terminate Zlomkes contract. Zlomke, a financial literacy teacher at Westridge Middle School, requested the district continue his contract until his cases were decided in court. On March 17, 2022, Zlomke was arrested at Westridge Middle School before classes started. For that arrest, he was accused of two counts of first-degree sexual assault. The crimes allegedly occurred in 2021. On May 4, 2022, Zlomke was served with another arrest warrant (not on school property), this time accused of committing sex crimes against a minor. The five charges include three counts sexual assault of a child, first degree, occurring in 2017, 2018 and 2021. None of the crimes Zlomke is accused of involve Grand Island Public Schools students, according to district spokespeople. Zlomke was initially notified his contract was terminated May 2, 2023, more than one year after his arrest at Westridge. In the meantime, Zlomke was on leave, but receiving unemployment, according to proceedings. Soon after Zlomke received his letter of termination from the district, he requested a hearing to contest his termination. Said hearing was Tuesday night at Kneale Administration Building. In his opening statements, Zlomke said, Please know that due to the nature and ongoing litigation, that I am not at liberty to discuss the details pertaining to the allegations that have been levied against (me), he said. Please note that if I choose to practice my Fifth Amendment rights, it is out of my desire to keep the litigation within the courtroom. By the end of the hearing, Zlomke had invoked the Fifth Amendment several times. Zlomke, who represented himself, asked interim GIPS Human Resources Director Wayne Stelk why it had taken a year to present Zlomke with contract termination. Stelk was not with the district between March 2022 and October 2022. What happened between March and October was not something that I was privy to, as far as any kind of decision making process, Stelk said. Once he became aware of the situation, Stelk said the legal process progressed slowly. It was in January, approximately, that I made the decision that we can't just keep letting this (be) hanging out there in limbo, he said. In my opinion it had already hung out way too long. Zlomkes absence from the classroom had placed a burden on the buildings teachers, said Westridge Assistant Principal Stefanie Novotny. It's been difficult for us to determine how we're going to plan staffing and building our schedule with the unknown, Novotny said in her testimony. It makes it hard not knowing when the proceedings will be finished. It's hard for us to plan moving forward. While questioned by Zlomke, Stelk said, Even though we have filled your position, that doesn't mean that it doesn't still create additional burdens on (the) district because now we have fewer people to use in other vacancies that we may have. Over the course of the hearing, prior complaints about Zlomke from students to Westridge administrators surfaced, most notably an incident involving poking a student in the buttocks with a fork. For that incident, Zlomke was presented a memorandum of understanding (MOU). Still, Zlomke contended, he was an effective teacher with a good rapport with his students. Stelk said, We're not here to try to convince the board that you were an ineffective teacher. We're talking about the felony charges that you've been charged (with). If the felony charges (had) never been brought forth ... the publicity along with that you've been arrested at the school if none of that would have occurred and all we had was an MOU, we would not be talking about cancellation (of contract), in my opinion, Stelk said. Besides concerns about Zlomkes conduct, the reputation of GIPS was also brought into question, said GIPS Superintendent Matt Fisher, alluding to news coverage. In the headlines, it doesn't say Grand Island man was arrested for these charges. It says Grand Island Public Schools teacher was arrested, Fisher pointed out. Three of the districts exhibits were news headlines. During testimony, Zlomke asked Fisher if he thought Zlomke lacked ethics. Well certainly the incident having a student bent over and poking them in the butt with a fork demonstrates a clear lack of ethics in my mind, Fisher told Zlomke before mentioning other alleged misconduct: We can put these other things as far as talking about porn, regardless of the depth, to me demonstrate(s) a lack of ethics. In his closing statement, GIPS legal counsel Justin Knight told the board, I don't know how a board can bring someone back with seven felonies pending against them as serious as we have here today. Knight then addressed the timing of Zlomkes termination. I do think it is a fair question: Why we weren't here in June of 2022? As has been said, we can't answer that. Thats something that I think in hindsight the administration at that time should have pursued a lot faster. Zlomke said in his closing statement, I'm not asking for (the board) to put me back in the classroom yet. I do not expect that putting me back in the classroom without a verdict is irrational I'm asking you to wait and hear from those trials. Following executive session, the board unanimously upheld the decision to terminate Zlomkes teaching contract, effective immediately. Board members Lindsey Jurgens and Dave Hulinksy were absent. Board member Josh Sikes recused himself from participating in the hearing. Westridge Middle School Principal Brad Wolfe was among the school districts witnesses. Zlomke did not have any witnesses on his behalf. Attorney Lily Amare presided over the hearing, which lasted nearly four hours. EVN likely to take over major foreign-invested power plants as BOT contracts expire By Van Minh Thu, June 15, 2023 | 12:35 pm GTM+7 Vietnams Ministry of Industry and Trade has proposed Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh allow state utility Vietnam Electricity (EVN) to take over the management of two major gas-fired power plants in southern Vietnam after their build-operate-transfer (BOT) contracts expire. The Phu My thermal power complex is Vietnams largest operational group of power generation plants, with a combined capacity of up to 3,900 megawatts. It is located in Ba Ria-Vung Tau provinces Phu My town, about one hours drive from Ho Chi Minh City. The major complex comprises the Phu My 1, 2-1, 2-2, 3 and 4 plants, and the Ministry of Industry and Trade's proposal is focused on Phu My 3 (749 MW) and Phu My 2-2 (715 MW). Part of the Phu My thermal power complex in Ba Ria-Vung Tau provinces Phu My town near Ho Chi Minh City, southern Vietnam. Photo courtesy of Vietnam Electricity. The Phu My 3 BOT contract, with a term of 20 years, will be over at the end of next February. The plant will be transferred to the Vietnamese government on March 1, 2024. It began commercial operations on March 1, 2004. The Phu My 2-2 BOT contract, also with a term of 20 years, will be over in early February 2025. The plant will be transferred to the government on February 4, 2025. The Phu My 3 BOT Power Co. Ltd. was the first foreign-invested BOT power project in Vietnam. The $450 million plant was equally invested by BP Holdings of the Netherlands, Sembcorp Utilities Corp. (Singapore), and Kyushu Electrics Corp. and Sojitz Corp. (Japan). The capacity was 716.8 MW originally and was upgraded to 749 MW in 2009. It is fueled by the Nam Con Son Gas Pipeline in southern Vietnam. The Phu My 2-2 plant, with about $480 million in investment, is a project led by Electricite de France (EDF) International with a 56.25% stake. Other members of the consortium are Japans Sumitomo with a 28.125% stake, and Tokyo Electric Power Company (Tepco) with a 15.625% stake. It is also fueled by the Nam Con Son Gas Pipeline. Ba Ria-Vung Tau province is a major oil and gas hub in Vietnam. The Nam Con Son Basin lies off the coast of the southern province. Lack of policies blows foreign wind power investors out of Vietnam: PTSC executive By Tri Duc Thu, June 15, 2023 | 3:17 pm GTM+7 A lack of detailed policies and guidelines for wind energy investment in Vietnam is making foreign investors turn to other markets, said Le Manh Cuong, CEO of Petrovietnam Technical Services Corp (PTSC). Le Manh Cuong, CEO of PTSC - a subsidiary of state-owned Petrovietnam, speaks at the Industry 4.0 Summit 2023 in Hanoi on June 14, 2023. Photo courtesy of VietnamBiz news website. Cuong told the Industry 4.0 Summit 2023 in Hanoi on Wednesday that Vietnam has a massive source of wind power but its investment capacity and capital sources are limited. The executive gave an example that Denmarks wind power giant Orsted has left the Vietnamese market after finding it less attractive than other markets. He added that Orsted still sees the potential in Vietnam for wind energy and as a Southeast Asian hub for wind energy supply chains. He highlighted global wind power investors had established offices in Vietnam as soon as the country announced its initial related policy. However, as detailed guidelines have not been issued and clear, many projects were paused during the survey phases. Another challenge was the long wait for the approval of the National Power Development Plan for 2021-2030, with a vision to 2050 (PDP VIII), which caused hesitation among foreign investors. PTSC is a top-tier contractor for oil-gas and offshore projects in Vietnam. In May, it signed a contract to build offshore wind farm foundations for Orsted, becoming the first Vietnamese business to receive a mass order for offshore wind power equipment. In November 2022, PTSC M&C, the mechanical and construction arm of PTSC, kicked off the construction of the offshore substations Hai Long 2 and Hai Long 3 at the 1,044-MW Hai Long Offshore Wind Project in the Taiwan Strait. Vietnam boasts strong potential in offshore wind power and could add 2.2 GW of offshore wind power, mostly intertidal projects, by 2027, according to the Global Wind Energy Council's (GWEC) Global Wind Report 2023. Vietnams PDP VIII, which was approved last month, features 6,000 MW of offshore wind power, accounting for 4% of the country's total power generation capacity. The figure is expected to increase to 70,000-91,500 megawatts by 2050, or 14-16% of the total. Petrovietnam tech arm PTSC to build substations for giant Polish wind power project By Tri Duc Thu, June 15, 2023 | 11:09 am GTM+7 Vietnam's PTSC Mechanical and Construction Company (PTSC M&C) has been awarded a contract to build substations for the 1.5 GW Baltica 2 offshore wind farm project 40 kilometers off the Polish coast. A consortium between PTSC M&C and Denmark-headquartered offshore industry business Semco Maritime was offered an engineering, procurement and construction (EPC) contract for the project by Poland's PGE Group and Denmark's Orsted, the latter announced on Tuesday. The consortium will be supported by Denmark-based ISC Consulting Engineers and South Korea-based Hyundai Electric. The construction yard of PTSC in Ba Ria-Vung Tau province, southern Vietnam. Photo courtesy of Ba Ria-Vung Tau newspaper. The 1.5 GW Baltica 2 project, Polands largest-ever renewable energy project, features 107 wind turbines and will power 2.4 million Polish households. It is scheduled for commissioning by the end of 2027. The Vietnamese side will build four offshore substations at its yard in the southern coastal province of Ba Ria-Vung Tau under the EPC contract set for 2023-2026. The award of the Baltica 2 Project with our valued partner Semco Maritime once again affirms our determination to shift service lines into the renewable sector and integrate with the energy transition flow happening on a global scale, said Dong Xuan Thang, PTSC M&Cs managing director. PTSC M&C, an arm of Petrovietnam Technical Services Corp (PTSC), is a leading engineering, procurement, construction and installation contractor for the upstream, downstream and renewable energy sectors. PTSC is a subsidiary of state-run Petrovietnam. In November 2022, PTSC M&C kicked off the construction of offshore substations Hai Long 2 and Hai Long 3 at the 1,044-MW Hai Long Offshore Wind Project in the Taiwan Strait. Last month, PTSC, signed a contract to build offshore wind farm foundations for Orsted, becoming the first Vietnamese business to receive a mass order for offshore wind power equipment. Vietnam private carrier Bamboo Airways reports $748 mln loss in 2022 By Trang Nguyen Thu, June 15, 2023 | 12:53 pm GTM+7 Vietnamese private carrier Bamboo Airways reported a loss of VND17.6 trillion ($748 million) in 2022, about $84 million higher than the combined figure of Vietnam Airlines and Vietjet Air. The figures will be officially released at the airline's annual general meeting of shareholders (AGM) on June 21. Last year, national flag carrier Vietnam Airlines posted a loss of VND12.97 trillion ($551.5 million), while private budget carrier Vietjet Air recorded a loss of about VND2.65 trillion ($112.6 million). A Bamboo Airways plane. Photo courtesy of the carrier. In 2022, Bamboo's revenue increased by nearly 3.3 times compared to 2021, reaching VND11.73 trillion ($498.96 million). Despite this improvement, Bamboo Airways has not been able to post a gross profit. The carrier said it suffered a gross loss due to difficulties in the Northeast Asian market and the Russia-Ukraine conflict, which caused jet fuel prices to skyrocket. Bamboo Airways currently owns a fleet of 30 aircraft, while Vietnam Airlines has over 110 planes, and Vietjet has over 80. At the end of December 2022, Bamboo Airways' liabilities had stood at about VND18.8 trillion ($799.6 million), up over VND8.7 trillion ($370 million) compared to the beginning of 2022. Of which, short-term debt accounted for more than VND17.3 trillion ($735.77 million). Equity stayed at negative VND835 billion ($35.5 million), while at the beginning of the year it was VND16.78 trillion ($713.78 million). This year, Bamboo Airways has set a double-digit growth plan, with about 15-20% depending on market developments. To regain momentum, the airline is considering scenarios to enlarge its fleet and network, as well as improve operational efficiency. The airline will continue to improve its operating frequency and open new routes, focusing on target markets like Europe, Northeast Asia, Southeast Asia and Australia. At the same time, it will seek government permission to expand its fleet to over 30 aircraft. Bamboo Airways on Wednesday said it had accepted the resignations of all board members Nguyen Ngoc Trong, Doan Huu Doan, Le Ba Nguyen, Le Thai Sam, and Nguyen Manh Quan. In order to ensure the continuous operation of the board of directors, Bamboo Airways will ask shareholders to approve the resignations of the five members at the AGM on June 21. After that, it will elect a new board, term 2023-2028, with seven members. Bamboo Airways currently has a charter capital of VND18.5 trillion ($789 million), equivalent to 1.85 billion shares. At a Bamboo Airways extraordinary shareholder meeting on April 10, the airline's plan to increase its charter capital was rejected by a 56.42% majority. The firm had presented plans to issue 996.2 million shares in 2023 in order to raise nearly VND10 trillion ($425.55 million) and increase its charter capital to nearly VND28.07 trillion ($1.2 billion). (CNN) More than 100 people are now confirmed dead after a boat ferrying hundreds of wedding guests overturned Monday in the river Niger around north-central Nigeria, local police said. The vessel was carrying around 250 passengers traveling back to Patigi in northcentral Kwara State after attending a wedding party in Gboti, in neighboring Niger State, when it sank early Monday, killing 106 on board, according to police. Around 144 people were rescued, police said. On leaving the shore, one part of the boat by the engine side collapsed where water penetrated the boat, which ultimately led to the boat capsizing, police spokesman in Kwara, Ajayi Okasanmi, said in a statement made available to CNN Wednesday. All efforts to draw the attention of the villagers hosting the wedding ceremony for assistance by the persons in the boat proved abortive, leading to the deaths of about 106 people, the statement added. Abdul Gana Lukpada, a local chief in Patigi told CNN Tuesday that the wedding guests were stranded after heavy rains flooded the roads and were forced to cross the River Niger by boat from Gboti village to Patigi. Heavy rains and flooding The overcrowded boat capsized after hitting a tree trunk, he said of the accident which happened at around 3:00am Monday. Its unclear if poor visibility contributed to the accident. The terrain of the community is terrible when it rains. After the ceremony, it rained, so those who attended with motorcycles could not ride the motorcycles out of the community. They decided to use a big boat to convey people out of Egboti, Lukpada narrated. It was early on Monday between 3:00 - 4:00 am. As they sailed, the boat hit a tree branch hiding in the water and it split into two. The volume of water was high, so it carried the passengers away, he added, while describing the accident as a big tragedy. I lost four of my neighbors, Lukpada told CNN. The Nigerian Meteorological Agency (Nimet) had warned of heavy rains that could trigger floods this month as the country observes its rainy season. Niger and Kwara states lay along the banks of the River Niger, West Africas main river, and surrounding communities remain vulnerable when it overflows. Police said rescue teams were providing care to people rescued from the boat disaster and they will be reunited with their families when they are fully recovered from the shock and trauma of the accident. Boat accidents are common in northern Nigeria. Last month, at least 15 people died after a boat capsized in northwestern Sokoto State, authorities told CNN. This story was first published on CNN.com, "More than 100 dead after wedding party as boat capsizes in Nigeria" 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. CHICAGO Actor John Cusack will host a screening next fall of 2000s High Fidelity at the Auditorium Theatre, followed by a talk about his career and the making of the film, as well as a Q&A session. Tickets are on sale this week. The movie, directed by Stephen Frears, is set in Chicago. Cusack plays a man who owns a failing record store examining his failed attempts at romance. Cusack, born and raised in Evanston, also coproduced and cowrote the script based on Nick Hornbys novel, and was nominated for a Golden Globe for his performance. A presale for tickets to the event started at 10 a.m. Wednesday, while the general sale begins at 10 a.m. Friday. An Evening with John Cusack & Screening of High Fidelity is 7:30 p.m. Nov. 1 at Auditorium Theatre, 50 E. Ida B. Wells Dr., Chicago. More information at auditoriumtheatre.org. Artificial intelligence seems to be making its way into all aspects of life, from images created completely by computer technology to text-generation software raising concerns for school administrators, but some local experts say Southern Illinois businesses of all sizes and types should welcome and adopt AI as a standard business practice. Jim Nelson, associate professor in the School of Analytics, Finance and Economics at Southern Illinois University Carbondale said AI can free up time and labor, allowing businesses to focus on more profitable tasks. AI will let people do what people are good at and let machines do what machines are good at. In that, people are creative; theyre great at out-of-the-box problem solving, but they hate doing repetitive, mundane tasks. Computers and AI are really, really good at that. he explained. From answering emails to drafting correspondence, AI systems, such as the popular ChatGPT, a text chatbot released last year, are being used to enhance business by many people. But what is AI? AI refers to the field of computer science focused on creating intelligent machines that can perform tasks requiring human-like intelligence. It involves the development of algorithms and systems that enable computers to perceive, reason, learn and make decisions based on data and experiences. AI encompasses various subfields, including machine learning, natural language processing, computer vision, and robotics, all aimed at simulating or replicating human intelligence in a computational form. Read that previous paragraph again. It is an example of what artificial intelligence can do. That paragraph was written by ChatGPT in response to a simple prompt: Write a three sentence definition of artificial intelligence. The entire process took just seconds. Thats exactly what business leaders such as Nic Skovgaard of AlterEgo Marketing in Herrin says AI can do for business. If you work where you have to communicate with someone via email on a regular basis or you have to respond to customers through an online chat system, you have to write proposals, gather a lot of information or documents, AI allows you to do that task 100 times faster, he said. Skovgaard said his business has embraced AI with each of his staff members having a computer monitor open to ChatGPT constantly. He said the system can create responses, draft documents and gather reference materials almost instantly. If you are talking about things like functional business communications, it seems pretty clear that these kinds of things could be aided or even, at times, completed by chatbots and AI, explained Rob Lucas, educational technology specialist at Shawnee Community College. I can see cases where if you are a small business owner and maybe communication is not your strong suit, an AI tool can help you make sure that your communications are succinct and professional. Nelson said that any business looking to begin using AI needs to do some analysis first and determine what they would hope to accomplish with the technology and what tasks can be automated. Businesses can use AI to improve efficiencies, especially if there is a task that is the same thing all of the time and has fairly defined rules for how it is done, thats a perfect thing to hand off to AI so you can go do other things, he said. Skovgaard cautioned that users of AI should not just copy and paste what systems such as ChatGPT generate. Instead, he said business leaders need to carefully review everything and make sure whatever is sent to others has the right voice and information. Nelson said those exploring AI can do so slowly. As you get successful with small projects then you can start spreading it out across your organization, he said. Look for little victories and tell your employees that AI is not going to replace them, but help them. Prove to everybody that this is not a really a big, scary thing. Its like adding an engine to a bicycle to make it go faster. Itll help you and your business. 15 things AI can (and can't) do AI and its limits Can: Be trained and 'learn' Cannot: Get into college Can: Perpetuate bias Can: Identify images and sounds Cannot : Drive a car Cannot: Judge beauty contests Can: Read and classify text and documents Cannot: Watch (and understand) a soccer match Can: Flip burgers Can: Make investments Cannot: Help itself from buying things Can: Raise billions of cockroaches on a farm Cannot: Be creative Can: Clean your teeth Can: Pollinate flowers Nothing says Father's Day quite like an afternoon fishing outing. This Father's Day, the Crab Orchard National Wildlife Refuge is set to kick off a weekend full of free fishing for all during its Illinois Free Fishing Days, June 16 to 19. During this period, the Refuge will not require entrance fees to fish, which means you won't need to purchase a fishing license, salmon stamp, or inland trout stamp. "These events give thousands of Americans the opportunity to celebrate the joys of fishing," said Crab Orchard National Wildlife Refuge Visitor Services Manager Neil Vincent. "We want you to discover the fun of fishing or introduce your family to the outdoor adventure of fishing during these free fishing events." The highlight of the weekend will be the Refuge's 49th annual Kids Fishing Derby at the Prairie Creek Recreation Area on Saturday. The event is open to all anglers 12-years-old and younger, and registration will start at 8 a.m. the day of the event. The first 100 kids who register will get a free goodie bag and T-shirt. Lunch will be provided. During the derby, there will be a fish shocking demonstration as well, where kids will be able to see fish even if they don't catch any. Fish shocking is a relatively painless and safe procedure for the fish, conducted by sending an electric current into the water which temporarily stuns or shocks the fish, allowing Fish and Wildlife personnel to handle them for sizing, surveying, and other scientific field research. Following the Fishing Derby, there will be an awards ceremony with prizes going out to the young angler who caught the biggest fish, the most fish and to whoever caught the smallest fish. If you want more information on the Illinois Free Fishing Days, call the Refuge at 618-998-5950 or email craborchard@fws.gov. The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service exists to conserve wildlife, plants, and habitats. Through science and stewardship, the FWS ensures that natural resources like fishing spots at Crab Orchard will be available for kids and dads alike for a long time to come. This weekend, many communities will celebrate Americas newest holiday, Juneteenth. The holiday commemorates Maj. Gen. Gordon Granger leading the Union Soldiers to Galveston, Texas, on June 19, 1865, to announce the end of the Civil War and the freedom of all enslaved people. President Abraham Lincoln issued the Emancipation Proclamation on Jan. 1, 1863, as the nation approached the third year of the Civil War. The Civil War did not end until April 9, 1865. Juneteenth became a national holiday in June 2021. The Senate voted by unanimous consent to make Juneteenth the 11th annual national holiday on the federal calendar, and the House of Representatives voted 415-14 to pass a similar measure. President Joe Biden signed it into law hours later. Several events are planned in the region to celebrate the Juneteenth holiday. Carbondale The Black Chamber of Commerce of Southern Illinois will host a Juneteenth Block Party from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m. on June 16 at 309 E. Jackson St. in Carbondale. Jackson Street will be blocked off from Marion Street to Gum Street. Senator Tammy Duckworth will be in attendance to honor and celebrate the upcoming Juneteenth holiday alongside the Black Chamber of Commerce of Southern Illinois. Organizer Chastity Mays said the event will start at Bethel AME Church. The pastor will say a prayer, followed by a vocalist singing A Change is Gonna Come. Starting a Juneteenth celebration with prayer is traditional, according to Mays. It dates back to original celebrations in Texas. The celebration will feature 33 vendors, including community organizations, businesses and food. Food trucks will be in the parking lot of Bethel AME Church. Theres a good variety of vendors, Mays said. A trivia contest will run throughout the event, with prizes awarded. Other activities include free face painting, a bouncy house and free cookie decorating with Notcho Fries. Juneteenth Pageant candidates will be at the party. A free painting party is available for 60 attendees. Artist Trey Walls will lead the group. Trap Training Facility will lead a 15-minute bodyweight workout at 7 p.m. Participants should bring their body, water and high energy. Sponsors of the event will include SIH, SIU Credit Union, Planned Parenthood, Hopewell Baptist Church, First Southern Bank and Carbondale United. Mounds A block party is planned from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. on June 17 at the Mounds Black History Museum. The event is a collaboration of Mounds Black History Museum. Arrowleafs R3 program, the Alexander/Pulaski chapter of the NAACP, the Lions International and the University of Illinois Extension to promote family and community involvement with youth. This event is to help the youth develop and build healthy relationships between families and neighborhoods, said Sarita Sawyer, a community outreach worker of the University of Illinois Extension. And to increase community involvement with youth because data shows that when youth possess positive assets, most do better and are more successful as adults than those youth that do not have those positive connections and assets. All youth activities will be free, including bounce houses. Hotdogs, Dippin Dots, popcorn and water will also be available free of charge. Mounds Police Department, Cairo Police Department, vendors and resource tables will giving away free items. For more information or to get involved, Sarita Sawyer can be reached at 618-306-2324 or ssawyer@illinois.edu. Du Quoin The Miss Juneteenth of Southern Illinois pageant will take the stage on June 17 at the Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 513 in Du Quoin. Doors open at 5 p.m. with the pageant at 6 p.m. The event has drawn 15 contestants from Marion, Murphysboro, Carbondale, Du Quoin and Johnston City, according to Pageant Director Bree Williams. In addition to Miss Juneteenth, Little Miss Juneteenth and Teen Miss Juneteenth also will be crowned. Williams said the pageant is a youth professional development program. Contestants will learn about pageantry, as well as financial literacy, higher education options, mental and medical health awareness and more. Admission is $5 for adults, $2 for children. Fathers will be admitted free with a child in celebration of Fathers Day. Raffle tickets are available for $1 or six for $5. EDWARDSVILLE A southwestern Illinois man has been sentenced to 60 years in prison after pleading guilty but mentally ill in the 2019 stabbing deaths of an Edwardsville couple. An associate Madison County judge accepted Zachary Capers' guilty plea to one count of first-degree murder on Tuesday, immediately after finding him fit to stand trial following mental-health treatment. Capers, 27, was then sentenced to a 60-year prison term. The Collinsville man's plea agreement calls for him to serve 100% of that sentence, with credit for four years served, the Belleville News-Democrat reported. Three counts of first-degree murder that Capers had faced were dismissed under his plea deal. Capers was indicted in April 2019 in the killings of 68-year-old Lois Ladd, a chiropractor, and her husband, 79-year-old Michael Ladd, a contractor. Their bodies were found in March 2019 in their home in Edwardsville, about 20 miles northeast of St. Louis. Both had been stabbed to death. Nearly 40 of the couple's friends and relatives attended Tuesday's hearing, including Michael Ladd's sister, Dodie Ladd Levi. She said after the hearing that she would be on "pins and needles" for 30 days because Capers could withdraw his guilty plea during that time. But she said that otherwise she felt justice had been done "as much as could be expected." GREENVILLE -- Rahsaan Jackson Garth, 49, of Atlanta, was sentenced to three years in federal prison and ordered to pay over $2 million in restitution for his role in defrauding farmers in a hemp business venture, according to U.S. Attorney for the District of South Carolina Adair F. Boroughs. Evidence presented to the court showed that, after being released from federal prison in 2017 for his involvement in a health care fraud, Garth formed the company Verde Leaf and directed it. Verde Leaf was supposed to address the challenges farmers faced in the hemp arena including license acquisition, hemp cultivation and processing, and industry knowledge. He solicited multiple farmers (in South Carolina, North Carolina, and Georgia) to grow hemp for his company. On Feb. 19, 2020, in the District of South Carolina, Verde Leaf held a workshop for potential farmers. During the workshop, Garth represented that Verde Leaf had distribution networks and deals with food companies, pet companies and pharmaceutical companies. While Garth was in various stages of negotiations with many of these companies, he fraudulently represented that Verde Leaf had consummated these deals. Based in part on these knowing misrepresentations, farmers entered into contracts with Verde Leaf to grow hemp. Verde Leaf assisted these farmers with their hemp crops. However, Verde Leaf was unable to consummate the deals referenced at the meeting to distribute or sell products. Therefore, Verde Leaf was unable to process the hemp or pay most of the farmers for their crops and had to declare bankruptcy. As a result of the false statements that lured the farmers into doing business with Garth, the farmers suffered great financial harm. "The District of South Carolina is committed to prosecuting schemes that target South Carolina farmers and small business owners," Boroughs said. "We appreciate the hard work of the FBI and their continued efforts to investigate these crimes." This case was investigated by the FB1. Assistant United States Attorney Bill Watkins prosecuted the case. (TBTCO) - Sau qua trinh chuan bi khan truong, quyet liet, nhat la sau 3 ot kiem thu a cho thay he thong ang ky, luu ky va thanh toan giao dich trai phieu doanh nghiep phat hanh rieng le (TPDNRL) tai Trung tam Luu ky Chung khoan Viet Nam (VSD) hoan thanh ve mat chuc nang va tich hop thong suot voi he thong cua cac ben lien quan. Theo o, en nay he thong ang ky, luu ky va thanh toan giao dich a san sang hoat ong theo ung ke hoach van hanh chinh thuc thi truong giao dich thu cap TPDNRL ma co quan quan ly giao nhiem vu (CNN) It was perhaps the first royal wedding of its stature to have been filmed in the Middle East. The year was 1939, when Princess Fawzia of Egypt tied the knot with Irans Crown Prince Mohammad Reza Pahlavi, interlocking the royal households of two of the Middle Easts most prominent nations in a strategic alliance. Thousands of people had gathered for the event at Cairos Abdine Palace, where the wedding was marked with fireworks and a parade showcasing the two nations civilizations. Princess Fawzia was the eldest sister of King Farouk I Egypts last monarch and was just 17 years old when she married Pahlavi, who two years later ascended to the throne and became Shah of Iran. Fawzia filed for divorce in 1945, and the divorce was recognized by Tehran in 1948. Forty years after the wedding, Pahlavi was overthrown in an Islamic revolution that changed the course of Iranian relations with Arab states, and sent Iranian-Egyptian ties in particular on a downward spiral from which the two nations have never emerged. The feud became the longest between Iran and an Arab country in modern times. But it may soon be coming to an end. Irans Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei last week publicly endorsed normalizing ties with Egypt, the most populous Arab country, saying that Iran welcomes Egypts interest in restoring relations. We have no problem in this regard, he tweeted. Media reports have touted a potential detente between the two countries after Omans Sultan Haitham Bin Tariq visited both last month in what was seen as an attempt to broker a reconciliation. Khameneis recent comments come as Saudi Arabia normalizes ties with Iran after nearly eight years of a diplomatic freeze. Iran reopened its embassy and consulate in Saudi Arabia last week. Iran is always looking for more cooperation in the wider Arab region, and normalization with Egypt, traditionally allied with the United States, would be something of a prize for Tehran, HA Hellyer, a scholar at the Carnegie Endowment for International Peace in London, told CNN. A prize for Tehran Even if not accurate, the narrative would be that Tehran is strengthening its own position at the expense of the United States, he said, noting that for Egypt, interest isnt as high on the agenda as Tehran doesnt really provide much to Cairo. The wider region has been witnessing a series of rapprochement between states that were once at odds with one another. Apart from Saudi Arabia and Iran, Egypt has reconciled with both Turkey and Qatar, and the Arab League last month welcomed Syria back as a member after more than a decade of isolation. Having failed to normalize ties with the West, Iran considers stronger ties with other countries in the Middle East as an alternative now, said Trita Parsi, vice-president of the Quincy Institute think tank in Washington, DC. The region is also discovering its own agency and its own diplomacy, Parsi told CNN. We are facing a new moment in which a new configuration is going take place in the region, and suddenly it is in everyones interest to maximize their maneuverability before the new order in the region is set. Much of this, added Parsi, is driven by the regional belief that the role of the US in the region, and in turn its protection of it, is waning. Analysts say that while this round of normalization with Egypt is unlikely to be a difficult one, it may still come with complications as the two states share a unique history pitted with unsavory memories. On paper, perhaps this should be an easier one because the countries are not actually in a direct conflict in the same way that Saudi Arabia and Iran were, Parsi said. They are on the opposite sides of different issues, but thats different. While ties between Egypt and Iran witnessed some tensions before the 1979 Islamic Revolution, they took an abrupt turn with Tehrans new clerical rule. Gamal Abdel Nasser, who suffered a crushing defeat in 1967 at Israels hands, was at odds with an Iranian Shah who was friendly with the Jewish state. Ties between Cairo and Tehran however improved after Nassers death as President Anwar Sadat sought to reach out to the Shah. But Pahlavi, having ruled Iran since 1941, was toppled in the Islamic Revolution soon after, and it was Sadats Egypt that gave him refuge, infuriating the new clerical rulers in Tehran. The Shah lived in Cairo until his death in 1980 at the age of 60. He was buried next to the Cairo Citadel, at Al-RifaI mosque where King Farouk is also buried, and a shrine was built for him. Sadat was assassinated one year later by an Egyptian army officer named Khaled Islambouli, who opposed the presidents signing of a landmark normalization treaty with Israel in 1979. Irans Islamic Republic named a street in the capital after the assassin. Weight of historical symbolism As the years passed by, Egypt and Iran only grew apart, with little desire to reconcile from either party. Ties partially improved under former President Hosni Mubarak, when charge daffaires were exchanged, but relations never reached the ambassadorial level. And in 2004, Tehrans Islambouli street was changed to Intifada, referring to a Palestinian uprising against Israel. Attempts at normalization failed. There were brief hopes of a reconciliation when the 2011 Arab Spring uprisings led to the ouster of Mubarak and gave rise to a Muslim Brotherhood-led government that indicated a desire to mend ties with Iran. Islamist President Mohamed Mursi even traveled to Tehran in 2012 to attend a Non-Aligned Movement summit. Ater a year in power, he was toppled in a coup led by incumbent President Abdel Fattah al-Sissi. The history of it is filled with symbolism that carries a lot of political weight, Parsi said, noting that these symbolic differences in the past prevented the rather careful attempts at normalization that took place. Opposing interests proved too strong, Parsi said, and normalization never took place. But today, he said, the value of normalization is greater, and the cost of not normalizing, because of these regional shifts, is also much higher. One regional state whose interests an Egypt-Iran reconciliation wont serve is Israel. Israel is unlikely to see any normalization with Iran as positive, Parsi said, as it only helps Iran extract itself from the isolation imposed on it by the West and its allies that has been championed by Israel. Israel wants an isolated and contained Iran, he said, adding that the detentes taking place today with Iran are particularly problematic because they pop the balloon of the Abraham Accords. The Abraham Accords are a series of normalization deals between Israel and Arab nations, signed in 2020, which Israel hopes will lead to its full integration in the region. Most Arab states continue to reject recognition of Israel. Ultimately however, an Egyptian-Iranian detente could have little impact beyond symbolism. The absence of Iranian-Egyptian normalization didnt mean all that much, and the presence of it, I suspect, wont either, said Hellyer. This story was first published on CNN.com, "Saudi Arabia, Iran may be patching up with its oldest Arab foe" A nonprofit that aims to persuade pregnant woman to seek alternatives to abortion opened a site earlier this month down the street from the new Casper abortion clinic. The True Care Womens Resource Center, a nonprofit organization with a main location on South Poplar Street, opened its second location June 1 in the old Ricoh USA Inc. building on Second Street, Jessica Baxter, the centers CEO, said. The new clinic is about two blocks away from the Wellspring Health Access clinic, which opened in April nearly a year after an arson destroyed most of the buildings interior. A spokesperson for Wellspring Health Access said the clinic doesnt have a comment about True Cares operations at this time. The new walk-in True Care center on Second Street is open a couple days a week now to serve women right in the midst of crisis, Baxter said. Its an opportunity for us to reach women in maybe a new and different way. Baxter said the center tries to coincide its hours of operation with those of the Wellspring clinic. A doctor and licensed registered nurses will oversee the second True Care location, she said. True Care has also partnered with Sidewalk Advocates for Life, a Christ-centered national organization that aims to end abortion. Volunteers with the local chapter of the organization have stationed themselves near the abortion clinic to intercept patients and refer them to the True Care center on Second Street. The organizations only presence in Wyoming so far is in Casper. Baxter said she didnt know how many patients Sidewalk Advocates volunteers have referred to the Second Street True Care center so far. She said at least one patient did end up going to the nearby True Care center after meeting volunteers near the Wellspring clinic. But the patient ended up leaving the facility before having an appointment. Out of business In a May 17 Pregnancy Help News article about the new True Care location, which was written by the patient resources director of True Care Giving, the centers fundraising arm, Baxter spoke about the impact of deterring women from accessing the abortion clinic, which she said could put them out of business. When asked about her statements in the article, and if True Care aims to close the Wellspring clinic, Baxter said the pregnancy centers ultimate hope is that women will seek all the information that they need. I think that most of what women need can be provided by a place like True Care and local physicians, Baxter said, adding that Wyoming has stated very clearly in the Legislature that we are a state that values life. The True Care Womens Resource Center has been in Casper for more than 30 years, according to its website. It became a licensed medical clinic roughly a decade ago. The center offers free pregnancy testing, ultrasounds and STI/STD testing and treatment, as well as abortion counseling and abortion pill reversal medications. The center doesnt provide or refer patients for abortions, although it does include some information about abortions on its website. Protests The True Care center on Poplar Street has been the site of abortion rights protests following the fall of Roe v. Wade last summer. Roughly 60 people gathered on the sidewalk outside the center on the day the historic decision was overturned. The Wellspring Health Access clinic has also been a place of regular protest. The Casper Police Department received a call on June 8 regarding a complaint of protesters blocking the alley next to the abortion clinic and barring patients from entering the facility. The dispute was peacefully resolved, according to a Casper Police Department spokesperson. In addition to abortion services, Wellspring Health Access, which is led by founder and president Julie Burkhart, offers family planning services as well as gynecological and gender affirming care. The Wyoming Legislature passed the Life is a Human Right Act, a sweeping abortion ban, as well as the nations first medication abortion ban earlier this year. Both became law in March, though abortion until viability is still legal in Wyoming after a Teton County judge blocked enforcement of the Life is a Human Right Act as the measure undergoes a challenge in court. Plaintiffs in the court challenge have also requested a block on the medication abortion ban, which is set to take effect next month. Wellspring Health Access is one of the plaintiffs in the lawsuit challenging these abortion bans. A trial for the abortion lawsuit is scheduled for April 15 of next year. A woman was hospitalized Thursday for treatment of serious injuries after officers found her unresponsive with apparent signs of strangulation, the Cheyenne Police Department announced. Charles Rees Karn, 19, is facing several felony charges including aggravated assault with serious bodily injury, strangulation of a household member and domestic battery in connection with the incident, the statement said. On Thursday, an individual at a camper near the 4700 block of Cactus Way called 911 and hung up, the statement said. Officers were dispatched to the area after midnight. Officers discovered an aggravated assault had taken place, as an unresponsive woman was found at the scene, the statement said. She was transported to Cheyenne Regional Medical Center for treatment, where she remained as of Friday afternoon. It is believed that a physical altercation occurred between the woman and a man, who was later identified as Karn, the statement said. The incident is under investigation, the statement said. The Cheyenne Police Department expects to release more information as it becomes available. The Wyoming Supreme Court ruled Thursday that the states lower courts can deny sentence reductions without offering any reasoning behind its decision. Lizabeth Moreno Hurtado raised the question after attempting to have her drug conviction sentence reduced, the ruling states. Her motion was denied by district court without a basis for the denial, demonstration of due consideration and proof that alternative treatments were considered. A motion to reduce an individuals sentence can be made, or the court can independently reduce a sentence without a motion, within one year after a sentence is imposed, the ruling states. The court can determine whether to grant that reduction with or without a hearing. Hurtado was charged with five felony offenses related to possession and delivery of a controlled substance, the ruling states. As part of an agreement, she pleaded guilty to one count of possession and one count of delivery. She was sentenced to five-to-seven years in prison on the possession charge and a consecutive sentence of 10 to 15 years on the delivery charge, the ruling states. The delivery charge sentence was suspended in favor of a two-year probation. One year later, Hurtado filed a motion for sentence reduction, the ruling states. That motion was denied 11 days after it was filed. Hurtado contends that she has a right to know what evidence the district court relied on in making its decision, as part of her due process right. Although she does not argue that the district court considered improper evidence or that she had no opportunity to respond, she believes that due process requires an explanation. Wyomings highest court says the sentencing judge is in the best position to decide if a sentence modification is appropriate and is free to accept or reject information submitted in support of a reduction at its discretion, the ruling states. And proving a court abused its discretion is rare. [T]his Court has demonstrated many times in recent years that it is a very difficult bar for an appellant to leap seeking to overturn a sentencing decision on an abuse of discretion argument, the ruling states. There is no authority in Wyoming that requires a sentencing court to demonstrate good cause in denying a persons reduction request, the ruling states. Finally, Hurtado argued that because she was a qualified addicted offender the district court was required to explain what alternative addiction treatment options were considered. The Addicted Offender Accountability Act requires convicted felony offenders and all third DUI misdemeanor offenders receive a substance abuse assessment along with additional sentencing options, which can involve treatment instead of incarceration. That act is not directed at sentence reductions, the ruling states. So, the district court has no legal requirement to explain that alternative treatments were considered. The University of Wyomings annual budget will increase by nearly $100 million next year after the Board of Trustees approved the schools 2024 financial plan Wednesday. The increase reflects pay raises for school employees and a range of other research and academic programs that state lawmakers funded during the 2023 legislative session, as well as an increase in debt servicing for housing projects on campus. UW trustees sanctioned the schools budget after holding two days of hearings in May during which they heard from department and college leaders throughout the university. Alex Kean, UWs chief financial officer and vice president for budget and finance, told trustees during the first May 8 hearing that the increase in the universitys budget matches an upswing in revenue. The single largest contributor to the upcoming years budget was the Wyoming Legislature, which made investments across the university, Chad Baldwin, a UW spokesperson said Wednesday. The schools fiscal year 2024 balance sheet shows a more than $42 million increase in appropriations from state lawmakers and roughly $40 million more in gifts. UW has also seen its investment income and revenue from tuition and educational fees grow over the last year. The increase in revenue will help to pay for raises for university staff, building on the $8 million in raises the lawmakers approved last year, the first broad raise for university employees since 2018-2019. The states supplemental budget included $12.27 million for UW faculty and staff raises next year. Embedded in this budget is a continued significant investment in salary wages and benefits largely driven by the second consecutive institution-wide salary raise plan funded through the Legislature, Kean told trustees in May. In a reversal of recent budget cuts, lawmakers also approved more money for a range of school programs as the university looks to build up its research. The universitys engineering and science initiatives, which are intended to make the university a nationally recognized leader, will receive a combined $9.1 million annually. One-time appropriations from the Legislature will result in a $5 million bump for UWs Advanced Research Computing Center, another $2.5 million the College of Agriculture, Life Sciences and Natural Resources, and more than $16 million for the School of Energy Resources. Lawmakers earmarked the majority of funding for the School of Energy Resources for research on new nonenergy uses for coal, including the possible production of high-grade graphite. During their Senate confirmation hearings earlier this year, Trustees David Fall, Kermit Brown, Laura Schmid-Pizzato and Jim Mathis told lawmakers that UW should become more financially independent from the state, using research to bring in more money and attract students. UWs enrollment has decline since 2020, university data shows. Somehow we need to wean ourselves a little more from the state, and I think the only way we can do that is through more research money and also increasing our student load, Fall said. The states 2023 supplemental and capital construction budgets will also supply UW with $120 million to finish the renovation of War Memorial Stadiums west stands and fund the construction of student housing and a new facility for UWs swimming and diving teams. The university announced last November it would begin construction on the first phase of a new housing project for students, including a dining hall and 434-bed residence hall near the intersection of 15th and Lewis streets. Kean told trustees that the university would also begin paying principal on its debit for its housing project, contributing another roughly $4 million to the budget increases. AN aviation company plans to run commercial flights using an electric engine that creates no carbon emissions by 2025. ZeroAvia has flown nine test flights with its hydrogen-electric engine at Cotswold Airport, near Cirencester. The only emission created by the engine is water. (CNN) The US military deployed F-22 fighter jets to the Middle East this week due to concerns about unsafe and unprofessional behavior, by Russian aircraft, the US military announced on Wednesday. Russian Forces unsafe and unprofessional behavior is not what we expect from a professional air force. Their regular violation of agreed upon airspace deconfliction measures increases the risk of escalation or miscalculation, CENTCOM commander Gen. Michael Erik Kurilla said in a news release. Alongside our partners and allies, we are committed to improving the security and stability in the region. The F-22s are from the 94th Fighter Squadron out of Langley Air Force Base, Virginia. Lt. Gen. Alex Grynkewich, commander of US Air Forces Central, said in a statement on Wednesday that the Raptors were redeployed from in Europe. The move comes as aggressive Russian flights in the region have increased. While Russias military is continuing its fight in Ukraine, the US has continued having interactions with Russian aircraft in the Middle East, particularly in and around Syria. In April, Russian pilots attempted to dogfight US jets over Syria. And in March, Kurilla told lawmakers there had been a significant spike in aggressive flights by Russia. A US Air Forces Central spokesperson said there has been an increase over the past several weeks of unprofessional behavior by Russian aircraft. While the unprofessional and unsafe behavior varies from day to day and pilot to pilot, compared to behavior a year ago, Russian pilots have become significantly more unprofessional and unsafe in their attempts to challenge Coalition enduring defeat-Daesh operations, the spokesperson said. Previously, Russian military leadership in Syria had been willing to comply with agreed upon deconfliction protocols, they added. This story was first published on CNN.com, "US deploys fighter jets to Middle East after unsafe and unprofessional behavior by Russian planes." Public procurement law is one of the most vitally important pieces of legislation enacted since our Independence. Our civil society groups worked long and hard in the vineyard calling for the introduction of public procurement law, in the hope that this would be the catalyst to reverse the corruption and squandermania in government spending which threatens to ruin our country. Banner Health: Six of Banner Healths hospital chief executive officers have been named as women hospital presidents and CEOs to know by Beckers Hospital Review. The list honors female hospital executives for their dedication to bettering their hospitals for patients and providers alike. Banners recognized executive in Tucson is Sara Frost, CEO of Banner University Medical Center Tucson and Banner University Medical Center South. Traditions Health: Traditions Health of Tucson, AZ has earned The Joint Commissions Gold Seal of Approval for Hospice Accreditation by demonstrating continuous compliance with its performance standards. The Gold Seal is a symbol of quality that reflects a health care organizations commitment to providing safe and quality patient care. During the visit, a team of Joint Commission reviewers evaluated compliance with home health standards spanning several areas including environment of care, infection prevention and control, emergency management leadership, and medication management. LGG Wealth Management Group: Forbes has published its inaugural ranking of Best-In-State Wealth Management Teams and LGG Wealth Management Group at Morgan Stanley in Tucson has been named to the 2023 list. Rolando Jaimez: A Pascua Yaqui housing leader was recently honored for his efforts to position the Tribe as one of the largest developers of affordable homes in Southern Arizona. Rolando Jaimez, the deputy director of the Pascua Yaqui Tribe Housing Department, was named Pillar of the Year at the Travois Superhero Awards ceremony during the 23rd Annual Travois Indian Country Affordable Housing and Economic Development Conference in Washington, D.C. The Pillar of the Year award is given to a construction or maintenance professional who has played a key role in building their community, displaying expertise in managing a project, stretching a dollar and battling the elements to deliver a quality product on time. Valle Verde Rotary: The Valle Verde Rotary club was recently honored as a ShelterBox Gold Hero by Shelterbox USA Volunteer Ambassador Don Jorgensen. The club spearheaded two Community Challenge fundraising events that, combined, raised over $160,000. In April 2022 the Valle Verde, Green Valley and newly-formed Sahuarita Rotary clubs pledged $15,000 and challenged the community to meet or exceed that amount. With help from the Green Valley News/Sahuarita Sun and KGVY Radio, over $68,000 was raised in less than 30 days. Proceeds provided thousands of shelter kits for use by refugees suffering during the devastating humanitarian crisis unfolding in Ukraine. In January 2023, a second event, dubbed U-Care, U-Can, Ukraine kicked off with a community forum at the Community Performance & Art Center in Green Valley. The Green Valley News/Sahuarita Sun and KGVY Radio were again instrumental in ensuring the events success. That 10-day drive raised another $92,000 to aid ShelterBox efforts around the world. Hows it growing folks?! Welcome again to Here Weed Go! For regular listeners, youll know the show had a few election-centered episodes in November of last year that focused on some of the most important races and ballot propositions and initiatives for cannabis advocates across the country. One of those state initiatives was in Missouri, and it ended up passing resoundingly. Host Eddie Celaya been looking to take a toke out of that market ever since. It only makes sense then to reach out to one of the biggest operators in the Show-Me State to see what exactly is happening in the country's latest developing cannabis market. We reached out to Greenlight Dispensary, one of the most prominent dispensary chains in the Midwest, who has a large presence in Missouri. Greenlight locations can be found in Arkansas, Missouri, Illinois, West Virginia and South Dakota. The chain is an example of what is known in the industry as a multi-state operator. Luckily, John Mueller, co-founder and CEO of Greenlight Dispensary, was available to come on the show. In their discussion, Mueller talks to Celaya a little about growing Greenlight Dispensary into the Midwest giant it is today and how the company has grown in states both with recreational cannabis programs and ones without. Then they touch on what makes Missouri special in the greater U.S. cannabis market, like being bordered by states that either arent as friendly to cannabis use or who have significantly higher taxes. Then they dive into whats next in the Midwest, from further Greenlight Dispensary expansion to the next possible states to drop cannabis prohibition. MORE INFO For more on Greenlight Dispensary: https://greenlightdispensary.com/ For more Here Weed Go! podcast episodes: https://omny.fm/shows/here-weed-go To sign up for the Here Weed Go! newsletter: http://tucne.ws/hereweedgo For all Here Weed Go! and TucsonMarijuanaGuide.com content: https://linktr.ee/hereweedgo WASHINGTON U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken will travel to China this weekend as part of the Biden administrations push to repair deteriorating ties between Washington and Beijing and keep lines of communication open, the State Department said Wednesday. Blinken will be the most senior U.S. official to visit China since President Joe Biden took office. His visit was initially planned for early this year but was postponed indefinitely after the discovery and shootdown of what the U.S. said was a Chinese spy balloon over the United States. Since then, however, there have been lower-level engagements between the U.S. and China despite ongoing hostility and recriminations over both sides actions in the Taiwan Strait, the South China Sea, Chinas refusal to condemn Russia for its war against Ukraine, and Washingtons allegations that Beijing is trying to boost its worldwide surveillance capabilities, including in Cuba. The State Department said Blinken spoke to his Chinese counterpart, Foreign Minister Qin Gang, Tuesday night to confirm his trip, which will begin on Sunday. Blinken will leave Washington late Friday. While in Beijing, Secretary Blinken will meet with senior PRC officials where he will discuss the importance of maintaining open lines of communication to responsibly manage the U.S.-PRC relationship, the department said, using the acronym for the Peoples Republic of China. He will also raise bilateral issues of concern, global and regional matters, and potential cooperation on shared transnational challenges. Two senior U.S. officials downplayed the prospects for a significant breakthrough on the wide array of problems between the countries during Blinkens visit. Instead, they said it is aimed at restoring a sense of calm and normalcy to high-level contacts. This is a really critical series of engagements that well have in Beijing at a crucial time in the relationship that we again hope will, at a minimum, reduce the risk of miscalculation so that we do not veer into potential conflict, said Daniel Kritenbrink, the top U.S. diplomat for East Asia and the Pacific. Were not going to Beijing with the intent of having some sort of breakthrough or transformation in the way that we deal with one another, he said. Were coming to Beijing with a realistic, confident approach and a sincere desire to manage our competition in the most responsible way possible. Were clear-eyed about the PRC, said Kurt Campbell, the top Asia expert at the National Security Council. We know efforts to shape or reform China over several decades have failed and we expect China to be around and to be a major player on the world stage for the rest of our lifetimes. As the competition continues, the PRC will take provocative steps from the Taiwan Strait to Cuba and we will push back, Campbell said. But intense competition requires intense diplomacy if were going to manage tensions. That is the only way to clear up misperceptions, to signal, to communicate, and to work together where and when our interests align. In its readout of the Blinken-Qin phone call, Chinas foreign ministry said Qin urged the United States to respect Chinas core concerns such as the issue of Taiwans self-rule, stop interfering in Chinas internal affairs, and stop harming Chinas sovereignty, security and development interests in the name of competition. Blinken, who will be the first secretary of state to visit China since 2018, expects to meet with Qin on Sunday, as well as Chinas top diplomat, Wang Yi, and possibly Chinese President Xi Jinping on Monday, according to U.S. officials. The trip will take place amid myriad complications in U.S.-China relations, which steadily declined dating back to the Trump administration, starting with trade and industrial espionage. Those concerns grew rapidly to include human rights concerns over the treatment of Uyghur Muslims and other minorities in Chinas western region of Xinjang, Hong Kong, Tibet, and increasing Chinese aggressiveness toward Taiwan, and then escalated over questions about the origin of the COVID-19 virus. Blinkens visit came out of a meeting in Bali last year between Xi and Biden, who agreed that the worlds two largest economies must remain in contact and take precautions to ensure there are no miscalculations in their global rivalry that could lead to conflict. The trip came within a day of happening in February but was delayed after the spy balloon incident. Beijing insists the craft was a weather balloon that strayed off course. Contacts after that took place, but they have been rare as tensions have risen over Chinas conduct in the South China Sea, aggressive actions toward Taiwan and support for Russias war against Ukraine. This month, Chinas defense minister rebuffed a request from U.S. Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin for a meeting on the sidelines of a security symposium in Singapore. However, shortly after postponing his trip to Beijing, Blinken met briefly with Wang at the Munich Security Conference in Germany. CIA chief William Burns traveled to China in May, while Chinas commerce minister traveled to the U.S. Bidens national security adviser Jake Sullivan met with Wang in Vienna in early May. More recently, the top U.S. diplomat for the Asia-Pacific region, Daniel Kritenbrink, traveled to China last week along with a senior National Security Council official to finalize details of Blinkens trip. A 16-year-old by was killed Wednesday afternoon after the off-road vehicle he was riding collided with a deer, the Pima County Sheriffs Department said in a news release. The boy and 15-year-old driver of the side-by-side off-highway-vehicle crashed just after 2 p.m. on a private dirt road near the 10100 block of West McGee Ranch Road, west of Green Valley, the release said. The 16-year-old, who was not wearing a seat belt, was thrown from the vehicle when it rolled, the release said. He died at the crash scene. The 15-year-old driver had minor injuries. The investigation continues. Pima Community College is raising property taxes, though the majority of local residents may hardly notice the increase that will directly support the college. The colleges Governing Board voted 4-1 Wednesday night to approve both a 3% rise in property taxes and a $367.5 million budget for fiscal year 2024, which starts July 1. Luis L. Gonzales voted no on both. For close to a decade, community colleges across Arizona have received minimal state funding, which makes up around 2% of PCCs budget. Property taxes make up 37% of revenues, while the rest comes from a mix of tuition and fees; grants, contracts and financial aid; and college equity. The increased taxes will generate roughly $4 million in extra money for PCC to put toward its operations costs this year, but the rise will cost the average homeowner less than the price of one meal at a restaurant. Without the increase, the owner of a property valued at $100,000 would pay $124.29 a year in taxes to support PCC. With the new increase, the same property owner will pay $128.02 a year. Compared with the nine other counties in Arizona supporting community colleges, Pima County has the fourth-lowest property tax rate in the state. I can assure you, said David Bea, PCC executive vice chancellor for finance and administration, the $4 million is critically important for the college to support its operations going forward. Spending priorities Raising wages, capital construction and infrastructure, and advancing the colleges strategic plan are some of the top spending priorities for next year. Last year the board approved a new pay structure designed to compensate employees on a scale that accounts for years of service and experience levels. According to a presentation Bea gave to the board Wednesday, $6.7 million of the new budget is expected to go toward salaries and wages. Nearly $60 million will go toward deferred maintenance, equipment costs and the continued buildout of the Centers for Excellence, which is outgoing Chancellor Lee Lamberts vision for expanding workforce training opportunities at PCC for in-demand careers. Lambert is leaving July 31 to become chancellor of Foothill De Anza Community College District near Silicon Valley, California. Just before he announced his departure, PCC opened the latest phase of the project a $35 million, 100,000-square-foot advanced manufacturing building. A recent budget proposal for the Centers for Excellence showed the college would need $43.4 million in future funding to fully complete the project, which is likely still years away. The proposal estimated a need for about $20 million in fiscal year 2024 to go toward in-progress and new projects related to the centers. Historic hotels, chancellor search on docket The board will also weigh in the coming year how to proceed with three historic yet decaying hotel properties the college owns on Drachman Street north of downtown Tucson. It approved the purchase years ago, with the intention of restoring and adaptively reusing the buildings, and set aside $10 million to start the project. But recent cost estimates put the project proposal approved by a previous iteration of the board at $35.7 million. Its unclear if this new board will vote to fund the renovations. Chair Theresa Riel said it wont make that decision for at least another six months while it continues to gather public comment. Moreover, Riel said, the boards attention right now is on hiring a new chancellor. At the meeting Wednesday, the board postponed the appointment of an interim chancellor and has not revealed its precise plan for finding a permanent replacement for Lambert. But now that the board has passed a $367.5 million budget, it will be able to decide exactly how much money it wants to allocate to those two big construction projects in addition to all of the colleges other projects and initiatives. Investing in enrollment Greg Taylor, who took his position on the board in January and voted for both a recent tuition increase and the property tax increase, said investing in enrollment is one of his biggest priorities in the next year. According to the most recent Arizona Auditor Generals report, PCC experienced a major enrollment decline over the past decade, from 19,514 full-time students enrolled in 2013 to 11,563 in 2022. The economic uncertainty of the pandemic contributed to some of the fallout (PCC lost more than 5,000 students between 2013 and 2019), but enrollment is slowly recovering. Its certainly my expectation that the college is going to do something significant on the expense side of that equation, Taylor said, to put us on a track for better financial sustainability where were not increasingly relying on the shoulders of Pima County taxpayers and students and their families when were serving significantly fewer students than we were before. Taylor added that the only way hed vote for another increase to property taxes or tuition next year is if PCC does something meaningful and realistic on the (financial) side of the equation. We Are China Hangzhou attracts travel enthusiasts with cultural and natural charm Xinhua) 09:26, June 15, 2023 Intangible cultural heritage products are on display during an activity marking the Cultural and Natural Heritage Day in Hangzhou, east China's Zhejiang Province, June 9, 2023. Hangzhou with its rich cultural heritage and breathtaking natural beauty has established itself as a must-visit city for travel enthusiasts. (Xinhua/Xu Yu) People visit the Southern Song Dynasty Deshou Palace Ruins Museum in Hangzhou, east China's Zhejiang Province, June 6, 2023. Hangzhou with its rich cultural heritage and breathtaking natural beauty has established itself as a must-visit city for travel enthusiasts. (Xinhua/Xu Yu) People visit the Southern Song Dynasty Deshou Palace Ruins Museum in Hangzhou, east China's Zhejiang Province, June 6, 2023. Hangzhou with its rich cultural heritage and breathtaking natural beauty has established itself as a must-visit city for travel enthusiasts. (Xinhua/Xu Yu) People visit the Southern Song Dynasty Deshou Palace Ruins Museum in Hangzhou, east China's Zhejiang Province, June 6, 2023. Hangzhou with its rich cultural heritage and breathtaking natural beauty has established itself as a must-visit city for travel enthusiasts. (Xinhua/Xu Yu) Yue opera artists rehearse in Hangzhou, capital of east China's Zhejiang Province, June 9, 2023. Hangzhou with its rich cultural heritage and breathtaking natural beauty has established itself as a must-visit city for travel enthusiasts. (Xinhua/Weng Xinyang) People visit the Southern Song Dynasty Deshou Palace Ruins Museum in Hangzhou, east China's Zhejiang Province, June 6, 2023. Hangzhou with its rich cultural heritage and breathtaking natural beauty has established itself as a must-visit city for travel enthusiasts. (Xinhua/Xu Yu) A performance is staged during a cultural event in Xixi Wetland in Hangzhou, capital of east China's Zhejiang Province, April 2, 2023. Hangzhou with its rich cultural heritage and breathtaking natural beauty has established itself as a must-visit city for travel enthusiasts. (Xinhua/Weng Xinyang) This photo taken on June 10, 2023 shows the interior of a museum on the historical sites of the Southern Song Dynasty (1127-1279) in Hangzhou, east China's Zhejiang Province. Hangzhou with its rich cultural heritage and breathtaking natural beauty has established itself as a must-visit city for travel enthusiasts. (Xinhua/Jiang Han) Jingshan Tea Ceremony is performed during an activity marking the Cultural and Natural Heritage Day in Hangzhou, east China's Zhejiang Province, June 9, 2023. Hangzhou with its rich cultural heritage and breathtaking natural beauty has established itself as a must-visit city for travel enthusiasts. (Xinhua/Xu Yu) A performance is staged during a cultural event in Xixi Wetland in Hangzhou, capital of east China's Zhejiang Province, March 18, 2023. Hangzhou with its rich cultural heritage and breathtaking natural beauty has established itself as a must-visit city for travel enthusiasts. (Xinhua/Huang Zongzhi) People visit the Hangzhou branch of the National Archives of Publications and Culture in Hangzhou, east China's Zhejiang Province, May 31, 2023. Hangzhou with its rich cultural heritage and breathtaking natural beauty has established itself as a must-visit city for travel enthusiasts. (Xinhua/Weng Xinyang) A Zhejiang-style Guqin performance is staged during an activity marking the Cultural and Natural Heritage Day in Hangzhou, east China's Zhejiang Province, June 9, 2023. Hangzhou with its rich cultural heritage and breathtaking natural beauty has established itself as a must-visit city for travel enthusiasts. (Xinhua/Xu Yu) This photo taken on June 10, 2023 shows the interior of a museum on the historical sites of the Southern Song Dynasty (1127-1279) in Hangzhou, east China's Zhejiang Province. Hangzhou with its rich cultural heritage and breathtaking natural beauty has established itself as a must-visit city for travel enthusiasts. (Xinhua/Jiang Han) Tourists stroll along the Southern Song Imperial Street in Hangzhou, east China's Zhejiang Province, June 10, 2023. Hangzhou with its rich cultural heritage and breathtaking natural beauty has established itself as a must-visit city for travel enthusiasts. (Xinhua/Jiang Han) People visit the Southern Song Dynasty Deshou Palace Ruins Museum in Hangzhou, east China's Zhejiang Province, June 6, 2023. Hangzhou with its rich cultural heritage and breathtaking natural beauty has established itself as a must-visit city for travel enthusiasts. (Xinhua/Xu Yu) Tourists enjoy blossoms by boat in the Xixi Wetland in Hangzhou, east China's Zhejiang Province, Feb. 18, 2023. Hangzhou with its rich cultural heritage and breathtaking natural beauty has established itself as a must-visit city for travel enthusiasts. (Xinhua/Weng Xinyang) Tourists enjoy lotus flowers in the West Lake in Hangzhou, capital of east China's Zhejiang Province, June 11, 2023. Hangzhou with its rich cultural heritage and breathtaking natural beauty has established itself as a must-visit city for travel enthusiasts. (Xinhua/Weng Xinyang) People visit the Southern Song Dynasty Deshou Palace Ruins Museum in Hangzhou, east China's Zhejiang Province, June 6, 2023. Hangzhou with its rich cultural heritage and breathtaking natural beauty has established itself as a must-visit city for travel enthusiasts. (Xinhua/Xu Yu) Tourists stroll along the Southern Song Imperial Street in Hangzhou, east China's Zhejiang Province, June 10, 2023. Hangzhou with its rich cultural heritage and breathtaking natural beauty has established itself as a must-visit city for travel enthusiasts. (Xinhua/Jiang Han) This photo taken on May 31, 2023 shows the Hangzhou branch of the National Archives of Publications and Culture in Hangzhou, east China's Zhejiang Province. Hangzhou with its rich cultural heritage and breathtaking natural beauty has established itself as a must-visit city for travel enthusiasts. (Xinhua/Weng Xinyang) People visit the Southern Song Dynasty Deshou Palace Ruins Museum in Hangzhou, east China's Zhejiang Province, June 6, 2023. Hangzhou with its rich cultural heritage and breathtaking natural beauty has established itself as a must-visit city for travel enthusiasts. (Xinhua/Xu Yu) This aerial photo taken on June 10, 2023 shows the Southern Song Imperial Street in Hangzhou, east China's Zhejiang Province. Hangzhou with its rich cultural heritage and breathtaking natural beauty has established itself as a must-visit city for travel enthusiasts. (Xinhua/Jiang Han) People watch a performance at a scenic spot in Hangzhou, east China's Zhejiang Province, March 20, 2023. Hangzhou with its rich cultural heritage and breathtaking natural beauty has established itself as a must-visit city for travel enthusiasts. (Xinhua/Huang Zongzhi) Actors in traditional Chinese costumes are pictured during a cultural event in the Xixi Wetland in Hangzhou, east China's Zhejiang Province, April 2, 2023. Hangzhou with its rich cultural heritage and breathtaking natural beauty has established itself as a must-visit city for travel enthusiasts. (Xinhua/Weng Xinyang) A man visits a museum on the historical sites of the Southern Song Dynasty (1127-1279) in Hangzhou, east China's Zhejiang Province, June 10, 2023. Hangzhou with its rich cultural heritage and breathtaking natural beauty has established itself as a must-visit city for travel enthusiasts. (Xinhua/Jiang Han) People visit the Southern Song Dynasty Deshou Palace Ruins Museum in Hangzhou, east China's Zhejiang Province, June 6, 2023. Hangzhou with its rich cultural heritage and breathtaking natural beauty has established itself as a must-visit city for travel enthusiasts. (Xinhua/Xu Yu) A man visits a museum on the Southern Song Imperial Street in Hangzhou, east China's Zhejiang Province, June 10, 2023. Hangzhou with its rich cultural heritage and breathtaking natural beauty has established itself as a must-visit city for travel enthusiasts. (Xinhua/Jiang Han) (Web editor: Zhong Wenxing, Liang Jun) Clark Crew BBQ, an Oklahoma City-based restaurant owned by Jack Daniels Invitational winner Travis Clark, will open a Tulsa location later this year at the old Fuddruckers location, 10825 E. 71st St. The menu will be similar to that of the original Oklahoma City location, which offers barbecued beef, pork and chicken dishes, as well as wood-fire pizzas, burgers and house-made desserts. Tulsa was always my choice for our second location, said Clark in a statement. I like the area. My wife is from there, and we both knew it would be a great fit. When the opportunity came up, we knew this was the right time and place for us. Plus, its close enough that we can bounce back and forth between OKC and Tulsa. Clark Crew BBQ is currently hiring for the Tulsa restaurant and is looking to fill some 100 positions this fall. The brand offers a wide variety of employee benefits ranging from health care insurance, disability insurance, life insurance, competitive compensation and paid leave. Interested candidates can apply through the restaurants website, clarkcrewbbq.com. Stutts House of Barbecue, 2021 E. Apache St., will be serving a special quail and steak dinner for Fathers Day, Sunday, June 18. The meal includes quail and steak along with all the fixings, for $21.99. Stutts House of Barbecue will be open from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Fathers Day. <&rule> Tulsa firefighter Harrison Moseby is continuing to face challenges amid a lengthy battle with a rare cancer. The 25-year-old Owasso native was diagnosed with high-grade epithelioid sarcoma, or ES, in March 2022, and has received ongoing medical care for his condition, which has intensified over the last year. He and his wife, Mallory Moseby, of Collinsville, returned to MD Anderson Cancer Center in Houston, Texas, on Saturday, June 10, to address complications following a palliative surgery that Harrison previously underwent to amputate his arm. Doctors at that time removed Harrisons shoulder, two ribs and collarbone during the seven-hour procedure. They were readmitted less than a week after leaving Houston and arriving back at their Collinsville home from the operation, which helped stop incessant bleeding from an unhealed wound so he could continue radiation and chemotherapy. After being readmitted, Harrison started receiving treatments for a possible infection in the newly formed skin flap, along with Type O-negative blood transfusions for low hemoglobin levels. His most recent scan, as of Wednesday, June 14, shows the cancer has spread to over a dozen metastatic spots in bones and soft tissue throughout his body. There is also a large tumor growing on top of his right thigh. He will now be able to start chemotherapy, however, and continue the new infusions at the Oklahoma Cancer Specialists and Research Institute in Tulsa moving forward. The Owasso, Tulsa and Houston communities are continuing to host a number of blood drives as well as fundraisers, concerts, prayer services and more to help the Mosebys during this difficult time. The Tulsa Drillers, for example, dedicated its June 9 game as Harrison Moseby Night, while Jordy Jo Coffee Co. in Owasso donated proceeds for Mochas for Moseby the following day, raising nearly $4,500. Additionally, the Christie and Ronn Badertscher Family raised about $6,000 at Hogs 'N' Hot Rods in Collinsville, and the Marshall Brewing Company partnered with local organizations to raise over $100,000 at Harrison Tough, all in the same weekend. J. Farleys in Claremore is set to host a concert raffle for the Mosebys on June 28, and a dinner and auction is planned in Collinsville on Aug. 4. There is also a GoFundMe page that has raised over $89,000, as of June 15, that will go toward helping the couple pay for medical expenses. It means the world to us, Mallory said previously. We wouldnt have gotten through this without our faith in our church, and family and friends just helping us and the constant love and support. Were seeing Gods grace through this whole thing. Harrison echoed his wifes sentiments, embracing high hopes and a renewed perspective on the future. Weve seen our lives actually improve through the midst of this craziness, he also said previously. This has just made us all the more thankful for what we had and what we were taking for granted, and just all the more thankful for life and family and God, and so its really been a blessing in that way. Read the original story of the Mosebys' journey here. More than 30 Oklahoma Army National Guard engineers arrived at Pohakuloa Training Area in Hilo, Hawaii, on June 11. Spc. Brayden Barton, of Skiatook, is among those soldiers assigned to the 3120th Engineer Company, 120th Engineer Battalion, 90th Troop Command, who will be renovating the Girl Scouts of Hawaiis Camp Kilohana over the next few weeks. Barton is serving as a carpentry and masonry specialist at the camp, which includes several cabins, outbuildings and a main lodge that he and his fellow Oklahoma National Guard members will be renovating. Were here supporting the Innovative Readiness Training (program), and our community partner is the Girl Scouts of Hawaii. Its an austere area in need of remodel, Capt. Ryne Webster, commander of the 3120th and an Oklahoma City resident, said in a news release. This is one of the rare things were able to do thats not on a military post. (Our community partners) pay for the materials, and my engineers get the specialty training we cant find anywhere else. The Innovative Readiness Training program is an initiative that fosters collaboration between military units and local communities to generate value and cost savings for all participants. Under this program, community partners provide necessary materials and basic services, such as facilities, while military units contribute highly trained personnel and essential training resources. By partnering with the Girl Scouts of Hawaii, these citizen-soldiers efforts will focus on enhancing the camps infrastructure, improving recreational areas, and creating a safe and enjoyable environment for the campers. Update: Police have identified the victim and suspect in Wednesday night's fatal shooting. Mykai Daniels, 25, died from his injuries at an area hospital and three other victims are expected to survive, the Tulsa Police Department reported in a social media post Thursday. Police later identified Billy Bills, 25, as the suspect in the shooting that occurred around 7:30 p.m. outside a home near 27th Street and Harvard Avenue. Witnesses told police that the fatal incident began with an altercation between several people when one of them pulled out a gun and started shooting, according to the TPD post. Police said Bills would be jailed on complaints of first-degree murder, three counts of shooting with intent to kill and other felonies. Police warned that Bill should be considered armed and dangerous and anyone who knows of his whereabouts should call 911. Below is the earlier version of this story. Police are looking for at least one gunman after four people were shot one fatally with at least two others in critical condition in a midtown neighborhood Wednesday night. "We've had a horrific event," Tulsa Police Capt. Richard Meulenberg said in a press conference from a neighborhood near 27th Street and Louisville Avenue. The area is just south of the Broken Arrow Expressway and east of Harvard Avenue. All those involved were men in their 20s, Meulenberg said, adding that they had been having some kind of a dispute that had lasted at least all day and culminated in the mass shooting. "This was an absolutely tragic incident where people were arguing with one another that erupted into horrific gun violence," Meulenberg said. He said he didn't yet know whether just one man did all the shooting or if the victims also were firing shots. Although the investigation was in its early stages late Wednesday, he said he wasn't aware of any weapons being found at the scene. After police arrived, they learned that the shooter might have gone into a house in the neighborhood, so they made announcements over a loudspeaker for him to come outside. The residents came outside, and police searched the house but did not find the shooter, Meulenberg said. He said the assailant should be considered armed and dangerous and that anyone who knows his whereabouts or anything about the shooting should call the police. "We're working on this case all night long, and we're not going to go home until we figure it out," he said. "This is kind of a problem we're seeing in this country in general," Meulenberg said. "We used to just go with fists. But now people, they'll go to the gun because it's kind of a cowardly move and they can injure lots of people without having to actually put themselves at great risk. So it is a problem we see in this country where people just can't figure out their problems, and they go straight to violence." While he emphasized that this was not a random shooting, he urged heightened awareness by the public. "He clearly had a specific target or group of targets here, but he's still armed and dangerous," and police don't know whether he will continue the violence, Meulenberg said. "We're begging people to call us and tell us what's happening. We only have a successful solve rate with our homicides because of the work with the community. We wouldn't be as successful as we were if they didn't help us." The new Tulsa World app offers personalized features. Download it today. For the second time in a week, city councilors on Wednesday took no action on a proposed payment of $1 million or more to settle a civil rights lawsuit. Sheila Buck, 65, sued the city, two police officers and other parties after she was arrested outside the BOK Center before then-President Donald Trumps June 2020 campaign rally. The lawsuit alleges that Bucks First Amendment rights were violated when she was arrested and removed from a city street by Tulsa police, at the direction of the Trump campaign, because she was wearing a T-shirt with the words I Cant Breathe on the front. City councilors have met three times in executive session once last week and twice Wednesday to discuss the proposed settlement. Any city settlements of $1 million or more must be approved by the council. The council is scheduled to resume its discussion in executive session at 1 p.m. June 21. We are just trying to do our due diligence about knowing the reasoning behind a reward of money that large and what the impacts would be, said Council Chairwoman Crista Patrick. Buck, who had a ticket to attend the Trump rally, was forcibly removed from a cordoned-off area for ticket holders outside the arena and taken to the David L. Moss Criminal Justice Center, where she was jailed on a complaint of obstructing a police officer. Last month, a Tulsa County District Court judge threw out the misdemeanor charge against Buck. 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 involved in her arrest, the city of Tulsa, two unnamed Secret Service agents and the Trump campaign. The Trump campaign did not have a permit to close the streets outside the BOK Center. However, city officials argued that the 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 but rather a political organization holding a rally that 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 federal civil rights legislation because it deals 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. The new Tulsa World app offers personalized features. Download it today. Gallery: The scenes before and during President Trump's rally in Tulsa Trump Rally Trump Rally Trump Rally Trump Rally Trump Rally Trump Rally Trump Rally Trump Rally Trump Rally Trump Rally Trump Rally Trump Rally Trump Rally Trump Rally Trump Rally Trump Rally Trump Rally Trump Rally Trump Rally Trump Rally Trump Rally Trump Rally Trump Rally Trump Rally Trump Rally Trump Rally Trump Rally Trump Rally Trump Rally Trump Rally Trump Rally Trump Rally Trump Rally Trump Rally Trump Rally Trump Rally Trump Rally Trump Rally Trump Rally Trump Rally Trump Rally Trump Rally Trump Rally Trump Rally Trump Rally Trump Rally Trump Rally Trump Rally Trump Rally Trump Rally Trump Rally Trump Rally Trump Rally Trump Rally Trump Rally Trump Rally Trump Rally Trump Rally Trump Rally Trump Rally Trump Rally Trump Rally Trump Rally Trump Rally Trump Rally Trump Rally Trump Rally Trump Rally Trump Rally Trump Rally Trump Rally Trump Rally Trump Rally Trump Rally Trump Rally Trump Rally Trump Rally Trump BOK TRUMP Trump BOK TRUMP Trump BOK TRUMP Trump Rally Trump BOK President Trump President Trump Trump BOK Trump BOK Trump BOK Trump BOK Trump BOK Trump BOK Trump Rally Trump Rally Trump Rally Trump Rally Trump Rally TRUMP TRUMP Trump Rally TRUMP TRUMP TRUMP TRUMP TRUMP TRUMP Trump Rally Trump Rally President Trump President Trump Trump BOK Trump BOK Trump BOK Trump BOK Trump Rally Trump Rally Trump Rally Trump Rally Trump Rally Trump Rally Trump Rally Trump Rally Trump Rally Trump Rally Trump Rally Trump Rally Trump Rally Trump Rally Trump Rally Trump Rally Trump Rally Trump Rally Trump Rally Trump Rally Trump Rally Trump Rally Trump Rally Trump Rally Trump Rally Trump Rally TRUMP Trump Tulsa Trump Tulsa Trump Tulsa Air Force One President Trump President Trump President Trump President Trump Trump BOK Trump BOK Trump BOK Trump BOK Trump BOK President Trump President Trump Trump Rally President Trump President Trump President Trump President Trump President Trump President Trump President Trump President Trump President Trump President Trump President Trump President Trump Trump BOK BLM Trump protests Trump BOK Trump BOK Trump BOK Trump BOK 2020-06-21 ne-blackwallstreet p1 Air Force 2 Trump Rally Trump Rally Trump Rally President Trump Trump Rally Trump Rally Trump Rally Trump Rally Trump Rally Trump Rally Trump Rally Trump Air Force One Trump Air Force One Trump Air Force One Trump Tulsa Arrives Trump Balloon Trump Balloon Trump Rally Trump Rally Trump Rally Trump Rally TRUMP Trump BOK Trump BOK Trump BOK Trump Rally Trump Rally Trump Rally Trump Rally Trump Rally Trump Rally Trump Rally Trump Rally Trump Rally Trump Rally Trump Rally Trump Rally Trump Rally Trump Rally Trump Rally TRUMP TRUMP TRUMP TRUMP TRUMP TRUMP TRUMP TRUMP TRUMP TRUMP TRUMP TRUMP TRUMP TRUMP TRUMP Complete Tulsa Trump rally coverage HIDE VERTICAL GALLERY ASSET TITLES The $982.6 million fiscal year 2024 budget approved by city councilors on Wednesday is only slightly higher than the one they approved last year. But in some significant ways, the organizational structure it will fund is quite different. Beginning July 1 the start of the new fiscal year a major reorganization of the city departments responsible for planning and designing capital projects and getting that work engineered and built will go into effect. The reorganization creates a new department, City Experience, and reestablishes an old one, Public Works. Gone is the Engineering Services Department. City Experience will be made up of four existing departments Animal Welfare, Neighborhood Inspections, the Tulsa Planning Office and the Mayors Office of Resilience and Equity and two new ones Community Development and Housing and City Design Studio. The Public Works Department will comprise what is now the Streets and Stormwater Department as well as transportation planning and design, along with field engineering. Engineering Services employees will be dispersed among the Public Works, City Experience, and Water and Sewer departments. In another significant move, the citys planning services are coming back to City Hall. For the last four years, the city has been contracting with the Indian Nations Council of Governments to provide planning services through the Tulsa Planning Office. Plannings move will build on efforts to increase collaboration within the city and with the public, said Tulsa Planning Office Director Susan Miller. Planning will take a holistic approach to planning, housing, neighborhoods, commercial revitalization and urban design. In all, hundreds of city employees will be affected by the restructuring to one degree or another. Mayor G.T. Bynum said he was proud of the collaboration with city councilors that went into the development of the budget. I am particularly excited about the establishment of the Department of City Experience, which will empower neighborhood residents across our community with the resources of the city government to build better neighborhoods and public spaces, Bynum said. The long term impact of this change will be substantial for the daily quality of life of every Tulsan. The FY 2024 budget also funds several new programs and positions intended to help improve customer service at City Hall, crack down on irresponsible apartment complex owners, ensure the effectiveness of the citys emergency response system and assist mental health services providers. With more specifics, those new programs and positions are: Citizens services advocate: This persons job would be to help Tulsans get answers to complex city service problems. The idea is to have someone who puts on the hat of the citizen and looks at the problem from that perspective, said James Wagner, director of the Department of City Experience. Wagner said the advocate would not be responding directly to residents complaints but would instead receive referrals from city councilors, the Mayors Office or Customer Care. Anytime there is more than one department involved in a solution for citizens, I think this is an opportunity for the citizens services advocate to kind of step in, Wagner said. Someone who is really taking kind of a higher-level review of something that is affecting a citizen that has multiple departments involved. Multi-family housing inspection program: The city will spend approximately $420,000 to hire two code enforcement inspectors and two assistant fire marshals as part of a new multi-family apartment inspection program. The program would establish a regular, proactive inspection process rather than simply respond to residents complaints. There are around 450 apartment complexes around the city, so it would be Working In Neighborhoods inspectors kind of backed up by an assistant fire marshal, and they would go to each apartment complex every year, two a day basically, Wagner said. Councilor Lori Decter Wright praised the effort. Twenty-two months ago we had to evacuate more than one hundred households from living in unsafe conditions in an apartment complex in the heart of District 7, Wright said of Vista Shadow Mountain Apartments. Borne of that crisis was the establishment of the City Councils Residential Habitability Working Group, which has proposed establishing a proactive residential inspection initiative empowering the citys code enforcement and fire marshals to ensure that every rental housing unit within the city of Tulsa is healthy, safe and habitable. Emergency medical response survey: The survey will help the city assess the state of the citys emergency medical services and possible steps to improve it. Mental health coordinator: This employee would help address acute mental illness problems in the community and related homelessness issues. The mental health coordinator, as the position is currently called, would work with local nonprofits and service providers as well as local and state leaders to ensure that mental health services are provided in the most effective and efficient manner. Zack Stoycoff, executive director of the Healthy Minds Policy Initiative, said he was grateful for the citys commitment of resources to such a pressing issue. As Oklahomas premier think tank for transforming mental health policy, Healthy Minds Policy Initiative will continue to provide facilitation, expertise and guidance as the city embarks on this journey, Stoycoff said. We have already had tremendous support for this vision from leaders like Police Chief Wendell Franklin and Fire Chief Michael Baker, as well Family & Childrens Services, which provides most of the mental health crisis services delivered in Tulsa, and we expect concrete results in the coming months. The budget approved Wednesday was approximately $16 million more than what Bynum proposed in April and about $14 million more than the $968.5 FY 2023 budget approved by councilors last year. The new Tulsa World app offers personalized features. Download it today. The recent decision by the Statewide Virtual Charter School Board to approve the application for what would be the nations first publicly funded religious charter school is cause for serious concern. As attorney general, I have a solemn obligation to uphold the constitutions of the United States and Oklahoma. The establishment of a public school that teaches Catholicism, or any other faith, infringes on the rights of all taxpayers and represents a clear threat to both constitutions. The law simply does not allow for a religious school to be funded with public dollars. Despite the rhetoric of some, the application approval is no win for religious liberty. I wholeheartedly support the freedom for us all to worship however we choose without the state sanctioning or limiting all our choices. The framers of our Constitution wisely enshrined that freedom in the First Amendments prohibition of any law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof. Religious liberty has been a beacon of light that has drawn people to these shores for as long as we have been a nation. It is an essential part of who we are as Americans. In this case, however, public funds would be directed to a school that adheres to one specific faith a concept antithetical to religious liberty. This is a giant step backward for religious freedom in the state of Oklahoma. Supporters of the proposed St. Isidore of Seville Catholic Virtual School have declared that it will be Catholic in teaching, Catholic in employment and Catholic in every way. The concern is not one of academic excellence. Oklahoma already has many high-quality Catholic schools, and there is no reason to believe this one would be any different. That is not the issue. Many Oklahomans do not want their taxes funding a Catholic school, just as many Christians might likely oppose their tax dollars supporting a religious school of faiths other than their own. This issue is about more than state-funded Catholic, Jewish or Muslim schools. The boards vote on June 5 set a precedent that will force taxpayers to support applications that most Oklahomans find reprehensible. What about a Wicca school? A satanic school? By dispensing with the first clause of the First Amendment, three members of the Statewide Virtual Charter School Board drove a stake through the heart of traditional American liberties. The blood from that wound may likely eviscerate religious rights for all Oklahomans. Moreover, the boards decision is a costly one for Oklahoma taxpayers. When board members violated their oath with a vote for approval that ignored the restrictions of law, they exposed Oklahoma to significant litigation. St. Isidore of Seville, or any publicly funded religious school, will cause harm to our state by setting a precedent that violates the Oklahoma and U.S. constitutions. For the sake of future generations, Oklahomans must have public officials who fight to preserve the integrity of law. The Statewide Virtual Charter School Board threw that concept to the wind. I was elected to uphold the rule of law, and this is what I will do, so help me God. The new Tulsa World app offers personalized features. Download it today. Before the tragedy unfolded that led to the book Killers of the Flower Moon, there was Oklahomas Kate Barnard. More than a decade before the FBI arrived in Osage County to probe crimes against the oil-rich Osage Nation, Kate Barnards state office was doing the same thing. Illegal activity involving the Osage estates was deplorable, her investigator reported, but similar criminal conditions existed among tribes that were headquartered and existed in many counties. In 1908, Barnard discovered that Native American orphans were being cheated of their allotted estates by every means imaginable: forgery, perjury, bribery, embezzlement, kidnapping and murder. She uncovered a vast conspiracy of corruption involving county judges, attorneys, businessmen, bankers, oilmen and ordinary citizens. Some became prominent millionaires and celebrated philanthropists. She was the only state official to come to the aid of the Indigenous minors being victimized. She directed her Department of Charities and Corrections to prosecute grafters without fear or favor and to restore properties to those Native American orphans. They did so in the Muscogee Nation, Cherokee Nation and Chickasaw Nation, but the most infamous was in the Choctaw Nation, where federal agents said McCurtain County was the most corrupt county in the state. The spoils were enormous. Some 60,000 Native American minors owned one-third of the property in the former Indian Territory. With coal, timber, asphalt and oil, the value was $4.7 billion in todays money. Barnard was standing between the grafters and that money. She had to go. The grafters hated her like the devil hates holy water, a reporter wrote in the St. Louis Post-Dispatch. The grafters and the states fourth Legislature closed forces, destroyed her office in 1914 and ended her prosecution. The plunder of Native American properties roared on. Angie Debo wrote about Barnards work in And Still the Waters Run. I wrote about it in more detail in her biography A Life on Fire: Oklahomas Kate Barnard. Since the book came out a year ago, I have spoken about Kate to numerous groups. Most people say they have never heard of her, including a man who taught Oklahoma history in the states public schools. A surprising number have a connection to that shameful episode in state history. My grandmother was one of those Indian children, a woman told me. Bankers took her land. A man told me he had worked for an oil company begun by a grocer who traded food to Native Americans in exchange for their leases. At statehood, Barnard championed issues to make Oklahoma progressive: compulsory education, criminal justice reform, mental health treatment, livable wages and care for children. She campaigned for them and helped write them into law. Those are the same issues in the news today. She was the most famous Oklahoman of her day, nationally known as The Good Angel of Oklahoma. She was a fearless political campaigner, visionary social activist and the first woman elected to state office, long before womens suffrage. Then she took on what was called the Indian Question and confronted an insurmountable wall of greed and corruption. It ruined her department, her health and her life. She lived the rest of her life as a recluse and died alone in an Oklahoma City hotel in 1930 at age 55. Her grave was unmarked for 50 years. The Tulsa World editorial Film has relevant message (June 4) said so truthfully, Oklahomas ground is soaked in blood. It is true of the Tulsa Race Massacre, the Osage murders and Kate Barnards failed work on behalf of wealthy but helpless Native American orphans. It is easy to see Barnards life as a tragedy, but she never gave up hope. She was a single, brave voice for right against impossible odds. She said that when she was dead, the youth of Oklahoma would take up the banner where she dropped it because no battle for justice was ever lost. Kate Barnard was a woman of moral courage and fearless action. Her fiery life was as dramatic as a movie. With a sad ending. The new Tulsa World app offers personalized features. Download it today. All five members of the board of directors (BOD) of Vietnamese carrier Bamboo Airways have announced their resignations ahead of a general meeting of shareholders slated for June 21, following the 2022 huge loss of over VND17.6 trillion (US$747 million). The five resigning members are Nguyen Trong Ngoc, chairman of the board, Doan Huu Doan, Le Ba Nguyen, Le Thai Sam, and Nguyen Manh Quan, according to documents publicized on the Bamboo Airways website. Three members of the firms board of supervisors, namely Tran Anh Tuan, Pham Van Hung, and Nguyen Dang Khoa, also submitted resignations. The air carrier will seek shareholders approval for the resignations of these eight executives at the upcoming general shareholder meeting. Shareholders will vote for seven new BOD members and three members of the board of supervisors for the 2023-28 tenure, however, the airline has yet to disclose the lists of candidates. Bamboo Airways recently named Nguyen Minh Hai as its new CEO. Hai replaced his predecessor, Nguyen Manh Quan, from May 24. Two former senior executives of Japan Airlines are set to join Bamboo Airways, including Hideki Oshima, former director of Japan Airlines international relations, who will become a member of the BOD of Bamboo Airways, and Masaru Onishi, former chairman of Japan Airlines, who will hold the post of senior consultant. At the upcoming meeting, Bamboo Airways will seek to increase its legal representatives from one to three, including chairman of the director board, CEO, and a BOD member. Bamboo Airways suffered huge losses in 2022. Photo: Bamboo Airways Documents released ahead of the air carriers general shareholder meeting included the firms 2022 audited financial report. The airline operated more than 51,200 flights carrying over seven million passengers last year, surging 176 percent year on year. It generated net revenues of over VND11.7 trillion ($495.1 million), a 3.3-fold increase over 2021. Despite its high revenue, Bamboo Airways incurred a loss of VND17.6 trillion last year as it spent nearly VND9.7 trillion ($410.5 million) and VND2.8 trillion ($118.6 million) making provisions for short-term and long-term bad debts, respectively. If the provisions had not been not taken into account, the airlines losses would have been over VND5 trillion ($211.8 million). The huge deficit in 2022 sent Bamboo Airways accumulated losses to VND19.3 trillion ($816.8 million) and its equity to minus VND836 billion ($35.4 million). The air carriers asset value totaled VND18 trillion ($763 million) as of December 31 last year, down VND8.8 trillion ($373.6 million) over 2021. Like us on Facebook or follow us on Twitter to get the latest news about Vietnam! Vietnamese transport service operator Futa Bus Lines has won a bid to take over the operations of five failing bus routes in Da Nang, namely the 05, 07, 08, 11, 12 routes. Futas Bus Lines on Wednesday signed a contract with Da Nang Traffic Lights and Public Transport Management Center (DATRAMAC), under the municipal transport department, to operate these five subsidized public bus routes until 2027. The previous operator of these routes is Quang An 1 JSC. Ho Nguyen Quoc Cuong, deputy director at DATRAMAC, said that these bus lines will resume operations next month. The citys transport department has made thorough preparations for the resumption of bus services on the routes. Before the outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic, these five lines served more than three million passengers in 2019. The impact of the pandemic, the post-pandemic travel habits of local residents, and the weakening financial capability of public bus operators have resulted in unstable operations of bus services, Cuong elaborated. Earlier this month, the bus system in coastal Da Nang was suspended as drivers and driving assistants went on a strike to demand unpaid salaries. Da Nang launched public bus services in late 2016, with Quang An 1 JSC winning a bid to operate all of the citys public subsidized bus routes. Currently, 11 bus routes are subsidized by the municipal government. Six others are operated by Quang An 1 Company. Speaking at a recent meeting on bus subsidies, Luong Minh Triet, chairman of the municipal Peoples Council, asked the transport department to learn from its previous experience and avoid letting all bus routes be operated by a sole investor. Like us on Facebook or follow us on Twitter to get the latest news about Vietnam! Multiple vendors at iconic Ben Thanh Market in District 1, Ho Chi Minh City were provided with Quick-Response (QR) codes on Wednesday afternoon to serve cashless transactions, as part of the citys efforts to promote the adoption of digital payments. Representatives of the municipal Peoples Committee, the Department of Industry and Trade, Tuoi Tre (Youth) newspaper, the National Payment Corporation of Vietnam (NAPAS), and the market management board granted 90 VietQR codes to the vendors, on the occasion of the 2023 Cashless Day, which is hosted annually on June 16 by the media outlet. Vendors at the remaining 1,400 stalls at the market will be provided with the VietQR codes in the upcoming period. Nguyen Duy An, vice-chairman of the administration of District 1, Ho Chi Minh City. Photo: Quang Dinh / Tuoi Tre Ben Thanh Market was chosen as a location to promote the adoption of cashless payments to offer visitors a convenient payment option, woo more domestic and international tourists to the market, as well as enable businesses operating at the market to reduce operating expenses such as costs for hiring staff, according to Nguyen Duy An, vice-chairman of the District 1 administration. He said the district will expand the adoption to other markets in the area. Nguyen Thanh Hung, a vendor who has run his business for over 20 years at the market, said he had installed a POS machine at his stall to satisfy the rising demand for cashless payments among shoppers. Receiving the VietQR code would help speed up transactions and limit a number of risks associated with cash payments, such as fake cash or lost cash, Hung said. Ngo Thi Ai Van, owner of a baggage stall, expressed her thanks after being presented with a VietQR code from Tran Xuan Toan, deputy editor-in-chief at Tuoi Tre, saying that the code would make transactions less time-consuming and more convenient. Ngo Thi Ai Van (R), owner of a baggage stall at Ben Thanh Market in District 1, Ho Chi Minh City, receives a VietQR code from Tran Xuan Toan (C), deputy editor-in-chief at Tuoi Tre (Youth) newspaper. Photo: Tuoi Tre Dinh Quang Tuan, who has offered watches and glasses for sale at the market for more than 18 years, was happy getting a VietQR code, which was believed to attract more shoppers to his stall. Tuan said that the demand for online payments began soaring after the COVID-19 pandemic. Making non-cash payments with the QR code would save more time than using the bank transfer that he was adopting, Tuan said. Echoing Tuans views, Tran Minh Quan, another beneficiary of the QR code provision, believed that shoppers would prefer this payment method to cash. Nguyen Duc Huynh (L), head of the National Payment Corporation of Vietnam (NAPAS) office in Ho Chi Minh City, presents a VietQR code to a vendor at Ben Thanh Market. Photo: Quang Dinh / Tuoi Tre International visitors go shopping at Ben Thanh Market in District 1, Ho Chi Minh City. Photo: Bong Mai / Tuoi Tre More markets in Ho Chi Minh City will adopt the cashless payment method in the upcoming period. Photo: Quang Dinh / Tuoi Tre Like us on Facebook or follow us on Twitter to get the latest news about Vietnam! KALAMATA, Greece -- Rescuers were scouring the seas off Greece on Thursday in a massive search operation as hopes dwindled for survivors of a shipwreck that killed at least 79 people, in one of Europe's deadliest such disasters in recent years. Hundreds of people were thought to have packed a fishing boat that capsized in international waters about 50 miles (80 km) from the southern coastal town of Pylos early on Wednesday, while being shadowed by the Greek coast guard. As dawn broke on Thursday, a coast guard vessel sailed into the nearby port city of Kalamata, transferring victims of the year's deadliest shipwreck off Greece. By the early hours, the survivors there numbered 104, while deaths stood at 79. Authorities said it was unclear how many had been aboard the vessel, and they were investigating one account from a European rescue-support charity that there could have been 750 people on the 20- to 30 metre-long (65- to 100- foot-long) boat. Migrants who were rescued at open sea off Greece along with other migrants, after their boat capsized, sit outside a warehouse used as a shelter, at the port of Kalamata, Greece, June 15, 2023. Photo: Reuters The U.N.'s International Organization for Migration said initial reports suggested up to 400 people were aboard. Government officials said the vessel had set off from the Libyan port of Tobruk, but added that migrants on the boat had persistently refused offers of help from Greek authorities. "It was a fishing boat packed with people who refused our assistance because they wanted to go to Italy," coast guard spokesperson Nikos Alexiou told broadcaster Skai TV. "We stayed beside it in case it needed our assistance which they had refused." Aerial pictures released by the Greek coast guard showed dozens of people on the boat's upper and lower decks looking up, some with arms outstretched, hours before it sank. Migrants who were rescued at open sea off Greece along with other migrants, after their boat capsized, are seen outside a warehouse used as a shelter, at the port of Kalamata, Greece, June 15, 2023. Photo: Reuters Greece is one of the main routes into the European Union for refugees and migrants from the Middle East, Asia and Africa. Under a conservative government, in power until last month, authorities have taken a harder stance on migration, building walled camps and boosting border controls. Libya, which has had little stability or security since a NATO-backed uprising in 2011, is a major launching point for those seeking to reach Europe by sea. People-smuggling networks are mainly run by military factions that control coastal areas. The United Nations has registered more than 20,000 deaths and disappearances in the central Mediterranean since 2014, making it the most dangerous migrant crossing in the world. Vietnamese Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh held a reception for Minister of Foreign Affairs of the United Arab Emirates (UAE) Abdullah bin Zayed Al Nahyan on Wednesday, eyeing deeper cooperation with the UAE in various fields. The top UAE official paid a two-day visit to Vietnam on Tuesday and Wednesday at the invitation of Vietnamese Minister of Foreign Affairs Bui Thanh Son. During the reception, Prime Minister Chinh affirmed that potential for two-way cooperation remains high. Vietnam and the UAE should complete negotiations on a Vietnam UAE comprehensive economic partnership agreement (CEPA) as soon as possible in order to advance bilateral trade activities, he said. The Vietnamese government leader proposed that the UAE support Vietnam in developing its Halal industry to contribute to ramping up the two-way trade turnover. He also expects the UAE help the Southeast Asian nation build an international financial hub that will connect with innovation, energy transition, environmental protection, and natural resource management networks. Furthermore, PM Chinh encourages UAE firms and investment funds to tap into the technology transfer, logistics, real estate, infrastructure, and service fields in the country. Minister Nahyan said that UAE firms and investors highly value Vietnams business and investment climate. Notably, these UAE companies expect to boost their cooperation in renewable energy in Vietnam, affirmed the top UAE official. He emphasized that the signing of a CEPA with Vietnam is the UAEs top priority. Minister Nahyan expressed his appreciation for the contribution of Vietnamese workers to the UAEs economic growth and shared expectations that the Western Asian country will receive more highly-skilled Vietnamese laborers in the future. Nearly 3,000 Vietnamese employees currently work in the UAE. Vietnamese Minister of Foreign Affairs Bui Thanh Son (R, back row) and UAE Minister of Foreign Affairs Abdullah bin Zayed Al Nahyan (L, back row) witness the signing of a cooperative agreement between the two nations diplomatic institutes. Photo: Vietnamese Ministry of Foreign Affairs Vietnamese Minister Son told a talk with his UAE counterpart on the same day that Vietnam would actively collaborate with the UAE, which will host the COP28 climate summit in late November 2023, and other nations to make the event end in success. The two ministers reached a consensus on boosting the signing of cooperation agreements in such fields as agriculture, manpower, and technology to back the two-way partnership. Vietnam and the UAE established diplomatic ties in August 1993. The two nations always support each other at international forums and events. The UAE is one of Vietnams key trade partners in the Middle East. Trade between Vietnam and the UAE totaled US$8.8 billion in 2022. Like us on Facebook or follow us on Twitter to get the latest news about Vietnam! State utility Vietnam Electricity (EVN) on Wednesday suspended Nguyen Duc Ninh, director of the National Load Dispatch Center, to serve an inspection into the power management and supply. EVN general director Tran Dinh Nhan signed a decision on the suspension, which immediately went into effect. Ninh took up the post of director of the National Load Dispatch Center on February 24, 2020. He has worked at the center for 23 years. The state-run National Load Dispatch Center, under EVN, is responsible for safely and continuously supplying power and ensuring the stable operation of the national power system. The Ministry of Industry and Trade on Saturday last week launched a 30-day inspection into the power management and supply of EVN and relevant agencies between January 1, 2021 and June 1, 2023, as required by the prime minister. The north of Vietnam has suffered repeated power outages amid the scorching weather. Residents have sought ways to escape the heatwave while many enterprises have suspended their operations during the blackouts. The power failure has also hit the tourism sector. The Minh Chau-Quan Lan tourist area in Van Don District under Quang Ninh Province, northern Vietnam reported that its customer number has fallen about 35 percent due to frequent blackouts. Like us on Facebook or follow us on Twitter to get the latest news about Vietnam! The Peoples Committee of Hanoi has asked relevant agencies to continue working on a plan to ban motorbikes from the inner city by 2030 despite public concerns. The plan falls under a set of initiatives approved by the municipal administration to develop the Vietnamese capital citys urban economy from 2025 with a vision to 2030. The initiatives include 33 missions, projects, plans, and programs. Specifically, the city hopes to increase the urban economys contribution to its regional domestic product to 85 percent by 2025 and 90 percent by 2030. The city has also asked that the municipal Department of Transport coordinate with relevant agencies to formulate a plan which would zone inner-city areas with sufficient public transport infrastructure as motorbike-free by 2030. The plan would also include levying charges on vehicles entering some high-traffic areas. Plans to ban motorbikes from inner-city areas have been brought up several times over the years, but experts and residents have voiced concerns about their feasibility. Dr. Nguyen Xuan Thuy, former director of the Transport Publishing House, told Tuoi Tre (Youth) newspaper that Hanois infrastructure is at a level that cannot support a motorbike ban. Cars cant travel on narrow [inner-city] roads but motorbikes can. Banning motorbikes [from the inner city] would cause travel difficulties for residents, Thuy said. Hanoians make 14 million trips per day. The citys current public transport system can only meet 10 percent of that demand. According to Thuy, about 70 percent of the citys residents currently rely on motorbikes for transportation. If motorbikes are prohibited and residents respond by buying cars, traffic congestion may surge 300-400 percent. The city also charged the municipal Department of Construction with fulfilling housing development tasks between 2021 and 2025 with a focus on social housing. The Department of Construction was also told to upgrade and rebuild deteriorating apartment buildings, embellish valuable architectural works, put electrical and telecom cables underground on 300 streets, and manage and revitalize villas. Like us on Facebook or follow us on Twitter to get the latest news about Vietnam! Dwellers in Ho Chi Minh City are keen on making cashless payments for public services, pushing up the non-cash transaction rate in administrative agencies. Charge and fee collection operations have been conducted via electronic payment apps and QR (quick response) codes thanks to residents enthusiastic support. Nguyen Ngoc Thu Ngan, who was waiting for her turn to make a transaction related to land at the headquarters of the Phu Nhuan District Peoples Committee on Wednesday afternoon, said that she often makes cashless payments in her daily transactions, mainly for food, coffee, and clothes purchases. Though she rarely uses public services, Ngan sees many people show interest in cashless payment practices at administrative agencies. Many residents [here] are willing to scan a QR code to pay for their transactions after some officials of the Phu Nhuan administration instructed them to use the payment app, Ngan said. While waiting for his turn to complete some procedures at the headquarters of the Peoples Committee of Ward 2 under Phu Nhuan District, Nghia, 75, said that it was convenient to make cashless payments. His wife often uses her smartphone to transfer money, he added. Nghia said that he is not knowledgeable about cashless payment practices, but he will follow suit to contribute to building a cashless society if everyone shifts to non-cash transactions. Le Duy Thien, 32, told Tuoi Tre (Youth) newspaper on Wednesday that he came to the Peoples Committee of Ward 9 under Phu Nhuan District to notarize the birth certificate of his newborn son. His family often makes digital payments via bank accounts and e-wallets, said Thien. Nearly 90 percent of my transactions are made cashless. I always use an ATM card to foot my shopping bills," he said. All administrative agencies now go cashless, making payments convenient." A representative of the National Payment Corporation of Vietnam (NAPAS) gives a QR code to an official of the Ward 2 Peoples Committee in Phu Nhuan District, Ho Chi Minh City. Photo: Q. Dinh / Tuoi Tre Surge in cashless payments Nguyen Duc Lai, chairman of the Peoples Committee of Ward 9 in Phu Nhuan District, said that the number of administrative procedures handled at the ward stands at 128, with 31 of them featuring public services that allow people to make online payments. Available cashless payment methods are Internet banking and QR codes that have been applied since June 1 last year. Cashless fee payments at the Ward 9 administration are on the rise. Some 85 percent of transactions have been made via QR codes, while online payments have accounted for 10 percent. Meanwhile, a mere five percent of payments have been made in cash. The ward aims for about 80 percent of cashless payments for its fee collection service in 2023, Lai noted. Nguyen Thanh Huy, a representative of the financial division of the Phu Nhuan Peoples Committee, told Tuoi Tre that more and more residents had used public services for notarization and tax payments, employing cashless payment methods. The non-cash payment methods are practical, safe, and fast-track, Huy added. The Peoples Committee of Phu Nhuan District is authorized to handle 215 procedures, including 50 going online, according to the representative. A QR code for cashless payment is stuck at a counter in the headquarters of Ward 9 in Phu Nhuan District, Ho Chi Minh City. Photo: Q. Dinh / Tuoi Tre Cashless transactions are on the rise in administrative agencies in Ho Chi Minh City. Photo: Q. Dinh / Tuoi Tre Residents encouraged to make cashless payments The Phu Nhuan administration will call on residents to make cashless payments, especially for in-person procedures, said a representative of the Peoples Committee of the district. Cashless payment matches the national governments strategy and follows the development trend, the official added. Cashless Day 2023 to feature a series of activities A slew of programs and events will be held to back the Cashless Day 2023, which is an annual event initiated by Tuoi Tre on June 16, 2019 to promote non-cash payment practices and help build a cashless society in Vietnam. Among them is a national conference themed 'Cashless Day,' which is set to kick off at the Rex Hotel in Ho Chi Minh City on Friday. The Cashless Warriors contest starts on Friday and wraps up on July 15. The contestants are required to make a video recounting their experiences in cashless payment and some benefits from cashless transactions. The winners will be announced on July 21. The Cashless Town festival will be the highlight of this years Cashless Day. The festival, which spans three days starting from Friday, will take place on Le Loi Boulevard in downtown Ho Chi Minh City. The fest will be jointly organized by the State Bank of Vietnams Payment Department and Communications Department, and Tuoi Tre in collaboration with the Ho Chi Minh City Department of Industry and Trade and other partners. Another event was the Big Boom promotional program which was rolled out nationwide on Thursday. Via the program, consumers who purchase goods with cashless payments can get incentives from sellers, and intermediary payment service providers. The Check-in Cashless Town photo contest, part of the Cashless Town festival, will also offer new experiences to revelers and participants. A photo shows residents waiting for their turn to conduct administrative procedures in the headquarters of the Peoples Committee of Ward 9 in Phu Nhuan District, Ho Chi Minh City, June 14, 2023. Photo: Q. Dinh / Tuoi Tre Like us on Facebook or follow us on Twitter to get the latest news about Vietnam! Foul odors emitting from overflowing garbage next to an idle waste incineration plant in An Giang Province, southern Vietnam have sparked anger among the locals in the area, said an official. Huynh Thanh Phuong, vice-chairman of the administration of My Luong Town, Cho Moi District, told Tuoi Tre (Youth) newspaper on Tuesday that this year, the locals have been complaining about the increasing levels of pollution at the My Luong garbage dump, located amid a paddy field next to the namesake waste treatment plant in the town. We reported the issue to upper authorities, but the plant has yet to be put into service, Phuong said. The whole district discharges more than 140 metric tons of waste daily, with 60 metric tons going to the dumpsite in My Luong, said a representative of Cho Moi Urban Environment Company, a subsidiary of An Giang Urban Environment Joint Stock Company, the developer of the plant. Waste at the dumpsite is overflowing. Were still seeking another location, the representative added. Work on the My Luong waste incineration plant reached completion but it has yet to be put into service in An Giang Province, southern Vietnam. Photo: Buu Dau / Tuoi Tre Nguyen Ngoc Son, board chairman at An Giang Urban Environment Company, told Tuoi Tre that work on the My Luong waste incineration plant already reached completion, but the facility has remained idle for almost one year. The plant, worth over VND33.7 billion (US$1.4 million) in investment, was designed to treat 100 metric tons of waste per day. Despite its completion, the contractor refused to operate the plant to determine the capacity and temperature of its incinerator, while demanding another payment worth 15 percent of the contract before taking further steps, Son said. In September last year, An Giang Urban Environment Company selected a new contractor, which then inspected the plant and concluded that the facility could operate at around 60 percent of its capacity and lacked necessary equipment. Like us on Facebook or follow us on Twitter to get the latest news about Vietnam! As one of the oldest and most well-known shellfish establishments in Ho Chi Minh City, Oc Dao, or Dao Snail Eatery in English, has been named on the Michelin Selected list by the prestigious French dining guide Michelin. Though the eatery was honored by the Michelin Guide, a guidebook published annually since 1900 by tire manufacturer Michelin that reviews and recognizes exceptional restaurants around the world, many diners consider its prices fairly high. Oc Dao is among 70 restaurants and eateries in Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City making it to the Michelin Selected list. Photo: Nien Giao / Tuoi Tre Among 100 shellfish dishes served at Oc Dao, rang muc xao bo (squid beaks stir-fried with butter), oc huong rang muoi ot (sweet snails stir-fried with chili salt), oc len xao dua (sea snails cooked in coconut milk), oc mong tay xao rau muong (razor clams stir-fired with swam spinach), and ngheu hap sa (clams steamed with lemongrass) are favored by most customers. These shellfish-based dishes are made by the owner to her distinctive recipes, always using fresh ingredients. The shellfish are said to be sourced from Phan Thiet, a coastal city about 185 kilometers from Ho Chi Minh City, via Binh Dien Market. Tram, 33, a diner at Oc Dao, said that snail dishes are appetizing, but a plate has fewer snails than before. Besides, the dishes are more expensive than those at other eateries. Each plate of snails is priced at VND50,000-100,000 (US$2.1-4.2), said Tram. Mai Phuong, 50, who visited the eatery after it was recommended by Michelin, said that she was disappointed by the quality of service and food. Some snails contained grit and she was served the wrong orders. Phuong evaluated that Oc Dao charges high prices, while its service is poor, so it is not worth it for a meal. 'Oc huong,' or sweet snail, stir-fried with butter. Photo: Nien Giao / Tuoi Tre A peddler who sells shellfish dishes Lying down an alley near Nguyen Trai Street in downtown Ho Chi Minh City, the two-story eatery had no changes after being mentioned by the Michelin Guide. It was a really big surprise to Vo Thi Dao, 54, the owner of Oc Dao. She said that she did not know about the recognition. The establishment mainly serves office employees and factory workers, she said. However, the eatery has recently welcomed both local and international tourists, she added. Oc Dao is eager to service any diner, she said, affirming that she always respects customers and sells wholeheartedly. Before settling down with the eatery, Dao sold her snail dishes as a peddler along many streets in District 1 for eight years. She tried peddling other dishes, but all, except for the shellfish-based food, failed to pay off, Dao recounted. The snail peddler stall was my familys source of livelihood, stabilizing our lives, Dao told Tuoi Tre (Youth) newspaper. Therefore, I do cherish this job and always expect customers to be satisfied with each of the dishes at the eatery. When she gave birth to the second daughter in 2003, Dao decided to open an eatery in the alley of Nguyen Trai Street near a factory to make life easy to take care of her child. Sea snails stir-fried with tamarind. Photo: Nien Giao / Tuoi Tre A dish of snails steamed with lemongrass at Oc Dao on Nguyen Trai Street in District 1, Ho Chi Minh City. Photo: Nien Giao / Tuoi Tre Like us on Facebook or follow us on Twitter to get the latest news about Vietnam! Authorities in Quang Nam Province, central Vietnam are stepping up efforts to gain recognition for Hoi An, home to the world-famous Hoi An Ancient Town, to join the UNESCO Creative Cities Network in the field of craft and folk arts. Hoi Ans storied craft and folk arts scenes, alongside its carefully preserved centuries-old heritage, are integral to the city reaching its full potential, the city's deputy chairman Nguyen Van Lanh told Tuoi Tre (Youth) newspaper on Tuesday. Spanning 60 square kilometers and boasting a population of just under 150,000, Hoi An City is known for a well-preserved ancient town which was designated as a world heritage site in 1999 and showcases remarkable architecture. The city is also home to dozens of traditional craft villages, with over 100 located within its ancient quarters alone, each of which specializes in diverse crafts such as silk and leather production, tailoring, embroidery, woodcarving, and pottery. The city also boasts a wealth of architectural heritage and features a collection of centuries-old houses and various folk arts including bai choi and ba trao singing. Lanh also noted that Hoi An has consistently served as an exemplary model for how to revive and utilize the potentialities of craft villages and folk arts. In this thriving community, artisans, craftsmen, and individuals with creative ideas are encouraged to freely express themselves and bring their unique creations to life. The ability of the residents in the lower Thu Bon River basin to adapt to various circumstances and preserve cultural values and craft villages over time demonstrates their remarkable creativity and ingenuity, Lanh said. However, Hoi An now faces the task of demonstrating that its creative products and initiatives can thrive without any reliance on tourism in accordance with UNESCOs criteria for a creative city. Despite facing significant challenges, the city has the capacity to overcome it through its ability to integrate and adapt, as stated by the official. In addition to Hoi An, Da Lat City in the Central Highlands province of Lam Dong is also actively pursuing membership to the UNESCO Creative Cities Network, specifically in the field of music. Hanoi was the first city in Vietnam to join the network back in 2019. Established by UNESCO in 2004, the network aims to foster collaboration among cities that prioritize creativity as a key driver of their development. The network recognizes seven creative fields, including craft and folk arts, media, film, design, gastronomy, literature, and music. Currently, the network includes 301 cities around the world. Like us on Facebook or follow us on Twitter to get the latest news about Vietnam! Mondays Four Corners, Traitor by Sally Neighbour and Margot ONeill, reveals one of Australias best kept spy secrets. The program will expose how a senior officer at our national spy agency stole and sold highly classified intelligence to Russias KGB for at least six years. Four Corners has uncovered the details of the breath-taking betrayal that jeopardised Australias security relationship with two of our closest allies the United States and Britain. Reporters Sally Neighbour and Margot ONeill forensically thread the pieces of information gathered over decades of investigations, to uncover the truth about one of this countrys most grievous security breaches. Monday 19th of June at 8.30pm on ABC. Nine had a winning night with Travel Guides and A Current Affair both winning timeslots, while Utopia has enjoyed a huge lift in Total TV for last week. Travel Guides visiting Melbourne & Phillip Island topped entertainment at 632,000 metro viewers. That was ahead of Utopia (597,000), 7:30 (493,000), MasterChef Australia (415,000) and Million Dollar Island at 273,000 -exactly the same number as the preceding night. The Weekly with Charlie Pickering finished a winning season at 418,000 then The Front Bar (269,000), North Shore (210,000) and In Limbo (167,000). Nine network won Wednesday with 28.5% then Seven 27.4%, ABC 18.6%, 10 17.6% and SBS 8.0%. Nine News (834,000 / 787,000) was best for Nine with A Current Affair winning at 649,000 then Hot Seat (405,000 / 243,000). Footy Classifed was 147,000 across the network with movie: Vacation at 128,000. Seven News was #1 at 901,000 / 900,000 for Nine. The Chase led with 545,000 / 319,000 then Home & Away (497,000). The Latest was 143,000. ABC News drew 532,000. QI (158,000) and The Drum (147,000) followed. The Project pulled 313,000 / 214,000 10 News First was 216,000 / 170,000. So Help Me Todd debuted at 109,000. On SBS it was SBS World News (149,000 / 113,000), The Mayfair Hotel Megabuild (74,000), History of the Sitcom (56,000), Blue Lights (45,000) and Mastermind (36,000). Ginger & the Vegesaurs led multichannels at 118,000. Sunrise: 217,000 Today: 181,000 News Breakfast: 94,000 / 52,000 In Total TV numbers last Wednesday were: Utopia: 1.322m North Shore: 384,000 In Limbo: 345,000 Travel Guides: 1.24m MasterChef Australia: 742,000 Home & Away: 1.03m The Weekly with Charlie Pickering: 715,000 OzTAM Overnights: Wednesday 14 June 2023 Tweakers maakt gebruik van cookies Tweakers plaatst functionele en analytische cookies voor het functioneren van de website en het verbeteren van de website-ervaring. Deze cookies zijn noodzakelijk. Om op Tweakers relevantere advertenties te tonen en om ingesloten content van derden te tonen (bijvoorbeeld video's), vragen we je toestemming. Via ingesloten content kunnen derde partijen diensten leveren en verbeteren, bezoekersstatistieken bijhouden, gepersonaliseerde content tonen, gerichte advertenties tonen en gebruikersprofielen opbouwen. Hiervoor worden apparaatgegevens, IP-adres, geolocatie en surfgedrag vastgelegd. Meer informatie vind je in ons cookiebeleid. Mahwish Asim, TwoCircles.net Humko nahi lagta ab hum kabhi waha wapas ja payenge (We dont think we can go back there again), says Mohammed Zahid, a shopkeeper in Uttarakhands Purola. Support TwoCircles Zahid is the district president of the Bharatiya Janata Partys (BJP) minority cell in Uttarkashi. The lives of approximately 200 Muslims in Purola changed overnight on 26 May. They became the target of anti-Muslim hate after the alleged abduction of a minor Hindu girl by two men a Hindu and a Muslim on May 26, which prompted accusations of love jihad, a conspiracy theory pushed by the Hindu right-wing in which Muslim men seduce Hindu women and convert them to Islam. Zahid, his wife, and their two children fled the town on June 7, a place that was his home for the past 35 years. He is currently residing in Dehradun and intends to never return. BJP Muslim Leader Flees Purola If a BJP leader is not safe, who is, Zahid told TCN. Zahid, who has been associated with the BJP for the past 7-8 years, was elected as the president of the BJPs district minority cell this year, having previously served as a Sanyojak (convener) for three years and as Mahamantri (general secretary) for another three years within the party. Zahid had thought that his party would support and protect him, but he was disappointed when that did not happen. Three Anti-Muslim Rallies in a Week Following the 26 May incident, various Hindu right-wing groups, along with the local Vyapar Mandal (traders guild) and certain residents, organized a protest rally on 27 May which was attended by several hundred people. The protesters resorted to vandalism. Several hoardings and flex boards of shops owned by Muslims were torn down. Two days later, on 29 May, another protest march took place in Purola, which also turned violent. On 3 June, a rally was organized by the Yamuna Ghati Hindu Jagriti Sangathan, which was attended by over 900 people. These gatherings were specifically directed against Muslims, exacerbating tensions and creating an atmosphere of fear and insecurity. Rallies against Muslims were not limited to Purola. Similar demonstrations were held in other areas of Uttarkashi, including Barkot and Chinyalisaur, as well as the villages of Naugaon, Damta, Barnigad, Netwar, and Bhatwari. Asked to Vacate the Shop: Muslim Traders in Purola After running a garment shop for several years, I was asked by the shop owner to vacate the premises, Mohammed Salim, another trader told TCN. The owner told Salim that right-wing groups were pressuring him to get the shop vacated. Some of Salims friends advised him to leave the town to avoid targeting by Hindu right-wing groups. I made the difficult decision to relocate with my wife and three children. Im heartbroken leaving my home, Salim said. Even if we were to return, resuming our business seems unlikely. It feels futile to consider going back to a place where our lives are constantly in danger, Salim explained. The events of the past two weeks have left Salim with a substantial financial loss running in lakhs. Call for a Mahapanchayat and Threatening Posters Threatening posters were pasted on my shop, Salim told TCN. Love jihadis are informed that they must vacate the shops prior to the June 15 mahapanchayat. If you dont do this, only time will tell what will happen, the posters read. The posters were taken down by the police. On June 15, Hindu right-wing groups called for a mahapanchayat, the permission for which was denied by the police. Section 144 (unlawful assembly) has been imposed in the town from June 14 to June 19, and several hundred police personnel. Burn Their Shops: A Local Threatened Zahids Family Zahid recounted an incident on 5 June involving a man named Prakash Jabral from a neighboring village. According to Zahid, Jabral threatened his son and relatives, explicitly saying, Burn their shops.' Zahid promptly contacted a police officer and the president of the Vyapar Mandal, Brij Mohan Chauhan. They arrived and stood by Zahid and his family as they vacated their shop. Zahid claimed that he tried to call Khajan Singh, the Station House Officer (SHO) of Purola Police Station but his phone went unanswered. TCN tried contacting Arpan Yaduvanshi, Superintendent of Police, Uttarkashi, and SHO Khajan Singh over the phone and WhatsApp several times but didnt receive a response. This story will be updated if and when we receive a response. Muslim Organisations Demand a Ban on Mahapanchat Nayyar Kazmi, the President of Uttarakhand All India Majlis-e-Ittehadul Muslimeen (AIMIM), wrote a letter to the Director General of Police (DGP) in Dehradun, urging immediate action against the ongoing violence in Purola and other parts of Uttarakhand. The letter states, Members of the Muslim community in the Purola region and neighbouring areas are facing attacks, threats, and harassment under the pretext of so-called love jihad, compelling them to leave the area. In light of these events, I request you to take decisive action against those individuals who are attempting to disrupt the communal harmony of Uttarakhand. Even AIMIM Chief Asaduddin Owaisi has called for a ban on the mahapanchayat scheduled for June 15. He also emphasized the need to ensure the safe return of the citizens who have fled Purola. Mahwish Asim is an independent reporter based in Uttar Pradesh By Foo Yun Chee BRUSSELS (Reuters) - EU industry chief Thierry Breton on Thursday urged more EU countries to join the 10 that have restricted or banned China's Huawei and ZTE from their 5G telecoms networks, citing risks to the bloc's collective security. Breton has in recent weeks voiced concerns that some EU countries still have perceived high risk components in their 5G core network, citing intrusive third-country laws on national intelligence and data security - a veiled reference to China. European Union guidelines adopted two years ago call on its 27 member states to assess the risk profile of suppliers on a national or EU level, and restrict or ban high-risk 5G vendors from core parts of their telecoms networks. "To date, only 10 of them have used these prerogatives to restrict or exclude high-risk vendors. This is too slow, and it poses a major security risk and exposes the Union's collective security, since it creates a major dependency for the EU and serious vulnerabilities," Breton told a press conference. He said decisions taken by those EU countries to curb or block Huawei and ZTE were justified and in line with the bloc's 5G guidelines, and urged telecoms operators to do the same. Germany is examining Chinese components in its 5G network, its Interior Minister Nancy Faeser said in April, while Portugal last month issued a resolution that could bar telecoms operators from using Chinese equipment in their 5G mobile networks and 4G platforms. Huawei, ZTE and Beijing have strongly rejected Western allegations that the companies' equipment might be used for spying. The European Commission will also ban Huawei and ZTE from its own procurement of telecoms services, Breton said. "We call on all EU institutions to follow soon," he said. (Reporting by Foo Yun Chee; Editing by Mark Potter) Did you know Nairobi is the only capital city in the world that has a national park in it? The park is a vast reserve that covers 117 square kilometres and is a haven for wildlife, including lions, rhinos, giraffes, buffalos and various species of antelope. But experts say Nairobi National Park is faced by a myriad of threats, including pollution, human-wildlife conflict, infrastructure development and poaching. Kenyas Green City in the Sun Kenyas capital is known as the "Green City in the Sun", due to its pleasant climate and numerous green spaces. "Nairobi rightfully deserves that name because we are a green city that is full of biodiversity, but this is under immense threat," says Nickson Otieno from Niko Green, a sustainability consulting firm. "Some years back, we had an incident where we had lions walking on the streets "That tells us actually we have to rethink how we coexist, how we develop our infrastructure while at the same time conserving the rich nature that we have had as a city," he adds. There is already a railway line that runs through the park and as the city expands human habitats are encroaching further into the space designated for wildlife. Some trees are also being cut down for building construction. "There's been suggestions by a former director, Dr David Western, that the Nairobi National Park should be fenced, which personally I am totally opposed to, says conservationist David Mascall. Reason being is it then turns it into a zoo, it then turns it into a genetic nightmare because you've got no movement of game going out, interacting and breeding with the latest species outside, bringing new genes back into the park, it will lock everything in." What are the benefits of a national park in a city? Situated at an altitude of 1,795 metres above sea level, Nairobi enjoys mild temperatures throughout the year. "[In Kenya], our grid is very much green because we are sourcing much of our electricity from hydro and geothermal, says Otieno. The sunny weather means there is good natural light so there is less energy demand for lighting. Nickson suggests they should also be harnessing this to power the citys buildings. "Here we have an environment in the middle of the city where the air is unpolluted, living on the periphery, on the southern side is paradise because you are not breathing in all the nonsense and the rubbish, the noise and all the rest of it," explains Mescall. Research has shown that the shade of mature trees also helps to reduce dangerous heat islands, especially in poor neighbourhoods. Watch the video above to learn more about Kenyas green city in the sun. HA NOI Digital transformation is seen as a new breakthrough method to shorten the process of industrialisation and modernisation. Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh delivered this statement during the 2023 Vietnam Industry 4.0 Summit held in the capital city yesterday. The PM said the digital transformation in Viet Nam has made significant achievements. The institutional framework for developing e-government, digital government, and digital economy has been gradually improved. From now to 2030, Viet Nam will focus on accelerating the application of science and technology, facilitating digital transformation while creating breakthroughs in productivity, quality, efficiency, and competitiveness, he said. The PM affirmed that the Government will continue to focus on perfecting institutions, promoting entrepreneurship and innovation in a manner consistent with the market mechanism and international practices. Top priority will also be given to making breakthroughs in infrastructure systems, especially strategic infrastructure, creating a driving force for accelerating the nation's industrialisation and modernisation, he added. "Viet Nam's process of digital transformation and green growth must take the people as the centre and the motivation and be implemented by Vietnamese people." "But international cooperation is indispensable, including experience in building and perfecting institutions, financial resources, modern technology, human resource training, and management science," the PM noted. Policy needed to promote Make in Viet Nam Nguyen Hong Son, Deputy Head of the Party Central Committees Economic Commission, said at the seminar about enhancing smart manufacturing capacity within the framework of the 2023 Vietnam Industry 4.0 Summit that Viet Nam was facing not only opportunities but also challenges in developing smart production. He cited a forecast from Ericsson Group that in 2025, the Asia Pacific region would attract two-thirds of the global manufacturers, especially in smart manufacturing. Currently, seven countries in the region, including Australia, Indonesia, Malaysia, New Zealand, the Philippines, Singapore and Thailand have started to produce 5G-enabled equipment. Ericsson also viewed Viet Nam as an attractive destination with an estimated revenue from the 5G industry of around US$1.54 billion in 2030. However, a study by the World Bank published in November 2021 revealed that 70 per cent of products in the manufacturing industry of Viet Nam used human-controlled machines, 20 per cent were manual, only 9 per cent used computer-controlled and less than 1 per cent used more advanced technology such as robotics and 3D additive manufacturing, Son said. A report by CSIRO and the Ministry of Science and Technology pointed out that only a modest part of Vietnamese enterprises were involved in innovation activities, and the percentage of enterprises with research and development (R&D) was little. For example, only 17 per cent in electric equipment, 15 per cent in chemical production, 9 per cent in food processing, and 7 per cent in rubber and plastic. Nguyen Thien Nghia, Deputy Director of the Authority of Information Technology and Communications Industry, said that experiences from several Asia countries which achieved success in industrialisation, including the Republic of Korea, Japan and China, showed there would be three phases in the industrialisation process. The first phase was outsourcing and assembly to take advantage of human resources and competitive costs. The second phase was to make integrated products and join the supply chain and optimise the process. The third phase was to own some core technologies. Nghia said that Viet Nam was still in the first phase. Thus, smart manufacturing played a very important role in the automation and optimisation of production costs. During the past three years, the ICT industry of Viet Nam witnessed the significant development of domestic enterprises and the wave of enterprises starting to make integrated products, Nghia said, adding that enterprises actively identified the market and made long-term methodical investments in technology. It was necessary to develop appropriate policies to encourage enterprises to invest in technology, Nghia stressed. Phan Thi Thanh Ngoc from VNPT IT said that the digital technology industry had large potential for growth with the growing popularity of the Internet of Things, the rapid penetration of e-commerce or the priority in investment in smart city, and the increasing use of Industry 4.0 technology such as AI, AR/VR and blockchain and 5G. Digital technology enterprises should be put at the centre of digital technology development, Ngoc said, adding that incentive policies should be raised to promote the development of digital technologies companies, together with policies to control the quality of Make-in-Viet Nam digital technologies products and services, attract foreign investment and build talents. Green transition Also, within the framework of the summit, Deputy Head of the Party Central Committees Economic Commission Nguyen uc Hien said that the demand for energy was growing very fast while the domestic supply was not enough. Many electricity projects were behind schedule while the reserves and production of coal, crude oil and gas were decreasing year over year. The growing demand for energy import was a problem in the energy industry development of Viet Nam because of the increasing reliance on energy from other economies, Hien said. The energy transition was happening globally and in Viet Nam, Hien said. However, to meet the energy demand for socio-economic development, it was pressing to raise mechanisms and policies to create breakthroughs in energy industry development. In addition, stronger measures would be taken to reduce greenhouse gas emissions to achieve net zero by 2050, he said. In the service sectors, digital transformation and green transition also needed to be promoted. Viet Nam witnessed the rapid development of e-commerce, cashless payment with the expansion of payment platforms and new payment methods, which were changing the habits of residents. It also attracted the special attention of credit institutions and big tech companies. Tourism was smarter and greener with attention to the protection of the environment and cultural heritage. However, Deputy Head of the Party Central Committees Economic Commission Nguyen Duy Hung said that the results were just the first steps and there was a largely untapped potential in the digital transformation and green transition of the services sector. Deputy Governor of the State Bank of Viet Nam Pham Tien Dung said that currently, about 72-73 per cent of adults have banking accounts. He said there could not be a perfect public service if people did not have bank accounts and still used a lot of cash. Therefore, what should be done was to increase the percentage of people with bank accounts, especially the disadvantaged, Dung said. VNS HA NOI - Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh has requested renewing mindset and improving institutions and national governance quality to create an environment conducive to industrialisation and modernisation. Addressing a plenary session themed "Accelerating digital and green transitions in driving breakthroughs to shorten the process of industrialisation and modernisation to 2030 with a vision to 2045" of the annual Vietnam Industry 4.0 Summit 2023 in Ha Noi on June 14, PM Chinh said the fourth industrial revolution, including digital and green transitions, has exerted a widespread and profound impact on industrialisation and modernisation in Viet Nam. The Vietnamese government has kept striving to build itself with sufficient capacity to manage development in the digital age, he said. During the 2021-2030 period, the focus will be placed on actively promoting the strong application of sci-technological advances and innovation; achieving breakthroughs in productivity, quality, efficiency and competitiveness; and carrying out digital transition and green transition, he said. The 2031-2045 period will concentrate on enhancing the quality of industrialisation and comprehensively modernising all sectors of the economy and social life. In the near future, the effective implementation of the "National Digital Transformation Programme" and the "National Strategy for Green Growth for the 2021-2030 period, with a vision to 2050" is a priority, the PM said. It is a must to accelerate the process of building, issuing, and effectively implementing the Strategy for Digital Industrial Development; building and deploying the Semiconductor Industry Development Strategy of Vietnam until 2030, with a vision to 2045; building the Law on Digital Industry; actively and effectively implementing the contents of the Political Declaration on the establishment of the Just Energy Transition Partnership (JETP); and and successfully realising Power Development Plan VIII towards reducing and balancing emissions in line with Vietnam's commitments at the 26th and 27th United Nations Climate Change Conferences, PM Chinh noted. He affirmed that the Vietnamese Government will continue focusing on fine-tuning institutions, promoting entrepreneurship, and fostering innovations in line with market mechanisms and international practices. In addition, it is necessary to make a breakthrough in building infrastructure system, particularly strategic infrastructure that provides momentum for national industrialisation and modernisation, he said. The Vietnamese Government is committed to actively accompanying and cooperating with other countries and international organisations to push forward this industrial revolution in order to bring peace and prosperity to all nations worldwide, he said. Earlier, before attending the plenary session, PM Chinh visited the international exhibition on industry 4.0 and attended a ceremony to launch activities implementing Resolution 29-NQ/TW. Prior to the plenary session, a series of four thematic workshops and an international exhibition on Industry 4.0 were held on the morning the same day, focusing on the topics of smart manufacturing, application of artificial intelligence (AI) in industry, green transformation, green energy, green finance, and green education. VNS HCM CITY The green economy and sustainable development are inescapable global trends, and businesses need to embrace them to meet the increasing demands in the domestic market and mounting pressure from foreign markets, the Green Trade Forum heard in HCM City on Wednesday. Vo Van Hoan, deputy chairman of the city People's Committee, acknowledged that Viet Nam has signed numerous free trade agreements, including new-generation pacts, which present significant opportunities for local firms to expand their exports. However, these FTAs also come with stringent environmental and sustainable development clauses, he pointed out. Green growth and sustainable economic development have become inevitable trends worldwide. Investors coming to HCM City always inquire about the availability of renewable energy and green materials. Investors already in the city also want to become greener. Since a failure to meet green criteria can hinder their products from being exported to European markets and other developed countries. Therefore, green transformation has become an urgent issue. Consumers in both local and international markets have become more environmentally conscious, he said. To cater to them, the creation of an eco-system comprising green materials, green finance, green energy, and supportive policy systems and legal frameworks is necessary, he told the forum held by Sai Gon Giai Phong newspaper, Saigon Co.op and the HCM City Union of Business Associations. Forums like the Green Trade Forum play a crucial role in raising awareness among consumers, producers, and society, ultimately leading to the formulation of policies conducive to a green economy. Viet Nam is committed to achieving net-zero emissions by 2050, necessitating increased awareness and contributions from the business community. Prof Dr Nguyen Hong Quan, director of the Institute for Circular Economy Development at the Vietnam National University in HCM City, cited a survey by McKinsey revealing that 63 per cent of consumers consider brand sustainability when making purchase decisions. Embracing environmental, social and governance (ESG) standards would provide companies with significant development opportunities, he added. Pham Van Truong, deputy editor-in-chief of Sai Gon Giai Phong newspaper, said developing a green economy and circular economy is crucial not only for businesses but also for the entire country. But the task is challenging due to limited resources possessed by Vietnamese enterprises, 99 per cent of which are small and medium-sized businesses, he said. Nguyen Ngoc Hoa, chairman of the HCM City Union of Business Associations, commended HCM City's long-standing awareness of the importance of green growth and its initiatives to promote it like the Green Enterprises Awards, which honour businesses compliant with waste treatment regulations and produce environmentally friendly products. Under the programme, the organisers, HUBA and Sai Gon Giai Phong newspaper, will also provide firms with information about green technical barriers to trade in the domestic and export markets, and help them find the means to achieve green development. Tran Lam Hong, deputy general director of Saigon Co.op, said the retailer gives priority to buying products from firms that are environmentally conscious. The countrys leading consumer goods retailer and Sai Gon Giai Phong newspaper have organised the annual Green Consumption Campaign for 14 years to promote environment-friendly products. Saigon Co.ops distribution systems also hold the annual Green Consumption Month in June with promotions on environment-friendly products to encourage the use of green products and those made by companies that do well in environmental protection, thereby creating environment-friendly consumption habits. VNS HA NOI VinaCapital Vietnam Opportunity Fund (VOF), the flagship fund of VinaCapital, has just sold 190,000 shares of Quang Ngai Sugar JSC (QNS) to reduce its ownership from 6.01 per cent to 5.96 per cent of charter capital. Previously, on May 30, VOF also sold 600,000 QNS shares to reduce ownership. In the first quarter of 2023, Quang Ngai Sugar JSC recorded revenue of VN2.13 trillion, up 17.4 per cent over the same period last year. Profit after tax was recorded at VN316.5 billion, up 80.1 per cent. During Q1, gross profit increased by 23.1 per cent to VN595.72 billion; financial revenue increased by 88.7 per cent to VN71.45 billion; financial expenses rose by 75.8 per cent to VN38.36 billion; selling and administrative expenses decreased by 6.3 per cent to VN273.22 billion. Other activities did not change significantly. In 2023, Quang Ngai Sugar JSC targets a revenue of VN8.4 trillion, down 2 per cent over the same period last year and profit after tax is expected to reach VN1 trillion, down 22 per cent compared to 2022. Ending the first quarter of 2023, with a profit of VN316.5 billion, the company completed 31.4 per cent of the yearly plan. On the stock market, QNS shares are traded at around VN44,600 per share. VNS HA NOI Vietnamese Minister of Industry and Trade Nguyen Hong Dien highly appreciated the role of Cote dIvoire as an important economic centre and transit market in West Africa. The minister had a meeting with President of Cote dIvoires National Assembly Adama Bictogo, who is on an official visit to Viet Nam, at the headquarters of the Ministry of Industry and Trade (MoIT) yesterday. At the meeting, Minister Nguyen Hong Dien informed the President of Cote dIvoires National Assembly about Viet Nam's economic development and the situation of economic and trade cooperation between the two countries. The minister affirmed that Viet Nam always considers Cote dIvoire as one of the leading trading partners in Africa. The country has been one of the two leading rice import markets of Viet Nam in Africa for many years, along with Ghana. In the structure of Viet Nam's exports to Cote dIvoire, rice usually accounts for about 80 per cent. Viet Nam's rice exports to Cote dIvoire reached more than 656,000 tonnes last year, worth nearly $295 million; mainly white rice, fragrant rice and broken rice. Cote dIvoire is one of the major suppliers of raw cashew nuts to Viet Nam. Viet Nam's raw cashew imports from Cote dIvoire usually account for 20-30 per cent of the total value of its raw cashew imports from the world. Given the position of Cote dIvoire in the region, Minister Nguyen Hong Dien suggested that in the near future, the two sides consider promoting the negotiation of a bilateral free trade agreement (FTA) or preferential trade agreement (PTA). Cote dIvoire could be a bridge for Viet Nam and the West African Economic Community to jointly promote research on the possibility of FTA/PTA negotiations, opening up great opportunities for trade between Viet Nam and this potential economic bloc, said Dien. In order to further promote bilateral economic and trade cooperation, Minister Nguyen Hong Dien proposed to the Chairman of the National Assembly of Cote dIvoire to strengthen the exchange of delegations at all levels and business delegations; encourage businesses to meet, contact directly, as well as attend fairs and exhibitions held in each country. Besides, in addition to rice, it is suggested that Cote dIvoire consider increasing the import of products with great demand that Viet Nam has strengths such as textiles, footwear, household goods, construction materials, machinery, and electrical equipment. At the same time, the two sides can study and promote cooperation in industries such as agricultural product processing, food, mining, and so on. Appreciating the comments of Vietnamese Minister Nguyen Hong Dien, Chairman of the National Assembly of Cote dIvoire Adama Bictogo said that the Government of Cote dIvoire always considered Viet Nam an important partner in the Asia-Pacific region and wished to strengthen co-operation with the country in all fields, especially in economy and trade. The chairman expressed his delight at the positive developments in economic and trade cooperation between Viet Nam and Cote dIvoire, with two-way turnover maintained at over $1 billion per year on average in the past five years. He said that Cote dIvoire was currently an important transit market. Goods of countries exporting to Cote dIvoire can be re-exported to many countries in West Africa. This also created favourable conditions for Viet Nam's strong commodities, such as agricultural products, textiles, footwear, and household goods, to have the opportunity to access many member markets of ECOWAS. Bictogo affirmed that he would continue to pay attention to and direct Cote dIvoire's relevant agencies to work closely with the Vietnamese Ministry of Industry and Trade to jointly promote the implementation of proposals and recommendations mentioned by the Vietnamese side. VNS HCM CITY More than 300 local and foreign exhibitors are displaying their latest products and technologies at four international exhibitions, Paper Vietnam, Rubber and Tyre Vietnam, Coatings Expo Vietnam, and Plastech Vietnam, held in HCM City from June 14 to 16. The event is taking place at the Saigon Exhibition and Convention Centre in District 7, and open to visitors free of charge. At the opening ceremony on June 14, Ngo Khai Hoan, deputy director of the Ministry of Industry and Trade's Industry Agency, emphasised that these exhibitions serve as a valuable platform for domestic and foreign companies to network, fostering the growth of the paint, paper, rubber, and plastic industries in Viet Nam. It is a meeting point for manufacturers, suppliers, distributors, and relevant agencies to explore co-operation opportunities, expand their markets and gain access to cutting-edge technologies, he said. The paint, paper, rubber, and plastic industries play a crucial role in supporting the development of various other industries, he said. The companies in the industries are expected to make more environment-friendly products to meet market requirements and gain a competitive advantage. Nguyen Ba Vinh, director of the events organiser, Minh Vi Exhibition and Advertisement Services Co., Ltd, said there is a 60 per cent increase in the number of exhibitors compared to last year. They include participants from 17 countries and territories. Coatings Expo Vietnam alone has nearly 170 exhibitors, with a strong presence from India, China, Italy, Turkey, Singapore, Japan, and Korea. India is the country of honour at the expos, with more than 60 of its companies taking part. The exhibitions showcase a wide range of machinery, equipment, and products related to the paint, paper, rubber, and plastic industries. Renowned international brands such as Gambini, Fan Separator, YKC, Forbes Marshall, Omexey, Misung, Epicor, Sanyo, Kumera, Rangolee, Paper Link, Lord, JSC Sterlitamak Petrochemical Plant, Teufelberger, and VINAPACO Miza are among the participants. Throughout the event, leading experts in the industries will host seminars to update exhibitors and visitors on the latest trends and market demands. Additionally, there will be B2B matching and VIP buyer programmes to facilitate networking and partnership opportunities. Areas showcasing tissue paper, premium coatings, natural rubber sourcing, premium tire, and packaging materials and techologies seek to promote networking at the event. These activities aim to attract approximately 8,000 domestic and international trade visitors and contribute to the development of MICE (meeting, incentive, convention, exhibition) tourism in the country. VNS HA NOI The Civil Aviation Authority of Viet Nam (CAAV) and the European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) organised a workshop on monitoring CO2 emissions and measures to reduce emissions from civil aviation activities. Speaking at the event, CAAV Deputy Director inh Viet Son said that at the 26th United Nations Climate Change Conference of the Parties (COP26), Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh affirmed Viet Nams commitment to developing and implementing measures to reduce greenhouse gas emissions with its resources and international support in order to achieve net zero emissions by 2050. Son said that its important to realise the commitments in COP 26, especially in the field of aviation. Viet Nam has been actively joining activities to reduce carbon emissions from civil aviation activities, updating and reporting the situation to the International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO) yearly, he said. Viet Nams aviation industry and airlines has made efforts in environmental protection and climate change response for sustainable development, he said, adding that the Ministry of Transport always creates favourable conditions in terms of procedures, mechanisms, and policies for airlines and other units in the industry to well perform international tasks in civil aviation activities. A representative from EASA said that the agency will support member states, based on the principle of shared responsibility, and work closely with countries in Asia, and ASEAN. At the workshop, domestic and international experts shared the processes and approaches that some ASEAN countries have adopted in monitoring the implementation of carbon reduction measures. Vu Thi Thanh, deputy head of CAAVs Department of Science, Technology and Environment said that Viet Nam has submitted a report on the National Action Plan on reducing CO2 emissions in civil aviation activities. The plan was made based on assessments of the domestic aviation market, the establishment of airlines, and new air routes. She said that Viet Nam has taken steps to implement the action plan such as updating scenarios of the plan, introducing/promoting feasible measures to reduce greenhouse gases and identify possible solutions in order of priority based on the country's circumstances and effects on stakeholders. The national carrier Vietnam Airlines reported that it is applying the Single Engine taxiing solution to reduce noise at the airport and reduce fuel consumption, thereby reducing emissions. The solution, applied since 2018 to all three fleets of the airline, helped cut the emission of over 4,000 tonnes of CO2. VNS Le Huong Local children in ong Giang District, a remote mountainous area in the central province of Quang Nam, did not dare to dream that one day they would not have to bring drinking water from home to school every day. Their dream was realised by the Lady Buddha Foundation managed by Swedish entrepreneur Kawa Wandi and The Stellar Kids Project Singapore run by Stella Thng. Renowned for his initiatives in remote places in regions such as Quang Nam, Quang Binh and Quang Tri, Kawa's selfless endeavours have garnered media attention, earned him recognition from the Vietnamese government in Hoi An, where he lives with his wife and their triplets, and led to a touching feature by the Swedish Embassy in Ha Noi. In his latest journey to ong Giang, Kawa and his team embarked on a mission to install two water purification systems in local schools, where 120 children are learning. With the installation of the water purification systems, a significant positive change is on the horizon. The benefits of having access to clean water are multifaceted, with far-reaching implications for the community, Kawa said. Health and sanitation will improve, reducing the prevalence of waterborne diseases and improving overall well-being. Moreover, students' ability to concentrate and excel in their studies will be enhanced, paving the way for a brighter future. In addition to the direct benefits, the installation of water purification systems will also have a positive impact on the environment, he said. The heavy usage of plastic bottles in these communities has led to a pervasive littering problem, causing harm to nature and exacerbating pollution, he said. By reducing the reliance on plastic bottles for drinking water, Kawa's initiative aims to mitigate the environmental impact and promote sustainable practices. The decrease in plastic waste will not only preserve the beauty of the natural surroundings but also safeguard the health of wildlife and promote a cleaner, greener ecosystem. Upon arrival, the sight of Kawa elicited an outpouring of joy from the children, who are eager to greet their beloved benefactor. True to his compassionate nature, Kawa brought gifts for all 120 students. The children's faces lit up as they received books, pencils, rulers, and drawing books, providing them with outlets for creativity during the upcoming summer break. The dedicated teachers at both schools were not forgotten, as they too received tokens of appreciation for their tireless work. Kawa emphasised the importance of the children as the future of their community and expressed his deep admiration for the teachers' commitment in the face of challenging circumstances. The first school the team visited is a primary institution with 98 students, followed by a preschool deeper in the jungle, catering to 22 children. The gathering of pupils, teachers, and villagers creates an atmosphere brimming with joy and gratitude. Nguyen Thi Thi Thuong, the principal of Hoa Mi Kindergarten, presented Kawa with a gift to express her profound gratitude for the long-awaited water system that will revolutionise their school. Locally produced items such as honey symbolise the genuine appreciation and local pride felt by the community. Teacher A Rat Hien from Jo Ngay Primary School said: We feel very happy and deeply thankful to the Lady Buddha Foundation, especially Mr. Kawa Wandi, for installing a water purifying system for our school. Before, our pupils brought water from home to school. Le Van Minh, a local official said not only the children at the schools, but the nearby community will benefit from the systems as well. In the long term, the locality still needs big water tanks to store water because local wells hardly have any water in the dry season, he said. Kawa could not hide his emotion at the school. Seeing these children now drinking fresh water gives me an overwhelming sense of joy, gratitude, and fulfillment, he told Viet Nam News. It is incredibly rewarding to know that we have been able to provide them with something as essential as clean and safe drinking water. Stella Thng, from The Stellar Kids Project Singapore said that she really looks forward to coming back to the schools to visit the beautiful children again. She went to the site with Kawa's team once before. Kawa settled down in Hoi An with his wife and three triplets (daughters). Over the past five years they have provided help and support to poor communities in the area. We are doing this to make a positive impact and help those in need, Kawa said. Children are the foundation of our future. They hold the potential to save the world and bring about positive change. By supporting these children, we invest in their future, and the act of charity, no matter how small, can have a profound impact on a childs life. By uniting individuals and organisations, Kawa showcases the immense impact that a single person can have on the lives of many, igniting a beacon of hope in even the remotest corners of the world. "We deeply appreciate any help and support we receive," he said. "Every contribution, no matter the size, has a profound impact." VNS Falling in love with Vietnamese cuisine, Chad Kubanoff, an American professional chef, shares his culinary experience with the world Tran Khanh An Chad Kubanoff's destiny with Vietnamese cuisine began in 2008. Inspired by an episode of A Cooks Tour, he decided to move to Viet Nam and worked as an executive chef in a fine-dining restaurant. He also explored HCM City's crowded streets and hidden roadways to try all the local cuisine, and fell in love with Vietnamese food. With a burning desire to explore more, in 2012, Chad traveled from HCM City to Ha Noi by motorbike to taste and discover the regional differences of the cuisine throughout the country. Traveling across the country on motorbike is challenging, but he admitted it was one of the most remarkable experiences of his life. On this trip, I had the opportunity to try many versions of bun bo (beef noodle soup) in the north, the south, and in Hue. For the same dish, distinct techniques are used in different regions. It is amazing to understand the uniqueness and diversity of Vietnamese gastronomy, he said, adding that he considers bun bo as the king's soup. In 2022, Chad, his Vietnamese wife, and three children returned to Viet Nam after ten years in the US. He continues his journey to discover more delicious dishes and broaden his understanding of Vietnamese cuisine. However, this time, he decided to share his journey online. Viewers find it adorable whenever his three children appear on videos and are often the first to try his dishes. It is lovely to capture the moment with my three children so we can watch it again when they grow up, he told Viet Nam News, I think that family ties are not often prioritised in Western culture, therefore, I hope my children can appreciate my heritage and the value of family bonds. On his TikTok account, he has nearly 700,000 followers with 25 million likes, and growth is still strong. Audiences show great interest in Chad's simple and natural way of filming and cooking. With his thoughtful knowledge of Vietnamese cuisine, he carefully presents the dishes' origins, concepts, and techniques. "As a young cook in an American kitchen, I was always exploring every new technique and experimenting with different ingredients. After I moved to Viet Nam, I love sharing what I have learned so far with other young professional cooks about Vietnamese cuisine, therefore, they can learn and improve, Chad said, sharing the reason why he started his cooking content. However, as time goes on, most of his audience is more than just professional chefs as he thought. I love hearing that both foreigners and locals support me. They are more open-minded and feel inspired to travel and explore new cuisines after watching my videos, Chad said. Especially, the Viet Kieu (overseas Vietnamese) feel nostalgic and happy to see Viet Nam again through my videos. The second generation of overseas Vietnamese, who have never been to Viet Nam, tell me that my videos give them a sense of pride in their Vietnamese heritage and motivate them to engage with the culture and visit Viet Nam. When asked about his plans for the future, he shared his goal of launching Vietnamese cooking shows on his social media with Viet Nam News: The topic of my first culinary show is traditional Vietnamese cuisine. I not only present the dish but also demonstrate how to prepare it so that audiences can make it at home. I aim to promote the integration and international reach of Vietnamese cuisine. I also improve my Vietnamese speaking skills to communicate better. He is ambitious with a plan for another live-streaming cooking show: Beyond that, I am also planning another live-streaming show: about four to five guesses are invited to my house, and I prepare a fine-dining meal for them. Although I do not prepare traditional Vietnamese dishes in this show, I want to utilise and innovate Vietnamese ingredients to integrate them with the worlds high-end recipes and delicacies. VNS Numerous businesses suffer heavy financial losses due to the spread of fake news on social media in the fast-paced digital age we live in. Le Quoc Minh, member of the Party Central Committee, deputy head of the Party Central Committees Commission of Popularisation and Education, editor-in-chief of Nhan dan (the People) newspaper, chairman of Viet Nam Journalists Association, spoke to Vietnam News Agency about the issue. How do you evaluate the role of mainstream media among many other sources of information that readers can access on social media? A recent report said that the percentage of users searching for news on social media is higher than those searching on mainstream media, especially young people. Mainstream media such as printed newspapers, television and radio seems to only attract older people. On the other hand, fake news, negative information and toxic content on social media are increasing with the development of artificial intelligence (AI). It is a concern that the spread of fake news will occur on a much larger scale. So there will be a higher rate of people reading fake news when they go online to seek information. There will be individuals who unintentionally or intentionally disseminate, share or comment on this type of content which can lead to extremely serious consequences. Mainstream media cannot remain the same. It needs to regain the trust of readers by providing more reliable and official information. It also has to become more present on social media, not only on Facebook and YouTube but also on Zalo, Twitter, TikTok and more. Do you believe that the collaboration between the media and businesses needs to be strengthened in the context that businesses are currently facing difficulties due to the impact of the pandemic and the global economy? The relationship between the media and businesses has been a mutually beneficial relationship so far. Even when the Internet and social media were not developed, the media still needed businesses for advertising and financial support. Conversely, businesses also need the media as an official channel to provide accurate information to readers. There have been numerous conferences and workshops emphasising the role of the media as a bridge connecting businesses with readers and audiences. We have seen the effectiveness of these efforts in recent times. The mindset of a one-way relationship where businesses need the media, but the media may not necessarily need businesses, has been changing. The connection between media and businesses becomes even more crucial when the media sector becomes more challenging. Print media is experiencing a decline in advertising. Even radio, television and online newspapers are facing a continuous decrease in advertising revenue. Therefore, the media now needs businesses in other ways beyond advertising, such as sponsored content, paid business collaborations and even e-commerce partnerships between the media and businesses. These are popular approaches demonstrating flexibility in the response and cooperation between the media and businesses for mutual support. More than generating revenue and providing economic support to the media, this collaboration brings reliable and official information to readers. That is the most important point in this relationship. A transparent and open relationship is needed between the two parties, avoiding only highlighting the positive aspects while concealing difficulties. The more transparent and open the collaboration, the easier it is to coordinate with each other to provide the public with the most accurate information. It can even raise awareness of the challenges that businesses may face. If the information lacks transparency, there is a possibility that the media might report inaccurately about businesses. Such misinformation on mainstream media can even cause more harm when it spreads. The connection between the media and businesses is hoped to become even closer in the future. As a chairman of the Viet Nam Journalists Association, what do you think the media needs from businesses and how should the relationship between the media and ministries, local authorities and businesses be maintained and developed in the future? Not only small and medium-sized enterprises but also large businesses, ministries, and localities still face many difficulties in connecting with the media. We have had numerous training sessions on policy communications but the understanding of the effectiveness of the media and the collaboration with the media at different levels of ministries, local localities and businesses is not yet fully comprehensive. For small and medium-sized enterprises, it is understandable that they face difficulties in establishing connections with the media. The Viet Nam Journalists Association and the Vietnam Chamber of Commerce and Industry (VCCI) have held many discussions which aim to make further progress and build mechanisms for small businesses to deliver information to the media in the easiest way. In foreign countries, there are professional media agencies that allow small and medium-sized businesses without dedicated media departments to push press releases and introduce their products to the public. Professional associations in different industries are expected to establish information systems so that the media can easily find the basic information about the business. Businesses can not only access media but they can also proactively build websites and fan pages to introduce themselves to the public. They can also actively work with public relations companies and key opinion leaders (KOLs) to promote their products and businesses. It is necessary to promote through multiple channels and ensure accurate information dissemination. However, the mainstream media remains the most reliable source of information. Information from elsewhere may not be trusted by readers but if it is reported and evaluated by an official media organisation, its credibility will be significantly higher. That means the media organisations can build databases of businesses themselves, but the media still need an authoritative information channel created by businesses, associations, departments and local authorities. Regular updates are also necessary to deliver information from businesses to the media effectively. Both sides need to assist each other rather than adopting a waiting approach: one side waiting for businesses to deliver information, while the other side not knowing how to approach the media. In the era of rapid development of digital information technology, as it is today, there is no other way but to collaborate and increase proactivity from all parties to ensure information flow and deliver official and reliable information to readers as quickly as possible. VNS HA NOI - Viet Nam always attaches importance to promoting its friendship and cooperation with Cote dIvoire and considers the latter as one of its important partners in Africa, Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh has said. At a reception in Ha Noi on June 14 for President of Cote dIvoires National Assembly Adama Bictogo, PM Chinh proposed that both sides should ensure balanced trade, diversify goods for exchange, boost the export of goods of Viet Nam's strengths, and expand cooperation into other potential areas. He also suggested studying a trilateral agricultural cooperation model between the two countries and an international organisation. On this occasion, he asked Cote dIvoire to continue creating favourable conditions for the Vietnamese community to settle down in the African country and contribute to the bilateral friendship relations. Bictogo, for his part, affirmed that Cote dIvoire considers Viet Nam one of its important partners in the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) and wishes to enhance multifaceted cooperation with Viet Nam to maximise the great potential between the two countries. As room for bilateral cooperation remains huge, the host and guest agreed on measures to further deepen the bilateral ties, including facilitating high-level meetings and exchanges to enhance political trust and create a solid foundation to reinforce cooperation, particularly in economy. Both sides were determined to further increase bilateral trade through promotional activities and exchanges, while facilitating market expansion in each country as well as in Africa and Asia. The Vietnamese side expressed its readiness to assist Cote dIvoire in enhancing cooperation with ASEAN while Cote dIvoire committed to backing the promotion of Viet Nam-Africa cooperation within the framework of the African Union and the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS). Agreeing with PM Chinhs suggestions, the guest pledged to promote the legislature's role to facilitate cooperation between the two governments, particularly in adopting measures suggested by the PM. He expressed his wish that Viet Nam would share its development experience and proposed strengthening agricultural cooperation with Viet Nam to contribute to ensuring sustainable food security in the African country. The NA President called on Vietnamese enterprises to invest in Cote dIvoire, and affirmed that the African nation is willing to step up cooperation in education, health care, and people-to-people exchanges. The two leaders agreed on the need to strengthen the legal framework for economic cooperation by accelerating the signing of the Framework Cooperation Agreement as well as important agreements on trade, investment encouragement and promotion, and double taxation avoidance. They promised to continue offering mutual support at multilateral forums, especially the United Nations and the Non-Aligned Movement. They also pledged to back the stance on settling disputes, including the East Sea issue, through peaceful means in line with international law. PM Chinh suggested Bictogo convey his invitation to his Cote dIvoire counterpart to visit Viet Nam and thanked the invitation to visit the African country. He said the visit will be arranged at a suitable time through the diplomatic channel. VNS HA NOI President Vo Van Thuong on June 14 received President of Cote dIvoires National Assembly Adama Bictogo, who is on an official visit to Viet Nam from June 13-16. President Thuong told his guest that Viet Nam attaches importance to promoting its friendship and cooperation with African friends, of which Cote dIvoire is identified as one of its important partners. Highlighting positive progress in the bilateral relations, particularly in politics-diplomacy and economy, the State leader held that there remains large room for the two nations to further develop their cooperative ties. He recommended the two sides to increase delegation exchanges and high-level meetings; further closely coordinate and actively support each other at multilateral forums; and prioritise the promotion of economic cooperation to make it commensurate with their sound political ties and significant potential. The growing ties of the two parliaments have created favourable conditions for economic collaboration, President Thuong said, lauding the outcomes of Bictogos talks with Vietnamese National Assembly Chairman Vuong inh Hue and meetings with other leaders. For his part, Bictogo said Viet Nam and Cote dIvoire, which share similarities in economic development, should work more closely together and create a safe, favourable and trustworthy business climate given difficulties and challenges brought about by global issues. Cote dIvoire welcomes Vietnamese firms to study its market for cooperation and investment opportunities, particularly in processing technology and exports, the top legislator affirmed. Both host and guest expressed their belief that the signing and implementation of a memorandum of understanding between the two parliaments will help deepen the two nations friendship and multifaceted collaboration in the time to come. They agreed to further beef up bilateral trade ties in a sustainable and balanced manner, and create conditions for the two sides expansion of exports to each other's market as well as to those in ASEAN and Africa. The two leaders also affirmed that priority should be given to promoting and expanding cooperation in the fields of agriculture and investment. VNS HA NOI Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh hosted a reception for Minister of Foreign Affairs of the United Arab Emirates (UAE) Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed Al Nahyan in Ha Noi on June 14. The PM spoke highly of delegation exchanges between Viet Nam and the UAE in the recent past, especially the visit to the UAE by Vice President Vo Thi Anh Xuan last May, which reaped significant outcomes. The host and guest shared the view that the bilateral friendship and cooperation have made progress in various spheres like politics-diplomacy, economy, trade, investment, tourism and energy. PM Chinh suggested that on the occasion of the 30th anniversary of the bilateral diplomatic ties, the two sides further coordinate and support each other at regional and international forums, especially within the United Nations (UN), and coordinate in organising cultural and sport exchanges, including Vietnamese Culture Day in the UAE, contributing to raising mutual understanding between peoples of the two countries. The leader stressed that with great potential for economic and trade cooperation, the two sides should complete negotiations for the Vietnam-UAE Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA) as soon as possible. He also asked the UAE to help Viet Nam in developing Halal food production and services, and build cooperation mechanisms in Halal certification in Viet Nam, helping increase the two-way trade. The PM also emphasised that Viet Nam encourages UAE enterprises and investment funds to invest and transfer technologies in the areas of mutual concern like logistics, real estate, infrastructure and innovation. Hailing the UAEs position as a financial centre and its successes in economic restructuring and scientific-technological development, Chinh suggested the country share its experience and assist Vietnam in building an international financial centre, connecting innovation networks, energy transition, environmental protection and natural resources management. Viet Nam welcomes the UAE to host the 28th United Nations Climate Change Conference (COP28), and stands ready to cooperate with the country for the success of the event. For his part, the UAE diplomat affirmed that high-ranking leaders of his country always consider Viet Nam an important partner in Asia-Pacific. UAE investors and businesses highly value investment opportunities and environment in Vietnam, and want to enhance and advance cooperation with the country in trade and investment, particularly in renewable energy, he said. The official noted that signing the CEPA is the UAEs top priority in cooperation with Viet Nam in order to create breakthroughs in economic and investment collaboration. Apart from trade and investment, the two countries should forge cooperation in other important fields such as renewable energy, climate change response, sustainable development, environmental protection and people-to-people exchange, he said. Lauding contributions by Vietnamese guest workers to the UAEs development, the minister expressed his hope that the two countries will strengthen cooperation to bring more Vietnamese skilled labourers to the UAE in the time ahead. He pledged to closely coordinate with Viet Nam in implementing cooperation proposals effectively, especially in the areas mentioned by the PM. VNS JAKARTA Ambassador Vu Ho, acting head of SOM ASEAN Vietnam, voiced concerns about the ongoing complicated developments in cyber security, climate change, and South China Sea (known in East Sea) issues at the ASEAN Regional Forum (ARF) Senior Officials Meeting (SOM) held on June 14 in Jakarta. Speaking at the meeting, the diplomat stressed principled stance of ASEAN and suggested partners, when operating in the waters, should respect international law, particularly the 1982 UN Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS 1982), jointly building the East Sea into a sea of peace, stability, cooperation and development. The ARF SOM reviewed situations and orientations of ARF cooperation, discussed international and regional issues of mutual concern, and prepared for the ARF-30 Ministerial Meeting to be held next month. Participants acknowledged progress in ARF cooperation over the past time, especially efforts in implementing the Ha Noi Action Plan II (2020-2025). They also agreed on measures to accelerate the implementation of the remaining activities in the Ha Noi Action Plan II and proposed plans for the mid-term 2023-2024. Marking its 30th anniversary, they reaffirmed the ARF is the leading forum in the region to promote dialogue and cooperation on political-security issues while promoting trust-building and preventive diplomacy. Discussing international and regional issues, they expressed concerns about impacts of hotspots such as the Russia-Ukrainian conflict, the Korean Peninsula, and Myanmar, peace, stability and development in the region. They called on relevant parties to exercise restraint, ease tensions, strengthen dialogue, build trust, and resolve issues through peaceful means on the basis of international law. Regarding the East Sea issue, participants expressed concern about complicated developments in this strategic sea, supported ASEANs common principled stance on the East Sea, and upheld compliance with international law, especially UNCLOS 1982. They also agreed to strengthen efforts to develop an effective and substantive Code of Conduct (COC) in the East Sea in accordance with international law and the UNCLOS 1982. VNS HA NOI The Vietnamese Party, State and people always give special sentiment to Cuba, National Assembly Vice Chairman Nguyen Khac inh told Cuban Minister of Justice Oscar Manuel Slivera Martinez during a reception in Ha Noi on Thursday. inh said Viet Nam forever remembers and deeply appreciates the strong support and wholehearted assistance that the Communist Party and fraternal people of Cuba have offered to the Vietnamese people in the past struggle for national liberation and the current national development. He conveyed thanks of Vietnamese NA Chairman Vuong inh Hue to leaders of the Cuban Party, State, NA and Government for welcoming the high-ranking Vietnamese NA delegation during their Cuba visit in April, with exceptional hospitality. The Vietnamese NA always helps ministries and agencies, including the Ministry of Justice, to strengthen bilateral ties with the Cuban Ministry of Justice in order to offer mutual assistance in legal and judicial matters, he said. He also welcomed the Vietnamese Ministry of Justices proposal to develop a technical assistance project for the Cuban counterpart in the field of law building, thus meeting the requirements for realising the new Constitution 2019. The host wished that ties between the two justice ministries would become exemplary and a model for cooperation between Viet Nam and Cuba. Minister Oscar Manuel Slivera Martinez, for his part, said Cuba considers the achievements that the Vietnamese Party, State, and people have attained in the cause of national defence and development a source of pride for its Party, State and people. He conveyed greetings and best wishes from the President of the National Assembly of People's Power of Cuba Esteban Lazo Hernandez to the Vietnamese top legislator Hue. The guest expressed his belief that the two legislatures will facilitate the exchange of delegations to share professional experience, particularly in lawmaking. He wished that the Vietnamese NA would back the strengthening of cooperation between the two countries ministries and agencies, and assist Cuba in lawmaking and judicial affairs. VNS There are great opportunities for Belgian investors in the development of seaports in Vietnam, a country owning a coastline of over 3,200km, heard a conference held in Anvers city of Belgium on June 12. The conference was held by the Vietnamese Embassy and Vietnam Trade Office in Belgium in coordination with the Belgian-Vietnamese Alliance (BVA), the Flanders Investment & Trade (FIT) and The Beacon Group, aiming to promote Vietnam-Belgium cooperation in seaport and logistics. The event was also meant to prepare for the Minister-President of the Government of Flanders Jan Jambons visit to Vietnam in September. Addressing the event, Jambon highlighted that Vietnam and Flanders share many similarities, including their strength in seaports. However, he pointed out that there remains plenty of room for the two sides to expand their trade partnership, adding that the two sides should grasp new opportunities from the EU-Vietnam Free Trade Agreement (EVFTA) to promote their sustainable development. With its strength in digitalisation and multimodal transport, Belgium can assist Vietnam in optimising the development and operation of seaports to seize opportunities and overcome challenges in the rapidly digitalisation era, he said. Agreeing with Jambons assessments on the bilateral cooperation potential in smart seaport and logistics, Vietnamese Ambassador Nguyen Van Thao said that with its geographical advantages and strategic location in the international maritime network, Vietnam pays great attention to developing the seaport system and logistic centres. He called on Belgian firms to strengthen cooperation with Vietnam in this field for mutual benefit. At the event, Belgian and Vietnamese firms shared experience and knowledge on opportunities in seaport and logistics sector in Vietnam, as well as challenges in the field. Speaking to Vietnam News Agencys correspondents in Brussels, Geer Dom, Director for Europe and the US of DEEP C, a firm that has invested in Vietnam for 20 years, said that Vietnam boast great advantages in seaport infrastructure and logistics. The country with a dynamic and fast growing economy is an attractive destination for foreign investment. At the same time, Marc van Bouwel, General of ICE-LOFT said that Vietnam's geostrategic location creates a huge advantage in shipping, while the 16 free trade agreements (FTAs) that Vietnam has signed, including the EVFTA, also generate great opportunities for the maritime transport and logistics sector. This year, when Vietnam and Belgium mark the 50th anniversary of their diplomatic relations, is a good time for the two sides to further develop the multi-faceted cooperation relationship, including seaport and logistics cooperation, he added. vir Indian food page Slurrp shares a fascinating culinary adventure with Vietnams top 10 street foods, including fragrant pho, a magical combination of bread, and rich flavors. of bun cha and the freshness of spring rolls and many other rich and varied dishes. Vietnamese cuisine is famous around the world for its rich flavors, fresh ingredients and unique culinary traditions. Street food in Vietnam also carries great cultural significance and plays a central role in the national cuisine. These dishes reflect the vibrant street life and community dining culture of the Vietnamese people, as people gather at bustling markets, sidewalks and eateries to enjoy dishes with diverse flavors. form. With countless street foods, it is difficult for visitors to make a decision when they first set foot in Vietnam. Slurrp page has introduced to tourists 10 must-try street foods of this country. Wide range of water dishes Topping the list is pho considered the national dish in Vietnam. Served with herbs, tender slices of beef or chicken, and rice noodle soup, this dish has a delightful harmony of flavors and textures. The rich, aromatic broth made from simmered bones is the heart and soul of this dish and makes pho the perfect dish at any time of the day. Pho is considered a national dish in Vietnam. Photo: Exatolife. There is a Vietnamese crab noodle dish that will make visitors crave more. That is vermicelli. Rich broth, made from tomatoes, crab sauce and a variety of spices, combined with soft noodles, succulent crab meat and soft tofu, topped with fresh herbs, chopped lettuce and a With little lemon, vermicelli noodle soup is a culinary masterpiece that truly showcases the diversity of Vietnamese cuisine. Also a water dish, banh chung, using thick, chewy noodle soup, offers a unique and satisfying culinary experience. Made from tapioca flour, banh chung has a distinctive texture and is served in a rich broth filled with a variety of fillings such as pork, shrimp, and quail eggs. This is a must-try street food for those who are passionate about noodles, pho, vermicelli, etc. Originating from Central Vietnam, Quang noodles are a dish that will awaken the taste buds of diners. The golden noodles of turmeric are served with slices of tender pork and shrimp, fresh herbs, peanuts, rice paper and some rich broth. Quang noodles have captured the essence of Central Vietnamese cuisine with a unique blend of flavors and textures. Delicious play dishes Another great flavor fusion dish is bread. Crispy bread is sandwiched with a variety of fillings, from succulent grilled meat, pate, fresh herbs, pickled vegetables and a little spicy sauce. The crispy, layered texture of the crust and the softness of the filling and the explosion of flavor make the bread an irresistible street food. In Vietnam, there is a way to enjoy grilled food quickly, which is to eat bun cha. Originating from Hanoi, bun cha is a dish that perfectly demonstrates the art of baking in Vietnamese cuisine. Juicy patties and succulent slices of grilled pork belly are served with vermicelli, fresh vegetables and sweet and sour dipping sauce. The harmony between the smoky flavor of the barbecue and the fresh ingredients makes for a truly satisfying dining experience. Artwork: Google Pics/Vietnamnomad Another dish with a variety of textures is Vietnamese pancakes a crispy dish that will captivate the taste buds of diners. Made from rice flour soaked with turmeric, cake Xeo is fried until golden brown and filled with a mixture of bean sprouts, shrimp, pork and herbs. To enjoy this dish, diners can cut a piece of cake and wrap it in rice paper with accompanying vegetables. All are dipped in sweet and sour fish sauce to enhance the flavor of the dish. If you want to enjoy the fresh taste of Vietnamese cuisine, spring rolls are a suitable choice. This is a portion of perfect Vietnamese street food for hot summer days. Rice paper will be rolled with fresh herbs, vermicelli, shrimp or pork, and a little fragrant mint leaves. These neat and healthy rolls are often paired with peanut dipping sauce, all providing an interesting combination of flavors and textures. In the southern region, there is a famous rustic dish called broken rice. Traditionally made from broken rice grains, broken rice is served with a variety of toppings such as grilled pork ribs, shredded pork skin, pickled vegetables and a fried egg. This hearty and delicious dish is an important part of Vietnams street food culture and offers diners a complete and satisfying meal. After enjoying so many flavorful dishes, tea is the right dessert. This delightful dessert comes in a variety of flavors, colors, and ingredients. From the famous tricolor tea with colorful layers of beans, jelly, and coconut milk to the sweet and tangy banana tea with bananas in coconut milk, the tea is a tempting end to any street food party. . Photo: Internet (Vinlove.net) Alba Wellness Valley by Fusion Travel + Leisure Southeast Asia, Hong Kong, and Macau announced the winners of the Luxury Awards Asia-Pacific 2023 this month, revealing their readers picks of the best destinations, hotels, pools, spas, and hotel general managers. The historic city of Hue, Vietnams former capital, was named among the top ten destinations in the region and Alba Wellness Valley by Fusion landed two sought after spots in the top ten lists. Alba Wellness Valley by Fusion, a hot spring resort on the outskirts of Hue, came in as number three in the Top 10 Hotel Spas in Vietnam and placed number five in the Top 10 Upcountry Hotels. The property is located on 50 hectares of lush grounds at the foot of the Truong Son mountains. Alba features a Japanese-style onsen with indoor and outdoor mineral-laden pools, along with rivers of healing thermal water that wind their way through the property. In addition to a tranquil spa, the resort offers a diverse menu of wellness activities daily, including Tai Chi, Yoga, and both water and walking meditation. It regularly hosts wellness experts to hold retreats and workshops. Alba Wellness Valley by Fusion scores two prized awards from Travel + Leisure The resort's general manager Eugene Hendriks said, While were delighted to be recognised in two different categories in these prestigious awards, were just as excited that two destinations in Vietnam, Hue and Hanoi, landed in the Top Ten Cities list. The imperial city of Hue is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and a must-see for anyone interested in the history and culture of Vietnam. When paired with a stay at Alba, a property that highlights nature, wellness, and relaxation, we believe guests will have an unforgettable experience of the country. This incredible achievement reflects the teams dedication to helping people live healthier, happier lives, continued Hendriks. Alba Wellness Valley by Fusions Wellness and Spa director Nyoman Yastama said, "We are proud of our Spa Team for this outstanding achievement. Our therapists have put in a lot of hard work and personal growth in order to deliver these highest standards of wellness to our guests." "The Spa award is a testament to the expertise of our dedicated Vietnamese therapists, who have continuously learned and refined the latest industry techniques. Ultimately, our team demonstrates respectfulness, patience, and tact to help guests feel more comfortable and at ease," Yastama reflected. The Travel + Leisure Luxury Awards Asia-Pacific 2023 covered the top hotels and resorts in a variety of categories. The countries and territories involved included Australia, Cambodia, Laos, Hong Kong, Indonesia, Japan, Macau, Malaysia, the Maldives, New Zealand, the Philippines, Singapore, South Korea, the South Pacific, Thailand, and Vietnam. Thailand's THG joins forces with IFF Holdings and Mithmitree Clinic to build wellness clinic Thailand-headquartered Thonburi Healthcare Group (THG) forged a strategic alliance on June 9 with Vietnam-based property developer IFF Holdings and Mithmitree Clinic to embark on the construction of a state-of-the-art wellness clinic in Vietnam. Thailand boosts wellness tourism The Public Health Ministry of Thailand is implementing a five-year traditional medicine development plan to boost wellness tourism. While the National Assembly hall heats up day by day over the question of how to quickly recover businesses, numerous businesses are struggling financially and getting desperate. In recent times, Vietnam has been attempting to simplify procedures and digitalise admin issues across all walks of life At the end of May, Hoang Hai, representative of Viet An Co., Ltd. in the central province of Nghe An, contacted the provincial tax department, asking for support related to the tax refund of tapioca. We have contacted authorities and been told to keep waiting, he said. The answer they gave us was to wait for the direction of the General Department of Taxation (GDT). Hoang Hai and a representative of the Vietnam Cassava Association have been proposing a VAT refund for more than a year. Last November, GDT deputy director-general Vu Chi Hung replied that he would talk to tax departments that had problems with enterprises like cassava starch exporters and timber enterprises. Since then, Viet An company has completed all requirements of relevant agencies and is working with the economic police department in Nghe An to ensure the export of cassava starch by the company complies with the law. Nghe An Tax Department has told Hai that the reason why his company has not yet been refunded tax is that they cannot verify whether their materials come from China or not. The GDT should base action on the actual situation of import and export of agricultural products in the Vietnam-China border area. If the enterprise is proven to violate rules, we will take all responsibilities and fines, said Hai. Verification struggles In similar woes, An Phat Global Import-Export Trading JSC has been dealing in cassava starch for a decade. The company had already carried out over 30 VAT refund periods successfully, but by February 2020 the process was delayed, even though the process itself was identical. During that time, the company exported well over 12,000 tonnes of tapioca starch to China, with the amount of tax refund sitting at nearly VND12 billion ($500,000). After 31 VAT refund periods, businesses were not found to have violated anything, so we do not known why at the end of 2019 Hanoi Tax Department asked for Chinese customers to be verified with Chinese tax authorities, Pham Minh Khoa, director of An Phat said. Meanwhile, according to the regulations on conditions for tax deduction and tax refund, there is no requirement to verify foreign customers information and match with Vietnamese exporters, Khoa explained. He had provided all relevant dossiers to tax and public security authorities as before. Vu Manh Cuong, director of the GDTs Tax Audit and Inspection Department, said that after exporting through Vietnams customs border gates, they often throw away export documents and use permits for Chinese border residents that are exempt from taxes. This is a form of business under the border policy that the Chinese government applies to border residents. Every day, they can buy goods at the border areas worth not more than 8,000 ($1,100) for the consumption of border residents without paying taxes, said Cuong. Khoa asked why Hanoi Tax Department bases decisions on the information of Chinese enterprises to not refund tax to Vietnamese counterparts, when the tax authorities believe that Chinese enterprises take advantage of the incentives of the border policy to cover up violations. In March, An Phat received a letter from Hanoi Public Security Department to verify that its goods were exported exclusively via border gates at the correct volume and value, according to the tax refund request of the company. However, to date, the company has not received any further feedback from Hanoi Tax Department. Other companies have been waiting patiently for VAT refund dossiers. For the last few months, the Vietnam Timber and Forest Product Association (Vifores) has also been attentive to the opinions of member enterprises. Although a prime ministerial deadline has passed to solve this issue, there is still no specific information from the GDT or local tax departments on the matter. Limited compliance The latest Provincial Competitiveness Index released in April reported the continued improvement in the handling of administrative procedures over time, but firms still claim troubles in certain key areas. Of these, administrative procedures related to taxes and fees are the most troublesome. Among businesses encountering difficulties in complying with tax administrative procedures, those reporting problems with tax finalisation accounted for the largest proportion (49 per cent), followed by that of tax exemption and reduction, and tax refund (29 per cent), the report highlighted. The troublesome procedures related to taxes and fees resulted not only from firms limited compliance with new regulations but also from other tax management activities. More notably, 53.8 per cent of surveyed firms agreed that negotiations on payable taxes with provincial tax officers are a necessary part of doing business, which is higher than in 2021 (47.6 per cent). The percentage of firms reporting payment of informal charges to tax officials in the past year also rose dramatically, from 33.8 per cent in 2021 to 54.5 per cent in 2022. On the first day of June, Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh issued Official Dispatch No.493/TTg-KSTT requesting ministries, sectors, and localities to continue to strongly and drastically promote administrative procedure reform, and improve the business environment practically and effectively. The official dispatch stated that authorities at all levels have made efforts to reform administrative procedures in association with national digital transformation to reduce administrative regulations, compliance costs, and improve the quality of public service provision. Since 2021, ministries have reduced and simplified more than 2,200 business regulations in 177 legal documents, and the PM has approved the plan to reduce and simplify more than 1,100 regulations related to business activities, and provided more than 4,400 public services online on the National Public Service Portal. As of May 2023, the total number of administrative procedures of the whole country is 6,422, a decrease of 376 procedures on-year. However, administrative procedures in some areas still remain unsatisfactory, being a barrier to production and business. Internal administrative procedures have not been reviewed and reduced. The settlement of administrative procedures is still delayed and remaining bottlenecks in implementation; and the publicity and transparency of administrative procedures and provision of quality online public services are still limited. To continue drastically reforming administrative procedure and effectively improving the business environment, the PM requires ministers, heads of ministerial-level agencies, and chairs of peoples committees to urgently review, cut, and simplify regulations and administrative procedures related to investment, production, and business. At least 20 per cent of compliance costs will have to cut down according to the governments direction since 2020. The Ministry of Planning and Investment shall assume the prime responsibility for enhancing the business environment and national competitiveness under the direction of the government, and review and submit to the PM a plan reducing and simplifying regulations and administrative procedures related to the implementation of public investment and projects. These all should be completed and submitted to the PM for approval before September 30. PM urges streamlining administrative procedures, paving way for transport projects Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh asked ministries, agencies and localities to work harder in order to pave way for transport projects, saying administrative procedures should be streamlined, while concluding a meeting of the State steering committee for national key transport projects in Hanoi on April 12. What is expected to occur in the short term, in terms of boosting regulations on marine surveys? Dr. Du Van Toan, director of the Marine Resource Management and Research for the Vietnam Administration of Seas and Islands, under the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment The ministry has finalised the draft decree amending and adding to several articles of Decree No.40/2016/ND-CP, which details a number of articles of the Law on Natural Resources and Environment of Sea and Islands as well as Decree No.11/2021/ND-CP. New documents enhance regulations on evaluation procedures and issue a three-year written approval for the measurement, monitoring, and evaluation of marine resources. If the government permits, these documents could be released in the third quarter, facilitating the licensing of marine surveys and the construction of the first 3GW of offshore wind power experimental projects in the country. Vietnam has an offshore wind power potential of up to 600GW, but marine survey licensing is plagued by numerous issues relating to criteria, capacity, experience, and construction capability. Therefore, only two wind measurement projects have been licensed to date. Permits for offshore wind energy surveying have been requested by 41 developers. What is your key warning when it comes to carrying out surveys? Due to the multiple phases of the survey, investors should not conduct multiple surveys simultaneously. The first survey is a wind measurement survey, while the geological and engineering survey should not be conducted until the state management agency confirms the projects economic viability. The cost of a wind measurement survey is not excessively high, whereas geological surveys and engineering projects incur astronomical costs. Currently, the greatest obstacle for investors is the lack of clarity surrounding the policy and mechanism governing electricity price formation. Foreign investors have not yet been attracted by investment incentives, and power generation on the grid is dependent on the transmission capacity of the national power grid. Can you tell us why wind measurement surveying is a priority? Vietnam has offshore wind power potential, but not all seas are suitable for deployment. From Binh Dinh to Ninh Thuan provinces, and from Binh Thuan to Ca Mau provinces, and a portion of the central waters of the Gulf of Tonkin are the sea areas with the greatest wind energy potential, according to a study published last year. The greatest wind energy in Vietnam is found in the coastal regions of Ninh Thuan and Binh Thuan. At the 100m level in this region, wind velocity exceeds 10 metres per second, and the wind energy density reaches 1,200-1,400MW per square metre. Khanh Hoa (including Spratly Islands) is the province with the longest coastline at 370km, the largest sea surface area at 37,000 square kilometres, and the maximum wind energy resource at 259,000MW. Next is Ca Mau, which has 254km of coastline, 25,400sq.km of sea, and 203,200MW of estimated wind energy resources. In addition, areas such as the islands of Phu Quy, Bach Long Vi, and Spratly Islands have abundant wind energy resources that can be used to develop large offshore wind power projects. Will legal obstacles prevent the development of this energy source? The legal structure for renewable energy and offshore wind is undergoing development. To accomplish the objectives of the Power Development Plan VIII, the legal framework for offshore wind power must be finalised as soon as possible, including the early adoption of a long-term marine spatial plan coordinated with other economic sectors. Vietnam may gain knowledge from the global experience in developing and publishing legal documents to finalise the offshore wind power law. Australia and the United States both have offshore wind power regulations that limit the minimum and maximum area of a project. A survey permit is restricted to 700sq.km by Australian laws, for example. Vietnams offshore wind realm remains in a muddle The strategy for renewable energy development being in limbo is holding back offshore wind power prospects in Vietnam. Vietnam needs to modify policies to foster offshore wind power According to Vietnam's new electricity strategy, the objective is to ensure the overall capacity of offshore wind power reaches 6 GW by 2030 and 7-9GW by 2050. This will assure energy safety as well as meet the rising needs of the whole nation, in pace with its socioeconomic development. You first arrived in Vietnam over 30 years ago and Dragon Capital has also been operational here for almost the same length of time. What are your observations about the influx of foreign capital into Vietnam? The sequence of law enactments in the late 1980s and early 1990s indicated the Vietnamese governments focus on attracting international investment, with foreign direct investment (FDI) becoming an essential component of the countrys economy. Dominic Scriven, chairman of Dragon Capital Fund Management Company The history of FDI attraction in different economies reveals four levels of investment. The first level involves pioneering companies exploiting the market, focusing primarily on extracting mineral resources such as coffee, iron and steel, coal, and timber, among others. The second level entails setting up production factories but with little investment in technology, mainly relying on labour, as evident in the textile and footwear industries. The third level sees foreign businesses investing in domestic markets, revolving around import sales activities, followed by the assembly of imported components. Gradually, many foreign companies expanded their operations to build supply chains and produce some components to minimise imports, such as Hondas factories. The final level comprises foreign businesses that invest in infrastructure, a capital-intensive field with prolonged capital recovery times and low-profit margins, requiring significant investor confidence in the investment environment. I once convinced a Middle Eastern investment fund to pour money into Vietnams infrastructure. They compared the return on equity for investing in Vietnams infrastructure and Australias, and found that investing in Vietnams infrastructure offered a higher return. However, this fund still chose to invest in Australia, believing that the investment environment there was safer, more transparent, and carried lower risks. This attests to the multifaceted requirements that must be met to gain the confidence of foreign funds, including macroeconomic stability, political stability, legal consistency, and an open and efficient governmental apparatus as a prerequisite. Overall, Vietnam has emerged as the most successful nation in attracting FDI among economies of similar scale, with a remarkably high FDI-to-GDP ratio. Approximately a decade ago, FDI accounted for around 6-7 per cent of GDP, whereas presently it stands at approximately 5 per cent. Notably, whereas previously there was a significant disparity between committed and actual FDI, the gap has narrowed, with realised FDI almost equivalent to the governments plan for public investment disbursement into infrastructure. Attracting FDI is a pivotal solution to expedite the improvement of Vietnams infrastructure, particularly in the realm of transportation, which has been deemed inadequate. Do you have any recommendations for attracting funding in the infrastructure network? The delayed influx in this area, particularly through large-scale transportation projects, can be attributed to a lack of requisite flexibility in the current mechanism. As investment capital increases, it becomes more challenging to approve corresponding capital increases while foreign investors are left waiting. Moreover, it is imperative to determine whether foreign investors are to be engaged in the infrastructure sector, such as water supply, airports, aviation, and other related services. Each country has its own stance on the proportion of FDI in this sector. Some nations maintain a highly open stance; for instance, in the United Kingdom, foreign businesses largely contribute to electricity, water, and waste treatment, as well as airport and highway services. I acknowledge that attracting FDI into infrastructure may not currently be a top priority for Vietnam. On the other hand, inflows into the sector also reflect the international capitals confidence in the host government. I also recognise the Vietnamese governments inclination towards foreign-invested enterprises supporting the domestic manufacturing sector, while concurrently enhancing Vietnams position in the global value chain to boost the complexity level of Vietnamese-made products. In the near future, more than 140 countries will be implementing a minimum tax rate of 15 per cent for multinational corporations with total revenues of at least 750 million ($823.16 million). How will this affect Vietnam? The multilateral agreement aims to counter tax base erosion and thwart a race to the bottom in terms of taxation, a challenge that the Vietnamese government and relevant agencies must thoroughly contemplate, given the countrys reliance on investment incentives, including tax incentives. The imposition of this minimum tax rate may result in additional tax liabilities for multinationals operating in Vietnam, potentially undermining the countrys competitive investment environment and jeopardising its revenue generation. Hence, Vietnam must expeditiously adopt measures to re-evaluate and adjust its investment incentive policies, while also enhancing the domestic investment climate and cultivating a skilled workforce, to avoid over-reliance on tax incentives. Against the backdrop of increasing FDI attractiveness, how do you assess the outlook for indirect investment towards Vietnam? Over the past 10 years, the Vietnamese government has been proactive in promoting private sector engagement in the nations development, offering commitments and incentives in the capital market to foster access to diverse funding sources, enhance transparency, and create a level playing field for private businesses to flourish. Such positive signals have piqued the interest of foreign investors, who see the potential in Vietnams capital market. Currently, the proportion of foreign-listed companies in the Vietnamese stock market remains limited. This contrasts with the Chinese market, where the government has effectively encouraged domestic companies to participate in the FDI chain by providing raw materials and services to bolster their positioning. The much-anticipated upgrading of the Vietnamese stock market has been a perennial area of focus for policymakers. What are the imperative measures that the government should take in a bid to facilitate an upgrade? The question of upgrading the Vietnamese stock market has been a major concern. The biggest bottleneck lies in our ability to implement a central counterparty (CCP) model for the underlying stock market. Currently, investors are required to have sufficient securities in their trading accounts before selling, and sufficient funds before placing buy orders. This depresses investors purchasing power, but if we can successfully implement the CCP model, the markets liquidity will markedly boost. In addition to this, other impediments remain, such as the lack of annual reports in English by Vietnamese listed companies and the limited foreign ownership limit, which has not yet witnessed concrete measures to promote non-voting depositary receipts, unlike some comparable markets such as Thailand. The eagerly anticipated launch of the Korean Exchanges new IT system is expected to pave the way for introducing novel products and services, stimulating market expansion. Undoubtedly, the Vietnamese stock market is an emerging market, which nonetheless continues to be classified as a frontier market. As a result, foreign institutional investments streaming into the Vietnamese stock market still represent a meager portion compared to other emerging markets. To surmount these daunting obstacles, the implementation of the CCP model, coupled with addressing the hindrances outlined, is vital to the enhancement of the markets liquidity and attraction of foreign investment. The incorporation of new technologies is likewise indispensable in facilitating the introduction of new products and services, a critical factor that undergirds the markets overall growth. Dragon Capital partners with Digi Invest Powered by MB Dragon Capital has recently teamed up with MB to roll out professional fund management services in a centralised app by MB Bank, which would optimise retail customers experience and investment efficiency. Dragon Capital Vietnam helps research Ca Mau Mangroves and Pu Mat National Park On November 17, the Institute of Strategy and Policy on Natural Resources and Environment (ISPONRE), in collaboration with Dragon Capital Vietnam, organised a workshop to announce the research results on the valuation of the ecosystem services of Ca Mau mangroves and Pu Mat National Park in Nghe An Province, and the introduction of research into private financing for biodiversity and ecological services. Haiphong maintained its position as a leading destination for foreign direct investment (FDI) in the country during the first five months of 2023, with more than $500 million, according to the Ministry of Planning and Investment. According to Haiphong Economic Zones Management Authority, in 2022, Haiphong ranked fourth nationwide in attracting FDI, reaching approximately $2.5 billion. The northern port city has firmly positioned itself as the top investment destination in the countrys industrial manufacturing sector. Haiphong has long been a home for many giant FDI investors. Those that have established bases in the city include LG Group in Korea, Pegatron Group in Taiwan, Bridgestone Group in Japan, and Regina Miracle Group in Hong Kong. The expansion of FDI giants in Haiphong is among the factors driving the influx of vendors, suppliers and small- and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) into the port city. Unlike the groups who typically make substantial investments in their own facilities, these businesses opt to lease ready-built factories and warehouses. This leasing option is particularly suitable for SMEs and new market entrants since it allows them to save time and optimise various costs, such as investment and management fees, maintenance expenses, and expenditure on construction. According to Nguyen Phuong Thao, leasing and asset management director at Gaw NP Capital, the demand for ready-built factories and warehouses is projected to keep rising. The end of 2023 will likely witness an upsurge in the supply of such facilities. This will put pressure on rents and occupancy rates, leading to a probable stabilisation of rental prices, said Thao. Located in Haiphong, GNP Nam Dinh Vu Industrial Center provides premium ready-built factories and warehouses Thao stated that the GNP Nam Dinh Vu Industrial Center project invested in by Gaw NP Capital has been successful in attracting numerous inquiries from companies looking to lease ready-built factories and warehouses. "There is a growing demand for factory and warehouse rentals, especially from SMEs, but they are cautious about factors such as price, project location, supply chain capabilities, and sustainability factors," Thao said. Distinctive advantages in investing in Haiphong Situated on the strategic economic corridor along the northeastern coast, Haiphong serves as the primary import and export gateway for the northern region. Thanks to its proximity to the Chinese border, which is merely 180km away, the city has been acknowledged as a potential China+1 manufacturing hub. It is currently the only city in the North that boasts all five major modes of transport, including roads, waterways, railways, inland waterways, and airports. National highways No.5 and No.10, Hanoi-Haiphong Expressway, Haiphong-Quang Ninh Expressway, Hanoi-Haiphong Railway, Cat Bi International Airport, and Lach Huyen Deepwater Sea Port are evolving into primary access points to the sea for the northern regions and linking international maritime transportation routes. Additionally, the city also places emphasis on developing industrial infrastructure. At present, there are 14 operational industrial zones (IZs), and 15 more are planned that will cover a total area of over 6,200 hectares by 2025. Among them, Dinh Vu-Cat Hai Economic Zone encompasses the majority of the key IZs in Haiphong. This zone has received substantial infrastructure investment and utilises sustainable development models. Haiphong shows off an outstanding business and investment climate, ranking third out of the 63 cities and provinces on the Provincial Competitiveness Index in 2022. In addition, the city secured second place in the Public Administration Reform Index with a score of 91.09 per cent in 2022. Opt for ready-built factories and warehouses for lease in GNP Nam Dinh Vu GNP Nam Dinh Vu is a distinguished ready-built factory and warehouse project located in Nam Dinh Vu Industrial Park, one of the largest IZs in Haiphong. Developed and invested in by Gaw NP Capital, the project consists of a total net leasable area of 107,000 square metres. Thanks to its flexible rental space and complete infrastructure, GNP Nam Dinh Vu is well-suited for a diverse range of industries. The project is now ready for handover. Construction progress at GNP Nam Dinh Vu Industrial Center as of June 2023 with more than 76 per cent built GNP Nam Dinh Vu Industrial Center provides outstanding benefits that include a column-free design to maximise production space, spacious internal roads, EDGE energy-reduction standards, advanced fire protection systems, and round-the-clock security. It is ideal for both export processing enterprises (EPEs) and non-EPEs. GNP is committed to offering legal and policy assistance to any foreign companies that are shifting their operations to Vietnam. The team will aid in guiding businesses through the company setup process, obtaining essential business licences, and producing any other required documentation. GNP Nam Dinh Vu is empowered by Gaw NP Capital, a $200 million platform backed by Gaw Capital Partners, which is a global real estate private equity firm that is well-known for developing and operating almost 1 million sq.m of industrial space, along with NP Capital Partners, a reputable real estate firm with a strong network and development capability in Vietnam. Along with GNP Nam Dinh Vu, GNP is also developing many other projects, such as the GNP Dong Van 3 Industrial Center, an integrated factory and warehouse in Ha Nam province, and the GNP Yen Binh 1 and 2 ready-built factories for lease in Thai Nguyen province. Nam Dinh Vu IP fully embraces logistics services and utilities Nam Dinh Vu Industrial Park creates great charm for investors by virtue of seamless infrastructure fully integrated with logistics utilities and services. Nam Dinh Vu IP honoured for seamless industrial and logistics infrastructure Nam Dinh Vu Industrial Park in Haiphong has been honoured as an outstanding industrial park with synchronous industrial and logistics infrastructure at the recently held Outstanding Industrial Park Polling 2022, hosted by Dien Dan Doanh Nghiep magazine, the news agency under Vietnam Chamber of Commerce and Industry (VCCI). Sao Do Group supports building of Nam Dinh Vu sea dike system Construction of 12.7km-long Nam Dinh Vu sea dike in Dinh Vu - Cat Hai Economic Zone in Haiphong kicked off a fortnight ago, with part of the funding coming from Sao Do Group, a major industrial real estate developer in the city. The cooperation signifies HSBC Vietnam's commitment to the financial wellbeing of its employees and positions HSBC as the pioneering global bank to introduce such a scheme in the Vietnamese market. Furthermore, it sets a new industry benchmark for designing employee welfare initiatives. Voluntary retirement funds have gained widespread popularity in many countries worldwide, particularly those facing an ageing population, as a means to enhance social security. The voluntary supplementary retirement offering provides businesses with enhanced flexibility and convenience in implementing and applying labour policies, streamlining processes while saving valuable time and effort. According to Tim Evans, CEO of HSBC Vietnam, Since we first opened in Vietnam 153 years ago, our people have been at the core of all that we have achieved. It is for this reason that we continue to challenge ourselves to refine our employment proposition so that it takes into consideration our peoples physical, social, mental, and financial wellbeing." "Our partnership with Dragon Capital will provide our employees with a range of benefits that ensures their financial security and peace of mind in their post-employment years. We do not intend to stop here, we continue to look ahead and will strive to work towards creating a work environment where everyone has the opportunity to be at their best both professionally and personally, added Evans. Beat Schurch, CEO of Dragon Capital Vietnam commented, "We are honoured that HSBC Vietnam has placed their trust in us and selected Dragon Capital to manage their pension programme. With three decades of experience and a steadfast dedication to the development of the Vietnamese financial market, we will make every effort to meet the expectations of businesses and employees alike. This initiative will play a pivotal role in creating a sustainable and secure future for HSBC staff members as they embark on their retirement journey." Vietnam is considered one of the nations with the fastest ageing population in the world. The number of people at and above 60 years old is expected to increase by 5 million and account for more than 17 per cent of the nations population by 2030. Furthermore, by 2050, these figures are projected to reach 29.8 million and 27.2 per cent. In 2022, Vietnam had an active workforce of more than 50 million. Among these, the 30-40 age group is considered critical, with the highest average income per head. This group is growing in terms of quantity and percentage of the total population. In the next 15 years, this group will enter old age. By then, Vietnam will move from a golden population to an ageing one, meaning a hike in social welfare. In a survey on the retirement outlook, 85 per cent of this age group hope for an independent lifestyle when retired. However, only 4 out of 10 people have a plan in place and take action to secure their post-retirement lives. To better support a life after retirement, HSBC is continuously improving its employee wellbeing offerings, not only taking care of the staffs current needs but also helping them better prepare for a life after retiring. Dragon Capital Pensions is a long-term investment vehicle that is designed and operated on a voluntary basis, fostering collaboration between employees and businesses, and incentivising long-term investment and savings to ensure a comfortable retirement income. These voluntary retirement funds are effectively managed and supervised by government bodies to ensure transparency, accountability, and the safeguarding of participants' rights. The programme marks the pioneering introduction of a voluntary supplementary retirement scheme in Vietnam. The collaboration between HSBC Vietnam and Dragon Capital exemplifies the shared commitment of both companies towards the financial wellbeing and prosperity of HSBCs employees. By providing them with a long-term plan for their post-retirement lives, this collaboration will pave the way for a bright and sustainable future for both individuals and their families. Dragon Capital Vietnam helps research Ca Mau Mangroves and Pu Mat National Park On November 17, the Institute of Strategy and Policy on Natural Resources and Environment (ISPONRE), in collaboration with Dragon Capital Vietnam, organised a workshop to announce the research results on the valuation of the ecosystem services of Ca Mau mangroves and Pu Mat National Park in Nghe An Province, and the introduction of research into private financing for biodiversity and ecological services. A proposal from Electricity of Vietnam (EVN) to engage in 4,000MW of offshore wind power in the Gulf of Tonkin faces obstacles, according to Ngo Quoc Phuong, deputy director of EVNs Investment Management Department. Some current regulations pertaining to offshore wind power are inadequate, Phuong stated after reviewing relevant regulations, such as those pertaining to marine resources, the 2012 Marine Law, and the Law on Investment. According to Phuong, the lack of identification of the authority responsible for authorising investment policies, and the dearth of regulations on the sequence of submission tracking dossiers, industry capacity, and unit pricing norms are causing issues for offshore wind projects. According to the Danish Energy Agency, the Gulf of Tonkin region has a technical potential of approximately 18GW. Marine planning a prerequisite for offshore investment plans, illustration photo/ Photo Le Toan In Vietnam, the largest barriers to offshore wind energy investment are legislative and technical. According to Phuong, the Power Development Plan VIII (PDP8) includes alternatives for onshore connections. Due to the ongoing construction of the marine spatial plan for 2021-2030, the distribution of zones and connection of lines on the sea do not have a specific plan for each location at this time. The May release of PDP8 paved the way for the realisation of the 6GW target by 2030, thereby contributing to the 2050 objective of achieving net-zero emissions. But Phuong worries that this objective may be unachievable if Vietnam proceeds to delay the development and promulgation of the marine spatial plan and the completion of the offshore wind power infrastructure and legal system. Depending on project scope, technology type, and sea and coastal resources, the offshore wind energy investment rate is decreasing swiftly. According to estimates by EVN Power Engineering Consulting 1, the total investment for a 1,000MW offshore wind power project in Vietnam is around $3.15 billion and is expected to decrease to $2.15 billion by 2030. Wind energy developers from Europe believe Vietnam must surmount various obstacles in order to establish its offshore wind industry. The development of explicit policies and objectives will allow for long-term investment, thus lowering the cost of generating electricity from offshore wind, said Neil Douglas, director of BVG Associates, a Danish firm assisting the Ministry of Industry and Trade with implementation of marine spatial planning. This additionally assists in minimising risks and drawing low-cost loans for venture developers, thereby facilitating the execution of financially viable projects. Common obstacles to massive initiatives include permission at the state and local levels, ambiguity about the time schedule, and the risk of postponements and alterations, according to Douglas. Issues pertaining to responsibility for grid connection, location, selecting technology, and consolidation of technical standards must be resolved, he said. Marine spatial planning will be considered by the National Assembly this year, noted Sven Ernedal, chief of the Vietnam Energy Partnership Groups (VEPG) expert group in charge of offshore wind development. Investment in offshore wind power is strongly linked to marine spatial planning. Preparing the legal framework is challenging and takes time, but it is necessary to get ready for the financial commitment, Ernedal said. The VEPG maintains a forum for the exchange of offshore wind knowledge between Vietnam and foreign collaborators. Ernnedal stated that the task force conducts a meeting monthly to discuss offshore wind power research and related issues. We want to pinpoint best practices and offer policy suggestions on key offshore wind growth concerns in Vietnam, Ernedal added. Vietnams offshore wind realm remains in a muddle The strategy for renewable energy development being in limbo is holding back offshore wind power prospects in Vietnam. Voices grow louder for energy plan approval Numerous organisations and investors are urging Vietnam to swiftly define policies to accelerate the deployment of 7GW of offshore wind energy by 2030. Phu My Hung New City Centre is the first step of a strategy to expand Ho Chi Minh City to the south while offering high-quality living space and an elite community. In the early 90s, the location of Phu My Hung was a swamp with no roads and no economic value. But then Phu My Hung Development Corporation was born, representing the transformation of Ho Chi Minh City as it began to call for foreign investors into the city. In 1993, Phu My Hung held a competition to design a new urban plan with the participation of the worlds top architectural planners. As a result, the global designers including Skidmore, Owings & Merrill, Kenzo Tange & Associates and Koetter Kim & Associates, were chosen to participate in building the townships master plan. Three years later, Phu My Hung Development started to build its urban infrastructure, including the 17.8km Nguyen Van Linh Parkway with 10 lanes. The boulevard was built to pass through the swampland of Nha Be district (partly now District 7), District 8, and Binh Chanh. From here, the first drawings of the urban area began to materialise. Phu My Hung creating sustainable values Attracting improvements In five urban areas located along Nguyen Van Linh Parkway, Zone A of Phu My Hung was developed first with eigth functional subdivisions including three commercial and service subdivisions, and five areas reserved for housing development including apartments, villas, and townhouses. The architectural and functional characteristics of each sub-zone in Zone A have created a completed functional urban area with the criteria of convenient use and harmony with the neighbouring green landscape. All technical infrastructure works such as traffic systems, electricity, water, and telecommunications have also been built. So far, more than 113 housing construction projects have been implemented with many medical facilities and educational institutions. Phu My Hung Development has also attracted many secondary investors to develop services with dozens of commercial projects and hundreds of businesses in almost all sectors. Assoc. Prof. Dr. Nguyen Trong Hoa, former director of the Institute for Research and Development of Ho Chi Minh City, said that one of the factors for Phu My Hung urban area to be realised from conception to reality was the participation of investors from the very beginning. Meanwhile, sociologist Assoc. Prof. Dr. Nguyen Minh Hoa said that Phu My Hung has brought about another value to the whole community. Phu My Hung contributes to shaping a new and modern lifestyle of the 21st century, making people more aware of the conventions of living in public and creating sustainable living spaces, Hoa said. Creating and maintaining value Looking back at nearly 30 years of investment in Vietnam, Phu My Hung Development has experienced three development phases the first American-standard urban planning, the first model city, and the first service city. Now, it is entering its fourth development phase a smart city, aiming to meet the ecological and convenience needs of residents. The real-life value of Phu My Hung New City Centre is not only attracting local people but also the international community, with nearly half of the total population of the whole area being foreigners. At Phu My Hung Development, the elements that create value are linked together and have created the real value of a property that worth buying, worth living in, and worth investing in. Creating a property that is both valuable to live in and has added value is the goal of all efforts that Phu My Hung Development has made over the past 30 years. The goal of creating multiple values for homebuyers will never end, to ensure that homebuyers will always feel proud of their choice to live in Phu My Hung. In addition, such a city will be a lever to promote the economic development of the whole locality and region. Phu My Hung Development Corporation was established in 1993 based on a joint venture between Tan Thuan Industrial Development, which contributed 30 per cent capital by land use rights, and Phu My Hung Asia Holdings (formerly CT&D Group), contributing the remainder. Located over 2,600 hectares in the south of Ho Chi Minh City, Phu My Hung Development is assigned to exploit and develop five zones along Nguyen Van Linh Parkway. Of those, Phu My Hung Township is Zone A a new urban centre with an area of 433ha. Bamboo Airways has announced important updates regarding its annual shareholders' meeting for 2023. All five members of the Board of Directors (BoD) serving for the 2019-2024 term have submitted resignation letters. These include Nguyen Ngoc Trong, Doan Huu Doan, Le Ba Nguyen, Le Thai Sam, and Nguyen Manh Quan. To ensure the continuity of the boards operations, Bamboo Airways plans to propose the exit of the aforementioned members at the upcoming meeting, coinciding with the election of a new board for the 2023-2028 period. The company has nominated seven new candidates. In addition, all three members of the Supervisory Board, Tran Anh Tuan, Pham Van Phung, and Nguyen Dang Khoa, have also submitted their resignation letters. The BoD will propose the removal of these members, leading to the election of new Supervisory Board members for the 2023-2028 term. Among the resigning BoD members, Nguyen Ngoc Trong is noteworthy as he is the first deputy CEO of Bamboo Airways. With over four decades of experience in the aviation industry, Trong brings extensive expertise to the sector. Another significant resignation is that of Le Thai Sam, who holds a substantial stake in Bamboo Airways and has provided a significant loan to the company. He has experience in real estate, trade and services, and finance and banking. Previously, Sam, a member of the BoD at both FLC and Bamboo Airways, has provided the airline with a credit facility of around $345 million. In early May, FLC announced a resolution to transfer over 400 million Bamboo Airways shares, accounting for 21.7 per cent of the company's capital, to Sam. Prior to this transaction, Sam held 231.7 million BAV shares, equivalent to 12.53 per cent of the airline's charter capital. Consequently, he is set to acquire a stake of more than 34 per cent in Bamboo Airways. Moreover, Doan Huu Doan, vice chairman of the BoD and deputy CEO of Bamboo Airways, has resigned citing personal business reasons. Bamboo Airways has appointed Nguyen Minh Hai as the new CEO, replacing Nguyen Manh Quan. In a recent report, NNA Asia, a news agency under Japan's Kyodo News, disclosed Bamboo Airways' intention to recruit two former senior leaders of Japan Airlines to join its BoD. Hideki Oshima, the former director of International Relations and Alliances, is expected to assume a senior leadership position, while Masaru Onishi, the former chairman, is set to become a senior advisor. Japan Airlines, the second-largest airline in Japan, had expressed interest in deepening cooperation with Bamboo Airways during a meeting between the leaders of both companies in Hanoi at the end of 2019. Bamboo Airways reported a significant increase in net revenue for the year, but also a substantial loss, resulting in negative equity. In response to inquiries from the government's official news portal on June 12, a representative of Bamboo Airways revealed that the airline is currently in the process of completing the ownership transition from the previous investors to new ones. The restructuring initiative is a meticulous undertaking, requiring considerable time and effort. This comprehensive reorganisation entails the recruitment and hiring of highly experienced senior personnel from international airlines to augment Bamboo Airways' workforce and enhance its capabilities. Bamboo Airways opens representative office at Sydney Airport By launching a new office, Bamboo Airways has expanded its presence in Australia and international markets. This strategic partnership marries the cutting-edge Samsung Wallet digital wallet with Shinhan Bank's financial solutions, uniting forces under the banner of "Safe Storage - Easy Payment." Against the backdrop of Vietnam's burgeoning appetite for mobile payments in everyday transactions and leisure pursuits, this collaborative relationship aims to deliver a seamless and impregnable digital ecosystem, facilitating a world of convenience and comfort for both Galaxy smart device users and Shinhan Bank customers. Lee Chung Lyong, general director of Samsung Vina Electronics said "Amidst Vietnam's digital transformation wave, I firmly believe that the synergy between Shinhan Bank and Samsung will leverage each other's strengths to create an integrated and comprehensive digital payment platform tailored to Vietnamese consumers." As mobile technology relentlessly shapes the fabric of everyday life, particularly in Vietnam's bustling metropolises, the need for avant-garde, secure financial solutions becomes increasingly pressing. The fusion of the Samsung Wallet digital wallet platform with Shinhan Bank's modern payment solutions assumes the vanguard of this new trend, bestowing Vietnamese users with tools necessary to embrace the digital lifestyle. The partnership between Samsung and Shinhan Bank offers Galaxy smart device users the ability to seamlessly link their accounts with Shinhan Bank cards through the integrated Samsung Wallet digital wallet, facilitating quick and convenient payments. With Samsung's cutting-edge management features and top-notch security platform, this collaboration aims to bring users convenience and peace of mind when it comes to mobile payments for their daily activities. In addition to enhancing mobile payment capabilities, the collaboration opens up new possibilities to meet the digital lifestyle needs of Galaxy device enthusiasts. Users can now benefit from Samsung's diverse ecosystem, as special promotions from Shinhan Bank for products and services of South Korean companies in Vietnam will be integrated and directly managed within the Samsung Wallet digital wallet. Users can now revel in a life rich with premier services, fortified by the impenetrable fortress of Knox Guard, ensuring the highest echelons of security in mobile payments. Kang GewWon, CEO of Shinhan Bank, echoed this sentiment, saying that this strategic partnership with Samsung will serve as a pivotal catalyst in Vietnam's digital transformation journey, propelling secure mobile payments to the vanguard of consumers' preferred payment solutions. By combining Shinhan Bank's specialised financial solutions with Samsung's security capabilities, we are confident that this cooperation can enhance the capacity of mobile payment methods and transform them into the preferred payment solution for all customers in Vietnam," he said. The proliferation of Samsung Wallet payments on Galaxy smartphones is expected to bring positive development to Vietnam's digital lifestyle. By leveraging API integration from Shinhan SOL Vietnam, Shinhan Bank's e-banking application, users can synchronise their cards with the Samsung Wallet app, empowering them to "save to Samsung Wallet." This streamlined feature encompasses all integrated cards supported by Samsung Wallet, along with dedicated cards catering to specialised services such as BAEMIN, Korean Air, Lotte Visa Card, and even student cards. Shinhan Bank and Nguyen Hoang Group forge educational financing partnership Shinhan Vietnam Joint Stock Commercial Bank (Shinhan Bank) inked a strategic collaboration with Nguyen Hoang Group (NHG), an educational company in Vietnam, on May 11 to offer an interest-free tuition fee financing programme. Samsung Vietnam CEO drives sustainable development At the conference Stronger Investment Partnerships for a Thriving Vietnam organised by VIR on the morning of May 15, Samsung was noted as one of the nation's most successful foreign-invested enterprises. Wacos Deep in the Heart Film Festival returns to the Waco Hippodrome and Cultivate 7twelve next month with festival award-winning movies bookending the four-day fest. The festival, held July 20-23 in downtown Waco, marks its seventh year with nine feature films, 106 short films, 12 music videos and a novel multimedia project created with smartphones in mind. A regional film festival favorite Finding Her Beat, the story of two women organizing the first all-female taiko drumming team, will open the Waco festival on July 20. Directors Dawn Mikkelson and Keri Pickett will talk about their film and the evening will feature a live demonstration of taiko drumming. Screenings on July 21 include the documentary Into the Spotlight, a look at a Dallas musical theater program for young adults with disabilities as they prepare their annual production at Highland Park United Methodist Church. That day also includes a presentation of Fire Bones by its Texas creators, Greg Brownderville and Bart Weiss, a multimedia tale about a poet and filmmaker investigating the disappearance of a pilot and Pentecostal preacher who went missing on a transatlantic flight. The innovative work mixes film, music, podcasts, photos and poetry, made with smartphones in mind. Weiss also will head a Mobile Movie Making panel discussion on using cellphones in film production. The festival closes with the award-winning drama Disfluency, in which a young woman returns to her familys lake house to unravel what went wrong during her senior year in college. The more than 100 short films from filmmakers across Texas and around the world are grouped in four screening blocks: Crowd Pleasers, Deep Dives, For the Curious and Adventurous, and Family Friendly. Festival founders and directors Louis Hunter and Samuel Z.P. Thomas continue the festivals emphasis on filmmaking with panel discussions on production subjects, trends and techniques; social and networking activities for attending filmmakers; an annual Waco film location tour; and a screenwriting contest with production resources to make a film of the winning script. After the festivals in-person run, most of the screenings will be available for online viewing July 23-29. Festival passes and tickets are available on the festivals website, www. deepintheheartff.com.. Passes include a $150 VIP pass and a $50 six-screening pass; both passes will have access to the online options after the in-person festival activities. Wacos Juneteenth celebrations will commence Saturday with the annual Juneteenth parade, a Family Fun Day for all ages and a concert series Juneteenth installment. Families can start their day off setting up lawn chairs along the Cen-Tex African American Chamber of Commerces parade route. This years parade will start from a familiar spot but will not make its usual trip up Elm Avenue. Ongoing construction on Elm makes sticking to the parades traditional route along the historic stretch impossible this year, said Rachel Pate, vice president of economic development for the chamber. At 10 a.m., the grand marshal will step off and lead the parade of up to 100 organizations from Heritage Square. The participants will continue down Washington Avenue past the Waco Convention Center, across the Brazos River and turn left on Martin Luther King Jr. Boulevard. The parade will stay on the side closest to the Doris Miller Memorial as it marches to Mill Street, where it will make a hairpin turn back down the other side of MLK. The parade will then disperse once it arrives at Bridge Street. There will be hydration stations and vendors along the route for spectators to take advantage of in the heat, Pate said. Wacos Juneteenth parade has been expanding, with growing participation and diversity each year, she said. And the federal recognition for Juneteenth as a federal holiday has only pushed that even further, so the community celebration can include everyone, and everyone feels like this is something to celebrate, she said. The holiday celebrates June 19, 1865, when a Union general arrived in Galveston to inform still-enslaved African Americans of their freedom, almost three years after Abraham Lincoln read the Emancipation Proclamation. It has been a Texas state holiday since 1980 and celebrated by Black communities for more than a century before that, and President Joe Biden signed legislation in 2021 for the day to officially become a federal holiday. Blues, family fun After Saturday mornings parade in Waco, families can continue the celebration at KWBT-FM 94.5 The Beats Family Fun Day, which will start at 2 p.m. at Brazos Park East, 3516 N. Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd. Station Manager Edward Graham said there will be myriad vendors and music for the 13th year of the event. Performances start at 4 p.m. with local, regional and national artists on stage throughout the day. Headliner Willie Clayton will be showcasing a tribute to blues. Graham said his favorite part of the event is seeing the melting pot of ages. What I always love is to see kids from 2 and grandmothers to 80 all in the same space all in the same area enjoying each other, Graham said. We call it Family Fun Day for a reason, because its more like a family reunion for people to come out. After 13 years of celebrating, Graham said heat preparations are practically built in. There will be plenty of water stations and a plan in place for participants who may have trouble in the heat. Nobody was worried about the heat when they were out picking the cotton in the cotton fields back in the day, Graham said. They made them go through it so if we could do that years ago, we could celebrate that today. Bridge Street Next on the days schedule is a compilation of artists at the Levitt AMP Music Series from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m. at Bridge Street Plaza, 200 E. Bridge St. The show will open with a Jules Bledsoe tribute at 6 p.m. arranged by Baylor University associate music professor Horace Maxile and played by Preston Hart on vocals, Cezary Karwowski on keyboard and Chuck Jennings on bass. Reggae saxophonist Fabian Brown will then come on stage at 7 p.m. to open for headliners Deon Q and Joel McCray, who perform at 8 p.m. There will also be a Waco Symphony Orchestra instrument petting zoo, allowing people of all ages to have a hands-on experience with orchestral instruments, along with larger than life artwork and local vendors. The events at Bridge Street Plaza are a special Juneteenth celebration as part of the Saturday concert series there that started in April and continues through July 8. Pate said it is a great feeling to see everyone celebrating their freedom, and she hopes Wacos Juneteenth festivities continue to grow. Its always been a tradition in our community to celebrate Juneteenth and to pay homage to the experiences of our African American ancestors, and so for us to be able to proudly and even more loudly, Pate said. She said seeing families enjoy festivities like they would for the Fourth of July is moving. Unity of diversity of equity of inclusion is something that we need to see more of not just on the holiday but throughout the year, Pate said. But if we get one day to really put on a show, and show togetherness, to show love and show celebration for our community, I think that is a win every time. Cecilia Winters, a 2023 Midway High School graduate, is spending her summer in Delaware and plans to emerge as a licensed pilot before she heads to college in Vermont. Winters graduated ahead of her class and is one of just 28 high schoolers selected for a recently created U.S. Navy civilian pilot training program that started Monday and continues through early August. The same qualities that helped Winters get into the program helped her excel in Midways Marine Corps Junior ROTC program and will help her pay her way through college, said Jacob Urban, her JROTC instructor and a retired Marine Corps lieutenant colonel. Cecilia was a third-year cadet in our program and because of her discipline, character and performance, she rose to a position normally set aside for fourth-year cadets and these same characteristics helped her to be selected for the summer flight academy, Urban said. She was also selected for a Marine Corps option Naval ROTC scholarship to college. In the summer flight academy, which the Commander of Naval Air Forces established in 2021 to increase diversity among Navy aviators, the Navy partners with select universities throughout the country to provide flight training to participating students, according to a press release. The cost of the program is $28,000 per student but is offered free of charge and with no obligations for the students. The students who complete the work earn a private pilot license and five college credits. Winters said she felt inspired by a pilot character in the 2019 film Midway, directed by Roland Emmerich, a dramatized retelling of the Battle of Midway from the Pacific theater of World War II. That pilot was very assertive, and he didnt let his people fly a mission that could have killed them without him, Winters said. He was a real person and a good leader. I want to make an impact like that. Winters said she plans to attend Norwich University, a private military college in Vermont, this fall. She wants to study criminal justice. Her goals are to be a criminal investigator, an infantry officer or a naval aviator in the Marine Corps. In high school Winters ran track and took part in JROTC while also making good grades and working a job, Urban said. As an emancipated minor, she overcame a great deal of adversity to accomplish all of this, he said. Urban said he saw a lot of changes in the Marine Corps during his 21-year career. Cece embodies the ideal officer candidate for todays Marine Corps because shes intelligent, but also flexible and open minded, Urban said. Because of her work ethic and moral character, she will do very well. The recent discussions signify a renewed effort toward diplomacy between the United States and Iran following the breakdown of negotiations aimed at reinstating the 2015 nuclear accord ended by former President Trump in 2018. The Biden administration has been engaged in confidential negotiations with Iran to curtail Tehran's nuclear program and secure the release of imprisoned American citizens. This is part of a broader U.S. initiative to alleviate tensions and minimize the possibility of a military conflict with the Islamic Republic. The United States objective is to achieve an informal and uncodified accord that certain Iranian officials have dubbed a "political cease-fire." The objective is to forestall any additional intensification in a protracted antagonistic association that has become increasingly tense due to Iran's accumulation of a substantial quantity of uranium that is highly enriched and near to the level required for nuclear weapons, as well as its provision of drones to Russia for deployment in Ukraine, and its severe suppression of domestic political demonstrations. The general details of the discussions were verified by three high-ranking Israeli authorities, an Iranian representative, and a U.S. representative. US officials declined to divulge any specific information regarding their efforts to secure the release of prisoners but emphasized that this remains a pressing priority for the United States. The recent indirect discussions, which took place this spring in Oman, signify a renewed effort toward diplomacy between the United States and Iran. This comes after over a year of negotiations to reinstate the 2015 nuclear agreement had failed. The agreement significantly curtailed Iran's actions in return for the alleviation of sanctions. Subscribe 100% Free to Wall Street Rebel.com and receive access to investment tools worth $17,500! Following President Donald J. Trump's withdrawal from the deal and the subsequent imposition of new sanctions on Iran in 2018, the country notably expedited its nuclear program. This decision has effectively reversed a significant foreign policy accomplishment of the previous administration, led by the former President Barack Obama. The decision in has significant implications, as it has resulted in the United States becoming increasingly isolated from its Western allies. The announcement made by Mr. Trump was met with a resounding disapproval from European leaders, who had made considerable efforts to dissuade him from withdrawing from the agreement. These leaders also unsucesfully explored potential solutions to address his concerns and reach a mutually acceptable outcome. It also attracted a rare public condemnation from former President Barack Obama, who said that Mr. Trump's departure would leave the world less secure and put it in a position where it would have to make "a losing choice between a nuclear-armed Iran or another war in the Middle East." According to two Israeli officials, a new agreement is expected to be reached soon. Iran would commit to refrain from enriching uranium beyond its current production level of 60 percent purity. The level of purity achieved is near the threshold of 90 percent, which is the minimum requirement for producing a nuclear weapon. The United States has cautioned that surpassing this limit would result in a severe response. According to Iranian officials, the country has pledged to cease deadly assaults on American contractors in Syria and Iraq carried out by its regional proxies. Additionally, Iran has committed to enhancing its collaboration with international nuclear inspectors and abstaining from vending ballistic missiles to Russia. The Biden administration has recently shifted its attention towards Iran's nuclear program, citing concerns that Tehran may exacerbate the situation by ramping up its uranium enrichment activities. Dennis Ross, an expert in Middle East policy who has served under multiple U.S. presidents, suggests that the United States is conveying a message to Iran regarding the consequences of enriching uranium up to 90 percent. It appears that such an action would result in severe repercussions. Mr. Ross delivered his remarks from Israel, where he had been in consultation with security officials who possess knowledge of the recent negotiations. According to Mr. Ross, the Biden administration is not inclined towards encountering a new crisis while simultaneously holding this stance. He says the emphasis and concentration should persist on Ukraine and Russia. The prospect of a conflict in the Middle East, with a clear beginning but an uncertain conclusion, is highly undesirable to those involved. During a press conference held on Wednesday, Matthew Miller, the spokesperson for the State Department, made a statement refuting any claims or insinuations regarding a nuclear agreement, whether temporary or otherwise, as being inaccurate or deceptive. According to Mr. Miller, the primary objective of our policy is to prevent Iran from acquiring nuclear weapons. Consequently, we have been closely monitoring Iran's nuclear enrichment activities. We believe diplomacy presents the most viable means of achieving our objectives. However, we remain cognizant of the potential for unforeseen circumstances and are therefore taking measures to prepare for all eventualities. Subscribe 100% Free to Wall Street Rebel.com and receive access to investment tools worth $17,500! The potential rejection by the United States of an impending "nuclear deal" may ultimately rest on the interpretation of language. Nevertheless, the implications could be significant if the result culminates in an unspoken agreement conveyed by numerous officials. By possessing such a comprehension, one could circumvent the necessity for endorsement from a U.S. Congress that harbors a profound animosity towards Iran. In a stunning rhetorical maneuver, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, the supreme leader of Iran, announced on Wednesday that he might be amenable to a pact with the West on the condition that Iran's nuclear infrastructure remains unscathed, as per reports from state media. In a sagacious statement, Mr. Khamenei emphasized the importance of Iran's continued collaboration with international nuclear inspectors, urging the nation to uphold at least some level of cooperation. Israel has issued a stern warning regarding Iran's production of uranium capable of being weaponized, cautioning that dire consequences may befall the nation should they continue down this path. In the eloquent words of Israel's esteemed defense minister, Yoav Gallant, "Should Iran choose to enrich to the perilous 90 percent weaponized level, the consequences would be dire and the toll, weighty." This statement was made in May and served as a stark warning to those who would dare to underestimate the gravity of such a decision. Despite Iran's possession of high-speed centrifuges capable of purifying uranium to a grade appropriate for nuclear weaponry, constructing a bomb would still require a considerable amount of time. In March, the esteemed chairman of the United States Joint Chiefs of Staff, General Mark A. Milley, imparted to a House subcommittee that the intricate process may require several months. General Milley eloquently stated that the United States military has meticulously crafted a plethora of options for our esteemed national leadership to contemplate if Iran chooses to pursue the development of a nuclear weapon. According to a senior Israeli defense official, the Israeli government has estimated that Iran would require a significantly longer period, at least one year, and potentially more than two years, to develop a nuclear weapon. The official further suggested that General Milley's remarks were intended to emphasize the pressing need for the United States to negotiate a new agreement with Tehran at the earliest possible opportunity. For years, Iran has staunchly maintained that its nuclear program is solely intended for peaceful objectives, despite mounting indications that it has indeed delved into the realm of nuclear military capabilities. Towards the end of the previous year, the Biden administration rekindled its diplomatic overtures with Iran. The esteemed U.S. special envoy for Iran, Robert Malley, held two meetings with Iran's ambassador to the United Nations, Amir Saeid Iravani, per sources privy to the meetings. Amidst the blooming of spring, the esteemed White House Middle East coordinator, Brett McGurk, embarked on a journey to the enchanting land of Oman. His purpose? To engage in indirect talks, mediated by the gracious Omanis, with a delegation hailing from the great nation of Iran. Tehran's chief nuclear negotiator, the illustrious Ali Bagheri Kani, was among the Iranian representatives. Iran's foreign ministry confirmed this momentous occasion on the first day of the week. In the ongoing discussions to reinstate the 2015 agreement, Iran has demonstrated a reluctance to engage in direct dialogue with representatives from the United States. The Iranian mission to the United Nations recently stated to The New York Times, wherein they refrained from delving into the specifics of the ongoing discussions. However, they did emphasize the significance of fostering a new and positive environment to progress beyond the present state of affairs. The resumption of negotiations has caused a stir among Israeli officials, who are apprehensive about the potential implications of any new agreements. They fear that such understandings may alleviate the economic pressure the West has exerted on Iran and, worse still, pave the way for a more comprehensive nuclear deal. Such a prospect is a great concern for Israel, as it could provide Tehran with a much-needed economic boost without effectively curbing its nuclear ambitions. Subscribe 100% Free to Wall Street Rebel.com and receive access to investment tools worth $17,500! Iran anticipates that the United States will release billions of dollars in Iranian assets, which would be restricted to humanitarian endeavors, as a quid pro quo for the liberation of three Iranian American captives that the U.S. has deemed unjustly incarcerated. The purported correlation between the detainees and the funds, as well as any potential association between the captives and nuclear affairs, has yet to be substantiated by American authorities. Last week, a glimmer of hope emerged in a waiver issued by the United States, which permits Iraq to settle its energy debts with Iran to $2.76 billion. This development may indicate progress towards a potential agreement between the two nations. As per the State Department, the funds shall be confined to employment by third-party vendors that have been sanctioned by the United States solely for the acquisition of sustenance and medication for the populace of Iran. By allaying concerns regarding the allocation of billions of dollars to a regime that is notorious for its ruthless authoritarianism, suppression of protesters, support of Russia's Ukraine war effort, and funding of anti-Israeli proxies such as Hamas and Hezbollah, the Biden administration could assuage the fears of many. The Obama administration faced severe criticism from Republicans for unfreezing billions of dollars in Iranian funds, which they argued facilitated the financing of terrorist operations. The Iranian authorities are currently endeavoring to assert their rights over a staggering $7 billion worth of oil purchase payments presently being held in South Korea. It has been suggested that this move is connected to the release of American prisoners, adding a layer of complexity to an already intricate situation. The funds, earmarked for humanitarian purposes, are set to be confined and deposited in a Qatari financial institution, as per an Iranian authority and a handful of individuals well-versed with the talks. Subscribe 100% Free to Wall Street Rebel.com and receive access to investment tools worth $17,500! by Adam Estes In February, 2021, we published an article about the U.S. Air Force transferring a retired Lockheed Nighthawk to Castle Air Museum for public display at their facility in Atwater, California. The airframe in question, F-117A 85-0813 Toxic Avenger, was in long-term storage alongside a number of other retired Stealth Fighters at the time, hidden away at the Air Forces secretive Tonopah Test Range in the high deserts of Nevada. It took some time to complete the necessary de-mil procedures to remove any sensitive components from Toxic Avenger, particularly the aircrafts top secret, radar-absorbent exterior panels, but by July, 2022 the partially-stripped airframe was aboard a transport vehicle headed for Castle Air Museums restoration facility. Since its arrival, the aircraft has received attention from museum personnel, preparing it for permanent display. The restoration team has had a lot of work to do, given the nature of the de-mil process; even so, its cockpit is remarkably intact. The team reinstalled the Nighthawks wings last May, and work is currently underway to reattach the wing leading edges, tail controls, and ailerons. As per the museums agreement with the U.S. Air Force, once Toxic Avenger is restored and ready for display, it will be housed in a temporary hangar all on its own while the museum works to build a new Aviation Pavilion to house around twenty aircraft from its collection, including many of the WWII-era aircraft currently on outdoor display. Toxic Avenger has an interesting history. This F-117 first took flight on June 7th, 1985, with Lockheed test pilot Harold Hal Farley at the controls. Soon afterwards, the Air Force assigned 85-0813 to the Ghostriders at the 416th Tactical Fighter Squadron, 37th Tactical Fighter Wing. Many F-117s received nicknames, with 85-0813 gaining its moniker from the titular character in the 1984 dark comedy The Toxic Avenger. In mid-December, 1989, Toxic Avenger was one of several 37th TFW F-117s which took part in Operation Just Cause, the U.S. invasion of Panama to overthrow the dictator, Manuel Noriega. This was the types first experience of combat. Two F-117s dropped 2,000lb Mk.84 bombs onto the military barracks at Rio Hato airfield, with U.S. Army Rangers soon moving in to seize the base from Panamanian forces. Two years later, Toxic Avenger took part in Operation Desert Storm, helping free the nation of Kuwait following the Iraqi invasion. The aircraft flew 35 combat missions during this conflict, serving as the personal mount of Colonel Alton Al Whitley who commanded the 37th TFW at that time. Toxic Avenger remained in service until January 25, 2008, when the Air Force placed the airframe in indoor storage at Tonopah. The entire fleet of F-117s was scheduled to retire at the same time, publicly at least, although we now know that a handful of them have continued to fly in secret, serving, presumably, as test platforms and stealth targets. The author would like to express his thanks to the staff at Castle Air Museum for their assistance in writing this article. Producers of the latest Transformers are apparently so eager to reboot the series they use part of their time to detail the car/robots and what theyre designed to do. For a newcomer, thats particularly helpful. For the rest of us, its reason why this Rise of the Beasts goes 30 minutes longer than it should. This time out, Anthony Ramos and Dominique Fishback, as Brooklyn residents, get pulled into the Transformer-verse after he steals a Porsche, and she tries to decode its tribal markings. Together, they go on a journey to Peru where, supposedly, the other part of a key is hidden. On their trail: Unicron (voiced by Colman Domingo) and Scourge (voiced by Peter Dinklage) who want to destroy Earth. Once in Peru, the two have to make their way through Indiana Jones-level ruins and find the missing link. Just in case you dont follow the dots, Rise of the Beasts also has a mechanical ape who looks suspiciously like a former New Yorker. Director Steven Caple Jr. spells out plenty (we know who the good and the bad are before we start wondering why Pete Davidson is here) and has plenty on the precipice to suggest this could be Hasbros Endgame. Like Melanie Griffith in Working Girl, Fishback covers for her boss (shes a museum intern, no less) and does the heavy lifting for Optimus Prime and his ilk. (Optimus Primal, in case you didnt pay attention, is the mechanical gorilla). She bonds with Ramos, whos so likable you forgive his thievery. When the car turns into a robot, you can see a 10-year-olds wonder wash across his face. Because its simple (and doesnt have some of the convoluted subplotting of earlier installments), Rise of the Beasts has a chance to take this in another direction particularly since the bad guys vow revenge and theres enough left in the human relationships to keep it percolating. While Transformers is nothing more than a way to extend the shelf-life of toy cars that twisted into robots, it does have the accessories young movie goers have come to love: car chases, battling bots and humans in peril. That weve seen this dozens of times over doesnt matter. Characters like Fishbacks and Ramos act like theyve never heard of transformers, even though theyve been destroying things for decades. That naivete serves the old story well and avoids some of the otherworldly stuff previous installments embraced. As summer movies go, Transformers: Rise of the Beasts is harmless enough you could bring a kid and see the excitement through his eyes. If youve been down the path several times before, youll realize they never really did figure out the Transformers purpose. Sometimes a cool toy is just that. WAVERLY Two hundred Nestle employees and their families will celebrate Friday as the Waverly beverage factory marks 100 years in operation. Mayor Adam Hoffman, Factory Manager Katrina Lucas, and Nestle Zone North America Chief Technical Officer Detlef Krost are prepared to address workers at 10:30 a.m. at the facility. Were extremely proud to celebrate 100 years of contributing to Nestles beverage business as well as the local Waverly community, said Lucas in response to emailed questions. For the past century, our factory has been able to evolve to meet changing consumer needs from pioneering instant milk in 1955 to supporting 128 different SKUs today, including 35 million pounds of Nesquik yearly. As the eighth-largest employer in Waverly, the Nestle factory is committed to its role as an economic driver of the community. Our people are what has led to our success over the years, and their dedication to creating the best possible products for our consumers. The journey began when Carnation Company was founded in 1899 in Kent, Washington, and began operations in Waverly as a small condensery in 1923. Fresh milk was initially received from local dairy farms and processed into evaporated milk, and 30 years later, the company pioneered and marketed instant milk. Over time, more products were developed, more infrastructure was built and more processes were added. The list of products grew to include Coffee Mate, Instant Breakfast, Hot Cocoa, Nesquik, Nestea and Ovaltine. The early 1980s brought about significant changes to the operation as multiple smaller facilities were combined to form a single complex. New warehousing, truck docks, and a maintenance wing were added to accommodate continuing growth. Carnation was purchased by Nestle in 1985 to become part of the worlds largest food company. After Nestle appraised the Carnation facilities for future capital investments, Waverly was eventually selected to become a major manufacturing site. The factory, at 70 Sixth Ave. N.W., covers nearly 500,000 square feet, and now houses four processing lines and eight packaging lines. Banish mosquitoes from your yard with these traps and repellents 1. Cutter Backyard Bug Control Spray 2. Stafi Outdoor Wireless Mosquito Zapper 3. TIKI Citronella Candle 4. Thermacell Mosquito Repellent Lantern 5. Murphys Naturals Mosquito Repellent Incense Sticks WATERLOO Empty and abandoned properties at three locations could soon be converted into more than 200 apartments in Waterloo. The city is applying to the Workforce Housing Tax Incentives Program to turn three properties into potential housing units. They include the former Courier and Montgomery Ward building on Commercial Street, the former apartments at University Avenue Studios East and an empty lot behind the Kentucky Fried Chicken near Kimball and Ridgeway avenues. The Iowa Economic Development Authority program provides tax benefits to developers to provide housing, focusing on projects using abandoned, empty or dilapidated properties. The $35 million tax credit program is split equally between urban areas and small cities at $17.5 million each. Awardees will be announced in late summer. Credits are limited to $1 million per project, which must be completed within three years from the award date. I feel confident well get one, and hopefully we get two, Community Planning and Development Director Noel Anderson said. I think wed be very fortunate if we got three. Anderson said if the projects dont get the credits it would be difficult for them to move ahead without it. Last year, Waterloo received one award for the construction of 32 houses on the former Edison School Site west of Magnolia Parkway, north of Falls Avenue, south of Bismark Avenue and east of an alley near Evergreen Avenue. The maximum tax credit the developer, Panther Builders, received was $656,927. Former Courier and Montgomery Ward Building, 501-503 Commercial St. At one time the building housed a newsroom, offices and printing presses but was left vacant in 2011 when The Courier moved to 100 E. Fourth St. The metal-sided building and the adjoining former Montgomery Ward building made of brick, used for the printing operation, are now owned by Muscatine businessman Roy Carver Jr. He is the son of Roy Carver, a philanthropist who helped fund multiple buildings for Iowa and Illinois universities. Carver and former business partner Rodney Blackwell bought the site as Financial District Partners OC from Lee Enterprises for $1.13 million when The Courier moved, according to Black Hawk County property records. He later acquired the property after a legal dispute with Blackwell. City documents from 2020 show a concept to reuse the site by tearing down the buildings and replacing them with multi-story apartments and a hotel, with a skywalk access into the Waterloo Convention Center. Now, Carver is not looking to tear down the block-length building, according to Anderson. Instead, he wants to renovate it and turn it into 69 apartment units. There is no development agreement yet, therefore no architectural plans have been produced. The first floor would remain commercial storefronts, there would be parking below the building, and the former distribution center addition at the back of the building would be torn down. Earlier this month, the Waterloo City Council approved a potential $345,000 infill incentive if the apartments are completed. Infill incentives are $5,000 per unit and have been implemented in the city since 2017. Anderson defined infill development as new construction in an existing plot or property that would not create new streets or sewer systems. Although the building isnt considered new construction, creating residential units in a former nonresidential building counts as well. The developer could also receive historic building tax credits. The building was built in 1938. The metal siding on the building could also be considered historic, Anderson noted. If that is the case, it could not be removed. He said residential units are required to have windows, and construction workers could cut into the metal to create them. Former University Avenue Studios East, 3350 University Ave. A former low-rent apartment complex could also be revamped. The 95-unit property was closed on July 1, 2022. The deed was moved to 3350 University Avenue LLC represented by Brent Dahlstrom and based in Cedar Falls in January, according to a document from the Black Hawk County Recorders Office. Under previous ownership, the apartments saw multiple fires, a shooting and a non-fatal stabbing in the past 10 years. Photos from the Waterloo rental inspector from earlier this year show a charred apartment from a 2021 fire, violations of fire codes, evidence of cockroaches and broken doors. Anderson said the development would keep all 95 units but they will be revamped and remodeled. There is currently no development agreement, but the council approved a $475,000 infill agreement if all units are completed. Anderson said the apartment complex is not currently eligible for the infill program because the property already has housing units, but he hopes the council will change the program to include large projects specifically for rehabilitation. He said the apartments would look similar to the micro-apartments at 228 Spaces, also located on University Avenue. Empty lot behind KFC on Kimball and Ridgeway avenues Jeff Bohr, the asset manager for High Properties based in Cedar Rapids, said he hopes to turn the grassy area behind the parking lot of KFC into 48 new housing units. It would be the second phase of Prairie Rapids. The first phase has three buildings that hold a total of 60 units farther back from the proposed 48-unit site. The former parking lot for the now demolished Otto Schoitz Hospital would become a three-story building filled with one-bedroom, one-bathroom apartments, ranging from 560 to 700 square feet. Bohr said he applied for the Workforce Housing Tax Incentives Program last year, but is working to make his application better and is hopeful he will be successful. The first phase received the tax credit in 2015. Bohr said awards are usually announced in late July. MUNICH Matthias Weniger put on a pair of white cloth gloves and carefully lifted a tarnished silver candleholder, looking for a yellowed sticker on the bottom of it. The candlestick is one of 111 silver objects at the Bavarian National Museum that the Nazis stole from Jewish families during the Third Reich in 1939. Thats when they ordered all German Jews to bring their personal silver objects to pawn shops across the Reich one of many laws created to humiliate, punish and exclude Jews. What started with anti-Jewish discrimination and persecution in 1933, after the Nazis were voted to power in Germany, led to the murder of 6 million European Jews and others in the Holocaust before World War II ended with Germanys surrender in 1945. Weniger, who is a curator at the Munich museum and oversees its restitution efforts, has made it his mission to return as many of the silver objects as possible to the descendants of the original owners. These silver objects handed in at the pawn shops are often the only material things that remain from an existence wiped out in the Holocaust, Weniger said from the museums workshop, where he displayed some silver items that have yet to be restituted. Therefore its really important to try to find the families and give back the objects to them, he added. Thousands of the pieces taken from Jewish families were melted into around 135 tons of silver, and used to help Germanys war efforts. But several museums ended up with hundreds of silver pieces such as candlesticks used to light candles on the eve of Shabbat, Kiddush cups to bless the wine, silver spoons and cake servers. Some of the items were returned to Holocaust survivors in the 1950s and 1960s, if they came forward and actively tried to retrieve their stolen possessions. But many owners were murdered in the Holocaust or, if they succeeded to flee from the Nazis, ended up in far-flung corners of the globe. Two thirds of the last owners did not survive the Shoah, Weniger said. Despite these odds, and with a combination of thorough detective work, dedication and deep knowledge of history, Weniger has so far managed to return about 50 objects to the family members and relatives of the original owners. Hes convinced that he may be able to return almost all remaining objects by the end of this year. First, he searches for the identity of the original owners. The little yellowed paper stickers on some of the pieces often help his efforts. They were put on the objects by the pawn shops a testament to Germans obsessive bureaucracy even in times of dictatorship and war. The numbers on the stickers are also listed on more than 80-year-old documents naming the people who had to give away their silver sometimes beloved heirlooms that had been passed down in families for many generations. Once Weniger discovers the names of the original owners, he starts looking up Jewish obituary and genealogy databases, in hopes that direct descendants or more distant relatives may have posted their names online. And so you get from one generation to the next generation and you end up with telephone books with LinkedIn, with Facebook, with Instagram or email addresses that correspond to a member of the younger generation of that family, the researcher explained. In most of the cases, Weniger says he gets lucky and is able to track down the right relatives. The majority of descendants live in the United States and Israel, but the museum has already or is in the process of also returning silver pieces to France, the United Kingdom, Australia and Mexico. Weniger makes a point of personally delivering the pieces to the families. He traveled to the U.S. earlier this year, and last week, he returned 19 pieces to families in Israel. There, Weniger met up with Hila Gutmann, 53, and her father Benjamin Gutmann, 86, at his home in Kfar Shmaryahu north of Tel Aviv, and gave them a small silver cup. Weniger had managed to track down the family with the help of the tracing service of Magen David Adom Israels version of the International Committee of the Red Cross. The cup was likely used for Kiddush to bless the wine on the eve of Shabbat but nobody knows for sure because the original owners, Bavarian cattle dealer Salomon Gutmann and his wife, Karolina, who were the grandparents of Benjamin, were murdered by the Nazis in the Treblinka extermination camp. It was a mixed feeling for us to get back the cup, Hila Gutmann said. Because you understand its the only thing thats left of them. While the grandparents of Benjamin Gutmann were murdered in the Holocaust, their son Max Benjamins father survived because he fled from the Nazis to the British-mandated territory of Palestine, in what is now Israel. Despite the pain triggered by the loss and return of the silver cup, the Gutmanns say theyre happy to have it back and plan to use it in a ceremony with all their other relatives on Rosh Hashanah, the Jewish New Year, in September. As for Weniger, the Gutmanns have nothing but praise for him and his work. Hes really dedicated to it, Hila Gutmann said. He treats these little objects with so much care like they are holy. Photos: Stolen silver heirlooms headed back to descendants BEDMINSTER, N.J. Just last week, former Vice President Mike Pence said he hoped federal prosecutors would not bring charges against former President Donald Trump. On Wednesday, a day after Trump was arraigned on dozens of felony counts related to classified documents, Pence described the allegations as a very serious matter." I cannot defend what is alleged, Pence, who is challenging Trump for the Republican presidential nomination, said on CNBC. Later in the day, Pence faced pointed questions from a conservative radio host after refusing to say whether he would pardon Trump if given the chance. Pence's evolving message highlights the high-stakes dilemma for Trump's Republican rivals, who are struggling to find a clear and consistent strategy to take on the frontrunner as Trumps unprecedented legal troubles threaten to dominate all other issues in the 2024 presidential contest. Some Republican leaders this week demonstrated a newfound willingness to criticize Trump over the seriousness of the allegations, which include mishandling government secrets that he was entrusted to protect. Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis, a former naval officer and Trump's top rival for the nomination, said that if I would have taken classified (documents) to my apartment, I would have been court-martialed in a New York minute. But that was just a brief mention in a weekend speech at a North Carolina GOP gathering, during which he focused his censure on the Justice Department and the Biden administration. Even the most aggressive challengers layered their criticism of Trump with attacks against the Justice Department for bringing charges against him that make it difficult at times to determine exactly where they stand on the former president. And thats precisely the point, given Trumps continued popularity among GOP voters and his rivals' desire to dent his lead without alienating his base. Indeed, most of Trump's competitors are making a risky bet for now that the weight of his extraordinary baggage will sink his reelection bid. They believe it will take time. Trump's Republican opponents privately concede that his political strength is likely to grow in the short term, as GOP voters, key officials and conservative media leaders rally around him. For example, Pastor Robert Jeffress, of the First Baptist megachurch in Dallas, initially declined to endorse Trump's 2024 bid but declared Tuesday night that the GOP's presidential primary was all but over. I thought there would be almost a civil war in the Republican Party for the nomination, but that quickly turned into an unconditional surrender, said Jeffress, who mingled at Trump's post-indictment gathering at Bedminster, New Jersey. "People absolutely love this president, and I believe his base is going to turn out. The Republican establishment tried and failed to reject Trump and his divisive politics for much of the past decade. This time the GOP faces the very real possibility that a man who was indicted twice and charged with dozens of felonies could become the partys standard-bearer in 2024. Fighting that outcome, a powerful conservative voice is being raised for the first time. The Koch networks political arm, Americans for Prosperity, has begun running online ads across Iowa, New Hampshire and South Carolina the first three states on the GOPs presidential primary calendar focusing on questions about Trumps electability in next falls general election against Biden. The new ads make no mention of his legal troubles. Trump did a lot of good things as president," one of the ads says. But this time, he cant win. Americans for Prosperity CEO Emily Seidel said her organization has talked to thousands of voters in key states to determine the most effective arguments to undermine Trumps political strength. Based on the data were collecting, more than two-thirds of people who say theyre supporting Trump are also receptive to arguments that he is a weak candidate, his focus on 2020 is a liability, and his lack of appeal with independent voters is a problem, Seidel said. "That tells us that many Republicans are ready to move on they just need to see another candidate step up and show they can lead and win. The former president commands a big lead in early Republican primary polls. As they test evolving messages on the campaign trail and in media appearances, none of Trump's top-tier competitors is running paid advertisements pointing to his legal troubles. In Iowa on Wednesday night, GOP presidential contender Tim Scott declined to mention his recent comments that Trump's indictment represents a serious case involving serious charges when a voter asked about a weaponized Justice Department a reference to Trump's insistence that federal prosecutors are targeting him to weaken his presidential campaign. The South Carolina senator instead pledged to root out politics within the Justice Department if elected president. Americans must have a justice system where the lady of justice wears a blindfold. We cannot target Republicans and protect Democrats, he said. Republican presidential contender Nikki Haley, the former ambassador to the United Nations in the Trump administration, told Fox News on Monday that Trump was incredibly reckless with our national security if the allegations in the indictment are true. On Tuesday, she repeated the pointed criticism, but also said shed be inclined to pardon Trump if hes convicted. I think it would be terrible for the country to have a former president in prison for years because of a documents case, Haley said on the Clay Travis and Buck Sexton radio show. Election advantages due to district mapping For two years, a hog confinement just northeast of Ankeny operated with up to seven times the number of animals than what its owner told the Iowa Department of Natural Resources was inside the facility, according to a recent departmental order. Brad Moeckly admitted to the DNR in October 2021 that the rural Elkhart confinement had been operating with a total capacity of about 4,300 swine since June 2019, the order said. That number of animals exceeded a regulatory threshold that required Moeckly to submit a plan to the DNR to detail how he would dispose of manure produced by the animals, which he didnt do for at least two years. Moecklys self-reporting of the violation was meant to gain him immunity from potential fines under state law, but the DNR determined that Moeckly wasnt eligible for the protection because he had twice misled the department about how many animals the facility had in 2019. Someone reported an alleged animal increase at the facility to the DNR in July 2019, the order said. A DNR officer contacted Moeckly about the allegation, and Moeckly said the confinement had about 600 swine. That number of animals was below the threshold that would require a manure management plan. In September 2019, someone reported a possible manure release from the confinement and that the facility was overpopulated. The officer again asked Moeckly about how many animals were inside, and Moeckly again said 600, according to DNR. But the officer had no means to verify the true animal population because the DNR typically avoids invasive inspections out of biosecurity concerns namely that an inspector could transmit a disease. We dont physically go in and ever count animals, said Dennis Thielen, the DNR senior environmental specialist who investigated the situation. Even when we do on-site inspections, everythings from the exterior. As such, there was no proof that Moeckly had violated state rules until he submitted the Notice of Environmental Audit and Disclosure of Violations that detailed his failure to follow state rules. The DNR sent Moeckly a notice of violation in February 2022, and the department recently fined him $1,000 as part of a negotiated agreement. Moeckly could not be reached to comment for this article. Counties with the worst droughts in Iowa Counties with the worst droughts in Iowa Iowa statistics #25. Webster County #24. Fremont County #23. Shelby County #22. Sioux County #21. Kossuth County #20. Humboldt County #19. Carroll County #18. Mills County #1. Pocahontas County (tie) #1. Crawford County (tie) #1. Plymouth County (tie) #1. Clay County (tie) #1. Cherokee County (tie) #1. Palo Alto County (tie) #1. Osceola County (tie) #1. O'Brien County (tie) #1. Harrison County (tie) #1. Dickinson County (tie) #1. Sac County (tie) #1. Monona County (tie) #1. Woodbury County (tie) #1. Emmet County (tie) #1. Calhoun County (tie) #1. Buena Vista County (tie) A blockchain is a digital ledger and the key technology underpinning most cryptocurrencies, non-fungible tokens (more on those later) and other unique digital items. Blockchain can be used to store all kinds of information, but so far its most common use is in recording cryptocurrency transactions. Once a transaction is made, it's entered on this public ledger, which is managed by a global peer-to-peer network millions of computers, in bitcoin's case. Blockchain is fundamental to bitcoin's appeal: As a decentralized database, it can't be controlled by any one person or group unlike a fiat currency such as the US dollar, which is managed by a central bank. The state of Iowa says it unwittingly awarded a man with a history of sex crimes a license to practice massage therapy. The Iowa Board of Massage Therapy issued an emergency order this week suspending the license of Abelardo AJ Rodriguez of Iowa City, citing a recent complaint from a female patient who alleges Rodriguez touched her inappropriately during an appointment nine weeks ago. The board alleges that when Rodriguez applied for a massage-therapy license in 2018, he failed to voluntarily disclose his 2012 and 2016 criminal convictions for harassment. According to the board, those convictions involve incidents in which Rodriguez sent sexually offensive messages, unsolicited and unwanted photographs of his erect penis, unsolicited and unwanted videos of (him) masturbating, and exposing his erect penis in a public place. Court records indicate that in September 2015, a woman complained to Iowa City police that Rodriguez had been sending her unwanted messages on Facebook, as well as multiple lewd photos of himself. On Nov. 30, 2015, he allegedly came into the victims place of employment and exposed himself to her on two different occasions. Court records indicate that the case resulted in Rodriguez pleading guilty to a misdemeanor charge of harassment. According to the board, Rodriguez later obtained a massage therapy license and began working at Rodriguez Bodywork in Iowa City. During a massage appointment in late March, he allegedly massaged the breasts of a female client for 15 minutes without the womans consent. The board alleges that Rodriguez had previously told the woman he was certified in full chest and breast massage, and presented her with a consent form to sign if she was interested in the service. The woman declined. According to the board, Rodriguez later admitted to a board investigator that he massaged the womans breasts but said he did so with the womans oral consent. He allegedly stated that he had intended to get the womans written consent but neglected to do so. It was when the womans subsequent complaint to the board was being investigated that the board concluded he had intentionally withheld or misrepresented information about his past criminal convictions. The board said information about those crimes, if disclosed, may have impacted his ability to become licensed as a massage therapist in 2018. When speaking with the boards investigator, (Rodriguez) denied that he had ever been charged with or convicted of a crime relating to inappropriate sexual conduct or contact despite having a criminal history for the same, the board alleges. Its not clear why the board didnt learn of the criminal convictions in 2018 when Rodriguez applied for a license. The arrests are a matter of public record and details of at least one of the cases are readily available through Iowa Courts Online. Rodriguez is charged by the board with improper sexual contact with a client, engaging in unethical conduct, fraud in procuring a license and engaging in conduct that subverts or attempts to subvert a board investigation. Earlier this week, the board concluded Rodriguezs conduct posed an immediate danger to the public health, safety, and welfare and voted to impose an immediate, indefinite suspension of his license. Counties with the worst droughts in Iowa Counties with the worst droughts in Iowa Iowa statistics #25. Webster County #24. Fremont County #23. Shelby County #22. Sioux County #21. Kossuth County #20. Humboldt County #19. Carroll County #18. Mills County #1. Pocahontas County (tie) #1. Crawford County (tie) #1. Plymouth County (tie) #1. Clay County (tie) #1. Cherokee County (tie) #1. Palo Alto County (tie) #1. Osceola County (tie) #1. O'Brien County (tie) #1. Harrison County (tie) #1. Dickinson County (tie) #1. Sac County (tie) #1. Monona County (tie) #1. Woodbury County (tie) #1. Emmet County (tie) #1. Calhoun County (tie) #1. Buena Vista County (tie) DES MOINES More than a quarter of Iowa Medicaid patients had their personal data compromised in a data breach affecting one of Iowas two Dental Wellness Plan managed care organizations. The personal information of approximately 233,000 Iowa Medicaid members was included in a data breach of MCNA Dental earlier this year, according to the Iowa Department of Health and Human Services. It is among the largest medical data breaches in Iowa to date, according to federal data, and the largest involving Iowa Medicaid. MCNA Dental, one of the largest dental insurers for government-sponsored Medicaid and CHIP programs, suffered a ransomware attack during February or March that led to unauthorized access to personal health data of nearly 9 million people, according to a filing with the Maine Attorney General. MCNA Dental managed dental coverage under Medicaid for more than 295,000 Iowans as of the end of last year, according to a report from Iowa HHS. Delta Dental is the other managed care organization in Iowas dental program. It managed 486,000 Dental Wellness Plans. The Iowa Department of Health and Human Services did not respond to a request for comment by the time of publication. What information was taken? The hackers potentially obtained a trove of data from the managed care organization, including full names, addresses, phone numbers, Social Security numbers, drivers license numbers, health insurance plan information, bills and insurance claims, according to a notice provided to affected patients. The attack happened between Feb. 26 and March 7 of this year, and MCNA Dental sent notices to patients and states impacted on May 26. The Russia-linked ransomware organization LockBit took credit for the attack, and has claimed on its dark web site to have published 700 GB of patient data from MCNA, according to TechCrunch. Who is affected? More than 233,000 Iowans whose Medicaid dental coverage was managed by MCNA were affected. Those impacted received a notification in the mail. Names of parents, guardians or guarantors may also have been taken. MCNA is offering free credit monitoring and identity protection services to affected individuals. In an emailed statement, MCNA Dental said it is committed to protecting patients information and maintaining the integrity of its systems. As soon as we discovered recent unauthorized activity affecting our network, we took steps to mitigate the risk and reported the matter to law enforcement and customers, the company said. We are notifying those whose information may have been involved in this incident, and we continue to fortify our systems, as appropriate, to minimize the risk of a similar incident in the future." Event follows other cyber incidents The security breach is among three reported this year by Iowa HHS affecting Medicaid members. On April 10, the Iowa Department of Health and Human Services reported more than 20,000 Iowans had their data breached in an attack on an Iowa Medicaid subcontractor, Independent Living Systems. In May, Iowa HHS reported Amerigroup accidentally disclosed personal health information for 833 Iowa Medicaid members to providers in explanation of payment notices. Also in May, the Clarke County Hospital reported it had been the victim of a ransomware attack that led to the potential exposure of thousands of patients, including their names, Social Security numbers and drivers license numbers. Iowas largest zoo has been cited by federal regulators for contributing to the death of a snow monkey last year. According to a U.S. Department of Agriculture inspectors report and officials at Des Moines Blank Park Zoo, an 8-year-old Japanese snow monkey named Nico underwent a lengthy dental procedure at the zoo on Aug. 17, 2022. During the procedure, the monkey was under anesthesia and lay on its back for approximately three hours with an electric heating pad under its back. The amount of heat thats applied in such circumstances is usually monitored by veterinary staff, a USDA inspector reported. The inspector alleged that in the investigation into this case, the zoos attending veterinarian and leadership staff concluded that proper monitoring was not done, resulting in the severe burn to the monkeys back. That burn resulted in a large, gangrenous wound, and on Aug. 30 which was 13 days after the dental procedure the snow monkey was euthanized due to its poor prognosis for recovery, the USDA alleges. The USDAs Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service cited the zoo for a critical violation related to its attending veterinarian and the provision of veterinary care. That specific regulation requires animal exhibitors to establish and maintain programs of adequate veterinary care that include appropriate methods to prevent and treat diseases. According to the inspectors report, all Blank Park Zoo veterinary staff were retrained on use and monitoring of the heating pad. The violation was the only infraction cited by the USDA during its April 2023 visit. At the time, the zoo had roughly 2,800 animals including, according to the inspectors report, 10 snow monkeys. When contacted by the Iowa Capital Dispatch, Blank Park Zoo CEO Anne Shimerdla noted that the zoo, as required, immediately reported the incident with Nico to the USDA. This is a very difficult situation and a very unfortunate incident, Shimerdla said, but noted that the federal inspector found no other issues or violations during the April visit. So it really leads me to believe this is an isolated incident. Theres no public record of the incident in the disciplinary files of the Iowa Board of Veterinary Medicine, which is administered by the Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship. Over the past five-and-a-half years, the board has issued public orders of discipline against three of Iowas 2,800 active, licensed veterinarians. The snow monkey, also known as the Japanese macaque, is a species native to Japan. In 2019, the Blank Park Zoo stated that it had on hand three males and seven females ranging in age from two to 28 years old. The zoo is accredited by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums, a national organization that conducts what it calls intense, multiple-day, on-site inspections. The organization has what it describes as a verifiable track record of enforcing its standards, but notes that it does not share the specific results of accreditation inspections with the public. Shimerdla said the zoo does not make public those inspection reports, either. The zoo is funded and operated by the Blank Park Zoo Foundation, a nonprofit, tax-exempt organization. The foundations tax returns indicate that in the fiscal year that ended in March 2022, the zoo collected $8.7 million in revenue and spent $7.6 million. It ended the year with $23 million in net assets. In 2021-22, the foundation staged two major fundraising events that resulted in a combined, net loss of $19,000 after event-sponsor revenue was deducted, according to the tax returns. Counties with the most farmland in Iowa Counties with the most farmland in Iowa #25. O'Brien #24. Lyon #23. Calhoun #22. Pocahontas #21. Buena Vista #20. Wright #19. Greene #18. Grundy #17. Monona #16. Carroll #15. Ringgold #14. Shelby #13. Winneshiek #12. Clinton #11. Harrison #10. Jasper #9. Fayette #8. Tama #7. Webster #6. Benton #5. Crawford #4. Sioux #3. Woodbury #2. Plymouth #1. Kossuth Ninth in a series on Cedar Valley Top 10 Nurses. WATERLOO People sometimes overgeneralize what a job entails. Nursing may be at the top of that list. But Tina Styron of Waverly wants people to know one of the reasons shes spent her entire career as a nurse is because of the variety of roles shes filled. A registered nurse since 1997, Styron is a good example of how there isnt just one box for nurses to fit in. Shes been the coordinator of employee health and wellness at UnityPoint Health-Allen Hospital the last 10 years. My role is a little bit different because my patient is the employee, and so my work is keeping the employees safe and healthy so that they can go off and do their role within the hospital setting, she said. Styron, part of a small but mighty team of three, manages workers compensation cases for ill and injured employees. She also is in charge of onboarding employees and their records, facilitating physicals, and making sure they have the equipment, vaccines, and training they need to do their jobs. For her work involving 2,000 UnityPoint employees, The Courier has named her one of the Cedar Valleys Top 10 Nurses for 2023. Styron credits employer UnityPoint and her past and present colleagues, but constantly tells people the COVID-19 pandemic seemingly put more of a spotlight on her teams work, which had been more behind the scenes. Our roles drastically changed to the point where we were on the forefront, Styron said. We were testing employees who had symptoms of COVID, taking them off work, returning them to work, determining when they were safe per the CDC guidelines, and doing a lot of education on proper PPE (personal protective equipment), so that when they were caring for COVID patients they were safe and protected. Her teams work made her proud because of the surge in employee cases they were handling and the work to keep as many employees on the job as possible. COVID-19 also had them always on their toes, learning the constantly changing guidelines and protocols, transitioning the hospital when the vaccine was introduced and keeping track of who was ill or had been exposed. Shes a good problem solver. We have an issue and she looks at different ideas and is able to tell which one would best work to solve the issue, especially with infection prevention and our work comp cases, said Angela Broell, who has worked with Styron for 17 years in the hospital and in hospice. COVID was another example when she dove right in by getting everything done that needed to get done, whether that be through spreadsheets or through process improvement as time went on. Styron has made the most of her role, and often reminisces about the people shes helped. For example, a maintenance worker sustained a significant injury and had doubts about whether he could return to the job he loved. He spent a long time off, but her teams work to coordinate care and services with different surgeons, therapists and others allowed him to return to work. He stops in at least weekly and thanks us for our care and coordination and helping him get back to work, Styron said. She knows what its like to love your job, largely thanks to inspiration and advice from five aunts in the nursing field, as well as early exposure in high school and college as a certified nursing assistant. Theyve had diverse careers, ranging from nursing in the Army to working on a Native American reservation with patients undergoing kidney dialysis, and others in long-term care and hospital settings. Despite the different roles, she said, there was an overarching sentiment talking with them they always felt like they received more than what they gave. It is really meaningful work and important work, Styron said. To me, I always thought what an honor to be able to be involved in someones life when theyre vulnerable and in pain and they need symptom management or whatever theyre situation might be. In short, I wanted to make a difference. Her 28-year career has seen her work with children with disabilities in home care, as well as in hospice, and as an infection prevention nurse and medical-surgical nurse. Its been a great profession for me because of the variety, she said. Styron has twin daughters, Allison and Emily Hubbard, her husband Steve, and dog Toby. Photos: 2023 Cedar Valley Top Nurses recipients at award ceremony COURIER CELEBRATES CEDAR VALLEY'S TOP NURSES Nurses 2 Nurses 3 Nurses 4 Nurses 5 Nurses 6 Nurses 7 Nurses 8 Nurses 9 Nurses 10 Nurses 11 MADISON Timothy M. OShea, United States Attorney for the Western District of Wisconsin, announced that Kristin Lein, 60, Reedsburg, pleaded guilty today in District Court in Madison to wire fraud, money laundering, and filing a false tax return. Lien is a licensed attorney in Wisconsin. At the plea hearing, Lein pleaded guilty to an information that charged her with stealing $1,643,818 from a clients trust accounts. According to the information, in June 2019, Lein began transferring money from several accounts belonging to the clients trust to her own personal bank account. During a telephone call on Feb. 2, 2022, Lein and the beneficiary of the trust discussed financial matters. During the telephone call, Lein told the beneficiary that the trust balance was over $1,800,000. However, Lein knew that the actual amount of money held in the trust was significantly less due to her embezzlement of funds. Lein continued to embezzle money from the trust accounts until the funds were depleted in Sept. 2022. As part of the plea agreement, Lein admitted that she used the embezzled funds to pay personal expenses, including improvements to her residence in Reedsburg and to purchase a pickup truck. Lein also admitted that she failed to report the income she obtained from the embezzlement on her 2019 personal tax return. The maximum penalty for the wire fraud charge is 20 years in prison. The maximum penalty for the money laundering charge is 10 years in prison. The maximum penalty for filing a false tax return is three years in prison. U.S. District Judge William M. Conley scheduled the sentencing hearing for Sept. 7, 2023, at 1 p.m. The charges against Lein were a result of an investigation conducted by IRS Criminal Investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney Aaron Wegner is handling the prosecution. In just a few hours, the highly-anticipated mythological magnum opus, Adipurush, featuring Prabhas as Lord Rama and Kriti Sanon as Goddess Sita, will be hitting theaters worldwide. The massive pre-release hype and the solid advance bookings will ensure a record opening across the globe. Meanwhile, Adipurush is said to have faced a major hurdle in Nepal. Apparently, the Nepal Censor Panel has objected to a particular scene where a dialogue claims that Goddess Sita was the daughter of India whereas she was born in Nepal as per the local belief. The Nepal Censor Panel has objected to Adipurushs release in the country until the makers deleted the dialogue. And the latest update reveals that the makers have eventually removed the controversial dialogue to ensure a smooth release of Adipurush across Nepal. It looks like Adipurush will be facing a few more hurdles upon its release tomorrow. Stay tuned for our review of this most anticipated biggie. Articles that might interest you: Choosing the best of anything is obviously a subjective task, and requires the usual caveats: Loads of other fantastic books could have made this list. But these 10 struck me as particularly entertaining, moving, thoughtful or eye-opening. AARP Membership $12 for your first year when you sign up for Automatic Renewal Get instant access to members-only products and hundreds of discounts, a free second membership, and a subscription to AARP The Magazine. Join Now Photo Collage: MOA Staff; (Source: Book Photo: Sue Tallon) Age of Vice by Deepti Kapoor The Age of Vice by 43-year-old Deepti Kapoor (January 2023) is a stunning page-turner, a saga that begins with a tragic traffic accident in New Delhi, then shifts back in time to detail how the three main characters lives become entangled. Theres reporter Neda (Kapoor also worked as a New Delhi journalist); wealthy, tortured Sunny, heir to his fathers corrupt business empire; and Ajay, Sunnys wise, quiet servant. Exploring issues of class, power and morality, this action-packed page-turner was the subject of a bidding war among the studios, with FX and Fox 21 reportedly buying the rights for a TV series adaptation. Photo Collage: MOA Staff; (Source: Book Photo: Sue Tallon) The Good Life: Lessons From the Worlds Longest Scientific Study of Happiness by Robert Waldinger and Marc Schulz This one makes the list for reminding us so thoughtfully and clearly of an essential truth: Happiness comes not with fame or fortune but by forging and maintaining positive, meaningful social connections. The authors of The Good Life (January 2023), Robert Waldinger, 72, and Marc Schulz, 60, make this point in a lucid, inspiring way, using data from the famed Harvard Study of Adult Development. Waldinger, a professor of psychiatry at Harvard, is the director and Schulz the associate director of the project, which followed the health and habits of a group of people through the decades, to conclude that the key to a good life is good relationships. They keep us healthier and happier. Period, they write. The book also includes advice for making and strengthening relationships that affirm and nurture us. Photo Collage: MOA Staff; (Source: Book Photo: Sue Tallon) Hello Beautiful by Ann Napolitano Ann Napolitano, 51, author of the 2020 bestseller Dear Edward (now a TV series on Apple TV+), introduces us to two young people, Julia and William, who fall in love and marry. Julia and her three sisters embrace William, but as time passes his depression creates a rift and their paths diverge. Hello Beautiful (March 2023) is a must if youre looking to sink into an emotionally complex family story. It received some nice early publicity when Oprah Winfrey chose it as her 100th book club pick. (Once you start, you wont want it to end, Oprah told her followers, and be prepared for tears.) Youve got to love that beautiful cover too. Photo Collage: MOA Staff; (Source: Book Photo: Sue Tallon) Poverty, by America by Matthew Desmond A Pulitzer Prize winner for 2016s Evicted: Poverty and Profit in the American City, Matthew Desmond, 43, describes in Poverty, by America (March 2023) why the poor stay poor in this country, including almost 17 percent of U.S. children. Its a weighty subject with a stern premise: Wealthy Americans including some with progressive politics are helping to perpetuate this sad reality. Poverty persists because some wish and will it to, he writes, pointing to factors like low wages, exploitative home rental rates, and a tax code that favors the rich. Its not all bleak, though, as Desmond offers ways the better-off can help alleviate the problem. Massive Sulphides Intersected at Bayrock's Lainejaur Project Perth, June 15, 2023 AEST (ABN Newswire) - QX Resources Limited ( ASX:QXR ) is pleased to announce that diamond drilling had intercepted massive sulphide mineralisation in the latest hole from the Lainejaur high grade Nickel-Copper-Cobalt deposit in Northern Sweden, held by Bayrock Resources Limited (Bayrock) in which QXR has a significant holding (refer ASX announcement 8 May 2023). The first diamond drillhole (LAI23001) was completed to a final depth of 300m. Massive sulphides with visible nickel and copper minerals were intersected within a 6m zone between approximately 284-290m in heavily mineralised gabbro containing variable amounts of nickel-copper sulphides (pyrrhotite, pentlandite and chalcopyrite) (Figure 1). Minor disseminated sulphide mineralisation occurred above this zone, below 260m down hole. Assay results are expected later in June. QXR is assisting Bayrock with financing and development of its Projects, considered highly prospective for key battery metals of nickel, copper and cobalt (ASX announcement 30 Mar 2023). Further information is available at: ww.bayrockresources.com together with Bayrock's announcement which accompanies this ASX release. QXR Managing Director Steve Promnitz commented: "Bayrock is making excellent progress with this drill program underpinned by QXR's investment. We eagerly await assay results which should be a catalyst to add further value to Lainejaur which already contains a valuable Mineral Resource Estimate and a rich history of nickel production. We are confident that Bayrock has considerable upside with a large portfolio of quality exploration projects in a mining friendly region of Sweden that is prospective for key battery minerals. We look forward to continuing to report on Bayrock's progress and QXR's progress on other projects." Lainejaur Ni-Cu-Co Project The Lainejaur Project is located in Vasterbotten County in the municipality of Mala approximately 15km northeast of the town of Mala in northern Sweden (Figure 3). The Project consists of one exploration permit, held by Bayrock's wholly owned subsidiary Metalore Pty Ltd. The Project comprises a historical underground Nickel mine which operated during World War II producing approximately 100kt at 2.2% Ni. A JORC 2012 Mineral Resource Estimate completed on the remaining mineralisation in 2018 established an Inferred Mineral Resource of 460,000t @ 2.2% Ni, 0.15% Co and 0.70% Cu, 0.68g/t Pd, 0.20g/t Pt and 0.65g/t Au. Access to the site is via sealed road from Mala then via forest tracks around the Project area. Mala is the district office of the Swedish Geological Survey and a suitable support base for the Project. *To view tables and figures, please visit: https://abnnewswire.net/lnk/27D46F8L About QX Resources Ltd QX Resources Limited (ASX:QXR) is focused on exploration and development of battery minerals, with hard rock lithium assets in a prime location of Western Australia (WA), and gold assets in Queensland. The aim is to connect end users (battery, cathode and car makers) with QXR, an experienced explorer/developer of battery minerals, with an expanding mineral exploration project portfolio and solid financial support. Lithium portfolio: QXR's lithium strategy is centred around WA's prolific Pilbara province, where it has acquired a controlling interest in four projects through targeted M&A - all of which sit in strategic proximity to some of Australia's largest lithium deposits and mines. Across the Pilbara, QXR's regional lithium tenement package (both granted or under application) now spans more than 350 km2. Gold portfolio: QXR is also developing two Central Queensland gold projects - Lucky Break and Belyando - through an earn-in agreement with Zamia Resources Pty Ltd. Both gold projects are strategically located within the Drummond Basin, a region that has a >6.5moz gold endowment. Kachi Resource Increases to 2.9 Million Tonnes Lithium Carbonate Equivalent with 5.2 Million Tonnes Inferred Resource Lake Provides JORC Update on its Flagship Kachi Project Sydney, June 15, 2023 AEST (ABN Newswire) - Clean lithium developer Lake Resources NL ( ASX:LKE ) ( LK1:FRA ) ( LLKKF:OTCMKTS ) is pleased to provide an updated resource estimate for the Kachi lithium brine Project ("Kachi" or the "Project") in Catamarca Province, Argentina. This updated resource estimate is based on continued drilling activities that have been underway throughout the year, with the Company having multiple drilling rigs on site to expedite drilling activities and related studies for the Project. The Company is currently in the process of testing production wells for pumping and reinjection aquifer testing as part of the Project Definitive Feasibility Study (DFS) with further details to follow. Highlights - Measured and Indicated (M&I) resources have increased from 2.19 to 2.93 million tonnes (Mt) of lithium carbonate equivalent (LCE) defined, to a depth of 400 m (meters) over 106 square kilometres (km2 ). - Surrounding the M&I resources are Inferred Resources of 5.18 Mt LCE defined over 161 km2. The resource remains open to a depth of approximately 600 to 700 m below ground surface (bgs) and open laterally, where drilling is underway to better define the resource extent. - The footprint of the Inferred Resource has expanded substantially north and south from recent characterization activities and transient electromagnetic geophysics suggests the lithium brine may extend significantly further indicating substantial additional exploration potential. - The lithium grade of the Measured Resource (0-400 m) across the salar is 210 mg/L lithium, the Indicated Resource immediately southeast is 174 mg/L lithium, and the surrounding Inferred Resource (0-400 m) has a concentration of 200 mg/L lithium. - Step out holes drilled near the limits of the previously defined northern and southern extents of the January 2023 Inferred Resource, K21D38 (K21) and K22D39 (K22), measured lithium grades of 219 mg/L and 283 mg/L, respectively, from piezometers screened from 395 to 407 m bgs. - Properties are 100% owned by Lake Resources. - Current and future drilling is targeting additional step out holes and defining the deeper resource beyond 400 m bgs. "The ongoing hydrogeological characterization activities started in March of last year have led to a significantly improved understanding of both the spatial and vertical extent of lithium brine but also the permeability of the reservoir materials. These studies demonstrate that the resource potential within the basin is much larger than the resource defined to date. These results will be incorporated into our ongoing Definitive Feasibility Study (DFS) and support our vision for the potential scale of the Project moving forward," commented Michael Gabora, Director of Geology and Hydrogeology at Lake Resources. In March and April of this year, two well pumping tests were completed and will be reported upon when all laboratory tests and analyses are completed in the coming weeks. Development of the flow and transport models to support the conversion of the lithium resource to reserve are progressing well and aiding in further improving the Company's understanding of the basin scale hydrogeology. These models will be used to optimize the production and reinjection wellfields being developed as part of the DFS and to evaluate potential hydrologic impacts for ongoing environmental impact assessments. Project Background The maiden resource estimate at Kachi was undertaken in 2018 as part of the Project Pre-feasibility Study. That estimate identified an Indicated Resource of 1.05 million tonnes (Mt) of Lithium Carbonate Equivalent (LCE) over an area of 61 square kilometres (km2), surrounded by an Inferred Resource of 3.19 Mt over an area of 114 km2 . The resource was defined from 50 m bgs to an average of 334 m depth, with the upper 50 m excluded from the resource due to uncertainties about lithium concentrations over that interval at the time of the estimate. With further diamond and rotary drilling and geophysical logging of wells the confidence in the geological and resource models has increased and the resource classification has been upgraded to reflect this. Drilling has been conducted to a maximum depth of 417 m across the Measured and Indicated resource area. Geophysics was previously undertaken to define the base of the unconsolidated sediments hosting brine. Additional transient electromagnetic (TEM) geophysics was recently completed across the salar and surrounding area, which showed the brine body is much larger than previously thought, and continues beyond the northern and southern TEM lines, which are 8 km and 9 km respectively from the centre of the Measured resources, significantly increasing the overall potential for future resource definition within the basin. This TEM geophysical survey also provided clear definition of the brine body and defined in detail the geometry of the contacts between the brine and areas of brackish water, to support the development of pumping simulations and a reserve model for the Project. A follow up passive seismic survey is currently underway at the Project, to define the depth to the bedrock beneath the unconsolidated sediments. Previous passive seismic measurements allowed definition of the basement depth to approximately 700 m deep in the west of the Project area, adjacent to the western mountain range. The ongoing survey has also provided infill data confirming this earlier interpretation. In January 2023, the resource estimate was updated from the maiden 2018 resource, defining a new combined M&I mineral resource containing 2.2 Mt of LCE in the central area of Kachi. An inferred mineral resource estimate of 3.1 Mt LCE was defined in the surrounding area. That resource estimate was based on infill drilling in the central Project area and increased the resource classification and confidence in that area of the resource to support initial production. Drilling and receipt of assay results subsequent to the January 2023 resource has provided further information expanding the central area and increased the overall resource footprint and resource size (see reference to drilling at K21 and K22). Combined with the TEM survey it reveals the true scale of the brine body and the potential for further resource expansion. This June 2023 resource estimate supersedes the January 2023 resource estimate. Location The Project is located in the Puna region of Northwestern Argentina, in the Province of Catamarca. It is approximately 520 km northwest of the capital of Catamarca Province, San Fernando de la Valle de Catamarca. It is 22 km west of the town of El Penon, and 50 km south of Antofagasta de Sierra, which is the regional administrative centre (Figure 1*). The Project is situated at an altitude of 3,000 m above sea level, which is relatively low for the Puna region and considered a major advantage for the Project. About Lake Resources NL Lake Resources NL (ASX:LKE) (OTCMKTS:LLKKF) is a clean lithium developer utilising state-of-the-art ion exchange extraction technology for production of sustainable, high purity lithium from its flagship Kachi Project in Catamarca Province within the Lithium Triangle in Argentina among three other projects covering 220,000 ha. This ion exchange extraction technology delivers a solution for two rising demands - high purity battery materials to avoid performance issues, and more sustainable, responsibly sourced materials with low carbon footprint and significant ESG benefits. China's Jiangxi registers robust foreign trade growth in January-May Xinhua) 09:36, June 15, 2023 NANCHANG, June 14 (Xinhua) -- East China's Jiangxi Province recorded robust foreign trade growth in the first five months of 2023, according to local customs. The province's total import and export value grew 21.8 percent year on year to 304.3 billion yuan (about 42.5 billion U.S. dollars) from January to May, data from Nanchang Customs showed. Of the total trade, exports rose 21.8 percent year on year to 234.4 billion yuan, while imports went up 22 percent to 69.9 billion yuan. The Association of Southeast Asian Nations, the United States and the European Union remained Jiangxi's major trading partners in the period. Meanwhile, Jiangxi's trade with countries and regions along the Belt and Road soared to 101.7 billion yuan, up 18.1 percent compared with the same period in 2022, while its trade with other members of the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership increased by 30.4 percent to 110.8 billion yuan. (Web editor: Zhong Wenxing, Liang Jun) ABQJournal.com Guidelines; Copyright, Online Privacy and Child-Protection Policies (updated May 2015) ABQJournal.com is a World Wide Web site of the Albuquerque Journal newspaper at 7777 Jefferson NE, Albuquerque, New Mexico, 87109. ABQJournal.com may be reached by e-mail at webmaster@abqjournal.com and by telephone at (505) 823-7777. ABQJournal includes highlights of the print editions of the Albuquerque Journal. Not every story that appears in the newspaper is online. Some stories online do not appear in the printed newspaper. 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Shortly after news broke out that he got arrested outside of a San Diego courtroom by federal agents, the "Wipe Me Down" rapper, who was formerly known as Lil Boosie, took his time to publicly express his apology to his children. On Wednesday, June 14, the 40-year-old spitter tweeted, "I WANNA TAKE THIS TIME TO APOLOGIZE TO MY KIDS." He went on to add, "IM SORRY AND I LOVE YALL FOREVER." At the end of his tweet, he added a folded hands emoji. He, however, did not specify the reason behind his public declaration. Boosie Badazz expressed his apology to his kids following arrest. Boosie's tweet was quickly flooded with comments. In its replies section, one surprised user asked, "N***a we don't know what you talking about." Another, on the other hand, complained, "Man you always say that and do the same s**t and go back to Jail," whereas a third reminded, "Bruh just built an entire city in his yard to smh." While many were left puzzled, a few sent their support for Boosie. One in particular replied, "Boosie We love you Boss Man.. Your strength will get you through this. We need you, the world needs you. Stay strong Bro from the TRIBE." Another additionally penned, "Keep ya head up." Earlier that day, Boosie was revealed by a spokesperson for the San Diego County District Attorney's office to have been arrested by federal agents. TMZ reported that the rapper attended a court for his ongoing gun case on June 14, weeks after he was found with two handguns. While Boosie's gun case got dismissed, federal agents were waiting for him outside of the courtroom. It was still unclear what was the cause of the "Out Here Grindin" rapper's arrest this time around. Still, Boosie's representative has confirmed his arrest and released a statement to XXL magazine. "Boosie asks for prayers as he deals with this unfortunate circumstance in his life. He hopes that he can rejoin his family soon and knows that God got him," the statement read. A few days before his arrest, Boosie showed his support for fellow artist YNW Melly by attending the latter's first day of double murder trial. On June 12, he was reported to have stayed in the courtroom until lunch break. He also shared an Instagram video of him seemingly walking to the courtroom along with a caption that read, "@ynwmelly TRIAL!!!! Opening Day." You can share this post! Instagram Celebrity One of the most popular actors in Hollywood, the Peter Parker depicter in the Spider-Man film franchise explains why he just had to distance himself from social media platforms. Jun 15, 2023 AceShowbiz - Tom Holland feels the "pressures of public opinion." One of the most popular actors in Hollywood, the 27-year-old Marvel Cinematic Universe star admits that he is very conscious of the public's expectations. "I wouldn't say I particularly have a history of issues with mental health," the actor, who is best known for playing Peter Parker in the Spider-Man film franchise, told The Hollywood Reporter. "I just feel like I am a young person living in a world where we are expected to share every moment online. We are under the pressures of public opinion and other people's opinions, and you've got these pressures of delivering to a certain standard. And it's stressful. It's hard." Tom has gained a huge following on social media during the course of his career. Despite this, the London-born actor has made a concerted effort to distance himself from various platforms in recent times. He shared, "It's tough when every time you leave your front door, you are working. You're on camera." "I can't walk around New York without clicking everywhere I go. And social media was bringing that outside world into my house," he went on to share. "I just had to get rid of it. I needed to get back to reality, remind myself of who I am and where I'm from, and just live my life as normally as possible, in my abnormal way. Which is my career, I guess." In August 2022, Tom took to Instagram to announce that he was taking a break from social media to focus on his mental health. He said on Instagram at the time, "I have taken a break from social media for my mental health, because I find Instagram and Twitter to be overstimulating, to be overwhelming. I get caught up and I spiral when I read things about me online. And ultimately, it's very detrimental to my mental state." You can share this post! Instagram Celebrity Setting the record straight about her job, the daughter of Charlie Sheen and Denise Richards stresses she does not 'meet up with people' and film herself 'having sex.' Jun 15, 2023 AceShowbiz - Sami Sheen insisted that she is "not a porn star." After revealing her "sex-worker" job routine to her viewers, the daughter of Charlie Sheen and Denise Richards uploaded a follow-up video to "clear some things up." In the short clip uploaded on her TikTok account on Saturday, June 10, the 19-year-old began stating, "Okay, I need to clear some things up. I am not a [porn] star and I do not meet up with people." She went on to clarify, "I don't film myself having sex. I don't do that." The OnlyFans model then explained, "But I also have no judgment towards the people who do do that. That's just not my line of work, and that's not something I'm comfortable with doing. The only reason I said I'm a [sex] worker is because my main source of income is from my [OnlyFans]." "And if people did their f**king research, they'd know that there's multiple forms of [sex] work," Sami bluntly reminded. She further reflected on her job as a model of the adult platform, "I've been doing [OnlyFans] for almost a full year now and I love my job." "There's absolutely nothing that anyone could say to make me wanna get a different job at the moment," the teen continued. "And I don't know why people are so judgmental towards it if I love it." Sami then listed what she liked about her job, "And it makes me happy and it's boosted my confidence so much. And I can work from home. I love talking to my subscribers. I make my own hours. Like, it just makes me happy. I love my job so much." In the end, Sami stated, "Yeah, I could go on for hours explaining myself, but I don't need to do that. I shouldn't have to do that. I wanted to keep this short and clear things up." A few days before sharing the TikTok video, Sami described herself as a "sex worker" in a "get ready with me" clip wherein she shared her routine pre-working. In the Thursday, June 8 video, she addressed one popular question from her viewers, "I think one of the main questions I get asked by all my subscribers is, 'when can we see the nips?' " "I know you're probably thinking like, 'How the hell are you a sex worker if you keep [your breasts] censored?' But trust me, I have my ways. I still show pretty much everything," she elaborated. "I just want to wait until the girls are done so I'm fully confident with everything I'm showing." You can share this post! Instagram Celebrity The 'Aquaman' actress is all smiles when stepping out in Madrid, saying that she hopes to stay longer in Spain after it's reported that she'll make her red carpet return at Taormina Film Festival in Italy. Jun 15, 2023 AceShowbiz - Amber Heard has no qualms about her future in the wake of her legal issue with Johnny Depp. Having settled the dispute after agreeing to pay $1 million to her ex-husband, the actress has said she's "very happy" living in Spain. In a new interview in the country she allegedly calls her second home, the "Justice League" star was all smiles after having a lunch in Madrid. When asked if she feels calmer after paying off the debt she owed to Johnny, she refused to answer the specific question as she said in a video obtained by TMZ, "I am very happy in Spain." Asked if she's going to stay longer in Spain, Amber revealed, "I hope that I can. I hope that I can spend more time here. I love living here." She was also asked if she wants to start a new life with her daughter in Spain, to which she responded, "Well, I have life," before leaving in a car. Back in December 2022, Amber and Johnny settled their dispute as their lawyers have agreed a to deal which would see the 37-year-old actress' insurance company paying $1 million to the 60-year-old actor. It's later reported that the "Pirates of the Caribbean" star would divide his million-dollar lump sum from Amber between several charities. Make-A-Film Foundation, The Painted Turtle, Red Feather, Tetiaroa Society and the Amazonia Fund Alliance are the lucky organizations which receive donations from Johnny. A rep for Make-A-Film Foundation calls the actor "one of the most generous people we've ever worked with." Joe Seidenberg, executive director of Red Feather, reveals that the money will be used to address housing disparities for Native Americans ... specifically the Navajo and Hopi tribes. Meanwhile, a rep for Amazonia tells TMZ the money will be transferred to BFUCA (Brazilian National Federation of Associations, Centers, and Clubs) for various projects. Amber's latest public outing in Spain comes after it's reported that she is set for her return to the spotlight. The Mera depicter in "Aquaman" will reportedly hit the red carpet for the first time since the trial at the 69th Taormina Film Festival in Sicily, Italy on June 24 for the world premiere of her new movie "In the Fire". You can share this post! Instagram/Cover Images/Dutch Press Celebrity The head of Margaret Thatcher's foundation is fuming after his request to have U.S. government release Harry's visa records is dismissed by Homeland Security. Jun 16, 2023 AceShowbiz - The US government has barred the release of Prince Harry's visa records. Think tank Heritage Foundation had filed a motion to have the Duke of Sussex's immigration paperwork made public after the 38-year-old royal revealed he had previously used cocaine, marijuana, and magic mushrooms, but on Wednesday, June 14, they shared a letter from the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), which said they were rejecting the request due to privacy concerns. "To the extent records exist, this office does not find a public interest in disclosure sufficient to override the subject's privacy interests," wrote Jimmy Wolfrey, a senior DHS official. Nile Gardiner, director of the Heritage Foundation's Margaret Thatcher Center for Freedom, said the response "shows an appalling lack of transparency by the Biden Administration" and vowed to continue campaigning for the records to be released. He added, "The Department of Homeland Security's efforts to stonewall the Heritage Foundation's Freedom of Information request are unacceptable, and we will be contesting their position." The case will now return to Washington federal court. In his memoir, Harry candidly confessed to using cocaine and cannabis as well as consuming magic mushroom chocolates at a party hosted by "Friends" actress Courteney Cox, 58, in 2016. The book's release and the subsequent media frenzy prompted the Heritage Foundation to demand the release of Harry's visa application through a Freedom of Information request, which the government has so far denied. As part of the visa application process, immigrants seeking entry or permanent residence in the US are required to disclose their history of drug use. According to US immigration laws, individuals deemed "drug abusers" are classified as "inadmissible" although immigration officials have discretion to waive these rules on a case-by-case basis. The Heritage Foundation's pursuit of Harry's immigration records aims to uncover what he revealed to the authorities during his application, whether a waiver was granted, and who made the decision. In a statement, the think tank asserted, "The American people deserve answers to the serious questions raised by the evidence. Did (the) DHS (Department of Homeland Security), in fact, turn a blind eye, show favouritism, or fail to appropriately address any potential false statements by Prince Harry?" Following their decision to step down as working members of the royal family, Harry and his wife Meghan Markle, Duchess of Sussex, 41, moved to Los Angeles in March 2020. If it is found Harry, who has Prince Archie, four, and two-year-old Princess Lilibet with Meghan, provided false information about drug use on his immigration forms, he could potentially face deportation and the loss of his US residency status. You can share this post! Cover Images/Dara Kushner/INFphoto.com Celebrity The former 'Pirates of the Caribbean' actor discusses going through a 'horrible period' amid his high-profile spat with former wife following their bitter separation. Jun 16, 2023 AceShowbiz - Johnny Depp has talked about a "horrible period" amid his defamation trial with Amber Heard. Last year, the former couple were entangled in a six-week trial over a piece the "Aquaman" star wrote in 2018 about being a victim of domestic violence, with the "Pirates of the Caribbean" actor ultimately winning over $10 million in damages after winning all three of his defamation claims while she was awarded $2 million after winning one of her three countersuit claims. When attending Cannes Film Festival to promote new movie "Jeanne du Barry" recently, the 60-year-old star was asked if there was "some satisfaction." "This - you know, yes, there is...," he said to Hollywood Authentic in a newly-shared interview. "Because, you know, at the top of this horrible period, at the beginning of it, it was you know, again, it's like kind of what I was saying before. People can hit the bottom many times. You can drop straight to the bottom a billion f****** times, but if you're lucky enough to find the basement, you're alright, you know?" Despite feeling satisfied, Depp has again shrugged off the idea that "Jeanne du Barry" is a comeback. In a behind the scenes video from the interview on his Instagram Story, he added, "I mean, you call it whatever you want, you could make it whatever you want but comeback? I mean, you have to go away to come back. I didn't go nowhere. Maybe I was not thought of or looked at or allowed to be looked at." During a press conference at the event last month, Depp had again insisted he "didn't go anywhere" and suggested people had "stopped calling" him. He said, "I keep wondering about the word comeback because I didn't go anywhere. As a matter of fact, I live about 45 minutes away. So yeah, maybe people stopped calling out of whatever their fear was at the time. But no, I didn't go nowhere. I've been sitting around." You can share this post! Over the past 30 years, Zee TV has become an integral part of millions of households across India. The channel continues to bring its viewers stories on subjects close to their hearts and introduces them to characters that become their favorite dinner table companions! Zee TV is known as much for its streak of innovation in terms of out-of-the-box marketing and consumer connect initiatives as it is for its engaging content. The latest initiative that Zee TV has embarked on is having real stars in the sky registered and named after its most iconic on-screen Jodis from shows such as Kundali Bhagya, Kumkum Bhagya, Bhagya Lakshmi, Pyaar Ka Pehla Naam Radha Mohan and Meet. This industry-first initiative is an endeavor to acknowledge the sheer love and adulation that these popular jodis enjoy and immortalize them in a unique way. In fact, Zee TV recently conducted a poll on social media where fans had to choose their Top 5 favorite Jodis, basis which the on-screen pairs were shortlisted for star-name registration. The popular Jodis - Kumkum Bhagyas Prachi and Ranbir, Kundali Bhagyas Preeta and Karan, Bhagya Lakshmis Lakshmi and Rishi, Pyaar Ka Pehla Naam Radha Mohans Radha and Mohan, along with Meet: Badlegi Duniya Ki Reets Meet and Meet were conferred with certificates showcasing the real stars that were named after them. Zee TV Business Head Aparna Bhosle said, Our audiences are deeply immersed and invested in the journeys of our protagonists. What better way to celebrate this love than to immortalize it through naming celestial stars after some of our most popular jodis. In fact, given how touched our artistes are by this endeavour, the idea is to name stars after the lead pairs of all our shows that complete 300 episodes in the days to come, so they can join the ranks of these 'star' couples. All of these Jodis share palpable on-screen chemistry and are loved by the audience! While viewers cant wait to see Prachi and Ranbir resolve their differences and reunite, Radha and Mohan, on the other hand, share a devotional connection where Radha literally worships Mohan. While Lakshmi and Rishi are each others heartbeat and Meet - Meet share a sweet fun-loving chemistry, Preeta and Karan make the audience believe in the concept of eternal love. It sure looks like each of their Bhagyas were intertwined and written in the stars, quite literally now! Preeta (Shraddha Arya) from Kundali Bhagya said, Preeta-Karan are what they are because of our fans. And for Zee TV to recognize this love and have stars named after our jodi is such a beautiful gesture. I am overwhelmed and will cherish this forever. As Kumkum Bhagyas Prachi (Mugdha Chaphekar) and Ranbir (Krishna Kaul) said, This is one of the most novel initiatives that we have seen a channel undertake. Ranbir and Prachis love story is eternal and naming a star after us and the other popular Jodis is truly never heard of. This concept is so unique that we never thought something like this could happen for real. However, we are truly grateful as our love story has an even bigger meaning now. Bhagya Lakshmis Lakshmi (Aishwarya Khare) and Rishi (Rohit Suchanti) added, We believe that this is an amazing step by the channel to recognize the viewers favorite onscreen couples by registering real stars after them. It is indeed an honor for us to be shortlisted, and that too by our fans. The characters of Lakshmi and Rishi have been very close to us since day one, and now this iconic Jodi and their love story have a real star named after them, it cannot get better than this. Meet: Badlegi Duniya Ki Reets Meet (Ashi Singh) added, It is a surreal feeling that our work is acknowledged in such a grand manner that real stars have been registered after our characters. We are grateful to Zee TV and our viewers for loving our Jodi and showering us with loads of love. Pyaar Ka Pehla Naam Radha Mohans Radha (Neeharika Roy) and Mohan (Shabir Ahluwalia) said, All of our fans and viewers have showered our Jodi with loads of love since day one and this is the epitome of appreciation and admiration for the work that we do. It is an absolutely overwhelming feeling, which cannot be expressed in words. To keep watching the love stories of these iconic couples, stay tuned to Zee TV every day! Godawan, Diageo Indias crafted, artisanal Single Malt, is inspired by its namesake the Great Indian Bustard, a majestic avian, which was once ubiquitous across India, but is now nearing extinction and features on the UN Red List of endangered species and finds its last refuge in Rajasthan. Symbolic of finding beauty in scarcity, Godawan represents everything that makes Rajasthan the home to craft at its finest. Godawan - The Spirit of the Desert pays homage to those craftsmen and innovators who have sustainably and consciously redefined the glory of the land they hail from. Godawan is the embodiment of Diageo Indias commitment to the conservation of the Great Indian Bustard and Indian communities of artisans and craftspeople. With only a few Great Indian Bustards left in the world, every bottle the company produces will contribute to the conservation of this exquisite bird. Recognising the efforts by Diageo, the Bishnoi community has allotted 250 acres of land for safe habitat development in nearby villages of Khetolai, Pokhran, and Jaisalmer in partnership with the District Forest Department. Out of the total land, 50 acres are being developed for local village livestock fodder and 200 acres are fenced as an exclusive safe area for Godawan and the habitat is being developed with native seeds and trees. In an interaction with Adgully, Vikram Damodaran, Chief Innovation Officer, Diageo India, talks about Mindful Luxury - The Rise of the Conscious Consumer, how Godawan is redefining the meaning of luxury, key shifts in consumer preferences and behaviours, and more. What is the inspiration behind Godawan, Diageo Indias crafted, artisanal Single Malt? India, herself, is the inspiration. India has an extremely rich history, culture, and tradition when it comes to distillation techniques. Creating a single malt with deep provenance at its heart, was the genesis for Godawan. To bring this to life, we selected our distillery at Alwar in Rajasthan as the Home of Godawan. Rajasthan has extremely deep-rooted connections to craft, artisanal values, and bespoke distillation techniques. With temperatures reaching 101 Deg F, being water-starved and resource-challenged, it presented an opportunity to create a single malt that would be as bespoke as it would be precious. In essence, Godawan represents The Spirit of the Desert. Beauty in Scarcity. Why is the Great Indian Bustard significant to the story of Godawan? In what way does Godawan symbolise finding beauty in scarcity? Our artisanal single malt is deeply rooted in Rajasthan. The one motif that spoke for Beauty in Scarcity was The Great Indian Bustard, the Godawan. What was once in contention to be the national bird of India and found in tens of thousands, is now down to just over 100 found in the Jaisalmer area. It is also notified as a protected bird in the UN Red List of endangered species. Therefore, for us, the Godawan truly represents Beauty in Scarcity, like the artisanal single malt. How does Godawan pay homage to craftsmen and innovators? How does Diageo India contribute to the conservation of the Great Indian Bustard through Godawan? Godawan is a proposition that is built on craftsmanship, skill, ingenuity, and innovation. Right from the selection of a specific strain of six-row barley that uses lesser water to grow to the unique slow-trickle distillation protocol that imparts the right sensorial to the new make spirit and the complex architecture of casks used to create bespoke expressions and not to mention the final touch with the finishing of the liquid in casks steeped with specific hand-picked Indian botanicals the entire process is a celebration of artisanal craftsmanship every step of the way. We have made a long-term commitment to the conservation of the bird with a part of our proceeds from the sale of every bottle going towards this cause. How has the Bishnoi community collaborated with Diageo in the conservation efforts? For the last five years, we have been working in partnership with Gramodaya Samajik Sansthan (GSS), an NGO partner for various Water, Women Empowerment, and Conservation projects in Rajasthan. We have been working in cities like Alwar, Udaipur, Jodhpur, and now in Jaisalmer for Godawan conservation. Thanks to the Bishnoi community, who recognised our efforts and allotted 250 acres of land for safe habitat development at Village Khetolai, Pokhran, Jaisalmer in partnership with the District Forest Department. From this land, 50 acres are being developed for local village livestock fodder and 200 acres are fenced as an exclusive safe area for Godawan and the habitat is being developed with native seeds and trees. What is the purpose of the 250 acres of land allotted by the Bishnoi community for safe habitat development? How is the land being utilised in the nearby villages of Khetolai, Pokhran, and Jaisalmer? What role do the Godawan Mitra (Volunteers) play in engaging with the local community? Groundwater RCC storage tanks have been constructed which were filled with water to support the growth of grasslands and other native bushes and trees throughout the year. We are in discussion with the Municipal Corporate of Jaisalmer City as well as Pokhran, to check the feasibility to take the Sewage Treatment Plants treated water to our area for irrigation purposes. To prevent poaching, Godawan Mitra (Volunteers) have been appointed to engage with the local community. How does Godawan redefine the meaning of luxury, according to the concept of Mindful Luxury? Godawan is built for Aesthete consumer audience groups. The audience in this group is affluent, 30-45-year-old male/ female urban consumers, with successful well-to-do careers, businesses, and professions. They are consumers who particularly enjoy this phase of life and are very discerning when it comes to choices around quality, comfort, and lifestyle. They are confident, self-aware, and content. Mindful luxury, conscious living, and a commitment/ expectation of a better, brighter future for the community are facets that would characterise their core sentiments. Godawan, therefore, is an indulgence but made with care to ensure we are being mindful of the environment, the community, and the resources that enable the making of the product. In what way does Godawan cater to conscious consumers in the craft spirit market? Conscious consumption means engaging in the economy while acknowledging the impact of your consumption on society and the environment as a whole. The idea of conscious consumption doesnt hinge on individual perfection but on the collective actions of whole societies making small but incremental positive changes daily. We see Godawan as our Born Good brand. A brand that strives to give back more than it takes. And, given our focus on artisanal value, craft, community, and sustainability we believe we can continue to set new benchmarks that will champion the concept of conscious consumption. How does Godawan give back to its motherland? Godawan gives back in many ways. Starting with the six-row barley or the slow trickle distillation that uses lesser water, the collaboration with a global technology partner to use 100% renewable water using moisture from the air, working with the local communities to drive women empowerment and water conservation, to using labels that are FSC certified showing our commitment to ethical sourcing, a doff to local artisans with the Rajasthani filigree being an important brand of the brands assets and finally, the long term commitment to the conservation of the Godawan. Godawan, overall, represents The Spirit of the Desert. A born good brand that hopes to keep giving more than it takes. Beauty in Scarcity. Adgully has been turning the spotlight on the entrepreneurs who fought against all odds to bring their dreams to fruition in our special series START-UP STARS. We, at Adgully, wholeheartedly support the Vocal for Local movement and have been featuring numerous local/ homegrown businesses, brands, and Apps in the country launched in the last few years. Million Cases is revolutionising the world of mobile accessories, taking it to a whole new level and experience. At present, they manage a thriving and leading premium brand, providing the finest materials and stunning designs to create something truly exceptional. Boldacc, a registered trademark fashion tech accessories brand, operates as a wholly-owned subsidiary of Million Cases. Derived from Bold Accessories, the name Boldacc was chosen to encompass the wide range of smartphone accessories that Million Cases offers, including charging cables, adapters, wireless chargers, and power banks, among others. In an interaction with Adgully, Rohit Singh, Co-founder & CEO, Million Cases, shares his entrepreneurial journey along with some key learning and major challenges that the company faced while building this brand, leveraging digital technology, and more. Please take us through your journey as an entrepreneur. What motivated you to establish the company? Krishan (Krishan Kumar, CTO & Co-founder, Million Cases) and I began our entrepreneurial journey soon after our college with a successful blog that relied heavily on SEO to attract traffic and generate income. We were doing well until we faced a significant drop in traffic after a Google update to its core SEO algorithm. This was a major setback for us, but we refused to let it deter us from our dream of building a successful business. We knew that we had to pivot and explore other opportunities. This experience led us to explore the rapidly growing world of e-commerce in India. We saw a need for high-quality, premium phone cases and accessories and decided to launch our own brand, Million Cases, under the parent company Millions Kart. We understood the importance of providing quality products and exceptional service, which helped us to build a loyal customer base. Through our experience, we learned that being open to pivoting and exploring new avenues when faced with challenges is crucial for success. We also realised that hard work, perseverance, and quality are essential elements of building a successful business. These values have been the backbone of our journey so far, and we remain committed to them as we continue to grow and evolve. What was the need for this brand from a consumers perspective? What is the core business proposition? The growing popularity of smartphones and premium phones among consumers fuelled the need for high-quality, premium phone cases and accessories. Our core business proposition was to establish ourselves as a brand that offered high-quality cases and designs that met the needs and preferences of our target customers. We wanted to create a brand that consumers could trust for its quality and durability, and we worked hard to develop products that met those standards. By doing so, we aimed to differentiate ourselves from other brands and establish a loyal customer base. What have been your key learnings so far? How do you see the companys ecosystem progressing in 2023? Our journey as entrepreneurs has taught us several valuable lessons. Some of the key learnings that we have gained include: Quality is paramount: We learned early on that quality is essential to building a successful business. We focused on creating high-quality products and delivering excellent customer service, which helped us establish a loyal customer base. We learned early on that quality is essential to building a successful business. We focused on creating high-quality products and delivering excellent customer service, which helped us establish a loyal customer base. A capable team is crucial: We realised that we couldnt do everything on our own, and building a capable team was crucial to our success. We hired talented individuals who shared our values and worked together to achieve our goals. We realised that we couldnt do everything on our own, and building a capable team was crucial to our success. We hired talented individuals who shared our values and worked together to achieve our goals. People care about themselves the most: We recognised that consumers are primarily motivated by their own needs and desires. We aimed to understand our target audiences preferences and develop products that meet those needs. Looking ahead to 2023, we see our companys ecosystem continuing to grow and evolve. We plan to expand our product line and reach new customers through targeted marketing and advertising campaigns. We also hope to continue to build strong relationships with our customers and provide excellent customer service. How is digital helping you further your business? Digital technology has been a tremendous asset to our business. The ability to sell our products online has allowed us to reach customers all over India and beyond. Digital marketing has also helped us to target our ideal customers with precision, allowing us to reach more people while minimising marketing costs. We have leveraged digital tools and platforms to streamline our operations, optimise our supply chain, and scale our business more efficiently. How did you identify your TG? Did you carry out any feasibility study prior to starting your business? Identifying our target audience was an ongoing process that involved continuous testing and trial-and-error. We initially identified smartphone users who were willing to pay a premium for high-quality cases and accessories. Over time, we refined our understanding of our target audience by analysing customer feedback, sales data, and market research. Prior to starting our business, we conducted a feasibility study to assess the market demand for our products and evaluate the competition. This helped us to determine whether our business idea was viable and identify potential challenges we might face. What were the challenges that you faced in your startup journey and how did you overcome them? Regarding the challenges that we faced in our start-up journey, managing the large number of SKUs in our business was a significant hurdle. With so many different products, it was challenging to keep track of inventory, logistics, and customer demands. It took a lot of time and effort to develop our own in-house tools and systems to address this issue, but we were eventually able to conquer it. By streamlining our processes and becoming more efficient, we were able to scale our business faster than ever before. What would be your message for budding entrepreneurs? Focus on unit economics. One common mistake that many individuals and businesses make is focusing solely on generating sales without considering the underlying financial calculations and profitability. It is important to understand that generating sales does not necessarily equate to making profits. Additionally, scaling a business without considering the potential negative impact on profitability can be detrimental. Neglecting to evaluate profitability and blindly pursuing sales can be akin to self-sabotage. Therefore, it is crucial to take a closer look at the financials and take informed decisions based on profitability rather than just revenue generation. What makes your brand stand out from other brands? Variety: Our brand offers a wide range of products across different categories, giving customers a plethora of choices to select from. This helps in catering to the diverse needs of our customers and makes our brand a one-stop-shop for all their requirements. Our brand offers a wide range of products across different categories, giving customers a plethora of choices to select from. This helps in catering to the diverse needs of our customers and makes our brand a one-stop-shop for all their requirements. Quality: We place a high emphasis on the quality of our products. We ensure that our products are made with the best quality raw materials and undergo rigorous quality checks before being made available to our customers. This helps in building trust among our customers and ensures that they come back to us for more. We place a high emphasis on the quality of our products. We ensure that our products are made with the best quality raw materials and undergo rigorous quality checks before being made available to our customers. This helps in building trust among our customers and ensures that they come back to us for more. Service: We believe that customer satisfaction is the key to the success of any business. We have a dedicated customer support team that is available 24x7 to assist customers with their queries and concerns. We also offer easy returns and hassle-free exchanges, ensuring that our customers have a seamless shopping experience. By excelling in these core aspects of the business, we have been able to stand out from other brands in the e-commerce niche. Our commitment to offering a wide range of high-quality products, coupled with excellent customer service, has helped us survive and thrive in a highly competitive market for almost 7 years now. How has the industry changed since you first started your company? With the disruption of affordable data and voice plans, there was a surge in digital reach and accessibility. The widespread availability of affordable data plans led to an increase in the number of people using e-commerce platforms to shop, which created new opportunities for businesses like ours to expand their reach and increase their customer base. The rise of social media and other digital platforms has also made it easier for businesses to market and advertise their products, helping to increase their visibility and brand awareness. The use of technology and automation has also helped businesses like ours streamline their operations and improve their efficiency, allowing them to offer better services to their customers. In addition to these changes, the industry has also become more competitive with the entry of new players both domestic and international. This has resulted in a more dynamic market, with businesses constantly innovating and adapting to stay ahead of the competition. Overall, the industry has changed significantly since we started our business, and these changes have presented both challenges and opportunities. As an entrepreneur, it is important to stay agile and adapt to these changes to stay ahead of the curve and succeed in the long run. What has been the most rewarding aspect of running your business? Running a business can be a challenging yet fulfilling experience, and there are several aspects of it that can make it rewarding. Firstly, one of the most significant benefits of being an entrepreneur is the freedom it provides. As business owners, we have the flexibility to set our own schedules, work on projects that interest us, and pursue our passions. This can be incredibly fulfilling and can help us maintain a healthy work-life balance. Another rewarding aspect of running a business is the opportunity to travel. Depending on the nature of the business, entrepreneurs may have to travel to meet with clients or attend industry events. This can be an exciting experience, and it offers a chance to explore new places, cultures, and opportunities. Traveling can also help business owners expand their networks and gain new insights into their industries. Perhaps the most rewarding aspect of running a business, however, is the satisfaction of creating jobs and making a positive impact on peoples lives. By providing employment opportunities, entrepreneurs have the power to improve the financial well-being of their employees and their families. This can be a source of great pride and satisfaction, as it allows us to make a tangible difference in our communities. Overall, the combination of freedom, travel, and the ability to create jobs and make a positive impact on people's lives can make running a business an incredibly rewarding experience. It's not always easy, but for many entrepreneurs, its a labour of love that offers both personal and professional fulfillment. State Secretariat for Education, Research and Innovation Bern, 15.06.2023 - On 15 June, Martina Hirayama, State Secretary for Education, Research and Innovation, met with Brendan O'Connor, the Australian Minister for Skills and Training, to discuss vocational education and training in Switzerland and Australia. The two countries enjoy very good relations in the areas of education and research. The talks between Martina Hirayama and Brendan O'Connor focused on professional education and training, the promotion of women in traditionally male-dominated professions and capacity building, especially in the field of clean energy. They also addressed the question of how to boost the appeal of vocational education and training. Mr O'Connor's visit was part of his participation in the International Labour Conference (ILO). Before and after the exchange at the State Secretariat for Education, Research and Innovation (SERI), the minister visited the Swiss Federal Institute for Vocational Education and Training (SFIVET) as well as a number of businesses to gain a better insight into Switzerland's system of vocational education and training. Switzerland and Australia enjoy very good relations in the areas of education and research. In the field of education, Australia is an attractive destination for apprentices and students to learn English. Thanks to the stagiaire agreement between Switzerland and Australia, young professionals from Switzerland can improve their professional and language skills while gaining work experience in Australia. Since January 2022, it has also been possible for Swiss nationals between the ages of 18 and 30 to participate in Australia's Working Holiday Maker Program. In terms of research cooperation, Australia is one of Switzerland's most important partners outside Europe. In 2013, Switzerland and Australia concluded a Memorandum of Understanding to promote cooperation in science, research and innovation. There are frequent exchanges and many direct cooperation arrangements between researchers and universities in the two countries. Between 2018 and 2022, Swiss researchers from around 650 projects reported working with Australian partners as part of Swiss National Science Foundation projects. Since 1963, around 120 Australian researchers and artists have also been granted a Swiss Government Excellence Scholarship. Switzerland has a Science and Technology Office in Canberra, which helps to deepen cooperation between the two countries as part of its global network for education, research and innovation. For its part, Australia reopened its embassy in Bern in November 2022 after a break of 30 years in part to strengthen bilateral relations in the ERI sector. Address for enquiries State Secretariat for Education, Research and Innovation Communication medien@sbfi.admin.ch +41 58 485 67 74 Publisher State Secretariat for Education, Research and Innovation http://www.sbfi.admin.ch Here is a sample of stories about the waitlists for ASD diagnosis. One in 57 in England, Scotland and Wales is the direct result of waitlists extending for years just to get an assessment of a disability like autism. I immediately thought of all the articles Ive posted on Loss of Brain Trust that clearly show a massive failure throughout the UK to get these kids assessed. To put that in perspective, that would mean 5% of Northern Irish children are diagnosed with autism, compared with 1.8% in the rest of the UK. "[It is] one in 57 in the rest of the UK. The need in Northern Ireland is significantly different." "One in 20 children in Northern Ireland of school age has a diagnosis of autism," he told MPs. This story first reared its head on May 24, when by Mark Baker, head of the Controlled Schools Support Council (CSSC), gave evidence to the House of Commons' Northern Ireland Affairs Committee. Reporter Kula raised the question of the disparity between the rate in Northern Ireland and the rest of the U.K. The piece cited Jill Escher, the president of the National Council on Severe Autism, who challenged Mottron on the validity of the one in 20 rate for autism. She said, It boggles my mind that it is not the subject of the highest possible alarm and inquiry. HOLD ON. There are those who dispute the idea that were watering down the definition of autism. This of course is surprising since weve all been forced-fed the claim that all ever-increasing autism is always the result of BETTER DIAGNOSING/GREATER AWARENESS. It seems the experts are still getting it wrong. Mottron dismissed the rate as fantasy and called it the result of over-diagnosis, and he said, The definition of autism may get too vague to be meaningful, trivializing the condition. Reporter Adam Kula focused on Professor Laurent Mottron from Montreal as an international expert who disputes the current autism rate in Northern Ireland: one in every 20 students. Somerset, ENGLAND, ITV: Somerset SEND children out of school for months amid wait for care plans Parents of children with special educational needs and disabilities say they have been let down by Somerset Council. Natasha Holden's children have ADHD and autism. One has an education health and care plan (EHCP) to access support, the other does not and has been at home since January. "I know at least eight or 10 children that are not in education at the moment, because they're either in the EHCP process that's taking too long, More than 280 Somerset families have come together to support each other with obtaining EHCPs. Darlington, ENGLAND, ITV News: Darlington mum says waiting four years for an autism assessment is 'heartbreaking' More than 10,000 children in the Tyne Tees region are currently waiting for an autism assessment. The data from NHS England shows that in March 2023, 10,385 children in the North East and North Yorkshire had an open suspected autism referral. 84% of those children are waiting longer than the 13-week target time for their first appointment. Guidance from NICE, the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence states that no-one should wait longer than three months between being referred and first being seen. The data also shows there has been rise of 2,365 children waiting for an assessment since March 2022- a 29% increase. Tipton, ENGLAND, TES: The long wait for education, health and care plan applications to be processed not only denies pupils with special educational needs the right support, it also puts massive strain on schools budgets, as this headteacher explains Leaders in schools around the country will know how many pressures we face at present: huge funding gaps, challenging student behaviours and increasing numbers of children with special needs to name just a few. In fact, there is a huge backlog waiting to be assessed and agreed, and some children will finish school before a decision is made. Wales: In Your Area: Urgent call for action on autism and ADHD assessment waiting times in Wales More than 9,000 children are currently waiting for an autism or ADHD assessment in Wales. The Welsh government has said it is working to address gaps in support, as of the 9,014 children on the waiting list in Wales, more than a third - 3,331 - have been waiting for over a year. Bristol, ENGLAND, itv.com: Parents of children with autism in Bristol have branded new rules on who can be referred for diagnosis assessments as "discriminatory, naive, and dangerous". Children must now be in 'crisis' before being placed on a two-year NHS waiting list to be seen by healthcare provider Sirona - which runs services in Bristol, North Somerset and South Gloucestershire. Sussex, ENGLAND: According to ESCC, the number of school aged children and young people aged 4 to 19 in East Sussex with an Education, Health and Care Plan (EHCP) has been rising steeply in recent years, by 12% from 2018 to 2022. The group with the biggest increase is those with ASD. Cllr MacCleod added: More does need to be done across East Sussex as currently the waiting list for an autism referral is more than 2 years, Essex, ENGLAND: From data from September 2022 show health services in Essex have approximately 4 000 children who are awaiting specialist autism assessment. WOULD Dr. Mottron slam the numbers from Ireland which are almost exactly what Northern Ireland shows? Dec 15, 2022, Cork Independent: Raised awareness from parents around autism .the Department of Health reveal that 14,000 children between the ages of four and 15 have an autism diagnosis - around 4.7 per cent of the school population. [ONE IN 21 CHILDREN] This is four times higher than the figure of just 1.2 per cent 10 years ago. WHAT about the accepted numbers out of California? There its one in every 22 kids according to the CDCs own numbers. Mottron and other experts like him who promote the idiotic claim that autism ISNT increasing at an unsustainable rate may try to delude themselves and others who listen to them that nothing is really wrong, but the truth is everywhere. LOOK at the special education numbers in the U.K. and Ireland. Dec 13, 2022, Scottish Daily Express: SNP ministers accused of 'shamefully neglecting' Scottish education amid raft of damning figures Figures released on Tuesday showed the number of pupils with ASN, such as autism, dyslexia and mental health problems in 2022 reached a record high of 241,639. The number represents around 34.2 per cent of the pupil population, rising from 118,011 in 2012. This number is certainly going to keep on increasing. Just two years earlier, in December, 2020, the Glasgow Times announced: THE Scottish Government has been urged to increase funding for children with additional support needs (ASN) as the number of pupils has again increased. Official statistics show the number of ASN pupils increased from 215,897 to 226,838 between 2019 and 2020, a jump of 1.4%. The proportion of ASN pupils among the student population has also increased to 32.3% from 30.9%. Meanwhile in Northern Ireland just last year we were told that almost 25 percent of students have special needs. April 1, 2022, Irish News: (NI) Teaching union warns scale of crisis in SEN sector in NI 'unquantifiable' Ms White said one of the biggest concerns among members is the special educational needs sector, which was "in deep crisis before the pandemic". "The scale of that crisis is now unquantifiable," she said. "Around 80,000 school-age children in Northern Ireland have some form of special needs, almost a quarter of all pupils. More than 18,000 of those have a statement. However, it is likely the statementing figure should be higher. For instance, last year almost 4,500 children were waiting for an autism assessment. "So in truth the scale of unmet need is currently unknown while schools are expected to struggle on themselves without the capacity to provide proper support for children with increasingly complex social, emotional and behavioural difficulties. WHAT is happening in our schools real, and autism is not a fad diagnosis Schools have to address the needs of students who cant learn or behave as students have always been expected to. These arent imaginary or exaggerated problems theyre seeing everywhere in schools. This is especially evident in the U.K. in the stories about expanding special ed departments in mainstream schools and building whole schools for those students who cant function in a regular school. HERE is a recent sample of a growing disaster. Newport, WALES: The city council is set to approve plans for a specialist centre for children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) to open at Llanwern High School in September. The council said the new unit was necessary because of a rise in the number of children diagnosed with ASD. Southampton, ENGLAND: The council is committed to expanding successful Special Educational Needs provisions where possible to meet demand. Developing places within the city will mean that children and young people are able to have their needs accommodated locally which will also reduce the need to rely on high-cost and out-of-city placements. For any school to increase their capacity by 10% or more it must follow a procedure set out by the Department for Education. There is an urgent need to increase the number of special school places in Southampton, due to an increase in need and demand. Vermont School is currently a 50-place Special School for primary aged pupils with Social, Emotional, Mental Health (SEMH) needs. The Council is planning to increase the capacity of the school to accommodate 76 pupils. Great Oaks School is currently a 325-place Special School for 11-18-year-olds with complex needs. The Council is proposing to increase the capacity of the school to accommodate 150 additional pupil places onto a neighbouring site of Vermont School. It is also proposed to increase the facilities on one of Great Oaks' existing sites at Green Lane, Redbridge. This will provide an additional 27 spaces. It is expected that there will be a final overall capacity of 500 places at Great Oaks School. Liverpool, ENGLAND: About 500 new school places are set to be created in Liverpool as part of a 20m [$25M] investment into the city's special educational needs provision. The places will be created at four sites across the city. Over the last four years the number of children in the region with educational health care plans (EHCPs) has risen by 50% to more than 4,000. Ms Bennett, cabinet member for employment, educational attainment and skills, said hundreds of specialist placements will be created in time for the new school year, with up to 500 more over the next five years. "It's not just a Liverpool problem and we will continue to work hard to create the right places for children," she told the Local Democracy Reporting Service. The scheme will see the creation of 40 spaces at the current Palmerston School site in Woolton for the start of the new term in September, with a further 75 in a second phase. A further 60 places will be created at Bank View South from later this year on the site of the former Parklands school in Speke. Malvern, ENGLAND: A specialist college for young people with autism has appointed a new principal. Jonathan Bell has taken over at Bankside College, which caters for autistic people aged 16-25 as well as young people with learning difficulties and other complex needs The state-of-the-art new school will share our site and cater for 60 pupils. With demand increasing for specialist further education provision the college, part of Options Autism, welcomes students from across Worcestershire, Gloucestershire, Herefordshire, the West Midlands and Warwickshire. Our purpose built sensory rooms, small class-sizes and 1-1 assistance, ensure our students sensory and therapeutic needs are met, said Mr Bell. Earlier this year, the county council announced plans to create a free school for pupils with autism at the Sunshine Children's Centre in Poolbrook, Malvern. It will provide 120 places for pupils aged 5-19. It is not yet known who will run the facility, as free schools aren't run by the local authority. NORTHERN IRELAND: An additional 200 classes are needed for September to meet the demand for school places for children with special educational needs (SEN). That is according to an internal letter sent to Education Authority (EA) staff that has been seen by BBC News NI. The authority has asked for almost 90 of its workers in other jobs to volunteer to move to work in SEN support. It cites staff shortages as the reason. Restrictions on early years support for children during the Covid-19 pandemic is one reason for the "significant" rise in demand, according to the authority. Hertfordshire, ENGLAND: "Our Special School Place Planning Strategy 2020-23 sets out our commitment and investment to create over 300 new permanent special school places, and the development of a countywide pattern of specialist resource provision in mainstream schools. "Our commitment to inclusion has also significantly increased our investment into SEND funding in mainstream schools across the county from 9.5m [$11.8M ]to 17.5m [$21.7M] this year. Skelmersdale, ENGLAND: Councillors are expected to approve plans to expand and increase the number of school places at Kingsbury Primary School in Skelmersdale next week. The co-educational special school is proposing to create 30 additional places, increasing the number of places to 120. Cllr Jayne Rear, cabinet member for education and skills at Lancashire County Council, said: "We identified some time ago the need for special school places across the county and have been working hard to create more places to meet the demand. Yorkshire, ENGLAND: North Yorkshire County Council is set to consult on a proposal to open a school for children with autism at the site of the former Woodfield Community Primary School in Harrogate. Councillors agreed earlier this week to further explore the proposed project, which would provide school places for children and young people with autism in North Yorkshire. A total of 3.5 million [$4.4M] has been earmarked to allow potential upgrading of the site to enable it to cater for up to 80 pupils with autism aged between 11 and 19. The decision comes as children and young people in North Yorkshire with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) are set to benefit from a 20 million [$25M] investment, which includes the creation of new places in Special Schools and mainstream SEN Resource Bases. The Council says since 2016, the number of children and young people with identified SEND and an education, health and care plan (EHCP) has increased by over 110 per cent in North Yorkshire. As this trend continues, it is estimated that an additional capacity of 350 SEND school places will be required to be developed over the next three to five years. Chard, ENGLAND: A former day centre near a Somerset hospital will be transformed into a special needs school if new plans are approved. SEND provider 3 Dimensions Ltd., which runs the existing school at Chardleigh House north-west of Chard, has applied to Somerset Council to turn the day centre into a satellite site for up to 30 pupils between the ages of 7 and 19. A spokesman for Alder King Planning (representing the school) said: The school supports children with social, emotional and mental health needs including autism. The school was rated good with outstanding features by Ofsted in 2022. It is proposed that the two sites will sit under a single school registration and leadership team. It is anticipated that up to 30 children will be educated at the Laurel Centre.. Herefordshire, ENGLAND: Three Herefordshire schools will get an autism base, following a decision by Herefordshire Council. it is evident that there will be a need for a significant expansion in the number of specialist primary mainstream autism base places and we will need this additional capacity from September 2023. The county has also had a high level of demand from parents who are seeking secondary specialist autism base provision as their children move from primary school to secondary school. Herefordshire Council has approved plans for the addition of an autism base at Leominster Primary School, Earl Mortimer College and Aylestone School. Bristol, ENGLAND: Special needs education and children in care are costing Bristol City Council millions of pounds over its budget. New figures show how much extra money the council spent last year compared to how much was originally budgeted for, with some areas costing far more than planned. Increasing numbers of children and young people in Bristol, and across the country, need extra support at school, while some children need to be taken into care. But the level of demand rose much faster last year than City Hall chiefs expected in the annual council budget. Councillor Craig Cheney, deputy mayor responsible for finance, said: The main financial challenge for schools is the high needs block, which has an in-year overspend of 16.2 million [$20M], resulting from an increase in education, health and care plans. Many parents and carers in Bristol face months of delays to securing an education, health and care plan for their children and an increasing number are now taking the council to court, unhappy with special educational needs provision. The council also makes top-up payments to schools and pupil referral units for children with special educational needs. Another area causing overspend is children looked after by the council, who have been taken into care. Last year the children and families service spent 6.5 million [$8M] more than its 85.8 million [$107M] budget. Half of this budget was spent on placements for children in care including 15,612,000 [$19M] on very expensive out-of-county placements, where children are sent to a home outside of Bristol. Nuneaton, ENGLAND: 2.7m [$3.4M] vocational expansion plans for SEND Nuneaton school. A school for children with special educational needs will relocate its post-16 education two miles away to boost capacity. Oak Wood School provides education for children and young adults with special education needs and disabilities (SEND) and autism, covering an age range from four to 19. Newcastle, ENGLAND: A special school in Newcastle is set for a major expansion, in a bid to keep up with rapidly escalating demand for places. The move comes after warnings that more than 300 more school places for autistic youngsters will be needed in Newcastle over the coming years, with Newcastle City Council having previously stated that a completely new special school will need to be built. New plans lodged with Newcastle City Council would see six new classrooms built for Thomas Bewick School, on what is currently a derelict section of the adjacent former All Saints College. The expansion into a new block would give the school, in West Denton, space for between 48 and 56 extra pupils when the work is completed. The number of pupils in Newcastle identified with special educational needs has jumped from 6,262 in 2016/17 to 6,618 in 2020/21, while the number of autistic youngsters enrolled at Thomas Bewick has risen from 53 when it opened in 1999 to more than 300 now. Tameside, ENGLAND: A new school building for children with special educational needs and disabilities in Tameside will cost nearly 10m [$12M] more and open a year later than planned. The total cost of the scheme has now increased to 22.76m [$28M], the extra funding for which will come from the education capital funding budget. Thornbury, ENGLAND: CONSTRUCTION has begun on a new special school near Thornbury. Specialist school Two Bridges Academy, located on Vattingstone Lane in Alveston next to Marlwood School, will have approximately 112 spaces for pupils. Places will be available for children and young people from nursery to sixth form who have severe, profound, or multiple learning difficulties, as well as students who have severe learning difficulties and autism. Blidworth, ENGLAND: Plans have been submitted seeking permission to create a new facility for children outside of mainstream education. In summary they have said, Pollyteach provides high-quality one-to-one and group work for young people who are disengaged from mainstream education. Combining social work, with teaching practice and youth work, we provide bespoke learning programmes to young people with a range of emotional, social and behavioural difficulties that make it difficult for them to attend school. Bollyinside, NORTHERN IRELAND: There will be a shortage of places for pupils in special schools when the new school term begins in September, as highlighted by a letter sent by the Education Authority (EA) to school principals and governors. The EA committee has been told that more than 850 additional places are needed in special schools. The EAs letter to heads and governors states that there was a 15% rise in the number of children with a statement of Special Educational Needs (SEN) seeking a school place in 2023. To cope with those numbers, special schools also need an additional 76 classrooms by September 2023. However, the committee heard that, at present, only 18 of those extra classrooms were confirmed for the start of the new school year. An additional 49 classes will be needed in mainstream schools. Kent, ENGLAND: A former head teacher has warned of "a massive crisis" in Kent's schools as funding issues look to force a major shake-up in special needs provision. Kent County Council (KCC) recently had to be bailed out on its special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) budget by the government. Whitehall has said it will pick up 140m [$176M] of its 147m [$185M] overspend but told the authority it must bring its budgets into line quickly and ordered a major shake-up of where children with SEND are taught. It will mean it will be far harder for parents to secure a special school place and that many more children with a number of conditions will, instead, be put into mainstream schools. Bassett, ENGLAND: opened new learning facilities thanks to a 40,000 [$50K] cash donation. Vermont School, based just off Winchester Road, has received a brand-new outdoor play area and sensory room. As part of a special project in partnership with Barratt and David Wilson Homes, the new facilities which are vital to support the pupils Education, Health and Care Plans can now be enjoyed. After returning to school from their Easter break, Head Teacher, Maria Smyth, said the children, who experience social, emotional, and behavioural difficulties, are already benefiting from their new learning spaces. She said: The school currently admits children aged from 5-11 who have a primary social, emotional, and mental health difficulty. Many pupils have Autism, ADHD, attachment difficulties and early developmental trauma. Over the last eight years the Vermont family has increased from 28 pupils to 50. Cheshire, ENGLAND: A care home for children with severe learning disabilities could be converted into a day school for South Cheshire youngsters with social, emotional and mental health needs, writes Belinda Ryan. The school would have a registered maximum capacity of 24 pupils between the ages of seven to 19. Pupils would have social emotional and mental health (SEMH) needs and/or autistic spectrum conditions (ASC) and associated conditions. It is anticipated the number of staff on site at any one time would be in the order of 10 to 12. NORTHERN IRELAND: A spokesperson for the [Education Authority] said: The EA intends to redevelop the old Dromore Central Primary School site and building for use as a special school or other specialist provision, subject to a business case, relevant statutory permissions and sufficient capital funding. "After years of lobbying by myself, Councillor Paul Rankin and other colleagues, we welcome the confirmation that the old Dromore Central Primary School building is to be repurposed for use as a special school or other specialist educational provision. "With more and more children having statements of special educational needs, there is a great need for such a facility in the Lagan Valley area to ease the pressure on other local special schools and units. Derby, ENGLAND: Derby City Council has set out its strategy to increase the number of school places available within the city for children with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND). The authority plans to increase its current 30 hub and spoke places per year to 64 for the next five years. This would allow special school places (spokes) to be provided in currently unused, or under-utilised space within mainstream schools. It would see the creation of: 64 special school hub and spoke places per year for the next five years across primary, secondary, and post-16 provision, increased from 30. 10 additional special school places per year for the next five years (already agreed at Ivy House School, St Clares Special School and The Kingsmead School). Burton, ENGLAND: A training centre for teenagers with special needs is set to open in Burton. The new centre, in Third Avenue, will cater for up to 30 special educational needs students aged between 14 and 19. The new school will act as a "satellite" facility to Longdon Park School, in Hilton Road, Egginton, which already has a fulfilled capacity of 65 pupils and strong pipeline of referrals and future admissions. Warrington, ENGLAND: WARRINGTON Borough Council still intends to develop a new hub at the Peace Centre for youngsters with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) despite a cost increase. The councils cabinet approved the plans for the site in June. She added: Due to the increase in capacity needs, moving forward with this proposal will avoid further increased costs as we will aim to meet future capacity requirements in Warrington rather than placing children and young people out of area (where costs are increased with travel and with the use of specialist providers). The cabinet is recommended to continue to support the councils intention to develop a new hub for the reprovision of post 16 years and post 19 years services for young people with SEND. Members are also recommended to approve the projected increase in project costs of 1,896,000 [$2.4M] equating to a total cost of 8,376,000 [$10.3M], excluding the acquisition of the property, as well as approve the principle of the acquisition of the property at a cost of 1,367,000 [$1.7M] subject to a conditions survey. Furthermore, members are recommended to approve the future development of the property to provide a new education and adult social care provision for young people 16 years and above with SEND funded from prudential borrowing and make provision in the capital programme to fund the project at a total cost of 9,743,000 [$12M]. Middlewich, ENGLAND: A NEW school for children and young people with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) is set to be built in Middlewich after a bid from Cheshire East Council. The successful bid to secure Government backing means the Department for Education will now build two new special schools one in Middlewich and one in nearby Congleton which will create 120 places for children and young people from five to 19 years old. The first school will be located at Cledford House in Middlewich and will provide 60 places for children and young people with social, emotional and mental health needs. Currently, around 25 percent of children with an EHCP have this need. The second school will be located on the Giantswood housing development site in Congleton and will provide 60 places for children and young people with autism spectrum condition. I could add lots more stories. These are just from the past two months, and the sad fact is, no one cares about this ever-increasing phenomenon. All the people at city and county council meetings who vote on these expansions and increased costs show absolutely no interest in why there are so many needy children that never used to be here. The real mystery here is how complacent everyone involved seems to be. Anne Dachel Is Media Editor for Age of Autism. Here's a great Father's Day gift idea. The Real RFK Jr Trials of a Truth Warrior from Skyhorse Publishing is available NOW for pre-order. It's already #1 on the Amazon best sellers list. By Dick Russell An epic biography filled with drama, conflict, and surmounted challenges. The Real RFK Jr. is an intimate biographical portrait examining the controversial activist's journey from anguish and addiction to becoming the country's leading environmental champion fighting government corruption, corporate greed, and a captured media. Written by his longtime colleague Dick Russell, the biography also exposes the misconceptions and explains the rationale behind Kennedy's campaign to protect public health. Provided exclusive source material, including access to Kennedys unpublished writings and personal journals, the author conducted dozens of interviews with him as well as numerous friends and associates. Russell delves into everything from Kennedys sometimes death-defying river rafting adventures to his pioneering legal cases against polluters such as Smithfield Foods and Monsanto, while founding the worlds largest water protection group. The Real RFK Jr. also examines Kennedys pursuit of the truth about the assassinations of his father and uncle, the wrongful murder conviction of his cousin, and the false narratives around the COVID-19 pandemic. Shipt has tapped a former Meta executive as its first chief growth officer. The Birmingham-based shoppers app announced today that Katie Stratton will oversee a new Shipt Growth team, which includes business development, consumer packaged goods, partner success, innovation, and site merchandising and catalog operations. Stratton comes from Meta, where she spent 11 years in a variety of leadership roles, including five years as head of U.S. restaurant sales, and later, overseeing sales and strategy for the Facebook and Instagram national sales team. She previously held positions at Saatchi & Saatchi and Bartle Bogle Hegarty. Im thrilled to be joining Shipt at a key time in the companys growth, Stratton said in a statement. Shipts business is known for connecting consumers with exceptional service and extending that same exceptional service to retail and (consumer packaged goods) partners. I am excited to accelerate growth with and for our partners, expand our offerings, and drive innovation across the company. Stratton is a founding board member of Rutgers Business Schools Center for Women in Business. She and her husband, Aaron, live in New Jersey and are parents to a six-year-old son and four-year-old twins. Welcoming Katie to Shipt isnt just about having a growth team, its about being a growth company, Shipt CEO Kamau Witherspoon said. Katies deep experience and strategic mindset will help us reach the next level. There is a large addressable market that Shipt is ideally-suited to serve, and Katie will lead efforts to ambitiously and deliberately pursue opportunities to be even more of a growth engine for our partners. A 28-year-old woman posed as a 17-year-old to attend a New Orleans-area high school during the last school year, saying she wanted to better learn the English language, according to the St. Charles Parish Sheriffs Office. During a Wednesday press conference, Sheriff Greg Champagne and St. Charles school superintendent Ken Oertling addressed the issue, explaining how the woman reportedly managed to dupe school personnel for an entire school year. The sheriff said in June 2022, Martha Guiterrez-Serranos mother, Marta Elizeth Serrano-Alvarez, enrolled her daughter in Hahnville High School in Boutte, La., a suburb of New Orleans, using a counterfeit birth certificate from Honduras which listed Guiterrez-Serranos age as 17. With no school transcripts available, school personnel followed procedure and enrolled Guiterrez-Serrano in the 9th grade, which Oertling said was standard procedure under Louisiana law. Champagne said he had seen a photo of Guiterrez-Serrano and her youthful appearance definitely aided in the ruse. I saw the photograph and I can tell you she looked like a young teen. Im not surprised at all, based on appearances alone, that she was accepted at face value as being the age on the birth certificate, the sheriff said during Wednesdays press conference. Guiterrez-Serrano reportedly rode the bus to school, but otherwise had little contact with other students outside the classroom. She did not participate in any extracurricular activities and there are no records of any disciplinary issues or inappropriate interactions with other students. She was in school. She minded her own business. She did her schoolwork. She caused no trouble. She was not a disciplinary problem. She violated no laws in the community where we had to deal with her, Champagne said. She did nothing inappropriate at all, she merely attended school. We have no information there was any nefarious purpose other than the young women wanted to become proficient in English and perhaps further her education, which I think we can all be sympathetic with. In May, the school district received information that an adult might be posing as a Hahnville student. Officials began investigating and contacted the sheriffs office on May 29 -- after the school year had ended. Champagne said in addition to uncovering the school ruse, investigators learned Serrano-Alvarado, 46, had been in the U.S. for several years, while Guiterrez-Serrano joined her mother in 2021. Both entered the country legally, although he said Serrano-Alvarados visa had expired, which he said was not uncommon. Although Champagne admitted its not the crime of the century, Guiterrez-Serrano and her mother have each been charged with one count of Injuring Public Records. The sheriff noted while Guiterrez-Serranos quest to better herself was admirable, there are better -- and legal -- ways to do it, calling the two womens actions a bad decision. There are other options available for people in those circumstances. Everyone should get an education. There are ESL (English as second language) programs available, there are GED programs available. They may not have been as convenient as a public high school two miles away, but those options are available, Champagne said. Certainly, those are better options than falsifying official government documents. Oertling said, going forward, school personnel would be given additional training to recognize potentially fraudulent documents. BuildUP Community School, a private workforce development high school that started in 2017, recently congratulated its first student to reach the schools goal of homeownership. Torrey Washington, who is now 21 years old, was one of BuildUPs first students. He got involved with the school in the summer of 2018 after attending a job fair with his sister. He met Mark Martin, BuildUPs founder, who invited him to a bootcamp he oversaw in Ensley. After about five years of work, Washington now owns a house he helped rehab. Its amazing to be a homeowner, Washington said. Everyday it feels so unreal. I dont wanna let it get to my head, thoughtheres still a lot of work to be done. Im ready to keep moving forward. Martins program teaches students trade skills while they work on houses under mentors. During high school, students work on properties that BuildUP either manages or owns to gain practical experience in demolition, wall framing and electrical or cabinet installation. Eventually, they have the opportunity to buy the house they helped flip. Torrey is one of our brightest students and it makes sense that hes the first to reach this milestone, Martin said. BuildUP aims to help students from disadvantaged communities buy affordable houses in Birmingham, hoping to help them build personal wealth and revitalize struggling communities. Read more Ed Lab: Historic Parker High isnt closing, Birmingham mayor says. Ninth and tenth grade students engage in a curriculum that focuses on a process of discovery where they learn about different career options. In 11th and 12th grade, students are placed in internships or apprenticeships with local businesses that align with their career interests. Upon graduation, students leave with a minimum of three high-demand trade certifications including OSHA 10, ACE (formerly Ready to Work) and Home Builders Institute (HBI), allowing them to enter the workforce at a higher pay rate. Hopefully, BuildUP says, students have all the skills they need to get a high-paying job or start their own business. We could not be more proud of Torrey and his accomplishments, said James Sutton, BuildUPs executive director. He has overcome many challenges, not the least of which was a global pandemic that forced him and other students to attend school virtually. While at BuildUp, Washington mostly learned carpentry skills. A counselor gave him the opportunity to work on a crew at BLOX, a construction and manufacturing company in Bessemer, which he is still a part of today. In 2022, Washington started going to school for HVAC at Lawson State and expects to be done this fall. It definitely wasnt easy getting to this point. Only people like James and Mark egging me on really helped, Washington said. All the great mentors along the way at both BuildUp and BLOX, they helped me so much. Growing up, I didnt have good male role models. I appreciate guys like them. Taking a chance on himself is what got Washington where he is. He said he passed up on a lot of the opportunities he was offered growing up, afraid of what might go wrong if he said yes. He admits that he almost opted out of BuildUp as well. When Mark approached me, I was scared. But I decided to take a chance and Im seeing now the great results, said Washington. Any advice I would give to people like me is to keep working hard. Dont let the bad days set you back. Keep trying to find a way forward, no matter what. BuildUP is now enrolling rising 9th and 10th grade students for the 2023-24 school year. The program costs $25,000 per year. Learn more about enrollment options. The school holds open houses every Thursday from 4:30-6:30 p.m. For more information, please visit www.buildup.work or call 205-847-4086. After a three-year hiatus two years of virtual events due to COVID-19 and one year of absence Freedom Fest will return to an in-person experience in the heart of Birminghams civil rights district. The citys day-long music and empowerment festival will again take place in Kelly Ingram Park Saturday, July 29. Birmingham hosted the inaugural Freedom Fest in 2019. Designed as a celebration of Birminghams civil rights history, the festival offered two simultaneous experiences: A series of workshops and lectures on civic engagement hosted inside the buildings of the civil rights national monument (including 16th Street Baptist Church and the Birmingham Civil Rights Institute) and a lineup of performers on the stage in Kelly Ingram Park. The workshop agenda included lectures about urban design in historic districts and panel discussions ranging from justice and advocacy (with U.S. Sen. Doug Jones, Anthony Ray Hinton and Birmingham Mayor Randall Woodfin) to a roundtable about womens rights (with panelists including state Sen. Linda Coleman-Madison, state Sen. Vivian Davis Figures and Melanie Bridgeforth of the Womens Fund of Greater Birmingham, and Dr. Nadia Richardson of No More Martyrs. The panel was moderated by Kelly Ann Scott, the VP of content for Alabama Media Group). Performers that year included Love Moor, Musiq Soulchild, Ruben Studdard, and 8ball and MJG. READ: Birmingham Freedom Fest: Music & empowerment in Kelly Ingram Park In 2020, the city hosted Freedom Fest in an online format due to the ongoing public health challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic. The festival also took place amid protests for social and racial justice in response to the murder of Breonna Taylor and George Floyd two Black people killed at the hands of policemen. Streamed on both YouTube and the Freedom Fest website, speakers that year included U.S. Sen. Cory Booker, U.S. Rep. Terri Sewell and voting rights activist Stacey Abrams. That year, the lineup of musicians included Shaheed & DJ Supreme featuring Kids in the Cypher, who performed their set on the Black Lives Matter street mural on 1st Avenue South and headliner Rapsody, who closed out the festival with a production shot in black and white. WATCH: REPLAY OF THE 2020 FREEDOM FEST The city also hosted Freedom Fest in a virtual format in July 2021, featuring discussions about health disparities, poetry from Brian Voice Porter Hawkins, and performances by Pastor Mike Jr. WATCH: REPLAY OF THE 2021 FREEDOM FEST This years Freedom Fest will be part of Birminghams 60-year commemoration since the 1963 campaign for civil and human rights. I join so many of our residents who are ecstatic about the return of Freedom Fests in-person experiences, Birmingham Mayor Randall L. Woodfin said in a Thursday announcement. Freedom Fest has always been an incredible celebration of the music and culture that defines our community, and this year will be no different. Attendees should expect a powerful day of empowering conversation and memorable musical performances that reflect the strength that defines our city. According to the announcement, the first half of the day will feature discussions on equality and civic engagement issues led by some of the brightest minds in advocacy. The second part of the day will feature live music from local and national recording artists, musicians and creatives. Tickets to the 2023 Birmingham Freedom Fest presented by the City of Birmingham are available for purchase for $25 (before fees) at www.freedomfestbhm.com . Organizers of the event say the full line-up of empowerment sessions and performances will be announced soon. As we continue to mark the 60th Commemoration of Birminghams campaign for civil and human rights, Birmingham Freedom Fest gives us an opportunity to reflect upon the tremendous sacrifices made for our freedoms today, said Denise Gilmore, senior director of the division of Social Justice and Racial Equity, in the announcement. We invite the community to join in the Empowerment Sessions and be inspired to continue to work toward a united Birmingham. Matthew McConaughey is on a restaurant tour of Alabama, it seems, at least shooting movies if not enjoying meals there as he films The Rivals of Amziah King this summer. The latest sighting on McConaWatch located the Oscar-winning star of Dallas Buyers Club and How to Lose a Guy in 10 Days at the Pell City Steak House Restaurant, located at 2401 Comer Ave., right off of Highway 231. The Rev. Chuck Lackey, pastor at Calvary Baptist Church of Odenville, happened to drive by the moment McConaughey walked across the entrance of the beloved Alabama steakhouse. Alright, alright, alright!, Lackey told AL.com he shouted at the star, referencing McConaugheys iconic line uttered by his character Wooderson in the 1993 film Dazed and Confused. Lackey said he wasnt sure McConaughey, in conversation with a crew member, heard the line and thought maybe he should have thrown the horns up sign to the Texas Longhorns fan instead. Lackey said he was driving along 231, which saw police everywhere blocking traffic to make way for the Amziah King shoot. Traffic was bad, Lackey said, noting he stopped at a red light just long enough to spot McConaughey and snap a photo. I happened to look over, and all the sudden he walks out of the restaurant. He was talking to a crew member when I yelled Alright, alright, alright. Anna Turner of Pell City shot a terrific video of McConaughey wearing sunglasses and slowly driving in a black Lincoln Aviator (with police escort), even rolling down his window to flash a grin and the horns up Texas Longhorns hand gesture to onlookers. Cheering and smiling fans made some noise for the Interstellar star as he made his way to the next setup on the new film from director Andrew Patterson. He was looking directly at me, Turner told AL.com I was burning up hot, and I still had chill bumps. Turner said the moment was super exciting, and a great way to spend a summer day with her daughter Piper Turner and her mom Pam Thompson (and theyd still love to meet him, by the way). As McConaughey pulled out of the First Baptist Church parking lot, Turner said they ran to get a better view. He rolled by in the car; they cheered and asked for a selfie. Turner said McConaughey smiled and politely said, Im just gonna keep on rollin. Anna Turner, Piper Turner and Pam Thompson appeared on Pell Citys 94.1 The River Thursday morning to discuss McConaugheys appearance. Watch the full segment. We were all squealing, Turner told The River. We had started out in the parking lot across the street and then kept getting braver and braver and moving closer. The police kept telling us to move back, but they were in good spirits and having fun with it as well. We got pretty close. The Pell City Historical Society shared a Facebook post about the movie stars visit called The Day Everyone in Pell City Smiled, noting the Pell City Steakhouse opened in 1948 by the family of Pell Citys own Joe Dorough (Joes parents were Ed and Edna Gray Dorough, the post says). The post says the restaurant specialized in short orders and meat-and-three, plus the best cheeseburgers ever. It recalls regulars who would visit and travelers who would stop on their way to all places from Chicago to Panama City. The Pell City Steakhouse has been a tradition in Pell City through its 70 plus years of good food, good service, and good friendships, the post says. It has hosted class reunions, family reunions, business luncheons, and every day hellos. There have been celebrities who have stopped to eat at the Steakhouse, and now the Steakhouse can say with pride that a portion of a movie was filmed there ... The sight of the very handsome Matthew McConaughey made EVERYONE IN PELL CITY SMILE! McConaughey is spending part of his summer filming a new movie, The Rivals of Amziah King, in the Birmingham and Bessemer areas. The A Time to Kill and Magic Mike star was recently spotted filming at J&J Grocery and Deli in Bessemer and eating a meal at Frothy Monkey in downtown Birmingham, prompting those of us on McConaWatch to ponder where he might pop up next in our state. This isnt McConaugheys first visit to Alabama. He previously filmed scenes for 2006s Failure to Launch in Cherokee and Etowah counties, according to a 2005 report by The Gadsden Times. The actor went rock climbing at Cherokee Rock Village in Leesburg and filmed a mountain-biking scene on a nearby ridge, a producer for the movie said. McConaughey also was spotted in Mobile in February 2015, around the time he filmed Free State of Jones in Louisiana. More on Matthew McConaghey in Alabama: Matthew McConaughey spotted at burger joint in Alabama as movie filming begins Matthew McConaughey spotted at downtown Birmingham cafe: He was so nice Where readers think Matthew McConaughey should eat in Alabama, other than their houses The Occupational Health and Safety Administration (OSHA) has fined an American Airlines subsidiary after a ground crew worker was ingested into a plane engine on New Years Eve at Montgomery Regional Airport. According to OSHA records, Piedmont Airlines was fined $15,625 for a safety breach that led to the death of passenger service agent Courtney Edwards. Edwards, 34, a mother of three, died on Dec. 31, 2022 after investigators said she was ingested into the engine of an American Airlines flight parked at the airport. Piedmont Airlines can appeal the decision. According to the Dallas Morning News, a January National Transportation Safety Board preliminary report stated the crew held a safety briefing before the accident where employees were told the airplane should not be approached until the engine was shut off and a beacon light was turned off. A statement from the Communication Workers of America stated that OSHA found a lack of effective training, clear and unambiguous communication on the ramp, and clear instructions from supervisors. The union praised members for speaking to OSHA inspectors during the investigation. A Madison County man was arrested Wednesday night after his father was critically wounded in a stabbing. Madison County Sheriffs spokesman Brent Patterson said the incident happened about 7 p.m. in the 100 block of Williams Circle. Howard Smith, 58, was transported to Huntsville Hospital in critical condition from a stab wound. Doyle Gene Smith, 33, was charged with first degree aggravated assault of a family member with a knife. He is being held in the Madison County Jail without bond. An Elkmont man has been arrested after Limestone County authorities say he impersonated a sheriffs office investigator. Robert Shaun Bowman, 45, has been charged with impersonating a peace officer. He was released from the Limestone County Detention Facility on $2,500 bond. Investigators say more charges could follow. On June 12, deputies received a domestic violence complaint. During the investigation, they discovered that Bowman had been impersonating Investigator Jesse Gibson. According to the sheriffs office, Bowman identified himself as Gibson to people other than the victim. He then ordered them to have the victim contact Bowman, in order to harass the victim. Bowman was arrested Tuesday at his residence after a brief standoff with Limestone County deputies. Im proud of our investigators for working fast to apprehend this offender. Impersonating a peace officer is serious, and we dont take it lightly, Sheriff Joshua McLaughlin said. Need a new laptop? What about a truck or office furniture? Or maybe even some robotic construction equipment? All that and more is up for bid in Alabamas next online state surplus property auction that starts Saturday, June 17. The Surplus Property Division of the Alabama Department of Economic and Community Affairs is hosting the online auction via GovDeals.com starting at Saturday at 7:30 a.m. with bidding running until 6 p.m. on Sunday, June 25. For information on becoming an authorized bidder, visit www.adeca.alabama.gov/online-auctions. The auction items will be listed here starting Saturday: www.GovDeals.com/AlabamaSurplus. The auction includes property no longer needed by state and federal agencies, as well as items abandoned voluntarily at several airports in the Southeast. Auction items can be inspected on-site at the Surplus Property Divisions Montgomery Distribution Center at 4590 Mobile Highway on Thursday, June 22 and Friday, June 23 from 8 a.m.-3 p.m. each day. For more information about the online auction, visit www.adeca.alabama.gov/surplus or call (334) 284-0577. An Alabama woman is behind bars after authorities say she fatally ran over another woman during an early-morning argument Thursday. Just after midnight, Ozark-Dale County E911 dispatched Dale County sheriffs deputies and Newton police to a report of a pedestrian struck in the 4300 block of County Road 43, said Sheriff Mason Bynum. When they arrived, they found 39-year-old Ashley Williford had sustained extensive trauma to her torso and lower extremities. She was taken to the hospital where she was pronounced dead a short time later. Bynum said investigators determined an altercation had taken place between Williford and 21-year-old Kelsey Tanner. Tanner is accused of the running over Williford and then fleeing. A lookout bulletin was issued for Tanner and her vehicle. A short time later, a Newton police officer spotted the vehicle and conducted a traffic stop. Tanner is charged with leaving the scene of an accident involving serious injure or death. She was booked into the Dale County Jail at 4:46 a.m. and is awaiting her initial court appear. Our thoughts and prayers go out to the families of those involved, Bynum said. An attorney representing three of the seven people who were poisoned at a Japanese steak house in Pace, Fla., last Friday said two of them tested positive for methamphetamine, he told Pensacolas WEAR. Attorney Aaron Watson obtained medical records for clients Mathew Gilley and Jordon Gray, both of whom tested positive for meth after blood and urine tests. Both men ate at Nikko Japanese Steak House Friday night, the attorney told the TV station. The Santa Rosa Sheriffs Office began investigating last Fridays incident after at least seven people reported to local hospitals seeking treatment. On Monday, the sheriffs office confirmed to AL.com the seven people tested positive for a narcotic, but declined to release information on the specific narcotic. The sheriffs office interviewed one individual in connection with the case, but that person was excluded as a suspect. Additional interviews have and continue to be conducted. According to the report, investigators say the restaurant owners have been cooperating in the investigation. The restaurant reopened Tuesday. Investigators have yet to determine how the drug got into the food. In addition to the Santa Rosa Sheriffs Office, the Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulations and Division of Alcoholic Beverages and Tobacco are investigating the incident. After a 22-year reign as the bestselling beer in America, Bud Light slipped to No. 2 in the month of May. The drop in sales was part of the fallout after the Anheuser-Busch InBev brand partnered with transgender influencer Dylan Mulvaney in April. People who were offended by the brand marketing the beer with a transgender person began an informal boycott. The brand took further heat when its vice president of marketing, Alissa Gordon Heinerscheid, attempted to explain the move by saying, Bud Light has been kind of a brand of fratty, kind of out-of-touch humor that she hoped to change by reaching out to Mulvaney. Also contributing to Bud Lights slide has been a rapid increase in popularity of Modelo Especial beer, which overtook Bud Light in May. Modelo Especials sales have been rising for months, but have increased particularly since the Bud Light controversy began. Modelo Especial surpassed Bud Light in May in terms of dollars, not volume of beer sold, he said. What sometimes does get lost is the fact that, year-to-date, Bud Light is still the No. 1 ranked beer in America on all fronts. Bud Light still has the edge when it comes to sheer volume sales year-to-date and the month of May, said Dave Williams, vice president of analytics and insight at Bump Williams Consulting, which analyzes the alcoholic beverage industry. Since the controversy began, Bud Light sales have been down from about 25% to about 30% each week compared with the same week the year before, Williams said. Modelo Especial sales have been up around 9% for each week of the year. If the trend continues, Modelo will replace Bud Light as the top selling beer in America by the years end, he said. In some cities including Chicago, LGBTQ groups have called for a counter-protest against Anheuser-Busch products, arguing that the companys CEO, Michel Doukeris, offered only weak support of Mulvaney. In an earnings call to investors, Doukeris twice said that a can of Bud Light with Mulvaneys face on it, which was given to Mulvaney in honor of 365 days of girlhood, is not a formal campaign or advertisement. Modelo Especial is brewed and distributed in the United States by Constellation Brands. In the rest of the world, it is owned by Anheuser-Busch InBev. According to published reports, grocery, convenience store and liquor store sales of Bud Light fell 23% to $297.3 million in May, or 7.3% of all beer sales in those stores. Modelo Especial sales in those locations jumped 15% to $333.1 million for the month, totaling 8.4% of U.S. retail beer sales for the month. Anheuser-Busch stock closed at $56.67 Wednesday, up 1.89%. The stock has dropped 15% since partnering with Mulvaney on April 1. ---------- 2023 STLtoday.com. Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC. A 49-year-old Alabama man convicted of capital murder in the brutal 1999 murders of two high school seniors in the Wiregrass has been sentenced to life in prison without the possibility of parole. Coley McCraney who lived his life crime-free and built a family in the 20 years following the murders - was convicted in April of four counts of capital murder in the shooting deaths of Tracie Hawlett and J.B. Beasley. The convictions are for two counts of capital murder-vehicle, one count of capital murder-rape, and capital murder of two or more persons. Dale County Circuit Judge William H. Filmore on Thursday handed down MCraneys life sentence, which followed the recommendation of the jury. Prosecutors, led by Alabama Attorney General Steve Marshall, had sought the death penalty. Marshall issued this statement following sentencing: The families of J.B. Beasley and Tracie Hawlett have prayed for over two decades that their daughters murderer would be brought to justice. While we cannot bring back their loved ones, we hope todays sentencing will bring them some level of closure. As a career prosecutor, I have dedicated most of my adult life to bringing justice to both victims and their families. In Alabama, we have zero tolerance for those who callously take the lives of others, and I will never stop boldly pursuing justice for victims and families in our great state. McCraneys attorneys, David Harrison and Andrew Scarborough, are seeking a new trial, citing juror misconduct. In their motion for a new trial, the defense attorneys contend the court erred when it allowed at least two jurors to remain in the jury pool even after they said should there be a penalty phase, they would start at voting for death and would require the defense to move them from the death penalty to life without parole. Also, the attorneys said, two of the jurors were posting on their Facebook page accounts during the trial and one of them was actually posting to the social media site during actual deliberations. Facebook was saturated with information about this trial and could not have been accessed during the duration of said trial without seeing posts specifically about this trial, the attorneys wrote. Another juror was seen texting, scrolling and/or generally operating a smart watch throughout the duration of the trial, the motion states. Additionally, during deliberations, the jury sent questions to the court including an inquiry about a Brady Violation indicating that the jury was researching and/or relying on outside information which was a direct violation of the judges instructions. A hearing on the motion for a new trial will be held in July. McCraney was arrested for the slayings in 2019 after authorities say a DNA match was found through a family DNA website in a genealogy search. The murders of the girls haunted the Wiregrass region for decades and been given national exposure on television networks throughout the years. The friends, both 17, were on their way home from Beasleys birthday party when they got lost in Ozark on July 31, 1999. According to Hawletts mother, Carole Roberts, the girls had been lost and could not understand the directions they were given before stopping at a convenience store in Ozark. They had been on their way home from a party in Headland. The girls were found the next day inside the trunk of Beasleys black Mazda 929, on the side of Herring Avenue about one block away from the Dale County hospital. Both girls had each been shot once to the head, but there were no other signs of foul play. The girls jewelry, purses and money were not missing and state forensics experts at the time said neither girl had been raped. Within a week, police announced a nationwide, 24-hour hotline to received tips and a reward fund quickly grew to $15,000 in donations from area residents. Then-Alabama Gov. Don Siegelman announce another $10,000 in state funds. In the years immediately after the killing, investigators conducted more than 500 interviews, overworked forensics experts and tested the DNA of more than 70 potential suspects. At the time of McCraneys 2019 arrest, Police Chief Marlos Walker said the 2018 arrest of the alleged Golden State Killer through use of a genealogy and DNA database sparked the chain of events that led to the break in the Alabama cold case. See also: How Alabama used DNA to solve cold case of murdered teenage girls The department reached out to Parabon NanoLabs in Virginia, which specializes in DNA engineering. Police said they started the process in August 2018, and it culminated in the arrest of Coley McCraney, a truck driver who spent some time in the military and has led a crime-free, low-profile life up until the time he was taken into custody. McCraney took the stand in his own defense during the week-long trial. WDHN reported that McCraney testified that he had consensual sex with Beasley. He said they had previously met her at the Wiregrass Commons Mall almost two months prior to the murders, and the two planned to meet at the Ozark gas station at 10 p.m. on July 31, 1999. When Beasley was late, he said he went to his mothers house to wait on a call from Beasley but never received one. McCraney says after leaving his mothers house at around 11:30 p.m. to head home, his alternator gave out and the car broke down at the same gas station where he finally saw Beasley and Hawlett at a pay phone, the television station reported. After talking to Beasley for a few minutes, he got in her car and gave the girls directions to Highway 231, after which they stopped at another gas station next to the highway where his semi-truck was parked, where he and Beasley had sex in the cab of his truck. McCraney testified that after he and Beasley had consensual sex, the girls drove him to his house at around 12:45 a.m. and they went their separate ways. The chair of the Alabama Democratic Party wrote in a June 13 letter to state and national members of his party that the elimination of minority caucuses in May did not cost people their membership. Randy Kelley, the chair of the state party, also wrote that the new bylaws are clean and clear for all Alabamians, and that those who are constantly complaining are the losers who embraced the adoption of the corrupt bylaws three years ago. The letter was in part a response to a challenge to the state party submitted in early June by ADP Vice Chair Tabitha Isner and 43 other members of the party. See also: Alabama Democrat chairman: LGBTQ, youth caucuses a racist plot from Doug Jones to weaken the Black vote In the challenge to the state party, the challengers said that business taken at the May 6 meeting should be deemed null and void, including the bylaws passed at the meeting. The adoption of the May 6 bylaws eliminated Democratic caucuses for youth, LGBTQ+ and disabled individuals, set up in 2019. It also reduced the powers of the other. The moves, coming after a controversial party meeting, were the latest in a years-long dispute over control of the party between a faction of Democrats loyal to Vice Chair of Minority Affairs Joe Reed and a group aligned with former U.S. Sen. Doug Jones. More from Alabama Reflector The 2019 bylaws were created after the Jones group managed to win control of the organization. But the Reed group claimed the new caucuses diluted the ability of Black Democrats, the source of what strength Democrats have in Alabama, to hold leadership positions in the party. The Reed group elected Kelley chair at a meeting last year. Kelley wrote that young adult representation would increase in the State Democratic Executive Committee (SDEC) and that the percentage of LGBTQ+ representatives on the SDEC exceeded the estimated LGBTQ+ vote for Biden in Alabama for the 2020 election. In a phone interview on Wednesday, Kelley said that former Jones coordinated a takeover of the party when the DNC instructed the state party to broaden its representation. In the letter, he called it a racially motivated plot. We had a takeover of the party by Doug Jones and his crowd, and Tom Perez, who undermined [former chair] Nancy Worley as the chair, and (when) I was the vice chair, he said. And by simply parliamentary procedure, I would have been automatically chair. In an interview Wednesday evening, Jones called that sad and pathetic, said the letter sounded like it was written by Reed. They have in the past when they were fighting the change in the bylaws Joe Reed called us Dixiecrats, compared me to George Wallace, said Jones. So none of thats new. Jones said that the 2019 bylaws did not dilute Black power. Before the creation of diversity caucuses, he said, the SDEC was made up of about 60% Black Democrats. After the caucuses were formed, he said that the Black percentage stayed the same. White Democrats were the only demographic that lost representation. Those are facts, and thats what Joe Reed does not want to tell people because it does not fit his narrative, or why he needs to continue to have his power, he said. The challenge from the 43 Democrats alleged several irregularities from the May 6 meeting, such as that a meeting notice was not given in a consistent manner to all committee members; that the meeting was not live streamed or recorded as required in the 2019 Bylaws, and there was a attempted to make the meeting close to the media, but members spoke out against it. The challenge said the irregularities led to discrimination and ignoring rules of order by Chairman Randy Kelley and Vice Chair of Minority Affairs, Joe L. Reed. Other irregularities alleged include discriminatory credentialing and unfair participation fees; a disregard for the order of business; no opportunity to vote on a delegate selection plan and inaccurate conduct, management and reporting of the voting and motions during the meeting. The challenge asked that all official business conducted at the ADP meeting on May 6, 2023, should be declared null and void. It also seeks to have the 2019 bylaws restored and asks that the ADP create and distribute approved rosters of SDEC and Executive Board members. The group also wants a DNC data team to verify Alabamas Black Democratic electorate, a critical part of determining representation on the SDEC. Additionally, accommodations should be made for disabled individuals in all meetings, with diversity caucuses provided necessary resources for their operations. I think people think sometimes were asking for more punitive resolution than anyone actually wants, Isner said Wednesday morning in a phone interview. The DNC signaled it could punish ADP by taking away delegates to the national party. Isner said that she wanted to resolve these issues on a state level, which is why she submitted a challenge to Kelley. While it would be embarrassing to lose the state delegation, she said, for most of us the delegate piece is far less important than wanting to have an inclusive, functioning party. Members of the SDEC said that they were required to pay a previously unannounced $50 fee to attend the May 6 meeting. Kelley also said that referring to the $50 qualifying fee as a poll tax is ridiculous. The chair said the fee had been in place for 50 years. But he also blamed Chris England, who chaired the ADP from 2019 to 2022, for the mandate for the fee. Some members brought the money needed for the fee but said they were not allowed to pay at the registration table. Messages seeking comment were left with England Wednesday afternoon. The time limit, from my understanding, was over with, Kelley said. They had a time frame in paying their qualifying. According to the new bylaws, a special committee may be created by the chair. The 2019 bylaws allowed the executive board and the partys affirmative action committee to create new caucuses. Haeden Wright, a member of the State Democratic Executive Committee (SDEC), said that what Kelley wrote in the letter was absolutely incorrect. She said that members that had been elected had completed the qualifying forms online prior to the August organizational meeting, and they were allowed to vote in previous elections. So, if theyre saying that these individuals are not part of the SDEC, then those elections are invalid because those individuals voted in those elections, she said. The Rev. Al Sharpton and Martin Luther King III have joined calls to expand the U.S. Supreme Court under the backdrop of an impending case that is expected to restrict or end the use of race as a factor in college admissions. During a Tuesday press conference in Chapel Hill, Sharpton and King cited the case as further proof of why expansion was necessary. The case, Students for Fair Admissions v. University of North Carolina, could transform admissions practices at colleges and universities across the country. It looks at whether UNCs use of race in admissions violates the equal protection clause of the 14th Amendment. The impending ruling from the Supreme Court, which has shifted politically to the right in the past few years, comes after a series of recent consequential decisions including on abortion and gun rights and public scrutiny into the courts ethics rules after revelations that Justice Clarence Thomas did not disclose lavish gifts from billionaire Harlan Crow. In response, some Democrats and progressives, including members of Congress, have made calls to expand the Supreme Court, in hopes of allowing President Joe Biden to appoint more liberal justices to supplant the current 6-3 conservative majority. Impending affirmative action decision When you see a court based on partisanship take away a womans right to choose, and may take away affirmative action, and may take away other rights its time for us to expand the court to expand the options of justice and civil and human rights, Sharpton said. The press conference was part of a national bus tour by the Just Majority campaign, which calls for what it says are Supreme Court reforms, including expansion. It took place in front of the Chapel Hill Nine marker, which commemorates nine high school students who held a sit-in at the whites-only Colonial Drug Store in 1960, helping ignite the Civil Rights Movement. Sharpton, King and his wife, Drum Major Institute Director Arndrea Waters King, were joined by Chapel Hill Mayor Pam Hemminger and professor Kermit Roosevelt, a former member of Bidens Supreme Court commission. Thats what affirmative action is: its an attempt to make good on the promise that we wont have a society based on racial class, Roosevelt said. This Supreme Court doesnt represent the views of most people. It represents an extremist minority that managed to take an oath, and thats not right. Polls on affirmative action show mixed results. A Washington Post-Schar School poll finds that 63% support banning the consideration of race in college admissions. A Pew Research poll shows 74% of Americans do not think race or ethnicity should be a factor in college admissions decisions. However, a more recent poll by the Associated Press-NORC Center for Public Affairs Research finds that 63% of Americans dont think the Supreme Court should ban affirmative action, perhaps reflecting the way the wording of questions affects responses. The court could wreak havoc on the ability of minority students to attain an education that puts them on an equal playing field with their people, Arndrea King said. Democracy is not about special rights. Its about the right to exist. Its about equality of opportunity. Expand the Supreme Court to 13? A bill that would expand the Supreme Court by four seats to a total of 13, the Judiciary Act of 2023, was introduced in the U.S. House of Representatives in May. It currently has 62 co-sponsors including Rep. Valerie Foushee, who represents Chapel Hill in Congress. During the press conference, Sharpton called on people to contact their representative to support the bill. Given the Republican majority in the House and insufficient support in the Senate, passage of the bill is highly unlikely. I think my dad (Martin Luther King Jr.) would say now is the time, as he said many times throughout his leadership, King III said. Sixty years after Kings March on Washington, the country is not near what his father would have achieved, King III said. We often went to the Supreme Court for relief over the years and, by and large, the court looked forward, he said. But, after the Dobbs decision in 2022, it took away womens rights, it chose to look back and take a dramatic step backward. The Supreme Court has been expanded a number of times throughout history, and the current nine-seat limit is not enshrined in the Constitution. The last time the seating on the Supreme Court changed was in 1869, when it was expanded from seven to nine. Opponents of adding seats to the court include Republican Sen. Thom Tillis of North Carolina, who has backed a constitutional amendment to limit the court to nine justices or fewer. Its no secret that Democrats want to pack the Supreme Court with radical, activist judges who will legislate from the bench and turn the Court into a rubber-stamp for left-wing policies, Tillis said in a statement in March. Elected officials in North Carolina who have endorsed Supreme Court expansion include Hemminger, state Sen. Natalie Murdock and three Durham city council members. Elections have to mean something. And the 6-3 majority we have on the Supreme Court now, they were put there by people who lost five out of the last eight presidential elections, who lost the popular vote seven out of those eight times, Roosevelt said. If we dont do something about it, theyll be in control for the next 40 years pushing their extreme views on the American people, even if they keep losing elections. -------- 2023 The News & Observer. Visit at newsobserver.com. Distributed at Tribune Content Agency, LLC. Health officials in Alabama are investigating multiple reports of Cyclosporiasis, a gastrointestinal illness caused by a microscopic parasite. The state has seen an increase in the number of infections since April and with more than twice as many cases reported this year than in 2022, according to the Alabama Department of Public Health. In the U.S. people can get sick with Cyclosporiasis by eating fresh produce grown outside the U.S. and contaminated with Cyclospora. ADPH did not confirm a particular source for the recent cases. Illness from Cyclosporiasis can be mild to serious with prolonged gastrointestinal issues, including watery diarrhea with frequent, and sometimes explosive, bowel movements that can last for weeks. Other symptoms include abdominal cramps, lack of appetite, bloating, body aches, low-grade fever, nausea, vomiting and weight loss. Cyclosporiasis is not contagious and there is no evidence it spreads from person to person. ADPH recommends anyone who has had diarrhea, stomach cramps, bloating or other gastrointestinal symptoms lasting longer than several days to talk to their healthcare provider. Most healthy people recover without treatment but some, including people with poor health or weakened immune systems, can require hospitalization.. Prevent Cyclospora infection: Alabama is bracing for several days of potentially severe weather. Jim Stefkovich, Meteorologist, Alabama Emergency Management Agency, said an unusually volatile atmosphere for June combined with continued upper level disturbances moving across the state will bring waves of showers and thunderstorms Thursday through Sunday, with unsettled weather continuing into the middle of next week. There will be breaks between waves and not every location in each days Severe Weather Outlook will receive severe weather. Still, where severe weather does occur, these will be more like spring storms packing a punch rather than the typical summer events with less intensity, Stefkovich said. A tornado watch remains in effect or the southern portions of the state through 3 p.m. Thursday. For areas south of a Livingston Montgomery Auburn line, damaging wind gusts, large hail, torrential rainfall and a couple of tornadoes are all possible. North of this line to just north of I-20, only a couple of severe storms are possible, with damaging gusts and hail the primary threats. In addition, Flood Watches are in effect near and south of I-20 into this evening. Storms will be in the central part of the state, including places like Birmingham and Talladega, from 1-7 p.m. The lower portion of the state will see storms through 5 p.m. with that time frame stretching to 9 p.m. for the extreme southern part of the state, including Mobile. On Friday, another wave of storms is expected to move through the state, although confidence on timing and exact locations of the storms is unclear. A few storms with damaging wind gusts and large hail are possible though development is unlikely. On Saturday, another wave of storms may produce a few damaging wind gusts and large hail during the afternoon and evening hours south of a Tuscaloosa Montgomery Troy line. Yet another wave is likely sometime on Sunday with a severe threat across the northern portions of the state, but confidence is low on exact timing and location. The Alabama Medical Cannabis Commission this week awarded six licenses to companies that qualified as majority owned by a member of a minority group defined as individuals of African American, Native American, Hispanic, or Asian descent, according to the commissions spokesperson. According to the state law, passed in 2021, making it legal to grow and distribute medical marijuana in Alabama, at least a quarter of the awardees in all but one category (integrated facility) had to be at least 51% minority-owned. RELATED: Will Alabama Cannabis Commission satisfy state law in awarding licenses to minority business owners? Overall, 21 companies were awarded licenses to do business in the state as cultivators, processors, transporters, dispensaries, and a testing lab. RELATED: These are the 21 companies awarded licenses by Alabama Medical Cannabis Commission The six companies are (applicationsmost a heavily redactedare linked): TheraTrue Alabama, LLC (integrated facility) Southeast Cannabis Company, LLC (integrated facility), 1819 Labs (processor), Enchanted Green (processor), Statewide Property Holdings AL, LLC (dispensary), and International Communication, LLC (transporter). To confirm their minority ownership status, according to commission spokesperson Brittany Peters: Applicants were required to provide documents to demonstrate that the applicant is at least 51% owned and controlled by member(s) of a minority group. Applicants could provide documents such as birth certificates, military records or other government-issued documents that includes race. TheraTrue, according to its website, is majority black-owned and our board and management team are majority people of color. Dr. Paul Judge, an inventor and entrepreneur, is listed as founder/chairman; Victor Mancebo is CEO/Board director. Both are African American. Antoine Mordecai Sr., CEO of Native Black Cultivation, which has been growing hemp at its Jefferson County facility since 2020, attended the commissions announcement of awardees Monday in Montgomery. He told AL.coms Mike Cason he was disappointed his company was not awarded a cultivator license. This is just a bittersweet moment, Mordecai said. Were happy the program is moving forward but disheartening that Im not a part of it. Mordecai told Cason he will review the process and try to address any shortcomings cited by the Commission. The AMCC said it will offer more licenses for cultivators, secure transporters, and state testing laboratories. The law did not place a limit on the number of transporters or testing labs. The Commission looks forward to affording more opportunities for individuals to participate in the industry, Commission Vice Chair Rex Vaughn said in a press release. These businesses will not only serve Alabama patients but provide business and job opportunities for local communities. Minority participation in what is projected to be a $70 billion industry by 2028and last year accounted for 428,059 full-time jobs, according to the 2022 Leafly Jobs Reporthas been a source of frustration nationwide since California became the first state to legalize marijuana in 1996. African American entrepreneurs account for less than two percent of business owners in the nation, according to the 2021 Leafly Jobs Report. Thats worse than in 2017 when 4.3% were Black. (That year 81% of cannabis business owners were white, 5.7% Hispanic, and 2.4% Asian.) The cannabis industry must show true commitment to equity as it expands, so the wealth generated by this new opportunity will uplift minority communities, the 2021 reports stated. If it cannot we will continue to see these communities struggle in the shadow of white supremacy without a fair shot. Cultivator licensees could start growing marijuana within weeks, an AMCC member told Cason in April. The various forms of medical cannabis (pills, oils, ointments, patches, and gelatinous tubes) could be available for consumers before the end of 2023, the board member said. The timeline could, however, be slowed by appeals. Applicants that do not receive a license can ask the AMCC to reconsider its decision. Failing that, they may also take the matter to court. In 1999, two 17-year-old girls in south Alabama made calls from a payphone, telling their parents they were lost on the way home from a birthday party. The next day, they were found shot dead in the trunk of their car parked near a small hospital in Ozark. The crime went unsolved and as the years passed, the case turned cold. And no one might have ever been arrested for the slayings, had a distant cousin not shared their DNA results, eventually leading police to a truck-driving preacher who had lived a crime-free life. In 2019, 20 years after the shootings, police arrested Coley McCraney in the murders of Tracie Hawlett and J.B. Beasley. McCraney, who maintains his innocence, was arrested after Ozark police worked with DNA sequencing company Parabon NanoLabs. At the time, Ozark police said they decided to try using genetic genealogy after the arrest of Californias Golden State Killer relied on the same technology. The field of forensic genetic genealogyusing an unknown persons DNA to work backwards to identify the person through a web of relatives is becoming more common, gaining attention in cases like the Golden State Killer and more recently in the case of the four murdered Idaho college students. But, its being used to crack cold cases in Alabama, too. Genetic genealogy has changed the world of DNA and these cases, said Capt. Scott Bonner, a cold case detective and 25-year veteran of Heflin police in Alabama. I never dreamed that we would come this far with these cases. The 1999 Ozark murders Beasely and Hawlett were high school seniors on their way home from Beasleys birthday party when they stopped in Ozark, a small town just north of Dothan, on July 31, 1999. According to Hawletts mother, the girls were lost, so they stopped at a convenience store and made several calls at a payphone. There was conflicting testimony at trial over where and when Beaselys car was seen after leaving the store. The girls bodies were found the next day inside the trunk of Beasleys black Mazda, parked on the side of Herring Avenue about one block away from the Dale County hospital. Both teens had been shot in the head. Their jewelry, purses and money were still in the car, and officials said there were no physical signs either girl had been raped. Decades later, in 2018, police sent Parabon a DNA sample from the crime scene. After working with the company, police identified McCraney as a person who could be related to the sample. McCraney agreed to provide police his DNA. Police took a swab from him, which matched the 1999 sample. He was arrested in March 2019. A little luck The way McCraneys case unfolded wasnt typical, said Parabon Chief Genetic Genealogist CeCe Moore. Normally, they are able to narrow lists down to a few persons of interest. But thats not what happened in the McCraney case. When Parabon received the 1999 sample and began to work on reverse engineering family trees, they found limited information. Moore said the similar match they found in open-source websites was likely a third cousin or someone even more distantly related. So the genealogy team was only able to create a list of surnames they thought could be somewhere in the suspects family tree. They wrote a report and briefed Ozark officials, sharing the list of possibly relevant names. When they got to the name McCraney, someone on the Ozark team remembered going to high school with Coley McCraney. The cop thought aloud that he could visit McCraney and get a fresh DNA sample so Parabon could have more information to build out the family trees, get better matches and narrow the search. At the time, no one expected a match. This case was luck, said Moore. Sign up for the Worth Your Time newsletter: Get the best journalism happening in Alabama delivered straight to your inbox every week. On trial During testimony at his capital murder trial this spring, McCraney said he met Beasely at the local mall several months before the murders. McCraney, who was 24 the time, said the two planned to meet in Ozark on July 31, the day the girls disappeared. But she didnt show, he said, so he left and went to his mothers house. He said Beasley had the phone number for his mothers house, so he waited for a call. That call didnt come. McCraney left around 11:30 p.m. to head to his own home, but his car broke down and he stopped at a gas station. Thats where, he said, he happened to spot Beasley and Hawlett. He talked with Beasely before getting in her car and giving the teens directions. They passed another gas station where his semi-truck was parked, where McCraney said he and Beasley had consensual sex. After that, McCraney testified, the girls dropped him off close to his home. The next day, Beaselys car was found still in Ozark on the side of the road, the girls shot dead in the trunk. Until the DNA search decades later, McCraneys name would never come up in connection with the case. Fingerprints found on the steering wheel and gear shift of Beaselys car did not match McCraney, and there was no evidence preserved from the backseat. The gun was never found. One of McCraneys attorneys, Andrew Scarborough, said he did a considerable amount of research on genetic genealogy when he took on the case. His lawyers didnt challenge the validity of the DNA resultsafter all, McCraney admitted to having sex with Beasley. Just because DNA is somewhere doesnt mean that person is automatically a killer, Scarborough said. That in itself is not the determining factor of guilt or innocence. He said because of the interest in crime shows like CSI, people often think DNA is the answer to every case. But, he stressed, genetic genealogy shouldnt close an investigation. Its a piece of evidence, it can be a powerful piece, he said. But its just evidence. You dont blindly follow it. Genealogical brick wall Often cases that involve a Black persons DNA are harder to work than white or European samples, said Moore at Parabon. Thats because there are fewer Black participants who have uploaded their genome sequences on GEDMatch and FamilyTreeDNA. And, theres even fewer Black participants who allow law enforcement to search their information. In fact, said Moore, many who did have their information logged in open databases took it down following the racial reckoning in recent years. Adding to the lack of trust and participation, Moore said its extremely challenging to build family trees that were affected by slavery. Family units were separated, some took different surnames, and some people never knew their familys ancestors or were reunited. In such cases, often the first time a name is listed in public records is the census of 1870. Genealogists refer to this as the genealogical brick wall of 1870. The wall can be scaled, Moore said, but its time and resource intensive. How it works In Alabama, as across the nation, there are two primary ways law enforcement is using forensic genetic genealogy to solve crimes: Using samples from a crime scene to identify a possible suspect, like in the McCraney case, and identifying remains of previously unidentified Jane or John Does. The process is similar in both types of investigations. Police provide a lab the DNA, either from a set of unidentified remains or from a crime scene, and the lab works to create whole genome sequences of that sample. The sequences are different from whats stored in a database like CODIS the Combined DNA Index system maintained by the FBIbecause it uses more markers from the DNA, increasing the chances of matches from similar samples. Then, that sequence is uploaded to two websites called GEDMatch and FamilyTreeDNA. While many people have used popular sites like Ancestry and 23andMe to send off swabs and research their family history, users have to take an extra step to allow law enforcement to search those results. They have to upload their sequences to open sites like GEDMatch and FamilyTreeDNA and opt in, in some circumstances, to let police compare results. Then, we go to work building family trees and try to find where the person fits, said Olivia McCarter, a University of South Alabama graduate who works as a genealogy analyst with the Mobile County Sheriffs Department. She recently opened her own business along with two other female scientists called Moxxy Forensic Investigations. Genealogists like McCarter and Moore have to build those family trees backwards, using things like census data, obituaries, birth announcements, and other public records. Occasionally, the matches come quick. But often, the process takes much longer. When and if matches are made, McCarter said cops treat the match as a tip and begin building a case. Det. Bonner said that follow-up usually involves getting a fresh one-to-one DNA sample before standard police work like checking alibis and going back through evidence. It doesnt take the place of police work, Bonner said, but its an incredible tool. Another limitation is the debate over privacy and which websites law enforcement can use. GEDMatch currently has 1.4 million uploaders, but McCarter said thats not enough. McCarter urged people who have used sites like Ancestry or 23andMe to download their genome sequence and upload it to open sites like GEDMatch. Thats key One person can solve (a case)... Five minutes can provide closure to someone. Alabama cold cases McCraney hadnt been on the radar of Alabama police, but hes not the first surprise due to genetic genealogy. This year, police in Tuscaloosa got a break in the 1991 and 2001 sexual assault cases of a University of Alabama student and a real estate agent when DNA pointed toward a prominent musician several states away. In February, Tuscaloosa authorities announced that a former conductor of the Albuquerque Philharmonic was identified as the suspect in the assaults. Elliott L. Higgins died years before police said it was his DNA at the two crime scenes, information they gathered after working with Parabon. After identifying a match, police found that Higgins was a judge at the annual International Horn Competition hosted by the university in the same year and week as the two assaults. Alabama police are not only finding suspects in cold cases, but in recent years have also been able to put names to some long unidentified victims. Known only as "Unknown Boy," from 1961 until 2021, Danny Armantrout was buried in Centreville with a headstone paid for by the community. (Identifinders International) That was the case for the Bibb County unknown boy, who was found dead in the Cahaba River more than six decades ago. The boy was finally identified in 2021 as Florida teen Daniel Danny Armantrout, who hitched a ride in March 1961. The driver who picked him up crashed, and the car went flying into the river. A team of genealogists identified the teen after a 2016 exhumation of the body. There was also the Opelika Jane Doe, known as Baby Jane, whose remains were found in 2012. She went without a name until this year, when she was finally identified in January as Amore Joveh Wiggins. Opelika Jane Doe's remains were found in a trailer park in 2012, and authorities have been trying to identify her for more than a decade. (Contributed) Alabama versus Coley McCraney In Dale County, McCraney was found guilty in April for the slayings, and a jury recommended he spend the rest of his life in prison without the possibility of parole. While the case represents justice for some, its presented others with concerns about law enforcements use of genetic genealogy. Scarborough, McCraneys attorney, described examples where a genealogy match could lead to a person who brushed past a victim in a store: They could have left DNA on a victim and be tracked down decades later, pinned as the killer. He also said retrieving a new DNA sample could be damaging and disrupt lives at times, like if a frail person in a nursing home is approached by police to give a sample for a bank robbery that she couldnt have committed. What it boils down to, he said, is following the evidence. Bonner, the detective from Heflin, agreed. Weve got to be open-minded. If the old way aint working, weve got to try the new way. Despite the DNA, McCraney maintains his innocence. Numerous community members testified to his good character, but a jury found the evidence persuasive and voted him guilty. Today, a Dale County judge will formally sentence McCraney for the shootings 24 years ago, a case that was locked away for decades until one persons DNA turned the key. English News China kicks off first crewed mission for application, development stage of its space station Alwihda Info | Par peoplesdaily - 13 Juin 2023 Pressure relief valves, liquid shut-off valves, physiological signal test kits and ECG recorders are also onboard with the Shenzhou-16 crew this time. These technologically mature products have joined multiple flight verifications and missions of Shenzhou spacecraft. By Liu Shiyao, Yu Sinan, People's Daily China's Shenzhou-16 manned spaceship, atop a Long March-2F carrier rocket, blasted off from the Jiuquan Satellite Launch Center in northwest China at 9:31 a.m. on May 30, sending three astronauts to the country's space station combination. At 4:29 p.m. on the same day, the spaceship successfully docked with the radial port of the core module Tianhe of the space station combination. The crew members Jing Haipeng, Zhu Yangzhu and Gui Haichao then entered the core module, marking China's second in-orbit crew rotation. The Shenzhou-16 is the first crewed mission for the application and development stage of China's space station, during which the Shenzhou-16 and Shenzhou-15 crews will start a new round of in-orbit crew handover. It is reported that the Shenzhou-16 crew will perform extravehicular activities, conduct in-orbit tests and experiments, and carry out equipment installation, debugging, maintenance and repair. The Shenzhou manned spacecraft and the Long March-2F carrier rocket again make a perfect pair. Together, the two have made remarkable contributions to China's manned space exploration. Shenzhou is the only manned round-trip spacecraft model in China. It plays a vital role in safeguarding the safety of astronauts. Centering on the 14 sub-systems of the spaceship's orbiting, return and propelling capsules, the development team of Shenzhou from China Aerospace Science and Technology Corporation (CASC) has made more than 100 technical improvements and upgrades over the previous Shenzhou spacecraft, with an aim to informationize the spaceship's data connectivity, digitalize its cable assembly and layout, and make the monitoring of key parameters more intelligent. As China has kicked off the application and development stage of its space station, the country now carries out crewed missions on a regular basis with a frequency of twice a year, up from one launch every two to three years in the past. As the first one among a new batch of upgraded Shenzhou spacecraft, the Shenzhou-16 was designed in pursuit of efficiency and quality. For instance, after years of efforts, scientific researchers abandoned the piece-by-piece handmade production model of multi-layer insulation, known as the "overcoat" of spacecraft, and opted for digital designing and an automated production line. The Long March-2F carrier rocket is the only manned launch vehicle presently in service in China. It has succeeded in all its missions. "Compared with the Long March-2F Y15 carrier rocket, the Long March-2F has made 20 technical upgrades," said Liu Feng, deputy chief designer for the Long March-2F launch vehicle with the CASC China Academy of Launch Vehicle Technology. According to him, the development team further lowered the fault rate of the rocket and strengthened the rocket's reliability by improving its techniques. The larger weight and size of the combination made the docking this time more difficult. To solve this problem, the CASC research team optimized the Shenzhou-16 spaceship's navigation and control system through specialized analysis and simulation. Living in space is a challenge for astronauts as their health conditions may be affected by the space environment. A set of health monitoring devices is needed to check their heart rate, breath, body temperature, blood pressure and other indices. Such devices on the Shenzhou-16 spaceship, developed by an institute under the CASC, constitute a data processing center for the physiological information of astronauts that monitors and safeguards astronauts' health conditions. Compared with general medical monitoring devices, the ones on the Shenzhou-16 are much more reliable and safer. Apart from monitoring health conditions, they can also store, transfer and process relevant information, so that ground medical staff are able to guide astronauts to cope with health emergencies. Pressure relief valves, liquid shut-off valves, physiological signal test kits and ECG recorders are also onboard with the Shenzhou-16 crew this time. These technologically mature products have joined multiple flight verifications and missions of Shenzhou spacecraft. Dans la meme rubrique : < > Full text of Xi's address at SCO summit China successfully sends liquid oxygen-methane carrier rocket into planned orbit Protecting cultural heritage, promoting mutual learning among civilizations Pour toute information, contactez-nous au : +(235) 99267667 ; 62883277 ; 66267667 (Bureau N'Djamena) English News China's BDS widely applied in industries, contributes to industrial upgrading Alwihda Info | Par peoplesdaily - 13 Juin 2023 Experts believe that as China accelerates industrial digitalization, the BDS also needs to deeply integrate itself with industries to forge new production models, on top of offering time and spatial information, which is expected to create broader space for the market-oriented, industrialized and large-scale development of the BDS. By Sun Yahui China's BeiDou Navigation Satellite System (BDS) is now applied in a wide scope of areas, from navigation to transportation, and from agriculture, forestry, animal husbandry and fishery to disaster prevention and alleviation. The Chinese navigation system provides reliable positioning services and ensures smooth operation of various sectors. According to statistics, the total number of terminal products with BDS positioning function has so far exceeded 1.2 billion units or sets in China, and the BDS has served more than 7.9 million operating vehicles, 47,000 ships, and 40,000 postal and express delivery vehicles on main lines. Meanwhile, there are more than 5 million shared bikes equipped with BDS high-precision positioning chips. Since 2020 when the last satellite of the BDS was completed and launched, it has played an important role in enabling economic and social development. The total output value of China's satellite navigation and positioning service industry reached 500.7 billion yuan ($71.3 billion) in 2022, said a white paper recently issued by the Global Navigation Satellite System and Location Based Service (GNSS & LBS) Association of China. In particular, the output value of core sectors, including integrated circuits, components, algorithm, software, navigation data, terminals and infrastructure, which are directly related to the development and application of satellite navigation technologies, hit 152.7 billion yuan, accounting for 30.5 percent of the total. Today, the BDS has become a part of people's everyday life. Map apps Baidu Map and Amap have announced to switch to prioritize BDS positioning. The positioning service of the BDS the two apps call now average more than 360 billion times per day. Thanks to the high-precision positioning of the BDS, it's now possible to obtain centimeter-level and real-time positioning information of vehicles. Xie Jianjia, deputy president of WeTransport, a new strategy on smart transportation launched by China's internet giant Tencent, noted that the BDS is widely applied in the transportation sector. It offers precise and reliable positioning and navigation services for vehicles in terms of autopilot, automatic parking and automatic logistics, which helps improve safety and efficiency, he added. The BDS is also powering the development of China's infrastructure and has significantly improved high-precision positioning services for natural resource, agriculture, communication, transportation and electricity industries. For instance, a geological hazard monitoring and early warning system based on the BDS is now in service in over 10 Chinese provinces including Yunnan and Sichuan. The system, which is able to remotely monitor, analyze and warn deformations, cracks and underground water level in real time at sites prone to disasters, has improved these provinces' capability in disaster warning. Besides, the application of the BDS is also vigorously promoted in the power industry. As of the end of 2022, over 2,000 BDS ground-based augmentation stations had been built and planned across China by power constructors. More than 500,000 units or sets of BDS terminal devices had been put into use, offering high-precision positioning services for drone inspections, robotic inspections at transformer substations as well as tower monitoring and inspections. So far, all vehicles in the power industry have been equipped with BDS terminals. Regions in China are promoting in-depth integration between the BDS and local economy according to their own demands to pursue economic transformation and upgrading. In the Beijing-Tianjin-Hebei region, the navigation system has been used to guide infrastructure-vehicle cooperative autonomous driving and unmanned delivery, which effectively improves the efficiency of traffic and terminal-end deliveries. The Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area, to realize intelligent development of infrastructure, has applied BDS technologies in multiple engineering projects, including an offshore wind farm in Guangdong's Yangjiang and a bridge in the province's Zhanjiang. The comprehensive construction efficiency of these projects has been significantly improved thanks to these technologies. In the Yangtze River delta, the application of the BDS has made possible cross-district operation of bus services, which advances integrated regional development and fosters new areas of growth for the region. Experts believe that as China accelerates industrial digitalization, the BDS also needs to deeply integrate itself with industries to forge new production models, on top of offering time and spatial information, which is expected to create broader space for the market-oriented, industrialized and large-scale development of the BDS. Dans la meme rubrique : < > Full text of Xi's address at SCO summit China successfully sends liquid oxygen-methane carrier rocket into planned orbit Protecting cultural heritage, promoting mutual learning among civilizations Pour toute information, contactez-nous au : +(235) 99267667 ; 62883277 ; 66267667 (Bureau N'Djamena) English News Science-based measures implemented to protect old, valuable trees Alwihda Info | Par peoplesdaily - 13 Juin 2023 In the eastern section of the Yellow Crane Tower park, there is a big ginkgo tree encircled by an iron fence as tall as an adult. The fence was erected in 2016 because some citizens often did exercise under the tree, which impacted the growth of the tree's root. After the fence was erected, the park designated another site where citizens can do exercise. This move has put the tree under better protection while addressing the demand of citizens. By Fu Wen, Zhang Tengyang, Fan Haotian, People's Daily Old and valuable trees are "living fossils" that carry the memories of civilizations. Over the recent years, local authorities across China have been working to ensure that the responsibility of conserving and protecting old and valuable trees is fulfilled, rejuvenate them in a timely manner, and strengthen relevant monitoring and law enforcement, making remarkable progress in protecting and managing these plants. In Guanhe village, Jinping township of Chongxin county, Pingliang, northwest China's Gansu province, there stands a gigantic pagoda tree that is 26 meters high. It has a east-west crown spread of 43.2 meters and a north-south one of 37.7 meters. According to estimation, the tree is more than 3,200 years old. Today, the ancient tree is still vibrant after living thousands of years. Zhang Jizhen, head of Chongxin county's forestry and grassland bureau, told People's Daily that the county is home to 222 registered old and valuable trees. The county has taken the protection of old and valuable trees as an important measure to advance ecological progress over the recent years. On one hand, it launched surveys to get the picture of relevant resources in the county; on the other hand, it improved policies and mechanisms to ensure the responsibility of protecting these plants is fulfilled. Three surveys were conducted to get a knowledge of the trees more than 100 years old in the county by the county's forestry and grassland bureau and township governments, which included field trips and in-situ calculation, and recorded the heights, ages, locations and altitudes of these trees. Zhang noted that the bureau also made "ID cards" for these plants which reveal their species, serial numbers, genera, classes of protection and managing organizations. Besides, Chongxin county also recruited volunteers for the protection of registered old trees. In Zhengding county, Shijiazhuang, north China's Hebei province, there is a 600-year-old pagoda tree whose circumference is at least as long as the arm spans of two adults. "I used to play under the tree when I was little," said Wang Yuhua, an official with Zhengding county's urban management department, who's responsible for protecting the ancient tree. She does physical "checkups" for the tree every day. "Ancient trees have lived a very long time and their roots widespread, which makes it difficult to distribute water and nutrients. Thus, these trees are prone to plant diseases," Wang told People's Daily. Physical "checkups" for trees, just like those for humans, examine the health conditions of trees, including their trunk stability, growth situation, root vitality and soil quality which affects the growth of roots. Wang said. The checkups not only reveal the health conditions of the trees, but also provide basis for the protection and rejuvenation of them. According to Wang, detailed plans have been made to ensure these checkups and daily maintenance are well carried out, and once problems are spotted, targeted measures will be implemented. The Yellow Crane Tower in Wuchang district, Wuhan, central China's Hubei province, is a famous historical site. Many old and valuable trees are growing around it in the Yellow Crane Tower park. Shi Hongwen, director of the center for the protection of old and valuable trees in Wuhan, noted that each old tree around the Yellow Crane Tower has its own protection plan, which was formulated based on its species, age, growth situation and the environment it is in. In the eastern section of the Yellow Crane Tower park, there is a big ginkgo tree encircled by an iron fence as tall as an adult. The fence was erected in 2016 because some citizens often did exercise under the tree, which impacted the growth of the tree's root. After the fence was erected, the park designated another site where citizens can do exercise. This move has put the tree under better protection while addressing the demand of citizens. In April 2017, a technical code for routine maintenance and rejuvenation engineering of historical trees in urban areas was implemented. According to the code, the maintenance of these trees shall be prioritized, which is the basis for rejuvenation. Feed and bleed, fertilization, pest control, crown cleaning, environment treatment and other technologies should be applied to maintain historical trees, the code said. Weak and endangered old trees as well as those with potential safety hazards shall be rejuvenated through soil improvement, damage treatment, tree hole repairing and trunk reinforcing technologies. Dans la meme rubrique : < > Full text of Xi's address at SCO summit China successfully sends liquid oxygen-methane carrier rocket into planned orbit Protecting cultural heritage, promoting mutual learning among civilizations Pour toute information, contactez-nous au : +(235) 99267667 ; 62883277 ; 66267667 (Bureau N'Djamena) Alexander Lukashenko, the president of Belarus, has announced that his nation has begun receiving a shipment of tactical nuclear weapons from Russia. He said that some of them were three times as powerful as the bombs launched by the United States on Hiroshima and Nagasaki in 1945. Since the dissolution of the Soviet Union, this is the first time Moscow has moved such warheads outside of Russia. Lukashenko remarked, "We have missiles and bombs that we have received from Russia," in an interview on Tuesday, June 13, with the Rossiya-1 Russian state TV channel. According to Reuters, it was shared on the Telegram account of the Belarusian Belta state news agency. During the interview, military trucks parked nearby can be seen in the background, as well as some kind of military storage facility in the distance. In Response to Decades of US Deployment in European Nations Following the completion of the necessary preparations for the storage of the tactical nuclear weapons, Russia's President Vladimir Putin announced last week that Russia would begin deploying them in Belarus. After hearing about the US' delivery of tactical nuclear weapons to a number of European countries over the course of several decades, the Russian leader declared in March that he had decided to deploy such weapons to Belarus. Although it has condemned Putin's move, the US has insisted that it has no plans to change its own position on strategic nuclear weapons and that it has seen no indications that Russia is ready to use a nuclear weapon. The US and its allies are keeping a close watch on Russia's move, but China is particularly concerned about the use of nuclear weapons in the conflict in Ukraine. See Also: NATO Launches Largest-Ever Air Force Drill in 'Show of Strength' Belarus Asserts They Have Always Been a Target In the interview broadcast, Putin's close ally Lukashenko said that Belarus had reactivated five or six of its nuclear storage sites from the Soviet period. He denied that Russian ownership of the weapons would prevent him from deploying them fast if required, saying he and Putin could call one other at any moment. Earlier on Tuesday, Reuters said that he made a separate statement in which he declared that the Russian tactical nuclear weapons would be physically installed on Belarusian land in several days and that he had the infrastructure to host longer-range missiles. Lukashenko claims that nuclear deployment would serve as a deterrence against possible aggressors. Ironically, Russia has been using Belarus as a launching pad for its invasion of Ukraine. Europe's longest-serving leader, Lukashenko, said he did not just ask Putin for the weaponry but demanded they be given to him. "We have always been a target. They [the West] have wanted to tear us to pieces since 2020. No one has so far fought against a nuclear country, a country that has nuclear weapons," the Belarusian president stated. After large rallies against his authority in 2020, Lukashenko accused the West of attempting to overthrow him. While persecuting his opponents, Lukashenko claimed victory. See Also: VIDEO: Russia Boasts Capturing German Leopard Tanks, US Bradley Vehicles in Ukraine @ 2023 HNGN, All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission. Donald Trump may indeed be guilty of the charges for which he was indicted last weekor maybe not. He may even end up being convicted. Regardless, assuming hes on the ballot, Ill vote for him, even if hes dressed in stripes and sitting in a jail cell. Why? Not because I dont take seriously handling classified records or trying to obstruct the Justice Department. Both are serious. But even if Trump were guilty of both, even if he violated the letter and the spirit of the law, those violations are nothing compared to the federal government weaponization weve observed over the last decade and a half. The Democrat party has spent much of the last fifteen years turning the federal government into an American Stasi to be used against its political opponents in a manner unprecedented in American history. Barack Obama took aim at the Constitution in 2010 when his Justice Department targeted the press under the guise of national security. The DOJ seized records from FOX News reporter James Rosen and accused him of espionage for his reporting on American policy towards North Korea. Three years later, they used similar tactics against the Associated Press. Not content to eviscerate freedom of the press, Obama next set his sights on freedom of speech, this time harnessing the IRS to undermine the Constitution. Other presidents have been accused of using the IRS against opponents, but they were pikers compared to Obamas war on speech. The IRS sought to smother hundreds of grassroots Tea Party organizations in their bassinets before they could even crawl. The likely result of that mistreatment of grassroots opponents was that Barack Obama won reelection despite having 5 million fewer votes than he did in 2008. Contrast that with Donald Trump, who grew his vote total by 12 million in 2020 but somehow lost his reelection bid. Image by Vince Coyner. Then came Hillary Clinton's inevitable coronation, which had to be guaranteed. The vehicle for that guarantee was the Russia collusion hoax that Hillary Clinton started and Obama knew about. The Durham Report lays out in black and white exactly how much the DOJ has been politicized. The FBI not only should never have investigated Trump for Russia collusion but, for several years, various FBI and other officials fabricated evidence, lied to judges, lied to Congress, ignored exculpatory evidence, and sought to entrap people in Trumps coterie to coerce them into testifying against him. As a result of the Justice Departments persecution of Donald Trump, not only was his term hobbled by investigations but, simultaneously, he had to survive attacks from virtually every corner, including legislators allegedly on his side. Perhaps most perniciously, largely because Democrats weaponized the DOJ, more than half the country doesnt trust the premier law enforcement agency in the nation. In 2023, fully 70% of Americans feel the FBI may be comprising our elections. To put that in perspective, after decades of the media propaganda machine lying about police hunting black men, black Americans still have a higher opinion of local police than Americans in general do of the FBI. By 2020, the apparatchiks in the Justice Department had decided that they were Americas white knights and would save the country from having to endure another term of Donald Trump as president. As the election was wrapping up, the New York Post ran a story about a laptop owned by Joe Bidens son Hunter. The laptop was full of information about drugs, prostitution, and various other illegal activities in which the younger Biden had engaged. More problematic, however, were the emails and other information that implicated his father, candidate Joe Biden, in various schemes that saw his son and brother receive handsome payments from various foreign entities in exchange for Bidens influencing American policy while Vice President. The FBI worked back channels with Americas modern public squares, Twitter, Facebook, and other media outlets, to censor the story and simultaneously suggest that it was Russian disinformation. The FBI white knights succeeded in their quest to save the nation. In an election that turned on fewer than 100,000 votes, fully 13 million Americans (16% of Bidens 84 million voters) said they would have changed their vote had they known about the laptop story. That is what you call a coup d'etat. But as it was the Democrats and the Justice Department leadership running the coup, there was no problem. Once in office, Biden lost no time weaponizing the DOJ against Trump supporters, including hundreds of Jan 6 protesters, some of whom never even entered the Capitol. On January 29, 2021, a mere nine days after Biden took office, the administration implemented plans to target conservatives by gaming out scenarios about vulnerable citizens facing radicalization by pro-life advocates and small government proponents. The following year, the Justice Department would target as domestic terrorists parents concerned about what was being taught to their children in public schools. Later, FBI management would be accused of forcing agents to fabricate extremist and white supremacist cases because The demand for white supremacy vastly outstrips the supply of white supremacy. And just to put a fine point on it, in April, Biden blasted Those MAGA Republicans as the real problem America faces. This brings us back to Donald Trump and the indictment. The reality is theres likely not a single voter in America who will be swayed one way or another based on the outcome of that case. If elections were about the candidate, in 2022, Pennsylvania Democrats wouldnt have elected to represent them as Senator a guy who would have trouble completing a kindergarten art project over an erudite, if slightly odd, cardiothoracic surgeon. Americans of every stripe understand what the choice is in 2024. Most certainly, there are voters who are turned off by some of Trumps antics and statements, but the reality is anyone who says they would be willing to vote for Ron DeSantis but not Donald Trump is lyingeither to themselves or to you. Theyre simply looking for a fig leaf to cover their consciences so they can vote for a Democrat. While at the end of the day, the choice may ostensibly come down to a doddering Alzheimers patient versus a convicted ex-president, or even a vapid pander bear versus the Grand Wizard of the KKK, the reality is the choice on the ballot next November is stark: The continued weaponization of government against the citizens or a resurgence of the freedom and limited government that are at the foundation of Americas greatness. The Democrat Party and the rest of its swamp cabal have clearly demonstrated they are more than willing to ignore the Constitution and use the police power of government to coerce, control and, if necessary, crucify anyone not willing to go along with their cancerous progressive agenda. Donald Trump doesnt want to let them do that. Trump may be a highly flawed man, but as the nation watches its government transform into a repressive, progressive Borg, who better to lead the charge to destroy it than the man who has weathered its slings and arrows for the last eight years? More than perhaps anyone in America, Trump understands the threat because hes experienced firsthand the danger it poses. And unlike most, he recognizes who the real target is, something he pointed out to supporters in 2019: In reality, theyre not after me, theyre after you. Im just in the way. Whether sitting in a jail cell or out on the campaign trail, Donald Trump is the touchstone of the Republic. We either go forward as a nation of laws limited by the Constitution, or we transform into a nation of men governed only by coercion and brute force. There is no middle ground. Given that, Ill take the guy in an orange jumpsuit every time. Follow Vince on Twitter at: ImperfectUSA. North Korea created a fake version of South Korea's largest internet portal, Naver. Because of this replication, the National Intelligence Service, Seoul's chief intelligence agency, accused Pyongyang of data theft. The online platform, which is operated by the Naver Corporation, is very important to South Korean residents. This is why the fake Naver website created by North Korea is an alarming one. North Korea Fakes SoKor's Naver Website! The original Naver has the URL "www.naver.com." Now, the fake version of North Korea has the URL "www.naverportal.com." Read Also: International Labor Organization Warns Afghanistan is Facing an Increasing Number of Child Laborers Despite Decades of Progress South Korea's intelligence agency claimed that Pyongyang developed this malicious version of Naver to hack South Korean residents' Naver IDs and passwords. NIS added that once these sensitive details are acquired, Pyongyang can easily access more valuable personal data of South Koreans. "As North Korea's hacking attack methods against our people are becoming more sophisticated, we ask people to be extra vigilant," explained NIS via The Straits Times. "Please cease accessing it immediately if you spot a page that's not a standard Naver access domain URL," added the chief intelligence organization. Since the fake Naver website is very concerning for South Koreans, NIS already took measures to block the phishing site from South Korean users. SoKor's Efforts To Enhance Cybersecurity South Korea's Foreign Ministry confirmed on June 14 that it collaborated with the American cybersecurity firm Mandiant, which is also a Google subsidiary. Officials said that the latest cybersecurity partnership with Mandiant will allow them to better respond against North Korea's cyberattacks. Seoul's Foreign Ministry explained that North Korea's omnidirectional cyberattacks are being conducted across the globe. These malicious campaigns include cryptocurrency thefts, as well as sensitive information hacking activities, as reported by The Manila Times. SoKor's officials further stated that Pyongyang's cyberattacks are not only affecting individuals and companies, but they also pose a severe threat to the global information technology ecosystem. In 2022, Pyongyang was accused by Tokyo, Washington, and Seoul of stealing over $1 billion in cryptocurrencies. They also warned that North Korea has been gathering sensitive information through hacking and other malicious activities just to support its weapons programs. If you want to learn more details about the cyberattacks conducted by North Korea, you can click this link. Related Article: Kim Jong Un To Strengthen Ties with Vladimir Putin as North Korea, Russia Cooperation Deepen @ 2023 HNGN, All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission. The FBIs mission is To protect the American people and uphold the U.S. Constitution. Their motto is Fidelity, Bravery, and Integrity. How is the FBI doing on these fronts? What are they protecting the American people from? Are they upholding the Constitution? Who is their fidelity to? Do they act with integrity? The current FBI fails on all these counts. They have morphed from the premier law enforcement agency in the world to a Democrat party superPAC. Start with revelations from the Durham, and previously the Weissman/Mueller reports. The FBI knowingly and deliberately used bogus and unverified opposition research from the Clinton campaign to spy on Donald Trumps presidential campaign, his transition, and then his administration. The FBI lied to FISA courts to obtain warrants to spy on those within Trumps orbit. Some were entrapped, as was Gen. Michael Flynn, and prosecuted. Others received visits by FBI agents or SWAT teams, such as Steve Bannon, Roger Stone, and Rudy Giuliani, to intimidate and harass them for the sin of supporting Donald Trump. Have any Democrats been treated similarly? The FBI conspired with suspected Russian agent Igor Danchenko who, along with British agent Christopher Steele, concocted the bogus Steele Dossier used as the basis of spying and undermining the Trump campaign and administration. Cornell Law school defines, Treason refers to the betrayal of ones own country by attempting to overthrow the government through waging war against the state or materially aiding its enemies. Isnt Russia considered our enemy? Since the CIA knew that Russia and its president, Vladimir Putin, wanted Hillary Clinton to win the 2016 election, treason accurately describes the FBI's activities, preventing Trumps election and stopping his presidency to serve the wishes of and aiding Americas enemy Russia. YouTube screengrab Then there is the Hunter Biden laptop, in FBIs possession since 2019, but hidden away and not investigated. According to Yahoo News, A whistleblower claims FBI officials instructed agents not to investigate Hunter Bidens laptop ahead of the 2020 presidential election. Of course, Democrats and the FBI wanted to suppress such a story, just as their FBI superPAC smothered the Hillary Clinton email scandal? This was blatant election interference by the FBI. The FBI, by ignoring the laptop in their possession, altered the 2020 election, 16% of Biden voters would have voted differently if Hunter Biden laptop story was not suppressed by media, big tech. They left out the original suppressor, the FBI. Voters agree that the FBI actions interfered in the 2020 election: 79% say truthful coverage of Hunter Bidens laptop would have changed 2020 election. Additional confirmation came from a Twitter file release last December, Evidence shows FBI, Biden campaign and Twitter worked together to suppress Hunter story. In other words, the FBI and Twitter were part of the Democrat campaign. At least in Twitters defense, it is a private company. The FBI is not, instead it is a taxpayer funded agency under the Department of Justice. Yet here they are as a Democrat party superPAC. Who was in charge of the FBI during this time? An honest guy like the Efrem Zimbalist Jr character in the 1960 series The FBI? No, it was James Comey, who doesnt hide his hyper-partisanship and political activism. In a recent MSNBC interview Comey asserted, Trump poses a near-existential threat to the country if he gains a second term. In another interview he was in full campaign mode saying, It has to be Biden in 2024. He also predicted, "He could be wearing an ankle bracelet while accepting the nomination at the Republican convention." It's extremely likely that Comey held these views as FBI director, when Trump ran for and was elected president. After Trumps election, Comey, along with his wife and daughters marched through Washington, D.C. wearing pink pussy hats, protesting the election of the president he purportedly served. So much for fidelity or integrity. Not only Comey, but two senior FBI officials, Lisa Page and Peter Strzok had this exchange in August 2016, [Trumps] not ever going to become president, right? Right?! Page texted Strzok in August 2016. No. No he wont. Well stop it, Strzok responded. Im sure similar conversations took place in the DNC headquarters. Is there any difference between the DNC and FBI? The FBI has hunted Trump supporters anywhere near the U.S. Capitol on January 6, arresting them and serving them up to the other Democrat superPAC, the DOJ, for draconian prosecution. Meanwhile they cant seem to identify the January 5 pipe bomber and are keeping Ray Epps and his role on January 6 hidden and buried as deeply as Hunter Bidens laptop. The FBI raided the home of a former Republican president over supposed classified documents, over which he has declassification authority, and that were locked in his home under Secret Service protection. While a Democrat senator and vice president, Joe Biden, without declassification authority, stored classified documents in garages, homes and offices, in multiple states, under no specific security protection, and the FBI yawns and instead pursues parents exercising their right of free speech at school board meetings. Our FBI shields firms tied to the Chinese communist party that hold U.S. voter data in mainland China while they pressured Twitter to suppress information critical of the Biden family. The FBI celebrates Democrat priority Pride Month while targeting Catholics as domestic terrorists. Just as any Democrat operative would have done. As Rep. James Comer said, The FBI is attempting a coverup, and Democrats are doing their bidding by lying to the American people regarding supposed DOJ investigations into the Biden Family selling influence to foreign countries. Then there is last weeks Trump indictment, after an unprecedented FBI raid and fishing expedition, seizing thousands of Trumps personal items having nothing to do with national security. The FBI played tag team with the DOJ, indicting Trump for flimsy interpretations of the Espionage Act. Trump was indicted over so-called classified documents that remain hidden. As Sundance described, They cannot tell anyone, even the court, what the nature of the documents are that underpin their assertion. Remember, they wouldnt even let a court appointed special master review the documents. I predict that if there is a trial, it will drag out through campaign season, only to be dropped on election day, having served its original intent of election interference by the Biden administration. On the same day as the indictment, the FBI, under Congressional pressure, finally coughed up documents verifying their slow-walked investigation into an alleged $5 million bribe to then Vice President Biden from a Ukraine energy company. Joe Biden has been confirmed as the big guy by a Burisma executive, after a few years ago being called the same over peddling his vice presidential status and influence to China. The FBI is investigating a $5 million bribe paid to the big guy but are sure keeping the investigation quiet. No swat raids. No indictments. No arrests. Senate Republicans had to drag this out of the agency charged with monitoring and prosecuting foreign influence peddling by U.S. officials. The FBI is protecting one of its own fellow Democrats. Whats the solution? Few Republicans seem to care, and the Democrats are happy to have the FBI as one of their most influential superPACs. If wrongdoing by the FBI is uncovered, nothing will happen, as evidenced after the Durham Report release. The U.S. House has the power of the purse and could defund the FBI if they dont reverse course but that will never happen. Instead, the FBI thumbs its nose at Congressional subpoenas, comfortable in the assurance that the DOJ would never prosecute such contempt of Congress. Thats reserved only for Republicans. Fortunately House Speaker Kevin McCarthy found his spine and tweeted, Today is indeed a dark day for the United States of America. It is unconscionable for a President to indict the leading candidate opposing him. Joe Biden kept classified documents for decades. I, and every American who believes in the rule of law, stand with President Trump against this grave injustice. House Republicans will hold this brazen weaponization of power accountable. Talk is cheap though. Lets see if Speaker McCarthy follows through. The American people stand with Trump though. Following his indictment, Trumps poll numbers went up, giving him a nearly 40 point lead over the rapidly diminishing Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis. Fifty years ago, many feared a politicized and weaponized FBI under the reign of J. Edgar Hoover. Now those fearing a tyrannical government are in charge and running these agencies. We now have a federalized police agency targeting political opponents of the party in power. Biden is now in good company with other tyrants who acted similarly including Mao, Stalin, and Hitler. From Reagans Shining city on a hill we have Bidens Banana Republic of America, thanks to the unethical and unscrupulous FBI. The Democrat party, with the able assistance of the FBI and DOJ, is attempting to take out the leading 2024 election opponent to assist their very own Big Guy. So much for the will of the people electing their president. Welcome to the Banana Republic of America. Brian C. Joondeph, M.D., is a physician and writer. Follow me on Twitter @retinaldoctor, Substack Dr. Brians Substack and Truth Social @BrianJoondeph. In a recent article, Rabbi Prof. Dov Fischer beautifully communicates his disgust with the recent Biden Administrations 60-page paper supporting three different definitions of anti-Semitism. Fischer and other Jewish organizations prefer the one definition put forward by the International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance (IHRA) rather than having that one plus two others listed as acceptable to the USA; however, Fischer also expresses some reservations even about the acceptable one. Rabbi Fischer has a vigorous style which I always enjoy reading. However, whether there is one definition or multiple definitions of anti-Semitism is a bit beside the point. We really do not need a definition of anti-Semitism to know what it is. For example, even if certain countries are willing to have some commercial or scientific dealings with Israel or with certain Jewish businessmen or with Jared Kushner, they might still be very much anti-Semitic! If they are more greedy than they are anti-Semitic that still does not mean they are not anti-Semitic. If we see a child mistreated by a sexual pervert, we do not need to check the definition of perversion before intervening. To me, anti-Semitism is part of Western consciousness as well as Muslim consciousness. Whatever the socio-religious culture, in most cases, it is latent but in some persons it is active. Throughout the Muslim world it is largely active, but then there are various degrees of active. The number of Muslims who would commit or even plan a terrorist attack on Israel, while larger than in Western non-Islamic societies, is smaller than the much larger number that would be comfortable expressing and/or nodding silent agreement to extremely hateful and poisonous statements about Jews and Israelis. The very desire to seek a definition or definitions for anti-Semitism is another one of many naive bourgeois notions that with a definition one is thereby combatting or limiting anti-Semitism. Anti-Semitism is first and foremost a heart problem, a consciousness problem, a spiritual problem, and an historical problem. Control over language (definitions) lends itself to the illusion of control over self, spirit, and mind. A heart problem: The Lord does not look at the things people look at. People look at the outward appearance, but the Lord looks at the heart. (1 Samuel 16:7). As Jews, we should be asking people throughout the world to love and appreciate the Jewish people. A good friend of mine periodically sends me and others information about the latest developments and inventions in medical science and other areas of science that are taking place in Israel. These are baruchas not only for Israel but eventually will redound to the benefit of every human being in the world. Even members of the PLO and Hamas seek medical care in Israel -- they do not fly off to Muslim countries or even to Europe to seek relief from pain and/or death. While it is very good to broker deals that increase economic relations and travel relations between Israel and traditional enemies of Israel, a missing message in all this is a public expression of the need for anti-Semitic quislings as well as outright enemies of Israel and/or the Jewish people to have love and respect for the Jewish people. Consider anti-Semites such as Ilhan Omar or Rashida Tlaib. Not only are they filled with malicious and wrongheaded views, but their intentions are vile. They must completely renovate their outlooks and instead have hearts of appreciation and love for the people of Israel and for Jews worldwide. I would love to answer big-mouth Tlaib by telling her that Israel has blessed the Arabs in so many ways. The criticisms coming out of the mouths of these ladies should be corrected, but at a deeper level they must be told repeatedly that they must learn to love the Jewish people and Israel. Only love will heal their endless recriminations and negativity. However, while trying to turn their intentions from hate to love, please wear a bulletproof vest if you are Jewish and in the same room with them. A consciousness problem: The great rabbi Abraham Heschel said, There is a built-in sense of indebtedness in the consciousness of man, an awareness of owing gratitude, or being called upon at certain moments to reciprocate, to answer, to live in a way which is compatible with the grandeur and mystery of living. There must be greater acknowledgment by Israelis, worldwide Jewry, and by all supporters of Israel and by those who sincerely love and respect the Jewish people of the incredible contributions of the Jewish people to the advancement of the world in every field of accomplishment -- physical science, music, medicine, mathematics, philosophy, art, etc. When this writer was growing up in Philadelphia, my friends and I would sometimes have self-congratulatory conversations about all the great breakthroughs that were made by Jewish persons of genius. These conversations were in a boastful spirit and were motivated by self-aggrandizing motives. However, there is a place for communicating these great realities of Jewish creativity and inventiveness. Would it not make sense to constantly remind our enemies how the standard of living for Arabs in Israel has risen because of the existence of the State of Israel? Before Zionism and the creation of Israel, that portion of the world was impoverished. Yet today it is thriving and the Arab population living in and around Israel has benefited from the economic growth brought by the Jewish work ethic and Jewish drive and accomplishment in many fields of endeavor. Would it be remiss to remind Ms. Omar or Ms. Tlaib or even Mr. Sanders who, like many leftists, often seems indifferent to the blessings of being a Jew, that the values of socialism and communism lead to the dimming of initiative and creativity, and that his goals that dilute the value of the USA and Israel are actually supporting mediocrity. A spiritual problem: Anti-Semitism originates either in false religion or atheism. There is an interesting and concise summary of Israels responsibilities: Israels responsibilities have included keeping and preserving the Law (Joshua 22:5); being a kingdom of priests and a holy nation (Exodus 19:6); and bringing renown and praise and honor to the Lord (Jeremiah 13:11). Their high calling is straight from the God who chose them out of all the nations of the earth. The thirty-nine books of the Old Testament are even included in the Bibles used by most Protestants, Roman Catholics, and Orthodox churches. Does a person stand ready to salute that reality? Does a person stand ready to face rejection and/or death based on this foundational reality? The intimate bond between the spiritual founding and course of Judaism and Israel is so intimate with the reality of Almighty God that no definition can possibly capture that essence. Verbal or physical attacks or negativity stigmatizes the person who engages in such attacks or negativity. They are stigmatized not because they have offended against a definition that sits on someones shelf, but because they have offended our Creator. E. Jeffrey Ludwig has been teaching philosophy at a major urban university for a number of years and regularly publishes articles at americanthinker.com. He has published four books available at amazon.com including The Catastrophic Decline of America's Public High Schools and The Liberty Manifesto, Vol. 1 Image: Public Domain In a June 5 piece, I noticed how the reporting of independent foreign correspondent Michael Yon from Central America meshed with the reporting of the Center for Immigration Studies' Todd Bensman up at the U.S.-Mexico border, in a piece about how Joe Biden is sneaking migrants into the U.S. from buses originating in Central America. Well, it turns out that the two reporters have since gotten together, and now they've come up with a doozy of a new story: Illegal Aliens Welcomed to Texas and beyond@BensmanTodd and I spent yesterday on the ground rummaging around the Texas roads below. Today we rented an airplane and flew above. Clouds kept us at 1800AGL and so the colonia below was too big for our cameras to gulp with a pic.twitter.com/oG5fETLTWl Michael Yon Jungle (@Michael_Yon) June 15, 2023 Yon's entire tweet reads: Illegal Aliens Welcomed to Texas and beyond... @BensmanTodd and I spent yesterday on the ground rummaging around the Texas roads below. Today we rented an airplane and flew above. Clouds kept us at 1800AGL and so the colonia below was too big for our cameras to gulp with a single shot. This 3rd world north of Houston is situated by Plum Grove. A high government official wishing to remain anonymous told Todd and me the owner just more than doubled the size depicted below with additional land purchase of 35,000 acres. We did not confirm this but the government official is in a position to know. The government official said this single colonia will be able to house at least 200,000 people and most will be illegals. Colonias are popping up around America in various forms such as "commandeered" hotels. Cartels are King of the Colonias. Rapes, murders, and tuberculosis, will continue until morale improves or WEF is dead. This is killing America. This is war. The image below is from the article attached. Todd and I could not fly high enough to see the entire colonia from one place. PLEASE SHARE WITH EVERYONEespecially share with idiotic liberals who will be raped and murdered "disproportionately" in their gun free zones and homes. What he's describing, when he uses the northern Mexican term colonias, is shack life, the vast shantytowns that ring every city in Latin America and a host of other third-world cities in Asia and Africa, too. It's too soon to say if that is exactly what is happening in Houston, but the report suggests there's more than a passing resemblance that ought to be watched. It's not surprising. Some five million foreign nationals have been let into the U.S. based on Joe Biden's open border policies. They have to live somewhere. Many, and perhaps most, do not have U.S. sponsors. There's no plan of action for what to do about five million migrants from the Biden administration other than to let them stay. New York City, where some 60,000 have arrived, is stretched to the breaking point with the caring and feeding of that many newcomers. At some point, there is no place to put them. Housing on their own economic muscle is generally out of the question because it's the same for ordinary Americans. But they still have to live somewhere. And now suddenly, we're seeing where in the emergence of shantytowns now beginning to ring America's major cities such as Houston, making them resemble Rio de Janeiro, Sao Paulo, Mexico City, Caracas, Medellin, Lima, Quito, San Pedro Sula, and other places all of which have nice ritzy centers, housing for the rich and upper-middle classes, and endless rings of shantytowns in the hillsides and valleys outside these big cities, where the desperately poor live in tin-roof hovels, some precariously positioned on cliffs, with no flush toilets, no running water, no paved roads, no electricity, or only pilfered electricity from power lines to power the television sets and sometimes refrigerators inside. When I first saw the shack cities (known as ranchos rather than colonias in Venezuela), I needed to lie down, almost feeling as if I would faint. They were so huge and overwhelming...and awful. I felt the same way when I saw the shack cities ringing Tijuana, utterly horrified that such human misery could be so close to the prosperity of the United States. And Manila, Jakarta, Shenzhen the same sensation. Since I've spent time in and around them, though, here is what I know: most shack-dwellers are from someplace outside the city, and typically it's the countryside or another country. In Colombia and Peru, the people were often war refugees from the nation's vicious Marxist narco-terrorists who flooded into the city for protection and found nothing there for them. They ended up on the outside, looking in, able to go to jobs in the city but not able to enjoy the city and culture. In Venezuela, they were often actual foreigners from Haiti, Colombia, and other places, drawn to Venezuela by that country's cycles of oil booms with all its jobs and bounties. There also were a lot of rural people drawn in for the same reason, leaving the entire country grossly underpopulated, with something like 90% of its population urban. Like the internal refugees of Colombia and Peru, there was no place for them, so they ended up on the outskirts of the capital in the huge shantytowns ringing that urban area, trying to get in for their day jobs and back to the shacks at night. Shack cities look awful on first glance, but they aren't entirely so. When I visited Caracas in late 2005, noted Venezuelan blogger Miguel Octavio of the late great Devil's Excrement blog told me to look closely at the shantytowns notice the glass windows, the electrical wires running out, the presence of television satellite dishes on nearly every structure. He himself lived on the edge of one and explained to me that not only were they not as scary as they appeared, but they also weren't bastions of chaos, as might be expected. "They have rules," he told me, citing, for example, when to turn off the blasting boom boxes of reggaeton music which shut down promptly at 10:00 P.M., and woe to anyone who defied it. The penalties from the gangs who ruled them and made the rules were much more severe for the shack-dwellers than they were in ordinarily policed societies. This brings up the third thing I know: that shack cities are shack cities precisely because they are governed by gangs and their declarations, and lack the established rule of law characteristic of representative democracy. That was what Peruvian economist Hernando de Soto found in his amazingly good book, The Other Path: The economic answer to terrorism, which studied shantytown culture intensely, and in The Mystery of Capital, which contained a whole chapter on the relevance of rule of law to whether a place looks like Pacific Heights or like a typical shantytown. Most precisely, de Soto noted that shack-dwellers lack title deed to their properties, meaning they can't capitalize on them or invest in them, nor buy or sell them, nor profit from them. That keeps them looking like, well, shacks. We are seeing the outlines of that dynamic emerge in Houston now that some five million illegals have been allowed into this country. They are from someplace else; they are under the thumbs of gangs; and if they end up in that pre-built housing, you can bet they aren't going to have title deed ownership to it, ensuring that it will get run down and neglected. Eric Hoffer once observed that the U.S. is getting "increasingly Latinamericanized." It's not just in the banana republic lunacy of the bid to Get Trump. We now see it in the open border, where the newcomers are coming to live exactly as they had lived before they left their home countries. What a sorry picture. Image: Twitter screen shot. See also: California Democrats propose bill to confiscate parents' children if they oppose gender change State senator Scott Wilk has issued a startling warning for parents, one for which I cannot think of any parallel in U.S. history. Lest you consider him a minor local politician, keep in mind that a California state senator represents far more people than a member of Congress: almost one million constituents. The reason the senator warned his constituents with children to flee the state is here: California lawmakers in the State Senate Judiciary Committee on Tuesday moved forward with a measure that would require courts to consider a parent's acceptance of their child's gender identity in custody or visitation cases. "As the mother of a trans child, it is jarring to know that TGI youth are at a higher risk of depression, mental health crises, self-harm and suicide than their cisgender peers," said Assemblymember Lori Wilson, the bill's author, in a statement. "The TGI Youth Empowerment Act provides California the opportunity to take one step closer to building a safer, more dignified, and equitable world for TGI youth and their families." Senator Wilk sees this bill as an indicator of what's ahead (transcript via Grabien): I'm now in year 11 in the state legislature, and all the time we're proposing policies to protect children. After 11 years, I've come to conclusion that we need to start protecting parents. That's just not happening. I've been here and witnessed a full-frontal assault on charter schools, taking away parents' choice in how their children are going to be educated, to the detriment particularly of children of color. In recent years we have put government bureaucrats between parents, children and doctors when it comes to medical care. And now we have this where if a parent does not support the ideology of the government, they're going to be taken away from the home. Now, I agree with both Senator Wiener and Senator Laird that today it only involves divorce proceedings and, frankly, a judge can already factor this in but I can assure you it's not going to end with divorce proceedings. In the past, when we've had these discussions and I've seen parental rights atrophied, I've encouraged people to keep fighting. I've changed my mind on that. If you love your children, you need to flee California. You need to flee. We're moving towards the pathway of the 'Handmaid's Tale.' California's becoming the new Gilead and it just breaks my heart. I'm born and raised in this state. I love this state. I'm not going to stay in this state because it's just too oppressive and I believe in freedom, and so I'm going to move to America when I leave the legislature. Taking custody of a child away from a parent because the parent does not want the child to be mutilated or permanently developmentally damaged with hormone-suppressing drugs is fully predictable if this measure becomes law. The language used by the bill's sponsor, Senator Wilson, that the bill is "one step closer" reveals that a much larger agenda is at work. If Senator Wilk's warning isn't ignored by the legacy media, it will be mercilessly mocked. I take only slight comfort in the fact that Governor Gavin Newsom would have to sign this bill, if it passes both the Assembly and Senate, for it to become law. Given his obvious ambition to run for president, he would be loath to hand an issue to the Republican nominee: Newsom signed a law to take a child away from a parent if the parent doesn't support transgender surgery. Of course, Newsom would receive tremendous blowback from the trans claque, who are well funded, well organized, and ruthless. But that might serve him as a Sister Souljah moment to create a national image as a moderate, reasonable Democrat and help neutralize the toxicity of California's politics in other parts of the nation. Photo credit: Grabien screen grab. Mainstream media mavens in New York City, Washington, D.C., and other major cities on the U.S. East Coast blanketed by smoke from Canadas wildfires went into overdrive saying the event was unprecedented and provided further proof that catastrophic climate change is occurring. Whether they were ignorant of the facts and believed what they said or are so far in the bag on climate alarmism they couldnt let the facts get in the way of another story hyping the purported climate crisis, they were wrong or lying on every count. Wildfires happen every year throughout the United States and Canada -- which is why both countries have designated wildfire seasons -- and across the globe, but hardly ever get the sustained, nearly apoplectic coverage Canadas fires got last week. I guess thats because many major broadcast and print media outlets are on the East Coast and seeing the smoke first-hand, which others experience every year or two, brought the impact of fires home to the horrified journalists. But experiencing the impacts of fires first-hand doesnt prove this years fires are unusual or caused by climate change, and the evidence shows that they arent. History tells us that smoke from wildfires in Canada have periodically darkened or yellowed the skies on the U.S. East Coast, as they did last week. Indeed, long before anyone used fossil fuels to generate electricity or for transportation the New England Historical Society (NEHS) reports smoke from Canadian wildfires created yellow or dark days multiple times in the past, in particular: on May 12, 1706; October 21, 1716; August ,9 1732; May 19, 1780; July 3, 1814; November, 6-10, 1819; July 8, 1836; September. 2, 1894; and September 24-30, 1950. So contrary to media reports, last weeks smoke was hardly unprecedented. Canadas May 1780 wildfires, delivered so much smoke to the Eastern United States that May 19, 1780 became known as New England's Dark Day . Reports from the time explain the smoke was so bad that candles had to be lit at midday to see. As was true in the past when smoke from Canadian wildfires was blown into the United States the cause is temporary weather conditions, not climate change. Gunnar Schade, D.Sc., an associate professor with Texas A&M Universitys Department of Atmospheric Sciences, says that after hitting the air stream the smoke from Canadas wildfires was delivered by a North Central Canadian (Arctic) high-pressure system and a persistent, slow-moving, low-pressure system off the northeast coast [which] combined [to] cause large-scale southerly to southeasterly air movement, which has taken the smoke to the U.S. upper Midwest, southeast and east coast. When those conditions abated, the smoke dissipated as well. Not only were this years fires not unique, they also did not, as the media stories consistently implied, represent a trend in Canadian wildfires that could be attributed to climate change. One cant attribute this year's wildfires to climate change because the evidence shows wildfires in Canada and globally have been declining during the recent period of modest warming. Data from Canadas National Forestry Database for both the entire country as well as the province of Quebec, where many of the recent wildfires occurred, show declining trends for both the number of fires and area burned over the past 31 years. Interestingly, a study by scientists with the Canadian Forest Service attributed the decline in forest fires in Canada over the past few decades to the combined effect of carbon-dioxide fertilization and modestly rising temperatures, which resulted in improved soil moisture conditions. Because plants lose less water via the process of transpiration under conditions of high CO 2 and higher temperatures, less moisture is drawn from soil. To translate, the Canadian Forest Service surmises that climate change, rather than causing more and more severe wildfires, is responsible for the declining trend. Globally, NASA satellites have also recorded a significant decline in the number of wildfires. In the report Researchers Detect a Global Drop in Fires, NASA found, Globally, the total acreage burned by fires declined 24 percent between 1998 and 2015, according to a new paper published in Science. Nor, in its most recent report, does the U.N. Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change attribute any shift in fire weather to climate change, or acknowledge any increase in the number or intensity of wildfires regionally or globally. Following the science, therefore, one must conclude that climate change is not to blame for the recent fires in Canada or the smoke they delivered to the East Coast. The fear and actual damage generated by wildfires each year is bad enough without the bought and paid for mainstream media making it worse by encouraging the misdirection of resources from taking actions that address the true causes of wildfires, to the battle against climate change. There is no evidence climate change has or will cause more heatwaves, droughts, or resulting wildfires. H. Sterling Burnett, Ph.D., (hsburnett@heartland.org) is the Director of the Arthur B. Robinson Center on Climate and Environmental Policy at the Heartland Institute, a non-partisan, non-profit research organization based in Arlington Heights, Illinois. Image: National Archives If you ask most U.S. citizens what a district attorney (DA) does, theyd tell you something like, prosecute criminals or enforce the law. But in an increasing number of American jurisdictions, that no longer appears to be the case. DAs across America now seem to think that one of their primary functions is to help foreign criminals remain in the United States. Take for example George Gascon, the district attorney for Los Angeles County, California, the most populous county in the nation. In December of 2022 Gascon introduced a new policy, Special Directive 22-07, aimed at avoiding immigration consequences for non-citizens who are charged with crimes. Gascons rule requires prosecutors in Los Angeles County to consider alternatives when a defendant is not a U.S. citizen and faces potential deportation if found guilty in criminal court. Attempts to avoid sentencing enhancements and a preference for seeking pre-trial diversion programs over prosecution have now become a priority for prosecutors pursuing charges against foreign criminals. The ultimate goal, according to Gascon, is to keep foreign nationals in the United States, even when they violate the terms of the Immigration and Nationality Act by engaging in criminal activity. Unfortunately, Gascons decision to go soft on foreign criminals is part of a disturbing nationwide trend. Several years ago, Philadelphia DA Larry Krasner created a new Immigration Counsel position within his office, with the sole purpose of reaching immigration neutral outcomes for non-citizens. Krasners spokesperson told local media that those accused of high-level offenses such as homicides or sex crimes would not enjoy special consideration. In reality, however, Krasners Immigration Counsel consulted in dozens of cases in which non-citizens were accused of various serious crimes, such as rape, rape of a child, sex assault, and even murder. But rather than attempting to find ways to remove foreign thugs from the streets of Philadelphia, the Immigration Counsel was expending taxpayer resources attempting to keep them in the City of Brotherly Love. Prosecutors in other so-called sanctuary jurisdictions have followed suit. Of course, Gascon and Krasner and their ilk are basing special treatment for criminal aliens on two mistaken notions: 1) that the removal of foreign criminals punishes them twice; and 2) that foreign nationals can only be removed from the United States when they have been convicted of crimes. First off, the assertion that deportation is punishment is dead wrong. Nothing could be further from the truth. In Fong Yue Ting v. United States, the Supreme Court expressly held that deportation is but a method of enforcing the return to his own country of an alien who has not complied with the conditions upon the performance of which the Government of the nation, acting within its constitutional authority, and through the proper departments, has determined that his continuing to reside here shall depend. And, as the High Court noted in Ekiu v. United States, the removal of aliens who fail to comply with our laws is an exercise of authority that is inherent in the United States status as a sovereign nation. The Court stated, It is an accepted maxim of international law that every sovereign nation has the power, as inherent in sovereignty and essential to self-preservation, to forbid the entrance of foreigners within its dominions or to admit them only in such cases and upon such conditions as it may see fit to prescribe. Secondly, virtually any foreign national who has either broken our immigration laws to enter the United States, or has transgressed our immigration laws while here, can be deported. Gaming the system so illegal alien miscreants dont sustain convictions is utterly pointless. If so inclined, the Department of Homeland Security can remove them solely on the basis of having crossed the border without authorization. Meanwhile, giving a blanket special preference to lawfully present immigrants who have committed crimes simply sends a bad message that they can rely on their status as foreigners to escape culpability for criminal behavior. In the exceptional case where there are extenuating circumstances, reviewing courts have more than enough discretionary authority to minimize the impact a criminal conviction may have on an immigrant. Moreover, as the vice president of the Association for Deputy District Attorneys of Los Angeles County noted, measures like those taken by Gascon and Krasner discriminate against U.S. citizens because they are not at risk of deportation, and thus wont enjoy the same consideration when subjected to criminal charges. To the casual observer, activist DAs like Gascon and Krasner might not seem like a big deal. But with the Biden Administration flooding our nation with millions of illegal aliens, average Americans should be asking who is actually protecting U.S. citizens from criminals? Because theres no guarantee that a criminal alien cut loose by anti-borders progressives like Gascon or Krasner wont be coming soon to a community near you. And if your local DA is also an anti-borders, sanctuary city activist, you may find the justice system protecting the criminal alien and not you. Jason Hopkins is the Investigations Manager at the Immigration Reform Law Institute, a public interest law firm working to defend the rights and interests of the American people from the negative effects of unchecked mass migration. Matt OBrien is the Director of Investigations at the Immigration Reform Law Institute and the co-host of IRLIs podcast No Border, No Country. Immediately prior to working for IRLI he served as an immigration judge. He has nearly 30 years of experience in immigration law and policy, having held numerous positions within the Department of Homeland Security. Image: Defense Visual Information Distribution Service // public domain Prosecution of Joe Biden, Hunter, and the rest of the Biden crime clan will be a can of worms. Among the considerations: Is Biden fit to stand trial? His vacant staring, and his shaking hands with imaginary people, suggest that the answer is no. The common law precludes a trial of an incompetent person. Under the United States Constitution, an accused person must be able to understand the charge against him and must be able to assist his lawyer to present a defense. See Rohan ex rel. Gates v. Woodford, 334 F.3d 803 (9th Cir. 2002). Biden is a basket case and clearly cannot. Assets that result from alleged criminal conduct may not be used by a defendant to pay for a lawyer. That's from Kaley v. United States, 571 U.S. 320 (2014). If Biden, Hunter, and the rest of the Biden crime clan cannot afford lawyers, the United States government will be required to pay a million or two in defense costs. That will be over and above a million or two in prosecution costs. What is the venue for a trial? Probably the District of Columbia. That jurisdiction is notoriously Democrat. Michael Sussmann, a mover and shaker among Democrats, was acquitted by a D.C. jury of lying to the FBI, although he did lie. Special counsel John Durham spent significant time, effort, and money, and wound up with egg on his face. According to the New York Times on May 31, 2022, "Michael Sussmann Is Acquitted in Case Brought by Trump-Era Prosecutor." There is no reason to believe that the good people of D.C., who voted 92.1% for the Biden-Harris ticket, will be apolitical, nor fair and impartial. A safe bet is verdicts of not guilty on all counts of the indictment. Prosecution without a likelihood of conviction is a futility. The upshot is that Biden, Hunter, and the rest of the Biden crime clan should not be prosecuted. They should be pardoned. Ford pardoned Nixon, to prevent additional years of "bitter controversy and divisive national debate," and to prevent the probable denial to Nixon of the presumption of innocence, due process, and a fair trial, and to prevent the prolongation of "the bad dreams that continue to reopen a chapter" of American history "that is closed." The socio-political health of the nation was a valid concern in 1974, and it is a valid concern in 2023. Do Biden, Hunter, and the rest of the Biden crime clan get off scot-free? No way, Jose. Start with the monetary penalty: the ill-gotten gains of Biden, Hunter, and the rest of the Biden crime clan must be disgorged. A fine of $20 million is a reasonable estimate. The money is to be paid over to the United States. Then move on to the political penalty: Biden is to resign in disgrace. Without more, the resignation of Biden would move Vice President Kamala Harris to the top spot, whereby President Ron Klain, Vice President Susan Rice, and their successors would be emboldened to harm further the United States and the American people. To prevent that pernicious outcome, and to undo the stolen election of 2020, look to American Thinker contributor Jay Valentine for a plan. Meanwhile, to set the stage for repair of the political and economic and societal wreckages wrought by Team Biden/Harris since January 20, 2021, the resignation of Biden would be choreographed. Step 1: Harris resigns. There is a precedent for causing a vice president to walk the plank for national benefit. Henry Wallace was the vice president during FDR's third term. Wallace was a dyed-red progressive and a dupe of the Soviet Union. He worried Democrat party leaders, who knew that FDR was really ill and that the vice president was likely to become president. At the 1944 Democratic convention, Democrat party leaders dumped Wallace and effected the nomination of Truman. See Wikipedia's entry for Henry A. Wallace. Step 2: The Twenty-Fifth Amendment is invoked. See the National Constitution Center's "Presidential Disability and Succession" to describe how that could be used to make Trump vice president. Step 3: Biden resigns. Trump becomes president. Step 4: The Twenty-Fifth Amendment is used to make Ron DeSantis vice president. Immediately after assuming office, and through the 20252029 quadrennium, Team Trump/DeSantis will have to work day and night to accomplish the herculean task of draining the swamp. With the backing of "that Almighty Being who rules over the Universe, who presides in the Councils of Nations, and whose providential aids can supply every human defect," one can look back to the National Archives and Records Administration's Washington's Inaugural Address of 1789. Team Trump/DeSantis will succeed. The author, who lives in Idaho, a free state, is the author of A Packet of Purported Legal Humor, Gilbert and Sullivan for Lawyers, Preclusion of Sociological Policing, and The New Colossus and Immigration: 2017. Image: Good Free Photos, CC0 public domain When notorious Italian communist Antonio Gramsci developed the Long March through the institutions philosophy, he certainly wasnt thinking about Thesaurus.com, but if he were alive today, he probably would be. As we know, Gramscis Long March described the revolutionary political strategy to undermine, collapse, and remake a society without armed conflict. Commandeering the institutions like the public schools, universities, media outlets, the bureaucracy, political apparatuses, is akin to programming software in this case, the human minds directing the course of society. Now, Thesaurus.com is an online search tool that falls under the umbrella of Dictionary.com, which is the worlds leading digital dictionary and boasts user data that sees 5.5 billion word searches per year, and its one I occasionally use when I just cant possibly think of any more adjectives to describe the contemptible snollygosters we know as leftists. (Funny enough, snollygosters is actually the Dictionary.com word of the day, which I discovered as I tracked down information for this blog, and the term could not be more appropriate.) Anyways, last week I typed the word godless into the engine I was writing on the trend towards social conservatism in an era of completely godless Democrats and my search yielded these results: Screenshot taken from Thesaurus.com inquiry For those of you who dont often use a thesaurus as a resource, let me explain something: given the complexity of the English language with its nearly unending nuances, a word that has multiple meanings will have several entries for it. For example, one would reasonably expect godless to produce the list above, but you should also expect godless to contain another entry (or tab since this is a digital version), that would include synonyms like depraved or debauched or immoral (those are just a few off the top of my head), because of course, thats what godless also means, but you see none of those; it was the absence of such an entry that caught my attention. In fact the synonyms for godless dont sound all that bad, like at all the terms either elicit a neutrality or impartiality of sorts, or strangely, being godless actually sounds like a good thing. Freethinking? A precious trait that defines any true intellectual. Skeptical? More like discerning! The only responsible attitude in a world full of mis- and disinformation. Undogmatic? Thats just a fancy way of saying you reject the patriarchal bondage of religion, because you believe in science, not dogma. Another institution, namely Vocabulary.com, asserts the word describes an inclination to respect views and beliefs that differ from your own. Iconoclastic? Once a term with negative connotations, modern use implies the opposite, with a dictionary blog writing this: But most examples are more approving, portraying iconoclasts (often artists, writers, or musicians) as people with independent minds, who are not afraid to challenge accepted ideas and conventions, and whose readiness to question the status quo may lead to brilliant innovations[.] Have we seen a political agenda to sanitize a Judeo-Christian moral authority from society elsewhere in history? Yes thats right! In the murderous regimes of men like Joseph Stalin, Mao Zedong, Barack Obama, and Adolf Hitlerand what is the common denominator? Well, leftism of course! Karl Marx famously said, Communism begins where atheism begins with Gramsci also quipping: Socialism is precisely the religion that must overwhelm Christianity. In the new order, Socialism will triumph by first capturing the culture via infiltration of schools, universities, churches, and the media by transforming the consciousness of society. (Theres that long march talk again.) What makes this even more interesting though is who is behind Thesaurus.com hes billionaire Dan Gilbert, the founder of Rock Holdings, Inc., and he and his interests are major political benefactors to both parties but youll likely only really hear about his financial support of the GOP. According to a outlet in Detroit (the city Gilbert calls home): The political action committee of Gilberts Detroit-based Rock Holdings donated $5,000 to Sen. Kelly Loeffler on Nov. 14. The PAC also contributed $7,500 to Perdue in June and $5,000 to the Georgia Republican Party on Nov. 11. Gilbert is a prolific donor to Republican candidates. During the presidential primary election in 2016, he donated $1.25 million to then-New Jersey Gov. Chris Christies super PAC and $350,000 to PACs tied to then-Ohio Gov. John Kasich, campaign finance records show. Gilbert has said he supports candidates of both political parties. Our interests are in the policies at the federal level, and not the politics surrounding the elections, Gilbert said in a 2017 statement. We have often supported both political parties in the same election so that we have the ability to impact positive change, regardless of who occupies the offices. Indeed, Gilbert also gave $75,000 for a fundraiser for Hillary Clinton's unsuccessful presidential campaign. If you just buy them all, youll always have an ally! Like Machiavelli said, Politics have no relation to morals. And, lets not forget, Loeffler allegedly displayed a portrait of Mao in her private residence. So Gilbert, the man who owns the largest and most-referenced online dictionary/thesaurus site at a time when there is a life-and-death war on language occurring, doesnt care about principle (evidenced by his strategy to line the pockets of everyone so he always has a sympathetic ear), and funded a woman who proudly idolized Mao? Gee, if these things dont just scream of a corrupted, communist Uniparty, and a stacked deck, then I dont know what does. To quip Clinton: the Long March came, sawand apparently the Republican Party died thanks to the death blow of communist subterfuge. Image: Free image, Pixabay license, no attribution required. When Jordan Neely, a large black man with a history of violence, terrorized a New York City subway car full of frightened passengers, he was taken down by Daniel Penny, a former Marine who happened to be white. Instead of Penny receiving a medal for heroism, he was arrested, and the event was labeled a racial hate crime. This is an example of how the legal system supports black criminality. All too often, black criminals are accorded special privileges by local law enforcement. This trend has become a serious problem as Soros-backed prosecutors like Alvin Bragg in New York release violent felons out onto the streets, where they can commit more crimes against innocent citizens. City governments around the country are rolling back criminal penalties and enforcement in a futile attempt to eliminate disparities in minority arrests. The argument from the left is that the disproportionate percentage of arrests and imprisonment of black suspects is the result of an allegedly racist justice system. The George Floyd incident has been cited as proof that blacks are overwhelmingly victimized by racist white police. As black educator John McWhorter has acknowledged, this is an inversion of reality. In spite of a continued history of violence, blacks are not being held responsible for antisocial behavior. According to Heather Mac Donald in The War on Cops, black men who make up six percent of the population commit the majority of violent crimes in the U.S. As an example, she cites New York City, where blacks committed 75 percent of all shootings, 70 percent of robberies, and 66 percent of all violent crime. Ignoring the obvious connection between black criminality and black incarceration, the left continues to blame the police. "Numerical disparities result from differences of offending," said black talk show host Larry Elder, "not because of racism." According to former New York Mayor Rudy Giuliani, "the bulk of responsibility is on blacks, who commit murder eight times more per capita than any other group in our society." The prevalence of black-on-white crime has been spectacularly ignored by the media. "Whites are the overwhelming target of interracial violence," Heather Mac Donald wrote in City Journal. In one three-year period, she said, "blacks committed 85.5 percent of all black-white interracial violent victimizations. That works out to 540,360 felonious assaults on whites." "If the real root causes of higher black crime may not be discussed," Mac Donald said, "then the only way to reduce racial disparities in the criminal justice system is to stop penalizing criminal behavior." When you try to bring attention to this perversion of the justice system, you are automatically called out as racist. The unfortunate result, as I explain in my new book, The War on Whites, is that everyone black and white is afraid to deal with it. When there is a confrontation between a white person and a black person, said author Ben Shapiro, the left decrees that the white person must be at fault. "If you are a white person," he said, "you have an obligation to be victimized." Referring to the case of Jordan Neely, Shapiro said, "Neely apparently had a right to threaten people on the subway." "In today's America," said Fox News presenter Will Cain, "you are required to take the side of any black person in incidences that also involve a white person. Evidence does not matter. And not only do you have to side with the person of color; you must immediately believe that the incident is racial in nature." The danger of this trend was highlighted by a case in San Bernardino, California, where a 21-year-old black man assaulted a white police officer as she was trying to prevent a domestic violent crime. He wrestled the female officer to the ground, punched her in the face, and seized her firearm. He attempted to shoot her in the face but failed only because the gun jammed. The incident was caught on a neighbor's cell phone. The absurd argument of the defense was that the officer did not have a reasonable suspicion to justify patting down his client, and therefore his client was acting in self-defense. "The issue," said the defense attorney, "was, was the initial detention legal? If it's not, then he's not guilty. He could punch her 100 times, and it wouldn't matter." In a disturbing example of racial bias, the jury found him not guilty of attempted murder and other charges. Had the defendant been white and the officer black, there is a reasonable expectation that the verdict would have been different. When white people are assaulted by blacks, the legal system bends over backwards to coddle the black perpetrators. "The left will always find a way to justify the criminals and blame the real victims," said Matthew Boose in American Greatness, "whose cries for justice are drowned out by the endless wailing of black entitlement. We are often told that the politics of 'white grievance' is transforming America into some kind of authoritarian state, but the opposite is true. We are racing into the ghetto." Ed Brodow (www.edbrodowpolitics.com) is a conservative political commentator and author of THE WAR ON WHITES: How Hating White People Became the New National Sport. Image: PxHere, CC0 public domain. Evidently, from the wording of the Wall Street Journal's two editorials on the Garland/Biden/Smith indictment that appeared in the June 1011 and June 14 editions, there's a Democrat mole working on the editorial page. (As June 14 marked Trump's 77th birthday, the latter editorial could have been intended as a snarky birthday card.) The June 1011 editorial, "A Destructive Trump Indictment," might have been read as sympathetic to the former president but for the comment deriding Trump's competence, and character, and accusations that he violates "democratic norms." These accusations, typical of Trump-hating Democrats, are hurled without evidence. This editorial noted that the nauseating James Comey ended the possibility of prosecuting Hillary Clinton for her mishandling of classified information but did not explain to readers how Comey, as FBI director, had authority to decide federal prosecution. Perhaps the writer of this editorial hoped to cover his tracks by acknowledging, "Trump did not accept a bribe or betray secrets to Russia." But segue to the June 14 editorial. This editorial might have been styled a variation on a theme of the June 1011 editorial, as it was called "The Self-Destructive Donald Trump." The title is itself a giveaway, it being impossible for a politician to backstab himself to destruction. That act is performed by others. Here the names William Barr, Andrew McCarthy, Paul Ryan, and Chubby Christie come to mind, among a legion of others. This second Journal hit job on Mr. Trump embraces fully Paul Ryan's fond wish that a third Trump bid for the presidency will end in his defeat. The penultimate paragraph is instructive as to the source of anti-Trump hostility. "If Republicans really want to defeat Democrats, the press and a hostile bureaucracy, they'll nominate a candidate who won't shrink from a fight but will also be smart enough not to blunder into obvious traps." Alas, this editorial denounced President Trump in one telling regard, giving the lie to its calls for a GOP "smart enough" fighter. The truth is, Donald J. Trump is a plenty smart fighter. That's why he asked Ukraine's President Zelensky to look into the question of Biden's Burisma bamboozling. Yet, three-quarters of the way into this bizarre birthday greeting to Trump, the Journal, writing out of the partisan Democrat playbook, smirked, "Mr. Trump aided his own first impeachment with a phone call to Volodymyr Zelensky looking for dirt on Joe Biden." What a baseless statement. It reflects 1) the Democrat hope to undermine the Trump presidency and 2) the cover-up of Biden corruption in Ukraine. For Pete's sake, President Trump was just following, logically, on Joe Biden's own boast that he forced the ouster of a Ukraine prosecutor investigating the issue of corruption at Burisma the company that gave Hunter Biden a sinecure of $83,000 a month totaling about a million bucks annually. The editorial goes on to blame President Trump, in true leftist fashion, for defending himself on the COVID issue and then proceeds to promote anti-Trump propaganda on January 6. If the Wall Street Journal's editorial page were not infected with Trump Derangement Syndrome, it would have denounced "The Resistance" for what it really is: the insurrection against the man who overcame great odds to defeat the Democrat candidate who, had she prevailed, would have held half the country or more in thrall as unredeemable "deplorables." For those of us who are believers, one proof of God's existence is that, even with the dangerous Joe Biden as president, He still protected American freedom with a GOP House majority. Image: Wall Street Journal. Plans by the EU to restore biodiversity on land and in the sea are in jeopardy after the largest political group in the European Parliament demanded that the measures be scrapped and revised. 50-50 Outcome On the eve of a vote on the Nature Restoration Law (NRL) package, the head of the center-right European People's Party (EPP) stated the outcome was "50-50" with a chance that additional people would join their opposition on Thursday, as reported by The Guardian. Pascal Canfin, the chair of the environment committee, asked colleagues to support the bill on Wednesday night, charging the EPP with spreading "fake news" about food production. The plans aim to safeguard all threatened ecosystems by 2050 through legally bound targets, including rivers, oceans, peat bogs, and indigenous forests. Inger Andersen, the UN's top environmental official, asked MEPs to exercise leadership before the vote and keep the commitments the union made at Cop15 just six months ago. She criticized people who had made preserving biodiversity a topic for a culture war. Read also: COP15 Biodiversity Summit Results in Agreement To Halt Decline of Wildlife and Ecosystems A Bad Proposal? Manfred Weber, the leader of the EPP, stated that his party's lawmakers supported climate change objectives but deemed the NRL to be "a bad proposal" that would lower food production on the continent. Irish Green Party MEP Ciaran Cuffe expressed concern about a potential deeper EPP hostility to climate emergency measures while guiding parallel proposals on the restoration of energy-inefficient buildings through parliament. (Photo: Wikimedia Commons / UN Biodiversity) 22dec07-COP15-EU-press-conference-3203 Cuffe said the 12-volume, 5,689-page impact assessment put the economic benefits of restoring nature at 180bn (154bn), as opposed to the cost of the measures, which have been put at 154bn. Weber claimed the proposals would harm Europe's food production by sequestering land for rewilding and other projects. Along with the Greens, the World Wildlife Fund has claimed that boosting biodiversity, including bees and other pollinators, actually enhances food output. The votes in the 84-member committee were split 42:42 on Wednesday, according to German MEP Peter Liese, the EPP's spokesperson on the environment, who is also one of those 22. He cited the lack of a definite definition of "degraded" land or waterways by the European Commission as one of the primary problems. According to him, it could necessitate the conversion of 25,000 kilometers of European rivers to wilderness under its current garb, which would have an effect on hydroelectric plant development and operation. Virginijus Sinkeviius, the EU's environment commissioner, issued a warning last month that disobeying the legislation would send "a dangerous, negative signal to the world." The NRL is a component of the European Green Deal, along with separate measures to lower pesticide use and regulations pertaining to climate change. Related article: MEPs Face Backlash for 'Culture War Against Nature' as They Oppose Crucial Restoration Law @ 2023 HNGN, All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission. The weather station where 11 German soldiers were trapped, forgotten by the fallen Nazis. Weather played an important role during the Second World War. It dictated the outcome of Naval battles and decided the routes of military convoys. Weather and visibility affected photographic reconnaissance and bombing raids. Much of D-day planning revolved around the weather, and the landing itself was delayed by 24 hours because of choppy seas. Weather information was so sensitive that it was transmitted encoded from weather stations. By August 1941, the Allies had captured many weather stations operated by the Germans on Greenland and on Spitsbergen, in the Svalbard Archipelago in Norway. These stations were critical because the air over Svalbard told a lot about what was coming over the North Atlantic and continental Europe. Spitsbergen was an especially important location as it enabled the Germans to monitor weather conditions on the Allied convoy route to northern Russia. Svalbard Archipelago lies in the Arctic Ocean about a thousand kilometers from the North Pole. This frozen wasteland was first used as a whaling base in the 17th and 18th centuries, after which it was abandoned. Then coal mining began, which led to the establishment of several permanent communities. When Norway came under German occupation in 1940, the Nazis took control of the oil fields and the weather stations there. At that time the Soviet Union had not entered the war. But this changed once Germany invaded the Union in July 1941. At once, the United Kingdom and Canada sent military forces to Svalbard to destroy German installations and their weather stations. The approximate location of the weather station of Operation Haudegen. Political map of Svalbard by Peter Hermes Furian/Shutterstock.com The Germans made many attempts to set up weather stations on Spitsbergen, but all failed or fell to the Allies. In October 1941, the Nazis established a reporting station in Spitsbergen, but this was chased away by British warships the following month. A second station was established at Ny Alesund in 1941 and remained in operation for a year until this too was evacuated. In September 1944, the Germans set up their last weather station, code named Operation Haudegen, on Nordaustlandet, one of the most remote and northerly of the main islands in Svalbard. A U-boat and a supply vessel deposited eleven men, along with equipment, arms, ammunitions and supplies on the island and hurriedly retreated back to Norway before they could be discovered by Allied warships. The men set up the weather station and erected two inconspicuous flat-roofed huts using wooden panels and camouflaged with white nets. Photo: From the archive of Wilhelm Dege Photo: From the archive of Wilhelm Dege Operation Haudegen started in December 1944. Five times a day, the station transmitted encrypted weather forecasts to the German naval command at Troms. In addition, once a week, they sent a hydrogen-filled weather balloon to 8,000 meters to obtain data from the upper atmosphere. The remaining time was spent exploring the island and learning about science, geography, philosophy and mathematics from the leader of the expedition, Dr. Wilhelm Dege. The young men built a sauna and helped themselves to the ample food supplies, enjoying delicacies like reindeer meat which most Germans at that time could only dream of in their bomb cellars. Siegfried Czapka, the 18-year-old radio operator, told the German magazine Der Spiegel in 2010: It was an unforgettable experience; we had everything but beer." But of course, life in the Arctic was harsh. Temperatures went well below freezing, there were snow storms and daylight was scarce. Polar bears were another threat. The men had to carry rifles with them every time they went outside. The men had been given rigorous training to deal with the hardship. They learned to ski, rappel down cliffs, build igloos, cook and bake, pull teeth, attend to gunshot wounds, and even amputate frozen limbs. A member of the weather station pulls an infected tooth of a colleague. Photo: From the archive of Wilhelm Dege On May 8, 1945, the men received a message from their commanders in Troms that Germany had surrendered and the war was over. They were ordered to dispose of explosives, destroy secret documents and send weather reports unencoded. Then there was complete radio silence. The men tried contacting base but there was no reply. They started transmitting their coordinates on the wave lengths the Allies used but no ship or aircraft appeared. The men had two years worth of ration, but the idea of getting stuck on ice for any amount of time held little appeal. The men worried about their families back in Germany, whether they were still alive or killed by air raids. In desperation, they started transmitting on Allied distress channels. Towards the end of August, a reply was received. Norwegian authorities assured the stranded men that a ship would set sail for Spitsbergen in early September. Their joy was boundless when on the night of September 3rd and 4th, a vessel arrived in the fjord near the weather station. It was a seal-hunting ship that was chartered by the Norwegian navy in order to pick up the Germans. The Norwegians came ashore and they all had a big celebratory meal together. Then the commanding officer of the Germans formally surrenderedfour months after the war endedby handing over his service pistol to the Norwegian captain. "The Norwegian stared at it and asked Can I keep this then?, recalled Dr. Eckhard Dege, the son of Wilhelm Dege, the commanding officer. My father explained that he could because they were surrendering. The men were taken to Troms where they became prisoners of war for three months. In December 1945, they returned to their homes, to a divided country. Some found themselves on East Germany, others on the West. The men of the unit tried to meet each other, but it became impossible due to the tensions between East and West Germany. It was only 60 years after the incident, that two of the survivors were reunited for a trip to the island. Geologist Wilhelm Dege, head of Operation Haudegen. Photo: From the archive of Wilhelm Dege Photo: From the archive of Wilhelm Dege Photo: From the archive of Wilhelm Dege Photo: From the archive of Wilhelm Dege Soldiers kill time with music. Photo: From the archive of Wilhelm Dege Photo: From the archive of Wilhelm Dege The men celebrate Christmas in 1944. Photo: From the archive of Wilhelm Dege A man returns with a slain reindeer. Photo: From the archive of Wilhelm Dege A member of the weather station with a slain polar bear. Photo: From the archive of Wilhelm Dege Photo: From the archive of Wilhelm Dege In 2004 Siegfried Czapka (right) returns to the old weather station on North East Land, Spitzbergen together with a colleague. Photo: Siegfried Cap References: # Spiegel, https://www.spiegel.de/geschichte/kriegsende-in-der-arktis-a-946659.html # The Scotsman, https://www.scotsman.com/news/world/surrender-the-last-germans-to-give-up-1-1400530 # Traces of War, https://www.tracesofwar.com/articles/4740/Operation-Haudegen.htm Sandwiched between the mainland of Singapore and the Malay Peninsula, in the Straits of Johor, lies the small island of Pulau Sarimbun. The island lies within the Singapore Air Force live firing area and is restricted to casual visitors, but back in the early 1900s, it was a popular picnic spot and for nearly a decade, it was the retirement home to an Englishman named William Arthur Bates Goodall. William Goodall was born in Eccles, Manchester in 1880, and was brought up there and in Bedford. After passing high school, Goodall enlisted as a private in the British armys Manchester Regiment, and fought in the Second Boer War. His performance earned him the Kings and Queens South Africa Medal. After the war, Goodall quit the military and embarked on a civilian career. He spent some time in Sumatra and tried his hand at tin mining and tea planting. Afterwards he landed a job with the Singapore Municipal Commissioners Water Department, where he helped in the construction of the Pierce, Gunong Pulai and Pontian reservoirs. Goodall discovered Pulau Sarimbun in the early 1920s when he and some of his friends went on a boating expedition and landed on the island. They found the island delightful, and thought it was an ideal place for bathing and picnic parties. It has a 60-feet-high hill in the middle from which one could have great views of the sea and the island of Singapore beyond, with its rolling land and rubber, coconut and pineapple plantation. On the other side was the city of Johor Bahru, with bungalows of the outskirts and a kampung at the waters edge. The group pooled their money together and built a small shack up the hill and used it for parties. But as the years passed, Goodall found himself spending more and more time on the island. When the contracts on the Singapore Reservoirs ended in 1932, he decided to live there permanently. Goodall felt like a castaway. Being a Robinson Crusoe is a delightfully peaceful existence for those who are not wedded to the pictures, the club, the hotel bar or a bevy of friends and acquaintances and for those who love nature, Goodall told a journalist. William Goodalls house on Pulau Sarimbun, circa 1932. Living on the island alone was difficult and the work exhausting. The launch and the two dinghies needed constant attention and washing. The mooring buoy had to be changed every six weeks. Rubbish had to be burned or dumped at sea, and water pumped twice a day to the refrigerator water tower. Fruit trees needed spraying and cultivating. Undergrowth needed cutting back, and the house needed a continual stream of small repairs. Eventually, he got tired and hired two Chinese employee to help him with practical and clerical matters, and a Javanese boatman. Goodalls unique lifestyle piqued the interest of a British journalist and a story appeared in the London Evening News in 1937, with a few embellishments: Should you happen to sail past Pulau Serimbun at sunset-a most unlikely occurrence, as it is off the beaten track-the musical notes of a Boer bugle will float over the waves, and the Union Jack together with a mysterious ensign being a white horse impressed on dark azure background, will flutter slowly to the ground. Perhaps you will have the good fortune to observe Mr W.A.B. Goodall erectly saluting during this evening rite, for the island is his private kingdom...There he hopes to live peacefully to the end, ruling his four subjects, who are also his friendsa Chinese educated at Cambridge, two Chinese servants and a Malay boatman. While Goodall enjoyed the attention, he denied that the flag raising ritual was a daily occurrence. Also, the Cambridge educated Chinese servant was actually a Singapore student who secured his Cambridge certification at a local examination. He helped Goodall in clerical matters. Goodalls story spread like wildfire, and he received many letters from readers in New Zealand, Germany, Britain and the United States. These letters were of a direct consequence of a long and very inaccurate account of my life on the island which appeared without my knowledge in the Evening News, London, Goodall told The Singapore Free Press and Mercantile Advertiser. Some of my correspondents seemed to think we lived behind a stockade and spent our time beating off the attacks of savages. They exhorted me 'to keep the flag flying' and so on'. Despite the inaccuracies, Goodall did accept a certain measure of jurisdiction: I've been dubbed the laird of Serimbun by the press, and as I'm the only authority on the island, with a staff of two Chinese and one Javanese, I suppose the title is a good one. Despite being geographically isolated, William Goodall actively participated in the social scene of Singapore. He maintained regular correspondence with the Straits Times, discussing matters concerning the natural history of Serimbun. On one occasion, he acquired a Kapal Hantu, a Malayan "Ghost Ship," which he donated to the Raffles Museum. The Manchester Regiment continued to be stationed at Singapore and Goodall was always a prominent figure in the annual commemorations of Ladysmith. He displayed remarkable storytelling abilities and frequently traveled to Singapore to deliver radio talks, sharing captivating anecdotes about his life on the island. William Arthur Bates Goodall died in 1941. In the 1970s, the island of Pulau Sarimbun became part of the Singapore Air Force live firing area and became restricted. Its no longer possible to visit the island. References: # Robinson Crusoe Of Johore Straits, The Straits Times # Amateur Robinson Crusoe On Straits Island, The Singapore Free Press and Mercantile Advertiser # As I was Saying, The Singapore Free Press and Mercantile Advertiser The European Union (EU) has taken a major step in regulating the burgeoning AI technology. The governing body on Wednesday passed the first draft of the AI Act, which would put restrictions on the use of artificial intelligence in the region. It aims to turn the draft act into law by the end of this year. The proposed law also bans real-time, remote biometric identification systems such as facial recognition. Calls for regulation on AI have grown in recent months, particularly after generative AI tools like ChatGPT ushered the tech industry into a new AI revolution. But works on such regulations have been ongoing for a few years now. European lawmakers proposed the first regulatory framework for AI in the region back in April 2021. After more than two years of countless debates, the governing body has now passed a draft law. The AI Act has varying rules depending on the risk level of AI systems The AI Act draft passed by the EU specifies different rules for different levels of risk from AI. It puts a blanket ban on unacceptable risk AI systems which include cognitive behavioral manipulation of people or specific vulnerable groups, classifying people based on behavior, socio-economic status, or personal characteristics, and real-time and remote biometric identification systems. Other lesser-risk AI systems will be assessed before market launch and also throughout their lifecycle. These include AI technologies used across various areas such as biometric identification, management and operation of critical infrastructure, education and vocational training, law enforcement, and more. Vendors must register such systems in an EU database before putting them out on the market. Advertisement Last but not least, generative AI tools like ChatGPT and Google Bard, which are all the rage right now, would have to comply with transparency requirements in the EU once the AI Act turns into law. These tools must disclose AI-generated content and prevent users from generating illegal content. The EU also requires these tools to publish summaries of copyrighted data used for training. Parliaments priority is to make sure that AI systems used in the EU are safe, transparent, traceable, non-discriminatory, and environmentally friendly, the governing body said in a press release. AI systems should be overseen by people, rather than by automation, to prevent harmful outcomes. Parliament also wants to establish a technology-neutral, uniform definition for AI that could be applied to future AI systems. Once passed as law, the EUs AI Act will be the worlds first major regulation on AI. The Galaxy S21 FE and Galaxy A42 5G are getting Samsungs June 2023 Android security patch in the US. This is the first rollout of the June SMR (Security Maintenance Release) for these phones. They havent picked up the latest security update anywhere else. The regular non-FE Galaxy S21 models received the new SMR in a few European countries earlier this week. The rollout for the flagship trio has yet to reach the US. As of this writing, the June SMR for the Galaxy S21 FE is only available to users with a factory-unlocked unit in the US. The update comes with the firmware build number G990U1UES7EWE3 and is already rolling out widely across most carrier networks (via SamMobile). Samsung isnt pushing any new features or improvements to the device with this update. Its all about the security fixes for this month. The rollout should soon cover carrier-locked units and also expand to international markets. The June SMR rollout for the Galaxy A42 5G in the US also follows a similar pattern. Samsung is initially pushing the update to unlocked units. However, availability seems limited to users in Puerto Rico. The new firmware version for this aging mid-range smartphone is A426U1UES6EWF3. Samsungs official changelog states that the phone is getting some system stability improvements along with the latest security fixes. A wider rollout of the June SMR for the Galaxy A42 5G may follow in the coming days. Advertisement That said, theres no guarantee Samsung will push the latest security patch to this phone in every market. The Galaxy A42 5G is only eligible for bi-annual updates, which is two updates in a year. The Korean firm could skip a few monthly releases in some markets. As usual, you can check for new updates from the Software update menu in the Settings app on your Galaxy smartphone. If you dont see any updates today, wait a few days and check again. The June update for Galaxy devices contains dozens of security fixes Samsungs June 2023 update for Galaxy devices contains more than 60 vulnerability patches. The companys official security bulletin mentions 11 Galaxy-specific patches and 50 Android OS patches, at least three of which are critical fixes. These security flaws could allow threat actors to cause severe damage to affected Android devices. You should install the latest security updates as soon as possible. We will keep you posted as more Galaxy devices receive Samsungs June update. Samsung is supposed to roll out a major update to the Galaxy S23 series in June. While the update was expected to arrive early in the month, it didnt. There was no telling when it would. The company reportedly needed more time to polish a few things. It appears the wait wont be much longer now. We are hearing that the new Samsung flagships will get the promised update next week. The new timeline doesnt come directly from the company but from noted tipster Ice Universe. They have been frequently sharing information about the upcoming update for the Galaxy S23 series, even giving us an early look at one of the new camera features that this update will bring. The tipster recently took to Twitter to announce that the devices will get this months super update next week. They didnt provide a precise release date, though. Meanwhile, the tipster added that the update will arrive one after another. Its unclear if that means multiple updates for the Galaxy S23 series over the next few weeks. The latest flagships are in line for plenty of goodies, including new features, functional improvements, and bug fixes. We wont be surprised if Samsung pushes multiple updates to the phones in the coming weeks. That said, since the source isnt a native English speaker (originating from China), something could have been lost in translation. The new Galaxy S23 update will bring plenty of goodies The same source recently claimed that the June update improves the overall fluency of the Galaxy S23 phones. The UI should feel smoother post this update. An internal tester also told them that the battery life is still great. Advertisement The new Samsung flagships offer excellent battery life thanks to a Galaxy-exclusive Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 processor at the helm. While new updates sometimes cause massive battery drain, that seemingly wont be the case with this Galaxy S23 update. Perhaps Samsung is taking time to get everything right before pushing it to users. As for the new features that Samsung has lined up for the Galaxy S23 series, its adding a 2x zoom option for portrait shots. The company is also improving Zoom videos and low-light videos. The devices should also get a fix for the HDR issue that causes a halo effect on photos. It remains to be seen if Samsung bundles everything in the same update next week or if it will push multiple updates. We will let you know when the rollout begins. Motorola announced the Razr+ (and Razr) back on June 1, and now it is available for pre-order. You can pre-order it for $999 right now from Motorola, Amazon and a few other retailers, as well as carriers like AT&T and T-Mobile. The carriers, as well as Motorola.com, are offering some really good deals for the Razr+, where you can get it for as low as, free. AT&T is offering it for $5/month for 36 months. That comes out to $180 over the three years, and thats with no trade-in needed. Now, T-Mobile is offering a trade-in credit that will get you the Razr+ for free. Motorola.com is also doing something similar, but you can get the Razr+ for as low as a dollar, with trade-in. You can pre-order the Razr+ today, and it will be available next week, on June 23. Thats a pretty quick turnaround for Motorola, and really great to see. As many other OEMs will announce a phone but not put it on sale for months. Whats so great about the Motorola Razr+? As we noted in our hands on a couple of weeks ago, Samsung should really be worried about both the Razr+ and Razr. Especially the Razr, which will be significantly cheaper than the Razr+ which is already the same price as the Galaxy Z Flip 4. But what really makes it stand apart is the crease and the outer display. Motorola has packed a 3.6-inch outer display, basically the entire outer side of the phone, as a display. This makes it easier to deal with notifications, as well as browsing apps and more. All without actually opening the phone. Additionally, the crease is basically non-existent. Now, of course, we only spent a couple of hours with the phone in our hands-on time, but the crease was almost not there. You could see it in the right light, but you couldnt really feel it. Which is a big step forward for foldables. Internally, youre looking at the Snapdragon 8+ Gen 1, 8GB of RAM and 256GB of storage. You can pre-order the Motorola Razr+ by hitting the links below. Pre-Order Motorola Razr+ - Amazon Pre-Order Motorola Razr+ - Motorola.com Pre-Order Motorola Razr+ - AT&T Pre-Order Motorola Razr+ - T-Mobile The Italian government has declared Wednesday, the day of former prime minister Silvio Berlusconi's funeral, a national day of mourning. Thousands of Italians came to Milan to bid farewell to the country's three-time prime minister. A representative of the Italian government earlier said all Italian and European Union flags on public buildings would be lowered to half-mast nationwide after the former prime minister died in Milan's San Raffaele Hospital Monday (June 12). Berlusconi has been suffering ill health in his final years, from undergoing heart surgery in 2016 to being infected with COVID-19 in 2020 to his final leukemia diagnosis in 2022. The state funeral for Berlusconi took place in Milan Cathedral, as earlier confirmed by the Archdiocese of Milan. He was survived by his 33-year-old partner Marta Fascina, two ex-wives, and five children, who are now running their father's $7 billion business empire. Read Also: Filipino Coup Buster Rodolfo Biazon Dead at 88 Berlusconi's Legacy During his lifetime, Berlusconi was a divisive figure in Italian society and might remain so beyond the grave. While no longer in power, he served as an elder statesman in the Italian Senate and head of the Forza Italia party until his death. Forza Italia is the smallest of the three-party coalition government of current prime minister Giorgia Meloni. She gave tribute to her predecessor in office, saying Berlusconi will be remembered in their country's history. "Berlusconi was...a fighter," she said. "He was a man who was not afraid to defend his convictions, and it was precisely that courage and determination which made him one of the most influential men in Italy's history." Meanwhile, Russian President Vladimir Putin called Berlusconi a "true friend," saying his death was an "irreparable loss" to Italy, a sentiment echoed by Hungarian prime minister Viktor Orban and his Israeli counterpart, Benjamin Netanyahu. Beyond his three terms as prime minister between 1994 and 2011, Berlusconi was a media and sporting mogul, which kept him in the headlines even in his final years due to a tax fraud conviction. His profile was similar to that of former US president Donald Trump, while his antics in Italian media could be compared to former Brazilian president Jair Bolsonaro and former Philippine president Rodrigo Duterte. Related Article: Italy's Silvio Berlusconi Dead at 86 @ 2023 HNGN, All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission. Samsung is pushing a new software update to the original Galaxy Watch, which was released back in August 2018. The five-year-old watch is getting some sensor stability and reliability improvements with this update. It may improve activity and health tracking features. The Samsung Galaxy Watch is getting a new update five years after its launch The Galaxy Watch was Samsungs first Galaxy-branded smartwatch (the company previously launched its wrist wearables under the Gear branding, with the Gear Sport in 2017 being the last model in the series). The device came running Tizen OS 4.0.0.0 in August 2018 (Samsung switched to Wear OS with the Galaxy Watch 4 series in 2021). The Korean firm regularly pushed new updates to the device for the first three years. In February 2021, Samsung updated the Galaxy Watch to Tizen OS 5.5.0.1. It brought a host of new features and functional improvements to the device. The company followed up with another major in November of that year, introducing Tizen OS 5.5.0.2 and a few more new features. The device got new watch faces, support for Group Challenge Widget, longer calendar synchronization, and a lot more goodies. While most users expected it to be the final update for the original Galaxy Watch, Samsung surprised everyone with a new release in August last year. It pushed GPS stability improvements to the device, enabling more accurate GPS tracking. Turns out it wasnt the end of the story. Almost five years after its launch, the Galaxy Watch is getting another software update. The official changelog doesnt specify anything more than what we mentioned above. But the 2018 watch getting an update halfway through 2023 is itself a big thing. Advertisement The rollout of the latest update for the Galaxy Watch began a few weeks back in select markets but its now reaching more users, including in the US and Europe. The new firmware version for the device is R8**XXU1GWE2. According to SamMobile, which first reported this update, the OTA (over the air) package weighs just over 34MB. Once the update is available for you, the Galaxy Wearable app on your connected smartphone will prompt you to download it. You can also manually check for updates from the Watch settings section in the app. This update for the Galaxy Watch comes just a month before Samsung launches the Galaxy Watch 6 series. The company is readying two new models, including a Classic model featuring a physical rotating bezel. The watches will debut alongside new foldables and flagship tablets in late July. (ANSA) - ROME, JUN 15 - Pope Francis will be discharged from Rome's Gemelli hospital on Friday after undergoing abdominal surgery to repair a hernia caused by a 2021 operation last week, the Vatican press office said on Thursday. "The health team that is following Pope Francis has confirmed the Holy Father's discharge from Policlinico A. Gemelli on the morning of tomorrow, Friday, June 16," said Vatican spokesman Matteo Bruni. On Wednesday the Vatican press office said the pope's clinical course was proceeding regularly following his surgery last Wednesday and that medical staff were "planning his discharge for the next few days". Earlier on Thursday the Pope went to visit children on a pediatric oncology ward at the hospital. (ANSA). A baby alpaca has been exploring his new surroundings at a safari park after his birth earlier this month. Sir Steveo, named in honour of one of the keepers at Blair Drummond Safari Park near Stirling, was born to mother Phantom on June 5. Newborn alpaca Sir Steveo with his mother Phantom (Andrew Milligan/PA) Phantom is doing well after an 11-month pregnancy and Sir Steveo was up and walking about just hours after he was born. He was named after Steven Campbell, one the parks keepers. Mr Campbell said: We are so excited to welcome wee Steveo to the Pets Farm gang. Hes unbelievably cute and although hes still sticking close to mum, he is getting more confident every day. Keeper Steven Campbell watches newborn alpaca Sir Steveo, who has been named after him (Andrew Milligan/PA) Im so touched that the team agreed to name him after me. I had initially made the suggestion as a bit of a joke, but over the course of the week, it just seemed to gain more and more traction. Its an honour to be able to help care for my little namesake. Keepers said alpacas are gentle, mild-mannered animals which enjoy the companionship of their herd. Sir Steveo was born at the park on June 5 (Andrew Milligan/PA) Alpacas will often hum to each other as a form of communication, and it is common to hear both mother and baby hum repeatedly in the early days after birth. They also touch noses frequently as part of their bonding process. Sir Steveo can now be seen in the Pets Farm area of the park, alongside the rest of his alpaca herd. Betting company Betfair has admitted it could have done more to protect a father-of-two who took his own life while suffering a pervasive gambling addiction, an inquest has heard. Luke Ashton died at the age of 40 on April 22 2021, leaving behind a wife and two children, after online gambling consumed him and saw him lose 5,000 in one month alone just before he took his own life. A hearing at the coroners office for Leicester and South Leicestershire on Wednesday was told Mr Ashton had previously gambled up to 100 times a day, including early in the morning and late at night when his wife Annie was in bed. In 2019, he had fallen into debt after taking out 18,000 in different loans and gambled in a bid to try and clear what he owed. Although the debts were cleared relatively quickly through the sale of their home, Mr Ashtons gambling on a number of different websites increased, spiking in March 2021, just before he took his own life. One of the main operators used by Mr Ashton since 2012, Betfair, which is owned by Flutter UK & Ireland, has been named an interested person in the inquest the first time a gambling company has been involved in such proceedings. On the second day of the inquest, Richard Clarke, managing director at Flutter with responsibilities for customer experience and customer relations, admitted their systems at the time did not flag Mr Ashton as an at-risk gambler. Speaking of the model the company uses to detect the levels of risk among their customers, Mr Clarke told the inquest how the machine learning algorithm tracks 277 separate pieces of customer data each day. He said the model is designed to detect behaviour among customers that is similar to those who have, in the past, decided to self-exclude themselves from using the Betfair website essentially locking their account for a minimum period of six months so they cannot access it to give themselves a break. The model analyses data such as the amount of money the customer is spending and whether there are any spikes in their activity. Mr Clarke admitted their model did not, in 2021, detect Mr Ashton, who had himself decided to self-exclude himself on occasions in 2013, 2014 and 2016, as being high risk. If he had been flagged as being at-risk, a number of actions could have been taken, including a phone conversation between Betfair and the customer to discuss gambling behaviour or even a permanent ban on an account. While confident the company complied with the regulatory framework in place at the time, Mr Clarke said: Looking at Lukes activity in March 2021, it does look like we shouldve done more. Looking at the tragic outcome we have here, we would have loved to have done more. Things have changed a lot since then. Looking at Mr Ashtons activity on his Betfair account, the court heard how he almost exclusively used their Exchange platform, which Mr Clarke said was generally more low risk and used mostly by sophisticated and highly-skilled customers. He had mostly placed bets on horseracing and greyhound racing both in the UK and overseas. Despite agreeing with barrister Jesse Nicholls, who is representing the Ashton family at the inquest, that Betfair could have done more to protect Mr Ashton from harm, he pointed out his activity on the site was fairly consistent until it started to spike in early 2021, but that he was not flagged as meeting the high-risk threshold at the time. The court heard how Mr Ashton was averaging a maximum of 55 bets per day in January 2019, with March 2021 being the peak of his activity with 1,229 bets placed. On one day alone that month, he deposited 2,500. Mr Clarke said, however, that looking at the data from some of their busiest days in March 2021, there were around 10,000 customers who were placing more bets than Mr Ashton was. He added it is not unusual to see customers spending more money in March compared to other months because that is when horseracing season starts. However, a customer in Mr Ashtons circumstances would not now be able to repeat the same pattern of betting due to a number of changes that have been implemented since 2021. A strict monthly net deposit limit is imposed on every customer who returns from self-exclusion as part of a detailed phone-based assessment and the limit cannot be changed by them. Financial vulnerability checks have also been put in place using a leading third-party credit reference agency to check for a history of bankruptcy, county court judgements, short-term loans and other markers of financial vulnerability. They have introduced a mandatory 500 per month deposit limit for all under-25s because the age group is statistically more vulnerable, and also introduced a 10 maximum stake limit on online slot games. Mr Nicholls, for the Ashton family, said it was their view that Betfair should have enforced an exclusion on Mr Ashtons account. He said: Sending emails were the only things you did in Lukes case. Your model missed exactly what it was supposed to identify. However, Philip Kolvin KC, representing Flutter, asked Mr Clarke if it was possible that some problem gamblers could slip through the net of the model, to which he responded: Absolutely. The inquest continues on Friday. Boris Johnson has accused the Privileges Committee of making Mystic Meg claims and reaching a deranged conclusion, in a blistering response to its report. The former prime minister released a 1,678-word statement lashing out at the Tory-majority group of MPs he has repeatedly sought to disparage. It came after they found he committed repeated contempts of Parliament by deliberately misleading the Commons with his partygate denials before being complicit in a campaign of abuse and intimidation of the committee. Boris Johnson accused Privileges Committee chairwoman Harriet Harman of holding prejudicial views (House of Commons/UK Parliament/PA) But Mr Johnson, who previously branded it a kangaroo court, continued his attacks on the panel and its findings, which he described as a load of complete tripe. He repeatedly targeted committee chairwoman Harriet Harman, accusing her of holding prejudicial views, as well as the panels most senior Conservative member, Sir Bernard Jenkin. One of the committees arguments was so threadbare that it belonged in one of Bernard Jenkins nudist colonies, Mr Johnson wrote in typically colourful language. The ex-premier called the committee beneath contempt and claimed its 14-month investigation had delivered what is intended to be the final knife-thrust in a protracted political assassination. On its conclusion that he deliberately misled the House, Mr Johnson said: This is rubbish. It is a lie. He went through the committees findings one by one, repeating his lines of defence, including that he believed farewell events held during lockdown restrictions were reasonably necessary for work purposes. For the committee now to say that all such events thank yous and birthdays were intrinsically illegal is ludicrous, he wrote. He also once again tore into Sir Bernard, who he has already urged to resign following a report that the MP went to a drinks party in Parliament while Covid restrictions were in place in 2020. The hypocrisy is rank. Like Harriet Harman, he should have recused himself from the inquiry, since he is plainly conflicted. The Metropolitan Police said it had received a third-party report following media reporting about the alleged breach involving Sir Bernard and the information is being assessed. But the force said there is no investigation and officers have not been in contact with the Speakers Office about this matter. Sir Bernard Jenkin was accused of rank hypocrisy by Boris Johnson (House of Commons/PA) Mr Johnson took particular offence at the panels findings about his knowledge of a Christmas cheese and wine gathering in December 2020. Perhaps the craziest assertion of all is the committees Mystic Meg claim that I saw the December 18 event with my own eyes, he said. How on earth do these clairvoyants know exactly what was going on at 21.58? How do they know what I saw? What retinal impressions have they somehow discovered, that are completely unavailable to me? It is a measure of the committees desperation that they are trying incompetently and absurdly to tie me to an illicit event with an argument so threadbare that it belongs in one of Bernard Jenkins nudist colonies. A British Sign Language GCSE is one step closer to being taught in schools as the Government launches a consultation on the content of the subject. The Government is aiming for the British Sign Language (BSL) GCSE to be first taught to pupils in England from September 2025. Views on the qualification including the language skills to be studied and the role of history are being sought from teachers, employers and the deaf and hearing communities in a 12-week consultation. In 2018, the Government said it would consider introducing a GCSE in BSL after deaf schoolboy Daniel Jillings campaigned for the new qualification and his family launched a legal challenge to get one instated as quickly as possible. It is understood that the development of the GCSE was delayed due to the pandemic. The Department for Education (DfE) said it had been working with subject experts, stakeholders and schools to develop proposed content to ensure that the new BSL GCSE was internationally recognised. Pupils who studied the new GCSE would learn how to use BSL in work, social and academic settings and they would be given an understanding of the history of sign language in the UK, the DfE has said. Education Secretary Gillian Keegan said: It is fantastic that British Sign Language will soon be taught in schools up and down the country. Good communication is essential both inside and outside the workplace and this historic GCSE will give students a vital life skill valued by employers. This new qualification will break down barriers, advance equality of opportunity, and celebrate the history and rich culture of British Sign Language. Last year, British Sign Language was recognised in law as a language of Great Britain in the BSL Act. It is hoped the new GCSE will help advance inclusivity within education. Dr Jo Saxton, chief regulator of Ofqual, said: At their best, qualifications increase opportunities and break down barriers. This GCSE in British Sign Language will do that by encouraging more people to study the language, so Im delighted to be launching our consultation on how students should be assessed in this exciting new GCSE. Susan Daniels, chief executive of the National Deaf Childrens Society (NDCS), said: Were delighted that a GCSE in British Sign Language (BSL) is now a step closer. BSL is a native British language used by tens of thousands of people, so its only fair and right that BSL users should have the opportunity to achieve a GCSE in their own, legally recognised language. This qualification will help to break down communication barriers between deaf and hearing people and educate more people about the deaf community and culture. Lindsay Foster, executive director at Signature, an awarding body for deaf communication and language qualifications in the UK, said: We have been working towards a BSL GCSE for over 12 years now, so this feels like a milestone moment. She added: From the secondary schools we have spoken with, around 60% have told us that they would like to offer this as part of their curriculum. We really hope that over the years to come we see this in as many schools as possible. Campaigners are calling on the Government to extend paid paternity leave from two to six weeks in the UK after research found it could reduce the gender pay gap. A report from the Centre for Progressive Policy think tank (CPP) and charity Pregnant Then Screwed (PTS) analysed Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) data to explore the economic and health impacts of extending the statutory entitlement to paternity leave and pay. It shows that countries with more than six weeks of paid paternity leave have a 4.0% smaller gender wage gap and 3.7% smaller labour force participation gap the proportion of men and women in the workforce. The analysis also suggests that closing gender employment gaps in all UK authorities would increase economic output by 23 billion. It comes as the UK has the least generous paternity leave entitlement in Europe with a statutory entitlement of two weeks and pay of 172 a week, which is 44% of the national living wage. The researchers also looked at PTS data from 1,735 mothers and 1,805 fathers, finding that just 18% of prospective parents say they or their partner could afford to take six weeks of paternity leave at the current statutory rate of pay. However, this changed to 57% if the leave was paid at 90% of their income, as statutory maternity pay is for women. The analysis also suggests that for 20% of fathers, no parental leave options were available to them following the birth or adoption of their child. The organisations further commissioned a YouGov pool, which found that 65% of mothers with children under the age of 12 thought increasing paid paternity leave would have a positive impact on mothers readiness to return to work while 83% thought it would have a positive impact on mothers mental health. Campaigners from CPP and PTS are now urging ministers to extend the statutory leave entitlement, to pay it at 90% of income in line with currently statutory maternity pay and to ensure paternity leave is available to all working fathers and partners. They are also calling for the Government to enhance existing maternity rights to reduce financial hardship, the gender employment gap, and the gender pay gap. Joeli Brearley, chief executive and founder of Pregnant Then Screwed, said: We finally have evidence that boosting paternity leave will reduce the gender pay gap, improve the health of both parents and it will benefit the economy. Paternity leave is not a luxury but a necessity. Rosie Fogden, head of research and analysis at CPP said: While long-held societal norms about gendered parenting roles are shifting, the UKs parental leave system has not kept pace. As our findings show, it is still very difficult for many fathers and second parents to be able to afford to take leave when their children are born, and this has serious consequences for both parents mental health. Ms Brearley added: If our next Government wants to set out a positive vision for the future, then thriving families must be central to their campaign. We have the worst paternity benefit in Europe which is negatively impacting children, gender equality and the economy. We are calling on the government to increase the length of non-transferrable paternity leave to a minimum of six weeks at 90% of income, in line with current statutory maternity pay. Stories about a Coronation Street star printed by the Mirrors publisher were a complete violation of his privacy and bore all the hallmarks of unlawful information gathering, a High Court trial has been told. Michael Turner, 58, who has played Kevin Webster in the Manchester-based soap since 1983, alleges that titles run by Mirror Group Newspapers (MGN) published highly private details about his life after targeting him with unlawful activity for some 20 years. The actor, known professionally as Michael Le Vell, is among a number of individuals suing MGN publisher of the Daily and Sunday Mirror and the Sunday People for compensation over claims its journalists were linked to phone hacking, so-called blagging or gaining information by deception and the use of private investigators for unlawful activities. Michael Le Vell arrives at the Rolls Buildings in central London for the phone hacking trial against Mirror Group Newspapers (Jordan Pettitt/PA) MGN denies Mr Turners claim, arguing there is no evidence of voicemail interception or unlawful information gathering relating to him. The actors lawyers previously told the court he was accused by fellow Coronation Street cast members of being a mole amid alleged phone hacking by journalists due to his position as a trade union representative. Mr Turners legal team said he became extremely paranoid and blamed people close to him for stories which were public, even abandoning his local pub as a result. At a hearing in London on Thursday, Mr Turners barrister outlined his case against the publisher, with the actor due to enter the witness box next week. David Sherborne told the court MGN titles published highly private details about Mr Turners life, including in stories about a burglary at his home and over his 2011 arrest for suspected rape, which he was cleared of. The barrister said the soap actors claims date from 1991 to 2011, adding: During that entire period he was not only acting in the programme himself but he was also friendly outside work with a number of Coronation Street actors who were also of interest to the defendants newspapers. In written arguments, Mr Sherborne said payment records show Mr Turner and his associates were subjected to very large amounts of unlawful information gathering (UIG) and the actor experienced unusual telephone and media-related activity which is consistent, now in hindsight but at the time unsuspected, with the unauthorised accessing of his voicemails and other UIG. He said Mr Turners private information appeared in newspapers for which there was no legitimate explanation as to how it had been obtained but at the time he wrongly suspected those close to him. In court, Mr Sherborne said Mr Turner, who attended Thursdays hearing, complained about 28 articles published by MGN titles, including instances where quotes are attributed to a Street source, friends or a pal. This includes an October 1996 Sunday Mirror piece headlined Street stars safe house about the actor moving after a burglary at his home, the court was told. Mr Sherborne said the story contains highly private details about the burglary that occurred at Mr Turners family home and the financial assistance he received from the niece to buy a new house. He added: We say that the claimant was targeted with unlawful information gathering activity in the run up to the article. Michael Le Vell arrives at the Rolls Buildings in central London for the phone hacking trial against Mirror Group Newspapers (James Manning/PA) A February 1999 column headlined Mikes baby break in the Mirror plainly contains information about how he is set to become a father for the second time, Mr Sherborne told the court. Mr Sherborne said there was a bare denial that information in the story came from unlawful activity but said Mr Turner claimed in a witness statement he feels there was a complete violation of his privacy. An October 2011 story covered Mr Turners arrest on suspicion of a sexual offence, something he was acquitted of, and quoted a pal commenting on what the actor had allegedly said, the court was told. Mr Sherborne said the actor explains in his witness statement that the story related to an incredibly difficult time in his life and he asked who had leaked this information. Mr Turner said it was incredibly upsetting and he was blaming every Tom, Dick and Harry, Mr Sherborne said. The barrister added: We say it bears all the hallmarks of unlawful information gathering. Richard Munden, representing MGN, said Mr Turners case is particularly weak, saying some articles in the claim were before phone hacking started or when it had significantly dropped off. In written arguments, the publishers lawyers said call data evidence relating to the case is a wholly inadequate basis on which to seek an inference of (voicemail interception) of the claimant. Mr Turners case is one of four representative claims being heard at the High Court in London, alongside similar claims brought by the Duke of Sussex, Hollyoaks actress Nikki Sanderson and Fiona Wightman the ex-wife of comedian Paul Whitehouse. The trial before Mr Justice Fancourt is due to resume on Monday and conclude at the end of the month, with a ruling expected at a later date. Russia claims that its space defense has drastically improved. This detail was confirmed during a visit to a new facility in the country's western military district. The Russian government is well-known for boasting its military technologies. There are even some instances when Russian officials touted defense innovations that are claimed to be unmatched by other countries, even the United States. Now, the Russian government claims that it enhanced its defense capability against threats in space. Russia's Space Defense Has Improved According to Reuters' latest report, Colonel General Alexander Golovko briefed Russia's Defense Minister Sergei Shoigu regarding the enhancement. Read Also: Japan Extends Destroy Order On North Korean Spy Satellite; NoKor Still Planning 2nd Launch Attempt The Russian space forces commander told Shoigu that the new defense site is equipped with unique defense capabilities. These include enhancements for the detection, automatic search, and controlling tiny space objects in near-Earth space. One of the most advanced capabilities of this new Russian military site is tracking space objects as small as four inches (10 cm). The Russian government claims that as early as 2027, the new military site will have the ability to detect spacecraft post-launch four times faster. Aside from this, it could also determine the purpose of the spacecraft twice as fast as before. Other Countries Enhance Space Defense Aside from Russia, other countries are also making drastic efforts to further improve their space defense capabilities. One of these nations is Japan. The Register reported that the Japanese government finally adopted its very first space security plan. Officials stated that this new space security plan will likely include counterstrike capabilities. Prime Minister Fumio announced that the new "Basic Plan for Space Policy" is a big deal for Japan. This is because it presents a vision of the future of disaster prevention and mitigation, security, innovation, space civil sectors, as well as spacecraft. Kishida explained that utilizing outer space is important since the security environment is already becoming more complex than ever. If you want to learn more about Japan's new space defense effort, you can click here. Related Article: VIDEO: Russia Boasts Capturing German Leopard Tanks, US Bradley Vehicles in Ukraine @ 2023 HNGN, All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission. A man accused of shooting dead a Metropolitan Police custody sergeant while handcuffed at a custody block told a court he has hypermobility. Louis De Zoysa, 25, who denies the murder of 54-year-old Sergeant Matt Ratana, answered I dont know to a series of questions about whether he was moving the gun to his hand while in the back of a police van following his arrest. Officers did not know he had a gun until it was used to shoot Sgt Ratana. The prosecution alleges De Zoysa pulled the trigger on purpose four times while he was handcuffed in a holding room after arriving at the custody centre in Croydon, south London, on September 25 2020. Sergeant Matt Ratana died in September 2020 (Metropolitan Police/PA) They say that 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. Jocelyn Ledward, prosecuting, asked De Zoysa if he was moving the gun out of the holster while in the police van travelling to the custody block. He replied I dont know, before adding hypermobility. The prosecutor asked him: You have hypermobility? Yes, said De Zoysa, of Banstead, Surrey. The defendant, who was shown CCTV footage of himself in the police van, was asked what he was doing in the clip of him sat in the moving vehicle. No seatbelts, moving around, he said. Asked if he was looking down at the gun, he replied: No, stretching. Louis De Zoysa is accused of pulling the trigger on purpose four times (Elizabeth Cook/PA) Ms Ledward asked: Were you trying to hold the gun in your hand? I dont know, the defendant said. Asked why his coat moved, he replied: Fidgety. He said he did not know when asked if he was hiding the gun under his coat in the footage, and when asked if he put the gun in his hand so he could fire it. De Zoysa was also shown CCTV footage from the custody block, in which Sgt Ratana tells another officer to wand De Zoysa down. Do you understand what wanding down is? asked the prosecutor. The defendant, giving evidence in a modified way at Northampton Crown Court, because of communication difficulties caused by brain damage due to a gunshot wound, replied yes, then wrote the word metal on a whiteboard. Asked if he thought the gun was going to be found, De Zoysa said: No because cuffs metal. Asked a second time, he said no then drew a picture of the handcuffs and gun together. The prosecutor asked De Zoysa, in respect of the first shot fired, did you point the gun at officer Ratana? and he replied yes. The trial was being held at Northampton Crown Court (Tony Marshall/PA) Ms Ledward asked: Did you point the gun at his chest? De Zoysa answered: Yes. The prosecutor asked: When you did that did you pull the trigger? Yes, the defendant said. Ms Ledward asked: Did you mean to pull the trigger at that time? No, De Zoysa said. Asked a similar set of questions in respect of the second shot fired, he agreed that he pointed the gun at Sgt Ratana, pulled the trigger but said he did not mean to do so. The prosecutor earlier asked De Zoysa why he told arresting officers in London Road, Norbury, south London, that bullets found in a pouch with him were not real when they actually were. Im panic, anxiety, De Zoysa said. Imran Khan KC, defending, asked if De Zoysa had wanted to kill himself with the gun that day, and he replied no. Consultant forensic psychiatrist Dr Dinesh Maganty was instructed as an expert witness to look at whether De Zoysa had an abnormality of mental functioning at the time. He looked at CCTV footage, the defendants medical records and statements from people who knew him. Mr Khan asked Dr Maganty: Having assessed all of this material, is it your considered opinion that Louis De Zoysa suffered an autistic meltdown at the time of the index offence in this case? Dr Maganty said: If the account given by him to me is accepted and the prosecution narrative is not, then yes. But if the prosecution narrative is accepted in its entirety, then no. Asked by Mr Khan if somebody being overwhelmed by autistic meltdown was not in control of their actions, Dr Maganty said you cant be in control if youre completely overwhelmed. He said factors leading to an autistic meltdown were different neurobiology and stress. But Dr Maganty said that if, as the prosecution case is, he brought the gun out, he was planning it, he intended to do it, thats entirely not consistent with an autistic meltdown. The trial continues. There is a very real danger Manston migrant processing centre could return to unacceptable conditions of overcrowding, a borders and immigration inspector has warned. David Neal, independent chief inspector of borders and immigration, revealed his findings following a re-inspection of Kent holding facilities, including Manston and Western Jet Foil, in January and February this year, after finding Manston at breaking point in October 2022. The watchdog chief said the Home Office has started to get its act together such as on qualified and trained staff, but that work remains to be done around strategy, data and training. Accommodation levels were a key warning flagged in the report. The entrance at Western Jet Foil (Independent Chief Inspector of Borders and Immigration) The inspector said: There remains a very real danger, then, that a shortfall in the capacity of the accommodation estate will see numbers in Manston build up, with a return of unacceptable conditions resembling those seen in October 2022. I have received no clear answer from senior officials as to where the 55,000 to 85,000 people expected to arrive in 2023-2024 will be accommodated. I do not think that anyone knows yet. This is a considerable risk. The report cited expansion plans for residential holding rooms at Manston where people could be detained for up to 96 hours, but that it will take several months before they are ready to use. Mr Neal added that Home Office data collection on the initial processing of people arriving in small boats remains inexcusably awful but that a new leadership team is in place to face the realities of a really complex, challenging summer ahead. Mr Neal said reliable data was vital to focus on identifying vulnerable migrants and that this priority must continue regardless of rising pressure and number of arrivals. He said: I have witnessed at first hand compassion, openness, a willingness to face up to reality, and a preparedness to speak truth to power While the forecast for arrival numbers for this year points to challenges ahead, I am more confident that the Home Office has started to get its act together. But the watchdog boss also addressed the elephant in the room as to why it has taken so long to do so, adding: More than four years after small boats began arriving regularly on the south coast, there is only now any sense of the kind of planning and operational delivery I would expect to see. Mr Neal is planning to revisit Manston migrant centre when it is busier for another inspection this year. The Labour Partys shadow home secretary Yvette Cooper said the report showed the Governments appalling mishandling of the asylum system that is putting border security and vulnerable individuals at risk. A Home Office spokesperson said they welcomed the report which shows significant improvements to the processing of migrants arriving by small boats at Western Jet Foil and Manston. The spokesperson added: This report acknowledges the great work already done by our staff and recognises the positive changes made across a range of areas including infrastructure, welfare support, biometrics, health screening and communication with migrants. As part of our ongoing work to stop the boats, we have already taken action to address the reports recommendations and we will continue to ensure there is sufficient onward accommodation to prevent overcrowding at Manston. Dogs may be more likely to bite people on hotter, sunnier days, and when air pollution levels are higher, new researchers suggest. According to the study, the likelihood of dog bites occurring in these conditions increases by up to 11%. Some research suggests humans commit more violent crimes when temperatures rise, with hotter weather and higher levels of air pollution also linked to increased aggression in humans, Rhesus monkeys, rats, and mice. Scientists wanted to see if dog aggression against humans also followed this trend. Writing in the Scientific Reports journal, the researchers say: We conclude that dogs, or the interactions between humans and dogs, are more hostile on hot, sunny, and smoggy days, indicating that the societal burden of extreme heat and air pollution also includes the costs of animal aggression. Clas Linnman and colleagues at Harvard Medical School in the US looked at data on dog bites in eight US cities Dallas, Houston, Baltimore, Baton Rouge, Chicago, Louisville, Los Angeles, and New York City between 2009 and 2018. They found that dog bite incidence increased by 11% on days with higher UV levels, by 4% on days with higher temperatures, and by 3% on days with increased levels of ozone. In contrast, dog bite incidence slightly decreased (by 1%) on days with higher levels of rainfall. The authors reported no changes to dog bite incidence on days with higher levels of fine particulate matter (PM2.5 an air pollutant). However, the researchers caution that the dog bite records did not include information about other factors that can affect an individual dogs risk of biting, such as dog breed, sex, or whether the dog had been neutered or spayed. Additionally, there was no information about prior interactions between the dog and the bite victim, including whether the person was familiar with the dog. According to the scientists, further research is needed to confirm and explore the relationship between aggression in dogs and higher temperatures and levels of air pollution. A parliamentary report has found that Boris Johnson deliberately misled Parliament with denials over partygate. The Privileges Committee investigated six key gatherings in reaching its conclusions, but the former prime minister has claimed it has no evidence to back up its assertions. Here is the evidence relating to each event and the conclusions the committee subsequently reached: May 20 2020: Bring your own booze garden party Evidence: An event to which 200-odd people were invited in the No 10 garden while guidance restricted gatherings of more than two people sparked concern among some officials and advisers, the committee said. The report notes evidence from officials who claimed they thought the event was madness and left many people unhappy, while Mr Johnsons former director of communications Lee Cain has claimed it would have been highly unusual for him not to flag a comms risk with the prime minister. Mr Johnson claimed he thought the bring your own booze event over which fixed penalty notices were handed out was in line with guidance at the time. Conclusion: The committee rejected the idea that a gathering held purely for the purpose of staff morale is essential for work purposes. It did not believe Mr Johnson would have advised the public that this was the case had he been asked at the time. However, the MPs found it was not clear whether officials concerns were raised with the then-prime minister at the time. June 19 2020: Birthday cake in the Cabinet Room Evidence: Mr Johnson was fined over an event to celebrate his birthday in the Cabinet Room. Photographs of the gathering show at least 17 people were present, while Covid guidance restricted indoor gatherings of two or more individuals, the committee said. In WhatsApp messages, Jack Doyle, Mr Johnsons then-press secretary, told other No 10 officials he was struggling to come up with a way that the gathering was in the rules, the committee said. Mr Johnsons wife Carrie Johnson and their interior designer, who he claimed in evidence were absolutely necessary participants, were also present at the event. He added that he believed his family were entitled to use every part of the building while he lived in Downing Street. Conclusion: The committee noted that despite the former prime ministers protestations, he had the right to contest the fixed penalty notice handed to him by police and chose not to do so. His assertion that the prime ministers family are entitled to use every part of the building does not constitute an explanation, it added. The then-prime minister Boris Johnson at a leaving gathering in the vestibule of the Press Office of 10 Downing Street in November 2020 (Cabinet Office/PA) November 13 2020: Leaving event for director of communications Evidence: Fixed penalty notices were issued, though not to Mr Johnson, over an impromptu farewell gathering for Mr Cain in No 10s press office vestibule. Mr Johnson was photographed standing next to other people in close proximity, but claimed he believed the gathering was essential for work purposes in order to maintain staff morale. Conclusion: It would have been clear to Mr Johnson that the guidance at the time did not allow a socially undistanced event purely for the purpose of maintaining staff morale, the committee said. November 27 2020: Impromptu farewell gathering for special adviser Evidence: The former prime minister accepted he attended and gave a speech at an unplanned leaving gathering for special adviser Cleo Watson in the vestibule. A witness claimed that Mr Johnson joked it was probably the most unsocially distanced gathering in the UK right now. Conclusion: Mr Johnson would have been given ample opportunity to note the large number of people in the relatively small space of the vestibule, if his claim that he was in attendance for 10 minutes was correct, the report said. The 15 to 20 guests present would have been too many for social distancing to be maintained, the committee concluded. Mr Johnson was also disingenuous with the committee in failing to deny he had made the alleged joke about social distancing, instead claiming he did not remember making the remark. The front page of the Privileges Committees report (PA) December 18 2020: Drinks into the early hours Evidence: Between 25 to 40 people attended a gathering that continued until the early hours, according to witness evidence, and Mr Johnson walked past at 9.58pm, according to his official diary records. He has insisted he heard nothing nor did he see anyone detectably under the influence of alcohol. Conclusion: Mr Johnson was unlikely to have been unaware of the gathering, the committee said, though it accepted there was a slim possibility that nothing untoward was happening when he passed by. January 14 2021: Drinks at a leaving gathering during Tier 4 restrictions Evidence: The former prime minister has accepted he attended and gave a speech at a leaving gathering for two officials with up to 15 people present while Tier 4 Covid restrictions were in force in London. Again, Mr Johnson claimed in his evidence that he attended for around 10 minutes and did not believe the event was in breach of Covid rules. Asked about an array of bottles present on the table in photographs of the event, he said: It is customary to say farewell to people in this country with a toast. Conclusion: The committee said it did not believe the event was compliant with Covid rules. Taken together, the evidence suggests that Mr Johnsons cumulative direct personal experience of these events makes it highly unlikely he believed the assurances he made to the Commons, the committee said. It concluded his own knowledge was such that he deliberately misled both the House and the committee. Employers are being urged to relax dress codes and allow staff to work at cooler times of the day to help them cope with the current heatwave. The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) said other measures include using blinds or reflective film on workplace windows to shade workers from the sun, and making sure there is plenty of drinking water. HSE said the current temperatures for June, and the record-breaking temperatures reached last summer, show that helping workers during extreme heat must be a priority for employers. Spokeswoman Clare Owen said: The updated yellow heat-health alert, as well as the extreme heat we experienced in 2022, should serve as a wake-up call for all employers. We know that employers are under pressure and we dont want to add to their burden, but climate change means were likely to get hotter summers and that could have a big impact on the workforce of this country. We are reminding employers and workers that hot weather guidance is available as Britain continues to experience a period of high temperatures. Guidance here: https://t.co/uS4TJgRXR2 pic.twitter.com/LRygHfRkBS Health and Safety Executive (@H_S_E) June 14, 2023 TUC general secretary Paul Nowak said: Weve all been enjoying the sunny weather after a cold start to the year, but working in sweltering conditions can be unbearable and dangerous, whether its in an overheated shop, a baking office, or outdoors in the direct sun. Indoor workplaces should be kept cool, with relaxed dress codes and flexible working to make use of the coolest hours of the day. Employers must make sure outdoor workers are protected with regular breaks, lots of fluids, plenty of sunscreen and the right protective clothing. Ryan Exley, of the Institution of Occupational Safety and Health, said: There isnt a maximum temperature for workplaces in the UK, but it is crucial people do all they can to stay cool and hydrated in hot weather. Failure to do so can lead to dehydration and heatstroke. There are many simple steps people can take to ensure they dont suffer. These include wearing appropriate, light and loose-fitting clothing, drinking lots of water, taking regular breaks, and moving to cooler parts of workplaces if possible. Former home secretary Dame Priti Patel says she fears the Government could be overpromising with its stop the boats policy. The senior Conservative MP suggested ministers need to go further in their overhaul of the immigration system to deter Channel crossings, including by ensuring the Rwanda removal scheme is operating. Dame Priti also said it is not good enough for her successor Suella Braverman to say more Britons should be trained to be fruit pickers to plug demand and lower immigration, adding farmers should be helped to bring in technology to do the job. More than 8,300 people have crossed the English Channel in small boats this year. Former home secretary Dame Priti Patel (Andrew Boyers/PA) The number who made the crossing in 2022 reached a record 45,755, prompting Prime Minister Rishi Sunak to make tackling small boat crossings a priority for his Government this year. The Illegal Migration Bill is currently making its way through Parliament and it aims to prevent people from claiming asylum in the UK if they arrive through unauthorised means. The Government also hopes the changes will ensure detained people are promptly removed, either to their home country or a third country such as Rwanda, although the latter policy has been stalled by legal challenges. Speaking during a Commons debate on migration, Dame Priti said it is right the UK increases the efficiency and fairness of the immigration system to better protect and support those in need of asylum while also deterring illegal entry into our country. She said: We need to break the business model of the people smugglers, the Government is seeking to do that and it is hard work, there is no one single solution to this. But Im very worried that the Government may be overpromising with just stop the boats when clearly you just cant stop the boats, there are so many other things that need doing such as offshore processing, bringing the Rwanda scheme to light, life sentences for people smugglers, making it harder for migrants who make these dangerous crossings, but also to stop the repeat and endless last-minute claims that go through our courts, the appeals systems in particular. Dame Priti said her 2021 New Plan for Immigration tried to do a lot of that, adding: I hope the Government will continue to pursue those policies. Dame Priti earlier expressed concerns about the approach to the labour market. She said: I was in government for just over three years and I was a lone voice in calling for a labour market strategy, specifically to support the points-based immigration system. It is obvious you need a labour market strategy, this would have sat with the Treasury at the time, the Treasury simply did not do this work and I do just want to pay credit to the current Chancellor (Jeremy Hunt) who has also picked this point up because we desperately need it. Without that were going to continue to have labour market shortages and all the problems that colleagues have spoken about. We also need to strengthen skills and Im afraid its just not good enough for the Government to say lets just train more fruit pickers, people dont want to pick fruit, thats a statement of the obvious now. And as a Government that invests a lot in technology why are we not giving farmers capital allowances to actually help them bring in technology to start picking fruit and vegetables in the way that many of our competitors do as well? Prime Minister Rishi Sunak (Susannah Ireland/PA) Mr Sunak has promised to abolish the backlog of around 92,000 asylum claims by the end of 2023, but Ms Braverman told MPs on Wednesday that the target will not be met at the current pace Closing the debate, immigration minister Robert Jenrick said: I am confident that we will be able to eliminate the legacy backlog over the course of this year. And we put in place a number of further measures recently. He added: We are spending a great deal of money on things like hotels, primarily, to be honest to assist young men who have been in a place of safety like France, to come to the United Kingdom to continue their lives here. Those resources could be used far better upstream to support people in and around conflict zones whether thats through international organisations like the UNHCR or otherwise. Outside of Parliament, Mr Sunak acknowledged there is lots of work to do to reduce asylum claim numbers as he joined immigration enforcement officers on a raid in north west London. Mr Sunak said the raids are an important strand of our work, to stop the boats and tackle illegal migration, noting resources have been increased for immigration enforcement. He added: But were not complacent. Theres lots of work to do, which is why its so important that we pass our Bill through Parliament, our Stop The Boats Bill, which will mean that if you come here illegally, you will not be able to stay. We will be able to detain you and then swiftly remove you. Ms Braverman also met French interior minister Gerald Darmanin in London. The pair discussed UK-French co-ordination on topics including joint work tackling illegal migration and stopping the boats in the Channel. A survivor of a farm school in rural Australia owed compensation by the Princes Trust said he received threats and abuse after becoming the first person to publicly accuse Australian governor general Sir William Slim of child sexual abuse. After decades of silence, Robert Stephens told an Australian newspaper in 2007 the celebrated British war hero had molested him in the 1950s prompting other men to come forward. I was pretty nervous about (going public about the alleged abuse) and, in fact, I was getting threats. People were ringing up and threatening me, Mr Stephens told the PA news agency. There were abusive phone calls and things like that. Mr Stephens is among the 277 claimants seeking compensation for the abuse and mistreatment he suffered at the farm school which was run by the Fairbridge Society. Robert Stephens said he received threats and abuse from Sir William Slims supporters (Alana Calvert/PA) For 70 years the organisation exported tens of thousands of working class children from Britain to its former colonies in a bid to convert a burden and a menace to society into assets for the Empire. In 2012 the Kings charity, the Princes Trust, became legally liable for the Fairbridge farm schools when it took over the organisation and absorbed its assets. Then, in response to child sexual abuse inquiries in both the UK and Australia, the Princes Trust pledged to pay compensation to Fairbridge survivors and in 2020 it set up a separate legal entity for this purpose putting it into receivership and tasking joint administrators Chris Laverty and Alistair Wardell of Grant Thornton UK LLP with paying compensation. In November 2022, the High Court of Justice determined a reasonable amount to each claimant was 204,000 (380,000 Australian dollars) but last month Mr Stephens and other former Fairbridge kids were informed they will only receive about 1% of that figure due to the Princes Trust having insufficient monies. Each claimant will now receive about 1,000-2,000 each. Mr Stephens (left, pictured aged 14 or 15) was eight when he was sent to Australia from Britain as a child migrant (Robert Stephens/PA) Born in St Albans, north of London, Mr Stephens had only known the inside of orphanages when he was sent to Australia at the age of eight as a child migrant. Like 60% of survivors of the Molong school in rural New South Wales (NSW) state, 180 miles from Sydney, Mr Stephens was subjected to sexual abuse during his nine years at the institution. It was not until the 1980s, when he was in his 40s, that the toll of that trauma truly hit Mr Stephens. He had been visiting London with his wife when he had a nervous breakdown inside St Pauls Cathedral after coming face-to-face with his abuser or rather a marble replica of him. Mr Stephens (far right) at age eight or nine (Robert Stephens/PA) It was a bust sitting in an alcove. I can still see it clear as day and I still remember the card with this red flower on it which said From a thankful child in Singapore. Its never left me, he said. Mr Stephens told PA that in that moment something exploded inside him and he could not speak or move. I was in a highly emotional state, shaking everything came back, the 80-year-old said. Its still quite emotional prior to that incident in London, (my wife) had no idea what Id been through (She still) has great difficulty coping with it. Heres this guy standing there in this bloody cathedral who couldnt move. She had no idea what was going on. From then on, the trauma compounded for Mr Stephens but due to the high stature of his alleged abuser, he did not think he would be believed. Field-Marshal Sir William Slim, Chief of the Imperial General Staff, was governor-general of Australia from 1952 to 1959 (PA) I tried to deal with it the best I could, but in the end I needed help to deal with it because it had a chain effect on everything, he recalled. It was a terrible time. I try and put it behind me but its there. The Molong farm school to which Mr Stephens and around a thousand other British child migrants were sent between 1938 and 1974 had been blacklisted by the UK Home Office in 1956 after a fact-finding mission found the Fairbridge institutions were unfit for children yet it had continued to operate for the next two decades. In the early 2000s, David Hill a former resident of the school who went on to become chairman of Australias national broadcaster began researching the farm schools and learned the extent to which both the UK and Australian governments were aware of mistreatment of children but had covered it up. Mr Hills dogged interviewing of survivors uncovered the shocking scale of sexual abuse at the school with Mr Stephens the first to confide in him. It set off an avalanche of testimony and one by one, survivors revealed to Mr Hill the true horror of the Molong farm school. In just about every instance it was the first time in their lives they had disclosed the sexual abuse to anyone. (David Hill) was a catalyst for a lot of people, Mr Stephens said, explaining being able to speak out about the abuse after decades of silence had been helpful to his healing. It was part of that business of me getting over what Id been through. Id been pretty crook. I couldnt work, the family was broke. And I think I was angry. Sir William had been so celebrated as a military commander of the British Army during the Second World War that when a statue was unveiled in commemoration of him outside the UKs Ministry of Defence in Whitehall in 1990, Queen Elizabeth II did the honours. While Mr Stephens had not mentioned him by name to Mr Hill, another Fairbridge kid had. But due to him not wishing to speak on the record, it was not included in Mr Hills book The Forgotten Children when it was published in 2007. Former child migrant David Hill at the old Fairbridge Farm School site outside Molong in NSW (Alana Calvert/PA) In the subsequent promotional interviews for the book, Mr Hill mentioned to a journalist off the record the allegation he had heard against the 13th governor general. The next day The Sydney Morning Herald ran the story about Sir William attempting to sexually interfere with a young, impoverished British boy sent to an institution in western NSW. The article prompted Mr Stephens to become the first to allege publicly he had been abused by the revered military commander. No adult would believe these things happened so you didnt talk about it. You think you are the only one, he told the paper. Like so many things that happened at Fairbridge, they dont go away. They live with you all your life. His claims were met with threats and abuse from supporters of the late governor general. The statue of Field Marshal Sir William Slim, the 1st Viscount Slim, outside the Ministry of Defence in central London which was unveiled by Queen Elizabeth II in 1990 (Alamy/PA) That was difficult. It was mainly people who had served with Slim. They could not believe that Slim did what he did. The Star of Burma people still have that issue because, to them, he was a god, he said. But to other people, he was not quite the person that they knew. Shortly after Mr Stephens made the allegation, another two former Fairbridge kids came forward to say they had also been abused by the former governor general as children. They said that during the governor generals official visits to the farm school in the 1950s, Sir William would offer the pretty boys a ride in his black viceregal Rolls-Royce and make them sit on his lap. From there, he would slide his hands up the boys shorts and assault them. The three mens accounts were supported by a fourth man who wrote into The Australian newspaper in 2007 to say he had been a child in Gosford, NSW, during the Queens official visit to Australia in 1954 when he had witnessed Sir William touch the crotch of another young boy. The 1st Viscount Slim died in 1970 but his son, who inherited his fathers title and his seat in the House of Lords, rubbished the accusations against his late father. Mr Stephens spent nine years at Fairbridge Farm School (Robert Stephens/PA) A lieutenant who had served under him during the Burma campaign also dismissed the accusations, saying: We cant believe that of our great leader. I think it will all waft over and everyone will forget about (the allegations). Mr Stephens refused to remain silent and in 2021 he was successful in getting a major road in Canberra which had been named after the former governor general renamed. For nearly two decades, Mr Stephens had driven down Lord Slim Drive to get to and from the art gallery he owned. That changed when it became Gundaroo Drive. The sense of recognition from that simple name change was huge for Mr Stephens after suffering in silence for so long, with him describing it as cathartic. British military commander Sir William Slim was accused of molesting three different boys at Molong during his tenure as governor general of Australia in the 1950s (PA) I think, for me, it was a release of what I had been through in terms of all the problems I had had mentally and physically (that) kept coming back to me, Mr Stephens explained. I thought talking about it sort of (helped) me to deal with it better and better as I got along. While Mr Stephens admits his family finds the subject of Fairbridge deeply upsetting after learning the extent to his suffering as a child at the farm school, they understand his need to try to stop what happened to him from happening to any other vulnerable children. I generally try to be positive and I try to look beyond whats happened, Mr Stephens said. There was also a determination that I was never, ever going to allow my children to go through what I went through, and I think that underpinned a lot of what I was doing in speaking out about it. David Hill has become an advocate for the so-called Fairbridge kids since writing two books about the farm schools (Alana Calvert/PA) It still haunts (my wife). The fact that Im talking to you (the media), she gets upset by. And I can understand that, but Ive always believed that what happened should never happen again. Its part of our social history whether we want to admit it or not. Weve got to do what we can. The 80-year-old grandfather said the saga of seeking compensation from the Princes Trust for himself and the other elderly survivors was an insult. After years and years of not only being at Fairbridge, but then the suffering that a lot of Fairbridge kids have had to go through economically, its a pittance, an absolute pittance for what a lot of them would have been through in their lives, he said. Mr Stephens was the first alleged victim of Sir William Slim to go public with his accusations of child sexual abuse (Alana Calvert/PA) Despite leaving Fairbridge at the age of 15 having never known a loving family, Mr Stephens went on to have seven children after meeting the love of his life when he was 18. Like many Fairbridge kids, Mr Stephens could barely read or write when he left the farm school, but he went on to become a successful businessman with his own art gallery in Canberra and farm where he breeds Angus cattle. He admits trying to be happy in life has been difficult after the trauma of Fairbridge, but ultimately believes his life has been a successful one due to his wife of 56 years and the seven children they raised, all of whom are high-achievers. This is where Ive been incredibly lucky. Ive had someone whos stood there behind me and as a mother, shes been absolutely amazing. No question about that, he said. I dont think the children would be where they are today without (her) Im very proud of them. Trying to be happy in life has been difficult for me but my success is weve brought seven children into the world who have been very successful and are contributing in their own way to life and society. The Princes Trust and Buckingham Palace did not respond to PAs request for comment. Grammy-nominated rapper Slowthai has denied two charges of rape and will face trial next year. The 28-year-old, whose real name is Tyron Frampton, entered his pleas during a brief hearing at Oxford Crown Court on Thursday. He is accused of raping a woman twice on September 8, 2021. Grammy-nominated rapper Slowthai will face trial next year accused of rape (Ian West/PA) Co-accused Alex Blake-Walker, 25, pleaded not guilty to sexually assaulting the woman Frampton is accused of raping during the same alleged incident. Blake-Walker, of Wallbutton Road, south London also denied charges of rape and sexual assault against a second complainant. A trial is due to take place on July 1 next and is expected to last two weeks. Judge Michael Gledhill KC released the two defendants on conditional bail until their trial. The rapper, of Wellingborough Road, Northampton was nominated for a Grammy award in 2021 and a Mercury prize in 2019. He has won gongs at the NME Awards and UK Music Video Awards. The musician has recently withdrawn from a scheduled performance at Wembley Stadium alongside Britpop band Blur and Self Esteem at the show on July 8. Harrison Ford says he was due for a bit of a rest after closing the final chapter of the Indiana Jones franchise. The veteran US actor, 80, said he was grateful to his wife for having been allowed to make films for more than four decades, but that he would like to spend a little bit more time at home. Ford first starred as the globe-trotting archaeologist in 1981s Indiana Jones And The Raiders Of The Lost Ark, following up with four sequels. Indiana Jones And The Dial Of Destiny sees him return for a final time as the eponymous hero, joined by co-stars Phoebe Waller-Bridge, Mads Mikkelsen and Toby Jones. The veteran actor said he was now due for a bit of a rest (Photo by Jordan Strauss/Invision/AP) Speaking at the Los Angeles premiere of the film on Wednesday, Ford said filmmakers did not need his blessing to press ahead with any future franchise reboots. Id like to spend a little bit more time at home, frankly, he told the PA news agency. I love making movies, Ive been making movies for longer than even 42 years and my work is really important to me. Mads Mikkelsen, from left, Harrison Ford, director James Mangold and Phoebe Waller-Bridge (Photo by Jordan Strauss/Invision/AP) I really appreciate the opportunity to do it my wife granted me that opportunity. But Ive been working a lot lately so I might be due for a bit of a rest. Asked about the possibility of remakes of the films, he said: They dont need my blessing. If they want to do that they do that. Ford said the new film showed his famous characters frailty. Steven Spielberg (Photo by Jordan Strauss/Invision/AP) Hes not a hero-hero with a cape (and) a nice lycra suit hes a flawed human being that behaves sometimes in ways that are appropriate and some ways that are not, he told PA. But this film is about that, about that aspect of his life and his personality. The actor was joined by his co-stars at the event in Los Angeles, as well as director James Mangold, Steven Spielberg and George Lucas. Ahead of the screening Spielberg, who directed the first four Indiana Jones movies, hailed the three people who were responsible for the films. Harrison Ford (Photo by Jordan Strauss/Invision/AP) (Without them) none of us would be here tonight, he told audiences, speaking onstage inside the Dolby Theatre. That starts with the person who created Indiana Jones, George Lucas, the person who is Indiana Jones, Harrison Ford, and the person who is the glue to all five of these films that gave us all of our rhythm and all of our melody the great maestro John Williams. The screen curtain lifted behind Spielberg to reveal Williams and a full orchestra, who played a selection of songs from the film, including its well known theme. Indiana Jones And The Dial Of Destiny arrives in UK cinemas on June 28. The hot weather is forecast to remain across the UK into next week as an NHS boss warned the health service was seeing near record levels of demand at A&E departments. The Met Office has forecast temperatures in the high 20s, with some areas reaching into the 30s. It comes as an NHS medical director said the heat had contributed to one of the busiest days ever in A&E departments across the country on Thursday. There's nothing like plenty of morning sunshine to get that #FridayFeeling going Though this sunshine will turn hazier across Northern Ireland, southwest England and Wales as wispy cloud and isolated showers move in pic.twitter.com/gcEESIRPcK Met Office (@metoffice) June 15, 2023 Earlier this week, the Met Office extended its yellow heat warning until June 19, while several schools in East Sussex closed on Thursday due to water shortages. (PA Graphics) Dan Stroud, spokesman for the Met Office, said conditions would become increasingly humid and uncomfortable over the weekend, especially in inner cities, with temperatures unlikely to drop below the 20s overnight. NHS national medical director Professor Sir Stephen Powis added: We know the warm weather has increased demand on services and this week we have seen one of our busiest days ever at A&E departments. As we move into whats forecasted to be a very warm weekend, the heat and the impact of industrial action will continue across the country. NHS staff are working hard and prioritising urgent and emergency care, so as ever, use 999 in emergency and life-threatening situations and NHS 111 online for other health concerns. A UK Health Security Agency spokeswoman warned that the sustained heat could impact the health and social care sector. Our heat health alert has been extended for all regions in England until 9am Monday 19 June. Stay up to date with the latest weather alerts from @metoffice More info on staying cool & safe in the hot weather: https://t.co/RmnFr5YRcH #WeatherAware pic.twitter.com/LFUSojzE3k UK Health Security Agency (@UKHSA) June 13, 2023 She said: If current forecasted temperatures are reached it is likely that there could be some impacts across the health and social care sector. A yellow alert means that any impacts include the increased use of health care services by vulnerable populations and an increase in risk to health for individuals over the age of 65 or those with pre-existing health conditions, including 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. China's poverty eradication and its implications for global human rights governance 09:39, June 15, 2023 By Zhang Weiwei ( Xinhua BEIJING, June 14 (Xinhua) -- With more than 40 years of reform and opening-up, China has eradicated extreme poverty, lifted about 800 million people out of poverty, and brought over 400 million people into the middle-income group. This is a miracle in the history of human civilization and has far-reaching implications for global human rights governance. The United States has never considered poverty eradication a human rights issue, while Europe considers it an obstacle to the realization of human rights at most. However, China has politically recognized poverty eradication as not only a human right, but also a core one, and has put it into firm, vigorous, and extensive practice. Therefore, China is at the forefront of poverty eradication in the world. It provides great inspiration for all developing countries since almost all of the biggest challenges facing developing countries are related to poverty eradication. The achievements made in eradicating poverty in the course of Chinese modernization are much better than those achieved under the West-led development pattern. The main reason is the huge difference in human rights awareness between the two patterns. Chinese civilization has never been disrupted in its continuity in the world. In its modernization drive, China continues to formulate policies based on the people's needs, national conditions, and cultural traditions. As a Chinese saying goes, "The people are the foundation of a state. When the foundation is strong, the state will be secure." In other words, the people are the cornerstone of a country, and only by consolidating the cornerstone of the country can the country be peaceful, and how well people's livelihood issues are resolved will determine the future and destiny of a country. Furthermore, as another Chinese saying goes, "issues related to people's livelihoods are paramount." An important experience from China's reform and opening up in the past few decades is that people's livelihood is paramount. A developing country shall spare no effort to eradicate poverty and improve people's livelihood, which is the top priority of the government's work. Now, it seems that China's philosophy that "people's livelihoods are paramount" has corrected a deviation that has been in existence for a long time in the Western philosophy of human rights governance, that is, importance is only attached to the political rights of citizens, but their rights to survival and development are ignored. Looking back, we can find that when European enlightenment thinkers in the 18th century proposed human rights such as freedom, equality, and private property rights, they represented the emerging proprietary classes at that time. Today's world has entered the 21st century, but hundreds of millions of people still suffer from extreme poverty. Many developing countries that follow Western political systems have not yet solved the basic issue of people's livelihood. In this context, we may better understand the global significance of the Chinese path to modernization. The Chinese people, through their great practice of poverty eradication, are, in a sense, redefining modernization and modernity. In contrast, the 20-year war waged by the United States in Afghanistan cost some 2.3 trillion U.S. dollars according to studies, and resulted in human rights violations, countless deaths, and innumerable displaced people. We can even make a theoretical hypothesis from this: If we followed the Chinese pattern, with 2.3 trillion U.S. dollars, we could almost eliminate extreme poverty in the whole world including the United States. The U.S. political system has long been kidnapped by U.S. military-industrial interest groups. They have made a lot of money through wars, including the Afghanistan War, but they have brought crises and even disasters to the people of the world, including the American people. How can such a country be qualified to talk about human rights in today's world? The China-proposed Global Development Initiative calls for staying committed to development as a priority and a people-centered approach. Only through development can poverty be eliminated and the root causes of many conflicts be removed. Seen from the perspective of human rights protection, this initiative and China's complete set of philosophies and practices for poverty eradication have greatly enriched the philosophy and practice of global human rights governance. (The author is director of the China Institute of Fudan University in Shanghai.) (Web editor: Zhong Wenxing, Liang Jun) The Alabama Medical Cannabis Commission had its much-anticipated meeting this week, where they granted licenses to 21 businesses to cultivate and dispense medicinal marijuana. Senate Bill 46, introduced in 2021 and authored by Republican Senator Tim Melson of Florence, finally made medicinal marijuana legal. The legislation mandates that marijuana products must be cultivated and manufactured in Alabama. Sen. Bobby Singleton, D-Greensboro, added wording to the measure that would require one-fourth of all licenses to go to minority-owned firms. Many of these businesses have been operating for the last 12 months, established in preparation for the state's issuance of medical cannabis licenses; others are owned by people or companies in other states. After appeals and fees, licenses will be granted in early July. According to Alabama Daily News, these are the 21 pioneering businesses that will usher in medicinal marijuana in Alabama: Cultivation Licenses Founded in September 2022, it claims that it cultivates "the highest quality organic medicinal cannabis." The company's growing facility in Dothan, southeast Alabama, will be finished in early August. After receiving a license, the business expects to begin operations at its plant within 60 days and reach full capacity within 120 days. Twisted Herb Cultivation Twisted Herb Cultivation, founded in December 2022, is in the southwest of Montgomery near Greenville. The business will use a triple-stacked flowering canopy, LED lighting, and the hydroponics technique of cultivating cannabis without soil. Two other firms that will get cultivation licenses are Pure by Sirmon Farms and Gulf Shore Remedies. Processor Licenses 1819 Labs 1819 Labs, based in Dothan, southeast Alabama, processes marijuana into oils and other goods. Founded in October 2022, it expects to finish its facilities by late October and start operations within 135 days after acquiring its license. Per its application, the corporation is majority-minority owned. Jasper Development Group, a Nevada-based cannabis processor, was founded in December 2022 in Jasper, northwest of Birmingham. The firm expects to start operations 180 days after finishing its facility in February 2024 and acquiring its license. Tyler Robinson, the company's CEO, said that a personal experience led him to medicinal cannabis. Enchanted Green and Organic Harvest Lab are the other firms that will get processor licenses. Dispensary Licenses CCS of Alabama Medical cannabis dispensary CCS of Alabama opened in July 2022. An extensively redacted licensing application shows that the company's registered address is in Birmingham and that Maynard, Cooper & Gale, a Birmingham law firm, registered the corporation with the state. Statewide Property Holdings AL Statewide Property Holdings AL is a medical cannabis dispensary that aims to transform patient health by offering the broadest range of goods. The firm has dispensaries in Cullman, Foley, and Gadsden. RJK Holdings AL and Yellowhammer Medical Dispensaries will join them in acquiring dispensary licenses. State Testing Laboratory Licenses Certus Laboratories, a 2014 medical lab in Ocean Springs, Mississippi, is registered in Daphne near Mobile. The facility is also approved by the Commission on Office Laboratory Accreditation for COVID-19, molecular, and respiratory pathogen panel testing. Secure Transporter and Integrated Facilities Licenses Licenses for safe transporters will be granted to Alabama Secure Transport, International Communication, and Tyler Van Lines. Meanwhile, licenses for integrated facilities will be issued to Flowerwood Medical Cannabis, Southeast Cannabis Company, Sustainable Alabama, TheraTrue Alabama, and Verano Alabama. @ 2023 HNGN, All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission. Police have arrested Just Stop Oil protesters on the day new legislation came into force giving officers greater power to disperse crowds. Several individuals were handcuffed at a slow march protest near Vauxhall Bridge in central London, after officers read out the updated Section 12 of the Public Order act, which came into effect on Thursday. Around 30 environmental activists moved from Vauxhall Bridge Road, around the A202 roundabout and towards the Albert Embankment in Vauxhall, south London. Protesters moved from Vauxhall Bridge Road, around the A202 roundabout and towards the Albert Embankment (Lucy North/PA) Changes to the Public Order Act allow police officers to make arrests where disruption to the public is more than minor. One Just Stop Oil activist said police were moving faster today, as a result of the new legislation. Canon Peter Lippiett, 76, said the length of time that protesters were allowed to remain in the road had become shorter. Mr Lippiett said: The section 12 is making an enormous impact. Its legal to walk in the streets but the new section 12 has been applied disorganisedly and haphazardly. One protester said the changes to the Public Order Act were having an enormous impact (Lucy North/PA) Police are making faster intervention and I think its because of this act. Another protester, 48, who gave his name as Mark, said: Police are moving faster today, thats what we think. We dont know exactly what the impact will be yet, but it seems it is easier to disperse us with this definition of minor disruption. Motorists shouted at the march as they progressed slowly through the Vauxhall Bridge tunnel towards South Lambeth Road. Police said several arrests were made under the updated Section 12 legislation (Lucy North/PA) Cries of Get a job and imbeciles could be heard, as drivers honked horns loudly during the march. An ambulance was among the vehicles slowed behind the protest walk. Protester Chris, 53, said: People are very concerned about the changes in law and how difficult it is getting to protest legally, because all we do is non-violent protests, but it is getting harder to do so. And Frances, 20, said: Its totally unjust. Its our fundamental human right to protest under the human rights act. Were not harming anyone. She added: Until they bring in the death penalty, well keep going until the Government stops this death pact with the oil and gas industries. Several individuals were handcuffed during the protest (Lucy North/PA) Police at the scene confirmed arrests had been made under the updated Section 12 legislation, but emphasised the particular conditions of each arrest varied between individuals. Protesters at the march thanked the officers for facilitating the event. Some 156 slow march protests have taken place in London since April 2023, according to the Home Office. The average length of time taken between a protest starting and activists being moved out of the road was between 13 and 19 minutes, the Metropolitan Police said in May. The Kings connection to the Fairbridge farm schools where British children suffered physical and sexual abuse is in the spotlight again after administrators for his charity informed survivors they would receive a tiny portion of the compensation pay-out they were promised. Here, the PA news agency looks at the connection of Charles and his charity, the Princes Trust, to the organisation which sent hundreds of thousands of British children to its colonies where they experienced physical and sexual abuse: What is the Kings connection to Fairbridge? The Princes Trust became legally liable for Fairbridge after it took over the charity and absorbed all of its assets in 2012. Also inherited were what the trusts chief executive described as literally millions and millions and millions of documents held in the archive at Liverpool University which detailed the mistreatment and abuse of children at the Fairbridge farm schools. In 2013, the trust dissolved Fairbridge as an independent entity, but it continued to have a Fairbridge representative on its board. At the second London hearing of the Independent Inquiry into Child Sexual Abuse (IICSA) in 2017, the trusts chief executive Dame Martina Milburn said they had not known about abuse at the farm schools. Dame Martina Milburn, chief executive of the Princes Trust, with the King (Chris Jackson/OA) Former child migrant David Hill, author of two books about Fairbridge, responded to Dame Martinas comments by accusing the Princes Trust of trying to cover its backside by denying knowledge of serious abuse at the Fairbridge institutions when it had been in possession of the files for the past six years. When and why did the Princes Trust pledge to pay compensation to Fairbridge survivors? When the Australian government completed its own inquiry into child sexual abuse at institutions (the Royal Commission into Institutional Responses to Child Sexual Abuse), it listed Fairbridge as an offending body that should pay redress to victims. The Princes Trust, as the successor institution to Fairbridge, announced in May 2020 it would provide funds to Fairbridge to pay victims. It then created a separate legal entity called Fairbridge Restored to do so but put the company into administration and tasked lawyers from Grant Thornton UK LLP with the job of paying compensation. That compensation has not been paid and Fairbridge Restored/the Princes Trust has failed to sign up to Australias National Redress Scheme. How much compensation were survivors told they will get? In November 2022, the High Court of Justice determined a reasonable amount to each claimant was 204,000 (380,000 Australian dollars). In May 2023, administrators wrote to 277 claimants to say they will only receive about 1% of that figure which would work out about 1,000-2,000 each due to insufficient monies. The letter said: For the avoidance of doubt, I would like to highlight that the amount that will be paid will be a small proportion of each admitted claim. This is because there are insufficient monies to pay all admitted claims in full, so every creditor with an admitted claim will receive the same small percentage of their claim. Our current estimate is that it may be in the order of around 1%. For illustrative purposes, if the dividend were to be 1% and for example, your admitted claim was 100,000 Australian dollars, you would receive a distribution of 1,000 Australian dollars (paid in British pounds sterling). Former child migrant David Hill at the old Fairbridge Farm School site outside Molong in New South Wales (NSW), Australia (Alana Calvert/PA) What was Fairbridge? Fairbridge was the brainchild of Kingsley Fairbridge, a child of Empire who as early as the 1900s was advocating sending children from Englands orphan and waif class to the colonies to take up land as white settlers. Between 1912 and 1980, Fairbridge sent around 130,000 British children to farm schools in Australia, New Zealand, Canada and Zimbabwe (then Rhodesia). Ten thousand children were sent to Australia alone. Few of the children were actually orphans and most parents did not understand they were giving up their children forever when they joined the scheme due to financial desperation. In 1912 the first Fairbridge Farm School opened in Australia in Pinjarra, 50 miles south of Western Australias capital Perth and many more would follow throughout Britains colonies and former colonies. The plan was to turn boys into farmers and girls into farmers wives. Britains child migration scheme saw around 1,000 children sent from the UK to Molong in rural NSW between 1938 and 1974 (Alamy/PA) By 1934 the plan had the backing of the future King Edward VIII (then the Prince of Wales) who donated 1,000 to Fairbridge, declaring: This is not charity. It is an imperial investment. When and why did the Home Office blacklist the farm schools? By the 1950s the number of children being signed up to the scheme was declining due to opposition from social workers. A number of damaging reports also surfaced, the most scathing of which saw Fairbridges farm schools in both Molong, 180 miles west of Sydney, and Western Australia backlisted by the Home Office. The report was suppressed by Fairbridge, which was made to reform in order to keep receiving funding from the British Government which it did with the One Parent Scheme, which allowed one parent to follow their children to Australia. For the previous 50 years, Fairbridge went to great lengths to permanently separate British child migrants from their parents in the UK. Robert Stephens (left, pictured aged 14 or 15) was eight when he was sent to Australia from Britain as a child migrant (Robert Stephens/PA) Why did Britain export its children? The idea of the child migrant scheme was to solve the problem of the number of children who were born into poverty in the UK while populating the Empire with good, white stock. The belief among Britains ruling classes at the time was that children from poor or broken families needed to be rescued. It was thought taking children away from financially disadvantaged families was the only way to ensure they did not become destitute themselves. In the 1930s, promotional publicity in newspapers declared children from the lower classes were a burden and a menace to society that could be converted (in)to valuable assets in Australia. The military monument dedicated to all the Fairbridge children who served in the armed forces which was unveiled at the Fairbridge Childrens Park in Molong, NSW in March 2021 (Alana Calvert/PA) How old were the children deported by Britain to its colonies? Children were as young as four but the typical number was eight or nine. What percentage of the children were sexually abused? At Fairbridge Farm School in Molong, more than 60% of survivors were found to have suffered sexual abuse as children. In 2015, survivors won landmark compensation of 24 million Australian dollars (12.8 million) in the New South Wales Supreme Court for the abuse they suffered as children by the state and federal governments. Sir Keir Starmer has led tributes to veteran actress and former Labour politician Glenda Jackson saying she leaves a space in our cultural and political life that can never be filled. Jackson died peacefully after a brief illness at the age of 87, her agent confirmed on Thursday. The double Oscar-winner gave up acting for politics and served as Labour MP for Hampstead and Highgate for 23 years. I was very sad to hear of Glenda Jacksons passing. She leaves a space in our cultural and political life that can never be filled. She played many roles, with great distinction, passion and commitment. From award winning actor to campaigner and activist to Labour MP and Keir Starmer (@Keir_Starmer) June 15, 2023 Labour leader Sir Keir paid tribute saying: I was very sad to hear of Glenda Jacksons passing. She leaves a space in our cultural and political life that can never be filled. She played many roles with great distinction, passion and commitment. From award-winning actor to campaigner and activist to Labour MP and government minister, Glenda Jackson was always fighting for human rights and social justice. As a fellow north London MP, I know how much she was loved and respected by her constituents. Comedy duo Eric Morecambe (right), Ernie Wise with actress Glenda Jackson (PA) Sir Keir also evoked her famous appearance on Morecambe and Wise as Cleopatra, with a play on her line, All men are fools, and what makes them so is having beauty like what I have got. He said: Of course no tribute to Glenda could fail to mention her role as Cleopatra in that most famous and loved of all the Morecambe and Wise sketches. We will never see talent like what she has got again. Labour deputy leader Angela Rayner described Jackson as an inspirational woman to so many of us in the party. She tweeted: An acclaimed actress, a formidable politician and an inspirational woman to so many of us in the Labour Party. Very sad to hear of the passing of Glenda Jackson. An acclaimed actress, a formidable politician and an inspirational woman to so many of us in the Labour Party. My thoughts are with her family, friends and many others who loved her. pic.twitter.com/NhU6iXn2kh Angela Rayner (@AngelaRayner) June 15, 2023 My thoughts are with her family, friends and many others who loved her. Meanwhile Tulip Siddiq, who sits in Jacksons former seat, said her predecessor mentored her when she was growing up and made a real impression. She mentored me when I was growing up because she was my MP when I was growing up in my teenage years and she mentored a lot of young women in our constituency, the Labour MP for Hampstead and Kilburn told BBC Radio Fours World At One programme. She made a real impression on me as a young woman then, and also because throughout her career, she was so independent and just did what was right by her, her conscience and her constituents, even when it meant defying the Labour whips. A wonderful actress, a committed politician, a remarkable human being we became MPs on the same day in 1992 & I treasure our unlikely friendship. She was such a gifted, caring & special person who came into the world to make a difference and did. RIP the unique Glenda Jackson https://t.co/D3qo310HuW Gyles Brandreth (@GylesB1) June 15, 2023 Broadcaster Gyles Brandreth, who was Conservative MP for the City of Chester from 1992 to 1997, said he treasures his unlikely friendship with the gifted, caring and special Jackson. A wonderful actress, a committed politician, a remarkable human being we became MPs on the same day in 1992 & I treasure our unlikely friendship, he tweeted. She was such a gifted, caring & special person who came into the world to make a difference and did. RIP the unique Glenda Jackson. Former Downing Street communications chief Alastair Campbell said he felt Jackson at times found the transition to politics harder than she expected but had a great life well lived. Mr Campbell, who worked with Labour prime minister Sir Tony Blair, under whom Jackson was a minister for transport from 1997 to 1999, tweeted: Sad to hear that Glenda Jackson has died. Sad to hear that Glenda Jackson has died. One of the finest actresses of our lifetime, our local MP and for a time minister in TB government. I sometimes felt she found the transition to politics harder than she expected. But a great life well lived 1/2 ALASTAIR CAMPBELL (@campbellclaret) June 15, 2023 One of the finest actresses of our lifetime, our local MP and for a time minister in (Tony Blair) government. I sometimes felt she found the transition to politics harder than she expected. But a great life well lived and a major contribution on so many fronts. Labour MP and shadow culture secretary Lucy Powell, who used to work for and alongside Jackson, has recalled the incredibly kind politicians cutting humour and general disdain at most things. This is very sad news. In my early twenties I worked for Glenda, a decade later our MPs offices were next door, Ms Powell tweeted. She was always incredibly kind & supportive to me. I will also remember her cutting humour, general disdain at most things, all while smoking! This is very sad news. In my early twenties I worked for Glenda, a decade later our MPs offices were next door. She was always incredibly kind & supportive to me. I will also remember her cutting humour, general disdain at most things, all while smoking! https://t.co/cMmI3FyRYo Lucy Powell MP (@LucyMPowell) June 15, 2023 Similarly, Sir Chris Bryant paid tribute to Jacksons versatility and voice. Its not just that she had those amazing chiselled cheekbones which served her well in many, many movies, its the quality of the work and the variety, the Labour MP told BBC Radio 4s World At One programme. Her voice could go from gravel to caramel in three seconds and you could hear it sometimes in the chamber of the House of Commons. She always complained that the Commons was just like acting but the lighting was terrible and it was under-rehearsed. The Lord Chancellor will look extremely carefully into whether double child killer Colin Pitchfork can be released from prison, the Ministry of Justice has said. The Parole Board has ruled that Pitchfork, jailed for life for raping and strangling 15-year-olds Lynda Mann and Dawn Ashworth in Leicestershire in 1983 and 1986, can be freed. He was given a minimum term of 30 years in 1988, later had it reduced to 28 years for good behaviour and was released in September 2021. He was back behind bars two months later for breaching the licence conditions of his release. I have written to the Justice Secretary asking him to challenge the Parole Boards decision to release the child killer Colin Pitchfork. Not only is this a huge matter of concern for my constituents, but it also profoundly shakes public confidence in our parole system. pic.twitter.com/j5Bll2ktHz Alberto Costa MP (@AlbertoCostaMP) June 15, 2023 A Ministry of Justice source said: Pitchfork was recalled to prison less than two years ago for concerning behaviour. That the Parole Board think hes now safe for release is extremely worrying. This will do nothing for public confidence and will only strengthen calls for reform. Alberto Costa, South Leicestershire MP, said he is deeply disappointed by the decision to release Pitchfork and will be writing to Justice Secretary Alex Chalk to ask for an urgent review. He tweeted: It is simply unthinkable that a man who committed such egregious crimes should ever be released, and I will be asking the Government to challenge this decision in the strongest possible terms. It is quite clear to many, not only in South Leicestershire, but the country that this man still presents a very real danger to the public and I will do all I can to challenge this decision. Schoolgirl Dawn Ashworth was killed by Pitchfork (PA) My thoughts remain with the families of Lynda and Dawn at this most difficult time. Downing Street declined to pre-empt the Lord Chancellors consideration of the Parole Boards decision. A No 10 spokesman said: The Prime Ministers thoughts and sympathies remain with the families of Lynda Mann and Dawn Ashworth. In terms of the process, though, Colin Pitchfork wont be released immediately. The decision is provisional for 21 days to give the Lord Chancellor an opportunity to apply for reconsideration and he will of course be looking at that very carefully. A Parole Board panel said Pitchforks behaviour for almost all his time in prison has not caused any concern and it is no longer necessary for him to be locked up for the publics safety. A report said: He has made constructive use of his time and is now 63 years old. In general, age tends to reduce risk. Mr Pitchfork has completed many courses satisfactorily and the evidence before the panel demonstrated that he had learnt the lessons that he had been taught and had worked out how to apply them in practice. Pitchfork was recalled to prison for approaching a lone female while litter picking, the report said. But there was no evidence to support allegations he was pretending to collect litter, the Parole Board ruled. The panel said the decision to recall him to custody was flawed and made on the basis of some of the allegations not being proved and upon some incorrect information. A Ministry of Justice spokesperson said: This will be a very upsetting decision for the families of Lynda Mann and Dawn Ashworth and our heartfelt sympathies remain with them. A man thought to be Colin Pitchfork is driven from Leicester Magistrates Court after he was charged with the rape and murders of Lynda Mann and Dawn Ashworth (PA) Pitchfork will remain in prison while the Lord Chancellor looks extremely carefully at whether to ask the Parole Board to reconsider its decision. Our number one priority is public protection which is why we are reforming the parole system and introducing a ministerial check to keep the most dangerous offenders behind bars. The Parole Board said Pitchfork can be released subject to several conditions, including complying with a requirement to live at a designated address and behave well, surrender his passport, attend supervision appointments and disclose any developing relationships. He must also submit to enhanced supervision, including GPS tagging and a curfew, and comply with an unspecified exclusion zone to avoid contact with victims, women and children. A Parole Board spokesperson said: Having considered all of the evidence, during a hearing observed by the victims and the local Member of Parliament, the panel found that Mr Pitchforks recall to custody was flawed and not supported by the evidence. Separately, the panel found that the prisoners continued detention was no longer necessary for the protection of the public. Parole reviews are undertaken thoroughly and with extreme care. Protecting the public is our number one priority, however our sole focus in law is risk, not punishment, and must be based on evidence. This case is eligible for reconsideration if any party thinks the decision is irrational or unfair. A childrens cancer consultant asked hospital bosses to draft in the military to build a temporary unit because he was so concerned about the safety of Glasgows newly built flagship hospital, an inquiry has heard. Dermot Murphy, a consultant paediatric oncologist, told the Scottish Hospitals Inquiry on Thursday that he suggested the drastic action after concerns were raised over a series of contamination incidents on the Schiehallion unit at the Queen Elizabeth University Hospital campus. But he said the idea was not seriously considered and when the children were moved to a different ward, problems persisted. Mr Murphy, who works at the unit based in the Royal Hospital for Children at the Govan campus, said: I did suggest to managerial colleagues they could very quickly and easily build, get the military in and build something on the QE site, but something completely separate from the physical infrastructure of either the childrens hospital or adult hospital. He said he could understand why it was not taken forward, but added: The underlying reason for that suggestion was because I had a concern that the whole of the infrastructure of the QE site was going to be replicated, or would replicate the problems we were having on (wards) 2a and 2b. Glasgows Queen Elizabeth University Hospital is situated near sewage works (Jane Barlow/PA) So by moving from 2a and 2b to another unit, either within the childrens hospital or within the adult hospital, wouldnt necessarily solve the problem. I think when we went to 6a that proved to be the case. Alastair Duncan KC, the inquiry counsel, said evidence submitted to the inquiry was that the build time was thought to be considerable and that it could be 12 weeks. But Mr Murphy told him: My recollection was it was not even seriously considered. So there was no discussion about delivery time. The inquiry was launched in the wake of deaths linked to infections at the Queen Elizabeth hospital, including that of 10-year-old Milly Main. The inquiry, before Lord Brodie, is also examining problems that led to the delay in the opening of the new Royal Hospital for Children and Young People in Edinburgh. The childrens hospital in Glasgow opened in 2015 and formed part of the 840 million Queen Elizabeth University Hospital campus, replacing a facility at Yorkhill. Mr Murphy told the inquiry that the longer the unit was in the building the more problems staff encountered, and concerns started to rise. You became very aware that things werent working as well as they should; doors were sticking, sinks were blocking, and those kinds of things that wouldnt necessarily make you jump to think thats a cause of infection in children, he said. You would see that our children were getting unusual infections, but you wouldnt necessarily have merged those two things together at that point. The day before they were set to move into ward 2a, Hepa air filters had not been in place, and Mr Murphy said that was bizarre for a paediatric transplant centre. Its like taking delivery of a car and theres no tyres on, he told the inquiry. If youve got one thing thats so fundamental, like no Hepa filters being in place, and then the taps start to not work or the doors dont close, or theres fungus growing behind walls, then you start to think: Well is this, the Hepa filters not being in, just a great description of how this hospital was built?' The filters had to be flown over from Ireland so they could be installed, and Mr Murphy told the inquiry they were not what staff would have liked. There were things that we had in Yorkhill that we were promised would be present in the new unit that arent present and thats a shame, he said. The new hospital was built next to sewage works, and the inquiry has been told of the impact of that on patients and staff. Mr Murphy said they would have preferred to have been on another site, with part of that reason being the smell. We were told before we moved across that there would be remedial works to the sewage works so that although it was currently smelly, it wouldnt be smelly for the new childrens hospital or the whole new campus, he said. This is not only Scotlands biggest hospital, this is one of the biggest hospitals in western Europe. I think most people, if you were asking them would you build Europes biggest hospital next to a sewage works? would say well, thats a bit of a silly idea. There had been a hospital on the site before the new build, but he said: I think to have continued something unpleasant just because its been going for 100 years, that is not necessarily a great idea. The inquiry heard the impact of the smell is around comfort and not risk of infection. He said: For families who come to a supra-regional cancer centre for the first time, theyre anxious, theyre nervous, and they need to be able to trust the professionals in front of them. If the first thing theyre presented with is the smell of sewage as they get out of their car, then thats not a great start, but its surmountable, but its not a great start. The inquiry continues. A new set of stamps is being issued marking the 75th anniversary of the arrival of MV Empire Windrush to the UK. Eight new stamps featuring illustrations created exclusively to celebrate the occasion, will be revealed at a launch event at the Black Cultural Archives in Brixton on Thursday. The MV Empire Windrush arrived at the Port of Tilbury on June 21 1948 and its passengers disembarked a day later. From Small Island Life to Big Island Dreams, one of a new set of stamps released by Royal Mail making the 75th Anniversary of the arrival of MV Empire Windrush to the UK on June 22 1948 (Royal Mail/PA) It carried several hundred West Indian migrants, many of them veterans of the Second World War and has come to symbolise the mass migration of people from the Caribbean to the UK in the post-war era. The original artworks were created by five Black British artists, all with Caribbean heritage: Kareen Cox, Bokiba, Tomekah George, Alvin Kofi and Emma Prempeh. Cox, Bokiba and Prempeh designed two stamps each. The artists were commissioned to create illustrations which celebrate the contribution of the Windrush generation and their influence on life in the UK. The stamps depict the artists personal interpretations of themes including arrivals, education/Saturday schools, music/carnival, working life in the UK, political activity/peaceful protests, sports, food/markets and sound systems/dancehall scene. Royal Mail also worked with Colin Grant, a British writer of Jamaican origin, and Sonia Grant, an independent historian, writer, researcher and photographic exhibition curator. Jamaican immigrants welcomed by RAF officials from the Colonial Office after the ex-troopship Empire Windrush landed at Tilbury (PA) Revealing the stamps at the Black Cultural Archives, Winnie Annan-Forson, head of diversity, equity & inclusion at Royal Mail, said: As Britain marks the 75th anniversary of the 1948 arrival of the MV Empire Windrush, we are honoured to mark this key event with a set of special stamps, featuring vibrant illustrations from talented artists that celebrate the culture and contribution of the Windrush generation and those who followed. We are delighted to have brought their stories to life in this special way, passing their legacy on to future generations. In addition to the stamps, Royal Mail will be applying a special postmark to stamped mail from June 21 to 26, which will read: MV Empire Windrush, Port of Tilbury, 22nd June 1948. The Government must urgently ban a breed of dog bred to kill, a Conservative former minister has said. Senior Tory MP Sir John Hayes said there was no debate needed that the American Bully XL must be banned, following a spate of attacks involving the breed in recent years. The American Bully XL is closely related to the banned Pit Bull Terrier breed, but is not subject to any legal restrictions itself. Sir John, the MP for South Holland and the Deepings, told the Commons: Regretfully, the subject of dangerous dogs is salient again. Deep regrets of the most tragic events. He added: Just last month, a 37-year-old man was killed in Greater Manchester. Jonathan Hogg died in hospital after suffering serious injuries when he was attacked by a dog in Leigh. Sir John went on: A 17-month-old, Bella-Rae Birch, killed last year. Just before that, a 10-year-old, Jack Lis. They were all killed by this so-called Bully Dog, the American XL Bully Dog. We need an urgent statement from the Government, not to debate this matter but simply to confirm that this bad breed, bred to kill, should be banned. Commons Leader Penny Mordaunt replied: I think many people would be surprised to hear the volume of such attacks that do take place, and there has been a spate of them recently that have been incredibly shocking, and the result of owners not being able to control those animals. It is a very serious matter. I know the Secretary of State (Therese Coffey) is aware of these matters. As the next questions to her are not until July 6, I shall write on his behalf and make sure that the Secretary of State has heard it today. There are currently four banned breeds of dog in the UK, the Pit Bull Terrier, Japanese Tosa, Dogo Argentino and Fila Brasileiro. A Defra spokesperson said: These are deeply tragic incidents, and our sympathies remain with all the families impacted. We take the issue of dangerous dogs and fatal dog attacks seriously and are making sure enforcement measures are fully utilised. These measures range from Community Protection Notices that can be served for low-level anti-social behaviour to offences under the Dangerous Dogs Act where serious offences can see people put in prison for up to 14 years, disqualified from ownership or their dog euthanised if they allow it to become dangerously out of control. Phoebe Waller-Bridge has said Indiana Jones should not be revived with anyone other than Harrison Ford as she feels he helped create a perfect moment in cinematic history. The Fleabag actress, 37, stars as the globe-trotting archaeologists goddaughter, Helena Shaw, in the fifth and final instalment in the franchise, Indiana Jones And The Dial Of Destiny. The film sees Ford return as Indiana Jones more than 40 years after his first stint in Raiders Of The Lost Ark in 1981. Asked if she thinks the series could be revived without Ford, at the Los Angeles premiere of the film on Wednesday, she told the PA news agency: I dont think it should be. I think he is Indiana Jones and I think Indiana Jones is him. Mads Mikkelsen, Harrison Ford, director James Mangold and Phoebe Waller-Bridge at the premiere of Indiana Jones And The Dial of Destiny (Jordan Strauss/Invision/AP) Whatever magic chemistry happened between that script and Steven Spielberg and Harrison Ford is a perfect moment in cinematic history. James Mangold has directed the latest instalment while Spielberg was at the helm of the first four films. Waller-Bridge added that she feels Mangold has done the most beautiful job of bringing the series to an end. It was wonderful to be by Harrisons side prodding him and poking him and being annoying as Helena all the way through the movie. It was incredible, she said. Toby Jones at the premiere of Indiana Jones And The Dial of Destiny ( Jordan Strauss/Invision/AP) Waller-Bridge first found her feet at the Edinburgh Fringe Festival where she debuted her hit series Fleabag as a one-woman show in 2013. After it won the Fringe First Award, it was adapted into a BBC sitcom which won a host of Bafta, Emmy and Golden Globe awards. The actress admitted being at the premiere did feel quite Edinburgh, with the streets being packed and the barricades surrounding the area. Reflecting on her career trajectory, she said: Every moment is a pinch-me moment. I kind of disassociate. Its when you leave these things that you go home and youre like, What the hell just happened? But I love all these people so much. I love every single person involved in the film. We had such a good time. I honestly had the time of my life making this film, I loved it so much. So its just so nice to be with everyone to celebrate it. The film also stars Mads Mikkelsen as villain Jurgen Voller and Toby Jones as Basil Shaw, an ally of Jones. Asked why he feels the series has resonated so deeply with fans, Jones told PA: Who isnt into adventure? Who isnt into being led through an adventure by a funny, ironic, brave, handsome, courageous figure who isnt into that? And it seems to shift tone in a way that people love. That something thats very interesting about it is how its supposed to be comic and be serious at the same time. Indiana Jones And The Dial Of Destiny arrives in UK cinemas on June 28. The infant sons of a concertgoer who died following a crowd crush outside the O2 Academy Brixton six months ago are starting to realise their mother is not coming home, family members have said. Rebecca Ikumelo, 33, of Newham, east London, and security worker Gaby Hutchinson, 23, of Gravesend, Kent, who was on duty at the south London venue, died days after being hurt when ticketless fans tried to get into a show by Nigerian Afrobeats artist Asake in December. A 21-year-old woman is still seriously ill in hospital. Rebecca Ikumelo, 33, died following a crowd crush outside an Asake concert at the O2 Academy Brixton in London (Family handout/PA) Trying to grieve is being made harder without answers as to why the crush happened, according to the bereaved relatives, who are calling on people to come forward with information to help the police investigation. Their appeal comes as Metropolitan Police Detective Chief Inspector Nigel Penney revealed a criminal investigation is being conducted involving a range of potential offences such as corporate manslaughter, criminal negligence manslaughter, unlawful act manslaughter and health and safety at work offences along with violent disorder and offences against the person or assaults. It is dawning on Ms Ikumelos sons, aged seven and five, that something is wrong, according to their grandmother Yetunde Olodo, 59. She told PA news agency: With the seven year-old you can see the sadness in him. I dont know if he understands it but he feels it because he is not seeing his mum around. We would ask him wheres mummy? and he would say I dont know. Wale Ikumelo, 31, brother of Rebecca Ikumelo, 33, who died following a crowd crush outside an Asake concert at the Brixton O2 Academy (Belinda Jiao/PA) The little one used to say she went to grandmas house but yesterday he said she went away, but he does not know where. They dont understand what is happening but I am sure they are really feeling their mums absence. There are plenty of photographs of her around and they are also always watching videos, but the first one is really feeling it more, the grandmother said. Ms Ikumelos brother Wale Ikumelo, 31, said that at first it was a quick shrug, but now so many months have gone past and you can see the boys are picking at their brains and saying `where is my mum?' A basic sense of compassion and respect for the families means that everyone involved from the artists, the off-stage crew and corporate interests should help with the investigation to find out what went wrong, according to Ms Ikumelos father Anthony, 63. Yetunde Olodo, mother of Rebecca Ikumelo, said her grandchildren are feeling their mothers absence (Belinda Jiao/PA) To do otherwise and to try and organise further concerts and events is a further slap to the relatives. He added: It feels like greed is one of the reasons why my daughter died and why all the things that should have been in place for safety were not there. This is why everyone should be working with us, from the Government down to find out what happened and to prevent it from happening again. We want those responsible prosecuted and eventually we want the Government to make sure this will not happen to another family again. Questions over safety and security need to be answered, according to Ms Ikumelos aunt Mary, who said it was a stampede and it is not the first time this has happened in the UK. Gaby Hutchinson (Metropolitan Police/PA) She said: We are very angry and upset. The people who think that maybe they are going to get away with this they need to be scared because we will never stop as a family until justice prevails. She (Rebecca) deserves justice, (Gaby) deserves justice and there is another lady who has been in intensive she deserves justice. Rebeccas children deserve justice. This is just not acceptable. The reality is that other concerts are happening and they are putting things in place for them to be safe, so why didnt they do the same for this? It should not be that you go to a concert and then die. Ms Hutchinsons mother Chris, 60, who also has safety concerns, stated that Gabys security work meant she was trained to walk around the perimeter and that was it. Chris Hutchinson, 60, mother, and Nina Hutchinson, 32, sister, of Gaby Hutchinson, 23, who died following the crowd crush (Belinda Jiao/PA) She added: Why was she inside? Why was there so many people? Why were there so many people turning up? The venue was full and you have got people outside wanting to get in. Her daughter died at a time when was really in a happy place at last with her life which included plans to get married, having started IVF and a holiday. Ms Hutchinsons sister Nina, 32, added: She did not die of any underlying health problems. She did not die because of an accident like a car accident. She died at work and that should not have happened. We used to go to concerts and now we dont want to go. We dont want to be in spaces that could be too crowded because we are worried that could happen (again). I know it is a once-in-a-lifetime thing that it could ever occur again but it has happened to us and has left a fear embedded in us. DCI Nigel Penney outside New Scotland Yard (Belinda Jiao/PA) She added: I hope that for the people who were selling supposedly dodgy tickets that was worth it to them because ultimately it is (part of) what led to my sisters death. There would not have been that excess of people there who did not have tickets, if you did not do that. Mr Penney said: This is being treated as a criminal investigation. We do have persons of interest that we are looking into. It is a very complicated and broad investigation. We are looking at every avenue to establish exactly what went wrong. There are many people and organisations involved in this investigation that could provide further information to us. There were hundreds of people there filming the incident on their mobile phones we dont have hundreds of pieces of social media, so however insignificant it is we want people to come forward with whatever they have. The man accused of murdering a 26-year-old woman outside a pub on Christmas Eve told a police officer some people are ruthless after his arrest, a court has heard. Connor Chapman, 23, is accused of murdering Elle Edwards when he fired 12 shots from a Skorpion weapon outside the Lighthouse pub in Wallasey Village, Wirral, Merseyside, in what is alleged to be the culmination of a feud between groups of people on two estates. On Thursday, Liverpool Crown Court heard Chapman was arrested at a Tesco store in Newtown, Powys, Wales, on January 10. Court artist sketch by Elizabeth Cook of Connor Chapman (Elizabeth Cook/PA) Pc Sean Gates told the court he had been on duty outside Chapmans cell door when he was held following his arrest. In his notes, he recorded Chapman saying: Gun crime is at an all-time high. Some people are ruthless. Theres a time and a place for that shit. At one point Chapman talked about having a panic attack but then said he doesnt care about the murder, they havent got anything on me, Pc Gates said. The officer said Chapman told him he had seen footage on the news of the shooting and it sounded like an automatic gun firing 13 shots, rather than six or seven as had been reported in the newspapers. Pc Gates also told the court Chapman said he wasnt fussed about being in the custody suite for murder but more about newspaper articles naming and shaming him. Chapman said he had been in the area since the day before to have his babys birthday before handing himself in, Pc Gates said. The court has heard he was staying at Penllwyn Lodges, where a four-night stay had been booked for him with a prosecco and petals package. The father of Elle Edwards, Tim Edwards, arrives with family members at court in Liverpool on the first day of the trial of Connor Chapman for her murder (Peter Byrne/PA) The defendant is also said to have told the constable he was a changed person. Earlier on Thursday, the court was shown police body-worn camera footage showing witness Jaime Stanton describing the gunman, who opened fire shortly before midnight on December 24. She said: It was a targeted attack because he looked round the corner to see who was there and he turned round. He turned round and he looked at me dead in the eyes. I wanted to say to the people that were there watch out but I couldnt because he would have just shot me. It all happened so quick. He just went bang, bang, bang. She added: I thought he was just going to batter them, I didnt think he had a gun. Chapman denies the murder of Ms Edwards, two counts of attempted murder and three counts of wounding with intent to cause grievous bodily harm. He also denies possession of a Skorpion sub-machine gun with intent to endanger life and possession of ammunition with intent to endanger life. Co-defendant Thomas Waring, 20, of Private Drive, Barnston, Wirral, denies possessing a prohibited weapon and assisting an offender by helping Chapman to dispose of the car. The trial will continue on Monday. Vietnam is facing a power crisis, with outages hitting major cities across the country. The government has blamed the outages on a combination of factors, including a lack of investment in new power plants, a surge in demand for electricity, and a drought that has reduced hydroelectric power output. The outages have highlighted the challenges that Vietnam faces as it transitions to a more renewable energy-based economy. It has set ambitious goals for reducing its reliance on coal, but it has struggled to build enough new renewable energy projects to meet demand. In the short term, the government is relying on imported coal to meet its energy needs. However, this is not a sustainable solution, as it increases Vietnam's dependence on foreign energy and contributes to climate change. In the long term, Vietnam needs to invest in new renewable energy projects, such as solar and wind farms. It also needs to improve its energy efficiency and conservation efforts. The Plan Power Development Plan 8 (PDP8), the country's energy strategy, seeks to more than quadruple Vietnam's maximum power output to over 150 gigawatts by 2030. Though far less than Japan's 290 GW, that is greater than the capacity of wealthy nations like France and Italy, according to APNews. It calls for a significant move away from highly polluting coal and an increase in the use of domestic gas and imported liquefied natural gas, or LNG, which will account for roughly 25 percent of total generating capacity and nearly 50 percent of all energy by 2030 from hydropower, wind, solar, and other renewable sources. Read also: U.S., Brazil To Fight Climate Change Through Renewable Energy Projects, Widescale Reforestation The Future of Energy in Vietnam Vietnam's new energy plan forbids the construction of any new coal-fired power plants after 2030 as the nation switches to cleaner fuels, but overall coal generation capacity will still increase by 2030, making up about 20 percent of total energy production, down from the current 30.8 percent. According to the plan, all coal plants in Vietnam would switch to using biomass and ammonia by 2050, ending the country's reliance on coal for electricity production. (Photo: Wikimedia Commons / USAID Vietnam) Michael Greene, USAID Vietnam Mission Director, (right) and Nguyen Van Quyet, Coca-Cola Vietnam Supply Chain Director, (left) signed the memorandum of understanding at the USAID/Vietnam office in the presence of Ms. Gloria Steele, USAIDs Senior Deputy Assistant Administrator for Asia, (center) and other representatives of USAID/Vietnam and Coca-Cola Vietnam. Vietnam wants to increase its usage of LNG, chilled natural gas that is primarily made of methane and whose production and transportation leaks add to global warming, so a gradual transition away from coal won't wean Vietnam from fossil fuels. With its rapid industrialization and widespread access to electricity, Vietnam has made great achievements in increasing its usage of renewable energy. In 2022, it produced half of the nation's electricity, an increase from just a quarter of a decade earlier. The electricity grid, though, hasn't kept up with improvements An overhaul of the entire power system is required, according to Aditya Lolla, the Asia program lead at independent Energy of Ember, who noted that the plan would probably result in short-term increases in electricity rates even though it will stabilize prices and the supply of power over the long term. The power crisis in Vietnam is a reminder of the challenges that countries face as they transition to a more renewable energy-based economy. It is important for countries to invest in new renewable energy projects and to improve their energy efficiency and conservation efforts. Related article: Wind Turbine Dangers Grow as US Wildlife Officials' Eagle-Killing Criminal Cases Decline @ 2023 HNGN, All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission. Sarah, Duchess of York has said she and Diana, Princess of Wales loved each other with all our hearts and said they talked incessantly about charity. Sarah, speaking on the third episode of her Tea Talks podcast on Thursday, also spoke about the close relationship she has with her daughters Princess Eugenie and Princess Beatrice. The duchess, who is known to her now-three grandchildren as GG, said she had the family over at the weekend and they had an incredible time. Eugenie and husband Jack Brooksbank welcomed Ernest George Ronnie Brooksbank on May 30. Sarah, Duchess of York, her daughter Beatrice and Diana, Princess of Wales watching a flypast from the balcony at Buckingham Palace (Martin Keene/PA) Sarah has three grandchildren Ernest, who the duchess revealed is known as Ernie, Eugenies eldest son August and Beatrices daughter Sienna as well as a step-grandson, Wolfie Beatrices stepson. Speaking about Diana, Sarah said: Diana and I, we definitely talked incessantly about charity. We, both of us, we loved to give. So she was very similar to me. She never understood how brilliant she was really, you know, and together we both didnt. And I used to hug her but she wouldnt understand. And her mother and my mother were at school together. And they were best friends. And Diana was my fourth cousin, and you know its just extraordinary that we were brought together. And we loved each other with all our hearts and she made me laugh more than any other single person Ive ever met in my life. Sarah said there is nobody like her (Diana) in the world because she had that ability to give her entire heart because she didnt give her entire heart to herself. Princess Beatrice and Princess Eugenie at the Coronation Big Lunch in Chalfont St Giles, Buckinghamshire (Ben Birchall/PA) Reflecting on Dianas charity work, Sarah said: Diana and I talked about when she did HIV/Aids, when she started really highlighting it. And everyone said No, you mustnt go and touch them. And she said Why? I know what its like to be ostracised. I know what its like to be left in the corner of a room. And thats what she did. And I know that feeling too, when people dont wish to talk to you because bad Fergie sells papers. Theyve already judged you and youre left alone. Sarah said she was inspired by Diana, who she refers to as Dutch, when she began her royal life. I remember when I first became a princess with Dutch, and I watched her work a room, and I just copied her. I mirrored her, how she did it, because she was just incredible. Sarah added: She just immediately went in with her heart, full heart, full energy, and she left everything outside the door. Sarah, Duchess of York (Kirsty OConnor/PA) Meanwhile, Sarah talked about the fun weekend she had with her grandchildren. So my grandchildren had the most incredible weekend, she said. I was very lucky. I had everybody in. I had Edo and Beatrice and Jack and Eugenie and August and new Ernest. Well, Ernie. She said her granddaughter Sienna is just a completely independent fabulous joy. And she has a relationship with Beatrice the same relationship I have, which is only mummy, mummy is mummy. And no one else does, just mummy. And I still have that with Beatrice and shes 34. And I wrote to her this morning, I said, Beatrice, the relationship you have with Sienna is the same relationship I have with you, she said. Sarah added: Beatrice and Eugenie both want their mummy, which is kind of nice. Were a tripod. The podcast, Tea Talks with the Duchess and Sarah, features Sarah Thomson, the founder of childrens newspaper First News. The duchess hinted that Kylie Minogue would be a future guest on the podcast. The Princess of Wales has arrived at a childrens clinic to meet health visitors taking part in a field study that aims improve the assessment of babies. Before beginning her visit, the princess went on a walkabout to meet young children from local schools in Nuneaton, Warwickshire who were gathered outside the venue. Later Kate will chat to health visitors about the research being funded by a 50,000 grant from her Royal Foundation Centre for Early Childhood. The study will trial and evaluate the use of the Alarm Distress Baby Scale (ADBB) in the UK, and is being run in partnership with the Institute of Health Visiting and the University of Oxford. The scale is used to assess how babies interact with their environment, focusing on eye contact, facial expressions, vocalisation and activity levels to help health professionals and families better understand the ways babies express their feelings, and support parents with bonding. The Princess of Wales during a visit to Riversley Park Childrens Centre in Nuneaton (Phil Noble/PA) The princess saw first-hand how the ADBB model is being used by health visitors to support parent-infant relationships and early childhood development during her visit to Denmark in February 2022. Following the trip, Kate and her centre have been working closely with the Institute of Health Visiting to explore the potential for implementing ADBB in the UK. It can also be used to recognise early signs of psychological distress, enabling specialist support to be accessed as soon as it is needed. The Princess of Wales meeting children outside the centre (Phil Noble/PA) During her visit to the Children and Family Centre at Riversley Park in Nuneaton, the princess will also visit a drop-in clinic and hear from families about the impact of the support they are receiving from their health visitors. The ADBB trial is running for a period of 10 months and is being carried out at the South Warwickshire NHS Foundation Trust, and Humber Teaching NHS Foundation Trust. Who are the seven members of the Privileges Committee? The Privileges Committee was tasked with considering whether Boris Johnson misled Parliament over his partygate claims, but who are its members? Made up of seven MPs, four of the committees members are from the Conservative Party, while two are from Labour and one is from the SNP. The chair of the committee must always be from the official opposition, with Labours Harriet Harman unanimously elected to the role in June 2022. Here are the seven members: Harriet Harman KC Ms Harman, 72, is the Labour MP for Camberwell and Peckham. An MP since 1982, she served as secretary of state for social security and minister for women under Tony Blair. She has also had terms as solicitor general for England and Wales, and leader of the House of Commons. As chair of the committee, Ms Harman has been repeatedly targeted for criticism by Mr Johnson. In his response to the committees report, the former Prime Minister accused her of holding prejudicial views. Similarly, Sir Jacob Rees-Mogg accused her of not being the right person to lead the inquiry because she had publicly tweeted her criticisms and her disbelief in Boris Johnson. Sir Bernard Jenkin Sir Bernard Jenkin (Chris McAndrew/UK Parliament/PA) Sir Bernard, 64, is the Conservative MP for Harwich and North Essex. He is a longstanding Eurosceptic, supporting Brexit in the 2017 referendum. An MP since 1992, his role in the committee has caused him to come under fire from Mr Johnson and his supporters. Mr Johnson said that one of the committees arguments was so threadbare that it belonged in one of Bernard Jenkins nudist colonies. The former Prime Minister has urged Mr Jenkin to resign over an allegation that he broke lockdown rules at a 2020 drinks party in Parliament. Allan Dorans Mr Dorans, 67, the Scottish National Party MP for Ayr, Carrick and Cumnock. A former police officer and teacher, he was part of the 2019 intake. The committee had considered whether it should have recommended expelling Mr Johnson from the Commons. During discussion of the reports final findings, Mr Dorans, along with Labours Yvonne Fovargue, backed recommending that Mr Johnson be expelled from the Commons. However, the amendment was opposed by the committees Conservative members. Yvonne Fovargue Ms Fovargue, 66, is the Labour MP for Makerfield, Manchester, and has been an MP since May 2010. She was the CEO of St Helens Citizens Advice Bureau for 20 years before becoming an MP.A member of the Unite trade union, she has previously been a shadow education minister. Alberto Costa Mr Costa, 51, is the Conservative MP for South Leicestershire. An MP since 2015, he was born to Italian parents in Scotland. Before entering politics he had a career as a solicitor, and worked at the Treasurys solicitors department. He opposed Brexit prior to the 2016 referendum. Sir Charles Walker Sir Charles, 55, is the Conservative MP for Broxbourne, and has been an MP since 2005. In February 2022, he announced that he would be stepping down at the next general election, saying that politics had become a pretty toxic environment. He was the fifth Tory MP to call for Liz Truss to resign, later saying of her Government that he had had enough of talentless people. Andy Carter Mr Carter, 49, is the Conservative MP for Warrington South, a marginal constituency. Part of the 2019 intake, he had a career in radio before entering politics. In May 2023, he announced that he would be standing down as an MP at the next election. A 15-year-old boy who boasted about stabbing another teenager to death will be sentenced for the murder on Thursday. Leighton Amies shouted, Ive wetted your boy at a gang after he knifed Tomasz Oleszak, 14, deep in the chest following a minor dispute at a nature park in Gateshead last October. After Amies was found guilty at Newcastle Crown Court in April, Mr Justice Spencer lifted a ban on the media identifying the defendant, who was just 14 when he stabbed Tomasz, due to the seriousness of the crime and to deter teenagers from carrying knives. Leighton Amies stabbed Tomasz Oleszak to death and later boasted about it (PA) The defendant had denied murder, claiming he did not know he had stabbed Tomasz and slashed another youths coat after he was attacked by the group. During the trial, jurors heard Amies was walking through Whitehills Nature Park with his girlfriend at about 8pm when a group of youths followed them. He was carrying a serrated kitchen knife in his jacket pocket, which he had explained he picked up at home for reassurance, and used it to slash Tomasz when he came under attack from a group. Amies shouted to the gang, Ive wetted your boy after landing the fatal blow, the court heard. Tomasz Oleszak was walking in a Gateshead country park when he was killed (Northumbria Police/PA) Mark McKone KC, prosecuting, told jurors: He wanted them to know he had stabbed one of their number. It was a boast. Peter Makepeace KC, defending, told jurors that Amies had not looked for trouble, adding: This is a 14-year-old under group attack and having to make terrible decisions under a moments notice. The jury also convicted Amies of a charge of attempting to cause grievous bodily harm on the boy whose coat was slashed. The defendant had previously admitted carrying a blade. Thousands have gathered in Nottingham city centre to pay their respects to two students and a school caretaker killed in a knife and van rampage. A vigil in the citys Market Square heard emotional tributes from friends and colleagues of the trio, who were stabbed to death in the early hours of Tuesday. Students Grace OMalley-Kumar and Barnaby Webber, both 19, were found dead in Ilkeston Road at about 4am. Caretaker Ian Coates, 65, described by his sons as everyones friend, was then found dead in Magdala Road after his van was allegedly stolen by the suspect. Councillor David Mellen speaks as he attends a vigil in Old Market Square, Nottingham (Tim Goode/PA) Crowds engaged in a minutes silence in memory of the three victims, as heart-shaped balloons with the words choose love were held by one woman near the stage. Barnaby Webbers mother, Emma, asked those gathered at the vigil held partly in memory of her son to hold no hate. She said the monstrous individual responsible for the deaths in the city on Tuesday will not define us. I know he will receive the retribution that he deserves, she said. However this evil person is just that. He is just a person. Please hold no hate that relates to any colour, sex or religion. Mr Coates son James promised support to the families of Ms OMalley-Kumar and Mr Webber. Addressing the families, he said: Obviously they are going through the same thing that we are, anything they need from us were happy to support you. He thanked everybody for the kind words that have poured in about his father. It feels like hes touched a lot of hearts over the years, more than what we assumed and knew that he had, so its been really nice and heartwarming to see the messages and people come out and talk about how he was when they were younger and how hes helped them, he added. Some beautiful comments. The gathering also heard tributes from Ross Middleton, headteacher of Mr Coatess school, and Professor Shearer West, vice-chancellor of the University of Nottingham, where Ms OMalley-Kumar and Mr Webber were studying. Paying tribute to Mr Coates, Mr Middleton said he was full of fun with a mischievous glint in his eye. He said: We will all remember him with great affection. Rest in peace, Ian, and, of course, Ill keep an eye on Forest results for you. Professor West said: All three of these lives were cut short in the most unimaginable way on Tuesday morning, their well-earned retirement plans and bright futures brutally curtailed by a seemingly random act of violence. Nottingham City Council chief executive Melbourne Barrett speaks (Tim Goode/PA) At the university, we held our own vigil yesterday with Barney and Graces families to remember them and mourn their loss. I was overwhelmed by the love and support that was offered to the families by more than 2,000 students and staff, who gathered together as a community. Although seemingly unconnected to these dreadful acts, we are still in the university trying to process the information that the suspect in custody was a former student. Before the vigil, Home Secretary Suella Braverman visited Nottingham to pay her respects to the victims by laying a wreath with a handwritten message to their families saying: We are with you. Three Britons who died after a diving boat burst into flames in the Red Sea off Egypt have been named as Christina Quinn, Stephen Hill and Paul Darling. They were on a medium-sized scuba diving boat called Hurricane that caught fire due to a suspected electrical fault off the resort town of Marsa Alam on Sunday. St Lukes Hospice Plymouth, where Ms Quinn, 58, was chief executive, paid tribute to her on Wednesday evening while the company Scuba Travel which operates trips on the Hurricane confirmed that Mr Hill and Mr Darling were victims. The three passengers were among 15 qualified diving enthusiasts who were on a weeks stay on board the boat when the fire broke out at about 8.30am local time (6.30am UK time). Christina Quinn was the chief executive of a hospice (Paul Slater/St Lukes Hospice Plymouth) They had decided to sleep in on the morning of the fire, while the other divers who were above-deck managed to escape, a spokesperson for Scuba Travel said. In a statement released by the hospice, a spokesperson for Ms Quinn said: It is with great sadness that we confirm the tragic death of Christina Quinn in Egypt. She was a sister, daughter, wife, aunty, friend, and rock to many. She will be missed beyond words. We would ask for privacy at this time. Ms Quinn took up her role as chief executive at St Lukes in May this year following a long and impactful career with the NHS, most recently as director of NHS South West Leadership Academy. Charles Hackett, chairman of St Lukes trustees, said: Christina was incredibly passionate about St Lukes and its place at the heart of the community it serves, and we are devastated to lose her warmth, wisdom and leadership. Before her recent appointment, Christina had served for six years in a voluntary capacity as chair of St Lukes board, working closely with the senior management team and her fellow trustees and earning their respect, trust and appreciation. With her vibrant and engaging personality and her down to earth, caring nature, as CEO she was quickly building strong and meaningful relationships both inside and outside the organisation. We will miss Christina enormously and our hearts go out to her family and close friends at this tragic time. In a statement to Sky News earlier this week, a spokesperson for Scuba Travel said: It is with great regret that we, as tour operator, with heavy hearts, must accept that three of our much-valued dive guests, perished in the tragic incident. Our sincere and heartfelt condolences go out to their families and friends at this very sad time. The medium-sized scuba diving boat went up in flames off the resort town of Marsa Alam on Sunday (Alamy/PA) The statement added: At the time the fire broke out, 12 divers were participating in a briefing on board, while those missing had apparently decided not to dive that morning. A nearby craft was used to evacuate 12 divers, and the 14 crew members also had to abandon ship after trying to reach the missing guests, with video footage showing some jumping overboard. Egyptian authorities had earlier said that following an initial examination of the vessel it was found that an electrical short circuit in the boats engine room sparked the blaze. The British Foreign Office has been approached for comment. Basic legal protections for cohabiting partners and their children could be delayed by years if the Government sticks to its untenable position to wait until other laws in that area are dealt with, MPs have warned. The Women and Equalities Committee said it sees no reason why reform of cohabitation law cannot progress while work is under way to review the law on divorce and marriage. In August the committee suggested that urgent reforms are needed to current laws which leave cohabiting couples receiving inferior protections despite a shift in social norms. Women and Equalities Committee chairwoman Caroline Nokes said basic legal protections are needed for millions of people who could face financial hardship if their relationship breaks down (Victoria Jones/PA) Cohabitation is the fastest growing family type in the UK, with more than 3.6 million partners cohabiting. The committee called for law reform to better protect cohabiting couples and their children from financial hardship in the event of separation, urging a commitment to publish draft legislation for pre-legislative scrutiny in the 202324 session of Parliament. But in its response in November, the Government rejected the recommendation, saying that existing work under way on the law of marriage and divorce, which are directly relevant to issues concerning cohabitants, must conclude before considering any change to the law in respect of the rights of cohabitants on relationship breakdown. In a letter to family justice minister Lord Bellamy on June 14, committee chairwoman Caroline Nokes urged the Government to reconsider its position. She said: We see no reason why reviewing divorce and weddings law should prevent the Government from pursuing a separate, bespoke regime for cohabitants now. We ask the Government to reconsider its response and to provide basic legal protections for millions of people, many of whom face financial hardship if their relationship breaks down or their partner passes away. The committee has also asked for an update on what the Government is doing to raise awareness of the common law marriage myth which it described as a belief that people who cohabit have equal rights to those who are married after a certain amount of time living together. In a separate letter to pensions minister Laura Trott, the committee also asked about progress on clearer guidelines for how pension schemes should treat surviving cohabiting partners a committee recommendation which the Government accepted in principle. Commenting on their latest call to Government, Ms Nokes said: Cohabitating partners are the fastest-growing family type. The Governments position that cohabitation law reform must wait until work on divorce and weddings law had finished is untenable and means basic legal protections for cohabiting partners and their children could be many years away. We urge the Government to reconsider. The most senior judge in England and Wales will be a woman for the first time in the history of the role, which dates back to the 13th century. Dame Sue Carr has been formally appointed Lord Chief Justice of England and Wales by the King, and will take up the role from October 1 following the retirement of the current Lord Chief Justice Lord Burnett at the end of September. The appointment was made by the King on the advice of Prime Minister Rishi Sunak and the Lord Chancellor and Justice Secretary Alex Chalk following the recommendation by an independent selection panel. The Lord Chief Justices role involves liaising with the Government, including over provision of resources to the judiciary, and being responsible for the welfare, training and guidance of the judiciary as well as the deployment of judges and allocation of work in the courts. The new Lord Chief Justice of England & Wales, Dame Sue Carr, has been appointed today. This marks a historic moment as she becomes the first woman to the hold the position. https://t.co/bSJaOfSZaI Judicial Office (@JudiciaryUK) June 15, 2023 Lady Justice Carr, 58, became a barrister in 1987 and took silk in 2003. She held a number of senior roles during her career as a lawyer, including chair of the Bar Standards Board conduct committee and complaints commissioner to the International Criminal Court in the Hague. She became a criminal judge in 2009 and a High Court judge in 2013, before being appointed a Lady Justice of Appeal in 2020. Her appointment comes at a time of increased efforts to improve the diversity of the judiciary. Lady Justice Carr attended Wycombe Abbey school in Buckinghamshire and Trinity College, Cambridge, where she read law and modern languages, and speaks French and German. She is also a keen musician singing with the Bar Choral Society and playing the piano and is married with three children. Dame Victoria Sharp, the current president of the Kings Bench Division of the High Court, was shortlisted alongside Lady Justice Carr for the role. Scotlands First Minister has said he does not believe there has been collusion between the police and media during the investigation into the SNPs finances. Humza Yousaf was speaking after one of his backbench MSPs had accused the press of making a big play of the arrest of former first minister Nicola Sturgeon. She was questioned by officers from Police Scotland on Sunday as part of Operation Branchform, which is looking into what has happened to money raised by the party for a second independence referendum. Ms Sturgeon was released without charge, pending further investigation, on Sunday evening. SNP MSP James Dornan claimed the police and the media seem to have some kind of collusion about making sure that the media are in attendance when the slightest thing happens. Police Scotland has denied the accusation, with a spokesman for the force saying: Any suggestion that the media were informed in advance of an arrest is untrue. Asked about Mr Dornans comments by journalists at Holyrood on Thursday, Mr Yousaf said: I dont believe that. He said he would not comment further on a live investigation. Humza Yousaf said he does not believe there has been collusion between the police and the media (Jane Barlow/PA) With reports having suggested Mr Yousaf told SNP MSPs to quit the party if they do not back his decision to refrain from suspending Ms Sturgeon following her arrest, he added: Ive made it clear to the MSPs, and they are all united behind the fact that if you are advancing the cause of independence then we want you to be part of the group. Mr Yousaf said he has not spoken to Ms Sturgeon since she was arrested, with the former first minister having released a statement afterwards in which she insisted beyond doubt that she is innocent of any wrongdoing. She became the third high-profile SNP politician to be arrested in connection with alleged irregularities in the partys finances after complaints were raised almost two years ago. Peter Murrell, who is the SNPs former chief executive and Ms Sturgeons husband, plus then SNP treasurer Colin Beattie have both also been arrested and questioned by police, before both being released without charge pending further investigation. NEW YORK (AP) Fox News appeared to express regret Wednesday for showing an onscreen message that called President Joe Biden a wannabe dictator who had his political rival arrested. On the day he was arraigned on federal charges for hoarding classified documents, former President Donald Trump illustrated his continued role as a lightning rod for the media. PBS second-guessed one of its own messages about Trump, and his primetime speech showed a policy change at CNN following the ouster of its former leader. The Fox News Channel chyron appeared beneath split-screen video boxes that showed Trump addressing supporters live in New Jersey, and Biden speaking at the White House earlier in the day. The message read, Wannabe dictator speaks at the White House after having his political rival arrested. Fox said in a statement Wednesday that the chyron was taken down immediately and was addressed. The website Mediaite reported that the message was onscreen for 27 seconds. It was also not removed when the telecast was rerun late at night. Fox did not explain how the message made it onto the screen and how the matter was addressed. The White House has said Biden has had no contact with Attorney General Merrick Garland about the indictment by special counsel Jack Smith, which accuses Trump of illegally hoarding classified documents. Biden has not commented on the case. Two months ago, Fox News agreed to pay Dominion Voting Systems $787 million to settle a lawsuit accusing the news organization of telling lies about the 2020 presidential election. There are probably about 787 million things that I can say about this, White House press secretary Karine Jean-Pierre said when asked Wednesday about the chyron. That was wrong about what we saw last night but I don't think I'm going to get into it. It's not hard to find Republican politicians or commentators on Fox to suggest the indictment was politically motivated Trump attorney Joe Tacopina made the same charges on Sean Hannity's show within a half-hour after Trump's speech. Yet some on Fox have spoken to the seriousness of the case against Trump, most notably his former attorney general, William Barr, during an appearance over the weekend, and legal analyst Jonathan Turley. Fox has seen its primetime ratings tumble sharply since it fired Tucker Carlson shortly after the Dominion case was settled. Carlson posted another video commentary on Twitter Tuesday night, despite Fox's lawyers demanding that he stop doing that because it violated the terms of a contract that runs until early 2025. Meanwhile, PBS used the lower third of its screen to post fact-checks when it streamed Trump's New Jersey speech on its YouTube channel Tuesday night. The final one was eye-catching: Experts warn that inflammatory rhetoric from elected officials or people in power can prompt individual actors to commit acts of violence. While the statement is true, PBS officials are questioning whether or not that was the right forum, said Sara Just, senior executive producer at NewsHour. Other messages PBS used onscreen mentioned how federal officials have attested to the security of the 2020 presidential election, and how prosecutors say that some documents discovered at Trump's home pertained to U.S. nuclear programs and defense capabilities. We are discussing whether or not we might phrase that better, Just said. While Fox News aired Trump's speech live, MSNBC did not. Neither did CNN. That's in contrast to when Trump was indicted on separate charges in New York in April, when CNN aired most of a similar Trump address the night of his arraignment. That was before former CNN chief executive Chris Licht, who had been making efforts to appeal to GOP viewers, was ousted. We're not carrying his remarks live because, frankly, he says a lot of things that are untrue and, frankly, potentially dangerous, CNN's Jake Tapper said. After the speech was over, CNN aired a nearly two-minute clip of Trump that Tapper followed with several fact-checks. In terms of trying to destroy American democracy, we all know who tried to actually undo an election, he said. It's not Joe Biden. It's Mr. Trump. MSNBC's Rachel Maddow made a similar pronouncement before that network chose not to air Trump's speech live. Clips from the remarks were shown later. There is a cost to us as a news organization to knowingly broadcast untrue things, Maddow said. ___ Associated Press writer Aamer Madhani in Washington contributed to this report. Ukraine is making progress in its counteroffensive against Russia, NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg said Monday. Ukrainians are able to retake territory and are able to inflict damage on Russian forces, as reported by USA Today. Ukrainian forces are reportedly advancing in the eastern Donbas region, where Russia has focused its attention since its invasion of Ukraine in February. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has said that his forces are now in control of about half of the city of Severodonetsk, a key strategic objective for Russia. The Ukrainian counteroffensive has been aided by Western arms shipments, including heavy artillery and high-precision rocket systems. Stoltenberg said that NATO is committed to providing Ukraine with the military assistance it needs to defend itself. He said that they would continue to provide Ukraine with the military assistance it needs to defend itself. Russia's Invasion a Failure? The Ukrainian counteroffensive is a sign that Russia's invasion is not going as planned. The Ukrainian people have shown incredible resilience in the face of Russian aggression. They are determined to defend their country and their freedom. (Photo: Wikimedia Commons / Ziko) Human chain against the war in Ukraine, Suderwick and Dinxperlo, 12 March 2022. The United States and its allies are committed to supporting Ukraine until it achieves victory. The early clashes may indicate that the tens of billions of dollars spent by the U.S.-led coalition on arming and training Ukrainian soldiers in the use of Western weapons is paying off, even though it is still too early to predict the outcome against Russia's entrenched defenses. Read also: Vladimir Putin, Xi Jinping To Discuss Russia War; Ukraine Gets Help What the Russian President Has To Say Vladimir Putin, the president of Russia, continued to assert this week that his country's military is in the lead, claiming that "the Ukrainian troops haven't accomplished their stated tasks in a single area of fighting." However, the Ukrainian military claimed its forces won another minor victory Monday by reclaiming the town of Storozhov in the same eastern region, giving momentum to the country's long-awaited counteroffensive. This came a day after the retaking of three villages in the Donetsk province. Success on the battlefield for Ukraine will be crucial for NATO countries in maintaining the public support necessary to provide the consistent supply of military supplies that Stoltenberg deemed essential. The Pentagon has given the Ukrainian military hundreds of armored personnel carriers, mine-resistant armored trucks, and Humvees for the offensive. In order to attack far behind Russian lines, Great Britain has started delivering long-range aircraft-launched missiles, while Germany has offered sophisticated Leopard tanks. In order to cover the men in armored vehicles and on foot who would assault Russian positions, U.S. and NATO personnel have been teaching Ukrainian forces how to combine artillery fire for months. According to a report by the Center for Strategic and International Studies, Russian troops have spent a lot of effort constructing trenches and erecting barriers along a 600-mile front to impede Ukrainian tanks and armored personnel carriers. Additionally, Russian soldiers have pointed artillery at the open, level terrain that Ukrainian troops must cross to get to the defenses. The province of Zaporizhzhya, where some of the fiercest initial combat has occurred, boasts Russia's best defense. By breaking through this maze, Ukraine can pose a danger to Russia's primary supply routes. Related article: Russia-Ukraine War: Russian Troops Death Toll Exceeds 130,000 in Almost One Year of Battle @ 2023 HNGN, All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission. NEW YORK (AP) Performing in a fairy tale musical with songs by the Princess of Pop can be both magical and daunting. Thats the way Justin Guarini and Briga Heelan, who star in Once Upon a One More Time, see their roles in the jukebox musical that features songs by Britney Spears. The musical debuted at the Shakespeare Theatre Company in Washington, D.C., in 2021 and now its on Broadway with Heelan and Guarini reprising their roles as Cinderella and Prince Charming. On a recent two-show day, fans of all ages were wearing Britney-themed attire waiting to be seated and both actors are well aware that Spears' dedicated fan base has high expectations. Guarini, the runner-up to Kelly Clarkson on the first season of American Idol, said Spears music reminds him of the iconic moments of growing up. So honoring the Princess of Pop was a huge honor for him, the chance to share "in the joy and so much of the fun that she has created for millions of people across the world. As a veteran of the Broadway stage with seven shows under his belt, Guarini still finds the line between performer and fan a bit more challenging on this one. And so does his co-star. Heelan, who starred in the sitcom, Great News is making her Broadway debut. A self-proclaimed hard-core Britney fan, she says her mission for each performance is to do justice to her spirit. You want to make sure that it infiltrates every nook and cranny of what youre doing. And weve all worked very hard to hopefully make that true, Heelan said. She hopes that Spears comes to the show, but also admits she would be nervous. I cant let myself go there because its too deeply exciting, Heelan said. Heelan recalls it wasnt that long ago that she would blast Oops... I Did It Again on her CD player. Now, thats something that carries on to her daughter. I am a mom of a 6-year-old and were listening to Kidz Bop sing, Oops... I Did It Again on the way to drop her off after kindergarten. And Ill just be driving like, I cant believe this is reality. I cant believe this moment, she said. And that excitement translates to the stage in a show that Guarini calls a nonstop party thats unlike anything hes ever done before. He says he sees the audience moving in their seats and grooving, having a good time and hears "gasps of enjoyment and recognition when they hear a song that they love set in a way that they didnt expect it to be set. In a twist, Once Upon a One More Time isnt the only Broadway show with Spears songs. The Tony Award-nominated & Juliet also has a few, including Baby One More Time and Oops... I Did It Again. Before getting ready for a matinee performance, Guarini passes a framed jacket in his dressing room from the Jackson Fives Victory Tour. He explains how his parents took him to the show at Atlantas Fulton County Stadium when he was 6. I remember being there and seeing the lights and the smoke and the costumes and the dancing and all the things that we love about the Jackson Five, pointing to the stage and saying to myself, I want to do that, Guarini said. Not long after that concert, Guarini outgrew the jacket, as 6-year-olds often do, and it was relegated to the closet until taking on his role of Prince Charming. I had to frame it and put it up on the wall because it is just a part of what were doing here, Guarini said. SHELBURNE, Vt. (AP) Vineyards and apple orchards across the Northeast are still gauging damage from a late-season frost in May that wiped out a third to most of the crop for some growers who say its the worst frost damage they have ever seen. Some states are seeking federal disaster declarations, which would make low-interest loans and other programs available to affected growers, while agriculture officials across the region are contemplating together asking the U.S. Department of Agriculture for direct aid to farmers. In southern Vermont, Scott Farm Orchard lost up to 90% of its apple crop when the temperature dipped to 25 degrees Fahrenheit (minus 3 degrees Celsius) for five hours on May 18. At the northern end of the state, Shelburne Vineyards in Shelburne, Vermont, lost about 50% of its grape crop, which is potentially a half-million dollar revenue loss, according to head wine grower and vineyard manager Ethan Joseph. To make up for lost production, Shelburne Vineyards plans to buy additional grapes at a time when its overall costs this year will be higher due to the frost, Joseph told The Associated Press. The vineyard has wine in stock to sell and it's not off the table that it could raise prices, he said. Weve never seen this kind of freeze event, certainly in the history of the vineyard, Joseph said. Ive been here for 16 years. Weve never seen anything like it. The widespread frost hit the large wine-producing region of the Finger Lakes in upstate New York where it's estimated about half of the grape crop was lost regionwide, according to Kyle Anne Pallischeck, executive director of the Finger Lakes Wine Alliance. Depending on their location, some vineyards were hit hard and others had little to no damage. Vineyard owners say it's still too early to tell what the final financial impact will be. Ive been in this almost 40 years, doing it full-time and this is by far and away the worst, said David Stamp, vineyard manager of Lakewood Vineyards, in Watkins Glen, New York, of the frost damage. He estimated their total crop loss at about 30% to 40% though it's tough to tell since the damage is scattered throughout the vineyards. I mean, if you put all the years together that weve had any damage its not even a quarter of what this is, he said. The losses will mean shorter supplies of certain wines next year and higher prices for apples this year. Some vineyards and orchards are having to reduce staff. Keuka Lake Vineyards, in Hammondsport, New York, estimates it lost between 50% and 65% of its crop, said Mel Goldman, owner and vineyard manager. We lost a lot, Goldman said, adding it will take a few weeks before a final verdict as the vines produce secondary buds and shoots that could bear fruit. Some vineyards are now starting to see growth from secondary buds, Pallischeck said. This is where hope lies in salvaging a 2023 vintage for many, she told the AP by email. In Vermont, Joseph said the new growth at Shelburne Vineyards is too late to produce fruit that would ripen this season. U.S. Sens. Charles Schumer and Kirsten Gillibrand, both of New York, have asked the USDA for disaster relief for orchards and vineyards but did not specify how much was needed as damage is still being assessed. New York is the countrys second top apple-producing state after Washington. Connecticut Gov. Ned Lamont has requested a federal agriculture disaster declaration for the state, which, if approved, would make federal disaster assistance programs, such as emergency loans, available to farmers to cover losses. Vermont's agriculture secretary is asking agriculture officials in other New England states, as well as New York, New Jersey and Pennsylvania, to join Vermont in seeking more USDA aid, saying that without it, businesses could downsize or close, delivering devastating blows to local economies. To try to prevent frost damage in the Finger Lakes, some wineries ran tractors through the vineyards and a few used wind turbines to increase airflow. Others burned hay for heat or mowed the grass short in the vineyard to help keep the cold air away from the fruiting wire, according to a statement released by Schumer and Gillibrand. In Vermont, at least one small orchard sprayed their apple trees with water to encase them in ice to protect them from the plunging temperature, but they still lost their crop, according to Terence Bradshaw, associate professor in the plant and soil science department at the University of Vermont. Bradshaw, who also is a tree fruit and viticulture specialist, estimates Vermont lost 50% to 70% of its commercial apple crop. The length of time that the temperature dipped below freezing was unusual but it was a confluence of circumstances the bud stage, susceptible plant tissues that were out, and a lack of wind that caused such damage, he said. The late frost was rare enough that Bradshaw doesn't think area orchards and vineyards will invest in frost irrigation or other frost protections. Some apple growers may have a little bit more fruit than they expected, Bradshaw said. The question is how much is enough to justify not throwing in the towel for the year and just say lets step away, you know, cut our costs," he said. The top Democrat on the House Financial Services Committee, Maxine Waters (D-Calif.), is calling on committee chairman Patrick Henry (R-N.C.) to schedule a hearing on the implications of big tech's foray into artificial intelligence In a letter Thursday, Waters requested that McHenry "immediately schedule" a committee hearing on the implications of ChatGPT, Microsoft Bings AI chat, and other AI for the housing and financial services industry. "The speed at which AI is being developed can potentially outpace Congress and regulators roles in fully assessing and understanding the harms of AI systems and the ability to put in place integral consumer and investor protections," Waters wrote. "The Committee must move quickly to consider the potentially disruptive effects of these powerful AI models." Waters says if AIs growth is not monitored closely, it could inflict large-scale societal and economic harm, including the potential for exposing consumers data, creating inaccurate financial assessments, and spreading misinformation, posing risks to financial stability. Goldman Sachs, for example, has warned that if AI delivers on its promised capabilities, the job market could face significant disruption. The investment bank estimates roughly two-thirds of current jobs are exposed to some degree of AI automation and that AI could cost 300 million jobs globally. (Though, theoretically, that would be offset with the creation of new jobs.) Take my AI, please! OpenAI CEO Sam Altman last May testifies before a Senate hearing in Washington DC titled 'Oversight of A.I.: Rules for Artificial Intelligence.' (REUTERS/Elizabeth Frantz) Waters spearheaded a task force last congress on financial technologies and AI, which raised ethical and legal concerns about bias and discrimination by algorithms, especially if automated programs dont perform as intended. The task force found AI could embed inequities in financial services and the housing market by using data that reflect underlying bias or discrimination. Waters's warning comes after Sam Altman, chief executive of OpenAI, an AI research technology company backed by Microsoft (MSFT) that helped create ChatGPT, testified last month before a Senate Judiciary subcommittee that government intervention will be necessary to reign in the risks of AI systems. "I would form a new agency that licenses any effort above a certain scale of capabilities, and can take that license away and ensure compliance with safety standards," Altman said. "No. 2, I would create a set of safety standards...[There should be] specific tests a model has to pass before it can be deployed in the world." Altman also said that it will be important to include "independent audits" from "experts who can say that the model is or isn't in compliance with state and safety thresholds." Top tech CEOs from tech companies working on AI technology including Sundar Pichai, CEO of Google parent Alphabet (GOOG), which has developed the AI chatbot Bard, Microsoft CEO Satya Nadella, and OpenAIs Altman all met with Vice President Kamala Harris and Commerce Secretary Gina Raimondo last month to discuss the dangers of AI and Washingtons role in it. Much has been made about incorrect answers, fabricated information, and other concerning interactions with Microsofts ChatGPT, which caused the company to pull it back initially after its launch in February before putting it up again. A new report from the Wall Street Journal this week revealed that some of Microsofts executives felt ChatGPT was being launched too fast, largely because kinks were still being worked out. OpenAI, meanwhile, had suggested Microsoft move slower on integrating its AI technology with Bing. Both parties in Congress have expressed concerns with AI, including Rep. McHenry, who is worried about privacy and other risks associated with the fast-rising technology. - Jennifer Schonberger has been a financial journalist for over 14 years covering markets, the economy and investing. At Yahoo Finance she covers the Federal Reserve, cryptocurrencies, and the intersection of business and politics. You can follow her @Jenniferisms Rep. Adam Schiff, D-Calif. (John Minchillo/AP) WASHINGTON (AP) The House has rejected an effort to censure California Rep. Adam Schiff, turning aside a Republican attempt to fine the Democrat over his comments about former President Donald Trump and investigations into his ties to Russia. Schiff, the former Democratic chairman of the House Intelligence Committee and the lead prosecutor in Trumps first impeachment trial, has long been a top Republican political target. Soon after taking back the majority this year, Republicans blocked him from sitting on the intelligence panel. But Schiff was helped Wednesday by more than 20 Republicans who voted with Democrats to stop the censure resolution or voted present, giving Democrats enough votes to block the measure. The vote was a rare victory for Democrats in the Republican-led House, and they cheered and patted Schiff on the back after the vote was gaveled down. Im flattered they think Im so effective they have to go after me in this way," Schiff, who is running for Senate in his liberal state, told reporters afterward. "Its not going to deter me. Florida Rep. Anna Paulina Luna, a newly elected Republican who sponsored the measure, passed Schiff in the hallway after the vote and told him she would try again. Luna later tweeted that she would remove a portion of the resolution that suggested a $16 million fine if the House Ethics Committee determined that Schiff lied, made misrepresentations and abused sensitive information. Some Republicans, including Kentucky Rep. Thomas Massie, had argued that the fine which Luna had said was half the cost of the Mueller probe was unconstitutional. 'See you next week, Adam' Next week, we will be filing a motion to censure and investigate Schiff, Luna tweeted. We are removing fine as that seems to be what made these Republicans uneasy. She tweeted, See you next week, Adam. The resolution says that Schiff held positions of power during Trumps presidency and abused this trust by saying there was evidence of collusion between Trumps campaign and Russia. Schiff was one of the most outspoken critics of the former president as both the Justice Department and the Republican-led House launched investigations into Trumps ties to Russia in 2017. By repeatedly telling these falsehoods, Representative Schiff purposely deceived his Committee, Congress, and the American people, the resolution said. Special counsel Robert Mueller, who led the two-year Justice Department investigation, determined that Russia intervened on the campaigns behalf and that Trumps campaign welcomed the help. But Muellers team did not find that the campaign conspired to sway the election, and the Justice Department did not recommend any charges. The congressional probe, launched by Republicans who were then in the majority, similarly found that Russia intervened in the election but that there was no evidence of a conspiracy. Schiff was the top Democrat on the panel at the time. If the House had voted to censure him, Schiff would have stood in the front of the chamber while the text of the resolution was read. On Tuesday, Schiff told reporters that the censure resolution was red meat that Speaker Kevin McCarthy is throwing to his conference amid squabbles over government spending. Republicans are trying to show their fealty to Trump, Schiff said. Warned to country about Trump He said he warned the country during impeachment proceedings three years ago that Trump "would go on to do worse. And of course he did worse in the form of a violent attack on the Capitol. After Democrats won the House majority in 2018, the House impeached Trump for abuse of power after he threatened to withhold military aid to Ukraine and urged the countrys president to investigate then-candidate Joe Biden. Schiff was the lead House prosecutor making the case for conviction to the Senate right matters, he said repeatedly but the Republican-led chamber ultimately acquitted him. Trump was impeached a second time a year later, after he had left office, for his role in the January 6, 2021 insurrection at the Capitol of his supporters. The Senate again acquitted Trump. Luna in the censure resolution against Schiff also cited a report released in May from special counsel John Durham that found that the FBI rushed into its investigation of Trumps campaign and relied too much on raw and unconfirmed intelligence. Durham said investigators repeatedly relied on confirmation bias, ignoring or rationalizing away evidence that undercut their premise of a Trump-Russia conspiracy as they pushed the probe forward. But he did not allege that political bias or partisanship were guiding factors for the FBIs actions. Trump had claimed that Durham's report would reveal the crime of the century and expose a deep state conspiracy by high-ranking government officials to derail his candidacy and later his presidency. But the investigation yielded only one conviction a guilty plea from a little-known FBI employee and the only two other cases that were brought both ended in acquittals at trial. The House censure resolution comes days after Trump was indicted on detailed federal charges of hoarding classified documents several of which dealt with sensitive national security matters and attempting to conceal them. House Republicans, most of whom are loyal to Trump, say the indictment is evidence that the government is conspiring against the former president. McCarthy, R-Calif., called the indictment a grave injustice and said that House Republicans will hold this brazen weaponization of power accountable. Democratic Rep. Jason Crow of Colorado, who served as an impeachment manager with Schiff, says Republicans are trying to rewrite history. This is clearly a handful of Republican members of the House that are trying to do Donald Trumps bidding and trying to distract from his very serious legal problems, Crow said. Heather Graham is living her best life in Jamaica and shes got the snaps to prove it. The 53-year-old actress just dropped the most epic vacay pics on Instagram, showing off her killer abs as she rocked a tiny string swimsuit. And damn, shes looking hella strong! So howd she get that fit? Well, Heather has been a serious and devoted yogi for years. She also does Pilates. And on the food front, she avoids sugar and white flour. Heather Graham recently wrapped up her movie, Chosen Family, and shes taking some quality time at a beach in Jamaica, as one does. The 53-year-old actress-director just dropped a slew of shots of herself cruising white sandy beaches in a white string swimsuit that showed just how fit shes looking these days. Theres Heather strolling along the shore with her toned abs and sculpted legs on full display; a close-up of Heather in the water, looking all kinds of strong; Heather perched in a chair showing a hint of her toned booty; Heather and a pal poolside; and Heather goofing off in a tub. Grateful I got to spend time on this beautiful beach with @feministabulous! she wrote in the caption. People totally freaked in the comments. There is a God, one wrote. Are you aging backwards?! Roller girl didnt even look this good! , another said. You dont age! Looking fabulous, said a fan who just had to reiterate how fresh Heather looks. OK, so whats Heather doing to look so strong? Shes big into yoga, for starters. I do more vinyasa, power ashtanga, she revealed on the talk show Harry five years ago. (She then proceeded to show off some seriously impressive moves.) She also showed off her flexibility while doing yoga on the beach with actress Nina Bergman in 2021: My yoga teacher in L.A. is a friend, and Ive often said her classes are like healthy raves," Heather previously told Woman & Home. She plays upbeat music, which not a lot of yoga teachers do, and it distracts you from the pain. Im obsessed with yoga. For fun, I would go on a yoga retreat and do four hours of yoga a day, she told Refinery 29 in a 2013 interview. Pilates is also in the mix, according along with dancing. Heather is also just active. She regularly shares pics of herself doing outdoorsy thing, including biking around Aspen, Colorado: On the food front, Heather told Woman & Home that she likes to make her own meals. I cook healthy food, and love getting creative with salads one of my favorites is a salad with broccoli, hazelnuts, feta cheese, and cherry tomatoes. Its delicious, she shared. Also in the mix? Guac. Guacamoles a bit of an obsession of mine. I make loads of it, Heather said. Enjoy that time off, Heather! You Might Also Like Nathan Carman has died while awaiting trial for killing his mother (Associated Press) A Vermont man has died in custody while awaiting trial on charges of killing his mother at sea, federal authorities said on Thursday. Nathan Carman, 29, was accused of the first-degree murder of his mother Linda Carman during a 2016 boating trip in what prosecutors alleged was a plot to inherit millions of dollars. Carman pleaded not guilty last year to fraud and first-degree murder and had been due to go on trial in October. The cause of his death was not immediately known. In September 2016, Carman arranged a fishing trip from a Rhode Island marina with his mother, during which his boat reportedly sank and his mother disappeared. Carman was found floating in an inflatable raft eight days later, while his mother has never been found. Prosecutors allege that Carman made alterations to the boat to make it more likely to sink. He was also accused of killing his grandfather, John Chakalos, who was shot dead in his home in Windsor, Connecticut, in 2013. Chakaloss killing was part of a scheme by Carman to obtain millions of dollars from his grandfathers estate, according to an eight-count indictment. He had not been charged in that case. Chakalos had made a fortune of tens of millions of dollars by building and renting nursing homes. Last May, Carman was arrested and charged with his mothers murder. Prosecutors urged him to be held in custody pending trial as he was a flight risk. Carman was being held by US Marshalls at the time of his death. His attorney Martin Minnella told the Associated Press that he had been in good spirits when they spoke on Wednesday, and they had been due to meet again on Thursday. We were meeting with some experts today over Zoom at 12 oclock. We were prepared to start picking a jury on October 10 and we were confident we were going to win, he said. Its just a tragedy, a tragedy. Nathan Carman was rescued by the US Coast Guard station in 2016. His mother Linda was never found, and he was later charged with her murder (Associated Press) According to prosecutors, Carmans inheritance scheme began nearly a decade ago when he purchased a rifle in New Hampshire and used it to shoot Chakalos while he was asleep in his Connecticut home on 20 December 2013. Carman then discarded his own computer hard drive and the GPS unit that had been in his truck, according to the indictment. After his grandfathers death, Carman received $550,000. He moved from Bloomfield, Connecticut, to Vernon, Vermont, in 2014, was unemployed, and by 2016 had squandered most of his inheritance, they alleged. He then organised the fatal boating trip with his mother Linda, of Middletown, Connecticut. In 2019, Chakalos three surviving daughters filed a lawsuit in New Hampshire seeking to block Carman from receiving any more of his grandfathers inheritance. The case was dismissed after a judge ruled that Chakalos was not a New Hampshire resident. It was later refiled in Connecticut and was still pending. The three sisters issued a statement to the AP saying they were deeply saddened by Carmans death. While we process this shocking news and its impact on the tragic events surrounding the last several years we ask for your understanding and respect relative to our privacy, they said through a lawyer. Two people have been charged in a weekend shooting that left one officer injured. London Staggs, 17, and Chance Benson, 18, each face four counts of attempted murder, firing into an occupied vehicle, and use of a weapon during a violent crime. Around 11 p.m. Saturday, officers received a report of a person with a gun near 14th Avenue North and Chester Street in Myrtle Beach. Two Myrtle Beach Police officers and two South Carolina State Law Enforcement Division agents responded in one vehicle, according to the Horry County Police Department, the investigating agency. As officers approached, a group of suspects began shooting into the vehicle and fled shortly after. One officer sustained a non-life threatening gunshot injury. Bond hearings for Benson and Staggs have not been set yet. The investigation is still active. BUENOS AIRES, Argentina (AP) A federal judge in Argentina has called on Interpol to detain four Lebanese citizens, so they can be questioned for their suspected role in the 1994 bombing of the AMIA Jewish community center that killed 85 people. Regarding these individuals, there are well-founded suspicions that they are collaborators or operational agents of the armed wing of Hezbollah, judge Daniel Rafecas wrote in a resolution dated June 13 that the Associated Press obtained Thursday. Argentine prosecutors have long alleged that Iranian officials used the Lebanon-based militant group Hezbollah to carry out the deadly attack. Iran has long denied any involvement in the incident. Both the United States and Argentina have designated Hezbollah as a terrorist organization. Most of the Lebanese citizens now being sought by Rafecas have ties to the porous tri-border region that connects Argentina, Brazil and Paraguay and that the United States has long said is a hub for terrorism financing. Rafecas has called for the detention of Hussein Mounir Mouzannar, who has a Paraguayan national ID and could be living either in Paraguay or Brazil, as well as Farouk Abdul Hay Omairi, a naturalized Brazilian citizen whose last known address was on the Brazilian side of the tri-border region. The other two people who are sought for questioning are Ali Hussein Abdallah, a naturalized Brazilian citizen who has both Brazilian and Paraguayan passports, and Abdallah Salman, who is believed to be living in Beirut. SYDNEY (Reuters) - Australia's most decorated war veteran, found by a civil court to have played a part in the murder of four Afghans while serving in Afghanistan, said he was devastated by what he called an "incorrect" judgement and he would not apologise for his actions. In his first public comments since the court ruling, Ben Roberts-Smith, holder of the Victoria Cross and other top military honours, said he remained proud of his actions in Afghanistan, where he served in the Special Air Service on six tours from 2006 to 2012. An Australian federal court judge on June 1 dismissed Roberts-Smith's defamation case against three newspapers for articles accusing him of violating the rules of engagement and killing unarmed Afghans. In his ruling the judge said the newspapers had proven substantial truth in their reporting. "I'm devastated with the result, it's a terrible outcome and it's the incorrect outcome," Roberts-Smith told television network Nine Entertainment at Perth Airport baggage claim late on Wednesday. "We haven't done anything wrong so we won't be making any apologies," he added. Asked if he remained proud of his actions in Afghanistan, Roberts-Smith replied "of course I am." The civil court defamation finding required a lower threshold of proof than a criminal court would. Roberts-Smith, 44, whose portrait hangs in the Australian War Memorial, has not been charged with any crimes. Still, the judgment was embraced by the defendants and representatives of the media and defence industries as a win for public interest journalism and transparency in relation to Australia's military conduct abroad. Roberts-Smith was not in court for the judgment, which followed 110 days of hearings spread over a year, and was photographed by media in Bali, Indonesia, at the time. He was more recently photographed in New Zealand, where he caught a flight to Australia. "We will look at it (the judgement) and consider whether or not we need to file an appeal," Roberts-Smith said in the brief airport interview. "We'll just have to work through it and I'll take the advice as it comes." (Reporting by Byron Kaye; Editing by Michael Perry) (Reuters) - Australia's AGL Energy said on Thursday it has partnered with energy giant BP for a three-year agreement to offer discounted charging to drivers of electric vehicles in New South Wales, as more companies look to pivot to green energy. Under the deal, the company and BP Pulse, the electric vehicle charging business of the London-based firm, will offer customers in New South Wales special charging rates and ultra-fast chargers when they sign up for AGL's existing Electric Vehicle (EV) at-home programme. The company also said that as a part of the agreement, both parties will look to explore and collaborate on the public charging infrastructure powered by renewable energy. BP said the agreement is in line with its strategy to roll out its network of 600 BP Pulse EV charging points across Australia by 2025. "As we transition to a low-carbon future, this agreement will empower our customers with innovative, sustainable and cost-effective EV charging solutions," AGL Chief Customer Officer Jo Egan said. The demand for electric vehicles has been on the rise recently, with multiple companies looking to expand their portfolios towards sustainable energy. (Reporting by Archishma Iyer in Bengaluru; Editing by Pooja Desai) Google's new generative AI tech can drastically improve the shopping experiences of consumers. The giant tech firm announced its new Virtual Try-On feature on Wednesday, June 14. Via its official blog post, Google explained that consumers could easily swap clothes when visiting stores. They can just ask sales associates for assistance and they can leave the store with the clothes they want. "You should feel just as confident shopping for clothes online," said Google. This is why the search engine giant decided to launch the new Virtual Try-On AI feature. New Google AI Enhances Online Shopping Experience According to Tech Crunch's latest report, the new Virtual Try-On feature is a part of Google's effort to enhance its Google Shopping service. Read Also: ChatGPT AI-Delivered Sermon Tells German Church Attendees Not to Fear Death As of writing, this artificial intelligence feature is only available in the United States. The new Virtual Try-On feature is already integrated into various products of top clothing brands, such as LOFT, H&M, Everlane, etc. To ensure its efficiency, Google is using a new diffusion-based model it developed internally to power the new Virtual Try-On tech. The tech giant manufacturer trained the new generative AI model using many pairs of photos; each photo includes a model wearing apparel in two different positions. The latest Virtual Try-On feature is a big deal for the Google Shopping section. "When you try on clothes in a store, you can immediately tell if they're right for you," said Google Consumer Shopping Product Director Lilian Rincon. She explained that 42% of online shoppers don't feel represented by photos of models on Google. The Google official added that 59% of them feel dissatisfied when shopping for clothes online because their ordered apparel looks different in person. How To Use Virtual Try-On Since many online shoppers are not really confident when it comes to buying clothes, the Virtual Try-On is expected to change this scenario. Using Google Shopping's new AI feature is a piece of cake. All you need to do is click the "Try On" badge (not all product has this icon). The "Try On" badge is located in the upper right corner of the image. Then, tap on that button and select from the models available that you think have your body type. Google selected models with body types ranging from XXS to 4XL. To learn more about the new Virtual Try-On feature, you can visit this link. Related Article: Google May Be Forced to Split Ad-Tech Division Due to EU Antitrust Charges @ 2023 HNGN, All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission. A woman accused of abandoning her infant in a box beside a South Carolina highway in 2008 will serve four years in prison. Thursday's sentencing wraps up a case that had gone cold until police arrested Jennifer Sahr three years ago in the death of the newborn known as Baby Boy Horry. Sahr was a college student at Coastal Carolina University when the baby was abandoned. Circuit Court Judge Paul Burch handed down a 10-year prison sentence, with four years suspended and additional time off for a period Sahr spent under house arrest. Formerly known as Jennifer Rickel, she had been awaiting trial in Pensacola, Florida, with her husband and two children a 2-year-old and a 5-year-old. The children were the most important consideration in the sentence, Burch said, and he prayed they will be taken care of while their mother is incarcerated. Sahr faced between two and 30 years in prison for voluntary manslaughter. She entered a so-called Alford plea last September, which maintained her innocence while recognizing that the evidence would likely result in a guilty verdict if the case went to trial. The prosecutor acknowledged that Sahr has lived a wonderful life" since 2008. She has a loving family, he said, and graduated college in 2010 with honors. But prison time was necessary to send a strong message about abandoning a baby to die, the prosecutor told the judge. Ronald Woodham III, Baby Horry's father, told the judge he had compassion for Sahr but questioned what message a slap on the wrist would send. Sahr's lawyer argued that his client poses no threat and that probation would be more appropriate. He said Sahr did not know she was pregnant until she gave birth in the middle of the night, making it unlikely her prison sentence would send any message to someone in a similar position. BEIJING (AP) Microsoft Corp. co-founder Bill Gates says he is in Beijing, joining a series of foreign business figures who have visited China as the ruling Communist Party tries to revive investor interest in the country. Gates, who stepped down as Microsoft chairman in 2014, said on Twitter late Wednesday that he would meet partners who have worked with his charitable foundation. However, Gates is revered in China as an entrepreneur, giving Chinese leaders a chance to show their interest in foreign business by publicizing any meetings with him. CEOs of global companies including Elon Musk of Tesla Ltd. and Apple Inc.s Tim Cook have visited China this year and met Premier Li Qiang, the top economic official, and Cabinet ministers following the end of anti-virus controls that blocked most international travel. Im excited to visit with partners who have been working on global health and development challenges with @gatesfoundation for more than 15 years, Gates wrote on Twitter. He gave no details. The ruling party is trying to revive foreign interest in Chinas slowing economy and reassure companies that have been rattled by anti-monopoly and data-security crackdowns, raids on consulting firms, tension with Washington and pressure to align their plans with official development goals. WASHINGTON (AP) U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken will travel to China this weekend as part of the Biden administrations push to repair deteriorating ties between Washington and Beijing and keep lines of communication open, the State Department said Wednesday. Blinken will be the most senior U.S. official to visit China since President Joe Biden took office. His visit had initially been planned for early this year but was postponed indefinitely after the discovery and shootdown of what the U.S. said was a Chinese spy balloon over the United States. Since then, however, there have been lower-level engagements between the U.S. and China despite ongoing hostility and recriminations over both sides actions in the Taiwan Strait, the South China Sea, Chinas refusal to condemn Russia for its war against Ukraine, and allegations from Washington that Beijing is attempting to boost its worldwide surveillance capabilities, including in Cuba. The State Department said Blinken had spoken with his Chinese counterpart, Foreign Minister Qin Gang, on Tuesday night to confirm his trip, which will begin on Sunday and was first reported by The Associated Press and other news organizations last week. Blinken will leave Washington late Friday. While in Beijing, Secretary Blinken will meet with senior PRC officials where he will discuss the importance of maintaining open lines of communication to responsibly manage the U.S.-PRC relationship, the department said, using the acronym for the Peoples Republic of China. He will also raise bilateral issues of concern, global and regional matters, and potential cooperation on shared transnational challenges. Two senior U.S. officials downplayed the prospects for any significant breakthrough on the wide array of problems between the countries during Blinken's visit. Instead, they said it was aimed at restoring a sense of calm and normalcy to high-level contacts. This is a really critical series of engagements that well have in Beijing at a crucial time in the relationship that we again hope will, at a minimum, reduce the risk of miscalculation so that we do not veer into potential conflict, said Daniel Kritenbrink, the top U.S. diplomat for East Asia and the Pacific. Were not going to Beijing with the intent of having some sort of breakthrough or transformation in the way that we deal with one another, he said. Were coming to Beijing with a realistic, confident approach and a sincere desire to manage our competition in the most responsible way possible. Were clear-eyed about the PRC, said Kurt Campbell, the top Asia expert at the National Security Council. We know efforts to shape or reform China over several decades have failed and we expect China to be around and to be a major player on the world stage for the rest of our lifetimes. As the competition continues, the PRC will take provocative steps from the Taiwan Strait to Cuba and we will push back, Campbell said. But intense competition requires intense diplomacy if were going to manage tensions. That is the only way to clear up misperceptions, to signal, to communicate, and to work together where and when our interests align. In its readout of the Blinken-Qin phone call, China's foreign ministry said Qin urged the United States to respect Chinas core concerns such as the issue of Taiwans self-rule, stop interfering in Chinas internal affairs, and stop harming Chinas sovereignty, security and development interests in the name of competition. Qin noted China-U.S. ties have encountered new difficulties and challenges since the beginning of the year, and the two sides responsibility is to work together to properly manage differences, promote exchanges and cooperation and stabilize relations, it said. Blinken, who will be the first secretary of state to visit China since 2018, expects to meet with Qin on Sunday, as well as Chinas top diplomat, Wang Yi, and possibly Chinese President Xi Jinping on Monday, according to U.S. officials. The trip will take place amid myriad complications in U.S-China relations, which have steadily declined over the past several years dating back to the Trump administration, starting with trade and industrial espionage. Those concerns grew rapidly to include human rights concerns over the treatment of Uyghur Muslims and other minorities in Chinas western region of Xinjang, Hong Kong, Tibet, and increasing Chinese aggressiveness toward Taiwan, and then escalated over questions about the origin of the COVID-19 virus. Blinkens visit came out of a meeting in Bali last year between Xi and Biden, who agreed that the worlds two largest economies must remain in contact and take precautions to ensure there are no miscalculations in their global rivalry that could lead to conflict. The trip came within a day of happening in February but was delayed after the spy balloon incident. Beijing insists the craft was a weather balloon that strayed off course. Contacts after that have taken place, but they have been rare as tensions have risen over Chinas conduct in the South China Sea, aggressive actions toward Taiwan and support for Russias war against Ukraine. Earlier this month, Chinas defense minister rebuffed a request from U.S. Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin for a meeting on the sidelines of a security symposium in Singapore. However, shortly after postponing his trip to Beijing, Blinken met briefly with Wang at the Munich Security Conference in Germany. And, CIA chief William Burns traveled to China in May, while Chinas commerce minister traveled to the U.S.. And Bidens national security adviser Jake Sullivan met with Wang in Vienna in early May. More recently, the top U.S. diplomat for the Asia-Pacific region, Daniel Kritenbrink, traveled to China last week along with a senior National Security Council official to finalize details of Blinkens trip. Just in the past several days, though, the Biden administration has said that it has quietly blunted Chinese efforts to bolster its intelligence collection and military capabilities around the world, including in Cuba. Blinken said on Monday that when Biden took office in January 2021, U.S. intelligence agencies briefed him on a number of sensitive efforts by Beijing around the world to expand their overseas logistics, foreign collections infrastructure to allow them to project and sustain military power at a greater distance." Although the Chinese had already upgraded their facilities in Cuba in 2019, Blinken said Biden determined that more needed to be done because Trump administration officials werent making enough progress on this issue and we needed a more direct approach. He did not elaborate on what had been done since, although the Biden administration has moved rapidly to expand its diplomatic presence, especially in Indian Ocean and the Pacific island nations, where it has opened or has plans to open at least five new embassies over the next year or so. Weve been executing on that approach quietly, carefully, but in our judgment, with results, Blinken said. Weve engaged governments that are considering hosting PRC bases at high levels. We have exchanged information with them. Our experts assess that our diplomatic efforts slowed down this effort by the PRC. After his meetings in Beijing, Blinken will travel to London to attend a Ukraine reconstruction conference on June 21, the State Department said. Good morning and welcome to the A.M. Alert! CALIFORNIA HATE HOTLINE RECORDS 180 ACTS OF HATE IN FIRST MONTH One month after the California Civil Rights Department introduced its new hate hotline, the agency has recorded 180 reports from across the state. Make no mistake: Hate and discrimination remain a threat across the country, Director Kevin Kish said in a statement. However, here in California, youre not alone in the face of hate. According to Kish, nearly half of those who reported hate acts accepted services from department staff, including help in getting legal aid and counseling. No place is immune to hate, but in California, were committed to doing everything in our power to uplift, protect, and heal all our communities, Kish said. Hate acts related to race and ethnicity were the most commonly reported, followed by religion and sexual orientation. The vast majority of reports were made by people who reported being targeted directly by an act of hate. The CA vs Hate hotline accepts all reports of hate acts, and unlike law enforcement is not limited to those rising to the level of a criminal offense. The hotline is available in more than 200 languages over the phone, with 15 different languages in the online portal. THOUSANDS OF CHILDCARE WORKERS EXPECTED TO MARCH THURSDAY As California lawmakers gather inside the Capitol Thursday to vote on the 2023-24 budget, thousands of unionized child care providers from across the state will gather outside, calling on Gov. Gavin Newsom to approve the proposal for immediate pay increases. Child Care Providers United has a contract with the state that expires June 30. Thus far, there has been no agreement in collective bargaining. California child care providers who provide care subsidized by the state for low-wage working parents are being paid rates that cover just 25-30% of their current costs to provide quality care, the union said in a statement. And since 2012, 25% of Californias child care providers have left the workforce. The system is at a breaking point and so are providers. Providers from Los Angeles, San Diego and the Central Valley are expected to attend, along with thousands more from Northern California, the union said. The rally is set to take place on the west steps of the Capitol starting at 10:15 a.m. UNDOCUMENTED WOMEN GET LOWEST PAY IN U.S. Undocumented women are the lowest paid workers in America, according to a new report from the Los Angeles-based Gender Equity Policy Institute. According to the report, for every dollar an undocumented man makes in California, an undocumented woman makes just 87 cents. When compared to white men, they make even less: Just 44 cents for every dollar, according to the report. Everyone else is paid more than undocumented women when performing the same work. Since the labor market penalizes undocumented women for their immigration status and gender, their well-being is substantially shaped by the extent their home states policies either advance or hinder immigrant rights, Natalia Vega Varela, the lead author on the report, said in a statement. According to the report, there are 11 million undocumented immigrants living in the U.S., with the largest population in California 2 million, including 900,000 women. New York was the only state where undocumented women and men were paid roughly the same. California has the lowest poverty rate (16%) for undocumented women, while Texas (27%) has the largest, followed by Florida and New York (both at 21%). QUOTE(S) OF THE DAY The judiciary committee just voted to allow government to discriminate based on race when providing services, as proposed by #ACA7. I fundamentally disagree with this backwards policy as do 57% of Californians who voted to prohibit Affirmative Action when they adopted #Prop209. - Assemblyman Bill Essayli, R-Riverside, via Twitter. This is a perfect example how a minority can become a white supremacist by doing everything possible to win white supremacist and fascist affection. History will judge him poorly. His politics is dangerous and should be combated at every turn. #antiracism - Assemblyman Corey Jackson, D-Moreno Valley, responding to the above tweet, via Twitter. Best of The Bee: BEIJING (AP) Chinese Premier Li Qiang met with visiting Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas on Thursday in a drive by Beijing to elevate relations and increase its overall presence in the Middle East. Li, who took office just this spring with little foreign policy experience, called Abbas an old friend of the Chinese people who has made important contributions to the promotion of China-Palestinian relations. The meeting came a day after Abbas was greeted with full military honors by Xi Jinping, Chinas president and head of the ruling Communist Party. The sides then announced the formation of a "strategic partnership, paving the way to boost Chinas influence in the region at a time when Beijing's chief rival for global influence, the United States, is seen as withdrawing from the region following the conflicts in Iraq and Afghanistan and complications in ties with regional power Saudi Arabia. China, meanwhile, is seeking energy resources and markets for its military and civilian exports while also promoting its version of authoritarian government as part of joint challenge with Russia to the Western-led democratic world order. Beijing has long maintained diplomatic ties with the Palestinian Authority, and it appointed a special envoy to meet with Israeli and Palestinian officials. But its experience in the region is mainly limited to construction, manufacturing and other economic projects. China relies on such partnerships to bolster its diplomatic posture and give large Chinese corporations a leg up when negotiating infrastructure deals in line with the governments Belt and Road Initiative, which has left many struggling countries in deep debt to Chinese banks. China also has sought close ties with Israel to expand its diplomatic presence and to gain access to high technology. Abbas visit follows Chinas hosting of talks between Iran and Saudi Arabia that resulted in the restoring of diplomatic relations between the two Mideast rivals and boosting Chinas standing in the region. The Riyadh-Tehran rapprochement was seen as a diplomatic victory for China as Gulf Arab states perceive the United States as gradually withdrawing from the wider region. China has hosted a growing list of world leaders since reopening its borders in the spring after a three-year virtual shutdown due to its extreme zero-COVID policy. Those have included French President Emmanuel Macron and European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, whose visits sparked controversy over China's pursuit of its campaign to cut off foreign support for self-governing Taiwan and block criticism of its human rights record. Next week, U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken is expected to visit Beijing after previous plans were postponed over the presence of an alleged Chinese spy balloon over the U.S. Diplomatic relations between Washington and Beijing are at their lowest in decades over trade, technology, U.S. support for Taiwan and an intensifying competition for influence in Asia and elsewhere. Following that visit, Li is travelling to France and Germany, marking his debut on the international stage as premier and the second-ranking member of the ruling party. The Foreign Ministry announcemed Thursday that Li would take part in a seventh round of China-Germany government talks and attend a financial summit in Paris during the June 18-23 visits. By Jonathan Stempel NEW YORK (Reuters) - CoinEx agreed to pay $1.8 million and be banned from operating in New York to settle state Attorney General Letitia James' lawsuit accusing the cryptocurrency exchange of operating illegally because it failed to register with the state. A proposed settlement was filed on Wednesday in a New York state court in Manhattan, and requires a judge's approval. It calls for CoinEx to be banned from offering, selling or buying securities and commodities in New York, or making its platform available in the state. The payment includes $1.17 million of refunds to 4,691 investors, which may be reduced if they withdraw crypto assets during a specified 90-day period, plus a $626,000 fine. CoinEx did not admit wrongdoing in agreeing to settle. The Hong Kong-based platform was founded in 2017 and is also known as Vino Global Ltd. "Unregistered crypto platforms pose a risk to investors, consumers, and the broader economy," James said in a statement. "Today's agreement should serve as a warning to crypto companies that there are hefty consequences for ignoring New York's laws." Neither CoinEx nor its lawyer immediately responded on Thursday to requests for comment. James sued CoinEx in February, saying its failure to register before buying and selling tokens such as AMP, LBRY, LUNA and Rally violated the Martin Act, a powerful state law used to fight financial fraud. The case was part of her enforcement efforts to rein in what she has called "shadowy" crypto companies. Gary Gensler, who chairs the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission, has also targeted the crypto industry. This month the SEC sued Binance, the largest crypto platform, and Coinbase, the largest U.S. crypto platform, saying they operated as exchanges without registering with the agency. (Reporting by Jonathan Stempel in New York; editing by Jonathan Oatis) (Refiles to correct name in paragraph 15) By Laurie Chen BEIJING (Reuters) - A senior employee of the Beijing-based Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank (AIIB) said on Thursday he was advised to flee the country after resigning from the bank in protest over what he alleged was Chinese Communist Party influence. Bob Pickard, a Canadian national and former global communications chief for the AIIB, announced his resignation in a scathing social media post on Wednesday. Hours later Ottawa said it was freezing ties with the bank while it probed the allegations. Established by Chinese President Xi Jinping in 2016 as a Chinese alternative to the World Bank and other Western-led multilateral lending institutions, AIIB has 106 members worldwide, including Canada, and says it is an "apolitical" lender. "I high-tailed it out of there as soon as possible," Pickard told Reuters in a phone interview, adding he fled to Japan after tendering his resignation earlier this week. "I've been advised not to set foot in China anytime soon. From a country where the two Michaels were kidnapped by the government, we're maybe a little more sensitive or concerned about such things," he said, referring to the high-profile case of two Canadians detained in China for nearly three years from 2018-2021. He did not elaborate on who advised him to flee. China's embassy in Canada said late on Wednesday that Pickard's statements were "lies". China's foreign ministry on Thursday said the AIIB adhered to "principles of openness, meritocracy and transparency" when recruiting and managing staff. The AIIB earlier on Wednesday said it had accepted Pickard's resignation and called his comments "baseless and disappointing." It did not respond to a further request for comment. Canada's embassy in China did not immediately respond to requests for comment. 'NOT IN CANADA'S INTERESTS' Pickard said he did not believe the interests of Canada were served by the bank. "I felt the power of the (Communist) Party people interfered with our ability to clearly and transparently communicate," Pickard said, declining to name specific examples due to confidentiality agreements. "I feel the taxpayers of my country should not be financing this organisation which in the end will be of more benefit to China than any benefit to Canada." Canadian Finance Minister Chrystia Freeland on Wednesday said the country was freezing ties as it investigated the matter and did not rule out any outcome, a hint that Ottawa could pull out of a bank it officially joined in March 2018. "The relevant person's comments about AIIB are pure sensational hype and outright lies," China's embassy in Canada said in a statement on its website late Wednesday. China is an important member of the AIIB and has always followed multilateral rules and procedures, the embassy said. "Some countries frequently point fingers at others and make irresponsible remarks...This kind of behaviour is clearly 'authoritarian' behaviour," the embassy added. The clash marks a new dip in bilateral relations between Canada and China, which have been frosty for the last five years. Last month, China expelled a Canadian diplomat in Shanghai in a tit-for-tat move after Ottawa told a Toronto-based Chinese diplomat to leave, citing foreign interference. Canada has accused China of trying to interfere in its affairs through various schemes, including illegal police stations and the targeting of lawmakers. Beijing denies all such allegations. A public relations veteran, Pickard joined the AIIB in March 2022, according to his LinkedIn profile. Earlier this year, AIIB's president said the bank would not get dragged into political disputes. (This story has been refiled to correct the name of the Canadian finance minister in paragraph 15) (Reporting by Laurie Chen in Beijing; Additional reporting by Liz Lee; Editing by John Geddie and Lincoln Feast.) JOHANNESBURG (Reuters) - African leaders could propose a series of "confidence building measures" during their initial efforts to mediate in the conflict between Russia and Ukraine, according to a draft framework document seen by Reuters on Thursday. Senegal's President Macky Sall and South Africa's President Cyril Ramaphosa are heading a delegation including leaders from Zambia, the Comoros, and Egypt's prime minister that will travel to Kyiv on Friday and St. Petersburg on Saturday. They are expected to meet with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy and Russian President Vladimir Putin. The framework document, which has not been made public, lists a number of measures that could be proposed by the African leaders as part of the first stage of their engagement with the warring parties. Those measures could include a Russian troop pull-back, removal of tactical nuclear weapons from Belarus, suspension of an International Criminal Court arrest warrant targeting Putin, and sanctions relief. The list also includes an "unconditional grain and fertilizer deal". African countries have been hit hard by the fallout from the war, which has disrupted supplies of grain and other food supplies, aggravated food price inflation and worsened existing hunger crises on the continent. "The above-mentioned measures should aim to facilitate the creation of an environment conducive for a ceasefire, and that will allow the parties to build trust and to consider formulating their peace restoration strategies," the document said. A cessation of hostilities agreement could follow and would need to be accompanied by negotiations between Russia and the West, the document stated. (Reporting by Johannesburg Newsroom; Writing by Joe Bavier and Olivia Kumwenda-Mtbambo; Editing by Mark Potter) A study conducted by researchers has discovered that using prescription stimulants or "smart" drugs such as Ritalin and Adderall while not living with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) could decrease productivity and increase the amount of time needed to complete tasks. Despite this, students who were not diagnosed or were not living with ADHD have been often abused by students who were not diagnosed or not living with the ADHD neurotype. The researchers have given 40 participants (17 males, 23 females) aged 18 to 35 either 30mg of methylphenidate (MPH, or Ritalin/Concerta),15mg of dextroamphetamine (DEX like Adderall), 200mg of modafinil (MOD), or a placebo at four different testing sessions that occurred at least a week apart from one another. Upon receiving the dosage, the participants were made to perform different tasks, such as the knapsack optimization problem, to test their problem-solving skills, reaction time, spatial planning, and working memory. All the tasks were designed to stimulate the complex decision-making and problem-solving tasks encountered in everyday life. The study found out that taking the "smart" drugs decreased participants' performance in difficult tasks and problem-solving. While the doses enhanced their motivation, the amount of time they spent solving a problem increased by 50%. Scientists added they "spent almost as much time on the easiest instances under MPH as on the hardest instances under a placebo, without any corresponding improvement in performance," which came to the conclusion that while people's efforts increased, the quality of their efforts decreased, which meant doing more but their decisions were not as calculated as they were random. They also observed a reversal effect on those who used prescription drugs, where they performed below average when using it compared to when they took a placebo, on which they performed above average. "Our results suggest that these drugs don't actually make you 'smarter. Because of the dopamine the drugs induce, we expected to see increased motivation, and they do motivate one to try harder," said University of Cambridge professor Peter Bossaerts. He added those who performed poorly with the placebo only showed minor performance improvements after taking a drug. Read Also: ADHD Cases on the Rise in the US: Are More Women Getting Diagnosed? Adderall Shortage for ADHDers Meanwhile, in a guest commentary on the ADDitude Magazine website, Dr. Edward Hallowell observed the Adderall shortage had caused much anxiety to his medically-diagnosed ADHD clients, especially because the medication would assist them in having a proper executive function. "This uncertainty is causing extreme hardship for many of my patients," he said. "While stimulant medication is not exactly like insulin...it is like eyeglasses. Without your glasses, your execution of everything suffers." Hallowell called the limiting of the production of Adderall as part of an effort to reduce or prevent the reselling or misuse of the drug, specifically for neurotypical students, as nonsense. As the number of individuals getting diagnosed with ADHD was increasing, so too was the demand for the drug. "It's good news that the demand is high because that means more people are getting diagnosed," he added. "Not too long ago, it was hard to find a doctor who knew enough to diagnose and treat ADHD. Now that there are more people, especially adults, being diagnosed with neurodiverse disabilities like ADHD and autism, Hallowell saw it as necessary for clinicians like him to "be able to prescribe for them the medications they need to live more productive, fulfilled lives." Related article: Local Pharmacies Suffering From Prolonged Adderall Shortages @ 2023 HNGN, All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission. By Sakura Murakami and John Geddie TOKYO (Reuters) -The Pacific island nation of Palau has asked the United States to step up patrols of its waters after several incursions by Chinese vessels into its exclusive economic zone, President Surangel Whipps Jr. told Reuters in an interview. Whipps Jr. said he would also welcome a bigger U.S. military presence in the country, with troops stationed alongside existing coastguard and civil action teams, as Washington and Beijing vie for influence in the strategic region. "No matter what, we're going to be in the centre of whatever's happening, so it's important that we're protected," Whipps Jr. said during a visit to Tokyo on Wednesday, adding that "to get peace, you have to project strength". The Pentagon did not immediately respond to a request for comment. Asked about the incursions on Thursday, China's foreign ministry spokesperson Wang Wenbin said the vessels had taken shelter in the relevant waters and had not conducted any surveys or investigations. "Security cooperation between countries should not target third parties," he added. Palau, a remote archipelago of coral and volcanic islands in the western Pacific home to just over 20,000 people, has a decades-old pact with Washington whereby the U.S. retains responsibility for its defence and provides economic assistance - a legacy that has its roots in World War Two. The U.S. also has such pacts with the Pacific island states of Micronesia and the Marshall Islands, and struck a defence cooperation agreement with Papua New Guinea in May. China has also been seeking to bolster its security presence in the Pacific, and last year penned a security pact with the Solomon Islands that alarmed the U.S., Australia and New Zealand. REGIONAL FORUM PLEDGED TO TAKE UNITED POSITION Palau identified Chinese vessels in its waters as recently as last month, when a ship appeared to be surveying an area near fibre optic cables vital to the country's communications, Whipps Jr. said. He said he would raise the issue of the incursions at the regional Pacific Islands Forum leaders' meeting in November. The group has previously said it would take a united position on dealing with major powers, and last year rejected a push by China to sign a security and trade deal with 10 of its 18 members. U.S. Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin praised "small island states" like Palau in a speech in Singapore earlier this month and, in a 2021 meeting with Whipps Jr., expressed deep appreciation for the U.S.-Palau partnership. Palau has previously hosted U.S. military exercises and the U.S. plans to install over-the-horizon radar in the country by 2026. During the multi-day trip to Japan, Whipps Jr. also visited the Fukushima Dai-ichi Nuclear Power Plant, which experienced a triple core meltdown from a tsunami triggered by a massive earthquake in 2011. Japan is set to release a million tonnes of water starting this summer from the nuclear power plant into the Pacific Ocean. The water will have most of its radioactivity removed and be diluted to internationally approved levels but will still contain traces of tritium, an isotope that is difficult to separate from water. The plan has been criticised by some local fishermen and neighbouring countries, including South Korea, China and some Pacific island nations. But Whipps Jr. said he was not opposed to the plan and that he sensed regional resistance was also waning. "We've made a decision that what they're doing is right and we should support them," he said. (Reporting by Sakura Murakami and John Geddie; Editing by Michael Perry and Alex Richardson) First Lady Jill Biden, pictured during a 2022 visit to Homegirl Cafe in Los Angeles, raised money for President Biden's reelection campaign on Wednesday in Hollywood. (Genaro Molina / Los Angeles Times) First Lady Jill Biden touted her husband's accomplishments on job creation, gun-control legislation and infrastructure investment as she courted donors on Wednesday in her first California fundraising trip since President Biden announced he would seek reelection. Optimism, thats what drives my husband and nothing can slow him down, she told about 80 people gathered under an overcast sky in the backyard of a Lake Hollywood mansion. Joe is ready, as he likes to say, to finish the job. So as we get ready to jump back into a campaign, I cannot even believe Im already saying this think about how far weve come in the last three years. She pointed to the administrations efforts on the pandemic, the Russian invasion of Ukraine and the debt-ceiling crisis as examples of Joes steady leadership. When things look darkest and when my heart feels the sting of headlines in the news, I know that its Joes clear vision that I want steering us forward, Biden said. Democratic officials did not respond when asked how much donors contributed to attend the afternoon fundraiser held at a white modern farmhouse with the iconic Hollywood sign perched on a nearby hilltop. The five-bedroom home is owned by attorneys Lisa and Andrew Gilford. The event raised money for the Biden Victory Fund, a joint fundraising committee that includes Biden's campaign, the Democratic National Committee and state Democratic parties and can raise hundreds of thousands of dollars per donor. The fundraiser took place days after former President Trump was indicted on 37 charges related to his handling of classified documents, and one day after his appearance in a federal court in Miami. Jill Biden, who spoke for 11 minutes, did not directly mention the criminal case or Trump by name. But both clearly loomed in the background as she compared the Biden administration with what occurred before he took office in 2021. Her husbands leadership had led to the creation of 13 million jobs, a manufacturing boom, the bipartisan infrastructure law, lower drug prices and the passage of the first major gun-control legislation in decades, she said. Weve accomplished so much and I hope youre proud of Joe, because his wins are really your wins, she said. We know whats in store if these MAGA Republicans win because weve all lived through this. Biden reminded the audience of Trump shaping policy in late-night tweets and spoke of democracy and freedom being under constant assault. The difference between her husband winning a second term or a Republican taking the White House is stark, she said. That's the choice right now chaos and corruption, hatred and division on the one hand. You can choose that, or you can choose strong, steady leadership, Jill Biden said. We cannot go back to those dark days and we wont with your help. On Tuesday, Biden headlined two fundraisers for her husbands reelection campaign and spoke at an event for the Giffords Law Center to Prevent Gun Violence in the San Francisco Bay Area. The center is led by former Arizona Rep. Gabby Giffords, who was nearly killed in a 2011 assassination attempt and appeared alongside the First Lady. Biden, a professor, said at the Giffords' event that fears of a mass shooting at the community college where she teaches regularly cross her mind. "As a teacher, I have imagined that scene in my classroom more times than I can count," Biden said. "At the start of each semester, I explain to my students what they should do if the worst happens." Biden touted her husband's efforts to quell gun violence, including background checks and efforts aimed at stopping domestic abusers from obtaining guns. "He's done everything in his power, and these changes will save lives," Biden said. "But it's not enough. We know that. Joe knows that. We need Republicans in Congress to get out of the way." President Biden is headed to the Bay Area next week. While his schedule has not been publicly announced, it is almost certain to include meetings with donors. These are the first California fundraisers for Bidens reelection bid. In 2020, the states residents spent $305.6 million to back his campaign, more than one-fifth of his total haul and the most of any state in the nation, according to an analysis by the nonpartisan Center for Responsive Politics of donations of more than $200 from individuals. And that sum doesnt include contributions to political action committees that operate independently of campaigns. But despite Californias liberal political tilt, its also a top source of Republican campaign dollars. This week and next, former conservative talk radio host Larry Elder, former United Nations Ambassador Nikki Haley, South Carolina Sen. Tim Scott and Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis are among the presidential hopefuls holding fundraisers in the state. This story originally appeared in Los Angeles Times. A new Chicken Salad Chick is opening in Tarrant County and the first 100 people in line will get free chicken salad throughout the year. Chicken Salad Chick is a fast casual chicken salad restaurant concept with menu items that include scoops of chicken salad, pimento cheese and egg salad along with sandwiches and soups. The restaurant will be located in Southlake at 2101 E Southlake Blvd. and is set to open at 10:30 a.m. June 20. The franchise location is owned by John and Meggie Schissler, who brought the very first Texas location to Fort Worth in 2016, according to a news release. The local husband-and-wife duo own seven locations in the Dallas-Fort Worth area. The first guest in line will receive one large Quick Chick of chicken salad per week for an entire year and the next 99 guests will receive one large Quick Chick of chicken salad per month for a year. Grand opening promotions will continue June 21-23 at the new Southlake location. On Wednesday, the first 50 guests to purchase a Chick Trio will receive a free Chicken Salad Chick Tote Bag. The first 50 guests to purchase a Chick Trio on Thursday will receive a free Chicken Salad Chick Crossbody Bag. The first 50 guests on Friday who purchase a Chick Trio will receive a free Chick Trio on their next visit. The Southlake location will be open Monday through Saturday from 10:30 a.m. to 8 p.m. The Harvard Medical School morgue manager, his wife and several others were indicted Wednesday for trafficking human remains stolen from Harvard Medical School and an Arkansas mortuary. A federal grand jury indicted Harvard Medical School morgue manager Cedric Lodge, his wife, Denise Lodge, Katrina Maclean, Joshua Taylor and Mathew Lampi on conspiracy and interstate transport of stolen goods charges. U.S. Attorney for the Middle District of Pennsylvania Gerard Karam said that according to the indictments, the network of individuals across the country purchased and sold stolen human remains from Harvard Medical School and a mortuary located in Arkansas. Cedric Lodge stole organs and other parts of cadavers that were donated to be used for research and transported them to his residence In New Hampshire, according to the U.S. Attorneys Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania. Some crimes defy understanding, Karam said in a statement. The theft and trafficking of human remains strikes at the very essence of what makes us human. It is particularly egregious that so many of the victims here volunteered to allow their remains to be used to educate medical professionals and advance the interests of science and healing. After stealing the remains, he then partnered with wife Denise Lodge to sell the body parts to Maclean, 44, and Taylor, 46, in deals that were organized over phone calls and social media platforms. The attorneys office stated that the morgue manager allowed Maclean and Taylor to sometimes come into the Harvard Medical School morgue to choose what to purchase. Sometimes, Taylor would drive back to Pennsylvania with the remains, but other times the Lodges would mail the remains to Taylor and other individuals who purchased them, according to the office. Today, the United States Attorney has announced charges against several individuals who used the United States mail to ship stolen human remains, Christopher Nielsen, the inspector in charge of the Philadelphia Division of the Postal Inspection Service, said in a statement. Robbing families of the remains of their loved ones is an unconscionable act and confounds our collective sense of decency, Nielsen added. The remains Maclean and Taylor purchased were then resold by them for profit to others, including Pennsylvania resident Jeremy Pauley, 41. Pauley also bought human remains from a different seller, Candace Chapman Scott, who had stolen human remains from the Arkansas mortuary where she worked. Pauley, for his part, sold many of the stolen remains he purchased to Lampi and other individuals. Lampi and Pauley bought and sold from each other over an extended time period and exchanged more than $100,000 in online payments, according to the release. Pauley faces a criminal information charge for his alleged part in the scheme, and Chapman Scott was previously indicted in the Eastern District of Arkansas for her crimes. The U.S. attorneys office said the remains Scott stole included the corpses of two babies who were stillborn and were supposed to be cremated and returned to the families. Pauley resold the remains that he bought for a profit, according to the office. If convicted, those charged could face up to 15 years in prison, a term of supervised release after they leave prison and a fine. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill. KALAMATA, Greece (AP) Kassem Abu Zeed caught the first flight from Germany to Greece after hearing that his wife and brother-in-law were aboard a trawler crammed with migrants that went down in the Mediterranean Sea. As rescue ships fanned out Thursday in search of hundreds of people missing in the tragedy, relatives of the migrants gathered in the southern port city of Kalamata to look for their loved ones. The last time we spoke was eight days ago, and she told me that she was getting ready to get on the boat, Abu Zeed told The Associated Press Thursday. She had paid $5,000 to smugglers. And then we all know what happened. Abu Zeed, a 34-year-old Syrian refugee living in Hamburg, said Esra Aoun, 21, and her 19-year-old brother, Abdullah, risked the dangerous crossing from Libya to Italy in a battered trawler in an effort to join him legally in Germany. The chances that she survived the sinking, which killed at least 78, were low. A huge search-and-rescue operation involving a dozen ships and three aircraft found no survivors since its initial phase early Wednesday, when 104 people were rescued. None of the survivors were women. Now Abu Zeed hopes Abdullah may be among the men from Syria, Egypt, Pakistan and the Palestinian territories who are temporarily housed in a Kalamata warehouse or recuperating in hospitals from hypothermia and exposure. The chances of finding (more survivors) are minimal, retired Greek coast guard Adm. Nikos Spanos told state-run ERT television. Authorities fear that hundreds of people, including many women and children, were trapped below deck when the overcrowded trawler capsized in the night in deep waters about 75 kilometers (45 miles) offshore. The U.N. migration agency, known as IOM, estimated that the vessel was carrying 700 to 750 people, including at least 40 children, based on interviews with survivors. That could make the sinking one of the deadliest ever recorded in the central Mediterranean. Erasmia Roumana, head of a United Nations refugee agency delegation, said the survivors were in shock. They want to get in touch with their families to tell them they are OK, and they keep asking about the missing. Many have friends and relatives unaccounted for, Roumana said. Mohamed Abdi Marwan, who spoke by phone from Kobani, a Kurdish majority town in northeastern Syria, said five of his relatives were on the boat, including a 14-year-old. Marwan said hes heard nothing about them since the vessel sank. He believes his nephew Ali Sheikhi, 29, is alive, after family members spotted him in photos of survivors, but that has not been confirmed. Those smugglers were supposed to only have 500 on the boat and now we hear there were 750. What is this? Are they cattle or humans? How can they do this? Marwan said. He said each of his relatives paid $6,000 for the trip. Greece declared three days of mourning, and a Supreme Court prosecutor ordered an investigation. Greek authorities said the vessel appeared to be sailing normally until shortly before it sank and that the ship declined repeated offers of rescue. But a network of activists said they received repeated distress calls from the vessel during the same time. The Greek coast guard said it was notified of the boat's presence late Tuesday morning and observed by helicopter that it was sailing on a steady course" at 6 p.m. A little later, Greek search-and-rescue officials reached someone on the boat by satellite phone, who repeatedly said that passengers needed food and water but wanted to continue sailing to Italy. Merchant ships delivered supplies and observed the vessel until early Wednesday morning, when the satellite phone user reported a problem with the engine. About 40 minutes later, according to the coast guard statement, the migrant vessel suddenly began to rock violently and then sank. Coast guard experts believe the boat may have run out of fuel or experienced engine trouble, with movement of passengers causing it to list and ultimately capsize. Alarm Phone, a network of activists that provides a hotline for migrants in trouble, said the problems began much earlier in the day. The network said it was contacted by people on the vessel asking for help shortly after 3 p.m. They said they "cannot survive the night." Around 6:20 p.m., Alarm Phone wrote, migrants reported the vessel was not moving and that the captain had abandoned the ship on a small boat. The two accounts could not immediately be reconciled. Experts said maritime law would have required Greek authorities to attempt a rescue if the boat was unsafe, regardless of whether passengers requested it. Search and rescue is not a two-way contract. You dont need consent, retired Italian coast guard Adm. Vittorio Alessandro said. An aerial photograph of the vessel before it sank released by Greek authorities showed people crammed on the deck. Most were not wearing life jackets. Overcrowding, a lack of life vests, or the absence of a captain would have all been reasons to intervene, Alessandro said. Greeces caretaker minister in charge of civil protection, Evangelos Tournas, defended the coast guards conduct and said the migrants repeatedly refused assistance and insisted on continuing to Italy. The coast guard cannot intervene with a vessel which doesnt accept the intervention in international waters, he said. Consider also that an intervention by the coast guard could have placed an overloaded vessel in danger, which could capsize as a result of the intervention. Eight of the survivors have been questioned by coast guard investigators. The bodies of the dead migrants were moved to a morgue outside Athens, where DNA samples and facial photographs will be taken to start the identification process. The location of the sinking is close to the deepest part of the Mediterranean Sea, where depths of up to 17,000 feet (5,200 meters) could hamper any effort to locate a sunken vessel. Ursula von der Leyen, the European Commission president, promised to strengthen cooperation between the European Union and nearby countries to try to further crack down on migrant smugglers. But human rights groups argue that the crackdown has forced migrants and refugees to take longer, more dangerous routes to reach safe countries. Eftychia Georgiadi, an official in Greece with the International Rescue Committee charity, said the disaster should serve as a wake-up call to the EU. Nobody embarks on these treacherous journeys unless they feel they have no other option, she said. The EUs failure to offer more safe pathways to migration "effectively slams the door on people seeking protection. The IOM has recorded more than 21,000 deaths and disappearances in the central Mediterranean since 2014. The Mediterraneans deadliest shipwreck in living memory occurred on April 18, 2015, when a fishing boat overcrowded with migrants collided off Libya with a freighter trying to come to its rescue. Only 28 people survived. Forensic experts concluded that there were originally 1,100 people on board. ___ Paphitis reported from Athens, Greece. Associated Press writers Sarah El Deeb in Beirut and Renata Brito in Barcelona, Spain, contributed to this report. ___ Follow AP stories on global migration at https://apnews.com/hub/migration By Angelo Amante ROME (Reuters) - The shipwreck that killed at least 79 people in international waters off Greece happened in search and rescue waters under Greek responsibility, Italy's interior minister said on Thursday. "The event occurred, and was confined within, the Greek search and rescue area, under the specific responsibility of that country", Minister Matteo Piantedosi told Italy's SkyTG24 TV channel. "But that does not mean that Greece is to blame, it is just circumscribing specific areas of responsibility," he added. A Greek coast guard spokesperson said the migrants on the fishing boat that capsized in international waters about 50 miles (80 km) from the southern coastal town of Pylos wanted to go to Italy and had refused Greek assistance. The Italian right-wing government, which takes a hard line against illegal immigration, in March toughened jail terms for human smugglers after a migrant shipwreck in the southern Calabria region that claimed at least 94 lives. "This is a huge tragedy that motivates us even more on the path we have taken. We strongly believe that the most appropriate way to tackle this is to stop the human smugglers," Piantedosi said, referring to departures from North Africa. "We can only do it together with Europe and the international community," he added. (Reporting by Angelo Amante; Editing by Alvise Armellini and Frances Kerry) TOKYO (Reuters) -Japan will give Toyota up to $841 million in subsidies for the automaker's investment in domestic production of batteries used in electric vehicles (EVs), Industry Minister Yasutoshi Nishimura said on Friday. Toyota this week laid out a sweeping plan for new technology and a radical redesign of factories, sending the clearest signal yet of its intention to capture a larger share of the fast-growing market for battery EVs, where it has been far outsold by rivals such as Tesla. "As the international competition for storage batteries is intensifying, competition for capital investment is also becoming more intense," Nishimura told reporters at a media conference. "Large-scale investments by Toyota group and so on will hopefully lead to a significant strengthening of our country's supply chain for storage batteries," he said. There were no further details about the investment that Toyota could provide beyond those already disclosed by the ministry, a company spokesperson said. The government said mass production of the batteries was expected to start in stages from October 2026 onwards. Japan has designated batteries for energy storage, including car batteries, as important under an economic security law and has earmarked 331.6 billion yen in its second supplementary budget to support their supply and development, the Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry (METI) said. The government will shoulder up to 117.8 billion yen ($841 million) yen, or just over a third of about 330 billion yen in investments including for development of next-generation solid-state batteries and lithium iron phosphate batteries, METI said. It said the subsidy will be provided to Toyota and three companies with which it is working on battery development, including Toyota Industries. The investment will bring annual production capacity in Japan to 45 gigawatt hours (GWh), Nishimura said, adding the government seeks to achieve domestic output capacity of 150 GWh by 2030. Japan's No.2 automaker Honda Motor and battery maker GS Yuasa in April announced the building of a new plant that would target an annual production capacity of at least 20 gigawatt hours (GWh). ($1 = 140.0700 yen) (Reporting by David Dolan and Daniel Leussink; Editing by Hugh Lawson and Sonali Paul) A new court filing from actor Kevin Costner says his estranged wife, Christine Baumgartner, is refusing to move out of his home in the Santa Barbara, California, area amid their divorce. According to court documents obtained by NBC News, Costner says that their prenuptial agreement gave Baumgartner 30 days to vacate the home, which he says was a pre-marital asset he purchased in 1988, 16 years before they tied the knot. Baumgartner filed for divorce on May 1, 2023, after 18 years of marriage citing irreconcilable differences. The two share three children: Cayden, 16; Hayes, 14; and Grace, 13. In documents filed on June 9 in Santa Barbara Superior Court, Costner and his legal team maintain that Baumgartner signed a prenuptial agreement agreeing to terms that included Costner keeping the Carpinteria, California, home in question. Christine has not moved out, despite multiple requests that she do so and despite Kevins offers to assist her financially in relocating to a new residence, Costners legal team wrote in the documents. Instead, Christine has taken the position that she will not move out of Kevins separate property residence unless and until Kevin agrees to various financial demands. 2022 Vanity Fair Oscar Party Hosted By Radhika Jones - Red Carpet (Rich Fury/VF22 / Getty Images for Vanity Fair) Costner said in a declaration included in the filing that when he and Baumgartner began to discuss getting married in 2003, he told her it was important to him to have a home to go to. I was married once before and, upon separation, l found myself without a home base and unable to live in my own home, the documents read. I never wanted this to happen again. Because of the nature of my work, I am frequently out of town; it is therefore particularly important to me that when I am home, I have a home to go to. He continued: Thus, when Christine (Baumgartner) and I began discussing marriage in 2003, l made it clear to her that I would not marry again without clarity that my separate property residences would remain mine to live in no matter what happened in our marriage. Christine acknowledged to me at the time that she understood the importance of this to me and she agreed to this provision. The filing also states that the prenuptial agreement stipulated he pay Baumgartner $100,000 upon their marriage and another $100,000 on their first anniversary, which he did. He was also required to pay Baumgartner $1,000,000 after she filed for divorce, the documents say. Hes also required, per the prenup, to give Baumgartner a $200,000 deposit to help her purchase a new home and pay property taxes and homeowners insurance for a year on such a new home. Costner also says hes also offered to pay thousands of dollars for moving costs, to use his existing staff to help her move and to add an additional $38,000 a month to Baumgartner thats on top of his prenuptial agreement for child support of $30,000 a month. Costners court filing says Baumgartner told him she plans to at least challenge the spousal support waiver in the prenup. Baumgartners team did not respond to NBC News request for comment, nor did Costner. This article was originally published on TODAY.com (Photo : ANGELOS TZORTZINIS/AFP via Getty Images) Authorities claim it attempted to assist the sunken vessel, but the captain and passengers repeatedly turned them down. An overcrowded fishing boat believed to be sailing from Tobruk in eastern Libya capsized and sank Wednesday off the coast of Greece, leaving at least 79 dead and many more missing. A task force of vessels from the Hellenic Coast Guard and Navy, as well as a handful of merchant vessels, aircraft, and drones are continuing its search, rescue, and retrieval operation off the coast of Kalamata overnight. There are speculations as to how many people were crammed into the blue fishing vessel, but an aerial photograph released by the Hellenic Coast Guard showed scores of people covering every inch of its deck. Acting Greek prime minister Ioannis Sarmas has declared a three-day mourning period for what can be considered as one of the worst disasters of its kind for 2023. He said the country's thoughts are "on all the victims of the ruthless smugglers who exploit human unhappiness." Greek president Katernina Sakellaropoulou also visited some of the survivors Wednesday, saying the nation was "shocked" with what happened. How Did the Boat Sank? Meanwhile, coast guard spokesman Nikos Alexiou told Greek public broadcaster ERT TV it was impossible to accurately estimate the number of passengers on board the stricken vessel, but he alleged the 25- to 30-meter (80- to 100-foot) vessel capsized after people abruptly moved to one side, causing her to list heavily. "The outer deck was full of people, and we presume that the interior [of the vessel] would also have been full," he said. "It looks as if there was a shift among the people who were crammed on board, and it capsized." The Italian Coast Guard first alerted Greek authorities and the European Union's border protection agency Frontex about the approaching vessel as early as Tuesday. The coast guard added its efforts to assist the boat were repeatedly turned down by its captain as the people on board insisted to have the vessel continue into Italy. The boat's engines failed at around 01:40 local time Wednesday (22:40 UTC Tuesday), and an hour later, the ship began to list abruptly from side to side before capsizing. It only took 10 to 15 minutes for the vessel to disappear beneath the waves. Read Also: Italy's Coastguard Rescues 1,200 Migrants Aboard Boats Survivors on Dry Land According to Kalamata deputy mayor Ioannis Zafiropoulos, he was informed there were "more than 500 people" on board the ship. Authorities earlier said 104 people were rescued after the vessel sank about 75 kilometers (45 miles) southwest of Greece's southern Peloponnese peninsula. Nearly all of the survivors were men. Her last coordinates were close to the deepest part of the Mediterranean Sea, which is at around 17,000 feet (5,200 meters), making it difficult for rescuers to locate the vessel. At least 25 survivors between the ages 16 and 49 were hospitalized due to hypothermia or fever. Authorities Saw Passengers as Victims of Human Trafficking Those who attempted to cross the Mediterranean into Europe were escaping the chaos in Libya in the aftermath of the toppling of the regime of its dictator Moammar Gadhafi in 2011. It is alleged human traffickers took advantage of the chaos in Libya, making its northeastern coasts one of the main departure points for people attempting to reach Europe on unseaworthy smuggler's boats. According to the UN's migration agency, the International Organization for Migration (IOM), the route from north Africa to Italy through the central Mediterranean is the deadliest in the world, despite the relevant proximity of Libya and Tunisia to the Italian island of Sicily. The IOM has recorded over 21,000 deaths and disappearances in the said area of water since 2014. Related Article: 59 Dead, Dozens Feared Missing After Fishing Boat Capsizes Off Coast of Greece @ 2023 HNGN, All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission. LOS ANGELES (AP) These are dark days in Los Angeles, but perhaps nowhere is that more true than at scandal-ridden City Hall. The weather phenomenon known as June Gloom has for weeks sealed the city known for crystalline sunshine under a murky blanket of clouds. That could be an apt metaphor for a metropolis struggling with a panoply of crises, most recently a shocking string of corruption cases in city government. On Tuesday, prosecutors charged Councilmember Curren Price Jr., who has served on the 15-member council for a decade, with embezzlement and perjury. Hes the third city council member to be charged with a felony in recent years. Two former members Jose Huizar and Mark Ridley Thomas pleaded guilty to felonies this year. It follows a racism scandal last year that led to the resignation of then-council president Nury Martinez after a leaked tape exposed three Latino councilmembers plotting to expand their power at the expense of Black voters, revelations that shook the publics trust in the council. All have left the council hobbled in numbers and reputation to address persistent problems in the sprawling city of nearly 4 million, like an unyielding homeless crisis, post-pandemic office vacancies and poorly maintained roads. It's a dark moment, for sure, said historian William Deverell, of the City Hall corruption scandals. Our governance structure in downtown Los Angeles seems beset with these crimes. Deverell, the founding director of the Huntington-USC Institute on California and the West, noted that L.A. history has many examples of violence and unrest whether in the 1850s as a new American city or during its explosive growth in the 20th century, with the expansion of Hollywood and the oil industry. In recent years, there was talk of a downtown renaissance and predictions that the city was headed toward a reshaped future with more public transit and high-rise living options. That may come in time, but for now L.A. is left with the challenge of a council in turmoil at a time of multiple, interconnected challenges with homelessness, housing, fiscal policy and other issues. How can we solve these things systematically? Deverell asked. Price's charges are the latest in a string of scandals that have shaken public trust in City Hall. He has been charged with five counts of embezzlement of government funds, three counts of perjury and two counts of conflict of interest alleging in part that between 2019 and 2021, Prices wife received payments totaling more than $150,000 from developers before Price voted to approve their projects. Price was first elected to the council in 2013. His district includes South Los Angeles and parts of downtown. His term is set to expire in 2026. "Theres no getting around the fact that this City Council has been rocked by a number of scandals over the course of recent years. That is undeniably true and it is palpably felt by me, by the members of the council and certainly by the members of the public, council President Paul Krekorian told reporters Wednesday. Every time there is a new scandal, I recognize that ... there are going to be people who lose confidence, not just in this institution, but in government as a whole, he said. In March, former Democratic City Councilman Mark Ridley-Thomas a one-time legislator, county supervisor and a fixture in local politics for decades was found guilty in federal court of seven felonies, including conspiracy, bribery and fraud. A few months earlier, Councilman Jose Huizar, pleaded guilty to federal corruption charges and in 2020 former council member Mitch Englander pleaded guilty to charges after an FBI investigation. Amid the racism scandal in October, both Martinez and a powerful labor leader, Ron Herrera, resigned. On Wednesday, Krekorian filed a motion to suspend Price, saying he was shocked by the criminal complaint against his friend and colleague, while stressing that the presumption of innocence is a bedrock principle of the U.S. Constitution. In a letter to Krekorian, Price said he was stepping down from committee assignments and leadership responsibilities while I navigate through the judicial system to defend my name. Prices attorney, David Willingham, declined to comment Tuesday, saying he had not seen a copy of the criminal complaint. Krekorian pledged to undertake an orderly process that will include input from Prices district on how to proceed. He said the suspension motion will initially be referred to the councils rules committee. This will not be a process that will be rushed through as has happened in the past, because it is important that the council have an opportunity to discuss and debate all of the issues surrounding this, Krekorian said. The scandal will pressure Democratic Mayor Karen Bass, a Democrat, to intervene, according to political analyst Sherry Bebitch Jeffe, a retired University of Southern California professor. People see her as the leader of the city," Jeffe said of Bass. "Politically, this is not good that this is happening, even though (Bass) has nothing to do with it. - Associated Press writer John Antczak contributed to this report. Sen. Joe Manchin (D-W.Va.) broke with President Biden and Senate Democrats on Wednesday for the second time in two days over a high-profile nominee when he voted against Dale Ho, Bidens nominee to serve as a judge on the Southern District of New York, accusing him of hateful words and partisanship. Mr. Hos prior inflammatory statements make me doubt whether he can be impartial when interpreting the Constitution. Hateful words and partisanship should never be characteristics of someone on a federal bench and, for this reason, I have voted against Mr. Hos nomination, Manchin said in a statement. Ho, who has criticized Republican lawmakers on Twitter, last year apologized for the tone of his social media posts, acknowledging it was overheated rhetoric. Sen. Ted Cruz (R-Texas), a member of the Senate Judiciary Committee, criticized Ho last year for tweeting attacks at multiple members of the Judiciary Committee, while Sen. John Kennedy (R-La.), another member of the panel, described Ho as angry. Ho, who served as director of the ACLUs Voting Rights Project, criticized GOP senators including Sens. Marsha Blackburn (R-Tenn.), Mike Lee (R-Utah) and Tom Cotton (R-Ark.) in multiple tweets. Manchin opposed Bidens first choice to serve as director of the Office of Management and Budget, Neera Tanden, in February 2021 because of public statements and tweets he characterized as toxic. Manchin was the only Senate Democrat to vote Tuesday against Jared Bernstein, Bidens nominee to serve as chairman of the Council of Economic Advisers. Manchin voted on Tuesday against a procedural motion to advance Hos nomination. The nominee was confirmed by the Senate in a 50-49 vote Wednesday. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill. By Giulia Paravicini NAIROBI (Reuters) - Regional and federal government officials as well as Eritrean soldiers were involved in the theft of food aid in northern Ethiopia's Tigray region, the head of an investigation by the Tigrayan authorities said on Thursday. The U.N. World Food Programme and the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) paused food distribution last month in war-scarred Tigray because they said significant amounts of aid had been stolen. The two agencies then suspended food aid across all of Ethiopia last week for the same reason. An internal humanitarian memo said USAID believes food has been diverted to Ethiopian military units as part of a scheme orchestrated by federal and regional government entities. More than 20 million people need food assistance in Africa's second most populous nation, largely due to the Horn of Africa's worst drought in decades and a two-year civil war in Tigray that ended in a truce last November. General Fiseha Kidanu, the head of peace and security in Tigray's interim regional administration, told Tigrai TV on Wednesday that the investigation he leads had confirmed the theft of more than 860 kg of wheat and 215,000 litres of food oil. Investigators have identified 186 suspects involved in the scheme and detained seven, he said, without naming any. Spokespeople for the Ethiopian and Eritrean governments did not immediately respond to requests for comment. Ethiopia's government has said it is investigating the allegations made by USAID and WFP but said their decisions to cut aid would escalate the country's humanitarian crisis. Ethiopia's army has denied its forces benefited from any stolen food aid. Eritrean forces fought alongside Ethiopia's army in the Tigray conflict, which killed tens of thousands of people and left hundreds of thousands facing famine-like conditions. (Reporting by Giulia Paravicini; Editing by Aaron Ross and Alex Richardson) MIAMI (AP) Miami Mayor Francis Suarez filed paperwork Wednesday to launch his bid for the Republican presidential nomination, jumping into the crowded race just a day after GOP front-runner Donald Trump appeared in court on federal charges in Suarez's city. The 45-year-old mayor, the only Hispanic candidate in the race, declared his candidacy with the Federal Election Commission. He had teased an announcement, noting that he would be making a big speech Thursday at the Reagan Library in California. Before Trump arrived at the courthouse Tuesday, Suarez toured the media encampment wearing a T-shirt with a police logo, as his city's police force had jurisdiction over the downtown area. If I do decide to run," he told CNN, its starting a new chapter, a new conversation of a new kind of leader who maybe looks a little different, speaks a little different, had a little bit of a different experience, but can inspire people. Suarez, the president of the U.S. Conference of Mayors, is the son of Miami's first Cuban-born mayor. He has gained national attention in recent years for his efforts to lure companies to Miami, with an eye toward turning the city into a crypto hub and the next Silicon Valley. Suarez, who is vying to become the first sitting mayor elected president, joins a GOP primary fight that includes Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis, former Vice President Mike Pence, Sen. Tim Scott of South Carolina, former United Nations Ambassador Nikki Haley and former New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie. Despite having a candidate field in the double digits, the race is largely seen as a two-person contest between Trump and DeSantis. But the other competitors are hoping for an opening, which Trump has provided with his myriad legal vulnerabilities none more serious than his federal indictment on charges of mishandling sensitive documents and refusing to give them back. He pleaded not guilty Tuesday in Miami federal court to 37 felony counts. Suarez has said he didnt support Trump in either the 2016 or 2020 presidential elections, instead writing in the names of U.S. Sen. Marco Rubio and then-Vice President Pence. In 2018, Suarez publicly condemned Trump after reports came out that he had questioned why the United States would accept more immigrants from Haiti and shithole countries in Africa. But times have changed, with Trump advisers now praising Suarezs work and helping him promote what he calls the Miami success story. Trumps former White House counselor Kellyanne Conway has even floated Suarezs name as a possible vice presidential pick. Suarez, who is married with two young children, is a corporate and real estate attorney who previously served as a city of Miami commissioner. He has also positioned himself as someone who can help the party further connect with Hispanics. In recent months, he has made visits to early GOP voting states as he weighed a possible 2024 campaign. He is more moderate than DeSantis and Trump, but has threaded the needle carefully on cultural issues that have become popular among GOP politicians. Suarez has been critical of DeSantis, dismissing some of the state laws he has signed on immigration as headline grabbers lacking in substance. He has said immigration is an issue that screams for a national solution at a time when many Republicans back hard-line policies. The two-term mayor previously expressed support for a Florida law championed by DeSantis and dubbed Dont Say Gay that bans classroom instruction on sexual orientation or gender identity in kindergarten through third grade, but he has not specified whether he supported the expansion of the policy to all grades. Like other Republicans, Suarez has criticized DeSantis feud with Disney over the same law, saying it looks like a personal vendetta. Further ingratiating himself with the Trump team, Suarez has echoed Trumps attacks on DeSantis demeanor, saying the governor doesnt make eye contact and struggles with personal relationships with other politicians. In 2020, the mayor made a play to attract tech companies to Florida after the state relaxed its COVID-19 restrictions. He met with Big Tech players and investors such as PayPal founder Peter Thiel and tech magnate Marcelo Claure, began appearing on national television and was profiled by magazines. Suarez, who has said he takes his salary in Bitcoin, has also hosted Bitcoin conferences and started heavily promoting a cryptocurrency project named Miami Coin, created by a group called City Coins. But the hype dissipated as virus restrictions eased elsewhere, eliminating Miamis advantage on the COVID-19 front. Suarezs vision also hit roadblocks with the collapse of the cryptocurrency exchange FTX, which was set to move its U.S. headquarters to Miamis financial district before its founder and CEO Sam Bankman-Fried was arrested in the Bahamas last December. The only cryptocurrency exchange that traded Miami Coin suspended its trading, citing liquidity problems, not living up to its promise to generate enough money to eliminate city taxes. Miami also ranks among the worst big U.S. cities for income inequality and has one of the least affordable housing markets. By Lisa Barrington DUBAI (Reuters) - OKX, one of the world's largest cryptocurrency exchanges, is seeking regulatory approval to operate in Dubai as it plans to expand the company's Middle East operations, an executive told Reuters on Thursday. Regulation is an industry trend, OKX Global Head of Government Relations Tim Byun said. "We would like to get ahead of that curve and be regulated in a sound manner," he said. Earlier this month, the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) sued Binance and Coinbase, another two of the largest crypto exchanges, for allegedly breaching its rules. Byun said he believed the SEC's move would push more applicants towards innovative regulators like Dubai's Virtual Asset Regulatory Authority (VARA). OKX plans to hire 30 staff, Byun said, after opening an office last month in the Dubai World Trade Center in the business and financial hub of the United Arab Emirates. OKX Middle East said on Thursday it had received a preparatory licence from Dubai's regulator, a first step towards securing an operating licence that would allow it to serve institutional clients and investors. "If we expand Dubai to offer services in Saudi Arabia or Bahrain, to jurisdictions where there is no domestic framework required, then those domestic populations are actually getting a windfall benefit because we are regulated by an international regulator," Byun said. OKX is regulated in the Bahamas and currently does not allow customers from the United States to use its platform due to regulatory issues. VARA was formed in March 2022 to regulate the emerging virtual asset sector in the emirate - excluding the Dubai International Financial Centre financial free zone - as the UAE pushes to become a global hub for the industry. No firm has yet been licensed under VARA's full market product (FMP) stage - which would permit the serving of retail clients, regulator information shows. OKX plans to apply for such a licence, Byun said. "If territories are willing to come up with a balanced clear transparent approach, OKX would like to be regulated and licensed and operate in that jurisdiction," Byun said. (Reporting by Lisa Barrington; Additional reporting by Yousef Saba; Editing by Kirsten Donovan) Los Angeles City Council President Paul Krekorian discusses his response to the criminal case filed against Councilmember Curren Price. (Gary Coronado / Los Angeles Times) On the day in 2020 that Los Angeles City Councilmember Jose Huizar was arrested by FBI agents, his colleagues moved within hours to suspend him, stripping him of his duties before he had even entered a plea. A year later, the City Council took the same action with Councilmember Mark Ridley-Thomas, suspending him one week after he had been indicted on his own set of federal corruption charges. Now, with yet another colleague facing criminal charges, council members are weighing their third suspension vote in three years. But this time around, they are taking a more cautious approach to that decision. On Wednesday, Council President Paul Krekorian said he wants the council to take up a proposal for suspending Councilmember Curren Price, who has been charged with embezzlement, perjury and conflict of interest. But instead of calling for an immediate vote, he said council members should let Price first respond to the charges. Council members should also listen to residents of Price's South Los Angeles district, and carefully weigh the "real world consequences" of a suspension on his constituents before casting their vote, Krekorian said. "I think it's important that we say, right at the outset of all of this, that the presumption of innocence is not just a handy catchphrase," Krekorian said Wednesday. "It is a bedrock principle of the United States of America and our Constitution and it will be a bedrock principle going forward as a council." In a charging document filed this week, the L.A. County District Attorneys office alleged that Price violated the state's conflict-of-interest law by casting votes on affordable housing projects developed by companies that employed his wife, Del Richardson Price, as a consultant. Prosecutors also said Price also committed perjury, by failing to list some of his wife's income on his government financial disclosure forms. Price also has been accused of receiving tens of thousands of dollars in medical benefits from the city for his now wife while he was still married to another woman. In the wake of those charges, Price resigned from each of his council committees and stepped down from his leadership post, where he served as No. 2 under Krekorian. Price called the charges "unwarranted" and said through a spokesperson that he will fight them, but has not provided a more specific rebuttal. Under the City Charter, the council has no authority to remove Price. If he is convicted of a felony, he would automatically be forced from office. If he were to resign, the council would have the power to call a special election. The City Charter does give the council power to suspend any elected city official who has been charged with a felony while they await trial. But that step comes with its own set of political risks a lesson city leaders learned in the wake of Ridley-Thomas' indictment. If Price is suspended, Krekorian could decide to appoint a nonvoting caretaker to fill the seat while Price's case plays out. But that would leave his district without a voting member on the council. The council could vote instead to appoint a temporary voting member. But that would pave the way for an unelected representative to make decisions on behalf of Price's constituents. Krekorian, appearing before reporters Wednesday, made clear that he intends to move at a slower pace, requiring that any suspension vote receive a thorough vetting from the council's rules committee something that did not occur with Huizar and Ridley-Thomas. "This will not be a process that will be rushed through, as has happened in the past," he said. Despite introducing the suspension motion, Krekorian declined to say whether he intends to vote to suspend Price. Others at City Hall said a suspension is warranted. "My role is not to cast judgments here," said Councilmember Hugo Soto-Martinez, who represents Hollywood, Silver Lake and other nearby neighborhoods. "But when the time comes, I plan to join my colleagues in voting to suspend Mr. Price from his role as council member." Councilmembers Bob Blumenfield and Tim McOsker said they would vote to strip Price of his council duties. "My position today is that a suspension is the appropriate action," McOsker said. "But I'm also going to respect the process." Price, who began his third term in December, does not leave office until 2026. If he is suspended, and the council chooses a temporary replacement for him, two of the council's 15 members both representing South L.A. will have been installed without an election. The 10th District, whose voters elected Ridley-Thomas in 2020, has gone without an elected representative since October 2021, when he was indicted. At one point last year, council members named former Councilmember Herb Wesson as a temporary voting representative for the district. But that decision was later blocked by a judge amid fierce criticism from some of the district's residents, who said they should have been the ones to choose their representative. The council later tapped former legislative aide Heather Hutt to serve as a temporary replacement for Ridley-Thomas. Some in the district again pushed back, saying they had been disenfranchised. After a jury convicted Ridley-Thomas of seven felony counts, Hutt's time in the seat was extended to December 2024. (Ridley-Thomas has challenged the verdict and is seeking a new trial.) Earl Ofari Hutchinson, president of the Los Angeles Urban Policy Roundtable, argued forcefully against a suspension of Price. He represents the poorest, most underserved, mostly Black and Latino City Council district, said Hutchinson, who lives in an unincorporated section of South L.A. Suspending him would further disenfranchise the district's constituents." Former Councilmember Jan Perry, who represented Price's district from 2001 to 2013, voiced similar concerns, saying a suspension would deprive residents of the 9th District of representation. The council should not repeat the "stumbling" that occurred at City Hall in the wake of Ridley-Thomas' indictment, she said. "Needless to say, I'm pretty upset. The people who live in [Price's district] already go through a lot on a day-to-day basis," she said. "And to add this on top of that is just infuriating." Adriana Cabrera, president of the Central Alameda Neighborhood Council, said she too is angry, not just over the criminal case against Price, but the overall state of his district. But Cabrera, who ran as a write-in candidate against Price last year, said she feels a suspension vote is not enough. "We need him to resign," she said. The council will likely need to decide Price's fate before the end of the month, when its members go on a three-week summer recess. Councilmember Katy Yaroslavsky, who represents part of the Westside, said she has already gone through the D.A.'s charging document, and found the case to be "pretty straightforward." "I'm angry, I'm sad, and I'm sick and tired of this happening," she said. "We need stronger conflict-of-interest laws. They need to be enforced." This story originally appeared in Los Angeles Times. KYIV, Ukraine (AP) Russian forces fired cruise missiles at the southern Ukrainian city of Odesa and shelled the eastern Donetsk region early Wednesday, killing at least six people and damaging dozens of homes, regional Ukrainian officials said. Russian forces have stepped up aerial strikes in their nearly 16-month war, a Ukrainian military spokesman said, while the country's armed forces have reported limited gains in the early stages of a counteroffensive to take back the nearly one-fifth of Ukraine's territory that is under Russian control. In Odesa, three food warehouse employees were killed in a strike that also damaged homes, shops and cafes in the city's downtown, the regional administration said on Facebook. Another 13 people were injured. Search teams were looking for possible survivors under the rubble of the warehouse, it said. The attack on the port city, launched from the Black Sea, was the second in a week and involved four Kalibr cruise missiles, three of which were intercepted by air defenses, the administration said. In eastern Ukraine, Donetsk province governor Pavlo Kyrylenko wrote on Telegram that at least three people died after shelling destroyed seven homes and damaged dozens more in the cities of Kramatorsk and Kostiantynivka. Ten towns and villages along the front line in Donetsk were struck as Kyiv's troops slowly advance, according to Ukraine's presidential office. A missile hit the Ukrainian-controlled city of Kramatorsk, where Kyivs forces are headquartered, killing two civilians and wounding two others while damaging 29 homes, the presidential office said. Russian shelling of Kostiantynivka killed one civilian, with 57 houses damaged, it added. Andriy Kovalov, a spokesperson for the General Staff of Ukraine's armed forces, said the Russian military increased missile and aerial strikes as Kyiv's forces intensify attacks along the war's 1,000-kilometer (600-mile) front line and claim some modest gains at the beginning of their counteroffensive. In a briefing, he said strikes on the Kharkiv, Donetsk and Kirovohrad regions, in addition to the Odesa region, involved Kh-22 cruise missiles, sea-launched Kalibr cruise missiles, and Iranian-made Shahed drones. Nine were intercepted. Kovalov said Ukrainian forces had made advances in several sections and fighting was continuing in or near at least two Donetsk province communities. Britains Ministry of Defense, which has regularly issued updates on the conflict, wrote on Twitter that southern Ukraine has often been more permissible for Russian air operations compared with other parts of the front. Separately, the mayor of the central city of Kryvyi Rih, President Volodymyr Zelenskyy's hometown, said the death toll from a Russian strike that hit an apartment building a day earlier had risen to 12. Ukrainian authorities continued to rescue people from the flooded areas of southern Ukraine's partially Russian-occupied Kherson region following the destruction of the Kakhovka dam last week. A total of 28 settlements on the Ukrainian-held western bank of the Dnieper River remain under water, and nearly 2,800 people have been taken to safety so far, the presidential office said, adding that the rescue effort was taking place under relentless Russian shelling. The Ukrainian-controlled areas of the Kherson region came under artillery fire 57 times over the past 24 hours, the presidential office said. ___ Associated Press writer Yuras Karmanau in Tallinn, Estonia, contributed to this report. ___ Follow APs coverage of the war in Ukraine: https://apnews.com/hub/russia-ukraine OTTAWA (Reuters) - Russia's Foreign Ministry said on Thursday that it had summoned a Canadian diplomat in Moscow in protest over the confiscation of an Antonov plane in Toronto, and warned that Russian-Canadian relations were on the "verge of being severed." Canada on Saturday ordered the seizure of a Russian-registered Antonov-124 cargo plane at Toronto's airport, its first such asset seizure aimed at putting pressure on Moscow over the Ukraine invasion. Russia told Brian Ebel, the deputy head of Canada's embassy in Moscow, that it viewed the plane seizure as "cynical theft," according to a statement from the foreign ministry. Canada's "Russophobic policy will entail the most serious repercussions for Russian-Canadian relations, which are on the verge of being severed through the fault of the Trudeau administration," the Russian ministry's statement said. A spokesperson for the Canadian foreign ministry acknowledged Moscow's concerns, and reiterated Ottawa's "unwavering" support for Ukrainians. "We have been explicitly clear. Those who have enabled, supported and profited from Russia's war in Ukraine will be held accountable," the spokesperson said in an emailed statement. Canada announced the aircraft seizure while Prime Minister Justin Trudeau was in Kyiv, where he announced $500 million in new military aid for Ukraine. NATO member Canada, which has one of the world's largest Ukrainian diasporas, is among the most vocal backers of Ukraine and has imposed sanctions on hundreds of Russian officials and companies as well as wide-scale trade bans. (Reporting by Ismail Shakil in Ottawa; Editing by Mark Potter, Alexandra Hudson) (Photo : Joe Raedle/Getty Images) Republican Miami Mayor Francis Suarez officially announces his run for presidency for the 2024 elections, becoming the first Hispanic to join the race. GOP Miami Mayor Francis Suarez officially joins the race for president in the 2024 elections Suarez becomes the first Hispanic to join the race and claims that he can broaden the appeal of the Republican Party nationally The mayor's announcement comes a day after former United States President Donald Trump's arraignment in Miami Republican Miami Mayor Francis Suarez officially announces that he is running for president in the 2024 elections, becoming the first Hispanic to join the race alongside other high-profile GOP members. The 45-year-old GOP member filed the official federal paperwork on Wednesday, just a day after former United States President Donald Trump's arraignment in downtown Miami. It was on charges related to his handling of classified documents that were taken from the White House to his Mar-a-Lago estate in Florida. Francis Suarez Announces Presidential Run The Miami mayor joins Trump and Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis as a candidate from the state, a once battleground region that has increasingly become more GOP. As per Politico, Miami voters elected Suarez twice in what is considered one of the most important political areas in the United States' third-largest state. Suarez is the mayor of Miami, a municipality of roughly 450,000 people within Miami-Dade County. The region is home to more than 2.5 million people whose mayor is Daniella Levine Cava. The Miami mayor has long touted the city's low crime rate and economic successes as proof of his achievements. However, lately, he has faced various reports regarding a developer who allegedly hired him to secure permits related to a stalled real estate project. At the same time, the developer in question was trying to win approval for a city project. Furthermore, Suarez needs to address whether or not he can raise sufficient funds from his supporters to qualify for Republican debates scheduled later this summer. His attempts could be affected by his acknowledgment that he did not vote for Trump in either 2016 or 2020. Read Also: Chris Christie Calls Trump a 'Three-Time Loser,' Slams DeSantis Making the Major Announcement The Miami Republican will speak on Thursday at the Ronald Reagan Presidential Library in Simi Valley, California. Over the weekend, he noted that he would make a "major announcement" in the following weeks, according to CNN. Before Suarez's filing, a super PAC that supported the Miami mayor released a two-minute video on Wednesday where they touted his city leadership. The narrator of the footage said that the conservative mayor had chosen a better path for Miami. Before former President Trump arrived at the Miami courthouse on Tuesday, Suarez toured the media encampment wearing a shirt with a police logo. This was mainly due to his city's police force's jurisdiction over the downtown area. In a statement, Suarez said before the official announcement that if he decided to run for president, it would be like starting a new chapter or conversation. He said he would be a leader who "looks a little different" and "speaks a little different" than those who came before, said the Associated Press. Related Article: Fox News Dubs Biden as 'Wannabe Dictator' Amid Trump's Post-Arraignment Speech @ 2023 HNGN, All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission. U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken is bound for China this weekend, where he will work to shore up relations between Washington and Beijing. Blinken's visit was first postponed after the U.S. discovered and shot down a purported Chinese spy balloon in U.S. airspace. The trip will make Blinken the most senior Biden administration official to visit China so far, and the first Secretary of State to do so since 2018. Blinken is expected to leave Washington on Friday and begin the trip on Sunday. "While in Beijing, Secretary Blinken will meet with senior PRC officials where he will discuss the importance of maintaining open lines of communication to responsibly manage the U.S.-PRC relationship," the State Department said. "He will also raise bilateral issues of concern, global and regional matters, and potential cooperation on shared transnational challenges." The State Department said Blinken will also strive to communicate U.S. values, and encourage China to cooperate on global issues such as climate change. Major diplomatic breakthroughs are not expected. SEE MORE: China defends close approach to American warship in Taiwan Strait The visit comes as tensions remain high over military activities in the Taiwan Strait. China considers the self-governing island of Taiwan to be part of its territory, and frequently responds to activity in nearby international waters and airspace that it considers provocative. In recent weeks, a Chinese vessel made a close pass ahead of a U.S. destroyer and Canadian frigate as they crossed through the strait. And in May, a Chinese fighter passed close across the nose of a U.S. reconnaissance aircraft in international airspace. By Andrew Goudsward (Reuters) - A voting rights lawyer for the American Civil Liberties Union on Wednesday overcame fierce Republican opposition to secure U.S. Senate confirmation as a judge on the Manhattan federal district court. Dale Ho, director of the ACLUs Voting Rights Project, was confirmed on a nearly party-line 50-49 vote. Sen. Joe Manchin of West Virginia was the lone Democrat who voted against the nomination, citing "prior inflammatory statements" by Ho. Ho faced intense resistance from Republicans over his past social media posts critical of the party's senators and conservative policies, which they said cast doubt on his fitness to serve as a federal judge. Ho apologized during a 2021 Senate Judiciary Committee hearing for using overheated rhetoric on social media, including criticizing Sen. Mike Lee of Utah for tweets arguing that safeguarding personal liberty was a more important objective than ensuring democracy. Ho broadly defended his past advocacy and vowed to serve "as a fair, neutral, impartial arbiter of the law. Progressives touted Ho as a civil rights champion. While at the ACLU, Ho challenged Republican-backed voting restrictions and argued before the U.S. Supreme Court in a case that blocked the Trump administration from including a citizenship question on the 2020 U.S. Census. Ho is Bidens fifth confirmed judicial nominee for the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of New York and will be the second active Asian American judge on the court. Biden has sought to increase racial and ethnic diversity on the U.S. judiciary and appoint judges from varied professional backgrounds such as public defenders and civil rights lawyers. "Under previous administrations, lawyers who spent their careers at civil rights organizations were too often passed over when it came time to pick judges," Brian Fallon, executive director of the progressive group Demand Justice said Wednesday. "Not so anymore." (Reporting by Andrew Goudsward; Editing by David Bario and Alistair Bell) By Hyonhee Shin SEOUL (Reuters) - Several thousand South Korean and U.S. troops took part in joint live-fire exercises on Thursday, in a show of force after North Korea's failed attempt last month to launch a spy satellite ratcheted up tensions in the region. The drills, overseen by South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol, are also being held to mark the 70th anniversary of the alliance between the countries and the 75th anniversary of the founding of the South Korean military, his office said. A total of 2,500 troops took part in the drills in Pocheon, northeast of Seoul, supported by "cutting-edge" military assets, including South Korean F-35 fighters and K9 self-propelled howitzers and U.S. F-16 jets and Gray Eagle drones. "The exercises were aimed at checking the ability to conduct combined and joint operations to realise 'peace through strength' through practical manoeuvring and live-fire training under the scenario of a North Korean provocation," Yoon's office said in a statement, describing them as the largest live-fire drills ever held with the United States. The initial phase of the drills were designed to show a response to North Korea's nuclear and missile threats and a full-scale attack. Later in the programme, allied troops prepared the ground for a counterattack through air and artillery precision strikes on key targets, in order to "completely destroy the North's military threats," it said. North Korea unsuccessfully tried to launch a spy satellite late last month, in its first such attempt since 2016, with the rocket booster and payload plunging into the sea. Seoul and Washington condemned the launch as a grave provocation and violation of U.N. Security Council resolutions banning the North's use of ballistic missile technology. Pyongyang said it was exercising its right to space development and vowed to stage another launch soon to boost its surveillance capabilities against U.S. and South Korean threats. The isolated North has previously reacted angrily to the allies' military drills, calling them a rehearsal for its invasion. The United States has about 28,500 troops in South Korea. (Reporting by Hyonhee Shin; Editing by Ed Davies and Christian Schmollinger) By Stanley Widianto JAKARTA (Reuters) -Short video app TikTok, owned by China's ByteDance, said on Thursday it would invest billions of dollars in Southeast Asia over the next few years, as it doubles down on the region amid intensifying global scrutiny over its data security. Southeast Asia, a region with a collective population of 630 million - half of them under 30 - is one of TikTok's biggest markets in terms of user numbers, generating more than 325 million visitors to the app every month. But the platform has yet to translate the large user base into a major e-commerce revenue source in the region as it faces fierce competition from bigger rivals of Sea's Shopee, Alibaba's Lazada and GoTo's Tokopedia. "We're going to invest billions of dollars in Indonesia and Southeast Asia over the next few years," TikTok CEO Shou Zi Chew said at a forum it organised in Jakarta to highlight the social and economic impact of the app in the region. TikTok did not provide a detailed breakdown of the spending plan, but said it would invest in training, advertising and supporting small vendors looking to join its e-commerce platform TikTok Shop. Chew said content on its platform was becoming more diversified as it adds more users and expands beyond advertising into e-commerce, allowing consumers to purchase goods through links on the app during livestreaming. TikTok has 8,000 employees in Southeast Asia, and 2 million small vendors selling their wares on its platform in Indonesia, the region's biggest economy, he added. E-commerce transactions across the region reached nearly $100 billion last year, with Indonesia accounting for $52 billion, according to data from consultancy Momentum Works. TikTok facilitated $4.4 billion of transactions across Southeast Asia last year, up from $600 million in 2021, but it still trailed far behind Shopee's $48 billion of regional merchandise sales in 2022, Momentum Works said. TikTok's investment plan comes as the Chinese-owned company faces scrutiny from some governments and regulators because of concerns that Beijing could use the app to harvest user data or advance its interests. Countries including Britain and New Zealand have banned the app on government phones, moves TikTok said it believed were based on "fundamental misconceptions" and driven by wider geopolitics. TikTok has repeatedly denied that it has ever shared data with the Chinese government and has said the company would not do so if asked. The app has not faced major bans on government devices in Southeast Asia, but it has been under scrutiny over its content. Indonesia presented one of its first major global policy challenges in 2018, after authorities briefly banned TikTok for posts they said contained "pornography, inappropriate content and blasphemy." In Vietnam, regulators said it would probe TikTok's operations in the country because "toxic" content on the platform poses a threat to its "youth, culture and tradition." (Reporting by Stanley Widanto in Jakarta; Additional reporting by Anne Marie Roantree in Hong Kong and Fanny Potkin in Singapore; Writing by Miyoung Kim; Editing by Christopher Cushing and Jamie Freed) Editor's note: Some of the images in this story include harsh language that may be offensive. Tony Ferraiolo always understood who he was, even if he wasn't always believed. "I knew I was transgender from around the age of 5," Ferraiolo, a certified life coach and author in Connecticut, tells TODAY.com. "I remember my brother and I taking off our shirts while playing outside and my mom screaming, "Put it back on! Only boys take off their shirts.' When I said, 'I am a boy' she said, 'No you're not, you're a girl.' "At the time, no one used the word 'transgender,'" he notes. "The first time I looked in the mirror after having top surgery (as an adult), it took my breath away." Ferraiolo wanted to help transgender children live more authentically so he created a support group for teens to connect about their experiences at home and in school. "No one was doing this," he says. "I had to wing it." Ferraiolo recalls the first meeting in which two transgender teens showed up. "Angel, a 16 year-old, snuck her 'girl clothes' into a backpack," he says. "She changed into those clothes for the meeting, then with a big sigh, dressed in her 'boy clothes' before leaving." "A lot of the kids did that," he says. "It broke my heart." After growing demand, Ferraiolo created more groups: One for parents of transgender children and a workshop where kids expressed themselves through art. Trans kids express themselves through art (Artistic Expressions of Transgender Youth by Tony Ferraiolo) "I wanted parents, educators and mental health providers to understand what these children were going through or at least get a sense of their pain," says Ferraiolo. Creating art is how I got away from self-harm." In 2015, Ferraiolo compiled many of those drawings into a book titled "Artistic Expressions of Transgender Youth;" its second volume published three years later. TODAY.com contacted several of the artists, who are now adults, to reflect on their lives since creating these pieces. Trans kids express themselves through art (Artistic Expressions of Transgender Youth by Tony Ferraiolo) Yisreal Kogut (formerly Max), a nonbinary transgender person who uses the pronouns zhe/hir and they/them, was adopted into a Roman Catholic family. "I was raised to be a nice young lady and future wife and mom," Kogut, 31, of Oakland, California, tells TODAY.com. I didnt even know that transgender people existed." Feeling lost, Kogut briefly considered becoming a nun. "(The idea of) living together in a community and sharing a common experience seemed really beautiful," says Kogut. Confiding in a supportive teacher helped Kogat eventually understand and express that they were "trapped inside the wrong body." The realization, they say, was "a relief." Trans kids express themselves through art (Courtesy Yisrael Kogut) Kogut joined Ferraiolos support group a few months after coming out. "Drawing is a great medium for kids to explore who they are before they have other words for it," they say. Their drawing, hastily scrawled during the last few minutes of class, depicts two figures separated by an operating table used to perform a double mastectomy. One is Kogut wearing a chest binder, the other is a surgeon. Kogut titled the drawing "Freedom." "The word 'freedom' symbolizes the ability to breathe ... and a light at the end of the tunnel," says Kogut. Ferraiolo has inspired Kogut to mentor others. "With Tony's help, I ran a yearly art workshop for nonbinary folks," says Kogut. "At one point I realized, 'Whoa, I am the adult in the room now.' It's a life that I hadn't ever conceptualized." Trans kids express themselves through art (Artistic Expressions of Transgender Youth by Tony Ferraiolo) "From as long as I can remember from 2 or 3 years old I gravitated toward more traditionally feminine ways of presenting myself through toys, games or clothes," Hannah Szabo, a 20-year-old transgender woman in New Haven, Connecticut, tells TODAY.com. "My family let me take the lead in how I identified without passing judgment," she says. "There was a lot of freedom to experiment and I was really lucky. Most of my friends were girls, I played with dolls, I wore girl clothes to school and I grew my hair out." On weekends, Szabo felt freer. "Around first or second grade, I'd have my mom drive me a few towns over where I'd be less likely to see people and I used a different name and pronouns." Trans kids express themselves through art (Courtesy Hannah Szabo) Ferraiolos support group, which Szabo attended from ages 6 to 9, was exciting and a place to meet other gender-nonconforming people. Szabo recalls her drawing: a frown-faced figure with a worm-like body under a spiked ceiling to reflect "feeling trapped, caged and withheld," she says. At age 10, Szabo came out as transgender. "This was not as much of a politicized issue a decade ago because it hadn't become a right-wing talking point yet or covered by the media in the same way," she says. Ferraiolo was the first person Szabo told. He represented the idea that "trans people exist into the future and at the most basic level," says Szabo. "I can't stress enough how important that is." Mauve expressed the slurs and verbal abuse she faced growing up as a transgender person. (Artistic Expressions of Transgender Youth by Tony Ferraiolo) Maeve, a 24-year-old transgender woman (who asks TODAY.com to omit her last name for privacy) calls her mother her "biggest advocate," buying her Barbie dolls and validating her identity in other ways as a child. At school, Maeve hung out with girls. "I was viewed as a weak boy. Being called 'a girl' was meant as an insult but I didn't take offense." Maeve came out on three different occasions as gay, gender fluid, and finally transgender. At 17, Maeve contributed two drawings for Ferraiolo's book, one of which landed on the cover of volume two. Maeve drew the answer to "What makes you sad?" illustrating herself with long rainbow-colored hair. Behind her, people yell "Bitch," 'Ugly" and "Ew" in her direction. A slur is written in bold letters on the top of the page. "People said this to me all the time," says Maeve. "They tried to find anything synonymous with monstrous or deserving of hate." Trans kids express themselves through art (Courtesy Maeve ) "The rainbow hair means 'This is something beautiful about myself that no one can take from me,'" says Maeve. Maeve also drew her answer to "What do you want to be when you grow up?" which was a mother. Her drawing of a mom hugging her child was used as the cover image for the book's second volume. "I simply want to be a mother of a happy family," she wrote alongside the drawing. "I won't be lonely and will be needed/wanted and loved." Now, Maeve dreams of becoming a mortician or a death doula, a person who gives emotional support to those in their final chapter in life. "Trans people deserve to be respected and exit this world with dignity," says Maeve. "Many are buried with the wrong name, pronouns or clothing. That's another way to erase us. I want to help people through one of the most profound parts of life and (make sure) they're OK." This article was originally published on TODAY.com Berlin (Reuters) - Ukraine will get a further 14 Leopard-2 battle tanks worth a three-digit million euro sum from Western partners, financed by Denmark and the Netherlands, Handelsblatt business daily reported on Thursday, citing NATO sources. The vehicles will be supplied and refurbished by the Rheinmetall group, the paper reported. Contracts for the new delivery have already been signed and the German government was involved as it has to agree to the export of vehicles, it added. Delivery of the battle tanks is to take place by the end of January, reported Handelsblatt. (Writing by Anastasiia Kozlova; Editing by Madeline Chambers) By Denis Balibouse BERN (Reuters) -Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy on Thursday urged Switzerland to allow the re-export of weapons to Ukraine, saying the move would be vital in defeating Russia's invasion. Neutral Switzerland has a long-standing policy of barring any country that buys its arms from re-exporting them to parties in a conflict. In November last year it imposed an embargo on Swiss munitions being sent to either Russia or Ukraine. "I know there is a discussion in Switzerland about the exportation of war materiel to protect and defend Ukraine. That would be vital," Zelenskiy said in a video address to both houses of the Swiss parliament. "We need weapons so we can restore peace in Ukraine." The issue has sparked extensive debate in Switzerland, which has had to balance its foreign policy tradition of neutrality while considering the concerns of its European neighbours and its domestic weapons industry. Zelenskiy, wearing a plain black T-shirt with the word "Ukraine" printed across his chest, thanked Switzerland for adopting EU sanctions over the invasion but said more was needed. "It is very important to show solidarity because these sanctions will help us to end aggression," he said. "We have to strengthen the sanctions." REQUESTS DENIED Despite having adopted EU sanctions and frozen Russian assets worth 7.5 billion Swiss francs ($556 million), Switzerland has denied requests from Germany, Denmark and Spain to re-export Swiss ammunition, weaponry and military vehicles to Ukraine. Germany has also asked Swiss authorities to sell mothballed Leopard 2 tanks to arms maker Rheinmetall, which would allow the company to backfill gaps in the armaments of European Union and NATO members that have sent tanks to Ukraine. In his speech, Zelenskiy invited Switzerland to host a global peace summit on Ukraine. He said he had spoken to Swiss President Alain Berset about the initiative in March. A spokesperson for the Federal Department of Home Affairs said the Swiss president had had several exchanges with Zelenskiy this year but declined to comment on a possible summit. Zelenskiy's address was preceded by days of cyber attacks against Swiss government websites claimed by a pro-Russian hacking group. It also triggered tensions in parliament, with the right-wing Swiss People's Party (SVP) snubbing the speech and saying it was in violation of the country's neutrality. ($1 = 0.8999 Swiss francs) (Reporting by Denis Balibouse in Bern, Gabrielle Tetrault-Farber and Emma Farge in Geneva; Editing by Conor Humphries) GENEVA (Reuters) - A group of U.N. experts said on Thursday they had written to Moscow raising concerns about the use of torture by Russian military forces on Ukrainian civilians and prisoners of war. The U.N. experts said in a statement the torture included electric shocks, hoodings and mock executions and had been carried out to extract intelligence, force confessions or in response to alleged support for Ukraine's forces. It had resulted in damage to internal organs, cracked bones and fractures, strokes and psychological traumas, they said. A spokesperson for Russia's diplomatic mission in Geneva did not immediately respond to a request for comment. Moscow has previously denied torturing or mistreating prisoners of war and says it does not deliberately target civilians in Ukraine. While torture allegations have previously been levelled against both sides in the 15-month conflict, the team of U.N. independent experts said Russian forces' methods may be "state-endorsed". The consistency and methods of alleged torture suggested "a level of coordination, planning and organisation, as well as the direct authorisation, deliberate policy or official tolerance from superior authorities", according to U.N. Special Rapporteur on Torture Alice Jill Edwards, who sent the letter alongside several other independent experts. "Obeying a superior order or policy direction cannot be invoked as justification for torture, and any individual involved should be promptly investigated and prosecuted by independent authorities," she said. (Reporting by Emma Farge; Editing by Alex Richardson) By Charlotte Greenfield (Reuters) - The U.N. children's agency said it was holding discussions with Afghanistan's ruling Taliban over "timelines and practicalities" for a possible required handover of its education programmes and that classes would continue in the meantime. Aid officials say that the Taliban had signalled international organisations could no longer be involved in education projects, in a move criticised by the U.N. but not yet confirmed by Afghan authorities. UNICEF said it had received assurances from the education ministry that its community-based classes, which educate 500,000 students, would continue while they discussed the matter. "As the lead agency for the education cluster in Afghanistan, UNICEF is engaged in constructive discussions with the de facto Ministry of Education and appreciates the commitment from the de facto minister to keep all ... classes continuing while discussions take place about timelines and practicalities," UNICEF's Afghanistan spokesperson, Samantha Mort, told Reuters. "In order to minimise disruption to children's learning, it is imperative that any handover to national NGOs is done strategically and includes comprehensive assessment and capacity building." A spokesperson for the Taliban did not respond to request for comment. The Ministry of Education has not publicly confirmed the policy. The Taliban, who took power in 2021, have closed most secondary schools to girls, stopped female students attending universities and stopped many Afghan women working for aid groups and the United Nations in accordance with their strict interpretation of Islamic law. International organisations have been heavily involved in education projects, and UNICEF made an agreement with the Taliban to run community classes before they took over the country. Two humanitarian sources told Reuters this month that aid agencies had been told provincial authorities had been directed to stop the involvement of international organisations in education projects, possibly within weeks. The U.N. spokesperson in New York said the move would be a "horrendous step backwards". UNICEF runs many community-based classes including for 300,000 girls, often in homes in rural areas. The Taliban took over Afghanistan after a 20-year insurgency against U.S.-led forces with a speed and ease that took the world by surprise. (Reporting by Charlotte Greenfield; Editing by Nick Macfie) (Photo : Win McNamee/Getty Images) U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken is set to visit China to meet with top officials in Beijing to address rising tensions between the two governments. State Department announces US Secretary of State Antony Blinken's plans to visit Beijing to meet with top Chinese officials The American official's planned trip aims to stress the importance of open lines of communication Blinken also seeks to raise bilateral issues of concern as well as global and regional matters and other issues US Secretary of State Antony Blinken is set to visit China and meet with top officials in Beijing, where he is expected to stress the importance of having open lines of communication. The plan was announced by the State Department on Wednesday that included Blinken's planned time to leave, Friday. Furthermore, the American official is expected to raise bilateral issues of concern to top Chinese officials, as well as global and regional matters and potential cooperation on shared transnational challenges. Antony Blinken Set To Visit China Blinken's latest planned trip was one that he was forced to reschedule after the cancellation of a visit on the day of his departure in early February. It was the time when a Chinese spy balloon was seen flying over United States territory and caused a political and public uproar, as per the New York Times. Blinken also plans to meet with top officials in Beijing for two days before traveling to a conference in London that prioritizes the reconstruction of Ukraine. The trip marks the secretary of state's first trip to the Asian nation while holding his current position. Officials from both sides are also working on a planned meeting between him and President Xi Jinping. The two governments are optimistic that Blinken's visit will result in a series of trips by senior United States officials to China over the summer. The list of American diplomats includes Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen, commerce secretary Gina M. Raimondo, and special envoy for Climate John Kerry. The official visit could pave the way for a trip by Xi to San Francisco in November to attend a leaders summit of the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation group of nations. The Chinese and US governments see high-level diplomacy as a potential anchor in years-long tensions. Read Also: EU's Biodiversity Law on Life Support as Centre-Right MEPs Call for Amendments Addressing Tensions Between China and the US Before announcing the latest trip to China, Blinken spoke with the Chinese foreign minister by phone on Wednesday. According to CNN, the conversation with Qin Gang includes talks about responsibly managing relations to prevent any miscalculation and conflict. On the other hand, China's readout of the talk between the two officials underscored the deep distrust that continues to linger between Beijing and Washington. In a statement, the Chinese foreign minister told Blinken that the US should "show respect" over China's core concerns, such as Taiwan's independence. United States diplomats' visits to Taiwan, which is democratically governed but is one that Beijing claims to be part of its territory, have exacerbated tensions between the two governments. Qin also said that since the beginning of the year, Sino-U.S. relations have had new difficulties and challenges. The Chinese foreign minister added that American officials should stop interfering with Beijing's internal affairs. He argued that the US should stop harming China's sovereignty, security, and development interests in the name of competition, said Reuters. Related Article: Belarus Begins Receiving Nuclear Weapons From Russia @ 2023 HNGN, All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission. WASHINGTON (AP) The U.S. on Thursday imposed sanctions on a North Korean husband and wife living in Beijing accused of helping to procure equipment for ballistic missiles that ended up in the hands of North Korean and Iranian customers. Treasurys Office of Foreign Assets Control said Choe Chol Min and his wife Choe Un Jong work through North Korea's Second Academy of Natural Sciences, a state organization that conducts research for the nation's ballistics missiles program, to help procure equipment for buyers. Treasury says Choe Chol Min worked with North Korean weapons trading officials to buy equipment for Iranian customers. His wife is accused of coordinating at least one order for dual-use bearings that are used in North Korean ballistic missile production. The isolated Asian nation uses a network of representatives in foreign countries, including China and Iran, to illegally import restricted materials used to create ballistic missiles and other weapons in violation of U.N. Security Council resolutions, Treasury said. Tensions have risen in past months as the pace of North Korean weapons tests and U.S.-South Korea military exercises has increased. North Korea has test-fired about 100 missiles since the start of 2022, and South Korean and U.S. troops recently ended a fifth round of large-scale live-fire drills near the Koreas border on Thursday. In May, a North Korean long-range rocket carrying its first spy satellite crashed off the Korean Peninsulas west coast. On Thursday the nation conducted its first missile tests since that failure, launching two short-range ballistic missiles toward its eastern waters. Brian E. Nelson, Treasury's undersecretary for terrorism and financial intelligence, said North Korea's development of its missile program even Pyongyangs recent failed military satellite launch continues to threaten regional and international security. The United States is committed to targeting the regimes illicit procurement networks that feed its weapons programs," Nelson said. SAN FRANCISCO (AP) The union for thousands of West Coast dockworkers has reached a tentative agreement on a new contract, it was announced Wednesday, after more than a year of negotiations and several work disruptions that snarled shipping traffic at some of the largest ports. The International Longshore and Warehouse Union reached the tentative deal for a new six-year contract with the Pacific Maritime Association, a trade group for cargo carriers and terminal operators. Its members include such global shipping giants as Maersk and Evergreen Marine. The agreement will require ratification by PMA and union members and would affect 22,000 dockworkers at 29 ports from Washington state through California. Details of the deal weren't disclosed. We are pleased to have reached an agreement that recognizes the heroic efforts and personal sacrifices of the ILWU workforce in keeping our ports operating, PMA President James McKenna and ILWU President Willie Adams said in a joint statement. We are also pleased to turn our full attention back to the operation of the West Coast Ports. The dockworkers have been without a contract since July 1. West Coast ports handle some 40% of U.S. imports and their smooth operation is so important that President Joe Biden even stepped in last year and met with both sides in Los Angeles. The Port of Los Angeles handled 779,140 twenty-foot equivalent units last month, up 60% since February. The Port of Long Beach in May was the busiest month so far this year, signaling that volumes continue to increase. Part of that influx are shipments tied to the upcoming holiday season that have already begun to arrive, increasing pressure to come to a new labor agreement. At mid-year were starting to see signs that cargo volume is on the upswing, with our busiest month since August of last year, Port of Long Beach CEO Mario Cordero said this week. We look forward to more positive signs in the months ahead. A lockout in 2002 and an eight-day strike in 2015 cost the U.S. economy billions of dollars and forced the administrations of then-presidents George W. Bush and Barack Obama to intervene. The ports weren't completely shut down this time but several short-term worker shortages in recent weeks disrupted or even closed some terminals in California and Washington. Although there have been a couple terminal closures at Los Angeles/Long Beach around holidays, disruptions dont appear to be having a meaningful impact so far. The situation, however, at the smaller Port of Seattle has been more concerning, resulting in terminal closures and more meaningful delays in recent days, Christian Wetherbee of Citi Investment Research said in a note to clients. After the COVID-19 pandemic began to take hold in 2020, cargo traffic to ports slumped drastically. But then it recovered. Soaring demand led to traffic jams at the twin ports of Los Angeles and Long Beach, the nations busiest port complex. The union sought higher wages, arguing they deserved a greater share of record profits made by shippers and terminal operators during the pandemic. ILWU workers risked and lost their lives during the pandemic to ensure grocery store shelves were stocked, PPE (health safety gear) was made available, essential medical supplies were reaching our hospitals, and record volumes of consumer goods continued to reach the door steps of American consumers, argued an ILWU statement on June 2. In his statement, Biden congratulated the port workers, who have served heroically through the pandemic and the countless challenges it brought, and will finally get the pay, benefits, and quality of life they deserve. Acting U.S. Secretary of Labor Julie Su was sent to assist in the negotiations. Biden said Su used her deep experience and judgment to keep the parties talking. The tentative agreement delivers important stability for workers, for employers and for our countrys supply chain, Su said in a statement. The tentative agreement was praised by Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass, who said port work generates 1 in 15 jobs in the city. This is a win for the working people of our city, she said. The Fox News studios and headquarters in New York City. (Ted Shaffrey / AP) If you think Fox News is moderating its tone since paying $787.5 million to settle a landmark defamation suit, think again. The Rupert Murdoch-controlled conservative news network ran an extraordinary graphic Tuesday under a double box showing images of President Biden and former President Trump; the latter was criminally charged in Miami on 37 counts related to mishandling of classified documents. At 8:59 p.m. EDT, the potential 2024 election rivals appeared above a chyron that said, "Wannabe Dictator Speaks At the White House After Having His Political Rival Arrested." The line ran during "Fox News Tonight," the program that replaced Tucker Carlson after he was removed from the schedule in April, which had "Fox & Friends" co-host Brian Kilmeade in the anchor chair. The chyron remained onscreen for just under 30 seconds before switching over to host Sean Hannity's program at the top of the hour. Earlier on "Fox News Tonight," Kilmeade introduced Trump as "the president of the United States" before switching to a live speech. The chyron generated disbelief on Twitter, where Fox News clips and quotes are a frequent topic. White House Press Secretary Karine Jean-Pierre was asked about it Wednesday at her daily afternoon briefing with reporters and clearly was prepared for the query. "There are probably 787 million things that I can say about this that was wrong about what we saw last night," Jean-Pierre said, a direct reference to the $787.5-million settlement the network paid to Dominion Voting Systems in April. Fox News paid the voting machine company to head off a trial, but not before the release of evidence that reflected poorly on the network. Dominion alleged it was damaged by Fox News amplifying false claims made by Trump attorneys Sidney Powell and Rudolph W. Giuliani that the companys machines manipulated votes to help elect Joe Biden president. Fox News faces a similar lawsuit from Smartmatic, a voting software firm. Fox News, which was carrying the press conference live, dipped down the audio during Jean-Pierre's remarks and swiftly went back to anchors Sandra Smith and John Roberts in its Washington studio. The network switched to a report about a crocodile pulled from a Florida pool. Before the press conference, a Fox News representative said, "The chyron was taken down immediately and was addressed." No further explanation was offered. Fox News has devoted significant time to covering Trump's legal problems, including the airing of a harsh assessment from former attorney general William Barr, who said the former president is "toast." But the opinion hosts have been doing their best to counter the negative narrative for Trump an audience favorite with a steady stream of commentary about Biden and Hillary Clinton not being prosecuted for their handling of classified material. Guests and hosts frequently call the Trump indictment politically motivated and downplay the severity of the charges against him. The Dominion case revealed how Fox News executives were concerned about audience tune-out after the 2020 election, as their viewers tend to go away when things are not going well for Trump or the Republicans. Executives and anchors deliberated on how to hold onto the audience by covering Trump's false voter-fraud claims, even though their own reporting determined the election was fair. Fox News is currently grappling with audience declines that have occurred since Carlson was ousted from the prime-time lineup. "Fox News Tonight," the interim replacement for Carlson, has failed to hold the audience of its predecessor, as its audience has declined more than 50%. This story originally appeared in Los Angeles Times. MADISON, Wis. (AP) Wisconsin Gov. Tony Evers said Wednesday in a newspaper report that he won't sign the state budget if Republican lawmakers follow through on their plan to cut funding for the state university system's diversity officers, escalating a bitter fight over dollars for the state campuses. Assembly Speaker Robin Vos told The Associated Press on Tuesday that he wants to cut $32 million from the UW System in the state's 2023-25 budget, an amount he said is equal to what the system spends on diversity officers. He said during a news conference Wednesday that diversity efforts have become liberals' new religion and tax dollars shouldn't be used to help them. For people on the left, (efforts to promote diversity have) become their new religion, Vos said. They no longer go to church on Sunday, but boy, are they trying to make sure everybody is evangelized on campus, that's there only one acceptable viewpoint. That's not what I think taxpayers should be funding. Evers, a Democrat and a former UW regent, tweeted Tuesday that the cut would be disastrous for the UW System. He told reporters during a tour of a cheese manufacturer in Monroe on Wednesday that he wouldn't sign the budget if Republicans follow through, the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel reported. Cutting the university system when the state has a $7 billion surplus is irrational and ridiculous," he said. Evers' spokesperson, Britt Cudaback, didn't immediately return messages from the AP. Vos appeared unfazed at a second news conference Wednesday afternoon, saying he doesn't believe Evers would veto the entire budget over one issue. He said if Evers were to erase the budget, Republicans would begin work on a new spending plan in October and force Evers to explain to the state why his constituents have gone without new funding for months. (Assembly Republicans are) unanimous in saying that if the governor would make a mistake and try to pick one thing out of an $80 billion budget, to say we have to spend money how he sees fit, that's not going to work, Vos said. Tensions between Republicans who control the Legislature and the states university system are nothing new. But the fight this year centers on issues of free speech and UWs work to advance diversity and racial equity. The conflict reflects a broader cultural battle playing out across the nation over college diversity initiatives. Republican lawmakers this year have proposed more than 30 bills in 12 states to limit diversity, equity and inclusion efforts in higher education, an Associated Press analysis found in April. UW spokesperson Mark Pitsch has said salaries for current system employees tasked with working on diversity, equity and inclusion amount to roughly $15.6 million annually. UW System President Jay Rothman hired a new chief diversity officer with an annual salary of $225,000 who began work on Monday. He did not publicize the hiring at a UW Board of Regents meeting earlier this month. Pitsch didn't immediately respond to an email Wednesday seeking comment on Evers' veto pledge. The Legislature's Republican-controlled finance committee is in the midst of rewriting Evers' executive budget before forwarding it to the full Assembly and Senate for approval. If the spending plan passes both houses it would go next to Evers, who sign it into law, use his partial veto powers to rewrite large portions of it or veto the entire thing. UW regents requested an additional $435.6 million over the two-year budget. Evers' proposal called for giving the system about $305.9 million in new money. The finance committee already rejected plans this month to build a new engineering building on the system's flagship Madison campus; if the panel chops $32 million from the system the regents would end up about $500 million short of what they say they need. That could lead to more tuition increases for students as the system tries to make up the shortfall. The regents in March approved hundreds of dollars in tuition, fees and room and board rate increases after Evers' budget fell $130 million short of their $435.6 million target request. There was no immediate response to an email sent Wednesday morning seeking comment from the Associated Students of Madison, the student government body at UW-Madison. It's unclear when the finance committee may consider UW System's portion of the budget. The committee was scheduled to vote on it Tuesday evening but ultimately chose to delay action indefinitely. Sen. Howard Marklein, the Republican co-chair of the committee, did not comment when asked about UWs budget on Wednesday morning. Rep. Mark Born, the other co-chair, declined to explain why the vote was delayed during a news conference Wednesday afternoon. It was unclear when the committee would take up the matter. First of all, I dont accept that anything broke down, Born said. Were working through the budget process and historically, as well as in this budget, sometimes things are delayed as discussions or work continues ... Well take it up when were ready to take it up. UnitedHealth Group CEO Andrew Witty UnitedHealth Group An insurance exec warned of higher medical costs as Americans start to get more elective procedures. The comment sent health insurer stocks tumbling on Wednesday. It suggests people are getting care they put off during the height of the pandemic. Older Americans are starting to get more procedures like hip and knee surgeries, and it's driving up how much one of the biggest US health insurers is spending on medical care. UnitedHealth Group expects to spend more of its members' premiums on medical care in the second quarter, driven by a rise in outpatient care for Americans 65 and older in Medicare plans, CFO John Rex said Tuesday at a Goldman Sachs investor conference. The "strong" level of care older Americans are seeking out suggests that people are getting more comfortable getting procedures they put off during the pandemic, the UnitedHealth Group executive said. The insurer is incorporating this higher level of demand into the prices it sets for plans it offers next year in the private market for health insurance for older Americans, known as Medicare Advantage. The stocks of health insurance companies tumbled on Wednesday following the warning. UnitedHealth, which has a market cap of $424 billion, fell 7%. Humana, which also has a large business caring for Medicare members, slumped 13.5%. Elevance Health slid 7% and CVS Health, which owns Aetna, declined 6%. A doctor attends to a patient's knee replacement bandage. Jodi Jacobson/Getty Images The warning boosted the stocks of hospital operators and medical-device makers on Wednesday. The health systems HCA and Tenet were up 3% and 4% respectively. Medical technology companies like Stryker and Medtronic jumped 5% and 3% respectively. Read the original article on Business Insider Russian President Vladimir Putin speaks via video call during a news conference in Moscow, Russia, Thursday, Dec. 17, 2020. Aleksey Nikolskyi/AP Russia is laying claim over the assets of "naughty" Western firms in the country, the Financial Times said. Last week, the Kremlin secretly ordered legislation that allows Western assets to be seized a steep discounts. The new rules will likely make it harder for Western firms to stop doing business in Russia. Russia is laying claim over the assets of any "naughty" Western firms operating in the country, Kremlin officials told the Financial Times, likely making it harder for them to leave the country. President Vladimir Putin secretly signed a new decree last week that gives Russia the power to seize Western assets at steep discounts and sell them later for a profit, people familiar with the matter told the FT. The Kremlin intends to use the threat of nationalization to punish Western firms that don't abide by Russia's rules, the report said. Though Western firms are "more than welcome" to pursue business in Russia, some foreign companies operating in the country have failed to pay their dues and have left Russia with huge losses, Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov told the FT. "If a company doesn't fulfill its obligations, then, of course, it goes in the category of naughty companies. We say goodbye to those companies. And what we do with their assets after that is our business," he added. Meanwhile, Putin's decree also requires all private buyers of Western firms to be fully Russian or in the process of removing non-Russian shareholders. The new rules mark an escalation in Moscow's crackdown. In December, Russia said Western companies must offer Russian buyers a discount of 50% or more and provide a "voluntary" contribution to the Kremlin's budget of 5%-10% of any deal's price tag. That comes as Russia battles a slowing economy, and is scrambling to scrape together more money to fund its ongoing invasion of Ukraine. Foreign firms leaving the nation could worsen the outflow of capital leaving Russia, which could do more damage to its economy and potentially hurt the ruble as well as investors, sources told the FT. Read the original article on Business Insider A New Jersey jury ruled unanimously in favor of a former Starbucks employee who sued the company for wrongful termination, claiming that she was fired for being white. Shannon Phillips, a former regional director for the chain, claimed in a lawsuit first filed in 2019 that "her race was a determinative factor" in Starbucks' decision to fire her in the wake of a 2018 racial firestorm. PHOTO: In this April 16, 2018, file photo, protesters gather for ongoing protest at the Starbucks location in Center City Philadelphia, PA where days earlier two black men were arrested. (NurPhoto via Getty Images, FILE) After a six-day trial, the jury returned a verdict, ordering the coffee giant to pay $25.6 million in settlement money, including punitive and compensatory damages, according to Phillips' attorneys. In April 2018, two Black men -- Donte Robinson and Rashon Nelson -- were arrested while waiting for a business meeting after an employee called 911 and accused the men of trespassing after they refused to make a purchase or leave the store. The arrests sparked nationwide protests and prompted Starbucks to close some of its stores for a day for racial bias training. Robinson and Nelson reached a private settlement with Starbucks, as well as with the city of Philadelphia, which vowed to pay the men each $1 and promised a $200,000 investment into programs that support aspiring young entrepreneurs, according to the Philadelphia Mayor's Office. Less than a month after the arrests, Phillips was notified of her termination, despite claiming that she wasn't at the store that day and was not involved in the arrests in any way. PHOTO: In this April 15, 2018, file photo, protestors demonstrate outside a Starbucks in Philadelphia. Police arrested two black men who were waiting inside the Starbucks which prompted an apology from the company's CEO. (Mark Makela/Getty Images, FILE) According to court documents, Starbucks claimed Phillips "appeared overwhelmed, frozen and lacked awareness of how critical the situation was for Starbucks and its partners" and that "all actions taken by Starbucks with respect to Ms. Phillips were for legitimate, nondiscriminatory, non-retaliatory reasons." Phillips, who had been employed by Starbucks for nearly 13 years at the time of her termination, claims she "actively worked" on "crisis management" efforts and "took steps to ensure that the retail locations within her area were a safe and welcoming environment for all customers, regardless of race," according to her 2019 civil complaint. Attorney Channa Lloyd, an ABC News contributor and a managing partner of The Cochran Firm, told "GMA," "Starbucks wasn't necessarily under legal pressure but they were under public pressure to act and to show that they were open to everyone of every race and origin and to show that they were not going to allow racism to foster within their organization." During the trial, key testimony came from a Black district manager at Starbucks who testified via Zoom that he thought Phillips' race played into Starbucks' decision to fire her and that his race was a reason why he was not terminated, according to a statement provided to ABC News from Phillips' attorney. Phillips' attorney also told "GMA," "Starbucks chose not to terminate the District Manager of the store where the arrests took place, who was Black, but instead terminated his White supervisor, Ms. Phillips." "Other companies are definitely going to have to be much more thoughtful and clear about why they're exercising terminations when they're faced with this type of situation," Lloyd added about the impact of the settlement decision. ABC News reached out to Starbucks but the company declined comment. Starbucks ordered to pay over $25 million to white former manager who claimed racial discrimination originally appeared on goodmorningamerica.com WASHINGTON (Reuters) - Republicans in the U.S House of Representatives on Thursday adopted government spending targets for the next fiscal year below the level agreed by Speaker Kevin McCarthy and Democratic President Joe Biden, setting up a fight with the Democratic-led Senate that could again risk a government shutdown. The House Appropriations Committee voted 33-27 along party lines to adopt a discretionary spending level of $1.47 trillion for fiscal year 2024, which starts on Oct. 1. That is about $120 billion below the $1.59 trillion set out in the debt ceiling bill negotiated by Biden and McCarthy. The targets would maintain defense spending at the $866 billion level agreed in the debt ceiling legislation. But the plan would slash spending for the environment, public assistance and foreign aid. It would also increase spending for border security, drug enforcement and countering China. Democrats say that the lower levels renege on the debt-ceiling agreement. Republicans counter that the deal only capped spending. "The debt ceiling bill set a ceiling, not a floor, for fiscal year 2024 bills. The allocations before us reflect the change members on my side of the aisle want to see," said Appropriations Committee chair Kay Granger. Congress will try to pass 12 appropriations bills before October, covering everything from law enforcement to scientific research. On Wednesday, the panel adopted a bill that would cut spending on agriculture and the Food and Drug Administration by 30% from current levels. Republicans on the committee unveiled another bill for energy and water development that Democrats said cuts spending on domestic programs like green energy incentives by 22%. Democrats also objected to policies that Republicans attached to the spending bills, such as one that would prevent an abortion drug from being distributed through pharmacies. Lower spending levels could make it harder for the House to reach agreement with the Democratic-led Senate. Federal agencies could have to shut down if the two chambers are unable to agree to spending levels by October. "They're moving toward a shutdown. That's what they seem to want to guarantee," Representative Rosa DeLauro, the top House Democratic appropriator, told Reuters. Republican Representative Steve Womack also expressed concern about a shutdown. "I worry about what's going to happen on Oct. 1," he said. (This story has been refiled to remove the duplicate words 'of Representatives' in paragraph 2) (Reporting by David Morgan; editing by Andy Sullivan and Alistair Bell) 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. (Photo : Patrick T. Fallon / AFP) (PATRICK T. FALLON/AFP via Getty Images) A United States Marine is among the two individuals that have been charged with firebomb a California Planned Parenthood, prompting the clinic to temporarily close and cancel appointments. US Marine among individuals charged with firebombing a California Planned Parenthood clinic The suspects reportedly used a Molotov cocktail to set fire to the building The criminal complaint named 21-year-old Tibet Ergul and 23-year-old Marine Chance Brannon as the suspects An active-duty United States Marine was among the two individuals charged with the firebombing of a Planned Parenthood clinic in Southern California. Federal authorities said that the suspect used a Molotov cocktail to set fire to the building, causing damage to its structure. The two individuals who were named in the criminal complaint were identified to be 21-year-old Tibet Ergul and 23-year-old Marine Chance Brannon. The latter was found to be stationed at Camp Pendleton. US Marine Charged With Firebombing The complaint claimed that the two men attacked the clinic located in Costa Mesa on Mar. 13, 2022, at around 1:00 a.m. Furthermore, the affidavit described security videos that showed the two men wearing hooded sweatshirts and face masks while making their way to the clinic, as per Fox News. The Costa Mesa Police Department and fire department dispatched units to respond to the incident scene and extinguish the blaze. Later analysis of evidence that officials collected at the crime scene showed that the glass container and other materials contained gasoline. The Department of Justice (DOJ) said the two suspects were charged on Wednesday morning with "using an explosive or fire to damage real property affecting interstate commerce." The defendants face up to 20 years in federal prison for their actions. The suspects were expected to make their first federal court appearance on Wednesday afternoon in Santa Ana, California. The DOJ's statement added that the two men ignited and threw a Molotov cocktail at the clinic entrance, forcing Planned Parenthood Costa Mesa to close the following morning, canceling roughly 30 appointments. According to CNN, the clinic, which provides reproductive health services, such as abortion-related services, said that no one was harmed during the incident, thanking the FBI and Costa Mesa law enforcement on Wednesday. Read Also: Alabama Grants Medicinal Marijuana Licenses to 21 Firms; Full List Here Targeting a Planned Parenthood Clinic In a statement, the spokesperson for Planned Parenthood of Orange and San Bernardino Counties, Nichole Ramirez, said they were fortunate and grateful that no one was injured. They added that they remain firm against those who wish to intimidate their workers, patients, and supporters. Ramirez noted that safety was their priority and argued that they would not be intimidated or deterred in their mission to provide care to the community. The US Marine Corps declined to comment on the issue, citing ongoing legal matters. US Attorney Martin Estrada said that his office takes the brazen attack that targeted the facility providing critical health care to thousands of Orange County residents very seriously. He added that while further damage was prevented, the suspects' actions were unacceptable. The Assistant Director in Charge of the FBI's Los Angeles Field Office, Donald Alway, said that the depraved acts of the two suspects to use an improvised explosive device placed lives at risk, said CBS News. Related Article: Johns Hopkins Receives Flak for 'Lesbian' Definition @ 2023 HNGN, All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission. Express your opinion! Fill out this form to submit a Letter to the Editor. Submit The British Army has resumed training on its Ajax vehicles after a period of uncertainty caused by technical issues. This marks an important step in individual and crew training on these tracked vehicles. Follow Army Recognition on Google News at this link Unveiling of the Ajax family of vehicles at DVD 2018 in Millbrook by General Dynamics Land Systems (Picture source: Army Recognition) The training is taking place in Bovington and Bulford, focusing on the initial production standard of the vehicles known as Capability Drop 1. It aims to familiarize troops with operating the armored vehicles and utilizing their integrated systems. Additionally, the training will allow the crew to gain proficiency and experience before the delivery of the fully deployable Capability Drop 3 vehicles. To date, 44 vehicles of Capability Drop 1 have been supplied to the British Army, while the production of Capability Drop 3 vehicles is ongoing in South Wales. These vehicles, totaling 589 in number, will provide the Army with enhanced surveillance and reconnaissance capabilities, including cutting-edge sensors, an improved cannon, modular armor, and enhanced cross-country range and mobility. They will enable the Army to operate in all weather conditions, 24 hours a day. James Cartlidge, the Minister for Defence Procurement, expressed his satisfaction with the progress made in the Ajax Program, emphasizing the significant capabilities it will bring to the British forces. Recently, Cartlidge visited Bovington Camp, where soldiers were undergoing training on the Ajax vehicles. He also met soldiers participating in the Reliability Growth Trials, which resumed earlier in the year, and instructors who were about to commence Army training. During the Reliability Growth Trials, various Ajax variants, including Apollo, Atlas, and Ares, have covered more than 6,600 kilometers across different terrains, performing battlefield tasks such as operating at different speeds, engaging in weapon systems firing, utilizing vehicle systems and communications, as well as conducting specialized tasks like vehicle recoveries and repairs using the integrated crane. The Ministry of Defence confirmed the resumption of payments to General Dynamics for the program's delivery earlier this year. A firm contract price remains in place for the delivery of the 589 vehicles, ensuring that General Dynamics is motivated to achieve the agreed outcomes. Consequently, the program is still within its original budget and the MoD has worked closely with General Dynamics in a collaborative and constructive manner to accomplish this. The Ajax family of vehicles ordered by the British Army * 245 turreted 'Ajax' variants * 198 Reconnaissance and Strike (Ajax) * 23 Joint Fire Control (Ajax) * 24 Ground-Based Surveillance (Ajax) * 256 Protected Mobility Recce Support (PMRS) variants * 93 Armoured Personnel Carrier (APC) (Ares) * 112 Command and Control (Athena) * 34 Formation Reconnaissance Overwatch (Ares) * 51 Engineer Reconnaissance (Argus) * 88 Engineering variants for REME based on the PMRS * 38 armoured recovery vehicles (Atlas) with a 3-man crew * 50 Repair vehicles (Apollo) with four man crew Defense News June 2023 Im returning to India to meet with key leaders for discussions about strengthening our major defence partnership US secretary of defence Lloyd Austin will hold bilateral talks with defence minister Rajnath Singh on Monday. (Image: Facebook) New Delhi: US secretary of defence Lloyd Austin arrived in New Delhi on Sunday on a two-day visit to explore ways to further strengthen bilateral defence cooperation and the growing Indo-US defence partnership, especially in areas of the transfer of critical technologies for the co-development of military hardware. "Im returning to India to meet with key leaders for discussions about strengthening our major defence partnership. Together, were advancing a shared vision for a free and open Indo-Pacific," he said after arriving in India for a two-day visit from Singapore. The US secretary of defence will hold bilateral talks with defence minister Rajnath Singh on Monday. India is keen on finalising an agreement with the US for the manufacturing of jet engines in the country. The transfer of technology from General Electric (GE) to manufacture jet engines is crucial for the indigenous manufacturing of the Light Combat Aircraft in the country. The US defence secretary's visit comes before Prime Minister Narendra Modi's official state visit to the White House next month. At the bilateral meeting, both ministers are set to discuss a number of new defence cooperation projects that are set to be unveiled after the Prime Minister's talks with US President Joe Biden in Washington later in the month. The growing Chinese threat, increasing cooperation in the Indo-Pacific, implementation of foundational defence agreements, promoting co-development and co-production of military hardware and enhancing military ties will be at the top of the agenda during the bilateral talks. This is Mr Austins second visit to India, the previous one being in March 2021. The ethnic clashes claimed over 70 lives and left scores of people injured New Delhi: Army Chief Gen. Manoj Pande on Saturday arrived in Manipur to review the law and order situation as the state reported rising incidents of sporadic violence over the last few days. Gen. Pande, accompanied by GoC-in-C Eastern Command Lt. Gen. Rana Pratap Kalita, landed at the Bir Tikendrajit Imphal International Airport in the afternoon for his two-day visit to the state. Gen. Pande will meet on Sunday with the governor of Manipur, Anusuiya Uikey, chief minister N. Biren Singh and chief security advisor of Manipur Kuldiep Singh to discuss the current situation. The Chief of Army Staff Manoj Pande will visit various locations where he will interact with the local formation commanders and obtain a first-hand account of the situation on the ground, said the Indian Army in a statement. The ethnic clashes claimed over 70 lives and left scores of people injured. (Photo : Andrew Nelles-Pool/Getty Images) A woman from Ecuador startled her family after she was heard knocking from inside her coffin during her own wake after she was declared dead. Ecuadorian woman startles family members after she is heard knocking from inside a coffin during her wake The retired nurse, identified as Bella Montoya, was declared dead after a potential stroke and cardiopulmonary arrest The patient's family held her memorial service on June 9 but had to stop after they heard sounds from inside the coffin An Ecuadorian woman declared dead by health officials frightened family members after she was heard knocking from inside her coffin during her wake. The 76-year-old woman woke up five hours into her wake, a few days after doctors declared the retired nurse, Bella Montoya, dead following a suspected stroke and cardiopulmonary arrest. Ecuador's health ministry added that the patient did not respond to resuscitation efforts at the time. Ecuadorian Woman Knocks on Coffin During Wake The elderly woman's son, Gilberto Barbera, said that the incident frightened them but noted that his mother's condition was still dire. The family quickly returned the retired nurse to a hospital to be treated, as per Fox News. Barbera said there were about 20 people at the wake of his mother and noted that five hours in, the coffin began to make sounds. They then found Montoya wrapped in sheets, hitting the coffin and breathing heavily. He added that doctors are considering the possibility that the cardiorespiratory arrest resulted in his mother suffering catalepsy. This trance-like state makes a person's body rigid and less pain-sensitive. The condition is associated with several functions of the human body being affected, such as breathing slowing down. Barbera added that his mother was on oxygen, and her heart was stable. He said that the doctor squeezed Montoya's hand, and she reacted to the sensation. Medical professionals said that this was a good sign because it meant that the patient was responding little by little. The Ecuadorian Ministry of Public Health said a state investigation was underway to investigate Montoya's situation. According to CNN, officials noted that the retired nurse was admitted on Friday, where she was declared dead following a possible stroke. Read Also: Wedding Boat Capsizes in Nigeria, Killing Hundreds of Passengers Declared Dead After a Potential Stroke Following the surprising development, Montoya was transferred to the Martin Icaza Hospital in Babahoyo for intensive care. It was the same hospital that helped her and declared her dead. There is no information regarding her current condition. The health ministry is also working with the Health Services Quality Assurance Agency to form a national technical committee to "initiate a medical audit to establish responsibilities for the alleged confirmation of death." Barbera noted that he visited his mother while she was in intensive care on Sunday, saying that he is little by little grasping what has happened. He added that he is now only praying for Montoya's health to improve, saying he wants her alive and by his side. A similar incident occurred in December in the United States when an Iowa care facility mistakenly pronounced dead a 66-year-old resident. They transported her to a funeral home, where she woke up "gasping for air," said CBS News. Related Article: 18yo Japanese Army Trainee Shoots 2 Instructors at Firing Range @ 2023 HNGN, All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission. In a world driven by hierarchies as much as by performance, babus are rather prickly about these matters. As promotions in various ministries/departments are underway, and the chairmen of these bodies sit in on the meetings, having someone who is comparatively junior sitting as a member of the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) is becoming a matter of some embarrassment. If murmurs are to be believed. In a world driven by hierarchies as much as by performance, babus are rather prickly about these matters. But it appears that the appointment last month of Suman Sharma, a 1990-batch IRS officer, as a member of the commission is causing consternation among seniors in her allied services, who find it awkward to appear at meetings at the UPSC, where she sits as their equal. According to sources, Ms Sharma started her career as an IRS officer in Gujarat, and the grapevine believes it sometimes confers some extra powers, which may partly explain her meteoric rise now, to a post that is hugely significant, according to insiders. But this aside, even after the confirmation of Manoj Soni as UPSC chairperson and the subsequent appointment of Ms Sharma and 1988-batch IAS officer Bidyut Bihari Swain as members, four key member posts remain vacant in UPSC. The tenure of a member of UPSC is six years or until the age of 65 years, whichever is earlier. Ms Sharma, we are told, will get to serve as a UPSC member until May 2029. Vacancies impeding effective governance Despite the PMOs ambitious goal of providing 10 lakh employments by December 2023, the department of personnel and training (DoPT) has admitted that over 1617 posts of section officer grade remain unfilled as of December last year. Further, sources have informed DKB that an additional 300 vacancies are expected to emerge in July due to promotions from section officer grade to under-secretary grade. This will bring the overall vacancy count to more than 1,800, accounting for nearly half of the sanctioned strength. Section officers are considered the backbone and institutional memory of the Central Secretariat, playing a crucial role in the units of the ministry or department where they are posted. The minister concerned Jitendra Singh has acknowledged that the shortage of section officers is paralysing ministries and departments, ultimately affecting the delivery of public services. Given the situation, sources say that the Central Secretariat Service (CSS) Forum, a representative body of all CSS officers, has raised concerns and urged Singh to prioritise the matter. Apparently, eligible officers face a pecuniary loss of Rs 10,000 per month if not promoted before July 1, 2023. Additionally, considering the vacancies expected to come up in the months ahead due to cadre reviews, there could be 3,000 vacancies at the section officer grade, which would seriously impede the functioning of the Central government. Retired cop turns author, ruffles Left feathers In Gods own country, an unlikely face-off is brewing between the Kerala government and retired top cop turned author Jacob Thomas. The latest episode in this saga has the state government demanding action against Mr Thomas for daring to write books without its permission! Is the former IPS officer the victim of a political witch hunt? The states babus are now pondering this troubling question. Mr Thomas, clearly, has a knack for stirring up trouble. His first book, Swimming with the Sharks, managed to ruffle a few feathers during his eventful tenure in various posts. He was even suspended twice for the audacity of publishing it. Now the state government is up in arms again, this time taking offence at two more books penned by Mr Thomas. A prominent CPI(M) leader even released the first book, while the second was supposed to be unveiled by none other than chief minister Pinarayi Vijayan. But the function never saw the light of day. Even three years after his retirement, the state seems relentless in pursuing Mr Thomas. Yet strangely, sources point out, there has been no inquiry or action against M. Sivasankar, the former principal secretary to the chief minister, who published a book right after being released from jail for his alleged involvement in a major hold smuggling racket. The plot thickens! To add fuel to the fire, an inquiry is now underway against Mr Thomas for alleged irregularities in a dredger purchase made a decade ago. Is there no end to the retired cops woes? Perhaps this is the price he is paying for falling out of favour with the powers that be. With Brand Modi badly hit, home minister Amit Shah and the partys top brass are burning the midnight oil to evolve foolproof strategies. In the Opposition space, the immediate man to watch is Bihar CM Nitish Kumar as the battlefield for the next Lok Sabha polls is being drawn up. (PTI) Ahead of the run-up to a series of Assembly polls and later the 2024 Lok Sabha elections, an interesting game of snakes and ladders is being seen in the political arena, where some of yesterdays laggards have suddenly got a push due to the changing circumstances. Some favourites have hit a bad patch. Some have tumbled while others are in a quandary on their next moves. Interestingly, the beleaguered lot of chief ministers and former chief ministers, as well as MPs, belong to the BJP. N. Biren Singh is under increasing attack as a troubled Manipur continues to be in turmoil for over the past month. Basavaraj Bommai of Karnataka has been made the fall guy along with state party chief Nalin Kateel for the lapses in strategy by the high command that saw BJP facing a humiliating defeat. Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh has turned out to be the most controversial MP of the ruling party, and partymen wonder why he was not proceeded against. The protests by women wrestlers have become too embarrassing for the ruling side. He looks one out of the rogues gallery. In the Opposition space, the immediate man to watch is Bihar CM Nitish Kumar as the battlefield for the next Lok Sabha polls is being drawn up. Mr Kumar has convened the much talked-about Opposition conclave in Patna on June 23 to decide a joint strategy against the Narendra Modi-led BJP in the Lok Sabha polls. It is no mean feat. Armed with the backing of Rahul Gandhi, Nitish Kumar has organised the conclave which will be attended by the whos who among the top Opposition brass. The powers that be will soon be on overdrive insisting that a Modi hatao campaign has started. But that is to be expected. With Brand Modi badly hit, home minister Amit Shah and the partys top brass are burning the midnight oil along with anxious state leaders to evolve foolproof strategies, but the road ahead isnt going to be easy. The Opposition is demanding the scalp of railway minister Ashwini Vaishnaw, the blue-eyed boy of Mr Modi, after the train disaster in Odisha in which nearly 300 people perished and hundreds of others were severely injured. Till last month, Mr Vaishnaw, who also has the high-profile information technology, communications and electronics portfolios, was seen as a possible CM candidate of the BJP in the desert state of Rajasthan. He was seen as a fresh face to take on Congress incumbent Ashok Gehlot, who is a wily opponent. The BJP is a harassed lot with the Opposition parties relentlessly telling Mr Vaishnaw to follow Lal Bahadur Shastris example and resign. The Karnataka shock has seen the dame luck suddenly smiling on former Rajasthan CM Vasundhara Raje, who is now basking in the limelight after attempts to marginalise her over the past four years. It is a pot of good luck for her. But her cousin, civil aviation minister Jyotiraditya Scindia, is facing sserious problems in neighbouring poll-bound Madhya Pradesh where the entrenched groups, including that of chief minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan, are pitching against a fair deal to newcomers, an euphemism for Mr Scindia and his supporters who joined the BJP three years ago. Despite being CM for four terms, Mr Chouhan this time does not look comfortable. On the other hand, his advanced age notwithstanding, there is a spring in the step of Kamal Nath, his main challenger. The rise of Ms Raje in Rajasthan is not good news for her key detractor, Union minister Gajendra Singh Shekhawat, and several others who were promoted by the high command to marginalise her. Sachin Pilot, a known detractor of Mr Gehlot, is in a quandary on his next moves amidst talk that he could form a new party. The more he stays cool, it will be better for him. Chhattisgarh chief minister Bhupesh Baghel looks like hes sitting pretty. The BJP is still to decide its way ahead in the poll-bound state. One of its top leaders, Nandkumar Sai, has recently joined the Congress. Heading the worlds largest party, BJP president J.P. Nadda had to bear a second successive defeat in Karnataka, after his native Himachal Pradesh. Mallikarjun Kharge has proved lucky for the Congress which inflicted shock defeats on the BJP in these two states. President Droupadi Murmu and vice-president Jagdeep Dhankar took in their stride not being invited to the inauguration of the new Parliament building late last month as it was a Modi show through and through with even Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla playing second fiddle. The presence of Rajya Sabha deputy chairperson Hariuvansh sent shock waves in his native Bihar as the JD(U), to which he belongs, boycotted the function. Delhi chief minister Arvind Kejriwal is a worried man with the Centre promulgating a controversial ordinance on issues over administration of the National Capital Territory. The Congress kept him on tenterhooks for about a fortnight on the issue of helping him out in the Rajya Sabha by voting against the relevant bill. Mr Kejriwal has met everybody who is anybody in the Opposition space to rally support, but is waiting for a meeting with Mr Kharge and Rahul Gandhi. He is warning all the other Opposition parties if they failed to unite over this, similar ordinances would be promulgated for their states. K. Chandrasekhar Rao, Telangana CM and Bharat Rashtra Samiti chief, has quietly come out of the Opposition unity moves to take on Mr Modi. The Congress' victory in neighbouring Karnataka has prompted him to virtually remain equidistant from the BJP and Congress, his two foes on home turf. TDP chief N. Chandrababu Naidu is back in the limelight after meeting the Union home minister, that signals the possibility of the BJP getting a key ally in the South. Assembly polls in Andhra Pradesh are due along with the Lok Sabha polls. This is bound to bother incumbent CM Jagan Mohan Reddy of the YSRCP who suddenly has a problem on his hand. In Maharashtra, Maratha strongman Sharad Pawar has finally anointed his daughter Supriya Sule by nominating her a working president of the party (along with Praful Patel), much to the discomfiture of his nephew Ajit Pawar, whose growing proximity to the BJP was a cause for concern. The political snakes and ladders game is bound to shake up things in the months to come. Those who will keep up with the times can ride the tide. by John Ai The Henley Private Wealth Migration Report 2023 shows that Chinese tycoons are leaving in droves, giving China top spot for net outflow of high net worth individuals. After an economic boom that lasted between 2000 and 2017, Chinas high-tech sector faces uncertainties because of Xi Jinping's policies. Singapore is the preferred destination in Asia. The quest for freedom and rights is a major factor behind the exodus. Beijing (AsiaNews) A report released by migration consultancy Henley & Partners shows that more and more Chinese tycoons are leaving the country this year because of slowing economic growth and political uncertainties. Titled Henley Private Wealth Migration Report 2023, the study estimates that about 13,500 high net worth individuals will leave China in 2023, the highest in the world. People who have at least one million US dollar in cash and highly liquid assets are defined as high net worth individuals. The report notes that China's economy experienced strong growth between 2000 and 2017, but since then the growth in wealth and millionaires was negligible. It also raises serious doubts about future growth in high-tech since Huawei was banned from several major markets. The fallout from the COVID-19 pandemic (like prolonged lockdowns) and the status of Hong Kong and Taiwan have also harmed relations with Chinas major trading partners. Based on data for the first six months of this year, according to Henley & Partners, global net wealth outmigration is expected to reach a new high of 122,000 individuals, far more than the record set in 2019 before the pandemic. China is home to at least 823,800 millionaires, but for Nikkei, capital outflow will further negatively impact its already slowing economy. Economic performance, security, taxes , and the quality of healthcare are the main factors in the exodus. Emigration can improve millionaires mobility, giving them access to politically stable regimes and regions that do not require visas. This is a far cry from what many experienced in the past two years, when Chinese authorities cracked down internet, finance and high-tech companies. Since he began his third term as head of the Communist Party of China (CPC), President Xi Jinping has expanded government oversight to more areas and backed the concept of "common prosperity". At the same, more and more Chinese high-tech companies are facing stricter scrutiny by European countries and the United States over data safeguard, user privacy, and national security. As a result, many Chinese firms are registering in other countries, like Ireland and Singapore, to have better market access and limit the risks of lawsuits and geopolitical conflicts. Recently, for example, Chinese e-commerce companies Shein and Temu set regional offices in Dublin, Ireland. In February, after the disappearance of Bao Fan, one of the most prominent bankers in the investment and high-tech industries, his company, China Renaissance Holdings, announced that he was under investigation by the authorities. The disappearance of Jack Ma, founder of Alibaba, also sparked much speculation. China is not alone in losing its rich. Henley & Partners rank India second in terms of millionaire emigrants. Russia too is losing its high net worth individuals since it attacked Ukraine. Hong Kong is not faring much better. By contrast, Singapore has become a wealth magnet for Asian tycoons; however, the capital inflow is driving up local housing prices and the cost of living. RED LANTERNS IS THE ASIANEWS NEWSLETTER DEDICATED TO THE CHINA. TO RECEIVE A WEEKLY UPDATE EVERY THURSDAY, CLICK HERE. by Nirmala Carvalho A month after defeating the BJP, the new INC-led state government announced plans to scrap the anti-conversion law imposed by Hindu nationalists. Similar legislation remains in force in nine Indian states. Archbishop Machado hopes other states will also follow suit and scrap their laws. Bengaluru (AsiaNews) A month after the Hindu nationalist Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) was defeated in state elections, Karnatakas new government announced today that it will repeal the states controversial anti-conversion law. Law and Parliamentary Affairs Minister H. K. Patil said that the Karnataka Protection of Right to Freedom of Religion Act would be repealed in the next session of the state legislature, starting 5 July. The legislation was adopted on 17 May 2022 under the previous, BJP-dominated state assembly despite protests by civil society groups and opposition parties. It provided for three to five years in prison and a RS25,000 fine for forcibly converting people, with stricter penalties if the conversion involved minors, women and people from marginalised groups. The Indian National Congress (INC), which won last months election by a wide margin, pledged to scrap the law during the election campaign. It was discriminatory, anti-constitutional and unnecessary, said Archbishop Peter Machado of Bangalore speaking to AsiaNews. I hope it (the repeal bill) will have a comfortable passage in the assembly when it is brought up for discussion. For the prelate, Christians will always work under the Constitution of India, in the interest of the state and the nation, rendering our service to all, irrespective of caste and creed, reaching out especially to the poor and the marginalised. Despite Karnatakas decision, anti-conversion laws will remain on the books in nine of Indias 36 states: Odisha, Madhya Pradesh, Arunachal Pradesh, Chhattisgarh, Gujarat, Himachal Pradesh, Jharkhand, Uttarakhand and Uttar Pradesh. But Karnataka is not the first state to take a U-turn. In 2002, Tamil Nadu abrogated a 1998 law adopted by the state assembly when it was dominated by Hindu nationalists. In Rajasthan, the state governor refused to sign into law an anti-conversion bill approved by the legislative assembly in 2006. Meanwhile, Hindu extremists are pushing for a Union-wide anti-conversion that would be applicable across the whole country. For Archbishop Machado, wherever anti-conversion laws are approved, attacks against Christians increase. Such laws encourage fringe elements to attack and cause harm to Christians, he lamented. They create doubts, mistrust and disharmony between communities. I hope the other states will also follow suit and scrap their laws. After an excellent training, most nurses prefer to move abroad because of the low wages at home. Last year, President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. set a ceiling of 7,000 going overseas. Filling staff shortages in Philippine hospitals would take at least 12 years. Manila (AsiaNews) According to the Philippine Health Secretary Teodoro Herbosa, the country's registered nurses (RNs) are "the best in the world. Yet, a good number work abroad because of very low wages and heavy workload at home, this according to the Inquirer.net news website. The Professional Regulation Commission puts the number of Philippine RNs at 951,105. about 75 per cent women, but only 509,297 are considered active. Another 316,415 have left, most notably for Austria, Canada, Germany, Japan, Saudi Arabia, Singapore, and the United States. Last year, President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. set a ceiling of 7,000 overseas nurses per year. The reasons why Filipino nurses are so in demand abroad is because of their excellent training. Filipino nurses are competent and very caring at the same time, said Jocelyn Andamo, general secretary of the Filipino Nurses United (FNU). And We are proficient in English, too. In fact, the Philippines ranks 22nd out of 111 countries on the English Proficiency Index. What is more, Philippine nurses have a very positive work attitude, Andamo notes, pointing out that they have good personal relations and show compassion, qualities that are not, however, rewarded at home. At present, Department of Health data suggest that the country needs an additional 127,000 to provide optimal health care. At the current rate of graduation, it would take 12 years to close the gap. According to the FNU, the only way to keep Philippine nurses in the country is to increase their salary; in the public sector, the entry-level salary is 32,097 pesos (US$ 575) per month; however, many government nurses are contractual and get much less than what is provided by law. Compared to the entry-level pay in the United States (US$ 3,800) and the United Kingdom ( 1,662, US$ 2,116), the choice is obvious for some Philippine nurses. According to the FNU, the only way to make nurses stay in the Philippines is to regularise contractual nurses, increase the entry-level salary to 50,000 pesos (US$ 895) in government and private hospitals, and ensure a safe nurse-patient ratio to address the problem of severe and chronic understaffing, a situation that was all too obvious during the COVID-19 pandemic. The FNU notes that the ideal nurse-patient ratio in hospitals is 1:12, while some nurses presently can take care of 20 to 50 patients every shift. Pope Francis calls on different generations to reach out to each other in his message for Grandparents' Day on 23 July, which comes just a few days before World Youth Day in Lisbon. The pontiff urges grandparents to accompany their grandchildren in their prayers. Youth are the sign that God does not abandon his people. Francis is expected to be discharged from the Gemelli Hospital tomorrow. Vatican City (AsiaNews) The Vatican Press Office today released Pope Franciss Message for the 3rd World Day for Grandparents and the Elderly, on 23 July, titled His mercy is from age to age (Lk 1:50). A few days later, the Holy Father will travel to Lisbon for World Youth Day, on 1-6 August. The pontiff took advantage of the proximity of the dates to focus his message on a topic dear to his heart, namely the alliance between young and old, like the one sealed in Mary's evangelical encounter with her elderly cousin Elizabeth. Such an alliance between young and old is not only theoretical, but is something that requires actual outreach by both. To you, the young who are preparing to meet in Lisbon or to celebrate World Youth Day in your own countries, I would ask: before you set out on your journey, visit your grandparents or an elderly person who lives alone! Their prayers will protect you and you will carry in your heart the blessing of that encounter. likewise, I ask you, the elderly among us, to accompany by your prayers the young people about to celebrate World Youth Day. Those young people are Gods answer to your prayers, the fruits of all that you have sown, the sign that God does not abandon his people, but always rejuvenates them with the creativity of the Holy Spirit. By contrast, Francis explains that Those who focus only on the here and now, on money and possessions, on having it all now, are blind to the way God works. His loving plan spans past, present and future; it embraces and connects the generations. It is greater than we are, yet includes each of us and calls us at every moment to keep pressing forward. For the young, this means being ready to break free from the fleeting present in which virtual reality can entrap us, preventing us from doing something productive. For the elderly, it means not dwelling on the loss of physical strength and thinking with regret about missed opportunities. Let us all look ahead! And allow ourselves to be shaped by Gods grace, which from generation to generation frees us from inertia and from dwelling on the past! In the meantime, Pope Francis is preparing to leave Romes Gemelli Hospital where he underwent abdominal surgery a week ago. So far, his clinical picture appears to be proceeding successfully, so that he might be discharged as early as tomorrow. Today, he paid a second visit to the Gemellis Children Cancer Ward where he met young patients who in recent days showed their affection towards him through letters, drawings and messages. "Pope Francis, said Vatican Press Office director Matteo Bruni, has directly touched the pain of these children, who carry on their shoulders every day, together with their mothers and fathers, the suffering of the Cross. I'm fine, as I'm very fortunate to own my home I own, but I'm feeling the pinch on my mortgage with other inflation costs I rent and it's expensive, but it could be worse I'm seriously considering leaving the valley if something doesn't give Vote View Results Success! An email has been sent to with a link to confirm list signup. Experts' views on Japan's toxic water dumping China Daily) 10:08, June 15, 2023 MA XUEJING/CHINA DAILY Editor's note: Japan's attempt to release the Fukushima nuclear-contaminated water into the ocean will not only violate international law but also its own domestic laws. The decision shows the Japanese government and the Japanese company that owns the destroyed Fukushima nuclear plant stand together in making the whole world suffer the consequences of Japan's action. Two experts share their views on the issue with China Daily. Fukushima plan a nuclear threat to Asia-Pacific By Shaun Burnie Japan has decided to start discharging radioactive wastewater from the Fukushima Daiichi nuclear power plant into the Pacific Ocean very soon. The operator of the wrecked plant began tests on Monday of the newly constructed facilities for discharging treated radioactive wastewater into the sea. Many myths and untruths have been spread about the nuclear-contaminated water. For example, the Japanese government has said, according to the International Atomic Energy Agency, the global nuclear industry and some scientists, there is nothing to worry about the effects of the radioactive wastewater. The Japanese government also claims that nearly all the radioactive materials will be removed from the wastewater using the Advanced Liquid Processing System (ALPS) with only tritium remaining before it is released into the Pacific. It is constantly stated that tritium cannot be removed from the wastewater but would emit very weak radiation and therefore it will have no impact on either the marine environment or human health in the Asia-Pacific region and beyond. False claims to mislead the Japanese public As for Tokyo Electric Power Company, the owner of the Fukushima nuclear plant, it claims discharging the wastewater is necessary due to insufficient space for more storage tanks and for it to be able to fully decommission the Fukushima plant between 2041 and 2051. TEPCO also says the discharges will meet regulatory standards and will be lawful. In the real world, it is a lot worse and a lot more complicated than what TEPCO, the Japanese government and the IAEA claim. The ALPS has been a spectacular failure, with major doubts about its effectiveness. In addition to tritium, all the radioactive carbon (C-14) in the wastewater will be released into the ocean along with many other radionuclides (plutonium isotopes, iodine-129, strontium-90). But despite the Japanese government and TEPCO "planning" to keep them below the regulatory limit, they will still be significant. There is no safety threshold for artificial radioactivity in the environment, and technology does exist to process tritium from the tanks' water. However, TEPCO and the Japanese government do not want to spend huge amounts of money needed to do so. Tritium is indeed a low-energy radioactive material but that does not mean its effect is weak; if ingested, it has the potential to damage plants, animals and humans. Recent research published by a leading radiation biologist shows scientific literature of the past 60-plus years is clear tritium, in particular organically bound tritium (OBT), is biologically harmful to all forms of life. The persistence, bioaccumulation and potential biomagnification and increased toxicity of OBT increases the potential impact on the environment if tritiated water is discharged on land or in the sea. Tritium more dangerous than previously believed None of the current regulations in Japan (or worldwide) takes into full account the nature of organic forms of tritium. That organic forms of tritium have been found to bioaccumulate in phytoplankton, the base of the marine food chain, is deeply worrying. The fact that there has been no comprehensive environmental impact assessment of these and many other issues is outrageous, and suggests there is a deliberate underestimation of the accumulation and potential toxic effect of tritium on the environment. Equally important, the many other radioactive materials in the Fukushima wastewater have the potential to cause damage to the environment and human health. In fact, Japan has sufficient storage capacity, including in the areas around the Fukushima plant. And storing the toxic wastewater, TEPCO cannot fully decommission the reactors at Fukushima in the next 20-30 years probably not in this century. Rather than being lawful, the release of the wastewater into the sea will violate international law, specifically the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea. One reason why the untruths and myths continue to be spread is that there is a lot at stake for the Japanese government and the nuclear industry. Japan's energy policy is dependent on restarting many nuclear reactors shut down after the 2011 Fukushima disaster. So far, nine have resumed operations but according to government policy, Japan needs 30-plus reactors by 2030. Public opinion in Japan has been influenced by the government's claim that it is safe to operate these nuclear reactors and that it is possible to recover from a three-reactor meltdown without consequences for human health and the environment. Of course, it's not. Sweeping real issue under the carpet TEPCO, the Japanese government or the IAEA refuse to accept that the wastewater crisis points to a deeper nuclear crisis at the Fukushima plant. And it is getting worse, because groundwater entering the plant continues to become highly contaminated, while the water in the tanks requiring ALPS processing increases. In November 2021, based on TEPCO data, there were 1,284,284 cubic meters of contaminated ALPS water in the storage tanks, of which 832,900 cu m needed further ALPS processing. As of April 20, 2023, the total volume of radioactive wastewater stored in the tanks was 1,330,944 cu m a 3.6 percent increase in less than 2 years. Worse, about 70 percent or 931,600 cu m of the wastewater needs to be processed again (and probably many times again) by the ALPS to bring the radioactive concentration levels below the regulatory limit for discharge. This is an increase of nearly 12 percent in less than 2 years. TEPCO has succeeded in reducing the concentration levels of strontium, iodine and plutonium in only 0.2 percent of the total volume of the wastewater, and it still requires further processing. But no secondary processing has taken place in the past nearly three years. Neither TEPCO nor the Japanese government nor the IAEA wants to talk about this. They have not said how many times the wastewater needs to be processed, how long it will take to do so or whether the efforts will ever be successful. Problems not new but none solved in 5 years Greenpeace wrote about these problems and why the ALPS failed nearly five years ago; none of those issues has been resolved. Also, there is a high possibility of the ALPS failing in the future. To proceed with their discharge plan, the Japanese government and TEPCO have been creating a false impression on the public that significant progress has been made in decommissioning the Fukushima plant. But the fact is, the source of the problem the highly radioactive fuel debris in reactor pressure vessels 1, 2 and 3 continues to contaminate groundwater. Nearly 1000 cu m of water becomes highly contaminated every 10 days. So until the nuclear fuel is isolated from the environment, contaminated groundwater, potentially hundreds of thousands of cubic meters, will continue to accumulate. While the Fukushima plant, after being destroyed by the earthquake-triggered tsunami in March 2011, released large amounts of radioactive particles into the environment, most of the radioactive inventory remains inside the melted fuel. As such, the damaged Fukushima plant on the edge of the ocean is a long-term radioactive threat to the environment, including the marine environment. And this threat will be aggravated once Japan begins dumping the toxic water into the ocean. TEPCO, the Japanese government and the IAEA refuse to acknowledge the fact that the decommissioning plan for the Fukushima plant is not attainable, and that they must embark on a comprehensive reassessment of the plan. Crisis compounded by damage to reactor The nuclear crisis in Fukushima is compounded by the damage to the reactors, in particular unit 1. The rapid meltdown of the nuclear fuel in March 2011 severely damaged the large concrete block the 440-ton reactor pressure vessel sits on. One of the agencies responsible for its decommissioning has recently demanded that TEPCO work out immediate countermeasures to prevent the possible collapse of the reactor. But with very high radiation levels inside the plant, it's not clear whether any countermeasures are possible. Building a very large containment structure covering the reactor buildings, like it was done at the Chernobyl plant in Ukraine after the nuclear disaster in 1986, is probably the only way to prevent highly radioactive dust entering the lower atmosphere in the event of a future collapse. But such a "solution" is currently not an option for the Japanese government or the nuclear industry, as it would send the wrong message that the decommissioning process is not going according to plan. There is no scientific, legal or moral justification for Japan to deliberately contaminate our shared and common marine environment. And concerned citizens, scientists, maritime lawyers, the fishing communities across the Asia-Pacific and the world's leading oceanography universities and institutes have spread public awareness about the nuclear dangers, something that has rarely been done before. There is a very strong legal case for challenging Japan's decision to dump the wastewater into the sea but doing so is a major undertaking. For many reasons, no state or group of states may take up the challenge through UNCLOS this year. But since the environmental threat from the Fukushima plant will only intensify, future legal action should not be ruled out. At a time when our oceans are under so many multiple threats, including from melting glaciers and related climate emergencies, overfishing and biodiversity loss and plastic pollution there is no reason why Japan should be allowed to dump the radioactive water into the sea. Greenpeace has been campaigning for protection of our oceans from radioactive contamination since the 1970s. And the most important thing I have learned in my 30 years with Greenpeace is that positive change is possible even if it does not often happen as early as it should but it can happen and people must never give up their efforts or hope. The author is a senior nuclear specialist with Greenpeace East Asia and has worked in Japan and wider Asia for over 30 years. The views don't necessarily reflect those of China Daily. Japan's toxic water dumping will damage marine ecosystem By Yin Xiaoliang The Japanese government announced in January that it would start releasing the radioactive contaminated water from the damaged Fukushima Daiichi Nuclear Power Plant into the Pacific Ocean this spring or summer. Japan took this unilateral, irresponsible decision without holding any discussions with parties that could suffer the consequences of its action, especially because the contaminated water could cause serious damage to the marine environment and ecology, human health and seafood. The international community therefore should stop Japan's attempt to present its contaminated water discharge plan as scientific and safe. To win domestic support for dumping the radioactive water into the ocean, the Japanese government has set up an 80 billion yen ($580 million) fund to deal with the potential effects of its action on the fishing industry, of which 50 billion yen is to be used to subsidize soaring fuel costs and another 30 billion yen to store seafood. Instead of solving the problem, the Japanese government and Tokyo Electric Power Company, the Fukushima nuclear plant owner, have been trying to skillfully steer public opinion on their side using various public relations stunts. They have released advertisements on TV, online platforms, and in newspapers they have also put ads at railway stations to promote their claim that it's "safe" to discharge the toxic water into the ocean. Their PR exercise has also targeted overseas students. Unfortunately, the campaign seems to have been received well in Japan. For example, an Asahi Shimbun survey on March 18-19 showed that 51 percent of the respondents support the government's plan, with 41 percent opposing it. Cunningly, the Japanese government has been using the term "treated water" to refer to the nuclear-contaminated wastewater, in order to downplay its radioactive characteristics and potential hazards with the aim of confusing the public. Japan's aggressive publicity has also reached the Pacific island countries. Japanese Foreign Minister Yoshimasa Hayashi paid an official visit to the Solomon Islands, Kiribati and the Cook Islands from March 18 to 22 in a bid to ease international pressure on Tokyo or at least muffle as many opposing voices as possible. But despite the Japanese government trying to divert global attention from the potential harm the toxic wastewater can cause to the marine environment and ecology, it has not achieved its goal. One of Japan's latest moves to seek international support is an attempt to include statements such as the G7 member states have "welcomed" its approach to the release of the radioactive contaminated water into the sea. However, the attempt has apparently failed because the G7 summit's joint statement did not include any endorsement of Japan's plan. Instead, it said the G7 group supports the International Atomic Energy Agency's independent review to ensure the discharge process is in line with the IAEA's safety standards. Earlier, the G7 Ministers' Meeting on Climate, Energy and Environment had squashed Japan's hope of securing unanimous support from the G7 for its planned wastewater discharge after Germany opposed it. Yet the Japanese government has not given up its efforts to garner emotional support and create a favorable public opinion on its wastewater dumping plan. Although Tokyo is sparing no efforts to whitewash its toxic plan, the international community should understand the potential damage the radioactive wastewater could cause to human health, seafood, and the marine environment and ecology. In fact, the nuclear-contaminated water contains more than 60 radionuclides including tritium, carbon-14, cobalt-60, strontium-90 and iodine-129, which are hard to filter and will damage the digestive, nervous, cardiovascular and immune systems of humans, and even cause leukemia if ingested. Besides, radionuclides are a threat to marine life. The radioactive wastewater, if released into the sea, will first deal a big blow to Japan's fishing industry and then poison seafood across the Pacific and other oceans. Also, the balance among marine species is closely related to their numbers, availability of food and growth. Radionuclides will change this balance, leading to the extinction of some species and destabilizing the entire marine ecosystem. In accordance with general international law and the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea, Japan should inform and consult with countries that may be affected, and assess and monitor the environmental impact of the radioactive wastewater, cooperate with the international community, and take every possible measure to prevent contaminating the marine environment. But instead of doing that, Tokyo has been shunning its responsibilities using different pretexts. Actions like the one Japan has decided on have had a negative impact on global governance, and could encourage some other countries to do the same. So the international community should ask Japan to halt its dumping plan till it provides further scientific proof of the safety of its contaminated water release plan, and carry out unbiased studies to assess the environmental impacts of the Fukushima plant's toxic water on marine life and ecology. The author is a professor at the Institute of Japanese Studies, Nankai University. The views don't necessarily reflect those of China Daily. (Web editor: Zhong Wenxing, Liang Jun) Harvard Medical School's morgue manager is facing accusations that he sold stolen human body parts. Besides the morgue manager, the authorities arrested a group of people facing federal charges over a scheme of selling human cadavers. Harvard Morgue Manager Charged for Selling Stolen Body Parts The prestigious Harvard Medical School is reeling from a sinister scandal. As per a report by USA Today, its morgue manager is now facing charges over selling stolen human body parts and selling them online afterward. The United States (US) Attorney Gerald Karam says, "It is particularly egregious that so many of the victims here volunteered to allow their remains to be used to educate medical professionals and advance the interests of science and healing." However, the culprits allegedly took advantage of their bodies by selling them for profit. Karam slams the scheme as "appalling." Investigators accused Harvard's morgue manager, Cedric Lodge, of stealing and selling these body parts. The 55-year-old faces charges in the US District Court for the Middle District of Pennsylvania. The morgue manager, among others, is now facing conspiracy and interstate transport of stolen goods charges. According to the US Attorney's Office, these offenses, which allegedly occurred from 2018 to 2022, could lock them up in prison for a maximum of 15 years if convicted. The 55-year-old allegedly stole human organs and other body parts, which include bones, head, skin, and brains, from school donations of cadavers supposedly used for the education of students and the advancement of medical research. According to the BBC, Harvard medical students are using donated human bodies for their studies and practicing medical procedures. The indictment says that after the students have used them for educational purposes, the University cremates the cadavers and brings back the remains to their loved ones. But instead of using the bodies for medical purposes, Federal prosecutors accused Lodge of transporting the stolen cadavers to his house in Goffstown in New Hampshire. The scheme takes a shocking twist as the prosecutors accused him and his wife, Denise Lodge, of selling them for profit. The US Attorney's Office discloses that the morgue manager invited other people to check out the bodies they wanted to buy at the Harvard Medical School. Read Also: US LGBTQ+ Community Is in State of Emergency, Says Human Rights Campaign Harvard Terminates Morgue Manager's Employment The Harvard Medical School condemned the scheme in its recent statement, CBS News reports. It says that it was "morally reprehensible." Harvard says that it terminated Lodge's employment last May 6. USA Today notes that he is no longer listed as a staff member on the school's website. The Medical Education Dean Edward Hundert says, "We are appalled to learn that something so disturbing could happen on our campus - a community dedicated to healing and serving others." Related Article: Mexico Authorities Discover 45 Bags of Human Remains in Search of 7 Young People @ 2023 HNGN, All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission. Milk-Powered Cars: Michigan Dairy Farmers Turn Milk to Ethanol Fuel Written by Sebastien Bell, CarScoops Published June 15, 2023 Your gas flap may soon have a milk mustache, because Michigan dairy farmers are partnering with a distillery north of the border to convert a sugar byproduct of the ultrafiltering process into ethanol for your car. The Michigan Milk Producers Association (MMPA) recently announced its partnership with Dairy Distiller, a company based in Ontario, Canada, that produces a milk-based vodka called Vodkow. The company uses a byproduct of the ultrafiltering process called milk permeate. The material is full of lactose, a type of sugar. Like all other forms of sugar, it can be fed to yeast to make ethanol. While Dairy Distiller has historically fed that ethanol to Canadian humans, in the form of vodka, it will soon feed it to American vehicles as well. That will be possible thanks to a $41 million plant planned to open in early 2025. The facility will be located next to an existing MMPA location in Constantine, MI, where 14,000 tonnes of milk permeate are produced per year. The plant will be capable of processing the lactose-rich material into 2.2 million gallons of ethanol annually. The new Constantine location is being supported by $2.5 million in funding from the Michigan Strategic Fund, and will offset 14,500 tonnes of carbon per year when blended with transportation fuel. That will help reduce the carbon footprint of the Constantine milk processing plant by 5%, the MMPA estimates. While finding uses for milk byproducts is certainly positive, it is important to note that the dairy industry is very carbon intensive. The American Dairy Association reports the industry accounts for roughly 2% of total U.S. greenhouse gas emissions, or 20% of the agriculture sector's emissions. Dairy farming in Michigan and Ohio, specifically, have also been linked to the toxic algae blooms currently plaguing Lake Erie, reports the Environmental Working Group. Recent studies have suggested even when ethanol is made from corn, it can be more damaging to the environment than fossil fuels, suggesting the possible environmental benefits of the product are closely linked to how it is sourced. We thank CarScoops for reprint permission. Z06-like prototypes of the C8 have been recently spied in a Colorado parking lot. Camouflaged from head to toe, said prototypes feature a split backlite a la the 1963 Chevrolet Corvette Sting Ray Coupe, a one-year-only affair for the second-gen 'Vette. DOHC Following a set of photographs uploaded to Facebook, the prototypes have been caught on camera by a YouTuber from the Colorado area. The footage reconfirms the split rear window design, but also thickens the plot with some interesting engine sounds. The prototypes in question are joined by a bone-stock Z06 in blue, with said Z06 sounding more aggressive at low speeds than the camouflaged vehicles. The Z06-like prototypes exhibit a faint turbocharger whistle, and they also sound similar to the Z06, albeit quieter.The only modification that comes to mind for this muted exhaust sound at low engine speeds is of course forced induction by means of a turbocharger. Actually, a couple of turbochargers. Internally referred to as LT7, the force-fed engine of the ZR1 is based on the LT6 of the Z06. This yet-to-be-detailed engine shouldn't be confused with the Blacking V8 from Cadillac. The biggest of the Big Three in Detroit produced the hot-vee turbocharged V8 between 2018 and 2020 under regular production order code LTA . The Blackwing was exclusive to the CT6-V Blackwing and the CT6 4.2 Platinum.As you're well aware, the LT6 of the Z06 cannot accommodate turbochargers in the 90-degree V created by the cylinder banks. The LT7 features a turbocharger on each side of the flat-plane crankshaft V8. Based on a CAD image of the LT7, said turbos are located up front rather than out back, near the exhaust.The belt routing of the LT7 from the leaked image is identical to that of the LT6, yet the intake manifold is different. The CAD image's LT7 also features the outer-tipped exhaust setup of the Stingray rather than the Z06, but do bear in mind that the Z06 comes with an outer-tipped exhaust setup in Europe. The reason? Emission regulations, which require General Motors to equip the Z06 with gasoline particulate filters.Expected to arrive for the 2025 model year at the earliest, or 2026 model year at the latest, the ZR1 will presumably mark the mid-cycle refresh for the eighth-generation Corvette. Multiple reports on the ZR1 speculate over 800 ponies from the twin-turbocharged engine, with some peeps expecting 850 horsepower . Even with 800 ponies, the C8 ZR1 would outpower the previous generation. Torque, however, may favor the C7 due to its dual-injection system, larger displacement (6.2L vs 5.5L), and thumpin' great blower.As a brief refresher, the LT5 small block in the C7 ZR1 belts out a whopping 755 horsepower at 6,400 revolutions per minute and 715 pound-feet (969 Nm) at 3,600 revolutions per minute. The LT6 flat-plane crankshaft V8 with avalvetrain of the eighth-generation Z06 makes 670 horsepower at 8,400 revolutions per minute and 460 pound-feet (624 Nm) at 6,300 revolutions per minute. As opposed to the LT5, the LT6 comes exclusively with exhaust-side direct injection.On that note, want to bet a tenner that GM will market the C8 ZR1 as a bonafide supercar to ruffle some Italian feathers? Think Ferrari and Lamborghini. Enceladus is one of the some 290 traditional moons we know to exist in our solar system. Small in size, being about as wide as the state of Arizona, it spins around gas giant Saturn and is responsible for feeding one of the planet's known rings. And Enceladus is now at the center of attention thanks to an incredible discovery. The moon has been the subject of study during the Cassini mission, which ended in 2017 with the namesake spacecraft plunging into Saturn's atmosphere. Before doing that, though, it returned years' worth of science from that distant place in our solar system.The data sent back by Cassini has been the subject of study for teams of scientists around the world, and we've learned a lot of interesting things about both the planet and its moons. As far as Enceladus is concerned, we already know the place has a subsurface water ocean.The moon's processes make some of this water erupt as geysers, eventually reaching the space above and forming an icy particles plume. We know the plume to contain minerals and organic compounds, including the ones needed to form amino acids, but this week a much more important element was confirmed: phosphorus.Phosphorus is extremely important for the emergence of life as we know it, as it not only helps a lot of biological processes take place, but is also a building block for DNA. Here on Earth, we can find it in bones, cell membranes, and even plankton.In other words, where there is no phosphorus, there is no life as we know it. Enceladus , it seems, has plenty of it floating around in its subsurface ocean. The international team from the U.S., Europe and Japan that looked at Cassini data to find the element claims this is the first time phosphorus was discovered on another world, and even published a paper on the subject in Nature. In fact, data shows concentrations of bound phosphorus seem to be at least 100 times higher than on our own planet.One of the investigators behind the study , Christopher Glein from the Southwest Research Institute in San Antonio, Texas, says the discovery is nothing short of stunning for astrobiology. That's because, even if it's not actual proof of alien life, the presence of phosphorus in such large amounts is a strong sign life could potentially exist in Enceladus' ocean.NASA, which was not directly involved in the study, reacted to news through Cassini's project scientist Linda Spilker, who said that what the now defunct spacecraft helped uncover might very well inspire other missions to that region of our solar system.One can only hope that it will happen sooner rather than later, and we will finally get a better picture of what's out there. Mercedes-Benz will make its MBUX voice assistant Hey Mercedes a lot more competent by integrating ChatGPT via Microsoft Azure OpenAI Service. Those who wish to test the new intelligent voice assistant can sign up starting June 16, provided they own a Mercedes-Benz equipped with the MBUX infotainment system. I remember my first contact with the Mercedes-Benz MBUX voice assistant in 2018 when the current generation A-Class launched . No matter how carefully I worded my questions, it was almost impossible to pass my commands. I couldn't even convince MBUX to recognize the "Hilton Hotel" as a valid destination for the navigation system. Later, when I talked to Mercedes-Benz technical staff, I asked them why they insisted on developing their own voice assistant instead of using one from Google or Apple. To my utter perplexity, they emphasized that their solution was superior.Carmakers always had a love-and-hate relationship with IT giants. They don't see it as a partnership but a fight for users' data. As such, keeping all the data in-house was better, even if risking alienating their customers by offering crappy services. Ultimately, all carmakers understood that IT companies like Google, Apple, or Microsoft provide better services. Mercedes-Benz understood, too, and announced a partnership with Microsoft to integrate ChatGPT with its MBUX voice assistant.This will likely bring a new level of interaction between Mercedes-Benz owners and their vehicles. While most voice assistants are limited to predefined tasks and responses, ChatGPT can understand natural language to expand the topics to which it can respond. Mercedes-Benz says its voice assistant will be able to answer complex questions and offer comprehensive answers thanks to ChatGPT.One of the top concerns about ChatGPT integration was data privacy, and Mercedes-Benz explained how the partnership with Microsoft helped in this regard. Through Azure OpenAI Service, Mercedes-Benz can tap into ChatGPT wizardry without giving up the data to Microsoft. The voice-command data collected is stored in the Mercedes-Benz Intelligent Cloud, where it is anonymized and analyzed. This is possible thanks to Azure's enterprise-grade security and privacy capabilities.Mercedes-Benz will start a beta program for the new ChatGPT-enabled voice assistant on June 16 in the US. Over 900.000 vehicles equipped with the MBUX infotainment system will be eligible. The US-focused beta program is expected to last three months, during which customers can try out the new technology as early adopters. In return, Mercedes-Benz developers will use the data to set priorities and further develop the voice control system.The German carmaker doesn't say what happens after the three-month period ends. Hopefully, Mercedes-Benz will use the information it gathers from this pilot to improve the voice assistant and roll out ChatGPT to more markets and languages. It will be interesting to watch, especially as European Union just announced plans to set strict boundaries for artificial intelligence. Many consider them too restrictive and detrimental to the development of novel technology. One such model is the Cougar , whose history started in 1967 with the original one, which was a re-bodied Mustang. The second generation came out for the 1971 model year and was also related to Ford's pony car. Three years later, they rolled out the third-gen, sharing its underpinnings with the Montego, Ford Torino, and Elite, and in 1976, the fourth-gen arrived, and it had many things in common with the era's Thunderbird.The Mercury nameplate survived until the eighth generation, whose assembly kicked off at the Flat Rock plant in Michigan in 1998. The three-door liftback coupe used the same platform as the Mondeo. As a result, it came with a 2.0-liter straight-four gasoline unit, joined by a 2.5-liter V6. One of the most popular body styles of the Mercury Cougar was the two-door coupe, aka the muscle car, but over the years, it was also offered as a convertible. Four-door sedans were part of the lineup at one point, and so were the family-friendly station wagons.As we already told you, several versions of the Mercury Cougar have reached their collectible status, proving that to certain enthusiasts, nothing beats the classic looks backed up by a proper V8 engine under the hood, wrapped in a pony car package. We're convinced many of you have been wondering what a modern-day revival of the iconic nameplate would look like, and there have been several unofficial takes on it. One of the latest came from jlord8 on Instagram, and it uses several different models from the brand's past as inspiration, borrowing stuff such as the nose, three-quarter windows, wheels, and the iconic hidden headlamps.That's right, instead of slightly modifying the body of the new-gen Ford Mustang and calling it a day, the rendering artist took his time to come up with a completely new machine. Imagined in the Cougar XR7 configuration, it deserves a serious engine, and one of the best choices is the Coyote. The 5.0-liter V8 develops 480 hp in the new Mustang GT or six horses more when ordered with the performance exhaust system. The Dark Horse specification boasts 500 hp, making it the punchiest non-Shelby 'Stang, and the transmission choices include a six-speed manual and a ten-speed auto. It's evident that Ford won't resurrect the Mercury brand and that the Cougar won't return from the dead, not as a V8-powered pony car anyway, but if it looked like this, would you have placed a deposit for one? Tesla continues what appears to be a Model 3 sell-off in North America, with generous discounts on new cars in the inventory. It also threw three months of free unlimited Supercharging to those buying a new Model 3 from inventory by June 30. EV Tesla is preparing to announce the refreshed Model 3 this summer, with pre-production rumored to have already started at Giga Shanghai. Although it remains tight-lipped about the Project Highland launch and availability, there are moves in the market that suggest themaker is preparing the field for the refreshed model. Tesla slashed the prices of the Model 3 toward the end of May, and on June 1, it operated a massive price cut for new Model 3 EVs in the inventory.Looking at Tesla inventory trackers, it appears that the price cuts were not working. The inventory started ballooning right about when Tesla slashed prices, which doesn't make sense. This indicates that Tesla keeps adding cars, corroborating rumors that Model 3 production will stop to allow the production lines to prepare for Project Highland production. However, there are a lot of Model 3 units in the inventory, with more than 1,000 listings in the US and Canada, and Tesla wants them sold before the refreshed model arrives.To help move the metal , the EV maker promised three months of free unlimited Supercharging to those who buy a new Model 3 from the inventory by June 30. This is not a groundbreaking deal, but another perk to make the Model 3 even more attractive to buyers. It shows confidence as Tesla tries to balance its vehicle stocks. It doesn't want to have too many unsold units when the new model comes out, but it doesn't want to be out of cars to sell either until production resumes. Remember that the refreshed Model 3 will take a while to ramp up production, during which availability might be affected.During his recent visit to China, Elon Musk was rumored to have seen the first Project Highland pre-production cars rolling off the manufacturing line at Giga Shanghai. Tesla will attend the Shenzhen Auto Show between 16 and 24 June after a two-year hiatus, and people believe the EV maker has a strong incentive to do it. They think Tesla will present the refreshed Model 3 to the public, although it traditionally launched new models during dedicated special events. Those who do not believe the Project Highland Model 3 will appear in Shenzhen expect a proper announcement during the Q2 earnings call in July.As the new Model 3 gets closer to its first deliveries, we found out further details about it. A recent video revealed that Project Highland would have ventilated front seats , ambient lighting, and an upgraded sound system. This report contradicts previous claims that the new model will remove more features to reduce production costs. At least the refreshed design is a hit with Tesla fans and will likely help reinvigorate Model 3 sales. kWh AWD EV While established carmakers are often forgiven for technical issues, newcomers must get everything right to survive. Ford might be the most-recalled car brand in the US, but it's still a loved brand and solid as a rock. For a new car brand, treating customers right is paramount. In 1989, when Lexus launched the LS 400 in the US, how it responded to customer complaints would shape the brand's perception for decades. When it recalled the LS 400 due to defective wiring, Lexus sent personnel to pick up, repair, and return the cars to customers free of charge.The Vietnamese carmaker VinFast is in a similar position today, as its vehicles received lackluster reception from reviewers after entering the US market. Overwhelmed with negative feedback, the Vietnamese startup decided to compensate owners in cash or vouchers for every problem they might have with their cars. The compensation depends on the problem type, ranging from $100 for minor inconveniences to $300 for issues that render a vehicle inoperable. If the repair takes more than three days, VinFast owners also get $100 for every additional day their car remains in service.The new policy entered effect on June 15 in the US and Canada and will remain in place until further notice. The compensation amounts are valid in the US market, with other markets to be announced shortly. Interestingly, the three types of issues do not exclude each other, and a VinFast owner can be compensated for all of them should they occur simultaneously. The kind of issue is determined by VinFast when diagnosing the vehicle.We take it that if a VinFast owner experiences an infotainment problem, has a defective drive unit, and the repair needs more than three days, they are entitled to at least $400 in compensation. The new conditions do not specify which customers will get a service voucher and which will get the cash in hand.It's an interesting approach meant to offer peace of mind to those considering purchasing a VinFast VF8 , the only vehicle the Vietnamese startup is currently selling in the US. It's a leap of faith indeed, considering the starting price of $46,000 for a mid-size crossover the size of a Tesla Model Y. The dual-motor base variant has 349 horsepower, and its 87.7battery enables an estimated EPA range of 264 miles (425 km).By comparison, the Tesla Model Y costs $47,740 for the dual-motorvariant built with 4680 cells at Giga Texas. Tesla's crossover is eligible for a $7,500 IRA tax credit and offers 279 miles (449 km) of range from a smaller battery, at 67.6 kWh. Tesla might have its own build quality problems but is nowhere near the VinFast VF8 in this regard, which obviously has a lot to catch up. Would you buy a VinFast VF8 over a Tesla Model Y, even considering the 10-year warranty on the Vietnamese European Union (EU) lawmakers passed the world's first comprehensive law regulating artificial intelligence (AI), aptly called the EU AI Act. The European Parliament has approved the draft of the proposed legislation, which bans police use of live facial recognition technology outdoors to surveillance the public. EU AI Regulation According to CNBC, the emerging technology of AI now powers advanced generative tools, such as ChatGPT, enabling users to create content instantly. The power of groundbreaking technology allows users to create music lyrics, research, and even produce photos or videos. However, some of the grave concerns of critics and AI experts alike include the spread of misinformation and bias. Some are wary of potential job displacement. Others go as far as worrying about the collapse of humanity. And as such, the EU is working to craft laws regulating the powerful technology. As per The Guardian, the main legislative branch, the European Parliament, approved measures that seek to regulate or govern the AI industry as tech behemoths dip their toes in the developing technology, which allows users to create content by merely using prompts. It places stringent requirements on AI developers and users to ensure compliance with various ethical considerations. These include transparency, accountability, data protection, and the prevention of AI-driven discrimination. European internal market commissioner Thierry Breton stresses, "AI raises a lot of questions socially, ethically, economically." But he notes that "now is not the time to hit any 'pause button.'" Instead, he believes, "It is about acting fast and taking responsibility." On Wednesday, June 14, the Parliament approved the EU AI Act, which garnered 499 votes in favor of the regulation. A total of 28 legislators voted against the rule, while it received 93 abstain votes. Read Also: EU Offers $1 Billion Tunisia Aid Package as Part of Efforts To Control Migration EU AI Act: How Does it Impact Tech Giants? With the new EU AI Act, viral generative AI tools must deal with transparency requirements, Straits Times reports. Tech firms now have to summarize the copyrighted materials they used to train the technology. While tech developers find the rule technically infeasible, the publishing industry applauded the measure. CNBC notes that the new rules heavily impact tech giants like the Microsoft-backed Open AI and Google as both offer generative AI tools, such as ChatGPT and Bard, respectively. With the recent approval of the EU AI Act in Parliament, the EU is now a step closer to kicking off the regulation of emerging AI tech. Related Article: 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. One year ago, the national average price for a gallon of regular gas was $5.01, while diesel-powered vehicle owners were looking at $5.8 per gallon. Since then, we have come a long way, but not all Americans enjoy truly lowered prices. In California, for example, filling up remains a costly affair. Photo: AAA So, what's going on? Photo: Dawn McDonald on Unsplash National focus, global outlook Photo: Dawn McDonald on Unsplash At the time of writing, the national average gas price is $3.58, approximately $1.50 cheaper than a year ago . We're heading in the right direction, but we're still not where most internal combustion engine vehicle drivers would like us to be. It's understandable, especially when we remind ourselves that a gallon of regular gas cost $2.60 on average four years ago.But when looking at what people living in states like California or Mississippi pay for fuel, things might get confusing and even frustrating. The values seen at the pump by people living in the Golden State are still the highest in the country.The average price for a gallon of regular gas in California is $4.88, while those living in the Magnolia State typically spend $3.00 for similar dinosaur juice. That means Mississippians pay approximately 63% less than Californians, according to the latest available data from the AAA. Even Hawaii has cheaper gas.Mississippi's economy is smaller than California's, but the unemployment rate is 3.4% in the southeastern state, while on the West Coast, 4.5% of the abled population was not working in April 2023. But this might not be as relevant as some believe because California's gross domestic product (GDP) per capita is nearly double that of Mississippi. The Golden State also has around 36 million more inhabitants.Moreover, Californians might be used by now to paying more for gas than other Americans. Last year, some fuel stations charged customers nearly $10 per gallon Currently, America's divided when it comes to average gas prices. Those living on the West Coast pay over $4 for a gallon of regular, while Texas and its neighbors enjoy the lowest pump values possible today.For California, it all boils down to taxes and environmental laws. People pay around $0.87 per gallon and state and federal taxes plus other fees. There's also a special blend of gasoline that theoretically reduces pollution, and not many suppliers are rushing to make and sell it. When the weather is warmer, the mix must change to keep exhaust fumes lower than the standard limit in other states.Since the demand for gas in California is immense, the state's refineries must also work full-time. If just one doesn't run at total capacity, the supply shortens while the demand remains unchanged. Such an event may lead to temporary anomalies like what happened last year at a Shell station.Businesses also have higher operational costs in the Golden State, which is another part of the final gas price supported by motorists.More taxes, less competition, and infrastructure woes are the perfect storm that can lead to high prices. Consumers, ultimately, end up paying for everything.There's no unique blend of gas in Mississippi during summer, and the tax is set at $0.18 per gallon.National average gas prices remain on a slow uptrend. In May, a gallon of regular was priced at $3.53. Now, it's $0.05 more.Since the U.S. is the world's largest oil producer and consumer, we rely on what's happening globally. Sadly for gas- and diesel-powered vehicle owners, OPEC+ countries are steadily lowering their daily oil output. Saudi Arabia is championing this movement to maintain the product's price at an acceptable level because its economy still relies on fossil fuels.Besides that, there are also worries about geopolitical instability, and global powers compete to change the status quo regarding monetary policies. If currencies weaken, economies follow suit.But what matters most is international supply and demand. Gas prices will return to 2019 levels only if OPEC + nations increase their output while consumption decreases. That's an unlikely scenario, especially as most automakers move towards hybridized and all-electric vehicles. As soon as major companies switch to cleaner or zero-tailpipe emission powertrains, fossil fuels will play a minor role on the global scale.For now, though, we are in uncharted waters. A barrel of Brent crude oil costs around $11 less than it did three months ago, but traders act as soon as they sense something might be happening. Thus, there's no guarantee that we will see cheaper gas in the near future, and it's impossible to predict if we will have to deal with another situation like last year.The only certainty that remains is taxes.If you want to switch sides and take advantage of federal and state incentives, consider buying an electrified vehicle that qualifies for the updated EV tax credit . You're helping yourself by not paying for pricy gas and the environment by not releasing exhaust fumes into the air. There is no added value from the dubious activity of EU experts in the Armenian-Azerbaijani border area. Moreover, they are incapable of ensuring security and compliance with the ceasefire agreements reached with the decisive role of Russian mediation, Maria Zakharova, the Russian Foreign Ministry spokeswoman, said in written comments released late on Wednesday. Zakharova reacted to the impending opening of three more EU monitoring hubs in the Armenian towns of Kapan, Ijevan and Yeghegnadzor close to the Azerbaijani border. She said the EU is thus keen to strengthen its presence in Armenia with the ultimate aim of squeezing Russia out of the Transcaucasus. The EU mission countered on Thursday that it always planned to operate from 6 hubs with maximum 103 international staff. We aim to reach this full operability soon, tweeted the mission, which has had three such hubs until now. The EUs special envoy to the South Caucasus, Toivo Klaar, voiced support for the mission, calling it an important element of EU efforts to facilitate regional peace. The EU deployed the 100 or so monitors in Armenia in February. The Armenian government said the mission requested by it will reduce the risk of a serious escalation in the conflict zone. Its critics point out that ceasefire violations at various sections of the Armenian-Azerbaijani border have continued unabated since then. The EU monitors assessment of those incidents is not known. Foreign Minister Ararat Mirzoyan said in March that Yerevan has no access to their confidential reports sent to Brussels. The victory of an opposition bloc led by Mamikon Aslanian was the most serious of setbacks suffered by Prime Minister Nikol Pashinians Civil Contract party in local polls held in 36 communities across the country on December 5, 2021. Aslanian, who had governed Armenias third largest city for five years, was poised to regain the post of Vanadzor mayor lost in October 2021. But he was arrested on December 15, 2021, two days before the inaugural session of the new city council empowered to elect the mayor. He was charged with illegally privatizing municipal land during his tenure. The 49-year-old ex-mayor rejected the charges as politically motivated both before and during his trial that began in June 2022. Speaking to RFE/RLs Armenian Service in the courtroom, Aslanian insisted that he was arrested so that I dont take over as mayor, which should have happened on December 17. I was coincidentally arrested on December 15, even though the criminal case was opened on September 10, he said. Also standing trial are two of Aslanians former subordinates. But unlike the ex-mayor, they have not been held in detention. Aslanians supporters as well as opposition figures in Yerevan claim that Pashinian ordered the ex-mayors arrest and prosecution to make sure that the Vanadzor municipality remains under his control. They have accused the prime minister of effectively overturning the local election results. Vanadzors new municipal council could have elected Aslanian as mayor despite his arrest. However, Armenias Administrative Council banned the council from holding sessions, citing an appeal against the election results lodged by another pro-government party. In April 2022, Pashinians party swiftly pushed through the Armenian parliament a bill that empowered the prime minister to name acting heads of communities whose councils fail to elect mayors within 20 days after local elections. Pashinian appointed the following month a man with a criminal record, Arkadi Peleshian, as Vanadzors acting mayor. Peleshian served as deputy mayor from 2017-2021. An obscure party led by him won less than 15 percent of the vote in December 2021. 15 June 2023 17:22 (UTC+04:00) Azerbaijan and Pakistan discussed the development of economic relations and the work to be done in this direction, Azernews reports, citing the Azerbaijani Economy Ministry. A meeting was held between Minister of Economy Mikayil Jabbarov, Minister of Energy Parviz Shahbazov, Minister of Trade of the Islamic Republic of Pakistan Said Navid Qamar, and Minister of State for Oil Musadik Masud Malik, Azernews reports. At the meeting, it was emphasized that Azerbaijan-Pakistan relations based on friendship and brotherhood are developing successfully in various directions. It was stated that trade is one of the main priorities of the partnership with Pakistan, and the work on signing the Preferential Trade Agreement, which will make a special contribution to this field, is ongoing. In addition, economic tools such as business forums and trade missions also play an important role in determining effective cooperation directions and implementing specific projects. The meeting discussed the long-term strategic goals of Azerbaijan, and it was noted that the regional and global energy projects, of which Azerbaijan is an initiator and active participant, contribute to the diversification of the energy supply of partner countries. It was stated that there are ample opportunities for the development of cooperation with Pakistan in the field of energy and the promotion of investments in this field. The parties discussed increasing mutual investments, implementation of joint projects, and other issues on the agenda of our cooperation. --- Follow us on Twitter @AzerNewsAz 15 June 2023 14:00 (UTC+04:00) Laman Ismayilova Read more There are only a few hours left until the 2nd Baku International Piano Festival. The music festival promises to be a delightful and unforgettable treat for all music lovers. Launched in 2022,the festival offers fantastic musical experience in spectacular settings. Second Baku International Piano Festival is expected to be no less grandiose. Founder and director of the festival, Honored Artist Shahin Novrasli said that the Baku International Piano Festival has an exciting program for music lovers, Azernews reports. "I express my gratitude to all partners and sponsors, with whose support our event will be held. George Gershwin's Rhapsody in Blue will sound at the festival's opening ceremony. Renowned pianist Helene Mercier (Canada/France) will share the stage with me. The 2nd Baku International Piano Festival will feature film screenings. People's Artist Ogtay Mirgasimov's film Voice of Truth. Composer Gara Garayev will be screened as part of the festival," he said at a press-conference. Speaking about the festival, Ogtay Mirgasimov noted that the film was shot 55 years ago. The film will be shown at the International Mugham Center on June 17. "I wonder how the film will be perceived by today's audience after this time. I will say that this film received awards at several festivals and was highly appreciated by the French film critic Marcel Martin," the film director said. Renowned pianist Helene Mercier said that she spoke with acclaimed cellist Mstislav Rostropovich. Pianist Helene Mercier added that the famous cellist Mstislav Rostropovich told her about Baku. "Mstislav Rostropovich told me a lot about Baku, about how it is connected with Azerbaijan. Today I plan to walk around Icherisheher, see the sights. I like Baku, there are wonderful people here, and delicious national cuisine," she said. The heads and representatives expressed their gratitude to Shain Novrasli for organizing the festival and provided insight into the music pieces included into the concert programs. Baku Piano Festival 2023 is a breath of fresh air, a synthesis of two traditions, building bridges between different cultures and genres. Music lovers in Baku have a chance to enjoy wonderful festival music on June 15-29. Media partners of the event are Azernews.Az, Trend.Az, Day.Az and Milli.Az. Festival website: https://bakupianofestival.com/ Tickets: https://iticket.az/events/2nd-baku-international-piano-festival Media partners of the event are Azernews.Az, Trend.Az, Day.Az and Milli.Az --- Follow us on Twitter @AzerNewsAz 15 June 2023 08:00 (UTC+04:00) Azerbaijan celebrates National Salvation Day on June 15. In 1993, the same day, national leader Heydar Aliyev, who returned to Baku at the calls and insistent demands of the people, was elected chairman of the Supreme Council of the Republic of Azerbaijan. This day went down in the history of the country as the Day of National Salvation. Milli Majlis (parliament) of the country in June 1997 declared this day a public holiday. The people of Azerbaijan at different stages of their history heroically overcame many hardships and difficult trials. There were many fateful moments in our history - and there were individuals who made history. The clearest example of such a person who turned the history of Azerbaijan upside down is national leader Heydar Aliyev, whose name is the founder of today's independent, strong Azerbaijan. National Salvation Day is not just a holiday in the calendar for the Azerbaijani people, it is a day of great social, political and historical significance. The National Leader played an exceptional role in preserving the Azerbaijani statehood. He relied on the trust of the people, at the same time becoming a support and protection for the Azerbaijani people. Azerbaijan, which received a historic opportunity to restore its independence at the end of the 20th century, soon faced the threat of losing this independence. The crisis of power in the country reached its peak in June 1993, the republic was engulfed in chaos and anarchy. The confrontation, which almost escalated into a civil war, became not only a direct threat to our independence, but even to our existence as a state. All this was due to the fact that at that time the state was headed by people who did not have leadership qualities, who were not able to evaluate political events, predict the future, and even find a way out of ordinary situations. All they were interested in was personal gain and the struggle for power. The country was inevitably moving towards disaster. At that turning point, and at that vital period, the Azerbaijani people needed a leader with an exceptional mind and great political experience with a decisive character. The continued Armenian occupation of Azerbaijani lands, the aggravated political situation every day and the deteriorating social situation of the population led to the return of Heydar Aliyev to the leadership of the country. The Azerbaijani people believed that it was Heydar Aliyev who was the only person capable of leading the country that had just restored its independence out of a difficult situation. So, on June 9, 1993, national leader Heydar Aliyev, who answered the call of the people, returned to Baku. And on June 15, 1993, Heydar Aliyev was elected chairman of the Supreme Council of Azerbaijan and took on the mission of saving the people. On that day, independent Azerbaijan embarked on the path of its development. Over the following years, Azerbaijan literally revived: Heydar Aliyev managed to achieve a ceasefire in the zone of the former 'Nagorno-Karabakh' conflict. Moreover, thanks to the determination and visionary policies of the national leader, the historic "Contract of the Century" was signed, and the revival of the national economy began. Our country has a professional regular army. In addition, Azerbaijan has become active in the foreign diplomacy. All this led to the fact that gradually, step by step, our country was formed as an independent, strong and developing state. Today, our country faces even greater goals and plans. Every passing day brings Azerbaijan even closer to these goals. Today, the leading world circles openly admit that Azerbaijan, along with becoming the most powerful country in the region, is increasing its political weight on the world stage day by day. Thanks to Heydar Aliyev, a solid foundation was laid on which, under the leadership of President Ilham Aliyev, today's Azerbaijan was built - a victorious country, a leader in the region in absolutely every respect. A country which all world forces recognize and stand by it. A country that a national leader would be proud of. --- Follow us on Twitter @AzerNewsAz 15 June 2023 11:46 (UTC+04:00) The powers of the General Prosecutor's Office of Azerbaijan have been expanded. In this regard, President of the Republic of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev signed a decree to amend the decree No. 754 dated July 4, 2001 of the President of the Republic of Azerbaijan "On determining the coordinating body for the European Agreement on the Transmission of Applications for Legal Aid, the European Convention on the Compensation of Victims of Violent Crimes, the European Convention on the Control of the Acquisition and Possession of Firearms by Individuals". According to the decree, the General Prosecutor's Office of the Republic of Azerbaijan is defined as the central body for the implementation of the European Convention on Compensation of Victims of Violent Crimes, signed on November 24, 1983 in the city of Strasbourg, by the Republic of Azerbaijan. Earlier this authority belonged to the Ministry of Justice. --- Follow us on Twitter @AzerNewsAz 15 June 2023 11:24 (UTC+04:00) Ilham Nazarli has been appointed Head of the representative office of Azerbaijan in Palestine. In this regard, President of the Republic of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev has signed a corresponding decree. --- Follow us on Twitter @AzerNewsAz 15 June 2023 15:50 (UTC+04:00) President of the Lao Peoples Democratic Republic Thongloun Sisoulith has sent a letter to President Ilham Aliyev on the occasion of National Salvation Day. His Excellency Mr. Ilham Aliyev, President of Republic of Azerbaijan Your Excellency, On behalf of the Lao people and on my own behalf, I would like to convey my warmest congratulations and best wishes to Your Excellency and through You to the friendly people of Azerbaijan, on the occasion of the 105th anniversary of the National Day of the Republic of Azerbaijan. I believe that the friendly relations and cooperation between the Lao People's Democratic Republic and the Republic of Azerbaijan will be further strengthened and flourished in the years to come for the benefits of our two peoples. May I wish Your Excellency good health, personal well-being and great success in your noble endeavors, as well as the people of Azerbaijan continued peace and prosperity. Please accept, Your Excellency, the assurances of my highest consideration. Thongloun Sisoulith President of the Lao Peoples Democratic Republic --- Follow us on Twitter @AzerNewsAz 15 June 2023 10:36 (UTC+04:00) Turkish Ambassador to Azerbaijan Cahit Bagci has congratulated the Azerbaijani people on the occasion of June 15 - National Salvation Day. "I congratulate brotherly Azerbaijan on June 15 - the Day of National Salvation," he said on Twitter. June 15 is one of the most remarkable days in the history of Azerbaijans statehood. The day celebrates the National Salvation Day- the beginning of a new and invaluable stage in the history of independent Azerbaijan. For Azerbaijanis, this is one of the countrys most memorable days, marking the historical return of the national leader Heydar Aliyev from the Nakhchivan Autonomous Republic to capital Baku in 1993. --- Follow us on Twitter @AzerNewsAz (Photo : JACK GUEZ/AFP via Getty Images) The United States and Iranian officials have engaged in indirect talks in Oman to advance discussions on Tehran's nuclear program and other matters. The White House has resumed negotiations with Iran to secure the release of American detainees and restrict Tehran's nuclear program. On Wednesday, the Wall Street Journal reported that at least three Biden administration officials had traveled to Oman for indirect discussions with their Iranian counterparts since December when senior US and Iranian diplomats met in New York. Iran Admits to Holding Indirect Discussions with US A month earlier, President Joe Biden informed a group of Iranian Americans in California that the 2015 nuclear agreement between the United States, Iran, and five other world powers was "dead, but we will not declare it." According to the Journal, weeks later, Robert Malley, the State Department's special envoy for Iran, met with Iran's ambassador to the United Nations. Between February and May, Omani officials reportedly relayed correspondence between Brett McGurk, the National Security Council's top official for the Middle East and North Africa, and Ali Bagheri-Kani, Iran's chief nuclear negotiator. Malley also traveled to Oman during this period, according to the Journal. In addition, Omani Sultan Haitham bin Tarik conferred with Iranian Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei in Tehran late last month, according to NY Post. Iran seeks to regain access to billions of dollars suspended due to US sanctions, possibly in exchange for concessions regarding its American prisoners and nuclear ambitions. The United States recently approved Iraq's payment of approximately $2.7 billion to Iran for electricity and gas imports; however, Washington officials say the transfer is unrelated to the revived discussions. Tehran has also reportedly sought access to $7 billion in assets stashed in South Korea. Iran's seizure of oil transports in the Persian Gulf and supply of Russia with drones for use in its invasion of Ukraine have strained relations between Iran and the United States over the past year. Last fall, the United States joined a chorus of foreign nations in vehemently condemning Iran for violently suppressing mass protests in response to the death of 22-year-old Mahsa Amini, whom Iran's notorious morality police had detained. Iran is believed to have increased its nuclear activity following the tightening of sanctions by the Trump administration in 2018. US officials say this entails accumulating sufficient nuclear material to construct weapons. Read Also: Chris Christie Calls Trump a 'Three-Time Loser,' Slams DeSantis for Playing Games With Voters West Accused Iran of Derailing Negotiations Meanwhile, Tehran has denied any desire to develop a nuclear weapon. Ali Khamenei, Iran's supreme leader, stated on Sunday that Islamic values forbade Iran from pursuing a weapon of mass destruction. He supported a nuclear agreement so long as it preserved Iran's current nuclear capabilities. During a visit to an exhibition displaying advanced Iranian IR-6 centrifuges used to enrich uranium, he stated, "Ensure that the infrastructures of the nuclear industry remain intact." Despite multiple rounds of negotiations to save the 2015 nuclear agreement, significant progress has yet to be made. Last year, Western nations accused Iran of derailing the negotiations. Israeli media reported that on Tuesday, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu informed the Foreign Affairs and Defense Committee of the Knesset that Washington will not completely return to the 2015 deal with Iran but is instead discussing a "mini-deal" with Iran. According to the Israeli news outlet Walla, Netanyahu stated that one of the United States' demands was that Iran not enrich uranium to a higher purity level than its present 60 percent. Related Article: South Korea Unveils Nuclear Alliance with US to Deter North Korea Threats @ 2023 HNGN, All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission. 15 June 2023 10:00 (UTC+04:00) Early in the morning on June 15, the Armenian armed forces opened fire from a machine gun in the direction of the Lachin border checkpoint of Azerbaijan, Azernews reports citing Caliber. It was noted that the shelling was carried out from the Armenian post located in the opposite direction, exactly at the time of the daily ceremony of raising the state flag of Azerbaijan. As a result of enemy fire, a serviceman of the State Border Service of Azerbaijan was wounded. His condition is assessed as stable, and all necessary medical assistance is being provided. At the moment, the situation is under the control of our units. After the shelling, the Armenian military groups left their post. This egregious incident is an open manifestation of Armenian terrorism and aggression. However, such crimes did not create problems for the functioning of the Lachin border control point, and Azerbaijan has enough resources to protect it. But it is obvious that the uninterrupted operation of the border checkpoint seriously worries the enemy. Additional information will be given. 15 June 2023 12:37 (UTC+04:00) Laman Ismayilova Read more The Organization of Turkic States (OTS) has congratulated the Azerbaijani people on June 15 - National Salvation Day. "On the occasion of 15 June - National Salvation Day of Azerbaijan, we convey our heartfelt congratulations to the brotherly Azerbaijani people and commemorate with deep respect the National Leader of the country Heydar Aliyev," posted on Twitter. June 15 is one of the most remarkable days in the history of Azerbaijans statehood. The day celebrates the National Salvation Day- the beginning of a new and invaluable stage in the history of independent Azerbaijan. For Azerbaijanis, this is one of the countrys most memorable days, marking the historical return of the national leader Heydar Aliyev from the Nakhchivan Autonomous Republic to capital Baku in 1993. Founded in 2009, the Organization of Turkic States (OTS) as an intergovernmental organization, OTS is committed to the purpose and principles of the Charter of the United Nations (UN) and other universally recognized principles and norms of international law, including sovereign equality, territorial integrity and inviolability of internationally recognized borders of states, as well as the maintenance of international peace, security and development of good-neighbourly and friendly relations. Its four founding member states are Azerbaijan, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan and Turkiye. During the 7thSummit held in Baku in October 2019, Uzbekistan joined as a full member. Hungary received observer status at the Organization during its 6th Summit in Cholpon-Ata, Kyrgyz Republic in September 2018. In the 8th Summit held in November 2021, Turkmenistan and in November 2022, Turkish republic of Northern Cyprus joined as an Observer Members to the Organization. --- Follow us on Twitter @AzerNewsAz 15 June 2023 17:00 (UTC+04:00) Qabil Ashirov Read more The South Caucasus has been living one of its most active days recently. The visit of Aide to Russian President Igor Levitin and Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan to Azerbaijan, as well as the statement of the Iranian official on reopening of the embassy amid the Turkish President's visit in Azerbaijan, can be interpreted according to very important points. Today, at a time when the National Salvation Day is being celebrated in Azerbaijan, and on the eve of Pakistan's Prime Minister Shebaz Sharif's official visit to Baku, Armenian armed groups' firing at the positions of the Azerbaijan Army and the border checkpoint in Lachin in order to destabilize the situation, and most importantly injuring one of our soldiers at the Lachin BCP cannot be considered a coincidence. At the same time, very hot processes continue inside Armenia. Thus, in an interview with foreign news outlets, the Armenian opposition emphasized that they would do everything to halt Pashinyan, at the same time, France voiced a groundless statement against Azerbaijan over the Lachin-Khankendi road. As a result, the question arises, what are the reasons behind all the happenings? Or is it possible that the events have any connection with each other? In a comment for Azernews on the issue, military expert and political analyst Alparslan Imamgulu noted that today, the sides and alliances are being defined in the region, and it causes irritation to some forces. The defining of Azerbaijan's allies was mainly determined after Azerbaijans Patriotic War. Turkiye and Pakistan can be mentioned among these allies. Finding new allies and strengthening relations with them is important in this regard. There are even states that want to be an obstacle to this, the expert said. He noted that a proxy war is ongoing in the region, and Armenia is a tool and is used as a leverage by other countries, including Russia. As it can be seen that the state of Azerbaijan has repeatedly issued warnings and remarks to Armenia, official Yerevan does not want to draw conclusions from it. In such a case, Armenia loses its status as a sovereign state. This step of Armenia once again shows that it does not have an independent political position and is used as an instrument in the hands of the West and Russia for various purposes." As for the position of the Armenian opposition, and provocations by opposition groups within the Armenian Army, he noted that there are several factions not only in Armenian Army but also in Armenian authority. The strongest of these factions are pro-Russians, said the expert. I do not rule out that there some forces in Russia behind this provocation. Whether it be Azerbaijans conventional state border with Armenia or the situation in Karabakh. Since Russia does not want to withdraw its troops from the South Caucasus, pro-Russian forces try to obstruct every step taken for peace. If this provocation is happening on the conventional border, it proves that the Armenian army is still under the influence of those forces. Because the population of Armenia has been in a desperate situation for 2 years. On the one hand, Pashinyan's foreign policy orients to the West, on the other hand, a number of political wings of Armenia are in favor of Russia. i have no doubt that pro-Russian forces are making such provocations to change the direction of Armenia's political vector, he added. He also pointed out that Russian press information, Russian media outlets, and the contents of their programs pamper Armenia by backing them. Today, if we follow some press information in Russian media, we will see that we are pointed as perpetrators of provocations. Even some media organizations, in addition to spreading biased information, also present Armenian territories as their territories on behalf of Russia. Allegedly, the Russian state is always with Armenia. This is indeed a comprehensive and deliberate provocation that some forces want to carry out, Alparslan said. --- Qabil Ashirov is AzerNews staff journalist, follow him on Twitter: @g_Ashirov Follow us on Twitter @AzerNewsAz 15 June 2023 12:58 (UTC+04:00) We strongly condemn the military provocation of the armed forces of Armenia against the Lachin state border checkpoint on June 15, resulting in the injury of the serviceman of the State Border Service, Azerbaijan`s Ministry of Foreign Affairs said in a statement, Azernews reports. This military provocation, in addition to constituting aggression against the sovereignty and territorial integrity of Azerbaijan, aims at hindering the successful operation of the border checkpoint by Azerbaijan, the safe, free and unimpeded passage of Armenian residents, as well as the movement in the Lachin road. This military provocation by Armenia, which cannot digest the free movement of Armenian residents from the checkpoint without any difficulties, is a clear example of Armenia's lack of interest in building relations with Azerbaijan, as well as in the peace process. These military provocations by Armenia will be resolutely prevented, and its attempts to prevent the reintegration of the Armenian residents of Azerbaijan into our society will fail. We call on the international community to strongly condemn this provocation by Armenia and to deter it from aggressive acts that threaten peace and stability in the region, the ministry added. --- Follow us on Twitter @AzerNewsAz 15 June 2023 13:40 (UTC+04:00) On June 15, starting from 11:00, the Armenian armed forces units from the positions in the direction of the Digh settlement of the Gorus region using mortars and various caliber weapons subjected to fire the Azerbaijan Army's positions, Azernews reports, citing the Azerbaijani Defense Ministry. The Azerbaijan Army Units are taking adequate retaliatory measures in mentioned direction. --- Follow us on Twitter @AzerNewsAz 15 June 2023 20:30 (UTC+04:00) Rena Murshud Read more The Armenian side, which could not abide the laws imposed by the border checkpoint established in the Lachin district of Azerbaijan since April, finally ruptured today like a painful carbuncle. Starting in the morning, the Armenian terrorist groups, which started firing on the territory of Azerbaijan and the state border checkpoint, proved once again that they are determined to destabilize the region with the next provocation. As a result, Armenia, which lost two terrorist snipers by injuring one military serviceman of Azerbaijan, found itself in a more difficult situation. Official Yerevan, which sometimes relies on the European Union mission group and sometimes runs to Russia and begs for help, has simply forgotten the main issue - the Turkic World and the Shusha Declaration, which can constantly bring it into active force. Speaking to Azernews, Turkish military expert Yucel Karauz named several reasons for the endless Armenian provocations. "There are 3-4 main reasons for the terrorist activity of Armenians. The first is the visit of Turkish President Recep Tayyib Erdogan to Baku and the very strong messages delivered during this visit. Secondly, to prevent the implementation of the Zangazur corridor after that. The third day is the anniversary of the Shusha Declaration. This declaration is an agreement that will be promoted and concluded not only by Azerbaijan-Turkiye, but by the entire Turkic world. So, there is a high probability that this is connected with the Shusha declaration and its anniversary." The military expert named one more reason for another statement by the Turkish President in which he mentioned Iran as the only country that is against opening of the Zangazur corridor. For two hundred years either Iran, France, Brussels, or Washington have been using Armenia as a tool in the region. Armenia is not a state that makes decisions on its own. Instead of thinking about the interests of their nation and state, they are in the position of someone else's pawn. So, one should not expect any reasonable and competent behavior from Armenia. Despite all these Armenian provocations, the European Union is monitoring there and at the same time turns a blind eye to the construction of a metallurgical plant that is first a real threat to the ecology. "It is wrong to expect justice and law from the West. The double standards, hypocrisy, and false behavior of the West and third countries are only their own laws in matters of democracy, human rights, the rule of law, and the law of force or the law of interest. The activities of the observer on the construction of factories on this land and the establishment of such borders are not within Armenia's own inititive. Armenia is already accustomed to such attention. If they let the Armenians alone, they will be lost in the middle of nowehere." Speaking about our demands and rights, the military expert noted that Azerbaijan demonstrated all this in accordance with international law in the Patriotic War, in the Shusha Declaration, in the organization of Turkic states, along with the Istanbul Summit. He underscored that if Armenia felt the iron fist over its head during the Second Karabakh War, it felt it again when the Shusha Declaration was signed. "In my opinion, the Armenian side felt the seventh iron fist when the organization of Turkic states was created. I think those behind Armenia should be kept accountable not onlt to Azerbaijan and Turkiye in accordance with the Shusha Declaration, but to our brothers and like-minded members in the organization of the Turkic states," the expert concluded --- Rena Murshud is AzerNews staff journalist, follow her on Twitter: @RenaTagiyeva Follow us on Twitter @AzerNewsAz 15 June 2023 08:30 (UTC+04:00) A meeting was held with representatives of Globus and Frunze hypermarket chains, Azernews reports, citing 24.kg. The parties discussed the requirements of the presidential decree on a ban on the use and sale of plastic film bags in the resort and recreational zone of Issyk-Kul region. It will come into force on June 21, 2023. "Entrepreneurs reported that work is underway to replace bags made of polymer film with paper and textile ones," the report says. Earlier, Sadyr Japarov signed a decree on urgent measures to preserve the ecology of Issyk-Kul lake. The relevant committee of the Parliament approved in the second reading the draft law on limiting the circulation of plastic film bags in the territory of the Kyrgyz Republic. Some time later, at a meeting of the Committee on Budget, Economic and Fiscal Policy of the Parliament, deputy Dastan Bekeshev drew the attention of officials to the fact that the decree signed by the head of state was not implemented. The Cabinet of Ministers said that the ban would be introduced in stages. --- Follow us on Twitter @AzerNewsAz 15 June 2023 19:25 (UTC+04:00) Italy's prison population has grown by over 2,500 inmates since 2016 against an increase in official capacity of 1,000 places over the same period, the National Guarantor for Persons Deprived of their Liberty, Mauro Palma, told parliament in his annual report on Thursday, Azernews reports, citing ANSA. The number of detainees has risen from 54,653 in 2016 to 57,230 on June 1, 2023, Palma told the Lower House. Of the current prison population, 2,504 are women. The number of available prison places grew by 1,000 over the same period, the ombudsman added. The percentage of foreign inmates fell from 34% to 31.2% between 2016 and June 2023, and the percentage of detainees not serving a definitive sentence has dropped from 35.2% to 26.1%. On violence in prison, Palma told lawmakers magistrates are probing allegations of serious episodes of mistreatment and offenses against the dignity of prisoners, and that in some cases first-instance sentences have already been handed down. However, the ombudsman said it is necessary to "look at the ability of our system to respond, in many cases including with the help of internal investigations by the prison administration". --- Follow us on Twitter @AzerNewsAz 15 June 2023 22:20 (UTC+04:00) According to the press service of the Transport Ministry, in accordance with the agenda, a meeting of the joint Uzbek-Belarusian commission on international road transport began work in the ministry, Azernews reports, citing Kun.uz. At the meeting of the joint commission, the parties discuss the current state of cooperation in the field of transport logistics, as well as the prospects for its development. In particular, aspects related to the creation of additional amenities for national carriers in the process of international cargo transportation by road transport, an increase in the quota for the mutual exchange of foreign permit forms are considered. The parties are also discussing issues related to the creation of a new multimodal transport corridor Belarus Russia Kazakhstan Uzbekistan Afghanistan Pakistan. --- Follow us on Twitter @AzerNewsAz 15 June 2023 23:25 (UTC+04:00) Workers in Saudi Arabia are banned from working under the sun for certain hours of the day during the hot summer months starting Thursday, Azernews reports, citing Al Arabiya. From June 15 and until September 15, workers are banned from working during the period extending from noon until 3 p.m., according to a decision shared by the Kingdoms Ministry of Human Resources and Social Development on its website. This decision comes within the framework of protecting the safety and the health of those working with the private sector and to prevent anything that can lead to health dangers and provide a healthy and safe work environment for them. The ministry called on business owners to amend working hours in a manner that fits the decision in order to protect their employees and prevent any incidents which is reflected in an improvement and increased productivity. The ministry also said that violations of the decision can be reported through the unified number 19911 or through the ministrys mobile application. A similar decision has also gone into effect on Thursday in the United Arab Emirates where the Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratization announced that the Midday Break will ban laborers working under the sun between 12:30 p.m. and 3:00 p.m. local time. --- Follow us on Twitter @AzerNewsAz Visually impaired people in Ukraine struggle to cope with the Russian invasion as they face new challenges in navigating a war zone and accessing essential services. Oleksandr Vinkovskyi, the blind director of a business in Kyiv where visually-impaired people worked, expresses the challenges of the war. He struggles to see the scale of the damage caused by many Russian-fired drones on the Ukrainian capital last month, as reported by APNews. Visually Impaired People in Ukraine (Photo : Wikimedia Commons / PRESIDENT OF UKRAINE VOLODYMYR ZELENSKYY Official website) However, Vinkovskyi knows that approximately 80 people, including 54 with a disability, who used to work there are now unemployed. Since Russia began a full-scale invasion of Ukraine in February 2022, people with visual impairments have faced various difficulties, losing their place of employment being just one of them. During the previous month, when Russia attacked the city primarily at night when people were sleeping, the difficulties increased, making it harder for those who were blind to get around. People who are blind or visually challenged primarily use sound to navigate their surroundings, and these sounds are very vivid and sensitive. The explosions thus cause more anxiety and suffering. The National Assembly of People with Disabilities of Ukraine's program director, Larysa Baida, stated that many people experience feelings of terror in such circumstances. In response, the group has offered psychological support and rehabilitation to help persons who are blind during the conflict. The war has also made accessing their usual support networks difficult for visually impaired people. Many organizations that provide services to visually impaired people have been forced to close or relocate, and many volunteers have been unable to continue their work due to the conflict. Despite the challenges, visually impaired people in Ukraine are finding ways to cope. Some have learned to use new technologies, such as GPS and smartphones, to help them navigate. Others have formed support groups to help each other through this difficult time. The war in Ukraine has had a devastating impact on the country's visually impaired population. But despite the challenges, these individuals are showing incredible resilience and determination. They are a shining example of the human spirit, and their story is one of hope. Read Also: Bioengineered Cornea Improves Eyesight, Restores Vision for Blind, Impaired People Russia-Ukraine War The Russo-Ukrainian War has been described as the most serious military conflict in Europe since World War II. The war has caused Europe's fastest-growing refugee crisis since World War II, with more than 8 million Ukrainians fleeing and a third of the population displaced. The United Nations estimates that more than 5,000 civilians have been killed in the conflict, but the number is likely much higher. It has also significantly impacted the global economy, causing energy prices to rise and disrupting supply chains. The war in Ukraine is a major geopolitical crisis with far-reaching consequences. It has reignited the debate about the future of European security and has raised questions about the role of NATO and the United States in Europe. Clearly, the war has had a devastating impact on Ukraine and its people and has had a significant impact on the global order. Related Article: Russia-Ukraine War: Vladimir Putin Warns of Possibly Using 'Most Powerful' Nuclear Missile Dubbed as Satan II @ 2023 HNGN, All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission. Thank you for reading! Please log in, or sign up for a new account and purchase a subscription to continue reading. Parties involved in the high-profile Moore v. Harper redistricting case offered a split decision Thursday on whether the U.S. Supreme Court should dismiss the case. The high court asked lawyers linked to the case to assess the impact of a recent state Supreme Court ruling on the same redistricting issue.Republican legislative leaders and plaintiffs linked to the left-of-center activist group Common Cause urge the nation's top court to keep the case and address its major constitutional issues. But two other sets of plaintiffs, N.C. Attorney General Josh Stein's state Justice Department, and the U.S. solicitor general call on the court to dismiss the case as moot.The N.C. high court's April 28 decision in Harper v. Hall threw out an earlier state court ruling related to election maps. With a 5-2 party-line vote, the Republican-led court determined that the N.C. Constitution did not ban partisan gerrymandering. Justices decided that state courts would no longer deal with complaints that lawmakers usedpartisanship when drawing election map lines.That decision reversed a ruling handed down in February 2022, when Democrats held a 4-3 majority on the state Supreme Court. The earlier decision prompted Republican state legislative leaders to petition the U.S. Supreme Court for a review of the case. That appeal to the nation's highest court took the title Moore v. Harper.The Supreme Court heard oral arguments in the case in December. Court observers had expected a decision in the case by the time the court ends its term near the end of June.National observers expected the court to address an issue called the Independent State Legislature theory. Critics who named the theory had argued that N.C. legislators wanted a ruling that would free state legislatures completely from state courts' review of election maps and other election rules.Questions about the case's fate cropped up in February. That's when the new state Supreme Court announced plans to rehear the related Harper v. Hall case. The U.S. Supreme Court sought guidance in March from Moore v. Harper attorneys about the case's future.Once the state Supreme Court reversed its partisan gerrymandering decision in late April, the U.S. Supreme Court called on the parties again to offer arguments for keeping or dropping the case.Lawyers representing N.C. House Speaker Tim Moore, R-Cleveland, and Senate leader Phil Berger, R-Rockingham, called on the high court to move forward with a decision in Moore v. Harper.legislative lawyers wrote.lawmakers' brief continued.Common Cause also wants to see a ruling in Moore v. Harper.according to the group's brief.Lawyers representing a group called theordisagreed.according to that group's brief.Harper plaintiffs argued.A third set of plaintiffs associated with the N.C. League of Conservation Voters mirrored the Harper plaintiffs' arguments. The April 28 decision from Raleighthe U.S. Supreme court of jurisdiction in Moore v. Harper andaccording to a brief.Lawyers in Democratic N.C. Attorney General Josh Stein's Justice Department also called on the high court to drop the case.according to the Justice Department brief.U.S. Solicitor General Elizabeth Prelogar argues for the federal government at the Supreme Court. At the court's request, Prelogar responded to the April 28 ruling from Raleigh.Prelogar wrote.The U.S. Supreme Court is likely to decide in the coming days whether to keep the Moore v. Harper case. If justices decide to drop the case, they could decide that it will beThat decision is sometimes referred to as $500 million for childcare stabilization grants to help maintain access to affordable early childhood education $200 million to increase childcare subsidy rates in rural and lower wealth communities Nearly $200 million in recurring funding over the biennium for the NC Pre-K program Today, Governor Roy Cooper visited Haw River Elementary School in Alamance County to emphasize the dangerous impacts of extreme legislation proposed by Republican legislators that would fail early learners, their families and businesses by failing to fund early childhood education and critical child care programs.said Governor Cooper.In May, the NC Chamber Foundation released the results of a survey that found more than 80% of North Carolina voters say the lack of child care is a problem that will not solve itself and that improving quality and making child care more affordable is a good use of taxpayer money. Further, 87% say taking action to ensure more working families have access to affordable, quality child care should be an important priority for North Carolina this year.To ensure North Carolina's early childhood care and education system can serve as many students as possible, Governor Cooper proposed $1.5 billion in new funding to support childcare and early childhood education needs across the state. As part of that investment, the Governor's budget includes:The Senate budget fails early learners, their families and businesses by providing no state funding for child care stabilization grants or the expansion of Smart Start or NC Pre-K.The House budget proposes only minimal funds to increase the childcare subsidy rate ($24 million beginning in FY2024-25) and for Smart Start ($10 million total for the biennium), a fraction of what's needed to meet North Carolina's child care needs.In addition to siphoning money out of public schools, Republicans are also proposing large tax breaks for the wealthy and corporations that will reduce total state funding by almost 20% and cause long-term cuts to the classroom.In a special address earlier this week, Governor Cooper outlined sweeping legislation in the NC General Assembly that would choke the life out of public education. These extreme bills would cause public schools to lose hundreds of millions of dollars through the expansion of private school vouchers, exacerbate the state's teacher shortage and bring political culture wars into the classrooms.Haw River Elementary is a Title I school that offers Pre-K for children ages 3-5 in Alamance County. Haw River Elementary has also implemented ainitiative to help teachers develop student leadership skills. Proposed Republican plans offer no much-needed funding increases for pre-K programs like the one at Haw River Elementary.The Governor is calling on North Carolinians to visit governor.nc.gov to learn more and contact their legislators to ask them to protect public schools.Sam Changovpress@nc.gov This post appears here courtesy of the John Locke Foundation . The author of this post is Dr. Andy Jackson I spent the better part of two years advocating for North Carolina to join the Electronic Registration Information Center (ERIC), a program that would be aSince then, it has become clear that ERIC has problems, including opaqueness in how the organization handles data and unnecessary expenses imposed on member states.So, I was torn on North Carolina joining ERIC and hoped that the state could join after reforms in both the organization and the state.The News & Observer Clarifies Why North Carolina Should not Join ERICBut now the News & Observer has clarified why North Carolina stepping away from ERIC is the right idea.There are two reasons for that. First, the News & Observer is an almost perfect reverse-barometer on election policy (or any other policy field for that matter); if the N&O is in favor of something, then the state is usually better off if policy makers do the opposite.The second reason is this bit of projection in their op-ed on ERIC:Who are thesethe N&O is concerned about? That question touches on the final straw demonstrating that joining ERIC is not worth it. Membership involves the risk of a breach of privacy for people who(EBUs):(David Becker has since stepped down from ERIC's board but could still use his relationship with the organization to gain access to ERIC-produced data.)Could North Carolina EBUs similarly find their private data used in a pact between North Carolina election officials and a left-wing organization? The answer above given by the state elections board on sharing EBU data is not reassuring.Another cause for concern is State Board of Election's history. The SBE spent years in the loving embrace of Democracy North Carolina, a leftist organization that alsotoThat cozy relationship extended to coordinated lobbying and even the SBE outsourcing work on voter guides to Democracy NC.Given that history, we cannot trust the SBE to respect the privacy of people on the EBU list when approached by Democracy NC or some other left-wing organization seeking their data.Stepping away from ERIC is the right call. A U.S. House of Representatives committee on Wednesday, June 15, approved a bill that would raise the mandatory retirement age for commercial airline pilots from 65 to 67. The bill, which was approved by the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee by a vote of 32 to 31, is part of a larger bill to reauthorize the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), as reported by Reuters. The bill's supporters say that raising the retirement age will help to address the growing shortage of commercial airline pilots. The FAA estimates that there will be a shortage of 12,000 pilots by 2030. Facing Opposition The bill's opponents argue that raising the retirement age could lead to safety concerns, as older pilots may be more likely to experience health problems that could affect their ability to fly. The bill now goes to the full House of Representatives for a vote. If it passes the House, it will go to the Senate for consideration. Challenges to U.S. Aviation Industry The aviation industry in the U.S. is facing a number of challenges in hiring and retaining pilots. One challenge is the aging workforce. The average age of a commercial airline pilot in the U.S. is over 45, and the number of pilots over the age of 60 is expected to increase significantly in the coming years. This is due to the fact that the retirement age for pilots has been set at 65, and many pilots are choosing to stay in the workforce longer. Another one is the high cost of training. The cost of training to become a commercial airline pilot are high, and it can take several years to complete. Also, pilots often work long hours and may be required to work on weekends and holidays. This can be a challenge for pilots who have families or other commitments. The aviation industry is cyclical, and there have been periods of time when there have been layoffs of pilots. Thus, it can be difficult for pilots to feel secure in their jobs. Read also: American Airlines Pilots Approve Strike While Contract Talks Continue Potential Safety Concerns There are a number of potential safety concerns associated with raising the retirement age in the United States. One is the increased risk of health problems. As people age, they are more likely to experience health problems that could affect their ability to work safely. For example, older workers may be more likely to have vision, hearing, or heart problems. These health problems could make it difficult for older workers to perform their jobs safely. Another one is decreased reaction time that comes with aging. This could make it more difficult for older workers to react quickly to emergencies. On Thursday, the Senate committee will discuss its version of the FAA proposal, which does not yet contain the increase in the minimum age for pilots. The Regional Airline Association (RAA) applauded the increase in the minimum age for pilots, pointing out that 324 airports have, on average, lost a third of their air service and have more than 400 aircraft parked due to a pilot shortage. 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. Record drug shortages across the United States are delaying potentially lifesaving treatments for thousands of patients around the country.Congress and the White House are scrambling to address a shortfall in prescription drugs - everything from painkillers to cancer treatments.Senator Gary Peters (D-MI) said in an interview with MSNBC.The shortage is being most acutely felt in the generic drug market, which accounts for nearly 90% of U.S. prescriptions. The exact number of drugs being affected depends on who you ask - according to a Senate report at the end of last year, the U.S. reached a peak level of 295 active drug shortages, although as of March, the FDA claims there are 130. The American Society of Health reports 301 drug shortages as of the first quarter of 2023.According to the FDA, the average drug shortage lasts for about 18 months, but some shortages have stretched on for over 15 years.Some of the medicines that have been in short supply include Adderall, Tylenol, various antibiotics including amoxicillin, saline mixtures used in IVs, and almost two dozen kinds of anti-cancer drugs.That last group is especially troubling because, unlike some other drugs in short supply, patients don't have a lot of alternate options for treatment. Chemotherapies for breast cancers, ovarian cancers, lung cancers, bladder cancers, and some forms of leukemia have been delayed or disrupted, sometimes with fatal consequences.According to one recent survey by the Society of Gynecologic Oncology, doctors in 35 different states said they had little to no supply of multiple chemotherapy drugs, including specialists at cancer centers. According to Laura Bray, founder of the non-profit Angels for Change, which helps micro-source rare medications for patients, 9 out of 10 oncologists say the shortages have caused patient harm up to and including death. With less medicine and the same number of patients who need it, doctors around the country have been having many hard conversations about who does and doesn't get their dose.With dozens or hundreds of active shortages, there is no single overriding factor that explains all the shortfalls, but several trends have emerged.Some drugs, like Adderall and Ozempic, are skyrocketing in popularity due to alternative uses, exhausting limited supplies. Adderall is meant to treat ADHD but is abused by some students and professionals to increase concentration on various cognitively demanding tasks. Ozempic is meant to treat Type-2 diabetes but has been used as aSupply hasn't caught up with the surge in demand.Other observers have attributed the shortages to disruptions in the global supply chain. Exact statistics are difficult to come by - part of the problem is that the supply chain for some pharmaceuticals is not totally transparent, to the point where regulators don't even know for sure where everything comes from - the FDA actually petitioned Congress for more resources to figure that out.Near as the Senate can tell, though, about 80% of- the most important part of any drug - are manufactured outside the U.S. If these foreign sources had their economies locked down or started hoarding supplies, that could completely gut our supply chain. China has often been highlighted as a prominent and problematic international supplier and many lawmakers view this as a serious strategic weakness of the United States.Other observers have claimed that the problem is more domestic in nature - they say doctors have a tendency to overprescribe antibiotics to patients that don't actually need them, which makes them less available and less effective for patients who do.has also been blamed - a perceived shortage can become a self-fulfilling prophecy as consumers rush to buy up all available supply.But while all these immediate causes have drawn considerable attention, some are claiming that more basic market forces are to blame.Many lifesaving drugs aren't very profitable to make - with some bringing in only pennies per dose. Those narrow margins discourage newcomers from entering the sector, and if there are supply chain issues that make the product more expensive, established players are more likely to cut corners or stop making them altogether.There's been an upward trend in the number of drug shortages over the last few years, while the prices of generic drugs have dropped 50% since 2016.Several factors have prevented drug prices from shifting as a function of supply and demandThe pharmaceutical market is highly consolidated - while there are thousands of hospitals and pharmacies, most get their supplies from a small number of intermediary firms. A review by a healthcare analytics company called IQVIA found that 3 buyers purchase 90% of all generic drugs. With so few potential customers, each one has substantial leverage over what price they're going to pay.The U.S. government is a major player in healthcare, and lawmakers have passed limits on how much companies are allowed to charge for various drugs. A medical office building in Birmingham, Ala., that houses the main campus of Cardiovascular Associates has sold for $28 million, according to a June 8 report from the Birmingham Business Journal. The 80,000-square-foot space was developed for Cardiovascular Associates shortly after its acquisition by Dallas-based Tenet Healthcare. The building was sold to Milwaukee-based Colonnade Parkway Medical Office Building Investors, which specializes in acquiring healthcare properties such as hospitals, medical office buildings and nursing facilities. Good Samaritan Hospital in Suffern, N.Y., is the most expensive hospital to undergo a colonoscopy in the state, while Erie County Medical Center in Buffalo, N.Y., 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 New York to have the procedure done: 1. $19,212: Good Samaritan Hospital (Suffern) 2. $13,044: Long Island Community Hospital (Patchogue) 3. $9,697: Mount Sinai South Nassau (Oceanside) 4 (tie). $9,606: Bon Secours Community Hospital (Port Jervis) 4 (tie). $9,606: Saint Anthony Community Hospital (Warwick) 6. $8,827: Tisch Hospital (New York City) 7. $8,755: Montefiore Hospital- Moses Campus (New York City) 8. $8,271: Phelps Hospital (Sleepy Hollow) 9. $8,258: The Brooklyn Hospital Center (New York City) 10. $8,161: Montefiore St. Luke's Cornwall (Newburgh) Here is the pricing data for CMS shoppable code CPT 45380-Colonoscopy at the 10 least expensive hospitals in New York to have the procedure done: 1. $614: Erie County Medical Center (Buffalo) 2. $676: Roswell Park Cancer Institute (Buffalo) 3. $713: Rome Memorial Hospital 4. $949: Saint James Hospital (Hornell) 5. $1,001: Westchester Medical Center (Valhalla) 6. $1,091: Newark-Wayne Community Hospital (Newark) 7 (tie). $1,117: Massena Hospital 7 (tie). $1,117: Canton-Potsdam Hospital (Potsdam) 9. $1,160: Carthage Area Hospital 10. $1,191 Niagara Falls Memorial Medical Center A 40,000-square-foot medical office building in Danbury, Conn., has sold for $15 million, according to a June 15 report from the NewsTimes. The building's current tenant, an affiliate of Connecticut Eye Consultants, has a long-term lease signed, according to the report. Hospitals and health systems have been working to alleviate administrative burdens, including EHR documentation, for their clinicians to give them more time back at the bedside with patients and to help reduce their "pajama time" time spent on answering patient messages outside of work hours. Administration burdens such as EHR documentation cost U.S. healthcare $1 trillion annually, but two health systems are looking to change this. UC San Diego Health and Chapel Hill, N.C.-based UNC Health are using generative AI, built from Epic Systems and Microsoft, to help physicians respond to patients' questions in online portals. These health systems are hoping the technology will be a game-changer for care teams. "Across the country, doctors are being inundated with messages, and it's a real problem we need to solve," Christopher Longhurst, MD, chief medical officer and chief digital officer at UC San Diego Health, told Becker's. Fifty-seven percent of providers said that excessive EHR documentation is one of the contributing factors leading to burnout, but technology like generative AI is showing promising signs that it may be able to help with administrative tasks that are taking up physicians' time. "I'm just really excited about what I think this can mean to our physicians in terms of giving them time back to interact with their patients," UNC Health CIO Brent Lamm told Becker's. Mr. Lamm said not only does he want this technology to give physicians time back with patients, but he hopes it gives them more time with their families. "This technology could result in less pajama time, time spent on responding to patient messages and other administrative tasks," Mr. Lamm said. "And hopefully this will also give them more time at home with their families at night where they don't have to worry about doing documentation." A limited number of physicians at UC San Diego Health now have the option to draft responses to patient messages using ChatGPT. ChatGPT will generate a draft response for physicians when they reply to a patient message through MyChart, according to a June 15 press release from UC San Diego Health. Physicians can review the message written by ChatGPT and decide to send it or revise it. In addition, all messages written by ChatGPT and sent to the health system's patients will be marked as "automatically generated and reviewed by a physician," according to UC San Diego Health. UC San Diego Health is piloting the generative AI technology from Epic and Microsoft. Cortez, Colo.-based Southwest Memorial Hospital laid off nine people to help ensure the hospital is staffed appropriately, and create financial stability for the future, a spokesperson confirmed to Becker's. The spokesperson, Chuck Krupa, said the layoffs occurred June 14 and included administrative workers. No bedside care positions were affected. The layoffs come after Southwest Health System announced earlier in June that the hospital would temporarily shutter its family birthing center beginning July 1. The health system attributed this decision to financial and "manpower" difficulties. "Southwest Health System continues to be proactive and make decisions necessary to sustain the hospital for the future and provide essential healthcare services to our community," a news release shared with Becker's said. "As part of service line changes, we have reduced our workforce by nine staff members. Earlier, SHS announced a pause on labor and delivery services, and the plan is to reopen those services at a later time." Shirley Jones, chair of the Southwest Memorial Hospital's board of directors, said in the release, "We are ensuring that we are staffed appropriately to provide quality care in a timely manner for the services we offer. Quality healthcare services are vital to this community." Residents and employees of Southwest Memorial Hospital previously raised concerns about how the decision to temporarily shutter the birthing center would affect women and local healthcare, according to The Journal. The newspaper reported that a meeting is scheduled at the hospital's ambulance bay on June 15 to address concerns from residents. Note: This story was updated at 10:30 a.m. CDT June 14. (Photo : Brandon Bell/Getty Images) Texas Gov. Greg Abbott of Texas said he sent the first busload of migrants to Los Angeles, following the city's declaration as an asylum for asylum seekers. Texas Gov. Greg Abbott sent migrants to Los Angeles on Wednesday, the latest red-state governor to antagonize progressive California on immigration. Abbott's decision expands a program that has brought thousands of migrants to Vice President Kamala Harris' Washington home, Denver, Chicago, and Philadelphia to draw attention to US border policies. Greg Abbott Defends Busing Migrants The Texas governor's move comes days after Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis' administration moved asylum-seekers from Texas to Sacramento, causing California Gov. Gavin Newsom and Attorney General Rob Bonta to criticize and threaten criminal prosecution. Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass said first responders and organizations were informed about the arrival of more than 40 migrants. According to Politico, Republicans claim they are responding to rising migration, while Democrats accuse them of using asylum-seekers for political gain. DeSantis and Abbott claim border communities are overrun by migrants to justify their migrant relocation initiatives. They also mocked blue states that expanded services and safeguards. Wednesday marked the third time in less than two weeks that a group of Latin American asylum seekers was abruptly sent to California, the latest episode in a months-long political protest by the governors of Florida and Texas against Democratic immigration policies. Authorities in California and Los Angeles confirmed that the bus arrived at Union Station from McAllen, Texas, around 4 p.m., and that the migrants, who had traveled for two days, were provided with shelter and legal assistance. Abbott stated that his state had sent them into neighboring states because "small Texas border communities remain overwhelmed" and President Biden "refuses to secure the border." In a jab at a California law and a new Los Angeles ordinance that limits the use of local resources in federal immigration enforcement, Abbott added that Los Angeles "is a significant destination for migrants, especially now that its city leaders have declared it a sanctuary city." Per NY Times, it was not immediately obvious on Wednesday whether the migrants had consented to travel to California or what they had been told about the journey west. After a migrant voyage sponsored by Florida this month, California Governor Gavin Newsom suggested that DeSantis could be charged with abduction, claiming that Florida contractors coerced individuals onto aircraft under false pretenses. Read Also: US, Iran Silently Revive Talks About American Prisoners, Nuclear Program US Immigration War During Abbott's transportation arrangement, a total of 21,600 migrants have been bused across the country to cities governed by the Democratic Party. This evening, the most recent group was handed off at Union Station in Los Angeles. Los Angeles joins New York City, Washington DC, Chicago, Philadelphia, and Denver as destinations where migrants have been transported after crossing the US-Mexico border into Texas. In April 2022, Governor Abbott ordered the Texas Division of Emergency Management to charter buses to convey Texas migrants to Washington, DC. The Governor then added New York City, Chicago, and Philadelphia as drop-off locations the previous year. He added Denver as a destination last month. Since Abbott launched the initiative to shuttle migrants out of his state, more than 21,600 individuals have been transported to "self-declared sanctuary cities," he said. The plans have provided "much-needed respite to Texas' overburdened border communities," according to Abbott. This follows the expiration of Title 42 last month, which resulted in an influx of individuals crossing the border into the United States. The Title 42 regulations were implemented in March 2020, according to Daily Mail. As a means of preventing the spread of COVID-19, the restrictions enabled border agents to swiftly return asylum applicants back across the frontier. US authorities have unveiled stringent new measures to replace Title 42, including a crackdown on illicit border crossings and the establishment of legal pathways for migrants who apply online, seek a sponsor, and endure background checks. If effective, the reforms could significantly modify the manner in which migrants arrive at the US-Mexico border. Many of the tens of thousands of migrants gathered at the US-Mexico border have rarely discussed the asylum restrictions imposed during the pandemic. Related Article: 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. Rapid management turnover, a lack of due diligence, and insufficient real estate expertise were among the reasons Richmond, Va.-based VCU Health failed to follow through with a downtown medical office project, according to a June 14 Richmond BizSense report. Such findings emerged after a legal review lasting several months, according to the report. The aborted project has cost the health system at least $80 million, including an approximate $73 million payment to exit the deal. The focus on initiating the deal was more about mission and values than it was finances, the report said, a conclusion interim CEO, Marlon Levy, MD, agreed with. "Perhaps not enough emphasis was placed on the financial implications of the decisions made," he said. "One of the lessons is to lead with the mission, lead with the values but don't forget the finances." VCU health officials have also blamed the pandemic for causing the project to blow way over budget. The university now plans to proceed with a $415 million VCU dentistry center on the development site, according to the report. Hospitals in Mississippi can apply for funds under the state's new Hospital Sustainability Grant Program, Super Talk Mississippi Media reported June 14. The program, signed into law in April, is expected to allocate about $104 million. Funds are coming from the American Rescue Plan, meaning only pandemic-related expenses will be covered. Despite concerns from some hospital leaders, State Health Officer Dan Edney, MD, said in the report that the program adopted criteria that will help those most in need. According to Dr. Edney, the hospitals that applied in the early period qualify for the maximum amount of money they can receive. There is no set timeline for applications as of this time. More legislative action is needed in the U.S. to prevent Americans from being pushed into medical debt from nonprofit hospitals' "aggressive practices," according to a June 15 report from Human Rights Watch. The group is an independent organization that publishes research and advocates for international human rights. Their work has brought attention to war crimes, political corruption and more. Their latest report on the U.S. healthcare system, titled "In Sheep's Clothing: United States' Poorly Regulated Nonprofit Hospitals Undermine Healthcare Access," takes aim at the national model of subsidizing privately operated hospitals through tax exemptions in exchange for providing charity care. "The US heavily relies on these privately operated nonprofit hospitals' charity care to increase access to healthcare for patients who cannot pay for hospital services," the report's author, Matt McConnell, a researcher in the Human Rights Watch division of economic justice and rights, wrote. "But given the high prevalence of hospital-related medical debt in the U.S., this system is clearly not working." The report draws on a national survey from Kaiser Family Foundation that found 41 percent of adults in the U.S. had some kind of outstanding medical or dental debt in 2022, and 24 percent were either past due or unable to pay healthcare pills at the time they were surveyed. Hospital services are a significant contributor to the country's medical debt crisis, largely due to the wide discretion nonprofit hospitals have over how much they allot to charity care and determining who qualifies for assistance, Mr. McConnell said in the report. "Like wolves in sheep's clothing, unscrupulous nonprofit hospitals can hide among their responsible peers, benefiting from their public perception and tax-status as charitable institutions while engaging in extractive and exploitative practices," he said. The report lays out 17 recommendations for different stakeholders including federal legislators, the IRS, state legislators, the consumer financial protection bureau, CMS and nonprofit hospitals. Among the recommendations are passing federal legislation that ensures nonprofit hospitals provide at least the same amount of charity care to the subsidies they receive, expanding coverage for Medicaid and Medicare, and taking enforcement actions against debt collectors when they have not fully informed and screened patients for financial assistance. The AHA and Catholic Health Association criticized the report in a June 15 statement, saying it's based on "research funded by an organization with a track record of bias," and that it does not provide an accurate representation of the community benefits tax-exempt hopsitals provide. The groups noted tax-exempt hospitals provided more than $110 billion in "total benefits to communities in 2019 alone," and that these benefts accounted for nearly 14 percent of hospitals' total expenses. In response to the report, Melinda Hatton, general counsel at the American Hospital Association, said in written comments to KFF Health News, "As a field, hospitals provide more benefit to their communities than any other sector in healthcare." Access the full report here. North Carolina will get $1 billion in Medicaid funds, but the state House and Senate are divided on how to spend the money, NPR affiliate Blue Ridge Public Radio reported June 14. The House wants about one-quarter of the money to go toward upping reimbursement rates for mental healthcare. Its plan also includes $50 million to help mental health practitioners pay back student loans, and the House also wants to fund mental health facilities. The Senate, meanwhile, is taking a wider scope. It wants to spend the money on new hospital construction and health sciences training facilities at colleges and universities. A children's hospital with a mental health center is the largest project in the Senate proposal. The Senate is also looking at measures to bolster rural hospitals. The House and Senate are working on a compromise for the final budget. An agreement is expected in the coming weeks, the report said. A third of this year's new CIO appointments were external hires of candidates who were CIOs at other systems. Becker's sorted through the CIO appointments it has reported this year to find out the background of this year's new CIOs. The second most common way for IT leaders to advance to CIO was to be promoted internally. Here is the background of this years 12 new CIOs: Chief digital officer 2 promotions Ashis Barad, MD, was promoted from chief digital officer to CIO and digital officer of Pittsburgh-based Allegheny Health Network. Roseville, Calif.-based Adventist Health promoted Jennifer Stemmler from chief digital officer to CIO. External CIOs 4 promotions Baltimore-based Johns Hopkins Medicine hired former Atlanta-based Emory University CIO Richard Mendola, PhD, as its CIO. Fort Lauderdale, Fla.-based Broward Health hired Steven Tavers, PhD, as its new CIO. Previously, Dr. Tavers served as CIO of Mobile-based University of South Alabama Health. Clearwater, Fla.-based BayCare hired former Melbourne, Fla.-based Health First CIO Willam Walders as its CIO. Mobile, Ala.-based USA Health named Tyler Whetstine as its new CIO. Previously, Mr. Whetstine served as CIO at Roseville, Calif.-based Adventist Health. Internal IT leaders 3 promotions Lori Boisjoli was promoted from the vice president of IT applications and project management to CIO of Burlington-based University of Vermont Health Network. Cookeville (Tenn.) Regional Medical Center named interim CIO Tim McDermott as its permanent CIO. Cincinnati-based TriHealth promoted Donna Peters from interim CIO to permanent CIO. Chief technology officer 1 promotion Tom Bartiromo was promoted from chief technology officer of West Reading, Pa.-based Tower Health to CIO. Chief information security officer 1 promotion Conrad Brand was promoted from Children's Hospital Los Angeles' chief information security officer to CIO. Non-healthcare IT leaders 1 promotion 1. LSU Health Shreveport (La.) named former Kettering University Vice President of IT Viola Sprague its CIO. Tiffany Murdock, DNP, MSN, has resigned as CEO of Singing River Health System, which has hospitals in Ocean Springs, Pascagoula and Gulfport, Miss., the Magnolia Tribune reported June 14. The health system is expected to announce an interim leader by the end of the week, according to the newspaper. Dr. Murdock's resignation comes as Baton Rouge, La.-based Franciscan Missionaries of Our Lady Health System, a 10-hospital system, is working with the Jackson County Board of Supervisors to finalize its purchase of Singing River. Negotiations are expected to be finalized by mid-July, according to Magnolia Tribune. Dr. Murdock became the permanent CEO of Singing River in 2022 after serving several months as interim. She was the first female CEO of Singing River. According to the Magnolia Tribune, Dr. Murdock told employees in an internal memo, "During my tenure with Singing River, it has been my privilege and honor to lead this extraordinary team. Together, we have achieved remarkable success and have set new benchmarks within the healthcare industry." She added, "The dedication, hard work, and support of each and every one of you have been instrumental in our accomplishments and you should be proud of all that you have done." Before becoming CEO, Dr. Murdock served as executive director of surgical operations at Singing River and was named hospital administrator of Singing River Gulfport (Miss.) in 2020. When Jesse Ehrenfeld, MD, attended his first American Medical Association meeting in 2001 as a medical student, he couldn't shake the feeling that as a gay man in medicine his options in the profession might be limited. "I was an outsider who might never be accepted for who I was," he said. "The policy debates I heard were jarring to me. To hear the arguments against inclusivity, to hear arguments that flew in the face of science because of homophobia and ignorance. I knew who I was, but I wasn't sure there would ever be a place for me in our AMA." There is a place at the head of the table. Dr. Ehrenfeld was sworn in on June 13 as the 178th president of the American Medical Association, succeeding Jack Resneck Jr., MD. The organization elected Bruce Scott, MD, an otolaryngologist from Kentucky, as president-elect. He will take over the position from Dr. Ehrenfeld in June 2024. The new AMA president, a practicing Wisconsin anesthesiologist, knows he is taking the helm of the organization at a pivotal time in healthcare and he told Becker's that he is ready to take on the challenges physicians are currently facing as well as the ones yet unknown. During his presidency, he intends to advocate for the AMA Recovery Plan for America's Physicians and will "take a stand against discriminatory practices in medicine, to stand on the side of justice and equity, and to partner with allies who are committed to advancing the rights of all patients to receive equitable care." In addition to his active practice and many philanthropic pursuits, Dr. Ehrenfeld is a senior associate dean and tenured professor of anesthesiology at the Milwaukee-based Medical College of Wisconsin, an adjunct professor of anesthesiology and health policy at Nashville, Tenn.-based Vanderbilt University and an adjunct professor of surgery at the Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences in Bethesda, Md. He is also the co-author of 22 clinical textbooks and the editor-in-chief of the Journal of Medical Systems. He is married with two sons and is a combat veteran who served in Afghanistan during Operation Enduring Freedom and Resolute Support Mission. He is also an Emmy-nominated photographer and 2015 recipient of a White House News Photographers Association award for his work in capturing and advocating for the lives of LGBTQ+ people. "I've always believed that I was put on this earth to leave it a little bit better than I found it. In the places that I've been able to have influence and be a part of making a difference, I've always tried to try to do that," Dr. Ehrenfeld told Becker's, noting that while he is proud of the AMA's successes, "we have a lot of work to do ahead of us." Editor's note: Responses have been edited for clarity and brevity. Question: The topic of diversity, equity and inclusion is one you take very personally. As the new AMA president, how will you work to fight against discrimination and champion equity and inclusion in healthcare? Dr. Jesse Ehrenberg: The AMA has recognized that to have meaningful change to elevate health equity requires a strategic approach. Our Center for Health Equity is an important driver in all of our work. In 2021, we launched the Organizational Strategic Plan to Embed Racial Justice and Advance Health Equity. It's a strategic plan that calls for embedding racial justice and health equity in everything we do. This plan really is foundational in organizing all of the AMA's activities. It is a three-year roadmap that lays out how we will embed health equity in all we do and I believe we're making some headway. Is it all done? No. But I think that we've got the right people on board to execute this plan with a coordinated approach. We are bringing the right people to the table and building the right alliances to get this work done. This is going to be a big focus of my work over the next 12 months. Q. You have said that medicine is at a crossroads. What do you mean by that? JE: We see amazing things happening there's so much excitement around artificial intelligence, large language models in digital health, telemedicine and so many new therapeutics. We are seeing a change in the way patients experience medicine and how we practice medicine. A dear friend's wife was diagnosed with metastatic melanoma, and she has been through an unbelievable journey over the last five years. She is having tremendous success in beating this disease because of amazing advances in science and in the therapeutics she's been able to receive. She can now have a life she would not have had otherwise. On the other side of the coin, we have a system that's at the breaking point. We have physicians who are burned out, and our survey data tells us that nearly two-thirds of physicians say they are suffering from burnout. We have 1 in 5 doctors saying that they're going to leave the practice of medicine in the next two years because they're just exhausted. Why is there burnout? Administrative hassles. Prior authorization. And there's also the attack on science going on right now. Physicians have a lot of backseat drivers in medicine right now. It used to just be the insurance companies telling us what to do and denying patients necessary care. Now, we've also got the government in many states interfering in the practice of medicine through legislative overreach. All of that is just incredibly exhausting and draining and frustrating to so many physicians. We have just been stretched in so many ways. So there's the crossroads. We've got all this innovation and technology, but we just struggle to make sure that we have the people, systems and support to be successful. Q: Why is the AMA so adamant about what it calls "scope creep" offering patients anything other than physician-led care? JE: Studies have shown over and over that when you expand the scope of practice, you do not expand access to care. Why? Because it turns out that the advanced practice nurses don't go to the rural areas that they say they're going to. Expanding practice won't solve rural healthcare challenges. I think we are selling our rural communities, our Native American communities, our underserved communities short by telling them that "it's okay to have second best, non-physician led care by expanding scope of practice." Shouldn't the aspiration be that everybody gets the best? In my opinion, this is physician-led, team-based care. We shouldn't be siloing care, fragmenting care; we need to bring people together to leverage technology and make sure that patients get what they need. Q: When it comes to the AMA's Recovery Plan for Physicians, where will you focus your efforts? JE: There are two things I want to focus on. First, we need to help physicians get care for their burnout by removing the stigma attached to behavioral health. We have done a lot on this, but there is more to do. Additionally, there's a whole bundle of work that we're doing to try to reduce administrative hassles around prior authorization. We have a bill that would require Medicare Advantage plans to implement prior authorization reforms at the federal level. Unfortunately, the Medicare Advantage plans have been some of the worst offenders in terms of the cat and mouse game that we play with insurance companies to give patients' access to the things that they need. We've seen movement already through rulemaking at CMS that we think is going to bring some real regulatory relief. Q: What are your thoughts on what you call the "criminalization of healthcare?" JE: There have been hundreds of bills attacking transgender healthcare and LGBTQ health all over the country in just this past year alone. And unfortunately, the worst of these bills criminalizes care and threatens criminal penalties against physicians. Some state medical boards want to sanction physicians' licenses. Unfortunately, all this does is prevent patients from getting the care that is evidence-based. These decisions should be between them and their physician. So, in a moment where there is an orchestrated, coordinated attack on evidence-based care for LGBTQ people, as well as in many circumstances, transgender people, we have to stand up. We have to call it out for what it is an attack on science. We cannot allow that to take root across the nation. The long-awaited incorporation of Exeter (N.H.) Health Resources into Cambridge, Mass.-based Beth Israel Lahey Health has taken a major step forward after the New Hampshire attorney general's office agreed to the transaction. The two systems agreed to merge in June 2022, with regulatory approvals at the time expected to take several months. Following the attorney general's approval, the transaction looks set to close in the coming weeks. "The agreement now moves to the New Hampshire courts for final approval, and the organizations anticipate finalizing the transaction later this summer," the two systems said in a statement. Beth Israel Lahey, which under the deal would acquire all the assets of Exeter Health including the 100-bed Exeter Hospital, Core Physicians and Rockingham Visiting Nurse Association & Hospice, operates 13 hospitals and employs approximately 36,000 people. "This marks a significant milestone in securing the sustainability of our healthcare system and its ability to continue to thrive and meet the evolving healthcare needs here in the Seacoast Region," Kevin Callahan, president and CEO of Exeter Health Resources, said. Researchers at Boston-based Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center found that GPT-4 can select the correct challenging medical diagnosis 39 percent of the time and include the correct diagnosis on its list of potential diagnoses 64 percent of the time. To test the generative artificial intelligence tool the researchers had it analyze data and laboratory findings of 70 challenging medical cases, according to a June 15 Beth Israel Deaconess news release. The news comes after GPT failed an exam widely used by urologists in training. "While chatbots cannot replace the expertise and knowledge of a trained medical professional, generative AI is a promising potential adjunct to human cognition in diagnosis," said first author Zahir Kanjee, MD, a hospitalist at Beth Israel Deaconess and assistant professor of medicine at Harvard Medical School. "It has the potential to help physicians make sense of complex medical data and broaden or refine our diagnostic thinking. We need more research on the optimal uses, benefits and limits of this technology, and a lot of privacy issues need sorting out, but these are exciting findings for the future of diagnosis and patient care." Indiana is due to enact a law prohibiting parents from seeking gender-affirming care for their transgender children July 1. In the meantime, a federal judge is considering a temporary ban on the law taking effect, according to a June 14 Indiana Capital Chronicle report. Indiana Gov. Eric Holcomb signed the bill into law April 5. It prohibits physicians from knowingly providing gender-affirming care to minors younger than 18, or from aiding or abetting another provider in doing so. The American Civil Liberties Union and the ACLU of Indiana filed a lawsuit the same day on behalf of four transgender youths and their families. The children will lose access to the care they are already receiving within six months of July 1 if the law takes effect. "Every other case has looked at a statute similar to this and in other states [the court] has entered a preliminary injunction," Kenneth Falk, legal director of the ACLU of Indiana, said following a June 14 court hearing. "I'm hoping that's what happened, but we'll have to see what the judge's decision is." Judge James Patrick Hanlon will make a ruling "as soon as possible," according to the report. Thomas Fisher, solicitor general with the Indiana attorney general's office, said the judge was "fair minded" and took all arguments made seriously. More than 900 children in Indiana have sought care at Riley Children's Hospital in Indianapolis for gender dysphoria between 2018 and 2022, the report said. Many financial and educational institutions in the United States have been targeted by Clop, the ransomware group responsible for taking advantage of a serious security flaw in a widely used corporate file transfer tool. Since late May, a ransomware group with ties to Russia has taken advantage of a vulnerability in MOVEit Transfer, a program businesses use to send huge files over the internet. Progress Software, the maker of the MOVEit software, released a fix for the flaw after hackers had already compromised a number of users. List of Hacked Victims According to TechCrunch, Clop revealed on Wednesday, June 14, a list of the first group of enterprises it claims it attacked using the MOVEit flaw, while the actual number of victims is yet unclear. Companies, including US-based financial firms 1st Source and First National Bankers Bank, Putnam Investments in Boston, Landal Greenparks in the Netherlands, and Shell in the United Kingdom, may be found on the list of victims that were leaked on Clop's dark website. Health and dental coverage provider GreenShield Canada, a nonprofit organization, was formerly mentioned on the leak site but has now been deleted. Other affected companies are as follows: Leggett & Platt, an American manufacturer Heidelberg, a German mechanical engineering firm OKK, a Swiss insurance company Datasite, a financial software company National Student Clearinghouse, an educational nonprofit United Healthcare Student Resources, a student health insurance provider University System of Georgia (USG) Clop, unlike other ransomware groups, did not contact the companies it had hacked to seek a ransom payment for destroying the stolen material. Instead, a blackmail letter was put on the group's leak site on the dark web, telling victims to get in touch with the gang by June 14. See Also: Twitter Accused of Massive Copyright Infringement by Music Publishers Disclosure of New Victims The BBC, Aer Lingus, and British Airways are just a few of the companies that have already come forward to say they were affected as a consequence of the attacks. Because these companies depend on HR and payroll software provided by Zellis, which has admitted that its MOVEit system was breached, they are all at risk. The Government of Nova Scotia, which utilizes MOVEit to distribute files between departments, acknowledged it was infected and warned that some individuals' personal information might have been stolen. Nonetheless, Clop claimed all government, municipal, and police agency data had been deleted in a statement posted on its leak site. This week, Johns Hopkins University disclosed a cyber intrusion that investigators suspect is linked to the MOVEit data breach. In a statement, the school claimed that the data breach may have impacted certain sensitive personal and financial information, such as names, addresses, and medical billing records. Ofcom, the communications regulator in the UK, also reported that sensitive data was stolen in the MOVEit mass hack. The regulator revealed that hackers obtained company data and 412 Ofcom workers' personal information. See Also: US Chip Gear Supplier Claims that China Rival Has Been Spying for 14 Months @ 2023 HNGN, All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission. Columbia, S.C.-based Bon Secours St. Francis Health System, St. Francis Hospital and St. Francis Physician Services have agreed to pay $36.5 million to resolve allegations that it made illegal kickback payments to surgeons tied to the volume or value of referrals. St. Francis allegedly caused false claims submissions to Medicare and Tricare because of an unlawful payment structure between the health system and Greenville, S.C.-based Piedmont Orthopedic Associates, according to the Justice Department. Prosecutors alleged that St. Francis' bonus payments to the orthopedic group's physicians violated both the Stark Law and Anti-Kickback Statute. The whistleblower, Daniel Lee, MD, who filed the case under provisions of the False Claims Act will receive about $10.2 million of the settlement. The settlement resolves allegations made in the lawsuit and is not an admission of any wrongdoing by St. Francis. While St. Francis disputes the claims made in the lawsuit, the health system told Becker's that the settlement allows it to "place our focus where it belongs continuing to compassionately serve patients and communities by providing the high-quality, mission-centric care that our community has come to expect without the disruption this kind of litigation can pose." An Indiana nurse is accused of injecting herself with pain medications prescribed to patients at Community Hospital Anderson, the Star Press reported June 14. Melissa Fannin, RN, was charged with felony counts of obtaining a controlled substance by fraud or deceit, furnishing false or fraudulent information and possession of a narcotic drug between Jan. 14 and March 16 while employed at the hospital. An investigation was launched after it was found Ms. Fannin accessed more hydromorphone, an opioid pain medication, than other nurses in her unit and was also "excessively wasting full doses of controlled substances," according to court documents. On March 16, she reported admitted to having an addition problem and investigators noticed "injection marks on Ms. Fannin's right arm." She allegedly admitted to stealing drugs that night while working. A drug screen confirmed Ms. Fannin was positive for morphine, oxycodone and oxymorphone, court documents said As artificial intelligence becomes more integrated into hospitals and patient care, questions arise as to when and how often nurses can override the algorithm and if disciplinary action should be given for wrong decisions, The Wall Street Journal reported June 15. Melissa Beebe, RN, an oncology nurse at Sacramento-based UC Davis Medical Center, describes how an alert told her one of her patients had sepsis. She was sure it was wrong and that the algorithm wasn't taking into account the patient's leukemia; however, hospital rules require nurses to follow protocols when a patient is flagged for sepsis, she said. In order to override the AI, she would have to get physician approval, and she said she could face disciplinary action if she was wrong. Ms. Beebe followed the AI prompt and drew blood from the patient, even though it could expose him to infection and increase his costs. "When an algorithm says, 'Your patient looks septic,' I can't know why. I just have to do it," Ms. Beebe told the Journal. "I'm not demonizing technology, but I feel moral distress when I know the right thing to do and I can't do it." The test came back negative for sepsis. UC Davis told the Journal that algorithms are meant as a starting point for clinical assessment and protocols, such as taking blood after a sepsis alert, are recommended but not required. Nurses do not face disciplinary action for overriding an algorithm "unless it is something that is blatantly against standards of care." "If a nurse feels strongly this does not make sense for their patient they should use their clinical judgment" and contact the physician, the medical center told the Journal. "The ultimate decision-making authority resides with the human physicians and nurses." Technology like artificial intelligence can be a powerful tool in medicine when used alongside humans to help assess, diagnose and treat patients, experts told the Journal. However, it is sometimes implemented without adequate training or flexibility, nurses and clinicians said. Some said they feel pressure from hospital administrators to defer to the algorithm. A National Nurses United survey of 1,042 registered nurses found 24 percent said they had been prompted by AI to make choices they believed "were not in the best interest of patients based on their clinical judgment and scope of practice" regarding patient care and staffing. Of those, 17 percent reported they were permitted to override the algorithm, while 31 percent weren't allowed and 34 percent said they needed physician or supervisor's permission. While some nurses are concerned about their ability to treat patients using their own decisions, nurse trainers are finding some nurses rely too heavily on the AI to tell them what steps to take. Jeff Breslin, a registered nurse at Sparrow Hospital in Lansing, Mich., has been working at the Level 1 trauma center since 1995 and training nurses and students for years. He said he's noticed newer, digitally native nurses often trust the algorithm over their own observations. Clinicians warned those who are penalized for overriding the AI will also begin to rely on it more heavily. Some technologies are trying to negate the nurse versus AI conflict by capitalizing on nurse behavior in order to improve patient outcomes. A team at New York City-based Columbia University developed a predictive model that quantifies a nurse's intuition and uses it as an early warning system. The AI tracks the frequency and type of surveillance a nurse does on a patient. Researchers found a strong correlation between increased nurse activity with such notes as "seems off" or "patient not as alert" and patient deterioration. The algorithm, called Concern, scores patients as high risk, at risk or no risk based on nurse activity. The AI tool has been implemented at Boston-based Brigham & Women's Hospital. Although nurses were hesitant to use it, hospital leaders assured them it was intended to support nurses' clinical judgment. When the algorithm scores a patient at risk, it prompts nurses to use critical thinking to figure out what's going on, Patricia Dykes, PhD, RN, Brigham & Women's program director of research for the Center for Patient Safety, Research and Practice, told the Journal. Implemented as an early warning system, AI tools can increase nurse autonomy, Dr. Dykes said. Initial results show the model warns of deterioration five to 26 hours before traditional methods. Children's Hospital Los Angeles is partnering with the Los Angeles Unified School District to offer virtual care to CHLA patients 12 or older attending one of the 20 participating Los Angeles schools. The telehealth program will focus on adolescent medicine, allergy and immunology, developmental-behavioral pediatrics, endocrinology, infectious diseases, medical genetics and pulmonology. During a virtual visit, pediatric patients will be pulled from class and connect with their provider in a private room via telehealth, according to a June 14 Children's Hospital Los Angeles news release. "Family-centered care is at the core of everything we do at Children's Hospital Los Angeles, and we know that children with chronic illnesses constantly missing school and caregivers having to leave work early to travel across town for a doctor's appointment are pain points for many of our patient families," Omkar Kulkarni, chief transformation and digital officer at CHLA, said in the release. "We've taken these concerns to heart and worked closely with Los Angeles Unified to create the Virtual Care at School Program so that our patients can now continue receiving world-class care from California's premier pediatric hospital without having to leave their school campus." George Dyer, MD, was named to the board of directors for OrthoPediatrics, the company said June 15. Dr. Dyer is an upper extremity surgeon at Mass General Brigham in Boston, according to a news release. He joined the hospital in 2008 and also works as an associate professor at Harvard Medical School in Boston. Dr. Dyer specializes in upper extremity adult trauma surgery, aling with complex post-traumatic reconstruction in adults. Along with his hospital work, he is in the United States Navy, medical corps reserve. "I am thrilled to be elected to the OrthoPediatrics board of directors," Dr. Dyer said in the release. "In my career I have faced the challenge of not having implants that match a patients anatomy, so I understand firsthand how important the companys 49 surgical systems are for improving clinical outcomes in pediatric orthopedics. I am eager to contribute to the companys strategic plans to further advance pediatric orthopedics and treat the next 650,000 children." In the joint replacement space, Zimmer Biomet's "smart" knee implant takes the technology to a new level with the ability to track patient movement and recovery. Five spine surgeons discuss if that type of technology could eventually thrive in spine surgery. 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: What's the biggest misconception patients have about your job? Please send responses to Carly Behm at cbehm@beckershealthcare.com by 5 p.m. CDT Wednesday, June 21. Editor's note: Responses were lightly edited for clarity and length. Question: How might "smart" implant technology, such as that used with Zimmer Biomet's PersonaIQ, be applicable in spine surgery? Brian Gantwerker, MD. The Craniospinal Center of Los Angeles: There has been talk of smart implants for the last decade and a half or so. The Zimmer Biomet product PersonalQ analyzes gait metrics in knee implants. Active feedback implants are already being used. Spinal cord stimulators come fairly close to such technology. In future, spine surgery analyses of stresses and movement analysis within the implants themselves would provide tremendous feedback for study analysis and implant design. The obvious other side of this is personal privacy. People should not expect these devices to be immune from interrogation by other, non care-team actors, and also to have their data likely shared in large databases. Even with outputs, there are no guarantees that their personal information is safe. While the unquenchable thirst companies have for data is always there, patients need to realize what they are getting into if they have that technology in their bodies.The serious questions about confidentiality must be brought up before we start putting these things in patients. It seems more and more, we are becoming the society in "Blade Runner." Brian Fiani, DO. Mendelson Kornblum Orthopedic & Spine Specialists (West Bloomfield, Mich.): "Smart" implant technology, which uses sensor technology, could revolutionize the way we think about spine implant technology, specifically spinal interbody devices. If a company can incorporate personalized spinal biomechanics with customized fit for patients, then there would be a foreseeable shift towards its usage. The key to its function is kinematic data metrics and other physiological parameter measurement tools for patient monitoring and treatment post-surgery. Surgeon satisfaction would likely increase due to knowing the size/shape and fit of the implant preoperatively, and the implant could potentially help patient biomechanics with kinematic data postoperatively. Theoretically the new implants could lessen postoperative pain and create higher patient satisfaction. I am optimistic about this technology, but it will take about five to 10 years to fully develop. Jeffrey Gum, MD. Norton Leatherman Spine (Louisville, Ky.): This technology without a doubt will be a very integral part of the future of spine care. This rationale can best be explained within a few different contexts. First, let's consider these under the value context. Spine care, especially surgery, is very expensive. This threatens a large target on spine surgery and emphasizes the need to demonstrate value, which is a ratio between cost/outcome. Smart implants have the potential to reduce costs associated with unnecessary diagnostic studies and postoperative visits. Information such as stress/strain on the instrumentation can be useful for fusion assessment, temperature changes could provide information with regards to infection, functional data has the potential to even help with diagnosis. We all know it has been a long time since we have made a big breakthrough with regards to diagnostics within the spine world. Lastly, we have come a long way with regards to outcome assessment. Decades ago, the outcome was assessed by the treating surgeon either great or very great. We then progressed to patient perspective and are very beneficial but have inherent flaws such as subjectivity in the interpretation of the questions, response fatigue with numerous questionnaires, and confounding/co-existing pathology that is not spine related. In my opinion, our next step in outcome assessment is objective functional assessment such as distance walked, gait feedback, pace of mobilization, etc. All of these have the potential to reduce waste and unnecessary cost while improving outcome, which in turn improves the value equation from both perspectives. Vladimir Sinkov, MD. Sinkov Spine (Las Vegas): My idea of "smart" implants in spine surgery would be some kind of microscopic pressure sensors, chemical sensors, and accelerometers with wireless connectivity and a small and long-lasting power source that could be fitted inside an interbody spacer, pedicle screw, or a disc replacement device to provide data on mechanical loads, inflammatory or infection markers, and motion. This could help the surgeon to analyze when the fusion becomes solid, if there is evidence of micromotion and potential failed fusion, if there is evidence of focal inflammation or infection, or how well the disc replacement device is moving. The technological challenge would be to fit all of that technology inside the implant in a manner that is durable, safe to the patient, and does not interfere with the main mechanical function of that implant. That would be quite a significant challenge and will likely significantly increase the cost of such implants. The final challenge would be to demonstrate if the clinical benefits of having this real-time data justify the increased costs. Christian Zimmerman, MD. St. Alphonsus Medical Group and SAHS Neuroscience Institute (Boise, Idaho): "Personalized" and tailored care plans are the touchstone of spinal care delivery, which parallels joint replacement surgery and its continuum. Yet the same issues surrounding cost containment, failure rates and the mitigating circumstances involved in that care delivery remain; Post operative pain, both acute and chronic, pseudoarthrosis rates and adjacent level failure. As we do applaud the newest innovations surrounding joint replacement surgery from the standpoint of potential postoperative management issues, the strong case of economics in this environment inhibits many smart implants/new innovations from getting a foothold. The idea of capturing gait metrics and range of motion data assisting the more difficult patient during rehabilitation and forward conditioning is laudable. I find this intriguing from a recovery standpoint, as instructional adjustments throughout care delivery is warranted, especially in any instrumented setting. Obvious complexities of spinal motion, progressive disease patterns and vectorial wear must be considered in implementing a like product for the spine. A more efficient and effective planning policy framework is needed if Northern Ireland is to meet its target of sourcing 80% of energy from renewable sources, according to Irelands largest developer and operator of onshore wind. On Global Wind Day, SSE is taking the opportunity to highlight the importance of onshore wind if Northern Ireland is to meet its renewable energy targets and lay out the priority reforms required to meet the 2030 target. The energy provider said too much weight is given to public opinion in planning decisions, and urged engagement with the Department for Infrastructures consultation on regional strategic planning policy for renewable and low carbon energy, closing on June 30. Mark Ennis, Ireland chairman of SSE, said: As the islands largest developer and operator of onshore wind, we want to do much more, in partnership with Government, to ensure Northern Ireland maximises its renewable energy potential. Onshore wind has been the primary pillar in delivering for our renewable energy targets to date, but there is much left to do if renewable energy is to deliver by the end of the decade. By way of example, Tievenameenta Wind Farm in Co Tyrone is SSEs most recently constructed wind farm in Northern Ireland. Its also the last wind farm that we built here, nearly six years ago in 2017. While there is no denying the opportunity of offshore wind, if Northern Ireland is to meet an 80% target by 2030, more onshore wind will ultimately need to be delivered. We wont just need to build one more wind farm like Tievenameenta, but likely, well need to build dozens. If were to meet this challenge, strategic reform to our planning and energy policy will be a necessity. There is simply no time to lose. SSE Renewables head of onshore development for Ireland Ghislain Demeuldre said the occasion was an important opportunity to discuss changes needed in the planning and development of renewable energy projects. Northern Ireland is now committed to sourcing 80% of energy from renewable sources, said Mr Demeuldre. If we are to reach that target, we will need a more efficient and effective planning policy framework. The Department for Infrastructure is currently reviewing renewable planning policy and we will be making a comprehensive submission to the consultation. As the UK and Irelands leading renewable energy developer, we want to see action to deliver a more coordinated and consistent approach to planning policy. Put bluntly, planning decisions can often take too long, and far too often, the weight given to public opinion in planning decisions can sometimes run contrary to the targets set in our own Northern Ireland Energy Strategy and the Climate Change Act passed by the Assembly last year. The current consultation with the Department for Infrastructure is an opportune moment to review Northern Irelands strategic planning policy and ensure it can deliver a sustainable pipeline of renewable energy projects. That way we can guarantee onshore wind farms can continue to deliver for Northern Irelands climate goals, including 2030 targets. James Blake will feature in new BBC doc, Instascam: Give Me Back My Face Two new Northern Ireland-based documentaries have been co-commissioned for BBC Three and BBC NI, which both centre around social media and scams. Bait, produced by Belfast-based company DoubleBand Films, is a three-part series that tells the devastating story of how a university student from Northern Ireland became the UKs most prolific predatory catfish. Told from multiple perspectives, the programme uncovers the criminal investigation to bring to justice, and reveals the catastrophic impact on victims and their families as well as those who knew him best. In 2018, the PSNI were first made aware of the case when Scottish police alerted them to a catfish' incident involving inappropriate images of a young girl. Detectives began an investigation into the young criminals use of fake profiles to befriend hundreds of victims that ended up stretching across the world as far as America and New Zealand. Meanwhile, Instascam - Give me Back my Face will share the story of Belfast man James Blake, who began getting messages from people accusing him of conning them out of tens of thousands of pounds, after his social media accounts were scraped. James is currently building himself a multi-million pound digital marketing business from scratch and has been sharing his flashy lifestyle on Instagram; fancy clothes, fast cars, exclusive parties and thousands of followers. As the 29-year-old sets out to try and clear his name, he discovers a dark modern-day-crime where organised-crime-gangs are using the very latest technology to trick victims out of their life-savings. As James attempts to get his online identity back, hell discover that its not only those being conned who are the victims here - many of those carrying out the con are suffering even more at the hands of gangs running romance-scams estimated to have netted around 100m from victims in the UK alone last year. Both documentaries were announced on Wednesday morning by the BBC at Sheffield DocFest. Phoebe Waller-Bridge arrives at the premiere of Indiana Jones and the Dial of Destiny in Los Angeles (Photo by Jordan Strauss/Invision/AP) Phoebe Waller-Bridge has said Indiana Jones should not be revived with anyone other than Harrison Ford as she feels he helped create a perfect moment in cinematic history. The Fleabag actress, 37, stars as the globe-trotting archaeologists goddaughter, Helena Shaw, in the fifth and final instalment in the franchise, Indiana Jones And The Dial Of Destiny. The film sees Ford return as Indiana Jones more than 40 years after his first stint in Raiders Of The Lost Ark in 1981. Asked if she thinks the series could be revived without Ford, at the Los Angeles premiere of the film on Wednesday, she told the PA news agency: I dont think it should be. I think he is Indiana Jones and I think Indiana Jones is him. Mads Mikkelsen, Harrison Ford, director James Mangold and Phoebe Waller-Bridge at the premiere of Indiana Jones And The Dial of Destiny (Jordan Strauss/Invision/AP) Whatever magic chemistry happened between that script and Steven Spielberg and Harrison Ford is a perfect moment in cinematic history. James Mangold has directed the latest instalment while Spielberg was at the helm of the first four films. Waller-Bridge added that she feels Mangold has done the most beautiful job of bringing the series to an end. It was wonderful to be by Harrisons side prodding him and poking him and being annoying as Helena all the way through the movie. It was incredible, she said. Toby Jones at the premiere of Indiana Jones And The Dial of Destiny ( Jordan Strauss/Invision/AP) Waller-Bridge first found her feet at the Edinburgh Fringe Festival where she debuted her hit series Fleabag as a one-woman show in 2013. After it won the Fringe First Award, it was adapted into a BBC sitcom which won a host of Bafta, Emmy and Golden Globe awards. The actress admitted being at the premiere did feel quite Edinburgh, with the streets being packed and the barricades surrounding the area. Reflecting on her career trajectory, she said: Every moment is a pinch-me moment. I kind of disassociate. Its when you leave these things that you go home and youre like, What the hell just happened? But I love all these people so much. I love every single person involved in the film. We had such a good time. I honestly had the time of my life making this film, I loved it so much. So its just so nice to be with everyone to celebrate it. The film also stars Mads Mikkelsen as villain Jurgen Voller and Toby Jones as Basil Shaw, an ally of Jones. Asked why he feels the series has resonated so deeply with fans, Jones told PA: Who isnt into adventure? Who isnt into being led through an adventure by a funny, ironic, brave, handsome, courageous figure who isnt into that? And it seems to shift tone in a way that people love. That something thats very interesting about it is how its supposed to be comic and be serious at the same time. Indiana Jones And The Dial Of Destiny arrives in UK cinemas on June 28. Telecommunications giant Bell has announced plans to lay off 1,300 employees, citing the passage of Bill C-18 as a contributing factor. Bill C-18, passed by the Canadian Parliament in April, is a controversial legislation allowing foreign telecom companies to operate in Canada without complying with Canadian content requirements. Bell CEO Mirko Bibic said that the layoffs were necessary in order to remain competitive in a rapidly changing industry, according to Global News. According to Bibic, the passage of Bill C-18 has created a significant competitive imbalance in the Canadian telecom market. This imbalance has made it difficult for the company to continue to invest in our Canadian workforce and operations. The layoffs will affect employees across Bell's operations, including customer service, sales, and technology teams. Bell is not the only telecom company affected by Bill C-18. Rogers and Telus have also announced plans to lay off employees recently. This week, Meta announced that it temporarily restricts news on Facebook and Instagram for one to five percent of its 24 million Canadian users. The test is scheduled to span the bulk of the month. In response to the measure, Google disabled news story links for some Canadian users around five weeks earlier this year. The Online News Act The Online News Act is legislation passed by the Canadian Parliament in June 2022. The bill aims to level the playing field between news publishers and online platforms like Google and Facebook. Under the bill, online platforms will be required to pay news publishers for their content. The amount of payment will be determined by a negotiation process between the two parties. The bill has been met with mixed reactions. Some news publishers have welcomed the bill, arguing that it will help ensure they are compensated for their work. Others have criticized the bill, arguing that it is too complex and will be difficult to implement. The bill is expected to come into force this year. Read also: States Sue Avid Telecom Company Responsible for Billions of Illegal Robocalls More Job Losses? The passage of Bill C-18 has been met with widespread criticism from Canadian consumers and businesses. Critics argue that the bill will lead to job losses, higher prices, and a decline in the quality of service. The Canadian government has defended the bill, arguing that it will create jobs and boost competition in the telecom market. The layoffs at Bell are a sign of the challenges facing the Canadian telecom industry. The industry is undergoing a period of rapid change, with the rise of new technologies such as 5G and the increasing competition from foreign companies. It remains to be seen how the passage of Bill C-18 will impact the Canadian telecom industry in the long term. However, the layoffs at Bell are a sign that the industry is already feeling the bill's effects. Related article: Canadian Court Releases Huawei CFO Meng Wanzhou After US Extradition Case Ends @ 2023 HNGN, All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission. Madri Excepcional joins forces with The Bone Yard to host an event to showcase a celebration of Spanish and British music, art and food. Entry to the event is free The first 100 adults to enter a free event in The Bone Yard this weekend will be served a free pint of Madri Excepcional. The Belfast bar is proposing the offer in collaboration with the Mediterranean-style lager as part of a one-off event to celebrate Spanish culture in Belfast. The venue is the city centres biggest outdoors pub and no ticket will be required. A selection of street food will also be available, as well as art and local music talent, kicking off at 5pm with the final DJ hitting the decks at 11.30pm on Saturday evening. Guests will also be treated to a live mural painting from street artist BonZai Creatives. Famed for his dynamic, abstract letter forms, BonZai Creatives will create a vibrant new piece of art aimed at bringing the soul of Madrid to the streets of NI. Sophie Mitchell, senior brand manager at Madri Excepcional said: Were excited to bring this collaborative spirit to Belfast this month as we create a fusion of cultures at Madri Excepcional X The Bone Yard, with an exciting line up of musicians, artists and a limited-edition menu. "Were excited to showcase the very best of both cities, as we bring the soul of Madrid to Belfast. North Belfast man William Millar Logue entered a guilty plea to the charge at Belfast Magistrates Court yesterday. The court ordered that a second charge, of persistent improper use of a public electronic communications network, be withdrawn. Millar Logue, of Northwood Parade, previously appeared at Belfast Magistrates Court in January on the charges connected to an alleged six-month campaign against Fiona Donohoe. Her 14-year-old son, Noah, was found dead in a north Belfast storm drain in June 2020, six days after he went missing on a bicycle trip across the city to meet up with friends. Millar Logue, who lives only a street away from where Noahs body was discovered, was yesterday remanded on continuing bail to appear again on August 2. The case was adjourned pending reports. Fiona Donohoe A previous court heard the alleged offending took place on dates between June 19 and December 11, 2021. Ms Donohoe is hoping to secure answers to some of the questions surrounding the death of her son through the inquest process. A pre-inquest review hearing in Belfast yesterday heard that further work is needed before a date can be set for an inquest into Noahs death. A lawyer said the Donohoe family wanted all issues around the disclosure of police material in the case settled before the inquest took place. The hearing was originally scheduled to take place last year but was then delayed after a ruling from Coroner Joe McCrisken that it should proceed with a jury, following an application from Noahs mother. At a brief pre-inquest review at Laganside Courthouse yesterday, Declan Quinn, for the coroner, said he had reached out to legal representatives of both the Donohoe family and the PSNI in advance of the hearing. He added: The focus of the next of kin is on settling all disclosure issues in advance of any hearing date. Noah Donohoe Mr Quinn told the hearing that the family had sought clarity on two tranches of CCTV. He said the police would share one tranche with the family but that communication was continuing over the second and it may require a court ruling. He added: Work has been ongoing, but further work is required before a finalised inquest date can be set. A Belfast man who bit and poured paint over his ex-partner as part of an appalling campaign of violence has been jailed for four months. Jordan Spence, 31, also smeared blood on the womans face, trailed her about his home by the hair and threatened to share intimate photographs. During one incident she was forced to jump from a moving car to get away from him. District Judge Austin Kennedy said: This was quite simply appalling. Spence, of Glencairn Street, admitted three common assaults, a domestic abuse offence, disorderly behaviour, improper use of a public electronic communications network and criminal damage to two mobile phones belonging to the woman. He was arrested after she reported a number of incidents to police in June last year. Belfast Magistrates Court heard one argument developed after they returned to Spences home on April 30. Prosecutors said he used a kitchen knife to self-harm by cutting the back of his head and then smeared his blood into her face with force. He then smashed the womans phone and threw it away, threatening to kill himself if she left. A week later Spence was driving them back to his address when he began screaming and shouting at her so much that she felt she had to immediately get away from him. The injured party states that she exited the defendants vehicle whilst it was still moving, causing injury to her buttock and head, a Crown lawyer submitted. Spence continued to be verbally abusive and demanded that she get back into the car. When they got back to his home he grabbed and trailed his ex-partner by the hair before pushing her up against a wall and biting her nose and lip. In a further incident on June 14 he struck her across the face and smashed another phone after collecting her from a night out with family, the court heard. The injured party alleges that the defendant grabbed her by the hair, dragged her into the kitchen and pushed her to the ground before pouring paint onto her, the prosecutor said. (Spence) then smeared the paint onto her face with a cloth, forcefully causing pain to her face. At one point he allegedly threw a television remote control at the woman, striking her on the head. She told police that Spence sent her a large volume of abusive texts via Snapchat, WhatsApp and Facebook the following day. Further alarm was caused by a number of voicemail messages, one of which was said to involve threats to share intimate pictures. Defence barrister Michael Boyd acknowledged the distress suffered by the victim, adding that the offences were fuelled by his clients use of illicit substances. It is entirely consistent with someone who is out of control, under the influence and a slave to these kinds of drugs, he said. But Judge Kennedy branded the assaults disgraceful and aggravated by the element of domestic abuse. Imposing four months custody, he told Spence: You can be quite ashamed of your behaviour. The message has to be sent out that this is to be deprecated, and anyone guilty of domestic violence can expect serious treatment from the courts. With Spence also ordered to pay 500 compensation for the damage to the phones, he was released on bail pending an appeal against his jail term. A man charged with rioting and throwing petrol bombs on the night of Lyra McKees murder has appeared in court accused of inciting support for the IRA. Patrick Gallagher, from Raftery Close, Derry, appeared in the citys magistrates court today, after his arrest yesterday. He has been charged with arranging or managing an unnotified parade in support of the IRA, inviting support for the IRA, and with addressing a meeting to encourage support for the IRA. Gallagher denies committing the offences during an Easter Monday Republican commemoration parade in Derry on April 10 this year. The 31-year-old was previously released on bail having been charged with rioting and throwing petrol bombs at PSNI vehicles on April 18, 2019, in the Creggan area of Derry. Ms McKee (29) was shot dead by the New IRA while observing the rioting. Representing Gallagher in that case, defence solicitor Derwin Harvey said the threshold for connection was very low but his client accepted connection. The only evidence, he added, is MTV video footage, which has been in the possession of the PSNI and senior lawyers since April 2019. An officer from the PSNIs Terrorism Investigation Unit today objected to bail. The officer told District Judge Barney McElholm that before the Easter Monday parade had started, officers in a police Land Rover had to withdraw from the area after the vehicle had been struck with up to 30 petrol bombs. The detective constable said she believed that Gallagher played an active role in the city cemetery rally, after which, she said, members of a colour party concealed themselves under umbrellas to protect their identities before approaching a number of bins. Police later found burnt clothing inside the bins and, in a follow-up search of the cemetery the next day, officers found four viable pipe bombs in the vicinity of the bins. After his arrest, Gallagher read a pre-prepared statement to detectives in which he stated he had no foreknowledge of the events which took place during and after the parade. The prosecution barrister said the defendant was effectively the master of ceremonies at the city cemetery events. Mr Harvey said Gallagher was an articulate speaker who had addressed Republican events in the past. He is a republican activist and he denies the charges in the most strenuous of terms, Mr Harvey said. Applying for bail, the defence solicitor said Gallagher, a father of two, was engaged to his partner and their wedding was due to take place in Greece, where they plan to travel on August 30. District Judge McElholm said that while it was clear the defendant had played a central role during the course of the parade and rally, he believed Gallagher could be managed on strict bail conditions. Gallagher was granted conditional bail and the case was adjourned until July 6. As part of his bail conditions, the defendant is banned from entering the Creggan Estate in Derry. A judge today praised the extreme bravery of members of the public who tackled and disarmed a masked man who was brandishing a two-foot machete in the street. Refusing to grant bail to Corrie Gordon, District Judge Nigel Broderick said he was concerned about the risk of further offences, but, in remanding the 23-year-old into custody, he told the court that, in detaining him at the scene, members of the public, I have to say, exhibited extreme bravery in confronting the defendant, who was armed with a dangerous weapon. Appearing at Ballymena Magistrates Court by video-link from police custody, Gordon, from Cappagh Avenue in Portstewart, confirmed that he understood the seven charges against him arising from an incident on June 14 this year. Man arrested in Derry town after wielding large knife on street Gordon faces three counts of common assault and single charges of making a threat to kill, possessing a bladed article on the Bushmills Road in Coleraine, possessing class A cocaine and possessing class C pregabalin. Objecting to Gordon being granted bail, Constable Perry outlined how the genesis of the case was in a social media disagreement between Gordon and an alleged victim, who works at the Egyptian barbershop in Coleraine. According to the police case, Gordon turned up at the barbershop dressed all in black, wearing a black balaclava, carrying a black backpack and brandishing a two-foot machete, and he chased the victim into a back room, putting two others in fear of assault. Following this, the defendant rampaged around public streets, the railway station and close to Millburn Primary School, swinging the machete and shouting that he had a gun, said the officer. Corrie Gordon She told the court that members of the public intervened, disarmed Gordon and held him until police arrived, adding that officers recovered the drugs from his backpack. Constable Perry revealed how a group of primary school children on their way to a swimming lesson missed seeing the incident by a couple of minutes, but that the incident was widely viewed by the public first hand and on social media. Arrested and interviewed, Gordon made no admissions and showed no remorse, claiming instead that he had gone for a haircut when a masked male came at him with a big knife and he took it off him, and the balaclava, and ran away wearing it. Objecting to bail, the officer said there were concerns about public confidence and public safety, further revealing that Gordon is under investigation for having a flick knife two weeks ago. He has shown a callous disregard for public safety by brandishing a machete in public spaces, said Constable Perry, suggesting that Gordon would not abide by conditions if freed. Gordons defence counsel accepted there was a strong prima facie case, but highlighted that he still enjoyed the presumption of innocence, arguing that, with a bail address with his mother in Portstewart, robust bail conditions could be imposed to address police concerns. Remanding Gordon into custody, District Judge Broderick adjourned the case to July 10. Group warns it wont be patronised as petition grows The Causeway Maternity Campaign has vowed to continue fighting the decision to remove maternity services from Coleraine A group set up in protest at the removal of maternity services from a Co Londonderry hospital has vowed to continue its campaign, despite the Department of Health last week approving plans to move all births to Antrim Area Hospital. Back lit image of the silhouette of a woman with her hands pressed against a glass window. The silhouette is distorted, and the arms elongated, giving an alien-like quality. The image is sinister and foreboding, with an element of horror. It is as if the 'woman' is trying to escape from behind the glass. Business premises in Armagh have been searched by detectives from the PSNIs Modern Slavery and Human Trafficking Unit following a joint operation with Garda. Officers from the local Neighbourhood Policing Team helped in the proactive raid linked to a European-wide focus on labour exploitation for the month of June. The initiative entitled EMPACT European Multidisciplinary Platform Against Criminal Threats refers to an integrated approach by police forces across Europe to tackle the various elements of organised crime. Three people were screened during Thursdays operation which was in relation to potential offences regarding forced labour. Further referrals will be made to partner agencies in due course as part of the process which includes potential victims conversing with highly trained officers to discuss their working environment. PSNI Detective Sergeant Kelly Hyslop said: Across Europe, police forces and other key stakeholders are targeting businesses and other premises which may be facilitating individuals who are being exploited. Working closely with our colleagues from An Garda Siochana and other partner agencies, we are able to identify business premises that may be involved in forced labour. "Modern slavery denies victims their human right to life, safety and freedom. The criminals prey on vulnerable people, control them by fear and exploit them for their own selfish gains. We would urge people to help stop this unacceptable crime and contact us with any suspicions that they may have by calling 999 if its an emergency, 101 or the Modern Slavery Helpline on 08000 121 700." Sergeant Hyslop urged people to look out for the signs of modern slavery and said: One call could end the misery for a victim who could be living next door to you. Signs to look for include: The Home Secretary Suella Braverman has overturned a decision by the Parole Commissioners to release Northern Irelands worst sex offender to an open prison. Billy Adams, a serial predator who has abused children in three different jurisdictions, had been approved for a move to an open jail where inmates are free to leave during the day. Adams was due to move to HMP North Sea Camp, which would put him in range of children in the seaside town of Skegness, just 20 miles away. The unrepentant child sex offender had tried to appeal the parole boards ruling, arguing that he should be released back into the community without restriction. However, a number of his victims lobbied politicians about the move and, following a review, have been informed that Ms Braverman has not only reversed the parole boards decision, but also refused Adams application for appeal. Adams is from Co Down originally but had been living in Ballymena for many years before moving to England. The pervert will now remain behind bars of the Category B Nottingham Prison, where he is serving the remainder of his sentence for abusing a Liverpool schoolgirl. Last year Adams was brought back to Northern Ireland to stand trial for abusing a teenage boy between 1982 and 1983, for which he was given an additional sentence. Following his conviction he was transferred back to HMP Nottingham, where he is completing a minimum 15-year jail term for the abuse of Jade Critchlow, who bravely waived her right to anonymity in the Belfast Telegraph in May 2021. Jade was just 11 when she was first introduced to Adams. Adams had signed the sex offenders register in Liverpool in January 2005 and yet first raped Jade in May 2005, just three days after she was introduced to him in Liverpool. Adams was flash with cash, telling anyone he met he had won the lottery. He spent thousands of pounds grooming Jade, taking her to Blackpool, where the majority of abuse took place. The truth was much more sinister: he was in fact grooming and sexually abusing her with the help of a Co Fermanagh priest. Father Jeremiah McGrath was also jailed for five years for helping the paedophile groom his young victim, providing him with money to book hotel rooms. A former parish priest in Roslea, he served half his five-year jail term before being released on licence to a halfway house in Liverpool. During his trial McGrath admitted having a homosexual relationship with Adams but denied knowing that he was repeatedly raping and sexually abusing Jade, claiming he was so besotted with Adams he was blind to what was happening. Jade recalled an incident where Adams molested her in the back of a car while the disgraced priest was driving. She was abused for six months and her ordeal only stopped after police burst into an apartment in Blackpool, where she was staying with Adams. At the time, the predator already had a conviction for raping his niece when she was just eight. Michelle Erwin bravely waived her anonymity to warn people about her depraved uncle Billy Adams. He raped Michelle in Dublin, where he was living at the time. The first trial ended in a hung jury, but Adams was found guilty at his second trial and sentenced to 12 years in the Republic. However, he managed to secure a transfer to HMP Maghaberry, where he could take advantage of the 50% remission rule, which meant he was released in 2004. Michelles grandfather was Irelands worst paedophile, John Adams, who received the first full life sentence in the history of the state for abusing young girls in Co Louth in the 1990s. Gardai discovered four albums of photographs hidden in the pensioners house, which included his three victims, aged between six and 10, either photographed by John Adams or photographed by each other at his direction, in acts of sexual violence. He died in prison in 2019 having shown no remorse for his crimes. With multiple convictions in Northern Ireland, the Republic and England, Adams is considered one of the most dangerous sex offenders in the UK. He was transferred to HMP Maghaberry in 2019 to stand trial for the abuse of Jim. He was found guilty of two offences and sentenced to three years for abusing the then 14-year-old while the two were residents of a Co Down care home. Jim, who had a difficult childhood, spent time in the open prison many years ago and said, as a result, he is well aware of the relaxed regime. He, along with Michelle Erwin, immediately began lobbying politicians about the release of Adams. The two have formed a bond over the abuse and help support each other in raising awareness about the dangers posed by Adams. Jim, on hearing the news that the decision to release his abuser had been reversed by Ms Braverman, said he felt relieved. Hell now stay in a secure prison for a very long time, he said. It is the right decision and I hope that theyve finally seen sense about what a dangerous man he is. When a decision was made to move Adams to an open prison, a spokesperson for the Parole Board for England and Wales said at the time: The Parole Board refused the release of William Adams but recommended a move to an open-conditions prison following an oral hearing in April 2023. This was a recommendation only and the Secretary of State for Justice considers the advice before making the final decision on whether a prisoner is suitable for open conditions. Jim praised Ms Braverman for overturning the decision, saying it was the right move and will have saved other potential victims from the clutches of the predator. People carry the coffin of Joe Clarke, one of a group known as the Hooded Men, for his burial at Milltown Cemetery in west Belfast (Liam McBurney/PA) The funeral has taken place in Belfast for Joe Clarke one of a group known as the Hooded Men, who were subjected to controversial interrogation techniques in the 1970s. Mr Clarke died this week at the age of 71, just before it was announced publicly that the Police Service of Northern Ireland (PSNI) had apologised to the men. Several hundred people gathered in the west of the city, including former Sinn Fein president Gerry Adams, for the funeral procession. A Irish tricolour was placed on top of the coffin which was accompanied by a lone piper, before it travelled by hearse to Milltown Cemetery. Some of the other Hooded Men were among the mourners. Police in Northern Ireland this week issued an apology to the group. It came after the Supreme Court ruled in December that the PSNI was wrong not to investigate allegations of torture. Brian Shivers (front right) the son of Pat Shivers, one of a group known as the Hooded Men (Liam McBurney/PA) The 14 Hooded Men were subjected to a series of controversial interrogation techniques by the Army and police when they were interned without trial in Northern Ireland in 1971. The techniques included hooding and being put in stress positions, forced to listen to white noise, and deprived of sleep, food and water. They were also thrown from helicopters that were hovering close to the ground, having been told the aircraft were hundreds of feet in the air. Representatives of the men had a private meeting with senior police officers in Belfast on Tuesday. Mr Clarke died on Monday. The apology was hand-delivered to him on his death bed by his solicitor. The Presbyterian Church in Ireland (PCI) will next week begin a process which could result in the most radical reconfiguration in ministry in living memory, a senior cleric has said. New charges against Sam Bankman-Fried, the controversial former CEO of FTX, were removed... For now. As of writing, the FTX founder is still facing some serious criminal charges after the collapse of the cryptocurrency exchange company. However, U.S. federal prosecutors said they would withdraw five of the 13 criminal charges against Bankman-Fried. One of the withdrawn charges is bribery of a foreign government official. CNBC reported that federal prosecutors asked a judge to remove the five new charges on Thursday, June 15. New Charges Against Sam Bankman-Fried Moved To 2024 The five new criminal charges against the former FTX CEO were punted after a Bahamas court doubted that the U.S. government followed the correct procedure. Also Read: US Marine Charged With Firebombing California Planned Parenthood, Used Molotov Cocktail To Damage Clinic Recently, the legal team of the tech executive argued that the five new charges were not part of the original indictment under which Sam had been extradited from the Bahamas. Of course, removing the five criminal charges is a win-win situation for Bankman-Fried's legal team. However, there's a catch. The New York Times reported that federal prosecutors asked Lewis A. Kaplan of the Federal District Court in Manhattan to have a second trial in 2024. This trial is expected to include the five new criminal charges against Sam. As of writing, it is still unclear when will the Bahamas court authorize the new counts against the FTX founder, as stated by prosecutors. Although the new charges were punted, the federal government could still take advantage of this since they will have more time to ensure that the conditions of the U.S.-Bahamas extradition treaty are met. U.S. federal prosecutors will also have ample time to satisfy the concerns of the Bahamas government. Bankman-Fried Will Face Eight Counts Of course, the controversial FTX founder will still face the original eight criminal charges against him. The U.S. Department of Justice said that it is fine with this just to avoid legal complications connected to the billionaire's extradition from the Bahamas. "The Government is prepared to proceed to trial as scheduled on the counts contained in the original Indictment," said the DOJ officials. Related Article: Donald Trump Pleads Not Guilty to Charges Related to an Indictment Over His Handling of Classified Documents @ 2023 HNGN, All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission. A former mayor has been suspended from Antrim and Newtownabbey Borough Councils planning committee for three months. The Local Government Commissioner for Standards said the DUPs John Smyth had brought the council into disrepute by breaching the code of conduct. The matter is linked to a 2019 Irish News investigation which found that South Antrim MLA Trevor Clarke was running a sideline business lobbying on behalf of planning applicants. It also said that his wife, Linda, did not declare an interest and continued to participate in votes for applications he lobbied on. Mr Clarke is said to have earned thousands of pounds as a partner in the Versatile Consultancy, which was the agent for several applications. Following an investigation by the standards commissioner, the DUP MLA issued an apology. The commissioners office said yesterday that while working in Mr Clarkes constituency office, councillor Smyth did not declare an interest in respect of any of the applications, nor did he leave meetings when they were being discussed. The assistant commissioner found his behaviour breached the code of conduct, which stipulates that significant personal or private non-pecuniary interests must be declared and councillors must withdraw from any meeting involving such matters. Mr Smyth was mistaken in his belief that registration of his employment situation satisfied these parts of the code. The assistant commissioner decided that a partial suspension from the councils planning committee from July 17 to October 15 was both appropriate and proportionate to reflect the seriousness of the breaches and to maintain confidence in democracy. At the time of the breaches, Mr Smyth was the deputy mayor. In the councils register, he wrote Trevor Clarke MLA under the heading financial and other personal interests. However, he did not declare an interest in respect of any matter under consideration at the councils planning committee meeting on March 19, 2019. Mr Clarke made representations before the committee on that date in respect of three applications, including one he was representing as the agent through his sideline business. The minutes did not record the votes cast by each member. The commissioners investigation found no evidence Mr Smyth had direct of implied knowledge of Mr Clarkes company. Mr Smyth said he did not recall Mr Clarke being referred to as the agent at the meeting. When asked if he would have reacted differently had he known, he said not particularly as Mr Clarke had not spoken to him about any planning matter. The commissioner indicated, however, that Mr Smyth had access to Mr Clarkes constituency office database, which contained information on his activities. The DUP has been contacted for comment. A protest in Parliament Square is being organised to call for the release of WikiLeaks founder Julian Assange (Lucas Tiefenthaler/TeamAlive/PA) A protest outside Parliament is being organised to call for the release of WikiLeaks founder Julian Assange. Campaigners and supporters will march through central London on June 24 as Assange faces extradition to the United States, where he fears being imprisoned for the rest of his life. He has been held in Londons high-security Belmarsh Prison for over four years as he fights extradition. Among the speakers at the Parliament Square event will be Assanges wife, Stella, alongside a sculpture called Anything To Say, which features life-sized bronze figures of whistleblowers Edward Snowden, Assange and Chelsea Manning, each standing on their own individual chair. Adjacent to them is an empty chair, representing the general population, encouraging everyone to stand up instead of sit like the others. The sculpture has been displayed in Germany, Switzerland, France, Italy, Belgium, Serbia, and Australia. Author and broadcaster Charles Glass conceived the idea, and it was brought to life by Italian artist Davide Dormino, who said: As an artist, I feel I have a duty to defend freedom of speech and the right to know. That is why I have created an empty chair, which allows us to stand taller and raise ourselves. It changes our perspective and prompts us to look beyond what we are shown and what is hidden. Rishi Sunak said it was good to see the immigration enforcement teams work first-hand (Susannah Ireland/PA) Prime Minister Rishi Sunak said there is lots of work to do to reduce asylum claim numbers as he joined immigration enforcement officers on a raid. Mr Sunak wore heavy boots and a stab vest as he joined officers on the raid in Brent, north west London, early on Thursday morning. It comes after he promised to abolish the backlog of around 92,000 asylum claims by the end of 2023. However, Home Secretary Suella Braverman told MPs on Wednesday that the target will not be met at the current pace. Prime Minister Rishi Sunak wore heavy boots on the raid (Susannah Ireland/PA) Asked after the raid about Ms Bravermans comments, Mr Sunak said: It was good to be out this morning with our immigration enforcement team and seeing first-hand their work to tackle illegal working. Thats an important strand of our work, to stop the boats and tackle illegal migration. And thats because the criminal gangs use a business model that tempts people here with the offer of black market work. Its not right, which is why weve increased resources for immigration enforcement. Weve increased the number of raids like the one I was on this morning by 50% and weve doubled the number of arrests. Mr Sunak watches the immigration raid in north west London (Susannah Ireland/PA) He added: But were not complacent. Theres lots of work to do, which is why its so important that we pass our Bill through Parliament, our Stop The Boats Bill, which will mean that if you come here illegally, you will not be able to stay. We will be able to detain you and then swiftly remove you. Not long after Mr Sunak returned from the raid, Ms Braverman met French interior minister Gerald Darmanin in London. Home Secretary Suella Braverman with French interior minister Gerald Darmanin (Jonathan Brady/PA) The pair discussed UK-French co-ordination on topics including joint work tackling illegal migration and stopping the boats in the Channel. The Princess of Wales during a visit to at Riversley Park Childrens Centre in Nuneaton (Phil Noble/PA) The Princess of Wales has arrived at a childrens clinic to meet health visitors taking part in a field study that aims improve the assessment of babies. Before beginning her visit, the princess went on a walkabout to meet young children from local schools in Nuneaton, Warwickshire who were gathered outside the venue. Later Kate will chat to health visitors about the research being funded by a 50,000 grant from her Royal Foundation Centre for Early Childhood. The study will trial and evaluate the use of the Alarm Distress Baby Scale (ADBB) in the UK, and is being run in partnership with the Institute of Health Visiting and the University of Oxford. The scale is used to assess how babies interact with their environment, focusing on eye contact, facial expressions, vocalisation and activity levels to help health professionals and families better understand the ways babies express their feelings, and support parents with bonding. The Princess of Wales during a visit to Riversley Park Childrens Centre in Nuneaton (Phil Noble/PA) The princess saw first-hand how the ADBB model is being used by health visitors to support parent-infant relationships and early childhood development during her visit to Denmark in February 2022. Following the trip, Kate and her centre have been working closely with the Institute of Health Visiting to explore the potential for implementing ADBB in the UK. It can also be used to recognise early signs of psychological distress, enabling specialist support to be accessed as soon as it is needed. The Princess of Wales meeting children outside the centre (Phil Noble/PA) During her visit to the Children and Family Centre at Riversley Park in Nuneaton, the princess will also visit a drop-in clinic and hear from families about the impact of the support they are receiving from their health visitors. The ADBB trial is running for a period of 10 months and is being carried out at the South Warwickshire NHS Foundation Trust, and Humber Teaching NHS Foundation Trust. Nine more women are accusing Bill Cosby of sexual assault in a lawsuit that alleges he used his enormous power, fame and prestige to victimise them (Matt Rourke/AP) Nine more women are accusing Bill Cosby of sexual assault in a lawsuit that alleges he used his enormous power, fame and prestige to victimise them. A lawsuit filed on Wednesday in federal court in Nevada alleges that the women were individually drugged and assaulted between approximately 1979 and 1992 in Las Vegas, Reno and Lake Tahoe homes, dressing rooms and hotels. One woman alleges that Mr Cosby, claiming to be her acting mentor, lured her from New York to Nevada, where he drugged her in a hotel room with what he had claimed to be non-alcoholic sparkling cider and then raped her. The 85-year-old former Cosby Show star has now been accused of rape, sexual assault and sexual harassment by more than 60 women. Bill Cosby has now been accused of rape, sexual assault and sexual harassment by more than 60 women (PA) He has denied all allegations involving sex crimes. He was the first celebrity tried and convicted in the #MeToo era and spent nearly three years at a state prison near Philadelphia before a higher court threw out the conviction and released him in 2021. Earlier this year, a Los Angeles jury awarded 500,000 dollars (396,000) to a woman who said Mr Cosby sexually abused her at the Playboy Mansion when she was 16 in 1975. The Nevada lawsuit came only a few weeks after Governor Joe Lombardo signed a bill that eliminated a two-year deadline for adults to file sexual abuse cases. Similar suits have followed other lookback laws in other states. One of the plaintiffs, Lise-Lotte Lublin, a Nevada native, had advocated for the change. She had previously alleged that Mr Cosby gave her spiked drinks and raped her at a Las Vegas hotel in 1989. The Associated Press does not identify people who say they have been sexually assaulted unless they come forward publicly. Victoria Valentino, centre, says she was an actress and singer 54 years ago when she met Mr Cosby (Jacqueline Larma/AP) For years I have fought for survivors of sexual assault and today is the first time I will be able to fight for myself, Lotte-Lublin said in a statement cited by the Las Vegas Review-Journal. With the new law change, I now have the ability to take my assailant Bill Cosby to court. My journey has just begun, but I am grateful for this opportunity to find justice. In California, a former Playboy model who alleges Mr Cosby drugged and sexually assaulted her and another woman at his home in 1969 sued him on June 1 under a new California law that suspends the statute of limitations on sex abuse claims. Mr Cosby publicists Andrew Wyatt blasted such laws in a statement on Wednesday. Mr Cosby is a Citizen of these United States but these judges and lawmakers are consistently allowing these civil suits to flood their docketsknowing that these women are not fighting for victimsbut for their addiction to massive amounts of media attention and greed, Mr Wyatt said. From this day forward, we will not continue to allow these women to parade various accounts of an alleged allegation against Mr Cosby anymore without vetting them in the court of public opinion and inside of the courtroom, Mr Wyatt said. In the latest suit, the women contend that Mr Cosby used his enormous power, fame, and prestige, and claimed interest in helping them and/or their careers as a pretence to isolate and sexually assault them. Chinese Premier Li Qiang, right, receives Palestinian President Mahmud Abbas at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing on Thursday, June 15, 2023 (Jade Gao/Pool Photo via AP/PA) Chinese Premier Li Qiang met visiting Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas on Thursday in a drive by Beijing to elevate relations and increase its presence in the Middle East. Mr Li called Mr Abbas an old friend of the Chinese people who has made important contributions to the promotion of China-Palestinian relations. The meeting came a day after Mr Abbas was greeted with full military honours by Xi Jinping, Chinas president and head of the ruling Communist Party. The sides then announced the formation of a strategic partnership, paving the way to boost Chinas influence in the region at a time when Beijings chief rival for global influence, the US, is seen as withdrawing from the region following the conflicts in Iraq and Afghanistan and complications in ties with regional power Saudi Arabia. China, meanwhile, is seeking energy resources and markets for its military and civilian exports while also promoting its version of authoritarian government as part of joint challenge with Russia to the Western-led democratic world order. Chinese Premier Li Qiang, second left, and Palestinian President Mahmud Abbas, second right, attend a meeting at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing (Jade Gao/Pool Photo via AP/PA) Beijing has long maintained diplomatic ties with the Palestinian Authority, and it appointed a special envoy to meet Israeli and Palestinian officials. However, its experience in the region is mainly limited to construction, manufacturing and other economic projects. China relies on such partnerships to bolster its diplomatic posture and give large Chinese corporations a leg up when negotiating infrastructure deals in line with the governments Belt and Road Initiative, which has left many struggling countries in debt to Chinese banks. China also has sought close ties with Israel to expand its diplomatic presence and to gain access to high technology. Mr Abbass visit follows Chinas hosting of talks between Iran and Saudi Arabia that resulted in the restoring of diplomatic relations between the two Middle East rivals and boosting Chinas standing in the region. The Riyadh-Tehran rapprochement was seen as a diplomatic victory for China as Gulf Arab states perceive the United States as gradually withdrawing from the wider region. China has hosted a growing list of world leaders since reopening its borders in the spring after a three-year virtual shutdown due to its extreme zero-Covid policy. Those have included French President Emmanuel Macron and European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, whose visits sparked controversy over Chinas pursuit of its campaign to cut off foreign support for self-governing Taiwan and block criticism of its human rights record. Next week, US Secretary of State Antony Blinken is expected to visit Beijing after previous plans were postponed over the presence of an alleged Chinese spy balloon over the US. Diplomatic relations between Washington and Beijing are at their lowest in decades over trade, technology, US support for Taiwan and an intensifying competition for influence in Asia and elsewhere. Following that visit, Mr Li is travelling to France and Germany, marking his debut on the international stage as premier and the second-ranking member of the ruling party. The Foreign Ministry announced on Thursday that Mr Li would take part in a seventh round of China-Germany government talks and attend a financial summit in Paris during the June 18-23 visits. A fishing boat crammed to the gunwales with migrants trying to reach Europe capsized and sank on Wednesday off the coast of Greece, authorities said (Hellenic Coast Guard/AP) Nine survivors of a migrant boat sinking have been arrested on suspicion of smuggling as hope faded for hundreds of other passengers who were missing. The arrests came as attention turned to Greeces failure to act before the overcrowded ship capsized. The trawler may have carried as many as 750 passengers, including women and children who were likely trapped in the hold as the vessel overturned and went down early Wednesday. That could make the sinking one of the deadliest ever in the central Mediterranean Sea. A huge search-and-rescue operation initially recovered 78 bodies and picked up 104 survivors all men and boys. But no more have been found. Meanwhile, Greek authorities were criticised for not acting to rescue the migrants, even though a coast guard vessel escorted the trawler for hours and watched helplessly as it sank in minutes. Greek officials argued that the migrants repeatedly refused assistance and insisted on continuing to Italy, but legal experts said that is no excuse. The coast guard said on Thursday that it had arrested nine survivors on suspicion of belonging to the smuggling ring that arranged the voyage. State-run ERT TV said the suspects were all Egyptians, adding that the ship originally left an Egyptian port for the area of Tobruk in eastern Libya, where it picked up the migrants. Survivors of a shipwreck sleep at a warehouse at the port in Kalamata town, about 150 miles southwest of Athens (Thanassis Stavrakis/AP) Relatives of the migrants who each paid thousands of dollars for passage on the battered vessel gathered in the southern port city of Kalamata to look for their loved ones. Kassem Abu Zeed said he caught the first flight from Germany to Greece after realising that his wife and brother-in-law were on board the trawler. The last time we spoke was eight days ago, and (my wife) told me that she was getting ready to get on the boat, Mr Abu Zeed told the Associated Press. He said she had paid 5,000 dollars to smugglers and then we all know what happened. Mr Abu Zeed, a 34-year-old Syrian refugee living in Hamburg, said Esra Aoun, 21, and her 19-year-old brother, Abdullah, risked the dangerous crossing from Libya to Italy after they failed to find a legal way to join him in Germany. The chances are low that his wife survived the sinking about 45 miles offshore. None of those rescued were women. Now he hopes Abdullah may be among the men from Syria, Egypt, Pakistan and the Palestinian territories who are being temporarily housed in a Kalamata warehouse or recuperating in hospitals from hypothermia and exposure. This handout image provided by Greeces coast guard on Wednesday shows scores of people on a battered fishing boat that later capsized and sank off southern Greece (Hellenic Coast Guard/AP) The chances of finding more survivors are minimal, retired Greek coast guard Admiral Nikos Spanos told ERT. The UN migration agency, known as IOM, estimated the number of passengers based on interviews with survivors and said the complement included at least 40 children. Erasmia Roumana, head of a United Nations refugee agency delegation, said many of the survivors have friends and relatives unaccounted for. They want to get in touch with their families to tell them they are OK, and they keep asking about the missing, said Ms Roumana. Mohamed Abdi Marwan, who spoke by phone from Kobani, a Kurdish majority town in Syria, said five of his relatives were on the boat, including a 14-year-old. Mr Marwan said he has heard nothing about them since the vessel sank. He believes his nephew Ali Sheikhi, 29, is alive, after family members spotted him in photos of survivors, but that has not been confirmed. Those smugglers were supposed to only have 500 on the boat and now we hear there were 750. What is this? Are they cattle or humans? How can they do this? Mr Marwan said. He said each of his relatives paid 6,000 dollars for the trip. Survivors of the boat capsize sit in a warehouse at the port of Kalamata (www.argolikeseidhseis.gr/AP) Greek authorities said the vessel appeared to be sailing normally until shortly before it sank and refused repeated rescue offers. But a network of activists said they received repeated distress calls from the vessel during the same time. The Greek coast guard said it was notified of the boats presence late Tuesday morning and observed by helicopter that it was sailing on a steady course at 6pm. A little later, Greek search-and-rescue officials reached someone on the boat by satellite phone, who repeatedly said that passengers needed food and water but wanted to continue to Italy. Merchant ships delivered supplies and observed the vessel until early Wednesday morning, when the satellite phone user reported a problem with the engine. About 40 minutes later, according to the coast guard statement, the migrant vessel began to rock violently and sank. Coast guard experts believe the boat may have run out of fuel or experienced engine trouble, with movement of passengers causing it to list and capsize. Alarm Phone, a network of activists that provides a hotline for migrants in trouble, said the problems began much earlier in the day. The network said it was contacted by people on the vessel seeking help shortly after 3pm. They said they cannot survive the night. Survivors receive first aid after the rescue operation (www.argolikeseidhseis.gr/AP) Around 6.20pm, Alarm Phone wrote, migrants reported the vessel was not moving and that the captain had left on a small boat. The two accounts could not immediately be reconciled. Experts said maritime law would have required Greek authorities to attempt a rescue if the boat was unsafe, regardless of whether passengers requested it. Search and rescue is not a two-way contract. You dont need consent, said retired Italian coast guard Admiral Vittorio Alessandro. An aerial photograph of the vessel before it sank released by Greek authorities showed people crammed on the deck. Most were not wearing life jackets. Overcrowding, a lack of life vests, or the absence of a captain would have all been reasons to intervene, Mr Alessandro said. Greeces caretaker minister for civil protection, Evangelos Tournas, defended the coast guards conduct, saying it could not intervene with an unwilling vessel in international waters. Consider also that an intervention by the coast guard could have placed an overloaded vessel in danger, which could capsize as a result, he said. The trawler sank near the deepest part of the Mediterranean, where depths of up to 17,000 feet could hamper any effort to locate a sunken vessel. Human rights groups say a European Union crackdown on smuggling has forced people to take longer, more dangerous routes to reach safe countries. Three Kosovo police officers captured by Serbian police officers lie face down on a field (Serbian Ministry of Interior via AP/PA) Kosovos prime minister said border security would be tightened following what he described as Serbias role in the kidnapping of three police officers. Prime Minister Albin Kurti also criticised Nato-led international peacekeepers for not providing an official explanation of what happened to the three border police officers. Mr Kurti says they were kidnapped inside Kosovos territory while Belgrade says they were arrested in Serbian territory. Mr Kurti, speaking at a news conference, showed maps of where the incident allegedly occurred, saying that Serbias special police and army units had entered deep into Kosovo territory. After a meeting of Kosovos top security council, the prime minister said border checks would increase and traffic from Serbia would be limited, but he added they were not commercial steps, suggesting goods would continue to move freely across the border. What surprises us is the silence and tolerance of international bodies to Serbias actions. Serbia continuously looks for pretexts to escalate and destabilise, and when there is no pretext it is ready and able to create one, Mr Kurti said. In an interview with The Associated Press last week, Mr Kurti complained of bias against his country from the US and the European Union and tolerance of what he called Serbias authoritarian regime. The latest incident further raises tensions between Serbia and its former province. Serbia had put its troops on the border on the highest state of alert amid a series of recent clashes between Kosovo Serbs on one side, and Kosovo police and Nato-led peacekeepers on the other. A Kosovo official in Belgrade has requested to visit the three officers. Mr Kurti also contacted US officials and asked them to press Serbia to release the police officers. Serbian President Aleksandar Vucic reiterated on Thursday that the Kosovo police officers were arrested deep inside Serbia and asked what they were doing in Serbian territory armed with machine guns. He said Serbia acted like any serious country would do and called Kosovo a quasi state. The incident came a day after Kosovo police arrested in northern Mitrovica an area mostly populated by the ethnic Serb minority an alleged organiser of Serb protests in the countrys north, including one in which last month 30 Nato-led peacekeepers were injured. Three police officers were injured in the operation. Tensions in Kosovo flared anew late last month, including with violent clashes, after Kosovo police seized local municipality buildings in northern Kosovo, where Serbs represent a majority, to install ethnic Albanian mayors who were elected in a local election in April after Serbs overwhelmingly boycotted the vote. On Thursday, June 15, committee members issued a devastating remark that further tainted former British Prime Minister Boris Johnson. Allegedly, he intentionally deceived parliament about rule-breaking gatherings at his office during COVID-19 lockdowns, as reported by Reuters. A little over a year ago, Johnson declared his intention to serve as prime minister long into the 2030s. On Thursday, however, the privileges committee, the key legislative disciplinary body, ruled that he should no longer have unrestricted access to the parliament. To add insult to injury, the committee said Johnson was "complicit in a campaign of abuse and attempted intimidation" against them. Johnson, who led the Conservatives to an overwhelming election win in 2019, responded in the usual confrontational fashion by calling the inquiry a lie and a "charade." He accused the committee members of harboring personal grudges against him. However, the impasse will do nothing to mend rifts inside the Conservative party and will add stress on Prime Minister Rishi Sunak as he tries to revive Britain's sluggish economy. Johnson Reportedly Misled the House, Amounting to Serious Contempt Six instances were documented in the report, which included the prime minister's offices and home on Downing Street. According to the committee's findings, Johnson committed serious contempt by intentionally deceiving the House. "The contempt was all the more serious because it was committed by the prime minister, the most senior member of the government. There is no precedent for a prime minister having been found to have deliberately misled the House (of Commons, lower House of parliament)," the committee stated. It suggested that he should not be able to get a former member's pass, which lets most previous prime ministers and politicians get automatic entry to parliament. Next week, lawmakers will debate the suggestion made by the committee, according to The New York Times. A spokesperson for Sunak said the prime minister had not yet seen the report but agreed with its finding. See Also: Oscar-Winning British Actress, MP Glenda Jackson Dies at 87 No MP Is Safe From Revenge or Trumped-up Allegations, Said Johnson After seeing a draft of the report last week, Johnson resigned from parliament and criticized the investigation as a "witch hunt," according to USA Today. He said, "I believed, correctly, that these events were reasonably necessary for work purposes. We were managing a pandemic." The committee, which consisted of four Conservatives and three opposition members, rejected Johnson's defense that the meetings were legal and that his advisors sided with him. He termed the release of the investigation as a dreadful day for legislators and for the democratic process as a whole. With this ruling, he said, no member of parliament is safe from expulsion on fabricated allegations or personal vendettas from a vocal minority who want them out of the House of Commons. See Also: Donald Trump and Boris Johnson Discuss 'Importance of 'Ukrainian Victory' @ 2023 HNGN, All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission. Aaron of L.A. Photography/Shutterstock.com Soon, Americans will celebrate Juneteenth, commemorating the day when the last enslaved people in the U.S. learned they were free. Black Americans have recognized the end of one of the United States darkest chapters for generations with joy in the form of street festivals, parades, cookouts and musical performances. Sadly, the U.S. was slow to embrace the change, but President Biden signed a bill passed by Congress to make Juneteenth, or June 19th, a federal holiday in 2021. As many people learn what Juneteenth is about, the holiday traditions face new pressures, like political rhetoric condemning efforts to teach Americans about the nations racial history and companies using the holiday as a marketing ploy and people partying without understanding the past. Heres the history behind Juneteenth and how it became a federal holiday. The origins of Juneteenth. Juneteenth celebrations started with slaves in Galveston, Texas. President Abraham Lincolns Emancipation Proclamation freed them in 1863 but couldnt be enforced in many Southern states until the Civil War ended in 1865. Even still, some white people who profited from slavery were reluctant to share the news. In a 1941 interview, Laura Smalley recalled that a man she called old master came home from fighting in the Civil War and didnt tell his slaves what happened. Smalley said that the master didnt tell them they were free, and they kept working for six months. Then, on June 19thth, they were set free, and thats why we celebrate Juneteenth. News that the Civil War ended and they were free reached Galveston when Union Maj. Gen. Gordon Granger and his troops came to Galveston on June 19, 1865, after Confederate Gen. Robert E. Lee surrendered to Union Gen. Ulysses S. Grant in Virginia. Granger delivered General Order No. 3, which states, The people of Texas are informed that, in accordance with a proclamation from the Executive of the United States, all slaves are free. This involves an absolute equality of personal rights and rights of property between former masters and slaves, and the connection heretofore existing between them becomes that between employer and hired labor. Six months later, slavery was permanently abolished when Georgia ratified the 13th Amendment. The following year, the now-free people of Galveston began celebrating Juneteenth, an observance thats continued to spread worldwide. Events include parades, concerts, and readings of the Emancipation Proclamation. The definition of Juneteenth. Juneteenth is a mix of the words June and nineteenth. The holiday has also been called Freedom Day, Juneteenth Independence Day, Emancipation Day, and Second Independence Day. Celebrations started with speeches and church picnics and spread as Black Texans migrated elsewhere. Most states now have celebrations honoring Juneteenth as a day of recognition or holiday, like Flag Day. Juneteenth is now a paid holiday for state employees in New York, Texas, Virginia, Nevada, and Washington. Hundreds of other companies also give their workers the day off. Opal Lee, an activist and former teacher, is credited mainly for rallying others behind a campaign to make Juneteenth a federal holiday. She strongly remembers celebrating Juneteenth as a child in East Texas with food, music, and games. In 2016, Lee walked through her hometown of Fort Worth, Texas and other cities before coming to Washington, D.C. Soon, politicians and celebrities began lending their support. She was one of the people standing next to President Biden when he signed Juneteenth into law. The evolution of Juneteenth celebrations. The national reckoning over race, starting with the 2020 murder of George Floyd by police, created the opportunity for Juneteenth to be the first new federal holiday since 1983 when Martin Luther King Jr. Day was created. The bill was supported by Sen. Edward Markey of Massachusetts and had 60 co-sponsors, a display of bipartisan support as lawmakers fought to overcome divisions that are still smoldering three years later. Theres currently a movement to use the holiday as a chance for education and activism, with community service projects to discuss racial disparities and education panels on topics like healthcare inequities and the need for green spaces and parks. Like most holidays, Juneteenth has also had its fair share of commercialization. Museums, retailers, and other venues have capitalized on it by selling Juneteenth-themed party ware, T-shirts, and ice cream. Unfortunately, some marketing has misfired, prompting a social media backlash. Holiday supporters have also tried to ensure that Juneteenth celebrators remember why the day exists. Dee Evans, national director of communications of the National Juneteenth Observance Foundation, said the country might have been freed from the British in 1776, but all people werent deemed free. Juneteenth is when the entire country was set free. Theres also a feeling to use the day to honor the sacrifices made for freedom in the United States, especially in these politically and racially charged times. What started as an informal freedom celebration by locals in Galveston eventually spread into a broader commemoration of the end of slavery as Black people in Texas moved to other states. Many Black people celebrate Juneteenth with parades, parties, and gatherings with friends and family. Texas became the first state to make Juneteenth a state holiday in 1980, and all 50 states recognize Juneteenth in some way. Residents paint a mural on a wall in Jakarta, on Aug. 2, 2022, in preparation for Indonesia's 77th anniversary of independence from Dutch colonialism, on Aug. 17. Indonesias president on Thursday welcomed the Netherlands decision to officially acknowledge his countrys independence in August 1945, a first for the former colonial power, which previously insisted that the Southeast Asian archipelago had gained sovereignty in 1949. Some experts said this official acknowledgement may mean the Netherlands concedes that its forces committed war crimes in Indonesia between 1945 and 1949, as the Dutch fought a war against a sovereign nation to re-establish colonial rule in the islands after Imperial Japan occupied them during World War II. Dutch Prime Minister Mark Rutte told parliament on Wednesday that the government was acknowledging the 1945 date fully and without reservation. But his spokesman later told the countrys public broadcaster that the recognition had nothing to do with whether the Netherlands had waged a four-year war against an independent country. Indonesian President Joko Jokowi Widodo said Its good, but well have to see, when asked about Ruttes remarks. Ill have to consult with the foreign minister first, he told reporters. Its ramifications are widespread, he added, likely referring to the four years of warfare before the Dutch formally transferred power on Dec. 27, 1949. For his part, Rutte said he would consult with the Indonesian leader to reach a mutual understanding on the matter. Indonesia had declared its independence on Aug. 17, 1945, two days after Japan agreed to surrender to the Allies in World War II, ending its occupation of what was then the Dutch East Indies. The Netherlands, which had colonized Indonesia for more than three centuries, refused to accept the declaration and launched a series of military campaigns to reclaim its largest colony. In 2005, then-Dutch Foreign Minister Ben Bot acknowledged the proclamation of independence on Aug. 17, 1945, albeit de facto. The Indonesian Foreign Ministry said it followed the debate in the Dutch parliament. But we have nothing to announce yet, ministry spokesman Teuku Faizasyah told BenarNews. We are still waiting for input from the Indonesian embassy in The Hague. Structural, excessive violence Chandra Halim, who teaches history at Sanata Dharma University in Yogyakarta, said the Dutch recognition of the Aug. 17 independence date was an extraordinary concession. He said that the Netherlands should pay compensation for what he called war crimes committed between 1945 and 1949. They would also face sanctions under international law, because when a country is guilty of war crimes, they should pay more than just compensation, he said. The two countries should hold talks on how to address the damage inflicted on Indonesia, both materially and morally, he said. Indonesian President Joko Widodo (left) walks with Netherlands Prime Minister Mark Rutte on the grounds of the presidential palace in Bogor, Indonesia, Oct. 7, 2019. [Handout photo/Indonesian Presidential Palace/AFP] Prime Minister Ruttes remarks came as the Dutch parliament debated a report by three respected research institutes, including the NIOD Institute for War, Holocaust and Genocide Studies. The report, released last year, concluded that there was structural, excessive violence on the Dutch side during a campaign to re-occupy the Indonesian islands after the Southeast Asian nation proclaimed its independence in 1945. The report, which several right-wing parties have called one-sided, documented cases of villages being burned, people being tortured and summarily executed. Additionally, the Royal Netherlands East Indies Army waged violent anti-insurgency operations that led to killings and summary executions in South Sulawesi and West Java between 1946 and 1947, the report said. Historians estimate the deaths in the South Sulawesi massacre vary from 1,500 to 40,000, while authorities said almost 500 people were killed in the West Java village of Rawagede alone. In 2013, the Dutch government for the first time issued a general apology for the mass killings carried out by its troops in Indonesia. It has also offered compensation to some of the victims and their relatives, and supported initiatives to preserve the historical memory and promote dialogue between the two countries. Families evacuated from Kabul, Afghanistan, walk through the terminal before boarding a bus after they arrived at Washington Dulles International Airport, in Chantilly, Virginia, Aug. 27, 2021. A deal being negotiated between the Philippines and its top military ally, the United States, to house Afghan refugees temporarily in the Southeast Asian nation is now the subject of a looming Senate investigation, officials confirmed to BenarNews. On Thursday, the U.S. Embassy in Manila said it was aware of a planned probe initiated by Sen. Imee Marcos. She said she had received information from an unnamed source that the two longtime allies had begun coordination meetings for the temporary housing of foreign nationals from Afghanistan. The senator filed a resolution directing the Senate to conduct an inquiry into the plan because government officials who attended the meeting were said to have been surprised by the U.S. request that the Philippines provide a haven to Afghan nationals, and that the presidential office in Manila had yet to officially make this public. It was not immediately clear how many Afghan refugees are being considered under the bilateral negotiations, or if they are among the tens of thousands of people who fled Afghanistan as part of a round-the-clock airlift led by the United States in August 2021. Thats when the United States pulled the last of its forces out of that country after a 19-year U.S.-led international coalition campaign in the post-9/11 war on terror, and the capital Kabul fell to Taliban extremists. Young Afghan girls suspiciously eye patrolling American forces in Arghandab district, in Kandahar, Afghanistan, in this file photo dated August 2011. [Jason Gutierrez/BenarNews] Imee Marcos is the eldest sister of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., who met with American leader Joe Biden in his second trip to the United States last month. The Filipino president has been seeking to boost its alliance with Washington amid perceived territorial threats from China in the region. We value our alliance with the Philippines, acting U.S. embassy spokesman Stephen Dove said in a statement Thursday, reacting to Sen. Marcos planned investigation. We are aware of the draft resolution in the Philippine Senate to conduct an inquiry into the proposed temporary housing in the Philippines of SIV applicants from Afghanistan, he said, referring to special immigrant visa applicants. He said he could not comment further on ongoing diplomatic discussions. We regularly talk to our partners on issues of local, regional and global importance, Dove said. The Biden administration remains committed to the thousands of brave Afghans who stood side-by-side with the United States over the course of two decades. A spokesperson at the Department of Foreign Affairs, who declined to be named because she was not privy to the discussions, confirmed that talks were ongoing. There could be a decision by the end of this month, the official told BenarNews on Thursday. Sen. Marcos, in her Senate resolution, argued that the decision by both countries to keep the negotiations under wraps brings into question the real nature of such request[s] and approval. The Senates Foreign Relations Committee, which Marcos heads, is to hold a public hearing on the matter on Friday, an aide said. The fact that the U.S. made [the] aforesaid request to the Philippines instead of other countries that are geographically much closer to Afghanistan or which are better-equipped to accommodate such foreign nationals raises serious questions on the real intention and purpose of the U.S. in making such a request, she said in her resolution. The fact that the U.S. opted to house these foreign nationals in another country and not on U.S. soil even though these individuals are supporters of the U.S. and, possibly, even former employees of the U.S. government or U.S. companies, casts doubts on the character and background of some of these individuals, she added. She noted that it appeared that concerned government agencies were not planning to make independent verification and investigations on the backgrounds of the Afghan nationals, raising a substantial risk that any of them could pose a threat to Philippine national security. A U.S. Chinook helicopter flies over the U.S. embassy in Kabul, Afghanistan, as diplomatic vehicles left the compound amid the Taliban advance on the Afghan capital, Aug. 15, 2021. [Rahmat Gul/AP Photo, File] While President Marcos predecessor, Rodrigo Duterte, in 2021 said he would allow the entry of Afghan nationals here escaping from the Taliban who had returned to power, his administration sufficiently disclosed its actions relative to such a policy, the senators resolution read. But Dutertes plan never materialized amid fears expressed by the public here that it could lead to a spillover of violence, specifically in the south of the country where violent extremist and militant groups have, for years, maintained links to foreign terrorists. Bennington, VT (05201) Today Clear skies. Areas of smoke and haze are possible, reducing visibility at times. Low 58F. Winds SE at 5 to 10 mph.. Tonight Clear skies. Areas of smoke and haze are possible, reducing visibility at times. Low 58F. Winds SE at 5 to 10 mph. You are the owner of this article. SAVOY Police have found the body of a Savoy man accused of stabbing his ex-girlfriend near his home on Chapel Road, according to the Berkshire District Attorneys Office. Jeffrey Cotes body was located about 10:30 a.m. Thursday, said Julia Sabourin, a spokeswoman for the DAs office. The Massachusetts State Police Special Emergency Response Team and K9 Unit were able to identify Cote deceased on his property, Sabourin said. Hes being released into the custody of the Chief Medical Examiner. During a news conference later Thursday, District Attorney Timothy Shugrue said Cote died by suicide, but he declined to elaborate. He said no weapons were found near the body; it remains unclear when he died. Authorities had been looking for Cote, 55, since June 7, when he allegedly stabbed a 49-year-old woman at a home on North Summer Street in Adams. We know that he kicked the door in, went in there, assaulted her, she was able to escape, went to a neighbors house, Shugrue said. The neighbors called 911. Shugrue noted that an Adams police officer saw what is now known as Cotes car outside the home at 4:30 a.m. The woman suffered wounds on her left upper shoulder and on the center of the back of the neck. Officers found her bleeding profusely on her porch about at 5 a.m. She told police that Cote had tried to kill her. He was gone by the time police arrived. Its possible that police saved the womans life at the scene, Shugrue said, as they immediately administered first aid. She was scared and nervous while he was out and about, he said, adding that she was placed in an undisclosed location with police protection while Cote remained missing. The woman was taken to Berkshire Medical Center in Pittsfield with serious injuries. She has since been released. Authorities believe Cote left the scene in Adams at 70 to 80 mph, drove to his home in Savoy and then fled into the woods, Shugrue said. There is no indication that Cote left his property after that. Police searched his home as well as the surrounding area at the time, but to no avail. While he was at large, police warned the public that he may be armed and should be considered dangerous. Of particular concern, Shugrue said, was that police knew that Cote owned numerous weapons and he was a woodsman. Officers also were worried about their safety as they searched what was familiar territory to Cote. Police continued to search almost daily over the next eight days, combing an area of a few hundred acres. They were searching an 84-acre parcel on Thursday morning when they found Cotes body about a half-mile from his home, according to Detective Lt. Ryan Dickinson, who is in charge of the Berkshire State Police Detective Unit. On Thursday, Shugrue thanked state police and local law enforcement for their perseverance in the search. The remote, rugged terrain of the Berkshires can be difficult to navigate, and they did an excellent job, he said in a statement. Shugrue said that a specific motive for Cotes attack on his ex-girlfriend has not been determined. He declined to release information related to whether Cote has a criminal history or whether he and the woman have had other domestic violence incidents over the course of their 15-year relationship. The DAs office is in the midst of domestic violence-related training with its advocates because its so prevalent in our community, Shugrue said. This case really highlights why its such a problem and why we need to address it. Interview: Expert calls NATO demonstration of military power "dangerous" Xinhua) 10:41, June 15, 2023 ZAGREB, June 14 (Xinhua) -- Against the backdrop of the ongoing conflict in Ukraine, the demonstration of military power by the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) is dangerous, Hrvoje Klasic, professor of history at the University of Zagreb, told Xinhua in an interview on Wednesday. "Air Defender 2023," the largest ever air deployment exercise in NATO's history, is "a show of force at a time when the situation in Ukraine is deteriorating," and a show of force is "never good because it is always a threat to peace," he said. NATO should be careful because its activities are straining relations in the world, Klasic said. NATO started "Air Defender 2023" on Monday. Some 10,000 soldiers and 250 aircraft, including 70 from Germany and more than 100 from the United States, are participating in the maneuver that will last until June 23. Stressing that NATO must not become the extended arm of the United States, Klasic said that the alliance's members should react "measuredly" to the activities being carried out, and "this applies especially to Germany," host of the military exercise. According to Klasic, weapons will not solve the conflict in Ukraine. Instead, the conflicting parties should sit down and talk. "At this time, it would be better to find a diplomatic solution, and not to expand the conflict," he said. About 300 people protested against the exercise in northern Germany on Saturday, saying that it "underscores the rejection of negotiations with Russia and further escalates an already threatening situation." (Web editor: Zhong Wenxing, Liang Jun) Andrew and Tristan Tate are still facing numerous criminal charges. As of writing, they are still under house arrest in Romania as officials continue their investigations. The "Tate Brothers" are considered to be among the most controversial online celebrities. Aside from talking about escaping the so-called "Matrix," accusations against them about human trafficking and organized crimes make their images more controversial. However, despite the criminal allegations against the Tate Brothers, their fans still believe them, as shown by their viral Rumble stream. Andrew, Tristan Tate Rumble Stream Reaches Over 430K Views According to SportsKeeda, the latest Rumble return stream of the Tate Brothers garnered over 430,000 views. Read Also: Tupac Receives Long Overdue Star on Hollywood Walk of Fame This is their first livestream ever since Andrew (aka "Cobra") was released from Jail back in March. KEEMSTAR (Daniel M. Keem), a YouTuber and host of the internet pop culture news show DramaAlert, even claimed that the Rumble return stream of the Tate brothers is now in the top 5 biggest streams on the internet. Andrew Tates return stream peaked over 432k concurrent live viewers on rumble! This is the top 5 biggest streams EVER on the internet! #DramaAlert pic.twitter.com/qxNHtEeYMl KEEM (@KEEMSTAR) June 14, 2023 "Andrew Tate's return stream peaked at over 432k concurrent live viewers on Rumble! This is the top 5 biggest streams EVER on the internet! #DramaAlert," said the podcaster via his official Twitter post. Meanwhile, after achieving an incredible streaming feat, Tristan Tate called out YouTube; asking the video platform if it's scared of Rumble. "Scared of the @rumblevideo numbers?" said Tristan. What the Tate Brothers Discussed During their "Emergency Meeting," many of their fans were very eager to hear what the Tate Brothers will share after being absent on social media for so long. Tristan explained that five counts against them were removed after visiting the DIICOT (Directorate for Investigating Organized Crime and Terrorism) office. He claimed that only one charge of human trafficking remained in their case. Then, Tate's brother said that they needed to explain what Romanian authorities were really charging them for. Tristan explained that in 2021, he and Tate formed an organized crime gang to move women to Romania so that they could steal money from their TikTok accounts. "I think it's very important to explain what we are allowed to explain about exactly what we are accused of, because there is a lot of confusion," said Tristan. If you want to learn more about their latest live stream titled "Counter Attack," you can watch their official video below. Related Article: Andrew Tate Case Update: Romanian Prosecutors Upgrade Charges Against Influencer @ 2023 HNGN, All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission. Stay up to date on Berkshires news with Berkshires in Brief, our free daily newsletter DALTON A Jewish middle school teacher has resigned and is planning on moving out of the Berkshires after he says a student harassed him with antisemitic remarks and a hand-drawn picture. Morrison Robblee, who taught social studies at Nessacus Regional Middle School, told The Eagle the student began harassing him after he made it known to his students that he was Jewish. He did this during his first year at the school, as he became more comfortable with them. The student, 12, a sixth grader, is facing a misdemeanor charge of criminal harassment. The Eagle is not identifying him because he is a minor. The Dalton Police Department filed the charge on Tuesday in Pittsfield Juvenile Court. Pending a show-cause hearing, its up to the courts clerk magistrate to decide if it will move forward. The Berkshire District Attorneys Office also was forwarded details on the case by the Dalton police. In a statement, a spokesperson for the office said its members were working with the Anti-Defamation League and Jewish Federation of the Berkshires to determine how to prevent such incidents in the future. The harassment started with insults in February, Robblee said, then graduated to jokes about the Holocaust, gas chambers and other aspects of Nazi Germany in his class. It came to a head in April. Robblee, 25, showed up to class during Passover wearing a kippah a cap worn by some observant Jews. The student made hateful comments about it, and Robblee wrote him up and sent him to detention. A few days later, Robblee said the student handed him several drafts of a drawing that showed Adolf Hitler standing over a dead Jewish person, with heading along the top: Sorry, Jew. The student called it an apology letter. He really wanted to get his point home, Robblee said. The student was suspended and removed from Robblees class as a result, but he says the harassment continued in the schools hallways. He also received emails from the student with insults about his teaching. Robblee filed a union grievance in May for an unsafe working environment and took the drawing and printouts of the emails to police, resulting in the charge brought to juvenile court. In a letter to administrators of the Central Berkshire Regional School District, Robblee wrote that without the proper steps, the student would further be at risk of a deeper radicalization of hate, one which will lead to violence. I am not bothered by the ignorant comments of a child, Robblee wrote in a statement to be read aloud at the students reentry meeting after the suspension, which he claims he was not invited to. I am bothered that, without proper intervention, this hate will continue to fester. Robblee quit his job in May after he was placed on administrative leave following allegations of misconduct. The allegations included making a face at the student who he says harassed and swore at him in the hallway. Robblee admitted to making the face, in a moment of frustration. He was also accused of speaking about the student in front of other children at the school. He denies that allegation. Robblee said that he would have been able to return to the school, with a verbal reprimand not to make faces at the student, but he chose to resign instead, feeling that his concerns had not been heard by the administrators. The district, however, says an investigation into Robblees conduct is still open. I slid my keys across the table and said theres absolutely no way Im coming back to work in this school, Robblee said Leslie Blake-Davis, the districts superintendent, did not go into specifics on the incidents for confidentiality reasons. However, she said the district has a process for handling incidents of hate or bias. It begins with an emergency removal of a student from a classroom for a due process investigation educational services are still provided during this time. Then, the district either introduces accountable consequences, such as detention or suspensions, or restorative interventions, such as anti-bias training. Parents are notified if action is taken, and the district will contact law enforcement if the need arises. A reentry meeting is held with parents, educators, mental health professionals and counselors before a student is able to return to school. Educators are also offered support if they are dealing with incidents of hate. Blake-Davis said the district is also working to bring the No Place For Hate Club, a student-led initiative at Wahconah Regional High School, to Nessacus. One of the things we found as a district thats really empowering is to make sure were involving student voice and student leadership in this work that we do, Blake-Davis said. We set up the foundation with the middle school for this curriculum. General Electric gave county residents a first look at what they think it will take to remove contaminated sediment from the Housatonic River. Their plan proposes about 10 years of work, thousands of truck trips and a pipeline to carry sediment from the Housatonic to a proposed dump site in Lee. Talking Points Memo: The failure of the Biden administration is only getting more and more obvious by the day. Heres three major agencies that are falling apart. President Biden snaps at reporter for asking about Hunters text messages. SCOTUS rules on states control over elections and agrees to hear case on wealth tax. Bill renews calls for investigation into Zuckerbergs efforts into the 2020 presidential election. Former Prosecutor Cully Stimson on his new book Rogue Prosecutors: How Radical Soros Lawyers are Destroying Americas Communities. Reuters releases report that says all living US Presidents descended from slaveholders all expect Donald Trump. Smart Life: pickleball injuries This Day in History: International Body Piercing Day Final Thought: Leaving money to kids, charities & friends In Case You Missed It: Read Bill's latest column, "They're Not Victims" It's the 'Summer Reading Special!' 'Killing the Killers,' Killing the Legends,' and 'Killing Crazy Horse' all for $32.95. We'll also give you a FREE 'Team Normal' hat. 'Team Normal!' gear is 15% for a limited time. Go to BillOReilly.com now and order! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices TenacityPR is excited to welcome The Bar Africa to partner with for the full B2B PR creative media treatment. The Bar Africa is a collective of thinkers, storytellers, designers, artists, filmmakers, techies social media gurus and everything in between. The advertising industry in East Africa serves a wide range of sectors. Working across the African continent has always been part of TenacityPRs goals and looking forward to engaging with a new media landscape and diverse media sectors. The Bar Africas first-hand knowledge and experience of numerous different African markets means the team is well positioned to conceptualise PR campaigns that reflect the nuances and realities of these African markets. The agencys goal is to position advertising and marketing as a valued discipline capable of growing the bottom line and to create work that moves the needle, with that the partnership between TenacityPR and The Bar Africa has the same goals. Marls Truter explains: We are very excited to have such a seasoned practitioner onboard as we walk our journey to raise the bar on creativity across the region. Our partnership is a healthy mix of mutual respect, being a forever-student and a ton of love for what we do. TenacityPR is a boutique public relations and brand reputation agency with deep knowledge of the advertising industry. The Covid-19 pandemic and resulting lockdowns that wreaked havoc on the broader retail environment were amplified by looting during the July 2021 riots. Additionally, e-commerce and the largely subdued economic climate which immediately followed, left South African shopping malls with significantly lower traffic levels and turnover between 2020 and early 2022. But South Africans - known for their resilience amid uncertainty - feeling the lockdown fatigue and weathering the ever-present load shedding schedule, steadily began heading back to the malls last year. In 2023, more South Africans are going to the mall. And Mall Ads (a Provantage Company) South Africa's largest middle-market mall media owner is seeing big brands capitalising on these self-contained shopping meccas return to prominence. Ongoing load shedding is among the catalysts for South Africans returning to the bright lights, wi-fi and comfort food at malls. September 2022 had the most load shedding that year, and on average, malls saw a footfall increase of 11%. With load shedding entrenched as an everyday occurrence, mall owners are investing in solutions that make them load shedding proof, rolling out solar energy solutions, generator power and backup batteries. Despite economic challenges, South Africans are still enamoured with a day out at the mall. In 2022, 200,000m2 of new regional shopping mall space was developed signalling mall owners growing confidence in recovery. In the current year, in mid-market malls, footfall is up 111% compared to 2022. Township malls are up 113% and rural malls are up 109%. And according to BrandMapp 2022, Gautengs middle-class people visit an average of almost four different malls regularly. In Cape Town, the average is 2.7 malls; in KwaZulu-Natal, its 2.4. In this ever-expanding environment, there is immense scope to build on the growing trend of immersive, novel and entertaining in-person shopping experiences at malls. Shopping malls have become more than just retail spaces; they are community assets that serve as safe environments for people to shop, socialise, work and relax. The July 2022 riots revealed that community members value these spaces, as we saw many communities take ownership independently to protect local malls," says Mzi Deliwe, Provantage deputy CEO. He continues, Most major malls are load shedding proof, which means that consumers can count on them as spaces to escape to when the lights go out at home. This is particularly evident in mid-to-lower income communities. As South Africans head back to the shopping aisles and mall eateries, more opportunities are emerging for advertisers to connect with captive audiences in mall environments in innovative ways. However, the environment has changed particularly since Covid-19. Says Deliwe, By continuously evolving mall media and advertising, we have not only adapted to the changing needs of consumers but also tapped into the immense potential of the mall environment as a powerful advertising channel." We have had to find new ways of appealing to the post-Covid shopper. For example, where touch screens were once the cutting edge, Covid restrictions made those challenging to use. So, we have had to adapt our thinking. The dynamic blend of static and digital media within these spaces has transformed the shopping experience while capturing the attention of a receptive and relaxed audience. We can now connect with shoppers at several touchpoints from static displays in lifts to 3 x 6 large-format digital screens, in-person activations and Mall TV. According to Deliwe, the rise of malls in mid-to-lower LSM (Living Standards Measure) population groups has created a greater demand for in-mall media and a renewed focus on this segment for Mall Ads. Mall TV is one of the innovations that addresses the need. Mall TV a product of Mall Ads is South Africas largest mid-market mall digital place-based network, reaching a monthly audience of over 20 million shoppers. Deliwe elaborates, Through Mall TV nationally positioned in township and regional shopping centres around key commuter nodes shoppers are engaged by high-interest category content including lifestyle, fashion and sport on large-format digital screens. These screens are strategically placed around high foot traffic environments with excellent viewability and are close to point of purchase. With receptive mindsets and more propensity to spend, interaction with consumers in malls is primed to give advertisers return on their spend. Research shows that all shoppers who notice advertisements around them recall specials or sales advertising (34%), followed by the advertising of fast-food stores (24%), banking ads (12%) and clothing retail ads (11%). The numbers make a compelling argument for mall media as an increasingly potent platform for reaching diverse audiences. Consumers growing willingness to engage with media in malls provides brands with unrivalled opportunities to connect with them, concludes Deliwe. For more information on Mall Ads and its evolving mall media solutions, please visit www.mallads.co.za. British Airways (BA) had to postpone a fully-booked flight just before departure reportedly because of a "distinctive smell." Strange Odor in Cabin Sickens Passengers and Grounds Aircraft In a report by LADbible, passengers booked on a BA116 flight from New York to London on a Boeing 777 aircraft on Wednesday, June 14, were informed they would not be able to make the international travel. According to reports, the departing flight from Heathrow Airport was abruptly canceled due to a strong odor that was causing crew members headaches. At JFK Airport, hundreds of people were left waiting when the service was canceled. Workers at BA were reportedly then sent home. The employees allegedly complained of headaches, itchy eyes, and a metallic aftertaste in their mouths. A source told The Sun, "A distinctive smell was detected on the outbound flight from behind a canister. An area of the plane had to be monitored at 30,000ft." The New York police and fire department boarded the aircraft to find the origin of the strange odor, but they detected no dangerous gasses. BA engineers were also charged with investigating the source of the stench. The trip back to Heathrow, the insider told the newspaper, was a huge worry since several of the staff had a negative reaction to the unknown odor. The flight was subsequently stated to have been canceled because the plane was not safe to go, despite the fact that it was packed with passengers from BA. Another anonymous source said that customers were rebooked on later flights but that the New York airport was in "pandemonium" since no one understood what had happened to the BA116 service. One of the informants said that the repercussions would be enormous. There were missed connections, crews out of position, and"a mystery, filthy airplane, among other problems. A business representative emphasized that passenger safety is the airline's top concern. They told The Sun in a statement, "The safety of our customers and crew is always our priority and will never be compromised. We apologized to our customers for the inconvenience caused and offered an alternative flight or a full refund." See Also: Airplane Bird Strike Video Now Going Viral! Pilot Unfazed by the Incident Recent Flight Cancellations Have Impacted Far More Customers In a separate instance, earlier this week, another BA flight from New York's JFK airport to Heathrow had to turn around shortly after takeoff due to a technical issue. People were put on later flights or given hotel rooms so they could leave the following day. Nonetheless, British Airways is not the only airline that has lately had to cancel flights. In an article by The Independent, over a hundred EasyJet flights were canceled on Sunday, June 11. An estimated 15,000 passengers delayed their flights at London Gatwick due to the bad weather and thunderstorms. See Also: New Study Claims Climate Change Increases Airplane Turbulence @ 2023 HNGN, All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission. Dentsu Africa is delighted to have won gold at the global Dentsu Northstar Awards for the SupersuitsXdentsu Academy. The global awards are hosted annually to celebrate the best work from the past year that pushes the boundary to the never before. With an impressive participation of over 600 entries spanning 64 markets and regions, the recognition awarded to Dentsu Africa is a testament to the dedication in pushing the limits and delivering outstanding results. First launched in 2019 at the Dentsu Africa Summit in Ghana, the SupersuitsXdentsu Academy is a global first within Dentsu International that has been brought to life by Dentsu Africa. The academy is a three-day event hosted by Dentsu Africa with the aim of accelerating the careers of promising African talent, driving the dentsu integrated proposition to ultimately fuel growth and profits across our African Network. Brought to life by Dawn Rowlands, CEO; Lana Marais, group operations director and Cheryl Steyn, new business, client and development manager at Dentsu Africa, the academy has been incredibly well received, with over 100 applications submitted in 2022. The feedback from attendees has been overwhelmingly positive with comments such as It was an eye opener, gave me the full spectrum, the full dimensions of what client centricity really means, and I feel that I am uniquely placed leading the creative line of business which is the vehicle for growth for our business to really model the integrated client leadership role across the board and cross-sell expanded services to our client said Edem Dzokoto, general manager Dentsu Creative Ghana. The Supersuits Academy has seen significant results with over 80% of their attendees growing their careers and being promoted within 12 months. Since inception, the programme has seen great success in terms of return-on-investment based on investment versus outcome, which essentially led to some brilliant integrated new business wins and increased scope of work on current clients. Lana Marais attended the awards in London held on 14 June as the Dentsu Africa representative to receive the prestigious gold award. Marais had this to say: I am so incredibly proud to be here accepting this award on behalf of every supersuit within Dentsu. Being recognised for a project we are so passionate about, and seeing how it resonates with the wider network truly inspires us to take it to the next level. This award is testament to the hard work, dedication, and passion we have invested in accelerating careers of promising talent whilst creating the worlds most integrated network across Africa. As Dentsu business continues to evolve, we are invested in ensuring our people are set up for success and along with the goal of creating the most integrated solutions agency in the world, Dentsu Africa is truly committed to building lasting change with solution and outcome driven individuals that bring together all the opportunities that dentsu can deliver for our valued clients. The University of Pretoria's Gordon Institute of Business Science (Gibs) has achieved a Level 4 Positive Impact Rating for its transformative efforts in education. This achievement underscores the school's commitment to taking a proactive role in climate leadership, emphasising its dedication to making a positive impact through business education. The Positive Impact Rating 2023 Report entitled Accelerating the societal impact of business school was launched at a recent UN PRME Global Forum. It assessed the societal impact levels of 69 business schools from 25 countries globally. Gibs has been a member of Gibs Principles for Responsible Management Education (PRME) since 2009 and is proud to have been one of the PRME Champions schools since 2018. The Positive Impact Rating is a global initiative that evaluates business schools based on their contributions to addressing societal and environmental challenges. Developed by students, for students, the PIR assesses schools' actions across six dimensions: governance, programmes, students, campus, community outreach, and research. This comprehensive evaluation provides prospective students and stakeholders with valuable insights into the positive impact potential of different business schools. Our faculty, staff, and students work tirelessly to drive positive change through education, research, and community engagement Professor Morris Mthombeni, dean of Gibs Gibs has been recognised for its dedication to fostering positive change and integrating sustainability into its core values and practices. By focusing on innovative teaching methods, impactful research, and collaborative partnerships, the school has made significant strides in shaping responsible leaders who are equipped to address complex global challenges. "We are honoured to receive the Positive Impact Rating, which reinforces our commitment to educating the next generation of business leaders to prioritise sustainability and positive societal impact," said Professor Morris Mthombeni, dean of Gibs. "Our faculty, staff, and students work tirelessly to drive positive change through education, research, and community engagement. This recognition is a testament to their efforts and the impact they are making in the world." The positive impact initiatives implemented by Gibs encompass a range of activities that extend beyond the classroom. The school's curriculum integrates sustainability principles and ethical considerations across various disciplines, empowering students to become responsible leaders and change agents. Additionally, research conducted by faculty members addresses pressing global issues and offers practical solutions to foster sustainable development. The Positive Impact Rating provides aspiring business students with the knowledge and tools to make informed choices about their educational journey. It empowers them to select a business school that aligns with their values and aspirations, ensuring that they contribute to a more sustainable and inclusive future. In honour of Youth Day on 16 June, CDA Solutions, a leading financial services provider in South Africa, is proud to announce the launch of two initiatives aimed at fostering the growth and success of the industry by engaging and empowering the youth. The first initiative is the implementation of the Youth Employment Services (YES) Programme, a collaborative effort between the government and businesses to provide job opportunities, internships, and mentorship to young individuals. CDA Solutions has committed to creating 14 positions within various administrative functions, with the goal of filling these roles through the YES programme by the end of June. By investing in developing and training young talent, CDA Solutions aims to contribute to building a skilled workforce that can drive the industry forward. Recognising the importance of career advancement for youth and existing employees, CDA Solutions has also launched a Learnership initiative. This program offers 18 structured learning opportunities for the current financial year, combining theoretical knowledge with practical workplace experience. By participating in learnerships, young individuals will gain industry-specific skills and competencies, paving the way for a successful career in the financial industry. "Our industry's future relies on our commitment to igniting the passion for financial services as a career among the youth," says Adrian Plantema, managing director of CDA Solutions. "We understand that many young individuals may not be fully aware of the exciting opportunities available within the financial services industry. Through the YES Programme and Learnerships, we aim to provide a clear pathway for the youth to explore and establish successful careers in financial services while also fostering growth and development for our existing employees." Effective mentorship plays a vital role in guiding and nurturing young talent. CDA Solution's initiatives offer consistent mentorship, allowing mentees to receive guidance, industry insights, and assistance in navigating their career journeys within the financial services industry. Moreover, these programs facilitate valuable networking opportunities, enabling young individuals to connect with industry leaders, expand their professional networks, and explore diverse career pathways. As a responsible financial services provider, CDA Solutions believes in taking concrete actions to empower the youth on South Africa's Youth Day rather than mere rhetoric. By embracing the potential of young talent through the YES Programme and Learnerships, CDA Solutions aims to shape the financial services industry's future, ensuring its continued evolution and success. To apply for this opportunity, email az.oc.snoitulosadc@tnemtiurcer. Through the years, Primedia has earned its reputation of walking its talk. Primedia Broadcasting, the creative hot house for emerging talent, has played an active role in supporting and boosting community radio. When in 2021, studio equipment worth R5m was stolen from Alex FM, a community radio station in the Gauteng township of Alexandra, Primedia Broadcasting came to the rescue and helped to keep the station on air by providing financial, technical, and engineering assistance. This same spirit of commitment to community radio is the key driver of Primedia Broadcasting's annual community radio conference. Ravi Naidoo, 947 station manager This years conference, attended by community and campus radio stations, provided an opportunity to unpack current challenges. The conference explored collaborative opportunities to help navigate the stations through todays tough economic environment and prepare for a vibrant and thriving radio landscape. The wellbeing of South Africas dynamic mix of community radio stations is intrinsic not only to the longevity of Primedia itself but to the industry as a whole, says Lindile Xoko, Primedia Broadcasting CEO. Community radio stations are part of the frequency of a democratic voice in South Africa and should be nurtured and protected. Often community radio stations have been the early nurturers of the countrys exceptional radio talent of today and for the current day radio superstars. For instance, our very own Anele Mdoda, Zweli Mbhele, Nick Explicit, Thando Thabethe and Frankie Du Toit, who form part of the primetime lineup on 947, all began their careers at community radio stations. Talent is priceless, and it deserves to be nurtured. It is often in the most remote community radio stations where the most precious gems of talent can be found. If we want a viable and vibrant radio environment, we must invest in these stations and uncover the treasure of talent throughout the nation, adds Xoko. Primedia Broadcasting is committed to playing an instrumental role in growing a healthy radio industry in South Africa. Community and campus stations are a very valuable part of the ecosystem of this industry. The conference saw several top-notch Primedia Broadcasting executives and presenters in attendance. This included Bongani Bingwa, 702s Breakfast presenter and a highly regarded media personality. The ever popular and highly motivational Thando Thabethe, 947s Afternoon Drive host, generously shared her broadcasting insights and wisdom with participants. In a panel discussion, these seasoned broadcasters unpacked the changing role of radio and what is required to futureproof the industry. Teddy Boyi, of Rainbow FM commented on the conference: Initiatives like this help community stations by exposing us to new ways to grow audiences and revenue. Having a number of community radio presenters here today also motivates them to strive and understand what they can achieve in this industry. There are many challenges facing community stations, and we need to look for better ways to collaborate to ensure future sustainability. Stations that participated in the conference included TUT FM, Alex FM, TUCKS FM, VOW FM, Tshwane FM, and Boston Media House. Trish Mokoena, station engineer at Tshwane FM, was one of the participants of the conference. She said: The learnings will assist us with our submissions for the Radio Awards from an imaging perspective. Isaac Manaka from Westside FM got to sample Primedia radio systems: "I realised that we do not have to be limited to one system. Integration of systems is the way to go. Neo Koaho of VOW FM was inspired by Bongani Bingwa saying: He shared on how to use content on social media appropriately. Skills development, the sharing of winning innovations, and lobbying together to build a sustainable radio industry are important steps towards a healthy industry. Primedia Broadcasting is committed to playing a leading role in these key developmental initiatives. In the words of Primedia Broadcastings CEO: At Primedia we recognise that the fate and fortunes of community and commercial radio stations are intrinsically linked. In a way we are one frequency, one family. With this spirit of collaboration and oneness, the radio family in South Africa looks set to flourish. Biodiversity is the lifeblood of our planet, supporting all forms of life. From the air we breathe to the food we eat, ecosystems teeming with animals, plants, and microorganisms provide us with essential services. Nature holds immense value, and while we may instinctively appreciate some aspects of biodiversity more than others, all of them are important. Take pollinators, for example. Birds, bees, and insects are critical for a third of the world's crop production. Invertebrates maintain soil health, crucial for agriculture. The oceans serve as a primary source of animal protein, while trees, wetlands, grasslands, and coral reefs slow down water, shield coastlines from storms, absorb carbon dioxide, and purify the air we breathe. Not to mention the countless medicines and chemicals derived from plants. But here's the grim reality: humanity's impact on the environment has caused global warming of 1.1C since the industrial revolution began, according to the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change. This has resulted in increasingly frequent and extreme weather events, wreaking havoc on people and nature worldwide. Just look at cyclone Freddy, which devastated Malawi, Mozambique, South Africa, and Zimbabwe, claiming hundreds of lives. It's a stark reminder that despite some progress in reducing climate risks, we remain ill-prepared for the existential threat posed by climate change. However, all hope is not lost. Businesses such as Kruger Gate Hotel are gearing efforts behind preserving the natural ecosystems in which they operate. Anton Gillis, CEO at Kruger Gate Hotel "As a hotel operating in the heart of Kruger National Park, it's our responsibility to protect the environment that sustains us. Preserving the biodiversity of the region isn't just good for the planet, it's also good for business. We have noticed a significant shift in the demands of our corporate clients, who increasingly expect us to showcase how our sustainable initiatives are practically being implemented on our property during the bidding process. More importantly, we want the great grandchildren of our guests to not only know what a rhino is from a textbook, but to experience the awe-inspiring sight of these magnificent creatures in person, roaming freely in Kruger National Park. Preserving biodiversity is our legacy, ensuring future generations can experience the wonders of nature," says Anton Gillis, CEO at Kruger Gate Hotel. Covering an expansive area of 19,485 km, Kruger National Park is one of Africa's largest game reserves, teeming with an extraordinary array of plant and animal species. It boasts over 2,000 plant species with 336 tree species, 500 bird species, six of which are known as the Big 6 and are native to the area. And, of course, it is also home to the beloved Big 5. The park also accounts for roughly half of southern Africas known insect species, which totals at around 20,000 insect species. This carefully balanced ecosystem is a prime example of how biodiversity can thrive when conservation efforts are taken seriously. Kruger National Park is also an important conservation area. The South African National Parks (SANParks) management team works tirelessly to protect endangered species, combat poaching, and mitigate human impact. Notably, the SANParks Honorary Rangers' Conservation Services National Project provides essential counter-poaching support to the park's joint operation centre, a collaborative effort involving various sectors and agencies. Additionally, the park's management implements programs to control invasive species, conducts research and monitoring, and makes informed decisions to preserve this complex ecosystem. "We are immensely grateful to SANParks for their unwavering dedication to preserving the park's ecosystems and wildlife. We recognise the crucial role that they play in maintaining the balance of nature in this unique environment. Our team is committed to working closely with SANParks to ensure that our operations continue to have a minimal impact on the park's delicate ecology, and that we are doing everything we can to support their conservation efforts," says Gillis. Whilst many hotels in the region have embraced sustainable practices, such as using renewable energy sources, reducing waste, and minimising their environmental footprint, they can go beyond just adopting sustainable practices and educate both guests and staff about the importance of biodiversity and environmental protection. Gillis emphasises the significance of educating staff in supporting wildlife conservation efforts. Kruger Gate Hotel recently partnered with Access Professional Development to provide comprehensive training in snake identification, handling, and snakebite treatment to our onsite staff, he shares. This exercise was more than just a measure of safety; it's our way of ensuring that we can coexist harmoniously with the diverse wildlife of Kruger National Park and actively contribute to their protection, he adds. Lastly, when visiting Kruger National Park, it's essential for travellers to understand their responsibility to protect the environment. By following the park's rules, staying on designated paths, and not disturbing wildlife, visitors can minimise their impact. Choosing hotels and tour operators that prioritise sustainability and making donations to conservation organisations further contribute to ongoing efforts. By joining forces, hotels and travellers alike can ensure that this precious ecosystem continues to flourish for generations to come. It's a collective effort that holds the power to preserve and celebrate the wonders of biodiversity in Kruger National Park, setting an inspiring example for the world. Let's rise to the occasion and make a difference together, Gillis concludes. The automatic loss of South African citizenship after gaining citizenship of another country has been ruled to be unconstitutional. South Africans who lost their citizenship after gaining citizenship of another country can once again obtain a South African passport. Photo: Steve Kretzmann / GroundUp Since 1995, South Africans who gained citizenship of another country lost their South African citizenship automatically. A case brought by the Democratic Alliance challenging this has been successful in the Supreme Court of Appeal. No legitimate purpose for the provision was given by Home Affairs, the court said. South Africans who automatically lost their citizenship when they took citizenship of another country have been aided by the Supreme Court of Appeal. The court has ruled the relevant section of the South African Citizenship Act to be inconsistent with the Constitution. In a unanimous ruling, it further ordered that those South Africans who lost their citizenship through the application of the section, since its operation from 1995, are deemed not have not to have lost their citizenship. The challenge to the legislation was brought by the Democratic Alliance, whose arguments were initially dismissed by the Pretoria High Court before being granted leave to appeal to the Supreme Court of Appeal. The ruling, handed on Tuesday, was penned by Judge Dumisani Zondi. The DA brought the application on behalf of South African citizens who, to their surprise, discovered they had lost their citizenship, said Judge Zondi. The DA relied on the evidence of Phillip Plaatjes, a South African living in the United Kingdom who married a British citizen. Plaatjes eventually became a naturalised citizen of the UK in 2007 and travelled regularly on his South African passport. But in 2015, when he went to the embassy in London to renew his passport, he was told he had automatically lost his citizenship after he acquired British citizenship, and embassy officials cancelled his passport. Plaatjes said he never wanted to leave South Africa permanently, nor relinquish his South African citizenship. Judge Zondi said the DA contended there were many South Africans living abroad who had been similarly affected and the Act had taken away their right to citizenship without any notice. The Minister of Home Affairs opposed the application. His lawyers argued the loss of citizenship was as a result of a voluntary act on the part of the citizen, not the State, and that the Act also allowed people to apply to the minister if they wished to retain their citizenship. Judge Zondi, on behalf of the court, said the ministers lawyers were unable to point to a legitimate government purpose which the section of the Act sought to achieve save for a generalised submission that its purpose is to regulate the acquisition and loss of South African citizenship. To meet the standard of rationality, the Minister was required, in the first place, to provide the specific and legitimate purpose the provision was designed to foster. Of the argument that the section allowed a person to retain their citizenship on application to the Minister, Judge Zondi said: But this merely underscores the arbitrariness and irrationality of the section. It gives the minister untrammelled discretion ... it reposes in the minister a vague and undefined discretionary power in relation to the retention of a fundamental right, inextricably linked to other fundamental rights (such as the right to vote and stand for public office) and the right to enter and remain in South Africa and the right to freedom of trade, occupation and profession. Judge Zondi also noted the Act expressly recognised dual citizenship. In declaring the section unconstitutional, and backdating that invalidity to 1995, Judge Zondi said others in a similar situation to Plaatjes must enjoy the benefit of restoration without the need for any further litigation. The court ordered the Minister pay the costs of the application. This article was originally published on GroundUp. The Gibs Entrepreneurship Development Academy is recruiting 50 South African women entrepreneurs for the Cherie Blair Foundation for Women's intensive, seven-week business growth programme! Are you a woman entrepreneur that would like to take your business to the next level? Then amplify your business on its journey to success by applying for the Road to Growth programme. The intensive, seven-week business management training programme will be brought to South Africa once again, building on the 4,300 women it has supported so far worldwide. Delivered by the Gibs Entrepreneurship Development Academy (EDA), Road to Growth will offer a select group of 50 established women-owned and -run businesses with the opportunity to progress as business owners by building business skills, financial literacy, networks, and confidence. Starting in August and free of charge to participants, the programme represents a game changer in womens entrepreneurial journeys so their businesses can thrive. The programme has equipped me with the right tools to move my business forward. Tshegofatso Dolo from Flame Creations Beauty and Health Spa Road to Growth training will be delivered primarily online using a unique, custom-built learning platform alongside in person class. Selected participants will progress through Road to Growth by building and developing their business growth plan each week to achieve a clear vision and direction for their business. Each of the programmes seven weeks covers a new topic, including contextualising and understanding your market, digital marketing and communication, and your finances from building capital to managing financial relationships. The Cherie Blair Foundation for Womens Road to Growth programme is currently also running in Nigeria, Kenya, and Guyana, and has previously run in Mexico, Vietnam, and Indonesia. Its proven a highly successful model, enhancing business knowledge and confidence, creating growth, developing networks, and increasing women entrepreneurs preparedness to access to finance. Over 96% of participants in 2022 have reported that they have grown their networks through the programme and 100% gone on to implement improved business practices. Businesswoman Tshegofatso Dolo from Flame Creations Beauty and Health Spa participated in Road to Growth in the 2022 cohort. Dolo commended the programme for its holistic approach to fundamental business practice. The programme has equipped me with the right tools to move my business forward. It has also inspired me to go out and empower other women to formalise and expand their businesses to create employment. What are you waiting for? Review the criteria below, and if you meet the criteria, apply for the free programme now to set yourself and your business up for an incredible and life-changing journey! Road to Growth Programme Selection Criteria: Minimum age: 21 years Minimum number of years in business: 3 years Must own a registered business in South Africa Annual revenue must be at least R500,000 (total sales in one year) Must have 50% or more female ownership Must employ at least two or more persons full-time (excluding the owner) Must be involved in the full-time running of the business Minimum educational qualification: Matric certificate, but this may be assessed on a case-by-case basis Must have English language proficiency Must have access to an electronic device and internet connectivity for online learning and basic computer literacy Must not have participated in any of the Gibs EDA programmes in the last 18 months Must have a strong desire and commitment to grow their business The closing date for applications is 17 July 2023, with the programme set to start in August 2023. For more information on Road to Growth in South Africa and to apply, please follow this link: https://southafrica.road2growth.org/. Disclaimer: We will only be in touch with shortlisted applicants. Please note that by applying for this programme, you consent to your personal information being supplied to the Gibs EDA and the Cherie Blair Foundation for Women for further communication. Programme delivery will be blended with in-person sessions in Johannesburg with travel and accommodation at your own cost (concessions might be made for joining virtually if the session allows for a hybrid approach). For application enquiries or programme details, contact Lorenzo Line at az.oc.sbiG@leniL. For media enquiries, contact Matshepo Koape at az.oc.sbiG@mepaoK or Matiwane at Matiwaneb@Gibs.co.za. In a welcome Youth Month tradition, Coronation CEO Anton Pillay spends quality time with learners to impart valuable life and career advice ahead of their journeys into adulthood and the world of work. This year, Pillay visited the Grade 10 and 11 learners from Christel House (educational NGO) in Ottery, as well as students from various university investment societies interested in pursuing a career similar to Pillays. Pillay focused on the critical skills required to excel despite South Africas alarming youth unemployment rate, the prevailing environment of economic uncertainty and the likely impact of artificial intelligence (AI) on the future of work. YOUTH ADVICE: Coronation CEO Anton Pillay spent time with a diverse group of students from various universities this Youth Month to impart some life and career advice ahead of their journeys into adulthood. Pillays top advice included encouraging young people to find their purpose in life by doing good in society and to cultivate a mindset of seeking opportunity in adversity instead of focusing on their limitations. Picture credit: Jurie Senekal Coronation CEO Anton Pillay spent time with high school learners from Christel House in Ottery this Youth Month to impart some life and career advice ahead of their journeys into adulthood. Pillays top advice included encouraging young people to find their purpose in life by doing good in society and to cultivate a mindset of seeking opportunity in adversity. Picture credit: Jurie Senekal Here are Pillays 10 key themes the youth should consider as they head into the workforce: If you are privileged with an education, use it for good, and you will find your purpose In a country where 78% of Grade 4 learners cannot read for meaning and where the youth unemployment rate is more than 60%, you are in a fortunate position to complete matric with a solid education. A university degree offers you a higher chance of employment, but it is no guarantee of success. You need to think smart, not only about what you want to achieve in your own life but also how you can contribute to the betterment of society. If you can focus on excelling with the opportunities you were given, you will find your purpose and live a more fulfilled life. Use of technology to the benefit of your career and society Technology advances such as big data and artificial intelligence are undergoing an exponential evolution at the moment, and in the careers of tomorrow, it will be important to have a grasp of these technologies. It is safe to say that graduates should be upskilled to use AI in their roles. It is also important to distinguish how good actors and bad actors are able to use AI differently, and to make a commitment to, one day in your career if you are going to use AI, use AI ethically and responsibly in line with the United Nations AI for Good principles. However, it is a very complex topic set to disrupt many industries. The aim should be to enhance efficiencies and boost performance alongside human capital. It is safe to say that graduates should be upskilled to use AI in their roles. While much has been written about it displacing people, the financial services arena is all about talent, diversity and culture, and talent recruitment and retention will always be a core differentiator. Hone your critical thinking The World Economic Forum calls critical thinking the top scarce skill of this decade, despite it being vital for career advancement in the 21st century. Critical thinking is the ability to use reason and logic to analyse and assess situations and problems to make informed decisions. Dont just take everything at face value or believe what you are told. Learn to think and solve for yourself. The key word here is probability you must critically assess how probable any supposed fact might be and find real evidence instead of relying on opinions, gossip or conspiracy theories. Embrace creative thinking Embracing your creativity does not necessarily mean artistic creativity. One can also use creative thinking to solve hard problems in business and society. Creativity is the foundation of innovation and to developing something new. Its the ability to find new solutions for existing issues. The key is to always look for possibility in every challenging situation. Remember collaboration is at the heart of any economic endeavour Sometimes you have to put in the hard yards on your own, and it can be tough, but self-motivation and self-management are key. However, please remember, you dont always have to go it on your own, all of the time. Teamwork and being open to diverse viewpoints are essential for achieving success in business. Learn to communicate clearly Less is more. Regardless of the career you ultimately pursue, you will discover that communicating clearly results in more successful outcomes. Every email you write, every presentation you deliver, every report you write, every difficult conversation you have with colleagues or managers, you will do better if you use less words, chosen wisely, and that are very clear in their meaning. As Winston Churchill famously said, it takes more time and effort to be short and to the point, but it is always more effective. Also remember, there are verbal and nonverbal skills, and body language is also very important to master. Be entrepreneurial Entrepreneurial thinking is not just for people who start new businesses its for anyone in business. Its a mental attitude essential for navigating change and success. Always think abundantly in terms of the opportunities you can explore and create for yourself and others. The one thing you can do to empower yourself is to walk through every open door, work hard and participate in life and the opportunities it presents you. You never know who you are going to meet, or what is around the next corner. But if you are prepared through consistent hard work, youll be ready for the curveballs that life may throw at you. Expect curveballs The world is in a state of permacrisis where one crisis seems to roll into the next one and its therefore easy for the youth to feel hard done by. Remember that all young people in every century of history faced a multitude of crises. Its part of the human experience. It just feels more amplified now because we have the internet and social media. This is not something to feel defeated by. Remember, crisis always brings opportunity. If you expect curveballs, and remain optimistic, you will find your way. Take good care of yourself Dont expect others to do your self-care for you. This is something you must cultivate for yourself. Try to cultivate healthy habits from as early on as possible, including eating healthy, getting regular exercise, resting, alone time and community engagement, taking care of your mental health, and maintaining good hygiene, even digital hygiene. Start with the small things, like keeping your room tidy and your clothes, hair and teeth clean small positive habits will translate into bigger positive effects in your life over time. Take personal responsibility for your self-care. Qatar's sovereign wealth fund is in talks with Egypt about potentially investing in seven historic hotels there, in what could be a landmark deal between the two countries that restored diplomatic ties in 2021 after a long-running dispute. File photo: Farmers use a threshing machine as they harvest their wheat crop at a farmland on an island on the River Nile next to the capital city of Cairo, Egypt 11 May 2023. Reuters/Amr Abdallah Dalsh/File Photo The Qatar Investment Authority (QIA) is in talks with The Sovereign Wealth Fund of Egypt (TSFE) about the deal, said two sources with knowledge of the matter, who declined to be named. The fund is considering acquiring a stake of up to 30% in the hotels, the sources said. The seven hotels are the Cairo Marriott Hotel, Steigenberger El Tahrir in Cario, Marriott Mena House at the Giza pyramids, Sofitel Legend Old Cataract in Aswan, Movenpick Aswan, Sofitel Winter Palace in Luxor and Steigenberger Cecil Alexandria. The $445bn QIA declined to comment. Egypt's TSFE did not immediately respond to a request for comment. The QIA's investments include trophy assets such as the Shard skyscraper and the Harrods department store in London. While it has been shifting away from such assets into sectors like technology, healthcare and public and private markets, the sources said the hotels would still fit into its portfolio and match its experience as an investor. The hotels would not just be valued as real estate assets, but as businesses with an historic premium, as some of them date back to the 1800s, one of the sources said. The Egyptian government has previously said it could sell stakes in hotels such as the Old Cataract which overlooks the Nile in Aswan, believed to have been the inspiration for detective writer Agatha Christie's "Death on the Nile." Rebuilding relations Relations between Egypt and Qatar soured in the wake of the Arab Spring uprisings that toppled former Egyptian President Hosni Mubarak. Qatar backed the Muslim Brotherhood's subsequent rise to power, but it was later ousted by the military in 2013. Regional heavyweight Saudi Arabia has led efforts to rebuild ties with Qatar and, along with Egypt, re-established diplomatic relations in 2021. Egyptian President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi met with Qatari Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad al-Thani in Baghdad in August 2021 for the first time since ending the dispute. Relations since then have warmed. Egypt, the Arab world's most populous nation, is grappling with an economic crisis and its currency has plunged by roughly half in value since Russia's invasion of Ukraine last year, which prompted foreign investors to pull more than $20bn out of Egyptian treasury markets. Qatar last year pledged to invest $5bn in Egypt's economy and has said previously that, like other Gulf states, it would support regional economies like Egypt's through commercial investments rather by providing direct financial aid. The latest MOVEIt security breach concerns the U.S. government since some U.S.-based agencies are affected. Because of this, CISA (Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency) decided to investigate the scope of the malicious campaign. Dozens of companies and organizations, including several U.S. agencies, have been hacked as part of the cyberattack. Reuters reported that the cybersecurity agency didn't identify the affected U.S.-based companies. MOVEIt Security Breach: CSA Investigates Hacked US Agencies! According to NBC News' latest report, CISA will check the severity of the latest MOVEIt hack. Read Also: US Crypto Crack Down Intensifies; Will Cryptocurrency Companies Move to UK? "CISA is providing support to several federal agencies that have experienced intrusions," said CISA Executive Assistant Director Eric Goldstein. He added that they are already working to know more about the cyberattack's impact scope and to ensure timely remediation. Meanwhile, CISA Directo Jen Easterly said the U.S. government doesn't expect any significant impact from the cyber breach. However, Huntress Senior Researcher John Hammond said that there's a chance that the MOVEIt cybersecurity hack could lead to something more serious. MOVEIt Hack's Details MOVEIt Transfer is a popular file-sharing software developed by Progress Software. It is widely used by agencies, banks, and universities in the United States. CL0P, a rising ransomware group, claimed that they are the ones who hacked the file-sharing software. The hacking organization recently posted a list of its victims on a dark web leak page. CL0P claimed that among the U.S. agencies they hacked are the First National Bankers Bank, 1st Source Bank, Landal Greenparks, and Putnam Investments. These affected companies are still being followed by more as multiple organizations confirmed that their systems have also been compromised; BBC, British Airways, and Aer Lingus said so. But it looks like this hacking group doesn't want to attack U.S. government agencies. "If you are a government, city, or police service, do not worry, we erased all your data, said CL0P on its official dark web leak site. If you want to learn more about the latest MOVEIt security breach, you can click this link. Related Article: CISA Director Claims China Cyberattacks are 'Epoch-Defining Threat' @ 2023 HNGN, All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission. Soros also has the ignominious distinction of being a bonafide Nazi war criminal. His playboy son has been indoctrinated by his father, his fathers many One World Government handlers, and by his liberal schooling. When his father finally passes, Alex Soros will take over the helm and attempt to accelerate the destruction of America that his father so diligently worked on over many decades. Do not fear, the deranged trust fund kid will fail. by Sean Adl-Tabatabai Alex Soros has vowed to censor conservatives and independent journalists online 100 times more aggressively than his father George Soros. Following news that far-left billionaire George Soros handed full control over his $25 billion empire to his son, Alex laid out his despotic vision for the future of the internet in an interview with the Wall Street Journal. Im way more political, Alex Soros said, comparing himself to his radical father. As much as I would love to get money out of politics, as long as the other side is doing it, we will have to do it, too, he admitted. Slaynews.com reports: Soros-funded political action committees have become a major factor in American elections. George Soros has been the Democratic Partys largest donor in recent U.S. elections and his funding of smaller local prosecutor races has allowed him to seize control of Americas justice system. Alex Soros said he is currently working to improve Hispanic and black support for Democrat politicians. The new leader of the Soros empire has visited Democrat President Joe Bidens White House at least 17 times since 2021, according to Fox News. Three visits took place between February 8 and Feb.10, as Slay News reported. Several top Biden administration officials are listed on the visitor logs as the ones who met Alex Soros. Alexander Soros is poised to lead his familys multibillion-dollar political and philanthropic network, said Scott Walter, president of Capital Research Center, according to the Washington Examiner. Like his father, he cozies up to White House and congressional leaders willing to do the familys bidding on such issues as crime, immigration, election policy, and more, as the Soroses exploit every type of giving: money to parties, independent expenditure groups, and so-called charities, he said. According to the New York Post, Mike Howell, director of the Oversight Project at the Heritage Foundation, said the access Alex Soros has to the Biden White House is a major concern. Howell warns that the Soros family has already done tremendous damage to our country. The Soros agenda is one of death and destruction in the name of open borders and ending Western civilization, he said. Biden administration and rogue prosecutor movement may be [its] most damaging purchase in America to date. Matt Palumbo, author of The Man Behind the Curtain: Inside the Secret Network of George Soros, said the Soros family has its hooks deep in the Biden administration. All throughout the White House, there is a Soros hold somewhere, and his son is his fathers new ambassador, Palumbo said. Judicial Watch President Tom Fitton said regardless of who is the front man for the foundation and Soros-backed PACS, George Soros is still in charge. Dont be distracted by Alexs name in the visitor log; its a George Soros rep theyre looking to meet with at the Biden White House, Fitton said. Hes still calling the shots. Its his money, his foundations. Fellaraktar@fellaraktar - 14:46 UTC May 29, 2023 As a British citizen I want to say that arming Ukraine is the single best use of tax payer money for decades My only criticism is that the west arent sending enough, fast enough Ukraine is paying for political posturing with the lives of their sons and daughters Do more now --- Karen Goetz @KarenGoetz362 - 22:18 UTC May 29, 2023 As a German citizen I want to say that arming #Ukraine is the single best use of tax payer money for decades. My only criticism is that the west aren't sending enough, fast enough. Ukraine is paying for political posturing with the lives of their sons and daughters. Do more now! --- Oksanna Oricia ( ) @Roxanne_Oricia - 1:46 UTC May 30, 2023 As a #Canadian I want to say that arming #Ukraine is the single best use of taxpayer money in decades. My only criticism is that the west isnt sending enough, FAST enough. Ukraine is paying for political posturing with the lives of their sons & daughters. #ArmUkraineNow --- Thomas C. Theiner @noclador - 4:57 UTC May 30, 2023 As an Italian citizen I want to say that arming Ukraine is the single best use of taxpayer money for decades. My only criticism is that the west arent sending enough, fast enough. Ukraine is paying for political posturing with the lives of their sons and daughters. Do more now! --- brit engr @brit_engr - 8:15 UTC May 30, 2023 As a British citizen, I want to say that arming Ukraine is the single best use of taxpayer money for decades. My only criticism is that the West arent sending enough, fast enough. Ukraine is paying for political posturing with the lives of their sons and daughters. Do more now! --- bitiv @bitiv30 - 9:29 UTC May 30, 2023 As a #Romanian citizen, I want to say that arming #Ukraine is the single best use of taxpayer money for decades. My only criticism is that the West isnt sending enough, fast enough. Ukraine is paying for political posturing with the lives of its sons and daughters. Do more now! --- Anne @KidsFromUkraine @AnneFella - 17:03 UTC May 30, 2023 As a #Dutch citizen I want to say that arming #Ukraine is the single best use of taxpayer money in decades. My only criticism is that the west isnt sending enough, FAST enough. Ukraine is paying for political posturing with the lives of their sons & daughters. #ArmUkraineNow --- Thibaud Ochem @Thibaud_Ochem - 18:51 UTC May 30, 2023 As a citizen I want to say that arming #Ukraine is the single best use of taxpayer money 4 decades. My only criticism is that the West isn't sending enough, fast enough.is paying 4 political posturing with the lives of their sons & daughters. Do more now! #weapons4Ukraine --- MH @Mickhavoc - 1:14 UTC May 31, 2023 As a Canadian citizen I want to say that arming #Ukraine is the single best use of taxpayer money for decades. My only criticism is that the west aren't sending enough, fast enough. Ukraine is paying for political posturing with the lives of their sons and daughters. Do more now --- Bogdan Stech @BogdanStech - 22:07 UTC May 31, 2023 As a #Poland citizen, I want to say that arming #Ukraine is the single best use of taxpayer money for decades. My only criticism is that the West isnt sending enough, fast enough. Ukraine is paying for political posturing with the lives of its sons and daughters. --- Well, by now you will have understood the idea ... There are many more such tweets. In total I count more than one hundred by various NAFO troll accounts. All the tweets were issued between May 29 and June 6. This is astroturfing on a fairly sophisticated level: Astroturfing is the practice of hiding the sponsors of a message or organization (e.g., political, advertising, religious or public relations) to make it appear as though it originates from and is supported by grassroots participants. It is a practice intended to give the statements or organizations credibility by withholding information about the source's financial backers. The term astroturfing is derived from AstroTurf, a brand of synthetic carpeting designed to resemble natural grass, as a play on the word "grassroots". The implication behind the use of the term is that instead of a "true" or "natural" grassroots effort behind the activity in question, there is a "fake" or "artificial" appearance of support. I wonder whose taxpayer money gets wasted on it. Yesterday the Russian President Vladimir Putin had a public talk with war correspondents. Yekaterina Agranovich, a blogger, asked him about 'western' propaganda and the people deceived by it. Putin responded: The information space is a battlefield, a crucial battlefield. So, if someone uploads or writes something and provides an address, this is one thing. However, if there is no address and it is not clear who is writing or speaking, this is a completely different story. You and I are well aware that you can post things online using well-known technical means, and you can make it look like millions of people have seen these videos and commented on them when in fact there is just one person behind it who simply uses modern technology to replicate it endlessly. But, of course, there certainly are people who have a certain frame of mind, and they can express their point of view. What can we do to oppose this? I think this audience will know what I mean. This can and should be countered not so much by restrictions or administrative or law enforcement constraints, but by effective work in the information environment on our part. And I am really counting on your help. Well, he did not talk to me. And no, I do not post at Moon of Alabama to help Russia or Putin, but to lay things out as I see them. If that is at times consistent with whatever this or that other public person says, it is likely to be a coincidental and temporary state. --- Hat tip: Syriacide Ever wonder why the United States of Americas largest teachers unions, the National Education Association (NEA) and the American Federation of Teachers (AFT), have been pushing for the privatization of public schools? or why they have also been pushing through ed-tech contracts with Big Tech corporations, such as Microsoft, Google, Apple, and IBM? While the NEA and the AFT have recently justified public school partnerships with private ed-tech corporatization on the grounds that virtual distance learning is necessary to protect students from COVID-19 infections, these teachers unions have a long history of cozying up to Big Tech. These very same Big Tech companies just so happen to also be facilitating the courseware necessary for online education. Furthermore, the NEA and the AFT are both members of the Global Union Federation (GUF) known as Education International (EI), which appoints delegates to the World Economic Forum (WEF), which likewise partners with Microsoft, Google, Apple, and IBM. Considering these crony corporatist collusions between the NEA, the AFT, EI, the WEF, and Big Tech, it appears that these national and international teachers unions are exploiting COVID panic in order to ram through public-private ed-tech partnerships with multinational technology companies that are driving the globalist Fourth Industrial Revolution (4IR), which is being spearheaded by the oligarchs affiliated with the WEF. To illustrate, one of the Founding Presidents of EI was AFT President Albert Shanker, a Trilateral Commission member who met with the head of IBM before conceptualizing public-private charter school corporations. This evolved into the virtual charter schooling industry that has since spawned companies like US Secretary of Education William Bennetts K12 Inc. The other Founding President of EI was NEA President Mary Futrell, who served on the Board of Directors of K12 Inc., which Bennett commercialized as an outgrowth of the US Department of Educations Project BEST (Basic Education Skills through Technology). Project BEST was the USAs domestic version of a United Nations Education Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) project known as Study 11, which set up the international information technology (IT) infrastructure for what is now called the Fourth Industrial Revolution. Other prominent NEA and AFT members of EI presently include: Select members of the current EI Executive Board (ei-ie.org) With these AFT and NEA officials holding high office at EI since the GUFs inception, these US national teachers unions have tethered essentially all of the USAs unionized educators to the globalist policies of EI in collaboration with the WEF. In my previous article for Unlimited Hangout, I documented how the WEF has been lording over EI bureaucrats who direct the marching orders of the AFT and the NEA along with 381 other EI member organizations encompassing 32 million teachers and education support personnel in 178 countries and territories. More specifically, my report detailed how the WEFs Great Reset has been commissioned to EI bureaucrats, including Robert Harris, Fred van Leeuwen, and Jelmer Evers, who have passed down the global Reset agenda to national teachers unions, such as the AFT and the NEA. As a result, educators and school staff are being stirred up to reimagine learning through corporate ed-tech innovations geared for the Fourth Industrial Revolution. To put it bluntly, my last article, How Education International Is Pushing Teachers Unions into the Fourth Industrial Revolution, revealed how the puppet strings of national teachers unions, including the AFT and the NEA, are dangled from these EI operatives and controlled by the WEF at the top of the technocratic chain of command. In this article, I will now expose how two more EI globalists, David Edwards and Sharan Burrow, both collaborate with the WEF to corral nearly all the worlds unionized teachers under the GUF monolith of EI, which partners with the International Trade Union Confederation (ITUC), in order to herd local teachers unions into the Fourth Industrial Revolution. As Ive previously noted, this revolution is being accelerated by the WEFs Great Reset in coordination with the world governance arms of the United Nations (UN), the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD), the International Monetary Fund (IMF), and the World Bank. By consolidating ostensibly all of the planets teachers and education professionals under the single GUF of EI, in coordination with the ITUC, Edwards and Burrow are galvanizing all school workers into a uniform one-world workforce that marches in lockstep with the corporate-technocratic directives of globalist oligarchs at the WEF, the UN, the OECD, the IMF, and the World Bank. Rather than representing local teachers and other school workers at the international bargaining tables of these global governance institutions, Edwards and Burrow are co-opting local educators by signing them on to the WEFs technocratic Great Reset, which is expediting the Fourth Industrial Revolution that is being ushered in with the help of the UN, the OECD, the IMF, and the World Bank. David Edwardss New Normal: Transhumanist AI Ed-Tech for Social Credit Data-Mining After twenty-four years reigning as the Founding General Secretary of EI, the Dutch academician Fred Van Leeuwen was replaced by former NEA Associate Director David Edwards, a US citizen who remains the General Secretary of EI to this day. Now, as EI General Secretary, Edwards holds simultaneous membership in the WEF, and he has collaborated with the OECD and several branches of the UN. Straddling EI and the WEF, Edwards has joined forces with the OECD to promote a post-COVID new normal in which ed-tech is globalized for the Fourth Industrial Revolution. He has also been connected to impact investment and Social Credit projects tied to the UN and the WEF. In his official capacity as the General Secretary of EI, Edwards participated in the WEFs 2019 Annual Meeting, which commenced the WEFs Preparing Civil Society for the Fourth Industrial Revolution initiative. According to the Civil Society at the World Economic Forum Annual Meeting 2019 Fact Sheet, this WEF-4IR initiative is aimed at helping civil society to meet the challenges presented by rapid technological change. The initiative provides a multi-sector platform to accelerate responsible technology practice and the future readiness of civil society through cross-sector learning, collaboration and investment. Stated differently, this WEF-4IR initiative, which kicked off at the 2019 Annual Meeting with Edwards in attendance, fast-tracks the evolution of futurist technologies, including ed-tech, through a globalist system of stakeholder capitalism in which world governance bodies, such as the WEF, the UN, the OECD, the IMF, and the World Bank, orchestrate multi-sector and cross-sector public-private partnerships between for-profit corporations, non-profit foundations, financial firms, government agencies, educational institutions, community organizations, and even labor and professional unions, such as EI. During this same WEF Annual Meeting, EI General Secretary Edwards served on a panel titled Protecting and Empowering Workers in the Fourth Industrial Revolution. According to the WEFs 2019 Annual Meeting Fact Sheet, this Civil Society Community Session panel, which was moderated by former EI Vice President Sharan Burrow, invited participants to reflect on existing efforts from labour and industry leaders to build a future for workers in the Fourth Industrial Revolution. Also serving on this panel with Edwards was Sherif Elsayed-Ali: theDirector of AI [Artificial Intelligence] for Good Partnerships at Element AI. During this same WEF meeting, Elsayed-Ali also participated in another panel entitled Responsible Innovation for Social Impact, which highlighted experiences from civil society and industry in leading processes for responsible digital transformation in their social impact work. This panel also included Louise James, who is the Managing Director of Development Partnerships at Accenture, which is partnering with the UN, Microsoft, Mastercard, and the Rockefeller Foundation through the ID2020 project. That project aims to set up a worldwide system of global digital ID that tracks Social Credit Scores financed by social impact investments. In brief, through this WEF-4IR panel, EI General Secretary Edwards explored techno-futurist workforce planning policies with fellow WEF member, Eslayed-Ali, who is spearheading social impact AI programs in collaboration with technocrats at Accenture, which is building a global digital ID grid. It is worth noting here that I have previously documented how the AFT, which is a satellite of EI, has been advancing public-private community-school pipeline services, including job-placement, healthcare, and crime-prevention wraparound services, financed by social impact investments that digitally track students Social Credit algorithms through ed-tech data-mining. The next year after the WEF 2019 Annual Meeting, in a June 2020 article published by OECD Education and Skills Today, EI General Secretary Edwards capitalized on COVID lockdowns as an opportunity to lock government and union stakeholders into public-private ed-tech partnerships, partnerships that facilitate the digital data-mining infrastructure necessary for Social Credit surveillance and social impact investment markets. Pointing to the educational disruption from COVID lockdowns as a crisis that shouldnt go to waste, Edwards makes the case for a new normal in which governments and teachers unions partner with ed-tech companies to equip schools with the tools needed to transmit online education at all times: [t]he pandemic has exposed the many inadequacies and inequities in our education systems from the broadband and computers needed for online education, through the supportive environments needed to focus on learning, up to the difficulties found to align teaching resources with needs. However, as these inequities are amplified in this time of crisis, this moment also holds the possibility that we will not return to the status quo when things get back to normal. Governments and unions can act jointly and it is the nature of these collective and systemic responses to the disruptions that will determine how we are affected by them. There is a clear path forward. By stressing the need to ensure that all students have equitable access to virtual online education technologies in the new normal, even after any epidemiological justification disappears, Edwardss OECD article ostensibly calls for government administrators and unionized teachers to take a clear path forward. That path involves upgrading schools with the ed-tech and digital ID networks necessary to data-mine student outcomes for social impact financing in the Social Credit economy of the Fourth Industrial Revolution. It should be noted here that the OECD has spearheaded efforts to establish international standards for multinational courseware exchanges in coordination with the US Department of Education under the aegis of Assistant Secretary of Ed, Donald Senese, who attended a 1984 OECD Centre for Educational Research and Innovation conference while carrying out Project BEST and UNESCO Study 11, which laid the global IT infrastructure for the Fourth Industrial Revolution. To be sure, more recently, in April of 2021, Edwards published an EI article, On Edtech, the Public Good, and Democracy, which critiques the COVID-era expansion of public-private ed-tech partnerships that corporatize schools with commercialized artificial intelligence products utilizing algorithms to data-mine students. Nevertheless, Edwards concedes that, [f]ollowing the pandemic, new technology is not going to disappear from schools. Therefore, according to Edwards, it is urgent to cull through experience, evaluate impact and measure positive and negative effects. Of course, Edwards acknowledges that, [i]f adapting education to the impact of COVID-19 accelerates the long-term integration of ed-tech companies into the infrastructure of education, that may have a lasting impact. As a result, Edwards admits that [s]eparating the good from the bad may be as challenging as unscrambling an egg. Obviously, building on this analogy, it is quite impossible to unscramble an egg, which means that we can interpret Edwardss analogy as his resignation to the fact that the Fourth Industrial Revolution in AI ed-tech will inevitably result in a certain degree of technocratic corporatization which cannot be avoided. In turn, Edwards resolves that the future of education in the post-COVID era must be driven by the education technology industry so long as educators through their trade unions are at the table when [ed-tech] policy is discussed, developed, and decided. However, as Ive noted throughout my Teachnocracy series for Unlimited Hangout, these trade unions hardly represent the needs of individual teachers and are instead dominated by their numerous ties to Big Tech and global governance institutions. Similarly, this EI article echoes a joint statement co-authored by EI General Secretary Edwards along with Audrey Azoulay, who is the Director-General of UNESCO; Henrietta Fore, who was the Executive Director of the United Nations International Childrens Emergency Fund (UNICEF); and Guy Ryder, who is the Director-General of the International Labor Organization (ILO), which is the first and oldest UN specialized agency. Published by UNICEF in October of 2020, this joint statement from Edwards and his UN comrades proclaims that: [in order to] build a more resilient teacher workforce in times of crisis, all teachers should be equipped with digital and pedagogical skills to teach remotely, online, and through blended or hybrid learning, whether in high-, low- or no-tech environments. Governments should ensure the availability of digital infrastructure and connectivity everywhere, including in rural and remote areas. . . . We call on governments . . . to involve teachers and their representative organizations in the COVID-19 educational response and recovery. Like Edwardss 2021 EI article, this EI-UN joint statement calls for governments and teachers to coordinate educational workforce reforms that upgrade the worlds schools with ubiquitous internet connectivity hooked up to digital ed-tech that transmits blended or hybrid learning curriculums through online platforms which beam virtual instruction into even the most isolated rural and remote areas. It should be noted that EI General Secretary Edwards and his UN cronies have titled this UNICEF proclamation as Teachers: Learning in Crisis, Reimagining the Future, which invokes the emergency COVID reimagine education campaign of the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation. That Gates-backed campaign has launched public-private ed-tech partnerships in collaboration with Bilderberger Eric Schmidt, who is a Technical Advisor at Googles parent company: Alphabet Inc. In my last two Activist Post articles, I documented how the Gates-Google Reimagine initiative, which is being parroted by Edwards and his UN cadre, is setting up ed-tech networks that can aggregate cognitive-behavioral and socioemotional learning analytics into Social Credit algorithms programmed to restrict a students access to public services and commercial markets based on his or her psychometric Social Scores. Even prior to the COVID expansion of ed-tech, Edwards was mentoring his fellow EI technocrat, Jelmer Evers, who co-authored a 2018 book titled Teaching in the Fourth Industrial Revolution: Standing at the Precipice, which is sponsored by several UNESCO and WEF affiliates, including Irina Bokova, who was the Director-General of UNESCO; Fernando M. Reimers, who is a member of UNESCOs International Commission on the Futures of Education; Sunny Varkey, who has served as a UNESCO Goodwill Ambassador for Education Partnerships; and Vikas Pota, who was part of the WEFs 2013 class of Young Global Leaders [1]. In the Acknowledgments prelude to Teaching in the Fourth Industrial Revolution, EI activist Jelmer Evers thank[s] [EI General Secretary] David Edwards and [EI General Secretary Emeritus] Fred van Leeuwen and all of my [Everss] colleagues at Education International for helping to inspir[e] Everss contributions to this Routledge book [1]. Prompted in part by insights from Edwards, Teaching in the Fourth Industrial Revolution promotes transhumanist ed-tech that utilizes AI, biotech, [n]eurotech, nanotech, [r]obotics, and other [i]mplantable [t]ech which integrates machine learning through Big Data linked to the Internet of Things [1]. It is worth noting here that the Foreword to this book was written by none other than WEF Founder and Executive Chairman, Klaus Schwab [1], who has been touting the purported wonders of transhumanist 4IR tech which he predicts will fus[e] . . . our physical, our digital, and our biological identities. To sum up, in collaboration with the WEF, the OECD, and the UN, EI General Secretary Edwards has been coordinating international efforts to convert unionized teachers into technocratic managers of digital school-to-work curriculums designed to train students for hi-tech workforce competence in the impact-financed Social Credit economy of the transhumanist Fourth Industrial Revolution. Sharan Burrow and the EI-ITUC Connection: A Brave New World Order Near the apex of the EI chain of command, above Edwardss status as General Secretary, is an Australian named Sharan Burrow, who has reigned as Vice President of EI from 1995 to 2000. After her tenure as EI Vice President, Burrow, who was the President of the Australian Council of Trade Unions, became the President of another Global Union Federation: the International Confederation of Free Trade Unions (ICFTU). Burrow held the ICFTU presidency from 2004 until 2006 when the ICFTU merged with the World Confederation of Labor (WCL) to form a new GUF, the International Trade Union Confederation (ITUC). At ITUC, she was appointed as the ITUC Founding President. In 2010, Burrow transitioned from ITUC Founding President to ITUC General Secretary. To this day, Burrow remains the General Secretary of the ITUC, which is an affiliate of EI as both GUFs are members of the Council of Global Unions (CGU) as well as the Trade Union Advisory Committee of the OECD. Meanwhile, Burrow has spoken at the G20; served on the Governing Body of the ILO; held several prestigious positions at the WEF; and collaborated with the UN, the World Bank, and the IMF. With her web of connections to these pillars of world governance, international finance, and Global Union Federations, such as EI and the ITUC, Burrow has been rallying teachers around ed-tech innovations geared for Social Credit data-mining and social impact investing in the Fourth Industrial Revolution. In 2016, Burrow was a Chair of the WEF Annual Meeting, which was themed Mastering the Fourth Industrial Revolution. Burrows Co-Chairs included Satya Nadella, who is the Chair and CEO of Microsoft; Hiroaki Nakanishi, who was the Chair and CEO of Hitachi; and Tidjane Thiam, who was the CEO of Credit Suisse in Switzerland; Mary Barra, who is the Chair and CEO of General Motors; and Amira Yahyaoui, who is the Founder of the WEFs Global Shapers Community initiative. Presaging the proliferation of post-human virtual reality in the Fourth Industrial Revolution, this WEF Annual Meeting premiered [a] virtual reality [VR] film, Collisions, supported by the Sundance Institute, Ford Foundation and Jaunt VR. At another session entitled Robots in Action, the WEF offered an interactive exhibition in which conference members could [e]ngage with experts on artificial intelligence . . . focusing on human-robot collaboration. In a Media Fact Sheet for this 2016 Annual Meeting, the WEF welcomed the transhumanist techno-evolution of the Fourth Industrial Revolution: [b]uilding on a ubiquitous and mobile internet, smaller, and more powerful sensors, as well as artificial intelligence and machine learning, the Fourth Industrial Revolution is distinct in the speed, scale and force at which it transforms entire systems of production, distribution, consumptionand possibly the very essence of human nature. In brief, Burrow and other corporatist technocrats co-chaired this pivotal WEF-4IR meeting to advocate for the post-human advancement of robotic and VR technologies programmed with AI machine learning that could evolve human-robot mergers through powerful sensors that could alter the very essence of human nature. Full speed ahead, Burrow has been pushing the WEFs Great Reset to fast-track the Fourth Industrial Revolution. In June 2020, Burrow kicked off the Great Reset with Prince Charles of Wales, WEF Chairman Klaus Schwab, IMF Chief Kristalina Georgieva, IMF Chief Economist Gina Gopinath, UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres, and the Chief Executives of Microsoft and Mastercard. At the WEFs inauguration of the Great Reset, Burrow professed that the COVID-19 crisis could be used as an opportunity to design a better world by rebalancing economies with new technology systems through public-private stakeholder partnerships between both national and multilateral institutions in a sustainable framework. That same year, in 2020, Burrow was a Co-Chair of the WEFs first Global Technology Governance Summit, which concentrated on Responding to the Fourth Industrial Revolution by exploring the possibilities of Artificial Intelligence, Quantum Computing, Autonomous Vehicles, Drones, Big Data, the Internet of Things (IoT), Blockchain, Digital/Crypto Currencies, Cybersecurity, Gene Editing, and Synthetic Biology. As Co-Chair, Burrow collaborated with more than 50 governments and 300 companies worldwide. Among the 600 stakeholders are senior public figures, policy-makers, executives and experts from: Government, Industry, International Organizations, Start-Ups, Civil Society, Academia, [and] Media. In summary, as General Secretary of the ITUC, which is an affiliate of EI, former EI Vice President Burrow has been driving the WEFs Great Reset by orchestrating techno-fascist stakeholder globalization through public-private partnerships between multinational corporations, national governments, academic institutions, and trade and professional unions, including teachers unions. By steering stakeholder globalization toward the WEFs Great Reset, Burrow has been laying the groundwork for a Brave New World of transhumanist 4IR tech that eventually aims to genetically engineer those destined for workforce serfdom in a Huxleyan scientific caste system of literal human resources who can be conditioned with ed-tech. Such ed-tech, as we are already seeing, is hooked up to Big Databases on quantum computers programmed with AI, which can track and trace students Social Credit algorithms through a blockchain IoT [2]. Currently, Burrow is a Member of the WEFs Global Future Council on Advanced Manufacturing. Last year, in 2021, she was also a Member of the WEFs Global Risks Report Advisory Board along with the following WEF Advisory Board Members: Winnie Byanyima, who represented the UN as the Executive Director of the Joint United Nations Programme on HIV and AIDS (UNAIDS); Al Gore, who represented Generation Investment Management (GIM) as the Chairman of GIM and is on the WEFs board of trustees; Moises Naim, who represented the Carnegie philanthropies as a Distinguished Fellow of the Carnegie Endowment for International Peace; Jonathan Ostry, who represented the International Monetary Fund as the Deputy Director of the Research Department of the IMF. Additionally, Burrow has also served as a Steward of several WEF initiatives, including Shaping the Future of New Economy and Society; Shaping the Future of Gender, Education and Work; and Shaping the Future of Global Public Goods. All three of these Platforms partner with Hewlett Packard Enterprise (HPE), Hewlett Packard Inc. (HP), Microsoft, Salesforce, the Gates Foundation, Bank of America, and Barclays. Both the Platform for Shaping the Future of New Economy and Society, which is now renamed as the Centre for the New Economy and Society (CNES), and the Platform for Shaping the Future of Gender, Education and Work partner with Accenture, AT&T, Google, Infosys, LinkedIn, Nokia, PayPal, Bloomberg, and the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE) Group. At the same time, both the CNES and the Platform for Shaping the Future of Global Public Goods, which is now renamed as the Centre for Nature and Climate (CNC), have partnered with Amazon, Dell Technologies, the European Investment Bank, the Islamic Development Bank, McKinsey & Company, the Open Society Foundations, and Johnson & Johnson. Meanwhile, both the Platform for Shaping the Future of Gender, Education and Work and the CNC have partnered with Boston Consulting Group. Separately, these three WEF Platforms, which have been stewarded by ITUC General Secretary Burrow, have partnered with the following Big Tech industries, multinational ed-tech companies, Big Energy cartels, biotech businesses, Big Banking houses, international financial firms, fiscal consulting agencies, globalist tax-exempt foundations, corporate non-profit organizations, and world governance institutions: Alphabet Inc., Google's parent company, has cautioned Google employees about how they use AI chatbots, including its own Bard, as they were marketing the program around the world. Four sources familiar with the matter told Reuters the company had advised employees not to enter confidential materials into AI chatbots, citing a long-standing policy on safeguarding information. The sources also said Alphabet alerted its engineers to avoid the direct use of computer code that chatbots can generate. "Don't include confidential or sensitive information in your Bard conversations," Google's June 1 privacy notice stated. In a comment to the advisory, Google said Bard could make undesired code suggestions despite it helping programmers. The company also aimed to become transparent about the limitations of its technology. Bard and its competitor, OpenAI's ChatGPT, are human-sounding programs using so-called generative AI to converse with users and answer multiple prompts. Read Also: Mandiant Says Chinese Hackers Broke Into Barracuda Zero-Day to Spy on Governments Risk Posed by AI Chatbots Google's concerns show how Google aimed to reduce business harm or risk from the software it launched in competition with ChatGPT, which OpenAI and Microsoft backed. The company aimed to win investments, as well as advertising and cloud revenue from new A programs. The caution also reflected the common move by corporations to warn personnel about using publicly-available chat programs, such as Samsung, Amazon, Deutsche Bank, Apple, and Reuters. According to a January 2023 Fishbowl survey, there were around 43% of nearly 12,000 professional respondents used ChatGPT and other AI tools without prior supervisor approval. The survey included employees from top US-based companies. By February, Business Insider reported Google told staff testing Bard before launching not to give internal information. Bard was built with Google's in-house Language Model for Dialogue Applications (LaMDA) AI engine. Now that Google was rolling Bard out to most of the world, the warnings were extended to its code suggestions. Google also told Reuters it has had detailed conversations with Ireland's Data Protection Commission, as well as addressed regulators' questions. The comments were provided after Politico made a report Tuesday that the company was postponing Bard's EU launch this week pending more information about the chatbot's impact on privacy. AI and Sensitive Information There are fears that AI technology could draft emails, documents, or even software to speed up tasks. However, such outputs could also contain misinformation, sensitive data, and even copyrighted passages from published books or undesired code suggestions. Some companies have developed software to address such concerns, such as Cloudflare, which defends websites from cyberattacks and offers cloud services. The use of software as a way of putting AI in its place is a marketing capability for businesses to tag and restrict some data from flowing externally. Cloudflare CEO Matthew Prince said typing confidential matters into chatbots was "turning a bunch of PhD students loose in all of your private records." Meanwhile, Google and Microsoft offer conversational tools to business customers that would be much more expensive than their current AI chatbots but would refrain them from absorbing data into public AI models, such as the default setting of Bard and ChatGPT. Microsoft consumer CMO Yusuf Mehdi said it "[made] sense" companies would not want their staff to use public chatbots for work. "Companies are taking a duly conservative standpoint," he said, explaining how Microsoft's free Bing chatbot compared with its enterprise software. "There, our policies are much more strict." However, Microsoft declined to comment on whether it has a blanket ban on staff entering confidential information into public AI programs, including its own, but an unidentified executive told Reuters he personally restricted his own use. Related Article: Google Delays EU Rollout of Bard AI Chatbot @ 2023 HNGN, All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission. House Homeland Security Committee Chairman Mark Green possesses evidence that some Chinese migrants that crossed the southern border illegally and were released into the U.S. under the Biden administration are connected to the Chinese Communist Party and Chinas Peoples Liberation Army (PLA), he told the Daily Caller News Foundation during a press conference Wednesday. The intelligence came directly from a Border Patrol sector chief, Green told the DCNF. Border Patrol has seen a roughly 393% increase in illegal Chinese migrants at the southern border, with 9,711 Chinese migrant encounters recorded between October 2022 and April. In terms of the verification that the individuals released into the United States have ties to the PLA came from a sector chief and Ill leave it with that at this point. We have a classified briefing coming up in the very near future, Green said. NEW: I asked @RepMarkGreen about his claims that the Biden admin is releasing migrants tied to the CCP/PLA into the US interior Green said the intel came directly from a Border Patrol Chief@DailyCaller pic.twitter.com/XUZtHhTbc4 Jennie Taer (@JennieSTaer) June 14, 2023 China expert Gordon Chang recently expressed concerns of sabotage among Chinese migrants crossing the southern border in an interview with the DCNF. When I first saw that the surge in Chinese migrants, thats the thought that came to my mind that these are either Ministry of State Security agents or Chinese military, who are coming to this country to commit acts of sabotage against the US, Chang said at the time. Green announced the revelation while presenting his evidence suggesting Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas is guilty of dereliction of duty in his handling of the crisis at the southern border. Greens committee released a report on Wednesday about its initial findings on a five-phase investigation into Mayorkas tenure, saying the probe will conclude in roughly 12 weeks. I believe that the major fault falls with Secretary Mayorkas, Green said. DHS defended Mayorkas leadership and handling of the southern border in a statement to the DCNF. Secretary Mayorkas is proud to advance the noble mission of the Department, support its extraordinary workforce, and serve the American people. The Department will continue to enforce our laws and secure our border, protect the United States from terrorism, and improve our cybersecurity, all while building a safe, orderly, and humane immigration system. Instead of pointing fingers and pursuing baseless attacks, Congress should work with the Department and pass comprehensive legislation to fix our broken immigration system, which has not been updated in decades, a DHS spokesperson told the DCNF. So, the CDC has a quasi-secret equivalent of the CIA but for diseases: Epidemic Intelligence Service (EIS). It appears to be filled with Technocrats who represent science and who are engaged in clandestine operations designed to control the narrative of infectious diseases. COVID-19 appears to be a classic intelligence-style operation. TN Editor CDC director Dr. Rochelle Walensky is departing at the end of June and Joe Biden has tapped former North Carolina health boss Dr. Mandy Cohen to replace her. More important than the identity of the CDC director is what goes on behind the scenes, and hints have been emerging. In April of 2021, the CDC reassigned Dr. Nancy Messonnier, longtime director of the CDCs National Center for Immunization and Respiratory Diseases (NCIRD). In a May 7, 2021 White House briefing, Walensky suddenly announced that Messonnier was stepping down. Dr. Messonnier has been a true hero, Walensky told reporters. And through her career, in terms of public health, shes been a steward of public health for the nation. Over this pandemic and through a many-decade career, shes made significant contributions, and she leaves behind a strong, strong force of leadership and courage in all that shes done. Walensky neglected to mention Messonniers series of telebriefings in early 2020, conducted on January 17, January 24, January 29, January 30, February 3, February 5, February 12, February 25, and March 10. In these sessions, not shown to the public, Messonnier warned that a novel coronavirus had emerged from the Wuhan market and the highly contagious new virus would gain a foothold in the United States. According to Messonnier, many people would be infected, and there was no immunity. Some reporters were curious about people traveling to the United States from Wuhan. Thats something Im not at liberty to talk about today, Messonnier said in the February 5 briefing, without revealing why that was so, or who was laying down the rules. On January 24, reporters who asked about China were told, CDC has a team thats been in China for many years where we work closely with the Department of Health in China. There was information from China but Messonnier wasnt giving it out. I think we should be clear to compliment the Chinese, Messonnier said, on the early recognition of the respiratory outbreak center in the Wuhan market, and how rapidly they were able to identify it as a novel coronavirus. And so on, a veritable recitation of Chinas talking points, but there was more to it. In May of 2021, Walensky also failed to mention that true hero Nancy Messonnier was an officer of the Epidemic Intelligence Service (EIS), the CDCs elite team of disease detectives, patrolling the world to prevent epidemics from arriving on American soil. EIS officers serve on the front lines of public health, protecting Americans and the global community, the CDC claims. When diseases and public health threats emerge, EIS officers investigate, identify the cause, rapidly implement control measures, and collect evidence to recommend preventive actions. In practice, as Peter Duesberg noted in Inventing the AIDS Virus, the EIS functions as a medical CIA, a support network for the CDC in government, academia, and media. For example, EIS veteran Lawrence Altman became a medical writer for the New York Times and in 2010 rendered a worshipful account of the intelligence service. In 1995, after completing her residency in internal medicine at the University of Pennsylvania, Nancy Messonnier went straight into the EIS. She shows up in the 2013 EIS conference report as a co-author of two studies on vaccine effectiveness, one in Burkina Faso and one in Washington, among adolescents vaccinated with acellular pertussis vaccines. Messonniers Wikipedia profile shows the EIS officer in a jacket emblazoned with medals. According to the site, she was born Nancy Ellen Rosenstein, sister of Rod Rosenstein, the Justice Department official who launched the investigation of President Trump for allegedly colluding with Russia. Messonniers connection to Rosenstein, and her experience with the EIS, did not emerge at the outset of 2020. By October, the EIS did briefly expose itself. We are proud of our training and service in the EIS, promoting CDCs vital mission to protect the health of the American people, claims an October 14, 2020 Open Letter by Epidemic Intelligence Service Officers Past and Presentin Support of CDC. As the letter explains, the US epidemic is sustained by deadly chains of transmission that crisscross the entire country. How the deadly epidemic managed to escape the intrepid EIS, land stateside, and crisscross the entire country the letter does not explain. The signers express our concern about the ominous politicization and silencing of the nations health protection agency during the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. In reality, the CDC was anything but silentexcept on the EIS connections of Nancy Messonnier, their major mouthpiece on the pandemic. The 2013 conference she attended provides enlightenment on the CDCs medical CIA. Fifty-seven of the new officers are women (70%), and 12 are citizens of other nations (15%), explains Douglas H. Hamilton, director of the EIS division of applied science. Besides the United States, this years officers represent Cambodia, China, Kenya, Mongolia, Nepal, Nigeria, Peru, South Korea, Taiwan, Uganda, and the United Kingdom. (emphases added) The CDCs Epidemic Intelligence Service is actually a multinational body that includes officers from the Peoples Republic of China. Embattled Americans might wonder which nations interests the Chinese EIS officers represent, and if any were on the CDC team working with China for many years. The CDCs intrepid disease detectives obviously failed to prevent the novel coronavirus from arriving in America, crisscrossing the country, and causing untold misery and death. The people have a right to wonder what the EIS officers, including any Chinese nationals, were doing at the time. Remember, when reporters asked Nancy Messonnier about travel from Wuhan, she wasnt at liberty to talk about that. The true hero and outgoing CDC boss Walensky needs to talk about it now, under oath, for as long as it takes. Embattled Americans have a right to know which government official or politician slapped a gag order on Messonnier. The people also need to know the identities of all EIS officers in China in 2019 and 2020, their activities, travel schedules and a lot more. Biden CDC pick Dr. Mandy Cohen provides another opportunity. Cohen is the lockdown promoter who once strapped on a mask bearing a portrait of Dr. Anthony Fauci, the longtime NIAID boss who claimed I represent science. Fauci also funded the Wuhan Institute of Virology to conduct the gain-of-function research that makes viruses more lethal and transmissible. Fauci claims that the COVID virus arose naturally in the wild. By contrast, when former CDC director Robert Redfield found evidence of a laboratory origin, he got death threats. No word of any FBI investigation, but FBI Director Christopher Wray now assesses that the origins of the pandemic are most likely a potential lab incident in Wuhan. In the confirmation hearing for Dr. Cohen, someone should ask the Biden pick if China, the EIS, Fauci and Messonnier ever said or did anything with which she disagreed. The struggle against white coat supremacy is the struggle of memory against forgetting. Read full story here Scientists have created synthetic human embryos using stem cells, in a groundbreaking advance that sidesteps the need for eggs or sperm. Scientists say these model embryos, which resemble those in the earliest stages of human development, could provide a crucial window on the impact of genetic disorders and the biological causes of recurrent miscarriage. However, the work also raises serious ethical and legal issues as the lab-grown entities fall outside current legislation in the UK and most other countries. The structures do not have a beating heart or the beginnings of a brain, but include cells that would typically go on to form the placenta, yolk sac and the embryo itself. Prof Magdalena ?ernicka-Goetz, of the University of Cambridge and the California Institute of Technology, described the work in a plenary address on Wednesday at the International Society for Stem Cell Researchs annual meeting in Boston. We can create human embryo-like models by the reprogramming of [embryonic stem] cells, she told the meeting. There is no near-term prospect of the synthetic embryos being used clinically. It would be illegal to implant them into a patients womb, and it is not yet clear whether these structures have the potential to continue maturing beyond the earliest stages of development. 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. Annual fintech revenues are forecasted to hit $1.5 trillion by 2030, representing a sixfold growth, with banking-related fintech accounting for a quarter of all banking valuations. With almost 80% of the world's adult population either underbanked or unbanked, according to research by the Boston Consulting Group, there is both an enormous opportunity and an urgency for fintech solutions across all segments. Company valuations have been in freefall since mid-2022, and despite unprecedented challenges, fintech companies successfully raised $128 billion in investments last year. There are now more than 500 fintech unicorns globally, and the industry has been buoyed by slow and steady revenue growth. According to Pitch Book's Enterprise Fintech Report, fintech funding demonstrated a rebound in deal value and activity this year. Digital payments company Stripe kicked off the first quarter of 2023 by raising $6.5 billion, the largest private fundraise in US history. This landmark deal bolstered the $11.8 billion in investments executed during the quarter, however, even without it, there was an encouraging 7.6% increase in deal value versus the last quarter of 2022. 9 Exciting Fintechs To Watch The future of fintech looks bright. Here are nine more U.S. fintech companies making an impact. 1. Coinflip In the Web3 space, Chicago-based Coinflip owns and operates the world's largest cryptocurrency ATMs, where anyone can buy crypto with cash across the US. It has recently launched CoinFlip Ventures, a new initiative that will support Web3-based start-up companies. 2. Ava Labs Brooklyn headquartered Ava Labs is the creator of the blockchain platform Avalanche, and has simplified the launch of finance applications using blockchain technology, providing one of the highest transaction speeds available in the market. Since 2022 more than 500 decentralized finance apps have been built on Avalanche. 3. Stax Stax made history in 2022 becoming Orlando's first homegrown unicorn, raising $254 million. The company has processed over $23 billion in payments for 22,000 companies across the US in just three years. 4. Melio An online payment platform for businesses to pay their bills, Melio is built with small businesses in mind as a way to digitally manage business-to-business payments and receivables. The company raised $250 million in 2021, securing a $4 billion valuation. 5. Brex This banking fintech startup is located in San Francisco, and is on track to surpass revenues of $500 million in the next 12 months. The credit-card startup has seen a surge in usage of its products following this year's regional banking turmoil. 6. Chime Founded in 2013, Chime's business model offers free mobile banking services to its customers. The San Francisco-based fintech is estimated to have over 21.6 million account holders, more than any other neobank in the US. 7. Propel According to CEO Jimmy Chen, the function of Propel is to "Create financial software for low-income Americans". The EBT mobile app enables the user to keep track of their food stamps, clip coupons, and view government benefits and entitlements without the need to call a 1800 number or visit a government website. The startup raised $50 million in a Series B round last year. 8. Lev Online lending fintech Lev was founded in 2019 and provides a technology platform for digitizing commercial real estate transactions. Lev secured $170 million in funding in May 2022 and since launching the CRE transaction platform has grown to become one of the industry's top 100 loan originators, having facilitated over $1.5 billion to date. 9. NEXT Insurance A leading digital insurtech providing coverage to help transform small businesses, NEXT's technologically advanced, in-house pay-as-you-go offering for workers' compensation enables better cash flow management for small businesses, and ensures they only pay for the coverage they need. If you're looking to align your skill set with an exciting role in a fledgling fintech company, or work at an established tech business, the Tech Times Job Board has a wealth of excellent prospects for the right candidates. Below are three roles to consider. Senior Product Manager, App ads, App Platforms, Apple, New York. Are you a talented technical product manager with outstanding product intuition and a keen understanding of what makes for an extraordinary customer experience? Apple is recruiting a Senior Product Manager with experience building high-performing visual ad formats or similar UI optimizations. You'll work closely with cross-functional teams to define and drive product strategy. For more details, see the full job description here. ServiceNow Developer, Senior, Booz Allen Hamilton, Boston. As a ServiceNow Developer at Booz Allen Hamilton, you'll use your passion to master new tools and techniques and identify needed system improvements. Based in Boston MA, this role is more than just coding; if you're looking for the chance to not just develop software, but to create a system that will make a difference, this might be the role for you. Software Engineer, Product - Monetization, Meta, Bellevue. If you are ready to transform the way people and businesses connect and communicate and want to develop industry-leading solutions that will power next-generation, large-scale platforms, then this Software Engineer, Product - Monetization job at Meta could be a fit. You'll also develop AI services to help connect billions of people around the world. Further details are available here. For all the latest career opportunities visit the Tech Times Job Board today Samsung's Galaxy Watches will soon get a most sought-after feature. The popular tech giant recently announced that its Irregular Heart Rhythm Notification (IHRN) would be available to Galaxy Watch users in the US and 12 other countries. The notification was previously available on the Samsung Health Monitor app, requiring those who want their heart rate to be monitored with Samsung's tech to get the app. Samsung Irregular Heart Rhythm Notification Coverage Details Samsung mentioned in its announcement that its Galaxy Watch users in the US and 12 other countries would soon receive IHRNs starting this summer. According to the company, the feature's addition is part of the new One UI 5 Watch update, which it announced in early May. When combined with the Health Monitor app's Blood pressure and Electrocardiogram monitoring, the IHRN can detect heart rhythms suggestive of atrial fibrillation (AFib), helping Galaxy Watch users understand their heart health more comprehensively. The feature can also check for irregular heart rhythms in the background to alert Galaxy Watch users of potential AFib activity, providing them with "even deeper insights into their cardiovascular health." However, Samsung advises people that its IHRN feature is not intended for providing a notification on every episode of irregular rhythm suggestive of AFib. Similarly, the absence of notifications doesn't mean that a disease process wasn't present, nor is the feature meant for users with other known arrhythmias. Read More: Marvel Studios to Release a Stan Lee Documentary on Disney+ Samsung received approval from the Korean Ministry of Food and Drug Safety to launch the app in its home country of South Korea following the US FDA's recent clearance. As such, the feature will soon be available in the following countries: United States Argentina Azerbaijan Costa Rica Dominican Republic Ecuador Georgia Guatemala Hong Kong Indonesia Panama UAE Korea Samsung already made the feature available to 74 other countries before it expanded its coverage to the 13 countries previously listed. These countries include most of the EU, Mexico, Australia, Costa Rica, Taiwan, Thailand, Singapore, and Nicaragua. Hon Pak, Vice President and Head of Digital Health Team, MX Business at Samsung Electronics, mentioned that Samsung is committed to helping users stay informed about their heart health. He added that the company is "constantly exploring new ways to help Galaxy Watch users obtain deeper insights on their health and wellness effortlessly, day and night." Samsung Irregular Heart Rhythm Notification Availability Details Samsung mentioned that the feature would first be available on the upcoming Galaxy Watch devices this year, and it will expand its availability to other Galaxy Watch models later in the foreseeable future, like the Galaxy Watch 5 and the upcoming Galaxy Watch 6. However, it warned that the feature's availability varies by country, carrier, model, or paid smartphone. As such, the IHRN would only be available on Galaxy Watch 4 series smartwatches and other later models, as part of the new One UI 5 Watch update, as previously mentioned. Related Article: Samsung Releases Its 49-Inch OLED Gaming Monitor Veteran British actress and former politician Glenda Jackson has died peacefully after a brief illness at the age of 87, her agent has confirmed. The screen star and former Labour MP for Hampstead in London won the Oscar for best actress in 1970 for Women In Love and again three years later for A Touch Of Class although opted not to attend the ceremony on either occasion. Advertisement Her agent Lionel Larner said: Glenda Jackson, two-time Academy Award winning actress and politician died peacefully at her home in Blackheath London this morning after a brief illness with her family at her side. She recently completed filming The Great Escaper in which she co-starred with Michael Caine. Michael Caine and Glenda Jackson starring alongside one another again for their new film The Great Escaper (Rob Youngson/PA) Advertisement Despite her successful career, which also included two Emmy Awards and a Tony, Jackson previously said she never had any interest in the social and glamorous aspects of the industry. Advertisement The double Oscar-winner gave up acting for politics more than a quarter of a century ago and served as a Labour MP for 23 years. Tulip Siddiq, Labour MP for Hampstead and Kilburn, which was Jacksons constituency from 2010 to 2015 after she previously held the old seat of Hampstead and Highgate from 1992 to 2010, paid tribute to her predecessor as a very supportive mentor and formidable politician. She tweeted: Devastated to hear that my predecessor Glenda Jackson has died. Advertisement A formidable politician, an amazing actress and a very supportive mentor to me. Hampstead and Kilburn will miss you Glenda. In 1992, Jackson was elected as the Labour MP for Hampstead and Highgate and served as a junior transport minister from 1997 to 1999 during Tony Blairs government. Jackson stood down as an MP at the 2015 UK general election and returned to acting. She won a Bafta for best actress in 2019 for her role in Elizabeth Is Missing, which followed the story of a woman suffering from dementia. Advertisement Glenda Jackson in Elizabeth Is Missing (Marsaili Mainz/BBC/PA) Jackson had just finishing filming The Great Escaper alongside fellow double Oscar-winner Michael Caine, who she had last acted with 48 years ago in The Romantic Englishwoman. Their new film tells a story, inspired by true events, of a second World War veteran who escaped his care home in Hove, East Sussex, to attend a commemoration of the 70th anniversary of the D-Day landings in France. Advertisement Advertisement Jackson said she only started acting after she failed her school certificate, leaving her with no option but to start working at the age of 16. She previously told the Times magazine of her childhood on the Wirral: Listen, I come from a family where if you didnt work, you didnt eat. That was the class structure. After joining a friend at the YMCA amateur dramatics society while she was working at her local Boots store, she went on to study at the Royal Academy of Dramatic Art (Rada). Comedy duo Eric Morecambe (right), Ernie Wise with actress Glenda Jackson (PA) She also played Egyptian queen Cleopatra in 1971 for an episode of The Morecambe & Wise Show with comedy duo Eric Morecambe and Ernie Wise. Speaking to the Radio Times about working with the late duo, whose popular show consisted of a mixture of sketches and stand-up comedy, Jackson said: Oh, I loved working with them. I found it extremely difficult to restrain my laughter when we were doing Cleopatra. Jackson also remembered her experience of working with the late theatre director Peter Brook, who she worked with on a 1967 production of Marat/Sade and described as a genius. Jackson also once said she would probably turn down a damehood if she were to be offered one, because what does it actually mean?. A woman who has been in a coma for more than 40 days after she suffered a catastrophic brain injury in a road traffic accident will continue to be cared for until at least next week under a regime approved last week by the president of the High Court. On Thursday, Mr Justice David Barniville agreed to the continuation of his order until the middle of next week so that expert reports on behalf of the woman's family and her court-appointed guardian can be obtained and circulated. Advertisement The care regime was approved in circumstances where the hospital the woman is in, and the HSE, want permission to remove some of the life supports, including mechanical ventilation, to see if she can breathe on her own. She has shown no improvement in more than 40 days. Advertisement She has however a breathing and cough reflex which is indicative of some brain stem function, the court heard. The woman's husband and son believe as long as there are signs of life, the supports should continue. The court was told last week that this was also in keeping with their religious and cultural beliefs. The case was adjourned until this week to allow the family and the guardian address the court before the judge considers an application to allow the hospital take the next steps including ending mechanical ventilation. Advertisement When the case returned before Mr Justice Barniville on Thursday, Michael Lynn SC, for the family, said he required more time to get independent evidence to support their case. A consultant neurosurgeon will prepare a report after he has seen her over the weekend, he said. Mr Lynn said he would not necessarily say there is a cultural and religious aspect to the case, but the family's faith was the same as the neurosurgeon who will see her. Counsel said he had no doubt that the doctor would be of assistance to the family. David Leahy SC, for the guardian, supported Mr Lynn's adjournment application as his side is having a report from an expert in intensive care medicine prepared and that will be available for circulation overnight or on Friday. Their expert would say whether advice from a neurologist was also required. Donal McGuinness BL, for the hospital and the HSE, said his side's position was that the medical evidence stated the continued prolonged intubation of the woman was not reasonable and was outside the standard of medical care. Advertisement Counsel said his side had agreed to continue the regime as it is to allow for discussion, but the continuation of that scenario was unreasonable because it can give rise to significant difficulties with the development of complications in the patient. He accepted getting reports from the other experts may be of benefit. Mr Justice Barniville said if there was ongoing distress to the woman it was something that would have to be taken into account. But having heard that she had not developed any of the possible complications so far, he was prepared to grant an adjournment. The judge said he was amenable to putting the matter back to next week to allow the parties to assemble such independent medical evidence as they feel is appropriate. He also gave directions for the circulation of the reports before the case comes back. A drug addict who falsely imprisoned a home invasion victim who was repeatedly punched, threatened with a scissors and forced to strip, has had his jail term reduced by a year by the Court of Appeal. Gerry Connors (26), received consecutive sentences totalling four and a half years last year for the false imprisonment of one male and for the robbery of another on a Dublin street. Advertisement At the sentencing hearing, Garda Karl ONeill told Elma Duffy BL, prosecuting, that he responded to a 999 call on April 27th, 2020. Gda O'Neill said that Edward Babos had been visiting his friends house at Ballyogan Road, Carrickmines, Co Dublin, and playing on his X-box when they heard banging at the door. When Mr Baboss friend opened the door, two men pushed inside. Gerry Connors and another male hit Mr Babos repeatedly and picked up scissors with which they both threatened him. Advertisement Mr Babos was told the scissors would be jammed in his eye. Both men then began to do lines of cocaine while repeatedly punching Mr Babos. The men searched Mr Babos and made him strip down to his underwear. They found his car keys in his pocket and told him they were going to an ATM to get money. Advertisement Threat Connors told Mr Babos: If you go to the gardai, we will kill you. Mr Babos managed to drive the car to his home and then called the gardai. Connors, of Bearna Park, Sandyford, also pleaded guilty to the robbery of Aaron Campbell at Kilcross estate in Sandyford on November 12th 2018. Gda ONeill told the court that Aaron Campbell was walking home when he was set upon by three men, one of whom was Gerry Connors. Connors threatened Mr Campbell and shouted: Hand over every bit of weed that you have. A set of Apple headphones, 150 and cigarettes were taken. The court heard that Mr Campbell was afraid that he would be stabbed, and he was also in fear for his family as the men said they knew where he lived. Mr Campbell contacted the gardai and Connors was arrested. Advertisement Advertisement At the Court of Appeal, Michael Bowman SC, for Connors, said the balance of punishment and rehabilitation had not been struck by the trial judge at Dublin Circuit Criminal Court, Judge Martin Nolan. Mr Bowman said that while Connors had crossed the threshold for a custodial sentence, more acknowledgement for his client's capacity for rehabilitation should have been included in the sentence. Mr Bowman said that Connors had drug addiction issues and a difficult upbringing but had made significant rehabilitation efforts insofar that he is drug-free. Counsel said his client pleaded guilty to the offences, had shown remorse and apologised. Advertisement Mr Bowman said the trial judge had not made any reference in his sentencing remarks to the principle of totality and said there had been "too little by way of suspension". Drug addiction Mr Justice Patrick McCarthy said Connors had shown "very impressive improvement" in dealing with his drug addiction. Jane McGowan BL, for the State, said that Connors was on bail at the time of the false imprisonment and that the judge had no discretion on whether or not to impose consecutive sentences. Regarding the balance between punishment and rehabilitation, Ms McGowan said judges had a wide margin of appreciation afforded to them in terms of what weight was to be applied to different aspects of cases and what legal principles should be applied. Advertisement Advertisement Ms McGowan said that while the trial judge had not referenced the totality principle in his sentencing remarks, the court could infer that the judge had regard to it. Counsel said that a discount of between 25-33 per cent had been applied by the trial judge, who did not refer to a headline sentence, which "does not reflect an error in substance or principle" on his behalf. Ms McGown said that the trial judge "had full regard to all of the mitigation before the court and crafted a sentence to meet the offences". Counsel said the trial judge "had due and proper regard to rehabilitation" to allow Connors' to keep up his efforts upon release. Mr Bowman said that in the aftermath of the false imprisonment Connors rang his mother saying he had made "the biggest mistake of his life". In allowing the appeal, Mr Justice McCarthy said the robbery and false imprisonment had been carried out in a "deplorable manner". "It does not appear this appellant was a ring-leader but as a fact he was engaged with two crimes at a high level," said Mr Justice McCarthy. Mr Justice McCarthy said the three-judge court would identify a headline sentence of eight years' imprisonment before mitigation and said the trial judge had taken account of the plea and mitigating factors without error. Mr Justice McCarthy said that the issue for the Court of Appeal centred on rehabilitation which had been given "insufficient weight" for what he described as Connors' "Herculean efforts". Mr Justice McCarthy said Connors had made "wholly exceptional efforts" and said Connors' character "was seen relatively rarely". The judge said the court would quash the original sentence imposed and re-sentence Connors to six years imprisonment but with two-and-a-half years suspended to allow for the "highly satisfactory" rehabilitation to continue. The Food Safety Authority of Ireland (FSAI) has served a notice on Thursday to Iceland Ireland for the withdrawal of all imported frozen food of animal origin imported into Ireland since March 3rd, 2023. The FSAI is also directing Metron Stores Limited who trades as Iceland Ireland to recall implicated product from consumers as well. Advertisement They are advising consumers not to eat any imported frozen food of animal origin bought from Iceland Ireland stores since March 3rd. Foods of animal origin are any food products that contain ingredients that come from an animal, such as chicken, meat, fish, eggs, dairy products, etc. This enforcement action is due to a number of identified breaches of food legislation and an ongoing investigation. They said the reasons for serving this notice include: Advertisement Inadequate evidence of traceability of imported frozen food of animal origin in Metron Stores Limited (trading as Iceland Ireland). There have been a number of incidents of non-compliance with import control legislation in relation to frozen foods of animal origin. Some frozen food of animal origin has been imported into Ireland without pre-notification and completion of entry declarations and health certificates since March 3rd, 2023. Discussions with the company have taken place and the investigation involves the FSAI; the Environmental Health Service of the Health Service Executive; the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine; the Sea-Fisheries Protection Authority. Advertisement According to Dr Pamela Byrne, chief executive of FSAI these are very serious breaches of food law. To date, while we have no reports of any illness associated with implicated products from Iceland Ireland stores, in the absence of the company providing valid and correct traceability documentation as required by the law, we have to take a precautionary approach to best protect consumers, as we cannot be fully confident of the traceability and safety of these imported frozen foods of animal origin. "As a precaution, we are therefore advising consumers not to eat imported frozen food of animal origin bought from Iceland Ireland stores since March 3rd, 2023. Advertisement "Foods of animal origin are any food products that contain ingredients that come from an animal, such as chicken, meat, fish, eggs, dairy products, etc. "It is the legal responsibility of any food business importing food into Ireland to make the correct import declarations for the food they are importing. "All food businesses must also have full traceability information on the food they are importing, producing, distributing and selling. Due to these breaches of food legislation and in the interest of consumer protection, this action has been taken." As part of the investigation, the FSAI has informed the European Commission, the Food Standards Agency (FSA) UK, Food Standards Agency Northern Ireland, and Food Standards Scotland and are sharing relevant information to support the investigation. The FSAI Gardai are appealing for witnesses to the train accident in Sligo. Jessica McLoughlin who was in her 40s was killed on the rail line at Knocks Park near Ballisodare at around 3:25pm Wednesday afternoon. Advertisement Her niece in her 20s who sustained broken bones and is still being treated in Sligo University Hospital tonight for non-life threatening injuries. Gardai are particularly keen to speak to passengers on the Dublin to Sligo train service, that arrived in Sligo at 2pm that day, and also passengers on the Dublin to Sligo service that left Sligo at 1pm. It comes as Garda forensic experts, inspectors from Iarnrod Eireann and the Railway Accident Investigation Unit (RAIU) have all launched separate inquiries into the incident. Both women are from Cranmore in Sligo town and were walking along the track when they were struck. Advertisement Advertisement Ireland Victim of Sligo rail tragedy named locally Read More As The Irish Times reports, while the investigations are at an early stage, some witnesses said the driver sounded the horn for a prolonged period before the collision. One eyewitness report, regarded as very reliable, said both women tried to get off the tracks to avoid the oncoming train. Gardai believe the women had been on an earlier train that day from Sligo but got off at Collooney, one stop away. It is not clear why the women alighted at that stop. Investigating gardai are hopeful Rebecca McLoughlin will be able to assist them when she is well enough to be interviewed. Chris Heaton-Harris has denied that his instruction to senior civil servants at Stormont to provide information on revenue-raising measures is an attempt to pressure the DUP to re-enter Stormont. Britain's Northern Ireland secretary has asked civil servants for information pertaining to revenue-raising measures such as domestic water charges, drug prescription charges and tuition fees, which he says will improve the sustainability of Northern Irelands public finances. Advertisement The DUP is blocking the devolved institutions in Belfast in a protest against post-Brexit trading arrangements and the party has insisted it will not return to Stormont until it secures further legislative assurances from the UK government around sovereignty and trade. Advertisement Senior civil servants are currently running public services in the region 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. Advertisement Speaking to media at Erskine House in Belfast on Wednesday, Mr Heaton-Harris denied that the request to civil servants is aimed at putting pressure on the DUP to re-enter Stormont. Is it some sort of pressure to get the executive up and running? No, because its about trying to make sure that the budget is sustainable and that we can deliver proper, quality public services as we move forward in Northern Ireland that are sustainable and financially affordable, he said. Advertisement Mr Heaton-Harris said the instruction to civil servants was to provide information to a future executive and he does not have the power to implement such revenue-raising measures. He did, however, say he will not rule anything out if the devolved government does not return. Secretary of State for Northern Ireland Chris Heaton-Harris during a press conference at Erskine House in Belfast on Wednesday. Photo: Liam McBurney/PA. Advertisement I do have the powers to go to consultation on some of these matters in the future, but I do not have the power to ask for revenue to be raised in Northern Ireland, he said. I actually truly believe that should be something that locally elected politicians should do. But I wouldnt rule out anything for the future if there was no executive in place. Mr Heaton-Harris is currently in negotiations with the DUP in relation to the restoration of the power-sharing institutions and said he has tonnes of patience. Advertisement Advertisement I dont set timelines and Im happy to move inch by inch, millimetre by millimetre to a solution which I think would be beneficial for everybody, which is when the executive is up and running and local decisions are being made by local people, he said But it has its frustrations too. Mr Heaton-Harris said the opportunities and costs of revenue-raising procedures will be evaluated (Liam McBurney/PA) Mr Heaton-Harris confirmed on Wednesday he has used new powers provided through passage of the Northern Ireland (Interim Arrangements) Act 2023 for the first time to request information and advice on the revenue-raising measures. His letter said he asked for information on measures such as introducing domestic water charges and drug prescription charges and increasing tuition fees. There is currently no charge to the public for medical prescriptions in the region and Northern Ireland students who study at local universities pay 4,630 a year in tuition fees, compared with a maximum of 9,250 in England. When asked about the impact of water and prescription charges on poorer households, Mr Heaton-Harris said the opportunities and costs of revenue-raising procedures will be evaluated. I mean, it would be much better if we did have an executive to be doing this and actually this information will be useful to any future executive in any choices that it might want to make, he said. Advertisement But, you know, these are important elements to understand that get a feeling for what can be raised, how it can be raised, what are the benefits and costs, opportunities and costs of doing any of these benefits or all of them? He said businesses have told him problems with water and sewage capacity are hindering development in Belfast. Ive been talking to businesses across Belfast who are now understanding the constraints of the water supply and the sewage issues that now are constraining development in the city, he said. And if you want a prosperous city of your nations capital it needs to expand and bring in the wealth and bring in the investment and part of that is the infrastructure. Mr Heaton-Harris set a deadline of the end of June for the information to be provided by civil servants. In the 2021 Spending Review, the British government said the total block grant for the Northern Ireland Executive would be 15 billion per year, on average, over the next three years. The government has provided around 7 billion in additional funding to Northern Ireland since 2014, on top of the Barnett-based block grant. A statement said the Northern Ireland Executive public spending per person is about 20 per cent higher than the equivalent British government spending in the rest of the UK. Advertisement Entertainment MGN journalists accused of digging around life o... Read More It added: The Secretary of State is seeking to ensure that work progresses towards a more sustainable budget position in Northern Ireland that better reflects the balance between locally generated revenue and UK government funding that is happening across the rest of the United Kingdom. The Secretary of State will continue to engage with Northern Ireland Civil Service departments on the detail of their responses. Any final decisions for implementation should be taken by Northern Irelands elected leaders. A Co Wicklow man has brought High Court proceedings over what he claims is the unlawful use and retention of inaccurate personal data on a website operated by the Central Bank of Ireland The claim has been made by Mark Dunne who has brought proceedings against the Central Bank of Ireland and financial company Cabot Financial (Ireland) Limited. Advertisement Mr Dunne with an address at Kilpoole Hill, Co Wicklow claims that information arising over a loan he obtained from a 20,000 loan he obtained from GE Capital Woodchester, which was taken over by Cabot some years ago, in 2006 can be seen on the Central Credit Register's website. The register, which is operated and governed, by the Central Bank, is a database that stores personal and credit information about loans of 500 or more on any individual person. Advertisement He claims that inaccurate information remains on the register's website about the loan, as he says that the loan was fully repaid and or written off in 2015. He claims that he was surprised, when checking up on his credit history he was surprised to see that the loan was still showing up on his own personal record on the Central Bank's website. Advertisement Mr Dunne claims he made his last payment on the loan in 2015, but much to his disbelief, Cabot have claimed in recent correspondence that some 2000 remains due and owing on the loan. However, Mr Dunne claims that his and his lawyers' attempts to get the Central Bank to have the matter corrected have not been successful. The failure to amend the register and remove what he claims is the inaccurate information amounts to breaches of his rights underGDPR, the EU regulation which governs the way in which how information and personal data about a person can be used, processed, and stored, Mr Dunne who has split from his partner claims that the illegally is hampering his attempts to obtain a mortgage he requires to obtain a new place to live. Advertisement Represented by John Temple Bl in structed by McGroddy Brennan solicitors Mr Dunne seeks injunctions restraining the Central Bank from processing, publishing his personal data on its website. He also wants to restrain website users from being able to access and use his data. He further seeks an injunction restraining Cabot from using, editing or publishing his data without his consent. If granted those injunctions would remain in place pending the final outcome of his action. In his proceedings against the defendant Mr Dunne seeks various declarations from the court including that the Central Bank has breach Mr Dunne's GDPR rights, and that Cabot have continued to unlawfully and disproportionately process his data, Mr Dunne also seeks orders for damages against the defendants. On Thursday afternoon Mr Justice Rory Mulcahy, on an ex-parte basis, granted Mr Dunne permission to serve short notice of his proceedings on the defendants. A man who assaulted five passengers in a series of unprovoked attacks on the C4 bus route from Dublin to Celbridge has been jailed for two years at Dublin Circuit Criminal Court. Jaroslow Kilian (39) of Cloverhill Prison, Dublin, was the subject of a deportation order and should not have been in Ireland when he randomly attacked several bus passengers on August 21st last year. Advertisement At a hearing on Thursday, the court heard he slapped, punched and kicked several passengers, causing concussion to two people and lasting PTSD to a woman, before threatening to kill gardai, who arrived to arrest him. Kilian pleaded guilty to two counts of assault causing harm and one count of assault, with a further three counts taken into consideration after the driver of the bus pulled over at the entrance to the Western Aerodrome on Celbridge Road in Lucan on the day in question. Advertisement One of the victims, who was punched full force in the face by Kilian after she tried to hide from him, continues to suffer from post-traumatic stress disorder and remains afraid to leave her house. In a victim impact statement read out on her behalf, the woman said the attack has changed her life, and she can no longer use public transport. I have lost my confidence. I have constant nightmares, panic attacks, anxiety attacks and headaches. PTSD is ruining my mind, said the woman. Advertisement Kilian, a Polish national who suffers from schizophrenia, was highly intoxicated on the day, the court heard. On his arrest at the scene, Kilian told gardai his name was James Bond and gave his address as The General Office, Underground. Illegally in Ireland He had been the subject of an exclusion order issued by the Minister for Justice and deported in December 2021 but returned illegally to Ireland two months later in February 2022. He wasnt supposed to be in Ireland. He shouldnt have been on the bus, said Judge Orla Crowe, noting that Kilian could not have been unaware that he was the subject of an exclusion order. Advertisement Judge Crowe said the whole series of events had been utterly unprovoked and unnecessary and that each attack represented a very serious violation of personal autonomy. Advertisement She said Kilian had been misbehaving from the off by making inappropriate sexual remarks to girls on the bus and noted the very serious and lasting impact of the attack on the woman who made a victim impact statement. He constituted a real threat to public safety and public order, said Judge Crowe. She set a headline sentence of three years but reduced this on account of mitigating factors, including Kilians severe and enduring mental illness, for which he is now being treated. Advertisement The court heard that Kilian wrote a short letter of apology to the victims and another to the court, which he disrupted during a previous appearance. The sentence was backdated to August 27th last year, when Kilian went into custody. Vulgar remarks Garda Michael Russell told Shaun Smyth BL, prosecuting, that the accused man got onto the bus at Aston Quay in Dublin. He was heard talking loudly on the phone and making vulgar remarks to female passengers before he started to slap and punch an Asian man sitting at the back of the bus, culminating in a loud crunch. This victim left his seat and got off the bus he has not been identified by gardai. Advertisement An Irishman then got on the bus and sat beside Kilian before seeming to become afraid and attempting to leave his seat. The accused then punched this man down the stairs, then pulled him back up and forced him to sit at the front. This victim was also not identified. Advertisement Danesh Ramesh, another passenger, became concerned for his girlfriend as Kilian approached her and told her to go downstairs. As Mr Ramesh tried to follow her, Kilian kicked him in the back of his head, causing him to lose his balance, fall down the stairs and hit his head. Mr Ramesh didnt give a victim impact statement but told gardai he felt very afraid and in pain. The court heard he suffered a concussion and blurred vision, for which he attended Connolly Memorial Hospital. The bus driver then pulled over at Mr Rameshs request and called the guards. The driver also opened all the doors to allow passengers to alight for their safety. Kilian then indiscriminately approached various passengers challenging them to fight, hitting one man. Punched woman in face A woman who was one of the last passengers to get off tried to hide from Kilian, but he came straight up to her and punched her full force in the nose and forehead, knocking her to the ground. She passed out and later told gardai she felt her head was going to come off her shoulders. One witness said the punch was so powerful that everyone heard it, and the woman had fallen straight to the floor. Advertisement Another victim saw Kilian demanding that two young girls give him their phones and intervened, telling him to go home. Kilian responded by grabbing two of the fixed bars on the bus and kicking this man hard in the stomach. When this victim got off the bus, Kilian punched him hard in the nose. Garda Russell said Kilian was aggressive and evidently intoxicated when they arrived, shouting and showing closed fists. He immediately charged at two gardai, necessitating the use of force to bring him down. On his arrest and while being restrained, Kilian said: I will kill you guys. I will break you f***ers. I will kill all of you. I will beat all of you on this bus. Previous convictions He has 27 previous convictions in this jurisdiction, including drugs and theft offences, assault, criminal damage and possession of stolen property. Kevin McCrave BL, defending, said Kilian was assessed and treated for schizophrenia while in custody in 2021 but that it took some time to find the correct medication for him. Mr McCrave said his client tended to take medication for a time and then, when he felt better, would stop taking it as he felt he didnt need it. Counsel said Killian identified himself as Jesus Christ when presenting himself to the hospital last year. Kilian has been on the correct medication since last November, the court heard. Counsel said Kilian instructed that he had been taking a selfie with a man on the bus when the man touched him, and he became violent. He said his client had come to Ireland in 2005 and had worked as a chef in many places, including in Tipperary and the Guinness Hop Store. Kilian has expressed genuine remorse and understands not to take alcohol or drugs which seem to trigger his offending, the court heard. The sentence was backdated to August 27th last, when Kilian was taken into custody on this matter. It appears that Twitter cannot catch a break since Elon Musk acquired the company. The social media giant is hit with another lawsuit over copyright infringement, with the plaintiffs saying that it allows users to post content with copyrighted music. Twitter Accused of Copyright Infringement The lawsuit filed at the Federal District Court in Nashville claims that the social media illegally used around 1,700 songs as users post copyrighted music without permission. The National Music Publisher's Association (NMPA), with 17 music publishers, filed the lawsuit. The Association's President, David Israelite stated that Twitter is the only large social media platform that has completely refused to license millions of songs on its service. Despite that, the company was said to be lax with its policies again copyright infringement in music. With approximately 1,700 infringed music, the lawsuit demands that Twitter pay for the damages at $150,000 for each song, which amounts to around $250 million. According to The New York Times, the NMPA notified Twitter of around 300,000 infringement incidents since December 2021. To make their point, the plaintiffs listed specific examples of when the infringements occurred, such as the post about Rihanna's song "Umbrella," wherein the post played two minutes of the song and garnered 221,000 views with 15,000 likes. Twitter was in the process of negotiating with music publishers like Universal, Sony, and Warner before Musk acquired the company in 2021, although the deal did not go through. It was also unlikely to happen due to the cost of licensing alone. As reports show, the tech billionaire has not been very attentive when it comes to the bills of the social media company as it refused to pay rent for one of its headquarters and its contract with Google Cloud. Compensating publishers could cost Twitter more than $100 million in just a year. Twitter's measures to take down other copyrighted material have also been lacking ever since its workforce numbers were reduced. Full movies were uploaded on the social media platform, which would take hours if not a whole day before they were taken down. Read Also: Twitter Continues To Lose Ad Revenue As Content Moderation Falters Twitter's Financial Troubles Getting hit by another lawsuit is the last thing Twitter needs right now, especially with a huge price like $250 million being demanded of the company. In terms of value, the company has reached its lowest point as it dropped to a third of Musk's acquisition price. Despite its cost-cutting measures, new policies, and features, it's just not reaching the profitability Musk is hoping for. With the tech billionaire's plans to make the company worth $250 billion someday, as mentioned in Gizmodo, it is certainly going down the wrong path. One of the most impactful events that caused Twitter's decrease in value is the loss of its advertisers. Twitter ads are the company's become source of revenue, and with several advertisers leaving the platform, Twitter is taking in huge losses. Musk's layoffs have also been backfiring as the social media platform's performance is also affected. Without enough staff, some aspects of the platform are experiencing issues that are affecting the users' interactions with the app. Related: Twitter's Value Has Dropped to a Third of Its Acquisition Price Britain's Northern Ireland secretary Chris Heaton-Harris has been accused of sabre-rattling by Sinn Fein vice president Michelle ONeill over his decision to ask civil servants to look at options for raising public revenue. Mr Heaton-Harris has written to Stormont permanent secretaries this week asking for information about revenue-raising measures such as domestic water charges, drug prescription charges and tuition fees, which he says will improve the sustainability of Northern Irelands public finances. Advertisement DUP leader Sir Jeffrey Donaldson also questioned the move, and said if it was designed to put pressure on his party to return to Stormont, it would not work. Party leaders held the latest in a series of meetings with the head of the Northern Ireland Civil Service Jayne Brady on Thursday amid the ongoing Stormont stalemate. Advertisement The DUP is blocking devolved institutions in Belfast in protest against post-Brexit trading arrangements and the party has insisted it will not return to Stormont until it secures further legislative assurances from the British government around sovereignty and trade. Advertisement Senior civil servants are currently running public services in the region 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. Advertisement Speaking after the meeting, Ms ONeill said Mr Heaton-Harriss intervention earlier this week had not been expected. She said: There was discussion around the secretary of states approach which even took the civil service by surprise. He brought that to the medias attention before he had even written to the head of the civil service. It is sabre-rattling by the Secretary of State. What the Secretary of State should be prioritising is actually the restoration of the Executive. Advertisement Ms ONeill added: What is the plan for getting the Executive up and running? What is he doing to ensure that happens instead of playing fast and loose with the public who are already paying for water through their rates? Advertisement DUP leader Sir Jeffrey Donaldson said his party would not be pressurised into returning to Stormont until its concerns were met. Photo: Jonathan McCambridge/PA. Advertisement Mr Donaldson said he did not believe Mr Heaton-Harriss move was particularly helpful. He added: If it was designed to put pressure on the DUP, that is simply not going to work. We are engaged with the government on the issues related to the Northern Ireland Protocol, those conversations are and will continue. But we do need to address the issue of public services and that falls squarely at the feet of the Secretary of State, he has responsibility, along with those of us who are in Westminster, to make the case to the Treasury to address the current pressures on our public services. Instead of looking at the scenarios he is suggesting to examine in more detail, I think our priority now is the funding formula for Northern Ireland. I think there is a general and broad acceptance that that funding formula simply isnt working for Northern Ireland. It is not based on the needs of Northern Ireland and our public services and that needs to change. Alliance Party MLA Andrew Muir said there needed to be a financial package to help public services in the region. He added: I think that people in Northern Ireland and businesses and communities are really suffering from the cost-of-living crisis, the last thing they need is additional charges heaped upon them. Advertisement What we need is a financial package which allows us to rebuild public services, allows us to move forward. UUP MLA Steve Aiken said the information requested by the Secretary of State had already been prepared by the Finance Committee at Stormont. Ireland Retained firefighters considering quitting over co... Read More He said: The information is already there. There is work to be done but the information is already there. I find it strange that he had to ask that question. Several current and former Castlerea Prison inmates claim they were not allowed to leave their cells to shower or exercise for two weeks in February 2022 due to being close contacts of people with Covid-19. The prisoners are asking the High Court to award them damages for an alleged breach of their constitutional rights arising from a decision to impose the confinement. Advertisement They say the removal of their basic freedoms, such as a regular opportunity to shower, exercise and socialise with other prisoners, for the fortnight was unlawful and disproportionate. On Thursday, Mr Justice Charles Meenan reserved his decision on whether to grant permission for the eight or nine applicants to pursue their cases as judicial review actions, which were initiated in the spring of last year. Remy Farrell, senior counsel for the respondent Castlerea Prison governor, Minister for Justice, Attorney General and Ireland, agreed the applicants cases contained arguable grounds. However, the judge should not grant leave, he said, as the cases should have been brought as plenary actions, rather than judicial reviews, which ask the court to scrutinise decisions made. Advertisement These are, in truth, actions for damages, he added. Advertisement Feichin McDonagh SC, instructed by Longford-based Baxter Mimnagh Solicitors, for the applicants, said judicial review is appropriate, faster and more affordable than the route suggested by the respondents. In a lead or test case, a prisoner claims he was fully vaccinated against Covid-19 when he was confined to his cell with another man from February 14th to 28th in 2022. The man, a Type 2 diabetic, says in a sworn statement that he was not allowed to leave his cell during the period, even for exercise or to use a shower, and he had to wash his clothing in a bucket in the room. He provided three negative covid tests over the fortnight but remained in confinement at a time when public health guidelines for the general community did not require close contacts of positive cases to isolate, he claims. Advertisement The extreme and sub-standard living conditions cannot be justified on public health grounds, he says, since the restrictions were imposed in a haphazard, patchy, inconsistent and wholly disproportionate fashion. When the prisoners lawyers complained, on February 28th, 2022, to the governor, he received a reply saying the governor was acting in accordance with, among other things, an algorithm employed by the Irish Prison Service. The man points to his right, guaranteed by article 40.3 of the Constitution, not to be subjected to inhumane or degrading treatment or to an overall prison regime likely to cause him harm. He says he suffered anxiety during the period. A teacher accused of engaging in inappropriate contact on social media with several young girls from a secondary school where he had worked has been described as a predator by the mother of one of the students. The claim was made at an inquiry by the Teaching Council into the conduct of a male teacher in his mid-20s who is accused of seven counts of professional misconduct and breaching the Code of Professional Conduct for Teachers. Advertisement The inquiry heard that the teacher had told one of the girls in a text message on Snapchat that she was a little ride, while he sent a part-topless photo of himself to another teenager. The councils disciplinary committee ruled that the teacher, school and parties involved in the case cannot be identified. Advertisement The inquiry heard the teacher worked as a student teacher and subsequently a substitute teacher at the school between September and December 2019. Inappropriate contact He is accused of inappropriately contacting six female students from the school, who were aged 13-14 years at the time, via Snapchat on unknown dates between September 2019 and July 2020. Advertisement The teacher also faced a separate charge of inappropriately contacting another young girl for a different school in the same locality and sending her inappropriate messages. Counsel for the Teaching Council, Eoghan OSullivan BL, said three of the six girls from the school had accepted the teachers request to be added to his contacts on Snapchat. Mr OSullivan said the three other students had blocked his request because they had been alerted to his identity by their schoolmates. He told the inquiry on Thursday that the Teaching Council believed the very fact of attempting to communicate with children on social media was utterly inappropriate. Advertisement Although some of the messages were benign, Mr OSullivan said they were not always so. He pointed out that the teacher had persistently asked one girl to send him a selfie, even after she had pointed out she was only 13, that he had been her teacher and that it was inappropriate. Advertisement Mr OSullivan said the girl had reacted maturely and responsibly to the situation and ceased communication with the teacher very quickly. The inquiry heard that some parents had complained to the school about the teacher who advised them to contact gardai, Tusla and the Teaching Council. Advertisement Mr OSullivan said the teacher had initially denied contacting students via Snapchat when interviewed by Tusla but made admissions after he was presented with screenshots of text exchanges with one of the girls. This conduct, if proven, is inimical to the principles that underpin the profession of teaching, Mr OSullivan remarked. Formal complaint The mother of one of the girls who made a formal complaint to the Teaching Council told the inquiry that she was alerted about the teacher by her sister whose daughter was also one of the students contacted on Snapchat. The inquiry heard that the womans niece had replied to the teacher in a message that he was a f**king paedo. Advertisement The woman said the teacher had asked her daughter how old she was and that she had replied that she was 14. In response, he texted: 20. Sorry. F**k. Little ride and all. Shouldnt say that. The woman said her daughter was very upset about the matter, while she admitted she was angry that the teacher had regarded her daughter as a target. Advertisement The witness said she made a complaint to the Teaching Council as she knew it was not an isolated incident or mistake as she had discovered that the teacher had made similar approaches to other children in the school and elsewhere. It was very clear that the man was a predator and would keep on going until he got someone to respond in the way he wanted, she added. Six of the girls contacted by the teacher also gave evidence via videolink with several claiming his behaviour was a bit weird. Others said they immediately unfriended him once he admitted he was in his 20s. The girl who was asked for a selfie said the teacher had repeatedly made her a Snapchat contact despite unfriending him twice and told her that she was always my favourite student after she had promised she would not tell anyone about their text exchanges. A social worker with Tusla said the teacher had been referred to them by gardai in July 2020 but that an assessment had concluded that the Garda National Vetting Bureau did not need to be notified of the case. However, he said the GNVB was informed about the teachers conduct after Tusla received a second referral from a parent in June 2021 when it was clear that there had been inappropriate sexualised contact. Advertisement The teacher, who has been a registered post-primary teacher since 2019, did not attend the inquiry and was not legally represented at the hearing. In a letter to the disciplinary committee, however, he claimed he was caring for his sick father and looking after his fathers business. The teacher explained that he had kept the fact that he was facing a Teaching Council inquiry a secret from all but one member of his family. He also outlined how he had issues with his mental health and had struggled with alcohol for several years. The teacher said he was under pressure like never before around the start of the Covid-19 pandemic due to his fathers illness and the break-up of his relationship with his girlfriend which had caused him stress, worries, heartbreak and depression. He described how he had lost his position in the school after missing a class due to a hangover. The inquiry heard the teacher moved abroad to work because the issue in the school was the talk of the area and he went into a tailspin. However, he said he was constantly worried in his new teaching post that he would still be the subject of gossip as there were other teachers there from his home county . He claimed he spent days where he barely left his room. After returning to Ireland, the teacher said he was terrified that news of the allegations against him would get out. He claimed he already received threats and was called horrible names while playing hurling and on social media. In the letter, he apologised for what had happened and noted that the life he had wished for himself is now ruined as his name would always have a tarnished reputation. I think Im a good teacher. I believe Im a good person, he wrote. The teacher also stated in correspondence that he thought he would be terrible if he appeared before the hearing but stressed that he did not wish his non-attendance to be interpreted as not caring about the situation. A representative of a teacher-training college told the inquiry that there had been no issue about the teachers conduct during his time as a student teacher, and he had graduated successfully. The inquiry was adjourned until July 6th when the case is expected to conclude. Gardai attached to the DMR East Economic Crime Unit have arrested two men as part of an ongoing investigation into incidents of fraud at a number of retail premises in the DMR East area. The two men, a man in his 20s and a male juvenile were arrested following the search of a residence in the Tallaght area of Dublin earlier this morning. Advertisement A number of documents were also seized by gardai. The search was assisted by Garda personnel from Cabinteely, Blackrock and Dundrum Stations. Both males are currently detained at a Garda Station in Dublin under Section 50 of the Criminal Justice Act, 2007. Investigations are currently ongoing. Advertisement A university president wrote directly to the Minister for Justice appealing for more gardai near campus saying students and staff were increasingly vulnerable to intimidation and anti-social behaviour. Professor David Fitzpatrick of TU Dublin wrote after a video was posted of a shocking incident in which students were subject to a tirade of racist abuse at a Luas station near the colleges new Grangegorman campus in the capital. Advertisement In a letter to then minister for justice Simon Harris earlier this year, he said this had not been an isolated occurrence at the Broadstone light rail station. Prof Fitzpatrick said that many students and staff had reported incidents of intimidation and anti-social behaviour at the Broadstone plaza and tram stop. He said that people were encouraged to ring gardai if they felt they were in immediate danger and that they were working hard to keep their campus safe. Advertisement His letter added: However, we have received reports that the response is slow, and are also constrained by the fact that the Universitys Estates and Security team cannot respond to off-campus incidents. Advertisement This leaves staff, students and members of our local community vulnerable when availing of the vital transport links in Broadstone. Enhanced policing plan He said the university had repeatedly asked for an enhanced policing plan for the area given the thousands of students that were now on campus. And he pleaded with the Minister to ask that the upsurge in incidents be raised with senior gardai in Dublin. In internal emails, a TU Dublin staff member said that racist incidents like the one at Broadstone in February were not a recent issue and something that is endemic. Advertisement Their head of student support and wellbeing told colleagues: We have reports going back years from students especially international students of problems with racism in Ireland. I think we need to take this one out of the politics and focus on how we can ensure that we have a culture that tackles racism within the university environment. On-campus rally Records released under the Freedom of Information Act also detail how the university president Prof David Fitzpatrick raised concerns over an on-campus rally against racism to which he had been invited, but was unable to attend. Advertisement In an email to the head of the students union, he said he had understood the event had been for the university community to show support for those who had been victim to racist incidents. Advertisement However, he said key contributors from outside the university had spoken about matters that were not focused on the topic at hand while incorrect information about security provision at TU Dublin was given out. Prof Fitzpatrick said: The lack of control over contribution and lack of accuracy in media engagement has not served the event well. As a result, I am writing to advise that any further invitation for myself or members of the university to contribute to future events will not be addressed without specific, and confirmed, details regarding the other contributors and pre-defined details/facts that will be used in any media engagement. Asked about the records, a spokeswoman for TU Dublin said: We can confirm a noticeable increase in An Garda Siochana presence in recent months. More importantly, we have not received any reports of racist intimidation or verbal or physical abuse from students, staff or members of the public since this incident in February. She said TU Dublin continued its work to make campuses a safe place and that they were committed to building a university environment that was anti-racist and intercultural. Boris Johnson committed repeated contempts of the British parliament with his partygate denials that merited a 90-day suspension, a cross-party investigation has found. The Privileges Committees recommended suspension for acts, including deliberately misleading MPs, would have paved the way for a by-election for the former British prime minister if he had not resigned in anticipation. Advertisement Mr Johnson hit out at what he called a deranged conclusion, accusing the Tory-majority group of MPs he has repeatedly sought to disparage of lying. Advertisement He called the committee, led by Labour veteran Harriet Harman, beneath contempt and claimed its 14-month investigation had delivered what is intended to be the final knife-thrust in a protracted political assassination. The MPs recommended that Mr Johnson should not be given a former members pass, which would grant him access to the parliamentary estate. Advertisement Before his resignation on Friday, they said they had professionally agreed a suspension long enough to potentially trigger a by-election. Advertisement The front page of the Privileges Committees report (PA) But they said he committed further contempts for offences including undermining the democratic processes of the UK's House of Commons and being complicit in the campaign of abuse and attempted intimidation of the committee. Mr Johnson quit the Commons last week after reading the reports findings, meaning he will escape the immediate prospect of a sanction. The recommended suspension far exceeded the 10-day threshold which, if approved by the wider House of Commons, could have led to a by-election in his Uxbridge and South Ruislip constituency. Advertisement Chinese premier Li Qiang met visiting Palestinian president Mahmoud Abbas on Thursday in a drive by Beijing to elevate relations and increase its presence in the Middle East. Mr Li called Mr Abbas an old friend of the Chinese people who has made important contributions to the promotion of China-Palestinian relations. Advertisement The meeting came a day after Mr Abbas was greeted with full military honours by Xi Jinping, Chinas president and head of the ruling Communist Party. The sides then announced the formation of a strategic partnership, paving the way to boost Chinas influence in the region at a time when Beijings chief rival for global influence, the US, is seen as withdrawing from the region following the conflicts in Iraq and Afghanistan and complications in ties with regional power Saudi Arabia. Advertisement China, meanwhile, is seeking energy resources and markets for its military and civilian exports while also promoting its version of authoritarian government as part of joint challenge with Russia to the Western-led democratic world order. Advertisement Chinese premier Li Qiang and Palestinian president Mahmud Abbas attend a meeting at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing (Jade Gao/Pool Photo via AP/PA) Beijing has long maintained diplomatic ties with the Palestinian Authority, and it appointed a special envoy to meet Israeli and Palestinian officials. However, its experience in the region is mainly limited to construction, manufacturing and other economic projects. China relies on such partnerships to bolster its diplomatic posture and give large Chinese corporations a leg up when negotiating infrastructure deals in line with the governments Belt and Road Initiative, which has left many struggling countries in debt to Chinese banks. China also has sought close ties with Israel to expand its diplomatic presence and to gain access to high technology. Advertisement Mr Abbass visit follows Chinas hosting of talks between Iran and Saudi Arabia that resulted in the restoring of diplomatic relations between the two Middle East rivals and boosting Chinas standing in the region. The Riyadh-Tehran rapprochement was seen as a diplomatic victory for China as Gulf Arab states perceive the United States as gradually withdrawing from the wider region. China has hosted a growing list of world leaders since reopening its borders in the spring after a three-year virtual shutdown due to its extreme zero-Covid policy. Advertisement Those have included French president Emmanuel Macron and European Commission president Ursula von der Leyen, whose visits sparked controversy over Chinas pursuit of its campaign to cut off foreign support for self-governing Taiwan and block criticism of its human rights record. Advertisement Next week, US secretary of state Antony Blinken is expected to visit Beijing after previous plans were postponed over the presence of an alleged Chinese spy balloon over the US. Diplomatic relations between Washington and Beijing are at their lowest in decades over trade, technology, US support for Taiwan and an intensifying competition for influence in Asia and elsewhere. Following that visit, Mr Li is travelling to France and Germany, marking his debut on the international stage as premier and the second-ranking member of the ruling party. The Foreign Ministry announced on Thursday that Mr Li would take part in a seventh round of China-Germany government talks and attend a financial summit in Paris during the June 18th-23rd visits. Advertisement Nine survivors of a migrant boat sinking have been arrested on suspicion of smuggling as hope faded for hundreds of other passengers who were missing. The arrests came as attention turned to Greeces failure to act before the overcrowded ship capsized. Advertisement The trawler may have carried as many as 750 passengers, including women and children who were likely trapped in the hold as the vessel overturned and went down early Wednesday. That could make the sinking one of the deadliest ever in the central Mediterranean Sea. Advertisement A huge search-and-rescue operation initially recovered 78 bodies and picked up 104 survivors all men and boys. But no more have been found. Meanwhile, Greek authorities were criticised for not acting to rescue the migrants, even though a coast guard vessel escorted the trawler for hours and watched helplessly as it sank in minutes. Advertisement Greek officials argued that the migrants repeatedly refused assistance and insisted on continuing to Italy, but legal experts said that is no excuse. Advertisement The coast guard said on Thursday that it had arrested nine survivors on suspicion of belonging to the smuggling ring that arranged the voyage. State-run ERT TV said the suspects were all Egyptians, adding that the ship originally left an Egyptian port for the area of Tobruk in eastern Libya, where it picked up the migrants. Survivors of a shipwreck sleep at a warehouse at the port in Kalamata town, about 150 miles southwest of Athens (Thanassis Stavrakis/AP) Advertisement Relatives of the migrants who each paid thousands of dollars for passage on the battered vessel gathered in the southern port city of Kalamata to look for their loved ones. Kassem Abu Zeed said he caught the first flight from Germany to Greece after realising that his wife and brother-in-law were on board the trawler. The last time we spoke was eight days ago, and (my wife) told me that she was getting ready to get on the boat, Mr Abu Zeed told the Associated Press. He said she had paid 5,000 dollars to smugglers and then we all know what happened. Advertisement Mr Abu Zeed, a 34-year-old Syrian refugee living in Hamburg, said Esra Aoun, 21, and her 19-year-old brother, Abdullah, risked the dangerous crossing from Libya to Italy after they failed to find a legal way to join him in Germany. Advertisement The chances are low that his wife survived the sinking about 45 miles offshore. None of those rescued were women. Now he hopes Abdullah may be among the men from Syria, Egypt, Pakistan and the Palestinian territories who are being temporarily housed in a Kalamata warehouse or recuperating in hospitals from hypothermia and exposure. This handout image provided by Greeces coast guard on Wednesday shows scores of people on a battered fishing boat that later capsized and sank off southern Greece (Hellenic Coast Guard/AP) The chances of finding more survivors are minimal, retired Greek coast guard Admiral Nikos Spanos told ERT. The UN migration agency, known as IOM, estimated the number of passengers based on interviews with survivors and said the complement included at least 40 children. Erasmia Roumana, head of a United Nations refugee agency delegation, said many of the survivors have friends and relatives unaccounted for. They want to get in touch with their families to tell them they are OK, and they keep asking about the missing, said Ms Roumana. Advertisement Mohamed Abdi Marwan, who spoke by phone from Kobani, a Kurdish majority town in Syria, said five of his relatives were on the boat, including a 14-year-old. Mr Marwan said he has heard nothing about them since the vessel sank. He believes his nephew Ali Sheikhi, 29, is alive, after family members spotted him in photos of survivors, but that has not been confirmed. Those smugglers were supposed to only have 500 on the boat and now we hear there were 750. What is this? Are they cattle or humans? How can they do this? Mr Marwan said. He said each of his relatives paid 6,000 dollars for the trip. Survivors of the boat capsize sit in a warehouse at the port of Kalamata (www.argolikeseidhseis.gr/AP) Greek authorities said the vessel appeared to be sailing normally until shortly before it sank and refused repeated rescue offers. But a network of activists said they received repeated distress calls from the vessel during the same time. The Greek coast guard said it was notified of the boats presence late Tuesday morning and observed by helicopter that it was sailing on a steady course at 6pm. A little later, Greek search-and-rescue officials reached someone on the boat by satellite phone, who repeatedly said that passengers needed food and water but wanted to continue to Italy. Advertisement Merchant ships delivered supplies and observed the vessel until early Wednesday morning, when the satellite phone user reported a problem with the engine. About 40 minutes later, according to the coast guard statement, the migrant vessel began to rock violently and sank. Coast guard experts believe the boat may have run out of fuel or experienced engine trouble, with movement of passengers causing it to list and capsize. Alarm Phone, a network of activists that provides a hotline for migrants in trouble, said the problems began much earlier in the day. The network said it was contacted by people on the vessel seeking help shortly after 3pm. They said they cannot survive the night. Survivors receive first aid after the rescue operation (www.argolikeseidhseis.gr/AP) Around 6.20pm, Alarm Phone wrote, migrants reported the vessel was not moving and that the captain had left on a small boat. The two accounts could not immediately be reconciled. Experts said maritime law would have required Greek authorities to attempt a rescue if the boat was unsafe, regardless of whether passengers requested it. Search and rescue is not a two-way contract. You dont need consent, said retired Italian coast guard Admiral Vittorio Alessandro. Advertisement An aerial photograph of the vessel before it sank released by Greek authorities showed people crammed on the deck. Most were not wearing life jackets. Overcrowding, a lack of life vests, or the absence of a captain would have all been reasons to intervene, Mr Alessandro said. Greeces caretaker minister for civil protection, Evangelos Tournas, defended the coast guards conduct, saying it could not intervene with an unwilling vessel in international waters. Consider also that an intervention by the coast guard could have placed an overloaded vessel in danger, which could capsize as a result, he said. The trawler sank near the deepest part of the Mediterranean, where depths of up to 17,000 feet could hamper any effort to locate a sunken vessel. Human rights groups say a European Union crackdown on smuggling has forced people to take longer, more dangerous routes to reach safe countries. A vast swathe of western India and neighbouring southern Pakistan that suffered deadly floods last year are bracing for a new deluge as cyclone Biparjoy made landfall on Thursday. Rain pelted the shores and skies darkened along the Arabian Sea, while dust storms hampered evacuation and rescue work on land. Advertisement Authorities expect conditions to worsen for two or three days as Biparjoy was expected to reach wind speeds gusting up to 86mph before slowing down in Indias Gujarat province. In Pakistan, Keti Bandar in the countrys flood-ravaged southern Sindh province, also lies in Biparjoys path. Rain clouds fill the sky as people stand on a beach ahead of cyclone Biparjoys landfall at Mandvi in Kutch district of Gujarat state, India (Ajit Solanki/AP/PA) The bazaars and beaches in Mandvi, India, usually a bustling coastal town known for its wooden boat-makers, were deserted on Thursday under shutdown orders from the government. Advertisement Thousands of people in India were evacuated, bringing the total number of people shifted to relief camps to 75,000. Advertisement In Pakistan, National Disaster Management Authority chief, Lt Gen Inam Haider Malik, said 73,000 people have been evacuated to safer places so far, and authorities are providing them shelter and food. The disaster management agency said on Thursday that the cyclone was packing sustained winds of up to 120 kph (about 75 mph) and was projected to hit Pakistans Sindh province, the site of one of deadly floods last summer. At least 1,739 people were killed and 33 million were displaced in 2022 when climate-induced floods swept the country, causing 30 billion dollars (23.7 billion) in damage. Advertisement On Thursday morning, authorities said the storm had lost some of its intensity and was expected to have a maximum sustained wind speed of between 115 kph and 125 kph (71 mph to 78 mph), gusting up to 140 kph (87 mph), a slight decrease in predictions a day earlier. The Indian Meteorological Department (IMD) said the cyclone was bearing down on Jakhau port, where it is likely to make landfall on Thursday evening. Like southern Pakistan, large parts of coastal Gujarat have been experiencing heavy rainfall and strong winds. Indian authorities warned that the cyclone, classified as a very severe cyclonic storm, has the potential to inflict heavy damage once it makes landfall. A market remains closed following instructions from authorities ahead of cyclone Biparjoys landfall (Ajit Solanki/AP/PA) Advertisement Advertisement A storm surge of two to three metres above the astronomical tide is likely to inundate low-lying areas in the storms path. The tides could rise as high as six metres in some places, the IMD has said. Elaborate arrangements have been made by us for post-cyclone work like restoration of electricity infrastructure, mobile networks and other infrastructure, Gujarat Health Minister Rushikesh Patel told the Press Trust of India news agency. A government release said major religious sites in coastal Gujarat such as the Dwarkadhish temple in Devbhoomi Dwarka and Somnath temple in Gir Somnath district will remain closed on Thursday. Advertisement On Thursday, Pakistani Prime Minister Shahbaz Sharif was in Azerbaijan on an official visit. In a tweet the previous day, Mr Sharif said the government had taken all possible measures to ensure the safety of those at risk in the countrys southern Sindh province. Pakistan so far has not issued any appeal for assistance from the United Nations, which said the previous day it was monitoring the situation. Local charities and aid agencies on both sides were helping the displaced people. In 1998, a cyclone that hit Gujarat state claimed more than 1,000 lives and caused excessive damage. A cyclone that hit Sindh province and the city of Karachi in 1965 killed more than 10,000 people. With more news people read about Twitter, the more convinced they are that its downward trajectory will not stop any time soon. On top of other payments that Twitter refuses to take care of, you can add unpaid rent from its Boulder, Colorado office to the list. Twitter Loses Another Office The situation has gotten to the point where it became a legal matter between the company and the landlord, leading to a judge deciding that Twitter is to be evicted from the Boulder office. The company owes three months of rent, which amounts to around $75,000. Twitter used to have a letter of credit worth $968,000 back in 2020, which meant that they did not have to worry about paying rent for a while. However, that has since run out and Twitter has not made additional payments yet, as reported by Engadget. Approximately 300 employees used to occupy the office space, which had gone down to 150 since Twitter's mass layoffs as well as resignations. It's still unclear what would happen to the employees in the office, with the company given until July to pack their bags and go. The landlord of the Colorado office was not the only one being stiffed, with reports saying that Twitter also hasn't paid a local cleaning company for the services it has provided, which amounts to around $100,000 worth. Sadly, the situation is not at all surprising anymore. The same has happened with Twitter's San Francisco, California headquarters. With an even bigger rent due, the company owes $136,250, with staff members being instructed to halt payments to contractors. Two other landlords also sued the company back in late January 2023, one of which was the UK's Crown Estate for not paying the property near Piccadilly Circus's rent, which was where Twitter operated in London, according to Gizmodo. Read Also: Twitter Fails To Pay San Francisco Office Rent, Gets Sued By Landlord Is It a Sign of Twitter's Downfall? We can't really know for sure what the situation with Twitter is or if Elon Musk has some grand scheme that would restore Twitter's former glory, but at face value, the company looks like it's beginning to crumble to the point of no return. As the company faces difficulties with its moderation in content, its problems may get worse as it cuts ties with Google Cloud services. In addition to the company's failure to pay rent, it is also refusing to pay for its contract with Google. The renewal is due this June 30th, but instead of paying, the company is scrambling to shift its services off Google before the contract expires. Reports say that it's also falling behind in the effort, which just calls for disaster. Like the local cleaning company, other services are also owed for rendering its services such as private charter flights. According to The New York Times, Twitter has a debt of $197,725 to the aviation company for the flights that were taken in Musk's first week of acquiring the social media giant. Related: Twitter is Facing Two Different Lawsuits for Not Paying Headquarters Rent The head of the United Nations nuclear watchdog visited Europes largest atomic power plant in southern Ukraine on Thursday. The visit was announced by Ukraines national nuclear energy company, Energoatom, in a Telegram post. Advertisement Rafael Mariano Grossi, the International Atomic Energy Agency chief, met Tuesday in Kyiv with Ukraine President Volodymyr Zelenskyy to discuss concerns about the Russia-occupied Zaporizhzhia nuclear power plant. The IAEA has repeatedly expressed alarm about the facility, which is one of the 10 biggest in the world, amid fears of a potential nuclear catastrophe. The agency has officials stationed at the plant, which is still run by its Ukrainian staff. A man walks in front of a building which was heavily damaged by a Russian airstrike in Kherson, Ukraine (Evgeniy Maloletka/AP/PA) Advertisement The plant has repeatedly been caught in the crossfire since Russia launched its war on Ukraine in February 2022 and seized the facility shortly after. Advertisement Last week, the destruction of the Kakhovka dam in southern Ukraines partially Russian-occupied Kherson region added a new concern. The dam, further down the Dnieper River, helped keep water in a reservoir that cools the plants reactors. The plants six reactors have been shut down for months, but it still needs power and qualified staff to operate crucial cooling systems and other safety features. Ukraine recently said it hoped to place the last functioning reactor in cold shutdown. The process inserts control rods into the reactor core to stop the nuclear fission reaction and the generation of heat and pressure. Advertisement Nato Secretary-General Jens Stoltenberg said on Thursday that areas of the 1,000-km front line in Ukraine are witnessing fierce fighting after Kyivs long-anticipated launch of its counteroffensive using Western-supplied weapons. Nato Secretary-General Jens Stoltenberg (AP) He said Ukrainian forces are making gains. Even so, Western analysts and military officials have cautioned that a campaign to drive the Kremlins forces out of Ukraine could take a long time. Advertisement Ukraine has so far been testing Russian defences, looking for weaknesses, according to Mykhailo Podolyak, an adviser to Mr Zelensky. We havent yet started our counter-offensive as such, he claimed in televised remarks. Advertisement He noted that Ukrainian troops were launching simultaneous attacks in many directions, seeking to cause panic among the Russian troops. Meanwhile, the Russian Defence Ministry said its military used long-range air-launched cruise missiles to strike Ukrainian drone-making facilities. It claimed all the targeted facilities were hit but did not mention where they were or any other details. Advertisement It was not possible to verify battlefield claims by either side. The illegal and unprovoked invasion of Ukraine is continuing. The map below is the latest Defence Intelligence update on the situation in Ukraine 15 June 2023. Find out more about the UK government's response: https://t.co/Nh6qzg4ACf #StandWithUkraine pic.twitter.com/z4vkWYbZAl Ministry of Defence (@DefenceHQ) June 15, 2023 Russian forces have kept up their aerial attacks on Ukraine. They launched four cruise missiles and 20 Iranian Sahed exploding drones overnight, the Ukrainian air force said. Ukrainian air defences downed all the drones and one cruise missile, it said. Russian missiles hit industrial facilities in the latest strike on the southeastern city of Kryvyi Rih, Mr Zelenskys home town, wounding one person, local officials said. An air strike also hit downtown Kherson city in the early hours of Thursday, punching a hole an office building. Russia also attacked Kharkiv and Odesa with drones overnight, but regional authorities said they were all shot down. A British parliamentary report has found that Boris Johnson deliberately misled the UK parliament with denials over partygate before launching what amounted to an attack on our democratic institutions. The 106-page document covers both the assurances the former British prime minister gave to MPs over gatherings in Downing Street during the coronavirus pandemic and his subsequent criticism of the Privileges Committee tasked with investigating his behaviour. Advertisement Here are its key points: Mr Johnson misled the UK's House of Commons by claiming that Covid-19 rules and guidance were followed at all times in Number 10 on four separate occasions; He also misled MPs by failing to tell the Commons about his own knowledge of the gatherings where the rules or guidance had been broken; Claiming he relied on repeated reassurances that rules had not been broken also amounted to misleading the House; Advertisement Advertisement Mr Johnson misled the House by insisting on waiting for former civil servant Sue Grays report to be published before he could answer questions in the House, when he had personal knowledge which he did not reveal; His claim that rules and guidance had been followed while he was present at gatherings in Number 10 when he purported to correct the record in May 2022 also amounted to misleading the House; Then-British prime minister Boris Johnson at a leaving gathering in the vestibule of the Downing Street press office in November 2020 (Cabinet Office/PA) Advertisement Mr Johnson was disingenuous with the committee in a number of ways, including by adopting a narrow and restricted interpretation of the assurances he gave to the House; As well as being reckless, Mr Johnson intended to mislead the House, the report concludes. Many aspects of his defence were not credible and taken together they form sufficient basis for a conclusion that he intended to mislead; In deliberately misleading the Commons, the then-Conservative Party leader committed a serious contempt of parliament, made all the more grave because he was the most senior member of the British government at the time; Mr Johnson committed an egregious breach of confidentiality by revealing the contents of the warning letter he received from the committee when he resigned as an MP on Friday; Advertisement World Boris Johnson found to have committed 'repeated co... Read More His vitriolic attack on the committee and its work amounts to an attack on our democratic institutions, which, taken together with the confidentiality breach, is a serious further contempt; Advertisement If he had not pre-emptively resigned, the committee said it would have recommended a 90-day suspension from the Commons; Mr Johnson should not be granted a former members pass which is normally available to former MPs. Save Log in , register or subscribe to save articles for later. Save articles for later Add articles to your saved list and come back to them any time. Got it Normal text size Larger text size Very large text size There was plenty to catch the eye of Lord Mayor Sally Capp during one of her first visits to the City of Melbournes art and heritage collection: sumptuous mayoral chains, Olympics memorabilia and a portrait of Dame Edna Everage as Moomba Queen Mother. But it was a single, ordinary house brick that captured her attention. Almost as old as Melbourne itself, the brick carries a note explaining that it belonged to the citys first brick building, erected in 1837. When that structure was demolished in 1883, one J.W. Meaden nabbed it, predicting in his handwritten note that it would become an interesting relic of the era. Bob van der Toorren, Moomba Queen Mother Dame Edna Everage, 1983. Credit: City of Melbourne Art and Heritage Collection The brick speaks to many things colonialism, urbanisation, the rapid takeover of land occupied by the Kulin nations but also signifies the cultural importance of collecting and preserving significant objects. At the time of Capps visit, the municipal treasure trove was stored in a drab council-owned building at the Docklands end of Little Bourke Street. The gaudy Moomba crowns, 1956 Melbourne Olympics memorabilia, mayoral paraphernalia and a magnificently diverse array of contemporary artworks are among 13,000 items that have spent decades stored in that anonymous old building, largely out of public sight apart from the occasional appearance in a City Gallery exhibition or an Open Melbourne event. They are now in a new home on level four of the Melbourne Town Hall, and accessible during visitor tours. Known simply as the Store, the collection now resides in 16 elegant heritage rooms. Its relocation reflects a global interest in displaying museum collections in open storage climate-controlled and secure, but in plain sight and sometimes touchable. Most big museums say Museum Victoria or the National Gallery of Victoria only ever have a small percentage of their massive holdings on display; the rest is sequestered in enormous secret locations, awaiting rotation for exhibition. Advertisement Capp describes the collection as an artwork in itself. Its return to its spiritual home is part of her ambition to restore the town hall as a place for the people, not bureaucrats. It is a magnificent building, it is the peoples town hall, and we want to keep encouraging people with ways to use it, she says. Inside the City of Melbournes art and heritage collection. The push to move the collection began when Capp started exploring the councils property portfolio to see what could be repurposed for the homeless. The Little Bourke Street building had great potential. We asked why do we have [the collection] stored away in an old building where people cant enjoy it? When it is available to the public for example during Open House Melbourne it is one of the most popular places people visit. So, with the old site now being redeveloped into 50 apartments for the homeless, opening early next year as part of the Make Room project, Capp describes the move as a win-win. I think they are two outstanding achievements that will benefit the city and the community, she says. I love the fact you can open drawers and move the pictures in their racks in and out, rather than just stand back and look. The collection includes cloaks and crowns worn by Moomba monarchs. Credit: Tobias Titz Shes right. The collection has been a special destination for me over the past decade while exploring its extraordinary holdings for three exhibitions I have curated for the town halls City Gallery. The most recent, You Are Cordially Invited, was held to mark the town halls 150th anniversary. My research emphasised how this majestic piece of architecture, opened in 1870, has traditionally been a community hub with dances, banquets, protests, concerts and exhibitions; many celebrities (Lionel Rose, ABBA, The Beatles) have waved to crowds from its portico balcony. It remains central in shaping the citys collective psyche. Advertisement The collection manager, Eddie Butler-Bowdon, points out that more than 1000 items are displayed throughout council buildings, and about 170 are outdoor public artworks. A collection should be a porous thing for two-way traffic in artefacts, research and creative interpretation and expression, Butler-Bowdon says. Steven Rhall, The Biggest Aboriginal Artwork in Melbourne Metro, 2014, City of Melbourne Art and Heritage Collection. Credit: Courtesy of the artist He is pleased to see the end of the traditional boxed-and-locked model of storage and that the collection has expanded since 2000 to include more Indigenous items. These include The Biggest Aboriginal Artwork in Melbourne Metro (2014) by Steven Rhall (Taungurung), and several works by artists such as Kelly Koumalatsos (Wergaia/Womba Womba) and Hayley Millar Baker (Gunditjmara and Djabwurrung). Eugenia Lim, New Australians (Yellow Peril 1980/2015), 2015 (detail). Credit: , City of Melbourne Art and Heritage Collection Loading Hanging in Capps office is Eugenia Lims 2015 work New Australians (Yellow Peril 1980/2015). Printed on a gold emergency blanket, it uses a 1980 photo of Lims then newly arrived Chinese-Singaporean parents standing in front of Ron Robertson-Swans famous Vault (1980), colloquially known as the Yellow Peril, during its brief life in the City Square. As Butler-Bowdon observes, this work touches on several themes: Australias gold-rush history, migration and identity. It is one of those artworks that is so intensely Melbourne, he says. It continues to resonate on so many different levels. Advertisement Its been 35 years since Kylie Minogue released her debut single Locomotion, but the homegrown pop icon isnt hitting the brakes. Instead, her newly released single has everybody dancing, and shes lapping up every minute of it. Whether scrolling through TikTok or listening to the radio, youre bound to come across Minogues newest single, Padam Padam, which she released on May 18. Inspired by an Edith Piaf song, the name of it is supposed to mimic the sound of a beating heart appropriate given it has sent thousands of hearts racing worldwide. Kylie Minogue can barely contain her excitement, as her new single races to the top of the charts. Credit: Cameron Spencer/Getty Images The electro-pop song has enjoyed a meteoric rise in the charts. It climbed to No. 6 in the UKs official chart and also became the UKs most-downloaded song of the week at the end of May. All physical sales, downloads and streams combined, this is Minogues highest chart peak in the UK since All The Lovers hit No. 3 in 2010. The song has also been Kylies biggest hit in Australia since 2012. Advertisement Eating outComing soon Bourbon-fuelled dive cocktail bar coming soon to a Brisbane basement Hidden underground down a CBD laneway and soundtracked by a jukebox spinning 80s tunes, Alice will stay open to 3am, seven days a week. Matt Shea June 15, 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 Is Peter Hollands opening a bar in an internet lounge? Well, no. But right now hes standing in the middle of Go Gaming Lounge on Elizabeth Street in Brisbanes CBD dressed in shorts, Birkenstocks and socks, whispering about his plans for a 1980s-themed dive cocktail bar. Peter Hollands in a laneway off Elizabeth Street in Brisbane, where he will open Alice in mid-September. Morgan Roberts Hollands is surrounded by rows of computers and LCD monitors. Advertisement Over in the corner, a couple of blokes are playing League of Legends. Its a little tough right now to imagine this monkish space becoming a bourbon-fuelled hideaway, but those who know Hollands from Frogs Hollow, the award-winning Charlotte Street boozer he co-owns with Nick Winter and David Robinson, know hes a good salesperson. We decamp to a nearby cafe so he can finish his pitch. Take Cry Baby Bar in Adelaide, Hollands says. Its a great blend between good drinks and partying. Advertisement A little bit loose but with higher quality of drinks, a jukebox with great music, and a pool table. It was inspired by Heartbreaker in Melbourne, which is also a great bar. And similar also was [the now closed] Frankies Pizza, in Sydney. Its this concept that every city in Australia has or has had except for Brisbane. I think a really clear proposition and concept is maybe something Brisbane bars havent done quite as well [as Sydney or Melbourne]. We have some amazing cocktail bars but there isnt much to their proposition beyond being an amazing cocktail bar. Advertisement We wanted to be a bit more particular with our style. The result in mid-September will be Alice, a subterranean 100-person late-night drinking den dedicated to bourbon, pool and 1980s music played through a Rowe AMI 100-disc jukebox. Youll find the entrance down the end of a laneway and a flight of stairs on Elizabeth Street opposite the Hilton Hotel; inside, there will be a long timber bar with counter seating on one wall, a line of booths on the other, and an elevated section along the back. As people walk down theyll pass the subterranean windows that sit behind the bar and theyll be able to see it pumping, which will add to that sense of discovery, Hollands says. It wont be completely hidden. Advertisement There will be a neon sign and band stickers on the door if you cant find it after that, perhaps you shouldnt come in. For drinks, expect a cocktail list largely fuelled by a collection of bourbon that will run at least 100 bottles deep. Elsewhere on the backbar Hollands is envisioning five gins, five rums, two Scotch whiskies and a single vodka. There will also be eight bar taps, all contract-free so Hollands can present a regular rotation of local craft breweries. Alice will have a bourbon focus because bourbon is a party whiskey, he says. Scotch is a thinking whisky. Bourbon is for partying. Advertisement Dont expect much in the way of food beyond some free pretzels this is very much about the drinks and the tunes and games of pool, and thats it. And it will be open until 3am, seven days a week. I like the idea of being that one super-reliable bar thats open late, Hollands says. There are a few joints in the Valley, like Tomcat, which I think is open four nights a week to 3am and is a great place to go party. Well be a different style of bar, and then offering that seven days a week. Advertisement I wouldnt do this in the Valley. I want to be able to make money on a Monday, even if its just enough to open the doors. I dont want a venue thats closed a few days a week, because then you cant have great full-time staff. Also, theres all of the infrastructure coming up in the city: Cross River Rail, the new footbridge over to Kangaroo Point and the new footbridge over to South Bank. You have Queens Wharf, also. Theres a lot coming up thats going to bring people flowing into the city. Alice will open at 195 Elizabeth Street in the CBD in mid-September. Advertisement Review Eating outFitzroy Rue de Thanh is serving some of the most interesting and delicious Vietnamese food in Melbourne Besha Rodell June 16, 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 1 / 6 Rue de Thanh also serves a chefs menu from the kitchen counter (right). Bonnie Savage 2 / 6 Cured trout with ginger, citrus and baby fennel. Bonnie Savage 3 / 6 Roast duck. Bonnie Savage 4 / 6 Whole fish with tomato nuoc mam, dill, lime, chilli, and spring onion. Bonnie Savage 5 / 6 Grilled oysters with onion oil and crushed peanuts. Bonnie Savage 6 / 6 Coconut and turmeric mini pancakes. Bonnie Savage Previous Slide Next Slide 14 / 20 How we score Vietnamese$$$ Ah, the duplicitous trap of Brunswick Street in Fitzroy, where rents are high and customers are fickle. How many storefronts must we see change hands every few months perfectly good restaurants coming and going subject to the whims of choosy locals and erratic weekend revellers? How inconsistent are the fortunes of these businesses, where the difference of just a block or two can make getting noticed that much more difficult. This, I fear, is the potential plight of Rue de Thanh, a restaurant that opened in April on the precarious end of Brunswick Street, closer to Alexandra Parade than to Johnston Street, and far from the fashionable blocks of Gertrude. Located in the former East Meets West site, owner Thanh Tran has poured a tonne of sweat, love and, yes, money, into the space, taking what was a small and fairly drab dining room and turning it into a much larger and more appealing space. White-painted bricks with black accents highlight a long bar and chefs counter running down one side, while pots of herbs, to be used in the tropical-leaning cocktail list, grow in the window. Advertisement It isnt so designed that it feels overly trendy, but it is considered and pleasant, and a vast improvement over what was here before (although the soundtrack of bland pop music does the space no favours). Rue de Thanh is serving some of the most interesting, forward-thinking and delicious Vietnamese food in town. Tran has 20 years of restaurant experience and has brought in Thi Hong Nguyen, who came to Australia from Vietnam four years ago, as head chef. Together, theyre experimenting with notions of what Vietnamese street food can be and in what contexts we might want to enjoy it. Tran wants the experience to be like an izakaya, or, in the case of the chefs counter where Nguyen serves a special $80 chefs menu a fun and casual (and relatively affordable) degustation. Cured trout with ginger, citrus and baby fennel. Bonnie Savage The cooking is sometimes tinged with French techniques, an entrenched tradition in this cuisines heritage, thanks to Frances colonisation of Vietnam in the 19th and early 20th centuries. It also takes cues from Trans background working in Mediterranean and modern Australian restaurants. Advertisement Cured trout ($24), singing with ginger and citrus and dusted with wisps of baby fennel, might be served in dainty curls that form a semicircle on the plate. Its a play on goi ca, the classic Vietnamese fish salad, but it has elements of crudo, as well as Australias love of new ways to treat and adorn fresh seafood. Oysters are served raw or grilled ($4.50 each), the latter topped with a fragrant onion oil and a scattering of crushed peanuts. Pan-seared scallops ($24) have their oceanic flavour ramped up by the addition of dried shrimp, along with celeriac puree and chilli oil. Go-to dish: Banh khot (coconut and turmeric mini pancakes). Bonnie Savage Banh khot ($18), small, crispy, savoury pancakes, are made using coconut and turmeric, their pudding-like centres holding tiny, plump school prawns. Herbs and lettuce come alongside for wrapping and a subtle nuoc cham is provided for dipping. Its a textural marvel of a dish, one that I find myself daydreaming about regularly. Also habitually entering my lustful dining memories is a glorious roast duck ($45), its skin crispy, its flesh pink, served in a lush jus flavoured with red and black dates, shiitake mushrooms, lotus seed and lily flower. Its a plummy, meaty, wonder of richness and showcases Nguyens talents as a chef with impeccable technique. Advertisement Out on the floor, Tran shows himself to be a generous and enthusiastic host, the type of person who built a business on his own enthusiasm and wants to impart that excitement and love to his customers. Despite all this, the dining room at Rue de Thanh has been almost empty in recent weeks, a product, I assume, of the challenging aspects of Brunswick Street mentioned earlier. It isnt on the stretch of street that teems with foot traffic and unfortunately Tran doesnt yet have enough of a track record in Melbourne to lure folks looking for a destination meal. Most days, hes working the floor and the bar by himself, with Nguyen alone in the kitchen, from morning until late at night, six days a week. Its a brutal schedule in a brutal industry. But thats where we hopefully come in, because Rue de Thanh is serving some of the most interesting, forward-thinking and delicious Vietnamese food in town. It deserves to succeed. Lets make it happen. The low-down Vibe: Whitewashed warehouse chic Go-to dish: Coconut and turmeric mini pancakes ($18) Drinks: Mostly tropical-inspired cocktails; short but smart wine and beer selections Cost: About $130 for two, excluding drinks; $65, $75 and $80 prebooked degustation menus This review was originally published in Good Weekend magazine The single largest federal government stimulus program used to support the economy through the COVID pandemic, the $90 billion JobKeeper program, will be subject to an independent review to determine if it delivered value for money to the nations taxpayers. The Federal Treasury tonight revealed it had set up the review that would also examine whether the program should be used to deal with future economic downturns and if it could be designed better. JobKeeper was a wage subsidy program announced by the Morrison government in March 2020 just as the economy was effectively shut down to stop the spread of COVID-19. Initially forecast to cost $130 billion, JobKeeper was aimed at supporting employees who worked for businesses that expected to suffer a decline of at least 30 per cent in their revenue for at least six months. Businesses received $1500 a fortnight for each eligible worker. This was reduced to $1200 for full-time workers from September 2020 and to $1000 between January and March in 2021. Then-treasurer Josh Frydenberg launched the JobKeeper program in 2020. Credit: Alex Ellinghausen Treasurys early examination of the program found the scheme, one of the largest interventions by a government in the labour market, had supported businesses and workers through the depths of COVID. But there was criticism of the scheme, particularly from current Treasury Minister Andrew Leigh, about how money flowed to businesses that boosted their profits through the pandemic and did not need to pay back the taxpayers cash they received. There has been further criticism that the sheer scale of JobKeeper has contributed to the economys inflation pressures that have forced the Reserve Bank to lift official interest rates to an 11-year high of 4.1 per cent. The review, to be headed by former deputy Treasury secretary Nigel Ray, will examine the impact of JobKeeper on workers, businesses that received the payment, the job market and the broader economy. The JobKeeper Evaluation will consider the objectives and design and effectiveness of JobKeeper. It will also record lessons learned from the design and implementation of JobKeeper, with a view to informing future policy responses, the department said. Treasury has estimated that without intervention at the time, unemployment could have reached 15 per cent and remain elevated for a long period of time. The review will look at the programs impact on the distribution of income, whether there should have been a provision to clawback cash from firms that ultimately profited during the pandemic, and also if there were unanticipated costs and effects associated with the design and implementation of JobKeeper. Public submissions to the review close on July 14. Independent MP Alex Greenwich says NSW One Nation leader Mark Latham defamed him in a tweet and in comments to The Daily Telegraph that he alleges accused him of engaging in disgusting sexual activities and of visiting schools to groom children to become homosexual. Greenwich, the MP for Sydney, filed Federal Court defamation proceedings last month against Latham, an upper house MP, after Latham posted and deleted a highly graphic and offensive tweet on March 30. He is also suing Latham over comments he subsequently made to the Telegraph on April 1. Alex Greenwich filed Federal Court defamation proceedings against Mark Latham in May. Credit: Dominic Lorrimer Greenwich, who is gay, described the tweet as defamatory and homophobic. On Thursday the Federal Court released documents in the case including the statement of claim filed by Greenwichs lawyers, led by Melbourne silk Matt Collins, KC. Actor Song Joong-ki has said his wife, Katy Louise Saunders, gave birth to a son in Rome. "I finally met the baby in Rome, my wife's hometown. He is a healthy son," Song wrote on his online fan cafe Wednesday with a photo of the baby holding his finger. "He is the most precious present to our couple, whose biggest dream is to make a happy family," he added. Song was accompanied by Saunders when he attended the Cannes Film Festival in May for his new movie "Hopeless" and moved to Italy to prepare for the baby's birth. In January, the 38-year-old said he had married Saunders, a British actress and model, and she was pregnant. It was Song's second marriage after he divorced Korean actress Song Hye-kyo, the co-star of the megahit 2016 drama "Descendants of the Sun," in 2019. Since his debut in 2008, Song has appeared in several hit drama series and films, including "Reborn Rich" (2022), "Vincenzo" (2021) and "Arthdal Chronicles" (2019). (Yonhap) Suspended rugby union star Kurtley Beale has declared the truth will come out after he pleaded not guilty and was committed to stand trial over the alleged sexual assault of a woman at a Bondi pub. The 34-year-old Wallabies back was arrested in January and charged over an alleged incident at Bondis Beach Road Hotel on December 17 last year. Kurtley Beale with his partner Maddi outside Downing Centre court. Credit: Nick Moir Police began investigating under Strike Force Titheradge after a 28-year-old woman alleged she had been sexually assaulted at the eastern suburbs venue. In Sydneys Downing Centre Local Court on Thursday, Beales lawyer Lauren MacDougall entered not guilty pleas on her clients behalf to sexual intercourse without consent and two counts of sexually touching another person without consent. Breaking into Louis Vuittons flagship Sydney store in the early hours of New Years Day last year, Michael Tasker probably thought he had bagged a bargain. The 39-year-old was captured on CCTV rifling through designer goods, before he returned with two wheelie bins. Beneath the red lids, he stuffed almost 100 luxury items valued at a total of $464,935. Michael Tasker broke into the Louis Vuitton store on New Years Day 2022. Credit: NSW Police Police appealed for information to identify the man in the footage, who was wearing a face mask, a Fendi print baseball cap and ASICS sneakers. Tackled to the ground by police in Burwood almost a fortnight after the crime, Tasker could be heard in vision of his arrest saying, You got me. If and when criminal charges are laid, one can also anticipate a desperate contest over an application for a permanent stay because it would, given the public history of Roberts-Smith, require the empanelment of jurors from outer space to try the case. No judicial directions can produce an impartial jury. A permanent stay is a ruling made by a judge to halt legal proceedings indefinitely. If granted, charges are not dropped, but the case remains in a legal limbo. Barrister Robert Richter, KC, leaving the Supreme Court during a trial. Credit: Craig Abraham Barrister Gideon Boas, who has previously represented a Balkans war criminal, said juries had historically shown themselves capable of putting aside what they knew to deliver a fair result. Boas said permanent stays on prosecutions were undesirable, and he believed it was impossible to prove a person could not receive a fair trial. He also highlighted other high-profile cases subject to extensive media coverage, including the Pell and Bruce Lehrmann cases, which did proceed to jury trials. And if juries did get it wrong, Boas said, a case could be referred to the Court of Appeal. Loading It is often the expressed view of the courts, including the highest courts, that juries can be trusted to fulfil their obligations, they do listen and do follow instructions. If thats true then it really cant be said that a person like Ben Roberts-Smith cannot receive a fair trial, Boas said. A more cynical person might take the view that a jury is probably not best placed to make that assessment; for 12 people to set aside both prejudices and knowledge of a matter so notorious its been in the media for months and months, if not years. In Roberts-Smiths case, Boas said it was inconceivable criminal charges would not be laid and if Australia failed to act, the International Criminal Court could step in if it felt Australia was unwilling and unable to prosecute war crimes. Roberts-Smith, who is the subject of a war crimes investigation, arrived home from overseas on Wednesday night and spoke for the first time since the Federal Court judgment. He said he was 100 per cent proud of his time in the Defence Force and would not be apologising to anyone. George Pell and Robert Richter outside a Melbourne court in 2017. Credit: Jason South It was a terrible result and obviously the incorrect result. We will look at it and consider whether or not we need to file an appeal, Roberts-Smith said at Perth Airport. We havent done anything wrong, so we wont be making any apologies. Australian Lawyers Alliance spokesman Greg Barns, SC, said defendants should be able to elect a judge-alone trial in cases where there had been saturation publicity. Loading While judge-alone trials for criminal charges are available in circumstances for state-based charges in places excluding Victoria and the Northern Territory, the Constitution currently stipulates that federal charges must be heard by a jury. One of the issues if a person is charged with Commonwealth offences is there is no capacity for this to happen because the Constitution stipulates trial by judge and jury, Barns said. In Victoria, there have been high-profile examples of cases going to trial despite applications by defence lawyers for permanent stays. In 2009, lawyers for drug kingpin Tony Mokbel asked for his trial over the murder of gangland patriarch Lewis Moran to be stayed after extensive pre-trial media reporting, including on Mokbels extradition from Greece. Loading At the time, his legal team argued that substantial adverse publicity about Mokbel over a decade could have an effect on potential jurors and deprive him of a fair trial. But Supreme Court Justice Stephen Kaye rejected that application and found it was not in the interests of justice to apply a permanent stay to the murder charge. At the time of his ruling, Kaye said he was content that with appropriate directions from a judge, Mokbel would receive a fair trial and a jury would fairly and properly remain faithful to their oaths of office. Mokbel later stood trial on a charge of murdering Moran and was found not guilty. In 2010, serial killer Peter Dupas applied for a permanent stay on a charge of murdering Mersina Halvagis in November 1997. Tony Mokbel outside court in 2014. He was convicted of drug trafficking but acquitted of murder. Credit: Jason South His legal team argued that adverse pre-trial publicity about Dupas two previous murder convictions for killing Nicole Patterson and Margaret Maher made it impossible for him to receive a fair trial. The trial judge refused the application and found a properly directed jury could be trusted to decide whether Dupas was guilty or not. A jury found Dupas guilty of murdering Halvagis. A proposal by Melbourne brewery Moon Dog to turn Footscrays iconic Franco Cozzo furniture showroom into a three-storey venue with a grandiose baroque fountain has been rejected by Maribyrnong City Council. The councils planning office refused to grant a permit for the bar and music venue, saying it would result in an unacceptable risk to vehicles, pedestrians and cyclists, and have unacceptable amenity impacts on the surrounding area. Moon Dog co-founder Karl van Buuren. Credit: Justin McManus Moon Dogs vision of a venue with live music, a playground and rooftop bar, and a multi-tiered fountain had captured the imagination of some locals, who took to social media to decry the permit refusal. But other residents had worried the venue which would open from 11am to 1am every day, with up to 900 patrons and no car parks would exacerbate problems with parking, safety, traffic and noise. Australias population swelled by a record 497,000 through 2022, driven by the nations single largest annual intake of migrants, even as COVID-19 infections lifted the number of deaths and weighed on natural growth. Amid an ongoing political debate about the size of the population and pressure on the housing market, figures from the Australian Bureau of Statistics on Thursday revealed a net 387,000 migrants made their way into the country last year. The return of international students has helped Australia record its largest annual increase in population. Credit: Oscar Colman Almost 620,000 people arrived, while 232,600 departed. Of the net migrant intake, 134,600 moved into NSW, with another 120,500 taking up residence in Victoria and 58,000 in Queensland. Fighting back tears as she rose to her feet in the Senate, Lidia Thorpe delivered a message many will find difficult to accept so soon after the reckoning that shook Parliament House only two years earlier. The building was still not safe, she said, countering the myriad people from across the parliament who had expressed hope that a new, better culture was now in place at the heart of the nations democracy. Instead, Thorpe spoke of a workplace that, by design, left its female occupants vulnerable. You are often alone in long corridors with no windows and in stairwells hidden from view where there are no cameras, the Victorian senator said. Meanwhile, Greek authorities were criticised for not acting to rescue the migrants, even though a coast guard vessel escorted the trawler for hours and watched helplessly as it sank in minutes. Greek officials argued that the migrants repeatedly refused assistance and insisted on continuing to Italy. Legal experts said that was no excuse. The coast guard said that it had arrested nine survivors on suspicion of belonging to the smuggling ring that arranged the voyage. State-run ERT TV said the suspects were all Egyptians, adding that the ship originally left an Egyptian port for the area of Tobruk in eastern Libya, where it picked up the migrants. Survivors of a shipwreck rest in a warehouse at the port in Kalamata. Credit: AP Relatives of the migrants who each paid thousands of dollars for passage on the battered vessel gathered in the southern port city of Kalamata to look for their loved ones. Kassem Abu Zeed said he caught the first flight from Germany to Greece after realising that his wife and brother-in-law were aboard the trawler. The last time we spoke was eight days ago, and [my wife] told me that she was getting ready to get on the boat, Abu Zeed said. She had paid $5,000 [to smugglers] ... and then we all know what happened. Abu Zeed, a 34-year-old Syrian refugee living in Hamburg, said Esra Aoun, 21, and her 19-year-old brother, Abdullah, risked the dangerous crossing from Libya to Italy after they failed to find a legal way to join him in Germany. The chances are low that Abu Zeeds wife survived the sinking about 75 kilometres offshore. None of those rescued were women. Now he hopes Abdullah may be among the men from Syria, Egypt, Pakistan and the Palestinian territories who are being temporarily housed in a Kalamata warehouse or recuperating in hospitals from hypothermia and exposure. The chances of finding more survivors are minimal, retired Greek coast guard Admiral Nikos Spanos told ERT. Erasmia Roumana, head of a United Nations refugee agency delegation, said many of the survivors have friends and relatives unaccounted for. The Greek flag waves at half-mast atop the Greek parliament. Credit: AP They want to get in touch with their families to tell them they are OK, and they keep asking about the missing, Roumana said. Mohamed Abdi Marwan, who spoke by phone from Kobani, a Kurdish majority town in Syria, said five of his relatives were on the boat, including a 14-year-old. Marwan said hes heard nothing about them since the vessel sank. He believes his nephew Ali Sheikhi, 29, is alive, after family members spotted him in photos of survivors, but that has not been confirmed. Loading Those smugglers were supposed to only have 500 on the boat and now we hear there were 750. What is this? Are they cattle or humans? How can they do this? Marwan said. He said each of his relatives paid $US6,000 ($8735) for the trip. Greek authorities said the vessel appeared to be sailing normally until shortly before it sank and refused repeated rescue offers. But a network of activists said they received repeated distress calls from the vessel during the same time. The Greek coast guard said it was notified of the boats presence late Tuesday morning and observed by helicopter that it was sailing on a steady course at 6pm. A little later, Greek search-and-rescue officials reached someone on the boat by satellite phone, who repeatedly said that passengers needed food and water but wanted to continue to Italy. Merchant ships delivered supplies and observed the vessel until early Wednesday morning, when the satellite phone user reported a problem with the engine. About 40 minutes later, according to the coast guard statement, the migrant vessel began to rock violently and sank. Survivors of a shipwreck sit inside a warehouse where are taking shelter at the port in Kalamata. Credit: AP Coast guard experts believe the boat may have run out of fuel or experienced engine trouble, with movement of passengers causing it to list and capsize. Alarm Phone, a network of activists that provides a hotline for migrants in trouble, said the problems began much earlier in the day. The network said it was contacted by people on the vessel seeking help shortly after 3 pm. They said they cannot survive the night. Around 6:20 pm, Alarm Phone wrote, migrants reported the vessel was not moving and that the captain had left on a small boat. The two accounts could not immediately be reconciled. Experts said maritime law would have required Greek authorities to attempt a rescue if the boat was unsafe, regardless of whether passengers requested it. Scores of people covering practically every free stretch of deck on a fishing boat that later capsized and sank off southern Greece. Credit: AP Search and rescue is not a two-way contract. You dont need consent, retired Italian coast guard admiral Vittorio Alessandro said. An aerial photograph of the vessel before it sank released by Greek authorities showed people crammed on the deck. Most were not wearing life jackets. Overcrowding, a lack of life vests, or the absence of a captain would have all been reasons to intervene, Alessandro said. Professor Erik Rsg from the University of Oslos Institute of Private Law said Greek authorities definitely had a duty to start rescue procedures given the condition of the trawler. He said a captains refusal of assistance can be overruled if deemed unreasonable. It appears that the refusal in this case was highly unreasonable, Rsg said. Greeces caretaker minister for civil protection, Evangelos Tournas, defended the coast guards conduct, saying it couldnt intervene with an unwilling vessel in international waters. Consider also that an intervention by the coast guard could have placed an overloaded vessel in danger, which could capsize as a result, he said. The trawler sank near the deepest part of the Mediterranean, where depths of up to 5200 metres could hamper any effort to locate a sunken vessel. Human rights groups say a European Union crackdown on smuggling has forced people to take longer, more dangerous routes to reach safe countries. Eftychia Georgiadi, an official in Greece with the International Rescue Committee charity, said the EUs failure to offer more safe pathways to migration effectively slams the door on people seeking protection. Nobody embarks on these treacherous journeys unless they feel they have no other option, she said. A promotional image for KB Financial Group's Solveathon debate program / Courtesy of KB Financial Group By Lee Min-hyung KB Financial Group will hold a debate tournament with college students from Indonesia in celebration of the 50th anniversary of Korea's diplomatic relations with the Southeast Asian country. A total of 205 Indonesian students applied for this year's KB Solveathon event. KB will select 16 teams from Korea and four teams from Indonesia. The main event will be held for three days from July 6, and the final is scheduled for July 13 at KB's headquarters in southern Seoul's Yeouido. KB Financial Group headquarters in southern Seoul's Yeouido / Korea Times file Diffenderfer named VP of University Advancement He has worked to strengthen our engagement with our alumni, friends and partners, which has been instrumental in advancing our mission-driven priorities notably our ambition to situate UB among the top 25 public research universities in the nation. Jason Diffenderfer, a highly accomplished executive who has been instrumental in leading UBs largest ever fundraising campaign, has been named vice president for university advancement. His appointment, announced today by President Satish K. Tripathi, is effective immediately. Diffenderfer has served as interim vice president for university advancement since last September. Jasons leadership of Advancement in an interim capacity has continued to elevate the importance of philanthropy and its impact on our university mission, Tripathi said. He has worked to strengthen our engagement with our alumni, friends and partners, which has been instrumental in advancing our mission-driven priorities notably our ambition to situate UB among the top 25 public research universities in the nation. Diffenderfer leads a staff of 120 employes and directs the universitys philanthropy and alumni engagement objectives. This includes the Boldly Buffalo campaign, which has been so successful that UB surpassed its goal of $650 million a full year early, and now has raised $937 million toward an extended goal of $1 billion. As vice president for university advancement, Diffenderfer works closely with the president, provost, deans, executive director of the UB Foundation and other university leaders and volunteers. He also directs university-wide efforts to strengthen UBs relationships with more than 293,000 alumni in roughly 150 countries, with the goal of increasing participation in all university alumni-engagement programs and engaging alumni as lifelong and involved partners. As New Yorks flagship university, UB plays such a critical role in advancing our region, state and the world. Im excited to continue working with President Tripathi to grow our philanthropic and engagement outcomes to support the success of our students and faculty, and position the university to achieve its Top 25 Ambition, said Diffenderfer. Weve gained tremendous momentum during the Boldly Buffalo campaign, and I look forward to working with our alumni, friends and colleagues across the university to advance UB. Diffenderfer arrived at UB in 2018 as senior associate vice president for advancement and the campaigns co-director. In this role, he led the fundraising team during the public phase of the Boldly Buffalo campaign, helping the university achieve its three largest consecutive fundraising years: $94 million in 2020, $116 million in 2021 and $107 million in 2022. This bested a record from the previous three years. Before coming to UB, Diffenderfer served in various advancement roles at the University of Louisville from 2011-18, including executive director of development, where he collaborated with university leadership and advancement colleagues to develop and execute a comprehensive advancement strategy. He started his advancement career leading the annual giving program at his alma mater, Gardner-Webb University in Boiling Springs, North Carolina. He holds bachelors degree and an MBA from Gardner-Webb. The Andhra Pradesh government on Thursday directed the Crime Investigation Department (CID) to attach the movable properties worth Rs 242 crore of Margadarsi Chit Fund Private Limited (MCFPL), promoted by media baron Ramoji Rao. Acting on the request by the Additional Director General of Police, Crime Investigation Department, the government issued an ad-interim order. According to the investigation agency, it noticed during the inspection that certain movable properties are held in the name of the accused company. The order has been issued under sections 3 and 8 of the Andhra Pradesh Protection of Depositors of Financial Establishments Act, 1999. Crime Investigation Department, Andhra Pradesh, Mangalagiri and the Competent Authority is requested to take necessary further action in the matter as per the provisions of the said Act and the Rules and send compliance report to the government, says the order. The investigation agency during the inspection noticed that the company diverted the funds to other investments illegally, which violates the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) regulations and the provisions. Also Read Never violated AP Chit Fund Act rules, says Margadarsi Chit Funds Pvt Ltd Assam: Students, others brought to CID HQ in class 10 board paper leak case All India chit fund body backs Margadarsi, says no complaint against firm Sanction to attach properties of DMRC not possible: Centre tells Delhi HC FinMin agencies attach immovable properties worth Rs 1.11 trn in 6 years NCLT approves Ace Infracity resolution plan for debt-ridden 3C Homes NCLT approves appointment of Ajmera as Resolution Professional of Go First Talks fail, Jalan-owned Carbon Resources sells stake in McLeod Russel Audio brand boAt scales up to Rs 4,0000 crore in net sales for FY 2022-23 Avaada Energy bags 400 MW solar project from Gujarat Urja Vikas Nigam Last month, the CID had attached properties worth Rs793 crore on the direction from the government. Previously, the investigating agency had filed cases against individuals involved in the violations, including Ramoji Rao (Director), Sailaja Kiran (Managing Director), and several others associated with 37 branches of the company. The CID registered seven first information reports (FIRs) against Ramoji Rao and his daughter-in-law Sailaja Kiran. The FIRS were registered under Sections 120(B) (criminal conspiracy), 409 (criminal breach of trust), 420 (cheating), and 477(A) read with 34 (falsification of accounts) of the Indian Penal Code, Section 5 of the Andhra Pradesh Protection of Depositors in Financial Establishments Act, 1999, and Section 76, 79 of the Chit Funds Act, 1982. --IANS ms/uk/ Avaada Energy on Thursday said it has bagged a 400 MW solar project from Gujarat Urja Vikas Nigam Ltd. The company did not disclose the financial details of the project. "Avaada Energy, an arm of Avaada Group India's leading integrated energy group with business interests in renewable power generation, solar module manufacturing, electrolyser manufacturing and Green Ammonia production, has received the Letter of Intent (LoI) from Gujarat Urja Vikas Nigam Limited (GUVNL) to set up 400 MW (DC) solar project," a company statement said on Thursday. The company has won 200 MW under base capacity at a tariff of Rs 2.75/kWh and another 200 MW under a green shoe option at a tariff of Rs 2.71/kWh from GUVNL under a tariff-based competitive bidding process followed by an e-Reverse auction. Post commissioning, the plant will produce 740 million units of green electricity per year, leading to a reduction of approximately 6,88,940 tonnes of CO2 equivalent emissions, annually. "This is another feather in our cap as winning project in Gujarat will further strengthen our renewable energy footprints in the state," Kishor Nair, CEO of Avaada Energy, said in the statement. Also Read Avaada Energy bags 280 MW solar project from Rajasthan Urja Vikas Nigam NHPC bags 200MW project worth Rs 1,007.6 cr from Urja Vikas Nigam Avaada Energy gets 421 MW solar project from Damodar Valley Corporation JSW Energy arm bags two battery energy storage system projects from SECI Brookfield to invest $1 bn in Avaada Group to fund green hydrogen project Tata Motors shows interest in green technology project in Jharkhand Sebi notifies disclosure rules; asks cos to confirm or deny market rumour Coal India will fall under the Competition Act, says Supreme Court IndiGo aircraft suffers tail strike while landing at Ahmedabad airport Asset under management may cross Rs 10 trillion by Sept: PFRDA chairman This solar project has the potential to provide green power to around 5 lakh households. As per the bid terms, the solar power generated from the project will be supplied to GUVNL for 25 years, and the projects will be commissioned within 18 months from the date of execution of the power purchase agreements (PPAs), the statement added. The Supreme Court on Thursday said Coal India Ltd (CIL), a public-sector undertaking, would come within the ambit of the Competition Act, rejecting the miners contention that the law concerned did not apply to it because it operated under the Coal Mines (Nationalisation) Act. We hold there is no merit in the contention of the appellants (CIL) that the Act will not apply to (them) for the reason that (they) are governed by the Nationalisation Act and that the Nationalisation Act cannot be reconciled with the (Competition) Act. This is subject to the appellants having all the rights to defend their actions under the law and as indicated hereinbefore. The transferred cases shall be sent back so that they may be dealt with on their own merit. The transferred cases are disposed of, a Bench of the judges -- K M Joseph, B V Nagarathna, and Ahsanuddin Amanullah -- said. Section 54 of the Competition Act (the Act) gives powers to the Central Government to exempt from the application of the Act or any provision and for any period, which is specified in the Notification. The grounds for exemption can be the security of the State or even the public interest. It is not as if if there was a genuine case made out for being taken outside the purview of the Act in the public interest, the Government would be powerless. We say no more, the Bench said. The case has been sent back to the Competition Commission of India (CCI) for deciding the issue on merit. Anshuman Sakle, partner, Khaitan & Co, said this ruling reinforced the principle of competitive neutrality under the Competition Act, and it applied to public-sector undertakings and private enterprises alike. Under the Competition Act, there is no distinction made between government-owned enterprises and private enterprises. However, CIL had contended before the court that considering the fact that it became a monopoly under the Nationalisation Act of 1973, the provisions of the Competition Act should not apply to it. The Supreme Court has disagreed with this view and stated that CIL could not resist the standards of fairness and the duty to avoid discriminatory practices, he said. Also Read 16-member panel set up to draft Digital Competition Act within 3 months 2023 could be another strong yr for coal as demand may reach record levels Coal India down 3% as Q4 net drops on higher wages; analysts remain divided Coal India needs to raise prices, but caught between political constraints Expensive coal imports, logistics may result in higher electricity bills IndiGo aircraft suffers tail strike while landing at Ahmedabad airport Asset under management may cross Rs 10 trillion by Sept: PFRDA chairman Sanjay Kumar takes over as new director for marketing in GAIL India Vistara expands codeshare partnership with European airline Lufthansa Meta expands 'performance bonuses' on Facebook for creators to earn more The court dismissed the appeals by CIL, which challenged a December 2016 ruling of the Competition Appellate Tribunal. The tribunal had dismissed CILs appeal against a CCI order of 2014 holding the company guilty of abuse of dominance in the production and supply of non-coking coal (mainly used as thermal coal for power generation) to thermal power producers. This was in violation of the Competition Act. The CCI had imposed a penalty of Rs 1,773.05 crore on CIL for imposing unfair/discriminatory conditions in fuel-supply agreements. The tribunal reduced the amount to Rs 591.01 crore. The competition regulator had acted on information from a Maharashtra-based coal-fired thermal power generation company. It received complaints from five other thermal power generation companies also. These companies had said CIL had delayed the execution of fuel-sale agreements it had compelled them to sign. Senior advocate and former attorney general K K Venugopal, arguing for CIL, said its coal mines came under the Coal Mines (Nationalisation) Act, 1973, and therefore its operations were outside the purview of the Competition Act. The very purpose and policy underlying the Nationalisation Act were to monopolise the operations of the coal mines and coal mining in the hands of the Central government and its agencies such as the appellant. It is not an ordinary monopoly. It is a monopoly created by the Nationalisation Act, he had argued. Meanwhile, Additional Solicitor General N Venkataraman, appearing for the CCI, said there was no conflict between the Nationalisation Act and the Competition Act in keeping with the changing times and the need to preserve the best economic interests of the nation. The state monopoly could not be allowed to operate in a state of inefficiency. It had to set its house in order and pull up its socks. It was specifically contemplated that such state monopolies must fall in line and operate in the midst of forces of competition, he said. By Nikunj Ohri and Aditya Kalra NEW DELHI (Reuters) -India's Ministry of Corporate Affairs has ordered an investigation to assess Hero MotoCorp's relationship with a third-party vendor in a case related to alleged diversion of funds, two government sources told Reuters on Thursday. The investigation has been ordered in the "public interest" to probe the ownership structure of Hero MotoCorp and whether it controlled the third-party vendor, said the two sources, who are privy to the internal government directive. Hero MotoCorp, India's largest manufacturer of motorcycles, said in a statement to Reuters that it had not received any communication from the government and could not comment. "We will provide all information, if and when it is sought from us by any regulatory authority," the spokesperson said. The ministry did not immediately respond to a Reuters emailed request for comment. Also Read New Delhi city warns Uber, Ola on use of bike taxis, says official Authorities to impound bike taxis if Uber, Ola do not comply with Delhi ban Tata's Air India to seal half of jumbo plane order of 495 jets: Report Archery World Cup: Aditi Swami of India breaks U-18 compound world record Centre planning rate changes in new income tax structure, says report Ashok Leyland, Aidrivers to make autonomous truck model for port operations SAT gives no immediate relief to Zee promoters, refuses to stay Sebi order Inkle launches new platform for cross-border payments for startups Open challenge to OpenAI, Google: Zoho working to build its own AI model Maruti sitting on 100,000 plus pending deliveries as MPV market expands Shares of Hero were down as much as 4.2% in Thursday afternoon trade. The internal government order follows a preliminary inquiry conducted by India's Registrar of Companies, the two sources said. The case was seen fit for a further formal investigation in the "public interest", they said. The Ministry of Corporate Affairs, under legal provisions, now has powers to record statements of company officials and ask for documents to conduct an investigation. Separately, Hero MotoCorp was under the scrutiny of India's income tax authorities last year. The company last year said tax inspectors visited its offices and the home of CEO Pawan Munjal as part of a "routine inquiry". (Reporting by Nikunj Ohri and Aditya Kalra in New Delhi, additional reporting by Aditi Shah; editing by Jason Neely) By Ragini Saxena Go Airlines India Ltd., which filed for bankruptcy protection in May, hopes to resume operations by the end of the month and restore 94% of its daily flights, a person familiar with the matter said. In a revival plan submitted to the aviation regulator, the airline said it can operate 157 daily flights domestically, compared with the 167 it flew previously, the person said, asking not to be identified because the matter is private. The carrier abruptly halted flights last month, blaming problems with the Pratt & Whitney engines that power its fleet. Go hopes the regulator may approve its proposal this week, allowing it to resume flights in the next two weeks, the person said. The airline previously said it aimed to restart flights in May, but that proved over-optimistic and never materialized. The carrier is also waiting for creditors to approve additional funding, the person said, declining to specify the amount of investment needed. The airline, which rebranded as Go First about two years ago, controls 6.4% of the Indian aviation market one of the fastest-growing in the world. It plans to deploy 22 aircraft and reserve four jets for future needs, the person said. After losing about 175 pilots during the recent turbulent times, Go still has more than 500 pilots enough to fly some 30 planes and doesnt need to immediately hire more, the person said. A spokesperson for Go didnt respond to a request for comment. A representative for the civil aviation ministry didnt respond to a request for comment. Also Read Southwest Airlines cancels more flights, draws federal investigation India's airline sector on to a smooth flight despite air pocketsr Go First may be grounded, but IndiGo is in no hurry to expand capacity India's aviation market offers diverse opportunities: Star Alliance CEO Analysts see upto 38% upside in IndiGo; suggest tracking costs, airfare cap Lenskart raises $100 mn from ChrysCapital, plans global expansion Hero MotoCorp expects balanced growth between rural and urban this year Kesoram plans to infuse fresh capital of Rs 60 crore for Cygnet turnaround ONGC signs pact with IndianOil to explore opportunity in petrochemicals biz Talks fail, Jalan-owned Carbon Resources sells stake in McLeod Russel Go has said it struggled for years with premature failures and shutdowns of Pratt GTF engines that idled half of its Airbus SE A320neo fleet. Its seeking $1.1 billion in compensation from the engine maker in US arbitration and wants outstanding orders for 144 engines to be fulfilled. Pratt, for its part, in May said that it continues to prioritize delivery schedules for customers and is complying with an arbitration courts order to supply parts to the airline. Indias top airline, IndiGo, also has more than 35 aircraft grounded due to a shortage of spare engines, Chief Executive Officer Pieter Elbers said in May. Deutsche Lufthansa AG said a third of its A220 fleet in Zurich is idled due to engine troubles. Go also plans to drop services to less profitable destinations like Varansi, Patna, Lucknow and Ranchi, choosing instead to focus on high-demand areas including Srinagar, Delhi and Leh where fares have surged during its absence, the person said.Go also plans to drop services to less profitable destinations like Varansi, Patna, Lucknow and Ranchi, choosing instead to focus on high-demand areas including Srinagar, Delhi and Leh where fares have surged during its absence, the person said. India's youngest airline, Akasa Air, is planning to raise $75-100 million by offering fresh shares, The Economic Times (ET) reports. The airline is doing this to expand its business, people aware of the development were cited in the report. Moreover, the airline also needs funds to pay for its pre-delivery commitments for aircraft. Earlier, Akasa had placed an order for 72 Boeing 737 Max; out of this, 19 aircraft have already been delivered, the report said. To raise the money, Akasa Air has approached potential investors, which include PE firms and high net-worth individuals, the people cited above told ET. The capital will be raised, keeping the valuation of Akasa Air as a benchmark valued at $650 million. The US-based hedge fund PAR Capital Management will likely increase its holding in the airline, ET reported. Currently, it holds a 6 per cent stake. When concluded, the fundraising will dilute the Jhunjhunwala family's ownership of the company. As things stand, the family holds around 46 per cent stake in Akasa Air. There is little clarity on the extent of dilution of the family's stake, but the family will likely maintain its position as the largest stakeholder in the airline, the report added. Also Read Rakesh Jhunjhunwala's portfolio up 11% thus far in FY24; beats markets From the cockpit: Meet Vinay Dube, co-founder and CEO of Akasa Air Skyrocketing airfares: GoFirst's absence, thunderstorms, demand to blame LIVE: Firing reported outside Islamabad HC, no casualties, say police Boeing faces production issues; Air India, Akasa expansion may get delayed ITC's FMCG revenue up 20% in FY23 as it aims to de-risk from tobacco biz SoftBank-backed Unicommerce expands ops in Middle East, Southeast Asia Flipkart, PhonePe could be $100 bn businesses in India, says Walmart Apple's racial equity, justice initiative surpasses $200 mn in investments SmallCap World Fund offloads 1.6% stake in Aavas Financiers for Rs 173 cr ICICI Securities predicts a positive future for the airline, thanks to the healthy growth in traffic and declining jet fuel prices. People cited above told ET that the Jhunjhunwala family reserves the right of first refusal on any equity fundraising that Akasa plans. Starting its operations last year, Akasa Air has leveraged its startup advantage to design a low-cost structure with reduced lease rents. The easy availability of pilots after the pandemic also helped Akasa. Currently, Akasa Air maintains a fleet of 19 aircraft and holds a four per cent market share. In an earlier announcement, the airline's CEO, Vinay Dube, had said that it was planning to place a triple-digit aircraft order by the end of the year. Indian software-as-a-service (SaaS) company Zoho is working to build its own large language model (LLM), much like OpenAI's wildly popular ChatGPT and Google's PaLM 2 models, Moneycontrol (MC) reported. The project is being run under the leadership of Zoho founder and CEO Sridhar Vembu. The company's R&D team is directly involved with the project, the report said. Elaborating on the project details, vice-president of Marketing and customer experience at Zoho, Praval Singh was quoted in the report as saying, "We have been working on artificial intelligence for a decade now. When customers needed ChatGPT integration, we gave them that by integration with 13 of our apps as we announced recently." Furthermore, Singh said that in the short term, we have built an arrangement to integrate with ChatGPT, however, we are also developing proprietary large language models with the ability to summarise, paraphrase, and adapt to new tasks, he added. Zoho's announcement to develop its own LLMs comes after OpenAI founder and CEO Sam Altman made news with his controversial comments. Altman had said that it would be "hopeless" for an Indian startup with $10 million in funding to build a foundational LLM, the MC report said. However, as his comments stirred up a controversy, Altman clarified that his statement was taken out of context, but before he could do it, Tech Mahindra CEO CP Gurnani said that he saw the OpenAI chief's remark as a "challenge." Also Read Zoho CEO Sridhar Vembu rejects wife Pramila's allegations of abandoning her After ChatGPT, Sam Altman looks to disrupt crypto world through Worldcoin Zoho expands regional outreach, will open hub offices in Tamil Nadu, UP We need to create opportunities in rural areas: Zoho CEO Sridhar Vembu 'Complete fiction': Zoho CEO Vembu denies wife's allegations in magazine Maruti sitting on 100,000 plus pending deliveries as MPV market expands 5G adoption to unlock wealth of opportunities for India's tech talent pool Parts of NCLAT's Rs 1,338 cr fine order on Google challenged by CCI in SC Tata Steel, Germany's SMS group to explore low carbon steel-making tech As work-from-office resumes, TCS employees get less time to upgrade skills On a related note, Union Minister Rajeev Chandrasekhar said that OpenAI boss Sam Altman is not the final word on India's AI-related growth plans, the MC report said. Stable power supply brings better life to residents in Datong township, Xinjiang 10:48, June 15, 2023 By Li Yanan ( People's Daily Technicians with the State Grid Kashgar Electric Power Supply Company maintain a transmission tower. (Photo/Wang Kang) Located in the hinterland of the Pamir Plateau and surrounded by mountains, Datong township in Taxkorgan Tajik autonomous county, northwest China's Xinjiang Uygur autonomous region once had no stable supply of electricity. Its source of power included only a small hydropower plant and some solar panels. Three years ago, the township was connected to the power grid. The stable supply of electricity has brought drastic changes to the township, making residents' life more convenient, industrial development more efficient and public services more developed. "Welcome to my home. Please come in," said Sayifnazir Kurban, who runs an agritainment facility in Datong township, while guiding Zhang Hang and other five tourists from Beijing into her house. From a freezer in the house, she took a pot of homemade yogurt and invited the tourists to have a taste of it. After enjoying the yogurt, Zhang and his friends unpacked and took a hot shower, which significantly eased their travel fatigue. "Before I came here, my friends who visited the township a couple of years ago told me to find a hotel in the county seat. They said the accommodation was poor in the township because the power supply was poor, though it has beautiful sceneries. I didn't expect that so many changes have taken place here in the recent years," Zhang told People's Daily. The agritainment facility of Sayifnazir Kurban was transformed from the woman's resettlement house in 2019. However, the business was gloomy due to the power shortage. "It was totally impossible to make iced yogurt. Freshly made yogurt would go bad the next morning. There was no way for us to have fresh meat, too. Most of the dishes on our menu were made of air-dried beef. We literally had to have 'candlelit dinners' at night," the woman recalled. An electrician of a local power supply company launches an electricity inspection for residents in northwest China's Xinjiang Uygur autonomous region. (Photo/Wang Kang) Today, with stable power supply, Sayifnazir Kurban can finally keep fresh food in her refrigerator and freezer, which has lengthened her menu. In the evening, she made pilaf and braised mutton for Zhang and his friends, and they enjoyed the meal over a joyful conversation under the light. After the guests went to sleep, Sayifnazir Kurban started editing the video clips she filmed in the daytime and posted them on short video platforms to advertise her hometown and agritainment facility. "Many people asked me about the accommodation after watching my videos, and some called me to book rooms," she said. According to the woman, she received 20 guests at most a day. As of the start of April, she had already gained about 20,000 yuan ($2,796) from the agritainment facility. The stable supply of electricity is powering the development of the township. Today, Datong is home to 68 agritainment facilities, as well as many convenient shops and restaurants. Several jade processing workshops also started operation in the township. Compared with the sales of raw jade, jade processing is more profitable. According to mayor of Datong township Alimjan Shirin, the per capita annual income of residents in Datong increased from 8,264 yuan in 2020 to 11,910 yuan last year. "Residents' sense of fulfillment and happiness has been constantly improved," he said. In a classroom of the central primary school of Datong township, principal and Chinese teacher Li Yuan was teaching a class to students, highlighting important parts of the text on a big screen. Owner of a B&B hotel in Datong township, Taxkorgan Tajik autonomous county, northwest China's Xinjiang Uygur autonomous region, treats tourists during the May Day holiday. (Photo/Fan Zengqin) "The classroom was upgraded in the second half of last year. Electric heaters have been installed in classrooms, dormitories and faculty apartments. Now the students can study and rest in warm and safe rooms. It's much better than using coal furnaces," Li told People's Daily. The days were hard for Li when she just came to the primary school from north China's Shanxi province in 2019. "Teachers cooked with electric stoves, which always triggered blackouts or short circuits in peak hours. We had to take turns to cook and boil water for students, especially in winter," Li said. The most difficult part, according to the woman, was communication, because the mobile phone signal was poor around the school and to make a phone call she had to get close to the township government office. Li is quite satisfied with the township's connection to the power grid. "Now an expansion program of the school is underway, and the school is also better facilitated. I'm looking forward to the school's future development," she told People's Daily. After the sun went down, lights were turned on in the offices on the first floor of the township clinic, where doctors were collating the results of physical checkups completed in the daytime. Fezari Jami, head of the clinic, noted that the clinic is now able to do a number of physical examinations including comprehensive metabolic panel, complete blood count, B-scan ultrasonography of abdomen and mammary gland, electrocardiography and X-ray scan. Local residents can finally have complete physical checkups here and don't have to send blood samples to the county hospital anymore, Fezari Jami said, adding that examination reports are now generated by computers, which is more efficient and convenient. (Web editor: Chang Sha, Liang Jun) The financial watchdog will speed up its investigation into the alleged stock manipulation case amid investors' cry over unfair trading. Shares in five companies _ Dongil Industries, Manho Rope Wire, Pangrim, Taihan Textile and Dongil Metal _ plunged by a daily-permissible 30 percent Wednesday, prompting the country's bourse operator, the Korea Exchange (KRX), to suspend their trading starting Thursday. The stock plunge came amid investors' woes over stock manipulation cases. For one, a slew of companies crashed for days earlier this year, causing massive losses to retail investors. "We've handled the issue and the stocks in question since long ago, and we've also kept close eyes on unusual movements in stock prices, their causes and people concerned," Lee Bok-hyun, the head of the Financial Supervisory Service (FSS), said during a parliamentary session. "The Financial Services Commission, the FSS, the prosecution and the KRX have joined hands to look into the case, and we will come up with results as soon as possible." The authorities suspect the possibility of stock manipulation, as the items were all recommended on an online community suspected of a similar case before. Police also raided the operator of the online community, and the prosecution imposed an overseas travel ban on him. (Yonhap) TikTok is planning to pour billions of dollars in Southeast Asia over the next few years, aiming to drive growth in one of its biggest markets amid heightened scrutiny in the US. The company's CEO, Shou Zi Chew, made the announcement on Thursday during a speech at a TikTok forum in the Indonesian capital Jakarta. The investment comes as the app's e-commerce marketplace, TikTok Shop, is experiencing some growth following its expansion to more countries in the region last year. But its still trailing more established power players, like online shopping sites Shopee and Lazada. The popular video-sharing app, though, is attempting to harness the power of its user base. Chew said on Thursday that the app generates more than 325 million visitors in Southeast Asia each month. And the research group Insider Intelligence expects its user base in Indonesia, Malaysia, Thailand, Vietnam and the Philippines to increase by more than 10 per cent this year. TikTok did not provide a detailed breakdown of how it plans to spend its investments. But Chew said the company would provide training and support to small and medium-sized businesses. He also said TikTok will help drive youth entrepreneurship in partnership with Association of Southeast Asian Nations, or ASEAN -- an organisation of 10 member states in Southeast Asia. Also Read Tiktok employees 'improperly accessed' data of two journalists: ByteDance Short video app TikTok hands over pink slips, fires entire India staff Top headlines: Adani stcks remain in MSCI indices, TikTok fires India staff US demands TikTok owner ByteDance sell stakes or face ban: Report TikTok CEO warns users about ban ahead of US Congress hearing on March 23 Andhra govt orders CID to attach Rs 242 cr assets of Margararsi Chit Fund NCLT approves Ace Infracity resolution plan for debt-ridden 3C Homes NCLT approves appointment of Ajmera as Resolution Professional of Go First Talks fail, Jalan-owned Carbon Resources sells stake in McLeod Russel Audio brand boAt scales up to Rs 4,0000 crore in net sales for FY 2022-23 Chew said the TikTok has 8,000 employees in Southeast Asia and 2 million Indonesian vendors who sell products on the app. TVS Motor Company Ltd, on Thursday, sold its entire holding constituting 43.54% stake in Emerald Haven Realty Limited. In a regulatory filing, the company said, TVS Motor Company has sold its entire holding of 11,12,19,512 equity shares constituting 43.54% in Emerald Haven Realty Limited, an associate company on 14th June 2023. Shares of TVS Motor Company Ltd, on Thursday, fell marginally at Rs 1,333.20 on BSE. Indian Navy partners with TVS Motor Company The Indian Navy, in continuation with celebrating its Azadi ka Amrit Mahotsav has partnered with TVS Motor Company, a reputed manufacturer of two and three-wheelers, to embark on a motorcycle expedition in Ladakh, the land of high passes. This 28 days long expedition atop TVS Apache motorcycles, commemorating the 75th year of independence as part of the Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav Celebrations, was flagged off from New Delhi today, the company said in a statement. This expedition of the Indian Navys Motor Bike team, The Sea Riders, was flagged off by Vice Admiral SJ Singh, Vice Chief of Naval Staff along with Vimal Sumbly, Head Business Premium, TVS Motor Company, from the National War Memorial in New Delhi. Also Read TVS Motor vrooms 5%, hits 52-week high on better-than-expected Q4 result TVS Emerald, HDFC Capital to create Rs 1000 cr platform for real estate TVS Emerald, Columbia Pacific to set up senior living project in Chennai Thyssenkruppe partners MDL for potential Indian Navy submarine order TVS Credit Services Q4 profit rises 76% at Rs 111 cr as disbursement grow HCLTech, Microsoft expand partnership for adoption of generative AI Supertech to raise Rs 1,600 cr by to complete 18 housing projects: Chairman Reliance in talks with lenders for $2 billion loan to fuel expansion Godrej Properties to buy land for a luxury residential project in Kolkata Indian firms spent Rs 370 cr avg on public cloud in last 12 months: Report Through the journey, over 34 officers would ride the TVS Apache RTR 200 4V and TVS Apache RR 310 motorcycles, passing through Chandigarh, Jammu, Srinagar, Kargil & Nubra, before reaching Leh. The ride is aimed at culminating at the National War Memorial on July 12, 2023 after covering a total distance of about 5,600 kms. We are extremely proud and humbled to be associating with the Indian Navy as part of their Azadi ka Amrit Mahotsav celebrations, said Vimal Sumbly, Head Business Premium, TVS Motor Company. TVS Motor has always strived to push the boundaries of innovation and adventure, and this collaboration with the esteemed Indian Navy aligns with our vision. This collaboration symbolises our commitment to excellence, as we partner with the esteemed Indian Navy to embark on this thrilling journey that showcases the prowess of the TVS Apache motorcycles in diverse and challenging terrains, he added. Tata Group and Singapore Airlines-operated full-service carrier Vistara on Thursday said it has expanded its codeshare partnership with European airline Lufthansa. The pact will allow enhanced connectivity to Vistara customers while travelling across Europe, the airline said in a statement. Vistara and Lufthansa entered into a unilateral codeshare agreement in 2019, enabling Lufthansa to add its designator code (LH) to Vistara flights to 18 destinations in India. Codesharing allows an airline to book its passengers on its partner carriers and provides seamless travel to destinations where it has no presence. With this expanded codeshare pact, 12 key European destinations -- Amsterdam, Stockholm, Berlin, Budapest, Copenhagen, Rome, Hamburg, Helsinki, Lisbon, Munich, Oslo, and Prague -- will get included in Vistara's network, the statement said. "This enables our customers to conveniently book their itineraries and seamlessly travel across various parts of Europe on the joint network of Vistara and Lufthansa," Deepak Rajawat, Chief Commercial Officer at Vistara, said. Also Read Lufthansa seeks deeper partnership with Air India, plans to expand flights Vistara reports first ever quarterly profit in Q3, figure undisclosed Codeshare facility denied to United Airlines, Emirates; what does it mean Germany's flag carrier Lufthansa registers profits after Covid slump Technical issues at Lufthansa delay operations at Frankfurt airport Meta expands 'performance bonuses' on Facebook for creators to earn more boAt logs Rs 4,000 cr in net sales, makes 15 mn products in India in FY23 Go First hopes to resume ops by month-end, restores 94% of daily flights Lenskart raises $100 mn from ChrysCapital, plans global expansion Hero MotoCorp expects balanced growth between rural and urban this year The bilateral codeshare agreement between Vistara and Lufthansa enables both airlines to market and sell flights on each other's networks, which will offer convenient travel options to customers, the airline stated. "As the third largest aviation market globally, India remains a key focus for our group and we are delighted to further strengthen our relationship with Vistara, offering Indian travellers more choices, more options and more connectivity between Europe and the subcontinent," Jeffrey James, Head of Communications APAC and Chief Spokesperson at Lufthansa Group, said. In another boost to indigenous defence equipment manufacturing, the Ministry of Defence (MoD) on Thursday signed a contract with ICOMM Tele Limited, Hyderabad for the procurement of 1,035 '5/7.5 Ton Radio Relay Communication' equipment containers. The ministry in a release said the value of the contract is about Rs 500 crore. The delivery of the containers is scheduled to commence from the current financial year 2023-24 (FY24) itself. The radio relay containers will address a long overdue requirement of mobile communication detachments of the Indian Army, it said. "These containers will be utilised to provide a protected environment for communication equipment to function in a failsafe and reliable manner. The containers would be mounted on authorised specialist vehicles and moved as per operational requirements," said the ministry. The company ICOMM Tele Limited would produce the containers with all equipment and sub-systems sourced from indigenous manufacturers. "This will give a further boost to the indigenous manufacturing of defence equipment and stimulate the private sector to actively engage in realising the vision of Aatmnirbhar Bharat. The development of such state-of-the-art equipment will also help in boosting exports to friendly countries," it added. Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman on Thursday met International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD) president Alvaro Lario and discussed issues of mutual interests besides some emerging global challenges. During the meeting, the finance minister stressed that multilateral institutions should effectively contribute to ensuring food security by investing in food storage, food processing, and making small-size farming remunerative. Besides, they should focus on ensuring participation of emerging economies and developing countries and address the new global challenges such as food security, debt distress and climate Change. She underlined the need for the multilateral development banks (MDBs) to take a new and fair review to deal with new and emerging challenges. "While appreciating the India's leadership on steering the #G20India Presidency, the @IFADPresident updated FM Smt. @nsitharaman about how @IFAD is bringing #ClimateChange to the centrestage of the institution," a finance ministry tweet said. IFAD is an international financial institution and specialized United Nations agency based in Rome, the UN's food and agriculture hub. Since 1978, it has provided USD 23.2 billion in grants and low-interest loans. Also Read Farm subsidies impacts food security, WTO needs to look with open mind: FM Sitharaman, Japanese counterpart to announce Sri Lanka debt restructuring Abolish veto rights or give them to new permanent members in UNSC: India India remains concerned about global economic outlook: FM Sitharaman India asks UNSC reform docs name opponents of African permanent seats Indian firms looking at business opportunities in Africa, says Piyush Goyal Monsoon has arrived, agri sector looks healthy: CEA V Anantha Nageswaran 50,000 cases to be taken up for GST audit in FY24, says CBIC chairman WPI inflation in May falls to over 7-year low of -3.48%, shows govt data Infrastructure Finance Secretariat launches new website for investments With close to 10 mn deaths estimated by 2050 due to antimicrobial resistance (AMR), the Centre is now stepping up its AMR related strategic initiatives the Union health ministry will now prepare the National Action Plan on AMR 2.0 converging the ongoing initiatives. On Thursday, the Union health secretary held a review meeting to discuss the status of implementation of the National Action Plan on AMR (NAP-AMR). It was decided that based on the learnings from the implementation of the ongoing NAP-AMR, Ministry of Health would prepare the National Action Plan on AMR 2.0 duly converging ongoing initiative under different Ministries so that concerted efforts towards control of AMR could be strengthened, the Health ministry said. Antimicrobial resistance happens when germs like bacteria and fungi develop the ability to defeat the drugs designed to kill them. That means the germs are not killed and continue to grow. Resistant infections can be difficult, and sometimes impossible, to treat, says the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. AMR has been identified by the World Health Organization (WHO) as one of the significant threats to global health. It is already estimated that by the year 2050, 10 million deaths can be attributed to AMR. Increased AMR can throw Indias target to achieve tuberculosis eradication by 2025 off the track. Some of the strategic objectives of NAP-AMR include enhancing awareness and understanding among people through communication; increasing knowledge and evidence through enhanced surveillance of AMR in human, animal and the environment through the National AMR Surveillance Network (NARS-Net) and state surveillance networks. The third strategic objective is infection prevention and control. Towards this, National Guidelines for Infection Prevention and Control in healthcare facilities were issued in January 2020. Antimicrobial stewardship constitutes the fourth strategic objective of NAP-AMR. The fifth objective is bringing innovative research and development in new medicines and technologies, while national, sub-national and international collaborations constitute the sixth and final strategic objective of NAP-AMR, the Union Health Ministry said in a statement. Also Read The complex health challenge of AMR and the need for One Health Approach Cabinet approves Rs 89,047 crore revival plan for state-run telco BSNL Global Surfaces makes stellar debut; zooms 23% over issue price Discussions for next G20 Financial Inclusion Action Plan kicked off Explained: Criteria for becoming national party, roles, advantages and more Exports contract for 4th straight month; trade deficit hits 5-month high India to see a downward trend in its debt burden: Moody's Investors Service States kept out of open market sale to preserve stocks, cool down inflation First e-auction of FCI wheat for pvt buyers under OMSS on June 28 India's exports to UAE fall by 10.2% to $4.82 bn in April-May: Data The meeting discussed the ongoing initiative including an Infection Prevention and Control (IPC) unit being established at NCDC to draft National IPC programme and linkages with IPC under other vertical health programmes,need for developing a digital platform to collect and collate national and state level data on antimicrobial consumption and duly converging human, animal, environment and food sector , focus on creation of state specific Action Plans on AMR,and involvement of research agencies to develop an integrated research agenda on AMR. Union Health secretary Rajesh Bhushan said that AMR cannot be tackled in a linear and singular manner. As the issues and action points are multi-agency across the government and non-government sectors, the action plan to address it requires the joint efforts of all stakeholders through a unified mission mode approach, he added. The Inter-Sectoral Coordination Committee on AMR (ISCC-AMR) is a high level committee chaired by Secretary, Ministry of Health and Family Welfare with participation from Department of Health Research Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR); Dept. of Animal Husbandry, Dairying & Fisheries; Dept. of Biotechnology; CSIR; CDSCO, FSSAI, AYUSH, NMC, Director General of Health Services (DGHS), MoHFW; Dept. of Animal Husbandry, Dairying & Fisheries; Ministry of Food Processing Industries and Ministry of Environment & Forest & Climate Change. AMR as a key priority in its National Health Policy, 2017, and Indias National Action Plan for containment of AMR (NAP-AMR) was released in April 2017. The Delhi Declaration on AMR, an inter-ministerial consensus, was signed at the launch of NAP-AMR by the concerned ministries pledging their whole-hearted support in AMR containment. AMR is also one of the three key priorities of India G20 Health Working Group, reflecting its importance at the global level. Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal on Thursday said India could look for negotiating a free trade agreement (FTA) with Africa to further strengthen economic ties. He assured Africa of Indias non-expansionist attitude while emphasising on enhancing partnership in the areas of ports, railway lines, and highways. India is one country that doesnt at any point of time come and take over your railway lines or ports or take over your electricity transmission systems. India has never in its history had an expansionist attitude, he said at the CII-EXIM Bank Conclave on 'India-Africa Growth Partnership'. Goyal said businesses of both regions should look at increasing bilateral trade beyond the target of $200 billion by 2030. The bilateral trade at present is about $100 billion. India can also look for negotiating a free trade agreement with Africa to further strengthen economic ties, he said. Goyal said Indian companies were looking at business opportunities in Africa as the continent holds huge potential to boost trade and investments. India and Africa should work together to build more robust, diverse, and resilient supply chains and redefine the parameters of engagement and explore newer sectors for cooperation, he said, adding that India was committed to deepening trade and investments with Africa and increasing knowledge and technology transfer. Also Read Student visas were never part of FTA discussions with UK, says Piyush Goyal Piyush Goyal to attend India-US Trade Policy Forum on January 11 Women's T20 World Cup Semis: South Africa create history, qualify for final India remains a bright spot among global economies: Piyush Goyal England vs South Africa, Women's T20 World Cup: How to live stream in India GST Council to meet in Delhi on July 11, may resolve online gaming issue CAD to be below 2% in FY24; equipped to tackle El Nino impact: CEA Centre signs Rs 500 cr contract to strengthen army's communication system Overall coal stocks reach 110.58 million tonnes, up 44%: Coal ministry Average capital investment in many sectors growing at more than 20%: CEA The minister called for a deep study by multiple stakeholders on bilateral trade relations with countries in Africa that can identify further opportunities for growth. India's exports to the UAE contracted by 10.2 per cent to USD 4.82 billion during April-May this fiscal against USD 5.37 billion in the year-ago period, according to the commerce ministry data released on Monday. India and the UAE have operationalised a comprehensive free trade agreement since May 1 last year. According to the data, imports from the UAE too fell to USD 6.73 billion from USD 9.67 billion in April-May 2021-22. India's exports to the UAE in 2022-23 rose by 11.8 per cent to USD 31.3 billion, while imports from that country grew by 18.8 per cent to USD 53.2 billion in the preceding fiscal due to increased inbound shipments of oil. Exports to the US also declined by about 13 per cent to USD 12.47 billion. Imports from America decreased to USD 6.88 billion during the first two months of this fiscal as against USD 8.33 billion in the same period a year ago, the data showed. Also Read Crude oil imports up 52.58% to $146.57 bn in Apr-Nov: Comm min data Taking several steps to create global brand for Indian tea: Comm Min Data breach: Personal data of Covid vaccine recipients leaked on Telegram UAE-India CEPA deal paying off on every economic front: UAE Min Al Zeyoudi UAE, Morocco review strengthening financial, economic cooperation India seeks carve out for MSMEs from European Union's carbon tax Exports contract for 4th straight month; trade deficit hits 5-month high India seeks exemptions from EU's carbon tax for MSMEs: Commerce Secy India can look for FTA talks with Africa to further strengthen ties: Goyal GST Council to meet in Delhi on July 11, may resolve online gaming issue However, imports from China have marginally increased to USD 15.75 billion during April-May 2023-24 as compared to USD 15.46 billion in the year-ago period. Exports to China have recorded negative growth. Imports from Russia jumped to USD 11 billion during the period under review due to increasing inbound shipments of crude oil from the country. The defence ministry has approved the procurement of US-made armed MQ-9B SeaGuardian drones, sources told Reuters on Thursday. India will buy 31 drones made by General Atomics worth slightly over $3 billion, one of the sources said. The ministry did not respond to a request for comment. The ministrys initial clearance for the procurement comes just days before Prime Minister Narendra Modi leaves for a state visit to the US next week. According to the two sources, the ministrys apex body for capital procurement met on Thursday to approve the deal, which is expected to be announced when Modi meets US. President Joe Biden next week. Biden has made deepening defence ties with India a priority to counter Chinas growing dominance, and has offered to collaborate on military technology even though the two countries lack a formal security alliance. The ministry's Acceptance of Necessity is the first step in the procurement process, which now needs clearance from the Cabinet. The US government approved the sale of 30 drones to India more than two years ago, but the India had been sitting on the decision. However, once dates for Modis four-day US visit starting June 21 were finalised, the Biden administration started nudging India to show progress on the deal. The drones will predominantly be used by the navy in the Indian Ocean Region. Both of Indias traditional adversaries, China and Pakistan, have sophisticated air defence systems that can limit the use of the drones along Indias land borders. The Navy has leased two MQ-9B unarmed drones since November 2020 for surveillance. Also Read Drone start-up Garuda raises $22 mn in series A funding from SphitiCap Goa govt's Drone Policy 2022 promotes use of unmanned aerial vehicles India, US keen to conclude $3 billion MQ-9B predator armed drones deal Cognizant to power Garuda Aerospace's drones with advanced digital tools Garuda Aerospace raises $22 mn, aims to sell 25,000 drones in next 18 mnths Health Ministry planning to prepare National Action Plan on AMR 2.0 Exports contract for 4th straight month; trade deficit hits 5-month high India to see a downward trend in its debt burden: Moody's Investors Service States kept out of open market sale to preserve stocks, cool down inflation First e-auction of FCI wheat for pvt buyers under OMSS on June 28 US National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan finished his two-day visit to New Delhi on Wednesday, meeting his Indian counterpart Ajit Doval, Foreign Minister S Jaishankar and Modi. A week earlier American Defence Secretary Lloyd Austin had spent two days in Delhi and announced a joint road map for defence industry cooperation, providing a boost to Indias ambitions of manufacturing more weapons within the country. The US has been trying to wean India away from its traditional arms dependence on Russia, its largest exporter of weapons for decades. The Biden administration is also poised to approve manufacturing of General Electrics engines in India for the domestically produced fighter jets, which will also be announced during Modis visit. The Delhi University will hold webinars from June 19 as part of a support system to help prospective students during the admission process to undergraduate programmes, officials said on Thursday. The admission process for 78 undergraduate programmes for the academic year 2023-24 was started on Wednesday. The Delhi University (DU) is also planning to set up a website to handle and resolve grievances related to admissions, officials said. Dean of Admission Haneet Gandhi said a list of frequently asked questions is already available on the website of the university. Helpdesk facilities have also been established at the admission branch for candidates, the official said. "To help candidates, we have arranged all sorts of information. Information is available in all formats: text -- bulletins of information; visuals: infographics and flowcharts illustrating the eligibility; and videos: webinars and video recordings of filling the form," Gandhi said. "Online support is being provided through ChatBots and emails. Students can write to ug@admission.du.ac.in for queries related to undergraduate admission, pg@admision.du.ac.in for queries related to postgraduate admissions and at phd@admision.du.ac.in for information related to Ph.D admissions," she said. Also Read PM to address 12 webinars for effective execution of Budget initiatives Malpractice in admission process antithetical to Constitution: Delhi HC Indian students stage protests as fear of deportation from Canada looms 2nd admission list for entry-level in Delhi's pvt schools likely on Monday Admission process for institutes like IIT based on discipline: Bombay HC 105 universities to start 4-year undergraduate programme from this session DU reduces extra seats allocation in colleges with low admission withdrawal Delhi University begins admission process for 2023-24 UG programmes NIASA declared NATA 2023 Phase 2 Results at nata.in, full detail here TS ECET results 2023 announced yesterday, here's how to check and download The admission branch has also announced that it will be holding a series of webinars beginning Monday. Details will be shared on the admission website -- admission.und.ac.in -- of the university, it said. These webinars will cover aspects related to filling the Common Seat Allocation System forms, uploading of correct certificate or document, reservation policies and other important things that candidates must keep in mind before selecting a programme and a college. The webinars will be conducted in a bilingual mode. The admission branch has advised all prospective students to keep checking the admission website of the university and its dashboards for updates, schedules and guidelines. "Candidates must be cautious and trust only the information published on the official website of the University of Delhi. For all authentic notifications, announcements, and schedules, candidates must visit the official website and social media platforms of the University of Delhi only: University of Delhi www.du.ac.in," Gandhi said. Dealers look at computer monitors at the headquarters of Hana Bank in central Seoul, Thursday. Yonhap Overseas travel ban issued on online stock community leader By Anna J. Park Financial authorities are investigating what triggered five local stocks to plunge during Wednesday's trading session, vowing to protect investors from manipulative market schemes. Each of the five companies stated in disclosures on Thursday that they could not identify any evidence of alleged unfair market trading or manipulation. According to the Korea Exchange (KRX), stock prices of five companies Dongil Industry, Dongil Metal, Manho Rope & Wire, Taihan Textile and Pangrim fell by 30 percent during Wednesday's session, hitting daily rock bottoms. The Korean stock market rules stipulate that a stock's price cannot rise or fall over a daily range of 30 percent from the price of the previous session. As the prices of the five stocks four listed on the main benchmark KOSPI market and the other on the tech-heavy Kosdaq market nosedived, a total of 504 billion won ($393 million) evaporated from their market caps. Sensing suspicious movements, the KRX suspended trading of the five stocks on Thursday, requesting the firms to announce disclosures regarding the matter. The suspension will continue until the investigation is completed. The five companies issued almost identical disclosures, Thursday, stating that they were not aware of anything suspicious. The market bourse operator together with the Financial Supervisory Service (FSS) and the Financial Services Commission (FSC) are looking closely into the matter to see whether the situation is similar to April's stock market manipulation scheme involving highly leveraged trading of contracts of differences (CFDs) on eight local stocks. Some market watchers see the current incident as having a different pattern from the CFD-related scheme led by Ra Deok-yeon, as eight stocks plummeted at the same time during the previous scheme, following a huge amount of counter-selling in the CFD accounts of a foreign securities firm that handles CFD trading. This time, the five stocks' selling orders came from various local brokerage firms, some of which do not operate CFD accounts. While the exact cause of the sudden price plunge for the five stocks is not yet known, the stocks share the common feature of being recommended for buying by an online community. The leader of that community is said to have recommended the stocks on the grounds that they have a very low price-to-book ratio (PBR), meaning that they are undervalued for their worth. The community leader defended himself saying he was also a victim of the plunge. Financial authorities said they will look into the matter thoroughly and respond sternly to any signs of market manipulation. Meanwhile, Seoul Southern District Prosecutor's Office issued an overseas travel ban on the community leader, Thursday. The third season of Shark Tank India, a business reality show has been announced by Sony Pictures Networks India. With its third season, the business reality show that revolutionized Indian television returning. Shark Tank India Season 3 has already been announced by Sony LIV and Sony TV, and registrations have begun. Do you have a great idea for a business? How to get it to the sharks is as follows. No one expected the massive success of Shark Tank, which was borrowed from the West. But how exactly did it break TRP records? This show has created a one-of-a-kind platform for every person in India who has an idea for a business by inviting the most promising young entrepreneurs in India to participate on the panel. Fans are eager to see what the third season will bring, despite the fact that the show featured numerous new businesses and well-known brands in its first two seasons. Shark Tank India season 3: Judges The judges for this season have not yet been announced, according to the official website. However, based on the previous two seasons, we can undoubtedly expect an engaging panel. Ashneer Grover of BharatPe and Ghazal Alagh of Mamaearth did not return for season 2, despite the fact that the majority of judges from season 1 did so. In Season 2, CarDekho's Amit Jain joined the Sony LIV shark panel. Shark Tank India Season 3: Steps to Register Step 1: Online application- To begin, you will need to either download the SonyLIV app or visit sonyliv.com to complete the registration form for Shark Tank India season 3. You are required to include a description of your business idea on the form, outlining its uniqueness and potential. In addition, to be eligible for the show, you must be an Indian citizen and over the age of 18. Step 2: Create a pitch- To move on to the next step, you will need to upload a video pitch that is three minutes long and answer a detailed questionnaire about why the team should invest in your business idea. In this step, you must convey what distinguishes you and your company from others and explains why you are destined for success. Your idea's inclusion on the show will depend on this pitch. Also Read Sony launches HT-S2000 5.1 channel Dolby Atmos sound bar: Price, features Sony-Zee merger expected to be completed by September: Sony CEO Yoshida Sony Bravia XR A80L OLED series TVs with Google TV OS launched: Details Sony introduces NW-ZX707 Walkman in India at Rs 69,990: Details here Sony launches WH-CH520 on-ear wireless headphones in India at Rs 4,490 Man vs Wild: Bear Grylls in talk with Priyanka Chopra Jonas and Virat Kohli Malayalam actor and mimicry artist Kollam Sudhi passes away at 39 Gufi Paintal, best known as Shakuni Mama in Mahabharat, passes away The Kerala Story box office collection: Everything you need to know Tina Turner, 'Queen of Rock 'n' Roll', dies aged 83 in Switzerland Step 3: Auditions- After passing the first two rounds, you will have to go through a thorough audition process. During this round, you will present your business idea to the Shark Tank India team, who will then evaluate your potential and choose the best applicants. The auditions will take place in Kolkata, Delhi, Mumbai, and Bengaluru. Step 4: Executive pitching- Following the third step, the chosen entrepreneurs will be required to present their business ideas to a panel of business professionals and company representatives. This and all of the previous rounds will serve as the basis for the final selection. Step 5: Entering Shark Tank- In this final round, the chosen business owners will appear on the show and compete with the final panel of Shark Tank judges, who will offer based on your final pitch. By Manoj Kumar NEW DELHI (Reuters) - India's Export-Import Bank plans to step up investments under a government-supported line of credit programme to finance Indian companies looking to access fast-growing African markets, the bank's top official said, part of a move to expand trade ties. Amid rising competition from China, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi has stepped up efforts to strengthen ties with African nations via aid for infrastructure projects and private investments by Indian companies. "Africa is becoming a big consuming continent and there Indian companies have huge potential to find a market," Harsha Bangari, managing director of Export-Import (EXIM) Bank of India, told Reuters in an interview on the sidelines of the 18th CII-Exim Bank Conclave on India-Africa Growth Partnership. State-owned EXIM Bank, which plays a critical role in providing export financing and government-directed lending to other countries, was supporting over 300 small Indian companies to expand business in African countries, she said. "We are seeing a consistent and steady trend," in increasing lines of credit and trade finance, she said, adding EXIM Bank had so far made a credit commitment of $12.8 billion to 42 African countries. Also Read India gives $2 million to African Union Transition Mission in Somalia African swine fever outbreak in Indonesia killed 35,297 pigs, WOAH confirms Export lender Exim Bank to raise up to record $4 billion in FY24 EXIM Bank expects foreign currency borrowings to be $3-3.5 bn in FY24 EXIM Bank profit rises two-fold in FY23, revenue rises 37% to Rs 11,488 cr Binance launches AMP Summer Internship to develop talent in blockchain tech CAG to explore new audit areas as it adopts end-to-end digital framework Unlikely that the RBI will precede the US Fed in pivoting to a rate cut Biggest fund manager in India expects rupee to end its five-year slide Banks seek RBI's clarification on fresh funding to wilful defaulters The bank plans to raise $3-$3.5 billion of funds in the current financial year, mostly denominated in U.S. dollars, to finance new projects, she said. With nearly $75 billion of investments by Indian companies, India is among the top five investors in Africa, government officials told African leaders at the three-day summit. Bilateral trade between India and Africa rose to nearly $100 billion in the fiscal year to the end of March 2023, and the government aims to raise it to $200 billion by 2030. EXIM Bank was engaged with various African governments as part of India's economic diplomacy, including over a metro train project in Mauritius, exports of buses from India to Senegal, and an electricity project in Gambia, Bangari said. "We have identified sustainable fuels and minerals for transport, renewable and clean energy, climate smart agriculture among other areas for supporting lending to the African countries," she added. (Reporting by Manoj Kumar; Editing by Mark Potter) A Reserve Bank of India (RBI) committee has recommended guidelines to improve customer banking, responding to complaints over the years. The committees recommendations include having auditors to check mis-selling of insurance products, completing KYC updates without service disruption and steps that will make it easier to release pledged assets. Doctors have warned about the increasing number of ear infections, particularly among children, caused by frequent visits to water parks. Ear infections, also known as otitis externa or swimmer's ear, occur when water gets trapped in the ear canal, creating a moist environment that promotes bacterial growth. Symptoms of this condition include pain, itching, redness and swelling of the ear canal. If left untreated, it can lead to temporary hearing loss. Medical professionals in the city have noticed a surge in patients seeking treatment for ear infections, coinciding with the rise in water park visits during the summer season. Children, in particular, are more susceptible due to their smaller ear canals and tendency to spend extended periods in the water. Otolaryngologist Rajesh Kapoor said that he has witnessed a significant increase in daily cases, emphasising the need for simple preventive measures while enjoying water park attractions. Also Read Nothing launches Ear (2) wireless earbuds with support for Hi-Res audio Nothing Ear (2) wireless earphones available for purchase in India: Details Nothing Ear 2 wireless earbuds review: Sound upgrade in a familiar design Nothing Ear (2) launches in India today: Check specifications, prices here Even mild Covid infection can cause sudden hearing loss, reveals study India made 'liquid cornea' to soon undergo human trials to treat blindness Microplastics getting deposited in human respiratory tract: Research Fire breaks out in Madhya Pradesh govt office, health data destroyed Lack of awareness, family's reluctancy hampering organ donation: Experts Star Health founder Venkatasamy Jagannathan resigns from company's board "Visitors to water parks should use earplugs specifically designed for swimming to prevent water from entering the ear canal. Thoroughly drying the ears after the visit is crucial. Additionally, using a clean towel or a low-heat blow dryer on the lowest setting can aid in gentle drying," he advised. Head of otolaryngology at KGMU, Dr Virendra Verma highlighted the rise in infection cases following water park visits. He identified spending extended periods underwater as a primary reason for increased risk. Dr Verma recommended using a mild, pHbalanced ear cleaning solution to remove residual water and prevent bacterial growth. A former ENT surgeon from Balrampur hospital, now operating a private clinic in Aliganj, cautioned against self-treatment. He emphasised the importance of seeking medical attention if symptoms such as water trapped in the ear canal, whistling sounds, itching or pain persist. Attempting self-care measures without professional guidance may aggravate the infection and cause further complications. In addition to individual responsibility, water park management teams should implement measures to reduce the risk of ear infections. Regular cleaning and disinfection of water facilities, including pools, slides and splash pads are essential to maintain hygienic conditions for visitors, according to the former ENT surgeon. Experts recommend park management should display signs throughout the park, urging guests to take precautions to protect their ears. By raising awareness and implementing preventive measures, both visitors and water park management can ensure a safe and enjoyable experience during the summer season. --IANS amita/svn/ The Allahabad High Court on Wednesday restrained Al Jazeera Media Network Private Ltd from telecasting the film "India....Who lit the Fuse?" in the country, considering the "seriousness" of allegations made in a PIL against the movie. Al Jazeera is a news channel based in Doha, Qatar. A bench comprising Justice Ashwani Kumar Mishra and Justice Ashutosh Srivastava passed the order on the public interest litigation (PIL) filed by one Sudhir Kumar who argued that the film, if released/broadcast, is likely to create hatred amongst different religious denominations and thereby destroy the secular fabric of India. Prayers were also made to command the respondents 1 to 3 i.e. Union of India, Ministry of Information and Broadcasting and Central Board of Film Certification to review and certify the film in question before its telecast/broadcast. The court also directed the Central government and the authorities constituted under it, to take appropriate measures warranted in law to ensure that the film is not allowed to be telecast/broadcast unless its contents are examined by the authorities, duly constituted in law for the purpose, and necessary certification/authorisation is obtained from the competent authority. Considering the seriousness of allegations made in the writ, which are likely to have far reaching consequences, the petition does require consideration, the court observed. Also Read Centre notifies appointment of Chief Justices for four high courts Former NATO general Petr Pavel becomes new President of Czech Republic Bilateral rights row: Don't club us with GCC nations, says Jazeera Air CEO Landmark gas deal with Qatar gives China unprecedented control over energy Allahabad HC reverses UP government notification on OBC reservation Death toll in tanker explosion incident on Mumbai-Pune E-way rises to 5 India can become sustainable fuel hub by using agri waste: Honeywell Cyclone Biparjoy: Gujarat evacuates 74,345 people, heavy rains in Kutch Centre focused on developing tribal human resource: Union Minister Munda 2,000-bed hospital to come up in Hyderabad, efforts on to robust healthcare "Considering the evil consequences that are likely to occur on the telecast/broadcast of the film in question, we are of the view that the broadcast/telecast of the film in question be deferred pending consideration of the cause in the present petition," it said. In view of the deliberations and discussions held above, we restrain the fifth respondent i.e. Al Jazeera from telecasting/broadcasting/releasing the film 'India....Who lit the Fuse?' till the issues raised in the present petition are adjudicated after notice to the fifth respondent, the court said. Counsel for the petitioner submitted that though Al Jazeera is only a news organization but it has exceeded its ambit so as to broadcast films, position as investigations on its news channel with the singular intention of creating distress and endangering public order in the country. As per the petitioner, he has reliably learnt from print and social media reports that the film portrays Muslim minority of living with a sense of fear and presents a disruptive narrative creating a sense of public hatred, which is far from reality. The high court fixed July 6 as the next date of hearing. Terming former RBI governor Raghuram Rajan as a repeat offender, Union Minister Rajeev Chandrasekhar on Thursday issued a word-by-word rebuttal of his criticism of the production-linked incentive scheme for mobile phone manufacturing. Rajan in a social media post questioned the outcome of the PLI scheme for mobile phones as companies continue to import most of the components, and the subsidies are paid on finished phones and not on the value addition done by the mobile phone companies. He also questioned if subsidies being paid to the companies under the PLI scheme and tax waivers are more than the value addition the mobile phone makers are doing in the country. The minister of state for electronics and IT said that he had responded to Rajan eight months ago when he tried to discredit the smartphone PLI after which he went and "now he is back with some deceitful numbers and shoddy comparisons". The PLI scheme for mobile phones was notified on April 1, 2020. The scheme extends an incentive of 4 to 6 per cent on incremental sales (over the base year) of mobile phones that are manufactured in India to eligible companies, for a period of five years. The minister said that Rajan has argued that the government's smartphone PLI scheme is mostly about assembly and not deep manufacturing and that exports are less than imports - and therefore, the value addition is low. Also Read Thennarasu replaces Palanivel Thiaga Rajan as Tamil Nadu Finance minister Crypto collapse brings focus to digital assets' true value: Raghuram Rajan India is dangerously close to Hindu rate of growth, says Raghuram Rajan Find less costly ways to address pension concerns than OPS: Raghuram Rajan Premature to think India will replace China in influencing growth: Rajan Legislators keep aside rivalry, meet for 1st national conference in Mumbai Phailin to Amphan: Deadliest cyclones that hit India in last 10 years Centre, state govt's common action plan to restore peace in Manipur: Guv Many measures taken to remove discrimination in labour markets: Labour Min International Health, Fitness Festival to kickstart from Friday in Delhi "This conclusion by itself is not rocket science, but that he uses false figures, questionable analysis, and the advice of unidentified "industry experts" to reach this conclusion, shows complete bankruptcy of morals on one hand, and lack of understanding of supply chains, electronics manufacturing, and sadly even economics - on the other," Chandrasekhar said. The minister said that the government is building domestic capacity, reducing dependence on China and increasing value addition. Rajan in the article said that the mobile phone exports took off from the last quarter of 2021, when there was a commensurate rise in net imports of inputs. The imports of those mobile phone components reached USD 32.4 billion in the financial year 2023. He said that by combining the number of exports, imports and net exports of final mobile phones, semiconductors, motherboards and other mobile parts, the net imports increased to USD 23.1 billion from USD 12.7 billion, which reflects that the country has become more dependent on imports during the PLI scheme. Chandrasekhar countered the data used by Rajan. "The article is built on the false premise that all key electronics imports are only for the purposes of mobile production. This is the first lie. Mobile production utilises only part of the total key imports of USD 32.4 billion. Every other conclusion that follows is consequently flawed," the minister said. He said imports linked to mobile phone manufacturing are merely USD 22 billion out of the total USD 32.4 billion only 65 per cent is used for total mobile manufacturing. "The net foreign exchange outflow, therefore, on account of mobile phone manufacturing for FY2023 is USD 10.9 billion, and not USD 23.1 billion, as the article falsely states," Chandrasekhar said. The minister noted that Rajan deliberately chose 2018 as a starting point, and not 2014, which is "unbecoming both a gentleman and most certainly, an economist". "If he had, he would have to admit that since then, mobile production is up nearly 1,400 per cent and mobile exports are up nearly 4,200 per cent. That certainly would not fit the narrative Rajan wants to build here," Chandrasekhar said. The minister said that Rajan picked up only two of the 5 years of the PLI scheme and not all five years as he made another attempt to mislead readers. "Usually, the older the smartphone model, the higher the value addition - but nowhere near what Rajan hopes to falsely parade. Furthermore, I can assure that we are doing far better than what China was able to do in its first 4-6 years of mobile manufacturing," Chandrasekhar said. He countered Rajan's argument that even the smallest parts of mobile phones are not manufactured in India. "This comment exhibits complete intellectual bankruptcy and lack of understanding of electronics manufacturing in general, and smartphones in particular," Chandrasekhar said. The minister said that the PLI scheme has created around 1,20,000 new direct jobs and nearly 2,50,000 new indirect jobs in 24 months. He also said that the scheme led to an increase in tax collection to about Rs 1,01,397 crore of incremental GST, of which around Rs 42,897 crore have already been collected as of March 31, 2023. "Large companies such as Tatas have now begun not just component manufacturing but will soon be manufacturing iPhones in India. Opportunity for Indian SMEs to join the global supply chain," the minister said. He said that the trade deficit will continue to slide down over the next 4-5 years if the current trend follows, wherein India is targeting electronics exports of USD 120 billion. Cyclone Biparjoy started making much awaited landfall near Jakhau Port in Gujarat's Kutch district on Thursday evening after churning across the Arabian Sea for over 10 days as multi-agency response teams remained alert for relief and rescue efforts, while about one lakh people were moved to safer places in the state. The landfall process will be completed by midnight, the India Meteorological Department (IMD) said. Strong winds and heavy rains battered Kutch and Saurashtra coasts as hundreds of personnel from disaster management agencies and other departments remained on high alert for relief and rescue operations, while three persons were injured in Devbhoomi Dwarka district after a tree fell on them. "Dense convective clouds have entered Kutch and Devbhumi Dwarka districts and therefore, the landfall process has commenced. It will continue until midnight," IMD Director General Mrutyunjay Mohapatra said in New Delhi. Landfall indicates a cyclonic storm moving over land after being over water. The eye of the cyclone is around 50 km in diametre. Biparjoy is marching ahead with a speed of 13-14 kmph. Thus, it will take around five hours for the wall cloud and the eye to completely cross into the land, Mohapatra said. Also Read Bracing for Biparjoy: Cyclones hitting India's coasts become more frequent Will Cyclone Biparjoy impact states other than Gujarat? See full list here Cyclone Biparjoy: Gujarat on yellow alert, landfall expected on Thursday Cyclone Mocha likely to hit India's eastern coast next week, details here Cyclone Biparjoy: 37,800 people evacuated from coastal areas in Gujarat NTA to reschedule CUET exam for Meghalaya students: Education Minister Have to fund my trip to US to qualify for Asian Championships: Sanjivani Day before retirement, SC judge Justice Joseph pronounces two verdicts Sebi attaches bank, demat, MF accounts of Mehul Choksi to recover dues Andhra Pradesh CM virtually launches 4G services for remote areas Destructive wind force uprooted many trees and electric polls near Jakhau and Mandvi towns of Kutch as tin sheets and plastic shades were blown away. Until 7 pm, there was no report of any loss of life, said Gujarat Minister of State for Home Harsh Sanghavi said. "Three persons sustained injuries in Devbhoomi Dwarka district after a tree fall and they are being treated. Teams of the Gujarat police, the NDRF and the Army are working at ground level in different parts of Dwarka to remove uprooted trees and electric poles," Sanghavi said. The 'very severe' cyclonic storm Biparjoy is centered over north Arabian Sea but it is coming closer to the Saurashtra coast with a wind speed of 115-125 kmph, gusting to 140 kmph, the IMD said in a statement in Ahmedabad. Authorities have evacuated around one lakh people living in vulnerable areas in coastal districts of Gujarat following a prompt warning from the IMD about the "extensive damaging potential" of the cyclone, the second powerful storm to hit the state in three years after 'Tauktae' in May 2021. Officials said 15 National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) teams, 12 of the State Disaster Response Force (SDRF) and personnel of the Indian Army, Navy, Air Force, Indian Coast Guard and Border Security Force have been deployed for relief and rescue operations. The Met office had earlier warned of very heavy (11.5 cm to 20.4 cm) to extremely heavy rainfall (over 20.5 cm) in Kutch, Devbhumi Dwarka, Jamnagar, Porbandar, Rajkot, Morbi and Junagarh districts. It said the cyclone would cause 'astronomical tide' with a storm surge of 2-3 metres height that could inundate low-lying areas in Kutch, Devbhumi Dwarka, Porbandar, Jamnagar and Morbi districts during the landfall. Sea conditions are phenomenal (waves could be 10 to 14 metres high) in the northeast and the adjoining east-central Arabian Sea and all activities, including oil exploration, ship movement and fishing, have been suspended. Biparjoy, the first cyclone in the Arabian Sea this year, rapidly underwent rapid intensification on June 6 and June 7, escalating from just a cyclonic circulation to a very severe cyclonic storm in just 48 hours, defying earlier predictions. It has also sustained its strength for a longer-than-normal duration, which meteorologists attribute to due to an unusually warm Arabian Sea. The IMD data shows Biparjoy has become the cyclone with the longest lifespan in the Arabian Sea. The life period of Biparjoy, which developed over the southeast Arabian Sea at 5.30 am on June 6, is about 10 days and 12 hours so far. The extremely severe Cyclone Kyarr of 2019 over the Arabian Sea had a life of 9 days and 15 hours. Nearly one lakh people living in eight coastal districts have been shifted to temporary shelters in Gujarat as a precautionary measure. "Of 94,427 persons evacuated so far, 46,800 were evacuated in Kutch district, followed by 10,749 in Devbhumi Dwarka, 9,942 in Jamnagar, 9,243 in Morbi, 6,822 in Rajkot, 4,864 in Junagadh, 4,379 in Porbandar and 1,605 in Gir Somnath district," a state government release said. The cyclone will bring extremely heavy rainfall in Kutch, Devbhumi Dwarka and Jamnagar, with wind speeds remaining high even on Friday despite reduction in intensity, IMD Ahmedabad director Manorama Mohanty said. Ahead of the landfall, several parts of Kutch, Jamnagar, Rajkot, Porbandar, Devbhumi Dwarka and Amreli received heavy rainfall ranging from 10-20 millimetres in six hours till Thursday noon. IMD officials said apart from Saurashtra-Kutch, other districts of Gujarat were also likely to receive light rainfall with surface wind speed gusting to 40 kmph. Officials said the cyclone will cause total destruction of thatched houses and extensive damage to 'kachcha' houses, and some damage to pucca homes. It will also cause uprooting of power and communication poles, damage and flood approach roads, with district authorities making extensive preparations to ensure there is no disruption in power and water supplies, they added. "The Army has deployed 27 relief columns in Bhuj, Jamnagar, Gandhidham, Dhrangadhra as well as forward locations at Naliya, Dwarka and Mandvi. The Air Force has kept one helicopter each on standby at Vadodara, Ahmedabad and Delhi. The Navy has positioned 10-15 teams, each consisting of five diverse and good swimmers, at Okha, Porbandar and Bakasura for rescue and relief," an official said. The Indian Air Force assets are in operational readiness for relief and rescue work that would follow the landfall of cyclone 'Biparjoy', the IAF said. "#IAF assets in Op readiness for relief and rescue operations that would follow the landfall of #Cyclonebiparjoy. IAF is committed to assist fellow citizens to tackle contingencies that arise due to the cyclone," the IAF tweeted. The information and broadcasting ministry has asked media organisations, including television channels, to take "abundant precaution" while deploying their personnel to cover cyclone Biparjoy to ensure their safety. In an advisory in New Delhi, the ministry said media personnel, especially of satellite television channels, will be engaged in the ground reporting of the cyclone and other related incidents. "Given the possible impact of the cyclone, reporting from the ground level may pose serious risks of safety and security of the reporters and the cameramen and other personnel deployed by the private satellite TV channels for reporting this incident," it said. The Delhi University is planning to develop the Vallabhbhai Patel Chest Institute (VPCI) into a multispeciality hospital, Vice Chancellor Yogesh Singh said Thursday. Started in the 1950s, the Patel Chest Institute has sent a proposal to the Government of India to make it a full-fledged medical college. "We have Patel Chest Institute. We wish to make it a full-fledged medical institute, which is why the Patel Chest Institute has sent a letter to the Government of India. It is now a specialised hospital if we could include more disciplines. We will open a multispeciality hospital in the coming days," Singh said. The VPCI is a postgraduate medical institution devoted to research, teaching and patient care in the field of chest diseases. It is a University of Delhi-maintained institution and is funded entirely by the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare. The Institute is ideally located in the heart of the main campus of the University of Delhi, providing the requisite academic environment. Also Read Hospitals across India hold mock drills to verify Covid readiness Scholarships worth Rs 75 cr misappropriated by institutes in UP: ED Indian, Israel, US researchers developing drug for GNB1 Encephalopathy Centre releases Rs 22.20 cr for treatment of patients with rare diseases IIT Madras to establish Rs 100 cr Innovation & Entrepreneurship fund Underpaid, vulnerable & often abused, domestic helps need a helping hand Urban Company's beauty segment workers stage protests over ID blocking India-Russia aim for bilateral trade of $50 bn in 2023: Indian Embassy Kejriwal calls 1st NCCSA meet on June 20 to discuss action against officer Monsoon likely to reach Jharkhand between June 18-21: IMD Officials In 1946, the Committee constituted by the Vice-Chancellor for this purpose recommended the establishment of a chest institute. A proposal to this effect was accordingly formulated by the Vice-Chancellor and submitted to the government. Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel, the then Deputy Prime Minister, laid the foundation stone for the institute on April 6, 1949. Rajkumari Amrit Kaur, the then Union Minister of Health, formally opened the Institute on January 12, 1953 and Dr R. Viswanathan was appointed as the first Director of VPCI. The hospital wing, Viswanathan Chest Hospital (formerly known as Clinical Research Centre), was started around 1956. It was inaugurated by the then President Rajendra Prasad on October 24, 1957. The Enforcement Directorate (ED) has arrested Basant Bansal and Pankaj Bansal, directors of Gurugram-based realty group M3M, in a money laundering matter linked to an anti-corruption bureau case against a Panchkula-based former special court judge, official sources said Thursday. The two directors were taken into custody by the agency on Wednesday under the provisions of the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA). The money laundering case in which they have been arrested pertains to a Haryana anti-corruption bureau (ACB) FIR filed in April against the former special court judge, his nephew and a third M3M group director Roop Kumar Bansal. The judge, according to the ACB FIR, was alleged to have been showing favouritism in the ED and CBI cases against the M3M group directors and another real estate group called IREO. The judge was later suspended by the Punjab and Haryana High Court. All the people accused in the ACB case have denied wrongdoing. Also Read Delhi HC dismisses Satyendar Jain's bail plea in money laundering case Over Rs 192 cr crime proceeds generated in Delhi excise policy 'scam': ED Enforcement Directorate can only probe money laundering cases: Delhi HC CAs, CSes concerned about new tweaks in anti-money laundering law SC criticises seeking bail under guise of challenging validity of PMLA ECI delegation to visit Telangana for Assembly election preparedness Latest LIVE: High tidal waves hit Gujarat as Cyclone Biparjoy intensifies Top headlines: Evacuation completed ahead of cyclone, US Fed holds rate India earned $7,400 mn through medical tourism in last decade: Officials India unexpectedly cuts import duties on refined soybean, sunflower oils The ED, on June 1, carried out raids against the M3M promoters and some others in another money laundering case linked to the IREO group and its promoter Lalit Goyal. Subsequently, the agency arrested Roop Kumar Bansal and the two other directors, Basant Bansal and Pankaj Bansal, obtained interim protection from arrest till July 5 from the Delhi High Court in this case. However, the ED has now arrested them in the ACB-case linked money laundering case. The agency had issued a statement after the June 1 raids and alleged that "huge amount of money running into hundreds of crores was siphoned off through the M3M group" in the case against the IREO group. In one of the transactions, M3M group received about Rs 400 crore from the IREO Group through several shell companies in multiple layers, it had alleged. Days after political scientists Yogendra Yadav and Suhas Palshikar wrote to the NCERT, asking their names to be dropped from textbooks, 33 academicians, who were part of the Textbook Development Committee (TDC), have written to the council, saying their collective creative effort is in jeopardy. The academicians have also demanded that their names be dropped from the textbooks. The signatories to a letter sent to NCERT Director Dinesh Saklani include Kanti Prasad Bajpai, a former JNU professor who currently serves as the vice dean at the National University, Singapore, Pratap Bhanu Mehta, a former vice-chancellor of the Ashoka University, Rajeev Bhargava, a former director of CSDS, Niraja Gopal Jayal, a former JNU professor, Nivedita Menon, a JNU professor, Vipul Mudgal, the head of civil society watchdog Common Cause, K C Suri, a former professor at the University of Hyderabad who is now associated with the Gitam University, and Peter Ronald deSouza, a former director of the Indian Institute of Advanced Studies. "Since there are several substantive revisions of the original texts, making them thereby different books, we find it difficult to claim that these are the books we produced and to associate our names with them.... We are now given to believe that this creative collective effort is in jeopardy," the letter read. "The textbooks were the result of extensive deliberations and collaborations among political scientists from various perspectives and ideological backgrounds and originally intended to impart knowledge about India's freedom struggle, the constitutional framework, the functioning of democracy and key aspects of Indian politics, while also integrating global developments and theoretical principles of political science," it said. In a letter to the NCERT last week, Yadav and Phalsikar had said a rationalisation exercise has "mutilated" the books beyond recognition and rendered those "academically dysfunctional", and the textbooks that were a source of pride for them earlier have now become a source of embarrassment. Also Read Suhas Palshikar, Yogendra Yadav ask NCERT to drop their names as advisors Why does Yogendra Yadav want his name dropped from NCERT textbooks? NCERT removes chapters on 'Mughal Empire' from Class 12 History book Textbooks not revised to please or offend anyone: NCERT chief Saklani Kerala govt to include NCERT omitted portions in state school syllabus Cyclone Biparjoy: IMD issues heavy rain alert for coastal Karnataka Bracing for Biparjoy: Cyclones hitting India's coasts become more frequent IT Ministry, Google announce collaboration to boost online cyber safety Gujarat govt opposes bail plea of Teesta Setalvad in 2002 riots case KPCC chief Sudhakaran raises plight of Christians in UP with PM Modi The National Council for Educational Research and Training (NCERT), however, had said the withdrawal of anyone's association is out of question as textbooks at the school level are developed on the basis of knowledge and understanding on a given subject and at no stage, individual authorship is claimed. The dropping of several topics and portions from NCERT textbooks last month triggered a controversy, with the Opposition blaming the BJP-led Centre for "whitewashing with vengeance". At the heart of the controversy was the fact that while the changes made as part of the rationalisation exercise were notified, some of the controversial deletions were not mentioned. This led to allegations about a bid to delete these portions surreptitiously. The NCERT had described the omissions as a possible oversight but refused to undo the deletions, saying they were based on the recommendations of experts. It had also said the textbooks were anyway headed for a revision in 2024, when the National Curriculum Framework (NCF) kicks in. However, it subsequently changed its stand and said "minor changes need not be notified". A foreign tourist poses at a photo zone celebrating the 10th anniversary of BTS in Seoul, Wednesday. The 2023 BTS Festa runs for two weeks from June 12. Yonhap By Lee Min-hyung The 10th anniversary of BTS is expected to have a massive economic effect here, as more foreign tourists visit Seoul and expand spending during the two-week-long 2023 BTS Festa. According to data from online travel agency Trip.com, the number of foreign tourists will rise by 13 percent between June 12 and 25, from a month earlier. This is an increase of 4.5 percent from two weeks ago. They are expected to help boost sales, particularly in the domestic tourism and retail sectors. HYBE, the music label behind the seven-member boyband, has signed an official partnership with a group of 13 companies operating businesses in sectors such as hotels, department stores, aviation, cosmetics and fashion. The Hyundai Seoul, one of the capital's largest department stores, has enjoyed huge sales growth after holding a 10-year anniversary event for BTS. Its sales from foreign tourists soared by 210.3 percent between June 12 and 13, from a week earlier. BTS is estimated to have generated economic effects worth 41.86 trillion won ($32.6 billion) over the past decade, according to data from Hyundai Research Institute. Given the growing popularity of the K-pop idol group, the figure is forecast to rise further. BTS is also attracting around 800,000 foreign tourists to Korea each year. Considering the marketing impact, the idol group is also estimated to stimulate 5 trillion won in spending each year, helping promote exports of Korean products. The end of social distancing rules after COVID-19 pandemic is expected to further boost foreigners' spending here. Other data also showed growing interest in Seoul during the event period. According to HotelsCombined, the number of hotel searches in Korea increased 96 percent during the two weeks from a year ago. The figure for Seoul soared by 106 percent during the same period. The number of flight ticket searches to Korea also rose by 15 percent. Convenience store chains are also busy catching the opportunity for sales growth by launching diverse products celebrating the BTS anniversary. GS25 is selling mineral water and hamburgers with special labels featuring the BTS 10th Anniversary FESTA until June 30. The Shilla Duty Free Shop is operating a special zone called SPACE OF BTS in Seoul. More than 300 BTS-related products such as clothes, dolls and stationery are sold. Sales for the BTS store achieved threefold monthly growth this year on average from a year ago. The government is no exception, with the Korea Post selling special stamps celebrating BTS' 10-year anniversary. According to the postal agency, a total of 1.5 million BTS special stamps have been sold at its offices across the nation. IAF Deputy Chief, Air Marshal Ashutosh Dixit on Thursday checked and flew the indigenous Light Combat Aircraft 'Tejas' Trainer-01, which is still under trial. The IAF is presently operating the LCA Tejas Mk 1 fighter and has a pending order of 83 aircraft. Air Marshal Dixit, a keen experimental test pilot himself, flew the Series Production Trainer-01, which is undergoing final developmental test sorties, to get a firsthand feel of its capabilities. He visited the Tejas Division of the National Flight Test Centre, Aeronautical Development Agency, and Hindustan Aeronautics Ltd (HAL) to assess the progress of the indigenous combat aircraft projects. During his visit, Air Marshal Dixit, who has been driving the Atmanirbhar Bharat efforts of the Indian Air Force towards self-reliance in the development and manufacture of combat aircraft, was briefed by the HAL team on the production status of trainer aircraft and the plan for deliveries of the LCA Mk 1A. He will also visit the Light Combat Helicopter (LCH) 'Prachand' production line to assess the production status of the homegrown combat helicopter. Also Read US to control land sales to foreigners within 100 miles of 8 military bases Aero India 2023: HAL's 'Next Gen Supersonic Trainer' on display Air Force's trainer aircraft crashes in Karnataka, pilots eject safely IAF chief embarks on 4-day Sri Lanka visit in a bid to boost defense ties Talks to produce LCA engines indigenously underway: DRDO chairman Police charge sheet against WFI chief govt's attempt to save him: Tikait ED arrests 2 M3M directors in fresh money laundering case linked to bribery India tops globally in LEED Zero certifications of green building projects Only winnable candidates should get tickets, says Rajasthan CM Gehlot MCD invites e-tenders for allotment of 64 authorised parking lots for 3 yrs The delivery of 10 LCH limited series production aircraft for the IAF is nearing completion and series production is likely to commence shortly to meet the order of 145 series production LCH for the IAF and Indian Army, an IAF official added. --IANS gcb/vd India generated an income of USD 7,400 million through medical tourism over the last decade, and the figure is expected to rise to USD 43,500 million in the next 10 years, officials said on Wednesday. The health sector in India has seen many private investments in the past five years, they said at the Indian Chamber of Commerce-organised BIMSTEC Health Forum here. Among the issues discussed by the delegates were the inclusion of mental health under overall health, focus on universal health coverage, telemedicine, information sharing, human capital exchange and collaborative opportunities. Because BIMSTEC nations are sensitive to climate change, coordination between the commercial and public healthcare sectors, as well as the government, is required to effect good change while keeping the environment in mind, an official said. Medical tourism is a recognised export from two BIMSTEC members -- India and Thailand. A partnership with the Thai government has also been proposed to adopt Swastha Sathi' facilities (West Bengal government's healthcare scheme) and come up with a progressive plan in medical insurance, the officials said. Also Read Free seeds under 'Mukhyamantri Krishak Sathi Yojana' helping women farmers International tourism reaches pre-pandemic levels, doubles in Q1FY23 Uttarakhand Tourism to provide on-call registration on Chardham Yatra route G20 meet will help India maximise its potential in tourism sector: Minister National strategy, Roadmap formed to boost medical tourism: Govt India unexpectedly cuts import duties on refined soybean, sunflower oils Ayodhya is one of top priorities of my govt. says UP CM Adityanath India needs better defences to be a digital superpower after data breach Allahabad HC stops Al Jazeera from telecasting India....Who lit the Fuse? Death toll in tanker explosion incident on Mumbai-Pune E-way rises to 5 The Bay of Bengal Initiative for Multi-Sectoral Technical and Economic Cooperation (BIMSTEC) is a regional organisation that was established in 1997. The region has a combined population of over 1.68 billion people and a GDP of around USD 2.88 trillion. The WTO's dispute settlement body on Thursday agreed not to adopt a ruling against India's import duties on certain information and technology products untill September 19, following a request for the same by the country and the European Union (EU). Both regions have requested this as they are engaged to resolve the dispute bilaterally. The World Trade Organisation (WTO) in a statement said that the members have agreed at a meeting of the Dispute Settlement Body (DSB) on June 15 to a request from the EU and India to grant it additional time to consider the adoption of the panel ruling. In a communication to the World Trade Organisation earlier this month, both regions have called for a special meeting of the WTO's dispute settlement body (DSB) on June 15. They had asked the DSB not to adopt the ruling, which was given by a WTO dispute settlement panel in April. The dispute panel of the WTO has ruled that the import duties imposed by India on certain informational and technology products violate global trading norms. Also Read India, Bangladesh discuss trade settlement in rupee, free trade agreement WTO ruling against India in tech tariffs dispute with European Union Trade dispute: India likely to propose out-of-court settlement to US Centre to come up with a single trade body to promote exports: Report ICT levy dispute at WTO: EU may opt for retaliatory tariffs on Indian goods GST officers unearth 461 fake entities involved in Rs 863 cr ITC fraud Police charge sheet against WFI chief govt's attempt to save him: Tikait IAF Deputy Chief Ashutosh Dixit flies under-development LCA trainer ED arrests 2 M3M directors in fresh money laundering case linked to bribery India tops globally in LEED Zero certifications of green building projects "The DSB agreed to a request from the European Union and India for additional time for the DSB to consider the adoption of the panel ruling...In line with the request, the DSB will now have until 19 September to adopt the panel report unless either the EU or India appeal the panel's findings or the DSB decides by consensus not to adopt the panel ruling," the WTO said. WTO dispute rules normally require the adoption or appeal of a panel report within 60 days of the report's circulation to members. The EU and India said the additional time would help facilitate the resolution of the dispute. WTO dispute rules normally require the adoption or appeal of a panel report within 60 days of the report's circulation to members. The development also assumes significance as India and the EU are negotiating a free trade agreement. The next round of talks for the proposed pact is scheduled from June 19-23 here. So far, four rounds of talks have happened. The panel ruling followed a dispute filed by the EU, Japan and Taiwan against these duties in WTO. On April 2, 2019, the EU challenged the introduction of import duties by India on a wide range of ICT products, for instance, mobile phones and components, base stations, integrated circuits and optical instruments. The EU had claimed that the measures appear to be inconsistent with certain provisions of WTO. Later, Chinese Taipei and Japan also joined the dispute. According to WTO rules, a member country can file a case in the Geneva-based multilateral body if they feel that a particular trade measure is against the norms of WTO. Bilateral consultation is the first step to resolving a dispute. If both sides are not able to resolve the matter through consultation, either of them can approach the establishment of a dispute settlement panel. The panel's ruling or report can be challenged at WTO's appellate body. Interestingly, the appellate body is not functioning because of differences among member countries to appoint its members. Several disputes are already pending with this body. The US has been blocking the appointment of the members. The Karnataka cabinet on Thursday decided to scrap the anti-conversion law introduced by the previous BJP government, according to media reports. According to reports, the Cabinet also removed school textbook lessons on RSS founder K B Hedgewar and others. The Siddaramaiah government has also decided to make it mandatory to read the Preamble to the Indian Constitution in all schools and colleges. The Cabinet has also decided to reverse changes made by the BJP government in the school syllabus. In September 2022, the Karnataka Legislative Council passed the contentious anti-conversion Bill tabled by the BJP government amid objections by Congress and JD(S), who were then in opposition. In May 2022, the BJP government in Karnataka brought in an ordinance to facilitate the introduction of the anti-conversion law. The anti-conversion law was enacted to "provide for the protection of the right to freedom of religion and prohibition of unlawful conversion from one religion to another by misrepresentation, force, undue influence, coercion, allurement or by any fraudulent means." Also Read Anti-conversion law: What it is and how various states implement it Cabinet reshuffle: Arjun Meghwal replaces Kiren Rijiju as new law minister Karnataka may keep additional expenditure on 5 poll promises fiscal neutral High-voltage campaigning for Karnataka elections to end today at 5 pm Pride of place: How to choose the perfect display cabinet for home DU plans to expand Patel Chest institute into multispeciality hospital Underpaid, vulnerable & often abused, domestic helps need a helping hand Urban Company's beauty segment workers stage protests over ID blocking India-Russia aim for bilateral trade of $50 bn in 2023: Indian Embassy Kejriwal calls 1st NCCSA meet on June 20 to discuss action against officer The Act describes in detail what defines what qualifies as unlawful conversion. Allurement means and includes an offer of any temptation in the form of any gift, gratification, easy money or material benefit either in cash or kind; employment, free education in school or college run by any religious body; or promise to marry; or better lifestyle, divine displeasure or otherwise; or portraying practice, rituals and ceremonies or an integral part of a religion in a detrimental way vis-a-vis another religion; or glorifying one religion against another religion." The Act provided for the "protection of right to freedom of religion and prohibition of unlawful conversion from one religion to another by misrepresentation, force, undue influence, coercion, allurement or by any fraudulent means." It also included provisions for scrapping marriage carried out through "unlawful conversion". In an open letter to Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Kerala Pradesh Congress Committee (KPCC) president K.Sudhakaran on Thursday expressed deep concern over the distressing situation faced by the Christian community in various parts of Uttar Pradesh. Sudhakaran pointed out that the letter was based on a fact-finding report submitted by Anil Thomas, which sheds light on the challenges and injustices endured by these individuals. "A significant number of people, particularly those hailing from Kerala, have been falsely accused of offences related to illegal religious conversion in Uttar Pradesh. These individuals are those who have dedicated themselves to social service and charitable work, have established reputable institutions such as hospitals, schools, and colleges that operate on a non-profit basis, serving the local population," reads his letter. The report also highlights the unfortunate circumstances faced by these institutions and their members since the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) assumed power in Uttar Pradesh. "Instances of harassment, extortion, malicious legal actions, physical attacks, and vandalism have become alarmingly frequent. Radical elements associated with Sangh Parivar organisations are attempting to gain control and ownership of these institutions, including churches and related structures. Local leaders affiliated with these organisations are allegedly using their political influence to intimidate the vulnerable Christian minority community," points out Sudhakaran. Thomas, a top Congress leader, prepared the report after visiting two of the five Christian pastors from Kerala who have been unjustly imprisoned in Uttar Pradesh. Also Read 'The Kerala Story' to be made tax-free in Uttar Pradesh, after MP Danish Crown Prince Frederik Andr Henrik Christian in India for 4-day visit 'Fake' encounters are staged in UP: Akhilesh on killing of Atiq Ahmad's son Samajwadi Party holds protest outside UP Assembly ahead of Budget Session KPCC screens BBC documentary at the Shanghumugham beach for public Climate change, tree plantation can't be left with govt alone: BJP's Chuba Media asked to take precautions while deploying personnel to cover cyclone Delhi Police chargesheets WFI chief, seeks cancellation of minor's case Nine years of gati, pragati: PM hails govt works in infrastructure sector DoT sets up war room to ensure Biparjoy doesn't disrupt connectivity His report points out that the UP police registered a First Information Reports (FIRs) against these pastors based on complaints from Sangh Parivar leaders and these FIRs were lodged without valid complaints from the aggrieved individuals or their relatives, as required by the Uttar Pradesh Prohibition of Unlawful Conversion of Religion Act, 2021. Sudhakaran has urged the Prime Minister Modi, to ensure the protection and well-being of the Christian community in Uttar Pradesh and emphasised on the need to address the unjust arrests, false charges, and misuse of laws, which are causing immense hardship and suffering for innocent individuals. --IANS sg/shb/ Keeping aside political rivalry, nearly 2,000 legislators from across the country have gathered here to discuss ways to improve working of legislative assemblies and councils, which often witness acrimonious scenes. The first-ever National Legislators' Conference Bharat ((NLC Bharat) that began here on Thursday will see presiding officers of legislative assemblies and councils and legislators deliberating on various issues including technology-driven economic growth, adopting international best practices in law making, welfare politics and nurturing of constituencies. Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla is scheduled to formally inaugurate the three-day conference. These discussions will be spread across ten thematic parallel sessions, where 50 legislators, under the guidance of senior members, will delve deeply into the topics including stress management and maintaining work-life balance. Former Vice President M Venkaiah Naidu, NCP chief Sharad Pawar, and former Jammu and Kashmir chief minister Ghulam Nabi Azad will share nuggets from their political journey in a plenary session titled 'Tale of the Tall'. The conference showcases the APJ Abdul Kalam expo, reflecting the theme of 75th year of Independence. Also Read Oppn legislators stage demonstration demanding Maharashtra guv's removal Novak Djokovic withdraws from Indian Wells tournament amid visa row Delhi legislators get massive 66% hike in their salary and allowances 5 BJP MLAs among 10 Manipur tribal legislators demanding separate state K'taka cabinet expansion: 24 legislators to be sworn in as ministers on Sat Phailin to Amphan: Deadliest cyclones that hit India in last 10 years Centre, state govt's common action plan to restore peace in Manipur: Guv Many measures taken to remove discrimination in labour markets: Labour Min International Health, Fitness Festival to kickstart from Friday in Delhi DDA to complete work on IGI Airport drain by July, says Delhi LG's office The expo features exhibits such as 'Commendable Practices by Selected 75 MLAs on Constituency Development', '75 Commendable Startups for Grassroot Development', '75 Commendable Programs of States and UTs', '75 Commendable Democratic Practices from other Democratic Countries in the World', and '75 Commendable Democracy-Idols from across the world'. The conference also features the 'Ramp of Democracy' where legislators will showcase ethnic attire of their respective states, representing the diverse cultures and values of our nation. "The conference will serve as a platform for legislators from all states and Union territories to share experiences, exchange knowledge on governance and social welfare, and adopt effective models for better governance, said Rahul Karad, the convenor of the NLC. The conference is organised by the MIT School of Government in partnership with Bharatiya Chhatra Sansad. Meghalaya Education Minister Rakkam A Sangma on Thursday said the National Testing Authority (NTA) has decided to reschedule CUET examination for students from the northeastern state who have been allotted centres elsewhere in the country. The Common Universities Entrance Test (CUET) is scheduled to be held on Friday. "The Union Ministry for Human Resources has directed the NTA to reschedule the exam for students from the state who were allotted CUET examination centres outside the state," Sangma told PTI. The rescheduled exam date for the affected students from Meghalaya will be announced as soon as the state administration submits to the NTA the list of the affected students, he said. The students on the list will get another opportunity to sit for the exam on a rescheduled date, he said, adding that data is being collected at the moment and the list will be submitted to the NTA at the earliest. He said the development took place after Chief Minister Conrad K Sangma wrote a letter to Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan, urging him to intervene in the matter and issue necessary directions to the NTA to make alternative arrangements for the affected students. Also Read NTA released CUET PG admit card 2023 for June 15 exam, check details here CUET-UG 2023: 77% attendance on first day, NTA says glitch-free exam CUET UG 2023 Admit Card out for May 25 to 28 exam dates, details here CUET UG 2023: City intimation slip for exams from May 21 to 24 released CUET deferred in Manipur to May 29, NTA considering exam centre in Srinagar Have to fund my trip to US to qualify for Asian Championships: Sanjivani Day before retirement, SC judge Justice Joseph pronounces two verdicts Sebi attaches bank, demat, MF accounts of Mehul Choksi to recover dues Andhra Pradesh CM virtually launches 4G services for remote areas Effects of early childhood adversity seen in adolescent bodies: Study He informed Pradhan that students from Meghalaya were allotted exam centres in Ranchi, Jharkhand, Kolkata and other far-off places, following which several aspirants complained to the state government about it. He said the allocation of CUET exam centres for students from Meghalaya in far-off places has caused significant inconvenience and logistical challenges for the students and their parents. Sangma said CUET admit cards were issued only on Wednesday, just two days ahead of the scheduled exam on Friday. Meghalaya had earlier requested the NTA to set up CUET centres in all 12 districts of the state. Union Minister of State for Personnel Jitendra Singh on Thursday said India's population dividend could be an instrument of nation building. Addressing a programme commemorating "9 Years of Department of Pension & Pensioners Welfare (DoPPW)" at Vigyan Bhawan here, he said, if the 70 per cent of the population of India is below 40 years of age, this is also a new reality that the actual number of 60 plus is increasing fast in the country and they are not only fit and agile, but have a vast experience of administrative and sectoral sectors to contribute to India's "Vision of 2047". Singh said the number of pensioners in India has outnumbered the serving employees and after retirement, their valuable services can prove to be a game changer. "India's population dividend could be an instrument of nation building. Apart from youth, the elder citizens including pensioners could also be channelised for building a strong and prosperous India," the minister said. Singh pointed out that radical pension reforms and change in rules and regulations have been carried out at the behest of Prime Minister Narendra Modi since 2014 in response to emerging societal needs. He said, DoPPW took measures not only for serving/retiring employees but also worked for the ease of living of pensioners and digital life certificate was another step towards this direction. Also Read Nestle India dividend 2023: FMCG giant to consider dividend pay on April 12 Public sector banks' total dividend payout 58% higher than in FY22: Report Vedanta dividend: Decision on fifth payout today; check all details here What to watch for after India overtakes China as most-populous nation China's reducing population should serve as clarion call for India: Experts Madras HC allows shifting Senthil Balaji to pvt hospital for Bypass surgery Overall coal stocks reach 110.58 million tonnes, up 44%: Coal ministry Cyclone Biparjoy starts making landfall near Jakhau Port in Gujarat's Kutch NTA to reschedule CUET exam for Meghalaya students: Education Minister Have to fund my trip to US to qualify for Asian Championships: Sanjivani Singh pointed out that in November 2014, an Aadhar-based scheme for online submission of digital life certificates, "jeevan pramaan" was launched by Prime Minister Modi to ensure transparency and "ease of living" for pensioners while submitting their life certificate. The minister informed that the pension department has undertaken a nation-wide digital life certificate through face authentication campaign in the November, 2022 which has resulted into 30 lakhs pensioners submitting their life certificate digitally. Secretary, DoPPW, V Srinivas said in his address that the department has commenced a series of awareness programs for bankers with a view to provide information about the latest pension rules/procedures reforms and welfare initiatives to bank's field functionaries, handling pensions. He said, in line with the government's objective of transparency, digitisation and service delivery, the Bhavishya platform has ensured end-to-end digitisation of the pension processing and payment. From the retiree filing his/her papers online till issue of the Pension Payment order (PPO) in electronic format going into the digilocker, this platform has showcased the intention of complete transparency and efficiency of the government, the 'Bhavishya' platform, an integrated online pension processing system was made mandatory for all central government departments w.e.f. 01.01.2017, according to a Personnel Ministry statement. Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann on Thursday urged Union Housing and Development Minister Hardeep Puri to include Mohali in the Smart City project for its inclusive development. Mann, who met Puri at his office here, said Mohali assumes immense significance because it is part of the tri-city which also includes Chandigarh and Panchkula. Most of the departments of the Punjab government have their head offices in Mohali and as such it is imperative to give further fillip to its growth, the chief minister said. He said Mohali and its adjoining municipal committees like Zirakpur, Kharar, Derabassi and Kurali have witnessed immense growth because of the presence of the international airport, educational institutes, industries and townships. The area needs special funding to support planned growth and infrastructure development, the Punjab chief minister said, adding that including Mohali in the Smart City project for its holistic and planned growth was the need of the hour. Flagging another issue, Mann requested Puri for the restoration of the same ratio of funds under Atal Mission for Rejuvenation and Urban Transformation (AMRUT) 2.0 as was the case in AMRUT 1.0. Also Read Comfort and security: what does it take to set up a smart home 68 Smart Cities haven't achieved physical targets, says House panel City Union Bank shares crash 13.5% after Q3 earnings dip on quarterly basis Xiaomi Redmi Smart Fire TV 32 review: Among the best smart TVs on budget Acer launches Google TV-based smart TVs, including OLEDs and QLEDs: Details Uniform Civil Code: Third prong in BJP's three-point core agenda Haryana govt forcibly giving solar pump connections to 20K farmers: Hooda Bypolls to fill vacant seats in Panchayats across Haryana on July 9 What will be the outcome in wrestlers' harassment case: Bail or Arrest? Chandrasekhar rebuts Raghuram Rajan's criticism on PLI, calls it misleading He said under AMRUT 1.0. Centre and States' financial contribution was 50:50 for towns in the one lakh to 10 lakh population category whereas under AMRUT 2.0, it has been revised to 33:67. For cities with a million-plus population like Ludhiana and Amritsar, the ratio was 33:67 while under AMRUT 2.0 it was 75:25, Mann said. He stressed that these towns are rapidly expanding and need continuous infrastructure development for which the old share ratio must be restored. India's top engineering and management colleges, such as Indian Institutes of Technology (IITs) and Indian Institutes of Management (IIMs), are eyeing the enrolment of international students. Some of these colleges, such as IIM Nagpur, IIT Delhi and IIT Madras, are planning to set up campuses abroad, while others are looking to increase the number of programme offerings both online and offline through local partners in the host country according to a report in The Economic Times (ET). The National Education Policy (NEP) 2020 encourages high-performing Indian institutes to set up campuses in other countries. Officials said that a global campus would help colleges build a global brand, attract foreign faculty, and bring diversity in education and research. IIT Madras is in active discussions to set up a campus in Zanzibar, Tanzania, according to Preeti Aghalayam, its advisor (Office of Global Engagement). This campus is expected to be operational by the second half of 2023 and is planning to offer full-time undergraduate and postgraduate programmes in data science and artificial intelligence (AI), according to the ET report. "The plan is meant as a partnership/collaboration between the two governments and IIT Madras. The college will bring expertise in institution building, teaching and research excellence," said Aghalayam. Also Read IIT Madras, IISc Bangalore top education ministry's NIRF Rankings 2023 Amid rising suicides, here are initiatives by IITs for mental health TuTr to tie up with IIT Madras on IP development in hyperloop technology IIT-M to develop tech to upcycle paddy waste for making supercapacitors India, Israel to jointly develop Center of Water Technology at IIT Madras India reports 106 new Covid-19 infections, active cases decline to 2,067 Defence min to take up deal for acquiring MQ-9 Reaper armed drones from US Fire breaks out at Kolkata airport counter, no casualties reported India planning to seek easier entry for dentists, nurses, CAs into the UAE Cyclone Biparjoy to make landfall in Gujarat today: 10 things you must know Bhimaraya Metri, director of IIM Nagpur, said, "NEP 2020 encourages Indian colleges to take brand India abroad, and most leading institutes are working towards the same. The entrance to foreign campuses is likely to be based on the law of the land of that country." She added that IIM Nagpur is planning to set up a campus in Singapore by 2025. Most IITs and IIMs are offering courses to foreign students either along with collaboration with local partners in the host country or through online mode. Himanshu Rai, director of IIM Indore, said that IIM Indore is open to setting up a campus abroad, seeing a huge global response but has not chalked out any immediate plans. With an established presence in terms of course offerings in foreign lands, the next step for most of the institutes is to set up campuses abroad, said a director of an IIM, who did not wish to be named. Professor Heo Yoon at Sogang University's Graduate School of International Studies speaks during a session of the Jeju Forum titled, "Countering Rising Protectionism amid South Korea's Indo-Pacific Manifesto," held at International Convention Center Jeju, June 1. Courtesy of Jeju Forum By Lee Yeon-woo SEOGWIPO, Jeju Island Many expected the Korean economy to improve once the coronavirus pandemic ends. That moment has finally arrived, but the country's economy is showing few signs of a recovery. For the first time since the 1997 Asian financial crisis, Korea's trade deficit has persisted for over 15 months, mainly due to reduced demand for the country's semiconductors and a decrease in exports to China. Numerous international organizations have lowered their growth forecasts for the country during the first half of this year. Perhaps what Koreans anticipate most is the re-emergence of China as a major player in Korea's trade market. However, Heo Yoon, a professor at Sogang University's Graduate School of International Studies and an international trade expert with decades of experience, disagreed. Heo believes that Korea's underperformance will continue due to what he described as significant "structural changes." Heo pointed out two key factors: Korea being trapped between the U.S. and China even after the start of the Biden administration and China's attempts to establish a substitute supply chain in response to Western sanctions. "This is not a time when security and the economy are considered separable. The most concerning issue is Korea's inability to export certain items (to China) due to U.S sanctions, even though the country wishes to do so," Heo told The Korea Times in a one-on-one interview during the Jeju Forum held on June 1. "If the U.S. and the European Union categorize certain items as related to security issues and impose sanctions, it leaves little room for China. Therefore, China is making efforts to replace its traditional supply chains. If China succeeds, the traditional trade structure with Korea will change significantly." Heo believes that rising protectionism poses the greatest threat to the future of Korea's economy. "The U.S., China, Japan and the European Union all have large domestic markets, unlike Korea. We have to compete with these countries which pursue protectionism due to our lack of a domestic market," he said. The cover of "Free Trade and the US-China Trade War" by Heo Yoon / Courtesy of Heo Yoon A Principal Sessions Court in Chennai rejected Tamil Nadu Minister Senthil Balaji's petition seeking to reject his remand for 15 days. The judge informed the petitioner's advocate that "this was not valid as judicial custody has already been granted". The court also rejected the Enforcement Directorate petition seeking custody of the minister. The ED had requested the court to grant permission to question him in custody as he did not cooperate properly during the earlier interrogation. Principal Sessions judge S. Alli said that the application of the ED could not be allowed. In the petition for custody of the minister, the ED had informed the court that the benami properties of Senthil Balaji worth Rs 25 crore were traced. The agency said that the minister had financed a property bought in the name of a relative. The Madras High Court will consider a habeas corpus petition filed by Senthil Balaji's wife. A division bench of the Madras High Court comprising Justices Nisha Banu and Bharat Chakravarthy will consider the plea this afternoon. --IANS Also Read Who is Tamil Nadu minister Senthil Balaji, arrested by ED on Wednesday? Nothing but political harassment: Kharge slams Balaji's late-night arrest I-T searches underway at premises linked to TN Minister Senthil Balaji Balaji Amines tanks 19%, hits 52-week low on weak Q4 results ED arrests TN Minister Senthil Balaji under anti-money laundering act Cyclone Biparjoy: Red alert for heavy rain issued for parts of Rajasthan In-depth debates required for passing legislations: LS speaker Om Birla Effort in jeopardy, drop our names from textbooks: Academicians to NCERT Cyclone Biparjoy: IMD issues heavy rain alert for coastal Karnataka Bracing for Biparjoy: Cyclones hitting India's coasts become more frequent aal/dpb US Representative Richard McCormick stressed on having ties between the United States (US) and India economically, militarily and strategically. He emphasised that lawmakers whether they are Democrats or Republicans need to pay more attention to India as a "future partner going forward". On reports of the US pushing a sign a big-arms drone deal during the upcoming visit of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, he said, "I think the more we link our countries together, both strategically, economically, militarily, the better. If you look at the threats in the region, if you look at India's strategic location next to China, Pakistan, and Bangladesh, with all the problems that we have in that part of the world right now, we need a strong partner, somebody that we can link ourselves to." Media reports suggest that the Biden administration is urging India to iron out bureaucratic hurdles and take forward a long-awaited deal for U.S.-made armed drones ahead of Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi's upcoming visit to Washington. Responding to a question if the state visit to the White House on June 22 will pave the way for the purchase of up to SeaGuardian drones from defence firm General Atomics as reported by Reuters, McCormick said, "Well, I think right now we need to sort out a lot of details, the way things are right now. They have been traditionally buying from Russia. That takes a while to transition from, especially when you talk about supplying parts and getting things into. A country and then training people to be proficient in those weapons systems take a while, but I think the time is now. I think they (India)understand the importance of our partnership, especially when it comes to the economic ties that benefit from that also. But I think this is an important alliance into the future that's going to benefit this entire region and the world." Ahead of PM Narendra Modi's visit to the US, Defence Minister is going to discuss the acquisition of MQ-9 Reaper drones from the US. The acquisition of these drones is scheduled to come up for discussion during an important high-level meeting of the defence ministry on Thursday, defence sources told ANI. Modi and Biden are also expected to discuss the co-production of munitions and ground vehicles, like armoured personnel carriers, while Modi is in Washington, the Reuters report suggests said. Also Read AI-powered US military drone kills operator during simulated test: Report Biden falls onstage at graduation ceremony; White House says he's 'fine' Incredible rich diaspora truly an asset to both countries: Biden's top aide Biden surprised over records at old office post calls for damage assessment President Biden offers $450 mn for clean energy projects at coal mines Pakistan farmer seeks newly developed rice seeds for cultivation from BHU PM Modi to speak on diaspora's role in India's growth story in US Railway Board pulled up signalling staff in April for adopting 'short-cuts' ED arrests two promoters of Gurugram-based M3M in money laundering case ECI delegation to visit Telangana for Assembly election preparedness The decision to purchase MQ-9s rests with the Indian government, and Biden administration officials emphasized the potential benefits of acquiring the drones while acknowledging India's autonomy in the matter. Experts suggest US President Joe Biden has made deepening ties with India a cornerstone of his policy to counter China's growing influence, placing special attention this year on collaboration between the world's two largest democracies on advanced military technologies, despite their lack of a formal security alliance. "We need to make sure we continue to be linked to that very important part of the world with somebody who sees the world very similar to us," McCormick told ANI. Speaking about PM Modi's upcoming visit to the US, Congressman said that he thinks that everybody understands the importance of the relations between the two nations. He said that India is growing its economy in a "slow, methodical way." He also spoke about China's growing economy and noted that some of that has been done in "very bad ways". "Well, if you're talking about Prime Minister Modi coming here, I think those will be private conversations, some of them. But I think everybody understands how important that allyship is. When you talk about the most populous country in the world right next to the second most populous country in the world, which they keep on switching off a little bit late, but also the fact that China's growing its economy from about 5 trillion only 10 years ago to 18 trillion just in 10 years. Now they've done some of that in very bad ways, and they've run up a lot of debt." "But, I think India is doing it the slow, methodical way that they need to by encouraging trade with that huge consumer base, as well as somebody who can produce a lot of things that are both technologically advanced as well as just production. I think we compare with them in very good, beneficial ways to both countries having very real consequential conversations about how we stabilize that region of the world and also tie our countries together forever into the future," McCormick said. Prior to PM Modi's visit, US National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan visited India. He held a meeting with PM Modi and discussed matters of bilateral cooperation here in Delhi. The two sides also reviewed progress under India-US Initiative on Critical & Emerging Technologies (iCET) during the meeting. Sullivan also met his Indian counterpart Ajit Doval in New Delhi. Congressman Richard McCormick spoke about the consequential conversations that will take place between India and US during PM Modi's visit. He emphasised that lawmakers whether they are Democrats or Republicans need to pay more attention to India as a "future partner going forward." He talked about the importance of India and its strength of numbers, industrial base and its amount to produce things. In a sign of the continued bipartisan support in America for strong bilateral ties with India, Prime Minister Narendra Modi will address a joint session of the United States Congress during his first state visit here next week. The keenness shown by Republicans, that Modi, who has been invited by US President Joe Biden (a Democrat), address the joint address shows that both sides are interested in deepening and widening ties that India and the US currently enjoy. Asked about China being a binding factor between Republicans and Democrats, McCormick said, "I think a lot of people don't realize how important India is. I think that's why it's important for Prime Minister Modi to be here and have these consequential conversations. Anybody who's not thinking about the importance of India doesn't realize the strength of numbers, the amount of industrial base, and the amount to produce things that China produces simultaneously, but from a much more friendly venue." "Somebody, who's following the World Trade Organization rules rather than breaking them, somebody who doesn't have global dominance in mind but actually working with other countries to mutual benefit. That's the kind of partner we need. I think when you talk about Democrats and Republicans, whether you be a Democrat or Republican, I think we have to pay a lot more attention to India as a future partner going forward, especially considering China right now," he added. The 22nd Law Commission of India on Wednesday sought fresh suggestions from various stakeholders, including public and religious organisations on the Uniform Civil Code (UCC). The commission sought suggestions as the consultation paper issued by the previous law commission on the subject was more than three years old. UCC calls for the formulation of one law for India, which would be applicable to all religious communities in matters such as marriage, divorce, inheritance, maintenance, and adoption. The term Uniform Civil Code is mentioned in Part IV, Article 44 of the Indian Constitution. Article 44 states that "the State shall endeavour to secure for the citizens a uniform civil code throughout the territory of India". Part IV of the Constitution outlines the Directive Principles of State Policy, which, while not enforceable or justiciable in a court of law, are fundamental to the countrys governance. The objective of Article 44 was to address discrimination against vulnerable groups and harmonise diverse cultural groups across the country. Dr B R Ambedkar, while formulating the Constitution, had said that a UCC is desirable but, for the moment, it should remain voluntary, and thus Article 35 of the draft Constitution was added as a part of the Directive Principles of the State Policy in Part IV of the Constitution of India as Article 44. It was incorporated in the Constitution as an aspect that would be fulfilled when the nation would be ready to accept it and the social acceptance to the UCC could be made. Also Read What is World Freedom Index and why Indian govt keeps rejecting its report? Rahul Gandhi's muslim league remark sparks controversy: Who said what! More Muslim women than men in higher education, shows AISHE data Freedom and the big freeze New IT Rules: 16 groups join hands against govt-run fact-checking unit Population dividend could be instrument of nation building: Jitendra Singh Madras HC allows shifting Senthil Balaji to pvt hospital for Bypass surgery Overall coal stocks reach 110.58 million tonnes, up 44%: Coal ministry Cyclone Biparjoy starts making landfall near Jakhau Port in Gujarat's Kutch NTA to reschedule CUET exam for Meghalaya students: Education Minister In his speech in the Constituent Assembly, Ambedkar had said, "No one need be apprehensive that if the State has the power, the State will immediately proceed to execute... that power, in a manner, may be found to be objectionable by the Muslims or by the Christians or by any other community. I think it would be a mad government if it did so." Origin of the Uniform Civil Code The debate for a uniform civil code dates back to the colonial period in India. In 1835, the British government tried to reform local social and religious customs and stressed upon the need for uniformity in the codification of Indian law relating to crimes, evidence, and contracts, specifically recommending that personal laws of Hindus and Muslims be kept outside such codification. Under the East India Company, the Muslim Personal Law (Shariat) Application Act was passed in 1937 to formulate an Islamic law code for Indian Muslims. It had no uniformity in its application at lower courts due to the diversity of the local cultures of Muslims in different parts of India. The increase in legislation by British rule forced the government to form the B N Rau Committee to codify the Hindu law in 1941. The task of the Hindu Law Committee was to examine the question of the necessity of common Hindu laws. The committee recommended a codified Hindu law, which would give equal rights to women. The 1937 Act was reviewed and the committee recommended a civil code of marriage and succession for Hindus. Mohd Ahmed Khan vs Shah Bano Begum case (1985) Shah Bano (73) was divorced by her husband through triple talaq, and she was denied maintenance. She approached the court demanding maintenance for herself and her five children after her divorce from her husband. The Supreme Court ruled in her favour under the maintenance of wives, children and parents provision (Section 125) of the All India Criminal Code, which applied to all citizens, irrespective of religion. Further, it recommended that a uniform civil code be set up. Following this, Bano's husband appealed in the Supreme Court, stating that he had fulfilled all his obligations under the Islamic law. After the court's judgement, nationwide meetings and agitations were held. Under pressure, the then government passed the Muslim Womens (Right to protection on divorce ) Act (MWA) in 1986, which made Section 125 of the Criminal Procedure Code inapplicable to Muslim women. Why are people opposing the UCC? The main argument against the UCC is that it violates the constitutional freedom to practice the religion of choice, which allows religious communities to follow their respective personal laws. For example, Article 25 gives every religious group the right to manage its own affairs, and Article 29 gives them the right to conserve their distinct culture. Secondly, it is argued that if codified civil laws and criminal laws such as the Code of Criminal Procedure (CrPC) and the Indian Penal Code (IPC) don't follow one nation, one law, then how can this diktat be applied to personal laws of communities? For example, the law of anticipatory bail differs from one state to another. Experts argue that the UCC will impose a 'Hinduised' code for all communities. For example, a UCC could include provisions for family disputes on property inheritance, which may be in line with Hindu customs and will legally force other communities to follow the same. The UCC is likely to bring multiple changes to the Muslim Personal Law, including the abolition of polygamy practices. All India Majlis-E-Ittehadul Muslimeen (AIMIM) Chief Asaduddin Owaisi had said, "It (Uniform Civil Code) is not required in this country. As per Goa civil code, Hindu men have the right to second marriage if the wife fails to deliver a male child by the age of 30. The Law Commission has opined that a UCC is not required." However, some experts feel that a uniform civil code will help in integrating India more than it has ever been since independence. It will help in bringing Indians, regardless of their caste, religion or tribe, under one national civil code of conduct. They also feel that a UCC will help in improving the condition of women in India. Has any state implemented the UCC? UCC is in force only in the state of Goa. The Goa Civil Code was given by the Portuguese in 1867. However, Uttarakhand is set to be the first state in post-Independent to implement UCC. The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has vowed to implement UCC in Assam and Gujarat as well. What has the Law Commission said? In 2016, the Modi government had requested the Law Commission of India to determine how to form a code in the presence of thousands of personal laws in the country. In 2018, the Law Commission submitted a 185-page consultation paper on the reform of family law. The paper stated that a unified nation did not necessarily need uniformity, adding that secularism could not contradict the plurality prevalent in the country. The Commission noted that the term secularism had meaning only if it assured the expression of any form of difference. While saying that a UCC "is neither necessary nor desirable at this stage", the Law Commission recommended that discriminatory practices, prejudices, and stereotypes within a particular religion and its personal laws should be studied and amended. Some of these amendments include fixing the marriageable age for boys and girls at 18 years so that they are married as equals, making adultery a ground for divorce for men and women and simplifying the divorce procedure. Last year, the then law minister Kiren Rijiju had said in the Rajya Sabha that states are empowered to enact personal laws that decide issues such as succession, marriage and divorce, in their endeavour to secure a uniform civil code (UCC). However, he said, the government had no plans to set up a panel to implement the UCC and requested the 22nd Law Commission to undertake an examination of various issues relating to the same. Three persons were shot at in West Bengal's North Dinajpur district on Thursday when they were on their way to file nominations for the panchayat polls, officials said. The CPI(M) claimed that the three injured persons were supporters of the Left Front and the Congress, who were shot at when they were going to the Chopra Block office for filing nominations. The three injured persons were admitted to the district hospital, an official said. "There persons were injured and one of them is critical. We cannot confirm any death," the official told PTI. State Election Commissioner (SEC) Rajiva Sinha declined to comment on the incident, saying that he was yet to receive any report regarding it. CPI(M) state secretary Md Salim alleged that the TMC was behind the attack. Also Read Mamata Banerjee to leave for three-day tour to West Bengal districts Vande Bharat pelted with stones in Bengal's Malda; BJP demands NIA probe Train services disrupted in Bengal as Kurmis demanding ST status block rail Indian, US fighter jets take part in joint exercise at Bengal's Kalaikunda CID, forensic team start probe of firecracker factory explosion in WB TN SHRC member visits Senthil; quotes min as saying he was treated 'badly' Tamil Nadu court rejects Senthil Balaji's plea against remand for 15 days Cyclone Biparjoy: Red alert for heavy rain issued for parts of Rajasthan In-depth debates required for passing legislations: LS speaker Om Birla Effort in jeopardy, drop our names from textbooks: Academicians to NCERT "Activists and candidates have been fired upon by TMC goons just now in North Dinajpur's Chopra block. Left-INC supporters were going to Block office for filing nomination #PanchayatElection2023," he tweeted. The ruling TMC dismissed the allegation. Polling for nearly 75,000 seats in the three-tier Panchayati Raj system will be held on July 8, and Friday is the last date for filing nominations. After IT giant Tata Consultancy Services (TCS) asked employees to come to the office at least three days a week, there has been a sharp decline in the average number of learning hours per employee, according to a report in The Times of India. Average learning hours fell from 121 in the financial year 2021-22 (FY22) to 82 in FY23, according to TCS annual report. The rate of attrition among women has also risen. Some employees said they are still getting used to the post-coronavirus pandemic phase, which involves commuting to the office. A mid-level employee at TCS said since a lot of time is lost in travelling, productivity has been affected. Otherwise, the same time could have been spent completing some courses. Employees have had to make changes to their daily schedules and factor in time for commuting as the world gradually returns to office spaces, Aditya Mishra, CEO at staffing services firm CIEL HR, said. Average learning hours fell to 40 in FY23 from about 50 in FY22 among mid-level employees at TCS. In its annual report, TCS said of the mid-level employees at TCS, 90 per cent took part in the mid-level training program. However, only 60 per cent of those employees have been certified in relevant market technologies. The average learning hours dropped to about 100 in FY23 from over 140 hours in FY22 among junior employees. In FY22, the average learning hours for senior men in the organisation was 77 hours, and for senior women, it was 91 hours. However, in FY23, the average learning hours for both genders decreased to 41-42 hours. TCS stated that their investment in learning is heading in the right direction. Learning efforts are adjusted based on various factors, such as company strategy, market need, learning models, workforce mix, and hiring volumes, the company said. Also Read TCS Q4 review: Near-term growth to moderate, demand levers intact: Analysts TCS Q4 Preview: Revenue may rise up to 18% YoY; EBIT margin seen at 25% How does outgoing TCS CEO Gopinathan's salary compare to other IT execs? TCS may consider giving 12-15% hikes to top employees to curb attrition TCS Q3 preview: Margins to expand sequentially; Revenue may grow 16-18% YoY Housing prices surge to 59% on high demand; Delhi-NCR sees highest rise Footwear industry to comply with quality control orders from July 1 Chinese textiles coming to India to be tested for Azo dyes presence JP Morgan downgrades Indian IT sector to underweight from neutral GTRI calls for simplifying PLI scheme, cautions against misuse by industry Analysts said the dip is likely to be short-term. Tech workers are conscious of the need to stay up-to-date in the face of ongoing changes in the job market due to the influence of AI, Mishra said. The Ministry of Railways has completed a crucial section of the eastern dedicated freight corridor (DFC) from Uttar Pradeshs Ahraura to Mughalsarai, which is slated to make transportation of thermal coal twice as quick, Dedicated Freight Corridor Corporation of India (DFCC) Managing Director R K Jain said on Thursday. Earlier, the eastern route had been completed only in patches, which used to entail switching of tracks from DFCs to railway tracks, Jain said at a press conference here. Now, transit for coal from coal fields of eastern India to power plants of northern India will be entirely on the DFC route from Sonnagar (Bihar) to Dadri, he said. This comes at a time when the power demand has touched a record high of 220 Gigawatt (Gw) causing coal demand to also go up. Northern India is one of the highest consumers of coal and is leading the national electricity demand as days are getting hotter after a subdued May due to unseasonal rains. The completion of the Uttar Pradesh-Bihar section of the corridor will bring down coal logistics time from the current 35-40 hours to 15 hours now, cutting costs and time by more than half. It is to be noted that Mughalsarai, or Deen Dayal Upadhyaya Junction (DDU) is one of the most congested bottlenecks in Indian rail infrastructure. According to the freight corridor SPV of the railways, the logistics will be slashed by half as coal trains will completely avoid the congested routes of Indian Railways. This will lead to a saving of approximately one day which in turn will reduce the turnaround time of rakes for coal transportation. DFCC had also completed a crucial stretch between Dadri in Uttar Pradesh and Rewari in Haryana last month, thereby connecting the eastern and western DFCs, leading to seamless inter-corridor movement. Also Read 2023 could be another strong yr for coal as demand may reach record levels Railway freight rises 3.5% in Feb; thermal coal volumes increase 8% Untimely rains bring relief to thermal units as power, coal demand tapers Cess on public sector coal production set to rise to fund pension corpus Coal India needs to raise prices, but caught between political constraints Up in the air: High-flying battles for satellite broadband services CBIC releases report on Indian cargo, shows improvement in release time Asci releases guidelines on dark patterns in digital advertisements Urban Company's beauty segment workers stage protests over ID blocking Cloud remains long-term investment priority for 70% corporations: TCS study The eastern corridor is largely seen as crucial for movement of energy and industry-related raw materials, while the western corridor is highly anticipated for the movement of industrial goods and foodgrains. A 187-km stretch between Dadri and Ludhiana in Punjab is close to completion, with DFCC committing to a completion deadline of August, which will then mark the completion of the entire corridor, which had been stuck for more than a decade. Once the entire stretch is completed, there will be even better connectivity for thermal power plants in states like Punjab, and foodgrain movement to eastern India will also be shifted entirely to the freight corridor, a senior official told Business Standard on the sidelines of the conference. The shifting of coal traffic to the freight corridor will also bring a sigh of relief for passengers, as trains get stuck for hours around the DDU stretch due to congestion. The punctuality of passenger trains with North Central Railway has improved significantly with DFC shouldering the major load of freight trains, the companys statement said. Now, punctuality will improve even further with the benefits trickling further to East Central Railway. Meanwhile, Jain also said that the Centre is considering building a stretch from Sonnagar to Dankuni in West Bengal through its own coffers. This would be a complete shift from its earlier plans to develop the stretch in public-private-partnership, a development Business Standard had reported on April 23. Home services company Urban Company has been facing protests yet again at its Gurugram office over allegations of unfairly blocking the IDs of partners on the platform, according to media reports. Those protesting work in the companys beauty services segment. The partners have alleged that Urban Company blocked their cards if they got ratings below 4.8 out of 5. They were also penalised if the users canceled the bookings. So far, the company has seen protests for two days in a row, as partners with blocked IDs demand that they be reinstated and that they be given a chance to air grievances. The partners who protested at Urban Company's Gurugram office say that the company has asked for a week to review their cases, but they are not optimistic that their IDs will be reinstated. A partner, who had been on the platform for several years before being blocked over cancellations, told MoneyControl, that it was unfair that workers were never given a chance to appeal decisions that affect them, and they are blocked indiscriminately. If a worker's response rate, or the rate at which they accept bookings offered, falls below 80 per cent, their ID may be blocked, the partner added. The issue of blocked accounts is not limited to salon service providers but is also affecting partners from various other segments working with Urban Company. According to the beauticians, even when they had available time slots for appointments, the Urban Company app sometimes failed to display the availability of partner beauticians to customers, negatively impacting their income. This is not the first time Urban Company has faced protests from its partners. In response to policy changes, salon partners demonstrated against the company in 2021. During that time, calling the protest illegal, Urban Company had taken legal action against four protesters. Also Read Gold ornaments raise retail inflation in personal care segment to 9% in Apr Blinkit shuts some Gurugram dark stores for good as delivery workers strike Export, demand slowdown may hurt Schaeffler India's near-term prospects 270 urban forest projects approved since 2020: Govt tells Parliament Budget pushes for developing transport, urban infrastructure, housing IndiGo gains from Go First grounding, logs highest ever market in May Cloud remains long-term investment priority for 70% corporations: TCS study Attrition of women in IT sector doubled compared to men since December As work-from-office resumes, TCS employees get less time to upgrade skills Housing prices surge to 59% on high demand; Delhi-NCR sees highest rise The current protests come at a difficult time for Urban Company, as the firm comes to terms with rising losses amid a funding drought. In the financial year 2021-22 (FY22), Urban Company's consolidated net loss more than doubled to Rs 514 crore from Rs 249.2 crore in FY21 because of rising expenses. Technical View Bias: Positive Target: Rs 80.50 - Rs 82.50 Support: Rs 78.60 - Rs 75.80 The stock has logged strong gains in the last four trading sessions, and presently trading firmly above the higher-end of the Bollinger Bands on the daily chart which stand at Rs 78.60. Further, the stock has been sustaining above the higher-end of the Bollinger Bands on the weekly chart for the last seven trading weeks, which presently stands at Rs 75.80. Also Read HDFC twins sink as Street fears MSCI blow may trigger $200 mn outflow IndusInd Bank likely to get added to MSCI during Aug rebalancing exercise MSCI cuts free float in Adani Transmission, Adani Total Gas; stocks sink 5% Toll operators in India to see a revenue jump of 16-18% in FY23: CRISIL Bank stocks can slide more; stay away for now: Analysts Nifty FY24 earnings growth at 20% to outperform most Asian peers: Jefferies PNC Infra surges 6% amid reports of KKR unit eyeing its road assets Axis Bank trades firm after 22.5 mn shares change hands on NSE Stocks to Watch today, June 15: Axis Bank, Infy, TCS, IOC, realty, Zee, REC Nifty Pharma index may correct in near-term, downside target seen at 12,700 Thus, the support range of Rs 75.80 - Rs 78.60 becomes the immediate support for the stock. In case, the stock dips and trades consistently below this range, the stock could witness profit-taking given the overbought conditions. In case of profit-taking the stock could test Rs 73-odd levels on the downside. On the upside, the stock could test Rs 80.50 - Rs 82.50 range, indicates the monthly Fibonacci chart. (With inputs from Rex Cano) Shares of IDFC First Bank rose 3 per cent to hit an over six-year high of Rs 79.20 on the BSE in Thursdays intra-day trade on the back of heavy volumes. Today, it was quoting at its highest level since October 2016. It had hit a record high of Rs 83.45 on September 28, 2016.In the past two months, the stock of the private sector lender has zoomed 47 per cent on a stable outlook.In the upcoming quarterly index review by MSCI Inc, IDFC First Bank has a high probability of entering the India index, according to Emkay Alternative and Quantitative Research.Global index aggregator MSCI Inc will announce the results of its quarterly review on August 10, and the changes, if any, will come into effect from September 1, as per reports.At 10:27 am; IDFC First Bank was quoting 3 per cent higher at Rs 79.14, as compared to 0.09 per cent rise in the S&P BSE Sensex. A combined 25.4 million shares changed hands on the NSE and BSE.IDFC First Bank has transformed from infrastructure to retail banking in four years since its merger, increasing CASA ratio from 8.6 per cent to 49.77 per cent (March 31, 2023) and increased retail deposits from 27 per cent to 76 per cent of total deposits, and set up 809 branches and 925 ATMs.The bank recorded a profit after tax (PAT) of Rs 2,437 crore in the financial year 2022-23 (FY23), with strong Capital Adequacy of 16.82 per cent.It has high asset quality, with retail loans having Gross NPA of 1.65 per cent and Net NPA of 0.55 per cent as of March 31, 2023. Overall Gross NPA including infrastructure is 2.51 per cent and Net NPA is 0.86 per cent.CRISIL Ratings (CRISIL) on June 2 upgraded its rating on the tier II Bonds (under Basel III) of IDFC First Bank amounting to Rs 5,000 crore from CRISIL AA / Positive to CRISIL AA+ / Stable. It also re-affirmed CRISIL A1+ rating on the banks existing Certificate of Deposits amounting to Rs 45,000 crore.The rating upgrade is driven by steady scale up of business, backed by strengthening of both retail asset and liability side franchise, improved asset quality, and expectation of continued improvement in operating and overall profitability. Furthermore, the ratings reflect the banks healthy capitalisation level, CRISIL said."Over the medium term, the banks capital position is expected to remain healthy while its earnings profile continues to improve. The asset quality is also expected to remain stable but as the business continues to scale with higher focus on the retail segment, the banks ability to sustain asset quality and profitability along with growth will remain a key monitorable", it said. Also Read PNC Infra rallies 8% on bagging Rs 819 crore highway project IPL 2023 KKR vs RCB Highlights: Shardul, Varun give Kolkata a huge victory RCB vs KKR Highlights, IPL 2023: Spinners, Roy and Rana win it for Kolkata SRH vs KKR Highlights, IPL 2023: Batting failure hands Hyderabad 5 run loss KKR vs RR Highlights, IPL 2023: Jaiswal blitz powers Rajasthan to 9-wkt win Axis Bank trades firm after 22.5 mn shares change hands on NSE Stocks to Watch today, June 15: Axis Bank, Infy, TCS, IOC, realty, Zee, REC Nifty Pharma index may correct in near-term, downside target seen at 12,700 Stock Market Live: Sensex, Nifty reverse losses; FMCG, Pharma stocks gain With small-caps in action, Kalpataru Projects, Birlasoft attract investors Shares of PNC Infratech hit an over three-month high at Rs 338.55, as they rallied 6 per cent on the BSE in Thursdays intra-day trade in an otherwise subdued market on reports that KKRs roads Highways Infrastructure Trust is in talks to acquire a portfolio of 12 road projects from the company for an enterprise value of about Rs 9,000 crore.The stock of civil construction company quoted at its highest level since February 2023. It had hit a 52-week high of Rs 354.55 on February 3, 2023.The portfolio on sale comprises 11 hybrid annuity model (HAM) roads and one build-operate-transfer (BOT) road. These projects are located across Uttar Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh and Rajasthan, the Economic Times reported quoting people aware of the development."There were four bidders for the PNC portfolio. The company has gone ahead with KKR and the PE firm has recently started due diligence on the assets. The portfolio has an enterprise value of around Rs 9,000 crore, with debt of around Rs 6,900 crore," the newspaper reported.PNC Infratech highlights that company in Q4 had indicated Eleven HAM and one BOT project (Bareilly Almora) are under block to monetise having debt of Rs 6,900 crore and equity of ~ Rs 1,700 crore (seven operational; rest likely by next three to four months). It has received offers from four investors. It indicated that the definitive agreement could be signed (expected by Q3FY24 end).The indicative deal implies P/B of 1.24x. Most importantly, the strong inflow of equity of around Rs 2,100 crore (on deal consummation) would massively increase the scale of PNCs ability to execute and grow the revenues, ICICI Securities said in a note.PNC Infratech is engaged in diversified construction activities such as construction of highways, bridges, flyovers, airport runways and allied activities. The company has over two decades of experience in executing road projects and its major clients include National Highway Authority of India (NHAI), Airports Authority of India (AII), Haryana State Roads & Bridges Development Corporation Limited (HSRDC), Uttar Pradesh State Highway Authority (UPSHA), Delhi State Industrial & Infrastructure Corporation of India (DSIIC), Military Engineering Services (MES), Public Works Department (PWD), UP Expressways Industrial Development Authority (UPEIDA) and Dedicated Freight Corridor Corporation of India.As on March 31, 2023, PNC Infratech has a robust order book of Rs 15,600 crore. Contract under execution is over Rs 20,500 crore which is over 2.9 times of FY23 revenue including contract worth Rs 4,854 crore not yet included in order book, the company said.The strong order book position aiding revenue visibility has continued to remain a credit strength. Furthermore, around 60 per cent of the order-book of the company is from NHAI thereby precluding counterparty risk. Under the Union budget 2023-24, an allocation of Rs 2.70 trillion to Ministry of Road Transport and Highways (MoRTH) marks nearly a 10 per cent jump in the allocation made under the budget 2022-23.CARE Ratings believes that PNC Infratech shall monetise certain projects over next one year thereby freeing up growth capital for future investments with minimal reliance on external debt. As articulated by the company, these monetisation initiatives are at various stages of development.The company has also been regularly increasing its fixed asset base commensurate with its increase in the order book, which provides it operational flexibility for faster machinery deployment and site mobiliation in order to start and expedite project execution. The strong order book position and track record of timely execution provides adequate revenue visibility for the medium term, rating agency said in rationale. The Government of India in 2022 set itself the goal of a Viksit Bharat (Advanced India). The Prime Minister referred to it again during the recent opening of the new Parliament and in the latest meeting of the NITI Aayog. I am thrilled with this goal because my co-author and I suggested a similar vision of a Samrudhha and Sajit Bharat @100 (Prosperous and Inclusive India @100) in our book, Unshackling India: Clear Choices and Hard Truths for Economic Revival. But what does it mean to become a Viksit Bharat? While the size of the economy is important for many reaso Still underpaid despite growing popularity of translated fiction By Kwak Yeon-soo After the #NameTheTranslators hashtag went viral 10 years ago, English-language publishers have begun making an effort to intentionally credit translators on the front covers of novels. Before the social media campaign, one had to flick through a few pages of books to find out who the translator was. Sora Kim-Russell, a Korean-American literary translator who has translated over a dozen books, including four by author Hwang Sok-yong, recently observed that her latest work, "Mater 2-10," was the first translation of that author's work to feature her name on the cover. The established translator explained that there has been a notable shift in the level of respect given to translators compared to a decade ago. To make strides, translators have become activists in their field and have requested fair contracts, fair pay and proper recognition. "While respect and recognition have improved, the pay has not. That is one area that is still lacking. It's still impossible to survive as a literary translator. For many of us, we've seen our pay drop. A lot of us survive on grants (offered by publishers or translation-related organizations), but the amount that is paid out on grants has dropped," Kim-Russell said during a recent interview with The Korea Times. Youngjae Josephine Bae, a literary translator who co-translated her first book-length fiction, "Mater 2-10," with Kim-Russell, agreed that there is a different kind of respect toward translators following Hang Kang and Deborah Smith's Man Booker Prize win in 2016. However, they believe they are still underpaid. "Korean society in general became more conscious about the Man Booker prize and they started to talk about it every season," Bae said during a recent interview with The Korea Times. Despite winning the 2019 Literature Translation Institute of Korea (LTI Korea) award for aspiring translators and the 2021 Korea Times Modern Korean Literature Translation award, Bae revealed that she takes on part-time jobs to supplement her income. "I have to work on something else. I also translate non-fiction and history books. I also do some outsource work from a research foundation, translating research papers," she said. Kim-Russell expressed her concerns about the reality faced by some talented translators, adding that the output could be greater if they can work full-time on literary translations. The translators interviewed did not reveal how much they earned per work, since such information is considered confidential. In fact, Korean literature has been gaining momentum over the past few years as foreign publishers look for stories from different cultures. The rising popularity of K-pop, films and dramas has also brought fresh attention to Korean literature. While there was a decline in 2022, the overseas publication of Korean literary works has generally increased in the last decade. These works have been translated into an expanding range of languages over time. "I see a lot more translations being talked about. There's so much Korean literature out there right now compared to when I started out," Kim-Russell said. She elaborated further on the growing presence of "heritage speakers" like herself working as literary translators, in addition to Korean nationals and people without a heritage connection to the country. "It's exciting to see new translators in the field. It's growing more diverse in all directions and in wonderful ways," she added. Bae echoed the sentiment, saying, "I have seen more variety in recent years. Before then, we stuck to the classics by well-known authors. Now we are seeing up-and-coming authors who write on various genres, including sci-fi and mystery thrillers. I think that's a very positive change," she said. Kim-Russell, the translator of the 2017 Shirley Jackson Award-winning novel, "The Hole," by Pyun Hye-young and 2019 Man Booker Prize-nominated novel, "At Dusk," by Hwang, revealed that she did not receive a pay raise despite her achievements. "One of the big changes is that you get people coming to you, asking you to translate things. And you get to say no to projects. But I didn't get a bump in pay," she said. The co-translators of "Mater 2-10" stressed the importance of keeping the author's style and adding empathy to the text. "'Mater 2-10' is a family saga that spans four generations. It also deals with labor movements, workers striking against employers and police cracking down on that. We do find these themes in other countries as well," Kim-Russell said. "When we are thinking of the English readership, we need to remember that it is very broad and diverse. They are people from all different kinds of backgrounds, so I try not to limit myself by worrying about who the reader is or could be. I believe these themes touch people (around the world)." There have been allegations of mis-selling of AT1 bonds in India and elsewhere. These bonds have been written off fully to resolve the stress of some issuers. The subscribers are seeking help from every possible source, including the police, regulators, and courts. With widespread discontent, the existence of these bonds that emerged as a lifeline for banks following the global financial crisis is threatened. A real sector company typically funds its operations through equity and debt. Since equity carries higher returns commensurate with risks, it is the first asset class to be hit in the case of a financial st Telugu Desam Party president N Chandrababu Naidu on Wednesday accused the YSRCP dispensation in Andhra Pradesh of being "neck-deep in corruption" and sought to know when will the Union government initiate action against Chief Minister Y S Jagan Mohan Reddy. Addressing a public meeting in his Assembly constituency of Kuppam, he claimed the BJP leaders were making mere statements castigating the YSRCP government for alleged corruption. "The Union ministers should announce when are they going to initiate action against this corrupt chief minister," Naidu said. He vowed that once TDP is back in power, he will make sure that all those who looted granite in Kuppam pay back. Naidu said that the TDP's mini-manifesto has promised justice for all sections of the society, including women, youths and farmers. Once assets are created, revenues will go up which will be equally distributed among the poor in the shape of welfare schemes, he added. Assembly elections in the state are slated to be held next year. Also Read TDP will leave Reddy struggling in home constituency in 2024 polls: Naidu TDP holds Andhra Pradesh govt responsible for Guntur stampede that killed 3 Naidu sounds poll bugle in AP, promises schemes for women, unemployed youth Do not put your faith in Jagan: TDP chief Chandrababu Naidu tells people YSR Cong to attend new Parliament building inauguration amid Oppn boycott Congress should learn management from BJP govt, says Narottam Mishra Scindia loyalist's return to Congress a setback for Union Minister Centre's ordinance brazen power grab, united Oppn will defeat it: Kejriwal RSS body ABVKA calls for restoration of peace in violence-hit Manipur Violence over panchayat election nomination continues in West Bengal Manipur Chief Minister N. Biren Singh on Thursday said that infiltrators from across the border and militants have caused the ongoing unrest in the state and it is not an enmity between two communities. Manipur shares around 400 km unfenced border with Myanmar. Condemning the Tuesday night firing incident in Imphal East district in which many people were gunned down and several injured, the Chief Minister said that the incident was an act of terrorism. "Security forces have launched a massive combing operation to nab the perpetrators in Urangpat and Yaingangpokpi areas. We would take stern action against the culprit as per the law," Singh told the media. He said that all the ministers and MLAs are visiting the districts and are in touch with people and various organisations to restore peace and normalcy while the Peace Committee headed by Governor Anusuiya Uikey would also begin its work soon. Once again rejecting the demand for separate administrations (equivalent to a separate state) for the tribals as demanded by the 10 Kuki MLAs (including seven of the BJP), the Chief Minister said: "Anyone can make a demand in a democracy, it is their democratic right. We have said on a number of occasions that there would be no separate administration and the territorial integrity of the state would remain intact." 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 54 dead in Manipur violence, Imphal peaceful, most shops, markets open Biren Singh says 40 militants killed; fresh clashes break out in Manipur UCC is fake issue, BJP rakes it up during elections: Cong leader Modhwadia If opposition doesn't unite, there may not be an election post 2024: AAP BJP's politics of hatred burned Manipur, says Congress leader Rahul Gandhi Don't provoke DMK: Stalin warns BJP after Balaji's arrest in ED case Cong is new Muslim League, says BJP after K'taka scraps anti-conversion law Earlier the Manipur government had apprised the Centre that three Kuki militant outfits -- the Kuki National Army (KNA), Zomi Revolutionary Army (ZRA) and Kuki Revolutionary Army (KRA) -- are not adhering to ground rules of the tripartite Suspension of Operation (SoO) agreement, signed on August 22, 2008. The Chief Minister earlier on a number of occasions accused the Kuki militants of instigating violence and prompting the tribals to agitate against the government's actions against illegal poppy cultivation and drug menace. Union Home Minister Amit Shah after his four day (May 29 to June 1) Manipur visit warned the Kuki militants to adhere to the ground rules otherwise they would face severe action. --IANS sc/vd A day after Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah accused the central government of trying to scuttle his administration's free rice scheme for the poor, senior BJP leader Basavaraj Bommai on Thursday hit back alleging that he was making "lame excuses" and indulging in "conspiracy politics" by putting the blame on the Centre. The Congress government in the state is indulging in tactics realising that it will default on the guarantees, the former chief minister said, suggesting that the Siddaramaiah regime put the money into the bank account of the beneficiaries through Direct Benefit Transfer, until it makes necessary arrangements for rice. "The state government on one hand is cheating the people of the state with regard to providing 10 kg of free rice to the poor, and on the other hand to save themselves from the bad name of having failed to fulfill the promise, is playing politics on the issue of supply of rice," Bommai said. Speaking to reporters here, he said the Centre as per the Food Security Act is giving 5 kg of free rice to the poor every month and from December they are also bearing handling and transport charges, which was earlier borne by the States. "Out of the 10 kg that has been announced by the Congress government in the state, five kg are provided by the Centre; the state government has to tell the truth by saying that they will give additional five kg," he added. Siddaramaiah on Wednesday accused the BJP-led government at the Centre of conspiring to "fail" the Congress administration's poll guarantee by ensuring that the state doesn't get the required amount of rice to implement its 'Anna Bhagya' scheme, which provides additional 5 kg of rice for BPL families. Also Read Karnataka polls: CM Bommai seeks fourth consecutive term from Shiggaon Chaman Lal, KRBL: Firm demand to keep rice shares steaming, say analysts Why is growing rice becoming a challenge with each passing year FSSAI notifies first-ever regulatory standards for basmati rice Centre stops sale of rice, wheat under OMSS to state to check price rise Black day for Indian sports: Congress after chargesheet on Brij Bhushan Karnataka to scrap anti-conversion law, remove chapter on RSS founder Wanted to bring major reforms as MP CM but govt toppled in 2020: Kamal Nath AIADMK asks ED, I-T dept to probe corruption charges against Udayanidhi Goa Oppn members boycott LS Speaker Om Birla's address in state Assembly He had said that the central government has stalled the sale of wheat and rice to state governments under the Open Market Sale Scheme (Domestic) (OMSSD), which prohibits the Food Corporation of India (FCI) from selling any additional rice to Karnataka for its Anna Bhagya scheme. Noting that even when the BJP government led by him tried to procure rice, Bommai said the FCI even then had said that there was no provision and he and his officials had to speak to central ministers and put pressure. He had then clearly stated in the file and had instructed the officials that the rice will be available only till March, and after April additional rice will have to be procured through tender, he added. "Not sure what actions officials take too. I want to ask this government -- the CM, ministers and officials held several rounds of discussions with the ministers -- you should have known what will be the shortage to provide 10 kg and considering my caution note they should have taken alternative measures through short term tender", he said. If the government had a commitment, they should have taken alternative measures, Bommai said, alleging that it looks like making lame excuses was the only intention, so they did not take any measures. "Instead of taking alternative measures, you blame the Centre, you lack will power. You have not been able to walk the talk and manage money for guarantees. As you have realised that you will not be able to fulfill the promises and will default on the guarantees, you are playing conspiracy politics by putting the blame on the Centre," he added. Questioning whether the FCI or the ministry of food and civil supplies is the allotment agency, the former CM questioned why despite this being an important scheme of the state government no letter was written to the concerned central minister. The state food minister should have been sent to the Centre. Neither was an alternative arrangement made by calling a tender, nor were honest efforts made to get the required rice from the Centre, he said, adding the state government instead wrote to the FCI, which is just a stockist and doesn't have any authority. "Taking the stockist's version and using it for politics is not right on the part of the chief minister...they (State government) are doing politics," he said as he urged the state government to make alternative arrangements either through the open market or other central agencies, and supply rice to the poor from July 1 as promised. "In case the state is unable to provide rice on time, put the money into the bank account of the beneficiaries through Direct Benefit Transfer, until you make necessary arrangements," he added. On the hike in power tariff, Bommai clarified that it was not done by the previous BJP government led by him as alleged, as the order was issued under the present Congress regime. "When the proposal was brought before us on March 13, we did not accept it. On May 12 Karnataka Electricity Regulatory Commission (KERC) issued the notification, which was two days after the election and the code of conduct was still in place, so our government had no role. On June 2 an official order was issued -- whose government was in power? False information is being spread blaming the previous administration," he added. Fox News appeared to express regret Wednesday for showing an onscreen message that called President Joe Biden a "wannabe dictator" who had his political rival arrested. On the day he was arraigned on federal charges for hoarding classified documents, former President Donald Trump illustrated his continued role as a lightning rod for the media. PBS second-guessed one of its own messages about Trump, and his primetime speech showed a policy change at CNN following the ouster of its former leader. The Fox News Channel chyron appeared beneath split-screen video boxes that showed Trump addressing supporters live in New Jersey, and Biden speaking at the White House earlier in the day. The message read, "Wannabe dictator speaks at the White House after having his political rival arrested." Fox said in a statement Wednesday that "the chyron was taken down immediately and was addressed". The website Mediaite reported that the message was on screen for 27 seconds. It was also not removed when the telecast was rerun late at night. Fox did not explain how the message made it onto the screen and how the matter was addressed. The White House has said Biden has had no contact with Attorney General Merrick Garland about the indictment by special counsel Jack Smith, which accuses Trump of illegally hoarding classified documents. Biden has not commented on the case. Also Read Now, you can edit sent messages on WhatsApp: How it works and other details Fox's settlement with Dominion on defamation unlikely to cost it $787.5 mn Fox's settlement with Dominion unlikely to cost it $787.5 million Biden falls onstage at graduation ceremony; White House says he's 'fine' Delhi govt calls LG mini-dictator after he returns file on teacher training On violations of Hindu temples in US, spokesperson says Guterres concerned At least 79 dead after overcrowded migrant vessel sinks off Greece Fierce fighting in Myanmar between army, resistance groups kills nearly 26 Hong Kong protest song disappears from music streaming sites, social media UN unanimously backs India's proposal for monument to honour peacekeepers Two months ago, Fox News agreed to pay Dominion Voting Systems USD 787 million to settle a lawsuit accusing the news organisation of telling lies about the 2020 presidential election. "There are probably about 787 million things that I can say about this," White House press secretary Karine Jean-Pierre said when asked Wednesday about the chyron. "That was wrong -- about what we saw last night -- but I don't think I'm going to get into it." It's not hard to find Republican politicians or commentators on Fox to suggest the indictment was politically motivated -- Trump attorney Joe Tacopina made the same charges on Sean Hannity's show within a half-hour after Trump's speech. Yet some on Fox have spoken to the seriousness of the case against Trump, most notably his former attorney general, William Barr, during an appearance over the weekend, and legal analyst Jonathan Turley. Fox has seen its primetime ratings tumble sharply since it fired Tucker Carlson shortly after the Dominion case was settled. Carlson posted another video commentary on Twitter Tuesday night, despite Fox's lawyers demanding that he stop doing that because it violated the terms of a contract that runs until early 2025. Meanwhile, PBS used the lower third of its screen to post fact-checks when it streamed Trump's New Jersey speech on its YouTube channel Tuesday night. The final one was eye-catching: "Experts warn that inflammatory rhetoric from elected officials or people in power can prompt individual actors to commit acts of violence." While the statement is true, PBS officials are questioning whether or not that was the right forum, said Sara Just, senior executive producer at "NewsHour". Other messages PBS used onscreen mentioned how federal officials have attested to the security of the 2020 presidential election, and how prosecutors say that some documents discovered at Trump's home pertained to US nuclear programs and defence capabilities. "We are discussing whether or not we might phrase that better," Just said. While Fox News aired Trump's speech live, MSNBC did not. Neither did CNN. That's in contrast to when Trump was indicted on separate charges in New York in April, when CNN aired most of a similar Trump address the night of his arraignment. That was before former CNN chief executive Chris Licht, who had been making efforts to appeal to GOP viewers, was ousted. "We're not carrying his remarks live because, frankly, he says a lot of things that are untrue and, frankly, potentially dangerous," CNN's Jake Tapper said. After the speech was over, CNN aired a nearly two-minute clip of Trump that Tapper followed with several fact-checks. "In terms of trying to destroy American democracy, we all know who tried to actually undo an election," he said. "It's not Joe Biden. It's Mr Trump." MSNBC's Rachel Maddow made a similar pronouncement before that network chose not to air Trump's speech live. Clips from the remarks were shown later. "There is a cost to us as a news organisation to knowingly broadcast untrue things," Maddow said. A fishing boat crammed to the gunwales with migrants trying to reach Europe capsized and sank Wednesday off the coast of Greece, authorities said, leaving at least 79 dead and many more missing in one of the worst disasters of its kind this year. Coast guard, navy and merchant vessels and aircraft fanned out for a vast search-and-rescue operation set to continue overnight. It was unclear how many passengers were missing, but some initial reports suggested hundreds of people may have been aboard when the boat went down far from shore. An aerial photograph of the battered blue vessel released by the Greek coast guard showed scores of people covering practically every inch of deck. Greece's caretaker prime minister, Ioannis Sarmas, declared three days of national mourning, "with our thoughts on all the victims of the ruthless smugglers who exploit human unhappiness". Coast guard spokesman Nikos Alexiou told state ERT TV that it was impossible to accurately estimate the number of passengers. He said it appeared that the 80-100-foot vessel capsized after people abruptly moved to one side. "The outer deck was full of people, and we presume that the interior (of the vessel) would also have been full," he said. "It looks as if there was a shift among the people who were crammed on board, and it capsized." A coast guard statement said efforts by its own ships and merchant vessels to assist the boat were repeatedly rebuffed, with people on board insisting they wanted to continue to Italy. Coast guard officials said the trawler's engines broke down around 1.40 am Wednesday, and just under an hour later, the ship started to list abruptly from side to side before capsizing. Also Read 79 migrants dead, dozens feared missing after vessel sinks off Greece India, Greece allies, looking forward to boost cultural ties: Ambassador Naval Vessel Tarini on return passage to India after expedition Fiery Greece train collision kills 26, injures at least 85, says official Greece Transport Minister Kostas Karamanlis resigns over fatal train crash Fierce fighting in Myanmar between army, resistance groups kills nearly 26 Hong Kong protest song disappears from music streaming sites, social media UN unanimously backs India's proposal for monument to honour peacekeepers Shell Petroleum decides to sell its shares, exit Pakistani market Still-hawkish Fed Reserve pauses rate tightening after 10 straight hikes The ship sank 10 to 15 minutes later, the statement said. Ioannis Zafiropoulos, deputy mayor of the southern port city of Kalamata, where survivors were taken, said that his information indicated there were "more than 500 people" on board. Authorities said 104 people were rescued after the sinking in international waters about 75 kilometres southwest of Greece's southern Peloponnese peninsula. The spot is close to the deepest part of the Mediterranean Sea, and depths of up to 17,000 feet could hamper any effort to locate a sunken vessel. Twenty-five survivors ranging in age from 16 to 49 were hospitalised with hypothermia or fever. At the port of Kalamata, around 70 exhausted survivors bedded down in sleeping bags and blankets provided by rescuers in a large warehouse, while paramedics set up tents outside for anyone who needed first aid. Katerina Tsata, head of a Red Cross volunteer group in Kalamata, said the migrants were also given psychological support. "They suffered a very heavy blow, both physical and mental," she said. Rescue volunteer Constantinos Vlachonikolos said nearly all the survivors were men. "They were very worn out. How could they not be?" he said. Rescuers said many of the people pulled from the water couldn't swim and were clutching debris. The coast guard said none had life jackets. The Greek coast guard said 79 bodies have been recovered so far. Survivors included 30 people from Egypt, 10 from Pakistan, 35 from Syria and two Palestinians, the agency said. The Italy-bound boat was believed to have left the Tobruk area in eastern Libya -- a country plunged into chaos following a NATO-backed uprising that toppled and killed longtime autocrat Moammar Gadhafi in 2011. Human traffickers have benefited from the instability, and made Libya one of the main departure points for people attempting to reach Europe on smuggler's boats. The route from North Africa to Italy through the central Mediterranean is the deadliest in the world, according to the UN migration agency, known as IOM, which has recorded more than 21,000 deaths and disappearances there since 2014. Smugglers use unseaworthy boats and cram as many migrants as possible inside -- sometimes inside locked holds -- for journeys that can take days. They head for Italy, which is directly across the Mediterranean from Libya and Tunisia, and much closer than Greece to the Western European countries that most migrants hope to eventually reach. In February, at least 94 people died when a wooden boat from Turkey sank off Cutro, in southern Italy, in the worst Mediterranean sinking so far this year. The Italian coast guard first alerted Greek authorities and the European Union border protection agency, Frontex, about an approaching vessel on Tuesday. The IOM said initial reports suggested up to 400 people were on board. A network of activists said it received a distress call from a boat in the same area whose passengers said it carried 750 people. But it wasn't clear if that was the vessel that sank. After that first alert, Frontex aircraft and two merchant ships spotted the boat heading north at high speed, according to the Greek coast guard, and more aircraft and ships were sent to the area. But repeated calls to the vessel offering help were declined, the coast guard said in a statement. "In the afternoon, a merchant vessel approached the ship and provided it with food and supplies, while the (passengers) refused any further assistance," the coast guard said. A second merchant ship later offered more supplies and assistance, which were turned down, the agency added. In the evening, a coast guard patrol boat reached the vessel "and confirmed the presence of a large number of migrants on the deck," the statement said. "But they refused any assistance and said they wanted to continue to Italy." The coast guard boat accompanied the migrant vessel and later headed a major rescue operation by all the ships in the area. Alarm Phone, a network of activists that provides a hotline for migrants in trouble, said it was contacted by people on a boat in distress on Tuesday afternoon. That boat was in the same general area as the one that sank, but it was not clear if it was the same vessel. The organisation notified Greek authorities and Frontex. In one communication with Alarm Phone, migrants reported the vessel was overcrowded and that the captain had abandoned the ship on a small boat, according to the group. They asked for food and water, which were provided by a merchant ship. "We fear that hundreds of people have drowned," Alarm Phone said in a statement. The Mediterranean's deadliest shipwreck in living memory occurred on April 18, 2015, when an overcrowded fishing boat collided off Libya with a freighter trying to come to its rescue. Only 28 people survived. Forensic experts concluded that there were originally 1,100 people on board. Former British prime minister Boris Johnson deliberately and repeatedly misled Parliament when he denied knowledge of Covid-19 law-breaching parties in Downing Street, a cross-party parliamentary panel said on Thursday in its damning report into the Partygate scandal. The Commons Privileges Committee released its final report into the Partygate scandal days after Johnson, 58, resigned from Parliament as a MP, accusing the members of the committee of a "witch hunt" against him. Finding him in breach of the Commons rules, the committee was also highly critical of his attacks on its integrity and recommended a suspension of 90 days from Parliament had he not resigned. We have concluded above that in deliberately misleading the House Mr Johnson committed a serious contempt. The contempt was all the more serious because it was committed by the Prime Minister, the most senior member of the government, the Privileges Committee report said, in a historic admonishment of a former premier. Although Mr Johnson's resignation as an MP renders it impossible for a sanction of suspension to be imposed, we draw attention to the fact that before the events of Friday 9 June we had provisionally agreed to recommend a suspension long enough to engage the provisions of the Recall of MPs Act," it says, with reference to Johnson's resignation. The committee notes that there is no precedent for a British Prime Minister having been found to have deliberately misled the House of Commons and also that Johnson misled it on an issue of the greatest importance to the House and to the public, and did so repeatedly. Also Read Boris Johnson faces new police probe over Covid-19 lockdown visits Johnson deliberately misled Parliament over Covid lockdown breaches: Report Boris Johnson resigns as UK MP with immediate effect over partygate report Counterfeiting, smuggling develop into substantial threat to global economy Putin threatened me with missile strike before Ukraine war: Boris Johnson ECB raises interest rates to highest in 22 years, signals more increases Social media profiles of Imran Khan, others sent to FIA for forensics NATO sees no change in Russia's nuclear posture despite Belarus' claims IMF criticises Pakistan's tax scheme, calls budget 'missed opportunity' South Korea says North Korea has launched ballistic missile toward sea They accuse Johnson of committing further contempt in his attacks on the due parliamentary process with deprecated terms such as witch hunt and kangaroo court. We put on record that if he had not resigned his seat, we would have recommended that he be suspended from the service of the House for 90 days for repeated contempts and for seeking to undermine the parliamentary process, by Deliberately misleading the House; Deliberately misleading the Committee; Breaching confidence; Impugning the Committee and thereby undermining the democratic process of the House; Being complicit in the campaign of abuse and attempted intimidation of the Committee," the report concludes. In light of Johnson's resignation as an MP, the committee has recommended that he should not be granted a former member's pass - which would have allowed him limited access to Parliament, including for lunches and to see former colleagues. The sanctions recommended in the report will have to be voted on by MPs. British lawmakers will debate the Privileges Committee report into Johnson's conduct on Monday, Commons leader Penny Mordaunt has said. The motion will be "voteable, it will be amendable and it is House business and so I am expecting a free vote", Mordaunt said. "These are difficult matters for the House, we have to look at the evidence, we have to look at the report," she added. Meanwhile, Johnson issued another strongly-worded statement in response, saying it was a dreadful day for democracy. He also dismissed the report as a "political assassination". This is a dreadful day for MPs and for democracy. This decision means that no MP is free from vendetta, or expulsion on trumped-up charges by a tiny minority who want to see him or her gone from the Commons. "I do not have the slightest contempt for Parliament, or for the important work that should be done by the Privileges Committee, he said. The former prime minister, whose exit from 10 Downing Street last year had been hastened by the Partygate scandal, repeatedly denied Covid-19 lockdown rules were broken within government quarters when asked in the Commons. In March, the House of Commons Privileges Committee published a summary of its findings and called in Johnson to give oral evidence before decisively concluding whether he knowingly misled Parliament and submitting its complete findings to Parliament. Last week, Johnson resigned as Conservative Party MP after receiving the draft findings of the final report, a move which will trigger a by-election in his London constituency of Uxbridge and South Ruislip. Johnson was prime minister from July 2019 until September 2022 and has been an MP since 2001 - although not continuously. He has also served as the Mayor of London between 2008 and 2016. The SARS-CoV-2 virus, which caused the deadly Covid-19 pandemic, first infected three scientists working at China's infamous Wuhan Institute of Virology (WIV), according to a new report that strengthens the theory of a lab-leak. "Patients zero" included Ben Hu, Ping Yu and Yan Zhu -- the scientists working on the controversial "gain-of-function" research on SARS-like viruses at the WIV, according to an investigation published on the Substack newsletter Public and Racket. It was previously noted that some WIV scientists had developed Covid-19-like illnesses in November 2019, but their identities were not known. "Ben Hu is essentially the next Shi Zhengli," Alina Chan, a molecular biologist at the Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard, was quoted as saying. Shi is popularly known as "the bat woman of China," and led the gain-of-function research at the WIV. "Hu was her star pupil. He had been making chimeric SARS-like viruses and testing these in humanised mice. If I had to guess who would be doing this risky virus research and most at risk of getting accidentally infected, it would be him," Chan added. Together, Hu and Yu researched the novel lineage of SARS-like viruses from which SARS-CoV-2 hails. Also Read Why did this Chinese city name and shame debtors in a newspaper ad? US Energy Dept concludes lab leak caused Covid-19 pandemic: Report H3N2 influenza: Symptoms, spread, prevention, what do experts say? Divi's Lab surges 10% in two days on strong revenue growth guidance FBI chief Wray confirms Covid-19 originated from lab incident in Wuhan Sri Lanka's economy shrinks by 11.5% in first quarter amid financial crisis Who's running for US President? See a rundown of the 2024 candidates Scientists warn UK govt of a new 'deadly virus' due to climate change ESG, sustainability & impact management to reach $30bn by 2030: Report Boris Johnson deliberately misled Parliament over Covid lockdown breaches According to Jamie Metzl, a former member of the World Health Organisation's expert advisory committee on human genome editing: "It's a game changer if it can be proven that Hu got sick with Covid-19 before anyone else." "That would be the 'smoking gun'. Hu was the lead hands-on researcher in Shi's lab," Metzl was quoted as saying. Meanwhile, the role of WIV in the origin of Covid is also "becoming clear", a report said. "It has become increasingly clear that the Wuhan Institute of Virology was involved in the creation, promulgation, and cover-up of the Covid-19 pandemic," the Times UK quoted an anonymous US State Department investigator as saying. In May, former Chinese CDC head Dr George Fu Gao, said that the theory that Covid-19 is the result of a lab-leak should not be discounted. Gao directed China's CDC when Covid first emerged in Wuhan. "You can always suspect anything. That's science. Don't rule out anything," Gao was quoted as saying in an interview for the BBC Radio 4 podcast 'Fever: The Hunt for Covid's Origin'. China has since the beginning dismissed any suggestion the disease may have originated in a Wuhan laboratory. More than two years after the pandemic that has infected over 763 million and claimed more than 6.9 million lives globally, the origins of Covid-19 remain unclear. --IANS rvt/vd Just last week, former Vice President Mike Pence said he hoped federal prosecutors would not bring charges against former President Donald Trump. On Wednesday, a day after Trump was arraigned on dozens of felony counts related to classified documents, Pence described the allegations as a very serious matter". I cannot defend what is alleged, Pence, who is now challenging Trump for the Republican presidential nomination, said on CNBC. The former vice president's evolving message highlights the high-stakes dilemma for Trump's Republican rivals, who are struggling to find a clear and consistent strategy to take on the frontrunner as Trump's unprecedented legal troubles threaten to dominate all other issues in the 2024 presidential contest. Some Republican leaders this week have demonstrated a newfound willingness to criticise Trump over the seriousness of the allegations, which include mishandling government secrets that as commander in chief he was entrusted to protect. Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis, a former naval officer and Trump's top rival for the nomination, said that if I would have taken classified (documents) to my apartment, I would have been court-martialed in a New York minute. Also Read Former Prez Trump pitches a sequel, but shies away from attacking rivals Why has Donald Trump been indicted and can he run for 2024 elections? DeSantis's presidential campaign launch on Twitter plagued with glitches Trump turns liabilities into laugh lines, underscores GOP rivals' challenge Trump legal woes likely to go beyond 2024, says Indian-American attorney Macron wants to boost AI, calls for rules that don't impede tech growth Israel's export of military equipment hits record high of $12.55 bn in 2022 Genuine students victimised by fraud won't face deportation: Canadian Min 'Addressed' onscreen message that called Biden 'wannabe dictator': Fox News On violations of Hindu temples in US, spokesperson says Guterres concerned But that was just a brief mention in a weekend speech at a North Carolina GOP gathering, during which he focused his censure on the Justice Department and the Biden administration. It's been much the same for other challengers. Even the most aggressive have layered their criticism of Trump with attacks against the Justice Department for bringing charges against him that make it difficult at times to determine exactly where they stand on the former president. And that's precisely the point, given Trump's continued popularity among GOP voters and his rivals' desire to dent his lead without alienating his base. Indeed, most of Trump's competitors are making a risky bet for now that the weight of his extraordinary baggage will eventually sink his reelection bid. They believe it will take time. Trump's Republican opponents privately concede that the former president's considerable political strength is likely to grow stronger, at least in the short term, as GOP voters, key officials and conservative media leaders rally around him. For example, Pastor Robert Jeffress, of the First Baptist megachurch in Dallas, initially declined to endorse Trump's 2024 bid but declared on Tuesday night that the GOP's presidential primary was all but over. I thought there would be almost a civil war in the Republican Party for the nomination, but that quickly turned into an unconditional surrender, said Jeffress, who mingled at Trump's post-indictment gathering at Bedminster, New Jersey. "People absolutely love this president, and I believe his base is going to turn out. The Republican establishment has tried and failed to reject Trump and his divisive politics for much of the last decade. But this time the GOP faces the very real possibility that a man who has been indicted twice and charged with dozens of felonies could become the party's standard-bearer in 2024. Fighting that outcome, which once seemed all but inevitable, a powerful conservative voice is being raised in the fight for the first time. The Koch network's political arm, Americans for Prosperity, has begun running online ads across Iowa, New Hampshire and South Carolina the first three states on the GOP's presidential primary calendar focusing on questions about Trump's electability in next fall's general election against Biden. The new ads make no mention of his legal troubles. Trump did a lot of good things as president," one of the ads says. But this time, he can't win. Americans for Prosperity CEO Emily Seidel said her organisation has talked to thousands of voters in key states to determine the most effective arguments to undermine Trump's political strength. Based on the data we're collecting, more than two-thirds of people who say they're supporting Trump are also receptive to arguments that he is a weak candidate, his focus on 2020 is a liability, and his lack of appeal with independent voters is a problem, Seidel said. "That tells us that many Republicans are ready to move on they just need to see another candidate step up and show they can lead and win. So far, Trump's rivals are still trying to find their footing as the former president commands a big lead in early Republican primary polls. And as they test evolving messages on the campaign trail and in media appearances, none of top-tier competitors are running paid advertisements seizing on Trump's legal troubles. Republican presidential contender Nikki Haley, the former ambassador to the United Nations in the Trump administration, told Fox News on Monday that Trump was incredibly reckless with our national security if the allegations in the indictment are true. On Tuesday, she repeated the pointed criticism, but also said she'd be inclined to pardon Trump if he's convicted. I think it would be terrible for the country to have a former president in prison for years because of a documents case, Haley said on the Clay Travis and Buck Sexton radio show. Others have made defending Trump a central message in their early campaigns. Speaking outside the Miami courthouse on Tuesday, White House hopeful Vivek Ramaswamy announced that his campaign had sent a letter to other 2024 candidates challenging them to join his pledge to pardon Trump on their first day in office. I respectfully request that you join me in this commitment or else publicly explain why you will not," it read. Trump, meanwhile, is trying to take advantage of the media storm. After his appearance in federal court in Miami, he made a stop at the city's famed Versailles Restaurant in Little Havana, with news cameras in tow. He then headed home to his Bedminster summer residence, where aides had assembled hundreds of supporters, club members and reporters for a post-arraignment speech. Trump was welcomed like a general returning home from battle. Insisting he was innocent of all charges, the former president vowed that, as president, he would appoint a special prosecutor to investigate Biden and his family. As for the indictment and charges? This is called election interference and yet another attempt to rig and steal a presidential election, Trump said. As they reckon with the fact that Trump faces years behind bars, as well as the logistical complications of balancing court appearances with campaign rallies, Trump's political advisers have stressed what they see as the political benefits. They believe the wall-to-wall coverage of his legal woes makes it difficult for his competitors to be heard, a point that other campaigns acknowledged privately. From a campaign standpoint, I mean, what did the other candidates do today? Do we know? asked Trump campaign spokesperson Steven Cheung. There's no oxygen for the other candidates." Those other candidates are eager to highlight cracks in Trump's support, although for now, they appear to be modest. On Capitol Hill, a small but growing Republican minority of lawmakers have recently described the new federal charges against Trump as serious. I would not feel comfortable with a convicted felon in the White House, Rep. Ken Buck, R-Colo., told CNN. He pointed to Trump's attacks against Hillary Clinton, who was accused of mishandling classified documents in her emails in 2016. His words have set the standard. Veteran Republican strategist Ari Fleischer warned that it would take time to understand the political impact of Trump's growing legal challenges. A short-term rally around Trump now is not the true measure," Fleischer said. The only test is a long-term test. Ukraine's Deputy Defence Minister Hanna Maliar has confirmed that "extremely fierce battles" are raging in parts of the country as forces continue their counter-offensive against Russia. In a social media post late Wednesday, Maliar said that Ukrainian troops had advanced around the key city of Bakhmut, which has for months been at the heart of fierce fighting, reports the BBC. She said soldiers advanced by 200m to 500m towards the city, as well as advancing 300m to 500m in the southern Zaporizhzhia province. But Maliar also conceded that the counter-offensive had already led to some "extremely fierce battles", as Ukrainian forces try to break through well established Russian defensive lines. Since Ukraine launched its much-anticipated counter-offensive on June 10, officials said seven settlements and at least 90 sq km of land have been recaptured. The Deputy Defence Minister's claims come as Russia has stepped up its bombing campaign in recent weeks, despite President Vladimir Putin admitting that his forces are suffering from a shortage of missiles and drones. Also Read Russia planning offensive on Feb 24, says Ukraine's defence minister Ukraine starts counteroffensive actions in some areas against Russia Russia attacks Ukraine with 16 Iran-made drones, Kiev officials claim UK announces ban on Russian diamonds in fresh sanctions ahead of G7 Ukraine sets up tech cluster to boost military capability with drones PM Modi most popular public figure, leader in world: US community leader N Korea's Kim Jong-un touts leadership of China's Xi in b'day greetings Workers resisting office grind suddenly finding themselves lonely at home PM Modi to speak on diaspora's role in India's growth story in US Biden endorsed by 4 environmental groups for efforts against global warming The latest wave included a relatively rare strike on the Black Sea port city of Odesa on Wednesday, which killed three people and injured 13 others. In his nightly address to the nation on Wednesday, President Volodymyr Zelensky thanked "everyone who is currently fighting in the east and south of our country, opening up strategic space for Ukraine, space for movement to victory". "I thank all those who are now on the offensive and on the defensive, who are storming the occupiers' positions and repelling their attacks." --IANS ksk/ Bae Young-il, director of the Seongbo Museum at Magok Temple, points to an illustration inside Vol. 6 of "Saddharmapundarika Sutra," also known as "The Lotus Sutra," during a press event held at the National Palace Museum of Korea, Thursday. Yonhap By Kwak Yeon-soo A Goryeo-era transcription of a Buddhist sutra written in gold on indigo-dyed paper has been returned to Korea from Japan, the Cultural Heritage Administration (CHA) said Thursday. The manuscript, which is Vol. 6 of "Saddharmapundarika Sutra" also known as "The Lotus Sutra," is made of indigo-dyed paper in a concertina format and its front cover is decorated with a motif of four lotus flowers with vines drawn in gold and silver. The delicate and dense golden lines show that this illuminated manuscript was produced during the latter part of the 918-1392 Goryeo Kingdom, according to the CHA. However, the exact production date and the person who created or hand-copied it remain a mystery. In Korea, the practice of transcribing Buddhist scriptures is referred to as "sagyeong." "Most of the Lotus Sutra dating from the Goryeo period consist of seven volumes. The final volume usually contains a dedicatory inscription revealing when and by whom the manuscript was produced. However, we believe it was produced by a monk who was probably a professional scribe," Bae Young-il, director of the Seongbo Museum at Magok Temple, said during a press event held at the National Palace Museum of Korea, Thursday. Vol. 6 of "Saddharmapundarika Sutra," also known as "The "Lotus Sutra," is displayed at the National Palace Museum of Korea, Thursday. Courtesy of CHA It is uncertain how the artifact was taken outside of the country, according to the CHA. It said the previous owner, who is Japanese, purchased it from a private auction in 2012 and expressed an intention to sell it to the Overseas Korean Cultural Heritage Foundation in June 2022. After rounds of in-depth investigation and negotiations, the government successfully repatriated it in March. The production of transcribed sutras was popular in Korea, particularly during the Goryeo era. Goryeo-era transcribed sutras were produced at the state level to wish for the wellbeing of the country and on the individual level to pray for a gentle and easy passage to eternity. The cover of the sixth volume of "The Lotus Sutra" is decorated with a motif of four lotus flowers with vines drawn in gold and silver. Courtesy of CHA Recent fierce fighting between Myanmar's army and local militant groups has killed at least 26 civilians, including six children, in area east of the capital, according to reports on Wednesday by a resident, a rights group and a medical assistance group. The fighting took place in Shan State's Pekon township, a hotly contested area in the armed struggle that arose after February 2021 when the army seized power from the elected government of Aung San Suu Kyi. The takeover prompted widespread public protests, whose violent suppression by the security forces triggered an armed resistance that now spans much of the country. The recent fighting has focused on Mobye, a conglomeration of villages covering about 175 square kilometers (about 70 square miles) located about 100 kilometers (60 miles) east of the capital, Naypyitaw. The area is between the capital and an area dominated by the Karenni ethnic minority group, which also has been fighting against the military-installed government. Newly formed militia units opposed to military rule are part of a loosely organized People's Defence Force (PDF) which has allied with well-established armed ethnic minority groups such as the Karenni, the Karen and the Kachin. Also Read Myanmar resistance steadfast against military rule two years later Official death toll from cyclone Mocha at least 145, says Myanmar Emergency medical aid supplies reach Sudan, as fighting sputters on Wastewater provides for ideal breeding ground for antibiotic resistance Super cyclone Mocha makes landfall along Bangladesh and Myanmar coasts Hong Kong protest song disappears from music streaming sites, social media UN unanimously backs India's proposal for monument to honour peacekeepers Shell Petroleum decides to sell its shares, exit Pakistani market Still-hawkish Fed Reserve pauses rate tightening after 10 straight hikes Russian lawmakers weigh bill banning gender transitioning procedures The ethnic groups have been fighting the central government for more than half a century, seeking greater autonomy in border regions. More than 100 soldiers marched into one of Mobye's villages on May 27, arresting about 100 residents, most of whom were released after being detained for a few days in two Buddhist monasteries. Most have since fled the area. A Mobye resident told The Associated Press on Wednesday that some villagers had hidden in their homes to avoid arrest, and were among at least 26 people killed, either shot dead in their homes or when they went out onto the street, or killed by artillery strikes. Six of the dead were children, he said. The villager, who spoke on condititon of anonymity for fear of reprisals, said he did not witness the killings, but that only soldiers were seen in the street when the bodies were collected for cremation. His account could not be independently confirmed, and the military government has released no recent information about the fighting there. Three local armed resistance groups last week blamed the army for the killings. Maui, the vice commander-in-chief and Secretary No. 2 of the Karenni Nationalities Defence Force told the Associated Press on Wednesday that the army recklessly shot the villagers when they marched into the village although there was no fighting there. Banyar Khun Aung, executive director of the Karenni Human Rights Group, estimated on Wednesday that more than 30 people had been killed in Mobye, almost all of them by the army, some after being arrested and some by shelling. The Free Burma Rangers, a humanitarian relief organisation that offers hands-on medical assistance to ethnic minority villagers in Myanmar's border regions, also tallied 26 dead after arriving at the scene, and said there were 20 wounded. It said on its website that villagers had found three bodies that had evidently been forced to kneel and were shot point-blank in the head. The PDF and ethnic guerrillas regularly attack military columns, bases and outposts. They are badly outgunned by the military government's forces that have been carrying out large scale offensives in contested territory, employing artillery and air strikes as well as soldiers on the ground. Their attacks have often resulted in civilian casualties and have credibly been linked to deliberate human rights abuses. The military's attacks have displaced more than a million people, causing a humanitarian crisis. According to the Assistance Association for Political Prisoners, at least 3,659 civilians have been killed by the security forces and 23,337 people arrested since the army's 2021 takeover. The group keeps detailed tallies of arrests and casualties linked to the nation's political conflicts. The Greek government has announced a three-day period of national mourning for the 79 victims of a shipwreck which occurred in international waters off the country's southwestern coast. Authorities have retrieved the bodies of 79 refugees after a fishing boat carrying an unknown number of passengers sank 47 nautical miles off Pylos town, Xinhua quoted Greek national news agency AMNA as saying. "Everyone's thoughts are with all the victims of the ruthless traffickers who take advantage of human misery," said caretaker Prime Minister Ioannis Sarmas. A total of 104 passengers have now been rescued, Nikolaos Alexiou, spokesperson for the maritime affairs and insular policy ministry told Greek national broadcaster ERT. A search and rescue operation to locate other passengers will continue during the night, he added. "We cannot give a number of passengers with certainty, but it was very large... My colleagues found an overloaded boat," he said. Also Read Migrant boat breaks apart southern coast of Italy; many dead, 58 survivors CBIC extends interest waiver on customs duty payable via ECL till April 13 Migrant workers in London face 'shocking' levels of exploitation: Report Get 'labour cards': 90% of crimes in Goa due to migrant labourers, says CM Parliament passes anti-piracy bill to ensure India's maritime security Pak biz house seeks revival of trade with India to bail out ailing economy Many Twitter workers had car windows smashed as they felt unsafe: Musk IMF raises issues with Pak's FY23-24 budget; calls it 'missed opportunity' Germany to give $1.4 billion to Holocaust survivors globally in 2024 Bill Gates visits China as leaders try to revive foreign business interest However, he did not confirm estimates that there were 400-700 passengers on board, which survivors gave to ERT and other media. They said the fishing boat which sank during night-time between Tuesday and Wednesday had been on the way from Libya to Italy. The incident happened in the area with the deepest waters across the Mediterranean Sea, and none of the survivors was wearing a lifejacket, according to Alexiou. Greek President Katerina Sakellaropoulou has travelled to the nearby city of Kalamata, where survivors are being taken. The President expressed deep sorrow over the tragedy, calling for "coordination of EU member states to safeguard the lives and safety of migrants and refugees". Meanwhile, European Council President Charles Michel said the accident was a "heartbreaking reminder we must put an end to the unscrupulous business of smugglers". EU leaders will address the issue at the European Council on June 29-30, he said on Twitter. "We must continue to work together, with Member States and 3rd countries, to prevent such tragedies," European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen said. So far this year, 72,778 refugees have arrived in Europe from the south, including 71,136 arrivals by sea to Italy, Greece, Spain, Cyprus and Malta, according to the UN Refugee Agency (UNHCR). At least 1,037 people have died or been reported missing in the region since the start of 2023, according to UNHCR. --IANS ksk/ The International Monetary Fund (IMF) has expressed dissatisfaction with Pakistan's recently presented budget, a setback for the cash-strapped country, which has only two weeks before its bailout programme expires. Calling it a "missed opportunity", the IMF said that the proposed budget missed the opportunity to broaden the tax base. Pakistan has barely enough currency reserves to cover one month's imports. It had hoped to have $1.1 billion of the funds released in November, but the IMF has insisted on a number of conditions before making any further payments. With only one more IMF board review before the end of the $6.5 billion Extended Fund Facility (EFF), Pakistan was expected to present a budget in line with programme objectives, restore the proper functioning of the FX market, and close the $6 billion gap before the board review. Staff remains engaged to discuss policies to maintain stability. However, the draft FY24 Budget misses an opportunity to broaden the tax base in a more progressive way, Esther Perez Ruiz, the IMFs resident representative in Pakistan, said in a text message to the news agency Reuters. She further said that the long list of new tax expenditures undermines the fairness of the tax system and undercuts resources needed for vulnerable recipients in the Benazir Income Support Programme. Also Read New tax norm to hurt insurers; stocks attractive for the long run: Analysts Sale of petroleum products halves in Pakistan, high inflation to blame Budget 2023: Income tax slabs changed under new tax regime. Details here Old income tax regime vs new income tax regime: Which one is better? TCS bags 10-yr contract for managing Teacher's Pension Scheme in Eng, Wales South Korea says North Korea has launched ballistic missile toward sea Two-time Oscar winner Glenda Jackson dies at 87 after a short illness BofA expects Fed to deliver 2 more hikes, JPM adds July hike expectation North Korea has launched ballistic missile toward sea, says South Korea Bangladesh's telecom operator Grameenphone launches 'Tourist SIM' "The new tax amnesty runs against the program's conditionality and governance agenda and creates a damaging precedent, added Perez Ruiz. She stated that measures to address the liquidity pressures in the energy sector could be included as part of the overall budget strategy. "The IMF team stands ready to work with the government in refining this Budget ahead of its passage," she said, implying that the country still has a chance to unlock its ninth IMF board review before the EFF programme expires. The export of Israel's military equipment reached an all-time high of $12.55 billion in 2022, Israel's Defence Ministry said in a statement. According to the Ministry on Wednesday, 2022 was the second year in a row that the overall value of defence agreements broke records. Israel's export of military equipment has surged by 50 per cent over the past three years. Some 120 Israeli companies signed "hundreds" of new sales deals in 2022, with about half of them valued at over $100 million, according to the statement. Notably, in the wake of the so-called Abraham Accords -- a series of deals signed in 2020 in which the United Arab Emirates, Bahrain and Morocco agreed to normalise ties with Israel -- exports of military equipment to these countries reached $3 billion, the Ministry said. In the global market, reconnaissance and attack drones attracted significant attention, with a quarter of the deals signed with foreign armies specifically focusing on these technologies, Xinhua news agency reported. Missiles, rockets, and air defence systems accounted for 19 per cent of Israel's exports of military equipment, while radar systems made up 13 per cent. Observation equipment and optronics comprised 10 per cent, intelligence, information, and cyber systems constituted six per cent, and communication systems made up six per cent of the sales. Manned aircraft and avionics represented five per cent, and weapon stations and launchers made up another five per cent. The remaining portion consisted of exports in vehicles, ammunition, armaments, maritime systems, and services combined. Also Read No, Israel has NOT found two cases of a new variant of coronavirus Israel hits Gaza with rockets as Netanyahu vows to extract 'heavy price' Israel's designated PM Netanyahu says he has successfully formed new govt Israel's central bank raises interest rate to 3.75%, highest since 2008 Israeli governance group asks court to punish PM Netanyahu over legal plan Genuine students victimised by fraud won't face deportation: Canadian Min 'Addressed' onscreen message that called Biden 'wannabe dictator': Fox News On violations of Hindu temples in US, spokesperson says Guterres concerned At least 79 dead after overcrowded migrant vessel sinks off Greece Fierce fighting in Myanmar between army, resistance groups kills nearly 26 Global instability "increases the demand for Israeli air defence systems, drones, UAVs (unmanned aerial vehicles), and missiles," Director General of the Defence Ministry Eyal Zamir was quoted as saying in the statement. --IANS int/khz/ Israeli opposition leaders have announced that they had suspended the negotiations on settling a controversial judicial overhaul spearheaded by Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. Yair Lapid, Opposition leader in the Israeli parliament and chairman of the centrist Yesh Atid party, and Benny Gantz, Chairman of the centre-right National Unity party, said on Wednesday at a joint press conference that the talks were put on hold until the parliament's Judicial Selection Committee reconvenes. The committee that picks the country's judges was now one person short to reconvene, after the parliament appointed an opposition lawmaker to one of the two vacancies in the committee, but failed to fill the second slot, because Netanyahu's coalition could not agree on a candidate who had broad support within the coalition. The result highlighted divisions within Netanyahu's far-right coalition, which holds 64 seats in the 120-seat parliament, Xinhua news agency reported. "No committee, no talks," Lapid said at the press conference. Meanwhile, Netanyahu accused the opposition of attempting "to blow up the dialogue". Also Read Israel's Netanyahu appoints a Joe Biden critic as new media advisor: Report No, Israel has NOT found two cases of a new variant of coronavirus Netanyahu rejects Joe Biden's suggestion to pause judicial overhaul Israel's designated PM Netanyahu says he has successfully formed new govt Israeli governance group asks court to punish PM Netanyahu over legal plan Piyush Goyal, US trade representative Tai to hold virtual meet today Inflation tops expectations in Sweden. Experts say Beyonce is to blame Turkey, Sweden agree to hold more talks on NATO bid ahead of summit US Fed keeps rates unchanged but signals two more potential hikes this year Donald Trump's GOP rivals grapple with response as his legal woes mount The compromise talks, sponsored by President Isaac Herzog, have been taking place over the past few weeks with little progress in sight. The talks aim to find a mutually agreed-upon version of Netanyahu's controversial plan to overhaul the judicial system, which his opponents say undermines the rule of law. The plan has triggered nationwide protests, as tens of thousands have been holding weekly rallies against the plan across the country since January. --IANS int/khz/ An inquiry report by a UK Parliamentary committee revealed on Thursday that former Prime Minister Boris Johnson deliberately misled the House of Commons over breaches during the Covid-19 lockdown. The report by the Privileges Committee found that Johnson "committed a serious contempt" of Parliament when, after the so-called "Partygate" scandal which revealed that illegal gatherings took place at Downing Street, the former Prime Minister told the House that lockdown rules were followed at all times, CNN reported. "The contempt was all the more serious because it was committed by the Prime Minister, the most senior member of the government," the Privileges Committee wrote in its report. "There is no precedent for a Prime Minister having been found to have deliberately misled the House. He misled the House on an issue of the greatest importance to the House and to the public, and did so repeatedly." The inquiry report added that Johnson also misled the committee when he presented evidence in his defence. The investigation's focus was on Johnson's conduct during the Covid-19 pandemic, when he was Prime Minister and found by police to have breached his own rules. Also Read Data breach: Personal data of Covid vaccine recipients leaked on Telegram Boris Johnson faces new police probe over Covid-19 lockdown visits Boris Johnson resigns as UK MP with immediate effect over partygate report Counterfeiting, smuggling develop into substantial threat to global economy Putin threatened me with missile strike before Ukraine war: Boris Johnson New Zealand's economy dips into recession as higher interest rates bite China renews 'yellow' alert for high temperatures, braces for heatwaves Automotive digital marketplace TrueCar lays off 24% of its workforce SpaceX will launch Starship again in about 2 months, says Elon Musk Twitter to be evicted from Colorado office over unpaid rent of 3 months The report concluded thatJohnson should have been suspended from the House for 90 days, adding that he "complicit in the campaign of abuse and attempted intimidation of the Committee". "We recommend that he should not be entitled to a former Member's pass." The report comes after Johnson resigned as a Conservative MP on June 9, claiming that he was "forced out of Parliament" over the Partygate scandal. In his resignation statement, Johnson described the Privileges Committee as a "kangaroo court" whose purpose "from the beginning has been to find me guilty, regardless of the facts". Johnson had previously admitted of misleading Parliament when he gave evidence to the Committee in a combative hearing in March - but denied doing it on purpose. He said that social distancing had not been "perfect" at gatherings in Downing Street during Covid lockdowns but insisted the guidelines, as he understood them, were followed at all times. --IANS ksk/ NATO sees no sign that Russia has changed its nuclear posture, the head of the military alliance said Thursday, after President Alexander Lukashenko claimed that Belarus has already received some tactical nuclear weapons from Moscow. In an interview on state television on Tuesday, Lukashenko brashly warned that he wouldn't hesitate to order their use if Belarus faced an act of aggression. Russian President Vladimir Putin has said the weapons will be deployed to Belarus next month and will remain under Moscow's exclusive control. We are, of course, closely monitoring what Russia is doing. So far, we haven't seen any changes in the nuclear posture that requires any changes in our posture, Stoltenberg told reporters before chairing a meeting of NATO defence ministers at the alliance's headquarters in Brussels. NATO's secretive nuclear defence planning group is set to meet on Friday. The meeting has long been planned and is not a reaction to recent developments, but the alliance is concerned about Putin's threats and his decisions to pull Russia out of important arms limitation treaties. Russia's nuclear rhetoric and messaging is reckless and dangerous, Stoltenberg said. Russia must know that a nuclear war cannot be won and must never be fought. He noted that Russia has invested heavily in new modern nuclear capabilities and also deployed more nuclear capabilities, including close to NATO borders, for instance, in the high north. Earlier this year, Putin announced the planned deployment of short-range nuclear weapons to Moscow's neighbour and ally Belarus in a move widely seen as a warning to the West as it stepped up military support for Ukraine. Russia is also using Belarus as a staging base for attacks in Ukraine. Also Read Russian tactical nuclear weapons to be deployed to Belarus in July: Putin Ukraine demands emergency UNSC meeting over Putin's Belarus nuclear plan Ukrainian nuclear plant loses power supply again, is 'extremely vulnerable' Russia's Rosatom sends 'more advanced' fuel option for Indian nuclear plant Ukraine needs more than a $30 billion arsenal for counterstrike on Russia IMF criticises Pakistan's tax scheme, calls budget 'missed opportunity' South Korea says North Korea has launched ballistic missile toward sea Two-time Oscar winner Glenda Jackson dies at 87 after a short illness BofA expects Fed to deliver 2 more hikes, JPM adds July hike expectation North Korea has launched ballistic missile toward sea, says South Korea During a meeting with Lukashenko on Friday, Putin said work on building facilities for the weapons would be completed by July 7-8, and they would be moved to Belarusian territory quickly after that. US President Joe Biden and his NATO counterparts are gathering for a summit on July 11-12 in the Lithuanian capital, Vilnius, about 35 kilometres from the Belarus border. South Korea says North Korea has fired a ballistic missile off its east coast. South Korea's military says the North Korean launch occurred on Thursday evening but gave no further details. The launch came after North Korea's military vowed an unspecified response after South Korean and US troops finished five rounds of large-scale live-fire drills near the Koreas' heavily fortified border earlier Thursday. UN Secretary General Antonio Guterres "is concerned about the attacks that we've seen around the world on various religions and especially on places of worship", his spokesperson Stephane Dujarric said on Wednesday when asked about the recent attacks on Hindu temples in the US, Canada, and Australia. Earlier, Guterres, in remarks to the Security Council focused only on the three Abrahamic religions, saying: "Around the world, we are witnessing a groundswell of xenophobia, racism and intolerance, violent misogyny, anti-Muslim hatred, virulent anti-Semitism, and attacks on minority Christian communities." Referring to the statement, Dujarric was asked about Guterres' concerns about Hinduism in view of the rising attacks on its places of worship. "When religious groups have are living in a community where they're a minority, and where they're vulnerable", Dujarric said, "it is incumbent on people to lower [the rhetoric], to increase the dialogue, increase tolerance, and on host communities to ensure that minorities are protected". India has been concerned about what it has described as the exclusion of non-Abrahamic religions in formal statements and resolutions at the UN about bigotry and anti-religious violence. Former Permanent Representative T. S. Tirumurti said last June at the General Assembly: "India has time and again emphasised that combating religiophobia can never succeed if it continues to be exclusionary and remains restricted to one or two religions only, while completely ignoring the rise in hatred and discrimination against non-Abrahamic religions including Buddhism, Hinduism and Sikhism." Also Read Here's how climate change is fueling wildfires in the US and Canada UN chief Antonio Guterres welcomes cease-fire announcement in Colombia UN chief Antonio Guterres calls for data-driven fight against terrorism Guterres asks G20 for pact to hold down warming amid food crisis warnings Antonio Guterres urges member states to uphold UN values, rule of law At least 79 dead after overcrowded migrant vessel sinks off Greece Fierce fighting in Myanmar between army, resistance groups kills nearly 26 Hong Kong protest song disappears from music streaming sites, social media UN unanimously backs India's proposal for monument to honour peacekeepers Shell Petroleum decides to sell its shares, exit Pakistani market In December, Counsellor at India's UN Mission, Ashish Sharma, told the Assembly: "This august body fails to acknowledge the rise of hatred and violence against Buddhism, Hinduism and Sikhism" while speaking on bigotry only against the three religions. Judaism, Christianity and Islam, that trace their origins to the Jewish prophet Abraham. At the Council on Wednesday on "The Values of Humanity in Promoting and Sustaining Peace", Guterres said that hate that "fuels humanity's worst impulses" is "the bloody heart of conflict". "And that heart is pumping venom and division throughout the bloodstream of the global body politic," he said. While "demonisation of the other" and disregard for human rights have always been there, the advent of social media has been a force multiplier, he said. "Social media has equipped hatemongers with a global bullhorn for bile" and "hate-fueled ideas and language are moving from the margins to the mainstream, coarsening the public discourse, and triggering real-life violence", he said. "The perpetrators of the heinous attacks on a mosque in Christchurch, a synagogue in Pittsburgh, and a church in Charleston all were radicalised online," he pointed out. "We must reign in the hate that is spreading online," he said. For that, he said he has proposed "a code of conduct to help Member States, digital platforms and other stakeholders make the digital space more inclusive and safer for all - while defending the right to freedom of opinion and expression, and the right to access information". He also said that religious leaders had a duty to prevent the "instrumentalisation of hatred" among their adherents. (Arul Louis can be contacted at arul.l@ians.in and followed at @arulouis) --IANS al/vd Pakistan Foreign Minister Bilawal Bhutto Zardari will embark on a two-nation visit to China and Japan from June 27 to deepen bilateral cooperation. He will travel to China in the last week of June to attend the 14th Annual Meeting of the New Champions, also known as the World Economic Forum's (WEF) "Summer Davos", to be held from June 27 to June 29 in China's Tianjin Municipality, official sources told The Express Tribune newspaper on Wednesday. Bilawal will also undertake a maiden visit to Japan in the first week of July. Japan is a key development partner of Pakistan and the foreign minister's visit would likely further deepen the cooperation, it said. Pakistan has tried to maintain a fine balance while pursuing ties with its all-weather ally China and its rival Japan. Tokyo has old ties with Islamabad and supported the country financially. But in the preceding years, Japan's relationship has grown exponentially with India while Pakistan found greater comfort in the arms of China. It is believed that Bilawal's visit to Japan would help to maintain the balance in ties with Beijing and Tokyo. Also Read Bilawal must give answer on atrocities on minorities in Pak: AISC Chair "Should not be seen as a bilateral...," Pak FM Bhutto on SCO meet in Goa J&K BJP holds protests against Bilawal Bhutto's remarks on PM Modi Pak FM Bilawal Bhutto launches vituperative personal tirade against PM Modi Bilawal Bhutto to attend SCO meeting in India in May: Pak's Foreign Office Greece declares three-day national mourning for 79 shipwreck victims Pak biz house seeks revival of trade with India to bail out ailing economy Many Twitter workers had car windows smashed as they felt unsafe: Musk IMF raises issues with Pak's FY23-24 budget; calls it 'missed opportunity' Germany to give $1.4 billion to Holocaust survivors globally in 2024 In this June 19, 2019 file photo released by China's Xinhua News Agency, Chinese President Xi Jinping, right, poses with North Korean leader Kim Jong-un for a photo during a welcome ceremony at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing. AP-Yonhap North Korean leader Kim Jong-un has sent a letter to Chinese President Xi Jinping on his 70th birthday, saying that Beijing's national power has "remarkably" strengthened under his leadership, Pyongyang's state media reported Thursday. In the message, Kim said that Beijing has "built a comprehensively well-off society" and that its "national power and international position remarkably strengthened" under Xi's "energetic" leadership, according to the official Korean Central News Agency (KCNA). "The message expressed belief that the struggle for the prosperity of China will surely emerge victorious as there are the leadership of Xi Jinping and the Chinese party and people rallied around the Party Central Committee with him as its core," the KCNA said in an English-language dispatch. Kim also said he is pleased to see Xi's achievements and wished him more success in his "important and responsible work" in leading China. The North Korean leader sent a flower basket to Xi, which the North Korean ambassador to China delivered to the deputy head of the International Liaison Department of the Chinese Communist Party on Tuesday, according to the KCNA. The message came as the North has been seeking to strengthen ties with China, its traditional ally and economic benefactor, amid global sanctions on its nuclear and missile programs, and stalled denuclearization talks with the United States. Last October, Kim also sent a letter to Russian President Vladimir Putin on his 70th birthday, lauding his leadership and expressing hope for bilateral ties between their countries to further develop. (Yonhap) Australias main Opposition party expelled a senator on Thursday after a female senator accused him of sexual assault and a former senator said he squeezed her buttocks, in the latest evidence of a toxic culture in Parliament House that is hostile to women. Opposition leader Peter Dutton said he expelled Senator David Van from the conservative Liberal Party following allegations made in Parliament on Wednesday night by independent Senator Lidia Thorpe. Van remains a senator, but no longer represents the Liberal Party. Van denied the allegations, which were made under parliamentary privilege, under which no one can be sued for defamation over anything said in the Senate. But he has yet to respond to the statement that followed from former Liberal Party Senator Amanda Stoker that said Van had apologised for squeezing my bottom twice at Parliament House. Thorpe described her experiences saying, What I experienced was being followed, aggressively propositioned and inappropriately touched, she said. I was afraid to walk out of the office door. I would open the door slightly and check the coast was clear before stepping out, she told lawmakers. It was to the degree that I had to be accompanied by someone whenever I walked inside this building, she added. The social media profiles of PTI Chairman Imran Khan and other prominent leaders in Pakistan have been shared with the Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) for forensic test for allegedly sharing controversial content between March 8 and May 9, media reports said. A total of 23 links of Instagram, Facebook and Twitter have been dispatched to the FIA, according to the police, Samaa TV reported. The police said the links shared are based on the videos and posts of Shah Mahmood Qureshi, Murad Saeed and Hammad Azhar. A forensic test is being conducted on the videos and posts over allegedly anti-state statements contained in the shared links, Samaa TV reported. The statements of the political leaders will also form part of the JIT's final report on the May 9 violence cases, the police said. They also said that prominent PTI personalities and social media handlers kept sharing allegedly offensive material. Also Read Pakistan deploys troops to halt unrest from ex-PM Imran Khan's arrest Here's how Utah's social media law could curb kids' access to social media Why are the police trying to arrest Imran Khan? All that you need to know IT rule tweaks, Musk's snap at Twitter, social media hits reset in 2022 Google Messages to add new feature to let users make own profiles NATO sees no change in Russia's nuclear posture despite Belarus' claims IMF criticises Pakistan's tax scheme, calls budget 'missed opportunity' South Korea says North Korea has launched ballistic missile toward sea Two-time Oscar winner Glenda Jackson dies at 87 after a short illness BofA expects Fed to deliver 2 more hikes, JPM adds July hike expectation The forensic reports of the links will be made part of the investigation report. The police have alleged that the youth were incited against the state through the use of social media, Samaa TV reported. --IANS san/arm SpaceX will again launch its huge Starship vehicle for an orbital test flight in about 2 months time, company founder and CEO Elon Musk has said. On Twitter Musk was requested for an update on Starship. The next test would be in "6 to 8 weeks", the SpaceX chief replied. A similar timeline was laid out by Musk in late April, where on Twitter Spaces he stated that the launch pad and the next Starship vehicle should be ready to launch in six to eight weeks. On April 20, the first flight test of SpaceX's fully integrated Starship and Super Heavy rocket, built to take humanity to the Moon, Mars and beyond, lifted off successfully. Shortly after, it exploded and failed to reach orbit. However, the blast meant the test flight was successful, according to the company. Also Read SpaceX hires former NASA human spaceflight cheif for its Starship launch Last-minute problem keeps SpaceX rocket, astronauts grounded: Report SpaceX Starship to be relaunched in 6 to 8 weeks, says CEO Elon Musk SpaceX Starship's may take first orbital test flight in April: Elon Musk SpaceX Starship's 1st test flight may takeoff on April 10: Report Twitter to be evicted from Colorado office over unpaid rent of 3 months Nato debates ways to boost ties with Ukraine as war against invasion drags Pak FM Bilawal to travel to China and Japan to boost bilateral ties Greece declares three-day national mourning for 79 shipwreck victims Pak biz house seeks revival of trade with India to bail out ailing economy Starship consists of a huge first-stage booster, called Super Heavy, and an upper-stage spacecraft known as Starship. The billionaire entrepreneur had, previously, said that he hopes to build an entire fleet of Starship rockets in order to transport people and cargo across the Solar System. SpaceX has already signed a multi-billion dollar deal with NASA to use Starship for its Artemis programme, which aims to return humans to the Moon within the next few years. Meanwhile, the rocket launch has come under the US Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) scanner for reportedly spreading plumes of potentially hazardous debris endangering human lives as well as habitats of animals. This means that before Starship's next launch, it would need the regulator's clean chit that the rocket will not affect public safety. A slew of environmental groups have also sued the FAA for failing to address dangers of SpaceX's Starship rocket launch, which can harm "crucial habitats, putting imperilled wildlife at great risk and harming community interests". --IANS rvt/shb/ Today Canva, the world's only all-in-one visual communication platform, hosted the companys first developer conference, Canva Extend in San Francisco. The company introduced its new Canva Developers Platform which includes a set of APIs and development tools that allow developers to put their app or platform in the hands of the companys 135 million monthly active users. Canva also announced a $50 million Canva Developers Innovation Fund to support app developers in providing delightful and innovative experiences to the Canva community. This press release features multimedia. View the full release here: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20230614088920/en/ (Photo: Business Wire) Canva unveiled a multitude of ways for developers to build on the platform, and released the Canva Apps SDK (Software Development Kit) for public use. Additionally, the company announced its first Canva Connect APIs (REST APIs) coming later this year, unveiled the Canva Apps SDK UI library and previewed the companys API roadmap. The Canva Apps SDK has been in beta for the last nine months, with more than 11,000 developers on the waitlist. Now, those on the waitlist and anyone who wants to build or integrate their apps into Canva have direct access to a global community who are always looking to design better, increase their productivity, and simplify their workflows. Canva is inviting developers globally to join Canva Developers starting today here. Meanwhile, Canva has committed $50 million to its first-ever Canva Developers Innovation Fund to invest in creative, innovative app developers and help them bring new experiences to the Canva community. With the goal of accelerating growth and adoption of apps on Canva, the fund will provide support in the form of monetary grants and expert guidance. It will also focus on empowering developers who are underrepresented in the global market. Were thrilled about the momentum gained from working with our beta partners to streamline app creation in Canva, says Anwar Haneef, Head of Ecosystem at Canva. By opening our design engine to a wider community of developers, were enabling instant distribution of their apps and services to millions of people on Canva. They can tap into the valuable feedback and creativity of our community, who will benefit from new ways to achieve their goals. Canva Connect APIs The Canva Connect APIs, the companys first REST APIs, will simplify and automate processes for teams using Canva. Soon, developers will be able to connect any app with Canva to seamlessly sync designs, assets, comments, and more across platforms. The Connect APIs will also enable simplified file and design management. They can programmatically upload assets into Canva folders to get teams designing quicker, or access completed Canva designs from anywhere, and publish in any format. Starting today, developers can join the waitlist to be one of the first developers to access it in beta later this year. Canva Apps SDK and Apps APIs Today, Canva moved its SDK out of beta to enable more developers and platforms to create Canva Apps with ease. The Starter Kit allows developers to get their first app up and running in minutes, and expand on it with Canvas purpose-built APIs. Developers can now empower people to fetch, add content, edit their design, authenticate users, export and publish, and provide data via Canva Apps. Canva has been working for nine months with a community of developers in a beta program to create new apps that unlock creativity and streamline workflows when designing in Canva. The APIs used to build these beta apps have been refined over this time and at Canva Extend, the company announced that the following APIs are now available to the public: Asset : Upload media to a users media library with the Asset API for a fast, efficient experience. : Upload media to a users media library with the Asset API for a fast, efficient experience. Data : Use the Data API to become a data source and make importing data seamless. : Use the Data API to become a data source and make importing data seamless. Design : The Design API can build new design tools that add content to a design, read and edit what's already there, or let your users export and publish their designs to complete an end-to-end content management flow. : The Design API can build new design tools that add content to a design, read and edit what's already there, or let your users export and publish their designs to complete an end-to-end content management flow. Fetch : Send HTTP requests to a third-party server with Fetch, a multi-purpose web API for tasks like integrating with external services and offloading tasks to a server. : Send HTTP requests to a third-party server with Fetch, a multi-purpose web API for tasks like integrating with external services and offloading tasks to a server. User: Bridge the gap with the User API. Keep your app secure and allow users to authenticate via your platform. AI Apps on Canva As with Canvas own AI-powered tools, AI Apps on Canva optimize the creative process and make it easier to get ideas off the ground. The new Canva Apps APIs are built to support AI app development with a range of targeted AI capabilities. Response to existing AI-powered Canva Apps have demonstrated demand for more - in just nine months, more than 200 million unique images generated with our generative AI products like Text to Image and Magic Edit. The suite of AI apps on Canva has expanded with the recent launches of AI audio apps like Soundraw, and D-ID, which creates AI-generated avatars for use in presentations, social posts, infographics, digital resumes and more. Apps from Murf AI, Neiro AI, Play HT, vAIisual are launching soon to bring further productivity and creativity gains to Canva users. New and Upcoming Canva Apps At Canva Extend, the company also showcased more than 20 apps that have either been made available on Canva in recent weeks, or will be coming soon. These include everything from seamless file management and access to assets stored in Brandfolder or Sharepoint, to the ability to publish magazines directly from Canva to Issuu. The number of organizations and individuals who use Issuu to transform, host, and share content created in Canva has quadrupled over the past two years," said Joe Hyrkin, chief executive officer at Issuu. With more social channels to reach audiences than ever, businesses understand the necessity of creating content once, and sharing everywhere. Our new Canva integration will simplify the workflow for creators and the new Canva Apps API and developer tools, making it easier to serve the massive numbers of joint customers increasingly relying on our two platforms. Below are the new and noteworthy apps available now: Acquia by Widen - Connect your account to seamlessly bring your brand's assets into Canva. - Connect your account to seamlessly bring your brand's assets into Canva. Bingo Cards - Enter a list of words, or choose from our examples, then generate a set of custom bingo cards. - Enter a list of words, or choose from our examples, then generate a set of custom bingo cards. Brandfolder - Navigate, browse and search your Brandfolder image and video assets to use in Canva. - Navigate, browse and search your Brandfolder image and video assets to use in Canva. Bynder - Navigate, browse and search for your Bynder image and video assets to use in Canva designs. - Navigate, browse and search for your Bynder image and video assets to use in Canva designs. Code Format - Produce a syntax-highlighted image of your code to use in your design by pasting in source code from any programming language. - Produce a syntax-highlighted image of your code to use in your design by pasting in source code from any programming language. D-ID AI Presenters - Make your designs more exciting and engaging with Al Presenters by D-ID. Pick a presenter or upload your own, add your text, and our plug-in will generate an Al presenter in moments. - Make your designs more exciting and engaging with Al Presenters by D-ID. Pick a presenter or upload your own, add your text, and our plug-in will generate an Al presenter in moments. DataPocket - Access your product catalog images or pricing information from the leading e-commerce platforms directly in Canva to help you design your next social media graphic, ad banner and more. - Access your product catalog images or pricing information from the leading e-commerce platforms directly in Canva to help you design your next social media graphic, ad banner and more. Dynamic QR Codes - Add stylish QR codes powered by Hovercode to your designs without leaving Canva. - Add stylish QR codes powered by Hovercode to your designs without leaving Canva. Flowcode - Drive and measure consumer engagement with your digital and printed materials by including a customized Flowcode QR code. - Drive and measure consumer engagement with your digital and printed materials by including a customized Flowcode QR code. Google Drive - Access your files and assets from within Canva with this updated app, and upload your finished designs straight to your Google Drive. - Access your files and assets from within Canva with this updated app, and upload your finished designs straight to your Google Drive. Issuu - View existing Issuu publications and see analytics to help you plan your next design, or publish your design to Issuu. - View existing Issuu publications and see analytics to help you plan your next design, or publish your design to Issuu. Mockups - Bring your designs to life with a free product mockup generator. - Bring your designs to life with a free product mockup generator. Sharepoint - Connect your SharePoint account to Canva and access your file system to easily add files to a Canva design. - Connect your SharePoint account to Canva and access your file system to easily add files to a Canva design. Soundraw - Create a unique song or beat for your Canva design using Soundraws AI. Apps coming soon to Canva include: Amazon - Add images from an Amazon listing to your Canva design and check it against Amazon guidelines before publishing to the Amazon Creative Asset Library. - Add images from an Amazon listing to your Canva design and check it against Amazon guidelines before publishing to the Amazon Creative Asset Library. Bitly - Create shortened URLs and QR Codes directly in Canva. - Create shortened URLs and QR Codes directly in Canva. Frontify - Easily access your assets from Frontifys brand management software to use in Canva, and upload designs straight to Frontify when complete. - Easily access your assets from Frontifys brand management software to use in Canva, and upload designs straight to Frontify when complete. HeyGen - Create AI-powered spokesperson videos for Canva. - Create AI-powered spokesperson videos for Canva. Later.com - Export your Canva designs to Later for Social Media publishing. - Export your Canva designs to Later for Social Media publishing. Murf AI - Add voiceovers to your Canva designs, from videos to presentations in minutes. - Add voiceovers to your Canva designs, from videos to presentations in minutes. Neiro AI - Create videos in Canva using hyper-realistic digital avatars. - Create videos in Canva using hyper-realistic digital avatars. PatternedAI - Generate unique patterns for your Canva designs using PatternedAI. - Generate unique patterns for your Canva designs using PatternedAI. PlayHT - Convert your Canva designs into immersive multimedia presentations, product demos, and engaging social media content with ultra-realistic AI voices and voice clones. - Convert your Canva designs into immersive multimedia presentations, product demos, and engaging social media content with ultra-realistic AI voices and voice clones. soona - Expand your content workflow with product images and videos from soona by seamlessly bringing them into the Canva design space. - Expand your content workflow with product images and videos from soona by seamlessly bringing them into the Canva design space. PeopleMaker by vAIsual - A powerful tool for creating custom, realistic synthetic human models for your Canva designs. - A powerful tool for creating custom, realistic synthetic human models for your Canva designs. SwayTribe - A convenient and easy way for you to access your Instagram analytics in Canva. - A convenient and easy way for you to access your Instagram analytics in Canva. VNTANA - The VNTANA 3D Embed Tool allows you to embed 3D models from the VNTANA Platform directly into Canva designs. 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/20230614088920/en/ Ripple, the leader in enterprise blockchain and crypto solutions, announced today its collaboration with the Banco de la Republica, Colombias Central Bank, to explore blockchain technology use cases. The Central Bank in conjunction with The Ministry of Information and Communications Technologies (MinTIC) will pilot use cases that will enhance Colombias high-value payment system using Ripples CBDC Platform, powered by the XRP Ledger (XRPL), an energy-efficient and open-source blockchain. This pilot will be developed as part of the third phase of experimentation of blockchain led by MinTIC. Under the guidance of the Directorate of Digital Government, MinTIC, the project will run through the end of 2023. The goal of the third phase of MinTICs experimentation of blockchain will be to educate national and territorial public entities through interactive and collaborative real-world application experiments of how blockchain technologys unparalleled speed, scalability, and transparency can revolutionize payment systems and data management. Developed with these key capabilities, Ripples CBDC Platform, an end-to-end solution for central banks, will be experimented and tested in a controlled environment without compromising public resources. Highlighting the significance of this project, Minister Mauricio Lizcano, ICT Minister, emphasized, "Potential efficiencies can be evaluated through the results obtained in the development of a solution with Blockchain technology, which manages to improve and complement the processes in the entities in a safe and efficient way. In addition, it will provide a technological solution (Prototype), which will allow simulations of different use cases in the high-value payment system. "The Banco de la Republica in Colombia and MinTIC forward-thinking on blockchain innovation will unlock new ways organizations operate in the digital era," said James Wallis, VP of Central Bank Engagements and CBDCs. By harnessing the power of the Ripple CBDC Platform, based upon the XRPL, this project will pave the way for transformative advancements in the utilization of blockchain technology within the public sector. This partnership showcases our commitment to driving innovation and efficiency, ultimately empowering public entities to unlock the full potential of secure and transparent transactions. Ferran Prat, CEO of Peersyst Technology, has also highlighted: "Our partnership with MinTIC as a reference technology firm for the implementation of blockchain technology in Latin America requires us the most demanding criteria when selecting technologies. In the case of payments and technology for central banks, Ripple is a benchmark leader in the industry and one of the best allies to apply the potential of its large-value payment systems technology at Banco de la Republica. More information about this pilot program will be disclosed later in the year around the specific use cases and implementations. To learn more about this project from MinTIC visit: https://www.mintic.gov.co/portal/inicio/Sala-de-prensa/Noticias/ About Peersyst: Peersyst Technology is a specialized blockchain technology firm with a long history of developing and implementing solutions based on distributed ledger technologies in both the public and private sectors. Peersyst Technology was selected in 2021 by the MinTIC as one of the reference allies for the implementation of Blockchain technology in the Colombian public sector, working with different entities as well as large private companies, positioning itself as a reference leader in the implementation of this technology for the Latin American region. About Ripple Ripple is the leader in enterprise blockchain and crypto solutions, transforming how the world moves, manages and tokenizes value. Ripples business solutions are faster, more transparent, and more cost effective - solving inefficiencies that have long defined the status quo. And together with partners and the larger developer community, we identify use cases where crypto technology will inspire new business models and create opportunity for more people. With every solution, were realizing a more sustainable global economy and planet - increasing access to inclusive and scalable financial systems while leveraging carbon neutral blockchain technology and a green digital asset, XRP. This is how we deliver on our mission to build crypto solutions for a world without economic borders. About the XRP Ledger The XRP Ledger (XRPL) is an open source, public and decentralized Layer 1 blockchain led by a global developer community. It is fast, energy-efficient, and reliable. For more than ten years, it has been the blockchain best suited to enable settlement and liquidity of tokenized assets at scale. With ease of development, low transaction costs, and a knowledgeable community, it provides developers with a strong open-source foundation for executing on the most demanding projects without impacting the XRPLs lean and efficient feature set. XRPL enables a wide variety of services and use cases including payments, on-chain finance, and tokenization. Learn more at XRPL.org. View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20230615564041/en/ In implementation of the directives of the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques, King Salman bin Abdulaziz, and HRH Crown Prince and Prime Minister, Mohammed bin Salman; the Saudi Fund for Development (SFD) Board of Directors Chairman, H.E. Ahmed Al Khateeb, recently signed three development loan agreements worth $61 million with two Small Island Developing States (SIDS) Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, and Belize. This press release features multimedia. View the full release here: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20230614127128/en/ Image (from left to right): The Prime Minister of Belize, Hon. John Briceno & The Saudi Fund for Development (SFD) Board of Directors Chairman, H.E. Ahmed Al Khateeb (Photo: AETOSWire) The signings reflect the efforts undertaken by the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, through the SFD, to support sustainable development in developing countries and Small Island Developing States (SIDS). Since its establishment in 1974, SFD has implemented over 700 development projects across 85 countries worldwide. The first two loan agreements, worth $16 million, were signed with the Honorable Prime Minister of Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, Dr. Ralph Gonsalves, for constructing a primary care center, and a cultural and artistic hub and market for craft and agricultural products. SFD continued its support of enhancing the healthcare infrastructure across the SIDS, signing a loan agreement worth $45 million with the Honorable Prime Minister of Belize, John Briceno, for the construction of a tertiary hospital in Belmopan. H.E. Ahmed Al-Khateeb, the SFD Board of Directors Chairman, said: The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia is deeply committed to promoting sustainable socio-economic development in developing countries and Small Island Developing States, in support of the journey towards achieving the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals. These agreements signify an important step forward in development cooperation between Saudi Arabia, the island states of the Caribbean, and Central America, and will open the door for even greater collaborations and partnerships in the future. The loan agreements will contribute towards raising living standards for the population, while supporting access to vital services. They also represent an essential drive for achieving the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), including SDG 3, Good Health and Wellbeing, and SDG 11, Sustainable Cities and Communities. SFDs development cooperation with the SIDS reaffirm the importance of international cooperation and solidarity to support developing countries around the world in achieving their sustainable development goals, and fostering economic and social growth. About SFD SFD contributes to development projects by providing soft loans, and prioritizes the financing of projects in developing countries. Source: AETOSWire View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20230614127128/en/ In implementation of the directives of the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques, King Salman bin Abdulaziz, and HRH Crown Prince and Prime Minister, Mohammed bin Salman; and in the presence of H.E. President of the Co-operative Republic of Guyana, Dr. Mohamed Irfaan Ali; the Saudi Fund for Development (SFD) Chief Executive Officer, H.E. Sultan Al-Marshad, signed two development loan agreements worth $150 million with the Guyana Minister of Finance Hon. Dr. Ashni Singh, to fund the Infrastructural Development Works for the Housing Sector Project, and the Construction of Wismar Bridge Project, through SFD. This press release features multimedia. View the full release here: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20230614835165/en/ (from left to right): Guyana Minister of Finance, Hon. Dr. Ashni Singh & The Saudi Fund for Development (SFD) Chief Executive Officer, H.E. Sultan Al-Marshad (Photo: AETOSWire) The signings reflect the efforts undertaken by Saudi Arabia, through the SFD, to support sustainable development in developing countries and Small Island Developing States (SIDS). The first loan agreement, worth $100 million, for the Infrastructural Development Works for the Housing Sector Project, aims to develop the infrastructure to provide about 2,500 housing units across three different regions in Guyana. The second loan agreement, worth $50 million, for the Construction of Wismar Bridge Project, aims to improve road network connectivity and the flow of transportation, relieving traffic jams, and enhancing road safety. During the signing ceremony, President Ali said: We are very pleased that we were able to advance the projects at such a pace, as he reminded that projects will not only bring temporary relief but also permanent benefit to citizens as it forms part of the larger infrastructure masterplan of the country and will help Guyana on its journey to modernization. SFDs Chief Executive Officer, H.E. Sultan Al-Marshad, said: "Today's agreements mark SFDs first presence in Guyana and the beginning of development cooperation between both our countries. The two agreements signed today aim to support the housing and transportation infrastructure sectors in the country, which will lead to major benefits in health, education and the standard of living. Both of these infrastructure projects will support access to vital services, and represent an essential drive for achieving seven United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly SDG 3, Good Health and Wellbeing, SDG 6, Clean Water and Sanitation, and SDG 11, Sustainable Cities and Communities. About SFD SFD contributes to development projects by providing soft loans, and prioritizes the financing of projects in developing countries. *Source: AETOSWire View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20230614835165/en/ Shreya Ghodawat, a World Economic Forum Global Shaper and CEO of Sustainable Guides (a sustainable consultancy) represented India at a High-Level Dialogue on Women championing resilience for climate, energy and food security held in Geneva in the context of World Environment Day. The global non-profit organisation SHE Changes Climate and the UN Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), in partnership with UNECE, UNITAR, the International Gender Champions Secretariat, the New Women Connectors and the IFRC among others, hosted an inclusive dialogue aiming at giving a voice to the women who are advocating resilience and multiplying solutions at the forefront of climate impacts. Representatives from the UAE (COP28 Presidency) and from key leading countries including Costa Rica, Mexico, Sweden, Mauritius, Finland, as well as women leaders, SHE Changes Climate Ambassadors and female spokespersons from the Global South were present for a significant roundtable discussion. Shreyas remarks on building resilience and enhancing adaptive capacity of women to climate change - India is a swiftly growing economy, now carrying the worlds largest population, but still a recovering nation from the effects of colonialism nonetheless. The nuances of which only those with our lived experiences and histories fully understand. Like most countries in the Global South, India is most vulnerable to climate change that affects everyone but does not affect everyone equally. Heatwaves have a disproportionate impact on women for several reasons. Cultural norms and gender roles often place women in positions that make them more vulnerable to heat-related illnesses - engaging in outdoor labour, agricultural work, where they are exposed to the blistering sun for extended periods. Women in rural India also walk roughly 3-12 miles every day to fetch drinkable water for their families. This increases their susceptibility to heatstroke and dehydration- posing a rather serious threat to life. Lost productivity due to heat-related illnesses, not only jeopardises their own well-being but also has ripple effects on their families and communities. This reinforces the cycles of poverty, early marriages, sexual violence, any gender-related crime which are amplified because of droughts, floods and loss of livelihoods in India and in the Global South as well. However, in the face of this mounting crisis, there is hope. Together, we can and must work towards mitigating the adverse effects of climate change on women who belong to vulnerable regions. Firstly, we must prioritise awareness and education. Empowering women with knowledge allows for a more informed response when faced with natural calamities. A lot of them will not have the coping mechanisms, skills, resources or awareness to begin with, therefore when floods engulf India women are 14 times more likely to die just because they are not taught how to swim, as a result of cultural expectations. This brings me to my second point of action- The urgent need for investment in infrastructure and resources. This loss and damage fund must be accessible and directed towards climate adaptation and mitigation projects that prioritise women. For those of us living in the Global South, climate change is making our blood boil. When temperatures rise, women must rise too. Heat expands, heat escalates, so we must too. To deal with the unprecedented changes that are happening we must do the unprecedented. And you know whats unprecedented? A 50:50 representation of men and women at COP28 and decision-making tables worldwide. Shreya is committed to promoting justice, fairness, equitable rights, de colonialism and climate solutions. She graduated from the National University of Singapore with a BA in Sociology and Gender Studies and has a Masters degree in Sustainable Travel and Tourism. She has been vegan for 7 years for people, the planet and animals and advocates for a plant based lifestyle. Appointed as the India Ambassador of SHE Changes Climate, a global non-profit organisation driving awareness of the crucial role of women in accelerating just climate action, Shreya aims to continue being the microphone for sustainability and advocating for a 50:50 vision at all levels of climate leadership. She is dedicated to fostering the growth of women-led tech unicorns focused on social and environmental impact. For the High-Level discussion, Shreya chose to wear a sustainable, contemporary outfit by ace designer Anita Dongre crafted mindfully with viscose organza. It was a perfect amalgamation of responsible fashion and trendy style. The ensemble beautifully reflected her vision for conscious leadership and commitment to climate change and gender equity. She finished her look with a stunning vegan bag by Anita Dongre and shoes by PAIO, a PETA-approved vegan brand that vehemently rejects the use of leather or any materials that harm animals. Mrs. Elise Buckle, Co-Founder, SHE Changes Climate said, What a wonderful way of celebrating the World Environment Day, valuing diversity, giving a voice to our amazing leaders and SHE Changes Climate Ambassadors, and urging the diplomats, policy-makers and UN experts to put the climate emergency front and center as number 1 priority, with so many country representatives joining us, listening to the women who have sometimes been displaced but keep championing resilience for their communities, wherever they are in the world. Expressing a deep sense of gratitude for all the high-level speakers who contributed and 100+ active participants of the multi stakeholder dialogue. We will continue the nurture the spirit of radical collaboration working as One team for One Planet. Those who graced the event were Akilah Jaramogi, Indigenous Merikin descendant, Forester, Founder of Fondes Amandes Community Reforestation, SHE Changes Climate Ambassador H.E. Lubna Qassim, Minister Plenipotentiary, Deputy Permanent Representative for the UAE (COP28 incoming Presidency) Sharon Gakii, Co-Founder of the International Consortium for Climate and Biodiversity Leslie Sligh, UNITAR/Global Platform for Action in Displacement Settings, Desk Officer, Decarbonising Humanitarian Energy Multi-Partner Trust Fund Secretariat Elena Balbekova, SHE Changes Climate Ambassador for Ukraine, Former Head of Delegation for UNFCCC and Founder of the Climate Department at the Ministry in Kiev Ms. Iva Brkic, Secretary of the Committee on Sustainable Energy, UNECE H.E. Lubna Qassim, Minister Plenipotentiary, Deputy Permanent Representative for the UAE (COP28 incoming Presidency) and others SHE Changes Climates innovative approach and trademark is to convene, facilitate inclusive dialogues and catalyse transformative partnerships, by valuing diversity and connecting the voiceless and the powerless with the most influential policy-makers. They aim to put under the spotlight the issues and regions that normally dont make it to the media headlines, often in Africa and in the MENA regions, where both COP27 and COP28 have been hosted. In particular, the global campaigning organisation strives to give a voice to those women who are courageous enough to build resilience for their communities, facing disasters and rebuilding their livelihoods by developing Nature-Based Solutions and regenerating the Earth. TA Associates (TA), a leading global private equity firm, today announced the completion of fundraising for its latest flagship fund, TA XV, with total limited partner commitments at its hard cap of $16.5 billion. Launched in late November 2022, TA XV was oversubscribed and exceeded its initial target size. We are deeply grateful for the strong support of our limited partners during the TA XV fundraise, said Ajit Nedungadi, Chief Executive Officer at TA. Amid a period of macroeconomic uncertainty, our investors continued trust and confidence in our investment strategy is particularly energizing. We embrace the opportunity to further our strategy, partnering with forward-thinking founders and management teams to build lasting value in exceptional businesses. TA XV is the successor to TA XIV, which closed in June 2021 at its hard cap of $12.5 billion. As with its predecessor equity funds, TA XV will target equity investments in high-quality businesses capable of delivering sustainable growth within the technology, healthcare, financial services, consumer and business services sectors. At TA, we are driven by a shared desire to help exceptional businesses reach their full potential, said Hythem El-Nazer, Managing Director at TA. With TA XV, we will continue to leverage our decades of industry experience, strategic value-add resources and extensive global network to support portfolio company management teams as they work to accelerate profitable growth. Since the firms inception in 1968, TA has invested in more than 560 companies across its target industries, with over 120 companies in the portfolio today. TAs global team of more than 150 investment professionals are united by a common culture and partnership-oriented approach to investing. We thank our limited partners, both returning and new, for their conviction in TAs investment strategy and culture, and for their thoughtful engagement throughout the fundraising process, said Andrew Harris, Director of Investor Relations at TA. With TA XV, we are excited to continue our focus on transparency and alignment with our limited partners as we seek to deliver exceptional results. TA XV received capital commitments from a diverse global network of existing and new investors, including public and private pension funds, sovereign wealth funds, asset managers, endowments, foundations, family offices and insurance companies. Goodwin Procter LLP served as legal counsel for TA XV. About TA TA is a leading global private equity firm focused on scaling growth in profitable companies. Since 1968, TA has invested in more than 560 companies across its five target industries technology, healthcare, financial services, consumer and business services. Leveraging its deep industry expertise and strategic resources, TA collaborates with management teams worldwide to help high-quality companies deliver lasting value. The firm has raised $65 billion in capital to date and has over 150 investment professionals across offices in Boston, Menlo Park, Austin, London, Mumbai and Hong Kong. More information about TA can be found at www.ta.com. View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20230615383855/en/ TalentSprint, a leading global edtech company specializing in innovative and transformative programs, has been recognized as the '' at PegaWorld iNspire 2023 , the annual conference of Pegasystems , the low-code platform provider empowering the worlds leading enterprises to Build for Change held in Las Vegas recently. This accolade highlights TalentSprint's exceptional contributions through its Pega University Program in transforming engineering college students to build robust capabilities in low-code technologies to secure a competition-proof career with the customers and partners of Pegasystems.Since its establishment in 2016, the collaborative effort between Pegasystems and TalentSprint through the Pega University Program has empowered over 9,000 students to embark on high-impact careers in the tech industry. This comprehensive program equips students with 300+ hours of hands-on experiential learning by qualified and certified instructors, resulting in a 95% certification rate with a high-touch placement assistance yielding an 80% placement rate consistently. Initially launched with two partner colleges, the program has now expanded to impact around 2000 students per year across 20 partner colleges throughout India.Pega is pleased to recognize TalentSprint on their well-deserved award as the Training Partner of the Year. Deep expertise and skillset currency are critical to Pega clients and TalentSprint has invested in and delivered on programs to educate and certify job-ready young software engineers for the Pega ecosystem.", Founding CEO and Managing Director of TalentSprint, expressed his satisfaction with the pioneering initiative undertaken in collaboration with Pegasystems in India. He acknowledged the prestigious award as a testament to the team's dedicated efforts, unwavering pursuit of excellence, and innovative mindset. Dr. Paul extended his heartfelt gratitude to all those involved, emphasizing that this recognition symbolizes their collective endeavor and relentless passion.TalentSprint's recognition as the 'Training Partner of the Year' at PegaWorld iNspire serves as a testament to their commitment to excellence, innovative teaching methodologies, and impactful collaborations. Their unswerving dedication to nurturing industry-ready talent has made a remarkable impact on the tech landscape in India, while providing students with unparalleled career prospects. As TalentSprint and Pegasystems continue to work in tandem, they aim to further enhance the transformative power of education and create a bright future for aspiring professionals in the technology sector. In this Aug. 16, 2019, file photo carried by North Korea's Korean Central News Agency, a short-range missile is launched from Tongchon County in Gangwon Province, North Korea. Yonhap North Korea fired two short-range ballistic missiles toward the East Sea on Thursday, Seoul's military said, in apparent protest over a recent series of massive South Korea-U.S. live-fire drills that ended this week. Shortly before the launch, a spokesperson for the North's defense ministry issued a statement denouncing what it called the "provocative and irresponsible" drills. Seoul's Joint Chiefs of Staff (JCS) said it detected the launches from the Sunan area in Pyongyang between 7:25 p.m. and 7:37 p.m., and the missiles flew some 780 kilometers each before splashing into the water. "The intelligence authorities of South Korea and the United States are conducting a comprehensive assessment regarding (the missiles') specifics and the possibility of additional provocations," the JCS said in a text message to reporters. The JCS urged the North to immediately stop such missile launches, calling them "acts of significant provocation" that not only undermine peace and stability on the Korean Peninsula, but also in the international community. "In close coordination with the U.S., our military will maintain a firm readiness posture based on its capabilities to respond overwhelmingly to any provocations," it said. The love for coffee unites coffee lovers all across the world. This beverage lights up our mornings, fuels us through the day, and offers a respite to tired eyes at night. It is known for its effect on energy levels and for helping people stay awake or power through a rigorous day. However, what we most love it for is its unique taste and aroma, which has captivated people across the globe. However, why are some types of coffee beans more expensive than others? Where does coffee really come from? In this blog, we will share with you different types of coffee beans. Arabica: The Epitome of Flavour Arabica Beans are considered to be the best quality out of all types of coffee beans. They make up almost 50-60% of all coffee grown around the world. From a quality standpoint, it is considered superior and also has a richer, fuller taste and a delectable flavour. Arabica beans also require specific weather conditions and a higher altitude to grow. There are different types of coffee beans even in the Arabica variety, such as: Colombian : Colombian coffee has a perfect balance of flavours, a medium body, and contains a likeable amount of acidity. Once roasted, it gives a flavour that reminds you of caramel, chocolate, and nuts, along with citrusy undertones. : Colombian coffee has a perfect balance of flavours, a medium body, and contains a likeable amount of acidity. Once roasted, it gives a flavour that reminds you of caramel, chocolate, and nuts, along with citrusy undertones. Ethiopian : As the name suggests, Ethiopian coffee beans originate in Ethiopia. It is also considered to be the birthplace of coffee, which is why Ethiopian coffee has a rich heritage. It also has premium gifting value. It has an acidity that reminds you of wine but also has fruity and floral notes. : As the name suggests, Ethiopian coffee beans originate in Ethiopia. It is also considered to be the birthplace of coffee, which is why Ethiopian coffee has a rich heritage. It also has premium gifting value. It has an acidity that reminds you of wine but also has fruity and floral notes. Brazilian: Brazil is the number one coffee producer in the whole world. It is especially known for its Arabica beans. The types of coffee beans grown in Brazil are known for their low acidity, chocolaty and nutty flavour, and well-rounded medium body. The lovers of Brazilian coffee especially love its comforting drinking experience. Robusta: The Epitome of Intense Boldness Robusta beans are the types of coffee beans that are derived from the plant Coffea canephora. As the name suggests, Robusta beans have a robust flavour. It is known for its bitterness, intensity, and high caffeine content. It accounts for 30-40% of all the coffee produced and consumed in the world. Robusta has high acidity and a distinct bitterness, which is why it is the choice of coffee used to make the best espresso. That is because robusta beans enhance the crema on the espresso which is the reddish-golden froth that you get on top of your espresso. The crema is full of aromas and flavours. Lets look at some of the popular varieties of Robusta beans: Vietnamese : Vietnam is one of the worlds largest producers of Robusta. Vietnamese coffee is known for its bold and earthy aroma, with hints of nutty and chocolaty taste. The Vietnamese love their coffee, and the rest of the world has adopted their methods of brewing too! : Vietnam is one of the worlds largest producers of Robusta. Vietnamese coffee is known for its bold and earthy aroma, with hints of nutty and chocolaty taste. The Vietnamese love their coffee, and the rest of the world has adopted their methods of brewing too! Ugandan: The Robusta coffee beans from Uganda are well-known for their full-bodied taste. They are accompanied by notes of chocolate, spice, fruit, and a bold but complex aroma. Special Lesser-Known Exotic Varieties While Arabica and Robusta are widely available, there are certain types of coffee beans that are rare and exotic. Coffee lovers prize these coffee varieties for their limited availability and exotic tastes. They have certain unique characteristics and are produced in small batches only. Lets take a look at some of these varieties: Geisha : Geisha has a unique aroma that is floral and delicate, and reminds you of tea. It originates from Ethiopia but became popular in the Panama area. The dominant and complex notes present in this bean are jasmine and bergamot. Thats why, coffee connoisseurs love Geisha. It is a favourite, especially in the gifting industry. : Geisha has a unique aroma that is floral and delicate, and reminds you of tea. It originates from Ethiopia but became popular in the Panama area. The dominant and complex notes present in this bean are jasmine and bergamot. Thats why, coffee connoisseurs love Geisha. It is a favourite, especially in the gifting industry. Blue Mountain: This well-rounded coffee originates in Jamaica and is known for its mild flavour. It gives the drinker a smooth drinking experience with bright acidity. It gives you notes of chocolate, nuts, and spices. This variety is considered a luxury because it is produced in limited small batches. The world of coffee is as wide and vast as it is deep and interesting. Once you really star tot pay attention to your coffee, you will begin to notice the underlying flavours in it. While the regular coffee lacks personality and depth, trying a specialty coffee variety with ease and really noticing its aroma will transport you into a different world. Not only types of coffee beans, there are different types of roasts to coffee too. Coffee, before consumption, is often roasted in roasteries to give it a unique aroma and flavour. While light roasts retain the original flavours of coffee, dark roasts take away most of the acidity and leave the beans with a smoky, nutty, and intense flavour. Getting into the world of coffee is a journey of delight and exploration, one that coffee connoisseurs really enjoy. While there are different types of coffee beans and roasts, there are also countless ways to prepare coffee beverages. There are hundreds of ways of making a coffee drink, each unique in its own method of preparation and the resulting taste. Stay tuned to this blog for a lot of new information on coffee! State Alabama Alaska Arizona Arkansas California Colorado Connecticut Delaware Florida Georgia Hawaii Idaho Illinois Indiana Iowa Kansas Kentucky Louisiana Maine Maryland Massachusetts Michigan Minnesota Mississippi Missouri Montana Nebraska Nevada New Hampshire New Jersey New Mexico New York North Carolina North Dakota Ohio Oklahoma Oregon Pennsylvania Rhode Island South Carolina South Dakota Tennessee Texas Utah Vermont Virginia Washington Washington D.C. 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Newsis Gov't downplays poll showing 84% of Koreans object to discharge By Park Jae-hyuk Opposition parties and civic groups are criticizing the government's decision to present a media briefing every weekday on Japan's planned discharge of radioactive wastewater from the Fukushima Daiichi Nuclear Power Plant into the ocean. Although the government explains the briefing is intended to dispel groundless concerns among the public about the safety of seafood, critics claim that the Yoon Suk Yeol administration is defending the discharge on behalf of the Japanese government. During the first daily briefing, Thursday, Vice Minister of Oceans and Fisheries Song Sang-keun addressed recent news reports about consumers in Korea hoarding sea salt ahead of the wastewater release, reiterating that seafood products in Korea have been managed safely. "With fewer days with rainfall and more amounts of sunshine, the production of sun-dried salt has recovered this month, so there will be no problem with the production," he said. "Even if the price of sea salt continues to rise, the government will consider buying salt to sell on the market at lower prices." He also emphasized once again that it is too early to discuss compensation for potential damage fishermen suffer from declines in domestic seafood consumption due to concerns over the release of the radioactive wastewater into the ocean. Regarding a recent survey in which a majority of respondents opposed the wastewater release, Park Gu-yeon, first vice minister of Government Policy Coordination, said it is inappropriate for the government to make a decision based on an opinion poll. According to a survey conducted jointly by Hankook Ilbo, the sister paper of The Korea Times, and Japan's Yomiuri Shimbun and released, Thursday, 84 percent of Korean respondents oppose the release of wastewater, while 60 percent of Japanese respondents support the release. "The results of opinion polls could be different, depending on their methods and questions," he said. Heo Gyun-young, a professor at the Department of Nuclear Engineering at Kyung Hee University, who was invited to the briefing as an expert from the private sector, backed the government by coming up with data supporting the claim that Korean seas will be safe even after the discharge. "If the wastewater is discharged into the sea, it will be easier to dilute radioactive substances and monitor the environmental effects," he said. Park Gu-yeon, left, first vice minister of Government Policy Coordination, speaks during a press briefing on the release of Fukushima wastewater at the Government Complex Seoul, Thursday. Yonhap President Yoon Suk Yeol observes the Combined Joint Live-Fire Exercise at the Seungjin Fire Training Field in Pocheon, just 25 kilometers south of the inter-Korean border, on June 15. Joint Press Corps President Yoon Suk Yeol on Thursday oversaw live-fire drills staged jointly by South Korean and U.S. forces on the largest-ever scale, his office said. The Combined Joint Live-Fire Exercise, the first of its kind in six years, was held at the Seungjin Fire Training Field in Pocheon, just 25 kilometers south of the inter-Korean border, to mark the 70th anniversary of the South Korea-U.S. alliance and the 75th anniversary of the founding of South Korea's armed forces. More than 610 military assets were mobilized for the drills, including F-35A fighters and K9 self-propelled howitzers from the South Korean side, and F-16 fighter jets and Gray Eagle drones from the U.S. side, with the participation of more than 2,500 South Korean and American troops from 71 units. "True peace is when we defend our national security with our own strength, not a fake peace that relies on the enemy's good will," Yoon in a speech at the end of the exercise. "Only a strong military that can fight the enemy and win, and that the enemy dares not challenge, can guarantee the freedom, peace and prosperity of the Republic of Korea," he added, referring to South Korea by its formal name. Yoon vowed to defend the nation through a firm security posture and live environment training. The exercise was held under the scenario of a North Korean provocation, with the first part focusing on responding to North Korea's nuclear and missile threats and repelling its possible attack. The second part demonstrated the allies' counterattack capabilities. The drills were watched by some 2,000 people, including 300 people invited as "citizen observers," Defense Minister Lee Jong-sup, the chiefs of staff of the Army, Navy and Air Force and South Korea-U.S. Combined Forces Command chief Gen. Paul LaCamera. The combined exercise began last month and was staged a total of five times, with the last round held Thursday. (Yonhap) Toyota Motor Philippines has introduced one of its most important new models of the year: the all-new Wigo. As Filipinos seek to become more... China's service sector posts strong recovery in May Xinhua) 14:24, June 15, 2023 Residents dine out in a restaurant in the Nanqiang Street of Kunming, southwest China's Yunnan Province, Jan. 11, 2023. (Xinhua/Chen Xinbo) BEIJING, June 15 (Xinhua) -- China's service sector witnessed a robust recovery momentum in May, as economic activities are normalizing, an official said on Thursday. The index gauging the country's service industry output rose 11.7 percent year on year in May, said Fu Linghui, spokesperson of the National Bureau of Statistics. Contact-based service sector witnessed fast recovery, with the sub-index for accommodation and catering surging by 39.5 percent year on year, said Fu. The sub-index tracking the output of the leasing and business services climbed 14 percent year on year, while that for information transmission, software, and IT services expanded 12.9 percent. In the first five months, the index increased by 9.1 percent year on year, and the growth rate was 0.7 percentage points higher form that in the January-April period. (Web editor: Chang Sha, Liang Jun) National Security Adviser Cho Tae-yong, right, U.S. National Security Adviser Jake Sullivan, left, and Japan's National Security Secretariat Secretary General Takeo Akiba pose at their meeting in Tokyo on June 15, in this photo provided by the presidential office. Yonhap The national security advisers of South Korea, the United States and Japan agreed Thursday to strengthen practical cooperation among the three countries in responding to North Korea and other regional security issues, the presidential office said. The agreement was reached during trilateral talks involving National Security Adviser Cho Tae-yong, U.S. National Security Adviser Jake Sullivan and Japan's National Security Secretariat Secretary General Takeo Akiba in Tokyo, the office said in a press release. The three discussed North Korea, regional security issues and trilateral cooperation measures, and agreed to "further strengthen cooperation between the three countries aimed at contributing to regional peace and stability," it said. The advisers recalled that President Yoon Suk Yeol, U.S. President Joe Biden and Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida agreed during their trilateral summit in Hiroshima, Japan, last month, to bolster deterrence against the North, and strengthen the free and open international order. They agreed to continue cooperation for swift and effective follow-up measures, and to continue discussions to prepare for a trilateral summit proposed by the U.S. Following the trilateral talks, Cho met separately with Sullivan, and the two discussed bilateral relations, North Korea, and regional and global cooperation. They agreed to faithfully implement the various agreements reached during the Yoon-Biden summit in Washington in April, including the establishment of a Nuclear Consultative Group, and further develop the global comprehensive strategic alliance between the two countries. In a bilateral meeting with Akiba on Wednesday, Cho stressed South Korea's position that the release of radioactive water from the crippled Fukushima nuclear power plant should proceed safely in line with international laws and standards. The two noted the three Yoon-Kishida summits held between March and May made it widely known that the bilateral relationship has fully entered the improvement phase and welcomed the active discussions that are currently under way through high-level exchanges to promote bilateral cooperation. They also reaffirmed the need to strengthen bilateral cooperation, trilateral cooperation with the U.S., and international solidarity in order to firmly respond to North Korea's nuclear and missile provocations. Also Thursday, the two countries held the second session of their economic security dialogue in Tokyo, led by Wang Yun-jong, presidential secretary for economic security, and his counterpart from the Japanese prime minister's office, Yasuo Takamura. The two sides discussed such issues as critical and emerging technologies, strengthening supply chain cooperation and economic coercion, and exchanged views on technological and personnel exchanges in the semiconductor, battery and bio sectors, among other issues. (Yonhap) Holcim acquires Minerales y Agregados 15 June 2023 Holcim has acquired Minerales y Agregados, a leader in advanced mortars and adhesives in Guatemala. Minerales y Agregados represents Holcims first production facility in Guatemala, while expanding the regions Solutions & Products range with a new line of business. Holcim expects to deliver synergies by expanding the supply of Minerales y Agregados from its plants in Metapan, El Salvador, as well as by expanding the advanced mortars and adhesives offer from the Disensa retail network. Oliver Osswald, region head Latin America at Holcim, said, With Minerales y Agregados, we continue to grow our geographic footprint while broadening our range of advanced building solutions. The construction sector in Guatemala is highly specialised, demanding world-class solutions. Minerales y Agregados is a perfect addition to help us meet those needs. We look forward to welcoming the employees of Minerales y Agregados into the Holcim family and opening our next era of growth together. Minerales y Agregados was founded in 2014 by the Coronado family. It has one production plant in Guatemala. In addition to dry mortars, the company also sells other solutions to both the construction and agriculture industry. Published under Chiles cement market contracts 4% in April ICR Newsroom By 15 June 2023 Cement dispatches in Chile declined 4.2 per cent YoY to 299,858t in April 2023 from 313,101t in April 2022, according to the countrys construction chamber, CChC. In the January-April 2023 period cement sales were down 8.9 per cent YoY to 1,225,919t from 1,345,102t in the 4M22. Published under Gettyimagesbank A regional court has ruled a Cambodian activist who led pro-democracy movements for his home country in Korea should be granted refugee status, legal sources said Wednesday. The district court in Gwangju, 270 kilometers south of Seoul, has sided with the Cambodian asylum-seeker and nullified the local immigration office's decision not to recognize his refugee status. The court cited concerns that he could face political persecution if returned home. He entered Korea with a nonprofessional work visa in 2015, and organized rallies and protests calling for political freedom in his country. In 2019, he served as a leader of the youth wing of the Korean chapter of the Cambodia National Rescue Party (CNRP), which had been banned by the Cambodian government. A Cambodian court issued summonses to 68 CNRP activists abroad, including him, on charges of treason and incitement in November 2020. He applied for refugee status in 2020, arguing he could face potential oppression from his home country. But the Gwangju immigration authorities rejected the request, citing insufficient grounds to support his claim. His subsequent appeal to the justice minister was also dismissed, and he filed an administrative lawsuit with the Gwangju court. The court ruled in favor of the plaintiff, noting he played an active and leading political role, enough to draw attention from the Cambodian government, and that he has a well-founded fear of persecution due to political opinion if he returns home. (Yonhap) Don Spike, a composer and television personality, was imprisoned Thursday after an appeals court handed him a two-year prison sentence for drug use. The 46-year-old musician, whose real name is Kim Min-su, was indicted in October last year for purchasing and using methamphetamine on multiple occasions. In January, a lower court sentenced him to a three-year prison term, suspended for five years. On appeal, the Seoul High Court revised the sentence and imposed a two-year prison term, leading to his immediate custody. He was apprehended at a hotel in southern Seoul last year. He was charged with buying methamphetamine worth 45 million won ($35,140) on nine occasions and using it on 14 occasions at hotels in Seoul either alone or with other people. He also faced charges of providing methamphetamine and ecstasy to others on seven occasions and possessing about 20 grams of methamphetamine. Don Spike debuted as a keyboard player for the group Position in 1996 and became famous for his involvement in producing EXO's "Miracles in December" (2013) and Super Junior's "Islands" (2014). (Yonhap) Kim Deuk-joong, left, leader of the labor union of SsangYong Motor, reacts outside the Supreme Court in Seoul on June 15, after it ordered a retrial of a damages suit against the Korean Metal Workers' Union regarding its involvement in a violent strike at the company in 2009. Yonhap The Supreme Court on Thursday ordered a retrial of a damages suit against the Korean Metal Workers' Union regarding its involvement in a violent strike at SsangYong Motor in 2009, seeking a reduction of compensation by one-third. Lower courts had ordered the union to pay 3.31 billion won ($2.58 million) and damages for the delay in the suit filed by the carmaker, now known as KG Mobility. The courts held the union 60 percent liable for an estimated loss of 5.52 billion won resulting from the 2 1/2-month strike that started in May 2009. The top court overturned the ruling and remanded the case back to the Seoul High Court, stating the calculation of the loss should exclude the 1.88 billion won that SsangYong had paid to returning workers in December 2009. The court reasoned the payment was a discretionary decision by the management and cannot be deemed as damage directly caused by the strike. The metal industry union, affiliated with the Korean Confederation of Trade Unions, was originally obligated to pay around 10 billion won in compensation to the company. As a result of the ruling, the principal sum of 3.31 billion won is expected to be reduced by 30 percent, leading to a significant decrease in damages for the delay. SsangYong's labor union, which was part of the metal workers' union, went on strike in May 2009 to protest the management's restructuring plan. They occupied the assembly plant in Pyeongtaek, 60 kilometers south of Seoul, for 77 days before the strike was forcefully disbanded when police commandos intervened. SsangYong filed compensation lawsuits against both the union and its members. The company dropped the case against the individual strikers in January 2016, while maintaining the lawsuit against the union. SsangYong was acquired last year by KG Group, a chemical-to-steel company. (Yonhap) Main opposition Democratic Party of Korea lawmaker Park Jeung answers questions from reporters after landing at Beijing Capital International Airport in China on June 15. Yonhap An additional seven lawmakers of the main opposition Democratic Party of Korea (DPK) began a visit to China on Thursday as tensions are running high between the two countries after Chinese Ambassador Xing Haiming made remarks denounced as disrespectful to Korea. The lawmakers Reps. Park Jeung, Do Jong-hwan, Kim Cheol-min, Yoo Dong-soo, Shin Hyun-young, Kim Byung-joo and Min Byoung-dug arrived in Beijing on a trip that also includes a stop in Tibet. They are the second group of DPK lawmakers to visit China after the first group began a trip earlier this week. These visits came despite heightened tensions between the two countries after Ambassador Xing warned Korea not to bet against China in its rivalry with the United States, saying those betting on China's defeat will certainly regret it later. Korea has denounced the remark as serious diplomatic discourtesy, with the office of President Yoon Suk Yeol demanding China take an "appropriate measure" and some in the ruling People Power Party even demanding Beijing recall the ambassador. "The remarks by Ambassador Xing Haiming were very inappropriate, but all diplomatic exchanges should not be cut off just because of a single remark," Park told reporters at Incheon International Airport. "We decided to proceed with the schedule, thinking that now is the time for more conversations and discussions." Park emphasized that the trip will strictly focus on cultural exchanges. The ruling People Power Party (PPP) took issue with China paying for the DPK lawmakers' trip. "The DPK should disclose how much the expenses are and why China is paying," PPP leader Kim Gi-hyeon said at a party meeting. "I clearly warn that this could be subject to criminal punishment." Park, the DPK lawmaker, countered that they were invited to visit China for an international expo in Tibet, and it is a common practice for the host country to pay for flights and other expenses. (Yonhap) Hamilton County has been awarded a grant from the Tennessee Department of Labor and Workforce Development to provide job opportunities and training for more than 225 youth and young adults in the community. By forging partnerships with local businesses and the city of Chattanooga, the summer work program, which will be overseen by the Hamilton County Mayors Office, seeks to equip young individuals with the skills and support needed for a successful future, officials said."Across the country, summer youth employment opportunities have proven effective in both preparing students with important career skills and contributing to crime reduction, said County Mayor Weston Wamp.In addition to dozens of work opportunities and paid internships across local government, were grateful that several prominent local businesses have partnered with us to provide local youth with invaluable work and life lessons.Hamilton County government will offer comprehensive job training and support throughout the duration of the employment term. Local employers are invited to participate in this years program, Summer Success, which will begin on July 1, and provide reimbursements to employers for compensation of youth up to 25 hours per week.To sign up and become an employer partner in the program, contact the Deputy Mayor of Education and Workforce Development Tucker McClendon at TuckerM@HamiltonTN.gov.Parents and students can sign up for job placement by using this link The Hamilton County Commission is set to vote to accept the grant next Wednesday. A Murray County School official has pleaded guilty to charges related to sexual relations with a 15-year-old and to furnishing alcohol during a children's party. Rachelle Louise Terry, 43, of 5714 Old CCC Camp Road, Chatsworth, Ga., entered a guilty plea on Wednesday to statutory rape, sexual exploitation of children, and tampering with evidence. In a separate case, she entered a guilty plea to five counts of furnishing alcohol to a minor and five counts of contributing to the delinquency of a minor. Pursuant to a negotiated plea agreement, Judge Scott Minter sentenced Ms. Terry to a total of 15 years, the first three years to be served in the Georgia Department of Corrections, and the remaining 12 years on probation. Keely Parker, assistant district attorney with the Murray County District Attorneys Office, represented the state. Stephen Williams and Amber Romans represented Ms. Terry. On Oct. 29, 2022, Ms. Terry, director of Federal Programs and Enrollment with Murray County Schools, hosted a Halloween party for her minor children at her home in Chatsworth. Receipts and video evidence showed Ms. Terry had purchased alcohol earlier in the day, which she later provided to five minors who attended the party. The incident was brought to the attention of Ms. Terrys employer by concerned parents, but she denied the allegations. The School District then notified the Murray County Sheriffs Department. At the request of Murray County Sheriff Jimmy Davenport, the Murray County District Attorneys Office began an investigation. Investigator Kevin Caylor of the Murray County District Attorneys Office began speaking with those who attended the party and discovered videos from the party had been made on cell phones. Parents consented to searches of the childrens phones. With the assistance of Dalton Police Department Detective Aaron Simpson, the contents of one of the phones, which had been used by a 15-year old student in the Murray County school system, were downloaded using specialized forensic software. The phone contained evidence of a sexual relationship between that 15-year-old and Ms. Terry. At that point, the District Attorneys Office requested the assistance of Georgia Bureau of Investigation. Special Agent Daniel Nicholson was assigned the case and began assisting Investigator Caylor. Ms. Terry was questioned about the contents of the 15-year-olds phone, which she denied. Ms. Terrys phone was obtained through a search warrant. It was discovered that during the time of investigation, she had purchased software to erase her phone and all its data. Once investigators were able to take possession of her phone, most of the contents were no longer available and any evidence had been permanently deleted. The 15-year old was interviewed by a forensic child interviewer with the Childrens Advocacy Center-Lookout Mountain Judicial Circuit. During the interview, the child confirmed the accuracy of the contents of the phone, as well as the relationship between the child and Ms. Terry. Given the nature of the charges, Ms. Terry will be required by law to register as a sex offender. Additionally, part of negotiated plea included multiple special conditions imposed on sex offense cases which include no contact with children under 18, no alcohol, a curfew, and no Internet access or social media use. After Ms. Terry was sentenced, she was taken into custody by the Murray County Sheriffs Office to begin serving her sentence. Submitted by Scott Helton, Acting District Attorney, Conasauga Judicial Circuit (Whitfield and Murray County) The manager at the Dairy Queen, 5433 Highway 153, was at the back door receiving deliveries from a truck when a burgundy Ford F350 jumped the curb and hit the open back door. The driver stopped and got out, demanding the business pay for his truck. The driver didn't give any personal identification before leaving the scene before police arrived. Dairy Queen's security camera caught the truck s description and a BOLO was put out for it. Police saw the damage to the back door and confirmed it was unable to be closed or secured due to the damage. Two witnesses corroborated what the manager told police. * * * Officers made a traffic stop at 2000 S. Willow St. on a white Lexus RX350. The driver was identified and it was discovered he was driving on a suspended/revoked license. He told officers that he will not continue to drive without a license and gave permission for a passenger to drive his vehicle. Police gave the man a verbal warning for driving on a suspended license and expired registration on the vehicle. * * * Suspicious activity was reported at an apartment at 5555 Hixson Pike. Police spoke with a woman who said an unknown white male was knocking aggressively on her door and looking though the peephole. She said the man appeared to be in his 60s, bald, thin and wearing a white t-shirt. Police did not locate the man on the property or in the area. * * * A woman on N. Germantown Road told police she was pretty sure she locked her door before she went to sleep and left her bathroom light on. She noticed that the light went off and her door was open. Officers arrived within moments of the call and found no one to be near her residence. At this time nothing was noted to be taken and/or moved. No suspect information is available. * * * A woman made a 911 call from a homeless camp near 652 E. 10th St. Police were familiar with the woman as having a history of misusing 911. She told police a homeless woman needed to be removed from the area. As police were speaking with her, the unknown homeless woman vacated the area without causing any disorder. The woman told police that even though she does not own the property, she was given authority as "property manager" of this location by another officer and an "Anne Marie." She said she also has her own security detail of homeless individuals at this location. * * * A woman called police from Old Mission Road and said a homeowner had allowed her and another woman to move in with her. However, tonight the homeowner started accusing them of breaking into her house in December. Because of the accusations, the three of them got into a very heated argument. The homeowner told police that she knew the two women broke into her house in December, but couldn't prove it. She also said that she wanted both of them out of her home. The two women gathered their things and police took them to Rustic Village Apartments at 510 Central Dr. * * * Police encountered a couple on E. 3rd Street. The Hispanic man and a pregnant woman needed assistance locating Erlanger ER. The officer told them to follow him in their vehicle and led them to the ER. Due to no crime being committed, the officer did not identify them. * * * A staff member at the medical center at 601 Cumberland St. told police a man came into the business and was being loud and disorderly in the waiting area. She said that he was confrontational with other patients and then left the area after a few minutes. She said that his behavior cannot be tolerated in their waiting room and she wanted him banned. The man had left going north from the location. Police searched the area for the the man (who was identified by the staff member) but were unable to locate him. A man was shot by a Hamilton County Sheriff's deputy after he attempted to flee early Thursday morning. Preliminary information indicates that at approximately 12 a.m., a vehicle pursuit involving Hamilton County Sheriffs Office personnel began near the 7300 block of Lee Highway. The vehicle was forcibly stopped near the 6000 block of Shallowford Road ultimately resulting in a deputy-involved shooting. One male suspect sustained what is believed to be a non-life threatening gunshot wound. No deputies were injured in the incident. Hamilton County District Attorney Coty Wamp has directed the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation (TBI) to conduct the investigation into the facts of the incident. Jackie Lee Vanderpool, 76, of Spring City, Tennessee, passed away at home surrounded by his family on Tuesday, June 13, 2023 after a two-year battle with lung cancer. Jack, the middle of three siblings, was born to the late William McKinley and Dorothy Elizabeth Hammond Vanderpool on June 29, 1946, at the Tennessee Baptist Hospital in Nashville, Tennessee. As the middle child, he looked up to his late brother William Larry Vanderpool and could always find a way to tease and torment his little sister Brenda. He graduated from Donaldson High School in1963. After high school, he began college at Tennessee Technical University. Shortly after starting college, he joined the United States Navy from January 1965 through June 1969, primarily based at US Navy Mendenhall, England. Upon his exit from the navy, he returned to Knoxville to finish college at the University of Tennessee with a Bachelor of Accounting in 1973. Always an entrepreneur, he dabbled in many business ventures including a blue jean factory in Dixon, Tennessee before settling in Spring City, Tennessee to work for his familys company, SSM Industries, Inc. in 1984. Jack embraced his Christian faith in June 2000, where he was baptized with his youngest two daughters. He was a loyal member of First Baptist Church, Spring City. He was always ready to tell a big tale, his political opinions but most importantly his faith in God. After a long courtship, Jack and Phyllis were married on January 1, 1980, in the home of Uncle William C. (Bill) and Aunt Evelyn Vanderpool Hilleary in Spring City, Tennessee. In the years to come, Jack and Phyllis were blessed with three daughters, Rachael (Dean) Gardner of Chattanooga, Tennessee, Ashley (Jamie) Brooks and Sarah (T.J.) Murphy both of Spring City, Tennessee; and 8 grandchildren Olivia and Alaina Gardner, Braden and McKenna Davis, Riley and Landon Brooks, Leland and Jolee Murphy. Jacks family was always his top priority, annual family vacation a close second. The final twelve days of his life included a staycation with all of his girls and their babies at his home. Other survivors include his sister Brenda (Mark) Monks of Fayetteville, Tennessee, many nieces, nephews, and cousins each holding onto a special relationship with Jack. Funeral services will be held on Friday, June 23, at 2 p.m. at the First Baptist Church in Spring City with Rev. Brian Price officiating. Interment will follow in the Spring City Cemetery. The family will receive friends on Friday, June 23, from 1-2 p.m. at the church. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that memorial contributions be made to the First Baptist Church, Spring City 374 W. Jackson Ave, Spring City, Tn. 37381 or the American Legion Post 203, P.O. Box 992, Spring City, Tn. 37381. Vaughn Funeral Home of Spring City is in charge of the arrangements of Jackie Lee Vanderpool and asks that friends sharecondolences and memories of him with the family on our website www.vaughn-funeral-home.com. Dallas Bay Fire & Rescue was dispatched at 9:24 a.m. on Thursday to a reported residential fire at 8926 Lovell Road in the Dallas Bay community. Units arrived on scene in minutes reporting smoke showing on two sides of the home. Crews immediately initiated an aggressive interior attack, containing the fire to one room. There were no injuries to firefighters or residents. Damages are estimated at $15,000. Damages are estimated at $15,000.The cause is undetermined and will be investigated by the Hamilton County Sheriffs Office. Response included companies from Dallas Bay Stations 1 & 2, Hamilton County EMS, Deputies with Hamilton County Sheriff's Office, and Mutual Aid standby from Chattanooga Fire Department and Soddy Daisy FD. Celebrating 40 years, Women of Distinction of Greater Chattanooga has honored women annually who give of themselves through their time, energy and talents to make a difference in the community and beyond."A Woman of Distinction is one who volunteers her time to help improve the quality of life for others," officials said. "She establishes standards that inspire and encourage other women to achieve their full potential, provides leadership and influences decisions that shape and define our city and community."Women of Distinction of Greater Chattanooga announces the following 2023 Honorees:Katherine Roberts BurgerBoutique By KCynthia Inglis DaleSilverdale Baptist SchoolSuzanne Noblit ForlidasAttorneyTrish FoyAnna Ball WhiteRosemarie HillAttorneyDonna Davis JohnsonJohnson Grisham AgencyCaroline RogersChattanooga StateNancy UnderwoodRetiredKristina WickUniversity of Tennessee at ChattanoogaPinky YoungFirst HorizonWe are thrilled to continue this tradition of honoring remarkable women in our community.This years exceptional honorees have set themselves apart through their civic, cultural, philanthropic and environmental commitments. We are looking forward to celebrating them at our benefit luncheon on Oct. 18," said Steering Committee Member Lynda Minks Hood.Since 1993, a Tennessee Woman of Distinction recipient has been honored for her years of distinguished leadership, volunteer activities, philanthropic work or professional accomplishments that have contributed to improving the quality of life in Tennessee."We are honored and excited to announce this year's Tennessee Woman of the Year is Chrissy Haslem, former First Lady of the State of Tennessee," officials said. "Crissys priorities as First Lady focused on encouraging parent engagement in education and reading proficiency for children. She delivered this message through the First Ladys READ20 Book Club, encouraging families to read together for 20 minutes each day. Crissy also created the READ20 Book Patrol, a partnership with law enforcement across the state to provide books to children in low-income communities. She also frequently traveled the state with the Governors Books from Birth Foundation in support of Tennessees Imagination Library."In addition, Crissy was a champion of several other childrens causes in the state, including the TNFosters campaign and Building Strong Brains: The Tennessee ACEs Initiative. She co-chaired the Governors Childrens Cabinet. Crissy has been recognized by numerous organizations for her work on childrens issues and other public service."Since returning to Knoxville, Crissy has remained engaged in local and statewide initiatives and currently serves on the board of directors for The University of Tennessee Medical Center, Knoxville Education Foundation, Tennessee Kids Belong, Leadership Tennessee and Redeemer City to City."Crissy was raised in Memphis and attended Emory University and the University of Tennessee at Knoxville for graduate school. Crissy and her husband, former governor Bill Haslam, have been married for 40 years and are blessed with three children and ten grandchildren."Since 1983, more than 340 local women have been honored as Women of Distinction. This year's proceeds will benefit Dolly Parton's Imagination Library, a program that mails free, high-quality books to children from birth to age five. In Hamilton County more than 12,000 children receive books each month, regardless of family income, and each child registered from birth receives 60 books.For more information about the annual awards luncheon on Wednesday, Oct. 18, with registration beginning at 11 a.m. and lunch at 11:30 a.m., and the procedure for purchasing tickets, visit WomenOfDistinctiongc.com . Tickets are $75 per person. All Reservations must be made by Thursday, Oct. 12. The Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency is working with the District Attorney General Russell Johnson and the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation (TBI) to investigate alleged official misconduct by a TWRA officer located in Morgan County. TWRA conducted an initial investigation and notified the State Comptrollers Office and the District Attorney General of the concerns and the preliminary results of the internal investigation. TWRA holds all employees to a high standard of conduct and service to the community, said Executive Director Jason Maxedon. We intend to fully cooperate with the TBI and the District Attorney to hold this employee accountable for their actions. As noted in General Johnsons release, he verbally predicated an investigation to the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation regarding the alleged misconduct. General Johnson requested TBI to take over further aspects of the investigation with assistance of agents from the DAGs office. General Johnson noted that no charges have been brought at this point and the investigation is ongoing. The Morgan County Grand Jury next meets in September. The U.S. Supreme Court on June 15 rejected an attack on the Indian Child Welfare Act, long-championed by tribes as a means of preserving their families and traditions. Veterans Minister Park Min-shik speaks during a press conference held in Seoul, Thursday. Courtesy of Ministry of Patriots and Veterans Affairs By Lee Hyo-jin Patriots and Veterans Affairs Minister Park Min-shik vowed, Thursday, that his ministry will play a bigger role in bolstering the Korea-U.S. alliance, with a slew of events slated for the latter half of this year to mark the 70th anniversary of the 1953 Korean Armistice Agreement. "The bilateral relationship with the United States, which is bound in blood, is the most important front in Korea's diplomacy. And our ministry has a lot of work to do regarding relations with the U.S.," he said during a press conference held in Seoul, Thursday. According to the ministry, a large-scale ceremony will be held on June 25 marking the outbreak of the Korean War in 1950 and the U.N. Forces Participation Day on July 27, as well as the Turn Toward Busan ceremony on Nov. 11 commemorating the fallen United Nations soldiers who fought in the 1950-53 Korean War. The ministry will also hold various receptions and events with 22 countries that participated in the Korean War supporting South Korea, including the U.S., Canada, Turkey, Australia and the Philippines. Park added that the U.S. side is also willing to work together with his ministry, with specific plans for joint projects to be unveiled later. Thursday's press conference was the first such event held since the Ministry of Patriots and Veterans Affairs was upgraded from sub-ministry status to a full-fledged ministry on June 5. Park, who has led the ministry since May 2022, was reappointed to continue his leadership role in the upgraded organization. The upgrade of the ministry aligns with President Yoon Suk Yeol's commitment to better recognize and reward those who made sacrifices for the nation. During a Cabinet meeting on Tuesday, the president stressed the value of patriotic service, saying, "Remembering and honoring the sacrifices and dedication of heroes is in the spirit of the Constitution." In a closed-door session of the meeting, Yoon reportedly agreed on the need to establish an overseas office for the veterans ministry in Washington, D.C. During the press conference, Park vowed to increase efforts in recovering the remains of Ahn Jung-geun, an independence fighter who assassinated former Japanese Resident-General of Korea Ito Hirobumi in 1909, a year before Korea was annexed by the Japanese Empire. The minister viewed that thawing bilateral relations with Japan will significantly help in finding the location of Ahn's burial. Seoul has been repeatedly demanding historical documents and other records on the burial of Ahn from Tokyo. "Our relations with Japan have become more vibrant recently. Given the political weight of Ito Hirobumi in Japan's history, I'm sure that Japan does have data on the location of the burial," Park said, stressing that his ministry will find ways to cooperate with the Japanese government on the issue. He also told reporters that one of the top priorities of his ministry in the long term is renovating the Seoul National Cemetery located in Dongjak District, with an aim to make it more easily accessible to the public. Did you know that there was a woman who was considered to be the First Lady of Physics? Her name was Dr. Chien-Shiung Wu, and she was a remarkable physicist who worked on developing the atomic bomb and changed our understanding of physics through her research on the law of conservation of parity. Chien-Shiung was born in 1912 in Liuhe, China. Her father was an engineer who encouraged her to pursue a higher education which wasnt very common for women in China at the time. After graduating from National Central University with a degree in physics in 1934, Chien-Shiung moved to the United States to get her Ph.D. at the University of California, Berkeley. There, she met her husband, physicist Luke Chia-Lu Yuan, and they got married in 1942 after she received her Ph.D. in 1940. They moved to the East Coast to begin their careers, and Chien-Shiung started experiencing the racial discrimination that arose during World War II. She eventually got a job teaching physics at Smith College and then became one of the first female professors in the physics department at Princeton University. In 1944, she was invited to work on the Manhattan Project at Columbia University, where scientists were developing the atomic bomb. Chien-Shiungs contributions to the Manhattan Project were enormous, as her work with gaseous diffusion helped produce the large uranium quantities needed to build the atomic bomb. When the war ended, Chien-Shiung began receiving recognition for her work and became the first woman to become a tenured faculty member in Columbia Universitys physics department. After becoming a United States citizen in 1954, Chien-Shiung was approached by theoretical physicists Tsung Dao Lee and Chen Ning Yang to assist them in their research on the law of conservation. She made a fundamental discovery through research and experiments, which proved there was no evidence of the law of conservation and changed the way physicists work today. Sign up for Chip Chicks newsletter and get stories like this delivered straight to your inbox. Pixabay/Military_Material Recently, a fire that a parishioner believes was started on purpose destroyed the Abundant Life Church. As a result of the severity of the blaze, fourteen different agencies responded to the scene. Church Fire Fox2Now reported that on Monday, Jun 12, before 4:55 in the morning, the Warrenton Fire Protection District was notified that smoke was coming from the Abundant Life Church, which is located off the Northwest Service Road and just west of State Route W. At 5:05 in the morning, the firefighters reportedly arrived at the location and spotted smokes and a glow arising from within the building. However, firefighters could not enter a place of worship at different times due to the intense heat and flames. A few minutes later, the chapel was engulfed in flames, and the roof collapsed shortly after the firefighters left the building again. As per MSN, firefighters utilized an infrared scanner to establish that the church was empty during the blaze. This was accomplished by getting into the building through a back entrance and ascending a stairwell after leaving the building. Based on a press release issued by the Warrenton Fire Protection District, firefighters had to leave the building many times because of the intense heat and fire that was present. The spokeswoman also said there were no fire hydrants close to the church, so water pumper fire engines extinguished the fire. Moreover, fourteen agencies rushed to the scene in the church where the fire broke out. These organizations are Fire Protection District from Warrenton, Wright City, Marthasville, Lincoln County, New Melle, Wentzville, Jonesburg-High Hill, Washington, Boles, Pacific, and St. Clair. It also includes the Sheriff's Department, Ambulance District & Training Center, and Joint Communications in Warren County. Also Read: Canadian Police Arrests Two Men for Causing Fire at Historic Church Church May Intentionally Set on Fire According to the spokeswoman for Warrenton Fire Protection, the structure has been completely destroyed. Officials from the fire department could not provide any further details regarding the cause of the incident. As mentioned, the investigation from the fire department requested residents to stay away from the area as they investigated the incident. Accordingly, Abundant Life parishioner Joe Solomon stated in an interview with 5 On Your Side that the fire happened barely 24 hours after an incident during Sunday worship. A congregation member claimed that an uninvited guest came into the ceremony, and he caused a lot of trouble. Nevertheless, they needed to be made aware of his objectives. "When he walked out of the church, I followed him out and locked the doors. This intruder came to the pastor's house two days ago at 5 a.m. unannounced. It was the same man that came to the church Sunday morning," he added. On the other hand, the parishioner also asserted that even if the structure has been destroyed, the task of constructing God's kingdom will continue, and they will be a part of that. If they reportedly need to build a tent there, they will still take whatever steps are necessary to spread the gospel. Furthermore, the investigation into the blaze is being conducted by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives as well as the Missouri State Fire Marshal's Office, according to an update provided on Tuesday, Jun 13. Related Article:Cherry Grove Man Allegedly Set Series of WildFires in Alberta, Destroying Church Unsplash/Jenny Smith At the AI Frontiers Forum science conference in Switzerland, Israeli historian and scholar Yuval Noah Harari gave a perceptive address about the likely future of artificial intelligence (AI). The fascinating hypothesis advanced by Harari that AI might be able to write a new Bible could result in the creation of faiths whose sacred books are written by non-human intelligence. Harari stressed the significant effects such a development might have during his speech. He pointed out that throughout time, various religions have asserted that their holy texts were written by extraterrestrial or non-human entities. He argued that AI differs from earlier technological innovations like the printing press, radio, and television because it has an unmatched capacity for coming up with original ideas. Futuristic View of Artificial Intelligence Writing a Bible According to the article in Israel 365 News, while these previous devices communicated and spread human-generated ideas, they were unable to produce new ones, according to Harari. For instance, the printing press made it easier to reproduce the Bible, but it did not add a single novel page or provide commentary on how to read the text. The chance that future faiths will have accurate holy books increases with Harari's prediction of AI-authored religious writings. The renowned historian's assessment of the effects of AI-generated religion, however, is frighteningly futuristic and conjures images of mind control. Harari highlighted worries that AI would use language and stories to manipulate and shape human behavior and society, much like prophets, poets, and politicians have done for ages. He underlined that because AI has the ability to influence and manipulate people, using physical force is optional to accomplish goals because AI can take advantage of people's susceptibility. Professor at the Hebrew University of Jerusalem and well-known historian, philosopher, and author Yuval Noah Harari has made fundamental contributions to our understanding of human history and the probable course of humankind. According to Conversational Leadership, his best-selling books "Sapiens: A Brief History of Humankind" and "Homo Deus: A Brief History of Tomorrow," among others, have captured the attention of readers all over the world with his provocative insights into the past and future of our species. Beyond his work in academia, Harari has actively influenced international debates and tackled pressing issues. He co-founded Sapienship, a company devoted to creating an insightful and meaningful global discussion alongside Itzik Yahav. The goal of Sapienship is to promote awareness of the most important problems that humanity is currently confronting and the quest for practical answers. Also Read:Artificial Intelligence 'Will Never Be Ethical', Said Oxford University Scientists' AI During An Ethical Debate Technology is Not Evil and is a Neutral Tool People Use for Their Own Intentions Technology, as per an author in Zondervan, is a valuable tool that helps us fulfill our divine callings. It's essential to remember that technology remains a tool, even though it greatly influences our lives. The scriptures don't label tools or technologies as inherently evil; their use determines their moral value. Just like a sword can be used for good or harm, technology's morality lies in how people wield it. While technology expands possibilities and offers fresh opportunities, it carries the weight of human brokenness and sin. Our choices determine the usage and consequences of technology, as exemplified by Cain and Abel's story. Related Article:AI in Education: How Artificial Intelligence is Revolutionizing the Classroom Experience Unsplash/Obi - @pixel7propix Following a Pride worship service, a fire broke out in the sanctuary of First Church Somerville in Massachusetts, sparking an ongoing investigation by local and state authorities. The event happened as the congregation worked on a volunteer activity right below the sanctuary basement. According to First Church Somerville, a member of the congregation was able to put out the fire, preventing any injuries. The refuge has suffered some harm as a result, though. Massachusetts Church Targeted in Arson According to the article in Boston Herald, authorities from the municipal and state levels are currently looking into the situation, according to the church. Whether there is, a connection between the fire and the Pride service is unknown at this time. The Somerville Fire Department was thanked by the church for their assistance and ongoing inquiry. Regardless of how the investigation turns out, First Church Somerville has reaffirmed its dedication to being a Christian community that is unashamedly LGBT and queer-affirming. The church reaffirmed its commitment to maintaining its inclusive and affirming attitude by pointing out that queer people are created in the likeness of their Creator and possess prophetic authority within God's kingdom. According to another source, WHDH, the recent fire at First Church Somerville did not result in any physical injuries, but local authorities find the invasion of a house of worship to be extremely troubling. A local clergyman named Reverend Mike Everett emphasized the significance of churches as havens where individuals might find protection and comfort. Following another church fire earlier this year, this occurrence occurred. The FBI's Boston division opened an investigation into a possible arson after a fire that severely damaged Faith Lutheran Church in Cambridge on Easter Sunday. Church authorities have stated their suspicion about a potential link between the Pride service and the fire as the investigation into the recent fire at First Church Somerville goes forward. Nevertheless, the church is steadfast in its commitment to being an unabashedly queer-affirming Christian community, regardless of the outcome of the investigation. They sincerely believe that gay people were made in the likeness of God and that the gay community has prophetic authority in God's family. Reverend Everett agreed that worries about these instances affect a variety of religious communities throughout the Commonwealth, not just certain churches. Churches, mosques, synagogues, and individuals of all religions and beliefs are affected by these acts, which raises questions about their safety and well-being. Also Read:Easter Church Fire in Massachusetts Probed as Arson, FBI Investigates Other Cases of Church Fires Authorities are actively looking into a possible case of arson after a massive fire destroyed Faith Lutheran Church on Easter Sunday in Cambridge. According to Business Khabar, the church structure was totally destroyed by the conflagration, which swiftly grew into a 6-alarm fire. The public has been asked to help with the inquiry by sending any pictures or recordings they may have taken over the Easter weekend. On Easter Sunday morning, after the church had held a service, a fire broke out at 311 Broadway in Cambridge. Later in the afternoon, the structure was heavily engulfed in flames and smoke, which ultimately caused its demolition. The loss of Faith Lutheran Church has been deeply felt by the community, as the flames devastated the historic place of worship shortly after Easter celebrations had taken place. The investigation aims to bring clarity and potential accountability for this destructive act that has affected the congregation and the broader community. Related Article:Arson Suspect Accused of Attempting to Destroy Church Using Molotov for Hosting Drag Performances Pixabay/Gerd Altmann A message of hope was delivered during a sermon at St. Paul's Church through an artificial intelligence chatbot known as ChatGPT. This chatbot encourages congregants to appreciate life and overcome their fear of death. Sermon of Hope at St. Paul's Church Through ChatGPT The AI worship service was just one of the hundreds of activities at the annual gathering of Protestants in the Bavarian towns of Nuremberg and the surrounding Fuerth. Sun Star reported that it generated such an enormous amount of attention that attendees formed a massive queue outside the 19th-century, neo-Gothic structure an hour before it began. The conference, called the Deutscher Evangelischer Kirchentag in German, occurs every two years during the summer in a different location in Germany. It is attended by tens of thousands of believers who come to worship, sing, and talk about their religion during the gathering. In addition, they discuss current world events and seek remedies to significant problems, which this year consisted of global warming, the war in Ukraine, and artificial intelligence. This year's meeting occurred from Wednesday, Jun 7, through Sunday, Jun 11, with the theme "Now is the time." As mentioned, when Jonas Simmerlein, a 29-year-old theologian and philosopher from the University of Vienna, asked ChatGPT to build the sermon, he provided the chatbot with several lines, including this motto as one of them. According to MSN, On Friday morning, June 9, the chatbot, which appeared as a Black guy with a beard over the altar of St. Paul's Church in Furth, Bavaria, motivated the whole audience not to be afraid of dying. The worship session, filled with over 300 individuals, ran for forty minutes and consisted of sermons, prayers, and music. Moreover, the sermon delivered by the chatbot centered on topics such as letting go of the past, focusing on the here and now, not being afraid of dying, and continuing to have faith in Jesus Christ. "I conceived this service but actually, I rather accompanied it because I would say about 98% comes from the machine," Simmerlein asserted. On the other hand, four different AI avatars took turns conducting the service, and according to reports, they occasionally generated amusement due to their repetitive and expressionless delivery. However, Simmerlein observed that the chatbot and the congregation could not engage in any human engagement. Also Read: Artificial Intelligence 'Will Never Be Ethical', Said Oxford University Scientists' AI During An Ethical Debate Use of Artificial Intelligence Chatbot on Churches Tech Target stated that ChatGPT is an artificial intelligence chatbot that simulates human communication by employing natural language processing to generate conversational speech. The language model can respond to inquiries and generate a variety of written content, such as emails, articles, social media posts, and posts on essay-style writing platforms. People can reportedly interact with it analogously to the computerized chat services on websites providing customer support. They can pose queries to ChatGPT or ask for clarification regarding its responses. The acronym "GPT" stands for "Generative Pre-trained Transformer," it describes how ChatGPT evaluates requests and establishes responses. As per Resource UMC, due to the interpersonal character of church life, using chatbots to carry out obligations may appear rather impersonal to get things done. Nevertheless, if a person assumes that face-to-face connection is not always available, particularly online, using chatbots to speak with individuals who visit a website or social media page may be the most desired method. Related Article: Google's Experimental AI 'Bard' Embraces Faith: Christianity Offers Hope to Artificial Mind Pixabay/Shaun A Christian pro-life group is appealing to individuals of faith to extend grace and compassion to Carla Foster, a mother sentenced to over two years in prison for misusing the abortion pill. The group suggests that rather than solely blaming Foster, attention should be directed toward the healthcare system's role in the unfortunate incident. Mother Sentenced for Abortion Pill Misuse Carla Foster, a 44-year-old mother of three, obtained the abortion pill through the "pills by post" scheme, an initiative introduced during the pandemic to allow women to undergo abortions within the comfort of their homes. However, Foster exceeded the legal timeframe for using the abortion pill, which required women to visit a clinic for the procedure. According to a report from Premier Christian News, coroners confirmed that Foster delivered a stillborn baby at 32-34 weeks' gestation shortly after ingesting the pill. Medical experts highlight that babies born within this gestational range have a 95 percent chance of survival. As mentioned, the "pills by post" scheme, facilitated by the British Pregnancy Advice Service (BPAS), involved an online consultation where Foster falsely claimed to be only seven weeks pregnant, concealing the actual stage of her pregnancy. The Christian pro-life group encourages individuals to view this situation with empathy and grace, emphasizing that the healthcare system's shortcomings should not be overlooked. While accountability for one's actions is essential, addressing the systemic issues within the healthcare system is equally crucial. By urging the faithful to extend grace to Carla Foster, the Christian pro-life group highlights the need for a comprehensive examination of the circumstances leading to the misuse of the abortion pill. This incident serves as a reminder of the complexities and challenges surrounding abortion legislation, prompting society to engage in nuanced discussions that consider the well-being of all individuals involved. In addition, the Independent reported that the chairwoman of the Commons Women and Equalities Committee, Caroline Nokes, has joined women's rights groups in advocating for a reform of the 1861 legislation utilized to prosecute Carla Foster. According to current laws, abortions are typically permissible until the 24th week of pregnancy and are conducted in specialized clinics once the pregnancy has reached ten weeks. Also Read: Wisconsin Republicans Introduce New Bill to Define Non-Abortion Procedures, Ensuring Clarity and Legal Compliance UK's Abortion Act Times reported that in 1967, the UK passed the Abortion Act, which legalized abortions under specific circumstances that would have been considered criminal offenses under the Offences Against the Person Act (OAPA), a law dating back to the 1860s. According to current laws in the United Kingdom, surgical abortions are permissible up to the 24th week and must be conducted within a clinic. In certain circumstances, exemptions may be granted beyond the 24-week mark. These exemptions include cases where the mother's life is at risk or the child experiences significantly reduced quality of life due to a severe disability. Restrictions have been tightened on at-home medical abortions, initially authorized during the COVID-19 pandemic. On the other hand, the Abortion Act of 1967 and the OAPA are enforced throughout England, Scotland, and Wales. In a recent development, it has been reported that Northern Ireland has been granted exemption from specific laws. It is worth noting that the region had already decriminalized abortion in 2019. Related Article: Church Leaders Denounce US New Abortion Health Benefits As A Gross Failure Pixabay/Klaus Hausmann A man, age 21, was detained after being accused of shattering the glass door of a Catholic Church. It is said that he used a brick to destroy the property belonging to the Church. Man Broke Church's Glass Door Using A Brick Based on a report from MSN, at approximately 11:45 p.m. on Sunday, Jun 11, Kevin Guzman of Manorhaven hurled the brick at the Our Lady of Fatima Roman Catholic Church at 6 Cottonwood Road. Guzman then ran away before law enforcement officers could get to the scene. According to the authorities, the suspect was found at his residence at 10:10 a.m. on Monday, Jun 12, and taken into custody without an argument. He was arrested and charged with criminal mischief in the third degree. Moreover, on Tuesday, Jun 13, he was reportedly set to appear in First District Court, which is located at 99 Main Street in Hempstead. As per NewsDay, a spokesman for the Diocese of Rockville Centre, of which the Church is a part, Sean Dolan, stated that the police had noticed the vandalism to the glass door measuring three feet by three feet before anyone connected with the house of worship saw it. On Tuesday, Jun 13, Dolan informed her that the window would be repaired later that day. He also mentioned that the glass door had no spiritual significance like stained glass. Also Read:Teens Allegedly Vandalize Baptist Church Twice, Spray Paint Walls Church Vandalism United States Conference of Catholic Bishops stated that since the beginning of May 2020, at least 260 occurrences have been reported in 43 states and the District of Columbia. Incendiary devices have been thrown at statues; limbs have been severed, crushed, and painted; gravestones have been vandalized with swastikas and anti-Catholic slogans, and American flags have been burned next to them, along with other acts of vandalism and destruction. This list details acts of vandalism, arson, and other devastation committed against Catholic sites published publicly by news outlets. It does not include situations in which the circumstances point to motivation other than hatred towards the Church. According to New York Post, although the rioting and looting had primarily subsided by the summer of 2020, the religious nonprofit organization said that attacks on Catholic churches had remained and even intensified. As mentioned, smashed windows, statues with their heads severed, and satanic graffiti are some forms of vandalism committed against churches. In addition, following the draft ruling of the Supreme Court in Dobbs v. Jackson's Health Organization was leaked in May 2022, which removed the federal abortion protections established by Roe v. Wade, there have been around 118 occurrences reported. The organization believes that the "vast majority" of reported instances consisted of nothing more than the destruction of property, which is evidence that the primary motivation is not the pursuit of financial gain, even though some of the attacks involved theft. On the other hand, the findings of the report "Hostility Against Churches Is on the Rise in the United States," published by the Council on American-Islamic Relations (COAI), stated that there were 420 incidents of hostility committed against 397 churches in the United States between January 2018 and September 2022. The attacks were carried out in all 45 states of the United States, in addition to Washington, District of Columbia. Related Article: Two People Arrested For Breaking Into Several Churches, Charged with Burglary, Malicious Injury on Church Former senior presidential secretary for civil affairs of the Park Geun-hye administration Woo Byung-woo, left, and former senior presidential secretary for civil affairs of the Moon Jae-in administration Cho Kuk / Korea Times file Key aides of ex-presidents Park, Moon eye 2024 general election By Nam Hyun-woo Key yet controversial officials of the previous Park Geun-hye and Moon Jae-in administrations are showing glimpses of intention to run in next year's general election, casting an outlook that the upcoming election could become a proxy battle between the former presidents. Woo Byung-woo, Park's senior presidential secretary for civil affairs, and Cho Kuk, Moon's senior presidential secretary for civil affairs, are both remembered as iconic figures of the past decade due to their involvement in scandals that resulted in massive public distrust of their respective administrations. Since their candidacy will likely be the hottest issue in the general election, both the ruling People Power Party (PPP) and the main opposition Democratic Party of Korea (DPK) are voicing concerns that the two figures may end up stealing the show. The speculation started when Woo said in an interview with the local daily JoongAng Ilbo on June 9 that he "received many calls to run in next year's general election" and he was reflecting upon "what (he) can do for the country." Woo, a career prosecutor and lawyer, was appointed as senior presidential secretary in January 2015, but left the post in October 2016, as then-President Park ordered all of her senior presidential secretaries to resign. Later, he was charged with negligence in Park's corruption scandal and for illegal inspection of liberal figures. He served more than a year in prison following a guilty verdict on the illegal inspection charge. Last December, Woo was reinstated by President Yoon Suk Yeol and is now working as a lawyer. Following Woo's interview, rumors circulated quickly that he is seeking a seat in the National Assembly representing his hometown of Yeongju, North Gyeongsang Province, which drew sensitive responses from the PPP. "Regardless of an individual evaluation, the next general election should be an election through which the PPP and the Yoon administration are talking about the future," the ruling party's Supreme Council member Jang Ye-chan said in a CBS radio interview, Thursday. "Why do we have to backpedal?" PPP senior spokesperson Rep. Yoo Sang-bum said in an SBS radio interview, Tuesday, that the party was not considering Woo's candidacy for the general election but was also not aware of his intentions. PPP Rep. Ha Tae-keung told MBC that "the party is now led by those who agreed with former President Park's impeachment." Former President Moon Jae-in, left, and his former senior presidential secretary for civil affairs Cho Kuk pose at Moon's residence in Yangsan, South Gyeongsang Province, in this photo uploaded on Cho's Facebook page on June 10. Captured from Facebook Unsplash/Ehimetalor Akhere Unuabona After an alleged attack on the St. Timothy Catholic Church on Saturday, June 10, a local Miami woman was detained and charged. The Miami-Dade Police suspect that the crime is rooted in religious hate. Security cameras filmed the offender, 44-year-old Alfa Illescas, spray-painting graffiti on the chapel. The walls, signage, and columns in the church's school courtyard were covered in offensive graffiti by Illescas, including the words "perverts," "pigs," and "liars," as well as an upside-down cross. Miami Woman Charged With Hate Crime After Vandalizing Local Catholic Church According to the article in Catholic News Agency, Illescas was also captured on surveillance video kicking over garbage cans, approaching a Virgin Mary altar, and spray-painting a security camera that was facing the altar. Police conducted an extra inquiry and discovered that Illescas had damaged a second altar in the church's front. The police report states that the overall estimated cost of all damages is close to $3,000. Illescas was apprehended after being discovered at her home dressed exactly as in the security tape. The woman is currently facing criminal charges, including felony and mischief. The decision to choose the victim was based on their religion, according to the evidence given in the police report, showing that the acts of crime were conducted with bias and underlining a pervasive religious prejudice as the offense's driving force. The incident was attended by the leader of the Miami-Dade Police Department, Alfredo "Freddy" Ramirez III, and he gave a speech emphasizing the vital role that churches play in the community as gathering places for many people to pray and practice their religion. In the article shared in 7 Miami News, he also praised the detectives from the Homeland Security Bureau for their tenacity and hard work, which ultimately led to Illescas' apprehension. He was especially proud of their steadfast dedication and effort in catching the person responsible for the senseless atrocity. Also Read: Persistent Vandalism at United Methodist Church in Chicago Prompts Pastor to Seek Police Intervention Community Responds to Vandalism of St. Timothy Catholic Church According to NBC Miami, parents from the nearby school banded together on Sunday morning to clear the scene of the hate crime that had been committed at St. Timothy Catholic Church in Miami. In the wake of a disturbing incident that has unnerved the neighborhood, their acts demonstrate a sense of resiliency and community. Ana Fernandez, a parent whose children have graduated from the school, was one among many who gave their help. She expressed her concern about the incident but was not surprised and thinks that these things are prominent these days. Fernandez declared that she thinks there is a pattern worldwide that is attacking Christians. The Archdiocese of Miami refers to the incident's vandalism as a tragedy in its official statement. They criticized the vandalism of a holy location, such as a Catholic school or a piece of land owned by a church, in their statement, which labeled the incident as a hate crime. The community has responded strongly to the vandalism, which is being treated as a hate crime due to its religious bias, demonstrating how highly they respect religious freedom and the significance of places of worship in Miami. The community's dedication to reestablishing peace and fostering tolerance for all faiths is symbolized by the concerted efforts made to restore the harm. Related Article: St. Michael's Church in Mahim Enhances Security Measures Following Vandalism Incident Unsplash/Hamid Roshaan Global attention has been focused on Pakistan's deteriorating situation because of the repressive application of blasphemy laws and the continuous persecution of religious minorities there. Some of the worst blasphemy laws in the entire world are found in Pakistan, and thing only appear to be getting worse. Along with the threat of state-authorized execution, Pakistani Christians and other religious minorities must also worry about kidnappings, forced labor, and various other forms of discrimination. Pakistan's Harsh Blasphemy Laws and Persecution of Religious Minorities Raise International Concern According to the article in Religion News, the laws are usually used to systematically mistreat anyone who doesn't follow the teachings of Islam wherein religious minorites there, like Christians, Hindus, Sikhs, and others. The authoritarian regime of Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif must be held accountable for these blatantly unjust actions by the United States and the world community. There ar over 50 Pakistani Christians and religious who are currently being held for blasphemy charges, with some facing the possibility of execution, according to the Freedom of Religion or Belief Victims List maintained by the United States Commission on International Religious Freedom. The severity of the situation was increased by the fact that Imran Khan, Sharif's predecessor, strengthened the blasphemy laws and urged other Muslim-majority nations to band together to use economic boycotts to compel Western nations into enacting comparable restrictions. Also Read:Pakistans Church Leaders Honor Legacy of Late Bishop John Joseph; Fights Over Human Rights, Dignity, Religious Diversity The Struggle and Tragedy Christians Are Facing A tragic incident occure last October 3, 2021, when Nadeem Masih, a 38-year-old Christian and sanitation worker in Pakistan, lost his life in a horrifying accident. According to the story in AL Jazeera, Nadeem had spent 17 years working as a daily-wage laborer, waiting for a permanent contract that would grant him basic rights and benefits. He and his coworkers received an urgent call from their supervisor, demanding they unclog a sewage line in the city center that night. Reluctantly, Nadeem went to work, fearing the consequences of refusing. Soon after, Maryam, his wife, received a distressing call informing her that Nadeem and another worker, Faisal Masih, had been trapped in the open sewer. Maryam and others rushed to the scene, where they witnessed the horrifying sight of their loved ones submerged in sewage. Despite their desperate efforts, the men remained trapped for six agonizing hours, eventually succumbing to the hazardous environment. The supervisor, responsible for their safety, had abandoned them, leaving behind grief-stricken families and a community in shock. Particularly susceptible to sexual abuse, kidnapping, and forced conversions are Christian women and girls. This sad reality have been made public becuase of the case of Arzoo, a 13-year-old girl who was forcibly married to a Muslim man. According to the article in Open Doors, even though she was eventually returned home, many girls who are taken never do, and the issue is made worse by the lack of justice for offenders. Christian men are also the targets of false blasphemy accusations under Pakistani law, which results in their unfair imprisonment. Their employment options are restricted by social and economic discrimination, which forces them into low-status jobs. Church leaders are also subjected to abuse and intimidation, and arrests are frequently used to repress religious freedom. In Pakistan, the Christian population badly needs safety, rights, and religious liberty. Related Article:Pakistan Census Draws Criticism from Christian Community for Alleged Inaccuracies Pexels/RDNE Stock project The well-known author and evangelist Rick Warren struggled tirelessly to unite Saddleback Church and the Southern Baptist Convention, but his efforts were ultimately unsuccessful. The difference between the church and the convention grew as a result of the argument, which was centered on the doctrinal compatibility of female pastors. The goal of Warren's extensive efforts, which included a video series, an open letter, media appearances, and a social media campaign, was to convince Southern Baptists to overturn the decision by the denomination's credentials committee and Executive Committee to sever ties with Saddleback Church in Lake Forest, California because it had female pastors. Rick Warren's Saddleback Appeal Rejected According to the article in The Oklahoman, the decision was finally made public on Wednesday at the Southern Baptist annual conference in New Orleans, where messenger delegates assembled. They upheld the choice to separate Fern Creek Baptist in Louisville, Kentucky, and Saddleback Church because both organizations had female pastors. With an overwhelming 88% of the vote, messengers decided to keep Saddleback's expulsion from "friendly cooperation" with the denomination. Warren and Linda Barnes Popham, the pastor of Fern Creek Baptist, made moving comments prior to the vote. Rick Warren, who had been aggressively promoting the overturning of the February decision, pleaded with the Southern Baptist Convention (SBC) officials on Tuesday to adopt the custom of "agreeing to disagree" on differing doctrines for the sake of a shared mission. According to the Times, Warren had chosen a husband and couple to take over Saddleback Church after he retired in 2021. According to the Baptist Press, three additional women were also ordained as pastors in the church that year. Warren tried to persuade the people, but she was unsuccessful. Only 1,212 votes were cast against the decision to disfellowship Saddleback Church, according to The Baptist Press, while 9,437 votes were cast in favor. Fern Creek Baptist's appeal was also denied, with 9,700 voting to sustain the ruling and 806 voting against it. In response to the results, Warren issued a statement outlining his conviction that change would eventually take place since truth always triumphs over tradition, even if it takes some time. He added that the political arguments and procedural nuances that have marked the discussion would not be as important to the younger generation. Also Read:Fern Creek Church Faces Removal From Southern Baptist Convention As Female Pastor Sparks Controversy Rick Warren and Andy Wood Advocate for Female Pastors at Saddleback Church According to the article shared in Fox News, in spite of the risk of dismissal, Rick Warren consecrated three women for pastoral positions in 2021, sparking the first dispute over the ordination of women as pastors at Saddleback Church. Warren was unwavering in his support for these female pastors at the 2022 Southern Baptist Convention meeting in Anaheim, stressing the importance of SBC unity. While speaking at the conference, Warren challenged the audience to consider whether they would view one another as allies or foes in the event of a conflict. His words emphasized the value of building a climate of understanding and cooperation within the SBC. Andy Wood, the current senior pastor of Saddleback Church, also defended the acceptance of female pastors in the congregation. Wood emphasized that both men and women should be able to use their spiritual skills in the church. He particularly lauded his wife, Stacie, a teaching pastor, and acknowledged her remarkable preaching skills. Wood expressed joy when he learned that many people think his wife's sermons are better than his own, furthering his conviction about the importance and contributions of female pastors. Related Article:Rick Warrens Saddleback Church Ordains Its First Female Pastors, Gets Mixed Reactions Pexels/RDNE Stock project More than 12,000 voting delegates will decide this week on a constitutional amendment intended at explicitly excluding women from participating in teaching pastoral capacities, marking an important turning point for the Southern Baptist Convention (SBC), based in Nashville. If adopted, this novel proposal would impose a prohibition on all SBC-affiliated churches mandating them to forbid any woman from holding the position of pastor. The divisive topic will be voted on during the SBC annual conference in 2023, which will take place in New Orleans and be attended by "messengers," or delegates. The idea will be discussed on the floor on Monday even though the SBC Executive Committee has advised against it. Limiting Women's Pastoral Roles According to the article in Fox News, the idea received a cautious endorsement from the SBC Executive Committee, which is made up of 86 elected delegates and roughly 30 staff members. The committee has recommended that messengers vote against the proposal even though it has approved its presentation to the vote. The amendment's opponents have expressed concern that its adoption may spark a wave of theological statements that might serve as a barometer for congregations seeking affiliation with the denomination. Executive committee member Dana McCain thought about the complicated implications of the requested change. She said that while many approach the issue from a theological perspective, they might need to consider the complicated governance-related problems and possible unintended consequences completely. Nevertheless, the plan has received support from certain conservative SBC members. According to the shared article in USA Today, the amendment's proponent, Virginia pastor Mike Law, has been successful in enlisting the backing of several conservative SBC pastors, who have signed a statement endorsing the change. The SBC is founded on the theological idea of "complementarianism," which suggests that men and women should play distinct but complementary roles in society and church leadership. If approved, the proposal would strengthen the viewpoint outlined in The Baptist Faith & Message 2000. According to this foundational doctrine, "the office of pastor is limited to men as qualified by Scripture." Also Read: Pastor Stacie Wood of Saddleback Church Stands Firm Despite the Rejection of Southern Baptist Convention on Female Pastor SBC Considers Ban on Women Pastors According to another source, Know News said that during the annual meeting of the Southern Baptist Convention (SBC) in 2023, a significant choice about the position of women pastors would be made. Delegates will discuss a possible amendment that would forbid women pastors and will also determine whether to keep two congregations, Saddleback, and Fern Creek, out. These congregations' expulsion from the SBC was previously accepted by the SBC Executive Committee owing to behaviors that go against the Baptist Faith & Message 2000. The conference will hear an appeal from the founding pastors, Rick Warren of Saddleback Church and Linda Barnes Popham of Fern Creek. While some Southern Baptists think that settling the Saddleback and Fern Creek dispute would lessen the uproar around the proposed amendment, it is obvious that the meeting might have a big impact on how women are viewed inside the SBC. Related Article: Fern Creek Church Faces Removal From Southern Baptist Convention As Female Pastor Sparks Controversy Editors note: This article was updated with new information about disaffiliations on June 16. Carolyn Moore assumed that her Evans, Georgia, church would be one of the congregations disaffiliating from the United Methodist Church (UMC). Across the country, as of June 16, more than 5,800 churches have separated along the lines of the deep fissures in the denomination: LGBT acceptance and Methodist authority structures. But for a long time, Mosaic UMC looked like it was going to get stuck in the UMC. Moore, Mosaics lead pastor, waited for directions on the process from the North Georgia Annual Conference, the regional UMC body, which had told churches they could send notice of their intent to disaffiliate starting on January 1, 2023. But the conference paused the disaffiliation process before it began. North Georgia leaders sent an email to pastors in December 2022 saying they had concerns that local churches had relied on misleading, defamatory, and false statements and materials to make their decision to leave and join a new Methodist denomination, the Global Methodist Church, calling the discourse antithetical to the concept of a gracious exit. Moore said she made a hundred phone calls in the weeks after that email, hoping for some conversation partner who might help us make a way through, but nobody in conference leadership would step up. To date, about 20 percent of the approximately 30,000 Methodist congregations in the US have disaffiliated under the conditions set out by the Book of Disciplines Paragraph 2553. But there are hundreds more, like Mosaic, whose members want to leave but cant. The decision to pause the process for churches in the North Georgia Annual Conference didnt just delay the timeline; it meant they could lose any chance to disaffiliate, a formal process that allows churches to keep their property. The denominations addition to its Book of Discipline permitting disaffiliation over issues related to human sexuality sunsets at the end of 2023. And since one step in the leaving process is the annual conference approving a churchs departure, churches need to hold their disaffiliation votes before the annual conference meets. Some annual conferences are adding extra meetings to their schedules to process all the disaffiliating churches. Others are less charitable. In March, the North Carolina Conference announced that it was closing Fifth Avenue United Methodist Church of Wilmington ahead of the congregations vote to disaffiliate. Conference leadership said in a statement that the decision came after careful consideration and prayerful discernment. But church members were blindsided by the announcement that their 170-year-old congregation would cease to exist. Article continues below Fifth Avenue never asked for, agreed to, or wanted the closure, nor were its members ever given a chance to participate in the decision to close the church down, member Justin Pope said in a statement. Even when a congregation can work through the process, they can end up in a place of deep ambiguity. Tri-Lakes UMC, in Monument, Colorado, is in this sort of wilderness season. The congregation voted on whether to disaffiliate from the UMC. Though 56 percent of the congregation elected to leave, the church did not reach the two-thirds threshold needed for the vote to pass. A small pro-disaffiliation group, about a tenth of those who voted, has left to plant a conservative church in a nearby town. Pastor Bob Kaylor suspects that many of the 175 who voted to disaffiliate will follow. He has encouraged Tri-Lakes members to stick around and see what happens next at the church. But hes leaving too. In May, after 13 years at Tri-Lakes, he took a position at a church that has voted to disaffiliate. Each choice presents challenges, he said. Staying in the UMC is going to be challenging financially, and in terms of people and resources. I pray for them and hope they are able to sustain and thrive in the vision they have for the future, Kaylor said. It will be challenging for those who leave, too. Getting connected to a new church, starting a new churchthose are hard. People carry their grief and scars. Scott Field sees pro-disaffiliation churches taking any exit route they can find. The Northern Illinois leader of the Wesleyan Covenant Association is working with 14 churches in his region. Only one has been able to complete all the requirements for disafilliation. The other 13 churches might not make it out, because either the vote will be too close or the costs too high. Paragraph 2553 says separating churches need to pay unfunded pension liabilities. A conferences boards of trustees may also require disaffiliating congregations pay a third or even half of the value of a churchs assets and property. When a congregation doesnt have the votes to disaffiliate, Field said, conservative members might leave and start new congregations. Sometimes the conservative members of several congregations will band together to start a new church. Article continues below In other situations, conservatives will join other local congregations. Field calls these the meandering Methodists, leaving out the side door. For the churches in Northern Illinois trying and failing to navigate the disaffiliation process, stuck doesnt convey the deep frustration they feel. They feel like the system is rigged against them, their leaders are corrupt, and the conference just wants their money, Field said. Left with no other options, churches in North Georgia filed suit against the conference on March 30 as a way to bring conference leadership to the negotiating table. David Gibbs filed on behalf of 186 churches in North Georgia. He has also represented churches in litigation against the UMC in Florida and North Carolina, though those cases have both been dismissed. Judge George Wright, in his ruling dismissing the case that 71 Florida churches filed against the Florida Annual Conference, acknowledged that the plaintiffs might have a legitimate case, but under Florida law the civil courts do not have jurisdiction to adjudicate church governance issues. In his videoconferences with the churches he represents, Gibbs hears frustration and hurt from members who cannot understand why their annual conferences are making the process so difficult. They could let these churches leave for nothing if they wanted to, he said. Despite the frustration, disaffiliating pastors want to see the UMC pursue vibrant, God-glorifying ministry, even when they will not be part of it. Stephen Sparks, pastor of Maples Memorial UMC in Olive Branch, Mississippi, feels called to align with the Global Methodist Church. More than half of the members of Maples likewise believed that the church should not be in the UMC, but the movement to disaffiliate failed by about 20 votes. Some members of Maples voted to stay because they did not see a theological reason to leave; others felt loyal to the denomination they have always called home. And Sparks believes some were put off by the nearly $600,000 disaffiliation price tag calculated by the annual conference. Like Kaylor in Colorado, Sparks will leave his UMC congregation and find a place to serve in the GMC. But he maintains hope for Maples UMC and the denomination at large. Article continues below This is an opportunity for realignment for both the Global Methodist Church and the United Methodist Church to be who they are called to be and do great ministry, he said. There are people on the other side theologically that I dearly love, and we are great friends, and the only thing that will change is I will have to work harder to see them. Moores frustration with the North Georgia Annual Conference is compounded by her personal relationships with people in leadership, whom she believes to be good people. These are followers of Jesus, she said. They are not the enemy. We just have this disagreement about the future of the UMC, and it has put us in a place that none of us hoped to be in. As the deadline for disaffiliating drew nearer, there was a looming possibility that Mosaic Church will remain where it has beenstuck in a denomination, with no way out. Finally, a Georgia judge ruled that the UMC cannot just press pause on the disaffiliation process. In fact, Cobb County Superior Court Judge J. Stephen Schuster ruled, the North Georgia Conference has an affirmative duty to assist any church wishing to exit. On June 13, Mosaic Church held a congregational vote: 95 percent said they wanted to leave the UMC. Megan Fowler is a writer in Pennsylvania. Correction: Paragraph 2553 does not require disaffiliating congregations to pay a set percentange of church assets and property value. A conferences board of trustees may set those requirements. [ This article is also available in espanol. ] Have something to add about this? See something we missed? Share your feedback here. On a warm Sunday morning in March, about a dozen Thai Christians sit quietly in Grace New Life Church in Chiang Mai and wait for the service to begin. As the worship leader warms up on his guitar and the pastor makes last-minute adjustments to his slides, a frail 91-year-old Caucasian man with bifocals shuffles to a chair and sits down. The worship leader stands and asks maw (Thai for doctor) to lead a prayer. Retired missionary Henry Breidenthal slowly rises from his chair and walks to the front of the room. There, with his gray head bowed and sunken eyes closed, he addresses God softly, his Thai mumbled with age. His prayer complete, he returns to his seat as the music begins. When the worship set is finished, Breidenthal and the other congregants listen to the days message on tithing from Pastor Patompon Kong. Kong was once Breidenthals student at the Bible college he founded. Now, in the twilight of the older mans life, Kong is his pastor. For the past 60 years, Breidenthal has called Thailand home. His longevity calls to mind an earlier era of overseas service. Today, many missionary recruits hope to see quick, tangible results before returning home just a few months or years later. Breidenthals ministry shows the potential for the compound growth of a missionarys impact over the long term. That type of ministry comes at a cost. Breidenthal had to forgo the doctors salary he could have earned back in the United States, perhaps the chance to marry and start a family (Breidenthal has remained single), and definitely a normal life of comfort and ease. Yet as he spoke with me in his home about his life in Thailandtreating leprosy patients, ministering in the tribal areas, planting churches, and teaching generations of Thai pastorshe didnt dwell on what he gave up. Kong noted about his former teacher, Hes really committed to what he desired from the beginning: to finish the race well. From Kansas City to Bangkok As a young man growing up in Kansas City, Missouri, mission work was already on Breidenthals mind. His family members had varying degrees of religious commitment, but he was spiritually precocious and thought that becoming a missionary could help ensure that he made it to heaven. In his teenage years, he started attending Youth for Christs packed meetings on Saturday nights. There, he heard that salvation was by grace, not attendance. The message stuck and changed his entire outlook on faith. It did not, however, change his plans to become a missionary. Once I learned that salvation is by grace, what else could I do? he asked. Article continues below But he took some detours along the way. At his parents suggestion, he followed in the footsteps of an older brother and attended medical school. After graduating from the University of Missouri School of Medicine, he did his residency in Dallas, where he was heavily involved in a local church. Still determined to become a missionary, he enrolled at Dallas Theological Seminary where he earned a masters degree in theology in 1962. After a few years of practicing medicine, Breidenthal joined the Overseas Missionary Fellowship (OMF) and left by boat for Asia in 1964. He first trained in Singapore before heading to Thailand, where he spent a year learning the language and adjusting to the culture. OMF then sent Breidenthal to work at its hospital for leprosy patients in central Thailand. He spent most of the next few years doing medical work, but his heart longed to evangelize to the unreached hill tribe people of northern Thailand. OMFs leadership wanted him to concentrate on medicine for his first four-year term. After that, they said, he could shift his focus from meeting physical needs to spiritual ones. Image: Photos by James Thompson Reaching the unreached Mien tribe In mission, everything is pictures, Breidenthal says as he gets up slowly from the kitchen table where weve been talking and walks with a stiff gait toward another room. You have to have pictures. Hes decided that I, like the churches he used to visit while on furlough back in the States, need to see the people and places he has encountered. Were talking about his two-year ministry in the early 1970s along the border of Thailand and Laos, mostly among people of the Mien tribe. He lived in huts in the mountains, staying in each village for days or weeks or months, depending on the reception of his hosts. He tried to treat villagers health problems with limited equipment, but his primary objective was to introduce the gospel. He returns with several large binders full of small slides, now a half-century old. They show small huts with dirt floors and colorfully dressed villagers. This chapter of Breidenthals life had its share of successes, such as when he helped save a Mien womans life by carrying her on his back from her village toward the nearest medical clinic. At the halfway point, he flagged down a pickup that carried her the rest of the journey. The woman reached the clinic in time. She had been in a coma for over a week, but the medical staff were able to revive her. Eventually, as Breidenthal learned later, she became a Christian. Article continues below There were plenty of disappointments as well. Some villages were unreceptive and forced him to move on. Others welcomed him as a physician but not as a preacher. Despite these setbacks, his two years living among the Mien led to friendships and connections in which he would continue to invest over the ensuing decades. Years later, he helped Mien believers start a church in Chiang Mai. The creation of Bangkoks first Bible college In the mid-20th century, Thailands small Christian population faced a dilemma. Churches were suffering from a dearth of preachers, and many who did enter the ministry had few opportunities to pursue formal theological training. Some moved to other countries to study, but this solution had serious disadvantages: it was expensive, and many Thais who went abroad for school found work there after graduating. Before the early 1970s, Bangkok did not have a degree-granting seminary or Bible college. Several missions agencies and denominations had started small theological schools, but local believers and missionaries felt the need for a flagship evangelical institution in the capital. In 1970, they turned the vision into a reality: Thai believers donated needed resources such as a building and funds. OMF and the Christian and Missionary Alliance decided to work together on the project, ensuring that the school would be interdenominational. Now the nascent school just needed a director. The board of the newly founded Bangkok Bible College (BBC) asked Breidenthal to serve as its first leaderand its only full-time teacher. He accepted. After returning to Bangkok from his work with the Mien, he moved into the dilapidated two-story house that would be the schools first dormitory, classroom, and office. Image: Courtesy of Bangkok Bible Seminary Training generations of Thai pastors The next batch of photographs includes a shot of Breidenthal in his late 30s standing next to five young Thai men in white dress shirts and ties. This was BBCs first cohort of students in 1971. Among them is Chumsaeng Reong, a Thai believer who had grown up in a nominally Christian home (his grandfather who immigrated from China was a Christian) and was interested in learning more about the Bible. An elder at his church suggested he study with an impressive American doctor who was starting a Bible college. The elder promised that the doctor was like a Bible encyclopedia. Article continues below When Reong arrived for the beginning of the semester, he was the second student to move in. He soon learned that only three other students would be joining them. If [this doctor] is so great, why are there so few students? he remembers thinking. And why is the building so shabby? Despite that initial disillusionment, Reong, now 72, remembers his time at BBC as a special formation. Since Breidenthal lived with the students in the ramshackle house, spiritual discussions often extended well past the official end of class time. [We discussed] questions after questions after questions at the dining table, Reong recollects. After five years of study at BBC, he went on to become a pastor, seminary instructor, and founding director of the Wycliffe Thai Foundation. Today, BBC is Bangkok Bible Seminary. The old house is gone, replaced by several buildings featuring well-equipped classrooms, an impressive library, and a large assembly hall. A robust faculty has replaced the single full-time position from the early years, and the current director, Manoch Chaengmook, is another of Breidenthals former students. The seminary offers in-person and online instruction and currently serves almost 1,000 Thais. Image: Photos by James Thompson After retiring from BBC in 1995, Breidenthal moved from Bangkok to Chiang Mai, where he helped establish the Chiang Mai Bible Center. At first, students came to his house for classes. The center continued to develop and eventually became Chiang Mai Theological Seminary, where he continued to teach until 2018. Today the school has about 150 students. Both in Bangkok and Chiang Mai, Breidenthal made sure that his students put what they learned into action. They joined him in planting churches, including Makkasan New Life Church in Bangkok, which he started with another missionary. The church grew, and soon several other New Life churches sprung up around the city and beyond. Thai Christians, including some of Breidenthals students, took on leadership rolls, quickly developing the churches independence. The best one piece of literature The good doctor is not holding photographs now. Hes picked up a small booklet that features Thai writing and a drawing of Jesus on the front. I dont want to preach to you, he says, as he flips it open. Article continues below Its a small, unintentional fib, meant to set me at ease. Its clear he does want to preach to me, just like hes preached to countless people over the decades, tract in hand. I assure him that I dont mind, and he launches into a detailed exposition of Gods plan for salvation. When Thai Christians think of Breidenthal, they often think of these tracts. From early on, hes always had them, often stashed in his doctors bag along with a stethoscope and thermometer. During his tenure at BBC, he and a troupe of Thai seminarians would spend every Sunday afternoon in Bangkoks Lumpini Park, handing out tracts, singing, and engaging anyone who would stop and talk. He would later distribute them in Chiang Mai as well as on trips to neighboring countries. One time, authorities in Vietnam detained him for three days for passing out tracts. He points to several verses in the booklet from 1 John 5, focusing on verse 10: Whoever believes in the Son of God accepts this testimony. In Thailand, theyre slow to get the concept of believe in, Breidenthal says. Believe in means trust. He explains that believing about Jesus comes more naturally to many Thais. Adding one more supernatural being to an already complex pantheon is usually not a challenge. Resting solely in Christs sacrifice often is. Former students who accompanied Breidenthal to hand out tracts in downtown Bangkok remember feeling very uncomfortable at first. One recalls being so embarrassed that he tried to blend in with the joggers circling the parks running path. But many also say that they gradually learned not to be ashamed of the gospel. And while positive responses were rare, a few people they talked to did eventually become Christians. This method of evangelism has its critics, and Breidenthal himself admits that it has disadvantages. For example, hes aware that the small text is sometimes difficult for older people to read, and he knows that some tracts explain the gospel using a Western framework that Thais will not easily understand. But he also believes that some tracts give a culturally appropriate witness, and that getting these into peoples hands can make a difference. This is the best one piece of literature you can give to anybody in the world, he says, holding up the small booklet. Article continues below He doesnt have any agenda except you When Thai clergy reflect on Breidenthals ministry, they marvel at his commitment. He doesnt long to go back to America, Kong says. He never counts the days, months, and years until a furlough. He attributes this to a deep, heartfelt love for the Thai people. When prompted, they admit that he has weaknesses. He was often so caught up in his many ministry responsibilities that he did not take sufficient care of himself. Friends tried to make sure that he was eating enough and setting time aside to rest. As a teacher and mentor, he could sometimes be overly strict, and he would occasionally communicate in a very direct manner that is off-putting to Thais. But they also say he is humble enough to admit mistakes and has intentionally tried to adapt to Thai culture in a way that many missionaries do not. Perhaps even more important is his ability to focus on and invest in each individual student or companion. Hes [one of the few people] that I discuss my problems and have prayer with, said one longtime Thai friend. Because he doesnt have any agenda except you. As our time together came to a close, I saw evidence of another of Breidenthals defining characteristics: spiritual discipline. He is famous in Thai churches for living by the motto No Bible, No Breakfast, making sure hes spiritually fed each morning before being physically fed, and for almost always ending conversations with prayer. When our interview was over and I stood to go, he quickly called me back. Let me pray, he said, bowing his head and folding his hands as he has countless times before. [ This article is also available in , , and . ] Update: The court will rule on Brian Houstons guilt on August 16. Sydney court magistrate Gareth Christofi has been presented with two very different portraits of Hillsong megachurch founder Brian Houston. According to the Crown prosecutor, making his final argument in court on Thursday, Houston is a liar. He did everything he could to conceal his fathers sexual abuse and protect his own reputation and power. The defense, on the other hand, depicts Houston as an imperfect human doing his best in a difficult situation. Among other things, he sincerely believed that the survivor of his fathers abuse, by then a grown man, did not want him to go to police. The survivor, Brett Sengstock, was present in the tiny courtroom in Downing Centre Courthouse in downtown Sydney for the closing arguments in Brian Houstons trial. He sat just a few meters from Houston as two attorneys debated what the megachurch pastor should have done in 1999 when Sengstock told him what Frank Houston did to him when he was a boy in the 1970s. Crown prosecutor Gareth Harrison said Brian Houston had no reasonable excuse for not reporting his father to the police. The Crown submits that the reason was that the accused was trying to protect the reputation of the church and his father, Harrison said. Harrison argued there was a culture of cover-up in Hillsong. The church insisted on dealing with everything in-houseincluding scandals. Houston was so confident in this protective culture, the prosecution argued, he told several people at his two churches explicit details about what his father did to a 7-year-old boy, knowing they wouldnt report it to the police either. At the same time, the prosecutor argued, Houston worked hard to control information about his fathers sexual abuse. He gave the board selective details and made sure that he was the only conduit between them and the victim. He told them the victim did not want to go to police and didnt mention that Sengstock was actually wavering on that point. Even if Sengstock had been adamant about not filing a report, though, that didnt change Houstons responsibilityor his motivation in concealing information, the prosecution argued. Houston eventually spoke publicly about his fathers sexual abuse, but according to the prosecution, that was part of the cover-up too. He didnt use the phrase sexual abuse or anything that would communicate a child had been raped. Instead, Houston spoke of a serious moral failure and a very serious moral accusation. These phrases have the intent of concealing the true extent of Frank Houstons behavior, Harrison said. The megachurch pastor wasnt really being forthcoming, but was trying to squelch rumors. But why say anything in the sermon? the magistrate asked. The cat was coming out of the bag, Harrison said. But why help it out of the bag? The rumors were building. The prosecution pointed out several specific instances where Houstons account of what he told other ministers differed sharply from their recollections. He said he told one pastor the full details, but she testified she didnt remember him giving specifics. It is beyond belief that she would have forgotten that graphic detail, Harrison said. He limited [the description] because he had to conceal what Frank Houston had done, and that theme runs through all the sermons and public announcements. He was restricting the information because that was what he had to do. The Crown concluded its case by declaring Brian Houston a liar, repeating the accusation several times: He was not being honest. The core of the defenses case is contained in the words reasonable excuse. Australian law says sexual crimes must be reported unless there is a reasonable excuse. In recent years, that has been amended to specify that if an adult survivor of sexual abuse asks that it not be reported, that is a reasonable excuse not to report it. You know if it happened now, there is a specific carve-out my client would be acquitted like this, said attorney Phillip Boulten, snapping his fingers. That is translatable back into when this happened, is my submission. Boulten argued the prosecution was overreaching, calling every difference of memory after decades a lie. He called the evidence that Houston was leading a four-year, church-wide coverup so flimsy. He pointed out that much of the testimony against Houston involved people trying to remember or reconstruct what happened more than 20 years ago. Other evidence, like the victims mothers diary from the late 1990s, left large gaps in the narrative. A lot of what my friend [the Crown prosecutor] says is assumption building or speculation, Boulten told the court. But his most important argument was that there is reasonable doubt over whether Houston was trying to care for a survivor. While some witnesses testified that Sengstock actually didnt tell Houston not to go to the police or that he might have changed his mind if given the chance, thats not how it appeared to Houston in 1999. Sengstock was deeply upset when his mother told a revivalist that he was abused as a child and was adamant, the defense argued, that Houston not tell anyone any details. There can be absolutely no doubt that in [that] period Brett Sengstock did not wish a word of this to be published, Boulten said. He was concerned that the church might rake through things. He was concerned that he might be portrayed as someone with inappropriate sexual attitudes. Boulten conceded that not going to the police also allowed Houston to protect his fathers reputation and the reputation of the church. That didnt change the fact that he was also doing what the adult victim asked him to do. You can have more than one reason, he said. An excuse can be reasonable and convenient? the magistrate asked. Yes, Boulten said. Just because it was convenient for it not to be prosecuted, my client is not without reasonable excuse. Brett Sengstock said he did not want it to be reported. On Friday, the defense continued to argue that Houston had a reasonable excuse not to report to police. Boulten argued that Houstons behavior, in the days after he learned about his fathers crimes, could not really be characterized as a cover-up. The evidence is that when Brian Houston found out about this, he began to talk about it, he said. First to his family, then to the elders or board members of the ... congregations. Right from the beginning, he began to tell people. Eventually, he talked about his fathers moral failings at a 2002 Hillsong conference attended by 18,000 people, including the police commissioner, who also did not immediately file a legal report. People talk about controversy, Boulten said. They may talk in hushed tones, but they still talk. The judge will issue a verdict in the case on August 16. He faces a possible sentence of five years in prison. Native American tribes will retain priority for placement in the adoption of Native American children after a US Supreme Court ruling on Thursday. The high court rejected all challenges to the federal Indian Child Welfare Act (ICWA) in a 72 ruling by Justice Amy Coney Barrett. Justices Clarence Thomas and Samuel Alito dissented. An evangelical couple, along with two other adoptive couples, had challenged the law on multiple grounds, one being that it hinders non-Native families from fostering and adopting Native American children. The court rejected every argument and defended the fundamental constitutional principles behind ICWA. This case is about children who are among the most vulnerable: those in the child welfare system, wrote Barrett in the decision. She shared a comment from a Choctaw chief who testified in Congress in 1978, when ICWA became a federal law: Culturally, the chances of Indian survival are significantly reduced if our children, the only real means for the transmission of the tribal heritage, are to be raised in non-Indian homes and denied exposure to the ways of their people. Justice Neil Gorsuch, who handled many cases involving Native American affairs out West before coming to the high court, wrote a concurring opinion that detailed the history of the federal government forcing child removal from Native American families through boarding school initiatives, including through some missionary-run schools. He noted that surveys showed approximately 2535 percent of all Indian children [were] separated from their families by 1974. The court avoided the thorniest issue in its ruling: whether ICWAs rules for child placement were unconstitutionally race-based. The challengers argued that ICWA ignores all other issues of childrens best interest in favor of placing them with a tribe member. The court ruled that the plaintiffs did not have standing to bring that challenge. Justice Brett Kavanaugh, in a concurring opinion, said he hoped the court would consider that serious issue in the future. It was an unexpected victory for the tribes. Even liberal justice Elena Kagan at oral arguments had expressed some skepticism about whether the law put the interests of the tribe over the welfare of children. Some states had passed state versions of ICWA in anticipation of it being overturned. Christian adoption agencies did not file briefs in the case. One brief from the Christian Alliance for Indian Child Welfare gathered stories from Native children who said they were shuttled between foster homes or returned to abusive parents instead of going to a non-Native adoptive family because of ICWA. Native American Christians have seen on the ground how messy and sensitive these foster and adoption cases can be. They say ICWA isnt perfect, but in general they have supported the law. Adoption agency staffers say that all cases of child removal are painful and messy, not just ones involving ICWA. I celebrate the decision of the SCOTUS, as it recognizes the sovereignty of the indigenous nations located within the United States, said Carol Bremer-Bennett, the head of World Renew, the relief arm of the Christian Reformed Church, in an email. Bremer-Bennett is herself Navajo and was adopted into a Dutch Reformed family. Each child placement into a forever home is unique and often complicated. The goal should always be made with the best interest of providing a loving and stable home to nourish the whole child, including their ethnic and cultural identity. I know how cherished children are by every tribe and that we can and should trust those indigenous nations to make these placements with the best interest of each child at the heart. Bremer-Bennetts adoption took place before ICWA, and it was a closed adoption, so she did not have paperwork to become an enrolled member of the Navajo nation. She struggled with grief over the disconnection from her tribe and not knowing her clan. That also meant that under ICWA, she, a Navajo woman, would have a harder time adopting Native American children, something she and her husband felt called to do. They knew a Navajo birth mother who wanted them to adopt her child after the girl had been in a childrens home for years. Bremer-Bennett wrote an article about her struggles, and Ted Charles, a Navajo from the Christian Reformed Church, contacted her. He said, No Navajo should be without your clan. Im going to adopt you as my sister, she recalled. It wasn't a legal adoption. It was a ceremonial adoption. Now, thanks to that ceremonial adoption, when she introduces herself, she can say her clan. As she and her husband worked through the court process to adopt her daughter, she prayed with Charles constantly for seven days. A judge approved the adoption. Their daughter still has a relationship with her biological mother who is Navajo. Bremer-Bennett and her husband have also another adopted Navajo daughter. I have peace, said Bremer-Bennett. I know whose child I am. I know the Creator as my Savior, Redeemer, and parent and friend. Other Native American Christians working in adoption have emphasized serving vulnerable children through tribes and trying to keep children connected to their culture when possible. Different cultures have different understandings of what is best for the child, said Charles Robinson, who is Choctaw and leads a Christian ministry to Native communities called The Red Road. He and his wife have worked alongside families in the adoption process. If a child is adopted outside the tribe, he said, its been very, very important to us and to the non-Native families adopting that the kids maintain and have an understanding of their tribal culture and families. Many American atheists hide their unbelief due to social stigma in Christian culture: study In Psalm 14 of the Bible, the revered King David of Israel condemns people who don't believe in God as fools who are "corrupt" and "have done abominable works." "The fool hath said in his heart, There is no God," he declares in Scripture. "They are corrupt, they have done abominable works, there is none that doeth good." Now, many American atheists say that, despite their growing numbers in society, they often choose to hide their unbelief due to fear of social stigma, a recent study published by the University of Nebraska-Lincoln suggests. Dena Abbott, assistant professor of counseling psychology at the university, conducted a yearlong study of 600 atheists nationwide divided equally between rural-residing participants and "woman-identified" participants. Abbott said in a statement released this week that female atheists frequently reported being seen as "sexually immoral," while atheists living in rural areas that tend to be more conservative struggle to find secular mental healthcare providers to help them cope with being in the minority. "Atheists living in small towns which tend to be more religious and politically conservative often reported experiencing a heightened sense of danger because of their non-belief," Abbott explained. "Rural atheists talked about a fear of violence more than urban atheists did." While there were few reports of hate crimes against atheists, Abbott said one participant in the study reported getting death threats at a local restaurant for writing a secular opinion in a community newspaper. According to a 2021 Pew Research Center report, 29% of U.S. adults identify as "nones" people who describe themselves as atheists, agnostics or "nothing in particular" while 63% identify as Christian. The nation's share of religious "nones" at the time was 6% higher in 2021 than it was five years earlier, and 10% higher than it was a decade ago, added Pew. A Pew analysis published last September also predicted that if the pace at which Christians abandon their faith before age 30 were to accelerate beyond its current pace, without any "brakes" in the trend, then the United States could no longer be a majority Christian nation by as early as 2045. In the September 2022 study, Pew highlighted four hypothetical scenarios out of several possibilities to demonstrate how the U.S. religious landscape might change over the next half-century. The impact of younger Christian adults abandoning their faith without limitation was modeled in one of those scenarios. "By 2055, the unaffiliated would make up the largest group (46%), ahead of Christians (43%). In 2070, 52% of Americans would be unaffiliated, while a little more than a third (35%) would be Christian," stated the Pew report from last September. 'Difficult work': Nearly 300 churches in Pennsylvania leave UMC over homosexuality debate Almost 300 congregations in Pennsylvania have left the United Methodist Church due to its internal debate over homosexuality, joining thousands of others across the United States. The UMC Western Pennsylvania Conference voted to ratify the disaffiliation votes of 298 congregations at a special session held in Erie on Wednesday. Western Pennsylvania Bishop Cynthia Moore-Koikoi, who presided over the special session, thanked the regional bodys Board of Trustees for their work overseeing the process, noting that it was difficult work to do. It has been challenging spiritually, intellectually and emotionally. These persons before you were here for such a time as this, stated Moore-Koikoi. Because of their deep spirituality, their deep faith, because of their trust in God, they were able to carry out this painful process. Moore-Koikoi went on to tell those gathered at the special session that they have a choice on how they can handle the split of the regional body. As we go from this place, we can choose bitterness, envy and selfish ambition. Or we can choose wisdom that is pure and peaceable gentle and willing to yield full of mercy and good fruits without a trace of hypocrisy and partiality, she continued. I am begging us to show the world who God is through the actions of those who are remaining in the conference and the actions of those who have disaffiliated. Begging us to show the world who God is through how we will love each other and choose the better way. Earlier this week at a gathering held at Ball State University, the UMC Indiana Conference overwhelmingly approved a motion to accept the disaffiliation votes of 174 congregations. Indiana Bishop Julius C. Trimble explained in an interview posted on Facebook shortly after the 174 churches were let go that he hopes the denomination "will not look back, but look forward." "There may become a point in the future where we have an opportunity to work closely even with some churches that have disaffiliated," Trimble said. "But right now, I think, we need to focus on the main thing of 'making disciples of Jesus Christ for the transformation of the world,' and leaning into the places where there are exciting ministries happening all across the state of Indiana." Over the past several years, the UMC has experienced divisive debate over whether it should change its official stance barring the ordination of noncelibate homosexuals and the blessing of same-sex romantic relationships. Many churches, frustrated by the constant debate and the refusal of many UMC leaders to enforce the rules, have decided to leave the mainline Protestant denomination. According to UM News, as of Thursday morning, around 5,800 congregations have left the UMC over the debate, with around 3,800 of that number having disaffiliated thus far this year. Personnel Management Minister Kim Seung-ho / Courtesy of Ministry of Personnel Management By Jun Ji-hye Korea is passing on its knowhow in bringing innovation to public personnel management to other nations, based on the high praise it has received from various groups around the world, according to Minister of Personnel Management Kim Seung-ho. During an interview with The Korea Times, the minister said Korea ranked third in the areas of recruitment of civil servants and management of high-level officials in the OECD's Government at a Glance report published in 2021. In addition, the country's digital-based public personnel management system ranked first in the International Civil Service Effectiveness (InCiSE) Index that was published in 2019 by the Blavatnik School of Government at the University of Oxford and the Institute for Government in London. "Since the personnel management ministry was launched in 2014 in Korea, many countries have shown interest in our systems," Kim said. "In particular, various countries in Central and South America and Asia have expressed their willingness to benchmark our e-Saram electronic personnel management system that creates databases for human resources from recruitment to retirement." The ministry has held various webinars to inform other countries of Korea's public personnel administration. Government officials from Kenya and Tanzania have visited the ministry in person to benchmark Korea's successful cases, the minister said. The ministry also built a foundation for cooperation between ASEAN member countries, Japan and Australia during the conference of the ASEAN Plus Three Cooperation on Civil Service Matters in November 2022. This year, the ministry plans to carry out a joint study with the Astana Civil Service Hub (ACSH), an institutional platform for knowledge sharing in the field of civil service, about the introduction of electronic personnel management systems in central Asian countries. The ministry is also working to strengthen exchanges and cooperation with developed nations such as the United States and Canada. Minister Kim toured the United States in May on the occasion of the 70th anniversary of the Korea-U.S. alliance. During his stay, he visited the U.S. Office of Personnel Management (OPM), the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) and the Partnership for Public Service. "At the OPM, I met with Director Kiran Ahuja and signed a memorandum of understanding for facilitating bilateral exchanges and cooperation," Kim said. "At NASA, I met with Anne Roemer, who is in charge of personnel management there, and listened to their experience, as Korea is planning to launch the Korean version of the NASA this year." Personnel Management Minister Kim Seung-ho, right, stands with Director Kiran Ahuja of the U.S. Office of Personnel Management (OPM) during his visit to the OPM on May 18 (local time). Courtesy of Ministry of Personnel Management Priest fatally shot in the back in Nigeria ABUJA, Nigeria Unidentified gunmen shot a Roman Catholic priest to death in southwest Nigeria last week, a church spokesman said. The Rev. Charles Onomhoale Igechi was killed on June 7 as he drove in the Ikhueniro area of Benin, Edo state, the Rev. Augustine Akubeze, archbishop of the Archdiocese of Benin, said in a press statement. Igechi had been ordained less than a year ago on Aug. 13, 2022. A priest who served as vice principal of St. Michael College, in Ikhueniro, Igechi was shot in the back, Akubeze said. With great shock we received the news this morning that he was shot on his way back to his place of assignment ... and his remains were found by Boundary Street in Ikpoba Hill, Ikpoba Okha Local Government Area, Edo state, Akubeze said. He was killed by gunmen, as they riddled his body with bullets after they shot him in the back. His body was found after they killed him. Akubeze said police were investigating. We pray that the perpetrators of this evil act will be brought to face the wrath of justice, he said. Last year 39 Catholic priests were killed and 30 kidnapped in Nigeria, according to a January report by security organization SB Morgan Intelligence. Although there were quite genuine fears that these abductions were targeted persecution of the Christian faith, the financial imperative in a holy abduction has somewhat eclipsed such concerns, the report states. 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. Most states have inadequate religious liberty protections, but this state is the worst A new report reveals that most U.S. states have inadequate religious liberty protections as advocates raise concerns about what they view as the federal governments hostility toward religious liberty. Religious Liberty in the States, a project of First Liberty Institutes Center for Religion, Culture and Democracy, has ranked every state based on its safeguards for religious liberty. Its report unveiled Wednesday outlined each state's rankings based on the number of religious liberty safeguards present there. The state-level safeguards that Religious Liberty in the States examined include the opportunity forabsentee voting to allow religious people to participate in elections on religious holidays, exemptions from childhood immunization requirements and the existence of a Religious Freedom Restoration Act. The rankings also reflected the ability of healthcare providers to refuse to provide services that contradict their religious beliefs, specifically focusing on abortions, sterilizations and contraception. Additionally, the rankings reflect whether or not a state has an exemption for employers who do not want to abide by a mandate requiring them to cover contraceptives in their employer-sponsored health insurance plans and whether or not religious officials, public officials and/or businesses can refrain from participating in a same-sex wedding if doing so violates their religious beliefs. The scores that determined the rankings reflect the percentage of safeguards a particular state has in place. Mississippi received the highest religious liberty score, as it contains 82% of safeguards. On the other hand, New York had the lowest religious liberty score, containing 16% of safeguards. In Mississippis case, the state includes nine of the 11 safeguards classified as essential for religious liberty, only lacking absentee voting and religious exemptions for vaccination requirements. By contrast, New York only has two of the 11 safeguards: protections for religious healthcare workers who do not want to perform abortions and religious officials who do not want to perform same-sex marriages. West Virginia and California join New York in the bottom three states for religious liberty, while Illinois ranks slightly behind Mississippi. Only nine states had a score of 50% or higher. In addition to Mississippi and Illinois, New Mexico, Florida, Washington, Utah, Tennessee, Maryland, Idaho and Kansas had 50% or more of the religious liberty safeguards in place. The religious liberty safeguard present in most states is a religious exemption to childhood vaccination requirements, which only five states do not have: Mississippi, Maine, California, West Virginia and New York. Forty out of 50 states allow absentee voting for religious reasons, while 33 of the 50 states have religious exemptions to the health insurance mandate requiring employers to cover their employees contraceptives in healthcare plans. Additionally, 23 states have some form of the Religious Freedom Restoration Act on the books, while the remaining 27 do not. Mississippi has the maximum number of religious exemptions for healthcare workers in place, while New Hampshire and Vermont have no such protections in place. Mississippi also has the maximum number of exemptions in place for religious officials, public officials and businesses that do not want to participate in same-sex weddings. By contrast, 30 states have no protections for those who object to participating in same-sex weddings for religious reasons. Only Mississippi, Illinois, Florida, Washington, Utah, Maryland, Connecticut, Maine, Oklahoma, Rhode Island, Minnesota, Delaware, Texas, Hawaii, North Carolina, Nevada, New Hampshire, Vermont, California and New York provide some level of protection for those who see participation in a same-sex wedding as contrary to their religious beliefs. The publication of the Religious Liberty in the States report comes at a time when several Americans have found themselves in court for refusing to participate in same-sex weddings. Notable examples of conscientious objectors include Colorado baker Jack Phillips and Washington state florist Barronelle Stutzman, both of whom have faced years of litigation for refusing to provide their services for same-sex marriages. Earlier this year, the Biden administration released a proposed rule that would characterize a refusal to perform a pregnancy termination as a form of discrimination based on sex. If enacted, this rule would force doctors to perform abortions even if doing so would contradict their sincerely held religious beliefs. At the federal level, Democratic lawmakers are working to secure the passage of the Equality Act, which would codify nondiscrimination protections for the LGBT community into federal law by formally extending the definition of discrimination based on sex to include sexual orientation and gender identity. Critics of the measure worry about its implications for religious liberty, specifically the ability of faith-based organizations to hire only those who live in accordance with their religious beliefs. While the bill has passed the Democrat-controlled House of Representatives, it has stalled in the evenly divided Senate. Religious liberty advocates and faith-based organizations have offered similar warnings about the Respect for Marriage Act, legislation introduced to codify a right to same-sex marriage into law. The bill passed the House with support from 47 Republicans but is still awaiting action in the Senate. Bishops to vote on directive banning sex-change surgeries, puberty blockers in Catholic hospitals During their spring assembly this week, Catholic bishops in the United States will vote on whether to amend official healthcare directives to prohibit Catholic facilities from offering services that affirm trans-identified individuals' perceptions about their sex. The U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB) is gathering this week for the 2023 Spring Plenary Assembly, which began Wednesday in Orlando, Florida. The public sessions will take place on Thursday and Friday, beginning with opening remarks from multiple Catholic figures, including Archbishop Christophe Pierre, the apostolic nuncio to the United States. One of the items on the agenda is the bishops' vote on whether to move forward with revising a portion of the Ethical and Religious Directives for Catholic Health Care Services, which provide "authoritative guidance on certain moral issues that face Catholic health care today." The revision could update the directive to align with a doctrinal note released by the USCCB's Committee on Doctrine in March. The note, titled "Doctrinal Note on the Moral Limits to Technological Manipulation of the Human Body," stated that modern technology has led to the creation of "interventions that are injurious to the true flourishing of the human person." A copy of the ballot item shared by the National Catholic Reporter Monday states that the committee does not plan to make extensive changes to the directives but "is prepared to make those changes necessary for providing clear and useful guidance to Catholic health care services." The committee's "immediate concern" is Part III of the directives addressing the relationship between Catholic medical professionals and patients, NCR reported. The committee "does not exclude the possibility of proposing minor revisions in other parts" of the directives. The bishops' upcoming vote comes as a report released by the Lepanto Institute Sunday alleges that hospitals within the largest Catholic healthcare system in the U.S. are performing gender-change surgeries and puberty interventions for minors. As The Christian Post reported, the institute alleged that CommonSpirit Health is "performing transgender surgeries, providing hormone-based transgender therapies, providing puberty blockers to children under the auspices of so-called 'gender-affirming care.'" The health system has over 1,000 care sites and 140 hospitals in 21 states. In the report's executive summary, the authors accused CommonSpirit of acting against Catholic moral teachings "in direct defiance of its Catholic identity." The Lepanto Institute listed multiple Catholic hospitals and medical centers it had identified as providing "transgender healthcare services," such as referrals for hormone intervention and puberty blockers, in addition to "performing sterilizations." While some of the facilities listed in the report are not Catholic, their ties to CommonSpirit mean that they still fall under the sponsorship of the Catholic Health Care Federation, which has ties to the Vatican. One of the 13 facilities that received 100 points from the Human Rights Campaign's "Healthcare Equality Index" is the Saint Francis Memorial Hospital in San Francisco. The high score means these places cover hormone replacement therapies, puberty blockers for minors and trans surgeries for employees. The healthcare company Dignity Health, which oversees Saint Francis Memorial Hospital, joined Catholic Health Initiatives in 2019 to create CommonSpirit. The San Francisco-based hospital operates a facility called the Gender Institute that offers what it refers to as "gender-affirming care." The facility performs breast augmentations, hysterectomies, as well as vaginoplasties and phallus reconstructions for trans-identifying individuals. "It should be noted that CommonSpirit's tax form 990s for 2020 and 2019 both indicate that CommonSpirit Health provided funds totaling $2,128,662 to the Saint Francis Memorial Hospital over the course of those two years," the report explains. "What this means is that Catholic funds are going directly to the very hospital performing these ghastly procedures. Bear in mind that all of this is being done through CommonSpirit's 2019 merge partner, Dignity Health. What's worse is that Dignity Health is doing this in the name of the Catholic Church." Hillsong Church founder Brian Houston covered up fathers abuse of boy: prosecutor Embattled Hillsong Church founder Brian Houston intentionally covered up his late father Frank Houston's sexual abuse of a boy and shielded him from criminal prosecution to protect the church's image and likely knew about a $10,000 payment that was made to silence the victim, a prosecutor alleged during closing arguments in an Australian court Thursday. "The reason the accused failed to report the matter to the police was he was trying to protect the reputation of the church and the perpetrator, who was his father," Crown prosecutor Gareth Harrison said, according to The Sydney Morning Herald. Houston, who has pleaded not guilty, was formally charged in August 2021 with failing to report his father's abuse after a two-year investigation by the New South Wales Police in Australia. If found guilty, Houston could be imprisoned for up to five years. Authorities allege that Houston "knew information relating to the sexual abuse of a young male in the 1970s and failed to bring that information to the attention of police." Court documents allege Brian Houston knew as early as September 1999 that his father had committed an indecent assault in 1970 when Brian Houston was a teenager. Frank Houston, who died in 2004, was the head of the Assemblies of God in New Zealand until 1971. Brian Houston, who founded Hillsong Church in 1983, was the head of the Australian branch of the Assemblies of God from 1997 to 2009. In an interview with The Sunday Project, Brett Sengstock, the victim who is now 61, claims that Frank Houston repeatedly raped him from the age of 7 until he was 12. It wasn't until he turned 16 that he found the courage to tell his mother about what the revered church leader did to him. "We were big in the church and had strong ties in the church, and Frank Houston came over to a Christian camp," Sengstock said. "Then he came back to my family's house. "One night, Frank Houston came in and climbed on top of me and started choking me and turned me over, and I passed out. And he raped me. This went on repeatedly for days during that week," he recalled. "And me and Brian Houston would play on the sand together, and Frank would rape me again. Late in the night, back on top of me." Sengstock, who says he is still recovering from the trauma of the abuse with the help of his wife, alleges how Frank Houston would let him know he was his "golden boy" as he was being abused, according to an interview he did with "60 Minutes Australia." After Sengstock's mother reported his abuse to church leaders in the 1990s, he said Frank Houston contacted him and offered him $10,000. He further stated that Brian Houston facilitated the payment of the money and even blamed him for tempting his father. "Brian Houston facilitated the money but said something to me that rocked me to this day," Sengstock said. "He said, 'You know, this is all your fault. You tempted my father.'" In his closing arguments urging the court to find Houston guilty, Harrison described Frank Houston as a "founding father" of Hillsong, which started out as Sydney Christian Life Centre, alleging there was an "entrenched reverence" towards him. The reverence for Frank Houston, argued Harrison, "enforced a culture of silence," which allowed Brian Houston to "control the narrative" while protecting his father and the church. "It appears that no one when told that a very high-ranking pastor was a pedophile, none of them thought it was a matter that should be raised with the police On the accused's evidence, he was certain none of them said anything," Harrison said. "The culture in the church, and its members, was, therefore, to protect the church from scandal." Harrison argued that Houston's claims Sengstock did not want to report the matter to police isn't true. He also argued how Frank Houston tried to manipulate the victim. "Frank Houston told him, 'You're going to get some money; let's keep this between ourselves.' He even went on to say, 'No one will believe you anyway,'" Harrison said. Houston's defense attorney, Phillip Boulten, argued that the case against his client should be dismissed because a reasonable excuse for not reporting the crime is that the victim, as an adult, did not wish to press charges. He argued that that is enough for Houston to be acquitted under Australian law today. "If it's a reasonable excuse now, it was a reasonable excuse then," Boulten said. "Just because he is ashamed of what his father did, and just because it was going to be a terrible blow to anybody who trusted him to learn about this, and because to use your honor's word it was maybe convenient for it not to be prosecuted ... does not mean [Brian Houston] is without reasonable excuse." Hillsongs Brian Houston says father was serial pedophile,' given retirement package after firing Brian Houston, the founder and former global senior pastor of the Hillsong Church network, told a court in Australia that his father, Frank, was a "serial pedophile" but received a retirement package after being defrocked by the Assemblies of God. "I have no doubt now that my father was a serial pedophile, and we'll probably never know the extent of it," Houston, who has pleaded not guilty to concealing his father's sexual abuse, told the Downing Centre Local Court, according to Australia's ABC News. Brian Houston, who served as the head of the Australian branch of the Assemblies of God from 1997 to 2009 and founded Hillsong in 1983, acknowledged that the denomination should have issued a public statement about why his father was stripped of credentials in 1999 by the Assemblies of God instead of just saying it was related to retirement. Brian Houston was formally charged last August with failing to report his father's abuse of a young boy after a two-year investigation by the New South Wales Police. Authorities charge that Houston, 68, "knew information relating to the sexual abuse of a young male in the 1970s and failed to bring that information to the attention of police." Houston has denied any wrongdoing. During Frank Houston's tenure as an Assemblies of God leader, he was alleged to have abused a number of young boys in New Zealand and Australia. Brian Houston reportedly immediately forced his father to resign from the Sydney Christian Life Centre with a pension once he learned of the claims against him in 1999. Houston told the court he thought at the time that his father, who died in 2004, was not "a danger" to the community as his health was failing and that the abuse took place within a "season." "There's no evidence that after that season, in the early [1970s] and so on, that he continued to abuse minors," said Brian Houston. Frank Houston was the head of the Assemblies of God in New Zealand until 1971. As per court documents, Brian Houston knew about the abuse as early as September 1999. Houston claims that he respected the wishes of his father's victim, Brett Sengstock, by not reporting the allegation to authorities. Frank Houston died in 2004. Brian Houston rejected allegations from prosecutors that he only disclosed his father's confession to church figures so he could "have control" over a potential scandal. Houston, who also denied claims that $10,000 was paid to Sengstock in exchange for his silence, told the court he was at a meeting at a lawyer's office in Sydney where an "agreement" was drafted regarding his father's payment to Sengstock, but that was not meant to silence the victim. "I was very careful to make sure that it didn't reflect any NDA (non-disclosure agreement), nothing to silence Brett, and that there was nothing to stop Brett from going to the police," Houston said. He added he did not want to go against the decisions of the church's national executive at the time and did not "actively" think a public statement about his father's abuse was needed. Houston contends that church leaders today are more aware of their obligations after the Royal Commission into Institutional Responses to Child Sexual Abuse, which began in 2012. "I'm quite sure if we had our time over again, there would have been a different approach to public announcements," Houston said. Sengstock has also claimed that Brian Houston once blamed him for "tempting" his father, an allegation that Houston called "absurd." "It's nonsense. I mean, who would say that about a seven-year-old boy, or a 10-year-old boy," Houston told the court, according to ABC News. "[I] t's just an absurd notion." Houston also told the court his father was given a retirement package more than a year after he admitted to the abuse, NCA Newswire reported. Houston said the retirement package would "financially look after" Frank and Hazel Houston. "He had been fired from preaching, had his credentials taken, he'd been asked to leave Hillsong. This was an attempt to sign him off as an administrator," Houston said. Crown prosecutor Gareth Harrison argued Frank Houston was allowed to "quietly retire" with no public announcement being made he was an "admitted pedophile." The court was also told that Frank Houston continued to preach. He was invited by Pastor Bob Cotton to preach at the Hunter Valley Christian Life Centre in Maitland in September 2004, about two months before his death, NCA NewsWire reported last week. Cotton pleaded ignorance about sexual abuse by Frank Houston at the time but said he was told that Frank Houston committed a "criminal" act. Frank Houston spoke in tongues during his sermon at the church and conversed with several young boys in the congregation, according to an audio recording of his sermon. "This curly haired little man here But what a fantastic young fellow he is, curly hair, sort of. Good looking," Frank Houston can be heard saying. "It's not your fault you're good looking. So thank God you are. Who wants to be ugly when you can be good-looking. Yeah. Look at this great big strong man, full of faith. I hope you love God all the days of your life." Earlier this month, Hillsong's general manager, George Aghajanian, said it was his job to ensure the church complied with New South Wales laws. He said the allegation of Frank Houston's abuse was not reported to authorities because it was not a "current matter." "Our understanding of our requirements was to report something that could be potentially an imminent danger," he told the court, adding that the reported abuse was committed decades earlier and predated the church itself. The court has been told that Brian Houston confronted his father about the abuse in late 1999, and he confessed before his death. In September 2021, Brian Houston stepped down from his roles on Hillsong Church oversight boards after being charged with concealing his father's abuse. In March 2022, Houston resigned as global senior pastor after it was revealed that two serious allegations of sexual misconduct were made against him in the last 10 years. In a Facebook video last month, Brian Houston said he was essentially forced out of leadership with a misleading narrative. "I want to be clear. The media and others incorrectly say I resigned because I breached the Hillsong code of conduct, but that's just not true. I didn't resign because of my mistakes. I resigned because of the announcements and statements that had been made, which Bobbie and I felt made my position untenable. And I spelled out my reasons for my resignation in my resignation letter to the Hillsong Church board," Houston said. In a statement, Hillsong claimed that Houston violated the church's pastoral code of conduct by entering the hotel room of an unidentified woman for 40 minutes while under the influence of alcohol and prescription drugs during the church's annual conference in 2019. California voters oppose schools hiding students' gender identities from parents, survey finds About two-thirds of likely voters in California say they would strongly support laws requiring schools to notify parents about significant changes in a child's physical, mental or emotional health, including if their child identifies as another sex. The data released Monday by Rasmussen Reports is based on a telephone and online survey of over 1,305 California likely voters conducted by Pulse Opinion Research. The survey contained an error margin of 3 percentage points and was sponsored by the Real Impact Ministry at Calvary Chapel Chino Hills, California. Eighty-four percent of California voters indicated that they would support a law requiring schools to notify parents about "any major change in a child's physical, mental, or emotional health or academic performance." Sixty-six percent of participants said they strongly support a law like this, and only 12% said they would oppose a parental notification law. If a parental notification law included requiring schools to tell parents that their child identifies as the opposite sex, 62% of California voters would be "more likely" to support it, and 46% would be "much more likely" to support it. Twenty-seven percent of participants said they would be less likely to support such a law if it included this requirement for schools. Similarly, 69% of participants said they support schools notifying parents if their child identifies or requests to be identified as the opposite sex. While 55% of voters said they strongly support parental notification in this type of situation, 23% said they were opposed. About 68% of respondents said they oppose "teachers and school administrators keeping information about a child's gender identity secret from the parents," including 55% who strongly oppose that type of secrecy. About a quarter (24%) said they support schools keeping students' gender identity secret from parents. About half (51%) of white respondents said they strongly support schools notifying parents if their child requests to be identified as the opposite sex, while 57% of black and Hispanic voters said the same. "The data clearly shows that California parents support transparency and accountable policies, making it mandatory for the school administrations to inform parents if their child is facing any of these challenges or lifestyle changes," Real Impact Executive Director Gina Gleason said in a statement. "Parents are attending school board meetings in droves to show that despite what the education establishment thinks, children, their well-being, and upbringing are not the responsibility of the school or state, it's the responsibility of the parents." In April, a California mother made national headlines after she claimed during a Chico Unified School Board meeting that her child's school allowed the child to identify as the opposite sex without her consent. In that meeting, the school board voted to keep an alleged "parental secrecy policy" that allows school employees to keep parents in the dark about such matters. The board voted not to enact a policy of "more parental inclusion." Parental rights groups in California have put their support behind a bill that would require schools to let parents know if their children identify as the opposite sex within three days. A study by the Defense of Freedom Institute for Policy Studies released in February found that at least 3 million K-12 students are enrolled in public school districts where they can change their name and preferred pronouns to reflect their chosen gender identity without parental consent. The report, authored by former U.S. Department of Education Press Secretary Angela Morabito, analyzed policies from 20 of the nation's largest school districts as determined by a 2018 list in the Digest of Education Statistics. "Parents cannot assume schools will respect their rights," Morabito told The Christian Post at the time. "These harmful policies are by no means limited to big-city districts. ... Every parent should inform themselves of policies in their school district and speak up if schools are willing to conceal major information from them about their own kids." The Rasmussen survey respondents also reacted to President Joe Biden's statement during an April 2022 White House event centered on teachers, where he said: "There's no such thing as someone else's child. Our nation's children are all our children." Sixty-four percent of California voters disagreed with Biden's statement, and 48% said that they strongly disagreed. Twenty-nine percent said that they agreed with Biden's remarks, and 13% said that they strongly agreed. Additionally, 71% of participants do not believe children under the age of 18 are mature enough to make life decisions by themselves. Majorities in every racial, political and demographic category agreed with this position. Eighty-four of Republicans, 78% of independents and 60% of Democrats held this opinion about minors. Sound of Freedom filmmaker vows to save kids from trafficking: It's more dangerous not to do it ORLANDO, Florida Filmmaker and actor Eduardo Verastegui is dedicating his "entire life" to saving kids, and one of the ways he is using his influence is by sounding the alarm in Hollywood with the new movie "Sound of Freedom." Scheduled for release on July 4, the film tells the true story of one man's journey to combat child sex trafficking. The Angel Studios film is based on the life of Tim Ballard, a former U.S. Department of Homeland Security agent who lost his job because he took it upon himself to rescue children from the horrific form of modern-day slavery. Starring Jim Caviezel ("Passion of The Christ"), "Sound of Freedom" also features Oscar winner Mira Sorvino ("The Final Cut"), Bill Camp ("12 Years a Slave") and Jose Zuniga ("Twilight"). Along with acting in the film, Verastegui ("Unplanned") is the film's producer, and Alejandro Monteverde ("Bella," "Little Boy") is the film's writer and director. During a sit-down interview with The Christian Post at the National Religious Broadcasters convention last month, Ballard and Verastegui spoke of their strong desire to get the film in front of as many people as possible to encourage them to take a stand against trafficking. "I love this line that Jim Caviezel says in the film. I didn't say it in real life, but it definitely sums up my feelings. When he says to his boss at the U.S. government: 'This job tears you to pieces, and this is my one way to put those pieces back together,'" Ballard said. After working for a decade as a DHS special agent, Ballard founded Operation Underground Railroad, which rescues children from sex trafficking rings around the world. He said his passion for rescue work began when he realized that many trafficked children live in a place where their governments do not have the resources to get them out. The film highlights some of Ballard's inner struggles about that and what he does about it. "It's impossible not to want to be involved in a project like this. When I met Tim and I just heard [what he went through], I was in shock," Verastegui said. "What really hurts me the most is that the people who are doing this to these kids are human beings like you and me, made of the same. This is not people who are coming from other planets that are our enemies. This is people like us. So in what moment, what happened to these guys?" he continued. "They were kids at some point full of dreams. So what happened in what moment they decided to, 'You know what? I'm going to use my life to hurt kids.'" The "Sound of Freedom" trailer boldly declares, "God's children are not for sale." The studio, filmmakers and actors hope that at least 2 million people will go to theaters on July 4 to represent the 2 million children currently victimized by human trafficking. Verastegui, who has considered running for office in the Mexican government, said he is committing his life to fight trafficking. "It dangerous? Yes! [but] it's more dangerous not to do it. So at the end of the day, we're going to die, and we're going to answer to God, and every day I think about this. How am I using my life?" he continued. "When Tim told me, 'You know, it's very sad. What I'm telling you, of course, it's horrible, but it's more sad that now that you know it, if you do nothing. That penetrates the heart." Verastegui said they want to create a movement to "put pressure on the government so these things become a prime priority, not just for the government, for everyone." The United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime defines human trafficking as any situation in which someone experiences "force, coercion, abduction, fraud, deception, abuse of power or vulnerability, or giving payments or benefits to a person in control." The International Labour Organization reports that human trafficking is a $150 billion per year industry worldwide and that around 21 million people in the modern world are enslaved. Verastegui said many people are unaware that the problem exists, so combating it is not a priority. He wants "Sound of Freedom" to motivate people to act. "[The movie] goes through the eyes. It moves the heart and the emotions, and then the feet move forward. That's movement! So we move, movie to movement," he declared. "I promise to God, I want to dedicate my entire life to save children," Verastegui added. "I am pro-life, but pro-life means not just to defend just the babies in the womb; of course, that's the most fundamental and most important right because if you don't have the right to be born, you cannot enjoy any other right. But we don't stop there! What about the kids who are living in the streets? What about the children that are victims of child trafficking? What about those teenagers who are suffering from addictions? We need to be there too." "If you are pro-life, you care about life in every stage of that person. That's why we decided to put all our energy, all our lives, our minds and our faith into this project. It's been eight years of work for two hours of your time, and I hope this movie will touch many hearts. I hope this movie will raise awareness." Verastegui declared: "We're coming to save the children and we coming after the traffickers too." Multiple Hollywood studios rejected the film, but Angel Studios acquired worldwide distribution rights earlier this year. Angel Studios is a platform for filmmakers to collaborate with the audience and bring projects to life by crowdfunding. It creates and distributes films and TV series worldwide and is known as the studio behind "The Chosen" and "Dry Bar Comedy." To spread the word, Angel Studios set up a pay-it-forward program where someone could pay for someone else's ticket who might not otherwise see "Sound of Freedom." Additional information can be found on the website. Which states are the worst at protecting religious freedom of faith groups? New study reveals A new study from a religious liberty nonprofit highlights which states have the highest and the lowest level of religious freedom protections for faith-based nonprofits at a time when many religious beliefs are increasingly scrutinized under state laws and regulations. The Washington, D.C.-based Napa Legal, which exists to educate religious nonprofit leaders on corporate and legal issues, has released its first annual Faith and Freedom Index, which ranks the 50 states by their level of hospitality for faith-based nonprofits. The index gives states an overall score and individual scores based on religious freedom and regulatory freedom. A states religious freedom score considers key issues related to a nonprofits freedom to pursue its mission in accordance with its sincerely-held beliefs. Napa Legal Executive Director Mary Margaret Beecher said in a statement Wednesday that faith-based nonprofits face threats to their religious freedom and the often-crushing weight of regulatory burdens. The Index is unprecedented in that it takes the perspective of faith-based nonprofits themselves, she added. We evaluate state laws not from an ivory tower but with a focus on their practical impact. Faith-based nonprofits bring education, spiritual and moral formation, and humanitarian services to our communities. The Faith and Freedom Index shows how we can do more to value this important work. Factors determining a states religious freedom score include the presence or absence of a state constitutional protection of free exercise, state Religious Freedom Restoration Act, religious freedom for nonprofits with public programming, religious freedom for faith-based employers, protections for religious liberty in [a] state of emergency and a Blaine Amendment that restricts the ability of faith-based organizations to participate in public benefit programs. Nevada and Maryland ranked the lowest when it comes to religious freedom, receiving respective scores of 18% and 20%. Napa Legal described the two states as possessing only weak and ambiguous protections for faith-based nonprofits religious freedom. According to the whitepaper report, Maryland "has several policies that are burdensome to faith-based nonprofits operating in the state, such as an audit requirement to maintain charitable solicitation registration, no RFRA, and laws regarding public accommodations that include no meaningful exemptions for religious organizations." Meanwhile, Nevada, also "has several policies that are burdensome to faith-based nonprofits operating in the state, such as a broad Blaine Amendment, no RFRA, and laws regarding public accommodations that include no meaningful exemptions for religious organizations." Other states that received low scores on religious freedom include Michigan (22%), Vermont (23%), Massachusetts (26%) and Wisconsin (26%). On the other hand, the top scores for religious freedom went to Alabama and Texas, which received scores of 86% and 70%, respectively. Both states require government burdens on religious freedom to pass the most rigorous tests. Texas features a state constitutional amendment expressly protecting religious worship, Napa Legal explained. Other states that received high religious freedom scores include Mississippi (67%), Kentucky (64%), Kansas (60%) and New Mexico (60%). The regulatory freedom score categorizes states based on their laws that impact day-to-day operations at a faith-based nonprofit, specifically whether state laws make it straightforward or difficult for a nonprofit to successfully operate and comply with the law. Factors influencing a states regulatory freedom score include the presence or absence of sales or use taxes, exemptions to property taxes for religious organizations and exemptions to corporate taxes for religious nonprofits. The states that scored highest in regulatory freedom were Oregon (90%), Indiana (88%) and Montana (87%). Napa Legal maintains that these states set up nonprofits for success by featuring simple, user-friendly fundraising requirements and tax regimes. Other states identified as possessing a high level of regulatory freedom include Wyoming (84%), Iowa (84%) and Missouri (81%). By contrast, the lowest scores for regulatory freedom went to Michigan (39%) and Wisconsin (42%) because of what Napa Legal describes as complicated tax requirements and burdensome fundraising obligations. Additional states with similarly low regulatory freedom scores include Maryland (44%), Connecticut (45%), Illinois (45%) and North Dakota (46%). The religious freedom and regulatory freedom scores combined to form a states overall score on the Faith and Freedom Index. Alabama and Texas came out on top, with overall scores of 75% and 72% on the index. These states unambiguously protect religious freedom while also setting up nonprofits for success through straightforward corporate, tax, and fundraising regimes, Napa Legal concluded. States at the other end of the spectrum include Michigan (29%), Maryland (29%) and Nevada (32%), which received low overall scores due to complicated regulatory regimes and only minimal protections for faith-based organizations. Perverts: Woman charged with vandalizing Florida church with graffiti A woman who spray-painted hateful messages on the walls of a Florida church and damaged one of the altars has been arrested and charged with vandalism. Alfa Illescas, 44, was arrested by the Miami-Dade Police Department, Homeland Security Bureau, for her alleged role in vandalizing St. Timothy Catholic Church of Miami last Saturday. According to authorities, Illescas was seen on video surveillance walking through one of the churchs gates and spray-painting walls with words like perverts and pigs, and kicking over trash cans. She also allegedly damaged an altar dedicated to a saint. "Places of worship are a staple of our community where many go to pray and practice their religious beliefs," said Miami-Dade Police Department Director Alfredo Freddy Ramirez III in a statement released Sunday. "I am very proud of the tenacity and hard work of our Homeland Security Bureau investigators to arrest the individual responsible for this pointless crime." Illescas is facing charges of criminal mischief in a place of worship, reported the Miami-based WSVN, and is being held at the Turner Guilford Knight Correctional Center in Miami-Dade on a $6,000 bond. For its part, the Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Miami released a statement in which it explained that parents of the parish school helped to clean the walls on Sunday. This is a tragedy, that a sacred place like a Catholic school and church property is vandalized. It's a hate crime, stated the Archdiocese, as quoted by NBC Miami. I'm concerned but I don't think I'm surprised, said one woman, whose children graduated from the school, to NBC Miami. Because Christians are under attack and you see it all over the world. According to the churchs website, the congregation was founded in 1960 and initially held worship services at the auditorium of Southwest Miami High School. The church eventually got its own building, a former World War II barracks, and also opened a school that enrolls students from pre-kindergarten to the eighth grade. According to a report by the Family Research Council released in April, attacks on churches in the United States have been steadily on the rise for the past several years, and the first quarter of 2023 has continued the upward trend. The first three months of 2023 saw approximately three times the number of acts of hostility perpetrated against churches in the same timeframe last year, wrote Arielle Del Turco, director of the FRC Center for Religious Liberty. A Christian psychotherapists appeal to LGBT-affirming Christians I want to make an appeal to those Christians who are sympathetic to those who identify somewhere in the LGBT conglomeration, even those who adhere to the doctrine that marriage is only between a man and a woman, yet they view LGBT-identified individuals as some sort of marginalized group deserving compassion. There are those who desire to remain doctrinally faithful while avoiding the animus that comes from a certain strain of fundamentalism. And, of course, there are those who have chosen progressive, revisionist theology that fully affirms the range of sexuality concepts within LGBT. If I am giving the benefit of the doubt, I can see how Christians who are either fully or partially affirming of LGBT self-concepts may be doing so out of a sincere desire to demonstrate compassion. Tiffany Arbuckle Lee, better known as the Christian music artist Plumb (one of my personal longtime favorites), comes to mind as an example. When June 1 rolled around, she posted on her Facebook page a rainbow with the following caption: Happy Pride month! To all my LGBT brothers and sisters I see you and I love you! At this point, Im confident shes far from the minority among artists in the Christian music scene; Im certain most others are testing the winds before they make such public declarations of LGBT-affirmation. I was not surprised by her position. Not only was she dropping hints over the past few years on her social media that shes growing more critical of conservative theology and reevaluating norms of Evangelical Christianity, but Im not surprised because of the very reason I have always liked her as an artist. Listen to her albums and you will hear carefully worded reflections on the pain and brokenness of the human experience. Her songs depict a heart for the hurting, and that has always resonated with me. Heres why. Im a psychotherapist a trauma-informed one to boot. In particular, I work with individuals with struggles over their sexuality. I started off as an accountability partner to friends with sexual addiction struggles when I was a student at a Christian college. After interning at a counseling center that specialized in a whole range of sexual issues, I launched a support group on campus for men dealing with past trauma, and by Gods design, all of them dealt with some sexual struggle, half of which would be same-sex in nature. I ran that group for eight years. During graduate school, I experienced intense discrimination for the work I do. Im now certified in Reintegrative Therapy, a treatment approach for trauma and addictions using evidence-based interventions, which has been found safe and effective in helping people explore shifts in their sexuality. I consult with Joseph Nicolosi Jr., whose father was the founder of authentic Reparative Therapy, the therapy approach that is probably the most misrepresented and reviled among liberals and conservatives alike. I could certainly save myself much risk and controversy if I specialized in any other area. I share my background to point out that this is more than just a job for me. I care deeply for individuals with conflicts over their sexual attractions and identity. It infuriates me when I see Christians including fellow conservatives with whom I agree with so much on speak so recklessly and harshly about sexuality strugglers. A certain stream in the church sees homosexuality only in terms of its sinfulness, some of which go so far as to insinuate that the person having same-sex attraction (SSA) experiences is committing the sin of idolatry just by suffering involuntary arousal sensations and intrusive same-sex thoughts. I can thus empathize with the impulse to assuage the burden on the person who is subjected to such insinuations. But to those inclined toward LGBT affirmation, do you really want to be an ally to those with sexual attractions and self-concepts that diverge from the norm? Do you want to demonstrate love, mercy and grace? Excellent. Then please, listen to my plea. I put my livelihood at risk working in the most controversial field of psychotherapy and ministry because when I hear the stories of men and women with SSA, my heart breaks. I hear stories of failed attachment with one or both parents, rejection by siblings and peers, shame for not fitting the culturally bound stereotypes of masculinity or femininity, contempt for their bodies, intense loneliness and anxiety, and sexual exploitation (to name just some of the common factors). It is quite evident that the tendencies toward homosexuality or insecurity in their gender identity are derived from these experiences. But the self-examination required to work through those root issues is difficult. When you go along with the narrative that people are just gay or just trans and you deny the impact that their experiences had on their sexual development, you are actually allying with the very wounds, developmental deficits, ingrained lies, and sin (both those committed against the person and those by the person) that causes the sexual brokenness you are affirming. It is akin to attempting to ally with a trauma survivor by celebrating the alcohol abuse or self-harm the person uses to cope with the trauma. When you ally yourself with LGBT activism, you are allying with the forces of darkness that seek to steal, kill, and destroy personal dignity, sexual integrity, and the hope of marital and sexual fruitfulness. Quite frankly, we default to LGBT affirmation because it eases the burden on ourselves to do the difficult work with them. If you want to be a true ally to their dignity and wholeness, get in the trenches and aid them in their process of healing. I care too much for men and women, and children, who endured developmental wounds, to see their progress in healing and reintegration derailed by a movement of misguided compassion. In trauma treatment, we commonly say that trauma reactions (such as hypervigilance and flashbacks) are normal reactions to abnormal experiences. But we know that the trauma reactions are themselves disordered and lead to interference with living a safe, healthy, productive life. A trauma-informed lens leads us to ponder questions like What happened or failed to happen in your life? Rather than Whats wrong with you? We dont simply try to convince our clients that theyre born that way. As trauma-informed professionals, we foster curiosity about the connection between the present and the past. We educate our clients to know what types of experiences are necessary for normative development so they can be aware of their own needs and vulnerabilities. We equip them to regulate their involuntary physiological and cognitive reactions; help them establish and enforce boundaries so their behaviors are prosocial, healing, and in line with their values; and we wisely expose them to the experiences in the past that keep them bound to their distressing emotions and distorted beliefs. If you fail to see the parallels to how we ought to address same-sex attractions and gender confusion, then you are lacking an awareness of the truth, goodness, and beauty of Gods design for us. Yes, sexuality strugglers do need compassion. And true compassion affirms the reality of Gods design while offering competent help to those who desire it. Operators of mini photovoltaic plants on Jeju Island and their supporters rally in front of the Gwangju District Court, June 8, protesting against allegedly illegal grid limitations enforced on their plants repeatedly over the past years. Courtesy of lawyer with knowledge about the matter Jeju PV plant owners challenge country's giant energy operators By Ko Dong-hwan A group of mini photovoltaic (PV) plant operators has filed a lawsuit against the country's energy ministry, an energy powerhouse and an exclusive power exchange market, after suffering what they claim was an excessive number of "illegal" grid limitations resulting in their financial losses. Operators of 12 PV plants on Jeju Island filed a suit in the Gwangju District Court on June 9 against the Ministry of Trade, Industry and Energy, the Korea Power Exchange (KPX) and the Korea Electric Power Corp. (KEPCO) which distributes over 93 percent of the energy in the country. The plaintiffs were backed by private organizations the Korea Solar Energy Development Association (KOSEDA) and a solar power business association. The self-claimed victims of a series of grid limitations a regular operation that limits output on power grids to prevent excessive supply and maintain grid stability at the hands of the country's biggest power controllers have caused a stir in the country's still immature renewable energy market. They argue that it is an emerging problem for the country on its path to carbon neutralization by 2050 alongside other countries like the United States, China and European Union member nations. The business operators say they understand the need for grid limitations in keeping the country's power grids safe, but what they cannot understand is why the country's biggest power controllers had to carry out the measure so unprofessionally and unfairly. KakaoTalk notifications from KEPCO of grid limitation to a photovoltaic plant operator on Jeju Island show the information arrived only a few minutes before or even after the measure's initiation. The left image shows a grid limitation scheduled for 12:05 p.m. on March 2 but the message arrived at the same time. The other shows a KEPCO notification arrived at 12:17 p.m. even though the measure was scheduled for 12:09 p.m. Courtesy of lawyer with knowledge about the matter "The current grid limitations have no legal basis or procedure," the PV plant operators said during a rally in front of the court, June 9. "That gave us no chance to predict when or to which plant operator the limitations will affect. We are simply being forced to bear the brunt of the limitations without knowing when or to whom they are coming." The plaintiffs demanded notifications of when grid limitations will be carried out in advance. The notifications are sent to them via a smartphone text message or through KakaoTalk. But many times they have received the messages with only a few minutes left until the notified time of the measure's initiation. Some notifications have even come after the measure began. In either case, they were caught by surprise. They said that advance notification is critical for them so they could have enough time to prepare for the measure's effect on their businesses. The plaintiffs also complained that whenever a limitation took effect, they didn't know why or how long it would last. They said such lack of basic information robs them of the predictability they critically need as energy providers. The fact that the limitations took effect only on renewable energy plants on Jeju Island also provoked the plaintiffs who said resulted in an "unjust sacrifice" on their part. Photovoltaic panels fill the sloped site for one of the PV plants on Jeju Island whose operators claimed their plants were enforced with illegal grid limitations. Courtesy of lawyer with knowledge about the matter The accused parties, which are de facto key players of power distribution in the country, must do all they can to keep the grid stable and the burden should be shared by all, not solely by small business owners like themselves, the plaintiffs said. "Grid limitation was first introduced in the country in 2015 but right now we are only talking about the damage done after October 2022 until last May based on the evidence we have," a lawyer with knowledge about the matter told The Korea Times on condition of anonymity. "Each plaintiff experienced the limitations from once to as many as 36 times during the period. If we had included cases beyond that period, we could count many more." One of the plaintiffs who kept records said his power plant was blocked by grid limitations 23 times in 2022 and 42 times this year alone until May 25. He said his financial losses amounted to over 40 million won ($32,000) altogether. The Korean government proclaimed it will eliminate 40 percent of greenhouse gas emissions by 2030 compared to 2018 levels. To do so, net zero carbon emissions are necessary as is a transition from fossil fuels to renewable energy. To expand the use of clean energy sources, access to unrigged and transparent grids as well as a predictable market environment for clean energy plant operators are prerequisites, the plaintiffs said. "We believe that KPX and KEPCO have been executing grid limitations only on smaller renewable energy power plants because it was the most convenient method for them to keep the current grid stable while keeping nonrenewable energy power plants in the country undisrupted," the lawyer said. Coal and nuclear power still feed most of the country's entire power grid. A worker at KEPCO's Gyeonggi Province headquarters in Suwon monitors the local power grid, Jan. 26. Newsis Chick-fil-A is way worse than we thought Earlier this month, social media was in an uproar with news that Chick-fil-A has officially gone over to the dark side by hiring a VP of Diversity Equity and Inclusion (DEI). No one knows why this became an issue recently; after all, Erick McReynolds has been VP of DEI since 2021. He was not a new hire but was promoted within the company, where he has been employed since 2007. The principles of DEI for Chick-fil-A are committing to be Better at Together and to foster mutual respect, understanding, and dignity everywhere we do business. On its face, this is not objectionable. However, DEI initiatives across hundreds of U.S. companies are simply a rouse for a highly discriminatory system that encourages racism rather than a meritocracy. As several journalists have pointed out, this is not a new phenomenon for the company. In fact, Chick-fil-A has been pandering to the woke mob for years. In 2019, after years of pressure from LGBT groups, the company stopped funding the Salvation Army and the Fellowship of Christian Athletes. In 2020, the Chick-fil-A Foundation announced their new approach to charitable giving would focus on nourishing the potential in every child and donating to a smaller number of organizations focusing on education, homelessness and hunger. Though it reframed how grants would be allocated, the foundation did not expressly mention the LGBT controversy, nor did it exclude giving to faith-based charities in the future. Back in 2019, the Federalist ran a story on how Chick-fil-A diverted its resources to organizations like Covenant House, which hosted drag queen story hour, and the Southern Poverty Law Center, which vilifies conservatives with irrational hyperbole, accusing them of being white supremacists and racists. As if those new programs were not evidence enough that Chick-fil-A is no longer the beacon of Christian values in Corporate America, the problem may actually be far more insidious. In 2023, the Chick-fil-A Foundation funded a relatively small non-profit called Elevate USA. Its mission is to build long-term, life-changing relationships with urban youth, equipping them to thrive and contribute to their community. They offer tutoring, mentoring, and other standard programs that serve at-risk youth. None of this is unusual until you explore the organizations financing. Chick-fil-A has joined the murky underworld of the Silicon Valley liberal elites and their multi-billion dollar nonprofit empire targeting conservative and Christian values in every sector of American society. Let me explain. Elevate USA receives over 75% of its $1 million+ funding from the Stand Together Foundation Inc. (notice the similarity in the language to Better at Together from the Chick-fil-A DEI page). This foundation had over $140 million in annual funding for 2021, with over $356 million in assets. A large chunk of their tax-free funding came from the National Philanthropic Trust, which had 9.4 billion dollars in revenue in 2021 and nearly 16 billion in assets. The funding ladder ultimately led to the Silicon Valley Community Foundation (SVCF), which accumulated over 15 billion dollars in assets in 2021. Though this web of organizations does not seem related to the average person, it is well-known for tracking terrorist financing or organized crime, money laundering schemes are often hidden behind a complicated set of interlocking companies to mask the sinister nature of their activities. The SVCF invests millions of dollars in the California Black Freedom Fund to intentionally provide unrestricted funds to non-profits that advocate for public policy changes that eradicate systemic and institutional racism. The California Black Freedom Fund was also generously supplied with grants from the Gates Foundation, JP Morgan Chase, and others right after the 2020 riots to build on the momentum created during that time. Yes, they believe that the rioting and destruction of millions of dollars of personal property and government buildings in the summer of 2020 was a momentum they hoped to maintain and expand. Despite its lofty goals and air of egalitarianism, the SVCF was slammed in the news for its toxic work culture and suspicious funding mechanisms. In addition to claims of workplace sexual harassment, unfair working conditions, and failure to serve local communities, SVCF became a repository for donor-advised funds (DAF) of wealthy Silicon Valley tech giants like Mark Zuckerberg. DAF's are a legal fiction that allows donors to get a tax deduction for billions of dollars they give to a tax-exempt entity while still controlling how that money gets spent. In other words, foundations like SVCF and the NPT are how Zuckerberg, Gates, and their buddies fund the massive effort to kill unborn babies, host drag shows for kids, and advocate for legislation that lets children castrate themselves without parental consent. These tech mob bosses have created and built thousands of small charities with the specific purpose of dismantling the foundational values of our society. The biggest charity in the US last year, according to the Chronicle of Philanthropy, was not the United Way or the Salvation Army but Fidelity Charitable, the not-for-profit arm of the mutual fund company, where about 150,000 donors have DAFs, second only to Gates Foundation. Fidelity gave its single largest donation of 2021, $141 million, to the Church of Latter-Day Saints, also known as the Mormons. They also provide significant contributions to Planned Parenthood and the Salvation Army. Chick-fil-A is the latest company in the crosshairs of furious conservatives calling for a boycott of popular companies like Budweiser and Target. However, what makes their allegiance to this network of disingenuous evildoers masquerading as do-gooders is their betrayal of their loyal patrons. Chick-fil-A is a family-owned company, so theyre not beholden to the ESG standards of publicly traded companies. They cannot pretend they were forced into this agenda. Their largest consumer base has always been the Christian community. Yet, they have been trying to appease the left for over a decade and have now caved to the pressure to fit in. It reminds me of the biblical account of Lot, who, when faced with an angry mob that wanted to rape his angelic visitors, offered his daughters instead. The fear of the angry mob can make human beings do dreadful things. So Chick-fil-A is not only woke, they have chosen the side of evil over the Christian community on whom they built their fortune. It's much worse than we thought. They have joined the soulless tycoons who sacrifice our children to this demonic agenda, warping their sense of self-identity in exchange for a lie. It is time that Christians call them out for their hypocrisy and remind them: Do not be bound together with unbelievers; for what partnership have righteousness and lawlessness, or what fellowship has light with darkness? (2 Corinthians 6:14). I wish all Christians were fanatics for Christ Fanaticism is a word that most Christians bristle at. Let's pause a bit and reflect on this. Is there really anything wrong with Christians being filled with zeal for Christ? Shouldn't we have unquestioning enthusiasm for the same God who came down in the likeness of a man and died to save our souls? It is important to note that the value of fanaticism is determined by the cause. Some are fanatics for evil agendas and their extreme zeal causes them to commit atrocities. This is not the case with Christs disciples. These are men and women who love Christ dearly and who desire to follow His footsteps. They do not tolerate evil; they do not compromise their faith and they zealously pursue the lost to see them come to know Christ as well. Christians have always been maligned by their respective societies. According to the Apostle Paul, So when we preach that Christ was crucified, the Jews are offended and the Gentiles say its all nonsense (1 Corinthians 1:23). Christians should not be afraid of being called fanatics since Christ Himself was also called the same names: But when His own people heard about this, they went out to lay hold of Him, for they said, He is out of His mind (Mark 3:21). Paul has also labeled a fanatic who had lost his sense of reasoning. Now as he [Paul] thus made his defense, Festus said with a loud voice, Paul, you are beside yourself! Much learning is driving you mad! (Acts 26:24). It is absurd that the world accepts excessive enthusiasm in sports, music and media, but no one brands the key players as fanatics. Honestly, I wish all Christians would be seen as crazy people who follow their master with excessive zeal and uncontrollable passion. Some of us who are respectfully sophisticated and do not want to be associated with Christ should rethink where our true allegiance lies. Given just how tepid Christian devotion is nowadays, a lot of Christians would probably accuse Him of being too zealous. Driving out the money changers from the Temple grounds wouldve probably been roundly condemned by mainstream evangelical voices everywhere. Thats a huge problem. Evil thrives in our societies and nations because Christians are embracing the world for fear of being labeled fanatics. However, the devil only fears so-called fanatics and finds it difficult to promote his agenda wherever they live. There is a need for all of us to be more obsessed with the truth of the Gospel and avoid compromise and easy-going tolerance, which ultimately stands against Christ and His Kingdom. One of the greatest needs in the Body of Christ today is for every Christian to become more enthusiastic about his or her faith in Jesus Christ; not less. The devil and his agenda cannot be thwarted by lukewarmness. The opposite of feminism isnt the patriarchy What is the opposite of feminism? If you ask some people who call themselves Biblical patriarchists, theyll tell you so-called biblical patriarchy is the opposite of feminism. But that cant be right. The opposite of an unbiblical view of women isnt another unbiblical view of women. Over the last few weeks, some biblical patriarchists have suggested Christian women who teach theology (to other women), especially podcasters like my friend Allie Beth Stuckey, are rebelling against God. Since then, many patriarchists on social media have called complementarians repressed feminists and maybe most asinine of all, one person called complementarianism a soft form of Androgyny. Some of these patriarchists are my friends, but Im disappointed by their silly reasoning and divisive rhetoric. Patriarchists can strongly disagree with complementarians without resorting to silly insults and misrepresentations. Nevertheless, though feminists have deceived many into associating the word patriarchy with oppression, we should know better. The word patriarchy comes from a Greek word that means the rule of the father. A patriarchy is therefore a system ruled or led by fathers or men. Complementarians and patriarchists agree men are the leaders in homes and local churches. We disagree, however, on what that looks like in practice. There are disagreements over marital relationships, parenting, dating or courtship, corporate worship, and even the relationship between churches and families. These disagreements are not strictly between complementarians and patriarchists. Some patriarchists disagree with each other on these issues. Just as there are differences between complementarians like me and so-called soft complementarians, there are different kinds of patriarchists. Therefore, in some ways, I have more in common with some patriarchists than soft complementarians. One of my heroes in the faith is a man who calls himself a gospel patriarchist. So since some patriarchists agree with complementarians that its not sinful for women to teach theology outside the local church, this article isnt necessarily about patriarchy as a whole. Im particularly addressing the patriarchists who believe women shouldnt teach theology. With that said, on a practical level, I think the biggest difference between complementarians and patriarchists is what we believe about a womans role in society. Patriarchists acknowledge that when God says I do not permit a woman to teach or to exercise authority over a man; rather, she is to remain quiet (1 Timothy 2:12) he is speaking in the context of the local church. However, some patriarchists tend to misuse the basis for those words (1 Timothy:13-15) to suggest women shouldnt teach the Bible or have authority over men in any circumstance outside the local church. They say since women shouldnt preach or have authority over men in local churches because of Gods created order, it means women shouldnt have authority over men in any capacity in society. Therefore, according to them, women shouldnt be in positions of authority at work and women like Allie Beth Stuckey shouldnt be podcasters. But 1 Timothy 2:12-15 isnt saying women shouldnt teach theology or have positions of authority at work because of Gods created order. Instead, its saying women shouldnt teach or have authority over men in local churches because of Gods created order. Ironically, these biblical patriarchists do not have a biblical basis for their view of patriarchy. And though they claim otherwise, their views on women teaching theology are not the historic position of the Church. Before I get to that, however, I should briefly address one of the most common myths from patriarchists about complementarianism. They claim complementarianism is a relatively new theological position created by John Piper and Wayne Grudem in the late 1980s. This is seemingly one of the reasons they believe complementarianism is influenced by feminism. But its not true. The term complementarianism is relatively new, but its theology isnt new. Patriarchists who spread that myth are like Catholics who say Reformed Theology was created by the Reformers. As Calvin and Luther repeatedly said, Reformed Theology wasnt a novel concept from the 16th century. The terms Calvinism and Reformed were new, but its theology wasnt new. Its the doctrine of the Bible and its the theology of church fathers like Augustine. In the same way, complementarianism is just the latest term to describe the biblical and historical position of the Church. Also, though patriarchists attempt to say otherwise, Christians throughout history didnt describe themselves as patriarchists. As Kevin DeYoung says: Its not a term youll find in Christian confessional statements from the past. Its not a term youll find employed frequently (or at all) in the tradition of the church as it defends biblical views of the family, the Church, and society. The term wasnt even in use as recently as the late 80s when Piper, Grudem, and others coined complementarianism. The most common terms at the time to describe some peoples views on gender roles were egalitarianism, traditionalism, and hierarchicalism. So, patriarchy is the most recent term to describe some Christians views on family, church, and society not complementarianism. With all that said, Ill finally transition to what prompted this article: patriarchists who are complaining about women teaching theology and apologetics (to other women) on podcasts. As I mentioned earlier, these types of patriarchists misuse 1 Timothy 2:12 and they suggest God commands that women should be quiet outside the local church. But that exposes their inconsistency. Some of the loudest Christian women on social media are patriarchists. Some of these women are social media influencers, bloggers, authors and podcasters. However, these female patriarchists havent been publicly rebuked by their male counterparts for teaching theology (to other women). So apparently, their complaints about women teaching theology are only reserved for complementarian women. That doesnt help their argument, especially since their argument is theologically and historically weak. Patriarchists say their views on women teaching theology or participating in apologetics and the culture war are historical, but thats not entirely true. For instance, near the beginning of the Reformation, a university in Bavaria arrested and imprisoned a student for teaching Luthers Reformation theology. A woman named Argula von Grumbach immediately published a letter rebuking the (all-male) faculty. The letter was a theological defense of the Reformation with over 80 biblical references. That letter became one of the bestselling Reformation letters at the time. The only people who complained about her theological writings were Catholics, not the Reformers. They deeply respected her. In a letter to a friend, Luther said: The Duke of Bavaria rages above measure, killing, crushing and persecuting the Gospel with all his might. That most noble woman, Argula von Stauffer, is there making a valiant fight with great spirit boldness of speech and knowledge of Christ She has attacked the University of Ingolstadt for forcing the recantation of a certain youth, Arascius Seehofer She alone, among these monsters, carries on with firm faith, though, she admits, not without inner trembling. But she isnt the only female Reformer. Another woman who taught theology during the Reformation was Katharina Schutz Zell. She wrote several books, including a defense of clerical marriages, and a commentary on the Psalms. But the most prominent female Reformer was probably Marie Dentiere. She was a theologian and an evangelist who worked with William Farel and John Calvin to bring Reformation to Geneva. In one of her books, she said: For what God has given you and revealed to us women, no more than men should we hide it and bury it in the earth. And even though we are not permitted to preach in public congregations and churches, we are not forbidden to write and admonish one another in all charity. John Calvin thought so highly of her, he asked her to write the foreword to his published sermon on 1 Timothy 2:12. Shes the only woman whose name is engraved on the Reformation Wall in Geneva, Switzerland. There are also women like Hannah Moore, who worked alongside William Wilberforce and John Newton to abolish the slave trade in Britain. She also authored many tracts to address religious, cultural, and political issues in Britain. According to some patriarchists, these women were rebelling against God with the approval of Reformers like Calvin and Luther and Puritans like Wilberforce and Newton. Since some of the patriarchists Im referring to were complementarians until just five minutes ago, they should consider being slow to speak on this issue. Because they sometimes sound like they think they can improve our culture by improving on what the Bible says. When a person forbids what the Bible doesnt forbid, its because they think theyre wiser than God. And that says a lot. These patriarchists claim feminism has essentially corrupted everyone except them. But in a sense, theyre influenced by feminism. Their brand of so-called biblical patriarchy is an overreaction to feminism. If feminism makes you develop another unbiblical view of women, it means youre corrupted by feminism. And interestingly, just as feminists see oppressive patriarchy everywhere, some patriarchists see repressed feminism everywhere even in a godly, anti-feminist woman like Allie Beth Stuckey. Because she has a podcast. Originally published at Slow to Write. Southern Baptist Convention upholds decision to expel Rick Warren's Saddleback Church (CP) The Southern Baptist Convention has upheld the removal of Saddleback Church from the denomination due to the California megachurch allowing a woman to serve in the office of teaching pastor. In results announced Wednesday morning at the SBC Annual Meeting in New Orleans, Saddleback's expulsion was upheld by 9,437 votes (88.46%) to 1,212 votes (11.36%), with 19 ballots disallowed. Additionally, the disfellowshipping of Fern Creek Baptist Church of Louisville, Kentucky, and Freedom Church of Vero Beach, Florida, were also upheld by a vote of 9,700 to 806 and 9,984 to 343, respectively. Fern Creek Baptist had been removed from SBC membership for having a woman serve as pastor of the congregation. Freedom Church was removed because its lead pastor has been credibly accused of sexual misconduct. In February, the SBC Executive Committee deemed Saddleback, along with five other churches, to not be in "friendly cooperation" with the convention. At issue is Pastor Andy Wood, who succeeded Saddleback founder Rick Warren as lead pastor of the megachurch last year, listing his wife, Stacie, as the church's teaching pastor. The 2000 Baptist Faith and Message states that while men and women are both called to spread the Gospel, the office of pastor is limited to men. On Tuesday afternoon, messengers at the SBC Annual Meeting heard appeals in the cases of Saddleback, Fern Creek Baptist and Freedom Church, with Warren imploring the denomination to reconsider the Saddleback's removal. Warren argued that Southern Baptists could agree to disagree on the matter of female pastors, comparing it to the SBC's decision to not disfellowship churches that adhered to Calvinist theology. "We should remove churches for all kinds of sexual sins, racial sin, financial sin, leadership sin, sins that harm the testimony of our convention," Warren said. "But the 1,129 churches with women on pastoral staff have not sinned." Al Mohler, president of Southern Baptist Theological Seminary, spoke against Saddleback's appeal, warning that Saddleback was threatening the unity of the SBC and that the issue was not nonessential. "It's not just a matter of church polity; it's not just a matter of hermeneutics," Mohler stressed. "It's a matter of biblical commitment, a commitment to the Scripture that unequivocally we believe limits the office of pastor to men." "Here we face the unusual situation in which Dr. Warren himself has made repeated statements, and the church has taken repeated actions that make very clear it rejects the confessional understanding of the Southern Baptist Convention on this issue." Founded in 1980 by Rick and Kay Warren, Saddleback has grown to more than a dozen locations in California, with an average weekly worship attendance of around 30,000. The Christian Post UK evangelicals distance themselves from Ugandan support for anti-homosexuality law The Church of England Evangelical Council has issued a statement rejecting the criminalisation of homosexual behaviour. The CEEC's statement was published this week in response to the Anglican Church of Uganda's support for strict new laws making some homosexual activity punishable by death. The Anglican Primate of Uganda, Archbishop Stephen Kaziimba, said he was "grateful" for the Anti-Homosexuality Act 2023, which received presidential assent last month. The CEEC said that while it was "fully committed to Lambeth I.10 in its entirety" and upholding biblical teaching on marriage and sexuality, it could not condone the criminalisation of homosexuality. The evangelical group said that such laws would "encourage victimisation" of LGBT people and hamper pastoral care and discipleship. "We oppose the criminalisation of consensual homosexual behaviour, especially when combined with severe penalties and requirements to report people for their behaviour," the CEEC said. "We believe such laws encourage victimisation of those who are gay, lesbian, bisexual, or same-sex attracted and make the church's commitment to listen to, care for, and disciple all people, regardless of sexual orientation, much more difficult to live out. "On the basis of these convictions, we are committed to further reflection on these matters and are engaging privately, through EFAC, with GAFCON and GSFA. "We continue to pray for Christians and non-Christians whose lives such laws impact so severely and for all of us that, in our diverse cultures, we will learn from each other and bear faithful witness to Christ in word and deed." The Archbishop of Canterbury, Justin Welby, has asked the Ugandan Primate to reconsider his support for the new law. In a letter to Archbishop Kaziimba, he expressed "grief and dismay" at the Ugandan Church's endorsement and said there was "no justification" for any province in the Anglican Communion to adopt such a stance. Archbishop Kaziimba dismissed Welby's concerns in a tweet, saying, "Archbishop Justin Welby, Primate of All England, has every right to form his opinions about matters around the world that he knows little about firsthand, which he has done in his recent statement about Church of Uganda's widely held support for the Anti-Homosexuality Act 2023." By Simon Hutagalung The Democratic People's Republic of Korea (North Korea) is cut off from the rest of the world, is desperately poor, and has declared war on its neighbor to the south, South Korea, a key U.S. ally. The United States has maintained a military presence on the Korean Peninsula since the Korean War in the early 1950s when it backed South Korean forces in their fight against North Korean communists backed by China and the Soviet Union. Relations between the two countries remain tense. The Demilitarized Zone (DMZ) is one of the most heavily fortified frontiers in the world, with U.S. forces stationed alongside 630,000 South Korean troops and 1.2 million North Korean troops. Since North Korea is an unchecked nuclear power, it threatens to start a nuclear war with South Korea. The military might of North Korea has only grown more formidable over time. Six short-range ballistic missile tests, three cruise missile tests, and three intercontinental ballistic missile tests have been conducted so far in 2023. A satellite intended to improve North Korea's military surveillance capabilities was never successfully launched, but the country quickly admitted its failure and pledged to try again. With the increasing military threat from North Korea, South Korea has strengthened its relationship with the U.S. to a "nuclear-based" level. In a speech commemorating South Korea's Memorial Day, Yoon stated, "North Korea is enhancing its nuclear and missile capabilities and has legislated the use of nuclear weapons." Yoon declared, "The South Korea-United States alliance has been upgraded to a "nuclear-based alliance." Trilateral security cooperation between the U.S., Japan, and South Korea has been expanded in response to the rising danger presented by North Korea's nuclear program. Ballistic missile defense, anti-submarine warfare, search-and-rescue, and maritime missile defense have all been the focus of cooperative military drills between the three nations in 2023. These drills provide an opportunity to promote regional trilateral cooperation and improve the interoperability of the participating forces. Efforts to increase deterrence in the area have been bolstered by current negotiations for the U.S., Japan, and South Korea to exchange real-time North Korean missile warning data. When it comes to North Korea's nuclear threats, the actions mentioned by U.S. President Joe Biden and South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol will go a long way toward calming the nerves of the South Korean people. A stronger deterrence signal for the North Korean leadership should result from the regular, temporary deployment of U.S. nuclear-capable forces to South Korea, the establishment of a new bilateral nuclear consultative group, and the better integration of South Korean conventional assets into the nuclear deterrence mission. The U.S. does not rely solely on missile defense to deal with the threat posed by North Korea. Instead, it uses missile defense strategies to prevent the need to use them in the first place. The U.S. is sending North Korea a message that using nuclear weapons against it or its allies would be an exercise in futility and would end in death through a combination of missile defense, defeat and the threat of nuclear reprisal. Taking precautions against intercontinental ballistic missiles launched from North Korea demonstrates the U.S.' determination to put itself in harm's way to safeguard its friends. The question of whether these expanded deterrent measures are essential and reasonable remains open if the larger aim is to prevent war on the Korean Peninsula. Over the past seventy years, the U.S. and South Korea have been able to deter any significant invasion from North Korea with their combined conventional and nuclear weapons. However, tensions on the Korean Peninsula and in the area have increased, and arms racing has quickened as both sides have increased their military capabilities in the name of deterrence. North Korea's guiding premise in dealing with the U.S. is "power for power, goodwill for goodwill," so the alliance should not be shocked if Pyongyang responds in kind, whether through a nuclear test, a military satellite launch or a display of support with China. Biden and Yoon might have taken a different tack by looking into more immediate and effective measures to improve contact with North Korea, which would have had the added benefit of calming the nuclear issue in South Korea. There is a significant correlation between times of U.S.-North Korea dialogue and reduced levels of North Korean provocations. As an illustration, North Korea only conducted one ballistic missile test and did not reprocess any plutonium during the eight years (19942002), while the U.S. and North Korea were following the Agreed Framework and participated in varied and constant discussions. The existing "cold peace" and "balance of power strategies," including nuclear deterrent arrangements, are insufficient to solve problems faced by both classic and emerging security-related concerns. We need to shift to a strategy that is more collaborative, open, and all-encompassing. Any such attempt must consider the simultaneous threats of military occurrences in the DMZ on the Korean Peninsula and broader regional security concerns. Particularly, ASEAN may take the lead in forging such regional processes and accords, or at least serve as a source of inspiration for doing so. Some of the existing agreements within the ASEAN framework are less politically fraught and more realistic starting points for a conflict management architecture because they are more general in scope and not military-specific, lack follow-up or verification mechanisms and proper dedicated institutions, and are often non-binding. In a nutshell, the Korean Peninsula is passing through a severe crisis owing to the hawkish behavior of North Korea. To create deterrence against its rival, South Korea is also working towards getting nuclear capabilities from its ally the U.S. This situation is very dangerous for the whole region as there could be the possibility of nuclear war in case of any conflict. It is the need of the hour to bring peace to the Korean Peninsula by taking pragmatic measures from the United Nations, China, the U.S., Japan, Russia, and other major powers so that the world could be saved from another fatal disaster. Simon Hutagalung is a graduate of the City University of New York and received his master's degree in political science and comparative politics. He is presently working at the Indonesian Foreign Ministry. The opinion and views are his own not representing the view of CUNY or the Indonesian Foreign Ministry. Xinhua Commentary: Why is America losing Middle East? 14:26, June 15, 2023 By Gao Wencheng ( Xinhua Photo taken on Sept. 2, 2021 shows damaged vehicles at the site of the U.S. airstrike in Kabul, capital of Afghanistan. (Photo by Saifurahman Safi/Xinhua) "The Arabs don't listen to foreigners who have played a destructive role in the Arab world in recent decades," Ebrahim Hashem, a UAE analyst, said. BEIJING, June 15 (Xinhua) -- In media reports regarding the United States' Middle East policy, "failed" has become a high-frequency word, as exemplified by a recent hard-hitting analysis of Qatar-based Al Jazeera, which said "the U.S. is losing ground in the region" and "it has only itself to blame." This view prevails in the Middle East. For decades, the United States, roughly 10,000 km far from the region, has recklessly interfered in regional affairs, causing conflicts, confrontation, wars and poverty. The U.S. hegemony has inevitably led to the region's decoupling from Uncle Sam. By wantonly waging wars, the U.S. military hegemony has created unprecedented disasters in the Middle East. In 2003, the United States launched the Iraq War citing fabricated evidence, in the absence of authorization from the UN Security Council and despite strong opposition from the international community. According to Statista, a global database, around 209,000 Iraqi civilians died in the war and ensuing violent conflicts between 2003 and 2021, and around 9.2 million Iraqis became refugees or were forced to leave their homeland. Abdullah Ibrahim shows a photo of his house destroyed by a reckless U.S. missile, which also left him disabled, in Salahudin province, Iraq, Jan. 4, 2022. (Xinhua) Meanwhile, the United States has long supported the infiltration of non-governmental organizations and agents in Middle East society and repeatedly changed the development paths of Middle Eastern countries by means of "color revolutions." Relying on the continued financial support of the U.S. government, the U.S. National Endowment for Democracy incited color revolutions in Egypt, Yemen, Jordan, Algeria, Syria and other countries by providing funding to pro-U.S. individuals and groups, and was the key mastermind behind the "Arab Spring." The United States has also abused sanctions to bully its way around the Middle East. To subvert the Islamic Republic of Iran, Washington has imposed and escalated sanctions against the country for over four decades, which have been slammed by Tehran as "inhumane and criminal and terrorist acts." Tehran's cry has been echoed by UN human rights experts. After her visit to Iran in May 2022, Alena Douhan, UN special rapporteur on the negative impact of unilateral coercive measures on the enjoyment of human rights, concluded that sanctions, secondary sanctions and different forms of over-compliance have a serious negative impact on the country's economy, leading to "serious violations of human rights and humanitarian challenges." Syria has also fallen victim to U.S. sanctions, whose adverse effects were highlighted after the devastating earthquake in February as U.S. sanctions blocked humanitarian work in the war-torn country. As rescue equipment was banned by the United States, Syrians removed the rubble with their bare hands and the simplest tools, the Syrian Foreign Ministry has said, adding that Syrians were also banned from needed medicines and medical equipment. People search for survivors in the rubble of a destroyed building in quake-hit city of Jableh, Latakia province, Syria, on Feb. 6, 2023. (Str/Xinhua) Disrespect is also a keyword in the region's bitter memory of engagement with the United States. Politicians in Washington even used insulting words like "pariah" to describe countries in the region and issued repeated threats when their own wishes were not met, ignoring the national pride and strategic autonomy of people in the region. In a 2022 poll conducted by the Doha-based Arab Center for Research and Policy Studies in 14 Arab countries, 78 percent of respondents listed the United States as the biggest source of threat and instability in the region. It is unsurprising that more and more Middle Eastern countries refuse to take orders from Washington. As the Ukraine crisis keeps escalating, most Middle Eastern countries have declined to join the "anti-Russian camp" led by the United States. Also, taking into account their own national interests, Saudi Arabia and other Gulf countries have shown little interest in cooperating with the United States on oil matters. Notably, Washington was shocked by the Tehran-Riyadh detente brokered by Beijing after U.S. President Joe Biden toured the Middle East to rally support to counter what he called "Iranian threats." A wave of reconciliations, followed by Syria's return to the Arab League, are sweeping the Middle East, as Arab countries realize that U.S. interference has only plunged the region into instability and chaos. To salvage America's waning influence in the Middle East, top U.S. officials have rushed to visit Middle Eastern countries, but what concerned them most turned out to be who will fill the so-called "power vacuum" left by the United States in the region. The United States still attempts to manipulate the Middle East as a pawn in Washington's geopolitical game. America's foreign policy has "lost all flexibility," as it is "run by an insular elite that operates by mouthing rhetoric to please domestic constituencies - and seems unable to sense that the world out there is changing, and fast," The Washington Post commented. Just when the world is cheering for reconciliation in the Middle East, the United States not only verbally questioned and even criticized the developments, but also continued to launch air strikes against Syria, openly opposing the needs of regional countries for peace and development. Washington's reactions were despised by people in the Middle East. "The Arabs don't listen to foreigners who have played a destructive role in the Arab world in recent decades," Ebrahim Hashem, a UAE analyst, said. If the United States continues to be hegemonic, it will be left without a chair when the music stops. (Web editor: Chang Sha, Liang Jun) By Yun Byung-se Last week, the Yoon Suk Yeol government released its first-ever National Security Strategy (NSS) with the subheading "Global Pivotal State (GPS) for Freedom, Peace and Prosperity." The NSS is expected to serve as a comprehensive guide for foreign, defense and unification policy direction throughout his government. It will put more flesh on the GPS vision, one of the six key pillars of national agendas. The NSS is designed to work in tandem with Yoon's Indo-Pacific Strategy (IPS) which was released late last year. Both the NSS and the IPS dovetail well with the respective strategies of the U.S., Japan, EU, NATO and Australia. It marks a clear turnaround from the previous government in terms of vision, objectives and strategies. Since the inception of GPS, a frequently asked question from our friends abroad, including the U.S., was, "GPS is a welcome vision, but where's the beef?" Now, one year into the presidency, the Yoon government has accumulated significant ammunition to offer its response, not just philosophically but through concrete policy actions. This came in the form of the ROK assistance to Ukraine and Pacific Islands countries, hosting and co-hosting the democracy summit, election as a non-permanent member of the U.N. Security Council, as well as participation in trilateral, plurilateral, regional and global initiatives on peace and security, development, climate change, health security, economic security and cybersecurity, to name a few. It is no coincidence that President Yoon's recent G7 Summit participation in Hiroshima triggered a lively and serious debate at home on the need for Korea to join the club as a G8 not as an on-and-off guest to the G7. Foreign Minister Park Jin is an eloquent spokesperson for the rationale. He submits that the Yoon government's multilateral diplomacy over the last year has elevated Korea's status to the G7 level. Many Korean experts and the Federation of Korean Industries support and further elaborate on this argument, offering statistics such as per capita GDP among countries with populations over 50 million, military capability and export volume which rank Korea between sixth and eighth, as well as its top-tier soft power. It is also encouraging to see growing foreign opinions in favor of this elevated status and role for Korea as well. Recently, former U.S. Ambassador to Korea Kathleen Stephens provided a cogent argument stating, "Over the last years, we've seen the Republic of Korea joining the top table of a whole variety of international institutions and not just its membership but its leadership in the G20 was very important, especially in the aftermath of the 2008 financial crisis. It is very important for South Korea to continue to expand its leadership role in a variety of like-minded international institutions." As she rightly noted, leadership is no less important than membership. Korea joined the inaugural G20 summit in 2008, which was formally designated in 2009 as the "premier forum for international economic cooperation." Korea lost no time in meeting international expectations by successfully hosting the G20 summit in 2010. For the first time, development policy issues were put on the G20 Summit agenda which came to be known as the "Seoul Consensus." Development has since been a standard agenda of every subsequent summit. As a country that transitioned from an aid recipient to a donor, Korea played a bridging role between the G20 and the Global South. In a similar context, Korea's election to the non-permanent membership of the U.N. Security Council last week, for the third time in just three decades, will serve as another opportunity to display such leadership especially when the world is riddled with unprecedented poly-crises. Certainly, it can draw on two previous membership experiences for wisdom and insight. It is one thing to be a member of the G8, G10 or D10, but it is another to play a leadership role commensurate with its national prowess and moral standings. Over the last several decades, Korea used to be called by various names "Asian tiger," "Little Asian Dragon," "shrimp among whales," "dolphin" and "middle power." Now, the Yoon government calls Korea a global pivotal state. Also, according to a media report, the forthcoming report of the Institute for Future Strategy of Seoul National University is expected to define Korea's status as a great power. This echoes the view of professor Ramon Pacheco Pardo at King's College London who in his recent book recognized Korea's growth from a shrimp to a whale. Whether Korea has reached a great power level or not is debatable. But it may be fair to say that it is moving steadily in that direction. What is important, however, is that status or designation will follow when Korea leads by example, being mindful of "noblesse oblige." It depends on what we can do for the common public goods with humility, not for narrowly focused nationalistic dreams as often pursued by great powers and middle powers alike throughout history. The Yoon government is now "Present at the Creation" of a new regional and global order. Yun Byung-se, a former foreign minister of South Korea (2013-17), is now a board member of the Korea Peace Foundation and a member of several ex-global leaders' forums and taskforces, including the Astana Forum and its Consultative Council as well as the Task Force on U.S. Allies and Nuclear Weapons Proliferation sponsored by the Chicago Council on Global Affairs. 7-Eleven's private brand Seven Select's export stocks are in a warehouse in Busan, in this 2022 file photo. Courtesy of Korea Seven By Kim Jae-heun 7-Eleven Korea, a major convenience store chain, has used its worldwide network to become a global trading company exporting domestic products and importing popular overseas items, company officials said Wednesday. 7-Eleven is a multinational chain of retail convenience stores founded in Dallas in 1927. It currently operates 85,000 stores in 19 countries including the United States, Japan and Korea. The chain is using its global network to share consumption trends and popular products in each country by exporting and importing them. "We are introducing popular overseas products to local consumers by expanding our partner firms' export channels utilizing 7-Eleven's global network, which is the company's strength," a Korea Seven official said. Korea Seven is a Lotte Group subsidiary that operates 7-Eleven stores in Korea. On Thursday, the convenience store will begin selling two types of Scotch Whisky Highball products that are popular in Japanese 7-Eleven stores. On June 21 it will also launch two types of Barefoot Wine here that are on the best-seller list in American 7-Eleven outlets. Barefoot Wine is a representative daily wine with a history of winning more than 2,000 awards in the United States over 10 years. 7-Eleven Korea is also promoting Korean food by exporting popular products of its private brand Seven Select and other domestic partners. Starting with the export of 1,300 boxes of snacks and seaweed to 7-Eleven in Malaysia in 2015, the Korean branch has sold more than 40 products abroad. Last September, the company exported BTS Hand Drip Coffee to 7-Eleven Hawaii to target local K-pop fans. This month, the company plans to export 25,000 seaweed products to Taiwan and 15,000 Seven Select chocolate egg snacks to Hawaii. Vasyl Shkurakov, front-left, first deputy minister for communities, territories and infrastructure development of Ukraine, examines an excavator at HD Hyundai Construction Equipment's factory in Ulsan, Tuesday. The company said Thursday that it talked with the Ukrainian delegation about the potential supply of construction equipment for the war-torn country's restoration. Courtesy of HD Hyundai Construction Equipment We're always interested in hearing about news in our community. Let us know what's going on! Go to form Philippe Van Hoof, the head of ING Korea, has been appointed as the new chairperson of the European Chamber of Commerce in Korea (ECCK), the business association said Thursday. Van Hoof will head the ECCK until early 2025, succeeding Dirk Lukat, CEO of Schenker Korea, who ended his third term as the ECCK chief early due to a transfer, according to the ECCK. Van Hoof has been serving as the country manager of ING Bank N.V. in Seoul since August 2021. Prior to that, he was in Singapore as the head of ING's division for the financial institutions in the Asia-Pacific region. With a 29-year stint in banking, Van Hoof, a Belgian, has spent more than half of his career in Asia, including Singapore, Korea and Japan, the ECCK said. The ECCK was established in 2012 as an advocacy group for promoting trade and business relationships between Europe and Korea. It has some 400 member companies, representing about 50,000 employees working in Korea. (Yonhap) LG Electronics CEO Cho Joo-wan bought 123 million won ($96,400) worth of the tech company's stock earlier this week, a regulatory filing showed Thursday, in his second such purchase this year. Cho bought 1,000 LG Electronics shares at 123,500 won per share Tuesday, bringing his total to 5,373 shares in the company. Similarly, in March, he bought 2,000 shares at 113,600 won each. The move is seen as part of efforts to show his confidence in the company's growth potential and an act of responsible management. LG Electronics shares have been on the rise this year on the rosy prospects of its home appliances and electric vehicle (EV) component businesses. The tech company has stepped up its efforts to diversify its business portfolio in recent years, aggressively advancing into the EV component business, robotics and EV charging services, among others. It is also working with the Canadian artificial intelligence computing startup Tenstorrent to develop next-generation chips that could potentially power consumer appliances and automotive products. LG Electronics shares were trading at 123,100 won at 2:27 p.m. Thursday, up 38.78 percent over the past six months. (Yonhap) Despite headlines warning that artificial intelligence poses a profound risk to society, workers are curious, optimistic, and confident about the arrival of AI in the enterprise, and becoming more so with time, according to a recent survey by Boston Consulting Group (BCG). For many, their feelings are based on sound experience. Although ChatGPT, the poster child for generative AI applications, only launched in November 2022, already 26% of workers say they use generative AI several times a week, while 46% have experimented with it at least once, BCG found. BCG asked 12,898 frontline employees, managers, and leaders in large organizations around the world how they felt about AI: 61% listed curiosity as one of their two strongest feelings, 52% listed optimism, 30% concern, and 26% confidence. A smaller BCG survey five years ago saw 60% listing curiosity, 35% optimism, 40% concern, and 17% confidence. A lot has happened since that last survey on attitudes to AI in 2018. Back then, AI was still emerging and was not something many people used or saw, said Vinciane Beauchene, BCGs global leader for talent and skills, on a recent conference call to discuss the survey findings. But after the pandemic shook up the world of work, generative AI has flourished. Its the new normal: 80% of leaders claim they are using it on a weekly basis, she said. What was striking for me was how ill-equipped companies still are to deal with that. Familiarity breeds content The study further found that the more workers used AI tools, the less they were concerned and more optimistic about their impact. Just 22% of regular AI users and 27% of rare users said they were concerned, compared with 42% of non-users. On the other hand, 36% of non-users said they were optimistic about AI, compared with 55% of rare users and 62% of regular users. Enterprises can help their employees make that transition from concern to optimism, according to Nicolas de Bellefonds, global leader of AI at BCG X, the companys technology build and design unit. What weve seenand we have been helping companies make the most of AI for the past eight years nowis that AI acceptance by workers is directly linked to their understanding of how it will improve and augment their job, he said. Hoban Construction Chairman Kim Sang-yeol, left, and his oldest son, Kim Dae-heon, the building developer's president of planning / Korea Times files By Park Jae-hyuk The Fair Trade Commission (FTC) imposed a 60.8 billion won fine ($47 million) on Hoban Construction, Thursday, for alleged cross-subsidiary dealings to assist companies owned by Chairman Kim Sang-yeol's two sons. The size of the fine is the third largest among those the antitrust regulator has imposed, following a 234.9 billion won fine imposed on Samsung Welstory in 2021 and a 63.7 billion won fine imposed on SPC in 2020. Between 2013 and 2015, Hoban Construction established multiple affiliates to win bids to build houses on government-owned land, according to the FTC. After winning the bids, the building developer handed over its rights to companies owned by the chairman's oldest son, Kim Dae-heon, and the second-oldest son, Kim Min-sung. As a result, the companies owned by the two sons were able to collectively make 1.3 trillion won worth of profits. In addition, Hoban Construction offered billions of won to those companies to let them participate in the government's housing construction projects. The building developer also guaranteed the repayment of 2.6 trillion won for the projects to develop the government-owned land, while allowing them to conduct 93.6 billion won worth of construction. The FTC pointed out that the companies owned by the chairman's sons were able to grow rapidly based on illegal cross-subsidiary deals. The chairman's oldest son was also able to succeed his father by acquiring a 54.7 percent stake in Hoban Construction, when the building developer merged with the son's company in 2018. "The Hoban chairman's family members used the government's public housing policy to transfer their wealth illegally," an FTC official said. The antitrust watchdog, however, decided not to refer the building developer to the prosecutors, as the five-year statute of limitations had passed. In response, Hoban Construction said it was regrettable that the FTC did not accept its claim. "We will take follow-up measures after reviewing the FTC's decision," the building developer said in a statement. Danny Sriskandarajah will be leaving Oxfam GB at the end of 2023, the charity has today announced. He has been chief executive for five years, and leaves to take up a new role as chief executive of the New Economics Foundation. Sriskandarajah said: It has been a privilege to lead Oxfam GB and be a part of the important work we do, offering swift responses to devastating emergencies, providing shelter and support for people facing war and persecution, and tackling the injustices that cause poverty. At the same time, we have made considerable progress in shifting power to the Global South, to the people and partners we work with around the world. Charities like Oxfam represent the best of a compassionate and internationalist Britain. Thanks to our supporters, volunteers and staff, we continue to make a difference helping those most in need around the globe. Charles Gurassa, Oxfam GB chair, said: I would like to thank Danny for his inspirational leadership, vision and commitment. We are very grateful for the role he has played in leading Oxfam over the last five years, coordinating our response to the many complex and challenging humanitarian crises around the world while steering the charity successfully through the many difficulties posed by the Covid pandemic. During Dannys tenure Oxfam has made real strides in addressing injustice and inequality, and placed increasing emphasis in ensuring that our work takes place in a way that is consistent with our values. We wish him well in his new endeavour. Oxfam said it would start recruiting for it next CEO imminently. Joined following scandal Sriskandarajah joined Oxfam GB as CEO in January 2019, having previously led CIVICUS, the Johannesburg-based alliance of civil society organisations with members in more than 180 countries. The Charity Commission opened a statutory inquiry into Oxfam in February 2018 after the Times published a front-page story over claims that Oxfam had covered up an investigation that found that aid staff working in Haiti had been using sex workers. This led to the regulator publishing a highly critical report about culture and safeguarding at Oxfam in June 2019. But last year, the government praised the charity for making significant improvements to how it deals with safeguarding and removed a ban on Oxfam GB that had prevented it from bidding for statutory aid funding. Earlier this year, Sriskandarajah defended the charitys new inclusivity guide after it drew criticism from some commentators. sign up to receive the free Civil Society daily news bulletin here . For more news, interviews, opinion and analysis about charities and the voluntary sector, Last week YouTube announced that it will no longer remove videos that say the presidential election in 2020 was fraudulent, stolen, or otherwise illegitimate. The Google-owned video platform wrote in a blog post that it keeps two goals in mind when it develops policies around content, one of which is to protect users, and the other to provide a home for open discussion and debate. Finding a balance between the two is difficult when political speech is involved, YouTube added, and in the end, the company decided that the ability to openly debate political ideas, even those that are controversial or based on disproven assumptions, is core to a functioning democratic society. While removing election-denying content might curb some misinformation, the company said, it could also curtail political speech without meaningfully reducing the risk of real-world harm. YouTube didnt say in its blog post, or in any of its other public comments about the change, why it chose to make such a policy decision now, especially when the US is heading into another presidential election in which Donald Trump, the man who almost single-handedly made such policies necessary, is a candidate. All the company would say is that it carefully deliberated about the change. Its not the only platform to decide that the misinformation guardrails it erected after the Capitol riots in 2021 are no longer required. Twitter and Meta, Facebooks parent company, dismantled most of their restrictions related to election denial some time ago. Twitter announced in January of 2022 that it would no longer take action against false claims about the legitimacy of the election. At the time, a spokesperson told CNN that Twitter had not been enforcing its civic integrity misleading information policy, under which users could be suspended or even banned for such claims, since March of 2021. The spokesperson said the policy was no longer being applied to election denial because it was intended to be used during an election or campaign, and Joe Biden had already been president for over a year at that point. Twitter added that it was still enforcing its rules related to misleading information about when, where, or how to participate in a civic process. Since Elon Musk took control of Twitter in April of 2022, he has made a number of statements about election-related disinformation, in some cases sharing links containing dubious claims (prominent election deniers have also had their accounts restored). Last month, however, he assured a CNBC reporter that tweets containing false claims about the 2020 election being stolen would be corrected. According to some reports, that doesnt appear to be happening. The same week Musk made his promise, the Associated Press noted that Twitter posts that amplified those false claims have thousands of shares with no visible enforcement. The most widely shared included false claims from Republican congresswoman Marjorie Taylor Greene, whose account was suspended after she shared misinformation about the COVID-19 pandemic. Her account was reinstated by Musk last November. In January, Meta announced that it would reinstate Trumps Facebook and Instagram accounts, arguing that the risk to [public safety] has sufficiently receded. Trumps team has been posting to Facebook regularly since then, including claims that an investigation into his possession of classified documents is a continuation of the greatest witch hunt of all time. Twitter reinstated Trumps account last November, something Musk had promised to do even before he acquired the company, but Trump has not posted anything since. That could be a result of an agreement to post primarily on Truth Social, the Twitter alternative he cofounded. That deal expires this month, and Trump has suggested that he may move back to Twitter, which was a crucial part of his 2016 campaign. Other politicians have also been given a get-out-of-suspension-free card by the platforms. Earlier this month, Instagramwhich is owned by Metareinstated an account belonging to Robert F. Kennedy Jr., an anti-vaccine lobbyist. The account was suspended in February of 2021 for sharing misinformation about COVID-19, including claims about the alleged harmfulness of the vaccines against it. In 2022, the Instagram and Facebook accounts belonging to Kennedys nonprofit Childrens Health Defense organization were removed for spreading medical misinformation (both remain suspended as of the publication of this article). Andy Stone, a spokesman for Meta, said in a statement to the Washington Post that Kennedys account was restored because he is now an active candidate for president. When Meta announced its decision to reinstate Trumps account, the move was widely criticized for ignoring the potential risks to democracy. Democratic congressman Adam Schiff said in a tweet that restoring Trumps ability to spread his lies and demagoguery was dangerous, since he had shown no remorse for his actions related to the January 6 riots. David Graham wrote in The Atlantic that Metas statement about the danger having receded was disingenuous. The 2020 election might be in the past, he said, but one reason it cant be relegated to history is that Trump continues to surface itand the direct harms continue. The arrest of Solomon Pena, a failed Republican candidate and Trump supporter, for shootings in New Mexico shows how Trumps election denial reverberates, Graham wrote. In the case of YouTubes policy change, Imran Ahmed, chief executive officer of the nonprofit Center for Countering Digital Hate, told The Guardian this week that the move is fundamentally dangerous. American democracy cannot survive wave after wave of disinformation that seeks to undermine democracy, consensus and further polarizes the public, he said. Critics argue that election disinformation can be especially dangerous on YouTube, since the services recommendation algorithms tend to suggest related videos, and this can compound the problem. One study found that users who were already skeptical of election results were shown three times as many election denial videos as those who were not. Others have defended the moves by the platforms. Anthony Romero, executive director of the American Civil Liberties Union, said in a statement that social media companies are central actors when it comes to our collective ability to speakand hear the speech of othersonline and therefore they should err on the side of allowing a wide range of political speech, even when it offends. Similar defenses have been put forward in the case of YouTubes policy reversal on election denial. Kathleen Hall Jamieson, director of the Annenberg Public Policy Center and founder of FactCheck.org, argues that fact-checking is better than blocking speech, and a number of researchers say that the influence of disinformation or fake news on the 2016 election and politics in general has been overstated. But Casey Newton argued in his Platformer newsletter that while other media outlets such as Fox News have also given credence to or platformed election denial claims, social media can accelerate those claims in ways that traditional media cannot. Its one thing to host a single ill-considered town hall, and another to volunteer to serve in perpetuity as a digital library for all the election lies that candidates and their surrogates see fit to upload, Newton wrote. After January 6, the platforms all took steps to join the battle against election misinformation and in favor of fact-based news, he said, and then one by one, platforms got tired of fighting it and simply gave up. Whether Trump and other candidates take advantage of that defensive gapand how they do soremains to be seen. 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. New Yorks highest court ruled that a state regulation requiring the installation of electronic logging devices in commercial motor vehicles does not violate the state constitutions prohibition against unreasonable search and seizure. The Court of Appeals, in a unanimous decision released Tuesday, rejected a constitutional challenge filed by the Owner Operator Independent Drivers Association. The high court did modify the lower courts decision, finding that instead of dismissing the trucker groups lawsuit, the trial court should have issued a declaration that the rules did not violate the state constitution. The high court said that truck owners who participate in a pervasively regulated industry have a diminished expectation of privacy. The ELDs capture a limited amount of data that can be collected electronically, without requiring physical searches of vehicles, the court said. There is also no merit to petitioners contention that the ELD rule is unconstitutional because it fails to limit the frequency of the authorized searches, the opinion says. The Owner Operator Independent Drivers Association said in an email that it is disappointed by the ruling because electronic logging devices do not improve motor vehicle safety. In addition, there is no on/off switch for ELDs that monitor drivers 24/7, living in a truck as their home, not just while working, the association said in a statement. The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety has long supported the use of ELDs to improve highway safety and has petitioned the government several times to require the devices, media relations director Joseph Young said in an email. Trucker fatigue is a serious safety concern, Young said. Hours-of-service rules are in place for a reason and ELDs make it easier to enforce these rules and identity violations. IIHS research has found that drivers with these violations are more likely to have fallen asleep behind the wheel, and research has consistently shown that long driving hours and hours-of-service violations are associated with higher crash risk. New York has enforced hours-of-service limits and recordkeeping requirements for commercial vehicle owners since 1937. Congress adopted a similar law in 1938 and encourages states to cooperate in enforcing federal safety standards by providing grant funding. Historically truck drivers documented their time in service by using paper records. Congress, however, in 2012 passed legislation that mandated Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration rules that require trucks involved in interstate commerce to be equipped with ELDs that use global position system technology to record location, engine hours, mileage and other data points. The owner operators group filed a lawsuit that challenged the federal rules as an unwarranted violation of truck drivers 4th Amendment protections against unreasonable search and seizure. The 7th Circuit Court of Appeals ruled in 2016 that the ELD requirement did not amount to an unreasonable search. Three owner operators who belong to the Independent Drivers Association then filed a lawsuit challenging the latest version of New Yorks ELD rules, which werent adopted until 2019. The organization argued that the state improperly enforced the federal requirement before the state rules were adopted, and that the data collection requirement violated the state constitutional guarantee against unreasonable search and seizure. The Albany County Supreme Court dismissed the lawsuit, finding that searches under the ELD rule are valid under an exception for administrative searches to the constitutional requirement that a warrant be issued before any search by enforcement. The Appellate Division affirmed that ruling. The Court of Appeals said courts have found two exceptions to the requirement under the New York State constitution that a warrant be issued before any search: When the activity or premises subject to the search has a long tradition of pervasive government regulation, and when regulations are drafted to ensure that searches are not conducted solely to uncover evidence of criminality but rather further the goals of the regulatory scheme. The court found that the ELD rules meets both exceptions. Truck drivers undoubtedly participate in a pervasively regulated industry, the opinion says. The ELD rules also are designed to impede cheating without unduly gathering unnecessary information about a truck drivers activities. Inspecting officers can retrieve that data electronically without entering the vehicle and the ELD rule does not authorize them to search either the cab of the truck or the driver for contraband, the opinion says. Furthermore, ELDs record only at specified times, such as when the vehicle is turned on, when the duty status changes, and once per hour when driving.' The Court of Appeals remanded the case to the Supreme Court with instructions to modify its ruling by declaring that the ELD rules are not unconstitutional. BOSTON (AP) A woman who has accused a New Jersey man of raping her 16 years ago in Boston says she felt that her freedom had been taken away from her that night, and she wants to face him in court. Its been horrible. A big part of my life stopped that day, Lori Pinkham told ABCs Good Morning America in an interview broadcast Wednesday. I couldnt work. I didnt want to spend time with anybody. Every day, Ive lived in fear. Matthew Nilo, 35, a lawyer from Weehawken, New Jersey, pleaded not guilty in a Boston courtroom last week to several charges, including three counts of aggravated rape, two counts of kidnapping, one count of assault with intent to rape and one count of indecent assault and battery. The charges stem from four attacks that happened in Bostons Charlestown neighborhood from August 2007 through December 2008 a time that authorities say Nilo lived in the city. A prosecutor said authorities helped tie him to the attacks by getting DNA from a drinking glass he had used. The Associated Press does not typically identify people who say they are victims of sexual assault unless they grant permission. Pinkham appeared on camera with her mother publicly and agreed to be identified for the Good Morning America interview. Pinkham said she was at a club that she was doing promotions for in 2007. She was 23 at the time. As she was walking to her car, she said Nilo pulled up in his car and asked if she needed a ride. She said she was OK and then she saw he had a gun in his hand. He just said, Get in the car. And I just got really scared, and I got in the car. She said he drove and stopped in Charlestown. She said she tried to run away, but he caught up and raped her. When asked if she was confident Nilo was the guy, Pinkham said, Yes, absolutely. She said shed face him in court to let him know that she isnt scared of him. She said she would testify against him if asked by prosecutors. An email seeking comment was sent to Nilos lawyer, Joseph Cataldo. On Monday, Cataldo told a judge that Nilo was prepared to post the $500,000 bail that was set last week. A call to a spokesperson for the Suffolk County sheriffs department asking if Nilo had been released was not immediately returned Wednesday. Cataldo questioned the legality of his clients DNA being taken without a warrant at last weeks hearing. Nilo is due back in court on July 13. Copyright 2023 Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed. NEWPORT, R.I. (AP) Rhode Island wants federal funds to help pay some of the nearly $14 million it will take to repair Newports damaged Cliff Walk, one of the states most popular attractions. Gov. Dan McKee issued a disaster declaration on Tuesday that will allow the state Department of Transportation to apply for $10 million in emergency relief funds from the Federal Highway Administration. Coastal erosion knocked out about 30 feet (9 meters) of the 3.5-mile (5.6 kilometer) paved trail that winds its way beside Gilded Age mansions and offers spectacular views of the ocean in March 2022. No one was hurt. The path sustained additional damage during a December storm. It remains open with a detour around the damage. The collapse and the partial closure could cause significant harm to Newport tourism, a top driver of the local economy, the Democratic governor said in a statement. The impacted area is now closed because it is at risk of further erosion and collapse, which poses a threat to public safety. When I took office at the end of last year I immediately began seeking help to fix the Cliff Walk, Mayor Xay Khamsyvoravong said. Restoring this iconic American vista for future generations to enjoy will require local, state and federal partnership, which the governor is opening a pathway to with this declaration. This is not the first time the state has sought federal funding to repair the Cliff Walk. In 2013, Sens. Jack Reed and Sheldon Whitehouse helped secure $5.13 million to make repairs following Superstorm Sandy. The federal government should do its part to ensure the safety and sustainability of this national treasure, Reed said in a statement. The state estimates comprehensive Cliff Walk repairs could cost up to $13.75 million. Copyright 2023 Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed. Paramedics carry an injured survivor of a shipwreck to an ambulance at the port in Kalamata town, about 240 kilometers southwest of Athens on Wednesday, June 14. AP-Yonhap At least 79 migrants died after their boat sank off the Peloponnese, Greece's coastguard said Wednesday, as concern mounted that the death toll could rise much higher. Some 100 people were rescued after the packed fishing boat capsized in international waters in the Ionian Sea in an operation complicated by strong winds, the coastguard said. But there were fears for scores of women and children, as most of the survivors were men, state TV ERT reported which is unusual for a migrant group of this size. A survivor told hospital doctors in the port city of Kalamata, where the rescued were taken, that he had seen a hundred children in the boat's hold, ERT said. "The fishing boat was 25-30 metres long. Its deck was full of people, and we assume the interior was just as full," coastguard spokesman Nikolaos Alexiou told ERT. "We do not know what was in the hold... but we know that several smugglers lock people up to maintain control," government spokesman Ilias Siakantaris told ERT. Siakantaris said there were reports that could not be confirmed at present, of up to 750 people on board. The International Organization for Migration said in a tweet: "We fear more lives were lost. Initial reports suggest up to 400 people were onboard." The coastguard spokesman said the search and rescue effort would continue during the night with flares fired by a C-130 military transport plane. The boat's engine gave up shortly before 2300 GMT on Tuesday and the vessel capsized in the deepest waters of the Mediterranean, Siakantaris said. The boat sank in around 10 to 15 minutes, he added in a separate note to media. The survivors are mainly from Syria, Pakistan and Egypt, Alexiou said. Greece's head of state, President Katerina Sakellaropoulou, visited the port of Kalamata to confer with senior officials on the rescue and accommodation response. This undated handout image provided by Greece's coast guard on Wednesday, June14, shows scores of people covering practically every free stretch of deck on a battered fishing boat that later capsized and sank off southern Greece. AP-Yonhap Three days of mourning Greece is under an interim government until June 25 elections. The office of interim prime minister Ioannis Sarmas declared three days of mourning, adding that the nation's thoughts were "with all the victims of ruthless smugglers who take advantage of human misfortune." European Commission head Ursula von der Leyen said she was "deeply saddened by the news of the shipwreck off the Greek coast and the many reported deaths" and "very concerned by the number of missing people." "We must continue to work together, with member states and third countries, to prevent such tragedies," she said. The worst migrant tragedy in Greece was in June 2016 when at least 320 people were listed as dead or missing, according to AFP records going back to 1993. The IOM until Wednesday had listed 48 migrants dead and missing in the eastern Mediterranean so far this year, compared to 378 a year earlier. Passengers 'refused help' Greek media reported that nearly 30 people have been taken to the port's hospital. The coastguard said four in a more serious condition were transferred to hospital by helicopter. The coastguard said a surveillance plane with Europe's Frontex agency had spotted the boat on Tuesday afternoon, but the passengers had "refused any help". It added that none on board were wearing life jackets. Authorities said it appeared the migrants had departed from Libya and were heading for Italy. The survivors were initially housed in a port warehouse, but Greece's migration ministry said they would be taken to a migrant camp near Athens. Also Wednesday, a sailing boat in distress carrying about 80 migrants off Crete was rescued by a coastguard patrol and towed to port, Greece's port police said. Along with Italy and Spain, Greece has been one of the main landing points for tens of thousands of people seeking to reach Europe from Africa and the Middle East. Another 90 people in a sailboat, more than a third of them children, were rescued near the island of Cythera over the weekend. Greece is also facing an increase of crossing attempts from Turkey on southern routes near the Cyclades islands and toward the Peloponnese peninsula, with boats hoping to avoid patrols in the northern Aegean Sea. Rescue operations are common, but last month the Greek government came under international pressure over video footage reportedly showing the forceful expulsion of migrants who were set adrift at sea. Greece and other EU member states on the southern and southeastern rim of the bloc say they are being unfairly tasked with managing arrivals of undocumented migrants. (AFP) Survivors of a shipwreck sleep at a warehouse at the port in Kalamata town, about 240 kilometers (150 miles) southwest of Athens, Wednesday, June 14. AP-Yonhap FAIRVIEW PARK, Ohio -- The updating of the nearly century-old Bain Park is complete. Last week, city officials unveiled the brand-new playground and bathroom. Its a very exciting project in a very prominent part of our city, Mayor Patrick Cooney said. Its exciting to see the progress. Its a really neat playground, very interactive. Were very excited to have it online. The new amenity boasts six main features, including a double tower with a slide, a vertical spiderweb net, a climbing net, a firemans pole and a V-net bridge. Theres a six-seat swing frame with multiple seating/swinging options, as well as a parkour feature with multiple climbing nets, parkour ropes, climbing knots and a balancing beam. Also included with the new equipment are a wobbly bridge, an eight-person tipi carousel and a supernova spinner. Its a unique look in a natural park in a wooded area, Cooney said. People like the look of it. Its imaginative. Theres a lot of creativity with it and different aspects. For older kids, it can be a little more challenging, but also there are things for younger kids to use. Weve heard a lot of good things about it. At a cost of $162,000, Fairview Park used $111,000 in grant funding from the Ohio Department of Natural Resources and a $50,000 Cuyahoga County Supplemental Grant to pay for the project. Were very appreciative of those grant sources and happy to be able to use them at such a neat project, Cooney said. Bain Parks new bathroom in Fairview Park. (John Benson/cleveland.com) As for Bain Parks new ADA-friendly restroom, the highly anticipated amenity -- which took four years to complete due to the pandemic -- opened last month. The $248,320 project included Fairview Park using an Ohio Department of Natural Resources 2019 Land & Water Conservation Fund grant of $89,808. The previous 1956 bathroom was closed in 2018 due to deteriorated conditions and the need for costly repairs. The new restrooms location is 50 feet closer to the Bain Park playground and pavilion, along an existing pedestrian walkway. Bain Park is going to be a century old here in the next few years, so were happy to be adding these amenities to keep people using it into the next century, Cooney said. Read more news from the Sun Post Herald. MEDINA, Ohio -- The Armed Forces Integration Act -- signed on June 12, 1948 -- made women a permanent part of U.S. military forces. A group of area women veterans celebrated the 75th anniversary of that milestone with a Women Veterans Appreciation Day open house and health fair June 11 at the Medina County Veterans Hall. Medina County Women of the Military (MCWM) was founded in 2000 as a social and support group for woman veterans from throughout Northeast Ohio. Army Sgt. Annette Mullins, president of the group, said: We welcome any woman who has served. Were family friendly and dont limit membership to (Medina) County. Mullins served as a truck driver in Iraq in 2003 and 2004. She had joined the Army Reserve to earn money for college. She said the social group is important, because women process their military and wartime experiences differently than men. Vice President Lisa Klatka was a physician in the Army Medical Corp at Walter Reed Hospital. She was deployed to Germany, then to Kuwait. She is retired from the Army, but is now under contract to the Department of Defense, providing physicals for incoming recruits. Navy Chief Catherine Owen, the groups secretary/treasurer, has served in the Navy Reserve for more than 21 years and has never been deployed. I wanted to join the Navy when I was 18 to serve my country, she said. That didnt happen, but she joined the Reserve when she was 35 years old. A member of a Navy family, her grandfather served in the British Navy, her husband is a Vietnam War veteran and her daughter is a Navy nurse stationed in Japan. Its a great opportunity to see the world, become a leader and earn college credits, Owen said. Linda Kramer, who does public relations for WCWM, served in the Air Force during the Vietnam era as a military journalist in New York, dealing with politicians and the foreign press. In addition to the Women of the Military, representatives were present from the Medina County Veterans Service Office, the Disabled American Veterans, the American Legion, the Veterans Benefits Administration and the Veterans Health Administration. For more information about Medina County Women of the Military, email mcwomilitary@yahoo.com or go to their Facebook page, @MedinaCountyWomenoftheMilitary. Read more from the Medina Sun. CLEVELAND, Ohio Nevada authorities on Wednesday say the remains of a body found in a garment bag in a remote area 45 years ago have been identified as woman from Cleveland. Florence Charleston was in her late 60s when she moved to Portland, Oregon, shortly before her death, police tell the Associated Press. Police say advancements in DNA testing led to her identification. Although an identification has made, plenty of questions remain in regard to Charlestons death. Police still dont know how her remains ended up in a shallow grave about 120 miles north of Reno, Nev. KOLO Channel 8 reports the remains were found in the bag on Oct. 26, 1978. Fox 5 reports that womens clothing also was found in the bag. The heavy decay of the remains prevented investigators at the time from identifying Charleston and from determining the cause of death. Othram, a company that specializes in forensic genealogy, was able to identify the remains in March 2022, KOLO reports. Police say family members had lost contact with Charleston after she moved to Portland, according to reports. Diane Liggitt, one of Charlestons few surviving relatives, tells the AP she was around 18 when she learned from her father that her aunt had left for the Pacific Northwest with a new boyfriend sometime in the early 1970s. Liggitt tells the AP she often thought about her Aunt Dolly over the years. Was she happy, or not? Was she safe? Liggitt said. All these questions I had and it turns out she was dead. Police are still investigating Charlestons death. Anyone with information can contact Nevada State Police at 775-684-7456. PORT CLINTON, Ohio The citys fire chief currently is on administrative leave after he was accused by a woman of sexual harassment and assault, according to reports. A statement from the city says Chief Kent Johnson was placed on paid leave on June 6, the Sandusky Register reports. The city statement says the accusations against Johnson include sexual harassment and assault, civil liability for criminal acts, workers-compensation fraud, financial impropriety, firearm-related threats and related issues, WTVG Channel 13 reports. The city says it takes the accusations seriously and that Johnson will remain on leave until an investigation by outside agencies is completed. The Register, citing records filed in Ottawa County Common Pleas Court, says the woman filed a protection order against Johnson. According to the records, Johnson is accused of groping and forcibly kissing the woman in October when she was bedridden while recovering from back surgery. She accuses him of flashing his gun at her during the incident. The woman accuses Johnson of making multiple visits to her home when she was alone as she recovered and continued the behavior. She also accuses him of continuing the assaults and harassment after she recovered, the Register reports. WTVG reports Johnson has been the fire chief since 2008. CLEVELAND, Ohio - While Ohio dropped from the second riskiest state in the country for toxic chemical emissions in 2020 to fourth in 2021, the risk score still increased, according to the TRI Toxics Tracker managed by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. The change in rank in the latest available data is due to a greater increase in the risk level of toxic emissions from facilities in Alabama and Indiana, now ranking second and third. Texas remains the state with the highest risk score. Like in 2020, Ohios high-risk level is in large part due to Lorain County having the 12th highest risk score out of any county in the country. In Ohio, only Hamilton County, which includes Cincinnati, ranks higher, at 11th nationally. The EPA deems the riskiest facility in Ohio to be in Lorain County, BASF Corp. with a risk score four times higher than the second riskiest facility in Northeast Ohio. This is the final part of a cleveland.com series highlighting toxic emissions in Greater Cleveland. See previous stories focusing on Cuyahoga County, Geauga County, Lake County, Lorain County, Medina County, Portage County and Summit County. What gives a facility a high-risk score? The risk score known as RSEI is calculated using the EPAs Risk-Screening Environmental Indicators model, which accounts for the size of the chemical release, how the chemical degrades and moves through the environment, the size and location of the exposed population, and the chemicals toxicity. The final number is a combination of all of these scores. For counties, this can add up to a risk score in the tens of millions. But only eight Ohio counties in 2021 had a risk score of over 1 million. Lorain Countys risk score was 4,706,723, almost 2 million more than in 2020 and 22% of Ohios total risk score of 21,401,033. Other counties with risk scores above 1 million were Hamilton, Franklin, Butler, Cuyahoga, Summit, Erie and Montgomery counties. RSEI scores are only comparable to each other and not other environmental metrics, and act as a screening tool to help identify situations, facilities, and areas that are of potential concern. While the score cannot provide concrete numbers for what they mean, such as the number of people that could be impacted healthwise, the general rule of thumb is that the higher an RSEI score is, the more concerned the EPA is about the area. Who is releasing chemicals into the environment? The TRI database recognizes 787 chemicals. Any site that manufactures or uses these chemicals at above-average levels qualifies for listing in the inventory. Chemicals described by TRI as toxic include those that may cause cancer and other negative health issues or have adverse effects on the environment, as facilities often release toxins into the surrounding land, air, and water often unbeknown to surrounding communities. In 2021, 340 facilities in Greater Cleveland emitted 12,389,006 pounds of 166 different chemicals into the environment, nearly a million more pounds than the year before. For a more in-depth look at the profiles of each of the Greater Cleveland counties, visit this link. Some mobile users may need this link to view the map displaying every toxic chemical facility in Greater Cleveland. While emissions are rising, it is not near the worst Greater Cleveland has experienced. Chemical emissions peaked in 2011 with over 20 million pounds of chemicals, including hydrochloric acid. The laboratory reagent and industrial chemical has only been used a fraction of their former amount in 2020, accounting for much of the decrease in chemical output. Chemical emissions in the state fluctuated between 10 billion to 15 billion pounds from 2014-2021, with the previous lowest year being 2016. By total chemical releases, Lorain County followed a similar trend. From 2011 to 2015, chemical releases were well above 3 million pounds per year, peaking at 4,181,260 pounds in 2015. In 2016, emissions halved and then hovered between 1 million to 1.5 million pounds of releases per year from 2017 to 2020, primarily due to the removal of hydrochloric acid. But as releases in the county hit decade-long lows, the risk score skyrocketed; 2018 saw an increase from 300,000 to over 4.5 million, helping Ohio become one of the top three states in the country by RSEI score. At the time, Pennsylvania was No. 2. What is happening in Lorain County? Chemicals can vary in toxicity, and volume does not equate to danger. So while overall chemical releases may reduce, increasing more dangerous chemicals can single-handedly skew an RSEI score. This was most evident in Greater Cleveland in Lorain County and the Elyria branch of BASF Corp., a German chemical manufacturer and largest chemical producer worldwide. In 2017 the facility released 24,226 pounds of highly toxic chromium compounds and 6,394 pounds of nickel into the air. In 2018 chromium levels increased to 38,036 pounds, and nickel slightly decreased to 4,053 pounds. Last year cleveland.com reported that chromium levels decreased to 10,693 pounds released into the air, a total of 5.7% of emissions from BASF Corp. in 2020, while nickel increased to 14,237 pounds of emissions, or 7.6% of emissions from the facility. But the chemical mixture continues to oscillate, with chromium levels increasing again in 2021 to 21,069 pounds, with a third released into the air, nearing pre-pandemic levels. Meanwhile, nickel was reduced to 8,474 pounds, although most were shipped to an off-site facility, with minimal releases into the air and water. Regardless, their risk score increased by more than 2,000,000. No other Greater Cleveland facility has a risk score that goes above 1,000,000. A representative from BASF said that less than 30% of chromium releases from the facility in 2020 were in the air, and that BASF has installed additional air emission controls for chromium since the 2021 report to further reduce emissions. BASF complies with mandatory reporting requirements of the TRI and is in compliance with State and Federal chromium emissions limits. Some mobile users may need to use this link to view the chart displaying the facilities with the highest RSEI scores in 2021. What makes these chemicals so dangerous? Chromium and chromium compounds can cause cancer and gastrointestinal, hematological, and respiratory issues, while nickel causes similar health risks and weakens the immune system, according to the EPA. The area around BASF has 4.2 times the EPAs acceptable cancer risk, according to an analysis by ProPublica, which in part used data from the EPAs TRI Toxic Tracker. In 2018, the cancer risk was 1-in-580 people, much higher than the four years previous in the analysis. BASF contributes about 99.4% of the estimated cancer risk thanks to the chromium compounds, cobalt compounds, and nickel compounds it releases into the air, according to the ProPublica analysis. BASF has multiple facilities in the United States, including Beaumont and Freeport, Texas, Attapulgus and Savannah, Georgia, and in the area now commonly dubbed by locals and media outlets as Louisianas Cancer Alley, an area along the Mississippi River also occupied by the likes of Shell, DuPont and ExxonMobil. Chromium and nickel are prominent chemicals in Greater Cleveland. The second and third highest RSEI scoring facilities in Greater Cleveland are McGean-ROHCO Inc. (829,211) due to chromium compounds and Akron Paint and Varnich Inc. (486,360) due to nickel emissions. Individual facility scores are calculated in the same way as the county RSEI score. Some mobile users may need to use this link to view the chart displaying the toxic chemicals with the highest RSEI score in Greater Cleveland. Facilities are mandated to self-report their chemical releases to the EPA if they have 10 or more full-time employees, are in a TRI-covered industry (manufacturing, mining, electric power generation, etc.), and process more than 25,000 pounds of a TRI-identified chemical each year. However, as data is self-reported, it is difficult to determine if this is the complete picture. Zachary Smith is the data reporter for cleveland.com and The Plain Dealer. See previous stories at this link. LAS VEGAS Nine women sued Bill Cosby in a Nevada federal court Wednesday, accusing the entertainer of sexual assault and using his enormous power, fame and prestige to victimize them. The suit charges that the women were individually drugged and assaulted between approximately 1979 and 1992 in Las Vegas, Reno and Lake Tahoe homes, dressing rooms and hotels, The Associated Press reported. The suit, filed in the Southern Division of the U.S. District Court for the District of Nevada, was made possible by a 2023 law that eliminated the statute of limitations for sexual assault victims to sue the perpetrator for damages arising from sexual abuse, ABC News reported. Cosby is accused of sexual assault, battery, assault, intentional infliction of emotional distress, negligent infliction of emotional distress and false imprisonment. More than 60 women have made similar accusations against Cosby, 85, the former Cosby Show star. Previous stories Bill Cosby faces new accusation of sexual assault from former Playboy centerfold Bill Cosby civil trial: Jury awards $500,000 in sexual abuse claim Bill Cosbys sexual assault conviction overturned by Pa. court Cosby has denied all allegations involving sex crimes. He was the first celebrity tried and convicted in the #MeToo era and spent nearly three years at a state prison near Philadelphia before a higher court threw out the conviction and released him in 2021. Cosbys accusers have won multiple victories in civil suits, which have a lower standard of proof than criminal cases, The Washington Post reported. Last year a California jury found Cosby guilty of sexually assaulting a 16-year-old girl, Judy Huth, at the Playboy Mansion in 1975 and awarded her $500,000. In 2019, seven accusers who argued that Cosby and his legal team smeared them by saying they were not telling the truth about sexual assault allegations, settled a lawsuit for an undisclosed amount. Cosby accused his insurance company, AIG, of settling the case without his approval. AIG provided defamation coverage and legal representation through his homeowners insurance policy, Several states have enacted so-called look-back laws that allow accusers who allege they were sexually assaulted while they were adults a window of time to file legal actions. A new California law, for example, granted a one-year window, closing at the end of this year, to seek damages no matter how long ago the alleged crimes took place. Early in June former Playboy centerfold model Victoria Valentino, 80, sued Bill Cosby, accusing him of drugging her and then sexually assaulting her more than 50 years ago. This new law that has gone into effect, never in a million years did I expect to see tangible justice, Valentino told The New York Times. The Nevada lawsuit came only a few weeks after Gov. Joe Lombardo signed a bill that eliminated a two-year deadline for adults to file sexual abuse cases, The Associated Press reported. For years I have fought for survivors of sexual assault and today is the first time I will be able to fight for myself, Lisa Lotte-Lublin, one of the plaintiffs, said in a statement cited by the Las Vegas Review-Journal. With the new law change, I now have the ability to take my assailant, Bill Cosby, to court. Cosby publicist Andrew Wyatt blasted such laws in a statement Wednesday. Mr. Cosby is a citizen of these United States but these judges and lawmakers are consistently allowing these civil suits to flood their docketsknowing that these women are not fighting for victimsbut for their addiction to massive amounts of media attention and greed, Wyatt said in a statement to ABC News. From this day forward, we will not continue to allow these women to parade various accounts of an alleged allegation against Mr. Cosby anymore without vetting them in the court of public opinion and inside of the courtroom, Wyatt said. SCRANTON, Pennsylvania The manager of the morgue for Harvard Medical School has been indicted on federal charges after he was accused of selling body parts. Cedric Lodge, 55, of Goffstown, New Hampshire, is one of seven people charged with conspiracy and interstate transport of stolen goods, according to the U.S. Attorneys Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania. Lodges wife, Denise, is among those charged. Some crimes defy understanding, U.S. Attorney Gerard Karam said in a statement. The theft and trafficking of human remains strikes at the very essence of what makes us human. It is particularly egregious that so many of the victims here volunteered to allow their remains to be used to educate medical professionals and advance the interests of science and healing. For them and their families to be taken advantage of in the name of profit is appalling. ST. CHARLES PARISH, Louisiana A 28-year-old woman and her mother have been arrested after the authorities say the daughter posed as a 17-year-old high school student in an attempt to learn English. Martha Jessenia Gutierrez-Serrano, 28, and Marta Elizeth Serrano-Alvarado, 46, each are charged with injuring public records after they were accused of using a fake passport and birth certificate in order to enroll Gutierrez-Serrano in Hahnville High School in Boutte, La., according to the St. Charles Parish Sheriffs Office. Sheriff Greg Champagne said during a news conference Wednesday that Gutierrez-Serrano attended classes throughout the 2022-23 school year. The St. Charles Parish Public School District contacted the sheriffs office on May 29 when officials realized the woman was not a teen. I have seen a photograph of her taken by the government ... and I can tell you ... she could very easily be taken for a young teenager, without a doubt, Champagne said. Im not surprised at all that, based upon appearances alone, she certainly was accepted at face value (as a teenager). The sheriff said there was no indication that Gutierrez-Serrano was up to anything nefarious by pretending to be younger. She was placed in the ninth grade at the school. She was in school, she minded her own business, she did her schoolwork, she caused no trouble, Champagne said. This was simple: She wanted to learn English. She wanted to become proficient in English. However, Champagne said it remains a crime to present false information and that Gutierrez and her mother made a bad decision. The mother had been in the U.S. for a number of years, Champagne said, but had an expired visa. Gutierrez-Serrano arrived in the U.S. in fall 2021. Rotunda Rumblings Another budget rewrite: The Ohio Senate released its final version of the state budget on Wednesday, following up on initial revisions the chamber unveiled last week. Jeremy Pelzer reports that several policy changes that have little connection to state spending were wrapped into the two-year budget proposal, including a controversial set of higher education reforms designed to tamp down perceived liberal bias on Ohio college campuses. The budget passed the Ohio Senate Finance Committee on Wednesday and could be voted on in the full Senate chamber on Thursday. Differences between the Senate and House budget proposals would have to be reconciled before sending the bill to Gov. Mike DeWines desk before the state fiscal year ends June 30. Kid cuts: One big difference between the Senates budget proposal and those pushed by DeWine and the House is their support for childcare. Pelzer reports that the Senate wants to remove hundreds of millions of dollars worth of childcare funding that DeWine and the House are pushing for, including deep cuts to a plan to expand childcare to more working families. Support for families and children, including access to childcare, was a key piece of DeWines proposal when he outlined it at his State of the State speech in February. School activities: The Ohio House could vote as soon as next week on a bill that would require schools to notify parents about sexuality content, that includes instruction about gender ideology. Other sexual content includes oral or written instruction, presentation, images or descriptions of sexual concepts. As Laura Hancock reports, the legislation sponsors are calling the Parents Bill of Rights was recently amended to also require schools to notify parents when a student wants to be identified as a gender other than the one they were born into. LGBTQ advocates are concerned about the safety of students when schools out them to their parents. Legal ads: The Ohio Controlling Board this week approved spending roughly $322,000 on newspaper ads promoting the upcoming Aug. 8 election that will decide State Issue 1, a ballot-initiative that would make it harder to amend the state constitution. As Andrew Tobias writes, the ads, part of a constitutionally mandated notification process, will appear for three consecutive weeks in a single newspaper in all 88 counties starting on July 16. It will include the amendments ballot language and the states official arguments for and against the measure. Business backing: A group of business leaders and corporate executives signed an open letter opposing State Issue 1. Sean McDonnell reports that the open letter shows the split among business leaders on the issue after the Ohio Chamber of Commerce, Ohio Restaurant Association and other major state business groups endorsed the issue last month. On the rails: A rail safety bill that Ohio U.S. Sens. Sherrod Brown and JD Vance introduced after a February train derailment in East Palestine, Ohio, is likely to get a vote on the Senate floor next week, Sabrina Eaton reports. Brown said the Railway Safety Act of 2023s original language was altered by bipartisan agreement last month when it was approved by the Senate Commerce Committee. Changes in the bill included postponing the date when old tank rail cars that ship hazardous materials would have to be upgraded with newer, safer rail cars. The initial draft of the legislation called for upgrading the rail cars in 2025. The bills new deadline would be Dec. 31, 2027. Viral news: Ohio Congress members who chair the House Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence and the Select Subcommittee on the Coronavirus Pandemic expressed concern Wednesday about a U.S. Government Accountability Office report that found U.S. research dollars ended up at Chinese facilities, including the Wuhan Institute of Virology. This revelation is very concerning due to the increased focus on the lab leak theory, which suggests that the virus may have originated from the Wuhan laboratory rather than through natural means, said a statement from Intelligence chairman Mike Turner of Dayton and coronavirus subcommittee chair Brad Wenstrup. We have long argued that the American people deserve the truth about COVID-19s origin and continue to take concrete actions to declassify intelligence related to the pandemic. Joyce bill adopted: The REINS Act that the U.S. House of Representatives approved Wednesday included legislation from U.S. Rep. Dave Joyce, called the Limiting the Intrusive Bureaucracy and Empowering Regulatory Transparency for You (LIBERTY) Act. It would require that economically significant guidance documents issued by the Executive Branch adhere to the same oversight standards as federal rules and regulations. Joyce noted that President Biden tried to implement his student loan forgiveness program through a guidance document and called it a deliberate choice to avoid Congressional oversight and deny Americans the opportunity to weigh in on the proposal. Legislative outreach? An LGBT rights protester filed a police report claiming that state Rep. Scott Wiggam, a Wooster Republican, shoved him outside the Statehouse on Wednesday. Anna Staver of the Columbus Dispatch obtained a video of the incident, after which Wiggam and the protester appeared to exchange words. Wiggam hadnt responded to Stavers request for comment as of late Wednesday afternoon. Pot shop: The Ohio Board of Pharmacy awarded Wednesday a certificate of operation to Thrive Wellness Dispensary, at 318 W. Market St., Tiffin. This allows the business to open to medical marijuana patients. The board has issued 89 certificates of operation to dispensaries in the states program. Full Disclosure Heres five things we learned from the April 28 financial disclosure of state Rep. Jean Schmidt, a Cincinnati-area Republican. 1. She received income from nine different sources, including three retirement accounts, investments, savings, ownership in OT Realty Enterprises, and for her legislative work 2. She also does business under RTJJ LLC 3. She owns common stock in Morgan Stanley 4. She disclosed no debtors or creditors during the year 5. She reported no gifts or meals (with value over $100) she received as a legislator Straight From The Source [The state] would prefer us not serve it the way we do, but I dont pay any attention to what they say. Until they are not overcrowded and understaffed and have the violence that goes on in their prison system, they cant tell me s---. - Butler County Sheriff Richard K. Jones, speaking to the Cincinnati Enquirers Erin Glynn about giving warden burgers (ingredients include turkey, flour, and cabbage, among other things) for every meal to punish county jail inmates in solitary confinement. State inspectors noted last year that the practice violates state administrative code, but Glynn found that state prisons officials dont intend to take any legal action to stop it. Capitol Letter is a daily briefing providing succinct, timely information for those who care deeply about the decisions made by state government. Subscribe to get Capitol Letter in your email box each weekday for free. Microsoft founder Bill Gates speaks at the Global Fund Seventh Replenishment Conference in New York on Sept. 21, 2022. AFP-Yonhap Bill Gates, Microsoft Corp's co-founder, is set to meet Chinese President Xi Jinping on Friday during his visit to China, two people with knowledge of the matter said. The meeting will mark Xi's first meeting with a foreign private entrepreneur in recent years. The people said the encounter may be a one-on-one meeting. A third source confirmed they would meet, without providing details. The sources did not say what the two might discuss. Gates tweeted on Wednesday that he had landed in Beijing for the first time since 2019 and that he would meet with partners who had been working on global health and development challenges with the Bill Melinda Gates Foundation. The foundation and China's State Council Information Office, which handles media queries on behalf of the Chinese government, did not immediately respond to Reuters requests for comment. Gates stepped down from Microsoft's board in 2020 to focus on philanthropic works related to global health, education and climate change. He quit his full-time executive role at Microsoft in 2008. The last reported meeting between Xi and Gates was in 2015, when they met on the sidelines of the Boao forum in Hainan province. In early 2020, Xi wrote a letter to Gates thanking him, and the Bill Melinda Gates Foundation, for pledging assistance to China including $5 million for the country's fight against COVID-19. The meeting would mark the end of a long hiatus by Xi in recent years from meeting foreign private entrepreneurs and business leaders, after the Chinese president stopped travelling abroad for nearly three years as China shut its borders during the pandemic. Several foreign CEOs have visited China since it reopened early this year but most have mainly met with government ministers. Premier Li Qiang met a group of foreign CEOs including Apple's Tim Cook in March and a source told Reuters that Tesla's Elon Musk met vice-premier Ding Xuexiang last month. The mood of the foreign business community towards China, however, has turned cautious as Sino-U.S. tensions intensify and Xi increases the country's focus on national security. Gates' visit also comes ahead of a long-delayed visit by U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken to China set to take place between June 18-19 which is aimed at stabilizing relations between the world's two largest economies and strategic rivals. Blinken had a tense call with China's foreign minister Qin Gang on Wednesday, during which Qin urged the United States to stop meddling in its affairs and harming its security. (Reuters) COLUMBUS, OhioThe Ohio Senate on Thursday passed a two-year, $85.8 billion state budget plan that would slash state taxes, dramatically expand publicly funded school vouchers, and make major changes to the states K-12 and college systems, among many other things. The 9,198-page legislation, which was passed by a party-line, 24-7 vote, is now likely to head to a conference committee of House and Senate negotiators who will hammer out differences between the Senates budget plan and the Houses version before sending a final bill to Gov. Mike DeWine. CLIFDEN, Ireland -- A castle by any other name? Well, manor house just doesnt have quite the same ring to it. There are numerous hotels in Ireland that claim castle heritage. And I was determined to stay in one of them on my recent trip. Chancellor Olaf Scholz takes part in a press conference to introduce the new German security strategy in Berlin, Wednesday, June 14. AP-Yonhap The German government said Russia is the greatest security threat "for the foreseeable future" and advocated a balanced approach to China as it unveiled its first comprehensive national security strategy Wednesday. The strategy was part of an effort to address what Germany views as growing military, economic and social risks to the country. Germany's biggest opposition party criticized the government's position as "anemic." Chancellor Olaf Scholz said the new strategy, which his three-party governing coalition pledged to draw up when it took office at the end of 2021, had gained added importance since Russia attacked Ukraine almost 16 months ago. The war in Ukraine has heightened anxiety in Germany about the preparedness of its own armed forces, prompting Scholz to announce a "turning point" on military spending. Russia's invasion of Ukraine in Feburary 2022 demonstrated "what many of our neighbors in Eastern Europe have warned us about that Europe is vulnerable," German Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock told reporters at a news conference in Berlin also attended by Scholz and other top officials. A 76-page document outlining the strategy states that "today's Russia is, for the foreseeable future, the greatest threat to peace and security in the Euro-Atlantic area." It also warns that some countries are "trying to reshape the existing international order according to their view of systematic rivalry," an oblique reference to the threats of disinformation, cyberattacks and economic pressure from major powers such as China. The document makes several references to security threats posed by climate change. These include a heightened risk of famine, disease and conflict around the globe, as well as extreme weather events and damage to critical infrastructure in Germany. It sets out Berlin's general approach, but doesn't go deep into details including the strategy's potential foreign policy consequences. Officials plan to draw up more specifics at a later stage. The German government also is preparing a specific strategy on China. Scholz declined to say when it would be published. "We'll be ready when we're ready, but soon," he told reporters. The document released Wednesday came out a week before the German government sits down for high-level talks with senior Chinese officials in Berlin that are expected to touch on numerous sensitive issues . Germany has traditionally hesitated to antagonize Beijing due to the importance of China as a market for German exports and a source of key commodities. Still, the document underlined Berlin's view that China is "a partner, competitor and systemic rival," noting that "elements of rivalry and competition have increased in recent years; at the same time, China remains a partner without which many of the most pressing global challenges can't be solved." German Chancellor Olaf Scholz, right, speaks with Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock during the cabinet meeting of the German government in Berlin, Wednesday, June 14. AP-Yonhap Secretary of State Antony Blinken speaks at a chiefs of mission reception in the East Room of the White House in Washington, June 13. AP-Yonhap U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken will travel to China this weekend as part of the Biden administration's push to repair deteriorating ties between Washington and Beijing and keep lines of communication open, the State Department said Wednesday. Blinken will be the most senior U.S. official to visit China since President Joe Biden took office. His visit had initially been planned for early this year but was postponed indefinitely after the discovery and shootdown of what the U.S. said was a Chinese spy balloon over the United States. Since then, however, there have been lower-level engagements between the U.S. and China despite ongoing hostility and recriminations over both sides' actions in the Taiwan Strait, the South China Sea, China's refusal to condemn Russia for its war against Ukraine, and allegations from Washington that Beijing is attempting to boost its worldwide surveillance capabilities, including in Cuba. The State Department said Blinken had spoken with his Chinese counterpart, Foreign Minister Qin Gang, on Tuesday night to confirm his trip, which will begin on Sunday and was first reported by The Associated Press and other news organizations last week. Blinken will leave Washington late Friday. "While in Beijing, Secretary Blinken will meet with senior PRC officials where he will discuss the importance of maintaining open lines of communication to responsibly manage the U.S.-PRC relationship," the department said, using the acronym for the People's Republic of China. "He will also raise bilateral issues of concern, global and regional matters, and potential cooperation on shared transnational challenges." Two senior U.S. officials downplayed the prospects for any significant breakthrough on the wide array of problems between the countries during Blinken's visit. Instead, they said it was aimed at restoring a sense of calm and normalcy to high-level contacts. "This is a really critical series of engagements that we'll have in Beijing at a crucial time in the relationship that we again hope will, at a minimum, reduce the risk of miscalculation so that we do not veer into potential conflict," said Daniel Kritenbrink, the top U.S. diplomat for East Asia and the Pacific. "We're not going to Beijing with the intent of having some sort of breakthrough or transformation in the way that we deal with one another," he said. "We're coming to Beijing with a realistic, confident approach and a sincere desire to manage our competition in the most responsible way possible." "We're clear-eyed about the PRC," said Kurt Campbell, the top Asia expert at the National Security Council. "We know efforts to shape or reform China over several decades have failed and we expect China to be around and to be a major player on the world stage for the rest of our lifetimes." "As the competition continues, the PRC will take provocative steps from the Taiwan Strait to Cuba and we will push back," Campbell said. "But intense competition requires intense diplomacy if we're going to manage tensions. That is the only way to clear up misperceptions, to signal, to communicate, and to work together where and when our interests align." Chinese Foreign Minister Qin Gang attends a joint news conference with his Dutch counterpart Wopke Hoekstra, not pictured, following their meeting in Beijing, May 23. AP-Yonhap In its readout of the Blinken-Qin phone call, China's foreign ministry said Qin urged the United States to respect "China's core concerns" such as the issue of Taiwan's self-rule, "stop interfering in China's internal affairs, and stop harming China's sovereignty, security and development interests in the name of competition." Qin noted China-U.S. ties "have encountered new difficulties and challenges" since the beginning of the year, and the two sides' responsibility is to work together to properly manage differences, promote exchanges and cooperation and stabilize relations, it said. Blinken, who will be the first secretary of state to visit China since 2018, expects to meet with Qin on Sunday, as well as China's top diplomat, Wang Yi, and possibly Chinese President Xi Jinping on Monday, according to U.S. officials. The trip will take place amid myriad complications in U.S.-China relations, which have steadily declined over the past several years dating back to the Trump administration, starting with trade and industrial espionage. Those concerns grew rapidly to include human rights concerns over the treatment of Uyghur Muslims and other minorities in China's western region of Xinjang, Hong Kong, Tibet, and increasing Chinese aggressiveness toward Taiwan, and then escalated over questions about the origin of the COVID-19 virus. Blinken's visit came out of a meeting in Bali last year between Xi and Biden, who agreed that the world's two largest economies must remain in contact and take precautions to ensure there are no miscalculations in their global rivalry that could lead to conflict. The trip came within a day of happening in February but was delayed after the spy balloon incident. Beijing insists the craft was a weather balloon that strayed off course. Contacts after that have taken place, but they have been rare as tensions have risen over China's conduct in the South China Sea, aggressive actions toward Taiwan and support for Russia's war against Ukraine. Earlier this month, China's defense minister rebuffed a request from U.S. Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin for a meeting on the sidelines of a security symposium in Singapore. However, shortly after postponing his trip to Beijing, Blinken met briefly with Wang at the Munich Security Conference in Germany. And, CIA chief William Burns traveled to China in May, while China's commerce minister traveled to the U.S. And Biden's national security adviser Jake Sullivan met with Wang in Vienna in early May. Secretary of State Antony Blinken speaks at a chiefs of mission reception in the East Room of the White House in Washington, Tuesday, June 13. AP-Yonhap CNBC's Jim Cramer discussed on Wednesday the challenges China is facing now that the U.S. market for chips used by artificial intelligence software is ramping up. Semiconductor company AMD announced on Tuesday its new AI chip would start shipping to customers later this year, positioning itself as the strongest competitor to Nvidia, which currently dominates the market. But the U.S. government has blocked exports of these powerful semiconductors to China, and Cramer doesn't think China's homegrown semiconductor companies can keep up with U.S. production, especially with AMD now joining the fray. "Without these chips, China simply can't build out the kind of artificial intelligence that the Western world's embracing," he said. China has been weakened by U.S. policies that have heavily dampened its trade, Cramer said, noting that it has fallen behind Mexico and Canada in recent trade figures. He thinks it will take an enormous stimulus package much larger than what the government is rumored to be doing for it to regain preeminence in the manufacturing sphere. "I think things are getting desperate in China: They can't grow, they're being left behind in tech can't even steal these high-end super chips anymore," Cramer said. "Other than [Secretary of Commerce] Gina Raimondo, I'm not sure anyone in this administration truly understands the very real threat that a trapped Chinese government finds itself in." CNBC has reached out to the Chinese embassy in Washington, D.C., for comment. South Africa: African leaders kick off peace mission By Dikeledi Molobela Warsaw, Poland: The road to peace is now well underway, with President Cyril Ramaphosa arriving at the Warsaw Chopin Airport on Thursday for a working visit to Poland, Ukraine and Russia. President Ramaphosa is leading a delegation that includes Heads of State from Zambia, the Republic of the Congo, Egypt, Senegal and Uganda in a bid to broker peace between Ukraine and Russia. President Ramaphosa and his counterparts are, over the next few days, expected to lead the African peace mission, which will see the President of Ukraine, Volodymr Zelensky, and Russias Vladimir Putin, sitting on the negotiation table. President Ramaphosa previously said the aim of the mission is to hear from both leaders what it will take to bring an end to war, which broke out in February last year. President Ramaphosa has stated that the African Heads of State have been involved in discussing the peace initiative over a number of months. The first thing that we discussed among ourselves is that we want to listen to both sides. They need to outline to us their own perspective on the war, as well as what are their minimum requirements for bringing the conflict to an end. You should listen to where the parties are coming from and where they are, and also where they want to go. Having done so, we will be able to give a good perspective in terms of how we see this war having an impact on Africa in relation to food and grain prices. "We will also look at the impact it is having on Europe and the rest of the world. It has become a rather global conflict. It is in that context that we will say we desire that there should be peace, and this being our peace mission, we will essentially be seeking for peace and a commitment from both sides that they too should seek for peace to end this conflict, the President said last week. Upon arrival, the delegation is expected to make its way to Ukraine, where they will meet with President Zelenskys government and then proceed to Russia, where they will sit with President Putin. Both President Putin and President Zelensky have welcomed the African leaders mission to persuade Ukraine and Russia into talks that could see the war ending. Last week, President Ramaphosa said both Presidents have said to the African Heads of State that they are ready to negotiate. President Ramaphosa reiterated that conflicts of this nature have "such an overriding impact on the lives of people". As such, the President said, leaders should negotiate and lay out precisely what they see as an end game. - SAnews.gov.za This story has been published on: 2023-06-15. To contact the author, please use the contact details within the article. Shanghai makes steady progress in building global financial center 16:10, June 15, 2023 By Xie Weiqun ( People's Daily Shanghai has made new breakthroughs in building itself into a global financial center over the recent decade, with surging financial transaction volumes, an improved market structure and constantly strengthened core financial functions. The city is playing a more important role as a hub of the opening-up of China's financial sector. Photo shows the Lujiazui financial district in Shanghai. (People's Daily Online/Yan Daming) The added value of Shanghai's financial industry hit 862.7 billion yuan ($120.44 billion) last year, accounting for 19.3 percent of the city's GDP in the same period. The growth of the industry came from its strengthened core functions. Financial factor markets play a core role in building an international financial center. Shanghai is one of the cities in the world that boast the most complete financial factor markets, where currency, stocks, bonds, future goods, foreign exchange, gold, insurance, trust and other financial sectors can all be traded. The total volume of transactions in Shanghai's financial markets reached 2932.98 trillion yuan, up 16.8 percent year on year, and the growth rate increased by 6.4 percentage points. Last year, the Shanghai Stock Exchange ranked first in the world in terms of the total amount of initial public offerings. Besides, Shanghai was also among the top three trading hubs in the world for spot gold and crude oil futures. To get listed is a key step for sci-tech and innovation firms to grow bigger. The Shanghai Stock Exchange's sci-tech innovation board, also known as the STAR market, is working to straighten the "last mile" for sci-tech and innovation companies planning to go public. As of the end of May this year, 528 companies were listed on the STAR market, which had so far raised 822.36 billion yuan ($114.73 billion) in total through initial public offerings. Their market value added up to 6.7 trillion yuan. The capital market's efficiency in serving the real economy has been constantly improved. The capacity and volume of capital management is another important factor in evaluating the construction of an international financial center. Shanghai has made important progress in strengthening international capital management. Capital management is considered a bridge between the real economy and financial capital. Shanghai, placing high importance on the development of the capital management industry, vowed two years ago that it would build itself into an important hub of capital management in Asia and one of the leading centers of capital management globally by 2025. So far, the city has made progress in the development of capital management. The asset under management in Shanghai accounts for around a quarter of the national total. In particular, publicly offered funds and insurance assets make up 1/3 of the total in China, and equity funds 1/2. Besides, Shanghai also leads nationally in the volume of privately offered fund management. Photo shows a night view of the Bund in Shanghai. (People's Daily Online/Zhou Dongchao) Shanghai is home to a batch of top-tier asset management institutions. It sees an increasingly enriched system of asset management products, and rich human resources in the financial sector. Thirty-two of the 38 foreign-owned private equity fund management firms registered at the Asset Management Association of China are in Shanghai, and 17 of the top 20 asset management companies in the world have set up entities in Shanghai. Besides, BlackRock, the first global asset manager licensed to start a wholly owned onshore mutual fund business in China, as well as J.P. Morgan Securities (China) Company Limited, the first foreign public fund manager to gain full ownership over its Chinese joint venture, are also headquartered in Shanghai. Shanghai is enhancing its efforts to build an international center of green finance, so as to contribute to China's goal of peaking carbon dioxide emissions before 2030 and achieving carbon neutrality before 2060. "Over the recent years, Shanghai has been a forerunner in the country in terms of innovation in green financial products, introduction of key organizations and platforms, and relevant international cooperation and exchanges," said Liu Liya, Assistant to President at the Shanghai University of Finance and Economics. As a city that gathers financial markets, Shanghai has always been making innovation in green financial products and services. For instance, China's first low carbon transition bonds were issued on the Shanghai Stock Exchange. In addition, a series of carbon efficient indexes were launched in the city, including the Shanghai Stock Exchange 180 Carbon Efficient Index and the Shanghai Stock Exchange Shanghai Environment and Energy Exchange Carbon Neutrality Index. Last year, Shanghai's Pudong New Area became one of the first pilot zones in China for climate investment and financing. Building a multi-level system of green financial organizations and institutions, Shanghai is working to improve its green financial services. In 2020, the National Green Development Fund was inaugurated in Shanghai, which focuses on green and low-carbon development in key areas. Besides, financial institutions in Shanghai have successively established specialized departments or teams for green finance. As of the end of 2022, the balance of green loans of Shanghai's financial institutions totaled 842.39 billion yuan, up 39.4 percent year on year, 32 percentage points higher than the growth of other types of loans in the same period. Strengthening capabilities in serving real entities, building an important hub of asset management and reforming and innovating green finance, Shanghai is making steady progress in building an international financial center. Shanghai will further enhance global resource allocation, make its financial market, institution and infrastructure systems more competitive in the world, and improve the financial sector's capability and efficiency in serving the real economy, said an official with the Shanghai municipal government. The city will also build a virtuous cycle among technology, industry and finance, prudently and actively deepen reform and expand opening up in the financial sector, and build a competitive and attractive financial ecology, the official added. (Web editor: Chang Sha, Liang Jun) TikTok CEO Shou Zi Chew testifies during a hearing of the House Energy and Commerce Committee, on the platform's consumer privacy and data security practices and impact on children, Thursday, March 23, on Capitol Hill in Washington. AP-Yonhap Short video app TikTok, owned by China's ByteDance, said on Thursday it would invest billions of dollars in Southeast Asia over the next few years, as it doubles down on the region amid intensifying global scrutiny over its data security. Southeast Asia, a region with a collective population of 630 million - half of them under 30 - is one of TikTok's biggest markets in terms of user numbers. But the platform has yet to translate the large user base into a major e-commerce revenue source in the region as it faces fierce competition from bigger rivals of Sea's Shopee, Alibaba's Lazada and GoTo's Tokopedia. "We're going to invest billions of dollars in Indonesia and Southeast Asia over the next few years," TikTok CEO Shou Zi Chew said at a forum it organised in Jakarta to highlight the social and economic impact of the app in the region. He said content on its platform was becoming more diversified as it adds more users and expands beyond advertising into e-commerce, allowing consumers to purchase goods through links on the app during livestreaming. Chew said TikTok has 8,000 employees in Southeast Asia, and 2 million small vendors selling their wares on its platform in Indonesia, the region's biggest economy. The investment plan comes as the Chinese-owned company faces scrutiny from some governments and regulators because of concerns that Beijing could use the app to harvest user data or advance its interests. Countries including Britain and New Zealand have banned the app on government phones, moves TikTok said it believed were based on "fundamental misconceptions" and driven by wider geopolitics. TikTok has repeatedly denied that it has ever shared data with the Chinese government and has said the company would not do so if asked. The app has not faced major bans on government devices in Southeast Asia, but it has been under scrutiny over its content. Indonesia presented one of its first major global policy challenges in 2018, after authorities briefly banned TikTok for posts they said contained "pornography, inappropriate content and blasphemy." In Vietnam, regulators said it would probe TikTok's operations in the country because "toxic" content on the platform poses a threat to its "youth, culture and tradition." (Reuters) Pictured here is a six-lane road in a congested area of Beijing near Sanyuanqiao on April 15, 2023. BEIJING Chinese electric car brand Xpeng announced Thursday it received approval to start rolling out assisted driving tech to users in the nation's capital city of Beijing. The initial coverage only includes the "ring-road" highways that run in concentric circles around the city center and "main high-speed roads," according to a CNBC translation of the Chinese-language release. It was not immediately clear when the driver-assist tech could be used on all Beijing city streets. Thursday's announcement follows Xpeng's release of urban scenario driver-assist tech for users in Shanghai in March, after an earlier rollout in Shenzhen and Guangzhou. Xpeng has said it plans to roll out the tech, called XNGP, to other Chinese cities this year. The system, available to drivers of certain models for a fee, claims to make driving easier with software that assists with smooth braking at traffic lights, turning at intersections and other tasks on city streets. Xpeng is the only automaker in China to offer a similar level of driver-assist technology as Tesla . While Tesla offers assisted driving technology for use on highways, its "Full Self Driving" function for driver-assist on city streets isn't yet available in China. Sophia Celentano's work commute starts in the middle of the night. Her alarm goes off at 3:30 am, reminding the 21-year-old that she has less than an hour to start driving to Charleston International Airport otherwise, she'll miss her flight to the office. Since early June, Celentano has commuted by plane once a week to her summer internship at Ogilvy Health in Parsippany, New Jersey, from her parent's house in Charleston, South Carolina. Celentano didn't want to join the legions of summer interns fighting for affordable housing in and around New York City. And her job only requires her to be in the office about a 45-minute drive from downtown Manhattan once, sometimes twice, per week. For Celentano, commuting four-plus hours by plane weekly was a much easier pill to swallow than paying New York rent for three months on an intern's salary. "I didn't think twice about it," Celentano, a rising senior at the University of Virginia, tells CNBC Make It. Super-commuting, which the Census Bureau loosely defines as traveling "long distances" by air, rail, car or bus to work usually 90 minutes or more each way has become more popular since the Covid-19 pandemic hit. Companies adopted hybrid work models, and people fled major cities. Even some college students are on board. "I really wanted to prioritize my happiness and well-being this summer, and to do that, I wanted to mostly be in Charleston with my family," says Celentano. The intern's super-commuting routine helps her save thousands of dollars, too. Here's how. In this photo illustration, packages of Mifepristone tablets are displayed at a family planning clinic on April 13, 2023 in Rockville, Maryland. House Democrats on Thursday called on Walmart, Costco , Kroger , Safeway and Health Mart to publicly commit to sell the prescription abortion pill mifepristone at their retail pharmacies. Pending lawsuits have jeopardized mifepristone's approval in the U.S. For now, it is the most common method to terminate a pregnancy in the country. The five companies have been silent for months on whether they will get certified to sell mifepristone under a Food and Drug Administration program that monitors how the medication is distributed and used by patients. "It is unconscionable that five of the largest retail pharmacies in the country are refusing to declare whether they will receive certification to provide basic, legal, FDA-approved medication abortion health care for Americans," Rep. Dan Goldman, D-NY, said in a statement Thursday. Goldman and Rep. Judy Chu, D-Calif., sent a letter asking the companies' CEOs to confirm by June 23 whether their pharmacies will get certified to sell the abortion pill. More than 50 other Democratic lawmakers signed on to the letter. "Your continued silence is unacceptable as it is misaligned with your publicly stated values in support of equal access to health care and of gender equality," the lawmakers told the CEOs in the letter. Democratic governors and senators asked the companies in March whether their pharmacies will get certified to dispense the medication. The companies still have not taken a public position on the issue. The largest retail pharmacies in the U.S. have found themselves increasingly caught in the middle of the national battle over abortion access, which was set in motion by the Supreme Court's decision to overturn Roe v. Wade last June. More than a dozen states have banned abortion since the high court overturned the landmark 1973 decision that protected access to the procedure as a right under the U.S. Constitution. watch now PARIS France's top politicians told CNBC they see the beginnings of global regulation on artificial intelligence coming by the end of this year, with French President Emmanuel Macron saying the country wants to work with the U.S. on rules around the fast-growing technology. The comments come as interest in AI, sparked by the rapid growth of chatbot ChatGPT, continues to rise and governments around the world debate how the technology should be regulated. But there is no global consensus on how AI should be managed and controlled with the U.S., China and European Union taking different approaches to rules around the tech. Any global regulatory framework would be a huge feat. France has looked to position itself as the European hub for AI development even as the European Union, of which France is a member, pushes forward with first-of-its kind regulation. Macron, Finance Minister Bruno Le Maire and Digital Minister Jean-Noel Barrot, all spoke to CNBC on Wednesday at the VivaTech conference in Paris, expressing a desire for global regulation on AI. "From my point of view I think we do need a regulation and all the players, even the U.S. players, agree with that. I think we need a global regulation," Macron told CNBC's Karen Tso on the sidelines of the event. Barrot said that by the end of the year, "some of the core principles that we would like for the regulation of AI in G7 countries and like minded countries will start to emerge." watch now The G7 includes countries such as France, Germany the U.S. and U.K. The countries agreed this year to set up a working group to look at issues that may arise from AI. Macron said the G7 and the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD), which includes 38 countries, would be a "good platform" to develop global regulation. Why now? French concerns over EU A.I. law France's call for global AI regulation comes as the European Union closes in on passing an unprecedented law called the EU AI Act. The European Parliament on Wednesday approved the bloc's landmark law, which looks to take a risk-based approach to regulating AI. The latest amendments to the law include a tougher stance on so-called generative AI, the type of technology that underpins OpenAI's ChatGPT, which allows systems to create images or respond in text to prompts. The regulation states generative AI developers will be required to submit their systems for review before releasing them commercially. The law still needs approval from other EU bodies. France, which has traditionally taken a pro-regulatory stance, has expressed concern that the EU law around AI has gone to far. "My worry is that in the recent past few weeks, the EU Parliament has taken a very sort of strong stance on AI regulation, using in some sense this AI act as a way to try and solve too many problems at once," Barrot said on the provisions around generative AI. U.S. rivalry and partnership in focus Even as an EU-level law continues to work through the legislative process, France is pushing for regulations on a global scale and it sees the U.S. as a key ally. "Competition is always a good thing. So we have a very close cooperation with the U.S. but we also want to get access to our own AI intelligence and companies," Le Maire told CNBC on the sidelines of VivaTech. "On regulation as well, I think this is absolutely vital to have an in-depth discussion with the American authorities on the best way of regulating artificial intelligence," he added. watch now The U.S. has not yet come up with any kind of framework for AI regulation. But American companies are some of the most prominent in the space with OpenAI, the firm behind ChatGPT, as well as chipmaker Nvidia being the leaders in the space. Meanwhile China, which has become somewhat of a common technology rival for the EU and U.S., has introduced laws around specific uses of AI such as computer-generated content known as "deepfakes." What do the French want in terms of regulation? France's top politicians who spoke to CNBC discussed their focus for AI regulation. "We want to be sure that this is safe, unbiased that the language models we have are not biased and that what is ... forbidden in society is forbidden in this model. So we need some rules," Macron said. AI like ChatGPT is trained on huge amounts of data called large language models that allow it to understand human language and respond. But there are concerns that the data it is trained on could cause that system to inherit biases. Macron also said that if you are watching a video or looking at a photo that has been created by AI, a user has a right to know. Ultimately, French politicians are weighing up regulation that balances the need for protecting users of the technology without stifling innovation. "What we want is a regulation that offers both protection for users and that establishes trust, but that is also very flexible enough to allow for the development in the next few weeks, next few months in France and Europe," Barrot said. Michael Evans, President of Alibaba Group, said that the firm will bring its Tmall e-commerce site to Europe. PARIS Alibaba will expand one of its key China e-commerce sites into Europe, the company's president said on Thursday, marking a significant step up in the Chinese tech giant's international push. The announcement comes just over two months after Alibaba, China's biggest e-commerce firm, announced plans to split its business into six units, a move designed to give each unit more autonomy and faster decision-making powers. Michael Evans, president of Alibaba, said the company will bring one of its China e-commerce services Tmall into Europe. "So you will see something called Tmall which we have in China, become Tmall in Europe, which means we will serve local brands and local consumers in the local market," Evans said at the Viva Tech conference in Paris, France. Evans revealed the company is currently doing a pilot project in Spain, which "will expand across Europe." In China, Tmall is an Alibaba site and app that has a big focus on selling foreign brands to Chinese consumers. Launching Tmall in Europe reflects a significant shift in strategy for Alibaba in its international e-commerce operations. While Alibaba's international push in online shopping is not new, it has focused on a site called AliExpress in Europe. However, AliExpress has goods shipped from China into Europe. Shipping times are often long though products may be cheaper than rivals. However, Evans' suggestion is that Tmall in Europe would focus on selling local brands to local shoppers. It's unclear if this would be merged in any way with AliExpress. One of Alibaba's six independent businesses is called the Taobao Tmall Commerce Group which focuses on its two main e-commerce products in China. But it also has a Global Digital Commerce unit that focuses on Alibaba's e-commerce push abroad. "Europe is a top priority for all of the businesses that have an international component. So by that, I mean, the international commerce businesses, the cloud business, the logistics business in particular," Evans said. Axiom Mission 2 mission specialist Rayyanah Barnawi, of Saudi Arabia (L), and commander and former NASA astronaut Peggy Whitson, of the United States, make a heart-shape with their hands towards family members, as they arrive at the Kennedy Space Center in Cape Canaveral, Florida, on May 21, 2023. Peggy Whitson is America's most experienced astronaut, having spent 675 days in space. She's just returned from her fourth flight to orbit. Axiom Space recently completed its second human spaceflight mission traveling to and from the International Space Station via a SpaceX Dragon Capsule. Whitson, now Axiom's director of human spaceflight, served as Ax-2's mission commander. CNBC's "Manifest Space" podcast sat down with the retired NASA astronaut to discuss her return to space, the commercialization of human spaceflight and her outlook on the private space economy. The following has been edited for length and clarity. Follow and listen to CNBC's "Manifest Space" podcast, hosted by Morgan Brennan, wherever you get your podcasts. Let's talk about the mission, what you accomplished, and what it was like to do this as a private astronaut? Of course, I'd love to go into space. It's like my second home. I wanted to go but being a part of this changing era of space is really exciting to me. And that's what made this flight special for me. And I like to think of it as we are changing the evolution of the idea that humanity belongs in space. And, and we have a purpose to be there. So that's, to me, that's changing a bit from where I've come from in the past. You're back at the space station, you're somebody who's commanded the space station, you've been there multiple times before. What was that like to return as, for lack of better terms, a visitor? It was a different perspective for me. I did have the unique experience though. This was the first time I commanded the launching vehicle. So that was a novel part of the experience. And a part of being a NASA astronaut, I had many experiences where we trade responsibilities in command. And so this was just another aspect of that. The station commander had the lead there on the station and on the Dragon, I had the lead. So it's just an interesting shifting roles and responsibilities depending on where you are. But it was great to be back up there and see the place. Some things were in the same place as they were when I left. ... Even some of the bags were labeled by my handwriting. You've ridden on multiple spacecraft and rockets now. What was it like to work with SpaceX? And what was it like to fly in Dragon and be launched from a Falcon 9 versus Soyuz or versus Space Shuttle? On the Dragon, I loved the crew interfaces and displays because they integrated data and procedures together and it just made it very easy for my user perspective to really know what was going on, what was happening, and to stay in tune with the vehicle. So it was very exciting. The landing on water was definitely better than landing on the ground. A lot less rolling around. How quickly do you think human spaceflight becomes more common, more commercial, and more accessible? I think access is going to increase for lots of countries and individuals. But I also think, as we begin developing the commercial aspects of the station, it will also bring in other companies who want to develop products, for instance, pharmaceuticals or other things, onboard a commercial space station, and so I'm excited about that future. Because of Axiom and NASA's design to have our station initially joined to the ISS and then constructed from there and depart before the ISS is deorbited in 2030 [that] allows us an opportunity to have a really good proving ground and to open up that access a little bit earlier. Will you be doing more of these spaceflights? Oh, I certainly hope so. How involved are you in input around the development of these commercial space stations? Or in terms of training around future teams that are going to go on these missions? What does your day-to-day look like working with this space startup? One of the most fun things for me is talking to these young, innovative engineers. We have a really cool mix of people who've worked on this station and ... know what things not to do again. [They have] these new, new innovative ideas coming out, and I get to talk to these young people and say, 'OK, that's a good idea, that that one will work in space. This one, you're gonna have to work on that because it's just not practical in space for this reason, that reason.' I get to use my experience to help them design and fine-tune without having to do all the research on their own. It is exciting for me. Also, one of the things that I like to do and one of the things I developed while working at NASA was expeditionary crew skills. So, the soft skills that are used by crew members and interacting with each other. Like teamwork, leadership, followership, self-care, team care, those things are all important aspects of the mission, especially when you're living in a small, confined space or, you know, away from your families, etc. Your career has been incredible. Did you always think you'd be an astronaut? Well, it was kind of a long path for me. I was 9 years old when Neil Armstrong took his first step on the moon and you know, even at 9 I felt that was very inspirational. And that's why I hope we are inspiring those young minds that same age, because for me, it's stuck. And although I was a farm kid and a farm girl, I didn't really know if that would ever be an option for me. But that's what my dream was. And it wasn't until I graduated high school and NASA selected the first female astronauts that I really felt like, hey, this, this is possible, I can do this. And two of the astronauts had medical degrees and another had a biochemistry degree. And I was very interested in biochemistry myself. And so I thought this might really be able to be possible. Luckily, I had no idea how hard it [would] be. But I set my path, I got an undergraduate and graduate degrees and started working at NASA. Of course, as soon as I got my graduate degree, I applied to work to be an astronaut. For 10 years I applied and was rejected. And I always like to tell young people that sometimes your path isn't always a straight line to getting to your goal. During those 10 years, I can look back now and say that those were the 10 years that enabled me to get the training I needed to be selected as the first female commander, and to be selected as the first female and non-military chief of the astronaut office. It was those 10 years that enabled that. And so, in the end, I got even more than what I ever dreamed of. What's the coolest thing about being in space? Is it a spacewalk? Definitely the coolest task in space is going on a spacewalks. It's you're out in the spacesuit, it's basically a little spaceship built for one. That was pretty amazing. I was on a spacewalk. It was my first one in the U.S. suit. I had done one EVA [extravehicular activity] in the Russian suit on my first flight. But on my second flight, I did a spacewalk. And I had pulled out a box it was a baseband signal processor, but it needed to be changed out, and I pulled it out. And then at the back of that was a reflective thermal insulation thing, but it was like mirror reflective. And I saw myself in a spacesuit. And I saw solar arrays and the earth behind me and I'm like, I'm an "astronaut!" It was very special. When you do another spaceflight, what is your dream crew? Are there certain people that you would love to travel with to space? Could be anybody. I think, you know, flying up with three rookies was a lot of fun, because it allowed me to re-experience the first time again. I would pick anybody that wanted to be part of a team, because to me that's what makes the crews special is the people trying to be part of a team. And so I would want people that wanted to make and build that. Bill Gates, co-chairman of the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, during the EEI 2023 event in Austin, Texas, US, on Monday, June 12, 2023. Microsoft 's co-founder Bill Gates will be meeting Chinese President Xi Jinping on Friday, Reuters reported Wednesday citing two sources familiar with the matter. The meeting will be Xi's first with a foreign CEO in recent years, the report said, as the Chinese leader stopped travelling overseas for almost three years after China shut its borders during the pandemic. It could be a one-on-one meeting, Reuters said without revealing details on what they might discuss. CNBC reached out to China's ministry of foreign affairs but did not hear back at the time of publication. The two men met in 2015 on the sidelines of the Boao forum, a gathering for political and business leaders, held in Hainan province. They discussed views on enhancing public health service and poverty reduction, according to China's foreign ministry. Gates tweeted Wednesday, saying he had landed in Beijing to "visit with partners who have been working on global health and development challenges" for the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation. It is his first visit since 2019. The billionaire stepped down as Microsoft's board chair in March 2020 to "dedicate more time to his philanthropic priorities including global health, development, education, and his increasing engagement in tackling climate change." He left his full-time executive role at Microsoft in 2008. Gates' visit comes ahead of a long-awaited trip by U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken to China this weekend, aimed at stabilizing relations between the two largest economies in the world. Chinese Foreign Minister Qin Gang and Blinken spoke Wednesday and "discussed the importance of maintaining open lines of communication" in order to manage the U.S.-China relationship and "avoid miscalculation and conflict," the U.S. State Department said. Other foreign tech leaders such as Apple CEO Tim Cook and Tesla CEO Elon Musk have met with Chinese ministers in recent months. In March, Cook met China's minister of commerce Wang Wentao to discuss China's reopening and broader supply chain issues. Musk met with Chinese vice premier Ding Xuexiang and other top officials in China in May, as Beijing looks to portray a friendly business environment for foreign companies amid tensions with the U.S. government. Bitcoin is up 50% so far in 2023, beating major commodities and stock indexes. Asset management giant BlackRock took the first steps Thursday to launch a spot bitcoin exchange-traded fund, which has long been a point of contention between crypto advocates and federal regulators. The firm filed an application with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission to launch the iShares Bitcoin Trust. If approved, the ETF would allow easy access for investors to get exposure to crypto in a product from one of Wall Street's largest companies. "The Shares are intended to constitute a simple means of making an investment similar to an investment in bitcoin rather than by acquiring, holding and trading bitcoin directly on a peer-to-peer or other basis or via a digital asset exchange," the filing said. The SEC has so far resisted allowing the launch of a spot bitcoin ETF in the U.S. The regulator is currently in a legal battle with Grayscale over whether the firm will be allowed to convert its Grayscale Bitcoin Trust into an ETF. A decision in that case is expected later this year. Several other firms have filed and later pulled applications to launch spot bitcoin funds. If the SEC relents, there could be a flood of those products on the market. ETFs typically take months to launch after an initial filing, if they ever begin trading. The proposed BlackRock fund will likely face heavy resistance from the SEC, and the filing could be pulled before an ETF is ever launched, said Aisha Hunt, principal at asset management law firm Kelley Hunt & Charles. BlackRock's move comes during a time when crypto prices remain well below their all-time highs and the industry faces increasing scrutiny in Washington, D.C. The SEC recently sued Coinbase and Binance for allegedly running unregistered securities exchanges. The SEC also accused Binance of commingling customer funds with its own. Coinbase is listed as the bitcoin custodian for the proposed BlackRock ETF. BlackRock has an existing strategic partnership with Coinbase. The companies announced last year that Aladdin, BlackRock's institutional investment platform, would be connected to Coinbase Prime for crypto trading and custody. The SEC did not immediately respond to CNBC's request for comment on the new filing. The entrance of BlackRock into the bitcoin ETF space could be a boost to a sector that has had a rocky start over the past two years. Bitcoin futures ETFs first launched in 2021, but the ProShares Bitcoin Strategy ETF (BITO) is the only one that has grown to a substantial size, with about $800 million in assets. The fund has lost more than 40% on a total return basis since the launch, according to FactSet. The price of bitcoin hit an all-time high shortly after BITO launched and is down more than 60% since its peak. The headquarters of Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank at the Financial Street in Beijing, China. Canada is freezing ties with the China-led Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank while it probes allegations it is dominated by the Chinese Communist Party, Finance Minister Chrystia Freeland said on Wednesday. Freeland said she did not rule out any outcome of the investigation, a clear hint that Ottawa could pull out of a bank it officially joined in March 2018. The bank's global communications director, a Canadian, said on Wednesday he had resigned and criticized the bank as "dominated by the Communist Party," allegations which the AIIB said were baseless and disappointing. "The Government of Canada will immediately halt all government led activity at the bank. And I have instructed the Department of Finance to lead an immediate review of the allegations raised and of Canada's involvement in the AIIB," Freeland told reporters. She said as the world's democracies worked to limit their strategic vulnerabilities to authoritarian regimes, they must be clear about the ways such governments exercised their influence. "The review I am announcing today is to be undertaken expeditiously. And I am not ruling out any outcome following its completion," she said. Guests are seen in the J Hotel located in the Shanghai Tower, in Shanghai on June 23, 2021. China, with the world's second-largest economy and the second-highest population, will again see the biggest exodus of millionaires this year, according to new research. According to a report by investment migration consultancy Henley & Partners, China is expected to lose the largest number of dollar millionaires this year due to migration, when compared to any other country. Data from the firm showed that a net 10,800 high-net-worth individuals migrated out of China in 2022, and another net 13,500 are expected to leave this year. This is not an issue that started with the coronavirus pandemic, and has been going on for the last 10 years. China has seen the biggest departure of millionaires each year for the past decade, causing general wealth growth in the country to slow down, Andrew Amoils, head of research at global wealth intelligence firm New World Wealth which helped create the report, said in an accompanying statement. "The recent outflows could be more damaging than usual. China's economy grew strongly from 2000 to 2017, but wealth and millionaire growth in the country has been negligible since then (when measured in U.S.-dollar terms)." UNITED STATES - FEBRUARY 28: Rep. Lou Correa, D-Calif., walks down the House steps after the last votes of the week on Friday, Feb. 28, 2020. The chief of staff to the new top Democrat on the House Judiciary subcommittee on antitrust lobbied on behalf of Amazon and Apple as recently as 2022, including on the very issues the ranking member will oversee in his new role, CNBC found based on public disclosures. The background of California Democrat Lou Correa's top staffer is likely to further upset progressives who supported efforts to reform the rules of the road around digital competition. Rene Munoz has served as chief of staff to Correa since November 2022, according to Congress tracking site LegiStorm. Before that, Munoz worked at the lobbying firm Federal Street Strategies beginning in May 2020, according to LinkedIn, where his clients included Amazon and Apple, along with other corporations. Earlier, he worked for other Democratic representatives in Congress. In 2019, when the Democrats were in the majority, Rhode Island Democratic Rep. David Cicilline spearheaded a major investigation into the competition practices of Amazon, Apple, Google and Facebook , and hauled their CEOs before Congress. He introduced a package of bills to limit their power. Correa voted against the legislation. Rep. Ken Buck, R-Colo., later became the top Republican on the subcommittee and was a significant ally to Cicilline in championing the tech antitrust bills. However, once Republicans took control of the House, Buck was passed over and libertarian Rep. Thomas Massie, R-Ky., was chosen to lead the committee. The tech industry is likely to cheer the shift from antitrust reform advocates like Cicilline and Buck as a reprieve from years of fighting against bills they saw as overly broad or having undue consequences on consumer privacy. Demand Progress communications director Maria Langholz called Correa's elevation to the role "a profound disappointment," in a statement after his selection was announced, citing his opposition to a package of tech antitrust bills championed by Cicilline, who recently left Congress and vacated the spot. It's "embarrassing that House Democrats failed to step up and fill the void that was left by Rep. Cicilline's departure from the subcommittee," added the progressive advocacy group's spokesperson. "The Congressman's Chief of Staff has spent nearly two decades in public service, most of which being spent in the halls of Congress," a Correa spokesperson said in a statement to CNBC on which Munoz was copied. "He's fought tirelessly to serve elected representatives from every corner of the country in their missions to uplift their constituents, and better the lives of every working family. It's because of that unwavering commitment and history of service that Congressman Correa brought him aboard his team to work by his side in his fight for the hard-working taxpayers he represents right here in Orange County," the statement said. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration's independent panel of advisors on Thursday recommended that updated Covid shots for the fall and winter target one of the XBB variants, which are now the dominant strains of the virus nationwide. The committee unanimously voted that the new jabs should be monovalent meaning they are designed to protect against one variant of Covid and target a member of the XBB family. Those strains of Covid are descendants of the omicron variant, which caused cases to surge to record levels early last year. They are some of the most immune-evasive strains to date. Advisors also generally agreed that the new shots should specifically target a variant called XBB.1.5. The panel only discussed that specific strain selection and did not vote on the matter. XBB.1.5 accounted for nearly 40% of all Covid cases in the U.S. as of early June, according to data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. That proportion is slowly declining, and cases of the related XBB.1.16 and XBB.2.3 variants are on the rise. Advisors noted that XBB.1.5 appears most ideal for the fall since vaccine manufacturers Pfizer, Moderna and Novavax have already started to develop jabs targeting the strain. "The 1.5 looks good. It seems like it's the most feasible to get across the finish line early without resulting in delays and availability," said Dr. Melinda Wharton, a senior official at the National Center for Immunization and Respiratory Diseases. "The vaccine we can use is the vaccine that we can get. And so it feels like this would be a good choice." The FDA typically follows the advice of its advisory committees, but is not required to do so. It's unclear when the agency will make a final decision on strain selection. There is also uncertainty about which age groups the FDA and CDC will advise to receive the updated shots this fall. But the panel's recommendation is already a win for Pfizer, Moderna and Novavax all of which have been conducting early trials on their respective XBB.1.5 shots ahead of the meeting. "Novavax expects to be ready for the commercial delivery of a protein-based monovalent XBB COVID vaccine this fall in line with today's [advisory committee] recommendation," said John Jacobs, the company's president and CEO. The U.S. is expected to shift vaccine distribution to the private sector this fall. That means the vaccine makers will start selling their new Covid products directly to health-care providers and vie for commercial market share. The panel's recommendation coincides with a broader shift in how the pandemic impacts the country and the world at large. Covid cases and deaths have dropped to new lows, governments have rolled back stringent health mandates like masking and social distancing and many people believe the pandemic is over altogether. But Dr. Peter Marks, head of the FDA's vaccine division, said the agency is concerned that the U.S. will have another Covid wave "during a time when the virus has further evolved, immunity of the population has waned further and we move indoors for wintertime." Updated Covid vaccines that are periodically updated to target a high circulating variant will restore protective immunity against the virus, said Dr. David Kaslow, a senior official in the FDA's vaccine division. It's a similar approach to how the strains are selected for the annual flu shot. Researchers assess strains of the virus in circulation and estimate which will be the most prevalent during the upcoming fall and winter. But it's unclear how many Americans will roll up their sleeves to take the updated shots later this year. Only about 17% of the U.S. population around 56 million people have received Pfizer and Moderna's boosters since they were approved in September, according to the CDC. More than 40% of adults 65 and older have been boosted with those shots, while the rate among younger adults and children ranges between 18% and 20%. Those boosters were bivalent, meaning they targeted the original strain of Covid and the omicron subvariants BA.4 and BA.5. Elon Musk met with Italy Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni on Thursday and discussed the risks of artificial intelligence and birth rates, among other topics, the Italian leader tweeted Thursday. The Tesla CEO landed in Rome on Thursday on a flight from Austin, Texas, according to the Instagram account that tracks the billionaire's private jet. It marks the start of what is expected to be a short European tour. Musk will travel to France on Friday to speak at the Viva Tech conference in Paris, the country's biggest technology event. Meloni tweeted in Italian that she and Musk discussed "innovation, opportunities and risks of artificial intelligence, European market regulations, and birth rates." Musk has repeatedly warned of the risks of artificial intelligence. In February, Musk said AI is "one of the biggest risks to the future of civilization." Musk has also in the past called rapidly declining birth rates "one of the biggest risks to civilization." The meeting with the Italian prime minister comes as leaders in Europe attempt to woo the Tesla boss into building a new car manufacturing facility in their countries. France's Digital Minister Jean-Noel Barrot told CNBC this week that the country's government is trying to convince Musk "that France is the best possible place in Europe to establish the next Tesla factory." Musk is expected to speak in Paris on Friday at the Viva Tech summit, which French President Emmanuel Macron attended this week. The Tesla boss is also expected to meet with Macron. Fiona Currie, 12, is the youngest graduate in Los Angeles City College's history, earning an associate degree in studio art in June. Fiona Currie enrolled in her first college class at age 9 as an experiment. Her parents, Roderick and Blanca, had watched their eldest daughter breeze through three different public school curricula in California, skipping grades to feel challenged by schoolwork. As she accelerated through traditional education, the couple knew they needed to find an alternative. Still, it seemed absurd to enroll their 9-year-old in college. With few other options, they took a chance with an English class at Los Angeles City College. "I honestly thought she would struggle," Roderick tells CNBC Make It. "I thought, even if she gets a failing grade, at least she'll get the benefit of the instruction and that'll be the end of it." Instead, Fiona aced the class, and many more after that. Through a dual-enrollment program, she earned college credits while completing her middle school classes. Earlier this month, at age 12, she received an associate degree in studio arts with a 4.0 GPA. She stood in a crowd of her classmates on commencement day amid a standing ovation while becoming the school's youngest graduate. Next up for the history-making 12-year-old: high school. It might appear a backwards move. After completing college-level classes in math, art, anthropology and more, why would a student finish high school with everyone else? Roderick's answer: "It's possible to get too far ahead of your peers." 'It's not about who gets to their career quickest in life' When Fiona was age 4, Blanca and Roderick noticed her teaching herself Mozart on the piano and making uncannily lifelike drawings. She blew through academic workbooks well above her age level. They never had her IQ tested, wanting to teach their daughter that she's more than a number. "We just wanted her to be who she is, to be herself and not associate her with a number or score or anything like that," says Roderick. "Life is not a race ... It's not about who gets to their career quickest in life." In retrospect, he adds, they may have pushed their daughter "too hard" by having her skip so many grades: They want her to have time to discover who she is beyond her academic achievements. "When parents recognize that their child has talent, we should praise and reward that, but we should not try to shape it to suit our own desires," says Blanca. Social and logistical dilemmas for academically talented kids Roderick and Blanca sometimes try to imagine a world in which they keep their daughter moving at her advanced pace. They always run into dilemmas. The social aspect is obvious, they say: When you're noticeably the youngest person in your class, it's hard to be accepted by your peers. There are logistical issues, too. Fiona could pursue a bachelor's degree and enter the workforce but she can't legally drive, meaning her parents would have to add their daughter's professional commute to their own. Plus, most jobs and internships require applicants to be 18 or older. "What do you do when you've reached that point where there's nowhere else to go, and you're waiting for the world to catch up, and you're waiting for her to become legal for various things, so that she can become a member of society?" Roderick says. "I think many parents of gifted children probably don't realize this. They never stop and take a moment to just slow down," he adds. The joy of slowing down and the success it brings David Anderman, who recently served as SpaceX general counsel, is joining soon-to-be-public company Surf Air Mobility, CNBC has learned. Surf Air, a regional air travel and electric aviation company, plans to go public through a direct listing later this summer, according to filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission. Using Cessna Grand Caravans as its aircraft fleet, Surf Air offers scheduled and private flights. The company is also merging with Southern Airways Express, which flew more than 400,000 customers last year, according to the SEC filings. Anderman is joining Surf Air as its chief legal officer, a person familiar with the matter told CNBC. He served as SpaceX general counsel for two years until 2020, work he's previously said included building the global corporate structure for Starlink satellite internet service, as well as Hollywood licensing deals such as Tom Cruise's plan to film a movie in space. His work has spanned media and tech. Anderman led the 2012 sale of Lucasfilm to Disney for $4 billion, the culmination of a 16-year career with George Lucas' company. Surf Air did not respond to CNBC's request for comment. Rep. Mike Gallagher, center, chair of the House Select Committee on the Chinese Communist Party, speaks at a news conference following a GOP caucus meeting at the Republican National Committee offices in Washington, D.C., Feb. 28, 2023. He is joined by fellow Republicans Rep. Elise Stefanik, left, and Majority Whip Steve Scalise. WASHINGTON Two top Republican congressmen on Thursday urged the Justice Department to investigate intellectual property theft from American small businesses by Chinese actors. Chinese IP theft costs the U.S. economy $600 billion a year and has a disproportionate effect on small businesses, Reps. Mike Gallagher of Wisconsin and Roger Williams of Texas wrote in a letter to Attorney General Merrick Garland. The letter was also signed by 24 other Republican lawmakers. "Ensuring the safety of American small businesses from IP-related crimes is crucial, and we urge the U.S. Department of Justice to utilize all tools and capabilities at its disposal," the lawmakers wrote. Gallagher is chairman of the House Select Committee on the Chinese Communist Party, while Williams chairs the House Committee on Small Business. Evidence of Chinese IP theft from U.S. businesses dates back several years. The multibillion-dollar economic toll estimate comes from a 2017 report from the National Bureau of Asian Research's Commission on the Theft of American Intellectual Property. A 2018 analysis of IP theft by the U.S. Trade Representative found that the Chinese government "conducted and supported cyber intrusions into U.S. commercial networks, targeting confidential business information held by U.S. firms." In 2019, 1 in 5 North American companies on the CNBC Global CFO Council reported IP theft from Chinese companies within the last year. The House CCP committee is pushing for the DOJ's Task Force on Intellectual Property to prioritize theft scenarios among small businesses, which can cripple those with little means to recoup losses. The lawmakers cited a Fox Business News report describing the theft of a proprietary design from an irrigation company. Another small business owner had to contend with unauthorized copies of her violin teaching tool on the Chinese market in 2019, according to the letter. Gallagher and Williams requested an itemized briefing to their respective committees with overviews of current measures to protect IP rights particularly against China and details on the DOJ's investigative efforts and counterfeit procedures, by June 30. The House CCP committee was formed after the GOP regained control of the House following the 2022 midterm elections. It aims to examine threats posed to the U.S. by the Chinese government. Mercedes-Benz and Microsoft are partnering to test in-car ChatGPT artificial intelligence, available to more than 900,000 vehicles in the U.S., the companies announced Thursday. The luxury automaker said the emerging technology will be used for audio requests through its Hey Mercedes voice assistant, which is expected to greatly expand the system's capabilities. It is the first implementation of ChatGPT in a vehicle, according to a Microsoft spokesperson. Mercedes said an optional beta program for U.S. customers will begin Friday. Customers can enroll via the company's app, called Mercedes me, or directly from the vehicle using the voice command, "Hey Mercedes, I want to join the beta program." "While most voice assistants are limited to predefined tasks and responses, ChatGPT leverages a large language model to greatly improve natural language understanding and expand the topics to which it can respond," the carmaker said in a release. Similar to other industries, the potential applications of ChatGPT in the automotive industry have emerged as a growing discussion. While some, such as General Motors , say their autonomous vehicles already utilize advanced AI, or machine learning, the Mercedes partnership marks one of the first specific-use cases for ChatGPT. GM earlier this year said it was exploring use cases for ChatGPT in its vehicles as part of a broader collaboration with Microsoft, an investor in OpenAI, which created the technology. "Patience should be rewarded," Morgan Stanley said about T-Mobile shares. The firm reinstated T-Mobile to its list of top picks in telecommunications services. Analyst Simon Flannery maintained his overweight rating on shares, while increasing his price target by $1 to $178. His target price implies 39% upside from where shares closed Thursday. "T-Mobile is one of the only companies in our coverage (along with Iridium) with a sizable buyback program who is able to take advantage of market volatility. The company offers investors low leverage, strong FCF generation, a recurring revenue model, network leadership, growing market share and reasonable valuations," Flannery wrote in a Thursday note. The analyst said the recent weakness in the telecom services sector creates an opportunity for T-Mobile to execute the rest of its $14 billion share buyback program at lower prices, "creating more value for shareholders." Flannery noted temporary headwinds from wholesale traffic offloading by DISH and Verizon are temporary headwinds to T-Mobile shares. The company's ability to outperform the sector may become harder as it gains more market share, he added. Shares are down more than 8% year to date. The stock is still up 1.2% over the past 12 months. Morgan Stanley said it expects the stock "to break out of this range over the next few months driven by operating and technical factors." The firm expects T-Mobile to continue to take share in the wireless industry while its newly launched 5G plan supports service revenue growth. TMUS YTD mountain TMUS year to date CNBC's Michael Bloom contributed to this report. A 20-year-old Russian hacker was part of a campaign that worked to extort tens of millions of dollars from more than 1,400 victims, federal prosecutors said Thursday. Ruslan Astamirov, a citizen of the Russian-controlled Chechen Republic, was arrested by federal law enforcement at an unspecified date and faces charges of conspiracy to commit wire fraud and ransoming, New Jersey federal prosecutors said. Astamirov allegedly deployed ransomware called LockBit to steal sensitive data from the servers of businesses, then lock those systems and demand payment of hundreds of thousands of dollars. If the victims didn't pay, Astarimov allegedly threatened to release the data. Department of Justice prosecutors allege Astamirov was directly responsible for five different attacks against U.S. businesses in Florida and Virginia, as well as international businesses based in France, Japan and Kenya. At least one of the victims paid $700,000, the complaint says. Another victim refused to pay, and Astamirov uploaded its data to LockBit's public server, according to the complaint. LockBit-powered attacks account for 16% of ransomware attacks against state and local governments, according to the Department of Homeland Security. "In securing the arrest of a second Russian national affiliated with the LockBit ransomware, the Department has once again demonstrated the long arm of the law. We will continue to use every tool at our disposal to disrupt cybercrime, and while cybercriminals may continue to run, they ultimately cannot hide," Deputy Attorney General Lisa Monaco said. LockBit was first identified in January 2020 on Russian-language cybercrime forums. It's part of a class of hacking methods and technologies dubbed ransomware as a service (RaaS). In RaaS, a technical team of developers exploits and maintains software to penetrate corporate or individual computers, then end users buy the software and deploy it against corporate networks. The end users pay either a fee or a percentage of their profits to the technical group behind LockBit. Astamirov will face a federal judge Thursday, prosecutors said in a release announcing his arrest. He's the third Russia-linked individual to be charged with crimes related to using LockBit. His arrest comes as cybersecurity matters grow in size and importance. NBC News reported Thursday on a widespread cyberattack that has affected "several" federal agencies. CNBC previously reported on how a China-backed cyber group compromised U.S. Navy systems, according to Navy Secretary Carlos Del Toro. WASHINGTON Senate Democrats on Thursday urged PayPal and Cash App to better protect users of their peer-to-peer payment applications from fraud. Sen. Sherrod Brown of Ohio, along with Massachusetts Sen. Elizabeth Warren, Rhode Island Sen. Jack Reed and New Jersey Sen. Bob Menendez, requested detailed fraud detection and prevention methods from the PayPal-owned Venmo and Cash App, which is owned by Block . The companies' "consumer protection policies have not kept pace with the explosion in customer interest in the platform," the lawmakers wrote, adding that they haven't taken sufficient measures to protect users from harm enabled by the services. The letters were sent to PayPal president and CEO Dan Shulman and Cash App CEO Brian Grassadonia. Cash App did not immediately respond to a request for comment from CNBC. PayPal said it "proactively" uses fraud detection tools and manual investigation "to mitigate any potential fraudulent activity and to protect our customers," according to a company spokesperson. Venmo's total payment volume outpaced expectations by increasing 9% to $62.7 billion, according to PayPal's first quarter investor update. Cash App transactions also brought in over $203 billion in inflows among 51 million monthly users as of December 2022, according to a Block annual report. PayPal, meanwhile, said in its annual report that it expects users to continue to attempt laundering money, sanctions evasions and other illegal activities on Venmo, and that its current fraud reduction measures "may not be effective in detecting and preventing fraud, particularly new and continually evolving forms of fraud or in connection with new or expanded product offerings." Block also said it may not be able to "prevent or mitigate" identified or possible risks under its risk management procedures in its annual report. In their letter, the lawmakers cited a January Consumer Reports survey that found 9% of weekly P2P users had been the victim of a scam and 12% accidentally sent money to the wrong recipient. A 2022 Pew Research Center report found that Black and Hispanic P2P users are twice as likely to be scammed compared to their white counterparts, they wrote. The lawmakers requested comprehensive responses to a list of requests, including consumer reports of fraud for the last five calendar years and fraud detection and elimination policies, by June 30. "Americans deserve a payments system that provides them with speed and convenience, but above all, that keeps their money safe," they wrote. The letter is part of an ongoing inquiry into P2P platform consumer safety spearheaded by Warren over the past several years. Menendez and Reed joined her in an April 2022 oversight letter to the seven major banks that control the money transfer application Zelle after reporting revealed rampant fraud and theft on the platform. A tentative deal between the Pacific Maritime Association and the International Longshore and Warehouse Union was announced Wednesday night, ending 14 days of worker slowdowns and stoppages that crippled port productivity. The new contract is for six years and will cover workers at all 29 West Coast ports. No details of the deal's terms were released. "We are pleased to have reached an agreement that recognizes the heroic efforts and personal sacrifices of the ILWU workforce in keeping our ports operating," said PMA President James McKenna and ILWU President Willie Adams in a joint statement. "We are also pleased to turn our full attention back to the operation of the West Coast Ports." Both sides hailed the assistance from acting U.S. Secretary of Labor Julie Su, who CNBC confirmed was in San Francisco since Monday to help guide talks. "This afternoon, the leaders of the International Longshore and Warehouse Union and the Pacific Maritime Association reached a tentative agreement covering 22,000 workers and 29 West Coast ports, demonstrating once again that collective bargaining though sometimes difficult works," Su said in a statement. Slowdowns and key labor not showing up slowed down the California ports of Los Angeles, Long Beach and Oakland. The Port of Seattle's terminal SSA was forced to release workers early every day last week due to deliberate low worker productivity. The Port of Seattle was also completely closed Saturday. Supply chain fears have been running high from trucking to rails and ocean carriers. Billions of dollars in cargo has been held up off ports, and container congestion and delays have led to longer service and turnaround times. The ports, which are currently running at 70% capacity, will need several days to clear out the containers once a full labor force is back to work. Logistics managers are not out of the woods yet as they wait to see if the ILWU Canada strikes. In a landslide vote, ILWU Canada workers authorized a strike at Canadian West Coast ports as early as June 24. Also, low water levels at the Panama Canal, a key route for East Coast trade, have added costs to transit due to extra container fees imposed by the ocean carriers. Correction: A tentative deal between the Pacific Maritime Association and the International Longshore and Warehouse Union was announced Wednesday night. An earlier version misstated the day. The Pacific Container Terminal at the Port of Long Beach in California. The Longshore union and employers of 22,000 dockworkers at U.S. West Coast ports on Wednesday said they have reached a tentative deal on a new six-year contract covering workers at all 29 West Coast ports. The deal was reached with assistance from Acting U.S. Secretary of Labor Julie Su, the Pacific Maritime Association said in a tweet, adding that the agreement is subject to ratification by both parties. The Pacific Maritime Association and the International Longshore and Warehouse Union will not be releasing details of the agreement at this time. Workers at ports stretching from California to Washington State have been laboring without a contract since July and negotiations have stretched into a 13th month. Unions are seeking a bigger share of record profits reaped when cargo shipments surged during the pandemic. Short video app TikTok, owned by China's ByteDance, said on Thursday it would invest billions of dollars in Southeast Asia over the next few years, as it doubles down on the region amid intensifying global scrutiny over its data security. Southeast Asia, a region with a collective population of 630 million half of them under 30 is one of TikTok's biggest markets in terms of user numbers. But the platform has yet to translate the large user base into a major e-commerce revenue source in the region as it faces fierce competition from bigger rivals of Sea's Shopee, Alibaba's Lazada and GoTo's Tokopedia. "We're going to invest billions of dollars in Indonesia and Southeast Asia over the next few years," TikTok CEO Shou Zi Chew said at a forum it organised in Jakarta to highlight the social and economic impact of the app in the region. TikTok did not provide a detailed breakdown of the spending plan, but said it would invest in training, advertising and supporting small vendors looking to join its e-commerce platform TikTok Shop. Chew said content on its platform was becoming more diversified as it adds more users and expands beyond advertising into e-commerce, allowing consumers to purchase goods through links on the app during livestreaming. U.S. Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin speaks during a joint press conference with Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Gen. Mark Milley (not pictured), following an online meeting of the Ukraine Defense Contact Group, at the Pentagon in Washington, May 25, 2023. U.S. Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin called on Kyiv's allies on Thursday to "dig deep" to provide more arms and ammunition to fight Russia's invasion, particularly for air defenses. Addressing a meeting of defence ministers from the U.S.-led Contact Group of some 50 countries that give military aid to Ukraine, Austin stressed Kyiv needed both short-term and long-term support as the war was a "marathon, not a sprint". At the meeting at NATO headquarters in Brussels, Austin noted the group had already given Patriot, IRIS-T and NASAMS air defense systems that had protected Ukraine from Russian missile attacks. But he said Ukraine needed even more. "I ask that the members of this Contact Group continue to dig deep to provide Ukraine with the air defense assets and munitions that it so urgently needs to protect its citizens," Austin said in opening remarks. "We'll also continue to adapt our assistance to meet the changing circumstances on the ground in the changing needs of Ukraine's forces." It was the 13th meeting of the contact group, which Washington set up last year to coordinate western aid for Kyiv. Ukrainian Defense Minister Oleksii Reznikov attended the meeting and was expected to brief his counterparts on Ukraine's counteroffensive to retake more territory from Russian forces, which Kyiv launched this month. The campaign is expected to use hundreds of tanks and armoured vehicles supplied by the West. Later in the day, NATO defense ministers will meet separately with Reznikov to discuss their support for Kyiv. The meeting comes as NATO members are engaged in intense discussions over Ukraine's desire to join the alliance and long-term plans to assure the country's security after the war ends. Reuters Federal prosecutors asked a judge on Thursday to remove five charges against alleged crypto fraudster Sam Bankman-Fried, including bribery of a foreign government official, after a Bahamas court ruling cast doubt on whether the U.S. government had followed the correct procedure for bringing the charges against the former billionaire. Bankman-Fried's legal team had previously argued before both U.S. and Bahamanian judges that the charges were not part of the FTX founder's original indictment under which he had been extradited from the Bahamas months earlier. A Bahamian judge said they would review Bankman-Fried's arguments earlier this week, prompting the request from federal prosecutors. The charges, however, have merely been "severed," or punted to 2024, giving the federal government ample time to ensure the conditions of the U.S.-Bahamas extradition treaty have been met, and to satisfy concerns from the Bahamas government. The severance means that Bankman-Fried's legal team will likely now have to gird for two legal fights: one to try the original eight-count indictment later this year, and another in 2024, for the five counts that federal prosecutors have asked to sever. U.S. Attorney Damian Williams' office is prosecuting Bankman-Fried. He was originally indicted on eight counts, including conspiracy to commit mail and wire fraud, over his role in allegedly orchestrating the theft of billions of dollars of customer assets and the collapse of crypto exchange FTX in late 2022. Bankman-Fried has entered a plea of not guilty and is expected to be tried later this year. West Coast port management and the labor union representing port workers reached a tentative deal late on Wednesday after the intervention of California labor market pro and Biden acting Labor Secretary Julie Su in the negotiations in San Francisco, but it could be months before the full union votes to approve the deal. The tentative agreement was a welcome development after weeks of escalating tensions between workers and port management, resulting in delays in vessel servicing, congestion at ports, in containers and out to trucking, as well as some port shutdowns. But the proposed labor deal is a far way from being fully approved, according to the International Longshore & Warehouse Union. While the union statement on the deal was positive, it laid out a process that still has several steps to go before the deal moves ahead. "The ILWU is pleased to have reached a tentative agreement with PMA last night," said a statement from ILWU President Willie Adams on Thursday afternoon. "While the final decision is up to our members, we feel our time at the bargaining table was well spent and that the agreement represents the hard work of our rank and file and the sacrifices they made during the pandemic." Earlier during port disruptions, the ILWU had pushed back against assertions from the Pacific Maritime Association, which negotiates on behalf of the ports, that the actions at ports from Seattle down to LA which included workers not showing up for shifts and being removed from shifts for slow work were "coordinated," saying that rank and file members were "voicing their displeasure." The next step for for the ILWU is to follow ratification procedures that start with a contract caucus that convenes delegates from its 29 locals up and down the West Coast. "These delegates will carefully review the tentative agreement and make a recommendation to the rank and file who will then vote on the tentative agreement," Adams said. He noted that this process takes a few months to complete. While it has been reported during the labor strife that wages and automation were among sticking points in the labor talks, Adams declined to provide any details on the deal. "We will not be sharing details of the tentative agreement publicly until we have completed the ratification process," he stated. He did issue "a special thank you" to acting Secretary of Labor Su "whose leadership helped us cross the finish line." President Biden nominated Acting Secretary Su on February 28 to replace Labor Secretary Marty Walsh, who stepped down in March. Su has the backing of many labor unions, including the United Mine Workers, NABTU, LiUNA, the IBEW and AFL-CIO, but has also received support from business leaders, including a group of 250 executives who sent a letter to the Senate backing her nomination, as well as the Los Angeles Chamber of Commerce. She was previously confirmed by the Senate to serve as the deputy secretary of labor on July 13, 2021. President Biden released a statement on Thursday, saying "This deal shows collective bargaining works. When employers and workers come together to agree on a deal that works for both of them it's good for the economy and keeping our supply chain open. ... This is going to have a real positive impact on trade." Pressure had been mounting from industry groups, including retail, manufacturers, and the U.S. Chamber of Commerce which has estimated a widespread strike along the West Coast could cost approximately $1 billion per day for the Biden administration to help broker a deal as the port issues began to build to congestion levels not seen since the Covid supply chain chaos. President Biden also received some pushback from unions after he signed Congressional legislation late last year to avert a railroad union strike. Threat of a strike on the West Coast still remains, with ILWU Canada workers authorizing a strike in a landslide vote this week that received over 99% rank-and-file approval, though the first potential strike date is June 24. The Canadian ports of Vancouver and Price Rupert had been seen as relief valves for shippers during the issues at U.S. West Coast ports. Trade issues are exacerbated by a Panama Canal that has been struggling with low water levels due to drought, limiting the weight of vessels that can pass through it, and the alternative if the much longer and more costly trip to East Coast ports. The Future proof Dry Cargo Vessel project is at an approximate cost of Rs 580 crores. The first vessel will be delivered by December 2024 and thereafter deliveries will be completed within March 2026. On June 15th, Udupi Cochin Shipyard Limited (UCSL), a wholly owned subsidiary of Cochin Shipyard has bagged an international order from Wilson Shipowning AS, Norway, for Design and Construction of 6 new generation diesel electric 3800 DWT general cargo vessel. The contract is signed with an option for additional 8 vessels, the company said in a press release. Share Market Live NSE The Future proof Dry Cargo Vessel designed by Conoship International, Netherlands shall be constructed as a diesel electric vessel, ready for installation of Wind foil units and battery hybrid systems. These vessels are intended for the transport of general cargo at inland as well as coastal waters of Europe. Wilson Ship management AS, a company headquartered in Bergen, Norway is among the largest short sea fleet in Europe and transports about 15 million tonnes dry cargo across Europe. It has a fleet of around 130 vessels ranging from 1500 to 8500 DWT. Udupi Cochin Shipyard Limited (UCSL) is also active in the markets for harbour tugs, offshore and fishing vessel segments. The Future proof Dry Cargo Vessel project is at an approximate cost of Rs 580 crores. The first vessel will be delivered by December 2024 and thereafter deliveries will be completed within March 2026. In the fourth quarter of financial year 2022-23, the company witnessed execution challenges and changes in its order composition which led to weak financials results. Consolidated revenues declined 50 percent year on year to Rs 600 crore, while the company declared losses of Rs 64 crore on an operating level. The net profitability nosedives 86 percent to Rs 39 crore during the quarter. The stock is trading 2.5 percent higher at Rs 563 per equity share on the exchanges at 1 pm on June 15th. Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, June 14) Rights groups, including Karapatan and Cordillera Human Rights Alliance, are opposing a resolution from the Kalinga Provincial Task Force To End Local Communist Armed Conflict (PTF-ELCAC) mandating all non-government organizations to secure permission first from local officials before conducting any activity. According to the PTF-ELCAC, the resolution No. 2023-04 was prompted by several reports from the local government unit and private individuals on the "suspicious conduct of consultations" by supposed NGOs in the province. Karapatan said the resolution violates international laws and human rights norms because it undermines the fundamental principles of freedom of association. "The right to freely associate is crucial for people's organizations and civil society organizations to carry out their essential work in promoting social justice, human rights and sustainable development," it added. The same resolution also laid out a total of 23 "sectoral front organizations" given by the 50th Infantry Battalion (IB) of the Philippine Army. Cordillera Human Rights Alliance also included in the list said the PTF-ELCAC just makes the organizations a target for grave human rights violations. It added that they always alert local governments and communities regarding their activities by securing permits and courtesy calls. "The list released by the 50th IB is baseless and dangerouslegal, even accredited organizations are further red-tagged and prevented from delivering services such as relief, medical services, rehabilitation projects and more - services that the government could not sufficiently provide," the statement read. Karapatan called on the Kalinga provincial government to review the resolution, which they think puts human rights defenders in harm's way. CNN Philippines has sought comment from local officials of Kalinga. Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, June 15) The provincial government of Albay is eyeing the permanent resettlement of people within the six-kilometer permanent danger zone radius of Mayon Volcano, an official said. "'Yan po yung gagawin namin right after mag-normalize ang situation dito. Kailangan ng housing. Sinabi ko sa president kahapon at sabi niya na tama yon, kailangan talaga hindi na maging perennial ang problema na ito," Gov. Grex Lagman said during a public briefing on Thursday. [Translation: That's what we will do once things normalize. We need housing. I spoke to the president yesterday and he said that's correct, that this should not be a perennial problem.] "Every three or four years kasi nagkakaroon kaming mga events [there are events with Mayon] and it's a big burden sa aming pondo [to our funds] and of course the government. Kailangan talaga na pag [we need to] resettle," he added. Lagman said the resettlement sites would be developed with the help of the Department of Human Settlements and Urban Development, the Department of Agriculture, the Department of Labor and Employment, and the Department of Agrarian Reform. He said the provincial government is considering a hybrid system banning residents from living within the danger zone but allowing them to farm the lands inside it to supplement their livelihood. "Ang problema po is the fact that wala tayong national law that prohibits them to put up residences in said places na delikado Kung batas po ito, mas may ngipin, mas kaya natin mag-act," he added. [Translation: The problem is that we don't have a national law that prohibits them to put up residences in dangerous places If we had a law, we could enforce it.] Latest information from the Albay Provincial Information Office said that 5,266 families or 19,079 people have left their homes as of 5 p.m. on June 14. Mayon Volcano is currently under Alert Level 3 with a permanent danger zone with a radius of six kilometers. It has an extended danger zone of seven kilometers which could be extended up to eight kilometers if the volcano exhibits higher levels of unrest. Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, June 15) The Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT) is studying requests to regulate the use of artificial intelligence (AI) in the workplace, its chief said Thursday. I am for regulation of AI. I would respond positively to the appeal of all the leaders of the AI, technology that government has to come in, said DICT Secretary Ivan John Uy. The DICT chief said he is coordinating with his counterparts in other countries to gather best practices in AI use. Earlier this year, Uy had a discussion on AI regulation with peers from the European Union (EU) and the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN). We have a consensus that government should come in and find ways to regulate it to ensure that AI is beneficial, that it is interoperable, it is transparent and it is accountable. Hindi yung basta basta lang nakakalat ito dahil [So its not all over the place because] its a very powerful tool, Uy said. WATCH: Beyond the lead: The world-changing impact of Artificial Intelligence Senator Imee Marcos earlier called for an inquiry on the use of AI, claiming it may pose a threat to the business process outsourcing (BPO) and original equipment manufacturing (OEM) industries. Citing a study, Marcos said 1.1 million jobs in the Philippines would disappear by 2028 because of AI. Senator Risa Hontiveros also called on the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) to take steps to protect the BPO industry amid the rise of AI chatbots. Uy argued that job loss is inevitable whenever a new technology or innovation enters the workplace and it is essential to teach employees how to use technology to boost productivity. AI will not replace the person. What will replace the person is another person who knows how to use AI. Thats why its critical that we, by understanding how AI works, should learn how to leverage it, how to use it, in order to empower our workforce, he said. Labor Secretary Bienvenido Laguesma believes human resources cannot be totally replaced by technology except for sectors that rely heavily on technology and machinery. Laguesma agreed that workers must be prepared for any jobs brought forth by AI. Meanwhile, University of the Philippines -- Diliman AI Program Director Rex Eugene Jalao, called on lawmakers to craft policies that will balance AI regulation, using technology to improve processes and job security. These policies should be consulted with experts and various stakeholders, technology expert Art Samaniego said. We need to have transparency. Ano ba talagang ginagawa ng AI application mo? And we need to have accountability, kapag may ginawang masama ang AI na ginawa mo, AI na na-create ng company mo, dapat may punishment ka, he said. [Translation: We need to have transparency. What does your AI application actually do? And we need to have accountability, when the AI you created does something bad, you should be punished.] The relative decline of US imperialism is leaving a void that is starting to be filled by other powers. In recent years, this has led to a rise of rival imperialist nations such as China and Russia, which are increasingly trying to challenge the domination of the US. What are the implications of this for the class struggle? What are the tasks of communists in a so-called multipolar world? This weeks episode of International Marxist Radio welcomes Hamid Alizadeh from the editorial board of marxist.com to look at developments in world relations between the major capitalist powers. Some on the left have hailed the formation of different imperialist blocks as a moderating force against US imperialism, in the wake of the collapse of the Soviet Union. In reality, however, no capitalist ruling class has anything to offer the workers anywhere in the world. As imperialists compete for markets and spheres of influence, ultimately it is the working class that pays the price, while the bosses line their pockets. For more on this topic, read Hamid Alizadeh and Ben Currys recent article on the widening fissures in world relations here: http://www.marxist.com/the-widening-fissures-in-world-relations-and-the-task-of-communists.htm For more information on the relative decline of US imperialism, check out last weeks episode Towards a Third American Revolution: http://www.marxist.com/podcast-towards-a-third-american-revolution.htm Listen and subscribe below Spotify Apple Podcasts Google Podcasts Marxist.com Podcasts: https://podcast.marxist.com/2023/06/14/multipolarity-vs-world-revolution/ Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, June 15) President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. assured the public on Thursday that funds are enough to sustain assistance for those affected by the Mayon Volcano eruption. "I think in terms of the actual na gastos alam ko naman may budget tayo dyan," he said on the sidelines of a trade forum in Taguig City. [Translation: I think in terms of the actual cost... I know we have a budget for that.] On Wednesday, Albay Gov. Grex Lagman said the province may need over 196 million to cover food, water and sanitation, health emergency services, and temporary learning spaces, among others. "Whatever is needed we will have to provide," Marcos added. The president said all agencies are cooperating with the rehabilitation effort and in assisting evacuees. Marcos said the government needs to address issues in the schooling of students in the province, as well as the mental health of children and their parents. During a briefing in Albay on Wednesday, Marcos called for a 90-day plan to handle the volcano's eruption. Authorities earlier said up to 40,000 residents may be evacuated if the eruption worsens. The volcano remains under Alert Level 3, midway in the five-level volcanic alert system. Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, June 15) A Taiwanese national and his two Filipino cohorts were arrested Wednesday night after selling some 7,000 registered SIM (subscriber identity module), the Philippine National Police Anti-Cybercrime Group (PNP-ACG) said Thursday. Police said the suspects were apprehended in their residence in San Jose Del Monte, Bulacan from a tip about their illegal operation. The PNP-ACG said the suspects have been buying previously used SIM, especially those with verified digital wallets, since last year. These are then sold to scammers who will use them for fraudulent transactions, it added. "Itong mga SIM card na ito ay pinu-purchase nila sa halagang 400 'pag registered and verified ang digital wallet like with GCash, kasi kailangan yung sim card pang-scam," said PNP-ACG spokesperson PCpt. Michelle Sabino. [Translation: These SIM cards are being purchased for 400 if they are registered and have a verified digital wallet like with GCash, because they will be used for a scam.] The PNP-ACG said the registered SIM are mostly bought from people in the provinces in need of cash. The police warned that people selling SIM will also be held liable. "Yung pananagutan niyo dito is once nagamit ang inyong SIM card, kasi registered under your name, kayo ang hahabulin ng kapulisan or local police kasi sayo nagli-lead," Sabino said. [Translation: Once your SIM card registered under your name was used for illegal transactions, the police can trace it back to you.] Police said the suspects will be charged for violating the Access Device Regulation Act. Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, June 15) The Senate Committee on Foreign Relations will hold an "urgent" public hearing on Friday about the United States' request for the Philippines to allow the admission of Afghanistan nationals. According to the notice provided by the panel, the closed-door meeting was turned into a public hearing "due to the significance and urgency of the matter." Last week, the panel's chairperson Sen. Imee Marcos filed a resolution seeking inquiry into the issue. She questioned the lack of data on the Afghans' status "as legitimate refugees or employees of the US government or American companies." Citing information from undisclosed sources, the senator said the foreign nationals will be transported directly into the Philippines from Afghanistan. Marcos expressed concerns on exposing the country to "substantial risk" from "individuals who pose a threat to national security and public safety." Senate minority leader Sen. Koko Pimentel backed Marcos' call for a probe, also expressing doubt on the US' request. He added that the Senate should be more involved in foreign policy matters such as this. Ambassador to the US Jose Manuel Romualdez earlier clarified that the US was only requesting assistance for its Afghan personnel fleeing the Taliban while their American visas are being processed. Meanwhile, former president Rodrigo Duterte expressed his opposition to the US' request. "I would rather not accept if it is a demand. Ano itong Amerikano? Kung ganunin mo ako sa panahon ko bull**** kita, magdemand-demand ka sa akin. P**a, sino ka?" he said in an interview. [Translation: I would rather not accept if it is a demand. What are these Americans? If you did this to me during my time, I'd bull**** you, you are demanding from me. Who do you think you are?] Duterte also advised President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. to think twice and to "take his time" studying the request. Defense Secretary Gilbert Teodoro said the issue is now being studied by the government, and the Department of Foreign Affairs has been tasked to discuss the matter. CNN Philippines correspondent Eimor Santos contributed to this report. Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, June 15) Authorities said a manhunt is underway after two members of the Maguindanao del Sur police were killed following an ambush on Wednesday night. According to a report from the Philippine National Police (PNP), it happened in Brgy. Poblacion, Shariff Aguak while members of the Police Mobile Force Company (PMFC) Maguindanao del Sur were on their way to the Provincial Police Office Headquarters in Camp Datu Akilan. The personnel, who were onboard a marked PNP vehicle, were coming from a routine mobile patrol operations. "Regrettably, this ambush resulted in the tragic loss of two dedicated PNP personnel identified as Pat Bryan D Polayagan and Pat Saipoden Shiek Macacuna, while four others were wounded," said the PNP report. The injured personnel are receiving medical care. PNP Chief PGen Benjamin Acorda Jr. said they condemned the act and will bring those responsible to justice. "The PNP has mobilized its forces...to launch immediate hot pursuit and clearing operations," Acorda said. "We assure the public that no stone will be left unturned in bringing the perpetrators to justice and ensuring the safety and security of our communities." When you need to sketch out and share ideas visually, nothing beats a digital whiteboard. These online apps replicate the collaborative dynamic of a physical whiteboard in an office meeting room but accommodate a hybrid workforce and each board you create remains accessible and can be added to over time. Microsoft Whiteboard is the digital whiteboard app included with the companys Microsoft 365 suite. You can draw on and add shapes, text, and other elements to whiteboards you create in the app. If you use Whiteboard by yourself, its basically a simple drawing tool. But when its used as a collaborative tool, you and your co-workers can illustrate and map out ideas on a shared canvas. You can use Microsoft Whiteboard as an online app through a web browser, as a desktop app for Windows, or as a mobile app for Android or iOS devices. If youre using a Mac, a Linux PC, or a Chromebook, you can use the web app through your preferred browser. You can also integrate Whiteboard into Microsoft Teams, and thats where it reaches its full potential. You can create a Whiteboard tab in a Teams channel or chat that your team can use as a shared workspace for synchronous or asynchronous collaboration. Or you can share a whiteboard during a Teams meeting for real-time brainstorming, then continue to work with the whiteboard later. To use Microsoft Whiteboard, you must have a Microsoft 365 account (personal, business, or school) or a free Microsoft account. Whiteboard offers more features under a paid Microsoft 365 account, most of which are helpful for collaboration. Also note that some features are available only to users under Microsoft 365 commercial plans. In this guide, we go over the basics of using Microsoft Whiteboard and provide several tips to help you get the most out of this whiteboard tool. Getting started Launch the Windows, Android, or iOS Whiteboard app or open the Whiteboard web app in your browser. Eventually this home screen will show all the whiteboards youve created and that your colleagues have shared with you. If you and your team havent created any yet, youll see a mostly empty page. IDG Just click the big New Whiteboard button to start a new whiteboard. (Click image to enlarge it.) Create a new whiteboard: Click or tap the New Whiteboard button. Youll be taken to a blank whiteboard with a Create panel at left that you can use to add various elements to your whiteboard, such as text, shapes, or sticky notes. An Inking toolbar near the top of the whiteboard lets you pick from a variety of pens and other tools for drawing. IDG A blank whiteboard. (Click image to enlarge it.) Add text to the whiteboard: Click the Text button on the Create panel, place your cursor on the whiteboard, and start typing. Add other elements: Click the appropriate button and make a selection. To add a shape, for instance, click Shapes and choose from the shape options that appear. To add an image, click Images, choose whether you want to upload an image stored on your device or search Bing Images, select the image you want, and click Open or Insert. Draw on the whiteboard: Choose one of the pens from the toolbar at the top of the whiteboard and start drawing with your mouse, touchpad, or finger on a touch-enabled device. IDG You can add shapes or images to a whiteboard, or draw on it. (Click image to enlarge it.) Move an element: Select the item you want to move, then drag-and-drop it anywhere else on your whiteboard. If youre in inking (drawing) mode, you might need to first click the Select icon on the toolbar at the left (a cursor arrow) before youre able to select an element. Resize an element: Select the element, then drag one of the circles that appear at its four corners. Delete an element: Select the element, then click the trash can icon that appears above it. Return to the home screen: Click the home icon at the upper left. You can perform most of these same actions in the mobile app. Click the + icon at the bottom of the screen to see the Create panel. Thats all you need to know to get started using Whiteboard. In the rest of the story, well cover ways to get the most out of the app. Putting together your whiteboard Drawing on and adding elements to a whiteboard is easy so easy that whiteboards can quickly become messy and hard to follow. Here are some tips for designing a better whiteboard. 1. Use sticky notes for text If you need to add a lot of text (for example, detailed information to explain an image on your whiteboard), use sticky notes. On the Create toolbar, click Notes, and on the pane that appears, choose a color from the options in the Notes section. A sticky note appears as a square card on your whiteboard; inside it, you can type in text. You can change the text style (bold, italic, underline) and the background color of the note. IDG Sticky notes are a great way to include and highlight text on your whiteboard. (Click image to enlarge it.) You can move or resize a note just like any other element on the whiteboard. The size of the text inside the note automatically gets bigger or smaller as you resize the note. Compared to adding text as an element directly on your whiteboard, a sticky note is more visible and more flexible and makes it easier to manage lots of text. As a general rule, adding text as an element directly on the whiteboard works best when you need a headline or just a snippet of text to identify something very briefly. 2. Use a note grid for even more text When you need to add even more information to your whiteboard, use a note grid. This is a group of sticky notes locked together in a grid layout. Each sticky note inside a note grid can be edited and manipulated like a regular sticky note, such as formatting its text and changing its background color. IDG Note grids help you organize large amounts of text. (Click image to enlarge it.) On the Create toolbar, click Notes, and on the pane that appears, choose a color from the options in the Note grids section. (In the mobile app, click the + icon at the lower right and click Note Grid on the Create panel.) Click Add title at the upper left of the note grid, and then type in a title for the note grid. To add another sticky note to a note grid, click Add Note at the upper right of the grid. An additional, blank note will appear inside the note grid. You can move or resize a note grid just like any other element on your whiteboard. As you resize a note grid, the sizes of all the sticky notes inside it adjust accordingly. You can pull any sticky note out from inside a note grid: Select the note, then drag it out of the grid and onto another area of the whiteboard. You can also do the reverse: Drag a sticky note over a note grid, and it will be added to the grids group of notes. 3. Add multimedia to your whiteboard judiciously Whiteboard lets you add several multimedia and informational elements, including images, pages from a PDF, slides from a PowerPoint presentation, links to files or web pages, and embedded videos from YouTube or other locations. You can even embed Microsoft Loop components created in Outlook and Teams chat. Its fairly obvious how to add images, links, and videos just click on those icons on the Create panel and follow the instructions that appear. To embed a Loop component, copy it in Outlook or Teams, then right-click on your whiteboard where you want to embed the Loop component and select Paste. To add a page from a PDF or PowerPoint file, select Documents from the Create panel, navigate to the file you want, click Select, select the page(s) or slide(s) you want to add, and click Insert. Like other elements on your whiteboard, you can move and resize all these elements on it. IDG Embedding multimedia elements on a whiteboard can be useful, but dont go overboard. (Click image to enlarge it.) We suggest exercising restraint, though only include these media- and information-rich elements when theyre truly useful, and keep the number of them on your whiteboard to a minimum. A whiteboard should convey ideas in a simple way thats easy to take in quickly, primarily through basic drawings, shapes, and text. Keep in mind that your colleagues may view your whiteboard on the smaller screens of laptops, smartphones, or tablets. 4. Start with a template Staring at a blank whiteboard can be daunting. Whats the first thing you should put on it? To help you kickstart things, Microsoft Whiteboard provides more than 60 templates grouped into categories such as Brainstorming, Design and research, and Project planning. To browse through the available templates, click Templates on the Create panel, then select a category on the pane that appears. Every template shows a helpful description of what its designed for when you hover over it. For example, under Design and research, the templates Affinity diagram, Kano model, and Storyboarding can be used to organize data and ideas regarding customer feedback. IDG Using a template can be the key to a well-organized whiteboard suited to a particular purpose. (Click image to enlarge it.) To use a template, select it from the left pane and drag it onto your whiteboard. Its added as a customized note grid to your whiteboard. Youll want to resize it much larger. Inside this grid, there will be blank sticky notes and text boxes that youll fill in with your own text. Sharing your whiteboard Like a physical whiteboard in an office, virtual whiteboards are meant for team collaboration. Once youve set up a whiteboard, youll want to share it with your co-workers so they can contribute to it. 5. Share your whiteboard from the Whiteboard app With the whiteboard open in the web app or Windows app, click Share at the upper right. In the mobile app, open the whiteboard, tap the three-dot icon at the upper right, and select Share. If youre using Whiteboard from a personal Microsoft account (whether free or under a personal Microsoft 365 subscription): A panel opens on the right. Click the Share link switch and then Copy link. A link to your whiteboard will be copied to your PCs clipboard. You can paste this link inside an email or other message and send it to others. IDG Sharing a whiteboard from a personal account. (Click image to enlarge it.) As long as the person clicking this link has a Microsoft account, they can view your whiteboard through a web browser or using the Whiteboard Windows app or mobile app. And they will be able to edit it so be aware that whatever changes another person makes to your whiteboard, youll see them when you access the whiteboard with your own account. (If you want to share your whiteboard but dont want others to be able to alter it, see the instructions below for exporting it as an image.) If youre using Whiteboard from a work or school Microsoft 365 account: When you click Share, a Share panel pops up over your whiteboard. IDG Inviting co-workers to collaborate on a whiteboard. (Click image to enlarge it.) Enter the names, group, or email addresses of people who you want to collaborate on your whiteboard. By default, only people in your organization will be able to access your whiteboard, and theyll be able to make changes to it. To change this, click the pencil icon; from the small panel that opens, click Can view this lets people see but not make changes to the whiteboard (although this rather defeats the collaborative purpose of a whiteboard). You can optionally type in a message for the link recipients. Then click Send. They will receive an email with the link to your whiteboard. Alternatively, you can click Copy link. A link to your whiteboard will be copied to your PCs clipboard. You can paste the link inside an email or other message and send it to others. In addition to sharing whiteboards from the Whiteboard app, you can share and collaborate on them in Teams channels, chats, meetings, and 1:1 calls. These methods are covered below. 6. Export your whiteboard as an image If you want to share your whiteboard outside your organization, you can export your entire whiteboard as an image file. Those who view it will not be able to edit it. This is also a good option if you have a personal Microsoft account and want to share your whiteboard without letting others make changes to it. With your whiteboard open, click the gear icon at the upper right. On the menu that opens, click Export image. On the next panel, select Standard resolution or High resolution, then click Export. A screenshot of your entire whiteboard will be created in PNG format and saved to your PC or mobile device. Next page: Tips for collaborating, using Whiteboard in Teams, more As companies tweak their remote work polices in the wake of the pandemic a new study from collaboration software company Atlassian shows that in-office mandates are unpopular with employees, and that half of those who do at least some work from home have not been given access to distributed-work technology. The study was based on survey responses from 1,000 knowledge workers in the US and Australia. Of those polled, 71% said they work away from an office at least once per week, yet only 51% of that group said that their company provides them with remote collaboration tools. Additionally, 26% of those who are provided with remote collaboration tools said those tools arent necessarily right for their job or theyve not been provided with adequate training on those applications to be effective. At the same time, Atlassian noted, employers that have issued back-to-office mandates have been decrying a supposed decline in productivity and blaming it on remote work. But Atlassian whose Jira, Trello and Confluence applications are geared for hybrid-work environments pointed to its survey results to conclude that problems with distributed work are not related to the physical separation of employees but rather, that companies arent providing their workers with the right tools or ways of working in order to make a success of such a strategy. Atlassian defines distributed work as any work that happens in more than one place the office and at home, for example. There's so much back and forth with CEOs right now saying, 'Oh, we've got to come back to the office,' as if that's going to deliver better results, said Annie Dean, head of Atlassians Team Anywhere, the companys distributed work policy that allows their employees to work from anywhere. Dean said that this sentiment is at odds with the fact some companies have experienced strong business performance while their employees were working from home over the last three years, and research that shows workers themselves have said they feel more productive when working from home. Has remote worker productivity really declined? However, whether employee productivity has, in reality, increased or declined is an open question. The Atlassian survey results do not measure the actual productivity of those surveyed, and companies that have issued back-to-office mandates have not, in general, offered hard data that shows whether or not employee productivity has declined. While there perhaps isnt one metric that provides a definitive answer to whether productivity is really diminishing overall, it is in any case a profoundly challenging time for employees, said Chris Marsh, research director for S&P Market Intelligence. Whether or not productivity has declined, friction between employers and employees is real. Basic challenges around work [are now] clashing with demands from leaders for more operational agility and growing expectations from employees around the experience they have in their day-to-day work, he said, adding that there are various contributing factors to growing management-staff tension. These include: operational silos, the volatile macroeconomic climate, fragmented and underfunded technology strategies, and the feeling that employees have that they are not being supported. Resolution is going to require more than piecemeal change, and wont be fixed by return-to-office mandates, Marsh said. In-office mandates arent popular Eighty-two percent of respondents to Atlassians survey said that they have some form of in-office mandate, with 46% of respondents saying they go into the office because their company mandates it, rather than because they want to. Even at companies where employees are supposedly able to choose whether they come into the office or not, 25% say they still feel pressure to go in, and 10% are concerned they will be viewed as less productive or uncommitted to their work if they work from home. Last week, Google announced it would be starting to factor office attendance into employee performance reviews, reevaluating the remote status of some employees and asking others to consider switching to the companys hybrid work schedule, which mandates they spend three days a week in the office. While Google said in a statement that its 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, Dean challenged this notion, calling the behavior coercive on the part of Google. I think the status quo is a powerful thing and [mandates like this] are the last gasp of the status quo, Dean said. By trying to tell employees that the experience they had for the last three years where they were really productive, were fully compensated, and didn't have performance reviews based on office attendance was not real, I think will result in a backlash. In absence of mandates, some workers still come into the office Dean, though, still believes that the office provides a valuable place for employees to come together she points to the fact that despite Atlassian having zero requirement for employees to come into the office, 78% of the companys employees came into the office during the last quarter. I still think people want to come to the office so you dont need to enforce a mandate or tie attendance to performance, she said. [Companies like Google] would still see good office attendance because people want to connect with one another. Pointing to S&P Globals own 2022 Voice of the Enterprise: Workforce Productivity and Collaboration survey, Marsh said, If you do the aggregates on that data then 82% wanted to work at least some of their time remotely compared to 45% before 2020. That shows a very clear and significant uplift in employees preference for more flexible working. I doubt those figures have changed significantly since. Atlassian's stance, meanwhile, is that productivity problems are not the result of distributed work per se. We know what the biggest working problems are, said Dean. There's too many meetings, emails are not synthesized, or just provide half-baked viewpoints that are not a great record of what's happening. None of these things get solved by being an office, she argued, adding that they get solved by using technology differently and adapting new ways of working that really represent the frontier of new knowledge work. Work-life balance an increasing concern for employees The Atlassian survey also highlighted that successful hybrid and remote work policies can benefit employees outside of their working hours. Among those surveyed without any mandated in-office time, 56% said they spend more time with friends and family, 49% of respondents spend more time on physical fitness or self-care, and 37% have pursued a new hobby or interest, specifically because they are not required to be in the office for a specified amount of time. The S&P's Marsh said that flexible work conditions are now a big draw for employers that offer them. In another of our Voice of the Enterprise: Workforce Productivity and Collaboration 2022 surveys, having more flexible work conditions and a better work-life balance came out as the number two reason why employees would leave their employer and go and work someone else, Marsh said, adding it was only just behind having better compensation or benefits elsewhere. With so many knowledge workers having experienced remote working over the last three years, Dean said companies will not be able to we can't put the genie back in the bottle. The companies that are forcing employees back in the office are going to face an extraordinary amount of friction, she said. Distributed work is a thing. Technology enables it, and everyone knows it. Throughout the span of history, there have been criminals and madmen lurking in the shadows, wreaking death and destruction. And that'd be fine in a just universe, or at least a universe full of dashing vigilantes who dress up like vermin that infest your garage. But we don't live in that universe. We live in the crapsack regular universe where some of history's greatest monsters have completely gotten away with it. We're talking about assholes like ... 5 Joseph Kony, Child-Snatching Warlord And Viral Star Joseph Kony is the guy who starred in that video you shared on Facebook all those years ago, an act which -- and wouldn't you just know it -- didn't in any way hold him accountable for the several lifetimes-worth of murder, rape, and anguish he's responsible for. Kony is the warlord in charge of the Lord's Resistance Army, a pseudo-Christian guerrilla army operating in Central Africa responsible for atrocities including civilian massacres, rapes, bombings, and assassinations. But their main claim to fame is children: they attack villages, scoop up the orphans they just created, and "recruit" them as child soldiers. Or servants. Or sex slaves. Between 1987 and 2006 they abducted 20,000 children from families all over Central Africa. AP Like the Wilt Chamberlain of war crimes. Advertisement Which is about 20,000 more reasons than you'd need to stop him, and indeed, the international community has been trying to put an end to Kony for the last thirty years. The countries he's operating in all contribute to a mutual strike force targeting the LRA, and President Obama deployed troops to the region to join the hunt. Kony's army also suffers from a high number of defections, as you might expect from an army composed of hostages. They've shored that up with more abducted children to be sure, but his fighting force isn't what it was. But despite all that, no one's caught him yet. There's an excellent chance he's hiding out in South Sudan, a nation which has refused point-blank to allow outside troops to enter their borders to look for him; it's rumored that he's intentionally being sheltered by the Sudanese government. Which means that the international community really needs to stay on this and refuse to let him slip away and oh, we've given up entirely? Cool. Advertisement Well, maybe the next social network will get him. LinkedIn, are you good for anything yet? Can you pick this up? 4 Jamal Ahmad Mohammad Al Badawi, USS Cole Mastermind 2000 can sometimes seem like a long-lost utopia of the space-time continuum, forever ensconced in that misty era before 9/11, the Iraq War, the financial crash of 2008, and President Citrus Screamer. It was perfect, right? The Willennium! Nothing went wrong in 2000 ... AP Dammit, Will. Advertisement Advertisement Oh, right. That. Prior to 9/11, Al Qaeda was notable for two attacks: the 1998 U.S. Embassy bombings, and the 2000 attack on the USS Cole. Their man on the ground coordinating the USS Cole attack was Jamal Ahmad Mohammad Al Badawi, a middle manager-type who rented the safe houses, gathered equipment, and surveilled the port for information on everything from shipping traffic to average refueling time to, crucially, how close small vessels were able to get to the warships. He might not have planted the bombs personally, but he handed the blueprint for the attack to the guys who did. We know all this because he was caught. We did it! Big Willie Style, baby! He was actually sentenced to 15 years by the Yemeni government. Sadly, that sentence was reduced somewhat when a prison breakout freed him and dozens of other Al Qaeda operatives. Advertisement And that's when he disappeared? Actually, ha ha, no. A short while after escaping he handed himself in and apologized for any inconvenience that he might have caused blowing up our sailors. He even went so far as to pledge loyalty to the Yemeni president. This shameless, shallow gesture totally worked because the Yemeni justice system doesn't have any laws against Jihad, or blowing up ships, or any of the usual things laws are good for. 3 William Morales, Extremist Puerto Rican Independence Bomber As much as we worry about the threat posed by extremist groups today, we tend to forget the bad old days of the 1970s. The Weather Underground, Black September, the JDL, the Black Liberation Army: all of those groups were bombing the country at one point. But none of them could hold a candle (fuse?) to the FALN, an extremist group fighting for Puerto Rican independence. The FALN carried out over 120 terrorist attacks in their time, killing five and injuring dozens more: The New York Daily News Advertisement Advertisement William Morales was one of the guys responsible for building their bombs. A radicalized student, he diligently built bombs until 1978, at which point his career was curtailed a smidge by him blowing himself up, a whoopsie which robbed him of his fingers and also got him arrested. Life Magazine Hot policing tip: The bomber is usually the one missing fingers. Advertisement But with the help of his attorney, he escaped from prison and rejoined FALN as their MVP. Unfortunately for Morales, it turns out that while being one of the country's most wanted men might draw some eyeballs, being one of the country's most wanted men and having no fingers draws even more. He was forced to flee to Mexico where he kept a low profile long enough to kill a police officer and get sent to prison for five years. After his release, he absconded to Cuba and claimed political asylum, at which point the trail runs cold. There were rumors that he married and started a family, but it's hard to be sure. Advertisement One thing we do know is that he requested amnesty in the United States in 1997. This wasn't granted, even though Bill Clinton went on to pardon a bunch of FALN members in 1999 -- it turns out take-backsies don't apply when you blow people up for a living. Worse for the poor villain, now that we've re-established diplomatic relations with Cuba, there's a chance both we and our prison system might get to reacquaint ourselves with him. Advertisement Its hard to remember now but Whoopi Goldberg used to be one of the biggest comedy stars on the planet. She killed it in one-woman plays on Broadway, annually hosted Comic Relief with Billy Crystal and Robin Williams and won an Oscar for her hilarious psychic in Ghost. But all of those dizzying heights are mere sandcastles in comparison to the prospect of Goldberg joining Wheel of Fortune as the new Pat Sajak. We havent seen anyone this excited about Wheel since Ed Grimley. Play Click right here to get the best of Cracked sent to your inbox. After 40-plus years on the job, Sajak is divorcing his work-wife Vanna White and turning in his free spins. Well, the time has come. Ive decided that our 41st season, which begins in September, will be my last, Sajak announced on Twitter. Its been a wonderful ride, and Ill have more to say in the coming months. Well leave Sajaks future comments for his occasionally problematic social media feeds and focus on what really matters: Whoopi. She staked her claim this week when Jeopardy! host Ken Jennings stopped by The View. Goldbergs co-host, Alyssa Farah Griffin, asked Jennings what he thought about Sajak stepping away from the wheel. But before she could even finish the question, Goldberg jumped in: I want that job! Advertisement Jennings weighed in with some blah-blah-blah about game-show succession plans, but Joy Behar already saw what the future held: Whoopi wants that job. I want that job, Goldberg confirmed once more, lest anyone miss the point. I think it would be lots of fun. To recap: Goldberg wants that job. But why does she dream of becoming the new Sajak? The guess here is that if theres any easier way to make a living than chatting it up on The View, its asking contestants if they want to buy a vowel. And unlike The View, which requires showing up daily to discuss current events like Sajaks AWOL status, Wheel of Fortune regularly tapes six shows in a single day. That means a few days work is all thats required for a months worth of shows. Whats not to like? Plus, shes got that center square experience from Hollywood Squares so shes practically game-show royalty. Consider her hat officially in the ring. We can just imagine what Goldbergs going to look like if she actually gets the job. Investigate third-party API vendors Organizations should choose reputable providers with strong security measures, monitor API activity for suspicious behavior, and use encryption, according to McKenney. For example, use a payment processing API only from a trusted provider, regularly monitor the API logs for any unusual activity, and ensure that all sensitive data sent through the API is encrypted. For third parties, it is important to build out a vendor security management process, says Bryan Willett, chief information security officer at Lexmark. That process should be tightly integrated with your procurement process, such that all vendors and contracts go through the process, he says. The process should consist of a few sub-processes, including vendor risk assessment, vendor security scoring, and ongoing monitoring as well as a contractual review to ensure the terms fit within the risk tolerance of the organization. Ensure vendor security testing of third-party APIs Its important that companies establish their vendors general security controls as well as the security controls across the different stages of the lifecycle of the third-party API to ensure the appropriate protections meet their risk tolerance, Willett says. As an example, you want to see a security development lifecycle ingrained into the organizations culture from training to gates throughout the delivery process to ensure security is thought about from the beginning, he says. Those gates should include practices that address the risks created by the source code developed by the vendor and open-source libraries included in the product, according to Willett. You want to see that [the vendors] have good security testing practices using both the latest in tools to perform static code analysis, fuzz testing, and vulnerability scanning, Willett says. In the operational space, you want to see evidence of a strong change management process with appropriate access controls on the data and implementation of zero trust principles. Vendors should also have mature vulnerability management programs monitoring the operational environment for patches and a defined service level agreement for when vulnerabilities will be patched. Test third-party APIs yourself Even though organizations didnt write third-party APIs and dont control them, Catucci says they can still test them as they would their own APIs. For example, companies could use dynamic application security testing capabilities to scan third-party APIs for known vulnerabilities, vulnerable components, or out-of-date components that may exist within those APIs. You still have to test them even if you dont own them, he says. If you find that a third-party API has a specific vulnerability, you may want to block that functionality or not use that API until its fixed. Rotate API keys Another security consideration is the rotation of API keys, Willett says. When a user calls a third-party API they must provide a unique string with their request, known as the key. This string tells the vendor which customer is making the call. Rotating keys regularly is necessary for two main reasons. First, a bad actor intercepts your API key, then they can generate requests on your behalf. Depending on the security protocols used by the third party, this key may be sufficient to extract sensitive information associated with your account, Willett says. Second, third-party APIs cost money. API keys are used for billing purposes. A malicious actor can rapidly fire API requests using your key to drive up your bill. For these two reasons, an API security program should include regular key rotation. The bottom line: dont leave APIs unprotected API-based attacks are highly sophisticated, requiring equally robust defenses. Even more, third-party breaches are more prominent now than ever, says Jeremy Ventura, director of security strategy and field chief information security officer at ThreatX. Many high-profile security breaches like Peloton and Nissan resulted from unprotected APIs, he says. Attacking an organizations supply chain is very attractive for cybercriminals looking to get a foot in the door of a network. Consequently, its critical for companies to understand that third-party API security threats are not just an IT problem but a core business problem impacting all organizations and customers involved, Ventura adds. PRESIDENT Mnangagwa yesterday singled out diversified conglomerate Innscor as one of the businesses that have been unjustifiably raising prices of basic commodities such as bread leading to the suffering of ordinary people. Addressing thousands of people that included Zanu PF supporters during an event to commission Chivhu Dam, President Mnangagwa said Government will support the food production value chain through establishment of rural industrial centres to deal with unscrupulous businesses that were ripping off consumers such as Innscor. Tanga tiine mhesva mukono inonzi Innscor who were constantly hiking price of basic commodities. Now as we plan we need to set up rural industrial centres here. If people grow maize and wheat, we will install a plant that will mill maize meal and produce flour and sell at cheaper prices. When Innscor trucks come with their bread, they will find no taker. This is because we will be self-sufficient in terms of everything that you might want that include bread, maize, fish, water including a caring party Zanu PF, said President Mnangagwa. He said people should strive to produce at least 10 tonnes of wheat per hectare so as to maintain food self-sufficiency. President Mnangagwa said with the country attaining self-sufficiency, days of unscrupulous business are numbered. Businesses have in the past few weeks been hiking prices of basic commodities, a development that has caused untold suffering to ordinary people. Some have been charging exclusively in United States dollars while others have indexed their prices to black market foreign exchange rates. This is despite the fact that some of them were accessing cheaper foreign currency at the Reserve Bank of Zimbabwe spearheaded auction market. The unjustified price increases have seen the erosion of many peoples earnings. President Mnangagwa has in recent weeks warned business against unjustified price hikes saying the Government would not fold its arms and watch. Herald Senior Chinese legislator meets delegation of Workers' Party of Brazil Xinhua) 16:20, June 15, 2023 BEIJING, June 15 (Xinhua) -- Li Hongzhong, vice chairman of the National People's Congress Standing Committee, met with a delegation of the Workers' Party of Brazil (PT) led by its general secretary Henrique Fontana in Beijing on Thursday. Li, also a member of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee, said that the two heads of state have maintained close communication, charting the course for the development of bilateral relations. Li said that the CPC is willing to strengthen friendly exchanges with the PT, implement the important consensus reached by the two heads of state, promote exchanges between the legislative bodies, push for further development of the China-Brazil comprehensive strategic partnership, and jointly safeguard the interests of developing countries and international fairness and justice. Fontana said that the PT hopes to deepen exchanges and mutual learning with the CPC and promote the continuous development of bilateral relations. (Web editor: Zhong Wenxing, Liang Jun) Transform Zimbabwe leader Jacob Ngarivhume will prosecute his appeal against public violence conviction and a three-year jail term while behind bars after the High Court overruled his application for bail pending appeal. The politician is appealing against both conviction and sentence for inciting public violence arising from Twitter messages where he called for people to engage in public violence or join an illegal demonstration in July 2020. He approached the High Court seeking bail pending appeal but Justice Benjamin Chikowero threw out the application. The judge ruled that there are no reasonable prospects of success in the appeal against conviction. And while Ngarivhume had prospects of success on sentence the judge still thought he would servce a considerable period of time in jail. This is not a matter where the imposition of bail conditions is decisive, said Justice Chikowero. On appeal, the applicant is likely to be required to serve some custodial sentence. In this regard, the judge took the view that Ngarivhumes admission to bail endangers the interest of justice in that fear of resumed incarceration would induce him to skip bail. It is in the interest of the administration of justice that he prosecutes his appeal while serving his sentence, he said. In the result, the application for bail pending appeal against the conviction and sentence be and is hereby dismissed. The trial magistrate had found that Ngarivhume had made the Twitter posts, and the content met the criteria required by the charge. Ngarivhume had initially on arrest agreed he had posted the tweets, but said his posts were protected by the Constitutional right of free speech. Later in court, he had argued that the Twitter handle had never belonged to him. In her ruling, Harare magistrate Mrs Feresi Chakanyuka found that the prosecution managed to prove the case against Ngarivhume. The State proved that Ngarivhume, through his actions, wanted or meant to incite the public to act in a disastrous and violent manner, said the magistrate. She ruled that only an effective prison term would send a strong message to likely offenders that violence was frowned upon. Mrs Chakanyuka, in her decision, was guided by the criminal laws of the country as to the sentence because once convicted of inciting members of the public to commit a crime, the accused had to be sentenced in accordance with the law and precedent. During trial, the court heard that while in Harares city centre, Ngarivhume posted numerous messages on Twitter in an attempt to influence many people to engage in public violence or participate in a gathering that would disturb peace. In some of the messages, Ngarivhume said he had met and consulted other stakeholders including Mr Ian Makone, Dr Shingi Munyeza, Mr Elton Mangoma and Godfrey Tsenengamu, as part of his efforts to mobilise people. Herald: A writer has revealed the poses influencers swear by to look picture perfect on Instagram while snapping shots on the beach and by the pool. Danae Mercer, 35, who lives in Dubai, revealed the way influencers take snaps in order to make themselves appear slimmer in the waist, while making sure their envy-inducing curves still pop. For the first pose, Danae advises hanging her head over the side of the pool, while arching her back, sticking her arms out and crossing her top leg. 'Summer posing secrets - or just another reason not to compare yourself to what you see on here,' she wrote. 'I LOVE Pinterest. But my feed is FULL of snaps like these. So I thought I'd recreate a few for you, and explain how they happen,' she added. Scroll down for video Danae Mercer, 35, who lives in Dubai, revealed the way influencers take snaps in order to make themselves appear slimmer in the waist, while making sure their envy-inducing curves still pop For the first pose, Danae advises hanging her head over the side of the pool, while arching her back, sticking her arms out and crossing her top leg She explained: 'I'm dangling my head OVER the side of the pool (?!), which allows me to super arch my back. I've got my top knee bent over my other leg, which creates an S curve in my body while making my tush look really perky. 'Plus I'm arching and squeezing,'. She then shared a picture of her relaxed by the pool, looking decidely more natural. Showing a second pose, the influencer grabbed an empty coffee mug, gave herself wedgie and sat on her tip toes. She explained: 'I'm dangling my head OVER the side of the pool (?!), which allows me to super arch my back. I've got my top knee bent over my other leg, which creates an S curve in my body while making my tush look really perky Showing a second pose, the influencer grabbed an empty coffee mug, gave herself wedgie and sat on her tip toes 'I'm sitting on my tiptoes with my back arched, my tush to the camera, and an empty coffee mug in my hand. I've got a wedgeh,' she wrote. Finally, she laid in the sand and looked out to sea. 'This is so uncomfortable because I'm basically laying with my cheek in the sand. But it looks aesthetic. I've got my top leg bent over my bottom one. 'I'm arching everything. My arms are overhead to stretch my body out more. And I'm holding my breath. Danar said lying by the pool, making sure your bikini doesn't fall out was 'so uncomfortable' Finally, she laid in the sand and looked out to sea. 'This is so uncomfortable because I'm basically laying with my cheek in the sand. But it looks aesthetic. I've got my top leg bent over my bottom one' 'Look, posing can be SO fun. I do it sometimes and love the art of it. 'But it's also important not to COMPARE our REAL to their curated, squeezed, and posed highlight reel. You're doing just fine. Wibbles and wobbles and all.' Danae has previously gone viral for calling out influencers, including an 'instant BBL' pose. In a now viral post, Danae puts explains that kneeling down and putting your thighs under your calves and super arching your back is a pose influencers swear by. Scroll down for video A writer has revealed the secret trick celebrities use while posing for bikini shots - giving them the appearance of an instant Brazilian Butt Lift 'How influencers take those 'causal at home bikini pics' - my gosh your back will hurt after trying this,' she wrote. 'Before I get into the technique I just want to stress that thighs - they smoosh. 'And SKIN? It folds. Dimples. Rolls. And BOOOTEHS? They jiggle. Wiggle. Go soft when we sit. So don't be hard on yourself. And remember socials aren't entirely real,' The trick is used by dozens of celebrities for their Instagram beach shots - including Kim and Khloe Kardashian, Love Island's Jess and Eve Gale as well as Australian influencer Tammy Hembrow. 'The big thing to remember here is influencers almost never actually rest their peaches on stuff,' Danae explained. Pictured left posting and right relaxed In a second pose, Danae crosses her top knee over her bottom leg, lifts her weight off her bottom thigh and angles her bum towards the camera 'The big thing to remember here is influencers almost never actually rest their peaches on stuff,' she explained. 'This keeps the peach looking perky, and not all human smooshie'. Explaining the first pose, where Danae 'super' arches her back, she explains: 'HIDING MY THIGHS under my calves (like tucking the skin in so less cellulite). 'And lifting my body weight AWAY from the shoes. It's kind of like a squat or quad activator,' she said. In a second pose, Danae crosses her top knee over her bottom leg, lifts her weight off her bottom thigh and angles her bum towards the camera. 'Squeezing is everything,' she wrote. 'Neither pose is very comfy. But they photograph fiercely, and that's ok too. Do you today. But above all else. Be kind to yourself. Wobbles and stretchies and all. The King was accompanied by his sister, Princess Anne, on a rare joint engagement at Buckingham Palace today. The siblings were together as he presented the new Sovereign's Standard to The Blues and Royals squadron (Royal Horse Guards and 1st Dragoons) of the Household Cavalry, of which Anne is Colonel. Charles spoke of his 'great pride' in the bond between the Blues and Royals and the monarch, as the country continues to face 'an array of threats' and 'difficult times'. Arriving just after 2pm to a trumpet fanfare, the king, wearing the uniform of Field Marshal with Field Marshal baton, and Anne, wearing her uniform of the Blues and Royals colonel which she also wore to last month's coronation, stood on a dais as 35 soldiers and 27 horses formed up on the Quadrangle for the presentation of the new Standard. The new standard, made of silk damask with gold embroidery which bears the Royal Arms and the regiment's battle honours, was then consecrated by the Chaplain General Padre Tom Sander and Padre Ian Rogers, before being presented by the King, who briefly touched it the Standard. Charles then presented the Standard to Major Peter Ireland, the squadron commander of the Household Cavalry Mounted Regiment. Charles, 74, then made a short speech from the dais, recalling the squadron's long links with the monarch, and praising its soldiers' unique dual operational and ceremonial roles. He said: 'Ladies and gentlemen, it is a matter of great pride to be here with you today to present your New Standard which, in itself, represents that personal bond between The Blues and Royals and the Sovereign that has lasted since before the Restoration in 1661. 'Your Standard, once the physical rallying point for your forebears, is the golden thread which connects you to your illustrious past. 'The battle honours displayed upon it, along with your uniforms and medals that are so visible in your ceremonial role are a further demonstration of your proven track record as battle-hardened mounted and dismounted soldiers with recent operational experience. 'Indeed, I know that some of you are currently deployed on duty with the United Nations Peacekeeping Force in Cyprus. Such history pays homage to your dual role, and that of course is the fundamental principle which makes State Ceremonial and Public Duties so special and credible to a most grateful nation. 'In these difficult times for our country, as we continue to face an array of threats in many different forms, both domestically and internationally, it is all the more important to preserve such standards of excellence and achievement. 'As your Colonel-in-Chief, I know that your Colonel, The Princess Royal, joins me in thanking you all for your unlimited commitment and service, as well as your families for their tremendous and unwavering support, some of whom I am delighted to see are able to join us today. I commend this Standard to your safe-keeping as a source of pride and inspiration to all of you - wherever you may be - in the service of your country.' King Charles saluted as the troops passed him during the Buckingham Palace service this afternoon King Charles and Princess Anne (centre) pictured during the ceremony at Buckingham Palace as they present Sovereign's Standard to Royal Horse Guards King Charles appeared in high spirits this afternoon as he laughed with guests at the Buckingham Palace ceremony Princess Anne was dressed in her military uniform she and King Charles III, present the new Sovereign's Standard to the Blues and Royals The standard was then given to the Sovereign's Escort mounted troop, which marched past Charles and Anne to offer a second royal salute. After the short ceremony, Charles and Anne spent several minutes meeting with some of the 75 guests who attended in the quadrangle, including past and present members of the Household Cavalry and friends and family of those on parade. The guests also include Brigadier Andrew Parker Bowles, Queen Camilla's ex-husband, a former Commanding Officer of the Household Cavalry. The service usually takes place every decade and the squadron was last presented their Standard by Queen Elizabeth II in May 2014. The hand-crafted Blues and Royals standard has been made by the family business Wyedean in Haworth, West Yorkshire. The newly consecrated standard will be on parade at the King's first Birthday Parade, Trooping the Colour, on Saturday. Its managing director, Robin Wright, said: 'The true honour we feel to be creating such historic and symbolic regimental standards and colours is absolutely incredible. It really is a business high for us all. Typically, regimental standards and colours are renewed every 10-12 years but following the passing of the late Queen, all military regalia requires updating with King Charles III's insignia and the Tudor crown. As it takes three of our skilled people one year to create just four colours, there are thousands of hours of craftmanship from applique ornamental needlework to hand embroidery needed to complete the high standard of elaborate fabrics ready to present to the armed forces in the years ahead.' King Charles and Princess Anne take the salute during a ceremony at Buckingham Palace, London, to present the new Sovereign's Standard to the Blues and Royals Princess Anne pictured speaking with guests at the presentation in Buckingham Palace today The presentation took place in the Quadrangle of Buckingham Palace, ahead of the Regiment's role providing the Sovereign's Escort at The King's Birthday Parade The King, Queen and other members of the royal family are expected to watch as the aircraft fly over The Mall on Saturday Around 70 aircraft from the Royal Navy, British Army and Royal Air Force will take part in a flypast for Trooping the Colour on Saturday, marking the first birthday flypast for Charles. However, the extended military flypast may be scaled down due to bad weather. The King, Queen and other members of the royal family are expected to watch as the aircraft fly over The Mall and Buckingham Palace in a six-minute display. The Ministry of Defence (MoD) said the aircraft will take off from 15 locations up and down the UK before meeting in the south-east of England and flying across London. The event will feature a mix of aircraft, ranging from the Battle of Britain Memorial Flight dating back to the 1940s and the C-130 Hercules on its final ceremonial flight to multiple Typhoon fighter jets and the Envoy IV CC1, which is making its flypast debut. At the front of the flypast will be a Juno HT1 piloted by Flight Lieutenant Tom Knapp from 60 Squadron, No 1 Flying Training School based at RAF Shawbury. The event will end in a show of red, white and blue from the pilots of the Red Arrows. The MoD said many of the aircraft taking part in the flypast have been involved in operations around the world this year, including the Nato air policing mission in Eastern Europe and the evacuation of British citizens from Sudan. King Charles presented The Blues and Royals (Royal Horse Guards and 1st Dragoons) with the flag this afternoon King Charles speaks with guests at this afternoon's ceremony at Buckingham Palace while dressed in his military uniform Charles will be joined on Saturday by the Queen and members of the royal family to view the 1st Battalion Welsh Guards Troop their Colour. The annual event of Trooping the Colour has marked the official birthday of the sovereign for more than 260 years. More than 60 aircraft from the Royal Navy, British Army and Royal Air Force had been due to take part in the coronation flypast in May but 'unsuitable weather conditions' saw that plan abandoned. Instead, helicopters from the three services and the Red Arrows took part in the display, which lasted for around two and a half minutes. Footage from Royal Navy helicopters showed how poor the weather was in the skies above London. Rain streaked the windshields of the aircraft as they flew low over the heart of the capital. The MoD said the birthday flypast has been increased in size to pay tribute to the new monarch. Pictured: King Charles and Marcelo Rebelo de Sousa attend a service of Thanksgiving for the 650th anniversary of the Anglo-Portuguese Alliance The two leaders pictured in The Queen's Chapel at St James's Palace in central London this morning President of Portugal Marcelo Rebelo de Sousa de Araujo and King Charles pictured examining an honorary plaque The agreement - made by King Richard II of England and King John I of Portugal in My 1386 - is the oldest diplomatic alliance in the world still in force Chief of the Air Staff, Air Chief Marshal Sir Rich Knighton, said: 'We are very proud to be able to showcase our capabilities to our Commander-in-Chief, on this historic occasion for his majesty the King. 'We have planned a fitting and appropriate tribute for our monarch, that should be a true spectacle for the United Kingdom and the Commonwealth.' Air Officer Commanding 1 Group, Air Vice-Marshal Mark Flewin, said: 'It is a great honour to be part of his majesty the King's birthday celebrations, where the flypast is an opportunity for us to showcase formation, precision and excellence in the air to our Commander-in-Chief on such a special occasion.' Earlier today, King Charles attended a service of thanksgiving for the 650th anniversary of the Anglo-Portuguese Alliance with President of Portugal Marcelo Rebelo de Sousa de Araujo at The Queen's Chapel in London. The agreement - made by King Richard II of England and King John I of Portugal in My 1386 - is the oldest diplomatic alliance in the world still in force. A bride has been left horrified by her wedding photos which repeatedly caught her cackling with her mouth wide open. Phoebe Batteson-Brown, from London, took to TikTok to share a series of snapshots taken on her big day - as she issued a warning to others tying the knot. The 32-year-old, who works as an actor and comedian, urged couples to practice their 'soft smile' before the ceremony if they want 'aesthetic' images. But other social media users were quick to defend the photos and said they captured the newlywed's 'utter joy.' Phoebe Batteson-Brown, from London, took to TikTok to share a series of snapshots taken on her big day - as she issued a warning to others tying the knot The 32-year-old shared a slew of images from the wedding day which show her in a dazzling wedding gown Phoebe, who works as an actor and comedian, urged couples to practice their 'soft smile' before the ceremony if they want 'aesthetic' snaps In all of the pictures on display Phoebe can be seen with her mouth agape in sheer delight - much to her dismay In the clip, which has been viewed more than 1.6 million times, Phoebe gazes toward the camera as if deep in thought. There is an overwritten caption that reads: 'Someone didn't practice a "soft smile" for their wedding and it shows...' She then shares a slew of images from the wedding day which show her in a dazzling gown - posing with her bouquet, walking hand-in-hand with new husband Max and clutching a glass of bubbly. But, in all of the pictures on display, Phoebe can be seen with her mouth agape in sheer delight - much to her dismay. She uploaded the video alongside a caption that read 'soft smile who' and overlaid a backing track of 'I Can't Help It' by JVKE. Despite her apparent dissatisfaction, other social media users were quick to flood the comments with support. One wrote: 'Aww it just show ls how happy and excited you were.' Another added: 'No but the UTTER joy is filling my heart.' Despite her apparent dissatisfaction, other social media users were quick to flood the comments with support And a third said: 'So much personality and happiness in that smile. Those are the authentic ones!' For anyone out of he loop, a 'soft smile' is defined as 'one in which your lips gently curl at the corners of your mouth, on occasion exposing a slight showing of teeth,' according to popular wedding site The Knot. It claims that it appears as 'elegant' and 'gentle without being overly expressive.' But concludes: 'To many, a soft smile is elusive and mysterious.' Mary sat alongside husband Prince Frederik and the Norwegian King and Queen Crown Princess Mary of Denmark looked stunning in summery ensemble as she attended the Business Conference at the Confederation of Danish Industry in Copenhagen today. The Princess, 51, sat alongside her husband, Crown Prince Frederik, 55, and Norwegian royalty King Harald and Queen Sonja. The Australian-born beauty wore an elegant powder blue blouse with flared long sleeves and a twisted neckline. She tucked this into a smart floral patterned pleated skirt, which showed off her slender figure. Adding a touch of designer glamour, Mary opted for a nude Chanel handbag in its signature quilted leather design. Princess of style! Mary wore an elegant powder blue blouse with flared long sleeve and a twisted neckline Mary tucked her blouse into a smart floral patterned pleated skirt, which showed off her slender figure King Harald of Norway stumbled and had to be helped by staff as he walked up the stairs with his crutches The Princess also wore camel snakeskin patterned heels and blue jewelled drop earrings to tie her outfit together. Mary wore her styled chocolate locks down, as they sat below her shoulders. She paired this with smoky eyeshadow and subtle pink lipstick. Her husband, Prince Frederik, sported a smart navy suit, with a light blue shirt and a brown coloured tie. Queen Margrethe of Denmark, 83, greeted King Harald and Queen Sonja as they took a royal ship to the Nordre Toldbod waterfront area in Copenhagen this morning. Margrethe donned a lilac paisley patterned dress, paired with a classy hat and a violet silk blazer. But the 86-year-old king stumbled as he approached Queen Margrethe, who looked concerned for the royal. Princess Mary, 51, sat alongside her husband, Crown Prince Frederik, 55, and Norwegian royalty King Harald and Queen Sonja The Crown Princess of Denmark beamed as she waved to the crowd upon arriving at the conference The Confederation of Danish Industry is Denmark's largest business and employers' organisation. It covers manufacturing as well as service industries across sectors such as transport, energy, IT, health, trade and professional services. He was caught by a staff member and then helped up as he then greeted the Queen by kissing her on both cheeks. He later gave a speech onstage at the opening of the Business Conference and seemed in high spirits. Denmark's Queen Margret (wearing pink) then greets King Harald after his fall with Queen Sonja (right) also present The King of Norway later gave a speech onstage at the opening of the Business Conference at Danish Industry and seemed in high spirits Queen Margrethe of Denmark donned a lilac paisley patterned dress, paired with a classy hat and a violet silk blazer Crown Prince Frederik of Denmark also delivered a speech at the Business Conference at the Confederation Danish Industry in Copenhagen today The royal was wearing a navy pinstriped suit which he paired with a red tie. His wife, Queen Sonja, wore a dark blue polka dot dress, with a beige hat and a white bag, which sat across her shoulder. The Norwegian royals will be in Denmark until June 16, with the visit ending in Aarhus. King Harald spent time hospitalised in Oslo with an infection in May. A brief statement at the time read: 'The king has been diagnosed with an infection that needs to be treated, and will therefore remain in hospital for a few days.' Princess Beatrice looked effortlessly elegant as she attended an event celebrating female founders in central London last night. The royal, 34, appeared in high spirits as she spoke with UK-based business leaders, entrepreneurs and investors at the event in The Conduit social club. The mother-of-one choose a stylish a teal gown featuring colourful floral patterns for her night on the town. Beatrice styled her strawberry blonde tresses straight and opted for minimal jewellery. Finishing off her glam look, the royal opted for her signature brown smokey eyeshadow and a sweep of nude lipstick. Princess Beatrice listens intently at the event, which celebrated female founders of companies The HearstLab X Red Magazine event was held to celebrate HearstLabs launch in the UK - having already proven successful in the Netherlands. HearstLab provides financial investments and services to women-led start ups in the early stage. Their mission is to bridge the investment gap between male-led start-ups and female-led start-ups. As a non-working member of the royal family, Princess Beatrice is a part of the corporate world herself. She is the vice president of partnerships and strategy at Afiniti, a software and data company based in New York which focuses on using AI technology in call centres. On a website profile, it says she is responsible for 'the management of the strategic Afiniti partnerships as well as company growth through unique initiatives and client development.' The royal graduated with a 2.1 in BA in History and History of Ideas from Goldsmiths University in 2011. She has had a number of roles since graduating, including working for rather high-profile companies such as Sony, where she was an international production analyst. Princess Beatrice poses for a photo with HearstLab employees Debi Chirichella, Aimee Nisbet, Kenan Packman and Eve Burton Earlier today, Princess Beatrice's mother Sarah Ferguson opened up about her weekend with her grandchildren. On the third episode of the Tea Talks podcast, which she co-hosts alongside Sarah Thomson, also discussed the bond she has with her daughters, Princess Beatrice and Princess Eugenie. 'So my grandchildren had the most incredible weekend,' she said. 'I was very lucky. I had everybody in. I had Edo and Beatrice and Jack and Eugenie and August and new Ernest. Well, Ernie.' She said her granddaughter Sienna is 'just a completely independent fabulous joy'. After having a colonoscopy, she was diagnosed with colorectal cancer A 31-year-old mother has opened up about how she was diagnosed with stage 3 colorectal cancer after initially chalking up her symptoms to irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) and stress. Bri Mahon, who lives in Newport Beach, California, with her husband, Blake, and their twins, Banks and Brooks, has been documenting her cancer journey on TikTok, where she has more than 88,000 followers. She recently went viral after detailing the colon cancer symptoms that she initially shrugged off, explaining that she had digestive issues for years that she thought were due to IBS. Mahon said she had done blood tests, but nothing concerning came up. She was mostly just irritated and bloated. However, two years ago, she noticed a sharp increase in her anxiety and fatigue. Bri Mahon, 31, from Newport Beach, California, went viral on TikTok after detailing the symptoms that led to her being diagnosed with stage 3 colorectal cancer Mahon and her husband, Blake, welcomed premature twins, Banks and Brooks, last September. She initially thought the blood in her stools was from her pregnancy 'I was having panic attacks, and I think it's just because my body was really, really, really tired and going through whatever it's going through, growing a tumor,' she explained. Last September, Mahon went into labor at 23 weeks and gave birth to premature twins, who spent four months in the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU). She started noticing blood in her stool shortly after, but she thought it was a combination of hemorrhoids from pregnancy and her IBS symptoms flaring up. 'I wasn't even really thinking about what I was really going through,' she recalled. 'I thought it was stress. I thought it was depression. I thought it was anxiety, kind of all these things coming up again. My fatigue was really bad, but, again, I justified it in my head as my boys are in the NICU.' Mahon started to see blood in her stools more regularly and became even more concerned when the color turned from red to dark red. 'My urgency to go to the bathroom was kind of out of control,' she said. 'I would either be insanely constipated or I'd be going to the bathroom and just dark blood would be coming out.' Mahon knew something was wrong, and her doctor referred her to a gastroenterologist, who immediately scheduled a colonoscopy. The specialist did 10 biopsies during the colonoscopy, and she was diagnosed with stage 3 colorectal cancer. Mahone explained that she had digestive issues for years and thought she had irritable bowl syndrome (IBS). She saw a specialist after the blood in her stools became more frequent Mahon answered questions about her diagnosis in a series of follow-up videos The mother of two's video has been viewed more than 1.9 million times and has received hundreds of comments Colorectal cancer is the third most common type in the U.S. and the third leading cause of death of both men and women, according to the American Cancer Society. The rate of new cases among Americans younger than 55 years old has increased from 11 percent in 1995 to 20 percent in 2019. Early warning signs include blood in feces, abdominal pain, and unintended weight loss. However, these are often missed in younger age groups, with doctors instead believing they are signs of another illness. Mahon began the first of two rounds of chemotherapy and radiation this week. She also underwent in vitro fertilization (IVF) prior to the treatments, which will affect her fertility. She told BuzzFeed News that once her chemo and radiation are completed, she will have surgery to remove the remaining part of the tumor. 'I think the most shocking thing about my diagnosis is that I would have never guessed it was cancer,' she told the outlet. 'Sure, I felt off in a way where I wanted to get checked out, but I originally assumed I had IBS and nothing concerning. Mahone has been documenting her cancer journey on Instagram and TikTok, where she has a combined total of more than 224,000 followers Mahon underwent in vitro fertilization (IVF) prior to her cancer treatments because they will affect her fertility Mahon began the first of two rounds of chemotherapy and radiation this week 'Every time I've thought of cancer, I did not image an active, incredibly healthy 31-year-old with energy. It still feels very surreal to me to have my diagnosis.' Mahon's video detailing her symptoms has been viewed more than 1.9 million times since it was posted on May 24. Hundreds of people took to the comments to offer words of encouragement and share their own cancer stories. Others asked questions about her diagnosis, some of which she addressed in a series of follow-up videos. 'I had colon cancer stage 3 at 25,' one person responded. 'Im cancer free today at 35. Your gonna be ok! U got this!' 'I had stage 3 colon cancer 6 years ago...Im 100% cancer free!!' another added. 'You will do great!! I had almost the exact same symptoms. I have twins also!!' 'My bf had stage 3B colon cancer at age 25,' someone else shared. Now hes about to be 31. Colon cancer is becoming so so common.' Queen Margrethe and Crown Princess of Mary coordinated in stunning pink ensembles this evening as they hosted a banquet for King Harald and Queen Sonja of Norway. The European monarch, 83, cut a sophisticated figure in a floor-length, long-sleeved gown as she arrived at Amalienborg Castle in Copenhagen. The white-and-pink dress featured a thick fuchsia belt which cinched the Queen - who was using a walking stick - in at the waist. The mother-of-two finished off her elegant ensemble with an ornate crown, pearl necklace and white pointed heels. Meanwhile, Crown Princess Mary's pink gown hugged every inch of her curves, serving to accentuate her svelte figure. Queen Margrethe (pictured left), her daughter-in-law, Crown Princess Mary of Denmark and her son Frederik, Crown Prince of Denmark have stepped out for a royal engagement in Copenhagen The dress, by high end Italian brand Max Mara, was previously worn by the Princess in 2017. The striking 'Gabriel' gown boasts a flare silhouette, with a modern dropped waist which is punctuated with an all over jacquard design. The mother-of-two restyled the look with a mini rose-gold clutch back that matched the deep pink hue of her nails. She opted for two stone-set bracelets that were in tandem with the designs of her exquisite necklace and tiara. She also wore a thick gold bangle, while for her face she donned a neutral base alongside pink blusher, eyes and lips. Her sultry brunette locks were decorated with a side part and held upwards away from her face. Meanwhile, her son Frederik, 55, looked dapper in a morning suit with his ceremonial medals on display. He topped off the look with a white bow tie and black lace-up leather shoes. Mary and Frederik (both pictured) pose on the red carpet as they arrive for dinner at Amalienborg Castle in Copenhagen Margrethe, 83, delivered a speech in honour of the Norwegian king and queen who are in town for an official working visit Norway's King Harald, 86, and Queen Sonja, 85, (both pictured) looked ever so glamorous as they arrived for a lavish dinner held in their honour King Harald was spotted in a set of crutches following a fall to the ground on the red carpet as he arrived in Denmark for the visit During tonight's dinner, Margrethe delivered a speech in honour of the Norwegian King and Queen who are in town for an official working visit. Queen Sonja, 85, looked effortlessly glamorous in a vivid green floor length gown. The monarch teamed her look with a shimmering silver clutch bag, alongside a tiara and drop down earrings both set with dark green stones. Her husband King Harald also donned a decorated black morning suit with black leather shoes. He was spotted in a set of crutches following a fall to the ground on the red carpet as he arrived in Denmark for the visit. The queen radiated in a printed floor length gown as she gracefully swept through the grounds greeting guests Queen Margrethe listens as King Harald delivers a speech during a dinner in The Knight's Hall at Amalienborg Castle in Copenhagen Frederik, 55, looked dapper in a morning suit with his ceremonial medals on display The royal couple were helped off the boat for the welcome ceremony, hosted by Denmark's Queen. King Harald was seen hobbling on crutches at the bottom of the red carpet. His wife followed as they made their way up a flight of stairs lined with sailors in white uniform towards the historic building where royal guards were stood waiting. King Harald fell to his knees just as he has reached the final step but was caught by one of the staff members. The king spent time hospitalised in Oslo with an infection in May. The king has been relying on crutches for a number of years. The infection in May was the second time he had been admitted to hospital over a period of six months. The Duchess of Edinburgh looked effortlessly elegant as she opened a new building for Royal National Institute of Blind People. The royal, 58, wore a sophisticated white shirt dress for the engagement in Islington, North London today. The mother-of-two cinched herself in at the waist with a dainty white leather belt and added a pop of colour to her ensemble with a bright orange handbag. Sophie wore her blonde hair straight and opted for minimal jewellery as she braved the 27 degree heat. The stylish royal wore brown smokey eyeshadow and finished off her makeup with some rosy lipstick. The Duchess of Edinburgh, 58, pictured unveiling a new plaque to mark the opening of the Royal National Institute of Blind People's new building During the engagement, Sophie was taken on the tour of the charity's new premises. She also proudly unveiled a plaque which officially marked the grand opening of the building. The late Queen - who passed away at the age of 96 in September - served as a patron for the charity for 70 years. The royal worked closely with the charity following her ascension to the throne in 1952 when she was just 25 years old. What's more, Sophie has been an avid sight-loss campaigner as her daughter Lady Louise Windsor, 19, was born with a severe squint that affected her vision. The Duchess previously told how she was moved by her daughter's vision problems to campaign on behalf of blind and visually impaired people around the world. Prince Edward's daughter Louise was born prematurely in 2003, causing a condition called strabismus, which left her with what the countess described as a 'profound' squint. She has since had the problem corrected because cosmetically it was awkward for her, Sophie said, and she can now see properly. She told the Sunday Express in 2015: 'Premature babies can often have squints because the eyes are the last thing in the baby package to really be finalised.' Pictured: Sophie accepts a bunch of flowers as she arrives at the engagement in London this afternoon Pictured: The Duchess of Edinburgh pictured being taken on a tour of the building. The late Queen - who passed away at the age of 96 in September - served as a patron for the charity for 70 years Sophie has been an avid sight-loss campaigner as her daughter Lady Louise Windsor, 19, was born with a severe squint that affected her vision 'Her squint was quite profound when she was tiny and it takes time to correct it. You've got to make sure one eye doesn't become more dominant than the other but she's fine now - her eyesight is perfect.' As Patron of Vision 2020: The Right to Sight and Global Ambassador for the International Agency for the Prevention of Blindness, the Duchess has seen first-hand the difference organisations with the right knowledge, experience and funding can make on a global scale. She has been a Global Ambassador for the International Agency for the Prevention of Blindness (IAPB) since 2003. In 2013, she visited the Orbis flying hospital programme in India and Qatar to highlight global issues around preventable childhood blindness and the need for funding for eye health programmes. Earlier this week, royal commentator Richard Fitzwilliams told FEMAIL that Sophie is proving herself to be 'indispensable' to Kate and William thanks to 'natural warmth and low-key approach'. A young woman shared an 'embarrassing' tattoo she regrets getting inked in a risque place on her body years prior. Victoria Ashley said she now 'cringes' at her tattoo of huge dragonfly on her lower back with the wings stretching from hip to hip and the body going down to her 'butt crack'. She got the tattoo ten years ago after a 'bad break up' to cover up a smaller tattoo underneath and didn't realise how 'big and bold' it would be from the stencil. 'Someone once told me, "temporary relationships don't deserve permanent memories" and i wish the tattoo artist said it before agreeing to do the tattoo,' she told FEMAIL. Victoria warned people to 'marinate' on their decision to get a tattoo before getting it permanently inked on their body so they don't make the same mistake she did. Scroll down for video Victoria Ashley (pictured) has revealed the 'embarrassing' dragonfly tattoo she got years ago that she now 'cringes' over She warned people to 'marinate' on their decision to get a tattoo before getting it permanently inked on their body so they don't make the same mistake she did 'I never do this, it's a bit embarrassing,' Victoria, who is from the US, said in a TikTok clip before loosening the waistband of her jeans to reveal the dragonfly. 'It goes into pretty much my butt crack,' she laughed. The dragonfly's wings stretch across the entire width of her lower back and she could not reveal the bottom of the insect's body as it goes as far down as her bum crack. 'I was chatting with the tattoo artist for a bit while he was doing it and wasn't paying attention to the time,' she revealed. 'After about two hours I asked to see it and realised it was a lot bigger and bolder than how it looked just with the stencil. It was pretty, but the size was very intimidating.' She showed the tattoo of huge dragonfly on her lower back with the wings stretching from hip to hip and the body going down to her 'butt crack' 'Luckily, I forget about it most of the time since it's on my back. I have 9 tattoos, but the one on my hand is the only one visible from the front.' Victoria can see the funny side about her tattoo fail but admitted she is considering getting it lasered off. 'All I have to say is if there's a tattoo you're really wanting, really marinate on it and don't rush to get it,' she advised. She said she got the tattoo to represent 'rebirth' but the symbolism lost some meaning as the years went on. 'I did have a meaning at the time but now its just a giant bug on my back that I'll have for the rest of my life unless I get laser removal which I'm thinking about,' she said. Many thought the tattoo gaffe was hilarious and others thought the design was 'cute' but was too big for her lower back. 'We all make mistakes,' someone said and another wrote: 'Noooo I thought it was going to be small.' 'I think it's soooo cute!!! I think the size is actually really cute and makes it more unique,' one woman replied. 'What are you complaining about!? That's so cute. If anything just add some white highlights and it'll look perfect again,' a second added. Victoria said she was thinking about getting the dragonfly touched up but didn't want to make it harder to remove if she decided to get it lasered off. An Australian designer has taken aim at a fast fashion retailer who blatantly ripped off one of her outfits - even taking her product photos for their site. Lili-Mae Newman, who heads up Perth based Banter the Label claimed waking up to the news her design had been ripped off by the huge company was the most 'disheartening news ever'. The 19-year-old went on to explain the fast fashion retailer, yes style, had 'copy and pasted' every detail. 'They don't have photos of their own product they are selling it is just pics of me in my bedroom wearing set I hand made,' she fumed. The Banter The Label set is made to order, from local materials and costs $120. Scroll down for video Lili-Mae Newman, who heads up Perth based Banter the Label claimed waking up to the news her design had been ripped off by the huge company was the most 'disheartening news ever' The cheap rip-off is listed for just $30. 'It is heartbreaking knowing the amount of hard work and effort I putt into creating this just for them to profit off doing nothing,' she said. The fact they are using her photos makes her very concerned - as she doesn't want her brand's image tarnished by cheap imitations. She added she wants to order the set to see what the quality is like - but also doesn't want to support them or send the message that it is okay. 'I feel sick to my stomach and have no idea what to do,' she said. Lili-Mae said she has no idea how the brand will pull off their rip-off as the fabric she uses is sold in Perth and currently out of stock. The 19-year-old's site and listing feature here - with the set priced at $120 The Yes Style set uses her pictures - and is just $33 She added that other brands have copied elements from her outfits before - but never so blatantly. Daily Mail Australia has reached out to Yes Style for comment. In November another Perth-based designer was left fuming after she was sent photos of a big brand ripping off her designs. Emily Davies claims the major retailer lifted a print design she came up with, applying it to a dress with 'striking similarities' and leaving her heartbroken. A junior doctor has revealed her very unusual side-hustle - as she works part time as a mermaid. Yasmin Awan, 28, from Neston, Wirral, is a qualified mermaid after first taking an interest six years ago. She works at Aintree Hospital in Liverpool in the major trauma unit - and also performs at kids' parties and weddings, having learned to hold her breath underwater and swim with a monofin. The medical professional - and part-time sea creature - uses the mermaid name Athena Storm and runs a business, Aquatic Mermaids, with her best friend. She explained she once viewed her two different roles as 'very seperate' but now feels it is 'all one', adding: 'Junior doctors have tricky rotas, if Im on call or on lates I cant do as much as I would like.' Yasmin Awan, 28, from Neston, Wirral, is a qualified mermaid after first taking an interest six years ago She works at Aintree Hospital in Liverpool in the major trauma unit - and also performs at kids' parties and weddings She has swum in aquariums with sharks and hopes to visit the Maldives to swim with other sealife. Yasmin uses her maritime alter-ego to encourage children to preserve nature and take care of the environment. 'We do beach cleans where I bring a blow up clam, and kids get a "wish crystal" if they bring me some rubbish,' she said. 'If you start instilling positive messages young, children really respond to it.' Because children think she's real, Yasmin loves being able to 'give them that magic in their life'. 'I know I'm one person so I can't change the world, but if I can change one person's world, and give a child a bit of magic,' she added. 'I am making the world a bit of a happier place. It fills me with life and with joy.' Yasmin says she came across the unusual vocation while doing her MA six years ago. 'I was working late in the library and procrastinating online,' she explained. The medical professional - and part-time sea creature - uses the mermaid name Athena Storm and runs a business, Aquatic Mermaids, with her best friend Yasmin uses her maritime alter-ego to encourage children to preserve nature and take care of the environment 'I found an advert which said "learn to be a mermaid" and went and did a weekend. 'It's a huge part of my life now. 'I used to separate my life into being a doctor and being a mermaid, but it's all one.' She said that with junior doctors battling 'tricky rotas', she can't do as much as she'd like, especially if she's on call or on lates. Yasmin also revealed that her job requires a lot more work and thought than people may initially assume. 'I have a rubber tail and a fabric tail, but I make all my tops myself,' she remarked. Yasmin pictured at a beach clean-up. She said that with junior doctors battling 'tricky rotas', she can't do as much as she'd like, especially if she's on call or on lates Yasmin also revealed that her job requires a lot more work and thought than people may initially assume Because children think she's real, Yasmin loves being able to 'give them that magic in their life'. Pictured right, on the shore, and left, interacting with children She has approached competed in Miss Mermaid competitions, and approached Alder Hey and Sheffield Children's Hospitals about doing charity events for them She has swum in aquariums with sharks and hopes to visit the Maldives to swim with other sealife. Pictured on the Cornish coast 'They have to be safe for marine animals, so I sew every sequin on. 'People don't think being a mermaid is very complicated but it's not just dressing up. 'I had to learn to hold my breath for an extended amount of time. 'It's all very technical but people don't realise it. It's really special, what I do makes a really positive difference.' She has approached competed in Miss Mermaid competitions, and approached Alder Hey and Sheffield Children's Hospitals about doing charity events for them. Members of a disabled riding group in Somerset have shared their excitement after a pony - who had been missing for 12 days - was found. The miniature Shetland mare - called Star - had just won second place at Devon County and Bath and West shows before vanishing. Owner Anne Allen was devastated, taking to social media to share appeals for her four-legged friend, who went missing from Blackdown Hills. On June 10, she penned an emotional plea for answers. 'It's now a week since Star vanished from a field in the Blackdown Hills area,' Anne said. 'Despite drones searching several days and at least 3000 shares going as far as Scotland and Ireland we have heard nothing... The miniature Shetland mare - called Star - had just won second place at Devon County and Bath and West shows before vanishing 'Star is a therapy pony for children and adults with mental health. She is missed by all our group... Please share so we can find her.' Dozens of commenters were heartbroken by Star's absence - but earlier today, all rejoiced as Anne announced the pony had been found. She then thanked everyone in the social media post, as commenters rushed to offer their congratulations. 'That's amazing news Anne! I'm so so pleased for you!! Where was she??!' one excited friend asked. 'Omg. So so pleased to hear this,' a second wrote. 'I'm in tears here for you. Sending lots of hugs and best wishes.' A third added: 'Hopefully she's ok and fantastic news.' 'Fantastic news Anne so pleased,' another read. It is not yet known how Star was found. Speaking to the BBC, Anne earlier explained that drones and thermal imaging were used in attempt to locate the pony, who had been in the field for a break after the show, but was later, in the morning, nowhere to be seen. Owner Anne Allen was devastated, taking to social media to share appeals for her four-legged friend, who went missing from Blackdown Hills Dozens of commenters were heartbroken by Star's absence - but earlier today, all rejoiced as Anne announced the pony had been found Anne thanked everyone in the social media post, as commenters rushed to offer their congratulations 'There were no traces of anything,' she said. 'The work she does at riding for the disabled is really important. It's people with learning and physical disabilities and handling and riding a pony is so beneficial.' Many rolled their sleeves up to help search for Star, including a farmer in an adjoining field. According to the outlet, Avon and Somerset Police also released a statement saying: 'An appeal has been issued to members of our Horse Watch scheme - an initiative which aims to reduce equine crime and increase the flow of intelligence between equine communities and police. 'We've also visited Star's owner to take a statement and provide advice to help keep their other horses and ponies secure.' A British woman living in Australia has shared her shock over how cold winters are Down Under. Gracie Jayne said she was expecting 'sunshine and warmth' when she relocated from the UK to Perth but has found herself leaving her coat on indoors because she's so cold in the winter weather. The keen traveller has been living in Perth since March and is watching her friends back home on social media enjoy an unseasonably warm British summer in envy. She shared her dismay in an online video mocking TikTok's 'Put a Finger Down' trend. 'Put a finger down if you moved across the world to Australia hoping for sunshine and warmth and days spent at the beach and now you're here and it's freezing cold,' she said. Scroll down for video British expat Gracie Jayne (pictured) wasn't expecting Australian winters to be so cold when she moved to Perth in March 'All your friends are at home in England at festivals and in the sunshine and it's the hottest summer ever and you're freezing to death and you're still wearing your coat when you get into the house.' Gracie said her house is 'too cold' because Australia 'doesn't really know how to do central heating' and the houses are 'freezing' because they don't have radiators before she put her finger down. The expat's clip racked up thousands of views with many sympathising with Gracie's dilemma and offering tips on how to cope in Australian winter. Expectation vs Reality: Gracie said she thought she would have days of warmth and sunshine spent at the beach but is instead wearing her coat inside the house and 'freezing to death' 'Our winter is for about two months. Not like 10 months a year in the UK,' one woman said. 'I know right! It's nuts - it's sooooo cold in the house, brrrrrrr - invest in a heated blanket and hot water bottles!' a second advised. 'Yeah, no idea why the houses are so cold with no double glazing or decent heating,' a third sarcastically added. Others told Gracie to gear up for the scorching summer months. 'Wait until summer and your friends will be really freezing cold and you'll be complaining about how hot it is, even hotter than Spain,' one man laughed. 'Enjoy winter while you have it because summer is the humid depths of hell,' another said. This isn't the first time a Brit has been caught off guard by Australia's chilly winters. Tembie recently moved from the UK to Albury/Wodonga on the NSW/Victoria border and revealed 'the biggest shock' was how cold Australian winters are. Tembie (pictured) recently moved from the UK to Albury/Wodonga on the NSW /Victoria border and was also said 'the biggest shock' was how cold Australian winters are The nurse said she was taught to believe Australia was all 'heatwaves and bushfires' and that she had to go out and buy a coat after landing Down Under. 'Why is Australia so flipping cold? No one told me this, this has been a huge culture shock,' she said in a video. British expat: These are the ten realities of moving to Australia You have to set up a bank account and get a tax code which can take a while before you can get a job For most jobs you need to pay to do a course eg RSA, white card etc Everything is so expensive and it's hard to balance working with exploring as you don't want to spend too much money Renting can be quite difficult as sometimes you'll need renter's history or huge deposits Australia is so far away from family with big time differences Australia is huge and it's hard to get to see everything The housing crisis has been the ultimate pain! There's no where to live! Finding places is so difficult and there are so many scammers Greyhound buses get booked up quickly so you need to plan trips in advance Jobs are so over-saturated and hard to find! Even if you have good experience you might still struggle It's quite hard to make friends if you aren't partying and staying in hostels Advertisement 'I've been here for a month now, I didn't really research where I was going I was just told by my agency 'this is a job, this is how much they're paying you',' she added. The agency nurse, who has also lived in New Zealand, said that she saw 'dollar signs' and 'ran' to the job. 'I didn't do much research about the town I was going to be in or anything like that. 'When I landed I was like 'why is it cold?'' 'I know you guys have winter, but I just assume that it wouldn't be cold. 'I know that's dumb but when you hear about Australia, you hear about bush fires, snakes, the extreme heat, the droughts. 'No one ever tells you that it's cold,' she added in the TikTok video. Tembie also explained she had to 'go out and buy a coat' because she was 'so cold' in 9C weather. Many comments told her Australia was 'huge' with different parts having different climates. While others warned that it was still autumn and set to get much colder. 'We're not yet in winter, so buckle up,' wrote one. 'Make the most of it because you will be singing a different song in six months time,' said another. 'It may not snow in the suburbs, cities but the wind comes from Antarctica so it's freezing,' commented a third. 'Honestly, even coming from New Zealand I was still shocked by how cold it gets here in Australia,' added another. 'There is more snow in the Australian Alps then the Swedish Alps,' informed another. 'I live in Albury and it's going to get colder, we're only one hour from snow!' Major public figures both past and present are set to be hauled before the Covid inquiry next week to answer why Britain was unprepared for the virus. Pandemic gurus Sir Chris Whitty and Sir Patrick Vallance, who became household names during the daily Covid briefings in the early days of the crisis, are among the faces set to appear. Former PM David Cameron and ex-chancellor George Osborne are set to appear on Monday and Tuesday, respectively. The pair are likely to be grilled about how austerity policies could have left the UK unprepared for Covid. Pandemic gurus Sir Chris Whitty (left) and Sir Patrick Vallance (right) who became household names during the Covid pandemic are due to appear before the Covid Inquiry next week Former PM David Cameron (left) and ex-chancellor George Osborne (right) are likely to be grilled by the Covid Inquiry about how their austerity policies towards public spending could have left the UK unprepared for Covid Chancellor Jeremy Hunt , who was the Government's Health Secretary longstanding Health Secretary from 2012 to 2018 is likely to be quizzed on his role in preparing the UK for a pandemic Current chancellor Jeremy Hunt, who was Health Secretary from 2012 to 2018, is also due to make an appearance and will be quizzed on Wednesday on his role in readying the NHS for a major health crisis. Sir Chris, who has served as the Government's chief medical officer since 2019, and Sir Patrick the Government's chief scientific advisor from 2018 until March this year, will close off the week, being grilled on Thursday. The pair, nicknamed Dr Doom and Professor Gloom, rose to fame during the first year of the pandemic for their gloomy warnings regarding the spread of the virus. Other names appearing next week include deputy prime minister Oliver Dowden, who was Cabinet Minister from 2019 to 2020. The scheduled appearances come after the Government yesterday urged the Covid Inquiry to go easy on them over mistakes made during the pandemic. What topics will the inquiry cover? There are currently six broad topics, called modules, that will be considered by the inquiry. Module 1 will examine the resilience and preparedness of the UK for a coronavirus pandemic. Module 2 will examine decisions taken by Mr Johnson and his then team of ministers, as advised by the civil service, senior political, scientific and medical advisers, and relevant committees. The decisions taken by those in Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland will also be examined. Module 3 will investigate the impact of Covid on healthcare systems, including on patients, hospitals and other healthcare workers and staff. This will include the controversial use of Do Not Attempt Resuscitation notices during the pandemic. Module 4 meanwhile will assess Covid vaccines and therapeutics. It will consider and make recommendations on a range of issues relating to the development of Covid vaccines and the implementation of the vaccine rollout programme in England, Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland. Modules 5 and 6 will open later this year, investigating government procurement and the care sector. The inquiry has the power to announce further modules during its lifetime. It has no formal deadline but is due to hold hearings across the UK until at least 2025. Advertisement Officials in charge of the long-awaited probe were asked not to use a 'retroscope' in judging errors may early on in the crisis. Lawyers also called upon bosses to acknowledge that decisions were made during the 'biggest peacetime crisis the country has faced', describing the pandemic era as an 'all-consuming period akin to a war' that required 'Herculean' efforts. The Department of Health's lawyer, Fiona Scolding KC, said it would not 'necessarily have made the same decisions today with the benefit of hindsight'. She claimed the agency, headed by Matt Hancock during the height of the crisis, was often faced with 'hugely unpalatable options'. Britain's Covid response has been described as 'one of UKs worst ever public health failures'. The biggest criticisms levelled at the Government centre around the lack of protection given to care home residents and the lack of debate around lockdown policies. More than 200,000 Brits died after testing positive for the virus. However, Covid's impact on Britain has now been largely blunted thanks to the UK's wall of immunity from vaccines and repeated waves. Britain preparedness for the pandemic has already come under scrutiny by the Covid Inquiry. On the first day of the probe's public hearing earlier this week the inquiry's lead lawyer Hugo Keith KC said that Britain 'might not have been well prepared at all' for the pandemic. He told the hearing that officials failed to consider the 'potentially massive' impact that lockdowns would have on the UK. And he suggested that those responsible for restricting public freedoms as the virus took hold had spent barely any time discussing the measures in advance. This was despite the Government making preparations for a flu-like pandemic which would have affected public health in a different way. Mr Keith said: 'Extraordinary though it may seem, given that it's a word that's forever seared in the nation's consciousness, there was very little debate pre-pandemic of whether a lockdown might prove to be necessary in the event of a runaway virus, let alone how a lockdown could be avoided. The mind-boggling diagram, created by the Inquiry to reflect structures in 2019, links together more than 100 organisations involved in preparing the country for any future infectious threats. This includes the Cabinet Office, Department of Health and the Scientific Advisory Group for Emergencies (SAGE) a panel of leading experts who guided ministers through the pandemic Mr Keith also presented the Inquiry with an extraordinarily complicated flow chart detailing the government's chain of command in helping to protect Brits from future pandemics. The diagram, created by the Inquiry to reflect structures in 2019, links together more than 100 organisations involved in preparing the country for any future infectious threats. But the flow chart, illustrated with a tangle of arrows and dotted lines, looked 'much more like a bowl of spaghetti than a clear and coordinated framework for a cogent national response', the lawyer for the Trades Union Congress told the inquiry chair Baroness Heather Hallett. While other inquiries have opened across the world, the UK's will be the first to reach public hearings with evidence from witnesses. It is composed of six modules, examining different broad aspects of the pandemic. The first module, looking at the resilience and preparedness of the UK for a coronavirus pandemic will run for six weeks, until 20 July. The entire probe is not expected to conclude until 2026. A separate Scottish Covid-19 Inquiry chaired by Lord Brailsford is looking at the pandemic response in devolved areas in Scotland. Welsh First Minister Mark Drakeford has said he and the Welsh government are fully committed to the inquiry, though they maintain that there is no need for Wales to hold its own inquiry. She tracks the lawsuits against different products and A lawyer has revealed the top beauty items she would never buy again due to the growing pile of lawsuits and recalls against them over health concerns. Harvard graduate and mother-of-two Angela tracks cases and recalls regarding beauty products and shares what she finds to help others steer clear. Big names like Neutrogena, L'Oreal and Batiste have issued voluntary recalls or had suits filed against them for issues with specific products. The lawsuits and recalls claim goods like waterproof mascara and dry shampoo, may contain toxic forever chemicals, can cause cancer or may have been developed with hormone-disrupting ingredients. However, many of the popular beauty brands have issued voluntary recalls for products found to impact health or plaintiffs dropped suits against them Harvard graduate and mother-of-two Angela tracks cases against beauty products to share which products she vowed never to use again due to health concerns A study from 2021 warned that more than half of popular cosmetics being sold in the US and Canada are likely to contain high levels of toxic chemicals called polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS). Researchers from Notre Dame University tested more than 200 products, including concealers, foundations, eye and eyebrow products and lip products, and found evidence of PFAS in around half (52 percent) of them. Worryingly, previous research has linked certain PFAS to various health issues, including kidney cancer, testicular cancer, hypertension, thyroid disease, low birth weight and immunotoxicity in children. Waterproof mascara The number one product Angela is turning her back on is waterproof mascara. She said: 'Turns out, in order to make mascara waterproof, companies often have to add PFAS toxic forever chemicals linked to impaired immune function, diabetes, obesity, endocrine dysfunction and cancers. Of 11 waterproof mascaras the Notre Dame University researchers tested, 82 percent had a high fluorine content. Seeger Weiss LLP listed popular makeup brands that may contain PFAS, including L'Oreal. A lawsuit filed in 2022 against L'Oreal by Rebecca Vega from Belleville, New Jersey claims the company 'y fails to disclose to consumers that its popular waterproof mascara products contain Per and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances, or 'PFAS,' despite the fact that L'Oreal knew or should have known that this information is material to consumers. However, the case was voluntarily dismissed by Vega that same year. Another complaint was filed against L'Oreal in the same year by Californian Sumner Davenport, on behalf of herself and all others similarly situated, which claims the same as Vega's suit. The lawsuit claims that 'From at least 2018 through the present,' the defendant's 'waterproof mascara was misleadingly and fraudulently advertised because it failed to disclose the presence of PFAS in LOreals waterproof mascara products.' The complaint sites these products: LOreals Voluminous Waterproof Mascara and LOreals Voluminous Lash Paradise Waterproof Mascara. No updates have been shared regarding Davenport's case. Shortly after the complaint was filed, Governor Gavin Newsom signed a law in October that prohibits manufacturing, distributing, and selling textiles and cosmetics containing PFAS beginning in 2025. L'Oreal told R29 in February 2023 that phase-out and substitution plans are 'well underway' and that the company has already removed PFAS from the majority of its products. Last year, Unilever recalled over 1.5 million dry shampoo products because they may contain elevated levels of benzene, a human carcinogen strongly linked to leukemia and other blood disorders Dry shampoo Research by Valisure, a laboratory in Connecticut, tested a random sample of 148 different products sold in CVS, Walgreens and by online retailers like Amazon across the country in November 2022. Some 70 percent were positive for benzene, a known carcinogen that is strongly linked to leukemia and other blood disorders. Among those that contained the chemical were drug-store brand favorites Batiste and Not Your Mother's alongside premium brands Pureology and Kerastase. Contamination may come from inactive petroleum-derived ingredients, a thickening agent, or isobutane, a spray propellant. Manufacturers, including Church & Dwight which makes Batiste refuted the results, saying it had recently 'confirmed' with its suppliers that the dry shampoos don't contain benzene. Angela said: 'I wish I never used dry shampoo. I used to use it every other day.' She showed a list of brands she will steer clear of: DryBar, Redken, IGK, Batiste, Paul Mitchell and Not Your Mother's. Angela said: 'I've used many on this list which has been determined to contain benzene in them, a known carcinogen where even low levels can be linked to increased risk of cancer. 'Also horrifically, apparently, the benzene stays in the air after you've sprayed it, and I used to get ready in the bathroom with my toddlers by my side. Last year, Unilever recalled over 1.5 million dry shampoo products because they may contain elevated levels of benzene, a human carcinogen strongly linked to leukemia and other blood disorders. Unilever said it had not received any reports of 'adverse events' linked to benzene exposure in the products and insisted the recall was 'out of an abundance of caution.' An internal investigation concluded that benzene concentrations in the affected products would not be large enough to cause health issues. An official study suggested chemical hair straightening products used by millions of Americans may double the risk of womb cancer Chemical hair straightener Angela said: 'I would not chemically straighten my hair again. I used to do it, I love the sleek look. 'But turns out women who chemically straighten their hair at least four times a year more than double their risk of uterine cancer and also ovarian and breast, likely because these things (parabens, bispehnol A, metals and formaldehyde) are absorbed directly into the scalp.' An official study suggested chemical hair straightening products used by millions of Americans may double the risk of womb cancer. National Institutes of Health (NIH) researched 33,000 women across the US for over a decade. The rate of uterine cancer was 4.05 percent in women who used straightening products four or more times a year, compared to 1.64 percent in those who did not. Angela said: 'Major brands [of spray sunscreen] such as Neutrogena, Aveeno, Banana Boat, Coppertone, CVS Health and Elta MD, found benzene in their cans.' Spray sunscreen Angela said she used to use this on her children. 'As a tired mom, I'd spray these like five times per day on my small kids,' she said. 'They'd spray it on each other in their eyeballs, in their mouth.' 'Major brands such as Neutrogena, Aveeno, Banana Boat, Coppertone, CVS Health and Elta MD, found benzene in their cans,' she said, referring to recalls in 2022. She added: 'While it's probably not a death sentence, it is a known carcinogen, and no one seems to know exactly how benzene got in there.' Many companies issued voluntary recalls on their products found to have benzene. According to Consumer Reports in 2022, Aveeno and Neutrogena sunscreens had benzene levels ranging from 11.2 to 23.6 ppm, five to 12 times the level advised by the FDA. On the other hand, Sunscreen lotions were found to not have any, Angela said. Benzene is a known carcinogen and is strongly linked to leukemia and other blood disorders, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. On July 14, 2021, Johnson & Johnson issued a voluntary recall of five specific Aveeno and Neutrogena aerosol sunscreens because lab testing found low levels of the cancer-causing chemical benzene in the products. The five included: Aveeno Protect + Refresh aerosol sunscreen; Neutrogena Invisible Daily defense aerosol sunscreen; Neutrogena Beach Defense aerosol sunscreen; Neutrogena Cool Dry Sport aerosol sunscreen; and Neutrogena Ultra Sheer aerosol sunscreen. Long-lasting makeup Makeup often claims to be sweatproof and last for upwards of 24 hours. But there is a reason the products do not melt off the face. Similarly to waterproof mascara, Angela said: 'Usually, it's because companies have added PFAS... which I prefer not to be licking and eating all day on my lips.' One study found germs in 100 percent of the in-store makeup items tested Makeup testers in stores Angela said: 'While the lawsuits linking them to bad health haven't succeeded, they have shed light on a bunch of studies which have found all sorts of germs.' As well as E. coli - which causes stomach cramps and diarrhea and, in severe cases, can be fatal - staphylococcus and streptococcus bacteria were found in studies, which can cause infections. One study found germs in 100 percent of the in-store makeup items tested. 'Clean beauty' products Clean beauty describes non-toxic products free from harmful chemicals, such as parabens, phthalates, sulfates, and synthetic fragrances. Angela said: 'The next tidal wave in cosmetics litigation is that companies are slapping the label 'clean' on their product without actually meeting any reasonable consumer expectation of what clean is.' Eight fluorescent colors are approved for cosmetics by the FDA, but none are allowed near the eyes Neon eyeshadow Angela said: 'Multiple companies have settled class actions in the last couple of years because neon color additives are not FDA-approved for use around the eyes.' The Food & Drug Administration website reads: 'There are eight fluorescent colors approved for cosmetics, and like other colors, there are limits on how they may be used. None of them are allowed for use near the eyes.' Angela said: 'Latisse is the only one FDA approved and it has to be prescribed under a doctor's care Eyelash growth serum Angela said she will not use eyelash growth serum without consulting a doctor. She said: 'Latisse is the only one FDA approved and it has to be prescribed under a doctor's care. 'Other companies started selling these ingredients in their own over-the-counter serum and people are suing. 'There can be real scary side effects.' Australian entrepreneur Kasey Giarratana launched her natural eyelash growth serum business in 2021. She said: 'Some toxic ingredients used in commercial pharmaceutical lash serums use known carcinogenic and hormone-disrupting ingredients such as Bitmaprost. 'This prostaglandin is a chemical compound with hormone-like effects.' A study in 2009 found two middle-aged women developed tumors on their hands following exposure to UV nail lights UV gel nails Angela said: 'Those gel dryers are literally tanning beds for your hands. You know they're linked to skin cancer.' Dermatologists have previously warned that gel manicures could cause lasting damage to the nails and even increase the risk of skin cancer. A gel manicure uses three coats of a special type of polish from brands such as Shellac or OPI. Each coat is set using UV light - and experts say this could have dangerous side effects. Dr Chris Adigun, from New York University School of Medicine, said the UV lamps damage the skin cells like sunbeds. 'Women who frequently get gel manicures should consider their skin cancer risk,' he said. Writing in the American Academy of Dermatology, Dr Adigun is so concerned about the risk he advises women to slather suncream on their hands before having a gel manicure. The added worry is that the machines aren't regulated, meaning consumers don't know how much exposure they are getting to the rays. It follows a study in 2009 that found two middle-aged women developed tumors on their hands following exposure to UV nail lights. Neither had a family history of skin cancer, and both worked indoors and had moderate exposure to sunlight, according to the research published in JAMA Dermatology. DO YOU KNOW ANYONE WHO MIGHT BE AFFECTED? Email caitlin.tilley@mailonline.com The best friend of a Texas woman who died from a fungal brain infection after getting cut-price plastic surgery in Mexico has spoken out about the 'heartbreaking loss.' Mother-of-one Shyanne Medrano, 31, of Houston, died from fungal meningitis at a hospital on May 16, 2023 and is one of four Texas women who have died from the infection after they went under the knife in the northern border city of Matamoros. Her best friend since the seventh grade, Laura Garza, told DailyMail.com that Ms Medrano was complaining about headaches in March after the operation and then died two months later following 'close to five or six strokes.' 'It's heartbreaking, especially when they're wives, mothers, daughters - they're somebody,' Ms Garza said. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) believes around 230 Americans who traveled to clinics in Matamoros this year could be at risk. And the agency is now urging people to go to the nearest emergency room as soon as possible to be evaluated, even if they do not have symptoms. Ms Medrano traveled to Matamoros in March to undergo a Brazilian butt lift (BBL) at Clinica-K3 Laura Garza has known Ms Medrano since seventh grade. She told DailyMail.com: 'It's heartbreaking, especially when they're wives, they're mothers, they're daughters, they're somebody' Ms Medrano traveled to Matamoros to undergo a Brazilian butt lift (BBL) and liposuction at Clinica-K3. Dr Luis Manuel Rivera De Anda, listed as a gynecologist online, performed 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 unknown whether Ms Medrano'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. 'Her results were good. She was happy with how she looked and was feeling ok when she went home,' said Ms Garza. 'She was just complaining of some headaches, but she's always had some, so she didn't think too much of it. 'Around Easter, she started feeling a little more pressure [on her head] and her eyes were hurting. She started having that pain in her head.' A Facebook post by Ms Medrano from April 15 reads: 'I'm in great pain from my head... today I woke up with an excruciating pain in the back of my head, and it's really keeping me from functioning normally today.' Ms Medrano then began slurring her words, and doctors later discovered she had had a stroke. A few weeks after the operation, Ms Medrano was taken to the hospital with nausea, vomiting and fever all symptoms of fungal meningitis. She had 'close to five or six strokes', Ms Garza said, as well as blood clots in her head. Ms Medrano went to Clinica K-3, in Matamoros, Mexico. Also under scrutiny by the CDC is River Side Surgical Center in Matamoros. Both clinics have now been closed Ms Medrano felt immediately ill after the procedure and suffered intense headaches Ms Medrano died on May 16, almost two months after her BBL. Hidalgo County Health Authority Dr Ivan Melendez said around nine patients are in hospitals in Cameron and Hidalgo counties. He said: 'The numbers, even in our community, are worrisome.' He added that those infected might not even realize it: 'It can be very insidious with its symptoms of headache nausea, vomiting and fever. 'It can take a while, that's why we're so concerned there could be people with this infection and still not aware of it.' Ms Medrano leaves behind an eight-year-old daughter. 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 1.2 million 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 As of June 14, the CDC reports six confirmed cases of fungal meningitis detected from samples. There have been four deaths two of which are confirmed cases and two which are probable. The CDC has warned that anyone given epidural anesthesia (injection into the spine to numb part of the body) during surgery is at risk and should go to the nearest emergency room to be tested, even if they do not have symptoms. The epidural is used in procedures such as liposuction, breast augmentation and Brazilian butt lifts, which can be more than $16,000 cheaper than in the US. The CDC is investigating 172 people who may have the infection. The clinics under scrutiny are River Side Surgical Center and Clinica K-3 in Matamoros, Mexico, both of which have now been closed. The patients being overseen by the CDC 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 Texas Department of State Health Services said: 'Fungal meningitis can be life-threatening, and finding infections early is essential for treatment. 'Public health workers are directly contacting people in Texas who got surgery at two clinics in Matamoros to inform them of the situation and what steps they should take.' The fungus isolated in the two clinics appears to be Fusarium solani, which was linked to a previous meningitis outbreak in Durango, Mexico, late last year. According to the CDC, that outbreak, which was also linked to epidural anesthetic procedures, had an almost 50 percent mortality rate with those infections with 39 deaths among 80 cases. The exact cause of the fungal outbreak remains unknown. Health officials believe 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. The clinics may have reused medication vials or used alternative medication to morphine due to shortages, both of which can increase the risk of fungal contamination. Dr Tom Chiller, head of the branch of the fungal disease at the CDC, told NBC News: 'There could be some bad actors in that space that are essentially operating sort of a black-market type of morphine business.' CDC officials are looking into how exactly patients were exposed to the infectious fungus during the surgeries and if any other clinics were involved. US health bosses have called for the deadly fungal outbreak to be declared an international health emergency by the World Health Organization. An outbreak of hepatitis A plaguing Mexico's strawberry fields has spilled over in the US, leading to three recalls in just 90 days. Trader Joe's, Costco, Aldi and Oregon-based Willamette Valley Fruit Company have asked customers to toss purchases in the trash due to contamination concerns. These recalls have raised concerns about how the virus has spread to fruits grown in Mexico. DailyMail.com reveals how the sexually transmitted disease could spread to strawberries. Which products have been recalled? Great Value Strawberries, Great Value Mixed Fruit, and Great Value Antioxidant Blend were distributed in several states, including Arkansas, California, Colorado, Missouri, Nevada, Ohio, and Texas. Rader Farms Organic Berry Trio was distributed in HEB stores in Texas The recalled frozen strawberries and fruit blends containing strawberries were sold under the Great Value name, Walmart's store brand, Rader Farms Organic Fresh State Smoothie Blend at Costco and Rader Farms Organic Berry Trio at HEB. Great Value Strawberries, Great Value Mixed Fruit, and Great Value Antioxidant Blend were distributed in 32 states. These are: Arkansas, Arizona, California, Colorado, Hawaii, Iowa, Idaho, Illinois, Indiana, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Maryland, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Montana, North Dakota, Nebraska, Nevada, New York, Ohio, Oklahoma, Oregon, Pennsylvania, South Dakota, Texas, Utah, Virginia, Wisconsin, West Virginia, and Wyoming. Products at Walmart were sold between January 24, 2023, and June 8, 2023. Rader Farms Organic Fresh Start Smoothie Blend was sold in Costco stores in Arizona, California, Colorado, and Texas. These products were sold between October 3, 2022, and June 8, 2023. Rader Farms Organic Berry Trio was distributed in HEB stores in Texas. These were sold between July 18, 2022, and June 8, 2023. An investigation by the FDA traced hepatitis A infections to frozen strawberries imported from Baja California, Mexico. Baja California is a northern Mexican state bordering San Diego. In March, the agency linked five cases of the virus to those products. This is the same strain linked to the worldwide outbreak of hepatitis A infections in children last year. This outbreak was linked to fresh organic strawberries imported from Baja California. The FDA has stated that people usually get sick with hepatitis A within 15 to 50 days of eating or drinking contaminated food or water. What is hepatitis A? Hepatitis A is a highly contagious viral liver disease. It primarily spreads when a person who isn't vaccinated ingests food or water contaminated with an infected individual's feces. The virus is one of the most frequent causes of foodborne infections. Not everyone with hepatitis A develops symptoms, but those who do typically experience them a few weeks after having the virus. According to the Mayo Clinic, symptoms include unusual tiredness or weakness, sudden nausea and vomiting or diarrhea, abdominal pain, clay- and gray-colored stool, loss of appetite, low-grade fever, dark urine, joint pain, jaundice, and intense itching. Anyone who has not been vaccinated or has never been infected with the hepatitis A virus is at risk. Other risk factors include poor sanitation, lack of clean water, recreational drug use, living with or having sexual relations with an infected person, and traveling to areas with high risk while unvaccinated. Mild cases require no treatment, and most infected people recover without permanent liver damage. However, it can sometimes result in severe illness. What caused the hepatitis A cases? Recent outbreaks have fueled increasing rates of hepatitis A infection in the United States, according to data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention In a 2022 review published in PLOS One, rates of hospitalization have increased in Mexico. This could be due to larger amounts of older people being infected with the disease. These populations are more susceptible to complications, such as liver failure The hepatitis A vaccine is not standard in Mexico, which could contribute to more cases nationwide. Additionally, poor sanitation practices can lead to traces of human waste in foods and beverages originating from the region. A 2022 review in the journal PLOS One analyzed hepatitis A rates in Mexico from 2000 to 2019. Researchers should have the infection rate was 14.7 per 100,000 inhabitants. Children age one to nine had the highest incidence of 47.8 per 100,000. The review found that while rates of the disease are decreasing in children, they are increasing in older populations, such as those over 65 years old. Hospitalizations are also rising as a result of older people getting the disease due to older populations being more susceptible to complications, such as liver failure. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention advises receiving a hepatitis A vaccine before traveling to Mexico. According to the CDC, recent outbreaks have driven substantial increases in hepatitis A infections in the US. In 2017, there were 3,366 cases, but in 2019, 18,846 cases were reported. Since 2016, 37 US states have identified nearly 45,000 cases, more than 27,000 hospitalizations, and 422 deaths. The CDC said that ongoing outbreaks in the US have been attributed to drug users, homeless populations, and men having sex with men. How does the disease spread to fruit? Many fruits that have been possibly contaminated with hepatitis A come from the state of Baja California in Mexico, which borders San Diego Hepatitis A is often found in the stool and blood of an infected person. If an infected person still has traces of human waste on their hands while handling food, this could contaminate it. This could happen if the infected person doesn't have reliable access to hygiene, such as hand washing. The likelihood of this is higher if someone with poor hand washing is not vaccinated against hepatitis A. What should you do? Outbreaks are still ongoing in Indiana, Pennsylvania, Missouri, and Maryland, with those states reporting between 400 and 2700 cases within the past few years. The CDC urged people who believe they have eaten these recalled products within the past two weeks and are not vaccinated against hepatitis A to contact their health care provider. Even after exposure, preventative treatment could help avoid illness. The FDA urged consumers to check their freezers for recalled products and return or throw them out. Products with different lot codes or purchase dates are not included in the recall. A woman from Kentucky who was told to carry a fetus 'with no brain' for 18 weeks has slammed the state's male-dominated legislature as being out of touch. The fetus was diagnosed with anencephaly, a condition where the brain and parts of the skull do not form properly - and it cause death at birth or the first few days of life. Heather Maberry, 32, said that lawmakers behind its abortion ban one of the most restrictive in the country simply 'do not know how it feels' to hear the worst news an expectant mother could face. 'They are never going to have to carry a child. They are never going to have to be in that position,' she said. 'They are never gonna be the one that was carrying that baby and had to go through hell.' Ms Maberry who used to be anti-abortion was forced to travel 300 miles out of state to Chicago for $7,000 after being told her baby, who she named Willow, was non-viable and didn't have a brain. Heather Maberry, 32, was told that her daughter Willow was not viable because she had anencephaly, where the brain fails to develop properly She opted to terminate the pregnancy rather than carry the baby to term for another 18 weeks only for the child (pictured) to die but was told to travel out of state for the procedure Ms Maberry explained to ABC News that before the experience, she did not believe in abortion for herself but was not against others having terminations. She told a local publication: 'They [the legislators] do not know how it feels to carry a child, to have someone tell you the most devastating news of your life, and then say I can't even hold her. 'They have stolen that from me.' Kentucky was the first state to make abortion virtually impossible in April last year and force all clinics to close. The state legislature where 107 out of 138 members are men enacted a law banning all terminations after 15 weeks but also put onerous requirements on clinics such as issuing birth-death certificates that forced their closure. There is a loophole allowing abortions in cases when there is no fetal heartbeat after six weeks, but doctors said this would not help Ms Maberry because her nonviable baby still had a heartbeat. Nearly half of US states have enacted limits on abortion since Roe v. Wade was overturned in June last year. In Ms Maberry's case, she had been excited to try for another child with her husband Nick after tying the knot last year. She first fell pregnant in October 2022, but suffered a miscarriage before finding out she was pregnant again just two days before Christmas. 'We were super excited,' she said, 'but we were also very nervous because we had just lost a baby. So, we just kept trying to take care of me the best we could'. The pregnancy was complicated, with Ms Maberry developing hyperemesis gravidarum a severe type of nausea and vomiting in the early stages. She was put on medications to help ease this and they then found out she was pregnant with her fourth girl, who they named Willow. It was shortly afterward, however, that doctors diagnosed her daughter with anencephaly, a serious condition where major sections of the brain and skull have not developed. It is caused by the neural tube the pre-cursor to the brain and spinal cord failing to close properly around 23 to 26 days after conception. Estimates suggest that about one in 4,600 babies in the United States have the condition. Dr Sadia Haider, an obstetrician at Rush University Medical Center, said: 'In this scenario, it's irrelevant whether there's a heartbeat or not. 'Anencephaly basically means there's no brain, essentially like no neurologic development, which is essential for survival.' She said the fetus would die during birth or shortly after childbirth. The fetus was diagnosed with anencephaly, a condition where the brain and parts of the skull do not form properly - and it cause death at birth or the first few days of life Ms Maberry is pictured above with her husband Nick. She was excited to have another child with him When she was told the devastating news, Ms Maberry said it felt like she was living the 'worst nightmare a mother could imagine'. After a discussion with her husband, she said she only wanted to get the chance to kiss her daughter on the forehead and bury her quietly. But because of Kentucky's laws, doctors said she would have to carry the fetus to full term unless she headed out of state for an abortion. 'The only option I had here was to continue carrying her with the same outcome for another, you know, 17 or 18 weeks,' she said. 'I said: 'I physically can't and mentally can't continue carrying her knowing that she's never gonna breathe, we're never going to have a life with her'. 'So, we came to the decision that we were going to try to get an abortion.' She was linked up to the National Abortion Hotline, which referred her to a clinic in Chicago for the procedure. She was quoted $3,300 for the termination, but she would also need to cover the cost of flights for herself and her husband, food, and accommodation. This was when the hotline stepped in to help offset the expenses, which Ms Maberry said could easily have topped $7,000 without them. Describing her position on abortion now, she said: 'There's so much involved in choosing to continue with the pregnancy, choosing to go through the delivery as far as like physically, emotionally and otherwise. 'Allowing patients to have a choice in how long they have to continue this for given the negative outcome that they're gonna face is really important.' Professor David Alexander, an expert on disasters and risk management based at University College London, told the probe that history dictated a new coronavirus would trigger another world health crisis in the future Another pandemic is an 'inevitability', experts told the Covid Inquiry today. The stark warning came as they tore into the UK's 'inadequate' preparedness and argued the Government was not keeping the public sufficiently safe. Professor David Alexander, an expert on disasters and risk management based at University College London, told the probe that history dictated a new coronavirus would trigger another world health crisis in the future. He said he was 'slightly surprised' the Government had only deemed it a 'realistic possibility'. Professor Alexander told the inquiry: 'I am slightly surprised that the government said that another novel pandemic remains a realistic possibility. 'I would have thought a better way of describing it is as an inevitability given them that if we look at history, pandemics have been apparent throughout recorded human history. Seven coronaviruses have been found to infect humans so far. This includes SARS and Middle East respiratory syndrome coronavirus (MERS), both of which have triggered significant epidemics in the 21st century. Addressing the probe, Professor Alexander added: 'I think the bottom line of all of this is: do you think the British government within the limits of its competency keeps the public safe? 'I feel my answer to that is no or not sufficiently.' Hugo Keith KC, head lawyer for the inquiry, asked Professor Alexander if he thought that the current structures in place 'do not keep us safe or do not keep us as safe as you would wish and everybody would sensibly wish us to be'. Pandemic gurus Sir Chris Whitty (left) and Sir Patrick Vallance (right) who became household names during the Covid pandemic are due to appear before the Covid Inquiry next week Professor Alexander replied: 'We are of course all responsible for our own safety. 'But Government obviously has an essential, fundamental and central role in providing safety to its population and I think it could do more and better in that.' He said the UK was 'quite simply lucky' that it did not have to simultaneously deal with another major event such as serious and widespread flooding during the pandemic as this would have 'even further complicated the response required'. Bruce Mann, a former civil servant in the Ministry of Defence and the Cabinet Office, heavily criticised a Government document created post-Covid into the UK's resilience. Mr Mann said the document was 'not a strategy'. He said: 'I was advertised as a strategy. [But] it does not set out: this is where we'd like to get to, this is how we know we'll get there, and this is the structure on the way. 'There's a lot of very good ideas in there, but they are not brought together into a single unifying roadmap, which everybody in the responder community can use. 'And finally, it is almost silent on resourcing.' He said even if all the commitments to strengthen the frameworks, systems and capabilities which underpin the country's resilience to all civil contingencies risks were carried out by 2030 as stated, the UK would not 'be in a better place to handle catastrophic emergencies'. Both Mr Mann and Professor Alexander said they wanted a 'wholesale radical rewriting' of the strategic approach. It comes as ex-Prime Minister David Cameron and his Chancellor George Osborne have been called to give evidence to the inquiry. Former PM David Cameron (left) and ex-chancellor George Osborne (right) are likely to be grilled by the Covid Inquiry about how their austerity policies towards public spending could have left the UK unprepared for Covid The mind-boggling diagram, created by the Inquiry to reflect structures in 2019, links together more than 100 organisations involved in preparing the country for any future infectious threats. This includes the Cabinet Office, Department of Health and the Scientific Advisory Group for Emergencies (SAGE) a panel of leading experts who guided ministers through the pandemic Government data up to June 4 shows the number of Covid cases recorded since March 2020. As many as 70 witnesses will contribute to the first module on pandemic preparedness. Wednesday's session will this afternoon hear from Dr Charlotte Hammer, an epidemiologist from Cambridge University and Professor Jimmy Whitworth, an infectious diseases expert from the London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine Government data up to May 12 shows the number of deaths of people whose death certificate mentioned Covid as one of the causes, and seven-day rolling average. Baroness Hallett told the inquiry she intends to answer three key questions: was the UK properly prepared for the pandemic, was the response appropriate, and can lessons be learned for the future? The pair are likely to be questioned on austerity measures and their potential impact on public services such as healthcare systems when they appear on consecutive days next week. They are among a series of high-profile political figures expected to testify at the inquiry, which is currently examining whether the UK was prepared for the pandemic. Mr Cameron, Prime Minister from 2010 until 2016, and Mr Osborne, who managed the nation's finances during the same period, are expected to give evidence under oath for around an hour each. They will appear on Monday and Tuesday, respectively. Both men left politics altogether in summer 2016 after the UK voted for Brexit. Current Chancellor Jeremy Hunt, the health secretary for six years before the pandemic, and Deputy Prime Minister Oliver Dowden, the former Parliamentary Secretary for the Cabinet Office between 2018 and 2019, are expected to give evidence to the inquiry on Wednesday. Lawyers for the bereaved and frontline workers have already suggested that austerity had an impact on the UK's ability to withstand a pandemic. Professor Sir Chris Whitty, and Sir Patrick Valance, senior experts who were regular fixtures during the televised Covid briefings, are due to appear before the inquiry on Thursday. The findings come at a time when ADHD meds like Adderall are in shortage If you're using prescription meds to get ahead on your next test, chances are you could fail - these so-called 'smart' drugs could actually impair brain function, a new study suggests. Smart drugs, typically prescribed for attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) to improve focus and concentration, are largely known under Ritalin, Provigil and Adderall. Researchers at Cambridge University in the UK asked participants who do not suffer from ADHD to complete problem-solving tasks after taking these medications. The team found individuals were less accurate and efficient with the results. The findings come at a time in which the US is facing a historic shortage of Adderall, one of the most common drugs prescribed for ADHD, and diagnoses are at an all-time high. A study published in the journal Science Advances found that people using 'smart' drugs who don't have ADHD performed worse while on them than while on the placebo The study published Wednesday in the journal Science Advances, consisted of four double-blind, randomized trials space a week apart. Researchers studied 40 healthy participants who took either a placebo or one of three popular smart drugs: methylphenidate (Ritalin), modafinil (Provigil), and dextroamphetamine (Adderall). There were 17 males and 23 females. The participants were asked to complete an exercise known as the Knapsack Optimization Problem, or 'knapsack task.' This involved the group receiving a virtual backpack and a set of items with various weights and values. They had to figure out how to best fit in the items and make the most of the space. The group who took the smart drugs experienced small reductions in accuracy and efficiency compared to their results when not on the drugs. They also took much more time and effort to complete the exercise. When under the effects of Ritalin, participants took about 50 percent longer to complete the task than when they took the placebo. Those who performed well under the placebo also often showed a more significant drop in performance and productivity after taking a smart drug. Those who ranked in the top 25 percent with the placebo frequently found themselves in the bottom 25 percent after taking Ritalin, for example. And those who performed poorly with the placebo only say minor improvements after taking one of the drugs. 'Our results suggest that these drugs dont actually make you "smarter,"' Peter Bossaerts, one of the study authors and a professor of neuroeconomics at the University of Cambridge, said in a media release. 'Because of the dopamine the drugs induce, we expected to see increased motivation, and they do motivate one to try harder. However, we discovered that this exertion caused more erratic thinking in ways that we could make precise because the knapsack task had been widely studied in computer science.' 'Performance did not generally increase, so questions remain about how the drugs are affecting peoples minds and their decision making.' Adderall prescriptions have steadily increased over the last 12 years. The figures include prescriptions for both Adderall, brand and generic, in the U.S. Prescriptions for Adderall surged during the COVID-19 pandemic. In February 2020, just before the virus erupted across America, the drug made up 1.1% of drugs. By September 2022, the figure had more than doubled to 2.31% of all scripts written Smart drugs are typically prescribed to people with ADHD, one of the most common disorders affecting a child's neurological development. It is generally diagnosed in childhood, but recent years have seen an increase in adult diagnoses. Neuroscientists have not pinned down a cause for ADHD, though genetics is believed to play a major role. The primary symptoms of ADHD, which typically manifest before age 12, include inattention and hyperactive-impulsive behavior. People with ADHD may be continuously fidgety, unable to concentrate on a given task, talking excessively, interrupting others and being easily distracted, among other symptoms. Stimulants are the most commonly used medications for ADHD because they increase levels of dopamine, a neurochemical key to concentration and sustained focus by slowing down how much of it is reabsorbed back into the neuron that produced it in the first place. By slowing down the reuptake of dopamine, the neurotransmitter has more time to travel from neuron to neuron, relaying information and eventually binding to a receptor, thus helping messages within the brain be more effectively transmitted and received. This improves communication in parts of the brain that produce dopamine and norepinephrine, a chemical that helps you a person stay awake, pay attention, and think clearly. ADHD medications are overall very effective and, in many cases, are crucial to peoples academic and social success and development. Between 70 and 80 percent of patients on ADHD medications experience fewer or milder symptoms. These findings come at a time when Adderall prescriptions are skyrocketing across the US due to more and more people being diagnosed with ADHD. The rate of women in their twenties filling prescriptions for ADHD medications such as Adderall spiked nearly 20 percent from 2020 to 2021, while that rate among adult men aged 30 to 39 jumped nearly 15 percent. Roughly 10 percent of teenage boys were on ADHD medication in 2020 and 2021, though that rate actually declined by about two percent. Earlier this year, the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) expressed concern that 'aggressive marketing practices' by telehealth companies may contribute to excessive prescription for ADHD medications. About a month after the DEA voiced its concerns, the Biden administration proposed tightening rules for online prescribing of ADHD medications as well as the opioid addiction treatment buprenorphine. Under the new rules, patients must meet in person with prescribers first or be referred by a doctor they met in person. In 1990, fewer than 950,000 children aged 5 through 18 years had been diagnosed with ADHD. By 2016 that figure had ballooned to more than six million. And with that increase in diagnoses came an increase in prescriptions for medications, primarily stimulants, to treat the symptoms. Of those six million children with an ADHD diagnosis, over 3.7 million are receiving treatment for their in the form of medication. Compare that to 1990, when roughly 600,000 children were on ADHD medication. Adderall in particular, has also been in shortage in the US since October due to supply disruptions and this boom in prescriptions, as well as people taking it who don't need it. 'Our research shows drugs that are expected to improve cognitive performance in patients may actually be leading to healthy users working harder while producing a lower quality of work in a longer amount of time,' study author Elizabeth Bowman, a researcher at the Centre for Brain, Mind, and Markets at the University of Melbourne, said in the media release. Users holding fractional shares will also be allowed to vote Initially for US-listed stocks before rolling out more widely Thousands more retail investors will be able to have their say on how the companies they invest in are run as Freetrade enables proxy voting for its users, This Is Money can reveal. The DIY investment app has partnered with Say Technologies to bring proxy voting to its more than 1 million customers, opening up the AGMs of US-listed companies to an even larger pool of people. In recent years, attention has focused on democratising investment as the pandemic ushered in a new generation of DIY investors, but little has been done to give retail shareholders a voice. Freetrade will launch a proxy voting feature for US-listed companies in the coming weeks Adam Dodds, founder and CEO of Freetrade, said: 'We've seen a big rise in interest amongst a new generation of investors, and with that has come a desire to have their voices heard on the most important issues facing the companies that they're backing. We're thrilled to be able to offer them the opportunity to have their say. 'When it comes to voting and asking questions at company AGMs, this shouldn't just be left to big institutional investors. Retail investors are a force in public markets and it's important that the world's most influential companies engage with their views.' Legacy platforms like AJ Bell, interactive investor and Hargreaves Lansdown already offer this service for their users. Hargreaves Lansdown does not currently allow voting on US holdings, though. This is because the shares are usually packaged into a vehicle called Crest Depository Interest, which gives exposure to an overseas security. The US CDIs that are held through Hargreaves do not have voting rights. Freetrade, like eToro which launched its proxy voting service last October, will offer its users access to proxy voting for stocks listed on US exchanges. A survey conducted by Lumi, a company which facilitates shareholder meetings, last year found nearly half of UK shareholders are blocked from attending AGMs because of the complex share ownership system. When everyday investors buy shares in companies through a broker, like Hargreaves Lansdown or Interactive Investor, the individual shareholder's name isn't directly registered with the company they're investing in. Instead the platform gives investors the ability to cast a vote by proxy ahead of the meeting. The issue is that investors are voting on resolutions for a meeting that hasn't yet happened. Just a fifth of shareholders surveyed by Lumi were aware they weren't registered directly as a shareholder, and the vast majority - 85 per cent - say they would value more information ahead of AGMs to gain a greater understanding in advance of the issues being discussed. On Wednesday, I was on the 17.54 train from London Liverpool Street to Southend Victoria. Temperatures that day had reached 28 degrees. The train before it had been cancelled due to signalling problems and it meant this one was seriously overcrowded, with hardly any room to stand. While that happens from time-to-time, the real problem was a lack of air conditioning on the train it wasn't switched on and the inside temperature was far hotter than outside. In fact, I'd say the temperature in the carriage was dangerously high and passengers were really struggling. Too close for comfort: Customers on the service were subject to uncomfortable temperatures due to faulty air con and a crowded carriage due to a train cancellation on the service before This never used to be as much of a problem but Greater Anglia, the operator, have new trains with windows that can no longer open. The 45 minute journey was like a static hot yoga session and in my opinion, Greater Anglia are lucky no one passed out from heat exhaustion. What are train users' rights when it comes to temperature in-carriage and can passengers claim compensation? Via email Helen Kirrane of This is Money replies: That sounds like a very uncomfortable and sticky journey for passengers to endure. In the hot weather, being crammed into a train having to stand with dozens of other passengers without air conditioning or at the very least a bit of a breeze from a window is not ideal - especially given high train fares. Greater Anglia added brand new trains to their fleet in 2019 to include air conditioning and more spacious carriages. Your journey was a perfect storm of the train before the 17:54 service you were on being cancelled due to a signalling issue, making your service extremely crowded and the air conditioning not working to top it all off. I asked the train company Greater Anglia what happened - and your rights to redress. New trains: The new stock doesn't have windows that open - and if the air conditioning isn't working, can cause some seriously hot carriages A spokesman from Greater Anglia replies: We apologise to all those who experienced discomfort on board the 17:54 Liverpool Street to Southend Victoria service last night. One of the trains forming the 17:54 service had an air-conditioning fault on-board, meaning that while it was working, it was not doing so powerfully enough. This train has since been removed from passenger service to allow the system to be fixed. In general, the air conditioning on our new trains is very effective, but we will be ensuring everything possible is done to minimise the occurrence of faults such as this one. A signalling problem between Shenfield and Southend Victoria caused some disruption, with some trains therefore also being busier than normal. We're sorry for the inconvenience caused to those affected. Anyone who has had an unsatisfactory journey with us can contact us directly, either through our delay repay process or at contactcentre@greateranglia.co.uk, and we will always aim to provide a helpful response. A spokesperson for the Rail Delivery Group replies: We want customers to have a comfortable journey which can be challenging during periods of hot weather. National Rail has published advice on how to stay safe when travelling in the summer. In general, customers are not automatically compensated unless their train is delayed or cancelled as set out in the National Rail Conditions of Travel (NRCoT). Customers can complain to their train company if their journey was not satisfactory and train companies will consider each case individually. If customers are not satisfied with the reply provided by a train company, they can submit a complaint to the Rail Ombudsman. Consumer champion Martyn James replies: There isn't a defined temperature that's 'too hot' for heatwaves and transport. Once we start to get in to the higher temperatures, health and safety rules start to kick in. Last year we saw a raft of cancellations after the air-con broke on some overland trains and the crew decided it was unsafe to continue and cancelled the service. Bigger trains have the capacity to 'seal off' carriages where air con has packed in but this isn't a practical reality for commuter services and things like the tube which doesn't have air con. So in short, if the crew or driver decides that the transportation has reached 'dangerous' levels, they can cancel the service for safety reasons. I believe you should get a refund under these circumstances and alternative transport. Have you been wronged by a firm? Email helen.crane@thisismoney.co.uk Airline won't pay up as she doesn't have a 'property irregularity report' number In April, I travelled from Manchester to Palma, Majorca with Ryanair, paying extra to check-in a suitcase. Upon my return to Manchester Airport, I took my case off the carousel and it was broken. It was a hard case, and one of the wheels had snapped off along with the surrounding plastic, leaving a hole in the bottom of the case. Suffice to say it is no longer usable. I asked a member of airport staff what to do, and they told me to go to the Ryanair desk. I did but there was no-one there. Case in point: Our reader had her suitcase broken on a Ryanair flight to Manchester Airport I waited 15 minutes, but then had to leave to get my taxi home. The flight had been delayed, otherwise I would have been able to wait longer. I took a picture of the empty desk and then called Ryanair from the taxi 20 minutes later. Since then, I have had several phone calls, emails and online chats with Ryanair and seemingly been passed through every department. It says it will not pay for my broken bag as I don't have a 'property irregularity report' reference number. It tells me this should have been given to me at the airport. But I wasn't aware of this at the time, and there was no one at the desk to tell me. S.S, Manchester Helen Crane of This is Money replies: We've all been there. Waiting patiently at the carousel, that horrible feeling in the pit of your stomach that your precious luggage isn't going to arrive. Almost as bad as that is a battered suitcase which looks like it has undertaken 12 rounds with Mike Tyson - not the ideal return after a break in the sun. Having taken a Ryanair flight myself recently, I was shocked by how much extra passengers now need to pay to take a decent-sized suitcase. In my case, it was more than the cost of my return fare to Portugal. Some might say that's the price you pay for travelling on a budget airline but now some of the higher-end firms are getting in on the act, too. After paying through the nose for the privilege of simply taking luggage on holiday, you must have been furious when yours didn't even arrive back in one piece. Accidents happen, but if baggage staff have destroyed your bag, an airline should pay you to replace it especially if it is travelling on a higher-priced ticket than you. I think Ryanair has been unfair in refusing to engage with you without a reference number. CRANE ON THE CASE Our weekly column sees This is Money consumer expert Helen Crane tackle reader problems and shine the light on companies doing both good and bad. Want her to investigate a problem, or do you want to praise a firm for going that extra mile? Get in touch: helen.crane@thisismoney.co.uk This had never happened to you before, so how were you supposed to know what you needed to do? And even if you did know, there was no-one at the Ryanair desk to file the report. Who knows how long you may have been languishing there. You say you tried to use a customer phone on the Ryanair desk, but didn't get through to anyone who could help. But after 15 minutes of waiting you had to leave, as you had a taxi home booked and your friend had a train to catch. Missing those would have meant sinking further cash into what was already becoming quite an expensive journey home. You decided to take a picture of the empty desk, to prove that you didn't just walk off. But none of this was enough for Ryanair, as you didn't have that all-important reference number leaving you around 60 down for the case. While it wasn't the most expensive piece of luggage, you don't want Ryanair to get away with this and I agree. I wonder how many people have simply given up on ever getting the money back for their battered bags, faced with filling out forms, repeating reference numbers and being passed around endless different departments on the phone. I decided to contact the airline and explain your situation. Surely it could see that you tried your best to get your suitcase snag sorted at the airport? I am sorry to report that it did not, disappointingly referring you back to its terms and conditions. A spokesman said: 'As per Ryanair's T&Cs, which this passenger agreed to at the time of booking, "any lost, delayed, or damaged checked baggage must be reported to the lost property desk at your arrival airport", who will provide a PIR number to make a claim with. 'As this passenger did not get a PIR number for her damaged bag from the lost property desk at Manchester Airport, our customer service team are unable to process her claim.' That is not good enough in my view. Maybe the next time you fly with Ryanair - if this situation hasn't put you off - you'll decide to stick to a cabin bag. It won't cost the world and, that way, at least you can keep your eye on it. Vodafone and Three yesterday struck a long-awaited 15billion merger deal to create Britains largest mobile network. With a combined 27m customers, the new joint venture will leapfrog EE and Virgin Media O2 to claim the top spot. New Vodafone boss Margherita Della Valle described the deal as a game-changer in our home market. But the announcement drew fears of higher prices for consumers. The deal will face scrutiny by the Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) in a process analysts think could last 18 months, and will also need approval on national security grounds. Mobile giant: Vodafone and Three have struck a 15bn merger which new Vodafone boss Margherita Della Valle (pictured) described as a game-changer It aims to create a joint venture 51 per cent-owned by FTSE 100 giant Vodafone and 49 per cent by Hong Kong-based CK Hutchison, current owner of Three. Trade union Unite wants the tie-up blocked, fearing it will lead to job losses and push up bills. It warned of CK Hutchisons involvement, saying the merger would place a company with deep ties to the Chinese state [in] an even more prominent place at the heart of the UKs telecommunications infrastructure. The deal, announced after months of talks, is intended to complete by the end of 2024. The company will have a combined value of 15billion, and threatens to up-end Britains fiercely competitive mobile market. Currently, Vodafone is the UKs third-largest operator behind Virgin Media O2 and BT-owned EE, while Three is in fourth place. Della Valle said the merger would be great for customers, great for the country and great for competition. Observers pointed out that plans for a similar-scale tie-up between Three and O2 were blocked by competition officials in 2016. But Della Valle said the market had moved on since then and the deal was needed to boost the UKs mobile and digital infrastructure. She added: This is a vote of confidence in the UK and its ambitions to be a centre for future technology. The company plans to invest 11billion in the UK over ten years in a bid to create one of Europes most advanced stand-alone 5G networks. The companies plan to cut costs by 700million a year but said it was too early to put a figure on the number of jobs likely to be affected, or say if any offices will close. They insisted the deal would boost the combined workforce, creating 8,000 to 12,000 new roles in the UK. Della Valle was confirmed less than two months ago as permanent chief executive of Vodafone after Nick Read was ousted. Victoria Scholar, head of investment at Interactive Investor, said: This is likely to be Della Valles biggest accomplishment so far if the deal crosses the line. The head of Vodafone UK, Ahmed Essam, will lead the merged company. MPs have written to the UKs financial watchdog to demand answers around its handling of sexual harassment allegations against hedge fund manager Crispin Odey. Conservative MP Harriett Baldwin, chairman of the House of Commons Treasury Select Committee, has asked the head of the Financial Conduct Authority Nikhil Rathi to clarify what the regulator was aware of and whether it had taken any action against Odey or his asset management firm following allegations of misconduct. The letter requested more detail on systems put in place by the regulator to handle accusations of what it called non-financial misconduct and whether it monitored the cultural impact owners could have on their firms even if they do not hold a formal management position. It followed a report in the Financial Times last week which alleged Odey sexually harassed 13 women over a 25-year period. He denies the claims. Financial services culture, and the experiences of women, are ongoing concerns of the committee. In the firing line: Hedge fund boss Crispin Odey (pictured) is alleged to have sexually harassed 13 women over a 25-year period Journalists at the Financial Times have shone a light on deeply troubling allegations of conduct regarding the actions of a powerful individual. We look forward to receiving a response from the financial regulator on these issues, Baldwin said. The scandal caused Odey Asset Management to throw out its 64-year-old founder over the weekend, block withdrawals from two funds and shut another as it struggled to contain the fallout. The firm said Odey will no longer have any economic or personal involvement and that it will rename the business. But as investors rushed to withdraw money, the company gated the Brook Developed Markets fund and the LF Brook Afternoon fund. The Swan fund has been suspended with its portfolio set to be liquidated. Other firms have moved to distance themselves from the fallen fund manager. US bank JP Morgan has terminated its relationship, meaning all big banks including Morgan Stanley, Goldman Sachs and Exane have cut ties with Odey Asset Management since the scandal broke. Discussions are ongoing as to whether the three banks the firms prime brokers can be lured back. There is hope internally that management changes announced by the business will help restore its reputation. The fund has 3.5billion in assets under management 1billion held in funds previously run by Odey, who still has 600million of his own money in the funds, which have now been taken over by other investment managers. Odey has said he was the victim of an aggressive campaign, and had massaged a colleagues back but said this was not a criminal offence. He compared himself to Tesco chairman John Allan, who had to resign after four women made allegations about his conduct. Bright colours: Warpaint London revealed turnover rose by 45 per cent to 29.7million for the first five months of 2023 Warpaint London shares soared on Thursday after the group said its annual results would be 'significantly ahead' of forecasts amid continued bumper sales growth. The colour cosmetics company, whose retail customers include Superdrug, Asda, and Boots, revealed turnover increased by 45 per cent year-on-year to 29.7million for the first five months of 2023. The W7 and Technic owner has grown significantly over the past two years, having suffered in 2020 when work-from-home guidance and the lack of social events discouraged consumers from buying beauty products. The firm's share price had surged by 9.8 per cent to 277.33p just after 4pm, making them one of the ten biggest risers on the junior AIM All-Share Index. As demand has recovered in the wake of Covid-19, the group has sought to further boost growth by launching new product ranges and selling its wares in major retailers. In the UK, Warpaint launched the W7 brand into Tesco, Boots and New Look stores, and the Technic and Body Collection into Wilko outlets. The firm also grew its US presence by winning customers like CVS and Texas-based grocery chain H-E-B. Its e-commerce offering also allows it to sell products on Amazon and Chinese shopping platforms TMall and Xiaohongshu. Founded by Eoin Macleod and Samuel Bazini three decades ago, Warpaint's initial business model involved purchasing and selling surplus stock from top brands such as Revlon and Max Factor to high-street firms, wholesalers and discounters. In 2002, the company launched W7, which now provides over half of all revenues and is popular among younger people with smaller budgets. Its other brands include Man'stuff, Chit Chat and Retra Holdings, a make-up gift business acquired by the group in November 2017 for 18.2million. Its other brands include Man'stuff, Chit Chat and Retra Holdings, a make-up gift business acquired by the group in November 2017 for 18.2million. Its market capitalisation has risen from 62.3million to 214million since its 2016 AIM market listing. 'Warpaint has strongly building momentum and remains in the foothills of its global growth opportunity,' said Clive and Darren Shirley, analysts at broker Shore Capital. The analysts predict the business will make 81.8million in revenue this year, alongside underlying earnings of 16.5million and pre-tax profits totalling 14.5million. The hedge fund set up by Crispin Odey is being disbanded as it reels from the sexual misconduct allegations against its founder. In a letter to clients yesterday, Odey Asset Management said it was in advanced discussions to break itself up, and transfer funds and staff to rivals. The move looks set to mark the end of the road for one of Britains best-known investment houses, which was founded by Odey in 1991. The Mayfair-based firm was plunged into crisis last week when the Financial Times reported the stories of 13 women who alleged they were abused or harassed by the 64-year-old boss. Odey denied the allegations, saying they were rubbish. But he was forced out last weekend as the company struggled to contain the fallout. Ousted: Odey Asset Management founder Crispin Odey (pictured) has been accused of sexual and abuse and harassment by 13 women With banks providing key services to the group severing ties and investors rushing to withdraw their cash, bosses indicated that the end was nigh. In a letter to clients, Odey Asset Management wrote: The firm is now in advanced discussions for rehousing funds and transferring certain fund management activities and individuals to other asset managers. Any sale or rehousing is considered subject of course to any relevant regulatory approvals and due diligence, with a view to an orderly transition of any assets and investors. According to the companys Linkedin page, Odey Asset Management has just under 60 employees. The break-up is expected to be scrutinised by the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA), and any foreign regulators who may have interest in overseas funds. The business has 3.5billion in assets under management, of which 1billion is held in funds previously run by Odey. Partners at the fund have already broken their ties with Odey, stating on Saturday that he will no longer have any economic or personal involvement in the partnership. The move came after a series of Wall Street banks, including Morgan Stanley, JP Morgan and Goldman Sachs, said that they were either reviewing their relationship with the firm, or cutting their ties. It is understood that Odey has 600million of his own money across five funds, which have now been taken over by other investment managers and will be part of this move to other funds. The firm has been scrambling to shore up the business through asset sales, revealing a 75million deal to sell its holding in AO World to Mike Ashley-founded Frasers Group. In an interview with The Mail on Sunday this month, Odey said he was the victim of an aggressive campaign. When asked about the harassment and assault claims, he admitted to massaging a colleagues back but said this was not a criminal offence. He compared himself to ousted Tesco chairman John Allan, who was forced to resign after four women made allegations about his personal conduct. In 2021 Odey was found not guilty in a court case in which he was accused of an indecent assault, which allegedly happened in 1998. MPs are set to quiz the FCA over how it has handled allegations of sexual misconduct against Odey and what action it has taken. Odey, a staunch supporter of Brexit, founded the firm in 1991. He made his name betting against banking shares during the 2008 financial crisis. In a whirlwind of activity this week, savings rates have continued to be pumped up. You can now bag a 5.41 per cent rate on a one-year fix and 4 per cent on an easy-access account with expectations of more rises to follow. Most of the activity comes from smaller banks, but even big banks are offering dribs and drabs of savings morsels, albeit largely with deals reserved for existing customers. One of these is First Direct. HSBC's digital offshoot launched its headline-grabbing 7 per cent regular saver at the end of last year. Questions maze: A previous First Direct savings account opening took seconds - this time around, it involved a phone call and personal questions which have no savings relevance However, recently, I was in the market for a simpler savings account than one with the catches regular savers carry. A look on the First Direct app revealed nothing that resembled a bread-and-butter, money-close-to-hand, easy-access savings account. This was on one of those apps that banks have pushed us to get so we bank online. Indeed, this kind of thing was once upon a time First Direct's USP, given that it is branchless. But then after ditching the app to scroll through First Direct's website for more information, I unearthed a bonus saver account paying 3.5 per cent on balances up to 25,000. Perfect. I say 'unearthed' as two of my This is Money colleagues are fellow First Direct customers and they had no idea about the rate either, so it seems well hidden. This 3.5 per cent deal is a tad below the 4 per cent offered by stablemate HSBC up to 10,000. But it's still a reasonable rate and as it is with my bank, it's an easy place to park cash and view things all under one roof. Reading the bumf, it transpired you can only open the rate over the phone. That seems strange for a customer-friendly bank like First Direct especially given you can open its regular saver and cash Isa with a few clicks on its app. So, I called up and was met with the Spanish Inquisition as I attempted to open the account. It was all rather bizarre. It started with are you a UK taxpayer, are you a UK resident, where were you born all questions that First Direct knows the answer to already. Then it turned into something I became more uncomfortable with and that I would describe as a data mining exercise. I can only conclude this was for cross-selling purposes, as let's face it, First Direct sells mortgages, credit cards, loans and even has a sharedealing service. To get the 3.5 per cent rate, I had to navigate a maze of questions. Four of them I took umbrage with, as I believe they have absolutely no relevance to whether or not I can open a savings account. Computer says no: Without answering a few personal questions, I couldn't open the basic account (pictured: David Walliams in BBC show Little Britain) 1. My marital status: Why does First Direct need this? Is it only open to those who are married, or who are single what jot of difference does it make? 2. Which other banks do I hold accounts with?: Can I not have the account if I deal with another bank? 3. Do I own my home?: Can people who rent not open the account? 4. How much do I earn?: This isn't a credit check what difference does it make if I earn 10,000 or 1million? Can I not open the account if earn too little or too much? I refused to answer the question on other banks and how much I earn (information I'm pretty sure First Direct can easily work out for itself). The staff member in the savings team put me on hold. I was then told I couldn't have the account without all this information filled in. Computer says no. It makes no sense. I'd opened a First Direct regular saver last year without all this information, while a relative recently opened that HSBC bonus saver without any faff. I asked First Direct why this happened. A spokesman told me the call gives it an opportunity to check the information held on customers is correct and up-to-date. But what benefit is that to me? They said I can open the bonus savings account via the chatbot in the app. I have since tried that, and it didn't work - instead spurting out robotic chat about the regular saver that I don't want. (Do chatbots ever work?) First Direct tells me it will soon make the savings account available digitally. Set that against the backdrop of nimble, rival banks racing to up rates and it doesn't look great. Once upon a time, First Direct was the plucky upstart - albeit backed by a big banking name - offering something different and making things simple. With rates rising, I'll go elsewhere. After all, there are now 23 savings deals offering 3.5 per cent or more in our independent This is Money best buy tables. Opening a savings account with a bank you've had a relationship for a long time should be simple. It shouldn't be a grilling. A lethal opioid ten times stronger than deadly fentanyl is threatening to wreak havoc in Britain after sweeping the US and killing multiple teenagers. Known by its nickname 'Pyro', the highly toxic drug is believed to be purchased on the dark web and may be produced in China, according to reports. Now, police investigating the deaths of a man and a woman in their 40s in Basildon, Essex, have issued a warning after officers identified the presence of the narcotic at the scene. Last year, students Dylan Byfield-Levell, 20, Jakob Wozniak, 19, and entrepreneur Miles Davis, 27, all died after taking the opioid in Birmingham. Amid growing fears of Pyro flooding the streets of Britain, the drug was banned and graded as Class A by the UK Government this year, pending parliamentary approval. Dr Judith Yates, who analyses drug deaths in Birmingham, said she had been 'shocked' after seeing the opioid's effects last year. Its official name is N-pyrrolidino etonitazene and it is up to 1,500 times more powerful than morphine and can be found in pill, powder, liquid or other forms. Ian Hamilton, an honorary fellow at the University of York and an expert in addiction, told MailOnline today: 'Etonitazene [Pyro] has traditionally been used as a research drug given to animals to try and understand addiction and develop new treatments. A synthetic opioid 1,000 times more powerful than morphine has been discovered Ian Hamilton, an honorary fellow at the University of York, said a clamp down on opium farmers in Afghanistan is having serious knock-on effects on the UK's illicit drug trade 'There are a few reasons that this drug is beginning to be seen in the UK, although it's difficult to be precise due to the illicit nature of its use.' Mr Hamilton said a clamp down on opium farmers in Afghanistan is having serious knock-on effects on the UK's illicit drug trade. It means so-called street heroin is becoming increasingly scarce, forcing addicts and dealers to look for alternatives. He said: 'Since the Taliban took control in Afghanistan they have been clamping down on farmers that grow opium. Most of the heroin in the UK and Europe comes from Afghanistan. 'Given the potency of pills like Pyro it makes them attractive to suppliers and users.' Mr Hamilton said there has been a steady rise in drugs being bought on the web and dark web. He added: 'For those involved in the supply and distribution of drugs having a relatively small sized pill that is very strong makes it easier to transport and supply. 'Also, as this drug is a medicine, it potentially will go undetected or at least not attract the same attention as street heroin. 'We know that China has been developing synthetic opioids like Pyro so it is possible that these pills have come from a Chinese manufacturer. Although again it is difficult to be sure without testing a sample and having knowledge of its route into the UK.' According to a report by the Drug Enforcement Agency (DEA) in the US, pyro first emerged in Colorado in 2022, before spreading across the country including in Indiana and New York. Pyro is also known as 'M30' because it is often sold as blue pills which are identical to painkillers oxycodone - which have a 'M' printed on one side and a '30' on the other. Dr Caroline Copeland, a lecturer in pharmaceutical medicine at Kings College London, said etonitazene was originally used in research into drug addiction to see how certain substances effect peoples opioid receptors. She told MailOnline: Drug traffickers smuggle a small amount of a substance and then dilute it down so they are less likely to be detected in smuggling activity. Etonitazene is being added to heroine to bolster up the opioid content for people who think they are purchasing heroine only. It has been added as a boost to lower quality heroine. She said that heroine on its own is less likely to cause an overdose when smoked through a pipe, but when etonitazene is added, it increases the likelihood of this happening. Dr Copeland said: I would suspect etonitazene is being smuggled or manufactured in the UK and then it is being diluted into heroine here as well. I dont think people buying or selling heroine know it is being mixed with etonitazene. Unfortunately, the trends for drugs have been that they have gotten stronger and more potent so from that perspective I imagine there will be more deaths happening. She advised that if people are buying heroine from a new source, they should take smaller amounts to make sure it is safe first in case it contains traces of etonitazene. Dr Judith Yates, who analyses drug deaths in Birmingham, said she had been 'shocked' after seeing the opioid's effects In March this year, two teenagers in Indiana overdosed on pyro, while more than 75,000 people died from taking synthetic opioids in the states alone last year. A National Police Chiefs' Council spokesman told MailOnline today: 'Policing, alongside the National Crime Agency and public health partners continuously monitor trends in drug and substance abuse. 'We also work with international partners to gather intelligence and disrupt activity around drug trafficking.' Previously speaking to the BBC, Dr Yates said: 'These three cases have come out of the blue, we've never seen this chemical before in Birmingham. 'There is no way to tell what's in a tablet that you're getting either online or on the street.' The drugs appear to be a replacement for fentanyl, but are far more powerful and were being bought on the dark web rather than the street, Dr Yates added. Essex Police said today: 'This substance may pose a high risk to users and anyone handling it. 'Synthetic opioids are occasionally added to illicit drugs like heroin to enhance the potency, but they substantially increase the risk of respiratory arrest in users. 'Our officers are working hard to investigate this incident and, crucially, prevent any further deaths.' Detective Inspector Kevin Hughes said people taking illegal substances should use less than they normally would and to ensure they have an opioid antidote to hand. He added: 'We strongly advise anyone using drugs not to use alone. Immediate advice is to avoid using heroin altogether. What is N-pyrrolidino etonitazene? N-pyrrolidino etonitazene is a synthetic opioid, ten times stronger than the drug fentanyl and 1,000 times stronger than morphine. The chemically manufactured opioids are designed to help patients suffering from chronic pain. Recreational use of the drug in the UK was first identified in May 2021. It is thought to originate from China and later arrived in the UK via Russia or Eastern Europe. The drug has been found for sale on the dark web, rather than in the street. It has been known to be sold as a little blue pill with an 'M' on one side and the number '30' on the other. Advertisement 'People need to look out for each other and be alert to any signs of an opioid overdose, such as shallow breathing, loss of consciousness and blue lips or fingertips. 'If someone does overdose it's vital to act fast, call for an ambulance immediately.' There are growing concerns over the use of synthetic opioids, which are often used to bulk out heroin by drug dealers. Mr Byfield-Levell, from Sutton Coldfield, was found collapsed at home by a relative at 5.15am on October 2 last year after a night out with friends. An inquest heard had he an underlying heart condition and Birmingham and Solihull coroner Emma Brown said he died from natural causes brought on by drugs and alcohol. Mr Davis was found dead on October 10 last year and a pathologist has suggested the cause of death was N-pyrrolidino etonitazene toxicity. Mr Wozniak, who died on January 3 this year, also had the drug in his system. The deaths come after an 18-year-old man is believed to have been the first in the UK to take the drug last July. The man was discovered unresponsive and breathing noisily by his mother who started CPR after calling an ambulance. When paramedics arrived he had no pulse and was not breathing but was saved by an injection of an antidote naloxone. He was rushed to University Hospitals Birmingham where he was treated by Dr Mark Pucci. Dr Pucci said: 'He was very lucky to survive. It was only really the quick thinking of his mother. 'He went into respiratory arrest and cardiac arrest, so is very lucky to be alive.' In a report he wrote into the teenage patient, Dr Pucci said animal studies showed the drug was 1,000 times more powerful than morphine. He said: 'These cases are not really picked up on routine drug tests, so there may well be other cases that we don't yet know about. 'I understand that there may be some recent cases in London.' N-pyrrolidino etonitazene is made up of compounds originally developed in the 1950s and 60s. They originate in China and arrive in the UK via Russia or Eastern Europe. Last year, controls were tightened on Isotonitazene, which is 500 times stronger than morphine, after a spate of deaths. In the US, tens of thousands of deaths are caused each year by the synthetic opioid fentanyl. Did you know Kevin or Mandie? Let us know: Paul.Farrell@MailOnline.com According to prosecutors, the abuse only ended when Metzger took his own life in June 2021. Reusch is charged with assisting his suicide and harassment The messages were sent to 37-year-old Kevin Metzger by the mother of his daughter, Mandie Reusch Shocking new text messages obtained exclusively by DailyMail.com show the barrage of abuse that drove an Army veteran to suicide In a shocking series of text messages, the woman accused of driving her Army veteran boyfriend to suicide, told him that he would never see his daughter again and sent him a video of her giving oral sex to her new man. Mandie Reusch, 35, was arraigned just outside Pittsburgh Tuesday on charges of aiding suicide and harassment involving the death of her estranged boyfriend and father of her daughter, Kevin Metzger, 37, in June 2021. DailyMail.com exclusively obtained dozens of abusive messages sent over WhatsApp in which Reusch urged the former soldier to kill himself, threatened to shoot him and mocked him over the death of his beloved dog. She described in graphic detail sex with other men and sent a 49-second clip of her performing oral sex on her new partner as she berated Metzger with messages about how he was 'ugly, bald and had rotten teeth.' Police said the messages for which she was indicted were among the 'most extreme' examples of bullying they had ever seen. Her lawyer, Phil DiLucente, told DailyMail.com that the texts were 'immoral' but that he is confident they did not meet the criminal threshold. Just six weeks after the barrage of texts, Metzger took to Facebook before killing himself. He wrote: 'I can't do this anymore. She needs [to be] punished. The courts are too slow.' Mandie Reusch, 35, and Kevin Metzger, 37, are pictured before their bitter estrangement. He killed himself on June 18 after prosecutors say she subjected him to 'heinous' bullying Mandie Reusch, 35, is accused of aiding suicide and she will make her first appearance in court on June 27 In messages sent via WhatsApp and seen exclusively by DailyMail.com, Reusch tells Metzger that she's moving in with her new boyfriend, bragging about his sexual prowess. The volley of messages began at 2.49am on May 5, 2021 - just over a month before Metzger took his own life. She tells the father of her child that their daughter will refer to her new boyfriend as 'dad' from now on. 'You won't see her for Father's Day or any holiday,' Reusch writes while also complaining that Metzger owes her money. 'My kids will be literally better off with any role model other than you... if you show up here again we have a gun and I will call the police.' 'From now on we are [her new boyfriend's surname] and you do not exist. [He] is her dad now. Not you. Don't ever ask about her again. She isn't your daughter. You'll never hear about her again either.' In another message, the suspect says that she 'hopes' for their daughter's sake that he 'kills himself.' 'She will call [him] "dad" because he's a way better dad than you. Kill yourself. I mean it... I actually want you to kill yourself because I think you are the worst person on this planet.' Kevin Metzger, 37, was the victim of seemingly never ending abusive text messages that only ended when he took his own life in June 2021 In his obituary, Metzger's daughter is referred to as being the 'light of his life' 'Kevin just wanted to be a present dad and she tormented him for years,' a friend told DailyMail.com In various messages, Reusch accuses Metzger of ruining Mother's Day for her. Seemingly because of this, she is willing to withhold parental access. 'Who knows how big she'll be when you see her again. Or if she will even remember you', she wrote. In one exchange, Reusch says that Metzger killed their dog, Zoe. She says that she is shredding a book of photos of the pet, that the dog actually hated him and that she and her new boyfriend were going to have sex on top of the book. 'That dog f***ing hated you and ran away every chance she could. Just like I ran away to suck anyone else's d**k but yours because you're literally the worst person I've ever met in my life,' she wrote. After saying that he killed their dog, Reusch once again says he will get shot if he attempts to come near to her. On multiple occasions, Reusch refers to Metzger as a 'woman beater' and 'abusive.' Reusch sends Metzger a photo of her new boyfriend and says that [Metzger] has ruined every holiday 'by making it about [Metzger's] bald head and beer belly and rotting teeth.' A friend of Metzger's shared with DailyMail.com a Facebook post in which he said that Reusch was trying 'to get me to kill myself for the money. I got the texts.' In this series of text messages, Reusch sent Metzger a clip of her performing oral sex on another man 'Kevin just wanted to be a present dad and she tormented him for years,' that friend told DailyMail.com. Later, Reusch says that she will move with their child to West Virginia. 'Call my f***in' bluff,' she texts. In a separate exchange she wrote: 'I wanted you to be normal and romantic one time. I wanted you to come to an agreement and follow it. It wasn't my fault that we didn't work. But damn am I going to get closure from you turning out to be the abusive f***head that you are.' Reusch followed that message with a 49 second clip showing a woman performing oral sex on her new partner. She does not mention the clip in the text messages. On Mother's Day 2021, Reusch texted Metzger to say she would be having sex with her new partner as their daughter 'calls him daddy,' prosecutors say Throughout the barrage of text messages that were seen by DailyMail.com, Metzger never responds. Reusch's attorney has rejected comparisons between the allegations facing his client and the 2014 case of Conrad Roy, then 18, and Michelle Carter, then 17. In 2017, Carter was found guilty of involuntary manslaughter after it emerged that she sent Roy text messages encouraging him to commit suicide. He ended his life via carbon monoxide poisoning. Carter was released from prison in 2020. DiLucente said that prosecutors are comparing the two cases. '[Carter] was actually telling him reinforcing him to do it, planning it, the methods and the means, you don't have any of that here, what you have is an emotional relationship between two persons involving their child,' the attorney said. The lawyer said that the messages sent by Reusch to Metzger could be considered 'immoral.' 'I do not see it fitting a criminal charge such as aiding a suicide. There was no coercion, duress, there was no methods and means,' he said. 'There's always two sides to a story and our side of the story will be told in the course of this case,' DiLucente added. 'The preliminary hearings are going to be long. And I think there's going to be a wealth of information discerned,' the lawyer concluded. Reusch, of Greensburg, is due back in court for another pre-trial hearing on June 27. Prosecutors have been investigating Metzger's death for two years. Officials said his suicide note that began with the words 'maybe she was right' as well as postings on his Facebook page detailed the 'trail of torment and solicitation' that he was allegedly put through by Reusch. In a press release, prosecutors also called the messages she sent Metzger 'heinous and graphic.' In court documents, Reusch is referred to as Metzger's 'on-again/off-again' girlfriend. The pair previously lived together in Irwin, Pennsylvania. At a press conference, Trooper Steve Limani called the 'bullying' that Metzger endured as some of the worst he's ever seen. 'This is the next level or most extreme amount of bullying I've seen, read about, heard about, where somebody is constantly telling someone to end their life,' Limani said. 'You're talking about the three of the biggest triggers you can have when making someone feel awful,' he added. In a separate interview with CBS Pittsburgh, DiLucente said: 'My God, if we're going to start prosecuting people for sending harsh texts to one another versus it being verbally communicated, then we are on a different path on our legal system.' A childhood friend of killer cop Wayne Couzens said he 'wasn't shocked' when he found out the disgraced Metropolitan police officer had killed Sarah Everard as he had been fascinated with violent films since he was young. Warwick Lewis, who grew up just a mile from the murderer policeman in Dover, Kent, recalled how Couzens would race from school to fast-forward to brutal scenes in action films. He made the revelations about the rapist's childhood in a new Channel 5 documentary, as others warned that unless serious action is taken to reform police forces horrific crimes like the ones Couznes inflicted 'will happen again'. Mr Lewis, who attended Castlemount School with the murderer in 1989, said: 'Late one night I went on to YouTube and I saw that a poor girl had lost her life and police had arrested a police officer, PC Wayne Couzens. The biggest thing I noticed is that I wasn't shocked.' It comes as the Met Police is investigating more than 1,600 officers for cases of alleged sexual offences or domestic violence. In a new Channel 5 documentary, Wayne Couzens: Killer in plain sight, a childhood friends of the killer policeman Warwick Lewis (pictured) said Couzens had an obsession with violence in action films Wayne Couzens, 50, was jailed for life after he kidnapped, raped and murdered Sarah Everard, 33 Ms Everard, 33, went missing from Clapham in South London on March 3 2021 Ms Everard, 33, went missing from Clapham, South London, on March 3, 2021, after being kidnapped, raped and murdered by Couzens. In September 2021, Couzens was handed a whole life order. More recently he was found guilty of three counts of indecent exposure - one that happened just days before Ms Everard's death. It sparked public outrage plunging the capital's police force into crisis, eventually seeing Scotland Yard Chief Dame Cressida Dick resign following a litany of scandals that came to light after Couzens was found guilty. Speaking of the killer's childhood on Wayne Couzens: Killer in Plain Sight, Mr Lewis said: 'We would finish school and then go round his house. We would watch the latest movie out and it was always the action movies. 'We would put it on, and he would fast forward to a fight scene and then be like it's all boring, it's all talk and fast forward to the next fight scene and all that you would see if a whole bunch of fighting. You could watch a movie with Wayne in ten minutes.' The documentary also shed light on how Couzens exposed himself to McDonalds staff in Kent on March 27. A victim statement from the staff member who he flashed said: 'I remember everything - even down to the cheeseburger and coffee he ordered. Former Chief Superintendent of the Met Police Parm Sandu said she thinks it's 'likely' Dame Vera Baird, who quit her role as Victims Commissioner last year saying ministers have been 'failing victims', also spoke in the documentary Earlier this year Couznes was found guilty of of three counts of indecent exposure, one just days before Ms Everard's death at a McDonald's drive thru 'I did not expect to have an erect penis shown to me. It took me a moment to process what had just happened and then became really upset and burst into tears.' Staff had reported the incident at the time, with card details handed over to the police but he was not placed under investigation and his warrant card - which he used to falsely arrest Ms Everard - was not removed. Throughout the chilling documentary clips, survivors who have suffered sexual violence at the hands of police officers in forces up and down the country spoke of their torment. One victim recounted: 'He would say to me I am the power, and he would show me his gun.' Another said, 'my perpetrator was a sergeant' while a third added 'a police officer abused me for nine years'. Through a series of interview with experts, former police officers and survivors of police abuse discuss the issues of sexual violence within police forces nationwide. Former Chief Superintendent of the Met Police Parm Sandu raised the alarm that another case involving a police officer like Couzens is likely to happen unless action is taken. She said: 'The only reason Wayne Couzens is being talked about is because he murdered somebody, but the rapes are still happening. 'I do think it's likely there will be another Wayne Couzens, it may not be this year, it may not be in the Met but yes it will happen again.' In September 2021, Couzens was handed a whole life order for the kidnapping, rape and murder of Ms Everard Dame Vera Baird, who quit her role as Victims Commissioner last year saying ministers have been 'failing victims', added: 'It's going to take a great deal more than just prosecuting individuals before we have our faith restored in the police.' HM Inspector of Constabulary Matt Parr, who earlier this year admitted one in 10 police officers should not have been let into their force, said he 'does not want to live in a country' where people ask me 'if we should trust the police'. 'I want to live in a country where that's a given', he added. A Home Office spokesperson said: 'The Home Secretary has been clear that confidence in policing must be restored. Forces must root out those falling below high standards and unfit for service at the very first opportunity. 'Lady Angiolinis inquiry into the heinous crimes of officers will set out further steps that need to be taken to prevent this happening again. 'Meanwhile, we are strengthening vetting rules, and an internal review into police dismissals is underway.' The documentary, Wayne Couzens: Killer in Plain Sight, will air tonight at 9pm. MailOnline has contacted the Met Office for comment. Elvis' widow, Priscilla Presley, has made an emotional appeal to a Los Angeles judge, pleading that she 'fears for the safety of herself and her family' if the court doesn't seal the details of her new agreement with her granddaughter, actress Riley Keough, over Lisa Marie Presley's multi-million dollar estate. In a recently-signed settlement Priscilla, 78, agreed - in exchange for $1.4 million plus an undisclosed sum for ten years - to relinquish control of her late daughter's Promenade Trust, leaving 34-year-old Riley, star of TV's Davy Jones and the Six, as sole trustee. But this week Priscilla filed a motion asking LA Probate Judge Lynn Scaduto to seal the financial particulars of the settlement, keeping them secret from the public. 'The settlement agreement contains private details regarding my daughter's Trust that is to benefit my two minor granddaughters (14-year-old Harper and Finley, Lisa Marie's children by fourth husband Michael Lockwood, 62),' she wrote in her motion found by DailyMail.com. Riley Keough, 34, has become the sole trustee of her mother's estate after coming to an agreement with grandmother Priscilla Presley Priscilla, 78, has appealed to a Los Angeles judge that she 'fears for the safety of herself and her family' if the court doesn't seal the details of her new agreement 'If this information were to become public, it could put me and my family's safety at risk. 'This should subject me to significant danger, emotional distress and negatively affect my physical and mental health. 'It would also subject my son (musician Navarone Garibaldi, 36) and minor granddaughters to harassment and bullying. We have all been through enough.' The agreement between Priscilla and Riley settled a reported feud between the two sparked when, only two weeks after Lisa Marie's death in January, Priscilla filed a legal challenge to her daughter's will - which had taken control of her wealthy Promenade Trust away from Priscilla and given it to Riley. Riley was said to be furious when her grandmother went to court to protest the will. But in her motion to seal, Priscilla pooh-poohed the notion of a feud and said she had fired the lawyers who filed her petition disputing the will. 'My January 2023 petition was misconstrued in the press as a "fight" over my beloved daughter's Trust,' she wrote. 'That was not the intent. The petition was filed by a law firm who has since been terminated. 'I filed the petition to resolve all potential uncertainty surrounding the interpretation of the Promenade Trust. 'My daughter's passing was both devastating and heartbreaking. 'We have learned that the fans realize that we are "Just A Family". Elvis would be proud and his and Lisa's wishes are what are most important to all of us. 'We have learned that the fans realize that we are "Just A Family". Elvis would be proud and his and Lisa's wishes are what are most important to all of us,' Priscilla wrote in her declaration 'My grand-daughter, through her own counsel, along with my team, worked diligently and tirelessly to resolve all misunderstandings as a family.' Riley also agrees with sealing the private financial arrangement she has made with her grandmother - which includes paying Priscilla a certain amount (redacted in the court document) 'per year for 10 years or life' as a special advisor to the trust, plus $1 million and $300,000 - $400,00 in legal fees. Their settlement also grants Priscilla's wish to be buried at Graceland, Elvis' home in Memphis, Tennessee. 'There is an overriding privacy interest that justifies sealing the supporting documents and the statements regarding terms of the money being given to Priscilla,' wrote Riley's attorney, Justin Gold, in new court documents seen by DailyMail.com. 'The supporting documents and petition contain financial and personal information regarding payments provided to Priscilla to eliminate her role as a fiduciary for Riley, Harper and Finley.' Gold added, 'It is requested that this court consider that Riley, Harper and Finley did not seek to have their inheritance issues brought into the public forum.' The lawyer said in other legal documents that if the court approves the settlement between grandmother and granddaughter, Riley will not charge for her services as a trustee. 'The beneficiaries all save money that would have gone to Priscilla who was going to charge a trustee fee. 'In settling the claims pending in Priscilla's Petition, the parties are saving significant legal fees by avoiding litigation, and they are likewise avoiding the spectacle of intra-family litigation that would have been inimical to Lisa's wishes and not in the best interests.' As well as being the sole trustee of Lisa Marie's estate, Riley is also the sub-trustee for her twin half-sisters Harper and Finley Lockwood. She is set to invest the trust money 'in a manner consistent with the needs of the beneficiaries,' according to Gold. Riley - mother to a baby daughter with husband Ben Smith-Petersen - 'is still grieving for her mom' and the legal tussle that came when Priscilla challenged Lisa Marie's will was said to be 'very tough' on her. So she was relieved and happy when she and her grandmother buried the hatchet and reached a settlement agreement. 'She would not have agreed to the settlement if she was not happy with it,' her attorney Gold told DailyMail.com. Priscilla's attorney Ronson Shamoun told DailyMail.com that with the settlement, 'the families are happy and unified and together and excited for the future.' Priscilla was officially removed as trustee of her late daughter's estate on May 11, according to the documents. The Daisy Jones & the Six star filed paperwork earlier this week requesting the court finalize the arrangement regarding the trust of her late mother, some five months after Lisa Marie's January 12 death following multiple cardiac arrests. As well as being the sole trustee of Lisa Marie's estate, Riley is also the sub-trustee for her 14-year-old twin sisters Harper and Finley Lockwood The latest transaction involving the Santa Monica, California, native comes after she and her grandmother Priscilla, 78, came to an accord in May when lawyers for both parties announced at a Los Angeles probate court that a settlement had been reached. Following the testy months-long legal battle, Keough 'doesn't want any drama with her grandmother,' sources close to the actress said. 'Riley is relieved to have settled the dispute over her mom's estate,' an insider informed People. 'She wants to focus on making memories with her own daughter now. This is her priority.' The one time payment to Priscilla is blanked out in Paragraph 6, but mistakenly revealed in Paragraph 9 above. She will also receive $300,000 to $400,000 to cover legal fees The agreement says that Priscilla will be paid an unspecified annual amount in her role as 'special advisor' but that Riley will control what duties Priscilla will have The bitter family feud between Priscilla and Riley over the multimillion dollar estate of the late Lisa Marie Presley (pictured) ended last month. Lisa Marie was pictured at the Golden Globe Awards in LA, two days before her death Keough always supported her mother during her drawn out, often nasty divorce and child custody disputes with her fourth husband, musician Michael Lockwood, 62, father of Lisa Marie's twin, 15-year-old daughters, Finley and Harper. It's been reported that Priscilla and Lisa Marie were 'barely speaking' just before the latter's death after Priscilla sided with Lockwood over custody of the twins. Multiple sources told People the mother and daughter were not on speaking terms, despite appearing at multiple events together, including the premiere for the Elvis biopic starring Austin Butler. 'Riley was always on her mom's side when it came to Michael [Lockwood],' one source told the magazine. 'It bothered her that her grandmother and Michael flew to [Lisa Marie's] funeral together.' A woman whose heavily decayed remains were found stuffed in a garment bag in Nevada has finally been identified after 45 years of mystery. Nevada State Police announced Wednesday that the victim, who remained nameless for four-and-a-half decades, has finally been identified as Florence Charleston thanks to advancements in DNA testing. While the 45-year long mystery has finally been solved, police are stumped as to how Charleston - a woman from Cleveland, Ohio, who had moved to Portland, Oregon, shortly before her death ended up dead and buried in a shallow grave 535 miles away from her home. Police said in a news release announcing the DNA match that the investigation into Charleston's death is ongoing. She was in her late 60s at the time of her death. Diane Liggitt, one of Charleston's few surviving relatives, said she was around 18 when she learned from her father that her aunt had left for the Pacific Northwest with a new boyfriend sometime in the early 1970s. This undated photo provided by Nevada State Police shows Florence Charleston, left, holding one of her nieces, Donna Taylor. Charleston has been identified as the victim who was left dead and buried in a shallow grave in 1978 Charleston was originally from Cleveland, Ohio, but had moved to Portland, Oregon, shortly before her death. She ended up buried in a shallow grave 535 miles (860 kilometers) away from her home in Imlay, Nevada As decades passed, the family never heard from Charleston again. Although, her niece said that she regularly thought about her Aunt 'Dolly' - a childhood name that stuck. 'Was she happy, or not? Was she safe?' Liggitt said. 'All these questions I had, and it turns out she was dead.' She recalled the moment that she was given the staggering update in the cold by detectives over the phone. 'You found my Aunt Dolly?' Liggitt remembered asking them. Charleston's remains were found in October 1978 in the small Nevada town of Imlay, about two hours north of Reno. Inside the garment bag, officers with the Pershing County Sheriff's Office - the initial lead investigating agency - also found some articles of women's clothing. An autopsy revealed the decomposing remains likely belonged to a middle-aged woman but failed to determine a cause of death, police said. Liggitt said her aunt would have been around 68 at the time of her death. The case was later entered into the National Missing and Unidentified Persons System, along with a rendering of what detectives thought the woman looked like at the time of her death. According to that entry, the woman was thought to be 5-foot-5 with red or auburn hair. Investigators also thought she may have been left-handed. The clothing items found with her remains included a dark-green sweater with a white safety pin attached to the front, dark-green trousers and a long-sleeved pink sweater. Nevada State Police Detective Sean Koester, who had taken over the cold case in October 2022, informed Charleston's relatives of the astonishing discovery In spring of 1979, Nevada State Police detectives were called in to help with the probe. They tried digital facial reconstruction. They compared dental records with other missing persons and unsolved cases. Cops looked for clues in the articles of clothing dumped with the remains but all their efforts were unsuccessful. Then last March, police said, they teamed up with Othram Inc., a private laboratory specializing in forensic genealogy analysis that has helped close countless other cold cases nationwide. In a separate news release, Othram said Wednesday they used DNA taken from the remains 'to develop a comprehensive DNA profile for the unidentified woman,' leading investigators to two of Charleston's nieces still living in Ohio. Liggitt said she received the extraordinary news in April. She was on her way out of the house when her phone rang. She didn't recognize the out-of-state phone number, but she answered it anyway. On the other end of the line was Nevada State Police Detective Sean Koester, who had taken over the cold case in October 2022. By then, Koester said, the case had been dormant for 40-plus years. Koester introduced himself. He'd been trying to reach her and her cousin, Donna, he said, to talk about a set of 45-year-old human remains. Soon after that phone call, Othram was able to link Charleston to the unidentified remains by using a DNA sample from Liggitt's cousin. Now around the same age as Charleston had been at the time of her death, Liggitt said she hopes to live long enough to learn how and why her Aunt Dolly was killed. Prior to his death, Rouse had food withheld and was locked in a dog cage Anthony Rouse, 6, was tortured by his mother and her husband, police say A Florida boy who drowned in a bathtub in April allegedly had food withheld and was locked in a dog cage by his mom and her husband who are now charged with child abuse. Anthony Rouse died on April 22 after he was found in the bathtub of his mother's Polk County home. An investigation into his death revealed the alleged abuse, which included his stepfather holding his head underwater prior to his death. An affidavit connected to the case states that police officers discovered that one room inside the home had a lock installed improperly in order to keep children in and that the room had clothing soiled in 'urine and feces.' According to police records, Tre Seymore, 27, and Alize Seymore, 25, have been charged with multiple counts of child abuse and tampering with a witness each. Anthony's biological father, Andre Rouse, spoke with WTSP and said that he had been fighting for custody of his son and that he still is struggling to accept his death. 'I still can't wrap my head around it and it still really hurts,' Andre said. Anthony Rouse died on April 22 after he was found in the bathtub of his mother's home According to police records, Tre Seymore (right) and Alize Seymore (left) have been charged with multiple counts of child abuse and tampering with a witness each Anthony's biological father, Andre Rouse, said that he had been fighting for custody of his son prior to his death. Pictured: Andre Rouse with Anthony in a picture from Facebook In an affidavit shared with 10 Tampa Bay, a 10-year-old boy who lived inside the Polk County home said he and his siblings would be rewarded for 'beating up' Anthony. The boy said while talking with police that he watched Tre hold Anthony's head under the water in the bathtub before police were called to the house. Along with being confined to a dog cage in the garage, the affidavits in the case reference physical punishments and other 'torture.' 'The lock to the bedroom where the children and victim slept was observed to be placed backwards,' the affidavit reads, stating it was 'purposely' installed wrong. 'The bedroom did not have electricity and was filled with clothing items which were soiled with urine and feces,' the document continued. An official with the Polk County Sheriff's Office said the investigation has now been handed off to the State Attorney's Office. The official said they expect additional charges will be filed against the couple. An investigation into his death revealed the alleged abuse, which included his stepfather holding his head underwater prior to his death. Pictured: Anthony Rouse Along with being confined to a dog cage in the garage, the affidavits in the case reference physical punishments and other 'torture' for Anthony (pictured) In an affidavit shared with 10 Tampa Bay, a 10-year-old boy who lived inside the Polk County home said he and his siblings would be rewarded for 'beating up' Anthony (pictured) Talking with WTSP, Andre said that he had been fighting for sole custody of his son -who he shared with Alize - for months prior to his death. According to Andre, the child lived in state care for the first two years of his life because Alize had a Department of Children and Families case against her. After that, Andre said he had sole custody from the ages of two to five but that Anthony recently was moved to Alize's home as he faced a stint in jail for a domestic violence conviction related to a previous relationship. His stint in jail put Anthony back into Alize's care, now with her new husband - whom she married in May 2021, public records show. 'They felt the need to take him from someone he knew his whole life and just throw him directly to someone he'd only seen, you know, a handful of times,' Andre said. The grieving dad said being placed with Alize and Tre 'messed with him [Anthony] mentally' and that he begged to go back with his dad during phone calls. 'I could hear it in his voice, you know, he'll call me and say, 'Daddy, I want to come back with you,' Andre said. When he learned that his son was being hospitalized for a drowning, Andre said it was one of the most heartbreaking moments of his life. 'My body shook. I dropped to my knees and started sobbing. I knew it wasn't going to end well,' he said. He is now urging anyone who may know or suspect abuse to report it to help save children from his own son's fate. 'If you see something, say something,' he said. 'Say something before it's too late.' Talking with WTSP, Andre (pictured) said that he had been fighting for sole custody of his son -who he shared with Alize - for months prior to his death According to Andre, the child lived in state care for the first two years of his life because Alize had a Department of Children and Families case against her 'If you see something, say something,' Andre said. 'Say something before it's too late' The charges against the Florida couple come as the parents and stepbrother of a 10-year-old boy in Georgia are facing allegations they starved and abused him at home. Ethan Washburn, 19, has been charged with aggravated assault for the strangulation of his younger brother, who weighed just 36 pounds when he was saved by police. Washburn is the biological son of Krista Schindley, 47, who is accused of committing child cruelty alongside husband Tyler Schindley, 46. In addition to not feeding their son, the couple allegedly allowed their four other children to 'see and/or hear' physical abuse against the boy on multiple occasions. Support for the Black Lives Matter movement has dropped to its lowest level in the US since the police murder of George Floyd three years ago, according to a new poll. The poll from Pew Research Center published on Wednesday found just 51 percent of adults support the BLM movement, down from a high of 67 percent in June 2020, when racial justice protests swept the nation. The survey found that 67 percent of Americans, a strong majority, agree that black people are treated less fairly than white people when it comes to dealing with police. However, 57 percent believe the increased focus on racial issues since 2020 has not led to changes that are improving the lives of black people, compared to just 40 percent who believe it has. In a statement pointing out the poll showed white adults support BLM at much lower rates than other races, Black Lives Matter Global Network Foundation board member Shalomyah Bowers said: 'A better headline for this survey is "A majority of white Americans still dont believe that Black lives matter."' Support for the Black Lives Matter movement has dropped to its lowest level in the US since the police murder of George Floyd three years ago, according to a new poll Attendees hold Black Lives Matter sign at the 2023 LA Pride Parade in Hollywood 'Were glad to see that the Pew Research study revealed that a majority of US adults support Black Lives Matter and 2/3rds of Americans believe that Black people are treated less fairly by the police than white people,' said Bowers. 'The truth that the United States is a racist country is finally coming to light and being accepted by most Americans.' The waning support for BLM comes amid controversy within the movement, after a group of local BLM chapters sued the BLM Global Network Foundation last year alleging financial malfeasance and fraud. The BLM Global Network Foundation board has furiously denounced the allegations as 'harmful, divisive, and false' and both sides are awaiting a judge's ruling in the suit. BLM Grassroots, which represents the local chapters did not immediately respond to requests for comment on Wednesday evening. The hashtag #BlackLivesMatter first appeared on Twitter in 2013, but the movement exploded in visibility, influence, and fundraising following Floyd's murder by a Minneapolis police officer in May 2020. In assessing the impact of the Black Lives Matter movement, just 32 percent say it's been highly effective at bringing attention to racism against black people, according to the Pew survey. Views of the Black Lives Matter movement vary dramatically by age, race and political affiliation, the poll found. While 84 percent of Democrats and Democratic leaners support the movement, 82 percent of Republicans and Republican leaners oppose it. Among white adults, just 42 percent support the movement, compared with 81 percent of black adults, 63 percent of Asians and 61 percent of Hispanics. Broken down by age, 64 percent of young adults ages 18 to 29 support the movement, compared with 52 percent of those 30 to 49, 46 percent of those 50 to 64 and 41 percent of those 65 and older. Pew conducted its nationally representative survey of 5,073 US adults between April 10 and 16. A participant raises his first during the 'Commitment March: Get Your Knee Off Our Necks' protest against racism and police brutality on August 28, 2020, at the Lincoln Memorial The decline in support for the controversy-ridden BLM Global Network Foundation has also been evident in a sharp decline in donations to the group. Tax filings released last month showed the group raised just over $9 million in its last fiscal year, a steep decline from the $79 million it raked in the prior year. A 60-page tax filing showed the foundation spent more money than it earned in its last fiscal year, from July 1, 2021 to June 30, 2022. It ended the year with roughly $30 million in assets, down from the $42 million in assets reported in its filing the previous year. The tax documents also show the foundation continued its business relationship with security contractor Paul Cullors, the brother of BLM co-founder Patrisse Cullors, who resigned as foundation director in 2021. Patrisse Cullors resigned after it was revealed she had amassed a $3.2 million property portfolio, though she strenuously denied any wrongdoing. Cullors did admit that the group was ill-prepared to handle the tsunami of donations that poured in as it shot to international prominence following Floyd's murder. BLMGNF directors D'Zhane Parker, left, Cicley Gay, center, and Shalomyah Bowers pose for a portrait in May 2022 Donations to the BLMGNF saw a shocking drop-off of nearly 90 percent from 2021 to 2022, as the group's use of funds continued to cause controversy The BLM nonprofit had raised more than $90 million in the first year following the wave of protests over police brutality in the summer of 2020. But with the racial justice fundraising environment quickly returning to norms, the new tax filings show the organization cut operating expenses by nearly 55 percent last year. Cicley Gay, board chair for the foundation, said the belt-tightening was part of an effort to demonstrate that its stewards 'have been responsible, proactive decision-makers of the people's donations.' 'We are building an institution to fight white supremacy and reach black liberation,' Gay said in a statement about the tax filings. 'Every dollar we spend is in order to reach that goal.' The Seven Network is rumoured to have paid significantly more than the reported $400,000 to secure the exclusive rights to interview Kathleen Folbigg. The 55-year-old's interview will air sometime on 7News Spotlight after the network won an intense bidding war with its rivals including Nine Network. Folbigg was convicted of three counts of murder and one of manslaughter in 2003 after her babies Patrick, Sarah, Laura and Caleb died in suspicious circumstances between 1989 and 1999. The mother of four was sentenced to 30 years in jail and was not eligible for parole until 2028, but had consistently maintained her innocence. Kathleen Folbigg is rumoured to have been paid a lot more than the previously reported figure of $400,000 to tell her story in an exclusive interview with Channel Seven Folbigg was convicted of the murder of her son Patrick (right), as well as manslaughter of her first child Caleb (left) Earlier this month, NSW Attorney General Michael Daley granted Folbigg a pardon due to 'reasonable doubt' over her children's death. The decision came after an inquiry - set up by Supreme Court Justice Tom Bathurst KC - found there was fresh evidence to suggest the children died from natural causes. It was revealed soon after her release that Folbigg would sit down with Channel Seven, with reports suggesting the price of the exclusive interview was $400,000. Sources close to the negotiation have since told The Age's CBD column other networks had pulled out when Folbigg's team reportedly set a figure of $1.5million for the interview, security expenses and some archived footage. A Seven spokesperson declined to comment or give an official figure when contacted by Daily Mail Australia. Folbigg may also receive a hefty compensation fee from the state government for her time behind bars. In the wake of the pardon, which does not quash her conviction but frees her from jail, lawyer Rhanee Rego revealed compensation could be on the cards for her client. 'We haven't spoken to her about this. She is very much trying to focus on taking one step in front of the other and not rush into things because she has just been waiting to feel the grass on her feet, look at the sky and watch the sunrise for the first time in 20 years,' Ms Rego said on June 6. 'Kathleen is still having a cup of tea, acquainting herself to normal life, and we are just getting used to not speaking to her in a prison over an AVL call. 'We are taking it one step at a time, but in due course, we will certainly be thinking about all options available to her. 'We won't be rushing her and pushing her to do anything. She does not need to do until she is ready.' Folbigg (pictured in 2005) was convicted of three counts of murder and one of manslaughter in 2003 after her babies Patrick, Sarah, Laura and Caleb died in suspicious circumstances between 1989 and 1999. Medical experts say there might have been a genetic mutation which caused the deaths of Sarah (left) and Laura (right) First, Folbigg's convictions need to be quashed in the Court of Criminal Appeal before compensation avenues can be discussed. Figures from as little $1million up to $20 million have already been speculated in the media. 'She not only lost one child, she has lost four and been in jail for 20 years,' Ms Rego said. 'The system has failed her at every step. 'Instead of trying to understand why her children died, potentially through an inquest... we threw her in jail, locked her up and called her Australia's worst female serial killer.' Robyn Blewer, director of the Griffith University Innocence Project, pointed to two recent cases to indicate the extent to which Folbigg could be compensated for her 7,300 days in jail. West Australian man Scott Austic in May received $1.3million on top of an earlier payment of $250,000 after serving nearly 13 years for the murder of his pregnant secret lover. He had sought $8.5million after being acquitted in 2020 on appeal. Both payments were voluntary, while David Eastman was awarded $7million in damages by the ACT Supreme Court in 2019 after his wrongful conviction for the murder of Australian Federal Police assistant commissioner Colin Winchester. Dr Blewer said the amount Folbigg received might depend on what the government was willing to pay. 'Twenty years is a substantial amount of time lost,' she said. 'It might depend on the good grace of the NSW government.' An NYC driver with 160 traffic violations delivered an emotionless apology as he was sentenced for a crash that killed a three-month-old baby girl and injured her mother. Tyrik Mott, 30, told Brooklyn Supreme Court that he 'really didn't mean it' after being jailed for nine years for killing little Apolline Mong Guillemin in September 2021. He admitted manslaughter, attempted robbery, reckless driving and other charges, accepting a plea deal that cut down a potential 15-year jail term. He told the court on Wednesday: 'Im just sorry for everything I did. Im sorry for all the hurt I caused. I really didnt mean it,' reports NYPost. Tyrik Mott, 30, told Brooklyn Supreme Court that he 'really didn't mean it' after being sentenced for nine years for killing little Apolline Mong Guillemin in September 2021 One of the cars careened into the sidewalk, hitting a stroller with a three-month-old baby inside which was being pushed by her mother. The child died Mott wore gray sweatpants and black hoodie for his hearing. He had not been held in prison since the incident, because he posted $150,000 bond in February 2022. The killer tried to ask for additional time before he was sentenced, but couldn't give a reasoning for it when asked by the judge. The deadly crash took place September 11 2021, when Mott was driving away from police after failing to stop at a red light, going down the wrong way on Gates Avenue and crashing into a car. The collision sent both cars on the sidewalk where Julien Mong and Marion Guillemin were pushing their daughter's stroller, slamming into them. After the crash, Mott tried to steal a 2020 Hyundai from a 41-year-old man in a bid to get away, prosecutors told his arraignment hearing at the time. Mott had been arrested three times before, and had his license suspended. Police say Tyrik Mott, 30, blew a red light in Clinton Hill evening and went the wrong way down a street before he T-boned into a black 2020 Honda Civic Mott pleaded guilty to manslaughter, attempted robbery, reckless driving and other charges He also has had 91 school zone speeding violations since 2017 with 35 for 2021, according to Eric Adams. When being arrested, he allegedly asked officers if he could just get away with a ticket. The parents claimed they both needed surgery after the crash, with Guillemin being permanently disfigured and suffering from traumatic brain injury. In 2022, they filed a suit against the city and Mott, who pleaded not guilty to manslaughter charges, with the parents arguing that the city violated its own Reckless Driver Accountability Act. The 2020 law allows police to impound any car with at least 15 speed-cameras tickets or five red-light tickets during a 12-month period, which would apply to Mott as he accrued 160 traffic violations since June 2017, including 35 for speeding in school zones. Dramatic footage has captured the moment an angry dog owner erupted into a foul-mouthed tirade after a TV reporter turned up outside her home. Channel Nine reporter Abbey Geran had been visiting Yatala, in south-east Queensland, on Wednesday. She was on the ground covering reports two German Shepherds had been seized after a local man and his beagle were ambushed while on their walk. Geran visited the property where the two dogs were seized before the homeowner came out to confront the reporter. The house was also the scene of a horrific dog attack where a toddler was mauled and left with serious injuries in April. An angry home owner confronts a Channel Nine TV news reporter on her property following a dog attack Mr MacDonald said the two German Shepherds (pictured) continued to menace him and his pet Snoopy after biting the unfortunate Beagle in an initial ambush 'I'm not asking, get off my property,' the homeowner yelled. The angry woman is seen in the footage marching up to Geran and screaming her face. The terrified reporter backs away as the woman continues to shout over her. Richard Macdonald said he had been walking his beagle Snoopy along the street when the pair were confronted by the two German Shepherds. The attack left Snoopy badly injured with the beloved pet requiring three layers of stitches on its hind quarters. 'Bang! the two dogs were on top of Snoopy,' Mr MacDonald said 'So they got out somehow. Mr Macdonald said he and his pet were lucky to escape without further injury after the two dogs circled them. 'I was afraid they were going to hurt Snoopy and I was afraid they were going to hurt me,' he said. A passing motorist intervened to rescue the pair as they gratefully clambered into the safety of his vehicle. The fate of the seized two German shepherds has not yet been decided. 'I like dogs I dont like the thought of them being destroyed,' Mr MacDonald said. 'I would like to see them restrained in a way they arent threatening anybody who walks past the property.' Four dogs, including German Shepherds and a French Bull Mastiff, were earlier seized from the property following an attack on a three-year-old girl on April 13. Local Richard Macdonald (pictured) said his Beagle cross Snoopy needed stiches after being bitten by two German Shepherds that escaped their pen Four dogs were seized from the Gold Coast property following a toddler being mauled in April The toddler had to be rushed to the Queensland Children's Hospital suffering wounds to her head and neck. The animals were destroyed after they were seized by local council. It is understood the owner of the Gold Coast property was a registered dog breeder and the grandmother of the child who was attacked. Mr MacDonald and other neighbours had previously complained about the threatening behaviour of dogs in the yard. 'They rush up at the fence, theyre very, very aggressive and if they got out you wouldnt stand a chance,' Mr MacDonald said told Seven News in April. Family friend Kurt Poole on Wednesday told reporters the attack had come as a surprise as he believed they were 'good dogs'. Mr Poole said he understood the little girl had been injured accidentally by the dogs while they had been playing amongst themselves. He added the child's grandmother was 'beside herself' over the incident. The mauling of the toddler, which came followed other similar dog attacks in Queensland, led to the Queensland government in April to rush through tougher laws to stop similar incidents. Agriculture Minister Mark Furner convened an emergency meeting of the dangerous dog task force before confirming several new penalties for pet owners. He also revealed that jail time would be considered, pointing to legislation in NSW and Victoria. Queensland Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk said she was horrified by the spate of vicious dog attacks. 'Enough is enough. The onus is on dog owners. They have a duty of care,' she said. 'They must accept responsibility for their pets and their pets' behaviour. I have also been sickened by reports of smaller dogs being attacked and often killed by larger animals whilst out walking with their owners. 'We should all feel safe in our own yards or out on the streets. It is time to get tougher.' A mum has opened up about her Jetstar nightmare after a carefully planned trip for her daughter's birthday turned sour. Kasey Collins was left more than $500 out of pocket and in tears after her flight from Perth with her daughter took off late, causing them to miss a connecting flight to Hamilton Island. The mum was taking her daughter to the Great Barrier Reef resort island to celebrate her 19th birthday and an approaching health milestone. Ms Collins said that when her daughter was born she was diagnosed with a genetic disease that caused doctors to predict a life expectancy of just 20 years for the little girl. 'She's very healthy at the moment ... but leading up to that [age] gives me a little anxiety,' she told Yahoo News Australia. The mum was taking her daughter to the Great Barrier Reef resort island to celebrate her 19th birthday and an approaching health milestone Kasey Collins (pictured) was left more than $500 out of pocket and in tears after her flight from Perth with her daughter took off late, causing them to miss their connecting flight to Hamilton Island A month before their 'exciting' trip to Hamilton Island via Melbourne, the airline altered their flights so they had a smaller timeframe to get to a connecting aircraft. 'I called Jetstar and spoke with a representative who advised that as it was booked as a connecting flight, it wouldn't be a problem,' Ms Casey said. The mum was still worried about it leading up to the day so she reached out to the company again to discuss the tight window of time to transfer between flights at Melbourne airport. She said she was assured once more there would be enough time for the pair to go from one flight to the other. The pair were excited for their impending trip when the big day came and even arrived at Perth airport early. But the flight from Perth left late which caused them to miss their connecting flight in Melbourne by 13 minutes. Ms Collins said there were 'tears flowing' from her eyes at the airport. 'We were shocked and visibly upset... I was just a mess,' she said. 'Jetstar flew us from Melbourne to Sydney and put us up in a hotel to catch the next Hamilton Island flight the following day,' she said on social media. 'We lost one night's accommodation to the value of $500 a night and a few other pre-paid things.' Since then she has tried to get compensation from the airline as well as Travel Insurance Direct [TID] - but she said both have pointed Ms Collins to the other. 'My claim was declined. What is the point of having travel insurance if [things] like these are not covered.' Ms Collins said a TID representative told her due to the error being an 'operational missed connection', she should pursue reimbursement from Jetstar. But Jetstar have also have told her to claim from her travel insurance which has left her frustrated that 'no one wants to accept responsibility'. A letter from an airline representative stated it was 'disappointing' they could not do anything more for her and reminded her Jetstar was a 'point-to-point carrier'. 'I'm not able to cover the expenses you incurred and missed at your destination on this occasion,' they said. Ms Collins said her insurance policy stated she would be covered if she missed a flight due to 'no fault of her own'. TID's website said in some policies it can cover customers affected by airline delays of six or more hours - which included 'the cost of additional meals and accommodation'. But it is unclear if Ms Collins held this specific policy. A letter from an airline representative stated it was 'disappointing' they could not do anything more for her and reminded her Jetstar was a 'point-to-point carrier' Jetstar flew the pair from Melbourne to Sydney and put them up in a hotel to wait for the next available flight to Hamilton Island In a statement to Daily Mail Australia, a spokeswoman for TID's parent company NIB asked Ms Collins to contact the organisation to clarify the steps she took after missing her flight in Melbourne. A spokesperson from Jetstar told Daily Mail Australia the airline has been in contact with Ms Collins. 'Were really sorry for disrupting the travel plans of Ms Collins and her daughter last month and appreciate this was a frustrating experience,' the spokesperson said. 'Our customer team has reached out several times asking for copies of the receipts to assess out of pocket expenses. 'We will continue to try to get in touch to discuss what further support we may be able to offer.' Ms Collins was contacted by the Daily Mail Australia for comment. An American author has made history to become the first person to win the Women's Prize for Fiction twice. Barbara Kingsolver claimed the award for Demon Copperhead, a class conscious modern reimagining of Charles Dickens' David Copperfield. She previously won in 2010 for her fourth novel, The Lacuna. Ms Kingsolver, 68, was presented with the anonymously endowed 30,000 prize and bronze figurine 'Bessie' by the Chair of Judges Louise Minchin at a ceremony in London last night. The other five shortlisted books were Fire Rush by Jacqueline Crooks, Trespasses by Louise Kennedy, Pod by Laline Paull, Black Butterflies by Priscilla Morris and The Marriage Portrait by former winner Maggie O'Farrell. Barbara Kingsolver claimed the award for Demon Copperhead, a class conscious modern reimagining of Charles Dickens' David Copperfield. She previously won in 2010 for her fourth novel, The Lacuna There was an even split between established and first time writers this year, with all aged over 50, bar Ms Morris, who is 49. Ms Kingsolver, who was raised in Kentucky and lived in the Congo as a child, swapped Victorian England for Virginia's Appalachian Mountains in a bid to expose the poverty and opioid crisis ravaging communities in rural America with her latest book. It comes a month after the book won the Pulitzer Prize for Fiction alongside Hernan Diaz's novel, Trust. Ms Minchin said the judges voted unanimously for the 'towering, deeply powerful and significant book'. 'In a year of outstanding fiction by women, we made a unanimous decision on Demon Copperhead as our winner,' she said. 'Brilliant and visceral, it is storytelling by an author at the top of her game. We were all deeply moved by Demon, his gentle optimism, resilience and determination despite everything being set against him... it packs a triumphant emotional punch, and it is a novel that will withstand the test of time.' In the run-up to last night's ceremony, Ms O'Farrell had sold more copies than any other title on the shortlist. Ms Kennedy's debut novel, which she wrote after being diagnosed with cancer, came in second, followed by Ms Kingsolver's. Chair of Judges Louise Minchin (left) said the judges voted unanimously for the 'towering, deeply powerful and significant book' Ms O'Farrell previously claimed the prize in 2020 for her eighth novel Hamnet, which was inspired by the life and death of Shakespeare's only son, who died aged 11. It is the second consecutive year an American author has won after Ruth Ozeki took the prize for her fourth novel, The Book of Form and Emptiness. Now in its 28th year, the Prize was established in response to the Booker failing to shortlist a single female writer in 1991. Earlier this year, Women's Prize for Non-Fiction was launched in response to the gender imbalance in non-fiction publishing. Prosecutors preparing for the trial of Idaho murders suspect Brian Kohberger are asking for a dramatic increase in funding to cover trial expenses. Latah County Prosecutor Bill Thompson submitted his annual budget request to county commissioners on Tuesday, asking for $135,000 for trial expenses, rather than the usual budget of $15,000, the Lewiston Tribune reported. Kohberger, 28, is charged with burglary and four counts of first-degree murder in the November slayings of University of Idaho students Kaylee Goncalves, Madison Mogen, Xana Kernodle and Ethan Chapin. The trial is set to begin on October 2 and is expected to be lengthy and complex, as prosecutors seek the death penalty for Kohberger, a graduate student in criminology. 'It's hard to project exactly what's going to be involved,' said Thompson, according to the Tribune. 'We know that it's not going to be cheap.' Prosecutors preparing for the trial of Idaho murders suspect Brian Kohberger (in court last week) are asking for a dramatic increase in funding to cover trial expenses Latah County Prosecutor Bill Thompson asked for $135,000 for trial expenses in his latest annual budget request, rather than the usual budget of $15,000 Thompson's budget request lists potential trial expenses including compensating expert witnesses, witness travel fees, transcript fees and exhibit displays. Kohberger is being held without bail in the Latah County Jail. At his arraignment in May, a judge entered a plea of not guilty on his behalf, after he elected to stand silent in the face of the charges. On Friday, he appeared in court wearing a suit for a hearing over a gag order that largely bars attorneys and other parties in the case from speaking with news reporters. A coalition of more than 30 media organizations has challenged the order, saying it violates the Constitution's guarantees of free speech and a free press, as has a lawyer for one of the victim's families. But prosecutors and the defendant's lawyers insist it's needed to prevent prejudicial news coverage that could damage Kohberger's right to a fair trial. 'It remains appropriate to have an Order reminding lawyers and their agents of the rules of engagement in this country and that we try cases in court, not in the press,' one of Kohberger's attorneys, Jay Weston Logsdon, wrote in a memo to the court. University of Idaho students Kaylee Goncalves, Madison Mogen, Xana Kernodle and Ethan Chapin were stabbed to death in an off-campus home in November Kohberger, 28, is charged with burglary and four counts of first-degree murder in the November slayings Kootenai County Public Defender Anne Taylor is leading Kohberger's defense team Second District Judge John C. Judge indicated he would rule later on the gag order and on a separate issue of whether to allow cameras in the courtroom during further proceedings. Kohberger was first linked to the case through surveillance footage of a car that matches his white Hyundai Elantra, which was seen in the areas of the murders. Investigators say they also found DNA matching Kohberger's on a knife sheath that the killer left at the scene of the murders. The evidence that could be brought in at trial is expected to be formidable. According to court filings, the Latah County Prosecutor's Office has disclosed 51 terabytes of information about the case to the defense team in discovery. That material includes thousands of pages of documents, thousands of photographs, hundreds of hours of recordings and gigabytes of phone records and social media data. Kootenai County Public Defender Anne Taylor is leading Kohberger's defense team. The Liberal senator who allegedly sexually assaulted Lidia Thorpe says he 'would rather be accused of murder' - and insists the only time they have ever touched is when he shook her hand. David Van told 2GB's Ben Fordham he's feeling 'battered and shattered' by Senator Thorpe's allegations that he is a 'predator' who 'sexually harassed and sexually assaulted' her. 'To have an allegation like this made against you is the most awful thing thats happened to me in my life. I would feel less bad if she had accused me of murder rather than this,' he said. The Victorian senator said he's hardly slept, and likely 'a bit shaky' after spending much of the night in tears over the extraordinary incident. 'I just feel battered,' he said. While he was shocked when Ms Thorpe levelled the accusation against him under parliamentary privilege, Mr Van said this goes back to an incident in 2021. Mr Van vehemently denied the allegations on Wednesday, insisting 'it is simply not true', prompting Senator Thorpe to storm out of the Senate. Above with his partner Nerilee David Van told 2GB's Ben Fordham he's feeling 'battered and shattered' by Senator Thorpe's allegations that he is a 'predator' who 'sexually harassed and sexually assaulted' her He said Ms Thorpe raised allegations then 'through her leadership to our leadership' that Mr Van closely 'followed her into the chamber' one day back in 2021, and that left her feeling 'uncomfortable'. Mr Van said bumping into her in the corridors of parliament as they made their way into the Senate was unavoidable given the proximity of their offices. 'At times I've been in front of her, at times I have been behind her, but at no time did I harass her... I barely even said hello.' In response to Senator Thorpe's complaint, Mr Van said he was 'offered another office' further away from hers and accepted. Former prime minister Scott Morrison said in a statement he had no recollection of the incident. Mr Van said: 'Its an utter abuse that someone can say something so heinous with no evidence nothing has been said for two years, so why or how is it coming up now?' Lidia Thorpe has sensationally accused Liberal Senator David Van of sexually harassing her in Parliament, claiming he was 'moved him from his office' after she made a complaint Sen. Thorpe spoke up about the two-year-old encounter after Sen. Van made a statement about the handling of Brittany Higgins' sexual assault complaint. She told the Senate under parliamentary privilege: 'I just want to relay I'm feeling really uncomfortable when a perpetrator is speaking about violence...' 'This person harassed me, sexually assaulted me, and the prime minister had to remove him from his office. 'And to have him talking about this today is an absolute disgrace! On the whole party.' Sen. Thorpe returned to the Senate four hours later to qualify her claims about Mr Van's behaviour, noting she was doing so at the request of the president Sue Lines. She's expected to make a further statement on Thursday. Sen. Van categorically denied the allegations - immediately afterward in the Senate, several hours later in a media statement and again this morning on 2GB. What is parliamentary privilege? Parliamentary privilege protects politicians from being sued for defamation over comments made within the chamber. The policy enables full and open discussion in parliament and is there to ensure comprehensive discussion of matters without fear of criminal or civil retribution. Advertisement 'I can say I think with some surety the only time I've ever even touched her would have been shaking her hand after her maiden speech. 'I have not harassed her in any way, shape or form.' Sen. Van said he's now looking forward to returning home to Victoria and his 'supportive' wife'. 'I cant thank her enough in and also to the hundreds, if not thousands, of messages of support Ive had from friends and family around the world.' In the hours after the bombshell altercation, Sen Van contacted his lawyer, who sent a letter to Sen. Thorpe urging her to repeat her accusations 'outside parliament' without the protection of parliamentary privilege. Parliamentary privilege protects politicians from being sued for defamation over comments made within the chamber. Sen. Van was visibly shaken and vehemently denied Sen. Thorpe's allegations, insisting 'it is simply not true' - which prompted her to storm out of the Senate. Sen. Thorpe made the allegations just before 3.30pm while Sen. Van was making a statement about the handling of Ms Higgins' allegations of sexual abuse by parliamentarians this week. Sen. Van later told Daily Mail Australia the allegations are 'unfounded and completely untrue'. 'I immediately and unequivocally denied and continue to deny. These outrageous and reprehensible comments were made by Senator Thorpe using parliamentary privilege in the most malicious and despicable way,' he said. 'My lawyers have written to her already making my position clear in the strongest possible terms.' Tributes have poured in for the 22-year-old following the tragedy, with friends describing her as having the 'biggest heart' She was allegedly struck by her co-worker Joshua Schiano, 23, moments after she refused to get into his car Madison Faltisco, 22, was killed in a horror hit-and-run on Thursday night in upstate New York An upstate New York woman was allegedly killed in a horror hit-and-run by a drunk co-worker soon after she refused to get into his car. Madison Faltisco, 22, had spent Thursday evening drinking with a co-worker, Joshua Schiano, 23, but turned down a ride home because he was intoxicated, the Onondaga County District Attorneys Office said. As she walked home along Route 57 at around 11pm, Faltisco was mown down by a passing car allegedly driven by Schiano, according to CNYCentral. Police say Schiano then crashed his car into a road sign and a Salvation Army thrift store as Faltisco lay dying in the road. Madison Faltisco (pictured) was killed in a hit-and-run Thursday evening after spending the evening drinking with a co-worker, who allegedly drove the car that hit her SUSPECT ARRESTED: This is 23-year-old Joshua Schiano of Salina He was arraigned last night after allegedly drinking & driving when he hit and killed his friend, 22-year-old Madison Faltisco. Schiano allegedly sped off and left Faltisco to die along Route 57. @NewsChannel9 pic.twitter.com/bUXWNA2qjX (@AdrienneSmithTV) June 10, 2023 Police arrested Schiano after his car burst into flames following the second crash, and he was initially taken into custody on suspicion of driving while intoxicated. But it took officers hours to discover Faltisco's body because Schiano never mentioned he had hit someone after his arrest, an Onondaga County Sheriff's Department spokesman said. The 22-year-old's body was only discovered at around 5am Friday, when a motorist called 911 to report finding an unconscious woman on the side of the road. Faltisco was pronounced dead at the scene, around six hours after she was struck. She was described as a 'girl's girl' by a co-worker at restaurant Smokey Bones, where she and Schiano both worked. Halana Seiber, Faltisco's friend and co-worker, told CNYCentral she had turned down an offer to join the duo at the bar, but offered to give them a ride after because they were going to be drinking. Although Faltisco declined the offer earlier in the day, Seiber said she later missed three phone calls from Faltisco before the hit-and-run. Friends described Faltisco (pictured) as a 'girl's girl' who had the 'biggest heart' Faltisco was a graduate of the Institute of Technology at Syracuse Central, New York Seiber said Faltisco would 'do anything for anyone' and had the 'biggest heart', as heartbreaking tributes have poured in following the tragedy. A GoFundMe set up to pay for Faltisco's funeral said her family is 'living a nightmare', after 'her bright light was extinguished in seconds'. Faltisco was a graduate of the Institute of Technology at Syracuse Central, which is part of the Syracuse City School District. Onondaga County District Attorney Bill Fitzpatrick said officials are now looking into footage of the crash to determine the details of the tragedy. 'We want to establish exactly where she was walking and did Mr. Schiano change direction or did he just continuously drive in a straight line, did he inadvertently hit her or was it something more insidious,' he added. Court documents reportedly claim that Schiano 'recklessly caused the death of such other person when he struck that person with the vehicle he was operating while the victim was walking southbound on the southbound shoulder.' The complaint alleges he drove away from the scene despite having 'cause to know that personal injury had been caused to the other person'. Schiano faced charges of second-degree manslaughter, second-degree vehicular manslaughter, and leaving the scene of a fatal motor vehicle accident. The Kremlin should advise Russians living abroad to evacuate potential nuclear attack targets, a hardline Vladimir Putin ally has argued. Sergey Karaganov, a chairman at the Council of Foreign and Defence Policy, said that Russian ex-pats should be warned that they need to flee before any possible nuclear attack. Karaganov claimed the nuclear attacks on Europe would be necessary to 'break' the West's continued support for Ukraine and its military forces. The Putin apologist was arguing that Russia needed to drastically escalate its rhetoric used around nuclear weapons as a deterrent for Western nations to 'back down' from supplying weapons and munitions to Ukraine. He said if the escalation of rhetoric failed to do this, the Kremlin should start carrying out nuclear strikes across Europe. The Kremlin should advise Russians living abroad to evacuate potential nuclear attack targets, a Putin ally has argued. Pictured: The Sarmat intercontinental ballistic missile at Plesetsk is tested, April 2, 2022 Karaganov claimed the nuclear attacks on Europe would be necessary to 'break' the West's support for Ukraine. Pictured: Vladimir Putin chairs a meeting with Russian war journalists in Moscow, Russia, 13 June 2023 Sergey Karaganov (pictured), a chairman at the Council of Foreign and Defence policy, said that Russian ex-pats should be warned that they need to flee before any possible nuclear attack 'This is a morally terrible choice - we use the weapons of God, dooming ourselves to severe spiritual losses. But if this is not done, not only Russia may perish, but, most likely, the entire human civilisation will end,' Karaganov wrote in an article published on Kremlin-linked website Global Affairs, entitled A Difficult But Necessary Decision. He argued that there would be little likelihood the United States would retaliate with nuclear warheads in return because they would be too fearful of an attack on their own soil. 'Only if there is a madman in the White House ... will America decide on a strike to defend Europeans, incurring a response and sacrificing, say, Boston for, say, Poznan,' he wrote. It comes as Putin earlier this week threatened that the war in Ukraine could turn into a nuclear conflict sparking World War Three. The despot warned 'there will be no winners, including America' as he threatened to escalate his invasion. 'The United States pretends not to be afraid of an escalation of the conflict in Ukraine, but sane people there clearly do not want to take this to a Third World War,' Putin said at a meeting with Russian war correspondents in Moscow on Tuesday. 'In the event of a Third World War, there will be no winners, including America.' Despite the increased rhetoric, Nato head Jens Stoltenberg said there were no signs that Russia was preparing to deploy nuclear weapons. 'As President Biden said yesterday, we remain committed to the collective defence of the Nato alliance,' a White House national security council spokesperson said. Pictured: Joe Biden waves as he walks away after speaking during the League of Conservation Voters Annual Capital Dinner, at The Anthem in Washington, DC, on June 14, 2023 Nato head Jens Stoltenberg said there were no signs that Russia was preparing to deploy nuclear weapons, Alliance headquarters in Brussels, Belgium, 14 June 2023 A White House national security council spokesperson told The Times they condemned Karaganov's threats and suggestion of nuclear weapon use. They told the publication that his comments were 'reckless and irresponsible' and rubbished his reasoning that the US would not deploy nuclear weapons if a Nato ally came under attack by Moscow. 'As President Biden said yesterday, we remain committed to the collective defence of the Nato alliance,' the spokesperson told The Times. It comes as Belarus' President Alexander Lukashenko said his country has started taking delivery of Russian tactical nuclear weapons, some of which he said were three times more powerful than the atomic bombs the US dropped on Hiroshima and Nagasaki in 1945. The deployment is Moscow's first move of such warheads - shorter-range less powerful nuclear weapons that could potentially be used on the battlefield - outside Russia since the fall of the Soviet Union. The step is being watched closely by the United States and its allies as well as by China, which has repeatedly cautioned against the use of nuclear weapons in the Ukraine war. 'We have missiles and bombs that we have received from Russia,' Lukashenko said in an interview with the Rossiya-1 Russian state TV channel which was posted on the Belarusian Belta state news agency's Telegram channel. 'The bombs are three times more powerful than those (dropped on) Hiroshima and Nagasaki,' he said. Vladimir Putin (right) and Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko speak during their meeting at the Bocharov Ruchei residence, Sochi, Russia, June 9, 2023 Putin (left) and Lukashenko eat together as they hold a meeting at the Bocharov Ruchei residence Lukashenko, a close ally of Russian President Vladimir Putin, said separately on Tuesday that the nuclear weapons would be physically deployed on the territory of Belarus 'in several days' and that he had the facilities to host longer-range missiles too if ever needed. Putin said on Friday that Russia, which will retain control of the tactical nuclear weapons, would start deploying them in Belarus after special storage facilities to house them were made ready. The Russian leader announced in March he had agreed to deploy tactical nuclear weapons in Belarus, pointing to the U.S deployment of such weapons in a host of European countries over many decades. The United States has criticised Putin's decision but has said it has no intention of altering its own stance on strategic nuclear weapons and has not seen any signs that Russia is preparing to use a nuclear weapon. Lukashenko told Russian state TV in the same interview, which was released late on Tuesday, that his country had numerous nuclear storage facilities left over from the Soviet-era and had restored five or six of them. Lukashenko, who has allowed his country to be used by Russian forces attacking Ukraine as part of what Moscow calls its 'special military operation', has said the nuclear deployment would act as a deterrent against potential aggressors. Belarus borders three NATO member countries: Lithuania, Latvia and Poland. Texas Governor Greg Abbott announced he has dropped off the first bus load of migrants in Los Angeles after the Californian city declared itself a sanctuary for asylum seekers. A total of 21,600 migrants have been bussed across the country to Democrat-run cities during Abbott's transportation scheme. The latest group were dropped off at LA's Union Station this evening. LA joins New York City, Washington DC, Chicago, Philadelphia, and Denver as locations that migrants have been shipped to after crossing into Texas from Mexico. Earlier this month, Florida's Governor Ron DeSantis flew two planes of migrants to Sacramento in a bid to ease migrant tensions in his own state. Governor Abbott said in a statement tonight: 'Texas' small border towns remain overwhelmed and overrun by the thousands of people illegally crossing into Texas from Mexico because of President Biden's refusal to secure the border. Texas Governor Greg Abbott announced he has dropped off the first bus load of migrants in Los Angeles after the Californian city declared itself a sanctuary for asylum seekers The latest group were dropped off at LA 's Union Station this evening (stock image) 'Los Angeles is a major city that migrants seek to go to, particularly now that its city leaders approved its self-declared sanctuary city status. 'Our border communities are on the frontlines of President Biden's border crisis, and Texas will continue providing this much-needed relief until he steps up to do his job and secure the border.' In April 2022, Governor Abbott directed the Texas Division of Emergency Management to charter buses to transport migrants from Texas to Washington, D.C. Then the Governor added New York City, Chicago, and Philadelphia as additional drop-off locations last year. Last month, he added Denver as a destination. The Texas Gov has even dropped dozens of migrants on Vice President Kamala Harris' front door in DC during the scheme. And Florida adopted similar tactics - with DeSantis sending two planes filled with migrants to ritzy Martha's Vineyard island, off the coast of Massachusetts. A group of migrants wait in line after arriving from Texas, outside Port Authority Bus Terminal to receive humanitarian assistance on August 10, 2022 in New York Migrants arrive in NYC after being bussed from Texas After crossing the Rio Grande river, migrants await processing by US immigration officials during a vicious sandstorm in El Paso Abbott said that since launching the initiative to bus migrants away from his state, more than 21,600 people have been transported to the 'self-declared sanctuary cities.' He said that the plans have given 'much-needed relief to Texas' overwhelmed border communities.' This comes after Title 42 ended last month - causing an influx of people moving into the US via the border. The Title 42 rules had been in place since March 2020. The restrictions allowed border officials to quickly return asylum seekers back over the border on grounds of preventing the spread of COVID-19. U.S. authorities have unveiled strict new measures to replace Title 42, which crack down on illegal crossings while also setting up legal pathways for migrants who apply online, seek a sponsor and undergo background checks. A father from Venezuela feeds his 15-month-old son in the lobby of a police station where they have been staying with other migrant families since their arrival to Chicago, Illinois Mexican National Guard soldiers and local police put on a show of force along the Rio Grande river border in Ciudad Juarez, in Mexico If successful, the reforms could fundamentally alter how migrants arrive at the U.S.-Mexico border. Pandemic-era limits on asylum have been rarely discussed among many of tens of thousands of migrants massed on Mexico's border with the United States. Their eyes were - and are - fixed instead on a new U.S. government mobile app that grants 1,000 people daily an appointment to cross the border and seek asylum while living in the U.S. With demand far outstripping available slots, the app has been an exercise in frustration for many - and a test of the Biden administration's strategy of coupling new legal paths to entry with severe consequences for those who don't follow them. Phillip Schofield's convicted paedophile brother received almost 9,000 in legal aid during a harrowing court trial. Timothy Schofield's legal team were paid the sum from the time of his arrest in December 2021, to his appearances in court. In May, the 54-year-old was convicted of 11 sexual offences involving a child between October 2016 and October 2019, including two of sexual activity with a child, after a trial at Exeter Crown Court. He was jailed for 12 years. The civilian police worker from Bath, Somerset told the jury while giving evidence at his trial in April that he had watched pornography with the boy who he insisted was over the age of 16 at the time. He claimed they had performed sexual acts while sitting apart, but the jury found Schofield guilty on all counts with a majority of 10-2 after more than five-and-a-half hours of deliberation. Timothy Schofield was sentenced to 12 years for a slew of child sex offences including abusing a teenage boy he groomed It is thought the exact total legal aid cost of 8,752.44 will rise further, after the Legal Aid Commission revealed it has yet to receive all bills for the trial, according to The Sun. Earlier this month his brother, former This Morning presenter Phillip, revealed he has not spoken to his brother since he was arrested. Phillip turned his brother in to the police after learning of his crimes and revealed he has not spoken to him since the night of his arrest. He has also said that he still gets texts from the detective who helped bring Timothy to justice as 'we were so pleased with the result'. During the trial, jurors heard that Schofield told his elder brother Phillip in September 2021 that he and the complainant had watched pornography together. In a statement to the trial read by Mr Shellard, Phillip recalled how he received a phone call from his brother asking if he was 'able to talk'. 'He said that he was on the verge of killing himself. He said that his head was in a mess and everything was a mess. Tim was clearly very upset and I asked him if he could drive. Tim said yes he could, so I told him to drive to my home in London. Earlier this month his brother, former This Morning presenter Phillip, revealed he has not spoken to his brother since he was arrested. PICTURED: Phillip Schofield (left) with his mother Pat (centre) and brother Timothy (right) Timothy covers his face as he leaves Exeter Crown Court on May 30 during the trial 'Around two hours or so later Tim arrived and I could see he was in a state of heightened agitation. It was distressing to see him in such a state. He was as angry as I've ever seen him. The conversation was about how angry he was. He was furious, angry, ranting and raving.' Phillip tried to 'change the conversation' and asked what he was watching on TV and his brother was in 'floods of tears' as he described the series Pennyworth. Phillip said it was usual for him to cry when telling stories but 'this was crazy'. He went on: 'We ended up having dinner and I was washing up. Tim was standing behind me and he said you are going to hate me for what I'm about to say. I said there's nothing he could say that would make me hate him. 'He said [the alleged victim and him] had their time together and last year watched porn. 'I turned and said, 'What did you just say?' 'Schofield then said it 'was a moment we were together'. Tim said it was just this time and I told him it should never happen again.' The defendant then started describing the body of the alleged victim, and Phillip shouted: 'F***, stop!'. 'I told him that this had to stop,' the statement continued. 'I just didn't want to hear any of the details, but it sounded like it was just one time. 'I said I don't want you to tell me any more. Regardless of how it happened, it must never happen again. 'He said it was just [their] time. I said 'What the hell is that?'' Schofield said he never spoke with his brother about it again. Describing the distance between the siblings, he said: 'I don't have a relationship with Tim like a brother because there are seven years between us and I moved away when he was ten. 'I never spoke about what Tim told me ever again.' An embattled Sydney property developer remains on the run while wanted on fraud-related charges, with police accusing him of financial crimes dating back to 2021. NSW Police are trying to locate Jean Nassif, 55, who is believed to be living overseas after telling a parliamentary inquiry earlier this year he was in Lebanon. Mr Nassif is the owner of the Toplace Group, which has been described as one of Australia's largest privately owned development and construction companies. He is still at large, wanted over an outstanding warrant, despite sharing cryptic posts to his social media accounts. The father-of-five on Wednesday posted a photo of his mobile phone's screensaver: a picture of himself with wife Nisserine 'Nissy' Nassif and their three children. Embattled Sydney property developer Jean Nassif (pictured with wife Nisserine 'Nissy' Nassif) remains on the run while wanted on fraud charges Nassif, 55, is wanted over an outstanding warrant in relation to alleged fraud-related offences Investigations into Mr Nassif's whereabouts are ongoing, according to Detective Superintendent Peter Faux. 'We can't conclusively confirm where Mr Nassif is at the moment,' said Det Supt Faux. 'However, if he is offshore and overseas, then we'll commence the appropriate conversations.' Det Supt Faux confirmed he had not spoken to Mr Nassif 'recently', adding: 'It's been months since we believe he's been in the country.' He said, like with any alleged 'large-scale fraud matter', police are treating the allegations as serious. 'If anyone does have information in relation to what they believe might assist police, we'd be more than happy to speak to them.' Despite being wanted by police, Mr Nassif has continued his social media activity, recently posting cryptic comments on his Facebook page. One read, 'You go from being their soulmate and the center [sic] of their universe to nothing you ever did being good enough!' He also posted, 'You're left behind drained in every aspect of your life: mentally, emotionally, spiritually and often financially!' Mr Nassif is the father of lawyer Ashlyn Nassif, who has been accused of securing a $150million loan from the Westpac bank with an allegedly falsified property pre-sale contract in 2021. On Wednesday, the father-of-five posted this photo on Instagram of his mobile phone's screensaver: a picture of himself with wife Nisserine and their three children Nisserine Nassif went viral in 2019 when she posted a cringeworthy video of herself with her now-infamous yellow Lamborghini She has been charged with dishonestly obtaining financial advantage by deception and publishing false or misleading material to obtain advantage. Police will allege the 28-year-old submitted misleading contracts to meet a pre-sales condition for the Skyview Apartments at Castle Hill, in Sydney's north-west, in order to trigger the bank loan to enable construction of the development. Her father's firm, Toplace, was the developer behind the project. Two companies behind the construction site, 51 OCHR and JKN Finance, were placed into receivership in March. Mr Nassif is the director of both companies. Mr Nassif and his daughter are being investigated by the same strike force, and as part of her bail conditions she is prohibited from contacting her father. When asked why police had moved now after years of investigation, Det Supt Faux said the investigation had been 'extremely complex'. Earlier this year, Mr Nassif was called to appear before a NSW parliamentary inquiry into allegations of impropriety at Hills Shire council, but he declined to give evidence via video link from Lebanon for legal reasons. The Paramatta developer made headlines in 2019 when he gifted his wife a canary yellow Lamborghini worth almost half a million dollars. The gift exchange was posted in a video on Instagram that went viral and was widely described as 'cringe'. Mr Nassif famously said, 'Congratulations, Mrs Nassif. You like?' Jean and Nisserine Nassif have been contacted for comment. Peter Dutton has sensationally expelled Senator David Van from the Liberal party room after Lidia Thorpe doubled down on allegations she was sexually assaulted in Parliament House. The Liberal leader announced Senator Van would not sit in the party room while an investigation into Senator Thorpe's claims levelled against Mr Van is conducted. The former Green and now-independent senator doubled down on her claims she was subjected to inappropriate behaviour in Parliament House on Thursday, saying was 'followed aggressively, propositioned and inappropriately touched' by an unnamed man. Mr Van vehemently denies the allegations against him, which were first spoken in Parliament by Ms Thorpe on Wednesday, saying they are all untrue. In a brief statement, Mr Dutton said 'further allegations in relation to Senator Van' were brought to his attention overnight and this morning. Mr Dutton did not specify what the allegations were and did not take questions, but confirmed he was being suspended from the party room. Lidia Thorpe has doubled down on her allegations she was sexually assaulted under parliamentary privilege, claiming she was 'followed aggressively, propositioned and inappropriately touched' - but insisted she would not make a complaint with police The allegations prompted Liberal leader Peter Dutton to suspend David Van from the party room while the Parliament Workplace Support Service conducts an investigation Senator Thorpe tearfully told Parliament she never spoke publicly about her alleged experiences when they occurred, which she said happened around the time Brittany Higgins came forward with rape allegations and did not want to take the focus off that case. Ms Thorpe explained she placed her faith in the Liberal Party that her complaint was being taken seriously, and would not be taking the complaint to the police. Her allegations on Thursday followed her statement on Wednesday against the fellow Victorian senator, when she accused him of harassment and sexual assault. Ms Thorpe formally withdrew her comments four hours later to comply with standing orders. As Mr Dutton issued his statement, Mr Van simultaneously spoke in the Senate confirming he would no longer be sitting in the Liberal party room. His hands shook as he said: 'I do not wish this matter to stay in the Liberal Party that I have fought so hard for, so I accept that I will no longer be sitting in the party room.' But he maintained 'nothing she has said is true' and called for an investigation into 'these outrageous claims so they can be proved false'. Mr Dutton said the decision to remove Mr Van from the party room did not imply any judgement on 'any individual's guilt or innocence'. 'I wasn't aware of the detail of Senator Van moving office. But I've conducted inquiries in relation to that matter overnight,' he said. 'I'm advised that the action at the time that was taken was to the satisfaction of both Senator Thorpe and the Greens Senate leadership team.' On Thursday, Ms Thorpe doubled down on sex assault allegations, saying when she started in the senate in 2020, parliament was 'not a safe place' for women. 'You are often alone in long corridors, with no windows, in stairwells hidden from view where there are no cameras.' Mr Van issued a statement in the Senate on Thursday afternoon confirming he will no longer be sitting in the Liberal party room Ms Thorpe claimed she was propositioned 'by powerful men and approached in the stairwell'. She said there are 'different understandings of what amounts to sexual assault' and that when she raised her complaint with the government of the day - the Coalition - 'it was recognised as such'. 'I was afraid to walk out of the office door. I would open it slightly and make sure the coast was clear before stepping out,' she said. 'I had to be accompanied by someone - that is how the Greens supported me and I thank them for that.' Ms Thorpe told the Senate she was sure the then prime minister Scott Morrison had been informed. He said in a statement on Wednesday he did not recall if this was the case. 'I was convinced the government believed me... my faith in the Liberal Party was not the right decision,' Ms Thorpe said. 'Until yesterday, I thought they took the issue seriously.' Saying 'silence is violence', Ms Thorpe said she was prompted to speak out on Wednesday when Mr Van 'had the gall to stand up in parliament' to address the handling of Ms Higgins' complaint in parliament this week. She will not pursue legal action or go to police, but vowed to 'continue to speak out against the abuse and harassment that happens in this building'. 'That is my choice. I want to focus on making this place safe for everyone,' she added. 'And at this moment, it is not a safe place for women and I call on the government to immediately increase the number of security guards in the building and cameras in the corridors and to consult women who work here on what measures can and should be taken.' As Ms Thorpe finished detailing her new allegations and thanked the Senate, One Nation's Pauline Hanson - who sits next to Ms Thorpe - made a comment under her breath, to which Ms Thorpe responded: 'f**k off Pauline'. The Independent senator tearfully said she never spoke publicly about her alleged experience because it was at the same time that Brittany Higgins had come forward She told the Senate under parliamentary privilege she did not want to take away from Ms Higgins' experience, and placed her faith in the Liberal party that her complaint was being taken seriously Liberal Senator David Van (pictured) says the only time he touched Senator Lidia Thorpe was when shook her hand after her maiden speech following the explosive allegations Just hours earlier, Senator Van had vehemently denied her allegations for the third time - conceding, however, that he had moved offices after she made complaints. Mr Van said Ms Thorpe raised allegations then 'through her leadership to our leadership' that he closely 'followed her into the chamber' in 2021, and that left her feeling 'uncomfortable'. Mr Van said bumping into her in the corridors of parliament as they made their way into the Senate was unavoidable given the proximity of their offices. 'At times I've been in front of her, at times I have been behind her, but at no time did I harass her... I barely even said hello,' he said. What is parliamentary privilege? Parliamentary privilege protects politicians from being sued for defamation over comments made within the chamber. The policy enables full and open discussion in parliament and is there to ensure comprehensive discussion of matters without fear of criminal or civil retribution. Advertisement In response to Ms Thorpe's complaint, Mr Van said he was 'offered another office' further away from hers and accepted it. In her initial bombshell speech to parliament, Ms Thorpe said: 'I just want to relay I'm feeling really uncomfortable when a perpetrator is speaking about violence. 'This person harassed me, sexually assaulted me, and the prime minister had to remove him from his office. 'And to have him talking about this today is an absolute disgrace. On the whole party.' Mr Van categorically denied the allegations immediately afterward in the Senate, several hours later in a media statement and again this morning on 2GB. 'I can say I think with some surety the only time I've ever even touched her would have been shaking her hand after her maiden speech,' he said. 'I have not harassed her in any way, shape or form.' Mr Van vehemently denied the allegations on Wednesday, insisting 'it is simply not true', prompting Senator Thorpe to storm out of the Senate. Above with his partner Nerilee Canberra press gallery rising star Stela Todorovic has quit Network 10 after the ABC's Ashleigh Raper was hired to be the troubled channel's new federal political editor. The recruitment of the ABC's NSW state parliament reporter is being hailed as a major coup for the beleaguered station after it spent months trying to replace Peter van Onselen, who quit in February. But Todorovic's exit is just the latest in an exodus of on-screen talent and backroom staff leaving the TV network in the past year. Ten's Canberra bureau was at the centre of an ongoing lawsuit by reporter Tegan George who alleged it was 'sexually hostile, demeaning and oppressive'. 'The network is a shambles,' said one insider. 'They strung on Stela for months while looking over her shoulder to see who else was available. 'She's a great reporter with established contacts in Canberra and would have made an excellent political editor for them.' Canberra press gallery reporter Stela Todorovic (pictured) has quit Network 10 after the ABC's Ashleigh Raper was brought in to be the troubled channel's new political editor The recruitment of the ABC's NSW state parliament reporter Ashleigh Raper (pictured) is being hailed as a major coup for the beleaguered network It's understood several candidates were approached for the prestigious job but declined before Raper was tempted to leave the ABC for the commercial network. But throughout the prolonged recruitment process, Todorovic was kept on the sidelines while also still undergoing a series of gruelling job interviews. TV insiders say Todorovic was being disrespectfully kept as the back-up option if Ten was unable to find a high-profile alternative. It's understood she had the backing of Paramount CEO Beverley McGarvey, but the final decision was made by news director Martin White last week. White plumped for Raper, 39, who became a high-profile ABC reporter on TV screens during the Covid pandemic after 15 years with the national broadcaster. 'Ashleigh's track record speaks for itself,' White said on Thursday. 'She's a journo of the highest quality, with a history of covering big political stories and elections. I'm thrilled she's joining Ten and can't wait for her to get started.' Sydney-born Raper, who starts with Ten next month, said she was thrilled to be moving to federal parliament in Canberra. She began her career in regional radio reporting for ABC Orange and ABC Newcastle, before returning to Sydney to continue her career in radio as a newsreader for Triple J and later moving into TV. 'It's a dream come true to head to the nation's capital and cover politics at a time when the issues are impacting people like never before,' she said on Thursday. 'I can't wait to join Network 10 and the team in Canberra.' Ashleigh Raper replaces Peter van Onselen (pictured) - who was at the centre of reporter Tegan George's lawsuit allegations - after he quit the network in February The work of Stela Todorovic (pictured) was hailed by her bosses at Ten who paid tribute to her impact over the past three years with the broadcaster Raper replaces van Onselen, who was at the centre of George's lawsuit allegations, after he quit in February, and who has since voiced concerns over Ten's viability. He is now being sued by Ten over a recent column in The Australian for breaching a 'non-disparagement' clause in his exit deal with the broadcaster. He called the channel the 'minnow of Australian commercial television' and said parent company Paramount's plunging share price could spell 'disaster' for Ten. The Project stars Carrie Bickmore and Peter Helliar have all left the TV station recently along with Dr Chris Brown, while key backroom news staff have also exited. The Project is currently at the centre of controversy and legal action over its explosive interview with Brittany Higgins, which later saw Lisa Wilkinson quit the show. On Thursday, Todorovic confirmed she too was now leaving, and added: 'Network 10 has made its decision and now the logical thing for me to do is consider better options outside of the network.' Her work was hailed by her bosses at Ten who paid tribute to her impact over the past three years with the broadcaster. 'Stela is a dedicated and respected political reporter based in Network 10's Canberra Bureau,' said a spokesman. 'During the last three years, Stela has reported on the big stories coming out of Canberra, joined the campaign trail for the 2022 Federal Election and fronted the Women of The House podcast series for Network 10. 'We wish Stela all the best.' A 'frustrated' British couple who have lived in Australia for eight years are about to be booted out of the country because they are 'too old' to get permanent residency. Glenn Tunnicliff, 57, and wife Sheena, 50, have been ordered to leave within seven weeks after they were unable to secure permanent residency due to various visa changes since arriving in Perth in 2015. They moved from East Sussex in the UK to start a new life with their two daughters Tamzin and Molly who are now 21 and 18 - as well as their jack russell Roxy. The family settled in Warwick in the north of Perth with Mr Tunnicliff getting a job as a plasterer while his wife opened her own Helloworld travel franchise - where she now employs three people. Their girls are now starting out on their own careers with Tamzin working as a nurse while Molly is studying Auslan (Australian Sign Language). Glenn Tunnicliff, 57, and wife Sheena, 50, (pictured with their daughters) have been ordered to leave within seven weeks after they were unable to secure permanent residency due to various visa changes since arriving in Perth in 2015 Glenn and wife Sheena (pictured together with their dog, Roxy) moved from East Sussex in the UK to start a new life with their two daughters Tamzin and Molly who are now 21 and 18 - as well as their jack russell Roxy. The family (pictured) settled in Warwick in Perth's north and call Australia their home The couple (pictured together with their daughters in Australia) have been told to leave the country in August because they are 'too old' to gain permanent residency But now the family have been told to leave the country by August 4 as the age limit to gaining permanent residency (PR) - the pathway to citizenship - is 45 years. Age rules for Australian permanent residency visa A permanent residency, known as PR, allows migrants to stay in Australia for good and eventually get Australian citizenship. But the age limit for gaining permanent residency - and the various permanent skilled visas - is 45. This means that Britons who are over 45 years old - like Glenn Tunnicliff, 57, and Sheena, 50 - are no longer eligible for the permanent residency visa, meaning they must leave the country. The most recent set of changes to the age rules came into force on 1 July 2017. It reduced the maximum age for immigrating to Australia from 50 to 45. Advertisement 'We don't want to go back to the UK - we've made a life here, ' Sheena told 9News. 'Now we are over that magic figure of 45 there is no route to PR for us. Australia classes us as too old [but] we are the ones with the experience and training.' The family are all on Mr Tunnicliff's work visa as his plastering skills are in high demand across the country. But the company that sponsors him is about to close down which will leave the family without a way to get a permanent visa. Mrs Tunnicliff said it was no use to look for a new sponsor as it still wouldn't lead to a PR because of the age limit. She added the pair have spent $80,000 (63,200) on visas over the years while not always getting the best advice from agents. Tamzin can stay in the country because of her career choice but Molly will have to leave as she won't qualify for a student visa due to the course she is studying. And the family doubt their dog Roxy, who is 14, will be able to come on the flight back with them due to its age. Immigration law specialist Joanne Kinslor said the working lives and economic contributions of older skilled migrants are likely to be a smaller priority than that of younger migrants. The principal solicitor at Kinslor Prince Lawyers added the community benefits from skilled migrants but also has to support them in providing Medicare and pensions to those who are older. Tamzin (pictured, with her parents) can stay in the country because of her nursing career choice but younger sister Molly will have to leave as she won't qualify for a student visa Glenn Tunnicliff (pictured) and his wife must leave Australia in August this year 'The age limit in place for the vast majority of skilled migrants arises from a policy concern that the working lives and economic contributions of older skilled migrants are likely to be smaller than that of younger migrants,' Kinslor said. But migration agent Mateja Rautner slammed the 45-year-old age limit, calling it 'unreasonable' amid fierce international competition for skilled migrants. 'The Australian government is actively promoting Australia as the destination for skilled migrants and we are amid global competition for talent and yet we are limiting the options for skilled words over 45,' Rautner told 9News. A Department of Home Affairs spokesman told Daily Mail Australia immigration minister Andrew Giles was not able to comment on individual cases due to privacy rules. In February, Home Affairs Minister Clare O'Neil said Australia's migration system is 'broken' and in need of a fundamental overhaul and a 'radical simplification'. Dicara accidentally shot himself and woke up from the nightmare, only for police to charge him with several firearms offences While dreaming he was the victim of a home invasion, he grabbed a .357 Magnum revolver and took aim at the 'intruder' Mark Dicara, 62, accidentally shot himself in the leg while he was asleep on the evening of April 10 An Illinois man is facing two felony firearms charges after accidentally shooting himself in his sleep while dreaming about a home invasion. Mark Dicara, 62, mistakenly believed a burglar was breaking into his home after he dozed off on the night of April 10. While dreaming he was fending off a criminal, he grabbed his .357 Magnum revolver and fired a shot into the darkness, only to wake himself up after inadvertently shooting himself in the leg. Dicara was rushed to hospital when police found him losing a 'significant amount of blood', and investigators would later discover he used the revolver without a state-mandated Firearm Owners Identification Card. Mark Dicara, 62, accidentally shot himself in the leg while he was asleep after dreaming he was being ambushed by a home invader An investigation into the shooting found that when Dicara discharged the gun, the bullet went through his leg before lodging in his bedding. After deputies found Dicara gushing blood from the wound, they applied a tourniquet to his led and sent him to a local hospital for treatment. No one else was harmed, and authorities quickly established that no home invasion had ever occurred in the home. It was concluded that Dicara violated Illinois state firearms law as while he previously owned an identification card, it had been revoked. Officials have not confirmed the reasons his license was revoked, or when it occurred. According to his LinkedIn profile, Dicara is a semi-retired attorney licensed to practice law in Illinois and Wisconsin. Dicara (pictured) is facing federal charges of possession of a firearm without a valid FOID card and reckless discharge of a firearm Following his arrest, the Lake County State's Attorney's Office announced it would be pursuing charges against Dicara for possession of a firearm without a valid FOID card. He was also charged with reckless discharge of a firearm for his unconscious shot. The charges are considered Class 3 and Class 4 felonies, respectively. Dicara is scheduled to appear in court June 29 after posting $150,000 bond. The two cops police officers and innocent neighbour who were gunned down at the start of a siege in rural Queensland had no interactions with their killers before being gunned down, a court has been told. A coronial inquest began at the Brisbane Magistrates Court on Thursday into the fatal shootout at Wieambilla in Queensland's Western Downs on Dec. 12 last year. Brothers Nathaniel and Gareth Train and his wife Stacey murdered constables Rachel McCrow, 29, and Matthew Arnold, 26, who had attended the Wains Rd property on an inquiry about the whereabouts of Nathaniel, a former teacher who went missing months earlier. The cold-blooded murders of two cops and an innocent neighbour in what has been called a religiously-motivated terror attack were captured on camera, showing all three had no interactions with their murderers before being gunned down, a court has been told. Members of the Train family brothers Nathaniel and Gareth Train, and his wife Stacey murdered constables Rachel McCrow, 29 (pictured), and Matthew Arnold, 26, when they attended the Wains Rd property on December 12 last year The two officers were ambushed and shot dead, while a third constable, Keely Brough, fled into bushland under gunfire while a fourth officer, Randall Kirk, was injured. Neighbour Alan Dare, 58, who had gone to investigate the commotion was also shot dead by the Trains. Heavily armed police later shot all three members of the Train family dead during a lengthy siege later that night. On Thursday, state coroner Terry Ryan said his inquiry would look at whether the deaths of the officers and Mr Dare were preventable and what can be learnt for future police operations. 'A very comprehensive investigation into these matters is being undertaken,' he told the court. Ruth O'Gorman KC, counsel assisting the coroner, said constables McCrow and Arnold jumped the fence of the property in the afternoon of December 12, with their bodycams revealing what then happened. 'The bodywork camera footage of both officers demonstrated there were no interactions with the people on the property,' she said. The court was told shots were fired at constable Brough and the family lit fires while she hid in the bushland. They also set fire to the police vehicle at the front of the property. Matthew Arnold, 26 (pictured), was also killed during the shooting at Wiembilla in December Around 5.30pm, Alan Dare (pictured) and another man went to the property to investigate the fires that had been started Around 5.30pm, Mr Dare and another man went to the property to investigate the fires that had been started. Mr Dare's fatal shooting was captured on his own video, again demonstrating no interactions with the Trains, Ms O'Gorman said. None of the Trains had any criminal histories and there were questions about why the family had acted in this way. During later investigations, police determined the Trains followed an extremist Christian ideology known as 'premillennialism' the belief Jesus Christ would return to earth after a period of extreme suffering. Diary entries from Stacey made references to police as 'demons' Chilling YouTube videos uploaded by Gareth and Stacey just hours after the shooting where they admitted to the shooting were also discovered. Ms O'Gorman said interviews, 152 witness statements, walk-throughs of the property and forensic examination of the bodies had all been undertaken by the Queensland Police's Ethical Standards Command. It also included the previous activities of the Train trio, as well as their online postings. Ms O'Gorman said investigations were not expected to be completed until the end of the year. Heavily armed police later shot all members of the Train family dead during a lengthy siege later that night Heavily armed police later shot all members of the Train family dead during a lengthy siege later that night (pictured, Nathaniel Train) She revealed they could not give a time frame of when the coronial investigation would take place, or how long it would run for, aside from stating it would not likely be listed until 2024. Earlier this year, Queensland Police Deputy Commissioner Tracy Linford said there was evidence the trio acted as an 'autonomous cell' and had 'planned' the attack. An examination of the property discovered mounted steel barriers, dirt mounds and mirrors placed on trees in preparation for the attack, along with a trap door in their house for any escape. The court was told the inquest would be expected to cover a variety of issues, including the police response to Nathaniel's missing persons report, his entry into Queensland, the missing persons broadcast and communication between the NSW and Queensland Police. 'What did NSW Police know about Nathaniel and Gareth Train at that time, and what did they communicate?' Ms O'Gorman said. 'Where there any red flags that should have been known?' Other topics would cover the decision to send the four constables to the property, the circumstances of Mr Dare's shooting, what ammunition and weapons were used by the Trains and whether they had been illegally obtained. The inquest will also look at whether the officers were appropriately trained in firearm use. A further pre-inquest conference will be held next year. A woman who was asked to tip at an airport self-checkout kiosk has gone viral after posting a picture of the request, drawing fury and disbelief. Reddit user u/_seaweed_ posted a photo of the transaction in the forum r/mildlyinfuriating, revealing in the comments that the incident occurred at Newark Liberty International Airport in New Jersey. The post has drawn 109,000 interactions and more than 4,600 comments, with some expressing their skepticism that America's tipping mania now extends to self-service transactions. However, others travelers have shared similar photos from the same self-checkout kiosk, which appears to be at a CIBO Express Gourmet Market, confirming that it is real. Last month, Reuters tech correspondent Anna Tong snapped a photo of the tip screen as she purchased a packaged salad, asking in a tweet: 'I'm at Newark Airport being asked to tip on a self checkout transaction - how much should I tip?' A Reddit user drew disbelief when she revealed she was asked to tip on a self-checkout transaction at a CIBO Express Gourmet Market in Newark's airport OTG, which operates the CIBO Express airport store chain, said that that tips at self-checkout machines are pooled among staff working that shift Tong did not reveal her tipping decision, but did say in a follow-up tweet that the salad was 'terrible'. The photo shows a tip request for the purchase of a $6.39 bottle of Vita coconut water and $14.99 chicken Caesar wrap. After tax, and a 3 percent 'fee' to cover state-mandated employer contributions to airport employee heath-care plans, the total for the order comes to $23.05. The prompt screen asks 'would you like to leave a tip?' and helpfully suggests three options: a 15 percent tip of $3.31, an 18 percent tip of $3.85, and a 20 percent tip of $4.28. Reddit users were left baffled, with one commenting: 'Tip who exactly?' 'This is especially annoying given how overpriced everything is at the airport. Then they have the nerve to ask for a tip,' another commented. 'This is getting out of hand, I think we need legislation to require a no tip option and ban automatically adding them to a bill,' wrote another user. Last month, Reuters tech correspondent Anna Tong snapped a photo of the tip screen as she purchased a packaged salad Management company OTG, which operates the CIBO Express store, and the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey, which runs Newark Liberty, did not immediately respond to requests for comment from DailyMail.com late on Wednesday. But last month, an OTG spokesman told the Wall Street Journal that all money collected as a tip is paid out to employees, and that tips at self-checkout machines are pooled among staff working that shift. 'It is always our goal to create valuable experiences for our guests while taking care of our crew members, and the option to leave a tip if you have received assistance allows us to do both,' the spokesman said. The Journal's report included interviews with several miffed travelers who encountered the tip request at self-checkouts at OTG stores. Garrett Bemiller, 26, said he refused to tip for a bottle of water at an OTG gift shop in Newark Liberty. 'Just the prompt in general is a bit of emotional blackmail,' he told the Journal. Warren Williamson, 35, said he had a similar experience at an OTG in Houston's Bush Intercontinental Airport in March, saying: 'I thought maybe I was going crazy.' The controversy comes amid widespread backlash over 'tipflation' which has seen tipping culture spill out from bars and restaurants and into coffee shops and takeout stores. A TikTok user called Mia complained she had been asked to tip at an airport. She captioned the video: 'This is getting out of control' Historically in the US, tips were only expected at restaurants and bars - or other venues where people were waited on by servers. But recently convenience stores and coffee shops have started to implement iPad point-of-sale machines which ask customers if they wish to add gratuity before they complete the grab-and-go transaction. While they can say no, shoppers have often complained they felt 'guilt-tripped' into agreeing to the surcharge. Square, a technology firm which powers many iPad check-outs, said transactions with tips attached had increased by 17 percent over the last year at full-service restaurants. At quick-service take-away outlets, they have increased by 16 percent since the final quarter of 2022. Legally, employers are obligated to give tips directly to their workers but some businesses have faced lawsuits over the years for failing to do so. Australians heading to Europe next year will be forced to fill out some paperwork and be slapped with a fee to enter 30 countries. About 1.4 billion people from over 60 countries will have to apply to be placed on the European Travel Information and Authorisation System (ETIAS) from 2024. Italy, Greece, Spain, Sweden and Croatia are just a few of the places which will require travellers to reapply every three years or whenever their passport expires for renewed access to the continent. Australians heading to Europe next year will be forced to fill out some paperwork and be slapped with a fee to enter 30 countries The application can be filled out online or on a mobile app and carries a seven euro ($AUD 11) fee. The ETIAS is an electronic system which keeps track of visitors from visa-exempt countries who enter most European nations. The process has been in the works for about seven years but is expected to be operational in 2024. A valid authorisation will allow travellers to enter the European countries as often as they want for short-term stays of up to 90 days every six months. However, entry will still be dependent on regular entry conditions to a country including a passport and any other relevant travel documents. Australians are not the only ones being hit with the new fee, with some European nations also preparing to be added to the list. About 1.4 billion people from over 60 countries will have to apply to be placed on the European Travel Information and Authorisation System (ETIAS) from 2024 The United Kingdom, Albania, Serbia, Israel, the United States and Canada are among those who will have to apply to enter most of Europe. Ukrainians who were displaced as a result of the Russian military invasion will also be required to apply for the ETIAS. The European Union has advised that most applications will be processed within minutes, but still warns tourists should submit their application well in advance of buying a flight or booking accommodation. Elvis Presley's granddaughter has agreed to pay his wife Priscilla $1.4 million to take control of the family trust. Riley Keough, 34, has been at loggerheads with her grandmother Priscilla, 78, since the death of Riley's mother Lisa Marie Presley in January, at the age of 54. The pair reached a deal in May, but the terms were confidential. On Wednesday, it emerged that Keough had paid $1 million to her grandmother to relinquish control of Lisa Marie's estate. She also paid $400,000 to cover Presley's legal fees, according to People, which obtained the documents. Presley lost the right to be buried at Graceland next to her husband, according to The New York Post. Lawyers for Priscilla Presley and Riley Keough (pictured in 2016 in Hollywood) announced last month at a Los Angeles probate court that the two had 'reached a settlement'. On Wednesday it emerged Presley would be paid $1.4 million by Keough for control of Lisa Marie's estate Lisa Marie is pictured two days before her death, at the Golden Globe Awards in LA On Monday, Keough filed paperwork requesting the court finalize the arrangement regarding the trust of her late mother, some five months after Lisa Marie's death following multiple cardiac arrests. Keough's lawyers said the finalizing of the agreement would prevent 'the spectacle' of the family battling through the courts, which was not what Lisa Marie would have wanted. 'In settling the claims pending in Priscilla's Petition, the parties are saving significant legal fees by avoiding litigation, and they are likewise avoiding the spectacle of intra-family litigation that would have been inimical to Lisa's wishes and not in the best interests of the family,' wrote Keough's lawyer, Justin Gold. Presley, in a statement to The New York Post, insisted she had not sued her granddaughter. 'My family has resolved all confusion as it relates to our plea to the court and request for document interpretation after my daughter Lisa Marie's untimely passing,' she said. 'Although the media identified such a plea as a lawsuit, I want to make clear that there was never any lawsuit filed against my beloved granddaughter. 'As a family, we are pleased that we resolved this together. My family and I hope that everyone will grant us the privacy we have needed to properly grieve Lisa Marie and spend personal time together. 'We love and appreciate all of you and the Presley family is stronger than ever.' Riley Keough, 34, has officially become the sole trustee of her mother's estate after coming to an agreement with her grandmother, Priscilla Presley As well as being the sole trustee of Lisa Marie's estate, Keough is also the sub-trusts for her 14-year-old twin sisters Harper and Finley Lockwood. Keough is set to invest the money 'in a manner consistent with the needs of the beneficiaries, and not influenced by the desire of a Trustee,' according to her lawyer. The latest transaction involving the Santa Monica, California, native comes after she and her grandmother Priscilla, 78, came to an accord in May after lawyers for both parties announced at a Los Angeles probate court that a settlement had been reached. Following the testy months-long legal battle, Keough 'doesn't want any drama with her grandmother,' sources close to the actress said. 'Riley is relieved to have settled the dispute over her mom's estate,' an insider told People. The granddaughter of Elvis Presley 'is still grieving her mom,' who died shockingly at the age of 54 in January after going into cardiac arrest at her Calabasas home. When the legal tussle broke out between Keough and Priscilla, Keough 'was hoping they could reach a settlement quickly,' the source added. The source said the tension with Priscilla 'has been very tough for' Keough, who is mother to a baby daughter with husband Ben Smith-Petersen. 'She wants to focus on making memories with her own daughter now,' the insider told the magazine. 'This is her priority.' Riley Keough, Lisa Marie Presley and Priscilla Presley were pictured in June of 2022 at the Elvis premiere in Memphis Priscilla's attorney Ronson Shamoun told DailyMail.com she was happy when the settlement was reached, and 'the families are happy and unified and together and excited for the future.' Asked if Keough was happy with the settlement, her attorney Justin Gold told DailyMail.com: 'She would not have agreed to the settlement if she was not happy with it.' Only two weeks after Lisa Marie's death in January, her mother Priscilla filed a legal challenge to her daughter's will - which gave control of Lisa Marie's wealthy Promenade Trust to her daughter Keough. Keough, who was reportedly furious when her grandmother went to court to protest the will, did not file an objection to Priscilla's challenge. Keough always supported her mother during her drawn out, often nasty divorce and child custody disputes with her fourth husband, musician Michael Lockwood, 62, father of Lisa Marie's twin, 14-year-old daughters, Finley and Harper. It's been reported Priscilla and Lisa Marie were 'barely speaking' just before the latter's death after Priscilla sided with Lockwood over custody of the twins. Multiple sources told People the mother and daughter were not on speaking terms, despite appearing at multiple events together, including the premiere for the Elvis biopic starring Austin Butler. 'Riley was always on her mom's side when it came to Michael [Lockwood],' one source told the magazine. 'It bothered her that her grandmother and Michael flew to [Lisa Marie's] funeral together.' Police have launched an urgent search for the teen daughter of a Massachusetts mayor, who went missing from a treatment center in Ohio. Riley O'Connell, 18, was last seen around 1am Wednesday near the Evoke Wellness addiction treatment facility in Hilliard, Ohio, a suburb on the outskirts of Columbus, police said. The teen was not wearing shoes when she disappeared and is without her vital medication, according to information shared by her mother Shaunna O'Connell, who is the mayor of Taunton, Massachusetts. 'Last night my daughter, Riley OConnell, went missing from the Evoke Wellness facility in Ohio where she has been receiving therapy for over a month in her long-term battle with mental health issues,' wrote Shaunna O'Connell in a heartbreaking Facebook post. Missing teen Riley O'Connell is seen with parents Ted and Shaunna, who is the mayor of Taunton, Massachusetts and made an urgent appeal for the girl's safe return 'Ted and I are devastated and extremely worried about her safety and well being,' she added. 'We are working with the facility, police and missing persons to find her as soon as possible to bring her home. We are praying for Riley's safe return. Please keep Riley in your thoughts and prayers.' In a statement, the Hilliard Police Department said Riley was last seen in the area of the 5400 Scioto Darby Road at about 1am on Wednesday, wearing black shorts and a pink shirt. However, a missing person flier shared by the teen's mother said she was last seen wearing red shorts and a white tank top. The flier described the teen as having long blonde hair with red tips, standing five-foot-five and weighing 130 pounds. Riley O'Connell, 18, was last seen around 1am Wednesday near the Evoke Wellness addiction treatment facility in Hilliard, Ohio, a suburb on the outskirts of Columbus It also noted that the teen might be going under the aliases 'Tiffany Rose' or 'Tiffany Silva'. Riley's mother Shaunna O'Connell has served as Taunton's mayor since January 2020. A Republican, she previously served as a member of the Massachusetts House of Representatives. Anyone with information on the whereabouts of Riley O'Connell is urged to immediately contact the Hilliard Police Department at 614-334-2324. She said her family believed the body was in the 'best hands possible', but now fears parts may have been sold on the black market Sarah Hill has slammed Harvard Medical School after learning her aunt Christine Eppich's remains may have been tampered with A woman who gave her aunt's body to Harvard Medical School said she felt 'sick' after learning the esteemed university's former morgue manager has been accused of selling hundreds of corpses for profit. Sarah Hill said her beloved aunt Christine Eppich had always planned to donate her body to the college's renowned Anatomical Gifts program. Following her death from pancreatic cancer in March 2021, Hill said her relatives assumed the remains were in 'the best hands possible' - but now realizes she may have been subjected to a disturbing fate. Cedric Lodge, the ex-manager of the school's morgue, and several others were indicted on Wednesday over an alleged scheme where they sold body parts from cadavers on the black market. 'You know you give your loved one to a program like Harvard and you think that everything will be done properly, and that people would never profit from something like this,' she told Boston25. Christine Eppich (pictured) had planned for years before her death to give her body to Harvard Medical School for research and education Eppich's niece Sarah Hill (pictured) said she felt 'sick' learning her aunt's remains may have been sold or tampered with in a disturbing human body trafficking ring Hill spoke of her disgust at the thought of her aunt's remains being sold on the black market, after Eppich only donated her body with good intentions. 'She was my favorite aunt. She worked with special needs children and adults and everyone loved Christine,' she added. While the family received Eppich's remains back last fall, their time in storage has left her relatives with unanswered questions over what may have happened behind closed doors. 'Christine wanted other people to benefit from her passing so that she could be studied,' Hill continued. 'So that the doctors of the future or tomorrow could study her body and find not only a cure for pancreatic cancer but for some other, you know, disease. 'And we as family members gave her body to Harvard thinking that she was in the best hands possible.' She said after learning of the twisted scheme, she called the Harvard program's 24-hour hotline, who regrettably told her Eppich's name was on the 'potentially affected list'. Prosecutors have brought a litany of charges against Harvard's former morgue manager after he allegedly trafficked body parts from the morgue for profit. He was arrested Wednesday alongside several others including his wife Denise Lodge, 63, and Katrina Maclean, 44, who runs ominous small business Kat's Creepy Creations in Peabody, Massachusetts. The group was allegedly involved in a depraved black market system that stole body parts including heads, brains, skin and other body parts and sold them. Hill (right) said Eppich (left) decided to give her remains to science for 'other people to benefit from her passing' Cedric Lodge (pictured) is said to have stolen the remains from cadavers donated to the prestigious university for scientific research and education. The twisted human remains trafficking system was allegedly carried out by the former morgue manager of Harvard Medical School (pictured) The morgue manager is accused of stealing remains from cadavers donated to the prestigious university for scientific research and education. According to the federal indictment filing, Lodge took the dissected body parts to his home in Goffstown, New Hampshire, where he and his wife Denise, sold them on as part of a national network of human remains traffickers. Some of the remains were allegedly even shipped through the United States Postal Service and were paid for on platforms including PayPal. Lodge had worked at Harvard since 1995 until the Medical School terminated his employment on May 6 this year. 'At times, he used his access to the morgue to allow Katrina MacLean, Joshua Taylor and others to enter the morgue and choose what remains to purchase,' the indictment adds. Several buyers have also been named in the indictment including Jeremy Pauley (pictured) Alleged buyer Katrina MacLean, of Salem, Massachusetts, who owned and operated a business called Kat's Creepy Creations in Peabody, Massachusetts Maclean is also accused of selling on the remains he obtained to other buyers in multiple states including to Jeremy Pauley Pauley, 40, had previously been arrested and charged for abuse of a corpse, receiving stolen property and dealing in the proceeds of unlawful activities His alleged conspirator Maclean is also accused of selling the remains to other buyers in multiple states, including to Jeremy Pauley of Enola and Bloomsburg, Pennsylvania. Pauley, 40, had previously been arrested and charged for abuse of a corpse, receiving stolen property and dealing in the proceeds of unlawful activities last summer. In October 2020 Maclean sold two dissected faces and skin to Pauley for $600, who was hired to tan the skin and make it into leather before shipping it back to Maclean. The indictment states that Pauley transferred $8,800 to MacLean and 25 payments totaling $40,049.04 to Taylor via PayPal. Pauley also purchased body parts that were stolen from a crematorium in Little Rock, Arkansas, by Candace Chapman Scott, according to a statement from the Department for Justice. 'Some crimes defy understanding,' United States Attorney Gerard M. Karam said in a statement about the indictments. 'The theft and trafficking of human remains strikes at the very essence of what makes us human. 'It is particularly egregious that so many of the victims here volunteered to allow their remains to be used to educate medical professionals and advance the interests of science and healing. 'For them and their families to be taken advantage of in the name of profit is appalling. With these charges, we are seeking to secure some measure of justice for all these victims.' In a statement George Q. Daley, the Dean of the Faculty of Medicine at Harvard described Lodge's behavior as 'an abhorrent betrayal' and 'morally reprehensible.' 'We are appalled to learn that something so disturbing could happen on our campus a community dedicated to healing and serving others. 'The reported incidents are a betrayal of HMS and, most importantly, each of the individuals who altruistically chose to will their bodies to HMS through the Anatomical Gift Program to advance medical education and research. 'We are so very sorry for the pain this news will cause for our anatomical donors families and loved ones, and HMS pledges to engage with them during this deeply distressing time.' Fallen war hero Ben Roberts-Smith found support from a member of the public when he flew back into Australia from New Zealand on Wednesday night. As Mr Roberts-Smith made his way through Perth Airport a middle-aged man passing by pointed his finger at the Victoria Cross winner and said: 'Thank you for your service mate'. The Afghanistan veteran responded by saying: 'Thank you mate. Appreciate it'. Mr Roberts-Smith broke his silence for the first time since losing his long-running defamation case by saying he was 'devastated' by the result. Australia's most decorated living soldier was first spotted in Queenstown Airport in New Zealand boarding a flight to Australia before touching down in Perth. Australia's most decorated living soldier was first spotted in Queenstown Airport in New Zealand boarding a flight to Australia on Wednesday before touching down in Perth The sighting came ten days after Mr Roberts-Smith lost his defamation action against The Age, Sydney Morning Herald and The Canberra Times. He spoke about the judgment for the first time as he touched down in his home town alongside girlfriend Sarah Matulin. 'It's a terrible outcome. It's the incorrect outcome,' he told reporters. 'We haven't done anything wrong so we won't be making any apologies.' Mr Roberts-Smith said he was 'proud' of how he acted when serving for Australia. Ms Matulin, who wore a comfy white jumper and black leggings, was flanked by airport police as she waited for her boyfriend to speak to the waiting media. The 44-year-old told reporters he would be looking to consider whether to file an appeal against the decision. The former Special Air Service corporal had been seen in Bali the day before the verdict of the 'trial of the century' was handed down. The former SAS soldier arrived in his home town of Perth joined by girlfriend Sarah Matulin Justice Anthony Besanko ruled that the allegations against Mr Roberts-Smith, which include war crimes and murders, were proven to a civil standard of the balance of probabilities. Mr Roberts-Smith has not faced any criminal charges. In the wake of the findings, many have called for Mr Roberts-Smith to be stripped of his medals, including the Victoria Cross, and to have mention of him removed from the Australian War Memorial. Meanwhile, former SAS captain and federal MP Andrew Hastie, who testified against Mr Roberts-Smith at the defamation trial, has spoken about the judgment. He said sadness and relief at the finding. 'Sadness for the Afghan lives lost and the families who are hurt, sadness for the relationships severed and sadness for the reputations destroyed, both individually and at the institutional level with the SASR particularly,' he told the ABC. 'Relief, though, that the cold hard truth that many of the regiment have been carrying inside them for many years, is now out in the public domain and it has been validated by a Federal Court Justice.' Mr Hastie, who is now the Opposition defence spokesman, praised the soldiers that raised the claims. 'They've shown moral courage. They've been brave,' Mr Hastie told the ABC. 'I honour their work, because it's they who have demonstrated that the regiment has a moral pulse, that the regiment can self-correct. And it's they who have repudiated the toxic culture and behaviour.' The Brereton inquiry into alleged war crimes in Afghanistan, which handed down its report in 2021, found credible evidence 39 Afghan civilians were killed by Australian special forces during the war. It identified 25 current or former ADF personnel as alleged perpetrators, either as principals or accessories. A Colorado plastic surgeon has been found guilty on attempted manslaughter charges over the death of a teenage patient who died 14 months after he botched her breast enhancement surgery. Dr. Geoffrey Kim, 52, admitted he didn't call 911 for five hours after then 18-year-old Emmalyn Nguyen went into cardiac arrest when she was given anesthesia by nurse Rex Meeker on August 1, 2019. A jury found him guilty of attempted reckless manslaughter and guilty of obstructing a telephone after he failed to call for help but not guilty of attempted reckless homicide. Kim, who was seen visibly dejected upon hearing the verdict, is set to be sentenced on September 8 and faces anywhere from probation to three years in prison. The charge he was acquitted on was considered the most serious offense, with Kim facing one to three years in prison had he been convicted. Dr. Geoffrey Kim, 52, reacts after he was found guilty on attempted manslaughter charges over the death of a young patient who died 14 months after he botched her breast surgery Kim's defense team blamed anesthetist Meeker for the death of Nguyen, claiming he gave her a toxic blend of drugs before surgery, including enough fentanyl to stop her heart, according to the Denver Post. Meeker initially faced manslaughter charges but had them dropped in exchange for testimony at trial, according to 9news. Last week, he argued Kim wouldn't let him call 911 for over five hours, KDVR reported. Both Kim and Meeker have already been forced to pay the Nguyen family $1million each in a wrongful death settlement. Meeker gave up his license to administer anesthesia but still has his medical license. Nguyen was left brain dead and couldn't speak or walk after the surgery and died 14 months later. Her parents, Lynn Fam and Sonny Nguyen, told KDVR in December 2019 that their daughter wanted breast implants to shore up her self-image after graduating from high school. The teen, who was 18 at the time, had saved $6,000 for the surgery and was said to have been in good health. Kim admitted he didn't call 911 for five hours after Emmalyn Nguyen (pictured) went into cardiac arrest when she was given anesthesia Nguyen was left brain dead and couldn't speak or walk after the surgery and died 14 months later The family lawyer, David Woodruff, said Emmalyn 'was left unobserved. No one watched her for about 15 minutes. A nurse comes into the room and finds her blue.' During the more than five hours Emmalyn was lying on the operating table, Woodruff said that mom, Lynn, was sitting in the waiting room, not knowing about her daughter's condition. Lynn told the news station that at one point, the doctor came out to tell her that she wouldn't be able to check on her daughter. 'She's doing fine and she's young, maybe that's the reason why she's taking longer to wake up,' Lynn said that doctor told her. Woodruff said that when the medics arrived, they used CPR to try to revive Emmalyn, but she didn't regain consciousness. Kim's defense team blamed anesthetist Rex Meeker (pictured) for the death of Nguyen, claiming he gave her a toxic blend of drugs before surgery, including enough fentanyl to stop her heart. Meeker testified against Kim at trial Emmalyn (in bed) is pictured at the nursing home with her parents, Lynn Fam (right) and Sonny Nguyen (left). She was fed via tube and hooked up to an oxygen machine to breathe Nguyen, 19, died on October 4 after catching pneumonia at her nursing home. She had been in a vegetative state since August 2019 Her brain injury meant she was unable to talk, walk or feed herself, so she was placed in a nursing home to get round-the-clock care. She had to be fed through a tube and have an oxygen machine breathe for her. Arapahoe County Sheriffs Office Captain of Investigations, Travis Stewart, told the New York Post: 'The investigation has taken more than two years to complete and involved dozens of interviews and search warrants. 'Our hope is that this will be the beginning of bringing justice and a sense of closure to Emmalyns family.' Prior to her death, Woodruff said that Emmalyn was showing signs of progress, was able to smile at times and was medically stable, CBS Denver reported. The family said that Meeker didn't administer Emmalyn's anesthesia properly and then failed to keep track of her condition. Kim, meanwhile, was said to have performed a resuscitation attempt. Emmalyn's (pictured) brain injury meant that she couldn't walk or talk or feed herself and needed 24-hour care. She was showing signs of progress before she died The family lawyer, David Woodruff, said that Emmalyn 'was left unobserved. No one watched her for about 15 minutes. A nurse comes into the room and finds her blue' In the eventual 911 call, Meeker can be heard saying, 'She's not conscious. We've evaluated her. We've estimated a Glasgow score of 6 or 7.' Anywhere from three to eight on the Glasgow scale indicates a patient is comatose. Colorado state records before Emmalyn's case showed that Kim had not had any previous disciplinary action taken against him. Meeker was said to have been sued in 2009, after a woman sustained brain damage and died while undergoing breast implant surgery. Meeker was the nurse anesthetist in that case. It was settled in 2012. A 41-year-old woman has died after she was beaten and left for dead at a construction site where she had sustained horrific head injuries. The woman passed away at the Royal Perth Hospital on Tuesday after she was discovered with blunt-force trauma to the head in the Perth suburb of Bedford on Sunday night. Police were unable to identify or speak to her while she remained unconscious after she was rushed to hospital in a critical condition. Authorities are urging anyone who has not seen a loved one for a couple of days to contact them in a bid to discover her identity. WA Police Inspector Geoff DeSanges said authorities were investigating if the woman had been sleeping rough at the site. It is believed she could have been sleeping on a vacant block of land near the residential building site. The woman was discovered with blunt-force trauma to the head at a building site (pictured) in Perth on Sunday night The 41-year old woman was found unconscious at the building site of a residential property (pictured) on Tara Street in Bedford after a passerby called St John WA The woman was found unconscious at the site on Tara Street in Bedford after a passerby called St John WA. Police were not able to interview her or discovery her identity, the West Australian reported. Authorities are yet to determine where she lived or if she had a fixed address. Homicide detectives have launched an investigation into the brutal death. Detectives are appealing for anyone with information to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000. The children of a Texas mother who was allegedly murdered by her ex-husband during a Las Vegas weekend getaway are not able to attend her funeral because of 'jurisdictional issues.' Nydia Lopez-Garcia, 37, was found dead in a room at the MGM Hotel on the Las Vegas Strip on May 28. Fernando Gomez, 42, her ex-husband who she split from last year, was arrested and accused of killing her. According to police, Gomez 'killed his ex-wife and then injured himself before calling police.' On the 911 call, he told officers: 'I cut her throat with glass,' reports KSNV. The pair, who shared three children, were married for 14 years, but they decided to split in 2022. However, they recently reconnected and decided to spend the weekend together in Las Vegas. Lopez-Garcia's cause of death was listed as strangulation, with other significant injuries, and sharp force injuries to the head and neck. Fernando Gomez, 42, is accused of killing his ex-wife. They were on a Las Vegas weekend getaway. He allegedly admitted his guilt to officers Nydia Lopez-Garcia, 37, was found dead in a room at the MGM Hotel on the Las Vegas Strip on May 28. She is pictured with her three children - two of which have been forced to stay in Nevada instead of returning home to Texas Their three children also joined them in Las Vegas - but were staying in a different hotel room. Now, the family are facing another struggle. Candace Garza, Nydia Lopez-Garcia's sister, says that two of the kids haven't been able to return home to Mesquite, Texas because Gomez still has parental rights over them. The two youngest children can't attend their mother's funeral as a result. It could take two months before the children can come back to Texas, their aunt claims. Garza told CBS: 'The children were in a different hotel room. My sister did fight to get back to the children. It was a brutal murder due to domestic violence. '[The children] were released to me, but we're not allowed to leave Clark County until the jurisdiction details get sorted out between Las Vegas and Dallas. 'I'm told that the judges in Las Vegas need to communicate with the judges in Texas and they have to transfer jurisdiction. 'It's honestly.. and I don't say this lightly.. it's the most difficult, challenging that I've ever dealt with in my entire life. 'Your sister is taken from you in a brutal murder, there's orphans that can't go home. 'They're not even allowed to go to their mother's funeral. We're trying to delay her funeral so we can get them home to attend and time is running out. 'They're grieving with just one person instead of a family supporting them, surrounding them with love.' The GoFundMe page read: 'At the heart of this story is a family that has suffered an unimaginable act. Three children lost their mother due to a senseless act of violence, and they are now overwhelmed in the midst of their grief with where to go next. 'Their mother was the victim of domestic violence and lost her life on May 28th, 2023 in a hotel room in MGM Grand in Las Vegas. 'Currently, their Aunt Candace, on their mothers side has just received emergency custody of them but will need to remain in Las Vegas for now (they live in a suburb of Dallas TX). 'As you know, the financial burden that comes with tragedy can be just as devastating as the emotional toll. 'The family is in need of urgent financial assistance, and I am hoping that their story will resonate with the public.' The young sons of a concertgoer who died after a crowd crush outside the O2 Academy Brixton are starting to realise their mother is not coming home, devastated family members have said. Rebecca Ikumelo, 33, of Newham, east London, and security worker Gaby Hutchinson, 23, of Gravesend, Kent, who was on duty at the south London venue, died days after being hurt when ticketless fans tried to get into a show by Nigerian Afrobeats artist Asake in December. A 21-year-old woman is still seriously ill in hospital. Trying to grieve is being made harder without answers as to why the crush happened, according to the bereaved relatives, who are calling on people to come forward with information to help the police investigation. It is dawning on Ms Ikumelo's sons, aged seven and five, that something is wrong, according to their grandmother Yetunde Olodo, 59. 'With the seven year-old you can see the sadness in him. I don't know if he understands it but he feels it because he is not seeing his mum around,' she said. Rebecca Ikumelo, 33, of Newham, east London, died after the crush - she left behind two young children Her mother Yetunde Olodo, 59, spoke of the family's heartbreak and the sadness she can see in her grandchildren Ticketless fans tried to get into a show by Nigerian Afrobeats artist Asake in December 'We would ask him 'where's mummy?' and he would say 'I don't know'. 'The little one used to say 'she went to grandma's house' but yesterday he said 'she went away', but he does not know where. 'They don't understand what is happening but I am sure they are really feeling their mum's absence.' There are plenty of photographs of her around and 'they are also always watching videos, but the first one is really feeling it more', the grandmother said. The appeal for people to come forward with information comes as Metropolitan Police Detective Chief Inspector Nigel Penney revealed a criminal investigation is being conducted involving a range of potential offences such as 'corporate manslaughter, criminal negligence manslaughter, unlawful act manslaughter and health and safety at work offences along with violent disorder and offences against the person or assaults'. Ms Ikumelo's brother Wale Ikumelo, 31, said that 'at first it was a quick shrug, but now so many months have gone past and you can see her boys are picking at their brains and saying 'where is my mum?' A basic sense of 'compassion' and 'respect' for the families means that everyone involved - from the artists, the off-stage crew and corporate interests - should help with the investigation to find out what went wrong, according to Ms Ikumelo's father Anthony, 63. To do otherwise and to try and organise further concerts and events is a 'further slap' to the relatives. Rebecca Ikumelo's say she - and the other victims - deserve justice and are appealing for information Ms Ikumelo's brother Wale Ikumelo, 31, said her boys are picking at their brains and saying 'where is my mum?' He added: 'It feels like greed is one of the reasons why my daughter died and why all the things that should have been in place for safety were not there. 'This is why everyone should be working with us, from the Government down, to find out what happened and to prevent it from happening again. 'We want those responsible prosecuted and eventually we want the Government to make sure this will not happen to another family again.' Questions over safety and security need to be answered, according to Ms Ikumelo's aunt Mary, who said it was 'a stampede and it is not the first time this has happened in the UK'. She said: 'We are very angry and upset. The people who think that maybe they are going to get away with this - they need to be scared because we will never stop as a family until justice prevails. 'She (Rebecca) deserves justice, (Gaby) deserves justice and there is another lady who has been in intensive - she deserves justice. Rebecca's children deserve justice. This is just not acceptable. 'The reality is that other concerts are happening and they are putting things in place for them to be safe, so why didn't they do the same for this? 'It should not be that you go to a concert and then die.' Ms Ikumelo's aunt Mary, who said it was 'a stampede and it is not the first time this has happened in the UK' Gaby Hutchinson also died after a crowd crush at the O2 Brixton Academy last year 'There were hundreds of people there filming the incident on their mobile phones,' police say, as they appeal for information Ms Hutchinson's mother Chris, 60, who also has safety concerns, stated that Gaby's security work meant she 'was trained to walk around the perimeter and that was it'. She added: 'Why was she inside? Why was there so many people? Why were there so many people turning up? The venue was full and you have got people outside wanting to get in.' Her daughter died at a time when she was 'really in a happy place at last' with her life which included plans to get married, having started IVF and a holiday. Ms Hutchinson's sister Nina, 32, added: 'She did not die of any underlying health problems. 'She did not die because of an accident like a car accident. She died at work and that should not have happened. 'We used to go to concerts and now we don't want to go. We don't want to be in spaces that could be too crowded because we are worried that could happen (again). I know it is a once-in-a-lifetime thing that it could ever occur again but it has happened to us and has left a fear embedded in us.' She added: 'I hope that for the people who were selling supposedly dodgy tickets that was worth it to them because ultimately it is (part of) what led to my sister's death. 'There would not have been that excess of people there who did not have tickets, if you did not do that.' Mr Penney said: 'This is being treated as a criminal investigation. 'We do have persons of interest that we are looking into. It is a very complicated and broad investigation. 'We are looking at every avenue to establish exactly what went wrong. There are many people and organisations involved in this investigation that could provide further information to us. 'There were hundreds of people there filming the incident on their mobile phones - we don't have hundreds of pieces of social media, so however insignificant it is we want people to come forward with whatever they have.' In a statement issued through the Met Police, Rebecca's mother Yetunde Olodo, father Anthony Ikumelo and aunt Mary Ikumelo, together, said: 'This has broken us. But we are standing as one, as a family, trusting in the process of justice and trying to be the greatest support for the children that she has left behind. 'Until you go through something like this, you don't know the importance of how the littlest thing could help. What we would say to anyone who was there, who hasn't spoken or doesn't want to speak, it could have been your sister, your cousin, the mother of your child, your daughter. We just ask, please come forward. 'All we want is justice for her, because her life was cut short. We are appealing to anyone with any information, who saw anything, who has any video recording, this is the time to come forward to police.' Gaby's mother Christina Hutchinson and sister Nina Hutchinson, speaking together, added: 'Mum and Dad have lost their youngest baby, and it's not something you should ever have to do, putting your daughter to rest before you. As siblings we have lost growing old together. We have lost that because of what happened that night. It has been stolen. 'Christmas will never be the same again. And Gaby's birthday was New Year's Eve so we really don't want to be celebrating New Year's Eve anymore. 'We want to say to anyone who was there, even if they think they have a minor piece of information, something that they think is irrelevant, could they please, please contact the police. It could be that little bit that fits the puzzle and helps find some answers. It would make a difference to us as a family, because we just need answers. No one should ever go to work and not come home.' Katy Gallagher has finally appeared to crack under the onslaught of Liberal criticism and questions about Brittany Higgins' sexual assault allegations. The Finance Minister has been the target of repeated questions in the Senate this week about her knowledge of Ms Higgins' allegations before she spoke out publicly. She has remained stoic and firm in her answers, often referring back to a statement she provided to the Senate ahead of the first Question Time of the week on Tuesday. But on Thursday, her voice finally quivered toward the end of the session in response to a question raised by Nationals senator Bridget McKenzie. 'I am very disappointed this week,' she said, her bottom lip trembling. Katy Gallagher's voice finally quivered toward the end of Thursday's Senate session in response to a question raised by Nationals senator Bridget McKenzie. 'I am very disappointed this week,' she said as her bottom lip trembled Ms Gallagher battled to maintain her composure, going on to say: 'The work we've done on [the Kate Jenkins report] Respect@Work, asking women to come forward when something happens to them, and then treating women the way they are being treated right now.' Ms Gallagher said she was under the impression the bombardment of questions - particularly today - stemmed from Senator Linda Reynolds. Brittany Higgins alleged she was sexually assaulted inside Ms Reynolds' office by Bruce Lehrmann after a night out in 2019 while they were both staffers. He has always strenuously denied the allegations, and they were never proven in court after a mistrial. Ms Higgins also accused Ms Reynolds of mishandling her complaints, and Ms Reynolds famously called her junior staffer a 'lying cow', resulting in a payout. Ms Gallagher said: 'I'm sorry Senator Reynolds is clearly upset about what happened to her. 'I am sorry about that, and I told her that. But I am also very sorry for Brittany Higgins, I'm sorry documents about her personal life have been leaked, I'm sorry a confidential draft claim for compensation found its way onto the front pages of a national newspaper. 'The insinuation... today is that we caused harm to Senator Reynolds, that's what she feels. 'When that was brought to our attention, we took that on.' Ms Gallagher appeared to have more to say, but the time available to her to answer the question expired before she had the chance. For the third day running, Ms Gallagher's involvement in the complaint dominated Liberal Party questions. On Wednesday, Ms Gallagher admitted she forgot she received an invitation to Higgins' partner David Sharaz's first wedding because at that time in her career she was inundated with invitations to random events. She also criticised leaked text messages in which Mr Sharaz described her as a 'friend' to then-girlfriend, now-fiancee Ms Higgins. 'Can I start by saying I'm not responsible for how people describe their relationship with me,' the under-fire cabinet minister told the Senate during Question Time. Senator Gallagher has come under sustained fire over her friendship with David Sharaz (right) and what she knew about Brittany Higgins' sexual assault allegations before they were aired Daily Mail Australia revealed last month Ms Gallagher was invited to Mr Sharaz' wedding to ex-wife Alexandra Craig in 2018. She addressed the invitation for the first time in public on Wednesday, revealing she 'didn't recall that until [she] heard it reported'. 'I had to ask the people I worked with at the time, I think I was Chief Minister. I got a lot of invitations to a lot of things, some I was able to go to and others I couldn't. 'That one I didn't go to. It was declined.' She has maintained it would be inappropriate and a breach of Ms Higgins' trust to offer details beyond what she has already said on the matter. Ms Gallagher admitted it was Mr Sharaz who first addressed Ms Higgins' allegations with her in the week prior to going public with the story via a television interview with Lisa Wilkinson and The Project, and an online interview with news.com.au. But she told the Senate on Wednesday her relationship with Mr Sharaz was not out of the ordinary - and likely equal to relationships he had with many other politicians. 'I had a professional relationship with Mr Sharaz, as did many in this place as he worked here for a period of time,' she said. 'It is a professional relationship with a journalist I knew in the ACT and I came across him again when I moved up to the Senate. I expect that relationship exists for a number of Senators.' Senator Gallagher addressed her links to Mr Sharaz in an emotional address to the Senate: 'It is a professional relationship with a journalist I knew in the ACT and I came across him again when I moved up to the Senate. I expect that relationship exists for a number of Senators' Ms Gallagher has repeatedly urged the Opposition to consider the broader ramifications of their line of questioning, revealing she had been 'inundated' with calls from women's organisations and women themselves about the impact the sustained coverage was having. 'If you can live with that on your conscience... I can't on mine,' she said. The Liberal Party has maintained it is not trying to 'second guess the court process that has already taken place' or 'draw innocence or guilt out of any party involved'. And the Opposition are now in the grips of their own crisis, after Lidia Thorpe accused Senator David Van of sexual harassment. Peter Dutton confirmed on Thursday Senator Van would no longer sit in the Liberal party room after 'further allegations' had come to light following Ms Thorpe's speech in the Senate on Wednesday. A 16-year-old boy has reportedly been crushed to death in a workplace accident in Perth. The accident happened at the TLC Surface Treatment factory on Railway Parade in Welshpool at 8am on Thursday. He was rushed to Royal Perth Hospital, but doctors were unable to save his life. The accident happened at the TLC Surface Treatment factory on Railway Parade in Welshpool at 8am on Thursday WorkSafe and forensic officers are investigating. TLC Surface Treatment is a sandblasting business. It marks the fourth workplace fatality in Western Australia this month. A crane operator, 62, died on Kintail Road in Applecross after falling while climbing up a ladder on June 2. Michael Jurman died on the same day while working at Woodside's North Rankin Complex on the Pilbara coast. Kieren McDowall was killed at a Pilbara iron ore site owned by miner Mineral Resources on Monday. He had been working as part of the broader Onslow Iron project. More to come. Body after body was pulled from the sea overnight after a boat carrying as many as 700 migrants trying to reach Greece capsized when there was a 'shift among the people crammed on board,' officials have said. The sinking in the Mediterranean is one of the worst disasters of its kind this year, with at least 79 people dead and many more missing off Greece's southern Peloponnese peninsula. Coast guard, navy and merchant vessels, and aircraft fanned out for a vast search-and-rescue operation that continued overnight. Pictures from Kalamata showed rescue workers carrying several black body bags from a coast guard ship. It was unclear how many passengers were missing, but initial reports suggested hundreds of people may have been aboard when the boat went down far from shore near one of the deepest part of the Mediterranean Sea. Coast guard spokesman Nikos Alexiou told state ERT TV that it was impossible to accurately estimate the number of passengers. He said it appeared that the 80 to 100-foot vessel capsized after people abruptly moved to one side. A boat carrying as many as 700 migrants trying to reach Greece capsized after there was a 'shift among the people crammed on board,' officials have said Men carry the body bags of who died after their boat capsized at the port of Kalamata, Greece Greek coast guard personal worked overnight to transport the tragic victims ashore A coast guard statement said efforts by its own ships and merchant vessels to assist the boat were repeatedly rebuffed 'The outer deck was full of people, and we presume that the interior [of the vessel] would also have been full,' he said. 'It looks as if there was a shift among the people who were crammed on board, and it capsized.' A coast guard statement said efforts by its own ships and merchant vessels to assist the boat were repeatedly rebuffed, with people on board insisting they wanted to continue to Italy. Coast guard officials said the trawler's engines broke down around 1.40am on Wednesday, and just under an hour later, the ship started to list abruptly from side to side before capsizing. The ship sank ten to 15 minutes later, the statement said. An aerial photograph of the battered blue vessel released by the Greek coast guard showed scores of people covering practically every inch of deck. A 300ft mega-yacht rescued more than 100 survivors from the ocean. Scores of migrants that were ultimately rescued were seen arriving into the port of Kalamata on Wednesday on the Mayan Queen IV yacht, owned by the late Mexican billionaire Alberto Bailleres. Harrowing images showed medics rushing the survivors off the yacht on to stretchers, while others walked around bare foot and draped in blankets. The $175million (137.9million) mega-yacht, which was built by Blohm and Voss, was launched in 2008 and can carry up to 16 guests and 24 crewmembers. The Mayan Queen IV came under the spotlight in August 2018 when 20-year-old Australian Instagram model and crew member Sinead McNamara was found hanged from the back of the billionaire's superyacht in Greece. Greece's caretaker prime minister, Ioannis Sarmas, declared three days of national mourning, 'with our thoughts on all the victims of the ruthless smugglers who exploit human unhappiness'. Ioannis Zafiropoulos, deputy mayor of the southern port city of Kalamata, where survivors were taken, said that his information indicated there were 'more than 500 people' on board. Authorities said 104 people were rescued after the sinking in international waters about 45 miles southwest of Greece's southern Peloponnese peninsula. The spot is close to the deepest part of the Mediterranean Sea and depths of up to 17,000 feet could hamper any effort to locate a sunken vessel. Twenty-five survivors ranging in age from 16 to 49 were in hospital with hypothermia or fever. A rescued migrant is airlifted from a Greek coast guard vessel by a helicopter. None of the migrants had life jackets on when the ship sank The Mayan Queen IVA, a 300ft mega-yacht, pictured, came to the rescue of 100 survivors Around 70 exhausted survivors bedded down in sleeping bags and blankets provided by rescuers in a large warehouse Paramedics set up tents outside the warehouse for any of the survivors who needed first aid Katerina Tsata, head of a Red Cross volunteer group in Kalamata, said the migrants were also given psychological support At the port of Kalamata, around 70 exhausted survivors bedded down in sleeping bags and blankets provided by rescuers in a large warehouse, while paramedics set up tents outside for anyone who needed first aid. Katerina Tsata, head of a Red Cross volunteer group in Kalamata, said the migrants were also given psychological support. 'They suffered a very heavy blow, both physical and mental,' she said. Rescue volunteer Constantinos Vlachonikolos said nearly all the survivors were men. 'They were very worn out. How could they not be?' he said. Rescuers said many of the people pulled from the water could not swim and were clutching debris. The coast guard said none had life jackets. The Greek coast guard said 79 bodies have been recovered so far. Survivors included 30 people from Egypt, ten from Pakistan, 35 from Syria and two Palestinians, the agency said. The Italy-bound boat was believed to have left the Tobruk area in eastern Libya - a country plunged into chaos following a Nato-backed uprising that toppled and killed longtime autocrat Muammar Gaddafi in 2011. Human traffickers have benefited from the instability, and made Libya one of the main departure points for people attempting to reach Europe on smuggler's boats. The Italian coast guard first alerted Greek authorities and the European Union border protection agency, Frontex, about an approaching vessel on Tuesday. Authorities said 104 people have been rescued so far after the boat sank overnight. Here, survivors receive urgent medical attention Coast guard, navy and merchant vessels fanned out for a vast search-and-rescue operation that also included a plane and a helicopter. The coastguard said a surveillance plane with Europe's Frontex agency had spotted the boat on Tuesday afternoon, but the passengers had 'refused any help'. It added that none on board were wearing life jackets. Authorities said it appeared the migrants had departed from Libya and were heading for Italy. The survivors were initially housed in a port warehouse, but Greece's migration ministry said they would be taken to a migrant camp near Athens. Also on Wednesday, a sailing boat in distress carrying about 80 migrants off Crete was rescued by a coastguard patrol and towed to port, Greece's port police said. Along with Italy and Spain, Greece has been one of the main landing points for tens of thousands of people seeking to reach Europe from Africa and the Middle East. Another 90 people in a sailboat, more than a third of them children, were rescued near the island of Cythera over the weekend. Greece is also facing an increase of crossing attempts from Turkey on southern routes near the Cyclades islands and toward the Peloponnese peninsula, with boats hoping to avoid patrols in the northern Aegean Sea. Rescue operations are common, but last month the Greek government came under international pressure over video footage reportedly showing the forceful expulsion of migrants who were set adrift at sea. Greece and other EU member states - including Italy - on the southern and southeastern rim of the bloc say they are being unfairly tasked with managing arrivals of undocumented migrants. The Mediterranean's deadliest shipwreck in living memory occurred on April 18, 2015, when an overcrowded fishing boat collided off Libya with a freighter trying to come to its rescue. Only 28 people survived. Forensic experts concluded that there were originally 1,100 people on board. And earlier this year, 94 people were killed off the coast of Calabria when their migrant boat sank amid harsh weather conditions. Some in Italy blamed the country's right-wing prime minister Giorgina Meloni and her party's hardline policy against migrant boats, while she pointed the finger at 'inhumane' human traffickers. Laws in Italy require rescue vessels to request access to a port and sail to it 'without delay' after a sea rescue. The law complicates efforts by humanitarian boats to make multiple rescues in the central Mediterranean by assigning them ports of disembarkation along Italy's northern coasts. That means the vessels need more time to return to the sea after bringing migrants aboard and taking them safely to shore. Humanitarian organisations have lamented that the crackdown also includes an order to the charity boats not to remain at sea after the first rescue operation in hopes of performing other rescues, but to head immediately to their assigned port. Violators face stiff fines and confiscation of rescue vessels. MPs are set to trigger a political earthquake today by finding Boris Johnson lied to the Commons over Partygate. After 14 months of investigation, the Privileges Committee is expected to conclude that the ex-PM deliberately misled Parliament when its report is released around 9am. But the ground is laid for a titanic battle, with Mr Johnson and his allies accusing the cross-party group - which has a Labour chair but a Tory majority among the seven members - of 'monstrous hypocrisy' and bias against him. Mr Johnson has already quit as an MP to avoid the humiliation of a long suspension and potential by-election. And in a bombshell development last night, he demanded senior Tory Sir Bernard Jenkin follow him in resigning after allegations emerged that he attended a drinks party for his wife in Parliament during lockdown. Rishi Sunak desperately dodged questions about the row on a visit to Harrow this morning. He again suggested the government will not back Mr Johnson in a Commons debate on the report - being pencilled in for Monday. MPs are set to trigger a political earthquake today by finding Boris Johnson lied to the Commons over Partygate Rishi Sunak desperately dodged questions on the row on a visit to Harrow this morning Alongside the issue of whether Mr Johnson misled the House, the committee could rebuke him for branding them a 'kangaroo court'. One option would be to strip him of the Commons pass handed to former MPs, effectively banning him from the estate. There is also likely to be criticism of attacks on the integrity of the process from the ex-PM's supporters - although the report is said to stop short of naming anyone else. Mr Johnson, has always denied deliberately misleading MPs, but dramatically quit as an MP on Friday after receiving a draft version of the report. The former Conservative leader's resignation means he will not serve the lengthy suspension likely to be recommended. If it was at least 10 days and approved by the Commons, then a by-election in his Uxbridge and South Ruislip constituency could have been triggered. His decision to quit pre-empted such an outcome, with his constituents to go to the polls next month in a major electoral challenge for Rishi Sunak. Mr Johnson's ally Nigel Adams also stepped down and his arch-supporter Nadine Dorries has announced she will go too, though her demands for answers about why she was denied a peerage before she formally quits as an MP look set to prolong the by-election struggle for the Prime Minister. The Privileges Committee report is believed to be around 30,000 words long. Mr Johnson has indicated he will make his 'views clear' once it is released. The MPs are expected to conclude that Mr Johnson committee 'multiple' contempts of Parliament, including disclosing some of its draft findings in his resignation statement last week. The MPs on the panel have rejected his defence that senior officials advised him Covid rules and guidance had been followed in No 10. Evidence has previously indicated that one senior aide warned him against claiming to the Commons that social distancing guidelines were observed. Mr Johnson said last night that Tory grandee Sir Bernard Jenkin should step down from the committee over claims he had taken part in a lockdown-busting event. Sir Bernard is reported to have attended a drinks party held by Commons Deputy Speaker Dame Eleanor Laing in December 2020, while London was in Tier 2 measures restricting indoor mixing. The event is said to have been a 65th birthday party for Sir Bernard's wife Anne, at which both drinks and cake were served. Neither Sir Bernard nor Dame Eleanor responded to requests for comment about the story, which first appeared on the Guido Fawkes website. A file picture of Bernard Jenkin and his wife Anne. The Tory MP has been accused of attending a drinks do at Parliament during lockdown The Commons Privileges Committee inquiry has been chaired by Labour's Harriet Harman The matter has been referred to both the Metropolitan Police and the Commons authorities. In a letter to Labour chair Harriet Harman, Mr Johnson said Sir Bernard appeared to be guilty of 'flagrant and monstrous hypocrisy' and questioned whether its report into his own conduct could still be considered reliable. In a separate statement, Mr Johnson added: 'He has no choice but to explain his actions to his own committee, for his colleagues to investigate and then to resign.' Former Cabinet minister Nadine Dorries called for the report to be halted. 'If this is true then the report should be stopped,' she said. 'We cannot know what influence Sir Bernard had on its findings, and without that the report cannot stand.' Asked about the furore on a visit to Harrow this morning, Mr Sunak said: 'You are talking about a report that I haven't seen and that no one else has seen. It wouldn't be right to comment on it in advance of it coming out and being published.' He added: 'These are matters for the House of Commons, and Parliament will deal with it in the way that it does.' Mr Sunak was also asked if he was 'frustrated' by Mr Johnson's interventions in the past week. 'No, I'm just getting on with delivering for the country,' he said. Home Office minister Chris Philp argued the MPs, including Tory former Cabinet minister Sir Jacob Rees-Mogg who branded it a 'kangaroo court', should not be censured. 'Although I don't characterise the committee in those terms, I think people are free to express their opinions,' he told ITV's Peston. 'I don't think we should be trying to sort of muzzle MPs.' In 48 hours, David Van has gone from being a political nobody - albeit one with a powerful mining industry lawyer 'life partner' - to the centre of a political storm. If the public knew his name at all before now, it was probably because he was accused of making growling, woofing dog noises at fellow senator Jacqui Lambie in November 2021. But anyone with the remotest interest in Australian news now knows he is the man who another senator, Lidia Thorpe, claimed sexually assaulted her in parliament. This was followed late on Thursday by former Liberal senator Amanda Stoker claiming Mr Van groped her, accusing him of 'squeezing my bottom twice'. He denied Ms Thorpe's allegations and she later withdrew the remarks, before making another claim about being sexually assaulted, without saying who allegedly did that. In his first speech to parliament after being elected in 2019, Mr Van said his highly successful wife Nerilee Rockman 'is never out of my thoughts or my heart'. Senator David Van (pictured right with his partner Nerilee Rockman) has been sacked from the Liberal party room by Peter Dutton after explosive sexual assault allegations - which he denies - were made against him by fellow senator Lidia Thorpe Using parliamentary privilege on Thursday, Ms Thorpe claimed she was 'followed aggressively, propositioned and inappropriately touched' by an unnamed man. 'I was afraid to walk out of the office, I would open the doors slightly and checked the coast was clear before stepping out,' she told the Senate. 'It was to the degree that I had to be accompanied by someone whenever I walked inside this building.' After Ms Thorpe's second statement, and allegations that he groped another senator, Liberal leader Peter Dutton dumped Mr Van, 58, from the party room and he will now sit on the Senate cross benches. The Liberal leader called a shock press conference on Thursday, where he announced Mr Van had been dumped from the party room while an investigation into Ms Thorpe's claims was conducted. As his now former party leader issued his statement, Mr Van simultaneously spoke in the Senate confirming he would no longer be sitting in the Liberal party room. Mr Dutton said 'further allegations in relation to Senator Van' has been brought to his attention, but did not specify the precise nature of those allegations. Lidia Thorpe (pictured), claimed David Van sexually assaulted her in parliament, but later withdrew the allegations, before then making similar allegations about an unnamed person Former Liberal senator Amanda Stoker (pictured) claimed Mr Van groped her, accusing him of 'squeezing my bottom twice' In November 2021, Mr Van was accused of making growling, woofing dog noises at fellow senator Jacqui Lambie (pictured) What is parliamentary privilege? Parliamentary privilege protects politicians from being sued for defamation over comments made within the chamber. The policy enables full and open discussion in parliament and is there to ensure comprehensive discussion of matters without fear of criminal or civil retribution. Advertisement Those claims were made public on Thursday night by Ms Stoker, who issued a statement saying 'In November 2020 Senator Van inappropriately touched me at an informal social gathering in a parliamentary office. 'He did so by squeezing my bottom twice. By its nature and by its repetition, it was not accidental. 'That action was not appropriate. It was unprofessional and uninvited.' Mr Van said he had no memory of having had such an encounter with Ms Stoker. 'I can confirm I had a very friendly and open discussion with my colleague some years ago about this and made it clear that I had no recollection of any such event, and can confirm it is not something I would ever do,' he told news.com.au. Daily Mail Australia has contacted Mr Van for comment. When he spoke earlier in the Senate, his hands shook as he said: 'I do not wish this matter to stay in the Liberal party that I have fought so hard for, so I accept that I will no longer be sitting in the party room.' But he maintained 'nothing (Ms Thorpe) has said is true' and called for an investigation into 'these outrageous claims so they can be proved false'. Ms Stoker features prominently on Mr Van's Instagram account with a photo and video of her interviewing him on Sky News. During the interview he told Ms Stoker that it was 'a shame not having you here in (the Senate) with us. 'You know I love serving with you on the legal and con committee.' This was a reference to the Senate's Legal and Constitutional Affairs References Committee. When Mr Dutton announced his decision, he said removing Mr Van from the party room did not imply any judgement on 'any individual's guilt or innocence'. The senator has vehemently denied Ms Thorpe's allegations against him and also denied making dog noises at Ms Lambie, though he did offer an 'unreserved apology' for interrupting her speech at the time. Before being elected to the Senate from Victoria in the 2019 federal election, Mr Van was managing director of the De Wintern Group public relations firm in Melbourne. In his first speech to parliament, Mr Van paid tribute to the 'wonderful women' in his life, which included his three sisters. 'My childhood was ideal and I wish all children experienced the wonderful childhood I had,' he said. David Van (pictured right) spoke about his partner Nerilee Rockman (left) in his first speech to parliament Peter Dutton expelled Senator David Van (pictured) from the Liberal party room after a second senator came forward with allegations against him David Van (pictured) ruffled more than a few feathers last year when he flew to Ukraine despite travel advice warning Australians not to visit the war-ravaged country He also thanked his 'life partner' Nerilee Rockman, who is a senior vice president for gold miner AngloGold Ashanti, 'for standing beside me on this new journey. 'She has made incredible sacrifices for us and I want her to know how much I appreciate them and her. 'She is one of Australia's most talented corporate women and I admire how she has never let gender get in the way of her success even while working in a male dominated industry,' Mr Van said. 'While this place will call me away from home I want her to know while we may be apart she is never out of my thoughts or my heart.' In 2021, Ms Rockman was featured in a Victorian government celebration of International Women's Day, where her contribution to the mining industry was called 'groundbreaking'. Mr Van has also used International Women's Day (March 8) to highlight why it is important to him and outlining the work he had done with Iranian women. 'As we celebrate International Women's Day let's take a moment to reflect upon the incredible strides we have made in advancing women's rights, he wrote on Instagram. 'Over the past year, I have worked very closely alongside courageous Iranian women who are fighting for their freedom, human rights and their very lives, in the face of a brutal and oppressive regime.' Mr Van used International Women's Day (March 8) to highlight why it is important to him and outlining the work he had done with Iranian women (pictured) David Van and Nerilee Rockman are pictured in front of an army band in Canberra Mr Van ruffled more than a few feathers last year when he flew to Ukraine despite travel advice warning Australians not to visit the war-ravaged country. 'I've been privileged this week to meet the Ukrainian people, their government and their defence forces, who are the bravest people I've ever met,' he said at the time. His visit was funded by drone company DefendTex, which he later praised in a speech to the Senate, without mentioning it had paid for his Ukraine trip. 'We should be sending M777 howitzers and the 155mm ammunition that's fired from them, as well as high-technology weapons such as the DefendTex drones that we've sent in there, and the DroneShield air defence system all made in Australia,' he said at the time. Mr Van later declared in his register of interests that DefendTex Ltd had paid for his travel to Ukraine. Senator David Van is pictured with his partner Nerilee Rockman and Senator James Paterson Senator David Van (pictured) thanked his 'life partner' Nerilee Rockman, who is a senior vice president for gold miner AngloGold Ashanti, in his first speech to parliament in 2019 David Van's partner Nerilee Rockman (pictured) is a very successful mining industry executive Two days ago, if you asked most people who David Van was, they may have guessed it was some kind of delivery service, but now everyone knows his name. On his LinkedIn profile Mr Van described his PR work at De Wintern as helping companies 'protect their organisation's most valuable asset, (their) reputation'. It's his own reputation that he is now desperately trying to protect. A 'dizzying' earthquake has struck an island in the Philippines forcing buildings to be evacuated. The 6.2. magnitude tremor hit the island province of Mindoro, in the north of the southeast Asian nation, at 10.19am local time on Thursday, Geoscience Australia recorded. No casualties or major damage was recorded however the country's seismology agency is expecting further aftershocks and damage. A 6.2 magnitude earthquake has stuck just off the coast of the Mindoro province, in northern Philippines (pictured) The tremors were felt in the capital city of Manila, about 100km north of the island, forcing three elevated railway lines to cease operations for the time being, according to Reuters. Filipino president, Ferdinand Marcos Jr, was speaking to press at a hotel in one of the capital's business districts when the earthquake hit, shaking ceiling lights. Employees of the Philippines house of Representatives were evacuated from the building during the quake. The mayor of Calatagan a town just 5km from the epicenter, Peter Oliver Palacio, described the quake as 'dizzying' while speaking to local radio station, DZMM. He has brought in the town's engineering department to identify any damage from the earthquake. Employees of the nation's House of Representatives were forced to evacuate the building during the quake The area has been experiencing volcanic activity recently, with the Mayon Volcano, about 200km east from the earthquake's epicenter, having been erupting since April 27 according to the Smithsonian Institute. The volcano could be seen lightly spewing out lava on Sunday, There are around 300 volcanoes strewn across the nation, 24 of which are active, making it one of the more volcanically active regions in the world. More to come. She is certainly not the average sex offender. Posing in a bikini on holiday in Spain with her long blonde hair and tanned skin, or glammed up at sophisticated cocktail bars, 21-year-old Georgia Bilham is clearly used to the attention generated by her looks. But as a teenager lacking in self-confidence and questioning her sexuality, the garage owner's daughter created a male alter ego which years later would leave her facing a long time in jail. While Bilham was yesterday cleared of 16 out of the 17 offences for which she was on trial, she nevertheless faces being placed on the sex offenders' register. It is all a far cry from her upbringing in a peaceful Cheshire backwater renowned for its canal and unusual 'staircase' locks. Posing in a bikini on holiday in Spain with her long blonde hair and tanned skin, 21-year-old Georgia Bilham is clearly used to the attention generated by her looks But as a teenager lacking in self-confidence and questioning her sexuality, the garage owner's daughter created a male alter ego known as George Bilham sat smiling outside Chester Crown Court waiting for the jury's verdict yesterday Georgia Bilham arriving at Chester Crown Court with her father earlier this week. He was a constant presence as the extraordinary details of his daughter's deception were laid out her mother nowhere to be seen Bilham attended high-achieving Tarporley High School motto 'Aspire, learn, achieve' less than three miles from her parents' 400,000 detached home beside the Shropshire Union Canal. Friends recall her as a 'tomboy' in her teens, known by her mother by the androgynous nickname 'George' perhaps a nod to Enid Blyton's Famous Five character, whose real name was Georgina and to them as simply 'G'. While her hair was always long, she preferred shapeless tracksuits over getting dressed up. After leaving school, she worked as a housekeeper at the 16th century Swan Hotel in upmarket Tarporley, arriving at 6am to start preparing guests' rooms. 'She was very girly in some ways,' recalled one former colleague today. 'Georgia always had her eyelashes and her nails done, but she also liked wearing slouchy tracksuits. 'She was still a bit of a tomboy even then, but facially I can't understand how anyone could mistake her for a man, she's so pretty. 'She was very quiet, she didn't seem to have many friends, and just got on with the job. 'Georgia had a stint working front of house but she didn't seem to have the confidence for it. 'I couldn't believe it when I heard what she'd been accused of, it didn't sound like the Georgia I knew.' It was while she was still at school that Bilham secretly copied photos of a fellow pupil with blond, spiky hair to create the bogus Snapchat profile George_132X who was to evolve into George Parry. Potentially significantly, her relationship with her father, Peter Bilham, was already far closer than that with her mother, Michelle Fisher. She is the couple's only child although Ms Fisher, 57, has a son by a previous relationship. Georgia told the jury that she and her mother were 'always falling out' since she 'started growing up'. Bilham (pictured on holiday) grew up in a peaceful Cheshire backwater renowned for its canal and unusual 'staircase' locks The court heard how Bilham, who claimed not to have got any sexual gratification out of the relationship, deceived her victim into thinking she was a young man after they began messaging online. Georgia Bilham is pictured outside Chester Crown Court yesterday Bilham attended high-achieving Tarporley High School motto 'Aspire, learn, achieve' - less than three miles from her parents' 400,000 detached home beside the Shropshire Union Canal A jury took just three hours to throw out all the charges save the first one which occurred on the night they first kissed. Georgia Bilham is pictured arriving at Chester Crown Court yesterday Earlier the court was told Bilham sent text messages, mocked up here, to the alleged victim Her parents split up when she was 12 Bilham told the jury her mother was 'the reason' for the break-up and initially she lived with Ms Fisher. By contrast with how she and her father had always been 'dead close', relations with her mother have remained 'bad', she said. The feeling is clearly mutual customers of Mr Bilham's long-established village garage are informed that outside work he enjoys 'walking the dog and spending time with my daughter'. And so it was long-suffering Mr Bilham who was called to rescue Georgia when she crashed her car while in the guise of George Parry, accompanied by 'his' unwitting female friend. At court, the bespectacled, grey-haired 60-year-old was also a constant presence as the extraordinary details of his daughter's deception were laid out her mother nowhere to be seen. Bilham was still at school when she first experimented with turning the online character of George Parry from Birmingham into a real person. Her explanation of constructing her alter ego was that 'I just didn't like myself' so 'it just made me feel better'. As to why the persona was that of a boy, she said that made it 'more of an escape', denying being sexually attracted to girls or wanting to transition into a man. 'George' said he was linked to drug-dealing Albanians something Bilham implied was a genuine part of her life at that time. After swapping messages with the teenager she would later be convicted of sexually assaulting, the pair whose wider friendship groups overlapped met up near Chester one night in 2017 and chatted. The evening was cold so 'George' who kept his hood up in what would later become a pattern throughout handed the younger girl 'his' Hugo Boss jumper and she took it home with her. However, Bilham claimed the girl then blocked her on social media, telling 'George' there was 'something weird' about 'him'. Bilham is pictured arriving for the trial at Chester Crown Court with her father earlier this week It was while still at school that Bilham secretly copied photos of a fellow pupil with blond, spiky hair to create the bogus Snapchat profile George_132X who was to evolve into George Parry Georgia Bilham is pictured giving someone a hug while outside Chester Crown Court yesterday Bilham, 21, (pictured yesterday) was told by Judge Michael Leeming that she would be sentenced on July 19 but she would be placed on the Sex Offenders Register immediately Messages later resumed, but they did not see one another for around four years, with both having boyfriends in the meantime. Bilham described their online interaction as a 'love-hate relationship' but said by now they knew each other 'inside out' so it was 'hard to walk away from'. But it was the acquisition of her driving licence at the age of 19 and access to her mother's Ford Focus which was to enable her to move George Parry on to another level of deception. In the guise of George, Bilham would pick up the teenager around a year her junior and they would drive around for hours. On around the second encounter, on the night of May 10, 2021, they kissed for the first time but in the early hours of the following morning, Bilham lost control of the car and went into a hedge. This was a crucial part of the case against her police attended and she had to give her real name, although the victim claimed she only heard 'Georgia Helen', which is her middle name. Bilham and the car were picked up by her father, while police gave the girl a lift home. Central to Bilham's defence was her contention that the girl must have known her true gender thereafter and knowingly went along with a 'fiction'. Giving evidence to Bilham's trial, PC David Fallows said the alleged victim told him she knew the driver as 'George' and they had been messaging online. The officer confirmed that he had informed her that the person she knew as 'George' was actually female. They drove her home, with the officer describing her as 'distressed', 'crying' and 'hunched over in a foetal position'. Georgia Bilham (pictured in a bikini) told the jury that she and her mother were 'always falling out' since she 'started growing up' Bilham, who described herself as a bit of a 'tomboy' growing up, said she had never wanted to change her gender and become a boy. She said she had always considered herself straight. She is pictured outside Chester Crown Court yesterday While Bilham was yesterday cleared of 16 out of the 17 offences for which she was on trial, she nevertheless faces being placed on the sex offenders' register The judge also ordered a pre-sentence report before his final sentence and warned her that prison could still be an option. Georgia Bilham is pictured yesterday Bilham admitted being caught up in a 'web of lies' but denied getting a 'buzz' out of deceiving the teenager, maintaining throughout that she thought the woman she had sex with believed she was a woman. She is pictured yesterday as she embraces a young man in a hug Cross-examining him, Bilham's barrister, Martine Snowdon, asked: 'As far as you're concerned, you made sure she knew that George was a female?' 'Yes,' PC Fallows replied. But the prosecution said a doctored screenshot which Bilham sent the teenager suggesting that 'George's' Albanian associates had mistakenly given 'him' a female fake ID was enough to assuage her suspicions. Bilham also insisted her elaborate lies were aimed at hiding her true identity not at trying to trick the girl into sex. She said she maintained the pretence to avoid her 'finding out that it was me' as friends and family didn't know about the relationship. However, she struggled to explain why if that was the case she didn't attempt the simpler task of creating a female alter ego. After the crash, they continued seeing each other every few days, walking Bilham's dog or visiting beauty spots all with her hood up throughout, she admitted and often, it was alleged, with the short-sighted victim's glasses off. Bilham's explanation was that she could be 'heavy-handed' while they were kissing and was worried about breaking them. It was after driving to the Horseshoe Pass near Llangollen that the victim tried to move to the next step and pull down 'George's' trousers only for him to 'start to shake'. Bilham admitted the incident happened but insisted the Calvin Klein underwear she was wearing was girls' 'knickers', not boys' boxer shorts. They progressed to spending the night at the girl's family home, with 'George' remaining fully clothed with his hood up even while carrying out sex acts on her. The victim claimed she felt a 'willy-like figure' against her leg but Bilham denied a message to her mother about 'boxers and socks' was a confession about using objects to mimic a penis. Giving evidence in her defence on Monday, she stuck rigidly to her insistence that the teenager saw through her disguise shortly after their first kiss. 'I think she knew that I was a girl,' she said. Bilham faced eight counts of assault by penetration an offence which carries a maximum sentence of life in prison. The offence of sexual assault for which she was convicted can carry a ten-year prison sentence however in the least serious cases, courts can impose a community order. Police officers finally cracked down on Just Stop Oil activists today as they used newly-granted powers to arrest nine protesters blocking busy London streets. Around 54 environmental activists marched slowly on the A406 southbound at the Hanger Lane Roundabout in Ealing, west London, from 8am and at same time on Battersea Bridge. They unfurled banners as they marched for more than 30 minutes, causing a massive traffic pile-up. Angry drivers remonstrated with the protesters, with one worker in a high-vis jacket tossing a Just Stop Oil banner away. Another man branded them 'middle class scum', while other drivers implored them to move. The group later announced that nine of its protesters had been arrested during the protest 'for failing to comply with a section 12 notice issued on a march at Hanger Lane'. It comes after cops were granted new powers from today to stop slow-walking tactics. Just Stop Oil protest at Vauxhall Cross on the day that new powers have been given to the police to stop slow walking protests A woman is arrested by police during a Just Stop Oil protest in west London today Angry drivers remonstrated with the protesters, with one calling them 'middle class scum' Police detain a Just Stop Oill activist during a slow walk protest in Vauxhall, central London The group later announced that nine of its protesters had been arrested during the protest 'for failing to comply with a section 12 notice issued on a march at Hanger Lane' Around 54 environmental activists marched slowly on the A406 southbound at the Hanger Lane Roundabout in Ealing, west London , from 8am and at same time on Battersea Bridge Home Secretary Suella Braverman urged officers to take a 'more robust and swifter response' to the campaign group Police detain a Just Stop Oill activist during a slow walk protest in Vauxhall, central London Today's arrests come after MPs approved regulations making it easier for police to stop protests judged to be disruptive Home Secretary Suella Braverman urged officers to take a 'more robust and swifter response' to the campaign group and unveiled a list of regulations that come into force today. They will allow police to intervene immediately to halt the group under a a wider definition of what counts as 'serious disruption to the life of the community' under the Public Order Act 1986. Poll In your opinion, Just Stop Oil protesters are... Heroic Infuriating In your opinion, Just Stop Oil protesters are... Heroic 71 votes Infuriating 3924 votes Now share your opinion Under the old rules, police had to judge each protest separately before deciding whether it met the 'serious disruption' requirements. Now, however, they can group protests together and judge their cumulative impact over time. Today was the first time the police used their new powers, arresting nine people. In a statement, the group said: 'Just Stop Oil supporters are on the roads marching in their eighth week of daily action in the capital to demand that the UK Government halt all licences and consents for new oil, gas and coal projects.' Allie Law, 23, a programmer from Bury St Edmunds, was one of those arrested and spoke while being detained. Just Stop Oil slow walking protest near the Hanger Lane Gyratory System in West London Police detain a Just Stop Oill activist during a slow walk protest in Vauxhall Today was the first time the police used their new powers, arresting nine people In Ealing, they unfurled banners as they marched for more than 30 minutes, causing a massive traffic pile-up The environmental activists marched slowly on the A406 southbound at the Hangar Lane Roundabout in Ealing, west London, from 8am The protests have so far cost the Met around 4.5 million and about 13,770 shifts She said: 'I'm Allie, I'm 23. I've just been arrested under section 12 of the Public Order Act for exercising my democratic right to march, protected by the United Nations. I'm being searched, as if I'm going to hurt anyone, when they know we're completely nonviolent - unlike our government. 'The Government has been told by their own advisers that continuing to licence fossil fuels will kill millions, but they don't seem to care. It could be to do with them getting paid a lot from fossil fuel companies I couldn't possibly comment on that.' Christopher Ford, 46, from Cambridge, added: 'As a father of two sons and a nursery school teaching assistant, I am terrified for the future of younger generations and I am horrified by the response of the Government to the climate crisis. 'They are putting their profits before my children's safety and as a father I must do what I can to protect them. The corruption and profiteering within our government is at epidemic proportions, public disaffection is at its highest and the new laws they are bringing in are designed to squash all dissent, breaking international human rights laws as they do so. Protest is now effectively banned.' Since the Just Stop Oil campaign launched on February 14, 2022, there have been 2,200 arrests and 138 people have spent time in prison, many without trial. There are currently two Just Stop Oil supporters serving three year prison sentences for resisting new oil, gas and coal. The protests have so far cost the Met around 4.5 million and about 13,770 shifts. Since the Just Stop Oil campaign launched on February 14, 2022, there have been 2,200 arrests and 138 people have spent time in prison MPs have approved regulations making it easier for police to stop protests judged to be disruptive Irate drivers took it upon themselves to remove Just Stop Oil slogans and banners today The group unfurled banners and carried out a slow march, causing a huge build-up of traffic The protests have so far cost the Met around 4.5 million and about 13,770 shifts This furious passenger implored the protesters blocking his path to move out of the way Yesterday, the environmental activists turned up at Westminster Bridge, London Bridge and Tower Bridge as well as three other major routes in Central London - Vauxhall Bridge Road in Pimlico, Kennington Road in Lambeth and Blackfriars Road in Southwark. Yesterday, the group's members also demonstrated at four locations across west London - the A40 at Savoy Circus in East Acton, North End Road in West Kensington, Shepherds Bush Road in Hammersmith and Chiswick Roundabout in Gunnersbury. The protests - which are now in their eighth week - were carried out in sequence from 8am on Wednesday morning to cause maximum disruption in different parts of the capital. Scotland Yard arrested nine protesters yesterday - including three on Tower Bridge, three on Vauxhall Bridge Road, two at Chiswick Roundabout and one at North End Road, for refusing to leave the road or comply with conditions imposed by officers. Just Stop Oil said about 600 activists have now completed 114 marches since April 24 - with 98 arrested and 40 charged with failure to comply with Public Order Act Section 12 conditions. The group added that since its campaign began in February last year, there have been 2,200 arrests and 138 people spending time in jail. Just Stop Oil activists take part in a slow walk protest across Westminster Bridge yesterday Just Stop Oil activists slow march yesterday on the A40 Savoy Circus in East Acton, west London Yesterday, video filmed on the A40, which is a major road for those heading into Central London from the west, showed angry scenes as protesters urged each other to 'keep walking' while motorists sounded horns and motorcyclists revved their engines. One irate motorist shouted 'I want to move now' but the demonstrators refused to budge, while another tried to push them out of the way to let a driver through and exclaimed: 'Get out the f***ing way, bruv. Get out the way then, move, man.' The Chiswick Roundabout protest began at 8.03am and ended by 8.21am, while the Shepherds Bush Road demonstration started at 8.27am and was cleared at 8.47am. The North End Road protest involved 15 people and began at 8.42am before finishing at 8.47am, while the A40 protest began at 8.43am before being cleared at 9.07am. The Westminster Bridge protest began at 10.04am and finished at 10.14am, while the Tower Bridge demonstration ended at 10.33am after police conditions were imposed at 10.28am. The Blackfriars Road protest finished at 10.50am after conditions were put in place at 10.41am, the Vauxhall Bridge Road protest ran from 11.06am until 11.08am, the London Bridge demonstration ran from 11.12am until 11.33am and the Kennington Road protest lasted from 11.38am until 11.42am. A teacher at a prestigious high school has had her position terminated after being accused of having 'unprofessional interactions' with a student. Eleanor Yorke from Carey Grammar School, a co-educational school in Melbourne, was stood down over her alleged conduct toward a Year 12 student years earlier. Principal Jonathan Walter said she was no longer permitted to teach following internal investigations by the school and the Victorian Institute of Teaching. Victoria Police said their inquiries into the matter are ongoing. Ms Yorke was a year 12 chemistry and biology teacher until she left the school suddenly a fortnight ago. Eleanor Yorke from Carey Grammar School, a co-educational school in Melbourne, was stood down for her alleged conduct toward a Year 12 student years earlier Carey Grammar's principal recently wrote to parents of the elite school stating they 'recently received a report regarding Ms Yorke's compliance with the school's expectations regarding professional boundaries', The Herald Sun reported. 'This report concerned her interactions with a Year 12 student some years ago,' the statement read. 'Upon becoming aware of the concerns, the school immediately implemented its student protection framework; this includes Ms Yorke being stood down whilst the matter is investigated. 'I can also indicate the School's understanding that whilst a mandatory report has been made to Victoria Police, the police are not pursuing an investigation at this time.' He also added that the decision to terminate Ms Yorke's employment was 'not taken lightly' but was 'necessary to demonstrate the seriousness with which the school treats the professional responsibilities of all staff who support our students'. Principal Jonathan Walter said she was no longer permitted to teach following internal investigations by the school and the Victorian Institute of Teaching (pictured: Carey Grammar) 'The school will now continue with its investigations, including making any further reports required by law,' Mr Walter said. The dismissed teacher had previously written in a school publication that she was very grateful to have been welcomed into the Carey Grammar community after doing her university placement with the school as part of her Masters of Teaching at the University of Melbourne. 'I've been lucky to have done a range of amazing things: I have spent a vomit-inducing week on a tall ship with students battling the wild Tasman seas and I have travelled overseas on a community service trip where I met individuals with boundless generosity and witnessed, first-hand, students undergoing life-changing experiences,' she wrote in the school publication. A pilot somehow managed to keep his cool after an enormous bird smashed through the windscreen into his cockpit in Ecuador leaving him covered in blood. The video of squadron leader Ariel Valiente has gone viral after he recorded the terrifying incident in Vinces, Los Rios Province. Footage shows the remains of the bird and its huge talons dangling above the pilot who has bloodstains all over his face and uniform as he continues to steer the plane looking unfazed. The species of bird involved is not yet clear but some have speculated that the pilot had struck a condor (file picture) Luckily the rest of the exercise went to plan and the aircraft maintained its stability throughout. The species of bird involved is not yet known but some have speculated that it was an Andean Condor which has a wingspan of up to 10ft. Aviation authorities have not yet been able to determine the altitude of the aircraft at the time of the incident, nor the route that it was following. The large bird was said to have died minutes after impact. A flight instructor posted online in response to the video: 'When in a stressful situation, pilots will revert to the first thing they learned. That's why initial training is so important.' Another person commented: 'Poor bird. This is one of my worries while flying.' In April, a passenger plane pilot had to carry out an emergency landing after a bird flew into one of the engines. The incident took place during Avianca airline's AV9377 flight from San Andres Island to Bogota in Colombia. The video showed flames shooting out of one of the aircraft's engines shortly after takeoff. A plane suffers a bird strike shortly after take off in April in Colombia (flames circled) The incident took place during Avianca airline's AV9377 flight from San Andres Island to Bogota in Colombia The aircraft was forced to return to the Gustavo Rojas Pinilla International Airport in San Andres, situated in the Caribbean Sea off the coast of Nicaragua but part of Colombia. The Airbus A 320-214 completed a successful emergency landing. In 2016, shocking photos revealed the damage to a Saudi Arabian Airlines plane caused by a bird strike. A passenger on the tarmac in Jeddah spotted a gaping hole in the Airbus A333s left wing and on closer inspection staff discovered a dead bird - seemingly an eagle - embedded in the aircraft. The Tories plunged into full civil war today as Boris Johnson's allies warned MPs face deselection if they back a brutal report condemning him over Partygate. After 14 months of investigation, the Privileges Committee concluded that the ex-PM 'deliberately misled' Parliament about lockdown breaches in Downing Street. It said he had been 'disingenuous' and if he had not already quit the House he should have been suspended for 90 days. That could have been the longest punishment since Keith Vaz in 2019. Boris Johnson Partygate report - key points: The Privileges Committee said that if he had not resigned last week Mr Johnson should have been suspended from the Commons for 90 days The Privileges Committee said Boris Johnson committed a 'serious contempt of the House' through his Partygate denials. That section would have taken into account his attacks on the committee as a 'kangaroo court' in recent days Only Keith Vaz, the Labour MP who was banned for six months over a drug-fuelled gathering with male prostitutes', has been barred for longer The Committee suggested Mr Johnson should be barred from having a parliamentary pass, which is normally available to former MPs. Advertisement The report also said Mr Johnson had undermined 'democratic institutions', and should be banned from getting a former MP pass for the Parliamentary estate. But a titanic battle is now raging, with Mr Johnson and his allies accusing the cross-party group - which has a Labour chair but a Tory majority among the seven members - of 'monstrous hypocrisy' and bias against him. A crucial debate and vote will be held on the report on Monday - Mr Johnson's birthday. With Opposition parties backing the verdict, the result is not in doubt, but Conservatives who fail to support him are being threatened with deselection. In a statement, Mr Johnson dismissed the findings as 'tripe' and 'deranged', saying the committee was 'beneath contempt' and part of a 'protracted political assassination'. He demanded senior Tory Sir Bernard Jenkin follow him in resigning after allegations emerged that he attended a drinks party for his wife in Parliament during lockdown. 'Why was it illegal for me to thank staff and legal for Sir Bernard to attend his wife's birthday party?' Mr Johnson said. 'The hypocrisy is rank. Like Harriet Harman, he should have recused himself from the inquiry, since he is plainly conflicted.' In a highly personal attack on Sir Bernard, known as a naturist, Mr Johnson said the committee's argument was 'so threadbare that it belongs in one of Bernard Jenkin's nudist colonies'. Rishi Sunak desperately dodged questions about the row on a visit to Harrow this morning. Downing Street said he had not read the document yet. Declaring that the vote will not be whipped, Leader of the House Penny Mordaunt appealed for respect among Conservatives: 'All of us must do what we think is right and others must leave us alone to do so.' But former Cabinet minister Nadine Dorries said: 'Any Conservative MP who would vote for this report is fundamentally not a Conservative and will be held to account by members and the public.' In other fallout today: The Lib Dems have called for Mr Johnson to be stripped of the 115,000 a year 'public duty allowance' for ex-PMs to run an office; The committee said the government had been provided it with evidence about 16 other events at Chequers and Downing Street that had been assessed as 'reasonably' likely to be a breach of Covid rules; The committee has vowed to hold a separate investigation into efforts to undermine it by Mr Johnson's allies; Fresh evidence in the report included testimony from a No10 whistleblower who claimed that 'Wine Time Fridays' were a diaried event for the press office throughout the pandemic. MPs triggered a political earthquake today by finding Boris Johnson lied to the Commons over Partygate After 14 months of investigation, the Privileges Committee concluded in a bombshell report that the ex-PM 'deliberately misled' Parliament Rishi Sunak desperately dodged questions on the row on a visit to Harrow this morning Boris Johnson at a leaving gathering in the Downing Street press office in November 2020 The report included some new evidence, including testimony from one official who said 'Wine Time Fridays' were a diaried event in No10 throughout the pandemic In a brutal 108-page report, the committee said: 'We conclude that when he told the House and this Committee that the rules and guidance were being complied with, his own knowledge was such that he deliberately misled the House and this committee.' The report said: 'We came to the view that some of Mr Johnson's denials and explanations were so disingenuous that they were by their very nature deliberate attempts to mislead the committee and the House, while others demonstrated deliberation because of the frequency with which he closed his mind to the truth.' The MPs said that Mr Johnson's actions had been aggravated by 'repeated contempts and for seeking to undermine the parliamentary process'. It spelled out that the breaches were 'deliberately misleading the House', 'deliberately misleading the Committee', 'breaching confidence', 'impugning the Committee and thereby undermining the democratic process of the House', and 'being complicit in the campaign of abuse and attempted intimidation of the Committee'. The report added: 'We recommend that he should not be entitled to a former Member's pass.' MPs hit with the longest Commons suspensions The 90-day suspension the Commons Privileges Committee recommended for Boris Johnson ranks high in the list of punishments meted out to MPs. But like many of the other big sanctions through history, it will never be formally implemented because he has already quit. Former Labour MP Keith Vaz was handed a six-month suspension in 2019, which was approved by the House. In 2014 the watchdog called for a six-month suspension for Tory Patrick Mercer, but he stood down before it was signed off. The Standards Committee recommended a 12-month punishment for Denis Macshane in 2012, but he immediately resigned. The last MP expelled from the House was Gary Allingham in 1947. Advertisement The report said Mr Johnson 'had knowledge of the Covid Rules and Guidance', 'had knowledge of breaches of the Rules and Guidance that occurred in No10'. The MPs found he misled the House 'when he said that Guidance was followed completely in No. 10, that the Rules and Guidance were followed at all times, that events in No10 were within the Rules and Guidance, and that the Rules and Guidance had been followed at all times when he was present at gatherings'. They made the same finding about 'when he failed to tell the House about his own knowledge of the gatherings where rules or guidance had been broken' and 'when he said that he relied on repeated assurances that the rules had not been broken'. 'The assurances he received were not accurately represented by him to the House, nor were they appropriate to be cited to the House as an authoritative indication of No10's compliance with Covid restrictions,' the report said. Mr Johnson was also accused of misleading the Commons 'when he gave the impression that there needed to be an investigation by Sue Gray before he could answer questions when he had personal knowledge that he did not reveal', and 'when he purported to correct the record but instead continued to mislead the House and, by his continuing denials, this Committee'. The ex-PM was also lambasted as 'deliberately disingenuous when he tried to reinterpret his statements to the House to avoid their plain meaning and reframe the clear impression that he intended to give'. That was 'when he advanced unsustainable interpretations of the Rules and Guidance to advance the argument that the lack of social distancing at gatherings was permissible within the exceptions which allowed for gatherings' and 'advanced legally impermissible reasons to justify the gatherings'. The committee considered whether it should have recommended expelling Mr Johnson from the Commons altogether. During discussion of the report's final findings, the SNP's Allan Dorans and Labour's Yvonne Fovargue backed the stronger sanction. But the four Tory members of the committee Sir Bernard, Sir Charles Walker, Andy Carter and Alberto Costa opposed the amendment. Mr Johnson, has always denied deliberately misleading MPs, but dramatically quit as an MP on Friday after receiving a draft version of the report. The committee said: 'On Thursday 8 June 2023 we sent by email to Mr Johnson's solicitors the Chair's warning letter, and immediately despatched by hand a single hardcopy document containing extracts from the Committee's provisionally agreed draft report, for inspection by Mr Johnson and his nominated legal advisers under secure invigilated conditions. 'Each page of this document was marked as follows: PRIVILEGED AND IN STRICT CONFIDENCEFOR THE USE OF MR JOHNSON AND HIS NOMINATED LEGAL ADVISERS ONLY 'It is a contempt of the House to reveal the contents of this document. There are no other physical copies of the document in existence and the document is only made available for inspection under invigilated conditions. It must not be copied. The Committee of Privileges will consider final submissions about the content of the document before it publishes its final report to the House.' The report highlighted new allegations that Mr Johnson breached Covid rules. 'On 18 May 2023 the Government, without prior notice to us, supplied us with new evidence relating to 16 gatherings at No10 and at Chequers,' the report said. 'Accompanying this was a statement by the Government that: 'As part of their work preparing Boris Johnson's witness statement for the Covid Inquiry (due to be filed on 29 May), the counsel team supporting Mr Johnson identified a number of diary entries as potentially problematic. Whistleblower says No10's 'Wine Time Fridays' carried on throughout lockdown Inside No10 was an 'oasis of normality' where Covid rules went ignored while staff were warned to watch out for cameras outside, an official has said. In written evidence to the Privileges Committee, the worker said 'Wine Time Fridays' and birthday parties continued as normal while the rest of the country faced harsh restrictions on socialising. The official said they asked if masks should be worn in March 2020 but was told there was 'no point' a remark they described as 'part of a wider culture of not adhering to any rules'. But security urged staff to be 'mindful' of potential scrutiny outside the building, urging them to follow guidance when they left, the official said. 'No10 was like an island oasis of normality. Operational notes were sent out from the security team to be mindful of the cameras outside the door, not to go out in groups and to social distance. It was all pantomime,' the statement reads. 'Birthday parties, leaving parties and end-of-week gatherings all continued as normal. Those responsible for the leadership of No 10 failed to keep it a safe space and should have set rules from the start that these gatherings should not continue. 'It was only more than a year into the pandemic that No 10 set up a one-way system and desk divider screens.' Advertisement 'These entries [] are based on an assessment by Government Legal Department as to events/activities which could reasonably be considered to constitute breaches of Covid Regulations.' The committee said it had received a response from Mr Johnson that the events were all within the rules, and had not looked into the matter further to avoid delaying its findings. The former Conservative leader's resignation means he will not serve the lengthy suspension recommended - which is far above the 10 days that could have sparked a by-election in his Uxbridge and South Ruislip constituency. His decision to quit pre-empted such an outcome, with his constituents to go to the polls next month in a major electoral challenge for Mr Sunak. Mr Johnson's ally Nigel Adams also stepped down and his arch-supporter Nadine Dorries has announced she will go too, though her demands for answers about why she was denied a peerage before she formally quits as an MP look set to prolong the by-election struggle for the Prime Minister. The MPs on the panel rejected his defence that senior officials 'repeatedly' advised him Covid rules and guidance had been followed in No 10. It highlighted that one senior aide warned him against claiming to the Commons that social distancing guidelines were observed. Some of Mr Johnson's supporters made their views known about the findings today. Former culture secretary Ms Dorries said: 'Any Conservative MP who would vote for this report is fundamentally not a Conservative and will be held to account by members and the public. Deselections may follow. It's serious. 'MPs will now have to show this committee what real justice looks like and how it's done.' Tory MP Mark Jenkinson tweeted: 'This is gross overreach, which undermines the integrity of the committee and of parliament. 'The removal of a former members (sic) pass is nothing short of vindictive.' Mr Johnson said last night that Tory grandee Sir Bernard Jenkin should step down from the committee over claims he had taken part in a lockdown-busting event. Sir Bernard is reported to have attended a drinks party held by Commons Deputy Speaker Dame Eleanor Laing in December 2020, while London was in Tier 2 measures restricting indoor mixing. The event is said to have been a 65th birthday party for Sir Bernard's wife Anne, at which both drinks and cake were served. Neither Sir Bernard nor Dame Eleanor responded to requests for comment about the story, which first appeared on the Guido Fawkes website. A file picture of Bernard Jenkin and his wife Anne. The Tory MP has been accused of attending a drinks do at Parliament during lockdown The Commons Privileges Committee inquiry has been chaired by Labour's Harriet Harman Some of Mr Johnson's allies took to Twitter today to make clear their views on the report Tory MP James Duddridge jibed that the committee seemed to want to 'put Boris in the stocks' The matter has been referred to both the Metropolitan Police and the Commons authorities. In a letter to Labour chair Harriet Harman, Mr Johnson said Sir Bernard appeared to be guilty of 'flagrant and monstrous hypocrisy' and questioned whether its report into his own conduct could still be considered reliable. In a separate statement, Mr Johnson added: 'He has no choice but to explain his actions to his own committee, for his colleagues to investigate and then to resign.' Former Cabinet minister Nadine Dorries called for the report to be halted. 'If this is true then the report should be stopped,' she said. 'We cannot know what influence Sir Bernard had on its findings, and without that the report cannot stand.' Asked about the furore on a visit to Harrow this morning, Mr Sunak said: 'You are talking about a report that I haven't seen and that no one else has seen. It wouldn't be right to comment on it in advance of it coming out and being published.' He added: 'These are matters for the House of Commons, and Parliament will deal with it in the way that it does.' Mr Sunak was also asked if he was 'frustrated' by Mr Johnson's interventions in the past week. 'No, I'm just getting on with delivering for the country,' he said. Home Office minister Chris Philp argued the MPs, including Tory former Cabinet minister Sir Jacob Rees-Mogg who branded it a 'kangaroo court', should not be censured. 'Although I don't characterise the committee in those terms, I think people are free to express their opinions,' he told ITV's Peston. 'I don't think we should be trying to sort of muzzle MPs.' He has been stood down while under investigation A bus driver has been stood down after footage emerged of him pushing a teenage boy during an argument after schoolchildren repeatedly pushed the stop button but didn't get off. Footage shows the man behind the wheel of the 955 bus route between Ellenbrook to Morley, in Perth's northeast, arguing with the teenager on Wednesday morning outside while the bus was parked. Multiple angles of the incident were captured by other schoolchildren who were waiting on the stationary bus. It is believed to have been sparked by some of the schoolchildren excessively pressing the stop button when not needed. In one of the videos, the driver can be heard saying: 'If you're pressing the bell and you're not getting off I'll be f***ing throwing you off'. As some of the schoolchildren get off the bus, he then says: 'shut your f***ing mouth, I'll punch the shit out of you okay'. The bus driver then steps out of his seat and confronts one of the schoolchildren, pointing a finger at him while the two exchange words. He then steps forward and pushes the teenager in the chest, causing the bus to explode in raucous yelling. 'Shut up up the back,' the bus driver says as he steps back onto the bus, pointing at one of the cameras. 'You come on the bus, you sit down and you shut up, behave yourself.' A Perth bus driver has been stood down while under investigation from the state's Transit Authority for pushing a teenage schoolchild (pictured) A spokesperson for the Public Transport Authority of West Australia has said it is aware of the incident and are investigating with help from the bus driver. 'The driver has been stood down pending the result of the investigation,' the spokesperson said. 'The Union does not condone the actions of the driver, but it was clear in the vision that he was pushed to his limit with the abuse and anti-social behaviour he was receiving,' Tim Dawson, Transport Workers Union WA state secretary, told WAToday. 'Disappointingly these occurrences happen to our bus drivers on a daily basis and unfortunately, the reason this bus driver may not have called for security in this instance was because there are not enough mobile resources.' The union has previously called for the implementation of more safety and security measures to support drivers. These include the state government to introduce mobile security units, improve communication between drivers, depots and security units , and conflict resolution training. A couple who fought a tragic court battle to prevent medics turning off their daughter's life support machine have been handed a 50,000 bill after being sued by their solicitors. Abraham and Chaya Fixsler battled their local NHS trust in court in a high-profile case over the future treatment of their two-year-old, Alta, who suffered brain damage at birth. Medics said further life-sustaining treatment was not in Alta's best interests, and despite her parents' objections, a judge in 2021 ruled that treatment should be stopped. Alta died in a hospice in October 2021 after her parents lost their High Court fight with the Manchester University NHS Foundation Trust, which were responsible for her care. This week the grieving couple were handed a 50,000 bill after being sued by their solicitors at Central London County Court. Abraham and Chaya Fixsler (pictured) battled their local NHS trust in court in a high-profile case over the future treatment of their two-year-old, Alta, who suffered brain damage at birth Alta died in a hospice in October 2021, despite her parents' efforts to keep her alive Legal firm Harris Da Silva had been instructed by the couple to help them with part of Alta's case, but they failed to pay two invoices in July 2021 totalling 38,497, the firm's barrister Thiaza Khan said. The couple, from Salford, claimed the bills were 'excessive' and alleged that the standard of service they received was not good enough. Their solicitors' firm sued and won a judgment in their favour for 41,684.14, the invoices plus interest and costs, which has now been confirmed after an appeal before Judge Alan Johns KC. However, the couple were also ordered to pay 9,000 towards the firm's costs of responding to the Central London County Court appeal, taking their total bill to 50,684.14. Alta was born with severe brain damage and lawyers representing the NHS Trust in 2021 said there was 'no prospect of her ever getting better'. They asked the High Court to decide whether it was in her best interests to withdraw life-sustaining treatment and put her on a palliative care regime. But her parents said their Jewish faith meant they could not agree to steps which would lead to her death and wanted her taken to Israel to be treated by doctors who share their religious beliefs. At the end of the case, Mr Justice McDonald found it was in Alta's 'best interests' that her treatment be withdrawn, as otherwise she could suffer even more. After Alta's death and the end of the tragic battle, Harris Da Silva launched a claim against the couple for non-payment of two invoices earlier in 2021 for previous work on the case. A default judgment was entered against them for the full sum of the invoices, plus interest and court costs, and they failed to have that set aside in a hearing last November. But this week their lawyers argued on appeal that the judgment should be overturned because Harris Da Silva's case had been served on them at their Salford address, when they were recuperating in Israel following Alta's death. They also claimed that the judgment should be quashed because they still had a right to challenge the size of the bills which the firm provided them with. But giving judgment, Judge Johns rejected the accusation that the firm had reason to believe the couple were not in the UK when the case was filed against them. Emails which the firm received suggested they were away recuperating temporarily, rather than having actually left the UK permanently, he said. Judge Johns added they had not taken the opportunity to question any specific elements of the firm's bills at the time that they were received. This week the grieving parents of Alta were handed a 50,000 bill after being sued by their solicitors at Central London County Court Manchester University NHS Foundation Trust (pictured) were responsible for Alta's care. Medics said further life-sustaining treatment was not in her best interests 'The two bills relied on by Harris Da Silva have each been accompanied by a detailed report setting out the time spent on each item and the hourly rates,' he added. 'There has been no specific challenge to those items. The witness statement of Mr Fixsler said only that the fees were excessive. 'There is therefore no prospect of this claim in the amount of the two bills being successfully defended. 'As to the suggestion of negligence, there was no real evidence at all or any particulars offered in support of that suggestion. 'All that was said in the witness statement of Mr Fixsler was that Harris Da Silva's services didn't meet their expectations and their standard of care fell short. 'This suggestion also lacks the necessary conviction to form a proper basis for resisting judgment.' Their appeal having been dismissed, the Fixslers now have to pay their former solicitors' bills plus interest, costs of the original case and of this week's appeal, a total of 50,684.14. For Harris Da Silva, Ms Khan said the firm had had to take action because its reputation was at stake. The firm had undertaken its work with 'diligence,' working free of charge at some points during Alta's case. The Fixslers were not in court for the hearing, with Judge Johns delivering his judgment via a video link. A 'vile predator' dubbed the 'Shoreditch prowler' faces years in prison after being convicted of drugging and raping four women in a terrifying two-year crime spree. Clement Omoregbee, 37, of Charlton Lane in Greenwich was found guilty of four counts of rape following a five-week trial at Wood Green Crown Court on 14 June. The 'violent' attacker targeted lone women traveling home from bars in Shoreditch, east London between February 2019 and December 2020, in attacks that had 'life changing impacts' on his victims. The 37-year-old who will now be sentenced on 29 September drugged his victims by administrating either GHB or GBL, before stealing their jewellery, bank cards, and phones. Police arrested Omoregbee near his home on 21 April 2021, following a manhunt, before he was convicted of the rapes after DNA evidence linked the predator to the crimes. Clement Omoregbee, 37, (pictrured) of Charlton Lane in Greenwich was found guilty of four counts of rape following a five-week trial Omoregbee initially denied the rapes during a police interview on 23 April, after he was linked to three attacks by DNA evidence. He was later charged with a fourth attack in December 2021 after the Metropolitan Police researched the predator's behaviour and probed their systems for similar crimes. Although none of the women attacked by Omoregbee knew each other, all four reported a similar set of events. Two of the attackers victims were initially reluctant to support an investigation, but later engaged with police after DNA evidence linked Omoregbee to the crimes. A fourth woman was identified after attending The Havens sexual assault clinic in London, where police obtained permission to send off further DNA samples for analysis. Police also analysed mobile phone records, CCTV footage, witness enquiries and forensic evidence while building their case. Ahead of his trial, Omoregbee pleaded guilty to six counts of fraud and theft for stealing the victim-survivors phones, jewellery and bank cards and making purchases after he'd carried out the rapes. The 'vile predator' targeted lone women leaving bars in Shoreditch, east London (pictured) Detective Constable Steve Halfhide from the Complex Investigation Team said: 'Clement Omoregbee is a vile predator who targeted lone women in the night time economy. He has no place in society and is a danger to women. 'Omoregbee's violent and disturbing actions have had life-changing impacts on the women he attacked. 'The victim-survivors have been incredibly strong throughout this lengthy process. I am pleased they have today seen justice. 'It was important to them all to help protect women of London from any further attacks by this man. 'All of the victim-survivors suffered extreme memory loss which was not attributed to by any other factors. 'It was accepted by both prosecution and defence during the trial that there was a possibility it could be indicative of GHB/GBL being administered to them. 'The investigation teams' commitment to this case has been incredible, they have all worked incredibly hard and have really been behind this case from the beginning putting in hours and hours of work and overcoming many challenges. 'I would urge anyone who has been a victim of rape or sexual assault to come forward and report what happened to police. We will support you and take you seriously.' Welsh First Minister Mark Drakeford has been slammed after posing in a 'Never Kissed a Tory' badge in an official photograph to mark Pride. A picture on the Welsh government's official Instagram account on Tuesday shows him with the 'divisive' badge pinned to his shirt next to a rainbow tie. Critics have urged him to apologise over the 'wholly offensive' gesture and accused him of belittling LGBT Conservative supporters. The picture appeared next to a caption saying: 'Who else is looking forward to Pride Cymru this Saturday?!' Tory Shadow Minister for Equalities Altaf Hussain said: 'I am deeply disappointed that the First Minister deemed it appropriate to politicise Pride Cymru by wearing a wholly offensive badge. Welsh First Minister Mark Drakeford has been criticised for wearing a badge saying 'never kissed a Tory' 'Pride reminds people of how far we have come in ensuring people can be who they are. Pride events should aim to empower the LGBTQ + community, not seek to shame certain members. 'I sincerely hope the First Minister apologises for the offence he has caused.' Another Welsh Conservative said: 'Such a slogan is undoubtedly divisive. Many people may not be aware that the LGBT community is well represented in Tory ranks. Some prefer to keep it private.' Last year, Manchester Central MP Lucy Powell wore a red t-shirt with the slogan ahead of Manchester Pride. Chris Clarkson, Heywood and Middleton's Conservative MP, called the gesture: 'Puerile, divisive and completely against the spirit of inclusion that Pride is supposed to embody. Grow up.' Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer later revealed that he had, in fact, kissed a Tory. Asked by Times Radio whether he was 'tribal' and might wear a 'never kissed a Tory' badge, he responded: 'Well I'm afraid I've broken that rule.' Pride Cymru has been taking place in Cardiff for more than 20 years He continued: 'I'm not tribal - I think this actually comes from coming into politics later in life. 'Outside of politics, most of the time, most people at home or at work see a problem, get people around and try to fix it and bring people together, bridge people together and do it. That's what I bring to politics. Therefore, I've worked across parties. 'I'm on very good terms with many, many Tory MPs. I'm not ashamed about it and I've got very good friends who are Tories and they've been very, very good friends of mine for a very, very long time and long may that last.' Pride Cymru has been taking place in Cardiff for more than 20 years. A statement on the organisation's website says: 'Pride Cymru is a volunteer-led charity that works to promote the elimination of discrimination be it on the grounds of sexual orientation, gender, race, religion or ability. 'We are committed to campaigning for equality and acceptance of diversity within our communities. We recognise and celebrate the contributions made by LGBT+ people in society and we continue our work to create opportunities for LGBT+ people around Wales to connect and support each other. 'Pride Cymru is committed to promoting and raising awareness of the issues affecting the LGBT+ community as we want our society to be free from hate crime, discrimination and prejudice.' A spokesman for the Welsh Government said: 'We won't be providing a comment.' Nathan Chasing Horse has been charged in Alberta, Canada, with new sex crimes in the latest criminal case to be brought against the former 'Dances With Wolves' actor. He remains jailed in Las Vegas as he awaits trial in a sweeping sexual abuse case that stunned Indian Country and has helped law enforcement in two countries corroborate long-standing allegations against him. At a virtual news conference on Wednesday, Sgt. Nancy Farmer of the Tsuutina Nation Police Service acknowledged that the Alberta case is largely symbolic. Chasing Horse - who faces not only decades in a Nevada prison if convicted in the Las Vegas case but criminal prosecution in five jurisdictions - might not ever return to Canada to answer to these charges. She said: 'At the end of the day it is important for us to have these warrants in the system so our victims know theyve been heard. It's extremely important that we continue to support them that way.' Nathan Chasing Horse sits in court, April 3, 2023, in Las Vegas. He now faces new charges Chasing Horse has declined multiple media requests to be interviewed at the county jail. His public defender in Las Vegas, Kristy Holston, said she has no comment on the new charges. It is not clear whether Chasing Horse has an attorney in Canada who could comment on his behalf. Farmer said the 47-year-old faces nine charges in Alberta, including three counts of sexual exploitation and four counts of sexual assault. Nathan Lee Chasing Horse, 47, was born on the Rosebud Reservation in South Dakota The crimes in their jurisdiction date back to 2005, she said. Chasing Horse was born on the Rosebud Reservation in South Dakota, home to the Sicangu Sioux, one of the seven tribes of the Lakota nation. He is widely known for his portrayal of Smiles a Lot in Kevin Costners Oscar-winning film. Dozens more migrants have arrived in the UK by small boat today, as the total number of Channel crossings for the year so far exceeds 9,000. Scores of asylum seekers, including a small number of women and children, were intercepted at sea and brought into Dover, Kent around 8am on board a Border Force vessel. The mostly male group wore orange life jackets and had red blankets wrapped around their shoulders as they were escorted off the boat by UK officials. It comes after the Royal National Lifeboat Institution (RNLI) said it was called out 209 times last year. The institute managed to save the lives of 108 people, which included women and children trying to get the UK, as the nation's migrant crisis continues. The Home Office yesterday confirmed 545 migrants reached the UK across the Channel on Monday Migrants are escorted ashore from a UK Border Force vessel in Dover, southeast England, on June 15, 2023, after having been picked up at sea while attempting to cross the English Channel The number of migrants arriving in the UK this year is steadily increasing Low winds, clear skies today could see more migrants attempt to make the perilous journey as people smugglers take advantage of the calm weather. While the government is yet to confirm the official figures for Wednesday, it is thought that around 50 asylum seekers reached the UK by inflatable dinghy or other small craft. They were brought into the harbour at Dover by Border Force shortly after 5pm, amid breezy conditions. The number of migrants who made the crossing on Wednesday was relatively low compared to the previous few days. Sunday saw 616 people arrive on the Kent coast in 12 boats - a record day for the year so far. A further 545 people made the perilous journey across the 21-mile Dover Straits on Monday. While on Tuesday 204 migrants arrived in four small boats - an average of 51 people crammed into each vessel. A total of 9,111 people have crossed the Channel so far in 2023 - with 1,452 of those arriving in June alone. At this point in 2022, 10,962 migrants had made the crossing. Last year saw a record 45,755 asylum seekers reach the UK by small boat - with 51 per cent of those people arriving in the three months of August, September and October. August 2022 saw the highest number of small boat arrivals on record at 8,631. The total number of Channel crossings in 2022 was 60 per cent higher than in 2021, which saw 28,526 migrants make the journey. But officials have predicted that as many of 80,000 people could reach the UK by small boat this year. Figures are thought to be rising after the United Nations declared that 110 million people across the globe had been displaced from their homes. Numbers are continuing to rise due to instability in Somalia and Sudan and the war in Ukraine, in particular, according to the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR). Britain's ministers, including Home Secretary Suella Braverman, have said the global number of migrants is having a direct link on those who are attempting to reach the UK by crossing the Channel. The news comes after a boat carrying as many as 700 migrants trying to reach Greece capsized when there was a 'shift among the people crammed on board,' officials have said. The sinking in the Mediterranean is one of the worst disasters of its kind this year, with at least 79 people dead and many more missing off Greece 's southern Peloponnese peninsula. Coast guard, navy and merchant vessels, and aircraft fanned out for a vast search-and-rescue operation that continued overnight. Pictures from Kalamata showed rescue workers carrying several black body bags from a coast guard ship. It was unclear how many passengers were missing, but some initial reports suggested hundreds of people may have been aboard when the boat went down far from shore near one of the deepest part of the Mediterranean Sea. Coast guard spokesman Nikos Alexiou told state ERT TV that it was impossible to accurately estimate the number of passengers. He said it appeared that the 80 to 100-foot vessel capsized after people abruptly moved to one side. A boat carrying as many as 700 migrants trying to reach Greece capsized after there was a 'shift among the people crammed on board,' officials have said Men transfer body bags carrying migrants who died after their boat capsized in the open sea off Greece, onboard a Hellenic Coast Guard vessel at the port of Kalamata, Greece Greek coast guard personal carry the dead bodies of refugees and migrants from a coast guard ship following a deadly shipwreck off Pylos at the port of Kalamata, southwest of Athens Men carry bags with bodies from a coast guard vessel to a refrigerated truck at the port in Kalamata, Greece on June 14 'The outer deck was full of people, and we presume that the interior [of the vessel] would also have been full,' he said. 'It looks as if there was a shift among the people who were crammed on board, and it capsized.' A coast guard statement said efforts by its own ships and merchant vessels to assist the boat were repeatedly rebuffed, with people on board insisting they wanted to continue to Italy. Coast guard officials said the trawler's engines broke down around 1.40am on Wednesday, and just under an hour later, the ship started to list abruptly from side to side before capsizing. The ship sank ten to 15 minutes later, the statement said. An aerial photograph of the battered blue vessel released by the Greek coast guard showed scores of people covering practically every inch of deck. A 300ft mega-yacht rescued more than 100 survivors from the ocean. Scores of migrants that were ultimately rescued were seen arriving into the port of Kalamata on Wednesday on the Mayan Queen IV yacht, owned by the late Mexican billionaire Alberto Bailleres. Harrowing images showed medics rushing the survivors off the yacht on to stretchers, while others walked around bare foot and draped in blankets. The $175million (137.9million) mega-yacht, which was built by Blohm and Voss, was launched in 2008 and can carry up to 16 guests and 24 crewmembers. The Mayan Queen IV came under the spotlight in August 2018 when 20-year-old Australian Instagram model and crew member Sinead McNamara was found hanging from the back of the billionaire's superyacht in Greece. Greece's caretaker prime minister, Ioannis Sarmas, declared three days of national mourning, 'with our thoughts on all the victims of the ruthless smugglers who exploit human unhappiness'. Ioannis Zafiropoulos, deputy mayor of the southern port city of Kalamata, where survivors were taken, said that his information indicated there were 'more than 500 people' on board. Authorities said 104 people were rescued after the sinking in international waters about 45 miles southwest of Greece's southern Peloponnese peninsula. The spot is close to the deepest part of the Mediterranean Sea, and depths of up to 17,000 feet could hamper any effort to locate a sunken vessel. Twenty-five survivors ranging in age from 16 to 49 were hospitalised with hypothermia or fever. A rescued migrant is airlifted from a vessel by a helicopter At least 79 migrants have drowned after a packed boat reportedly carrying up to 700 sunk off the Greek coast before a 300ft mega-yacht, pictured, rescued 100 survivors Migrants rest in a shelter following a rescue operation after their boat capsized in the open sea off Kalamata, Greece Rescued migrants find shelter at a warehouse following a shipwreck offshore in Kalamata, Greece Survivors of a shipwreck stand outside a warehouse at the port in Kalamata town At the port of Kalamata, around 70 exhausted survivors bedded down in sleeping bags and blankets provided by rescuers in a large warehouse, while paramedics set up tents outside for anyone who needed first aid. Katerina Tsata, head of a Red Cross volunteer group in Kalamata, said the migrants were also given psychological support. 'They suffered a very heavy blow, both physical and mental,' she said. Rescue volunteer Constantinos Vlachonikolos said nearly all the survivors were men. 'They were very worn out. How could they not be?' he said. Rescuers said many of the people pulled from the water could not swim and were clutching debris. The coast guard said none had life jackets. The Greek coast guard said 79 bodies have been recovered so far. Survivors included 30 people from Egypt, ten from Pakistan, 35 from Syria and two Palestinians, the agency said. The Italy-bound boat was believed to have left the Tobruk area in eastern Libya - a country plunged into chaos following a Nato-backed uprising that toppled and killed longtime autocrat Muammar Gaddafi in 2011. Human traffickers have benefited from the instability, and made Libya one of the main departure points for people attempting to reach Europe on smuggler's boats. The Italian coast guard first alerted Greek authorities and the European Union border protection agency, Frontex, about an approaching vessel on Tuesday. Authorities said 104 people have been rescued so far after the boat sank overnight. Here, survivors receive urgent medical attention Coast guard, navy and merchant vessels fanned out for a vast search-and-rescue operation that also included a plane and a helicopter. The coastguard said a surveillance plane with Europe's Frontex agency had spotted the boat on Tuesday afternoon, but the passengers had 'refused any help'. It added that none on board were wearing life jackets. Authorities said it appeared the migrants had departed from Libya and were heading for Italy. The survivors were initially housed in a port warehouse, but Greece's migration ministry said they would be taken to a migrant camp near Athens. Also on Wednesday, a sailing boat in distress carrying about 80 migrants off Crete was rescued by a coastguard patrol and towed to port, Greece's port police said. Along with Italy and Spain, Greece has been one of the main landing points for tens of thousands of people seeking to reach Europe from Africa and the Middle East. Another 90 people in a sailboat, more than a third of them children, were rescued near the island of Cythera over the weekend. Greece is also facing an increase of crossing attempts from Turkey on southern routes near the Cyclades islands and toward the Peloponnese peninsula, with boats hoping to avoid patrols in the northern Aegean Sea. Rescue operations are common, but last month the Greek government came under international pressure over video footage reportedly showing the forceful expulsion of migrants who were set adrift at sea. Greece and other EU member states - including Italy - on the southern and southeastern rim of the bloc say they are being unfairly tasked with managing arrivals of undocumented migrants. The Mediterranean's deadliest shipwreck in living memory occurred on April 18, 2015, when an overcrowded fishing boat collided off Libya with a freighter trying to come to its rescue. Only 28 people survived. Forensic experts concluded that there were originally 1,100 people on board. And earlier this year, 94 people were killed off the coast of Calabria when their migrant boat sank amid harsh weather conditions. Some in Italy blamed the country's right-wing prime minister Giorgina Meloni and her party's hardline policy against migrant boats, while she pointed the finger at 'inhumane' human traffickers. Laws in Italy require rescue vessels to request access to a port and sail to it 'without delay' after a sea rescue. The law complicates efforts by humanitarian boats to make multiple rescues in the central Mediterranean by assigning them ports of disembarkation along Italy's northern coasts. That means the vessels need more time to return to the sea after bringing migrants aboard and taking them safely to shore. Humanitarian organisations have lamented that the crackdown also includes an order to the charity boats not to remain at sea after the first rescue operation in hopes of performing other rescues, but to head immediately to their assigned port. Violators face stiff fines and confiscation of rescue vessels. Home Secretary Suella Braverman today held talks with her French counterpart in London - including on the migrants crisis - and insisted the countries are working in 'lockstep' to 'stop the boats' crossing the Channel. Ms Braverman met with French interior minister Gerald Darmanin ahead of a bilateral meeting at the Home Office in London. Mr Darmanin has been a critic of the UK, repeatedly declaring that France will not be 'held hostage' by domestic British politics as prime minister after prime minister struggled to slow the flow of migrants in dinghies crossing the Channel. But Ms Braverman claimed today the two countries are the 'firmest of friends' and working 'hand in hand' on counter-terrorism, state threats and 'to preserve our joint security'. She said: 'Our cooperation goes from strength to strength, and we are firmly committed to working together in lockstep on our shared global challenges, including stopping the boats', adding: 'The United Kingdom and France are the firmest of friends'. Home Secretary Suella Braverman with French interior minister Gerald Darmanin ahead of a bilateral meeting at the Home Office in London Ms Braverman says the Uk and France continue to co-operate to 'stop the boats' Migrants are escorted ashore from a UK Border Force vessel in Dover today The number of migrants arriving in the UK this year is steadily increasing It came after the Home Secretary indicated the Governments target to cut the asylum backlog will not be met at current rates. Rishi Sunak pledged in December that 92,000 legacy claims which were lodged before June 28 last year would be abolished by the end of 2023. But such claims stand at 78,954, according to figures, with the total at a record of more than 173,000 cases. At the Commons home affairs committee, Tory MP Tim Loughton told Suella Braverman the Home Office needed to clear more than 10,600 cases a month to meet the pledge four times the current rate. The Home Secretary said: I believe that, yes, if you maintained the current pace we wouldnt meet the target. However, thats to overlook the fact that we will have our full cohort of decision-makers later this year they will be fully trained up and more proficient. She also stressed the importance of the asylum deal with Rwanda in getting small boat numbers down overall. The Home Office confirmed yesterday that 204 migrants reached the UK by small boat on Tuesday. And than 600 migrants crossed the Channel by small boat on Monday the highest daily total since November as Labour continue to oppose the Governments flagship immigration measures. The Home Office yesterday confirmed 545 migrants reached the UK across the Channel on Monday Official Home Office figures showed there were 616 crossings yesterday, on top of 87 on Saturday. The weekend arrivals came after a 12-day period with no crossings at all, due to strong northerly winds in the Channel. The 616 arrivals was the highest number since November 29, when 893 reached the UK. It brought the total number of migrants who have reached the UK so far this year to 8,313. At the same point last year the running total stood at just over 10,000. The record daily number of arrivals stands at 1,295 on August 22 last year, among an annual record of 45,755 - 60 per cent higher than the previous 12 months. Officials have predicted that as many as 85,000 migrants could arrive by small boat this year. Home Secretary Braverman said last week: I have been clear that the unacceptable number of people making frankly illegal and dangerous crossings must stop. Prime Minister Rishi Sunak said last Monday that the Governments tough-talking policies were starting to work. He announced that ministers had secured two former cruise ships to house up to 1,000 Channel arrivals. An accommodation barge, the Bibby Stockholm, is due to be towed from Falmouth, Cornwall, to Portland, Dorset, following a refit. It is due to house 500 migrants, beginning in the next few weeks. Norway's King Harald fell to the ground on the red carpet as he arrived in Denmark for an official visit today, before he was helped up in front of a concerned Queen Margrethe. The 86-year-old monarch and Queen Sonja took a royal ship to the Nordre Toldbod waterfront area in Copenhagen this morning. The royal couple were helped off the boat for the welcome ceremony, hosted by Denmark's Queen. King Harald can be seen hobbling on crutches at the bottom of the red carpet. His wife then follows and they make their way up a flight of stairs lined with sailors in white uniform towards the historic building where royal guards are stood waiting. King Harald takes a stumble on the steps. In the video, the royal couple are helped off the boat for the welcome ceremony, hosted by Denmark's Queen Margrethe Denmark's Queen Margret (wearing pink) then greets King Harald after his fall with Queen Sonja (right) also present In the footage, King Harald appears to fall to his knees just as he has reached the final step but is caught by one of the staff members. Photos show another staff member joining in to help. He then greets Queen Margrethe, 83, by kissing her on both cheeks. He remains in good spirits as they have a quick chat before he moves on to greet the others. The royal couple will be in Denmark until June 16 on a visit ending in Aarhus. King Harald spent time hospitalised in Oslo with an infection in May. A brief statement at the time read: 'The king has been diagnosed with an infection that needs to be treated, and will therefore remain in hospital for a few days.' King Harald is held by one of the staff members at the top of the flight of stairs Queen Sonja raises her arm and watches as King Harald falls to his knees King Harald falls during a Nordre Toldbod waterfront area in Copenhagen this morning The 86-year-old took a moment to regain his composure and was helped to his feet by staff members King Harald lets go of his crutches during a fall as he is helped up by staff members. King Harald and Queen Sonja will be in Denmark until June 16 with the visit ending in Aarhus The Palace added in a later statement that his condition 'is improving but he will be on sick leave until the end of the week'. King Harald has been relying on crutches for a number of years. The infection in May was the second time he had been admitted to hospital over a period of six months. In December, the monarch was treated for an infection at the same hospital, where he received intravenous antibiotics. King Harald underwent a leg operation in January last year before contracting Covid-19 in March and spent time in hospital in August with another infection. He also went through a successful operation to replace a heart valve in October 2020 after being admitted to hospital with breathing difficulties. Queen Margrethe smiles at the top of the stairs ahead of greeting King Harald and Queen Sonja The royal couple made their way up a flight of stairs lined with sailors with a red carpet laid out for them King Harald greets Queen Margrethe, who is wearing a striking pink outfit, with his wife, Queen Sonja, also attending King Harald greets Queen Margrethe by kissing her on both cheeks King Harald and Queen Margrethe looked please to see one another at the welcome ceremony in Copenhagen this morning Queen Margrethe II of Denmark receives King Harald V of Norway at Toldboden in Copenhagen A blind pensioner was left distraught after staff forced her to leave an ice cream parlour because she had her guide dog with her. Lyn Godwin, accompanied by her eight-year-old labrador Yoko, visited Scoops Gelato in Southampton, Hampshire, and planned to sit inside to get some shade from the sun. However, while the 69-year-old was stood in the queue, she was approached by a member of staff who ordered her to leave. Despite Ms Godwin explaining she is blind, she was told she couldn't bring Yoko inside. Customers inside the dessert parlour said the incident was 'disgusting'. Lyn Godwin, 69, and her eight-year-old guide dog Yoko were forced out of Scoops Gelato in Southampton Scoops Gelato has since apologised to Ms Godwin and explained there was a 'miscommunication' with the staff member Scoops Gelato has now apologised to Ms Godwin and explained there was a 'miscommunication' with the staff member, who 'doesn't speak the best English' as she is a Ukrainian refugee. Ms Godwin, from Southampton, has diabetic retinopathy - high blood sugar levels damaging the back of the eye - and lost most of her eyesight 15 years ago. She said: 'I just wanted to sit somewhere nice and shady with Yoko. Inside Scoops, I stood behind two people that were getting ice cream. 'I was waiting for my turn, and a lady [staff member] was watching me. 'When I walked towards her, she said that I couldn't come in here with my dog. 'I pointed out that I am blind and that I can't see, and she still said that I can't bring the dog in. 'There were three people who witnessed the incident and said that it was disgusting. I then told myself that I was not going to make a fuss and left the store. 'So what happened to me at Scoops wasn't as bad as before, but I don't want to get used to it. It shouldn't be like that. 'As a city, we need to get used to every kind of customer, regardless of their needs. 'I don't want to get anyone into trouble, but just be aware, everyone should be aware now that assistance dogs are the same as having a human with you..' Ms Godwin said she's had Yoko for nearly six years and called her a 'lovely and funny' dog who enjoys having her stomach rubbed. The manager of Scoops Gelato has now issued an apology, saying 'everyone is welcome'. The manager said: 'We have investigated the incident and found that the staff member who asked the lady to leave the premises is Ukrainian. Ms Godwin said she's had Yoko for nearly six years and called her a 'lovely and funny' dog who enjoys having her stomach rubbed 'She left a war-torn country and doesn't speak the best English, so we believe there was a miscommunication between her and the customer. 'We don't want the customer to feel isolated and excluded after the incident, and we would love to invite her back. 'Right now, all we can do is apologise that she was turned away, but we want to make up with her. 'It's our policy that everyone is welcome.' Locals have posted their support for Ms Godwin and Yoko online, with one saying: 'The blind lady did absolutely nothing wrong - just a little staff training required. 'This brave lady has flagged the issue to raise awareness for the benefit of all those vision impaired with guide dogs - a brave altruistic act.' This is the moment RAF Typhoon fighter jets intercepted Russian warplanes approaching Estonian airspace. The British jets were scrambled on Wednesday afternoon to intercept one Russian Air Force IL-20 COOT A and two SU-27 Flankers, the RAF said, after Moscow's jets 'failed to comply with international norms' of communication. Estonia, a former Soviet state, borders Russia and is one of the 31 members of NATO, and has been one of Ukraine's most staunch backers since Russia invaded. The RAF Tycoons that intercepted the Russian jets were from the 140 Expeditionary Air Wing, current deployed to the country and carrying out the NATO Baltic Air Policing mission - part of NATO's largest air exercise this year. 'RAF Typhoons from 140 EAW in Estonia were scrambled this afternoon to intercept a Russian Air Force IL-20 COOT A and 2x Su-27 FLANKER B flying close to NATO airspace,' Britain's air force said in a post on Twitter. This is the moment RAF Typhoon fighter jets (bottom) intercepted Russian warplanes (top) approaching Estonian airspace Pictured: A Russian SU-27 fighter jet, one of the Russian aircraft that was intercepted by RAF fighters near Estonian - and therefore NATO - airspace on Wednesday afternoon The British jets were scrambled on Wednesday afternoon to intercept one Russian Air Force IL-20 COOT A (right) and two SU-27 Flankers (left), the RAF said, after Moscow's jets 'failed to comply with international norms' of communication 'The Russian aircraft failed to comply with international norms by not liaising with relevant FIRs,' it wrote, adding: #WeAreNato along with photographs of the jets. The RAF has sprung into action on a number of occasions since the war in Ukraine began in order to deter Russian aircraft from breaching NATO airspace. On June 9, British jets were scrambled for a second time in 24 hour when Typhoons intercepted an Antonov An-12 Cub and an Antonov An-72 Coaler that were flying south from mainland Russia towards the Kaliningrad Oblast. The same fighters were then re-tasked to intercept two Tupolev Tu-22M Backfire bombers and two Su-30SM Flanker H fighters that were detected flying from mainland Russia over the Gulf of Finland and the Baltic Sea, the RAF said. This came after RAF Typhoons and Swedish Air Force Gripens were scrambled to intercept a Russian Air Force IL-20 Coot A and a Su-27 Flanker on Thursday. The Russian jets were flying near Swedish airspace on this occasion. And in a sign of tensions in the airspace around Ukraine, it was revealed earlier this year that a Russian fighter jet attempted to shoot down a manned RAF jet over the Black Sea, in what could have amounted to an act of war. 'The Russian aircraft failed to comply with international norms by not liaising with relevant FIRs,' the wrote on Twitter, adding: #WeAreNato along with photographs of the jets Fortuntely, the missile malfunctioned in an incident US defence officials today revealed was far more serious than first thought. The blundering Su-27 pilot mistakenly believed a radar operator on the ground had given him permission to fire on the British jet and take it down on September 29. The Russian jet locked on the RAF RC-135 Rivet Joint surveillance aircraft and let rip - but its deadly missile failed to launch properly and missed. Previously it was believed the missile was launched by accident - not a deliberate act of war. Meanwhile, NATO began its biggest ever air force deployment exercise in Europe on Monday, as part of a 'show of strength' in the skies. The German-led 'Air Defender 23' will include some 250 military aircrafts from 25 NATO and partner countries including Japan and Sweden, which is bidding to join the alliance. It will run until June 23. Up to 10,000 service members are to participate in the drills intended to boost interoperability and preparedness to protect against drones and cruise missiles in the case of an attack within NATO territory. US Ambassador to Germany Amy Gutmann said the move shows all world leaders, including Putin, the 'strength of this alliance'. 'The significant message we're sending is that we can defend ourselves,' Lieutenant General Ingo Gerhartz of the German Luftwaffe told public television. 'Air Defender' was conceived in 2018 in part as a response to the Russian annexation of Crimea from Ukraine four years before, though Gerhartz insisted it was 'not targeted at anyone'. Two Airbus A400M of the German Air Force fly over Wunstorf Air Base in Wunstorf, Germany, Monday, June 12 An Airbus A400M of the German Air Force with the logo of the international air force manoeuvre 'Air Defender 2023' is parked at the Wunstorf Air Base in Wunstorf, Germany A Lockheed C-130 Hercules airplane of the US Air Force flies over the Wunstorf Air Base in Wunstorf, Germany He said the exercise would not 'send any flights, for example, in the direction of Kaliningrad,' the Russian enclave bordering alliance member states Poland and Lithuania. 'We are a defensive alliance and that is how this exercise is planned,' he said. The first flights began in the late morning at the Wunstorf, Jagel and Lechfeld air bases, a Luftwaffe spokesman confirmed to AFP. Hundreds of demonstrators had gathered at Wunstorf in northern Germany on Saturday against the drills, under the banner 'Practise peace - not war'. Protesters called for a 'diplomatic solution' to Russia's invasion of Ukraine and an immediate ceasefire. Gutmann said the exercise would show 'beyond a shadow of a doubt the agility and the swiftness of our allied force' and was intended to send a message to countries including Russia. '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, and that includes Mr Putin,' she told reporters, referring to the Russian president. 'By synchronising together, we multiply our force,' she added. Chief of staff of the German Air Force (Luftwaffe) Lieutenant General Ingo Gerhartz addresses journalists during the Air Defender Exercise 2023 at the military air base Russia's war on Ukraine has galvanised the Western military alliance set up almost 75 years ago to face off against the Soviet Union. Finland and Sweden, which long kept an official veneer of neutrality to avoid conflict with Moscow, both sought membership in NATO after Russia's February 2022 invasion. Under NATO's Article Five, an attack on one member is considered an attack on all. The exercise includes operational and tactical-level training, primarily in Germany, but also in the Czech Republic, Estonia and Latvia, with a total of around 2,000 flights. Boris Johnson slammed a senior Tory MP on the Privileges Committee today accusing him of 'rank hypocrisy' over claims he also broke Covid rules by attending a birthday party for his wife. The ex-PM lashed out at Sir Bernard Jenkin after the committee found Mr Johnson in contempt of parliament over lies to MPs in the Commons. In a withering statement, Mr Johnson questioned why it was illegal for him 'to thank staff' in person during Covid lockdowns but 'legal for Sir Bernard to attend his wifes birthday party'. Last night it was alleged that the MP attended a gathering with alcoholic drinks in December 2020 to mark the 65th birthday of his wife, Baroness Anne Jenkin, also attended by several senior Tory MPs. Sir Bernard has not commented on the claims first made by the Guido Fawkes website. In a statement this morning, Mr Johnson said: 'The hypocrisy is rank. Like Harriet Harman, he should have recused himself from the inquiry, since he is plainly conflicted.' He also later had a pop at the MP's naturism past-time, saying the committee's arguments were 'so threadbare that it belongs in one of Bernard Jenkins nudist colonies'. Boris Johnson lashed out at Sir Bernard Jenkin today after the committee found the ex-PM in contempt of parliament over lies to MPs in the Commons. In a statement this morning, Mr Johnson said: 'The hypocrisy is rank. Like Harriet Harman, he should have recused himself from the inquiry, since he is plainly conflicted' Sir Bernard is said to have attended a 65th birthday party for his wife Anne (pictured together) held by Commons Deputy Speaker Dame Eleanor Laing in December 2020, while London was in Tier 2 measures restricting indoor mixing Sir Bernard Jenkin taking a dip off Bournemouth during the 2006 Conservative Party Conference in Bournemouth The Conservative Party's then treasurer Lord Marland and Sir Bernard Sir Bernard is reported to have attended a drinks party held by Commons Deputy Speaker Dame Eleanor Laing in December 2020, while London was in Tier 2 measures restricting indoor mixing. Neither Sir Bernard nor Dame Eleanor responded to requests for comment about the story. The matter has been referred to both the Metropolitan Police and the Commons authorities. While Sir Bernard could in theory face a fine similar to that paid by Mr Johnson over his own birthday party in lockdown, the committee today was not censuring him for his own brushes with the law. It was instead ruling on whether he misled MPs when he told them he believed no laws had been broken. In a twist of events, the report today revealed that Sir Bernard helped see off a Labour and SNP attempt to have Mr Johnson permanently expelled from Parliament. The symbolic move came this week after the former premier accused the committee of being a 'kangaroo court'. But the four Tories who make up the majority on the committee voted against the attempt. After 14 months of investigation, the Privileges Committee concluded in a bombshell report that the ex-PM 'deliberately misled' Parliament In a letter to committee chairman Ms Harman last night, Mr Johnson said Sir Bernard 'can no longer be held to have been a valid judge or investigator in these proceedings'. He added: 'If indeed it is the case that he broke the rules himself and knowingly broke them Sir Bernard is guilty of flagrant and monstrous hypocrisy. 'But I am afraid it is far worse than that. He has just voted to expel me from the House of Commons because he says falsely that I concealed from the House my knowledge of illicit events. 'If indeed he did attend a blatantly rule breaking event he would be guilty of doing exactly what he claims that I did. 'Although this report is not yet confirmed by an investigation, I believe he should have informed the Committee of his conflict and he should have informed the House. He should have recused himself. 'It seems to me that Sir Bernard can no longer be held to have been a valid judge or investigator in these proceedings.' In a separate statement, Mr Johnson added: 'He has no choice but to explain his actions to his own committee, for his colleagues to investigate and then to resign.' Former Cabinet minister Nadine Dorries called for the report to be halted. 'If this is true then the report should be stopped,' she said. 'We cannot know what influence Sir Bernard had on its findings, and without that the report cannot stand.' A 20-year-old man has died after falling from an apartment block in Manchester city centre. Emergency services attended the scene at around 6pm yesterday in response to calls of a man with serious life-threatening injuries outside a building on Whitworth Street West. Paramedics attempted CPR but he was pronounced dead at the scene and the area has now been cordoned off. Greater Manchester Police (GMP) said: 'Colleagues from North West Ambulance Service also attended and sadly pronounced the man deceased. 'Road closures at the junction of Albion Street and Deansgate Locks are in place while investigations are ongoing.' A 20-year-old man has died after falling from an apartment block in Manchester city centre Emergency services attended the scene at around 6pm yesterday in response to reports of a man lying injured in the street One witness told Manchester Evening News they saw an air ambulance land near Owen Street Towers, which they thought was 'strange' at the time. Another said they were passing the scene just after the incident as police were closing the road. They added they saw the man receiving CPR and 'it looked like a horrible incident'. Double Oscar-winning actress and former Labour MP Glenda Jackson has died aged 87, just weeks after working with Sir Michael Caine on what proved to be her final film. The Women In Love star, who gave up her acting career in 1992 to serve in Parliament for more than 20 years, died at her home in Blackheath, south-east London, after a 'brief illness', her agent said today. Just weeks ago, she finished filming for upcoming movie The Great Escaper, which sees Sir Michael, 90, as octogenarian Bernard Jordan, who escaped from his care home in 2014 to attend the 70th anniversary of the D-Day Landings in France. After her death was announced, tributes poured in from both the worlds of acting and politics, with Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer saying her passing 'leaves a space in our cultural and political life that can never be filled'. After stepping down as an MP in 2015, she made a triumphant return to TV screens in the 2019 production Elizabeth Is Missing, in which she portrayed an elderly woman suffering from the early stages of dementia. The much praised Bafta-winning performance demonstrated why she had been showered with awards during her glittering career. She followed that up in 2018 with a critically acclaimed, Tony-winning performance on Broadway in Three Tall Women, which the New York Times described as 'a casting coup ... She is, politically and personally, the embodiment of not going gentle into that good night.' The following year - at the age of 82 - she was back on the New York stage, playing the lead in a gender-bending production of King Lear. The Guardian called her performance 'exhilarating'. Double Oscar-winning actress and former Labour MP Glenda Jackson has died aged 87 just weeks after working with Sir Michael Caine on what proved to be her final film. The pair are pictured above in a promotional shot for The Great Escaper She won the first of two Academy Awards for 1970 romantic drama Women In Love, in which she starred alongside Oliver Reed and Alan Bates. Above: Ms Jackson and Reed in the film Ms Jackson, pictured on the on the 1972 Christmas epsiode, featured more than once on The Morecambe & Wise Show She won the first of two Academy Awards for 1970 romantic drama Women In Love, in which she starred alongside Oliver Reed and Alan Bates. The second came after her star turn in 1973 British romantic comedy A Touch Of Class. She also famously played Egyptian queen Cleopatra in 1971 for an episode of The Morecambe & Wise Show with comedy duo Eric Morecambe and Ernie Wise. In the final 15 years of her life, she lived in a basement flat beneath the home of her son, Mail on Sunday columnist Dan Hodges. She had her son with husband Roy Hodges, whom she married in 1958 after meeting him when they both worked at Butlin's holiday camps. The pair divorced in 1976. Ms Jackson last acted with Sir Michael 48 years ago in The Romantic Englishwoman. She portrays Mr Jordan's wife Irene in the new film. Her agent Lionel Larner said: 'Glenda Jackson, two-time Academy Award winning actress and politician died peacefully at her home in Blackheath, London, this morning after a brief illness with her family at her side. 'She recently completed filming The Great Escaper in which she co-starred with Michael Caine.' Reacting to news of her death, a spokesman for Prime Minister Rishi Sunak said: 'This is extremely sad news, his thoughts will be with her friends and family at this time.' Labour leader Sr Keir Starmer said: 'I was very sad to hear of Glenda Jackson's passing. She leaves a space in our cultural and political life that can never be filled. 'She played many roles with great distinction, passion and commitment. 'From award-winning actor to campaigner and activist to Labour MP and government minister, Glenda Jackson was always fighting for human rights and social justice. 'As a fellow north London MP, I know how much she was loved and respected by her constituents.' Sir Keir also evoked her famous appearance on Morecambe & Wise as Cleopatra, with a play on her line: 'All men are fools, and what makes them so is having beauty like what I have got.' He said: 'Of course no tribute to Glenda could fail to mention her role as Cleopatra in that most famous and loved of all the Morecambe And Wise sketches. 'We will never see talent like what she has got again.' Labour MP Tulip Siddiq, who took over Ms Jackson's Hampstead and Kilburn seat after she stepped down, said: 'Devastated to hear that my predecessor Glenda Jackson has died. 'A formidable politician, an amazing actress and a very supportive mentor to me. Hampstead and Kilburn will miss you Glenda.' Ms Siddiq's party colleague Chris Bryant, who was also Ms Jackson's biographer, added: 'Really saddened to hear that Glenda Jackson has died. 'She was a great actor and I loved campaigning for her in Hampstead and Highgate.' American-British playwright Bonnie Greer said it was a 'privilege to be old enough to have [seen] the utter revolution in acting she was'. Calling Ms Jackson a 'genius', she said she portrayed 'total truth' and 'flawless craft', and pointed out how she was one of the few stars to have won the 'Triple Crown' of acting - an Oscar, Emmy and Tony Award. Ms Jackson in 2019 production Elizabeth Is Missing. She won a Bafta for her performance as a woman in the early stages of dementia Ms Jackson had her son with husband Roy Hodges, whom she married in 1958. The pair divorced in 1976. Above: The couple at the premiere of The Triple Echo in 1972 Ms Jackson is seen in 1971 holding the Oscar award which she won for her performance in Women In Love Despite her successful career, which also included two Emmy Awards and a Tony, Ms Jackson previously said she never had any interest in the social and glamorous aspects of the industry She said she only started acting after she failed her school certificate, leaving her with no option but to start working at the age of 16 Ms Jackson is seen portraying Queen Elizabeth I in 1971 film Mary, Queen of Scots Ms Jackson and Sir Michael are seen together in 1975, when they starred in The Romantic Englishwoman Ms Jackson with husband Roy Hodges in 1971 Ms Jackson with Roy and their young son Dan at Heathrow airport in March 1971 Ms Jackson's son Mr Hodges is a columnist for the Mail on Sunday. For the past 15, years she lived in a basement flat beneath his home in Blackheath. Above: The pair in 1997 Ms Jackson served as the MP for Hampstead from 1992 until 2015, when she left Parliament to re-start her acting career. Above: The actress with the then-British Prime Minister Gordon Brown during the 2010 General Election campaign Ms Jackson in 1996 during her time as a Labour MP Ms Jackson resigned from her post as a junior transport minister in 1999 after she failed to be nominated as Labour's candidate for the newly-created Mayor of London position Ms Jackson campaigns for Labour in 1990, two years before she entered Parliament Here she is pictured with her fellow candidates for the Hampstead and Highgate seat at the 1997 General Election Despite her successful career, which also included two Emmy Awards and a Tony, Ms Jackson previously said she never had any interest in the social and glamorous aspects of the industry. She opted not to attend the Oscars ceremony on either of the occasions that she won an Academy Award. She gave up acting for politics more than a quarter of a century ago and served as a Labour MP for 23 years. In 1992, she was elected as the Labour MP for Hampstead and Highgate and served as a junior transport minister from 1997 to 1999 during Sir Tony Blair's government. The rest of her career in the House of Commons was spent as an outspoken backbencher. She was criticised for railing against Thatcherism during a session held for MPs to pay their respects to Margaret Thatcher after her death in 2013. Ms Jackson said she only started acting after she failed her school certificate, leaving her with no option but to start working at the age of 16. Ms Jackson's first role after stepping down as an MP was in a stage production of Shakespeare's King Lear, which received positive reviews. She starred along Rhys Ifans In a 1971 episode of The Morecambee & Wise show, Ms Jackson played Egyptian queen Cleopatra Ms Jackson with Eric Morecambe (right) and Ernie Wise (left)during the making of their television programme The Morecambe & Wise Show in December 1971 Ms Jackson and co-star Oliver Reed in 1969 romantic drama Women In Love Labour MP Tulip Siddiq, who took over Ms Jackson's Hampstead and Kilburn seat after she stepped down, said she was 'devastated' to hear of the star's death Labour MP Chris Bryant said: 'Really saddened to hear that Glenda Jackson has died. She was a great actor and I loved campaigning for her in Hampstead and Highgate. My thoughts are with her son Dan' Bonnie Greer said it was a 'privilege to be old enough to have [seen] the utter revolution in acting she was After joining a friend at the YMCA amateur dramatics society while she was working at her local Boots store, she went on to study at Royal Academy of Dramatic Art (Rada). Speaking to the Radio Times about working with Morecambe and Wise, whose popular show consisted of a mixture of sketches and stand-up comedy, Ms Jackson said: 'Oh, I loved working with them. 'I found it extremely difficult to restrain my laughter when we were doing Cleopatra.' Ms Jackson also remembered her experience of working with the late theatre director Peter Brook on a 1967 production of Marat/Sade and who she described as a 'genius'. Ms Jackson with Reed in 1971 film Women In Love Ms Jackson with Richard Harris in 1989 during filming for King Of The Wind, which was released in 1990. It was her last role before she entered politics Ms Jackson in Kensington Palace Gardens, London, on April 16, 1971 Ms Jackson (left) is seen with US star Faye Dunaway and Austrian actor Helmut Berger (right) at the Cannes Film Festival in 1976 Ms Jackson is seen portraying Queen Elizabeth I in 1971 film Mary, Queen of Scots Ms Jackson as Egyptian queen Cleopatra on The Morecambe & Wise Show Ms Jackson poses during the Cannes Film Festival in southern France on May 20, 1976 Ms Jackson arriving for the funeral of Frank Dobson at St Pancras Church in London in 2019 Ms Jackson, then a transport minister under Tony Blair, is seen with actor Hugh Grant during a visit to the set of Notting Hill Ms Jackson is seen during a visit to Wembley Stadium in 1998 Ms Jackson also once said she would 'probably' turn down a damehood if she were to be offered one, because 'what does it actually mean?' Jackson's first role after stepping down as an MP was in a stage production of Shakespeare's King Lear, which received positive reviews. She went on to star in a 2018 version of Edward Albee's Three Tall Women, before she made her return to television the following year. Her first film role since coming out of acting retirement was in 2021 production Mothering Sunday, in which she portrayed maid Jane Fairchild in later life. Broadcaster and comedian Gyles Brandreth, who was Conservative MP for the City of Chester from 1992 to 1997, said after her death was announced that he treasures his 'unlikely friendship' with the 'gifted, caring and special' Ms Jackson. 'A wonderful actress, a committed politician, a remarkable human being - we became MPs on the same day in 1992 and I treasure our unlikely friendship,' he tweeted. 'She was such a gifted, caring & special person who came into the world to make a difference - and did. RIP the unique Glenda Jackson.' Former Downing Street communications chief Alastair Campbell has said Ms Jackson 'found the transition to politics harder than she expected' but had 'a great life well lived'. Mr Campbell, who worked with Labour prime minister Sir Tony Blair, under whom Ms Jackson was a minister for transport from 1997 to 1999, tweeted: 'Sad to hear that Glenda Jackson has died. 'One of the finest actresses of our lifetime, our local MP and for a time minister in [Tony Blair] government. 'I sometimes felt she found the transition to politics harder than she expected. But a great life well lived and a major contribution on so many fronts.' Labour MP and shadow culture secretary Lucy Powell, who used to work for and alongside Ms Jackson, has recalled the 'incredibly kind' politician's 'cutting humour' and 'general disdain at most things'. 'This is very sad news. In my early twenties I worked for Glenda, a decade later our MPs offices were next door,' Ms Powell tweeted. 'She was always incredibly kind & supportive to me. 'I will also remember her cutting humour, general disdain at most things, all while smoking!' Diane Abbott, who became a Labour MP in 1987, five years before Ms Jackson was elected, said: 'Very sad to hear of the death of Glenda Jackson. 'I served alongside her in Parliament for many years. She was a kind and extremely principled woman.' They've been mocked for acting like children, and now AI has transformed Britain's leading politicians into them. With the powers of artificial intelligence only getting stronger, the technology has been hailed for successfully creating lifelike human faces from scratch. But how accurate is AI when trying to create mini versions of some of the most well-known faces in British politics? While Boris Johnson's dishevelled blonde hair might be easy to detect, others look a little different to their real adult selves. Can you guess who each of these politicians are as AI toddlers? Can you guess who this blonde, blue-eyed AI toddler is? It's Boris Johnson, the former Prime Minister of the United Kingdom with iconic blonde hair Do you think you know who this little boy made by Artificial Intelligence is? It's Dominic Raab, the former Deputy Prime Minister of the United Kingdom Can you guess who this happy-looking child is? It's Rishi Sunak, the current Prime Minister of the United Kingdom who previously served as Chancellor of the Exchequer Do you think you know which green-eyed politician this AI toddler is? It's Angela Rayner, the Deputy Leader of the Labour Party Can you guess who this serious-looking child is? It's Keir Starmer, the leader of the Labour Party Can you detect which blonde politician this AI child is? It's Liz Truss, who served as Prime Minister of the United Kingdom for 49 days last year Do you think you can guess who this toddler is? It's Suella Braverman, the Home Secretary for the United Kingdom Who do you think this blue-eyed AI child is? It's Jacob Rees-Mogg, the Member of Parliament for North East Somerset Do you think you know which politician this happy AI child is? It's Priti Patel, a British politician who served as Home Secretary from 2019 to 2022 Can you guess who this AI toddler is? It's British politician Diane Abbott Who do you think this sad AI toddler is in real life? It's Jeremy Corbyn, who served as Leader of the Labour Party from 2015 to 2020 Cn you guess who this despondent AI child is? It's Matt Hancock, British politician and I'm A Celeb star Do you think you know who this shocked-looking AI child is? A Liverpool hotel is facing the threat of prosecution after a 21-year-old woman was crushed to death by a wardrobe in her room. Chloe Haynes, 21, was found dead under the heavy wooden wardrobe at the Britannia Adelphi Hotel in Liverpool after a night out in the city. The holiday park worker had travelled from Pwllheli, North Wales, to stay with a friend at the Grade II listed hotel in Liverpool city centre. The historic hotel, which is owned and managed by Britannia Hotels, now faces prosecution following the launch of a health and safety probe. The 21-year-old's mother, Nicola Williams, 49, of Wrexham, is also seeking answers regarding her 'petite and beautiful' daughter's death - as Liverpool City Council confirmed its investigation into the tragedy is 'ongoing'. Chloe Haynes, 21, (pictured) was crushed to death under a wardrobe in the Adelphi Hotel in Liverpool city centre Ms Williams said: 'I need to know, as a mum I need to know every detail. I don't know how long she was under there before she died. 'I just cannot believe my daughter is never coming home because of a wardrobe, for the sake of maybe two screws in a wall.' The 21-year-old - who was a twin and one of five children - was only discovered when her friend returned to the room in the early hours of the morning to find the horrific scene. The friend in turn called for help before two men from other rooms assisted in lifting the wardrobe off Chloe - only to find her crushed underneath. Chloe Haynes, 21, died while staying in the hotel after a night out with a friend in Liverpool Three men, aged 26, 46 and 49 - including the 21-year-old's friend and the the two 'Good Samaritans' who came to help - were initially arrested in connection with the death. Those arrested included 46-year-old father Wayne Kenny who was about to leave the hotel for the day with his two sons before rushinng over to the scene in the 21-year-old's room. All three were however released without charges after Merseyside Police later said Ms Hayne's death had been 'accidental' and that there were 'no suspicious circumstances'. Liverpool Council later carried out spot checks on the historic hotel, before issuing prohibition notices to Britannia Hotels in relation to the safety of the wardrobes found in Chloe's room twelve days later. The company in turn appealed Liverpool Council's prohibition notice on the wardrobe before the notices were cancelled after work was carried out. The 21-year-old's mother said: 'By midnight, she had been drinking shots and so on and she was a bit drunk, so her friend has taken her back to the hotel to sleep it off, and then he's gone back out. 'It seems she has got up out of the bed confused, not knowing where she is, and she's opened the door of the wardrobe maybe thinking it is the toilet or the door to go back out of the room. 'It was a big, old, heavy wardrobe and it's fallen on her and crushed her windpipe.' The Adelphi Hotel's owners, Britannia Hotels, now faces the threat of prosecution over Chloe Haynes' death Speaking about her loss in September 2022, the bereaved mother said: 'She loved animals, she had a little dog called Archie she was obsessed with. There are so many photos of them together. 'My little nickname for her was birdy. She was so petite and little, and when she ate she was like a little bird,' Ms Willaims said. 'She was quiet, she was somebody who didn't speak unless it needed saying. 'She was beautiful, but she had struggled with confidence about herself so she didn't really know how beautiful she was and that made her beautiful on the inside as well. She was very kind.' A spokesman for Liverpool Council said: 'We can confirm that we are carrying out a health and safety investigation into a death at the Adelphi Hotel on 10 September. Our inquiries are on-going.' The Adelphi's parent company Britannia Hotels did not respond to requests for comment. Set over the edge by Robert De Niro's recent announcement that he had fathered his seventh child at the age of 79, comedian Chelsea Handler says he is part of an 'epidemic' of 'horny old men' and their perpetual procreating. In an Instagram video last night, Handler - who has no children of her own - took aim at De Niro, Al Pacino, Alec Baldwin and Elon Musk. Between them, the four stars have 28 kids. Filming from her bathroom in a set of white pajamas, Handler, 48, joked: 'There's an epidemic sweeping the country and, no, it's not another virus, it's worse. Horny old men who won't stop spreading their seed. In an Instagram video last night, Handler - who has no children of her own - took aim at De Niro, Al Pacino, Alec Baldwin and Elon Musk. Handler claimed they had '32 kids' between them. They have 28 'Don't get me started on these four horny old men who have never met a broken condom they didn't like. They cannot stop procreating. Between the four of those guys, they have 32 children!' De Niro, 79, has seven kids while Pacino, 83, is expecting his fourth child. His girlfriend, Noor Alfallah, 29, is pregnant. Alec Baldwin, 65, recently welcomed his seventh child with wife Hilaria, 39. He is also a father to Ireland Baldwin, 27. Elon Musk, 51, tops the list with his nine children. 'Elon Musk clearly isn't as old as Murdoch or De Niro, he's not in his eighties but because of his personality, he may as well be,' joked Handler. Her solution to 'protect the women of the world' from them is to offer herself up for 'auction'. 'Actually, maybe all these old men should put themselves up for auction. After all, they are antiques,' she quipped. Between them, Elon Musk, Alec Baldwin, Al Pacino and Robert De Niro have fathered 29 kids. Musk's youngest child died as an infant Robert De Niro with some of his six older children and family in 2009. He welcomed his seventh with his 45-year-old girlfriend in May De Niro's seventh child, Gia Virginia Chen De Niro, was born in May Handler capped off the sketch with the slogan: 'Horny old men - it's never worth the money.' De Niro proudly welcomed his seventh child, Gia Virginia Chen De Niro, with his 45-year-old partner Tiffany, in May. The couple shared a photo with CBS's Gayle King. When Pacino announced that he is expecting a baby, De Niro congratulated him. 'He's a few years older than me. God bless him!' he said during an appearance on TODAY. Elon Musk with his ex-partner Grimes and his five older children in 2018. He has nine children Musk with daughter Exa Dark Siderl (left) and son X A-12 (right). He joked he was doing his best to help the underpopulation crisis Alec Baldwin and wife Hilaria have seven children together. They welcomed their seventh baby, Ilaria, in September. Their sixth baby, Maria Lucia, was born via surrogate, five months after Hilaria gave birth to their fifth baby, Eduardo. In the past, Hilaria has been open about her fertility and pregnancies, sharing in real time when she suffered a miscarriage in 2019. It was her second in a period of months. Musk, 51, has nine kids with four women. His youngest child, Nevada, died as an infant in 2002. He and his ex-wife Justine welcomed twins Griffin and Vivian Musk via surrogate in 2004, then had triplets Kai, Saxon and Damian Musk in 2006. Actor Alec Baldwin, 64, has seven kids with wife Hilaria and daughter Ireland, 27, from a previous marriage Al Pacino, 83, is expecting his fourth child with his 29-year-old girlfriend. He is shown with his adult kids in 2020 In 2020, he and ex-girlfriend Grimes had their first child together (his sixth), X A-12. They then welcomed a daughter, Exa Dark Siderl Musk, in December 2021. A month earlier, he welcomed twins with Shivon Zilis, who worked at his company Neuralink. He later joked on Twitter he was 'doing his best to help the underpopulation crisis.' One other prolific procreator who was spared from Handler's sketch is Nick Cannon, who has 12 children at the age of 42. In response to Musk's underpopulation tweet, Cannon joked: 'Right there with you my brother!' A 16-year-old boy who died after being crushed in a workplace accident has been remembered for his infectious smile and laugh. Hamiora Sharland suffered fatal injuries on Thursday morning while working at TLC Surface Treatment in Welshpool, Perth. The boy, who was a trainee at the company, was preparing a steel beam for sandblasting when the accident happened, The West Australian reported. Hamiora was rushed to Royal Perth Hospital, but doctors were unable to save his life. Hamiora Sharland suffered fatal injuries on Thursday morning while working at TLC Surface Treatment in Welshpool, Perth Worksafe is investigating his death. A friend told the newspaper that Hamiora was 'always smiling and laughing'. The mate said he had 'nothing bad to say about him' and that he 'always was a people person'. Local MP Zaneta Mascarenhas paid tribute to young Hamiora. 'Everyone deserves to go home safe from work, especially a child,' she said. 'RIP Hamiora Sharland. Only 16 years old. 'Sending my condolences to Hamiora's family. I cannot fathom how heartbreaking this will be for his mum, family and friends.' Australian Manufacturing Workers Union WA assistant secretary Glenn McLaren said it was one of the youngest deaths on a worksite that he could remember. 'It's absolutely horrific,' he said. 'Any loss of life is horrific, but to come to work this morning and find out that a 16-year-old has lost his life in a workplace tragedy is absolutely heart-wrenching.' The accident happened at the TLC Surface Treatment factory on Railway Parade in Welshpool at 8am on Thursday TLC Surface Treatment is a sandblasting business. It marks the fourth workplace fatality in Western Australia this month. A crane operator, 62, died on Kintail Road in Applecross after falling while climbing up a ladder on June 2. Michael Jurman died on the same day while working at Woodside's North Rankin Complex on the Pilbara coast. Kieren McDowall was killed at a Pilbara iron ore site owned by miner Mineral Resources on Monday. He had been working as part of the broader Onslow Iron project. An Opposition senator has slammed the ABC for sacking political editor Andrew Probyn in a massive cost-cutting drive, which comes after the broadcaster was handed $6billion in the budget. Probyn said he was 'gobsmacked' after being told on Thursday he was losing his job as part of sweeping cutbacks, leading to calls for ABC chair Ita Buttrose to resign. Outspoken Liberal National Party politician Matt Canavan said the national broadcaster should be holding MPs to account and that it's becoming 'irrelevant'. 'They've scrapped the political editor. This is outrageous. One of their roles should be holding us to scrutiny, and the political editor obviously helps to do that,' he said. Probyn, who joined the ABC in 2016, was told his position was no longer needed and he, along with more than 100 other staff, is being made redundant in what is being called a 'bloodbath'. There have been calls for ABC chair Ita Buttrose to resign or be sacked for making Andrew Probyn redundant Mr Canavan told Sky News Australia that Probyn was always scrupulously fair in how he covered political stories. 'I've had my run-ins with Andrew Probyn, but he's always been very tough, but always been very fair,' he said. 'So I just find it a remarkable decision to just jettison someone of that heritage and corporate knowledge here in the press gallery. 'I think the ABC is sliding into irrelevance.' The Queensland senator, who is a longtime sceptic about global warming, also said 'Apparently the ABC are so flush with funds they're going to set up a climate reporting unit. 'I can't wait, personally, (for) more weathermen to scare us. We're going to instantaneously combust in 10 years apparently.' Andrew Probyn (pictured) said he was 'gobsmacked' after being told on Thursday he was losing his job as part of sweeping cutbacks at the ABC Outspoken Liberal National Party politician Matt Canavan (pictured) said the ABC should be holding MPs to account and that it's becoming an 'irrelevance' Speaking on the same program, Liberal senator Andrew Bragg also defended Probyn and suggested his firing was less about his job and more about internal ABC machinations. 'Obviously Probyn has been an editor there of long standing and has a very good reputation. 'It's disappointing. It looks like it's a bit of a political decision, I have to say, by the ABC. 'But the ABC has always, of course, been a rather political organisation, so I'm not sure anyone is really all that surprised, but I do hope Andrew is OK,' Mr Bragg said. The response to the sacking has been swift and brutal, with many calling on Ms Buttrose to herself be fired. 'Can they make Ita Buttrose redundant,' one Twitter commenter wrote. Veteran political journalist Paul Bongiorno expressed his shock (pictured) at Andrew Probyn's sacking by ABC Another said sacking Probyn was a 'Disgusting decision. Shame on you Ita Buttrose.' Veteran political journalist Paul Bongiorno wrote that he is 'still recovering from the shock announcement that the position of political editor in Canberra for ABC TV has been made redundant. 'It's like saying a kitchen doesn't need a cook. @andrewprobyn is hard working, competent and credible.' Replying to Bongiorno, another commenter wrote 'our national broadcaster doesn't need a political editor. That's a WTF moment!' A boy and woman have been taken to hospital with serious injuries after being hit by a car near an Asda supermarket during the morning school run. The hit-and-run crash occurred on High Street in Kings Heath, Birmingham around 8.50am today. The woman suffered head and leg injuries and the boy's wounds were described as 'serious'. The were taken to hospital and their current conditions are unknown. West Midlands police are investigating the crash and working to determine who may have been involved. Officers have found an abandoned blue BMW One Series that is suspected of being involved in the crash. A boy and woman have been taken to hospital with serious injuries after being hit by a car near an Asda supermarket in Birmingham during the morning school run today The victims were treated at the scene before being transported to Birmingham Children's Hospital and Queen Elizabeth Hospital. Officers are pictured at the scene today West Midlands Ambulance Service said the victims were treated at the scene before being transported to hospital. A spokesperson said: 'On arrival, crews discovered two pedestrians and a vehicle had been involved in a collision. 'Medical staff immediately began administering advanced trauma care to the first patient, a child, before conveying him via land ambulance to Birmingham Children's Hospital for further treatment. 'The second patient, a woman, was treated by ambulance staff for serious injuries and conveyed by land ambulance on blue lights to Queen Elizabeth Hospital for further treatment.' Police have diverged traffic away from the scene and many of the side roads are partially closed. High Street is expected to remain closed for some time and officers are thanking 'everyone for their patience'. Officers have found an abandoned blue BMW One Series that is suspected of being involved in the crash Anyone with information about the crash or vehicle is asked to contact West Midlands Police Police have diverged traffic away from the scene and many of the side roads are partially closed. High Street is expected to remain closed for some time. Evidence markers are placed at the scene on the crash A shocked witness recalled hearing a 'big bang' at the time of the crash. 'It was really loud. When I came out a few minutes later there were a lot of police here,' Ana Maria Ciocirlan told BBC. Ms Ciocirlan explained that the 'road is very busy' in the mornings as parents take their children to nearby Kings Heath Primary School. She alleged that the street keeps 'getting busier and busier' due to frequent road closures. Anyone with information about the crash or video footage is asked to contact West Midlands Police via Live Chat on their website, or by calling 101, and quote log 984 of 15 June. The wife of a paramedic who was fatally stabbed outside a McDonald's has given birth to the couple's second child and promised that she will grow up knowing her father was a 'hero'. Steven Tougher, 29, was stabbed multiple times in the car park of a McDonald's while on lunch break in Campbelltown, southwest Sydney, at about 5.30am on April 14. The accused knifeman Jordan Fineanganofo, 21, has been charged with his murder and remains in custody. He is due to face a Sydney court on June 28. Mr Tougher's wife Madison was pregnant when her husband died and she gave birth to a daughter on May 18. She gave her the name Lily-Mae Stevie Tougher in a nod to her hero father. NSW Ambulance in a statement on Thursday announced the girl was born weighing 4.1kgs and measuring 48cms long. 'Madison reports her labour and birth were peaceful and calm, just like Steven's personality,' NSW Ambulance said in a statement. The NSW Ambulance paramedic and former nurse had married the love of his life just seven weeks before he tragically died inside his ambulance. Madison Tougher, the wife of paramedic Steven Tougher (pictured together) has given birth to their second child The baby born on May 18 was given the name Lily-Mae Stevie Tougher in a nod to the frontline worker At Mr Tougher's memorial service in May, Madison made a 'new vow' to teach their two children that their dad was a hero. 'On that day, I made a promise to you, I vowed to love you for the rest of my days and I became your wife,' she said. 'Today, just seven weeks later, I make a new vow to you. 'Today I vow that our two beautiful children will always know what a selfless hardworking, kind, compassionate person you were. 'They will forever understand how their dad was a hero who helped people through the most painful and sickest times.' Mr Tougher had been nearing the end of a night shift when a stranger allegedly lunged at him and repeatedly stabbed him in the stomach Mr Tougher had been nearing the end of a night shift when a stranger allegedly lunged at him and repeatedly stabbed him in the stomach. He and his colleague had been 'working hard all night' and were taking a meal break at the time in a McDonald's car park. As police rushed to the scene and arrested his alleged attacker, Mr Tougher was taken to Liverpool Hospital in a critical condition where he sadly died. The day after the incident, Fineanganofo's lawyer told AAP that his client had been receiving extensive mental health treatment but was 'off treatment and medication' at the time of the alleged stabbing. Mr Tougher was filling out paperwork for the end of his night shift when he was allegedly stabbed in the back of his ambulance (scene pictured) Mr Tougher studied at Charles Sturt University where he was the President of the online Student Representative Committee. Before his graduation, Mr Tougher worked at Wollongong Private Hospital as a nurse. He graduated from his para-medicine degree in mid-2022. He became a paramedic intern in May, 2022, and was just weeks away from going on paternity leave to help care for his second child when he was killed. The sea has turned red with blood after Faroe Islanders slaughtered pilot whales yet again, driving hundreds of them into the shallows and butchering them with knives in a horrific 'grindadrap' hunt. The fishermen resumed the controversial hunt in May and since then, Denmark's autonomous territory in the north Atlantic has killed more than 500 Long-finned pilot whales, officials there said today. In the 1,000-year Faroese tradition known as 'grindadrap', or 'grind' for short, hunters surround pilot whales and dolphins with a wide semi-circle of fishing boats and drive them into a shallow bay where they are beached. The fishermen then brutally slaughter them with knives on shore. Every summer, images of the bloody hunt make headlines around the globe but the tradition is strongly condemned by outraged animal rights defenders who consider the practice barbaric. The sea has turned red with blood after Faroe Islanders slaughtered pilot whales yet again yesterday The tradition which takes place every summer is widely condemned by animal rights groups Hunters surround pilot whales and dolphins with a wide semi-circle of fishing boats and drive them into a shallow bay where they are beached and slaughtered A Faroese government spokesman confirmed today: 'Yesterday there were two grinds, one with 266 catches and the other one with 180, according to the first reports.' The two 'grinds', which involved a species of dolphin known as pilot whales, brings number of 'grinds' to five so far this season. John Hourston, founder of Blue Planet Society, condemned the latest hunting, calling it 'a horrific day even by 'Faroe Islands standards'. He described it as 'needless and unimaginable cruelty'. Speaking to MailOnline, Mr Hourston added: 'It's unsustainable and unnecessary. This rich country does not need to kill whales to feed its population anymore. We're in the midst of a biodiversity and climate crisis. It's time for international sanctions against this ecocide.' Meanwhile Danny Groves, from Whale and Dolphin Conservation, described the grind as a 'distressing and cruel hunt that can last for hours, and from which very few whales ever escape'. He told MailOnline: 'Over 20,000 whales and dolphins have been slaughtered over the last 20 years. Pilot whales live in tight-knit social groups and many are killed in front of their family members. 'Once driven to the beach, blunt-ended metal hooks inserted into their blowholes are used to drag the whales up the beach or in the shallows. 'In recent years, concerns have also been raised about the health implications for eating whale meat which can contain high levels of contaminants. It is a pointless slaughter.' In 2022, the government limited the number of Atlantic white-sided dolphins that could be killed per year to 500 The unusually large slaughter of more than 1,400 pilot whales last year sparked an outcry, even among locals The two 'grinds', which involved a species of dolphin known as pilot whales, brings number of 'grinds' to five so far this season Danny Groves, from the Whale and Dolphin Conservation, described the grind as a 'distressing and cruel hunt that can last for hours, and from which very few whales ever escape' Environmental NGO Sea Shepherd, which managed to disrupt the 2014 hunt with its boats, criticised the fact that Danish navy vessels are authorised to intervene to block environmentalists from disrupting the hunt. But the hunt still enjoys broad support in the Faroes, where supporters point out that the animals have fed the local population for centuries and accuse media and foreign NGOs of disrespecting local culture and traditions. They typically kill around 800 pilot whales a year. In 2022, the government limited the number of Atlantic white-sided dolphins that could be killed per year to 500, after an unusually large slaughter of more than 1,400 sparked an outcry, even among locals. Shocking images have yet again surfaced this year of the sea transformed into deep red waters from the blood of the slaughtered pilot whales. Scores of fishermen could be seen taking to the water, while others were seen dragging the lifeless bodies onto land. Scores of fishermen could be seen taking to the water, while others were seen dragging the lifeless bodies onto land 'Yesterday there were two grinds, one with 266 catches and the other one with 180, according to the first reports,' a Faroese government spokesman said. Scores of fishermen gather to take part in the 1,000-year long tradition in Denmark's autonomous territory Environmental NGO Sea Shepherd, which managed to disrupt the 2014 hunt with its boats, condemned the latest killings Dozens of dead pilot whales were seen hanging from boats and lying on the shores after more grinds continued this year. The slaughter is a cultural mainstay of the autonomous Danish territory which is done to supply the archipelago with meat for the coming year. Sea Shepherd has condemned the slaughters in a series of tweets, accusing fishermen of killing pregnant pilot whales and calves. 'This has to end,' they added. A 13-year-old boy has denied murdering a grandmother by driving over her in her own car. Marcia Grant, 60, died outside her home in the Greenhill area of Sheffield on April 5. The youngster, who was 12 at the time of the incident, cannot be named for legal reasons. He appeared before a judge at Sheffield Crown Court on Thursday where he entered a not guilty plea to the charge of murdering foster carer Mrs Grant. The boy pleaded guilty to a second charge of possession of bladed article, which was specified as a kitchen knife. Marcia Grant, 60, died outside her home in the Greenhill area of Sheffield on April 5 Floral tributes and messages left at the scene in Sheffield following the fatal incident The incident took place in the Greenhill suburb of Sheffield at around 7pm on Wednesday, April 5 The boy sat in the dock for the hearing flanked by five people, who were from the organisation where he is being held and from the Youth Offending Team. Wearing a white shirt, black tie and black trousers, he spoke to confirm his name and to acknowledge that he understood after the judge, Mrs Justice Lambert, explained what was happening in court. He was remanded into youth detention and a further hearing was fixed for July 26. A trial date has been fixed for October 2. The judge dispensed with her normal robes for the 20-minute long hearing, as did prosecutor Glenn Parsons and Richard Wright KC, who was defending the boy. Police and paramedics were called to an incident outside Mrs Grant's house on Hemper Lane, Greenhill, on April 5, but she was pronounced dead at the scene. Her family released a statement after her death which said: 'Marcia was a warm, loving and dedicated wife, mother, grandmother, sister and friend and a pillar of her community.' Delphi double murder suspect Richard Allen is set to appear in court for a bail hearing on Thursday, with his lawyers poised to argue evidence against him 'isn't strong enough' to hold him in jail while he awaits trial. The 50-year-old is accused of killing best friends Libby German, 14, and Abby Williams, 13, while they were hiking through Indiana's Delphi Historical Trails on February 13 2017. Their bodies were discovered the next day and the case puzzled police for years - until a bullet found at the bloody crime scene linked Allen to the slayings in 2022. Allen, who is from Delphi and has a daughter, is due to appear before Judge Frances Gull at Carroll Circuit Court on Thursday. According to News Nation Now, the defense will argue for his release on bail on the basis that the evidence against him is not strong enough to hold him while he awaits trial - which could be several months away. Richard Allen is due to appear at Carroll Circuit Court on Thursday for a bail hearing where his lawyers will argue that there is insufficient evidence for him to be kept in jail while awaiting trial - which could be several months away Abby Williams and Liberty German were brutally killed on February 13, 2017, in Delphi, Indiana, and their families have been waiting for answers ever since Two days after the girls were killed, law enforcement officers released a photograph of a white male wearing blue jeans, a blue coat and a hoodie Thursday's hearing was initially scheduled for February, but was delayed at the request of Allen's attorneys - Bradley Anthony Rozzi and Andrew Joseph Baldwin - due to the dense volume of evidence they have to get through. For the same reason, the trial, which was originally scheduled for March, could be delayed until 2024. The trial date will be discussed at Thursday's hearing. This comes after Allen's lawyers also argued for him to be moved from the Westville Correctional Center where he has been held since his arrest on October 28, 2022, saying that he was being treated like a prisoner of war. Allen's attorneys said he had been sleeping on a pad on the floor of a 'cold, concrete' cell the size of a dog kennel without a change of clothes for days on end or visitation rights from his wife and family. They released a photo of Allen taken on April 4 showing him looking gaunt, and argued that his treatment had let to a deterioration of his physical and mental health, which was slowing their ability to build a defense with him. Attorneys for Delphi murder suspect Richard Allen (pictured left in the years leading up to the alleged murder) say he's been treated like a prisoner of war, and is looking gaunt and unhealthy in this recent photo (right) Allen was charged in October with two counts of murder in the slayings of Liberty German (pictured right), 14, and Abigail Williams (pictured left), 13 Delphi murder suspect Richard Allen, accused of murdering two Indiana teenage girls in 2017, was seen hobbling down the stairs leaving court in January County Judge Fran Gull said in court that attorneys for Richard Allen, 50, of Delphi and the county prosecutor must decide within a week from which county that jury should come Allen's attorneys in November requested the trial location be changed, arguing it would be difficult to form an impartial jury in Carroll County because of intense public scrutiny and media attention surrounding the case The February 2017 killings sparked nationwide interested after Indiana State Police released images from German's Snapchat story showing the girls hiking on the Monon High Bridge. A blurry man dubbed 'Bridge Guy' could be seen in the image, and was identified as one of the main suspects in the case. Police interviewed Allen shortly after the murders, and he told them he had been on the bridge on the day of the girls' deaths, but denied meeting them. Kegan Kline, 28, was linked to the case last December An affidavit released in November 2022 shows that an unspent .40 caliber round was found between the teenagers' bodies, and it was later linked to Allen's Sig Sauer Model P226 firearm through forensic evidence. In December, the DailyMail.com revealed that German and Williams were killed amid a botched kidnapping plot hatched by members of a local pedophile ring, which Allen was allegedly part of. Carroll County Prosecutor Nicholas McLeland openly stated that he believes 'Allen is not the only actor involved in this', and prosecutors have alleged that he attempted a kidnapping - though he has not been charged with this. Sources close to the investigation have claimed that Allen was acting with at least two other men. Pedophile Kegan Kline, 28, of Peru, Indiana, who is currently awaiting trial on a slew of child pornography charges, used a fake social media profile named Anthony Shots to communicate with German before she died. Both Allen and Kline are alleged to have had ties to Ron Logan (pictured) who authorities previously pegged as a suspect in the case after the girls' bodies were found on his property. Logan, who died in January 2022, was never formally named as a murder suspect Family members of Liberty German and Abigail Williams at a press conference after Allen's arrest Abbie was seen in a Snapchat video posted by her friend Libby in February 2017, moments before both were murdered Police interrogating Kline told him they did not believe he committed the murders but was protecting the identity of whoever did - and he is now reportedly cooperating with prosecutors in a bid to reduce his own charges. The source told DailyMail.com that Kline met Allen when they both lived in Peru, roughly 40 miles northwest of Delphi. They also claimed that both men knew Ron Logan, whom police first pegged as a suspect in the killings after the girls' bodies were found on his property, some 1,400 feet from his home. A US man hurled two female American tourists 165ft down a ravine near a world-famous German castle - killing one after he sexually assaulted her and her companion tried to fight him off, reports have claimed. The horrific attack happened on Wednesday at Neuschwanstein castle, said to have been the inspiration for Disney's 'Cinderella' castle. The man was later arrested and is being investigated for murder, attempted murder and one sexual offence. Footage from the scene purportedly showed him being led away in handcuffs. The two women, aged 21 and 22, met the man, 30, near the Marienbrucke bridge, a narrow footbridge that at its highest point crosses 300ft above the gorge and offers stunning views of the castle. The man allegedly persuaded them to follow him down a secluded trail that led to a good lookout point, where he 'physically attacked' the 21-year-old. When her friend tried to intervene, he allegedly choked her and pushed her down a steep slope. Police believe 'an attempted sexual offence' was then committed against the 21-year-old, before she was also pushed down the slope. She fell next to her friend some 165ft below. The pair were airlifted away, but the 21-year-old woman died in a hospital overnight, while her 22-year-old companion is still being treated for her injuries, according to German media reports. Pictured: A helicopter and rescue workers are seen at the ravine on Wednesday, where two women were reportedly pushed down by a man in a shocking attack A US man hurled two female American tourists 165ft down a ravine (pictured) near a world famous German castle - killing one after he sexually assaulted her and her companion tried to fight him off, reports have claimed The suspect fled the scene, but was caught after a massive police operation involving 25 emergency vehicles on Wednesday afternoon and taken to a police station in nearby Fuessen. Pictured: Footage purportedly shows the man being led away in handcuffs The suspect fled the scene, but was caught after a massive police operation involving 25 emergency vehicles on Wednesday afternoon and taken to a police station in nearby Fuessen, it added. A witness video posted online showed a man in a T-shirt, jeans and a baseball cap being led away in handcuffs by police, while another clip showed one of the victims being airlifted out of the ravine by a mountain rescue helicopter. The video - filmed from above the ravine - also showed officials from the German mountain rescue service down in the gorge, working to save the women. According to local police, the pair encountered the 30-year-old American tourist on a trail on or near the Marienbrucke bridge, which is hugely popular as it offers a view of the 19th century Neuschwanstein castle - which sees around 1.4 million visitors per year, and around 6,000 per day in summer. He then brought them to a hidden trail leading to a viewpoint, and attacked the 21-year-old, said police. When the 22-year-old intervened, the man choked her and pushed her down a steep slope. 'According to the current state of knowledge, an attempted sexual offence to the detriment of the 21-year-old must be assumed,' said police in a statement in English. The 21-year-old was also pushed down the slope, where she came to rest after falling nearly 50 metres, they added. Criminal police have taken over the investigation into attempted murder and murder, as well as a sexual offence, with the current focus on reconstructing exactly how the incident took place, police said. Under German law, suspects must be brought before a judge at a closed-doors hearing by the end of the calendar day after their arrest if investigators intend to keep them in custody. Police said a judge in nearby Kempten on Thursday ordered him held pending a potential indictment and he was taken to jail. The two women, aged 21 and 22, met the man, 30, near the Marienbrucke bridge (pictured), a narrow footbridge that at its highest point crosses the gorge at 300 feet Chief Public Prosecutor Thomas Hormann told Bild: 'The crime happened on Wednesday around 2.40 pm. The two tourists met the man on a hiking tour east of the Marienbrucke. And joined him.' He said the trio walked to a popular view point, where the man physically attacked the 21-year-old women. Her friend fought back, he said. 'The 22-year-old wanted to help, so he choked her and pushed her down the slope.' Mr Hormann said the 21-year-old also fell down into the ravine, where they remained lying next to each other around 'a depth of about 50 meters' (165ft). The 22-year-old was responsive, the prosecutor said. Her friend was airlifted to hospital where she was pronounced dead overnight. The motive for the attack is still unclear, while all parties remain unnamed. A man who witnessed the aftermath of the incident told MailOnline that he saw a man 'with a bloodied face' being led away from the attraction in handcuffs. Eric Abneri, a 21-year-old tourist from New York, said he and his friends arrived at the castle on Wednesday afternoon when they heard the sound of a helicopter above. Mr Abneri filmed the footage of the helicopter and the man being led away. 'We saw two or three men repelling (into the ravine) and were confused, until I noticed the woman in blue who we thought fell. 'They rescued the woman. I'm unsure of who lived and the helicopter flew away, then came back for the other rescuers. Shortly after we went back to see the bridge and it was closed with a police presence.' Mr Abneri said there was a large police presence at the scene. 'We waited and a man with a bloodied face came out in handcuffs,' he said. Police were seen interviewing witnesses to the attack 'who looked shook up,' he added, saying that the bridge was later reopened to the public. According to police, the women encountered the 30-year-old American tourist on a trail on or near the Marienbrucke bridge, which is hugely popular as it offers a view of the 19th century Neuschwanstein castle - which sees around 1.4million visitors per year The building of Neuschwanstein Castle was completed in 1886 after almost 20 years. It is located in the Swabia region of Bavaria, close to Alps and the Austrian border. Its construction was commissioned by King Ludwig II of Bavaria, who wanted a holiday home to escape to from the Bavarian capital of Munich. He paid for the castle out of his personal fortune and through extensive borrowing, but he never saw it completed. He died in 1886, shortly before it opened. Since then, more than 61million people have visited it. Tourists no longer need the Covid jab to visit Bali Australians travelling to Bali will no longer be required to be vaccinated against Covid-19 after the Indonesian government scrapped checks on all arrivals. Ditching the pandemic, all tourists entering the country required proof they had been vaccinated against coronavirus. The Australian government service Smartraveller has now updated its advice for anyone planning to travel to Bali. One less vaccination will be required to travel to Bali after the Indonesia government announced the country will scrap COVID-19 vaccination requirements for all arrivals The Australian government service Smartraveller has updated its advice for anyone planning to travelling between the islands to reflect this change in policy Australians are still recommended to get vaccinations for Hepatitis A and B, Rabies, Typhoid and other diseases. Another change to the island's travel policy includes incoming tourists being provided a 'dos and don't' card which aims to prevent bad behaviour. The information card was announced by Balinese authorities on May 23 after numerous rowdy guests got themselves deported. Thus far six Australians have been booted from the country in 2023 for public drunkenness and other disrespectful acts committed against locals. All foreigners will be given a copy of the cards which will inform them of local customs and behaviours, The Detik Bali reported. The move comes after Bali's Ministry of Law and Human Rights held several meetings to discuss ways they could mitigate tensions between tourists and locals, according to regional office head Anggiat Napitupulu. 'The card will be created and handed over at Immigration so that the Immigration can tuck the card into the foreigner's passport when they land at I Gusti Ngurah Rai Airport,' Napitupulu said, as reported by The Bali Times. 'The card contains what is allowed and what is not allowed to be done in Bali.' Another change to the island's travel policy includes incoming tourists being provided a 'dos and don't' card which aims to prevent bad behaviour The Australian government has also been involved in the campaign, warning people who plan to travel abroad that different lands hold different customs. Smartraveller warns tourists they should be respectful of all cultures. 'Travelling is often about letting your hair down and relaxing. But don't leave your manners and common sense at home when you get on the plane,' it said. 'We can't get you out of trouble, out of jail, or pay your legal bills or fines.' Texas Gov Greg Abbott has sent a busload of 42 Latin American migrants to Los Angeles, the first such transport there, opening another front in the war between Republican border states and Democrat-run cities. The migrants, mostly adults and some children from Honduras, Venezuela, and elsewhere, disembarked at LA Union Station on Wednesday evening, and were reportedly being cared for by city agencies and charitable organizations. The first such bus to LA follows a pattern of Republican governors transporting migrants from Florida, Texas, and Arizona to liberal enclaves, such as New York City, Washington, Chicago, and even the island, Martha's Vineyard. Officials and volunteers deliver diapers, supplies and toys to the St. Anthony Croatian Catholic Church where migrants have been transported in Los Angeles, People seeking asylum speak with law enforcement after illegally crossing the Rio Grande into the US at Eagle Pass, Texas, this week Abbot, a Republican, said his state's 'small border towns remain overwhelmed and overrun by the thousands of people illegally crossing into Texas from Mexico' and blamed the Biden administration for not securing the border. 'Los Angeles is a major city that migrants seek to go to, particularly now that its city leaders approved its self-declared sanctuary city status,' Abbot said in a statement. 'Our border communities are on the frontlines of President Biden's border crisis, and Texas will continue providing this much-needed relief until he steps up to do his job and secure the border.' Texas has bussed more than 21,600 migrants out of state since last spring, Abbot's office said. LA Mayor Karen Bass, a Democrat, condemned the transfer as 'a despicable stunt that Republican Governors have grown so fond of.' Jorge Mario Cabrera of the Coalition for Humane Immigrant Rights, who spoke to several migrants, said they had spent 23 hours on a bus, some without food or water. One migrant had an immigration appointment in New York 'They are being fed; they're taking shelters; they're talking to attorneys,' said Cabrera. 'These are migrants that have been allowed by the US to enter because they have credible fears. They have not yet received asylum.' Mayor Bass said she had instructed city departments to prepare to accept migrants from out of state, after Republican governors began sending asylum-seekers to Democratic states in recent months. St Anthony's Croatian Parish Center in Los Angeles is housing 42 migrants seeking asylum, including children Record numbers of migrants have crossed the US-Mexico border as pandemic-era restrictions ended last month 'This did not catch us off guard, nor will it intimidate us,' Bass said in a statement. 'Los Angeles is not a city motivated by hate or fear and we absolutely will not be swayed or moved by petty politicians playing with human lives.' The migrants were receiving help at St. Anthony's Croatian Catholic Church near downtown. Many Republicans, including Abbott, have slammed the Biden administration's border policies, saying they have led to an influx of migrants that overwhelmed border towns. Record numbers of migrants have crossed the US-Mexico border as pandemic-era restrictions ended last month. Last week, Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis flew groups of migrants from border states to Sacramento, California, at taxpayer expense. Last fall, Florida flew 49 Venezuelans to the upscale Massachusetts island of Martha's Vineyard. Agencies contributed to this report. Rishi Sunak is facing a Tory implosion today as Boris Johnson loyalists vow to vote against a brutal report condemning him over Partygate. After 14 months of investigation, the Privileges Committee concluded that the ex-PM 'deliberately misled' Parliament about lockdown breaches in Downing Street. It said he had been 'disingenuous' and if he had not already quit the House he should have been suspended for 90 days. That could have been the longest punishment since Keith Vaz in 2019. Boris Johnson Partygate report - key points: The Privileges Committee said that if he had not resigned last week Mr Johnson should have been suspended from the Commons for 90 days The Privileges Committee said Boris Johnson committed a 'serious contempt of the House' through his Partygate denials. That section would have taken into account his attacks on the committee as a 'kangaroo court' in recent days Only Keith Vaz, the Labour MP who was banned for six months over a drug-fuelled gathering with male prostitutes', has been barred for longer The Committee suggested Mr Johnson should be barred from having a parliamentary pass, which is normally available to former MPs. Advertisement The report also said Mr Johnson had undermined 'democratic institutions', and should be banned from getting a former MP pass for the Parliamentary estate. But a titanic battle is now raging, with Mr Johnson and his allies accusing the cross-party group - which has a Labour chair but a Tory majority among the seven members - of 'monstrous hypocrisy' and bias against him. A crucial debate and a free vote will be held on the report on Monday - Mr Johnson's birthday. As Opposition parties are backing the verdict, the result is not in doubt, but some MPs are intending to register their dissent. Conservatives who fail to support him are being warned they could face deselection by furious grassroots members. Mr Sunak himself is under pressure to say what he will do, with speculation he might find there is urgent business to attend to away from Westminster. In a statement, Mr Johnson dismissed the findings as 'tripe' and 'deranged', saying the committee was 'beneath contempt' and part of a 'protracted political assassination'. He demanded senior Tory Sir Bernard Jenkin follow him in resigning after allegations emerged that he attended a drinks party for his wife in Parliament during lockdown. 'Why was it illegal for me to thank staff and legal for Sir Bernard to attend his wife's birthday party?' Mr Johnson said. 'The hypocrisy is rank. Like Harriet Harman, he should have recused himself from the inquiry, since he is plainly conflicted.' In a highly personal attack on Sir Bernard, known as a naturist, Mr Johnson said the committee's argument was 'so threadbare that it belongs in one of Bernard Jenkin's nudist colonies'. Rishi Sunak desperately dodged questions about the row on a visit to Harrow this morning. Downing Street said he will take time to 'fully consider' the report. A No10 spokesman pointedly declined to say whether the premier will cast a vote, saying: 'We will set out the PM's activity for next week on Monday.' Declaring that the vote will not be whipped, Leader of the House Penny Mordaunt appealed for respect among Conservatives: 'All of us must do what we think is right and others must leave us alone to do so.' But former Cabinet minister Nadine Dorries said: 'Any Conservative MP who would vote for this report is fundamentally not a Conservative and will be held to account by members and the public.' Another ex-minister, Simon Clarke, said: 'I am amazed at the harshness of today's report by the Privileges Committee. I believed Boris before and I believe him today. This punishment is absolutely extraordinary to the point of sheer vindictiveness, and I will vote against this report on Monday.' In other fallout today: The Lib Dems have called for Mr Johnson to be stripped of the 115,000 a year 'public duty allowance' for ex-PMs to run an office; The committee said the government had been provided it with evidence about 16 other events at Chequers and Downing Street that had been assessed as 'reasonably' likely to be a breach of Covid rules; The committee has vowed to hold a separate investigation into efforts to undermine it by Mr Johnson's allies; Fresh evidence in the report included testimony from a No10 whistleblower who claimed that 'Wine Time Fridays' were a diaried event for the press office throughout the pandemic. MPs triggered a political earthquake today by finding Boris Johnson lied to the Commons over Partygate After 14 months of investigation, the Privileges Committee concluded in a bombshell report that the ex-PM 'deliberately misled' Parliament Rishi Sunak desperately dodged questions on the row on a visit to Harrow this morning Boris Johnson at a leaving gathering in the Downing Street press office in November 2020 The report included some new evidence, including testimony from one official who said 'Wine Time Fridays' were a diaried event in No10 throughout the pandemic In a brutal 108-page report, the committee said: 'We conclude that when he told the House and this Committee that the rules and guidance were being complied with, his own knowledge was such that he deliberately misled the House and this committee.' The report said: 'We came to the view that some of Mr Johnson's denials and explanations were so disingenuous that they were by their very nature deliberate attempts to mislead the committee and the House, while others demonstrated deliberation because of the frequency with which he closed his mind to the truth.' The MPs said that Mr Johnson's actions had been aggravated by 'repeated contempts and for seeking to undermine the parliamentary process'. It spelled out that the breaches were 'deliberately misleading the House', 'deliberately misleading the Committee', 'breaching confidence', 'impugning the Committee and thereby undermining the democratic process of the House', and 'being complicit in the campaign of abuse and attempted intimidation of the Committee'. The report added: 'We recommend that he should not be entitled to a former Member's pass.' MPs hit with the longest Commons suspensions The 90-day suspension the Commons Privileges Committee recommended for Boris Johnson ranks high in the list of punishments meted out to MPs. But like many of the other big sanctions through history, it will never be formally implemented because he has already quit. Former Labour MP Keith Vaz was handed a six-month suspension in 2019, which was approved by the House. In 2014 the watchdog called for a six-month suspension for Tory Patrick Mercer, but he stood down before it was signed off. The Standards Committee recommended a 12-month punishment for Denis Macshane in 2012, but he immediately resigned. The last MP expelled from the House was Gary Allingham in 1947. Advertisement The report said Mr Johnson 'had knowledge of the Covid Rules and Guidance', 'had knowledge of breaches of the Rules and Guidance that occurred in No10'. The MPs found he misled the House 'when he said that Guidance was followed completely in No. 10, that the Rules and Guidance were followed at all times, that events in No10 were within the Rules and Guidance, and that the Rules and Guidance had been followed at all times when he was present at gatherings'. They made the same finding about 'when he failed to tell the House about his own knowledge of the gatherings where rules or guidance had been broken' and 'when he said that he relied on repeated assurances that the rules had not been broken'. 'The assurances he received were not accurately represented by him to the House, nor were they appropriate to be cited to the House as an authoritative indication of No10's compliance with Covid restrictions,' the report said. Mr Johnson was also accused of misleading the Commons 'when he gave the impression that there needed to be an investigation by Sue Gray before he could answer questions when he had personal knowledge that he did not reveal', and 'when he purported to correct the record but instead continued to mislead the House and, by his continuing denials, this Committee'. The ex-PM was also lambasted as 'deliberately disingenuous when he tried to reinterpret his statements to the House to avoid their plain meaning and reframe the clear impression that he intended to give'. That was 'when he advanced unsustainable interpretations of the Rules and Guidance to advance the argument that the lack of social distancing at gatherings was permissible within the exceptions which allowed for gatherings' and 'advanced legally impermissible reasons to justify the gatherings'. The committee considered whether it should have recommended expelling Mr Johnson from the Commons altogether. During discussion of the report's final findings, the SNP's Allan Dorans and Labour's Yvonne Fovargue backed the stronger sanction. But the four Tory members of the committee Sir Bernard, Sir Charles Walker, Andy Carter and Alberto Costa opposed the amendment. Mr Johnson, has always denied deliberately misleading MPs, but dramatically quit as an MP on Friday after receiving a draft version of the report. The committee said: 'On Thursday 8 June 2023 we sent by email to Mr Johnson's solicitors the Chair's warning letter, and immediately despatched by hand a single hardcopy document containing extracts from the Committee's provisionally agreed draft report, for inspection by Mr Johnson and his nominated legal advisers under secure invigilated conditions. 'Each page of this document was marked as follows: PRIVILEGED AND IN STRICT CONFIDENCEFOR THE USE OF MR JOHNSON AND HIS NOMINATED LEGAL ADVISERS ONLY 'It is a contempt of the House to reveal the contents of this document. There are no other physical copies of the document in existence and the document is only made available for inspection under invigilated conditions. It must not be copied. The Committee of Privileges will consider final submissions about the content of the document before it publishes its final report to the House.' The report highlighted new allegations that Mr Johnson breached Covid rules. 'On 18 May 2023 the Government, without prior notice to us, supplied us with new evidence relating to 16 gatherings at No10 and at Chequers,' the report said. 'Accompanying this was a statement by the Government that: 'As part of their work preparing Boris Johnson's witness statement for the Covid Inquiry (due to be filed on 29 May), the counsel team supporting Mr Johnson identified a number of diary entries as potentially problematic. Whistleblower says No10's 'Wine Time Fridays' carried on throughout lockdown Inside No10 was an 'oasis of normality' where Covid rules went ignored while staff were warned to watch out for cameras outside, an official has said. In written evidence to the Privileges Committee, the worker said 'Wine Time Fridays' and birthday parties continued as normal while the rest of the country faced harsh restrictions on socialising. The official said they asked if masks should be worn in March 2020 but was told there was 'no point' a remark they described as 'part of a wider culture of not adhering to any rules'. But security urged staff to be 'mindful' of potential scrutiny outside the building, urging them to follow guidance when they left, the official said. 'No10 was like an island oasis of normality. Operational notes were sent out from the security team to be mindful of the cameras outside the door, not to go out in groups and to social distance. It was all pantomime,' the statement reads. 'Birthday parties, leaving parties and end-of-week gatherings all continued as normal. Those responsible for the leadership of No 10 failed to keep it a safe space and should have set rules from the start that these gatherings should not continue. 'It was only more than a year into the pandemic that No 10 set up a one-way system and desk divider screens.' Advertisement 'These entries [] are based on an assessment by Government Legal Department as to events/activities which could reasonably be considered to constitute breaches of Covid Regulations.' The committee said it had received a response from Mr Johnson that the events were all within the rules, and had not looked into the matter further to avoid delaying its findings. The former Conservative leader's resignation means he will not serve the lengthy suspension recommended - which is far above the 10 days that could have sparked a by-election in his Uxbridge and South Ruislip constituency. His decision to quit pre-empted such an outcome, with his constituents to go to the polls next month in a major electoral challenge for Mr Sunak. Mr Johnson's ally Nigel Adams also stepped down and his arch-supporter Nadine Dorries has announced she will go too, though her demands for answers about why she was denied a peerage before she formally quits as an MP look set to prolong the by-election struggle for the Prime Minister. The MPs on the panel rejected his defence that senior officials 'repeatedly' advised him Covid rules and guidance had been followed in No 10. It highlighted that one senior aide warned him against claiming to the Commons that social distancing guidelines were observed. Some of Mr Johnson's supporters made their views known about the findings today. Former culture secretary Ms Dorries said: 'Any Conservative MP who would vote for this report is fundamentally not a Conservative and will be held to account by members and the public. Deselections may follow. It's serious. 'MPs will now have to show this committee what real justice looks like and how it's done.' Tory MP Mark Jenkinson tweeted: 'This is gross overreach, which undermines the integrity of the committee and of parliament. 'The removal of a former members (sic) pass is nothing short of vindictive.' Mr Johnson said last night that Tory grandee Sir Bernard Jenkin should step down from the committee over claims he had taken part in a lockdown-busting event. Sir Bernard is reported to have attended a drinks party held by Commons Deputy Speaker Dame Eleanor Laing in December 2020, while London was in Tier 2 measures restricting indoor mixing. The event is said to have been a 65th birthday party for Sir Bernard's wife Anne, at which both drinks and cake were served. Neither Sir Bernard nor Dame Eleanor responded to requests for comment about the story, which first appeared on the Guido Fawkes website. A file picture of Bernard Jenkin and his wife Anne. The Tory MP has been accused of attending a drinks do at Parliament during lockdown The Commons Privileges Committee inquiry has been chaired by Labour's Harriet Harman Some of Mr Johnson's allies took to Twitter today to make clear their views on the report Tory MP James Duddridge jibed that the committee seemed to want to 'put Boris in the stocks' The matter has been referred to both the Metropolitan Police and the Commons authorities. In a letter to Labour chair Harriet Harman, Mr Johnson said Sir Bernard appeared to be guilty of 'flagrant and monstrous hypocrisy' and questioned whether its report into his own conduct could still be considered reliable. In a separate statement, Mr Johnson added: 'He has no choice but to explain his actions to his own committee, for his colleagues to investigate and then to resign.' Former Cabinet minister Nadine Dorries called for the report to be halted. 'If this is true then the report should be stopped,' she said. 'We cannot know what influence Sir Bernard had on its findings, and without that the report cannot stand.' Asked about the furore on a visit to Harrow this morning, Mr Sunak said: 'You are talking about a report that I haven't seen and that no one else has seen. It wouldn't be right to comment on it in advance of it coming out and being published.' He added: 'These are matters for the House of Commons, and Parliament will deal with it in the way that it does.' Mr Sunak was also asked if he was 'frustrated' by Mr Johnson's interventions in the past week. 'No, I'm just getting on with delivering for the country,' he said. Home Office minister Chris Philp argued the MPs, including Tory former Cabinet minister Sir Jacob Rees-Mogg who branded it a 'kangaroo court', should not be censured. 'Although I don't characterise the committee in those terms, I think people are free to express their opinions,' he told ITV's Peston. 'I don't think we should be trying to sort of muzzle MPs.' America's first black president took aim at black Republican senator Tim Scott for saying his party was 'doing a fabulous job of making progress.' Scott launched his run for president last month on an optimistic platform and has put his own story of struggle at the center of his campaign, with a philosophy that suggests everyone can succeed if they want to. But former President Barack Obama said in a podcast released on Thursday that it was time for the Republican Party to get real about how systemic racism shaped the nation's history. 'And so, if a Republican who may even be sincere in saying "I want us all to live together" doesn't have a plan for how do we address crippling generational poverty that is a consequence of hundreds of years of racism in this society and we need to do something about that ...' Obama told the Axe Files, hosted by his former adviser David Axelrod. 'If somebody is not proposing, both acknowledging and proposing elements that say, "No, we can't just ignore all that and pretend as if everything's equal and fair. We actually have to walk the walk and not just talk the talk." Former President Barack Obama (l) in a podcast said the Republican Party needed a reckoning with the nation's history on race, and targeted 2024 hopeful Sen Tim Scott in particular 'If they're not doing that, then I think people are rightly skeptical.' Scott responded to his comments late on Thursday, but steered clear of attacking Obama by name. 'Let us not forget we are a land of opportunity, not a land of oppression. Democrats deny our progress to protect their power,' he said. 'The Left wants you to believe faith in America is a fraud and progress in our nation is a myth. The truth of my life disproves the lies of the radical Left. 'We live in a country where little black and brown boys and girls can be President of the United States. The truth is - we've had one and the good news is - we will have another.' Scott, the first Black Republican from the South elected to the Senate since Reconstruction, recently took his campaign to daytime TV. He demanded a chance to respond after Joy Behar, a host of The View, said he 'didn't get it' about systemic racism. When he made an appearance on the show last week he even cited Obama as an example of how African Americans could succeed. 'The fact of the matter is we've had an African American president, African American vice president, we've had two African Americans to be secretaries of state,' he said. 'In my home city, the police chief is African American who's now running for mayor.' Obama also said the GOP needed to move on from the populist grievances of Donald Trump Sen. Tim Scott appeared on The View, when co-host Joy Behar said that he doesn't understand race issues in the U.S. as a black Republican In response, Obama said Republicans had to be honest. 'Im not being cynical about Tim Scott individually,' he said. 'I am maybe suggesting that the rhetoric of "cant we all get along?" ... that has to be undergirded with an honest accounting of our past and our present.' Obama also said there was an opening in the Republican Party for a platform that moved beyond the grievances of Donald Trump. 'What we've seen is a Republican Party that has embraced a cultural populism, the kind of populism that we talked about earlier, resentment, anger, exploiting people's sense that things aren't rigged but what you don't see is the Republican Party embracing ... they still have very much an elitist economic agenda with a cultural overlay,' he said. 'I think there's an opening for a smart Republican out there to talk about economic issues and say, "You know what, I wouldn't mind people who are doing really well paying a little bit higher in taxes".' Scott has repeatedly defended Republicans' record on race and argued that his success is not some kind of exception but a path available to all. His most high-profile defense came on The View last week. 'One of the reasons why I'm on the show is because of the comments that were made, frankly, on the show that the only way for a young African American kid to be successful in this country is to be the exception and not the rule,' Scott said. '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.' He noted the massive strides African Americans have made in his lifetime alone and noted the successful people in power that he knows today adding former President Barack Obama and current Vice President Kamala Harris to that list. But he missed the chance to go head to head with Behar. He appeared on the show last Monday, her regular day off. A white Starbucks manager who was awarded $25.6 million in a lawsuit after being fired when her staff refused to let two black men use the bathroom is 'very happy' with the 'life-changing' sum. Shannon Phillips, 51, was fired in 2018 after the arrests of the two black men at the coffee giant in Rittenhouse Square, Philadelphia. A federal jury in New Jersey found the company had given her the boot because she was white, which violated her civil rights and awarded her the payout as well as $600,000 in compensatory damages. Her mother, Mary, told DailyMail.com that she had briefly spoken to her daughter about the lawsuit, but couldn't discuss the details. She said: 'She seems very happy. It's a life-changing amount of money. I don't know what she's going to do with it. I really can't talk about it, I spoke to her briefly.' Shannon Phillips on Monday won her lawsuit against the coffee giant and was handed $25million in punitive damages and $600,000 in compensatory damages The mother-of-three is currently still residing in her $512k four-bed-two-bath family home in Swedesboro, New Jersey Neighbors told DailyMail.com that they were unaware of the lawsuit or Phillips becoming a millionaire overnight. Phillips declined to comment through a relative, though her lawyer Laura Carlin Mattiacci also confirmed she is 'very pleased' with the verdict. She said that 'she proved by 'clear and convincing evidence that punitive damages were warranted' under the New Jersey law. The mother-of-three is currently still residing in her $512k four-bed-two-bath family home in Swedesboro, New Jersey, and it is unclear if she has any intentions to upgrade after the windfall. Her property, which also boasts a pool, is located in an affluent suburb in New Jersey close to the Pennsylvania border. Phillips is still currently working for Raymour & Flanigan Furniture and Mattresses as their Regional Director of Sales. Her lawsuit finally came to an end this week, five years after the arrests of Rashon Nelson and Donte Robinson. They had been waiting for a meeting when they were refused access to the toilet and were asked to leave before cops were called. Phillips's mother told DailyMail.com that she was 'very happy' with the 'life-changing' sum. Pictured: Phillips (third from left) Rashon Nelson, (left) and Donte Robinson (right) received a payout from Starbucks after the incident in 2018 Officers arrested both men, which sparked widespread outrage and protests after footage of the incident emerged - and Starbucks was accused of racism and boycott threats. Phillips, who oversaw the location as well as about 100 others and would have been paid up to $200,000, was quickly fired but in 2019 sued the coffee chain claiming it was due to racial bias. In the lawsuit, Phillips - who worked for Starbucks for 13 years - claimed she had nothing to do with the arrests but was still fired from her job a month later while a black manager was allowed to stay. Cell phone footage of the arrests went viral after it showed Nelson and Robinson being detained inside the store after they sat without ordering anything. The arrests sparked protests and prompted more than 8,000 locations to shut so the company's 175,000 employees could undergo racial-bias training. Phillips said she worked 'tirelessly' to help repair community relations in the wake of the controversy, according to the lawsuit. The highly-publicized arrests sparked protests outside the store (above) and prompted more than 8,000 locations to shut so the company's 175,000 employees could undergo racial-bias training Mr Nelson and Mr Robinson, who were arrested and spent hours in jail, ended up reaching a settlement with Starbucks in the aftermath for an undisclosed sum and an offer of a free college education In her role as regional manager, Phillips said she oversaw around 100 stores across Philadelphia, New Jersey, Delaware and Maryland. She claimed Starbucks started punishing white employees who weren't involved weeks later in a bid to publicly prove they were handling the incident. Following her victory on Monday her lawyer Laura Carlin Mattiacci (pictured) said they were 'very pleased' with the verdict Phillips alleges the firm ordered her to put a white male manager, who had worked for the company for 15 years, on administrative leave because of a race discrimination allegation against him. The allegation was based on complaints non-white employees at that manager's store were paid less than white workers. Phillips said she argued the male manager didn't have a say in wages. The lawsuit said she objected to suspending him because she said the manager wasn't racist and she had never seen him exhibit discriminatory behavior. She argued, in comparison, the black manager of the store where the arrests were carried out did not face any disciplinary action. Phillips said the black manager's subordinate was the one who called 911 after the two men sat down and refused to leave after being told they couldn't use the bathroom without purchasing something. She claims she was fired soon after and told the 'situation is not recoverable'. Starbucks denied the claims in the lawsuit but has not commented on the outcome. The lawsuit finally came to an end this week five years after the arrests of the two black men at the Starbucks shop in Rittenhouse Square, Philadelphia The two black men ended up reaching a settlement with Starbucks in the aftermath for an undisclosed sum and an offer of a free college education. Separately, they reached a deal with the city for a symbolic $1 each and a promise from officials to set up a $200,000 program for young entrepreneurs. 'We thought long and hard about it, and we feel like this is the best way to see that change that we want to see,' Robinson said at the time. 'It's not a right-now thing that's good for right now, but I feel like we will see the true change over time.' The men said they were at the Starbucks location waiting for a meeting with a third man about a potential real estate opportunity. No charges were ever filed against them following their arrest. The incident proved a major embarrassment for Starbucks, which has long projected an image as a socially-conscious company. During the uproar, then Starbucks CEO Kevin Johnson went to Philadelphia to apologize to the men. He also ordered more than 8,000 stores in the US to close so 175,000 workers could get training in unconscious bias. Comes after Florida transported three dozen illegal migrants from Texas to Sacramento earlier this month Gavin Newsom is working with a Texas sheriff to gather enough evidence to potentially bring charges against Ron DeSantis for flying migrants from the border to Democratic enclaves. The California governor met with Sheriff Javier Salazar this week after claiming his Florida counterpart engaged in 'state-sanctioned kidnapping' by transporting migrants to Sacramento. 'I met with him to compare notes yesterday because it is exactly the playbook that DeSantis and his staff to send migrants to California,' Newsom said during an interview with KTTV anchor Elex Michaelson. It's unclear under what authority Newsom would seek to prosecute DeSantis, but he has hinted at charges if an investigation finds wrongdoing. 'I find it not only disgraceful, I think there's grounds, not only to investigate but to potentially initiate some form of accountability,' Gov. Newsom said. 'The Sheriff wants to see that from the D.A. in Texas and we're pursuing that with the Department of Justice in this state.' California Gov. Gavin Newsom (left) and Texas Sheriff Javier Salazar (right) of Bexar County met this week to 'compare notes' on possible charges against Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis for flying migrants out of Texas to Democratic enclaves Florida Gov. DeSantis signed a bill in his state this year that allocates millions for him to continue a program helping fly migrants from border states to so-called sanctuary cities DeSantis has angered Democrats and immigration advocates after he launched a program last year helping transport migrants from the border to sanctuary states like Massachusetts and California. In September 2022, the Florida governor and 2024 presidential hopeful flew 49 migrants from Texas to the liberal island of Martha's Vineyard off the coast of Massachusetts. Earlier in June, DeSantis helped send three dozen migrants to Sacramento, confirming the move by saying they wanted to get to the Golden State. Just a few months after the September stunt, Florida's supermajority legislature passed a bill allocating $10 million for DeSantis' plan to transport migrants out of border states to so-called 'sanctuary cities.' Sheriff's Salazar's office filed charges in early June with a statement saying: 'The charge filed is Unlawful Restraint and several accounts were filed, both misdemeanor and felony.' It's unknown if the office is targeting DeSantis or someone in his Florida office and no suspect is named so far. 'At this time, the case is being reviewed by the DA's office,' the statement adds. Newsom told Fox News' Sean Hannity earlier this week that he has wanted to 'debate DeSantis for years.' Hannity offered to moderate a two-hour debate. 'I'm all in. Count on it,' Newsom replied. Newsom continues to push the rivalry with DeSantis and is attempting to make him public enemy No. 1. 'We're not backing away from getting the facts and holding those accountable if they broke the laws in the state of California,' Newsom said during an interview with NBC's Today show after DeSantis sent migrants to Sacramento. Newsom suggested on Wednesday that following an investigation, DeSantis might not be able to step foot in California without being arrested. Meanwhile, DeSantis was in Arizona the same day making a surprise visit to the border as he promised on his presidential platform to crack down on illegal immigration. Florida officials confirmed that DeSantis flew migrants from Texas to California earlier this month Newsom had extremely harsh words for his Florida counterpart for transporting migrants to his state, calling DeSantis 'small,' 'pathetic,' 'desperate for attention,' and said he is 'flailing' and 'weakness masquerading as strength' DeSantis made a surprise trip to the southern border last week he met with leaders in Arizona to discuss solutions for the migration crisis During a roundtable at the southern border state, DeSantis announced that he will 'formalize' a partnership between states with 'like-minded' sheriffs and governors that want to 'fight back' against the migration crisis. 'What we've done in Florida has saved lives,' DeSantis said of border policies implemented in his state. 'If we're pooling our efforts, I think it's going to be something that will be really, really positive.' Newsom told Today when asked about the harsh rhetoric against DeSantis that he is being 'very generous' when he calls DeSantis 'small and pathetic,' 'He's just weakness masquerading as strength,' the California governor added of the 2024 Republican presidential candidate. 'He's flailing, desperate for attention.' DeSantis has faced backlash from immigration advocates for his move last year flying illegal migrants from Texas to the small, liberal New England island of Martha's Vineyard. Newsom wants to make clear that he will not allow the same thing to happen in his state and will fight back. 'Let's just levelset here,' Newsom said. 'Here's 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 pretenses lied to them, took them into another state by bus and 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? 'Human beings used as pawns for a guy's political advancement,' the California Democrat scoffed. 'That's pretty sad and pathetic. 'I take this very seriously. As I said, we are not Martha's Vineyard. This is California fourth or fifth largest economy on planet earth we mean business. And so Ron DeSantis should know that.' 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 Gov. DeSantis' office confirmed they helped transport the migrants to Sacramento, claiming that the individuals said they wanted to get to California. Newsom said 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'. The young Venezuelan and Colombian men and women were dropped off last week outside the Roman Catholic Diocese of Sacramento with only a backpack's worth of belongings each, said Eddie Carmona, campaign director at PICO California, a faith-based community organizing group that has been assisting the migrants. The migrants had entered Texas via the southern border. Newsom issued a statement to say they had been transported from Texas to New Mexico before being flown to Sacramento. But state Attorney General Rob Bonta issued a separate statement in which he said the migrants possessed documentation allegedly showing they had arrived from Florida. They had already been processed by U.S. immigration officials and given court dates for their asylum cases when 'individuals representing a private contractor' approached them outside a migrant center in El Paso, Texas, Carmona said. 'They were lied to and intentionally deceived,' Carmona said, adding the migrants had no idea where they were after being dropped off in Sacramento. Sacramento Mayor Darrell Steinberg likened the act to that of human smuggling. 'Whoever is behind this must answer the following: Is there anything more cruel than using scared human beings to score cheap political points?' Steinberg asked in a statement. 'Sacramento represents the best of American values. We always welcome the tired, the poor, and the huddled masses, and we always will.' Newsom said he and Bonta met with the group of migrants Saturday and learned they were transported from Texas to New Mexico and then flown by private chartered jet to Sacramento. Bonta said the migrants had documents 'purporting to be from the government of the state of Florida.' 'State-sanctioned kidnapping is not a public policy choice, it is immoral and disgusting,' Bonta wrote. 'We are a nation built by immigrants and we must condemn the cruelty and hateful rhetoric of those, whether they are state leaders or private parties, who refuse to recognize humanity and who turn their backs on extending dignity and care to fellow human beings,' he went on. Bonta said his agency was 'investigating the circumstances by which these individuals were brought to California,' and was 'evaluating the potential criminal or civil action against those who transported or arranged for the transport of these vulnerable immigrants.' It is not clear who was responsible for transporting the group to Sacramento Friday. The group said the migrants all have pending court appearances, and by transporting them to California under false pretenses, there will be a disruption in their due process. Newsom said he is also working with the California Department of Justice to find out whether any criminal wrongdoing took place, including who paid for the group's travel and 'whether the individuals orchestrating this trip misled anyone with false promises or have violated any criminal laws, including kidnapping.' 'We are working closely with the Mayor's office, along with local and nonprofit partners to ensure the people who have arrived are treated with respect and dignity, and get to their intended destination as they pursue their immigration cases,' Newsom said in a statement. Over the last year, Republican governors in Texas and Florida have been busing and flying migrants to Democratic strongholds and so-called Sanctuary Cities including New York City, Chicago and Washington, D.C., without advance warning 'What has occurred recently with the deceiving drop off of our undocumented brothers and sisters into the Sacramento area grieves my heart. 'This political polarizing act is heartbreaking and yet I rejoice that I am part of a movement that brings the love of God and goodwill upon the injustices and political wickedness that impacts our vulnerable brothers and sisters,' Rev. Efrem Smith, Sacramento ACT president, told the Sacramento Bee. Rabbi Mona Alfi, of Congregation B'nai Israel, told the outlet that what happened to the migrants was 'a moral travesty' and that 'these are human beings, no different than you or me, who simply want to take care of their families and live a peaceful life, and they deserve to be treated better.' Over the last year, Republican governors in Texas and Florida have been busing and flying migrants to Democratic strongholds and so-called Sanctuary Cities including New York City, Chicago and Washington, D.C., without advance warning as part of a campaign to focus attention on what they say are the Biden administration's failed border policies. DeSantis, who announced his 2024 presidential bid last month and has been heavily criticized for his hardline stance on immigration, is expected to come to Sacramento himself on June 19 for a fundraising breakfast priced at $3,300 a seat. Newsom has spoken out and aired ads in Florida against DeSantis, whom he labeled 'America's chief bully,' since they were both elected in 2018. Miami Mayor Francis Suarez did his best to avoid criticizing former President Donald Trump in his first TV interview since announcing a run for president while saying he would have responded to the feds differently if found to possess classified material. Suarez, who formally entered the race Wednesday and became the third Floridan in the race, pointed to 'frustration' in the country about unequal application of justice without saying flat out that Trump was being mistreated. He said Thursday he had read the Trump indictment, and that 'people are frustrated in this country, particularly Republicans who feel that there isn't an equal administration of justice.' The remark stopped short of saying whether he himself thought it was unfair. 'That's what I hear. That's what Republicans are telling me,' Suarez said on ABC's 'Good Morning America.' 'I would have turned over the documents,' Miami Mayor Francis Suarez told ABC when pressed on the indictment for former President Donald Trump. He stopped short of condemning Trump or the indictment, but said it wasn't a 'healthy conversation' for the country 'I think the fact that you know, we're in a presidential campaign, and we're seeing, you know, a former president be indicted multiple times, is something that Republicans view as partisan and problematic in a country like ours.' Host George Stephanopoulos wasn't satisfied with that answer and pressed him. Suarez finally responded: 'Its not what I would have done. I would have turned over the documents.' Then he turned to President Joe Biden, saying, 'I wouldnt have stored classified documents in my garage either.' He also made a reference to former Vice President Mike Pence, who he said 'also had issues related to classified documents,' although federal authorities announced they had closed an investigation after he returned classified material found in his Indiana home. He said the topic wasn't a 'healthy conversation' for the country. 'We shouldn't be talking about, you know, candidates being indicted,' he said. Stephanopoulos noted that the Republican mayor had voted against Trump twice for president, but confirmed that he would pledge to support him if he is the GOP nominee. The Republican National Committee is requiring candidates to sign such a pledge to back the nominee in order to take part in presidential debates. 'I think every single Republican candidate who wants to be on debate stage has to pledge to support the nominee and I will do that as well,' he said. His comment follows New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie saying he would sign the pledge and would take it 'as seriously' as Trump did eight years ago meaning he wouldn't feel bound by it. Suarez filed paperwork Wednesday to launch a bid for the Republican presidential nomination, after visiting the federal courthouse where former President Donald Trump pleaded not guilty to a 37-count indictment. The move makes Suarez, the son of the city's first Cuba-born mayor, the third Floridan to enter the race. Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis is currently running a distant second to Trump in nationwide polls. His impact on the race in Florida the primary is set for March 19 next year is unclear. He joins a field of more than a dozen candidates, where alternatives to Trump are splitting the opposition and where the former president has been running up lopsided leads even while facing criminal charges. He has already gotten a hat tip from Trump's team while exploring the race. The 45-year-old mayor is the only Hispanic candidate in the race. He declared his candidacy with the Federal Election Commission. He had teased an announcement, noting that he would be making a 'big speech' Thursday at the Reagan Library in California. Miami Mayor Francis Suarez filed paperwork to seek the Republican nomination for president. He visited the Miami courthouse Tuesday where Donald Trump was arraigned 'If I do decide to run,' he said Tuesday before Trump's court appearance, 'its starting a new chapter, a new conversation of a new kind of leader who maybe looks a little different, speaks a little different, had a little bit of a different experience, but can inspire people.' 'Today was about keeping people safe. We achieved it,' he tweeted Tuesday when Miami became the center of a global story with the Trump arraignment. There were a few mishaps, as when a protester ran in front of the president's motorcade by the courthouse. Suarez is the president of the U.S. Conference of Mayors. He has gained national attention in recent years for his efforts to lure companies to Miami, with an eye toward turning the city into a crypto hub and the next Silicon Valley. Suarez, who is vying to become the first sitting mayor elected president, joins a GOP primary fight that includes DeSantis, former Vice President Mike Pence, Sen. Tim Scott of South Carolina, former United Nations Ambassador Nikki Haley and former New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie. Despite having a candidate field in the double digits, the race is largely seen as a two-person contest between Trump and DeSantis. On a roll: Miami Mayor Francis Suarez greets police outside the Wilkie D. Ferguson Jr. U.S. Courthouse, Tuesday, June 13, 2023, in Miami on a day former President Donald Trump made a federal court appearance on dozens of felony charges accusing him of illegally hoarding classified documents Suarez joins a crowded field of Republicans But the other competitors are hoping for an opening, which Trump has provided with his myriad legal vulnerabilities - none more serious than his federal indictment on charges of mishandling sensitive documents and refusing to give them back. He pleaded not guilty Tuesday in Miami federal court to 37 felony counts. Suarez has said he didn't support Trump in either the 2016 or 2020 presidential elections, instead writing in the names of U.S. Sen. Marco Rubio and then-Vice President Pence. In 2018, Suarez publicly condemned Trump after reports came out that he had questioned why the United States would accept more immigrants from Haiti and 'shithole countries' in Africa. But times have changed, with Trump advisers now praising Suarez's work and helping him promote what he calls 'the Miami success story.' Trumps former White House counselor Kellyanne Conway has even floated Suarezs name as a possible vice presidential pick. Suarez, who is married with two young children, is a corporate and real estate attorney who previously served as a city of Miami commissioner. He has also positioned himself as someone who can help the party further connect with Hispanics. In recent months, he has made visits to early GOP voting states as he weighed a possible 2024 campaign. He is more moderate than DeSantis and Trump, but has threaded the needle carefully on cultural issues that have become popular among GOP politicians. Suarez has been critical of DeSantis, dismissing some of the state laws he has signed on immigration as 'headline grabbers' lacking in substance. He has said immigration is an issue that 'screams for a national solution' at a time when many Republicans back hard-line policies. The two-term mayor previously expressed support for a Florida law championed by DeSantis and dubbed 'Dont Say Gay' that bans classroom instruction on sexual orientation or gender identity in kindergarten through third grade, but he has not specified whether he supported the expansion of the policy to all grades. Like other Republicans, Suarez has criticized DeSantis feud with Disney over the same law, saying it looks like a 'personal vendetta.' Further ingratiating himself with the Trump team, Suarez has echoed Trumps attacks on DeSantis demeanor, saying the governor doesn't make eye contact and struggles with personal relationships with other politicians. Suarez's entry means Trump isn't the only candidate reportedly facing a looming federal probe. According to the Miami Herald, the Securities and Exchange Commission and the FBI are probing whether $10,000 monthly payments from a Miami developer's subsidiary were done in exchange for favors relating to a development project. In 2020, the mayor made a play to attract tech companies to Florida after the state relaxed its COVID-19 restrictions. He met with Big Tech players and investors such as PayPal founder Peter Thiel and tech magnate Marcelo Claure, began appearing on national television and was profiled by magazines. Suarez, who has said he takes his salary in Bitcoin, has also hosted Bitcoin conferences and started heavily promoting a cryptocurrency project named Miami Coin, created by a group called City Coins. But the hype dissipated as virus restrictions eased elsewhere, eliminating Miamis advantage on the COVID-19 front. Suarezs vision also hit roadblocks with the collapse of the cryptocurrency exchange FTX, which was set to move its U.S. headquarters to Miamis financial district before its founder and CEO Sam Bankman-Fried was arrested in the Bahamas last December. The only cryptocurrency exchange that traded Miami Coin suspended its trading, citing liquidity problems, not living up to its promise to generate enough money to eliminate city taxes. Miami also ranks as one of the worst big U.S. cities for income inequality and is one of the countrys most unaffordable cities for housing. Ex-Attorney General Bill Barr has accused Donald Trump of an outrageous act of obstruction' over his conduct in the classified documents case Barr told Fox News that Trump had even misled his lawyer by hiding files in his Mar-a-Lago residence. 'He could have given the documents to the government and then sued to bring them back and made his legal arguments as to why they're really his,' he said. 'But he didn't do that. What did he do? He engaged in an outrageous act of obstruction and deception that obstructed that subpoena.' Bill Barr has become a staunch critic of his former boss in recent weeks, slamming him over his conduct in the classified documents case His comments echo remarks made by Francis X. Suarez, the mayor of Miami who has just announced his own presidential run. Barr served in Trump's administration, but resigned in December 2020 over the ex-commander-in-chief's bogus claims that Joe Biden's victory was a fix. The 77-year-old real estate mogul, who celebrated his birthday on Wednesday, hit out at his former presidential legal eagle, branding him 'gutless.' 'I think he's a coward who didn't do his job. He was desperately afraid of being impeached,' Trump said in an interview with long-time friend Roger Stone. 'We had unbelievable people, as you know, in the administration. But you also had some that we got wrong. And Bill Barr was a mistake,' Barr has disputed claims made by Trump loyalists that the federal case in Miami should be handled under the Presidential Records Act. The top lawyer has backed the more serious charges brought under the Espionage Act by special counsel Jack Smith. He said in a previous interview with Fox that Trump would be 'toast' if they are proven to stand up in court. The National Archives and Records Administration soon discovered after Trump left the White House in January 2021 that he had taken presidential papers with him. Gary Stern, counsel at the National Archives, asked the former president's team for the return of documents. Donald Trump was advised for over two years by his lawyers to hand the documents back, but refused In the spring of 2021, some of Trump's lawyers and advisers began recommending he hand the documents over. By the fall of 2021, Alex Cannon, who at the time was a Trump lawyer, told his client he needed to give them back. He warned the former president that archives was threatening to go to Congress or the Justice Department if he did not return them. He eventually returned 15 boxes of materials to the National Archives in January 2022. Yet more remained, and Trump was angered by repeated attempts to get him to hand over the rest. Tom Fitton, the president of Judicial Watch, urged Trump to fight efforts to get him to hand over the documents, according to The Washington Post Alex Cannon, a former Trump lawyer, told the businessman in the fall of 2021 he needed to hand the documents over, and warned that the national archives was threatening to go to Congress or the Justice Department if he did not return them Seven people with knowledge of the probe indicate he misled his own advisers, telling them the boxes contained only newspaper clippings and clothes. In April 2022, he was issued with a subpoena to force him to return them, and his new attorney, Evan Corcoran, told him he had to comply. But Trump was persuaded by other allies such as Judicial Watch president Tom Fitton and adviser Boris Epshteyn that he should fight efforts to reclaim the papers. That move sparked the investigation led by Jack Smith, a former war crimes prosecutor turned Trump hunter. A British Airways stewardess left passengers 'traumatized' after activating the emergency slide moments before take-off on her maiden flight with the airliner. The bungling worker cost BA 50,000 following the 'scary' gaffe at Heathrow Airport, which delayed passengers for more than five hours. The rookie crew member had been on her first flight on one of BA's Airbus A350 jets when she accidentally opened the rear emergency door on Sunday afternoon. The plane had been on taxing onto the runway and was minutes from take-off to Austin, Texas, when its emergency slide inflated, leaving passengers horrified. Dr Sridevi Rao claimed to be one of the travellers on the plane and said she had been left 'traumatized' by the debacle. The crew member had been on her very first flight on a BA Airbus A350 when she accidentally opened the rear emergency door on Sunday afternoon (File image of Airbus A350) Passengers were left horrified after the stewardess set off the emergency slide moments before take-off on a British Airways flight from Heathrow to Austin, Texas Writing on Twitter, she said: 'I was in the very back row by the door when it flew open as we were moving towards the runway. It was so loud and scary as the cabin depressurized and the slide inflated. #traumatized #BritishAirways.' The stewardess's error sparked a major response from emergency services, who rushed to Terminal 5 to surround Flight BA191. The jet reportedly had to be replaced and a new emergency slide found for the original Airbus. The shocked crew member was 'stood down' from all duties by BA and ordered to go back to training, reports The Sun. A source told the paper the delay cost the airliner 50,000 before adding: 'The stewardess has had a shocker.' The incident comes months after a similar gaffe in January, which saw the exact same thing happen on a BA flight to Lagos. Speaking of Sunday's debacle, a spokesman from British Airways said the passengers involved in it had all 'disembarked normally'. 'We arranged a replacement aircraft for them to continue their journey the same day and have apologised for the inconvenience caused,' he added. A new exhibition showing the works of Banksy is set to open in Glasgow this weekend - in what will be the artist's first official exhibition in 14 years. The Cut & Run show, at Glasgow's Gallery of Modern Art (GoMA), is the first exhibition to be officially authorised by the elusive street artist in more than a decade. The exhibition will cover 25 years of Banksy's career and is set to feature a selection of the artist's stencils for the first ever time. The Glasgow show will also put an array of artefacts collected collected throughout Banksy's career - including the artist's own toilet. Banksy said: 'I've kept these stencils hidden away for years, mindful they could be used as evidence in a charge of criminal damage. The Cut and Run show at Glasgow's Gallery of Modern Art (GoMA) is the first exhibition to be officially endorsed by Banksy in 14 years The Glasgow exhibition will show a selection of Banksy's stencils for the first time ever The exhibition will display a model showing the way through which Girl With Balloon was shredded at a Sotheby's auction in 2018 using a device hidden in the frame Glasgow was chosen as the location due to the traffic cone that has sat on the Duke of Wellington statue's head for around 40 years outside GOMA The Glasgow show will include the stencil used to paint the image of a female acrobat on a damaged building in Ukraine READ MORE: Who is Banksy? All the theories about the anonymous graffiti artist Advertisement 'But that moment seems to have passed, so now I'm exhibiting them in a gallery as works of art. I'm not sure which is the greater crime.' Various unsanctioned exhibitions of Banksy's work have taken place around the world in recent years. However, Banksy said that 'while the unauthorised Banksy shows might look like sweepings from my studio floor, Cut & Run really is the actual sweepings from my studio floor.' The artist is now describing the exhibition - which will show stencils used throughout his career from 1998 to the present day - '25 years card labour'. As for his choice of Glasgow as the location for the show, Banksy said the traffic cone which famously sits on the head of the Duke of Wellington statue outside the gallery, was behind the pick. A gallery label for the show explains: 'For anyone who isn't aware - the statue out the front has had a cone on its head continuously for the past 40-odd years. 'Despite the best efforts of the council and police, every time one is removed another takes its place. 'This might sound absurd and pretentious (just wait until you see the rest of the exhibition), but it's my favourite work of art in the UK and the reason I've brought the show here.' The Banksy exhibition will be shown at Glasgow's Gallery of Modern Art (GoMA) The Cut and Run show will display the bullet proof jacket worn by Stormzy at Glastonbury Banksy's Met Ball piece (pictured) will also be on display at the Glasgow Cut and Run show The exhibition will show an array of Banksy's stencils for the first time ever due to the artist having kept them secret over fears they could be used as 'evidence' Pranksters have continuously placed a traffic cone on the statue's head since the 1980s The stencils on show include those used for some of Banksy's most famous pieces. Those include Girl With Balloon, which appeared on walls throughout London from 2002 onwards, and Kissing Coppers which appeared on the wall of The Prince Albert Pub in Brighton, East Sussex. It also features a model that shows the way through which the modern artist managed to shred a version Girl With Balloon during an auction at Sotheby's in London in 2018. The Banksy artwork hit the headlines when it partially self-destructed at the conclusion of an auction in which it had been sold for 1.1 million. The canvas was passed through a secret shredder hidden inside its frame, leaving the bottom half in tatters and just a singly red balloon left on the painting. The artist subsequently renamed the work Love Is In The Bin and later it sold at auction for 18.58 million in 2021. The Glasgow show will run for almost three months from 18 June to 28 August and could tour in the future if it proves popular. The last official Banksy exhibition was shown more than a decade ago in the artist's home town of Bristol. The exhibition at Bristol Museum and Art Gallery in 2009 ran under the title 'Banksy vs. Bristol Museum. Pranksters have consistently placed traffic cones on the statues head for decades The Cut and Run show will run from 18 June to 28 August and could tour if popular The Glasgow Cut and Run show will be Banksy's first official solo show in 14 years An array of Banksy's stencils will be put on display for the first time ever alongside his works A stencil for a work that appeared on a damaged building in Ukraine, showing a female gymnast balancing on a pile of rubble, is also on show. The artwork appeared on a wall in the Ukrainian town of Borodianka near Kyiv, alongside another showing a young boy judo flipping Vladimir Putin. The stab-proof Union Jack vest worn by British rapper Stormzy when he headlined Glastonbury in 2019 will also be displayed. GoMA museum manager Gareth James said the exhibition is a 'perfect fit for GoMA and the city'. 'This has been a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to work with an artist who has been exciting and challenging people around the world with their work over the past 25 years,' he told The Herald. The Covid-19 lockdown has produced a heartbreaking rollcall of children who became victims of tragic deaths at the hands of those who are meant to take care of them. Two-year-old Lola James was tragically killed by her evil stepfather, suffering 101 injuries including brain damage similar to what is sustained in high-speed car-crashes. The little girl was victim to a 'frenized and extremely violent attack' on July 17, 2020 at her home in Haverfordwest, Pembrokeshire, by her mother Sinead James' new partner Kyle Bevan, 31. She died four days later. Young Logan Mwangi, five, was killed by his mother, stepfather and stepbrother on July 31, 2020 after suffering 'catastrophic' internal injuries. His body was found in the River Ogmore near his home in Sarn, Bridgend County. Star Hobson was only 16 months old when she was killed at her home in Keighley, West Yorkshire on September 22, 2020 by her mother Frankie Smith's girlfriend Savannah Brockhill, after suffering months of abuse in her home during the Covid lockdown. 10-month-old Finley Boden was murdered by his parents Shannon Marsden and Stephen Boden on Christmas Day 2020. The infant had been taken by social services soon after birth, but was put back into his drug-taking parents' care 39 days before he died. A mother and her 'monster' boyfriend have been found guilty over the death of two-year-old Lola James (pictured) who was fatally attacked at her home in Wales Lola James, two - murdered July 17, 2020 Lola James, two Two-year-old Lola James was tragically killed by her evil stepfather, suffering 101 injuries including brain damage similar to what is sustained in high-speed car-crashes. Sinead James, 30, moved her partner Kyle Bevan, 31, into the house she shared with little Lola James in Haverfordwest, Pembrokeshire, a day after meeting him on Facebook in February 2020. Swansea Crown Court heard Bevan, who had a 'Jekyll and Hyde' temper, carried out a 'frenzied and extremely violent attack' on the young girl just four months later, causing 101 bruises and scratches and a catastrophic injury to the brain. Lola's mother was a victim of domestic abuse and had twice been educated on how to spot signs of an abuser, but chose to prioritise her relationship with Bevan over the safety of her child, the jury was told - before they convicted her of allowing Lola's death. James was told by the local authority not to invite adults into the family home if she did not know them well or if they were alcohol or drug abusers, but she ignored their advice. Kaylea Titford, 16 - found dead October 10, 2020 Also amongst the victims of lockdown is Kaylea Titford. Kaylea Titford, 16 The 16-year-old, who suffered from spina bifida, was found dead at her home in Newtown, Powys, on October 10, 2020 after her parents allowed her to become morbidly obese during lockdown. Her mother, Sarah Lloyd-Jones, 39, admitted manslaughter by gross negligence last year, while her father, Alun Titford, denied the charges and was found guilty after a trial last month. The teenager weighed 22st 13lb with a BMI of 70 at the time of her death, and her body was discovered inside her bedroom in conditions described as 'unfit for any animal'. A jury of eight men and four women convicted Titford after being shown pictures during the trial at Mold Crown Court in North Wales of the 'squalor and degradation' Kaylea had been forced to endure. Alijah Thomas, five - murdered September 14, 2021 Five-year-old Alijah Thomas begged her mother Martina Madarova, 41, not to kill her as she strangled her to death at their home in Ealing, west London, on September 14, 2021. Alijah Thomas, five Madarova had put on cartoons for her daughter Alijah Thomas before carrying out the act as the child said: 'Mummy, don't kill me.' She proceeded to strangle Aljah, before 'tucking her in with a blanket'. The 41-year-old had been suffering with her mental health and turned to alcohol during the Covid lockdown, and had been in a 'dark place' the night before her daughter's tragic death. She was given a five-year jail sentence after a judge ruled that she had 'low responsibility' over Alijah's death. A court heard that in the months leading up to the incident, family members and friends became concerned for Madarova's wellbeing as she appeared 'increasingly stressed'. She was concerned for her income, after her hours as a carer had been reduced, and had become anxious after missing the deadline to enrol Alijah at school. On the morning of September 14, Alijah's father had left early for work and was notified a few hours later from a phone call from Madarova that their daughter was dead. Kyrell Matthews, two - murdered October 20, 2019 Kyrell Matthews, two Kyrell Matthews, aged two, was left with 41 rib fractures and internal injuries by the time of his death after weeks of cruelty at the hands of his mother Phylesia Shirley and her boyfriend Kemar Brown. Brown was convicted of murder while Shirley was acquitted of murder but found guilty of the alternative charge of manslaughter. They appeared alongside each other in the dock as Brown was sentenced to at least 25 years in prison while Shirley was jailed for 13 years. The toddler, who was non-verbal, could be heard crying and screaming on distressing audio files taken from Shirley's phone and played to jurors during the trial. Brown and Shirley are understood to have been visited by social services at least once. Arthur Labinjo-Hughes, six, murdered June 17, 2020 Arthur Labinjo-Hughes, six Arthur Labinjo-Hughes, aged six, was murdered by his cruel stepmother Emma Tustin in June. She was sentenced to life in prison with a minimum term of 29 years and the boy's father Thomas Hughes was jailed for 21 years for manslaughter. The boy had been seen by social workers just two months before his death, but they concluded there were no safeguarding concerns. In October 2019, Aileen Carabine, a special educational coordinator at Arthur's school, said Arthur 'deteriorated' that month. Hughes, 29, was jailed for life with a minimum of 21 years after being found guilty of manslaughter - but cleared of murder - for encouraging the killing, including by sending a text message to Tustin 18 hours before the fatal assault telling her 'just end him'. Logan Mwangi, five - murdered July 31, 2020 Logan Mwangi, five Five-year-old Logan Mwangi was murdered by his mother, step-father and teenage step-brother on July 31, 2021. His body, which suffered 56 'catastrophic' injuries consistent with a 'brutal and sustained assault' was found in the River Ogmore near his home in Sarn, Bridgend county. John Cole, 40, Angharad Williamson, 31, and 14-year-old Craig Mulligan were all convicted of murder in April 2022. Cole will serve a minimum of 29 years, Williamson at least 28 years, while teenage Mulligan will serve at least 15 years. Social services repeatedly missed signs of abuse and opportunities to protect Logan, with injuries dating back to August 2020. Inspectors have blasted the council which failed to protect murdered five-year-old Logan Mwangi, with the watchdog insisting 'serious concerns' remain about its children's services a full year after his death. Care Inspectorate Wales noted there have been improvements at Bridgend County Borough Council in the last 12 months, but said there was still a need for 'further urgent action'. Star Hobson, 16 months - murdered September 22, 2020 Star Hobson, 16 months Star Hobson was just 16 months old when she was murdered by her mother's girlfriend Savannah Brockill in September 2020. In the lead-up to her death, she had suffered months of abuse in her home in Keighley, West Yorkshire, during the coronavirus lockdown in 2020. Former Children's Commissioner for England Anne Longfield, the chairwoman of the Commission on Young Lives, warned after Star's murder that the Covid lockdown 'brought its own opportunities for those who harm, groom and abuse children.' Brockill is now serving a life sentence with a minimum term of 25 years at HMP Styal in Cheshire, after being convicted in December 2021. Star's mother, Frankie Smith, was convicted of causing or allowing the toddler's death and was initially sentenced to eight years behind bars. This was increased to 12 years after a judicial review. Social services missed five opportunities to stop Star's killers, with her great-grandfather Dave Fawcett saying after their convictions: 'It's disgusting because there were five referrals. Not one of them did anything. It's just beyond belief, really. Finley Boden, 10 months - murdered December 25, 2020 Finley Boden fatally collapsed on Christmas Day 2020. The infant was found to have 130 separate injuries at the time of his death, as well as diseases including sepsis and pneumonia. The injuries included a broken pelvis, broken shoulder, fractured shinbone, fractured collarbones, several fractured ribs and four separate thighbone fractures, as well as 71 bruises and other burns, with his blood, vomit and faeces found on his clothes and body. Finley Boden, 10 months Finley was exposed 'vicious and repeated assaults' at the family home in Chesterfield, Derbyshire, that culminated in his 'savage and prolonged' murder. His broken pelvis was possibly from sustained 'kicking or stampin'', with injuries likened to a multi-storey fall. He also had two burns on his left hand - one 'from a hot, flat surface', the other probably 'from a cigarette lighter flame'. Despite the fact that Finley's pain 'would have been obvious', his parents only gave him Calpol for pain relief and claimed that their son 'always had crackly ribs'. His parents Shannon Marsden and Stephen Boden were handed life sentences with respective minimum terms of 27 and 29 years at Derby Crown Court. An attorney in Georgia sued Facebook and won $50,000 after his account was unceremoniously banned and the company failed to help him. Jason Crawford of Columbus, Georgia said the Silicon Valley giant 'terminated' his account for 'no valid reason' and refused to work with him to amend the situation. 'I wake up one Sunday morning. I tapped on my Facebook icon, and I was locked out,' he said. 'They made it clear I was banned. It just gave me the briefest snapshot of saying that I had violated their standards on child sexual exploitation. And then it went away.' Crawford said no such violation ever occurred, nor did Facebook specify which of his actions or posts would have violated such a rule. The massive tech company that owns Facebook - as well as Instagram and WhatsApp - repeatedly failed to respond to Crawford's inquiries about his unjustly banned account He told his local Fox station: 'I just think it's bad business practice. It's a crappy way to treat people. At least tell me what I did wrong.' Crawford said he repeatedly reached out to Meta - Facebook's parent platform - but his messages went unanswered. 'What I learned is the way you submit your appeal, or whatever, is through your own profile, your own account. If you don't have an account, you have no way of submitting it, so its like a dog chasing its tail.' When, after multiple tries, he was unable to find a human working for the massive company to hear his appeal, he sued. Crawford called Facebook 'negligent' in his August 2022 complaint, and argued the company was denying him access to his account and the pictures and memories stored on it. 'I had, I don't even know how you quantify it, pictures, videos, posts that you know come up as memories that I like to look at from time to time. Ya know, all that kind of stuff that I wasn't willing to let a bunch of bullies take away from me for no reason,' he said. Despite filing suit, however, there was still no movement from Facebook. 'It was as if I didn't exist and Facebook was operated by a bunch of ghosts or something,' he said. Because Meta's legal teams failed to respond to the suit, a judge ordered the company to pay Crawford $50,000. Only at that point did he hear from the massive tech company. 'I felt a little bit vindicated, and they activated my account again,' he said. He added that he did not take legal action for the money, but because he wanted to hold the company's feet to the fire when they failed to provide him with answers. 'I wake up one Sunday morning. I tapped on my Facebook icon, and I was locked out,' recounted Crawford, who said he was not given a specific reason as to why his account was banned The judge awarded Crawford $50,000 when Facebook's lawyers failed to respond to the lawsuit. The company is now, according to Crawford, refusing to pay However, Crawford's fight is ongoing as Facebook is apparently not cooperating with the judge and has not paid out a single dollar. 'Every step of the way Facebook is choosing not to do the right thing,' he said. 'It feels like a poke in the eye, and it feels like they're continuing to poke in the eye. Poke the local court system in the eye. 'Poke me in the eye. Poke other users in the eye, and its time that they at least respect our legal system,' he said. An American couple who died in their Mexico hotel room were killed in their sleep by carbon monoxide poisoning, according to their families. Abby Lutz, 28, and John Heathco, 40, were found unresponsive in their hotel room at the five-star, $780-a-night Hotel Rancho Pescadero near Cabo San Lucas on Tuesday. Abby worked as a nanny while John ran a health supplements website. According to Abby's family, who are now raising money to bring her home, they died as the result of carbon monoxide poisoning. Abby Lutz, 28, and John Heathco, 40, were found unresponsive in their hotel room on Tuesday The couple was staying at the $780-a-night Rancho Pescadero hotel in El Pescadero, near Cabo San Lucas 'While on a beautiful trip in Mexico, Abby and her boyfriend thought they had food poisoning and went to the hospital to get treatment. 'We were told they were feeling much better a few days later. We received a phone call saying that they had passed away peacefully in their hotel room in their sleep. 'We have been told it was due to improper venting of the resort and could be Carbon monoxide poisoning,' a GoFundMe page set up by the family says. In a statement, her sister told DailyMail.com: 'We are shocked and saddened to hear about the passing of our beloved Abby. Abby had an adventurous spirit and a wonderfully kind heart. 'She loved to travel, see new places, and share her zeal for life with those around her. We ask for your thoughts and prayers for our family during this very difficult time. 'In lieu of flowers, we ask that donations be made to GoFundMe to help us lay Abby to rest.' Representatives for the hotel, which is owned by American company Hyatt, has not responded to the claim that carbon monoxide could be to blame for the couple's deaths. Abby's family is now raising money to bring her remains home and pay for her funeral Abby, 28, with her younger brother, who paid tribute to her on Thursday Abby worked as a nanny in Newport Beach, California An autopsy is yet to confirm how they died but police say it was due to suspected gas inhalation. It's unclear how long the pair had been dating or how long they were scheduled to be in Mexico. There have been several other instances of tourists dying in hotel rooms due to carbon monoxide poisoning. In June last year, a Florida couple died while on vacation at a Sandals Resort in the Bahamas. In November, three other tourists died while staying in a rented apartment in Mexico City. Their cause of death was carbon monoxide poisoning. While Hyatt has not yet responded to the claim regarding the ventilation and how it could have caused their deaths, the hotel's general manager said they were 'heartbroken'. 'We are truly heartbroken by this terrible tragedy. 'Our hearts are with the impacted families and loved ones during this unimaginable loss,' she said. The nonbinary suspect accused of shooting dead five people at a gay Colorado nightclub - and wounding 17 - is expected to take a plea deal that could see him spend the rest of his life in prison. Anderson Lee Aldrich, 23, expressed regret for the November 19, 2022, mass shooting at Club Q, an LGBTQ nightclub located in Colorado Springs, Colorado, during a series of jailhouse phone calls to the Associated Press. Aldrich, who is scheduled to appear in court June 26, told the news outlet in their first public statement: 'I have to take responsibility for what happened.' Colorado law requires victims' family members to be contacted in advance if a plea deal, or any other deal, is made. The families were informed that Aldrich would plead guilty to charges that would ensure the maximum state sentence of life behind bars. Prosecutors also told the survivors to write victim impact statements and prepare themselves for the horrifying video that may be released in court of the deadly rampage. Anderson Lee Aldrich, the non-binary 22-year-old accused of shooting dead five people at Club Q, an LGBTQ club in Colorado Springs on November 19, 2022. He is pictured in his mugshot after his November arrest Candles, flowers, cards and posters sit outside Club Q in memory of the five victims that lost their lives Club Q, an LGBTQ nightclub located in Colorado Springs, Colorado . The nonbinary suspect in the club's shooting is expected to plead guilty Federal and state authorities and defense attorneys declined to comment if a plea deal was on the table. Aldrich - who uses they/them pronouns - faces more than 300 state counts, including murder and hate crimes. Federal officials are also considering adding hate crime charges, though it's unclear if federal charges could be waved if the suspect pleads to the Colorado charges. On November 19, Aldrich allegedly walked into Club Q and fired an AR-15 semiautomatic rifle at the crowd inside. Partygoers had to dive across the dance floor from safety. Family and friends tried to protect each other and use napkins to plug wounds. A Navy officer grabbed Aldrich's rifle to help stop the shooting, while an Army vet joined in to subdue and beat Aldrich until police arrived. When the shooting stopped, five people were killed, 17 were wounded and another five were hurt in the frantic scene. The five people killed were identified as Kelly Loving, Daniel Aston, Derrick Rump, Ashley Paugh and Raymond Green Vance The five people killed were identified as Kelly Loving, Daniel Aston, Derrick Rump, Ashley Paugh and Raymond Green Vance Club Q victim Kelly Loving, 40, a transwoman was among the five people killed in the shooting Derrick Rump, 38, was 'active in the local LGBTQ community' and beloved by friends and family Raymond Green Vance, 22, was tragically killed during the club massacre Daniel Aston, 28, was one of the innocent victims killed by the lone gunman Ashley Paugh, 35, a married mother was one of five victims District Attorney Michael Allen told a judge that the suspects mother made Aldrich go to the club 'against his will and sort of forced that culture on him.' Aldrich's step-grandfather, Johnathon Pullman, said his loved one 'has to realize what happened on that terrible night. It's truly beginning to dawn on him.' Survivor Wyatt Kent was celebrating his 23rd birthday when his partner, Daniel Aston, an employee at Club Q was behind the bar during the time of the shooting and was killed. Kent grieves the loss of his partner he described as 'a son, a daughter, a best friend.' 'Someone's gone that can never be brought back through the justice system,' he Michael Anderson, a bartender at Club Q, who survived the terror-filled night gave an impassioned speech to members of Congress in December. 'Hate speech turns into hate action, and actions based on hate almost took my life from me at 25 years old,' he said, NBC News previously reported. Club Q suspect Anderson Lee Aldrich is pictured armed and firing a weapon on November 19, 2022. The image was provided by state prosecutors Pikes Peak Pride, a nonprofit organization created by local LGBT volunteers, announced in a Facebook post that they have partnered with the community and with the families of those who were killed to create a Memorial Fund to raise money to build the memorial honoring their 'fallen friends.' Sabrina Aston, who lost her son Daniel Aston said: 'I think it's important for us to honor those we love who died and the ones who were hurt and impacted in the tragedy.' 'It affected all of the gay community here in Colorado Springs. It's important for us to have somewhere to go, to leave flowers, to sit and remember those we lost, just like we are doing at the temporary memorial at Club Q now.' The money donated to this fund will be managed by the Pikes Peak Pride committee and will be paid directly to contractors working on the memorial. 'I hope that everyone can remember Daniel as the fun-loving person he was,' said Sabrina. 'He just loved talking to people, and people loved to tell him things. He was a great mentor for those transitioning. And he loved Club Q,' she said. 'He loved what it stood for. He loved helping people. I hope this memorial will help everyone remember Daniel and that his love for this space will continue to help the people in our community to heal.' An armed Florida homeowner hid in his own closet to confront a squatter who took over his home while the owner was in New Zealand for months. The unidentified Ocala homeowner told authorities he returned to his property on Spring Lake Road on June 9 and found it trashed and burglarized, saying several items were missing. He then devised a plan to confront the alleged squatter himself, spending the night sleeping inside a closet inside his home. When the man's alarm went off at 8am the next morning, the homeowner said he saw the squatter who has been identified as 26-year-old Ze'Moye Brown peeking inside. He then allegedly fired a shot in an attempt to get Brown to leave. Ze'Moye Brown, 26, has been arrested for allegedly squatting at an Ocala, Florida, home while the homeowner was in New Zealand According to an affidavit obtained by FOX 35, when the homeowner came face-to-face with the man who had been squatting at his home, he shouted at Brown to leave. But the two soon began to argue about who actually owned the home, Marion County Sheriff's deputies say. At that point, the affidavit says, the homeowner used his Beretta handgun to fire a shot at his front door in an attempt to get Brown to leave. Brown did, but called the police saying he was shot and claiming he owned the home. Sheriff's deputies eventually tracked down Brown and found he had been in possession of a rock-like substance, which tested positive for methamphetamine, and marijuana. He was arrested on charges of misdemeanor trespassing, misdemeanor possession of marijuana and felony possession of a controlled substance without a prescription. Brown later allegedly told authorities he had been living at the home for 'a few months' and that he was the only person staying at the house. He claimed the windows and doors to the house were unlocked when he first arrived at the home, which he said was vacant for three years. But Brown denied stealing the items that the homeowner reported missing. The homeowner told authorities he returned to his property on Spring Lake Road (pictured) and found it trashed and burglarized before he came up with a plan to confront the squatter This is not the first time Brown has been arrested, however, with records obtained by DailyMail.com showing he has a criminal record dating to 2014. He has previously been arrested on grand larceny, resisting a police officer and other trespassing charges. In 2020, Brown was also charged with giving a false name to law enforcement when a sheriff's deputy pulled over a car he was a passenger in that reeked of marijuana. Brown told the deputy at the time that his name was 'Jack Barnes,' and he had no middle name, according to Ocala News. When the deputy asked for his Social Security number, he said he did not know it. Brown further claimed he was from Mississippi, had only been in Florida for a few months and had no Florida driver's license or other means of identification. But when the deputy said he could not find any records of a 'Jack Barnes,' Brown admitted his real name, saying he gave the officer a fake name because he believed there was an active warrant out for his arrest. There was, and Brown was once again booked into jail. He is now being held on a $4,000 bond. A British man fears his missing cousins could be among the hundreds of people feared dead after a boat carrying as many as 750 migrants sank off the coast of Greece, killing at least 78 people. Aftab Khan, from Wolverhampton, flew to Greece as soon as he heard that the fishing boat that departed from the Libyan port of Tobruk had capsized and sank early on Wednesday morning. Rescuers are scouring the seas for survivors of the shipwreck that killed at least 78 migrants, but hopes of finding the hundreds of people who are still missing are quickly diminishing as the hours drag on. So far, 104 survivors have been plucked from the sea and among them was Khan's cousin who was found alive. A doctor at Kalamata General Hospital told the BBC as many as 100 children were on the bottom of the vessel. Khan said two of his cousin are among the hundreds of people still missing from the capsized boat, which was carrying as many as 750 people. 'We don't know where the rest of them are at the moment,' he told Sky News. 'We're just trying to find out.' Aftab Khan (pictured), from Wolverhampton, flew to Greece as soon as he heard that the fishing boat that departed from the Libyan port of Tobruk had capsized and sank early on Wednesday morning A boat carrying as many as 700 migrants trying to reach Greece capsized after there was a 'shift among the people crammed on board,' officials have said It is unclear how many passengers are still missing, but initial reports suggested as many as 750 people were on board meaning hundreds are still in the sea. No women or children have been rescued yet. One survivor told hospital doctors in Kalamata that he had seen a hundred children in the boat's hold, ERT reported. 'This could be the worst maritime tragedy in Greece in recent years,' Stella Nanou of the UNHCR refugee agency told state broadcaster ERT. 'It's really horrific,' UNHCR staffer Erasmia Roumana said at the port of Kalamata. The survivors were 'in a very bad psychological situation', she added. 'Many are under shock, they are so overwhelmed,' she said. 'Many of them worry about the people they travelled with, families or friends.' Coast guard, navy and merchant vessels, and aircraft fanned out for a vast search-and-rescue operation that continued into the early hours of this morning. Pictures from Kalamata showed rescue workers carrying several black body bags from a coast guard ship. Coast guard spokesman Nikos Alexiou told state ERT TV that it was impossible to accurately estimate the number of passengers. He said it appeared that the 80 to 100-foot vessel capsized after people crammed on board abruptly moved to one side. Men carry the body bags of who died after their boat capsized at the port of Kalamata, Greece Greek coast guard personal worked overnight to transport the tragic victims ashore A coast guard statement said efforts by its own ships and merchant vessels to assist the boat were repeatedly rebuffed 'The outer deck was full of people, and we presume that the interior [of the vessel] would also have been full,' he said. 'It looks as if there was a shift among the people who were crammed on board, and it capsized.' A coast guard statement said efforts by its own ships and merchant vessels to assist the boat were repeatedly rebuffed, with people on board insisting they wanted to continue to Italy. Coast guard officials said the trawler's engines broke down around 1.40am on Wednesday, and just under an hour later, the ship started to list abruptly from side to side before capsizing. The ship sank ten to 15 minutes later, the statement said. An aerial photograph of the battered blue vessel released by the Greek coast guard showed scores of people covering practically every inch of deck. A 300ft mega-yacht rescued more than 100 survivors from the ocean. Scores of migrants that were ultimately rescued were seen arriving into the port of Kalamata on Wednesday on the Mayan Queen IV yacht, owned by the late Mexican billionaire Alberto Bailleres. Harrowing images showed medics rushing the survivors off the yacht on to stretchers, while others walked around bare foot and draped in blankets. The $175million (137.9million) mega-yacht, which was built by Blohm and Voss, was launched in 2008 and can carry up to 16 guests and 24 crewmembers. The Mayan Queen IV came under the spotlight in August 2018 when 20-year-old Australian Instagram model and crew member Sinead McNamara was found hanged from the back of the billionaire's superyacht in Greece. Greece's caretaker prime minister, Ioannis Sarmas, declared three days of national mourning, 'with our thoughts on all the victims of the ruthless smugglers who exploit human unhappiness'. Ioannis Zafiropoulos, deputy mayor of the southern port city of Kalamata, where survivors were taken, said that his information indicated there were 'more than 500 people' on board. Authorities said 104 people were rescued after the sinking in international waters about 45 miles southwest of Greece's southern Peloponnese peninsula. The spot is close to the deepest part of the Mediterranean Sea and depths of up to 17,000 feet could hamper any effort to locate a sunken vessel. Twenty-five survivors ranging in age from 16 to 49 were in hospital with hypothermia or fever. A rescued migrant is airlifted from a Greek coast guard vessel by a helicopter. None of the migrants had life jackets on when the ship sank The Mayan Queen IVA, a 300ft mega-yacht, pictured, came to the rescue of 100 survivors Around 70 exhausted survivors bedded down in sleeping bags and blankets provided by rescuers in a large warehouse Paramedics set up tents outside the warehouse for any of the survivors who needed first aid Katerina Tsata, head of a Red Cross volunteer group in Kalamata, said the migrants were also given psychological support At the port of Kalamata, around 70 exhausted survivors bedded down in sleeping bags and blankets provided by rescuers in a large warehouse, while paramedics set up tents outside for anyone who needed first aid. Katerina Tsata, head of a Red Cross volunteer group in Kalamata, said the migrants were also given psychological support. 'They suffered a very heavy blow, both physical and mental,' she said. Rescue volunteer Constantinos Vlachonikolos said nearly all the survivors were men. 'They were very worn out. How could they not be?' he said. Rescuers said many of the people pulled from the water could not swim and were clutching debris. The coast guard said none had life jackets. The Greek coast guard said 78 bodies have been recovered so far. Survivors included 30 people from Egypt, ten from Pakistan, 35 from Syria and two Palestinians, the agency said. The Italy-bound boat was believed to have left the Tobruk area in eastern Libya - a country plunged into chaos following a Nato-backed uprising that toppled and killed longtime autocrat Muammar Gaddafi in 2011. Human traffickers have benefited from the instability, and made Libya one of the main departure points for people attempting to reach Europe on smuggler's boats. The Italian coast guard first alerted Greek authorities and the European Union border protection agency, Frontex, about an approaching vessel on Tuesday. Authorities said 104 people have been rescued so far after the boat sank overnight. Here, survivors receive urgent medical attention Coast guard, navy and merchant vessels fanned out for a vast search-and-rescue operation that also included a plane and a helicopter. The coastguard said a surveillance plane with Europe's Frontex agency had spotted the boat on Tuesday afternoon, but the passengers had 'refused any help'. It added that none on board were wearing life jackets. Authorities said it appeared the migrants had departed from Libya and were heading for Italy. The survivors were initially housed in a port warehouse, but Greece's migration ministry said they would be taken to a migrant camp near Athens. Also on Wednesday, a sailing boat in distress carrying about 80 migrants off Crete was rescued by a coastguard patrol and towed to port, Greece's port police said. Along with Italy and Spain, Greece has been one of the main landing points for tens of thousands of people seeking to reach Europe from Africa and the Middle East. Another 90 people in a sailboat, more than a third of them children, were rescued near the island of Cythera over the weekend. Greece is also facing an increase of crossing attempts from Turkey on southern routes near the Cyclades islands and toward the Peloponnese peninsula, with boats hoping to avoid patrols in the northern Aegean Sea. Rescue operations are common, but last month the Greek government came under international pressure over video footage reportedly showing the forceful expulsion of migrants who were set adrift at sea. Greece and other EU member states - including Italy - on the southern and southeastern rim of the bloc say they are being unfairly tasked with managing arrivals of undocumented migrants. The Mediterranean's deadliest shipwreck in living memory occurred on April 18, 2015, when an overcrowded fishing boat collided off Libya with a freighter trying to come to its rescue. Only 28 people survived. Forensic experts concluded that there were originally 1,100 people on board. And earlier this year, 94 people were killed off the coast of Calabria when their migrant boat sank amid harsh weather conditions. Some in Italy blamed the country's right-wing prime minister Giorgina Meloni and her party's hardline policy against migrant boats, while she pointed the finger at 'inhumane' human traffickers. Laws in Italy require rescue vessels to request access to a port and sail to it 'without delay' after a sea rescue. The law complicates efforts by humanitarian boats to make multiple rescues in the central Mediterranean by assigning them ports of disembarkation along Italy's northern coasts. That means the vessels need more time to return to the sea after bringing migrants aboard and taking them safely to shore. Humanitarian organisations have lamented that the crackdown also includes an order to the charity boats not to remain at sea after the first rescue operation in hopes of performing other rescues, but to head immediately to their assigned port. Violators face stiff fines and confiscation of rescue vessels. Comes as Newsom continues to launch attacks against DeSantis specifically regarding flying migrants from border state to so-called sanctuary cities The 2024 hopeful told his California counterpart he will start to debate him once he actually launches a bid for president Ron DeSantis went hard against California Gov. Gavin Newsom and told him to zip it unless he actually enters the Democratic presidential primary. It comes after Newsom told Fox News' Sean Hannity this week that he is not entering the 2024 race 'under any circumstances.' Newsom has repeatedly attacked DeSantis for his governing of Florida, despite the Sunshine state thriving economically while California, which has some of the highest taxes in the U.S., continues to see a rise in homelessness and crime. He has even floated criminal charges for DeSantis regarding his illegal migrant flights stunt. 'He has a real serious fixation on the state of Florida,' DeSantis said of Newsom during a press conference in Florida on Thursday morning. 'I mean, I think it's just bizarre that he does that.' 'What I would tell him is: You know what, stop pussy-footing around. Are you going to throw your hat in the ring and challenge Joe?' the Florida governor questioned. 'Are you going to get in and do it, or are you just going to sit on the sidelines and chirp?' Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis dared California Gov. Gavin Newsom to enter the 2024 presidential race if he wants to continue 'fixating' on his leadership in Florida DeSantis' campaign team immediately capitalized on the comments by putting up a shirt on the website for sale at the $34.47 price-point with the phrase: 'Stop pussy-footing around' Newsom told Fox News' Sean Hannity this week that 'under no circumstances' will he enter the 2024 presidential race but said his phone lights up constantly with people urging him to run. Pictured: Newsom walks with wife Jennifer Siebel Newsom to tour a building that houses veterans in Los Angeles on May 26 The campaign team immediately capitalized on the remarks, designing a t-shirt with an image of the governor with the phrase, 'Stop pussyfooting around' on the back. The navy blue t-shirt with a front breast pocket is going for $34.47. 'If you're chirping from the sidelines.... this one's for you,' a tweet advertising the new campaign swag promoted. 'Get yours before they're gone.' DeSantis suggested that he doesn't want to engage in debates with Newsom over issues unless he wants to run for president alongside him. 'So why don't you throw your hat in the ring, and then we'll go ahead and talk about what's happening,' he dared. DeSantis announced last month his bid for president and is in second place behind former President Donald Trump in the Republican primary race. Newsom says that his phone is pinging frequently with people urging him to put his hat in the ring and take on Biden in his bid for reelection. 'How many times does your phone ping a day people saying you need to get in this race, because they agree with me that [Biden's] not up for the job?' Hannity asked Newsom. ' I see where you're going with that, Sean,' Newsom said, adding: 'And I'm not answering.' 'Under any circumstances would you get in this primary?' the Fox News host pushed. 'No,' the California Democrat replied. 'Look, I really am proud I think he's a man of decency and character. I'm really proud of the president, proud of what he's accomplished in the last three years.' Newsom is working with Texas Sheriff Javier Salazar to gather enough evidence to potentially bring charges against DeSantis for flying migrants to California and other Democratic enclaves. The two met this week after Newsom accused his Florida counterpart of engaging in 'state-sanctioned kidnapping' by transporting migrants to Sacramento earlier this month. 'I met with him to compare notes yesterday because it is exactly the playbook that DeSantis and his staff to send migrants to California,' Newsom said during an interview with Fox 11 Los Angeles. It's unclear under what authority Newsom would seek to prosecute DeSantis, but he has hinted at charges if an investigation finds wrongdoing. 'I find it not only disgraceful, I think there's grounds, not only to investigate but to potentially initiate some form of accountability,' Gov. Newsom said. 'The Sheriff wants to see that from the D.A. in Texas and we're pursuing that with the Department of Justice in this state.' Newsom (left) and Texas Sheriff Javier Salazar (right) of Bexar County met this week to 'compare notes' on possible charges against DeSantis for flying migrants out of Texas to Democratic enclaves Florida Gov. DeSantis signed a bill in his state this year that allocates millions for him to continue a program helping fly migrants from border states to so-called sanctuary cities DeSantis has angered Democrats and immigration advocates after he launched a program last year helping transport migrants from the border to sanctuary states like Massachusetts and California. In September 2022, the Florida governor and 2024 presidential hopeful flew 49 migrants from Texas to the liberal island of Martha's Vineyard off the coast of Massachusetts. Earlier in June, DeSantis helped send three dozen migrants to Sacramento, confirming the move by saying they wanted to get to the Golden State. Just a few months after the September stunt, Florida's supermajority legislature passed a bill allocating $10 million for DeSantis' plan to transport migrants out of border states to so-called 'sanctuary cities.' Sheriff's Salazar's office filed charges in early June with a statement saying: 'The charge filed is Unlawful Restraint and several accounts were filed, both misdemeanor and felony.' It's unknown if the office is targeting DeSantis or someone in his Florida office and no suspect is named so far. 'At this time, the case is being reviewed by the DA's office,' the statement adds. Newsom told Hannity in his interview earlier this week that he has wanted to 'debate DeSantis for years.' Hannity offered to moderate a two-hour debate. 'I'm all in. Count on it,' Newsom replied. He said to NBC News Today show this month that he will pursue an investigation to hold DeSantis accountable 'if he broke the laws in the state of California.' Newsom suggested last week that following a probe, DeSantis might not be able to step foot in California without being arrested. Meanwhile, DeSantis was in Arizona the same day making a surprise visit to the border as he promised on his presidential platform to crack down on illegal immigration. Florida officials confirmed that DeSantis flew migrants from Texas to California earlier this month Newsom had extremely harsh words for his Florida counterpart for transporting migrants to his state, calling DeSantis 'small,' 'pathetic,' 'desperate for attention,' and said he is 'flailing' and 'weakness masquerading as strength' DeSantis made a surprise trip to the southern border on Wednesday as he met with leaders in Arizona to discuss solutions for the migration crisis During a roundtable at the southern border state, DeSantis announced that he will 'formalize' a partnership between states with 'like-minded' sheriffs and governors that want to 'fight back' against the migration crisis. 'What we've done in Florida has saved lives,' DeSantis said of border policies implemented in his state. 'If we're pooling our efforts, I think it's going to be something that will be really, really positive.' Newsom told Today when asked about the harsh rhetoric against DeSantis that he is being 'very generous' when he calls DeSantis 'small and pathetic,' 'He's just weakness masquerading as strength,' the California governor added of the 2024 Republican presidential candidate. 'He's flailing, desperate for attention.' 'Let's just levelset here,' Newsom said. 'Here's 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 pretenses lied to them, took them into another state by bus and 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? 'Human beings used as pawns for a guy's political advancement,' the California Democrat scoffed. 'That's pretty sad and pathetic. 'I take this very seriously. As I said, we are not Martha's Vineyard. This is California fourth or fifth largest economy on planet earth we mean business. And so Ron DeSantis should know that.' Gov. DeSantis' office confirmed they helped transport the migrants to Sacramento, claiming that the individuals said they wanted to get to California. Newsom said 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'. The young Venezuelan and Colombian men and women were dropped off Friday outside the Roman Catholic Diocese of Sacramento with only a backpack's worth of belongings each, said Eddie Carmona, campaign director at PICO California, a faith-based community organizing group that has been assisting the migrants. The migrants had entered Texas via the southern border. Newsom issued a statement to say they had been transported from Texas to New Mexico before being flown to Sacramento. Newsom said he is also working with the California Department of Justice to find out whether any criminal wrongdoing took place, including who paid for the group's travel and 'whether the individuals orchestrating this trip misled anyone with false promises or have violated any criminal laws, including kidnapping.' 'We are working closely with the Mayor's office, along with local and nonprofit partners to ensure the people who have arrived are treated with respect and dignity, and get to their intended destination as they pursue their immigration cases,' Newsom said in a statement. Over the last year, Republican governors in Texas and Florida have been busing and flying migrants to Democratic strongholds and so-called Sanctuary Cities including New York City, Chicago and Washington, D.C., without advance warning as part of a campaign to focus attention on what they say are the Biden administration's failed border policies. Newsom has spoken out and aired ads in Florida against DeSantis, whom he labeled 'America's chief bully,' since they were both elected in 2018. Delphi double murder suspect Richard Allen has allegedly made self-incriminating comments linking himself to the 2017 schoolgirl deaths. The 50-year-old is accused of killing best friends Libby German, 14, and Abby Williams, 13, while they were hiking through Indiana's Delphi Historical Trails on February 13 2017. Their bodies were discovered the next day and the case puzzled police for years - until a bullet found at the bloody crime scene linked Allen to the slayings in 2022. During Allen's bail hearing at Carroll County Court in Indiana on Thursday, his attorney's - Bradley Anthony Rozzi and Andrew Joseph Baldwin - said he made self-incriminating comments, according to News Nation Now. Prosecutor Nick McLeland also agreed he had 'made admissions.' The 50-year-old is accused of killing schoolgirls Libby German, 14, and Abby Williams, 13, while they were hiking through Indiana 's Delphi Historical Trails on February 13 2017 Allen has arrived at Carroll County Court in Indiana ahead of his bail hearing on Thursday The defense said Allen's comments could not be trusted because of his mental state - which has been heavily impacted by the conditions at Westville Correctional Facility where he has been held since his arrest on October 28, they argued. The defense team is pushing for him to be moved to a county jail, and they also filed a motion to suppress certain evidence from the case about ballistics, which is currently under seal. Allen, from Delphi, was seen from afar for a few moments wearing what looked like a bulletproof vest as he entered the courthouse, where he appeared before Judge Frances Gull on Thursday. Appearing gaunt and frail, he was flanked by three police officers who marched him inside. According to News Nation Now, his defense is also arguing for his release on bail, on the basis that the evidence against him is not strong enough to hold him while he awaits trial - which could be several months away. Thursday's hearing was initially scheduled for February, but it was delayed at the request of Allen's attorneys due to the dense volume of evidence they had to get through. For the same reason, the trial, which was originally scheduled for March, could be delayed until 2024. The trial date will be discussed at Thursday's hearing. Abby Williams and Liberty German were brutally killed on February 13, 2017, in Delphi, Indiana, and their families have been waiting for answers ever since Allen's lawyers will argue that there is insufficient evidence for him to be kept in jail while awaiting trial - which could be several months away Two days after the girls were killed, law enforcement officers released a photograph of a white male wearing blue jeans, a blue coat and a hoodie Allen was charged in October with two counts of murder in the slayings of Liberty German (pictured right), 14, and Abigail Williams (pictured left), 13 In April, Allen's lawyers outlined their case for him to be moved from the Westville Correctional Center because the dire conditions had impacted his physical and mental state to an extent that it was slowing their ability to build a defense. Baldwin and Rozzi said he had been sleeping on a pad on the floor of a 'cold, concrete' cell the size of a dog kennel without a change of clothes for days on end or visitation rights from his wife and family. They also released a photo of Allen taken on April 4 showing him looking thin. The February 2017 killings sparked nationwide interested after Indiana State Police released images from German's Snapchat story showing the girls hiking on the Monon High Bridge. Kegan Kline, 28, was linked to the case last December A blurry man dubbed 'Bridge Guy' could be seen in the image, and was identified as one of the main suspects in the case. Police interviewed Allen - who has a daughter - shortly after the murders, and he told them he had been on the bridge on the day of the girls' deaths, but denied meeting them. An affidavit released in November 2022 shows that an unspent .40 caliber round was found between the teenagers' bodies, and it was later linked to Allen's Sig Sauer Model P226 firearm through forensic evidence. In December, the DailyMail.com revealed that German and Williams were killed amid a botched kidnapping plot hatched by members of a local pedophile ring, which Allen was allegedly part of. Carroll County Prosecutor Nicholas McLeland openly stated that he believes 'Allen is not the only actor involved in this', and prosecutors have alleged that he attempted a kidnapping - though he has not been charged with this. Sources close to the investigation have claimed that Allen was acting with at least two other men. Pedophile Kegan Kline, 28, of Peru, Indiana, who is currently awaiting trial on a slew of child pornography charges, used a fake social media profile named Anthony Shots to communicate with German before she died. Both Allen and Kline are alleged to have had ties to Ron Logan (pictured) who authorities previously pegged as a suspect in the case after the girls' bodies were found on his property. Logan, who died in January 2022, was never formally named as a murder suspect Family members of Liberty German and Abigail Williams at a press conference after Allen's arrest Abbie was seen in a Snapchat video posted by her friend Libby in February 2017, moments before both were murdered Police interrogating Kline told him they did not believe he committed the murders but was protecting the identity of whoever did - and he is now reportedly cooperating with prosecutors in a bid to reduce his own charges. The source told DailyMail.com that Kline met Allen when they both lived in Peru, roughly 40 miles northwest of Delphi. They also claimed that both men knew Ron Logan, whom police first pegged as a suspect in the killings after the girls' bodies were found on his property, some 1,400 feet from his home. His daughter Ellie Williams, 25, shared a photo from the family home on Wednesday and has described her 'terrible heartbreak' in the wake of his death Actor Treat Williams' daughter has shared a heartbreaking post on Instagram as the family gathered at their $1million Vermont estate following his fatal motorcycle accident. Hair star Williams, 71, died on Monday after his motorcycle smashed into an SUV which was turning left into a parking lot by Long Trail Auto near Dorset. His daughter Ellie Williams, 25, shared a picture from the family's Vermont home on Wednesday, showing her father's beloved dog Woody, with text overlaid that simply read: 'We're home, dad.' Williams was conscious and alert after being thrown to the pavement, answering questions from paramedics before he was airlifted to Albany Medical Center in New York, where he was pronounced dead. Ellie - who is the only daughter of the Golden Globe nominated star and his wife Pam Van Sant - described her 'terrible heartbreak' in the wake of his death. Treat Williams' daughter has shared a post on Instagram which said 'we're home, dad' as the family gathered at their $1million Vermont estate following his fatal motorcycle accident The actor, 71, died on Monday after his motorcycle smashed into an SUV which was turning left into a parking lot by Long Trail Auto near Dorset His daughter Ellie Williams, 25, shared a photo from the family home on Wednesday and has described her 'terrible heartbreak' in the wake of his death Ellie also shared a link to a New York Times article about her father with her followers and described it as 'wonderful'. On Tuesday she shared a grief-stricken message alongside an old picture of her father and a close-up of his name emblazoned on a bomber jacket. 'This is a pain I have never felt. I am absolutely shattered,' she wrote. 'Thank you to everyone who has sent messages and kept our family in your hearts during this terrible heartbreak.' Police said Treat was 'unable to avoid a collision' with a 2008 Honda Element driven by Ryan Koss, 35. A witness who saw the crash said Treat was conscious after being thrown from his motorcycle. 'He was totally alert, answering questions,' said Matt Rapphahn, the owner of Long Trail Auto on Route 30, adjacent to the crash site. Rapphahn, 29, was standing outside his shop when the crash took place right in front of him. 'He was totally laid out, and they were asking him basic questions, like ''do you know where you are,'' and ''what's your wife's name,'' that kind of stuff,' he recalled. 'And he was responsive. He seemed like he was awake the whole time because, obviously, when they had to move him, you could see he was in a great deal of pain. They loaded him up into the ambulance and drove off. 'Honestly, I was pretty hopeful that he was going to pull through.' He said Treat was a regular customer - a classic car and motorcycle enthusiast who'd bring his vehicles in for repairs and restoration work. 'He stopped into the shop just a few weeks ago and made some appointments for his vehicles,' Rapphahn said. 'He pulled up here in his old Apache pickup truck, a blue '57 Chevy. We were talking about actors going on strike right now, and he seemed kind of grumpy about it. He wanted to get back to work acting.' 'We talked about airplanes too because he was an airplane enthusiast,' he added. 'I'd run into him in town all the time,' he said. 'He'd share some stories. He had such a good laugh. He was a great guy, super nice. This was his home. This was his community.' He said Treat was also exceptionally generous and once wrote a check to repair the home of one of Matt's mechanic friends after a fire. 'People around here have been using that old cliche all day that for somebody who is Hollywood famous, he was totally chill,' he said. Vermont State Police detectives confirmed driver Koss was not drunk at the time of the horror crash. Authorities gave an update to press on Tuesday as the force continues to investigate what happened. Pictured: Ryan Koss, 35, was driving his Honda Element SUV on Route 30 and was turning into the auto shop parking lot when he collided with Williams Koss had an appointment at the autobody shop to bring his SUV to get a state inspection sticker Ellie, pictured with her father in April, is the only daughter of the Golden Globe nominated star and his wife Pam Van Sant She described her 'heartbreak' to her Instagram followers on Tuesday in the wake of her father's death, and thanked people who had sent her messages of support Koss' car had major damage to the front end passenger side, while William's 1986 Honda VT700c motorcycle (pictured) had 'front-end damage' Lieutenant Steven Coote said investigators have not yet made 'a formal determination' on who is to blame for the crash, according to the Boston Globe. He added that Koss, who is from Pownal in the south-western corner of Vermont, was screened and cops 'determined there wasn't any evidence of impairment'. The driver was also 'checked by medical personnel at the scene for minor injuries', and he did not need hospital treatment. Coote added that detectives have 'utilized tools and technology' including a drone flight, as well as 'old-fashioned crash investigation stuff' like on-scene photographs in the investigation. He told reporters he could not provide an 'exact timeframe' for when the probe is likely to conclude, but he hopes 'to have some more answers soon'. Following the fatal crash, Koss' car had major damage to the front end passenger side, while Treat's 1986 Honda VT700c motorcycle had 'front-end damage'. The Everwood actor had been riding his $3,500 bike when he was hit by Koss' vehicle as it cut across the northbound lane of Route 30 in the Morse Hill Road area of Dorset, south-west Vermont. He was wearing a helmet at the time and was treated at the scene by paramedics before being rushed to hospital via helicopter, where he was pronounced dead. Treat and Koss in all likelihood knew each other, as Koss works at the theater where Williams performed American Buffalo in 2017. It is currently not known when Treat's funeral will take place. Treat, best known for his roles in Everwood and Hair, was enjoying his weekend mowing the lawn at his $1million Vermont home just hours before the tragedy. He was married to actress Van Sant, and together they had two children, Gille and Ellie - and often shared his idyllic country life for his fans on social media. Treat was born 1951 in Rowayton, Connecticut, and kickstarted his professional acting career in his 20s after graduating from Franklin and Marshall College. He shot to fame after his debut role in the thriller Deadly Hero in 1975. He also performed in 1976's The Ritz and The Eagle Has Landed. In 1979, he starred as George Berger in the film Hair, which was based on the Broadway musical. Treat pictured with his children Gil and Ellie on set of White Collar in Manhattan in May 2012 Treat Williams pictured with his wife Pam Van Sant and their beloved dog Woody In a social media post hours before the fatal crash, Williams shared a snap of his land with the caption: 'Mowing today. Wish I could bottle the scent' In 1979, Treat starred as George Berger in the film Hair, which was based on the Broadway musical It was the role which earned him his first Golden Globe nomination for New Star of the Year - and two years later, he got his second nomination for his acting in Prince of The City. He also played Dr. Andrew Brown in Everwood - and he received two SAG Award nominations for his work on the show. In a social media post from just seven hours ago, he shared a snap of his land with the caption: 'Mowing today. Wish I could bottle the scent.' And two hours before the news of his death came to light, he recorded himself mowing the ground, writing: 'What a real Vermonter does.' Disgraced FTX founder, Sam Bankman-Fried, arrived at a New York City courthouse Thursday as federal prosecutors agreed to drop five out of the 13 charges against him. Bankman-Fried, 31, appeared at the Manhattan Federal Court in his signature style: messy hair, a blue suit, with a light blue tie. He opted to forego a tie pin, allowing his decorative tie to float in the wind as he stiffy walked into the downtown courthouse. He was flanked by two men, who kept close to his side, as photographers gathered around the cryptocurrency hedge funder. His arrival came as prosecutors agreed to drop five charges, including a bank fraud count and a foreign government bribery charge. However, it's not all a win for Bankman-Fried, as prosecutors are requesting Judge Lewis A. Kaplan to schedule a second trial for those charges in 2024. The FTX founder has argued that prosecutors should not have been allowed to add additional charges against him after his extradition on the first set of charges related to the collapse of one of the largest crypto exchanges in the world. However, the delay until 2024 on those five counts are not due to extradition, but prosecutors argued it was due to procedural necessity, The New York Times reported. Sam Bankman-Fried, 31, arrived at the Manhattan Federal Court in his signature style: messy hair, a blue suit, with a light blue tie Prosecutors agreed to drop five charges, including a bank fraud count and a foreign government bribery charge. However, it's not all a win for Bankman-Fried, as prosecutors are requesting Judge Lewis A. Kaplan to schedule a second trial for those charges in 2024 Bankman-Fried was in court Thursday for a previously scheduled hearing in the case, though it's unclear what the sides are discussing. Prosecutors responded to early May filings in which Bankman-Fried's lawyers insisted that the United States overreached in its case against Bankman-Fried, making federal crimes out of regulatory issues. 'These motions are meritless,' prosecutors wrote in a nearly 100-page filing filed in a Manhattan federal court. 'The charges track the relevant statutes and the defendant's alleged misconduct falls within the heartland of what these statutes prohibit.' Bankman-Fried has been living with his parents in Palo Alto, California, after posting a $250million personal recognizance bond after his December extradition from the Bahamas. Bankman-Fried has pleaded not guilty to charges that he cheated investors and looted customer deposits on FTX to make lavish real estate purchases, donate money to politicians and make risky trades at Alameda Research, his cryptocurrency hedge fund trading firm. US Attorney Damian Williams has called it one of the biggest frauds in America's history. The FTX founder has argued that prosecutors should not have been allowed to add additional charges against him after his extradition. However, the delay until 2024 on those five counts are not due to extradition, but prosecutors argued it was due to procedural necessity In March, new charges added to the indictment alleged that Bankman-Fried violated the anti-bribery provisions of the Foreign Corrupt Practices Act by directing the payment of $40million in bribes to a Chinese official or officials to free up $1billion in cryptocurrency that was frozen in early 2021. In requesting all charges be dismissed, defense lawyers said eight counts in the original indictment were too vague and non-specific to proceed to trial and that additional charges were barred by an Extradition Treaty between the US and the Bahamas that prohibited charges not approved at the time of extradition. Prosecutors, though, asked Judge Lewis A. Kaplan to let all charges proceed. They said the claims against the original charges were legally sufficient and that permission is being sought from the Bahamas to permit the newest charges. Prosecutors wrote that they expect Bankman-Fried's lawyers to argue at trial that their client was not involved in Alameda's day-to-day activities and was unaware that Alameda borrowed large sums from FTX to repay its lenders. 'The defendant's spending of misappropriated funds on political donations is probative of the defendant's motive for defrauding FTXs customers and investors: the defendant wanted access to capital that he could use, in part, for political donations that would burnish his own image and improve the regulatory prospects of his business in the United States,' prosecutors wrote. Bankman-Fried has been living with his parents in Palo Alto, California, after posting a $250million personal recognizance bond after his December extradition from the Bahamas FTX entered bankruptcy in November when the global exchange ran out of money after the equivalent of a bank run. A trial is tentatively set for the fall Bankman-Fried, who faces fraud charges over the collapse of the bankrupt cryptocurrency exchange, sits near lawyers Christian Everdell and Mark Cohen during his February court hearing at a federal court in New York City The money Bankman-Fried raised from his company, he spent on many things, including himself, political campaigns and on real estate. Bankman-Fried rode a boom in bitcoin and other digital assets to an estimated net worth of $26.5 billion, according to Forbes magazine but his fortune largely evaporated when FTX collapsed in November. He has acknowledged that FTX had inadequate risk management but denies stealing funds, and has sought to distance himself from FTX's day-to-day operations. FTX entered bankruptcy in November when the global exchange ran out of money after the equivalent of a bank run. Earlier this month, federal prosecutors have assembled one of the largest troves of evidence ever seen in a white-collar fraud case, according to a new report. The evidence includes more than six million pages of emails, Slack messages and other digital records, as well as the handwritten diary of Bankman-Fried's lieutenant and sometimes-girlfriend, Caroline Ellison, The New York Times reported on Tuesday. Ellison also recorded observations about Bankman-Fried in electronic records that have circulated among lawyers in the case, and at times expressed personal and professional resentment toward the FTX founder, people familiar with the matter told the Times. The sheer volume of the government's evidence, which is not part of the public court record but would have to be shared with the defense team before trial, underlines the complexity of the case against Bankman-Fried. The money Bankman-Fried raised from his company, he spent on many things, including himself, political campaigns and on real estate. He gave himself roughly $1.3billion through personal loans, the SEC said. He used the funds to buy a luxury estate in the Bahamas and funded political campaigns, mainly for Democrats. The final two Britons who died after a diving boat burst into flames in the Red Sea off the coast of Egypt have been named as Stephen Hill and Paul Darling. It comes after the third British victim was identified as hospice worker Christina Quinn, 58, who spent her life working in the NHS. The three Britons had been inside their cabin rooms on board the medium-sized scuba diving boat, called 'Hurricane', when the vessel went up in flames on Sunday morning due to a suspected electrical fault. Scuba Travel, which operates trips on the Hurricane, said the three tourists had decided to sleep in on the morning of the fire rather than go diving with the rest of 12 divers onboard, meaning they were unable to evacuate quickly. The tour boat company confirmed that Mr Hill and Mr Darling were victims of the tragedy, a day after St Luke's Hospice in Plymouth paid tribute to their chief executive Ms Quinn. Her colleagues said she 'will be missed beyond words'. The final two Britons who died after a diving boat burst into flames (pictured on June 11) in the Red Sea off the coast of Egypt have been named as Stephen Hill and Paul Darling It comes after the third British victim was identified as hospice worker Christina Quinn (pictured) The Britons were among 15 qualified diving enthusiasts who were on board the vessel for a week-long trip when the fire broke out off the coast of Marsa Alam on Sunday morning at 8am (6.30am UK time). Egyptian officials said at the time that 12 crew members and 12 divers were rescued, with footage showing some onboard leaping from the burning vessel and swimming towards the rescue vessel. Ms Quinn, Mr Hill and Mr Darling had decided to sleep in on the morning of the fire, while the other divers who were above-deck managed to escape, a spokesperson for Scuba Travel said. In a statement released by the hospice, a spokesperson for Ms Quinn said: 'It is with great sadness that we confirm the tragic death of Christina Quinn in Egypt. She was a sister, daughter, wife, aunty, friend, and rock to many. 'She will be missed beyond words. We would ask for privacy at this time.' Ms Quinn took up her role as chief executive at St Luke's in May this year following a 'long and impactful' career with the NHS, most recently as director of NHS South West Leadership Academy. Charles Hackett, chairman of St Luke's trustees, said: 'Christina was incredibly passionate about St Luke's and its place at the heart of the community it serves, and we are devastated to lose her warmth, wisdom and leadership. The fire had broken out on the Hurricane boat off the coast of Marsa Alam 'Before her recent appointment, Christina had served for six years in a voluntary capacity as chair of St Luke's board, working closely with the senior management team and her fellow trustees and earning their respect, trust and appreciation. 'With her vibrant and engaging personality and her down to earth, caring nature, as CEO she was quickly building strong and meaningful relationships both inside and outside the organisation. 'We will miss Christina enormously and our hearts go out to her family and close friends at this tragic time.' Scuba Travel confirmed that the three British tourists had chosen not to go diving that day, meaning they were unable to quickly evacuate the burning vessel. Investigators confirmed that the three had been found in the deck in their cabins, which sources said was next to the fuel tank, after failing to escape the intense blaze. A spokesperson for Scuba Travel said: 'It is with great regret that we, as tour operator, with heavy hearts, must accept that three of our much-valued dive guests, perished in the tragic incident. 'Our sincere and heartfelt condolences go out to their families and friends at this very sad time.' The statement added: 'At the time the fire broke out, 12 divers were participating in a briefing on board, while those missing had apparently decided not to dive that morning.' This is the heart-stopping moment a passengers jump from an Egyptian tourist boat engulfed by flames Footage of the fire shared on social media shows the boat being transformed into a floating inferno as its stern was engulfed by flames. Black smoke flumes from the rear off the boat as it travelled through the Elphinstone Reef in the Red Sea. Terrified passengers are seen throwing themselves from the ship, which was carrying 29 people on board at the time, escaping the vessel after a suspected electrical fault in the engine room. In total, 26 passengers were rescued, 12 British and the other 14 are thought to be Egyptian. Local police said the people rescued had no injuries and were in good health. Egyptian authorities had earlier said that following an initial examination of the vessel it was found that 'an electrical short circuit in the boat's engine room sparked the blaze'. The British Foreign Office has been approached for comment. Remainer politicians joined the attacks on Boris Johnson today after MPs condemned him for lying to Parliament. Former Deputy PM Lord Heseltine was among the senior figures lambasting Mr Johnson - arguing the verdict of the Privileges Committee should be a 'clarion call' to start 'restoring our relationship' with the EU. Ex-Attorney General Dominic Grieve and Anna Soubry - a pro-EU minister under David Cameron - also weighed into the row. After 14 months of investigation, the cross-party committee has concluded that Mr Johnson 'deliberately misled' Parliament about lockdown breaches in Downing Street. It said he had been 'disingenuous' and if he had not already quit the House he should have been suspended for 90 days. That could have been the longest punishment since Keith Vaz in 2019. Former Deputy PM Lord Heseltine argued the verdict of the Privileges Committee should be a 'clarion call' to start 'restoring our relationship' with the EU After 14 months of investigation, the Privileges Committee concluded that Boris Johnson (pictured) 'deliberately misled' Parliament about lockdown breaches in Downing Street The report also said Mr Johnson had undermined 'democratic institutions', and should be banned from getting a former MP pass for the Parliamentary estate. But a titanic battle is now raging, with Mr Johnson and his allies accusing the cross-party group - which has a Labour chair but a Tory majority among the seven members - of 'monstrous hypocrisy' and bias against him. A crucial debate and vote will be held on the report on Monday - Mr Johnson's birthday. As Opposition parties are backing the verdict, the result is not in doubt, but Conservatives who fail to support him are being threatened with deselection. Speaking on Sky News, Lord Heseltine seized on Mr Johnson's woes to demand the restoration of ties with Europe. 'All of this, I'm sorry to distract slightly from the subject of the report all of this is about lying in the most senior of public offices,' he said. 'And you can't escape from the consequences of that on Brexit. Because we left the EU, one of the worst decisions, one of the most regrettable decisions, most economically damaging decisions of modern times, on the basis of lies of which Boris Johnson was the principal architect. 'It is a clarion call to begin the process of restoring our relationship with Europe. We are Europeans. We are a part of Europe. We are essential to their defence, we are dependent upon their home market. And there are no credible alternative ways in which to make a success of the British economy.' Ex-Attorney General Dominic Grieve also weighed into the row Anna Soubry, who quit the Tories amid Brexit infighting, tweeted a jibe about Tory MPs who have supported Mr Johnson since the referendum Presenter Kay Burley politely told Lord Heseltine she had to 'bring you back to the report' rather than Brexit. Giving his own assessment shortly after the report dropped, Mr Grieve swiped that Mr Johnson had made parliamentary sovereignty the centrepiece of 'his Brexit'. 'Overall Mr Johnson just chucks up smoke screens in all directions,' he said. 'Here is somebody who says Parliament was really important after all it was the centrepiece of his Brexit but when actually the House of Commons exercises its sovereign right to discipline and investigate a member of Parliament who might be in contempt, then it's all complete rubbish.' Ms Soubry, who quit the Tories amid Brexit infighting, tweeted: 'Everyone with a Conservative MP should be questioning them as to their record of support for Johnson over the last 7 years.' Ukrainian refugees who fled to Britain after Putin's invasion of their country were horrified to discover their children are being taught Russian at primary school as part of a language project. One mother, who asked not to be named, said she was shocked that her child had been given Russian teaching materials at Brunswick Primary School in Brighton as part of a seven-week long 'Russian Language Half-Term'. When the issue was raised with staff, the response was that they wanted to be 'inclusive.' 'There are around 30 children at the school who came from Ukraine,' she told MailOnline. 'There are so many languages in the world and they have to pick Russian, right now? One mother, who asked not to be named, said she was shocked that her child had been given Russian teaching materials at Brunswick Primary School in Brighton When the issue was raised with staff, the response was that they wanted to be 'inclusive' 'We couldn't believe it. We came to the UK to get away from Russia's invasion, and part of Putin's conflict with Ukraine is about language they have different names for places like Kyiv, for example, because they think we're part of Russia. 'There is definitely a risk of upsetting the children with this, especially the older ones. At least I think they should have asked us before they did it.' The theme is part of a long-running series of featured languages including Ukrainian - and the mother added she had nothing against the Russian language. 'It is just that with so many Ukrainian children here in special circumstances I think it was insensitive to do this at the moment. It doesn't feel very 'inclusive' for our children. 'Many of their fathers are risking their lives fighting the Russians, partly over the right to use our own language. 'Even those Ukrainians who speak Russian are dropping it in favour of Ukrainian after what has happened in the last sixteen months.' Another Ukrainian mum said she had encountered other 'woke' aspects of teaching at the school, which is run by 'woke' Brighton & Hove Council. The city came second in the UK in a 'Woke Index' compiled by Bankrate recently, based on a number of factors. The mum added: 'My child came home and told me that they had learned there are 100 genders, which certainly surprised me! 'I want them to be educated in the basics, not this kind of woke stuff which they can discover when they are older.' In 2021 Brighton and Hove adopted controversial guidance on transgenderism contained in 'Trans Inclusion Schools Toolkit Version 4' which suggests the use of scripts for pupils claiming to be the opposite sex, with phrases such as 'I have always been a boy/girl'. It also urges the provision of 'floor to ceiling' gender neutral toilets in schools, along with single sex toilets. Other councils have ditched similar transgender guidance amid concerns over its legality. A spokesperson for Brunswick Primary School said: 'We have a number of both Ukrainian and Russian pupils at our school. 'We want to create a sense of belonging where all our pupils feel equally valued. 'We had a focus on the Ukrainian language earlier this year. With this in mind we felt it was appropriate to have a focus on Russian language as well. 'This is part of a rolling programme focusing on different languages and cultures in our school community. 'We are of course appalled by the Russian invasion and aware of the terrible problems facing the Ukraine. 'But our job is to help very young children make the best possible start with their education. 'And we believe this means treating all our children and their cultural backgrounds with equal respect.' This is the dramatic moment bathers try to run to safety through waist-high water as a shark nears the shoreline off a Costa Blanca beach. Lifeguards blew on their whistles to warn locals and holidaymakers about the threat and urge them to get out of the sea as quickly as possible. One woman, believed to have been elderly, was seen being helped out of the water by good samaritans. She is said to have suffered a panic attack after realising the shark was beside her. The incident happened at Aguamarina Beach in Orihuela Costa, south of Alicante around 10am today. Initial reports pointed to it being a tintorera or blue shark which was about seven-foot long. This is the dramatic moment bathers try to run to safety through waist-high water as a shark nears the shoreline off a Costa Blanca beach Initial reports pointed to it being a tintorera or blue shark which was about seven-foot long Local police were among emergency responders who searched for it without success and it is understood to have swum back out to sea without being seen. The shark sighting coincided with the start of the lifeguard service at the beach. A blue shark was blamed for an attack on a holidaymaker in Elche near Alicante in July 2016. The 40-year-old victim was rushed to hospital and given stitches to a wound in his hand. First aiders described the bite as 'large' and said he had come out of the sea with blood streaming from the injury. In August 2018 tourists fled the sea in panic after a blue shark, among the most common in Spain, appeared off the packed Majorcan beach of Calas de Majorca on the island's east coast. In April a near seven-foot shark also believed to be a tintorera was filmed in the surf on the south-east coast of Majorca at a nearby beach called Cala Llombards. The footage of the shark in shallow water showed it was obviously disorientated. Two swimmers went to help an older woman out of the water as the shark circled close towards them. She is understood to have had a panic attack Panicked swimmers sprint out of the water as the shark, which eventually swam back out to deeper water, found itself near to the shore The incident happened at Aguamarina Beach in Orihuela Costa, south of Alicante around 10am today A Spanish woman watched it as its tell-tale fin appeared above the water's surface and it headed towards the shoreline before nearly beaching on the sand. As it was knocked on its side in the shallow water and thrashed its tail around in a bid to get back out to sea, she was overheard saying: 'This one is going to end up getting stuck here. 'We have to get it out of the water, it's going to stay where it is.' The shark's efforts eventually paid off and it was filmed swimming back out to deeper water before disappearing. Last week Russian tourist Vladimir Popov, 23, was filmed being attacked by a tiger shark and dragged underwater off the Egyptian Red Sea resort of Hurghada. His body parts were later recovered from inside the predator's belly after it was clubbed to death by beachgoers. A former television producer has been arrested in Rio de Janeiro in connection to the murder of his friend, an actor whose body was stuffed into a trunk and buried under a home. Bruno de Souza was taken into custody Thursday, exactly two weeks after a judge issued a warrant for his apprehension for allegedly killing Jefferson Machado, 44. De Souza, a former TV Globo employee, was found hiding at an apartment in the Rio de Janeiro southside neighborhood of Morro do Vidigal. A second suspect, Jeander da Silva, has been in custody since June 2. Machados body was found May 22, six feet under the concrete floor of an outhouse next to a residence on the west side Rio de Janeiro neighborhood of Campo Grande. Bruno de Souza was apprehended by the Military Police and Civil Police in Rio de Janeiro on Thursday. He was wanted for allegedly murdering his friend and actor, Jefferson Machado The Rio de Janeiro police now has the two suspects linked to the murder of Machado (pictured) A police officer handcuffs Bruno de Souza after the former TV Globo producer was arrested Thursday in Rio de Janeiro Da Silva previously told investigators that de Souza had drugged and strangled Machado with a telephone wire before they hid the body in the chest. Brazilian news outlet G1 reported de Souza was planning to leave the home he was hiding at when the Military Police and Civil Police arrived. Investigators learned that had been staying in the apartment since the weekend and spent the last four days developing a plan to capture him. They alleged de Souza killed Machado after he discovered that he had been scammed. Machado had paid de Souza around $5,000 for assistance in landing a role in a TV Globo soap opera. Jeander da Silva has been in police custody since June 2 and told investigators that Jefferson Machado was strangled by the victim's friend, Bruno de Souza Machado was found dead inside a wooden trunk that was found buried six feet under an outhouse in Rio de Janeiro on May 22 Bruno de Souza is placed inside a Rio de Janeiro vehicle moments after he was arrested Thursday The Rio de Janeiro Civil Police said the killing was premeditated, pointing out that de Souza had planned the killing a month in advance. 'Jeff was the perfect victim for anyone to obtain economic advantages to his detriment, since he was a young man who had no family members in the city of Rio de Janeiro, who lived alone in a property located in a remote location without having a steady job,' the police report showed. Machados last acting job was an extra role as a soldier in the Record TV soap opera, 'Reis,' which aired in 2022, and he was looking for his big break on the screen. At some point during the year, he reached out to de Souza and told him that he had run out of money and that he wanted to fulfill his grandfathers dream of having a major acting role in a soap opera. Da Silva told authorities he and de Souza visited Machados home January 23 to tell him that soap opera acting role that he had promised him was coming to fruition. He said, at one point, de Souza placed a drug in Machado's drink and later told him to enter the shower to that he could film a porno scene with Machado. Da Silva subsequently found Machados lifeless body tied up on the bed when he stepped out from the shower. Brazilian actor Machado was an avid animal lover and owned eight dogs They later placed Machados body in the wooden chest and placed it inside Machados SUV trunk. The pair was nearly stopped by police at a checkpoint, but da Silva drove past a police checkpoint and managed to lose a patrol that was chasing them. Da Silva said they went to the outhouse and tossed the chest into the hole. De Souza appeared before the police on January 27 to report Machado had disappeared. When questioned why he had the actor's keys to his car and home, de Souza said the victim had left them with him because he had traveled to Sao Paulo for a job interview. He attempted to sell Machado's car on three attempts and was turned down each time by local dealerships. He also tried to sell the actor's home and was asking for 50 percent of its worth. Machado was officially declared a missing person on February 9. An Ohio woman is fighting to keep her 10-foot werewolf statue named Phil displayed in her front yard after neighbors demanded its removal. The yellow-fanged metal mascot has been standing proud outside the home of Piqua resident Mary Simmons since Halloween last year. Simmons' statue has received a mixed reception in the Miami County city. While some made online fanpages, one neighbor filed an anonymous complaint to the local authority, prompting them to send an official warning. The City of Piqua sent Simmons a notice reading: 'Please take down seasonal wolf decoration. Thanks!!' The menacing metal mascot has been standing outside the Piqua home in Miami County, south-west Ohio, since Halloween last year, garnering mixed reactions from residents 'Just let me have my werewolf,' says Mary Simmons, as she fights to keep Phil on her front lawn The City of Piqua sent Simmons an official notice after a neighbor complained anonymously about Phil But in a bid to make Phil a permanent instalment - not just for Halloween - Simmons dressed him up in new attire to celebrate several seasons. He was originally wearing the classic werewolf getup of a plaid shirt with blue trousers - which were ripped to hint at him having transformed from a human form - while a skeleton hung from one claw. Simmons changed his clothes to an American-flag patterned shirt complete with individual flags in his claws to mark patriotic occasions throughout the year, including Independence Day. 'We decided, you know what, let's make him seasonal for every holiday,' she told WHIOTV. 'He's Fourth of July ready - Veterans' Day and Flag Day - we're trying to find a pilgrim outfit or a stuffed turkey.' Addressing the outrage sparked by Phil, she said: 'It pisses you off, it's like, really? 'He gets dressed, I mean, he's not even naked.' 'Just let me have my werewolf,' she added. 'That's all I want, I'm not asking for a lot.' Phil in his original Halloween clothes Phil ready for the Fourth of July Simmons said the towering grey specimen is securely fastened to the ground with a cable and does not pose a safety risk to residents of the Miami County city in south-west Ohio. Al Cantrell, whose home is directly opposite the statue, told the broadcaster he thought the werewolf was 'cool' adding: 'It doesn't bother me - what the city is doing is wrong.' But another neighbor, Emily Cavanaugh, disagreed. 'I think it's ugly,' she said. 'It needs to come down. What is that hanging on - a skeleton - so it's not seasonal.' The werewolf also has a Facebook fan page called 'Phil the Wolf 500' with 189 followers who share updates and outfit ideas for the canine creature. A woman who seemingly vanishes on a trip to Japan some 10 days ago has been located alive, according to her family. Kandace Schipper, 29, of Chicago, jetted of to Japan on May 8 with a 27-year-old man, who no one in the family knew very well. She had been sharing daily updates about her trip with her family, until the updates suddenly stopped on June 4. Prior to the stoppage in communications, Schipper's family and friends said they had no reason to believe anything was wrong. After 10 grueling days, Schipper's family announced Wednesday that she had been located. Kandace Schipper, 29, fell out of contact her with family 10 days ago while traveling in Japan Schipper was traveling with Luis Torres (right), 27, who the family did not know well 'Were relieved to share that weve obtained our beloved daughter, sister, and cousin Kandace Schippers location,' began a statement from the family. 'Thank you to everyone who helped us spread the word. Were grateful for every email, call, and share and are now focused on bringing her home safely. 'After going through this process, were overwhelmed by the kindness of so many strangers. 'From Chicago to Tokyo, we were met with so much support and eagerness to help us find our loved one and have empathy for anyone seeking missing family members. 'Its a complicated process trying to find information and it wouldnt have been possible for us without the generosity of so many.' The family did not elaborate on where Schipper was found, if she was still with her traveling companion, or why there was a sudden drop off in communication. A friend filed a missing persons report with the Chicago Police, who then contacted the US Embassy in Japan to try to locate Schipper. But the Tokyo Metropolitan Police said they were unable to begin looking for Schipper until she missed her flight home. Schipper's sister, Nicole Willea added at the time: 'I guess it's [an] issue because technically, her flight home isn't scheduled yet. So, until she misses her flight home, they won't even start a report.' Kandace Schipper, 29, was last in touch with her family on June 4, and had been traveling Tokyo in Japan since May 8 (pictured) Her sister Nicole Willea (left) posted spread a missing person poster around the internet prior to her sister being found Schipper's family were put in touch with the US Embassy in Japan to attempt to find her Her family had said she was traveling with a man named Luis Torres, who they were also unable to establish communication with after June 4. The family tried contacting Torres' family, who were also concerned, but that did not lead to a break in their case. Prior to locating Schipper, the last definite piece of information the family had about her whereabouts was a June 5 credit card transaction at a burger restaurant in Shibuya City, Tokyo. Schipper's other sister, Chelsea Rambo, previously described her sibling as a 'free spirit.' 'She's always been somebody who's a free spirit and loves to travel. So when I heard she was going to Japan, I didn't really think anything out of it,' she said. Quebec has emerged as the world's euthanasia hotspot, where nearly 5,000 people opted for assisted suicides last year even as the Canadian province's officials make it easier for the terminally ill to end their lives. Nearly 8 percent of all deaths in Quebec are assisted suicides far higher than Canada's other provinces and even such countries as Belgium and the Netherlands, which have much older euthanasia laws. The new data come as Quebec officials expand access to assisted suicides to those with Alzheimer's and other serious diseases, and require all the region's hospices and private hospitals to offer the procedure. Steven Laperriere, general manager of the Group of Activists for Inclusion in Quebec (RAPLIQ), which advocates for the rights of disabled people, called Quebec's euthanasia record a 'disappointment.' 'It's dangerous. It's almost encouraging people who are exhausted to die,' said Laperriere. Colette Julien, a cancer sufferer, in her apartment in Montreal, Quebec, Canada,one of a growing number of people opting for an assisted suicide Canada is on track to record some 13,500 doctor-assisted suicides in 2022 A 'BEAUTIFUL UNDERTAKING' Colette Julien, like thousands of sick Canadian compatriots each year who seek an end to their suffering and dignity in death, requested medical assistance in dying (MAiD), as it is officially known. 'I've reached the end of the road and am not interested in trying to extend my life a couple of months,' Julien told AFP a few days before being pricked with a fatal injection. Nancy Carpentier, the niece of Colette Julie 'I just want to be at peace,' said the diminutive 77-year-old. It was a carefully considered decision, she said, that was partly motivated by fears of losing her autonomy and freedom. 'When you're sick, you have to depend on others. Me, depend on others excessively? No, no, no, no,' said the retired nurse, who was diagnosed with lung cancer that spread to her brain. Nancy Carpentier, Julien's niece who helped care for her when her health began to fail, expressed strong support for her final wish to avoid the kind of suffering that Carpentier's father went through in his last days. A doctor-assisted death, she said, is 'a beautiful undertaking.' It allowed Carpentier to spend 'quality time' with her aunt, have long chats and share a 'moment of reflection' with her, she said, adding that she hopes to have the courage to seek an assisted death should she herself fall badly ill one day. Advertisement Quebec's euthanasia rate jumped a staggering 55 percent from 3,102 in 2021 to 4,810 last year, official data show. That means between 7-8 percent of all deaths are assisted suicides, making it a leading cause of death after cancer and heart disease. Nearly 90 percent of those getting lethal injections had cancer, neurodegenerative or neurological diseases, or respiratory or cardiac ailments. Most were in an advanced or terminal phase of their sickness. Earlier this month, Quebec's regime was expanded to allow persons suffering from neurodegenerative diseases, such as Alzheimer's, to request an assisted suicide in advance before their mental competence degrades. The amended law will also require palliative care homes and private hospitals to offer access to medical assistance in dying (MAiD), as it is known. Living with Dignity, a non-profit opposed to euthanasia, slammed the bill's 'profoundly unfair treatment of palliative care hospices, particularly those not wishing to offer MAiD.' Meanwhile, nurses will be allowed to administer MAiD in the same way as doctors. Sonia Belanger, Quebec's minister for health and seniors, said MAiD remained a 'last resort' for the sick and was not becoming too common in the French-speaking province of some 8.2 million people. 'You have to be careful,' Belanger said. The aim of the extension of the MAID law is not to increase the number of assisted deaths. 'Not at all. It is really a question of meeting the needs of people who want it,' Belanger added. Sandra Demontigny, who suffers from early Alzheimer's, a degenerative disorder that eventually destroys memory and other key mental functions, has campaigned for years for the right to file advance MAiD requests. Still, she will have to wait as the new rules on advance requests will not take effect for another two years, in order to give physicians and institutions time to set up proper safeguards. The former midwife worries about finding herself in the late stages of the disease a 'prisoner in my own body.' The 44-year-old recalled her father in the late stages of the incurable disease having 'almost no more autonomy.' He died at the age of 53. 'For me, there's no added value in going through this, and I don't want my loved ones to go through it either,' she said. Quebec's unusually strong support for MAiD has stoked controversy in the past, including a top Quebec medical body last year advocating that lethal injections should be made available to seriously ill newborns. Dr Louis Roy, from the Quebec College of Physicians said newborns who enter the world with 'severe malformations' or 'grave and severe syndromes' should be entitled to a doctor-aided death. Addressing Canada's Special Joint Committee on MAiD, Dr Roy said euthanasia should be available to 'babies from 0-1 years whose life expectancy and level of suffering mean it would make sense to ensure they do not suffer.' Quebec Health Minister Sonia Belanger (left) and RAPLIQ general manager Steven Laperriere do not agree on assisted suicides The number of MAiD deaths in Canada has risen steadily by about a third each year from the previous year Many Canadians support euthanasia and the campaign group, Dying With Dignity, says procedures are 'driven by compassion, an end to suffering and discrimination and desire for personal autonomy.' An opinion poll released in May showed how widespread support for MAiD had become more than a quarter of voters said the poor and homeless should be allowed to end their lives with MAiD. Poll Should doctor-assisted suicide be available where you live? Yes No Not sure Should doctor-assisted suicide be available where you live? Yes 4255 votes No 3300 votes Not sure 569 votes Now share your opinion Alex Schadenberg, director of the Euthanasia Prevention Coalition Rights groups say the country's regulations lack necessary safeguards, devalue the lives of disabled people, and prompt doctors and health workers to suggest the procedure to those who might not otherwise consider it. Canada is on track to record some 13,500 state-sanctioned suicides in 2022, a 34 percent rise on the previous year, according to an analysis of official data by Alex Schadenberg, executive director of the Euthanasia Prevention Coalition. Canada's road to allowing euthanasia began in 2015, when its top court declared that outlawing assisted suicide deprived people of their dignity and autonomy. It gave national leaders a year to draft legislation. The resulting 2016 law legalized both euthanasia and assisted suicide for people aged 18 and over, provided they met certain conditions: They had to have a serious, advanced condition, disease, or disability that was causing suffering and their death was looming. The law was later amended to allow people who are not terminally ill to choose death, significantly broadening the number of eligible people. Critics say that change removed a key safeguard aimed at protecting people with potentially decades of life left. Today, any adult with a serious illness, disease, or disability can seek help in dying. Euthanasia is legal in seven countries Belgium, Canada, Colombia, Luxembourg, Netherlands, New Zealand and Spain plus several states in Australia. It's only available to children in the Netherlands and Belgium. Other jurisdictions, including a growing number of US states, allow doctor-assisted suicide in which patients take the drug themselves, typically crushing up and drinking a lethal dose of pills prescribed by a physician. In Canada, both options are referred to as MAiD, though more than 99.9 percent of such procedures are carried out by a doctor. The number of MAiD deaths in Canada has risen steadily by about a third each year from the previous year. Actor Kevin Spacey will stand trial later this month Actor Kevin Spacey says he is confident he will be acquitted says the sexual assault allegations and insists people are 'ready to hire him' if he is found not guilty at his UK trial later this month. Spacey, 63, has been charged with 12 sexual assaults involving three men between 2001 and 2013. He has pleaded not guilty to all counts and will go before a judge in London later this month. In an interview with German magazine Zeit, he said he was confident he would be acquitted, as he was during a civil trial in the US last year. In that case, actor Anthony Rapp accused him of misconduct that he said occurred when he was 14 and Spacey an adult. A jury sided with Spacey. 'The moment scrutiny is applied, these things fall apart. 'Thats what happened in the Rapp trial, and thats what will happen in this case,' Spacey said of the forthcoming London trial. He added that he is ready to work again - and said others are ready to work with him. 'Its a time in which a lot of people are very afraid that if they support me, they will be canceled. But I know that there are people right now who are ready to hire me the moment I am cleared of these charges in London. 'The second that happens, theyre ready to move forward. 'In 10 years, it wont mean anything. My work will live longer than I will, and thats what will be remembered,' he said. He also told of his struggle to find work since the first allegation was made against him in 2017. 'Now, I often feel like Im back at the beginning of my career, when nobody wanted meJust because I was being benched for a while, Im not going to stop working. I dont want to get rusty. Im ready.' He recently took a voice-only role in the film Control. Director Gene Fallaize said of the decision: 'He has a ridiculously supportive fan base. 'They want to see Kevin acting. Nobody stops listening to Michael Jackson.' Despite being confident that he will beat the charges, Spacey said he is 'not ready' to talk about the allegations against him. 'Im still processing it. Im not ready to talk about it yet.' Spacey believes that he will be remembered for his acting and not the legal claims against him. 'In 10 years, it wont mean anything. My work will live longer than I will, and thats what will be remembered.' It is now many months since people started to warn me about the intentions of the Privileges Committee. They told me that it was a kangaroo court. They told me that it was being driven relentlessly by the political agenda of Harriet Harman, and supplied with skewed legal advice with the sole political objective of finding me guilty and expelling me from parliament. They also warned me that most members had already expressed prejudicial views especially Harriet Harman in a way that would not be tolerated in a normal legal process. Some alarmists even pointed out that the majority of the Committee voted remain and they stressed that Bernard Jenkin's personal antipathy to me was historic and well-known. To be frank, when I first heard these warnings, I was incredulous. When it was first proposed that there should be such an inquiry by this committee, I thought it was just some time-wasting procedural stunt by the Labour party. I didn't think for one minute that a committee of MPs could find against me on the facts, and I didn't see how any reasonable person could fail to understand what had happened. I knew exactly what events I had attended in Number 10. I knew what I had seen, with my own eyes, and like the current PM, I believed that these events were lawful. I believed that my participation was lawful, and required by my job; and that is indeed the implication of the exhaustive police inquiry. The only exception is the June 19 2020 event, the so-called birthday party, when I and the then Chancellor Rishi Sunak were fined in circumstances that I still find puzzling (I had lunch at my desk with people I worked with every day). So when on Dec 1 2021 I told the House of Commons that 'the guidance was followed completely' (in Number Ten) I meant it. It wasn't just what I thought: it's what we all thought that we were following the rules and following the guidance completely notwithstanding the difficulties of maintaining social distancing at all times. The committee now says that I deliberately misled the House, and at the moment I spoke I was consciously concealing from the House my knowledge of illicit events. This is rubbish. It is a lie. In order to reach this deranged conclusion, the Committee is obliged to say a series of things that are patently absurd, or contradicted by the facts. First, they say that I must have known that the farewell events I attended were not authorised workplace events because wait for it NO SUCH EVENT could lawfully have taken place, anywhere in this country, under the Committee's interpretation of covid rules. This is transparently wrong. I believed, correctly, that these events were reasonably necessary for work purposes. We were managing a pandemic. We had hundreds of staff engaged in what was sometimes a round-the-clock struggle against covid. Their morale mattered for that fight. It was important for me to thank them. But don't just listen to me. Take it from the Metropolitan Police. The police investigated my role at all of those events. In no case did they find that what I had done was unlawful. Above all it did not cross my mind as I spoke in the House of Commons that the events were unlawful. I believed that we were working, and we were: talking for the main about nothing except work, mainly covid. Why would I have set out, in the Chamber, to conceal my knowledge of something illicit, if that account could be so readily contradicted by others? Why would we have had an official photographer if we believed we were breaking the law? We didn't believe that what we were doing was wrong, and after a year of work the Privileges Committee has found not a shred of evidence that we did. Their argument can be boiled down to: 'Look at this picture that's Boris Johnson with a glass in his hand. He must have known that the event was illegal. Therefore he lied.' That is a load of complete tripe. That picture was me, in my place of work, trying to encourage and thank my officials in a way that I believed was crucial for the government and for the country as a whole, and in a way which I believed to be wholly within the rules. For the Committee now to say that all such events 'thank-yous' and birthdays - were intrinsically illegal is ludicrous, contrary to the intentions of those who made the rules (including me), and contrary to the findings of the Met; and above all I did not for one moment think they were illicit at the time or when I spoke in the Commons. The Committee cannot possibly believe the conclusions of their own report because it has now emerged that Sir Bernard Jenkin attended at least one 'birthday event', on Dec 8 2020 the birthday of his wife Anne when it is alleged that alcohol and food were served and the numbers exceeded six indoors. Why was it illegal for me to thank staff and legal for Sir Bernard to attend his wife's birthday party? The hypocrisy is rank. Like Harriet Harman, he should have recused himself from the inquiry, since he is plainly conflicted. The rest of the Committee's report is mainly a rehash of their previous non-points. They have nothing new of substance to say. They concede that they have found no evidence that I was warned, before or after an event, that it was illegal. That is surely very telling. If we had genuinely believed these events to be unauthorised with all the political sensitivities entailed then there would be some trace in all the thousands of messages sent to me, and to which the committee has had access. It is preposterous to say, as the Committee does, that people were just too scared to mention concerns to their superiors. Really? Was Simon Case too scared to draw his concerns to my attention? Was Sue Gray or Rishi Sunak? The Committee concedes that the guidance permitted social distancing of less than 1 m where there was no alternative though they refuse to take account of all the other mitigations including regular testing that we put in place. They keep wilfully missing the point. The question is not whether perfect social distancing was maintained at all times in Number ten clearly that wasn't possible, as I have said very often. The question is whether I believed, given the limitations of the building, we were doing enough, with mitigations, to follow the guidance and I did, and so did everyone else. They grudgingly accept that I was right to tell the Commons that I was repeatedly assured that the rules were followed in respect of the Dec 18 event in the media room, but they try, absurdly and incoherently, to say that the assurances of Jack Doyle and James Slack were not enough to constitute 'repeated' assurances completely and deliberately ignoring the sworn testimony of two MPs, Andrew Griffiths and Sarah Dines, who have also said that they heard me being given such assurances. Perhaps the craziest assertion of all is the Committee's Mystic Meg claim that I saw the Dec 18 event with my own eyes. They say, without any evidence whatever, that at 21.58pm, on that date, my eyes for one crucial second glanced over to the media room as I went up to the flat and that I saw what I recognised as an unauthorised event in progress. First, the Committee has totally ignored the general testimony about that evening, which is that people were working throughout, even if some had been drinking at their desks. How on earth do these clairvoyants know exactly what was going on at 21.58? How do they know what I saw? What retinal impressions have they somehow discovered, that are completely unavailable to me? I saw no goings on at all in the press room, or none that I can remember, certainly nothing illegal. As the Committee has heard, officials were heavily engaged in preparing difficult messaging about the prospect of a No-deal Brexit and a Christmas lockdown. It is a measure of the Committee's desperation that they are trying incompetently and absurdly to tie me to an illicit event with an argument so threadbare that it belongs in one of Bernard Jenkin's nudist colonies. Their argument is that I saw this event, believed it to be illegal, and had it in my head when I spoke to the House. On all three counts they are talking out of the backs of their necks. If I did see an illegal event, and register it as illegal, then why was I on my own in this? Why not the Cabinet Secretary, or Sue Gray, or the then Chancellor, who was patrolling the same corridors at the time? The committee is imputing to me and me alone a secret knowledge of illegal events that was somehow not shared by any other official or minister in Number Ten. That is utterly incredible. That is the artifice. This report is a charade. I was wrong to believe in the Committee or its good faith. The terrible truth is that it is not I who has twisted the truth to suit my purposes. It is Harriet Harman and her Committee. This is a dreadful day for MPs and for democracy. This decision means that no MP is free from vendetta, or expulsion on trumped up charges by a tiny minority who want to see him or her gone from the Commons. I do not have the slightest contempt for parliament, or for the important work that should be done by the Privileges Committee. But for the Privileges Committee to use its prerogatives in this anti-democratic way, to bring about what is intended to be the final knife-thrust in a protracted political assassination that is beneath contempt. It is for the people of this country to decide who sits in parliament, not Harriet Harman. The White House called Sen. Tommy Tuberville's hold on military promotions 'shameful' and accused him of threatening national security. The Alabama Republican has prevented over 200 military promotions from moving forward in the Senate as a means of protest over the Pentagon's policy that helps pay for service members to travel out of state for an abortion if they live in a state where abortion is illegal. On Thursday Sen. Ben Cardin, D-Md., came to the floor to ask for unanimous consent to confirm the Naval Academy superintendent nominee - Rear Adm. Yvette Davids. Tuberville blocked unanimous consent. Davids would be the first female superintendent of the Academy. A new class arrives July 29. 'Since the last time we did this, nothing has changed and so my hold will remain,' Tuberville said. The Alabama Republican has prevented over 200 military promotions from moving forward in the Senate as a means of protest over the Pentagon's policy that helps pay for service members to travel out of state for an abortion if they live in a state where abortion is illegal On Thursday Sen. Ben Cardin, D-Md., came to the floor to ask for unanimous consent to confirm the Naval Academy superintendent nominee - Rear Adm. Yvette Davids. Tuberville blocked unanimous consent White House national security advisor John Kirby told CNN Thursday the hold 'absolutely could' leave the U.S. without a confirmed chairman of the joint chiefs of staff if the matter is not resolved by September when Mark Milley must retire. Biden has picked Gen. Charles Q. Brown to take his place. 'What the senator is doing by holding these nominations, it's a threat to our national security. Period. That's what he's doing,' White House press secretary Jean-Pierre sounded off to reporters at a Wednesday briefing. 'These are important nominations that we need, that the American people need to keep our country safe.' But Tuberville has said the policy is a violation of the Hyde Amendment, which prevents federal funds from being used for abortion services. He began his blockade of promotions in March over the policy enacted last year. Tuberville told reporters Wednesday he is not worried about the potential knock-on effect of service members who are not able to take on their new roles. He said he will not back down until Defense Sec. Lloyd Austin rescinds the policy or the Senate does an up-or-down vote on the Pentagon's policy. The White House called Sen. Tommy Tuberville's hold on military promotions 'shameful' and accused him of threatening national security His office told DailyMail.com that neither the White House nor Senate Democratic leadership have reached out to find a solution. Marine Gen. Eric Smith told senators Tuesday that Tuberville's hold on promotions could compromise national security. 'It certainly compromises our ability to be most ready,' Smith said during an Armed Services Committee hearing. 'Our readiness is national security.' 'When a three-star general retires there will be a one-star general, a fairly new one, in charge of [a] 48,000-person Marine Expeditionary Force,' Smith explained. 'It will have an effect.' He said Senate GOP leadership had not urged him to back off his hold, which leadership confirmed. Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell has previously said he does not agree with the tactic. But Tuberville's colleagues have tried to work with him to find a solution that would allow some 250 senior officer promotions to move forward. Sen. Joni Ernst has proposed a bill that would effectively undo the Pentagon policy, and offered Tuberville a deal where her bill would get a vote as an amendment to the must-pass National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) and he would lift his hold. However, Tuberville declined. 'I don't want to hold NDAA up for this,' the senator said. Tuberville is blocking what is usually a speedy process to confirm Pentagon nominees. The Senate could move forward with confirmations one at a time, but that would eat up floor time. 'They can do the important ones one at a time. We can do five today,' he said, adding that he wasn't concerned about wasting floor time on non-controversial nominees. 'I mean, have you seen what we're doing right here? Zero.' The Army veteran who was allegedly driven to suicide by his estranged girlfriend killed himself hours after she told him he couldn't see their daughter on Father's Day. Mandie Reusch, 35, was arraigned just outside Pittsburgh Tuesday on charges of aiding suicide and harassment over the death of Kevin Metzger, 37, on June 18, 2021. Metzger took his own life after Reusch had initially said she would allow him to see their child on Father's Day, only to then deny him the opportunity just two days before the occasion, according to the criminal complaint. The ex-soldier texted a friend 20 minutes later telling her she would need to send someone to his home to find his body because he was going to end his life. Reusch had urged Metzger to kill himself numerous times in the month prior to his death, police say, with one message dating back to the previous summer in which she wrote: 'Go kill yourself. I'm being serious ... Are you going to finally do it?' In other messages, Resuch told Metzger that he should kill himself so that their daughter could have access to his $250,000 life insurance policy. 'But knowing you, that policy probably lapsed and you'll leave us with nothing but your disgusting body to throw in a hole,' the message said. Army veteran Kevin Metzger, 37, took his own life in June 2021, he was survived by his daughter Mandie Reusch, 35, pictured far left, is facing charges of aiding suicide and harassment in relation to Metzger's death On Tuesday, Reusch's lawyer Phil DiLucente told DailyMail.com: 'There's always two sides to a story and our side of the story will be told in the course of this case.' In a message sent in the leadup to Christmas 2020, Reusch told Metzger that their daughter would be better off if he were dead and she was going to find a better father for the child. 'Go kill yourself. You aren't a real f**king human. So glad I used you for what little money tou have despite being a 37-year-old man. That was the only good thing you've ever done for me or the kids. Your money. And that's how s****y a human being you are,' she wrote. In June 2020, Metzger responded to a barrage of abuse telling Reusch: 'I'm pretty sure your comments about the best thing I could for the kids is kill myself trump me calling you a bad mom.' In the lead-up to Father's Day 2021, messages suggest that Reusch was planning to allow their daughter to spend time with him but that he didn't want to co-parent. Just before 2pm, he was told he wouldn't be allowed to see his child that weekend. Less than 20 minutes later he texted a friend, telling his friend to come to this home in order to recover his body. 'I hate me sending this I hope you don't read it for a while. Make sure she pays for it all.' The friend called the police, who went to the Army veteran's home and found his body around 4pm that day. A letter that was found at the scene began with the words: 'Maybe she was right.' Mandie Reusch, 35, is accused of aiding suicide, a felony, and harassment, a misdemeanor, she will make her first appearance in court on June 27 Metzger served in the US military for nearly 20 years and was away on military training when he received some of the vile messages, authorities say Prior to his death, Metzger resent messages that Reusch had texted him telling him to commit suicide along with the message "That's going up now.' He also posted this on Facebook page. At the same time, Metzger texted another friend and wrote: 'It's bad, it's really bad right now... I'm haunted I'm f****d up. I can't do this.' His friend responded: Wait, don't do anything stupid.' 'I can't do this anymore. She needs punished [sic]. The courts are too slow. My money will make her right,' he wrote. When police first made contact with Reusch, investigators say that she had deleted her WhatsApp account. The messages were recovered from the company's servers with a search warrant. In other messages sent via WhatsApp and seen exclusively by DailyMail.com, Reusch tells Metzger that she's moving in with her new boyfriend, bragging about his sexual prowess. The volley of messages began at 2.49am on May 5, 2021 - just over a month before Metzger took his own life. She tells the father of her child that their daughter will refer to her new boyfriend as 'dad' from now on. Metzger was an outdoor enthusiast who was passionate about live music 'You won't see her for Father's Day or any holiday,' Reusch writes while also complaining that Metzger owes her money. 'My kids will be literally better off with any role model other than you... if you show up here again we have a gun and I will call the police.' 'From now on we are [her new boyfriend's surname] and you do not exist. [He] is her dad now. Not you. Don't ever ask about her again. She isn't your daughter. You'll never hear about her again either.' In another message, the suspect says that she 'hopes' for their daughter's sake that he 'kills himself.' 'She will call [him] "dad" because he's a way better dad than you. Kill yourself. I mean it... I actually want you to kill yourself because I think you are the worst person on this planet.' In various messages, Reusch accuses Metzger of ruining Mother's Day for her. Seemingly because of this, she is willing to withhold parental access. 'Who knows how big she'll be when you see her again. Or if she will even remember you', she wrote. In one exchange, Reusch says that Metzger killed their dog, Zoe. She says that she is shredding a book of photos of the pet, that the dog actually hated him and that she and her new boyfriend were going to have sex on top of the book. 'That dog f***ing hated you and ran away every chance she could. Just like I ran away to suck anyone else's d**k but yours because you're literally the worst person I've ever met in my life,' she wrote. After saying that he killed their dog, Reusch once again says he will get shot if he attempts to come near to her. On multiple occasions, Reusch refers to Metzger as a 'woman beater' and 'abusive.' Reusch sends Metzger a photo of her new boyfriend and says that [Metzger] has ruined every holiday 'by making it about [Metzger's] bald head and beer belly and rotting teeth.' A friend of Metzger's shared with DailyMail.com a Facebook post in which he said that Reusch was trying 'to get me to kill myself for the money. I got the texts.' 'Kevin just wanted to be a present dad and she tormented him for years,' that friend told DailyMail.com. Later, Reusch says that she will move with their child to West Virginia. 'Call my f***in' bluff,' she texts. In a separate exchange she wrote: 'I wanted you to be normal and romantic one time. I wanted you to come to an agreement and follow it. It wasn't my fault that we didn't work. But damn am I going to get closure from you turning out to be the abusive f***head that you are.' Reusch followed that message with a 49 second clip showing a woman performing oral sex on her new partner. She does not mention the clip in the text messages. Resuch's lawyer rejected comparisons between this case and the 2014 case of Michelle Carter, shown here. Carter was found guilty of involuntary manslaughter after encouraging her boyfriend, Conrad Roy, to kill himself Her attorney has rejected comparisons between the allegations and the 2014 case of Conrad Roy, then 18, and Michelle Carter, then 17. In 2017, Carter was found guilty of involuntary manslaughter after it emerged that she sent Roy text messages encouraging him to commit suicide. He ended his life via carbon monoxide poisoning. Carter was released from prison in 2020. DiLucente said that prosecutors are comparing the two cases. '[Carter] was actually telling him reinforcing him to do it, planning it, the methods and the means, you don't have any of that here, what you have is an emotional relationship between two persons involving their child,' the attorney said. The lawyer said that the messages sent by Reusch to Metzger could be considered 'immoral.' 'I do not see it fitting a criminal charge such as aiding a suicide. There was no coercion, duress, there was no methods and means,' he said. 'There's always two sides to a story and our side of the story will be told in the course of this case,' DiLucente added. 'The preliminary hearings are going to be long. And I think there's going to be a wealth of information discerned,' the lawyer concluded. Reusch, of Greensburg, is due back in court for another pre-trial hearing on June 27. Prosecutors have been investigating Metzger's death for two years. Officials said his suicide note that began with the words 'maybe she was right' as well as postings on his Facebook page detailed the 'trail of torment and solicitation' that he was allegedly put through by Reusch. In a press release, prosecutors also called the messages she sent Metzger 'heinous and graphic.' In court documents, Reusch is referred to as Metzger's 'on-again/off-again' girlfriend. The pair previously lived together in Irwin, Pennsylvania. At a press conference, Trooper Steve Limani called the 'bullying' that Metzger endured as some of the worst he's ever seen. 'This is the next level or most extreme amount of bullying I've seen, read about, heard about, where somebody is constantly telling someone to end their life,' Limani said. 'You're talking about the three of the biggest triggers you can have when making someone feel awful,' he added. President Joe Biden is hosting actress, director and Democratic activist Eva Longoria at the White House Thursday night for a screening of her new film Flamin' Hot. The South Lawn event will feature Longoria, who directed the film, and members of the cast - while prominent figures in the Latino community have been invited, the White House said. The movie has already premiered on Disney+ and Hulu. It purports to tell the story of Richard Montanez, played by Jesse Garcia, a janitor-turned-Frito-Lay executive who claims he invited Flamin' Hot Cheetos. In 2021, as Montanez's second memoir was about to be released, the Los Angeles Times punched holes in the Mexican-American businessman's story, finding no record he had a hand in the creation of the popular snack. President Joe Biden (left) is hosting actress, director and Democratic activist Eva Longoria (right) to the White House for a South Lawn screening of her new film Flamin' Hot, which is based on the debunked biography of Frito-Lay executive Richard Montanez Flamin' Hot tells the story of Richard Montanez, played by Jesse Garcia (pictured), who claims he invented the spicy Cheetos flavor. In 2021, the Los Angeles Times broke the story that Montanez long-told story was largely false, with even the chip giant saying so 'None of our records show that Richard was involved in any capacity in the Flamin' Hot test market,' Frito-Lay wrote in a statement to The Times. The company had conducted an internal investigation into Montanez's claims, The Times revealed. 'We have interviewed multiple personnel who were involved in the test market, and all of them indicate that Richard was not involved in any capacity in the test market,' the statement continued. 'That doesn't mean we don't celebrate Richard, but the facts do not support the urban legend.' The Times found that Flamin' Hot Cheetos were created by a team of snack food professionals in Plano, Texas in 1989. A junior employee named Lynne Greenfeld was assigned to create the brand and came up with the name, the report said. Montanez started telling people he created the spicy cheese twists in the early 2000s. He claimed that he took home a batch of unflavored Cheetos after a machine broke down and flavored them himself - bringing them the spice and zest of Mexican cuisine. Greenfield alerted Frito-Lay of Montanez's false claims in 2018 and an internal investigation ensued. 'We value Richard's many contributions to our company, especially his insights into Hispanic consumers, but we do not credit the creation of Flamin' Hot Cheetos or any Flamin' Hot products to him,' the company told The Times. Longoria - a longtime fixture in Democratic politics - was already attached to the film project by the time the LA Times report came out. In recent interviews about the film, she's brushed Montanez's mistruths. 'That story never affected us,' she told the LA Times. 'Feels like LA Times would have better resources dedicated to more important things.' 'We never set out to tell the history of the Cheeto,' she added. 'We are telling Richard Montanez's' and we're telling his truth.' Montanez did truly rise up the ranks - and he is accurately credited with targeting the Hispanic market as a marketing guru. That's what Longoria said she's focused on. 'Richard's story is our story. We are all Richard Montanez,' she told the paper in a phone interview in March. 'There's been a time in our lives where somebody said, "No, no, no. Ideas don't come from people like you." "No, no, no. I don't think you're quite qualified for that."' 'And so I think we all are going to relate to his perseverance and his belief in himself. How he just was like, "Why not?" He dared to ask, "But why not me?"' The White House indicated the film was picked because it celebrated diversity. 'This film is about the strength of faith and family to empower and uplift. Similar to other White House screenings of Till and American Born Chinese, this is an opportunity for Americans from different backgrounds to see themselves reflected in, and celebrated by, the White House,' a White House official told DailyMail.com. Two colleagues also said they had seen pictures of his erect penis on his phone The victim took her coffee to police after she noticed a 'thick gloopy' substance A Somerset GP has been found guilty of a sexual offence after he deposited his own semen into a woman's coffee. The perverted Dr Nicholas Chapman, 55, filled up hundreds of 'specimen' samples and was accused of dropping them into his victim's hot drinks on multiple occasions over the course of a year. After first sipping a 'salty' coffee, the victim told a trial she used to pour others away but always noticed a 'thick gloopy' substance in the sink. Her suspicions were raised a year later when she discovered a collection of 'specimen pots' belonging to Chapman. The victim then took a sample of the next coffee he made for her to police and it tested positive for the defendant's semen. Chapman was also questioned in court about his professionalism after two colleagues said they had seen pictures of his erect penis on his phone. The disgraced GP claimed this was by 'accident' and said he was 'mortified.' Dr Nicholas Chapman, 55, was found guilty of a sexual offence after he deposited his own semen into a woman's coffee Chapman was questioned in court about his professionalism after two colleagues said they had seen pictures of his erect penis. Chapman arrives at court, February 24 Chapman, of Taunton, Somerset, was today found guilty of one count of engaging in sexual activity without consent for making the victim 'ingest his semen' on 13 September 2021. The jury at Gloucester Crown Court found him not guilty of the second count of the same charge allegedly committed between 12 September 2020 and 12 September 2021. This was the period the victim 'thought' something was wrong with the coffee he was making her but no official testing had been carried out. Chapman had tried to claim he collected the samples at work due to a 'secret' condition that saw him discharge semen every time he would defecate and that someone else must have put it in the coffee as a 'prank.' Giving evidence, the victim said she first released something was wrong with coffee she had been made in September 2020 when it tasted 'salty' and then saw a 'thick, gloopy, substance in the drink.' She added: 'I did not know what it was. I did not suspect it could have been semen at that point. 'He was then bringing me more drinks - probably one to three cups of coffee a week. 'Since that occasion I tipped them away in the sink - seeing the sort of substance in the sink - it was different size and quantities each time. 'At least six times I've seen it - I've not drunk it since that first time.' Chapman had tried to claim he collected the samples at work due to a 'secret' condition. Chapman (right) is pictured arriving at Gloucester Crown Court, June 5 Dr Nicholas Chapman, 55, filled up hundreds of 'specimen' samples and was accused of dropping them into his victim's hot drinks on multiple occasions. He is pictured arriving at Gloucester Crown Court, June 5 In September 2021 the victim said she discovered multiple specimen containers in Chapman's possession that raised her suspicion. She added: 'I instantly suspected he had been putting semen in them and transporting them into my drink. 'I was in shock at that point. I noticed in this trouser pocket what looked like one of those bottles.' She said he then offered to make her another cup of coffee and she said: 'I instantly felt ill and was shaking that he had put something in it.' The victim said she then went to the sink to tip it out and said: 'It was gloopy.' She then tipped some into her own specimen pots. She added: 'I felt very jumpy and worried he would catch me with this cup. 'I put the cup into a bag and dropped the sample off (to the police).' She added: 'I remember the first time I saw stuff in the sink - he said did you notice something in your drink? I noticed something in mine he said. 'Maybe that was the first time he did it and wanted to know if I'd noticed. 'It tasted salty.' The victim also described the defendant as 'letchy' and said he had shown her pictures on his phone of his 'erect penis' on at least two occasions. The GP was arrested when he turned up to work and suspended from his post at a health centre in Somerset. Chapman, 55 (right) is pictured arriving at Gloucester Crown, June 5 She said: 'I thought (the first time) it was a mistake and he must be really embarrassed. 'The second time I felt like it was on purpose. It made me feel very uncomfortable.' 'It was not until I had seen the pots that I suspected it was semen in my drink. 'At times I refused a coffee but he would do it anyway.' The GP was arrested when he turned up to work and suspended from his post at a health centre in Somerset, when the allegations came to light. Giving evidence during the trial, Chapman admitted he would masturbate at work but it was 'not for pleasure' and said the reason for semen being found in the coffee must have been a 'prank that went horribly wrong.' He said: 'I don't know why someone did that with my sample - I don't know whey someone did it or why.' He claimed he had collected samples to test for a condition he claims he has suffered from since the age of 16 where he involuntarily lets out semen while defecating. There was nothing about this on his medical record, he told the court and said he had 'kept it secret' throughout the years. He told the jury he had been collecting the samples while pooing at work on an 'almost daily basis' since 2013. Chapman admitted to the jury that he was well known for playing practical jokes. Chapman is pictured arriving at Gloucester Crown Court, June 5 He acknowledged there were at least 10-12 'collections' a month and 140 collections a year that he did not put down toilet. Chapman also described masturbation - including at work - as 'nothing to do with pleasure - but a painful necessity.' Asked why he did not seek help for his problem or why it did not show on his medical records, the GP told the court: 'GPs are often really bad at managing themselves.' Chapman also admitted to the jury that he was well known for playing practical jokes. He explained that he possesses a box of practical jokes which he often used and revealed that he had posted a fake parking ticket on the same woman's car. Chapman said that he had been the recipient of many practical jokes in the past. 'I once found a drawing pin inside a plastic thimble which I use when I am completing paperwork,' he said. Asked by his barrister Virginia Cornwall if he had put his ejaculate into the cup, even as a practical joke, he said 'No, I did not place anything in the woman's coffee. I had no sexual interest in her.' Chapman added: 'When I tried to put the information together the only scenario that seems to me to make sense is that it was a practical joke played by someone, and it wasn't me, which has gone wrong.' Analysis of the coffee made on the 13 September 2021 found semen and DNA provided a match to the defendant, which was the occasion he was found guilty of. Chapman, who was described as a respected and experienced doctor, was born in South Africa, where he qualified as a doctor at the University of Cape Town in 1993. After the verdict, Chapman's sentencing was adjourned until 6 July and he was released on conditional bail. Judge Rupert Lowe described it as a very 'unusual case' and added: 'I haven't made up my mind up about sentence and am not in a position to give any indication of what that may be.' Idaho murders suspect Brian Kohberger has filed court documents that indicate he may challenge his indictment, as his lawyers claim they are certain there is 'exculpatory evidence' that would clear him of his charges. Kohberger was indicted on four counts of first-degree murder and a single count of burglary on May 16, by a secret grand jury impaneled by the state. Kohberger's legal team has since demanded the state turn over items of evidence that his defense claimed could prove his innocence of the accused quadruple murder. The state and the defense have since been battling over what grand jury materials will be provided to Kohberger's team. The 28-year-old criminology graduate student was accused of knifing four college students - Maddie Mogen, Kaylee Goncalves, Xana Kernodle and Ethan Chapin - to death in Moscow, Idaho, last November in a scene police described as 'the worst we've ever seen'. The defense is now arguing that after six months of extreme media coverage in such a small community revolving such a high profile case, that they have the right to determine the selection process of the grand jury, as well as the disclosure of any exculpatory evidence presented to them. Kohberger's lawyers claim they are certain there is 'exculpatory evidence' that would clear him of his charges. He is shown in court on Friday Kohberger is accused of murdering Maddie Mogen, Kaylee Goncalves, Xana Kernodle and Ethan Chapin (pictured) in Moscow, Idaho, in November last year. The home in Moscow, Idaho, where the four students were killed in November. Police say DNA at the crime scene was a 99 percent match to Kohberger The defense also claims that since the death penalty is a possibility in this case and Kohberger did not waive his right to a speedy trial, the state's failure to provide all requested materials obstructs their ability to make a strong defense on behalf of their client, according to CBS Austin. Defense Counsel Anne Taylor sent a motion to the court requesting that if all such evidence is not turned over without delay that the court should temporarily halt the proceedings to allow for sufficient time to conduct an appropriate review of the grand jury proceedings. The state's response showed that Prosecuting Attorney Bill Thompson recognized the substantial amount of discovery involved in this case and acknowledged that a major trial is set to take place under four months. Thompson said he does not have a problem with a reasonable time extension for the defense to comply with its obligations under Idaho law, however, he requests the same courtesy for the state should the defense proffer a notice of alibi. Kohberger declined to enter a plea to the charges in May, the first step in what promises to be a lengthy legal process. Just this week week his lawyers asked the judge for more time decide if alibi will be part of their defense strategy. Kootenai County Public Defender Anne Taylor is leading Kohberger's defense team Kohberger, 28, is charged with burglary and four counts of first-degree murder in the November slayings Kohberger has filed court documents that indicate he may challenge his indictment. Prosecutors preparing for the trial of Idaho murders suspect Brian Kohberger (in court last week) are asking for a dramatic increase in funding to cover trial expenses Latah County Prosecutor Bill Thompson asked for $135,000 for trial expenses in his latest annual budget request, rather than the usual budget of $15,000 The 28-year-old stayed silent at his 10 minute arraignment as the judge entered a not guilty pleas on his behalf. Kohberger declined to waive his right to a speedy trial, so the judge scheduled it to begin October 2. This comes after Kohberger's attorneys requested more time to decide whether or not they will submit an alibi as part of his defense earlier this week. In their latest court filings, his attorneys asked the court for an extension in their decision whether or not to present an alibi. It was in response to a state law that requires attorneys to submit their intention to provide an alibi before a trial gets underway. They say the discovery involved in the case has been 'voluminous' and 'still ongoing', and that they need more time to 'wade' through the evidence before finalizing their defense strategy and notifying the court of it. The university where he worked was only a little over eight miles from the murder scene Kohberger's attorneys asked for an extension before deciding whether or not they will submit an alibi as part of their defense Also this week, the prosecutors preparing for the trial asked for a dramatic increase in funding 12196461to cover trial expenses. Latah County Prosecutor Bill Thompson submitted his annual budget request to county commissioners on Tuesday, asking for $135,000 for trial expenses, rather than the usual budget of $15,000, the Lewiston Tribune reported. Kohberger's legal team filed a motion to compel discovery in the Latah County Court last Thursday. It reiterates previous requests made on February 3 and March 24. It saught all body and dash cam footage from officers involved in his arrest in Pennsylvania; all audio or video evidence from his time in jail, including police interrogations; lab reports from the forensic evidence seized at his parents' home and his Hyundai Elantra; and the training records for officers involved in the case. That legal filing came after it was revealed that police found traces of blood and a secret storage locker at his apartment in Pullman, Washington - a 15-minute drive from where the alleged murders took place. An 86-year-old borrower returned a first-edition copy of George Orwell's 1984 to an Oregon library after 65 years and left a note saying the dystopian novel needed to be read now 'more than ever.' The Portland State University graduate, who only identified themselves as WP in a note with the returned book, finally returned their copy of 1984 to the Multnomah County Library after checking it out during their senior year in 1958. 'I meant to return this book in 1958 when I was about to graduate from PSU, but somehow I never got around to doing it,' WP wrote. 'After re-reading it, I realize that, more than ever, this book should be put back in circulation. Significant parts are as relevant today as they were 65 years ago. 'Sorry to be so tardy. At age 86, I wanted to finally clear my conscience,' the letter, dated May 16, wrote. A Portland State University graduate, who only identified themselves as WP, finally returned their copy of 1984 to the Multnomah County Library after checking it out during their senior year in 1958. The patron said the book is needed 'more than ever' as it is relevant to today The library said the patron's conscience could be 'cleared' and they wouldn't be fined for the very late return WP referred to a specific page in the book - page 203 - indicating that if words were changed to use 'internet' and 'social media' that the passage would have the same relevancy today as it did when it was published in 1949. Even after six-and-a-half decades, WP kept the old book well maintained, with only a small water stain discoloring the upper left portion of the book. Although the book shows normal wear and tear around the corners, the book looks as good as if it was being picked up in the 1950s. The library, which stopped fining late materials a few years ago, excitedly exclaimed that the patron's conscience could be cleared and they wouldn't face a fine. 'Fine-free libraries for the win!' they wrote in a Facebook post. 'Conscience cleared.' WP had the book checked out for more than 23,700 days. Although the library no longer charges late fees, in 2018, it charged around 25 cents per day, although it capped fees at $10. DailyMail.com has contacted Multnomah County Library for comment. The book follows Winston Smith as he traversed 'Big Brother' government and a totalitarian system. The book shows how citizens are manipulated to achieve the government's end goals. WP referred to a specific page in the book - page 203 - indicating that if words were changed to use 'internet' and 'social media' that the passage would have the same relevancy today as it did when it was published in 1949 (pictured: the 1984 movie) George Orwell's has faced many bans since the 1960s for its sexual content and 'pro-communist' stances, despite the main character going against the totalitarian government The classic has faced many banned book lists over the decades, including in Florida, where Governor Ron DeSantis has rapidly been changing 'woke' education. The book was first challenged in Jackson County, Florida, in 1981 for its sexual context and 'pro-communist' views. Winston, who does have a sexual relationship in a large portion of the book, is using the relationship to rebel against the government, who banned sex. Others argued it was pro-communist, as Winston changed history books to support the government's viewpoint for his job at the Ministry of Truth. However, Winston himself is against the practice. Winston also keeps a diary, which is prohibited, where he wrote things like 'down with big brother.' In addition, the book skyrocketed in sales in 2017 after former President Donald Trump because using terms like 'alternative facts' and dispersing 'misinformation.' The popularity grew so much that the movie edition of the story was played in nearly 200 theaters across the US. 'I believe there are serious issues that go to the credibility of the department' The Intel chairman is particularly concerned with the potential 'unequal application' of the law by DOJ on Trump versus Biden House Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence (HPSCI) Chairman Mike Turner says that it would be 'incredibly difficult' to not find that President Biden had violated the law in how he handled classified materials. Turner, who is from Dayton, Ohio, made the comments during a preview of a closed-door hearing he will conduct next Tuesday with Special Counsel John Durham. Durham released a scathing report last month detailing the FBI's deeply flawed basis for opening of the 'Crossfire Hurricane' investigation into now-debunked Trump-Russia collusion allegations. As part of the hearing, he plans to work with Durham to identify legislative solutions to fix systemic issues within the Department of Justice - which comes as the agency is investigating Biden for alleged mishandling of classified documents, and just two days after Trump appeared in a Miami court accused on 37 federal counts related to files found at Mar-a-Lago. When asked by DailyMail.com Thursday about whether he and his intelligence committee members have read any of the classified documents taken by the FBI from former President Trump and Biden's residences and the Penn Biden Center, Turner confirmed 'yes' they have. Chairman Mike Turner's committee is set to meet with Special Counsel John Durham next week And the National Archives is 'continuing to provide' more documents as they are processed, he added. Turner also said that the 'categories and types' of classified documents that were mentioned in the 37-count indictment against Trump are in line with what his committee has reviewed at this point. Since reviewing the documents, he said the 'behavior' displayed by Biden and described in the Trump complaint - based on their alleged mishandling of the classified materials - is 'wrong.' 'If you just pull out the statute, it would be incredibly difficult for anyone to not conclude that Biden's actions violate specific statutes,' he said. The chairman is particularly concerned with the potential 'unequal application' of the law by the Department of Justice in how it handles the Trump documents case compared to the Biden case. 'I believe there are serious issues that go to the credibility of the department,' he told DailyMail.com and a handful of other national security reporters. 'If you have what people see now as an unequal application of the law with respect to Clinton and Trump - if there's also not a criminal prosecution of Biden, it's only going to further solidify that,' he says. 'And that means people are going to lose some faith in their country. And that's a huge thing.' He did not go so far as suggesting a Biden prosecution, only that there must be 'equal application of the law.' 'If they decide not to prosecute, I do believe it is going to shake people's confidence further, where we already see no prosecution of Hillary Clinton and a prosecution of Donald Trump.' 'Unequal application of the law is a huge issue, especially when it's political, especially when it follows on what we've seen of the total politicalization of the intelligence community (IC) and the FBI and the Department of Justice.' Biden's investigation is being handled by Special Counsel Rob Hur, who was appointed by Attorney General Merrick Garland in January. He has not provided any public update yet on if or when charges against Biden would be handed down. Trump was arrested in Miami, Florida, last week and pleaded not guilty to 37 federal counts - including mishandling of classified information and obstruction of justice. Boxes of potentially classified documents were discovered in a Mar-a-Lago bathroom by the DOJ The former president gives a wave as he disembarks his Boeing 757 on Monday afternoon ahead of his arrest in Miami Tuesday Turner's committee is in the unique position of conducting the majority of its work behind closed doors, which he says is helpful to build working relationships with witnesses as they work toward solutions together. HPSCI is focused on collaborating with Durham to come up with immediate fixes to processes and penalties within the DOJ and FBI following Durham's report. He said the aspect of Durham's report that he found 'the most disturbing' is that it shows 'wrongdoing in the FBI, in the Department of Justice and concerns with the intelligence community itself. 'I've had personal conversations with John Durham that our goal... is to not only go through his report and the issues that he identifies, but to get his recommendations as to where changes need to occur.' He said it is important to promote solutions currently as the committee is in the process of renewing Section 702 of the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act (FISA) - which has to be renewed by the end of the year. He added that another top concern is that the DOJ and FBI used political campaign opposition research 'to politicize government functions to negatively impact an opposition candidate.' He hopes to work with Durham and the committee to put into place remedies as soon as possible before the next election. 'It's not just an issue of bad people being in powerful positions who corrupted those positions. It's also that our rules and laws need to be changed, so that these mechanisms cannot be used again this way to really harm the American public.' The California couple allegedly preyed on the women at swanky restaurants and bars, drugged them and took them back to Robicheaux's apartment Shocking new details have emerged in the case against reality TV doctor Grant Robicheaux and his model girlfriend Cerissa Riley, who are now accused of sexual assaults against two women. The California couple, who have pled not guilty, are accused of preying on the women at swanky restaurants and bars, drugging them and then taking them back to Robicheaux's Newport Beach apartment before assaulting them. In a preliminary hearing this week, to assess whether the case will go to trial, the Attorney General's Office presented testimony from two alleged victims - five years after the allegations first came to light. The couple were originally accused of attacks on seven women but the State has pared back the number of alleged victims following a string of controversies at the DA's office - ultimately leading to the Attorney General taking over the case. During this week's preliminary hearing investigators presented testimony on behalf of the alleged victims. The California couple are accused of preying on women at restaurants and bars, drugging them and then luring them back to Robicheaux's Newport Beach apartment before assaulting them Jane Doe 2 alleges that she met the couple at Nobu Newport Beach on Easter Weekend 2017, after she connected with Robicheaux on a dating app Both women say they believe they were drugged and that Robicheaux, who appeared on Bravo TV's Online Dating Rituals of the American Male, and Riley were attempting to sexually assault them. Newport Beach police Detective Marie Gamble testified as the lead investigator for the accusations brought by the first woman, who was referred to in court by the pseudonym Jane Doe 1, according to reporting from the Orange County Register. Gamble stated that Jane Doe 1 met Riley and Robicheaux at Baja Sharkeez on Oct. 2, 2016 while out drinking with her roommate. She said that they bought her and her roommate drinks but after a few sips she 'blanked out.' She awoke in a state of undress next to her topless roommate in Robicheauxs home, the court heard. Unable to wake up her roommate, Jane Doe 1 got up and encountered Robicheaux in a bathroom. When she asked him what was going on and how they had gotten to the home, she alleges that Robicheaux grabbed her arms and told her: 'You wanted this, you wanted to come back here.' According to the testimony Robicheaux tried to kiss Jane Doe 1 and she tried to pull away, kicking off a struggle that led to him hitting her as she fell to the ground. One of the alleged victims claims she met Riley and Robicheaux at Baja Sharkeez on Oct. 2, 2016 while out drinking with her roommate Robicheaux appeared on Bravo TV's Online Dating Rituals of the American Male Model Cerissa Riley has been accused of drugging and assaulting two women alongside her boyfriend reality TV doctor Grant Robicheaux Attorney Philip Cohen speaking during a hearing for Grant Robicheaux, rear left, and Cerissa Riley, rear second from left, on Aug. 19, 2021 After Jane Doe 1 screamed, Riley walked up and told Robicheaux: 'It is going too far, it is not worth it.' Jane Doe 1s screams were heard by neighbors, who called 911. The second alleged victim in the case, Jane Doe 2, had her testimony presented by Orange County District Attorney Investigator Jennifer Kearns. Jane Doe 2 alleges that she met Robicheaux on a dating app while visiting a friend who lived in the area. They arranged a date at Nobu Newport Beach on Easter Weekend 2017, and she was surprised when Riley attended too. After a few cocktails she agreed to go with Robicheaux and Riley to a local bar. The three of them had more drinks, and Jane Doe 2 took cocaine Riley offered her in the bathroom. The next thing she remembers was walking up the stairs to Robicheauxs bedroom, the court heard. She then recalled Robicheaux and Riley touching her and taking her shirt off, after Robicheaux handed her a drink he had put some sort of substance into. The woman remembers crying hysterically while Riley attempted to console her. She then locked herself in the bathroom where Riley pleaded with her to unlock the door, allegedly telling Jane Doe 2 that Robicheaux would hurt them if she didnt and adding, 'he makes me do this.' The case against Riley and Robicheaux has been mired in controversy. It was first brought by then-District Attorney Tony Rackauckas in 2018, but he was unseated by current-District Attorney Todd Spitzer. Spitzer then controversially moved to dismiss the charges, publicly apologized to Robicheaux and Riley saying there was not sufficient evidence to bring the case. The women's attorneys pushed back, arguing that seven different women who had never met brought similar credible allegations against the pair. A judge denied Spitzers request to dismiss the case, describing it as a 'back-room dismissal' of a case 'infected' by politics. Two alleged victims pulled out of the case, stating that they had been 'grossly mistreated' and 'dragged through the mud.' A separate judge dismissed the charges relating to three other women at the request of the State Attorney Generals Office, leaving two remaining women. The couple were charged in January with 13 separate counts including drugging with attempt to rape, assault, possession of illegal drugs such as cocaine, MDMA and PCP, and the possession of an illegal assault weapon. Robicheaux and Riley deny the charges, their attorneys say they are instead 'swingers' who engaged in consensual sex with other women. Orange County Superior Court Judge Michael Leversen will rule on whether the couple will stand trial on July 9. Nato's chief has accused Russia of 'reckless and dangerous' nuclear rhetoric after Vladimir Putin said Russia's war in Ukraine could escalate to World War Three. 'Russia must know that a nuclear war can never be won and must never be fought,' Jens Stoltenberg, Nato's Secretary General said at a gathering of defence ministers from member nations in Brussels on Thursday. Putin yesterday threatened that the war in Ukraine could turn nuclear if the West continued to supply weapons and munitions to Kyiv, warning that 'in the event of a Third World War, there will be no winners, including America'. Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko backed up his Russian ally and backer, claiming that Putin would follow through on the threat 'if he is put up against a wall or forced into a corner and there is no other way out'. It comes as Nato prepares to offer Ukraine a closer formal relationship next month in the form of a Ukraine-Nato Council after Mr Stoltenberg ruled out the war-torn country joining the alliance while it is still fighting Russia. 'Russia must know that a nuclear war can never be won and must never be fought,' Jens Stoltenberg, Nato's Secretary General said. He is pictured with Ukraine's Defense Minister Oleksii Reznikov at the Nato Defence Ministers' meeting in Brussels, Belgium June 15, 2023 Putin on Thursday threatened that the war in Ukraine could turn nuclear if the West continued to supply weapons and munitions to Kyiv. Putin is pictured with Algerian President Abdelmadjid Tebboune during their meeting at the Kremlin, June 15, 2023 'In the event of a Third World War, there will be no winners, including America,' Putin threatened. Pictured: The Sarmat intercontinental ballistic missile at Plesetsk is tested, April 2, 2022 Sergey Karaganov, a chairman at the Council of Foreign and Defence Policy, and hardline Putin ally, did nothing the calm the tensions yesterday as he argued the United States would not retaliate if Moscow started to strike targets in Europe with nuclear attacks. Karaganov also provided another chilling threat as he said that the Kremlin should warn Russian ex-pats that they need to flee European targets before any possible nuclear attack. He said the nuclear attacks on Europe would be necessary to 'break' the West's continued support for Ukraine and its military forces. Mr Stoltenberg said today: 'We are, of course, closely monitoring what Russia is doing. So far we haven't seen any changes in their nuclear posture that requires changes in our nuclear posture. 'But at the same time what we see is part of a pattern where Russia has invested heavily in new modern nuclear capabilities and also deployed more nuclear capabilities, including close to Nato borders. Stoltenberg's comments came as Nato defence ministers gathered on Thursday to discuss future relations with Ukraine as Russia's war on the country thwarts its hopes of joining the security alliance anytime soon. The ministers were also due to take part in a separate meeting at Nato headquarters of the US-led Ukraine Contact Group - the forum Ukraine's supporters routinely join to try to drum up weapons and ammunition to help Kyiv fight the Russian invasion. Nato agreed in 2008 that Ukraine would join the organisation one day, but did not set a date for it to start membership talks. As the war ground on, Ukraine applied for 'accelerated accession' to Nato on September 30. With its Crimean Peninsula annexed, and Russian troops and pro-Moscow separatists holding parts of the south and east, it is not clear what Ukraine's borders would look like. 'Russia must know that a nuclear war can never be won and must never be fought,' Jens Stoltenberg, Nato's Secretary General said at the NATO headquarters in Brussels today Putin on Thursday threatened that the war in Ukraine could turn nuclear. He is pictured at the Kremlin in Moscow today Mr Stoltenberg has said there is no consensus for the country to join while it is at war with Russia. 'We agree that the most urgent task now is to ensure that Ukraine prevails as a sovereign independent nation because unless Ukraine prevails and can continue as a democratic state in Europe, there is no membership issue to be discussed at all,' he said, ahead of the meeting. Mr Stoltenberg said that he expects the 31-nation alliance to 'agree (to) a multi-year programme where we help to move Ukraine to transition from old standards, equipment, procedures, doctrines to Nato standards and become fully interoperable with Nato.' Nato is also upgrading its relations with Ukraine. The Nato-Ukraine Commission, which will meet later Thursday, is set to be upgraded to a Nato-Ukraine Council, giving the country an equal seat at the table with the 31 allies. Nato has no official presence in Ukraine and as an organisation provides only non-lethal support to Kyiv, although allies individually and in groups do supply weapons and ammunition. Meanwhile, support is mounting for Mr Stoltenberg to have his mandate at the head of Nato extended yet again as Denmark's prime minister ruled herself out of the running. Ukrainian Defence Minister Oleksii Reznikov speaks to the press during a joint statement with Jens Stoltenberg at Nato Headquarters today NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg holds a press conference during the first of two days of defence ministers' meetings at Nato headquarters today Mr Stoltenberg, a former Norwegian prime minister, has been Nato's top civilian official since 2014. His term was due to expire last year but was extended to keep a steady hand at the helm after Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine. Mr Biden and his Nato counterparts are due to choose a successor at the summit in Lithuania in July. No candidate has been proposed publicly, and leaders usually decide by consensus on who should be appointed. Nato is keen to name a woman to the top post, and Denmark's prime minister, Mette Frederiksen, was thought to be a favourite after a meeting with Mr Biden earlier this month. In a televised interview on Thursday, she said: 'No, I am not on my way to Nato.' But she did say that she would back Mr Stoltenberg if he was willing to extend his mandate. Mr Stoltenberg himself has said he will not seek a fourth extension to his mandate. An economist by training, he was due to become the next governor of the Norwegian central bank when the simmering conflict in Ukraine escalated to full-scale war. At Nato headquarters, German defence minister Boris Pistorius made clear that he would back an extension for Mr Stoltenberg if that became necessary. 'If we don't agree on a candidate for successor, Nato won't be able to go without a secretary-general, and of course I am for an extension - particularly as I appreciate our co-operation,' he told reporters. A Partygate committee member who was accused of 'rank hypocrisy' by Boris Johnson after he was found to have misled Parliament today, is an enthusiastic nudist who married the ex-girlfriend of Four Weddings and a Funeral writer Richard Curtis. Sir Bernard Jenkin was one of the cross-party MPs chosen to examine whether the former Prime Minister, who resigned from his role as MP for Uxbridge on Friday, had misled Parliament - either recklessly or deliberately. The committee found he was 'deliberately disingenuous' when he tried to defend a series of gatherings held during the height of the Covid-19 pandemic. In a withering statement, Mr Johnson attempted to turn the tide on the findings, accusing his Conservative colleague Sir Bernard Jenkin of 'rank hypocrisy' claiming he also broke lockdown rules by allegedly attending his wife's 65th birthday party. He also had a pop at the MP's well-known naturism past-time, claiming the committee's arguments were 'so threadbare that it belongs in one of Bernard Jenkin's nudist colonies'. Sir Bernard, whose hippy-style habits have been known publicly for decades, said after the former Tory leader made calls for him to 'explain his actions and resign' that he 'didn't attend any drinks parties in lockdown'. Partygate committee member Sir Bernard Jenkin takes a dip in the sea at Bournemouth in 2006 The MP for Harwich and North Essex and his wife, Anne Strutt, are both keen nudists It is not the first time the pastimes of the MP for Harwich and North Essex have been brought up in a political brawl. In the year leading up to the Brexit referendum in 2016, his love for being without his clothes was thrown around by the Vote Remain campaign team. His nudism was dredged up by allies of George Osbourne, such as Conservative peer Danny Finkelstein who, although he used no direct names, revealed he was once forced to advise a leading Tory frontbencher not to reveal he was a nudist, saying 'we all have a problem with nudity'. Brexiteers blasted the claim, accusing the peer of trying to smear the Eurosceptic MP who was a key figure in the Vote Leave campaign. His wife Anne Jenkin, who he met at a Tory party conference in 1984, also likes to follow suit and embrace the nudist lifestyle. She told the Daily Mail in 2015: 'People think being a nudist makes Bernard sound more interesting, so I am not going to deny it. Tory MPs are so boring, aren't they? But if it is a beautiful day with the sun shining and nobody there, why not take your clothes off?' Adding to his colourful past, Sir Bernard is also believed to have been a long-standing rival of the Notting Hill director Richard Curtis. The MP had married Curtis' university girlfriend, who he studied with and lived in a shared house in Oxford. Sir Bernard is also thought to have a long-standing rivalry with Richard Curtis, who is a former boyfriend of his now ex-wife. The name Bernard popped up in a number of Curtis' films, including most prominently, Bernard in Four Weddings and a Funeral who marries Lydia Curtis, who is described as a 'very, very close friend' of Mrs Jenkins, attended the pairs wedding at her family seat Curtis, who is described as a 'very, very close friend' of Mrs Jenkins, attended the pair's wedding at her family seat, Terling Place, where her brother Lord Rayleigh lives. During the ceremony, the beloved British filmmaker was seen avidly taking notes, with Lady Strutt claiming their nuptials helped shape the script for Four Weddings and a Funeral. She previously told the Telegraph: 'Richard draws a lot on his own experiences. In our old gang there used to be a girl called Lydia, too. 'And if you look at our wedding video you will see Richard in the background making notes. 'There are clearly bits from the wedding that are reflected in Four Weddings. It's all a bit of fun but quite flattering.' Amongst the similarities, the name Bernard constantly pops up in his film - and it appears to be no coincidence, becoming a long running joke in many of productions. In Notting Hill Hugh Bonville plays the character of 'Bernie'; in Four Weddings and a Funeral Hugh Grant's character stumbles upon the groom, called Bernard, and his new bride, Lydia, in a passionate embrace on their wedding day; in Love Actually, the son of Emma Thompson's character is also called 'Bernie'. Sir Bernard Jenkin taking a dip off Bournemouth during the 2006 Conservative Party Conference in Bournemouth The Conservative Party's then treasurer Lord Marland and Sir Bernard For a long time, Sir Bernard and Lady Stutter were considered to have one of the best marriages in Westminster, with Mrs Jenkins working as the MPs parliamentary secretary when he was elected in 1992. Her time in the political world, however, was not without trouble. She was blasted in 2014 for suggesting that 'poor people can't cook', while her husband became embroiled in the 2009 expenses scandal. In December of last year, however, the pair, who have two grown-up sons, announced they would be splitting after 34 years of marriage. No third party was involved, according to Mrs Jenkins. She said at the time they had 'separated amicably' though 'with much sadness', adding that they had 'grown apart but will always remain friends'. The MP did not comment at the time. Sir Bernard is yet to respond to Mr Johnson's fury that he also broke Covid-19 rules, first made by the Guido Fawkes website. In a statement this morning, Mr Johnson said: 'The hypocrisy is rank. Like Harriet Harman, he should have recused himself from the inquiry, since he is plainly conflicted.' In a statement this morning, Mr Johnson said: 'The hypocrisy is rank. Like Harriet Harman, he should have recused himself from the inquiry, since he is plainly conflicted' Boris Johnson lashed out at Sir Bernard after the committee found the ex-PM in contempt of parliament over lies to MPs in the Commons. After 14 months of investigation, the Privileges Committee concluded in a bombshell report that the ex-PM 'deliberately misled' Parliament The MP is reported to have attended a drinks party held by Commons Deputy Speaker Dame Eleanor Laing in December 2020. The event is said to have happened while London was in Tier 2 restrictions, which had a ban on indoor mixing. Tonight, Sir Bernard told Guido Fawkes, 'I did not attend any drinks parties during lockdown' and he could not 'recall' having a drink at his wife's birthday celebrations. Dame Eleanor Laign, deputy speaker of the House of Commons, said she held a 'business meeting' that evening. She added: 'I was so strict with my 2 metre ruler and told everyone we will adhere to those rules and be very careful.' In theory, Sir Bernard could face a fine similar to the one Mr Johnson paid of his birthday party in lockdown. However, the committee today was not censuring Mr Johnson for his brushes with the law. It was instead ruling on whether he misled MPs when he told them he believed no laws had been broken. When Mike Pence was first elected to Congress he promised his wife that he would never dine alone with another woman or attend a function where alcohol was served if Karen Pence wasn't present. And during his time in the U.S. House of Representatives his desk was adorned with a red telephone, a gift from Mrs. Pence and to which only she had the answer. The details reemerged years later when Pence was vice president, triggering ridicule. But now Pence, who recently launched his own run for the presidency, is distilling his tips on how to juggle work and family into a book. 'Go Home for Dinner: Advice on How Faith Makes a Family and Family Makes a Life' will be published by Simon & Schuster in November, and is co-written by the former vice president's daughter Charlotte Pence Bond. 'I hope these lessons and stories from our family encourage you to follow your dreams while keeping your family close,' said Pence. Mike Pence has written a book with his daughter Charlotte (seen here second from the right, boarding Air Force Two in 2017 with her mother Karen and sister Audrey on the left) 'Go Home for Dinner: Advice on How Faith Makes a Family and Family Makes a Life' will be published by Simon & Schuster in November 'Strong families are the very heartbeat of America. I believe we can heal our country by putting faith and family firstand it all starts when you go home for dinner.' That sentiment is at the heart of Pence's campaign, as he looks to pick up the support of the religious right. However, Donald Trump's former righthand man faces an uphill struggle in a contest that is dominated so far by the former president. Polls of likely Republican primary voters consistently place him a distant third behind Trump and Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis. A rolling average maintained by the statistics website FiveThirtyEight has him on about 5.5 percent, compared to 53.4 percent for Trump and 21.4 percent for DeSantis. Pence released his first book, 'So Help Me God,' last November. The memoir details his life and time in office, offering a springboard to his campaign launch earlier this month. This time, his publisher said, he has written a practical guide to balancing the demands of life with 'the long-term satisfaction that only a commitment to your family can bring.' 'In this personal account, former Vice President Mike Pence champions one of his most deeply held beliefs: that faith makes a family, and family makes a life,' it continues. 'And, through straightforward advice and personal storytelling, he shows readers how to do the same.' Florida Governor and GOP presidential candidate Ron DeSantis slammed the Biden White House Thursday for Pride month-related offenses, including welcoming a trans influencer who later went topless on the South Lawn, and wrongly displaying the American flag. At an event Thursday morning, DeSantis called out what he felt was 'inappropriate' behavior from Joe Biden's White House and said: 'You know, this transgender flag as the precedence over the American flag, thats wrong, that is not how you display the American flag. 'I think when you have the inappropriate conduct at the White House with like these transgenders flashing people nude and all this stuff, its just totally inappropriate,' he said. 'And I think even the White House had to acknowledge it was inappropriate. 'But I would ask them: If its inappropriate to do that at the White House - which I certainly think it is - why do you want to have that curriculum jammed into a second-graders classroom?' DeSantis made himself enemy number one last year among some progressive crowds after passing a series of laws that target the LGBTQ community. The White House displayed the Pride month flag between two American flags over the weekend, which was met with backlash online Ron DeSantis, who last month jumped into the GOP presidential primary contest, condemned the White House for its permissive attitude toward inappropriate displays from the transgender community His education bill restricts the instruction of sexual orientation and gender identity to children under the age of nine. It states that 'classroom instruction by school personnel or third parties on sexual orientation or gender identity may not occur in kindergarten through grade 3 or in a manner that is not age-appropriate or developmentally appropriate for students in accordance with state standards.' Critics immediately dubbed it the 'Don't say Gay' bill, claiming keeping those sorts of discussion off-limits in public schools could hurt gay and transgender kindergarten through third graders. The law also makes it easier for parents to ensure they are comfortable with the books being taught to their children. Several books deemed inappropriate by some parents have been removed from elementary school shelves as a result. On Thursday, the governor was responding to controversy that occurred over the weekend stemming from an event at the White House at which the Pride flag was flown in the middle of two American flags. According to the US Flag Code, the American flag should be in the center of any display featuring multiple national flags or pennants. The decision prompted Kansas Senator Roger Marshall (R) to introduce a bill that would prevent federal buildings from flying any aside from the US flag in the future. The White House was additionally heavily criticized after video surfaced from its Pride event, at which a transgender activist posed on the South Lawn topless. On Tuesday, the White House was forced to respond after transgender activist Rose Montoya, 27, exposed her constructed breasts during a Pride Event, at which she had met the First couple. President Joe Biden's White House has been lambasted by Republicans for an array of activities that have been sanctioned during Pride month Rose Montoya, 27, attended a Pride party at the White House on Saturday and posed topless Montoya unhooked the top of her dress and grabbed her chest as someone shouted, 'are we topless at the White House?' A White House official, when approached for comment later, was compelled to label the behavior 'inappropriate and disrespectful.' Video of the move went viral on social media. 'This behavior is inappropriate and disrespectful for any event at the White House. It is not reflective of the event we hosted to celebrate LGBTQI+ families or the other hundreds of guests who were in attendance. Individuals in the video will not be invited to future events,' a White House spokesperson said in a statement to DailyMail.com. White House press secretary Karine Jean-Pierre reiterated that point at her Tuesday press briefing. 'Individuals in the video certainly will not be invited to future events. And this is has not occurred before. This is not this was not a normal thing that has happened under this administration,' she said. Montoya will not be invited to future White House events, said the press secretary Montoya was one of thousands invited to a Pride Month concert on the South Lawn on Saturday at the White House. Montoya shared an Instagram montage of the day with her 103,000 followers on Monday, and was seen dancing to the DJ and striking poses in front of landmarks such as the Washington monument and the Truman balcony of the White House. She is also seen meeting Jill Biden, and trying to take a selfie with the president - with the camera mistakenly on video, rather than photo. During her encounter with President Biden, she also said: 'Trans rights are human rights.' She captioned the video: 'I had the honor of attending White House Pride, the largest one in history where the Pride flag flew for the first time. 'This is trans joy. We're here at the White House unapologetically trans, queer, and brown.' He has pleaded not guilty to raping four different women when he was a college student in Boston in 2007 and 2008 Matthew Nilo was released from Boston jail on Thursday after his family posted $500,000 of his $5million bail and he was fitted with a GPS ankle monitor Suspected serial rapist Matthew Nilo has walked out of Boston's Suffolk Superior Courthouse after posting bond Thursday. Exclusive DailyMail.com pictures and video show Nilo, 35, walking from the courthouse with his fiancee, Laura Griffin, 37, who clutched his hand tightly throughout, leaving the world in no doubt that she is standing by her man in the face of his heinous alleged crimes. The New Jersey cyber attorney had been held in Suffolk County jail following his extradition from New Jersey earlier this month. He is charged with seven counts including aggravated rape, kidnapping, indecent assault with intent to rape and assault in a string of attacks that took place in 2007 and 2008. Matthew Nilo was released from Boston jail on Thursday after his family posted $500,000 of his $5million bail and he was fitted with a GPS ankle monitor Exclusive pictures and video show Nilo, 35, walking from the courthouse with his fiancee, Laura Griffin, 37 Both Nilo and his fiancee wore dark shades and studiously ignored all inquiries Neither Nilo nor Griffin responded to DailyMail.com's repeated questions. He would not comment on his crimes nor did he have any words for his alleged victims Griffin and Nilo only recently became engaged. Griffin proudly wore her engagement ring on her ring finger on Thursday He emerged from the courthouse shortly after 1pm today having paid $500,000 of his $5million bail and been fitted with a GPS ankle monitor as per the conditions of his release. Neither Nilo nor Griffin responded to DailyMail.com's repeated questions. He would not comment on his crimes nor did he have any words for his alleged victims. Both he and his fiancee wore dark shades and studiously ignored all inquiries. Nilo, who once lived in the North End, was arrested at his home in Weehawken, New Jersey, more than 15 years after he allegedly terrorized four victims When asked how she felt about the charges levelled against the man to whom she only recently became engaged Griffin looked dead ahead. She did not respond to the question of how her family felt about her standing by him. Two weeks ago Griffin held rosary beads as she appeared in New Jersey court to support Nilo as the New Jersey attorney waived his extradition back to Massachusetts, where the alleged rapes took place. Today her blonde hair was slicked back and tied at the nape of her neck. She wore black pants and a black turtleneck despite the warm Boston sunshine, pairing them with a pale grey, leather trimmed suit jacket. Smartly dressed in navy pants and white dress shirt Nilo could have almost passed for the city attorney that he was until his recent suspension. The only hint of his true status as bailed suspect was the ankle monitor that peeked from the hem of his left pant leg as he walked; the emotional tell of his growing frustration was the muscle that worked at his clenched jaw. Accompanied by his attorney, Joseph Cataldo, Nilo and Griffin appeared confused about the location of the vehicle waiting to drive them away. They walked briskly from the courthouse, across a pedestrian crossing and to the Government Center train station some 200 yards away, before doing an about face and making their way back across the road and into the courthouse parking lot. Lori was astonished to learn that Nilo was recently engaged and that his fiancee showed up to his arraignment last week. 'He has everybody fooled,' she said Nilos first alleged victim Lori Pinkham was at court on Monday and visibly shook with anger after his lawyer told the judge that his family had raised the $500,000 necessary to see him released on bail. Pinkham spoke exclusively to DailyMail.com following the hearing and shared her ordeal in public, for the first time, since Nilo allegedly raped her at gunpoint in the Terminal Street area of Bostons Charlestown neighborhood where all the alleged assaults took place. Pinkham told DailyMail.com how she had never seen her attacker before and spoke of her dismay that the man she described as a flight risk should be released on bail. Pinkham, now 39, was just 23 at the time of her rape. She said, 'He literally hid from cops for 16 years. How is he not a flight risk?' Pinkham admitted that she had lost hope that her attacker would ever be caught and said she was, 'in disbelief and awe' when police came to her home and told her they had identified him. She said, 'He's a very evil person and he used weapons and force to violently kidnap and rape multiple women.' Pinkham could not get into the details of her own assault, she said, but is prepared to testify against Nilo if called to by prosecutors. Nilo is seen partying with friends during his college days in 2007. 'I recognized him from all the pictures and especially some pictures online that show him from the time (of the crimes),' Lori said In one of his old photos, he was caught peeing in a hallway. Prosecutors said that all three women underwent a sexual assault examination, which yielded a DNA profile, which matched the male in each attack Several photos posted to Nilo's Facebook page at the time showed him living a life full of parties and drinking with his friends Police arrested Nilo Tuesday May 30 in an FBI sting in which he was lured out of the luxury harbor side apartment which he shared with Griffin with the claim that a package had been delivered that was too big to fit in the swanky facility's lockers. Law enforcement claims to have linked Nilo to the four assaults with DNA evidence which was identified through the genealogy database 23 and Me to which family members had voluntarily submitted samples. The Sexual Assault Kit Initiative a federal program designed to help process a backlog of rape kits was used in the investigation after Boston Police Department reached out las October. By April Nilo had been identified as a suspect according to FBI Special Agent Joseph R Bonavolonta. Nilo's alleged victims have, the agent said, 'been waiting years' to learn the identity of their assailant. Speaking at a press conference following Nilo's arrest Bonavolonta said, 'We certainly realize that identifying this individual does not ease their pain nothing can, but hopefully it answers some questions.' UN experts say the attacks resulted in damage to internal organs and strokes Russia is reportedly using electric shocks, hoodings and mock executions' on Ukrainian civilians and prisoners of war, UN experts have warned. A group of UN experts said on Thursday they had written to Moscow raising concerns about the use of torture by Russian military forces in their attacks on Ukraine. They said in a statement the torture included electric shocks, hoodings and mock executions and had been carried out to extract intelligence, force confessions or in response to alleged support for Ukraine's forces. It had resulted in damage to internal organs, cracked bones and fractures, strokes and psychological traumas, they said. A spokesperson for Russia's diplomatic mission in Geneva did not immediately respond to a request for comment. Russia is reportedly using electric shocks, hoodings and mock executions' on Ukrainian civilians and prisoners of war, UN experts have warned. Pictured: A Ukrainian soldier fires a mortar at Russian positions on the frontline near Bakhmut A group of UN experts said on Thursday they had written to Moscow raising concerns about the use of torture by Russian military forces. Pictured: Rescuers carry a local resident from a house heavily damaged by a Russian missile strike Moscow has previously denied torturing or mistreating prisoners of war and says it does not deliberately target civilians in Ukraine. While torture allegations have previously been levelled against both sides in the 15-month conflict, the team of U.N. independent experts said Russian forces' methods may be 'state-endorsed'. The consistency and methods of alleged torture suggested 'a level of coordination, planning and organisation, as well as the direct authorisation, deliberate policy or official tolerance from superior authorities', according to UN Special Rapporteur on Torture Alice Jill Edwards, who sent the letter on 12 June alongside several other independent experts. 'Obeying a superior order or policy direction cannot be invoked as justification for torture, and any individual involved should be promptly investigated and prosecuted by independent authorities,' she said. Under the UN system, a government has 60 days to give a formal response. It comes after Ukrainian power plant workers alleged they were tortured by Russian invaders after defiantly refusing to 'help' during the occupation of the nuclear station last year. Speaking to The Times, employees of the Zaporizhzhia power plant in the Russian-occupied city of Enerhodar told of how they were brutalised by invading forces. For months, armies fought tirelessly around Europe's largest power station, which remained staffed by Ukrainian employees under Russian control until September. One anonymous alleged victim said: 'I had bruises and blood down my face. I'd been beaten around the head and body with a rubber baton... they held a pistol with rubber bullets about a metre or two from my leg and fired.' Emergency services personnel work to control a fire at a business centre and the warehouse of a retail chain, caused by a Russian missile strike yesterday Ihor Murashov, the plant's director, was arrested last September after refusing to work for the invaders. UN Special Rapporteur on Torture Alice Jill Edwards sent the letter on 12 June alongside several other independent experts He evaded torture and was released after negotiations between Putin, French president Macron and the head of the International Atomic Energy Agency, Rafael Grossi. Others spoke of how they have been held and beaten, shot with rubber bullets for their support of the Ukrainian forces. Some claim their colleagues were killed by Russian forces during the occupation. Some 11,000 workers were employed at the Zaporizhzhia power station when Russian forces claimed occupation on 24 February 2022, the first day of the war. As reported in The Times, the invaders 'apparently' believed they would be welcomed as they looked to exploit the resource-rich southeast of Ukraine. An employee explained that troops grew frustrated after workers refused to work to benefit Russia. Soon after they started sending employees 'to the basement'. The autopsy of Oaklee Mae Snow, the tiny blue-eyed baby girl, whose badly decomposed body was found hidden in the bottom of a dresser, died of 'unspecified means,' the coroner's office revealed. The youngster was just shy of turning two when she went missing on January 19. After a comprehensive search, Oaklee's remains were found in April 21 in an abandoned home in central Indiana, nearly three months after her disappearance. Oaklee's autopsy results were completed this week by the Morgan County Coroner's Office but the manner and cause of death remains to be a mystery as officials described her death as 'homicide of unspecified means'. Oaklee's young mother, Madison Marshall, 22 and Marshall's boyfriend, Roan Waters, 25, were later charged in connection to the baby's death and abduction, Law & Crime reported. Oaklee Mae Snow was nearly 2 when she first went missing on January 19. After a comprehensive search, Oaklee's remains were found in April 21 in an abandoned home in central Indiana Oaklee's mother Madison Marshall, 22, was charged with numerous counts, including neglect of a dependent resulting in death and assisting a criminal Roan Waters, 25, was charged with murder, battery, neglect of a dependent resulting in death and several other counts Waters was charged with murder, battery, neglect of a dependent resulting in death and several other counts. Marshall was charged with numerous counts, including neglect of a dependent resulting in death and assisting a criminal, WTHR-TV reported. When Marion County Prosecutor Ryan Mears announced the charges, he said Oaklee 'suffered a horrific death and an abandonment that diminished the dignity that any child deserves.' He added: 'As parents, we have a duty to protect our children. The toddler's biological father, Zachary Snow, told the authorities that Oaklee and her brother were taken from his home in Cromwell, Oklahoma, without his knowledge or permission by their mother and mother's boyfriend. The couple had traveled to Indianapolis - more than 700 miles and 12 hours away - from Oklahoma in early March, as per the Indianapolis Police Department. Marshall told the authorities she was in Indianapolis to drop her son off at someone's home but made no mention of Oaklee. Waters' mother reportedly lives in Indiana. Investigators determined Marshall was last seen with her two children while in Indianapolis. A witness reported seeing what appeared to be a child wrapped in a blanket who was not moving or crying. On April 21, a childs remains had been found in rural Morgan County, about 27 miles south of Indianapolis, police said. Marshall told investigators that Waters killed the toddler and hid the body in the dresser at a home in Morgantown, Indiana, according to court documents obtained by KOCO. Marshall was 'hysterical and sobbing' when she led investigators to the home. Baby Oaklee was just shy of turning two before she disappeared and was later found dead in a dresser drawer in an abandoned home in Indiana Zachary Snow, the biological father, is holding his daughter Oaklee. He has made several post about his daughter in the aftermath of her remains being found The missing persons flyer that was distributed when Oaklee first went missing Days ago, a memorial service was held for Oaklee, according to posts by her father on social media. 'Rest easy baby girl daddy will take it from here!!,' Zachary Snow wrote on social media. Zachary Snow has made several post about his daughter in the aftermath of her remains being found. 'I love you baby girl I still don't think this is real..your on my mind all day every day.. I'm still trying to accept the fact your never coming home daddy will never give up on you,' he noted in a May 18 post. 'Your big brother thinks your the moon and talks to you all the time it's the saddest but cutest thing I've ever seen. I'm sorry baby oh so sorry.' An NYC subway rider accused of fatally stabbing a man who punched his girlfriend and harassed other passengers has been pictured - as his lawyer questioned why he's not been released like Jordan Neely's killer. Jordan Williams, 20, allegedly pulled out a pocket knife and stabbed Devictor Ouedraogo, 36, on a northbound J train in Williamsburg, Brooklyn on Tuesday. He was arrested by police on Wednesday and charged with manslaughter and criminal possession of a weapon. Ouedraogo, who has attempted robbery convictions in his past, reportedly punched his girlfriend and was bothering other passengers before he was knifed to death. The case echoes that of black homeless man Jordan Neely, 30, who was killed on the F-train on May 1 when Daniel Penny, 24 - a white ex-Marine - put him in a chokehold for allegedly threatening fellow passengers, claiming he acted in self-defense. Ex-Marine Penny surrendered himself to the police almost two weeks after Neely's death on May 12 when he was charged with second-degree manslaughter and then released on $100,000 bail. Williams' attorney said his client was also acting in self-defense - but claimed the reason he is being treated differently is because he is black. The lawyer of a New York City subway rider who fatally stabbed a man for punching his girlfriend and harassing others has asked why he hasn't been released like Jordan Neely's killer Jordan Williams, 20, (center) allegedly pulled out a pocket knife and stabbed Devictor Ouedraogo, 36, on a northbound J train in Williamsburg, Brooklyn on Tuesday Ouedraogo, who has attempted robbery convictions in his past, reportedly punched his girlfriend and was bothering other passengers before he was knifed to death Williams' attorney Jason Goldman said: 'Its upsetting to see that Mr. Williams is even being charged without a thorough investigation. 'We already know that the victim punched his girlfriend and menaced passenger. 'Is Mr. Williams not getting the same treatment that Mr. Penny received released, voluntary surrender, and low bail because his skin color is different and he comes from a particular neighborhood? 'Instead, those very factors will likely result in Mr. Williams, a young boy, fighting this case of clear self-defense from a cage at Rikers.' Authorities said Ouedraogo boarded the Brooklyn-bound train with the couple at around 8.10pm on Tuesday night, before he allegedly started to harass commuters traveling over the Williamsburg Bridge. Video obtained by the New York Daily News showed the victim, who was slurring his words and was shirtless, getting into a random passenger's face. The outlet has not published the footage. As the commuter tried not to react, Ouedraogo began gyrating in front of him. Williams could be seen approaching the man in an apparent attempt to calm him down by the end of the video. But a second clip obtained by the outlet showed the two men fighting, as an unknown woman was heard screaming 'Don't f******* touch her, you piece of s***.' 'Get your f****** hand off of her. It is not known if this woman referenced was Williams' girlfriend who was allegedly punched. Ouedraogo was then seen backing off as his chest was covered in blood and stumbled off the train and collapsed on the platform. Police and first responders rushed to the scene, and emergency service crews took the man to a hospital, where he was pronounced dead. A witness, identified only as Eric, told the New York Post that Ouedraogo was getting in the face of somebody on the other end of the train and at one point he took his shirt off and I heard him say he was going to erase someone. He said Ouedraogo was with a friend and they were both acting obnoxious on the train and were sat next to a young woman and opposite two older women. One of the older women reacted defensively when Ouedraogo started to speak to her and Williams rolled his eyes and told him you need to chill or you need to relax, according to Eric. The pair then began to talk until Ouedraogo struck him in the face before also punching his girlfriend. Passengers fled the scene while the fight took place and Eric said he didnt see him [Williams] pull out a knife but it looked like he punched him [Ouedraogo] in the chest. Police and first responders rushed to the scene, and emergency service crews took the man to a hospital, where he was pronounced dead Williams was arrested by police on Wednesday and charged with manslaughter and criminal possession of a weapon Attorney Jason Goldman said his client was acting in self defense and claimed the reason he is being treated differently to Daniel Penny, who was charged over the chokehold death of Neely on the subway, is because he is black The victim then walked through the car doors into the car where everyone was and I backed up and he had a hole in the center of his chest and it was pumping blood and he had a glossed over look in his eyes, Eric added. His friend was kind of smacking him in the face but he was completely unconscious laying on the subway platform. Officers said the couple involved in the attack stayed on the train, but were tracked down at the Chauncey Street station. They said they did not know the victim, and both Williams and his girlfriend were taken into custody as 'persons of interest,' though the woman was later released. Ouedraogo had spent three years in prison beginning in 2009 following an attempted robbery conviction in Queens. Meanwhile in Penny's case, the ex-Marine was indicted by a grand jury on Wednesday and is expected to appear in court on July 17 charged with second-degree manslaughter, after being released on bail. More than $2.8million has been raised for Penny's legal defense on GiveSendGo- which until now was better known for being used by those charged with participating in the January 6th Capitol riot and by supporters of Kyle Rittenhouse. In a recent interview, Penny further claimed Neely ripped off his jacket and threatened to kill the subway passengers. 'The man stumbled on, he appeared to be on drugs, the doors closed, and he ripped his jacket off and threw it down at the people sitting next to me at my left,' he added. Penny said he was listening to music and took his headphones out as he heard Neely yelling in what he deemed a 'scary situation.' The incident has drawn similarities with the death of Neely, 30, a homeless man with drug addiction problems, who died on the subway on May 1 after he was restrained by Penny 'The three main threats that he repeated over and over again were I'm going to kill you, I'm prepared to go to jail for life and I'm willing to die,' Penny said. Penny said he felt he couldn't sit and do nothing any longer, echoing an interview he gave earlier this week where he cited a talk at school from author Elie Wiesel. 'There's a common misconception that Marines don't get scared. We're actually taught one of our core values is courage, and courage is not the absence of fear but how you handle fear,' he said. 'I was scared for myself but I looked around there was women and children, he was yelling in their faces saying these threats. I just couldn't sit still.' He argued the reporting that he was 'holding on' to Neely for 15 minutes 'is not true.' 'The whole interaction lasted less than 5 minutes. Some people say I was trying to choke him to death - which is also not true. I was trying to restrain him.' He claimed the grip he used to keep Neely restrained was 'based on the force that [Neely's] exerting.' 'You can see in the video there's a clear rise and fall of his chest, indicating that he's breathing. I'm trying to restrain him from being able to carry out the threats.' If Penny is convicted he could be sentenced to up to 15 years in prison. A top Republican wants to defund the anti-fraud police that jailed mobster Al Capone and take away their firearms. Senator Joni Ernst, who represents Iowa in the upper house of Congress, has introduced a draft law that aims to 'disarm the IRS (Internal Revenue Service).' 'The taxman is fully loaded at the expense of the taxpayer,' Ernst claimed. 'Any further weaponization of this federal agency against hardworking Americans and small businesses is a grave concern.' The predecessor of the IRS Criminal Investigations unit helped jail Chicago mobster Al Capone in 1931 Ernst, a vocal defender of the Second Amendment, is introducing a law to deny tax law enforcement agents the right to bear arms Her claims have echoes of a Republican-backed yet oft-debunked conspiracy theory, which circulated online last year, that the Biden administration was about to arm as many as 87,000 IRS agents to raid the homes of ordinary Americans. Ukraine-bashing Congresswoman Marjorie Taylor Greene of Georgia repeated the bogus claim on social media last August. Ernst, once floated as a possible Trump VP pick in 2016, wants to pass her 'Why Does the IRS Have Guns Act' that would strip the IRS of the right to buy, receive or store guns and ammunition. Her blueprint could dent her reputation for fiscal conservatism, however, as the plan would hobble the IRS's ability to claw back lost revenues from tax-dodgers. The ex-servicewoman also says that any existing firearms held by the IRS should be sold off to pay off the federal deficit that hit an eye-watering $1.4 trillion in 2022. She cited findings by the watchdog group Open the Books, which showed the IRS spent $35.2 million on guns, ammunition, and military-style equipment since 2006. But her call may raise eyebrows in mainstream GOP circles where Republicans have traditionally backed law enforcement officers and value abiding by the law. As most U.S. lawmakers know, the IRS set up its criminal investigations unit over a century ago in 1919. Its goal was to disrupt and dismantle major drug and money laundering organizations, and its officers helped convict mafia boss Al Capone back in 1931. The name of the elite unit back then was simply the IRS Enforcement Branch. And in 2009, its agents helped to put disgraced financier Bernie Madoff behind bars for swindling investors and retirement funds out of billions of dollars. Fraudster Bernie Madoff was brought down after an investigation by IRS special agents and is now behind bars Today, there are just over 2,000 IRS special agents of its some 80,000 employees who carry firearms. The unit is a federal law enforcement agency that probes potential white-collar crimes such as tax fraud and has sweeping powers to make arrests. The right of those officers to bear arms is set out under federal legislation known as the U.S. code. A mere 8,000 of its overall staff are actually involved in the auditing of tax returns filed by American firms and workers. IRS Commissioner Dan Werfel told a congressional hearing in April that claims of the entire tax agency's workforce being given arms and the power of arrest were false. 'Our criminal investigation division is where we work to reduce and engage in tax fraud and acute areas of tax evasion where in order to enforce, were putting federal employees life in danger and therefore, theres a need to arm,' he said. Ernst, 52, remains an influential figure on the right of the Republican party and she drew several GOP presidential candidates to her annual 'Roast and Ride' event in Iowa on June 3. Her bill to defund the IRS criminal investigations unit stands little chance of becoming law because the Democrats currently control the Senate. President Joe Biden on Thursday snapped at a reporter who asked him why he was called 'Big Guy' by an executive of Ukrainian energy company Burisma. The nickname was revealed in an FBI memo that Republicans claim proves Biden was at the center of a $5 million cash for influence bribery scheme when he was vice president, a source told DailyMail.com. DailyMail.com revealed earlier this week that the executive has also kept 17 audio recordings of phone calls with Joe and Hunter as an 'insurance policy.' 'Why did the Ukraine informant file refer to you as the Big Guy?,' the reporter asked during an event at the White House. 'Why did you ask such a dumb question?' Biden snapped back. President Joe Biden snapped at a reporter who asked him why he was called 'Big Guy' by a Burisma executive According to a 'highly credible' whistleblower, an internal FBI FD-1023 memo created in 2020 based on information from a well-paid informant apparently details a $5 million 'arrangement' in exchange for policy decisions between then-Vice President Joe Biden and a foreign national. A source familiar with the case confirmed to DailyMail.com that the foreign national - an executive from Ukrainian gas company Burisma Holdings Limited - referred to Joe Biden as the 'Big Guy'. In a bombshell speech on the Senate floor Monday, GOP Senator Chuck Grassley of Iowa cited what is believed to have been the information redacted in the FD-1023 file. Grassley said the executive has 15 recordings of phone calls with Hunter and two with Joe. He claims they were kept as an 'insurance policy' in case the foreign national was in a 'tight spot.' The tapes have not been released to the public. And Republican Rep. James Comer, the chairman of the Oversight Committee told Newsmax that he had not heard the tapes and couldn't confirm their existence. 'I can confirm they were listed in the 1023 that the FBI redacted,' Comer said. 'We don't know if they're legit or not.' A Burisma executive allegedly called Joe Biden the 'Big Guy' as revealed in an FBI memo; Hunter Biden sat on Burisma's board The form also indicates that then-Vice President Joe Biden may have been involved in Burisma employing Hunter Biden, Grassley continued. The senator also slammed the FBI for finally agreeing to show lawmakers a redacted version of the FD-1023 form 'on the same day' that the Department of Justice announced a 37-count indictment of former President Donald Trump for alleged mishandling of classified records. Trump was arraigned Tuesday in Miami and pleaded 'not guilty' to all 37 counts. 'Two standards of justice in this country will turn our constitutional Republic upside down,' Grassley said on the Senate floor Monday. 'Thanks to the political infection within the Biden Justice Department and FBI, we're well along the road for that to happen.' On Tuesday, Sen. Ted Cruz questioned the FBI Deputy Director Paul Abbate regarding the FD-1023 form. Abbate told the Texas senator that he would not comment on the form or its contents, saying: 'I'm just not going to comment on information we've received, investigations or other matters.' Cruz fired back, accusing Abbate and the FBI at large of 'stonewalling and covering up serious allegations of evidence of corruption from the President.' After a long back-and-forth between the FBI and congressional Republicans, including a threat of holding the director in contempt of Congress, FBI director Christopher Wray finally allowed the form to be viewed by lawmakers in a secure setting last week. After reviewing the document last week, House Oversight Committee Chairman James Comer, R-Ky., told reporters the accusations contained in the form 'suggests a pattern of bribery' consistent with findings the committee has put out publicly. It's called 'money laundering,' he said, saying it fits within the pattern of over $1 million in Romanian-linked payments to the Biden family revealed last month. Democrats also viewed the form. Democratic Rep. Jamie Raskin told CNN the allegations had already been debunked in the last administration: 'It was thoroughly checked out by the Trump Justice Department, and they couldn't find anything there. And if anybody would have an incentive to find something there it would have been the Trump Justice Department.' Former Attorney General Bill Barr, who was attorney general under Trump, had the allegations sent to Delaware US Attorney David Weiss, who is overseeing an ongoing criminal investigation into Hunter Biden. He told Fox News recently the information 'doesn't say whether it's true or not.' 'That information was checked out, and it was determined that it was not likely to have been disinformation. It doesn't say whether it's true or not, but there was no sign there was disinformation. And so it was provided to the ongoing investigation in Delaware to follow up on and check out,' Barr said. But a senior law enforcement official told NBC News the FBI and a US attorney appointed by Trump reviewed the allegation when it was made in 2020. The bribery allegation was not substantiated, the official said. Meanwhile, Grassley slammed the FBI for the 'disrespect' it has shown Congress in the manner it allowed the document to be read. 'The FBI made Congress review a redacted unclassified document in a classified facility,' the senator criticized. 'Based on the facts known to Congress and the public, it's clear that the Justice Department and FBI will use every resource to investigate candidate Trump, President Trump and former President Trump,' the senator stated. He continued to say the agencies haven't had the 'same laser focus' on the Biden family. Grassley added that he want everyone to remember that he has read the full unredacted version of the form and will continue to press the FBI for transparency with the American people. The 'confidential human source' behind the allegations in the form is a 'trusted, highly credible informant' who has been used by the FBI for over 10 years and has been paid over six figures, Republicans have said. Republicans led by Comer and Grassley released a report digging in on over $10 million received by Biden family members from foreign actors In addition, the FBI record is currently being used in an ongoing investigation that is being conducted by the Department of Justice in Delaware into Hunter Biden's finances. Republicans have also told DailyMail.com that the Biden whistleblower in the alleged bribery scheme is now afraid 'someone could kill them if someone found out who they are' for bringing potentially damaging info to light about Joe Biden when he was vice president. The FBI confirmed to DailyMail.com last week that it would allow the lawmakers to view the document. 'The FBI has continually demonstrated its commitment to working with the Committee to accommodate its request, from scheduling briefings and calls to now allowing the Chair to review information in person. The FBI remains committed to cooperating with the Committee in good faith.' In early May, Republicans led by Comer and Grassley released a report digging in on over $10 million received by Biden family members from foreign actors, including previously undisclosed $1 million in Romanian-linked payments, and a 'web' of 20 companies created while President Joe Biden was vice president and pushing anti-corruption efforts abroad. The House Oversight Committee subpoenaed Biden family associate and Hunter Biden business partner Devon Archer, Monday evening. Comer wrote that Archer's testimony is 'critical' to the Republicans' investigation based on his deep ties to Biden family business deals internationally - including in Ukraine. He is demanded to appear for a deposition on Friday, June 16. Comer also confirmed there are at least three additional FD-1023 forms in existence that Wray agreed committee leadership can view in coming days. Randy Motsumi is the kind of figure you would trust with your life on an elephant safari in Africa's wilds. An imposing professional hunter, he has overseen the killing of 48 tuskers in Botswana during the three years since the country lifted its ban on big game shooting. 'The ban created chaos,' he says. 'We lost a lot of elephants and many were injured because poaching took over from hunting all over the country. 'It was like the Wild West here. Elephants even baby ones and feeding mothers will have died in excruciating pain after being shot at haphazardly by criminals wanting ivory or local people needing food. 'Often their guns were too small to deliver the fatal blow. Many elephants we shoot now have old pellet wounds under the skin from that time. They have not healed since.' Randy Motsumi is the kind of figure you would trust with your life on an elephant safari in Africa's wilds Randy, 44, is on the front line of the trophy-hunting war the furious debate over a proposed UK ban on hunters bringing home souvenirs such as pelts, horns or tusks or other body parts from animals they have shot abroad He shows me mobile phone pictures of a dead elephant killed in April by a Spanish client from his hunting lodge, Sabu Dawn Safaris, 100 miles from Maun, the largest town in northern Botswana. The elephant is clearly a great age with its huge head and enormous tusks which made it a prime trophy target. It had suffered injuries from poachers during the hunting ban. 'You can see where the pellets are lodged in its flesh,' says Randy, pointing to the creature's forehead which was scattered with festering lesions. 'They will have made it unhappy and aggressive'. Randy, 44, is on the front line of the trophy-hunting war the furious debate over a proposed UK ban on hunters bringing home souvenirs such as pelts, horns or tusks or other body parts from animals they have shot abroad. He and countless other Africans, including Botswana's president, condemn the ban, saying the 'ignorant' West is meddling colonial-style in affairs it knows nothing about. They point out that Britain permits the export of trophy antlers of stags shot by rich foreign hunters on the Scottish hills and that the proposed ban is surely hypocritical. Opposing them are British politicians, celebrities and conservationists who insist that paying to kill wild and endangered animals abroad for sport is a vile past-time that must be brought to an end. The matter comes to a head today when the Trophy Hunting Import Prohibition Bill, backed by the Government, is debated in the House of Lords having already passed though the Commons. The Private Members Bill, brought by Tory MP Henry Smith, will ban the import of trophies hunted from around 6,000 species, including lions, elephants and rhinos. 'Our country does not want to be part of a trade in the body parts of endangered animals,' declared a pious Mr Smith. It is true, of course, that most of us are repelled by social media pictures of rich American and European hunters posing by the bodies of majestic beasts that they have shot in Africa. But the fact is that Africans in many countries are confronted by huge populations of the creatures that cause immense damage to crops and pose a threat to people's lives. They see strictly controlled hunting as a means of containing the numbers, bringing cash into desperately deprived rural communities and providing funds for wildlife conservation. This week, on the eve of the Lords vote, senior diplomats of six African hunting nations wrote to The Times, complaining they'd been told that: 'countries that do lose hunting revenue should apply for UK grant money and aid funding'. 'However,' the letter continued, 'promoting a beggar-like dependency on aid is a 19th-century solution to our 21st-century problem.' There is also the danger that a trophy ban will stop British hunters and encourage those from less scrupulous countries China and Russia among them to take their place. In a scientific report released in the UK this week by African and British academics, Dr Christopher Brown, CEO of the Chamber for the Environment in Namibia, warned that elephant numbers in former British colonies in Africa are 'stable and increasing' and they will 'look eastwards' for new hunting customers. Here in Botswana, for example, the elephant appears to be thriving. The country has a population of 130,000 of the creatures, almost double the number 25 years ago, and the most of any African nation. In some lush areas, near the famous Okavango Delta where Prince Harry courted Meghan Markle, the population density matches that of 1850 when millions of elephants roamed the continent. Elephants are drawn to such feeding grounds from neighbouring arid countries by their incessant daily need for 40 gallons of water, and up to 20 stone of vegetation, to survive. Dr Christiaan Winterbach, a Maun-based wildlife biologist providing data on elephant movements to the Botswanan government, explained to the Mail: 'They have moved close to rural villages which have not encountered them for six or seven generations. 'If their numbers aren't controlled by hunting, Africans in the countryside turn to killing them, by gun or poaching, to protect themselves and get meat to eat.' Africans in many countries are confronted by huge populations of elephants that cause immense damage to crops and pose a threat to people's lives In the course of a three-week investigation here, the Mail has witnessed just how important trophy hunting is to villagers. Under a strict quota system in Botswana, hunters can shoot around 200 elephants in the country this year, with 80 per cent of the meat donated to local people. Take the case of the poor and isolated village of Mababe, 73 miles north-west of Maun. In the dusty square, where toddlers and puppies played in the dust, there was a small hut which housed a 5 ft high pile of sun-dried meat, called segwapa, cut into long strips. The precious haul, which will feed the village during this southern hemisphere winter, had come from a trophy elephant shot four days earlier by a hunter before it was skinned, de-tusked, and given to the village. Rethokanang Mogedu, a 48-year-old mother, sat on a tree stump near the hut holding a segwapa strip as she told us of the harsh reality of African rural life. 'We are the ones living with elephants. You don't have them in your country. 'There are so many everywhere. We have to remind the children to be frightened of them because [they] are used to seeing so many around. These wild animals cross the road in front of them when they walk to school. 'We have given up growing crops on our fields, elephants take everything. It is a waste of time and money. The meat from trophy hunting keeps us from starvation.' The local community trust, run by villagers, oversees the distribution of elephant meat. There are other bonuses, too. Local hunting lodges provide 39 jobs and pay 232,000 a year to the Mababe area in exchange for shooting elephants and other game animals on its patch. The money is spent on water pipes, running schools and clinics, even food parcels for the elderly. There are strict rules to stop villagers taking the law into their own hands by shooting, poisoning, or snaring elephants. That doesn't make life in rural Botswana easy. Gaalathwe Nxauwe is the 35-year-old head of the community trust in Qangwa region, five hours by jeep from Maun, where 1,050 people live in clusters of thatched huts. Under the Botswana quota system, six elephants annually can be shot here, with the community trust paid 11,860 for each one by hunting lodges. Mr Nxauwe told me: 'I'd like more hunting to control the elephants. They come to drink water right next to the school endangering our children, even killing our cattle or goats by pushing them out of the way.' Randy Motsumi, the professional local hunter, agrees. As a teenager, he was taught by village elders in eastern Botswana how to shoot an elephant. 'In my early 20s, I learned the skills, the tracking, and then I did the shooting myself,' he explains as we sit in a coffee bar in Maun. 'In 2005, I became a professional hunter. I was unusual then. The industry was dominated by white men. 'Now we have black men, and that's a good thing. At the government-run auctions selling elephant shooting quotas each year, you see a lot of them who are professional hunters, like me.' The hunting lodges in Randy's area are allowed to take out 11 elephants a year. 'I have clients who are American, German and Spanish. The British go elsewhere. We are very careful about what we do. I have a rifle by my side as the client takes the shot. If he misses, then I kill it myself.' Randy explains how he guided the Spanish hunter who shot the old elephant with the big tusks a few weeks ago. 'We used binoculars to make sure it was already at the end of its life. We were careful not to spook it, not to let it smell or hear us. If the wind had changed, we would have run.' They crept up and the Spaniard shot the animal in one side of its head, sending the bullet straight into its brain. The hunter flew its tusks back to Spain after they were treated by a local Botswanan taxidermist so they would not carry any infection. Randy is also 'on call' to shoot problem elephants plaguing villagers. He shows videos that reveal locals' growing fear and hatred of the beasts in rural Botswana. One clip shows a man taking a shot at an elephant with a pistol as it invades his village. In a second, locals shout with glee as they dance on top of the mortally wounded elephant lying on the ground, its ears and feet moving, after it has been (illegally) shot by them. Stories like this are a disturbing element of the trophy-hunting row that is seldom told. Africans complain the UK's proposed ban concerns only the animals. 'It ignores us humans, as though we Africans are lesser beings,' one community leader in Botswana told me, angrily. They point out that allowing trophy hunting does not mean a free-for-all. Even in gun-crazy America where a five-year ban on African animal carcasses being brought into the country was lifted in 2022 imports of wild animal trophies are strictly monitored by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. Debbie Peake, a leading light of Botswana's Conservation Coalition, monitors the foreign hunters' elephant trophies waiting for export to the U.S., and other countries. She estimates that 250 pairs of tusks from animals killed by Americans are in a Botswana warehouse awaiting export because of the checks. 'Rules on imports of trophies to the U.S. have become tight. There's a lot of red tape, form filling, delays, and so the tusks remain with us,' she says. None of this, of course, will interest 16-year-old Thiyepo Mariro, whom I met in Botswana on my recent visit. I first heard of his terrifying brush with an elephant at his village, Etsha 6, when I reported from the country in 2019. Back then, Dr Alex Kalonji, a medic at Gumare hospital who treated elephant-injured patients, told me he had saved Thiyepo's life after an attack. And last month, I finally managed to track Thiyepo down to his boarding school in Gumare where he showed me the 12 in-long scar on his thigh where it had been pierced by the elephant's tusk. 'My uncle and me were riding donkeys to check the cattle in the evening. There were a lot of elephants in the road. This big bull came for us. It picked me out,' he recalled. 'The elephant pushed me off my donkey. It trampled me, breaking my leg, piercing my pelvis right through. The tusk went sideways into my body and out the other side.' Thiyepo crawled under a bush. 'I didn't feel pain because I was in such shock. My shorts were so heavy with my blood I pulled them off and threw them out onto the road.' And it was lucky he did. The elephant concentrated on the shorts, tossing them into the air and stamping on them as Thiyepo dragged himself away. He was taken to hospital where he remained for three weeks as he was underwent a series of complicated operations. 'I now want to be a nurse because I was saved by the doctor,' he told me with a smile. 'I tell all my friends elephants are dangerous, wild animals.' As for Randy, he also allows himself a grin as he insists that the British should know that elephant meat is regarded as a delicacy in his country. He took the trunk of the elephant shot by the Spaniard back home and cooked it in milk for three days until it was tender. 'It was delicious,' he says. 'We should all eat more of it.' A 41-year-old Canadian woman died after undergoing tummy tuck surgery in Columbia, where she started 'expelling large quantities of blood.' Luz Deicy Velez Estrada traveled from her home in Montreal, Canada, to undergo the operation and a skin tightening surgery in the Colombian capital Bogota on March 8, but became violently ill later that night and died at a local hospital. 'After 15 years living in Canada, Luz traveled to Colombia to have an operation with a person she found on the internet called "The Doll Maker,"' her husband Felix Alejandro Aguirre said, referring to renowned surgeon Yina Calderon. Estrada paid 28 million Columbian pesos, or about $6,770, for the combination surgeries, which left her dead. Luz Deicy Velez Estrada, 41, traveled to Bogota, Columbia on March 2 to undergo a tummy tuck and skin tightening surgery but died later that night Aguierre told how his wife was taken out in a wheelchair just a few hours after the operation, and was unable to speak due to the pain she was in. The victim's parents took her back to their house and helped her to bed. However, minutes later she needed to go to the toilet and ended up falling seriously ill. According to Aguierre, Luz then started expelling large quantities of blood until she eventually passed out in the bathroom. The Argentine-Canadian widower added: 'Right there, her parents took her to the hospital as quickly as possible. 'They managed to revive her in the emergency room, but a few minutes later, the doctor came out to announce that she had died.' Her husband Felix Alejandro Aguirre said authorities have not yet returned his wife's body To make matters worse, the grieving husband claimed the Colombian authorities have yet to return his wife's body for burial in the three months since she died on March 8. He said: 'I just want to know the truth about what happened that day. 'It's been over three months and I still can't bring my lady home. 'What explanation do I give my children and relatives?' Felix has called on the Canadian embassy in Bogota and the Colombian embassy in Ottawa to help return his wife's body to Montreal as quickly as possible. He also hopes the embassies' involvement will speed up the ongoing investigation. The four suspects are said to be living along the tri-border region that connects Argentina, Brazil and Paraguay An Argentine judge has ordered the arrest of four Lebanese citizens linked to the bombing of a Jewish community center in 1994. The deadly blast killed 85 people and injured more than 300 at the Argentine Jewish Mutual Aid Society on July 18, 1994, in Buenos Aires. Federal judge Daniel Rafecas on Tuesday identified the suspects as alleged members of Hezbollah and said they had a role in the attack. 'Regarding these individuals, there are well-founded suspicions that they are collaborators or operational agents of the ... armed wing of Hezbollah,' Rafecas wrote. He called on Interpol to arrest the four men and have them extradited to Argentina to stand trial. The terror network loaded 300 kilos of explosives on to a Renault Trafic and had it rammed directly into the building in 1994. The blast claimed the lives 67 people inside the center and 18 who were standing on a sidewalk and in a building next door. A federal judge in Argentina called on Interpol to arrest four alleged members of Hezbollah for their roles in the 1994 bombing of a Jewish center that left 29 people dead and more than 300 injured. Salman Raouf Salman (pictured) is said to be a senior member of the terror group Rescue workers search the rubble of a Jewish community center that was bombed on July 18, 1994 in Buenos Aires, Argentina. The Argentine government blamed Iran for supporting Hezbollah in carrying out the attack that left 29 people dead and more than 300 injured Prosecutors in Argentina believe that officials in Iran used Hezbollah fighters to set up the car bombing of the building. Iran has always rejected any notion that it was involved with the deadly blast. Both the United States and Argentina have designated Hezbollah as a terrorist organization. The four suspects are said to be living along the tri-border region that connects Argentina, Brazil and Paraguay. The area, according to the United States government, is a breeding ground for financing terrorist activities. One of the suspects wanted by Argentina is Salman Raouf Salman, a senior member of the terror group and is said to be living in Paraguay. Salman Raouf Salman is also known as Samuel Salman El Reda. The U.S. is offering a $7 million reward for information leading to his capture Rescue workers take the body of one of the 29 people who were killed in the car blast at the Argentine Jewish Mutual Aid Society in Buenos Aires, Argentina, on July 18, 1994 Salman, who is also known as Samuel Salman El Reda and Salman Remal was responsible for organizing the arrival and departure of Hezbollah members ahead of Jewish Mutual Aid Society blast. He also played a role in 'the development of part of the logistics operations and the other activities carried out by said group in charge of executing the final phase of the attack,' the judge said. Salman is also linked to the bombing of the Israeli embassy in Argentina that killed 29 people in 1992. The U.S. is offering up to $7 million for information leading to his arrest and/or conviction. Rafecas also called for the apprehension of Hussein Mounir Mouzannar, who has a Paraguayan national ID and could be living either in Paraguay or Brazil. Farouk Abdul Hay Omairi, a naturalized Brazilian citizen whose last known address was along Brazil's side of the tri-border region, and Ali Hussein Abdallah, a naturalized Brazilian citizen who has both Brazilian and Paraguayan passports, are also wanted for his involvement in the attack. New York City Mayor Eric Adams is backing out of his promise to put up illegal migrants in Gracie Mansion, citing 'legal issues.' Back in January, Adams claimed he was 'leading from the front' by offering up the official mayoral residence to house some of the thousands of undocumented migrants flooding into his city each month. 'I dont have a problem if I can put a migrant family in Gracie Mansion because I want to lead from the front. 'Thats the type of leader I am,' he said. But now, he claims red tape is thwarting the mayor from moving forward with his leadership. NYC Mayor Eric Adams said Thursday that his plan to house illegal migrants in his residence had been thwarted by the city's legal department Adams said back in January that he would try to house a few migrant families in Gracie Mansion - the Upper East Side residence of the NYC mayor On Thursday, at City Hall, Adams told reporters that perhaps it was his offer to house the migrants that really mattered the most in the end. 'I think leading the challenge of the migrant problem is both substantive and symbolic and as I always said, Good generals lead from the front,' he said. 'They dont send their troops into battle and ask, How was the war? They lead them into battle. The symbolism of saying, Im willing to put a homeless family in Gracie is that symbolism,' he continued. According to the New York Post, Adams complained that 'legal issues' were thwarting his attempt to house the migrants and that the city Law Department hasn't been able to overcome them. He did not elaborate on the precise issues that have placed a hard pause on his effort to place migrants in the Upper East Side mansion in the park. 'We are never going to break the law. And so, wed be able to know what we cant do and what we cant do as a symbolism of saying, Im willing to open up the peoples house to the people of the city,'' he said. His initial offer was part of his attempt to find 'cheaper' housing options for some of the 76,000 migrants who have arrived in New York City from the southern border in the last year. He said that he is keeping all options 'on the table' for potential space to house the migrants. Earlier this year, Adams said it was becoming too expensive to continue renting out NYC hotels to house the migrants. City Hall has contracted nearly 170 'emergency' shelters, including hotels and large Emergency Response and Relief Centers, but the ever-ballooning number of migrants continues to present a challenge. 76,000 migrants have arrived in NYC from the border in the last year, and the city has run out of places to put them A new City Hall program has been busing them upstate to much smaller communities that fear they will not be able to absurd such a large and sudden population increase Adams said he was trying to lead 'from the front' when he offered up his home to some of the migrants flooding into the city In May, the city started up a new busing operation, which asks migrants to volunteer to head to upstate hotels. The Adams administration says the city will fork over the cash for the expenses through August, but upstate leaders are pushing back, saying that once city cash runs out, their local social service programs won't be able to absorb such a large and sudden population increase. According to City Hall's calculation's, the busing effort costs less than paying for for shelters, food and other services in the five boroughs, despite several lawsuits that have already been brought by upstate counties. Governor Kathy Hochul has said there is currently space for some of the thousands of migrants at upstate SUNY campuses, though Adams has not yet asked her to make those spaces available. It is unclear what Hochul's plan for the migrants would be once students of those universities return to campus in late August. A woman whose parents both donated their bodies to Harvard, has learned her father's remains were likely sold on the black market, and is now demanding her mother's remains back. Paula Peltonovich said in an interview with her sister on WBZ on Wednesday, that she just found out her father's remains have most likely been stolen from the Harvard Medical School morgue and sold illegally. 'My mom just passed away in March and she's down there, and we want her back,' Peltonovich said to WMUR9. Cedric Lodge, the manager of the school's morgue, and five others, including his wife, Denise Lodge, 63, were indicted on Wednesday and are facing charges of conspiracy and transport of stolen goods. Lodge sometimes took the body parts - including heads, brains, skin and bones - back to his home where he lived with his wife. He then allegedly allowed buyers to come to the morgue to pick what remains they wanted to buy. Paula Peltonovich found out Wednesday that her father's remains have most likely been stolen from the Harvard Medical School morgue and sold illegally on the black market Nick (left) and Joan Pichowicz (right) of New Hampshire, were public servants who were married 66 years, and both donated their bodies to Harvard Nick Pichowicz (pictured) served as a deputy sheriff in Rockingham County and donated his body after his death in 2019. Several buyers have also been named in the indictment as the investigation unfolds, including Joshua Taylor, of West Lawn, Pennsylvania, and Katrina MacLean, of Salem, Massachusetts, who owned and operated a business called Kat's Creepy Creations in Peabody, Massachusetts. The woman's parents, Nick and Joan Pichowicz of New Hampshire, were public servants who were married 66 years, and dedicated their lives to giving back to their community. Her father, Nick Pichowicz, served as a deputy sheriff in Rockingham County and donated his body after his death in 2019. Her mother, Joan Pichowicz, served as a Plaistow police officer and died in March of this year, after prosecutors say the alleged human remains scheme ceased operations, according to WMUR9. 'They were giving people,' Paula Peltonovich said of her parents. It was no surprise that the couple decided to donate their bodies to science, and they trusted Harvard to take care of their remains. 'They trusted them to do good science work with their bodies. And then you hear this,' Peltonovich told WBZ. 'I literally wanted to throw up,' her sister added. Peltonovich demanded Joan Pichowicz's body returned, according to WCVB, and demanded consequences for those responsible. 'Who could do something like that? What kind of person? No respect at all for the family,' she said. 'They need to pay.' Cedric Lodge (pictured) is said to have stolen the remains from cadavers donated to the prestigious university for scientific research and education Peltonovich and her sister live in Plaistow and Newton and said they confirmed with the U.S. attorney's office that their father's remains were victimized in the scheme The sisters worry they may never know what happened to their father (right) and demand Harvard return their mother's body But the sisters worry they may not ever know what happened to their father's body. Now, the sisters just want their mother out of the morgue and demand Harvard return her body. Another woman who gave her aunt's body to Harvard Medical School said she felt 'sick' after learning the esteemed university's morgue manager has been accused of selling hundreds of corpses for profit. Sarah Hill said her beloved aunt Christine Eppich had always planned to donate her body to the college's renowned Anatomical Gifts program. Following her death from pancreatic cancer in March 2021, Hill said her relatives assumed the remains were in 'the best hands possible' - but now realizes she may have been subjected to a disturbing fate. Christine Eppich (pictured) had planned for years before her death to give her body to Harvard Medical School for research and education Hill (right) said Eppich (left) decided to give her remains to science for 'other people to benefit from her passing' Eppich's niece Sarah Hill (pictured) said she felt 'sick' learning her aunt's remains may have been sold or tampered with in a disturbing human body trafficking ring The morgue manager at Harvard Medical School allegedly stole heads, brains, skin and other body parts and sold them, according to a federal indictment filed on Wednesday. 'You know you give your loved one to a program like Harvard and you think that everything will be done properly, and that people would never profit from something like this,' she told Boston25. A federal indictment alleges that former morgue manager Cedric Lodge, 55, spent years diverting organs and cadaver parts that had been donated to Harvard Medical School in an alleged conspiracy that ran from about 2018 until at least August 2022. Cedric Lodge is said to have stolen the remains from cadavers donated to the prestigious university for scientific research and education. The filing states that Lodge took the dissected body parts to his home in Goffstown New Hampshire, where he and his wife Denise sold them on as part of a national network of human remains traffickers. Some of the remains were even shipped through the United States Postal Service. U.S. Attorney's Office believes Lodge to have engaged in the unlawful trafficking of human remains between 2018 through to August 16, 2022 while working in the morgue as part of the university's Anatomical Gift Program. Lodge had worked at Harvard since 1995 until the Medical School terminated his employment on May 6 this year. Several buyers have also been named in the indictment including Jeremy Pauley (pictured) Pauley, 40, had previously been arrested and charged for abuse of a corpse, receiving stolen property and dealing in the proceeds of unlawful activities Maclean is also accused of selling on the remains he obtained to other buyers in multiple states including to Jeremy Pauley The school is now working with federal authorities to determine which donors may have been affected and have set up a hotline for donors' families to access information and support. Harvard insist that no other employees at the school are facing charges or are suspected of any wrongdoing. Several buyers have also been named in the indictment including Joshua Taylor, of West Lawn, Pennsylvania, and Katrina MacLean, of Salem, Massachusetts, who owned and operated a business called Kat's Creepy Creations in Peabody, Massachusetts. 'At times, Cedric Lodge used his access to the morgue to allow Katrina MacLean, Joshua Taylor and others to enter the morgue and choose what remains to purchase,' the indictment states. Maclean is also accused of selling on the remains he obtained to other buyers in multiple states including to Jeremy Pauley of Enola and Bloomsburg, Pennsylvania. In October 2020 Maclean sold two dissected faces and skin to Pauley for $600, who was hired to tan the skin and make it into leather before shipping it back to Maclean. The indictment states that Pauley transferred $8,800 to MacLean and 25 payments totaling $40,049.04 to Taylor via PayPal. Hugh Hefner's son and Playboy heir has joined OnlyFans against his wife's wishes and has teased how much he earns - to fund his Pokemon card hobby. Marston Hefner, 33, hinted that he has earned more than $100,000 from the subscription service, adding that although his partner, Anna Lambropoulos, is supportive of his 'dreams' she would prefer he was not part of the website. The content creator, who is one of the late Playboy founder's four children - described his OnlyFans endeavor as 'a long-term avenue for further financial security'. 'I really like comic books, I really like Pokemon cards - I'm a collector,' he told the New York Post's Page Six. 'This is a way for me to get an income so that I can buy that Pokemon card that I really want.' Marston Hefner, 33, hinted that he has earned more than $100,000 from the subscription service Hefner's wife, Anna Lambropoulos, is supportive of his 'dreams' she would prefer he was not part of the website 'It makes a big difference,' he added. 'I'll be able to own a Pokemon trophy card very soon.' Pokemon trophy cards sell online often for more than $100,000 - with some selling for as much as treble this price. Hefner, who describes himself as 'bisexual af' on his OnlyFans page, added though that his wife is 'not crazy' about him being on the website. 'She would rather me not be on OnlyFans, but what's more important to her is me pursuing my dreams, or my interests - taking risks,' Hefner said. The content creator said that he developed a 'progressive' view on 'nudity' after growing up with Playboys 'strewn around the house' - and his mother Kimberley Conrad was also a model for the magazine. But he added that there was a 'demarcation' in his household between 'nudity' and 'pornography'. 'I grew up in an environment where that was kind of hammered home - there's nothing wrong with nudity, nudity is normal,' he said. '(But) I grew up with this demarcation (that) Playboy is not pornography. 'So as progressive as I was, I was still taught to stigmatize whatever pornography is, and I just don't care to do that. If people have sex and they make money from it, cool.' Hefner's wife is supportive of his 'dreams' but is 'not crazy' about him earning money on OnlyFans Speaking about his wife, Hefner said: 'She would rather me not be on OnlyFans, but what's more important to her is me pursuing my dreams, or my interests - taking risks.' Hefner said Playboy magazines were strewn around his childhood home and he developed a 'progressive' outlook on nudity Hefner's OnlyFans endeavor will help him buy coveted rare Pokemon trophy cards which can come with a pricetag of more than $100,000 Hefner's OnlyFans posts, which are behind a paywall but captions are still visible, show the descriptions: 'Showing off in underwear' and 'fetishizing exercise'. In a post on June 6, he says his OnlyFans experience has been 'a wonderful journey' so far', adding that he is 'grateful' to his subscribers. Hugh Hefner's estate was reportedly divided between his four children who sold its shares for roughly $35 million. His brother, Cooper, 31, is the chief creative officer and chief of global partnerships at Playboy Enterprises, while sister Christie, 70, was the chairman until 2008. Cooper and his wife, Harry Potter actress Scarlett Byrne, who live in Los Angeles, California also last year welcomed twins. Meanwhile, Marston's older brother David Hefner, 67, is not part of the Playboy business, and works as a photographer as well as owning a computer consultancy firm. Marston is one of four children of the late Playboy founder Hugh Hefner. (Pictured: Hugh Hefner with Katie Price) Hefner, who died in 2017, became known around the world for his lavish, women-filled parties The magnate earned a reputation for his outlandish, high-rolling lifestyle Marston Hefner was not alone in his bizarre, Playboy-dominated childhood, with the daughter of the elder-Hefner's physician previously telling DailyMail.com what it was like to grow up in the famous mansion. Jennifer Saginor spent her childhood in the infamous LA party spot, and even had a room of her own in the 29-bedroom estate from the age of 12. 'In my head, it was the most magical, Disneyland environment that a kid could ask for. I used to run into the game room and shove gumballs in my pocket,' she said. 'I'd go to the Grotto and be watching people when they didn't know I was there and swimming into the tunnel from the Grotto to the pool and just really, I just had so many different adventures.' But, she explains, 'as the years went on, I didn't realize some of the boundaries being crossed by the adults would be something that would affect me for years to come.' Saginor, who has written a memoir called Playground about her childhood, says Playboy boss Hugh Hefner was like an 'uncle' and would have his butlers cater to her every whim, whether a cheeseburger for lunch or a ride to school in the Playboy limo. Jennifer Saginor is the daughter of Hugh Hefner's former personal physician Dr. Mark Saginor, dubbed 'Dr. Feelgood' due to his propensity for dishing out prescription pills. She is pictured above with her dad, grandfather, and the infamous Playboy founder Jennifer (pictured with the Playboy founder) admits she feels differently about Hefner and the environment she was thrown into looking back as an adult She revealed she now has 'mixed feelings' about the mansion due to the effect it had on her as a child (pictured) Saginor offered a glimpse into the bizarre lifestyle inside the famous mansion. Her father, Hef's personal physician and close friend Dr Mark Saginor, was nicknamed 'Dr. Feelgood' due to his propensity for dishing out prescription pills. Saginor said her father encouraged her and her sister to embrace nudity, took her clubbing at 15, and kept three jars filled with pills in the kitchen of the Beverly Hills family home labeled 'uppers', 'downers' and 'quaaludes'. But most of their time was spent at the mansion, exposing the glamorous blonde to shenanigans that included naked parties, parades of porn stars such as Ron Jeremy constantly in the home and big screen TVs that showed erotica on a loop. Holidaymakers travelling to Spain could be required to prove that they can afford their trip with 'on the spot checks'. Millions of Britons every summer flock to the beaches in Spain to soak up the beautiful sun and swim in the glorious seas. But many will be unaware of a rule that means tourists who travel to Spain are required to have 93 a day, reports Birmingham Live. Travellers are being asked by officials in Spain to show that they have a return or onward ticket and pre-booked accommodation - a hotel booking confirmation, or proof of address if you're visiting friends or staying in your own property. The spot checks may mean that visitors are asked to prove that they have sufficient financial means for the entirety of their trip, although that is not likely to happen. Holidaymakers travelling to Spain could be required to prove that they can afford their trip with 'on the spot checks' Sufficient financial means is defined by Spain as 103 (93) per day. For a family of five, this equates to 545 per day or 7,630 for a two-week holiday in Spain. Manuel Butler, the Spanish Tourist Office director (UK), said: 'The requirement for UK travellers to be able to illustrate sufficient means for the duration of their stay and the return is established in the Schengen Borders Code and is not a Spain-specific requirement. 'This is not a new requirement and has been in place for some time for visitors from outside of the European Union or Schengen area. 'When entering Spain, these checks are not systematically carried out for every traveller.' Mr Butler also mentioned that similar regulations exist in the UK. He added:' 'Likewise, travellers coming to the UK are also required to show that they have specific means to support themselves and any dependents for the duration of the trip and the ability to pay for the return or onward journey.' Tories erupted in fury last night after the Partygate inquiry called for Boris Johnson to be banished from Parliament. The Commons privileges committee accused him of 'deliberately misleading' MPs when he said lockdown gatherings at No 10 did not breach Covid rules. Led by Labour's ex-deputy leader Harriet Harman, the committee said his conduct was so serious he would have faced a 90-day suspension had he remained an MP. And in a highly unusual move, it called for Mr Johnson to be permanently denied the Commons pass offered to all former MPs, effectively barring him from the parliamentary estate. The committee also warned it could act against any politicians including Sir Jacob Rees-Mogg who called it a 'kangaroo court'. Mr Johnson branded the panel's conclusions 'deranged'; his allies said the committee had been 'spiteful' and 'vindictive'. Mr Johnson branded the panel's conclusions 'deranged'; his allies said the committee had been 'spiteful' and 'vindictive' The committee also warned it could act against any politicians including Sir Jacob Rees-Mogg (pictured with the report) who called it a 'kangaroo court' A protester holds a sign showing British Prime Minister Boris Johnson as he stands in front of the entrance to Downing Street in London earlier this year The fallout from the report may trigger a fresh round of Tory bloodletting that upsets Rishi Sunak's efforts to restore calm to the party ahead of an election expected next year. Nadine Dorries warned that Conservative MPs could even face deselection by angry local parties if they back the committee's findings in a Commons vote on Monday night. 'Any Conservative MP who would vote for this report is fundamentally not a Conservative and will be held to account by members and the public,' she said. 'Deselections may follow.' The Conservative Democratic Organisation said it had been inundated with messages from activists. Its chairman, former MEP David Campbell-Bannerman, said: 'This is just the latest part of an anti-democratic attempt to destroy Boris Johnson. If Conservative MPs choose to endorse it then they should pay a price. 'We have been inundated with calls from party members complaining of a stitch-up. We are happy to assist them if they want advice and help in getting rid of an MP.' Neil McCafferty, leader of the Boston Conservatives branch in Lincolnshire, said: 'The way the privileges committee has treated him is absolutely ridiculous and obscene. Tory MPs may sit out vote deciding his fate Dozens of Tory MPs could sit on the sidelines when Boris Johnson's fate is decided in a House of Commons vote on Monday. Conservative whips told MPs there would be no sanction for missing the vote on whether to approve the damning findings of the Commons privileges committee against Mr Johnson. The one-line whip means Mr Johnson's destiny is likely to be decided by Labour. Downing Street declined to say whether Rishi Sunak would attend but senior Tories expect him not to. A Tory source said 'a majority' of Conservative MPs would abstain. Commons leader Penny Mordaunt confirmed yesterday that MPs would get a vote on Monday on the report, which recommends Mr Johnson is denied the parliamentary pass traditionally awarded to former MPs. She urged Tory activists not to try to pressure their MPs to back Mr Johnson. 'It will be a painful process and a sad process for all of us, but we all must do what we think is right, and others must leave us alone to do so,' she said. Some allies of Mr Johnson say they will vote against and are considering a bid to amend the motion. But they concede that without Government support they do not have the numbers to get the committee's report thrown out. Opposition MPs may also seek to strengthen the sanctions against him. The Liberal Democrats yesterday called for Mr Johnson to lose the 115,000-a-year allowance granted to former PMs to help deal with issues arising from their time in office. Advertisement 'A 90-day suspension that's totally silly and a complete over-reaction. You can see that the whole thing's political contrived and biased.' Foreign Office minister Zac Goldsmith described the sanctions against Mr Johnson, which far outstrip the ten-day suspension needed to trigger a by-election, as 'obviously ridiculous and vindictive'. But Commons leader Penny Mordaunt said the privileges committee members were 'doing their duty' and warned activists against trying to influence Monday's vote by MPs. Allies of Mr Johnson believe the 'extreme' findings of the report could make him a Tory 'martyr' and pave the way to a return one day. But he is not expected to return to Parliament before the next election. In a boost for the former PM, rock star Rod Stewart said he was 'still a bit of a fan', adding: 'Maybe he should talk to me. I've been making comebacks for years.' Mr Johnson said the committee had 'found not a shred of evidence' and it was 'complete tripe' to suggest he knew rules were being broken. 'This report is a charade,' he said. 'I was wrong to believe in the committee or its good faith. The terrible truth is that it is not I who has twisted the truth to suit my purposes. It is Harriet Harman and her committee.' He denied treating Parliament with contempt and said the 'anti-democratic' report was designed to be 'the final knife-thrust in a protracted political assassination'. 'It is for the people of this country to decide who sits in parliament, not Harriet Harman,' he insisted. Mr Johnson accused the committee of 'rank hypocrisy', noting that senior member Sir Bernard Jenkin was reported to have attended a lockdown drinks party for his wife's birthday. Yesterday's report followed a 14-month investigation by the seven-strong privileges committee, which Mr Johnson has branded a 'witch-hunt'. The committee concluded that he deliberately misled MPs when he repeatedly told the Commons that lockdown gatherings in Downing Street had been within the rules. The MPs even visited Downing Street to measure the rooms to take a view on whether social distancing could have been maintained. They concluded that, 'on the balance of probabilities', Mr Johnson could not have genuinely believed that all rules and guidance were being followed. The committee concluded that Mr Johnson (right) deliberately misled MPs when he repeatedly told the Commons that lockdown gatherings in Downing Street had been within the rules The report said his angry 1,000-word statement, in which he branded the committee a 'kangaroo court', amounted to another 'very serious contempt' of Parliament 'We find it highly unlikely that Mr Johnson, having given any reflection to these matters, could himself have believed the assertions he made to the House at the time when he was making them, still less that he could continue to believe them to this day,' the report said. The committee said Mr Johnson's guilt was compounded last week when he announced he was standing down as an MP after being sent the committee's draft conclusions. The report said his angry 1,000-word statement, in which he branded the committee a 'kangaroo court', amounted to another 'very serious contempt' of Parliament. The 90-day suspension is three times the punishment meted out to former SNP MP Margaret Ferrier, who was found to have travelled long distance while suffering from Covid. Mr Johnson's decision to stand down as an MP means the suspension will not apply. One of Westminster's harshest punishments The 90-day suspension proposed for Boris Johnson is among the most severe punishments in modern Parliamentary history. It is three times longer than the 30 days voted through last week for Margaret Ferrier, the ex-SNP MP who took part in a Westminster debate then got a train back to Scotland while infected with Covid. Only a handful of MPs have been expelled after a Commons vote in the past century, although the law states that any jailed for over a year are removed automatically. Labour's Garry Allighan was ousted in 1947 after he claimed members gave information to the Press about private meetings, while Conservative Peter Baker was expelled after being jailed for seven years for forgery in 1954. Some 66 MPs have received suspensions of over a day since 1949. But many other scandal-hit MPs had to quit before being disciplined. Advertisement But he will be affected the removal of his parliamentary pass a punishment previously inflicted on former Commons speaker John Bercow over bullying allegations. If approved he will be able to enter the parliamentary estate only as a guest after queuing up with the public and going through airport-style security. Allies of Mr Johnson said they would vote against the report on Monday but conceded they did not have the numbers to defeat it. Sir Jacob said: 'Inevitably Boris will lose the vote because you have the whole of the Opposition against him ... but you also have the Boris haters in the Conservative Party.' Former minister Brendan Clarke-Smith described the report's findings as 'spiteful, vindictive and overreaching' and said he would vote against. Former home secretary Priti Patel said it was 'not surprising' that some were trying to 'discredit' Mr Johnson given his 'record and achievements'. Sir Simon Clarke said: 'I believed Boris before and I believe him today. This punishment is absolutely extraordinary to the point of sheer vindictiveness.' But his fellow Tory MPs urged Mr Johnson to go quietly and avoid further disruption. Former minister Tim Loughton said: 'It is a tragic end to Boris Johnson's career, but it is the end of his career and we should draw a line under it.' Scottish Tory leader Douglas Ross backed the committee's findings, saying: 'Any MP found to have deliberately misled Parliament is guilty of a grave incident and for a former prime minister that is even worse.' A snap poll last night by Savanta UK found that 54 per cent of Tory voters believe Mr Johnson will make a political comeback. The wider public is split, believing his career is over by a narrow margin of 47:40. It's Harriet Harman and her committee who've twisted the truth, not me. This is a dreadful day for MPs and for democracy It is now many months since people started to warn me about the intentions of the privileges committee. They told me that it was a kangaroo court. They told me that it was being driven relentlessly by the political agenda of Harriet Harman, and supplied with skewed legal advice with the sole political objective of finding me guilty and expelling me from Parliament. They also warned me most members had already expressed prejudicial views especially Ms Harman in a way that would not be tolerated in a normal legal process. Some alarmists even pointed out the majority of the committee voted remain and they stressed that Bernard Jenkin's personal antipathy to me was historic and well known. To be frank, when I first heard these warnings, I was incredulous. When it was first proposed that there should be such an inquiry by this committee, I thought it was just some time-wasting procedural stunt by the Labour Party. I didn't think for one minute that a committee of MPs could find against me on the facts, and I didn't see how any reasonable person could fail to understand what had happened. 'I believed that we were working, and we were: talking for the main about nothing except work, mainly Covid' I didn't think for one minute that a committee of MPs could find against me on the facts, and I didn't see how any reasonable person could fail to understand what had happened I knew exactly what events I had attended in No 10. I knew what I had seen, with my own eyes, and like the current PM, I believed that these events were lawful. I believed that my participation was lawful, and required by my job; and that is indeed the implication of the exhaustive police inquiry. The only exception is the June 19, 2020, event, the so-called birthday party, when I and the then chancellor Rishi Sunak were fined in circumstances that I still find puzzling (I had lunch at my desk with people I worked with every day). So when on December 1, 2021, I told the House that 'the guidance was followed completely' (in No 10) I meant it. It wasn't just what I thought: it's what we all thought that we were following the rules and following the guidance completely notwithstanding the difficulties of maintaining social distancing at all times. The committee now says that I deliberately misled the House, and at the moment I spoke I was consciously concealing from the House my knowledge of illicit events. This is rubbish. It is a lie. In order to reach this deranged conclusion, the committee is obliged to say a series of things that are patently absurd, or contradicted by the facts. First, they say that I must have known that the farewell events I attended were not authorised workplace events because wait for it NO SUCH EVENT could lawfully have taken place, anywhere in this country, under the committee's interpretation of covid rules. This is transparently wrong. I believed, correctly, that these events were reasonably necessary for work purposes. We were managing a pandemic. We had hundreds of staff engaged in what was sometimes a round-the-clock struggle against Covid. Their morale mattered for that fight. It was important for me to thank them. But don't just listen to me. Take it from the Metropolitan Police. The police investigated my role at all of those events. In no case did they find that what I had done was unlawful. Above all it did not cross my mind as I spoke in the House of Commons that the events were unlawful. I believed that we were working, and we were: talking for the main about nothing except work, mainly Covid. Why would I have set out, in the chamber, to conceal my knowledge of something illicit, if that account could be so readily contradicted by others? Why would we have had an official photographer if we believed we were breaking the law? We didn't believe that what we were doing was wrong, and after a year of work the privileges committee has found not a shred of evidence that we did. Their argument can be boiled down to: 'Look at this picture that's Boris Johnson with a glass in his hand. He must have known that the event was illegal. Therefore he lied.' It is preposterous to say, as the committee does, that people were just too scared to mention concerns to their superiors. Really? That is a load of complete tripe. That picture was me, in my place of work, trying to encourage and thank my officials in a way that I believed was crucial for the Government and for the country as a whole, and in a way which I believed to be wholly within the rules. For the committee now to say that all such events 'thank-yous' and birthdays were intrinsically illegal is ludicrous, contrary to the intentions of those who made the rules (including me), and contrary to the findings of the Met; and above all I did not for one moment think they were illicit at the time or when I spoke in the Commons. The committee cannot possibly believe the conclusions of their own report because it has emerged that Sir Bernard attended at least one 'birthday event', on December 8, 2020 the birthday of his wife Anne when it is alleged that alcohol and food were served and the numbers exceeded six indoors. Why was it illegal for me to thank staff and legal for Sir Bernard to attend his wife's birthday party? The hypocrisy is rank. Like Ms Harman, he should have recused himself from the inquiry, since he is plainly conflicted. The rest of the committee's report is mainly a rehash of their previous non-points. They have nothing new of substance to say. They concede that they have found no evidence that I was warned, before or after an event, that it was illegal. That is surely very telling. If we had genuinely believed these events to be unauthorised with all the political sensitivities entailed then there would be some trace in all the thousands of messages sent to me, and to which the committee has had access. It is preposterous to say, as the committee does, that people were just too scared to mention concerns to their superiors. Really? Was Simon Case too scared to draw his concerns to my attention? Was Sue Gray or Mr Sunak? The committee concedes that the guidance permitted social distancing of less than one metre where there was no alternative though they refuse to take account of all the other mitigations, including regular testing, that we put in place. They keep wilfully missing the point. The question is not whether perfect social distancing was maintained at all times in No 10 clearly that wasn't possible, as I have said very often. The question is whether I believed, given the limitations of the building, we were doing enough, with mitigations, to follow the guidance and I did, and so did everyone else. They grudgingly accept that I was right to tell the Commons that I was repeatedly assured that the rules were followed in respect of the December 18 event in the media room. But they try, absurdly and incoherently, to say that the assurances of Jack Doyle and James Slack were not enough to constitute 'repeated' assurances completely and deliberately ignoring the sworn testimony of two MPs, Andrew Griffiths and Sarah Dines, who have also said that they heard me being given such assurances. Perhaps the craziest assertion of all is the committee's Mystic Meg claim that I saw the December 18 event with my own eyes. They say, without any evidence whatever, that at 9.58pm, on that date, my eyes for one crucial second glanced over to the media room as I went up to the flat and that I saw what I recognised as an unauthorised event in progress. How do they know what I saw? What retinal impressions have they somehow discovered, that are completely unavailable to me? The question is not whether perfect social distancing was maintained at all times in No 10 clearly that wasn't possible, as I have said very often First, the committee has totally ignored the general testimony about that evening, which is that people were working throughout, even if some had been drinking at their desks. How on earth do these clairvoyants know exactly what was going on at 9.58pm? How do they know what I saw? What retinal impressions have they somehow discovered, that are completely unavailable to me? I saw no goings-on at all in the press room, or none that I can remember, certainly nothing illegal. As the committee has heard, officials were heavily engaged in preparing difficult messaging about the prospect of a No-Deal Brexit and a Christmas lockdown. It is a measure of the committee's desperation that they are trying incompetently and absurdly to tie me to an illicit event with an argument so threadbare that it belongs in one of Bernard Jenkin's nudist colonies. Their argument is that I saw this event, believed it to be illegal, and had it in my head when I spoke to the House. On all three counts they are talking out of the backs of their necks. If I did see an illegal event, and register it as illegal, then why was I on my own in this? Why not the cabinet secretary, or Sue Gray, or the then chancellor, who was patrolling the same corridors at the time? The committee is imputing to me and me alone a secret knowledge of illegal events that was somehow not shared by any other official or minister in No 10. That is utterly incredible. That is the artifice. This report is a charade. I was wrong to believe in the committee or its good faith. The terrible truth is that it is not I who has twisted the truth to suit my purposes. It is Ms Harman and her committee. This is a dreadful day for MPs and for democracy. This decision means that no MP is free from vendetta, or expulsion on trumped up charges by a tiny minority who want to see him or her gone from the Commons. I do not have the slightest contempt for Parliament, or for the important work that should be done by the privileges committee. But for the privileges committee to use its prerogatives in this anti-democratic way, to bring about what is intended to be the final knife-thrust in a protracted political assassination that is beneath contempt. It is for the people of this country to decide who sits in Parliament, not Ms Harman. Glenda Jackson, beyond any argument one of the greatest actresses of her generation, was notorious as theatres most serious-minded performer and for more than two decades, its greatest loss. Her refusal to suffer fools and her contempt for fragile male egos made her a divisive figure one who cared nothing for personal popularity. If Im too strong for some people, thats their problem, she said. This was equally true of Hollywood directors and New Labour grandees. Even after she won an Oscar for her performance in Ken Russells Women In Love in 1970, the director did not have a good word to say about her. Id better not talk, he said. I might say something both she and I would regret. By then, she was both celebrated and infamous for her defiant attitude to stripping off for her art becoming the first actress to appear full-frontal nude in a highbrow London play, and the first to win an Oscar for a role that demanded nudity. Glenda Jackson, pictured on the on the 1972 Christmas epsiode, featured more than once on The Morecambe & Wise Show She won the first of two Academy Awards for 1970 romantic drama Women In Love, in which she starred alongside Oliver Reed and Alan Bates. Above: Ms Jackson and Reed in the film Jackson, who died yesterday aged 87 after a short illness, went on to win a second Oscar for the comedy A Touch Of Class, two more Oscar nominations, two Baftas, a Golden Globe, three Emmys, a Tony, six honorary doctorates and a CBE. And yet she turned her back on acting. I despise the idea that awards have any meaning, she growled, and didnt even bother collecting the Oscars I was given them, I didnt win them. The statuettes ended up on her mothers mantelpiece, polished so often that the gilt wore off. Instead, she stood for Parliament and became a ferocious constituency MP, representing Hampstead and Highgate (later Hampstead and Kilburn) in North London for the Labour Party, from 1992 until 2015 when she made a triumphant return to acting. Individual achievement for me, she said early in her Westminster career, is making sure that someone in my constituency got a rebate on a gas bill. But her uncompromising nature made her few friends in the backrooms of New Labour headquarters either. Appointed as a junior transport minister in 1997, she was out of office two years later, and her implacable opposition to the Iraq invasion in 2003 ensured she would always remain a backbencher. Scathing about Tony Blair, she even considered standing as a stalking-horse candidate in a leadership election to force him out of office. Ms Jackson was an MP for Hampstead and Highgate (later Hampstead and Kilburn) in North London for the Labour Party, from 1992 until 2015 when she made a triumphant return to acting. Ms Jackson played Mary Queen of Scots in 1971 When interviewers asked if her switch to politics was simply replacing one sort of theatre with another, she retorted with a typically acerbic quip: The House of Commons is under-rehearsed, badly lit and the acoustic is terrible. Yet she persevered, never allowing herself to relax because there were always more people relying on her for help in their personal battles with the authorities. This was far more daunting, she said, than appearing nude on camera. My maiden speech in the Commons was the most frightening experience of my life, she said. As I rose to my feet, it suddenly hit me I was representing thousands of people. This deep sense of responsibility was ingrained from her childhood in Hoylake on the Wirral peninsula. Born in 1936 to Harry, a bricklayer, and his wife Joan, a cleaner, she grew up in a two-up-two-down house with three sisters and an outside lavatory. On Sundays the girls would go to their Auntie Esther, who had a bathtub in the kitchen, covered up with boards through the rest of the week to double as a worktop. They would fill the tub by hand with hot water from the boiler, then dry off in the front room over a tea of cakes and cream. All her life she regarded an indoor bathroom as the epitome of luxury and, when Jackson recorded Desert Island Discs in 1998, she asked presenter Sue Lawley if she might take a tub and a stack of fluffy towels. Aged 16, she took a job behind the counter in Boots, and joined Hoylakes am-dram group. Seeing her enthusiasm for theatre, the store manager helped her to apply for a grant to attend the Royal Academy of Dramatic Art. Ms Jackson in 2019 production Elizabeth Is Missing. She won a Bafta for her performance as a woman in the early stages of dementia Ms Jackson had her son with husband Roy Hodges, whom she married in 1958. The pair divorced in 1976. Above: The couple at the premiere of The Triple Echo in 1972 Ms Jackson is seen in 1971 holding the Oscar award which she won for her performance in Women In Love Her family was shocked: My mother thought London was a centre of white slavery, she said. Her tutors were scarcely more encouraging: she was a character actress, not a leading lady, said one, and she would probably have to wait till middle age before she was employable. She married at 21 to struggling theatre producer Roy Hodges, and endured constant financial hardship for the next seven years, working in cafes and even at Butlins. Sometimes they slept in theatres. The terrible part about hunger, she said, is that you can never see when it will end. Jacksons ruthless honesty didnt help. Cast as a 75-year-old in one production, by a producer who was also the author, she responded to his praise by informing him this was the worst play ever written. She was duly fired. Her break came in 1964, when director Peter Brook cast her in the French Revolution play Marat/Sade as the insane murderess, Charlotte Corday. One critic, playwright David Edgar, hailed her performance as the best thing he had ever seen, and said the play changed British theatre for ever. In Peter Halls 1965 production of Hamlet, she was so powerful as Ophelia that one critic said she ought to be playing the Prince of Denmark instead and another proposed renaming the play after her character. Ms Jackson died aged 87 just weeks after working with Sir Michael Caine on what proved to be her final film. The pair are pictured above in a promotional shot for The Great Escaper Her fame was magnified by her willingness to appear naked whenever the role demanded it, as long as the purpose is not spurious or sensational starting with a four-minute sketch in the Royal Shakespeare Companys Theatre Of Cruelty, in which she played both Christine Keeler in the bath and Jackie Kennedy beside her husbands coffin. She performed in nude sex scenes with Oliver Reed for several minutes on screen in Women In Love, despite the fact that they loathed each other. You dont have to like, or dislike, or have any kind of relationship with other actors, she said. Reed was less equivocal. Im articulate on the subjects of houses, dogs, cats, actors, pissoirs but not Glenda, he said. And remember: I wasnt in her picture. She was in mine. He also described working with her as like being run over by a truck but one with a V8 engine. She worked with Ken Russell again in his even more shocking biography of Russian composer Tchaikovsky, The Music Lovers. Critics denounced some scenes as so explicit that they were almost pornographic. Jackson was unperturbed. She found it amusing when people were tongue-tied at meeting her, remembering what they had watched in the cinema. A church organist blurted: I never thought Id see you in my vestry! Even other actresses were taken aback by her fearlessness in performing nude. Dame Eileen Atkins claimed they once attended an audition together where a director asked whether they would be prepared to strip off. Atkins asked why it was necessary then realised Jackson was already removing her clothes. Despite this, Jackson dismissed any suggestion of being a sex symbol. She wasnt an It girl but an ish girl, she said shortish, thinnish, plainish. What no one guessed, until a guest appearance on the Morecambe & Wise Show in 1971, was that she was also a funny girl. Her performance was a revelation, playing Cleopatra in a play wot Ernie wrote, and delivering her lines with a cold disdain that didnt hide how desperately she was trying not to laugh. All men are fools, she proclaimed, and what makes them so is seeing beauty like what I have got. The following year, she starred in their Christmas special. For the rest of her life, without irony, she described working with Eric and Ernie as the highest point of her career, the apotheosis. Eric gave her the best direction shed ever heard from a director: deliver the lines louder and faster. That Cleopatra sketch led directly to A Touch Of Class, opposite George Segal, which was nominated for five Oscars. Jackson won one, her second, which prompted a telegram from Morecambe and Wise: Stick with us, kid, and well get you a third. In 1971, when television was regarded as cinemas embarrassing little brother, she starred (for a minimal fee) in BBC2s Elizabeth R, playing the Tudor monarch in old age with her face caked in white make-up and her hair shaved four inches back from the forehead. That same year, she also played a younger Elizabeth I in the movie Mary, Queen Of Scots. Her marriage ended in 1976 and she retreated from cinema to concentrate on the stage. A relationship with lighting engineer Andrew Phillips lasted five years but she never married again: Not having sex any more doesnt bother me, she remarked at 61. I like being by myself isnt that shameful? Though her decision in 1992 to quit acting baffled many, it shouldnt have done. She was always frank about her mixed feelings for theatre, rooted in the years of hardship. This was magnified when she became a mother by the distress she felt at being separated for hours at a time from her son with Roy Hodges, Dan, born when she was 33. Ive never thought I was particularly attractive to look at, she told the Mails Lynda Lee-Potter in 1970. What I had to sell, I thought, was a certain amount of talent. But if somebody were to say to me, All the theatres are closing down, youll never act again, I couldnt care less. She inspired intense loyalty from those who were close to her. Her son Dan worked as her researcher when she first ran for Parliament, but their politics diverged widely. He is now a senior columnist for The Mail on Sunday. In her later years, she lived in an apartment at his home. Labour MP Sir Chris Bryant, who admired her acting so much that he saw every one of her productions in the 1980s, wrote her biography. To outsiders, she remained such an enigma that her return to acting in 2015 came as a shock almost greater than her decision to leave in the first place. Playwright Dan Rebellato described her readthrough on her first role for 23 years, as the narrator Aunt Dide in his adaptation of Emile Zolas novels for Radio 4 in Blood, Sex And Money. Glenda, little and a bit frail, nothing to prove, attacks the opening monologue, he said. She is funny and savage and terrifying. She seems to expand, growing in stature, her voice, her presence filling this room. I see people looking at her almost in shock at what shes doing. Her power, at 79, inspired the rest of the cast to excel themselves, he added. The following year she played King Lear at the Old Vic, and then on Broadway in New York, and returned to TV in 2019 for a magnificent drama about dementia, Elizabeth Is Missing winning both Bafta and Emmy for Best Actress. And shortly before her death, she completed her final film, opposite Michael Caine in another drama about dementia, The Great Escaper. It was an astonishing comeback, especially since Jackson claimed that during 23 years in Parliament she hadnt once had time to go to the theatre or the cinema. These final years drew the most ecstatic reviews of her career. Variety magazine described her performance in Lear as like looking straight into the sun. What she might have achieved in theatre, instead of those 23 years as an MP spent helping people with their gas rebates, we will never know. Glenda Jackson did not regret them. Jack Teixera, the alleged Pentagon leaker and Air National Guardsman, was indicted by a federal grand jury in Massachusetts on Thursday and charged with six counts of willful retention and transmission of national defense information. Each of the charges calls for up to 10 years in prison, if convicted. Teixera, 21, held a TOP SECRET/SCI security clearance, the indictment said, and received training on how to properly handle classified information - but used his position to obtain and illegally disseminate such documents The suspected Pentagon leaker was arrested two months ago and had been ordered to remain in jail as he awaits trial on charges he violated the Espionage Act. Teixeira is accused of releasing hundreds of thousands of secret dossiers about the Ukraine war on a gaming chat server in one of gravest intelligence breaches in US history. 'The unauthorized removal, retention and transmission of classified information jeopardizes our nation's security. Individuals granted access to classified materials have a fundamental duty to safeguard the information for the safety of the United States, our active service members, its citizens and its allies,' acting United States Attorney Joshua S. Levy said in a statement. 'We are committed to ensuring that those entrusted with sensitive national security information adhere to the law.' The disgraced Air National Guardsman appeared in federal court in Worcester, Massachusetts last month where Magistrate Judge David Hennessy granted prosecutors' motion to detain him. Teixeira's lawyers asked for him to be released on house arrest pending the trial but Hennessy said he was a flight risk and could further obstruct justice. The judge said the number of Americans he put at risk was as 'long as a phone book'. Jack Teixeira, 21, the suspected Pentagon leaker, has been ordered to remain in jail as he awaits trial on charges he violated the Espionage Act Teixeira, who was arrested on April 13, is the primary suspect in the disclosure of U.S. documents related to the Ukraine war and numerous other topics These are two of the leaked documents which have been shared by the New York Times This document appears to show the state of Ukraine's air defenses in February and in May, when it is anticipated they'll be badly depleted Teixeira allegedly posted secret memos in an internet chat room that touched upon the war in Ukraine, but also U.S. ties with key allies such as Israel. The incident is an embarrassing leak that has caused U.S. government soul-searching about its failure to protect vital national security secrets. He allegedly leaked classified documents to a group of gamers on the messaging app Discord, according to prosecutors. Prosecutors claimed Teixeira kept notes about top-secret details shared during meetings, which he later shared. He was scolded in September and October for taking notes during meetings and was instructed not to conduct 'any deep dives into classified intelligence information', according to prosecutors. They added that he was caught in February 'viewing content that was not related to his duties' The classified documents were allegedly shared to a 150-member Discord group which discussed guns and gaming. Teixeira is said to have bragged about the level of access he had and told his friends he would share 'a f*** ton of information' on US intelligence in countries such as Syria, China, Iran, Palestine and Israel, among others. Prosecutors said he wrote: 'Idgaf (I don't give a f***) what they say I can or can't share [a]ll of the st I've told you guys I'm not supposed to.' The National Guardsman allegedly posted secret memos in an Internet chat room that touched upon the war in Ukraine, but also U.S. ties with key allies such as Israel Jack Michael Teixeira arrives for the detention hearing for his son Teixeira on Friday 'Who did he put at risk?' said Hennessy. 'You could make a list as long as a phone book.' The leak is considered the most serious U.S. national security breach since more than 700,000 documents, videos and diplomatic cables appeared on the WikiLeaks website in 2010. The leaked classified documents held information on allies and adversaries, with details ranging from Ukraine's air defenses to Israel's Mossad spy agency. President Joe Biden has ordered an investigation into why the alleged leaker had access to the sensitive information. According to the charge sheet, he received top security clearance in 2021 as a member of the National Guard. FBI investigators arrested him without incident in Dighton, Massachusetts earlier this month in a raid on his mother's house. Agents found that he kept his gun locker within reach of his bed and in it were handguns, bolt-action rifles, shotguns, and a gas mask. Teixeira posted the treasure trove of top secret files under his online user name 'Jack the Dripper' for months before the leak was uncovered. He worked as a junior cyber security specialist in the intelligence unit based at the Otis Air National Guard Base in western Cape Cod. Photo evidence collected during the investigation into U.S. Air National Guardsman Jack Teixeira, who is accused of leaking classified documents online The criminal complaint against Jack Teixeira filed April 14, 2023 It is believed to have started on popular social media platform Discord. Teixeira posted about guns, games and top secret US government information but some of his fellow chatroom members reported his activities to investigators. It alleged that the 21-year-old used his government computer to search classified intelligence reporting for the word 'leak' on April 6. That was the day when the first stories broke about the huge security breach. Prosecutors claim he searched the term to establish whether US intelligence had information on the identity of the person behind the leaks. This document appears to show the state of Ukraine's air defenses in February and in May, when it is anticipated they'll be badly depleted He was identified as the ringleader of a chatroom, known as Thug Shaker Central, on Discord. He then allegedly posted images of folded-up papers because he felt his writings weren't being taken seriously, the Associated Press reported. Officials at the US Justice Department have opened a probe into the 21-year-old, whose actions embarrassed US allies around the world. Long-standing friends of Washington from Britain to South Korea and Israel slammed much of the information as bogus. It outlined possible arms deliveries to Ukraine, as well as details of Western-led training for the Ukrainian armed forces. The 21-year-old's actions have been roundly criticized by lawmakers from all political parties. Serial killer Levi Bellfield will be allowed to marry his besotted girlfriend in prison - after receiving as much as 30,000 in legal aid to fund his case. The 55-year-old murderer, who is serving life at Durham's Frankland Prison, threatened a human rights case if he was not allowed to wed and cried discrimination when he was not allowed to wear an engagement ring. News of his proposed nuptials with the woman, who is in her 40s, sparked outrage when they were revealed last year, and then Justice Secretary Dominic Raab vowed action to stop it happening. Bellfield is currently serving two whole-life orders for the murders of Milly Dowler in 2002, Marsha McDonnell in 2003 and Amelie Delagrange in 2004, as well as the attempted murder of Kate Sheedy in the same year. Police officers and MPs said the case was 'grotesque' and an 'insult to the victims and their families' and demanded that legislation to prevent the marriage was sped up. The 55-year-old murderer, who is serving life at Durham's Frankland Prison, threatened a human rights case if he was not allowed to wed He was reportedly introduced to his blonde fiancee by fellow prisoner Peter Sutcliffe before he died Lawyers for the convicted killer argued that the European Convention on Human Rights and the 1983 Marriage Act gave Bellfield the right to marry. The monster killer demanded video calls with his bride-to-be, a blonde woman in her forties, and the ability to have his picture taken with her. A government source told The Sun that there was no way to stop the murderer marrying as the law currently stands and that officials were deciding when to tell Bellfield about the decision to approve his wedding. Ministers have vowed to ban the practice of prisoners marrying, as some 60 prisoners, many of them serving long jail terms, applied to marry last year. READ MORE HERE: Murderers and rapists on life sentences to be banned from marrying in prison after Milly Dowler's murderer Levi Bellfield's proposal to blonde visitor sparked outrage Advertisement Mr Raab introduced a Victims Bill in March, banning those on whole-life tariffs from marrying while incarcerated. Conservative MP Alec Shelbrooke said: 'This is a disgusting insult to the victims and their families. 'This is a man who took away the human rights of young girls and women, including the right to live their lives and marry.' He demanded that the Justice Secretary pass the legislation to stop the nuptials quickly. David Spencer, of the Centre for Crime Prevention, said it was 'horrific' that Bellfield would be allowed to marry and that the taxpayer funding the case was 'even more grotesque'. 'Criminals of his type have forfeited their rights and if the law currently permits him to be married then that should be changed. 'His time behind bars should be spent reflecting on his horrific crimes, not enjoying home comforts.' Justice Secretary Alex Chalk is said to have received legal advice that he could not block the prisoner's marriage, with a source telling The Sun that his 'hands appear to be tied'. 'The only card the prison and the Ministry of Justice could play is if they said it was unsafe for the woman, who could be the victim of manipulation and coercive control,' the source explained. Bellfield's fiancee previously told the Mirror: 'He is not a monster. Yes he has a bad past, but 17 years in prison changes a person. 'He has changed, he has remorse, and there are always reasons a person goes wrong in life. 'There is always a far bigger picture. He is 53 years old, still young and has to live knowing he will just grow old and die in that horrendous place.' Sources close to Bellfield say that he is more interested in the 'drama' than in actually getting married (Pictured: his fiancee) Bellfield is known to have killed three people, including 13-year-old Milly Dowler (pictured) He also killed 19-year-old Marsha McDonnell (left) and 22-year-old Amelie Delagrange (right) Sources close to Bellfield say that he is more interested in the 'drama' than in actually getting married. Bellfield was introduced to his fiancee through Peter Sutcliffe, who was friends with the woman before he died in 2020. Bellfield and Sutcliffe were on the same wing in HMP Frankland. Bellfield asked to be put in touch with her after seeing her picture in Sutcliffe's cell, according to reports. They spoke on the phone, before she then began visiting Bellfield at the County Durham prison. 'What people don't realise is that the woman was friends with Sutcliffe for years before he died, although there was no romance between them,' a source told the Sun. They said that Bellfield asked for Sutcliffe's consent to write to her, around a year before he died. His fiancee has now said that she is 'not ashamed' of their relationship, and believes that Bellfield has 'changed' and is 'not a monster'. She described herself to the Mirror as 'extremely non-judgemental', adding that she and her fiance have had 'kisses and cuddles' in the County Durham prison. Bellfield is currently behind bars at HMP Frankfield (pictured) and is unlikely to ever be released Bellfield was put in touch with his now-fiance by Peter Sutcliffe (pictured), after seeing a picture of her in the Yorkshire Ripper's cell Other prisoners who have married include Britian's 'most violent offender' Charles Bronson and Julian Assange, of WikiLeaks fame. Bellfield was questioned by police over the unsolved killing of 19-year-old student Elizabeth Chau in 1999 last month, having confessed to the murder. He is also under investigation by the Criminal Cases Review over the 1996 murders of Dr Lin Russell and daughter Megan, six, which he has also said was him. A Ministry of Justice spokesman said: 'The application is being considered in the usual way. 'In future, our new Victims and Prisoners Bill will stop prisoners serving whole-life orders from marrying or forming a civil partnership in prison.' One million NHS patients with no symptoms will be enrolled in the world trial A simple blood test that detects more than 50 types of cancer could transform cancer care for ever, the head of the NHS has said. One million Health Service patients with no symptoms will be enrolled on a world-first study from next year in the hope of boosting survival rates. Researchers expect the blood test to alert 10,000 people that they may have a tumour, allowing them to be referred for scans and further investigation. And they estimate four in ten of these or 4,000 people will be found to have the disease. Identifying cancers early before they spread increases the odds of treatment being successful and slashes the risk of dying from it. The Galleri test, developed by US company Grail, has already been successfully trialed in patients with symptoms and can tell doctors where in the body the tumour originated. Health leaders believe it could prove invaluable as a major screening tool. A simple blood test that detects more than 50 types of cancer could transform cancer care for ever, NHS boss has said Amanda Pritchard, NHS Englands chief executive (pictured), said 'this test has the potential to transform cancer care forever' Amanda Pritchard, NHS Englands chief executive, said: Lives are saved when cancers are caught early, and this test has the potential to transform cancer care forever especially for the types that often dont show symptoms until a later stage when they can be much harder to treat. This trial shows that the NHS is always striving to adopt and spread cutting-edge innovation so we can give the best possible care to our patients. The Galleri test looks for traces of abnormal DNA circulating in patients blood, which may be a sign they have cancer. Dr Thomas Round, a GP and researcher at the Kings College London Cancer Prevention Trials Unit, told the NHS ConfedExpo conference in Manchester the potential of the test is enormous. Trial recruits will give blood in clinics but he said it could be developed into a home-based test that people can perform themselves at their own convenience. If successful, it would make it easier for doctors to find a tumour, which is currently like looking for a needle in a haystack, Dr Round said. He added: The sky is the limit. Most GPs are overworked at the moment and it might help us. As a GP, I might have eight new cancers a year. But youve got to think about how many hundreds of consultations I might have that could be due to cancer. And the majority of cancers dont have screening programmes. Think about pancreatic cancer, where by the time people have symptoms such as weight loss, they often have stage four and have very poor survival. So actually youve got to think about those cancers where we can have that earlier signal before symptoms or where symptoms are very vague. Researchers expect the blood test to alert 10,000 people that they may have a tumour, allowing them to be referred for scans and further investigation The test is being piloted on 142,000 patients with no cancer symptoms and will be expanded to one million more aged 50 to 77 from April next year if initial results are promising. The National Screening Committee will be involved in evaluating the success of the test, so it can be rolled out rapidly if proven to work. Gillian Rosenberg, innovation lead on NHS Englands National Cancer Programme, said: Of the one million tests were anticipating in this pilot we think the number of positive referrals will be about 5,000. While we are screening a large number of people, we are confident this will not add an undue burden onto the currently stretched secondary care pathways. Its rollout would make the NHS the first healthcare system in the world to offer a universal cancer check dubbed the holy grail of cancer care. Actor Alec Baldwin could still face charges in the fatal shooting on the set of Rust, if forensic tests determine the gun involved did not malfunction, prosecutors in New Mexico have revealed. In a recent court filing, Santa Fe County prosecutors said they would decide within the next 60 days whether to file new charges, after sending the gun that fired the fatal bullet for further testing. Baldwin, 65, was holding the Colt .45 Peacemaker revolver as a prop during filming of his Western movie when it discharged on set in October 2021, killing cinematographer Halyna Hutchins. The actor had been charged with involuntary manslaughter, but that charge was dropped in April after prosecutors said new evidence showed that the gun's hammer had been modified -- raising questions about whether the gun might fire without a trigger pull. Baldwin insisted he never pulled the trigger, but a prior FBI test of the gun had found it would not fire unless the trigger was pulled. Actor Alec Baldwin could still face charges in the fatal shooting on the set of Rust, if forensic tests determine the gun involved did not malfunction, prosecutors say Baldwin, 65, was holding a Colt .45 revolver as a prop during filming of his Western movie when it discharged on set in October 2021, killing cinematographer Halyna Hutchins (above) Now, prosecutors in New Mexico say that the 'sear' of the gun, which holds the hammer in a cocked position until the trigger is pulled, was damaged during testing by the FBI. They also believe the hammer may have been modified. Prosecutors say additional testing from the state's independent expert is required to see how the hammer was modified, the source of the modification and what impact it might have on the firearm's performance. 'If it is determined that the gun did not malfunction, charges against Mr. Baldwin will proceed,' prosecutors wrote in a court filing on Friday in the case of Rust armorer Hannah Gutierrez Reed, who remains charged with involuntary manslaughter in the case. 'The prosecution anticipates making a final charging decision with regard to Mr. Baldwin within the next sixty days,' added the motion from special prosecutors Kari Morrisey and Jason Lewis. An attorney for Baldwin did not immediately respond to a request for comment from DailyMail.com on Thursday evening. Miguel Custodio, a personal injury attorney in Los Angeles who is not connected with the case, criticized prosecutors for publicly announcing the possibility of fresh charges, calling it 'another mistake' in a case fraught with unforced errors. 'They created an unnecessary deadline for themselves by announcing they would decide on charging Alec Baldwin within 60 days,' Custodio said in remarks to DailyMail.com. 'They didn't have to say anything, but now they have to make a public decision by mid-August or they'll wind up adding to the impression that the case is progressing in chaos mode, just as the Rust set was. It's full-on dysfunction,' he added. Baldwin, seen on the Rust set with fake blood on the day of the fatal shooting, had been charged with involuntary manslaughter, but that charge was dropped in April Prosecutors said new evidence showed that the gun's hammer had been modified -- raising questions about whether the gun might fire without a trigger pull Baldwin was initially charged with two counts of involuntary manslaughter, including one with a firearms enhancement that could have added years to any prison sentence upon conviction. But the enhanced charge was dropped after it emerged that it had been brought under a law that did not exist at the time of the shooting, in a seemingly rookie legal blunder by prosecutors. The remaining charge was dropped in April following new evidence regarding the fatal gun, adding to the appearance of chaos. The evidence apparently concerned modifications to the reproduction long Colt .45 revolver Baldwin was using in the scene. 'The modification appears to be related to the notches on the internal portion of the hammer for full cock, half cock and quarter cock positions,' prosecutors said in court documents. 'It appears that these notches may have been partially removed or ground down so that they are less prominent.' At present, Gutierrez-Reed, the film's weapon's handler, is the only person still facing charges over Hutchins' death. She has pleaded not guilty to involuntary manslaughter. The prosecutors Morrisey and Lewis have said that while the condition of the gun has significant implications for the charges against Baldwin, that is not the case for Gutierrez-Reed. Gutierrez-Reed has said she loaded the live round into the revolver used by Baldwin, thinking it was a dummy round. However, her attorney has previously insisted that she never bought nor had access to live ammunition, and had no role in bringing a real bullet on set. At present, Hannah Gutierrez-Reed, the film's weapon's handler, is the only person still facing charges over Hutchins' death. She has pleaded not guilty to involuntary manslaughter Baldwin was pointing a gun at cinematographer Halyna Hutchins (pictured) on the New Mexico film set in October 2021 when it went off, killing her and wounding the film's director Prosecutors said in a recent filing there is 'some evidence' to support the theory that Gutierrez-Reed introduced the live round, pointing to four spent shell casings in her gun kit bag that appear to match live rounds found on the New Mexico set. Earlier this week, prosecutors suggested in a court filing that they planned to pursue a legal strategy against Gutierrez-Reed that experts warn is highly dubious. They are now basing part of their case against her on the idea that she was hungover after a night of drinking and marijuana use, impairing her judgement on the set. Gutierrez-Reed's attorneys argue that prosecutors are resorting to character assassination, by bringing up substance use they say has nothing to do with the events on the set. Attorneys unconnected with the case say that the prosecution's new 'hangover' strategy will be difficult to prove, and could backfire in front of a jury. 'Prosecutors saying she was 'probably hungover' sounds like a very tenuous assumption,' said Custodio, the personal injury attorney. 'Unlike a case where you have evidence someone was drunk, such as a blood alcohol level, or proof someone was high, you can't really prove someone was hungover because there's no evidence that can confirm it,' he added. 'While both marijuana and alcohol hangovers are known to cause difficulty concentrating or memory problems, the prosecution is left to inferences and perhaps some testimony to try to prove this was a factor resulting in Hutchins' death.' A Chinese billionaire with close ties to Steve Bannon is behind a fake news network peddling lies about COVID vaccines, the election and QAnon, research shows. Guo Wengui is said to be the 'linchpin' of a digital web which falsely suggested the coronavirus shots are 'poison', said there was widespread election fraud in 2020 and posted an 'extensive collection' of videos about the Q conspiracy theory. Bannon had been staying on the self-styled Chinese dissident's $28 million vessel, Lady May, when he was arrested in August last year for allegedly defrauding his Mexico border wall charity of $25 million. Now research by network analysis firm Graphika and first shown to The Washington Post indicates news websites, social media, local action groups and non profits linked to Wengui work together to spread the disinformation. Graphika describes Wengui as the 'linchpin' of the movement, adding: 'He is the leading personality, appears to define goals and messaging, and is positioned as a wise leader who should be admired and followed.' They add: 'Wengui is at the center of a vast network of interrelated media entities which have disseminated online disinformation and promoted real-world harassment campaigns. 'Graphika has identified thousands of mostly-authentic social media accounts associated with this network which are active across platforms including Facebook, Instagram, YouTube, Twitter, Gab, Telegram, Parler, and Discord.' Guo Wengui is said to be the 'linchpin' of a digital web which falsely suggested the shots are 'poison', there was widespread election fraud and posting an 'extensive collection' of videos about the Q conspiracy theory. He is pictured with close associate Steve Bannon Wengui and Bannon met in October 2017 when Bannon was still working as Donald Trump's chief strategist, and say they bonded over their shared loathing of the Chinese government Examples cited by their report include a video posted to GNews which called COVD vaccines 'fake' and 'poison'. It also looked to hydroxychloroquine as a treatment. Wengui fled to the US in 2014 after learning he was wanted for bribery, fraud, money laundering and rape - allegations he fiercely denies. He has spoken publicly about helping to set up GNews. Another site, GTV, which Guo said he helped raised funds for, 'continuously amplified QAnon-aligned content', Graphika suggest, including by posting an 'extensive collection' of videos about the conspiracy theory. Non profits, the Rule of Law Foundation and the Rule of Law Society, are also said to be part of the Guo's network. He launched those in 2018. The web network has also pushed the idea that the coronavirus was purposely manufactured in China as a bioweapon, according to research. Graphika said the false information pushes appear coordinated. Bannon had been staying on the self-styled Chinese dissident's $28 million vessel, Lady May, pictured, for weeks before his arrest in August last year for allegedly defrauding his Mexico border wall charity of $25 million At some point Guo had also joined Mar-a-Lago where he was photographed by DailyMail.com just after Christmas 2018. He has divided opinions even among his fellow dissidents Delaware-registered company Saraca Media Group Inc offers GNews and GTV apps in Apple's App Store. It also owns Guo Media which hired Bannon for 'strategic consulting services' related to his investigation into the Chinese Communist Party. Under that year-long contract, Bannon received $1million from an unidentified source, WSJ reported. Guo and Bannon met in October 2017 when the latter was still working as Donald Trump's chief strategist, and say they bonded over their shared loathing of the Chinese government. And after Trump fired Bannon, Guo hired him in the $1 million consulting contract in 2018, retaining the former presidential Svengali to introduce Guo to 'media personalities' and advise Guo's nascent media company. Guo's spokesman Daniel Podhaskie said neither GTV or GNews is controlled by the businessman, adding: 'They are not platforms whose content is managed or directed by Mr. Guo or any single individual or company. 'GTV is an online video sharing platform with posts mainly in Chinese Mandarin. 'Similar to Twitter and Facebook, the GTV video hosting platform allows users to create, upload, view, like/dislike, comment, and share videos implying that Mr. Guo is responsible for everything that is posted on this platform is ludicrous. 'Mr. Guo posts his own videos on GTV and does not control or coordinate what subscribers or other GTV bloggers do with them.' But Joan Donovan, a technology expert at Harvard's Shorenstein Center, told the Post the research 'is an important forensic analysis of the ways that rich and politically motivated people can manipulate social media'. And Chinese dissident Teng Biao said he was targeted by Guo supporters. He said: 'Guo and his media have played a very active role in spreading misinformation related to Chinese and American politics and society.' GTV, which Guo said he helped raised funds for, 'continuously amplified QAnon-aligned content', Graphika suggest, including by posting an 'extensive collection' of videos about the conspiracy theory Examples cited by their report include a video posted to GNews which called COVD vaccines 'fake' and 'poison'. It also looked to hydroxychloroquine as a treatment Guo, a former member of China's Communist Party, made headlines in June last year when he teamed up with Bannon to fly a fleet of propeller planes carrying banners congratulating the 'Federal State of New China' over New York City. A YouTube video posted in August 2020 shows Bannon with a slight sunburn, popped collar, and cigar in hand, standing next to Guo in one of the yacht's glitzy rooms, railing against the Chinese government. Later that month Bannon was arrested aboard the boat on charges he pocketed donations to a crowd-funded US-Mexico border wall fundraiser; a scheme unrelated to his dealings with Guo. At some point Guo had also joined Mar-a-Lago where he was photographed by DailyMail.com just after Christmas 2018. He has divided opinions even among his fellow dissidents some adoringly printing his slogans on t-shirts, and others claiming he is in fact a Chinese government spy. Delaware-registered company Saraca Media Group Inc offers GNews and GTV apps in Apple's App Store. It also owns Guo Media; that hired Bannon for 'strategic consulting services' related to his investigation into the Chinese Communist Party. Under that year-long contract, Bannon received $1million from an unidentified source, WSJ reported The enigmatic businessman is believed to have made his fortune in real estate, and says he came from humble beginnings with vivid descriptions of foraging twigs for firewood in a rural Chinese province during the country's brutal 1970s Cultural Revolution. Guo, who now owns lavish apartments in major cities, says he made his first property deal age 25, and began building his real estate empire in the Chinese city of Zhengzhou where he constructed the city's then-tallest building, the Yuda International Trade Center. As well as his $28 million yacht, he acquired a 9,000-square-foot apartment overlooking Central Park on the 18th-floor of the Sherry-Netherland Hotel on New York's Fifth Avenue and similarly luxurious pads in London and Hong Kong. Scientists have stunned the world by revealing the creation of synthetic human embryos in a lab without eggs or sperm. The breakthrough, by Cambridge University and California Institute of Technology experts, could soon provide insights into miscarriages and genetic disorders. However, synthetic embryos are not covered by laws in the UK or in most countries around the world and come with serious ethical and legal issues. Scientists who were not involved in the achievement have now shared their concerns about the technology, with one calling it 'chilling'. 'It is important that research and researchers in this area proceed cautiously, carefully and transparently,' said Professor James Briscoe at The Francis Crick Institute. A human embryo in the lab at nine days after fertilisation as scientists say they have created an embryo without eggs and sperm 'The danger is that missteps or unjustified claims will have a chilling effect on the public and policymakers, this would be a major setback for the field.' READ MORE: Synthetic human embryos are made in scientific breakthrough The embroyos do not have the beginnings of a brain or a beating heart (file image) Advertisement The synthetic human embryos were grown from embryonic stem cells special human cells that have the ability to develop into different cell types, from muscle cells to brain cells. Professor Briscoe stressed the 'profound ethical and legal questions' that now arise due to the work, announced on Wednesday at the International Society for Stem Cell Research's annual meeting in Boston and first reported by the Guardian. 'Unlike human embryos arising from in vitro fertilisation (IVF), where there is an established legal framework, there are currently no clear regulations governing stem cell derived models of human embryos,' Professor Briscoe said. 'There is an urgent need for regulations to provide a framework for the creation and use of stem cell derived models of human embryos.' An embryo is the early stage in the development of an animal that lasts from shortly after fertilisation until the development of body parts (when it becomes a foetus). While the embryos do not have the beginnings of a brain or a beating heart, they do include cells that would go on to form the placenta and yolk sac. Unlike human embryos arising from in vitro fertilisation (IVF), there are currently no clear regulations governing stem cell derived models of human embryos (file image) It's unclear, however, whether they would continue maturing beyond the earliest stages of development. What are stem cells? Stem cells are special human cells that have the ability to develop into many different cell types, from muscle cells to brain cells. In some cases, they also have the ability to repair damaged tissues. Stem cells are divided into two main forms embryonic stem cells and adult stem cells. Embryonic stem cells can become all cell types of the body because they are pluripotent they can give rise to many different cell types. Adult stem cells are found in most adult tissues, such as bone marrow or fat but have a more limited ability to give rise to various cells of the body. Meanwhile, induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) are adult cells that have been genetically reprogrammed to be more like embryonic stem cells. Advertisement Professor Briscoe pointed out that the Cambridge-California team hasn't published a research paper or even pre-print about their achievement, so 'it is not possible to comment in detail on the scientific significance of this story'. 'Although it is very early days, synthetic models of human embryos based on stem cells have a lot of potential,' he said. 'They could provide fundamental insight into critical stages of human development. 'These are stages that have been very difficult to study and its a time when many pregnancies fail. 'Fresh insight might lead to a better understanding of the causes of miscarriages and the unique aspects of human development.' Dr Ildem Akerman, associate professor in functional genomics at the University of Birmingham, said the development has 'significant implications'. 'Obviously, this research can provide a deeper understanding of how tissues and organs form, potentially leading to advancements in regenerative medicine and the treatment of developmental disorders,' Dr Akerman said. 'Nevertheless, the ability to do something does not justify doing it; ethical frameworks should be established and maintained in line with the publics view on the subject.' The international team's synthetic human embryos best resemble blastocysts clusters of dividing cells and an early stage of an embryo. Pictured, the early embryo development stages following fertilisation of a real human egg by a sperm cell The embryos were cultivated to a stage just beyond the equivalent of 14 days of development for a natural embryo. READ MORE: Stem cell trial hopes to transform the lives of people with Parkinson's disease Brains will be infused with millions of cells in a trial aimed at halting Parkinson's (file image) Advertisement Although the international team referred to them as 'synthetic' embryos, they are not 'truly synthetic' because they were not created from scratch, according to Dr Akerman. 'Instead, they are derived from living stem cells that originate from an embryo,' she said. 'Essentially, what scientists do is cultivate a single stem cell and encourage its growth into an organised group of cells that, in theory, possess the potential to develop into an implantable embryo.' She added: 'This report suggests that there is now proof that human embryonic stem cells can potentially become embryos.' Professor Roger Sturmey, a senior research fellow in maternal and foetal health at the University of Manchester, said synthetic embryos could reduce the reliance on real human embryos for research. 'The work builds on a steadily growing foundation of research that demonstrates that stem cells can, under very specialised laboratory conditions, be persuaded to form a structure that resembles the embryonic stage called the blastocyst,' he said. 'In normal development, the blastocyst is an important structure as it is around this time that the embryo begins the process of implanting into the uterus and establishing pregnancy. 'We know remarkably little about this step in human development, but it is a time where many pregnancies are lost, especially in an IVF setting. 'So, models that can enable us to study this period are urgently needed to help to understand infertility and early pregnancy loss.' Professor Sturmey said there is still much work to do 'to determine the similarities and differences between synthetic embryos and embryos that form from the union of an egg and a sperm'. 'UK lawyers, ethicists and scientists are presently working to establish a set of voluntary guidelines ensure that research on synthetic embryos is done responsibly,' he said. From How to Marry a Millionaire to Heartbreakers, 'gold-digging' women have been central to many of the most famous romantic comedies. But a new study suggests that this stereotype may actually ring true - women really do fancy rich men more. In the study, researchers from the University of Bath set out to understand what men and women prioritise in potential partners. Their findings suggest that women prioritise social status and financial prospects, while men are more focused on looks. 'Heterosexual men rated physical attractiveness higher than women, while the latter placed higher importance on social status and financial prospects than men,' the team, led by Meike Scheller, wrote in their study. Their findings suggest that women prioritise social status and financial prospects, while men are more focused on looks (stock image) In their study, the team set out to understand whether or not sexual attraction influences partner preference. 'Sexual attraction is assumed to guide interest, desire, and the affinity toward specific partner features,' the team wrote in their study, published in The Journal of Sex Research. 'However, whether sexual attraction can indeed explain sex differences in partner preferences has not been explicitly tested.' The team recruited 310 participants who identified as asexual, gray-sexual or demisexual (meaning they feel little or no sexual attraction), as well as 166 people who identify as allosexual (feeling high sexual attraction). The participants were surveyed about their sexual and romantic attraction intensity, as well as their mate preferences. The results revealed that allosexual men prioritise physical attractiveness and intelligence in potential partners. In contrast, allosexual women place greater importance on a potential partner's financial prospects and conscientiousness. However, these preferences were less pronounced in participants who felt little or no sexual attraction. 'Women with low sexual attraction placed more importance on intelligence and education, and less importance on physical attractiveness, status and financial prospects or conscientiousness than women with higher sexual attraction,' the team explained. 'At the same time, men with low sexual attraction placed less importance on all partner characteristics, except social status and financial prospects, which already received the lowest importance rankings amongst all character traits.' The findings suggest that sexual attraction plays a key role in partner preference. 'Overall, the present study suggests that both sex and the strength of sexual and romantic attraction influence individuals' mate choice preferences,' the team concluded. With their squashed little noses and wrinkled faces, pugs have become a favourite among dog lovers and celebrities. Gerard Butler, Paris Hilton and YouTuber Zoe Sugg are just a few of the famous faces who have shared their lives with the breed. But vets are urging people not to buy pugs, as new research shows flat-faced dogs are more likley to suffer from sleep apnoea - a condition that leads to a disturbed sleep pattern. 'Sleep apnoea places people at considerable risk of conditions such as hypertension and cardiovascular disease,' said Iida Niinikoski, lead author of the study. 'Sleep affects the body's immune system, hormone secretion and metabolism. Sufficient, sound sleep is vital for quality of life. For these reasons and others, we are interested in canine sleep too.' Vets are urging people not to buy pugs, as new research shows flat-faced dogs are more likley to suffer from sleep apnoea - a condition that leads to a disturbed sleep pattern (stock image) With their squashed little noses and wrinkled faces, pugs have become a favourite with dog lovers and celebrities. Gerard Butler (left), Paris Hilton (right) and YouTuber Zoe Sugg are just a few of the famous faces who have shared their lives with the breed Which conditions are pugs at high risk for? 54x more likely to have brachycephalic obstructive airway syndrome 51x more likely to have narrow nostrils 13x more likely to have corneal ulceration 11x more likely to have skin fold dermatitis 2.5x more likely to be obese 2x more likely to have overgrown nails Advertisement Flat-faced dogs' short-faced 'brachycephalic' characteristics did not evolve naturally, and are instead the result of selective breeding. This facial structure puts them at high risk for a range of health conditions, including skin fold dermatitis, breathing and eye issues. In the new study, the team from the University of Helsinki set out to understand whether these breeds - including French bulldogs and pugs - are also more likely to suffer from sleep apnoea. As with humans, sleep apnoea in dogs is caused by upper airway obstruction. During episodes, breathing is interrupted by obstructed airways as the muscles of the upper airways relax. This results in sleep interruptions through the night, and daytime fatigue as a result. However, until now, measuring the condition in dogs have proved difficult. 'Previous methods for investigating sleep apnoea have required dogs to sleep either while connected to all sorts of equipment or within a certain type of box in a lab,' Ms Niinikoski explained. Pugs are significantly more likely to suffer from breathing, eye, and skin disorders than other breeds, according to vets from the Royal Veterinary College 'This has made research challenging and limited our knowledge of dog sleep apnoea.' To combat this issue, the team used a wearable neckband system featuring a microphone and pulse oximeter to monitor 24 dogs (12 flat-faced and 12 control dogs) as they slept at home. The results revealed that flat-faced dogs were more likely to experience disordered breathing through the night, as well as snoring. When asked for a figure on how much more likely these dogs are to have the condition, Ms Niinikoski told MailOnline: 'Unfortunately I can't give you a number, as research has been very scarce up until now. 'However, there have been no reports of sleep apnoea in non-brachycephalic dogs. 'None of the non-brachycephalic dogs involved in our recent study or the few previously published studies have had significant amounts of apnoeas during sleep. 'This combined with the marked amount of apnoeas in flat-faced dogs suggests that the risk is greatly higher in the flat-faced breeds.' The study comes shortly after researchers from the RVC compared the risks of 40 common conditions in pugs with other dog breeds. The team analysed the records of 16,218 pugs and 889,326 non-pug breeds, taken from the VetCompass database. Their analysis revealed that pugs were at increased risk for 23 out of 40 common disorders. Pugs were 54 times more likely to have brachycephalic obstructive airway syndrome a condition affecting the upper airway and 51 times more likely to have narrow nostrils. The breed was also 13 times more likely to suffer from corneal ulceration, 2.5 times more likely to suffer from obesity, and twice as likely to have overgrown nails. Dr Dan O'Neill, lead author of the paper and Associate Professor in Companion Animal Epidemiology at the Royal Veterinary College, said at the time: 'As humans, we hold the power to ensure that every pet dog starts life with good natural health. 'When choosing which dog to own, this means selecting a breed that does not have extreme conformations such as folded skin which can lead to a lifetime of painful skin infections. 'It is vital that people make informed puppy buying choices and avoid those dogs that are bred for extreme wrinkles which are far removed from what's described in breed standards and instead "stop and think", and find a responsible breeder, who has their dogs' welfare at heart.' Several US government agencies have been hit in a global hacking campaign that exploited a vulnerability in widely used to transfer files from one computer to another. 'We are working urgently to understand impacts,' said Eric Goldstein, the executive assistant director for cybersecurity of the US Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA). The hackers exploited a vulnerability in a program called MOVEIt, but it is unclear if sensitive information was compromised or if government systems have been disrupted. While CISA did not specify how many federal agencies have been hit, Goldstein said that his agency 'is providing support to several federal agencies that have experienced intrusions.' In addition to the federal agencies, the cyber attack has also targeted state governments in Minnesota and Illinois, and the state of Georgia's entire university system, as well as British broadcaster the BBC and Zellis, a payroll provider used by hundreds of companies in Britain Thursday's report from the comes as the US has been hit with major attacks over the past few months. In late May, the Russian-speaking gang of hackers known as CLOP began leveraging a new flaw, or exploit, discovered in a widely used file-transfer software known as MOVEit. The hackers seemed to penetrate as many vulnerable organizations as they could identify. Progress Software, which owns MOVEit and distributes it as a 'secure managed file transfer software,' urged its customers to install updates to correct the flaw, alongside other security advice. Johns Hopkins University released a statement this week alerting patients, students and the public that 'sensitive personal and financial information,' including health billing records from the university's well-regarded healthcare system may have been compromised in the attack. CLOP claimed credit for similar assaults on state government systems in both Minnesota and Illinois, as well as on major international firms including British Airways and Shell. The entire university system across the state of Georgia also reported that its dozens of state colleges and schools, including the 40,000-student University of Georgia, had been penetrated in the attack. University officials said they were still investigating the 'scope and severity' of the attack. CLOP's tell-tale ransomware packages first emerged in February of 2019, according to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services' Health Sector Cybersecurity Coordination Center. The hacker group's extortion attempts have occasionally been staggeringly lucrative, including payouts as high as $500 million. Cybersecurity experts told CNN that, while CLOP was the first hacker group to make use of the MOVEit exploit, others may now have obtained the capabilities to launch copycat attacks, like those that hit US federal government agencies this week. The ransomware group set a deadline of this past Wednesday, telling its victims to begin paying up or risk the public release of their stolen data. The group also said that it would begin dropping names of their other alleged victims, but as of Thursday morning, no US federal agencies were listed. Film director Wes Anderson is known for his eye-catching symmetry and colour schemes - and now Airbnb has revealed how you can imbue your next getaway with his striking style and recreate your own Wes movie moment. The rental platform, in collaboration with Universal Pictures UK, has revealed 15 listings that'll make you feel like you have stepped into one of his iconic film sets, from Moonrise Kingdom to The Grand Budapest Hotel. Choose between a retro caravan in New Zealand, a 'Futuro' styled flying saucer in the UK, or even your very own private island in Norway. It comes amid a new TikTok trend where people are creating their own versions of Anderson's aesthetics under the hashtag #wesanderson. So far, the trend has racked up an astonishing 660million views ahead of his much anticipated new film Asteroid City, set in a fictional desert in the 1950s, which will hit UK cinemas on June 23. Get ready for the movie by scrolling down to see the Airbnb homes that offer the ideal setting for anyone who wishes to celebrate his style. RETRO CARAVAN NIGHTS (AUCKLAND, NEW ZEALAND): This award-winning caravan named 'Claris' offers guests a 'unique Kiwiana overnight experience' on a 'stunning' clifftop along the Pohutukawa Coast. The renovated 10.4 Clipper Caravan, typically used in the 50s and 60s, was 'saved' from demolition two years ago and has been wowing guests ever since. 'Such a beautiful caravan,' one guest said in their review, while another commented: 'This caravan was a dream.' Stroll down to the beach for a BBQ or take to the sea in a kayak, provided by the host 'FUTORO' STYLED FLYING SAUCER (REDBERTH, UK): What better way to celebrate Wes Anderson's upcoming film than by staying in your very own UFO? Unlike Asteroid City, where the apparent arrival of an UFO puts a town on lockdown, this spaceship in Redberth, Wales, boasts a highly-rated host with five-star reviews. Embrace the space theme with a game of space invaders or defender from your bed, or escape via the remote controlled emergency hatch and explore the nearby Pembrokeshire coastline THE COURTYARD SUITE (MARGATE, UK): This 'fun and colourful' getaway oozes Wes Anderson charm with a tangerine bathroom, a bright pink circle bed, and a retro kitchen. Commenting on the site, former guest Olivia wrote: 'Its just as great as the pictures! We loved the decor, which was the main selling point for us. The peach bedroom was beautiful... The seashell bedroom was star of the show' CARROL ROCK (CALIFORNIA, USA): Described as a 'desert oasis', this entry was built by a husband and wife duo in 'the most picturesque neighbourhood in Joshua Tree' - a town in the Californian desert east of Los Angeles - the listing says. Interiors feature a wooden ceiling and red vintage chairs, which would not be out of place on a Wes Anderson set. The exterior boasts a shaded dining table with chaise lounge chairs, and an outdoor bathhouse with claw foot tub and rain shower. There is also a 34ft blue trailer available to rent for an additional fee MADRID CITY CENTRE (MADRID, SPAIN): This chic apartment could be a secret room in Wes Anderson's Budapest Hotel. Pictures show the glamourous pad decorated with shimmering dining room chairs, with bright pink walls and splashes of purple in the kitchen. In a review on Airbnb, Hosni wrote: 'This flat is more than a flat, it's an experience where you can think of something else other than your daily routine and thoughts. We had an excellent time staying there - comfortable, cosy, clean and stylish, 100 per cent recommend' CAMP GRITS SOLAR YELLOW CAMPER (TENNESSEE, USA): This bright yellow cabin looks like a place where Sam and Suzy could hide out in Wes Anderson's Moonlight Kingdom. The Airbnb listing takes things back to basics, offering guests the chance to 'heat up a can of beans on the fire' and 'listen to each other's voices' at the device-free dwelling, nestled in a 'woodsy yard'. Former guest Stephen wrote in their review: 'Great place. Love it so much! Will be back! So peaceful and quiet. Great get away.' Another guest, Kaitlyn, said: 'Love this place. We came for the camper but stayed for the woods' COLOURFUL APARTMENT OVERLOOKING THE RIO MARIN CANAL (VENICE, ITALY): Decorated with bright colours and bold patterns, this quirky apartment has all the ingredients of a Wes Anderson film set. It is easy to imagine Laura Bishop, played by Frances Mcdormand, sitting on the bright red sofa for a Moonlight Kingdom scene. The stylish apartment overlooks the Rio Marin Canal on one side and 'lush green plants' on the other, according to its Airbnb listing. 'The home is filled with vibrant colours with striking paintings and decorative rugs,' it adds SECRET SUITE (ORMOS AMMOUDIOU, GREECE): Another listing filled with Wes Anderson charm is this pink and turquoise beachside escape in Ormos Ammoudiou. Pictures show the property's pastel interiors, where most rooms are painted pink - including the floors. In a striking contrast, the bathroom is painted a deep lilac colour while the terrace is painted turquoise and boasts a hot tub overlooking the sea KIND OF BLUE 1959 AIRSTREAM (CALIFORNIA, USA): Airbnb hosts in Joshua Tree appear to be pulling out the stops when it comes to Wes Anderson-themed properties. This second listing situated in the Californian national park shows a newly renovated 1959 Airstream surrounded by desert. It is decorated with 'found treasures mixed with handmade pieces and light colours' and is the 'perfect place to peacefully disconnect', the listing states. Features include an outdoor hammock and dining area, an outdoor kitchen BBQ grill, and a shared pool and hot tub. Former guest Ella described it as an 'absolutely beautiful site' in a review on the site. 'It is just like the photos, maybe even better! The airstreams have everything you need and are so clean,' they added GREEK RETRO DECOR & WES ANDERSON'S MOVIE DESIGN (THESSALONIKI, GREECE): This Airbnb listing goes so far as to include the film director in its name - and it is easy to understand why. The chic apartment is decorated with bright blue tones matched with vintage-style furniture and seventies-style flooring. It is described on Airbnb as 'a combination of Greek retro decoration and inspiration from Wes Anderson's films, in the centre of Thessaloniki'. Guests seem to agree, with one review by Petro describing it as 'one of the most stylish and characterful apartments I have ever visited' POP ART APARTMENT (PUGLIA, ITALY): This apartment was designed by local artisans and young artists, the Airbnb listing reveals. Guests can enjoy their own private patio and use of a coffee machine at the property. In their reviews, former guest Martin said it was 'the best place I've been so far' while another guest George said its host Antonio 'is the greatest host we have ever had on Airbnb'. Reviewer Chiara wrote: 'If you are looking for a comfortable apartment, equipped with all the comforts, very clean and aesthetically beautiful... then you are in the right place! Antonio's apartment is amazing' OFF GRID AND FORTY FEET UP (OREGON, USA): At this wooden tower in Umpqua National Forest you'll wake up to the sound of birds calling in the trees and bees humming in the meadow that surrounds it, according to the Airbnb listing. Its warm wooden interiors are reminiscent of Wes Anderson's film Moonlight Kingdom and evoke scenes of Sam and Suzy on their runaway adventure PALAZZO PANTELLERIA BLUE HOUSE (SICILY, ITALY): Set within a 16th-century Palazzo Pantelleria in the centre of Palermo, this Sicilian apartment boasts decorative tiled floors and colourful painted ceilings, synonymous with a Wes Anderson film. The apartment has been featured in international architecture magazines, according to its listing on Airbnb. In a review of the property, former guest Juliet said: 'Such a great oasis in the middle of Palermo - highly recommend.' Another guest, Sarah, wrote: 'Gaias place is in the coolest old building with the cutest little piazza below. We loved our stay. Everything was perfect' DREAMY VINTAGE TRAILER AT No.9 FARMS (TENNESSEE, USA): This 'Spartan Blueberry trailer' is described as 'the ultimate vintage camper for travellers looking for a little luxury and a whole lot of whimsy in the heart of middle Tennessee'. Designed by farm owner and local musician Brian Oaks, it is said to be 'adorned with cosy sleeping quarters'. Guests can sip on a cocktail around the fire, snuggle up on the couch with a good book, or draw a bath in the 'seductively private outdoor claw-foot tub'. The galley-style kitchen is 'fully loaded' with a coffee maker, cocktail set, popcorn maker, hot water pot, and more. Guests can also buy items from the organic No.9 Farm PRIVATE ISLAND IN SUNNY HVALER (HVALER, NORWAY): This small cabin could be another possible hideaway for Wes Anderson's characters Sam and Suzy in Moonlight Kingdom. Situated on a 10,000-square-metre private island, the property can welcome up to seven guests. Highlights include access to the private island, as well as 'your own boat, your own cabin, and your own kingdom', the listing says on Airbnb. Although off-grid, guests can charge phones and iPads via a solar panel. There is no running water but drinking water is available, free of charge, from the local grocery store. In a review, former guest Herman wrote: 'A unique experience! I will rent again this summer. Fishing from the provided boat was the peak of our trip.' Another guest, Riaz Jan Kjell, said: 'How often do you get to live on your own island? Boat around exploring your own idyllic coastline? Swim in your own sea? This is truly an amazing experience' After her stylist Danielle Levi was stuck on Kim Kardashian's private plane after forgetting her passport, the stylist's ultimate return on The Kardashians was awkward, at best. Towards the end of last week's episode, Kim and her team arrived in Milan, but learned that Levi had to stay on the plane since she forgot her passport. The reality star had to had someone in Los Angeles get the passport and fly to Milan, leaving Kim without her trusted stylist for her early meetings where she curated the looks for the Dolce & Gabbana show with Domenico Dolce and Stefano Gabbana. While Kim was extremely nervous to proceed without her trusted stylist, she ultimately was 'feeling' herself and becoming more confident. Though things became slightly awkward when Levi finally arrived, and questioned the dress Kim herself would wear for the show. Awkward: After her stylist Danielle Levi was stuck on Kim Kardashian's private plane after forgetting her passport, the stylist's ultimate return on The Kardashians was awkward, at best Kim's dress: Though things became slightly awkward when Levi finally arrived, and questioned the dress Kim herself would wear for the show She is going over another look with Tracy Romulus, saying, It should be silver boots, because I dont like that, when Danielle finally arrives. Kim asks if she slept in her bed on the plane, but Danielle says, No the one next to yours, as Kim goes to try on her own show looks. Kim adds in confession, Im happy shes back, but, Im in a groove. The last couple of days have really taught me this independence and to trust my gut. I was so insecure that I couldnt do anything without my security blanket, and I can, and on a really big level, she adds in confession. Kim is seen trying on a number of her show looks, when her friends Steph Shepherd, La La Anthony arrive, adding in confession her friends Natalie and Olivia are coming and that her mom Kris are bringing Kims kids and Khloe. This is like a really big deal for me so I need all the moral support I can get, Kim adds in confession. Kim is wearing a shimmering silver outfit, as Danielle suggests to make the black straps thinner, but Kim says, No were gonna wear it like this. Its so Dolce. She walks out in another look - a black shimmering full-length gown with a silver cross necklace, which Kim thinks is, like perfection, though Danielle thinks its, a little predictable. Danielle: She is going over another look with Tracy Romulus, saying, It should be silver boots, because I dont like that, when Danielle finally arrives Groove: Kim adds in confession, Im happy shes back, but, Im in a groove. The last couple of days have really taught me this independence and to trust my gut' Kids: Kim is seen trying on a number of her show looks, when her friends Steph Shepherd, La La Anthony arrive, adding in confession her friends Natalie and Olivia are coming and that her mom Kris are bringing Kims kids and Khloe Perfection: She walks out in another look - a black shimmering full-length gown with a silver cross necklace, which Kim thinks is, like perfection, though Danielle thinks its, a little predictable' Danielle adds, I do like the plastic dress more than this. Its less obvious, asking if they can see Kim walk in that dress. Danielle adds she thinks the plastic dress is, more special and different, but Kim argues, I know but this is more, while Danielle adds again, Its a little obvious, this one. Kim agrees to try on the plastic dress as Danielle goes to get it, as Kim tells Tracy, She doesnt want me to be in like crystals. She thinks its kinda boring. Kim adds in confession, Im not mad, I just am like, damn, Im feeling myself. Like, I think I look good in this and I dont know why you like the other one better. Like I cant tell in my head, am I feeling myself, because Ive been here for days making my own decisions and like maybe I need to check myself and listen to her cause shes who Ive always listened to?' Kim wonders. 'Or like do I have this and this is what I should wear because this is what Im feeling? What the f**k am I gonna do? Kim says. They bring up the clear plastic dress, as Kim adds in confession, Danielle really wants me to wear this clear plastic dress, but I dont know if its the dress to walk out on. Kim shows Danielle that the plastic dress is, kinda hard to walk in because it sticks to the shoes, as Danielle relents and Kim gets the other dress back on. Plastic: Danielle adds, I do like the plastic dress more than this. Its less obvious, asking if they can see Kim walk in that dress Boring: Kim agrees to try on the plastic dress as Danielle goes to get it, as Kim tells Tracy, She doesnt want me to be in like crystals. She thinks its kinda boring' Walk out: They bring up the clear plastic dress, as Kim adds in confession, Danielle really wants me to wear this clear plastic dress, but I dont know if its the dress to walk out on' Hard: Kim shows Danielle that the plastic dress is, kinda hard to walk in because it sticks to the shoes, as Danielle relents and Kim gets the other dress back on Obvious: Danielle adds she thinks the plastic dress is, more special and different, but Kim argues, I know but this is more, while Danielle adds again, Its a little obvious, this one' Not mad: Kim adds in confession, Im not mad, I just am like, damn, Im feeling myself. Like, I think I look good in this and I dont know why you like the other one better' Kim adds in confession, If Im gonna walk out there and its like my moment to like wave on the runway, thats the moment that makes me the most nervous, and so I want to be as comfortable in my clothes as possible. She adds, Sometimes people dont get its a feeling. If I feel good in something, Im gonna radiate even better. Domenico adds the black dress she had is the best thing for her to go out in. Kim adds in confession, My confidence, I feel, has really grown, and I have my own voice. I can say exactly how I feel and I can do this. After Kendall Jenner began teaching her sister Kylie Jenner how to drive a stick shift in last week's episode of The Kardashians, they both tried a 'shocking' new workout technique. The 27-year-old Kendall - who stepped out for dinner on Wednesday at Giorgio Baldi - and 25-year-old Kylie were earlier seen bonding on horseback, as Kendall took Kylie riding on one of her horses. Then towards the end of the episode, they met up once again to try out a new workout technology known as Whole Body EMS, which trainer Bridget Whitman explains is, Electro Muscle Stimulation. So its like electricity being sent through your body, Kendall asks, as Bridget says, Totally. Kylie adds in confession, Kendall and I have actually been spending a lot of time recently together. Its really special, spending this personal time with her. I think this is gonna go well. I think itd be a fun sister bonding moment for us. Shocking: After Kendall Jenner began teaching her sister Kylie Jenner how to drive a stick shift in last week's episode of The Kardashians, they both tried a 'shocking' new workout technique Electricity: So its like electricity being sent through your body, Kendall asks, as Bridget says, Totally' Trainer: Then towards the end of the episode, they met up once again to try out a new workout technology known as Whole Body EMS, which trainer Bridget Whitman explains is, Electro Muscle Stimulation' Kylie: Kylie adds in confession, Kendall and I have actually been spending a lot of time recently together. Its really special, spending this personal time with her. I think this is gonna go well. I think itd be a fun sister bonding moment for us' Bridget and another trainer are seen spraying these EMS vests with water, and when Kendall asks, And so why are we wet? Bridget responds, So the wet helps with the conduction of the electricity, essentially. Kendall asks, Is there any condition you can have that you shouldnt do this with? Bridget responds, Yeah, theres a few. If youre pregnant or planning on getting pregnant, which transitions to a producer asking Kendall in confession, How is the pregnancy going? A smiling Kendall says, Good. I am supposed to get Ultrasound photos soon. Ive only seen like an egg or whatever. It wasnt like a shape, you know. My horse pregnancy, Im not pregnant. Bridget tells Kendall and Kylie - who are both clutching black balls with each hand - to both, bend those arms and legs, just make sure they are nice and bent because we are working our two muscles and they will lock out, its not fun, which shocks Kendall. Lock out? an incredulous Kendall asks, as Bridget insists, Youll be fine, I promise. They start the workout as Kendall immediately says, Oooh, I feel that, while the other trainer, Anthony, says, If its ever painful, just yell at me. Kendall says, Ohh yeah, as Anthony proceeds to back down the stimulus a little bit, before Kendall says her arm is locked. Helps: Bridget and another trainer are seen spraying these EMS vests with water, and when Kendall asks, And so why are we wet? Bridget responds, So the wet helps with the conduction of the electricity, essentially' Condition: Kendall asks, Is there any condition you can have that you shouldnt do this with?' Pregnancy: Bridget responds, Yeah, theres a few. If youre pregnant or planning on getting pregnant, which transitions to a producer asking Kendall in confession, How is the pregnancy going?' Horse pregnant: A smiling Kendall says, Good. I am supposed to get Ultrasound photos soon. Ive only seen like an egg or whatever. It wasnt like a shape, you know. My horse pregnancy, Im not pregnant' They show more footage of both sisters continuing the workout before finishing, as Kendall says, That was kinda crazy. Kendall adds in confession, I love spending time with my sister. I call her my baby sister because its fun to say, but it feels like were such equals, like we can be best friends. Kendall asks Kylie if shes spoken to anyone about Milan, but Kylie says she hasnt, while Kendall goes through her emotional conversation with Kourtney. She was basically saying how it was everything that Kim did with Dolce was really close to like her wedding. She felt like almost like her wedding vibes were stripped from her and that was like her thing and whatever. I was just saying to her like we all obviously are like sisters and a family and we live under this umbrella of like relation, but like we are individual people at the same time and like we want to have individuality and have our own thing, Kendall says. Kylie says Kourtneys feelings are valid, but Kendall said, I did mention like, but at the end of the day like, I also can see how Kim, you know, was presented a job and was being paid for it and, shes like, Why would you choose money over my feelings? Like, I dont think thats a fair position to put Kim in. I think that Kourtney should be supportive in that way. I see both sides. Kylie agreed that she saw both sides too, adding, I do think Kim should have done it, but I get it. I dont think anyones in the wrong, I just didnt even think of it like that, but it makes sense, the whole wedding and all that. Kendall admitted she didnt think of it like that either at first, and then when I sat with her and saw how it affected her, I was like, Oh. Kylie added, Do you remember when we used to work together, and only work together? Kendall added, It was like perfect scenario, perfect timing. Crazy: They show more footage of both sisters continuing the workout before finishing, as Kendall says, That was kinda crazy' Love: Kendall adds in confession, I love spending time with my sister. I call her my baby sister because its fun to say, but it feels like were such equals, like we can be best friends' Spoken: Kendall asks Kylie if shes spoken to anyone about Milan, but Kylie says she hasnt, while Kendall goes through her emotional conversation with Kourtney Affected: Kendall admitted she didnt think of it like that either at first, and then when I sat with her and saw how it affected her, I was like, Oh"' Kylie added that it, introduced us to this world, while Kendall said they both, split off and did our own thing at the right time. Kylie added in confession, When we both moved out of the house, we were so excited because we were so attached at the hip for so long that we went our full separate ways.' She added, 'She went to New York and was working a lot and modeling and we didnt spend a lot of time together but I feel like were really close right now and I love it.' Kendall tells Kylie she, doesnt feel anything yet, but Kylie says she shouldnt, asking her to call her in the morning, before Kendall leaves for a meeting. Harvey Armstrong admits he felt a 'thrill' after overcoming his breakup and cheating scandal with ex-girlfriend Emily Blackwell, saying now he believes he can 'get through anything.' The Made In Chelsea star, 28, who's the founder of beer business Prime Time, told MailOnline while his split from Emily was 'tough' because he faced criticism from the nation, he also experienced 'some sort of thrill' after moving on from the dramatic chapter a stronger person. Emily, 27, ended their two-year relationship in 2021 after the entrepreneur, who at first denied claims he played away, finally admitted to cheating in upsetting scenes captured for the E4 series. In an exclusive interview, Harvey recalls crying on the show and admits shedding a tear isn't usually 'in his vocabulary' but filming his breakup made it all the more difficult to cope with. He said: 'In tough times people go through that in private but we were sharing it with the nation. I can't deny that it was a really tough time. Harvey Armstrong admits he felt a 'thrill' after overcoming his breakup and cheating scandal with ex-girlfriend Emily Blackwell, saying now he believes he can 'get through anything' The Made In Chelsea star told MailOnline while his split from Emily was 'tough' because he faced criticism from the nation, he also experienced 'some sort of thrill' after moving on from the dramatic chapter Emily ended their two-year relationship in 2021 after the entrepreneur, who at first denied claims he played away, finally admitted to cheating in upsetting scenes captured for the series 'It does change principally the outcome because you're not just trying to deal with what's happened behind closed doors you have the opinion of the nation to factor in, so it does change things. It's a different medium to deal with. 'But there's some sort of thrill with it in a way. I think if I can get through tough times like that, I can get through anything. It was definitely a tough time for me.' Emily grew close to Harvey following his split from fellow Chelsea star Sophie Habboo, who this summer married Jamie Laing. The couple moved in together and Emily had hoped their romance would someday lead to marriage and starting a family but Harvey, who admits he doesn't see settling down in his near future, had relations with another woman. Harvey was confronted with the issues on Made In Chelsea, often breaking down as he filmed the intense scenes. He said: 'If you knew me off the show, crying isn't really in my vocabulary, it can get to that level on the show because there's a lot of emotional tensions and stresses and moments like my breakup it can affect you in that way. 'The biggest thing I drew from the situation was communication. As tough as expressing your emotions might be because they may be contrary to what your partner wants to hear it is so much better in the long run to be upfront rather than let your actions speak. 'Now I am I am very much cards on the table sort of guy. I'm not looking for a relationship. I've learned that it can't cause more damage than the alternative.' Emily grew close to Harvey following his split from fellow Chelsea star Sophie Habboo, who this summer married Jamie Laing Sophie and Jamie wed this month in Spain after having their legal ceremony in Chelsea, celebrating among close family and friends, not to mention many of their co-stars Harvey became the victim of trolling after Emily's fans badmouthed him online, with the reality star saying backlash from the public made the situation harder. He added: 'I received a lot of trolling, DMs, and comments. I don't otherwise but when people can jump on the bandwagon and make you feel worse, they do, and I guess that's what trolling is. I definitely received a lot of it back then.' While Harvey, who's currently in Corsica filming the upcoming series of Made In Chelsea, is still dating within the show after growing close to co-star Willow Day, he remains firm that his sole focus is work. Four years ago, after being inspired during a lads' holiday in Ibiza to create his own beer, Harvey and co-founder Sam Holmes set up Prime Time. Harvey quit his job in finance to pursue his entrepreneurial path and admits he became a cast member on Made In Chelsea with the intention of promoting his brand. And his strategy has worked as now Prime Time, which is a low calorie and caffeine infused lager, is stocked across the country and on airlines, with Harvey admitting the success of the business has earned him multimillionaire status. He said: 'On paper from a shareholder's perspective I guess I do have millionaire status if not multimillionaire. It just shares the growth potential that is there for Prime Time, I plan to exit the business with plus 100million evaluation and we're on that up right now. 'We bought it to life on the show and continue to promote it as and when I can on the show. That's always been the strategic play behind being on Made In Chelsea and it adds a lot of value from a marketing perspective and brand exposure.' Four years ago, after being inspired during a lads' holiday in Ibiza to create his own beer, Harvey and co-founder Sam Holmes set up Prime Time Harvey quit his job in finance to pursue his entrepreneurial path and admits he became a cast member on Made In Chelsea with the intention of promoting his brand His strategy has worked as now Prime Time, which is a low calorie and caffeine infused lager, is stocked across the country and on airlines, with Harvey admitting the success of the business has earned him multimillionaire status Prime Time is stocked in multiple pubs and clubs in London and Harvey says they have been approached by supermarket chains but he's considering their options before signing with one of the big players. Harvey explained that during the company's infancy, it didn't make sense for Prime Time to stock their product in stores like Tesco, but as they grow, they hope to go forward with the opportunity. He hopes to continue rivalling the likes of Heineken and Guinness by promoting Prime Time's unique selling point of being healthier than the average lager and freeing the consumer of having a heavy hangover or bloated feeling the day after drinking. Harvey said: 'Through lockdown there has been a huge shift in consumer mindset, calories are now legally required on menus and that's where we're trying to tap into as a beer, trying to be more health conscious. 'We're now some of the bestselling beers in bars, above Heineken, above Guinness, which are some of the most world-renowned beer brands. 'It is great tasting, but people are really receptive to the fact it's a healthier option. We are selling all around London like White Horse, Raffles, Flat Iron Square, the Incipio Group, we just got onto our first airline. 'We're in talks with supermarkets, it's a goal from an exposure point of view. Everyone thinks it's a big move but it's not commercially because they're bullies and can push you on margins. We have had interest previously, but we've turned them down because they don't commercially make sense.' Married At First Sight's Bronte Schofield has been caught trying to fake a relationship with her co-star in an attempt to extend her 15 minutes of fame. The beauty educator, 29, was recorded planning on staging paparazzi photos with her co-star Rupert Bugden, during a segment on Ollie Skelton's TOSSER podcast. Rupert, who was paired with Evelyn Ellis, was challenged to prank call Bronte to see if she'd agree to be in a 'fake relationship' with him by 'setting up some pap pictures'. Bronte, who didn't know she was being recorded at the time, laughed: 'if you want to, we can do that... publicity who do you think we are?'. And despite not being named on the podcast - and having her voice changed - fans were quick to guess Bronte was the bride being pranked. Married At First Sight bride Bronte Schofield (pictured) has been busted trying to fake a relationship with her co-star Rupert Bugden by staging paparazzi photos in a leaked phone call Bronte was recorded planning on staging paparazzi photos with her co-star Rupert Bugden, during a segment on Ollie Skelton's TOSSER podcast. Rupert pictured right with Evelyn Ellis Responding to criticism, Bronte said: 'I didn't say I was going to be in a fake relationship or I would be okay with that'. Meanwhile, Responding to fans on Reddit, Ollie has since explained it was 'never meant to specifically target an individual' or name the person, he also agrees the 'criticism is fair'. Ollie added that he played Bronte the audio before deciding to use it. Rupert, who was paired with Evelyn Ellis, was challenged to prank call Bronte to see if she'd agree to be in a 'fake relationship' with him by 'setting up some pap pictures' Bronte, who didn't know she was being recorded at the time, laughed: 'if you want to, we can do that... publicity who do you think we are?'. (Bronte pictured with a mystery man in March) This isn't the first time Bronte has been accused of trying to fake a relationship for extra time in the limelight. Back in March, Daily Mail Australia published a series of texts showing that Bronte wanted to 'fake' her relationship with her TV groom Harrison Boon for social media followers. Despite having no interest to make her relationship with Harrison work, Bronte, wanted to stick it out until the end in an attempt to humiliate her groom on camera. 'Oh trust me babe. I got it all figured out,' Bronte wrote in one message. 'I'm smarter than I look,' she said in another. This isn't the first time Bronte has been accused of trying to fake a relationship for extra time in the limelight. Pictured with her TV groom Harrison Boon 'I don't think I want to make it to final vows, but at least seventh or very last CC [commitment ceremony] and then say bye.' Bronte then said if she happened to make it to final vows with Harrison, she was planning to make a statement and 'pull a Brent'. Brent Vitiello infamously threw his speech cards in the air after delivering a brutal speech to his TV wife Tamara Djordjevic. Back in March, Daily Mail Australia published a series of texts showing that Bronte wanted to 'fake' her relationship with her TV groom Harrison Boon for social media followers 'Honestly - The sh*t I would say to that bloke would be fkn brutal if s**t continues the way it is.' According to several cast members, Bronte was confronted about the text messages but the scenes were left on the cutting room floor. 'Bronte had a game plan and new exactly what she was doing all along,' one bride dished. Brent Vitiello (right) infamously threw his speech cards in the air after delivering a brutal speech to his TV wife Tamara Djordjevic (left) According to several cast members, Bronte was confronted about the text messages but the scenes were left on the cutting room floor 'She wanted to play the victim as she said thats how you get the most followers when everyone feels sorry for you.' Another claimed that 'Bronte was jealous that Tahnee and Ollie and Melinda and Layton's relationships were going so smoothly.' 'Bronte was also envious of Melinda's popularity in the group and saw her as major competition when everyone started falling in love with her relationship with Lay so she went out of her way to sabotage it, knowing it was easy for her to be able to blame it on poor Harrison.' The spy compared Bronte's behaviour to last year's villain and said that she has been getting called 'Olivia 2.0' by her castmates, in reference to Olivia Frazer 'Bronte would tell us they had no show with out her and boast about how she turns on the drama for the camera as she wanted the most air time.' 'She wanted to play the victim as she said thats how you get the most followers when everyone feels sorry for you,' one bride dished This isn't the first time Bronte's leaked texts have come back to bite the bride. Back in February, a series of leaked voice notes revealed that Bronte actually knew all about her groom's past weeks before filming began - and plotted with her friend to 'put on a show' for the cameras. A month before her TV wedding, she exchanged voice notes with her pal Jessica Tomlinson - the same wedding guest who would later 'expose' Harrison at the reception - in which the two women discussed their plan of action. The audio files show that not only did Bronte know Harrison was going to be one of the grooms on MAFS beforehand - although she didn't know for sure she would be matched with him - but also prove she knew details about his alleged 'girlfriend'. She used this intel to ramp up the drama on her wedding day by arranging for Jessica, 24, to 'break the news' of Harrison's other relationship to her at the couple's reception, then acting completely blindsided in front of the cameras. In one voice note, Jess is heard warning Bronte about Harrison's '21-year-old girlfriend' - who has since been identified as Abby Miller - and Bronte responds by saying she is willing to 'play this up like crazy'. A month before her TV wedding, Bronte exchanged voice notes with her pal Jessica - the same wedding guest who would later 'expose' Harrison at the reception - in which the two women discussed their plan of action. (Pictured: Bronte and Harrison on their wedding day) Jess is heard warning Bronte about Harrison's '21-year-old girlfriend' - who has since been identified as Abby Miller - and Bronte replies by saying she is willing to 'play this up like crazy' Bronte says: 'Oh, my God, I'm actually triggered. Like, what am I supposed to do? Like, if one of the other girls gets him, oh, my God, I'm dead.' '[Abby is] 21? That's f**king nine years younger than me. Eight years. I can't do math. What the f**k?' she adds. An excited Bronte then says: 'Well, you know what? If he is my match, I'm going to f**king play that to my advantage. Like, holy s**t. Oh, my God.' 'I can't wait! If he is my match, I'm gonna tell [my sister] Kirra to be an absolute f**ker to him. Oh, my God,' she laughs. Bronte then admits if she does end up getting paired with Harrison, she will 'play this up like crazy' and 'confront him' about Abby in private. Leaked voice memos between MAFS star Bronte Schofield (left) and her wedding guest Jessica (right) prove she knew about husband Harrison Boon's 'secret girlfriend' before their wedding '[I'll] just [be] like, "By the way, like, I actually know why you're here. Like, if you're wanting to just, like, I guess play this on, that's fine, but, like, we can just be friends, but for the cameras we can obviously put on a show." 'If I do get this guy, like, I'm not going to be able to like him because I know what he's like.' While she confirmed it was her voice in the recordings, she insisted she didn't know single dad Harrison was going to be her husband - and maintained her surprised reaction when she saw him at the altar was genuine. David Cameron's wife, Samantha, is always stylishly turned out, but her fashion label can leave older women looking ridiculous, according to Susannah Constantine. 'This is very indiscreet of me, but I'm gonna tell you,' the former co-host of What Not To Wear says on her podcast, My Wardrobe Malfunction. 'Sam Cameron's line, Cefinn, does great suits and trouser suits and stuff. 'But I emailed her and I said, "Can you drop the waist on your dresses? Because your target audience isn't teenage girls. We are middle-aged women and we just look like mutton trying to be lambs".' She adds: 'We just look like we're wearing a nightie; at our age, it's ridiculous. Or a sort of maternity dress.' She hasn't 'heard a single word' back. 'She was probably very insulted,' adds Constantine. RICHARD EDEN: David Cameron's wife, Samantha, is always stylishly turned out (pictured at the coronation in May) Staged Rating: Our Planet II Rating: Michael Sheen is not a fan, you'd imagine, of Philip Glenister. He can't think much of Stephen Graham either, for that matter. Glenister and Graham have both played Welsh coppers in recent police dramas one in last month's true-crime reconstruction Steeltown Murders, the other in 2020's White House Farm, the story of the Bamber family killings. And both actors adopted growling South Wales accents for their parts. Last week, Sheen, who grew up in 'steel town' Port Talbot, made it plain he doesn't approve: 'Seeing people playing Welsh characters who are not Welsh, I find, it's very hard for me to accept that.' Michael Sheen is a terrific performer with great emotional range, currently breaking my heart as the grieving father of a dying child in Best Interests on BBC1 . . . a father with an English accent, it's true, but let's not quibble about that. I am slightly puzzled, though, about his role as an angel in Good Omens, the fantasy adventure soon to return on Amazon Prime Video. Michael Sheen is a terrific performer with great emotional range says Christopher Stevens Unable to meet in person, both David Tennant (left) and Michael Sheen (right) with their partners (Georgia Tennant and Anna Lundberg) chatted and rehearsed online via Zoom Anna Lundberg (left) with Georgia Tennant on the set of Staged Michael Sheen alongside his partner Anna Lundberg, David Tennant and his wife Georgia Tennant He's forever polishing his halo of political correctness, but does that give him the moral right to self-identify as one of the heavenly host? Sheen and his Good Omens co-star David Tennant are real-life pals, which presumably makes it acceptable for them to play real-life pals in Staged (BBC1). This rapid-fire sitcom, full of bickering and repartee, first aired during the pandemic, an improvised response to filming restrictions during lockdown. Unable to meet in person, the stars with their partners (Georgia Tennant and Anna Lundberg) chatted and rehearsed online via Zoom. This time, Tennant is stranded in a hotel room in Japan, complaining to Sheen about flight delays and sporting a blue-and-gold kimono. 'When in Tokyo,' he says. This is a comedy about actors playing parodies of themselves, and it rapidly turns into an optical illusion, like infinite reflections in two opposing mirrors. Tennant, it turns out, isn't in Japan: he's upstairs at home. And when the actors turn off their laptops, they become different versions of themselves: in fact, there's a running gag about the phrase, 'Is there a version of this where . . . ?' The cleverness of it all becomes too knowing, too ironic. Staged is best enjoyed for its one-liners, like Georgia's verdict on their (real-life) writer and director, Simon Evans: 'He is a pernicious little skunk.' Neil Gaiman, co-creator of Good Omens, stole the first of these two episodes in a guest appearance, announcing that he was ditching fantasy to concentrate on Nordic Noir rewrites of Dickens 'Great Expectations, but Miss Havisham's death is suspicious.' This series introduces a dramatic technique more often seen in soap operas than natural history shows: the cliffhanger There is one segment in the show which follows five hungry lions stalking a huge Cape buffalo in the Kalahari Producer Huw Cordey told me when I interviewed him last month that his aim is to get viewers watching the shows in order, one after another An albatross chick steals the show in the first episode of the four-part wildlife spectacular Our Planet II (Netflix), narrated by Sir David Attenborough. This series introduces a dramatic technique more often seen in soap operas than natural history shows: the cliffhanger. Producer Huw Cordey told me when I interviewed him last month that his aim is to get viewers watching the shows in order, one after another. We see the baby bird, a gawky creature with a rockabilly quiff like Eddie Cochran, preparing to launch himself on his first flight over shark-infested waters. I defy anyone to switch off without finding out what happens when Eddie splashes down into the ocean. Other segments follow five hungry lions stalking a huge Cape buffalo in the Kalahari, and 200 billion locusts swarming towards the Red Sea a sight that has to be seen to be believed. Most heartstopping of all is the baby polar bear whose starving mother is too weak to help him climb out of the Arctic water after a long swim in search of food. Does he survive? I won't spoil the cliffhanger. Tom Hanks and Meg Ryan nearly starred together in the classic 1989 romantic comedy When Harry Met Sally, according to the actor's wife Rita Wilson. Rita, 66, during an interview on the Table for Two With Bruce Bozzi podcast released on Tuesday revealed that Tom, 66, turned down the role because he was going through a divorce at the time with his first wife, Samantha Lewes. 'People, probably dont know this, but Tom was offered when Harry Met Sally and he turned it down because he was going through a divorce and he was very happy to be not married,' Rita said on the podcast. 'And so he could not understand that a person going through a divorce would have anything other than just like, 'I'm so happy.','' she added. Billy Crystal, 75, was cast as Harry Burns in the iconic film opposite Meg, 61, who played Sally Albright. Hollywood star: Tom Hanks, shown on Tuesday in New York City and Meg Ryan nearly starred together in the classic 1989 romantic comedy When Harry Met Sally, according to the actor's wife Rita Wilson When Harry Met Sally is considered one of the top romantic comedies of all time and was selected in 2022 for preservation in the United States National Film Registry by the Library of Congress as being 'culturally, historically, or aesthetically significant.' Billy and Meg both earned Golden Globe nominations for their work in the film, which includes the infamous Katz's Delicatessen fake orgasm scene. Tom and Meg eventually would star opposite each other in the romantic comedies such as the 1993 film Sleepless In Seattle and the 1998 film You've Got Mail. Rita on the podcast also discussed growing up in Los Angeles in the 1970s, her friendship with When Harry Met Sally writer Nora Ephron, 71, and how rocker Bruce Springsteen, 73, convinced her to start writing music later in in life. Tom has a starring role in the upcoming star-studded sci-fi romantic comedy-drama Asteroid City that was written, directed and co-produced by Wes Anderson, 54. Rita recently supported Tom at the film's world premiere last month at the Cannes Film Festival in France. Asteroid City also stars Jason Schwartzman, Scarlett Johansson, Jeffrey Wright, Tilda Swinton, Bryan Cranston, Adrien Brody, Matt Dillon, Willem Dafoe and Margot Robbie. The film is scheduled to be released in limited theaters on Friday before expanding to a wide release on June 23 by Focus Features. Iconic comedy: Billy Crystal and Meg Ryan are shown in a promo still for the 1989 romantic comedy When Harry Met Sally Cute couple: Rita Wilson and Tom are shown last month at the world premiere of Asteroid City at the Cannes Film Festival in Cannes, France Coming soon: Asteroid City is scheduled to be released in limited theaters on Friday before expanding to a wide release on June 23 by Focus Features and stars Tom, far left, Hope Davis, Tony Revolori and Liev Schreiber, shown in a scene Deli scene: Meg is shown during the infamous Katz's Delicatessen fake orgasm scene in When Harry Met Sally Tom and Rita have been married since 1988. He was previously married to actress Samantha Lewes from 1978 until their divorce in 1987. Tom and Samantha had son Colin, 45, and daughter Elizabeth, 41, during their marriage and the actor also has sons Chet, 32, and Truman, 27, with Rita. Samantha died in 2002 at the age of 49 from bone cancer. Mary-Louise Parker gave a cordial response when she was asked about her ex Billy Crudup's wedding to Naomi Watts in a recent interview. The Weeds actress, 58, previously revealed that Crudup, 54, whom she had been with for eight years, left her for Homeland star Claire Danes back in 2003, while she was seven-months pregnant with their son. However, there appears to be no ill-will between the two, because when she was asked about his nuptials to Watts, 54, during an interview with The Guardian she replied, 'I wish them well.' 'I honestly of course wish them every happiness because that's my son's father. So I'm happy for them. I'm happy they found each other,' she added. Parker and Crudup share son William Atticus Parker, 19, together. Mary-Louise broke her silence about that time in her life in her 2015 memoir Dear Mr. You. Danes, 44, who split from Crudup in 2006, also discussed the controversial romance that same year, and the backlash she received. Cordial: Mary-Louise Parker, 58, gave a cordial response when she was asked about her ex Billy Crudup's wedding to Naomi Watts in a recent interview; Pictured 2020 Well wishes: 'I wish them well,' the Weeds star - who previously revealed that Crudup, 54, left her for Claire Danes, 44, in 2003 while she was 7-months pregnant - said of the union 'I was just in love with him. And needed to explore that and I was 24 I didnt quite know what those consequences would be,' she said during an interview with Howard Stern. 'That was a scary thing,' she said of the backlash she received. 'That was really hard. I didnt know how to not do that. Its OK. I went through it. Were friendly were friends.' When Billy and Clare split it was rumored that he had been ditched by Clare for another co-star, British actor Hugh Dancy. Clare and Hugh wed in 2009, and remain married. Meanwhile Billy appeared to have found his happily ever after with long-term girlfriend Naomi, whom he wed on Friday. The British-Australian actress posted a photo of herself and her new husband posing on the steps of looked to be a Manhattan courthouse shortly after tying the knot, adding the caption: 'Hitched.' Naomi looked stunning in a $7,400 white Oscar de la Renta Sweetheart Water Lilly Guipure dress next to her actor husband, who currently stars in The Morning Show. The Mulholland Drive star wore her cropped blonde hair curled and parted to the side, and accessorized her look with open-toed pumps, a diamond necklace and a gold wedding band. Newlyweds: Billy and long-term girlfriend Naomi, 54, tied the knot on Friday, with the actress sharing a number of snaps to her Instagram Their son: 'I honestly of course wish them every happiness because that's my son's father. So I'm happy for them. I'm happy they found each other,' Parker added. Parker and Crudup share son William Atticus Parker, 19, together; She is pictured with him in 2020 Betrayal: The pair were together for eight years - from 1996 until 2003 - before he left her for the Homeland star; Pictured at the 9th Annual Screen Actors Guild Awards in LA in 2003 Controversial: Danes, who split from Crudup in 2006, discussed their controversial romance and the backlash she received in 2015, sharing, 'That was a scary thing'; Pictured 2005 New York-born Billy meanwhile sported a navy blue suit, and he looked dashing with his clean-shaven visage and his shaggy salt-and-pepper hair swept back dramatically. After the ceremony, Naomi shared a photo of the newlyweds celebrating with actor Mark Ruffalo and his wife Sunrise Coigney. The famously secretive couple previously sparked marriage rumors after they were spotted in wedding attire on Friday. Naomi first sparked rumors that she and Billy had gotten engaged earlier this year, when she debuted an enormous diamond with a tasteful marquise cut, along with a diamond-encrusted band. The King Kong star appeared to have worn the ring at least as early as March, and she was spotted displaying the sparkler on the red carpet at the 2023 Vanity Fair Oscar Party in Beverly Hills. The star however refused to confirm the engagement chatter, even after American Today show host Hoda Kotb directly referenced it during a late April appearance on the morning talk show. Naomi and Billy met on the set of her 2017 Netflix series Gypsy, in which she starred as a therapist who uses an alias to develop close (and unethical) relationships with people intimately connected to her patients, while Crudup played her husband. The costars began a relationship later in 2017, a year after Naomi had split from her partner of 11 years, the actor Liev Schreiber, 55. Heartbreak: Mary-Louise broke her silence about that heartbreaking time in her life in her 2015 memoir Dear Mr. You; Pictured with Crudup in 2002 The friendly exes share two children: Kai, 14, and Sasha, 15. Since they began dating, Naomi and Billy have kept their public appearances to a minimum and have largely avoided commenting on their relationship, though Naomi has occasionally shared sweet photos of herself with her boyfriend on social media. During a past interview with PorterEdit in 2019, The Impossible actress opened up about their blended families and co-parenting together. 'We're doing things very differently.' 'I'm pretty proud of us, corny as that may sound. We've made it our absolute priority to be good and kind to each other and we're absolutely committed to that.' Amanda Holden and Alan Carr 's home renovation project has raised an eye-watering 127,000 for charity. The Britain's Got Talent judge, 52, and the comedian, 46, spent three months transforming two flats in the medieval town of Salemi, which is around an hour from Sicily's capital, Palermo. After buying the two flats for a euro each, the pair documented the renovation process of knocking them together on BBC's Amanda and Alan: The Italian Job. Now, according to The Mirror, the flat is believed to have been sold for close to its asking price of 145,000 (127,500). A BBC spokesman told the publication of the fully furnished two-bedroom, two-bathroom apartment: 'The sale is in progress. Proceeds will be donated to Children in Need and Comic Relief.' Incredible: Amanda Holden and Alan Carr 's home renovation project has raised an eye-watering 127,000 for charity The 1,300sq ft apartment was completely overhauled - after the pair first found it abandoned, filled with rubbish and used by squatters. It now boasts a spacious lounge, dining room and modern kitchen, along with three balconies each offering picturesque views. Amanda said of the hit eight-part series, which was first aired in January: 'Alan and I came up with the idea for the show together and approached the BBC, as we knew it was the perfect home. 'We are both very passionate about interior design... and injected some much-needed life into an area in need of some Holden and Carr magic.' Domestic properties are being sold at rock-bottom prices to help restore struggling communities in Sicily. Back in 2019, doer-uppers in the hilltop town of Sambuca on the Italian island were also selling for 1. According to Rightmove, searches for homes in Sicily more than tripled thanks to the BBC show compared to the same time last year. Amanda and Alan tackled the property from the ground up and threw themselves at DIY jobs from plastering to plumbing. Project: The Britain's Got Talent judge, 52, and the comedian, 46, spent three months transforming two flats in the medieval town of Salemi, which is around an hour from Sicily's capital, Palermo Journey: After buying the two flats for a euro each, the pair documented the renovation process of knocking them together on BBC's Amanda and Alan: The Italian Job The stunning flat was then listed on Rightmove, with the description: 'The three balconies offer breathtaking views of the landscape, making this the perfect spot to watch the sunset. 'It also comes with a shared, walled courtyard, perfect for al fresco dining or just enjoying the Mediterranean sunshine.' It comes after their DIY show was renewed for a second series, following its triumph earlier this year. After revealing the news in May, Amanda said she couldn't wait to get stuck into the next project in Tuscany with the comedian, 46. Amanda exclusively told MailOnline: 'Im obviously absolutely delighted that Alan and I have been given a second series of a show that we created together. 'This time Im considering ditching my nail extensions but Ill certainly be keeping the lashes! Ive got the Aperol Spritz on ice and Im being fitted for a new boiler suit as we speak. 'I adore Alan and this job suits us both perfectly. The sweetest thing about it all is that we can continue to raise more money for charities that make a huge difference to the lives of so many.' Impressive: Amanda and Alan tackled the property from the ground up and threw themselves at DIY jobs from plastering to plumbing Tough: It now boasts a spacious lounge, dining room and modern kitchen, along with three balconies each offering picturesque views Exciting: It comes after their DIY show was renewed for a second series , following its triumph earlier this year Revamp: The 1,300sq ft apartment has been completely overhauled - after the pair first found it abandoned, filled with rubbish and used by squatters A source told The Sun: 'This was a no-brainer recommission, in fact it was given the green light after Episode 1 aired. Continuing an Italian theme, TV's new golden duo will this time renovate a building in Tuscany with filming starting in a few weeks time. 'Everyone is so excited. Series one raised over 100k for Comic Relief and Children In Need as their two-bedroom, two-bathroom renovated apartment has been sold. 'Amanda and Alan are overwhelmed at the love shown for their TV chemistry and TV networks and production companies have been scrambling over themselves to get Amanda and Alan into meeting rooms to pitch new show ideas for the duo.' The TV insider went on to claim these plans may not come to fruition until next year, as Amanda has BGT in her calendar as well as daily hosting duties for Heart Breakfast. Meanwhile, Alan is gearing up to judge on Mama Mia: I Have A Dream and his new biopic comedy Changing Ends is in production, according to claims. Series one was watched by over 15 million people across the flagship TV channel and BBC iPlayer. An Australian influencer has made a shocking mistake on social media while promoting her new clothing line. Lily Brown, who boasts almost 340,000 Instagram followers, was called out after accidentally revealing the names and addresses of her customers in a public post. The fashion influencer was celebrating a string of sales from her sleepwear line Chille when she made the error. Sharing an image of customer receipts to Instagram, she wrote: 'First night of the sale has been huge!' She continued: 'Thank you all so much for the support, aiming to get orders out today and tomorrow. Wish me luck!' Influencer Lily Brown, who boasts almost 340,000 Instagram followers, was called out after accidentally revealing the names and addresses of her customers on social media The fashion influencer was celebrating a string of sales from her sleepwear line, Chille, when she made the mistake. Pictured above Unfortunately, the 25-year-old forgot to blur out the names and addresses on the receipts. After being called out for the mistake, she quickly deleted the post - but not before it was captured by Dutch Minty. This is far from being the flame-haired social media star's first controversy. Lily, who is dating male model Jett Kenney, was reported for 'dangerous driving' back in March. The 25-year-old was recently called out on social media for allegedly filming an Instagram video while driving The influencer was reported for 'dangerous driving' by Dutch Minty She was caught filming an Instagram video with her phone camera down by her legs while she was driving. Influencer gossip page Dutch Minty reported the incident to Instagram under the category 'Dangerous Organisations or Individuals'. 'Reported Lily Brown for filming and driving. There's no category for dangerous driving, so that's why I selected Dangerous Organisations or Individuals,' the page captioned a video of them reporting Brown. Tom Cruise offered fans a friendly wave as he was seen leaving a screening for the highly-anticipated seventh installment of Mission Impossible. The actor and proud Scientologist, 60, exited the Dolby Screening Room in London's Soho Square with his co-star Hayley Atwell followed closely behind. Though he plays Ethan Hunt in the action franchise, Tom took some style inspiration from Top Gun by rocking a pair of aviator shades. He also had on black polo shirt, skinny slacks and black leather dress shoes. The outing comes shortly after Hayley quashed rumors that the pair were romantically involved while shooting Mission Impossible Dead Reckoning Part One. Superstar: Tom Cruise offered fans a friendly wave as he was seen leaving a screening for the highly-anticipated seventh installment of Mission Impossible. The actor and proud Scientologist, 60, exited the Dolby Screening Room in London's Soho Square with his co-star Hayley Atwell followed closely behind Tom swiftly made his way to his awaiting car, with the help of a man holding the door open for him. He flashed his trademark smile in the direction of fans and photographers before slipping into the backseat of the chauffeured vehicle. Atwell who plays Grace and was described as a 'destructive force of nature' by the film's director Christopher McQuarrie left the screening looking effortlessly stylish. The 41-year-old actress modeled a white button-down shirt that she tucked into off-white slacks that flared over part of her orange, strappy sandals. She also carried a small brown purse in her hands as she came down the stairs, en route to her car. Rounding out her overall look, the London, England native wore her dark brown tresses styled straight and kept her makeup light and natural. Dead Reckoning Part One is a longtime coming as it had production halted a number of times due to the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020. It was shot back-to-back with its direct sequel, Dead Reckoning Part Two. The two films were initially reported to be the final chapters, as reported by several publications, including Screen Rant. Along with the hype surrounding a new addition to the Mission Impossible franchise, the fans and media were also intrigued by rumors that co-stars Tom and Hayley had secretly dated during filming. But Hayley efficiently silenced the rumblings as she spoke for the first time about her 'close' bond with Tom in an interview in the May-June issue of Country & Town House. 'I felt like if I ever was worried about it, I could talk to him [Tom],' the newly-enaged star said of the dating rumors. 'And I know that he would've said, "People say whatever they want to say, but you know who you are, I know who I am and I want you to feel safe in this environment."' Maverick: Though he plays Ethan Hunt in the action franchise, Tom took some style inspiration from Top Gun by rocking a pair of aviator shades Lookin' good, Tom! He also had on black polo shirt, skinny slacks and black leather dress shoes He looked to be in a great mood Helping hand: Tom swiftly made his way to his awaiting car, with the help of a man holding the door open for him. He flashed his trademark smile in the direction of fans and photographers before slipping into the backseat of the chauffeured vehicle Ready for it: Dead Reckoning Part One is a longtime coming as it had production halted a number of times due to the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020 She went on to describe their relationship as a form of 'platonic love', which she feels is sometimes under-represented.' 'And my love for Tom, my love for the process of this [Mission], and also the people who they keep very close to them and who are very present on set, has a wholesomeness to it. That for me, I just found so beautiful, so, yeah, I can freely say 'I love this group of people,' Atwell admitted. Ahead of the release of the Country & Town House interview, the Captain America: The First Avenger star had gone public and announced she had gotten engaged to actor boyfriend Ned Wolfgang Kelly in April. They reportedly started dating in July 2022. The actress had her breakthrough role as Lady Elizabeth Foster in The Duchess (2008), for which she was nominated fo a British Independent Film Award for Best Supporting Actress. She's also known for her performance the miniseries The Pillars Of The Earth (2010), that ended up earning her a Golden Globe Award for Best Actress - Miniseries Or Television Film. Atwell gained worldwide recognition with her portrayal of Agent Peggy Carter in Captain America: The First Avenger (2011). Along with her credits in film and television, she has also starred in a number of roles for the stage that includes A View From The Bridge (2010) and The Pride (2013), both of which earned her Laurence Olivier Award nominations, and Rosmersholm (2020). Effortless: Atwell who plays Grace and was described as a 'destructive force of nature' by the film's director Christopher McQuarrie left the screening looking effortlessly stylish The 41-year-old actress modeled a white button-down shirt that she tucked into off-white slacks Pop of color: For a pop of color, she slipped on a pair of eye-catching orange sandals 'Platonic': The outing comes shortly after Hayley quashed rumors that the pair were romantically involved while shooting Mission Impossible Dead Reckoning Part One; pictured As for Cruise, he has been at the forefront of the Hollywood A-list since the 1980s that was solidified with roles in Risky Business (1983), All the Right Moves (1983), Top Gun (1986), Rain Man (1988), and Born On The Fourth of July (1989). He has since gone on to become one of the most bankable movie stars over the course of the next four decades with such films as A Few Good Men (1992), Jerry Maguire (1996), Minority Report (2002), War Of The Worlds (2005), Top Gun: Maverick (2022), along with the Mission: Impossible films that began in 1996. Mission: Impossible Dead Reckoning Part One, which along with Cruise and Atwell also stars Ving Rhames, Simon Pegg, Rebecca Ferguson, Vanessa Kirby and Henry Czerny, is slated to hits theaters in the U.S. on on July 12. The sequel, Dead Reckoning Part Two, is scheduled to make its premiere in theaters on June 28, 2024. Advertisement Harrison Ford looked every bit the leading man as he arrived at the Los Angeles premiere Indiana Jones and the Dial of Destiny on Wednesday night. The 80-year-old actor who first graced the screen as the heroic archeologist in 1981 was supported by his wife Calista Flockhart, 58, on the red carpet. He was also joined by much of the film's cast and crew including co-star Phoebe Waller-Bridge, who plays Indiana's goddaughter Helena Shaw. It is the fifth and final film of the beloved franchise created by legendary director George Lucas, who was also on hand for the premiere. Ford last played Indiana Jones aka Henry Jones Jr in 2008's Kingdom of the Crystal Skull starring Shia LaBeouf and Cate Blanchett. Indiana Jones and the Dial of Destiny hits theaters on Friday, June 30. Leading man: Harrison Ford looked every bit the leading man as he arrived at the Los Angeles premiere Indiana Jones and the Dial of Destiny on Wednesday night. He was supported by wife Calista Flockhart and posed for photos with co-star Phoebe Waller-Bridge Longtime love: The couple have been married since 2010 and share 22-year-old son Liam Flockhart Though he was minus his character's iconic brown fedora and bullwhip, Ford still exuded Indy's incomparable charm in a classic black suit and tie. He completed the look with a white dress shirt and shiny black dress shoes. His gray hair was brushed to one side and he looked thrilled to be celebrating the film series' final chapter. Calista looked radiant as she stood by her longtime spouse in a black off-the-shoulder top tucked into a floor-length yellow satin skirt. The actress's cropped brunette hair brushed the tops of her shoulders in loose curls and she accessorized with hoop earrings. She kept her makeup light and natural with just a hint of blush and a glossy pink lip. The couple have been married since 2010 and share 22-year-old son Liam Flockhart. Phoebe Waller-Bridge was the epitome of chic as she flashed her toned tummy in a cropped black blazer. The bottom of the blazer continued on the waistband of her unique, matching slacks. The Fleabag star's brunette bob hugged her chiseled jawline and her cheeks had a rosy flush. Ford and Waller-Bridge mingled with co-star Mads Mikkelsen as well as the film's director James Mangold. Indiana Jones and the Dial of Destiny is set in the year 1969, following Ford's Indiana Jones set against the backdrop of the American 'space race.' Jones is said to be, 'uneasy' about the American government enlisting former Nazis in their race to beat the Russians to the moon. Franchise newcomer Phoebe joins the sequel as Helena Shaw, Indy's goddaughter, along with Mads Mikkelsen as Jurgen Voller, an ex-Nazi who now works for NASA. Still got it! Though he was minus his character's iconic brown fedora and bullwhip, Ford still exuded Indy's incomparable charm in a classic black suit and tie The look of love: Calista looked smitten with the leading man Dapper: His gray hair was brushed to one side and he looked thrilled to be celebrating the film series' final chapter Radiant: Calista looked radiant as she stood by her longtime spouse in a black off-the-shoulder top tucked into a floor-length yellow satin skirt Beauty: The actress's cropped brunette hair brushed the tops of her shoulders in loose curls and she accessorized with hoop earrings The couple help hands while making their way down the red carpet Ford seen speaking to red carpet interviewers with co-star Ke Huy Quan by his side Chic: Phoebe was the epitome of chic upon her arrival Toned: She flashed her toned tummy in a cropped blazer styled with unique pants that had the missing half of her blazer secured to the waistband Effortless: The Fleabag star's brunette bob hugged her chiseled jawline and her cheeks had a rosy flush Ford and Waller-Bridge posed with co-star Mads Mikkelsen and director James Mangold Creator: George Lucas who created the story with Philip Kaufman suited up for the occasion and brought his stunning wife Mellody Hobson as his plus one They held hands on the red carpet George looked smitten with his wife of a decade Other newcomers include Antonio Banderas as Renaldo, a friend of Indy, Thomas Kretschmann as Colonel Weber, Toby Jones as Basil Shaw and Boyd Holbrook as Klaber. It first premiered at the recent Cannes Film Festival and has a reported budget of $300million. Ford previously expressed his excitement over the final installment and the rarity of being part of such an iconic franchise. 'I had been ambitious to do this film for 10 years, and there finally came a time when we all committed to that,' the actor admitted. 'It was a joyous moment for me. I think it's a rare situation that I find myself in.' George Lucas who created the story with Philip Kaufman suited up for the occasion and brought his stunning wife Mellody Hobson as his plus one. Legendary director Steven Spielberg made sure to turn out for the premiere as he has a long history with Indiana Jones. The auteur, 76, famously helmed the first four films: Raiders of the Lost Ark (1981), Indiana Jones and the Temple of Doom (1984), Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade (1989) and Indiana Jones and the Kingdom of the Crystal Skull (2008). Along with Spielberg, many franchise veterans were present on Wednesday. Karen Allen who played Indiana's love interest Marion Ravenwood in two of the four films modeled a colorful, floral patterned blouse and matching kimono. Ke Huy Quan who as pre-teen starred as Short Round in Indiana Jones and the Temple of Doom put a casual spin on his gray suit by layering a bright orange tee beneath his jacket. John Rhys-Davies who played Sallah in the first two Indiana Jones films suited up in blue. Allen, Quan and Rhys-Davies all make cameos in the fifth and final installment. Newcomer Shaunette Renee Wilson dazzled in a sexy red sequin gown that showed off her killer legs. The actress rocked black gladiator heels and sported chunky earrings. Dazzling: Newcomer Shaunette Renee Wilson dazzled in a sexy red sequin gown that showed off her killer legs Fashionista: The actress rocked black gladiator heels and sported chunky earrings Legend: Legendary director Steven Spielberg made sure to turn out for the premiere as he has a long history with Indiana Jones The auteur, 76, famously helmed the first four films: Raiders of the Lost Ark (1981), Indiana Jones and the Temple of Doom (1984), Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade (1989) and Indiana Jones and the Kingdom of the Crystal Skull (2008) Steven smiled and waved at adoring fans waiting in the wings Karen Allen who played Indiana's love interest Marion Ravenwood in two of the four films modeled a colorful, floral patterned blouse and matching kimono She beamed for shutterbugs and strolled the venue in black suede booties Familiar faces: Ke Huy Quan who as pre-teen starred as Short Round in Indiana Jones and the Temple of Doom put a casual spin on his gray suit by layering a bright orange tee beneath his jacket. Meanwhile, John Rhys-Davies who played Sallah in the first two Indiana Jones films suited up in blue Quan shared a hug with Harrison Ford Reunited: He reunited with co-star Maharajah Zalim Singh who also appeared in Raiders Of The Lost Ark and Indiana Jones and the Temple of Doom Selfie: Quan posed for photos with fans ahead of the screening He was also seen with the President of Lucasfilm, Kathleen Kennedy, and Frank Marshall Villain: Mads Mikkelsen who stars as Jurgen Voller, an ex-Nazi who now works for NASA smoldered for shutterbugs in a fitted navy blue striped suit He's seen with co-star Thomas Kretschmann Family affair: Thomas Kretschmann who plays Colonel Weber posed up with his gorgeous longtime partner Brittany Rice and his 24-year-old daughter Stella Kretschmann Groovy: Toby Jones who plays Basil Shaw looked stylish in a linen blue suit with flared pants Night out on the town: Bodybuilder-turned-actor Olivier Richters towered over his radiant girlfriend Desiree Stuijt in a gray suit Sweet: Ethann Isidore who plays Teddy Kumar in the highly-anticipated film put on a sweet display with his mom on the red carpet Mario Lopez flashed his muscles in a tight top that matched his suede sneakers Star-studded: Jasmine Paige Moore and Kayden Muller-Janssen rounded out the star-studded guest list as they arrived on the red carpet in stylish getups Adam Scott and Frankie Scott beamed for the sea of photographers Ming-Na Wen was the picture of elegance in white floral off-the-shoulder dress Derek Hough and Hayley Erbert looked cozy in their red carpet shots Funnyman: Gabriel Iglesias put on animated display Sharp: Chris Wallace looked sharp in a suit Coming soon: Indiana Jones and the Dial of Destiny hits theaters on Friday, June 30 Ford mingled with franchise creator, George Lucas After the red carpet, the star filed inside the screening room; (L-R) Harrison Ford, John Williams and George Lucas pictured Steven Spielberg, George Lucas, Karen Allen and James Mangold seen chatting in the venue Harrison took to the stage and waved to the audience Steven Spielberg delivered a speech Shaunette glittered under the stage lights as she joined cast and crew at the front of the theatre John Williams treated audience members by performing the franchise's iconic theme He was accompanied by a full orchestra The premiere was an extravagant event Fans and attendees got to feast on epic Indiana Jones memorabilia, including the action hero's iconic fedora and costume Plot: Indiana Jones and the Dial of Destiny is set in the year 1969, following Ford's Indiana Jones set against the backdrop of the American 'space race' Mads Mikkelsen who stars as Jurgen Voller, an ex-Nazi who now works for NASA smoldered for shutterbugs in a fitted navy blue striped suit. Thomas Kretschmann who plays Colonel Weber posed up with his gorgeous longtime partner Brittany Rice and his 24-year-old daughter Stella Kretschmann. Toby Jones who plays Basil Shaw looked stylish in a linen blue suit with flared pants. Bodybuilder-turned-actor Olivier Richters towered over his radiant girlfriend Desiree Stuijt in a gray suit. Ethann Isidore who plays Teddy Kumar in the highly-anticipated film put on a sweet display with his mom on the red carpet. Mario Lopez made ladies swoon as he highlighted his muscles in a beige polo top and fitted gray pants. Jasmine Paige Moore and Kayden Muller-Janssen rounded out the star-studded guest list as they arrived on the red carpet in stylish getups. The eleventh season of Married At First Sight is set to begin filming in a matter of weeks - but it's already proving to be a headache for Channel Nine. The network is scrambling to find genuine participants looking for love, a production insider told Daily Mail Australia on Thursday. A show insider revealed 'It's a tough season for casting. We're looking for people who are genuinely looking for love, not just a quick ticket to fame.' Adding insult to injury, their rival network Channel 10 poached a participant who was tipped to be the show's new villain. The groom in question, whose identity has not yet been revealed, was being primed for a significant role in the upcoming season. The eleventh season of Married At First Sight is set to begin filming in a matter of weeks - but according to an insider is struggling to find 'genuine' participants A show insider revealed, 'It's a tough season for casting. We're looking for people who are genuinely looking for love, not just a quick ticket to fame.' Pictured: MAFS' Ollie and Tahnee With his departure, Channel Nine is left scrambling to fill the void and shake things up in the usual fashion. On Tuesday, Nine put up a casting call on the show's Instagram account, revealing they are still on the hunt for brides and grooms to appear on the new season despite filming scheduled to commence in a matter of weeks. Earlier this month, Daily Mail Australia revealed that Warner Bros., the production company behind The Bachelor, managed to snatch a groom originally cast by MAFS. Daily Mail Australia can reveal Warner Bros, the production company behind Ten's dating show has managed to snatch a groom originally cast by Channel Nine to star on it's upcoming eleventh season. Pictured: Felix Von Hofe (pictured) Sources reveal the groom in question was fast-track during the lengthy application process by Endemol Shine Australia to play the villain. However, it's understood Ten swooped in and snatched him up, ensuring that he will now take centre stage as the antagonist on the upcoming season of The Bachelor. This bold maneuver sets the stage for a heated rivalry between the two shows as they will both be filming around the same time. Sources reveal that the groom in question was fast-track during the length application process by Endemol Shine Australia to play the villain. Pictured: MAFS expert Mel Schilling This is the first time the shows will go head-to-head and the rivalry behind the scenes has already been described as savage. The upcoming season of The Bachelors will follow last year's three lead formula again and the theme will be something like 'The Good, The Bad and the Ugly', says the source. Both series are slated to start late January 2024 after the Australian Open. However, it's understood Ten swooped in and snatched him up, ensuring that he will now take centre stage as the antagonist on the upcoming season of The Bachelor Channel 10 has secured Melbourne as the backdrop for their series and has put together a cast that promises to captivate even the most devout MAFS fans. As the battle for talent intensifies, cast and crew members find themselves caught in the crossfire, with producers and camera operators being fiercely fought over by both networks. This isn't the first time ambitious reality stars have jumped ship between shows. The upcoming season of The Bachelors will follow last year's three lead formula again and the theme will be something like 'The Good, The Bad and the Ugly', says the source. Pictured: Felix alongside co-stars Jed McIntosh and Thomas Malucelli Harrison Boon, who appeared on this year's season, was dropped at the eleventh hour due to being deemed 'too masculine' by producers. Janelle Han, a popular makeup influencer, revealed that she was in talks to join The Bachelor but ultimately chose MAFS, a decision that has paid off as she has gained a significant following and even garnered attention from the UK audience. 'I just knew I would gain more life lessons off MAFS instead of being locked down,' the 29-year-old told Daily Mail Australia on Thursday. 'I also didn't want to compete with other women for a man that I might not even like.' Harrison Boon, who appeared on this year's season was dropped at the eleventh hour due to being deemed 'too masculine' by producers Janelle Han, a popular makeup influencer, revealed that she was in talks to join The Bachelor but ultimately chose MAFS, a decision that has paid off as she has gained a significant following and even garnered attention from the UK audience The contestants on Channel 10's rival show not only struggled to gain a substantial online following, but also failed to achieve the coveted blue verification tick on social media platforms, further highlighting the success and influence of MAFS. With the stolen MAFS groom set to stir up drama on The Bachelor, Channel 10 hopes to breathe new life into the struggling franchise. Only time will tell if this audacious move pays off and if the battle for ratings between the two shows escalates even further. Daily Mail Australia has reached out to Channel 10 and Nine for comment. Curtis Stone has revealed he recently spent an eye-watering $700 on a haircut. The 47-year-old celebrity chef is based in Los Angeles and said he outlaid the whopping sum at a Beverly Hills salon after his wife, Lindsay Price, told him to get a trim. Appearing on Nova's Fitzy, Wippa and Kate Ritchie breakfast show on Thursday, Curtis admitted that Lindsay, former star of the classic 90210 TV series, was 'bored' with his old style. 'She told me you ''can't have the same hair cut your whole life, you've got to do something different,' Curtis shared. The MasterChef favourite went on to say that Lindsay eventually booked him into the salon she uses to get her hair done. Celebrity chef Curtis Stone has revealed he recently spent an eye-watering $700 on a new haircut. Pictured: Curtis with his wife Lindsay Price in 2015 Curtis' wife Lindsay Price booked the celebrity chef in her favourite salon Pictured: Curtis shows off his new look during an interview on Nova's Fitzy, Wippa and Kate Ritchie show He then revealed it took hairdressers five hours to perfect his new look. 'I had a different person to colour it, a different person to get my coffee, a different person to brush it and shampoo it, a different person to bleach it, and a different person to cut it,' he said. It was $700,' he continued, 'I called her (Lindsay) in the car on the way home, and asked her, "what does it cost you to get your hair cut?", and then I stopped her, and told her ''I dont wanna know''.' The Nova breakfast team later shared a video of Curtis' interview to their social media, with the caption: 'We're obsessed with Curtis Stone's hair'. The Melbourne born brunette's new cut features a swept-back look, with blond high-lights, trimmed side-burns and sculptured side part. The Nova breakfast team later shared a video of Curtis' interview to their social media, with the caption: 'We're obsessed with Curtis Stone's hair' (pictured, with Kate Ritchie) Curtis has been married to Beverly Hills 90210 star Lindsay Price since 2013 and they share sons Hudson and Emerson. The couple - pictured in 2015 - are based on Los Angeles 'Lookin' sharp,' Fitzy, Wippa and Kate messaged Curtis on the post, while many other followers post their support for the culinary expert's new style. 'His hair looks great but $700! Wtf!,' one fan shared, before adding: 'Ill make his coffee and wash his hair for free.' Another added: 'Always had great hair, no matter what the style.' Curtis has been married to Beverly Hills 90210 star Lindsay Price since 2013 and they share sons Hudson and Emerson. George Lucas made a rare appearance on Wednesday night at the Los Angeles premiere of Indiana Jones and the Dial of Destiny. The legendary writer and director wore a red and white plaid dress shirt under a dark jacket with a groomed beard. The 79-year-old Star Wars creator was joined on the red carpet by his wife Mellody Hobson, 54, who looked stylish in a beaded top from Chanel's Cruise collection paired with a $2497 Valentino Garavani embellished tulle skirt. Mellody opted for a glamorous makeup palette and accessorized with a beaded necklace. She carried a Chanel Tortoise Clutch and finished the look with pink open toed heels with bows. Lucas created the iconic series, which stars Harrison Ford as the fearless treasure hunter. George Lucas made a rare appearance on Wednesday night at the Los Angeles premiere of Indiana Jones and the Dial of Destiny. The 79-year-old Star Wars creator was joined on the red carpet by his wife Mellody Hobson, 54 The legendary writer and director wore a red and white plaid dress shirt under a dark jacket with a groomed beard Steven Spielberg directed the first four films in close collaboration with Lucas during their production. At first, Lucas was hesitant to cast Ford in Star Wars because he preferred to avoid actors from his prior films. Fortunately, Ford broke the mold by infusing his distinctive charm into the personas of Han Solo and Indiana Jones, yet still managed to differentiate each character. In September, Harrison walked out on stage at the D23 Expo and gave an emotional speech introducing the trailer, saying, 'I'm very proud to say this one is fantastic. Indiana Jones movies are about mystery and adventure, but they are also about heart.' He added, 'We have a very human story to tell and a movie that will kick your a**!' Now 80 years old, Harrison said this would be the last time he would star as the treasure-hunting character, a physically demanding role. He said, 'This is it! I will not fall down for you again.' For this franchise installment, Ford V Ferrari director, James Mangold, took over the role of directing in place of Spielberg. Upon graduating from the University of Southern California in 1967, Lucas co-founded American Zoetrope with fellow filmmaker Francis Ford Coppola. George's first successful film was American Graffiti in 1973. It was inspired by his teen years in the early 1960s in Modesto, California, and was nominated for five Academy Awards. Then in 1977, George gifted the world with the epic space opera Star Wars, which became the highest-grossing movie at the time. He then hit a high note by collaborating with his close friend Steven Spielberg for Raiders Of The Lost Ark in 1981, the first Indiana Jones film. Early beard: Upon graduating from the University of Southern California in 1967, Lucas (Left) co-founded American Zoetrope with fellow filmmaker Francis Ford Coppola (Right) The first Indiana Jones: He hit a high note by collaborating with Steven Spielberg (Left) for Raiders Of The Lost Ark in 1981 Tidy trim: George gifted the world with the epic space opera Star Wars, which became the highest grossing movie at the time, all while bearded; (pictured 2017) His last time: Harrison Ford walked out on stage at the D23 Expo and gave an emotional speech saying this would be the last time he would star as the treasure-hunting character. He said, 'This is it! I will not fall down for you again.' Defining role: Ford has gone down in history for many important roles but without a doubt, his lead role in the Indiana Jones movies helped catapult him to super-stardom; pictured on set in Sicily on October 18, 2021 Lucas is considered part of the American New Wave movement in cinema from the late 1960s to the early 1980s when a new generation of young filmmakers came to prominence in the United States. The musical score was composed by the legendary John Williams, who scored the original soundtrack 40 years ago. The final installment of the action-packed Indiana Jones uses a digitally-enhanced, younger-looking version of Ford for certain flashback scenes. Indiana Jones and the Dial of Destiny will be released nationwide on June 30. The champagne was flowing in Paris but it was for a different reason back in Australia after a dominant debut for new Sunrise host Matt Shirvington. Seven's long-running breakfast staple lived up to the hype under its fresh-faced newcomer who made his official debut on Monday after replacing retired David Koch. Sunrise opened the week with a five-city metro lead of 47,000 viewers (235,000 viewers compared to Today's 188,000) on Monday, 43,000 on Tuesday and capped a solid third win with a 37,000 viewer lead on Wednesday. It comes the same week Today host Karl Stefanovic skipped town for the lavish society wedding of millionaire chicken heiress Tamie Ingham and chef Guillaume Brahimi in Paris. Sunrise has maintained a mammoth five-city metro lead over Today all week Stefanovic' arrives at the Paris wedding of TV chef Guillaume Brahimi at the Museum Mondee Stefanovic, who has long been friends with Brahimi after being introduced by mutual acquaintance James Packer, served as emcee at the ritzy nuptials spread across two raucous days culminating in a reception at the famed Maxim's bistro. The 48-year-old, dad-of-four was photographed living it up with wife Jasmine in the French capital, first attending a welcome soiree at cult restaurant Girafe Paris on Tuesday evening. He was seen the following day arriving for the ceremony at the sprawling Museum Mondee where Brahimi officially tied the knot with Tamie - a member of the Ingham chicken family which sold the poultry business back in 2013 for $800million. Karl and Jasmine, who are staying at the $13,000-per night Hotel Costes while in Paris, are set to spend two weeks abroad in total with Stefanovic to resume hosting on June 26. It's unfortunate timing that was 'pure coincidence' according to Today boss Steve Burling who defended Stefanovic's holiday. The 48-year-old, dad-of-four was photographed living it up with wife Jasmine in the French capital Jasmine Stefanovic served as bridesmaid to Ingham - her former partner in defunct Mara & Mine shoe label Guillaume Brahimi was introduced to Tamie Ingham by Stefanovic and wife Jasmine '[Karl] booked in these two weeks' leave some months ago. The fact his holiday coincides with Shirvo's first day is pure coincidence. Nothing more,' he said. 'Karl hasn't had any time off since hitting the ground running during the Australian Open in January.' Shirvington's impressive start marks a seamless beginning for the former sprinter who took over after Koch stepped down following more than two decades. Veteran media analyst Steve Allen, of independent media agency Pearman Media, recently described Shirvington is a fitting successor to Koch due largely to the fact both men are 'genuinely relatable' and don't appear pre-disposed to personal life dramas like Stefanovic. 'Because let's be honest...Karl doesn't always seem to be authentic,' Allen told Daily Mail Australia. 'It seems he is always papering over something naughty that he has done. Karl and Jasmine at a pre-wedding celebration in Paris Shirvington's impressive start marks a seamless beginning for the former sprinter. He is seen here with wife Jessica 'Hardly a year goes by that Karl isn't involved in some snafu. 'And while he might try to appear relatable, at the end of the day his personal life suggests otherwise... he is always attending silver spoon social events, going to celebrity weddings and seeking out an A-list posse of friends. '(Today producers) might not want us judging him for that but the reality is audiences do judge and it is a turn off.' In comparison Shirvington is 'genuinely down to earth', Allen said. 'Matt Shirvington just doesn't seem like the kind of person who is interested in that world. 'He might not be all that urbane but he is certainly relatable.' Iggy Azalea said she would 'love' to take her toddler son Onyx to a drag show as she lashed out at a 'homophobic' Twitter troll this week. The Aussie rapper, 33, who welcomed her tot into the world in 2020, clapped back at at the social media user who said drag shows were attempting to 'indoctrinate' kids. When the user asked if she would ever take her three-year-old to a drag show, the Fancy hitmaker replied with a resounding 'yes!' 'Yes! I would love to take my son to a drag show and will! He already knows tons [sic],' she said. Iggy then addressed the critic's claim schools would teach her son to 'give BJs', saying she supports sex education in high school. Iggy Azalea said she would 'love' to take her toddler son Onyx to a drag show as she lashed out at a 'homophobic' Twitter troll this week 'I would LOVE for my son to read about blow jobs, birth control and sex education in general as soon as he hits puberty,' she added. She finished her rant by calling the Twitter user a 'loser' and 'stupid as f**k'. Iggy has a long supported drag queens, often giving contestants from RuPaul's Drag Race the limelight in her video clips. The Aussie rapper, 33, who welcomed her tot into the world in 2020, clapped back at at the social media user who said drag shows were attempting to 'indoctrinate' kids . When the user asked if she would ever take her three-year-old to a drag show, the Fancy hitmaker replied with a resounding 'yes!' Her F**k It Up video featured cameos from RuPaul's Drag Race superstars Trixie Mattel and Vanessa Vanjie Mateo. Iggy also collaborated with another Drag Race alum that same year, teaming up with Silky Nutmeg Ganache for a performance in New York. In 2020, Trixie Mattel returned the favour by having Iggy on her popular YouTube channel to film a hilarious drag queen makeup tutorial. Iggy has a long supported drag queens, often giving contestants from RuPaul's Drag Race the limelight in her video clips. Her F**k It Up video featured cameos from RuPaul's Drag Race superstars Trixie Mattel and Vanessa Vanjie Mateo Sunrise newsreader Edwina Bartholomew has revealed her husband Neil Varcoe has been quietly battling a debilitating illness for years. In a joint interview with The Australian Woman's Weekly, the pair revealed that Neil was diagnosed with chronic fatigue syndrome five years ago, and that his condition has made raising their daughter Molly, three, and son Tom, one, very difficult. According to the magazine, Edwina, 39, broke down in tears as she recalled the 'overwhelming' experience of welcoming two children while also managing her husband's illness. 'It was just as intense for those first six or eight weeks [after giving birth]. You just go, 'Oh my gosh, this is confronting',' she said. 'We're getting better at it. I can tell now when Neil's having a tough day,' she added. Sunrise newsreader Edwina Bartholomew (right) has revealed her husband Neil Varcoe (left) has been quietly battling with a debilitating illness for years Neil, who has pursued a career in farming after being sacked from Twitter amid Elon Musk's job cuts, also described the first time he was afflicted with symptoms of chronic fatigue, telling the magazine he was sick for about three weeks. 'My energy went through the floor and there were moments when I would walk to the end of my street, and I had to turn around and come back home. I had nothing left,' he said. Neil said managing his condition has been a 'really tough path', and that he's 'had to make some really tough decisions' with 'Edwina's support'. Speaking to The Australian Woman's Weekly , the couple revealed that Neil was diagnosed with chronic fatigue syndrome five years ago, and that his condition has made raising their daughter Molly, three, and son Tom, one, very difficult. (Pictured with son Tom) According to the magazine, Edwina, 39, broke down in tears as she recalled the 'overwhelming' experience of welcoming two children while also managing her husband's illness What is chronic fatigue syndrome? Also known as myalgic encephalomyelitis, chronic fatigue syndrome is a complicated disorder that does not have a known cure. It causes extreme fatigue that lasts for at least six months. Symptoms worsen with physical or mental activity but don't fully improve with rest. The cause of ME/CFS is unknown. Symptoms of ME/CFS can vary from person to person, and the severity of symptoms can fluctuate from day to day. In addition to fatigue, symptoms may include: Extreme exhaustion after physical or mental exercise, problems with memory or thinking skills, dizziness that worsens with moving from lying down or sitting to standing, muscle or joint pain, and unrefreshing sleep. Source: Mayo Clinic Advertisement As there is no cure for chronic fatigue syndrome, Neil said he has turned to Chinese medicine and medicinal marijuana for relief of his symptoms. He was also forced to take on less responsibility at work and at home to prevent himself from burning out his energy. It comes as Edwina and Neil prepare to embark on a long-distance relationship. Neil, who recently quit his job at Twitter to pursue a career in farming , also described the first time he was afflicted with symptoms of chronic fatigue, telling the magazine he was sick for about three weeks Neil recently left his job at Twitter following Elon Musk's takeover and will be moving to Capertee Valley, three hours west of Sydney, to work as the 'chief farming officer' at Warramba - the 1890s farm he and Edwina lovingly restored several years ago. He is also set to become the project manager of a historic hotel in Carcoar, NSW, called The Victoria. Edwina previously told fans that she will live in Sydney with their children during the week so she can continue her work at Sunrise, but will visit Neil with the kids on weekends. Neil recently left his job at Twitter following Elon Musk's takeover and will be moving to Capertee Valley, three hours west of Sydney, to work as the 'chief farming officer' at Warramba - the 1890s farm he and Edwina lovingly restored several years ago The announcement came after Edwina revealed that she and Neil have slept in separate beds for the past seven years. Speaking to The Daily Telegraph in February, the breakfast TV presenter said the couple's different morning routines made it difficult to sleep in the same bedroom, and that the current sleeping arrangements 'kept their love alive'. 'It shocks people when they come to our house and see two rooms set up,' she said at the time. Tamie Ingham and Guillaume Brahimi have officially tied the knot in what has been dubbed the 'socialite wedding of the year'. The Ingham chicken heiress, 38, and the celebrity chef, 55, wed at Musee Rodin, before heading to the reception at Maxim's de Paris, a restaurant which boasts Champagne, caviar & refined French classics. Tamie and Guillaume were seen arriving to Maxim's at around 10.15pm to kick off the festivities. Among the star-studded guests were media mogul Lachlan Murdoch , 51, who served as a groomsman, and TV presenter Karl Stefanovic's wife Jasmine Stefanovic, 39, who was a bridesmaid. The Who's Who of Australian showbiz, business and media were whisked to the glitzy reception by chauffeured cars, with couples Lachlan and Sarah Murdoch and Grant Kenny and his new partner Stojanka Bulic holding hands as they walked inside. Tamie Ingham and Guillaume Brahimi have officially tied the knot in what has been dubbed the 'socialite wedding of the year' Guests including Lisa Wipfli and her husband Michael 'Wippa' Wipfli were seen arriving to the wedding reception The bride's attire was stunning down to every detail, from every accessory to hair and makeup. Australian based jeweller and gemologist Olivia Bond, who attended the nuptials, shared photos of Tamie's beautiful diamond wedding accessories, including a perfectly stacked collection of five earrings. At both the pre-wedding event and the lavish day, several stars took to Instagram and social media to share their own special moments. Sarah Murdoch looked glamorous in a figure-hugging black dress with a peep hole front as she attended the wedding reception with her billionaire media baron husband Lachlan Murdoch Karl Stefanovic looked dapper in a black tuxedo, white buttoned shirt and bow tie as he arrived to the venue Eve Miskin made a style statement in a sparkly silver dress and black heels at the wedding celebrations Guests dressed in their best attire as they prepared to celebrate the newlyweds One guest made a style statement in a floral dress, which featured a high slit in the middle Lisa Wipfli, radio star Michael 'Wippa' Wipfli's wife, shared several intimate details from the pre-event on Tuesday. The content creator and influencer posted a photo of the beautiful bride making a speech on the rooftop of Girafe Paris, a gourmet seafood restaurant that boasts views of the Eiffel Tower. She also shared a photo of the venue's exterior, as well as a wholesome photo with her husband Wippa. At the end of the night, the married couple tucked in to a late-night room service meal that consisted of sandwiches and French fries. The bride's attire was stunning down to every detail, from every accessory to hair and makeup. Australian based jeweller and gemologist Olivia Bond, who attended the nuptials, shared photos of Tamie's beautiful diamond wedding accessories, including a perfectly stacked collection of five earrings At both the pre-wedding event and the lavish day, several stars took to Instagram and social media to share their own special moments. Lisa Wipfli, radio star Michael 'Wippa' Wipfli's wife, shared several intimate details from the pre-event on Tuesday, including a photo of the bride giving a speech Custom-made coasters with the bride and grooms names were spread around the tables at the pre-wedding event at Girafe Paris, a gourmet seafood restaurant that boasts views of the Eiffel Tower Lisa also shared a photo of the wedding venue's exterior, as well as a wholesome photo with her husband Wippa at the pre-wedding celebration At the end of the pre-wedding celebration, the married couple tucked in to a late-night room service meal that consisted of sandwiches and French fries The next morning, Wippa helped his wife and other female guests steam out their dresses for the wedding ceremony. 'Doing it for the girls,' she wrote alongside the photo. Meanwhile makeup artist Stojanka Bulic, who is dating former Olympian Kenny, posed up a storm with her friends Jasmine Stefanovic and Elke Long. The trio smiled and hugged each other as they stood in front of the Eiffel Tower. Stojanka also shared another photo with Elke and Lauryn Rakic with the same setting. The next morning, Wippa helped his wife and other female guests steam out their dresses for the ceremony Makeup artist Stojanka Bulic, who is dating former Olympian Grant Kenny, posed up a storm with her friends Jasmine Stefanovic and Elke Long at Girafe Paris Stojanka also shared another photo with Elke and Lauryn Rakic Fashion editor Caroline Tran shared a number of snaps from the pre-party, including a sweet black and white photo of her husband James Sturrock alongside a group of guests. She also showed off her incredible outfit - dressed head-to-toe in black in a long-sleeved short dress that ruched at the sides, and accessorised with a small Chanel handbag. The stylist also posed with her beau as well as Tamie, Tamsin Johnson, and Olivia Bond before signing off the night with a photo of the Eiffel Tower lit up. Fashion editor Caroline Tran shared a number of snaps from the pre-wedding party Caroline showed off her incredible outfit - dressed head-to-toe in black in a long-sleeved short dress that ruched at the sides, and accessorised with a small Chanel handbag Plus a sweet black and white photo of her husband James Sturrock alongside a group of guests And another snap with Tamie, Tamsin Johnson, and Olivia Bond The stylist also posed with her beau as well as Tamie and other guests, before signing off the night with a photo of the Eiffel Tower lit up Rey Vakili shared a candid photo of her soon-to-be-husband Johnny Ingham, who is Tamie's brother. The managing editor of LTK Australia and formerly an assistant to Vogue editor-in-chief Anna Wintour snapped her fiance before the big day lounging on a day bed inside their hotel room. The heir wore a plain T-shirt and trousers while scrolling on his phone. Rey Vakili shared a candid photo of her soon-to-be-husband Johnny Ingham, who is Tamie's brother Her snap was followed by a view from their hotel room 'Johnny working on the wedding glow and making himself at home' Rey joked. Her photo was followed by a gorgeous view from their Bulgari Hotel room. 'In the city of love for a very special moment,' she added. Olivia Bond had a sweet moment with her partner as they stood in front of the Eiffel Tower before making their way inside. Olivia Bond had a sweet moment with her partner as they stood in front of the Eiffel Tower before making their way inside Stella and Co founder Sally Crinis shared a moment of AFL CEO Gil McLachlan, who was a groomsman Interior designer Tamsin Johnson reshared a few moments with her friend and entrepreneur Lauren Kozica Stella and Co founder Sally Crinis shared a moment of AFL CEO Gil McLachlan, who was a groomsman. She sat beside him while he stood and made a speech for the couple ahead of their nuptials. Interior designer Tamsin Johnson re-shared a few moments with her friend and entrepreneur Lauren Kozica, plus Camilla Speer and a photo of the back of her gold dress. Plus Tamsin and Camilla Speer Guillaume and Tamie have a base in the French capital. Tamie works as a shoe designer and Guillaume is a celebrated chef. It is Guillaume's second marriage after he split with his ex-wife Sanchia in 2016. It's wedding season for the chicken heirs, as the Ingham family will then travel to Italy for Johnny Ingham's wedding to Rey Vakili. A star-studded event will take place at the Four Seasons Hotel in Taormina, with guests such as Kate Waterhouse and Luke Ricketson rumoured to be attending. Guillaume and Tamie have a base in the French capital. Tamie works as a shoe designer and Guillaume is a celebrated chef It is Guillaume's second marriage after he split with his ex-wife Sanchia in 2016 Johnny's future wife Rey studied political science at Yale in the US and rose to fame in fashion circles after a stint as personal assistant to Vogue editor-in-chief, Anna Wintour. Johnny and Rey have been a couple since 2018. After a split, they revived their romance in 2021. Finally, the Ingham family will close of their summer of love with Katie Ingham's wedding in Tuscany, Italy. She will tie the knot with her beau Ali Rosenberg. Degrassi: The Next Generation alum Jake Epstein and his wife Vanessa Smythe announced on Tuesday that they welcomed their first child, son Miles August Epstein, on May 25. 'I'm in total awe of his mama and how she is transforming into this amazing new mum before my eyes,' the 36-year-old former child star - who boasts 165K Instagram followers - gushed. 'He's only been on this planet for 18 days and it feels like I've landed in this new alternate reality of life.' Jake went on to say that being a parent 'is wild' and admitted: 'I'm on no sleep but I couldn't love this little cuddler, music lover, and pooper more. Welcome to the world my guy!' 'It has been only a couple weeks and yet I swear there is a dimension of time that has wrenched open vertically,' the Tell You a Story actress described on her Instagram. 'Here he is!' Degrassi: The Next Generation alum Jake Epstein and his wife Vanessa Smythe announced on Tuesday that they welcomed their first child, son Miles August, on May 25 The 36-year-old former child star - who boasts 165K Instagram followers - gushed: 'I'm in total awe of his mama and how she is transforming into this amazing new mum before my eyes' 'Because it feels like he's been here for ages. Holy moly what a trip. Thank your parents if they raised you. This kind of love is so consuming and yet I can't grasp it with words. Here he is.' Vanessa even shared a more recent snap of little Miles posing in a tiny orange T-shirt and sweatpants to mark his second week. The Canadian couple will celebrate five years of marriage on July 7. Epstein's announcement received congratulatory comments from his Umbrella Academy co-stars Genesis Rodriguez, Jordan Claire Robbins, and Tom Hopper as well as producer Jeff F. King. The Broadway thespian also got some social media support from his old Degrassi castmates Lauren Collins, Shane Kippel, Stacey Farber, Paula Brancati, and Ana Golja. Jake famously got his start in showbiz at age 14 in 2001 portraying bipolar musician Craig Manning, opposite five-time Grammy winner Drake, in the first five seasons of Degrassi: The Next Generation. And this summer, filming will officially begin on Lara Azzopardi and Julia Cohen's revival of Degrassi for Max - according to THR. Epstein will next play groom-to-be and advertising executive Adam opposite Becca Tobin in The Wedding Contract, which premieres this Saturday on the Hallmark Channel. Jake added: 'He's only been on this planet for 18 days and it feels like I've landed in this new alternate reality of life' Epstein went on to say that being a parent 'is wild' and admitted: 'I'm on no sleep but I couldn't love this little cuddler, music lover, and pooper more. Welcome to the world my guy!' The Tell You a Story actress described on her Instagram: 'It has been only a couple weeks and yet I swear there is a dimension of time that has wrenched open vertically because it feels like he's been here for ages. Holy moly what a trip' Squeee! Vanessa even shared a more recent snap of little Miles posing in a tiny orange T-shirt and sweatpants to mark his second week 'You are clearly getting too much sleep!' The Canadian actor's announcement received congratulatory comments from his Umbrella Academy co-stars Genesis Rodriguez, Jordan Claire Robbins, and Tom Hopper as well as producer Jeff F. King 'Mazel tov!' Jake also got some social media support from his old Degrassi castmates Lauren Collins, Shane Kippel, Stacey Farber, Paula Brancati, and Ana Golja Throwback! Epstein (2-R) famously got his start in showbiz at age 14 in 2001 portraying bipolar musician Craig Manning, opposite five-time Grammy winner Drake (L), in the first five seasons of Degrassi: The Next Generation New chapter: And this summer, filming will officially begin on Lara Azzopardi and Julia Cohen's revival of Degrassi for Max Premieres this Saturday on the Hallmark Channel! The Broadway thespian will next play groom-to-be and advertising executive Adam opposite Becca Tobin in The Wedding Contract The National Theatre School of Canada grad will also likely reprise his role as teacher Adrian Munder in the eight-episode third (and final) season of The Hardy Boys, which premieres later this year on Hulu. Later this year, Jake plans to remount his musical Boy Falls From the Sky, which ran for three weeks at the Royal Alex Theatre in his native Toronto. 'It's the most personal thing I've ever done,' Epstein wrote of the play. 'And also the most fun I've ever had onstage.' Ashley Graham packed on the PDA with her husband Justin Ervin as they shared a kiss at the British Vogue and LuisaViaRoma Runway Icons event in Florence on Wednesday. The model, 35, showed off her sensational figure in a leopard print bodycon dress before she locked lips with Justin, 34, in front of the cameras at at Piazzale Michelangelo. She beamed in her ensemble and showcased a pop of colour with her scarlet nails and a gorgeous red lip. Ashley accessorised her chic look with a pair of gold hooped earrings and black high heels. Before taking to the runway, the mother-of-three posed next to filmmaker and producer Justin, who looked dapper in a navy tailored suit. Loved up: Ashley Graham packed on the PDA with her husband Justin Ervin as they shared a kiss at the British Vogue and LuisaViaRoma Runway Icons event in Florence on Wednesday PDA: The model, 35, showed off her sensational figure in a leopard print bodycon dress before she locked lips with Justin, 34, in front of the cameras at at Piazzale Michelangelo She wore her long brunette tresses in a slicked back bun behind her ears and opted for a flawless make-up finish. Ashley switched up her outfit for the open-air runway as she strutted with her best poker-face, holding a black clutch. The model accessorised with dainty strapped heels and a statement pair of embellished earrings to add to her second look. The British Vogue event took over Florence's historic Piazzale Michelangelo for a one-off fashion event celebrating the iconic styles of the last 50 years. Also in attendance at the open-air show who walked the catwalk was Julia Fox, Irina Shayk, Stella Maxwell and Winnie Harlow. Ashley and Justin have been married for almost 13 years after tying the knot back in August 2010. The couple had an unlikely meet cute as they first met in an elevator while at church together. Ashley and Justin announced they were expecting their first child together on their ninth wedding anniversary and welcomed son Isaac, now three, into the world in January 2020. The model then revealed she was expecting twins in the summer of 2021, before giving birth to identical boys Malachi and Roman at home in January 2022. Gorgeous: She beamed in her ensemble and showcased a pop of colour with her scarlet nails and a red lip Vogue: The model accessorised with dainty strapped heels and a statement pair of embellished earrings to add to her second look Stunning: Ashley wore her long brunette tresses in a slicked back bun behind her ears and opted for a flawless make-up finish She is one of the world's most esteemed models. And Rosie Huntington-Whiteley showed just why on Wednesday as she stepped out for a lunch to celebrate her Rose INC. cosmetics range in Beverly Hills. The Transformers star, 36, looked nothing short of sensational in a nude corset with a complementary biased cut slip skirt and sky-high heels. She wore her blonde locks in sleek straight lengths falling from a centre parting while her make-up was - fittingly - flawless. Rosie recently spoke of her longing to return to her home county of Devon after living in celebrity enclave Malibu, California for years. Stunner: Rosie Huntington-Whiteley showed just why on Wednesday as she stepped out for a lunch to celebrate her Rose INC. cosmetics range in Beverly Hills She and Jason Statham - who share five-year-old son Jack and daughter Isabella, one, together - sold their Malibu mansion for $18.5 million to move to the Chelsea district of London. Rosie was born in the Devon city of Plymouth before moving to market town Tavistock, also located in the South West English county, and she admits that part of the world is still her favourite. Speaking to Great British LIFE, she said: 'I'm a country girl at heart. I spend a lot of my time living in LA which is lovely. I spend a lot of time in other major cities too.' She added: 'There might be the glamour and fun to enjoy in a city but the real beauty is in the countryside and especially in my home county where the people are so nice and ready to volunteer smile for no particular reason. 'The country air smells so fresh and I still love to see the sheep, the pigs, the ducks, chickens and, of course, the horses. 'Whenever I am here and I really don't like to be away for very long, I just find it all so relaxing and lovely. It is home to me.' Despite being engaged since 2016, Rosie and Jason are in no hurry to rush their wedding preparations. Welcoming their son, Jack, a year after her beau got down on one knee, Rosie told ET in 2018 that the wedding wasn't a 'huge priority.' Nude ambition: The Transformers star, 36, looked nothing short of sensational in a nude corset with a complementary biased cut slip skirt and sky-high heels Naked ambition: She wore her blonde locks in sleek straight lengths falling from a centre parting while her make-up was - fittingly - flawless Incredible: She looked incredible in the chic ensemble She said: 'We're looking forward to that time. It's also not a huge priority for us; we're so happy. I think it will be fun to do it when the baby's grown up a bit and he can be involved in the wedding.' Rosie recently unveiled her new collaboration with iconic swimwear brand Hunza G. The collaboration between her beauty line Rose Inc and Hunza G includes chic bikinis and swimsuits in a pink and white colour palette. One of the mirror selfies shows Rosie posing in a white two-piece which highlights her toned and tanned figure. Other photos show her modelling scoop-neck swimsuits in pretty blush and pink shades. 'Couldn't be happier to have created a limited edition collection in collaboration with @roseinc and @hunza.g. Swipe to check out some of my favourite styles and colour ways inspired by our iconic Rose Inc Solar Collection,' Rosie captioned her post. Of her love of Hunza G, Rosie told Vogue: 'I came across the brand back in 2018. And I was instantly impressed by this beautifully stretched crinkle fabric.' 'I think another thing the team does so well is staying true to a small number of styles and cuts, but introducing really iconic colors every season.' 'I'm predominantly known over the last couple of years for my love of neutrals,' says Huntington-Whiteley. 'But when it comes to swimwear like a pop of color. I feel that's where I can be a bit more adventurous and playful.' Model behaviour: Rosie recently unveiled her new collaboration with iconic swimwear brand Hunza G Gorgeous: The collaboration between her beauty line Rose Inc and Hunza G includes chic bikinis and swimsuits in a pink and white colour palette She is a top model. And Winnie Harlow was showing off her credentials as she stormed the runway at the LuisaViaRoma and British Vogue event in Florence, Italy, on Wednesday night. Winnie, 28, went braless and looked breathtaking in a metallic silver see-through mini dress with rhinestone embellishments. Her outfit was paired with sexy thigh-high black PVC boots to add an edge to the ensemble. Like the other models, Winnie also wore a slicked back hairstyle and cherry red lipstick. Stunning: Winnie Harlow was showing off her credentials as she stormed the runway at the LuisaViaRoma and British Vogue event in Florence, Italy, on Wednesday night Work it: Winnie, 28, went braless and looked breathtaking in a metallic silver see-through mini dress with rhinestone embellishments Irina Shayk and Stella Maxwell were among the other models who took to the catwalk to show off looks. The models had all eyes on them while taking part in the 'Runway Icons' fashion event, hosted at Piazzale Michelangelo. They strutted down the runway wearing fashions ranging from the punk rock looks of the 1970s to the sportswear made popular in the 1980s to the minimalism of the 1990s and opulence of the 2000s. Winnie rose to fame and became one of the fashion industry's top models following her appearance on America's Next Top Model in 2014. She became part of the modeling competition show's 21st cycle after being discovered on Instagram by supermodel Tyra Banks, who served as a judge, host and executive producer on the show. The 18 & Over actress gave a TEDx talk in 2014 called How I Define Beauty. The video has been viewed more than a million times. Since then, Winnie has appeared in runway shows for lingerie giant Victoria's Secret, as well as for luxury fashion designers like Jean Paul Gaultier and Christian Cowan. Now a household name and a fashion fixture, Winnie made the shift into the beauty space by launching Cay Skin earlier this year. Glowing: Like the other models, Winnie also wore a slicked back hairstyle and cherry red lipstick Beauty: The models had all eyes on them while taking part in the 'Runway Icons' fashion event , hosted at Piazzale Michelangelo Wow: Her outfit was paired with sexy thigh-high black PVC boots to add an edge to the ensemble Looks: They strutted down the runway wearing fashions ranging from the punk rock looks of the 1970s to the sportswear made popular in the 1980s to the minimalism of the 1990s and opulence of the 2000s Star: Winnie rose to fame and became one of the fashion industry's top models following her appearance on America's Next Top Model in 2014 Career: She became part of the modeling competition show's 21st cycle after being discovered on Instagram by supermodel Tyra Banks, who served as a judge, host and executive producer on the show Bold: The 18 & Over actress gave a TEDx talk in 2014 called How I Define Beauty. The video has been viewed more than a million times Huge: Since then, Winnie has appeared in runway shows for lingerie giant Victoria's Secret, as well as for luxury fashion designers like Jean Paul Gaultier and Christian Cowan Strings to her bow: Now a household name and a fashion fixture, Winnie made the shift into the beauty space by launching Cay Skin earlier this year The sun care brand's standout product - Isle Glow Face Lotion - offers 45 SPF and is designed to be silicone-free, vegan, cruelty-free, and environmentally friendly, according to the official Cay Skin site. Speaking to BYRDIE, Winnie revealed that the inspiration for creating Cay Skin stemmed from a 'traumatic' shoot in the Bahamas in 2018. 'I was shooting in the Bahamas sun for two days, and no one [on set] wanted me to reapply sunscreen because the ones we had left a blue or purple cast,' she explained. Being that she was without any protection from the harsh sun, Winnie's skin suffered some major consequences that required her to seek medical attention. Business: The sun care brand's standout product - Isle Glow Face Lotion - offers 45 SPF and is designed to be silicone-free, vegan, cruelty-free, and environmentally friendly, according to the official Cay Skin site Tough: Speaking to BYRDIE, Winnie revealed that the inspiration for creating Cay Skin stemmed from a 'traumatic' shoot in the Bahamas in 2018 Scary: Being that she was without any protection from the harsh sun, Winnie's skin suffered some major consequences that required her to seek medical attention Ouch: Though the experience was excruciating, it inspired Winnie to create sunscreen that suits all skin tones in the hopes that what happened to her wouldn't happen to someone else Unique: Winnie suffers from an autoimmune disorder and skin condition called Vitiligo, which 'causes loss of skin colour in patches,' according to the Mayo Clinic Winnie suffers from an autoimmune disorder and skin condition called Vitiligo, which 'causes loss of skin colour in patches,' according to the Mayo Clinic. 'When I finished the two-day project, I got back to my hotel and my skin was so red and tight. Doctors had to come to the hotel room and give me injections for pain and inflammation. It was a traumatic experience.' Though the experience was excruciating, it inspired Winnie to create sunscreen that suits all skin tones in the hopes that what happened to her wouldn't happen to someone else. 'It's so important to protect your skin, and there should be products that work for everyone,' she told the outlet. 'That's really how the idea for Cay Skin came to life.' Costner is worth $250 million and under the terms of the prenup, signed in 2004, she was to leave his properties if they split and relocate However the lawyers have failed to reach an agreement with Christine, 49 In court papers seen by DailyMail.com, Costner's lawyers claim they have made 'multiple offers' to get his wife to move out of the former marital home Kevin Costner's divorce from estranged wife Christine Baumgartner just got explosive, with claims that the star is now 'homeless', she splurged $95,000 on his credit card and has a restraining order against him. In court papers seen by DailyMail.com the actor's lawyers claim that they have made 'multiple offers' to get his wife to move out of the former marital home - but have failed to reach agreement with Christine, 49, a model turned handbag designer, leaving him effectively homeless. Costner, 68, remarks: 'This is surprising and disheartening to me.' He adds: 'I was married once before and, upon separation, found myself without home base and unable to live in my own home. 'I never wanted this to happen again.' Costner is worth $250 million and under the terms of the prenup, signed in 2004, she was to leave his properties if they split and relocate, using a $1.2 million fund to find a new house. Kevin Costner's divorce from estranged wife Christine Baumgartner (seen together in 2022) just got explosive, with his lawyer claiming in court documents that she has left him 'homeless' In court papers seen by DailyMail.com the actor's lawyers claim that they have made 'multiple offers' to get Christine (seen on Wednesday), 49, to move out of the former marital home Costner alleges that his former spouse is in breach of that agreement saying that he now wishes to move back into the huge house which they shared. She was spotted at the property yesterday. The lawyers said: ' What is happening now is exactly what he and Christine contracted to avoid in the event their marriage failed. 'Christine has accepted the benefits of the PMA (pre marital agreement ) over the years, but now refuses to accept this one burden.' Both sides seem to be preparing for a 'War of the Roses' style legal battle over their huge $145 million house in Carpinteria, California. It is owned solely by Costner and he bought it in 1988, long before their 2004 wedding. Costner, who has been filming in Utah for the past few months, is complaining that he needs a home as he will be off location from early June. Extraordinarily, he says that he was made homeless during his last divorce. The house next door, also owned by him, is used he says as a place to edit films. He says that he funded Christine's two 'failed' businesses both before and during the marriage and says that she was happy to benefit from the premarital agreement for years, but is now seeking to ditch it. Costner alleges that following their separation she 'charged $95,000' to his credit card 'without prior notice to me.' That money was spent on lawyers and on a forensic accountant. The Oscar-winning actor said that under the terms of their prenuptial agreement, Christine had a 30-day period to move out of the house he owns following her May 1 divorce filing Meanwhile Costner claims she wants the world to see the financial details of the pre-nuptial agreement which they signed - but insists that this would put him under risk of 'irreparable harm' from fraudsters or burglars, and be likely to attract unwanted and embarrassing global media attention. Christine filed for divorce on the grounds of irreconcilable differences on May 1. She gave the date of separation as April 11. In his response Costner, 68, marks the date of separation as 'TBD' or 'to be determined.' They have children Cayden, 15, Hayes, 14, and Grace, 12. Both have asked for joint legal and physical custody of the children. The 'disso queen' Laura Wasser is acting for Costner. In the initial response to the divorce filing she asked for the payment of spousal support 'pursuant to the terms of the parties premarital agreement.' On June 8, Christine's side filed a restraining order against Costner which forbids him from taking the children out of the state and transferring or selling any property. On June 9, Costner's side filed a request for an order to kick Christine out of the house, a filing known as a 'preliminary injunction prohibiting petitioner from occupancy.' It also requests that the premarital agreement is sealed - which would ensure it is kept private - and asks that a court determine the validity of the premarital agreement separately to considering other matters in the divorce, in order to speed things up. His lawyers complain that Christine's actions in staying at the house are essentially holding him to ransom while they negotiate. They say: 'Christine has taken the position that she will not move out of Kevin's separate property residence unless and until Kevin agrees to various financial demands. 'Christine's agreement to move out was and is unconditional. Indeed, independent of the PMA [pre-marital agreement] she has no right to occupy Kevin's separate property residence. 'Nevertheless, Kevin has offered to assist her financially in moving out, he has already made a contribution to her attorney's and accountant's fees, he has already paid her the $1,000,000 due her under the terms of the PMA upon the filing of the Petition as part of the bargained for waiver of spousal support (in addition to a total of $200,000 he paid to her in the early years of the marriage pursuant to the PMA), he has already made a comprehensive temporary child support and fee proposal, he has agreed to and has maintained the financial status quo since the Petition was filed, continuing to pay all of the parties' children's expenses, and he is negotiating a summer visitation schedule for the parties' three teenage children. 'Kevin has acted in good faith and had done everything in his power to make the transition as seamless as possible. But Christine continues to refuse to vacate his separate property residence, as she agreed she would do in 2004 as a condition of marriage.' Kevin alleges: 'Thus, when Christine and began discussing marriage in 2003, made it clear to her that would not marry again without clarity that my separate property residences would remain mine to live in no matter what happened in our marriage' In his declaration filed as part of the injunction Coster himself explains: 'Because of the nature of my work, I am frequently out of town; it is therefore particularly important to me that when am I home, I have a home to go to. 'Thus, when Christine and I began discussing marriage in 2003, I made it clear to her that I would not marry again without clarity that my separate property residences would remain mine to live in no matter what happened in our marriage. 'Christine acknowledged to me at the time that she understood the importance of this to me and she agreed to this provision.' He adds: 'Our PMA provides, among other terms, that all of the assets we each owned prior to our marriage would remain our respective separate property. One such separate property asset of mine is my Separate Property Residence that Christine and I have used as our family home with our three children. 'I purchased this property in 1988, long before my marriage to Christine. Adjacent to the Residence is separate residence that I use exclusively for business purposes (film editing) and which I will be working at this year in connection with a new film project recently completed filming that I am producing. 'I also owned that separate adjacent residence at the time Christine and I married. Our PMA clearly provides in Paragraph 9.A. that (a) I shall have immediate and exclusive use of all of my separate real property and (b) that within 30 days of filing of Petition for dissolution of our marriage, Christine shall vacate any family residential property owned solely by me. This 30-day deadline expired on May 31, 2023.' He goes on to say that he has discussed the agreement with his estranged wife and reminded her that she has to leave both personally and via his lawyer Laura Wasser. His statement sets out some of the details of their prenup, which saw Christine get $100,000 on their wedding day and a further $100,000 on their first wedding anniversary. She was also given $1 million after filing for divorce, as stipulated in the pre-nup, in order to help her to find a home. Under the terms of the pre-nup Costner has also agreed to hand over a further $200,000 as a 'cash deposit' for a new home, and he agrees to pay her mortgage and insurance costs for her first year in a new place. His statement continues: 'Since April 2023, Christine has withdrawn from my bank account and charged on my credit card a total of $95,000, payable to her divorce attorneys and forensic accountant. This was done without any prior notice to me. 'I have continued to maintain the status quo and have continued to pay all of our children's expenses. I have also made multiple offers of settlement which, unfortunately, have not been accepted. 'To date, notwithstanding several requests for transparency, Christine has not informed me whether she intends to honor or challenge the PMA. I understand that on June 1 her attorneys informed my lawyer that Christine is challenging "at least" the spousal support waiver in the PMA. 'This is surprising and disheartening to me because we both entered into the PMA voluntarily and with independent counsel advising each of us. I would like for the Court to resolve the issue of the enforceability of the PMA as soon as practical so that I may move on with my life and to cause as little disruption as possible in our children's lives. ' Staying put? Baumgartner was pictured leaving a Montecito, California Bank of America branch as news spread of the divorce-related dispute on Wednesday No more: The statement clarifies the position on Yellowstone. Costner had been in negotiations to return to film some episodes for the final series but is no longer planning to do so He adds that he is willing to contribute $30,000 a month for a rental house and $10,000 for moving costs 'in order to move this matter forward.' He adds that she can use the staff at the former marital home to help her with the move. He is also willing to pay 'directly 100% of certain child related costs, including private school tuition, books, fees and uniforms and school trips, children's sports, camps and other agreed upon extracurricular activities, health insurance for the minor children, and unreimbursed medical expenses and therapy costs of the minor children'. He continues: 'In addition, I am agreeable to paying an additional $38,000 per month to Christine as and for additional child support for all three children, which amount shall reduce per Code as each child ages out.' Costner anticipates that the children will split their time 50/50 between himself and Christine. 'I believe Christine and I are in agreement that our three teenagers' time will be shared equally between my residence and Christine's,' he states. 'I do not anticipate any material disputes between Christine and me regarding custody of our children. We have both requested joint legal and joint physical custody. Because the children will be spending at least half of their time at my home, they will not be disrupted by Christine's imminent move. 'Christine and I have been working on a summer schedule to ensure that the children have smooth transition between our two homes.' He adds: 'Even when I am working I arrange to see the children frequently. I was in California for our son's birthday in early May and the children visited me May 21-24 in Utah where I was filming. 'This month I will return to California to my Separate Property Residence and plan on staying here at least through the end of this year (except perhaps for any vacations). I am a very hands-on father. I drive our children to school, attend their events and am involved in their daily lives. I agree that, when I am on location filming, the children will spend more time with their mother. However, I do not anticipate that I will be on location for at least the rest of 2023.' Instead he says he will be editing the Horizon films at his studio in Carpinteria. The statement also clarifies the actor's position on Yellowstone. Costner had been in negotiations to return to film some episodes for the final series but is no longer planning to do so. Costner's lawyers say: 'Christine has made various representations that she would move out, she has also interposed unreasonable financial demands as a condition to moving out. Negotiations have thus far proved unsuccessful. A broad range of interim relief is available in dissolution, legal separation and nullity proceedings separate and apart from relief available under the Domestic Violence Prevention Act.' Costner's lawyers are clearly concerned by the possibility of the pre-nup becoming public and say that Christine's side don't mind if it comes out. They say: 'On May 8 (one week after Christine filed for divorce), we sent [her attorney John R. Rydell II] a proposed stipulation re confidentiality which protected all financial information pertaining to the parties and those of third parties in this matter. 'On May 22, Mr. Rydell emailed me stating that he would like to make clear that the financial information of the parties will not be deemed "Confidential Material". He did not provide any explanation for this position other than to say it will be essential to provide the Court with the parties' financial information. 'Nothing in the proposed stipulation precludes either party from providing the Court with the parties' financial information. My partner, Amy L. Rice, explained this to Mr. Rydell in correspondence and asked that Mr. Rydell rethink his position or else we would be left with no alternative but to seek relief from the Court. 'On June 1, Ms. Beuoy responded with her agreement that all business documents would be deemed to be confidential material, subject to designation, but not the parties' personal financial information. No further explanation was provided. 11. 'On June 6, Mr. Rice again asked counsel whether they would agree to the Stipulation re Confidentiality, as well as whether they would agree to bifurcate the issue of the validity and enforceability of the PMA. To date we have not received a response.' Weekend Today star Richard Wilkins is soaking up the sun with his girlfriend Nicola Dale in Ibiza, Spain. The TV presenter, 68, and his glamorous partner attended their friend's wedding on the party island. In a photo shared to Instagram, Richard looked dapper in a black tuxedo and white shirt. Nicola dressed to impress in a sparkly long gold dress as she posed alongside her beau while the sun set in the background. 'Dreamy Ibiza. Celebration time of our most beautiful friends #Ibiza #love #sunsets,' she captioned the image. Today show star Richard Wilkins partied in Ibiza with his girlfriend Nicola Dale as rumours swirl he's going to propose. Both pictured The trip comes amid rumours the Weekend Today host is ready to tie the knot with Nicola, who he has been dating since 2020. 'Dickie may be 68, but he's got a lot of life left in him. He's now more than ready to finally settle down,' a source told New Idea. 'They just have this lovely ease about them. As a couple, they give each other space, but seem to really love being together.' 'He also sees his good mate Karl Stefanovic so happy and settled with Jasmine and his new family, and Dickie wants what Karl has,' they added. Richard has been married three times and has five children to four different mothers. He first married at the age of 18 after his 16-year-old girlfriend Lynette fell pregnant. The teenage couple went on to have a son together, named Adam. Nicola also shared an image as the couple explored Spain after their friend's wedding After moving to Australia to pursue his pop career, Richard married for a second time and had two more children, daughter Rebecca and son Nick. When that marriage finished, Richard had a series of romances with high-profile women, including actress Rebecca Gibney in 1989. Their relationship reportedly ended when Richard left the actress for his third wife Michelle Burke. Together the couple had a son, model and actor Christian. After they split, Richard went on to have a fifth child with designer Collette Dinnigan. They broke up in 2004 when she was yet to give birth to their daughter Estella. Kate Lawler looked incredible in a plunging green bikini as she splashes around in a rubber ring on Thursday episode of This Morning. The TV personality, 42, flashed her toned midriff as she announced the show's latest competition from Splashdown Waterpark in Poole. She slicked her damp blonde hair back from her face and went makeup free for her fun day out at the attraction. Kate appeared to be having the time of her life as she floated around the lane before taking a tumble and flipping upside down. The presenter left hosts Holly Willoughby and Dermot O'Leary in hysterics as she whizzed off and around the corner. Waterpark: Kate Lawler, 42, looked incredible in a plunging green bikini as she splashes around in a rubber ring on Thursday episode of This Morning Oops: She appeared to be having the time of her life as she floated around the lane before taking a tumble and flipping upside down Speaking during the segment, she explained: 'It's hot here in the UK so I've come to Splashdown Waterpark to have some fun in the sun... I'm going to hit the rapids!' It comes after Kate showed off her toned body in some sexy swimwear which was gifted to her by Myleene Klass - who created the line with high-street store Next. The mother-of-one was first tried on a floral skimpy triangle bikini which came with a matching cover-up on Instagram on Wednesday. The two-piece showed off her gym-honed abs and the Big Brother winner revealed her delight that the ensemble also came with a matching set for her toddler Noa, two. Kate also tried on an incredible tiger-print one-shoulder swimsuit from the range which also came with matching swimwear for Noa and a cute little turban. She wrote in the caption: 'HoMyGosh am I the only Mama whos always wanted to wear matching swimsuits with their little one? 'This week I received the best surprise in the post thanks to the lovely @myleeneklass whos absolutely knocked this collection for @nextofficial out the park. 'Now Im even more excited for our family holidays my mini me and I will be in the same swimsuits. This isnt a paid ad but I was very kindly gifted the items.' Gym-honed: The TV personality flashed her toned midriff as she announced the show's latest competition from Splashdown Waterpark in Poole Flawless: She slicked her damp blonde hair back from her face and went makeup free for her fun day out at the attraction Funny: The presenter left hosts Holly Willoughby and Dermot O'Leary in hysterics as she whizzed off and around the corner Wow! It comes after Kate showed off her toned body in some sexy swimwear which was gifted to her by Myleene Klass - who created the line with high-street store Next Kate shares her daughter with husband Martin Bojtos, who she tied the knot with in a picturesque ceremony in the heart of London's Shoreditch last year. Martin proposed to Kate in April 2018 during a romantic mini break in Bruges. Previously the radio star has spoken openly about her difficult battle with post-natal depression and said she was at her 'lowest point ever' a year ago. She has also revealed in the past that following the low points she won't be having more children. Montana Brown showed off her baby bump as she enjoyed a pregnancy massage in Mayfair on Wednesday, with just days to go until she gives birth to her first child. The Love Island star, 27, who is expecting a baby boy with fiance Mark O'Connor, looked glowing as she battled the scorching heatwave while stepping out in London. The mother-to-be looked radiant in a skimpy white two-piece as she showed off her bare bump while heading inside the House Of Elemis for her treatment. The newly-engaged star is getting everything ready ahead of the birth to her baby son. Montana sported a suede pair of Birkenstock clogs and shielded her shoulders with an oversized Palm Angels denim jacket. Oh baby! Montana Brown showed off her baby bump as she enjoyed a pregnancy massage in Mayfair on Wednesday, with just days to go until she gives birth to her first child Not long now! The Love Island star, 27, who is expecting a baby boy with fiance Mark O'Connor, was glowing as she battled the scorching heatwave while stepping out in London She wore her long raven tresses in a messy bun with a claw clip an embraced her natural glow as she stepped out makeup-free. Montana accessorised with a silver chain cross-body bag and a pair of aviator sunglasses with an orange tint. The reality star shared a sweet selfie of her bump on Instagram, captioned: 'I had the most glorious pregnancy massage yesterday, also quite fancied getting my belly out for my trip out of the house.' Montana confirmed she was expecting a baby boy after sharing a clip of her gender reveal party in March. The beauty could be seen greeting friends and family in the pool room at Huntlington House in Worcester. Montana then took a pin and popped the balloon to reveal blue confetti before turning to hug Mark. The pregnancy hasn't been without its challenges, with the star rushing to hospital in March after fearing she couldn't feel her baby move. Montana told how she sought medical help after suffering with 'reduced fetal movement', adding that she 'just wanted to be safe' and ensure her little one was OK. Gorgeous: The mother-to-be looked radiant in a skimpy white two-piece as she showed off her bare bump while heading inside the House Of Elemis for her treatment Fashionable: Montana sported a suede pair of Birkenstock clogs and shielded her shoulders with an oversized Palm Angels denim jacket Natural beauty: She wore her long raven tresses in a messy bun with a claw clip an embraced her natural glow as she stepped out makeup-free Mum-to-be: Montana stunner accessorised with a silver chain cross-body bag and a pair of aviator sunglasses with an orange tint She went on to thank the 'lovely' NHS staff for their help before ensuring her fans her baby was fine, but was just in a 'weird position'. The Love Island star is expecting her first child with fiance Mark, a former rugby player turned estate agent who she went public with in early 2021 after meeting in a gym. A source told MailOnline at the time: 'He played rugby for Chiswick and Wales 1st Teams as a prop, and has a proprietary interest in Forge Gym London. That's likely how he met Montana. 'He used to be out of shape and is now very much in shape. He's a very wild bloke to go on a night out with, drinks a lot. Very good fun to be with. 'His father owns a huge development/construction firm which he will inherit.' Speaking to new! magazine, Montana revealed: 'Mine and Marks relationship was born out of the second lockdown. I feel like good things always come when you are not expecting it. 'It's been lovely to feel in a good headspace. Last year I convinced myself that I didnt want to meet anyone - I'd be on my own forever instead, but he came along when I wasnt looking.' The reality TV personality announced Mark had proposed to her during her exotic babymoon in April. Andy Lee is set to spend $5million renovating a derelict mansion in Melbourne that he purchased in 2021 to turn into his dream home. But his extensive renovations have reportedly infuriated his neighbours. Locals have submitted several objections with Boroondara City Council relating to landscape and heritage issues, reports the Herald Sun. The council is now reviewing the submissions after residents urged for plans to be blocked or significant amendments made. The property was built in 1876 and was last sold in 1995 for $1.8million before Andy purchased it for $8.5million in 2021. Andy Lee has sparked a neighbourhood war after revealing extensive plans to spend $5million renovating his derelict mansion in Melbourne Planners Urbis have described the renovation plans as 'driven by the owners desire to retain and embrace the heritage values of the place, at the same time adding a contemporarily designed living zone.' 'The result will be a conserved and adapted heritage building fronting Yarra Grove with a modern living component set well back on the site but cleverly linked to the heritage building through a tunnel,' it said. The comedian purchased the run-down Hawthorn property in 2021 and submitted extensive renovation plans to his local council in April. Some of the planned features Andy has outlined include a home theatre, a gym, a pool, and a 'mega bedroom'. The property overlooks the scenic Yarra River and would be the ideal spot for Andy and girlfriend Rebecca Harding, 31, to start a family in. According to the Herald Sun, neighbours have submitted several objections around landscape and heritage issues with Boroondara City Council The property was built in 1876 and was last sold in 1995 for $1.8million before Andy purchased it for $8.5million in 2021 Back in 2021, Andy's selling agent told the Herald Sun that renovating the property is going to be a huge passion project for the popular comedian and his partner. 'It's probably going to be a lifetime passion, a generational home for them. They were drawn to the opportunity to renovate an original home,' they said. The dilapidated Italianate style manor property, built in circa 1876, sits on a princely 2000sqm lot and looks out onto the Yarra River. All aspects of the property - bedrooms, bathrooms, kitchen and living spaces - will need updating as it has been neglected over the decades. Tom Cruise showed off his impressive biceps as he flew a helicopter into London on Wednesday. The Mission Impossible star touched down in the capital for a screening for the highly-anticipated seventh installment of Mission Impossible. Tom has clearly been working out as he displayed his muscular physique in a tight fitting navy Falconeri polo T-shirt. He appeared in high spirits as he gave a wave upon landing and chatted to his fellow pilot. Dressed for the sunny weather, Tom rocked his signature aviator shades and denim jeans. Top Guns! Tom Cruise showed off his impressive biceps as he flew a helicopter into London on Wednesday Landed: The Mission Impossible star touched down in the capital for a screening for the highly-anticipated seventh installment of Mission Impossible Pilot: The Top Gun star is a licensed pilot and has been since 1994. The Hollywood heavyweight is known for taking on many of his own stunts in films The Top Gun star is a licensed pilot and has been since 1994. The Hollywood heavyweight is known for taking on many of his own stunts in films. Tom travelled light carrying just a rucksack and blue jacket as he emerged from the aircraft and headed to an awaiting car. He headed across to Soho Square where he joined Hayley Atwell. Hayley recently quashed rumours the pair were romantically involved while shooting Mission Impossible Dead Reckoning Part One in the May-June issue of Country & Town House. 'I felt like if I ever was worried about it, I could talk to him [Tom],' the newly-engaged star said of the dating rumours. 'And I know that he would've said, "People say whatever they want to say, but you know who you are, I know who I am and I want you to feel safe in this environment."' She went on to describe their relationship as a form of 'platonic love', which she feels is sometimes under-represented. 'And my love for Tom, my love for the process of this [Mission], and also the people who they keep very close to them and who are very present on set, has a wholesomeness to it. That for me, I just found so beautiful, so, yeah, I can freely say 'I love this group of people,' Atwell admitted. Impressive: Tom has clearly been working out as he displayed his muscular physique in a tight fitting navy polo T-shirt Mission complete: He was accompanied by airport staff as he made his way across the landing pad Happy: Tom appeared in high spirits as he gave a wave and chatted to his fellow pilot after chartering the helicopter Touch down: Tom focused as he landed the helicopter Light traveller: Tom travelled light carrying just a rucksack and blue jacket as he emerged from the aircraft and headed to an awaiting car Screening: He headed across to Soho Square where he joined Hayley Atwell 'Platonic': Hayley recently quashed rumours the pair were romantically involved while shooting Mission Impossible Dead Reckoning Part One (pictured) Ahead of the interview, the Captain America: The First Avenger star announced she is engaged to actor boyfriend Ned Wolfgang Kelly. As for Cruise, he has been at the forefront of the Hollywood A-list since the 1980s that was solidified with roles in Risky Business (1983), All the Right Moves (1983), Top Gun (1986), Rain Man (1988), and Born On The Fourth of July (1989). He has since gone on to become one of the most bankable movie stars over the course of the next four decades with such films as A Few Good Men (1992), Jerry Maguire (1996), Minority Report (2002), War Of The Worlds (2005), Top Gun: Maverick (2022), along with the Mission: Impossible films that began in 1996. Much has been made of Tom's insistence on real flying scenes, with no CGI work. He previously said in numerous interviews that he refused to even talk about a Top Gun sequel unless they flew in real planes. He said at the time: 'For years, people had said, "Can't you shoot [the movie] with CGI?'"And I always said, "No. That's not the experience". I said, "I need to find the right story. And we're going to need the right team. This movie is like trying to hit a bullet with a bullet. I'm not playing." Cruise learned to fly when he was 31 and made The Firm with director Sydney Pollack. When the movie wrapped Pollack gave him a gift of flying lessons, saying: 'You got to learn how to fly now, or you're never going to do it. I know it's one of your passions you gotta go do it. It's gonna take you forever to do this' Six weeks later he took Pollack to dinner and told him that he had learned to fly. He then began a 'really fun game' with the director, who told him that passing the IFR rating would take him years. Cruise said: 'A little while later, I took him to dinner And we're eating and then at the end I say, 'I'm going to pay the bill' and I opened my wallet and put it on the table as I got my cash out, and he looked down at my wallet and there was my IFR license in it. He said, 'You ****r! What are you doing?' Mission: Impossible Dead Reckoning Part One, which also stars Ving Rhames, Simon Pegg, Rebecca Ferguson, Vanessa Kirby and Henry Czerny, is now out in the UK and will hit theaters in the U.S. on on July 12. The sequel, Dead Reckoning Part Two, is scheduled to make its premiere in theaters on June 28, 2024. Phoebe Waller-Bridge has weighed in on the future of Indiana Jones as she attended the premiere for the fifth instalment, Dial of Destiny, on Wednesday night. The actress, 37, insisted the franchise should not be revived with anyone other than Harrison Ford because he helped create 'a perfect moment in cinematic history'. Phoebe, who plays the globe-trotting archaeologist's goddaughter, Helena Shaw, in the final film in the fantasy-action series, addressed the subject at LA screening. When asked if the films could be revived without Harrison, she said: 'I don't think it should be. I think he is Indiana Jones and I think Indiana Jones is him. 'Whatever magic chemistry happened between that script and Steven Spielberg and Harrison Ford is a perfect moment in cinematic history.' No chance! Phoebe Waller-Bridge has weighed in on the future of Indiana Jones as she attended the premiere for the fifth instalment, Dial of Destiny, on Wednesday night (pictured as Helena Shaw in the film) James Mangold has directed the latest instalment while Steven [Spielberg] was at the helm of the first four films. Phoebe added that she feels James has done 'the most beautiful job' of bringing the series to an end. 'It was wonderful to be by Harrison's side prodding him and poking him and being annoying as Helena all the way through the movie. It was incredible,' she said. The film sees Ford return as Indiana Jones more than 40 years after his first stint in Raiders Of The Lost Ark in 1981. Phoebe first found her feet at the Edinburgh Fringe Festival where she debuted her hit series Fleabag as a one-woman show in 2013. After it won the Fringe First Award, it was adapted into a BBC sitcom which won a host of Bafta, Emmy and Golden Globe awards. The actress admitted being at the premiere did feel 'quite Edinburgh', with the streets being packed and the barricades surrounding the area. Reflecting on her career trajectory, she said: 'Every moment is a pinch-me moment. I kind of disassociate. It's when you leave these things that you go home and you're like, 'What the hell just happened?' Perfection: The actress, 37, insisted the franchise should not be revived with anyone other than Harrison Ford because he helped create 'a perfect moment in cinematic history' 'But I love all these people so much. I love every single person involved in the film. 'We had such a good time. I honestly had the time of my life making this film, I loved it so much. So it's just so nice to be with everyone to celebrate it.' The film also stars Mads Mikkelsen as villain Jurgen Voller and Toby Jones as Basil Shaw, an ally of Jones. Asked why he feels the series has resonated so deeply with fans, Toby told PA: 'Who isn't into adventure? Who isn't into being led through an adventure by a funny, ironic, brave, handsome, courageous figure - who isn't into that? 'And it seems to shift tone in a way that people love. That something that's very interesting about it is how it's supposed to be comic and be serious at the same time.' Indiana Jones And The Dial Of Destiny arrives in UK cinemas on June 28. The Project's Sam Taunton made a very crude joke about Hollywood star Harrison Ford's bottom during Thursday night's episode. During a recent interview with Fox's Good Day LA, the Indiana Jones star said the iconic theme music from the blockbuster franchise seems to follow him in the strangest places. 'That music follows me everywhere, they were playing that theme on the speakers in the operating room,' the 80-year-old said. '[It was playing] when I was wheeled in for my last colonoscopy.' Following the remark, comedian Sam took the perfect opportunity to make a crude joke about the actor's behind. The Project's Sam Taunton (pictured) made a very crude joke about Hollywood star Harrison Ford's bottom during Thursday night's episode During a recent interview with Fox's Good Day LA, Harrison Ford (right) said the iconic theme music from the Indian Jones franchise seems to follow him in the strangest places 'I can't wait for Indiana Jones Six, Raiders of the Lost Ass,' he said, which left co-hosts Sarah Harris and Waleed Aly in fits of giggles. In 1981, Harrison starred in the first movie of the franchise, Indiana Jones: Raiders of the Lost Ark. Ford last played Indiana Jones aka Henry Jones Jr in 2008's Kingdom of the Crystal Skull starring Shia LaBeouf and Cate Blanchett. 'I can't wait for Indiana Jones Six, Raiders of the Lost Ass,' he said, which left co-hosts Sarah Harris and Waleed Aly in fits of giggles. Both pcitured He is now on the press trail for the fifth and final installment of the franchise, Indiana Jones and the Dial of Destiny, which hits theatres on June 30. The flick is set in the year 1969, following Ford's Indiana Jones set against the backdrop of the American 'space race.' Jones is said to be 'uneasy' about the American government enlisting former Nazis in their race to beat the Russians to the moon. Franchise newcomer Phoebe Waller-Bridge joins the sequel as Helena Shaw, Indy's goddaughter, along with Mads Mikkelsen as Jurgen Voller, an ex-Nazi who now works for NASA. Emmerdale fans are rife with theories about the idenity of Caleb Milligan's assailant, ahead of his shock attack in Thursday's hour-long episode. The tense scenes will kickstart a huge whodunnit, as a mysterious attacker leaves Caleb for dead after pushing him off a cliff. It's no secret that Caleb has infuriated the village with his recent schemes, and in Wednesday's episode he was dumped by girlfriend Leyla Harding when Charity Dingle declared they'd slept together. Some fans are convinced they've already guessed the identity of Caleb's attacker, after one character did a disappearing act from the village. Another claimed that Nicky's attacker could be a brand new character that has been heavily mentioned, but yet to appear on screen. Who will it be? Emmerdale fans are rife with theories about the idenity of Caleb Milligan's assailant, ahead of his shock attack in Thursday's hour-long episode Drama! The tense scenes will kickstart a huge whodunnit, as a mysterious attacker leaves Caleb for dead after pushing him off a cliff One fan tweeted: '#Emmerdale THEORY: Imagine if it IS Caleb's wife who is the one to push him because he finds out he cheated and slept with Charity/had relationships with Leyla. 'Likely? Perhaps not. Plausible? Yes.' But another claimed: 'Random thought: What if Charity and/or Nicky push Caleb and try to pin it on Mackenzie?' One viewers was convinced the attacker would be Caleb's son Nicky, after he fled the village after confessing his sexuality to his fiancee Gabby. They tweeted: 'I don't think Cain will push Caleb off the cliff, it's too obvious. Nicky seems to have gone AWOL so I think it could be him.' Recent episodes have seen the entire village turn against Caleb, as he called out his family in a Western-style scene in the Woolpack. And in Thursday's episode, Caleb walks away but unbeknownst to him, a mystery figure pursues him. That evening, out on a woodland ridge, Calebs blindsided when the unknown figure rushes out and pushes him over the edge his lifeless body sprawls on the ground below. We've cracked it! Fans have shared their guesses on social media, with one name standing out in particular following his disappearing act from the village Back in the village, a number of suspicious characters all return from mysterious outings. Under a peaceful Yorkshire view, Calebs body lies lifeless at the bottom of the ridge - sparking a massive Whodunnit to discover the identity of the attacker. Next week, Chas and Cain watch over Caleb in a coma following his attack, with it clear he is the prime suspect. Meanwhile, Chloe worries about Mack's involvement following his altercation with Caleb while Leylas alibi turns out to be rather fragile. And Will's strange behaviour fuels Gabby and Kim's suspicions. Just as they're leaving for the airport for their trip away, DS Raveley arrives to question a panicked Will. And while he is relieved when Kim and Gabby corroborate his alibi, once the detective has gone, Kim demands the truth behind Wills shifty behaviour. Back soon: Emmerdale airs weekdays at 7:30pm on ITV1 and ITVX While his estranged wife Charity worries for Mack when Chloe begins to lose faith in his innocence. Meanwhile, hearing news that Caleb might be being brought out of his coma, Chas heads to the hospital, where she is shocked to see Charity at Calebs bedside. The pair argue about Macks potential guilt before an emotional Nicky turns up to see his dad. Elsewhere, secrets and lies continue to spread through the village as David urges Leyla to tell the police the truth, while at the Dingles, Chas accuses Zak and Cain of hiding something. Who is the attacker? Emmerdale airs weekdays at 7:30pm on ITV1 and ITVX. Emma Watson showed off her legs as she stepped out in Ibiza on Thursday on a summer trip. The Harry Potter star, 33, had on a pair of red shorts while out and about in the sunshine with her brother Alex, 30. She completed her look with a casual white Wrangler T-shirt and opted for comfortable blue trainers while out and about. Emma accessorised her look with a green cap to shield her eyes from the sun and carried a refreshing bottle of water with her. The beauty wore her light brunette tresses in loose waves over her shoulders and opted for a radiant no-makeup look. Casual: Emma Watson showed off her legs as she stepped out in Ibiza on Thursday on a summer trip Leggy: The Harry Potter star, 33, had on a pair of red shorts while out and about in the sunshine Ensemble: Emma accessorised her look with a green cap to shield her eyes from the sun and carried a refreshing bottle of water with her She looked in good spirits while out and about with Alex and another female pal on the party island. The outing comes just a few days after Emma was seen piggybacking with snack brand founder Ryan Kohn as the duo frolicked in Venice. The newly-single star looked in high spirits just weeks after it was reported that she'd split from the son of retail tycoon Sir Philip Green, Brandon. She could be seen smiling from ear-to-ear as she made her way to a water taxi with Ryan. Emma was with Brandon for 18 months and it was in Venice when their relationship became public after they were spotted holding hands. MailOnline contacted a representative for Emma for comment at the time. Emma and Brandon are said to have split some time after Christmas - following a 'serious' romance. Brandon had a reputation as a party-lover and previously dated a number of models. He was once caught patting Kate Moss' bottom on holiday in St Barths. Chilled: She completed her look with a casual white Wrangler T-shirt and opted for comfortable blue trainers Holiday: She looked in good spirits while out and about with her younger brother Alex, 30, and another female pal on the party island Romance? The outing comes just a few days after Emma was seen piggybacking with snack brand founder Ryan Kohn as the duo frolicked in Venice Moving on: The newly-single star looked in high spirits just weeks after it was reported that she'd split from the son of retail tycoon Sir Philip Green, Brandon Stunning: The beauty wore her light brunette tresses in loose waves over her shoulders and opted for a radiant no-makeup look Raised in the tax haven of Monaco his Bar Mitzvah, at the fabled Hotel Du Cap, included performances by Beyonce and Andrea Bocelli. However, more recently he demonstrated an interest in good works including biodiversity and the oceans, and was described as 'polite and smart' by friends. With a fledgling tech investments company, Brendan had seemed a good match for Watson, a serious-minded woman who took a degree at Brown University post-Potter. She now harbours ambitions behind the camera, having set up two film production companies and directed herself in a Prada commercial. The star has also developed a grape-based gin, Renais some of the grapes for it come from her father's vineyard in France. Emma famously remarked during a period when she was single that she was 'self-partnered' but by more conventional standards she has been a serial monogamist and serially unlucky in love. An early boyfriend was rugby player Tom Ducker. He was followed by a more serious romance with fellow Oxford University students Will Adamowicz and Matt Janney. She has dated three young tech millionaires, most significantly the entrepreneur William 'Mack' Knight. Love life: Emma was with Brandon for 18 months and it was in Venice when their relationship became public after they were spotted holding hands Over: Emma and Brandon are said to have split some time after Christmas - following a 'serious' romance Character: Brandon had a reputation as a party-lover and previously dated a number of models. He was once caught patting Kate Moss' bottom on holiday in St Barths Nice: Raised in the tax haven of Monaco his Bar Mitzvah, at the fabled Hotel Du Cap, included performances by Beyonce and Andrea Bocelli History: She has dated three young tech millionaires, most significantly the entrepreneur William 'Mack' Knight They split in late 2017 after a two year romance. On the rebound she had a six month love affair with handsome Glee actor Chord Overstreet. They broke up during the summer of 2018. She was then spotted sharing cocktails with tech CEO Brendan Wallace, the is co-founder of a venture capital fund who she may or may not be dating again now. By the summer of 2019, she had moved on to another tech millionaire, Brendan Iribe, CEO of Oculus. He was followed by businessman Leo Robinton, with whom she spent two years. In an interview she said: 'The boyfriends or partners I've had have generally made me feel really cherished. They've built me up.' Sophie Guidolin has been caught up in a social media scandal. The fitness influencer was called out by Instagram sleuth account Dutch Minty on Thursday after she accidentally shared confidential details on social media. Sophie, 34, posted a photo to her Instagram stories of her laptop screen as she sat in bed. But an email address, cover letter and employment history of a prospective hire was clearly visible on the screen. 'Waiting for room service, working and then bath before tomorrow's big day,' she captioned the post. Sophie Guidolin has been caught up in a social media scandal. Pictured The fitness influencer was called out by Instagram sleuth account Dutch Minty on Thursday after she accidentally shared confidential details on social media Dutch Minty captioned their discovery: 'That's what I love in a boss! Someone who will share my email address, cover letter and previous place of employment.' It comes after Sophie raised eyebrows earlier this week after she listed her second-hand designer accessory online to sell. On Wednesday, Dutch Minty revealed that Sophie was trying to hock a Gucci scarf for the discounted price of $700 via a fashion reseller's Instagram page. An image posted by the website appears to show Sophie modelling the scarf in her living room, with her head cut out of the photo. The reversible scarf featured a bold monogram print and fringing at the edges. It comes after Sophie raised eyebrows earlier this week after she listed her second-hand designer accessory online to sell Curiously, Sophie's post claimed the original price of the scarf was $980, yet the official Gucci website appears to lists the same item as costing $905. Sophie is no stranger to hocking off her second-hand designer splurges, and often sells off her unwanted clothing via an online platform called Markitt. Some of the items currently listed are designed by brands she has previously promoted on Instagram, including Cleo and Harper Activewear. Channel 4's viewing figures plummeted to a record low in May as the station struggles with a financial crisis. The free-to-air channel pulled in a measly 4.48 percent audience share last month - the worst four-week figure in its 40-year history, Deadline reports. The shocking figure is said to have sparked 'panic' behind the scenes, one source claimed, yet another stated that bosses have been focusing on the positive boost in their online viewership - which saw streaming figures up 20 percent compared to last year. While digital success might not be enough to sustain the company, linear revenue makes up less than 70% of C4's 1 billion revenues. News of the ratings slump comes as Channel 4 staff have spoken out of a behind-the-scenes 'bloodbath' in which popular shows have been axed or delayed. Slumped: Channel 4's viewing figures plummeted to a record low in May as the station struggles with a financial crisis A Channel 4 spokesperson told MailOnline: 'Channel 4 is well ahead of other broadcasters in its digital transformation. 'We have been actively prioritising our digital growth to be where the audience is, particularly young viewers, and while this will shrink linear viewing, it is the right strategy for the future. 'April was Channel 4s biggest month ever for streaming views and almost two thirds of viewing to the latest Made In Chelsea series in May was streamed. We would expect this trend to continue over the next few years. 'The Channel is in rude creative health, underscored by the biggest haul of BAFTAs in 22 years and a string of strong launches, from hit series The Piano, to the widely acclaimed Late Night Lycett.' The Mail on Sunday recently revealed that staff are in 'shock' at the recent events which has seen shows like big-money celebrity flop, Scared Of The Dark and groundbreaking medical documentary Rescue: Extreme Medics, axed. The much publicised return of reality series Four Weddings has also been scrapped, though a team from an independent production company had been commissoned to make it. Staff on fixed contracts to work on the programme were immediately laid off, with some now worrying about how they will pay their rent. The axing of popular shows is due to Channel 4 running out of money to fund them despite its boss Alex Mahon earning 1.2 million last year. Friday night favourite The Last Leg, one of the channel's most popular shows hosted by Adam Hills, Josh Widdicombe and Alex Brooker, is set to have the length of its next series cut to save money. The 28th series is due to return this month for a nine-week run but production bosses have been told that the channel can only afford to have it on air for seven weeks. Channel 4 has instructed lawyers to thrash out deals with heads of production companies to get out of contracts for shows which are worth millions of pounds, meaning it has been left with expensive legal bills and exit fees. Tough: The Mail on Sunday revealed that staff at the channel are calling it a 'bloodbath' as shows including big-money celebrity flop Scared Of The Dark (pictured) have all been canned The crisis comes after Ms Mahon and her colleague Ian Katz fought off a Government plan to privatise it, with one of their arguments being that it funds independent production companies nationwide. A source told The Mail on Sunday that the channel believes it is better to cut its losses. But staff blame Mr Katz for wasting money on expensive but little-watched shows such as reality series Rise And Fall, which is understood to have cost the channel 14 million money which could not be justified because of its low ratings. One insider said: 'Everyone is calling it a Channel 4 bloodbath. 'At first everyone was in total shock when Four Weddings was cancelled. 'It's almost unheard of that a show that is going really well is decommissioned, but as news started to spread, other shows were falling down too. 'They were told that Ian Katz had been looking at the channel's entire output, and they were sorry but it had to happen because there was no money. 'The casting team were already in place to start on Naked Attraction and were all told they were no longer needed as they were not making another series. 'They tried to lessen the blow to the show's freelance crew by saying they hope to make another series in December, but that doesn't help them now.' Despite the reports that Naked Attraction had been cancelled, a representative for Channel 4 denied this saying: 'Naked Attraction has not been decommissioned and a new series will return to Channel 4 next year. 'Scared of the Dark enjoyed a celebrated first season with excellent linear and streaming performance. 'Channel 4 is in robust health however like all commercial broadcasters were taking some precautionary measures - such as rephrasing some content and production - in response to a downturn in the ad-market. 'The vast majority of our shows have not been affected.' Ms Mahon and Mr Katz announced last week that they have deferred taking bonuses worth hundreds of thousands of pounds and scrapped a planned pay rise, amid the crisis. Denial: Despite the reports that Naked Attraction had been cancelled, a representative for Channel 4 denied this saying: 'Naked Attraction has not been decommissioned and a new series will return to Channel 4 next year' However, one Channel 4 employee said: 'It's only because they have had to.' A spokesman for the network said: 'Channel 4 cares deeply about the Indie community and our wider supply chain of freelancers. They are the beating heart of our business. 'While we recognise the actions we are asking of some are causing some short-term pain, the plan we have in place underscores our ongoing commitment to our financial sustainability and our continued support of the UK's independent production sector 'The Executive Directors have already made the decision to defer retention payments and earlier this year declined a salary rise as part of a wider response to a very difficult ad-market in Q2, which is affecting all commercial broadcasters.' John Mellencamp has admitted to being a bad boyfriend to Meg Ryan nearly four years after ending their engagement. The 71-year-old musician took responsibility for his split with the 61-year-old actress - whose son recently posted a selfie - in 2019 after eight years on/off together. John spoke candidly with Esquire about their tumultuous relationship in an article published Tuesday as he said: 'I love Meg Ryan. I went with her for 10 years. She doesn't love me so much. 'She's a great girl. I'm just a s***ty boyfriend.' The two began dating in 2010 and John described those early years as they both tried to get their feet under them in their new relationship. Candid: John Mellencamp has admitted to being a bad boyfriend to Meg Ryan nearly four years after ending their engagement; the former couple are seen in Taormina, Italy back in June 2013 He explained: 'Meg Ryan had just come out of her shell; I had just come out of my shell. We started dating. 'And we decided to do things on our own instead of having people do stuff for us. We were so f***ing lost. We didnt know how to do anything. Ive never checked out of a hotel by myself.' He went on to tell a funny story about how they oddly bonded as they found their celebrity lives prevented them from learning some basic every day things. John said: 'Her and I went to a grocery store, and they wanted our credit card, and we looked at each other and said, "Here it is," and they said, "No, youve got to put it in this thing," and we went, "Then what happens?" 'We laughed at how stupid we are, so hard we cried. I think shes learned how to do everything, and Ive learned how to do nothing.' Back in October 2019, it was reported by US Weekly that the former power couple had ended their engagement after eight years together. The magazine's insider revealed: 'She'd had enough and ended [their engagement]. She has no regrets.' Rumors of a split began after Meg was seen without her engagement ring at the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences' 11th Annual Governors Awards in Hollywood on October 27, 2019. Taking a stand: The 71-year-old musician (pictured performing in North Carolina back in September 2022) took responsibility for his split with the 61-year-old actress in 2019 after eight years on/off together John spoke candidly with Esquire about their tumultuous relationship in an article published Tuesday as he said: 'I love Meg Ryan. I went with her for 10 years. She doesn't love me so much. She's a great girl. I'm just a s***ty boyfriend'; the former couple are seen in February 2011 'Meg Ryan had just come out of her shell; I had just come out of my shell. We started dating': The two began dating in 2010 and John described those early years as they both tried to get their feet under them in their new relationship; the two are pictured in December 2017 with Meg's son Jack Quaid The duo were last pictured together in May of that year. The celebrity couple was first linked in late 2010 after John's parting from ex-wife Elaine Irwin. They split in August 2014, after which John dated Christie Brinkley until a 2016 parting. John and Meg reunited the following year, and on November 8, 2018, the Joe Versus the Volcano beauty announced their engagement in an Instagram post with a sketch of the pair with the caption, 'ENGAGED.' She was wed to Dennis Quaid from 1991 until 2001; he was married to Priscilla Esterline from 1970 until 1981, Victoria Granucci from 1981-1989 and Elaine Irwin from 1992 until 2011. Meg is mother to son Jack, 31, with Quaid, and daughter Daisy, 19, who she adopted in 2005. Moving forward: Rumors of a split began after Meg was seen without her engagement ring at the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences' 11th Annual Governors Awards in Hollywood on October 27, 2019 (pictured) Happier times: John and Meg reunited in 2017, and on November 8, 2018 the Joe Versus the Volcano beauty announced their engagement in an Instagram post with a sketch of the pair with the caption, 'ENGAGED' John is father to daughters Michelle, 52, with Esterline; Teddi, 41, and Justice, 38, with Granucci; and with Irwin, sons Hud, 29, and Speck, 28. Meg spoke out about getting engaged to John in the August 2019 issue of InStyle. The Sleepless In Seattle actress had admitted that she was in no rush to walk down the aisle with the Little Pink Houses hitmaker. 'I am happy,' the blonde star - who got her break in 1986's Top Gun - said at the time. 'Yes, Im going to get married at some point. But for now this engagement thing is a state of grace.' She's currently expecting her second child with her fiance Matthew Sarsfield. And Charlotte Dawson battled the heatwave as she danced in her underwear while 33 weeks pregnant. Sharing a comical video to her Instagram on Thursday, the TV personality, 30, stripped off her black maxi dress to Nelly's hit track Hot In Herre. While she pranced around in her bra and knickers, her mum Tracy and son Noah, two, remained completely unfazed by the chaos. Charlotte pulled her brunette hair back from her face and into a high bun while miming the lyrics in front of a fan. Funny: Charlotte Dawson, 30, battled the heatwave as she danced in her underwear while 33 weeks pregnant Alongside the clip she wrote: '33 weeks preggo probs in this heat. The fact Noah and my mum don't even budge watching me' The fun video comes after Charlotte shared a cute snap to her Instagram, on Friday. In the photo, her son Noah copied his mum as he lifted up his top to show off his tummy while she displayed her blossoming baby bump. Charlotte lifted up her pyjamas top in the mirror selfie, to flaunt her heavily pregnant belly while her sweet little boy raised his T-shirt as he sucked on his pacifier. The Ex On The Beach star wrote alongside her snap: 'The 31 chuffin weeks!!! Last 9 weeks left baby boyo we cant wait to meet you. Noah copying me cant cope.' Charlotte and her fiance Matthew, 33, are excitedly awaiting the arrival of their second child, a baby boy. Recently Charlotte broke down in tears as she revealed 'disgusting weirdos' reported her to social services. In an Instagram video, Charlotte said that they said disgusting and disturbing things such as Noah is always injured in her care and she's always drunk around him. Too warm: Sharing a comical video to her Instagram on Thursday, the TV personality stripped off her black maxi dress to Nelly's hit track Hot In Herre Hilarious: While she pranced around in her bra and knickers, her mum Tracy and son Noah, two, remained completely unfazed by the chaos She reminded her followers that last July, she got a phone call from social services, who had heard that Noah was always injured in her care. And she worries that they won't stop until Noah is taken away from her and Matt - something she said will 'never happen. Wearing a form-fitting brown belted dress, Charlotte said: 'Sorry, I've been quiet over the weekend, I needed a bit of a breather. 'My work is on here, [social media]. I don't want to come off else they will win and they will get what they want. I can't let them get what they want. 'They heard that she was always drunk around him, there were multiple hospital admissions and that she and Matthew were not capable of looking after him. She said: 'That was last last year, nothing has come of it,' adding: 'This person makes accounts all the time. They mocked up Noah's name on a gravestone and say disgusting things all the time. 'They said "my mum's takeaway looks like my miscarriage" and ask why I am trying to make money out of my dad's name when I have never met him. They send stuff to family and friends and Matt.' 'So this time around, I got another phone call on Friday from social services again saying the same thing. Cute: On Friday, Charlotte shared a cute snap of her son Noah, two, copying her as he lifted up his top to show off his tummy while she displayed her baby bump Support: Charlotte also opened up to her fans admitting it hasn't been the easiest ride in the last few weeks as she and her fiance Matt Sarsfield have 'had a lot of s*** thrown at' them Charlotte tearfully said: 'That Noah's always in hospital, always injured in my care. They are not going to stop until something drastically bad happens, Until Noah gets taken off us which is never going to happen so stop now you absolute t**t. 'Sorry but I am so heartbroken. I don't need the stress and they are wasting social service's valuable time when there are actual families that need their help. 'I get we will get trolled, but to go to the social services, it's just mad. I'm sick of hearing the same cr*p over and over again. She concluded: 'I need to be strong and positive. I don't wanna stress this baby out. Hopefully I will find this person and I will get them.' Escape To The Chateau stars Dick and Angel Strawbridge have said they have had a 'humbling couple of days' after their shock Channel 4 axe. The couple were axed by the broadcaster 'following a review' into their conduct and claims of bullying and clashes. But Angel, 45, and Dick, 63, are determined to focus on pastures new as they welcomed 1,000 fans into their home in France and plugged their 2024 tour on Instagram. The Strawbridges shared an update on the latest ongoings at the chateau after their bombshell exit. They wrote: 'A huge hello to you on this Wonderful Wednesday! It's been a humbling couple of days here for us and our team. Fans: Escape To The Chateau stars Dick and Angel Strawbridge have said they have had a 'humbling couple of days' after their shock Channel 4 axe '1,000 Chateau hugs1,000 cakes, lots of bubbly in teacups, plenty of smiles, and two wedding proposals took place at our biggest event ever. 'From invite to execution, it took 15 months, but our postponed Meet & Greet from last year's theatre tour finally took place 'We can't thank everyone enough for coming all the way to see us, it was incredible and will be talked about for many years to come!' Fans who visited the chateau shared their experiences of meeting Dick and Angel in the comment section. One wrote: 'My husband and I attended yesterday. It was a fantastic day. Angel, Dick and the whole team went above and beyond to make it a wonderful experience. Thank you'. Another added: 'There aren't enough words to describe how amazing it was. Kept pinching myself as it was hard to believe we were there. Thank you from the bottom of my heart. Love you all, a wonderfully warm and welcoming family and team. Booked to see you next year on your tour, already excited.' It was revealed last month, the couple were axed by Channel 4 'following a review' into their conduct. Channel 4 launched an independent inquiry after production company Two Rivers Media raised concerns about the Strawbridges and announced it would no longer work with them. A Channel 4 spokesman said: 'Following a review, we have taken the decision not to work with Dick and Angel on any new productions in the future.' Busy: 'It's been a humbling couple of days here for us and our team. 1,000 Chateau hugs1,000 cakes, lots of bubbly in teacups, plenty of smiles, and two wedding proposals', they said Over: The couple were axed by Channel 4 'following a review' into their conduct and claims of bullying and clashes Wonderful: Fans who visited the chateau shared their experiences of meeting Dick and Angel in the comment section The series turned the couple into household names as 2.5million viewers regularly turned in to see the renovation of their 19th-century Chateau de la Motte-Husson in Martigne-sur-Mayenne, France. It was previously made by production firm Spark Media Partners, who oversaw the first four seasons from 2016 to 2018. But it also allegedly cut ties with the Strawbridges due to a feud. A representative for Channel 4 said: 'Channel 4 is taking an active role in challenging unacceptable behaviour in our industry. 'Following a review of our processes in 2021 we have made it easier to raise complaints both formally and informally. 'We require all our production partners to follow our Supplier Code of Conduct and when concerns are raised with us, they will be taken seriously and action will happen to ensure they are investigated and addressed appropriately. 'There is always more to do and alongside our suppliers we are committed to building safe, inclusive and professional working environments.' Speaking out: Mere hours after the recording came to light, Angel and Dick took to Instagram to thank fans for supporting the show, insisting the move to end it was a 'family decision' Speaking out: They added their future 'truly could not look more exciting' despite severing ties with Channel 4 Recent weeks have seen Angel and Dick branded 'spiky', 'volatile' and 'a nightmare to work with' amid their feud with Channel 4, after the network confirmed they'd cut ties with the couple. Sources close to the couple told MailOnline their behaviour on set was nothing like their 'gorgeous' on-screen personas. Insiders added they couldn't hide their 'real characters' to crew members who spent weeks with them filming the popular show in north-west France . It's also been mooted Channel 4's culling of the hit show was 'convenient' given the series - which has been on screen for seven years and sparked numerous spin-offs - had run its course. A source said: 'Dick and Angel come across on screen as the most gorgeous and lovely couple, literally like butter wouldn't melt, but they're not like that off screen. 'It's a full-on show, production is with them at the chateau for weeks so they can't hide their real characters - they can't turn it on for two hours of recording and then not go back to their real persona. 'They're just spiky and volatile people and, as you can imagine, that's a nightmare to work with.' Angel later spoke out after leaked audio emerged of her launching a foul mouthed rant at producers. In the 2021 recording obtained by Deadline, the star can be heard telling one producer she's 'angry' with them before branding them a 'f***ed up little c***'. Mere hours after the recording came to light, Angel and Dick took to Instagram to thank fans for supporting the show, insisting the move to end it was a 'family decision.' They wrote: 'Thank you for inviting us into your living rooms. You have watched our children grow up and shared our adventures. 'It was a Strawbridge Family decision early last year to conclude Escape to the Chateau, but we have loved every moment and, despite the many challenges, we refused to give up on our dream, and in doing so have filled the chateau with love and laughter, and, most importantly, have created the most wonderful home for our family. 'There are two sides to every story and from the incredible support we have received, most of you know that. 'We are proud of who we are, and we feel we must do what we believe to be correct, that is in fact what kept Escape to the Chateau unique, and whilst we have indeed parted ways with Channel 4, we are hugely grateful to them and their teams for their support and creativity over the years. 'The future truly could not look more exciting and we thank you for your continued love and support.' A representative for Angel and Dick Strawbridge declined to comment further to MailOnline. Calista Flockhart wore something vintage on Wednesday evening when with partner Harrison Ford at the Los Angeles premiere Indiana Jones and the Dial of Destiny. The 58-year-old actress had on a long shiny canary yellow skirt. She first wore it in 1999 when attending the 51st annual Emmy Awards. This week she paired the eye-catching garment with a black off-the-shoulder top. In 1999, the Ally McBeal star had it on with a white blouse that she tied in front flashing a bit of her tummy. She looked radiant on the red carpet as she held hands with her 80-year-old partner. He wore a dapper suit as he looked thrilled to be at the event. Familiar feel: Calista Flockhart wore something vintage on Wednesday evening when with partner Harrison Ford at the Los Angeles premiere Indiana Jones and the Dial of Destiny. The 58-year-old actress had on a long shiny canary yellow skirt. She first wore it in 1999 when attending the 51st annual Emmy Awards Longtime love: The couple have been married since 2010 and share 22-year-old son Liam Flockhart He was also joined by much of the film's cast and crew including co-star Phoebe Waller-Bridge, who plays Indiana's goddaughter Helena Shaw. It is the fifth and final film of the beloved franchise created by legendary director George Lucas, who was also on hand for the premiere. Ford last played Indiana Jones aka Henry Jones Jr in 2008's Kingdom of the Crystal Skull starring Shia LaBeouf and Cate Blanchett. Indiana Jones and the Dial of Destiny hits theaters on Friday, June 30. Though he was minus his character's iconic brown fedora and bullwhip, Ford still exuded Indy's incomparable charm in a classic black suit and tie. He completed the look with a white dress shirt and shiny black dress shoes. His gray hair was brushed to one side and he looked thrilled to be celebrating the film series' final chapter. Calista looked radiant as she stood by her longtime spouse in a black off-the-shoulder top tucked into a floor-length yellow satin skirt. The actress's cropped brunette hair brushed the tops of her shoulders in loose curls and she accessorized with hoop earrings. In her 30s: She first wore it in 1999 when attending the 51st annual Emmy Awards. In 1999, the Ally McBeal star had it on with a white blouse that she tied in front flashing a bit of her tummy Shiny look: At the time, the trend - started by Sharon Stone - was to pair work shirts with fancy skirts for a hi-lo look She kept her makeup light and natural with just a hint of blush and a glossy pink lip. The couple have been married since 2010 and share 22-year-old son Liam Flockhart. Phoebe Waller-Bridge was the epitome of chic as she flashed her toned tummy in a cropped black blazer. The bottom of the blazer continued on the waistband of her unique, matching slacks. The Fleabag star's brunette bob hugged her chiseled jawline and her cheeks had a rosy flush. Ford and Waller-Bridge mingled with co-star Mads Mikkelsen as well as the film's director James Mangold. Indiana Jones and the Dial of Destiny is set in the year 1969, following Ford's Indiana Jones set against the backdrop of the American 'space race.' Jones is said to be, 'uneasy' about the American government enlisting former Nazis in their race to beat the Russians to the moon. Franchise newcomer Phoebe joins the sequel as Helena Shaw, Indy's goddaughter, along with Mads Mikkelsen as Jurgen Voller, an ex-Nazi who now works for NASA. Still got it! Though he was minus his character's iconic brown fedora and bullwhip, Ford still exuded Indy's incomparable charm in a classic black suit and tie The look of love: Calista looked smitten with the leading man Other newcomers include Antonio Banderas as Renaldo, a friend of Indy, Thomas Kretschmann as Colonel Weber, Toby Jones as Basil Shaw and Boyd Holbrook as Klaber. It first premiered at the recent Cannes Film Festival and has a reported budget of $300million. Ford previously expressed his excitement over the final installment and the rarity of being part of such an iconic franchise. 'I had been ambitious to do this film for 10 years, and there finally came a time when we all committed to that,' the actor admitted. 'It was a joyous moment for me. I think it's a rare situation that I find myself in.' Amanda Owen delighted fans with her latest social media post as they spotted a glimpse of her estranged husband Clive. The Yorkshire Shepherdess has been keeping her Instagram content to a minimum after it emerged she had a five-year affair but hinted that she was still on good terms with her ex as he appeared in one of her photographs. The gallery of snaps shared on Tuesday featured her children helping out on the farm and in one snap of the pair's children playing in the lake Clive could be seen overlooking the fun. Amanda, who captioned the post: 'Summer at Ravenseat', was flooded with supportive messages from her followers, with one noting: 'Nice to see Clive in the pictures too, looks like a good summer so far.' It emerged in April that Amanda, 48, had a five-year affair with married businessman Robert Davies, 71, and was living apart from husband Clive, 68, after they announced their split in June. Back online: Amanda Owen delighted fans with her latest social media post as they spotted a glimpse of her estranged husband Clive (pictured with daughter Violet) Fun in the sun: The gallery of snaps shared on Tuesday featured her children helping out on the farm and in one snap of the pair's children playing in the lake Clive could be seen watching on Robert's wife Yasumi, 56, accused Amanda of living a 'TV lie' after she rumbled the affair, as fans also criticised her for not keeping them up to date with her personal life. Her image of a devoted farmer's wife and mother has been blown apart by the news that she was leading a double life, having an affair while married to her husband of 22 years, who appears on the show with her. Yasumi claimed she 'lost everything' after learning of Amanda's relationship with Robert who she married 12 years ago. The clandestine fling between the star and Mr Davies began as she rose to fame on the TV hit Our Yorkshire Farm. She enlisted the web developer to work on her website. The affair came to light after Yasumi found a note from the Yorkshire Shepherdess in Robert's car and a box of Amanda's possession hidden in her bedroom. Her findings followed the breakdown of Amanda's 22-year marriage to husband Clive in June - with whom she shares nine children. The note had been concealed in a bag in the boot of the car by Robert. Heartbreakingly, the contents showed the depth of feelings between the two and the note read: 'Life is too short & happiness is too rare. I love you.' Investment banker Yasumi, who hails from Tokyo recognised the handwriting from a signed copy of Owen's new book as Robert had been working with Amanda on her personal website. Yasumi said the businessman was 'really kind' until 2018 when she noticed a sudden change in his behaviour towards her after he started working with Amanda on her farming website. After finding the note, Yasumi set about looking for more clues and she told The Sun that she then discovered some of Owen's jewellery hidden in a box in their bedroom, including a necklace she had worn on TV which read: 'Together forever.' Loving life: One sweet snap showed Reuben, 19, enjoying some bonding time with Clemmy, seven, as they spent time out on the farm Twit twoo: Raven, 21, donned an ab-flashing crop top as she cradled an owl in another snap Fans: Amanda, who captioned the post: 'Summer at Ravenseat', was flooded with supportive messages from her followers Ex: Amanda, 48, shot to fame in 2018 on Channel 5 fly-on-the-wall documentary Our Yorkshire Farm, which she fronted alongside husband Clive who she separated from last summer More pain: Yasumi, (pictured with Robert), discovered some of Amanda's jewellery hidden in a box in their bedroom, including a necklace which read: 'Together forever' Yasumi, who married Mr Davies on Christmas Day in 2011 following a whirlwind romance, later uncovered a key chain which said: 'Unbridled love. R & A.' Mr Davies, whose eldest daughter is the same age as Amanda, instantly confessed to the affair when Yasumi confronted her husband, who has had five wives. He had said he would put a stop to the affair but he and Amanda soon resumed their relationship. Yasumi claimed that Robert seemed more concerned about the damage the affair could do to Amanda's TV career rather than her own feelings. Amanda has known her new love Robert for at least five years since she recruited him to update her personal website in 2018. Their friendship is believed to have blossomed through working closely together. A source close to Yasumi said: 'She knew he had a friendship with Amanda but thought it was nothing more. 'They went on a clay pigeon shoot together in 2021 and he went with her on her theatre tours, but insisted there was nothing more to it.' Yasumi said: 'I wonder if she has ever thought about my feelings? 'I didn't know anything and I was alone. I had no suspicions about them. I thought it was purely about business.' It is understood that Robert, who has three children from three earlier marriages, ended the relationship with Amanda in March 2022 after being issued an ultimatum by his wife. But he moved out two months later after rekindling the romance with the Our Yorkshire Farm star. Amanda and husband Clive attracted thousands of adoring fans as the series documented her farming life - earning her more than 1million. But details of Amanda's shocking affair came out almost a year after she and her co-star husband Clive announced their unanticipated split in June. However, the TV star was keen to downplay the separation, saying it was 'not a big story.' Over: They shared a joint statement on their social media platforms confirming they had split in June last year Family: The former couple have nine children together; Raven, Reuben, Miles, Edith, Violet, Sidney, Annas, Clemmie, and Nancy Appearing on Lorraine in January, Amanda insisted the collapse of her marriage was 'a reality she has to get on with' while juggling the responsibility of farm management with parenthood. The couple maintain an amicable relationship while managing their Ravenseat Farm in rural Swaledale, and Amanda said their duties overshadow their estrangement. She said: 'It's not a big story. I feel like there are so many people in similar situations, and it's the reality. We talk about reality television but that is the reality. 'We all have to get on. You know, there's a lot to do. There's the land to manage, there's the animals to manage, obviously childcare and everything else. So we have to get on with it.' American Idol alum Oliver Steele has once again defended Katy Perry from what he calls the 'bullc***' backlash against her. Katy has been raked over the coals online over her spiky remarks to contestants, with social media critics accusing her of 'bullying' from the judging panel. DailyMail.com exclusively reported the 38-year-old pop star is on the brink of quitting the ABC series, feeling she was 'thrown under the bus by producers' who positioned her to be the 'nasty judge' on the series. Oliver, who was a finalist on season 21 this year, leapt into the fray in May with an Instagram post insisting: 'Katy is not a bully, nor does she shame people.' Now in a new appearance on the podcast American Idol Unaired, he hailed her as a 'wonderful person' and showered praise on her for 'how much she would push me without ever having to say: "I'm pushing you."' 'Wonderful person': On the podcast American Idol Unaired, American Idol alum Oliver Steele has once again defended Katy Perry from what he calls the 'bullc***' backlash against her He's a fan: He acknowledged that she was 'a little bit more reserved' than her co-panelists Luke Bryan and Lionel Richie 'but that doesn't mean that she's unapproachable' He acknowledged that she was 'a little bit more reserved' than her co-panelists Luke Bryan and Lionel Richie 'but that doesn't mean that she's unapproachable.' Oliver, 25, added: 'You know, I was a little irritated with the way that her - the way that she was treated after the show and the things that people were saying, 'cause it's all bullc***. Katy's a wonderful person.' He recalled: 'Like I came up to her like day one in Hollywood. I was like: "Katy, would you mind if I got a photo?" And she's like: "Yeah, sure, just like one second," 'cause they were doing like her makeup, and then she's like: "All right, let's get that photo." Like she's just super sweet.' One of his fond memories took place during the show's stint in Hawaii, where Katy turned to him and pulled goofy faces while other contestants were performing. 'Like, she was just the funniest, coolest person behind the scenes,' said Oliver, who grew up in Tennessee and is based in Nashville. He also recalled an episode where the judges 'saved' him, which is when they decide to shield one of the bottom scorers from the threat of being eliminated. Before the save was announced, Katy had been 'starring daggers' at him - but once he knew he was in the clear, she grinned and winked. 'She was always so supportive in her own little way of just like letting you know like: "Hey, like I support you and I'm here for you,"' he said. Stagestruck: Oliver, who was a finalist on season 21 this year (pictured), leapt into the fray in May with an Instagram post insisting: 'Katy is not a bully, nor does she shame people' He related a conversation they had 'after the show, off-camera,' where he thanked her for 'pushing me this whole season to be better and to reach my potential.' Oliver suspected that Katy had been behind one of his song assignments because it was a number 'I didn't know and that I had no familiarity with.' When he put his theory to her, she replied: 'You're absolutely right. I picked that song for you because I know it was something that you're not familiar with and I knew it was gonna challenge you, and you know what? You rose to the challenge beautifully.' Oliver said: 'I think that's the biggest thing for me with Katy is just how much she would push me without ever having to say: "I'm pushing you."' The crooner previously took to Instagram at the end of May with a statement making a positive case for Katy's conduct. 'Ive seen a lot of rumors going around the internet about Katy Perry possibly leaving idol and I dont necessarily know whats true and whats not,' he said in his post. 'Katy is not a bully, nor does she shame people.' He revealed that he was nervous during multiple steps along the process on the show and Katy demonstrated 'an incredible ability' to detect such and figure out 'whats holding you back.' He continued: 'I love all the judges, but Katy always seemed to be able to look into my soul and tell exactly what was troubling me, or what it was I was struggling with.' At the panel: Oliver said: 'I think that's the biggest thing for me with Katy is just how much she would push me without ever having to say: "I'm pushing you"' He said she reminded him to believe in himself and his artistry, and challenged him to push himself and take risks he wasn't comfortable with to move forward. 'Im a better musician and artist after Katy Perry pushed me to believe in my potential, and to exceed my limitations,' he said. Oliver tagged the Roar songstress into the post, saying he's pulling for her to 'stay on' American Idol during the turbulent time. 'Youre a guiding light, an incredible teacher,' he said. 'And you made me believe that I am my own hero. Thank you for everything.' Oliver's remarks came after a source told DailyMail.com that the California Gurls artist 'feels like her comments could have been removed' from a past broadcast, as it is not in line with the goals she set in joining the judges' panel of the series. 'She went into it thinking she was going to foster young talent,' the source said. 'For her good intentions to be misinterpreted it was not what she wanted. 'She has accomplished so much in her career and is now being looked at as a nasty reality show judge.' The source said that Perry 'became aware of the harsh criticism' aimed at her and 'getting booed really upset her,' as she 'was trying to stay in her lane, do her job and go home.' Broadside: He took to Instagram in late May with a statement defending the pop star, after DailyMail.com's exclusive report that the musical artist is on the verge of quitting the series Perry is debating about leaving the job, which pays her a reported $25 million-per-season The source said that Katy has 'wanted out for some time now, but this season was way too much for her to handle,' and that she is debating about leaving the job, which pays her a reported $25 million-per-season. Among the controversies she's been linked with during the show's 21st season included an exchange when she allegedly mom-shamed contestant Sara Beth Liebe saying that she'd been 'laying on the table too much.' She also raised eyebrows with her feedback toward contestants Carina DeAngelo and Nutsa Buzaladze amid the show's Hollywood week showcase after saying that they had underwhelmed in their performance. An insider told Page Six earlier this month that the Firework artist 'has a unique sense of humor that may not always translate well on camera, but she never has any ill intent.' The insider added, 'Katy isn't fazed by the backlash. This has been a roller-coaster season with a lot of great talent, so she is just doing her job.' Sharon Stone appeared at the Art House Gala honoring Nan Goldin on Wednesday. The 65-year-old actress looked elegant in a copper themed suit with her hair slicked back, adding a double strand pearl necklace at the event, which was held at The Bowery in New York City. The Basic Instinct vet also went onto the stage where she relayed a frightening story about one of her sons, according to People. She claimed that after her boy was injured in a ski accident, the powerful painkiller OxyContin was pushed on him while in the hospital. And the Casino actress - who looked great in a bikini last month - alleged that she had to threaten the doctors to back them off. She did not want her son taking OxyContin - which is an opioid - because it is highly addictive. New look: Sharon Stone appeared at the Art House Gala honoring Nan Goldin on Wednesday. The 65-year-old actress looked elegant in a copper themed suit with her hair slicked back, adding a double strand pearl necklace at the event, which was held at The Bowery in NYC Her three: She has sons Roan, 23, Laird, 18 and Quinn, 17. Stone did not name which son was in the accident She has sons Roan, 23, Laird, 18 and Quinn, 17. The looker did not name which son was in the accident. Stone claimed how she was told over and over again by the medical staff that her son needed OxyContin. 'Every single stop along the way for the next day and a half I had to have it re-put in his chart. "Can you please read it back to me?"' she said. 'In a day and a half that it took for him to get a rod and seven pins in his leg, I got six calls,' claimed Stone. 'From four nurses, from an anesthesiologist, from doctors, from people completely unrelated to my son's situation, telling me why my son needed OxyContin and no other drug would do. No other drug!' Stone continued: 'Anaphylaxis? It's not that bad! How bad is it really? He's 17, when he will be 18, I really think he could make this decision for himself. 'Until finally, at the sixth call, I said, "I'm going on CNN tomorrow and if I get one more of these calls I'm going to say that your hospital is a drug cartel,"' she alleged. 'This is not because I or Nan disagree with painkillers. We don't. We disagree with paid drug dealers,' she added. The truth: The Basic Instinct vet also went onto the stage where she relayed a frightening story about one of her sons, according to People Past experience: She claimed that after her boy was injured in a ski accident, the powerful painkiller Oxycontin was pushed on him while in the hospital. And the Casino actress added that she had to threaten the doctors to back them off. She did not want her son taking OxyContin - which is an opioid - because it is highly addictive. Seen with Andrew Greene, Nan Goldin and Kathleen McGivney Nan Goldin is the founder of the advocacy group Prescription Addiction Intervention Now (PAIN). Also during her speech she let the audience know how tough she can be thanks to her background. 'I modeled in New York in the late '70s and the '80s. I spent a lot of time at Studio 54. A lot of my friends are dead. Don't f*** with me,' Stone said. The Casino star added, 'Do not cross the line between health and healing and abuse. My brother went to Attica [Prison] he crossed the line. Do not cross the line with me.' The story: Stone said how she was told over and over again by the medical staff that her son needed OxyContin. 'Every single stop along the way for the next day and a half I had to have it re-put in his chart. "Can you please read it back to me?"' she said Drug issues: 'In a day and a half that it took for him to get a rod and seven pins in his leg, I got six calls. From four nurses, from an anesthesiologist, from doctors, from people completely unrelated to my son's situation, telling me why my son needed OxyContin,' she added. Seen with Nan In 2021, she talked to Variety about how her father raised her after he experienced loss. 'He came from wealth, from oil drilling, and when he was little, there was a huge accident. His father died three months later and all the money went to another family,' Stone remembered. She continued, 'He thought it was so wrong that his mother didn't get half of it, just because she was a woman. 'My dad was insistent that I have this feminist attitude. So much so that I never thought of myself as a feminist. These were the rules of my household.' She is the author of The Beauty Of Living Twice. Madonna is tantalizing her fans with what to expect from her upcoming 84-date world tour. On Thursday morning, the 64-year-old Queen of Pop posted a heavily filtered video asking fans if they are ready to 'celebrate' referencing the hotly-anticipated Madonna: The Celebration Tour - her twelfth world tour. Never one to be shy, the Material Girl put her cleavage on full display for the video - which also showed her backing dancers. The tour is scheduled to begin on July 15, 2023, at the Rogers Arena in Vancouver, Canada, and is set to conclude on January 30, 2024, at the Palacio de los Deportes in Mexico City, Mexico. It comes hot on the heels of more chart success for the legend, and she just became the first woman since Cher to have a single open on the Billboard Hot 100 in five different decades. Madonna, 64, bares her cleavage as she teases fans with what to expect from her 84-date world tour: 'Are you ready to Celebrate?' Cher and Madonna are in fact the only female artists ever to have achieved this milestone, Billboard noted Wednesday. Madge scored her latest Hot 100 single with Popular, a collaboration with Playboy Carti and The Weeknd for the latter's buzzy new show The Idol. With a cast led by The Weeknd and Lily-Rose Depp, The Idol follows a pop star who becomes ensnared by a cult-leading nightclub owner. Popular includes scathing lyrics about a woman so obsessed with fame she will 'sell her soul' and 'kill anyone' to attain it. Triumph: Madonna, pictured at this year's Grammys, has just become the first woman since Cher to have a single open on the Billboard Hot 100 in five different decades All the other acts to debut on the Billboard Hot 100 in five or more decades were male solo artists like Elvis Presley, Frank Sinatra and Michael Jackson or all-male groups like the Rolling Stones and Santana. Popular dropped on June 2 amid a storm of controversy about The Idol, which has gotten a drubbing online ever since it premiered at Cannes in May. Much of the backlash has zeroed in on the racy depiction of Lily-Rose's character, who is described on the show as a 'human c** sock.' During episode two, Jocelyn masturbates and self-harms while mourning her dead mother and ultimately falls into the carnal thrall of The Weekend's character Tedros. In what British GQ has called 'the worst sex scene in history,' Jocelyn pleasures herself as Tedros instructs her to 'make that throat wet for me' and demands that she 'f***ing stretch that tiny little p***y.' Fresh off of Popular, Madonna released a single called Sam Smith called Vulgar in which she leers: 'Boy, get down on your knees 'cause I am Madonna.' Over the course of the song, the Queen Of Pop also threatens to 'split' the 'banana' of anyone who dares to 'f*** with Sam tonight.' Madonna and Cher have enjoyed a devoted, overlapping fanbase for decades - but there seems to be scant affection between the two women. What to expect: Madonna will no doubt be putting on a racy show Team-up: Fresh off the heels of Popular, Madonna released a single called Sam Smith called Vulgar in which she leers: 'Boy, get down on your knees 'cause I am Madonna' Cher went on the late Sir Terry Wogan's show in 1991 and famously made no secret of her disdain for the younger pop act. 'She's unbelievably creative because she's not unbelievably talented, she's not beautiful but she's rude,' said Cher mercilessly. On a kinder note, she remarked: 'I'm amazed at the amount, in my day, I was pretty good at doing the same thing she's doing but she does it so much better.' Cher also conveyed her 'respect that she goes much further than anyone should do. The interesting thing about her is she's willing to do whatever she wants to do.' The two superstars posed amicably together at the 2017 Women's March On Washington - but Cher's claws came back out the following year. Appearing on The Ellen DeGeneres Show, Cher said of Madonna: 'There's something about her that I don't like. She's...mean. I don't like that.' Cher was friends with Sean Penn during his marriage to Madonna and had the couple 'over to my house a couple of times,' only to be confronted with the sight of Madonna being 'so rude to everybody. She acts like a spoiled brat all the time.' The older songstress argued that 'when you reach the kind of acclaim that she's reached - and you can do whatever you want to do - you should be a little bit more magnanimous, and little bit less of a c**t.' Carlos Santana has forgiven a man who sexually abused him 'almost every day' when he was between the age of 10 and 12. The 75-year-old music icon revealed how he was able to find it in his heart to stop blaming the person who committed those heinous acts in a recent interview with People magazine. He - who had a health scare last year - said: 'My son and I were talking about this yesterday, how acceptance and forgiveness are really spiritual. 'I learned to look at everyone who ever went out of their way to hurt me, demean me or make me feel like less, like they're 5 or 6 years old, and I'm able to look at them with understanding and compassion.' Santana said he was able to find peace after what happened to him by looking at the situation from a different perspective. Inspiration: Carlos Santana has forgiven a man who sexually abused him 'almost every day' when he was between the age of 10 and 12' he is seen performing in Michigan in July 2022 'I'm able to look at them with understanding and compassion': The 75-year-old music icon revealed how he was able to find it in his heart to stop blaming the person who committed those heinous acts in a recent interview with People magazine He explained: 'For example, this person who abused me sexually, instead of sending him to hell forever, I visualized him like a child, and behind him there was a lot of light. 'So I can send him to the light or send him to hell knowing that if I send him to hell, I'm going to go with him. But if I send him to the light, then I'm going to go with him also. 'There's this saying, "Hurt people hurt people." It's my pain. It did happen to me. But if you open your hands, and you let it go, then you don't feel that anymore.' Santana bravely went public with the abuse in an interview with Rolling Stone back in 2000. He said that for about two years from 1957 to 1959 when he was between 10 and 12 years old he was brought over the border 'almost every other day' by an American man from Burlington, Vermont. The abuser would buy Santana presents including food, clothes, and toys while abusing him. According to the article, it all ended when the man slapped Santana as he looked through a girl he was in love with through a window. The Maria Maria hitmaker explained: 'And then I woke up. I looked at him for the first time for who he was: a very sick person.' 'For example, this person who abused me sexually, instead of sending him to hell forever, I visualized him like a child, and behind him there was a lot of light': Santana said he was able to find peace after what happened to him by looking at the situation from a different perspective; he is pictured in December 2013 'Hurt people hurt people': Santana bravely went public with the abuse in an interview with Rolling Stone back in 2000; he is pictured in October 1993 'And then I woke up. I looked at him for the first time for who he was: a very sick person': He said that for about two years from 1957 to 1959 when he was between 10 and 12 years old he was brought over the border 'almost every other day' by an American man from Burlington, Vermont; he is pictured in 1996 Epic: A documentary chronicling his life - titled Carlos - is set to premiere this weekend at The Tribeca Film Festival on Saturday, June 17; he is seen in February 2000 At the time Santana also admitted that even if he was the victim, he blamed himself. He said: 'You want to get angry with yourself for not knowing better. The mind has a very insidious way of making you feel guilty: Youre the guilty party, shame on you, youre the one who brought this on yourself.' Of his relationship with the man, Santana admitted to The Guardian years later in 2014 that the man was an American tourist who had become friends with his parents. A documentary chronicling his life - titled Carlos - is set to premiere this weekend at The Tribeca Film Festival on Saturday, June 17. Gary Barlow, Howard Donald and Mark Owen looked dapper as they attended the premiere of the Take That jukebox film Greatest Days in Leicester Square on Thursday. The trio appeared in good spirits as they walked the purple carpet at the Odeon cinema before performing for their fans. Gary, 52, looked dapper for the event in a white blazer and matching trousers which he paired with a white top. His bandmate Howard, 55, opted for a white blazer with a scoop neck T-shirt and a pair of bright green trousers. Mark, 51, opted for a yellow blazer with matching trousers and a white and red patterned top for the event. Premiere: Gary Barlow, Howard Donald and Mark Owen looked dapper as they attended the premiere of the Take That jukebox film Greatest Days in Leicester Square on Thursday Smart: Gary, 52, looked dapper for the event in a white blazer and matching trousers which he paired with a white top Event: The trio appeared in good spirits as they walked the purple carpet at the Odeon cinema before performing for their fans Also in attendance at the premiere was Katherine Ryan who looked incredible in a lavender midi dress. The garment featured puffed sleeves and a pletd hemline while the comedian added to her outfit with a pair of white trainers. Styling her blonde locks into an updo, Katherine looked in good spirits as she posed alongside her partner Bobby Kootstra. The film's director Coky Giedroyc, who is the sister of Mel Giedroyc, cut a glamorous figure in a red sleeveless dress with a matching pair of heels. The musical, which will be released on June 16, follows five best friends who have the night of their lives seeing their favourite boy band in concert. Twenty-five years later, their lives have changed in many different ways as they reunite for one more epic show by their beloved band, to relight their friendship and discover that maybe their greatest days are ahead of them. When the film was announced, Take That said: 'This is a really exciting time for us! We're really looking forward to working with such a talented and creative team on the film and we're absolutely delighted to have such a brilliant cast on board!' It comes after Take That teased all five members will return to the stage 'sometime soon' after posting a throwback video of the original lineup singing Never Forget. Show: The trio put on a performance for hundreds of their fans who turned out for the premiere Dapper: Howard, 55, opted for a white blazer with a scoop neck T-shirt and a pair of bright green trousers Film: The musical, which will be released on June 16, follows five best friends who have the night of their lives seeing their favourite boy band in concert Plot: Twenty-five years later, their lives have changed in many different ways as they reunite for one more epic show by their beloved band, to relight their friendship and discover that maybe their greatest days are ahead of them Statement: When the film was announced, Take That said: 'This is a really exciting time for us!' Reunion: It comes after Take That teased all five members will return to the stage 'sometime soon' Stars: Actors (L-R) Mark Samaras, Mervin Noronha, Aaron Bryan and Joshua Jung put on an animated display at the premiere Loved-up: Love Island stars Andrew Le Page and Tasha Ghouri looked every inch the stylish couple at the premiere Looking good: Also in attendance at the premiere was Katherine Ryan who looked incredible in a lavender midi dress Couple: Styling her blonde locks into an updo, Katherine looked in good spirits as she posed alongside her partner Bobby Kootstra Filmmaker: The film's director Coky Giedroyc, who is the sister of Mel Giedroyc, cut a glamorous figure in a red sleeveless dress with a matching pair of heels Host: Jenni Falconer looked sensational in a red miidi dress with a daring leg split Gary, Howard and Mark have been rehearsing for their upcoming performance at Hyde Park on July 1 in recent weeks and fans are already gearing up for that. The men were recently in Spain where they all met up to record and Mark posted pictures online of them making their way to the studio, cups of tea in hand. Howard also posted a video of himself last week sporting a large beard before a DJ performance with Judge Jules ahead of his forthcoming appearance at Ingliston Country Club in Scotland. The post on the Take That page got everyone excited, with all five boys - including Robbie Williams and Jason Orange - on stage in a video alongside a caption that said: 'Never forget we will have fun like this again... someday soon.' Eminem's adopted daughter Alaina Marie Scott has spoken for the first time since marrying her partner Matt Moeller in Michigan - revealing that her father was present and walked her down the aisle. Fans had wondered if the Slim Shady star had skipped the event as he was not pictured, however, Alaina has explained that he was very much in attendance. The bride, 30, who got hitched 18 months after announcing her engagement, said: 'He wasn't going to miss that!' 'I had an 80-ft long black and white checkered aisle and my dad walked me down the aisle,' she told PEOPLE. 'Getting married is a sacred thing and we wanted to be surrounded by people who share in our daily lives,' she added. 'He wasn't going to miss that!' Eminem DID attend adopted daughter Alaina's wedding as she reveals Slim Shady shady star walked her down the aisle - despite not being seen at the event 'We did something super untraditional and didn't allow many plus ones. This was important to us.' He was there: Eminem (Pictured; 2020) is said to have made an appearance The 'Great Gatsby glam' themed bash included 125 guests at the Packard Proving Ground Historic museum in Shelby Township, Michigan. Alaina opted for a stunning mermaid gown with a bejeweled headband and long, trailing veil, as she shared a gallery of snaps from her big day on Instagram on Monday. Joining Alaina for her big day was her sister Hailie Jade, who acted her maid of honor for the romantic occasion. Captioning her post, Alaina wrote: 'June 9, 2023 simply one of the best days of my life, 'in this lifetime and in the next, my soul will always find yours.' Alaina announced her engagement to her boyfriend Matt in December 2021, posting a snap of the sweet proposal on the rooftop at Detroit's Monarch Club. Alaina is the biological daughter of Eminem's former sister-in-law Dawn - ex-wife Kim's twin - but was adopted by the rapper in 2002 after she succumbed to addiction. After running away from home when they were teenagers, Dawn and Kim moved in with Eminem and his mother when he was 15, and his relationship with Kim began soon after in 1989. The bride, 30, who got hitched 18 months after announcing her engagement, said of her father Eminem: 'He wasn't going to miss that!' Blushing bride: Alaina is the biological daughter of Eminem's former sister-in-law Dawn - ex-wife Kim's twin - but was adopted by the rapper in 2002 after she succumbed to addiction Gorgeous: Alaina opted for a stunning mermaid gown with a bejeweled headband and long, trailing veil, as she shared a gallery of snaps from her big day The couple would go on to marry for the first time in 1999 before divorcing in 2001, but they would disastrously remarry in 2006 - for just four months. Dawn later died of a heroin overdose at Detroit's Motor City Trailer Park in January 2016, aged 40. Four months before her death, Dawn revealed her struggle to beat her drug addiction, and told Radar that Eminem and Kim were giving her no help at all. She said: 'I have a millionaire brother-in-law and a sister with money up the a*s.' Dawn had been homeless since 2014, sleeping on couches and even spending nights on the street. She added: 'One night I called my sister and told her I had nowhere to go. She said, 'That's not my problem. Don't bother me,' and hung up.' They're wed! Eminem's daughter Alaina Marie Scott has married her partner Matt Moeller in Michigan, 18 months after announcing their engagement Mr and Mrs! The couple announced her engagement in December 2021 , posting a snap of the sweet proposal on the rooftop at Detroit's Monarch Club Family: Alaina is the biological daughter of Eminem's former sister-in-law Dawn - ex-wife Kim's twin - but was adopted by the rapper in 2002 after she succumbed to addiction Eminem - real name Marshall Mathers III - spoke about his relationship with Alaina in 2004, two-years after adopting her. 'My niece has been part of my life ever since she was born,' he said. 'Me and Kim pretty much had her, she'd live with us wherever we was at.' The rapper is also a parent to biological daughter Hailie Jade, 25, with his ex-wife, and she is understood to have a close relationship with her adopted sister. The engagement comes just five months after Kim was rushed to the hospital following a suicide attempt the day after her own mother Kathleen Sluck's funeral. It was the troubled 46-year-old's second suicide attempt following another attempt in October 2015. Eminem famously divorced his Lincoln High School sweetheart twice, in 2001 and 2006, after less than three years of marriage. Tasha Ghouri looked nothing short of sensational as she attended the world premiere of Take That's new film, Greatest Days, alongside Andrew Le Page on Thursday. The Love Island star, 23, ensured all eyes were on her as she hit the carpet in a plunging black maxi dress at the Odeon Luxe in Leicester Square, London. The racy number featured a dramatic scooping neckline which fell to just above her belly button. Retaining her modesty, she covered her ample assets with a gorgeous crystal chain bra. The beauty added inches to her enviable frame with a pair of clear heels and toted a black handbag in arm. Wow! Tasha Ghouri looked nothing short of sensational as she attended the world premiere of Take That's new film, Greatest Days, alongside Andrew Le Page on Thursday She accentuated her natural beauty with a flawless palette of makeup, including a pink smokey eye and swipe of red lipstick. The star styled her blonde locks in a slicked back ponytail, with the remainder cascading down her back. Finally, she accessorised black square earrings and posed up a storm for the cameras. Andrew looked equally as stylish for the evening, where he opted for a slick black suit. The seemingly simple number featured a trail of safety pins clipped to one leg, adding a spark of flair to his look. He went shirtless under the black look, flashing plenty of chest and showcasing his muscular physique. He finished his ensemble with black smart shoes and accessorised with a silver chain hanging from his neck. It comes after Tasha offered advice to the new crop of Love Islanders, ahead of the latest series' debut last Monday. Gorgeous: The Love Island star, 23, ensured all eyes were on her as she hit the carpet in a plunging black maxi dress at the Odeon Luxe in Leicester Square, London Stylish: The beauty added inches to her enviable frame with a pair of clear heels and toted a black handbag in arm Dream team: Andrew looked equally as stylish for the evening, where he opted for a slick black suit Sweet: He went shirtless under the black look, flashing plenty of chest and showcasing his muscular physique The blonde beauty appeared on Good Morning Britain on where she was asked if she had any advice for the latest intake of stars. She answered: 'Be yourself and enjoy it, don't care about people's opinions. Just be you, it's your journey.' As well as discussing the show, Tasha was also speaking about her support for deaf children having showcased her 'superpower' of being deaf on the show. Tasha admitted seeing the new stars preparing to enter the show made her feel nostalgic. She said: 'It's bringing flashbacks to when we went in. good luck to them, I'm sure they'll smash it.' Tasha was born completely deaf and her parents found out when she was 12 months old, after which she got a cochlear implant when she was five having been using fluent sign language as her only way of being able to communicate until then. Appearance: It comes after Tasha offered advice to the new crop of Love Islanders, ahead of the latest series' debut last Monday She was asked how her parents coped with watching her on the show due to her deafness and how she was treated by others. She said: 'For my parents it was hard, they really had to go through that emotional experience with me. I don't like ableism as well and they had to deal with that... it was really hard to get that education across, it's really hard when trying to find love'. On being the first deaf contestant, she said: 'I was so nervous, I was literally petrified. I nervous how people will react in the villa and on the outside... I was thinking 'am i really doing this now?'. My main purpose was to find love, which I did, and to be a representative for deaf people. And find love she did with Andrew Le Page, who she gushed over, saying: 'Love Island, it worked for me. Andrew's such a great person, so lucky to find someone that accepts me for me. Nice to see him followed by the deaf community too'. Alessandra Ambrosio was a beauty in blue denim, showing off her summer ready body in a new photoshoot. The Brazilian model, 42, looked incredible in various blue denim outfits that she modeled in a video that instantly garnered thousands of likes on her Instagram. In addition to modeling multiple all denim looks, Alessandra also showed off her toned abs in a bra with a skimpy fishnet overlay during the shoot. The former Victoria's Secret Angel was styled with a lighter pair of blue denim jeans that contrasted with the black top. The yoga enthusiast added audio of the Lana Del Rey song Blue Jeans to the video of her blue denim-themed shoot that she posted to her Instagram. Feeling blue: Alessandra Ambrosio was a beauty in blue denim, showing off her summer ready body in a new photoshoot Cool and casual: The former Victoria's Secret Angel pulled off blue denim with contrasting fishnet stockings and white high-tops Denim diva: The gorgeous model still looks incredible at the age of 42 Back in 2000, Alessandra was discovered by Victoria's Secret, walking in the famous Victoria's Secret Fashion Show from 2004 to 2017. The Ale by Alessandra founder was also the first model hired to pose for the Victoria's Secret PINK line. While she's best known for her modeling work with Victoria's Secret, Alessandra has also posed in campaigns for global brands like Ralph Lauren, Christian Dior, and Armani, among many others. Before she retired her Victoria's Secret Angel wings for good in 2017, Alessandra founded her own fashion line ale by Alessandra. The entrepreneur's clothing and swimwear brand is available at many major retailers like Nordstrom and Revolve. Although the hard-working model hasn't rested on her laurels once over the span of her decades-long modeling career, she makes sure that her daughter, Anja Louise and son, Noah Phoenix are her top priorities. She shares custody of her two children with her ex-fiance, RE/DONE Jeans founder Jamie Mazur. The couple broke off their engagement in 2018, ten years after Jamie initially popped the question in 2008. Angelic in black: The mom of two looked effortlessly feminine in a leather jacket with a denim jacket tied around her chest like a top Hot momma: The fashion-line founder didn't break a sweat in a black leather ensemble Blue bombshell: The New Girl star showed off a hint of cleavage in her denim on denim look The top model also dedicates her time to charitable causes, serving as an ambassador for the National Multiple Sclerosis Society. In 2019, Alessandra co-founded GAL Floripa, a lifestyle and clothing brand. She launched the brand alongside her sister Aline and her best friend Gisele Coria. Eager to inspire, the actress wrote on the GAL Floripa website that, 'We learned early on the power of cultivating women's bonds to encourage each other in gaining the confidence to reach our true selves.' In another monumental life achievement for the multi-hyphenate woman, Alessandra was granted American citizenship back in 2020. Despite reports that it will not return for a second season, sources tell DailyMail.com that HBO remains 'optimistic' over its controversial new series The Idol. The shocking program - starring The Weeknd and Lily Rose-Depp - has been plagued with bad reviews and lackluster viewing figures, but it has yet to be decided if there will be a second season. 'HBO is optimistic about the performance and continued growth of The Idol,' a source tells DailyMail.com. 'As with many first season shows still airing, no decision has been made about a season two yet. The Idol has only aired two episodes. There's more? HBO is 'optimistic' about controversial series The Idol starring The Weeknd and Lily-Rose Depp - despite report show will not return for a second season '[The Weeknd] quite literally opened up his home for the cast and crew. Almost the entire show was shot inside his home, which is extremely uncommon and shows the kind of character he is. 'The source added: 'The scene on set was fun and jovial and helped the cast get through the emotional moments of the series. He showed up every day super keen to learn from the crew. This comes after PageSix reported Thursday that it was unlikely the show would have a second season. Ever since it screened at Cannes, the show has provoked an explosive controversy over its racy depiction of Lily-Rose Depp's pop star character Jocelyn, who becomes ensnared by a cult-leading nightclub owner played by The Weeknd. During episode two, Jocelyn masturbates and self-harms while mourning her dead mother and ultimately falls into the carnal thrall of The Weekend's character Tedros. In what British GQ has called 'the worst sex scene in history,' Jocelyn pleasures herself as Tedros instructs her to 'make that throat wet for me' and demands that she 'f***ing stretch that tiny little p***y.' A report in Variety earlier this week revealed that the second episode attracted 800,000 same-day viewers on Max and HBO, down from 913,000 for the premiere. Scandal: Ever since it screened at Cannes, the show has provoked an explosive controversy over its racy depiction of Lily-Rose Depp's pop star character Jocelyn Entitled Double Fantasy, the episode pulls the curtain back on the way Tedros treats his acolytes, including one whom he uses a shock collar on while saying: 'You're not a human, Izaak, don't forget - you're a f***ing star.' The sex scene involves Jocelyn masturbating on the bed with a blindfold on as Tedros hisses his desires, such as to 'suffocate you with my c***.' Viewers flocked to social media to express their unvarnished opinions, with one going to The Weeknd's Instagram and getting over 900 likes for commenting: 'the show is dogs**t my guy i love you but stick to music.' HBO and Max' parent company Warner Bros Discovery said that the streaming figures for the two episodes were 'nearly even.' In that case, 12% audience loss was among viewers who were watching The Idol on television, where it airs Sunday nights. However delayed viewing for the premiere has been a roaring success, to the point that the first episode of The Idol was watched more times over the course of one week than the pilots of either The White Lotus or Euphoria. The Weeknd co-created The Idol with former nightlife entrepreneur Reza Fahim as well as Sam Levinson, the writer behind Euphoria. Sam, whose own history with drugs helped inspire Euphoria, is Lily-Rose's fellow 'nepo baby' as the son of the acclaimed director Barry Levinson. Seduction: During episode two, Jocelyn masturbates and self-harms while mourning her dead mother and ultimately falls into the carnal thrall of The Weekend's character Tedros Shock value: In what British GQ has called 'the worst sex scene in history,' Jocelyn pleasures herself as Tedros instructs her to 'make that throat wet for me' Numbers game: Now a report in Variety has revealed that the new episode attracted 800,000 same-day viewers on Max and HBO, down from 913,000 for the premiere Upon its premiere at Cannes, The Idol got a five-minute standing ovation but also elicited a raft of blistering responses from critics. The Playlist's Gregory Ellwood called the second episode 'Sexist, pseudo-porn,' while the New York Times' Kyle Buchanan dismissed the show as 'a Pornhub-homepage odyssey' starring 'Lily-Rose Depps areolas,' and The Wrap dubbed it 'luxury sleaze.' 'Lots of strong reactions to #TheIdol out of #Cannes2023 - ranging from: "I hated it" to "the TV version of clickbait" to "I dont need to see any more of Lily-Rose Depp naked,"' tweeted Variety reporter Ramin Setoodeh, author of the bestselling book Ladies Who Punch about the backstage drama on The View. Much of the chatter revolved around Lily-Rose's raunchy role, which at one point involves an apparent picture of her character with semen on her face. Insiders alleged to Rolling Stone in March that the show was almost completely reshot in order to give it less of a feminine outlook. Pet Sematary actress Amy Seimetz, who has also helmed such movies as Sun Don't Shine and She Dies Tomorrow, was claimed to have directed around 80 percent of The Idol before she left the project. The Weeknd was said to have felt The Idol had an excessively 'female perspective' and wanted the plot to give his character more attention than Lily-Rose's. Sam stepped in as director and reshot the show, which reportedly was heavily rewritten with so much raunchy material that one source was left thinking: 'What is this? What am I reading here? It was like sexual torture porn.' Blowback: Upon its premiere at Cannes, The Idol got a five-minute standing ovation but also provoked a raft of blistering responses from critics Plugging away: Lily-Rose and The Weeknd are pictured at Cannes with Sam Levinson, who co-created The Idol with The Weeknd and ex-nightlife entrepreneur Reza Fahim Other sources, however, said that the insiders Rolling Stone quoted had made their remarks without seeing the finished product. The Weeknd responded publicly by denouncing the report as 'ridiculous,' arguing to Vanity Fair: 'Shows get reshot every day.' Lily-Rose also defended Sam, issuing a statement to E! News in which she called him 'for so many reasons, the best director I have ever worked with.' She added: 'Never have I felt more supported or respected in a creative space, my input and opinions more valued.' The showbiz legacy continued: 'Working with Sam is a true collaboration in every way it matters to him, more than anything, not only what his actors think about the work, but how we feel performing it.' At a press conference at Cannes, Lily-Rose defended the extensive nudity on the show, arguing that 'the occasional bareness of the character physically mirrors the bareness that we get to see emotionally in her,' according to People. Rachel Stevens cut a stylish figure alongside a host of star-studded guests at the gala performance of Cinderella In-The-Round at the Royal Albert Hall in London on Thursday. The S Club 7 star, 45, looked the epitome of chic in a pair of blue flared trousers and a matching blouse. The bottoms featured a cut-off hem and ruffled design that perfectly accentuated her long legs. She paired the look with the shirt, which featured matching ruffled sleeves and only a few buttons done up. The beauty lifted her enviable frame with a pair of white and black toe pointed heels and toted a gold handbag in her arm. Gorgeous: Rachel Stevens cut a stylish figure alongside a host of star-studded guests at the gala performance of Cinderella In-The-Round at the Royal Albert Hall in London on Thursday Incredible: Also making a show-stopping appearance was Myleene Klass (L), who stunned in a flowy pink gown, and Leomie Anderson (R), who showcased her jaw-dropping physique in a figure-hugging green and orange midi dress Rachel looked gorgeous for the event, where she opted for a flawless palette of makeup, including a swipe of pink lipstick. She styled her brunette locks in a bouncy blow dry and finished her look with a selection of dainty gold jewellery pieces. The star appeared in good spirits as she brought her two daughters - whom she shares with ex-husband Alex Bourne - Amelie, 12 and Minnie, eight along to the event. Also making a show-stopping appearance was Myleene Klass, who stunned in a flowy pink gown. The gorgeous frock featured a gold floral design and peplum shape which flowed elegantly in the wind. The star, 45, complemented her ensemble with a pair of gold platform heels and a collection of gold necklaces. She wore her brunette locks curly and cascading past her shoulders and finished her look with a stunning palette of makeup, including bright rosy cheeks. Leomie Anderson also showcased her jaw-dropping physique in a figure-hugging green and orange midi dress. Chic: The S Club 7 star, 45, looked the epitome of chic in a pair of blue flared trousers and a matching blouse Beauty: The beauty lifted her enviable frame with a pair of white and black toe pointed heels and toted a gold handbag in her arm Family: The star appeared in good spirits as she brought her two daughters - whom she shares with ex-husband Alex Bourne - Amelie, 12 and Minnie, eight along to the event Pose! Myleene complemented her ensemble with a pair of gold platform heels and a collection of gold necklaces The eye-catching number boasted a butterfly print and lashings of black, pink and red. She teamed the stunning number with a gold handbag and matching strappy heels. The beauty wore her dark tresses in a slicked-back bun and posed up a storm before heading into the big show. Also showing off her colourful sense of style was Great British Bake-off's Prue Leith, who dazzled in a brightly coloured cardigan. Combining tones of orange, yellow, green and blue, she teamed the daring piece with an orange top and navy blue trousers. She kept things casual in white trainers but couldn't resist another pop of colour with a pink clutch bag and multicoloured necklace and earrings. Britain's Got Talent judge Bruno Tonioli also made a dapper appearance at the event in a baby blue linen suit. He looked as suave as ever in the summery number, which he wore with a v-neck t-shirt and stylish pair of RayBan sunglasses. Millie Mackintosh made sure to turn heads with her appearance in a light pink off-the-shoulder gown. The gorgeous number featured ruffled sleeves and a belt line, clinching her gorgeous figure in at the waist. Ready! Leomie wore her dark tresses in a slicked-back bun and posed up a storm before heading into the big show Eye-popping: Also showing off her colourful sense of style was Great British Bake-off's Prue Leith, who dazzled in a brightly coloured cardigan Colourful: Combining tones of orange, yellow, green and blue, she teamed the daring piece with an orange top and navy blue trousers Dapper: Britain's Got Talent judge Bruno Tonioli also made a dapper appearance at the event in a baby blue linen suit Cool: He looked as suave as ever in the summery number, which he wore with a v-neck t-shirt and stylish pair of RayBan sunglasses Sensational: Millie Mackintosh made sure to turn heads with her appearance in a light pink off-the-shoulder gown Turning heads: She added a dazzling pair of sparkly heels and stunned with a gorgeous face of makeup Racy: Kirsty Gallacher was another star who stole the show, arriving in a silk black gown She added a dazzling pair of sparkly heels and stunned with a gorgeous face of makeup. Adding the final touches, she wore a pair of pearl drop earrings and a collection of dainty rings and bracelets. Kirsty Gallacher was another star who stole the show, arriving in a silk black gown. The racy number featured a thigh-high split, putting her toned pins on full display. She finished the ensemble with black platform heels and tied her locks back into a slicked-back bun with a middle parting. English National Ballet returns tonight to the Royal Albert Hall for the first time since 2019, with 14 performances of Cinderella in-the-round, set to feature over 90 dancers, a live orchestra, magnificent sets and transformational projections. The sparkling ballet promises to transport the audience to an 'enchanting kingdom where forest creatures live alongside princes', where a growing tree appears to 'dance in the wind', and 'Cinderellas wit and generosity get her to the ball with the help of a little bit of magic'. Choreographed by Christopher Wheeldon, the arena floor is set to be flooded with 'exquisite dancers', while Prokofievs score is performed by the English National Ballet Philharmonic. When Winston Went To War With The Wireless (Donmar Warehouse, London) Verdict: Reith lecture Rating: *** The BBC has long been in love with its tremendous sense of mission and editorial integrity. It goes right back to its founding father, Lord Reith, who is shown in Jack Thorne's new play fighting with Winston Churchill to secure the BBC's future during the General Strike of 1926. With newspapers not reaching the masses, thanks to the nationwide strikes orchestrated by the TUC, Churchill sought to get his anti-strike message out using a government-published propaganda sheet, the British Gazette. What he really wanted, though, was to bring the BBC to heel and exploit its rapidly expanding network of state-of-the-art 'wirelesses'. Driven by his sense of public service, Reith was determined to resist and preserve the BBC's independence by broadcasting a message sympathetic to the strikers by the Archbishop of Canterbury. Head to head: Stephen Campbell Moore as Lord Reith and Adrian Scarborough as Churchill The only problem was the BBC's funding and Charter of 1927 had yet to be approved by the government. Churchill (then Chancellor) had Reith by the goolies. The problem with this simplistic idea of Lord Reith (later irritated not to have been made a Knight of the Garter) as a defender of the people, is that it mistakes the BBC's patrician condescension (then and now) for impartiality. It also involves the actor Stephen Campbell Moore sentimentalising the famously fascist-sympathising Reith as a species of pussycat tormented by his repressed homosexuality. In reality, Reith was a war-wounded, 6 ft 6 in, famously truculent and hair-triggered son of a Glaswegian Presbyterian minister. At one point he asks the archbishop: 'How can we protect the Sabbath from jazz and variety?' If someone told him his principles would eventually be embodied by Gary Lineker, he might well have pulled the plug. Even so, we're asked to accept the idea of Reith as a sensitive and nervy man who spoke in strangled vowels and was haunted by his betrayal of his lifelong friend and alleged lover, Charlie Bowser (Reith destroyed their correspondence). We are also asked to acknowledge his shame over a supposedly sexless marriage with his wife Muriel (although they did manage to have two children). Best seat in the house ANNA KARENINA Scottish actress Lindsey Campbell takes the title role in this new adaptation of Tolstoy's tragic love story, broadcast live from Bristol's Old Vic, June 22 to 24. bristololdvic. org.uk Advertisement But the further idea that a Scottish Presbyterian of any stripe might kneel down to pray submissively with the Archbishop of Canterbury (as Reith does here) is harder to swallow than Creationism. Much more fun is Adrian Scarborough's recreation of Churchill as a manipulative, bibulous toad. Any likeness to Boris Johnson is clearly intentional and, as the wearily urbane and headmasterly prime minister Stanley Baldwin, Haydn Gwynne tells him off for over-valuing his sense of humour. The production by Katy Rudd likewise tries to follow Reith and the BBC's mission to entertain, inform and educate by offering a low-level history lesson. Its levity comes from integrating the action with Tom Espiner's Foley sound effects catching the creative energy of the radio in the 1920s. There are music hall turns between scenes and much fun is had drawing on a scaffold of junk shop odds-and-ends to make sounds. A trowel and spade are used to demonstrate a sword fight, and a lemon and spoon evoke the gouging of an eye. So yes, it does entertain, and yes, it informs about the era and the General Strike. But it's that last bit about the BBC's mission to educate which reveals Thorne's secretly patrician drama as a scarcely impartial Reith Lecture. From Ted Lasso to match-fit lusty Romeo Romeo & Juliet (Almeida, London) Verdict: Timeless tragedy Rating: **** The sign-up of Toheeb Jimoh, goal-scoring sweetheart Sam Obisanya from the Apple TV comedy drama Ted Lasso, to tackle Shakespeare's young lover, made this a hot ticket. He's match-fit in award-winning director Rebecca Frecknall's dark and erotic revival of Romeo and Juliet. Once again she reveals a timeless classic afresh: the unnecessary waste of young lives, underestimated and overlooked by controlling, unimaginative adults. Star-crossed: Toheeb Jimoh as Romeo with Isis Hainsworth as Juliet And all in 'two hours of traffic' on the stage, urgent, pulsing and interval-free, intensifying the hopeless inevitability of this tragedy. The opening image sets the tone as a line of young people press with all their might on an oppressive concrete wall, symbolising the adult world they are being kept from. It falls to become a platform they take possession of, strutting their lusty stuff in a wild, whirling dance, West Side Story-style, but to the tune of Prokofiev's ballet version of the story. Such is the pace, with scenes sliced and spliced, words gets lost, but there's a remarkable naturalness and modernity in the way these trigger-quick boys josh and tease. Jack Riddiford's Mercutio, Romeo's best mate, has the sarky swagger and flash of Mick Jagger, not exactly asking for trouble but always up for it. This production is propelled by the extraordinary chemistry between Isis Hainsworth's radiant Juliet and Jimoh's rapturous Romeo which locks together these intoxicated lovers even when yards apart. Juliet's pop socks perfectly suggest the way she is uncomfortably caught in the cusp between childish innocence and womanhood. What lingers long after is her crazed despair when she finds Romeo dead and summons the courage to kill herself. In one rash, irrevocable second. The rest is silence and another arresting image of hundreds of candles flickering on the back wall. When Juliet is wishing time away until darkness falls and she can meet Romeo, she says: 'When he should die, Take him and cut him out in little stars That all the world will be in love with night.' Maybe this is what she imagined. BY GEORGINA BROWN Right up my 42nd Street 42nd Street (Sadlers Wells and touring) Verdict: (Forty) Second to none Rating: ***** The story of a chorus girl who hits the big time in a fictional song and dance show in 1930s Depression era New York is a shamelessly predictable confection. But Jonathan Churchs revival of this nostalgic hymn to Broadway is a perfect production of an otherwise delightfully ditzy musical. What a delight it is to see so much effort lavished on an all-feet-blazing touring show. Its (forty) second to none. Pictured: Gabrielle and Dennis What it lacks in surprise it makes up with Harry Warrens swinging and sparkling score, as well as Al Dubins songs including Were In The Money, Keep Young and Beautiful, The Lullaby of Broadway and of course the title number. And not a dud in between, either. If thats not enough, Bill Deamers choreography is a torrential assault on the senses. Not just the usual kicks and twirls and pirouettes, theres a deluge of tap routines with company formations whirling to and fro, as well as Fred Astaire-style duets between the leading hoofers. Ruthie Henshalls lonely-heart diva Dorothy rattles the chandeliers with a Shirley Bassey-ish I Only Have Eyes For You. Adam Garcia as the shows adjutant director, Mr Marsh, coolly bats off her tantrums and theres levity from Les Dennis and Josefina Gabrielle as the shows desperate creators. What a delight it is to see so much effort lavished on an all-feet-blazing touring show. Its (forty) second to none. PM Assassins (Festival Theatre, Chichester) Verdict: Murder Rating: ** Samuel Byck, the disturbed would-be killer of Tricky Dicky President Nixon, is fitted with a soiled Santa costume in this flashy revival of Stephen Sondheims sardonic 1990 musical. Talking to a tape recorder, he observes that this world of ours is a vicious stinking pit full of pain. And theres nothing here to make you disagree. Nor are there any psychological insights into the dysfunctional (not all successful) killers, ranging from Lincolns murderer John Wilkes Booth (Danny Mac) to JFKs nemesis, Lee Harvey Oswald (Samuel Thomas). There isnt a single memorable tune among the plotters ballads of self-exoneration. As Byck recording messages for his idol Leonard Bernstein, Nick Holder is persuasively psychotic. But as each storyline ends in murder, execution or suicide, the audience are reduced to supplying canned laughter. The people of Chichester must be pining for The Sound Of Music up next. PM Maya Jama commanded attention as she flashed her peachy bottom in a semi-sheer red gown as she attended the National Gallery summer party on Thursday. The Love Island presenter, 28, made sure all eyes were on her in the racy maxi dress as she poses up a storm on Trafalgar Square. Her garment boasted a plunging neckline revealing her ample assets and cinched her in at the waist with a large matching band. She sent temperatures soaring as she showcased her jaw dropping derriere in a pair of coordinated silk red briefs through the long sheer pleated skirt. Maya turned up the heat by elevated her frame in a pair of red towering heels and toted her belongings around in a matching square bag. Sizzling: Maya Jama commanded attention as she flashed her peachy bottom in a semi-sheer red gown as she attended the National Gallery summer party on Thursday Jaw dropping: The Love Island presenter, 28, made sure all eyes were on her in the racy maxi dress as she poses up a storm on Trafalgar Square The ITV2 host styled her long dark tresses in luxurious waves as they cascaded down her back from a side parting. She applied a flawless palette of makeup to accentuate her beauty including blushed cheeks, a smoky brown eye shadow and a swipe of glossy lipstick. Maya flashed her gorgeous smile as she posed up a storm in the eye catching red ensemble outside the gallery in London. As the former Radio 1 DJ stepped out in the city she was stopped by fans to pose for selfies. Last week she was letting her hair down in Ibiza where she was seen partying the night away at iconic club DC10. Maya is now back in the UK as she attended a Harry Styles concert at Wembley earlier this week and hosted Love Island spin-off AfterSun on Sunday night. During the episode she put on a show-stopping display as she sizzled in a stunning designer figure-hugging dress. Maya looked nothing short of sensational as she slipped into a 5,500 pale pink dress by Jean Paul Gaultier. Amazing: Her garment boasted a plunging neckline revealing her ample assets and cinched her in at the waist with a large matching band Cheeky: She sent temperatures soaring as she showcased her jaw dropping derriere in a pair of coordinated silk red briefs through the long sheer pleated skirt Sensational: Maya turned up the heat by elevated her frame in a pair of red towering heels and toted her belongings around in a matching square bag Lady in red: The ITV2 host styled her long dark tresses in luxurious waves as they cascaded down her back from a side parting Dressed to impress: She applied a flawless palette of makeup to accentuate her beauty including blushed cheeks, a smoky brown eye shadow and a swipe of glossy lipstick The stunning vintage garment boosted her ample assets with a corset, and featured a silk panel on the front. The bombshell wore a glamorous 'Cone Bust' Blush Peach Corset Dress which perfectly flaunted her jaw-dropping physique. Before sizzling on the first spin-off episode of Love Island's season 10 - Maya took to her TikTok account as she showcased her stunning moves while dancing to J Hus. Maya wore her raven locks loose in waves with a centre parting, framing her sensational features. She opted for a flawless glamorous make up palette, with a rouge lipgloss and rosy blush. 'Aftersun first show tonight live at 10pm ITV2,' she penned the clip. Wow: Maya flashed her gorgeous smile as she posed up a storm in the eye catching red ensemble outside the gallery in London Racy: Maya lifted her daring sheer dress up as she made her way up the gallery steps Selfie! As the former Radio 1 DJ stepped out in the city she was stopped by fans to pose for selfies Back for events: Last week she was letting her hair down in Ibiza where she was seen partying the night away at iconic club DC10 Trinny Woodall put on a glamorous display as she attended the National Gallery for its annual summer party on Thursday evening. The TV star, 59, looked incredible in a sophisticated gold pleated halterneck that drew attention to her slender physique. She boosted her height in a pair of matching platform heels as she posed for photos outside the iconic London museum. Trinny opted for a flawless blush makeup look with a swipe of nude lipstick, while her brunette locks were styled in curls. It comes after Trinny revealed she has been left bruised and battered after crashing her car last week in LA. Stunning: Trinny Woodall put on a glamorous display in a shimmering gold ensemble as she attended the National Gallery for its annual summer party on Thursday evening Gorgeous: The TV star, 59, looked incredible in a sophisticated gold pleated halterneck that drew attention to her slender physique She took to her Instagram on Friday as she shared with followers an insight into her recovery. Trinny could be seen in white lingerie as she stood in front of her bathroom mirror, displaying her taut physique. The make-up and fashion expert told followers she was suffering from a real lack of sleep as she admitted: 'I have not been exciting for a while because that silly little car accident in LA slightly knocked me for six I have to say and my arm is finally healing.' She also told her followers on her Instagram live: 'I am still feeling a bit battered and bruised' following the incident. MailOnline have contacted Trinny's reps for further comment. She later posted a story in her underwear as she revealed she was much too hot to stay clothed. During her lunch break Trinny took the opportunity to share with followers a glimpse of her supplement supplies that were stored in huge boxes. She said: 'I'm in my bra and pants because it's hot. I've got an hours lunch break and I'm just sorting out what I've wanted to do forever. 'Pain medication, allergy, sleep, sleep and relaxation, mood and joint mobility, immunity, salves, brain omegas, hair supplements. There a lot of really good supplements in there and you all ask me about things I use.' It comes after her ex Charles Saatchi , 79, enjoyed a cosy lunch with Martha Sitwell, 43, at London eatery Scotts - a haunt where he has previously taken Trinny and his ex-wife Nigella Lawson, 63. 'He was canoodling with Martha in his usual corner table. He's still got it at 80,' an impressed fellow diner told the Daily Mail's Richard Eden. Lady Sitwell confirmed: 'Yes, we met for lunch', telling Richard: 'Charles is a very clever, very funny man.' Incredible: She looked sensational in the 20s-inspired gown Stylish: She boosted her height in a pair of matching platform heels as she posed for photos outside the iconic London museum Trendy: Adding a stylish touch to the look, she later wore a pair of round sunglasses Smoking hot: Trinny has revealed she has been left bruised and battered after crashing her car last week in LA The former 'face' of Royal Ascot, she takes issue with her fellow diner's use of the word 'canoodling', insisting: 'We were not "canoodling"; we were making each other laugh.' Charles is understood to have split earlier this year from Trinny, who made her name giving style tips on the hit BBC show What Not To Wear before becoming a successful beauty entrepreneur. The couple had been together for a decade. Last month, Trinny fuelled speculation that the relationship was over by revealing, in an emotional post online, that she had 'moved house'. The couple had lived together in London. Sources close to the pair claimed that the 20-year age gap was problematic, with Charles favouring quiet evenings while Trinny preferred to be more sociable. Nigella divorced him 10 years ago on the grounds of 'unreasonable behaviour' following an argument at Scott's, where he was seen 'tweaking' her nose and holding his hands around her throat. The Domestic Goddess, who was his third wife, reportedly did not seek any financial settlement, merely requesting to take her cooking appliances. Martha, the daughter of late gastronome Justin de Blank, married film-producing baronet Sir George Sitwell in 2007 and they lived at his family's 3.25 million Grade II-listed home, Weston Hall in Northamptonshire. She held a 'divorce party' in 2017 to mark the end of their marriage. She once described matrimony in general as 'pure misery', explaining: 'It sucks all the energy from you, sucks your youth and all the fun from your life.' A vision: She looked amazing in the chic ensemble Ex: It comes after her ex Charles Saatchi , 79, enjoyed a cosy lunch with Martha Sitwell, 43, at London eatery Scotts (Trinny and Charles pictured together in 2015) Elsewhere, make-up and beauty mogul Trinny said on Instagram last month that she was moving forward after her split from Charles. She posted: 'It's a new day, it's a new dawn, it's a new life.' She added: 'I have been moving but now I have moved.' An emotional sounding Trinny said: 'I have looked out at this view for the last 30 years of my life. It's the one consistent view I have ever had.' 'Recently with the big life change and moving house it was important for me to come back here with (daughter) Lyla and family just to have that moment, listen to the birds, be at one with nature. Very healing.' The Proud Family: Louder And Prouder, the revival of the early 2000s cartoon, has been renewed for a third season at Disney+. According to Collider, the update was announced at Annecy Film Festival in France, an annual gathering dedicated to animation. The outlet reported that with the renewal, the new show will surpass the number of seasons of the original series. However, the original - which debuted in September 2001 - featured more episodes per season. The latest iteration has been adapted for a modern day audience, with the episodes breaking down cultural events and history. Sticking around: The Proud Family: Louder and Prouder, the revival of the early 2000s cartoon, has been renewed for a third season at Disney+ News: The update was announced at Annecy Film Festival in France , an annual gathering dedicated to animation According to Disney, the show 'follows the adventures and misadventures of newly 14-year-old Penny Proud and her Proud Family as they navigate modern life with hilarity and heart.' Returning to the show to reprise their roles are Kyla Pratt, the voice of main character Penny Proud, and Karen Malina White, who plays Penny's best friend Dijonay. EJ Johnson voices the character Michael in the new installment, while Keke Palmer was cast as Maya Leibowitz-Jenkins, a new neighbor to the Proud clan. The latest season of the program has sparked backlash from some viewers for its 'woke' themes. A February episode added 'white fragility' to the list of hot button topics it addresses. The segment introduced the concept of 'white fragility' and referenced activist Robin DeAngelo's book of the same title, which was published in June 2018. It was slammed for a musical number performed by students, which noted that 'slaves built this country' and included a line about reparations. Proud Family creator Bruce W. Smith, 61, said he is thrilled by the backlash against the cartoon, which some critics have branded 'anti-white propaganda.' Doing well: With the renewal, the new show will surpass the number of seasons of the original series Returning: Actress Karen Malina White returned to the cartoon as the character Dijonay, main character Penny's best friend In response to backlash, Proud Family creator Bruce W. Smith tweeted: 'Why the fear? We're thrilled to have the opportunity to stoke the conversation' Earlier this year he tweeted: 'Why the fear? We're thrilled to have the opportunity to stoke the conversation.' 'Republicans are losing their minds, calling on Americans to Boycott Disney because of this scene from a Disney cartoon The Proud Family,' the tweet said. 'They are literally mad that kids are learning that slaves helped build our nation. What the hell are they afraid of?' The post included a video of a scene from the show showing the kids peacefully protesting when cops in riot gear show up. Fans went wild over a new photo that Kylie Jenner shared to her Instagram account on Wednesday. The 25-year-old Hidden Hills, California resident upload a shot of herself with a mark on her neck. It was hard to see at first, but after zooming in on the candid shot, a mark could be seen on her neck. She was in a flowing blue-and-white maxi dress as she held onto her new son Aire while heading to a waiting black SUV that was located in a large hangar. The TV star has been dating Dune actor Timothee Chalamet for the past few months. Love mark: Fans went wild over a new photo that Kylie Jenner shared to her Instagram account on Wednesday. The 25-year-old Hidden Hills, California resident upload a shot of herself with a mark on her neck There it is: She was in a flowing blue-and-white maxi dress as she held onto her new son Aire while heading to a waiting black SUV that was located in a large hangar Her new man: The TV star has been dating Dune actor Timothee Chalamet for the past few months. Seen in April This comes after the reality TV siren was seen wearing a gold eternity band on her wedding finger while on her private jet which has been dubbed Kylie Air. Fans have speculated that the mark is not makeup or a bruise but rather a love bite. One follower wrote, 'Uhm ms kylie, we see that hickey.' That was followed with: 'Hickies on her neck .' Another shared, 'Am I the only one who peeps the hickey.' One fan seemed impatient as they wrote, 'Show us Timmy.' And then a follower said: 'The Timothee Chalamet effect' This comes after she shared shots while sitting in her private jet - called Kylie Air - as she looked out the window. The sister of Kendall Jenner put one of her manicured hands off to show off a ring on her wedding finger. It was an eternity trinity ring which symbolizes love. Ring of truth? The cosmetics queen was sitting in her private jet - called Kylie Air - as she looked out the window. The 25-year-old put one of her manicured hands off to show off a ring on her wedding finger. It was an eternity trinity ring which symbolizes love Cartier was the first jewelry to come up with the trinity design. According to Cartier, Louis Cartier, the son of the namesake founder, designed an intertwined ring for French poet and playwright Jean Cocteau. The piece included three bands in yellow gold, rose gold, and white gold. This creation would become a distinctive code of the Cartier style of the trinity ring. The ring is often associated with a lasting bond. Kylie and Timothee have been dating since April, according to several reports. New post: Jenner looked stunning in a chic white dress for her latest round of sultry social media snaps on Tuesday Beautiful: The 25-year-old beauty mogul looked dreamy in a floral patterned white dress from DOEN This comes after it was claimed Jenner is 'focused' on motherhood. The billionaire has Stormi, five, and 15-month-old Aire with ex-partner Travis Scott and while in recent weeks it has been reported that she is dating actor Chalamet, an insider has now claimed that the relationship is 'not serious' and that her main priority is raising the little ones. A source told PEOPLE: 'Kylie enjoys dating, but her main focus is being a mom. [She and Timothee] are not serious.' By contrast, it was recently claimed that the KylieComsetics founder is in constant communication with the Call Me By Your Name star and she was 'enjoying the effort' he was putting into their time together. An insider told UsWeekly magazine: 'Kylie and Timothee text, FaceTime or communicate in some way almost every day. 'They have a really fun and flirty exchange between them, and he makes Kylie smile. 'Kylie is definitely open to seeing Timothee again, but she's letting him take the lead. She enjoys being courted and feels like the more effort he puts in, the more she likes him. ' New vs old: Timothee on the left at the Met Gala and Travis Scott on the right at the Cannes Film Festival However, The Kardashians star is said to feel that Timothee 'doesn't need to go super over the top' in his efforts to pursue her and described the businesswoman as being 'down-to-earth' and unlike what fans may think of her. The source added: 'At the same time, she appreciates that he doesn't feel the need to go super over the top with grand gestures just to impress her. Despite what some people may think, Kylie really is down-to-earth and laidback. Having some tacos and just hanging out is a perfect date idea for her. She is having fun getting to know Timothee better. ' The comments came just days after it was claimed that Kylie - who has also dated Tyga and Jaden Smith - has 'really great chemistry' with Timothee and that he is different to all of her former flames. A source said: 'Timothee is a total gentleman and treats [Kylie] with respect. He's very charming and he makes her laugh, and he's easy to talk to. He's not like any of the other guys she's dated before and although he may not seem like her type, they have really good chemistry.' Rosie O'Donnell has detailed her long time falling out with Ellen DeGeneres as she revealed that she did not accept her apology recently. The 61-year-old media personality told The Hollywood Reporter the the 65-year-old former chat show host had reached out a few weeks ago to say sorry but Rosie had opted to reject the mea culpa. She explained: 'She texted me a few weeks ago checking in, seeing how Im doing, and I asked her how shes surviving not being on TV. 'Its a big transition. But weve had our weirdness in our relationship. I dont know if its jealousy, competition or the fact that she said a mean thing about me once that really hurt my feelings.' Last year Rosie first revealed the long time feud with Ellen on an episode of Watch What Happens Live. Better days: Rosie O'Donnell has detailed her long time falling out with Ellen DeGeneres as she revealed that she did not accept her apology recently; the two are seen together in April 2006 Trailblazer: The 61-year-old media personality (pictured in May 2019) told The Hollywood Reporter the the 65-year-old former chat show host had reached out a few weeks ago to say sorry but Rosie had opted to reject the mea culpa Rosie revealed that sometime after that Ellen had reached out to apologize as she explained to THR: 'She wrote, "Im really sorry, and I dont remember that." I guess she saw me talk about it on Andy Cohens show. 'I remembered it so well, I had T-Shirts printed and I gave them to my staff that said I dont know Rosie. Were not friends.' Rosie went on to explain that she isn't willing to let her back in the circle of trust despite the two a long history together. She explained; 'I have a picture of her holding [my then-infant son] Parker. I know her mother. I could identify her brother without her in the room. I knew her for so many years. It just felt like I dont trust this person to be in my world.' The drama all began when Ellen appeared on Larry King Live back in May 1998 shortly after Rosie came out as lesbian. Ellen was asked what her thoughts were about the news and she replied: 'I don't know. You know, maybe she didn't -- I don't really know Rosie that well. I mean, I've spoken to her, but we're not really friends. We don't, like -- so I don't really know and I couldn't say what her...' Then in September 2022, Rosie finally opened up about their rivalry. Rosie dropped by Watch What Happens Live With Andy Cohen at the time and was asked why she and DeGeneres have such a frosty relationship. She explained: 'She texted me a few weeks ago checking in, seeing how Im doing, and I asked her how shes surviving not being on TV. Its a big transition. But weve had our weirdness in our relationship. I dont know if its jealousy, competition or the fact that she said a mean thing about me once that really hurt my feelings'; they are seen together on The Rosie O'Donnell Show back in the 1990s Smoking gun: The drama all began when Ellen appeared on Larry King Live back in May 1998 shortly after Rosie came out as lesbian; Rosie is seen in Pasadena in February Despite having a lot in common - both had successful daytime talk shows, both female comics, both out lesbians - the stars never got on. O'Donnell was more or less persona non grata on The Ellen DeGeneres Show during its long tenure but was finally asked to appear as a guest in season 19. 'We had a little bit of a weird thing, and after my show went off the air and hers was coming on the air,' Rosie explained to Andy. 'Larry King was on with Ellen and he said 'What ever happened to Rosie O'Donnell? Her show went down the tubes! She came out as a lesbian and disappeared!'' 'And Ellen said, and I'm quoting, "I don't know Rosie. We're not friends."' At the time, Rosie was watching the interview at home with her ex-wife Kelli Carpenter. 'I was in bed with Kelli and I said "Did I just hear that? Or was that a hallucination, auditory voice in my '' she recollected. 'And that's what happened. And it hurt my feelings like a baby. And I never really got over it.' Her side of the story: Rosie dropped by Watch What Happens Live With Andy Cohen back in September 2022 and was asked why she and DeGeneres have such a frosty relationship 'We had a little bit of a weird thing, and after my show went off the air and hers was coming on the air,' Rosie explained to Andy'; Rosie is seen on The Rosie O'Donnell Show back in the 1990s 'Larry King was on with Ellen and he said 'What ever happened to Rosie O'Donnell? Her show went down the tubes! She came out as a lesbian and disappeared! And Ellen said, and I'm quoting, "I don't know Rosie. We're not friends."' 'I was in bed with Kelli and I said "Did I just hear that? Or was that a hallucination, auditory voice in my '' she recollected. 'And that's what happened. And it hurt my feelings like a baby. And I never really got over it.' Talk show legends: The Rosie O'Donnell Show, a once very popular daytime chat series, aired from 1996 to 2002. Ellen's talk show seemingly replaced Rosie in 2003 and went on for 19 seasons until ending in a scandal Nearly more than a decade later, Rosie was finally asked to come on Ellen's show as a guest, she revealed, but to make it 'a little less awkward' there was talk of bringing on someone with her. Ultimately that idea didn't fly but O'Donnell seem s not to harbor ill will towards Ellen. 'I wish her all good things in her life and that she should be well,' she said. The Rosie O'Donnell Show, a once very popular daytime chat series, aired from 1996 to 2002. Ellen's talk show seemingly replaced Rosie in 2003 and went on for 19 seasons until ending in a scandal. Kyle and Jackie O have revealed that they've been banned from broadcasting live from the French villa they're staying at on Kyle's honeymoon in coming weeks. The pair revealed the news on their radio show on Friday morning and had to scramble to find babysitters for Jackie's daughter Kitty, 12, who is coming with them. The pair will have to host the Kyle and Jackie O Show from a local studio in the South of France and will do the show overnight while there, from 10pm to 2am to match the Australian time. The KIIS FM team are crashing Kyle and his new wife Tegan Kynaston's lavish honeymoon with the likes of Kyle's manager Bruno Bouchet, producer Mayo, newsreader Brooklyn Ross and their partners attending. While live on air on Friday, Kyle and Jackie O called Brooklyn and Mayo's partners Seb and Damien to see if they could babysit Kitty while they all headed to the studio. Kyle and Jackie O have revealed that they've been banned from broadcasting live from the French villa they're staying at on Kyle's honeymoon in coming weeks 'We're staying in your lovely villa for free so it's the least we can do,' Brooklyn said. 'Hey babe, quick question Jackie's daughter Kitty now needs a babysitter as we can't broadcast at the house anymore. Are you okay to babysit for five hours?' Mayo asked her husband. 'I'm the chauffeur, I may as well do the extra task,' Seb quipped. The pair revealed the news on their radio show on Friday morning and had to scramble to find babysitters for Jackie's daughter Kitty, 12, who is coming with them The pair will have to host the Kyle and Jackie O Show from a local studio in the South of France and will do the show overnight while there, from 10pm to 2am to match the Australian time Kyle told Damien: 'Bad news Damien, we were gonna broadcast from Jackie's villa, the owners screwed up and said they can't broadcast there and they can't have the rat bags there so you guys have to babysit for every night for five hours.' 'I had big plans [to travel],' Damien replied, a little put off by the news. Shortly after, Jackie O came up with the idea that Kitty can stay with Kyle's wife Tegan during the broadcast as she and Kyle have hired a nanny for their son Otto during the stay. The KIIS FM team are crashing Kyle and his new wife Tegan Kynaston's lavish honeymoon with the likes of Kyle's manager Bruno Bouchet, producer Mayo, newsreader Brooklyn Ross and their partners attending. Kyle and Tegan are pictured on their wedding day in April Shortly after, Jackie O came up with the idea that Kitty can stay with Kyle's wife Tegan during the broadcast as she and Kyle have hired a nanny for their son Otto during the stay 'I will send Kitty over to your place Kyle!' she said. 'F**k my life, this is the worst honeymoon ever!' he jokingly said. 'Poor Kitty, I think she's gonna be bored though,' Jackie replied. During the two week stay, Kyle is expected to continue recording his radio show as well as having days off. It comes after Jackie confessed that she has decided to crash the romantic getaway. The radio star appeared to get jealous on her radio show with Kyle that she won't be escaping to Europe soon, so she invited herself along for their post-wedding celebration. 'I'm coming on his honeymoon. Why not? I have never been to the south of France before,' Jackie O said on air. Kyle then said that Jackie will be a 'third wheel' on their romantic honeymoon to France. The 51-year-old tied the knot with his wife Tegan, 37, in a $1million ceremony at the heritage-listed Swifts mansion in Sydney's Darling Point. Aussie celebrities in attendance at the wedding included NSW Premier Chris Minns, Today host Karl Stefanovic, and 'King of the Cross' John Ibrahim, among others. Watching raunchy scenes with parents is a somewhat uncomfortable feat. But its clearly not an issue for Damian Hurley, who has directed his mother in frisky scenes with another woman. The budding filmmaker, 21, has marked his writing and directorial feature debut with upcoming mystery drama Strictly Confidential. Risque pictures show model Elizabeth Hurley, who plays Lily, appearing to be seduced by Natasha, played young actress Pear Chiravara. Ms Hurley, 58, dressed in a plunging metallic gown, accepts a drink from Ms Chiravara, who then starts to kiss her chest. Behind the camera: Damian Hurley has marked his writing and directorial feature debut with upcoming mystery drama Strictly Confidential Racy: The film stars his own mother, Elizabeth Hurley, in frisky scenes with another woman Grateful: Damian praised his mother for sticking to her promise to star in his first feature film when shooting wrapped in December on the Caribbean island of Saint Kitts and Nevis Damian praised his mother for sticking to her promise to star in his first feature film when shooting wrapped in December on the Caribbean island of Saint Kitts and Nevis. Sharing behind-the-scenes pictures on Instagram, he wrote: Everyone involved deserves public declarations of adoration (all of which will come in due course) but right now I want to worship @ElizabethHurley1 who, during the making of my first ever short film back in 2010 (when I was 8) promised me shed be in my first feature; true to her word, the minute this film was greenlit, Mama dropped everything and raced out to the beautiful Caribbean to help. Working together was a dream. The mystery drama follows Mia, played by CBBC star Georgia Lock, as she is drawn into a world of sex, duplicity and betrayal while trying to uncover the mystery surrounding her best friend Rebeccas suicide. Damian, who graduated last summer, was praised by his famous friends including Trinny Woodall who said: What an amazing achievement Damien, after all your passion and hard work, its paid off well done darling, so so happy for you and it really does help to have the best mama in the world. Susannah Constantine added: Beauty AND brains. It is not the first time Ms Hurley has starred in one of her sons projects.. She also flew out to Saint Kitts and Nevis for his short film, The Boy on the Beach, last year. Ms Hurleys previous roles include The Royals, Bedazzled and Austin Powers. In 2018 she revealed the secret photographer behind her seemingly endless stream of bikini Instagram posts was in fact her only son. That's a wrap: Damian shared a handful of photos from the location shoot this week Collaborators: It is not the first time Ms Hurley has starred in one of her sons projects.. She also flew out to Saint Kitts and Nevis for his short film, The Boy on the Beach, last year Pals: Damian (centre) is pictured on the beach with friends while filming his feature debut Say cheese: In 2018 he young model was named as one of the people responsible for taking Ms. Hurley's numerous bikini snaps Damians shadow is even visible in some of the images, where she frolics on the beach in a two-piece swimsuit. She made the revelation after uploading a series of sizzling holiday snaps of herself braless and in a bikini for Valentine's Day. The actress, who rose to fame at 29 with her Estee Lauder cosmetics campaign, stunned her 833,000 followers with the suggestive images, but some were unsure how to take her confession, with several branding the relationship 'weird'. According to The Sun, Ms. Hurley said: '[Damian] definitely takes some, but I do have other friends that I can torture for some too.' Damian, who was brought up in Gloucester by his mother and her then-partner Arun Nayar, has followed in her footsteps to become an actor. He has had roles in Australian soap Neighbours and American drama The Royals. His father was American businessman and film producer Steve Bing, who committed suicide in 2020 by jumping from the 27th floor of his Los Angeles condominium. Introducing the cast: Damian also shared a cast list, including his mother, on social media Chris Cuomo has branded acting legend Sylvester Stallone a 'cartoonish fool' in a bizarre rant during an appearance on The Adam Friedland Show on Wednesday. The disgraced former CNN anchor, 52, laid into the Rocky star, 76, and said he 'doesn't love' any of his legendary characters in the candid chat. The chat began when Friedland asked if his former co-worker Wolf Blitzer ever had his 'penis out under the desk' to which Cuomo responded 'no, I called him 'the captain' when I was there. He was the exemplar of everything we wanted to be. The guy works his a** off and he's a good man.' Friedland responded: 'He's like a Stallone character' to which Cuomo replied: [But] instead of being a cartoonish fool, Blitzer is just an earnest good guy.' A quizzical Friedland asked: 'You're anti-Stallone?' to which Cuomo said he 'didn't love' the characters the Oscar winner has played. Cuomo has since clarified his remarks on Twitter, telling his followers that he was just 'joking around' and he has nothing but 'love' for Stallone. Leave Stallone alone! Chris Cuomo has branded acting legend Sylvester Stallone a 'cartoonish fool' in a bizarre rant during an appearance on The Adam Friedland Show on Wednesday One of the greatest: The disgraced former CNN anchor, 52, laid into the Rocky star, 76, and said he 'doesn't love' any of his legendary characters in the candid chat (Stallone pictured 2022) Stallone is widely considered one of the greatest screen stars of all time, with his most famous role as Italian Stallion and underdog boxer Rocky Balboa, who he has played in eight films. Cuomo was given the boot from CNN in late 2021 for doling out advice to his brother, the then-Governor of New York Andrew Cuomo, as he battled a sexual misconduct scandal. It was also revealed that Chris used his media connections and contacts to check on stories in the pipeline about his brother and trafficked the information back to the governor's operatives. Back in February Cuomo shared his struggle on 'Open Book with Anthony Scaramucci,' the podcast hosted by the former White House communications director whose tenure at the podium lasted all of a week and a half. 'I had to accept [the CNN termination] because I was going to kill everybody, including myself. Things can consume you,' he said. He added: 'Italians are so passionate and I really had to fight against that because... I got too many people counting on me.' The on-air journalist, who is now back behind a desk, said he 'makes a lot of mistakes' and began seeing a therapist after being 's**t-canned' by the CNN higher-ups. 'There is damage that is relatable, there is damage that is unrelatable to people that I have to deal with, that I am working on,' he said. Oh dear: Friedland responded: 'He's like a Stallone character' to which Cuomo replied: [But] instead of being a cartoonish fool, Blitzer is just an earnest good guy' Icon: Stallone is widely considered one of the greatest screen stars of all time, with his most famous role as Italian Stallion and underdog boxer Rocky Balboa, who he has played in eight films (pictured with Carl Weathers in 1976's Rocky) Action icon: Stallone played John Rambo in 1982 hit First Blood Capital markets regulator Sebi sent notices last week to four entities asking them to pay Rs 4.56 crore within 15 days in Fortis Healthcares case of fund diversion and misrepresentations to conceal the fraud. In addition, the regulator warned of attachment of assets and accounts if they fail to make the payment within the stipulated time. The four entities that received notices are -- Fortis Global Healthcare, RHC Finance, Shimal Healthcare and ANR Securities. The demand notices came after the entities failed to pay the fine imposed on them by the Securities and Exchange Board of India (Sebi) in May 2020. In four fresh notices dated June 9, Sebi directed them to pay Rs 4.56 crore, which includes interest and recovery cost, within 15 days. In the event of non-payment of dues, the regulator will recover the amount by attaching and selling their moveable and immovable properties. Besides, they will face attachment of their bank accounts. Also, the regulator takes the route of arrest and detention in prison to recover the amount. In May 2022, Sebi imposed penalties totalling Rs 38.75 crore on 32 entities, including these four entities in the case related to the diversion of funds of Fortis Healthcare Ltd (FHL) and misrepresentations to conceal the fraud. It levied a fine of Rs 1 crore each on the four entities. The matter goes back to 2018 when a media report came out that the promoters of the listed FHL had allegedly taken massive funds out of the listed company. It also pointed out that Deloitte Haskins & Sells LLP, the statutory auditor of FHL, had refused to sign on the companys second-quarter results until the funds were accounted for. Yoga is not just a set of exercises, it is workout for body, mind and soul On the 21st of June, Summer Solstice in Northern Hemisphere, as has been for several years in a row now, millions across the globe will assemble in schools, parks, offices, educational and scientific institutions, and various establishments and unison they will perform yoga. The world will become a Yoga Mat under the azure sky. The United Nations has not only endorsed observing International Yoga Day but has given a major thumbs-up to this ancient Indian practice and has taken up popularising it across the universe. A symphony synchronizing the body, mind and soul As a music lover, one fondly recalls the iconic lyrics of Across the Universe by the Beatles. Words are flowing out like endless rain into a paper cup They slither wildly as they slip away across the Universe Pools of sorrow and waves of joy are drifting through my opened mind Possessing and caressing me Jai Guru Deva, Om Jai Guru Deva implies the victory of the big mind. Om, when fragmented into three syllables AAA (the hubbub that emanates from the abdomen), UUU (the reverberation emerging from the chest region) and MMM (the resonance materialising from the head region). Yoga is a kind of exercise in which a practitioner locomotes the human body into several distinct and diverse positions to attain physical fitness and flexibility. While performing yogic exercises the sadhak has to invariably pay attention to the breath. Metaphysical demeanour The root of the word yoga lies in the Sanskrit word yuj authentically meaning to conjoin. While Lord Shiva is believed to be the original progenitor of this ancient science, Maharishi Patanjali revealed to humanity the intricacies of yogic science through his treatise Patanjali Yoga Sutra. An Insight into Shirshasana The asana involves inverting the body, with hands, neck and shoulders bearing the entire weight of the body. The first step is the Vajrasana. Through a series of fluid steps to be executed at a slow, measured pace, the practitioner moves from Vajrasana to the final pose where the legs are held straight up, toes pointing upwards and the arms cradling the head, with the elbows bent at right angles for further support. As a practitioner holds the pose, it works against the pressure of gravity, assisting in draining impure blood from the lower limbs and also enhancing blood flow to the head and neck regions. Moving out the asana has also to be done at the same measured pace to prevent injuries. This involves tracing all the steps backwards until one moves into Shishuasana. It is advisable to rest the body in Shavasana following this asana. Beginners are advised to practice Shirshasana at the end of their yogic asana programme while advanced practitioners can perform it either at the beginning or the end of a yogic session. It may be mentioned that the asana is very powerful to awaken the Sahasrara chakra, which is responsible for the lofty position this sovereign among asanas enjoys. However, there is a word of caution. Shirshasana is contra-indicated for those individuals suffering from high blood pressure, heart disease, kidney problems, chronic glaucoma, and host of other diseases. It should neither be practised during pregnancy nor menstruation. The practitioner should learn the craft under the careful guidance and supervision of a trained yoga instructor. (The writer is the CEO of Chattisgarh East Railway Ltd, East west Railway Ltd and is a faculty of the Art of Living) We must develop a science-policy engagement forum to popularise the breakthroughs in Indian labs Many times scientific community and politicians come to crossroads while promoting scientific discoveries. Even though every research lab managed by central, state and private organizations does ground-breaking discoveries, very few get public attention. Why is it so? Every scientific research will have an output that is bound to affect the common mans life. But the public is carried away by news value research like the space-related ones that get gets media attention. There are many labs where scientists toil their life to find cures for various diseases, develop high-yielding plant varieties, find solutions to conserve the ecosystem, make our daily life easier by developing various technologies for infrastructure and communication, etc. But unfortunately, poor scientists, though gets acceptance from their peer group, dont find acceptance from the common man. Even when our spending on R&D has tripled in the last 10 years, members of the scientific community and the public often complain about the lack of budgetary allocation for scientific research. Even after 75 years of experience, we dont have confidence in our researchers. We still provide more value to people having overseas experience or publications in foreign journals for job selection. If India has to become the global leader in science our policymakers should value the scientific contribution made by the candidate in the Indian laboratories. Only these people can understand the issues affecting our society and find remedies for them. Only when scientific discoveries reach the poorest of society science will get respect and attention. Here comes the need to develop a science-policy engagement forum through which our scientific community, policymakers and citizen-science groups can frequently interact. Science policy engagement refers to the active involvement of scientists and researchers in shaping and influencing policy decisions at various levels, including local, national, andnternational. By engaging with policymakers, political leaders, administrators and diplomats, scientists can contribute their expertise, scientific evidence, and insights to inform policy development and decision-making processes. Scientists should communicate scientific concepts, evidence, and findings to policymakers in a manner that is accessible, concise, and relevant to their policy concerns using language that policymakers can understand. They should present scientific information in a format that is easy to comprehend, such as infographics, policy briefs, or executive summaries. Similarly, they should engage with a range of stakeholders, including NGOs, industry representatives, community groups, and advocacy organizations. Even people from industries should also be made part of this. Many times scientific discovery become popular only after the product reaches society. Collaborating with diverse stakeholders can help build coalitions, broaden the impact of engagement efforts, and strengthen the legitimacy of policy recommendations. They enable scientists to communicate their research findings, address gaps in their research, and recommendations to policymakers thereby highlighting their research findings at the global level. Building trust and rapport is crucial for effective engagement. Science policy engagement is an essential avenue for scientists to contribute their expertise, promote evidence-based decision-making, and shape policies that address societal challenges. By actively engaging with policymakers, scientists can bridge the gap between science and policy, promoting the use of scientific evidence to inform policy choices. These interfaces should operate transparently, ensuring clarity about their purpose and processes. Openness promotes trust and credibility. (Biju Dharmapalan is a science communicator & columnist) The Opposition needs to introspect if it has played a constructive role in issues that are of grave importance Prime Minister Narendra Modi will address the US Congress on June 22. This will be the second occasion that PM Modi will address the US Congress. Indias G20 Presidency has brought a global focus on the country, as the country has become a voice of the Global South. The world order is in flux. The global humanity is facing a host of challenges and they require urgent attention. Disruptive technologies, financial inequity, healthcare access, climate change, pandemic response, global response, and energy transition are some of the issues currently at the top of the global agenda. India has shown leadership in all global issues, including advocating peace efforts in the ongoing Russia-Ukraine war. India in the last financial year registered 7.2 per cent GDP growth. India has once more come out as the fastest-growing economy in the world. By becoming the fifth largest economy in the world, India is being sought after by the developed world. India has regularly been taking part in the G7 meetings. Indian economy is bigger than four of the G7 countries. Thus, India is being accorded a pivotal position in global economic affairs. It must also be mentioned that the Indian voice on issues such as Climate Change is heard with all seriousness. By forming International Solar Alliance, India has shown the roadmap for the clean energy transition to achieve the goal of net zero emissions. At the same time, India raised the voice of the Global South and the poor countries strongly at the Hiroshima Summit of the G7 meeting. At such a juncture, its important to keep a tab on the Indian political leaders and their responses to prepare a collective response for the country on such global challenges. In matters of international affairs, India for decades has had a consensus stance among the political leaders to speak in one voice. This unity served the national interests of the country well in times when India faced challenges. Late Atal Bihari Vajpayee spoke for India when he was abroad as an Opposition leader. Former Congress president Rahul Gandhi needs to know that when he attempts to belittle PM Modi during his foreign visits, he ends up harming Indian interests. The Opposition needs to introspect if it has been able to do a constructive role in responding to issues that are of grave importance. By falling for the greed to spread disinformation, the Opposition does more harm to the Indian interests and even harms credibility in peoples eyes. India came out with two vaccines when the world was battling the Covid-19 pandemic. PM Modi made it clear that the Indian vaccines are for the people of the world. When the developed world was stocking the vaccines, India was sending them to the poor countries that could not have bought costly doses from the multinational companies. India not only vaccinated its population but also provided protective shields to millions of people the world over. Even during the pandemic outbreak, the Opposition could not play a constructive role. The Opposition had run a campaign against Indias vaccine diplomacy. But India won the hearts of people all over the world, and the goodwill gained now serves the national interests of the country. Opposition for the sake of opposition makes for bad politics. Parliamentary committees provide platforms for the members of the opposition parties to become equal stakeholders in formulating responses of the country on key challenges. Artificial Intelligence (AI) is one such disruptive technology. AI is being widely debated in the parliaments of developed countries. The Opposition in our country should also come forward and share their views on the issue which can be considered by the government. On global issues, India should speak in one voice. When PM Modi would address the US Congress second time in his tenure as the prime minister of the country, the world will be looking at him with the hope that India will be able to provide solutions to several challenges faced by global humanity. The global hope from India is also because the country rushed foodgrains to countries that faced acute hunger crises after the outbreak of the Russia-Ukraine war. PM Modi, in equal measures, told both Russian President Vladimir Putin and his Ukrainian counterpart Volodymyr Zelenskyy that diplomacy is the way out of war. The record FDI flow in the country shows that the world truly believes in the Indian economy. The trained Indian manpower is being sought after in the Middle East, Europe, the US, and Australia. The emergence of India as a global power is also being welcomed by people all across the world, as they know that India has always positively contributed to global humanity. This calls for the Opposition parties to sit back and reflect and also introspect. (Author is the national general secretary of the Bharatiya Janata Party) Acclaimed Bollywood actor Manoj Bajpayee, who hails from Bihar, said that he will never join politics. Speaking to PTI on Wednesday, Bajpayee said, "When I visited Bihar last time, I met RJD chief Lalu Prasad and his son and Deputy Chief Minister Tejashwi Yadav. Since then, people started speculating that I will join politics. I am 200 per cent sure I won't do that. Question of joining politics does not arise at all," he said. Bajpayee, who hails from Belwa village in West Champaran district, was in Patna for the promotion of his recently released film 'Sirf ek bandaa kaafi hai' (Only one person is enough), in which he plays the role of a lawyer who takes on a powerful self-styled godman. During his previous visit to Bihar in September last year, he had met Lalu Prasad at his 10, Circular Road residence. Bajpayee, who has three National Awards and four Filmfare awards under his belt, said, "I am actor and will remain an actor only... How does the question of joining politics arise?" Asked about the Bihar's government plan to come out with a new film policy, he said, "The state government should immediately introduce the new film policy, which will provide proper exposure to artistes of the state. It will also benefit filmmakers who want to shoot in Bihar." Bajpayee also said that there is enormous potential of filmmaking in Bihar. "The glorious past of the state in the field of arts and culture and natural cinematic treasures are enough to attract directors," he added. The United Nations General Assembly has adopted by consensus a draft resolution piloted by India to establish a memorial wall in the UN headquarters here to honour fallen peacekeepers. The passage of the resolution in the UNGA on Wednesday with a record 190 co-sponsorships came days ahead of Prime Minister Narendra Modi's official state visit to the United States and his participation in the International Yoga Day celebrations at the United Nations headquarters on June 21. India's Permanent Representative to the UN Ambassador Ruchira Kamboj introduced the draft resolution titled Memorial wall for fallen United Nations peacekeepers' on Wednesday in the UN General Assembly Hall and it was adopted by consensus. It welcomed the initiative of member states to establish at a suitable and prominent place at United Nations Headquarters in New York a memorial wall to honour the memory of fallen peacekeepers, giving due consideration to the modalities involved, including the recording of the names of those who have made the supreme sacrifice." While introducing the resolution, Kamboj said the memorial wall will be a testimony to the importance that the UN bestows on peacekeeping. She said it will remind people of not only the sacrifices of the fallen but also be a "constant reminder of the cost of our decisions. The resolution was submitted by 18 countries including Bangladesh, Canada, China, Denmark, Egypt, France, India, Indonesia, Jordan, Nepal, Rwanda and the US. Prime Minister Modi on Thursday thanked countries for supporting India's resolution. "Delighted that the Resolution to establish a new Memorial Wall for fallen Peacekeepers, piloted by India, has been adopted in the UN General Assembly," the prime minister tweeted. "The Resolution received a record 190 co-sponsorships. Grateful for everyone's support," he said. India is currently the 3rd largest contributor of uniformed personnel to UN Peacekeeping with more than 6,000 military and police personnel deployed to Abyei, the Central African Republic, Cyprus, the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Lebanon, the Middle East and Western Sahara. About 177 Indian peacekeepers have made the supreme sacrifice, the highest number by far from any troop-contributing country. "Peacekeepers are not born. They are forged through the crucible of sacrifice. Their unwavering commitment and selfless acts pave the way for a world where peace must triumph over conflict, Kamboj said. The resolution stipulates that the wall be completed within three years of the text's adoption. In 2015, the Permanent Mission of India to the UN launched a virtual memorial wall, dedicated to the Indian troops who made the supreme sacrifice while doing active service as UN peacekeepers. The initiative was a precursor to the eventual construction of the Peacekeepers Memorial Wall. India had proposed the construction of the memorial wall as an appropriate way to commemorate all the troops from UN member states who had given their lives while on duty under the Blue Flag of the United Nations. Prime Minister Modi, in his address to the Leaders' Summit on Peacekeeping hosted by then-US President Barack Obama at the UN Headquarters in September 2015 during the high-level General Assembly week, paid homage to the peacekeepers who laid down their lives in defending the highest ideals of the United Nations. It would be most fitting if the proposed memorial wall to the fallen peacekeepers is created quickly. India stands ready to contribute, including financially, to this objective, Modi had said. Earlier in 2015, India's then-Permanent Representative to the UN Ambassador Asoke Mukerji said that peacekeepers are brave and dedicated human beings who are sent into so many volatile and unpredictable situations to uphold the principles and objectives of the UN Charter. He said with the UN Headquarters Renovation Project almost complete, we propose that the C34 recommend the construction of a UN Peacekeepers Memorial Wall, with the names of all those UN peacekeepers since 1948 who have laid down their lives 'to save succeeding generations from the scourge of war." "India is ready to contribute materially and conceptually to such a project, he said at the Opening Session of the Annual Debate of the United Nations Special Committee for Peacekeeping Operations (C34). Following the adoption of the resolution, Mukerji told PTI that the news of the UNGA Resolution on the Memorial Wall for UN Peacekeepers is a vindication of Prime Minister Modi's 2015 proposal at the Leaders' Summit on Peacekeeping." India has unveiled her National War Memorial, including for her UN peacekeepers, in New Delhi in 2019. The Memorial Wall for UN Peacekeepers in New York will provide an appropriate bond commemorating our brave troops who sacrificed their lives for the UN Charter principles of peace, security, and development, Mukerji said. The resolution recalled the recommendations contained in the reports of the Special Committee on Peacekeeping Operations, in which it called for the establishment, through voluntary contributions, of the memorial wall. It decided that the planning, construction, upkeep and maintenance of the memorial wall will be funded entirely from voluntary contributions. It also decided to give prominence to the memorial wall by including it in the solemn ceremonies conducted on the International Day of United Nations Peacekeepers and other United Nations peacekeeping-related events. The resolution requested UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres to assist with the details regarding the establishment of the memorial wall, including design, location and data to be included on the wall, criteria for inclusion on the wall and other such modalities. Kamboj highlighted that more than one million men and women from 125 countries have served in 71 peacekeeping missions worldwide over the last 75 years. Currently, more than 80,000 peacekeepers serve in various conflict zones, enduring harsh conditions and risking their lives to keep the peace. Keeping the peace, however, has not been without its cost, Kamboj said, as she noted that more than 4,200 peacekeepers have laid down their lives in the service of the Blue Flag since the inception of peacekeeping. These brave men and women came from different parts of the world, practised different faiths and followed different cultures. They were united by their commitment to the cause of peace, their spirit of selfless sacrifice, their professionalism," she said. These peacekeepers made the supreme sacrifice in the pursuit of mandates that we, as Member States, requested them to carry out, Kamboj said. At the 'International Day of United Nations Peacekeepers' commemorated last month, top UN officials voiced support for India's initiative to establish the memorial wall honouring fallen peacekeepers. A village in the Khamenlok area of Manipur was targeted in a violent attack by suspected miscreants, resulting in the deaths of at least nine people and leaving 10 others injured. The armed assailants surrounded the Kuki village located on the border of Imphal East district and Kangpokpi district and initiated the assault around 1 am, leading to a fierce gun battle with casualties on both sides. Three persons have been reported missing in the aftermath of the attack. The region is known for its ethnic strife between the Meitei and Kuki communities. In response to the escalating violence, the district authorities have imposed curfews in several districts of Manipur. The curfew relaxation hours have been shortened to 5 am to 9 am in Imphal East district and Imphal West district, while curfew remains in force in 11 out of the 16 districts. Internet services have also been suspended throughout the northeastern State. These measures aim to restore peace and normalcy in the aftermath of the recent wave of ethnic violence, which has claimed the lives of over 100 individuals and left 310 injured. The clashes between the Meitei and Kuki communities first erupted on May 3 when a Tribal Solidarity March was organised in the hill districts to protest against the Meitei communitys demand for Scheduled Tribe status. The Meiteis, who constitute about 53 per cent of Manipurs population and predominantly reside in the Imphal Valley, have been engaged in conflicts with the tribal communities, including Nagas and Kukis, who account for 40 per cent of the population and inhabit the hills. In the midst of the ongoing violence and its aftermath, the Congress has criticised Prime Minister Narendra Modi and his government for their perceived inaction and failure to restore peace in Manipur. Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge accused the prime minister of being a mute spectator and highlighted the absence of a meeting chaired by him to address the situation in the violence-hit State. Kharge further asserted that the measures announced by Home Minister Amit Shah were insufficient and had not produced tangible results on the ground. The Congress party raised questions about the BJP governments inability to bring peace and normalcy to Manipur, suggesting that the partys divisive politics may be fueling the tensions between ethnic groups for political gain. Shri Narendra Modi has remained a mute spectator. Modi ji has not even had the time to chair a meeting on Manipur. But, the Congress party shall keep questioning Modi Governments rank incompetence, he said on Twitter. Why has the double engine BJP Government failed to restore peace and normalcy in Manipur? Is it because the BJP intends to widen the fissures between ethnic groups for its cheap political gains? he also asked. Kharge said news reports of NDAs NEDA chairman and Assam chief minister and RSS national executive member taking the help of insurgent groups to fight previous elections are clearly saying so. Why hasnt the Prime Minister not called an All-Party meeting to deliberate political solutions? It is high time the Modi government take responsibility for their crimes perpetrated on the people of Manipur and becomes accountable, he said. As cyclone Biparjoy intensifies and heads towards the Gujarat coast, authorities have undertaken a massive evacuation operation, relocating 50,000 individuals from vulnerable areas. Disaster management personnel have been deployed to handle relief and rescue measures in the State, which is expected to bear the brunt of the second cyclone to hit Gujarat in just two years, officials reported on Wednesday. With the cyclone projected to make landfall near Jakhau port in Kutch district on Thursday evening, parts of the Saurashtra-Kutch region have already experienced heavy rainfall accompanied by strong winds. Gujarat Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel convened a meeting with senior officers to assess the situation. At the national level, Union Health Minister Mansukh Mandaviya and Defence Minister Rajnath Singh separately reviewed the preparedness to tackle the cyclones impact. According to the India Meteorological Department (IMD), cyclone Biparjoy is expected to change its path on Wednesday and move northeastwards towards Kutch and Saurashtra. However, it is still anticipated to make landfall as a very severe cyclonic storm with wind speeds ranging from 125-135 kmph, gusting up to 145 kmph from morning to evening on Thursday. The Gujarat Government has launched a massive evacuation operation, focusing on shifting people residing within a 10 km radius of the coast to temporary shelters, with special attention given to Kutch, which is expected to be the worst affected. The evacuation process is currently underway and is scheduled to be completed by Wednesday evening. State Commissioner of Relief Alok Kumar Pandey stated, The cyclone is presently around 290 km away from Kutch. As a precautionary measure, we have already relocated nearly 50,000 individuals from coastal areas to temporary shelters. The evacuation process is ongoing, and the remaining 5,000 people will be shifted to safer locations by this evening. Of the evacuated population, approximately 18,000 individuals have been relocated to shelters in Kutch district, while others have been evacuated from Junagadh, Jamnagar, Porbandar, Devbhumi Dwarka, Morbi, and Rajkot, as per Pandeys statement. To tackle the situation effectively, authorities have deployed 18 teams of the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF), 12 teams of the State Disaster Response Force (SDRF), and teams from the State road and building department and the State electricity department across different coastal districts. The officials from the electricity and road & building departments have also reached designated locations to restore connectivity and power supply. Additionally, teams equipped with HAM Radio sets and satellite phones have been deployed in the coastal region to facilitate better communication. Chief Minister Patel conducted a meeting with the State chief secretary and senior officers at the State Emergency Operation Centre (SEOC) to review preparedness. Rajnath , after reviewing the preparations of the armed forces, affirmed their readiness to provide assistance to civil authorities in handling any situation arising from the cyclone. Mandaviya inspected the preparedness measures in Kutch and visited the Bhuj Air Force station to assess the arrangements made by the Garuda Emergency Response Team of the Indian Air Force. He assured the public that the armed forces are fully prepared to ensure the safety of lives and properties during the cyclone. In Delhi, talking to reporters Mrutyunjay Mohapatra, the Director General of the India Meteorological Department (IMD), said cyclone Biparjoy is expected to alter its trajectory on Wednesday, moving northeastwards towards the regions of Kutch and Saurashtra. The cyclone is predicted to make landfall on Thursday evening near Jakhau port. Mohapatra noted a significant change in the cyclones movement, stating, For the past six hours, it has become very slow, practically stationary. This is an indication that the direction of the movement of the cyclone will change now. We are expecting that it will move towards the northeast and it will hit Saurashtra, Kutch, and adjoining Pakistan between Mandvi and Karachi, near Jakhau Port. While the intensity of cyclone Biparjoy has slightly weakened, it is still anticipated to make landfall as a very severe cyclonic storm. The wind speed is projected to range from 125-135 kmph, gusting up to 145 kmph from morning to evening on Thursday. To ensure effective relief and rescue operations, the NDRF has designated a total of 33 teams for Gujarat and Maharashtra, as announced by officials in New Delhi. In Gujarat, 18 NDRF teams have been deployed, with an additional team stationed in the neighboring Union territory of Dadra and Nagar Haveli and Daman and Diu. Meanwhile, in Maharashtra, five out of the total 14 NDRF teams have been positioned in Mumbai, while the remaining teams remain on standby. Each of these teams consists of 35 to 40 personnel and is equipped with essential tools such as tree and pole cutters, electric saws, inflatable boats, as well as basic medicines and relief items. Shelter homes have been established in Government schools and offices across coastal districts, providing accommodation along with arrangements for food, drink, and medicine. Officials have ensured the availability of adequate medical staff and necessary supplies, including medicines, in nearby health centers, government hospitals, and private hospitals. The Saurashtra-Kutch region has already experienced heavy rainfall accompanied by strong winds. The IMD has predicted that the intensity of rainfall will escalate as the cyclone approaches the Gujarat coast. Isolated places in the districts of Kutch, Devbhumi Dwarka, and Jamnagar are likely to witness extremely heavy rainfall during this period. Additionally, several areas in Porbandar, Rajkot, Morbi, Junagadh, and other districts of Saurashtra and the north Gujarat region are expected to receive heavy to very heavy rainfall on Thursday. Ahmedabad IMD Director Manorama Mohanty stated, As the cyclone crosses the Gujarat coast on Thursday evening, isolated places in Porbandar, Morbi, Rajkot, Jamnagar, and Kutch will experience heavy to very heavy rainfall, with isolated instances of extremely heavy rainfall. Devbhumi Dwarka may witness heavy to very heavy rainfall, including isolated extremely heavy rainfall on Wednesday. A day after he rubbed the ruling ally BJP the wrong way by sharing space with Prime Minister Narendra Modi in a full-page advertisement and claiming that he was ahead of his deputy Devendra Fadnavis in the chief ministerial race for the 2024 Assembly polls, Maharashtra Chief Minister Eknath Shinde of the Shiv Sena on Wednesday resorted to a damage-control exercise by giving due credit to Fadnavis and other ruling alliance leaders in another full-page ad. Having ticked off his partys ally BJP in Maharashtra through the Rashtramadhe Modi, Maharashtraath Shinde (Modi for India, Shinde for Maharashtra) advertisement published in many local newspapers on Tuesday, Shinde sought to make amends by putting up another ad that showed him and a grinning Fadnavis waving at people. Unlike Tuesdays advertisement that had only the photographs of just Modi and Shinde, Wednesdays ad carried the photographs of other BJP-Sena leaders, including Union Home Minister Amit Shah and late Shiv Sena leaders Balasaheb Thackeray, as well as his own political guru Anand Dighe. Wednesdays ad carried the symbols of both the Shiv Senas Bow-and-Arrow and the BJPs Lotus, which were missing in Tuesdays advertisement. The latest ad carried punchlines saying Peoples choice only for Shiv Sena-BJP alliance and We bow our heads to the people, Long Live Maharashtra. Tuesdays ad blitzkrieg, unleashed to project himself as the chief ministerial material for the 2024 Assembly polls, ignoring the claims of Fadnavis for the top post in the 2024 state Assembly polls, boomeranged on Shinde as the BJP leaders picked holes in the data of the pre-polls survey conducted by a television channel and said the data relating to him (Shinde) came mainly from his home district of Thane. Tuesdays development had come less than a fortnight after Shinde who met Union Home Minister Amit Shah along with Deputy Chief Minister Fadnavis in New Delhi on June 4 claimed that the Shiv Sena led by him and the BJP would contest all the forthcoming elections Lok Sabha, State Assembly, and local body polls all together on a development plank. In Tuesdays advertisement, the ruling Shiv Sena had quoted an election survey and said that, as per the survey done for the chief ministers post, 26.1 percent of people in Maharashtra desire Shinde to be the next chief minister of the state, while 23.2 percent of the people wish to see Fadnavis as the next CM. Thus, it is an undeniable proof that 49.3% of the people of Maharashtra wish to see a strong alliance between the BJP and Shiv Sena for their states leadership, the advertisement added. Interestingly enough, the Sena advertisement had sought to sell the concept of Modi for India, Shinde for Maharashtra. The dream team is loved by all. The initial paragraphs of the advertisements thus: The commendable teamwork of Honorable Prime Minister Narendra Modi & Chief Minister Eknath Shinde has secured the highest position in Maharashtra through their recent welfare schemes. According to the election surveys, 30.2% of citizens of Maharashtra prefer BJP, while 16.2% of citizens of Maharashtra prefer the Shiv Sena (led by Eknath Shinde). These numbers show that a total of 46.4% of people of Maharashtra trust the BJP & Eknath Shinde-led Shiv Sena alliance for the development of the state. Understandably enough, the BJP said that the state BJP leadership was miffed with Shinde for going all out to project himself as the chief ministerial candidate for the 2024 Assembly while undermining the claims of Fadnavis for the top post in the state. It may be recalled that the then Opposition BJP had joined hands with Shinde, then a senior Shiv Sena leader, who rebelled against the then chief minister and Sena president Uddhav Thackeray, walked out of the party along with 40-odd MLAs in June 2022, leading to the collapse of the government Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA), a grand alliance comprising Shiv Sena, NCP, and Congress. Given that Shinde had played a bigger role than it, the BJP let Shinde become the chief minister of Maharashtra, while it made its own leader Fadnavis the deputy chief minister of the state much to the discomfort of the latter who was the chief minister of the state for five years from October 31, 2014, to November 12, 2019. The Shinde advertisement has resulted in strains in the ruling Shiv Sena-BJP alliance in the state. Given its electoral strength, the ruling BJP is not expected to let Shinde play the role of a dominant partner in the 2024 State Assembly polls. In the 2019 State Assembly when it contested in alliance with the Uddhav Thackeray-led Shiv Sena, the BJP had polled 25.75 percent of votes, while the Uddhav-led Sena had polled 16.41 percent of votes. Similarly, in the earlier 2019 Lok Sabha polls, the BJP had polled 27.84 percent of votes, while the Uddhav-led Shiv Sena had mustered 23.5 percent of votes. A major controversy erupted in Tamil Nadu following the arrest of Minister V Senthil Balaji by the Enforcement Directorate (ED) in connection with a cash for jobs scam in the transport department. The 47-year-old DMK leader from Karur district, who is part of Chief Minister MK Stalins Cabinet, has become the centre of a heated debate as he becomes the first Minister to face scrutiny from a Central probe agency. It has sparked outrage and raised questions about the motives behind the arrest. Stalin has expressed his concern over the prolonged investigation despite Balajis assurance of full cooperation. Stalin has questioned the necessity and justification for what he deems as inhumane action by the ED officials. During the period under investigation (2014-15), Balaji was with the AIADMK and held the position of Transport Minister. However, after his formal arrest early on Wednesday, the DMK leader complained of chest pain and was admitted to a Government hospital. Medical professionals have advised him to undergo immediate bypass surgery. Following his hospitalisation, Balaji has applied to a city court seeking permission to be transferred to a private hospital for further treatment. He has also requested interim bail. The court has ordered his judicial custody until June 28 but is yet to make a decision on his bail application and the EDs plea for police custody. Amidst the unfolding drama, a habeas corpus petition has been filed in the Madras High Court, urging the court to intervene and ensure the Ministers fair treatment. Stalin paid a visit to his Cabinet colleague at the Tamil Nadu Government Multi Super Speciality Hospital, expressing his discontent with the protracted investigation and condemning the actions of the ED as cruel intentions. He assured Balaji of the Governments legal support and pledged that the party would also face the case legally. In response to the arrest, the DMK has alleged that proper arrest procedures were not followed, raising concerns about the transparency of the investigation. However, the ED has denied these allegations. The case against Balaji and his associates dates back to his tenure as the Transport Minister in the AIADMK Government from 2011 to 2015. It is alleged that Balaji, along with his brother R V Ashok Kumar, conspired with managing directors of state transport undertakings and other officials to accept illegal gratification from job applicants in exchange for recruitment in various positions within the transport corporations. The ED has accused Balaji of orchestrating fraudulent appointments based on lists provided by his associates. Candidates who allegedly paid money for jobs have claimed that they did not receive appointment orders or refunds as promised by Balaji and the others involved. Based on three FIRs registered by the Tamil Nadu Police in 2018 and subsequent years, the ED initiated a money laundering investigation in 2021. The recent actions taken by the ED were authorized by the Supreme Court in a May 16 order, granting permission for both the police and the ED to conduct investigations into the case. Meanwhile, State Minister PK Sekar Babu has raised concerns about Balajis health, claiming that the minister has shown signs of being tortured. Balaji is currently in the intensive care unit and has undergone a coronary angiogram, which revealed triple vessel disease. Doctors have recommended immediate bypass surgery. The DMK-led Secular Progressive Alliance has announced plans for a massive public meeting in Coimbatore on Friday to protest against the alleged interference of the BJP in the matter. The alliance has criticised the BJP-led NDA Government, accusing it of neglecting the interests of the people during its nine-year tenure. While the TN BJP Chief K Annamalai has denied any vindictive action and stated that the EDs actions are a result of a five-year probe into the cash for jobs scam, AIADMK Chief K Palaniswami has criticized Chief Minister Stalin over the raids. Palaniswami demanded Balajis resignation on moral grounds and accused him of mishandling liquor stock and allowing illegal bars to operate, resulting in losses to the state exchequer. : Union Minister for State for Tribal Welfare and Jal Sakti Mission Bishweswar Tudu attended six meetings of the BJP workers at different places of Nuapada district on Tuesday. He arrived at Khariar Road from Raipur by road. Nuapada district BJP gave him a grand welcome at the CG-Odisha border through a massive public gathering. Tudu visited the railway station at Khariar Road and discussed with the railway station master. Meetings of party workers were held at Nuapada, Komna, Khariar, Liti Sargi and Sinapali. "The meetings were held on the eve of the 9th anniversary of the BJP Government at the Centre with an objective to train party workers to strengthen the party organisation. Our Government at the Centre has taken the nation to a new height. Seva, Sushasan Evum Ghareeb Kalyan (service, good governance and welfare of the poor) are the main mottos," said the local leaders present on this occasion. "The State Government is misleading the people by branding the Central schemes as its own. Through various public relations campaigns, we are planning to reach out to the people to inform them about the reality," said Tudu. During his visit, the Union Minister was accompanied by Kalahandi MP Basant Kumar Panda. A 25-year-old youth was robbed of mobile phone and Rs 10000 cash at VIP road area under Koh-e-Fiza police station area on Tuesday. According to the police, the victim Faizan Ali was on his way back home and was contacted by his friend Musa Golden alias Ayan and later robbed at VIP road. During the meeting the victim was attacked in VIP road area Ayan along with his two friends snatched Rs 10000 and a mobile phone. The complainant went home due to fear. The next day, reached the police station and filed a complaint against Ayan and two unknown persons. The police are probing the matter, the accused are yet to be arrested. Police said that Faizan Ali has a shop in Arif Nagar. On Monday he went to the Housing Board Karond to drop off his sister. While returning from there, at around 11 am, a friend Musa Golden alias Ayan was found on the way. Musa sat on his Activa saying that he would visit VIP road. Both were going towards Khanu village from VIP road. Musa stopped the vehicle near the Koh-e-Fiza intersection during which two boys came on scooter and started threatening and demanding money. On refusing, stabbed him in the thigh. . Due to fear, the victim gave Rs 10,000 and a mobile phone. After this both of them said come on Moses, the work is done. Musa left with them on the Activa. Musa already knew that Faizan had kept the money. After which he called his two other friends as part of the plan and carried out the incident. Frightened by the incident, the complainant went home. The next day he came to the police station and lodged a complaint. The complainant does not recognize the two unidentified youths. Recognizes Moses because he was an old acquaintance. Police are looking for the accused by registering the case. Soon the police will arrest the accused of loot. The AAP Municipal Councillors protested at the Mayor's office on Wednesday in order to bring to her notice the nexus between the building mafia and MCD employees within the Karol Bagh zone of the MCD. The Councillors demanded that the MCD employees involved should be suspended. AAP Councillors participating in the protest alleged that from every building across Karol Bagh, there are complaints of extortion, which has been going on in connivance with the building mafia and MCD employees. As per a statement by the AAP, the building mafia harasses the people of the area by giving notices every day. This whole matter started five months ago, since the AAP came to power in the MCD. Before that, the BJP was in power in the MCD, so there was no supervision. The Councillors alleged that BJP corporators used to send money to MCD officials from time to time, due to which the latter did not take action against this issue, the statement read. Now that the AAP Government has come to power in the MCD, in a bid to curb all corruption, the AAP Councillors took up this issue with the DC in every meeting. We asked them to take strict action against this extortion but no action has been taken till date. The public is worried. In order to free the public from corruption, we as Councillors have been protesting at the Mayor's office. We demand action should be taken against all the MCD employees involved in this matter and they should be suspended at the earliest, the Press note said. AIIMS Bhopal, in collaboration with numerous voluntary organizations, successfully commemorated World Blood Donor Day on Wednesday. The event witnessed an overwhelming response from the community, with 100 generous voluntary blood donors stepping forward to donate blood, and an additional 300 individuals registering as voluntary blood donors. To raise awareness and encourage voluntary blood donation, the Blood Centre at AIIMS Bhopal organized a range of engaging activities. These included the creation of short reels to promote the significance of voluntary blood donation, as well as competitions for poster and slogan making. The creative efforts of the participants added vibrancy to the event and helped spread the message of blood donation throughout the community. AIIMS Bhopal was immensely grateful to receive support from several voluntary organizations that contributed to the success of the event. The Indo Tibet Border Police, Sarthak Seva Kendra, National Medicos Organization, India Care Help Group, and Madhyanchal University were among the organizations that came forward to donate blood and actively participate in this noble cause. During the event, Professor Dr. Ajai Singh, the Executive Director of AIIMS Bhopal, emphasized the critical importance of voluntary blood donation drives. He underlined the need to focus on anemia prevention among females and children, a matter of great concern for public health. The theme for this year's World Blood Donor Day, "Give Blood, Give Plasma, Share Life, Share Often," resonated strongly with the participants and reinforced the significance of regular blood and plasma donations. AIIMS Bhopal acknowledges the contributions made by each donor and is immensely grateful for their commitment to saving lives. AIIMS Bhopal extends its heartfelt appreciation to the voluntary organizations, participants, and the local community for their wholehearted support in making this event a resounding success. Their dedication and collective efforts have made a substantial impact on raising awareness about voluntary blood donation and its lifesaving potential. While keeping his cards close to his chest, Suheldev Bhartiya Samaj Party (SBSP) president Om Prakash Rajbhar is actively engaged in establishing new alliances as part of his political strategy for the upcoming 2024 Lok Sabha elections. The wedding of Rajbhars son served as a platform for the SBSP chief to showcase his political prowess and presence of Bharatiya Janata Party leaders sparked speculation about his potential political alliance with the ruling party. The marriage ceremony of Arun Rajbhar, the younger son of Om Prakash Rajbhar, garnered significant attention in Varanasi on Tuesday. Prominent figures, including BJP state president Bhupendra Singh Chaudhary, several ministers, MLAs and MPs from BJP as well as opposition parties, former ministers and former MLAs and other dignitaries attended the event. Congratulatory messages from Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath gave credence to the speculation that Rajbhar may forge an alliance with the BJP in near future after he had a long meeting with Chaudhary. In the previous 2017 UP assembly elections, the SBSP won four seats. In 2022, Rajbhar contested the election in alliance with Samajwadi Party. Rajbhars influence in Azamgarh and Ghazipur prevented the BJP from gaining ground in Purvanchal. Only one assembly seat in Mau district was won by the BJP, while the SP-SBSP alliance won three seats. The alliance also secured five assembly seats in Jaunpur and compared to the previous election, SBSPs strength in Vidhan Sabha increased from four to six in 2022. With the upcoming Lok Sabha elections in mind, the BJP is focusing on Purvanchal and Rajbhar seems to be a safe bet for the party. The challenging constituencies for BJP in Purvanchal include Jaunpur, Ghosi, Lalganj, Ghazipur, Ambedkar Nagar, Salempur, Azamgarh and Ballia. As Rajbhar plays a decisive role in constituencies such as Ghosi, Ghazipur, Lalganj and Salempur, he can be used to BJP, said a senior BJP leader who met Rajbhar on Tuesday. By attending the marriage ceremony of Rajbhars son in large numbers, the BJP leaders indicated their seriousness towards Purvanchal and demonstrated the need to include Rajbhar in the National Democratic Alliance. Rajbhar has been continuously sending signals to the BJP since the 2022 assembly elections. Previously, he openly criticised the Samajwadi Party while praising Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, following which the government granted him Y-category security. Rohtak-Delhi NH in Jhajjar blocked for 2 hours as part of Haryana bandh Chandigarh: Khap members and farmers blocked the Rohtak-Delhi National Highway in Jhajjar district for about two hours as part of a 'Haryana Bandh' call given in support of protesting wrestlers, farmers and over other issues. The blockade was lifted after over two hours following assurance to the protesters that their demands will be taken up with the authorities concerned, officials said. Some protesters also tried to squat on the Kundli-Manesar-Palwal (KMP) Expressway but the police dispersed them from there. The strike call did not have any impact in other parts of Haryana and normal life remained unaffected. Three lady cadets of Mai Bhago AFPI selected for pre-commission training at Air Force Academy Chandigarh: Three Lady Cadets of Mai Bhago Armed Forces Preparatory Institute (AFPI) for Girls, SAS Nagar (Mohali) have been selected for pre-commission training at the premier Indian Air Force Academy, Dundigal. The Training will be held from July 2023 onwards. Lady Cadet Nivedita Saini hails from Pathankot while Lady Cadets Savleen Kaur and Haroop Kaur belong to SAS Nagar (Mohali). Director of Mai Bhago AFPI Major General Jasbir Singh Sandhu, said that with this result, so far 26 Lady Cadets have joined various Armed Forces Training Academies. Approval of 29 cases from Centre in Forest Land Diversion: Himachal CM Shimla: Himachal Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu on Wednesday said that the state government had expedited the forest land diversion process to speed up developmental works by ensuring timely approval. He said the Centre has given Stage-II approval in 29 cases in June month alone and formal orders in favour of the user agency regarding the diversion of forest land were also issued by the state government. There are 11 cases from the Public Works Department, 4 cases from the Police Department, as well as two each project of Jal Shakti, NHAI, education and agriculture departments and one each of ITBP, Municipal Corporation Shimla, Sainik Welfare, Home Guard, health, Himachal Pradesh State Electricity Board. In total, the state government has issued formal orders in 46 cases over the past six months, marking significant progress in facilitating development, he added. Senior officials of Tata Motors, Tata Steel and Tata Cummins held a meeting with Chief Minister Hemant Soren at the Ministry of Jharkhand on Wednesday. The officials discussed the possibilities of investment on expansion of the New Green Technology Manufacturing Project (Hydrogen Technology Engine based vehicle manufacturing) in Jharkhand (Jamshedpur). Detailed information regarding the Green Technology Manufacturing Project was kept before the Chief Minister by the officials of Tata Motors through a powerpoint presentation. Tata Motors officials told the Chief Minister that there are immense possibilities of investment on expansion of the New Green Technology Manufacturing Project (Hydrogen Technology Engine based vehicle manufacturing) in Jamshedpur, Jharkhand. Tata Motors and Tata Cummins are preparing to make electric vehicles as well as hydrogen engine powered vehicles. Officials said Tata Motors aims to achieve zero carbon emissions in the automobile sector in the coming 25 to 30 years. Tata Motors wants to set up a hydrogen segment in Jamshedpur. The officers told the Chief Minister that with the cooperation of the State Government, the Green Hydrogen Mission can be achieved. Tata Motors is working on new technology of vehicles these days. Along with electric vehicles, Tata Motors is now focusing on manufacturing hydrogen engine powered vehicles. Tata Motors is interested in investing in expanding hydrogen technology in Jamshedpur, Jharkhand. Tata Motors expects cooperation from the state government in this regard. Chief Minister Hemant Soren obtained detailed information about hydrogen engine based vehicle manufacturing planning from the officials of Tata Motors, Tata Steel and Tata Cummins and assured them of all possible cooperation from the state government. The CM said that at present global warming is a challenge for the whole world. There is a need to move towards green technology in future. There are immense possibilities of investment in Jharkhand. Tata Motors should work by preparing a better master plan for setting up a new green technology manufacturing project in a clean environment using new technology. The state government will always stand by the vehicle manufacturers for their cooperation. The meeting was attended by State Chief Secretary Sukhdev Singh, Principal Secretary to Chief Minister Vandana Dadel, Secretary to Chief Minister Vinay Kumar Choubey, ED Tata Motors Girish Wagh, Vice President Tata Steel Chanakya Chaudhary, MD Tata Cummins Ashwath Ram, Vice President Tata Motors Vishal Badshah, Vice President Tata Motors Sushant Nayak along with Sanjay Mohan Srivastava, Kanishk Kumar, Ram Phal Nehra and other officials were present. Odisha was the first State in the country to bring power reforms. The objective was to provide quality power at affordable prices to the people. But now, the situation is totally opposite. The power tariff in Odisha is now the highest in the country, said the Pradesh Congress Committee (PCC) on Wednesday. The Stat Government is calming that it has spent Rs 20,000 crore on power infrastructure in the last 10 years. Out of the Rs 20,000 crore, Rs 5,000 crore has been given to the Tata Power for improving infrastructure. Then, where has been the rest Rs 15,000 spent? The Government should give an account of the detailed expenditure, asked PCC president Sarat Patnaik. The Congress would hold a demonstration before the Gridco office on June 19 against the unscheduled power cuts and hike in power tariff. The power company should give electricity to consumers every month between the dates of 1 to 5, said senior Congress leader Panchanan Kanugo. Congress Media Cell chairman Ganeshwar Behera said the company should stop coercive collection of faulty bills from the power consumers. After meeting the Communist Party of India (CPI) leader D Raja to garner support against the Government's measure, Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal said on Wednesday the Centre's Ordinance on control of services in Delhi will be among the key issues that will come up for discussion at an upcoming meeting of Opposition parties. The CPI leader extended support to the AAP on the Ordinance issue, and said, It is not just about the Delhi Government, it can happen to any other Government. Addressing a joint Press conference with Raja, Kejriwal said, The 'Government of National Capital Territory of Delhi (Amendment) Ordinance, 2023' gives bureaucrats the power to overrule decisions made by Ministers, and gives Centre control over bodies like the Delhi Jal Board and Delhi Transport Corporation. If we were to sum up this Ordinance in one line, it would be, From now on, Arvind Kejriwal will no longer be the CM of Delhi; the new CM of Delhi will be Narendra Modi and he shall take all decisions regarding Delhi Government, he said. Delhi is only their pilot test; if this Ordinance is not defeated, then it will be replicated in every State where a non-BJP government is elected. Today it is Delhi, tomorrow it will be Rajasthan, day after it might be Punjab, Tamil Nadu or Kerala. The democratic rights of the people of Delhi are being trampled upon; people of Delhi deserve to have the right to empower their elected leaders to govern the State without any interference from the Centre, he said. Kejriwal underscored the BJP's desperation to stifle the governance system, citing their successive defeats in Delhi in Assembly elections and MCD election. Kejriwal arrived at Ajoy Bhawan, the CPI headquarters in the national capital along with MPs Raghav Chadha and Sanjay Singh to meet with CPI General Secretary D Raja on Wednesday. This is my first time visiting the CPI building after becoming the CM. It brought back a lot of memories of the past. I'd also like to thank all the CPI leaders for their warm hospitality, he said. Extending support to the AAP, Raja said CPI has been demanding complete statehood for Delhi as well as Puducherry. What the Union Government has done with regard to the Delhi government is atrocious, and it violates all principles of federal governance in our country. It is in a way undermining the fundamentals of our Constitution. We oppose the ordinance with all might we have at our command. Whenever it comes in Parliament our party will oppose the ordinance, Raja said. At least one third of the national Capital's population suffered from acute water crisis due to the cracks in carrier lined channel (CLC) of Munak canal near Sonepat in Haryana even as the mercury in Delhi-NCR touched 44 degree Celsius at certain spots. Delhi Water Minister Saurabh Bharadwaj said there is a shortage of 20 per cent raw water for seven water treatment plants in Delhi and over 30 lakh people are affected. The Haryana Government's Irrigation department said that it will take 48 to 72 hours to repair the CLC. Delhi Water Minister Saurabh Bharadwaj on Wednesday informed the carrier lined channel (CLC) of Munak canal carrying raw water to water treatment plant of Delhi Jal Board got broken between Khubru and Kakroi regulator near Sonipat, Haryana. CLC is a major carrier for Raw water to Delhi from Haryana. The CLC and Delhi Sub Branch (DSB) supply the Raw water to seven water treatment plants including Bawana, Dwarka, Nangloi,Haiderpur, Wazirabad, Chandrawal and Okhla. The Haryana government's Irrigation department said that it will take 48 to 72 hours hours to repair the CLC. Bharadwaj said that matter is being pursued with the Haryana government and their Irrigation department for restoration of CLC on war footing basis. Presently there is deficit of around 20 percent in raw water supply from Haryana to Delhi. Though DJB is trying to do water rationalisation but being the peak summer, it will lead to inconvenience to a large population in Delhi, said. The Delhi Development Authority (DDA) on Wednesday took some important decisions including launching of the Phase IV of DDA's Online First Come First Serve (FCFS) Housing scheme and a facilitation package to the owners/allottees for the redevelopment of Signature View Apartments. The decisions were taken in a meeting chaired by Lieutenant-Governor (LG) VK Saxena, who is also Chairman, DDA. These decisions come after a series of interventions at the behest of the LG, who has been earnestly pursuing the disposal of the unsold housing inventory of the DDA as also taking a proactively people-friendly stance with respect to the trauma and hardship caused to the allottees of flats in Signature View Apartments, in view of its redevelopment. For the first time, DDA is offering MIG flats in Dwarka and Narela and HIG flats in Jasola, apart from LIG and EWS flats in Rohini, Narela, Siraspur and Loknayakpuram, under FCFS scheme. The Authority further examined requests of the allottees/owners of the Signature View Apartment and has approved two options for the owners/allottees of Signature View Apartments, of buy back and re-development. The Authority also approved proposals to allot flats to the adjoining JJ Clusters as per eligibility in the flats constructed at Kalkaji and Jailorwala Bagh thus rehabilitating more slum dwellers in a much more hygienic, safe and comfortable environment.The Authority Meeting was attended by Vice Chairman, DDA and other members. In line with Prime Minister Narendra's vision of Housing for All, the Authority gave approval of launching of Phase IV of DDA's Online First Come First Serve (FCFS) Housing scheme with facility of booking flat of one's choice in preferred locality and floor by paying token booking amount. Besides, there is no conditionality of owning any plot or house in Delhi for booking these flats thereby facilitating ownership of multiple houses by members of an extended family for improved urban living. The scheme is to be launched on June 30,2023. For the first time, DDA is offering MIG flats in Dwarka and Narela and HIG flats in Jasola, apart from LIG and EWS flats in Rohini, Narela, Siraspur and Loknayakpuram under FCFS Housing Scheme. Initially, approximately 5,000 flats of different categories will be offered and more flats will be added as per the demand from time to time. Besides important decisions, the State Cabinet has also taken several important decisons on Wednesday. It approved the amendment in the Mukhya Mantri Youth Internship for Professional Development Programme CMYIPDP programme in accordance with the announcement of Chief Minister Chouhan in the Atal Bihari Vajpayee Institute of Good Governance and Policy Analysis under the Department of Public Service Management. The honorarium of interns in the CMYIPDP programme will be increased from Rs 8,000 to Rs 10,000 per month. The appointment of interns will now be done at the block level as well as at the panchayat level. Along with this, the Council of Ministers has decided to replace the amendment in paragraph VIII of the order issued on May 13, 2021, of Public Service Management regarding amendment in the provision for appointment to the post of Chief Executive Officer in Atal Bihari Vajpayee Institute of Good Governance and Policy Analysis, Bhopal. The Cabinet has granted approval of Rs 338 crore 83 lakh 6 thousand for the construction works of 11 higher secondary school buildings under the C.M. Rise scheme under the Tribal Affairs Department. It may be noted that in the first phase, 95 schools have been selected as CM Rise Schools in the Tribal Affairs Department. Out of this, construction work is to be done for total 11 schools in Dhar, Mandla, Jhabua, Betul, Alirajpur, Khargone and Ratlam districts. The Cabinet has decided to pay an honorarium of Rs.100 per handpump per month instead of Rs.75 per handpump for a maximum of 120 handpumps to the TRYSEM handpump technician under Public Health Engineering Department. The Cabinet decided to give administrative approval to 2 revised group water supply schemes costing Rs 2,002 crore 62 lakh and 29 new group water supply schemes costing Rs 15,995 crore 98 lakh for implementation by Public Health Engineering Department through Madhya Pradesh Jal Nigam. The Cabinet has approved to grant Rs 40 crore 19 lakh 96 thousand after revising Rs 35 crore 30 lakh, on the same conditions for the construction of a new airstrip with private public participation and other related constructions such as boundary wall, two helipads, one hangar, administrative building, staff quarters and shifting of power line instead of building/developing airport located at Singraulia in district Singrauli. The Cabinet has given revised administrative approval for the construction of a high level bridge on Narmada river in Narmadapuram district on Obaidullaganj-Narmadapuram-Nagpur road costing Rs 129 crore 68 lakh. The Cabinet ratified the order issued by the department on 30 March 2023 in connection with the instructions given by Chief Minister Chouhan regarding increasing the prize money given by the state government to the permanent residents of Madhya Pradesh, Shaurya Alankaran Series, War Service Medal Series and Special Service Category medal recipients. To inculcate moral values in the work culture, the Haryana government has decided to impart ethics training to its over 3.5 lakh officers and employees. Chief Minister Manohar Lal Khattar made the announcement in Gurgaon on Wednesday while addressing a Naetikta Shivir as the chief guest, organized by Haryana Institute of Public Administration (HIPA), Gurugram. Khattar said that public servants should work for the welfare of society by rising above the distinction between themselves and others. To develop the spirit of public service among the 3.5 lakh officers and employees of the state, now along with general personnel training, a target has been set to make them aware of moral values, he added. He said that all the officers should dedicate themselves to the public interest and act as public servants. The purpose of this programme is that after joining the government service, the public servant should work with the spirit of responsibility of serving society. Earlier, Gita Manishi Swami Gyananand Ji Maharaj also explained the subject of morality to the people present in the programme with various shlokas of Gita and Mahabharata related contexts. Swami Sarvalokananda of Ramakrishna Mission also addressed the programme, stressing that transparency, accountability and credibility are very important for good governance. He said that Naetikta Shivir will contribute significantly in the development of human resources of the state. The Chief Secretary Sanjeev Kaushal while highlighting the outline of the programme launched by HIPA said that Haryana is the first state in the country from where the programme of bringing ethics and purity in conduct has been started. He said that all the officers and employees of the state will be connected with this programme BLOOD DONOR DAY ORGANISED AT PPA (Pix) Paradip: The PPA Hospital in association with local leading social organisation Aahwan Combines observed the World Blood Donor Day as part of Raktdaan Amrit Mahotsav. Chief guest PPA Chairman PL Haranadh inaugurated the programme with the theme Give blood, give plasma, share life, share often. Total 81 employees and other volunteers donated blood. The collected units were handed over to the State Red Cross. IMMT HOLDS MEET ON INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY RIGHTS (Pix) Bhubaneswar: A week-long national e-workshop on Innovation and Intellectual Property Rights is being organised by INTEC as part of the sensitisation activities of CSIR-IMMT, Bhubaneswar. Arvind C Ranade, Director of Gandhinagar National Innovation Foundation, inaugurated the workshop. More than 1,500 students, faculties, researchers, scientists and industrialists are participating in the session. CSIR-IMMT Director Dr Ramanuja Narayan spoke on the importance of Intellectual Property Rights. KENDRAPADA HARDCORE CRIMINALS HOUSE RAZED (Pix) Kendrapada: The Kendrapada district administration on Monday demolished the house of hardcore criminal Prashant Sahu alias Pasha that was constructed illegally on Government land. Pasha, who is a habitual offender, has several cases of murder, bombing and robbery pending against him at various police stations in the district. He is wanted in the kidnap of a criminal, Bibhu Sahu, from Bhagabanpur under the Marshaghai police station on June 1. Pasha had encroached Government land at Talasanga village under the Patakura police station and constructed a house on it. RS 46L GANJA SEIZED IN BALANGIR (Pix) Balangir: A team of Balangir Town police station IIC Biswajit Manbodh intercepted a truck,WB14D-5961, loaded with ganja at NH-26, Sambalpur Road, on Tuesday. Total of 920 kg of ganja was seized and the value of the contraband was estimated at Rs 46 lakh. One Birendra Singh of Bihar was arrested in this connection, said Balangir SP Rishikesh Khilari. The ganja was being transported to Raipur from the Kantamal-Boudh area. A case has been registered under the NDPS Act at the Balangir Town PS and further investigation was on to nab other people involved in the incident. VEDANTA ESTABLISHES BUTTERFLY PARK IN JSUGUDA (Pix) Jharsuguda, Odisha; 13th June 2023: Vedanta Aluminium has established a new lush Butterfly Park in its premises at Jharsuguda. The park harbours over 100 meticulously-curated selections of plant species to attract and nurture more than 30 rare and exquisite butterfly species. The park will play a pivotal role in providing a thriving ecosystem to local flora and fauna such as rare flowering plant species, birds, bees, etc. ELEPHANT SEPARATED FROM HERD DIES IN SAMBALPUR Sambalpur: A male elephant that got separated from a herd of 16 jumbos died in road side in early morning on Tuesday at Basiapada under the Sadar Forest Range. "For a pretty long time, it was found abnormal moving here and there may be due to poor health conditiony," informed Sambalpur DFO Viswanath Neelannavar. The animal was 20 years old. The exact reason behind the death could be known after postmortem, the DFO said. However, villagers said scorching heat may be the reason for the death. In the backdrop of reports that a Navy boat Barasingha was stuck in the muck in river Yamuna near Signature Bridge, the Raj Niwas on Wednesday clarified the boat was berthed in the jetty created for it at Signature Bridge location as per original plan and it is not stuck. The boat is berthed there since the trailer that brought it could not have access to any other suitable location on the Yamuna. The boat was brought in to ascertain the navigability of Yamuna. It is once again reiterated that neither the boat was brought for dredging nor it is stuck in the mud, the Raj Niwas said. Visuals show the boat stationed at a spot, with two Navy officers standing guard near the fetid-smelling water. As per the visuals, the vessel, equipped for desilting, is unable to move because the water is too shallow; any boat needs at least two metres depth to move but because of decades of pollution, the depth is far less in parts of the river. The boat was requisitioned from the Indian Navy at Lieutenant-Governor VK Saxena's behest after a request by him to acquire such boat, routed through Irrigation and Flood Control, and Tourism Departments, was turned down by the then Deputy Chief Minister Manish Sisodia. The Boat has been brought to ascertain the navigability of the river and explore the possibility of utilising the clean channel as an inland waterway for transport, recreation and tourism. The Boat in reference is a 11 meter work Boat of Indian Navy that has been brought from Kochi by Road mounted on a trailer. The Boat commenced its journey on May 25 and reached Delhi on June 3. 2023. Orientbell Tiles, a leading tile manufacturer in India, has been at the forefront of innovation in the tile industry for 45+ years. With a focus on technology, the company has recently launched several new initiatives to make shopping for tiles simpler for customers across the country. As consumers are increasingly time-starved, Orientbell Tiles has responded with state-of-art range of digital tools to simplify the tile-shopping process. The company's website (www.orientbell.com) features advanced e-commerce-like search filters to help you sift through 3000+ SKUs. You can even try your selected tile in your own room by uploading a picture! "We all lead busy lives. And www.orientbell.com offers the most convenient way of shopping the latest range of tiles. You & your loved ones can browse this from the comfort of your homes at your own convenience. You can explore tiles by color or size or room. You can even find tiles similar to any other inspiring picture you have. Try it & you will love it," said Alok Agarwal, CMO at Orientbell Tiles. Customers can uploading this inspiring picture from Instagram or Pinterest (Samelook) and find tiles similar to it. The meeting of Bharatiya Janata Party's Vidhansabha Level Joint Working Committee, Lohardaga, was held under the chairmanship of District President Manir Oraon at the BJP district office in Bakshidipa. The chief guest in the meeting was Lohardaga Lok Sabha MP Sudarshan Bhagat. The program started with laying wreaths on the pictures of great men, lighting of lamps and singing of Vande Mataram. Meeting chief guest MP Sudarshan Bhagat, BJP district in-charge Manoj Mishra, BJP state working committee member Omprakash Singh, former Mati Kala Board president Srichand Prajapati, district president Manir Oraon, Mahajansampark Abhiyan district coordinator Rajkishore Mahato, MP representative Chandrashekhar Prasad, former district president, Brajbihari Prasad , Rakesh Prasad, BJYM State Minister Ajatshatru etc. On the occasion, Member of Parliament Sudarshan Bhagat said that from May 30 to June 30, various sponsored programs have been decided on the completion of 9 years of the government. Which are being organized in a phased manner. Our target is 2024. The people have made Narendra Modi the Prime Minister of our country for two consecutive terms and will make it for the third time as well. The basic reason for this is to smoothly strengthen the public welfare schemes and cultural heritage on the ground, based on the values of Sabka Saath, Sabka Vishwas, Sabka Prayas. He said that our party belongs to the workers for whom the nation is paramount. On the other hand, the opposition is only worried about how to stop Modi. But Modi's popularity is in the world, that's why his leaders are doing evil to the country by going abroad to fulfill their selfishness, the public is ready to answer. Omprakash Singh said that all of us workers have to recognize our strengths, as well as our implementation plan should be made at the regional level regarding the scheduled program. What is the power of our country in the present time, it is known from the reception of the Prime Minister of our country, Narendra Modi, today even the President of other countries bow down to the understanding of our leader. He said that by leading the G20 meeting and successfully organizing it at a place like Kashmir, India has responded to the opposition parties calling development a hoax and has presented the strength of the country's security system to the world. Those who addressed included Manoj Mishra, Manir Oraon, Srichand Prajapati, Brij Bihari Prasad, Rakesh Prasad etc. The meeting was conducted by District General Secretary Rajkumar Verma and the memorandum of thanks was done by Ritesh Kumar Sahu, District General Secretary of OBC Morcha. In the program Umesh Kasyakar, Bajrang Orav Ajay Pankaj Harsh Nath Mahato Parmeshwar Sahu Dilip Patnaik Bharat Sahu Laxmi Narayan Bhagat among others were included. Dhurki Police have solved a kidnapping case of a minor boy within 10 hours. The police acted swiftly and arrested the accused on the way to Kanpur (Uttar Pradesh) from Adalhat highway. The victim was safely recovered and a grave mishap was averted. On June 13, the complainant informed police that his son, aged 14 years, was kidnapped from his house at Rakshi village under Dhurki police station. Due to the sensitivity of the case, the district police swung into action immediately. An FIR was registered at Dhurki police station and investigation of the case was taken up. Garhwa SP Anjani Kumar Jha formed a team of police led by SDPO Pramod Keshari managed to rescue the child Shekhar Kumar Bedia age with the help of Adalhat Police, Uttar Pradesh and apprehend the accused from the Adalhat highway. The accused were trying to escape with the child to Kanpur. The accused was identified as Bablu Harijan alias Chaudhary and Dinesh Singh both residents of village Barraath under Barra police station , Uttar Pradesh. According to a police press release, accused Bablu had kept a girl from village Rakshi as his girlfriend in Kanpur since 2006. When the girl started asking for marriage, the girl was thrown out of the house after being assaulted, then the girl came to her village Rakshi and now she has decided not to go to Kanpur. To pick up the girl, the girl's lover Bablu had come to Rakhsi in a car along with his other two associates, but when the girl was not found at home, the girl's nephew was coaxed and ran away after sitting in the car, and told the girl that the nephew is presently fine. If you want me then come to Kanpur otherwise we will kill your nephew and throw away. Police also recovered a swift car which was used in kidnapping. The Yogi Adityanath government has ordered schools across the state to open for one day on June 21 to celebrate the 9th International Yoga Day. Besides practicing Yoga, children will be given sweets, fruits, and clean drinking water on the occasion. Various competitions will also be organised and top three students will be rewarded. Detailed instructions regarding organising the 9th International Yoga Day have been sent to all district basic education officers by the Director Mid-Day Meal Authority and Director of Education (Basic) Vijay Kiran Anand. The order also states that compliance with the directives issued by the Director of Education (Basic) regarding Yoga Day is mandatory. It further says that all primary and upper primary schools in the state have to participate in yoga activities. The directive also says that on June 20, principals, teachers and children of all primary and upper primary schools should be informed about the benefits of pranayama, asanas, breathing exercises, and yoga. The principal of the school will act as a nodal officer for the successful organisation of the activities. On June 21, all principals, teachers, non-teaching staff, and children of primary and upper primary schools will take part in yogic activities. The events will also feature poster, essay and quiz competitions on yoga for students of class 6 to 8. In this sequence, Yoga Week will be celebrated from June 15 to 21. The Punjab Police on Wednesday said it has arrested six people in the Ludhiana robbery case seizing Rs 5 crore from their possession. On June 10, at least 11 people had robbed the office of CMS Securities, a cash management services company, in Ludhiana's New Rajguru Nagar locality after overpowering security guards. Addressing a press conference, Ludhiana Commissioner Police Mandeep Singh Sidhu said police have identified all people involved in the robbery, six of whom were nabbed while a hunt to round others in is on. A look-out circular has also been issued to all airports to prevent them from fleeing the country, he said. The Commissioner said that the robbery's mastermind was one Mandeep Singh Mani who used to work as a driver with the cash transporting company till four years ago. He allegedly planned the heist with a woman friend of his who has been identified as Manjinder Kaur and is yet to be arrested. However, her husband, Hapreet Singh has been arrested by the police from Barnala. Sidhu said the robbers came to the company office in two group five on two motor bikes and others in a car with Manjinder Kaur. The car, he said, had mounted atop it a flickering beacon, common with cash collection firm vans. The officer said they zeroed in on Mani, who being an ex cash collection firm employee, knew about the hack that if the van had a flickering beacon it was not to be stopped by police for checks. He also said the beacon can be only be operated by some expert, such as a former employee. Police also was helped in their hunt for the robbers by the GPRS chip installed in the vehicle. The robbery was meticulously planned with none of the gang members carrying a mobile phone to prevent any location trace, the officer said. Punjab Director General of Police Gaurav Yadav announced a cash reward of Rs 10 lakh for the Ludhiana Police for solving the robbery, which is highest so far in terms of money robbed in a such a heist in Punjab. Meanwhile, the Ludhiana CP has constituted a five-member committee to be headed by Joint Commissioner Police Saumya Mishra to find out the exact cash robbed. The Commissioner said the cash transporting firm has not been able to furnish the actual amount looted and has been giving a varying figures. Schools in Chhattisgarh will reopen on June 26 after the summer vacation was on Wednesday extended till June 25. The School Education Department made this announcement here. Chief Minister Bhupesh Baghel had asked the department to prolong the summer break to protect school children from the intense heat, an official communication said. The schools were originally to reopen on June 16. The Department of Forest and Climate Change on Wednesday ordered the distribution of incentive wages amounting to Rs 424.11 crores to tendu leave pluckers in Chhattisgarh. As a part of this, incentive wages amounting to Rs 163.62 crore will be distributed to 9,49,944 pluckers from 733 societies which were profitable in 2021. Anil Kumar Rai, Managing Director of the Chhattisgarh State Minor Forest Produce (Trading & Development) Co-operative Federation Ltd, said for 2022, incentive wages of Rs 260.49 crores will be distributed to 8,61,772 collectors from 661 profitable societies. The Chhattisgarh government distributes the profit earned from the trade of tendu leaves as incentive wages to tendu leaves pluckers. Additionally, Chief Minister Bhupesh Baghel has increased the tendu leaf collection rate. Several schemes are being implemented for the welfare of the pluckers. A 35-year-old excavator operator died on Wednesday when a portion of an under-construction flyover near National Highway-48 in southwest Delhi collapsed and fell on the heavy vehicle. The incident took place in Smalkha, Kapeshera, Deputy Commissioner of Police (southwest) Manoj C said, adding two persons, including site supervisor Injmam Hussain (30) and site manager Rohit (35), have been arrested. The elevated portion of the Dwarka Expressway link road is under construction at the site, he said. The DCP said victim Shakeel of Bharatpur, Rajasthan, was driving the excavator which was crushed under the debris. A case under relevant provisions of the law has been registered. Later, the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways (MoRTH) said a three-member team of bridge experts has been constituted to look into the incident. The fire department said information about the incident was received around 10 AM, following which three fire tenders were rushed to the spot. Shakeel's relatives said he was the sole breadwinner of his family. We got to know about the incident in the morning and rushed to the spot. When there was no support under the flyover, then nobody should have been allowed to stand or work under it. We want justice for Shakeel. He has two kids and four sisters, Sattar, Shakeel's uncle, said. According to an official statement from MoRTH, under erection span P8-P9 of the flyover, which is part of Shiv Murti interchange on the Dwarka Expressway, toppled around 9.30 AM. A team of officials from the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) and bridge experts immediately rushed to the site. As per initial reports, the span was being erected and it was reportedly resting on temporary stools and hydraulic jacks, it said. The span was pre-stressed on June 2. The work on this flyover commenced with traffic diversion of NH-48 on March 18 for a period of 90 days. In this duration, 13 spans were erected, the statement said. As per site reports, prima facie it appears to be a case of mechanical failure as structural elements of superstructure and substructure are in sound condition, it stated. To ascertain reasons of incident, a three-member team of bridge experts has been constituted. Two members of team are already inspected the site and the third member will reach the site on Thursday morning. The committee would examine all issues in details and submit report in four weeks, the statement added. Delhi Police on Thursday filed a chargesheet against WFI chief Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh for the offences of sexual harassment and stalking and also recommended the cancellation of a complaint filed by a minor wrestler against him. "In the POCSO matter, after the completion of the investigation, we have submitted a police report under section 173, CrPC, requesting for a cancellation of the case based upon the statements of the complainant i.E the father of the victim and the victim herself," a statement issued by Delhi Police PRO Suman Nalwa said. In another case against Singh lodged on the basis of a complaint from other wrestlers, a chargesheet has been filed for the offences under sections 354 (assault or criminal force to woman with intent to outrage her modesty), 354A (sexual harassment) and 354D (stalking) of the Indian Penal Code (IPC). The chargesheet has also been filed against Vinod Tomar, a suspended assistant secretary of the Wrestling Federation of India (WFI), for the offences under sections 109 (abetment of any offence, if the act abetted is committed in consequence, and where no express provision is made for its punishment), 354, 354A and 506 (criminal intimidation) of the IPC. Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan has said that NATO should not bet on his country approving Swedens application to join the Western military alliance before a July summit because the Nordic nation has not fully addressed his security concerns. Sweden and Finland applied for membership together following Russias invasion of Ukraine last year. Finland became NATOs 31st member in April after the Turkish parliament ratified its request, but Turkey has held off approving Swedens bid. NATO wants to bring Sweden into the fold by the time the leaders of member nations meet for a summit in Lithuanias capital on July 11-12. Speaking to journalists on his way back from a state visit to Azerbaijan on Tuesday, Erdogan said Turkeys attitude to the accession was not positive. Turkeys state-run Anadolu Agency and other media reported Erdogans comments as senior officials from NATO, Sweden, Finland and Turkey met in Ankara on Wednesday. The officials were scheduled to discuss what Finland and Sweden have done to address Turkeys concerns over alleged terrorist organizations. Erdogan said the Turkish delegation at the meeting will give this message: This is our presidents opinion, dont expect anything different at Vilnius, Lithuanias capital. Turkeys government accuses Sweden of being too lenient toward groups that Ankara says pose a security threat, including militant Kurdish groups and people associated with a 2016 coup attempt. A series of separate demonstrations in Stockholm, including a protest by an anti-Islam activist who burned the Quran outside the Turkish Embassy, also angered Turkish officials. Speaking in Swedens parliament, Swedish Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson called the Ankara meeting very important. Kristersson reiterated that his government had done what it promised in an agreement last year that was intended to secure Turkeys ratification of the countrys NATO membership. However, Erdogan remained unsatisfied. He said he told NATO Secretary-General Jens Stoltenberg last week, If you expect us to respond to Swedens expectations, first of all, Sweden must destroy what this terrorist organisation has done. Nearly 66,000 people living in coastal towns and small islands in Pakistan have been evacuated to safer places before Cyclone Biparjoy is expected to hit the coastline in Sindh province on Thursday, the government said on Wednesday. Strong winds, showers and high tides heralded the arrival of Cyclone Biparjoy, which means disaster or calamity in the Bengali language. In its fresh updates, the Pakistan Meteorological Department (PMD) has said that the cyclone has moved away from Karachi and is currently at a distance of 370 kilometres south of the countrys financial capital. The cyclone was previously 340 km south of Karachi. The cyclone moved north-northeastward during the last six hours, the department said. Maximum sustained surface winds are 150-160 Km/hour gusts 180 Km/hour around the system centre and sea conditions being phenomenal around the system centre with maximum wave height 30 feet, it added. Meanwhile, Climate Change Minister Sherry Rehman said on Wednesday that the cyclone, which has slightly moved away from Karachi, will hit Sindhs Keti Bandar on Thursday morning. Addressing a press conference in Islamabad, she said nearly 66,000 people have been evacuated to safer places from Sindhs coastal areas thus far. Pakistan has deployed the military to evacuate around 100,000 people to safe places from the low-lying coastal areas in the southern Sindh province. The true form of the cyclone will be known tomorrow, Rehman said as she requested the people to cooperate with authorities. Rehman said that commercial flight operations would be suspended as the cyclone drew closer to the country. Classified as a very severe cyclonic storm of category 3, Biparjoy is expected to make landfall with winds of approximately 140-150 kilometres per hour (km/h) and gusts up to 170 km/h. According to the latest forecast, the cyclone was expected to maintain a northward trajectory and then it was likely to re-curve eastward and make its landfall between Keti Bandar in Thatta district and Indias Gujarat coastline. The areas likely to be affected included Thatta, Badin, Sajawal, Tharparkar, Karachi, Mirpurkhas, Umerkot, Hyderabad, Ormara, Tando Allahyar and Tando Mohammad Khan, according to weather experts. Thirty-seven relief camps have been set up at different sites including government schools and colleges. The Pakistan Navy said that troops had evacuated 700 people from various villages of Shah Bandar and 64 fishermen were rescued from the sea. Naval emergency response and medical teams had been deployed at coastal areas of Balochistan and rural areas of Sindh including Hyderabad, Shaheed Benazirabad, Sukkur and Sanghar, while naval ships were maintaining vigilance in the open sea, it added. The Army, Navy, Rangers and district administrations moved people to shelters and relief camps set up in schools and other government buildings. Pakistan Meteorological Department (PMD) Sindh Chief Meteorologist Sardar Sarfaraz told Geo News that the storms intensity had decreased somewhat. There is no dangerous situation in Karachi, the cyclone will exit from the citys south, he said. He said that the storm was heading toward the north. It will then move north-east, where it will hit or pass Keti Bandar and Indias Gujarat, he said, commenting on the cyclones trajectory. Earlier, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, who chaired a meeting to review the preparedness ahead of the possible impact of the cyclone, directed the Sindh government, the National Disaster Management Authority and other relevant organisations to utilise all-out resources to protect the people. The prime minister also ordered the setting up of mobile hospitals in the coastal areas to ensure adequate emergency medical assistance there. He also ordered for provision of clean drinking water and food at the camps. The prime minister instructed Power Minister Engineer Khurram Dastgir Khan to ensure his presence in the districts of southern Sindh until the effects of the cyclone were over, to monitor the 24-hour power transmission system in the coastal areas. He said that the possible damage to the power transmission system after the cyclone should be repaired immediately. He also set up a committee to deal with the emergency. Pakistan is still recovering from losses caused by unprecedented floods last year in which more than 1,700 people were killed, and over 33 million people were affected. Admiral Group (OTCMKTS:AMIGY Get Rating) was downgraded by investment analysts at Citigroup from a neutral rating to a sell rating in a note issued to investors on Tuesday, The Fly reports. Several other research firms also recently issued reports on AMIGY. Berenberg Bank decreased their price objective on shares of Admiral Group from GBX 2,688 ($33.63) to GBX 2,543 ($31.82) in a report on Monday, April 3rd. JPMorgan Chase & Co. dropped their price objective on shares of Admiral Group from GBX 1,700 ($21.27) to GBX 1,650 ($20.65) in a report on Thursday, March 9th. Finally, Deutsche Bank Aktiengesellschaft cut shares of Admiral Group from a buy rating to a hold rating in a report on Friday, March 10th. Three analysts have rated the stock with a sell rating, three have issued a hold rating and one has assigned a buy rating to the companys stock. According to MarketBeat, the stock has a consensus rating of Hold and a consensus target price of $2,265.20. Get Admiral Group alerts: Admiral Group Stock Performance Shares of OTCMKTS:AMIGY opened at $28.48 on Tuesday. Admiral Group has a 52-week low of $20.70 and a 52-week high of $29.92. The business has a 50-day moving average price of $28.33 and a 200-day moving average price of $26.63. About Admiral Group Admiral Group plc, a financial services company, provides motor, household, travel, and pet insurance, as well as personal lending products worldwide. It operates through UK Insurance, International Insurance, Admiral Money, and Other segments. The company provides underwriting services, which includes motor, household, pet, and travel insurance, as well as car and home insurance; and provides unsecured personal loans and car finance products primarily in the United Kingdom. See Also Receive News & Ratings for Admiral Group Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Admiral Group and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. AGF Management (OTCMKTS:AGFMF Get Rating) had its price objective lowered by Desjardins from C$10.25 to C$9.75 in a report released on Monday morning, The Fly reports. AGFMF has been the subject of several other research reports. Scotiabank cut their price objective on AGF Management from C$9.50 to C$9.25 in a report on Thursday, March 23rd. Royal Bank of Canada reduced their price objective on shares of AGF Management from C$9.50 to C$9.00 in a research report on Thursday, March 23rd. CIBC boosted their target price on shares of AGF Management from C$9.00 to C$9.50 in a report on Monday, March 20th. Finally, BMO Capital Markets reduced their target price on shares of AGF Management from C$9.50 to C$8.50 in a report on Thursday, March 23rd. Get AGF Management alerts: AGF Management Price Performance Shares of OTCMKTS:AGFMF opened at $5.56 on Monday. AGF Management has a 12 month low of $4.23 and a 12 month high of $6.97. The stocks 50 day moving average price is $5.55 and its 200 day moving average price is $5.76. About AGF Management AGF Management Ltd. is a diversified global asset management firm. It offers investment solutions to a wide range of clients, from individual investors and financial advisors to institutions, including pension plans, corporate plans, sovereign wealth funds, endowments, and foundations. The firm provides investment management with operations and investments in North America, Europe, and Asia. See Also Receive News & Ratings for AGF Management Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for AGF Management and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Bangkok Bank Public Company Limited (OTCMKTS:BKKLY Get Rating) was the recipient of a large decrease in short interest in May. As of May 31st, there was short interest totalling 1,300 shares, a decrease of 73.5% from the May 15th total of 4,900 shares. Based on an average daily volume of 4,300 shares, the short-interest ratio is presently 0.3 days. Bangkok Bank Public Price Performance Shares of Bangkok Bank Public stock traded down $0.41 during trading on Wednesday, reaching $23.65. 2,226 shares of the companys stock were exchanged, compared to its average volume of 3,121. The firms 50-day moving average price is $23.54 and its 200 day moving average price is $23.00. Bangkok Bank Public has a 1-year low of $17.17 and a 1-year high of $24.86. Get Bangkok Bank Public alerts: Bangkok Bank Public Increases Dividend The business also recently declared a dividend, which was paid on Tuesday, May 30th. Stockholders of record on Friday, April 21st were issued a dividend of $0.3404 per share. The ex-dividend date of this dividend was Thursday, April 20th. This is an increase from Bangkok Bank Publics previous dividend of $0.16. This represents a dividend yield of 2.08%. Bangkok Bank Publics dividend payout ratio is 28.51%. Analyst Upgrades and Downgrades About Bangkok Bank Public Separately, The Goldman Sachs Group initiated coverage on Bangkok Bank Public in a research note on Tuesday, May 2nd. They issued a neutral rating for the company. (Get Rating) Bangkok Bank Public Co Ltd. engages in the provision of commercial banking services. It operates through the following business segments: Domestic Banking, International Banking, Investment Banking, and Others. The Domestic Banking segment provides loans, deposits, trade finance, remittances and payments, electronic services, credit cards, debit cards, and related other financial services. Further Reading Receive News & Ratings for Bangkok Bank Public Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Bangkok Bank Public and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. A Place for All Conservatives to Speak Their Mind. StockNews.com initiated coverage on shares of Can-Fite BioPharma (NYSEAMERICAN:CANF Get Rating) in a research report released on Sunday. The firm issued a hold rating on the biotechnology companys stock. Separately, HC Wainwright reissued a buy rating and set a $34.00 target price on shares of Can-Fite BioPharma in a research note on Monday, March 13th. Get Can-Fite BioPharma alerts: Can-Fite BioPharma Stock Up 6.5 % NYSEAMERICAN:CANF opened at $3.13 on Friday. Can-Fite BioPharma has a twelve month low of $1.52 and a twelve month high of $11.20. The stock has a market cap of $11.08 million, a P/E ratio of -0.84 and a beta of 1.29. The firms fifty day simple moving average is $2.33 and its 200 day simple moving average is $2.25. Hedge Funds Weigh In On Can-Fite BioPharma Can-Fite BioPharma ( NYSEAMERICAN:CANF Get Rating ) last posted its quarterly earnings results on Thursday, March 30th. The biotechnology company reported ($1.11) earnings per share for the quarter, missing the consensus estimate of ($0.57) by ($0.54). Can-Fite BioPharma had a negative return on equity of 120.33% and a negative net margin of 1,255.93%. The business had revenue of $0.20 million during the quarter, compared to the consensus estimate of $0.50 million. On average, analysts expect that Can-Fite BioPharma will post -2.03 EPS for the current fiscal year. A hedge fund recently bought a new stake in Can-Fite BioPharma stock. Armistice Capital LLC bought a new position in shares of Can-Fite BioPharma Ltd. (NYSEAMERICAN:CANF Get Rating) during the first quarter, according to the company in its most recent disclosure with the Securities & Exchange Commission. The fund bought 330,000 shares of the biotechnology companys stock, valued at approximately $756,000. Armistice Capital LLC owned about 9.32% of Can-Fite BioPharma as of its most recent filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission. Institutional investors and hedge funds own 1.82% of the companys stock. About Can-Fite BioPharma (Get Rating) Can-Fite BioPharma Ltd. is a biopharmaceutical company, which engages in the development of drugs for the treatment of cancer, liver and inflammatory diseases and erectile dysfunction. Its product pipeline include Piclidenoson, Namodenoson, and CF602. The company was founded by Pnina Fishman and Ilan Cohn on September 11, 1994 and is headquartered in Petach-Tikva, Israel. Recommended Stories Receive News & Ratings for Can-Fite BioPharma Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Can-Fite BioPharma and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Canadian Gold (CVE:CGC Get Rating) had its target price lowered by CIBC from C$1.75 to C$0.50 in a report published on Monday morning, The Fly reports. Canadian Gold Stock Performance Shares of CGC opened at C$0.21 on Monday. The firm has a market capitalization of C$33.49 million and a P/E ratio of -0.31. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.07, a current ratio of 3.51 and a quick ratio of 0.49. Canadian Gold has a one year low of C$0.03 and a one year high of C$0.35. The business has a fifty day moving average of C$1.27 and a 200 day moving average of C$2.17. Get Canadian Gold alerts: Canadian Gold Company Profile (Get Rating) See Also Canadian Gold Corp. engages in the exploration and development of mineral properties in Canada. Its principal project is the Tartan Lake gold mine project that consists of 20 mineral claims covering an area of approximately 2,670 hectares located northeast of the town of Flin Flon, Manitoba, Canada. The company was formerly known as Satori Resources Inc and changed its name to Canadian Gold Corp. Receive News & Ratings for Canadian Gold Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Canadian Gold and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. China Construction Bank Co. (OTCMKTS:CICHY Get Rating) was the recipient of a significant drop in short interest in the month of May. As of May 31st, there was short interest totalling 8,100 shares, a drop of 91.5% from the May 15th total of 94,800 shares. Based on an average daily trading volume, of 167,100 shares, the days-to-cover ratio is presently 0.0 days. China Construction Bank Stock Down 0.9 % Shares of OTCMKTS CICHY traded down $0.11 during trading on Wednesday, hitting $12.82. The company had a trading volume of 25,277 shares, compared to its average volume of 90,812. The stock has a 50 day simple moving average of $13.29 and a 200 day simple moving average of $12.82. China Construction Bank has a 12 month low of $10.31 and a 12 month high of $14.74. Get China Construction Bank alerts: China Construction Bank Company Profile (Get Rating) Featured Articles China Construction Bank Corporation provides various banking and related financial services to individuals and corporate customers in the People's Republic of China and internationally. It operates through Corporate Banking, Personal Banking, Treasury Business, and Others segments. The company accepts various deposits, such as foreign currency, all in one accounts, RMB, corporate term and notification, and corporate demand deposits, as well corporate deposits by agreement. Receive News & Ratings for China Construction Bank Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for China Construction Bank and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Dr. Martens (OTCMKTS:DOCMF Get Rating) had its target price lowered by Royal Bank of Canada from GBX 180 ($2.25) to GBX 150 ($1.88) in a research note published on Monday, The Fly reports. Other equities research analysts have also recently issued reports about the stock. Barclays decreased their price target on shares of Dr. Martens from GBX 210 ($2.63) to GBX 175 ($2.19) in a research note on Monday, June 5th. Peel Hunt lowered shares of Dr. Martens to a hold rating in a report on Tuesday, June 6th. Get Dr. Martens alerts: Dr. Martens Price Performance Shares of OTCMKTS DOCMF opened at $1.59 on Monday. Dr. Martens has a 52 week low of $1.58 and a 52 week high of $3.51. The companys 50-day moving average price is $1.95 and its 200 day moving average price is $2.02. 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. Bank of Cyprus Holdings Public Limited (LON:BOCH Get Rating) insider Constantine Iordanou acquired 47,470 shares of the stock in a transaction dated Friday, June 9th. The stock was bought at an average price of GBX 246 ($3.08) per share, for a total transaction of 116,776.20 ($146,116.37). Bank of Cyprus Holdings Public Price Performance Shares of BOCH opened at GBX 265 ($3.32) on Thursday. The company has a market capitalization of 1.18 billion, a P/E ratio of 25,645.00 and a beta of 0.72. Bank of Cyprus Holdings Public Limited has a one year low of GBX 76.60 ($0.96) and a one year high of GBX 274 ($3.43). The businesss 50 day simple moving average is GBX 223.95 and its 200-day simple moving average is GBX 200.36. Get Bank of Cyprus Holdings Public alerts: Analyst Upgrades and Downgrades Separately, Numis Securities began coverage on Bank of Cyprus Holdings Public in a report on Wednesday, March 15th. They issued a buy rating and a GBX 507 ($6.34) target price on the stock. About Bank of Cyprus Holdings Public Bank of Cyprus Holdings Public Limited Company, through its subsidiaries, engages in the provision of banking, financial, and insurance services. It offers current, demand, savings, time, notice, instant access, and fixed deposits; housing, student, vehicle, mortgage, consumer, business and business premises, term, and home or investment loans; and asset finance, factoring, trade facilities, European financial, project finance, shipping finance, and syndicated and corporate lending services, as well as hire purchase services for car and equipment. Recommended Stories Receive News & Ratings for Bank of Cyprus Holdings Public Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Bank of Cyprus Holdings Public and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Ouster, Inc. (NYSE:OUST Get Rating) General Counsel Megan Chung sold 2,503 shares of the stock in a transaction that occurred on Monday, June 12th. The shares were sold at an average price of $5.66, for a total transaction of $14,166.98. Following the completion of the transaction, the general counsel now directly owns 102,189 shares of the companys stock, valued at approximately $578,389.74. The sale was disclosed in a filing with the SEC, which is available through this hyperlink. Ouster Trading Down 8.9 % Shares of OUST stock traded down $0.56 during trading hours on Wednesday, hitting $5.75. 840,922 shares of the companys stock traded hands, compared to its average volume of 639,123. The stocks 50 day simple moving average is $5.13 and its 200 day simple moving average is $9.14. The stock has a market cap of $223.16 million, a PE ratio of -0.48 and a beta of 2.35. Ouster, Inc. has a 12 month low of $3.21 and a 12 month high of $20.85. The company has a quick ratio of 4.00, a current ratio of 4.40 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.12. Get Ouster alerts: Ouster (NYSE:OUST Get Rating) last posted its quarterly earnings data on Thursday, May 11th. The company reported ($3.36) earnings per share for the quarter. Ouster had a negative return on equity of 88.07% and a negative net margin of 570.30%. The firm had revenue of $17.23 million for the quarter. On average, sell-side analysts anticipate that Ouster, Inc. will post -9.36 EPS for the current year. Wall Street Analysts Forecast Growth Institutional Investors Weigh In On Ouster Several brokerages recently commented on OUST. Cantor Fitzgerald reissued an overweight rating on shares of Ouster in a research note on Monday, May 15th. Craig Hallum dropped their price objective on shares of Ouster from $15.00 to $10.00 in a research note on Friday, May 12th. Rosenblatt Securities dropped their price objective on shares of Ouster from $20.00 to $17.50 and set a buy rating for the company in a research note on Friday, March 24th. Chardan Capital downgraded shares of Ouster from a buy rating to a neutral rating and set a $10.00 price objective for the company. in a research note on Friday, March 24th. Finally, Citigroup dropped their price target on shares of Ouster from $17.00 to $10.00 in a research note on Sunday, April 2nd. Four investment analysts have rated the stock with a hold rating and three have assigned a buy rating to the companys stock. Based on data from MarketBeat.com, Ouster presently has an average rating of Hold and a consensus target price of $19.06. Large investors have recently modified their holdings of the company. Raymond James Financial Services Advisors Inc. acquired a new stake in shares of Ouster during the first quarter worth $82,000. Legal & General Group Plc grew its holdings in Ouster by 111.4% in the second quarter. Legal & General Group Plc now owns 28,963 shares of the companys stock worth $47,000 after purchasing an additional 15,263 shares during the period. Renaissance Technologies LLC acquired a new stake in Ouster in the second quarter worth $49,000. Amalgamated Bank grew its holdings in Ouster by 68.0% in the first quarter. Amalgamated Bank now owns 30,468 shares of the companys stock worth $25,000 after purchasing an additional 12,329 shares during the period. Finally, Stifel Financial Corp acquired a new stake in Ouster in the first quarter worth $26,000. 28.79% of the stock is currently owned by institutional investors and hedge funds. Ouster Company Profile (Get Rating) Ouster, Inc designs and manufactures high-resolution digital lidar sensors and enabling software that offers 3D vision to machinery, vehicles, robots, and fixed infrastructure assets. Its product portfolio includes OS, a scanning sensor and DF, a true solid-state flash sensor. The company is based in San Francisco, California. Further Reading Receive News & Ratings for Ouster Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Ouster and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. North West (OTCMKTS:NNWWF Get Rating) had its target price cut by Royal Bank of Canada from C$38.00 to C$36.00 in a report issued on Monday, The Fly reports. Several other analysts have also recently issued reports on NNWWF. CIBC upped their price objective on shares of North West from C$37.00 to C$39.00 in a research note on Thursday, April 6th. TD Securities upped their price target on North West from C$39.00 to C$41.00 in a research report on Thursday, April 6th. Finally, BMO Capital Markets reduced their price objective on North West from C$41.00 to C$39.00 in a research report on Thursday, June 8th. Get North West alerts: North West Price Performance Shares of NNWWF opened at $25.60 on Monday. North West has a 52-week low of $23.25 and a 52-week high of $29.45. The firms fifty day moving average is $28.13 and its two-hundred day moving average is $27.15. North West Company Profile 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. Read More 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. VNET Group restated their maintains rating on shares of Royal Caribbean Cruises (NYSE:RCL Get Rating) in a report published on Monday, Benzinga reports. Other equities analysts also recently issued research reports about the company. UBS Group raised their target price on Royal Caribbean Cruises from $82.00 to $91.00 and gave the company a buy rating in a research report on Thursday, February 23rd. William Blair restated an outperform rating on shares of Royal Caribbean Cruises in a research report on Thursday, May 4th. Truist Financial increased their price target on Royal Caribbean Cruises from $72.00 to $85.00 in a report on Tuesday, May 30th. StockNews.com began coverage on Royal Caribbean Cruises in a report on Thursday, May 18th. They issued a hold rating for the company. Finally, Argus increased their price target on Royal Caribbean Cruises from $88.00 to $92.00 in a report on Wednesday, May 31st. Five equities research analysts have rated the stock with a hold rating and ten 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 $87.79. Get Royal Caribbean Cruises alerts: Royal Caribbean Cruises Stock Performance NYSE RCL opened at $94.71 on Monday. The stock has a market capitalization of $24.22 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of -23.27 and a beta of 2.43. Royal Caribbean Cruises has a twelve month low of $31.09 and a twelve month high of $96.62. The company has a current ratio of 0.26, a quick ratio of 0.23 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 6.41. The stock has a 50-day moving average of $74.47 and a 200 day moving average of $66.79. Insiders Place Their Bets Royal Caribbean Cruises ( NYSE:RCL Get Rating ) last released its quarterly earnings results on Thursday, May 4th. The company reported ($0.23) earnings per share for the quarter, topping analysts consensus estimates of ($0.71) by $0.48. The company had revenue of $2.89 billion during the quarter, compared to analysts expectations of $2.82 billion. Royal Caribbean Cruises had a negative return on equity of 25.86% and a negative net margin of 9.72%. Royal Caribbean Cruisess quarterly revenue was up 172.4% compared to the same quarter last year. During the same quarter in the prior year, the firm posted ($4.57) EPS. Sell-side analysts anticipate that Royal Caribbean Cruises will post 4.71 EPS for the current fiscal year. In other news, Director Arne Alexander Wilhelmsen sold 375,000 shares of Royal Caribbean Cruises stock in a transaction dated Monday, May 22nd. The stock was sold at an average price of $80.74, for a total transaction of $30,277,500.00. Following the sale, the director now owns 20,689,632 shares in the company, valued at $1,670,480,887.68. The transaction was disclosed in a legal filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which can be accessed through the SEC website. In related news, CEO Jason T. Liberty sold 36,536 shares of the businesss stock in a transaction dated Wednesday, May 17th. The stock was sold at an average price of $80.00, for a total value of $2,922,880.00. Following the transaction, the chief executive officer now owns 147,078 shares in the company, valued at approximately $11,766,240. The sale was disclosed in a legal filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is accessible through this hyperlink. Also, Director Arne Alexander Wilhelmsen sold 375,000 shares of the businesss stock in a transaction that occurred on Monday, May 22nd. The stock was sold at an average price of $80.74, for a total value of $30,277,500.00. Following the transaction, the director now owns 20,689,632 shares in the company, valued at approximately $1,670,480,887.68. The disclosure for this sale can be found here. Insiders sold 729,861 shares of company stock valued at $58,020,180 in the last ninety days. Insiders own 8.70% of the companys stock. Hedge Funds Weigh In On Royal Caribbean Cruises Several institutional investors and hedge funds have recently added to or reduced their stakes in the business. Capital World Investors boosted its stake in shares of Royal Caribbean Cruises by 1,314.9% during the 1st quarter. Capital World Investors now owns 2,759,035 shares of the companys stock worth $231,152,000 after acquiring an additional 2,564,035 shares in the last quarter. Norges Bank purchased a new stake in Royal Caribbean Cruises in the 4th quarter valued at approximately $100,326,000. Primecap Management Co. CA lifted its stake in Royal Caribbean Cruises by 29.8% in the 3rd quarter. Primecap Management Co. CA now owns 6,776,061 shares of the companys stock valued at $256,813,000 after buying an additional 1,554,600 shares in the last quarter. Renaissance Technologies LLC lifted its stake in Royal Caribbean Cruises by 2,470.7% in the 4th quarter. Renaissance Technologies LLC now owns 1,280,200 shares of the companys stock valued at $63,280,000 after buying an additional 1,230,400 shares in the last quarter. Finally, Absolute Investment Advisers LLC purchased a new position in shares of Royal Caribbean Cruises during the 4th quarter worth $980,000,000. Institutional investors and hedge funds own 74.27% of the companys stock. About Royal Caribbean Cruises (Get Rating) Royal Caribbean Group is a cruise company, which engages in the ownership and operation of the following global cruise brands: Royal Caribbean International, Celebrity Cruises, and Silversea Cruises. The firm also holds interest in TUI Cruises GmbH, which operates the German brands TUI Cruises and Hapag-Lloyd Cruises. See Also Receive News & Ratings for Royal Caribbean Cruises Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Royal Caribbean Cruises and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Toast (NYSE:TOST Get Rating) had its target price upped by Mizuho from $25.00 to $27.00 in a research note issued to investors on Tuesday, The Fly reports. Mizuhos price objective would suggest a potential upside of 16.00% from the companys current price. TOST has been the topic of several other research reports. KeyCorp decreased their target price on Toast from $26.00 to $24.00 and set an overweight rating on the stock in a report on Wednesday, April 5th. Stephens began coverage on Toast in a report on Thursday, April 13th. They set an equal weight rating and a $18.00 target price on the stock. Credit Suisse Group increased their target price on Toast from $21.50 to $23.00 and gave the stock a neutral rating in a report on Friday, February 17th. Sumitomo Mitsui Financial Group lowered Toast from an outperform rating to a neutral rating and cut their price target for the company from $26.00 to $23.00 in a research note on Friday, February 17th. Finally, DA Davidson reaffirmed a buy rating on shares of Toast in a research note on Monday, April 3rd. Nine analysts have rated the stock with a hold rating and nine have assigned a buy rating to the companys stock. According to data from MarketBeat, the stock presently has an average rating of Moderate Buy and an average price target of $22.88. Get Toast alerts: Toast Price Performance Shares of NYSE:TOST opened at $23.28 on Tuesday. The businesss fifty day moving average price is $19.62 and its two-hundred day moving average price is $19.33. Toast has a fifty-two week low of $12.15 and a fifty-two week high of $26.03. The stock has a market capitalization of $12.35 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of -35.81 and a beta of 1.76. Insider Transactions at Toast Toast ( NYSE:TOST Get Rating ) last announced its earnings results on Tuesday, May 9th. The company reported ($0.16) EPS for the quarter, topping the consensus estimate of ($0.18) by $0.02. The company had revenue of $819.00 million for the quarter, compared to analysts expectations of $763.11 million. Toast had a negative return on equity of 29.74% and a negative net margin of 11.01%. The businesss revenue for the quarter was up 53.1% on a year-over-year basis. During the same quarter in the prior year, the business earned ($0.20) earnings per share. Research analysts expect that Toast will post -0.52 EPS for the current fiscal year. In other news, insider Stephen Fredette sold 1,485 shares of the firms stock in a transaction dated Tuesday, April 4th. The stock was sold at an average price of $17.86, for a total transaction of $26,522.10. Following the sale, the insider now owns 3,425,063 shares of the companys stock, valued at $61,171,625.18. The transaction was disclosed in a legal filing with the SEC, which is available at the SEC website. In related news, major shareholder Bessemer Venture Partners Ix L sold 1,470,024 shares of Toast stock in a transaction that occurred on Tuesday, May 23rd. The stock was sold at an average price of $21.22, for a total value of $31,193,909.28. The sale was disclosed in a document filed with the SEC, which is available at this link. Also, insider Stephen Fredette sold 1,485 shares of Toast stock in a transaction that occurred on Tuesday, April 4th. The shares were sold at an average price of $17.86, for a total value of $26,522.10. Following the completion of the sale, the insider now directly owns 3,425,063 shares in the company, valued at approximately $61,171,625.18. The disclosure for this sale can be found here. Insiders have sold a total of 2,394,346 shares of company stock valued at $49,942,686 over the last 90 days. 13.70% of the stock is owned by company insiders. Institutional Investors Weigh In On Toast Hedge funds and other institutional investors have recently bought and sold shares of the company. Whittier Trust Co. increased its position in shares of Toast by 365.0% during the 1st quarter. Whittier Trust Co. now owns 1,660 shares of the companys stock worth $29,000 after purchasing an additional 1,303 shares during the last quarter. PNC Financial Services Group Inc. increased its position in shares of Toast by 277.5% during the 4th quarter. PNC Financial Services Group Inc. now owns 1,710 shares of the companys stock worth $31,000 after purchasing an additional 1,257 shares during the last quarter. Spire Wealth Management increased its position in shares of Toast by 2,196.0% during the 1st quarter. Spire Wealth Management now owns 2,296 shares of the companys stock worth $41,000 after purchasing an additional 2,196 shares during the last quarter. Neo Ivy Capital Management acquired a new position in shares of Toast during the 3rd quarter worth approximately $45,000. Finally, American International Group Inc. acquired a new position in shares of Toast during the 2nd quarter worth approximately $46,000. Institutional investors and hedge funds own 50.82% of the companys stock. About Toast (Get Rating) Toast, Inc operates a cloud-based digital technology platform for the restaurant industry in the United States and Ireland. The company offers Toast POS, a software module that integrates payment processing with point of sale functionality; Toast Invoicing that allows restaurants to send invoices and collect payment; Toast Mobile Order & Pay, which allows guests to scan a QR code to browse the menu, order, and pay from mobile; Kitchen Display System software that connects the house with the kitchen staff; and Multi-Location Management, a tool to manage operations and configure menus across multiple locations and channels. Read More Receive News & Ratings for Toast Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Toast and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. U.S. Bancorp (NYSE:USB Get Rating) had its target price trimmed by Citigroup from $39.00 to $33.00 in a report published on Sunday morning, The Fly reports. Several other equities analysts also recently commented on USB. Wells Fargo & Company cut their price target on shares of U.S. Bancorp from $60.00 to $55.00 and set an overweight rating on the stock in a report on Monday, April 3rd. The Goldman Sachs Group reduced their target price on U.S. Bancorp from $41.00 to $37.00 and set a buy rating on the stock in a research report on Wednesday, April 19th. Royal Bank of Canada dropped their price target on shares of U.S. Bancorp from $55.00 to $49.00 and set an outperform rating on the stock in a research note on Friday, March 24th. UBS Group lowered shares of U.S. Bancorp from a buy rating to a neutral rating in a research report on Monday, April 10th. Finally, Piper Sandler cut their price target on U.S. Bancorp from $57.00 to $53.00 in a report on Friday, March 10th. One equities research analyst has rated the stock with a sell rating, seven have assigned a hold rating and eleven have issued a buy rating to the company. Based on data from MarketBeat.com, the stock has a consensus rating of Moderate Buy and an average price target of $49.84. Get U.S. Bancorp alerts: U.S. Bancorp Price Performance Shares of NYSE:USB opened at $32.11 on Friday. The firm has a market cap of $49.21 billion, a PE ratio of 8.54, a price-to-earnings-growth ratio of 1.10 and a beta of 0.93. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.90, a quick ratio of 0.80 and a current ratio of 0.80. U.S. Bancorp has a 52 week low of $27.27 and a 52 week high of $49.95. The firms fifty day moving average is $32.07 and its 200-day moving average is $39.85. U.S. Bancorp Dividend Announcement U.S. Bancorp ( NYSE:USB Get Rating ) last announced its quarterly earnings results on Wednesday, April 19th. The financial services provider reported $1.04 earnings per share for the quarter, missing the consensus estimate of $1.13 by ($0.09). The company had revenue of $7.18 billion during the quarter, compared to analysts expectations of $7.14 billion. U.S. Bancorp had a net margin of 19.21% and a return on equity of 16.70%. U.S. Bancorps revenue for the quarter was up 28.2% compared to the same quarter last year. During the same quarter last year, the firm posted $0.99 earnings per share. Sell-side analysts predict that U.S. Bancorp will post 4.59 earnings per share for the current year. The business also recently declared a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Monday, July 17th. Shareholders of record on Friday, June 30th will be paid a dividend of $0.48 per share. This represents a $1.92 dividend on an annualized basis and a yield of 5.98%. U.S. Bancorps dividend payout ratio (DPR) is currently 51.06%. Insider Buying and Selling at U.S. Bancorp In other U.S. Bancorp news, Director Alan B. Colberg bought 10,000 shares of the firms stock in a transaction that occurred on Friday, April 21st. The shares were bought at an average price of $34.14 per share, for a total transaction of $341,400.00. Following the transaction, the director now directly owns 10,050 shares in the company, valued at $343,107. The purchase was disclosed in a legal filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is available through the SEC website. In related news, insider James B. Kelligrew bought 16,260 shares of the businesss stock in a transaction on Monday, May 8th. The shares were bought at an average price of $30.59 per share, for a total transaction of $497,393.40. Following the completion of the purchase, the insider now directly owns 151,927 shares of the companys stock, valued at $4,647,446.93. The transaction was disclosed in a filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is available through this link. Also, Director Alan B. Colberg bought 10,000 shares of the stock in a transaction dated Friday, April 21st. The stock was bought at an average price of $34.14 per share, for a total transaction of $341,400.00. Following the purchase, the director now directly owns 10,050 shares of the companys stock, valued at $343,107. The disclosure for this purchase can be found here. Insiders have purchased a total of 76,698 shares of company stock worth $2,446,082 over the last three months. 0.24% of the stock is currently owned by insiders. Institutional Trading of U.S. Bancorp A number of institutional investors and hedge funds have recently bought and sold shares of USB. BCK Partners Inc. acquired a new position in U.S. Bancorp during the 1st quarter worth approximately $2,514,000. Acadian Asset Management LLC grew its holdings in shares of U.S. Bancorp by 3.0% in the 1st quarter. Acadian Asset Management LLC now owns 9,397 shares of the financial services providers stock worth $499,000 after acquiring an additional 276 shares during the last quarter. Vontobel Holding Ltd. grew its holdings in shares of U.S. Bancorp by 20.8% during the first quarter. Vontobel Holding Ltd. now owns 21,314 shares of the financial services providers stock valued at $1,176,000 after buying an additional 3,663 shares in the last quarter. Prudential PLC purchased a new position in U.S. Bancorp in the first quarter valued at about $1,731,000. Finally, Candriam Luxembourg S.C.A. boosted its position in U.S. Bancorp by 5.9% during the first quarter. Candriam Luxembourg S.C.A. now owns 86,048 shares of the financial services providers stock worth $4,573,000 after purchasing an additional 4,827 shares during the period. 71.83% of the stock is currently owned by hedge funds and other institutional investors. U.S. Bancorp Company Profile (Get Rating) U.S. Bancorp operates as a bank holding company, which offers financial services including lending and depository services, cash management, foreign exchange and trust and investment management. The firm also offers mortgage, refinance, auto, boat and RV loans, credit lines, credit card services, merchant, bank, checking and savings accounts, debit cards, online and mobile banking, ATM processing, mortgage banking, insurance, brokerage and leasing services. Featured Articles Receive News & Ratings for U.S. Bancorp Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for U.S. Bancorp and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. DGS Capital Management LLC increased its holdings in Accenture plc (NYSE:ACN Get Rating) by 4.0% during the 4th quarter, according to the company in its most recent 13F filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission. The firm owned 2,043 shares of the information technology services providers stock after buying an additional 79 shares during the quarter. DGS Capital Management LLCs holdings in Accenture were worth $545,000 at the end of the most recent reporting period. Several other hedge funds and other institutional investors also recently bought and sold shares of the business. Vanguard Group Inc. grew its stake in shares of Accenture by 1.4% during the 3rd quarter. Vanguard Group Inc. now owns 58,473,666 shares of the information technology services providers stock worth $15,045,274,000 after purchasing an additional 816,734 shares during the period. BlackRock Inc. lifted its position in shares of Accenture by 0.7% during the 3rd quarter. BlackRock Inc. now owns 46,363,742 shares of the information technology services providers stock valued at $11,929,391,000 after buying an additional 319,707 shares in the last quarter. Morgan Stanley lifted its position in shares of Accenture by 14.9% during the 4th quarter. Morgan Stanley now owns 16,642,841 shares of the information technology services providers stock valued at $4,440,976,000 after buying an additional 2,163,582 shares in the last quarter. Geode Capital Management LLC lifted its position in shares of Accenture by 2.0% during the 4th quarter. Geode Capital Management LLC now owns 11,271,540 shares of the information technology services providers stock valued at $3,002,625,000 after buying an additional 223,509 shares in the last quarter. Finally, Price T Rowe Associates Inc. MD lifted its position in shares of Accenture by 22.0% during the 4th quarter. Price T Rowe Associates Inc. MD now owns 9,475,017 shares of the information technology services providers stock valued at $2,528,314,000 after buying an additional 1,710,992 shares in the last quarter. Institutional investors and hedge funds own 73.97% of the companys stock. Get Accenture alerts: Analyst Ratings Changes ACN has been the topic of a number of recent analyst reports. Edward Jones upgraded Accenture from a hold rating to a buy rating in a research report on Wednesday, April 5th. BMO Capital Markets increased their target price on Accenture from $310.00 to $327.00 in a research report on Friday, March 24th. Citigroup raised their price objective on Accenture from $306.00 to $358.00 in a report on Wednesday. Royal Bank of Canada raised their price objective on Accenture from $335.00 to $340.00 and gave the company an outperform rating in a report on Friday, March 24th. Finally, William Blair restated an outperform rating on shares of Accenture in a report on Monday, March 20th. Nine analysts have rated the stock with a hold rating and twelve have issued a buy rating to the stock. Based on data from MarketBeat, the company has a consensus rating of Moderate Buy and a consensus target price of $328.00. Accenture Price Performance Shares of NYSE:ACN traded up $5.91 during midday trading on Thursday, reaching $320.96. 915,490 shares of the companys stock were exchanged, compared to its average volume of 2,463,930. The firms 50 day simple moving average is $287.05 and its two-hundred day simple moving average is $279.25. The stock has a market cap of $202.80 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 29.55, a P/E/G ratio of 2.87 and a beta of 1.24. Accenture plc has a fifty-two week low of $242.80 and a fifty-two week high of $322.88. Accenture (NYSE:ACN Get Rating) last issued its quarterly earnings data on Thursday, March 23rd. The information technology services provider reported $2.69 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, topping analysts consensus estimates of $2.49 by $0.20. The firm had revenue of $15.81 billion during the quarter, compared to the consensus estimate of $15.59 billion. Accenture had a return on equity of 30.73% and a net margin of 11.00%. The companys quarterly revenue was up 5.1% on a year-over-year basis. During the same period last year, the company earned $2.54 EPS. Equities research analysts predict that Accenture plc will post 11.58 earnings per share for the current fiscal year. Accenture Dividend Announcement The firm also recently announced a quarterly dividend, which was paid on Monday, May 15th. Investors of record on Thursday, April 13th were paid a dividend of $1.12 per share. This represents a $4.48 annualized dividend and a yield of 1.40%. The ex-dividend date was Wednesday, April 12th. Accentures payout ratio is 41.25%. Insider Buying and Selling at Accenture In other Accenture news, General Counsel Joel Unruch sold 556 shares of the businesss stock in a transaction that occurred on Friday, April 21st. The stock was sold at an average price of $276.82, for a total value of $153,911.92. Following the completion of the sale, the general counsel now owns 42,739 shares in the company, valued at $11,831,009.98. The sale was disclosed in a document filed with the SEC, which is available through this link. In other Accenture news, General Counsel Joel Unruch sold 556 shares of the businesss stock in a transaction that occurred on Friday, April 21st. The stock was sold at an average price of $276.82, for a total value of $153,911.92. Following the completion of the sale, the general counsel now owns 42,739 shares in the company, valued at $11,831,009.98. The sale was disclosed in a document filed with the SEC, which is available through this link. Also, insider Jean-Marc Ollagnier sold 6,250 shares of the businesss stock in a transaction that occurred on Friday, April 14th. The shares were sold at an average price of $280.06, for a total value of $1,750,375.00. Following the completion of the transaction, the insider now directly owns 174,084 shares in the company, valued at approximately $48,753,965.04. The disclosure for this sale can be found here. Over the last quarter, insiders sold 15,010 shares of company stock worth $4,180,030. 0.08% of the stock is owned by insiders. About Accenture (Get Rating) Accenture plc, a professional services company, provides strategy and consulting, interactive, industry X, song, and technology and operation services worldwide. The company offers application services, including agile transformation, DevOps, application modernization, enterprise architecture, software and quality engineering, data management, intelligent automation comprises robotic process automation, natural language processing, and virtual agents, and application management services, as well as software engineering services; strategy and consulting services; data and analytics strategy, data discovery and augmentation, data management and beyond, data democratization, and industrialized solutions comprises turnkey analytics and artificial intelligence (AI) solutions; metaverse; and sustainability services. Featured Stories Want to see what other hedge funds are holding ACN? Visit HoldingsChannel.com to get the latest 13F filings and insider trades for Accenture plc (NYSE:ACN Get Rating). 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. Social Leverage Acquisition Corp I (NYSE:SLAC Get Rating) and American Express (NYSE:AXP Get Rating) are both computer and technology companies, but which is the superior stock? We will compare the two companies based on the strength of their earnings, institutional ownership, risk, valuation, dividends, profitability and analyst recommendations. Risk & Volatility Social Leverage Acquisition Corp I has a beta of 0.02, suggesting that its stock price is 98% less volatile than the S&P 500. Comparatively, American Express has a beta of 1.18, suggesting that its stock price is 18% more volatile than the S&P 500. Get Social Leverage Acquisition Corp I alerts: Analyst Ratings This is a breakdown of recent recommendations and price targets for Social Leverage Acquisition Corp I and American Express, as provided by MarketBeat. Sell Ratings Hold Ratings Buy Ratings Strong Buy Ratings Rating Score Social Leverage Acquisition Corp I 0 0 0 0 N/A American Express 4 7 5 0 2.06 Profitability American Express has a consensus target price of $174.50, indicating a potential upside of 0.02%. Given American Express higher possible upside, analysts plainly believe American Express is more favorable than Social Leverage Acquisition Corp I. This table compares Social Leverage Acquisition Corp I and American Express net margins, return on equity and return on assets. Net Margins Return on Equity Return on Assets Social Leverage Acquisition Corp I N/A -15.04% 1.25% American Express 13.00% 29.44% 3.26% Insider and Institutional Ownership 69.7% of Social Leverage Acquisition Corp I shares are owned by institutional investors. Comparatively, 83.3% of American Express shares are owned by institutional investors. 20.0% of Social Leverage Acquisition Corp I shares are owned by company insiders. Comparatively, 0.1% of American Express shares are owned by company insiders. Strong institutional ownership is an indication that endowments, large money managers and hedge funds believe a company will outperform the market over the long term. Valuation and Earnings This table compares Social Leverage Acquisition Corp I and American Express revenue, earnings per share (EPS) and valuation. Gross Revenue Price/Sales Ratio Net Income Earnings Per Share Price/Earnings Ratio Social Leverage Acquisition Corp I N/A N/A $9.71 million N/A N/A American Express $55.02 billion 2.36 $7.51 billion $9.51 18.35 American Express has higher revenue and earnings than Social Leverage Acquisition Corp I. Summary American Express beats Social Leverage Acquisition Corp I on 9 of the 10 factors compared between the two stocks. About Social Leverage Acquisition Corp I (Get Rating) Social Leverage Acquisition Corp I does not have significant operations. It focuses on effecting a merger, capital stock exchange, asset acquisition, stock purchase, reorganization, or similar business combination with one or more businesses in the financial technology, enterprise software, and consumer technology industries. The company was incorporated in 2020 and is based in Scottsdale, Arizona. About American Express (Get Rating) American Express Co. engages in the provision of charge and credit card products and travel-related services. It operates through the following segments: U.S Consumer Services (USCS), Commercial Services (CS), International Card Services (ICS), Global Merchant and Network Services (GMNS), and Corporate and Other. The USCS segment issues a wide range of proprietary consumer cards to U.S consumers. The CS segment offers proprietary corporate and small business cards and provides services to U.S. businesses, including payment and expense management, banking and non-card financing products. The ICS segment focuses on a range of proprietary consumer, small business and corporate cards outside the United States. It also provides services to international customers, including travel and lifestyle services, and manages certain international joint ventures and loyalty coalition businesses. The GMNS segment operates a global payments network that processes and settles card transactions, acquires merchants, and provides multi-channel marketing programs and capabilities, services, and data analytics. The Corporate and Other segment covers corporate functions and certain other businesses and op Receive News & Ratings for Social Leverage Acquisition Corp I Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Social Leverage Acquisition Corp I and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. B. Riley Wealth Advisors Inc. increased its holdings in shares of Deere & Company (NYSE:DE Get Rating) by 16.7% during the 4th quarter, Holdings Channel reports. The institutional investor owned 23,010 shares of the industrial products companys stock after acquiring an additional 3,290 shares during the quarter. B. Riley Wealth Advisors Inc.s holdings in Deere & Company were worth $9,893,000 at the end of the most recent quarter. Other institutional investors have also recently added to or reduced their stakes in the company. Equitable Trust Co. grew its position in shares of Deere & Company by 0.8% in the 4th quarter. Equitable Trust Co. now owns 6,575 shares of the industrial products companys stock valued at $2,819,000 after buying an additional 54 shares during the last quarter. National Pension Service increased its position in Deere & Company by 2.1% during the 4th quarter. National Pension Service now owns 469,315 shares of the industrial products companys stock valued at $201,223,000 after purchasing an additional 9,751 shares during the period. Compass Wealth Management LLC acquired a new stake in Deere & Company during the 4th quarter valued at approximately $159,000. Ascent Group LLC raised its holdings in Deere & Company by 7.2% during the 4th quarter. Ascent Group LLC now owns 785 shares of the industrial products companys stock worth $337,000 after purchasing an additional 53 shares during the last quarter. Finally, Massachusetts Wealth Management acquired a new position in shares of Deere & Company in the 4th quarter worth approximately $1,937,000. 75.72% of the stock is owned by institutional investors. Get Deere & Company alerts: Insiders Place Their Bets In other news, insider Pentz Markwart Von sold 7,110 shares of Deere & Company stock in a transaction on Friday, May 26th. The stock was sold at an average price of $356.69, for a total transaction of $2,536,065.90. Following the sale, the insider now directly owns 57,115 shares in the company, valued at approximately $20,372,349.35. The transaction was disclosed in a document filed with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is available at the SEC website. In related news, insider Pentz Markwart Von sold 7,110 shares of the companys stock in a transaction that occurred on Friday, May 26th. The stock was sold at an average price of $356.69, for a total value of $2,536,065.90. Following the transaction, the insider now owns 57,115 shares in the company, valued at $20,372,349.35. The transaction was disclosed in a document filed with the SEC, which is available through the SEC website. Also, Director Tami A. Erwin acquired 675 shares of Deere & Company stock in a transaction on Tuesday, June 6th. The shares were purchased at an average cost of $371.05 per share, with a total value of $250,458.75. Following the completion of the acquisition, the director now owns 950 shares of the companys stock, valued at approximately $352,497.50. The disclosure for this purchase can be found here. Insiders own 0.26% of the companys stock. Wall Street Analyst Weigh In Deere & Company Stock Up 1.0 % A number of equities analysts recently weighed in on DE shares. Oppenheimer lowered their target price on shares of Deere & Company from $492.00 to $436.00 in a research note on Monday, May 22nd. BMO Capital Markets lowered their price objective on Deere & Company from $450.00 to $425.00 in a research report on Monday, June 5th. Sanford C. Bernstein cut their target price on Deere & Company from $398.00 to $367.00 in a research report on Monday, May 15th. Wells Fargo & Company lowered their target price on Deere & Company from $510.00 to $490.00 in a report on Monday, May 22nd. Finally, Bank of America cut their price target on Deere & Company from $484.00 to $416.00 in a report on Sunday, May 21st. Seven analysts have rated the stock with a hold rating and thirteen have issued a buy rating to the stock. According to MarketBeat.com, Deere & Company currently has a consensus rating of Moderate Buy and an average price target of $442.67. Shares of DE stock traded up $3.90 during trading hours on Thursday, reaching $402.95. The company had a trading volume of 215,064 shares, compared to its average volume of 1,665,541. The company has a market cap of $118.14 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 13.50, a price-to-earnings-growth ratio of 0.97 and a beta of 1.03. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 1.59, a current ratio of 1.96 and a quick ratio of 1.70. Deere & Company has a 12 month low of $283.81 and a 12 month high of $448.40. The business has a fifty day simple moving average of $375.18 and a 200-day simple moving average of $404.47. Deere & Company (NYSE:DE Get Rating) last posted its quarterly earnings data on Friday, May 19th. The industrial products company reported $9.65 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, topping analysts consensus estimates of $8.57 by $1.08. The firm had revenue of $16.08 billion for the quarter, compared to the consensus estimate of $14.87 billion. Deere & Company had a net margin of 15.00% and a return on equity of 43.11%. The businesss revenue for the quarter was up 33.6% compared to the same quarter last year. During the same period in the previous year, the firm earned $6.81 EPS. On average, research analysts expect that Deere & Company will post 31.91 earnings per share for the current fiscal year. Deere & Company Dividend Announcement The firm also recently declared a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Tuesday, August 8th. Investors of record on Friday, June 30th will be given a dividend of $1.25 per share. This represents a $5.00 dividend on an annualized basis and a dividend yield of 1.24%. The ex-dividend date of this dividend is Thursday, June 29th. Deere & Companys payout ratio is 16.78%. Deere & Company Company Profile (Get Rating) Deere & Co engages in the manufacture and distribution of equipment used in agriculture, construction, forestry, and turf care. It operates through the following segments: Agriculture and Turf, Construction and Forestry, and Financial Services. The Agriculture and Turf segment focuses on the distribution and manufacture of a full line of agriculture and turf equipment and related service parts. Further Reading Want to see what other hedge funds are holding DE? Visit HoldingsChannel.com to get the latest 13F filings and insider trades for Deere & Company (NYSE:DE Get Rating). Receive News & Ratings for Deere & Company Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Deere & Company and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Chelsea Counsel Co. purchased a new stake in shares of Duke Energy Co. (NYSE:DUK Get Rating) in the 4th quarter, according to its most recent 13F filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission. The firm purchased 1,951 shares of the utilities providers stock, valued at approximately $201,000. Several other large investors have also recently modified their holdings of DUK. Fairfield Bush & CO. bought a new position in shares of Duke Energy in the first quarter worth approximately $40,000. Cibc World Market Inc. increased its stake in Duke Energy by 1.2% in the 1st quarter. Cibc World Market Inc. now owns 47,250 shares of the utilities providers stock worth $5,276,000 after buying an additional 581 shares in the last quarter. Sequoia Financial Advisors LLC lifted its position in shares of Duke Energy by 29.5% in the first quarter. Sequoia Financial Advisors LLC now owns 9,751 shares of the utilities providers stock valued at $1,089,000 after acquiring an additional 2,223 shares in the last quarter. Covestor Ltd grew its position in shares of Duke Energy by 447.8% during the first quarter. Covestor Ltd now owns 1,260 shares of the utilities providers stock worth $141,000 after purchasing an additional 1,030 shares in the last quarter. Finally, Mather Group LLC. raised its stake in Duke Energy by 5.2% during the 1st quarter. Mather Group LLC. now owns 6,505 shares of the utilities providers stock valued at $726,000 after purchasing an additional 322 shares during the period. Hedge funds and other institutional investors own 63.22% of the companys stock. Get Duke Energy alerts: Duke Energy Trading Up 0.3 % Shares of NYSE:DUK traded up $0.31 on Thursday, hitting $91.16. 909,475 shares of the companys stock were exchanged, compared to its average volume of 2,944,308. Duke Energy Co. has a 12 month low of $83.76 and a 12 month high of $113.67. The stock has a market capitalization of $70.25 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 27.95, a price-to-earnings-growth ratio of 2.62 and a beta of 0.43. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 1.38, a current ratio of 0.77 and a quick ratio of 0.53. The businesss 50 day simple moving average is $95.07 and its two-hundred day simple moving average is $97.96. Duke Energy Dividend Announcement Duke Energy ( NYSE:DUK Get Rating ) last announced its quarterly earnings results on Tuesday, May 9th. The utilities provider reported $1.20 earnings per share for the quarter, missing the consensus estimate of $1.40 by ($0.20). Duke Energy had a net margin of 8.89% and a return on equity of 8.39%. The company had revenue of $7.28 billion for the quarter, compared to analysts expectations of $6.26 billion. During the same quarter in the prior year, the business posted $1.30 earnings per share. The firms revenue was up 2.0% compared to the same quarter last year. Analysts anticipate that Duke Energy Co. will post 5.61 EPS for the current fiscal year. The company also recently disclosed a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Friday, June 16th. Shareholders of record on Friday, May 12th will be given a $1.005 dividend. The ex-dividend date of this dividend is Thursday, May 11th. This represents a $4.02 dividend on an annualized basis and a dividend yield of 4.41%. Duke Energys dividend payout ratio (DPR) is currently 123.69%. Wall Street Analyst Weigh In A number of brokerages have issued reports on DUK. Seaport Res Ptn raised shares of Duke Energy from a sell rating to a neutral rating in a report on Friday, March 17th. BMO Capital Markets reduced their price target on shares of Duke Energy from $109.00 to $102.00 in a report on Tuesday. Royal Bank of Canada dropped their price objective on shares of Duke Energy from $116.00 to $112.00 and set a sector perform rating for the company in a report on Thursday, February 16th. Mizuho reduced their target price on Duke Energy from $107.00 to $92.00 in a report on Tuesday. Finally, Morgan Stanley increased their target price on Duke Energy from $99.00 to $108.00 and gave the company an equal weight rating in a research report on Thursday, April 20th. Nine equities research analysts have rated the stock with a hold rating and two have issued a buy rating to the company. According to MarketBeat, Duke Energy currently has a consensus rating of Hold and a consensus price target of $103.38. Duke Energy Company Profile (Get Rating) Duke Energy Corporation, together with its subsidiaries, operates as an energy company in the United States. It operates through two segments, Electric Utilities and Infrastructure (EU&I) and Gas Utilities and Infrastructure (GU&I). The EU&I segment generates, transmits, distributes, and sells electricity in the Carolinas, Florida, and the Midwest; and uses coal, hydroelectric, natural gas, oil, solar and wind sources, renewables, and nuclear fuel to generate electricity. See Also Receive News & Ratings for Duke Energy Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Duke Energy and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Chelsea Counsel Co. lessened its position in shares of American Water Works Company, Inc. (NYSE:AWK Get Rating) by 11.9% during the 4th quarter, Holdings Channel reports. The firm owned 20,100 shares of the utilities providers stock after selling 2,710 shares during the quarter. American Water Works comprises 1.5% of Chelsea Counsel Co.s portfolio, making the stock its 19th largest holding. Chelsea Counsel Co.s holdings in American Water Works were worth $3,064,000 as of its most recent SEC filing. Other hedge funds have also recently modified their holdings of the company. Vanguard Group Inc. raised its stake in American Water Works by 0.7% during the third quarter. Vanguard Group Inc. now owns 22,489,085 shares of the utilities providers stock worth $2,927,179,000 after purchasing an additional 161,915 shares during the period. BlackRock Inc. lifted its holdings in American Water Works by 1.0% in the third quarter. BlackRock Inc. now owns 16,530,383 shares of the utilities providers stock valued at $2,151,593,000 after acquiring an additional 160,435 shares during the last quarter. State Street Corp increased its stake in American Water Works by 1.5% during the third quarter. State Street Corp now owns 10,679,936 shares of the utilities providers stock worth $1,390,100,000 after acquiring an additional 153,609 shares during the last quarter. Impax Asset Management Group plc lifted its stake in shares of American Water Works by 4.1% in the 4th quarter. Impax Asset Management Group plc now owns 4,841,870 shares of the utilities providers stock valued at $737,128,000 after purchasing an additional 190,452 shares during the last quarter. Finally, Amundi grew its holdings in shares of American Water Works by 11.5% during the 4th quarter. Amundi now owns 3,710,554 shares of the utilities providers stock worth $588,579,000 after purchasing an additional 382,239 shares during the period. Hedge funds and other institutional investors own 83.06% of the companys stock. Get American Water Works alerts: Insider Activity In related news, Director Michael Marberry purchased 1,400 shares of the stock in a transaction that occurred on Thursday, May 18th. The shares were purchased at an average price of $142.35 per share, with a total value of $199,290.00. Following the completion of the acquisition, the director now directly owns 3,673 shares in the company, valued at approximately $522,851.55. The transaction was disclosed in a legal filing with the SEC, which is available at this hyperlink. Corporate insiders own 0.08% of the companys stock. American Water Works Stock Up 0.8 % AWK stock traded up $1.10 during midday trading on Thursday, reaching $147.21. 223,752 shares of the company were exchanged, compared to its average volume of 1,035,773. The stocks 50-day simple moving average is $147.27 and its 200 day simple moving average is $148.87. American Water Works Company, Inc. has a 1-year low of $122.77 and a 1-year high of $162.59. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 1.10, a quick ratio of 0.65 and a current ratio of 0.71. The company has a market cap of $28.65 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 32.09, a price-to-earnings-growth ratio of 3.73 and a beta of 0.58. American Water Works (NYSE:AWK Get Rating) last released its quarterly earnings results on Thursday, April 27th. The utilities provider reported $0.91 EPS for the quarter, missing the consensus estimate of $0.92 by ($0.01). The firm had revenue of $938.00 million for the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of $903.84 million. American Water Works had a return on equity of 10.22% and a net margin of 21.40%. The companys quarterly revenue was up 11.4% on a year-over-year basis. During the same period last year, the firm earned $0.87 EPS. On average, equities analysts forecast that American Water Works Company, Inc. will post 4.77 earnings per share for the current year. American Water Works Increases Dividend The firm also recently disclosed a quarterly dividend, which was paid on Thursday, June 1st. Shareholders of record on Tuesday, May 9th were paid a $0.7075 dividend. The ex-dividend date of this dividend was Monday, May 8th. This is a positive change from American Water Workss previous quarterly dividend of $0.66. This represents a $2.83 dividend on an annualized basis and a yield of 1.92%. American Water Workss payout ratio is currently 62.20%. Wall Street Analysts Forecast Growth A number of analysts have issued reports on AWK shares. Royal Bank of Canada restated an outperform rating and set a $180.00 price target on shares of American Water Works in a research note on Tuesday, March 7th. TheStreet cut shares of American Water Works from a b rating to a c+ rating in a research report on Wednesday, February 15th. Bank of America raised their price target on shares of American Water Works from $134.00 to $140.00 in a research report on Monday, April 24th. Finally, StockNews.com started coverage on American Water Works in a research note on Thursday, May 18th. They issued a hold rating for the company. Six research analysts have rated the stock with a hold rating and two have given a buy rating to the companys stock. According to data from MarketBeat.com, American Water Works has a consensus rating of Hold and a consensus price target of $156.00. American Water Works Company Profile (Get Rating) American Water Works Co, Inc engages in the provision of complementary water and wastewater services. It operates through the following segments: Regulated Businesses, Market-Based Businesses, and Other. The Regulated Businesses segment offers water and wastewater services to customers. The Market-Based Businesses segment includes the military services group, which enters into long-term contracts with the U.S. Featured Articles Want to see what other hedge funds are holding AWK? Visit HoldingsChannel.com to get the latest 13F filings and insider trades for American Water Works Company, Inc. (NYSE:AWK Get Rating). Receive News & Ratings for American Water Works Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for American Water Works and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Chesapeake Wealth Management grew its position in Bristol-Myers Squibb (NYSE:BMY Get Rating) by 3.7% during the 4th quarter, according to its most recent 13F filing with the SEC. The institutional investor owned 20,022 shares of the biopharmaceutical companys stock after purchasing an additional 710 shares during the period. Chesapeake Wealth Managements holdings in Bristol-Myers Squibb were worth $1,441,000 as of its most recent filing with the SEC. Several other institutional investors and hedge funds also recently made changes to their positions in BMY. True Wealth Design LLC acquired a new stake in shares of Bristol-Myers Squibb in the 4th quarter valued at $26,000. Coppell Advisory Solutions Corp. acquired a new position in Bristol-Myers Squibb during the 4th quarter worth about $31,000. Live Oak Investment Partners acquired a new position in Bristol-Myers Squibb during the 4th quarter worth about $33,000. My Personal CFO LLC acquired a new position in Bristol-Myers Squibb during the 4th quarter worth about $35,000. Finally, VitalStone Financial LLC acquired a new position in Bristol-Myers Squibb during the 4th quarter worth about $36,000. Institutional investors and hedge funds own 75.51% of the companys stock. Get Bristol-Myers Squibb alerts: Wall Street Analyst Weigh In BMY has been the topic of several research reports. Bank of America upped their price target on shares of Bristol-Myers Squibb from $82.00 to $85.00 and gave the stock a buy rating in a research report on Friday, April 21st. StockNews.com began coverage on shares of Bristol-Myers Squibb in a research report on Thursday, May 18th. They set a strong-buy rating on the stock. Credit Suisse Group cut their target price on shares of Bristol-Myers Squibb from $78.00 to $72.00 in a research report on Friday, April 28th. Jefferies Financial Group began coverage on shares of Bristol-Myers Squibb in a research report on Monday, March 6th. They set a hold rating and a $62.00 target price on the stock. Finally, Barclays cut their target price on shares of Bristol-Myers Squibb from $66.00 to $65.00 in a research report on Monday, May 1st. One investment analyst has rated the stock with a sell rating, six have assigned a hold rating, six have given a buy rating and one has issued a strong buy rating to the companys stock. According to MarketBeat.com, the company presently has an average rating of Moderate Buy and a consensus target price of $78.62. Insider Buying and Selling Bristol-Myers Squibb Trading Up 0.4 % In related news, EVP Rupert Vessey sold 50,385 shares of the stock in a transaction that occurred on Wednesday, May 3rd. The stock was sold at an average price of $67.06, for a total transaction of $3,378,818.10. Following the completion of the sale, the executive vice president now directly owns 47,751 shares of the companys stock, valued at approximately $3,202,182.06. The transaction was disclosed in a document filed with the SEC, which is available through the SEC website . 0.09% of the stock is owned by company insiders. Shares of BMY stock traded up $0.26 on Thursday, reaching $64.42. The company had a trading volume of 2,241,294 shares, compared to its average volume of 7,970,510. The company has a current ratio of 1.42, a quick ratio of 1.28 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 1.10. The stock has a market cap of $135.34 billion, a PE ratio of 18.70, a PEG ratio of 1.33 and a beta of 0.44. The company has a 50-day moving average of $67.39 and a 200-day moving average of $70.46. Bristol-Myers Squibb has a 12 month low of $63.07 and a 12 month high of $81.43. Bristol-Myers Squibb (NYSE:BMY Get Rating) last announced its quarterly earnings results on Thursday, April 27th. The biopharmaceutical company reported $2.05 EPS for the quarter, beating analysts consensus estimates of $1.98 by $0.07. Bristol-Myers Squibb had a return on equity of 51.75% and a net margin of 15.95%. The company had revenue of $11.34 billion during the quarter, compared to analysts expectations of $11.50 billion. During the same period in the prior year, the business posted $1.96 EPS. Bristol-Myers Squibbs revenue was down 2.7% on a year-over-year basis. On average, equities analysts forecast that Bristol-Myers Squibb will post 8.06 earnings per share for the current year. Bristol-Myers Squibb Profile (Get Rating) Bristol Myers Squibb Co engages in the discovery, development, licensing, manufacture, marketing, distribution, and sale of biopharmaceutical products. It offers chemically-synthesized drugs or small molecules and products produced from biological processes called biologics. The company was founded in August 1933 and is headquartered in New York, NY. Further Reading Want to see what other hedge funds are holding BMY? Visit HoldingsChannel.com to get the latest 13F filings and insider trades for Bristol-Myers Squibb (NYSE:BMY Get Rating). Receive News & Ratings for Bristol-Myers Squibb Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Bristol-Myers Squibb and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Teachers Retirement System of The State of Kentucky reduced its position in Eli Lilly and Company (NYSE:LLY Get Rating) by 2.5% during the 4th quarter, according to its most recent filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). The institutional investor owned 151,126 shares of the companys stock after selling 3,954 shares during the period. Eli Lilly and makes up approximately 0.6% of Teachers Retirement System of The State of Kentuckys holdings, making the stock its 20th largest holding. Teachers Retirement System of The State of Kentuckys holdings in Eli Lilly and were worth $55,288,000 at the end of the most recent quarter. Other hedge funds and other institutional investors have also modified their holdings of the company. Y.D. More Investments Ltd acquired a new position in shares of Eli Lilly and in the 4th quarter valued at about $26,000. Destiny Wealth Partners LLC boosted its holdings in Eli Lilly and by 97.8% in the 4th quarter. Destiny Wealth Partners LLC now owns 91 shares of the companys stock worth $33,000 after acquiring an additional 45 shares during the period. New England Capital Financial Advisors LLC purchased a new position in Eli Lilly and in the 4th quarter worth approximately $35,000. Tanglewood Legacy Advisors LLC purchased a new position in Eli Lilly and in the 4th quarter worth approximately $37,000. Finally, Freedom Wealth Alliance LLC purchased a new position in Eli Lilly and in the 4th quarter worth approximately $37,000. 82.13% of the stock is owned by institutional investors and hedge funds. Get Eli Lilly and alerts: Insider Activity In other news, major shareholder Lilly Endowment Inc sold 200,000 shares of the firms stock in a transaction on Friday, March 24th. The stock was sold at an average price of $335.82, for a total transaction of $67,164,000.00. Following the transaction, the insider now directly owns 102,748,810 shares of the companys stock, valued at $34,505,105,374.20. The sale was disclosed in a filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is available through the SEC website. In other news, major shareholder Lilly Endowment Inc sold 200,000 shares of the firms stock in a transaction on Friday, March 24th. The stock was sold at an average price of $335.82, for a total transaction of $67,164,000.00. Following the transaction, the insider now directly owns 102,748,810 shares of the companys stock, valued at $34,505,105,374.20. The sale was disclosed in a filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is available through the SEC website. Also, EVP Patrik Jonsson sold 6,000 shares of the firms stock in a transaction dated Thursday, June 1st. The shares were sold at an average price of $429.46, for a total value of $2,576,760.00. Following the transaction, the executive vice president now directly owns 36,941 shares of the companys stock, valued at approximately $15,864,681.86. The disclosure for this sale can be found here. Over the last ninety days, insiders have sold 1,309,605 shares of company stock valued at $499,897,233. Company insiders own 0.13% of the companys stock. Analyst Upgrades and Downgrades Eli Lilly and Stock Performance A number of research firms have weighed in on LLY. Guggenheim decreased their price target on Eli Lilly and from $395.00 to $392.00 and set a buy rating for the company in a report on Tuesday, April 11th. Barclays increased their target price on Eli Lilly and from $400.00 to $420.00 in a research note on Monday, May 1st. UBS Group increased their target price on Eli Lilly and from $447.00 to $498.00 and gave the company a buy rating in a research note on Wednesday, May 24th. Societe Generale cut Eli Lilly and from a hold rating to a sell rating and set a $278.00 target price for the company. in a research note on Wednesday, February 15th. Finally, Wells Fargo & Company increased their target price on Eli Lilly and from $440.00 to $500.00 in a research note on Friday, May 26th. One analyst has rated the stock with a sell rating, two have issued a hold rating and thirteen have given a buy rating to the company. Based on data from MarketBeat, Eli Lilly and presently has an average rating of Moderate Buy and a consensus target price of $425.05. NYSE LLY traded up $4.80 during trading hours on Thursday, hitting $452.52. The company had a trading volume of 760,201 shares, compared to its average volume of 3,086,627. Eli Lilly and Company has a fifty-two week low of $283.11 and a fifty-two week high of $456.58. The company has a quick ratio of 1.02, a current ratio of 1.30 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 1.67. The business has a fifty day simple moving average of $413.90 and a 200-day simple moving average of $369.76. The firm has a market cap of $429.56 billion, a P/E ratio of 71.18, a price-to-earnings-growth ratio of 2.22 and a beta of 0.36. Eli Lilly and (NYSE:LLY Get Rating) last issued its earnings results on Thursday, April 27th. The company reported $1.62 earnings per share for the quarter, missing the consensus estimate of $1.73 by ($0.11). Eli Lilly and had a return on equity of 61.42% and a net margin of 20.54%. The company had revenue of $6.96 billion during the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of $6.87 billion. During the same period in the prior year, the business earned $2.62 earnings per share. Eli Lilly ands quarterly revenue was down 10.9% on a year-over-year basis. Equities analysts predict that Eli Lilly and Company will post 8.79 EPS for the current year. Eli Lilly and Announces Dividend The firm also recently declared a quarterly dividend, which was paid on Friday, June 9th. Stockholders of record on Monday, May 15th were issued a dividend of $1.13 per share. This represents a $4.52 dividend on an annualized basis and a dividend yield of 1.00%. The ex-dividend date of this dividend was Friday, May 12th. Eli Lilly ands dividend payout ratio (DPR) is 71.86%. Eli Lilly and Profile (Get Rating) Eli Lilly & Co engages in the discovery, development, manufacture, and sale of pharmaceutical products. The firms products consist of diabetes, oncology, immunology, neuroscience, and other products and therapies. The company was founded by Eli Lilly in May 1876 and is headquartered in Indianapolis, IN. Featured Stories Want to see what other hedge funds are holding LLY? Visit HoldingsChannel.com to get the latest 13F filings and insider trades for Eli Lilly and Company (NYSE:LLY Get Rating). Receive News & Ratings for Eli Lilly and Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Eli Lilly and and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Artificial Intelligence Technology Solutions (OTCMKTS:AITX Get Rating) and Fathom Digital Manufacturing (NYSE:FATH Get Rating) are both computer and technology companies, but which is the better stock? We will contrast the two businesses based on the strength of their risk, earnings, valuation, institutional ownership, dividends, analyst recommendations and profitability. Analyst Recommendations This is a breakdown of current ratings for Artificial Intelligence Technology Solutions and Fathom Digital Manufacturing, as provided by MarketBeat. Get Artificial Intelligence Technology Solutions alerts: Sell Ratings Hold Ratings Buy Ratings Strong Buy Ratings Rating Score Artificial Intelligence Technology Solutions 0 0 0 0 N/A Fathom Digital Manufacturing 0 2 2 0 2.50 Fathom Digital Manufacturing has a consensus target price of $2.00, suggesting a potential upside of 426.32%. Given Fathom Digital Manufacturings higher possible upside, analysts plainly believe Fathom Digital Manufacturing is more favorable than Artificial Intelligence Technology Solutions. Earnings & Valuation Gross Revenue Price/Sales Ratio Net Income Earnings Per Share Price/Earnings Ratio Artificial Intelligence Technology Solutions N/A N/A N/A $0.00 57.86 Fathom Digital Manufacturing $161.14 million 0.32 -$488.58 million N/A N/A This table compares Artificial Intelligence Technology Solutions and Fathom Digital Manufacturings top-line revenue, earnings per share and valuation. Artificial Intelligence Technology Solutions has higher earnings, but lower revenue than Fathom Digital Manufacturing. Insider and Institutional Ownership 0.1% of Artificial Intelligence Technology Solutions shares are owned by institutional investors. Comparatively, 21.6% of Fathom Digital Manufacturing shares are owned by institutional investors. 0.5% of Artificial Intelligence Technology Solutions shares are owned by company insiders. Comparatively, 65.4% of Fathom Digital Manufacturing shares are owned by company insiders. Strong institutional ownership is an indication that hedge funds, large money managers and endowments believe a company is poised for long-term growth. Profitability This table compares Artificial Intelligence Technology Solutions and Fathom Digital Manufacturings net margins, return on equity and return on assets. Net Margins Return on Equity Return on Assets Artificial Intelligence Technology Solutions N/A N/A N/A Fathom Digital Manufacturing -328.22% -62.49% -17.37% Summary Fathom Digital Manufacturing beats Artificial Intelligence Technology Solutions on 5 of the 8 factors compared between the two stocks. About Artificial Intelligence Technology Solutions (Get Rating) Artificial Intelligence Technology Solutions Inc. focuses on the delivery of artificial intelligence and robotic solutions for operational, security, and monitoring needs. It develops front-end and back-end software solutions. The company also provides RIO, a portable, solar-powered, and wide-area security device; ROSA-P, a switched-powered security and safety solution; RADDOG, a security industry's purpose-built mobile robot dog; ROSS, a software solution which enables millions of IP security cameras; and ROAMEO, an unmanned ground vehicle. In addition, it offers RADGuard, a customer-facing software; RADSOC, a security operations center; RADPMC, a property management center; RAD Mobile SOC; RAD Light My Way; RAD-dogs; AVA, an autonomous access control / vehicle access device; and RIO, a portable solar-powered and wide-area security devices. The company was formerly known as On The Move Systems Corp. and changed its name to Artificial Intelligence Technology Solutions Inc. in August 2018. Artificial Intelligence Technology Solutions Inc. was founded in 2016 is based in Ferndale, Michigan. About Fathom Digital Manufacturing (Get Rating) Fathom Digital Manufacturing Corporation, a digital manufacturing platform, provides product development and manufacturing services in North America. It provides plastic and metal additive manufacturing, computer numerical control machining, injection molding and tooling, precision sheet metal fabrication, design engineering, and catering services. The company serves the technology, defense, aerospace, medical, automotive, and IOT sectors. Fathom Digital Manufacturing Corporation was founded in 1984 and is headquartered in Hartland, Wisconsin. Receive News & Ratings for Artificial Intelligence Technology Solutions Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Artificial Intelligence Technology Solutions and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Guggenheim upgraded shares of CenterPoint Energy (NYSE:CNP Get Rating) from a neutral rating to a buy rating in a report released on Monday morning, The Fly reports. They currently have $32.00 price target on the utilities providers stock. Other analysts have also recently issued reports about the stock. Royal Bank of Canada restated an outperform rating and issued a $33.00 price objective on shares of CenterPoint Energy in a research note on Monday, March 6th. Bank of America boosted their target price on shares of CenterPoint Energy from $30.00 to $35.00 and gave the stock a buy rating in a research report on Friday, April 14th. Morgan Stanley boosted their target price on shares of CenterPoint Energy from $28.00 to $30.00 and gave the stock an overweight rating in a research report on Thursday, April 20th. UBS Group lowered shares of CenterPoint Energy from a buy rating to a neutral rating and dropped their target price for the stock from $33.00 to $30.00 in a research report on Tuesday, June 6th. They noted that the move was a valuation call. Finally, StockNews.com lowered shares of CenterPoint Energy from a hold rating to a sell rating in a research report on Sunday. One research analyst has rated the stock with a sell rating, one has issued a hold rating and seven have assigned a buy rating to the company. According to data from MarketBeat, the company currently has a consensus rating of Moderate Buy and an average price target of $32.44. Get CenterPoint Energy alerts: CenterPoint Energy Stock Performance CenterPoint Energy stock opened at $29.03 on Monday. The firms 50 day simple moving average is $29.65 and its 200-day simple moving average is $29.63. The company has a market cap of $18.32 billion, a P/E ratio of 23.04, a price-to-earnings-growth ratio of 2.62 and a beta of 0.88. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 1.65, a current ratio of 1.00 and a quick ratio of 0.75. CenterPoint Energy has a fifty-two week low of $25.03 and a fifty-two week high of $33.50. CenterPoint Energy Announces Dividend CenterPoint Energy ( NYSE:CNP Get Rating ) last posted its quarterly earnings results on Thursday, April 27th. The utilities provider reported $0.50 EPS for the quarter, topping the consensus estimate of $0.48 by $0.02. The business had revenue of $2.78 billion during the quarter, compared to analysts expectations of $2.79 billion. CenterPoint Energy had a net margin of 8.99% and a return on equity of 9.97%. During the same period last year, the company posted $0.47 earnings per share. As a group, equities research analysts predict that CenterPoint Energy will post 1.49 EPS for the current year. The business also recently announced a quarterly dividend, which was paid on Thursday, June 8th. Investors of record on Thursday, May 18th were issued a $0.19 dividend. This represents a $0.76 annualized dividend and a yield of 2.62%. The ex-dividend date of this dividend was Wednesday, May 17th. CenterPoint Energys payout ratio is presently 60.32%. Insider Activity at CenterPoint Energy In other CenterPoint Energy news, Director Ted Pound sold 2,770 shares of the stock in a transaction that occurred on Friday, May 5th. The stock was sold at an average price of $30.50, for a total transaction of $84,485.00. Following the transaction, the director now directly owns 46,541 shares in the company, valued at approximately $1,419,500.50. The transaction was disclosed in a document filed with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is available through this link. In related news, Director Barry T. Smitherman sold 5,000 shares of the stock in a transaction on Monday, May 8th. The stock was sold at an average price of $30.51, for a total value of $152,550.00. Following the completion of the sale, the director now directly owns 21,075 shares of the companys stock, valued at approximately $642,998.25. The transaction was disclosed in a legal filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is available at this link. Also, Director Ted Pound sold 2,770 shares of the firms stock in a transaction on Friday, May 5th. The shares were sold at an average price of $30.50, for a total value of $84,485.00. Following the sale, the director now directly owns 46,541 shares of the companys stock, valued at $1,419,500.50. The disclosure for this sale can be found here. 0.18% of the stock is currently owned by company insiders. Institutional Inflows and Outflows Several institutional investors and hedge funds have recently made changes to their positions in CNP. Securian Asset Management Inc. boosted its position in shares of CenterPoint Energy by 0.6% during the 1st quarter. Securian Asset Management Inc. now owns 52,022 shares of the utilities providers stock valued at $1,533,000 after acquiring an additional 333 shares during the last quarter. AdvisorNet Financial Inc raised its holdings in shares of CenterPoint Energy by 3.3% during the 1st quarter. AdvisorNet Financial Inc now owns 11,019 shares of the utilities providers stock valued at $325,000 after buying an additional 349 shares in the last quarter. Bogart Wealth LLC raised its holdings in shares of CenterPoint Energy by 44.9% during the 1st quarter. Bogart Wealth LLC now owns 1,152 shares of the utilities providers stock valued at $34,000 after buying an additional 357 shares in the last quarter. Advisor Partners II LLC raised its holdings in shares of CenterPoint Energy by 1.2% during the 1st quarter. Advisor Partners II LLC now owns 29,370 shares of the utilities providers stock valued at $865,000 after buying an additional 357 shares in the last quarter. Finally, Texas Permanent School Fund raised its holdings in shares of CenterPoint Energy by 0.4% during the 4th quarter. Texas Permanent School Fund now owns 89,445 shares of the utilities providers stock valued at $2,682,000 after buying an additional 374 shares in the last quarter. Institutional investors own 90.28% of the companys stock. About CenterPoint Energy (Get Rating) CenterPoint Energy, Inc is a holding company, which engages in the business of power generation and distribution. It operates through the following segments: CenterPoint Energy, Houston Electric, and CERC. The CenterPoint Energy segment consists of electric transmission and distribution services in the Texas gulf coast area in the ERCOT region and electric transmission and distribution services primarily to southwestern Indiana and includes power generation and wholesale power operations in the MISO region. Featured Articles Receive News & Ratings for CenterPoint Energy Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for CenterPoint Energy and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Huatai Securities Co., Ltd. (OTCMKTS:HUATF Get Rating) saw a large drop in short interest in May. As of May 31st, there was short interest totalling 2,170,800 shares, a drop of 54.4% from the May 15th total of 4,764,600 shares. Based on an average daily volume of 0 shares, the short-interest ratio is currently days. Huatai Securities Stock Performance HUATF stock remained flat at 1.25 during midday trading on Thursday. Huatai Securities has a fifty-two week low of 1.12 and a fifty-two week high of 1.25. The stocks fifty day moving average is 1.25. Get Huatai Securities alerts: About Huatai Securities (Get Rating) Read More Huatai Securities Co, Ltd., a security company, provides financial services in Mainland China and internationally. The company buys and sells stocks, funds, bonds, futures, and options on behalf of clients; and provides various financial products and asset allocation, margin financing, securities lending, securities-backed lending, and margin securities lending services. Receive News & Ratings for Huatai Securities Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Huatai Securities and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Intu Properties plc (LON:INTU Get Rating) shares crossed below its 200-day moving average during trading on Tuesday . The stock has a 200-day moving average of GBX 1.78 ($0.02) and traded as low as GBX 0.56 ($0.01). Intu Properties shares last traded at GBX 1.78 ($0.02), with a volume of 165,598,938 shares trading hands. Intu Properties Stock Down 54.6 % The firms 50-day simple moving average is GBX 1.78 and its two-hundred day simple moving average is GBX 1.78. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 271.93, a quick ratio of 0.80 and a current ratio of 1.35. The stock has a market cap of 24.07 million and a price-to-earnings ratio of -0.01. Intu Properties Company Profile (Get Rating) Intu owns and manages some of the best shopping centres, in some of the strongest locations, in the UK and Spain. Our UK portfolio is made up of 17 centres, including eight of the top-20, and in Spain we own three of the country's top-10 centres, with advanced plans to build a fourth. We are passionate about creating compelling experiences, in centre and online, that make our customers smile and help our retailers flourish. Featured Stories Receive News & Ratings for Intu Properties Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Intu Properties and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Smartsheet Inc (NYSE:SMAR Get Rating) saw unusually large options trading activity on Wednesday. Stock traders bought 2,730 call options on the company. This represents an increase of 102% compared to the average daily volume of 1,352 call options. Wall Street Analyst Weigh In Several brokerages have recently weighed in on SMAR. Morgan Stanley lowered their price target on shares of Smartsheet from $56.00 to $55.00 in a research report on Thursday, June 8th. Credit Suisse Group reiterated a neutral rating and issued a $40.00 price target on shares of Smartsheet in a research note on Wednesday, March 15th. Wells Fargo & Company increased their price target on shares of Smartsheet from $45.00 to $50.00 and gave the company an overweight rating in a research note on Wednesday, March 15th. KeyCorp increased their price objective on Smartsheet from $48.00 to $53.00 and gave the company an overweight rating in a report on Wednesday, March 15th. Finally, Guggenheim increased their price target on Smartsheet from $54.00 to $57.00 and gave the stock a buy rating in a report on Friday, March 24th. Four equities research analysts have rated the stock with a hold rating and twelve have given a buy rating to the company. According to MarketBeat, the company currently has a consensus rating of Moderate Buy and an average price target of $48.82. Get Smartsheet alerts: Insider Buying and Selling In other news, insider Jolene Lau Marshall sold 1,051 shares of Smartsheet stock in a transaction that occurred 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 completion of the transaction, the insider now directly owns 6,585 shares of the companys stock, valued at approximately $291,781.35. The transaction was disclosed in a legal filing with the SEC, which is available through the SEC website. In related news, CRO Michael Arntz sold 7,961 shares of the businesss 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 completion of the sale, the executive now owns 10,522 shares of the companys stock, valued at approximately $502,109.84. The sale was disclosed in a legal filing with the SEC, which is available through this hyperlink. Also, insider Jolene Lau Marshall sold 1,051 shares of the businesss 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 directly owns 6,585 shares of the companys stock, valued at approximately $291,781.35. The disclosure for this sale can be found here. Insiders sold 23,430 shares of company stock worth $1,115,359 in the last three months. Corporate insiders own 4.71% of the companys stock. Institutional Investors Weigh In On Smartsheet Smartsheet Stock Performance Hedge funds and other institutional investors have recently made changes to their positions in the company. Delphia USA Inc. increased its position in Smartsheet by 4.0% in the 1st quarter. Delphia USA Inc. now owns 7,260 shares of the companys stock worth $347,000 after buying an additional 281 shares during the period. Price T Rowe Associates Inc. MD boosted its stake in Smartsheet by 0.5% in the 4th quarter. Price T Rowe Associates Inc. MD now owns 75,396 shares of the companys stock valued at $2,968,000 after buying an additional 343 shares in the last quarter. Royal Bank of Canada boosted its stake in Smartsheet by 1.0% in the third quarter. Royal Bank of Canada now owns 37,005 shares of the companys stock worth $1,272,000 after purchasing an additional 364 shares in the last quarter. Treasurer of the State of North Carolina increased its holdings in Smartsheet by 0.7% in the first quarter. Treasurer of the State of North Carolina now owns 55,579 shares of the companys stock valued at $2,657,000 after purchasing an additional 390 shares during the last quarter. Finally, Amalgamated Bank increased its holdings in Smartsheet by 1.4% in the third quarter. Amalgamated Bank now owns 28,532 shares of the companys stock valued at $980,000 after purchasing an additional 397 shares during the last quarter. 89.50% of the stock is owned by hedge funds and other institutional investors. Shares of Smartsheet stock traded up $2.25 during trading on Thursday, hitting $43.38. 2,050,073 shares of the stock were exchanged, compared to its average volume of 1,468,143. The stocks fifty day moving average is $44.04 and its 200 day moving average is $42.69. The stock has a market cap of $5.75 billion, a PE ratio of -30.76 and a beta of 1.04. Smartsheet has a 12 month low of $25.09 and a 12 month high of $52.81. Smartsheet (NYSE:SMAR Get Rating) last released its earnings results on Wednesday, June 7th. The company reported $0.18 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, beating analysts consensus estimates of $0.08 by $0.10. The company had revenue of $219.89 million during the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of $214.12 million. Smartsheet had a negative return on equity of 34.29% and a negative net margin of 21.39%. The companys revenue for the quarter was up 30.6% on a year-over-year basis. During the same quarter in the prior year, the company earned ($0.53) earnings per share. Sell-side analysts anticipate that Smartsheet will post -1.15 EPS for the current fiscal year. About Smartsheet (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. Further Reading 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. Kroger (NYSE:KR Get Rating) released its earnings results on Thursday. The company reported $1.51 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, topping the consensus estimate of $1.46 by $0.05, MarketWatch Earnings reports. The firm had revenue of $45.17 billion during the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of $45.26 billion. Kroger had a net margin of 1.51% and a return on equity of 31.84%. The businesss revenue was up 1.3% on a year-over-year basis. During the same quarter last year, the business earned $1.45 EPS. Kroger updated its FY24 guidance to $4.45-4.60 EPS. Kroger Stock Performance NYSE KR traded down $2.07 on Thursday, reaching $45.14. 8,236,036 shares of the companys stock traded hands, compared to its average volume of 5,346,599. Kroger has a fifty-two week low of $41.81 and a fifty-two week high of $52.00. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 1.21, a quick ratio of 0.30 and a current ratio of 0.74. The firm has a market cap of $32.39 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 14.60, a P/E/G ratio of 1.73 and a beta of 0.47. The stock has a 50 day moving average price of $47.92 and a 200-day moving average price of $46.59. Get Kroger alerts: Insider Buying and Selling at Kroger In other Kroger news, VP Christine S. Wheatley sold 25,000 shares of the companys stock in a transaction that occurred on Thursday, April 20th. The stock was sold at an average price of $47.49, for a total value of $1,187,250.00. Following the sale, the vice president now owns 126,866 shares in the company, valued at approximately $6,024,866.34. The transaction was disclosed in a legal filing with the SEC, which is available at the SEC website. In related news, VP Christine S. Wheatley sold 25,000 shares of the businesss stock in a transaction on Thursday, April 20th. The shares were sold at an average price of $47.49, for a total value of $1,187,250.00. Following the completion of the sale, the vice president now owns 126,866 shares of the companys stock, valued at approximately $6,024,866.34. The sale was disclosed in a legal filing with the SEC, which is available through this hyperlink. Also, CFO Gary Millerchip sold 30,182 shares of the stock in a transaction on Monday, March 27th. The shares were sold at an average price of $48.88, for a total transaction of $1,475,296.16. Following the transaction, the chief financial officer now directly owns 185,423 shares in the company, valued at $9,063,476.24. The disclosure for this sale can be found here. In the last quarter, insiders sold 132,206 shares of company stock worth $6,402,118. Insiders own 1.38% of the companys stock. Institutional Investors Weigh In On Kroger Wall Street Analysts Forecast Growth Institutional investors and hedge funds have recently added to or reduced their stakes in the business. Geode Capital Management LLC grew its position in shares of Kroger by 2.4% in the first quarter. Geode Capital Management LLC now owns 13,640,088 shares of the companys stock valued at $671,872,000 after purchasing an additional 322,040 shares in the last quarter. Morgan Stanley grew its holdings in Kroger by 5.7% in the 4th quarter. Morgan Stanley now owns 9,922,732 shares of the companys stock valued at $442,355,000 after buying an additional 535,244 shares in the last quarter. Alliancebernstein L.P. increased its stake in shares of Kroger by 82.0% in the 4th quarter. Alliancebernstein L.P. now owns 5,667,159 shares of the companys stock worth $252,642,000 after acquiring an additional 2,552,989 shares during the last quarter. Charles Schwab Investment Management Inc. raised its holdings in shares of Kroger by 2.7% during the 1st quarter. Charles Schwab Investment Management Inc. now owns 4,437,037 shares of the companys stock worth $254,553,000 after acquiring an additional 118,720 shares during the period. Finally, Deutsche Bank AG boosted its position in shares of Kroger by 15.0% during the 1st quarter. Deutsche Bank AG now owns 4,047,738 shares of the companys stock valued at $199,837,000 after acquiring an additional 527,538 shares during the last quarter. Institutional investors and hedge funds own 78.03% of the companys stock. A number of analysts have recently issued reports on the stock. Morgan Stanley boosted their target price on shares of Kroger from $46.00 to $49.00 and gave the company an equal weight rating in a research note on Friday, March 3rd. Northcoast Research raised shares of Kroger from a neutral rating to a buy rating and set a $60.00 target price on the stock in a research report on Monday, March 20th. StockNews.com upgraded Kroger from a buy rating to a strong-buy rating in a report on Thursday, June 8th. Telsey Advisory Group reduced their price objective on Kroger from $64.00 to $55.00 and set an outperform rating on the stock in a report on Friday, March 3rd. Finally, Stephens lowered their target price on Kroger from $57.00 to $52.00 and set an equal weight rating for the company in a report on Monday, March 6th. One analyst has rated the stock with a sell rating, eight have assigned a hold rating, eight have assigned a buy rating and one has given a strong buy rating to the company. According to MarketBeat, the company has a consensus rating of Moderate Buy and a consensus target price of $52.31. Kroger Company Profile (Get Rating) The Kroger Co engages in the operation of supermarkets and multi-department stores. Its brands include Big K, Check This Out?, Heritage Farm, Simple Truth, and Simple Truth Organic. The company was founded by Barney Kroger in 1883 and is headquartered in Cincinnati, OH. Read More Receive News & Ratings for Kroger Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Kroger and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Local Bounti Co. (NYSE:LOCL Get Rating) gapped up prior to trading on Thursday . The stock had previously closed at $5.20, but opened at $5.70. Local Bounti shares last traded at $5.59, with a volume of 13,127 shares. Analysts Set New Price Targets Several equities research analysts have recently weighed in on LOCL shares. Lake Street Capital reduced their price target on Local Bounti from $130.00 to $45.50 and set a buy rating on the stock in a report on Thursday, March 30th. Roth Mkm reduced their price objective on Local Bounti from $78.00 to $39.00 and set a buy rating on the stock in a report on Monday, April 3rd. Oppenheimer reduced their price objective on Local Bounti from $169.00 to $39.00 and set an outperform rating on the stock in a report on Thursday, March 30th. Finally, Deutsche Bank Aktiengesellschaft reduced their price objective on Local Bounti from $26.00 to $13.00 in a report on Thursday, May 11th. One analyst has rated the stock with a hold rating and four have given a buy rating to the company. According to MarketBeat, Local Bounti currently has a consensus rating of Moderate Buy and a consensus target price of $34.45. Get Local Bounti alerts: Local Bounti Price Performance The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 1.18, a quick ratio of 0.42 and a current ratio of 0.54. The company has a market capitalization of $551.20 million, a PE ratio of -4.70 and a beta of 1.70. The firm has a fifty day simple moving average of $0.47 and a 200 day simple moving average of $0.88. Institutional Trading of Local Bounti Local Bounti ( NYSE:LOCL Get Rating ) last announced its earnings results on Wednesday, March 29th. The company reported ($3.90) earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, missing the consensus estimate of ($3.51) by ($0.39). The company had revenue of $6.64 million for the quarter, compared to the consensus estimate of $7.58 million. Local Bounti had a negative net margin of 420.34% and a negative return on equity of 90.64%. Equities analysts anticipate that Local Bounti Co. will post -0.92 EPS for the current year. Hedge funds and other institutional investors have recently bought and sold shares of the stock. Citigroup Inc. bought a new stake in Local Bounti during the 1st quarter valued at $40,000. IFP Advisors Inc acquired a new stake in shares of Local Bounti in the 3rd quarter worth $60,000. American International Group Inc. acquired a new stake in shares of Local Bounti in the 2nd quarter worth $28,000. JPMorgan Chase & Co. boosted its position in shares of Local Bounti by 732.8% in the 2nd quarter. JPMorgan Chase & Co. now owns 10,160 shares of the companys stock worth $32,000 after purchasing an additional 8,940 shares in the last quarter. Finally, Cubist Systematic Strategies LLC acquired a new stake in shares of Local Bounti in the 2nd quarter worth $47,000. Institutional investors own 65.27% of the companys stock. Local Bounti Company Profile (Get Rating) Local Bounti Corporation grows fresh greens and herbs in the United States. It produces lettuce, herbs, and loose-leaf lettuce. The company sells its products to food retailers and food service distributors. Local Bounti Corporation was founded in 2018 and is headquartered in Hamilton, Montana. Read More Receive News & Ratings for Local Bounti Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Local Bounti and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Nordea Bank Abp (OTCMKTS:NRDBY Get Rating) shares shot up 1.1% during trading on Tuesday . The company traded as high as $10.65 and last traded at $10.65. 142,798 shares were traded during trading, an increase of 20% from the average session volume of 118,931 shares. The stock had previously closed at $10.53. Nordea Bank Abp Stock Down 1.6 % The company has a quick ratio of 1.40, a current ratio of 1.40 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 5.90. The company has a market capitalization of $37.71 billion, a PE ratio of 8.52, a P/E/G ratio of 0.73 and a beta of 1.07. The stock has a 50-day moving average of $10.69 and a 200 day moving average of $11.14. Get Nordea Bank Abp alerts: Nordea Bank Abp (OTCMKTS:NRDBY Get Rating) last issued its earnings results on Thursday, April 27th. The company reported $0.33 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, beating the consensus estimate of $0.26 by $0.07. The firm had revenue of $3.13 billion for the quarter. Nordea Bank Abp had a return on equity of 14.35% and a net margin of 28.51%. Sell-side analysts anticipate that Nordea Bank Abp will post 1.42 EPS for the current year. Nordea Bank Abp Increases Dividend About Nordea Bank Abp The firm also recently announced a dividend, which was paid on Monday, April 10th. Investors of record on Monday, March 27th were given a dividend of $0.7152 per share. This represents a yield of 6.4%. This is a boost from Nordea Bank Abps previous dividend of $0.49. The ex-dividend date was Friday, March 24th. Nordea Bank Abps payout ratio is presently 56.80%. (Get Rating) Nordea Bank Abp engages in the provision of banking and financial services. It operates through the following segments: Personal Banking, Business Banking, Large Corporates and Institutions, and Asset and Wealth Management. The Personal Banking segment offers the household customers financial services and solutions through internet and mobile bank, over the phone, online meetings, and branch offices. Read More Receive News & Ratings for Nordea Bank Abp Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Nordea Bank Abp and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Northwestern Mutual Investment Management Company LLC lessened its stake in shares of Bank of America Co. (NYSE:BAC) by 15.7% in the 4th quarter, according to its most recent 13F filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission. The fund owned 218,753 shares of the financial services providers stock after selling 40,893 shares during the period. Northwestern Mutual Investment Management Company LLCs holdings in Bank of America were worth $7,245,000 as of its most recent filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission. Several other hedge funds and other institutional investors have also made changes to their positions in the stock. National Pension Service boosted its holdings in shares of Bank of America by 0.4% during the 4th quarter. National Pension Service now owns 10,142,523 shares of the financial services providers stock valued at $335,920,000 after purchasing an additional 35,428 shares during the last quarter. Coppell Advisory Solutions Corp. bought a new position in shares of Bank of America during the 4th quarter valued at about $723,000. Compass Wealth Management LLC bought a new position in shares of Bank of America during the 4th quarter valued at about $85,000. Ascent Group LLC lifted its holdings in shares of Bank of America by 2.1% in the 4th quarter. Ascent Group LLC now owns 51,741 shares of the financial services providers stock valued at $1,714,000 after acquiring an additional 1,065 shares during the last quarter. Finally, Massachusetts Wealth Management bought a new position in shares of Bank of America in the 4th quarter valued at about $2,597,000. Institutional investors own 68.34% of the companys stock. Get Bank of America alerts: Analyst Upgrades and Downgrades A number of research analysts recently commented on the stock. JPMorgan Chase & Co. lowered their price target on shares of Bank of America from $38.00 to $34.00 and set an overweight rating for the company in a report on Monday, April 10th. Evercore ISI lowered their price target on shares of Bank of America from $36.00 to $35.00 in a report on Friday, May 12th. Royal Bank of Canada increased their price target on shares of Bank of America from $34.00 to $35.00 and gave the company an outperform rating in a report on Wednesday, April 19th. Citigroup lowered their price target on shares of Bank of America from $38.00 to $33.00 and set a neutral rating for the company in a report on Wednesday, April 19th. Finally, Odeon Capital Group downgraded shares of Bank of America from a buy rating to a hold rating and set a $35.20 price target for the company. in a report on Wednesday, March 8th. 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 companys stock. Based on data from MarketBeat.com, the stock has an average rating of Hold and an average price target of $36.77. Bank of America Trading Down 0.2 % Shares of NYSE:BAC traded down $0.05 during trading on Thursday, reaching $29.07. 7,439,351 shares of the company were exchanged, compared to its average volume of 52,759,914. The firm has a market capitalization of $231.66 billion, a PE ratio of 8.74, a P/E/G ratio of 1.23 and a beta of 1.37. The businesss fifty day simple moving average is $28.55 and its 200-day simple moving average is $31.46. Bank of America Co. has a 12-month low of $26.32 and a 12-month high of $38.60. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 1.13, a current ratio of 0.82 and a quick ratio of 0.82. Bank of America (NYSE:BAC Get Rating) last issued its earnings results on Tuesday, April 18th. The financial services provider reported $0.94 EPS for the quarter, topping analysts consensus estimates of $0.83 by $0.11. The business had revenue of $26.26 billion for the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of $25.28 billion. Bank of America had a net margin of 21.85% and a return on equity of 11.72%. The companys quarterly revenue was up 13.0% compared to the same quarter last year. During the same period last year, the company posted $0.80 earnings per share. On average, research analysts anticipate that Bank of America Co. will post 3.42 EPS for the current year. Bank of America Announces Dividend The firm also recently disclosed a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Friday, June 30th. Investors of record on Friday, June 2nd will be issued a dividend of $0.22 per share. This represents a $0.88 annualized dividend and a yield of 3.03%. The ex-dividend date of this dividend is Thursday, June 1st. Bank of Americas payout ratio is 26.43%. About Bank of America (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. Featured Articles 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. PIMCO Strategic Income Fund, Inc. (NYSE:RCS Get Rating)s stock price passed below its fifty day moving average during trading on Tuesday . The stock has a fifty day moving average of $5.26 and traded as low as $5.25. PIMCO Strategic Income Fund shares last traded at $5.27, with a volume of 103,904 shares changing hands. PIMCO Strategic Income Fund Trading Up 2.1 % The company has a fifty day moving average of $5.25 and a two-hundred day moving average of $5.37. Get PIMCO Strategic Income Fund alerts: PIMCO Strategic Income Fund Dividend Announcement The firm also recently announced a monthly dividend, which will be paid on Monday, July 3rd. Shareholders of record on Monday, June 12th will be paid a $0.051 dividend. The ex-dividend date is Friday, June 9th. This represents a $0.61 dividend on an annualized basis and a yield of 11.44%. Institutional Trading of PIMCO Strategic Income Fund PIMCO Strategic Income Fund Company Profile Hedge funds and other institutional investors have recently bought and sold shares of the business. Clear Street Markets LLC purchased a new stake in PIMCO Strategic Income Fund in the first quarter worth $25,000. Belpointe Asset Management LLC increased its stake in PIMCO Strategic Income Fund by 855.0% in the first quarter. Belpointe Asset Management LLC now owns 4,775 shares of the investment management companys stock worth $25,000 after purchasing an additional 4,275 shares during the period. Worth Asset Management LLC purchased a new stake in PIMCO Strategic Income Fund in the first quarter worth $38,000. Wells Fargo & Company MN grew its position in shares of PIMCO Strategic Income Fund by 42.5% during the 4th quarter. Wells Fargo & Company MN now owns 8,587 shares of the investment management companys stock worth $42,000 after buying an additional 2,559 shares in the last quarter. Finally, Keudell Morrison Wealth Management bought a new position in shares of PIMCO Strategic Income Fund during the 1st quarter worth $53,000. Hedge funds and other institutional investors own 15.91% of the companys stock. (Get Rating) PIMCO Strategic Global Government Fund, Inc is a closed-ended fixed income mutual fund launched and managed by Allianz Global Investors Fund Management LLC. The fund is co-managed by Pacific Investment Management Company LLC. It invests in fixed income markets across the globe. The fund primarily invests in government securities, including bonds issued or guaranteed by the United States or foreign governments, by their agencies, authorities or instrumentalities, or by supranational entities. Read More Receive News & Ratings for PIMCO Strategic Income Fund Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for PIMCO Strategic Income Fund and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Prestige Consumer Healthcare (NYSE:PBH Get Rating) and Sweet Earth (OTCMKTS:SEHCF Get Rating) are both medical companies, but which is the superior investment? We will contrast the two companies based on the strength of their valuation, earnings, analyst recommendations, institutional ownership, risk, profitability and dividends. Profitability This table compares Prestige Consumer Healthcare and Sweet Earths net margins, return on equity and return on assets. Get Prestige Consumer Healthcare alerts: Net Margins Return on Equity Return on Assets Prestige Consumer Healthcare -7.30% 13.38% 5.86% Sweet Earth N/A N/A N/A Insider and Institutional Ownership 100.0% of Prestige Consumer Healthcare shares are held by institutional investors. 1.6% of Prestige Consumer Healthcare shares are held by insiders. Strong institutional ownership is an indication that large money managers, hedge funds and endowments believe a stock is poised for long-term growth. Earnings and Valuation Gross Revenue Price/Sales Ratio Net Income Earnings Per Share Price/Earnings Ratio Prestige Consumer Healthcare $1.13 billion 2.55 -$82.31 million ($1.68) -34.38 Sweet Earth N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A This table compares Prestige Consumer Healthcare and Sweet Earths top-line revenue, earnings per share and valuation. Sweet Earth has lower revenue, but higher earnings than Prestige Consumer Healthcare. Analyst Recommendations This is a summary of current recommendations and price targets for Prestige Consumer Healthcare and Sweet Earth, as provided by MarketBeat.com. Sell Ratings Hold Ratings Buy Ratings Strong Buy Ratings Rating Score Prestige Consumer Healthcare 0 2 3 0 2.60 Sweet Earth 0 0 0 0 N/A Prestige Consumer Healthcare presently has a consensus target price of $79.25, suggesting a potential upside of 37.21%. Given Prestige Consumer Healthcares higher possible upside, analysts clearly believe Prestige Consumer Healthcare is more favorable than Sweet Earth. Summary Prestige Consumer Healthcare beats Sweet Earth on 7 of the 8 factors compared between the two stocks. About Prestige Consumer Healthcare (Get Rating) Prestige Consumer Healthcare Inc., together with its subsidiaries, develops, manufactures, markets, distributes, and sells over-the-counter (OTC) health and personal care products in the United States and internationally. The company operates in two segments, North American OTC Healthcare and International OTC Healthcare. It offers BC/Goody's analgesic powders, Boudreaux's Butt Paste baby ointments, Chloraseptic sore throat liquids and lozenges, Clear Eyes for eye redness relief, Compound W wart removals, DenTek for PEG oral care, Debrox ear wax removals, and Dramamine for motion sickness relief. The company also provides Fleet adult enemas/suppositories, Gaviscon upset stomach remedies, Luden's cough drops, Monistat vaginal anti-fungal, Nix lice/parasite treatments, Summer's Eve feminine hygiene, TheraTears dry eye relief, Fess nasal saline spray and washes, and Hydralyte for oral rehydration products. It sells its products through mass merchandisers; and drug, food, dollar, convenience, and club stores, as well as e-commerce channels. The company was formerly known as Prestige Brands Holdings, Inc. and changed its name to Prestige Consumer Healthcare Inc. in August 2018. Prestige Consumer Healthcare Inc. was founded in 1996 and is headquartered in Tarrytown, New York. About Sweet Earth (Get Rating) Sweet Earth Holdings Corporation cultivates, processes, and sells hemp cannabidiol (CBD) products in the United States and Spain. The company offers CBD and hemp infused facial products, including CBD hydration creams, oat and honey cleansers, and soothing CBD lip balms; and botanicals and essential oils, such as balancing CBD jasmine oils, soothing CBD bath salt soaks, invigorating CBD neem and turmeric scrubs, and aloe-infused CBD hand sanitizers for body and skin care. It also provides beard and face care products for men comprising CBD face cleansers, shaving creams, aftershave creams, beard and face oils, and styling balms; hemp products; CBD pre-rolls; and CBD dog treats consisting of garbanzo, flour, potato flakes, cheddar cheese, full spectrum hemp oil, natural beef flavor, MCT coconut oil, and mixed tocopherols. The company is based in Vancouver, Canada. Receive News & Ratings for Prestige Consumer Healthcare Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Prestige Consumer Healthcare and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Ruedi Wealth Management Inc. bought a new stake in shares of Brunswick Co. (NYSE:BC Get Rating) during the 4th quarter, according to the company in its most recent Form 13F filing with the SEC. The firm bought 433 shares of the companys stock, valued at approximately $31,000. Several other large investors have also recently bought and sold shares of BC. International Assets Investment Management LLC acquired a new position in Brunswick during the 1st quarter valued at about $52,000. Bank of Montreal Can boosted its holdings in shares of Brunswick by 140.4% during the first quarter. Bank of Montreal Can now owns 41,387 shares of the companys stock worth $3,496,000 after purchasing an additional 24,171 shares during the period. Commonwealth of Pennsylvania Public School Empls Retrmt SYS boosted its holdings in shares of Brunswick by 10.5% during the first quarter. Commonwealth of Pennsylvania Public School Empls Retrmt SYS now owns 28,255 shares of the companys stock worth $2,286,000 after purchasing an additional 2,694 shares during the period. BlackRock Inc. boosted its holdings in shares of Brunswick by 0.7% during the first quarter. BlackRock Inc. now owns 6,426,552 shares of the companys stock worth $519,843,000 after purchasing an additional 46,519 shares during the period. Finally, Great West Life Assurance Co. Can boosted its holdings in shares of Brunswick by 9.7% during the first quarter. Great West Life Assurance Co. Can now owns 45,006 shares of the companys stock worth $3,746,000 after purchasing an additional 3,992 shares during the period. Institutional investors and hedge funds own 93.01% of the companys stock. Get Brunswick alerts: Wall Street Analyst Weigh In Several research firms recently commented on BC. KeyCorp began coverage on shares of Brunswick in a report on Wednesday, April 19th. They set an overweight rating and a $100.00 price target for the company. StockNews.com assumed coverage on shares of Brunswick in a research note on Thursday, May 18th. They issued a buy rating for the company. Raymond James reduced their target price on shares of Brunswick from $100.00 to $94.00 in a research note on Friday, April 28th. Finally, Jefferies Financial Group reduced their target price on shares of Brunswick from $105.00 to $94.00 and set a buy rating for the company in a research note on Friday, March 17th. One research analyst has rated the stock with a hold rating and thirteen have assigned a buy rating to the stock. Based on data from MarketBeat.com, the company currently has an average rating of Moderate Buy and a consensus target price of $102.25. Insider Buying and Selling Brunswick Stock Performance In other Brunswick news, VP Brenna Preisser sold 1,309 shares of the businesss stock in a transaction on Friday, May 19th. The shares were sold at an average price of $76.21, for a total value of $99,758.89. Following the sale, the vice president now owns 52,174 shares of the companys stock, valued at approximately $3,976,180.54. The sale was disclosed in a legal filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is available at this link . In other Brunswick news, VP Brenna Preisser sold 1,309 shares of the businesss stock in a transaction on Friday, May 19th. The shares were sold at an average price of $76.21, for a total value of $99,758.89. Following the sale, the vice president now owns 52,174 shares of the companys stock, valued at approximately $3,976,180.54. The sale was disclosed in a legal filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is available at this link . Also, CEO David M. Foulkes sold 13,000 shares of the businesss stock in a transaction on Friday, May 5th. The shares were sold at an average price of $81.40, for a total transaction of $1,058,200.00. Following the completion of the sale, the chief executive officer now directly owns 241,957 shares in the company, valued at approximately $19,695,299.80. The disclosure for this sale can be found here . Over the last quarter, insiders have sold 14,636 shares of company stock valued at $1,186,156. 0.58% of the stock is owned by company insiders. Shares of NYSE:BC traded up $0.20 during trading on Thursday, reaching $86.53. The stock had a trading volume of 79,978 shares, compared to its average volume of 579,945. Brunswick Co. has a 52 week low of $61.89 and a 52 week high of $93.15. The firm has a market capitalization of $6.12 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 10.40 and a beta of 1.53. The company has a quick ratio of 0.81, a current ratio of 1.86 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 1.17. The stock has a fifty day simple moving average of $81.01 and a two-hundred day simple moving average of $80.17. Brunswick (NYSE:BC Get Rating) last announced its earnings results on Thursday, April 27th. The company reported $2.57 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, topping analysts consensus estimates of $2.36 by $0.21. Brunswick had a net margin of 8.97% and a return on equity of 36.65%. The business had revenue of $1.74 billion for the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of $1.71 billion. During the same quarter in the previous year, the firm posted $2.53 earnings per share. Brunswicks revenue was up 2.8% compared to the same quarter last year. As a group, analysts anticipate that Brunswick Co. will post 10.41 earnings per share for the current fiscal year. Brunswick Announces Dividend The business also recently announced a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Thursday, June 15th. Investors of record on Monday, May 15th will be given a dividend of $0.40 per share. This represents a $1.60 dividend on an annualized basis and a yield of 1.85%. The ex-dividend date of this dividend is Friday, May 12th. Brunswicks dividend payout ratio (DPR) is currently 19.28%. Brunswick Profile (Get Rating) Brunswick Corp. engages in the design, manufacture, and marketing of recreational marine products, including marine engines, boats, and parts and accessories for those products. It operates through the following segments: Propulsion, Parts and Accessories, Boat, and Corporate/Other. The Propulsion segment manufactures a full range of outboard, sterndrive, and inboard engines, as well as propulsion-related controls, propellers, and rigging parts and accessories. See Also Receive News & Ratings for Brunswick Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Brunswick and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. The Scottish American Investment Company P.L.C. (LON:SAIN Get Rating)s stock price traded up 0.2% during mid-day trading on Tuesday . The company traded as high as GBX 533 ($6.67) and last traded at GBX 530 ($6.63). 188,448 shares traded hands during trading, a decline of 6% from the average session volume of 200,570 shares. The stock had previously closed at GBX 529 ($6.62). Scottish American Investment Trading Down 0.7 % The business has a fifty day moving average of GBX 530.14 and a 200-day moving average of GBX 515.03. The stock has a market capitalization of 940.35 million, a price-to-earnings ratio of -1,445.95 and a beta of 0.63. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 11.19, a current ratio of 2.85 and a quick ratio of 3.87. Get Scottish American Investment alerts: Scottish American Investment Cuts Dividend The business also recently declared a dividend, which will be paid on Thursday, June 22nd. Investors of record on Thursday, May 25th will be paid a GBX 3.30 ($0.04) dividend. The ex-dividend date of this dividend is Thursday, May 25th. This represents a yield of 0.61%. Scottish American Investments dividend payout ratio is currently -3,783.78%. Scottish American Investment Company Profile The Scottish American Investment Company P.L.C. is a closed-ended equity mutual fund launched and managed by Baillie Gifford & Co Ltd. The fund is co-managed by Baillie Gifford & Co and OLIM Property Limited. It invests in public equity markets across the globe. The fund seeks to invest in stocks of companies operating across diversified sectors. Featured Articles Receive News & Ratings for Scottish American Investment Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Scottish American Investment and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. EQS-Ad-hoc: Gigaset AG / Key word(s): Personnel/Corporate Action Annual General Meeting of 15 June 2023: Rejection of the capital reduction, three new candidates on the Supervisory Board and change in the chairmanship of the Supervisory Board 16-Jun-2023 / 00:49 CET/CEST Disclosure of an inside information acc. to Article 17 MAR of the Regulation (EU) No 596/2014, transmitted by EQS News - a service of EQS Group AG. The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement. Ad hoc announcement WKN: 515600 / WKN A14KQ7 Bocholt, 16 June 2023 Annual General Meeting of 15 June 2023: Rejection of the capital reduction, three new candidates on the Supervisory Board and change in the chairmanship of the Supervisory Board Bocholt, 16 June 2023 [00:49 hrs] - At the Annual General Meeting of Gigaset AG on 15 June 2023, which closed after 11 p.m., Mr. Andreas Tenhofen, Mr. Jan Witt, Mr. Tom Hiss, Ms. Jenny Pan, Mr. Rainer-Christian Koppitz and Ms. Barbara Munch were elected as members of the Supervisory Board. Andreas Tenhofen, Jan Witt and Tom Hiss were elected to the Supervisory Board of the company for the first time. The proposals for the election of the current Chairman of the Supervisory Board, Mr. Helvin Wong, and for the election of Mr. Ulrich Burkhardt and Dr. Paolo Di Fraia did not receive the required majority. In the constituent meeting of the newly elected Supervisory Board held directly after the Annual General Meeting, Ms. Barbara Munch was elected Chairperson of the Supervisory Board. Mr. Rainer-Christian Koppitz was elected Deputy Chairperson of the Supervisory Board. The amendment to the Articles of Association proposed by the shareholder Ludic GmbH under agenda item 8 to reduce the size of the Supervisory Board was rejected. The subject of the resolution was also an adjusted proposal by the shareholder Ludic GmbH to reduce the share capital in order to create a free capital reserve by consolidating shares at a ratio of 4:1. The measure was rejected by the Annual General Meeting. Gigaset AG, Bocholt, is an internationally active company in the field of communications technology. The company is Europe's market leader in DECT phones and is also a leading international player with around 900 employees and sales activities in over 50 countries. In addition to DECT phones, its business activities include Android-based smartphones, cloud-based smart home applications and business telephony solutions for SMEs and enterprise customers. The traditional company is characterised in a special way by its "Made in Germany" production. The company is headquartered in Bocholt, Germany. Furthermore, a software development centre is maintained in Wroclaw, Poland, as well as numerous sales offices in Europe and Asia. Gigaset AG is listed in the Prime Standard of the German Stock Exchange and is therefore subject to the highest transparency requirements. The shares are traded on the Frankfurt Stock Exchange under the symbol GGS (ISIN: DE0005156004). Ensign Energy Services Inc. (OTCMKTS:ESVIF Get Rating) was the target of a significant growth in short interest during the month of May. As of May 31st, there was short interest totalling 927,400 shares, a growth of 113.1% from the May 15th total of 435,200 shares. Based on an average daily volume of 14,200 shares, the short-interest ratio is currently 65.3 days. Wall Street Analyst Weigh In Several analysts have weighed in on the stock. BMO Capital Markets lowered their price target on shares of Ensign Energy Services from C$5.00 to C$4.00 in a research note on Tuesday, May 9th. TD Securities lowered their price objective on shares of Ensign Energy Services from C$6.00 to C$5.50 in a research note on Tuesday, May 9th. Finally, Royal Bank of Canada lowered their price objective on shares of Ensign Energy Services from C$4.50 to C$4.00 in a research note on Tuesday, May 9th. Get Ensign Energy Services alerts: Ensign Energy Services Stock Performance Shares of OTCMKTS:ESVIF traded down $0.01 during midday trading on Thursday, hitting $1.55. 625 shares of the stock traded hands, compared to its average volume of 10,715. The businesss 50 day moving average is $1.79 and its two-hundred day moving average is $2.32. Ensign Energy Services has a one year low of $1.46 and a one year high of $3.07. Ensign Energy Services Company Profile Ensign Energy Services, Inc engages in the provision oilfield services to the crude oil and natural gas industries. It operates through the following geographical segments: Canada, United States, and International. Its services include drilling, directional drilling, and well servicing. The company was founded on March 31, 1987 and is headquartered in Calgary, Canada. Recommended Stories Receive News & Ratings for Ensign Energy Services Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Ensign Energy Services and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Devon Energy Co. (NYSE:DVN Get Rating) was the target of unusually large options trading on Wednesday. Traders bought 66,692 put options on the stock. This represents an increase of approximately 40% compared to the typical daily volume of 47,550 put options. Analyst Ratings Changes Several equities research analysts recently weighed in on the company. The Goldman Sachs Group upgraded Devon Energy from a neutral rating to a buy rating and decreased their target price for the stock from $63.00 to $58.00 in a research note on Tuesday. UBS Group started coverage on Devon Energy in a report on Wednesday, April 19th. They set a neutral rating and a $60.00 price objective on the stock. Mizuho dropped their price objective on Devon Energy from $71.00 to $65.00 in a report on Friday, May 19th. Wells Fargo & Company lowered their target price on Devon Energy from $70.00 to $59.00 and set an equal weight rating on the stock in a report on Friday, February 17th. Finally, Evercore ISI lowered their target price on Devon Energy from $80.00 to $52.00 in a report on Tuesday, March 14th. One analyst has rated the stock with a sell rating, seven have assigned a hold rating, nine have assigned a buy rating and one has given a strong buy rating to the stock. According to MarketBeat, the company currently has a consensus rating of Moderate Buy and a consensus price target of $67.39. Get Devon Energy alerts: Insider Transactions at Devon Energy In related news, EVP Dennis C. Cameron sold 8,292 shares of the firms stock in a transaction dated Friday, May 5th. The stock was sold at an average price of $49.97, for a total transaction of $414,351.24. Following the completion of the sale, the executive vice president now directly owns 218,418 shares of the companys stock, valued at approximately $10,914,347.46. The sale was disclosed in a filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which can be accessed through the SEC website. Insiders own 0.63% of the companys stock. Institutional Trading of Devon Energy Devon Energy Stock Performance Several hedge funds have recently added to or reduced their stakes in DVN. EP Wealth Advisors LLC acquired a new stake in shares of Devon Energy in the 1st quarter valued at about $906,000. Level Four Advisory Services LLC boosted its holdings in shares of Devon Energy by 0.7% during the first quarter. Level Four Advisory Services LLC now owns 51,749 shares of the energy companys stock worth $2,619,000 after acquiring an additional 337 shares during the period. Kennedy Investment Group boosted its stake in shares of Devon Energy by 51.2% in the first quarter. Kennedy Investment Group now owns 15,649 shares of the energy companys stock valued at $792,000 after buying an additional 5,299 shares during the period. Coastline Trust Co boosted its stake in shares of Devon Energy by 25.6% in the first quarter. Coastline Trust Co now owns 55,308 shares of the energy companys stock valued at $2,799,000 after buying an additional 11,270 shares during the period. Finally, Fortis Group Advisors LLC acquired a new position in Devon Energy during the first quarter valued at approximately $586,000. Institutional investors and hedge funds own 78.08% of the companys stock. NYSE:DVN traded up $0.86 during mid-day trading on Thursday, hitting $49.81. 4,514,650 shares of the companys stock traded hands, compared to its average volume of 9,262,253. The firm has a 50 day moving average of $50.55 and a two-hundred day moving average of $55.74. Devon Energy has a 12 month low of $44.03 and a 12 month high of $78.82. The firm has a market capitalization of $32.58 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 5.34, a price-to-earnings-growth ratio of 0.15 and a beta of 2.33. The company has a current ratio of 1.09, a quick ratio of 1.02 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.56. Devon Energy (NYSE:DVN Get Rating) last issued its earnings results on Monday, May 8th. The energy company reported $1.46 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, topping analysts consensus estimates of $1.39 by $0.07. Devon Energy had a return on equity of 47.42% and a net margin of 31.39%. The business had revenue of $3.82 billion during the quarter, compared to analysts expectations of $3.82 billion. During the same period in the prior year, the firm posted $1.88 EPS. Devon Energys quarterly revenue was up .3% compared to the same quarter last year. On average, equities analysts forecast that Devon Energy will post 6.39 earnings per share for the current fiscal year. Devon Energy Cuts Dividend The business also recently declared a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Friday, June 30th. Stockholders of record on Thursday, June 15th will be given a $0.72 dividend. The ex-dividend date of this dividend is Wednesday, June 14th. This represents a $2.88 annualized dividend and a dividend yield of 5.78%. Devon Energys dividend payout ratio is currently 8.72%. Devon Energy Company Profile (Get Rating) Devon Energy Corporation, an independent energy company, explores for, develops, and produces oil, natural gas, and natural gas liquids in the United States. It operates in Delaware, Anadarko, Williston, Eagle Ford, and Powder River Basin. The company was incorporated in 1971 and is headquartered in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma. See Also Receive News & Ratings for Devon Energy Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Devon Energy and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Truist Financial Corp increased its stake in Union Pacific Co. (NYSE:UNP Get Rating) by 0.8% during the 4th quarter, according to its most recent filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). The firm owned 931,483 shares of the railroad operators stock after buying an additional 7,207 shares during the period. Truist Financial Corp owned 0.15% of Union Pacific worth $192,882,000 as of its most recent SEC filing. Other institutional investors also recently added to or reduced their stakes in the company. Vanguard Group Inc. increased its position in Union Pacific by 1.0% during the 3rd quarter. Vanguard Group Inc. now owns 54,349,188 shares of the railroad operators stock valued at $10,588,308,000 after purchasing an additional 511,696 shares during the period. Moneta Group Investment Advisors LLC increased its position in Union Pacific by 90,390.6% during the 4th quarter. Moneta Group Investment Advisors LLC now owns 13,697,556 shares of the railroad operators stock valued at $2,836,353,000 after purchasing an additional 13,682,419 shares during the period. Geode Capital Management LLC increased its position in Union Pacific by 0.7% during the 4th quarter. Geode Capital Management LLC now owns 10,940,938 shares of the railroad operators stock valued at $2,261,886,000 after purchasing an additional 78,511 shares during the period. Morgan Stanley increased its position in Union Pacific by 10.9% during the 4th quarter. Morgan Stanley now owns 8,983,932 shares of the railroad operators stock valued at $1,860,303,000 after purchasing an additional 883,963 shares during the period. Finally, Norges Bank purchased a new position in Union Pacific during the 4th quarter valued at about $1,276,498,000. Hedge funds and other institutional investors own 77.27% of the companys stock. Get Union Pacific alerts: Union Pacific Price Performance UNP traded up $1.74 on Thursday, hitting $204.48. 274,663 shares of the companys stock were exchanged, compared to its average volume of 3,052,775. Union Pacific Co. has a fifty-two week low of $183.69 and a fifty-two week high of $242.35. The company has a current ratio of 0.65, a quick ratio of 0.54 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 2.50. The firm has a 50-day moving average price of $197.83 and a 200-day moving average price of $202.47. The stock has a market cap of $124.78 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 17.91, a P/E/G ratio of 1.76 and a beta of 1.10. Union Pacific Dividend Announcement Union Pacific ( NYSE:UNP Get Rating ) last announced its earnings results on Thursday, April 20th. The railroad operator reported $2.67 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, topping the consensus estimate of $2.57 by $0.10. Union Pacific had a net margin of 27.91% and a return on equity of 57.75%. The company had revenue of $6.06 billion for the quarter, compared to analysts expectations of $6.03 billion. During the same quarter in the previous year, the company posted $2.57 EPS. The firms quarterly revenue was up 3.3% on a year-over-year basis. As a group, equities analysts anticipate that Union Pacific Co. will post 11.32 earnings per share for the current year. The company also recently declared a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Friday, June 30th. Stockholders of record on Wednesday, May 31st will be given a dividend of $1.30 per share. The ex-dividend date is Tuesday, May 30th. This represents a $5.20 annualized dividend and a dividend yield of 2.54%. Union Pacifics payout ratio is 45.94%. Analyst Ratings Changes UNP has been the topic of a number of recent analyst reports. Credit Suisse Group lowered their price target on shares of Union Pacific from $237.00 to $235.00 and set an outperform rating on the stock in a report on Friday, April 21st. TD Cowen lowered their price target on shares of Union Pacific from $222.00 to $218.00 and set an outperform rating on the stock in a report on Friday, April 21st. Susquehanna lowered their price target on shares of Union Pacific from $203.00 to $202.00 and set a neutral rating on the stock in a report on Friday, April 21st. BMO Capital Markets lowered their target price on shares of Union Pacific from $245.00 to $240.00 and set an outperform rating for the company in a research note on Friday, April 21st. Finally, Deutsche Bank Aktiengesellschaft lowered their target price on shares of Union Pacific from $215.00 to $207.00 in a research note on Wednesday, March 15th. Thirteen equities research analysts have rated the stock with a hold rating, twelve have assigned a buy rating and one has assigned a strong buy rating to the company. According to MarketBeat.com, Union Pacific presently has an average rating of Moderate Buy and an average price target of $217.41. About Union Pacific (Get Rating) Union Pacific Corp. engages in the provision of railroad and freight transportation services. The company was founded in 1969 and is headquartered in Omaha, NE. Featured Stories Want to see what other hedge funds are holding UNP? Visit HoldingsChannel.com to get the latest 13F filings and insider trades for Union Pacific Co. (NYSE:UNP Get Rating). Receive News & Ratings for Union Pacific Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Union Pacific and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Veolia Environnement SA (OTCMKTS:VEOEY Get Rating) saw a large drop in short interest in the month of May. As of May 31st, there was short interest totalling 43,700 shares, a drop of 39.0% from the May 15th total of 71,600 shares. Based on an average trading volume of 129,800 shares, the short-interest ratio is currently 0.3 days. Wall Street Analyst Weigh In A number of research firms have weighed in on VEOEY. JPMorgan Chase & Co. upgraded shares of Veolia Environnement from an underweight rating to a neutral rating in a research note on Tuesday, April 25th. Deutsche Bank Aktiengesellschaft upgraded shares of Veolia Environnement from a hold rating to a buy rating in a research note on Friday, April 21st. Get Veolia Environnement alerts: Veolia Environnement Price Performance Shares of VEOEY stock opened at $15.82 on Thursday. The company has a 50 day moving average price of $15.45 and a 200-day moving average price of $14.69. Veolia Environnement has a 52 week low of $9.20 and a 52 week high of $16.50. The company has a current ratio of 0.98, a quick ratio of 0.93 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 1.44. Veolia Environnement Increases Dividend About Veolia Environnement The business also recently declared a dividend, which was paid on Friday, May 26th. Stockholders of record on Monday, May 8th were paid a $0.4677 dividend. The ex-dividend date was Friday, May 5th. This is a positive change from Veolia Environnements previous dividend of $0.41. This represents a dividend yield of 5.42%. (Get Rating) Veolia Environnement SA engages in the management of water supplies and distribution systems and provides waste management services. It operates through the following business segments: Water, Environmental Services, and Energy Services. The Water segment integrates drinking water and waste water activities such as water distribution, water and waste water treatment, industrial process water, and manufacture of water treatment equipment and systems. Featured Articles Receive News & Ratings for Veolia Environnement Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Veolia Environnement and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Shares of Wesdome Gold Mines Ltd. (OTCMKTS:WDOFF Get Rating) passed above its 200-day moving average during trading on Tuesday . The stock has a 200-day moving average of $5.60 and traded as high as $5.62. Wesdome Gold Mines shares last traded at $5.50, with a volume of 29,744 shares traded. Analysts Set New Price Targets Several brokerages have weighed in on WDOFF. Desjardins lowered their target price on Wesdome Gold Mines from C$8.25 to C$8.00 in a report on Friday, May 12th. National Bank Financial upped their target price on Wesdome Gold Mines from C$8.75 to C$11.00 in a report on Tuesday, April 18th. Finally, TD Securities lowered their target price on Wesdome Gold Mines from C$9.50 to C$9.00 in a report on Thursday, February 23rd. Get Wesdome Gold Mines alerts: Wesdome Gold Mines Price Performance The firm has a 50-day moving average price of $6.11 and a two-hundred day moving average price of $5.60. Wesdome Gold Mines Company Profile Wesdome Gold Mines Ltd. explores and develops of gold deposits in Canada. The company produces gold in the form of dore bars, as well as silver as a by-product. It holds interest in the Eagle River Mine and the Mishi Mine in Ontario; and the Kiena Mine in Quebec. The company was formerly known as River Gold Mines Ltd. Recommended Stories Receive News & Ratings for Wesdome Gold Mines Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Wesdome Gold Mines and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Satellite photos show that the 2022 IEA ban on poppy production reduced it by nearly 90 percent. Opium needs poppy plants as a raw material. Opium can be further refined into heroin. Reducing poppy production makes it possible for the IEA (Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan) to obtain much needed foreign aid. Back in the 1990s, the original Taliban faced a similar situation and reduced poppy after a record crop in the previous year. The ban did not last because the drug cartels are a major source of revenue for the Afghan government. Afghans in general oppose poppy production because it creates a lot of addicts in Afghanistan. That has tragic consequences for the family of the addict. Since tribes and tribal leaders are still an important factor in Afghanistan, tribal leaders tend to oppose the drug trade. For that reason, over 90 percent of Afghan poppies are produced in one province; Helmand. Then as now, neighboring Pakistan must cooperate to make this work because essential chemicals must be imported to refine the opium into heroin. Pakistan is also the most effective route to worldwide drug markets via Pakistani airports and the port of Karachi. Afghanistans other neighbors (Iran, Uzbekistan and Tajikistan) are very hostile to the drug smugglers. The northern neighbors have long received armed assistance from Russia to combat the smugglers. Unlike the 1990s, the Pakistani military, which created the Taliban in the 1990s and has sought to control them ever since, has encountered unexpected problems in 2003. This came in the form of a popular reformist Pakistani politician Imran Khan taking on the military and its ability to do whatever it wants and ignore the elected government. Back in 2021, shortly after the IEA took control of Afghanistan, then Pakistani prime minister Imran Khan repeated his belief that foreign nations, including the United States, would eventually have to recognize the Taliban IEA government and resume diplomatic and economic relations with Afghanistan. That was a minority opinion in Afghanistan and Pakistan. Kahn was taking a lot of heat from Pakistanis who have seen their incomes fall or disappear because money from Afghanistan stopped coming into Pakistan due to the end of nearly all Western aid after the IEA took over Afghanistan in 2022. Khan has been a longtime fan of the Taliban, earning him the nickname; Taliban Khan. Many thought this meant Khan was an ally, or puppet of the military. That was not the case because Khan did not believe in the Pakistani generals operating beyond any oversight by the elected government. This had long been an issue but this time Khan rallied his many Pakistani supporters to openly oppose military political power. The scale of this opposition is unprecedented and the generals see their political independence and corruption income in danger of being eliminated. This struggle is being followed with great interest by Afghans, who generally see the Pakistani military and its intelligence arm, the ISI, as bad news for Afghans and the major source of strife and corruption in Afghanistan. Khan is less corrupt than most Pakistani politicians and willing to take risks to make needed changes in Pakistan. Curbing military power is a much needed change but one that can get a powerful reformer killed by military operatives seeking to do the deed without implicating the military. If Khan comes out on top, the Afghan drug cartels are in trouble and so is, to a lesser extent, the IEA. Most Afghans want to see drug cartel power and activities curbed. That would cost the IEA a major loss of financial support, but would also make foreign aid more likely to resume and boost IEA popularity in Afghanistan. Despite the current international condemnation of many IEA policies, there is some international cooperation with the IEA in areas of mutual interest. The most obvious one is Islamic terrorism, which is also a problem for the IEA. The primary Islamic terror threat in Afghanistan is from ISK (Islamic State Khorasan), which was formed in Afghanistan during 2015, with the help of ISIL leadership in Syria, to handle ISIL activity throughout the region (Central Asia, Iran, Pakistan and India). ISK found they were most effective if they confined their operations to Afghanistan and Pakistan, which they have been doing since 2019. The IEA also has problems because they cannot gain any official recognition that they are the legitimate government of Afghanistan. Most nations consider the IEA a Pakistan-backed Islamic terror group that took control of the government with the additional help of Afghan drug cartels. ISK has become more active in Afghanistan and Pakistan since the IEA took over because now no one is in charge and that is ideal for ISK and the drug cartels. ISK and the cartels stay out of each others way because neither has anything to gain, and much to lose, by attacking each other. The cartels pay IEA to refrain from attacking drug operations, which include poppy crops and small labs that convert portions of the poppies into opium and then heroin, though this may change fast given the IEAs apparent successful attack on opium farming. ISK sees no point carrying out terror attacks against the cartels because the cartels will do the same to ISK and on a larger scale. In that respect the cartels are terrorists, but only when cash does not get them what they want. ISK is different because they see IEA as heretics and enemies of Islam. IEA feels the same way towards ISK. Other Moslems in Afghanistan and neighboring nations regard ISK as religious zealots who defame Islam. The only relatively safe base for ISK is IEA-ruled Afghanistan, and that only because the IEA is weak and divided. Despite this, ISK attacks targets in Afghanistan, including IEA but not the drug cartels. ISK also uses its Afghan bases on the Pakistan border to carry out attacks in Pakistan. There used to be some ISK actions across the Iranian border but attacks on Iran were more costly, in terms of cash and personnel, then similar efforts against IEA and Pakistani targets. ISK also plans attacks farther away, especially in Western countries. These attacks are more risky and prone to trigger massive counterattacks. Western nations, especially the United States, continue to observe ISK operations and carry out occasional airstrikes, usually with missile armed UAVs. Water Wars The IEA has a border dispute with Iran involving access to scarce water. Drought conditions have been a problem in both countries for several years. This is in addition to Iranian complaints about the Afghan heroin smuggled into Iran to support several million addicts. The heroin travels through Pakistan due to the cooperation of the Pakistan military. There has long been a business relationship between the Afghan drug cartels and the Pakistan military. That was supposed to include not supplying Pakistani dealers and addicts with heroin and opium. That didnt make any difference as the drugs were smuggled into Pakistan to support several million Pakistani addicts and casual users. Iran has always been subject to periodic droughts but had coped with those because the monarchy backed developing more efficient irrigation methods and water use policies in general. This began to fall apart when the current religious dictatorship took control in the 1980s. Decades of ignoring water management problems contributed to the water shortages caused by the current three-year-long drought. Afghanistan also found itself with a religious dictatorship in 2021. Since then, water management has not been a high-priority issue. The growing number of hungry (because they depend on irrigation) and thirsty (lack of clean or any water) Afghans and Iranians want a solution. Iran and Afghanistan have long shared some water resources along their 921 kilometer border. Both countries have moved more combat forces to their common border. The Afghans are the underdog here and that has been the case for centuries. Despite that, IEA military leaders assert that they can defeat the Iranians. The militarily superior Iranians ignore the IEA threats. With nearly all of Iran now suffering water shortages, Iran will do whatever it can to alleviate that situation. Its unclear if that includes invading Afghanistan and taking possession of the disputed water supplies. June 12, 2023: UN personnel working in Afghanistan report that the IEA appears to be tolerating the presence of al Qaeda personnel as well as TTP (the Pakistani Taliban). TTP support is expected but IEA insists it will not tolerate any Islamic terror groups. They are either lying or simply dont have much control in many parts of the country. The UN staff found al Qaeda training camps in five provinces in addition to many more safehouses. Suicide bombers are being trained and indoctrinated for use outside Afghanistan. Some are being sent to Western countries where they can hade among the many Afghan refugees fleeing IEA rule. The IEA is also continuing to impose more lifestyles restricts they enforced in the 1990s. This includes a ban on listening to live or recorded music. The IEA also censored what could be shown by Afghan TV stations. This meant no shows that had women with uncovered faces as well as no music. The IEA wants women appearing in public to wear the burqa (covers everything except the hands and eyes.) Many rural Afghans support some of these urban ideas, especially education for girls and more education in general. Beyond that these rural Afghans tend to be more conservative than those living in urban areas. When the IEA took power, the national population was at least 33 million, which is 57 percent more than two decades ago when the Taliban were driven from power. Kabul is the largest city, with about half the urban population. The last time the Taliban were in charge (2001) Kabul had a population of half a million but twenty years later that has increased ten times to five million. Despite the population growth, over two-thirds of the population still lives in the countryside but the rural Afghans are not as conservative as they were in the 1990s. June 11, 2023: In the east (Nangarhar Province) WHO (World Health Organization) polio monitoring teams have detected four cases of polio so far this year. There was also one case in Pakistan. These are the only cases detected worldwide. Pakistan expects to have no cases in 2024, unless the number of refugees from Afghanistan increases substantially. Despite years of strenuous efforts, Afghanistan has been unable to eliminate polio via vaccinations. For a long time, the main opposition were Islamic conservative clerics who called the vaccinations an attempt by Western nations to poison Moslem children. While few of those clerics remain, there are now more Afghans agreeing with Western anti-vaccination groups and insisting there are harmful side effects. Numerous controlled studies have not demonstrated any evidence of this but it has become popular. In 2016 there were 20 cases of polio in Pakistan, 13 in Afghanistan and four in Nigeria, a country declared free of polio in 2020. In Pakistan and Afghanistan there are still religious problems with vaccination. The Afghan Taliban have openly supported the vaccination program but there are still some rural areas where local Moslem clerics or teachers still denounce the vaccinations. There is a similar situation in Pakistan, where some fringe Islamic groups will still try and kill members of the vaccination teams. Since 2008 over a hundred vaccinators and police escorts have been killed. June 10, 2023: In the southeast (Khost province) TTP gunmen crossed into Pakistan (North Waziristan) and attacked Pakistani soldiers at a checkpoint. The gunbattle left three TTP men and three Pakistani troops dead as well as four TTP wounded. June 8, 2023: The IEA assembled old Russian tanks and troops on the Iranian border for training exercises. This was a show-of-force in an unsettled dispute with Iran over water. Iran accuses Afghanistan of restricting the flow of water sent to Iran from a river in Helmand province. This violates a 1973 treaty. There is a severe drought in Iran and Afghanistan that makes water sources worth fighting for. June 7, 2023: In the north (Badakhshan province) an explosion near a mosque killed eleven people assembled for a memorial service to honor the provincial deputy governor, who was killed by a car bomb the day before. ISK claimed credit for both attacks. June 6, 2023: In the east (Kunar province) IEA security forces carried out several operations near the Pakistan border that killed Sanaullah Ghafari, the head of ISK (Islamic State Khorasan) and six of his armed followers. ISK was formed in Afghanistan during 2015, with the help of ISIL leadership in Syria, to handle ISIL activity throughout the region (Central Asia, Iran, Pakistan and India). ISK found they were most effective if they confined their operations to Afghanistan and Pakistan, which they have been doing since 2019. June 1, 2023: The UN issued a report describing the integration of al Qaeda leaders in the IEA government. This includes two provincial governors and several senior jobs in the central government. Another disrobing trend is Pushtuns dominating the central government and deliberately excluding the other ethnic groups which make up over half the population and refuse to respect Pushtun domination. For centuries the Pushtuns dominated Afghan politics and the minorities tolerated that until the Islamic radicals came along with Pakistans creation of the Taliban. One thing nearly all Afghans agree on is the damage Pakistan has done to Afghanistan and unwillingness to give up that interference. Afghans see themselves as the victim of neighbors seeking to control the country. Afghans prefer to restore the modern state of Afghanistan, which was peacefully created over a century ago. That quasi-monarchical/quasi-tribal form of government was doing fine because until the 1970s there was an agreement that largely kept the peace. This arrangement meant Afghanistan was a constitutional monarchy presided over by a Pushtun king who largely dealt with foreigners and left the tribes, 60 percent of them non-Pushtun, to negotiate their differences. At that point Afghanistan was still largely medieval as far as cultural norms and economic activity was concerned. The 20th century was making an impression and the educated urban minority was calling for radical change. This was tempting to many leading Afghans but the vast majority of Afghans were still in the countryside ruled by tribal leaders. Most of these rural Afghans opposed any radical change. The reform factions, mainly the pro-communist ones, tried violence to overthrow the monarchy, failed and in 1979 Russia intervened to rescue their fellow communists. That led to a civil war that was still going on until the IEA took over in 2021. The IEA government was intolerant and anti-Pakistan but also seemed capable of maintaining more peace than Afghanistan had known for decades. It is uncertain how long this will last, but for the moment it is. Part of the IEA strategy involves integrating senior Pushtun al Qaeda leaders into the government. This undermines IEA assurances that it is seeking to diminish Islamic terrorist activity in Afghanistan. The TTP (Pakistani Taliban) was granted sanctuary in Afghanistan. The dominance of Pushtuns in the government means the political power center of Afghanistan has shifted from Kabul and its large non-Pushtun population to Kandahar city, the capital of Kandahar province in the southwest. This is where Helmand province, where most opium and other drugs are produced. May 18, 2023: Afghans noted that that Russia lost more troops (over 20,000) in less than a year of combat in Ukraine than the 15,000 they were lost during nine years of fighting in Afghanistan during the 1980s. Nearly a million Afghans died from Russian military operations during the 1980s, most of them unarmed civilians. Ukrainians have forces similar to the Russians and troops who are more lethal and determined than the Russian invaders. During the 1980s, Russian forces avoided contact with armed Afghans. The only exception was the few thousand special operations troops and warplanes carrying out airstrikes against Afghan civilians and the more elusive Afghan resistance fighters. Jyothi and Sarath, wife and son of Vizag MP M.V.V Satyanarayana who were kidnapped and traced within two hours in Visakhapatnam on Thursday. (Image by Arrangement) Visakhapatnam: In dramatic scenes filled with high suspense over the past two days, Lok Sabha member M.V.V. Satyanarayanas wife Jyoti, son Sarat and their auditor G. Venkateswara Rao were held captive in Sarat's house in Rushikonda by a notorious gang, apparently for collecting ransom money. All these happened when the MP was in Hyderabad. On information from the MP on Thursday morning, the police swung into action and rescued the victims in a four-hour operation. Three of the six in the gang have been arrested after a long chase. Satyanarayana told the media from Hyderabad that rowdy-sheeter K.V. Hemant and his two associates barged into the house of his son in Rushikonda Layout on June 13 when he was alone there. The gang made him call his mother Jyoti into the house on Wednesday. They later asked Jyoti to call auditor Venkateswara Rao. When he arrived, the kidnapper held him captive too. "I have been interacting with my wife and son and everything appeared normal. But when I called GV (auditor) there was no answer. I got his phone tracked and found its location was in Rushikonda. I called up police commissioner Trivikram Varma and informed about GV not answering my calls, the MP told the media. The commissioner told the media that the criminals collected some money from Sarat, all the gold ornaments from Jyoti and asked GV to fetch more money. GVs driver then came and delivered `1 crore to the gang members on Wednesday night. He said after the complaint from the MP, at about 8 am on Thursday, the police kept track of GVs phone. When called, GV told the police that he was coming from Srikakulam. But police noticed that the cell location was Rushikonda. Police teams then confirmed that something fishy was happening in Rushikonda. When the police reached the spot, the gang members fled in Sarats Audi car along with the MPs family members. The police chased the car. At a spot near Anandapuram, another car from the opposite direction blocked the Audi car. The kidnappers tried to speed away by dodging the police vehicle. In the process, the cops rammed the Audi and it skidded off into the bushes. "While running away from the spot, the police caught the gangsters and questioned them where they left the victims. They said they were ejected from the car at Sonthyam junction." "Later, the victims came and met the police. Police took them to a hospital for first aid," the commissioner said, adding, "We have seized the cash and there will be further investigation into the case. The MP told the media that he had no personal enmity with Hemant and that the kidnap was only for money. The kidnappers beat up his son and auditor in the last two days but did no harm to his wife, he said. GV is the auditor for many companies owned by the MP and a former chairman of the Smart City Corporation. Hemant was accused in 12 criminal cases including three kidnap cases. He was also accused in the murder of former Congress corporator Vijaya Reddy, the commissioner told the media. The MP, who arrived in Vizag in the afternoon, told DC that his wife and son were doing well and recuperating at home. President Droupadi Murmu, Supreme Commander of the Armed Forces, will arrive at the Begumpet airport on Friday evening and stay overnight at Raj Bhavan. (Image Source: ANI) HYDERABAD: President Droupadi Murmu will visit Hyderabad on Friday to review the combined graduation parade at the Air Force Academy in Dundigal at 8 am on Saturday. President Murmu, Supreme Commander of the Armed Forces, will arrive at the Begumpet airport on Friday evening and stay overnight at Raj Bhavan. After the parade, President Murmu will leave for New Delhi from the Begumpet airport by 11.35 am. The parade includes the presentation of Wings and Brevets to officers of the Indian Navy, Coast Guard and cadets from friendly foreign countries who have been trained at the Air Force Academy. The ceremony also includes an aerobatic display by several aircraft. Prime Minister Narendra Modi (PTI) New Delhi: A day after holding talks with Indias national security adviser Ajit Doval and then calling on Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Americas national security adviser Jake Sullivan on Wednesday held talks with external affairs minister S. Jaishankar ahead of Mr Modis visit to the United States next week. The minister tweeted: "Great to meet US NSA @jakesullivan46 in South Block today morning. Our conversation focused on preparing for PM @narendramodis upcoming US visit. Also discussed global strategic developments from the perspective of our partnership." Mr Modi had on Tuesday evening said he looked forward to meeting US President Joe Biden soon in Washington. The visit of the American NSA is seen as the final preparatory one ahead of Mr Modis forthcoming visit to the US next week. Earlier on Tuesday in New Delhi, Mr Sullivan held talks with Mr Doval "on regional and global issues of mutual interest", New Delhi had said in a statement, adding that Mr Sullivans visit will give both nations "the opportunity to continue their high-level dialogue, which will include a review of the robust and multi-faceted cooperation between the two countries as well as a survey of the India-US global strategic partnership". Both NSAs had attended an event organised by trade body CII on Tuesday evening in the capital on the subject of the iCET and had expressed satisfaction at the progress of the initiative that was launched during the visit of Mr Doval to Washington in February this year. The iCET aims to "position the two countries as trusted technology partners by building technology value chains and support the co-development and co-production of items (and) also aims to address regulatory restrictions, export controls and mobility barriers through a standing mechanism". Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah (ANI) New Delhi/Bengaluru: The Congress government led by Siddaramaiah has decided to scrap the law against religious conversion keeping its poll promise of reviewing and, if necessary, scrapping all the laws made by the previous BJP government in Karnataka. The government will introduce a Bill to repeal the amendments to the anti-conversion law in the upcoming state Assembly session, which starts on July 3. "The Cabinet discussed the anti-conversion Bill. We have approved the Bill to repeal the changes that were brought in by them (the BJP government) in 2022. It will be tabled during the session starting July 3," law and parliamentary affairs minister H.K. Patil told reporters after the Cabinet meeting. "We are bringing in a Bill to repeal the amendments to the Karnataka Protection of Rights to Freedom of Religion Bill, 2022 (anti-conversion law) initiated by the previous BJP government to see that the spirit of the Constitution is fully implemented," the minister said. Karnataka's anti-conversion law came into effect in 2022, despite opposition from the Congress. The Act provides for the protection of the right to freedom of religion and the prohibition of unlawful conversion from one religion to another by misrepresentation, force, undue influence, coercion, allurements or any other fraudulent means. The law became a flashpoint between the BJP and the Congress. The Congress contended that it was a tool for harassment of minorities. The matter even went to court, where Christian organisations argued that the new law violated the religious freedom guaranteed by the Constitution. The Congress had vehemently opposed the Bill, calling it "anti-people", "inhuman", "anti-constitutional", "anti-poor" and "draconian". The party urged the then-BJP government in Karnataka that it should not be passed and that the government should withdraw it. The JD(S) too had expressed its opposition to the Bill. At a briefing after the meeting, Patil said the Cabinet has decided to remove the chapters on V.D. Savarkar and K.B. Hedgewar, one of the founders of the BJP's ideological fountainhead, the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh, from schools' history books. The chapters were added last year. The BJP reacted sharply to the Congress government's decision on Thursday to repeal the anti-conversion law brought in by its regime in Karnataka and dubbed the Mallikarjun Kharge-led outfit the "new Muslim League". "Is this "mohabbat ki dukaan" Rahul Gandhi?" asked senior BJP leader and former Union minister Basanagouda R. Patil (Yatnal) on Twitter. Siddaramaiah's "anti-Hindu agenda" is exposed, he said. Minister for APMC Shivanand Patil said the Cabinet has approved amendments to the four laws of the APMC that were brought by the Union Government three years back. He said the amendments did not fulfil their purpose, such as providing better prices for produce. Markets have also suffered losses after the amendments came into effect. Besides, the Cabinet also authorised the chief minister to appoint three official members to the Karnataka Public Service Commission. After initiating the registration for the Gruha Lakshmi Scheme to provide Rs 2,000 monthly for female members of a family that was scheduled to start from Friday onwards, minister for women and child welfare Laxmi Hebbalkar announced on Thursday that the process will be delayed by about five days in order to make the registration process people-friendly. After the Cabinet meeting, Hebbalkar said that 1.28 crore beneficiaries have been identified and are applying for the scheme. The ministers said that the development of a mobile app will take about five days to help beneficiaries apply for the scheme, which will likely see a heavy registration rush. BRS president and Chief Minister K. Chandrashekar Rao(C) in Nagpur. (DC Image) HYDERABAD: BRS president and Chief Minister K. Chandrashekar Rao said that BRS was not keen on joining any "front" for the Lok Sabha elections since earlier experiments like the National Front and United Front had failed. He stated that the BRS was ready to work with any party, which supported its agenda. "Our agenda is simple. We want to bring structural reforms in all sectors. We want to bring qualitative change in India. We want to bring better water, power, irrigation, infrastructure and education policies. We will release our agenda. We will welcome any party which supports our agenda and wants to work with us," Rao said while addressing a press conference at Nagpur on Thursday. Rao's comments assume significance in the backdrop of attempts by JDU supremo and Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar making efforts to bring non-BJP parties together to defeat the BJP-led NDA in the 2024 polls. When media personnel asked Rao about the possibility of the BRS joining hands with the MVA (Maha Vikas Aghadi) comprising the Congress, NCP and Shiv Sena (UBT) in Maharashtra, he said that he had no such plans as of now. Asked about the Modi government at the Centre the operation of central investigation agencies like CBI, ED and I-T against opposition leaders, Rao said, "It's not at all good for democracy. Central agencies should not be used to harass Opposition parties. In democracy, all parties should be allowed to thrive. People will decide whom to give power to. Even Modi got a chance to become the Prime Minister because of democracy." Asked about the demands for creation of more states such as Vidarbha in Maharashtra on the lines of Telangana state, Rao said, "I fully support creation of more states in the country. I had to fight for 15 years to achieve statehood for Telangana. I sat on an indefinite hunger strike and came out of the jaws of death for Telangana. Why should formation of states be such a complex issue? There is a need to bring a scientific mechanism for the formation of new states. We formed 23 new districts from the 10 that existed in order to decentralise administration. It enabled faster development of Telangana." Rao said that if BRS is voted to power at the Centre, it will implement 33 per cent reservations for women in Parliament and State Assemblies by increasing seats by 33 per cent within one year of coming to power. Earlier, the Chief Minister inaugurated a BRS office in Nagpur. Addressing party leaders and workers, he stated that BRS had become a force to reckon with in Maharashtra politics with the enrollment of four lakh party workers within a month. This is set to rise to 40 lakh members by the time the membership drive ends next month, he said. Rao said that BRS was not just a political party but a 'mission' to change India. He announced that BRS would contest all the elections in Maharashtra and promised to implement the "Telangana model" if voted to power. They party would dump the existing power, water, irrigation policies in Bay of Bengal as they are faulty and will come out with new policies to put the country on the growth trajectory. "India has abundant water and coal reserves but successive governments failed to tap them due to which the country is facing shortage of power, drinking water, irrigation even after 75 years of independence. A small state like Telangana is providing uninterrupted power supply to all sectors, tap water to every household within nine years of formation. Why can't it be extended to entire country? The BRS was formed to extend the Telangana model of welfare schemes and development to the entire country," Rao added. India's Permanent Representative to the UN Ambassador Ruchira Kamboj introduced the draft resolution titled Memorial wall for fallen United Nations peacekeepers'. (Twitter) UNITED NATIONS: The United Nations General Assembly has adopted by consensus a draft resolution piloted by India to establish a memorial wall in the UN headquarters here to honour fallen peacekeepers. The passage of the resolution in the UNGA on Wednesday with a record 190 co-sponsorships came days ahead of Prime Minister Narendra Modi's official state visit to the United States and his participation in the International Yoga Day celebrations at the United Nations headquarters on June 21. India's Permanent Representative to the UN Ambassador Ruchira Kamboj introduced the draft resolution titled Memorial wall for fallen United Nations peacekeepers' on Wednesday in the UN General Assembly Hall and it was adopted by consensus. It welcomed the initiative of member states to establish at a suitable and prominent place at United Nations Headquarters in New York a memorial wall to honour the memory of fallen peacekeepers, giving due consideration to the modalities involved, including the recording of the names of those who have made the supreme sacrifice." While introducing the resolution, Kamboj said the memorial wall will be a testimony to the importance that the UN bestows on peacekeeping. She said it will remind people of not only the sacrifices of the fallen but also be a "constant reminder of the cost of our decisions. India is currently the 3rd largest contributor of uniformed personnel to UN Peacekeeping with more than 6,000 military and police personnel deployed to Abyei, the Central African Republic, Cyprus, the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Lebanon, the Middle East and Western Sahara. About 177 Indian peacekeepers have made the supreme sacrifice, the highest number by far from any troop-contributing country. The resolution was submitted by 18 countries including Bangladesh, Canada, China, Denmark, Egypt, France, India, Indonesia, Jordan, Nepal, Rwanda and the US. Prime Minister Modi on Thursday thanked countries for supporting India's resolution. "Delighted that the Resolution to establish a new Memorial Wall for fallen Peacekeepers, piloted by India, has been adopted in the UN General Assembly," the prime minister tweeted. "The Resolution received a record 190 co-sponsorships. Grateful for everyone's support," he said. External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar expressed thanks to all member states who co-sponsored the resolution. He said the resolution that received a record 190 co-sponsorships is a testimony to faith in India's contributions and intent. The resolution stipulates that the wall be completed within three years of the text's adoption. In her address, Kamboj said: "Peacekeepers are not born. They are forged through the crucible of sacrifice. Their unwavering commitment and selfless acts pave the way for a world where peace must triumph over conflict. In 2015, the Permanent Mission of India to the UN launched a virtual memorial wall, dedicated to the Indian troops who made the supreme sacrifice while doing active service as UN peacekeepers. The initiative was a precursor to the eventual construction of the Peacekeepers Memorial Wall. India had proposed the construction of the memorial wall as an appropriate way to commemorate all the troops from UN member states who had given their lives while on duty under the Blue Flag of the United Nations. Prime Minister Modi, in his address to the Leaders' Summit on Peacekeeping hosted by then-US President Barack Obama at the UN Headquarters in September 2015 during the high-level General Assembly week, paid homage to the peacekeepers who laid down their lives in defending the highest ideals of the United Nations. It would be most fitting if the proposed memorial wall to the fallen peacekeepers is created quickly. India stands ready to contribute, including financially, to this objective, Modi had said. Earlier in 2015, India's then-Permanent Representative to the UN Ambassador Asoke Mukerji said that peacekeepers are brave and dedicated human beings who are sent into so many volatile and unpredictable situations to uphold the principles and objectives of the UN Charter. He said with the UN Headquarters Renovation Project almost complete, we propose that the C34 recommend the construction of a UN Peacekeepers Memorial Wall, with the names of all those UN peacekeepers since 1948 who have laid down their lives 'to save succeeding generations from the scourge of war." "India is ready to contribute materially and conceptually to such a project, he said at the Opening Session of the Annual Debate of the United Nations Special Committee for Peacekeeping Operations (C34). Following the adoption of the resolution, Mukerji told PTI that the news of the UNGA Resolution on the Memorial Wall for UN Peacekeepers is a vindication of Prime Minister Modi's 2015 proposal at the Leaders' Summit on Peacekeeping." India has unveiled her National War Memorial, including for her UN peacekeepers, in New Delhi in 2019. The Memorial Wall for UN Peacekeepers in New York will provide an appropriate bond commemorating our brave troops who sacrificed their lives for the UN Charter principles of peace, security, and development, Mukerji said. The resolution recalled the recommendations contained in the reports of the Special Committee on Peacekeeping Operations, in which it called for the establishment, through voluntary contributions, of the memorial wall. It decided that the planning, construction, upkeep and maintenance of the memorial wall will be funded entirely from voluntary contributions. It also decided to give prominence to the memorial wall by including it in the solemn ceremonies conducted on the International Day of United Nations Peacekeepers and other United Nations peacekeeping-related events. The resolution requested UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres to assist with the details regarding the establishment of the memorial wall, including design, location and data to be included on the wall, criteria for inclusion on the wall and other such modalities. Kamboj highlighted that more than one million men and women from 125 countries have served in 71 peacekeeping missions worldwide over the last 75 years. Currently, more than 80,000 peacekeepers serve in various conflict zones, enduring harsh conditions and risking their lives to keep the peace. Keeping the peace, however, has not been without its cost, Kamboj said, as she noted that more than 4,200 peacekeepers have laid down their lives in the service of the Blue Flag since the inception of peacekeeping. These brave men and women came from different parts of the world, practised different faiths and followed different cultures. They were united by their commitment to the cause of peace, their spirit of selfless sacrifice, their professionalism," she said. These peacekeepers made the supreme sacrifice in the pursuit of mandates that we, as Member States, requested them to carry out, Kamboj said. At the 'International Day of United Nations Peacekeepers' commemorated last month, top UN officials voiced support for India's initiative to establish the memorial wall honouring fallen peacekeepers. The Goods and Services Tax (GST) Council, the apex decision-making body for indirect taxes in India, is likely to take up several long-pending matters including, levies on online gaming and finalising the operational framework of appellate tribunals, in its meeting to be held on July 11 in the national capital. This will be the 50th meeting of the council, which is chaired by the Union Finance Minister and has representation from all states. The first meeting of the council was held on 22-23 September, 2016. The Goods and Services Tax was introduced in the country with effect from July 1, 2017. The 50th meeting of the GST Council will be held on 11th July, 2023 at Vigyan Bhawan, New Delhi," the GST Council said in a tweet on Thursday. Read | Karnataka HC quashes GST notice against online gaming company Official sources said the council is likely to decide on the operational framework for setting up of the GST Appellate Tribunals. The constitution of the GST Appellate Tribunals (GSTAT) has been pending for long. It was envisioned to be set up immediately after the implementation of the GST regime in 2017. In its previous meeting held on 18th February 2023, the GST Council accepted the recommendations of a group of ministers with some modification to set up a GST appellate tribunal in each state. As per the decision taken by the council in its 49th meeting, there will also be a national appellate tribunal based in New Delhi. In the upcoming meeting, the council is likely to decide on the operational framework for setting up the appellate tribunals. Other key issues that are likely to dominate the GST Councils agenda in the 50th meeting are levies on online gaming, casinos and horse racing. At present, online gaming is taxed 18 per cent for skilled games without betting and 28 per cent on games of chance, such as betting and gambling. A group of ministers has recommended a 28 per cent GST rate on all the earnings from online gaming, casinos and horse racing. One of two women attacked by a man near the tourist attraction of Neuschwanstein Castle in southern Germany has died, reported German broadcaster ZDF on Thursday, citing a spokesperson for state prosecutors in Kempten. Also Read | EAM S Jaishankar holds bilateral meetings with development ministers of Germany, Australia The 21-year-old woman died in a hospital overnight, while her 22-year-old companion was still in hospital with injuries, ZDF reported. The suspect has been arrested, said the spokesperson, according to ZDF. State prosecutors did not immediately comment to Reuters. According to German daily Bild, the women ran into the man on a scenic bridge with a view of the world-famous castle, where a scuffle ensued after he sexually harassed them. He then threw both women over the railing of the bridge into a ravine below, Bild reported. The UK on Thursday announced the appointment of senior diplomat Jane Marriott as the next British High Commissioner to Pakistan, making her the first female British envoy to Islamabad. Prior to this appointment, Marriott, 47, was the high commissioner to Kenya since September 2019. She would be replacing Dr Christian Turner, who left Pakistan in January after serving as the envoy since December 2019. "The first female British High Commissioner to Pakistan, Jane, is due to take up her role in mid-July," the British High Commission in Islamabad said in a statement. Marriott brings a wealth of thematic and regional experience to her new role having joined the UKs Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) in 2001, following roles in the Cabinet Office and Home Office. She has also completed two diplomatic postings to Iraq and one to Afghanistan, the statement from the High Commission said. Following the announcement of her appointment, Marriot said that she was incredibly excited to be appointed as the next British High Commissioner to Pakistan a country I am delighted to have visited twice before. I am looking forward to getting to know this culturally rich and deeply diverse country even better. The United Kingdoms relationship with Pakistan is rooted in shared history. Our people-to-people ties bind our countries together in common partnership, which I will be aiming to strengthen further, she said. The war in Ukraine has made it easier for the U.S. Army to get all the money wanted for upgrades to the American M1 tank force. The army had already developed and scrutinized a new SEP (System Enhancement Package) update called SEP4 (or SEPV4) for its M1 tanks. The last upgrade (Sep3) entered service in 2020 after years of testing. The new upgrade contains lots of incremental improvements of features the SEP3 tanks already have. This includes upgrades to the gunners sight and a meteorological sensor that collects data on weather conditions to improve accuracy of the main gun. The U.S. Army has led the world in tank gun accuracy for decades and the SEP4 features offer small improvements. Since the 1980s there have only been these incremental improvements for use against opponents who largely use T-72 upgrades that have not closed the wide effectiveness gap with the M1 and a few other similar tanks (Leopard 2, Challenger, LeClerc and Merkava), A major advantage of the M1 is that it has more combat experience than any other tank, especially its primary opponent: improved T-72/90 models. The most recent combat experience for these tanks has been in Ukraine, when the most modern Russian tank failed in a spectacular fashion against modern Western portable anti-tank weapons. These infantry weapons have a long history of success and to capitalize on that Poland has obtained lots of them and even built its own versions. Noting the similar success of the M1, a year ago Poland ordered 250 M1A2SEP3 tanks for $6 million each. These will be new tanks, not upgrades of older models. The M1A2SEP3 is also known as the M1A2C and is currently the most advanced version of the M1. The Poles consider this tank the best option to deal with any new Russian tank developments. The 66-ton M1A2C also includes the Israeli Trophy ADS (active defense system) which has proved itself in combat and is capable of defeating ATGMs (Anti-tank guided missiles) and RPGs (rocket propelled grenades). Deliveries will begin in late 2022 and be completed in about four years. The 250 Polish M1A2s will complement the 240 used German Leopard 2A4s Poland obtained at bargain prices since 2002, along with a license to upgrade them to the 2A6 standard as the 62-ton Leopard 2PL. Poland is also upgrading over a hundred of its 380 older Russian T-72 tanks, most of them built in Poland during the Cold War and 225 PT-91s, a much-improved T-72 variant designed and built locally since 1995. Poland plans to retire its remaining T-72s as the M1A2s arrive and the experience of these tanks in the Ukraine fighting will accelerate the retirement process. Poland has also ordered a thousand modern K-2 tanks from South Korea, most of them to be built in Poland. Currently the most advanced Russian tank in service is the T-72B3, which is considered as good as the T-90, a 48-ton T-72 upgrade introduced in 1993 as the T-72BU but had a marketing name change to T-90. Over 3,200 were built and most were exported to India where they were produced under license. The 45-ton T-72B3 is cheaper and considered by Russian commanders and crews as equal to the more expensive T-90. Russia uses about 2,000 T-72B3s, with most of its 590 T-90s in storage and T-72B3 used for active-duty units. Russia lost most of those T-72B3s in Ukraine since February along with many of the T-90s brought out of storage. Poland sees its M1 order as a prudent and successful investment. Russia has a new tank design, theT-14, that improves on the T-72 but has not been in combat and is too expensive to purchase in large quantities. The 48-ton T-14 is a radical new design that appears quite impressive but has so far proved too complex and too expensive to mass produce. Mass production was supposed to have started in 2015 but technical problems and shrinking defense budgets halted that until 2020 when covid19 restrictions again delayed production until 2022. The war in Ukraine meant further delays. Russia has fewer than thirty development and pre-production T-14s which have been undergoing field tests with tank units since 2016. The T-14 has a three-man crew and a fully automated turret with the three crew all in an armored capsule under the turret. The T-14 relies on a lot of new techs, some more advanced than any other Western tank has installed. Getting all that tech to work reliably has been a major problem. Getting all these problems fixed has made the T-14 more expensive, at about $4 million each. Thats twice what the reliable T-72B3 costs and Russian combat commanders and crews will have to be convinced that the T-14 works and is not just as reliable as the T-72B3, but also better at surviving in combat. Mass production to build less than two hundred more T-14s was supposed to begin in 2022. At the moment it looks like the Polish M1A2Cs will be the first American tanks to meet the T-14 in combat if Russia ever tries to make a move on Poland and has any new tanks to do it with. The Russians considered sending some T-14s to Ukraine but the list of known and potential defects made it obvious that T-14s in combat would be an embarrassment. There are major problems with the engine and electronics and now Russia cant afford the money needed to deal with those problems. The M1A2C tank is considered the best combat proven tank in the world. But there are many different models of M1s, which vary considerably in their combat capability. The earliest model is only about half as capable as the 2013 M1A2SEP2 model. The M1 is an old design with the first of 3,273 M1 tanks produced in 1978. This version had a 105mm gun. The first of 4,796 M1A1s (with a 120mm gun and depleted uranium armor) was produced in 1985. Another 221 were built for the U.S. Marines, 555 co-produced with Egypt and another 200 M1A1s sent to Egypt. Production of the M1A2 (with improved fire control systems) began in 1986, with 77 for the US Army, 315 for Saudi Arabia, and 218 for Kuwait. Another 600 M1s were upgraded to M1A2 standards. Deliveries of these upgrades began in 1998. In 2001 the army began to upgrade 240 M1A2 tanks as part of an ongoing SEP program with better thermal imaging and fire control equipment as well as communications and computer equipment that would allow tanks to operate a full color "battlefield internet" with each other, as well as headquarters and warplanes with similar equipment. By 2013 the army had upgraded 700 tanks to the M1A2SEP2 standard and built another 240 new M1A2SEP2 vehicles. The goal is to get at least 2,000 upgraded to M1A2SEP2 or higher in the 2020s. So far over 10,000 American M1 tanks have been produced and most of them subsequently updated at least once, mainly in the 1990s. The army is planning to maintain and upgrade its M1 tank fleet (some 7,000 of them) into the 2030s. The M1 has already been in service since the 1980s and may become the first MBT (main battle tank) design to stay in service for half a century. Technically, some World War II tanks achieved that dubious goal but not in the service of a major power. The SEP3 entered service in 2020 after being introduced for testing in 2017. SEP3 includes more improvements in the previous TUSK armor and RWS (remote weapons station) machine-gun upgrades as well improved electricity generation and distribution for all the electronic gadgets that need recharging (or whatever) as well as upgraded communications and networking and installation of VHMS (Vehicle Health Management System) and the use of LRMs (Line Replaceable Modules) to make it easier to upgrade or repair problems. The new communications features include ADL (Ammunition DataLink) to use airburst rounds. There is also an improved counter-IED (improvised explosive device) armor package, an upgraded FLIR (night vision heat sensor) and an APU (Auxiliary Power Unit) under armor to run electronics while stationary instead of using its fuel-thirsty turbine engine. The final addition was the Trophy ADS. The SEP2/3 upgrades also expanded on MVP (Multifunction Vehicle Protection) features which includes external cameras that let the crew see what is going on outside at all times; day or night and in bad weather. The SEP program is continuous, upgrading existing M1A2 tanks to the new SEP3 standard as well as upgrading more M1A2SEPs to the SEP2 level. These upgrades keep the M1, or at least some of them, competitive with more recently designed and built tanks. The U.S. (mainly the army) has over a thousand of the SEP2 upgraded M1A2s and is getting as many of those upgraded to SEP3 as the budget allows. The original M1A2SEP was developed in the late 1990s by upgrading protection and a few other minor fixes. These were followed after 2003 after combat experience in Iraq with TUSK (Tank Urban Survival Kit) and evolved into the SEP2 upgrade. TUSK was installed on hundreds of tanks headed for Iraq as well as several hundred more M1s that had battle damage repaired and TUSK upgrades installed at the same time. TUSK entered service in 2007 with reactive armor panels for the side and rear of the tank, to provide added protection from RPGs. A slat armor panel protects the engine exhaust outlet of the tank from RPGs. A 1.5-ton belly armor kit, which can be installed in two hours, provides additional protection from mines and large bombs. Enhancements also include night vision for all crew members. There is also a telephone added to the side of the tank, so that infantry can more easily communicate with the crew when the tank is "buttoned up" (all hatches closed). The complete TUSK kit cost about $500,000 per vehicle and requires about twelve hours to install all the components. Later additions to TUSK included a rear-view camera for the driver and RWS so the commanders' .50 caliber (12.7mm) machine-gun can be operated from inside the tank. This is particularly useful if the tank is taking a lot of small arms fire. This led to providing all-round vidcam views of what was going on outside the tank. The M1A2SEP2 made most of the TUSK items standard and added more improvements like the RWS for the 12.7mm machine-gun as standard, as well in computer hardware, including color flat screen displays for the crew and software, including a new operating system along with improved TUSK ERA (explosive reactive armor), making the external phone standard and upgrading the transmission to make it more reliable. The electronics on the M1 have undergone several upgrades so far, in addition to new ammo types for the main gun. A major enhancement was depleted uranium armor, which made the M1 virtually invulnerable from the front. The one remaining item in need of major improvement is the 1,500-horsepower gas turbine engine. Past improvements here included electronic monitors on many engine components, an electronic logbook (to record all pertinent engine activity), and a maintenance program that makes the most of all this data. If the engine is monitored closely and constantly, it's possible to carry out maintenance in a timelier (before something fails) manner. The army would also like to develop an improved (more efficient and less expensive to maintain) engine, but that is also a costly item they can't afford at the moment. MVP can also link to audio sensors that work with video sensors to automatically detect where enemy fire is coming from. The United States tested MVP on their M2 IFV (Infantry Fighting Vehicle). New anti-tank weapons are always being developed and the army wants to at least be able to afford new gear to deal with new threats. One threat that is currently ignored is top attack warheads (that put a shaped charge type attack against the thin top armor). There are also new types of mines and electronic threats. If the M1 is to survive for half a century it will have to evolve, as well as endure. The M1A2C is an evolutionary design compared to the T-14 which is a revolutionary design with a lot of new techs introduced at once. India generated an income of $7,400 million through medical tourism over the last decade, and the figure is expected to rise to $43,500 million in the next 10 years, officials said on Wednesday. The health sector in India has seen many private investments in the past five years, they said at the Indian Chamber of Commerce-organised BIMSTEC Health Forum here. Among the issues discussed by the delegates were the inclusion of mental health under overall health, focus on universal health coverage, telemedicine, information sharing, human capital exchange and collaborative opportunities. Because BIMSTEC nations are sensitive to climate change, coordination between the commercial and public healthcare sectors, as well as the government, is required to effect good change while keeping the environment in mind, an official said. Medical tourism is a recognised export from two BIMSTEC members -- India and Thailand. A partnership with the Thai government has also been proposed to adopt Swastha Sathi facilities (West Bengal governments healthcare scheme) and come up with a progressive plan in medical insurance, the officials said. The Bay of Bengal Initiative for Multi-Sectoral Technical and Economic Cooperation (BIMSTEC) is a regional organisation that was established in 1997. The region has a combined population of over 1.68 billion people and a GDP of around $2.88 trillion. Meghalaya Chief Minister Conrad K Sangma wrote to Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan, urging him to make alternative arrangements for students from the state appearing in the CUET as they have been allotted examination centres in faraway places such as Kolkata and Ranchi. In the letter, Sangma said the students were issued the admit cards on Wednesday, from which they got to know about the centres where they have to write the examination on June 16. "Kindly intervene in the matter and issue necessary directions to the NTA to make alternative arrangements in respect of the students of Meghalaya," he said in the letter addressed to Pradhan. Sangma said the allocation of CUET exam centres in faraway places has caused significant inconvenience and logistical challenges for the students and their parents. The Common University Entrance Test (CUET)-UG for admission to undergraduate programmes is being held in three shifts this year, with more than 14 lakh students applying for it. The results are expected to be announced in July. Meghalaya had earlier urged the National Testing Agency (NTA), which is conducting the examination, to set up CUET centres in the state. Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M K Stalin on Thursday warned the BJP not to "provoke" the DMK, saying it will not be able to "bear the consequences" and that his party also knows "all types of politics", escalating his attack on the saffron party after the arrest of his cabinet colleague V Senthil Balaji. Stalin also alleged that the BJP leadership wants to do its "politics through the ED." "Turn back the pages of history to know the kind of agitations done by the DMK. Else, ask the senior leaders in Delhi. Don't provoke. If you provoke the DMK or the DMK worker you will not be able to bear the consequences. We also know all types of politics. This is not a threat, but a warning," he said targeting the BJP in a video message posted on his official Twitter handle. The Enforcement Directorate (ED) on Wednesday arrested Balaji under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA) in connection with an alleged cash for jobs scam in the state transport department during 2011-15 when he was the transport minister in the AIADMK government. The Madras High Court, meanwhile, allowed the shifting of Balaji, who is under medical treatment at a city government hospital, to a private facility. A division bench of Justices J Nisha Banu and D Bharatha Chakravarthy also said there was "no question of enlarging him on bail," as Balaji was under judicial custody. It gave the interim order while hearing a habeas corpus petition filed by Balaji's wife. Read | Wrestlers' protest: Sengol has 'bent' the very first day, says Stalin The court, at the same time, said Balaji will continue to remain in judicial custody and allowed the ED to have its own team of doctors also to examine the minister. A sessions court on Wednesday sent Balaji to judicial custody till June 28. In a related development, the state human rights commission said it will look into Balaji's allegations of ill-treatment at the hands of the ED during his arrest. The ED has denied the allegations. Balaji, who is the Electricity and Excise minister, was arrested around 1.30 am on Wednesday following raids on his premises since Tuesday morning sparking a political slugfest. Calling the ED action a "brazen political vendetta", Stalin slammed the central agency for its handling of the minister, alleging the DMK leader was subject to "mental pressure" and subsequently suffered a health issue. Stalin, who is also the president of the DMK, said his party will not be afraid of "intimidation" by the BJP and that its workers will take on any challenges. The party has its own ideology and principles and was against communalism, casteism, discrimination based on birth and many other "regressive" aspects. "We face such forces in the political arena. We are ready to put forth arguments for arguments. We will not budge if attempts are made to fall us in line through intimidation. We will stand upright; will face things." "You are there for me. The 2024 electoral field is awaiting us. Let us face them there," he told his party cadres. "You all are aware of the unfair troubles being given to Senthil Balaji by the ED. None has any doubt that it is brazen political vendetta. Taking up a case that is 10 years old, he was confined and subjected to mental pressure. He was mentally and physically weakened and even suffered a life-threatening heart disease because of the ED. Can there be any more brazen political vendetta?" Balaji is an elected MLA and a five-time legislator and is a minister for the second time. He attends a lot of public events, Stalin said. "What is the need to probe such person by confining him like a terrorist? What is the emergency for such an enquiry. Is there an undeclared emergency in the country. Looks so going by the ED's activity. To put it simply, the BJP leadership wants to do its politics through the ED; it is not ready to do politics by meeting people," he said attacking the saffron party. Stalin alleged the BJP uses its probe agencies like the Income Tax department, CBI and ED to "intimidate" rivals whom it cannot face politically or electorally. He also referred to the arrest of or action against leaders like Sanjay Raut of the Shiv Sena, AAP leader Manish Sisodia, RJD leader and Bihar deputy CM Tejashwi Yadav and those associated with TMC supremo and West Bengal Mamata Banerjee to buttress his claim. However, these central agencies won't go to BJP-ruled Gujarat or Uttar Pradesh, Stalin sarcastically remarked. He also said those who joined BJP following such raids "become saints," as there would be no progress in such cases. Read | Senthil Balaji said he was treated 'badly' by ED officials: Human rights commission member Taking a swipe at the various searches by central agencies against the AIADMK leaders in 2016, 2017 and 2018, Stalin asked if any of these reached its logical conclusion. BJP and AIADMK are allies. Tamil Nadu State Human Rights Commission (TNSHRC) member V Kannadasan met Balaji at the hospital where the minister is undergoing treatment and said the latter had told him he was "treated badly" by the ED officials who had made the arrest. "He said he was dragged and suffered an injury in his head," Kannadasan said. However, only the doctors can confirm about the injuries said to have been suffered by Balaji. The TNSHRC will look into the matter, he added. A delegation of AIADMK leaders led by the party's MP C Ve Shanmugan met Governor R N Ravi and submitted a memorandum signed by AIADMK General Secretary Edappadi K Palaniswami demanding the removal of Balaji from the council of ministers. Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath on Wednesday said that the development of Ayodhya is one of the top priorities of his government. The CM, who reached Ayodhya on a two-day visit to take stock of the progress in the construction of the Ram temple, remarked "The people of the country and the world are eager to see a 'Divya, Bhavya, Navya Ayodhya.' We have to ensure that every devotee/tourist visiting Ayodhya goes back with a special sense of peace, contentment and joy." The overall development of 'Dharmanagari' Ayodhya is one of the top priorities of the government in line with the vision of the Prime Minister, an official release said quoting the CM. Reviewing the work, he directed police to deal with the common public, tourists, and pilgrims with sensitivity, and maintain law and order in Ayodhya. The CM visited Hanumangarhi to offer prayers and also inspected the construction work of the Shri Ram Janmabhoomi temple. "Every single project is important. It is necessary that there is mutual coordination between the departments and a coordinated action plan is developed. With inter-departmental coordination, all works should be completed with quality in a time-bound manner," he said during a review meet. Adityanath said that a water action plan and a water balance plan should be prepared to make Ayodhya a city with a round-the-clock drinking water facility. He also lay stress on the construction of an underground sewer network in Ayodhya and its development as a solar-powered city. The CM said since Ayodhya is a religious city, public sentiments should be respected and consumption of meat and liquor should be prohibited. He was told that the construction of the Rampath (from Sahadatganj to Nayaghat) was 30 per cent complete and will be finished by December 31. Adityanath said Ayodhya will soon be reckoned among world-class cities and will be the focal point of the Sanatan Dharma. Prime Minister Narendra Modi will speak on the role of the diaspora in Indias development during his address to Indian Americans here next week, according to a community leader in charge of hosting the event. Prime Minister Modi is visiting the US from June 21-24 at the invitation of US President Joe Biden and First Lady Jill Biden. They will host Modi at a state dinner on June 22. The visit also includes an address to the Joint Session of the Congress on June 22. Also read | US trade advocacy body urges Modi, Biden to target $500-billion-a-year bilateral trade goal Chicago-based Dr Bharat Barai, who was at the Ronald Reagan Building venue in Washington DC on Wednesday to give final shape to the next weeks event, said that it is a sold-out event, with registration completed for all 838 seats. As far as the registrations are concerned, they are closed for the host committee as well as other people. We had an extraordinary response, all by word of mouth because we had only 838 seats. So there was no time and there was no capacity if we advertised outside," Barai told PTI. "We used the database that we had from the previous public meetings of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, and even before we could contact the people, they contacted us and it's all filled up, he said. Modi will address an invitation-only gathering of diaspora leaders from across the country at the Ronald Reagan Building and International Trade Center in Washington on June 23. The topic is going to be the role of the diaspora in the growth story of India. We want to see what we can do as a diaspora to help India and the people of India come up to the new place in the world, Barai said. Noting that the event will have very few cultural elements, he said the organisers want to make it primarily an engagement between the diaspora and the prime minister. The diaspora is very much excited about having such a visionary and working person who has propelled India to the fifth largest economy in the world. Not only that, he has elevated India's reputation, he said. Amitabh Mittal from Chicago thanked US President Joe Biden for inviting Modi on an official state visit. He is the man of the action. He has transformed India. India has been waiting for someone like him to come and take charge, Mittal said. Mittal hoped the prime minister would make an announcement on the Hindu Heritage Month in October. We have received his letter twice already in the last two years. But since he's here on the ground, I would love for him to mention that October is celebrated as the Hindu Heritage Month. "Not only in America, but Canada, Australia, New Zealand and six other countries have joined in, and we have 30 proclamations already, Mittal said. A city court here has rejected arrested Tamil Nadu Minister V Senthil Balaji's plea for rejection of remand. The court dismissed the petition as infructuous since Balaji, arrested by the Enforcement Directorate (ED), had already been sent to judicial custody earlier. Also Read TN minister Senthil Balaji breaks down, admitted to hospital amid ED raids Balaji, TN Electricity and Prohibition and Excise minister, was arrested on Wednesday by the ED under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA) in a cash for jobs scam against him when he was the Transport minister in the earlier AIADMK cabinet led by the late J Jayalalithaa. Cyclone Biparjoy made landfall near Jakhau Port in Gujarat on Thursday evening with a wind speed of 115-125 kmph gusting to 140 kmph as heavy rains lashed the coastal region, where several areas plunged into darkness due to power cuts and a large number of trees, electric poles and hoardings got uprooted. A relief and rescue operation was underway with multiple teams of the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) and the State Disaster Response Force (SDRF) deployed in the affected districts, while and Armed Forces were on standby for any emergency situation, officials said. Biparjoy (meaning disaster or calamity in Bengali) unleashed destructive wind speed and incessant rains as trees and electricity poles were uprooted, while seawater entered villages located in low-lying areas, they said. Several areas plunged into darkness due to power cuts, the officials said, adding so far, there were no reports of any loss of life. Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel reviewed the situation and the rescue and relief operation at the State Emergency Operation Centre (SEOC) in Gandhinagar. Read | Cyclone Biparjoy: 10 things to know The landfall process of the 'very severe cyclonic storm' commenced at around 6:30 pm along the coast of Saurashtra-Kutch, and was likely to be completed over land by midnight, the India Meteorological Department (IMD) said in its latest update. The eye of the cyclone, which was churning across the Arabian Sea for more than 10 days, was located around 20 km southwest of Jakhau port, 120 km northwest of Devbhumi Dwarka and 50 km west-southwest of Naliya, the Met department said. "The landfall of the cyclone will continue till midnight after which it is likely to convert into 'cyclonic storm' by tomorrow (Friday) morning," IMD Ahmedabad director Manorama Mohanty said. Landfall indicates a cyclonic storm moving over land after being over water. "By midnight, the intensity of wind will reduce as the cyclone converts to 'severe cyclonic storm.' It will further reduce by Friday morning and become normal by tomorrow evening," she said. Some part of the eye of the cyclone, which is of around 50 km diametre, has entered the land near Jakhau port and is moving in the north-east direction, said Mohanty. "Some more part of the eye remains and will enter by around 11 pm. The entire system will enter land around midnight," she said. While approaching the Gujarat coast, the cyclone moved with a speed of 13 kmph. During the landfall, the wind speed was 115-125 kmph gusting to 140 kmph, the IMD said. It has defined Saurashtra-Kutch and adjoining Pakistan coasts as the area of the landfall of the cyclone, and area near Jakhau port between Mandvi in Kutch district and Karachi in Pakistan as the landfall point. The cyclone will bring heavy to very heavy with isolated extremely heavy rainfall at a few places in districts of Kutch, Devbhumi Dwarka and Jamnagar, and heavy to very heavy rainfall at a few places in Porbandar, Rajkot, Morbi and Junagadh districts, said the IMD. It also forecast gale wind speed reaching 115-125 kmph gusting to 135 kmph along and off Kutch, Devbhumi Dwarka and Porbandar coasts. 'Astronomical tide' of up to 3-6 metres in different places along Gujarat coasts was likely to inundate the low-lying areas during landfall, it said. Tides of up to 7.5 metres were recorded at Navlakhi in the region, and 6.8 metres near Deendayal port, the met department said. The state government said it has deployed 631 medical teams and 504 ambulances in the eight affected districts to meet all possible contingencies. The state administration said that till Thursday evening it shifted more than 94,000 persons living in the eight coastal districts to temporary shelters. Apart from teams of NDRF and SDRF, Indian Army, Navy, Air Force, Indian Coast Guard and Border Security Force (BSF) are geared up for relief and rescue operations, officials said. The Army has deployed 27 relief columns across Gujarat -- at Bhuj, Jamnagar, Gandhidham, Dhrangadhra as well as forward locations at Naliya, Dwarka and Mandvi, defence PRO N Manish said. The IAF has kept one helicopter on standby each at Vadodara, Ahmedabad and Delhi. The Indian Navy has positioned 10-15 teams each consisting of five people of diverse and good swimmers at Okha, Porbandar and Bakasura for rescue and relief, Manish said. Eight Indian Coast Guard stations in Gujarat have been kept in the highest states of readiness with 15 ships and seven aircraft for at search and rescue operations. In addition, 23 disaster relief teams have been positioned, the PRO said. The BSF has mobilised requisite resources for rescue operations and established coordination with civil administration for support to local population, with about 50 villagers of Gunao village located close to Jakhau coast shifted to its outpost, it said. Until 7 pm, there was no report of any loss of life, said Gujarat Minister of State for Home Harsh Sanghavi said. "Three persons sustained injuries in Devbhoomi Dwarka district after a tree fall and they are being treated. Teams of the Gujarat police, the NDRF and the Army are working at ground level in different parts of Dwarka to remove uprooted trees and electric poles," Sanghavi said. The information and broadcasting ministry has asked media organisations, including television channels, to take "abundant precaution" while deploying their personnel to cover cyclone Biparjoy to ensure their safety. Fishing boats have been anchored, large ships sent to high seas, more than 4,000 hoardings taken down and salt pan workers and pregnant women have been taken to safer places as authorities have evacuated about 1 lakh people in Gujarat in the wake of the cyclone 'Biparjoy', NDRF DG Atul Karwal said in New Delhi. The head of the federal contingency force said the NDRF has also kept on alert 15 teams in the north, east and south of the country to airlift them and reinforce the strength of the teams which have been earmarked for cyclone relief and rescue work in Gujarat and Maharashtra. "We have 18 teams deployed and kept on stand-by to undertake quick rescue operations in Gujarat," he said. "Our aim is to ensure that the loss of lives and property remains minimum and we have equipped our teams with tree and pole cutters to ensure communication links are kept open and restored quickly once the cyclonic effect is over," said Karwal. Fresenius Medical Care AG & Co. KGaA provides dialysis and related services for individuals with renal diseases in Germany, North America, and internationally. The company offers dialysis treatment and related laboratory and diagnostic services through a network of outpatient dialysis clinics; materials, training, and patient support services comprising clinical monitoring, follow-up assistance, and arranging for delivery of the supplies to the patient's residence; and dialysis services under contract to hospitals in the United States for the hospitalized end-stage renal disease (ESRD) patients and for patients suffering from acute kidney failure. It also develops, manufactures, and distributes various health care products, including polysulfone dialyzers, hemodialysis machines, peritoneal dialysis cyclers, peritoneal dialysis solutions, hemodialysis concentrates, solutions and granulates, bloodlines, renal pharmaceuticals, systems for water treatment, and acute cardiopulmonary and apheresis products. In addition, the company develops, acquires, and in-licenses renal pharmaceuticals; offers renal medications and supplies to patients at homes or to dialysis clinics; and provides vascular, cardiovascular, endovascular specialty, vascular care ambulatory surgery center, and physician nephrology and cardiology services. The company sells its products to dialysis clinics, hospitals, and specialized treatment clinics directly, as well as through local sales forces, independent distributors, dealers, and sales agents. Fresenius Medical Care AG & Co. KGaA was incorporated in 1996 and is headquartered in Bad Homburg, Germany. "The Saville Report - in pronouncing the innocence of all the Bloody Sunday victims - gave comfort to many people. But its failure to fully exonerate Gerald [Donaghey], despite being declared innocent and posing no threat when he was killed of the blatantly false, charge of possessing nail-bombs, broke our hearts. These were the poignantly powerful words of Geraldine Doherty this afternoon, as she unveiled the new Bloody Sunday Mural, which features her uncle, Gerald Donaghey, at Lisfannon Park in the city. On the 13th anniversary of the publication of the Saville Report, Geraldine said: "I am very proud to be here today to remember my uncle, Gerald Donaghey. I am here to continue my late Mothers battle for truth and justice. Mary who fought tirelessly to clear her brothers name, was a broken women on the 15 June 2010 when Saville failed to address the issue of nail bombs planted on his body by the British army. "Mary sadly died a few months later with that injustice always on her mind. Mary, we are here today, to remind everyone that your battle to remove the stain on his good name and reputation continues." Gerald Donaghey was one of the 14 people murdered by the British army in Derry on January 30, 1972. 28 unarmed civil rights / anti-internment marchers were shot that day. The Bloody Sunday dead were: John "Jackie" Duddy (17), Michael Kelly (17), Hugh Gilmour (17), William Nash (19), John Young (17), Michael McDaid (20), Kevin McElhinney (17), James "Jim" Wray (22), William McKinney (26), Gerard "Gerry" McKinney (35), Gerard "Gerry" Donaghy (17), Patrick Doherty (31), Bernard "Barney" McGuigan (41), and John Johnston (59), all of whom are featured on the new mural. Geraldine added: "I am very proud to tell all of you here, that we know he was an innocent 17-year-old boy - a child murdered whilst marching for civil rights, and that we will not rest until that fact is written into the historical record. Lord Savilles slur on Geralds good name will not remain as the last word on his far-too-short life. "The Saville Report - in pronouncing the innocence of all the Bloody Sunday victims - gave comfort to many people. But its failure to fully exonerate Gerald, despite being declared innocent and posing no threat when he was killed of the blatantly false, charge of possessing nail-bombs, broke our hearts. "These lies, which have been left on the record against Gerald, have been used for more than 50 years as justification for both his death and for the deaths and woundings of 27 other people. I will not rest until these lies are eradicated from the public record. "Saville cannot and will not be the last word on Bloody Sunday. Everytime any person looks at or is shown this wall they ask themselves, why is this young boy so significant? He is significant because he is both the reminder of how our innocence was crushed - and also how, in his own case, his innocence is still being denied," said Geraldine. Geraldine reiterated that no-one at the unveiling needed reminded that those shot down on these streets over 50 years ago were innocent. "But what must be remembered is that those who planned, ordered, executed and covered up the murder of our loved ones on that day, remain unaccountable for their actions," she continued. "No member of the British establishment, no politician, no military commander, including Sir General Mike Jackson, who has been previously depicted on this wall, and justifiably called out as a War Criminal will have to face any consequences for their murderous actions. Geraldine Doherty (left) with her late mother, Mary, at Free Derry Wall. "The current Legacy Bill being driven through the British Houses of Parliament will shut down once and for all, families search for truth and justice. "I would like to give my sincerest thanks to all those who created this very fitting mural and who continue to highlight the failings of Saville and the significance of Geralds case, including the Bloody Sunday Trust, the Bloody Sunday March Committee, and all those friends, comrades and supporters - especially the late and much missed Stephen Gargan. "The fight for truth and justice continues Only when we can look up at this young boys face and say to him: Gerald, we have done it, your name is completely cleared, now and forever, that at long last, we have done right by you. Go raibh maith agaibh." District Judge Barney McElholm has said that some people 'avoid parts of the city centre' due to the activities of street drinkers. His comments came as he remanded a man with 171 previous convictions in custody for offences that were said to have occurred around 1pm on June 14. Paul Farren (33) of Duncreggan Road in Derry appeared charged with assaulting a man, disorderly behaviour in the Strand Road and resisting police on June 14. The court heard that police were on patrol and we're approached by a man claiming he had been assaulted by Farren outside the old Bank of Ireland building. The man claimed Farren threw a bottle at him before jumping on his back and taking him to the ground in a headlock. When police approached Farren he resisted and CS spray had to be used. An independent witness told police that the alleged victim had commented about begging before the bottle was thrown. A police officer said that the court was 'extremely aware of Farren' who was a chronic alcoholic. He said he had received a suspended sentence 15 days ago and the officer said he was 'surprised he had lasted so long.' The court heard that if Farren drinks then he will offend. Defence solicitor Seamus Quigley said his client had given 'a version of events' but said that for the first time in a long time the defendant had an address. He said bail could be granted with a condition he does not enter the city centre. Judge McElholm said that even if he imposed a condition on Farren not to drink or enter the city centre he would do both. He said locking people up was 'a waste of money' and achieved nothing except give the people of the city some respite. The judge said if he granted Farren bail he would have breached it 'before the day is out.' Farren was remanded in custody to appear again on July 6. A man has been remanded in custody at Derry Magistrate's Court today charged with assaulting a female, assault on a police officer and attempted criminal damage to a police vehicle. James Smith (23) of Duddy's Court in Derry faces three charges that were said to have occurred on June 14. The court heard that police were called to a report of an assault on a female in Duddy's Court. Police spoke to a female who had two black eyes and swelling on her face. She said she had been drinking with others when a female, Smith's girlfriend, assaulted her and then encouraged Smith to attack her. She said Smith threatened to get a dog lead and strangle her and stamp on her face. When Smith was arrested he became rowdy and aggressive and was alleged to have kicked the back window of a police vehicle. The court heard that Smith was in breach of bail on two charges. A police officer said that the proposed address was not deemed suitable as threats had been directed at that house. Bail was refused and Smith was remanded in custody to appear again on June 22. Infinix Note 30 5G has launched at a starting price of 14,999 in India. At this price, it has got a lot of competition from the likes of Samsung Galaxy M14 5G, iQOO Z6 Lite 5G, Redmi 11 Prime 5G, Vivo T2x 5G, and Realme 9i. Lets see what each of these phones has to offer and particularly, talk about where these stand in comparison to the new Infinix 5G smartphone. 5 Infinix Note 30 5G alternatives in India in June 2023 1. Realme 9i 5G Compared to the Infinix Note 30 5G, Realme 9i 5G is lighter, slightly slimmer, lower refresh rate, a touch smaller display, boots with Android 12 (but upgradeable to Android 13), a very similarly configured chipset, slower charging speed, lesser megapixel count on the front and back cameras. Infinix Note 30 5G also offers a leather back option which Realme 9i doesnt. Realme 9i 5G bands: NR SA:n1/n5/n8/n28A/n41/n78, NR NSA:n41/n77/n78 Infinix Note 30 5G bands: 1, 3, 5, 7, 8, 12, 22, 28, 38, 40, 41, 66, 77, 78 2. iQOO Z6 Lite 5G iQOO Z6 Lite 5G is also lighter and slimmer than the Infinix phone. It has a smaller display, older Android 12 software out of the box, a Snapdragon 4 Gen 1 led by 2x Cortex A78 chips, a lesser megapixel count on the rear and front cameras, and slower charging in comparison. iQOO Z6 Lite 5G bands: 77, 78 SA/NSA Also Read: The newly launched Redmi Note 12 4G compared against Realme 9i 5G and Samsung Galaxy F14 5G 3. Samsung Galaxy M14 5G Samsung Galaxy M14 is thicker and heavier, has Gorilla Glass 5 protection on the front, a smaller screen with a lower refresh rate, a better-specced Exynos processor, a lower megapixel count on the front and back cameras, and a bigger battery with a slower charging support. Samsung Galaxy M14 5G bands: 1, 3, 5, 7, 8, 20, 28, 38, 40, 41, 66, 77, 78 SA/NSA 4. Vivo T2x 5G Vivo T2x 5G is lighter and slimmer, has a smaller but higher refresh rate display, a weaker processor, lower-res cameras on the front and back, and slower charging support. Vivo T2x 5G bands: 1, 3, 8, 28, 77, 78 SA/NSA Also Read: Realme 9i 5G vs Poco M4 Pro 5G: Pricing and specifications compared 5. Redmi 11 Prime 5G Redmi 11 Prime 5G is a bit thicker but is lighter in weight. It also has a smaller and lower refresh rate display, an older Android 12 software out of the box, a slightly weaker processor, lower-res cameras on both sides and a slower charging facility. Redmi 11 Prime 5G bands: 1, 3, 5, 7, 8, 20, 28, 38, 40, 41, 77, 78 SA/NSA Get ready to immerse yourself in a world of cutting-edge technology, sleek designs, and irresistible deals with the ongoing Amazon.in Indias Smartphones EMI Carnival until 30th June. Offering an extensive range of brands, models, and features, along with attractive deals and flexible payment options, the carnival will leave one spoiled for choice. So get ready to embark on a smartphone shopping spree like never before from top brands such as iQOO, Samsung, OnePlus, Xiaomi, Redmi, Tecno, and many more. Here are some of the popular smartphones available on Amazon.in with exciting deals and offers from sellers. iQOO Neo 6 5G iQOO Neo 6 5G comes with Snapdragon 870 5G processor, 120Hz E4 AMOLED display, 1300 nits peak brightness, 80W flash charge technology and 4700mAh battery. Get this on Amazon.in for INR 24,999 along with an EMI tenure of 3 months and prime advantage tenure of 6 months. Samsung M14 5G Monster Galaxy M14 5G comes with 6.6 FHD+ display, 5nm processor, 50MP triple camera and 6000 mAh battery. The phone supports 13 Indian 5G bands. Get this on Amazon.in for INR 13,490 along with an EMI tenure of 6 months and prime advantage tenure of 9 months. Samsung Galaxy M33 5G - Capture all the drama that social media needs with the stunning 50MP Quad camera and its fun mode. This smartphone additionally comes with 8GB RAM, 128GB storage and 6000 mAh battery. Get this on Amazon.in for INR 15,999 along with an EMI tenure of 6 months and prime advantage tenure of 9 months. iQOO Neo 7 5G iQOO Neo 7 5G comes with MediaTek Dimensity 8200 5G, 120W flash charge, 6.78 120Hz AMOLED display, 64MP OIS Camera and dual stereo speakers. Get this on Amazon.in for INR 27,999 along with an EMI tenure of 6 months and prime advantage tenure of 9 months. iQOO 9 Pro 5G - iQOO 9 Pro 5G is the new performance king that comes with 12GB RAM, 256GB storage, snapdragon 8 Gen 1 mobile processor and 120W flash charge. Get this on Amazon.in for INR 44,990 along with an EMI tenure of 6 months and prime advantage tenure of 9 months. OnePlus Nord CE 2 Lite - This smartphone comes with 6GB RAM, 128GB storage, 64MP main camera, 16MP front camera and a display of 6.59 inches. Get this on Amazon.in for INR 18,999 along with an EMI tenure of 6 months and prime advantage tenure of 9 months. OnePlus Nord 2T - OnePlus Nord 2T has everything one could ask for. It comes with 80W supervooc fast charging, 50MP Sony flagship camera, 32MP front camera and AMOLED display. Get this on Amazon.in for INR 28,999 along with an EMI tenure of 6 months and prime advantage tenure of 9 months. Samsung Galaxy Z Fold4 5G - Stands out, Stands up, Unfolds- Galaxy Z Fold4 5G can multitask with its 6.2-inch cover screen and 7.6-inch main screen. It is the worlds first water resistant foldable smartphone and supports S-Pen. Get this on Amazon.in for INR 147,999 along with an EMI tenure of 6 months and prime advantage tenure of 9 months. iQOO 11 5G - The beast iQOO 11 5G comes with Indias first Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 processor, 2K E6 AMOLED display, 1800 nits brightness and 120W flash charge. Get this on Amazon.in for INR 51,999 along with an EMI tenure of 9 months and prime advantage tenure of 12 months. Xiaomi 13 Pro The Xiaomi 13 Pro has flagship Snapdragon 8 Gen 2, 4nm processor that is designed to provide groundbreaking performance. It comes with 6.73 inch 2K 120Hz E6 AMOLED display, 4820mAh battery and 50MP Leica professional optics. Get this on Amazon.in for INR 73,999 along with an EMI tenure of 9 months and prime advantage tenure of 12 months. Redmi K50i - Reimagine photography with 64MP ISOCELL primary sensor, 8MP ultra-wide and 2MP macro triple camera setup. This smartphone comes with 6.6" FHD, 5080mAh battery, 8GB RAM and 256GB storage. Get this on Amazon.in for INR 19,249 along with an EMI tenure of 9 months and prime advantage tenure of 12 months. Xiaomi 12 pro - This smartphone comes with a 6.73'' WQHD + 120Hz AMOLED display that includes AdaptiveSync Pro which is a master in clarity, brightness and smoothness. Get this on Amazon.in for INR 43,249 along with an EMI tenure of 9 months and prime advantage tenure of 12 months. Samsung Galaxy S22 5G - This smartphone includes a Pro-grade Camera that lets one make their nights epic with Nightography. The sensor pulls in more light and the Super Clear Glass dials down lens flare. Additionally, fast-acting AI delivers near-instant intelligent processing. Get this on Amazon.in for INR 52,999 with an EMI tenure of 9 months and prime advantage tenure of 12 months. Samsung Galaxy S22 Ultra 5G- Its the first Galaxy S that comes with an embedded S Pen. One can write comfortably like writing on paper. It can turn quick notes into legible text and customers can even use Air Actions to control their phone remotely. Get this on Amazon.in for INR 102,999 along with an EMI tenure of 9 months and prime advantage tenure of 12 months. Redmi 10 Power - It comes with 680 snapdragon power, up to 11GB RAM, 6000 mAh 2 day battery, 6.71 display and 50MP camera setup. Get this on Amazon.in for INR 11,249 along with an EMI tenure of 15 months and prime advantage tenure of 18 months Tecno Phantom X2 - It comes with world's 1st 4nm Dimensity 9000 5G Processor, extraordinary 64MP OIS ultra clear night camera and 6.8" FHD+ Dual Curved AMOLED display. Get this on Amazon.in for INR 39,999 along with an EMI tenure of 15 months and prime advantage tenure of 18 months Tecno Phantom X2 Pro 5G - Tecno Phantom X2 Pro 5G is beyond the extraordinary as it comes with worlds first retractable portrait lens, world's 1st 4nm Dimensity 9000 5G Processor, 6.8" FHD+ dual curved AMOLED display, 5160mAh battery, 50 MP camera and 5th Gen AI Processor APU 590. Get this on Amazon.in for INR 49,999 along with an EMI tenure of 15 months and prime advantage tenure of 18 months. Samsung Galaxy S23 5G - Samsung Galaxy S23 5G smartphone is designed to capture night shots and provide a smooth gaming experience. It comes with a 6.1 inch dynamic AMOLED display, 50 MP wide camera and 3900 mAh battery. Get this on Amazon.in for INR 69,999 along with an EMI tenure of 21 months and prime advantage tenure of 24 months. Samsung Galaxy S23 Plus 5G Samsung Galaxy S23 Plus 5G smartphone is designed to make multitasking easier, capture night shots and provide a smooth gaming experience. It comes with a 6.6 inch dynamic AMOLED display, 50 MP wide camera and 4700 mAh battery. Get this on Amazon.in for INR 89,999 along with an EMI tenure of 21 months and prime advantage tenure of 24 months. Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra 5G Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra 5G smartphone is designed to re-invent premium experiences like never before. It comes with groundbreaking camera capabilities such as a 200MP sensor with adaptive pixels that can capture images with epic details. Get this on Amazon.in for INR 116,999 along with an EMI tenure of 21 months and prime advantage tenure of 24 months. Top deals and offers can be viewed here. How home deco AI startup Homee.ai gets Jensen Huang's attension When the phrase "spatial computing" first appeared at the launch of Apple's Vision Pro headsets by Tim Cook, Kenny Du, Founder and CEO of Homee.ai, could not help feeling a sense of pride. "We have nailed the problem for the home furnishing industry and consumers by constructing the AI infrastructure for them," Du told DIGITIMES Asia with an ear-to-ear smile on his face in an interview recently. Homee.ai, the AI-as-a-service platform startup that provides artificial intelligence (AI) and digital transformation tools to home furnishing industry companies worldwide, was mentioned in Nvidia CEO Jensen Huang's keynote speech at Computex 2023. It is selected by the Nvidia Inception Program, which provides resources for startups that need Nvidia's computing power for their AI training process. Little do many people know that Homee.ai not only is an AI-as-a-Service company but also has established an e-commerce marketplace for furniture and household items. Kenny Du started this journey in 2017 when he created his company after getting his MBA from a German university. He had to furnish hundreds of units in a huge residential project in Shanghai. "The traditional way of decorating a new home is just too time-consuming and inefficient. Imagine if the furniture you choose does not fit the space you wanted to put it in!" Du said. "So I started to pore through research papers on related technologies, sourcing the right people and resources to get the job done." He was trying to figure out how to let as many people as possible choose the furniture for their homes that are different in spatial designs and dimensions. How could he help them cut the inconvenience of having to measure the space themselves? How could they immediately see whether the selected furniture matches the tone and style of their space? The technologies back then were not ready for his ambitious goal. There was no camera to take 3D photos, and memory size was only 256 megabits. People knew nothing about spatial computing in 2017-2018. "Virtual reality was all the rage back then, and artificial intelligence (AI) was not even a popular word," Du admitted that in the beginning, he hired a research and development team to build the infrastructure, but nothing came out of that project. He was not daunted by the failure. He knew the rewards would be huge if he gets it right to create a useful tool for the global home deco market, which enjoys more than US$650 billion in sales each year. Every family has a solid need for home furnishing which has not been digitized yet. Du started building his own team from the ground up, one person at a time. Amanda Ye, the company's chief operating officer (COO), learned about Du's ambitious plan 5 years ago but felt there were insufficient resources to support the team back then. "I thought the goal probably will take more than 10 years to achieve if it manages to survive," chuckled Ye. However, what Du and his team have accomplished since 2017 really amazed her, and she eventually joined the company in 2023. Building AI as infrastructure with Nvidia Spatial computing is just the first step. Homee.ai also applied generative AI to its application. "After scanning an apartment space, users can try putting different pieces of furniture in the augmented reality and see which one fits better," Du demonstrated how it works on his iPhone. "When you remove the sofa, the generative AI automatically generates the floor area under the sofa." After developing a platform that links a furniture marketplace and provides home furnishing companies with marketing and operating tools, Homee.ai eventually got noticed by Nvidia, which was searching for AI startups to build an ecosystem. Nvidia wasted no time to get the ball rolling. "Two or three hours after our discussion, Nvidia's HQ immediately sent term sheets over. In two days we completed all the documentation and started collaboration," said Du. Du compared Nvidia to a powerful fleet. "It's like we now have an aircraft carrier right outside the window, because everything is in the cloud." Homee.ai needs computing power to build many 3D models and to do spatial identifications. "Nvidia is a hardware provider, by helping startups to grow, they also get to grow demands for the computing power that feeds on their chips, that's what I presume," said Du. Du made another analogy. "Nvidia is like the builder of the engine, and we build the car; our collaboration is to sell this car, the AI solution, and build a highway to the home deco companies which cannot build their own AI but would like to have AI do wonderful tasks for them." Digital transformation tool for home deco industry Homee.ai already has nearly 1,000 home furnishing firms and furniture brands around the world adopting their solutions. "I believe more than 90% of the companies want to do digital transformation, but they run into all kinds of challenges," said Du. "Homee.ai allows them to achieve the goal with ease, helping them to serve their customers to buy furniture on their mobile devices, simply a magical experience." Users scan the room, get a 3D picture of the space with furniture sitting where they are, and they can remove it or change its location on the app by a click or a drag. The amazing thing is, the floor is paved automatically after the furniture is removed or relocated. The app also allows users to choose from a collection of new items available on the marketplace and check whether the size and color fit the deco. They can purchase the furniture and have it shipped through the e-commerce marketplace of the app. The smooth workflow significantly decreased customers' time spent on the entire furniture purchase journey from days, if not weeks, to just a few minutes. "Just like what Jensen said in his Computex keynote, this feels like riding a time machine, while cutting lots of carbon footprints," Du said. The app actually involves several AI applications at the same time. For example, there is an AI for image identification, a generative AI for image, a 3D spatial computing model, and a large-language model (LLM) based on designer jargon and a language database operating all at the same time when a user uses the Homee.ai app, Du explained. Furniture companies that would like to have this convenient app for their own website can subscribe to Homee.ai service and get a customized API. It not only provides home deco company customers with a spatial design tool but also links them up with ERP software and logistics networks to automate their operations. The more people use the AI, the better the system will be, as the AI will learn from each experience. The AI-as-a-Service is an infrastructure now available on a subscription basis but will be charging customers by the unit of computing power they use in the future. HOMEE also has its own marketplace platform and logistic system, forming an ecosystem with a supply chain of nearly 1,000 furniture manufacturers and retailers all over the world. "Some of them are in China, some are in Malaysia, and we also have partners in the United States and Germany providing high-quality products," Du said HOMEE is also applying for ISO carbon-neutral certifications. With a team of 50 people, Homee.ai expects to double the workforce by December this year. Since it has already started generating revenues, Homee.ai has no plan to do funding rounds because they are not short of money but does have a plan for IPO in the near future. "We are open to seeking out strategic partners that have complementary strengths to help us expand in global markets," said Du. Kenny Du, Homee.ai CEO & founder Weather Alert ...HEAT ADVISORY REMAINS IN EFFECT UNTIL 8 PM CDT THIS EVENING... ...HEAT ADVISORY IN EFFECT FROM 11 AM TO 8 PM CDT THURSDAY... * WHAT...For the first Heat Advisory, heat index values up to 107. For the second Heat Advisory, heat index values up to 109 expected. * WHERE...Portions of East Arkansas, North Mississippi, Southeast Missouri and West Tennessee. * WHEN...For the first Heat Advisory, until 8 PM CDT this evening. For the second Heat Advisory, from 11 AM to 8 PM CDT Thursday. * IMPACTS...Hot temperatures and high humidity may cause heat illnesses to occur. PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS... Drink plenty of fluids, stay in an air-conditioned room, stay out of the sun, and check up on relatives and neighbors. Young children and pets should never be left unattended in vehicles under any circumstances. Take extra precautions if you work or spend time outside. When possible reschedule strenuous activities to early morning or evening. Know the signs and symptoms of heat exhaustion and heat stroke. Wear lightweight and loose fitting clothing when possible. To reduce risk during outdoor work, the Occupational Safety and Health Administration recommends scheduling frequent rest breaks in shaded or air conditioned environments. Anyone overcome by heat should be moved to a cool and shaded location. Heat stroke is an emergency! Call 9 1 1. && ...HEAT ADVISORY REMAINS IN EFFECT UNTIL 8 PM CDT THIS EVENING... ...HEAT ADVISORY IN EFFECT FROM 11 AM TO 8 PM CDT THURSDAY... * WHAT...For the first Heat Advisory, heat index values up to 107. For the second Heat Advisory, heat index values up to 109 expected. * WHERE...Portions of East Arkansas, North Mississippi, Southeast Missouri and West Tennessee. * WHEN...For the first Heat Advisory, until 8 PM CDT this evening. For the second Heat Advisory, from 11 AM to 8 PM CDT Thursday. * IMPACTS...Hot temperatures and high humidity may cause heat illnesses to occur. PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS... Drink plenty of fluids, stay in an air-conditioned room, stay out of the sun, and check up on relatives and neighbors. Young children and pets should never be left unattended in vehicles under any circumstances. Take extra precautions if you work or spend time outside. When possible reschedule strenuous activities to early morning or evening. Know the signs and symptoms of heat exhaustion and heat stroke. Wear lightweight and loose fitting clothing when possible. To reduce risk during outdoor work, the Occupational Safety and Health Administration recommends scheduling frequent rest breaks in shaded or air conditioned environments. Anyone overcome by heat should be moved to a cool and shaded location. Heat stroke is an emergency! Call 9 1 1. && MBABANE The manner in which the accused acted in killing the deceased was vicious and inhumane. This was said by Judge Maxine Langwenya when sentencing Mbabane socialite Nelisa Hlatjwako to 15 years imprisonment for the murder of Principal Crown Counsel Stanley Dlamini. Hlatshwako, who hails from Gege under Chief Velamuva, committed the offence on April 25, 2018 at Msunduza. Judge Langwenya said the task of a sentencing judge was a daunting one, because punishment imposed should reflect the indignation of the court and of the people directly and indirectly affected by the accused persons wrongdoing. She said society in general had a legitimate expectation that justice would be served.In her judgment, Judge Langwenya noted that Hlatshwako was provoked by Dlamini, who spat on him when he (Hlatshwako) took up the cudgels for Gauzen after the latter had been accused by the deceased of allegedly raping his niece.The court is mindful of the fact that people in any society encounter situations in which they are angered, humiliated or provoked but have to control their emotions without yielding to the urge of taking the law into their own hands, said Judge Langwenya. The judge went on to state that it was trite law that courts in their determination of possible mitigating factors, in deserving cases, a verdict of murder with dolus eventualis was such a factor, either alone or together with other features depending on the particular facts of the case. Dolus eventualis is where an accused person can objectively foresee that his conduct is likely to cause the death of another, but proceeds to act regardless of the consequences of his conduct.The court said it accepted that the murder was committed with constructive intention and that, taken together with the fact that the accused and deceased had been drinking alcoholic drinks that night was a mitigating factor. Judge Langwenya pointed out that it was submitted on behalf of the accused that he deeply regretted the events of April 25, 2018; that the incident changed his life forever and that the accused had sleepless nights about causing the death of the deceased. Apology Except for his emotional apology to the court and to the family of the deceased during the trial, there is nothing said about action, if any, taken by the accused to show that he was remorseful about his wrongdoing. It is clear though that immediately after the accused had inflicted mortal injuries on the deceased person, he left him lying on the ground, said the judge. Judge Langwenya further mentioned that the court heard that the deceaseds tongue was protruding from his mouth and his eyes were wide open as he lay on the ground. No steps were taken by the accused to assist the deceased get medical assistance after the assault. There is also no evidence that the accused or his family sent condolences to the family of the deceased as a sign of accuseds contrition, reads part of the judgment.Judge Langwenya went on to state that, remorse, repentance, an endeavour to assist the victim before his (victim) death were factors which might be mitigatory only if combined with other factors. It was the courts finding that the accused had not accepted legal and moral responsibility for his wrongdoing. He seems to be more self-absorbed and feels sorry for himself than he is out-ward looking and concerned for the welfare of the people he caused grief by killing the deceased. I am, therefore, not satisfied that the regret expressed only during the trial is genuine and sincere, said the court. The court said it knew that the accused had four children and an elderly mother who was unemployed and sickly. Judge Langwenya said it was a terrible thing to deprive children of the comfort and support of their father. She further mentioned that it was a terrible thing to deprive an elderly parent of the support of her son. The judge said this was especially so in Hlatshwakos case as he was the only breadwinner responsible for the support of his mother. It is with regret that I find that I will have to part you from your mother with whom you reside in Mbabane. It is sad for me and for you but my duty is clear. The crime you committed is as serious as it was brutal and deserving of punishment, said Judge Langwenya. Fair In its judgment, the court said it considered the triad of factors in the matter. Judge Langwenya said she was alive to the requirement that punishment should fit the criminal as well as the crime; be fair to society; and be blended with a measure of mercy according to the circumstances of the case. She said the offence of murder that was committed by the accused in this case was very serious.Furthermore, the manner in which the accused acted in killing the deceased was vicious, and inhumane. In reaching its decision, the court is mindful of the fact that the accused is a first offender with a number of dependants but it is not oblivious to the seriousness of the offence and the interests of the society, reads part of the judgment. It was the courts finding that, the personal circumstances of the accused were of less weight in comparison with entrenched opposing interests of society. Judge Langwenya found that the crime warranted that an appropriate sentence be meted out in the circumstances.It is important to send a deterrent message to society in general that conduct, as demonstrated by the accused will not, and should not, for the sake of law and order be tolerated and that the imposition of a sentence of long-term imprisonment is inevitable, said the court. The accused was sentenced to 15 years imprisonment. The sentence will take into account the period of one month which the accused spent in pre-trial incarceration.The murder of Dlamini, popularly known as Stan shocked a number of residents at the densely populated location in the outskirts of Mbabane.Shortly after Dlaminis murder, witnesses said Hlatshwako was in the company of another well-known socialite, Gauzen Gama, who was first to be taken in to assist the Mbabane police with investigations on the matter. However, it was later disclosed that the latter was questioned for a brawl outside the entertainment area. He recorded a statement before he was released, when the eventual suspect was finally apprehended and charged with the murder of Dlamini.One witness said the deceased, who was in the company of a female friend, had spent the night at the nearby hangout spot. Early that morning, he said he had an altercation with the accused that led to a fight. At the time, there were a lot people who watched the brutal killing of Dlamini.The accused was represented by Noncedo Ndlangamandla, while appearing for the Crown was Principal Crown Counsel Macebo Nxumalo. Peace campaigners are warning that there is a real risk of Ireland further compromising its neutrality and getting dragged into NATO without the consent of the Irish people. The Governments Consultative Forum on International Security runs from June 22 - 27, and peace and justice organisation Afri say the planned consultation initiative poses the risk of being a superficial talking shop that paves the way for where the government seek to bring us, which is further integration with NATO. The organisation is urging people in Louth to get involved in the campaign, and to attend the online book launch and conversation on neutrality on Tuesday next June 20th at 11am. Time and time again, the people of Ireland have expressed their wishes to avoid becoming part of the global military industrial complex. Our history of colonisation and wars such as those in Iraq and Afghanistan, show why we should stand our ground and instead remain an independent and neutral voice for peacemaking in the world, something we are already cherished for says Afri Coordinator Joe Murray says. Mr Murray continues: Its increasingly clear that the Government is moving to bring us closer into the global war machine and the devastation it wreaks. "The world needs investment in peacemaking, education, diplomacy, and not the trillions spent to inflict murder, mayhem and environmental destruction while adding to the plight of refugees worldwide. Thats why its so important that the people of Louth get heard on this, that we engage with our TDs, Senators and MEPs. Mr Murrays comments come in advance of the launch of a new publication called Force for Good? Reflections on Neutrality and the Future of Irish Defence will be launched online by Thomas Pringle TD on Tuesday June 20th at 11am. The is a collection of essays by people with long and deep experience of working for peace and against militarism at every level from academic to activist, on this island and in the wider world. Contributors include Nobel Peace Prize winner Mairead Maguire; UCC Emeritus Professor John Maguire; Dr Karen Devine of DCU; Dr Iain Atack, formerly of TCD; Carol Fox of the Peace and Neutrality Alliance; and `Tarak Kauff, former paratrooper with the US Army and now active member of Veterans for Peace. The book is a vital contribution to the discussion on the importance of Irish neutrality and its role as the bedrock of Irish foreign and defence policy. Even today - especially today - as war rages in so many areas around the world and as two nuclear-armed superpowers actively engage in a proxy war, the world urgently needs voices calling for, and countries working towards, de-escalation, demilitarisation and disarmament says Murray. The Economist magazine recently described Ireland as having a good claim to be the worlds most diplomatically powerful country, is ideally placed historically and geographically to be that voice. "But instead of seizing this opportunity, the Government is increasingly abandoning our neutrality and throwing in its lot with some of the worlds most aggressive military powers. As our planet teeters on a precipice, with less than a decade left before catastrophic climate disaster, with the war industry being one of the primary contributors to global warming, what does the Irish Government do? It sets out to calculatedly and deliberately develop a weapons industry and become increasingly involved in aggressive military operations. "To illustrate the twisted logic at play in current government policies, a recent seminar hosted by the Department of Defence to encourage Irish companies and Third Level Institutions to become involved in military research and development was grotesquely entitled Building the Ecosystem. How can our Government and Establishment plan to celebrate the Irish peace process and the 25th anniversary of the Belfast/Good Friday agreement when theyve abandoned the very values of patient, peaceful conflict resolutions which underpinned that process, flowing from Article 29 of Bunreacht na hEireann? Mr Murray added: Despite the constant hallowing out and demeaning of neutrality, we will continue to defend this proud and practical policy and to demand that the militaristically minded minority respect the will of the people on this critically important issue. "We owe it to our children to challenge the reckless addiction to war and violence, which wreaks havoc on human beings as well as on the natural world and even threatens the destruction of our planet. More information on Afris Neutrality or Nato? online book and conversation event can be found at www.afri.ie MBABANE An 18-year-old liSwati female teenager has been arrested for alleged murder in Middelburg, South Africa. The teenager, Bonisile Shongwe (18) from Msunduza in Mbabane, is a former Mater Dolorosa High School pupil, who dropped out in Form III after falling pregnant. In 2019, with no financial means to continue with her studies and supporting her child, she then sought greener pastures in neighbouring South Africa, wherein she was employed by an Asian national as a domestic worker in Carolina in the Mpumalanga Province. Dispute Information shared by family members was to the effect that Bonsile got into a dispute with another female where she resided. The two are said to have fought while she was accompanying her daughter to school and her opponent later returned with her 12 friends to retaliate, supposedly carrying an assortment of weapons, since she was able to win the initial fight. This is according to her older sister, Nqobile Shongwe, and these are allegations whose veracity is yet to be tested in court, as she is yet to appear on June 24, 2023. When she saw the threat outside from her rented flat, she told me that she got hold of a bread knife and tried to defend herself as a fight ensued and unfortunately, she stabbed and killed one of her attackers while also injuring her hand in the process, she claimed.Subsequent to this, the community is said to have bayed for her blood but she managed to escape and hid in one of the nearby homesteads until police were called and she was arrested and kept at the Carolina Police Station.Her sister then shared that the teenager was then transferred to the Middelburg Prison until today.Up until today, she is being kept there as she does not have a lawyer to represent her. We have tried every other means as a family but no one has the means to afford to pay for her legal fees as our grandmother, who raised us, is old and unemployed, said Nqobile. Assistance She further requested for financial assistance from members of the public to donate an amount of E8 000 to be used to hire a legal representative to handle Bonsiles case, as she had been in custody for over three months without her case being heard. We plead with anyone who may have the means to assist as she has a daughter to take care of, including going back to school to finish her studies as there is someone who has already offered her a scholarship, she added.She said anyone willing to assist can contact her on 7630 3616 or Thandi Mthembu 7611 1634 (grandmother) or the community leader, Nene Dvuba, on 7626 9859. MANZINI - UNESWA is breathing a sigh of relief as government has written off its income tax debt of E1.3 billion to Eswatini Revenue Service (ERS). A source close to the matter, said the University of Eswatini (UNESWA), which according to the Auditor Generals Compliance Audit Report for the financial year which ended March 31, 2021 and tabled in Parliament on February 18, 2022, was facing imminent risk of insolvency, had its income tax debt, which amounted to E1.3 billion, not cancelled by government. The source said the administration of the institution of higher learning communicated the developments to its staff members through an internal memorandum, which was issued by the UNESWA Registrar, Dr Salebona Simelane, on Tuesday. Cancelled Through the memorandum, the registrar informed the staff members from the three campuses; Kwaluseni, Luyengo and Mbabane, on behalf of the university council, that government had graciously cancelled the huge debt of the institution to ERS. He added that as an administration, they were grateful to government for the kind gesture, which was a huge relief to the university. The university is now able to remit income tax monthly to ERS, the registrar said in the internal memorandum. The registrar confirmed the developments. He said indeed government had cancelled the universitys income tax debt to ERS, which amounted to E1.3 billion. He said following the cancellation of the tax debt, the university was able to pay income tax monthly to ERS. He expressed hope that they would maintain the momentum going forward. However, Dr Simelane highlighted that they had noted that there was a public assumption that government had given the institution money. He then clarified that government did not give the institution money, but it cancelled its income tax debt to ERS Therefore, he said the university still owed service providers and added that at the moment, the institution did not have money to pay them. However, he expressed belief that after the cancellation of the tax debt, the financial situation of the university would improve. Response The registrar was then asked how much the university owed service providers and in response, he said auditors were still on the ground working on compiling a financial report for the financial year ended March 31, 2023. On the same note, the Communications Officer in the Ministry of Finance, Setsabile Dlamini, said the agreement was that the university was to pay income tax faithfully for six consecutive months and its principal debt, penalties and interests would be written off. She said the university had paid the income tax faithfully for the past six months thus the debt was written off. On the other hand, ERS Director Communications and Marketing Vusie Dlamini said the issue related to a specific client and as a matter of policy and legislation governing the work they did, as ERS, they could not discuss matters involving their clients in public domain.It is worth noting that according to the Compliance Audit Report for the financial year which ended March 31, 2021, in terms of the the accumulated deficit and net operating deficit, the financial statements indicated that the university incurred a net loss of E189 172 410 during the year ended March 31, 2021. In the previous financial year, which ended March 31, 2020, the university had made a loss of E146 902 465. The report stated that as a result of incurring losses over the years, the university had an accumulated loss of E1 087 171 217 as at March 31, 2021. It concluded that this meant that the institution was spending beyond its income and, therefore, struggling to meet its obligations, hence depending (trusting) on the government to rescue it. Again, in the report, the AG, Timothy Matsebula, highlighted that he noted that the universitys liabilities at that time amounted to E1 016 147 567 and it exceeded current assets, which were valued at E69 027 512 by E947 119 955. In that regard, the AG said he was concerned by the imminent risk of insolvency, wherein the institution might end up not having enough funds to repay required obligations and finance operational costs.On top of that, the AG said this scenario meant that the university could not pay off its liabilities without asking for an additional government subvention. Once more, in terms of outstanding employee tax (pay as you earn - PAYE) and value added tax (VAT) liability, the report highlighted that as at March 31, 2021, the university had not remitted total taxes amounting to E688 208 822 (excluding interest and penalties) to ERS. It said the unremitted taxes were in respect of statutory employee taxes (PAYE). Unremitted Furthermore, it said according to a Schedule of Outstanding Taxes Statement received from ERS, dated March 3, 2022, the university had VAT liability amounting to E2 627 412.27 relating to the tax periods from 2016 to 2018 and unremitted employee tax deductions of E906 910 135.20, relating to the tax periods from 2016 to 2021. The report highlighted that in response, the universitys controlling officer stated that the institution had always been open about its financial situation. It said the officer said a number of meetings were held with both government and ERS to discuss the UNESWA predicament. It was said that an application consistent with the provisions of the Swaziland Income Tax Order 1975 Section 61(16) was made to the minister of Finance to have the whole tax debt written off. Wherein the minister agreed to the interest charges write-off. Big Bad Wolf Books and Gawad Kalinga are, once again, joining forces to cultivate a love for reading among individuals who lack access to books. In a remarkable collaboration, Big Bad Wolf Books (BBW) has chosen Gawad Kalinga (GK) as the beneficiary of this years RED READERHOOD CSR initiative during the BBW Manila Book Sale 2023, aiming to make an extraordinary impact on communities in need. Reading has the power to transform lives, and through our RED READERHOOD initiative, we are committed to making a positive difference, said Jacqueline Ng, co-founder of Big Bad Wolf Books. By providing access to books and nurturing a passion for reading, we believe we can empower individuals and contribute to a brighter future. As part of their commitment, Big Bad Wolf Books will pledge 1,000 books to be distributed to Gawad Kalinga communities across the country. Book lovers may also actively contribute to this cause by purchasing books from the RED READERHOOD corner at the BBW Manila Book Sale from June 23 to July 3 at the Forum Tent at PICC in Pasay City and placing them into the donation box. Simply place your purchased books in the designated donation box, and rest assured that 100% of these books will be delivered to Gawad Kalinga at the end of the Book Sale. By participating, you will be providing books to those in need, granting them access to valuable educational resources and empowering them to excel academically, intellectually, and emotionally. Established in 2003, Gawad Kalingas mission is to end poverty for 5 million Filipino families by 2024. The organization aims to accomplish this through the development of homes and facilities in communities while creating initiatives that could generate sustainable income. We believe that every book pledged through this partnership contributes to building a better future for all our beneficiaries and communities, says Jose Luis Oquinena, Chairman of Gawad Kalinga. Together, we can all make an unbelievable impact and inspire positive change through the transformative power of books. More Unbelievable Collaborations! Big Bad Wolf Books has also agreed to donate 300 books to ABS-CBN Foundation and Knowledge Channel, further exemplifying how something as simple as purchasing and donating books can create an unbelievable ripple effect of positive change. These collaborations demonstrate the power of collective action and the potential for transformative impact when we come together. Support this unbelievable cause by visiting the RED READERHOOD section at the Big Bad Wolf Book Sale open daily from June 23 to July 3, 2023, from 10:00 AM to 1:00 AM at the PICC Forum Tent in Pasay City. Your book purchases will not only bring joy and knowledge into your own life but will also contribute to building a better future for individuals and communities in need. For more information regarding Big Bad Wolf Books grand return to the Philippines, please visit: Website: https://bigbadwolfbooks.com/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/bbwbooksphilippines/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bbwbooksph/ New Delhi, June 15 (UNI) The Congress on Thursday slammed the BJP government after the Law Commission of India (LCI) sought views and ideas from the public and recognised religious organisations on the Uniform Civil Code (UCC), saying it represents the government's desperation for a legitimate justification of its continuing agenda of 'polarisation'. Referring to the government communique on UCC, which was issued on Wednesday, Congress general secretary in-charge Communications Jairam Ramesh said, "The 22nd LCI notified its intention to examine the UCC. It is strange that the Law Commission is seeking a fresh reference when in its press release it acknowledges that its predecessor, the 21st Law Commission had published a consultation paper on the subject in August 2018. " "No reasons are given for why the subject is being revisited. The real reason is that the 21st Law Commission after carrying out a detailed and comprehensive review of the subject observed that it is 'neither necessary nor desirable at this stage' to have a UCC," he said. Attacking the ruling BJP, the MP said, "This latest attempt represents the Narendra Modi governments desperation for a legitimate justification of its continuing agenda of 'polarisation' and diversion from its glaring failures." "The Law Commission has produced an enviable body of work over the decades on numerous issues of national importance. It should be mindful of that legacy and remember that the interests of the nation are distinct from the political ambitions of the BJP," he underlined. UNI DS GNK CALLS for a directly elected mayor for Cork City have been renewed as Dublin may go to the polls next year to elect a mayor with executive powers. Taoiseach Leo Varadkar signalled recently that a plebiscite could go ahead next year in Dublin at the same time as the local and European elections, in line with recommendations from a report from the Dublin Citizens Assembly. Cork City Labour representative Peter Horgan said there needs to be a re-run of the public vote to create a directly elected mayor for Cork, to move away from the unelected local government executive model once and for all. We see that Dublin will be holding a vote next year on this issue, and Cork should go back to the people again with a more thought out argument rather than Project Fear that was used in 2019, said Mr Horgan. The people of Cork deserve to have an executive officer of the city that is answerable to the people. Rather than the finger pointing and blaming that happens now, we would have an accountable officeholder that can be lauded with success or removed from office on their failure. It is worrisome at the same time that Limerick, which voted in favour in 2019, still does not have a date for mayoral elections to take place. There is an opportunity to rebalance local government outside of Dublin with a date for the Limerick mayor election and another ask for the people of Cork, added Mr Horgan. Independent Cork City Cllr Mick Finn was Lord Mayor of Cork in 2019. Mr Finn said he has the same concerns now as he had back then. My problem at the time was that it was rushed. It wasnt properly explained or thought out, he said. The foundations of the position werent properly explained. And here we are now again having Government coming out, only a year away from local elections, when this vote will be held. All the information, such as the offices devolved powers from Government, should be outlined now and debated over the next 12 months before being put to the people, said Mr Finn. What we dont need is another high-paid politician hamstrung by red tape. I cant see central government, both its elected and unelected arms, relinquishing sufficient powers to make it the impactful role it could be, he said. Even though I agree with the concept of a directly elected mayor, but its the manner and the mechanisms that we dont know about, and how its going to function. Here it is again being put out literally 12 months from a date on something that will have a major impact on their lives. A mayor with executive powers could improve peoples lives by taking responsibility for housing, roads, and health, without having to go to central Government, said Mr Finn. Devolving certain powers from Government departments to Cork City Council is a move that councillors have sought over the years, he said. There is a lot of bureaucracy between councils and departments. How would they relinquish their powers to a directly elected mayor, asked Mr Finn. The model of how it would work still hasnt actually been worked out. A spokesperson for Cork City Council said it has not been informed of any proposal to hold another plebiscite in Cork in relation to the establishment of the role of directly elected lord mayor. Director of Services of Corporate Affairs and International Relations, Paul Moynihan, has confirmed that he is not aware of the matter being raised in recent times by any councillor by way of a motion. The calling of a plebiscite for a directly elected mayor would be a decision for Central Government, said the spokesperson. The 2019 Cork plebiscite was defeated by a margin of 983 votes. Fianna Fail leader Micheal Martin described the governments campaign on the issue as shambolic. A directly elected mayor would be responsible for drafting City Halls budget and have the main policymaking role at the local authority. Concerns centred on how a mayor with executive powers could reduce the powers of elected representatives, and that it might erode the offices traditional duties. Disappointed over defeat of directly elected mayor plebiscite The Lord Mayor of Cork Deirdre Forde said she was disappointed that the plebiscite for a directly elected mayor in Cork was defeated by a margin of 983 votes in 2019. The plan for a directly elected mayor in Cork was rejected by 34,347 votes to 33,364 votes. A plebiscite is a poll consulting the public on a proposal in this case, establishing a directly elected mayor of Cork. Those registered to vote for the local elections in Cork city were eligible to vote in the plebiscite on May 24. People were asked to vote on whether they wanted to directly elect the mayor for Cork city. A yes vote would have meant that in future years there would be a mayor for Cork city who would be voted for by the people of Cork city and the mayor would serve a five-year term and have real powers to drive Corks development. The mayor would also be responsible for proposing the budget every year and putting forward development plans, while the chief executive would remain responsible for managing the staff of the city council, as well as its day-to-day running. Lord Mayor Forde said she was disappointed at the results. I think that part of the reason was it wasnt clearly outlined what it entailed, how much it would cost, how much would be spent on it, and specifically what duties the mayor would have and what powers the mayor would have. I think if that was changed and we did know those things, a lot of people would certainly change their vote. I understand that Dublin is going to have a vote now with the locals next year and Limerick has it so weve got to keep our eye on the ball to see what people want and whats going to deliver for our cities. When asked if she thought the result of the vote could be revisited, she said: The people have spoken and I wouldnt like to say that we would just turn it around again but were certainly closely watching how Dublin does it and what the result of that will be. Im for anything that will bring more money to Cork for more projects to make Cork the best second city in the country. A 49-year-old health care worker who got engaged to an American woman he met online sent her 19,000 in cash over the course of last year and now he is facing a jail sentence for three post office raids in Cork city. Fintan Tindley admitted robbery of South Douglas Road post office, on November 11, and attempted robbery there on November 18, and the robbery of Ballintemple post office on November 16 2022. He made a death threat on each occasion and carried a knife. He was carrying out three post office raids and trying to gather money to travel to the US to meet his fiancee. Fintan Tindley admitted robbery and attempted robbery. File image. Fintan Tindley, of Loughmahon Avenue, Mahon, Cork, who was employed as a HSE Home Care Assistant, appeared at Cork Circuit Criminal Court on June 14 where evidence was given of his offences. Detective Garda Kevin Motherway testified that at lunchtime on November 11, 2022, the accused entered South Douglas post office and placed a knife to the neck of 72-year-old customer and shouted at the post mistress: Give me all the money. The customer said he felt the knife at his neck and feared he was going to be cut. A sum of 2,380 was robbed from the post office that day. Five days later, he turned up shortly before noon at Ballintemple post office and placed a knife to the neck of a 44-year-old woman who was there to post a parcel. On this occasion he demanded 15,000. The customer was in fear that she was going to be injured or killed. The defendant left with 1,300. He returned to the South Douglas Road post office and grabbed a 45-year-old woman and again threatened her with a knife as he demanded 15,000 but he fled when the post mistress sounded the panic alarm. On that occasion the customer feared she was going to be stabbed or seriously harmed. On the occasions of these two robberies and one attempted robbery he wore a hat and mask. When CCTV was examined, the accused was seen waiting across the road for up to two hours before entering a post office. His gold-coloured Nissan Qashqai with three alloys and one odd wheel proved important in tracking down the accused. The car was seen by two senior gardai around the time of the incidents at a car park and the accused was identified from CCTV. The knife used in the crimes was found under the drivers seat. So too was the hat which had the accused mans DNA, Det Garda Motherway said. Fintan Tindley travelled to the US in 2022 where he met his fiance whom he had originally met online, and over the course of last year he sent her a total of 19,000. During the investigation it was established that Tindley had identified nine post offices in Cork around the time he committed the offences at two premises. Having worked as a HSE home care assistant and having no previous convictions, the crimes at the post offices were described by Elizabeth OConnell senior counsel as totally out of character as he had always been a person who was a million miles away from someone with criminal tendencies. She said that the accused had written letters of apology to the three customers he threatened and the three members of staff on duty when he raided. Ms OConnell accepted that the crimes were indefensible and [for the victims] traumatic and frightening. The defence senior counsel said there was an unusual degree of disconnect between these violent offences and the offender. Judge Colin Daly said he would impose sentence on Tindley tomorrow. An advocate for older people has described the current waiting list for home support in Cork as totally unacceptable and called for a major reform of the service. According to Cork Kerry Community Healthcare (CKCH) there are 1,591 people waiting for home support in the two counties. It marks an increase of 117 people since March. Paddy OBrien, who has been an advocate for older people in Cork for decades, said the current figure is totally unacceptable. Something must be done now to right this awful situation, Mr OBrien said. The HSE Home Support Service, formerly called the Home Help Service or Home Care Package Scheme, aims to support older people to remain in their own homes for as long as possible and to support informal carers. The biggest problem confronting elderly, sick people is the great lack of home carers in the community, Mr OBrien said. We have long waiting lists for this essential care and many people have been waiting for several months. He said it is the wish of most older people to stay living in their own home, but claimed the current situation is driving people into nursing homes or going to live with sons and daughters. Every week Im getting calls from members of the public trying to procure a home help for an elderly parent, he said. Mr OBrien claimed the scope of responsibilities of a home care support assistant (HCSA) has changed drastically over the years. Years ago, a home help would do everything they got the person out of bed, they showered the person, they lit the fire, made a bit of a breakfast regrettably that has all changed. The emphasis now is on personal care only. He also called for the length of home visits to be extended. The home helps are great people who do wonderful work out in the community but regrettably the time allocated to them [to visit elderly people] is not enough whatsoever, he said. In a statement to The Echo, CKCH said the type and quantity of support provided under the HSE Home Support Service is determined by the clients assessed care needs, which are clinically assessed by the HSE. A wide range of tasks are carried out as determined by the clients care plan including: Assistance with personal care tasks (getting in and out of bed, showering, shaving), cleaning out and lighting of fire to ensure an adequately warm environment, cleaning of a clients personal space where non-performance of such duties impacts on the health, safety and wellbeing of the individual; reminding clients to take their medication etc, the spokesperson said. They said difficulties have been experienced in relation to recruitment and retention of home support staff, with certain areas experiencing increased pressures. Cork Kerry Community Healthcare regrets that so many people are currently waitlisted and has undertaken a number of recruitment campaigns in the last 18 months, the spokesperson added. Uisce Eirean has warned that its latest round of flushing works of Cork city watermains may cause temporary discolouration of water supplies in some parts of the northside. The water utility company, which rebranded from Irish Water at the start of the year, said it and Cork City Council will begin on Monday, June 19 an approximately two-week programme of flushing works likely to continue until at least Friday 30 June. The works will affect residents on Blarney Street, Cathedral Road, The Grove, Strawberry Hill, Mount Saint Josephs Drive, The Rise, Sundays Well Avenue, Gurranabraher, Saint Anthonys Road, Boyce Street and the surrounding areas on Corks northside. The company said the flushing works would clear watermains of sediment and would reduce discolouration of the water supply. This is the fourth such round of flushing works to be carried out by Uisce Eireann in recent months, and it follows works in the Douglas Road and South Douglas Road area in February, the Ballinlough Road, Browningstown Park, Beechwood Park, and Shrewsbury areas in April, and the Redemption Road, Commons Road, and Farranree areas in early May. Water discolouration became a persistent problem in many parts of Cork city in the months since July of last year when Irish Water opened its new Lee Road water treatment facility. As previously reported in The Echo, after the new plant opened in July 2022, the then Irish Water became inundated with complaints of brown and orange discoloured water in homes in multiple locations across the city. Last October, after a series of questions from The Echo, Irish Water admitted that it had been responsible for the discolouration of at least some of the citys drinking supply since last summer. The company said an adjustment of the chemicals used in water preparation had caused rusty sediment to be stripped from the inside of Cork citys century-old watermains, resulting in discoloured water pouring out of household taps in homes across the city. Amongst documents released after a Freedom of Information (FOI) request by Socialist Party TD for Cork North Central, Mick Barry, was an email from Irish Water, dated 22 August 2022, informing the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) of an increase in complaints of discoloured water in Cork city. It noted that water from the new Lee Road plant had entered the supply on July 29, 2022 and stated: There is the potential that process changes, particularly the change in the pH corrective chemical in use, i.e. from Lime to Caustic, may be contributing to the problem and causing the water to become more corrosive. Other correspondence released to Mr Barry showed that complaints about water quality in Cork city rose last year from 20 per week in the Lee Road plants first week of operation to 119 complaints in one week last August. In the four months after the plant opened, the company received 610 complaints of discoloured water from residents across the city. In 2022, Irish Water received 29 reports from people in Cork city complaining of illnesses suspected to have been caused by water consumption, compared to just one such complaint in 2020 and two in 2021. Uisce Eireann has consistently insisted that discoloured water does not pose a health and safety risk, while also warning people not to drink discoloured water and issuing assurances that water is safe to drink if taps are kept on until the water runs clear. Speaking about the latest round of flushing works, Pat Britton, operations lead with Uisce Eireann, said the work would allow the company to further investigate and get a better understanding of discolouration issues. At the moment discolouration complaint volumes are low, he said. However, when dealing with an old and vast water network like we have in Cork city, there are always going to be a small number of incidences of discolouration. Uisce Eireann said ongoing testing and analysis of the water supply continues, in conjunction with extensive monitoring across the citys distribution network, ensuring water is compliant with drinking water regulations and is safe to drink. The results of these ongoing tests are shared with the EPA and the HSE, the company said. There are approximately 600km of watermains in Cork city, 60% to 70% of which are made from cast iron and up to 100 years old. Uisce Eireann said this, combined with improvement works across the city, unplanned outages or bursts, and new infrastructure being brought online, is adding to discolouration issues normally associated with an ageing network for what it called a small number of customers. The Uisce Eireann customer care helpline is open 24/7 on 1800 278278. I am still very surprised that Ireland, on the other side of the world, saved me, says Oleksandr Hrihorash. In late August of last year, days after his 26th birthday, Oleksandr was fighting on the frontline in Bakhmut, in the Donetsk region of eastern Ukraine. It was nighttime, and his unit was under heavy mortar and machine gun fire from Russian forces. When I went to my rifle position, I stood on a landmine, and I was blown up, he says. At first, I didnt feel anything, because of the shock. Picture: Eddie O'Hare Its a sunny afternoon in Fermoy, where Oleksandr is recuperating. Outside TJ Goodtymes bar, half a world from the frontline, he tells The Echo his story through Google Translate. He describes vividly the panic and confusion of that night the Russian bomb took his left heel, and he peppers his story with the sounds of gunfire and explosions. Mortar fire was coming in on top of us, there was gunfire all the time, this was a hot warzone, the Russians are firing on us, from maybe 300m away, and were shooting back, he says. At first, my comrade Ruslan ran up and applied a tourniquet to my leg to try and stop the bleeding so that I would not bleed out, then he ran for the medics to get me out of there. The guys came in, under fire, and they jostle me up on a stretcher, they run, they are under fire all the way, they carry me for 40 minutes, mortars falling, gunfire all around. They are my heroes, they saved my life, under fire, as they get me to safety. Ruslan, the soldier who put a tourniquet on Oleksandrs leg, was two decades older than Oleksandr, and the two men did not get along. We quarrelled constantly, he says. Then he saved my life. That was unexpected! Not three hours later, Ruslan was dead, killed outright by a Russian mortar. Oleksandr raises his shirt to show a tattoo on his chest with Ruslans name and date of death. My friend Ruslan, he says. I didnt even have time to say thank you to him. Before Russia began its full-scale invasion of Ukraine last February, Oleksandr, a native of Kamianets-Podilskyi in western Ukraine, was working part-time in the Czech Republic, where he was training to be a mixed martial arts fighter. Within days, he had returned home to volunteer for the army. He believes his training helped him in the army. This grounded me, it gave me character, he says. The Russian landmine blew off Oleksandrs heel, and when he arrived in hospital, he was told he would need a below-knee amputation. They gave me 30 minutes to prepare, he says. I had a panic. I didnt know what to do. If they cut off my lower leg, Ill need a prosthesis, but then the war is over for me. He signed a waiver, refusing amputation. Picture: Eddie O'Hare I fought them, and I would not give up, he says with a grim laugh. I was transferred to another hospital, and to another hospital. In the third hospital, Oleksandr was told bluntly there was no chance of saving his leg. His response was: Lets get me for foreign treatment, so. However, with so many other soldiers wounded, he was facing a three-or-four-month wait for foreign treatment, all the time against a ticking clock. I was warned that if I am waiting for more than a month, its not amputation down my shin anymore, now they will have to cut off my leg above the knee. Every day he phoned the Ukrainian ministry of health to ask when he would get medical treatment abroad. Germany refused to take me, Spain refused. But Ireland did not refuse me. Ireland accepted me, and for that I am forever in debt to the Irish. If ever there is war in Ireland, I will take up arms for Ireland. At Cork University Hospital (CUH), Oleksandr again refused the offer of a below-knee amputation, and although he had suffered significant bone and tissue loss, he responded well to treatment and subsequently received plastic surgery. After seven-and-a-half months in CUH, he has lived in Fermoy, in the old Grand Hotel, for the past six weeks as he recuperates. There are 25 Ukrainian people living there, 10 families, with five children. They are good, decent people there, and I really like the administrator, Dee. She is a good woman who has been very kind to the Ukrainian people in Fermoy. Fermoy is a great town, he says. The rowing club lets him use the gym, and that has really helped his recovery. He has nothing but praise for the doctors and nurses who treated him in CUH, and he says he also received great help from a psychologist. Later this month, he will receive a medical examination in Cork, and will then have a better idea of his progress, but he may need another operation. When I am well enough, I will return home to Ukraine and I will take up arms again to defend my home, he vows. I was an infantryman, but with my foot I dont know if I could return to that. You have to be fast and strong to be an infantryman, so maybe Ill go and learn some other craft to help my country as a soldier. He is adamant that his homeland will finish the Russian invasion once and for all. I am sure that Ukraine will win, because good conquers evil. The Russians wage war against the rules, they torture us, they murder our soldiers, while our soldiers treat the Russian soldiers we capture as prisoners. So many children are dead because of their missiles. They bomb civilian homes, they rape women, its all against the rules. War is war, but rules must be followed. When the war is over, and Ukraine is victorious, Oleksandr says, he intends to return to visit Ireland. I really like Irish people, you are friendly people, you all smile, he says, before laughing. Who knows, maybe I will come back and marry an Irish woman. A 27-year-old man from Ballinhassig paid girls aged from 14 to 16 to pose for child pornographic videos and images which they then sent to him by Snapchat from the UK. And he got such material from a 12-year-old girl without making a payment to her. Adam Palmer of Ballyhooleen, Ballinhassig, Cork, faces sentencing at Cork Circuit Criminal Court for possession of child pornography and using computer information technology for the purpose of sexual exploitation. Detective Garda Fintan Sleator of the West Cork protective services unit testified about how these sexual offences came to light. In January 2020 a mother based in the UK became aware that her 14-year-old daughter Juvenile A in exchange for sending sexually explicit images of herself was sent payments by Paypal. The girls mother called the UK police who investigated the matter and confirmed that the Paypal account was in the name of Adam Palmer of Ballinhassig. Police linked with gardai and an investigation was then launched, Det. Garda Sleator testified. Gardai from the protective services unit contact the accused and he made certain admissions. It was established that the child abuse images were sent by Snapchat. A total of 93 images and 90 video clips were found. Of this material, 23 of the images and 80 of the videos were category 1 images the most serious category depicting children in sexual acts. Searches on Palmers computer included one for My Eyes Only which detailed how pictures can be encrypted on a phone and retrieved only with a user password. The investigation unearthed seven possible victims. Two of them gave interviews to the police. Juvenile B is 15 years old and she stated that she told him she was 15 and that he offered her money through Paypal, that he complimented her on her appearance and arranged to meet her in a London hotel room. He said to her that the owners would think it strange for him to arrive with someone young. She sent him eight images and 31 videos. He paid her over 1,000. Juvenile C was 16. Adam Palmer asked her to confirm she was 16. He asked her for images of herself masturbating She said he would be like a director He would dictate everything I would do in the video. She sent him eight images and five videos. He paid her 245. The youngest victim was Juvenile D. She was 12. There was no evidence of payment. There were 16 images and three videos of sexually explicit material, Det. Garda Sleator said. The detective said the accused said at interview that he believed that if matters were consensual and confined to online activity it would not be an offence. He also denied knowing they were as young as they were. However, his lack of knowledge in this regard was not accepted by the prosecution in light of interviews with the girls. Adam Palmer made a series of payments to girls aged 14 to 16 of sums of between 10 and 150 and totalling 2,779. He was committing these offences when aged 24 turning 25. He is now 27. Defence senior counsel Jane Hyland said a 20-session course of psychotherapy was recommended for the accused. She said his signed pleas of guilty had spared the victims the trauma of ever having to give evidence. He is extremely remorseful in relation to his conduct. He has done extensive work with the probation service on understanding the nature of his offending. He presents as a sensitive and respectable young man. He withdrew from college. He was working anti-social hours. His opportunity to interact with his peers was curtailed. He split up with his girlfriend. He was chatting to peer-aged women online. Unfortunately, some of them turned out to be under age and he began to exchange videos and images. He never had any intention to meet up with any of these girls Courts can be sure that he does not represent a risk to anyone in the future, Ms Hyland said. Judge Colin Daly put sentencing back until the February 2024 sessions of Cork Circuit Criminal Court for Adam Palmer to take the psychotherapeutic treatment that was recommended for him. THE Harbour parishes community will come together to celebrate the late Fr Con Cronins profound impact on their lives with the launch of a new album. Children involved in the Passage West Youth Choir have collaborated to create an album dedicated to the memory of Fr Con and commemorating his unwavering friendship and his instrumental role in revitalising their connection with the church. Fr Con Cronin, an esteemed figure in the Harbour parishes, left an indelible mark on the hearts of his congregation. He passed away after he was struck by a bus which went out of control after the driver suffered a cardiac episode. Known for his kind and nurturing nature, he inspired and encouraged the local community, fostering an environment of respect and love for the church. His dedication and compassionate spirit touched the lives of countless individuals, particularly the children he mentored through the Passage West Youth Choir. The album, curated by the children themselves, serves as a testament to Fr Cons positive influence and includes timeless classics like Let It Be to tracks such as You Are the Reason. One member of the choir said its members wanted to honour Fr Con in a meaningful way that reflected his joyous spirit and the love he instilled in their hearts. This album is our tribute to him, a way to preserve his memory and continue spreading the message of love and unity that he championed, he said. The choirs musical director, Mary Foley, said: Fr Con Cronin was a guiding light in our lives, a true friend, and a spiritual mentor. This album is our way of preserving his memory and sharing the positive influence he had on us all. Through music, we keep his spirit alive and continue the journey he started. The Passage West Youth Choirs album will be available for purchase at all retail outlets in Passage West. All proceeds from the album will go toward the work of the St Patricks Missionary Society (Kiltegan Fathers) in the Diocese of Minna in Nigeria. A 51-year-old man got a two-month suspended jail sentence for assaulting a motorist who stopped for cattle crossing a road in Inniscarra. The accused complained about several parties including gardai, a retired judge and the victim during the sentencing. When Inspector Martin Canny said the victim had chosen not to make a victim impact statement, Hugh OBrien the man convicted of the assault said he was the one who should have been asked for a victim impact statement. He said that in an unrelated incident where he was assaulted by another person, knocked out and lost a bucket of blood, he was never given a chance to enter a victim impact statement. Hugh OBrien used the opportunity of his sentencing at Cork District Court to make complaints about several parties. He claimed that the victim in the present case was outside his - Hugh OBriens house the following day in August 2020 for half an hour looking for a fight. He accused the garda in this case of refusing to investigate a complaint he made about another matter. He made the same complaint about a Garda Inspector, who was not present in court. He claimed that a retired Circuit Court judge struck out an appeal against a past conviction against him (Hugh OBrien) by not accepting a doctors note stating that he was sick and could not attend court for his appeal. He said the sick note should have been allowed. Hugh OBrien was told a number of times by Inspector Canny and by Judge Marian OBrien that the sentencing hearing following his conviction for assault and causing criminal damage to a car was not the forum for making complaints about other people and unrelated matters. Complaining about his former neighbour, the garda, the inspector and the retired judge, Hugh OBrien referred to each of them by name, prefaced by the term, This guy. He asked for recognisances to be set for an appeal of the present case where he was given the two-month suspended sentence for assault and a 300 fine for causing criminal damage to the victims car. Earlier this month, the judge found Hugh OBrien of Donoughmore, County Cork, guilty of assaulting a man at Curraleigh, Inniscarra, County Cork, on August 28 2020 and causing criminal damage to his car. The injured party said he was driving home that evening when he stopped to let cattle pass and that he was approached and was struck with a stick through the open window of his car and that the car was struck with the stick. Criminal damage to the car was put at over 1,700. Good journalism should shake people out of their indifference to human cruelty and suffering, said award winning journalist, Lara Marlowe as she prepared to head to the Blackwater valley to reflect on 40 years of working as a reporter in some of the worlds most dangerous and damaged places. Paris-based Ms Marlowe, who will speak at the Lismore Immrama Festival of Travel Writing this weekend, said she believed WH Audens poem The Musee des Beaux Arts encapsulates much of what journalism should seek to do when Auden reflects on how suffering often lies in plain sight. Using a painting by Breughel, Auden described the way that suffering takes place/when someone else is eating or opening a window or just walking dully along, while dogs go on with their doggy life and the torturers horse/Scratches its innocent behind on a tree. Very often in the modern world, indignation or even just care are exceptional emotions, said Ms Marlowe, adding that anger can be a powerful motivation for a journalist, fuelling their determination to tell someones story of suffering to ensure it gets the audience that it merits. Love in a Time of War: My Years with Robert Fisk Lara Marlowe The author of Love in a Time of War My Years with Robert Fisk, Ms Marlowe said that her former husband was the finest journalist she had ever known and when she was in Ukraine for The Irish Times for five weeks last year, she wondered what Fisk would have made of it. Like me, he would have been wary of aligning himself with NATO. He was always sceptical, often scathing, about US and British foreign policy. "But for me, Ukraine is different. I hope Robert would have made an exception in the case of Vladimir Putins rape of Ukraine, but I cannot be certain. But while journalists can be motivated by anger, it is not a journalists job to write about their own emotions and she recalled Fisk saying the reader doesnt care about the journalists feelings and the journalists aim should instead be to make the reader care about the people in their story. But notwithstanding that idea that the journalists job is to avoid writing about their own emotions, Ms Marlowe revealed she wept four times in her career, each time moved to tears by scenes that confronted her as she worked all over the world, reporting on wars, natural disasters and poverty. The first time, she recalled, was in 1983 after she spent a couple of hours walking around the Cite Soleil slum of Port-au-Prince in Haiti with two American missionary ladies and she was shocked by the appalling scenes of poverty and deprivation that she saw. I had never before seen utter, total poverty: people living in the open air, half naked, in squalor; children with distended bellies from malnutrition. "My missionary hosts rushed to comfort me and make me a cup of tea. I could tell that they were secretly pleased at my reaction. The second occasion was six years later when working in Lebanon and she went to a house in Beirut to meet and interview with a magazine editor called Ghassan Matar whose teenage daughter, also called Lara, had been killed by car bomb on her birthday. Laras birthday cake was on the kitchen counter, in preparation for that evenings celebration. Ghassan wept as he told me about her, and I wept too. "It is one thing to quote casualty figures, quite another to share the individual grief of a family." Ms Marlowe told how when she returned to Haiti in 2010 to report on the devastation caused by an earthquake, she watched as Cuban doctors operated on earthquake victims without anaesthesia and saw them amputate the badly injured arm of a little girl. A five-year-old girl called Faimi Lamy was having her arm sawed off. The child was delirious and screamed, Give me a knife. Give me a knife so I can kill the devil. I was writing down Faimis words on a notebook as an interpreter whispered them into my ear. At some point, I noticed drops of water on my notebook. I looked up to see if it was raining, but the sky was blue. I realised that tears were streaming down my cheeks. I glanced at the interpreter and driver and saw that they too were crying. Ms Marlowe revealed the fourth and last time she wept at an interview was when she spoke to the Oksana and Sophia, the widow and daughter of Ukrainian journalist, Viktor Dudar at his graveside in Lviv in March 2022 after he was killed while fighting in the Donbas following the Russian invasion. Oksana told me how hard it was to let Viktor leave for the front. My heart told me not to let him go but I knew I could not change his mind. I told him it is better to be the widow of a hero than the wife of a coward. He was very proud of me for saying that. The other most powerful interview I did in Ukraine last year was with Viktoria Osypenko, a gynaecologist whom I met in Kyiv at the end of July. She had cared for one month for a 12-year-old girl who was gang-raped by Russian soldiers in Bucha, said Ms Marlowe. The childs parents and the family dog were shot dead in front of her. Osypenko did reconstructive surgery on the childs ruptured genital organs. I hope they did not make it out of Bucha alive, Osypenko said of the soldiers who committed these atrocities. I hope they rot in hell. Ms Marlowe will speak at this years Immrama Festival in Lismore and tickets are still available for her talk on Sunday morning. For full details on the programme of events, click here. Dhaka, June 15 (UNI) China has now opened its mouth about the US ban on RAB as the country supported Sheikh Hasina's statement on the ban. Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman Wang Wenbin said this at a regular press conference in Beijing on Wednesday, according to Embassy source told here on Thursday. When asked about China's position on Sheikh Hasina's statement regarding the US ban on RAB, Wenbin said without directly mentioning the name of the United States, a certain country (the United States) cannot control gun violence and drug-related crimes in its own country. But they are again interfering in the internal affairs of many countries including Bangladesh. Appreciating Hasina's response to the US sanctions, the spokesperson of the Chinese Foreign Ministry added that Hasina is not only talking about a strong position on behalf of the people of Bangladesh, but she also speaks the mind of the international community, especially the developing world. Wenbin said, we will fully support the protection of Bangladesh's independence, sovereignty and territorial integrity and uphold an independent domestic and foreign policy. China firmly supports the pursuit of a development path that suits national realities. He further said, Bangladesh is committed to building a community with a common future for mankind based on the objectives and principles of the United Nations Charter, to oppose all forms of hegemony and power politics, to uphold the UN-centered international system, the international system bound by international law, and the fundamental norms governing international relations. And ready to work together with other countries. UNI MAZ SY BM THE emerging preferred route for the proposed Cork Luas project is expected to be announced in the early part of next month, the National Transport Authority (NTA) has confirmed. The NTA said, in a parliamentary question (PQ) response to the Labour Party, that it anticipates the non-statutory consultation will begin in the early part of July, after the preferred route is identified. It also revealed that the expenditure on the project to date is 1,810,429.84. The deputy chief executive of the NTA, Hugh Creegan, said in response to a query from Cork TD Sean Sherlock that the light rail proposal for Cork is currently at the concept development and options selection phase. Transport Infrastructure Ireland (TII) is developing the Luas Cork project in line with the requirements of the public spending code and NTA project approval guidelines. "The project is currently at the concept development and options selection phase. During this phase feasible options are considered, and an emerging preferred route is identified. Mr Creegan said non-statutory public consultation will be held after the identification of the emerging preferred route. Following the identification of an emerging preferred route, non-statutory public consultation will be held to allow all members of the public and interested parties to provide feedback on the proposal. It is anticipated that the non-statutory consultation will commence in early July. The preparation of the preliminary design and preliminary business case for Luas Cork will commence during the next phase of the project following the identification of the preferred route. Labour rep for the citys south-east ward, Peter Horgan, welcomed the news. I am glad that we now have a certain date for the route publication. We need to believe that the Cork Luas is a real project that will enhance public transport for all. We need public transport advocates across all political parties and none. Lets see the route, lets hear the views and lets allow Cork to do its bit in reducing carbon emissions through sustainable, affordable, and reliable public transport. The proposed Cork Luas would run from Ballincollig on the western outskirts to Mahon Point in the east. ID say the last time I sang The Banks Of My Own Lovely Lee twice in the same day was back on Sunday, September 11, 2005! Cork were after winning the All- Ireland for the second year in a row. I was in the crowd of over 81,000, and boy, did we sing De Banks after Sean Og O hAilpin got the McCarthy Cup. We stayed overnight in Dublin and gave the Cork anthem several more renditions before the midnight bells rang out. On Tuesday last week in Lourdes, I sang that special song in the afternoon before a little gathering in a cemetery. Just a century ago, in 1923, a young Cork girl, Mary Theresa OConnell, was born to her Geoffrey OConnell and Kilworth-born Elizabeth Kiersey. She worked in different jobs including in shops in Cork city. The 1950s saw her working - like many other Irish people at the time - in a souvenir shop in Lourdes. When I first met her in 2008 she told me that something or someone or something else called her and she crossed Rue de la Grotte in 1958 and joined the Pauvre Clarisse (Poor Clare) Community in Lourdes. So, when I spoke to her she was just 50 years in the monastery and shed never lost her Cork accent. Visiting Sister Therese Marie OConnell each June when with the Cloyne Pilgrimage was always a highlight for me. When I started going to Lourdes each winter twas the same and wed have more time to chat - in June youd want to make an appointment to meet her as hundreds wanted to talk to her. Though gone from Leeside for so many years, she loved Cork deeply. In December, 2014, I called in but she was in poor health. She died in June, 2015, whilst the Cork and Ross Pilgrimage were in Lourdes, so she got a great Cork send-off with Bishop John Buckley leading the farewell. On every subsequent visit to Lourdes, I get the key of the cemetery from the doorkeeper Sr Fatima and visit Sr Thereses grave. I promised her Id sing The Banks Of My Own Lovely Lee by her graveside. Last Tuesday, just five of us prayed by the grave of the only Irish Poor Clare nun in Lourdes. I sang De Banks and the Lourdes hymn as we rejoiced for a woman who gave 58 years of her life in prayer for others in Lourdes. Imagine, shed be 100 this year. Back in Lourdes after a three year covid break last week, all of us with the Cloyne Pilgrimage were just absolutely delighted to be there. Our numbers werent as large as in former years, but its a great start. Similarly, over the years we often had more than 100 Assisted Pilgrims in the guest house in Lourdes - this year we had 32, but they had a wonderful pilgrimage. Ive never been to Fatima, Garabandal or Medjugorje, but speaking to people who have visited these places, I know they are very special. I suppose why Lourdes means so much to me is because we go there to give of ourselves. Its not a look at me, arent I great kind of feeling, but rather being part of a community that interacts with young and old, able-bodied and those needing a helping hand. On Tuesday morning last week, we had Mass with the Anointing of the Sick. Its a ceremony that always overwhelms me and the special feeling when the Holy Oils are placed on forehead and hands is amazing. We all need healing in some way. Every year, when I come home from the pilgrimage, I feel wrecked, drained and so tired, but overjoyed and so profoundly happy also. After lunch on Tuesday, we had what we used formerly call The Baths - now the Water Gesture. Our Lady told St Bernadette in 1858, Go drink at the spring and wash yourself there, and thus the baths were built in Lourdes. One is wrapped in nothing more than a wet towel and totally immersed in the water. The sensation is really indescribable and I always feel a combination of shock and elation. Since covid came, this total immersion is gone. What we have now is still beautiful. We stood there last Tuesday in groups of three, washed our hands with the water, then the face, and then drank the water from our cupped hands and prayed - fulfilling the wish of Our Lady to St Bernadette. The Grotto Mass is always very special. This year the Bishop of Kilmore, Tipperary-born Martin Hayes was the chief celebrant along with our Bishop William Crean. Bishop Hayes mentioned the Munster Hurling Final and, looking down on the Cloyne Youth Helpers in their distinctive red, said twas like Liberty Square in Thurles on big match day! Each year in Lourdes we witness what I call minor miracles. People have profound experiences here - not in terms of health issues or getting instant cures - yes, Ive seen some of those too, but Im talking about peace, serenity, calm and acceptance. Is there a person in the world without some problem or issue? Doubtful, I suppose, and coming to Lourdes is no magic formula that changes everything in a few days. But how can one have peace in the midst of huge crowds with thousands milling around everywhere? I wish, I wish, dear reader, that I could give a simple, straightforward answer to that question, but I cant! Lourdes is always the same, yet every time I come I feel or encounter something different. Its not just me of course. Ive met people who came to Lourdes out of curiosity who often thought theyd leave saying, Been there, done that, end of story. Yet meeting them after a few days, they are changed, changed utterly. Its often the little things that can make an impression on one. A person crying in pain might grip your hand for relief, and a few words might be said or an embrace or a glance as you pass someone in the street or at some quiet ceremony. All little, seemingly unimportant encounters, but in Lourdes everything is part of the mosaic that builds up that total wonderful experience. I met people in Lourdes last week who were there for the first time, like the youth helpers, and talked to others who have been coming for decades. They all had their own personal feelings and many wouldnt even try to express them - thats OK, thats grand, thats Lourdes for ya! I lit just one big candle for all those who bid me to do so, and I know it burned away across from the Grotto long after we left on Wednesday morning. Tuesday was our last full day in Lourdes. That evening we gathered at the spot by the River Gave where Bernadette bade farewell to the Grotto for the last time. She left for the Convent in Nevers and wouldnt be back here again. We read that beautiful piece from Ecclesiastes about a time for everything. When we came to the line, a time to gather stones together, a time to throw stones away, many threw a stone into the river. All these stones were brought from the graves of loved ones at home -loved ones we all miss so much and who loved Lourdes so much. These stones from final resting places will forever link them with Lourdes. I prayed and walked in the meadow across from the Grotto on my own. My phone was on silent. My friend Tommy sent me a text on Tuesday night as darkness was falling in Lourdes. Teddy Mac has died. Shock, disbelief - surely a mistake, surely not Teddy McCarthy, it couldnt be? I rang Tommy and he confirmed the awful truth for me. I sat and cried for a while as thoughts of summer Sundays down the years ran through my head. A swallow swooped down and up the way Teddy used to do. We had a farewell sing-song at The Little Flower that night. I was in no mood to sing, but felt I had to honour Teddy with a song. So, in Lourdes on that Tuesday night, I sang The Banks - for the second time that day. THE Cork Midsummer Festival is upon us, with shows, special events, and one-off performances in all sorts of locations. At Cork Arts Theatre, it kicks off this evening when Oh!Scare Wilde Productions present The Pigeon Factory. Written and performed by Aaron ONeill, its a new one-man show that explores ideas of work, family, and finding purpose in a broken society through the lens of absurdity, pathos, and pigeons. Until Saturday at 6pm. Thats followed next week by The Wind That Shakes The Wig, written and performed by drag artist Candy Warhol. This is where she rediscovers and shares her gra for her homeland in her own inimitable style. Thats on Saturday, June 24, at both 4pm and 7pm (very few seats left for the first performance at time of going to press). And those of you looking out for the popular Lunchtime Theatre series, the good news is it begins at the end of June with OCD Me, writer/director Aisling Smiths one-woman show, performed by actress Laura Whelan. This will be the first of eight shows this year that include lunch time performances Thursday and Friday with lunch included. Booking for all Cork Arts Theatre shows on 021 450 5624. See https://corkartstheatre.com/ Crawford Art Gallery opened its spaces yesterday for the Midsummer Festival with I Fall Down, an immersive performance by Gina Moxley. A combination of contemporary movement, video and sound installation, opera and bare-faced cheek, the audience follows one womans brazen attempt to right the wrongs of some of the most celebrated works in art history. This is in fact a last fling before parts of the building are erased forever, so be there! It runs at 6.30pm nightly until Saturday, with an additional performance that day at 9pm. Booking via Everyman on 021 450 1673 or www.everymancork.com. The Settling is on at the Granary from Saturday, June 17. At the Granary from Saturday until next Thursday (June 17-22), BrokenCrow, in association with The Everyman and Cork Midsummer Festival, present The Settling by Gavin McEntee. Fantasy and reality blend in this new play about an old man caught in the recesses of his mind, as actions long buried climb to the surface. Then, at Graffiti from June 22 to 25, BrokenCrow and Everyman have another production, Found, by Aideen Wylde. Described as Bridget Jones meets Indiana Jones, with talking fish, and blending Irish culture with that of strongly-Irish Newfoundland, its a joyous night of theatre, traditional storytelling, and music directed by Julie Kelleher. See it at 9pm from June 22-24, 7.30pm on June 25, matinee 4pm on June 24-25. Booking: www.corkmidsummer.com. Dont forget The West Cork Chamber Music Festival runs from June 23 to July 2, with a fine range of events and artists in beautiful Bantry town. Among those playing in this superb location are the Armida Quartet, Pacifica Quartet, Ragazze Quartet, Ardeo Quartet, Ensemble Diderot, Alina Ibragimova, Viviane Hagner, Caroline Melzer and Trio Gaspard. Plus, The Biber Mystery Sonatas, postponed from 2022, will be performed by Ensemble Vintage Koln with newly commissioned poems by Ruth Padel. See https://www.westcorkmusic.ie/chamber-music-festival Later in the summer, Masters of Tradition, celebrating its 21st anniversary, brings music of a different genre to Bantry from August 23-27. See https://www.westcorkmusic.ie/masters-of-tradition/. West Cork Fit-Up Theatre Festival is from July 11 to August 7. Its a very old tradition in Ireland, when travelling companies toured the smaller settlements throughout the 19th century, staying for a few days or a week before moving on to the next location. Here in Ireland they lasted right into the early 1960s, and now Geoff Gould has revived the custom. Check out their website for more: https://www.westcorkfit-upfestival.com/. Jonathan McCambridge and Claudia Savage, PA Chris Heaton-Harris has denied that his instruction to senior civil servants at Stormont to provide information on revenue-raising measures is an attempt to pressure the DUP to re-enter Stormont. Britain's Northern Ireland secretary has asked civil servants for information pertaining to revenue-raising measures such as domestic water charges, drug prescription charges and tuition fees, which he says will improve the sustainability of Northern Irelands public finances. The DUP is blocking the devolved institutions in Belfast in a protest against post-Brexit trading arrangements and the party has insisted it will not return to Stormont until it secures further legislative assurances from the UK government around sovereignty and trade. Senior civil servants are currently running public services in the region 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. Speaking to media at Erskine House in Belfast on Wednesday, Mr Heaton-Harris denied that the request to civil servants is aimed at putting pressure on the DUP to re-enter Stormont. Is it some sort of pressure to get the executive up and running? No, because its about trying to make sure that the budget is sustainable and that we can deliver proper, quality public services as we move forward in Northern Ireland that are sustainable and financially affordable, he said. Mr Heaton-Harris said the instruction to civil servants was to provide information to a future executive and he does not have the power to implement such revenue-raising measures. He did, however, say he will not rule anything out if the devolved government does not return. Secretary of State for Northern Ireland Chris Heaton-Harris during a press conference at Erskine House in Belfast on Wednesday. Photo: Liam McBurney/PA. I do have the powers to go to consultation on some of these matters in the future, but I do not have the power to ask for revenue to be raised in Northern Ireland, he said. I actually truly believe that should be something that locally elected politicians should do. But I wouldnt rule out anything for the future if there was no executive in place. Mr Heaton-Harris is currently in negotiations with the DUP in relation to the restoration of the power-sharing institutions and said he has tonnes of patience. I dont set timelines and Im happy to move inch by inch, millimetre by millimetre to a solution which I think would be beneficial for everybody, which is when the executive is up and running and local decisions are being made by local people, he said But it has its frustrations too. Mr Heaton-Harris said the opportunities and costs of revenue-raising procedures will be evaluated (Liam McBurney/PA) Mr Heaton-Harris confirmed on Wednesday he has used new powers provided through passage of the Northern Ireland (Interim Arrangements) Act 2023 for the first time to request information and advice on the revenue-raising measures. His letter said he asked for information on measures such as introducing domestic water charges and drug prescription charges and increasing tuition fees. There is currently no charge to the public for medical prescriptions in the region and Northern Ireland students who study at local universities pay 4,630 a year in tuition fees, compared with a maximum of 9,250 in England. When asked about the impact of water and prescription charges on poorer households, Mr Heaton-Harris said the opportunities and costs of revenue-raising procedures will be evaluated. I mean, it would be much better if we did have an executive to be doing this and actually this information will be useful to any future executive in any choices that it might want to make, he said. But, you know, these are important elements to understand that get a feeling for what can be raised, how it can be raised, what are the benefits and costs, opportunities and costs of doing any of these benefits or all of them? He said businesses have told him problems with water and sewage capacity are hindering development in Belfast. Ive been talking to businesses across Belfast who are now understanding the constraints of the water supply and the sewage issues that now are constraining development in the city, he said. And if you want a prosperous city of your nations capital it needs to expand and bring in the wealth and bring in the investment and part of that is the infrastructure. Mr Heaton-Harris set a deadline of the end of June for the information to be provided by civil servants. In the 2021 Spending Review, the British government said the total block grant for the Northern Ireland Executive would be 15 billion per year, on average, over the next three years. The government has provided around 7 billion in additional funding to Northern Ireland since 2014, on top of the Barnett-based block grant. A statement said the Northern Ireland Executive public spending per person is about 20 per cent higher than the equivalent British government spending in the rest of the UK. It added: The Secretary of State is seeking to ensure that work progresses towards a more sustainable budget position in Northern Ireland that better reflects the balance between locally generated revenue and UK government funding that is happening across the rest of the United Kingdom. The Secretary of State will continue to engage with Northern Ireland Civil Service departments on the detail of their responses. Any final decisions for implementation should be taken by Northern Irelands elected leaders. Kenneth Fox The Food Safety Authority of Ireland (FSAI) has served a notice on Thursday to Iceland Ireland for the withdrawal of all imported frozen food of animal origin imported into Ireland since March 3rd, 2023. The FSAI is also directing Metron Stores Limited who trades as Iceland Ireland to recall implicated product from consumers as well. They are advising consumers not to eat any imported frozen food of animal origin bought from Iceland Ireland stores since March 3rd. Foods of animal origin are any food products that contain ingredients that come from an animal, such as chicken, meat, fish, eggs, dairy products, etc. This enforcement action is due to a number of identified breaches of food legislation and an ongoing investigation. They said the reasons for serving this notice include: Inadequate evidence of traceability of imported frozen food of animal origin in Metron Stores Limited (trading as Iceland Ireland). There have been a number of incidents of non-compliance with import control legislation in relation to frozen foods of animal origin. Some frozen food of animal origin has been imported into Ireland without pre-notification and completion of entry declarations and health certificates since March 3rd, 2023. Discussions with the company have taken place and the investigation involves the FSAI; the Environmental Health Service of the Health Service Executive; the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine; the Sea-Fisheries Protection Authority. According to Dr Pamela Byrne, chief executive of FSAI these are very serious breaches of food law. To date, while we have no reports of any illness associated with implicated products from Iceland Ireland stores, in the absence of the company providing valid and correct traceability documentation as required by the law, we have to take a precautionary approach to best protect consumers, as we cannot be fully confident of the traceability and safety of these imported frozen foods of animal origin. "As a precaution, we are therefore advising consumers not to eat imported frozen food of animal origin bought from Iceland Ireland stores since March 3rd, 2023. "Foods of animal origin are any food products that contain ingredients that come from an animal, such as chicken, meat, fish, eggs, dairy products, etc. "It is the legal responsibility of any food business importing food into Ireland to make the correct import declarations for the food they are importing. "All food businesses must also have full traceability information on the food they are importing, producing, distributing and selling. Due to these breaches of food legislation and in the interest of consumer protection, this action has been taken." As part of the investigation, the FSAI has informed the European Commission, the Food Standards Agency (FSA) UK, Food Standards Agency Northern Ireland, and Food Standards Scotland and are sharing relevant information to support the investigation. The FSAI Cybercriminals are coming to an e-commerce platform you probably use, as online retailers are now the industry most targeted for web attacks. Cloud security firm Akamai Technologies on Tuesday released its latest State of the Internet series report spotlighting the increasing number and variety of attacks on the e-commerce sector. The report titled Entering through the Gift Shop: Attacks on Commerce finds that retail cyberattacks remain the most targeted vertical, accounting for over 14 billion (34%) of observed incursions. Commerce organizations increasingly rely on web applications to drive customer experience and online conversions. Adversaries target vulnerabilities, design flaws, or security gaps to abuse web-facing servers and applications. Retail remains the most targeted sub-vertical within commerce, accounting for 62% of attacks on the sector, impacting both organizations and consumers. According to Steve Winterfeld, advisory CISO at Akamai, the main takeaways are around attack trends. Record attacks against apps and APIs [application programming interface], a shift in traditional attack methods, emerging remote code exploration (RCE) attacks, and finally resurgence in risk in JavaScript environments [are] driving changes to meet Payment Card Industry Data Security Industry [PCI DSS 4.0] requirements, he told the E-Commerce Times. Tactical Shift Exploits LFI Vulnerabilities The new Akamai research also finds that local file inclusion (LFI) attacks increased by more than 300% between Q3 2021 and Q3 2022. LFI is where attackers exploit vulnerabilities in how a web server stores or controls access to its files. These attacks are now the most common vector against the commerce sector. They replace SQL injection (SQLi), indicating an attack trend toward remote code execution. The research also revealed that hackers are leveraging LFI vulnerabilities to gain a foothold for data exfiltration. The commerce sector is characterized by a complex ecosystem that leverages web applications and APIs to drive business, said Rupesh Chokshi, SVP and GM for application security at Akamai. Key Findings Anchor Attack Severity The Akamai report details various attack types that commerce organizations and their customers face. According to Chokshi, researchers examined elements such as web applications, bots, phishing, and third-party scripts to gauge what is happening in this sector. The results will help cybersecurity leaders and security practitioners understand the critical threat trends impacting this industry. With the need to quickly adapt to changing customer trends, commerce is rapidly adopting apps and APIs. This transformation increases the scope or attack surface that criminals can profit from and can be a challenge to secure as it is newer technology/methodology [that] may not follow traditional security processes, said Winterfeld. Threat Report Highlights No new bad actors surfaced in the research. According to Winterfeld, the report mentioned some known threat actors, but no new ones were noted. Server-side request forgery (SSRF), server-side template injection (SSTI), and server-side code injection (SSCI) have emerged as critical attack techniques to defend against. As such, they pose significant threats to commerce organizations. Half of the JavaScript that the commerce vertical uses are from third-party vendors. This introduces the increased threat of client-side attacks like web skimming and Magecart attacks. Implementing mechanisms to detect these attacks is critical to remain compliant with new PCI DSS 4.0 requirements. Attackers could also abuse security gaps in scripts, enabling a pathway for criminals to infiltrate bigger, lucrative targets in supply chains. Akamai observed malicious bot requests surpassing five trillion events in 15 months. It detailed assaults against commerce customers proliferating via credential stuffing attacks that can lead to fraud. Over 30% of phishing campaigns targeted commerce brands in Q1 2023. Attacks in Europe, the Middle East, Asia, and Africa (EMEA) are heavily skewed toward the retail sub-vertical accounting for 96.5% of attacks versus 3.3% for hotel and travel. Commerce is the second most frequently targeted web attack vertical in Asia-Pacific and Japan (APJ) at over 20%. Security Practices To Deter Cyberattacks Winterfeld noted that researchers continually observe increases in threat activity. However, when organizations focus on security, they are successfully stopping these assaults Successful security defenses include practicing secure coding and applying well-managed and monitored edge defenses. Other useful approaches include leveraging the Open Web Application Security Project (OWASP) top ten API recommendations and following frameworks like zero trust network access and segmentation. SL parliament passes anti-corruption bill 19 Jul 2023 | 6:39 PM Colombo, July 19 (UNI) The Sri Lankan parliament on Wednesday passed an anti-corruption bill without a vote, the parliament's media unit said in a statement. see more.. Russian upper house adopts legislation banning gender reassignment 19 Jul 2023 | 5:54 PM Moscow, July 19 (UNI) The Federation Council, the upper house of the Russian parliament, on Wednesday adopted a legislation banning gender reassignment. see more.. 34 killed in road accident in Algeria 19 Jul 2023 | 5:28 PM Algiers, July 19 (UNI) A deadly road accident early Wednesday killed 34 people in Algeria's southern province of Tamanrasset, with 12 others injured, the local civil protection department said. see more.. ADB raises Bangladesh's economic growth forecast 19 Jul 2023 | 4:55 PM Dhaka, July 19 (UNI) The Asian Development Bank (ADB) Wednesday said the Bangladeshi economy is forecast to grow faster than initially expected in 2023, following better export performance. see more.. Moscow, June 15 (UNI) Typhoon fighters of the United Kingdom's Royal Air Force (RAF) were scrambled Wednesday in Estonia to escort Russia's Il-20 reconnaissance aircraft and two Su-27 fighter jets flying close to NATO's eastern border, RAF said. "RAF Typhoons from 140 EAW [Expeditionary Air Wing] in Estonia were scrambled this afternoon to intercept a Russian Air Force IL-20 COOT A and 2x Su-27 FLANKER B flying close to @NATO airspace," RAF tweeted. RAF added that the Russian military aircraft allegedly " failed to comply with international norms by not liaising with relevant FIRs [Flight Information Regions]." Chief Minister to attend summit on affordable housing The Chief Minister Alfred Cannan MHK will today (Thursday) fly to Jersey to attend the 39th summit of the British-Irish Council (BIC) in Jersey which will formally meet on Friday. Titled Building for the Future: Green and Affordable the summit will focus on housing and energy policy and the Chief Minister will join political leaders from Westminster, Ireland, Scotland, Wales, Jersey and Guernsey to discuss how these policy areas are being addressed. The Chief Minister said: The challenge of meeting the demand for good quality, affordable housing is by no means unique to the Isle of Man. I welcome the opportunity to discuss the issue with my counterparts in other administrations and explore the different approaches jurisdictions are taking to address the problems of supply and affordability. Whilst in Jersey, the Chief Minister is meeting with the islands leading affordable housing provider, to learn more about their operations and business model. Lawmakers from the European Union have taken a big step towards regulating the use of artificial intelligence systems in the region by passing a draft law known as the AI Act. As The New York Times notes, it's merely one part of a longer process, and the soonest we can see the final version of the law is most likely later this year. But if the law gets enforced in its current form, then the European Union will be banning the use of real-time and remote biometric systems, such as facial recognition scanning. It will also prohibit devices that exhibit cognitive behavioral manipulation, such as voice activated toys deemed to encourage dangerous behavior in children. Technologies that classify people based on their socio-economic status or personal characteristics will be banned, as well. Meanwhile, technologies considered "high risk" will need to be registered in an EU database. These include AI systems for biometric identification and those for use by law enforcement. The European Commission first proposed the AI Act back in April 2021. That was way before the meteoric rise in popularity of generative AI systems, which led to a rise in calls for artificial intelligence to be regulated. The version the lawmakers have voted on included rules for generative AI companies like OpenAI, including requiring them to disclose any content generated by artificial intelligence. These companies will also be required to ensure that their large language models can't generate illegal content. Also, they will have to publish summaries of copyrighted data used to train their models. Representatives from the European Parliament, the European Commission and the Council of the European Union still have to negotiate details for the final version of the law. They could decide to change some aspects of it and add certain exemptions, such as allowing the use of facial recognition for national security purposes. The AI Act would likely go through several iterations after this vote, though EU officials are hoping to finalize details by the end of the year. All products recommended by Engadget are selected by our editorial team, independent of our parent company. Some of our stories include affiliate links. If you buy something through one of these links, we may earn an affiliate commission. All prices are correct at the time of publishing. Logitech has rolled out new AI-powered tools for its Streamlabs platform that could make editing podcasts go much, much faster. Starting today, Streamlabs Ultra subscribers will get access to Podcast Editor, which provides easy text-based editing capabilities that they could use to auto-generate transcripts and real-time translations. They could also use the editor to add subtitles to their video podcasts in several languages, as well as create clips in different sizes (and with different template designs) for sharing on platforms, such as Facebook and TikTok. The screenshot below shows the tool's interface with its text editor where users can highlight parts of the transcript and automatically create short clips featuring those sections of their podcast. That editor is also where users can generate translations, as well as style and insert subtitles. Users can also remove filler words like "ums" and awkward pauses from their podcasts within just a few seconds using the tool. Logitech, which purchased the creator of the Streamlabs OBS livestreaming app (now Streamlabs Desktop) back in 2019, says Podcast Editor could trim hours off creators' total edit time. Although Streamlabs Ultra subscribers will get the most out of Podcast Editor, seeing as the paid service allows them to manage 40 hours of content, non-paying users will also get limited access to the tool. They can use Podcast Editor through the free version of Streamlabs and edit one hour of content at no cost every month. Engadget Vincent Borel, Head of PC Gaming and Creators at Logitech G, said: "Podcast Editor now enables Streamlabs to provide the most robust suite of offerings for creators to reach their audiences wherever they are while focusing on the elements of content creation they love the most - streaming and engaging with their audience." New Delhi, June 15 (UNI) Vice-President Jagdeep Dhankhar on Thursday hosted the leaders of Zimbabwe, The Gambia and Democratic Republic of Congo during which discussions were held on bilateral relations and ways to strengthen them further. The three leaders had come to India to attend the 18th CII-EXIM Bank Conclave on India-Africa Growth Partnership. The Vice Presidents Office tweeted on the meetings. On the meeting with the Vice President of Zimbabwe, it said: Vice President of Zimbabwe, H.E. Gen. (Retd) Dr. Chiwenga met Honble Vice-President of India, Shri Jagdeep Dhankhar in New Delhi today. Discussions focused on giving greater impetus to India-Zimbabwe multi-faceted partnership, and further strengthening ties between the nations. On his meeting with the Vice President of The Gambia, it posted: H.E. Mr. Muhammad B.S. Jallow, Vice President of Republic of The Gambia met Honble Vice-President of India, Shri Jagdeep Dhankhar in New Delhi today. Both leaders discussed the further deepening of ties between the two nations, with special emphasis on trade and economic partnership. He also met the Deputy PM of Congo: H.E. Mr. Vital Kamerhe, Deputy PM of Democratic Republic of the Congo called on the Honble Vice-President of India, Shri Jagdeep Dhankhar in New Delhi today. Both leaders highlighted the strengthening of India-DRC partnership across diverse domains and bolstering people-to-people ties between the two nations. UNI RN (Informacion remitida por la empresa firmante) NOT FOR DISTRIBUTION IN OR INTO OR TO ANY PERSON LOCATED OR RESIDENT IN THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA, ITS TERRITORIES AND POSSESSIONS (INCLUDING PUERTO RICO, THE U.S. VIRGIN ISLANDS, GUAM, AMERICAN SAMOA, WAKE ISLAND AND THE NORTHERN MARIANA ISLANDS), ANY STATE OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA OR THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA (THE UNITED STATES) OR TO ANY U.S. PERSON OR IN OR INTO ANY OTHER JURISDICTION WHERE IT IS UNLAWFUL TO RELEASE, PUBLISH OR DISTRIBUTE THIS ANNOUNCEMENT (SEE "OFFER AND DISTRIBUTION RESTRICTIONS" BELOW). HELSINKI, June 15, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Kojamo plc (the Company) announces today invitations to holders of its outstanding Notes to tender their Notes for purchase by the Company for cash in an aggregate nominal amount of up to the Maximum Acceptance Amount (as defined below) (each, an Offer and together, the Offers). The Offers are being made on the terms and subject to the conditions contained in the tender offer memorandum dated 15 June 2023 (the Tender OfferMemorandum) prepared by the Company, and are subject to the offer restrictions set out below and as more fully described in the Tender Offer Memorandum. Copies of the Tender Offer Memorandum are (subject to distribution restrictions) available from the Tender Agent as set out below. Capitalised terms used in this announcement but not defined have the meanings given to them in the Tender Offer Memorandum. Summary of the Offers Rationale for the Offers The purpose of the Offers is to pro-actively manage the Company's upcoming debt maturities. Purchase Prices In respect of each Series, the Company will pay for Notes of the relevant Series accepted by it for purchase pursuant to the relevant Offer, a price (in respect of each Series, the Purchase Price) to be determined at or around 1:00 p.m. (CEST) (the Pricing Time) on or around 22 June 2023 (subject to the right of the Company to amend such date in its sole discretion and without prior notice to Noteholders) (the Pricing Date) in the manner described in the Tender Offer Memorandum by reference to: a) in the case of the 2024 Notes, the annualised sum (such sum, the 2024 Notes Purchase Yield) of a purchase spread of 140 basis points (the 2024 Notes Purchase Spread) and the 2024 Notes Interpolated Mid-Swap Rate; and b) in the case of the 2025 Notes, the annualised sum (such sum, the 2025 Notes Purchase Yield and together with the 2024 Notes Purchase Yield, the Purchase Yields and each a Purchase Yield) of a purchase spread of 270 basis points (the 2025 Notes Purchase Spread and, together with the 2024 Notes Purchase Spread, the Purchase Spreads and each a Purchase Spread) and the 2025 Notes Interpolated Mid-Swap Rate. Each Purchase Price will be determined by the Company, after consultation with the Dealer Managers, in accordance with market convention and expressed as a percentage of the principal amount of the Notes of the relevant Series (and rounded to the nearest 0.001 per cent. with 0.0005 per cent. being rounded upwards) and is intended to reflect a yield to maturity of the relevant Series on the Settlement Date based on the relevant Purchase Yield. Specifically, each Purchase Price will equal (a) the value of all remaining payments of principal and interest on the relevant Series up to and including the scheduled maturity date of such Series, discounted to the Settlement Date at a discount rate equal to the relevant Purchase Yield, minus (b) Accrued Interest in respect of the Notes of the relevant such Series. Accrued interest The Company will also pay accrued and unpaid interest (an Accrued Interest Payment) from (and including): (a) in the case of the 2024 Notes, 19 June 2023 (being the immediately preceding interest payment date for the 2024 Notes); and (b) in the case of the 2025 Notes, 7 March 2023 (being the immediately preceding interest payment date for the 2025 Notes), in each case, to (but excluding) the Settlement Date in respect of any Notes accepted for purchase by the Company pursuant to the Offers. Maximum Acceptance Amount The Company proposes to accept Notes for purchase up to a maximum aggregate nominal amount of EUR 150,000,000 (the Maximum Acceptance Amount) on the terms and subject to the conditions contained in the Tender Offer Memorandum (although the Company reserves the right, in its sole and absolute discretion and for any reason, to increase or decrease the Maximum Acceptance Amount). For the avoidance of doubt, the Company will determine the allocation of funds between each Series in its sole discretion, and may purchase considerably less (or none) of one Series than of the other Series. If the aggregate nominal amount of the Tendered Notes is greater than the Maximum Acceptance Amount, (subject to the right of the Company, in its sole discretion, to accept less than or more than such amount for purchase pursuant to the Offers), the Company may accept Notes for purchase on a pro rata basis. Tender instructions and offer conditions In order to participate in, and be eligible to receive an amount equal to the relevant Purchase Price and relevant Accrued Interest Payment pursuant to, the relevant Offer, Noteholders must validly tender their Notes by delivering, or arranging to have delivered on their behalf, a valid Tender Instruction that is received by the Tender Agent by 5:00 p.m. (CEST) on 21 June 2023 (the ExpirationDeadline). Tender Instructions will be irrevocable except in the limited circumstances described in the Tender Offer Memorandum. Noteholders are advised to check with any bank, securities broker or other intermediary through which they hold Notes when such intermediary would need to receive instructions from a Noteholder in order for that Noteholder to be able to participate in, or (in the limited circumstances in which revocation is permitted) revoke their instruction to participate in, an Offer by the deadlines specified in the Tender Offer Memorandum. The deadlines set by any such intermediary and each Clearing System for the submission and withdrawal of Tender Instructions will be earlier than the relevant deadlines specified in the Tender Offer Memorandum. Tender Instructions must be submitted in respect of a nominal amount of Notes of no less than EUR 100,000, being the minimum denomination of the Notes, and may, in each case, be submitted in integral multiples of EUR 1,000 above EUR 100,000. Tender Instructions which relate to a nominal amount of Notes of less than the minimum denomination of the Notes will be rejected. Indicative timetable for the Offers The above times and dates are subject to the right of the Company to, extend, re-open, amend and/or terminate either Offer (subject to applicable law and as provided in the Tender Offer Memorandum). Noteholders are advised to read carefully the Tender Offer Memorandum for full details of, and information on the procedures for, participating in the Offers. The Dealer Managers Nordea Bank Abpc/o Nordea Danmark, filial af Nordea Bank AbpGrnjordsvej 10DK-2300 Copenhagen SDenmark Telephone: +45 6161 2996Attention: Nordea Liability Management GroupEmail: nordealiabilitymanagement@nordea.com OP Corporate Bank plcGebhardinaukio 1FI-00510 HelsinkiFinland Attention: Liability ManagementEmail: liabilitymanagement@op.fi The Tender Agent Kroll Issuer Services LimitedThe Shard32 London Bridge StreetLondon SE1 9SGUnited Kingdom Telephone: +44 20 7704 0880Attention: Arlind BytyqiEmail: kojamo@is.kroll.comWebsite: https://deals.is.kroll.com/kojamo DISCLAIMER This announcement must be read in conjunction with the Tender Offer Memorandum. This announcement and the Tender Offer Memorandum contain important information which should be read carefully before any decision is made with respect to the Offers. If any Noteholder is in any doubt as to the contents of the Tender Offer Memorandum or the action it should take, it is recommended to seek its own financial and legal advice, including in respect of any tax consequences, immediately from its broker, bank manager, solicitor, accountant or other independent financial or legal adviser. Any individual or company whose Notes are held on its behalf by a broker, dealer, bank, custodian, trust company or other nominee must contact such entity if it wishes to tender such Notes pursuant to the Offers. None of the Company, the Dealer Managers or the Tender Agent or any of their respective directors, employees or affiliates makes any recommendation whether Noteholders should tender Notes pursuant to the Offers. OFFER AND DISTRIBUTION RESTRICTIONS The distribution of this announcement and/or the Tender Offer Memorandum in certain jurisdictions may be restricted by law. Persons into whose possession this announcement and/or the Tender Offer Memorandum come(s) are required by each of the Company, the Dealer Managers and the Tender Agent to inform themselves about, and to observe, any such restrictions. Nothing in this announcement nor the Tender Offer Memorandum constitutes an offer to buy or a solicitation of an offer to sell the Notes (and tenders of Notes in the Offers will not be accepted from any Noteholders) in any circumstances in which such offer or solicitation is unlawful. In those jurisdictions where the securities, blue sky or other laws require the Offers to be made by a licensed broker or dealer and either of the Dealer Managers or any of their respective affiliates is such a licensed broker or dealer in any such jurisdiction, such Offer shall be deemed to be made by such Dealer Manager or such affiliate, as the case may be, on behalf of the Company in such jurisdiction. United States The Offers are not being made, and will not be made, directly or indirectly in or into, or by use of the mails of, or by any means or instrumentality of interstate or foreign commerce of or of any facilities of a national securities exchange of, the United States or to any U.S. Person (as defined in Regulation S of the United States Securities Act of 1933, as amended (each, a U.S. Person)). This includes, but is not limited to, facsimile transmission, electronic mail, telex, telephone, the internet and other forms of electronic communication. Notes may not be tendered in the Offers by any such use, means, instrumentality or facility from or within the United States or by persons located or resident in the United States or by, or by any person acting for the account or benefit of, a U.S. Person. Accordingly, copies of this announcement, the Tender Offer Memorandum and any other documents or materials relating to the Offers are not being, and must not be, directly or indirectly mailed or otherwise transmitted, distributed or forwarded (including, without limitation, by custodians, nominees or trustees) in or into the United States or to any persons located or resident in the United States or to any U.S. Person. Any purported tender of Notes in an Offer resulting directly or indirectly from a violation of these restrictions will be invalid and any purported tender of Notes made by, or by any person acting for the account or benefit of, a U.S. Person or by a person located in the United States or any agent, fiduciary or other intermediary acting on a non-discretionary basis for a principal giving instructions from within the United States will be invalid and will not be accepted. Each Noteholder participating in the Offers will represent that it is not a U.S. Person, it is not located in the United States and is not participating in an Offer from the United States, or it is acting on a non-discretionary basis for a principal located outside the United States that is not giving an order to participate in an Offer from the United States and is not a U.S. Person. For the purposes of this and the above two paragraphs, United States means the United States of America, its territories and possessions (including Puerto Rico, the U.S. Virgin Islands, Guam, American Samoa, Wake Island and the Northern Mariana Islands), any state of the United States of America and the District of Columbia. Italy None of the Offers, this announcement, the Tender Offer Memorandum 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 the Republic of Italy (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. Accordingly, Noteholders or beneficial owners of the Notes that are located in Italy can tender Notes for purchase pursuant to the Offers through authorised persons (such as investment firms, banks or financial intermediaries permitted to conduct such activities in Italy in accordance with the Financial Services Act, CONSOB Regulation No. 20307 of 15 February 2018, as amended, and Legislative Decree No. 385 of 1 September 1993, as amended) and in compliance with any other applicable laws and regulations and with any requirements imposed by CONSOB, the Bank of Italy 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 or the Offers. United Kingdom The communication of this announcement, the Tender Offer Memorandum and any other documents or materials relating to the Offers are not being made and such documents and/or materials have not been approved by an authorised person for the purposes of section 21 of the Financial Services and Markets Act 2000 (FSMA). Accordingly, this announcement, the Tender Offer Memorandum and such documents and/or materials are not being distributed to, and must not be passed on to, persons in the United Kingdom other than (i) 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 Financial PromotionOrder)), (ii) to those persons falling within Article 43(2) of the Financial Promotion Order, or (iii) to any other persons to whom it may otherwise lawfully be made under the Financial Promotion Order. France The Offers are not being made, directly or indirectly, to the public in the Republic of France (France). This announcement, the Tender Offer Memorandum and any other offering material relating to the Tender Offer may be distributed in France only to qualified investors as defined in Article 2(e) of Regulation (EU) 2017/1129, as amended. None of this announcement, the Tender Offer Memorandum, or any other such offering material has been or will be submitted for clearance to, or approved by, the Autorite des marches financiers. For more information, please contact Erik Hjelt, CFO, Kojamo plc, tel. +358 20 508 3225 Niina Saarto, Director, Treasury & Investor Relations, Kojamo plc, tel. +358 20 508 3283 Kojamo is Finland's largest private residential real estate company and one of the biggest investors in Finland. Our mission is to create better urban housing. Lumo offers environmentally friendly housing and services for the city dweller who appreciates quality and effortlessness. We actively develop the value of our investment properties by developing new properties and our existing property portfolio. We want to be the property market frontrunner and the number one choice for our customers. Kojamo's shares are listed on the official list of Nasdaq Helsinki. For more information, please visit https://kojamo.fi/en/ View original content: https://www.prnewswire.co.uk/news-releases/kojamo-commences-offers-to-purchase-outstanding-notes-due-2024-and-2025-301851780.html Just outside the sleepy Cuban village of Bejucal, a sign warns: KEEP OUT, MILITARY ZONE. What lies beyond remains largely a mystery, though the US government has long suspected that China runs an intelligence gathering operation in this village. Wings EV Microcar ROBIN ranked best in NEV Category at Micromobility Europe 2023 Chennai, Jun 15 (UNI) Wings EV, a VC-funded electric vehicle startup based in Indore and Bengaluru, won the best in category award for their flagship product Robin in the NEVs, Mopeds and Bikes category at the Micromobility Europe conference held in Amsterdam recently. Micromobility Europe is organized by Micromobility Industries, which is a global platform based in the US that champions small vehicles and their power to radically reshape our cities. Wings EV had a global product unveiling of their unique electric microcar, Robin, at the event. Wings EV Robin is built from the ground up in India and is expected to be launched in India later this year, a company release said here today. Robin, the ultimate city ride, is a fully covered compact two-seater four-wheeler that has the length and width of a motorbike. This allows Robin to drive and park anywhere a motorbike can. In this way, Robin combines a two-wheeler's mobility with a small car's safety and comfort, ideal for everyday driving in the city. Robin is fully automatic, has a top speed of 60 kmph, and runs 90 km on a single charge in regular city driving conditions. It has a LFP (Lithium Ferrous Phosphate) battery pack that charges in 4.5 hours from a standard 15A power socket, using its onboard charger. Robin does not require any expensive charging equipment. It will come in three variants and is expected to be available for order in India later this year. Pranav Dandekar, Co-Founder and CEO, Wings EV said At Wings EV, we are committed to solving the traffic congestion problem in our cities through deep, user-centered design and innovation. It is a great honour to receive this prestigious award for our first product, Robin. Winning the best-in-category award at Micromobility Europe gives us a great impetus to work on more groundbreaking mobility products for the Indian market." The award, won by competing with other 60 world-class products, recognizes the talent and hard work of all at Wings EV. UNI GV 1429 You have permission to edit this article. Edit Close Glenda Jackson, the two-time Best Actress Oscar winner and former British politician, has died. She was 87. Her passing was confirmed by her agent, Lionel Larner, who said in a statement, Glenda Jackson, two-time Academy Award-winning actress and politician, died peacefully at her home in Blackheath, London this morning after a brief illness with her family at her side. The statement continued, She recently completed filming The Great Escaper in which she co-starred with Michael Caine. Born on May 9, 1936, in Birkenhead, Cheshire, England, Jackson made her professional stage debut in Ted Williss Doctor in the House. She would go on to appear in various stage productions before making her film debut in a bit part in This Sporting Life (1963). Jacksons on-screen roles continued from there, with her starring role in Ken Russells Women in Love (1969) leading to her first Academy Award for Best Actress. Her second Academy Award came for her role in Melvin Franks romantic comedy A Touch of Class (1973). On television, Jackson played Queen Elizabeth I in the BBCs serial Elizabeth R (1971), having her head shaved for the role. The series, which aired on PBS in the U.S., won her two Primetime Emmy Awards for her performance. Jackson retired from acting in 1991 in order to focus on her political career, where she was an MP for the Labour Party in the U.K. In 1997, she was appointed as a junior minister in Prime Minister Tony Blairs government. She remained as an MP until 2015, after which she retired from politics and returned to acting following a 23 year absence. She returned to the stage, appearing in William Shakespeares King Lear at the Old Vic Theatre in London and the Broadway revival of Edward Albees Three Tall Women, for which she won the 2018 Tony Award for Best Actress in a Play. Her most recent on-screen work came in the 2019 television drama Elizabeth Is Missing, based on the novel of the same name by Emma Healey. Jackson won the Best Actress BAFTA TV Award and International Emmy Award for her role. More Headlines: The Montana State Capitol in Helena on Wednesday, April 26, 2023. (Photo by Mike Clark for the Daily Montanan) Montana Gov. Greg Gianforte signed several pieces of legislation Wednesday that lawmakers from both parties have been waiting on for more than a month, including two key bills the $14 billion budget for the next two years and a bill to expand eligibility for childcare scholarships for low-income families. House Bill 2, the budget bill, and House Bill 648, the Best Beginnings Scholarship expansion, were among six bills that for more than a month had been awaiting the signature of Senate President Jason Ellsworth, R-Hamilton, so they could be sent to the governors desk for consideration ahead of the July 1 start of the fiscal year. Legislative records show Ellsworth signed both bills this week, along with four others awaiting his signature, all of which were transmitted to Gianforte and signed by him on Wednesday. In a statement, Gianforte called the budget one of the most transformational in state history. Montanans entrust us to be good stewards of their hard-earned dollars, and Im proud our budget with the legislature, built for hardworking Montana families, fulfills that trust, Gianforte said. Gianforte did not line-item veto any portions of the bill as some Republican legislators had requested, keeping in a $300 million Medicaid reimbursement rate for health care providers that some lawmakers opposed but which Democrats and some Republicans had pushed for all session. This session, Montana Democrats finally convinced Republicans to invest in our community health care providers, and Montanas seniors and working families will at last have a better shot at getting the care they need close to home, said Rep. Mary Caferro, D-Helena, the leader of the push to increase the reimbursement rates, in a statement. The Governors Office said the rate increases were historic and provide stability for health care providers and more services for Montanans. The budget also includes almost $200 million to make repairs and expand the Montana State Prison, includes the governors priority tax cuts, contains funding for a teacher health insurance trust and higher starting pay, and invests in the housing bill compiled in the final weeks of the session, House Bill 819, sponsored by Rep. Paul Green, R-Hardin, which Gianforte also signed this week. This budget is built for hardworking Montana families, the governor said. Gianforte also signed HB 648, sponsored by Rep. Alice Buckley, D-Bozeman, one of the pieces of legislation Democrats said this session was crucial for lawmakers to pass and the governor to sign into law. Buckley secured 94 votes for the bill out of 150 lawmakers despite there being only 48 Democrats in the session. She has consistently touted the bill as a bipartisan win for businesses and families as parents struggle to afford health care and other bills and businesses try to hire more employees in Montana including some who say they are working less in order to care for their children because of childcare costs. The bill expands the scholarship program to an estimated 700 more working families living up to 185% of the federal poverty level around $30,000 a year for a family of four and caps copays for the program at 9% on a sliding scale changes Buckley said throughout the session were key to limiting childcare costs that have in some place cost nearly as much as rent or a mortgage. The bill received wide support from the childcare and business communities as it made its way through the legislature this spring, and Buckley said in recent weeks that those groups had been reaching out to her asking about the bills status. Ensuring Montana families have access to quality, affordable childcare means our economy can thrive and so can our communities and kids, Buckley said. HB 648 marks the most substantive investment in childcare weve seen in Montana, and I am so proud we have finally taken action to address our states childcare crisis. Spokespersons for House and Senate Republicans did not respond to requests for comment on the signing of the bills. Gianforte also signed four other bills this week that had been awaiting action by Ellsworth, including Hamilton Republican Rep. David Bedeys House Bill 332, a $40 million public school health insurance trust; House Bill 587, a school funding and property tax reduction bill from Rep. Llew Jones, R-Conrad; and an appropriations bill for local government infrastructure projects sponsored by Rep. John Fitzpatrick, R-Anaconda. The post Gianforte signs budget bill, Buckleys child care scholarship expansion bill appeared first on Daily Montanan. Soon we will pause to celebrate our fathers. The nations first Fathers Day was celebrated in 1910, in the state of Washington. The idea for this day is credited to Sonora Smart Dodd whose father, a Civil War veteran, raised her and her siblings after their mother died in childbirth. Fathers Day became a national holiday in 1972 when President Nixon signed legislation designating the third Sunday of June as Fathers Day. Fathers Day sometimes gets lost in the shuffle between Mothers Day, Memorial Day and Independence Day. The National Retail Federation reports that $20 billion is typically spent on this holiday which pales in comparison to the $35 billion spent for Mothers Day. But does dad really need another Worlds Best Dad mug, a tie or another tool? Maybe there is something better and more meaningful you can give your farming father. Recently, I saw the results of a survey conducted by One Poll in 2019. This study reported the top gift desired on Fathers Day was a simple phone call. Additionally, the survey found that nearly 75% prefer an experience over a physical gift. Each one of us is wired differently when it comes to how we show and how we like to receive love and appreciation. Dr. Gary Chapman wrote the book titled Five Love Languages which examines the five love languages which are: words of affirmation, quality time, gifts, acts of service and physical touch. So, how can you best show your love and appreciation to your father, grandfather or other influential male this Fathers Day? If you do not know the love language of your father, I would encourage you to explore Dr. Chapmans website at https://5lovelanguages.com/ where each of you can take a quick quiz to learn your preferred style. Lets take a quick look at the five love languages. Quality time: My dads primary love language was quality time. My dad enjoyed unrushed conversations. I know his love tank was refilled each day by spending a long lunch hour (or two) just talking to my mom. He knew no stranger and spent countless hours talking to every ag salesman, milk truck driver or relative which would stop in at the farm. To show love through quality time on the farm, think about things which you can do with your father. Maybe its riding together in the combine, checking fence together or just stopping in for a cup of coffee. Acts of Service: This was my dads secondary love language. His acts of service shone through his volunteerism on the school board and with the Country Neighbor Program. On the farm, acts of service can be shown through doing things which lighten their load and expecting nothing in return. Actions speak louder than words. This could mean running into town to grab a part so they dont have to stop in the middle of a project. Or it could mean surprising them with their favorite meal during planting season. Words of Affirmation: This is my top love language. In my experience, many farmers struggle to express their love through verbal expression. Words matter greatly to those who have this love language. This could include saying thank you, I love you, you did a great job, I couldnt do this with our you or I am proud of you. Written words can be just as meaningful, such as penning a letter about how much they mean to you. Physical Touch: This love language can be demonstrated through a simple handshake, a touch on the shoulder or, if you are like me, through an actual hug. For others this may be a high five or fist bump. Or it could be as simple as putting your arm around them in church. Gifts: Persons with this love language give extremely thoughtful gifts and are appreciative when someone puts effort into finding the right gift for them. However, gift giving does not have to cost money. It could mean picking wildflowers from the fence row or creating a homemade gift. I encourage you to read Dr. Chapmans book and to take time to explore the love languages and how they relate to your farm family. Additionally, Lisa Foust Prater wrote an excellent article titled The 5 Five Languages for Farmers last year in the Successful Farming magazine which can be accessed at: https://www.agriculture.com/ family/the-5-love-languages- for-farmers. To close, I would like to share a quote from Dr. Chapman who stated, Love is something you do for someone else, not something you do for yourself. Have a great Fathers Day! If you have an event you'd like to list on the site, submit it now! Submit CHARLESTON, W.Va. Gov. Jim Justice announced the preliminary approval of more than $18 million for various broadband infrastructure projects throughout the state. This announcement includes applications received under the programs Line Extension Advancement and Development, Major Broadband Project Strategies, and Wireless Internet Networks. The programs are branches of Gov. Justices Billion-Dollar Broadband Strategy a plan to invest over $1 billion in state and federal funds to make broadband connectivity available for the first time to 200,000 West Virginia homes and businesses. This announcement marks the first preliminary award made for the WIN program which covers state parks and forests by expanding wireless technology. Under the WIN program, funding will allow upgrades to the three towers with 5G and mid-band wireless technology to bring high-speed reliable connectivity to Coopers Rock State Forest, Watoga State Park, and the surrounding areas, significantly increasing public safety and elements of tourism. The states total investment of $18,675,465 will leverage an additional $19,155,920 from other funding sources, for a total broadband infrastructure investment of $37,831,385 for this round alone. These most recent projects will provide broadband connectivity to more than 8,250 targeted locations in West Virginia. These investments will result in more than 700 miles of new fiber infrastructure. In total, these projects provide funding for the purpose of providing broadband connectivity to 21,126 homes and businesses, many of which currently do not have internet services. Broadband project examples receiving MBPS, LEAD and WIN program funds include the following: Frontier, West Virginia: Ripley (Jackson County) Broadband: MBPS Program Funds, $5,710,010; Matching Funds, $10,594,988; Total Project Cost, $16,304,998; Estimated Fiber Mileage, 249; Targeted Addresses, 1,967. Project Summary: Frontier will receive $5,710,010 in MBPS funds for the expansion of broadband connectivity to 1,967 targeted addresses in the greater Ripley area of Jackson County. This project will serve locations in the communities of Ripley, Kenna, Given, Gandeeville, Gay, Evans, and Kentuck. The project will include the installation of approximately 249 miles of fiber infrastructure to provide broadband service in the project area. Frontier, West Virginia: Ravenswood (Jackson County) Broadband: MBPS Program Funds, $7,672,782; Matching Funds, $7,672,782; Total Project Cost, $15,345,564; Estimated Fiber Mileage, 381; Targeted Addresses: 4,165. Project Summary: Frontier will receive $7,672,782 in MBPS funds for the expansion of broadband connectivity to 4,165 targeted addresses in the greater Ravenswood area of Jackson County. This project will serve locations in the communities of Ravenswood, Cottageville, Sandyville, Evans, Ripley, Millwood, Mount Alto, Peewee, Somerville Fork, Le Roy, Amigo, Elizabeth, and Lundale. The project will include the installation of approximately 381 miles of fiber infrastructure to provide broadband service in the project area. Under the West Virginia Broadband Investment Plan, projects selected for award will receive a Preliminary Approval Announcement, which will be published on broadband.wv.gov. COLUMBUS The Ohio Department of Natural Resources Division of Wildlife recently received a donation on behalf of Marion and Fred Conkel of 177 acres of land in Pike County for use as a public wildlife area. The property was donated by Patricia Ann Conkel through her trust in honor of her husband Fred Conkel and his father Marion Conkel. Marion and Fred Conkel Wildlife Area lies in Pike County, about 5 miles southeast of Waverly. The new wildlife area is off Straight Creek Road, south of State Route 335. The area comprises mostly wooded, steep terrain with abundant white-tailed deer, wild turkeys, and squirrels. Former pastureland provides grassland habitat that benefits birds, butterflies, insects and rabbits. Visitors to the property can use old logging roads and trails to navigate. The division of wildlife will allow hunting on the property in the 2023-24 season through the Ohio Landowner-Hunter Access Partnership. The Division of Wildlife is working on releasing maps and additional information about the property. Hunters are required to obtain a free daily access permit online or on the HuntFish OH mobile app before accessing the property. All Ohio Landowner-Hunter Access Partnership program rules apply. The Division of Wildlife is interested in receiving property donations to serve as wildlife areas. Those wishing to donate property to the Division of Wildlife may call 800-945-3543 during normal business hours. Qualified staff is available to assist interested parties through the donation process. LITCHFIELD, Ohio The Ohio Department of Natural Resources and Medina County Parks celebrated the completion of the new Litchfield Wetland Restoration Project. The project, which is part of the H2Ohio Initiative, transformed a formerly farmed land into 80 acres of wetland. The wetland will filter out the nutrients that cause algal blooms before they flow into the Black River in Medina County. The new wetland also features an ADA-accessible trail that runs 1.7 miles as well as a 200-foot-long boardwalk. The wetland is along the East Branch of the Black River, which is 45 miles long and ultimately empties into the Lake Erie central basin. ODNR awarded $900,000 to the Medina County Park District as part of the H2Ohio Initiative to restore the site. The park district then budgeted $300,000 in capital improvement funds to work on public access amenities. For more information on the H2Ohio initiative, visit h2.ohio.gov. AKRON, Ohio Northeast Ohios public lakes and reservoirs teem with fish such as bass, crappie and saugeye. Summer is a great time to grab a fishing pole and see what species you can catch, according to the Ohio Department of Natural Resources Division of Wildlife. Ohio has 124,000 acres of inland water, 7,000 miles of streams, 2.25 million acres of Lake Erie water, and 481 miles of the Ohio River. At $25 for a resident one-year license, fishing is a cost-effective and accessible outdoor recreational activity. Youth under the age of 16 can fish for free, and all Ohio residents can fish without purchasing a license during Free Fishing Days, June 17-18. All size and daily limits apply during these two days. The Division of Wildlife has numerous resources available to assist anglers, including lake maps, fishing tips by species, and fishing forecasts. Many of these resources are available right at your fingertips with the HuntFish OH mobile app. Fishing regulations and an interactive fishing map can be located with ease from any mobile device. For more information on fishing tips and forecasts, go to wildohio.gov. Here are a few areas in northeast Ohio anglers may want to visit. Bass Berlin Lake (Mahoning, Portage, and Stark counties): This lake has consistently seen an increase in largemouth bass and smallmouth bass abundances over the past five years. While the abundances have increased, the overall size structure of the populations hasnt suffered. The Division of Wildlifes most recent electrofishing survey showed a high-quality size distribution of bass longer than 15 inches. Crappie Lake Milton (Mahoning County): Crappie fishing at Lake Milton often yields large fish. The Division of Wildlife conducted black crappie and white crappie population assessments at Lake Milton in 2022. Growth rates were high, with many crappie reaching 8 inches in length by two years of age. This is an established benchmark for quality crappie growth. Nearly a quarter of the sampled crappie population was longer than 10 inches. Plentiful and large crappie make Lake Milton a sure bet for spring action. Saugeye Atwood Lake (Carroll and Tuscarawas counties): Arguably the most consistent producer of quality saugeye, this lake should be on any saugeye anglers destination list for 2023. Recent Division of Wildlife surveys point to a saugeye population that is more abundant than regional and statewide averages. A large proportion of the population sits in the desired 15- to 18-inch size range. Atwood Lake shows strong survival of its annually stocked saugeye. Bluegill Leesville Lake (Carroll County): Tucked in beautiful rolling landscapes, this reservoir has become a gem. Most notable are the large redear sunfish that have developed here. Presently, Leesville Lake has an abundant population of redear sunfish with many exceeding 9 inches in length. These chunky and tasty panfish are sure to add some excitement to a scenic and relaxing fishing trip. Channel catfish East Reservoir (Summit County): Part of the Portage Lakes chain, East Reservoir is connected to West Reservoir and Turkeyfoot Lake, where the primary public boat launch is located. The Division of Wildlife sampled East Reservoir in 2022 for channel catfish and the results didnt disappoint, with some channel catfish reaching 32 inches in length. Further, East Reservoir channel catfish are exhibiting exceptional growth rates and a large proportion of the sampled fish were longer than 20 inches. Muskellunge Pymatuning Lake (Ashtabula County): This mainstay of Ohios and Pennsylvanias muskellunge fishery is currently firing on all cylinders. The Division of Wildlife and the Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission work in partnership to manage Pymatuning Lakes fisheries. Spring muskellunge trap netting surveys have occurred annually on Pymatuning for the past 40 years. Twice in the last five years the spring surveys logged a new record for the number of muskellunge longer than 30 inches that were sampled. The surveys affirm that the lakes muskellunge fishery is characterized by a high abundance of fish with plenty reaching trophy sizes. The Division of Wildlife encourages muskie anglers to report their catch in the Muskie Angler Log. Check the Ohio Fishing Regulations for details before casting a line. Meat processor ABP Foods - one of Europe's largest food businesses - has acquired two production sites from rival Scotbeef. Scotbeef, a family-owned meat company based in Stirlingshire, has sold its abattoir at Bridge of Allan and meat packing facility at Queenslie, Glasgow to ABP. The sale is expected to complete at the end of next month, both firms have confirmed. Frank Stephenson, group chief executive of Irish red meat giant ABP, said the processor looked forward to ensure "a smooth and seamless transition". He said: It will be very much business as usual with a commitment to building on Scotbeefs well-established tradition and reputation for high-quality Scottish red meat products. Scotbeef CEO Robbie Galloway added that the sales "secures the ongoing viability of these slaughtering and packing facilities in Scotland." "This sale is the right move for our staff and producer suppliers," Mr Galloway added. Like Scotbeef, ABP is a family run business and we have been working closely with them to ensure a smooth transition. "We are appreciative of the support and help we have received from the Goodman family and their ABP colleagues as we have gone through this process. "We wish them well for the future with this acquisition." Scotbeef will continue to operate from their sites in Inverurie, East Kilbride, Annan, Heysham and Woverhampton. Farmers are being urged to displace imported soya with home-grown bean crops due to the environmental and agronomic benefits they bring. The Nitrogen Efficient Plants for Climate Smart Arable Cropping Systems (NCS) project has a goal of instigating a reduction of 1.5Mt CO2e per annum. NCS is made up of a consortium of UK companies, research institutes and farmer networks, led by the Processors and Growers Research Organisation (PGRO). They are working together to bring about the reduction, which is calculated as 54% of the maximum potential for UK agriculture. To do this, the four-year 5.9m research project will work to increase pulse cropping in arable rotations to 20% across the UK - currently 5% - and develop and test new feed rations. This will help livestock farmers to substitute up to 50% of imported soya meal used in feed with more climate-friendly home-grown pulses and legumes. PGRO chief executive, Roger Vickers, who leads the NCS consortium, said pulses and legumes had considerable benefits for UK farming systems. But these have never been truly and accurately measured," he said, "Their value has been sorely underplayed and their potential to address the climate crisis has gone unrecognised. Together we can change that. We now have the science, the tools and the know-how among UK farmers, not only to tap into that potential, but to develop it further. "Bringing that talent together is what lies at the heart of NCS its never been done before, and theres never been a project on this scale with this much ambition. In total, the project, which will be funded by Defras Farming Innovation Programme and delivered by Innovate UK, will involve 200 farms and 17 industry partners. The first stage of the project will give farmers support to establish their business carbon baseline, using the Farm Carbon Toolkit. Emissions from these farms will then be tracked throughout the project and will form a fundamental part of the dataset. The leading innovators among them, the Pulse Pioneers, will then be paid to work with scientists to co-design crop and feeding trials to carry out on their farms. Keen to expand the knowledge exchange beyond this core group of farmers, the project is also launching the PulsePEP (Performance Enhancing Platform), led by ADAS. This will be a hub for farmers striving to achieve the best from pulse crops and reduce carbon emissions, as well as a place for discussion on best-practice pulse cropping. The project team is urging farmers interested in being involved or those who just have a passion for pulses to sign up now. This will be the defining project of our time, believes Mr Vickers. Its not just the chance for UK agriculture to make a seismic shift towards net zero, but itll also deliver a prosperous and resilient way of farming for communities worldwide." The Mart's the Heart Awards are open again for nomination entries, with livestock farmers urged to participate. Auctions are essential to the success and wellbeing of any livestock farm, and auctioneers are in many ways, at the forefront of the livestock industry. This is your opportunity to shout about those within the industry who you feel deserve special recognition. The Mart's the Heart Awards were launched in 2015 and the campaign proved to be an outstanding success. In 2022, the awards generated over 450 nominations and more than 19,700 votes were cast for the shortlisted finalists. They are now open for the following awards: Auction Mart of the Year; Auction Cafe of the Year; and New Auctioneer of the Year. The winner of each award will be presented at the British Farming Awards event in October. We hope you will help us identify and reward marts and cafes which are doing a great job for the industry. Nominations close on the 30 June 2023, don't miss your chance to nominate your winner. Submit your nomination online. Aliens visited Earth through a volcano "wormhole". Aliens have visited Earth through a Mexican volcano UFO expert Jaime Maussan claims that two spacecraft flew into the Popocatepetl volcano in Mexico when its crater fired lava into the air. The ufologist shared video footage of the incident and claimed that no man-made object would be able to cope with the 1,000C heat inside the crater. Maussan considers Popocatepetl to be a gateway between two locations in space and time and believes that the magnetic force within the volcano acts as a wormhole to other places in the universe. The journalist said: "In 1996, the University of Bergen in Norway discovered under the volcano there are magnetic storms necessary to be able to generate X-points or regions of electron diffusion and be used to create a dimensional portal." Maussan added that the idea of wormholes was first put forward by the celebrated physicist Albert Einstein back in the 1930s. Janice Dickinson is one of nine women to have filed a sexual assault lawsuit against Bill Cosby. Bill Cosby has been accused of sexual assault again The 68-year-old model - who, in 2018, testified she had been drugged and raped by the disgraced comedian in 1982 - is part of legal action submitted in Nevada, which alleged the 85-year-old star used his enormous power, fame and prestige to isolate and sexually assault the individuals named in the case. Janice and her fellow accusers, Pam Joy Abeyta, Lili Bernard, Rebecca Cooper, Linda Kirkpatrick, Janice Baker Kinney, Angela Leslie, Lise-Lotte Lublin and Heidi Thomas, will give an interview on 'NBC News Today' on Thursday (15.06.23) to discuss their allegations. A spokesperson for Cosby - who was released from jail in 2021 after three years behind bars when his conviction for criminal sexual assault was overturned by the Supreme Court - has denied the claims in the new lawsuit. Andrew Wyatt told Variety in a statement: Its interesting that these Look Back Windows are formulating only in those states (New Jersey, New York, Los Angeles and Nevada) where many of Mr. Cosbys alleged accusers reside. "It makes all Americans ask the question, Whos funding these alleged accusers and whos funding these lawmakers?' Mr. Cosby is a Citizen of [the] United States, but these judges and lawmakers are consistently allowing these civil suits to flood their dockets knowing that these women are not fighting for victims but for their addiction to massive amounts of media attention and greed. "From this day forward, we will not continue to allow these women to parade various accounts of an alleged allegation against Mr. Cosby anymore without vetting them in the court of public opinion and inside of the courtroom. More than 60 women have publicly accused Cosby of sexual misconduct, with similar lawsuits having previously emerged. One of the Nevada accusers, Lili, was also among five women named in a New York sexual assault lawsuit filed against Cosby last December, having previously made allegations against him in 2015 and filing a separate suit in 2017. Last June, she was in attendance for a civil trial against Cosby, where he was ordered to pay Judy Huth $500,000 for sexually assaulting her in 1975 when she was just 16 years old. Glenda Jacksons death has been called extremely sad by British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak. Glenda Jacksons death has been called extremely sad by British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak The Women in Love actor-turned Labour Party MP who became a first-time Tony Award winner for her performance in Three Tall Women was surrounded by family when she died aged 87, according to statement from her agent on Thursday (15.06.23), with tributes flooding in from the worlds of politics and showbiz after the news was announced. A spokesman for Mr Sunak said about the passing of the double-Oscar winner: This is extremely sad news, his thoughts will be with her friends and family at this time. Labour leader Sr Keir Starmer added: I was very sad to hear of Glenda Jacksons passing. She leaves a space in our cultural and political life that can never be filled. She played many roles with great distinction, passion and commitment. From award-winning actor to campaigner and activist to Labour MP and government minister, Glenda Jackson was always fighting for human rights and social justice. As a fellow north London MP, I know how much she was loved and respected by her constituents. Referencing Glendas famous appearance on Morecambe and Wise as Egyptian queen Cleopatra, Mr Starmer added: All men are fools, and what makes them so is having beauty like what I have got. He went on: Of course no tribute to Glenda could fail to mention her role as Cleopatra in that most famous and loved of all the Morecambe and Wise sketches. We will never see talent like what she has got again. Playwright Bonnie Greer, 74, hailed Glenda a genius and said it was a privilege to be old enough to have seen the utter revolution in acting she was. Broadcaster Gyles Brandreth, 75, who was Conservative MP for the City of Chester from 1992 to 1997, added on Twitter: A wonderful actress, a committed politician, a remarkable human being we became MPs on the same day in 1992 and I treasure our unlikely friendship. She was such a gifted, caring and special person who came into the world to make a difference and did. RIP the unique Glenda Jackson. Mary-Louise Parker has wished her ex Billy Crudup well after his wedding to Naomi Watts. Mary-Louise Parker has wished her ex Billy Crudup well after his wedding to Naomi Watts The Weeds actress, 58, was with Watchmen star Billy, 54, for eight years before he left her for Claire Danes, 44, in 2003, while she was seven-months pregnant with their son William Atticus Parker, now 19. Speaking about her feelings on Billys recent nuptials with actress Naomi, 54, she told The Guardian: I wish them well. The star added: I honestly of course wish them every happiness because thats my sons father. So Im happy for them. Im happy they found each other. Mary-Louise started dating actor Jeffrey Dean Morgan, 57, in 2006 after they met on the set of Weeds, and the pair announced their engagement on 12 February, 2008, before they broke up that April. In September 2007, the actress adopted a baby girl called Caroline Aberash Parker, from Ethiopia, and she now lives in New York with her two children. Billy married long-term girlfriend Naomi on Friday (09.06.23), with the actress posting a photo of herself and her new husband online posing on the steps of seemed to a courthouse in Manhattan, captioned: Hitched. After the ceremony, Naomi also shared a photo of the newlyweds celebrating with actor Mark Ruffalo, 55, and his 50-year-old wife Sunrise Coigney. Famously secretive Billy and Naomi sparked marriage rumours after they were spotted in wedding clothes on Friday, while Naomi prompted talk she and Billy had gotten engaged earlier this year when she was seen wearing a huge diamond ring. The pair met on the set of her 2017 Netflix series Gypsy and started a relationship later that year around 12 months after Naomi had broken up with her partner of 11 years, actor Liev Schreiber, 55, with whom she has sons Sasha, 15, and 14-year-old Kai. Tom Holland considers his relationship with Zendaya to be "sacred". Zendaya and Tom Holland rarely discuss their romance publicly The 27-year-old actor and Zendaya, 26, are "incredibly protective" of their romance, and Tom insists they don't owe anyone an explanation about their relationship. He told The Hollywood Reporter: "Our relationship is something that we are incredibly protective of and we want to keep as sacred as possible. We dont think that we owe it to anyone, its our thing, and it has nothing to do with our careers." Tom starred alongside Zendaya in the Spider-Man film franchise and they've attended a number of events together in recent years. Despite this, the actor insists that they each have their own lives and their own pressures to deal with. He said: "Were two very busy people, and were on the opposite sides of the world at this present time." Tom has enjoyed huge success over recent years, and in spite of the pressure he faces, the actor remains hugely passionate and enthusiastic about his work. The movie star - who made his film debut in the 2012 disaster drama 'The Impossible' - explained: "The thing is, I love my job. I love my friends. Im not worried about what people think. The only thing I really care about is how I feel." Meanwhile, Zendaya previously hailed Tom's culinary skills, revealing that he's much more capable in the kitchen than she is. The actress also admitted that they're both "control freaks". Speaking about her experience of living with Tom, she told The Sun newspaper: "He is really good in the kitchen, which is fortunate as I am really accident-prone. "We learnt early on that only one of us could be in the kitchen at a time, we are both control freaks so we can't be in there together." World cotton production is projected to reach a four-year high of 116.7 million bales in 2023-24 (FY24), according to the US Department of Agriculture (USDA). The expected growth in production represents a slight increase of 400,000 bales from the previous year. The increase is predominantly driven by the major cotton-producing countries, with the US and Pakistan leading the charge. Both countries are projected to see a significant rise in production, each adding 2 million bales to the global yield. India is also expected to contribute to the surge, albeit on a lesser scale, with an additional half a million bales. Global cotton production in FY24 is forecast to reach a four-year high of 116.7 million bales, up slightly from the previous year, as per USDA. The rise is led by the US, Pakistan, and India, with a drop in China's output due to cooler weather conditions. Australia's FY24 cotton production is projected at 5.8 million bales, 300,000 bales above FY23. However, these gains will be partially offset by a reduction in output from China, the world's leading cotton producer. The Chinese crop is anticipated to shrink by 3.7 million bales in the 2023-24 season due to cooler than normal temperatures early in the growing season in China's Xinjiang region, which could limit yield potential. This decrease means China's contribution to global cotton production is expected to shrink from 26 per cent in 2022-23 to 23 per cent in 2023-24, as per USDAs Cotton and Wool Outlook: June 2023 report. Meanwhile, India is set to buck this trend with a projected 2-per cent increase in cotton production from the 2022-23 crop. This rise comes despite an expected reduction in harvested area, with alternative crops predicted to reduce cotton acreage to 12.4 million hectares. A rebound in yield is set to offset this, with the national yield forecast at 448 kg per hectare, the highest in three years. India's share in global cotton production is set to remain steady at approximately 22 per cent. Outside of the US, other countries including Brazil, Pakistan, and Australia are also projected to see an increase in cotton production. Brazil's output is expected to hit 13.25 million bales, slightly above the 2022-23 figure and second only to 2019-20's record of nearly 13.8 million bales. Pakistan's cotton production is set to rebound from the nearly four-decade low of 3.9 million bales recorded in 2022-23 due to flood damage. The forecast production of 5.9 million bales for 2023-24 will account for 5 per cent of global production. Lastly, Australia's 2023-24 cotton production is projected at 5.8 million bales, 300,000 bales above 2022-23 and close to 2021-22s record of 5.85 million bales, supported by above-average reservoir levels. Fibre2Fashion News Desk (DP) From Time Magazine: Cormac McCarthy, the Pulitzer Prize-winning author of often grisly, hypermasculine fiction died Tuesday at 89, in his Santa Fe, N.M. home. One of the most acclaimedif reclusiveAmerican writers of the last 50 years, McCarthys dark and devastating fiction centered on outsiders attempting to survive their often violent worlds. Here, the essential books to celebrate and understand McCarthys contributions to the literary canon. Blood Meridian (1985) Violence is the seeming lifeblood of Blood Meridian, McCarthys fifth novel, which is a macabre epic of the American West. Published in 1985, it centers on the harrowing experiences of a ruthless runaway known only as the kid. McCarthys protagonist comes of age as part of the Glanton gang, a group of outlaws who were notorious in the mid-19th century for murdering Indigenous peoples across Texas and Mexico. The result is a nightmarish fever dream of gang violence and robberies, scalp hunting and cold-blooded killingsone that disrupts any heroic or romantic fantasies of the frontier. More here. Vietnam's textile and garment exports noticed a decline of 15.6 per cent, reaching $12.659 billion, during the period of January to May 2023, as per preliminary data from the customs IT and statistics department of the general department of customs under Vietnam's ministry of finance. In April 2023, exports increased by 14.8 per cent to $2.916 billion compared to the previous month. During January to May 2023, Vietnam's yarn exports decreased by 28.8 per cent to $1,688.272 million in comparison to the same period of the previous year. In terms of volume, Vietnam exported 678,293 tons of yarn, representing a 6.1 per cent decline compared to the exports during the same period last year. Vietnam's textile and garment exports decreased by 15.6 per cent to $12.659 billion from January to May 2023. Yarn exports saw a decline of 28.8 per cent to $1.688 billion. The US was the largest market for textile and garment exports, accounting for 43.43 per cent. In 2022, textile and garment exports reached $37.5 billion, falling short of the target. In May 2023, yarn exports gained 9.5 per cent to $390.772 million, and the quantity of yarn exports increased by 11.2 per cent to 160,310 tons during the review period. The US accounted for a significant share of 43.43 per cent in Vietnam's textile and garment exports, amounting to $5.498 billion during the first five months of this year. Japan and South Korea were also major destinations, with exports of $1,424.421 million and $1,142.355 million, respectively. In terms of yarn exports, China alone received 48.93 per cent of Vietnam's exports, totalling $826.648 million. India was also a major market for Vietnamese yarn exports, with shipments amounting to $34.382 million during the first five months of 2023. In 2022, Vietnam's textile and garment exports grew by 14.7 per cent year-on-year, reaching $37.5 billion, falling short of the target of $43 billion. In 2021, Vietnam's textile and garment exports amounted to $32.750 billion, a growth of 9.9 per cent compared to the previous year's exports of $29.809 billion. Yarn exports in 2022 increased by 50.1 per cent to $5.609 billion from $3.736 billion in 2020. According to the Vietnam Textile and Apparel Association (VITAS), in the case of a positive market scenario, Vietnam has set an export target of $48 billion for textiles, garments, and yarn in 2023. Fibre2Fashion News Desk (KUL) Adipurush, featuring Prabhas, Saif Ali Khan and Kriti Sanon, is a highly anticipated movie of the year. Despite the underwhelming response to last year's teaser and the makers' decision to focus on VFX, fans are eagerly looking forward to watching it on the big screen, especially after the trailer was unveiled. Kriti Sanon, who plays the role of Janaki, recently spoke openly about the difficulties she faced while portraying the character, with only one day to go until the film's release.During an interview with Times Of India, Kriti Sanon stated that Om had extensively researched Ramayana and had a clear vision for the project. The process of transforming into Janaki was not just limited to physical aspects but also involved internalising the character's essence. Kriti had to invest a considerable amount of time and effort to understand Janaki's emotional journey, virtues, and bring her to life on screen. The process was meticulous, involving rehearsals and multiple sittings to understand the historical and mythological context of the character, as well as deciding on the perfect look and attire.She added, As a figure deeply revered and worshipped by millions, there is an inherent expectation to portray her with utmost respect and authenticity. Understanding her significance in the hearts and minds of people, I have approached this role with great care and diligence along with a lot of love and respect in my heart. Every aspect of her character, from her pure loving heart to her virtues to her unwavering strength to her immense faith in Lord Ram - understanding Janaki has been a beautiful journey.Directed by Om Raut, Adipurush is based on the Hindu epic Ramayana. Prabhas will play the role of Raghav, while Kriti Sanon will portray Janaki. Saif Ali Khan will play the antagonist, Lankesh, and Sunny Singh will be seen as Shesh. This movie is considered to be the biggest project in Prabhas' career and has been made on a budget of Rs 300 crore.Adipurush is set to release on June 16, 2023. Congratulations our dear #SongJoongKi on the birth of your first born. He will have a lot of doting uncles and aunties. You are loved baby Song ___ ___. https://t.co/gdd5DC2aFz pic.twitter.com/NGTBIss13H Ki Aile Europe (@kiaileeurope) June 14, 2023 Popular South Korean actor Song Joong Ki welcomed his first child with his wife Katy Louise Saunders on Wednesday in Rome, Italy.The Reborn Rich star took to his fan cafe and announced that he and his wife welcomed a healthy baby boy in Rome. He assured fans that both his wife and son are in good health. He expressed his gratitude to fans for their support during this special time and thanked his family for being there with him in his wife's hometown.He further added, "I think its the most precious gift that came to our couple, whose biggest dream was to create a happy family for the rest of our lives. And I think this great day has come thanks to the support of many people. Thank you."Meanwhile, on the professional front, Song Joon-ki is set to appear in the movie Hopeless, which was recently showcased at the 2023 Cannes Film Festival. The film follows the story of Yeon Gyu, a young man who desires to break free from his challenging life. He eventually meets Chi Geon, a middle management executive, and the two embark on a journey together in a world of despair.Additionally, he is also involved in My Name Is Loh Kiwan and has recently filmed for the project in Hungary. Shilpa Shetty's House Robbed: In an unfortunate incident, Bollywood actress Shilpa Shetty's Juhu residence was robbed. Following a complaint, the Mumbai police booked two persons in connection with the robbery. Shilpa Shetty has proved her acting prowess through her acting career and enjoys immense popularity on social media. She dishes out major fitness goals every time she steps out in the city. And her yoga videos are absolute goals. This incident has come as a shock to all the Shilpa Shetty fans. The incident took place last week at Shilpa Shetty's plush Mumbai house and Mumbai police detained two persons in connection with the robbery. A report in PTI states that some valuables were allegedly stolen from the actor's residence. THEFT AT SHILPA SHETTY'S HOUSE After the robbery last week at the actor's Juhu residence, a theft case was registered at the Juhu police station, after which the police initiated a probe. The official added that the investigating team detained two persons in connection with the robbery. The official further added that the Police is interrogating the robbers. As the weekend approaches, accompanied by the calming patter of raindrops, get ready to engross yourself by binge-watching some captivating stories. With a platter of content ranging from thriller and mystery to drama, MX Player guarantees an unforgettable viewing experience that will leave you craving more, especially during this enchanting monsoon season.Dharavi Bank Bringing alive the unending stretch of narrow dirty lanes, open sewers and cramped huts of Dharavi in an intense chase, the series narrates the story of a cop trying to topple over a powerful gangster, who is the de facto government in Mumbai. Highlighting how far one can go for one's family and one's duty towards the nation, Dharavi Bank is a complex story that goes beyond just bringing down a crime empire. With plenty of action, emotion, and mayhem for each of them, this is a fight for family, honour, power, and duty - but who will have the last say?" Aashram Aashram, directed by Prakash Jha, is a story about a Baba who has overpowered the minds of all the people in Kashipur and has risen to godly status. Queen Directed by the National Award winner Gautham Vasudev Menon and Prasath Murugesan, Queen brings to life the story of Shakthi Sheshadri. Reluctant actress, reluctant politician, and a non-conformist until the very end - she was destiny's child who rose from the ashes like a phoenix to rule the state as its youngest female chief minister. Inspired by true events, the series is headlined by Ramya Krishnan who portrays the role of Shakthi. Campus Diaries Campus Diaries is a refreshing narrative that revolves around the college life of six University friends and how they deal with issues like college ragging, drug abuse, one-sided love, and toxic relationships, and how they tackle their problems through the journey. The show stars Harsh Beniwal, Ritvik Sahore, Srishti Ganguli Rindani, Salonie Patel, and Abhinav Sharma along with Saloni Gaur, as they navigate life on campus, going on various misadventures together. Samantar 'Samantar' revolves around the protagonist Kumar played by veteran actor Swwapnil Joshi. The show is directed by Satish Rajwade and also stars Tejaswini Pandit in the lead as Kumar's wife. The show traces the journey of Kumar Mahajan, whose life changes after an unplanned visit to an astrologer when he hears that a man called Sudarshan Chakrapani's past will be his future. The astrologer tells him that the life he is living is the life that Chakrapani has already lived. Now, whether Kumar is able to control his present or change his future after meeting Chakrapani is the story of Samantar. It takes us through a rollercoaster ride with uncertainty at every point. Bhaukaal 2 Inspired by the life of IPS officer Navniet Sekera, Bhaukaal 2 sees Mohit Raina reprise his role as the heroic S.S.P Naveen Sikhera, who puts service before self and brings alive the story of Muzaffarnagar, UP and its saga of lawlessness in 2003. The intriguing police drama is, undoubtedly, one of the biggest shows in this genre on Indian OTT platforms. The series also stars Bidita Bag, Siddhanth Kapoor, Pradeep Nagar, Gulki Joshi, Ajay Chaudhary, Rashmi Rajput and Late Major Bikramjeet Kanwarpal in pivotal roles. Shiksha Mandal Inspired by true events, MX Original Series Shikha Mandal...India's Biggest Education Scam captures well-strategized exam scams fueled by politicians in collaboration with educational institutions and how these fraudulent practices affect vulnerable students in India. The series calls attention to these practices with its dangers and promises to showcase the complications and unsolicited operations that have been a part of the fraudulent high-level exams. The show stars Gauahar Khan, Gulshan Devaiah, Pavan Raj Malhotra, Rajendra Sethi and Iram Badar Khan. Ridhi Dogra has climbed to the 3rd position in IMDb's Most Popular Indian Celebrities list, beating Vicky Kaushal. The actor is riding high on the success and critical acclaim of her two back-to-back shows, including 'Asur 2' and 'Badtameez Dil'. She has won praises galore from theaudience, industry members, and critics alike for pulling off two distinctly different roles with equal aplomb. Now, the versatile actress has made it to the coveted list of IMDb's Most Popular Indian Celebrities for the third time this year. She surpassed the Zara Hatke Zara Bachke actor, Vicky Kaushal, who is placed fourthon the list. The IMDb list had her at rank 22 in January during the release of 'Lakadbagga' and 'Pitchers S2', and had featured the likes Shah Rukh Khan, Deepika Padukone, and Ram Charan Teja. But the June list has her on the 3rdposition reflecting the huge spike in the actor's popularity thanks to her impressive turns in 'Asur 2' and 'Badtameez Dil'. Apart from choosing projects wisely belonging to different genres, Ridhi is also known for her choice of unique, unconventional,and bold characters as well. Starting 2023 with 'Lakadbagga', the actor has followed it up with Asur 2 and'Badtameez Dil'. And the actor is just getting started. She has an impressive line-up of releases this year and it include two of the biggest projects of Bollywood, 'Tiger 3' and 'Jawan' among others. Tiku Weds Sheru Controversy: The upcoming 'made for OTT' film 'Tiku Weds Sheru' produced by Kangana Ranaut starring Nawazuddin Siddiqui and Avneet Kaur has sparked controversy even before its release. The trailer of the upcoming film directed by Sai Kabir Srivastav was released yesterday. NAWAZUDDIN SIDDIQUI'S KISS WITH AVNEET KAUR IN TRAILER OF TIKU WEDS SHERU The Tiku Weds Sheru trailer, released on June 14 and starring Nawazuddin Siddiqui and Avneet Kaur, left the netizens in disbelief. The trailer of the film shows Nawazuddin sharing a passionate kiss with Avneet. The film's story revolves around Sheru essayed by Nawazuddin, a struggling actor trying to make ends meet with his career in Mumbai. His family sets him up for an arranged marriage and helps him find a bride, Tiku (Avneet), who aspires to become an actor. She says yes to the marriage as she wants to move out of Bhopal to find a footing in Bollywood. What unfolds is the story of the film. The film's trailer, however, has sparked a debate and netizens couldn't help but discuss the age gap between both the stars, they also questioned the casting of the actors. Social media users even trolled Kangana Ranaut. NETIZENS REACT TO NAWAZUDDIN & AVNEET'S PASSIONATE KISS The film's trailer, however, has sparked a debate and netizens couldn't help but discuss the age gap between both the stars, they also questioned the casting of the actors. Social media users even trolled Kangana Ranaut. A user wrote, "Shocking how its coming from Kangana. Its very much a "buzurg hai mera piya" moment." Another user commented, "Gross also what is up with Nawaaz's movie choices?" "Nawaz is actually 56.. his govt id was leaked recently which showed his d.o.b. 1967... And he is a creep who doesn't get much attention like akki and vimal," wrote another. A user further commented, "These Bollywood creeps really need to get a hold of themselves." What do you think about these reactions, tell us in the comments below. Meanwhile, Tiku Weds Sheru marks the Bollywood debut of Avneet Kaur. Regarding the opportunity, Avneet said she would be grateful to Kangana for the film. She said, "This is very special to me. I was just crying while watching the trailer. It's my debut, and getting to do my first film with Nawaz Sir and Kangana Ma'am is extremely big for me. When I got to know about this project, and when ma'am chose me as her Tiku, that was so special for me. I just wanted to prove that I can and will do justice to this character because I know Tiku is so close to her heart." DISCLAIMER: The particular article is a compilation of thoughts shared by social media users on the subject. Ideas expressed do not reflect the view of Filmibeat. Unni Mukundan Gets Relief In Sexual Harassment Case: In a recent development, actor Unni Mukundan has received relief in the case of sexual harassment against him. Unni Mukundan approached the Kerala High Court with a petition to stay the further proceedings and dismiss the case, stating that a settlement had been reached with the complainant. The court has granted a stay on the proceedings as per the actor's request. Mohanlal's Surprising Transformation On Set Leaves Suchithra In Awe: Wrapped In Blanket, Then Full Of Energy! The Kerala High Court had previously ordered the continuation of the trial in the sexual harassment complaint lodged against Unni Mukundan on May 23. The actor's plea to stay the trial was rejected by the court. Initially, Unni Mukundan's lawyer claimed that a settlement had been reached, but the complainant later refuted this claim. The single bench of the High Court ruled that the trial proceedings should continue, emphasising that there was no need to quash the case. The complainant has expressed her unwillingness to settle the matter, leading the court to lift the stay on the trial proceedings and allow them to progress. Emraan Hashmi To Make South Indian Debut As Antagonist In Pawan Kalyan's 'OG', Backed By 'RRR' Producers Allegations Of Molestation, Defamation, And Threats According to the woman from Kottayam, Unni Mukundan allegedly attempted to molest her when she visited his flat after being invited to discuss a film project. The complainant also alleged that the actor subsequently engaged in defamation and made threats against her. The trial will now proceed as directed by the court. Padikathavan Actor Prabhu Passes Away: Prabhu, the supporting actor of Dhanush's 'Padikathavan' movie, died of cancer. Music composer D Imman performed the last rites and cremated Prabhu's dead body. The pictures related to this are now going viral on social media. Situation Of Supporting Actors In Tamil Film Industry Popular supporting actor Prabhu, who played small roles in more than 100 films including Dhanush's 'Padikathavan', passed away due to cancer. Actors who play minor roles in Tamil cinema usually do not get recognized easily. Some suddenly grow to unattainable heights, many disappear without even knowing where they were. One such person is supporting actor Prabhu, who has acted in more than 100 films including 'Padikathavan'. In Dhanush's 'Padikadhavan', he played the role of a rich boy who comes to visit his younger sister. It is said that when he got opportunities to act in many films, he spent the money with his friends and indulged in bad habits like alcohol, tobacco, and at one point he got cancer. Although he was initially unaware of it, later after going to the hospital and undergoing appropriate tests, he was diagnosed with cancer. D Imman Helped Prbhu After hearing about Prabhu's condition, music composer D Imman accepted his medical expenses. However, Prabhu passed away today as the cancer had progressed and he was receiving only temporary treatment. He lived in the Koyambedu bus stand without film opportunities and unable to get treatment for cancer in the Corona crisis. Although many celebrities were very close to him, he did not seek help from anyone. Also, Prabhu, whose body was unrecognizable due to cancer, was identified by Palani, who randomly came to Koyambedu bus station. Following this, music composer D Imman performed funeral rites for Prabhu and cremated the body. This act of D Imman is getting appreciation among fans. Anupamaa update: Paras Kalnawat set several tongues wagging when he alleged that Anupamaa actors had a fight on the set numerous times. Without taking names, he mentioned that the atmosphere on the set of Rupali Ganguly and Gaurav Khanna's show is not good. The original Samar even claimed that 80 percent of the cast would quit the daily soap if they get an opportunity. Both Nidhi Shah and Aashish Mehrotra squashed the allegations, stating that anyone would love to be a part of the number one show on Hindi television. The Kundali Bhagya actor had made the comments when a fan asked him to reveal the reason why he quit Anupamaa. For the unversed, Paras was fired from the show after he took up Jhalak Dikhhla Jaa 10 on a rival channel. The production house terminated his services as an artist, accusing him of breaching the contract. Paras even took a dig at his Anupamaa co-stars Nidhi and Aashish, claiming that they apologized to him in private. He claimed that he had screenshots of their conversation while expressing his displeasure over their interview. Reacting to Paras' allegations, Aman Maheshwari aka Nakul said that he has not seen any special treatment being given to Rupali Ganguly. He said that he doesn't know Paras Kalnawat personally and hence, cannot speak about him. Aman, who is seen as Malti Devi's student, praised Rupali Ganguly for her dedication and commitment towards the show. Aman said that Rupali Ganguly always comes first on the set and she is entitled to the facilities that she receives. "Rupali ma'am comes first. She works the most among all of us," the Bade Achhe Lagte Hain 2 actor told Tellychakkar. He stated that Rupali shoots for 25-28 days a month as she is the lead and is required in most of the scenes. Lauding Rupali's work ethic, Aman said that she shoots the scenes without any problem. Citing his example, he stated that he feels like taking a break when he shoots for a week at a stretch. Talking about Anupamaa, the show is currently focusing on Anupamaa's journey as a dancer. After Malti Devi gave responsibility for her dance academy in the USA, Nakul (Aman Maheshwari) got jealous. He will create troubles for her while Malti Devi will reportedly ask Anupamaa to give a divorce to Anuj Kapadia. Credit Union Members and teammembers provided support to Children's Hospital Los Angeles through event participation and in-branch fundraising activities. TUSTIN, CA / ACCESSWIRE / June 15, 2023 / SchoolsFirst Federal Credit Union, the largest credit union serving school employees and their families, today announced that the Credit Union raised more than $12,000 for Children's Hospital Los Angeles (CHLA) through participation at the CHLA Walk & Play L.A. 2023 annual fundraising event, and through a fundraising campaign held in the Credit Union's branch locations in Los Angeles, Riverside and San Bernardino counties. Overall, $12,439 was raised, surpassing SchoolsFirst FCU's fundraising goal for this year. 28 SchoolsFirst FCU teammembers participated in the CHLA Walk & Play event at the Santa Monica Pier on May 20, 2023. Twenty-eight SchoolsFirst FCU teammembers participated in the CHLA Walk & Play LA event on May 20, held at the Santa Monica Pier. Walk & Play L.A is designed to help CHLA raise critical funds to support its mission of creating hope and building healthier futures for children. SchoolsFirst FCU was the highest corporate fundraiser for the Walk & Play L.A. event, raising over $6,000. The other half the funds were raised through the Miracle Butterfly Icon Campaign. The campaign was held in SchoolsFirst FCU branch locations in Los Angeles and Inland Empire from April 24 through May 20, 2023. When SchoolsFirst FCU Members donated $1 or more to the cause, their names were written on a paper butterfly icon and displayed in the branch. All donations directly benefitted CHLA. SchoolsFirst FCU Members who donated $1 or more to CHLA got the opportunity to write their name on a paper butterfly icon that was displayed at participating branches. "SchoolsFirst FCU has a long-standing commitment to support Children's Miracle Network Hospitals (CMNH), the charity of choice for credit unions," said Kevin Martin, Executive Vice President of Strategic Integration and Member Experience at SchoolsFirst FCU. "We are proud to support CHLA which plays a critical role in providing life-saving care to children and their families." About SchoolsFirst Federal Credit Union: SchoolsFirst Federal Credit Union is the fifth largest credit union in the country. Serving school employees and their families, the organization is dedicated to providing World-Class Personal Service and improving the financial lives of its Members. Today they serve more than 1.3 million Members with a full range of financial products and services. SchoolsFirst FCU was founded in 1934, when 126 school employees pooled $1,200 and established a Member-owned cooperative to help improve each other's lives. In 2022, the Credit Union reported nearly $28 billion in assets and remains the largest credit union in California. For more information about SchoolsFirst Federal Credit Union, visit schoolsfirstfcu.org. MEDIA CONTACT: Ann Bouchard ann@bouchardcommunications.com Mobile: 916-521-7440 SOURCE: SchoolsFirst Federal Credit Union View source version on accesswire.com:https://www.accesswire.com/761591/CORRECTION-SchoolsFirst-Federal-Credit-Union-Surpasses-Fundraising-Goal-for-CHLA-Walk-Play-LA-2023 llaollao, the leading frozen yoghurt company with 320 points of sale worldwide, has grown by 55.7% in Malaysia since 2022 and continues to strengthen its presence in the country following the opening of its 100th store. The company continues to consolidate its position as the Spanish food outlet brand with the strongest presence in Malaysia. llaollao aims to reach 130 store openings nationwide by the end of 2023, making Asia the brand's second most important market after Spain. KUALA LUMPUR, Malaysia, June 15, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- llaollao, the leading Spanish frozen yoghurt brand with an international presence, has reached a new milestone: more than 320 stores worldwide. The company recently celebrated the opening of its 100th store in Malaysia and has increased the number of points of sale by 55.7% since 2022. The company plans to further strengthen its presence in this country and aims to reach 130 stores by the end of 2023. llaollao's success lies not only in its exquisite taste, but also its commitment to quality and authenticity. Using only carefully selected premium quality natural ingredients, llaollao has created a delicious and healthy frozen yoghurt that captures the essence of Spanish gastronomy in each and every one of its products. Since its arrival in Malaysia, the company has managed to consolidate its presence thanks to the high brand recognition, confidence and loyalty of the local consumers. During these years, the brand has notched up major milestones such as the opening of its first flagship store in the exclusive Pavilion KL shopping mall and the recent opening of its 100th store in Malaysia.To celebrate the opening of this store located in Kajang Metro Point Complex in Selangor, a Froyo Party was organised in Pavilion KL from 6 to 11 June with various activities. The solid growth of llaollao's projects has cemented its status as the Spanish food outlet brand with the strongest presence in Malaysia, resulting in a 55.7% increase in the number of points of sale since 2022. "The choice of locations for the opening of new stores is very important for the company. Malaysia is a very special market for us, because despite being more than 11,000 kilometres away we feel that our customers trust us. We feel right at home here, and at the same time we feel 100% llaollao, no doubt thanks to our master franchisees and strategic partners, who are key to the success and development of the brand in Malaysia," said Pedro Espinosa, CEO of llaollao. The company arrived in Asia in 2013 after it opened its first franchise inSingapore. Since then, Asia has become its second most important market after Spain, thanks to its more than 150 points of sale located throughout the region. llaollao is also present in other Asian countries such as Indonesia, the Philippines, Vietnam, Saudi Arabia, Myanmar and Brunei. "Asia has become the second most important market for llaollao, and not only because of our presence in terms of points of sale (in the coming months we plan to reach 130 stores in Malaysia) but also because we have positioned ourselves as a leisure option in itself thanks to the quality of our product, our brand spirit and llaollao's ability to adapt to each market with its different culture and habits," Espinosa added. llaollao has already sold more than 100 million tubs around the world and has more than 320 points of sale worldwide. In relation to its internationalisation plans outside Asia, the brand also recently celebrated important milestones such as its arrival in Oceania and South America, where it will soon be opening in Bolivia. What is llaollao? llaollao is the leading frozen yoghurt sale and manufacturing brand in the sector. Pioneers for the development of the frozen yoghurt concept in Spain, since we started out in 2009 we have based our success on three pillars: quality, commitment and innovation. Each llaollao tub is made using premium milk and yoghurt. The result is a natural, healthy, gluten-free probiotic frozen yoghurt with a unique texture and taste. And all with outstanding customer service and full commitment to our consumers, who we always listen to in order to offer products that are not only the best but also the most innovative. All this has led to us opening more than 300 points of sale worldwide, with more than 130 in Spain and over 190 more all over the world. Photo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2100010/Llaollao_Malaysia.jpg View original content:https://www.prnewswire.co.uk/news-releases/llaollao-the-spanish-frozen-yoghurt-brand-that-is-a-huge-hit-in-malaysia-301851022.html llaollao, the leading Spanish frozen yoghurt company with 320 points of sale worldwide, has expanded the number of stores in Indonesia this year by 77%. llaollao is continuing to strengthen its presence in the country and is close to doubling the number of stores since 2022. The brand continues to grow in Asia, the second most important market for the company after Spain. At the forefront of this growth are Malaysia, Singapore and Indonesia, three of its most important international markets. JAKARTA, Indonesia, June 15, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- The leading Spanish frozen yoghurt brand llaollao has reached a new milestone: over 300 points of sale worldwide. The company recently announced a 77% increase in the number of stores in Indonesia since 2022 after it opened a total of 10 new stores, and it is closing in on the milestone of doubling the number of points of sale in Indonesia since 2022. The success of this Spanish brand lies not only in its exquisite taste, but also its commitment to quality and authenticity. Using only carefully selected premium quality natural ingredients, llaollao has created a delicious and healthy frozen yoghurt that captures the essence of Spanish gastronomy. Indonesia has been a land of opportunity for some years now, establishing itself as the 16th largest economy in the world and the largest in Southeast Asia. llaollao's arrival in Indonesia in 2015 was an important step in the Spanish company's international expansion process. It recently grew to a total of 23 stores across the country, a 77% increase since 2022. As a result of this major commitment the company will soon double the number of stores it has in Indonesia. "During these nearly eight years in Indonesia, we've been delighted to see how llaollao has consolidated its presence both economically and in terms of brand recognition. The company is currently working on defining and implementing a strategic growth and expansion plan, which would be inconceivable without the support and confidence of our partners. Fortunately, our partners respect and appreciate the brand the same way we do in Spain, which means we will no doubt keep on growing and opening new stores to bring the quality of llaollao's products to all Indonesians," said Pedro Espinosa, CEO of llaollao. The company arrived in Asia in 2013 after it opened its first franchise inSingapore. Since then, Asia has become its second most important market after Spain thanks to its more than 150 points of sale throughout the region. Coinciding with the opening of the first stores in Indonesia, llaollao continued to strengthen its presence in Asia by establishing itself in Malaysia. The company has been on the up in this country ever since, with unique projects such as the opening of its first flagship store. The Spanish brand has grown by 55.7% in Malaysia since 2022 and recently celebrated the opening of its 100th store. It also plans to further strengthen its presence in this country and aims to reach 130 stores by the end of 2023. In addition to Indonesia and Malaysia, llaollao also has a strong presence in other Asian countries such as the Philippines, Vietnam, Saudi Arabia, Myanmar and Brunei. "Asia has become the second most important market for llaollao, not only because of our presence in terms of points of sale (in Indonesia we will soon double the number of stores since last year) but also because we have positioned ourselves as a leisure option in itself thanks to the quality of our product, our brand spirit and llaollao's ability to adapt to each market with its different culture and habits," added Espinosa. llaollao has already sold more than 100 million tubs around the world and has more than 320 points of sale worldwide. In relation to its internationalisation plans outside Asia, the brand also recently notched up important milestones such as its arrival in Oceania and South America, where it will soon be opening in Bolivia. What is llaollao? llaollao is the leading frozen yoghurt sale and manufacturing brand in the sector. Pioneers for the development of the frozen yoghurt concept in Spain, since we started out in 2009 we have based our success on three pillars: quality, commitment and innovation. Each llaollao tub is made using premium milk and yoghurt. The result is a natural, healthy, gluten-free probiotic frozen yoghurt with a unique texture and taste. And all with outstanding customer service and full commitment to our consumers, who we always listen to in order to offer products that are not only the best but also the most innovative. All this has led to us opening more than 300 points of sale worldwide, with more than 130 in Spain and over 190 more all over the world. Photo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2100035/llaollao_Indonesia.jpg View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.co.uk/news-releases/llaollao-the-spanish-frozen-yoghurt-brand-that-is-making-waves-in-indonesia-301851345.html ML1080, the world's most compact portable RGB triple laser projector, wins 2023 iF Design, Red Dot Design, and Green Good DesignSustainability awards TAIPEI, June 15, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Optoma, the No. 1 4K UHD and DLP brand worldwide[1] and a leading visual solutions provider, today announces that the Optoma ML1080 portable RGB triple laser projector [2] has been honoured with three of the world's most prestigious design awards - the 2023 iF Design, Red Dot Design, and Green Good Design Sustainability awards. The awards are a notable affirmation of Optoma's Green Promise initiative, a program that promotes the design and development of sustainable products and solutions, as well as its effort towards sustainable business operations as embodied in its recent attainment of ISO 14067 and 14001 certifications. "It is a great honour to be recognized by institutions such as the Chicago Athenaeum, European Centre for Architecture Art Design and Urban Studies, iF International Forum Design, and Red Dot, all internationally renowned organisations dedicated to celebrating design, innovation, and sustainability," said SY Chen, CEO of Optoma. "Following World Environmental Day earlier this month and this award recognition, we want to reaffirm our commitment to designing eco-friendlier products and operating our business sustainably, whether through waste and carbon emission reduction or improved energy efficiency, because we want to ensure that we leave our next generations with a healthier planet and brighter future." The Optoma Green Promise - Brilliant Products for a Brighter Future Optoma's Green Promise initiative states its commitment to sustainability by minimizing the impact of its products via four key areas - Energy efficiency, Materials, Logistics, and Packaging. The promise is fully embodied in the Optoma ML1080 portable RGB triple laser projector. Featuring the latest laser projection technology, the ML1080 is more environmentally friendly compared to mainstream lamp-based equivalents. This is due to improved energy efficiency of up to 58%[3] and longer lifespans of laser light sources. The projector's chassis is made with up to 50% PCR (Post-Consumer Recycled) resin plastics to minimize landfill waste and reduce carbon emissions. What's more, it weighs less than 1kg, which offers convenience for ultra-portability and also facilitates more efficient logistics. Also, the projector's surfaces are treated via nanoimprint lithography technology, a more sustainable process that utilizes less water. Optoma's Commitment to ESG - A Brighter Future Together Optoma's Green Promise is a key component within its wider commitment to ESG, which among other activities includes the qualification of important ISO certifications. Optoma recently received the ISO 14067 certification, a rigorous international standard that guides organisations in evaluating the reduction and replacement of product raw materials, establishing carbon footprint management systems, and calculating the carbon footprint of products. In addition, Optoma is also ISO 14001 certified, a standard that provides a comprehensive framework for establishing an effective environmental management system, a critical tool for achieving sustainable business operations. About iF Design Awards This year, the iF Design Awards attracted 10,544 entries from 56 participating nations and highlighted an array of outstanding achievements in the field of design. A total of 133 design experts from 20 different countries gathered to judge the 3,572 projects that had made it to the shortlist after a digital preliminary round. All entries are evaluated based on five key criteria - Idea, Form, Function, Differentiation, and Impact. About Red Dot Design Awards The Red Dot Design Award is a world-class design competition that has 68 years of history. Entries from 60 countries and regions were submitted for the Red Dot Award: Product Design 2023, which was judged by a panel of recognized design specialists from around the world based on aspects such as - Aesthetic Appeal, Functionality, Innovation, and Responsibility. About Green Good Design Sustainability Awards The European Centre for Architecture Art Design and Urban Studies and the Chicago Athenaeum: jointly host the Green Good Design Sustainability Awards. The award program's goal is to bestow recognition to those outstanding individuals, companies, organizations, governments, and institutions that demonstrate exceptional thinking and inspire greater progress toward sustainability. The ML1080 is currently on display at Infocomm 2023 and has been awarded an 'InfoComm Best of Show' by ProjectorCentral. Visit Optoma's booth to view an engaging demonstration. When: June 14-16, 2023 Where: Orange County Convention Centre, Orlando, FL, USA Booth # 2043 About Optoma Established in 2000 and based in the UK, Optoma is a visual solutions provider that serves enterprise, education, consumer, retail, and large-venue markets. Its products combine superior image processing technologies with exceptional engineering and innovation to deliver stunning crystal-clear images with ultimate reliability. In addition to a full line-up of projectors, including 4K UHD, Portable, and Laser, Optoma also offers Interactive Flat Panel Displays, Professional Displays, AIO LED displays, and Large Venue projectors. Powered by OSS Optoma Solution Suite and OMS display management solution, they provide customers and users with innovative ways to connect, share and collaborate. Optoma has regional headquarters in Asia, Europe, and the Americas. Learn more at www.optoma.com [1] No.1 4K UHD Brand Worldwide Data source: PMA Research: Worldwide Projector Census, Y2022. No.1 DLP Brand Worldwide Data source: PMA Research: Worldwide Projector Census, Y2022. For projectors +1000 lumens. [2] Known as the Optoma OMA portable RGB triple laser projector in Asia-Pacific markets. [3] Based on comparison with Optoma lamp-based projectors at the same brightness and DCI-P3 colour gamut levels. Photo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2102536/ML1080_Award.jpg View original content:https://www.prnewswire.co.uk/news-releases/a-slew-of-product-design-awards-affirm-optomas-green-promise-initiative-301851475.html Figure 1: Adding ledger linkage function to Data e-TRUST TOKYO, June 15, 2023 - (JCN Newswire) - Fujitsu today announced the successful completion of a year-long pilot project which began in January 2022 for its proprietary "ConnectionChain" blockchain technology with the Asian Development Bank, blockchain vendor ConsenSys Software Inc., R3, and SORAMITSU, LTD demonstrating its effectiveness in streamlining and enhancing the safety of cross-border transactions (1) of financial securities.The trials integrated "ConnectionChain" to realize a system that can connect multiple blockchains to securely facilitate transactions between different economic areas. The trials focused on improving cross-border securities settlement in regions including ASEAN, Japan, China and South Korea.Based on the results of the project, Fujitsu will begin offering a trial environment, "Fujitsu Web3 Acceleration Platform," which integrates "ConnectionChain" to enable flexible, secure connectivity across multiple economies from June 30, 2023. Fujitsu's Web3 Acceleration Platform offers a number of "Fujitsu Computing as a Service Data e-TRUST" ("Data e-TRUST") technologies to partners participating in the "Fujitsu Accelerator Program for CaaS," Fujitsu's global partner co-creation program for its Computing as a Service platform.Going forward, Fujitsu anticipates applications for the technology for a wide range of payment use cases, not only in the financial industry, but also in the distribution and manufacturing industries. By conducting verification tests with various partners, Fujitsu will further promote the social implementation of Web3 related technologies such as blockchain, and create new markets through "Hybrid IT," as a part of its vision to create the digital infrastructure to realize a connected society under "Fujitsu Uvance."Development function added to "Data e-TRUST""ConnectionChain," which will be added to "Data e-TRUST," allows the "Extended Smart Contract" feature to function autonomously, enabling multiple external blockchains to operate as one integrated system. To connect different kinds of blockchains, it is necessary to develop a connection that absorbs the differences in the specifications of each blockchain, but since each type of blockchain needs to be developed, "ConnectionChain" has streamlined this development by incorporating plugins called Cacti-LP(Ledger Plugins), developed by "Hyperledger Cacti," an OSS project hosted by the Hyperledger Foundation (2) on the theme of ensuring interoperability. This enables "Data e-TRUST" to connect to the various blockchains supported by "Hyperledger Cacti," making it easier to build new Web3 services.Fujitsu will also develop Cacti-LP to connect "Data e-TRUST" from third-party blockchains that support Hyperledger Cacti, and contribute the source code to the "Hyperledger Cacti" development community to accelerate the delivery of Web3 services to external partners via "Hyperledger Cacti."Pilot project of "ConnectionChain" for cross-border securities settlementIn cooperation with the Asian Development Bank, ConsenSys, R3, and SORAMITSU, Fujitsu has developed a system to interconnect the networks of each company through "ConnectionChain." Fujitsu has successfully confirmed the operation of a project aimed at improving the efficiency and safety of cross-border transactions that simultaneously conduct overseas remittances and the delivery of securities assuming their use by central banks and securities settlement institutions in each country. In this experiment, two ledgers to manage the balance of two legal currencies and a ledger to manage the ownership of securities were actually built, and these three decentralized ledgers were implemented in "ConnectionChain" in accordance with current transaction rules that are observed by all financial institutions involved in transactions. This project is a field trial aimed at improving the efficiency and safety of cross-border securities transactions in ASEAN, Japan, China and South Korea, where settlement takes at least two days due to the time difference between the global centers in Europe and the United States and the difference in market transaction time. Fujitsu, anticipating that central banks and securities settlement institutions around the world might one day use this system, has developed a cross-border securities settlement system by connecting the decentralized ledger technology and blockchain-based financial system, which ConsenSys, R3 and SORAMITSU have developed experimentally, with "ConnectionChain."(1) Cross-border transactions:transactions between multiple countries across national borders(2) Hyperledger Foundation:A blockchain open-source community under the umbrella of The Linux Foundation, a nonprofit organization in the United States.About FujitsuFujitsu's purpose is to make the world more sustainable by building trust in society through innovation. As the digital transformation partner of choice for customers in over 100 countries, our 124,000 employees work to resolve some of the greatest challenges facing humanity. Our range of services and solutions draw on five key technologies: Computing, Networks, AI, Data & Security, and Converging Technologies, which we bring together to deliver sustainability transformation. Fujitsu Limited (TSE:6702) reported consolidated revenues of 3.7 trillion yen (US$28 billion) for the fiscal year ended March 31, 2023 and remains the top digital services company in Japan by market share. Find out more: www.fujitsu.com.Press Contacts:Fujitsu LimitedPublic and Investor Relations DivisionInquiries (bit.ly/3rrQ4mB)Source: Fujitsu LtdCopyright 2023 JCN Newswire . All rights reserved. Holcim Group Services Ltd / Key word(s): Acquisition Holcim acquires Minerales y Agregados, expanding Solutions & Products in Latin America 15.06.2023 / 07:00 CET/CEST Advanced mortars and adhesive leader expands product offering in the region First Holcim operation in high-growth Guatemalan market Accelerates Holcim's growth in Solutions & Products to reach 30% of Group net sales by 2025 Holcim announces the acquisition of Minerales y Agregados, a leader in advanced mortars and adhesives in Guatemala. Minerales y Agregados represents Holcim's first production facility in Guatemala, while expanding the region's Solutions & Products range with a new line of business. Holcim expects to deliver synergies by expanding the supply of Minerales y Agregados from its plants in Metapan, El Salvador, as well as by expanding the advanced mortars and adhesives offer from the Disensa retail network. Oliver Osswald, Region Head Latin America: "With Minerales y Agregados, we continue to grow our geographic footprint while broadening our range of advanced building solutions. The construction sector in Guatemala is highly specialized, demanding world-class solutions. Minerales y Agregados is a perfect addition to help us meet those needs. We look forward to welcoming the employees of Minerales y Agregados into the Holcim family and opening our next era of growth together." Minerales y Agregados was founded in 2014 by the Coronado family. It has one production plant in Guatemala. In addition to dry mortars, the company also sells other solutions to both the construction and agriculture industry. With this acquisition Holcim is advancing its "Strategy 2025 - Accelerating Green Growth", aiming to expand its Solutions & Products business to 30% of Group net sales by 2025, entering the most attractive segments of construction, from roofing systems to insulation and renovation. About Holcim Holcim is a global leader in innovative and sustainable building solutions with net sales of CHF 29.2 billion in 2022. Driven by its purpose to build progress for people and the planet, its 60,000 employees are on a mission to decarbonize building, while improving living standards for all. The company empowers its customers across all regions to build better with less, with its broad range of low-carbon and circular solutions, from ECOPact to ECOPlanet. With its innovative systems, from Elevate roofing to PRB's insulation, Holcim makes buildings more sustainable in use, driving energy efficiency and green retrofitting. With sustainability at the core of its strategy, Holcim is becoming a net-zero company with 1.5C targets validated by the Science Based Targets initiative (SBTi). Learn more about Holcim on www.holcim.com , and by following us on LinkedIn . Sign up for Holcim's Building Progress newsletter here and follow our journey to a net-zero future. Important disclaimer - forward-looking statements: This document contains forward-looking statements. Such forward-looking statements do not constitute forecasts regarding results or any other performance indicator, but rather trends or targets, as the case may be, including with respect to plans, initiatives, events, products, solutions and services, their development and potential. Although Holcim believes that the expectations reflected in such forward-looking statements are based on reasonable assumptions as at the time of publishing this document, investors are cautioned that these statements are not guarantees of future performance. Actual results may differ materially from the forward-looking statements as a result of a number of risks and uncertainties, many of which are difficult to predict and generally beyond the control of Holcim, including but not limited to the risks described in the Holcim's annual report available on its website ( www.holcim.com ) and uncertainties related to the market conditions and the implementation of our plans. Accordingly, we caution you against relying on forward-looking statements. Holcim does not undertake to provide updates of these forward-looking statements. End of Media Release Die KI-Revolution ist in vollem Gange und vor allem ein Bereich wird stark betroffen sein: Cyber-Security. Die Experten sind sich sicher: Mit steigender Entwicklung von KI-Technologien nehmen auch KI-gestutzte Cyber-Attacken zu. Wir zeigen hier, welche Aktien profitieren konnen. CANBERA (dpa-AFX) - The Japanese yen weakened against other major currencies in the Asian session on Thursday. The yen slid to 152.77 against the euro for the first time since September 2008. The yen depreciated to 156.35 against the Swiss franc, its lowest level since December 1979. At yesterday's close, the yen was trading at 151.61 against the euro and 155.36 against the Swiss franc. Against the pound, the yen dropped to 178.59 for the first time since 31st december 2015. The pair was trading at 177.29 at yesterday's close. The yen slipped to nearly a 7-month low of 141.33 against the U.S. dollar, from yesterday's closing value of 140.05. Against the Australia, the New Zealand and the Canadian dollars, the yen declined to nearly a 9-month low of 96.07, nearly a 4-week low of 87.22 and nearly a 7-month low of 105.74 from yesterday's closing quotes of 95.15, 86.95 and 105.09, respectively. If the yen extends its downtrend, it is likely to find support around 155.00 against the euro, 160.00 against the franc, 181.00 against the pound, 148.00 against the greenback, 99.00 against the aussie, 89.00 against the kiwi and 108.00 against the loonie. 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. MithraAnnounces New Positive Preclinical Data from CSF-1R Inhibitor Program CSF-1R inhibitors show promising anti-tumor activity Lead compound shows synergy with PD1 cancer immune checkpoint inhibitor Preclinical development conducted in partnership with BCI Pharma Liege, Belgium,15June2023- 7:30 CEST - Mithra (Euronext Brussels: MITRA), a company dedicated to Women's Health, today announces new positive data from preclinical studies on inhibitors of CSF-1R in development, in collaboration with BCI Pharma, for treatment of endometriosis, oncology and inflammatory disorders. Colony-stimulating factor 1 receptor (CSF-1R) is a cell-surface tyrosine kinase receptor and a key regulator of macrophage biology and homeostasis. Tumor-associated macrophages are key components of the tumor microenvironment and have emerged as a promising avenue for discovery of novel cancer immunotherapies. CSF-1R kinase inhibition is therefore a promising therapeutic strategy for cancer treatment. Graham Dixon, Chief Scientific Officer of Mithra, commented: "We are encouraged that the lead CSF-1R inhibitor demonstrated efficacy as a single agent in 3 different preclinical cancer models and that the data suggest it may be synergistic when used in combination with PD-1 inhibitors. This provides a strong rationale supporting further development of CSF-1R inhibitors in combination with immune checkpoint inhibitors. We look forward to further evaluating and advancing these promising small molecule therapeutic candidates." A first study, conducted in a widely used preclinical immune-oncology model, demonstrated that the lead compound, as well as several backups, showed anti-tumor activity as a single agent. The well tolerated compounds demonstrated pronounced and consistent modulation of the tumor microenvironment, including an increase of T cells, which mediate anti-tumor immune responses, and infiltration of natural killer (NK) cells, containing enzymes that can kill tumor cells, into the tumors. Data showed a decrease in tumor-infiltrating macrophages, a type of white blood cell that plays an important role in the human immune system, and repolarization of the tumor-supportive M2 macrophage to the tumor-suppressive M1 macrophage. These results are consistent with anti-tumor activity, and tumor growth inhibition of up to 59%. The efficacy of the lead compound was further assessed as a single agent or in combination with anti PD1 therapeutic antibody in additional preclinical studies using three different cancer models: MC38 (colorectal), 4T1 (orthotopic triple negative breast) and EMT6 (triple negative breast). The significant anti-tumor activity of the lead compound used as a single agent was confirmed and was further enhanced with twice daily administration, compared to once daily. Additivity or synergy on tumor growth inhibition was observed when the lead compound was used in combination with anti-PD1 therapy; the triple negative breast cancer model showed that 50% of the animals achieved a complete tumor regression after the combination treatment. Further data will be presented in a peer-reviewed setting. The research was conducted under a partnership with BCI Pharma, first announced in November 2021. Mithra's primary focus is on endometriosis and cancers affecting women, including orphan indications such as triple negative breast cancer (TNBC). Under the terms of the agreement, Mithra has an option to acquire from BCI all rights, title and interest in the series of CSF-1R inhibitors, and part of the BCI rights, title and interest in and to the results of the research and related intellectual property. For more information, please contact: Mithra PharmaceuticalsSA David Horn Solomon Chief Executive Officer investorrelations@mithra.com Investor & media relations Chris Maggos Cohesion Bureau chris.maggos@cohesionbureau.com +41 79 367 6254 About Mithra Mithra Pharmaceuticals SA (Euronext: MITRA) is a Belgian biopharmaceutical company dedicated to transforming Women's Health by offering new choices through innovation, with a particular focus on contraception and menopause. Mithra's goal is to develop products offering better efficacy, safety and convenience, meeting women's needs throughout their life span. Mithra explores the potential of the unique native estrogen estetrol in a wide range of applications in women health and beyond. After having successfully launched the first estetrol-based product in 2021, the contraceptive pill Estelle, Mithra is now focusing on its second product Donesta, the next-generation hormone therapy. Mithra also offers partners a complete spectrum of solutions from early drug development, clinical batches and commercial manufacturing of complex polymeric products (vaginal ring, implants) and complex liquid injectables and biologicals (vials, pre-filled syringes or cartridges) at its technological platform Mithra CDMO. Active in more than 100 countries around the world, is headquartered in Liege, Belgium.www.mithra.com ESTELLE, and DONESTA are registered trademarks of Mithra Pharmaceuticals or one of its affiliates. Important information The contents of this announcement include statements that are, or may be deemed to be, "forward-looking statements". These forward-looking statements can be identified by the use of forward-looking terminology, including the words "believes", "estimates," "anticipates", "expects", "intends", "may", "will", "plans", "continue", "ongoing", "potential", "predict", "project", "target", "seek" or "should", and include statements the Company makes concerning the intended results of its strategy. By their nature, forward-looking statements involve risks and uncertainties and readers are cautioned that any such forward-looking statements are not guarantees of future performance. The Company's actual results may differ materially from those predicted by the forward-looking statements. The Company undertakes no obligation to publicly update or revise forward-looking statements, except as may be required by law. Subscribe to our mailing list on investors.mithra.com (https://investors.mithra.com/en/contact/subscribe) to receive our press releases by email or follow us on our social media : Linkedin (https://www.linkedin.com/company/1456363/) Twitter (https://twitter.com/mithrapharma) Facebook (https://www.facebook.com/mithrapharmaceuticals/) Attachment Regulatory News: POXEL SA (Euronext: POXEL FR0012432516), a clinical stage biopharmaceutical company developing innovative treatments for chronic serious diseases with metabolic pathophysiology, including non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) and rare metabolic disorders, today announced its participation at the ULF (United Leukodystrophy Foundation) Scientific Symposium and Family Conference on June 23rd and 24th in Itasca, Illinois, USA. Sophie Bozec, Poxel Senior Vice President, R&D Pharmacology and Scientific Communication will present Poxel's status and plans for PXL770 and for the deuterium-modified TZD platform, using PXL065, two proprietary promising candidates, focused on the treatment of adrenoleukodystrophy (ALD), a rare and genetic disease in adults, based on robust scientific rationale and a complete preclinical package. Poxel remains committed to discover, develop, and commercialize innovative therapies for patients suffering from serious chronic and rare diseases with underlying metabolic pathophysiology, starting with ALD. PXL770 and PXL065 have demonstrated preclinically their efficacy in adrenomyeloneuropathy (AMN) and cerebral ALD (c-ALD) in mouse and human models1. These two compounds are prepared to advance, subject to additional financing, into Phase 2 biomarker proof-of-concept (POC) clinical trials in male patients with AMN, the most common ALD subtype. In line with his mission to bring therapeutic options to treat ALD, Poxel recently supported the Alex Leukodystrophy Charity during their Community Weekend, which took place from April 28th to May 1st in Birmingham, England. This event brings together leukodystrophy sufferers and their families, alongside doctors, researchers and scientists from around the world to discuss leukodystrophies. About ALD X-linked adrenoleukodystrophy (ALD) is an orphan neurometabolic disease caused by mutations in the ABCD1 gene which encodes for a key protein that is required for metabolism of very long chain fatty acids (VLCFA) by peroxisomes (cellular organelles). ALD is the most common leukodystrophy with a prevalence similar to hemophilia up to 1/10,000 individuals in the general population have ALD [https://rarediseases.org]. Forms of this disease include cerebral ALD (C-ALD) and adrenomyeloneuropathy (AMN) which is the most common form typically occurring in adolescence through adulthood. AMN is characterized by chronic and progressive distal axonopathy involving the long tracts of the spinal cord and to a lesser extent the peripheral nerves resulting in progressive stiffness and weakness in the legs, impaired gait and balance, incontinence, and loss of sensation. Nearly all men with a diagnosis of ALD will develop AMN, and many women also present with features of AMN with a later onset. C-ALD is characterized by inflammatory demyelination of cells in the brain and typically afflicts children, but many men with AMN may also develop cerebral disease; these white matter brain lesions lead to severe neurologic deficits and death. There are no approved medicines for ALD (other than glucocorticoid supplements for associated adrenal insufficiency). C-ALD when first detected in early childhood, can be treated with hematopoietic stem cell transplantation. HSCT is currently limited to early stage of C-ALD and this procedure is at risk of severe adverse reactions. About Poxel SA Poxel is a clinical stage biopharmaceutical company developing innovative treatments for chronic serious diseases with metabolic pathophysiology, including non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) and rare disorders. For the treatment of NASH, PXL065 (deuterium-stabilized R-pioglitazone) met its primary endpoint in a streamlined Phase 2 trial (DESTINY-1). In rare diseases, development of PXL770, a first-in-class direct adenosine monophosphate-activated protein kinase (AMPK) activator, is focused on the treatment of adrenoleukodystrophy (ALD) and autosomal dominant polycystic kidney disease (ADPKD). TWYMEEG (Imeglimin), Poxel's first-in-class product that targets mitochondrial dysfunction, is marketed for the treatment of type 2 diabetes in Japan by Sumitomo Pharma and Poxel expects to receive royalties and sales-based payments. Poxel has a strategic partnership with Sumitomo Pharma for Imeglimin in Japan, China, and eleven other Asian countries. Listed on Euronext Paris, Poxel is headquartered in Lyon, France, and has subsidiaries in Boston, MA, and Tokyo, Japan. For more information, please visit: www.poxelpharma.com All statements other than statements of historical fact included in this press release about future events are subject to (i) change without notice and (ii) factors beyond the Company's control. These statements may include, without limitation, any statements preceded by, followed by or including words such as "target," "believe," "expect," "aim," "intend," "may," "anticipate," "estimate," "plan," "project," "will," "can have," "likely," "should," "would," "could" and other words and terms of similar meaning or the negative thereof. Forward-looking statements are subject to inherent risks and uncertainties beyond the Company's control that could cause the Company's actual results or performance to be materially different from the expected results or performance expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements. The Company does not endorse or is not otherwise responsible for the content of external hyperlinks referred to in this press release. 1 Preclinical study results were published in prestigious journals: In The Journal of Inherited Metabolic Disease ("JIMD"): " Therapeutic potential of deuterium-stabilized (R)-pioglitazone PXL065 for X-linked adrenoleukodystrophy " In The Journal of Pharmacology and Experimental Therapeutics("JPET"): "Beneficial effects of the direct AMP-Kinase activator PXL770 in in vitro and in vivo models of X-Linked Adrenoleukodystrophy View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20230614592059/en/ Contacts: Investor relations Media Aurelie Bozza Investor Relations Communication Senior Director aurelie.bozza@poxelpharma.com +33 6 99 81 08 36 Elizabeth Woo Senior Vice President, Investor Relations Communication elizabeth.woo@poxelpharma.com NewCap Emmanuel Huynh or Arthur Rouille poxel@newcap.eu +33 1 44 71 94 94 Private placement of 0.5m, conducted with a restricted group of Italian investors and Cambria Equity Partners Regulatory News: Ikonisys SA (ISIN Code: FR00140048X2 Mnemonic: ALIKO), a company specializing in the early and accurate detection of cancer with a unique and fully-automated solution for medical diagnostic labs (the "Issuer"), announced today that it raised 0.5m, via a private placement with Italian investors and its shareholder Cambria Equity Partners, in order to enlarge its international shareholders base and strengthen its financial resources, to secure well advanced commercial opportunities with prospects in the United States and in Europe. The net proceeds of this issue, amounting to 0.5m, should provide the Issuer with additional resources to support its development in the framework of its first commercial success, notably by financing the working capital needs of the Issuer and by increasing its financial visibility. The new funds will also support the continued technological development of the Ikoniscope platform, particularly in the innovative field of Circulating Tumor Cells (CTC). Legal terms of the Capital Increase The implementation of this capital increase, carried out with cancellation of shareholders' subscription rights through a private placement, was approved by the Board of Directors of the Issuer at its meeting held on June 14, 2023 (the "Capital Increase The new shares will be issued on the basis of the eighth resolution of the Issuer's shareholders' meeting held on June 16, 2022. The settlement-delivery of the new shares will take place on June 19, 2023. The Capital Increase did not require the approval of a prospectus by the AMF. Main terms of the Capital Increase The Issuer has issued a total of 303,030 new ordinary shares, with a par value of 0.50 each, to a restricted circle of investors including Cambria Equity Partners (for approximately 10% of the funds raised), pursuant to article L. 411-2 1 of the French Monetary and Financial Code, in accordance with the 8th resolution passed by its Annual General Meeting on June 16, 2022. The issuance price of the new shares issued under the Capital Increase, equal to 1.65 per share, represents a discount of approximately 1% on the Ikonisys share price at the close of 14 June 2023. Impact of the transaction in terms of liquidity risk management and financing horizon As at December 31, 2022, and as mentioned in the annual financial statements published on April 29, 2023, the Issuer's consolidated cash position amounted to 93,985. Following the Capital Increase and taking into account the existing financing facility secured in October 2022, the Company is in a position to meet its financing needs for more than 12 months. Impact of the Capital Increase on a shareholder holding 1% of the capital On the basis of the 9,481,727 shares outstanding, the impact on the shareholding of a shareholder holding 1% of the Issuer's capital prior to the transaction is as follows: On a non-diluted basis On a diluted basis (1) Before completion of the Capital Increase 1.00% 0.96 After issuance of the 303,030 shares resulting from the Capital Increase 0.97 0.93 (1) Dilution takes into account the exercise of all outstanding dilutive instruments likely to result in the issuance of a maximum indicative number of 426,673 new shares. Capital breakdown before and after completion of the Capital Increase Before the Capital Increase: Shareholder Number of shares % of share capital and voting rights Cambria Co-Investment Fund 5,268,989 55.57% Cambria Equity Partners 2,344,019 24.72% MC Consulting* 351,464 3.71% Free float 1,517,255 16.00% TOTAL 9,481,727 100.00% After the Capital Increase: Shareholder Number of shares % of share capital and voting rights Cambria Co-Investment Fund 5,268,989 53.85% Cambria Equity Partners 2,374,049 24.26% MC Consulting* 351,464 3.59% Free float 1,790,255 18.30% TOTAL 9,784,757 100.00% *Holding company of the CEO, Mario Crovetto Risk factors related to the Issuer Detailed information about the Issuer, including its business, financial information, results, outlook and related risk factors, is contained in the Annual Financial Report 2022 dated April 29, 2023. This document, together with other regulated information and all the Issuer's press releases, is available on the Issuer's website (https://www.ikonisys-finance.com/). Investors' attention is drawn to the risk factors relating to the Issuer and its activities presented on pages 16 to 44 of its Annual Financial Report 2022. Mario Crovetto, CEO of Ikonisys, said: "We are pleased to welcome a group of Italian investors who know well Ikonisys as well as the medical technology sector applied to automated diagnosis. Italy has always been at the forefront of this field due to the historical presence of world leaders but also to a dense network of investors and innovative SMEs. Their support is a strong indicator of the relevance of our strategy and it reinforces our efforts to deploy our sales on a global scale." About Ikonisys Ikonisys SA is a cell-based diagnostics company based in Paris (France), New Haven (Connecticut, USA) and Milan (Italy) specialized in the early and accurate detection of cancer. The company develops, produces and markets the proprietary Ikoniscope20 platform, a fully-automated solution designed to deliver accurate and reliable detection and analysis of rare and very rare cells. Ikonisys has received FDA clearance for several automated diagnostic applications, which are also marketed in Europe under CE certification. Through its breakthrough fluorescence microscopy platform, the company continues to develop a stream of new tests, including liquid biopsy tests based on Circulating Tumor Cells (CTC). For further information, please go to www.Ikonisys.com Disclaimer This press release contains forward-looking statements about the Issuer's prospects and development. These statements are sometimes identified by the use of the future tense, the conditional tense and forward-looking words such as "believe", "aim to", "expect", "intend", "estimate", "believe", "should", "could", "would" or "will" or, where appropriate, the negative of these terms or any other similar variants or expressions. This information is not historical data and should not be construed as a guarantee that the facts and data set forth will occur. This information is based on data, assumptions and estimates considered reasonable by the Issuer. It is subject to change or modification due to uncertainties relating to the economic, financial, competitive and regulatory environment. This information contains data relating to the Issuer's intentions, estimates and objectives concerning, in particular, the market, strategy, growth, results, financial situation and cash flow of the Issuer. The forward-looking information contained in this press release is made only as of the date of this press release. The Issuer does not undertake to update any forward-looking information contained in this press release, except as required by applicable law or regulation. The Issuer operates in a competitive and rapidly changing environment and therefore cannot anticipate all of the risks, uncertainties or other factors that may affect its business, their potential impact on its business or the extent to which the materialization of any one risk or combination of risks could cause results to differ materially from those expressed in any forward-looking information, it being recalled that none of this forward-looking information constitutes a guarantee of actual results. View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20230614378730/en/ Contacts: Ikonisys Alessandro Mauri CFO investors@ikonisys.com NewCap Olivier Bricaud Louis-Victor Delouvrier Investor Relations Ikonisys@newcap.eu Tel.: +33 (0)1 44 71 94 92 NewCap Nicolas Merigeau Media Relations Ikonisys@newcap.eu Tel.:+33 (0)1 44 71 94 98 Regulatory News: Haffner Energy (ISIN code: FR0014007ND6 Ticker: ALHAF), announces today the acquisition of Jacquier, a family-owned company specialized in industrial boilermaking and general mechanics located in the Marne region of France. This acquisition is a continuation of a partnership entered into with Jacquier since 2017 to manufacture and assemble strategic equipment for the hydrogen and renewable gas production modules developed by Haffner Energy. A strategic acquisition to support Haffner Energy's strong growth With this acquisition, Haffner Energy has acquired a high-performance industrial tool to meet the accelerating demand for decarbonation solutions in France and abroad. Thanks to these new production and assembly facilities, Haffner Energy is taking a major step forward in its industrial development, confirming its strategic ambitions and its determination to play a significant part in French efforts to reindustrialize territories. The two companies, based in the community of communes of "Vitry, Champagne et Der", initiated a fruitful collaboration in 2017. In particular, Jacquier was Haffner Energy's main subcontractor for the first industrialization stage of its HYNOCA process, an innovative technology for producing renewable hydrogen. Beyond their geographical proximity, the two family-owned companies have strengthened their ties over the years, with Haffner Energy now one of Jacquier's main customers, which manufactures and assembles the strategic components of HYNOCA modules. Jacquier, a family-run business rooted in its local area As a family business founded in 1969 by Emile Jacquier in Frignicourt, Jacquier has been cultivating its expertise and know-how in boiler making, general mechanics and precision machining for over 50 years. The company designs, engineers and manufactures customized industrial equipment for a wide variety of customers in France and abroad. Committed to innovation and developing the skills of its employees, Jacquier has adapted and invested in modern equipment to keep pace with market trends. Housed in a 2,500m building, it now runs seven overhead travelling cranes and a machine park of 23 units operated by eight employees. Through the acquisition of Jacquier and its industrial building, Haffner Energy is securing all existing jobs and contracts, and renewing its trust in Jerome Rat, grandson of founder Emile Jacquier, who is currently the production manager and that he will keep on running. The integration of Jacquier supports Haffner Energy's growth by providing technical expertise in process validation through additional technology testing, greater control of the quality and the cost of modules delivered to customers, as well as better control of its intellectual property. A reaffirmed territorial base, serving national reindustrialization objectives The association of these two players helps to maintain and develop the local industrial fabric. For Haffner Energy, the acquisition strengthens its industrial and commercial capabilities. For Jacquier, it ensures the transmission of this family business, the continuity of its operations, and the sustainability and development of its activity. This transaction, worth 880,000 euros, reinforces the economic and industrial dynamism of the Vitry region. By making this acquisition close to its head office and at the heart of an area that has been awarded the "Territoires d'industrie" label, Haffner Energy is contributing to the objectives of regional reindustrialization set out in the industrial recovery plan presented by the President of the French Republic on May 11. Philippe Haffner, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, and Marc Haffner, Deputy Chief Executive Officer and Chief Technical Officer, co-founders of Haffner Energy, are delighted with this acquisition: "Already closely linked on an industrial and commercial level, our two companies, which share a family history, an entrepreneurial DNA, and a strong attachment to the Vitry-le-Francois region, are perpetuating high quality skills and industrial know-how through this acquisition. Haffner Energy is more than ever mobilized to serve one objective: contributing to the decarbonization of our economy and to the advent of a more sustainable model. With one conviction: solutions to the challenges of climate change must be built at the heart of territories". About Haffner Energy A listed family company co-founded and co-directed by Marc and Philippe Haffner, and a key player in the energy transition for 30 years, Haffner Energy designs and supplies innovative decarbonation solutions for players in the mobility, industry and local authority sectors. Its HYNOCA and SYNOCA technologies, based on the thermolysis of biomass and protected by 15 patent families, enable customers to produce locally renewable hydrogen and gas, as well as other green energies such as Sustainable Aviation Fuel and methanol, while capturing carbon from the atmosphere through the co-production of biochar. Thanks to this "carbon-negative" technology, decoupled from the cost of fossil fuels and electricity, Haffner Energy provides an immediate, agile and competitive response to the strategic challenges of energy independence and decarbonization in France and abroad. View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20230614467217/en/ Contacts: Press CLAI Corporate communication Thibault Lecauchois +33 (0)7 84 58 77 11 Valentine Serres +33 (0)7 78 41 45 91 haffnerenergy@clai2.com HAFFNER ENERGY Laure Bourdon Chief of Staff to the Chief Executive Officer Head of communication +33(0)7 87 96 35 15 laure.bourdon@haffner-energy.com NEWCAP Financial communication Nicolas Merigeau +33 (0)1 44 71 94 98 haffner@newcap.eu Relations with investors Adeline MICKELER adeline.mickeler@haffner-energy.com Die KI-Revolution ist in vollem Gange und vor allem ein Bereich wird stark betroffen sein: Cyber-Security. Die Experten sind sich sicher: Mit steigender Entwicklung von KI-Technologien nehmen auch KI-gestutzte Cyber-Attacken zu. Wir zeigen hier, welche Aktien profitieren konnen. LONDON (dpa-AFX) - Bunzl plc (BZLFY.PK, BNZL.L) said it expects first-half revenue to increase year-on-year by 4% to 5% at actual exchange rates, and to grow by up to 1% at constant exchange rates. Underlying revenue growth is expected to be broadly flat. The Group anticipates first half adjusted operating margin to be around the level achieved in the first half of 2022. Bunzl plc announced it has entered into an agreement to acquire EHM, a distributor of a wide range of PPE products in the UK, which is complementary to the Group's existing safety business. Frank van Zanten, CEO of Bunzl, said: 'Bunzl continues to demonstrate resilience, with our operating margin over the first six months of the year expected to remain well ahead of historical levels and driving an upgrade to our full year expectations.' For more earnings news, earnings calendar, and earnings for stocks, visit rttnews.com. Copyright(c) 2023 RTTNews.com. All Rights Reserved Copyright RTT News/dpa-AFX Werbehinweise: Die Billigung des Basisprospekts durch die BaFin ist nicht als ihre Befurwortung der angebotenen Wertpapiere zu verstehen. Wir empfehlen Interessenten und potenziellen Anlegern den Basisprospekt und die Endgultigen Bedingungen zu lesen, bevor sie eine Anlageentscheidung treffen, um sich moglichst umfassend zu informieren, insbesondere uber die potenziellen Risiken und Chancen des Wertpapiers. Sie sind im Begriff, ein Produkt zu erwerben, das nicht einfach ist und schwer zu verstehen sein kann. BOSTON, June 15, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Computer chips have been part of cars for a long time, but no one really cares about them until they stop working or they are late to the production line, grinding manufacturing to an industry-shaking halt. However, the research within IDTechEx's "Semiconductors for Autonomous and Electric Vehicles 2023-2033" report shows that trends within the automotive industry mean consumers will soon be caring far more about what chips are in their cars. IDTechEx expects that purchasing a new vehicle will soon feel like shopping for a new laptop. What are the main concerns when buying a laptop? For most people, it will be things like how long the battery will last, how nice the screens are, and what computer chip it comes with. Evaluating a vehicle's worth based on the number of cylinders, horsepower, and miles per gallon will soon be irrelevant. We already know that electric vehicles will be dominating the market soon, ticking off the choice of vehicle based on how long the battery lasts, but what about the other two criteria? It has been hard to escape the screenification of car cabins over the past few years. Even the cheapest cars on the market are available with some kind of central display, while the top end of the market is heading towards pillar-to-pillar style screens in the front. When IDTechEx attended CES, it was clear to see that the future cabin interior would be filled with screens. While this might sound exciting at the outset, consumers should be aware that for the automotive industry, this is a means to an end, where the end is extracting more money from drivers. The screens will facilitate more premium features in the vehicle and likely more subscriptions. Like laptops, vehicles are also becoming gaming devices. Look at Tesla, for instance; it generated waves when it showed the Model S could run steam on its infotainment system, showing how Witcher 3 can be played when the vehicle is stationary. Mercedes went one step further; now that it has level 3 certification in both the US and Germany, it is possible for the driver to play video games while the car drives itself, up to a speed of 40mph. However, where Tesla is playing games one might expect of a modern gaming laptop, the Mercedes allows the play of Tetris, Sudoku, and some mobile gaming titles. Perhaps Mercedes will need to step up its game. As cool as it might be, gaming in vehicles is perhaps a gimmick or novelty. The real computation power in modern and future vehicles will be used to drive autonomous systems. IDTechEx's "Semiconductors for Autonomous and Electric Vehicles 2023-2033" report found that this is where the most advanced semiconductor technologies are being used. Most computer chips around the vehicle, the kind that are used to open windows or adjust wing mirrors, use quite mature technologies. These chips have node sizes normally above 40nm (nanometers). Modern smartphones, on the other hand, have chips that use a 4nm process, with smaller processes offering more computing power. However, the coming chips that will power autonomous driving systems will be much closer to the cutting edge, using technologies in the 1-5nm region. This is where laptops come back in. A high-performance gaming laptop might be using a graphics card from Nvidia, giants in the gaming industry. The graphics cards take information from the CPU and turn it into an image for the screen. One of the main computational tasks for an autonomous vehicle is to take data from each of the cameras, radar, LiDAR, etc., and turn it into a 3D map of the environment and identify all the vehicles and all the people around the vehicle. These two processes are rather similar, and it means that Nvidia have been able to expand into the automotive space, offering top-end, high-performance computing for autonomous applications. Their recent announcement regarding the planned Thor product with 2,000 TOPS of computing power is an order of magnitude more powerful than most of the chips on the market today aimed at ADAS (advanced driver assistance systems) applications. The industry is already starting to market its models based on the performance of its autonomous features. Polestar, the electric branch of Swedish automaker Volvo, have recently added details about its front-sensing capabilities to its advertising campaign. It boasts that its front radar/camera combination has a range of 200m and a field of view of 45. This is fairly new, and it is hard to think of another car company advertising based on its sensing capabilities. That also makes it hard to benchmark. All electric cars are marketed based on the range their batteries can deliver, making it easy to compare. But if only one is advertising the range and field of view of its sensing, how does one know whether it is any good? Luckily IDTechEx's "Automotive Radar 2022-2042" and "Lidar 2023-2033: Technologies, Players, Markets & Forecasts" reports go into detail on what makes a good sensor for autonomous vehicles and provide benchmarking of products on the market. In the future, automakers like Mercedes and BMW will be selling vehicles with marketing like Nvidia inside or Mobileye inside, just like a laptop might be bought that says intel inside today. They will become system integrators, like how Lenovo will buy CPUs from Intel or AMD, RAM from Microchips, and screens from LG and put them together into its own packaging. Automakers will buy an electric powertrain from one company and an autonomous system from another and bundle it into their branded packaging. This means consumers will choose cars based on how long the battery will last, how nice the screens are, and what computer chip it comes with. Although this article focuses on microcontrollers, "Semiconductors for Autonomous and Electric Vehicles 2023-2033" gives a holistic and comprehensive coverage of semiconductors throughout the car including ADAS, autonomy, LiDAR, radar, cameras, 4G connectivity, 5G connectivity, electric powertrains, MCUs, SOCs and more. IDTechEx can help businesses to understand all the new technologies coming to vehicles, the technologies on the horizon, and how the evolving automotive industry is going to impact semiconductor markets. For more information, including downloadable sample pages, please visit www.IDTechEx.com/AutoSemi. IDTechEx Research This research forms part of the broader mobility research portfolio from IDTechEx, who track the adoption of autonomy, electric vehicles, Semiconductors for Autonomous and Electric Cars, battery trends, and demand across land, sea and air, helping you navigate whatever may be ahead. Find out more at www.IDTechEx.com/ElectricVehicles. About IDTechEx IDTechEx guides your strategic business decisions through its Research, Subscription and Consultancy products, helping you profit from emerging technologies. For more information, contact research@IDTechEx.com or visit www.IDTechEx.com. Images download: https://www.dropbox.com/scl/fo/clkeioijkceiccxybe4dj/h?dl=0&rlkey=zlcsx91fily4nmh3mwdo5kkt7 Media Contact: Lucy Rogers Sales and Marketing Administrator press@IDTechEx.com +44(0)1223 812300 Social Media Links: Twitter: www.twitter.com/IDTechEx LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/company/IDTechEx Facebook: www.facebook.com/IDTechExResearch Photo: https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2101517/IDTechEx_electric_autonomous_vehicles.jpg Logo: https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/478371/IDTechEx_Logo.jpg View original content:https://www.prnewswire.co.uk/news-releases/idtechex-says-buying-an-autonomous-electric-car-will-feel-more-like-buying-a-laptop-than-a-car-301851643.html Data presented at International Society for Stem Cell Research conference shows unparalleled level of consistency across manufacturing of multiple human cell products World leading stem cell biologists call the technology "a watershed moment for biology" and "a true disruptive innovation in stem cell biology, much as CRISPR has been for genetics" bit.bio's ioCells are already being used and enable large-scale experiments that underpin preclinical research and drug development The consistency of the cells is enabling scientific breakthroughs and applications ranging from biohybrid devices, novel targets for neurodegeneration, and cultured meat. bit.bio, a synthetic biology company focused on human cells, has achieved a milestone in the manufacture of human cells. Based on their opti-oxTM 1- based transcription factor reprogramming technology, bit.bio has reached a new level of precision and consistency of their induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSC)-derived cell products. The data that will be presented at the International Society for Stem Cell Research (ISSCR) conference show an unparalleled level of consistency with regards to multiple human cell products for research use. Samples of cells were selected from different manufacturing lots and time periods and different users carried out the opti-ox reprogramming step to manufacture the mature cell types. Analysis of the samples show fewer than 1% differentially expressed genes in bulk-mRNA sequencing experiments between manufacturing lots. This achievement sets a new standard for the manufacture of human cells. Commenting on the data, Dr Marius Wernig, Professor in the Departments of Pathology and Chemical and Systems Biology and Co-Director of the Institute for Stem Cell Biology and Regenerative Medicine at Stanford University and bit.bio SAB member said: "Out of 20,000 genes, not a single one is differentially expressed across three independently produced batches of bit.bio's glutamatergic neurons. This seems like a watershed moment for biology. The team at bit.bio has achieved a level of consistency that is outside of the realm of what was thought possible. It is another proof point that transcription-factor based programming of cells can solve the challenges that have restricted the use of stem cell-derived cells in drug development and cell therapy." Human stem cell pioneer Roger Pedersen, Senior Research Scientist at Stanford University School of Medicine and chair of bit.bio's SAB said: "These new results are both compelling and biologically fascinating. bit.bio's opti-ox approach seems to remove interfering sources of stochasticity, thereby enabling deterministic reprogramming of iPSCs into somatic cells of any lineage. The homogeneity achieved by opti-ox is amazing, and I would never have thought such a high level of control over differentiation was possible. This is a true disruptive innovation in stem cell biology, much as CRISPR has been for genetics." Bertie Gottgens, Professor and Director, University of Cambridge Stem Cell Institute commented: "bit.bio is an integral partner within the Cambridge Stem Cell community, where they have pushed the boundaries of what the field thought was possible with regards to consistent differentiation of human stem cells. From what I have seen, the data are astonishing. If this can be generalised to other cell types, these data will be seen as a landslide moment for the human stem cell field, which demonstrate that it is possible to industrialise the manufacture of human cells." The consistency and scale of manufacturing achieved, with billions of cells now being produced on a daily basis, has opened doors to the creation of human cell standards. This has the potential to address the lack of reproducibility that has plagued the life sciences industry. By using reliable and standardised human cells, researchers worldwide can accelerate their studies and enhance the reliability of their findings. Thore Graepel, SVP of Computational biology at Altos Laboratories and bit.bio SAB member said: "I have never seen such consistency in biological data before. The data has made me rethink what level of consistency is possible in cell biology. Like in other application areas of machine learning, the quality of training data is of crucial importance and bit.bio's cell products have the potential to super-charge AI models of biological systems." Sir David Klenerman, Professor of Biochemistry University of Cambridge, 2020 Breakthrough Prize in Life Sciences recipient 2022 who is best known for his work on next-generation sequencing of DNA as the technological basis for Illumina, said: This is a significant technological step forward, removing the cell-to-cell variation that has been a problem in the field. Cells produced using the opti-ox technology have already been used in a range of research applications, including the identification of novel targets for neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer's,2,3. They have been used for the generation of biohybrid implant devices aiming to restore paralysed limb function4, and 3D printing of brain models5 The ability to produce cells at an industrial scale allows large-scale experimentation, such as high-throughput screening for example, underpinning bit.bio's partnership with leading contract research organisation Charles River Laboratories. This means scientists can now conduct experiments on a significantly larger scale in human models, leading to faster discoveries and a deeper understanding of cellular mechanisms. In addition, bit.bio is developing their technology for use in the field of cell therapy. Large scale manufacturing of human cells based on the ability to precisely reprogram iPSC into specific somatic cell types will enable off the shelf regenerative medicines that are available to millions of patients as mainstay treatments. Rahul Singhvi, CEO National Resilience stated: "This is an important breakthrough for the manufacture of human cells. The data are impressive and have set a new bar of what is possible. We are excited to support bit.bio in the development of their cell therapy pipeline." Loic Vincent, CSO Affini-T Therapeutics said: "A scalable source of consistent human cells will have a transformational impact on research, drug discovery, and cell therapy. It can tackle major challenges such as the reproducibility of scientific research all the way to scale up challenges for cell therapies and regenerative medicine. bit.bio's preclinical data show extraordinary consistency. The fact that this has been achieved across multiple cell types is also astonishing. bit.bio's genomic safe harbour technology, opti-ox, is really pushing the boundaries." Outside of medicine, the extraordinary scale enabled by opti-ox has enabled the manufacture of trillions of fat and muscle cells in a porcine background for cultured meat applications. Meatable held their first tasting in Singapore this year7 and is due to launch its first products by the end of the year. Meatable co-founder and CEO Krijn de Nood said: "Meatable is creating a world in which we can enjoy meat that is innocent. At the heart of our approach and enabling this dream is opti-ox. It allows us to manufacture at scale, and in the future reach price parity with meat derived from farmed animals. Whilst it is surprising to see these levels of consistency in the data, it is also what we experience on a daily basis. We found that opti-ox enables the manufacture of cells at all levels of scale, from the smallest experiment to the largest industrial bioreactor." "The beauty of the data and how consistently bit.bio can produce human cells using our forward programming technology is mind-boggling" said Mark Kotter, CEO of bit.bio. "The team has developed solid processes and we haven't had a single failed manufacturing run in the past two years. This is paving the way for groundbreaking research and future cell-based therapies. We are excited to collaborate with researchers and industry partners to unlock the full potential of human cells." Hermann Hauser KBE, Serial Entrepreneur and Venture Capitalist, e.g behind Acorn Computers, ARM, Solexa/Illumina and chair of the bit.bio Board said: "When I joined bit.bio I sensed that bit.bio's opti-ox technology has the potential to create a category leader in the human cell space. The consistency that we detected in bit.bio's products is astonishing. This is the bottom line if one gets everything right in a manufacturing process. I am proud of this fantastic achievement by the team." bit.bio's human cell manufacturing technology is set to reshape the future of scientific research and biomedicine. By ensuring reliability, scalability, and reproducibility, bit.bio is driving forward the frontiers of cellular biology and transforming the possibilities of what can be achieved. Data for multiple cell types glutamatergic neurons, sensory neurons and GABAergic neurons will be presented at ISSCR, showing the approach may be generalisable to any human cell type. Notes to editors About the data This new data will be showcased in 4 posters and a talk at ISSCR TALK: Industrialising Cellular Reprogramming: Leveraging opti-ox Technology to Manufacture Human Cells with Unprecedented Consistency Marius Wernig and Mark Kotter Innovation Showcase Thursday, 15 June 12:00 1:00pm, ET. ISSCR Transcription factor-mediated cellular reprogramming has emerged as a groundbreaking paradigm in developmental biology, challenging traditional theories and opening new avenues for further scientific innovations. Prof Wernig will discuss his pioneering work on cellular reprogramming, which opened up a new paradigm for cell identity, in which cellular states are driven by transcriptional events. His laboratory developed the first across germ layer reprogramming protocols highlighting the potential generalisability of this concept. His group demonstrated how transcription factor combinations are able to dictate cellular states and sub-cell identities. Based on this new paradigm, he developed new cellular models for translational research and outlined how reprogrammed cells could be used for therapeutic applications. Despite the benefits of cellular reprogramming, several challenges associated with conventional vector-based methods of transgene expression impact the efficiency, consistency and purity of the resulting cell populations, all of which need to be addressed for its potential to be truly realised in regenerative medicine. As Dr Kotter will outline, these challenges can be addressed by expressing reprogramming cassettes via genomic safe harbour (GSH) sites. GSH-mediated optimised inducible over-expression (opti-ox) enables highly controlled, consistent and scalable manufacturing of human iPSC-derived cells. Further, he will discuss how bit.bio has generalised this paradigm to generate cells from all three germ layers. The integration of opti-ox technology ensures increased precision and inducible control of transcription factor expression, setting a new standard for consistency in cell manufacturing. This breakthrough enables the manufacture of trillions of highly defined cells with unprecedented consistency offering the potential to transform the field of regenerative medicine and accelerate advancements in cell-based therapies. POSTER: Generation Of Highly Pure, Consistent And Functional Inhibitory Gabaergic Neurons From Human Ipscs Using opti-ox Technology Presenter Gianmarco Mastrogiovanni, Team leader POSTER: Optimised and scalable reprogramming of human iPSCs to generate nociceptor sensory neurons for the study of pain mechanisms and neuropoathies Presenter Dario Pacitti Senior Scientist POSTER: Modelling neurodegeneration using a human isogenic system: A next generation approach to study frontotemporal dementia and amyotrophic lateral sclerosis Presenter Will Bernard? Director, Cell Type Development POSTER: Rapid and consistent generation of functional microglia from reprogrammed hiPSCs to study mechanisms in neurodegeneration and neuroinflammation Presenter Malathi Raman Srivastava? Snr Product Manager References: Matthias Pawlowski, Daniel Ortmann, Alessandro Bertero, Joana M. Tavares, Roger A. Pedersen, Ludovic Vallier, Mark R.N. Kotter 2017. Inducible and Deterministic Forward Programming of Human Pluripotent Stem Cells into Neurons, Skeletal Myocytes, and Oligodendrocytes, Stem Cell Reports, VOLUME 8, ISSUE 4, P803-812, APRIL 11, 2017. https://www.cell.com/stem-cell-reports/issue?pii=S2213-6711(16)X0005-7 Julie Qiaojin Lin, Deepak Khuperkar, Sofia Pavlou, Stanislaw Makarchuk, Nikolaos Patikas, Flora CY Lee, Julia M Zbiegly, Jianning Kang, Sarah F Field, David MD Bailey, Joshua L Freeman, Jernej Ule, Emmanouil Metzakopian, Marc-David Ruepp, Giovanna R Mallucci 2023. HNRNPH1 regulates the neuroprotective cold-shock protein RBM3 expression through poison exon exclusion, The EMBO Journal, 30 May 2023. https://www.embopress.org/doi/full/10.15252/embj.2022113168 Pavlou, S., Foskolou, S., Patikas, N. et al 2023 CRISPR-Cas9 genetic screen leads to the discovery of L-Moses, a KAT2B inhibitor that attenuates Tunicamycin-mediated neuronal cell death. Nature Scientific Reports 13, 3934 2023. https://www.nature.com/articles/s41598-023-31141-6 Amy E. Rochford, Alejandro Carnicer-Lombarte, Malak Kawan, Amy Jin, Sam Hilton, Vincenzo F. Curto, Alexandra L. Rutz, Thomas Moreau, Mark R.N. Kotter, George G. Malliaras and Damiano G Barone 2023. Functional neurological restoration of amputated peripheral nerve using biohybrid regenerative bioelectronics, Science Advances, 22 Mar 2023, Vol 9, Issue 12, https://www.science.org/doi/10.1126/sciadv.add8162# Zhou, L., Wolfes, A.C., Li, Y., Chan, D.C., Ko, H., Szele, F.G. and Bayley, H., 2020. Lipid-bilayer-supported 3D printing of human cerebral cortex cells reveals developmental interactions. Advanced Materials, 32(31), p.2002183. https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1002/adma.202002183 Press release, 11 May, 2023: Meatable holds its world-first tasting in Singapore with aim to launch in 2024. https://meatable.com/news-room/ View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20230615394216/en/ Contacts: April Six on behalf of bit.bio bitbio@aprilsix.com +44 7875 468942 VIENNA, June 15, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- The OPEC Fund for International Development (the OPEC Fund) is hosting its second Development Forum on Tuesday June 20, 2023 in Vienna, Austria, featuring the heads of the African Development Bank, Akinwumi Adesina, the Agence Francaise de Developpement, Remy Rioux, the Islamic Development Bank Group, Muhammad Al Jasser and OPEC Fund Director-General, Abdulhamid Alkhalifa in an opening conversation on the future of development finance. Addressing global development challenges under the over-arching theme "Driving Resilience & Equity", forum discussions will focus on opportunities to better finance sustainable development and secure transformational impact. Other topical issues on the agenda include sustainable food systems, innovative climate solutions and partnerships and policies that prioritize people and planet. The keynote address will be delivered by Frannie Leautier, CEO of the pan-African firm SouthBridge Investments. OPEC Fund Director-General Alkhalifa said: "The global challenges we are facing today such as the urgent food security crisis, the deepening threats of climate change and a looming debt crisis require strong partnerships and collective action. With the OPEC Fund Development Forum we are demonstrating that we are committed to addressing these challenges head-on in concert with partner countries and institutions. Together we can unlock models of collaboration and drive positive impact for the future." The OPEC Fund Development Forum brings together government leaders, ministers, heads of institutions, representatives from multilateral development banks, international organizations and private sector stakeholders. With a focus on transformative development models, regional collaboration and inclusiveness, the forum seeks to forge new pathways towards sustainable development. Some highlights of the Development Forum program include: "Towards a Transformative Development Model": The discussion will explore innovative approaches to address the scarcity of development capital, policy restrictions and the need to mobilize financial support for sustainable projects. Panelists will engage in conversations on leveraging resources and implementing strategies that foster inclusive, sustainable, and scalable solutions. "Regional Collaboration as a Catalyst for Scalable Solutions": The session will emphasize the power of collaboration, highlight successful development initiatives and the importance of replicating or upscaling. Participants will identify shared objectives, pool resources and expertise, and explore ways to effectively address complex challenges through regional cooperation. "Implementing Policies and Partnerships that Prioritize People and Planet": The closing conversation will focus on empowering women, young people, and entrepreneurs while strengthening legal and policy frameworks, especially those that ensure inclusive access to finance which help underserved groups break through systemic barriers that hinder progress towards sustainable development. In addition, the forum will feature spotlight sessions on selected topics, providing a deeper understanding of the challenges and opportunities in critical areas and highlighting the need for innovative solutions and collaborative action. Confirmed speakers for the OPEC Fund Development Forum 2023 also include Lotay Tshering, Prime Minister of Bhutan; Mohammed Al-Jadaan, Minister of Finance, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia; Sherry Rehman, Minister for Climate Change and Environmental Coordination, Pakistan; Rania Al-Mashat, Minister of International Cooperation, Egypt; Admassu Tadesse, President Emeritus and Group Managing Director, The Eastern and Southern African Trade and Development Bank (TDB); Vafaev Shukhrat, Director General of Uzbekistan's Agency for Strategic Reforms; Mahmoud Mohieldin, United Nations Special Envoy on Financing the 2030 Development Agenda; Dima Al-Khatib, Director, United Nations Office for South-South Cooperation (UNOSSC), and Gernot Wagner, author and climate economist at Columbia Business School, New York. For a full list of speakers and a detailed program, please visit the official OPEC Fund Development Forum 2023 website. About the OPEC Fund The OPEC Fund for International Development (the OPEC Fund) is the only globally mandated development institution that provides financing from member countries to non-member countries exclusively. The organization works in cooperation with developing country partners and the international development community to stimulate economic growth and social progress in low- and middle-income countries around the world. The OPEC Fund was established in 1976 with a distinct purpose: to drive development, strengthen communities and empower people. Our work is people-centered, focusing on financing projects that meet essential needs, such as food, energy, infrastructure, employment (particularly relating to MSMEs), clean water and sanitation, healthcare and education. To date, the OPEC Fund has committed more than US$24 billion to development projects in over 125 countries with an estimated total project cost of US$190 billion. The OPEC Fund is rated AA+/Outlook Stable by Fitch and AA, Outlook Positive by S&P. Our vision is a world where sustainable development is a reality for all. Contact: Basak Pamir T+43151564174 B.Pamir@opecfund.org Photo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2101918/OPEC_Fund_1.jpg Photo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2101919/OPEC_Fund_2.jpg Logo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/1987099/OPEC_Fund_logo.jpg View original content:https://www.prnewswire.co.uk/news-releases/opec-fund-development-forum-2023-unlocking-synergies-and-funding-opportunities-for-sustainable-development-301850926.html Helexia secures a new 90-megawatt contract in Brazil Helexia, a subsidiary of Voltalia (Euronext Paris, ISIN code: FR0011995588), has signed a contract with Comerc Energia, a leading provider of energy management solutions in Brazil. The agreement reached between Helexia and Comerc Energia provides the supply of up to 90 megawatts of photovoltaic energy over a 20-year period, distributed across a series of decentralised production projects. These will be built in the Brazilian states of Mato Grosso do Sul, Ceara and Pernambuco, strengthening Helexia's presence in Brazil. Construction work on the first 11-megawatt projects will begin in the coming months, with commissioning scheduled for the first quarter of 2024. The other sites should start construction progressively shortly after the first sites, with the aim of exploiting the full potential of the 90 megawatts. Since the creation of its subsidiary in 2020, Helexia has experienced significant success in Brazil, leveraging Voltalia's leadership to establish its development. In March 2023, the first Brazilian solar assets began supplying electricity to Vivo, a brand of the Telefonica group. At this stage, 25 megawatts have already been connected out of the total 87 megawatts specified in the contract. The remaining 62 megawatts will be progressively connected by the end of the first half of 2024. Furthermore, in November 2022, Helexia announced the signature of three contracts totaling to 14.7 megawatts with TIM (8.5 megawatts), Vibra Energia (4.0 megawatts), and Raia Drogasil (2.2 megawatts), for which construction has already begun and which will be commissioned by the end of the first quarter of 2024. "I would like to congratulate all the teams on their rapid rise to prominence in the country. Helexia is positioning itself as a leader in the energy transition in a country where decarbonisation objectives are very important", stated Sebastien Clerc, CEO of Voltalia. "This agreement represents a significant milestone in Helexia's commitment to Brazil. The 90 megawatts signed will enable Helexia to accelerate the transition towards a more sustainable future. We are delighted to be working with Comerc Energia to realise this shared vision", stated Benjamin Simonis, CEO of Helexia Group. Next on the agenda: Turnover Q2 2023, on July 26, 2023 (after-market trading) About Voltalia (www.voltalia.com) Voltalia is an international player in the renewable energy sector. The Group produces and sells electricity generated from wind, solar, hydraulic, biomass and storage facilities that it owns and operates. Voltalia has generating capacity in operation and under construction of more than 2.6?GW and a portfolio of projects under development representing total capacity of 14.2 GW. Voltalia is also a service provider and supports its investor clients in renewable energy projects during all phases, from design to operation and maintenance. As a pioneer in the corporate market, Voltalia provides a global offer to private companies, ranging from the supply of green electricity and energy efficiency services to the local production of their own electricity. The Group has more than 1,550 employees and is present in 20 countries on 3 continents and is able to act worldwide on behalf of its clients. Voltalia is listed on the regulated market of Euronext Paris, compartment B (FR0011995588 - VLTSA) and is part of the Enternext Tech 40 and CAC Mid & Small indices. The Group is also included in the Gaia-Index, an index for socially responsible midcaps. Loan Duong, Head of Communications & Investor relations Email: invest@voltalia.com T. +33 (0)1 81 70 37 00 Actifin Press Contact: Jennifer Jullia jjullia@actifin.fr. T. +33 (0)1 56 88 11 19 About Helexia (www.helexia.group) Helexia is a historical player in the energy transition sector. Created in 2010, Helexia is a subsidiary of Voltalia (ISIN code Euronext Paris: FR0011995588). Helexia specialises in the energy performance of buildings and the production of photovoltaic energy on site (rooftops and solar carports). With 400+ employees in 10 countries, Helexia has completed nearly 700 photovoltaic projects with a total capacity of 174.4 MW in operation. Helexia has supported its commercial, industrial, and agricultural clients in more than 180 energy efficiency projects. It provides continuous energy management for 1000 sites. The wide range of services offered to its clients includes the definition of an energy strategy adapted to their needs, the design and execution of constructions, and the operation, management and maintenance of equipment and facilities to achieve their decarbonisation and energy consumption reduction objectives. Helexia Group, Delphine Lebon, Group Communications Manager Email: delphine.lebon@helexia.eu BANGKOK, June 15, 2023 - (ACN Newswire) - KFC Thailand loaded its buckets with three important ingredients at the "Proud To Be Pride Parade 2023": Love, Respect and Equal Opportunity. A trio of deep-fried values that've been coming in hot for KFC fans since 1952 - and this year's rainbowed streets of CentralWorld Square, were no exception.A pride parade unlike any other, "Proud To Be Pride" lit up Bangkok as a love fest spectacular on 1 June. Presented by Muse by Metinee x CentralWorld x The United Nations Development Programme, this was one gathering of minds that certainly needed no introduction. KFC Thailand was front and centre, with its Pride placard quoting the Colonel's very first testimony from back in the day: 'Everyone gets a seat at the table.' And this year, everyone did. The Colonel's 2023 Thai team bucketed forth and joined hearts with their pledge for diversity, inclusion, and equality, specifically in the workplace. KFC took to the bright-striped avenues with life-size recruitment buckets, in support of equal opportunities for all.Spectators, marchers and even musicians were embraced and ushered by zealous KFC-stars to the KFC Walk-In Recruitment Buckets - where the table was duly laid with the freedom to be your best self, no matter what. Everyone was invited to step in and apply for some of the hottest KFC job vacancies this side of the menu. This was undoubtedly a proud moment for the KFC squad."At KFC Thailand, we're not just about chicken; we're about people - and encouraging people to bring their best selves to the party," says Sakechai Choomuenwai, General Manager of KFC Thailand. "We're an inclusive organization that goes above and beyond to cultivate a workplace where human values like Love, Respect and Pride are always dished up first," says Choomuenwai.With its zero-discrimination policy, and an all-time customer promise to serve its patrons with friendship, KFC Thailand makes no bones about its uncapped celebration of LGBTQ+ rights, applying the essence of diversity and equality to every touchpoint in and outside of its business. For KFC, Pride is not only reserved for the month of June, but rather, "Pride is a way of service and a way of life," adds Choomuenwai, "and so too is individualism. If we can continue to provide an environment where our team members feel safe and comfortable to openly express themselves, then we're doing our jobs, and we're doing them well," ends Choomuenwai.By affording equal and fair career opportunities, KFC Thailand continues to stand strong against the backdrop of diversity and inclusion and holds true to its deeply-ingrained wishbone: to nourish a nation of dreamers, doers and achievers - and to do it with a whole lot of zing!KFCThailand musebymetinee UNDPthailand centralwOrld CTWprOudtObepride PrideMonth2023About KFCKFC, one of the largest brands of quick service restaurants (QSR) and is popular all over the world. Founded by Colonel Harland Sanders in 1952 with a commitment to improving and offering delicious and unique fried chicken menu of excellent quality to customers who love fried chicken. In Thailand, the first KFC store was established in 1985 at Central Ladprao Department Store. Currently, there are 978 KFC branches nationwide (as of October 2022). Brand and franchise management by YUM Restaurants International (Thailand) Co., Ltd. and KFC restaurant management by 3 franchisees: Central Restaurants Group Co., Ltd. (CRG), Restaurant Development Co., Ltd. (RD), The QSR of Asia Co., Ltd. (QSA).Source: KFC ThailandSource: KFC ThailandCopyright 2023 ACN Newswire . All rights reserved. Nearly half (42%) of respondents struggle with outdated internal systems 67% of CSPs improve CX and 47% attract new skilled workers after adopting new field service management (FSM) technology Workforce planning and scheduling optimization are the top FSM solution that CSPs plan to adopt this year LONDON, June 15, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- IFS, the global cloud enterprise software company, today announced results of its global State of Service research study* of Communication Service Providers (CSPs) which uncovers the biggest field service challenges, technology adoption plans and top focus areas for the telecommunications industry this year. From improving customer experience to compete with new market entrants to updating legacy service management systems to optimize field engineers, the report reveals how the world's leading CSP and telecom infrastructure brands will navigate their service transformations this year. Shifting industry regulations is the number one challenge cited by 49% of respondents, made even more prominent in light of the recent trend towards open RAN (Radio Access Network). This pressure facing the industry highlights the need for CSPs to increase collaboration in order to lower operational costs and deliver advanced 5G services to more of the world's population. Spurred partly by the shift to 5G networks and the inability to meet customer SLAs, another key concern cited by 42% of research respondents is the need to update insufficient or outdated legacy FSM systems. The lack of skilled workers, caused partly by aging workers, a competitive labor market and the rapid evolution of technology-specifically, 5G-shortening the list of qualified candidates, compounds the pressure facing CSPs . Encouragingly for the industry, service management solutions have the potential to drive revenue growth and revolutionize employee experience. The report cites that CSPs adopting advanced FSM technologies have improved; customer experience (67%), revenue growth (64%) while (49%) report a greater ability to attract new skilled workers. Other findings also show CSPs were able to improve their ability to plan, forecast and optimize their workforce (45%) and develop new service offerings (42%). Faced with increasing competition and a lack of skilled workers, there has never been a more critical time for CSPs to implement emerging technology solutions such as AI and machine learning that seamlessly optimize people, parts and service fleets. Positively, the research reveals that technology firms are aware of this trend, with (53%) planning to adopt scheduling optimization and automation, and nearly half (49%) looking to adopt AI and machine learning in 2023. Additionally, the research shows emerging technology priorities such as simulations (47%), Wearables (38%) and Parts management (38%) are appearing on CSPs innovation roadmaps for the current fiscal year. There are common threads amongst these solutions that are echoed in the top-ranked benefits that CSPs derive from the adoption of new FSM solutions: the need to revolutionize the employee and customer experience and to develop new digital offerings to drive revenue growth. Markus Persson, Global Industry Director of IFS commented, "We are seeing more and more CSP brands recognizing the need to embrace optimization and automation technologies in order to work smarter and increase agility. Leading telco organizations from around the globe are partnering with IFS to adopt our industry-leading field service management and AI-powered scheduling optimization solutions because they enable them to deliver on their customer promises and grow profitable revenue." In addition to the research findings, the State of Service in Telecommunications 2023 Report also delivers insights and first-hand advice from some of the world's most innovative technology brands, including IFS customers Saudi Telecom Company, Orange, Konica Minolta and more. To learn more, download the report now *The research was conducted by Mindforce Research, polling 55 senior-decision makers in Field Service, Information Technology and Operations at Communication Service Provider and telecom brands across North America, Western Europe, the Middle East, and Asia Pacific. About IFS IFS develops and delivers cloud enterprise software for companies around the world who manufacture and distribute goods, build and maintain assets, and manage service-focused operations. Within our single platform, our industry specific products are innately connected to a single data model and use embedded digital innovation so that our customers can be their best when it really matters to their customers-at the Moment of Service. The industry expertise of our people and of our growing ecosystem, together with a commitment to deliver value at every single step, has made IFS a recognized leader and the most recommended supplier in our sector. Our team of over 5,500 employees every day live our values of agility, trustworthiness and collaboration in how we support our thousands of customers. Learn more about how our enterprise software solutions can help your business today at ifs.com. IFS Press Contacts EUROPE / MEA / APJ: Adam Gillbe IFS, Director of Corporate & Executive Communications Email: press@ifs.com Phone: +44 7775 114 856 NORTH AMERICA / LATAM: Mairi Morgan IFS, Director of Corporate & Executive Communications Email: press@ifs.com Phone: +1 520 396 2155 The following files are available for download: https://mb.cision.com/Main/855/3787561/2129617.pdf Release https://news.cision.com/ifs/i/adobestock-63496449-1,c3190363 AdobeStock 63496449 1 View original content:https://www.prnewswire.co.uk/news-releases/updating-legacy-systems-delivering-a-richer-cx-and-attracting-talented-workers-telecoms-reveal-biggest-challenges-and-top-digital-priorities-in-ifs-research-301851777.html Eviden's SkyMon solution to monitor Spanish government satellites Paris, France and Madrid, Spain - June 15, 2023 - Eviden , the Atos business leading in security, today announces that GMV , leading provider of satellite control centers, has selected Eviden's SkyMon solution for the new center being set up by Hisdesat, the Spanish Government satellite operator. SkyMon will monitor next-generation satellites from the " Spainsat NG " program, the most advanced satellites in Europe for defense and secure communications. Eviden's SkyMon solution will continually monitor the digital spectrum onboard of the satellites and on the ground to detect any deviation from the planned traffic in one single and intuitive solution, to take counteractive measures immediately. The solution will support the new technology used in next-generation very high throughput satellites, "Digital Transparent Processor" (DTP)1. DTP provides high dynamic channelization and transparent routing capabilities for advanced space telecommunication applications, which require a high performant real-time monitoring system. By incorporating next-generation payload with DTP, Spainsat NG will increase the capacity of satellites and maximize the use of the resources in an efficient and flexible way. This approach requires the Carrier Monitoring Solution to interact permanently with the satellite and to use it as a remote monitoring site. SkyMon, with its cloud-based state-of-the-art microservice architecture, allows implementing such capability on a very robust and scalable basis. "Eviden's SkyMon solution has a proven track record in the market, and we are delighted to be working with GMV to bring our expertise and technologies to support the Spanish government's satellites." said Bruno Milard, VP, Head of Aerospace & Defense Electronics, Eviden, Atos Group. "Satellite monitoring is a demanding field, and we need leading-edge partners to work with us. We are very pleased to benefit from Eviden's experience and to leverage our synergies." said Enrique Fraga, General Manager of GMV's Space Systems EST. More information about Eviden's SkyMon solution for carrier monitoring and interference localization: https://atos.net/en/solutions/aerospace-defense-electronics/skymon *** About Eviden2 Eviden designs the scope composed of Atos' digital, cloud, big data and security business lines. It will be a global leader in data-driven, trusted and sustainable digital transformation. As a next generation digital business with worldwide leading positions in digital, cloud, data, advanced computing and security, it brings deep expertise for all industries in more than 53 countries. By uniting unique high-end technologies across the full digital continuum with 57,000 world-class talents, Eviden expands the possibilities of technologies for enterprises and public authorities, helping them to build their digital future. Eviden is an Atos Group business with an annual revenue of c. 5 billion. About Atos Atos is a global leader in digital transformation with 110,000 employees and annual revenue of c. 11 billion. European number one in cybersecurity, cloud and high-performance computing, the Group provides tailored end-to-end solutions for all industries in 69 countries. A pioneer in decarbonization services and products, Atos is committed to a secure and decarbonized digital for its clients. Atos is a SE (Societas Europaea) and listed on Euronext Paris. The purpose of Atos is to help design the future of the information space. Its expertise and services support the development of knowledge, education and research in a multicultural approach and contribute to the development of scientific and technological excellence. Across the world, the Group enables its customers and employees, and members of societies at large to live, work and develop sustainably, in a safe and secure information space. About GMV Founded in 1984, GMV is a privately-owned technological business group with an international presence. It operates in the following industries: space, aeronautics, security and defense, cybersecurity, intelligent transportation systems, automotive, healthcare, telecommunications, and information technologies for public authorities and large companies. In space, GMV has become the sixth largest industrial group and the first mid-cap in the European space sector, with over 1,300 people working in this area. It is the world's leading supplier of control centers for commercial satellite operators, with noteworthy development under way for Hispasat, Hisdesat, Eutelsat, SES, OneWeb, Arabsat and Yahsat. It is also one of the main industrial pillars of strategic European space programs such as Galileo , LinkedIn , Twitter , Instagram and YouTube . Press contact Lucie Duchateau - lucie.duchateau@atos.net - +33 (0) 7 62 85 35 10 1 DTP is a key product in mobile payload or flexible payload. For multibeam applications, the DTP is an important component, permitting to adapt and route the traffic according to the market needs. 2Eviden business is operated through the following brands: Alia Consulting, AppCentrica, ATHEA, Atos Syntel, Bull, Cloudamize, Cloudreach, Cryptovision, DataSentics, digital.security, Eagle Creek, EcoAct, Edifixio, Energy4U, Engage ESM, Forensik, IDEAL GRP, IDnomic, In Fidem, Ipsotek, Maven Wave, Miner & Kasch, Motiv, Nimbix, Processia, Profit4SF, science+computing, SEC Consult, Visual BI, Worldgrid, X-Perion, zData Eviden is a registered trademark. Eviden SAS, 2023. Attachment FDC3 is now widely adopted as a cross-industry interoperability standard and it's experiencing a major investment from the ecosystem at large LONDON, UK / ACCESSWIRE / June 15, 2023 / The Fintech Open Source Foundation ( FINOS ), the financial services umbrella of the Linux Foundation , today announced during its Member Meeting in London the general availability of the FDC3 2.0 Conformance Program and the new class of FDC3-compatible Desktop Agents, bringing the total to nine software products across FDC3 1.2 and 2.0. The FDC3 1.2 Conformance Program, completely open source and developed with the support of Scott Logic , was originally announced together with the first FDC3 1.2 certified desktop agents interop.io (formerly Finsemble and Tick 42's Glue42 Enterprise, which merged earlier this month) and FINOS' own open source FDC3 Sail in December 2022. Announced today are three further FDC3 1.2 certified desktop agents, Connectifi and OpenFin , as well as the first FDC3 2.0-compatible certifications for interop.io . The full list of adopters and FDC3 Certified Desktop Agents can be found here and anyone can apply for certification here . Strength to Strength The announcement comes as the global FDC3 usage is accelerating as a truly open protocol for cross-firm interoperability, across application and container vendors, a large internal and external adoption from sell-side firms, and a growing participation from buy-side firms . Adopters are increasingly keen to show their support for the standard as shown in the FDC3 Community and nowhere has this been more apparent than at the recent FINOS Interoperability & RegTech hackathon in New York, which brought together almost 100 participants globally. During this event, seven out of the 11 produced open source projects were related to FDC3, including three of the top five winners . Last but not least, this announcement follows a recent spike of venture investments and M&A activity in the FDC3 ecosystem, which is poised to accelerate adoption and contribution even further. Connectifi (FDC3 1.2 Certified) announced last week its Seed funding round to bring the FDC3 standard to the cloud, OpenFin (FDC3 1.2 Certified) received $35M in Series D funding, and lastly two of the leading interoperability vendors Finsemble and Glue42 (FDC3 1.2 and 2.0 certified) recently announced their merger into interop.io. Why FDC3 Conformance Is Important FDC3 (Financial Desktop Connectivity and Collaboration Consortium) compatible Desktop Agents are crucial due to their role in facilitating seamless interoperability between finance-related applications on a desktop and across the firewall, allowing its users to manage information overload (traders often have multiple different screens) and work faster by standardizing a way to exchange data between applications (avoid copy-pasting and mis-keying errors). FDC3 provides a way to integrate different vendors, programming languages, platforms and release-schedules, and replaces the frequent finance problem of bilateral agreements between applications with common standards for key pieces of financial context data. Previously, writing apps for FDC3 that work across all desktop agents has been difficult, with different vendors having subtly different approaches to implementing the FDC3 standard. The FDC3 Conformance Project was designed to change that, and provides a standardized set of tests that all certified desktop agents must pass. "As FDC3 is used in more and more mission critical context to connect production workflows across sell-side and buy-side, it became clear that FINOS had a fundamental role to play to assure consumers a neutral verification of compatibility to the standard," said Gabriele Columbro, Executive Director of FINOS and General Manager of The Linux Foundation Europe. "By providing a fully open source, maintainers-blessed way to certify vendor products against the open standard, we will remove a fundamental friction for adopters providing them with the peace of mind of a truly "write once, run everywhere" approach for their applications." Thanks to the contributions of longstanding contributor and FINOS Silver Member Scott Logic and through the efforts of the FDC3 community, FINOS now has a full open source test suite for vendors to transparently self-assess compatibility with both FDC3 1.2 and 2.0. "As more and more financial organizations use common open source tools, it's vital that there are well-defined standards in place to support interoperability," said Colin Eberhardt, Chief Technology Officer of Scott Logic. "With our extensive experience in FDC3, Scott Logic was ideally placed to lead the development of the FDC3 Conformance Framework. Our engineers worked closely with the working group, maintainers and commercial vendors to create an extensive suite of automation tests." After self-assessment, all platforms offering FDC3 compatible interfaces are highly recommended to undertake the formal certification process to be listed as an official FDC3 Certified Desktop Agent. In order to foster standard adoption, the certification is currently free-of-charge until October 2023. Community Reaction "Symphony believes the future is about open, secure networks. Desktop interoperability and standardization are critical to this future," said Brad Levy, CEO of Symphony. "By ensuring proper certification and conformance testing of the FDC3 standard, FINOS can enable widespread, uniform adoption for strengthened desktop interoperability and standardization - a critical area for this future." "We're thrilled to bring together Glue42 and Finsemble to become interop.io, a new brand with a continued focus on interoperability and commitment to FDC3 and FDC3 workflows," said interop.io CEO Leslie Spiro. "The Conformance Program and our certification will continue to be prioritized as we take on new clients and interoperability projects with our clients." "FINOS conformance testing and certification for FDC3 is a critical function that only an institution like FINOS can provide," said Nick Kolba, Co-Creator of FDC3 and CEO of Connectifi. "Especially as providers move into new patterns of delivering FDC3, the conformance tests have provided an essential North Star for keeping the standard and the developer experience consistent." What to look forward to In addition to the upcoming FDC3 2.1 version of the standard, coming later in the year will be two new training courses (updated for FDC3 2.0) to replace Linux Foundation's FDC3 1.2 training course, as well as a new FDC3 Practitioner Certification to be added to the Linux Foundation's vendor-neutral certification catalog . If you would like any further information about how to get involved with FDC3, please reach out to the FDC3 Community at fdc3@finos.org . About FINOS FINOS (The Fintech Open Source Foundation) is a nonprofit whose mission is to foster adoption of open source, open standards and collaborative software development practices in financial services. It is the center for open source developers and the financial services industry to build new technology projects that have a lasting impact on business operations. As a regulatory compliant platform, the foundation enables developers from these competing organizations to collaborate on projects with a strong propensity for mutualization. It has enabled codebase contributions from both the buy- and sell-side firms and counts over 50 major financial institutions, fintechs and technology consultancies as part of its membership. FINOS is also part of the Linux Foundation, the largest shared technology organization in the world. Media Contact Catharine Rybeck Caliber Corporate Advisers for FINOS catharine@calibercorporate.com SOURCE: FINOS View source version on accesswire.com:https://www.accesswire.com/760955/FINOS-Announces-New-FDC3-20-Conformance-Program-and-New-FDC3Certified-Desktop-Agents Alliance combines close-to-disclose technology and services to transform and modernize the Office of Finance Fluence Technologies, the only provider of purpose-built financial consolidation, close, and reporting software for high-growth businesses, and Deloitte Belgium, the largest organisation in the field of audit, accounting, legal and tax advice, consulting, financial advisory services and risk advisory services, today announce a strategic partnership designed to deliver modern, scalable technology and services solutions to the Office of Finance. This press release features multimedia. View the full release here: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20230615138886/en/ Fluence Technologies' financial close, consolidation, and report management platform delivers an enterprise-grade, out-of-the-box solution for modern, high-growth companies. Truly cloud-based and finance-owned, Fluence's no-code approach means accelerated time to value and immediate adoption. Fluence Technologies puts control in the hands of finance and accounting teams so they can close faster, report with confidence, and do more with less. "The partnership leverages the complementary strengths of both parties and will drive innovation in the Office of Finance across high-growth organisations," said Fluence CEO, Michael Morrison. "The powerful combination of Fluence's modern, finance-owned technology and the deep functional and technical expertise of the Deloitte team will accelerate finance transformation across the financial close including account reconciliation, close management, financial consolidation, disclosure management, narrative reporting, and planning and forecasting." "We're thrilled to be partnering with Fluence to deliver modern technology solutions to finance teams across Europe," said Michiel van den Nieuwenhuijzen, Partner at Deloitte Belgium. "The speed-to-value of the Fluence close-to-disclose solution gives Deloitte clients a competitive edge." The partnership reflects the shared vision and values of customer-centricity, innovation, quality, integrity and collaboration. About Fluence Fluence Technologies puts control in the hands of finance and accounting teams so they can close faster, report with confidence, and do more with less. Only the Fluence financial close, consolidation, and report management platform delivers an enterprise-grade, out-of-the-box solution for modern, high-growth companies. Truly cloud-based and finance-owned, Fluence's no-code approach means accelerated time to value and immediate adoption. Welcome to Fluence where we close early. About Deloitte Belgium With more than 6,000 employees in 11 offices in Belgium, Deloitte is the largest organisation in the field of audit, accounting, legal and tax advice, consulting, financial advisory services and risk advisory services. Our services are aimed at the largest national and international companies as well as at SMEs, the public sector and non-profit organisations. Deloitte Belgium is an independent and autonomous organisation and a member firm of Deloitte Touche Tohmatsu Limited. For the financial year 2022, a turnover of 704 million was realised. Deloitte Belgium BV is the Belgian affiliate of Deloitte NSE LLP, a member firm of Deloitte Touche Tohmatsu Limited that focuses on the highest quality in delivering professional services and advice. Its services are based on a global strategy covering more than 150 countries. To this end, the expertise of over 415.000 professionals is available in all continents. For the financial year 2022, the turnover was more than 59.3 billion US dollars. Deloitte refers to a Deloitte member firm, one or more associated companies, or Deloitte Touche Tohmatsu Limited, which is a private limited liability company in the UK ("DTTL"). DTTL and its member firms are each legally separate and independent entities. DTTL (also known as "Deloitte Global") does not provide services to clients. Please visit http://www.deloitte.com/about for a more detailed description of the legal structure of DTTL and its member firms. View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20230615138886/en/ Contacts: Marisa Ruffles Fluence Technologies mruffles@fluencetech.com Lead, South Dakota--(Newsfile Corp. - June 15, 2023) - Dakota Gold Corp. (NYSE American: DC) ("Dakota Gold" or the "Company") is pleased to report positive drill intercepts from four additional drill holes at its Richmond Hill Gold Project ("Richmond Hill"). All four holes were drilled as part of Dakota Gold's metallurgical testing/validation drill program at Richmond Hill, which continues to both confirm and extend mineralization at the Twin Tunnels Breccia Pipe, Turnaround Breccia Pipe and Cleveland Zones. Drill Hole Highlights (See Table 1): RH23C-031 at Turnaround Breccia Pipe returned 0.047 oz/ton Au over 224.8 feet (1.61 grams/tonne over 68.5 meters) and 0.065 oz/ton Au over 55.0 feet (2.23 grams/tonne over 16.8 meters). RH23C-034 at Twin Tunnels Breccia Pipe returned 0.045 oz/ton Au over 113.8 feet (1.54 grams/tonne over 34.7 meters) and 0.021 oz/ton Au over 349.5 feet (0.72 grams/tonne over 106.5 meters). RH23C-037 at the Cleveland Zone returned 0.067 oz/ton Au over 81.5 feet (2.30 grams/tonne over 24.8 meters). The latest drill results from the metallurgical test program generally exceed grade and intercept thickness expectations, and demonstrate the potential of the six breccia pipes known to exist at Richmond Hill, all of which remain largely untested. While the spring and early summer drill programs have been concentrated on validation and metallurgical test work, the drilling has also extended the mineralization, particularly to depth. In late July, the focus at Richmond Hill will return to exploration drilling, armed with an ever-increasing understanding of the broader mineralization system. The Richmond Hill drill programs are on-schedule to produce a compliant S-K 1300 Resource in the first Quarter of 2024. This will incorporate 880 historical drill holes with the current drill results. Gerald Aberle, Chief Operating Officer of Dakota Gold, said, "The drilling at Richmond Hill continues to validate and extend the mineralization characterized by historical drill programs and subsequent resource estimates. We are very pleased with our drill results and the overall execution of the program. Drill productivity has substantially exceeded expectations, which has resulted in a unit cost approximately 30% below budget, all of which has been accomplished with zero reportable safety or environmental incidents. These accomplishments are a testament to the capability and commitment of our experienced team." Exploration Update: Dakota gold continues to receive assay results from its metallurgical/historical drilling validation program at Richmond Hill. Drill results continue to confirm and expand the historical drilling that was completed by LAC Minerals USA LLC. The Company has now received assays for the Twin Tunnels Breccia Pipe, Turnaround Breccia Pipe, and Cleveland Zone areas at Richmond Hill. RH23C-031 encountered mineralized breccia and Tertiary altered Precambrian greenstone at the Turnaround Breccia Pipe. The upper intercepts in RH23C-031 which contained Cambrian Deadwood clasts and blocks, indicated a collapse breccia at Turnaround. The lower portions of the drill hole contained Tertiary altered greenstone and breccia with greenstone clasts. RH23C-034 was drilled at the Twin Tunnels Breccia Pipe and was drilled at a shallower angle than RH23C-014 (see April 13, 2023, press release). The drill hole encountered Tertiary breccias with Precambrian greenstone clasts and Tertiary altered Precambrian phyllites. Drill holes RH23C-037 and RH23C-038 were drilled at the Cleveland Zone area located east of the Turnaround Breccia Pipe. The gold mineralization encountered in these holes is hosted in Precambrian phyllites with Tertiary fractures, Tertiary intrusive dikes, and breccias adjacent to the Tertiary dikes. Table 1. RH23C-031, RH23C-034, RH23C-037 and RH23C-038 Drill Results (Imperial / Metric Units) Hole # From To Depth Interval* Gold From To Depth Interval* Gold Mineral Type ft ft ft ft oz/ton m m m m g/t RH23C-031 95.0 319.8 66.8 224.8 0.047 29.0 97.5 20.4 68.5 1.61 Tert 380.0 435.0 261.2 55.0 0.065 115.8 132.6 79.6 16.8 2.23 Bx 555.0 599.8 372.9 44.8 0.059 169.2 182.8 113.7 13.7 2.02 Bx 865.0 890.0 509.8 25.0 0.035 263.7 271.3 155.4 7.6 1.20 Tert 980.0 995.0 559.1 15.0 0.030 298.7 303.3 170.4 4.6 1.03 Tert 1145.0 1160.0 636.4 15.0 0.026 349.0 353.6 194.0 4.6 0.89 Bx 1235.0 1255.0 685.7 20.0 0.021 376.4 382.5 209.0 6.1 0.72 Bx 1376.0 1410.7 781.5 32.7 0.016 419.4 430.0 238.2 10.6 0.55 Bx 1621.2 1645.0 909.3 23.8 0.018 494.1 501.4 277.2 7.3 0.62 Bx RH23C-034 144.7 192.2 84.5 47.5 0.024 44.1 58.6 25.8 14.5 0.82 Bx 222.2 336.0 125.9 113.8 0.045 67.7 102.4 38.4 34.7 1.54 Bx 359.7 375.3 194.6 15.6 0.053 109.6 114.4 59.3 4.8 1.82 Bx 446.0 501.3 221.5 55.3 0.037 135.9 152.8 67.5 16.9 1.27 Bx 516.2 559.7 251.0 43.8 0.021 157.3 170.6 76.5 13.3 0.72 Bx 570.0 672.4 270.9 102.4 0.019 173.7 204.9 82.6 31.2 0.65 Bx 683.5 1033.0 307.2 349.5 0.021 208.3 314.9 93.6 106.5 0.72 Bx 1082.6 1098.0 549.4 15.4 0.026 330.0 334.7 167.5 4.7 0.89 Tert 1190.0 1295.0 616.1 105.0 0.019 362.7 394.7 187.8 32.0 0.65 Tert 1321.6 1336.5 725.3 14.9 0.018 402.8 407.4 221.1 4.5 0.62 Tert RH23C-037 146.7 155.0 99.8 8.3 0.038 44.7 47.2 30.4 2.5 1.30 Tert 292.0 300.5 179.4 8.5 0.081 89.0 91.6 54.7 2.6 2.78 Tert 515.0 528.7 283.1 13.7 0.031 157.0 161.1 86.3 4.2 1.06 Tert 592.4 673.9 327.2 81.5 0.067 180.6 205.4 99.7 24.8 2.30 Tert 845.3 854.3 479.5 9.0 0.039 257.6 260.4 146.2 2.7 1.34 Bx 877.8 887.3 498.0 9.5 0.042 267.6 270.4 151.8 2.9 1.44 Tert RH23C-038 35.0 65.7 22.3 30.7 0.028 10.7 20.0 6.8 9.4 0.96 Bx 131.0 146.3 74.2 15.3 0.035 39.9 44.6 22.6 4.7 1.20 Tert 172.0 183.3 96.2 11.3 0.030 52.4 55.9 29.3 3.4 1.03 Tert 210.3 230.0 115.3 19.7 0.024 64.1 70.1 35.1 6.0 0.82 Tert 250.5 275.5 135.7 25.0 0.032 76.4 84.0 41.4 7.6 1.10 Tert 661.1 676.6 346.0 15.5 0.047 201.5 206.2 105.5 4.7 1.61 Tert 688.0 699.1 357.6 11.1 0.020 209.7 213.1 109.0 3.4 0.69 Tert *True thickness is unknown. Abbreviations in the table include ounces per ton ("oz/ton"); grams per tonne ("g/t"); feet ("ft"); meter ("m"); Tertiary ("Tert"); and Breccia (Bx). Figure 1. Plan View of Dakota Gold Corp. Richmond Hill Drill Holes with Highlighted Gold Intercepts. To view an enhanced version of Figure 1, please visit: https://images.newsfilecorp.com/files/8218/170074_be6a21c0b4110bfd_002full.jpg Figure 2. Cross Section View of Richmond Hill Drill Hole RH23C-031. To view an enhanced version of Figure 2, please visit: https://images.newsfilecorp.com/files/8218/170074_be6a21c0b4110bfd_003full.jpg Figure 3. Cross Section View of Richmond Hill Drill Hole RH23C-034. To view an enhanced version of Figure 3, please visit: https://images.newsfilecorp.com/files/8218/170074_be6a21c0b4110bfd_004full.jpg Figure 4. Cross Section View of Richmond Hill Drill Hole RH23C-037. To view an enhanced version of Figure 4, please visit: https://images.newsfilecorp.com/files/8218/170074_be6a21c0b4110bfd_005full.jpg Figure 5. Cross Section View of Richmond Hill Drill Hole RH23C-038. To view an enhanced version of Figure 5, please visit: https://images.newsfilecorp.com/files/8218/170074_be6a21c0b4110bfd_006full.jpg The Company currently has four drills operating on its properties in the Homestake District of South Dakota, with two drills operating at the Maitland Gold Project ("Maitland") and two drills operating at Richmond Hill. The Maitland drills are targeting Homestake-hosted and Tertiary gold mineralization and the Richmond Hill drills are targeting Tertiary breccias and replacement mineralization. Richmond Hill is located 2.3 miles west of Maitland and 1.5 miles north of Coeur Mining, Inc.'s Wharf Mine. The Wharf Mine produced 79,768 ounces at 0.021 oz/ton gold in 2022. About Dakota Gold Corp. Dakota Gold (NYSE American: DC) is a South Dakota-based responsible gold exploration and development company with a specific focus on revitalizing the Homestake District in Lead, South Dakota. Dakota Gold has high-caliber gold mineral properties covering over 46 thousand acres surrounding the historic Homestake Mine. The Dakota Gold team is focused on new gold discoveries and opportunities that build on the legacy of the Homestake District and its 145 years of gold mining history. Subscribe to Dakota Gold's e-mail list at www.dakotagoldcorp.com to receive the latest news and other Company updates. Shareholder and Investor Inquiries For more information, please contact: Jonathan Awde, President and Chief Executive Officer Tel: +1 604-761-5251 Email: JAwde@dakotagoldcorp.com Qualified Person and S-K 1300 Disclosure James M. Berry, a Registered Member of SME and Vice President of Exploration of Dakota Gold Corp., is the Company's designated qualified person for this news release as defined in Subpart 1300 - Disclosure by Registrants Engaged in Mining Operations of Regulation S-K and has reviewed and approved its scientific and technical content. The ranges of potential tonnage and grade (or quality) disclosed above in respect of the Richmond Hill Gold Project are conceptual in nature and could change as the proposed exploration activities are completed. There has been insufficient exploration of the Richmond Hill Gold Project to allow for an estimate of a mineral resource and it is uncertain if further exploration will result in the estimation of a mineral resource. The disclosure above in respect of the Richmond Hill Gold Project therefore does not represent, and should not be construed to be, an estimate of a mineral resource or mineral reserve. Quality Assurance/Quality Control consists of regular insertion of certified reference materials, duplicate samples, and blanks into the sample stream. Check samples will be submitted to an umpire laboratory as the drill program progresses. Assay results are reviewed, and discrepancies are investigated prior to incorporation into the Company database. Samples are submitted to the ALS Geochemistry sample preparation facility in Winnipeg, Manitoba. Gold and multi-element analyses are performed at the ALS Geochemistry laboratory in Vancouver, British Columbia. ALS Minerals is an ISO/IEC 17025:2017 accredited lab. Forward-Looking Statements This communication contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended. These forward-looking statements are based on assumptions and expectations that may not be realized and are inherently subject to numerous risks and uncertainties, which could cause actual results to differ materially from these statements. These risks and uncertainties include, among others, the execution and timing of our planned exploration activities, our use and evaluation of historic data, our ability to achieve our strategic goals, the state of the economy and financial markets generally and the effect on our industry, and the market for our common stock. The foregoing list is not exhaustive. For additional information regarding factors that may cause actual results to differ materially from those indicated in our forward-looking statements, we refer you to the risk factors included in Item 1A of the Company's Annual Report on Form 10-KT for the nine-month transition period ended December 31, 2022, as amended, as updated by annual, quarterly and other reports and documents that we file with the SEC. We caution investors not to place undue reliance on the forward-looking statements contained in this communication. These statements speak only as of the date of this communication, and we undertake no obligation to update or revise these statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, except as may be required by law. We do not give any assurance that we will achieve our expectations. To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/170074 Surrey, British Columbia--(Newsfile Corp. - June 15, 2023) - Desert Gold Ventures Inc. (TSXV: DAU) (FSE: QXR2) (OTCQB: DAUGF) (the "Company") is pleased to announce the appointment of Mr. Doug Engdahl to its board of directors. Mr. Engdahl is a professional geologist and the President & CEO of Axiom Group. He received his B.Sc. from the University of Saskatchewan in Geological Sciences and a Citation Program in Applied Geostatistics with Clayton Deutsch from the University of Alberta. He is a Professional Geoscientist registered with the Association of Professional Engineers and Geoscientists of Saskatchewan (APEGS) and Engineers & Geoscientists British Columbia. Mr. Engdahl has over 20 years of experience managing various companies with over 15 years of geological experience in both junior and major exploration and mining sectors across North America and in Africa. His extensive mineral exploration experience has been focused on data compilation and interpretation, drill target generation and drill program management, as well as resource and mine modeling with focus on structural geology and resource calculations. He is also a certified practicing member of the Saskatchewan Mine Rescue program. Outside of the geological world he has 7 years as a Gold Seal Volunteer Firefighter and First Responder with the Warman Fire Department. Desert Gold's CEO, Jared Scharf, commented, "We are delighted to welcome Mr. Engdahl to our board as an independent director. Doug's technical background, work history in Africa and considerable capital markets experience are welcome additions to our board's existing skillset and composition. I look forward to working alongside Mr. Engdahl to advance the development of our Senegal Mali Shear Zone Project." In connection with his appointment and pursuant to the Company's stock option plan, Desert Gold issued 600,000 incentive stock options to Mr. Engdahl exercisable at CAD $0.07 and carry a 5 year term from the date of issuance. On Behalf of the Board "Jared Scharf" ___________________________ Jared Scharf President & CEO About Desert Gold Ventures Inc. Desert Gold Ventures Inc. is a gold exploration and development company which controls the 440 km2 SMSZ Project in Western Mali containing Measured and Indicated Mineral Resources of 8.47 million tonnes grading 1.14 g/t gold totaling 310,300 ounces and Inferred Mineral Resources of 20.7 million tonnes grading 1.16 g/t gold totaling 769,200 ounces. For further information please visit www.SEDAR.com under the company's profile. Website: www.desertgold.ca Regional Map of Desert Gold's SMSZ Project To view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit: https://images.newsfilecorp.com/files/4954/170078_4d1ca6fa44bbcb1f_003full.jpg Contact Jared Scharf, President, CEO and Director Email: info@desertgold.ca This news release contains forward-looking statements respecting the Company's ability to successfully complete the Offering. These forward-looking statements entail various risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from those reflected in these forward-looking statements. Such statements are based on current expectations, are subject to a number of uncertainties and risks, and actual results may differ materially from those contained in such statements, including the inability of the Company to successfully complete the Offering. These uncertainties and risks include, but are not limited to, the strength of the capital markets, the price of gold; operational, funding, and liquidity risks; the degree to which mineral resource estimates are reflective of actual mineral resources; and the degree to which factors which would make a mineral deposit commercially viable are present; the risks and hazards associated with mining operations. Risks and uncertainties about the Company's business are more fully discussed in the company's disclosure materials filed with the securities regulatory authorities in Canada and available at www.sedar.com and readers are urged to read these materials. The Company assumes no obligation to update any forward-looking statement or to update the reasons why actual results could differ from such statements unless required by law. Neither the TSX Venture Exchange nor its regulation services provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release. This news release does not constitute an offer to sell or a solicitation of an offer to buy the securities described herein in the United States. The securities described herein have not been and will not be registered under the united states securities act of 1933, as amended, and may not be offered or sold in the united states or to the account or benefit of a U.S. person absent an exemption from the registration requirements of such act. To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/170078 First gold pour at Las Calandrias heap leap project scheduled for end of June Las Calandrias expected to reach full production capacity during Q3 2023 MDC (Brazil) Feasibility Study well advanced and preparations for construction initiated TORONTO, ON / ACCESSWIRE / June 15, 2023 / Cerrado Gold Inc. (TSXV:CERT)(OTCQX:CRDOF) ("Cerrado" or the "Company") is pleased to announce that it has initiated the leaching process at its initial heap leach project at the Las Calandrias area in Argentina. Mining operations have reached a rate of approximately 10,000 tpd, feeding the pad at a rate of 5,000 tpd. Carbon loading has begun and the first gold pour is expected by the end of this month. As previously announced, the Las Calandrias project is expected to provide additional gold production in Argentina during the second half of this year. Las Calandrias and additional heap leach projects are expected to help lower unit costs per ounce by providing additional economies of scale. The Company expects to reach full production rates from Las Calandrias during Q3 this year. Las Calandrias Heap Leach under Cyanidation Carbon In Columns Cells Pad Stacking The second successive heap leach project, Martinetas, is expected to begin construction later this year and begin production in 2024. In Brazil, the company is in the final stages of completing its Feasibility Study for the Monte Do Carmo ("MDC") project in Tocantins, Brazil, which is expected by the end of June. As previously announced, the Installation License is expected to be issued during Q3 of this year, allowing construction to commence thereafter. As such, the Company has initiated a process to source Project Financing for the construction of MDC later in the year. Mark Brennan, CEO and Chairman commented "With Las Calandrias now ramping up, we expect to see continued production growth and lower costs in Argentina as we benefit from the economies of scale now being achieved. In Brazil, preparations to begin construction at MDC towards the end of the year are well under way and we are working on bringing a funding solution together over the coming months." About Cerrado Cerrado Gold is a Toronto-based gold production, development, and exploration company focused on gold projects in South America. The Company is the 100% owner of both the producing Minera Don Nicolas mine in Santa Cruz province, Argentina, and the highly prospective Monte Do Carmo development project, located in Tocantins State, Brazil. At Minera Don Nicolas, Cerrado is maximizing asset value through continued operational optimization and further production growth. An extensive campaign of exploration is ongoing to further unlock potential resources in our highly prospective land package in the heart of the Deseado Masiff. At Monte Do Carmo, Cerrado is rapidly advancing the Serra Alta deposit through Feasibility and into production. Serra Alta is expected to be a high-margin and high-return project with significant exploration potential on an extensive and highly prospective 82,542 hectare land package. For more information about Cerrado please visit our website at: www.cerradogold.com. For further information, contact: Mark Brennan Mike McAllister CEO and Chairman Vice President, Investor Relations Tel: +1-647-796-0023 Tel: +1-647-805-5662 mbrennan@cerradogold.com mmcallister@cerradogold.com Disclaimer NEITHER TSX VENTURE EXCHANGE NOR ITS REGULATION SERVICES PROVIDER (AS THAT TERM IS DEFINED IN POLICIES OF THE TSX VENTURE EXCHANGE) ACCEPTS RESPONSIBILITY FOR THE ADEQUACY OR ACCURACY OF THIS RELEASE. This press release contains statements that constitute "forward-looking information" (collectively, "forward-looking statements") within the meaning of the applicable Canadian securities legislation, all statements, other than statements of historical fact, are forward-looking statements and are based on expectations, estimates and projections as at the date of this news release. Any statement that discusses predictions, expectations, beliefs, plans, projections, objectives, assumptions, future events or performance (often but not always using phrases such as "expects", or "does not expect", "is expected", "anticipates" or "does not anticipate", "plans", "budget", "scheduled", "forecasts", "estimates", "believes" or "intends" or variations of such words and phrases or stating that certain actions, events or results "may" or "could", "would", "might" or "will" be taken to occur or be achieved) are not statements of historical fact and may be forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements contained in this press release include, without limitation, statements regarding the business and operations of Cerrado. In making the forward- looking statements contained in this press release, Cerrado has made certain assumptions, including, but not limited to the likelihood of and timing of first pour and time required to reach production capacity at Las Calandrias and the ability to bring the Martinetas heap leach project into production, the future operating costs in Argentina, as well the likelihood and timing of receiving construction permitting and financing at Monte Do Carmo. Although Cerrado believes that the expectations reflected in forward-looking statements are reasonable, it can give no assurance that the expectations of any forward-looking statements will prove to be correct. Known and unknown risks, uncertainties, and other factors which may cause the actual results and future events to differ materially from those expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements. Such factors include, but are not limited to general business, economic, competitive, political and social uncertainties. Accordingly, readers should not place undue reliance on the forward-looking statements and information contained in this press release. Except as required by law, Cerrado disclaims any intention and assumes no obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statements to reflect actual results, whether as a result of new information, future events, changes in assumptions, changes in factors affecting such forward-looking statements or otherwise. SOURCE: Cerrado Gold Inc. View source version on accesswire.com:https://www.accesswire.com/761399/Cerrado-Gold-Inititates-Leaching-at-Its-Las-Calandrias-Project-in-Santa-Cruz-Argentina Val-d'Or, Quebec--(Newsfile Corp. - June 15, 2023) - Bonterra Resources Inc. (TSXV: BTR) (OTCQX: BONXF) (FSE: 9BR2) ("Bonterra" or the "Company") announces election results of its 2023 annual general meeting held on June 14, 2023 ("2023 AGM"), representing its fiscal year ended 2022. Bonterra is pleased to announce that shareholders have approved all matters voted on at the 2023 AGM, including: (i) to set the number of Directors at six (6); (ii) to re-elect Messrs. Cesar Gonzalez, Marc-Andre Pelletier, Normand Champigny, Matthew Happyjack, Akiba Leisman and Peter O'Malley as Directors; (iii) to appoint the Crowe MacKay LLP, as auditors of the Company for the ensuing year and to authorize the directors to fix their remuneration; and (iv) to consider and, if deemed advisable, adopt with or without variation, an ordinary resolution to approve the Company's Omnibus Equity Incentive Compensation Plan. Details in respect of such matters were provided in the Company's management information circular dated May 4, 2023. A total of 93,352,776 common shares were voted at the Meeting, representing approximately 74% of the common shares issued and outstanding as of the record date. Results from the vote are presented in the table below: To view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit: https://images.newsfilecorp.com/files/1528/170003_bonterratable1.jpg About Bonterra Resources Inc. Bonterra is a Canadian gold exploration company with a large portfolio of advanced exploration assets anchored by a central milling facility in Quebec, Canada. The Company has four main assets, Gladiator, Barry, Moroy, and Bachelor that collectively have a total of 1.24 million ounces in Measured and Indicated categories, and 1.78 million ounces in Inferred category. Importantly, the Company owns the only permitted and operational gold mill in the region. Bonterra is focused on graduating from advanced exploration to a development company to deliver shareholder value. FOR ADDITIONAL INFORMATION Marc-Andre Pelletier, President & CEO ir@btrgold.com 2872 Sullivan Road, Suite 2, Val d'Or, Quebec J9P 0B9 819-279-9304 | Website: www.btrgold.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. Caution regarding forward-looking statements This press release contains "forward-looking information" that is based on Bonterra's current expectations, estimates, forecasts, and projections. This forward-looking information includes, among other things, statements with respect to Bonterra's exploration and development plans and placing the Bachelor-Moroy deposit under long-term care and maintenance. The words "will", "anticipated", "plans" or other similar words and phrases are intended to identify forward-looking information. This forward-looking information includes namely information with respect to the planned exploration programs and the potential growth in mineral resources. Exploration results that include drill results on wide spacings may not be indicative of the occurrence of a mineral deposit and such results do not provide assurance that further work will establish sufficient grade, continuity, metallurgical characteristics, and economic potential to be classed as a category of mineral resource. The potential quantities and grades of drilling targets are conceptual in nature and, there has been insufficient exploration to define a mineral resource, and it is uncertain if further exploration will result in the targets being delineated as mineral resources. Forward-looking information is subject to known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors that may cause Bonterra's actual results, level of activity, performance, or achievements to be materially different from those expressed or implied by such forward-looking information. Such factors include but are not limited to: uncertainties related exploration and development; the ability to raise sufficient capital to fund exploration and development; changes in economic conditions or financial markets, environmental and other judicial, regulatory, political, and competitive developments; technological or operational difficulties or inability to obtain permits encountered in connection with exploration activities; and labour relations matters. This list is not exhaustive of the factors that may affect our forward-looking information. These and other factors should be considered carefully, and readers should not place undue reliance on such forward-looking information. To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/170003 BEIJING (dpa-AFX) - China's central bank lowered its policy rate on Thursday after recent data suggested that the bounce back from the pandemic-related downturn seen at the start of the year proved to be temporary. Calling for more stimulus measures, official data released today showed that retail sales growth decelerated sharply reflecting weak domestic demand, and industrial production posted slower growth on subdued local and foreign orders. The People's Bank of China reduced the one-year medium-term lending facility, or MLF, rate by 10 basis points to 2.65 percent. This was the first reduction in ten months. The bank infused CNY 237 billion through one-year MLF operations. As the MLF was reduced by 10 basis points, markets expect the PBoC to move similarly with the loan prime rate on June 20. The bank also conducted CNY 2 billion seven-day reverse repo at 1.9 percent. These operations were conducted to maintain ample liquidity in the banking system. Earlier this week, the PBoC had cut the seven-day reverse repo rate to 1.90 percent from 2.0 percent. This was the first lowering since a similar size reduction in August last year. Data from the National Bureau of Statistics showed on Thursday that retail sales posted a slower growth in May. Retail sales advanced 12.7 percent from the last year in May. However, this was much weaker than April's 18.4 percent rise and the expected growth of 13.7 percent. Industrial production posted an annual growth of 3.5 percent following a 5.6 percent rise in April. Production was expected to gain 3.8 percent. In the January to May period, fixed asset investment registered an annual increase of 4.0 percent compared to the forecast of 4.4 percent and the 4.7 percent increase in January to April. The surveyed urban unemployment rate remained unchanged at 5.2 percent in May, in line with expectations. Weak activity data suggests that this is probably not the end of the stimulus, ING economist Robert Carnell said. However, the more important measures are likely to be fiscal, the economist noted. Copyright(c) 2023 RTTNews.com. All Rights Reserved Copyright RTT News/dpa-AFX Mega-Chance Cyber Security Die KI-Revolution ist in vollem Gange und vor allem ein Bereich wird stark betroffen sein: Cyber-Security. Die Experten sind sich sicher: Mit steigender Entwicklung von KI-Technologien nehmen auch KI-gestutzte Cyber-Attacken zu. Wir zeigen hier, welche Aktien profitieren konnen. Hier klicken June 15, 2023 The Innovative Health Initiative has awarded a EUR 24 million grant to the IMAGIO consortium of clinical partners coordinated by Philips, with additional resources and funding from industry partners The consortium will carry out research into improving clinical outcomes through less invasive treatments for lung cancer, liver cancer and soft tissue sarcomas Amsterdam, the Netherlands - Royal Philips (IHI) grant, complemented with additional resources and funding from industry partners [2], to carry out research into less invasive cancer treatments. Consisting of approximately 30 partners, the consortium will use the funding to improve clinical outcomes with interventional oncology innovations focused on lung cancer, liver cancer and soft tissue sarcomas. Leading European hospitals participating in the consortium include Leiden, Maastricht, Radboud and Utrecht University Medical Centers in the Netherlands and University Hospital of Cologne in Germany. In Europe about 2.7 million people are diagnosed with cancer each year [3]. While significant advances have been made in treatment, many approaches continue to have negative side effects, impacting healthy tissues as well as targeting the cancer itself. The aim of interventional oncology is the very precise treatment of cancer cells with small instruments supported by imaging modalities such as MRI, ultrasound and CT. Treatment is carried out through targeted surgery, radiotherapy, chemotherapy, immunotherapy, or high-intensity focused ultrasound. In addition to reducing damage to healthy tissues, expanding the use of minimally or non-invasive procedures also decreases the need for major surgery. "By bringing together leading university medical centers, academic partners, patient and healthcare professional organizations, as well as smaller and larger companies in the medical technology and pharmaceutical industry, the IMAGIO consortium has the potential to make a significant impact on improving cancer treatment," said Bert van Meurs, Chief Business Leader Image Guided Therapy and Chief Business Leader Precision Diagnosis (ad interim) at Royal Philips. "We've chosen to focus on liver and lung cancer - two leading causes of death - alongside soft tissue sarcomas, a highly aggressive form of cancer that affects a significant proportion of young individuals, causing a lot of human suffering. By advancing established treatments and developing new approaches, we aim to improve clinical outcomes." Specific projects taking place in the consortium include: Collaboration with Radboud University Medical Center and other partners including Jansen Pharmaceutica, Pfizer, Flash Pathology, VU, ETH, ImaginAb Inc. and Eberhards Karls University Tubingen to further expand diagnosis and minimally invasive treatment of lung cancer supported by Philips' Azurion image-guided therapy platform. Read more. (https://www.radboudumc.nl/en/news-items/2023/millions-of-funding-for-early-detection-and-treatment-of-lung-cancer) (https://www.radboudumc.nl/en/news-items/2023/millions-of-funding-for-early-detection-and-treatment-of-lung-cancer) Collaboration with Leiden and Maastricht University Medical Centers to improve the diagnosis and treatment of liver cancer using CT, ultrasound, precision marking and ablation technology. Collaboration with University Medical Center Utrecht and TU Delft to improve the treatment of liver cancer through radioembolization (a type of radiation therapy) supported by hybrid imaging modalities. Read more. (https://www.umcutrecht.nl/en/over-ons/nieuws/strategic-program-cancer/umc-utrecht-eases-treatment-of-liver-cancer) (https://www.umcutrecht.nl/en/over-ons/nieuws/strategic-program-cancer/umc-utrecht-eases-treatment-of-liver-cancer) Collaboration between University Hospital of Cologne, Profound Medical and Philips to treat soft tissue sarcomas with MR-guided high intensity focused ultrasound (MR-HIFU) in combination with Thermosome's lead drug candidate THE001, which is a thermosensitive liposomal formulation of doxorubicin developed in soft tissue sarcoma. [1] The IMAGIO consortium - IMaging and Advanced Guidance for workflow optimization in Interventional Oncology - includes the following partners Philips, UMC Utrecht, LUMC, University Hospital of Cologne, TU Delft, Radboudumc, Luxium Solutions, Flash Pathology, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, Profound Medical, Gremse-IT, Thermosome, MUMC+, Nederlandse Leverpatienten Vereniging, Fondazione IRCCS Istituto Nazionale Dei Tumori, Eberhards Karls University Tubingen, European Cancer Patient Coalition, Stichting Longkanker Nederland, ImaginAb Inc., Pfizer Inc., Universiteit Twente, Nanovi, Turku University Hospital, SIOP Europe, Janssen Pharmaceutica; and associated partners Eidgenossische Technische Hochschule Zurich and The Newcastle Upon Tyne Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust. [2] The industry partners are members of COCIR , EFPIA , EuropaBio and MedTech Europe . [3] European Commission, Europe's Beating Cancer Plan https://health.ec.europa.eu/system/files/2022-02/eu_cancer-plan_en_0.pdf . This project is supported by the Innovative Health Initiative Joint Undertaking (JU) under grant agreement No 101112053. The JU receives support from the European Union's Horizon Europe research and innovation program and life science industries represented by COCIR, EFPIA, EuropaBio, MedTech Europe and Vaccines Europe. Disclaimer: IMAGIO is funded by the European Union, private members, and those contributing partners of the IHI JU. Views and opinions expressed are however those of the author(s) only and do not necessarily reflect those of the aforementioned parties. Neither of the aforementioned parties can be held responsible for them. For further information, please contact: Mark Groves Philips Global Press Office Tel: +31 631 639 916 Email: mark.groves@philips.com About Royal Philips Royal Philips. Attachments Die KI-Revolution ist in vollem Gange und vor allem ein Bereich wird stark betroffen sein: Cyber-Security. Die Experten sind sich sicher: Mit steigender Entwicklung von KI-Technologien nehmen auch KI-gestutzte Cyber-Attacken zu. Wir zeigen hier, welche Aktien profitieren konnen. COURBEVOIE (dpa-AFX) - French building materials firm Saint-Gobain (CODGF.PK) Thursday said it has entered into a definitive agreement to acquire Malaysia's Hume Cemboard Industries or HCBI Sdn Bhd. HCBI is a manufacturer of cement boards for facades, partitions, and ceilings. HCBI operates one manufacturing facility and employs 280 people in the west of Malaysia with revenues of around 20 million euros. Closing of the deal is expected in the third quarter of 2023, subject to customary conditions. The acquisition is in line with Saint-Gobain's strategic plan, 'Grow & Impact' that aims to both strengthen its leadership and accelerate its growth by enriching its range of solutions for light and sustainable construction. Saint-Gobain said the acquisition perfectly complements its existing offering, in particular of plasterboard in Malaysia. 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. And Reports Q3 2023 Results Preview TORONTO, June 15, 2023 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- TRX Gold Corporation (TSX:TNX) (NYSE American:TRX) (the "Company" or "TRX Gold") is pleased to provide a significant operational update for Buckreef Gold as well as a preview to the Company's Q3 2023 financial results. Significant operational update The Company is happy to announce important preliminary results from bulk sample testing at the Buckreef Gold mine. Over 6,500 tonnes of sulphide ore have been successfully processed through Buckreef Gold's existing milling facility, achieving an indicative gold recovery of 88.7%. This is a significant achievement as approximately 90% of Buckreef Gold's 2 million+ ounce gold mineral resource is held in sulphide material, thus unlocking the significant economic potential of the project. This bulk sample test indicates that the Company can process sulphide ore through its existing processing plant, thus minimizing capex for future plant expansions. "The results from this bulk sample demonstrate that we can process sulphide material through our existing processing plant, which has been successfully processing oxide material for close to 24 months. We are excited at the optionality this creates for near term mine planning and the positive impact these results will have on project economics for future plant expansions, as we have been able to construct plants very cost effectively compared to other plants elsewhere," noted TRX Gold CEO Stephen Mullowney. Concurrent with this bulk sample test, the Company also recently completed an upgrade to the Buckreef Gold crushing system contributing to the successful recovery rates from sulphide material using a simple, straightforward flowsheet consisting of crushing, grinding, and carbon in leach. The Company continues to refine the existing circuit to improve both gold recovery and throughput, while the 18-hole metallurgical studyundertaken by SGS (South Africa) is ongoing. The bulk sample results along with ongoing production data will be combined with the metallurgical variability study to help in identifying any further improvements or enhancements to the existing flowsheet. Q3 2023 Financial Results Preview The Company is also pleased to announce preliminary Q3 2023 results for the period from March 2023 to May 2023. Results include Q3 2023 production of 4,764 ounces of gold and sales of 4,810 ounces of gold. The Company continues to expect full year fiscal 2023 production to be between 20,000 - 25,000 ounces of gold, which is unchanged from when it was originally estimated and released in November 2022. The average market price for gold in Q3 2023 was approximately $1,963 per ounce. TRX Gold will provide additional discussion and analysis regarding its third quarter 2023 production and sales when the Company reports its quarterly results in July 2023. About TRX Gold Corporation TRX Gold is rapidly advancing the Buckreef Gold Project. Anchored by a Mineral Resource published in May 2020, the project currently hosts an NI 43-101 Measured and Indicated Mineral Resource of 35.88 MT at 1.77 g/t gold containing 2,036,280 ounces of gold and an Inferred Mineral Resource of 17.8 MT at 1.11 g/t gold for 635,540 ounces of gold. The leadership team is focused on creating both near-term and long-term shareholder value by increasing gold production to generate positive cash flow. The positive cash flow will be utilized for exploratory drilling with the goal of increasing the current gold Resource base and advancing the Sulphide Ore Project which represents 90% of current gold Resources. TRX Gold's actions are led by the highest ESG standards, evidenced by the relationships and programs that the Company has developed during its nearly two decades of presence in Geita Region, Tanzania. For investor or shareholder inquiries, please contact: Investors Christina Lalli Vice President, Investor Relations TRX Gold Corporation +1-438-399-8665 c.lalli@TRXgold.com www.TRXgold.com Forward-Looking Statements This press release contains certain forward-looking statements as defined in the applicable securities laws. All statements, other than statements of historical facts, are forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements are frequently, but not always, identified by words such as "expects", "anticipates", "believes", "hopes", "intends", "estimated", "potential", "possible" and similar expressions, or statements that events, conditions or results "will", "may", "could" or "should" occur or be achieved. Forward-looking statements relate to future events or future performance and reflect TRX Gold management's expectations or beliefs regarding future events and include, but are not limited to, statements with respect to ability to process sulphide ore, near term mine planning, future plant expansion and project, recovery rates, continued operating cash flow, estimation of mineral resources, success, scope and viability of mining operations, the timing and amount of estimated future production, and capital expenditure. Although TRX Gold believes the expectations expressed in such forward-looking statements are based on reasonable assumptions, such statements are not guarantees of future performance. The actual achievements of TRX Gold or other future events or conditions may differ materially from those reflected in the forward-looking statements due to a variety of risks, uncertainties and other factors. These risks, uncertainties and factors include general business, legal, economic, competitive, political, regulatory and social uncertainties; actual results of exploration activities and economic evaluations; fluctuations in currency exchange rates; changes in costs; future prices of gold and other minerals; mining method, production profile and mine plan; delays in exploration, development and construction activities; changes in government legislation and regulation; the ability to obtain financing on acceptable terms and in a timely manner or at all; contests over title to properties; employee relations and shortages of skilled personnel and contractors; the speculative nature of, and the risks involved in, the exploration, development and mining business. These risks are set forth in reports that TRX Gold files with the SEC and the various Canadian securities authorities. You can review and obtain copies of these filings from the SEC's website at http://www.sec.gov/edgar.shtml and the Company's profile on the System for Electronic Document Analysis and Retrieval ("SEDAR") at www.sedar.com. The information contained in this press release is as of the date of the press release and TRX Gold assumes no duty to update such information. The TSX and NYSE America have not reviewed and do not accept responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of the contents of this press release, which has been prepared by the management of TRX Gold. Reyna Law Firm (915-975-7077) has expanded its Texas personal injury claim guidance services, offering assistance to workers injured by company negligence in and around El Paso. Odessa, Texas--(Newsfile Corp. - June 15, 2023) - With the move, Reyna Law Firm looks to provide accident victims in El Paso and across West Texas with renewed access to legal aid in the wake of catastrophic workplace accidents. The firm has previously dealt with the ramifications of incidents that led to injuries in such settings as Texas oilfields and construction sites, now lending its extended expertise at its El Paso office. For more information see https://www.reynainjurylaw.com/el-paso El Paso Company Accident Lawyers: No-Win, No-Fee Representation Services Launch To view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit: https://images.newsfilecorp.com/files/8814/170114_f5bcff7b940e08d0_001full.jpg Expanding its representation services serves to widen the firm's growing presence in the state's personal injury law sphere. Having recently been inducted into the American Academy of Attorneys 500 Million Dollar Club, Reyna Law Firm cites the award as clear evidence of its familiarity with compensation claims. In many workplace accident cases, the damage claim process is rooted in negligence. Reyna Law Firm suggests that liability often lies with companies when they're proven by law to be culpable in disasters - whether by disregarding safety rules or distributing dangerous equipment to its workers. As explained by the firm: "Many of the accidents that occur on construction sites throughout Texas are the result of negligence on the part of the managing company, the supervisors, or the manufacturers of defective equipment. If you have been seriously injured in an accident on a construction site because of negligence, you may be entitled to pursue a personal injury claim." Now giving legal counsel in such cases to El Paso accident victims and their families, Reyna Law Firm outlines legitimate strategies that injury claims can be built around. On a no-win, no-fee basis, the firm's attorneys chiefly work to maximize its clients' chances of winning appropriate compensatory amounts. Though every case is different, even insured accident victims may look to pursue figures sufficient to cover current and future costs related to their pain and suffering. Accordingly, Reyna Law Firm carries out negotiations with insurers regarding settlement arrangements - or even initiating injury lawsuits. Alongside El Paso, Reyna Law Firm provides its company accident injury services in such cities as Dallas, Houston, and San Antonio. Its range of awarded titles, most notably its latest recognition as a nationally-renowned elite law firm, signifies the positive financial outcomes it has continued to achieve for clients. Interested parties in El Paso and nearby can learn further details about Reyna Law Firm and its capacity for assisting injury compensation claims at https://www.reynainjurylaw.com/ Contact Info: Name: James Lewis Email: james@jreynalawfirm.com Organization: Reyna Law Firm Odessa Address: 301 North Muskingum Avenue STE. A, Odessa, Texas 79761, United States Website: https://www.reynainjurylaw.com/odessa To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/170114 VRG50635 was safe and well tolerated in healthy adult volunteers after both single and repeated administration, with favorable pharmacokinetics showing relevant exposures with once-daily oral dosing Verge anticipates initiating a proof-of-concept study in ALS patients in Q4 2023 Verge Genomics, a clinical-stage biotechnology company transforming drug discovery using artificial intelligence and human data, today announced the completion of the Phase 1 clinical trial of VRG50635 in healthy adult volunteers. VRG50635 was dosed up to the maximum single and repeated doses planned, demonstrating a favorable safety, tolerability, and pharmacokinetic profile supportive of advancement into a proof-of-concept study in people with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). Detailed results from the study will be presented at the upcoming European Network to Cure ALS (ENCALS) 2023 meeting being held in Barcelona, Spain from July 12-14, 2023. VRG50635 is a potential best-in-class small molecule inhibitor of PIKfyve for treatment of ALS. PIKfyve is a new therapeutic target for ALS discovered using CONVERGE, the company's all-in-human, AI-powered platform. VRG50635 is one of the first drugs entirely discovered and developed from an AI-enabled platform to enter clinical trials, and was advanced from discovery to clinic in just four years. "We are extremely encouraged by these initial results which highlight the favorable safety and tolerability profile of VRG50635, and further validate the novel approach that Verge has taken to identify novel targets for complex diseases with high unmet need using human disease tissues and rapidly advancing compounds into proof-of-concept trials," said Diego Cadavid, M.D. Verge's Chief Medical Officer. "We look forward to sharing additional information at the ENCALS meeting in Barcelona next month and anticipate progressing to a proof-of-concept study in patients with sporadic and familial ALS later this year." The Phase 1 trial was a randomized, double-blind, placebo controlled, single and multiple ascending dose escalation study designed to evaluate the safety, tolerability, pharmacokinetics, and pharmacodynamics of VRG50635 in 80 healthy adult volunteers. Topline data from the study demonstrated: VRG50635 was safe and well tolerated with no serious adverse events. The compound was escalated to the highest single and multiple repeated doses planned. The pharmacokinetics showed dose-proportional increases in Cmax and AUC and a terminal half-life of approximately 37 hours for the active metabolite that supports once-daily oral dosing of VRG50635. The favorable data supports advancing VRG50635 into a proof-of-concept study in people with ALS. "The lack of predictive animal models is one of the greatest challenges to developing effective ALS therapies today. This is why we're excited to advance VRG50635, a drug derived directly from human data, into trials in people with ALS," said Alice Zhang, CEO and co-founder of Verge Genomics. "Our innovative proof-of-concept ALS study is designed to overcome historical challenges in ALS clinical trials by using state of the art technology, such as digital at-home devices and blood-based biomarkers, that can capture richer, higher-fidelity patient data and have the potential to detect efficacy with greater sensitivity." About VRG50635 VRG50635 is a potent, orally bioavailable PIKfyve inhibitor that improves survival in ALS patient neurons and has shown efficacy in multiple preclinical studies in ALS-relevant models of motor neuron degeneration. VRG50635 is the only PIKfyve inhibitor in clinical development that has been specifically optimized for treatment of central nervous system disorders like ALS, and has the potential to become a best-in-class therapy. About PIKfyve Verge discovered PIKfyve as a novel therapeutic target in ALS using their AI-powered platform, CONVERGE, which incorporates large multi-omic data sets directly from CNS tissues from people with the disease. PIKfyve is a kinase that is believed to regulate endolysosomal function within a variety of cells, including neurons. The endolysosomal pathway is a critical cellular process involved in protein homeostasis. Verge and other top research groups have shown that in ALS, this pathway is dysregulated, leading to motor neuronal death and disease progression. After the discovery of PIKfyve as a therapeutic target for ALS, Verge developed novel, orally bioavailable PIKfyve inhibitors optimized for CNS penetration that have been effective in reversing disease-relevant pathology in multiple preclinical models. About Verge Genomics Verge is focused on developing therapeutics for complex diseases with high unmet need, using human genomics from patient disease tissues and machine learning. Verge has created a proprietary all-in-human CONVERGE platform, featuring one of the field's largest and most comprehensive databases of multi-omic patient data. The company is led by experienced computational biologists and drug developers who are successfully advancing clinical and preclinical therapeutic programs in various diseases, including ALS and Parkinson's disease. For additional information, please follow us on LinkedIn and Twitter. View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20230615018038/en/ Contacts: Adam Silverstein adam@scientpr.com "The company's proprietary AI training models and global sources are exceptional" M-Brain, a leading global provider of competitive and market intelligence solutions, announced today that Forrester Research named it a leader in The Forrester Wave: Market and Competitive Intelligence Platforms, Q2 2023 report. Using a 24-criterion evaluation, Forrester gave M-Brain the highest ratings in the current offering and strategy categories among the 14 most significant global Market and Competitive Intelligence platform vendors. In addition to its generative AI capabilities and more than 200,000 available global data sources, which Forrester noted as "exceptional," M-Brain is also recognized for the only natural language query in the business, offering a unique solution only available to its customers. In this global hyper-competitive environment, companies have a critical need for accurate, real-time, and easily accessible intelligence to help make better, insightful decisions. This means adopting intelligence tools that offer unprecedented scope, flawless accuracy and an accessible and easy to use interface. M-Brain, with its global delivery capability, superior ease of use features and unequalled AI platform, has continued to bring trustworthy AI solutions to market setting the groundwork for its users' success. "Our AI capabilities pull from 20 years of human created content including over 20 million analyst-written business summaries from exclusive data sets and global, industry relevant data sources, allowing for a solution that delivers accurate market and competitive insights and is nearly impossible to replicate," said Kimmo Havu, CEO of M-Brain. "With our demonstrated history of success, our customers are reaping the business impact competitive research promises without the need for time-consuming manual analysis or the uncertainty associated with less trustworthy AI solutions." Despite its current offering, M-Brain continues to analyze and refine its platform capabilities. As Forrester states in the report, "M-Brain has sharpened its vision and strategy with a refined focus on target industries and regions, a revamped user interface, and updated packaging that includes value-added services for the enterprise-grade offering. Its robust product roadmap is built out through 2024 and focuses on its state-of-the art AI engine, chat, visualizations, and integrations." "It's an honor to be recognized as a leader by Forrester in their market and competitive intelligence evaluation," said Havu. "And we're not standing still. What we have recently developed will help customers save time and yet be more confident about having the right insights available across every level of the organization. We're setting a new standard for businesses to expect in the future, allowing users to achieve more and make continuous impactful, strategic decisions." "Forrester's evaluation of our offering as a leader is all thanks to the humans that make up M-Brain's customer base and the team that's been laser-focused on putting them first," he concludes. "The 'human' element is not an afterthought for us, it's an integral part of everything we do," said Havu. More information: About M-Brain M-Brain is the leading global provider of competitive and market intelligence solutions and services. Over 500 organizations are supported by M-Brain's team of more than 200 experts in the intelligence field. M-Brain helps clients stay up to date and organized on market trends, industry insights, and reporting. The company filters, analyzes, and packages information in an easy-to-understand format all at scale. M-Brain combines a best-in-class AI with expert human analysts to deliver actionable, reliable insights to more than 250,000 business users worldwide. Providing media services since 1999, M-Brain has global delivery capabilities across 12 offices in Europe, Americas, and Asia is uniquely capable of serving global enterprises with far-reaching operations. Companies like Goodyear, Dunkin, Bosch, Philips and Cintas have trusted M-Brain as their market intelligence solution, service and content provider. For more information www.m-brain.com View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20230615488047/en/ Contacts: Kati Tammisto CMO kati.tammisto@m-brain.com +358 40 7757162 Seegene announces strategic partnership with Springer Nature to expand OneSystem Business Seegene and Springer Nature to jointly launch global assay development project Springer Nature expresses active support for Seegene's vision to promote participation across global scientific community SEOUL, South Korea, June 15, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Seegene Inc. (KQ096530), a leading South Korean company providing a total solution for PCR molecular diagnostics, announced today that it has signed a strategic partnership agreement with Springer Nature to expand its OneSystem Business. Springer Nature is a world-leading research, educational and professional publisher committed to playing a part in accelerating solutions to the world's urgent challenges. The company publishes over 400,000 articles across 3,000 journals along with 13,000 books each year, including the world's leading multidisciplinary scientific journal, Nature. The OneSystem Business aims to provide Seegene's unique syndromic quantitative PCR technology and know-how to scientists worldwide, enabling them to develop a variety of customized products addressing local needs. The goal of the OneSystem Business is to create a world free from all diseases, including cancer and infectious diseases, not limited to humans but all organisms. As part of the OneSystem Business initiative, Seegene has recently signed partnership agreements with leading diagnostic companies in Israel and Spain. The strategic partnership with Springer Nature reflects a shared vision of bringing scientists together to find innovative solutions. With the active support of Springer Nature, Seegene's OneSystem Business will have an even greater impact on communities around the world. Springer Nature will introduce the OneSystem Business initiative to the global scientific community, where scientists and experts from around the world can participate in new assay development through Seegene's collaborative network. Beginning in H2 of 2023, as the first step of collaboration for the OneSystem Business, Seegene and Springer Nature will launch the OneSystem Project. This project aims to initially develop 20 syndromic PCR assays with scientists around the world. Springer Nature will solicit and evaluate potential participants for the PCR reagent development project from the global community of scientists and experts, with plans to begin assay development the following year. In the long term, Seegene and Springer Nature plan to build an enhanced project proposal system for the assay development project. Seegene aims to significantly increase the number of assays that are able to be developed to hundreds and thousands assays a year. However, a typical PCR molecular diagnostic company can independently develop only a few syndromic assays annually. "The partnership with Springer Nature, a highly respected leader in the scientific community, will allow us to build a network where global scientists and experts can actively participate in developing assays. By developing assays across all fields, Seegene will set the stage to make syndromic quantitative PCR tests more accessible to the public," said Dr. Jong-Yoon Chun, CEO of Seegene. "We believe in Seegene's mission to create a world free of disease by sharing state-of-the-art technology with the global scientific community. We are excited to be a part of this open innovation initiative and are looking forward to enabling scientists from different fields to participate in the development of PCR assays that can have a real impact on global health," said Richard Hughes, Vice President, Publishing, Nature & Impact Solutions of Springer Nature. Logo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/1357790/4089360/Seegene_logo_Logo.jpg View original content:https://www.prnewswire.co.uk/news-releases/springer-nature-to-join-seegenes-onesystem-business-as-strategic-partner-301851906.html NAIROBI, Kenya, June 15, 2023 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Bridge International Academies is marking the Day of the African Child by celebrating the potential of each and every child in Africa. The school network, which includes Bridge Kenya, Bridge Nigeria and Bridge Uganda, supports children and parents in underprivileged communities through quality education. The day, commemorating a series of demonstrations and protests in 1976 led by thousands of South African school children, is synonymous with taking action in education, and 2023 marks a historic opportunity that if missed will be a great loss for Africa and the world. 2023 is the year when Sub-Saharan Africa leads the world as the region with the most young people- the size and acceleration of this age cohort are historically unprecedented. Additionally, 60% of the region's population is under 25 years of age. Bridge Kenya pupil reads to class Reuben Wambugu, Bridge Group Managing Director, said, "This demographic tipping point marks a historic moment of opportunity. With effective education, a skilled and energised future labour force could emerge from Africa and drive transformation both on the continent and around the world. Crippling rates of learning poverty threaten to derail this prospect however. Only 10% of children in sub-Saharan Africa are able to read a simple sentence by the age of 10." A recent study in Kenya of Bridge International Academies pedagogies, led by Nobel Prize winning economist Professor Michael Kremer, confirmed its "highly standardised education has the potential to produce dramatic learning gains at scale." Speaking on the success of Bridge's methods, Bridge Nigeria Managing Director, Foyinsola Akinjayeju, said, "Bridge Nigeria schools produce some of the top students in the Nigeria National Common Entrance Exam. 80% perform above the average sample for literacy compared to just 18% in public schools. For eight years now Bridge Kenya pupils too have exceeded the national average in their primary school exit exam. With results like these it is clear that all African children can and must benefit from access to a quality education which drives learning. Their potential is unlimited. All African parents want their children to learn. Bridge International Academies is supporting thousands of them to do so." To learn more about the Bridge methodology - visit their website here . A photo accompanying this announcement is available at https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/4e8d812f-05b8-4922-ad83-a183bef5b20f Die KI-Revolution ist in vollem Gange und vor allem ein Bereich wird stark betroffen sein: Cyber-Security. Die Experten sind sich sicher: Mit steigender Entwicklung von KI-Technologien nehmen auch KI-gestutzte Cyber-Attacken zu. Wir zeigen hier, welche Aktien profitieren konnen. Werbehinweise: Die Billigung des Basisprospekts durch die BaFin ist nicht als ihre Befurwortung der angebotenen Wertpapiere zu verstehen. Wir empfehlen Interessenten und potenziellen Anlegern den Basisprospekt und die Endgultigen Bedingungen zu lesen, bevor sie eine Anlageentscheidung treffen, um sich moglichst umfassend zu informieren, insbesondere uber die potenziellen Risiken und Chancen des Wertpapiers. Sie sind im Begriff, ein Produkt zu erwerben, das nicht einfach ist und schwer zu verstehen sein kann. VANCOUVER, BC / ACCESSWIRE / June 15, 2023 / Amarc Resources Ltd. ("Amarc" or the "Company") (TSXV:AHR)(OTCQB:AXREF) is pleased to report all assay results from the Phase 1 core drilling program at its 100% owned DUKE porphyry Cu-Au district ("DUKE District" or "District") in central British Columbia ("BC"). In total, 24 core drill holes (11,086 m) were efficiently completed in 80 drill days between early December 2022 and mid-March 2023. Two drill rigs focused on further delineating the DUKE Cu-Mo-Ag-Au Deposit, while a third rig tested the shallow overburden covered and robust 4.7 km2 Induced Polarization ("IP") anomaly that surrounds the DUKE Deposit and is indicative of an expansive mineralized system. Furthermore, with an early snow melt, crews were back on site in mid-May with a District-wide airborne magnetics survey recently being completed, and ground geological, geophysics, geochemical surveys all underway with over 35 technical and logistics crew members now on-site. These surveys are evaluating 16 prioritized porphyry Cu-Au targets across the DUKE District to define targets for planned winter 2023-2024 drill testing. Through 2023, $10 million in exploration expenditures at the DUKE District is being fully funded under the Mineral Property Earn-in Agreement with Boliden Mineral Canada Ltd. ("Boliden") (see Amarc news release November 22, 2022). Amarc is project operator. Highlights from the Phase 1 2022-2023 drilling at the DUKE Deposit include: 183 m of 0.43% CuEQ* (0.31% Cu, 0.019% Mo, 0.07 g/t Au,1.5 g/t Ag) in hole DK22009** 217 m of 0.45% CuEQ (0.33% Cu, 0.018% Mo, 0.08 g/t Au, 1.5 g/t Ag) in hole DK22010** 30 m of 0.47% CuEQ (0.36 % Cu, 0.015% Mo, 0.06 g/t Au, 3.2 g/t Ag) in hole DK23012 30 m of 0.43% CuEQ (0.31% Cu, 0.014% Mo, 0.09 g/t Au, 1.6 g/t Ag), and 33 m of 0.44% CuEQ (0.20% Cu, 0.053% Mo, 0.06 g/t Au, 1.3 g/t Ag) in hole DK23015 82 m of 0.41% CuEQ (0.30% Cu, 0.017% Mo, 0.06 g/t Au, 1.1 g/t Ag) in hole DK23022 36 m of 0.47% CuEQ (0.34% Cu, 0.024% Mo, 0.06 g/t Au, 1.5 g/t Ag) in hole DK23024 33 m of 0.40% CuEQ (0.30% Cu, 0.017% Mo, 0.05 g/t Au, 1.5 g/t Ag) in hole DK23026 * Copper equivalent (CuEQ) calculations use metal prices of: Cu US$4.00/lb, Mo US$15.00/lb, Au US$1,800.00/oz and Ag US$24.00/oz and conceptual recoveries of: Cu 85%, Mo 82%, Au 72% and 67% Ag. ** Holes DK22009 and DK22010 were previously reported in Amarc releases dated January 26, 2023 and February 15, 2023, respectively Significance of the DUKE Deposit drilling Of the 24 Phase 1 holes drilled, 16 widely-spaced drill holes (7,552 m) were completed to further delineate the DUKE Deposit. These holes have increased the size of the DUKE Deposit porphyry Cu-Mo-Ag-Au system, and also Amarc's understanding of the controls on mineralization in the DUKE District. An exploration template has been developed to effectively screen and advance the additional 16 priority exploration targets within the extensive 678 km2 DUKE District tenure. This rapid advance in understanding the controls on mineralization at the DUKE Deposit provides a higher probability of success in these regional target areas. Drill holes at the DUKE Deposit were sited on a nominal 200 m grid as step-outs from previous Amarc drilling. These holes confirmed that the DUKE Deposit extends to depths of at least 600 m, and also expanded the deposit footprint laterally to over 650 m north-south by 800 m east-west (Figures 1 and 2, and Tables 1 and 2). In addition, on-going detailed geological interpretation and modelling indicates strong potential for further expansion of the deposit laterally, and especially to the east. A notable characteristic of the porphyry Cu-Mo-Ag-Au mineralization in these widely-spaced holes is the presence of zones of higher grade mineralization within broader envelopes of comparatively moderate grade. Significant potential exists with further drilling, for the definition of internal higher grade zones. The DUKE Deposit consists of a series of Babine porphyry intrusions which were emplaced into volcanic and sedimentary rocks. The resulting contact zones are characterized by elevated Cu-Mo grades, often over several tens of metres in width, in both the intrusions and the adjacent volcanic and sedimentary rocks. The extension of significant Cu-Mo mineralization from the intrusions into the enclosing volcanic and sedimentary rocks greatly expands the DUKE Deposit volume potential. Figure 1: DUKE Deposit is located within a 4.7 km2 IP Chargeability Anomaly Indicating a Sizeable Mineralized System Figure 2: DUKE Deposit 2022-2023 Drill Campaign: Confirming Deposit Scale and Depth Potential of Mineralization that Remains Open to Expansion Drill testing of the 4.7 km2 mineralized system surrounding the DUKE Deposit Amarc also completed eight Phase 1 core holes (3,534 m) outside of the DUKE Deposit but within the surrounding mineralized system as outlined by a 4.7 km2 IP chargeability anomaly (Figure 1). These widely-spaced (300 m to 500 m apart) drill holes tested a series of geophysical and geological targets. Notably, drill hole DK23012, located 500 m northwest of the DUKE Deposit, returned a significant 30 m intercept of 0.47% CuEQ (0.36% Cu, 0.015% Mo, 0.06 g/t Au and 3.2 g/t Ag) from 264 m. This intercept represents an important target for follow-up drilling. Ongoing data interpretation and modelling is aimed at vectoring outward from the DUKE Deposit toward this target, and other zones of mineralization within the overall mineralized system. DUKE District exploration program Amarc recently completed an extensive 5,759 line-km, helicopter-supported high-resolution aeromagnetic survey covering an area in excess of 500 km2 over the DUKE District, which builds on previous Amarc and historical aeromagnetic coverage. The very informative results of this survey are being integrated in to the comprehensive District-wide exploration program that is underway to define multiple porphyry Cu-Au deposit drill targets. In addition, a very extensive surface exploration program has commenced with a logistics team, and three geological mapping, three geophysical and three geochemical sampling crews now on-site. The goal of these surveys is to establish well defined drill targets for winter 2023-2024 drilling. Some initial 16 prospective deposit target areas have been selected based on Amarc's comprehensive compilation of government and historical data over the entire District. The compilation clearly highlighted the surprisingly low exploration maturity of the productive Babine porphyry Cu-Au region and provided a new interpretation of its geological, geochemical and geophysical characteristics. Also, as mentioned above, Amarc's 2022-2023 drilling at the DUKE Deposit has provided important new information about porphyry deposit exploration footprints in the region. Table 1: DUKE 2022-2023 Assay Results Notes: Widths reported are drill widths, such that true thicknesses are unknown. All assay intervals represent length-weighted averages. Some figures may not sum exactly due to rounding. Copper equivalent (CuEQ) calculations use metal process prices of: Cu US$4.00/lb, Au US$1800/oz., Ag US$24/oz. and Mo US$15/lb and conceptual recoveries of: Cu 85%, Mo 82%, Au 72% and 67% Ag. Conversion of metals to an equivalent copper grade based on these metal prices is relative to the copper price per unit mass factored by conceptual recoveries for those metals normalized to the conceptualized copper recovery. The metal equivalencies for each metal are added to the copper grade. The general formula for this is: CuEQ% = Cu% + ((Au g/t * (Au recovery / Cu recovery) * (Au $ per oz./31.1034768 / Cu $ per lb. * 22.04623)) + ((Ag g/t * (Ag recovery / Cu recovery) * (Ag $ per oz./ 31.1034768 / Cu $ per lb. * 22.04623)) + ((Mo% * (Mo recovery / Cu recovery) * (Mo $ per lb.) / Cu $ per lb.)). The collar locations in UTM NAD83, Zone 9N coordinates for drill holes are listed in Table 2. About the DUKE District Amarc's DUKE District is located 80 km northeast of Smithers within the Babine Region, one of the most mineralized porphyry belts in BC. It hosts the former Bell and Granisle Cu-Au mines that were operated by Noranda Mines, and the advanced stage Morrison Cu-Au deposit. Significant potential exists for discovery of new large porphyry Cu deposits. Infrastructure servicing the former mines and the very active forestry and exploration industries is nearby. There is an extensive network of forest roads and much of the Duke District is road accessible. Central to Amarc's extensive DUKE District mineral tenure is the DUKE Cu-Mo-Au-Ag Deposit discovery, located 30 km north of the former Bell Mine. Although explored historically, the extensive porphyry Cu system at the DUKE discovery was not fully delineated. Many of the 21 historical shallow and closely-spaced core holes intersected and ended in significant Cu-Mo-Au-Ag mineralization within a small portion of a robust, 4.7 km2 IP chargeability anomaly. In 2017 and 2018, Amarc completed seven core holes over an area measuring approximately 400 m north-south by 600 m east-west (see Amarc releases December 19, 2017 and June 12, 2018) at the DUKE Deposit, successfully intersecting porphyry copper-style mineralization to a vertical depth of 360 m. This mineralization remained open to expansion. The eighth hole, drilled one kilometre to the north within the 4.7 km2 sulphide mineral system, intersected similar porphyry Cu-Mo-Ag-Au mineralization. Extensive widely spaced drilling in 2022-2023 has expanded the deposit in all directions to a footprint of 650 m north-south by 800 m east-west, and has highlighted additional potential for expansion of the Deposit, delineation of zones of higher grade within it, and for discovery of additional mineralization within the surrounding mineralized system. In addition, Amarc has completed a comprehensive compilation of government and historical data over the entire 678 km2 DUKE District claim holdings. This detailed scientific work has provided a new interpretation of the geological, geochemical and geophysical characteristics of the Babine belt, and identified 16 previously unrecognized porphyry Cu deposit-scale targets with exciting potential (see May 6, 2020 news release). The databases compiled and leveraged for this work were extensive: they include data from the BC Geological Survey, Geoscience BC, numerous historical industry workers and Amarc. The targeting study covered an area 140 km by 110 km (15,400 km2). Datasets include >2,300 regional geochemical samples, 116,344 line-km of airborne magnetic and radiometrics, and 25,500 line-km of aerogravity. Further information on the historical and Amarc's modern exploration activities in the DUKE District are described in the Company's DUKE Project 2020 Technical Report available on the website at https://amarcresources.com/projects/duke-project/technical-report/ . In November 2022, Amarc entered into a Mineral Property Earn-In Agreement (the "EIA") with Boliden Mineral Canada Ltd. ("Boliden"), an entity within the Boliden Group of companies (see Amarc release November 22, 2022). Under the terms of the Agreement, Boliden has a two-staged option to earn up to a 70% interest in the DUKE District by funding $90 million exploration and development expenditures. About Amarc Resources Ltd. Amarc is a mineral exploration and development company with an experienced and successful management team focused on developing a new generation of long-life, high-value porphyry Cu-Au mines in BC. By combining high-demand projects with dynamic management, Amarc has created a solid platform to create value from its exploration and development-stage assets. Amarc is advancing its 100%-owned IKE, DUKE and JOY porphyry CuAu districts located in different prolific porphyry regions of southern, central and northern BC, respectively. Each district represents significant potential for the development of multiple and important-scale, porphyry CuAu deposits. Importantly, each of the three districts is located in proximity to industrial infrastructure - including power, highways and rail. Amarc is associated with HDI, a diversified, global mining company with a 35-year history of porphyry Cu deposit discovery and development success. Previous and current HDI projects include some of BC's and the world's most important porphyry deposits - such as Pebble, Mount Milligan, Southern Star, Kemess South, Kemess North, Gibraltar, Prosperity, Xietongmen, Newtongmen, Florence, Casino, Sisson, Maggie, IKE, PINE and DUKE. From its head office in Vancouver, Canada, HDI applies its unique strengths and capabilities to acquire, develop, operate and monetize mineral projects. Amarc works closely with local governments, Indigenous groups and stakeholders in order to advance its mineral projects responsibly, and in a manner that contributes to sustainable community and economic development. We pursue early and meaningful engagement to ensure our mineral exploration and development activities are well coordinated and broadly supported, address local priorities and concerns, and optimize opportunities for collaboration. In particular, we seek to establish mutually beneficial partnerships with Indigenous groups within whose traditional territories our projects are located, through the provision of jobs, training programs, contract opportunities, capacity funding agreements and sponsorship of community events. All Amarc work programs are carefully planned to achieve high levels of environmental and social performance. Qualified Person Dr. Roy Greig, P.Geo, a Qualified Person ("QP") as defined by National Instrument 43-101, has read and approved all technical and scientific information related to the Duke Project contained in this news release. Dr. Greig is Amarc's Vice President, Exploration. Quality Assurance/Quality Control Program The QP supervised the drill program, and also oversaw the location of the drill holes together with the logging and sampling of the core. Amarc drilled NQ size core in the 2022-23. All drill core was logged, photographed, and cut in half with a diamond saw. Half core samples from the DUKE drilling were sent to ALS Canada Ltd., North Vancouver, Canada, an ISO/IEC 17025:2017 accredited facility, for preparation and analysis. At the laboratory, samples were dried, crushed to 70% passing -2mm, and a 250 g split pulverized to better than 85% passing 75 microns. Samples were analyzed for Au by fire assay fusion of a 30 g sub-sample with an ICP-AES finish, and for 60 elements including Cu, Mo and Ag by a four-acid digestion, multi-element ICP-MS package. As part of a comprehensive Quality Assurance/Quality Control ("QAQC") program, Amarc control samples were inserted in each analytical batch at the following rates: standards one in 20 regular samples, in-line replicates one in 20 regular samples and one coarse blank per hole. The control sample results were then checked to ensure proper QAQC. For further details on Amarc Resources Ltd., please visit the Company's website at www.amarcresources.com or contact Dr. Diane Nicolson, President and CEO, at (604) 684-6365 or within North America at 1-800-667-2114, or Kin Communications, at (604) 684-6730, Email: AHR@kincommunications.com. ON BEHALF OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS OF AMARC RESOURCES LTD. Dr. Diane Nicolson President and CEO Neither the TSX Venture Exchange nor any other regulatory authority accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release. Forward Looking and other Cautionary Information This news release includes certain statements that may be deemed "forward-looking statements". All such statements, other than statements of historical facts that address exploration plans and plans for enhanced relationships are forward-looking statements. Although the Company believes the expectations expressed in such forward-looking statements are based on reasonable assumptions, such statements are not guarantees of future performance and actual results or developments may differ materially from those in the forward-looking statements. Assumptions used by the Company to develop forward-looking statements include the following: Amarc's projects will obtain all required environmental and other permits and all land use and other licenses, studies and exploration of Amarc's projects will continue to be positive, and no geological or technical problems will occur. Factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those in forward-looking statements include market prices, potential environmental issues or liabilities associated with exploration, development and mining activities, exploitation and exploration successes, continuity of mineralization, uncertainties related to the ability to obtain necessary permits, licenses and tenure and delays due to third party opposition, changes in and the effect of government policies regarding mining and natural resource exploration and exploitation, exploration and development of properties located within Aboriginal groups asserted territories may affect or be perceived to affect asserted aboriginal rights and title, which may cause permitting delays or opposition by Aboriginal groups, continued availability of capital and financing, and general economic, market or business conditions, as well as risks relating to the uncertainties with respect to the effects of COVID-19. 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. For more information on Amarc Resources Ltd., investors should review Amarc's annual Form 20-F filing with the United States Securities and Exchange Commission at www.sec.gov and its home jurisdiction filings that are available at www.sedar.com. Table 2: 2022-2023 Drill Hole Information Drill Hole Easting Northing EOH (m) Azimuth () Dip () DK22009 679,708 6,125,651 551 0 -90 DK22010 679,893 6,125,592 566 0 -90 DK23011 679,155 6,126,001 524 90 -60 DK23012 679,041 6,126,296 416 90 -50 DK23013 679,710 6,125,790 576 0 -90 DK23014 678,740 6,126,600 497 270 -61 DK23015 679,886 6,125,593 546 0 -50 DK23016 678,703 6,126,892 500 90 -45 DK23017 679,649 6,125,389 263 248 -50 DK23018 679,853 6,125,396 519 0 -90 DK23019 679,650 6,125,389 570 0 -90 DK23020 679,985 6,125,219 540 0 -90 DK23021 679,855 6,125,396 615 88 -45 DK23022 679,503 6,125,593 601 0 -90 DK23023 679,985 6,125,219 385 90 -45 DK23024 679,650 6,125,523 188 0 -90 DK23025 679,822 6,125,191 147 0 -90 DK23026 679,649 6,125,523 600 0 -90 DK23027 679,503 6,125,593 324 268 -45 DK23028 679,402 6,125,790 561 88 -75 DK23029 680,027 6,124,898 350 90 -45 DK23030 679,696 6,125,991 462 268 -45 DK23031 679,484 6,126,795 386 268 -45 DK23032 679,447 6,126,601 399 268 -45 Figure 1: DUKE Deposit is located within a 4.7 km2 IP Chargeability Anomaly Indicating a Sizeable Mineralized System Figure 2: DUKE Deposit 2022-2023 Drill Campaign: Confirming Deposit Scale and Depth Potential of Mineralization that Remains Open to Expansion SOURCE: Amarc Resources Ltd. View source version on accesswire.com:https://www.accesswire.com/761343/Amarcs-Drilling-Continues-To-Expand-The-Duke-Deposit-Surveys-Underway-Throughout-The-Surrounding-Duke-Copper-Gold-District VANCOUVER, BC / ACCESSWIRE / June 15, 2023 / Gold Terra Resource Corp. (TSX-V:YGT; Frankfurt: TX0; OTCQX:YGTFF) ("Gold Terra" or the "Company") announces that all matters submitted to the shareholders for approval as set out in the Company's Notice of Meeting and Information Circular which were mailed to shareholders in connection with the meeting, were approved at the Company's Annual General and Special Meeting held in Vancouver, BC, on June 14, 2023. The shareholders elected Gerald Panneton (Chair), Patsie Ducharme, Laurie Gaborit, and Hellen Siwanowicz as directors of the Company for the forthcoming year. Louis Dionne has stepped down as a director but will continue as a Senior Technical Advisor for Gold Terra on an as-needed basis. Mr. Dionne, a seasoned mining engineer, brings a wealth of expertise to the Company with many achievements over his career span. Mr. Dionne was director at Detour Gold Corporation (Detour) from 2006 to 2014 and an instrumental part of the team that helped build the Detour Lake mine into the largest Canadian gold mine. Prior to his involvement with Detour, he was mine manager at Camflo Mines in Quebec, under the late Bob Smith, which eventually became Barrick Gold Corporation (Barrick). Mr. Dionne spent over 20 years in the operations, development, mergers, and acquisitions of gold properties as Senior Vice President, Underground Operations for Barrick. He developed the high grade Meikle mine and Rodeo project in Nevada and the Holt-McDermott Mine in Ontario. Following his tenure at Barrick, Mr. Dionne became President and CEO of Richmont Mines Inc. (2002 -2005), a junior gold producer with operations in Quebec and Newfoundland. During his tenure, he was instrumental in the acquisition of the Island Gold mine, now owned by and operated by Alamos Gold Inc. Mr. Dionne was also a director of Aurizon Mines from 2006-2013. Chairman and CEO Gerald Panneton stated, "Thank you Louis for many years of excellent counselling, and mentoring. Louis has contributed greatly to our technical success, and we look forward to his ongoing technical support in his new role as Senior Technical Advisor. We thank all our shareholders for their support over the years, and on the last successful financing, as we continue to focus on our quest to define more ounces at the Con Mine Option property." Shareholders approved the reappointment of Dale Matheson Carr-Hilton Labonte LLP, Chartered Professional Accountants, as the auditor of the Company for the ensuing year with their remuneration to be fixed by the board of directors. Con Mine Option Property Deep Drilling Update Drilling is progressing well with drill hole GTCM23-055 targeting high grade gold mineralization beneath the mine workings on the northern end of the Campbell Shear. The hole is over half-way to its target depth of 2,400 metres with the hole currently at approximately 1,300 metres down-hole, with no issues on dip and or azimuth objectives. About Gold Terra The Yellowknife Project (YP) encompasses 918 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 kilometres of the City of Yellowknife, the YP 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 (CMO) property claims immediately south of the past producing Con Mine which produced 6.1 Moz between the Con, Rycon, and Campbell shear structures (1938-2003). The YP and CMO properties lie on the prolific Yellowknife greenstone belt, covering nearly 70 kilometres of strike length along the main mineralized shear system that hosts 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. For more information, please contact: Gerald Panneton, Chairman & CEO gpanneton@goldterracorp.com Mara Strazdins, Manager of Investor Relations Phone: 1-778-897-1590 | 604-689-1749 ext 102 strazdins@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. 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 Company'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. SOURCE: Gold Terra Resources Corp View source version on accesswire.com:https://www.accesswire.com/761411/Gold-Terra-Announces-2023-Annual-General-and-Special-Meeting-Results Stability and Safety for all US-friendly countries. NEW YORK, NY / ACCESSWIRE / June 15, 2023 / The expansion of Natuv Inc. into Latin America will improve the region's capability to meet current and future threats by ensuring that its private and government forces are upgraded. By giving access to advanced lethal and non-lethal weapon systems, and IT Infrastructure, Natuv Inc. will contribute to the region's readiness and enhance its capabilities. At Natuv Inc., we innovate, store & distribute arms and ammunition to support government and other regulated institutions with destructive devices, non-lethal defense solutions, and combat drone technology to name a few. "The proposed sales of equipment and support will not alter the basic military balance in the region," mentions Ricky Brava, Chief International Officer, Natuv Inc. Reliability & timely execution are pillars of our management structure, from technology to defense solutions and beyond. Natuv Inc. is committed to providing trustworthy and reliable solutions focused on integration into defense, healthcare, tribal affairs, and state and federal government infrastructures. "Stability and Safety for all US-friendly countries is our goal," says Ricky Brava, Chief International Officer, Natuv Inc. Over the last two decades, Latin America increased its military expenditure. As the Latin American countries improved their economies, they looked to modernize their military and defense systems. It's an obvious move for Natuv Inc. Please visit our website https://www.natuv.com Contact Information Ricky Brava ricky@natuv.com 347.755.0235 SOURCE: NATUV INC View source version on accesswire.com:https://www.accesswire.com/761344/Natuv-Inc-Expands-Into-Latin-America BURLINGTON, ON / ACCESSWIRE / June 15, 2023 / On June 13, global health-tech brand Ottobock launched IAmAMountain: a global initiative destined to unite and empower people with disabilities across the world via the life-celebrating anthem 'Mountain,' written specifically for the campaign by Eurovision's Sam Ryder. ottobock_mountain_eurovision Collage of Ottobock users in their prosthetic and orthotic devices with IAmAMountain across the center. Presented for the first time at the grand finale of this year's Eurovision Song Contest on May 13 in Liverpool, Sam Ryder's "Mountain" honours the fearlessness it takes to get to the other side of adversity. Dubbed by many as the highlight of the evening, Sam Ryder performed alongside Queen drummer Roger Taylor as performers with disabilities took the stage and made Eurovision history in front of over 160M viewers. When writing "Mountain" for this campaign, Sam Ryder was inspired by the personal stories of people who use Ottobock orthotic, prosthetic, and mobility devices. He comments, "The song 'Mountain' celebrates perseverance and is intended to give courage to all who need it. It is all about growing in the face of loss, grief, or darkness, and becoming as strong as a mountain. And then looking back with pride and new zest for life on how you have overcome what life has thrown in your way." The IAmAMountain campaign brings together stories from 26 Ottobock users from 14 countries. As part of the initiative, they are sharing their personal moments on social media - including the highs and lows. Alongside Sam Ryder, they will be inviting everyone to join in the conversation by asking, "What have you overcome?" - calling for others to share their personal experiences under the hashtag IAmAMountain. Martin Bohm, Ottobock's Chief Experience Officer, said, "Sam Ryder is the perfect voice and partner for our campaign. His involvement will help our community overcome so many barriers, just as his Eurovision performance was a moment of real visibility and representation for people with disabilities in front of an audience of millions. We will be taking this approach to the next level with our IAmAMountain campaign. By inviting people with disabilities to share their stories, we hope to change society's perception and instead, celebrate all the things that are possible in life. This is exactly what Ottobock is all about." Ottobock looks forward to bringing more visibility and representation in mainstream media through the IAmAMountain campaign and beyond. Learn more about Sam Ryder. About Ottobock For more than 100 years, Ottobock has been developing innovative treatment solutions for people with reduced mobility. Ottobock works to improve freedom of movement and quality of life and helps people achieve greater independence. This is supported by more than 9,000 employees. Through their ability to innovate, their outstanding technical solutions and services in the fields of Prosthetics, Orthotics, NeuroMobility and Patient Care, they enable people in 135 countries to live their lives in the way they want to. Founded in 1919, the company continues to set new standards and drive the digitalisation of the industry - together with its partners, medical supply companies and research institutions - as the global market leader in wearable human bionics. Since 2018, Ottobock has been applying its expertise in biomechanics to exoskeletons for ergonomic workplaces. The international activities of the company are coordinated from its headquarters in Duderstadt in Lower Saxony in Germany. Ottobock has been supporting the Paralympic Games with its technical know-how since 1988. The Canadian Ottobock branch is located in Burlington, Ontario, Canada. Contact Information: Melissa Langley Senior Manager, Marketing Communications melissa.langley@ottobock.com 512-820-4389 Jennifer Duke Senior Market Manager jennifer.duke@ottobock.com 905-510-1218 Related Video https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ziG157jZ4-E SOURCE: Ottobock North America View source version on accesswire.com:https://www.accesswire.com/761393/Ottobock-Partners-With-Eurovision-Star-Sam-Ryder-to-Create-Empowering-Anthem-Celebrating-Stories-From-Disability-Community PARIS, June 15, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Intersec announces the successful deployment of its cutting-edge national Public Warning System (PWS) in Croatia. This project was carried out in collaboration with a consortium consisting of KING ICT d.o.o., a leading IT company in Croatia, and GDi d.o.o. Croatian authorities can now swiftly disseminate critical information and warnings to the general public through multiple channels, including SMS and cell broadcast alerts, mobile applications, and social media platforms, ultimately saving lives and minimizing the impact of disasters. Mr. Davor Bozinovic, Minister of the Interior, stated, "This innovative solution will significantly enhance our ability to alert and protect the public during emergencies. We can now ensure that vital information reaches citizens efficiently, enabling them to respond appropriately." On Saturday, June 3rd, the system sent out a location-based SMS test alert to all citizens, successfully reaching millions of individuals across the country. Three days later, Cell Broadcast alerts were successfully tested in three regions: Licko-senjsku zupaniju, Grad Slavonski Brod I, and Ocina Stupnik. Yann Chevalier, Intersec CEO, commented, "With our partners GDi and KING ICT, we have delivered a robust solution that will make Croatia a more resilient society. We are committed to providing ongoing support with the Croatian government to further strengthen emergency preparedness." With the successful deployment of the Intersec PWS, Croatia joins the ranks of nations at the forefront of public safety technology, using a combination of Cell Broadcast and location-based SMS. Intersec remains dedicated to supporting Croatia in maximizing the potential of the system, continuously improving its functionality and expanding its features. Intersec is the European leader in telecom metadata and location intelligence solutions. Designed by fast data experts, our solutions guide telecom operators and governments in their data-driven revolution to build tangible value, from efficiently warning people in case of danger to creating new sources of revenue. Our 75 clients in 50 countries leverage our instruments to locate and map nearly one billion mobile devices 24/7, and our public warning solutions cover 30% of the population in the European Union. At Intersec, Privacy by Design goes well beyond accepted standards. Learn more at intersec.com. For further information: Charlotte Cardona, Communications Director, charlotte.cardona@intersec.com Logo: https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/1828752/Intersec_Logo.jpg View original content:https://www.prnewswire.co.uk/news-releases/intersec-successfully-deploys-croatias-new-national-public-warning-system-301851887.html VANCOUVER, BC, June 15, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Lithium South Development Corporation (the "Company") (TSX-V: LIS) (OTCQB: LISMF) (Frankfurt: OGPQ) is providing an update on the recently completed exploration program and status of the updated Mineral Resource Estimate that is currently underway for the Hombre Muerto North Lithium Project (HMN Li Project) in Salta Province, Argentina. All core samples have been submitted to GeoSystems Analysis Inc. (GSA), in Tucson, Arizona for porosity analysis. Initial results have been received and all remaining results are anticipated by mid-July. Shortly thereafter, the resource update process will be completed by the brine resource specialist team of Groundwater Insight, Inc. (Halifax Canada), and Aqua Insight Inc., led by Qualified Person, Dr. Mark King. Work by GSA will determine the bulk density, total porosity, and specific yield (or drainable porosity) of each sample. Specific yield is the ratio of the volume of water a rock or soil will yield by gravity drainage to the bulk volume of the rock or soil. This value is used as a fractional multiplier, to estimate the volume of brine that could potentially drain from a geologic material. In other words, specific yield data for each lithological unit is one of the key parameters (along with lithium grade) used to estimate lithium brine resources. Initial results from 18 core samples indicate that the brine within the Alba Sabrina units is potentially drainable, with specific yields ranging from 8.9% to 38.6%. This first set of samples represents partial results for the upper and lower sedimentary units, and one result for the brecciated quartzite. Similar specific yield results are expected from the remaining Alba Sabrina and Natalia Maria samples based on lithological observations. In comparison, Tramo specific yield results previously reported in the 2018 Mineral Resource Estimate (September 7, 2018) ranged from 2.6% to 24.6%. Average specific yield based on a limited re-interpretation of Tramo lithologies (as part of the development of a basin-wide geological model) is as follows: Interlayered clastic sediments: 9.0% Interbedded halite and sediments: 10.0% Conglomerate: 8.7% Results for 62 core samples from the recent exploration program are still outstanding. It is anticipated that disaggregated results will require adjustment, and that some samples may not be testable, due to the unconsolidated nature of the material. Results will be reviewed in parallel with lithological observations and photographs and anomalously high specific yield results related to unconsolidated samples may be adjusted to account for handling of loose materials. Groundwater Insight Inc. is currently preparing the updated Mineral Resource Estimate for the Alba Sabrina, Natalia Maria, and Tramo properties. The geological model is complete and analytical results from GSA are the last piece of information required to finalize the Resource Estimate. Geological Setting Recently completed drilling on the Alba Sabrina and Natalia Maria properties intersected diverse lithological units in each project area, highlighting the regional variability of salar deposits within Salar del Hombre Muerto. The geology on each property is distinct, and also distinct from the Tramo property, which was the focus of the 2018 maiden Resource Estimate. Alba Sabrina encompasses a channel in the northwest sector of Salar del Hombre Muerto, formed by the Tincalayu Peninsula. This semi-isolated salar channel is clastic-dominated, with no halite intersected by drilling. In this channel, the bottom of the salar basin is demarcated by unaltered, low permeability quartzite. This unit is overlain by up to 150 m of altered, fractured to brecciated quartzite with high secondary porosity. The overlying clastic salar units range from coarse grained sands to interlayered clays. These units range from unconsolidated to compact and consolidated. A basalt layer separates the upper and lower sedimentary packages on the eastern side of Alba Sabrina and extends into the central part of the channel. The basalt is characterized by multiple flows with highly vesicular, amygdaloidal, and massive horizons and minor to pervasive fracturing. It is considered to correlate with basalts on the adjacent Tincalayu Peninsula, but has undergone downward displacement, followed by deposition of overlying salar materials. The Natalia Maria property represents a halite-dominated area of Salar del Hombre Muerto, on the eastern margin of Tincalayu Peninsula. Lithology intersected during drilling includes an upper 50 m package of interlayered sediments that correlate to the shallow sedimentary deposits observed at Alba Sabrina and Tramo. A crystalline halite with occasional sandy halite or medium to coarse grained sand layers occurs below 50 m and grades to massive halite at approximately 200 m. This unit was not encountered at the Tramo property further to the east, and its full extent is not known. Tramo is in the clastic-dominated northeastern zone of the Salar del Hombre Muerto. Tramo lithology is a combination of the other Project areas with an upper interlayered clastic sediment unit and an interbedded halite and sediment sequence. The eastern half of the property also hosts a lower polymictic conglomerate. Additional third-party drilling results were also used to inform the geological model developed for the salar basin. About Lithium South Lithium South is focused on developing the Hombre Muerto North Lithium Project (HMN Li Project) on the Hombre Muerto Salar, a major lithium-producing salar in Argentina. The salar is currently undergoing significant lithium project development by Korean giant POSCO, and the newly announced Allkem/Livent combination. Billions of dollars are planned to be invested in the area to build out lithium production on one of the best salars in the Lithium Triangle. Lithium South is in an excellent position to participate in this significant area development. The technical and scientific information in this press release was reviewed and approved by Dr. Mark King, a Qualified Person under National Instrument 43-101. Dr. King participated in the preparation of this news release. On behalf of the Board of Directors Adrian F. C. Hobkirk President and Chief Executive Officer Investors / Shareholders call 855-415-8100 info@lithiumsouth.com Website: www.lithiumsouth.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. The TSX Venture Exchange has not reviewed the content of this news release and therefore does not accept responsibility or liability for the adequacy or accuracy of the contents of this news release. This news release contains certain "forward-looking statements" within the meaning of Section 21E of the United States Securities and Exchange Act of 1934, as amended. Except for statements of historical fact relating to the Company, certain information contained herein constitutes forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements are based upon 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 which could cause actual results to differ materially from those projected in the forward-looking statements. The reader is cautioned not to place undue reliance on forward-looking statements. We seek safe harbor. Logo: https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/1815015/4088556/Lithium_South_Development_Corporation_Logo.jpg View original content:https://www.prnewswire.co.uk/news-releases/lithium-south-enhanced-resource-update-301851680.html VANCOUVER, BC, June 15, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Gold Port Corporation (CSE: GPO) (OTCQB: GPOTF) (the "Company") is pleased to advise that drill core bulk samples from the Groete Gold Project have been received by SGS Laboratories of Lakefield, Ontario, for leach testing. The purpose of the program is to evaluate Groete Gold Project samples for amenability to new generation leaching agents. Several reagents will be tested, with further details to follow. The program is under the supervision of Mr. Eugene Puritch, P.Eng., FEC, CET and D. Grant Feasby, P.Eng., of P&E Mining Consultants Inc., both independent Qualified Persons under National Instrument 43-101. The Company is well funded to continue its evaluation of the Groete Gold Copper Project located in Guyana. A 2023, 35 core hole drill program has been designed to delineate a higher grade gold zone within the known deposit. The Company owns and operates its own new Multi-Power track mounted core drill rig and additional heavy equipment. Project access is under design, and will require a new access route from a nearby road network. The Project was last explored in 2012, which included a drill program that allowed the calculation of an Inferred Mineral Resource of 1.57 million gold equivalent ounces (gold plus copper) within 74 million tonnes, at a grade of 0.66 grams per tonne gold equivalent. A cut-off grade of 0.25 gold equivalent grams per tonne, a gold price of US$1,275 per ounce and copper price of US$3.00 per pound was used in the calculation of the Inferred Mineral Resource. Details of the Mineral Resource are contained in a National Instrument 43-101 report titled, Technical Report and Updated Mineral Resource Estimate on the Groete Gold Copper Deposit, Groete Property, Guyana, South America by P&E Mining Consultants Inc., dated April 16, 2019, available on SEDAR and the Company website at www.goldportcorporation.com On behalf of the Board of Directors Adrian F. C. Hobkirk President, CEO and Director T: 954-684-8040 E: info@goldportcorporation.com W: www.goldportcorporation.com Mr. William Feyerabend, a Consulting Geologist and Qualified Person under National Instrument 43-101, participated in the writing of this press release and approves the scientific and technical content. No stock exchange or securities regulatory authority has reviewed or accepted responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release. This news release contains certain "forward-looking statements" within the meaning of Section 21E of the United States Securities and Exchange Act of 1934, as amended. Except for statements of historical fact relating to the Company, certain information contained herein constitutes forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements are based upon 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 which could cause actual results to differ materially from those projected in the forward-looking statements. The reader is cautioned not to place undue reliance on forward- looking statements. We seek safe harbor. View original content:https://www.prnewswire.co.uk/news-releases/leach-testing-begins-on-groete-creek-gold-project-samples-301851276.html Plaza Athenee Nobu Hotel and Spa New York is situated in the city's most luxurious location in the Upper East Side on 64 th Street and Park A venue The Plaza Athenee Nobu Hotel and Spa Bangkok will be located in the EAC (East Asiatic Company) Heritage Building, the best location by the Chao Phraya River The developments leverage the strong luxury brand of Plaza Athenee and lifestyle experience expertise of Nobu Hospitality, strengthen the long-term strategic partnership between AWC and Nobu Hospitality AWC's investment in Hotel Plaza Athenee New York is through AWC growth-led strategy, utilizing strength in development and partnership and targeting top quality projects that promote continuous and sustainable growth BANGKOK, June 15, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Asset World Corp Public Company Limited or AWC, Thailand's leading integrated lifestyle real estate group, strengthens its long-term partnership with Nobu Hospitality, the globally iconic and fastest growing luxury lifestyle brand, to develop Plaza Athenee hotels in New York and Bangkok, bringing the new level of ultra-luxury to iconic heritage buildings in two of the world's most visited cities. Under the collaboration, AWC and Nobu will partner to launch the world's most remarkable hotels in the best strategic locations in New York and Bangkok under the Plaza Athenee brand. Leveraging AWC's strength in real estate development and hospitality, the two partners will develop these two heritage buildings, each with their own rich history - Hotel Plaza Athenee New York known as one of the most famous and luxury hotels in Manhattan, and another special EAC building recognized as one of the most beautiful buildings at the best location by Chao Phraya River in Bangkok, - synergize two flagship properties in AWC's growing portfolio. Mrs. Wallapa Traisorat, Chief Executive Officer and President, Asset World Corp Public Company Limited or AWC, states, "AWC is delighted to expand our collaboration with Nobu Hospitality as it marks another important milestone for our partnership. With our shared vision in creating unique experience to customers and developing sustainable values to all stakeholders, AWC has found the ideal partner for our special flagship projects. We are very excited about the development of these two unique projects, the Hotel Plaza Athenee New York, an award-winning property and one of the best hotels in New York for many consecutive years. A freehold prime asset, the building is located at Upper East Side on 64th Street between Park Avenue and Madison Avenue, one of the most sought-after luxury neighborhoods in New York, and will be developed into Plaza Athenee Nobu Hotel and Spa New York. In Thailand, the heritage EAC building by the Chao Phraya River, will be developed into The Plaza Athenee Nobu Hotel and Spa Bangkok. These hotels will offer the unique luxury experience of the Plaza Athenee brand and the modern luxury with minimal Japanese tradition from Nobu, the world's most renowned lifestyle brand." "AWC's investment for Hotel Plaza Athenee New York is based on AWC growth-led strategy, which will lay the foundation for continuous and sustainable growth. This unique and special investment has been supported by the Board of Directors of the company and is in the approval process from the shareholders. We believe that the investment in this flagship project in New York can unlock further growth for AWC, while broadening the company's strategic positioning and customer base." Mr. Trevor Horwell, Chief Executive Officer, Nobu Hospitality, said that "We are profoundly grateful that AWC has entrusted us with the development of two of their most valuable properties, in the most iconic buildings and historic areas of two exceptional cities. We are privileged to collaborate closely with the AWC team, led by visionary CEO, Khun Wallapa Traisorat, who is spearheading an exciting and innovative approach to the hospitality industry. The Plaza Athenee Nobu Hotel and Spa Bangkok and the Plaza Athenee Nobu Hotel and Spa New York will redefine the standards of luxury and sophistication not only in Thailand but also in the U.S. This partnership allows us to embark upon an extraordinary journey together." AWC and Nobu will transform two iconic heritage buildings in New York and Bangkok to the Plaza Athenee Hotel located in the historical Upper East Side near Central Park, museums, consulates, and high-end shopping, and an iconic building located in the best location by the Chao Phraya River in Bangkok. The Plaza Athenee and Nobu brands will combine the ultra-luxury experience of Plaza Athenee and the world-renowned modern luxury lifestyle brand of Nobu, with both hotels featuring a classical design that brings modern simplicity and European classic architecture together. Both hotels are scheduled to open in 2026. Set in a building that's almost a century old, the Plaza Athenee Nobu & Spa New York will represent Nobu's inaugural hotel in New York and will offer 145 room keys under a soothing visual style and uncluttered comfort. The suites will be unique with indoor and outdoor glassed terraces and gazebos, a unique townhouse with exclusive service serving as a private sanctuary for the discerning traveler, along with a traditional Japanese Onsen, spa, and wellness center. The hotel will offer a Nobu omakase experience as well as a bar and lounge crafted to draw locals and guests alike, and a rooftop area for private parties with a panoramic view of New York City. AWC will oversee overall project development along with the concept and design. In Bangkok, the Plaza Athenee Nobu Hotel and Spa Bangkok will offer ultra-luxury hospitality and a unique world-class F&B experience, with AWC and Nobu developing the East meet West concept, integrated under the River Journey concept. Registered as a historical site, the EAC building was founded in 1884 by Captain Hans Niels Andersen, a Danish mariner and entrepreneur who founded East Asiatic Company. The hotel will further elevate luxury travel in Thailand connecting to other AWC projects along the Chao Phraya River, creating a unique riverfront experience for both Thai people and international visitors. AWC and Nobu will showcase the recreation of the iconic riverfront heritage buildings, offering a unique hospitality experience, including other curated dining offerings. By preserving the original structures of the buildings and the inherent art, we aim to instill pride in this historic area, thereby creating long-term, sustainable value for the surrounding communities. The Plaza Athenee Nobu Hotel and Spa Bangkok will also include a special Nobu cruise boat for bespoke private functions, with each journey customizable for guests. "The development of these remarkable hotels in two major global destinations with Nobu Hospitality will also strengthen the long-standing Plaza Athenee brand together with the uniquely modern luxury lifestyle of Nobu brand to offer best-in-class products and services to global travelers. Through this strategic partnership of AWC and Nobu Hospitality, we believe to build the new benchmark and create long-term sustainable value for the industry," Mrs. Wallapa added. Today's announcement follows an exclusive agreement AWC signed with Nobu Hospitality in July 2022 to open the first Nobu restaurant in Thailand by 2023 on the top floor of The Empire, AWC's flagship lifestyle mixed-use office complex located in the bustling central business district of Bangkok. Photo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2102596/Plaza_Athenee_Nobu_Hotel_and_Spa_New_York.jpg Photo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2102597/AWC_signs_agreement_with_Nobu_to_launch_luxury_Plaza_Athenee_Hotels_at_historic_buildings_in_New_Yor.jpg Photo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2102598/The_Plaza_Athenee_Nobu_Hotel_and_Spa_Bangkok.jpg View original content:https://www.prnewswire.co.uk/news-releases/awc-strengthens-long-term-partnership-with-world-renowned-nobu-hospitality-to-launch-two-iconic-plaza-athenee-hotels-in-top-global-destinations-new-york-and-bangkok-setting-a-new-benchmark-for-ultra-luxury-hospitality-301851671.html HIGHLIGHTS A total of 25 properties have been prospected encompassing a combined 78,061 hectares of Beyond Lithium's more than 150,000 hectares in Ontario (Fig. 3). Since the last exploration program press release dated May 26th, ten more properties have been prospected (Fig. 3). Historical drill hole MET-01 from the Sollas Lake property (4,730 hectares) has been relogged by the Company's senior geologist and sampled by the Ontario resident geologist based in Thunder Bay (Fig. 2). Four historical drill holes from the Oneman Lake property (578 hectares) will be relogged and sampled by the Company's Senior Geologist in the coming days. Pegmatite dykes were noted in the historical drill logs and recorded in Assessment File: 52L07SE0003. Currently, one crew is prospecting in the Eastern English River district. Three additional crews return to the field tomorrow to focus on the McKenzie Bay and the Western English River districts. 290 grab and channel samples have been submitted to the lab for analysis. The first batch of assays is expected to be received and announced by the beginning of July. A total of 454 historical drill holes have been drilled on fifteen of the Beyond Lithium's projects according to the Ontario Drill Hole Database. At least seven historical drill holes have been located in Ontario government core facilities and Beyond Lithium expects to locate additional cores as part of its Phase 1 exploration program. Winnipeg, Manitoba--(Newsfile Corp. - June 15, 2023) - Beyond Lithium Inc. (CSE: BY) (OTCQB: BYDMF) (the "Company" or "Beyond Lithium") is pleased to provide an update on the ongoing 2023 Phase 1 exploration program that has now prospected a total of 25 properties encompassing a combined 78,061 hectares. "Our fully funded Phase 1 exploration program continues to proceed on schedule and on budget," shared Beyond Lithium's President and CEO, Allan Frame. "Having already covered so much ground is a testament to the leadership of our VP of Exploration Lawrence Tsang and the dedication of our field crew. We have a large number of samples at the lab, and we have started the process of relogging and sampling historical drill cores. I expect we will be announcing assay results by the beginning of July." Currently, one crew is prospecting in the Eastern English River District. The three additional crews are heading back to the field tomorrow, June 16, to begin prospecting in the McKenzie Bay and Western English River districts. Over 350 grab and channel samples have been collected from the different properties thus far and 290 of them have been submitted to the lab for analysis. An initial compilation of field data and outcrop mapping show possible mineral zonation with tourmaline, garnet, and beryl locally in a several properties including the Temple Bay (5,110 hectares), the Cosgrave Lake (6,269 hectares), and the Laval (1,041 hectares) properties. The relogging program of historical drill cores is led by Beyond Lithium's Senior Geologist, Paul Baxter. He has completed the relogging of the Sollas Lake property's (4,730 hectares) core and will finish relogging and sampling four more historical drill cores from the Oneman Lake property (578 hectares) by June 17th. Additional historical cores are expected to be relogged and assayed in the second half of June. A total of 454 historical drill holes have been drilled on fifteen of the Beyond Lithium's projects according to the Ontario Drill Hole Database. At least seven historical drill holes have been located in Ontario government core facilities and Beyond Lithium expects to locate additional cores as part of its Phase 1 exploration program. Phase 1 Exploration Program Update The 64 Beyond Lithium properties located in Ontario (Fig. 1) are greenfield exploration properties that historically have not been prospected or explored specifically for Lithium or Lithium-Cesium-Tantalum pegmatites. Beyond Lithium has reviewed the historical and regional data available of all the properties and geo-referenced most of the 500 mapped pegmatite outcrops. The Phase 1 exploration program is designed to sample, map and assess over 500 mapped pegmatites across all 64 Beyond Lithium properties totalling over 150,000 hectares with the possibility of an initial drill program to follow up on any high priority targets. One of the main objectives of the Phase 1 program is to collect sufficient samples to build up a geochemical database for classifying the different properties. Most of the properties are accessible via highways and logging roads which allow the field crews to prospect the properties efficiently. The Phase 2 program will involve more detailed mappings and samplings intended for delineating potential drill targets. Figure 1: Locations of Beyond Lithium Properties in Ontario in Relation to Railway, Hydro Lines, and Proximity to Towns and Communities To view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit: https://images.newsfilecorp.com/files/8620/170079_figure1.jpg Beyond Lithium has four field crews which includes a Senior Geologist/Supervisor for a total of 11 people working in the field for the Phase 1 program. To date, the field crews have visited 25 properties covering the Dryden Mavis, the Escape Lake, the Hearst, and the Mountainry districts. One crew is currently prospecting in the Eastern English District and the other three crews will focus on the McKenzie Bay and the Western English River districts when they return from their breaks. Helicopter charter is being arranged for the Lily Pad Lake and the PAK & SPARK districts, aiming to start in early July. The prospecting of the three properties located in the Case Lake district is on hold due to forest fires in the area, and will be postponed until the access restriction is lifted. Historical drill hole, MET-01, from the Sollas Lake property was relogged by Beyond Lithium's Senior Geologist and sampled by the Ontario resident geologist based in Thunder Bay. A 3.50m wide two micas pegmatite dyke was logged from 89.04m to 92.54m at depth. The geochemistry from the drill hole samples could potentially be correlated with surface samples to vector any geochemistry zonation on the property. Four historical drill holes from the Oneman property will be relogged and sampled by the Company's Senior Geologist and are expected to be completed by June 17th. Further historical cores are expected to be relogged and assayed in the second half of June. Figure 2: Muscovite-Biotite Pegmatite Dyke Recorded from 89.04 to 92.54m at depth from Historical Drill Hole MET-01 from the Sollas Lake Property To view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit: https://images.newsfilecorp.com/files/8620/170079_f37f986fa4d9ba0f_005full.jpg Figure 3: Beyond Lithium Phase 1 Prospected Properties To view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit: https://images.newsfilecorp.com/files/8620/170079_figure3.jpg To date, over 350 grab and channel samples have been collected from the different properties and 290 samples have been submitted to the lab for analysis. The first batch of assays is expected to be received and announced by the beginning of July. Figure 4: Field Observation from the Temple Bay property of Mineralogy Change in Pegmatites from Muscovite-Biotite in the Southwest to Muscovite plus Garnet and/or Tourmaline towards the Northeast (assays pending for the samples). To view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit: https://images.newsfilecorp.com/files/8620/170079_f37f986fa4d9ba0f_007full.jpg An initial compilation of field data and outcrop mapping show potential minerals zonation with tourmaline, garnet, and beryl locally on several properties including the Temple Bay (5,110 hectares), the Cosgrave Lake (6,269 hectares), and the Laval (1,041 hectares) properties. (Fig. 4-5). The Temple Bay property (5,110 hectares) is located 32km west of Dryden or 47km west of the Mavis Lake Lithium property owned by Critical Resources Limited that has planned a 20,000m drill program on its Mavis Lake property in 2023. The Temple Bay property can be accessed via highway and logging roads. A few white pegmatites ranging from 0.3m to 5m wide have been mapped and sampled across the property. The assays of the collected samples from the Temple Bay property are expected to be available by early July. Figure 5: Field Crew Taking Notes of the Channel Sampled Beryl-Bearing Pegmatite Outcrop from the Cosgrave Lake Property To view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit: https://images.newsfilecorp.com/files/8620/170079_f37f986fa4d9ba0f_008full.jpg The Cosgrave Lake Property encompasses a total of 6,269 hectares, located about 125km northeast of Thunder Bay and is situated 3km by road from the TransCanada Highway (Hwy 11). The property can be accessed via highway and logging roads and is contiguous to Imagine Lithium. Imagine Lithium's Jackpot Lithium Project has a historical resource of 2 million tons at 1.09% Li2O (1). Field crews located and sampled several pegmatites across the property mainly with muscovite-tourmaline-garnet. In the southwestern part of the property, a beryl-bearing pegmatite was recognized and was channel sampled perpendicularly to strike at 1m interval. The assays from the channel sampled Beryl-bearing pegmatite are expected to be received and announced by early July. Qualified Person and Third-Party Data The scientific and technical information in this news release has been reviewed and approved by Lawrence Tsang, P.Geo., VP Exploration of the Company. Lawrence Tsang is a "qualified person" as defined in National Instrument 43-101 - Standards of Disclosure for Mineral Projects. About Beyond Lithium Inc. Beyond Lithium Inc. is the largest greenfield lithium exploration player in Ontario with 64 high potential greenfield lithium properties totalling over 150,000 hectares. The Company has adopted the project generator business model to maximize funds available for exploration projects, while minimizing shareholder dilution. Beyond Lithium is advancing certain of its projects with its exploration team and will seek to option other properties to joint venture partners. Partnering on various projects will provide a source of non-dilutive working capital, partner-funded exploration, and long-term residual exposure to exploration success. Beyond Lithium currently has 28,259,658 common shares outstanding (market cap of $6.2 million as of June 15, 2023). 1 See Imagine Lithium's Jackpot Lithium Project. Please follow @BeyondLithium on Twitter, Facebook, LinkedIn, Instagram and YouTube. For more information, please refer to the Company's website at www.beyondLithium.ca CAUTIONARY STATEMENT REGARDING FORWARD-LOOKING INFORMATION: This news release includes certain "forward-looking information" within the meaning of applicable Canadian securities legislation. All statements, other than statements of historical fact, included herein including, without limitation, statements regarding future capital expenditures, anticipated content, commencement, and cost of exploration programs in respect of the Company's projects and mineral properties, anticipated exploration program results from exploration activities, resources and/or reserves on the Company's projects and mineral properties, and the anticipated business plans and timing of future activities of the Company, are forward-looking information. Although the Company believes that such statements are reasonable, it can give no assurance that such expectations will prove to be correct. Often, but not always, forward-looking information can be identified by words such as "pro forma", "plans", "expects", "will", "may", "should", "budget", "scheduled", "estimates", "forecasts", "intends", "anticipates", "believes", "potential" or variations of such words including negative variations thereof, and phrases that refer to certain actions, events or results that may, could, would, might or will occur or be taken or achieved. In stating the forward-looking information in this news release, the Company has applied several material assumptions, including without limitation, that market fundamentals will result in sustained precious and base metals demand and prices, the receipt of any necessary permits, licenses and regulatory approvals in connection with the future exploration of the Company's properties, the availability of financing on suitable terms, and the Company's ability to comply with environmental, health and safety laws. Forward-looking information involves known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors which may cause the actual results, performance or achievements of the Company to differ materially from any future results, performance or achievements expressed or implied by the statements of forward-looking information. Such risks and other factors include, among others, statements as to the anticipated business plans and timing of future activities of the Company, the proposed expenditures for exploration work on its properties, the ability of the Company to obtain sufficient financing to fund its business activities and plans, delays in obtaining governmental and regulatory approvals (including of the Canadian Securities Exchange), permits or financing, changes in laws, regulations and policies affecting mining operations, risks relating to epidemics or pandemics such as COVID-19, the Company's limited operating history, currency fluctuations, title disputes or claims, environmental issues and liabilities, as well as those factors discussed under the heading "Risk Factors" in the Company's prospectus dated February 23, 2022 and other filings of the Company with the Canadian securities regulatory authorities, copies of which can be found under the Company's profile on the SEDAR website at www.sedar.com. Readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on forward-looking information. The Company undertakes no obligation to update any of the forward-looking information in this news release except as otherwise required by law. For further information, please contact: Allan Frame President and CEO Tel: 403-470-8450 Email: allan.frame@beyondLithium.ca Jason Frame Manager of Communications Tel: 587-225-2599 Email: jason.frame@beyondLithium.ca To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/170079 Voting results of the Mixed General Meeting held on 15 June 2023 Regulatory News: The Mixed General Meeting of NHOA S.A. ("NHOA" or the "Company") (Paris:NHOA), global player in energy storage and e-mobility, active in the construction of the largest fast and ultra-fast charging infrastructure in Southern Europe, whose securities are admitted to trading on the regulated market of Euronext Paris (NHOA.PA), was held today, on 15 June 2023 at 10:30am CEST in 25 rue de Marignan 75008 Paris, France. The shareholders' meeting approved a resolution granting the Board of Directors authority to decide a 250m capital increase with preferential subscription rights1 As indicated in the 1 May 2023 press release, available on the corporate website in the section dedicated to investors, NHOA proposed two possible funding avenues to its shareholders: a 250m "green" convertible bond or a rights issue. As indicated in the press release, TCC has abstained from voting on resolution n22 pertaining to the "green" convertible bond, therefore putting in the hands of the minority shareholders the decision to pursue this route or not. This resolution was rejected and therefore the Company will implement resolution n21, pertaining to the rights issue, which was approved, with TCC's vote. TCC will subscribe at least 75% of this rights issue, to achieve a successful transaction, with total consideration received by NHOA of not less than 250m. The rights issue is expected to be launched as soon as technically feasible. The proceeds will be devoted to fund the 10x growth of NHOA Energy and the accelerated roll-out of Atlante, that already reached over 50% of the 2025 targets. Trading of the NHOA shares on the regulated market of Euronext in Paris was suspended this morning, pending the publication of the shareholders' meeting results. It will resume tomorrow morning. The shareholders were convened to vote on the following resolutions: Resolution n1: Approval of the individual financial statements of the Company for the financial year ended on 31 December 2022 and discharge to the members of the Board of Directors; Resolution n2: Approval of the consolidated financial statements of the Company for the financial year ended on 31 December 2022; Resolution n3: Allocation of the results of the financial year ended on 31 December 2022; Resolution n4: Regulated agreements referred to under Articles L. 225-38 et seq. of the French Commercial Code; Resolution n5: Approval of the expenses and charges referred to under Article 39,4 of the French General Tax Code; Resolution n6: Determination of the attendance fees allocated to the members of the Board of Directors; Resolution n7: Renewal of Mrs. Veronica Vecchi as member of the Board of Directors; Resolution n8: Renewal of Mr. Luigi Michi as member of the Board of Directors; Resolution n9: Renewal of Mrs. Chen Ming Chang as member of the Board of Directors; Resolution n10: Renewal of Mrs. Chia Jou Lai as member of the Board of Directors; Resolution n11: Renewal of Mrs. Feng Ping Liu as member of the Board of Directors; Resolution n12: Approval of the compensation policy applicable to all of the Company's corporate officers (mandataires sociaux) for the 2023 financial year; Resolution n13: Approval of the compensation policy applicable to the Chairman of the Board of Directors for the 2023 financial year; Resolution n14: Approval of the compensation policy applicable to the Chief Executive Officer for the 2023 financial year; Resolution n15: Approval of the compensation policy applicable to the members of the Board of Directors for the 2023 financial year; Resolution n16: Approval of the overall compensation and benefits of any kind paid or granted to the corporate officers (mandataires sociaux) for the 2022 financial year; Resolution n17: Approval of the overall compensation and benefits of any kind paid or granted to the Chief Executive Officer for the 2022 financial year; Resolution n18: Approval of the overall compensation and benefits of any kind paid or granted to the members of the Board of Directors for the 2022 financial year; Resolution n19: Authorisation granted to the Board of Directors to purchase shares of the Company under a share repurchase program; Resolution n20: Delegation of authority granted to the Board of Directors to reduce the Company's share capital by cancelling the Company's own shares under the conditions provided for in Articles L.22-10-62 et seq. of the French Commercial Code; Resolution n21: Delegation of authority granted to the Board of Directors to increase the Company's share capital by issuing ordinary shares or securities giving access to share capital with preferential subscription rights; Resolution n22: Delegation of authority granted to the Board of Directors to increase the share capital by issuing bonds convertible into new ordinary shares of the Company without preferential subscription rights and for the benefit of a category of persons; Resolution n23:Delegation of authority granted to the Board of Directors to issue, without preferential subscription rights, ordinary shares and/or securities for the benefit of employees and officers of the Company and employees of related companies, beneficiaries of a company savings plan (Articles L.3332-1 et seq. Labour Code) Resolution n24: Authorization granted to the Board of Directors to allocate existing or new free shares for the benefit of executive officers and employees of the Company or its subsidiaries; Resolution n25: Powers for formalities. The shareholders' attendance was as follows: Total number of shares 25,533,720 Total number of shareholders represented or giving a proxy to the chairman or voting by mail 20 Total number of voting rights expressed by the shareholders represented or giving a proxy to the chairman or voting by mail 21,171,244 Thus, the quorum reached was of 82.91% The results of the vote are as follows: Resolution Outcome Votes "in favour" Votes "against" Abstention Resolution n1 Approved 21,142,444 100% 0 0.00% 35,000 Resolution n2 Approved 21,142,444 100% 0 0.00% 35,000 Resolution n3 Approved 21,142,444 100% 0 0.00% 35,000 Resolution n4 Approved 21,142,444 100% 0 0.00% 35,000 Resolution n5 Approved 21,142,444 100% 0 0.00% 35,000 Resolution n6 Approved 21,142,444 100% 0 0.00% 35,000 Resolution n7 Approved 21,142,444 100% 0 0.00% 35,000 Resolution n8 Approved 21,141,444 99.99% 1,000 0.01% 35,000 Resolution n9 Approved 21,141,444 99.99% 1,000 0.01% 35,000 Resolution n10 Approved 21,086,883 99.74% 55,561 0.26% 35,000 Resolution n11 Approved 21,141,444 99.99% 1,000 0.01% 35,000 Resolution n12 Approved 16,671,586 78.85% 4,470,858 21.15% 35,000 Resolution n13 Approved 21,142,444 100% 0 0.00% 35,000 Resolution n14 Approved 16,671,586 78.85% 4,470,858 21.15% 35,000 Resolution n15 Approved 21,142,444 100% 0 0.00% 35,000 Resolution n16 Approved 16,671,586 78.85% 4,470,858 21.15% 35,000 Resolution n17 Approved 21,085,883 99.73% 56,561 0.27% 35,000 Resolution n18 Approved 21,142,444 100% 0 0.00% 35,000 Resolution n19 Approved 21,177,444 100% 0 0.00% 0 Resolution n20 Approved 21,177,444 100% 0 0.00% 0 Resolution n21 Approved 16,669,734 78.84% 4,472,710 21.16% 35,000 Resolution n22 Rejected 1,942,027 42.75% 2,600,315 57.25% 16,635,102 Resolution n23 Approved 21,142,444 100% 0 0.00% 35,000 Resolution n24 Approved 16,671,586 78.85% 4,470,858 21.15% 35,000 Resolution n25 Approved 21,142,444 100% 0 0.00% 35,000 All the proposed resolutions were approved by the shareholders, with the exception of resolution n22. NHOA NHOA S.A. (formerly Engie EPS), global player in energy storage, e-mobility and EV fast and ultra-fast charging infrastructure, develops technologies enabling the transition towards clean energy and sustainable mobility, shaping the future of a next generation living in harmony with our planet. Listed on Euronext Paris regulated market (NHOA.PA), NHOA forms part of the CAC Mid Small and CAC All-Tradable financial indices. NHOA, with offices in France, Spain, United States and Australia, maintains entirely in Italy research, development and production of its technologies. For further information, go to www.nhoa.energy follow us on LinkedIn follow us on Instagram Forward looking statement This release may contain forward-looking statements. These statements are not undertakings as to the future performance of NHOA. Although NHOA considers that such statements are based on reasonable expectations and assumptions at the date of publication of this release, they are by their nature subject to risks and uncertainties which could cause actual performance to differ from those indicated or implied in such statements. These risks and uncertainties include without limitation those explained or identified in the public documents filed by NHOA with the French Financial Markets Authority (AMF), including those listed in the "Risk Factors" section of the NHOA 2022 Universal Registration Document. Investors and NHOA shareholders should note that if some or all of these risks are realized they may have a significant unfavorable impact on NHOA. These forward looking statements can be identified by the use of forward looking terminology, including the verbs or terms "anticipates", "believes", "estimates", "expects", "intends", "may", "plans", "build- up", "under discussion" or "potential customer", "should" or "will", "projects", "backlog" or "pipeline" or, in each case, their negative or other variations or comparable terminology, or by discussions of strategy, plans, objectives, goals, future events or intentions. These forward-looking statements include all matters that are not historical facts and that are to different degrees, uncertain, such as statements about the impacts of the war in Ukraine and the current economic situation pandemic on NHOA's business operations, financial results and financial position and on the world economy. They appear throughout this announcement and include, but are not limited to, statements regarding NHOA's intentions, beliefs or current expectations concerning, among other things, NHOA's results of business development, operations, financial position, prospects, financing strategies, expectations for product design and development, regulatory applications and approvals, reimbursement arrangements, costs of sales and market penetration. Important factors that could affect performance and cause results to differ materially from management's expectations or could affect NHOA's ability to achieve its strategic goals, include the uncertainties relating to the impact of war in Ukraine and the current economic situation on NHOA's business, operations and employees. In addition, even if the NHOA's results of operations, financial position and growth, and the development of the markets and the industry in which NHOA operates, are consistent with the forward-looking statements contained in this announcement, those results or developments may not be indicative of results or developments in subsequent periods. The forward-looking statements herein speak only at the date of this announcement. NHOA does not have the obligation and undertakes no obligation to update or revise any of the forward-looking statements. 1 The 21st resolution grants authority to the Board of Directors to conduct a rights issue of up to 330m, but, as indicated in the 1 May 2023 press release and in the Report of the Board of Directors to the shareholders' meeting, the rights issue will be for 250m only. View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20230615103840/en/ Contacts: Press Office France: Charlotte Le Barbier, +33 6 78 37 27 60, Roxane Planas, +33 6 37 05 84 42, Enguerand Renault, +33 06 87 56 91 63, Image7, atlante@image7.fr International Press Office: Claudia Caracausi and Davide Bruzzese, Image Building, +39 02 89011300, nhoa@imagebuilding.it Financial Communication and Institutional Relations: Chiara Cerri, +39 337 1484534, media.relations@nhoa.energy RIYADH, Saudi Arabia, June 15, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- BGI Almanahil Health for Medical Services, a wholly owned subsidiary of BGI Genomics, and Tibbiyah Holding, a renowned Saudi healthcare company, recently announced the establishment of Genalive, an independent clinical laboratory and a joint venture between these two organizations. This laboratory is one of the largest and most advanced independent clinical laboratories within Saudi Arabia, covering an area of approximately 4,000 square meters. This occasion marked a milestone in advancing precision medicine and genetic research in the Kingdom and was attended by His Excellency the Saudi Deputy Minister of Health, Eng. Abdulaziz bin Hamad Alrumaih and other dignitaries. Genalive combines BGI Genomics' cutting-edge genomic technologies and Tibbiyah's clinical expertise to offer comprehensive genetic testing and precision medicine solutions. Equipped with state-of-the-art facilities and staffed by a team of highly skilled professionals, Genalive is dedicated to translating genomic insights into personalized therapies. This laboratory is equipped with high-throughput sequencing platforms, advanced bioinformatics pipelines, and AI-driven analytical tools to drive world-class standards of precision and accuracy in genetic testing and analysis. Dr. Yin Ye, CEO of BGI Group (parent company of BGI Genomics), commented, "Genalive represents a transformative step forward in precision medicine. By combining the strengths of BGI Genomics and Tibbiyah, we can unlock the full potential of genomics, empowering healthcare providers with the tools they need to deliver personalized care to patients." "Genalive is the first of its kind in the kingdom to have established the largest data center with advanced bioinformatics capabilities in the private sector," said Dr. Saeed Al-Amoudi, CEO of Genalive. "Through this joint venture, BGI Genomics and Tibbiyah aim to drive genetic research and precision medicine forward, revolutionizing healthcare and ultimately improving patient outcomes." BGI Genomics seeks to bring its proprietary, world-leading non-invasive prenatal genetic testing, screening for hereditary tumors, monogenic disease carrier testing, neonatal disease screening, and infectious disease testing to the Middle East through Genalive. Genalive will be at the forefront of diagnostic excellence, supporting Saudi Vision 2030 in the fields of congenital disabilities, precision medicine, and public health services while contributing to the Belt and Road initiative. About BGI Genomics BGI Genomics, headquartered in Shenzhen, China, is the world's leading integrated solutions provider of precision medicine. In July 2017, as a subsidiary of BGI Group, BGI Genomics (300676.SZ) was listed on the Shenzhen Stock Exchange. Photo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2102823/Genalive_laboratory.jpg Photo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2102824/Dr_Yin_Ye__first_row_left__opening_ceremony.jpg Logo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/1608027/BGI_Logo.jpg View original content:https://www.prnewswire.co.uk/news-releases/bgi-genomics-unveils-genalives-cutting-edge-clinical-lab-in-saudi-arabia-301851991.html abrdn Property Income Trust Limited - Results of Annual General Meeting PR Newswire LONDON, United Kingdom, June 15 ABRDN Property Income Trust Limited (an authorised closed-ended investment company incorporated in Guernsey with registration number 41352) LEI Number: 549300HHFBWZRKC7RW84 (The "Company") 15 june 2023 RESULT OF ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING At the Annual General Meeting of the Company held on 14 June 2023, all Ordinary and Special Resolutions set out in the Notice of Annual General Meeting contained in the Annual Report to Shareholders published on 12 May 2023 were duly passed. Details of the proxy voting results which should be read alongside the Notice are noted below: Ordinary Resolution For Discretion (voted in favour) Against Abstain 1 120,879,706 35,359 40,405 14,527 2 120,304,202 63,359 479,890 120,546 3 120,902,595 35,359 25,491 6,553 4 120,571,483 35,359 298,368 64,787 5 120,668,635 35,359 135,411 130,592 6 118,030,117 35,359 2,698,073 206,448 7 118,126,755 35,359 2,601,435 206,448 8 116,521,008 35,359 2,807,181 1,606,448 9 115,854,005 35,359 3,472,062 1,608,571 10 118,123,604 35,359 2,602,463 208,571 Special Resolution For Discretion (voted in favour) Against Abstain 11 118,655,370 35,359 2,264,741 14,527 12 119,742,346 35,359 1,088,902 103,390 Note - A vote withheld is not a vote in law and has not been counted in the votes for and against a resolution. The Special Resolutions were as follows: Special Resolution 11 To authorise the Company, in accordance with The Companies (Guernsey) Law, 2008, as amended to make market acquisitions of its own shares of 1 pence each (either for retention as treasury shares for future resale or transfer or cancellation) provided that: a. the maximum number of ordinary shares hereby authorised to be purchased shall be 14.99 percent of the issued ordinary shares on the date on which this resolution is passed; b. the minimum price which may be paid for an ordinary share shall be 1 pence; c. the maximum price (exclusive of expenses) which may be paid for an ordinary share shall be the higher of (i) 105 percent of the average of the middle market quotations (as derived from the Daily Official List) for the ordinary shares for the five business days immediately preceding the date of acquisition and (ii) the higher of the last independent trade and the highest current bid on the trading venue on which the purchase is carried out; and d. unless previously varied, revoked or renewed, the authority hereby conferred shall expire at the conclusion of the Annual General Meeting of the Company after the passing of this resolution or on the expiry of 15 months from the passing of this resolution, whichever is the earlier, save that the Company may, prior to such expiry, enter into a contract to acquire ordinary shares under such authority and may make an acquisition of ordinary shares pursuant to any such contract. Special Resolution 12 That the Directors of the Company be and they are hereby generally empowered, to allot ordinary shares in the Company or grant rights to subscribe for, or to convert securities into, ordinary shares of the Company ("equity securities") for cash, including by way of a sale of ordinary shares held by the Company as treasury shares, as if any pre-emption rights in relation to the issue of shares as set out in the listing rules made by the Financial Conduct Authority under Part VI of the Financial Services and Markets Act 2000, as amended, did not apply to any such allotment of equity securities, provided that this power: a. expires at the conclusion of the next Annual General Meeting of the Company after the passing of this resolution or on the expiry of 15 months from the passing of this resolution, whichever is the earlier, save that the Company may, before such expiry, make an offer or agreement which would or might require equity securities to be allotted after such expiry and the Directors may allot equity securities in pursuance of any such offer or agreement as if the power conferred hereby had not expired; and b. shall be limited to the allotment of equity securities up to an aggregate nominal value of 381,219 being approximately 10 percent of the nominal value of the issued share capital of the Company, as at 21 April 2023. Enquiries: Northern Trust International Fund Administration Services (Guernsey) Limited The Company Secretary Trafalgar Court Les Banques St Peter Port Guernsey GY1 3QL Tel: 01481 745001 END Celonis, the global leader in Process Mining, is recognized as a Leader in the Everest Group Process Mining PEAK Matrix Assessment 2023 for the fourth year in a row. As stated in the report, key highlights include: Celonis continues to dominate the market in terms of process mining software revenue. The company has the largest client base of process mining clients. Celonis has the highest market share by revenue in the top six verticals including manufacturing, BFSI, healthcare pharma, hi-tech telecom, professional services, and CPG retail. It continues to hold the highest share of the process mining market across most geographies, including Continental Europe, North America, the UK, APAC, and LATAM. Celonis holds the highest share of revenue across all buyer-size segments. For more than a decade, Celonis has helped enterprises across every industry find and capture business value in their processes, enabling them to improve business performance, department and company-wide. The company has maintained its status as a Leader in Everest Group's PEAK Matrix Assessment thanks to its clear vision, compelling product strategy and ongoing product innovations for instance, with the recent introduction of the next generation of process mining: object-centric process mining (OCPM). With the release of Process Sphere at its annual Celosphere conference in November 2022, Celonis launched this revolutionary technology, which enables the analysis of interrelated business objects and events involved in business processes. Events are connected to objects instead of a single case, making it possible to easily and quickly view complex and interacting processes from all perspectives. Celonis stands out as a leading vendor in the Everest Group Process Mining PEAK Matrix Assessment 2023, offering enterprise-grade object-centric process mining capabilities. Where traditional process mining allows you to analyze a single process (like accounts payable), it becomes extremely powerful when it's able to understand and optimize interconnected processes. Object-centric process mining provides a 3D view of how numerous processes work and interact (think: procurement's impact on production), and thus enables optimization across interconnected processes. If traditional process mining is an x-ray, then object-centric process mining is an MRI, providing a 3D view of a company's interconnected processes. The Everest Group Process Mining PEAK Matrix Assessment 2023 report outlines the distinguishing features of market success. Celonis holds the highest reported capability scores in seven out of eight assessment criteria including market adoption, portfolio mix, vision and strategy, process set-up and discovery, process intelligence, implementation and support, and commercial and sales model. "With macroeconomic forces continuing to create a challenging climate for businesses across the globe, process mining has never been so critical," said Alex Rinke, co-CEO and co-founder of Celonis. "We are thrilled Everest Group has once again recognized our dedication to enabling every organization to capture hidden value inside its processes, and perform at levels they never thought possible. We continue to bolster our technology solutions with innovations like OCPM and relentlessly pursue the democratization of process mining, alleviating cost pressures businesses today face and helping them deliver fast, sustainable value." "Celonis' position as a Leader on Everest Group's Process Mining Products PEAK Matrix for the fourth consecutive year is underpinned by its strong vision and market presence, superior product capabilities, and continued investments in product innovation and thought leadership," said Amardeep Modi, Vice President at Everest Group. "Celonis' vision, product's ease of use, object-centric process mining, and ability to trigger actions are some of the key strengths highlighted by its clients." Background of the Everest Group Research Everest Group defines process mining as a type of analytics product that involves a fact-based approach to help discover, monitor, and optimize as-is processes by analyzing process-related information primarily from event logs generated by enterprise systems (e.g., ERP, CRM, etc.). The technology provides a data-based approach to process optimization through numerous applications and use cases spanning industries and process areas. This has led to process mining being and continuing to be one of the fastest growing markets in the Intelligent Automation (IA) space. Adoption of process mining not only helps enterprises achieve traditional benefits such as cost savings and operational efficiency, but also opens avenues to target business/strategic outcomes such as top-line growth, accelerated digital transformation, enhanced customer experience, and sustainability. In order to support the enterprise objectives, products are rapidly evolving in the sophistication of their capabilities, features, and functionalities. Everest Group's PEAK Matrix Assessment can be downloaded here. About Celonis Celonis enables customers to optimize their business processes. Powered by its leading process mining technology, Celonis provides a unique set of capabilities for business executives and users to continuously find improvement opportunities within and across processes, and execute targeted actions to rapidly enhance process performance. This optimization yields immediate cash impact, radically improves customer experience, and reduces carbon emissions. Celonis has thousands of implementations with global customers and is headquartered in Munich, Germany and New York City, USA with more than 20 offices worldwide. 2023 Celonis SE. All rights reserved. Celonis, Execution Management System, EMS, Process Sphere and the Celonis "droplet" logo are trademarks or registered trademarks of Celonis SE in Germany and other jurisdictions. All other product and company names are trademarks or registered trademarks of their respective owners. View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20230615254415/en/ Contacts: Celonis press@celonis.com Transaction Network Services (TNS), a global leading Infrastructure-as-a-Service (IaaS) organization, will unveil the latest indoor payment terminals (IPT) and outdoor payment terminal (OPT) kits at ReFuelForum UK in Marbella between June 14-15, 2023. The new kits combine an Android-based smart payment terminal, complete with full-color multimedia screens compatible with content management systems to provide digital advertising options for retailers. As an end-to-end solution, fully managed device connectivity is provided through TNS' proven, secure and reliable TNSLink solution, to transport payment transaction data into the payment's ecosystem. The new range of smart payment terminal solutions enable a secure payment experience for consumers paying by all major card brands, proprietary fuel cards or loyalty programs, and contactless or digital wallets whether they are paying at-the-pump or in-store. The OPT kits can be integrated with major fuel dispenser brands, with retrofitting molds and fittings provided as part of the kit. TNS payment acceptance solutions are secure, EMV certified and P2PE validated and enable fuel retailers to accept cashless payments. The solutions combine premium, robust terminals with connection and transportation of payment data through the TNSPay Gateway to the retailers chosen bank. The new terminals are fully PCI PTS 5.x compliant (PCI PTS 6.x ready), and the intuitive operating system can be configured, and ongoing software updates managed, remotely. "Our new range of smart payment terminals provide a seamless payment experience for fuel and convenience retailers that facilitate the most popular payment methods consumers demand," said Matthew Thomas, Managing Director of UK and Ireland, TNS Payments Market. "These premium terminals combine the security credentials for which TNS is globally recognized with a host of value-added services that will be of huge benefit to our fuel and convenience partners." "We're delighted to be unveiling these new payment acceptance options at ReFuelForum UK, a key event in the fuel and convenience calendar and one that attracts an audience of innovative retailers from across the region," continued Thomas. "We look forward to showcasing the features and benefits of such a system to retailers from the UK, Ireland and across Europe." TNS is a Level 1 PCI DSS certified service provider. Its solutions are scalable, agnostic, and actively monitored from four global Network Operations Centers in the US, UK, Australia, and Malaysia. As a trusted payments IaaS provider, TNS accepts, connects, and securely processes billions of transactions through its secure IaaS solutions every year, allowing merchants to focus on their business and customers. ENDS About Transaction Network Services TNS is a world-renowned provider of Infrastructure-as-a-Service (IaaS) solutions to the payments, communications and financial markets. Established more than 30 years ago, its extensive portfolio of innovative, value-added services now supports thousands of organizations across more than 60 countries to interact efficiently, conduct mission critical processes securely and adopt new technologies flexibly. TNS' Payments Markets business enables trusted connected commerce through its IaaS solutions that include payment device enablement, global connectivity and merchant processing solutions. TNS' solutions enable its partners to simplify, secure and manage the most complex aspects of the payment ecosystem and gain strategic advantage from the moment they engage with consumers. For more information, please visit tnsi.com. View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20230615300594/en/ Contacts: Clare Cockroft Shaun Hughes TNS T: +44 (0)114 292 0163 +1 703 814 8065 E: pr@tnsi.com WALNUT CREEK, CA / ACCESSWIRE / June 15, 2023 / Del Monte Gut Love and Boost Me Fruit Cup Snacks with Infusions have been recognized as the Overall Snack Products of the Year by the 2023 Mindful Awards. The Mindful Awards highlight conscious companies and products in the Consumer Packaged Goods (CPG) industry that stand up for what's right and take action to make a positive impact on people and the planet. This recognition for Del Monte Foods speaks to the company's purpose as Growers of Good to nourish people and the planet by making nutritious foods more accessible to all. The Del Monte Gut Love and Boost Me Fruit Cup Snacks with Infusions are made with real fruit like mangos and pineapples, and are infused with antioxidants and natural ingredients including Vitamin C, nourishing prebiotics, and coffee extract, making better for you snacking delicious and convenient. The two new products add to Del Monte's existing products that are Upcycled Certified. Through Gut Love and Boost Me Fruit Cup Snacks, the company is re-directing approximately 130,000 pounds of pineapple juice each year, helping to provide nutritious and affordable food, while reducing greenhouse gas emissions. "We're constantly innovating to make great-tasting products that are more convenient and accessible to meet the needs of consumers' ever-changing habits and lifestyles," said Bibie Wu, Chief Marketing Officer for Del Monte Foods. "This recognition is a testament to the hard work of our team members in using sustainable practices to ensure that food reaches its highest and best purpose, while creating delicious snacks that bring joy to nutritious eating." Del Monte Foods has launched a slew of new products during the past five years using breakthrough technologies in ingredients, packaging and processes. One of its latest brands, JOYBA, was recently recognized by the Refrigerated and Frozen Food Awards as part of the Best New Retail Products for 2023. The brand's Blueberry Pomegranate Bubble Tea ranked third of five new products of the year, decided by consumer vote. JOYBA Bubble Tea is a first of its kind line of boba shop-inspired ready to drink beverages made with real brewed tea and popping boba, conveniently available in retail stores nationwide. Del Monte Gut Love and Boost Me Fruit Cup Snacks are available at major national retailers including Walmart and Kroger. JOYBA Bubble Tea is available at select Target, Walmart, Costco, Sam's Club and Circle K. To learn more and to locate a store partner near you, please visit www.delmonte.com and www.joyba.com. About Del Monte Foods For more than 135 years, Del Monte Foods, Inc. has been driven by our mission to nourish families with earth's goodness. As the original plant-based food company, we're always innovating to make nutritious and delicious foods more accessible to consumers across our portfolio of beloved brands, including Del Monte, Contadina, College Inn, Kitchen Basics, JOYBA, Take Root Organics and S&W. We believe that everyone deserves great tasting food they can feel good about, which is why we grow and produce our products using sustainable and earth-friendly practices for a healthier tomorrow. Del Monte Foods, Inc. is the U.S. subsidiary of Del Monte Pacific Limited (Bloomberg: DELM SP, DELM PM) and is not affiliated with certain other?Del Monte?companies around the world, including Fresh Del Monte Produce Inc., Del?Monte Canada, or Del Monte Asia Pte. Ltd. For more information about Del Monte Foods and our products, please visit?www.delmontefoods.com?or?www.delmonte.com. View additional multimedia and more ESG storytelling from Del Monte Foods, Inc. on 3blmedia.com. Contact Info: Spokesperson: Del Monte Foods, Inc. Website: https://www.3blmedia.com/profiles/del-monte-foods-inc Email: info@3blmedia.com SOURCE: Del Monte Foods, Inc. View source version on accesswire.com:https://www.accesswire.com/761504/Upcycled-Del-Monte-Foods-Inc-Products-Named-Snack-Products-of-the-Year-by-the-2023-Mindful-Awards CLEVELAND, UT / ACCESSWIRE / June 15, 2023 / KeyBank recently commemorated the one-year anniversary of its American Fork branch - the company's first new branch in the Western half of the U.S. in more than a decade. The celebration included a networking event with the branch's business clients and the American Fork Chamber of Commerce, as well as a $10,000 donation to the Five.12 Foundation. "We've had a great first year in American Fork," said Drew Yergensen, KeyBank Utah market president and commercial banking leader. "We have really enjoyed meeting and working more closely with our new neighbors, clients and community partners, and we look forward to strengthening those relationships even further in the coming years." The American Fork branch highlights KeyBank's state-of-the-art financial wellness center model, which is staffed with financial wellness consultants rather than a traditional teller line. All transactions are completed at desks, where consultants also conduct comprehensive financial wellness reviews and discussions. Clients can also meet with specialists in mortgage, investments, business banking and more at the location. The branch features digital video screens and a client hospitality space that also serves as an area for financial seminars and group presentations with clients and the public, as well as a drive-up teller line, ATM and complimentary parking. In addition to helping individuals and families achieve their financial goals, the branch also serves clients seeking to develop and grow businesses in the area. "We are here to help the community of American Fork with all of their banking and small business needs," said Jason Scorup, KeyBank American Fork branch manager. "We also take pride in the positive impact we've had by giving back to community partners like the Five.12 Foundation, and we look forward to building even more community partnerships in and around American Fork." Based in Alpine, Utah, the Five.12 Foundation organizes and distributes weekend food bags to students in need at four American Fork elementary schools, including Greenwood, Forbes, Barratt and Shelley. The full-service branch is located at 717 West Main in American Fork, directly off of the 278 exit from I-15. CONTACT: Laura Suter | Regional Communications Manager | 206.343.6953 | laura_suter@keybank.com ABOUT KEYBANK 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 at 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 is Member FDIC. ### View additional multimedia and more ESG storytelling from KeyBank on 3blmedia.com. Contact Info: Spokesperson: KeyBank Website: https://www.3blmedia.com/profiles/keybank Email: info@3blmedia.com SOURCE: KeyBank View source version on accesswire.com:https://www.accesswire.com/761502/KeyBanks-American-Fork-Branch-Celebrates-One-Year-Anniversary PITTSBURGH, PA / ACCESSWIRE / June 15, 2023 / Liberated Syndication Inc. ("Libsyn"), the leading all-in-one podcasting platform for creators and advertisers, today announced an exclusive, multi-year advertising deal between Libsyn's AdvertiseCast, the industry's premier podcast advertising marketplace that connects advertisers with podcasters, and The Roseanne Barr Show, a highly anticipated new podcast debuting today. With its growing network of hundreds of exclusive podcasts and thousands of participating shows, Libsyn's AdvertiseCast marketplace offers advertisers valuable opportunities for accessing highly sought-after podcast advertising inventory. As an exclusive advertising partner, The Roseanne Bar Show will have the opportunity to leverage AdvertiseCast's full-service advertising platform, including Libsyn's Automatic Ads solution to augment host-read programs with programmatic ad revenues. Roseanne Barr has been having a conversation with Americans for 40 years. Her career has always centered around real-life issues that affect real people of all distinctions. This podcast is an arena to continue these conversations and bring people together in a positive, sometimes irreverent, and most importantly humorous way. Join Roseanne weekly as she talks to friends, comics, influencers, politicians, journalists, and anyone else about the topics that matter to YOU. Trevr Smithlin, Head of Publisher Relations at Libsyn's AdvertiseCast, said, "With a devoted fanbase and tremendous anticipation, The Roseanne Barr Show promises to be a riveting podcast that offers new advertisers an incredible opportunity to reach a vast audience. We look forward to building our partnership with The Roseanne Barr Show team, connecting them with relevant advertisers, and delivering data-driven insights and tools to maximize their growth and effectively monetize the show." "I am thrilled to join forces with Libsyn's AdvertiseCast for the much-awaited launch of The Roseanne Barr Show. Leveraging AdvertiseCast's track record and expansive network, I have full confidence in their expertise and resources to drive and amplify our new show's growth, secure valuable advertisers, and grow our listenership," said Jake Pentland, Producer and Co-Host, The Roseanne Barr Show. Libsyn's AdvertiseCast empowers brands to effectively target and reach a fast growing and coveted podcast audience and helps creators to monetize their audio and video content. The marketplace combines an industry-leading ad buying and management platform with full-service capabilities that makes it easy for podcast advertisers to initiate and manage highly targeted and measurable campaigns, while providing maximum return for creators. For more information or to advertise on The Roseanne Barr Show, please reach out to sales@advertisecast.com. About Liberated Syndication Founded in 2004, Liberated Syndication Inc. ("Libsyn") is the leading all-in-one podcasting platform for creators and advertisers to host, distribute, monetize, amplify, and measure their audio content. In 2022, the Company hosted over 75,000 shows and delivered over 8 billion downloads to listeners globally. Libsyn's AdvertiseCast marketplace combines an industry-leading ad buying and management platform with full-service capabilities that make it easy for podcast advertisers to initiate and manage highly targeted and measurable campaigns on over 3,000 shows. Based in Munich, Germany, Libsyn's Julep Media platform is the leading podcasting hosting platform and advertising marketplace in Europe. Libsyn also powers podcast membership platform,Glow, and web hosting platform, Pair Networks. Visitlibsyn.comorinvestor.libsyn.comfor more Company information. # # # Media Contacts: Ray Yeung + Nancy Zakhary | ray@relev8.co+ nancy@relev8.co SOURCE: Liberated Syndication, Inc. View source version on accesswire.com:https://www.accesswire.com/760190/Libsyns-AdvertiseCast-Signs-Exclusive-Advertising-Partnership-with-Highly-Anticipated-Debut-of-The-Roseanne-Barr-Podcast CINCINNATI, OH / ACCESSWIRE / June 15, 2023 / 360 Intelligent Solutions Inc., a trailblazing provider of financial services solutions, is delighted to announce the appointment of Cesar Remond as the Head of Business Development. With a remarkable career spanning over 20 years in the global financial services industry, Remond brings extensive sales leadership expertise to the company. Throughout his distinguished tenure, he has held pivotal roles at prominent industry players including CCC Information Systems, Hyperquest Inc, and ContolExpert. Renowned for his exceptional leadership, Remond has consistently demonstrated a keen focus on understanding client needs and delivering customer-centric solutions. His reputation as a trusted sales resource is exemplified by the enduring relationships he has cultivated with clients, who he considers not just customers but friends. The loyalty of his clientele has been a testament to his unwavering commitment to their success, fostering enduring partnerships that have transcended his professional journey. As the Head of Business Development at 360 Intelligent Solutions, Remond embarks on a mission to revolutionize the conventional vendor-client dynamic. His vision encompasses a departure from selling standardized product catalogs and instead centers around collaboratively addressing real challenges faced by insurance companies. He aspires to work closely with a select group of clients, pursuing what he terms "the art of the possible" in crafting tailored solutions that meet their unique needs. "Cesar Remond's appointment brings exceptional value to the team," stated 360 Intelligent Solutions' CEO, Michael Sturgis. He added, "Cesar's profound understanding of the most pressing challenges confronting the financial services vertical, recognizing it as a pivotal asset that will drive the company's mission to provide bespoke software solutions to its clients." For more information about 360 DEMAND Review, visit www.360intelligentsolutions.com. ABOUT 360 Intelligent Solutions 360 Intelligent Solutions Inc is a technology company specializing in providing innovative, intelligent technology solutions to insurance and financial service companies. Led by industry veteran Michael Sturgis, the company leverages cutting-edge tools and expertise to help clients unlock the full potential of their critical, large datasets. By enabling informed decision-making, enhanced risk management, and streamlined claims processing, 360 Intelligent Solutions empowers clients to achieve better business outcomes and thrive in a rapidly evolving industry. Contact: Diane Belforti | +1 (888) 318-5121 ext 713 | dbelforti@sci360degrees.com Contact Information: Diane Belforti Marketing dbelforti@sci360degrees.com (888) 318-5121 SOURCE: 360 Intelligent Solutions Inc. View source version on accesswire.com:https://www.accesswire.com/761351/360-Intelligent-Solutions-Welcomes-Insurance-Software-Sales-Leader-to-Head-Business-Development BOSTON, MA / ACCESSWIRE / June 15, 2023 / Breach, an insurtech start-up that is building insurance technology and products for the growing cryptocurrency market, has been approved by the Bermuda Monetary Authority (BMA) to launch a new class IIGB insurer. Breach was created with a mission to make crypto safer by creating net new insurance capacity and innovative insurance products. Today's announcement is a foundational block in Breach's missions to build a healthier ecosystem for all stakeholders. The new carrier will allow Breach to underwrite emerging crypto risks as a primary insurer, with a key focus on the development of bespoke embedded products tailor made for crypto native technologies. There is a significant underwriting and actuarial gap for custom insurance solutions that the company is solving for with its expanded offering. The new offerings will be available through Breach's proprietary insurtech platform via simple APIs that can help partners embed regulated insurance into their technology in a few weeks instead of several months. The IIGB license is a special innovation class license designed for underwriting crypto risks. With the full-stack carrier, Breach has obtained regulatory authority to operate natively in both crypto and fiat with the ability to denominate policies, receive payments, and pay claims all in crypto. These capabilities are unique as only a handful of insurers currently have the license and also important to the crypto space as risks can now be underwritten natively in the same asset. In support of Breach's expansion as a global insurer, the company also raised a fresh round of funding led by RW3 and LightShed Ventures, with participation from Raptor, Foundation Capital, Road Capital, Republic Capital, and Alumni Ventures. The capital raised will be used to launch the new Bermuda insurance carrier and to continue growing its countrywide licensed MGA in the US. Breach is also expanding its proprietary insurtech platform for use with upcoming commercial-grade products. Joe Bruzzesi, General Partner at RW3 and ex-BitGo head of Americas, was the deal lead for RW3 in the round. "As an investor and entrepreneur with more than six years of experience in the crypto industry, I have observed a growing demand for insurance. In my past role, where I helped develop one of the leading crypto custodians, I saw firsthand the imbalance between the supply and demand for insurance. I am confident that the Breach team has the necessary combination of experience and innovation to address one of the industry's most significant challenges, and I am thrilled to support their mission," said Joe Bruzzesi. "The crypto industry has been grappling with rising regulatory scrutiny while looking for ways to gain credibility with both investors and the public. We view insurance as one of the first steps in professionalizing and safeguarding the industry, and we believe the Breach team has the experience, approach, and timing to the market to bring effective coverage to both individuals and businesses," said LightShed Ventures General Partner/Co-Founder, Jamie Seltzer. Breach is an insurtech with an exclusive focus on crypto risks. Although unregulated decentralized insurance protocols have gained popularity in the crypto space, Breach has instead placed an emphasis on developing creative and regulated insurance solutions by utilizing their deep crypto and insurance industry expertise. Breach CEO, Eyhab Aejaz, said in a statement: "The launch of our insurance carrier is a major milestone not only for Breach, but also the crypto industry. With the capability to iterate on products, pricing, and the delivery of our products, we aim to unlock significant potential that the crypto market has been held back from. I am ecstatic to have tier-one investors join our cap table as they have immediately jumped in and rolled up their sleeves to support us in our mission to bring scalable, regulated insurance to the crypto industry. Over the last two years we have continued to build on our underwriting capabilities and have drastically expanded our proprietary, best-in-class crypto hack event database, which will help us further refine pricing and further develop our modeling." For more information on Breach and its industry-leading services, visit https://breachinsured.com. Contact Information: JJ Nelson Public Relations Lead jnelson@interknow.com 3106258816 SOURCE: Breach Insurance View source version on accesswire.com:https://www.accesswire.com/761510/Insurtech-Start-Up-Breach-Launches-Carrier-Raises-Investment-Round-Led-by-RW3-and-LightShed-Ventures KBRA Europe (KBRA) releases a Day 2 recap of the 27th annual Global ABS conference. The day began with an address from Shaun Baddeley, Managing Director and Head of Securitisation at the Association for Financial Markets in Europe (AFME), followed by one of the architects of the European Capital Markets Union, Lord Jonathan Hill. Panels featured a range of topics including broad market outlook and review of performance, as well as discussions on various markets such as ESG, CLOs, solar ABS, SRT, auto ABS, consumer ABS, NPLs, RMBS, and more. There were also a number of discussions on broader topics similar to Day 1, such as innovation in the market, regulation and ESG and sustainability, including the popular Researchers' Roundtable series. Click here to view a quick recap of the day's panel discussions. Related Publications Global ABS 2023: Day 1 Recap European Securitisation: Sluggish Issuance Continues in 2023 European Auto ABS: Accelerating Towards Green UK Buy-to-Let: A Brewing Remortgage Storm? KBRA's European Securitisation Survey: Diverging Views Equity Release Mortgages: Supportive Environment for UK Expansion and Beyond? European CLO Manager Style Comparisons: April 2023 Update European Solar ABS: Potential to Support Green Transition? About KBRA KBRA is a full-service credit rating agency registered in the U.S., the EU and the UK, and is designated to provide structured finance ratings in Canada. KBRA's ratings can be used by investors for regulatory capital purposes in multiple jurisdictions. View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20230615653011/en/ Contacts: Gordon Kerr, Head of European Research +44 20 8148 1020 gordon.kerr@kbra.com Christopher Noonan, European Structured Finance +353 1 588 1225 christopher.noonan@kbra.com Gianfranco Di Paolo, European Structured Finance +353 1 588 1205 gianfranco.dipaolo@kbra.com Stacy Gross, European CMBS +44 20 8148 1058 stacy.gross@kbra.com Yee Cent Wong, European Ratings +353 1 588 1260 yee.cent.wong@kbra.com Business Development Contact Mauricio Noe, Co-Head of Europe +44 20 8148 1010 mauricio.noe@kbra.com Miten Amin, Managing Director +44 20 8148 1002 miten.amin@kbra.com MUNICH, June 15, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Geneverse, a US-based provider of innovative home solar power solutions, is excited to announce its debut in the EU market at the highly anticipated The smarter E Europe 2023 exhibition, held as part of The Smarter E Show. The event in Munich, will showcase Geneverse's groundbreaking complete home solar energy system for the first time. The smarter E is an esteemed international gathering that brings together industry experts, innovators, and enthusiasts to explore the latest trends and advancements in renewable energy. With its participation, Geneverse aims to revolutionize the solar energy landscape in Europe and make solar power more accessible to a wider variety of people. Geneverse's Complete Home Solar Energy System is a comprehensive solution designed to meet the energy needs of EU residential properties. Combining cutting-edge solar panels, advanced energy storage, and intelligent energy management technologies, the system provides consumers with a reliable, efficient, and sustainable source of power. By allowing users to generate, store, and manage their own solar energy, it reduces dependency on traditional energy sources and contributes to a greener future. "We are thrilled to launch our debut in the EU market at The smarter E Europe 2023 exhibition," said Anson Liang, CEO of Geneverse. "Sustainable energy solutions should not be limited to a select few, but should be accessible to everyone. With our innovative system, we are providing an opportunity for individuals to generate their own clean energy, reduce their carbon footprint, and take control of their energy costs." said Anson, the founder of Geneverse Geneverse's participation in The smarter E Show during The smarter E Europe 2023 exhibition reflects their commitment to driving sustainable energy adoption and promoting environmental consciousness. As for the American market, exciting new product debuts are anticipated at RE+ 2023. Visit Geneverse Hall C, booth 460 during The smarter E Europe 2023 exhibition, June 14-16. Engage with Geneverse experts, experience the innovative Complete Home Solar Energy System firsthand, and discover how Geneverse is empowering independence. If you'd like to meet with Geneverse at The smarter E Europe, please email sales.eu@geneverse.com. About Geneverse: Geneverse is a leading provider of renewable energy solutions, specializing in solar generators and solar panels. The company is committed to promoting sustainability and reducing dependence on fossil fuels by providing affordable, efficient, and reliable renewable energy solutions. For more information, please visit geneverse.com and follow @geneversepower on LinkedIn, Instagram, Facebook, TikTok, and Twitter. Photo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2099834/image_5009324_21537594.jpg View original content:https://www.prnewswire.co.uk/news-releases/geneverse-empowers-a-whole-new-market-with-debut-and-product-launch-at-the-smarter-e-europe-2023-301851990.html WASHINGTON, June 15, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Working with recognized, independent scientists, the National Association for Biomedical Research (NABR) filed a petition today with the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) challenging the recent designation of the long-tailed macaque (Cynomolgus macaque) as endangered under IUCN listing criteria. This designation is a result of improperly used data that do not support species listing as endangered. NABR calls for an immediate review. National Association for Biomedical Research President Matthew R. Bailey said: "Nonhuman primates make up less than 0.5% of all animals in research, yet they play a critical role in developing new drugs, devices and vaccines for people and for pets. Tens of thousands of drugs and therapeutics may never make it through the research and development pipeline without long-tailed macaques in research. The listing of long-tailed macaques and any ensuing importation restrictions must be based on the best available scientific evidence. Arbitrary restrictions imposed on the importation of long-tailed macaques could jeopardize millions of human lives and threaten global public health." "The listing of the long-tailed macaque as endangered by the IUCN sets a dangerous precedent because this determination is not based on peer-reviewed scientific information. This is particularly troubling because arbitrary actions like this make life-saving medical research even more difficult to conduct in the U.S. and other countries." The IUCN assessment completed in 2022 fails to present scientific evidence supporting reclassification of the long-tailed macaque from vulnerable to endangered. The IUCN assessment contains numerous errors and misstatements, and does not provide actual evidence of species declines compared to past evaluations. Nonhuman primates are currently irreplaceable in neuroscience, neurodegenerative disorders, infectious diseases, immunotherapy, reproduction, aging, chronic inflammatory disease and other areas of science. Since nonhuman primates and humans share between 93% and 98% of the same DNA, have similar brain anatomies, and share similar body systems, they are a key to biomedical research discoveries that yield new drugs, vaccines and biologics. The overwhelming majority of drugs on the market today relied on safety and efficacy data from multiple animal models before being allowed to move to human clinical trials as demonstrated by the Foundation for Biomedical Research's top 25 drugs and animal models study. National Association for Biomedical Research President Matthew R. Bailey will testify before the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora Animals Committee meeting in Geneva on Monday, June 19, 2023, calling for a review of the endangered listing. BACKGROUND Long-tailed macaques are used extensively in medical research to develop drugs in the United States. The National Academies report Nonhuman Primate Models in Biomedical Research: State of the Science and Future Needs (2023) emphasizes that animal testing followed by human clinical trials currently remains the best way to examine complex physiological, neuroanatomical, reproductive, developmental and cognitive effects of drugs to determine if they are safe and effective for market approval. The major regulatory agencies across the world, including the U.S. Food and Drug Administration and the European Medicines Agency, require most new drugs and biologics to be evaluated for measures of safety and efficacy with rodent and non-rodent animal models, including nonhuman primates, before human clinical trials can safely begin. On March 7, 2022, the IUCN determined that the long-tailed macaque should be considered "endangered" under IUCN criteria. The basis for this determination is outlined in an assessment completed by M.F. Hansen and other contributors (Hansen et al. 2022). On June 15, 2023, NABR filed a petition with the IUCN challenging the change in listing status. Scientists involved in drafting the petition note the lack of data to support the recent status determination. In its review of Hansen et al. (2022) the petition notes that scientific literature referenced is often misinterpreted and such information does not demonstrate that the long-tailed macaque has declined. The filing of this petition by NABR triggers a scientific review by the IUCN. During this review, scientists will review the best available scientific information to determine the status of the long-tailed macaque under IUCN criteria. At the conclusion of this process, the IUCN will announce its findings, and any changes in listing status. About the National Association for Biomedical Research Founded in 1979, the National Association for Biomedical Research (NABR) is the only 501(c)(6) nonprofit association dedicated to sound public policy for the humane use of animals in biomedical research, education and testing. Members include more than 340 universities, medical and veterinary schools, teaching hospitals, pharmaceutical and biotechnology companies, patient groups, and academic and professional societies who rely on humane and responsible animal research to advance global human and animal health. Learn more about us at www.nabr.org. Contact: Eva Maciejewski emaciejewski@nabr.org (202) 967-8305 Logo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/1138543/NABR_Logo.jpg View original content:https://www.prnewswire.co.uk/news-releases/nabr-files-petition-challenging-the-listing-of-long-tailed-macaque-by-the-iucn-301851998.html BEIJING, June 15, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- The Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank (AIIB) welcomes the review announced by Canadian Deputy Prime Minister and AIIB Governor, Ms. Chrystia Freeland, into the baseless allegations made by Mr. Bob Pickard, AIIB's former Director General of Communications, following the announcement of his resignation yesterday. Ludger Schuknecht, Vice President and Corporate Secretary, said, "We welcome this review and will be cooperating fully. Transparency is essential to the trust of our 106 Members, our multilateral peers, our development partners, our community of civil society organizations, and the citizens we serve." Over the last 24 hours, Senior Management has been working closely with the AIIB Board of Directors to develop a response that demonstrates transparency, maintains trust in the Bank's multilateral character, and aligns with the Bank's high standards of governance. In addition to cooperating with its Canadian counterparts, AIIB will also be conducting its own internal review of the circumstances surrounding the resignation of Bob Pickard and the allegations he has made. This management review will be led by the General Counsel, Alberto Ninio. In the sidelines of the Board Retreat today, the AIIB Board of Directors met informally with Management and agreed to establish a group of Directors to which Management will report. The review will be conducted in line with the Bank's governance frameworks and policies, including the Code of Conduct for Bank Personnel , the Staff Regulations , the Policy on Public Information and the Policy on Personal Data Privacy . Sir Danny Alexander, Vice President for Policy and Strategy, said, "Our Bank is extremely diverse. Our staff consists of 65 different nationalities, and our global membership now stands at 106. Our Bank is multilateral in spirit, character and practice. Our robust multilateral governance system and international leadership and staff ensures this. With a membership as diverse as AIIB's, a governance framework that incentives consensus building has been a cornerstone of our success to date and in the future." About AIIB The Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank (AIIB) is a multilateral development bank whose mission is financing the Infrastructure for Tomorrow-infrastructure with sustainability at its core. We began operations in Beijing in January 2016 and have since grown to 106 approved members worldwide. We are capitalized at USD100 billion and Triple-A-rated by the major international credit rating agencies. Collaborating with partners, AIIB meets clients' needs by unlocking new capital and investing in infrastructure that is green, technology-enabled and promotes regional connectivity. Logo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2103018/Asian_Infrastructure_Investment_Bank__AIIB.jpg View original content:https://www.prnewswire.co.uk/news-releases/aiib-welcomes-canadian-review-and-initiates-internal-review-to-ensure-transparency-301852123.html Ottawa, Ontario--(Newsfile Corp. - June 15, 2023) - A report released by the Canadian Finance and Leasing Association (CFLA) reveals that vehicle theft has reached a critical point in Canada, costing the country a billion dollars annually. With a 300% surge since 2015 in the City of Toronto alone, 2022 has now marked the most notorious year for vehicle theft. This rising crime is not limited to Toronto. Every six minutes, a vehicle is stolen in Canada. In 2019, 17 other metropolitan areas reported higher per capita vehicle theft rates than Toronto. The report makes it clear that organized crime is at the centre of the vehicle theft crisis in Canada. It also underscores that the profits earned by organized crime through vehicle theft are used to finance drug trafficking, firearm smuggling, tax evasion, money laundering, and terrorism. "It's become common, and we had to develop recommendations to address it," said Michael Rothe, President and CEO of the CFLA. "Almost everyone I speak to has a story about vehicle theft, and our latest report proves it. Vehicle theft in Canada is rising exponentially, with organized crime becoming more adept at maintaining their revenue flow from stolen vehicles. We urgently need public education programs on theft prevention, the re-establishment of provincial auto theft teams, and protocols for reporting financed vehicles exported through identity theft." Despite the implementation of the Tackling Auto Theft and Property Crime Act by the federal government in 2010, which empowered the Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) to detain suspected stolen property before export, the report reveals that more coordinated, national efforts are necessary to curb these often violent crimes. With a vehicle being stolen every six minutes, often by organized crime, this billion-dollar crisis demands immediate attention and collaboration from the federal government. In response to the severity of the issue, CFLA's report proposes a comprehensive range of strategies to address the escalating rates of vehicle theft nationwide. -30- About the CFLA The Canadian Finance and Leasing Association is the trade association advocating for the interests of Canada's asset-based financing, vehicle and equipment leasing industry. The CFLA's members help businesses succeed by financing or leasing the equipment and vehicles they depend on. This industry finances over $420 billion in assets nationwide. Established in 1993 through the merger of the Canadian Automotive Leasing Association and the Equipment Lessors Association of Canada, the CFLA grew from 61 member companies to over 200 today. Media Contact Hana Sabah Communications Associate hana@impactcanada.com | 514-834-8841 To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/170135 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 15, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- As per The Business Research Company's Commercial Helicopters Global Market Report 2023, the global commercial helicopters market size will grow from $28.2 billion in 2022 to $28.7 billion in 2023 at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of more than 1%. The global commercial helicopters market size is then expected to grow to $39 billion in 2027 at a CAGR of more than 7%. Going forward, growing demand for air taxi, rise in air transportation, increasing commercial aircraft orders, growth in offshore oil and gas industry and growing urbanization will drive the commercial helicopters market growth. The global commercial helicopters market is concentrated, with a few large players. Airbus SE was the largest commercial helicopters competitor with 14.3% share of the market, followed by Leonardo SpA, Russian Helicopters, Textron, Lockheed Martin Corporation, and Kawasaki Heavy Industries Ltd. Learn More On The Commercial Helicopters Market Report - https://www.thebusinessresearchcompany.com/report/commercial-helicopters-global-market-report Airbus Group SE headquartered in Leiden, the Netherlands, was the largest competitor in the commercial helicopters market in 2022, with a 14.3% share of the market. Airbus SE is a provider of aerospace products, services and solutions. It manufactures commercial aircraft, helicopters, military transport aircraft, satellites and launch vehicles. The company as original equipment manufacturer (OEM) it provides structure parts, avionics and instruments, engine parts, aircraft interiors, batteries, and modification kits. Airbus' growth strategy focuses on strengthening its operational capabilities through gaining new contracts. For instance, in May 2023, the company's Airbus Corporate Helicopters business received an order from Air Corporate, an Italy-based business aviation operator for delivering 43 new helicopters. The agreement includes three twin-engine ACH160s along with 40 H125 and H130 single-engine helicopters. In addition, in April 2023, Airbus, introduced a DisruptiveLab concept helicopter, a brand-new demonstrator that flew for the first time. An efficient propulsion system, by testing a fully parallel hybrid propulsion system that enables batteries to be recharged in flight, is evaluated by this laboratory. Its new aerodynamic architecture, by reducing mass and drag, is intended to reduce fuel consumption. Many innovations will be tested and featured on DisruptiveLab, with a target of reducing carbon emissions by 50%. Request A Free Sample Of The Commercial Helicopters Market Report - https://www.thebusinessresearchcompany.com/sample.aspx?id=3696&type=smp The global commercial helicopters market is segmented - By Type: Light-Weight Commercial Helicopter, Medium-Weight Commercial Helicopter, Heavy-Weight Commercial Helicopter By Number Of Engines: Single-Engine, Multi-Engine By Application: Oil and Gas, Transport, Medical Services, Law Enforcement and Public Safety, Others The top growth potential in the commercial helicopters market by type will arise in the medium weight commercial helicopters market, which will gain $5.6 billion of global annual sales by 2027. The Business Research Company recommends players in the commercial helicopters market to focus on market-trend-based strategies such as development of drone taxis and UAV commercial helicopters, use of technologies such as artificial intelligence technology and internet of things (IoT), and seek strategic partnerships and collaborations to expand their product portfolio. View More Similar Market Reports: Helicopter Based Transportation Global Market Report 2023 https://www.thebusinessresearchcompany.com/report/helicopter-based-transportation-global-market-report Search And Rescue Helicopter Global Market Report 2023 https://www.thebusinessresearchcompany.com/report/search-and-rescue-helicopter-global-market-report Military Helicopters Global Market Report 2023 https://www.thebusinessresearchcompany.com/report/military-helicopters-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/commercial-helicopters-market-analysis-2023-2032-market-size-competitive-landscape-and-major-players-strategies--by-the-business-research-company-301851695.html West's multi-media sculpture breaks through "Utterance;" the public weighs in His powerful multimedia pieces, including "Can We Talk," encourages his audience to communicate and find solutions for issues such as gun violence PITTSBURGH, June 15, 2023 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- If there's one word that sums up the experience of living in this moment - it's "noise." Every problem, conflict, argument, and dispute seem to get amplified - and you are always ready to make it your problem by beaming it right to the device in your pocket. Acclaimed sculptor Jim Westfinds this troubling but fascinating. His recent work "Utterance" (2022, Bronze, Steel, Light, Resin, Audio) explores this idea with a mischievous wit, giving voice to the shouting heads that fill our channels with noise. The symbolic mixed-media sculpture uses illumination and volume control to explore how humans need to quiet the noise and not talk over one another to hear and be heard. "When I saw Utterance, I knew it would be great to showcase at the Three Rivers Arts Festival (TRAF). This kind of interactive piece that artistically reflects what's happening in the world and sparks conversation is what TRAF is all about," said Sarah Aziz, Director of Festival Management for the Pittsburgh Cultural Trust. West's work points out that these are questions that need addressed and discussions that need to occur - in families "There's much noise out there," says West. "And how can we hear what somebody's saying when we're talking over the top of them? How can we accomplish anything, and how can we come to any conclusion about anything when all we're hearing is these loud, yelling utterances--? I developed an app for use at the TRAF inviting the audience to post a video offer their thoughts on how we can communicate better. The children offer simple yet insightful words to live by." Another of his works, also placing a light on human communication, "Can We Talk"(2018, Bronze, Steel, Wood, Light, Audio, 74 x 120 inches), asked the question referring to where is the line in preventing gun violence? West made his TRAF debut this June to upwards of 300,000 attendees, but his work is always visible all over his hometown, across from City Hall in Philadelphia, and beyond. Perhaps his most locally famous work is "Point of View" (2006, bronze) on Mt. Washington, a stylized portrayal of George Washington meeting Seneca chief Guyasuta - once allies, once enemies - as the future of this young country was still to be decided at the forks of the Ohio. About Jim West: Nationally recognized for his monumental figurative works in bronze, sculptor Jim West is now bringing a bold style and passion to the contemporary art scene with a new series of interactive sculptures incorporating light, kinetics, and sound. His distinct fusion of technology with sculpture redefines figurative art and multi-media storytelling through abstract works that ignite uniquely personal, emotional responses. West's newest figurative works showcase his depth and breadth as a fine artist and reveal a thought-provoking narrative of the times. Provocative yet poignant, his powerful body of work provides an unparalleled multi-sensory experience for current and future generations. No matter the subject, West's richly textured sculptures reveal underlying layers of intention that stimulate, resonate, and evoke thoughtful introspection among diverse audiences who often discover that they, too, have "lived his story." For more info on Jim West, visit jimwestsculptor.comor @JimWestSculptor on Facebook Instagram Twitter YouTube Saul Markowitz, President, Markowitz Communications saul@markowitzcommunications.com / 412-977-8517 (cell) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KGdpbLFhd6A A photo accompanying this announcement is available at https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/013cd059-2720-4bf8-af1b-59f05dccd4e7 Perpetual Protocol, a leading innovator in the decentralized finance space, has launched 'Hot Tub Vaults' to capitalize on arbitrage opportunities for Optimism's native OP token. TAIPEI, TAIWAN / ACCESSWIRE / June 15, 2023 / Following the success of the first set of Hot Tub Vaults for the Ethereum market, (which launched in February 2023) Perpetual Protocol has followed up with a second pair of vaults that execute an arbitrage strategy for Optimism's OP token. The newly launched Hot Tub Vaults provide a simple, automated way for OP and USDC token holders to participate in arbitrage trading and generate sustainable yield, with an APR of up to +17% during the internal testing phase. Hot Tub Vaults: Making Arbitrage Alpha Accessible to All Arbitrage is an investment strategy that involves exploiting price differences between different markets or exchanges to make a profit. However, this style of trading can be challenging for non-coders and non-traders, as it requires quick decision-making, access to multiple exchanges, and the ability to manage risk effectively. The Hot Tub's OP vaults automate the process of earning profits from arbitrage trading, making alpha accessible to all and giving users access to a sustainable yield. Users can deposit Optimism's OP tokens or USDC stablecoins into the vaults, which will then perform arbitrage trades for the OP token across spot exchanges like Uniswap and Perpetual Protocol's derivatives exchange. The vault's smart contract ensures that the distribution of profits is automated, secure, and transparent. All profits generated from these trades are distributed among the vault participants based on their share of the total deposited funds, providing them with a passive income stream. Anyone interested in earning passive income from Hot Tub vaults will also stand to benefit from zero management or performance fees, but this offer is running for a limited time only. Benefits of the Hot Tub's OP Vaults There are several benefits enjoyed by depositors when they dip into the new Hot Tub vaults for the OP market: Passive income generation: The Hot Tub's OP vaults allow users to earn a yield on their OP or USDC tokens without the need for active management. This provides an attractive source of passive income for crypto holders looking to diversify their portfolios. Simplified arbitrage trading: All complexity from arbitrage trading is removed, and the vaults automate the process, making it more accessible to users who may not have the expertise or resources to engage in arbitrage trading manually. Enhanced security: The Hot Tub's arbitrage vaults provide a secure and transparent way for users to participate in arbitrage trading, without any reliance on centralized entities. Low gas fees: The use of Optimism's Layer 2 scaling solution allows for reduced gas fees, making it more cost-effective for users to participate in on-chain arbitrage trading. Join the Hot Tub's Waitlist for Early Access Perpetual Protocol's innovative Hot Tub vaults present an exciting opportunity for cryptocurrency holders to capitalize on arbitrage trading in a simplified, automated, and secure manner. The newly launched OP vaults mark a significant milestone in Perpetual Protocol's mission to democratize access to investment opportunities in the DeFi space. By leveraging the power of Optimism's Layer 2 scaling solution and decentralized exchanges within this ecosystem, the vault opens up a hassle-free and trustless way for cryptocurrency users to earn a sustainable yield on their OP or USDC holdings. Interested parties can Sign up for the waitlist to get access to the vaults and start earning yield using OP or USDC tokens. About Perpetual Protocol Perpetual Protocol is a trustless crypto trading platform built on the Optimism Layer 2 scaling solution. Users can explore perpetual swaps, earn yield and build the future of DeFi with an open-source and decentralized trading protocol. Traders can take long or short positions on 18 different cryptocurrencies in a non-custodial way. Passive traders can join the Hot Tub vaults to effortlessly earn yield from a non-directional trading strategy, capitalizing on arbitrage opportunities. Perp Socials Twitter | Discord | YouTube Perpetual Protocol is the source of this content. This Press Release is for informational purposes only. The information does not constitute investment advice or an offer to invest. Contact Information Jamie Holmes jamie@perp.fi SOURCE: Perpetual Protocol View source version on accesswire.com:https://www.accesswire.com/761541/Automating-Arbitrage-Alpha-Perpetual-Protocol-Launches-OP-Vaults Vancouver, British Columbia--(Newsfile Corp. - June 15, 2023) - Xebra Brands Ltd. (CSE: XBRA) (OTCQB: XBRAD) (FSE: 9YC0) ("Xebra"), a cannabis company, is pleased to announce the next step in their joint venture with Chapingo University announced in March, 2023 with a Cultivation Agreement which will focus on the first commercial cultivation of cannabis and hemp with less than 1% THC in Mexico, and the research and development of cannabis cultivars for Mexico. This agreement signed between Chapingo University (UACh) and Xebra Brands-Desart MX, among other things, is the first of its kind and will develop Cultivation, Research and Development Protocols for legal cannabis cultivation in Mexico. Xebra's Global President: Rodrigo Gallardo, with key members of Chapingo University To view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit: https://images.newsfilecorp.com/files/9480/170144_2e23c16dc40549bf_001full.jpg The first collaborative actions between ChAU and Xebra will include: 1) The importation of a wide selection of cannabis seeds 2) Cultivating and analyzing the phenological behavior and productivity of industrial hemp flower and fiber under greenhouse conditions 3) Assessing the strains that are best suited for different geological regions within Mexico and that help to control pests and the resistance to diseases. 4) Producing high cannabinoid yielding sativa L cannabis crops with less than 1% THC both in the fields and in greenhouse environments, controlled by the University of Chapingo. All intellectual property derivatives from this will be shared between Xebra and Chapingo. All material results of the cultivation (flower, fibers, etc) belong exclusively to Xebra Brands. As a second stage following the success of this project, both organizations plan to set up extraction technologies in Chapingo's laboratories. In addition to generating a model of technological innovation for the production of cannabis under protected agriculture conditions (greenhouses) for the central zone of Mexico; it will be possible to propose to the COFEPRIS a model of technological and organizational innovation for the production of hemp in outdoor environments. Roberto Rendon Medel will be in charge of the project who is the leading researcher at the Center for Economic, Social, and Technological Research on Agribusiness and World Agriculture (CIESTAAM). "I appreciate the institutional support of Dr. Federico Felix Hahn Schlam, Co-Responsible for the project and research professor in the Department of Irrigation and Rodrigo Valencia of XEBRA Brands. In addition, I thank the General Directorate of Research and Graduate Studies for supervising the project with scientific rigor, as we explore the best possible growing environments for certain cultivars, which will help move this industry forward in Mexico," said Rendon Medel. Rodrigo Gallardo Valencia, director of Xebra Brands-DesartMX, states, "It is an unbeatable opportunity, we couldn't be more excited to expand our relationship with Chapingo University, and expand our partnership with this commercial agreement to legally cultivate for the first time in Mexico with the best agricultural experts in the country." ABOUT XEBRA Xebra is an international cannabis cultivation and product company, with global brands and intellectual property. Our focus includes beverages, wellness and leisure. Xebra is an absolute first mover in the Mexican cannabis sector with the first ever granted authorization to a corporation by the COFEPRIS. In Canada, Xebra retails its unique Vicious Citrus THC/CBN Lemonades. Jay Garnett CEO For more information contact: +1 (833) XEBRA 88 ir@xebrabrands.com Certain information contained in this press release constitutes forward-looking statements under applicable securities laws. Any statements that are not statements of historical fact may be deemed to be forward-looking statements, these include, without limitation, statements regarding Xebra Brands Ltd.'s expectations in respect of its ability to successfully execute its business plan or business model; its ability to enter into and execute partnerships or joint venture opportunities on acceptable terms; its ability to provide economic, environmental, social, or any benefits of any type in the communities it operates in or may operate it in the future; its ability to be a first mover in a country, or to obtain or retain government licenses, permits or authorizations in general, or specifically in Mexico, Canada, or elsewhere, including cannabis authorizations from the Mexican Health Regulatory Agency (COFEPRIS); its ability to satisfy the conditions of authorizations granted by COFEPRIS; its ability to successfully apply for, obtain and retain trademarks and other intellectual property in any jurisdiction; its ability to be cost competitive; its ability to commercialize, cultivate, grow, or process hemp or cannabis in Mexico, Canada, or elsewhere and related plans and timing; its ability to manufacture, commercialize or sell cannabis-infused beverages, wellness products, or other products in Mexico, Canada, or elsewhere, and its related plans and claims, including market interest and availability; its ability to create wellness products that have a therapeutic effect or benefit; plans for future growth and the direction of the business; plans to increase product volumes, the capacity of existing facilities, supplies from third party growers and contractors; expected growth of the cannabis industry generally; management's expectations, beliefs and assumptions in general, including manufacturing costs, production activity and market potential in Mexico or any jurisdiction; events or developments that Xebra expects to take place in the future; general economic conditions; and other risk factors described in the MD&A of the Company for the period ended November 30, 2022. All statements, other than statements of historical facts, are forward-looking information and statements. The words "aim", "believe", "expect", "anticipate", "contemplate", "target", "intends", "continue", "plans", "budget", "estimate", "may", "will", and similar expressions identify forward-looking information and statements. Forward-looking statements are necessarily based upon a number of estimates and assumptions that, while considered reasonable by Xebra as of the dates of such statements, are inherently subject to significant 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 statements. Such factors include, but are not limited to, the inability of Xebra to retain the authorizations granted by COFEPRIS, the inability to generate sufficient revenues or to raise sufficient funds to carry out its business plan; changes in government legislation, taxation, controls, regulations and political or economic developments in various countries; risks associated with agriculture and cultivation activities generally, including inclement weather, access to supply of seeds, poor crop yields, and spoilage; compliance with import and export laws of various countries; significant fluctuations in cannabis prices and transportation costs; the risk of obtaining necessary licenses and permits; inability to identify, negotiate and complete potential acquisitions, dispositions or joint ventures for any reason; the ability to retain key employees; dependence on third parties for services and supplies; non-performance by contractual counter-parties; general economic conditions; the continued growth in global demand for cannabis products and the continued increase in jurisdictions legalizing cannabis; and the timely receipt of regulatory approvals for license applications on terms satisfactory to Xebra. In addition, there is no assurance Xebra will: be a low-cost producer or exporter; obtain a dominant market position in any jurisdiction; have products that will be unique. The foregoing list is not exhaustive and Xebra undertakes no obligation to update or revise any of the foregoing except as required by law. Many of these uncertainties and contingencies could affect Xebra's actual performance and cause its actual performance to differ materially from what has been expressed or implied in any forward-looking statements made by, or on behalf of, Xebra. Readers are cautioned that forward-looking statements are not guarantees of future performance and readers should not place undue reliance on such forward-looking statements. There can be no assurance that such statements will prove to be accurate and actual results and future events could differ materially from those set out in such statements. To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/170144 SHANGHAI, June 15, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Infinix has once again proven its worth in the global market, securing the 45th position in the prestigious Kantar BrandZ rankings for Top 50 Chinese Global Brand Builders of 2023. This remarkable achievement follows Infinix's recognition in 2022 as a Kantar BrandZ Rising Star among Chinese Global Brand Builders. Such consistent acknowledgment showcases the brand's continuous efforts in capturing the trust and loyalty of consumers, providing them with a strong sense of value associated with the Infinix brand. "We are deeply honored to receive this recognition from Kantar BrandZ, which acknowledges our ability to create captivating and meaningful brand narratives that resonate with our global customer base. We extend our heartfelt gratitude to our dedicated fan base worldwide, who appreciate our commitment to empowering young individuals with innovative technology while embracing style and positivity." said Lake Hu, CMO at Infinix. Building the Infinix Brand Infinix has successfully expanded its presence across more than 70 global markets by offering high-quality products that combine exceptional performance and cutting-edge design. The brand has gained significant traction by introducing innovative technologies, such as the revolutionary 180W Thunder Charge featured in the ZERO ULTRA smartphone. Infinix has also joined forces with renowned audio brand JBL, delivering exceptional sound quality through the 'Sound by JBL' partnership in the Infinix NOTE 30 Series. Collaborations like these, along with notable partnerships like the one with the Tesla Science Center, have further solidified Infinix's reputation among young consumers worldwide. By analyzing data from a comprehensive brand equity study involving millions of consumers and thousands of brands across various industries, Kantar BrandZ identifies and acknowledges the growth strategies of the most valuable brands worldwide. In 2022, Infinix received the distinction of a Rising Star among Chinese Global Brand Builders. This year's rankings reaffirm Infinix's remarkable progress, showcasing its evolution from a rising star to a globally influential brand, favored by young consumers worldwide. Infinix remains steadfast in its commitment to foster a strong and distinctive brand identity that resonates with young individuals globally. Alongside this, the company empowers young consumers with innovative and top-of-the-line technology. This unwavering dedication has resulted in the establishment of a passionate and widespread fan base worldwide, cementing Infinix's position as a truly internationally recognized brand. Looking ahead, Infinix aims to further expand its global presence and evolve into a high-tech and trendsetting brand with significant global impact. About Infinix Founded in 2013, Infinix Mobility is a brand that designs, manufactures, and markets an expanding portfolio of smart devices worldwide under the Infinix brand. Achieving a global presence in more than 70 countries, Infinix is committed to creating a strong and globally acclaimed brand identity that resonates with today's young consumers who demand advanced, innovative technology, and stylish device designs at a price they can afford. For more information, please visit: http://www.infinixmobility.com/ Photo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2102719/Infinix_Ranked__45.jpg View original content:https://www.prnewswire.co.uk/news-releases/infinix-featured-in-prestigious-kantar-brandz-top-50-chinese-global-brand-builders-of-2023-301852227.html 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 15, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- As per The Business Research Company's Oil Storage Global Market Report 2023, the global oil storage market size will grow from $9.4 billion in 2022 to $9.8 billion in 2023 at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of more than 4%. The oil storage market size is then expected to grow to $11.9 billion in 2027 at a CAGR of more than 4%. Going forward, government support, rising urbanization, growing petrochemical industry, increasing consumption of crude oil products will drive the growth. The global oil storage market is segmented - 1) By Product Design: Open Top Tank, Fixed Roof Tank, Floating Roof Tank, Other Designs 2) By Type: Crude Oil, Gasoline, Aviation Fuel, Naphtha, Diesel, Kerosene, Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG) 3) By Materials: Steel, Carbon Steel, Fiberglass Reinforced Plastic (FRP), Other Materials The top opportunities in the oil storage market segmented by product design will arise in the fixed roof tank segment, which will gain $1.2 billion of global annual sales by 2027. Learn More On The Oil Storage Market Report - https://www.thebusinessresearchcompany.com/report/oil-storage-global-market-report The global oil storage market is highly fragmented, with a large number of small players in the market. The top ten competitors in the market made up to 3.51% of the total market in 2022. NOV Inc. was the largest competitor with 0.92% of the market, followed by Chemie Tech, Shawcor Ltd., CST Industries, PermianLide (Permian Tank), McDermott International Ltd., Snyder Industries, Toyo Kanetsu KK, Superior Tank Co., Inc. and Ishii Iron Works Co. Ltd. Oil storage market companies are focusing on product innovations and developing new product solutions to strengthen their position in the market. For example, in September 2022, Axiom Equipment Group, a Canada-based Industrial equipment supplier, launched the Megatank fuel storage tank with 1000L, 2000L, and 3000L capacity options. Built double-walled with bi-directional forklift pockets and lifting brackets, a removable inner tank, an extra-large compartment area, and the ability to dispense fuel to three pieces of equipment simultaneously, the Megatank will help reduce the risks of downtime while becoming more cost-efficient operationally. Request A Free Sample Of The Oil Storage Market Report - https://www.thebusinessresearchcompany.com/sample.aspx?id=6694&type=smp According to the oil storage market analysis, North America was the largest region in the oil storage market and was worth $3 billion in 2022. The oil storage market size will gain the most in USA at $779.2 million. The oil storage system market in North America is supported by the high crude oil demand, large oil and gas production activities and high demand for storage capacities. For example, crude oil production in Mexico is forecasted to grow by 10% from 1,740 barrels per day (bpd) in 2020 to 1,920bpd in 2023. View More Similar Market Reports: Oil Downstream Products Global Market Report 2023 https://www.thebusinessresearchcompany.com/report/oil-downstream-products-global-market-report Oil Accumulator Global Market Report 2023 https://www.thebusinessresearchcompany.com/report/oil-accumulator-global-market-report Oil And Gas Supporting Activities Global Market Report 2023 https://www.thebusinessresearchcompany.com/report/oil-and-gas-supporting-activities-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/oil-storage-market-overview-estimated-market-size-top-segments-major-players-and-key-trends--by-the-business-research-company-301851693.html Confirmed focus on its successful wholesale go-to-market model in Europe, for existing and future capacity Regulatory News: Eutelsat Communications (Euronext Paris: ETL) has reached an agreement to sell its European broadband retail activities to an experienced private operator. The activities to be disposed of by Eutelsat include the affiliate Bigblu Operations Ltd and the other European retail activities in the UK, Ireland, France, Germany, Italy, Spain, Portugal, Poland, Hungary, and Greece. The disposal comes in the wake of the considerable success of Eutelsat's wholesale go-to-market model to distribute its satellite broadband capacity over Europe, underpinned by major wholesale deals signed with Orange (France), TIM (Italy), Hispasat (Spain) and Swisscom (Switzerland) for the capacity in their respective markets on the Eutelsat KONNECT satellite. The private operator will also become a wholesale distributor in existing markets. This strategy will be further bolstered by the entry into service of KONNECT VHTS expected in the second half of 2023, with 230 beams over Europe and MENA, representing a Ka capacity of 500 Gbps, adaptable according to demand and specific needs in each country. Firm commitments have already been secured for part of this incremental capacity by important European telecom operators, (e.g., Orange, TIM or Swisscom), confirming the ability of KONNECT VHTS to provide a compelling and competitive solution for broadband to under-served regions of Europe. About Eutelsat Communications Founded in 1977, Eutelsat Communications is one of the world's leading satellite operators. With a global fleet of 34 satellites and associated ground infrastructure, Eutelsat enables clients across Video, Data, Government, Fixed and Mobile Broadband markets to communicate effectively to their customers, irrespective of their location. Around 7,000 television channels operated by leading media groups are broadcast by Eutelsat to one billion viewers equipped for DTH reception or connected to terrestrial networks. Committed to promoting all facets of sustainable development across its business activities, Eutelsat leverages its in-orbit resources to help bridge the digital divide while maintaining a safe and uncluttered space environment. As an attractive and socially responsible employer, Eutelsat assembles 1,200 men and women from 50 countries who are dedicated to delivering the highest quality of service. For more about Eutelsat please visit www.eutelsat.com View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20230615894887/en/ Contacts: Medias Anita Baltagi Tel.: +33 1 53 98 47 47 abaltagi@eutelsat.com Daphne Joseph-Gabriel Tel.: +33 1 53 98 47 47 djosephgabriel@eutelsat.com Baptiste Romeuf Tel.: +33 6 63 80 87 54 eutelsat@agenceproches.com Investors Thomas Cardiel Tel.: +33 6 99 07 86 47 tcardiel@eutelsat.com Hugo Laurens-Berge hlaurensberge@eutelsat.com Christine Lopez Tel.: +33 1 53 98 47 02 clopez@eutelsat.com Positive decision grants permission for NOX-A12 to be evaluated in clinical trial in the US in addition to Europe Regulatory News: TME Pharma N.V. (Euronext Growth Paris: ALTME), a biotechnology company focused on developing novel therapies for treatment of cancer by targeting the tumor microenvironment (TME), announced today that the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA), after reviewing the comprehensive submission, has approved the company's Investigational New Drug (IND) application to evaluate the company's lead asset NOX-A12 in a Phase 2 study in pancreatic cancer (OPTIMUS) in the United States. OPTIMUS is an open-label Phase 2 study designed to evaluate the safety and efficacy of NOX-A12 combined with anti-PD-1 pembrolizumab (Keytruda from Merck) and two different chemotherapy regimens (nanoliposomal irinotecan/5-FU/Leucovorin or gemcitabine/nab-paclitaxel) in second-line pancreatic cancer. The study is expected to enroll approximately 70 patients in clinical sites in the US, as well as France and Spain, where the study has been previously approved. "The US Food and Drug Administration's approval of our IND application is an important milestone for TME Pharma, as it represents the first review and approval of NOX-A12 and more broadly the first review of our class of compounds by the FDA. Now we will be able to test NOX-A12 in clinical trials in the US, and this is a very positive piece of news for the future development of NOX-A12. We have thus delivered on our promise to the market to bring the OPTIMUS IND application with the FDA to successful completion, allowing rapid resumption of the pancreatic cancer program once financing is available," said Aram Mangasarian, CEO of TME Pharma As announced in June 2022, TME Pharma is currently focusing its capabilities on the development of NOX-A12 in glioblastoma. Therefore, the OPTIMUS Phase 2 trial in second-line pancreatic cancer will be initiated once appropriate funding becomes available. NOX-A12 is currently being developed in GLORIA, a Phase 1/2 study evaluating NOX-A12 in combination with radiotherapy and with or without bevacizumab in first-line glioblastoma brain cancer (glioblastoma) patients with tumors resistant to standard chemotherapy (with unmethylated MGMT promoter). Interim data reported to date from GLORIA demonstrate that NOX-A12 has an excellent safety profile with extremely encouraging signs of efficacy showing an 83% rate of survival at 14 months in patients with detectable chemotherapy refractory tumor remaining after surgery. About TME Pharma TME Pharma is a clinical-stage company focused on developing novel therapies for treatment of the most aggressive cancers. The company's oncology-focused pipeline is designed to act on the tumor microenvironment (TME) and the cancer immunity cycle by breaking tumor protection barriers against the immune system and blocking tumor repair. By neutralizing chemokines in the TME, TME Pharma's approach works in combination with other forms of treatment to weaken tumor defenses and enable greater therapeutic impact. In the GLORIA clinical trial, TME Pharma is studying its lead drug candidate NOX-A12 in newly diagnosed brain cancer patients who will not benefit clinically from standard chemotherapy. TME Pharma has delivered top-line data from the NOX-A12 three dose-escalation cohorts combined with radiotherapy of the GLORIA clinical trial, observing consistent tumor reductions and objective tumor responses. Additionally, GLORIA expansion arms evaluate safety and efficacy of NOX-A12 in other combinations where the interim results from the triple combination of NOX-A12, radiotherapy and bevacizumab suggest even deeper and more durable responses. NOX-A12 in combination with radiotherapy has received orphan drug designation for glioblastoma in the United States and glioma in Europe. TME Pharma has delivered final top-line data with encouraging overall survival and safety profile from its NOX-A12 combination trial with Keytruda in metastatic colorectal and pancreatic cancer patients, which was published in the Journal for ImmunoTherapy of Cancer in October 2021. The company has entered in its second collaboration with MSD/Merck for its Phase 2 study, OPTIMUS, to further evaluate safety and efficacy of NOX-A12 in combination with Merck's Keytruda and two different chemotherapy regimens as second-line therapy in patients with metastatic pancreatic cancer. The design of the trial has been approved in France and Spain and is in discussion with regulatory authorities in the United States. The company's second clinical-stage drug candidate, NOX-E36, is designed to target the innate immune system. TME Pharma is considering several solid tumors for further clinical development. Further information can be found at: www.tmepharma.com. TME Pharma and the TME Pharma logo are registered trademarks. Keytruda is a registered trademark of Merck Sharp Dohme Corp. Visit TME Pharma on LinkedIn and Twitter. About the GLORIA Study GLORIA (NCT04121455) is TME Pharma's dose-escalation, Phase 1/2 study of NOX-A12 in combination with radiotherapy in first-line partially resected or unresected glioblastoma (brain cancer) patients with unmethylated MGMT promoter (resistant to standard chemotherapy). GLORIA further evaluates safety and efficacy of NOX-A12 three additional arms combining NOX-A12 with: A. radiotherapy in patients with complete tumor resection; B. radiotherapy and bevacizumab; and C. radiotherapy and pembrolizumab. About the OPTIMUS Study OPTIMUS (NCT04901741) is TME Pharma's planned open-label two-arm Phase 2 study of NOX-A12 combined with pembrolizumab and nanoliposomal irinotecan/5-FU/leucovorin or gemcitabine/nab-paclitaxel in microsatellite-stable metastatic pancreatic cancer patients. Disclaimer Translations of any press release into languages other than English are intended solely as a convenience to the non-English-reading audience. The company has attempted to provide an accurate translation of the original text in English, but due to the nuances in translating into another language, slight differences may exist. This press release includes certain disclosures that contain "forward-looking statements." Forward-looking statements are based on TME Pharma's current expectations and are subject to inherent uncertainties, risks and assumptions that are difficult to predict. Factors that could cause actual results to differ include, but are not limited to, the risks inherent in oncology drug development, including clinical trials and the timing of and TME Pharma's ability to obtain regulatory approvals for NOX-A12 as well as any other drug candidates. Forward-looking statements contained in this announcement are made as of this date, and TME Pharma undertakes no duty to update such information except as required under applicable law. View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20230615071805/en/ Contacts: For more information, please contact: TME Pharma N.V. Aram Mangasarian, Ph.D., CEO Tel. +49 (0) 30 726247 0 investors@tmepharma.com Investor and Media Relations: LifeSci Advisors Guillaume van Renterghem Tel. +41 (0) 76 735 01 31 gvanrenterghem@lifesciadvisors.com NewCap Arthur Rouille Tel. +33 (0) 1 44 71 00 15 arouille@newcap.fr Paris, June 15, 2023 Sodexo Benefits and Rewards Services activity, a leading global employee benefits and engagement partner, is adopting a new brand, Pluxee: To better support companies in the face of changes at the workplace, and individual expectations of well-being and fulfilment, To support its growth strategy, by creating more value for all its stakeholders, To prepare the spinoff and listing project announced by Sodexo on April 5, 2023 Aurelien Sonet, Pluxee's CEO said: "Pluxee is a new digital, optimistic and innovative brand that embodies our vision and our strong ambitions in a growing market. With this new brand, we stand out for who we are. Our stronger identity will be a key differentiator for our clients and partners and to attract new talents, particularly in digital". Why a new brand ? Pluxee, the preferred partner of companies for an enhanced and digital employee experience By adopting a new identity, the Benefits and Rewards Services activity intends to differentiate itself more strongly in an extremely dynamic market. Pluxee will allow its client companies to promote their employer brand by offering their employees innovative and personalized solutions, in the face of the major changes in the world of work. Pluxee aims to help each employee enjoy more of what really matters to them. Pluxee, a strong player, present in 31 countries, has all the assets to capture the potential of a growing and largely under-penetrated market: its know-how acquired over nearly 45 years, a solid performance, the vision and long-term commitment of its reference shareholder, the Bellon family, and its CSR commitments, which drives the engagement of its employees. Pluxee at the service of an ambitious strategic plan As part of its 2025 strategic plan, Pluxee primarily intends to: Accelerate on its historical activity, the meal and food benefits business, in particular by strengthening its penetration among SMEs. Expand its offer on well-being, gifts, mobility or measures to support purchasing power and employee engagement. Make its services more easily accessible to its clients' employees via a single digital platform. To achieve these goals, Pluxee will invest each year, through to 2025, 10% of its turnover in tech. Pluxee, a new brand to support an autonomous strategy Pluxee is a modern and digital brand that reflects the vision, ambition and positioning of the activity in view of the spinoff project announced by Sodexo's Group in April 2023. Pluxee will have its own governance and dedicated resources to deploy its strategic plan. Pluxee creates value for all its stakeholders For its 500,000 client companies by offering ever more complete, rich and varied solutions based on an efficient and attractive digital ecosystem. For its 36 million consumers , thanks to personalized services offering more freedom, responsible choices, and more purchasing power. 6 million people use Pluxee's services every day in both Brazil and France and more than 3.5 million in India. For the 1.7 million merchant partners by making their daily lives easier, helping to increase attendance at their point of sale, and enabling them to better understand and interact with their consumers through data. For public authorities by helping them to innovate socially to address the new needs of employees and the self-employed, to manage social assistance or to direct spending in a specific area. In Europe, Pluxee manages 4 billion euros in social assistance annually. For its 5,000 employees , by strengthening their sense of belonging, by the positive impact they can have on the lives of millions of individuals. Pluxee, created with the assistance of the Conran Design Group Agency of the Havas Group, will be gradually deployed in its 31 countries through to the end of 2023, starting with Brazil in August. About Pluxee Pluxeeis the global leading employee benefits and engagement partner that opens up a world of opportunities to help everyone enjoy more of what really matters to them. Through a full range of innovative and digital solutions deployed in 31 countries, Pluxee creates meaningful, engaging, and personalized experiences to contribute to the well-being of individuals at work and beyond. From meal and food, culture, gifts to wellness and mobility, Pluxee's products and services are designed to bring more value to people. Pluxee supports the purchasing power and promotes the well-being of more than 36 million consumers. Pluxee accompanies 500,000 clients to develop more meaningful relationships with their employees and improve their engagement. Pluxee simplifies the life of 1.7 million merchants every day. Strengthened by its historical ties with Sodexo, Pluxee with its 5,000 employees is committed to increase its influence as CSR leader by giving its clients, partners and consumers the means to make more sustainable choices every day. For more information: www.pluxeegroup.com About Sodexo Founded in Marseille in 1966 by Pierre Bellon, Sodexo is the global leader in sustainable food and valued experiences at every moment in life: learn, work, heal and play. Operating in 53 countries, our 422,000 employees serve 100 million consumers each day. The Sodexo Group stands out for its independence and its founding family shareholding, its responsible business model and its portfolio of activities including Food Services, Facilities Management Services and Employee Benefit Solutions. This diversified offer meets all the challenges of everyday life with a dual goal: to improve the quality of life of our employees and those we serve, and contribute to the economic, social and environmental progress in the communities where we operate. For Sodexo, growth and social commitment go hand in hand. Our purpose is to create a better everyday for everyone to build a better life for all. Sodexo is included in the CAC Next 20, CAC 40 ESG, CAC SBT 1.5, FTSE 4 Good and DJSI indices Sodexo Key Figures 21.1 billion euros in Fiscal 2022 consolidated revenues consolidated revenues 422,000 employees as at August 31, 2022 #2 France-based private employer worldwide 53 countries 100 million consumers served daily 13.3 billion euros in market capitalization (as at April 4, 2023) Contact Sodexo Medias Relations Sodexo Investor Relations Pluxee Media Relations Mathieu Scaravetti +33 6 28 62 21 91 mathieu.scaravetti@sodexo.com (mailto:mathieu.scaravetti@sodexo.com) Virginia Jeanson +33 1 57 75 80 56 virginia.jeanson@sodexo.com Caroline Desvaux +33 6 01 33 29 84 Caroline.desvaux@sodexo.com (mailto:Caroline.desvaux@sodexo.com) Attachment Finsbury Growth & Income Trust Plc - Transaction in Own Shares PR Newswire London, June 15 For immediate release 15 June 2023 FINSBURY GROWTH & INCOME TRUST PLC (the "Company") MARKET PURCHASE OF COMPANY'S OWN SHARES The Company announces that it has today purchased 100,000 of its own shares ("Ordinary Shares") at a price of 891.19 pence per Ordinary Share. Such shares will be held in treasury by the Company. The transaction was made pursuant to the authority granted at the Annual General Meeting of the Company held on 17 January 2023. Following this transaction, the total number of Ordinary Shares held by the Company in treasury is 17,445,544; the total number of Ordinary Shares that the Company has in issue, less the total number of Ordinary Shares held by the Company in treasury following such purchase, and therefore, the total number of voting rights in the Company is 207,545,759. . The figure of 207,545,759 may be used by shareholders as the denominator for calculations of interests in the Company's voting rights in accordance with the FCA's Disclosure Guidance and Transparency Rules. For and on behalf of Frostrow Capital LLP Company Secretary For further information, please contact: Victoria Hale Frostrow Capital LLP Tel: 020 3 170 8732 NORTHAMPTON, MA / ACCESSWIRE / June 15, 2023 / Principal Financial Group Originally published on principal.com The first time Katlyn Malone saw the Iowa State University campus was in the fall of 2015 when she and her family drove from Indianapolis to Ames for the freshman's move-in day. "It was a family event," says Malone, a Leadership Development Program (LDP) associate with Principal. "We rented a truck, and my mom, dad, and little brother all came." Malone kept a brave face-but she was anxious. She knew no one and was the first in her family to attend college. "When they left, I realized I'm an adult. I didn't know when they would be back to see me," she says. No matter: Malone dug in, putting her talents to good use and navigating the challenge with the same traits she's used all her life: endless curiosity and boundless energy. Focused on function and enthusiastic about growth Malone remembers when her dad gave her a build-your-own-computer kit; she was about 7 or 8 and it was her first inkling that engineering might be in her future. "He and I would work together," she says. "It started that journey into STEM for me." So, too, did her foray into her school's robotics team; they won competitions in just their first year. "When I built something and it worked-when it clicked-that was the most exciting feeling ever," she says. Computer engineering, with its mix of electrical know-how and software programming, checked all the boxes, and Iowa State offered a highly ranked program.1 But the transition after her family dropped her off-"campus was so beautiful and I felt good about my choice"-was, in her words, "a lot." Take the first-year intro chemistry class with 300 students. "My graduating class was 24, and it was challenging to learn how to navigate that, how to talk to a professor, how to study, who to study with," she says. Entering engineering as a woman and a woman of color was also hard. "I didn't see many females that looked like me and didn't really find my support group and peers until I was a senior," Malone says. By then, she was set to graduate with a double degree in computer engineering and management information systems. "I thought I wanted to be a software developer," Malone says. "But then my junior year I took business classes and realized there was often miscommunication between tech and business, even though those areas service each other. What if I could be someone who could serve as a liaison between the two so they can function and grow?" Marketing is fun - and so is leadership. Malone had internships from her freshman year on; in 2019 she landed one at Principal, where a leader encouraged Malone to meet other teams and see how that connection between tech and business worked in practice. After graduation, she entered the Principal LDP, a three-year commitment with six- to nine-month rotations around the business. "I've gotten to work in spaces I would have never thought to get into," Malone says. The most fun and most surprising? Marketing. "I have no background in it, but tech is so wrapped around marketing. It opened my eyes." Malone flexed her leadership muscles-and found a new spark-during a rotation in Mexico where she was an agile scrum leader for a team of 12. "We had teams that had some disconnect and had to get them to work together to overcome their stuck points. To not only understand the tech but to be a people leader, I really enjoyed that," she says. "I realized my career at Principal isn't going to be limited to one area. It's going to be thoughtful. There are areas and leaders willing to work with me to help figure out what I want. I'm tech driven but people passionate." How do you affect change? Malone opted to stay in the Des Moines area immediately post-graduation, surrounded by a core group of friends from college. Last year, however, she moved back to Indianapolis; her dad had died, and her family was still in the city. "When I left for school, part of me felt like I was abandoning them when they were struggling-I'm one of the pillars of my family," Malone says. And she feels obligated to try to affect change in her hometown. "I come from a community with a lot of challenges; it's impoverished, it's a food desert, and schools need help. But it's shaped who I am, and I want the best for the people here," she says. "How can I better my community? I have an education and work for a company that offers a number of resources, so how do I take what I've learned and bring it back to them?" She's not sure what shape those efforts will take, and no matter what, she wants to move back to Des Moines in a few years-this time, with her mom. It's rare to know what career might be a good fit when you're in elementary school, but Malone-who just finished an MBA with a focus in information systems and leadership to boot-really did. "To finally figure things out-I love that feeling," Malone says. "To be able to create something that works is exciting." 1Iowa State University Insurance products and plan administrative services provided through Principal Life Insurance Company, a member of the Principal Financial Group, Des Moines, IA 50392. 2023 Principal Financial Services, Inc.??? Principal, Principal Financial Group, and Principal and the logomark design are registered trademarks of Principal Financial Services, Inc., a Principal Financial Group company, in the United States and are trademarks and service marks of Principal Financial Services, Inc., in various countries around the world. 2921921-062023 View additional multimedia and more ESG storytelling from Principal Financial Group on 3blmedia.com. Contact Info: Spokesperson: Principal Financial Group Website: https://www.3blmedia.com/profiles/principal-financial-group Email: info@3blmedia.com SOURCE: Principal Financial Group View source version on accesswire.com:https://www.accesswire.com/761572/Katlyn-Malone-Tech-Driven-People-Passionate NORTHAMPTON, MA / ACCESSWIRE / June 15, 2023 / VMware Young woman taking notes while learning from home If your business is struggling to find people with the right digital skills, you are not alone. At the launch of the European Year of Skills 2023 - an initiative focused on promoting upskilling and reskilling for individuals to support company innovation and competitiveness - the European Commission told us that 77% of EU organizations report difficulties in finding workers with the necessary skills. The Commission also confirmed what many businesses have known for some time: four in 10 adults in Europe lack basic digital competence, including a third of people currently in employment. The number with advanced digital skills (just 26% of adults between 16 and 74) is even more troubling. There is no doubt that digital is revolutionizing societies, businesses and economies, yet we have a skills gap that threatens to hold us back. Strong technological abilities are now, more than ever, key to an individual's success in the workplace, as well as to economic growth and societal development. This isn't just a European problem. The OECD reports that the cost, relevance and quality of training has led to low take-up in countries everywhere. Barriers to lifelong learning and limited investment are slowing down efforts to close the gap. That's why the Commission's efforts to break down those barriers are very welcome, as is its goal that by 2030 80% of EU adults have basic digital skills and 20 million will be employed as ICT specialists. But it is also important that the tech industry steps up and engages with the issue. Tech companies should be partnering with local governments and educational institutions to encourage more people to take advantage of digital training and upskilling opportunities. After all, this is our area of expertise, and we have a good idea of what skills are needed now-and what will be needed in the future. Our goals for 2030 At VMware, our commitment to closing the skills gap-and making digital transformation more accessible for all-is encapsulated in our 2030 Agenda, a program for building a more sustainable, equitable and secure future. Our commitment to equity is about creating a future that is accessible, inclusive and just for everyone and closing the digital skills gap is a key part of it. Our goal is to help more than 15 million people around the world acquire the digital skills they need by 2030. We believe that public-private partnerships are essential to democratizing access to digital skills, and to achieving this at scale. Through these partnerships we can improve skills in key areas such as cloud computing, application modernization, data center virtualization, end-user computing, networking and security-all essential for mastering important technologies like cloud, mobile, IoT and AI. As part of our role in closing the skills gap, we have developed specific programs for people already in work or looking for work (VMware Learning), and for students at upper-secondary schools, community colleges, technical colleges and universities (VMware IT Academy). VMware Learning As part of the VMware Learning program, we help individuals acquire IT skills through our VMware Authorized Training Center (VATC) partners. The collaboration between these partners and government entities enables us to provide the latest training, resources and upskilling opportunities so that individuals and their employers get the cloud-smart skills they need. Together we have designed courses and programs to help people succeed in today's workplace and to achieve industry-recognised VMware certifications. Our learning partners provide essential language support, local schedules and local instructors to boost success rates. For example, we have developed a program with the continuing-education specialists at ExperTeach in Frankfurt, Germany. ExperTeach offers VMware authorized training courses which align to our certifications. Examples include 'VMware Certified Professional - Data Center Virtualization 2023 (VCP-DCV)' which validates candidate skills with a VMware vSphere infrastructure that can accelerate the transformation to cloud computing and 'VMware Certified Professional - VMware Cloud 2023 (VCP-VMC)' which validates a person's ability to connect and migrate to a VMware Cloud solution. We have supported ExperTeach to ensure it is certified by Germany's Accreditation and Licensing Ordinance on Employment Promotion (AZAV). This is of great importance as AZAV approval means that students can be eligible for funding from the Federal Employment Agency and, for jobseekers, AZAV can reimburse the full cost of the VMware training course. As a result of the financial subsidies this new government program provides, ExpertTeach can help even more people gain VMware certifications, improving their employability and increasing the competitiveness of the companies they work for. Similarly, in France, we have established VATC partners like Atlas, a state-authorized skills operator (OPCO) that supports vocational training. Because Atlas works with more than 100,000 companies including micro-enterprises and SMEs, we can extend our reach and ensure more businesses develop in-house cloud and virtualization skills they need to succeed in the digital economy. VMware IT Academy We operate VMware IT Academy across EMEA and worldwide, collaborating with government agencies, industry partners, educational institutions and community organizations. Together we provide students with high-quality learning certification opportunities and hands-on lab experiences with VMware technologies. VMware provides free curriculum and materials, with the goal of helping students understand VMware technology and jump-start their software careers. In 2022, through VMware IT Academy, we worked with 608 academies in Europe and contributed more than 25 million in kind to European education. It's all about a collaborative, learn-anywhere environment to help more students start their learning journey, build on foundational skills and earn industry-recognized certifications. We're creating a pipeline of diverse talent and potential leaders who will address the digital talent shortage, leading to positive change around the world. As part of this program, we have made an official pledge to give all EU-accredited academic institutions, research centers and non-profits access to our academic resources and to make a direct contribution to reduce the digital skills gap in Europe. More than certifications It really is time to bridge the gap between good intentions and decisive action. We know that companies look for the kinds of certifications VMware offers when they are hiring workers for today's in-demand and high-paying IT jobs. But there is something bigger at play here too. We believe that a commitment to upskilling people is an acknowledgement that the world around us is changing. With the right digital skills, people can respond to new circumstances. They can influence, participate and lead change in the direction they choose. And they can make sure that big technological forces like cloud, AI, ML and digitalization are no longer just abstract concepts imposed upon a population-but are recognized as the source of good jobs, better life quality and greater security for the future. Find out more at VMware Learning and VMware IT Academy. Click here to view the original content. View additional multimedia and more ESG storytelling from VMware on 3blmedia.com. Contact Info: Spokesperson: VMware Website: https://www.3blmedia.com/profiles/vmware Email: info@3blmedia.com SOURCE: VMware View source version on accesswire.com:https://www.accesswire.com/761576/Bridging-the-Gap-How-Can-We-Respond-to-the-Digital-Skills-Shortage Regulatory News: The Annual General Meeting of shareholders of Korian, now Clariane (Paris:KORI), was held on 15 June 2023. It was chaired by Jean-Pierre Duprieu, Chairman of the Board of Directors, and was attended by Sophie Boissard, Group Chief Executive Officer, Philippe Garin, Group Chief Financial Officer, Amandine Daviet, Group General Secretary, the members of the Board of Directors and the Statutory Auditors. Adoption of a new corporate purpose andconversion into a purpose-driven company The General Meeting approved the adoption of a new corporate purpose for the Group: "To take care of each person's humanity in times of vulnerability". This corporate purpose is the product of extensive consultation with all our employees and stakeholders and is inspired by the Group's three core values: trust, responsibility and initiative. The General Meeting approved the conversion to a purpose-driven company, within the meaning of Article L 210-10 of the French Commercial Code. This status as a purpose-driven company is manifested by five commitments to residents, patients and their family carers, as well as to employees and local communities, focused on the themes of consideration, equity, innovation, proximity and sustainability The Group will launch ten initial concrete initiatives based on these commitments (see appendices), including the launch of Clariane University on 4 July 2023. Each year, this new corporate university will provide at least 6,500 employees with the opportunity to take qualifying training courses, ranging from vocational certificates to university degrees, in the Group's main professional fields (care and health, catering and hospitality, management, human resources and finance). The General Meeting approved the creation of a mission committee, made up of representatives of patients and residents, employees and qualified personalities. Its role will be to monitor the implementation of the initiatives undertaken, with the support of an independent third-party organisation. It will serve as a forum providing all stakeholders in the governance process with the opportunity to be heard over the long term, and will present a report each year at future annual general meetings, which will be made public. The Board of Directors then appointed the committee members on the recommendation of the CEO. Dr Francoise Weber, current chairwoman of Korian France's stakeholders committee and a public health doctor, former Director General of the French Institute for Public Health Monitoring (InVS) and former President of the European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC), will chair this mission committee. The committee is also made up of Moira Allan, PhD, Dr Stefan Arend, Jean-Marie Bockel, Etienne Caniard, Pr Francesco Longo, Sofie Marckx, Antoine Maspetiol, Catia Piantoni, Pierre-Yves Pouliquen, Jerome Vandekerkhove, Dr Jacques van der Hors, and the employee representative appointed by the European Company Works Council. Clariane, the new name of the European company that heads the Group To mark the adoption of these commitments common to all of the Group's activities and entities, the General Meeting approved changing the corporate name of the European company that heads the Group, giving it the distinct name Clariane The Clariane Group will retain the various expert brands under which it already operates: for long-term care nursing homes: Korian, Seniors Residencias, Berkley... - for healthcare facilities and services: Inicea, Ita, Grupo 5, Lebenswert - for alternative living solutions: Petits-fils, Ages Vie Governance The terms of office as directors of Sophie Boissard, Philippe Dumont, Guillaume Bouhours and Dr Markus Muschenich were renewed at the Annual General Meeting. Shareholder participation at the General Meeting and summary of decisions At the General Meeting, 65 583 873 shares with voting rights and the same number of exercisable voting rights were represented out of a total of 106 185 131 shares with voting rights, representing 61,76% of the shares with voting rights. The General Meeting adopted a total of 32 resolutions out of 32 put to a vote. Full voting results will be available on the www.clariane.com website. The General Meeting will be available as an on-demand webcast in the Investors section of the website www.clariane.com. Sophie Boissard, Chief Executive Officer of Clariane, stated: "Despite the ordeals and headwinds our sector has faced over the past three years, with the support of all our stakeholders, we have continued the fundamental work to improve the quality of care and treatment in our various networks. We have made progress on all indicators of our ESG roadmap and have already achieved most of the targets we set for ourselves for 2023. We are particularly pleased to be taking this next step in our commitment to serving our patients and residents, by adopting the status of a purpose-driven company with a new corporate project, "At Your Side". About Clariane Clariane is the leading European community for care in times of vulnerability. It has operations in seven countries: Belgium, France, Germany, Italy, the Netherlands, Spain and the United Kingdom. Relying on their diverse expertise, each year, the Group's 67,000 professionals provide services to over 800,000 patients and residents in three main areas of activity: long-term care nursing home (Korian, Seniors Residencias, Berkley, etc.), healthcare facilities and services (Inicea, Ita, Grupo 5, Lebenswert, etc.), and alternative living solutions (Petits-fils, Les essentiels, Ages et Vie, etc.). In June 2023, Clariane became a purpose-driven company and added to its bylaws a new corporate purpose, common to all its activities: "To take care of each person's humanity in times of vulnerability". Appendices Five commitments to patients and family carers, employees and local communities Show respect and consideration to every individual for whom we care and their loved ones, as well as to each of our employees and stakeholders, while also fighting all forms of discrimination; Develop a fair and sustainable business model that benefits our patients, residents and their families, our employees and other stakeholders for all our business lines and investment decisions; Encourage and enhance innovation to help better prevent illnesses, increase the effectiveness of treatments and enhance the quality of life and satisfaction of patients, residents, their families, employees and other stakeholders; Harness our local roots and diverse network of facilities to improve access to care, build a resilient local ecosystem and contribute to economic momentum in the regions in which we operate; Contribute to protecting our communities through our day-to-day practices and actions to combat climate change and preserve biodiversity. Ten initiatives aimed at patients, carers, employees and local communities: Implement our "Positive Care" approach in all our facilities and activities (nursing homes, healthcare facilities, alternative living solutions) in order to promote personalised care, protect the humanity and autonomy of our patients and residents, improve their quality of life through all our actions, and thus enhance the consideration they feel (assessed via our satisfaction surveys). Develop advice and guidance services to help people in vulnerable situations to understand and access the support and help available, whether within our Group or in other networks. Assist our employees who may be experiencing hardship by providing them with psychological and social assistance, as well as temporary financial or in-kind support, with the aim of mitigating the short-term impact on their lives and preventing the deterioration of their situation in the medium term. Develop regular and high-quality preventive health activities for our employees in order to contribute to the early detection and treatment of possible illnesses, while encouraging employees to take charge of their own well-being. Develop and increase the number of qualifying training courses and modules so as to enhance the employability and career development of employees, both internally and externally. Reinvest at least 50% of the company's profits in our care mission and enable our employees to become shareholders in their company in order to ensure the continuity of the company's mission and redistribute to employees a portion of the value they help create. Actively encourage and participate in medical and clinical research to help improve the treatment of chronic diseases and the role of carers. Develop technologies to improve the lives of vulnerable or isolated people and our employees. Promote local and inclusive procurement to participate in the development of the economy of the local areas in which we operate, while supporting the inclusion of the most vulnerable people in society. Change our energy mix and reduce our overall consumption, by adopting more efficient solutions and using local, low-carbon energy, with the aim of radically and rapidly reducing the negative impact of our activities on the climate. In addition to these ten initiatives: implement and strengthen our governance by including representatives of our main stakeholders in each facility and at national level, in order to harness collective intelligence and ensure that all our communities are fully integrated into the decisions and actions we take. View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20230615586049/en/ Contacts: Press contacts Matthieu Desplats Press relations Director 06 58 09 01 61 Matthieu.desplats@korian.com Julie Mary Press relations manager 06 59 72 50 69 julie.mary@korian.com Florian Bachelet Press relations manager 06 79 86 78 23 florian.bachelet@korian.com Regulated Information - Denominator Atlas Special Opportunities, LLChas converted 6convertible bonds in Oxurion resulting in a EUR 150,000capital increase. This is part of Atlas Special Opportunities, LLC's EUR 20 million Capital Commitment1 that will allow Oxurion to focus on progressing its novel and differentiated back of the eye drug candidate targeting potential market opportunities of over USD 5billion. Leuven, BELGIUM,Boston, MA, US-June 15, 2023- 07.00 PM CET - In accordance with article 15 of the Belgian Act of May 2, 2007 on the disclosure of major participations in issuers of which shares are admitted to trading on a regulated market and regarding miscellaneous provisions, Oxurion NV (Euronext Brussels: OXUR) (the "Company" or "Oxurion"), announces the below information, following the issuance of 59,650,053 new ordinary shares on June 15, 2023, for a total amount of EUR 150,000, as the result of the conversion of 6 convertible bonds, pursuant to the Capital Commitment entered into with Atlas Special Opportunities, LLC. Following completion of the capital increase through the conversion of the convertible bonds, the total number of shares issued by Oxurion amounts to 1,202,394,457 outstanding ordinary shares carrying voting rights (compared to 1,142,744,404 outstanding ordinary shares previously). This number will be used as the denominator for the calculation of the percentages of shareholdings. Therefore, Oxurion publishes the following updated information: Share capital (EUR) 80,406,161 Total number of securities with voting rights (all ordinary shares) 1,202,394,457 Total number of ordinary shares (= denominator) 1,202,394,457 Number of outstanding, granted rights to subscribe to securities carrying voting rights not yet issued: 591,500 subscription rights ("SRs") issued on November 20, 2017, entitling their holders to subscribe to a total number of 591,500 securities carrying voting rights (all ordinary shares); 60,000 SRs issued on December 23, 2020, entitling their holders to subscribe to a total number of 60,000 securities carrying voting rights (all ordinary shares); 972,250 SRs issued on April 14, 2021, entitling their holders to subscribe to a total number of 972,250 securities carrying voting rights (all ordinary shares); 532,500 SRs issued on September 22, 2021, entitling their holders to subscribe to a total number of 532,500 securities carrying voting rights (all ordinary shares); 614,249 SRs issued on December 30, 2021, entitling their holders to subscribe to a total number of 614,249 securities carrying voting rights (all ordinary shares); 204 convertible bonds issued on March 14, 2023, April 20, 2023, May 22, 2023, and June 15, 2023, entitling its holder, Atlas Special Opportunities, LLC, to subscribe to a total number of securities carrying voting rights (all ordinary shares) in accordance with the terms and conditions of these convertible bonds pursuant to the Subscription Agreement entered into between the Company and Atlas Special Opportunities, LLC on March 1, 2023; and 100 convertible bonds issued on December 20, 2021, entitling their holders (Kreos Capital VI (UK) Limited, Pontifax Medison Finance (Israel) L.P. and Pontifax Medison Finance (Cayman) L.P.) to subscribe to a total number of securities carrying voting rights (all ordinary shares) in accordance with the terms and conditions of these convertible bonds as attached to the Agreement for the provision of a Loan Facility entered into between the Company, Kreos Capital VI (UK) Limited, Pontifax Medison Finance (Israel) L.P. and Pontifax Medison Finance (Cayman) L.P., on November 21, 2021 (as amended from time to time). END About Oxurion Oxurion (Euronext Brussels: OXUR) is a biopharmaceutical company developing next generation standard of care ophthalmic therapies, which are designed to improve and better preserve vision in patients with retinal disorders including diabetic macular edema (DME), the leading cause of vision loss in working-age people, as well as other conditions. Oxurion intends to play an important role in the treatment of retinal disorders, including the successful development of THR-149, its novel therapeutic for the treatment of DME. THR-149 is a potent plasma kallikrein inhibitor being developed as a potential new standard of care for the up to 50% of DME patients showing suboptimal response to anti-VEGF therapy. Oxurion is headquartered in Leuven, Belgium, with corporate operations in Boston, MA. More information is available at www.oxurion.com. Important information about forward-looking statements Certain statements in this press release may be considered "forward-looking". Such forward-looking statements are based on current expectations, and, accordingly, entail and are influenced by various risks and uncertainties. The Company therefore cannot provide any assurance that such forward-looking statements will materialize and does not assume any obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statement, whether as a result of new information, future events, or any other reason. Additional information concerning risks and uncertainties affecting the business and other factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from any forward-looking statement is contained in the Company's Annual Report. This press release does not constitute an offer or invitation for the sale or purchase of securities or assets of Oxurion in any jurisdiction. No securities of Oxurion may be offered or sold within the United States without registration under the U.S. Securities Act of 1933, as amended, or in compliance with an exemption therefrom, and in accordance with any applicable U.S. state securities laws. For further information please contact: Oxurion NV Tom Graney Chief Executive Officer Tel: +32 16 75 13 10 tom.graney@oxurion.com (mailto:tom.graney@oxurion.com) Michael Dillen Chief Business Officer Tel: +32 16 75 13 10 michael.dillen@oxurion.com (mailto:michael.dillen@oxurion.com) US Conway Communications Mary T. Conway m (mailto:mtconway@conwaycommsir.com)tconway (mailto:mtconway@conwaycommsir.com)@conwaycommsir.com (mailto:mtconway@conwaycommsir.com) ICR Westwicke Christopher Brinzey Tel: +1 617 835 9304 chris.brinzey@westwicke.com (mailto:chris.brinzey@westwicke.com) 1Press releaseOxurion, 02/03/2023 Attachments Leuven, BELGIUM, Boston, MA, US -June 15, 2023 - 7 pm CET - Oxurion NV (Euronext Brussels: OXUR) a biopharmaceutical company developing next-generation standard of care ophthalmic therapies, with clinical stage assets in vascular retinal disorders, has announced the completion of Tranche 3 of funding under the Subscription Agreement with Atlas Special Opportunities LLC ("Atlas"). On June 15, 2023, the Company issued 40 convertible bonds to Atlas totaling EUR one million. Under the terms of the Subscription Agreement, Atlas has committed to subscribe to up to EUR 20.8 million in mandatorily convertible bonds over a 24-month period, of which it has now subscribed to EUR 7.8 million. The conversion price is set at an eight percent discount to the average VWAP over the three lowest days in the ten consecutive trading days prior to the conversion notice. Tom Graney, CEO of Oxurion, said: "Oxurion values Atlas's financial commitment to the company and its programs as we continue to make progresstowards finishing patient recruitment for the Phase 2, Part B KALAHARI trial evaluating Oxurion's THR-149 for treating the up to 50% of patients with diabetic macular edema (DME) for whom the current standard of care is suboptimal. We look forward to sharing the top-line results from this trial later this year, in which we hope to demonstrate the efficacy of our therapy in addressing this large unmet need." Important information about forward-looking statements Certain statements in this press release may be considered "forward-looking". Such forward-looking statements are based on current expectations, and, accordingly, entail and are influenced by various risks and uncertainties. The Company therefore cannot provide any assurance that such forward-looking statements will materialize and does not assume any obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statement, whether as a result of new information, future events, or any other reason. Additional information concerning risks and uncertainties affecting the business and other factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from any forward-looking statement is contained in the Company's Annual Report. This press release does not constitute an offer or invitation for the sale or purchase of securities or assets of Oxurion in any jurisdiction. No securities of Oxurion may be offered or sold within the United States without registration under the U.S. Securities Act of 1933, as amended, or in compliance with an exemption therefrom, and in accordance with any applicable U.S. state securities laws. For further information please contact: Oxurion NV Tom Graney Chief Executive Officer Tel: +32 16 75 13 10 tom.graney@oxurion.com Michael Dillen Chief Business Officer Tel: +32 16 75 13 10 michael.dillen@oxurion.com U S Conway Communications Mary T. Conway mtconway@conwaycommsir.com ICR Westwicke Christopher Brinzey Tel: +1 617 835 9304 Chris.Brinzey@westwicke.com Attachment VIENNA, June 15, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- The municipality of Madinah, in Saudi Arabia, has achieved what many other municipalities have sought, not always successfully: the perfect combination of identity, sustainability and progress. And has shared the secret in Vienna, where Madinah Region Development Authority (MDA) participated throughout Raseel Plaform as a keystone sponsor in the 9th FIWARE Global Summit, from Data to Value, on 12-13 June 2023. Powered by the FIWARE Foundation, the non-profit organization that encourages the adoption of open standards using open source technologies, for the development of smart solutions, Raseel Platform is the first smart cities platform in Saudi Arabia. This is not just about technology: designed for the city of Madinah, the second holy city in the world for Muslims, the platform was conceived with the aim of improving the quality of life of its inhabitants and visitors, more than 9 million each year. "Adopting open-data and open-source technologies, Madinah Smart City Program shifted from supply-driven to demand-driven implementation of technological solutions. We strongly believe that smart cities are about people, not technologies", says Abdulrahman Ibrahim, Chief Data and Innovation Officer at Madinah Regional Development Authority. The platform focuses on facilitating the integration of city management for the governmental departments, improving the residents' quality of life, enriching experiences for visitors, guaranteeing low business entry cost for SMEs, and simplifying coding for solution developers. As the brain ensures the functioning of all body parts, Raseel works as an innovative, interoperable platform that provides centralized solutions for smart cities. It focuses on enabling seamless exchange of data and essential delivery of services, covering both public and private needs for informed insight and optimized efficiency. "Technically, we selected FIWARE as a partner for the interoperability, scalability, openness, security, community support and modular architecture", explains Ibrahim. In Vienna, the Madinah Smart City Program (MSCP) presented the most prominent smart solutions and current projects of Madinah's Raseel platform, advance the development and implementation of existing solutions, and participate in the creation and dissemination of open-source technologies. Madinah City has become the first city in the world to hold FIWARE platinum membership, and to obtain a seat in the Foundation's Board of Directors. Raseel is an Arabic noun derived from the word "Messenger". It also means "Fresh Water" that flows seamlessly. Photo: https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2102055/Madinah_City_Fiware_Summit.jpg View original content:https://www.prnewswire.co.uk/news-releases/madinah-keystone-sponsor-at-fiware-global-summit-2023-301852300.html EQS-News: Global Fashion Group S.A. / Key word(s): AGM/EGM Global Fashion Group S.A.: Annual General Meeting 15.06.2023 / 19:31 CET/CEST The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement. GLOBAL FASHION GROUP S.A.: ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING The Annual General Meeting ("AGM") of shareholders of Global Fashion Group S.A. ("Company") held in person in Luxembourg on 14 June 2023 approved all resolutions on the agenda. 67.47% of the voting rights were represented at the AGM. Shareholders were able to place their votes electronically or by correspondence or proxy. The AGM ratified and approved the final appointment of John Baker to the Supervisory Board and approved the consolidated accounts and annual accounts for the financial year which ended on 31 December 2022 resolving to discharge current and former Management Board and Supervisory Board members for the exercise of their mandates during financial year 2022. A comprehensive list of the resolutions passed at the Company's AGM and further details of the number of votes cast on each resolution are available on our AGM website here. ---Ends--- About Global Fashion Group Global Fashion Group is the leading fashion and lifestyle destination in growth markets across LATAM, SEA and ANZ. From our people to our customers and partners, we exist to empower everyone to express their true selves through fashion. Our three e-commerce platforms: Dafiti, ZALORA and THE ICONIC connect an assortment of international, local and own brands to over 800 million consumers from diverse cultures and lifestyles. GFG's platforms provide seamless and inspiring customer experiences from discovery to delivery, powered by art & science that is infused with unparalleled local knowledge. As part of the Group's vision is to be the #1 online destination for fashion & lifestyle in growth markets, we are committed to doing this responsibly by being people and planet positive across everything we do. (ISIN: LU2010095458.) For more information visit: www.global-fashion-group.com Contacts: Media: Jovana Lakcevic, press@global-fashion-group.com Investors: Saori McKinnon, investors@global-fashion-group.com 15.06.2023 CET/CEST Dissemination of a Corporate News, transmitted by EQS News - a service of EQS Group AG. The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement. The EQS Distribution Services include Regulatory Announcements, Financial/Corporate News and Press Releases. Archive at www.eqs-news.com Cummins NORTHAMPTON, MA / ACCESSWIRE / June 15, 2023 / For over a year, global power technology leader Cummins Inc. and The Nature Conservancy have collaborated on projects aimed at reducing pollution entering rivers and streams in the Mississippi River Basin. One unique project came about last month when Cummins employees gathered at the Cummins Seymour Engine Plant in Indiana and built nesting boxes for the endangered Hellbender Salamanders. "I do like how this project is unique and different and takes a new approach to environmental endeavors," said Scott Saum, Program Manager for Cummins Water Works, the company effort to address the global water crisis. "It's very unlike our traditional tree planting, litter pickups, and invasive species removals." The Mississippi River Basin encompasses 31 states and is the world's third-largest drainage basin. When complete, Purdue University will place the nesting boxes in the basin, specifically Southern Indiana's Blue River. Hellbenders, like many amphibians, breathe through their porous skin, making them extremely vulnerable to water pollution. That is why they are only found in water that is clear, clean and well-oxygenated with large rocks scattered on the bottom. Sedimentation can also fill in the spaces they occupy under large slabs of bedrock, which is why they have disappeared from many of their former river homes. The pollutants Cummins Water Works and The Nature Conservancy are partnering to reduce include nutrient pollution (nitrogen and phosphorus), as well as soils and sediment. Hellbenders, the largest salamander in North America, do not filter water. However, they are a good indicator of stream health, water quality and a river's ecology. The nesting boxes will provide the salamanders a safe place to lay their eggs. They will also allow researchers to monitor their growth and development, as the top of each box is equipped with a camera port to capture activity. Through Cummins' Seymour Engine Plant's Day of Caring initiative, 24 volunteers worked over two days to cut and form chicken wire and mesh into the nest box shape, secure with zip ties, pack the concrete into place and construct the nest box lids. Also present, providing supervision and guidance, were Joe Schmees, TNC Representative, and Nick Burgmeier, Agriculture Research Biologist and Extension Wildlife Specialist, Purdue University. "We were able to complete 18 boxes, which is phenomenal," said Jordan Grawe, event lead and Cummins Air Handling Team Leader. "I'm very proud to have been involved in this project with my colleagues. At the end of the day, you feel like you have done something very positive for your community and are making an impact in the world." Hellbenders have been known to grow up to 29 inches long, though most will average about 12-15 inches. They are an endangered species in Indiana, and historical records indicate the Hellbender once populated Fourteen Mile Creek, Little Blue River, Whitewater River, Silver Creek, Indian Creek, the Ohio River and the Wabash River. Today, the Hellbender's singular habitat in Indiana is the clean and clear Blue River of Southern Indiana. The lack of younger populations of this species in locations where they live has become a growing concern. The work of Cummins volunteers and its community partners in creating a protected habitat for this special creature helps address that concern. View additional multimedia and more ESG storytelling from Cummins Inc. on 3blmedia.com. Contact Info: Spokesperson: Cummins Inc. Website: https://www.3blmedia.com/profiles/cummins-inc Email: info@3blmedia.com SOURCE: Cummins Inc. View source version on accesswire.com:https://www.accesswire.com/761600/Cummins-Partners-To-Protect-Endangered-Salamander WASHINGTON (dpa-AFX) - Twitter, the popular social media platform, is reportedly facing eviction from its office in Boulder, Colorado, after failing to pay rent for the past two months. The eviction order was issued by a Boulder County judge following a complaint filed by Twitter's landlord, alleging non-payment of rent, according to court documents obtained by the Denver Business Journal. In 2020, Twitter signed a lease for four office suites in the Railyards at S'Park building, encompassing 65,000 square feet and accommodating around 300 employees. The lease was with Lot 2 SBO LLC, an affiliate of The John Buck Company, a Chicago-based real estate firm. According to the lease agreement, Twitter provided a letter of credit worth $968,000 as a guarantee for rent payment. The complaint states that the landlord used the letter of credit to cover Twitter's rent for March, but the company failed to replenish the funds within the stipulated 10-day period. Lot 2 then took legal action, demanding that Twitter either surrender the property or refill the letter of credit within 72 hours. However, Twitter failed to comply with either request. As a result, on May 31, a judge ordered the eviction of Twitter from its Boulder office, issuing a 'writ of restitution' that will be in effect for 49 days. Throughout the three-plus years of occupying the office space, 38 Boulder-based employees resigned, citing internal memos from Elon Musk, who heads Twitter. Musk's memos emphasized the need for employees to be 'extremely hardcore' and achieve success in an increasingly competitive environment. Twitter's financial troubles have been evident since Musk's acquisition of the platform for $44 billion in October. Apart from the eviction in Boulder, the company also faces another complaint for nearly $100,000 in unpaid cleaning fees at its offices in Colorado's 1301 Walnut St. location. In December, a 'demand for compliance or right to possession' was served to Twitter regarding the unpaid rent at that outpost. Furthermore, Twitter is facing litigation in San Francisco over $136,260 in unpaid rent. The platform has experienced a significant drop in US ad revenue, with advertisers becoming increasingly concerned about the potential impact of Musk's involvement. Consequently, Twitter's ad revenue has declined by 59 percent, significantly impacting its profits. The company has consistently fallen short of its sales projections, and it faces substantial interest expenses on a $13 billion loan, including approximately $600 million in capital expenditures. In addition to these challenges, Twitter is also being requested to pay an additional $100,000 in back pay to eleven former janitors who claim they were terminated in violation of the Displaced Building Service Workers Protection Act while cleaning Twitter's New York City offices. The situation highlights the ongoing financial struggles faced by Twitter and the potential consequences of unpaid obligations. Copyright(c) 2023 RTTNews.com. All Rights Reserved Copyright RTT News/dpa-AFX Mega-Chance Cyber Security Die KI-Revolution ist in vollem Gange und vor allem ein Bereich wird stark betroffen sein: Cyber-Security. Die Experten sind sich sicher: Mit steigender Entwicklung von KI-Technologien nehmen auch KI-gestutzte Cyber-Attacken zu. Wir zeigen hier, welche Aktien profitieren konnen. Hier klicken TAIPEI, TAIWAN / ACCESSWIRE / June 15, 2023 / PH Hession Enterprise, a prominent global financial management company, has revealed its plans to launch an innovative online stockbroking platform tailored for its private retail investors. The platform aims to empower investors to take an active role in managing their portfolios while offering competitive execution-based trading. The company is committed to a phased rollout of this cutting-edge solution, with a target of a complete platform launch by March 2024. Early testing of the platform was conducted with a select group of clients, who provided positive feedback on its performance. The company is dedicated to enhancing the platform's mobile usability and expanding its range of offerings based on user input. "As the needs of our clients evolve in an ever-changing digital landscape, we continuously strive to expand our digital offerings. We understand the value of time in today's world, where financial news is readily available at our fingertips. Hence, we are excited to introduce this new trading platform to our clients, enabling them to execute trades with real-time tradable prices in just a few clicks. This platform will work seamlessly alongside our advisory service, and we are thrilled about its imminent launch," said Michael Jacobs, Head of Corporate Equities at PH Hession Enterprise. The development of this platform has been underway for the past six months, with a strong emphasis on delivering a comprehensive range of investment solutions to cater to the diverse preferences, risk appetites, and tastes of PH Hession Enterprise retail investors. Moreover, the platform will provide access to over 4,000 global stocks, complemented by advanced charting tools and market news feeds for thorough analysis. "By offering market-leading commission rates and access to international stock markets, this platform promises significant benefits for all our clients. As a company, we embrace the opportunities brought forth by new technology," added Jacobs. Additionally, PH Hession Enterprise plans to offer the platform on mobile devices through a diverse suite of applications. For more information about PH Hession Enterprise, please visit https://www.phhessionenterprise.com/ Media Contact Organization: PH Hession Enterprise Contact Person: Mr Chung Liao - Chief Economist Website: https://www.phhessionenterprise.com/ Email: info@phhessionenterprise.com City: Taipei City Country: Taiwan SOURCE: PH Hession Enterprise View source version on accesswire.com:https://www.accesswire.com/761611/PH-Hession-Enterprise-Unveils-New-Online-Stockbroking-Platform-for-Retail-Investors Toronto, Ontario--(Newsfile Corp. - June 15, 2023) - Palamina Corp. (TSXV: PA) ("Palamina" or the "Company") has closed its non-brokered private placement offering (the "Offering") announced on May 15, 2023. The Company raised a total of $750,000 for the issuance of 6,000,000 units (the "Units") at a price of $0.125 per Unit. Each Unit consists of one common share ("Common Share") and one warrant (each a "Warrant"). Each whole Warrant is exercisable to acquire one Common Share at a price of $0.25 for a period of two years after the date of issuance. Net proceeds of the Offering will be used for further exploration of its flagship Usicayos project and general corporate and working capital purposes. All securities issued pursuant to the Offering are subject to a statutory hold period ending October 16, 2023. The Offering is subject to TSX-V acceptance of regulatory filings. Christina McCarthy, Sean Spraggett, Andrew Thomson and Alastair Waddell, all directors of Palamina (collectively, the "Related Parties") purchased a total of 1,370,000 Units pursuant to the offering which constitutes a "related party transaction" as such term is defined by Multilateral Instrument 61-101 - Protection of Minority Security Holders in Special Transactions ("MI 61-101"). The Company was exempt from the MI 61-101 valuation and minority approval requirements for related party transactions in connection with the Offering because the Company was not listed on a stock exchange specified in section 5.5(b) of MI 61-101, and neither the fair market value of the Units purchased by the Related Parties, nor the proceeds to be received by the Company in respect of the Related Parties' participation in the Offering, exceeded $2,500,000. The Company paid an eligible person (the "Finder") a cash finder's fee of $2,625 and issued 21,000 finder's warrants ("Finder Warrants") equal to six percent of the aggregate number of Units sold under the Offering attributable to the Finder. Each Finder Warrant shall be exercisable to acquire one common share of the Company for a period of two years from the closing date at an exercise price of $0.125 per share. The securities offered pursuant to the Offering have not been, nor will they be, registered under the United States Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and may not be offered or sold in the United States or to, or for the account or benefit of, U.S. persons absent registration or an applicable exemption from the registration requirements. 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 the securities in any jurisdiction in which such offer, solicitation or sale would be unlawful. ABOUT PALAMINA Palamina has participation in nine gold projects in south-eastern Peru hosted within the Puno Orogenic Gold Belt (POGB). The Company also has rights to the Galena silver-copper project in the Santa Lucia district and two additional copper-gold projects in Southern Peru. Palamina holds a 18.5% equity interest in Winshear Gold Corp. who are advancing the Gaban Gold Project to the drill discovery phase. Winshear is also awaiting a judgement after concluding its arbitration proceedings against the Government of Tanzania in February of 2023 for the expropriation of its SMP gold deposit. Winshear is seeking in excess of CDN$130M for the loss of its investment in Tanzania. Palamina has 71,284,836 shares outstanding and trades on the TSX Venture Exchange under the symbol PA and on the OTCQB Venture Market under the symbol PLMNF. On Behalf of the Board of Directors: Andrew Thomson, President Phone: (416) 204-7536 or visit www.palamina.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. This news release contains certain "forward-looking statements" within the meaning of such statements under applicable securities law. Forward-looking statements are frequently characterized by words such as "plan", "continue", "expect", "project", "intend", "believe", "anticipate", "estimate", "may", "will", "potential", "proposed" and other similar words, or statements that certain events or conditions "may" or "will" occur. These statements are only predictions. Various assumptions were used in drawing the conclusions or making the projections contained in the forward-looking statements throughout this news release. Forward-looking statements include, but are not limited to, the use of proceeds of the Offering and the Company's future business plans. Forward-looking statements are based on the opinions and estimates of management at the date the statements are made, and are subject to a variety of risks and uncertainties and other factors that could cause actual events or results to differ materially from those projected in the forward-looking statements. The Company is under no obligation, and 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 expressly required by applicable law. A more complete discussion of the risks and uncertainties facing the Company appears in the Company's continuous disclosure filings, which are available at www.sedar.com. Not for distribution to U.S. news wire services or dissemination in the United States To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/170175 Die KI-Revolution ist in vollem Gange und vor allem ein Bereich wird stark betroffen sein: Cyber-Security. Die Experten sind sich sicher: Mit steigender Entwicklung von KI-Technologien nehmen auch KI-gestutzte Cyber-Attacken zu. Wir zeigen hier, welche Aktien profitieren konnen. WASHINGTON (dpa-AFX) - Music publishers have filed a lawsuit against Twitter seeking damages exceeding $250 million, claiming that the social media platform enables 'massive copyright infringement' that harms music creators. The lawsuit alleges that Twitter has allowed its users to share copyrighted songs without obtaining proper licenses for years. Furthermore, it asserts that the situation has worsened since Elon Musk acquired the company for $44 billion and downsized its workforce. According to the National Music Publishers' Association, which represents major players such as Universal, Sony, and Warner Music Group, Twitter's permissive stance toward users sharing copyrighted songs, combined with the platform's promotion of tweets featuring copyrighted music, has fueled the company's growth in an unlawful manner. The complaint specifically points out over 1,700 songs that Twitter has allegedly infringed upon, including popular hits like Mariah Carey's 'All I Want For Christmas Is You,' Outkast's 'Hey Ya!,' and Mark Ronson's 'Uptown Funk' featuring Bruno Mars. The complaint argues that Twitter's financial interests are served by the availability of videos containing music, including copies of the publishers' compositions. By not paying licensing fees for the musical compositions, Twitter gains an unfair advantage over competitors such as TikTok, Facebook, Instagram, YouTube, and Snapchat, all of whom pay licensing fees to rightsholders for using copyrighted music. This lawsuit adds to Twitter's existing legal risks, as the company is currently under investigation by the US government for possible violations of privacy and security agreements with the Federal Trade Commission. The case has been filed in the US District Court for the Middle District of Tennessee, and its outcome will be closely monitored by both the music industry and social media platforms. 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 15, 2023) - Big Ridge Gold Corp. (TSXV: BRAU) (OTCQB: ALVLF) ("Big Ridge" or the "Company") announces that it has received conditional acceptance from the TSX Venture Exchange to extend the expiry date of 22,175,533 outstanding, unlisted common share purchase warrants (the "Warrants") originally issued on June 30, 2021. For further information concerning the original issuance of the Warrants, please refer to the press release of the Company dated June 30, 2021. Each Warrant currently entitles the holder to purchase one common share at a price of $0.18 per common share at any time up to 4:30 p.m. local time in Toronto, Ontario on June 30, 2023 (the "Expiry Date"). Effective on June 30, 2023, the Company will extend Expiry Date to June 30, 2024. All other warrant terms remain unchanged. About Big Ridge Gold Corp. Big Ridge Gold Corp. is an exploration and development company managed by a disciplined and experienced team of officers and directors. The Company is committed to the development of advanced stage mining projects using industry best practices combined with strong social license from our local communities. Big Ridge owns a 100% interest in the highly prospective Oxford Gold Project located in Manitoba and the Destiny Gold Project in Quebec. Big Ridge is the operator of the Hope Brook Gold Project located in Newfoundland and Labrador. The company currently owns 51% of the Hope Brook Gold Project and has an option to earn up to 80% by June 2026. For more details regarding the Company's projects, please visit our website at www.bigridgegold.com. ON BEHALF OF THE BOARD, Mike Bandrowski, President & CEO Mike Bandrowski, President & CEO BIG RIDGE GOLD CORP. 18 King St. East, Suite 1400 Toronto, ON, M5C 1C4 Tel: 416-540-5480 Email: Mike@bigridgegold.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. Cautionary Note Regarding Forward-Looking Statements This news release includes certain "forward-looking information" and "forward-looking statements" (collectively "forward-looking statements") within the meaning of applicable Canadian securities legislation. These forward-looking statements are made as of the date of this news release. Forward-looking statements are frequently, but not always, identified by words such as "expects", "anticipates", "believes", "plans", "projects", "intends", "estimates", "envisages", "potential", "possible", "strategy", "goals", "objectives", or variations thereof or stating that certain actions, events or results "may", "could", "would", "might" or "will" be taken, occur or be achieved, or the negative of any of these terms and similar expressions. Forward-looking statements in this news release relate to future events or future performance and reflect current estimates, predictions, expectations or beliefs regarding future events, and include, without limitation, statements with respect to Big Ridge's intentions with respect to Caprock's shares. All forward-looking statements are based on Big Ridge's and its employees' current beliefs as well as various assumptions made by them and information currently available to them. There can be no assurance that such statements will prove to be accurate, and actual results and future events could differ materially from those anticipated in such statements. Forward-looking statements reflect the beliefs, opinions and projections on the date the statements are made and are based upon a number of assumptions and estimates that, while considered reasonable by the respective parties, are inherently subject to significant business, economic, competitive, political and social uncertainties and contingencies. Many factors, both known and unknown, could cause actual results, performance or achievements to be materially different from the results, performance or achievements that are or may be expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements and the parties have made assumptions and estimates based on or related to many of these factors. When relying on our forward-looking statements to make decisions with respect to Big Ridge, investors and others should carefully consider the foregoing factors and other uncertainties and potential events. Big Ridge does not undertake to update any forward-looking statement, whether written or oral, that may be made from time to time by the Company or on our behalf, except as required by law. To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/170184 Solu, a Helsinki, Finland-based biotechnology company focusing on combating antibiotic resistance, raised 1M in funding. The round was led by Lifeline Ventures with participation from Wave Ventures. The company intends to use the funds to expand operations and its business reach. Founded in 2022 by Sam Sihvonen, Kerkko Visuri, and Timo Moilanen, Solu is building a bacterial DNA database, allowing for the analysis, monitoring, and control of antibiotic-resistant bacteria. Its software makes it easier to understand, detect, and prevent the spread of antibiotic resistance and enables the development of new treatment methods against resistant bacteria. As part of product development, the company has started collaborating with top international universities, including Stanford University and the University of Hamburg, which use its product in their research on antibiotic resistance. In the future, Solu aims to build a pathogen DNA library that collects all pathogen data in real-time and can also model their evolution and identify new health-threatening pathogens more effectively. FinSMEs 15/06/2023 Trezy, a Paris, France-based provider of a financial and cash flow management platform, raised 3M in Seed funding. The round was led by Seedcamp and Playfair with participation from Kima Ventures and Discovery Ventures. The company intends to use the funds for the growth of its customer base, expand its product offering to include features such as generative-AI enabled automation, and grow its teams in the Netherlands, France and the UK. Founded in 2020 by Quentin Lacointa and Pierre Houdyer, Trezy is a fintech company that provides SMEs with real-time financial performance insights, predominantly through smart AI-based classification of bank transactions, receipts, and invoices. The platform is based on 14 million accounting entries and two million bank transactions. Its predictive tool Smart Forecasts allows business owners to automatically project cash flow into the future. Onboarding is automated, enabling new users to see their historic and future cash flows within 30 seconds. The company is currently working on leveraging generative AI technology to further automate the administrative tasks of data analysis and the presentation of insights, to let business owners go from business questions to meaningful action more quickly. Trezy, which is currently present in France, the Netherlands and the UK, has previously received funding from investors including Notion VC, Pareto20, the Co-Founder of Gumtree Michael Pennington, and Ventures Together. FinSMEs 15/06/2023 Venus Aerospace RDRE Test, Spaceport Houston Venus Aerospace, a Houston, TX-based hypersonic startup enabling cost-effective one-hour global transport, received an investment from Airbus Ventures. The amount of the deal was not disclosed. Led by CEO and co-founder Sassie Duggleby, and CTO and co-founder Dr. Andrew Duggleby, Venus has developed a liquid-propellant rotating detonation rocket engine (RDRE) which aims to make the hypersonic economy possible. The company has been awarded contracts with NASA and US Defense Agencies to accelerate the development and transition of its RDRE technology to enhance existing government missions. The companys advancements can also enable more efficient travel in and through space. In Spring 2022, the company raised its $20M Series A, led by Prime Movers Lab, to fund engine development and subscale initial flight testing for building its Mach 9 hypersonic drone and Mach 9 spacecraft, both capable of one-hour global travel. FinSMEs 15/06/2023 The KCET Results 2023 have been released by the Karnataka Examination Authority today, 15 June. Candidates who took the Karnataka Common Entrance Test can check their marks via the direct link that available on KEAs official site kea.kar.nic.in. The results were declared by Higher Education Minister Dr MC Sudhakar through a press conference held at KEA office. How to get KCET 2023 results? Go to KEAs official website at kea.kar.nic.in. Click the link for KCET Result 2023 on the homepage. Enter your login information, then click Submit. The screen will display your KCET 2023 score. You can download the page and keep a copy of the same for future need. The KCET examination was administered in the state on 20 and 21 May, 2023, at various centres. The candidates could raise objections until 30 May after the tentative answer key was made public on 26 May. A total of 2.5 lakh candidates appeared for the KCET 2023 out of which 1.21 lakh students are boys and 1.4 lakh pupils are girls. Other than KEAs portal, results can also be checked at cetolone.karnataka.gov.in/kea. For more information, candidates are advised to visit Karnataka Examination Authoritys official site. Read all the Latest News, Trending News, Cricket News, Bollywood News, India News and Entertainment News here. Follow us on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram. There is a lot of speculation in the Harry and Meghan relationship. And the fact that they are heading for a separation was confirmed when the couple didnt have any celebration to mark their fifth wedding anniversary. Veteran royal biographer Angela Levin told GB News that she believes that the Duchess of Sussex has been plotting against her husband since they got married. Harrys mental health issue Prince Harry had earlier shared in his controversial memoir Spare that he struggled with agoraphobia, an anxiety disorder that causes intense fear in certain situations, such as among crowds. This fear can be severe enough that people avoid leaving home. Harry wrote: I was an agoraphobe. Which was nearly impossible given my public role. In such situation when Meghan is supposed to be helping Harry out, she is making situation difficult for him. Harry has a private room Firstpost, had earlier written that Prince Harry has a private room and why he prefers to stay away from Meghan. The report goes like this- Prince Harry has an escape place, a room in a hotel that he uses to get away from his wife Meghan Markle and kids, from time to time. According to skynews.com rumours are flying about the reason behind Prince Harry and Meghan Markels lack of public acknowledgement of their five-year wedding anniversary. Plotter Meghan is leaving Harry lonely Royal biographer Angela Levin, who has written numerous books about the monarchy, claimed that Meghan was planning to break up with Harry and leave him lonely in America. Speaking on GB News, she said that their relationship had disintegrated very badly following the wedding. She added: If we look back to that day, we discovered later that Meghan had already planned to leave the UK before she actually got married. Royal expert Angela Levin claims Isolated Prince Harry is being abandoned by his planner and plotter wife Meghan Markle who is absolutely separating from him. The author of Harry: A Biography told GB News host Dan Wootton the Duke of Sussex is not even in the family house anymore. I think shes a careful plotter, and my feeling is that Harry is actually doing something that is negative, thats upsetting, that will make you feel he hasnt succeeded, that is very lowering. And that Meghan is going the other way and going around in gold and going to perhaps get a big part in a film and having a very good new agent. Meghan will take the custody of their children Angela Levin adds, So she is absolutely separating from him. She hasnt been anywhere where he really needed her. Hes got a mental health issue and he needs somebody there to prop him up. Anyone would actually, but she keeps away. So hes doing all the nasty stuff, and shes sailing on ahead. And I think thats the beginning of the end of it for him because shes planning. In my opinion, here is what she is doing, she was making sure that hes in a hopeless situation so that she can get the children and hes completely isolated from his family and friends. Meghans half- sister, Samantha Markle already predicted the divorce Not just Angela Levin, Meghans half sister, Samantha Markle already predicted it. Samantha, Meghans half sister has also claimed that she did a lot of damage to their father Thomas Markle and called on her half-sister to make a public apology to him. Speaking to TMZ about Meghan and Harrys marriage, she said: I see it ending in divorce unless they get extensive counselling and can agree to work on being honest, to work on apologies to everyone that theyve damaged in the course of this bull in a china shop two-year spiel. I mean, nothing about any of this has been honest, and the damage to the Royals has been massive especially now. She said of Harry: Maybe hes already questioning it, he has to be if he has a functioning frontal lobe. Come on, hes not 12. What man would be happy or comfortable like that? And the minute I believe he starts dissenting or pulling back from her, I think it can get nasty unless he has a really good lawyer or they have really good counsellors. I dont know what its gonna take. The couple became the Duke and Duchess of Sussex on May 19, 2018 at St Georges Chapel at Windsor Castle. A-listers including Victoria and David Beckham, Elton John and Oprah Winfrey were present at the nuptials. Prince William was Harrys best man for the ceremony, and Princess Charlotte and Prince George were also in the wedding party. Read all the Latest News, Trending News, Cricket News, Bollywood News, India News and Entertainment News here. Follow us on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram. India and Pakistan are bracing for Cyclone Biparjoy, which is predicted to make landfall near Kutch in India and then move towards the neighbouring country. On Tuesday, Cyclone Biparjoy weakened into a very strong cyclonic storm and is now 380 km south of Karachi as it moves north-northwest. In over 60 years, storm Biparjoy is the only third storm to strike the western coast. The rise in frequency and severity, according to experts, is a sign of the adverse effects of climate change. Fishing has been stopped, rescuers have been sent out, and there are measures in place for people who may need to evacuate. Cyclone Biparjoy may cause severe destruction The cyclone Biparjoy, described by the India Meteorological Department (IMD) as a very severe cyclonic storm, is expected to make landfall on Thursday evening close to Jakhau Port. Along with damaging kutcha and pucca roads and blocking flood escape routes, Cyclone Biparjoys impact on the state could also cause trees and communication poles to bend and uproot. Additionally, widespread damages to orchards, plantations, and standing crops, as well as the breaking of palm fronds, dropping of green coconuts, and blowing down of bushy mango trees are expected, according to India Today. Furthermore, fishing operations have been halted till Thursday in the adjacent west-central and east-central Arabian Seas. Damage from the storm is anticipated in the Gujarat districts of Kachchh, Devbhumi Dwarka, Porbandar, Jamnagar, Morbi, Junagarh, and Rajkot. Mumbai was also battered by high tide waves as Cyclone Biporjoy intensified. Parts of the Saurashtra-Kutch region experienced heavy rains and strong winds as the cyclone in the Arabian Sea barreled towards the Gujarat coast, according to the Met department. According to PTI, the state administration has dispatched crisis management teams for rescue and relief efforts and relocated more than 74,000 residents who live close to the coast as a precaution. The Saurashtra coast, as well as the districts of Kachchh, Devbhumi Dwarka, Porbandar, Jamnagar, Rajkot, Junagarh, and Morbi, have been evacuated by the Gujarat government. Following Tauktae in May 2021, this will be the states second cyclone in two years. Due to the dry winds present in Pakistan and the surrounding western regions, the cyclone will, however, soon diminish after making landfall. Biparjoy is anticipated to continue moving in a northeast direction after making landfall in Rajasthan and subsequently weakening. Between 15 and 17 June, it is predicted to bring north Gujarat heavy to very heavy rain. Following the evacuation of its entire human population, the once-bustling shipping city of Jakhau on Tuesday resembled a haunting jetty. Also read: Cyclone Biparjoy LIVE Updates: Intense high tide waves hit Mumbais Marine Lines Rainfall prediction A rainfall warning has been issued by the weather agency for the following states: Gujarat, Kerala, Tamil Nadu, Karnataka, Maharashtra, Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh, Goa, Daman Diu, Lakshadweep, Dadar, and Nagarajun Haveli. In Gujarats coastal regions, the cyclone system is predicted to provide light to moderate rain today at most locations, heavy to very heavy rain and extremely severe falls at remote locations. On 15 June, rainfall in Kachchh, Devbhumi Dwarka, and Jamnagar would likely intensify, with isolated areas experiencing heavy to extremely heavy rains and extremely heavy falls. Some areas of the districts of Porbandar, Rajkot, Morbi, and Junagarh are also likely to have heavy to very heavy rain, while isolated regions in the districts of Saurashtra and north Gujarat are also likely to experience severe to very heavy rain. Heavy rains, thunderstorms in Rajasthan According to the weather service, the Jodhpur and Udaipur regions of Rajasthan may experience rain and thunderstorm activity beginning on June 15 as a result of Biparjoy. On Thursday, it may cause heavy rainfall in a number of locations in the Jodhpur and Udaipur divisions, and it may cause winds in southwest Rajasthan to gust from 45 to 55 kilometres per hour to 65 kilometres per hour. According to the weather service, the systems effects could still be felt on 17 June in the form of heavy rains in the adjacent districts of Jodhpur, Udaipur, and Ajmer divisions. Khandwa, Khargone, Barwani, Burhanpur, Sagar, Jhabua, Ujjain, Rewa, Satna, and Chhatarpur in Madhya Pradesh are predicted to have rainfall with thunderstorms and lightning during the course of the next 24 hours. The Karnataka districts of Bidar, Bijapur, Chikamagalur, Dakshina Kannada, Gulbarga, Kodagu, Koppal, Tumkur, Udupi, and Uttar Kannada have received lightning warnings from the Met department. Measures taken by the government Schools have been closed for two days in the five most impacted districts in Gujarat: Kutch, Porbandar, Amreli, Gir Somnath, and Dwarka. These are Gujarats Saurashtra and Kutch regions, as well as the nearby Pakistani beaches. On Wednesday at 10 am, Gujarat CM Bhupendra Patel will visit the emergency service control room to assess the situation. All of the ministers have been instructed to stay in their various constituencies as the Gujarat governments scheduled cabinet meeting has been cancelled. In Gujarat, there are 12 State Disaster Response Force (SDRF) teams and 17 National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) teams on alert. Of these, four teams have been deployed in Kutch, three in Dwarka and Rajkot, two in Jamnagar, and one in Porbandar. In the districts of Kachchh, Devbhumi Dwarka, Porbandar, Jamnagar, Morbi, Junagarh, and Rajkot, complete destruction of thatched homes and significant damage to kutcha homes are anticipated, according to the Met department. Over 95 trains that pass through, originate in, or terminate in Gujarats coastal regions will continue to be cancelled or short-terminated through June 15, according to Western Railway. Union Home Minister Amit Shah requested the Gujarat government to make plans for relocating residents of vulnerable areas to safer areas and to ensure all essential services, such as electricity, telecommunications, health care, and drinking water, during a virtual meeting to assess the state of cyclone preparedness. 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 southern state of Tamil Nadu saw a flurry of activity on Wednesday first, its Electricity Minister V Senthil Balaji was arrested by officials from the Enforcement Directorate and then Chief Minister MK Stalin withdrew general consent to the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) to carry out probe in the state. The Tamil Nadu government has today issued orders withdrawing the general consent given to certain types of cases in 1989 and 1992 under the aforesaid rule. Accordingly, the CBI has to henceforth get the Tamil Nadu governments prior approval for conducting investigation in the state, said an official release from the state government. The move comes as the DMK criticised the BJP government at the Centre of misusing central agencies to silence Opposition leaders. The Dravida Munnetra Kazagham (DMK)-led governments move makes Tamil Nadu the third southern state and the tenth overall to withdraw general consent accorded to the central agency. But what does this actually mean? Why does the agency need permission from a state to probe cases? What is general consent for CBI? Consent to the CBI is given by states to allow the agency to carry out seamless investigation of cases of corruption against central government employees in their state. This is essentially consent by default, which means CBI may begin investigations taking consent as having been already given. Consent given to the CBI can come in two forms either case specific or general. In the first form, the CBI has to apply for consent on a cases-by-case basis and cant act before the consent is given. Withdrawal of general consent also means that the CBI will not be able to register any fresh case involving central government officials or private persons in a particular state without prior permission of that state government. Until 2015, almost all states had given general consent to the CBI. However, that changed when Mizoram in 2015 withdrew general consent to the central agency under the Congress government. It is yet to be restored even though governments have changed in the northeastern state. Why is consent needed? Many may wonder that if it is a central agency why it needs the states permission. This is because the CBI is governed by the Delhi Special Police Establishment Act (DPSEA). Under this law, the CBI is a special wing of the Delhi Police and hence, its original jurisdiction is restricted to the Capital. Therefore, the CBI must mandatorily obtain the consent of the state government concerned before beginning to investigate a crime in a state. In fact, Section 6 of the DSPE Act (Consent of State Government to exercise of powers and jurisdiction) reads, Nothing contained in section 5 (titled Extension of powers and jurisdiction of special police establishment to other areas) shall be deemed to enable any member of the Delhi Special Police Establishment to exercise powers and jurisdiction in any area in a State, not being a Union territory or railway area, without the consent of the Government of that State. In this context, the CBI is different from the National Investigation Agency, which has jurisdiction all over the country. While the CBI cant function without consent from the state, a recent Calcutta High Court order has granted the agency some leeway. Recently the court in a case of illegal coal mining and cattle smuggling had ruled that the central agency cannot be stopped from investigating a central government employee in another state. The court observed that corruption cases across the country must be treated equally, and that central government employees could not be exempt from investigation on the grounds that their offices were located in states that had withdrawn general consent. The judgment also said that withdrawal of general consent and its ramifications would be applicable in cases where exclusively state government employees were involved. This order, however, has now been challenged in the Supreme Court; the matter is pending as of now. Which states have withdrawn general consent? Tamil Nadu, under MK Stalin, is the latest state to withdraw general consent to the CBI. However, the first to do so was Mizoram in 2015. Interestingly, even though the state is presently run by the Mizo National Front (MNF) headed by Zoramthanga, and is essentially an ally of the BJP, it hasnt restored general consent for the CBI. Three years later, in 2018, the Mamata Banerjee-led Trinamool Congress also withdrew general consent to the CBI just hours after N Chandrababu Naidus Telugu Desam Party in Andhra Pradesh at the time, announced a similar decision. What Chandrababu Naidu has done is absolutely right. The BJP is using the CBI and other agencies to pursue its own political interests and vendetta, Banerjee had said at the time. After Naidus government was replaced by that of Y S Jagan Mohan Reddy in 2019, Andhra Pradesh restored consent. Chattisgarhs Bhupesh Baghel withdrew consent to the CBI in 2019 and that was followed by Punjab, Maharashtra under Uddhav Thackeray, Rajasthan, Kerala and Jharkhand in 2020. Maharashtra has now restored general consent to the CBI. In 2022, the Telangana government too withdrew general consent given to the CBI. The northeastern state of Meghalaya also did the same with Chief Minister Conrad Sangma saying that its a normal thing where the states aspect is there. Anyone who has to come in here, has to take consent from the state, he had then said. According to a report published by The Outlook, Union minister of state for personnel minister Jitendra Singh said in Rajya Sabha this March that nine states had withdrawn general consent to the CBI. The states were Chhattisgarh, Jharkhand, Kerala, Meghalaya, Mizoram, Punjab, Rajasthan, Telangana and West Bengal. Does withdrawal of general consent stop all probes? NO. While removing general consent makes investigations difficult, the CBI can continue to probe old cases. Moreover, the central agency can continue to investigate cases that were given to it by a court order. And when general consent is withdrawn, the CBI can challenge the decision in a court. It can also approach a local court for a search warrant and conduct investigation. There is a provision in the CrPC that allows search and investigation in a state by outside agency but it has to happen through a local 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. American company General Electric announced on Thursday (22 June) that it has joined hands with Indias state-owned Hindustan Aeronautics Ltd to produce fighter jet engines for the Indian Air Force (IAF). Calling the pact historic, GE chairman H Lawrence Culp Jr said the agreement was made possible by our longstanding partnership with India and HAL. The announcement came hours after Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who is in the United States for a state visit, met the GE chairman in Washington. PM @narendramodi held productive discussions with CEO of @generalelectric, H. Lawrence Culp, Jr. They discussed GEs greater technology collaboration to promote manufacturing in India. pic.twitter.com/v116lzVuaR PMO India (@PMOIndia) June 22, 2023 The deal is another indicator of improving military ties between the two countries, especially at a time when China is asserting its military prowess along the Line of Actual Control with India and in the South China seas. Also read: Yoga, meal with the Bidens, meet with CEOs: PM Modis packed days during US visit Amid Modis US visit, lets take a closer look at this jet engine deal and why it is significant for New Delhi. GE-HAL engine deal GEs memorandum of understanding with HAL includes the potential joint production of GE Aerospaces F414 engines in India. GE Aerospace continues to work with the US government to receive the necessary export authorization for this. The effort is part of the Indian Air Forces Light Combat Aircraft Mk2 program, GE Aerospace said in a statement. These engines will be used in the made-in-India Tejas Mark-2 fighter jets. Once its production starts in India, the GE F414 will power all future fighter jets including the Tejas Mk II, Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft (AMCA) as well as the indigenous Twin Engine Deck Based Fighter (TEDBF) for the Indian Navy. What makes the GE F414 engine so special though? It is the power behind the Boeings Super Hornets and the Gripen fighter jets. GE describes the F414 as an American afterburning turbofan engine in the 22,000-pound (98 kN) thrust class. It offers unrestricted engine performance on demand with rapid engine throttle response and zero throttle restrictions. Excellent afterburner light and stability ensure extra thrust is ready on demand when needed. Experts state that the F414 features the latest technologies, proving its versatility and hence, has become the engine of choice for an increasing number of advanced, next-generation combat aircraft. The GE F414 is a derivative of the GE F404 engine, which was developed in the 1970s. It produces up to 18,000 pounds of thrust, which gives it the power to operate a variety of aircraft in a variety of missions. This engine is also designed for easy maintenance, which reduces the cost of ownership and it meets all current environmental regulations, and is designed to be even more environmentally friendly in the future. The engine also uses an integrated electronic engine instrumentation; this provides real-time data on the engines performance that enables pilots to make informed decisions about the engine. Its wide chord, high-pressure compressor (HPC) provides greater efficiency and lower emissions than previous generation engines. But this engine doesnt come cheap. According to reports, GEs F414 comes with a price tag of $3.71 million (Rs 30 crore). History of the deal In 2010, GE, which already supplies F404 engines for the Tejas jet, was selected to provide a more powerful version, the F414, for an updated version of the plane. The plan, according to some media reports, was for the US-based company to supply some engines initially before co-manufacturing them in India. However, plans to transfer technology fell afoul of Americas strict technology export controls and the deal was placed on the backburner for years. It assumed significance again this year after India and the US announced new details of their newly unveiled Initiative on Critical and Emerging Technologies (iCET). Since then, the deal has escalated. In May at the end of talks between National Security Advisor Ajit Doval and his American counterpart Jake Sullivan, it was confirmed that a request had been placed for the transfer of technology for the jet engine. The deal received further impetus when US defence secretary Lloyd Austin met Defence Minister Rajnath Singh earlier this month and the two leaders chalked out the broad contours of the deal. Significance of the deal But why the hoopla over this deal? How important is this deal to New Delhi? If the deal goes through, it will be a boost for India-US defence ties. The military relations between the two countries have seen an uptick since 2014 and this will be a huge step in that direction. Hailing the deal, the GE chairman and CEO said in a statement: We are proud to play a role in advancing President Biden and Prime Minister Modis vision of closer coordination between the two nations. Our F414 engines are unmatched and will offer important economic and national security benefits for both countries as we help our customers produce the highest quality engines to meet the needs of their military fleet. Its also highly significant because transfer of technology in this sphere is easier said than done, as News9Live reported. However, it is yet to be known to what extent the US will permit the transfer of technology under the agreement. Since the jet engine was patented in 1930, there are only four countries across the globe that have mastered this technology for the production of combat jet engines the United States, the United Kingdom, France and Russia. Even China for all its advancements and military prowess, struggles to develop its jet engines for military jets and relies on Russia. As Dr S Christopher, former Chairman, Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO), explained to News9Plus on why this is restricted to just a handful of countries, The existing engine producers have developed it over the years with civil and military funding of many countries. But no one will invest in a country just starting out [with such tech development]. Private companies dont think this is a viable business case. Governments cannot give sustained support for various reasons. On one side are the technical challenges, and on the other are the pressures from companies. Hence, it is not a pure case of technology insufficiency. Additionally, through the deal, the US wants to restrict New Delhis reliance on Russia for military aid. In fact, India depends on Russia for nearly half its military supplies, and has bought fighter jets, tanks, nuclear submarines and an aircraft carrier over the decades. More importantly, the deal is also being seen as a counterbalance to Chinas dominance in broader Asia. As Daniel Silverberg, managing director at Capstone and a former national security advisor told CNBC, One policy objective of the US administration is to strengthen the capacity of the Indian military to play a key role in the counter-China effort. Richard Rossow at the Center for Strategic and International Studies, an independent US think tank, also echoed similar sentiments. Speaking to Wall Street Journal, he said, Indias the only country thats actually fighting with China. They cant hold down the fort alone. Such a deal will also boost Indias jet producing capacity. As experts state that for India to fight a simultaneous two-front war against adversaries, it needs at least 756 fighter aircraft or 42 squadrons. But at the moment, the Indian Air Force (IAF) currently operates only about 560 aircraft with a critical deficit of about 196 odd fighters. As this deal requires transfer of technology, it will need approval from US Congress, with sources telling The Print that they dont expect any issues there. Its important to note here that this isnt the only big-ticket defence deal that was inked during Prime Minister Narendra Modis White House visit. Theres also the MQ-9 Reapers drone deal worth billions of dollars that will mostly be signed during this trip. 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 Karnataka government is going to withdraw its anti-conversion law. The decision, taken on Thursday by the newly-formed cabinet of the Siddaramaiah-led Congress government, has drawn howls of protest from the Opposition BJP. But what is the law being scrapped? Why is Congress scrapping it? And what is the BJP saying? Lets take a closer look: The anti-conversion law The law is entitled the Karnataka Protection of Right to Freedom of Religion Act. It was passed in September 2022 by the then Basavaraj Bommai-led government. It was piloted by then home minister Araga Jnanendra amid strong Opposition in the Winter Session of the Assembly. The Bommai administration at the time said the Act would protect the right to freedom of religion and prohibition of unlawful conversion from one religion to another by misrepresentation, force, undue influence, coercion, allurement or by any fraudulent means. The bill defines allurement tempting a person to convert as an offence. This could be in the form of A gift Gratification, easy money or material benefit, either in cash or kind Employment Free education in school or college run by any religious body Promise to marry Better lifestyle Divine displeasure or otherwise Portraying practice, rituals and ceremonies or an integral part of a religion in a detrimental way or glorifying one religion against another religion. As per The Federal, the law makes forcible conversions a non-bailable offence. The law states that marriages undertaken with the sole intention of unlawful conversion would be considered annulled by the courts on a petition by either of the partners. The law mandates that a first-time offender will be subject to a prison term of three to five years with a penalty of Rs 25,000. However, those found converting minors, persons of unsound mind, women, or persons belonging to the SC/ST face a prison term of three to ten years with a Rs 50,000 fine. An offender found violating the law a second time is subject to a five year prison term and a penalty of Rs 2 lakh. The law also mandates a three-to-ten-year jail sentence and a Rs 1 lakh penalty for those found guilty of mass conversions (defined as two or more). According to NDTV, the anti-conversion law shifts the burden of proof on the defendant to prove that he or she is not guilty. As per Hindustan Times, the law further alters the rules for those wanting to convert. The law requires a person wishing to change their religion of their own volition to submit a statement to the District Magistrate (DM) at least 30 days in advance. According to The Mint, the person performing the conversion must also give the district magistrate 30 days advance notice. The law also allows objections to conversions to be submitted to the District Magistrate who would then be allowed to call for an inquiry. Then law minister JC Madhuswamy defended the bill at the time of its passage. Madhuswamy told NDTV, We are not restricting anybody who voluntarily takes up a religion, for which he must submit an application to the Deputy Commissioner and give a statement before the DC voluntarily. If forcible conversion is made and if we receive complaints, action will be taken, he added. Meanwhile, Bommai, then the chief minister, said, It will not stop anyone from choosing any religion but only prohibits forcible conversion and conversion done by allurement. The Times of India quoted Jnanendra as saying at the time that a person converting will lose the benefits of the religion including reservations, but is also likely to receive the benefits of the religion he or she converts to. The Congress at the time vociferously protested against the law being enacted and had even walked out of the House. It is an unconstitutional bill and is against the Articles 25,26,15 and 29 of the Constitution, BK Hariprasad, the then Leader of the Opposition in the Legislative Council was quoted as saying by NDTV. The government says it is not against any community. But most members who spoke from the treasury bench were spitting venom against the minority community, he added. According to Hindustan Times, the first case under the new law came in October 2022 after a Muslim was arrested for allegedly converting a woman under the pretext of marriage. In November, the police booked another man under the law for luring a minor of another religion and allegedly harassing her for marriage. The man was booked under the Protection Of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act for allegedly taking objectionable pictures of the minor. Why is Congress scrapping it? The Congress after winning a huge victory in Karnataka in May had vowed a relook at the previous BJP governments policies, bills and executive orders including anti-conversion, anti-cattle slaughter and Hijab ban laws, among others. Priyank Kharge on 24 May tweeted: The Govt stands firm on reviewing any bill passed by the previous BJP Govt that: -affects the image of state -deters investment -does not create employment -is unconstitutional -violates rights of an individual We want to build an economically & socially equal Karnataka Priyank Kharge / (@PriyankKharge) May 24, 2023 The Siddaramaiah-led government said it will introduce a bill in this regard in the upcoming legislature session, which starts on 3 July. The Cabinet discussed the anti-conversion bill. We have approved the bill to repeal the changes that were brought in by them (the BJP government) in 2022. It will be tabled during the session starting from 3 July, Law and Parliamentary Affairs Minister HK Patil told the media after a cabinet meeting. What is BJP saying? The BJP on Thursday slammed the Congress as the new Muslim League. Is this Mohabbat Ki Dukaan Mr @RahulGandhi ? asked senior BJP leader and former Union Minister Basanagouda R Patil (Yatnal) on Twitter. Chief Minister Siddaramaiahs Anti Hindu agenda is exposed, he added. Do you want Hindus to be wiped out? Conversion Mafia has influenced Siddaramaiah and his cabinet to withdraw Anti Conversion Law which was introduced by BJP, he added. BJP national general secretary CT Ravi claimed the Conversion Mafia in Karnataka ensures that the AntiHinduCONgress repeals the anti-conversion law brought in by the @BJP4Karnataka government. CONgress is the new Muslim League and it will go to any extent to hurt Hindus, Ravi tweeted. Tejasvi Surya tweeted: Congress Govt in Karnataka is fulfilling the PFIs agenda in Karnataka. By deciding to repeal anti conversion law, Cong Govt is clearly going against the Constitution and the judgements of the SC that clearly prohibit fraudulent religious conversions. By wanting to drop Tejasvi Surya (@Tejasvi_Surya) June 15, 2023 But Archbishop of Bangalore, Peter Machado, hailed the Congress governments decision. The Anti-conversion Bill in Karnataka and in other states have increased the attacks on the Christians, as it encouraged the fringe elements to attack and cause harm to Christians. It fueled doubts, mistrust and disharmony between communities. I hope the other States will also follow suit and withdraw the bill, Machado told Economic Times. Machado had in September 2022 urged Bommai not to promote an undesirable and discriminatory bill and in the interest of peace and harmony. 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 Centre has been pitching for the Uniform Civil Code (UCC) for its citizens. In October, it told the Supreme Court that people from different religions following matrimonial and property laws was an affront to national unity. The matter was placed before the 22nd Law Commission. Now eight months on, the Centres panel has sought views from the public and religious organisations on the politically sensitive matter. A notice by the Commission said that those interested and willing can present their views within 30 days. Earlier the 21st Law Commission, whose term ended in August 2018, had examined the issue of the UCC and solicited views of stakeholders on two occasions. Subsequently, a consultation paper on Reforms of Family Law was issued in 2018. Since more than three years have lapsed from the date of issuance of the said consultation paper, bearing in mind the relevance and importance of the subject and also the various court orders on the subject, the 22nd Law Commission of India considered it expedient to deliberate afresh over the subject, the panel said in a public notice. Also read: The Uniform Civil Code: If not by 2024, then when? We take a look at the UCC, the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) governments stand on it and why it is so contentious. What is the Uniform Civil Code? The Uniform Civil Code means one law for the entire country, applicable to all religious communities in personal matters such as marriage, divorce, inheritance, succession, custody and adoption. As of now, in India, Hindus have their own laws on marriage. Muslims, Catholics and Parsis are also governed by their own separate laws. If the UCC is introduced existing laws like the Hindu Marriage Act (1955), the Hindu Succession Act (1956), and the Muslim Personal Law Application Act (1937), will technically be dissolved. The UCC comes under Article 44 of the Constitution one of the Directive Principles of State Policy which lays down that the State shall endeavour to secure a Uniform Civil Code for the citizens throughout the territory of India. Simply put, this means that the vision of the Uniform Civil Code is enshrined in the Indian Constitution as a goal towards which the nation should strive, but it isnt a fundamental right or a Constitutional guarantee. While formulating the Constitution, Dr BR Ambedkar had said that a UCC is desirable but for the moment it should remain voluntary. What are the origins of the Uniform Civil Code? The UCC can be traced to colonial India. The British government submitted a report in 1835 calling for uniformity in Indian laws, relating to crime, shreds of evidence and contracts. The second Law Commission had, however, warned then, No attempt should be made to codify the personal laws of the Hindus and Mohammedans because any such attempt might tend to obstruct rather than promote the gradual process of improvement in the state of population. How did the UCC demand come up post Independence? In 1985, the demand for UCC came into the spotlight after a judgment was pronounced in the Shah Bano Case. Shah Bano had moved Supreme Court seeking maintenance after her husband divorced her after 40 years of marriage by giving triple talaq and denied her regular maintenance. The top court had noted then, It is a matter of regret that Article 44 has remained a dead letter Common civil code will help the cause of national integration by removing desperate loyalties to laws, which have conflicting ideologies. No community is likely to bell the cat by making gratuitous concessions on this issue. It is for the State, which is charged with the duty of securing a uniform civil code and it has legislative competence to do so. The BJP has been an advocate of UCC and has included it in its manifesto since 1998, emphasising the need for national integration and gender justice. Several BJP-ruled states have promised the implementation of common law. We reiterate our stand to draft a Uniform Civil Code. #BJPSankalpPatr2019 Download Bharatiya Janata Party Sankalp Patra, Lok Sabha 2019 at https://t.co/WNrZOKc9BW pic.twitter.com/9zOC1DJCZ0 BJP (@BJP4India) April 8, 2019 Which states have a UCC or have promised one? Goa follows the Portuguese Civil Code, 1867. It was extended to overseas provinces of Portugal on July 1 1870, bringing Goa and Daman and Diu came under its ambit. However, several provisions of the original civil code have since been repealed. However, it is not strictly a UCC since it has specific provisions for certain communities. For example, Hindu men have the right to bigamy under specific circumstances mentioned in Codes of Usages and Customs of Gentile Hindus of Goa (if the wife fails to deliver a child by the age of 25, or if she fails to deliver a male child by the age of 30). For other communities, the law prohibits bigamy. The Portuguese Civil Code gives an idea of what the UCC could look like. Former Chief Justice of India Justice Sharad Arvind Bobde had said in March 2021, Goa has what Constitutional framers envisaged for India - a Uniform Civil Code. And I have had the great privilege of administering justice under that Code. It applies in marriage and succession, governing all Goans irrespective of religious affiliation. BJP leaders have been making a promise to introduce the UCC. As Karnataka went to polls, the saffron party which was then in power in the state pledged to bring in the come in the state. However, it lost the Assembly election last month. Gujarat also promised to introduce the Code ahead of the state Assembly elections in December 2022. Last October, state home minister Harsh Sanghavi announced the creation of a committee to implement UCC. Also read: Uniform Civil Code: Why states can't legislate on this subject and why Goa example doesn't hold ground BJP leaders in Uttarakhand, Uttar Pradesh, Himachal Pradesh, Maharashtra, Haryana, Assam and Madhya Pradesh have vowed to bring in UCC. Why is the UCC divisive? The argument against UCC is that it violates the freedom to practice a religion of a choice that allows different communities to follow their personal laws. Some constitutional experts believe that with a UCC, the right to religion could be eroded and minority communities could feel threatened as the culture in India would be homogenised. But those backing the UCC say it would provide equal status to all citizens irrespective of the community they belong to. They opine that a UCC could lead to consistency and gender equality when it comes to personal laws, and usher in some much-needed reforms. 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. Avtar Khanda, the aide of Waris Punjab De chief Amritpal Singh, has passed away in the UK. Khanda, the face of the protests at the Indian High Commission in London, was also chief of the UK-based terrorist group Khalistan Liberation Force (KLF). Lets take a closer look at what we know about Khanda: As per The Tribune, Khanda was born in Moga district. His father Kulwant Singh Khukrana was a KLF terrorist who was gunned down by security forces in 1991. Khandas mother was related to Gurjant Singh Budhsigwala a KLF terrorist with links to the Pakistani deep state. According to Live Mint, Khanda was also known as Ranjodh Singh. Khanda entered Britain on a student visa and was then granted political asylum. Khanda was heavily involved in radicalising Sikh youth and close to other KLF leaders Jagtar Singh Tara and Paramjit Singh Pamma. As per Economic Times, Khandas name was on a 2015 list given to the British government by India. The Times of India reported that Prime Minister Narendra Modi had shared concerns about Khanda with his then counterpart David Cameron. According to Hindustan Times, Khanda fell in with the separatists at gurudwaras in the UK run by Khalistani supporters. These gurudwaras collect funds for terrorism in the name of human rights violations against the Sikh community in India. According to The Tribune, Khanda is believed to have been the mastermind behind the 19 March violence at the Indian High Commission in London. It was Khanda who allegedly brought down the Tricolour outside the High Commission. Khanda was named as a key suspect filed by the Delhi Police, along with Gurcharan Singh and Jasvir Singh in the incident, as per The Week. Khanda worked in tandem with other London-based extremists Joga Singh, Kuldip Singh Chaheru and Gursharan Singh to repeatedly stage demonstrations outside the Indian High Commission. Khanda and Jagjeet Singh Jeeta would repeatedly speak out against India on the UK-based pro-Khalistani KTV, as per Hindustan Times. The UK eventually shut the channel down in April 2022 after the Indian community repeatedly spoke up against it. As per Economic Times, Khanda was said to be an expert in making Improvised Explosive Devices (IEDs). It was reported that he had even given some live demonstrations on bomb-making at UK Gurudwaras. Intelligence reports stated that Khanda gave these demonstrations at Guru Nanak Gurdwara, Birmingham (December 2014) and Gurdwara Singh Sabha, Glasgow (January 2015). Khanda had denied such allegations, as per Indian Express. It was Khanda that trained Amritpal and was vital to his elevation to the leadership of Waris Punjab De after the death of Deep Sidhu, the newspaper reported. According to Indian Express, Khanda was in contact with Amritpal when he was evading arrest and police had even detained Khandas mother and sister during that period. Amritpal, who was on the run since 18 March when a police crackdown was launched against him and his outfit Waris Punjab De, was arrested from Punjabs Moga on 23 April. Khanda in March was arrested by the British authorities after he and his supporters engaged in vandalism to protest the crackdown on Amritpal, as per The Week. Khanda has also been associated with a radical channel Khalistan TV. Cause of death awaited UK-based Khalsa Aid founder Ravi Singh confirmed Khandas death on Instagram. As per Hindustan Times, Khanda was admitted to the Sandwell and West Birmingham hospital around a fortnight ago and had been suffering from blood cancer. Mint quoted reports as saying Khanda was on life support since Wednesday and that he died from a burst clot. According to Indian Express, some reports stated that Khanda had been suffering from food poisoning. But Khandas supporters are trying to claim that he was poisoned so that they can call him a martyr and claim that Indian security agencies are behind his demise, as per Hindustan Times. However, the medical report determining his cause of death remains pending. 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. Xanapril Summary Advantages and Drawbacks: Advantages: A clean and natural brain enhancer Potent at reducing chronic stress, anxiety, and depression, as well as supporting other areas of brain function including memory, brain cell health, focus, problem-solving skills, locomotor functions, and much more Made by the excellent company in FDA-inspected factories The risk of side effects is extremely low Can be consumed for longer periods of time without fear Contains capsules that are easy to swallow Light formula ideal for individuals seeking an easy option for their stomach while being very effective at the same time No negative reviews Drawbacks: Expensive at $69.00 for a one-month supply, which many cant afford Not available from retailers Visit Xanaprils Official Site Here. About Xanapril Who Manufactures Xanapril? What Are The Benefits? Xanapril is a popular nootropic supplement made by the company SAP Nutrition. SAP Nutrition produces its supplements in the United States and only in FDA-approved facilities, which speaks much about their quality. Xanapril targets brain health. More precisely, it is claimed to work for chronic stress and anxiety reduction, alongside many other aspects of brain health. With Xanapril, you should expect better working memory, sharper mind, an increased level of focus, diminished brain fog, brain cell protection, and much more. These are only a few of the benefits you should get after frequent use of this product. You shouldnt worry about the adverse effects. Since all the ingredients are organic and properly dosed according to scientific research, Xanapril will be effective and very safe in the long run. There are no additives inside of it, which makes its formula perfectly clean. If you have a medical condition or are taking medication, consult your doctor before using this or any other supplement just to make sure. You can purchase Xanapril without a prescription or any other type of authorization because it is over-the-counter. Since it is an all-natural formula, many people choose it over prescription medication because it is considerably safer. Even better, Xanapril will be far more effective than prescription drugs. Xanapril The Ingredients GABA (500 mg), magnesium (16.5 mg), rhodiola rosea extract (200 mg), ashwagandha (500 mg), and Korean ginseng extract (400 mg) make up the total of 5 natural ingredients included in Xanapril. These may not seem like much, but they work wonders to reduce stress and anxiety and improve the quality of sleep by encouraging a relaxed state of mind. They also offer some additional brain benefits. Because of a formula like this, Xanapril is light on the stomach and ideal for basically everyone. To help you learn more about each ingredient, lets break them down. GABA GABA (gamma-aminobutyric acid) is an important neurotransmitter in the brain that helps regulate anxiety, stress and other emotions. It has been shown to have a range of positive effects on mental health, including improving sleep quality, reducing anxiety, and increasing focus. MAGNESIUM Magnesium is an essential mineral that plays a critical role in the healthy functioning of the human brain. It has been linked to improved memory, enhanced cognitive performance, and increased alertness. Studies have also shown that magnesium supplementation can help reduce stress and anxiety levels, as well as improve overall mental health. It is also a critical nutrient for bone health, heart health, and teeth health. RHODIOLA ROSEA EXTRACT Rhodiola Rosea Extract is a popular herbal supplement that has been used for centuries to help improve mental performance. The extract contains a variety of compounds, including rosavin, salidroside, and tyrosol, which are believed to be responsible for its beneficial effects on the brain. Studies have shown that Rhodiola Rosea Extract can improve cognitive function, reduce stress and fatigue, and even improve mood. It is also thought to be helpful in preventing age-related cognitive decline. ASHWAGANDHA BRAIN BENEFITS Ashwagandha is the herb native to India and it is one of the most popular nutrients mainly focused on reducing chronic stress and anxiety by helping you relax. Studies have shown that Ashwagandha can also help with memory, focus and concentration, which makes it an ideal nutrient for the optimal mental performance. KOREAN GINSENG EXTRACT Korean Ginseng Extract is a natural herbal supplement that has been used for centuries to improve mental clarity, focus and concentration. This extract is known to have a wide range of health benefits, including improving cognitive function and reducing the risk of Alzheimers disease. Recent research has also shown that Korean Ginseng Extract can also improve brain performance, reduce stress and anxiety levels, and help with memory recall and memory retention. OUR OPINION ON XANAPRILS FORMULA As you can see, Xanapril is mainly focused on boosting mood, motivation, and reducing chronic stress due to core ingredients such as Ashwagandha, Rhodiola Rosea Extract, and GABA. So, if youre looking for a clean, natural, and stimulant-free nootropic that will mainly help you with that, we think you should give Xanapril a try. With long-term consumption, Xanapril will be highly effective at supporting short-term and long-term memory, supporting healthy brain cells, and much more. In other words, the longer you take it, the higher cognitive benefits you should expect. The good thing is that you wont have to worry about any adverse effects with Xanapril, unlike with prescribed medication and supplements that contain too many different ingredients and chemicals that could be harsh on the stomach, especially for sensitive individuals. LOOKING TO GIVE XANAPRIL A TRY? ORDER IT FROM THE MAIN SITE BY CLICKING HERE. AVAILABILITY Xanapril is not available from retailers such as Walmart or Amazon. You can currently purchase it only from the main website for the price of $69.00 for a one-month supply (the manufacturer recommends taking up to three capsules of Xanapril each day). The price is the only drawback here. Many people cant afford expensive brain supplements like this one. However, if you are not on a limited budget and if you decide to choose Xanapril, we dont think it will let you down. SEE THE CURRENT DEALS ON XANAPRIL ON THE OFFICIAL SITE BY CLICKING HERE. Disclaimer: This is a partnered post. The information provided in this post is for general informational purposes only and does not constitute professional advice. The views and opinions expressed in any referenced product or service do not necessarily reflect those of Network18. Network18 does not vouch for the efficacy or safety of any products mentioned in this post. The reader is advised to conduct their own research and due diligence before purchasing or using any product. Network18 shall not be held responsible for any negative consequences that may arise from the use of any product mentioned in this post. The information does not constitute advice or an offer to buy. Any purchase made from the above press release is made at your own risk. Consult an expert advisor/health professional before any such purchase. Any purchase made from this link is subject to the final terms and conditions of the websites sales as mentioned above as a source. The Advertising Agency and its downstream distribution partners do not take any responsibility directly or indirectly. If you have any complaints or copyright issues related to this article, kindly contact the company this news is about. Advertising and Marketing by: This content was marketed by Brandingbyexperts.com on behalf of their client. For queries reach out support@brandingbyexperts.com This is a Partnered Post. In a gut-wrenching sequence of events, a one-week old baby survived for days on its own while being trapped between the dead bodies of its parents inside their home in Dehradun. According to police, the parents of the toddler were believed to have died by suicide at least three days before being discovered, given that their bodies had already started decomposing. As stated in a Times of India article, police discovered the lifeless bodies of the couple lying in blood believed to have oozed out of their mouths when they forcibly entered their residence in Dehradun on Tuesday, prompted by complaints from neighbors regarding a foul odour emanating from inside. The officers suspect that the man, who was facing significant financial difficulties, may have had motives for suicide. It was observed that blood, suspected to have originated from their mouths, was present around the bodies. The couple was identified as Kashif (25), hailing from Saharanpur in Uttar Pradesh, and his wife, Anam (22), who had given birth to a baby boy on June 8. The baby, after being discovered alive, lying right in the middle of his parents bodies, was immediately transported to the Government Doon Medical College and Hospital (GDMCH), where doctors confirmed he was dehydrated but in a stable condition. Dr. Yusuf Rizvi, the chief medical superintendent at GDMCH, was quoted in a news report saying, The baby was admitted in a dehydrated state and promptly administered fluids. He is now stable and being closely monitored in the ICU. He does not have any injuries or physical ailments. The police disclosed that the couple had leased a residence on Turner Road approximately four months prior. The man was employed as a crane operator, while his wife was a homemaker. They got married one year ago. According to the authorities, Kashif had been previously married, and Anam was his second wife. He had a five-year-old daughter from his first marriage. Reportedly, Kashifs first wife, Nusrat, informed the police that he had been unresponsive to her phone calls for the past three to four days. During their last conversation on June 10, Kashif mentioned his intention to return to his paternal home to settle a debt of Rs 5 lakh. 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 Airports Authority of India (AAI) has begun an investigation into the incident of fire at the Kolkata airport, officials said on Thursday. The fire broke out at the check-in area of the Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose International Airport around 9.12 pm on Wednesday, leading to chaos and panic among passengers, the officials added. West Bengal Fire Services Minister Sujit Bose earlier told PTI, Initially, it seems that some fault related to the air conditioning system caused the fire. #BreakingNews: A #fire broke out inside Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose International (#Kolkata) Airport. However, all passengers are evacuated safely and the check-in process was suspended due to the presence of smoke in the check-in area. pic.twitter.com/f2J0otppdy News18 (@CNNnews18) June 14, 2023 The fire was doused by 9.40 pm, and check-in service resumed at 10.25 pm, officials said. No one was injured in the mishap, they said, adding that no arriving flight was delayed. Calling the incident unfortunate, Union civil aviation minister Jyotiraditya Scindia on Wednesday said he was in touch with the airport director and the situation remains to be under control. An unfortunate but minor fire broke out at the Kolkata airport near a check-in counter. In touch with the airport director the situation is under control. All passengers & staff have been evacuated from the area. Fortunately, everyone is safe & no injuries have been reported. Jyotiraditya M. Scindia (@JM_Scindia) June 14, 2023 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 BJPs Tamil Nadu spokesperson Narayanan Thirupathy on Thursday said a fresh probe against DMK leader and state minister Senthil Balaji was launched on the order of the Supreme Court. His remark came a day after the minister, who was previously with the BJPs ally, AIADMK, was arrested by the Enforcement Directorate (ED) in connection with a money laundering case, triggering high drama with a spectrum of Opposition voices, including the DMK, alleging vendetta and political harassment. Questioning Chief Minister MK Stalin over his opposition to the arrest of his cabinet colleague, the BJPs state spokesperson said he wondered what compelled the former to challenge the Supreme Court order of a fresh probe against Balaji. On Tamil Nadu CM Stalins statement that the DMK wasnt intimidated by threats of the BJP at the Centre, Thirupathy said, The Supreme Court, on May 16, ordered a fresh investigation against Senthil Balaji, including offences under the Prevention of Corruption Act. The apex court had also said if there were any lapses on the part of the investigating officer (previously), it could even consider setting up a Special Investigation Team (SIT). However, the state government, so far, hasnt acted on the Supreme Court ruling, the BJP leader added. Is Stalin opposing the Supreme Court order now? Is he issuing warnings to the Supreme Court for directing the ED to do what it is mandated to? the BJP state spokesperson said, adding, How is it that a person develops a heart ailment within hours (of being questioned)? the BJP leader added. The minister had reportedly complained of chest pains midway into being grilled by the ED and was rushed to a hospital where he underwent a coronary angiogram, a medical procedure related to a heart ailment. Why is there so much support for a person involved in a cash-for-jobs scam, the BJP leader questioned further. Following Balajiss arrest, CM Stalin issued a statement claiming that the DMK will not be intimidated by the BJPs threats and the people will teach the ruling party at the Centre a lesson in next years Lok Sabha elections. He added that the DMK was firmly behind its leader and will mount a strong legal defence in the case. The CM alleged further that the ED had tortured Senthil Balaji to such an extent during the interrogation that he suffered chest pains. Even after he said he was cooperating with the probe, he was pressured to the extent that he suffered chest pains, Stalin said on Wednesday. Balaji broke down while being taken into custody by ED officials for questioning in an alleged money laundering case in the wee hours of Wednesday. The central probe agency questioned the DMK leader after raiding his premises on Tuesday. Read all the Latest News, Trending News, Cricket News, Bollywood News, India News and Entertainment News here. Follow us on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram. Bengaluru: The BJP reacted sharply to the Congress governments decision on Thursday to repeal the anti-conversion law brought in by its regime in Karnataka, and dubbed the M Mallikarjun Kharge-led outfit as new Muslim League Is this Mohabbat Ki Dukaan Mr @RahulGandhi ? asked senior BJP leader and former Union Minister Basanagouda R Patil (Yatnal) on Twitter. Chief Minister Siddaramaiahs Anti Hindu agenda is exposed, he said. Do you want Hindus to be wiped out? Conversion Mafia has influenced Siddaramaiah and his cabinet to withdraw Anti Conversion Law which was introduced by BJP, he added. BJP National General Secretary C T Ravi said the Conversion Mafia in Karnataka ensures that the AntiHinduCONgress repeals the anti-conversion law brought in by the @BJP4Karnataka government. CONgress is the new Muslim League and it will go to any extent to hurt Hindus, Ravi alleged. The Karnataka cabinet today decided to repeal the anti conversion law brought in by the previous BJP government. The cabinet discussed the anti-conversion bill. We have approved the bill to repeal the changes that were brought in by them (BJP government) in 2022. It will be tabled during the session starting from July 3, Law and Parliamentary Affairs Minister H K Patil told reporters after the cabinet meeting. The Karnataka Protection of Right to Freedom of Religion Act (anti-conversion law) came into effect in 2022. The act provides for the protection of the right to freedom of religion and prohibition of unlawful conversion from one religion to another by misrepresentation, force, undue influence, coercion, allurement or by any fraudulent means. Read all the Latest News, Trending News, Cricket News, Bollywood News, India News and Entertainment News here. Follow us on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram. Coastal belt of Maharashtra, including Mumbai is expected to witness high tide at 10:29 am on Thursday. Rough sea waves were seen at the Gateway of India barely hours ahead of cyclone Biparjoy landfall in Gujarat. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has said that coastal areas in Mumbai will see a high tide at 10:29 am today. #WATCH | Maharashtra: Visuals from Marine Lines in Mumbai as #CycloneBiparjoy is excepted to make landfall in Gujarat. High tide is expected in Mumbai at 10.29 am. pic.twitter.com/drYQP8HOQm ANI (@ANI) June 15, 2023 'Biparjoy' is a Very Severe Cyclonic Storm with damaging potential, Dr Mrityunjay Mohapatra, Director General, IMD, said, adding that 2-3 metre high tidal waves are expected in Kachchh and extremely heavy rainfall with high windspeed expected in Porbandar and Dwarka districts. #WATCH | Maharashtra: Rough seas at Gateway of India as #CycloneBiparjoy is excepted to make landfall in Gujarat. High tide is expected in Mumbai at 10.29 am. pic.twitter.com/94JLND5Awr ANI (@ANI) June 15, 2023 When will Cyclone Biparjoy make landfall? Cyclone Biparjoy is expected to make landfall between 4-5 pm on 15 June. Amit Arora, Collector Kachchh, Gujarat said that 46,000 people have been evacuated and shifted to shelter homes. Six NDRF, three RPF teams, two SDRF teams and eight columns of Army on standby. More than 20,000 animals have been taken to safer places. Adequate amount of food ration available at all shelter homes. 50 teams ready for road clearance, Arora said. Meanwhile, the IMD said that Cyclone Biparjoy is likely to cross Saurashtra and Kutch and adjoining Pakistan coasts between Mandvi and Karachi near Jakhau Port by evening of June 15. The severe cyclonic storm has led to heavy rainfall and intense tidal waves in several parts of India especially, Gujarat and Mumbai. On Wednesday, IMD has issued a red alert for Saurashtra and Kutch coasts. The authorities are expecting Biparjoy's damages to be limited to roads, light poles and kutcha houses. Cyclone Biparjoy less than 200 kms away from Gujarat coast The IMD earlier on Thursday said that Cyclone Biparjoy is less than 200 kilometres from the Gujarat coast. The cyclone will make a landfall along with the anticipated heavy rain and storm surge, the weather department added. As per the IMD, Biparjoy is expected to make landfall near Jakhau port as a very severe cyclonic storm with maximum wind speed reaching up to 150 kilometres per hour. The IMD said that the intensity of rainfall will increase as the powerful weather system approaches the coast, with isolated places in Kutch, Devbhumi Dwarka and Jamnagar districts likely to witness extremely heavy rainfall. 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 Indian Air Force said that it is on standby with assets for possible relief and rescue operations that would follow Cyclone Biparjoys landfall. Cyclone Biparjoy made landfall in Gujarats Saurashtra. According to a press briefing by IMD, the Saurashtra and Kutch regions of Gujarat will have the most effect. The diameter of the eye of the cyclone is about 50 km. With the landfall hitting the west coast, wind speeds across Gujarat intensified. IMD said that the period till midnight is very crucial. IAF assets in operational readiness for relief and rescue operations that would follow the landfall of Cyclone Biparjoy. IAF is committed to assisting fellow citizens to tackle contingencies that arise due to the cyclone, the IAF tweeted earlier in the day. With Cyclone Biparjoy expected to make landfall near Jakhau Port in Gujarats Kutch district on Thursday, the state administration has evacuated more than 74,000 residents who live close to the coast as a precaution and deployed disaster management units for rescue and relief efforts. As per IMDs latest update, VSCS (very severe cyclonic storm) Biparjoy will cross Saurashtra and Kutch, and adjoining Pakistan coasts between Mandvi and Karachi near Jakhau Port by today evening. With the cyclone in the Arabian Sea barrelling towards the Gujarat coast, parts of the Saurashtra-Kutch region received heavy rains accompanied by strong winds, the Met department said. This will be the second cyclone to hit the state in two years after Tauktae in May 2021. According to the India Meteorological Department (IMD), cyclone Biparjoy would make landfall near Jakhau Port on Thursday evening as a very severe cyclonic storm with maximum wind speed reaching up to 150 kilometres per hour. Of the total 74,345 people moved to temporary shelters in eight coastal districts, nearly 34,300 were evacuated in Kutch district alone, followed by 10,000 in Jamnagar, 9,243 in Morbi, 6,089 in Rajkot, 5,035 in Devbhumi Dwarka, 4,604 in Junagadh, 3,469 in Porbandar district and 1,605 in Gir Somnath district, said a release by the Gujarat government. Gujarat Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel on Wednesday night reached the State Emergency Operations Centre (SEOC) in Gandhinagar and held a meeting with top officials to review the situation and steps taken so far by the administration in view of the approaching cyclone, said the release. Meanwhile, two most famous temples of Gujarat Dwarkadhish Temple in Devbhumi Dwarka and Somnath Temple in Gir Somnath district will remain closed on Thursday for devotees, said another release. The IMD said the intensity of rainfall in parts of the state would increase as the cyclone approaches , with isolated places in the districts of Kutch, Devbhumi Dwarka and Jamnagar likely to witness extremely heavy rains. In 12 hours till 6 pm Wednesday, 65 talukas of districts in Saurashtra regions received rainfall, SEOC said in a release. According to SEOC, 54 talukas across several districts received more than 10 mm of rainfall in the last 24 hours till Wednesday morning. Khambhaliya taluka of Devbhumi Dwarka district received the highest 121 mm of rainfall, followed by Dwarka (92 mm) and Kalyanpur (70 mm) during this period. As per the government, 15 teams of NDRF (National Disaster Response Force), 12 of SDRF (State Disaster Response Force), 115 teams of the state road and building department, and 397 of the state electricity department have been deployed in different coastal districts. Officials of departments of electricity and road & building have also reached designated spots to restore connectivity and power supply. We have also deployed teams carrying HAM radio sets and satellite phones in the coastal region for better communication, said Commissioner of Relief, Alok Kumar Pandey. The Western Railway said 76 trains have been cancelled, 36 short-terminated and 31 short-originated as a precautionary measure to ensure safety of passengers and train operations. Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel was briefed about the evacuation measures across 164 coastal villages, a CMO statement said. Patel interacted with sarpanches of the villages through the CM Dashboard at state capital Gandhinagar and offered his guidance on arrangements to deal with the cyclone fallout. Defence Minister Rajnath Singh on Wednesday spoke to the three service chiefs and reviewed the preparations of the armed forces to deal with the impact of the cyclone. After reviewing the preparations, Singh said the armed forces are ready to provide every possible assistance to civil authorities in tackling any situation or contingency that may arise due to the cyclone. Union Health Minister Mansukh Mandaviya also separately reviewed the preparedness measures being taken in Kutch. He visited the Bhuj Air Force station to take stock of the preparations made by Garuda Emergency Response Team of the Indian Air Force. Mandaviya said our jawans are fully prepared for the safety of life and property from the cyclone. He also reviewed the availability of oxygen, ventilators and critical care beds in Kutch district government hospitals, trust-run hospitals and other hospitals in the region. Cyclone Biparjoy is very likely to cross Saurashtra and Kutch and adjoining Pakistan coasts between Mandvi (Gujarat) and Karachi (Pakistan) near Jakhau Port by the evening of June 15 as a very severe cyclonic storm with maximum sustained wind speeds of 125-135 kmph gusting to 150 kmph, the IMD said. Due to this, a few places in Porbandar, Rajkot, Morbi, Junagadh and remaining districts of Saurashtra and North Gujarat regions are likely to receive heavy to very heavy rainfall on Thursday. The IMD has also forecast light to moderate rainfall with heavy to extremely heavy showers at isolated places over north Gujarat districts and adjoining south Rajasthan on Friday. A total of 33 teams have been earmarked by the NDRF to undertake relief and rescue operations in Gujarat and Maharashtra ahead of the expected landfall of cyclone, officials said in New Delhi. 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 Karnataka CM Basavaraj Bommai on Thursday slammed the Siddaramaiah government over its decision to repeal the anti-conversion law and said that the Congress government is jeopardizing the interests of the people of the state. This comes moments after Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramiah on Thursday decided to repeal the Anti-Conversion law brought in by the previous Bommai-led BJP government. Who does the Government think it is appeasing by deciding to repeal the Anti-Conversion Bill that has been plaguing our society? It seems that Siddaramaiah, who is ruling the state at the mercy of the high command, is jeopardizing the interests of the people of the state in favour of the high command, Bommai said in a tweet. Bommai added said that the government is resorting to politics of hatred and appeasement, ever since it came to power. Ever since the Congress government came to power in the state, it has been resorting to politics of hatred and appeasement, and it is acting as if just cancelling the decisions of the previous government is only its achievement, Bommai tweeted. Ever since the Congress government came to power in the state, it has been resorting to politics of hatred and appeasement, and it is acting as if just cancelling the decisions of the previous government is only its achievement. 2/4 Basavaraj S Bommai (@BSBommai) June 15, 2023 The Bill was introduced by the states former Home Minister Araga Jnanendra amid strong opposition in the Winter Session of the Assembly. However, the Basavraj Bommai-led government passed the bill as it wanted to prohibit conversion by misrepresentation, force, allurement, fraudulent means, or marriage. The Opposition, on the other hand, called the Bill anti-people, inhuman, anti-constitutional, anti-poor and draconian. The Bill, according to The Hindu, provided for the protection of the right to freedom of religion and prohibition of unlawful conversion from one religion to another by misrepresentation, force, undue influence, coercion, allurement or by any fraudulent means. 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. The Manipur Tribal Forum has informed the Supreme Court that the Centre and State governments assurances to the apex court in the case concerning the recent outbreak of violence in Manipur are false and non-serious and it shall not rely on the empty assurances of governments. The application asked for the protection of the tribe by the Indian Army saying the state and its police force are not trusted by the tribe. It sought Directions to be passed to the Indian Army to take full control of the law and order and public order situation in the districts of Churachanpur, Chandel, Kangpokpi, Imphal East, and Imphal West. The forum expressed no confidence in the commission of inquiry constituted by the Centre under the head of former Gauhati High Court Chief Justice Ajai Lamba and urged that it be quashed and replaced by a single-member commission comprising former Delhi High Court Chief Justice and Law Commission chairperson, AP Shah. It sought the constitution of an SIT headed by former Assam police chief Harekrishna Deka and an ex-gratia payment of Rs 2 crore to the kin of each of those killed within three months. The application also demanded a permanent government job for a member of the families of those who are deceased. The top court seized the cases relating to the violence in Manipur and sought status reports from the Centre and State on the relief and rehabilitation efforts for the people affected by the violence between Meitei and Kuki communities. Earlier, the top court expressed concern over the loss of lives and properties in Manipur during the violence between the Meitei and Kuki communities and stressed taking adequate measures to restore normalcy there. On March 27, the High Court directed the State to consider the inclusion of the Meitei community in the Scheduled Tribes list. The violence in Manipur between the Hindu Meiteis and the tribal Kuki, who are Christians, erupted after a rally by the All Tribal Students Union of Manipur (ATSUM) on May 3. Violence has gripped the entire State for over a month now and the Central government had to deploy paramilitary forces to bring the situation under control. Read all the Latest News, Trending News, Cricket News, Bollywood News, India News and Entertainment News here. Follow us on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram. Everyone enjoyed watching Pokemon as a kid. The animated series is without doubt a classic, and has been a hit not just in Japan, but in other countries as well, including India. As a result of its widespread popularity, Hiroshi Suzuki, Japanese Ambassador to India, recently announced the first Pikachu Jet from Japans All Nippon Airways (ANA) to Delhi. Pikachu Jet Among the jets main attractions is the face of Pikachu, the popular Pokemon character shaped like a mouse. Pikachu, the mascot, is one of the most famous cartoon characters in the world. According to Hindustan Times, from the exterior to the interior, everything about the plane is themed Pokemon. Rayquazas image is featured on the exterior, including the fuselage. Over 200 seats inside the plane are decorated with flying Pikachus. Twitter announcement In a Twitter post, the ambassador shared an image of the recently inaugurated Pikachu Jet NH aircraft, designed by The Pokemon Company. He captioned the post: Welcome #Pikachu to India! Excited by the first flight of PikachuJet by#ANA to #Delhi! Delhi sky is ready to shine #pika-pika! #pokemon #boeing #787 #Dreamliner #PikachuJetNH. Check out the post below: Several users commented: Lovely, happy design. One of my kids,when younger, loved Pokemon series. Wonderful idea, wrote one user. Lovely, happy design. One of my kids,when younger, loved Pokemon series. Wonderful idea. Kamil Zaheer (@Kam4ANAND) June 14, 2023 This is so cool! commented another user. This is so cool! Shubham Sakhuja (@ishubhamsakhuja) June 15, 2023 Coolest ambassador, wrote a third user. Coolest ambassador Bucky (@ashishbucky) June 14, 2023 Others wrote Pika-pika, the famous response by Pikachu. Pika pika Badal Ahuja (@BadalAhuja89) June 15, 2023 Pokemon fans as well as other social media users noticed the post in no time. Within hours of being posted, the photograph received over 10 lakh views on Twitter and over 2000 likes. The Japanese ambassador posts regularly on the micro-blogging platform. In a series of photographs posted earlier, he was seen exploring the city market and riding a local train in Mumbai just like a true Mumbaikar. Suzuki, seems on a mission to explore different food cultures, often seen enjoying regional cuisine. He shares his experiences on Twitter, whether eating vada-pav, paan, or taking food challenges with his wife. To the extent that Prime Minister Modi has said: Keep the videos coming! 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 the race to Indias 2024 Lok Sabha poll begins, Congress internecine and facetious efforts to score political brownie points by latching onto any opportunity to appease their hard-left and liberal voter base have taken pace. Frankly, this is a bone of contention, unnerving the loyalist Congressmen too, who otherwise detest the Left loonies. In a recent interview with the YouTube news show Breaking Points with Krystal and Saagar, former Twitter CEO Jack Dorsey, in an embellished fiction, juxtaposed India and Turkey while alleging that the micro-blogging site received many threats from the Indian government during the farmers protests to take down posts and restrict accounts of particular journalists that were critical of the government. Dorsey, who was excommunicated from Twitter in 2021, said, India, for example, is one of the countries that had many requests around farmer protests and around particular journalists who were critical of the government. It manifested in ways such as: We will shut Twitter down in India, which is a very large market for us; We will raid the homes of your employees, which they did; and this is India, a democratic country. Even for Twitter, its a little too rich and a little too late! The former CEOs tall claims can bite the dust considering the recent years where he and his company courted headlines for everything political. Big Techs inherent ideological Left-proclivity and its profound influence on public discourse are not disputed. Not even by Jack! In an interview with CNN in 2018, Dorsey admitted the already-obvious fact that Twitter, like most of its counterparts in Silicon Valley, has more left-leaning employees. However, Jack added that political bias does not influence how Twitter determines what is and is not appropriate behaviour on the platform. However, Jacks shallow words were reflected in the companys ignorance by appointing inherently anti-Modi and anti-India Raheel Khursheed and Mahima Kaul as Twitter India heads. The tweets of the then-Twitter India bosses should suffice to demonstrate the public display of the insolence and scorn these chaps had for the ruling Indian government and the serving Prime Minister of India. Not to forget, in June 2021, Twitter displayed an incorrect map of India depicting Jammu and Kashmir and Ladakh as separate countries but removed it later, facing national ire, censure, and government attention. In the past, Jack too has had a vivid history of anti-Hindu actions, including posing for an infamous picture in November 2018 with a Hinduphobic placard that said, Smash Brahminical patriarchy! The placard promotes hate speech and targets an unassuming community and his ignorant apology for being clueless about the contents of the posters makes it worse. More recently, Twitter briefly removed the blue tick verification badge from the personal accounts of many Indian dignitaries, such as vice president M Venkaiah Naidu, Uttar Pradesh chief minister Yogi Adityanath, and several senior RSS functionaries, including its chief Mohan Bhagwat. Refuting all allegations against the Central Government, Rajeev Chandrasekhar, Union Minister of State for Electronics and Information Technology said, Twitter under Dorsey and his team committed repeated and continuous violations of Indian law. Matter-of-factly, they were in non-compliance with the law repeatedly from 2020 to 2022, and it was only in June 2022 that they finally complied. No one went to jail, nor was Twitter shut down. Dorseys Twitter regime had a problem accepting the sovereignty of Indian law. It behaved as if the laws of India did not apply to it. India, as a sovereign nation, has the right to ensure that its laws are followed by all companies operating in India. During the protests in January 2021, there was a lot of misinformation and even reports of genocide that were fake, added Chandrasekhar. More often than not, Twitter has failed to act on requests filed by the Indian police and the Indian government to take down child pornography. Responding to Jacks claims, Priyank Kanoongo, National Commission for Protection of Child Rights, said, During Jack Dorseys tenure, Twitter had become a den of paedophiles. Child Sexual Abuse Materials (CSAM) were available in abundance. Dorsey is a criminal, and that is why hes speaking against the judicial system. Twitters new CEO, Elon Musk, confirmed the interference of the social media giant in the elections through its content moderation policies. Throughout the 2020 United States elections, Twitter unilaterally censored and shadow-banned the campaign tweets of former president Donald Trump, including suppressing and policing conservative voices. Just ahead of the 2020 presidential election, Twitter heavily censored the New York Posts story on Hunter Biden, President Joe Bidens son, but never restricted any similar news against Trump. In fact, suspending the then-ruling right-wing or non-left-wing president Donald Trump seems nothing short of waging a war against the state. The prognosis from the echo chambers of the Congress party and liberal voices claims subjugation of free speech and the rise of fascism in India under the Modi government. However, the San Francisco-headquartered company was repeatedly and deliberately flouting Indias new IT rules, which required significant social media companies to establish a mechanism to address grievances and resolve complaints from users or victims. Consequently, the social media giant was ordered to comply with Indias new IT rules by the venerable Karnataka High Court when the former approached the latter opposing the IT laws. Its no surprise that Congress leaders have picked sides with an arrogant conglomerate that has been at loggerheads with the Indian government over failing to adhere to and subsequently disrespecting the law of the land in which the company operates while vehemently opposing tooth and nail another conglomerate just because it is Indian and not training its gun against the BJP. This surely kills irony a thousand times, if not more. To quote evolutionary anthropologist Avi Tuschman: If you are not a liberal when youre 20, you have no heart. If youre not a conservative by the time youre 30, you have no brain. Jack Dorsey needs to comprehend this and reconcile with his age. He is no more in his 20s. He cant be braindead in his public behaviour. The author is an independent journalist and columnist. 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. For the West, nations like Canada in particular, terrorism and human rights violations by States do not seem be two sides of the same coin. And in ticking off Ottawa over the issue, Indias External Affairs (EAM) S Jaishankar has drawn the line between domestic politics nearer home and afar, and larger issues of national security. 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 answering newsmens question in New Delhi recently. The Q&A referred to Sikh radicals staging a demonstration in the Canadian town of Brampton on 4 June, the 39th anniversary of Operation Bluestar. That was when Indian armed forces stormed the communitys holiest shrine, Golden Temple in Amritsar and flushed out armed terrorists fighting for a separate state of Khalistan. At the Canadian Sikh rally this year, a float on display carried a picture of then prime minister Indira Gandhi with her clothes soaked in blood. The incident recalled memories of Sikh security guards shooting her down in her high-security official residence four months after Bluestar, on 31 October 1984, even as Khalistanis continue to blame her for ordering the Bluestar killing of Sikh terrorists in the Golden Temple, and flushing them out from all parts of the Indian state of Punjab, in a coordinated operation. Pakistani ISI was behind the Khalistani movement and terror attacks, especially in the Sikh-majority state of Punjab and also capital Delhi. It was the first major ISI-coordinated cross-border terror operation against India, as part of Pakistan military President Zia-ul-Haqs Zero Option War to bleed India in separatist wars inside the country, after the nation lost the conventional Bangladesh War very badly to India in 1971. Learning from history The Canadian-Khalistanis, as different from the larger Canadian-Sikh community, their contribution to the cross-border war against India and their involvement with the ISI have been well chronicled. The single largest attack of the kind involved planting a bomb on Air-India Flight 182 Emperor Kanishka, which blasted off mid-air, killing all 329 on board. The dead included 268 Canadian citizens, 27 Britons and 24 Indians, yet successive governments in Canada displayed varying degrees of reluctance to order decent investigations and bring the culprits to book. It is still the worst mid-air terror-act, if one recalled that most deaths in 9/11 occurred on the ground when terrorists crashed two hijacked civilian aircraft into Empire State skyscraper in New York, decades later, in 2001. Canada cannot claim to have been caught unawares, if not napping, since. Every year and at every turn, and in every Canadian town with a substantial Sikh population, anti-India protests have become fashionable, because local politicians and governments have come to see the community as a vote-bank. Or a terror-threat to a third nation, India in this case, was no threat as long as Canada and its sworn western allies like the US and those in Europe are not directly affected. As EAM Jaishankar said in the news conference, 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. In the same vein, he declared that such accommodation for anti-India groups was not good for bilateral relationship, it is not good for Canada. Jaishankar said he also had a similar message to the UK and Australia against allowing pro-Khalistani elements to operate from their territories. Because if you look at their history, you would imagine that they learn from history and they would not like to repeat that history, the minister said. As he pointed out, it is not only one incident, however egregious it may be. Through the past nearly four decades, if not more, Canadian-Sikhs have enjoyed freedom in that country to plot, organise political events and terror-attacks, targeting India. By not exempting the Indira Gandhi float for condemning vote-bank politics of the Canadian leadership, the government of Prime Minister Narendra Modi has once again demonstrated that intra-party differences would not come in the way of larger issues of national security. It had adopted a similar approach earlier in the Supreme Court case demanding freedom for the LTTE killers of Rajiv Gandhi, former prime minister. Conflicting ways Hours before Jaishankars calibrated outburst, Canadian High Commissioner to India, Cameron MacKay, condemned the Brampton demonstration, as if to soften the Indian backlash. But his government back home did nothing about proceeding against the programme organisers, nor promised anything about not allowing such events at least in the future. Yet, in matters of fighting terror and defending minority rights in countries far removed from the western hemisphere, the Canadian double-standards has been blatant and striking. If it is freedom for Khalistanis to protest against the Indian state because they constitute a vote-bank, in the case of Indias neighbour Sri Lanka, minority Tamils have gotten away with something better or worse in the Canadian context, domestically and elsewhere, too. In Sri Lankas case, the incumbent Justin Trudeau government in Canada has been vociferous against successive regimes in Colombo on the rights front, war-crimes probe, etc, etc. It dates back to the conclusive Sri Lankan state victory over the LTTE terror-group which also fought a conventional war simultaneously and lost. Excesses did occur on either side, and there is no conclusive figure on the number of innocent Tamils killed in the armed forces legitimate operations, and at times wantonly, too. Yet, the UN too has unilaterally thrown up a Tamil toll of 40,000 while other reports put the figure as high as 176,000. Today, the Trudeau government in Canada has declared that the Sri Lankan armed forces have committed a genocide, a demand often made by overseas Sri Lankan Tamil Diaspora, through their powerful organisations and their local mouth-pieces, starting with neighbouring India. It is even more vociferous and consistent in Canada, Europe and Australia, though not necessarily in that order. The post-war Trans-national government of Tamil Eelam (TGTE), a virtual government for a virtual state which the promoters call Tamil Eelam has elected parliamentarians across Tamil-speaking countries. Their virtually-elected prime minister Visuwanathan Rudrakumaran, an American lawyer, resides in the US no questions asked, no FBI investigations into their funding, support-apparatus, and their legitimacy, etc. The Sri Lankan government has once again rejected Canadas genocide charges. Majority Sinhala-Buddhist hard-liners have also cautioned the government that other nations, especially those in the West, may endorse the Canadian claim. They have implied that the West in due course may haul up Colombo at the UNHRC more than already and also before other UN affiliates like the International Court of Justice (ICJ) and the International Criminal Court (ICC). Already, individual nations like the US, Canada and the UK have imposed travel ban and sanctions against individuals in Sri Lanka, mostly war-time military commanders, as if they have all pre-judged what happened on the war-front without nothing credible disclosed in the public sphere. As in the case of Khalistani vote-bank against the Indian state, there is the Sri Lankan Tamil (SLT) Diaspora vote targeting Colombo. It does not stop with Canada, but it is Canada where they too get a better deal from the government of the day, like the anti-India Khalistani groups, only to be upstaged by their domestic political rivals, when elected to power, but on other, more important issues. Us vs Them duplicity After voting with the US-led West on the war-crimes probe resolution in the UNHRC in 2012, India has abstained from most UNHRC votes on Sri Lanka. This owes to Indias broad spectrum understanding of the Wests Us vs Them duplicity in defending their skewed perception of human rights of those that would have been condemned as terrorists even without trial in their midst. In the contemporary context, Canada personifies more of this western syndrome than other nations, starting with the US. Washington invariably stops with cherry-picking allegations of human rights violations in the country, for possible use on a later day. It would either be when the US feels that India too needed some straightening up or its use for India in the China-Russia context, among others, have evaporated. Despite the favourable American responses to Indias terrorism charges against Pakistan in recent years, New Delhi needs also to remember that Washington had no qualms in dumping the Islamabad-Rawalpindi politico-military clique when it found no use for them, any more. It is only a long shot, yes, but it is still a shot that can come Indias way independent of the post-Cold War bonhomie that has been peaking now under PM Modi, after scaling new highs since the days of the Narasimha Rao government (1991-96). The US especially has mastered the art of double-tracking bilateral relations and alleged concerns of human rights violations involving countries like India and Sri Lanka, for them to meet at a time and occasion of Washingtons choosing. It may be after months, it may be after years, it may even be after decades. But it will come, and India as a nation has to be prepared for it. The writer is a Chennai-based policy analyst and political commentator. 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. NATO chief Jens Stoltenberg on Thursday said that the decision to pick a new head rests on the members of the alliance as they mull over extending Stolenbergs term for nine more years. NATO members are still on the lookout for a possible successor to Stoltenberg just ahead of a summit of leaders in Lithuanias capital Vilnius next month. Stoltenberg has held the seat of secretary-general of NATO since 2014. His term has already been prolonged by a year to October in the wake of Russias invasion of Ukraine in February 2022. He has reiterated that he does not have any intention of seeking an extension. Stoltenberg said, When it comes to my successor that is an issue to be decided by the 31 allies. Im responsible for all decisions that this alliance has to take except one, and that is about my future that is for 31 allies to decide, he added. In an interview with PBS, Stoltenberg said, The plan was to be here for four years; I have been there for nine years. So I think the good thing for everyone is now to have another person at the helm of the alliance. Stoltenberg meets Biden On Tuesday, the NATO chief visited the White House to meet US President Joe Biden. Here, he was appreciated by the White House spokesperson Karine Jean-Pierre who said Stoltenberg has done a fantastic job, a really wonderful job, during this history-making timeNATO has come together in a way that we havent seen in a very long time. Who will be the next NATO chief? Although the 31-member country alliance has not reached a consensus yet, Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen has emerged as a possible frontrunner to succeed Stoltenberg. At the same time, British Defence Minister Ben Wallace has also thrown his hat in the ring. But there is so far no consensus on a clear pick among NATO members, and diplomats are increasingly talking up the chances of Stoltenberg being asked to stay on. 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. When Prime Minister Narendra Modi visits Washington next week, the US and India are likely to agree to jointly manufacture fighter jet engines in India, according to a report. According to a Bloomberg report, citing people with knowledge of the matter, the deal is close to the finish line. According to the sources, the White House is likely to approve General Electric Co.s plan to develop the engines for the Tejas light-combat aircraft alongside state-owned Hindustan Aeronautics Ltd. Prime Minister Modi arrives in Washington DC on a three-day state visit on 21 June. The welcome ceremony and the state dinner along with an address to the Joint Session of the US Congress are scheduled for 22 June. Addressing a press conference in New Delhi on Tuesday, US National Security Adviser Jake Sullivan said a number of the deliverables from PM Modis visit are not just bullet points on a page. They are fundamentally designed to remove those obstacles in defence trading, in high tech trade, in investment in each of our countries, he added. Sullivan is in India this week for meetings with top Indian officials ahead of PM Modis visit. The Biden administration is attempting to strengthen ties with nations that are essential to fending off what it perceives as Chinas growing threat, hence PM Modis visit is significant. In order to yank India out of Russias sphere of influence, the US has appeared eager to enhance its ties with India while also overlooking its democratic regress, reported Bloomberg. US-India ties growing stronger Ties between US and India have grown stronger as concerns over China have increased despite significant differences in the fields of values and vision, Bloomberg quoted Sushant Singh, a senior fellow at New the Centre of Policy Research, a New Delhi-based think tank, as saying. Those are currently being overridden by interests, Singh added. India is relying on the general improvement in relations and bipartisan backing to get the US Congress to approve the jet engine accord, which would necessitate technology transfer from America. Bengaluru-based Hindustan Aeronautics Ltd. and Indias Ministry of External Affairs didnt immediately reply to requests for comment. The US National Security Council had no comment, and GE declined to comment, added the report. The jet engine agreement would fit in with PM Modis wider push to boost defense manufacturing locally but with technology partnerships with nations that are keen to draw New Delhi into their orbit as Russias war in Ukraine drags on into a second year. Earlier this month Germanys Thyssenkrupp AGs marine arm and Indias Mazagon Dock Shipbuilders Ltd. signed an initial agreement to jointly build submarines for the Indian navy. Russia remains Indias largest supplier of military hardware, though purchases have slowed by 19% in the last five years due to sanctions and increased competition from other manufacturing countries. Russian deliveries of military supplies to India have ground to a halt as the countries struggle to find a payment mechanism that doesnt violate Western sanctions. How does India benefit? The domestic production of the GE engines will strengthen Indias fighter jet program and its air force, whose fleet of rapidly aging Russian fighters need to be replaced. It will also boost Modis image as he looks at a third term in office in national elections next year. India and the US will also likely inch closer to agreements on other defence issues, including Indias purchase of over a dozen armed drones that could exponentially boost its sea and land defence capabilities. In addition, the two countries will be discussing jointly building the eight-wheeled armored personnel carrier Stryker in India. 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. Ahead of Prime Minister Narendra Modis visit to the US, Congressman from Georgia, Drew Ferguson, has emphasised that the India-US ties are important for peace, prosperity and stability around the globe, especially in the Indo-Pacific region. PM Modi is set to travel to the US on an official visit from June 21 to 25. He will be hosted by President Joe Biden at the White House. The Indian Embassy in the US released a video of Congressman Ferguson articulating his views on PM Modis historic state visit. The India-US partnership is crucial for fostering peace, prosperity and stability around the globe, especially in the Indo-Pacific region Rep. Drew Ferguson, read a post on the official Twitter handle of the Indian embassy in the US. I wanted to take a moment to recognise Prime Minister Modis upcoming visit to Washington, DC. The relationship between the United States and India is strategic and global. Its a partnership guided by strong political will on both sides. Its built on the shared values of democracy, freedom, and respect for the real with law, the Congressman said in his short video address. He added, This partnership is crucial for fostering peace, prosperity and stability around the globe, especially in the Indo-Pacific region. In 2022, India celebrated 75 years of independence and marked the anniversary of the United States-India diplomatic relations. Ferguson stated further that the India-US partnership has made significant progress in the last few years and New Delhi continues to be a strategic trading partner for the latter. As a member of the House Ways and Means Committee, which has jurisdiction over trade policy, I look forward to continuing to work on growing this important global partnership. Thank you to Prime Minister Modi for your continued leadership, and I hope you have a productive visit, the Congressman stated in his video address. Top lawmakers in the United States had earlier invited Prime Minister Narendra Modi to address the US Congress when he visits Washington DC on June 22, a rare opportunity granted only to the countrys closest allies. Many political leaders in the US had earlier voiced their excitement around PM Modis state visit while lauding the burgeoning bilateral ties between the two countries. US Congresswoman Sheila Jackson Lee said the US was looking forward to PM Modis upcoming address to the Congress. The Congress will look forward to the state address that he will make in the United States Congress. That will be both houses of Congress. Thats a very important position to be in. We will be attentive, Lee told ANI earlier. Dr Bharat Barai, a popular community leader and organiser of Prime Minister Modis event at the Ronald Reagan Center, was effusive in his praise for the latter, calling him the most popular public figure and leader in the world, not just in India. PM Modi is the most popular public figure, and leader in the world, not just in India. The Prime Minister is extremely popular. Hes perceived as a visionary leader for India who is working tirelessly for the growth of India, Barai said earlier. US Secretary of Commerce Gina Raimondo said Prime Minister Modis upcoming visit to the US will serve as an opportunity to enhance the commercial and strategic technology partnerships between the two nations. She specifically mentioned sectors such as defence, semiconductors, and clean energy as areas of focus. PM Modi will be the first Indian premier to address a Joint Meeting of the US Congress twice. Globally, as a head of government, PM Modi is second only after Israel Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, to address a joint House of the US Congress more than once. The Israeli PM has done it thrice. House Speaker Kevin McCarthy, Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer, Senate Republican Leader Mitch McConnell, and House Democratic Leader Hakeem Jeffries had earlier said in a message to PM Modi, During your address, you will have the opportunity to share your vision for Indias future and speak to the global challenges both our countries face. PM Modi will visit the US from June 22-25 at the invitation of President Biden and First Lady Jill Biden. Read all the Latest News, Trending News, Cricket News, Bollywood News, India News and Entertainment News here. Follow us on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram. Japan is in talks with the US to supply artillery shells to augment inventories for Ukraines counteroffensive against Russia, according to the Wall Street Journal. According to the report, the Asian country is considering delivering 155-mm artillery shells as part of a 2016 agreement to share ammunition as part of its long-standing security alliance with the US. Meanwhile, Norway and Denmark have agreed to donate an additional 9,000 rounds of artillery to Ukraine, the Norwegian ministry of defence said on Thursday. It said in a statement that Norway would provide the shells, while Denmark will donate fuses and propellant charges, and that Norway is also donating 7,000 rounds from its own stocks. The artillery rounds can be used in several types of artillery, including the M109 Howitzer that Norway has previously donated, the ministry said. The ammunition will be replaced through the acquisition of new munitions, it added. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy thanked the two NATO member states for their assistance in his countrys defence against Russias invasion. The additional batch of artillery shells is much needed by Ukraine on the battlefield. Together we are bringing our common victory close, he wrote on Twitter. 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. Beirut: The powerful Hezbollah group and its allies thwarted a bid by their rivals to elect a top IMF official as Lebanons president on Wednesday, sharpening sectarian tensions and further dimming prospects for preventing a collapse of the state. Four years since Lebanon went into a financial meltdown that marks its worst crisis since the 1975-90 civil war, parliament failed for a 12th time to elect someone to fill the post reserved for a Maronite Christian under the countrys sectarian system. The standoff has opened a fresh sectarian fault line, pitting the Iran-backed, heavily armed Shiite Muslim Hezbollah against Christian factions including its own ally, Gebran Bassil, who endorsed IMF official Jihad Azour for president. Neither Azour nor Hezbollah-backed candidate Suleiman Frangieh came close to winning the 86 votes needed to win in a first round vote. Azour, the IMFs Middle East Director and an ex-finance minister, won the support of 59 of 128 lawmakers. Frangieh secured 51. Hezbollah and its allies then withdrew from the session, denying the two-thirds quorum required for a second vote in which 65 votes are enough for victory. Shiite Parliament Speaker Nabih Berri, a Hezbollah ally, did not schedule a new session. It leaves Lebanon with no immediate way of filling a post vacant since the term of the Hezbollah-allied President Michel Aoun ended in October. Azour thanked lawmakers who backed him, saying he hoped the will expressed by the majority of deputies would be respected. Hezbollah lawmaker Hussein al-Haj Hassan said the group was ready for dialogue but sticking by Frangieh, a friend of Syrian President Bashar al-Assad. George Adwan, a Christian lawmaker with the anti-Hezbollah Lebanese Forces party, said the vote was a major victory because it showed Azour close to 65 votes. But with parliament fractured, analysts say the logjam may now require the type of foreign intervention that has resolved past crises in Lebanon, including the 1989 deal mediated in Saudi Arabia that ended the civil war. Lebanese political sources have anticipated that a new detente between Saudi Arabia and Iran could play out in Lebanon, but say they have not yet sensed pressure as other issues including the Yemen war take precedence. A newly-appointed French envoy is expected in Beirut next week in a mediation effort. Washington is concerned by the stalemate and wants to see a president elected who can unlock IMF support for Lebanon, but it is up to the countrys leaders to resolve the crisis, U.S. State Department spokesperson Matthew Miller said. We believe that Lebanons leaders and their elites must stop putting their own interests and ambitions above the people of their country, Miller said at a press briefing. SECTARIAN TENSIONS You cant stay in this situation, said Mohanad Hage Ali of the Carnegie Middle East Center, noting forthcoming state decisions included agreeing a replacement for central bank governor Riad Salameh, who faces corruption charges which he denies. His term ends in July. Lebanon has been without a fully empowered cabinet since parliamentary elections last year. Hezbollah, designated a terrorist group by the United States, unleashed fierce rhetoric against Azour, describing him as a candidate of confrontation. Lebanons Shiite Mufti Sheikh Ahmad Qabalan dialled up the attacks without naming Azour, accusing him of being backed by Israel and saying a president with an American stamp will not be allowed. Azour, 57, has said he wants national unity and reforms. He was finance minister from 2005 to 2008, a period of political conflict pitting a government backed by the West and Saudi Arabia against Hezbollah-led opponents aligned with Damascus. That crisis culminated in conflict in 2008, with Hezbollah seizing much of Beirut. The financial crisis was caused by decades of corruption and profligate spending by ruling politicians whose vested interests have obstructed any steps towards addressing it. The cabinet passed a recovery roadmap in May 2022, despite objections by Hezbollah ministers. The IMF has criticised Lebanon for very slow progress in implementing reforms. 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 United States is all excited and Americans are eagerly preparing to extend warm welcome to Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi who will be on a State visit from 21 to 24 June. Modi will become the first Indian Prime Minister to address the joint meeting of the US Congress for the second time. The US Congress recently invited PM Modi to address a joint meeting of the House of Representatives and Senate during his visit to the country on 22 June. The members of the US Congress said that they look forward to the state address that PM Modi will make. They also spoke about the importance of the Indian Prime Ministers visit to the US. Great expectation from Modis US visit US Congresswoman Sheila Jackson Lee said the Congress will look forward to the state address that he (PM Modi) will make in the Congress. Thats a very important position to be in. We will be attentive and we will look forward to all of the solutions that we can make together. Lee said that there is great expectation from the leader of one of the largest or the largest democracy to visit the oldest democracy and to renew long-standing friendship around the issues of nonviolence, around the issue of democracy and caring about our people. #WATCH | The Congress will look forward to the state address that he (PM Modi) will make in the US Congress. That will be both houses of Congress. Thats a very important position to be in. We will be attentive & we will look forward to all of the solutions that we can make pic.twitter.com/Y9b8DOyD84 ANI (@ANI) June 15, 2023 The Congresswoman went on to say that the US "looks forward to all of the solutions that we can make together. That's what we have always done with India. We have always found ways to solve our concerns together." "Nations may have many diplomatic concerns that they must discuss. But the good news is that we have the pathway to India and India has the pathway to the US. And we know how to discuss our issues and be part of affiliation and leadership and continue to work together," she said. 'Looking forward to Modis visit with great anticipation' "The US-India relations are extremely important to our world and both the countries. We are looking forward to Prime Minister Narendra Modi's address to the joint session of Congress," US Representative Buddy Carter said. "We serve at the will of the people and certainly Prime Minister Modi has served the people well. We all strive to have democracy in the world. We all need good trade relations and we certainly have good trade relations with India," he said. Im excited to welcome Prime Minister Modi to our nations Capitol next week. The US - India relationship is one of the most important in the world. pic.twitter.com/xnagPAGkyQ Buddy Carter (@RepBuddyCarter) June 13, 2023 "We look forward with great anticipation from hearing from Prime Minister Modi and we look forward to build in our relationship between US and India," Carter added. 'Everybody understands how important India-US allyship is' US Representative Richard McCormick stressed upon the significance of strengthening economic and strategic ties between India and the US. Regardless of their political affiliations, he believes that lawmakers should recognise India as a crucial and valuable partner in the future. Talking about PM Modi's upcoming visit to the US, Congressman McCormick said he thinks that everybody understands the importance of the relations between the two nations. "I think a lot of people don't realise how important India is. I think that's why it's important for PM Modi to be here and have these consequential conversations. Anybody who is not thinking about the importance of India doesn't realise the strength of numbers, the amount of industrial base, the amount to produce things that China produces simultaneously, but from a much more friendly venue. Somebody who's following the WTO rules rather than breaking them. That's the kind of partner we need," McCormick, US House of Representatives, Congressman from Georgia said. He further said, "I think everybody understands how important that allyship is. When you talk about the most populous country in the world right next to the second most populous country in the world, which they keep on switching off a little bit late, but also the fact that China's growing its economy from about 5 trillion only 10 years ago to 18 trillion just in 10 years. Now they've done some of that in very bad ways, and they've run up a lot of debt. #WATCH | US: I think a lot of people don't realize how important India is. I think that's why it's important for PM Modi to be here & have these consequential conversations. Anybody who's not thinking about the importance of India doesn't realize the strength of numbers, the pic.twitter.com/7iAyM19Yi8 ANI (@ANI) June 14, 2023 This will be PM Modi's first state visit to the US during his nine-year reign as prime minister. The last state visit to the US was made by former Prime Minister Manmohan Singh between November 23 and 25, 2009. 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. Carl Peis startup, Nothing, has garnered significant excitement for its upcoming smartphone, the Phone (2). As the companys second smartphone release, the exact launch date for this highly anticipated device is still unknown. Although Nothing had previously hinted at a July launch and provided initial insights into the Phones features, specific details about the release date and additional specifications are still undisclosed. Also read: Nothing Co. confirms the launch of Nothing Phone (2), will be launched during the British summer However, the release date for the Nothing Phone (2) has now been officially announced by the company via Twitter. The highly awaited smartphone is scheduled to launch on July 11. Nothing Phone (2) launch date and time confirmed The launch event will take place in London at 16:00 BST, which corresponds to 8:30 PM IST for viewers in India. To ensure global accessibility, Nothing will live stream the launch event on its official website. Currently, Nothing has kept the details about the chipset and battery of the Phone (2) undisclosed. Nevertheless, based on rumours and speculation, here is what is known about the upcoming device. Nothing Phone (2) Specifications It is expected that the Nothing Phone (2) will be powered by the Qualcomm Snapdragon 8+ Gen 1 chipset, providing exceptional performance capabilities. Additionally, there are rumours suggesting that it will feature a 4,700mAh battery, offering ample battery life for daily use. Also read: Nothing reveals display, battery, chipset and other details ahead of Nothing Phone (2) launch Regarding the display, the Nothing Phone (2) is rumoured to have a slightly larger screen compared to its predecessor, the Nothing Phone (1). The display size is speculated to be around 6.7 inches, providing users with a more expansive viewing experience compared to the 6.55-inch display of the previous model. Also read: Nothing Co. to manufacture Phone (2) in Tamil Nadu, will be their most sustainable product Confirming the companys plans, Nothing has announced that the Nothing Phone (2) will indeed be available in India. It will be manufactured in Tamil Nadu, India, in collaboration with BYD Electronic, a manufacturer based in Shenzhen. Interestingly, the same facility was responsible for producing the previous model, the Nothing Phone (1). This emphasizes Nothings commitment to local manufacturing and production in India. Read all the Latest News, Trending News, Cricket News, Bollywood News, India News and Entertainment News here. Follow us on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram. Pakistan Foreign Minister Bilawal Bhutto Zardari will visit China and Japan from June 27 to deepen bilateral cooperation. He will travel to China in the last week of June to attend the 14th Annual Meeting of the New Champions, also known as the World Economic Forums (WEF) Summer Davos, to be held from June 27 to June 29 in Chinas Tianjin Municipality, official sources told The Express Tribune newspaper on Wednesday. Bilawal will also undertake a maiden visit to Japan in the first week of July. Japan is a key development partner of Pakistan and the foreign ministers visit would likely further deepen the cooperation, it said. Pakistan has tried to maintain a fine balance while pursuing ties with its all-weather ally China and its rival Japan. Tokyo has old ties with Islamabad and supported the country financially. But in the preceding years, Japans relationship has grown exponentially with India while Pakistan found greater comfort in the arms of China. It is believed that Bilawals visit to Japan would help to maintain the balance in ties with Beijing and Tokyo. (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. Prime Minister Narendra Modis visit to the US is historic and path-breaking, said Indian Ambassador to the US Taranjit Singh Sandhu. This is indeed a historic and path-breaking visit. I use these terminologies by fully looking into them. You will see both on the substantive side and on the ceremonial side, that it will be history, Sandhu told ANI. Excitement among US Congress members Sandhu said that he had conversation with several Congressmen and senators who have expressed a lot of excitement about PM Modis upcoming visit. PM Modi will be the first leader in independent India to address the US Congress twiceIn my conversations with many of the congressmen and senators, I can certainly tell you that there is a lot of excitement among them, Sandhu said. They want to hear about the India story and they want to hear about the Prime Ministers vision and his thinking, he added. Also Read: WATCH: Members of US Congress speak on the importance of PM Modis US visit Democratic and Republican leaders in the Senate and House of Representatives sent an invitation letter to PM Modi on Friday, saying that the speech on June 22 would celebrate the enduring friendship between the two countries. Based on our shared values and commitment to global peace and prosperity, the partnership between our two countries continues to grow, the letter read. The PM will be addressing a joint meeting of the US Congress for the second time, the first being in 2016. 5 broad areas of PM Modis US visit Sandhu highlighted five broad areas that will be clearly covered during PM Modis visit to US. 1- Defence and strategic cooperation 2- Healthcare partnership and different aspects of that 3- Technology which is correlated with digital startup, innovation, all interlinked 4- Environment, energy, renewables 5- Knowledge and education. US President Joe Biden and First Lady Jill Biden have extended an invitation to PM Modi for an official state visit, including a State Dinner scheduled for June 22. #WATCH | Indian Ambassador to US Taranjit Singh Sandhu speaks on the upcoming state visit of PM Narendra Modi to US This is indeed a historic and path-breaking visit. I use these terminologies by fully looking into them. You will see both on the substantive side & on the pic.twitter.com/Mer8LUWE4y ANI (@ANI) June 14, 2023 Preparations have picked up pace in the US as well as in India ahead of the Prime Minister's visit. The second round of the iCET Dialogue, led by US National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan and Indian counterpart Ajit Doval, was held in New Delhi. The iCET initiative was announced by PM Modi and Biden in May 2022 with an aim to enhance the strategic technology partnership and defence industrial cooperation between both the nations. As per reports, India and the US are likely to ink a very crucial defence deal in which both the countries will jointly manufacture indigenous jet engines of fighter aircraft. It is being reported that the Biden administration will sign off on a deal that would allow General Electric Co (GE.N) to produce jet engines powering Indian military aircraft in that country. As per a Reuters report, the deal will be announced when Biden hosts PM Modi for an official state visit next week. The deal is another indicator of improving military ties between India and the US, especially at a time when China is asserting its military prowess along the Line of Actual Control (LAC) with India and in the South China seas. 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 a tense preview to Antony Blinkens upcoming Beijing visit, Chinas foreign minister Qin Gang on Wednesday urged the United States to stop meddling in its affairs and endangering its security during a phone discussion with his US counterpart. According to Chinas foreign ministry, Qin told Blinken to respect Chinas core concerns, such as the Taiwan issue, in an effort to reverse the giants deteriorating relationship. On his part, Blinken stressed the need for communication to avoid miscalculation and conflict and said the US would continue to raise areas of concern as well as potential cooperation with China, the State Department said in a brief summary of the call. The top US diplomat is scheduled to travel to China and Britain between 16 June and 21 June, the State Department said on Wednesday, after a US official last week said Blinken would be in Beijing on 18 June. Chinese state media said he was due to visit China on 18-19 June. While there, Blinken will meet senior Chinese officials to raise bilateral issues of concern as well as other global and regional matters and shared transnational challenges, the State Department said in a statement. If Blinkens trip goes ahead, it will be the first visit to China by Washingtons top diplomat in five years and the highest profile visit of US President Joe Bidens administration, which has clashed with Beijing over issues ranging from spy allegations to a semiconductor tussle. Blinken cancelled a planned trip to Beijing in February over a suspected Chinese spy balloon that flew over the United States. The Chinese foreign ministry has not yet revealed any other information on Blinkens upcoming trip. Visits by US officials to Taiwan, the democratically governed island that Beijing considers an integral part of China, have also magnified tensions between the worlds two largest economies. Since the beginning of the year, Sino-US relations have encountered new difficulties and challenges, and the responsibility is clear, Qin told Blinken, according to the Chinese foreign ministrys readout. The United States should stop interfering in Chinas internal affairs, and stop harming Chinas sovereignty, security and development interests in the name of competition, Qin added. 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. Russias second-largest lender VTB announced on Thursday that it will expand the number of countries to which retail clients can send money from 11 to 25, with India and Turkey serving as significant new destinations. VTB was particularly hard impacted by sweeping Western sanctions, which barred it from doing transactions in key world currencies and from using the international SWIFT payments system shortly after Moscow pushed tens of thousands of troops into Ukraine on February 24, 2022. The key destinations in the outlook of this year will be India and Turkey, with whom our country has established partnership relations and where the tourist flow is now directed, said Deputy President-Chairman of VTBs management board Anatoly Pechatnikov. VTB CEO Andrei Kostin last week told Reuters the end of the dominance of the U.S. dollar was nigh as the Chinese yuan rises and the rest of the world sees the peril of the Wests failed attempt to bring Russia to its knees over Ukraine. Kostin also said VTB was working to ensure Russians could pay comfortably when overseas. In January-May this year, Belarusian roubles accounted for 43% of VTBs soft currency cross-border transfers, followed by the Kazakh tenge with 39% and the yuan with 14%. 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. UN nuclear chief Rafael Grossi on Thursday said the situation at the Moscow-occupied Zaporizhzhia nuclear power plant in Ukraine was serious but being stabilised. Grossi arrived at Europes biggest nuclear plant to assess potential safety risks after the destruction of the Kakhovka dam, which caused huge floods and exacerbated fears for the facilitys safety. The dam formed a reservoir that provided the cooling water for the plant. On the one hand, we can see that the situation is serious, the consequences (of the dams destruction) are there, and they are real, Grossi, head of the International Atomic Energy Agency, said on a visit to the plant. At the same time, there are measures that are being taken to stabilise the situation. AFP saw Grossi arrive at the plant in a white jeep with the IAEA blue flag attached to it. His car was followed by armoured vehicles. Grossis third trip to the plant came as Ukraine pushed ahead with its long-awaited counteroffensive, with fighting intensifying in the Zaporizhzhia region. His visit was delayed by a day for unexplained reasons. Until a few hours ago I was not sure whether I would be able to come here and visit the plant, Grossi said. He said the trip was extremely difficult but also compact and important. He said he was able to see the plants cooling pond. There is sufficient water, Grossi said. He said he was also able to visit the thermal plant open switchboard which has been affected by military activity. Grossi who has held talks with both Russian and Ukrainian officials had previously proposed measures for the plants safety but the initiative has so far stalled. He said he wanted the world to be aware of the danger that there could be a major accident. What I expect is the entire international community, the Russian Federation, Ukraine and everybody else supports us, to prevent that from happening. Read all the Latest News, Trending News, Cricket News, Bollywood News, India News and Entertainment News here. Follow us on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram. Say what you will about Elon Musk, but apart from being one of the craziest innovators, he is also a very astute businessman. If Musks latest gambit plays out the way he plans, he will have set a common standard for tall EVs and how they connect to their chargers. After years of anticipation, hoping that he would be recognised as one of the crucial automobile mogul in the world. Teslas billionaire CEO finally received the recognition he had been waiting for. The major American automobile manufacturers now acknowledge that Tesla has taken the central position and has emerged as the leader in the automotive industry. How Tesla came to dominate EVs Despite Ford and GM Ford and General Motors, the two key players among Detroits Big Three, initially believed they could maintain their dominance despite Teslas remarkable market value. However, with Tesla clearly indicating a shift in power, the two traditional carmakers have finally acknowledged that the disruptor has become the industry standard after two decades in the electric vehicle manufacturing business. This acknowledgement materialized through two unprecedented agreements. Starting in 2024, customers of the two legacy carmakers will have the ability to recharge their electric vehicle batteries using Teslas supercharger network. With approximately 17,000 stations across the United States, Tesla boasts the largest charging station network in the country. However, GM and Ford customers will only have access to 12,000 superchargers. Superchargers can add up to 200 miles of range in just 15 minutes. Since charging above 80 per cent is rarely necessary, stops are typically short and convenient, Tesla says in its website. In light of this development, Ford and GM have agreed to adopt Teslas charging connector, which serves as the link between the electric vehicle and the charging station. To facilitate this transition, owners of these two Michigan giants will only need to purchase an adapter, costing approximately $100. This marks a significant victory for Tesla and Musk, as it not only opens up a new revenue stream but also positions Teslas EV charging plug as the industry standard. Presently, there are two charging standards in North America: Teslas North American Charging Standard (NACS) and the Combined Charging System (CCS), which employs a slower-charging connector and is used by other car manufacturers. The public charging network, which currently encompasses 54,000 locations according to the Energy Department, utilizes the CCS connector. However, one drawback of the public charging network is the limited availability of fast chargers capable of rapidly recharging batteries. In total, there are 7,400 public station superchargers that use the CCS standard. Musk invites Toyota to join the likes of Ford & GM Apart from Ford and GM, no other automaker has joined forces with Tesla and Musk. However, the billionaire entrepreneur has taken the initiative by inviting Toyota to join Teslas new coalition. This invitation was extended through Twitter, following a users mention of an article highlighting the challenges of battery charging while taking a trip in Toyotas new all-electric SUV. On June 14, Sawyer Merritt, a self-proclaimed Tesla investor and fan, shared on Twitter their experience of driving the new Toyota bZ4X EV from New York to Washington DC and back. According to Merritt, the nine-hour journey involved three hours of charging. Even when the bZ4Xs battery was at a 37% charge, it refused to accept a charging speed greater than 35 kW. Merritt further added that a Tesla Model Y would only require a total charging time of around 30 minutes for the entire trip, along with a link to the article providing more details on the matter. Musks offer coincides with the recent announcement by the Japanese automaker of their accelerated development of electric vehicles featuring a battery range of 600 miles (1,000 km), surpassing Teslas current offerings. If the Japanese group decides to accept Teslas offer, it is likely to encourage other automakers such as Kia, Hyundai, and Stellantis to follow suit in order to avoid being at a competitive disadvantage. Volkswagen, the outlier Currently, Volkswagen is one of the few automakers that have expressed their commitment to the CCS charger. The German giant is constructing its own charging network, which currently comprises 840 charging stations, a number expected to double by 2026. The charging network plays a crucial role in the advancement of electric vehicles. An automaker that can offer long-lasting batteries, enabling drivers to cover substantial distances on a single charge, while also providing a vast network of charging stations and fast charging capabilities, holds a significant advantage. This is one of Teslas strengths, which currently dominates the market. By opening up its network to competitors, Tesla is willing to dilute its own advantage. However, in doing so, it gains a substantial source of income and solidifies its position as the leader, as its connector becomes the industry standard. Read all the Latest News, Trending News, Cricket News, Bollywood News, India News and Entertainment News here. Follow us on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram. Just two days after former US President Donald Trump appeared for his arraignment at a Miami courthouse where he pleaded not guilty, his 2024 White House campaign said that the former president has raised over $7 million since being indicted on federal charges last week. President Trump Raises Over $6.6 Million and Counting Since Deranged Jack Smith Announced Political Prosecution, Trumps campaign wrote in an email to supporters on Wednesday, referring to the US special counsel investigating him. Out of the entire amount, $4.5 million came from digital fundraising while $2.1 million was raised from a donor event on Tuesday at Trumps Bedminster Club in New Jersey. On Tuesday, the former president pleaded not guilty to over 37 felony charges filed against him related to the manhandling of classified government documents. Just a day before his arraignment, Trump wrote Truth Social a social media platform created by Trump Media and Technology Group One of the saddest days in the history of our country. We are a nation in decline!!! His indictment reads, The unauthorized disclosure of these classified documents could put at risk the national security of the United States, foreign relations, the safety of the United States military, and human sources and the continued viability of sensitive intelligence collection methods. Trump claims that the charges were framed against him by Democrats to knock him out of the 2024 presidential race. Theyre not coming after me, theyre coming after YOU, Trump wrote in one of a flurry of fundraising emails on Wednesday. Meanwhile, Trump has also witnessed a bump in fundraising from his charges in New York as part of a case involving hush money paid to a porn star. After word emerged in March that Trump was going to be charged, his campaign raised $7 million in three days, according to senior adviser Jason Miller. 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 collection of 17 music publishers filed a lawsuit against Twitter in federal court in Nashville, Tennessee. The lawsuit claims that Twitter is not only failing to enforce laws on copyright violations, but also enabling numerous copyright violations by allowing users to post music without obtaining a license. According to the lawsuit, Twitter is driving user engagement through the proliferation of unauthorized copies of musical compositions. The National Music Publishers Association, including Sony Music Publishing, BMG Rights Management, and Universal Music Publishing Group, is part of the lawsuit. They are seeking damages exceeding $250 million for the alleged infringement of approximately 1,700 copyrights. Twitter joins other social media platforms that got sued The lawsuit alleges that the infringement issue has worsened since Elon Musk acquired Twitter in October. Furthermore, it asserts that other major platforms such as TikTok, Facebook, and YouTube properly license music from the publishers. Also read: Twitter faces lawsuit by advisory firm for $1.9 million in unpaid bills According to NMPA President David Israelite, Twitter is unique among social media platforms for refusing to license the millions of songs available on its service. The lawsuit claims that Twitter consistently ignores repeated instances of infringement by users who post tweets containing unlicensed music. The publishers argue that Twitter actively encourages infringement, leading to increased engagement and advertising revenue. This, in turn, gives Twitter an unfair advantage over platforms that pay for music licenses. The publishers pointed out that Twitters internal operations related to the issues relevant to this case are in a state of disarray. They highlighted significant reductions in the companys legal and trust-and-safety teams since Elon Musk assumed control. Also read: Twitter sued by the Royal Crown in England over non-payment of rent for their London office TikTok and similar apps have a history of run-ins with the music industry As we said, Twitter isnt the first social media company to face the music and get sued by music labels. ByteDance-owned TikTok was also surrounded by controversy, after music labels started suing TikToks star creators and brands advertising on the platform, for using music from the catalogues of various labels, without paying any heed to copyright laws. The music industrys strict enforcement of copyright against companies that use unlicensed songs in social media posts serves as a cautionary message for businesses seeking to leverage the rapid growth of platforms like TikTok, Twitter and other short-form video-sharing platforms. Also read: T-Series issues legal notices to video sharing platforms like Roposo, MX Players Takatak for copyright violation In one example, Bang, an emerging energy drink manufacturer based out of the US, achieved remarkable marketing success by employing a bold and captivating social media strategy that involved popular influencers promoting its beverages on TikTok and Instagram Reels. However, the company failed to acquire licenses for the music used in over 100 of its videos, resulting in copyright infringement lawsuits filed by all three major US record labels. In two of these cases, a federal judge ruled in favour of the labels. 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 US army soldier from Ohio has been found guilty of assisting ISIS militants in ambushing and murdering his fellow soldiers in the Middle East. U.S. Attorneys Office of the Southern District in New York shared the news via press release on Wednesday The soldier, identified as Cole Bridges, also known as Cole Gonzales, could face a maximum prison sentence of 40 years. He pleaded guilty to charges of attempting to provide material support to a designated foreign terrorist organization and attempting to murder U.S. military service members. After enlisting in the Army in 2019 and being stationed as a cavalry scout in Georgia, Bridges began researching online propaganda that promoted jihadist ideologies and expressed his support for ISIS. In 2020, he initiated communication with an undercover agent who was posing as an ISIS militant. Prosecutors stated that Bridges provided the undercover agent with training and guidance to purported ISIS fighters who were planning attacks, including offering advice on potential targets in New York City. U.S. Attorney Damian Williams of the Southern District of New York stated, As he admitted in court today, Cole Bridges attempted to orchestrate a murderous ambush on his fellow soldiers in service of ISIS and its violent ideology. Bridgess traitorous conduct was a betrayal of his comrades and his country. Thanks to the incredible work of the prosecutors of this office and our partners at the FBI and the U.S. Army, Bridgess malign intent was revealed, and he now awaits sentencing for his crimes. Read all the Latest News, Trending News, Cricket News, Bollywood News, India News and Entertainment News here. Follow us on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram. US militarys Central Command on Wednesday said that the US Air Force has sent F-22 Raptor jets to the Middle East to try to deter the unsafe and unprofessional behaviour of Russian aircraft in the region. The fifth-generation stealth fighter planes are some of the US Air Forces most sophisticated aircraft. U.S. Air Force F-22 Raptors deployed to CENTCOMs area of responsibility as part of a multifaceted show of U.S. support and capability in the wake of increasingly unsafe and unprofessional behavior by Russian aircraft in the region. #AirPower @USAFCENT https://t.co/WVDwU8xtjd pic.twitter.com/ieOgRCfopc U.S. Central Command (@CENTCOM) June 14, 2023 Their deployment comes amid growing US concerns that Russian pilots are acting increasingly aggressively around American troops working with Kurdish forces in northern Syria. Russian Forces unsafe and unprofessional behaviour is not what we expect from a professional air force, said Centcom commander Gen Michael Kurilla. Their regular violation of agreed upon airspace deconfliction measures increases the risk of escalation or miscalculation. Alongside our partners and allies, we are committed to improving the security and stability in the region. The F-22s are from Langley Air Force Base in Virginia and can deliver overwhelming power at a moments notice, Centcom 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. Airtel has launched 5G services across Kochis water metro stations for the first time, adding to the already-live service in all other parts of the island city of Kochi. Airtel said that it is the first service provider to offer 5G services to customers travelling on Indias first water metro service. It is available to customers along the route of the Kerala Water Metro service between the High Court-Vypin terminals and the Vyttila-Kakkanad terminals. Indias first water metro connects 10 islands around Kochi through battery-operated electric hybrid boats for seamless connectivity with the city. The Kochi Water Metro commenced operations on two routes between Kerala High Court and Vypin and Vytilla to Kakkanad. Airtels 5G service is now available in over 3500 cities and towns across the country. The company has surpassed the 10 million unique customer mark on its 5G network nationally and is looking to cover every town and key rural area with its 5G service by September 2023. Commenting on the launch, Amit Gupta COO, Bharti Airtel, Kerala said: We are delighted to be at the forefront of such a transformative project, delivering last-mile connectivity. It is yet another milestone in our ambition to deliver blazing fast 5G speeds to as many of our customers as possible, including on waterways. We are thrilled that our customers can now enjoy the power of the 5G service while on the water metro ride and relish the scenic beauty of Kochi. Sony is preparing to launch the WF-1000XM5 True Wireless Earbuds, as per reports from WinFuture. The new earbuds aim to be more compact than their predecessors and boast some exciting features. The upcoming WF-1000XM5 earbuds will be smaller, weighing approximately 5.9g each, which is 1.4g lighter than the previous model. They will maintain an IPX4 rating, ensuring splash resistance. Sony has upgraded the drivers in the WF-1000XM5 to 8.4mm Dynamic Driver, a step up from the 6mm drivers in the WF-1000XM4. This improvement is expected to enhance sound quality, particularly in terms of vocals. The earbuds will also feature two proprietary processors and dual-feedback microphones, enabling real-time noise reduction based on the surrounding noise level. The WF-1000XM5 is said to come with three microphones, Bone Conduction sensors, and Precise Voice Pickup technology. These features will ensure clear voice transmission, even in noisy environments. While the individual earbud battery capacity is unknown, the charging case will have a 500mAh battery. This provides a total runtime of 24 hours, and with quick charging capabilities, just a 3-minute charge will offer an hour of music playback. Additional leaked specifications include Bluetooth 5.3 and multi-point support. The headphones will also be compatible with the Sony Connect app and will come in two colors: Black and Silver. Launch date? The Sony WF-1000XM5 is expected to launch in the coming days, according to the report, but the details regarding the pricing and availability are still undisclosed. Source Delhi Police ASI Robbed Using PhonePe Cashback Scam: Scammers Caught After Extracting 2 Lakh News oi -Alap Naik Desai A new scam was discovered after a senior police official in the Delhi police force was robbed of more than 2 Lakh. The scammers lured the victim using the traditional baiting method but deployed a comparatively new tactic to extract money via digital routes. Digital thieves posing as police officials or exploiting the "Request Money" feature in UPI apps are quite common. However, this time victim was a Delhi Police ASI, who was defrauded. Let's look at the details of this new type of scam. Delhi Police ASI Falls Victim To Cashback Lure, Loses 2 Lakh According to the PTI report, the Delhi Police official was tempted by scammers using the old "You've won cashback on transactions made using PhonePe." The police official, unaware of the scam and the scammers, revealed he has used PhonePe and made payments using the app. Instead of using common scamming techniques, this time, the scammers asked the victim to download a different app that was not affiliated with PhonePe. This should have been a clear warning sign, but the victim obliged. It is not clear which third-party app was downloaded but scammers gained unauthorized access to the victim's smartphone. Once compromised, the smartphone was used to execute transactions worth 2,12,000 from the official's bank account and credit card. The money was transferred to a digital wallet belonging to the couple, which was linked to five different bank accounts. These details surfaced because the police officer took quick steps after realizing he was duped. Quick Action Helped Delhi Police Official Recover Entire Scammed Amount Realizing he was being scammed, the police official quickly filed an FIR. Thereafter the cybercrime unit of Delhi Police, in association with the victim's banks, took swift action. The stolen amount has been reportedly returned to the Delhi Police official. Police also recovered chequebooks, ATM cards, and passbooks belonging to scammers. This evidence not only helped the investigation but may also help uncover similar crimes. This scam once again highlights the potential dangers of smartphone apps. Delhi Police have cautioned smartphone users never to download any separate app for cashback or rewards. Such offers are usually provided within the main app, and moreover, the service providers usually send a notification for the same. If any user falls victim and loses money, they should immediately, without any delay, approach their nearest police station and file an FIR. Additionally, victims must file a grievance report with the financial institution's helpdesk. This method is applicable to all digital financial transaction methods, apps, and instruments. 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 India Introduces Fresh Regulations for Chinese Smartphone Makers News oi -Kabir Jain In a strategic move, the Indian Central Government has developed a proposal to regulate the activities of Chinese mobile operators within the country. The government's objective is to enhance accountability and increase the involvement of Indian stakeholders in the functioning of renowned Chinese mobile brands such as Xiaomi, OPPO, Realme, and VIVO. As reported by The Economic Times, the government has formally requested these companies to form partnerships with Indian entities for their local operations. The Need for Regulation The Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology recently organized meetings where the concerns raised by the Central Government regarding Chinese mobile operators conducting business in India were communicated. The Indian Cellular and Electronics Association (ICEA) was also involved in these discussions. The government believes that implementing regulatory measures is crucial to ensure transparency and promote the inclusion of Indian stakeholders. Appointment of Indian Executives To strengthen Indian participation, the Central Government has urged Chinese mobile handset firms to appoint Indian executives to key leadership positions. This includes roles such as CEO (chief executive officer), CFO (chief financial officer), CTO (chief technical officer), and others. By having Indian professionals in top positions, these companies can benefit from local expertise and contribute to developing the Indian mobile industry. Collaboration with Indian Enterprises Chinese mobile handset firms have been instructed to collaborate with Indian enterprises and engage in local manufacturing. The government emphasizes the importance of joint ventures with Indian businesses, especially at the component level. This collaboration is expected to boost domestic manufacturing, generate employment opportunities, and solidify India's mobile industry manufacturing hub position. Expanding Exports and Establishing Distribution Networks In addition to local manufacturing, Chinese mobile operators are encouraged to increase their exports from India and establish local distribution networks. These measures aim to strengthen the country's export capabilities and expand the reach of Indian mobile products globally. By tapping into the international market, Indian mobile brands can gain more prominence and contribute to the growth of the Indian economy. Regulations for Financial Practices Amid ongoing investigations into tax evasion and allegations of fraudulent remittances, the Indian government has introduced new regulations for Chinese smartphone manufacturers operating in the country. These regulations align with the scrutiny faced by several Chinese smartphone brands regarding their financial practices. The government is working with offline retailers to create a fair competitive environment and address concerns related to aggressive online discounting. Promoting Involvement of Indian Stakeholders The objective of the Central Government's strategic proposal is to encourage the participation of Indian equity partners not only in manufacturing but also in the sales and marketing activities of these Chinese mobile operators. By promoting the involvement of Indian stakeholders, the government aims to create a more balanced and transparent business environment. This move will not only benefit Indian companies but also foster healthy competition that benefits consumers. Via 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 Ready, Set, Load! 3rd LSB Marines Start CDEX in South Korea US Marine Corps News 13 Jun 2023 | Lance Cpl. Sydni Jessee 3rd Marine Logistics Group CAMP MUJUK, South Korea -- U.S. Marines with 3rd Landing Support Battalion, 3rd Marine Logistics Group, will execute Combined Distribution Exercise near Pohang, South Korea from June 12 to June 16, 2023. CDEX is a combined and joint event in Korea normally executed by forces from 8th Army, 19th Expeditionary Sustainment Command, the Republic of Korea Navy, and the ROK Army. Due to a relief in place with 8th Army's rotational forces, 3rd LSB was tasked to participate as the execution arm of the Distribution Hub Operations Center. 3rd LSB conducts general support transportation operations throughout the Indo-Pacific area of responsibility in order to deploy and sustain the III Marine Expeditionary Force. CDEX demonstrates the joint force's commitment to the defense of the ROK. Further, 3rd LSB will rehearse their mission essential tasks and improve interoperability with allies and partners for integrated throughput and distribution operations. During the exercise, 3rd LSB will provide a variety of fuel, water, ground and air transportation. For Major William Griffin, the officer-in-charge for CDEX and 3rd Landing Support Battalion, Motor Transport Company Commander, this exercise is a great opportunity to work with other branches and our allies. "[CDEX] provides us with an opportunity to share an understanding of our capabilities in a joint and combined environment," stated Griffin. "Alongside the Army and the ROK military, we will understand their capabilities and they will understand ours." The exercise will consist of onloading and offloading drills of high-mobility, multipurpose wheeled vehicles and other gear onto ROK Navy landing ships, fuel resupply operations, water production, air deliveries, aerial medical evacuation drills and helicopter support team operations. These are expeditionary logistics capabilities that can be employed world-wide during Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief operations, contingencies, or crisis response. Sergeant Emiliano Hernandez, a light pack chief, jump master and lead rigger with 3rd LSB, is excited for this opportunity and he thinks this exercise will help strengthen their capabilities as an air delivery unit. "One thing that my section is doing is conducting site surveys of drop zones to be able to use during KMEP [Korean Marine Exercise Program]," said Hernandez. "This will give us a wider range of what we can do, so we are able to drop more supplies during this exercise and in the future." During CDEX, 3rd LSB will serve as the Marine Corps element of the logistics team, demonstrating key logistic functions in conjunction with the Army and ROK forces. Executing events from a combined combat operations center, these units will negotiate tasks side-by-side throughout the exercise. 1st Lt. Davis Pogosian, officer-in-charge for the Helicopter Support Team and Beach Operations Group, believes this exercise will prove successful. "The Marines have a huge role to play in this exercise," said Pogosian. "The Marines will always deliver good communications with our ROK counterparts...and having good interservice communication with the Army will help enable success in this operation." In Force Design 2030, Commandant of the Marine Corps General David Berger declared that logistics is the pacing function. As it becomes a contested capability, the Marine Corps trains in distribution operations to enable any fight anywhere. "To persist inside an adversary's weapons engagement zone, our Stand-in Forces must be set and sustained by logistics capabilities designed for distributed operations over long distances in a contested environment," said Berger. During CDEX, 3rd LSB will refine its capabilities to achieve this strategic goal. Operating with the ROK forces, the Air Force, the Navy, and the Army as one team will firm up the force's ability to support major movements from ship-to-shore and air-to-land. Pogosian shared how this exercise is a prime example of the Commandant's vision for the Corps. "The way that this exercise supports Force Design 2030 is by demonstrating how the Marine Corps will use logistics within the Korean theater of operations as well as the Indo-Pacific area of responsibility," stated Pogosian. "In case any threat arises, this will be our proof of concept that we can support our forces operating in the Indo-Pacific." NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Number of displaced children reaches new high of 43.3 million UNICEF The mounting number highlights a global failure to address the drivers of displacement and provide long-term solutions for children on the move, UNICEF warns ahead of World Refugee Day 13 June 2023 NEW YORK, 14 June 2023 -- By the end of 2022, a record 43.3 million children lived in forced displacement, according to UNICEF estimates, many of them for their entire childhood. The number of children forcibly displaced from their homes doubled in the last decade, outpacing efforts to include and protect refugee and internally displaced children. The war in Ukraine has forced more than 2 million Ukrainian children to flee the country and displaced more than 1 million children inside Ukraine. "For more than a decade, the number of children forced to flee their homes has risen at an alarming rate, and our global capacity to respond remains under serious strain," said UNICEF Executive Director Catherine Russell. "The increase is in step with the consistent onslaught of conflict, crises and climate disasters around the world. But it also highlights many governments' underwhelming response to ensure every refugee and internally displaced child can keep learning, stay healthy and develop to their full potential." Of the 43.3 million children who were forcibly displaced by the end of 2022, almost 60% (25.8 million) were internally displaced by conflict and violence. The number of refugee and asylum-seeking children also hit a new record of 17.5 million, a number that does not even include those newly displaced in 2023, including by the conflict in Sudan. UNICEF estimates more than 940,000 children have been displaced because of the conflict to date. In addition, extreme weather events, such as the Pakistan floods and the Horn of Africa drought, led to another 12.0 million displacements of children over the course of 2022. Internally displaced and refugee children are often amongst the most vulnerable. Many are denied access to education and health care, miss out on routine immunisation and cannot access social protection. For many children, displacement is becoming increasingly protracted. Most children displaced today will spend their entire childhoods in displacement. Climate induced displacement is expected to increase rapidly without urgent action to mitigate global warming and prepare communities living on the frontline of the climate crisis. "Greater political will is required to address the drivers of displacement and provide long-term solutions for children on the move," said Russell. "A record number of refugee, migrant and displaced children - a global population that rivals that of Algeria, Argentina or even Spain - demands a commensurate response. We have seen sustained change when governments properly invest in the inclusion of displaced children and families. By working together, we can keep them safe, healthy, learning and protected." UNICEF is calling on governments to leave no child behind by: Recognising refugee, migrant and displaced children as children first and foremost - with rights to protection, inclusion, and participation Providing safe and legal pathways for children to move, seek asylum and reunite with family Ensuring no child is detained because of their migration status or returned without safeguards unless return has been determined to be in a child's best interests Strengthening national education, health, child protection and social protection systems to include displaced children without discrimination Investing in national child protection systems to better protect children on the move at risk from exploitation and violence, particularly unaccompanied children Listening to and meaningfully engaging displaced children in finding solutions that are sustainable and inclusive and that can help them realize their full potential ### Notes to editors: *This figure includes asylum seekers, refugees, and people in refugee-like situations under mandate of UNHCR and Palestine refugees registered with UNRWA, as well as children among "other people in need of international protection" as reported separately by UNHCR. Estimations on the number of internal displacements of children as consequence of extreme weather events are based on data reported by the Internal Displacement Monitoring Centre. UNICEF is the Chair of the Secretariat of the International Data Alliance for Children on the Move (IDAC), leading global efforts to improve the availability and quality of data to improve outcomes for children on the move. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address UNHCR calls for concerted action as forced displacement hits new high of 110 million 13 June 2023 - The full-scale war in Ukraine, alongside other conflict and climate-driven upheaval, meant more people than ever remained uprooted from their homes last year, heightening the urgency for immediate, collective action to alleviate the global crisis, the UN refugee agency (UNHCR) said on Wednesday. The agency's flagship annual report found that by the end of 2022, the number of people displaced by war, persecution, violence, and human rights abuses stood at a record 108.4 million, up 19.1 million on the previous year - which was also a record increase. The figure today, is approximately 110 million, taking into the account the Sudan displacement crisis which is still seeing thousands flee each week due to ongoing violence between the army and rival militia. "These figures show us that some people are far too quick to rush to conflict, and way too slow to find solutions. The consequence is devastation, displacement, and anguish for each of the millions of people forcibly uprooted from their homes," High Commissioner for Refugees Filippo Grandi said. Of the global total, 35.3 million were refugees, people who crossed an international border to find safety, while a greater share, 58 per cent, representing 62.5 million people - were internally displaced due to conflict and violence. Global crises Russia's invasion of Ukraine was the top driver of displacement in 2022. The number of refugees soared from 27,300 at the end of 2021, to 5.7 million at the end of 2022 - representing the fastest outflow of refugees anywhere since World War Two. Estimates for the number of refugees from Afghanistan were sharply higher by the year's end, due to revised estimates of Afghans hosted in Iran, many having arrived in previous years. Similarly, the report reflected upward revisions by Colombia and Peru of the numbers of Venezuelans, mostly categorized as "other people in need of international protection," hosted in those countries. Urgent funding for host countries The figures also show it remains the world's low and middle-income countries, not wealthy states that host most displaced people. The 46 least developed nations, account for less than 1.3 per cent of global gross domestic product, yet they hosted more than 20 per cent of all refugees, UNHCR said. Funding for displacement and to support hosts, remained inadequate for 2022 and the same applies so far this year, the agency added. 'Responsibility sharing' needed "People around the world continue to show extraordinary hospitality for refugees as they extend protection and help to those in need," Mr. Grandi added, "but much more international support and more equitable responsibility sharing is required, especially with those countries that are hosting most of the world's displaced. At the end of 2022, an estimated 4.4 million people worldwide were stateless or of undetermined nationality, a full two per cent more than at the end of 2021. The Global Trends in Forced Displacement 2022 report is being launched six months ahead of the second Global Refugee Forum, a major gathering in Geneva bringing together a range of actors to find new solutions for people forced to flee and their hosts, and to emphasize the importance of global solidarity in confronting the problem. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address June 14, 2023 Release Multi-Service Team Wins $45 Million Research Award to Pursue Quantum-Based Precision Targeting The Department of Defense today announced an Army Research Laboratory-led project team investigating quantum constructs to revolutionize precision weapons as the winner of the 2024 Applied Research for Advancement of Science and Technology Priorities, or ARAP, program award competition. To participate in the annual competition, the Department's Science and Technology Communities of Interest and research laboratories submit proposals for research projects in high-priority technology areas. The Science and Technology Executive Committee, which includes representatives from each of the Services and the Defense Agencies, evaluates the proposals against specific criteria. The winners were chosen based on specific measures including eligibility for applied research funding, ability to address a specific technology or capability gap, capacity to enhance collaboration across DOD, presentation of a realistic program management plan, and demonstration of a clear pathway from research to product fielding. In total, the committee received nine submissions for this year's award competition and selected three teams as finalists. Each finalist team briefed the committee on its proposal. "After careful review and evaluation by the (committee), I am delighted to announce we have selected the CLassical quantum hybrid constructs to Advance Weapons Systems project team for the Fiscal Year 2024 ARAP Award," said Science and Technology Chair Dr. Steven Wax. "We look forward to following the progress and accomplishments of the CLAWS effort leading into successful technology transition," continued Wax, who is also acting deputy chief technology officer for science and technology in the Office of the Under Secretary of Defense for Research and Engineering. The Army Research Laboratory, under the U.S. Army Combat Capabilities Development Command, collaborated with the Naval Research Laboratory and the Air Force Research Laboratory to submit the winning CLAWS proposal. The project team will advance quantum technology applications to kinetic weapons systems, enabling greater precision at longer range, lower collateral damage, and more agile platforms. The winning team, comprised of representatives from multiple military Services, will partner with academia and industry in a multidisciplinary effort to develop emerging technologies into disruptive capabilities in areas including imaging, positioning, navigation, and timing, and quantum. The three-year, $45-million project will support scientists and engineers across DOD and at least 20 new graduate and post-doctoral students who participate through the Department's science and technology research laboratories' academic partners. About USD(R&E) The Under Secretary of Defense for Research and Engineering is the Chief Technology Officer of the Department of Defense. The Under Secretary champions research, science, technology, engineering, and innovation to maintain the United States military's technological advantage. Learn more at www.cto.mil, follow us on Twitter @DoDCTO, or visit us on LinkedIn at https://www.linkedin.com/company/ousdre. https://www.defense.gov/News/Releases/Release/Article/3428320/ NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address June 14, 2023 Release Readout of Secretary of Defense Lloyd J. Austin III's Meeting With the Minister of Defense of North Macedonia Slavjanka Petrovska Pentagon Press Secretary Brig. Gen. Pat Ryder provided the following readout: Secretary of Defense Lloyd J. Austin III met with Slavjanka Petrovska, the Minister of Defense of the Republic of North Macedonia, at the Pentagon, June 12. Secretary Austin and Minister Petrovska discussed our bilateral defense relationship and signed a new Roadmap for Defense Cooperation for 2023-2033. This Roadmap outlines areas in which our nations will seek closer bilateral cooperation, all under the umbrella of our common NATO membership and the Alliance's capability targets. Our nations will seek to increase cooperation in cyber defense, logistics capabilities, and exercise and training capacity. In addition, Secretary Austin and Minister Petrovska discussed the current threat environment on Europe's eastern flank and preparations for the upcoming NATO Summit in Vilnius. Secretary Austin thanked Minister Petrovska for the contributions North Macedonia has made to ensure that Ukraine can defend itself from Russia's unjustified attacks. Likewise, Secretary Austin commended the Minister for her leadership as North Macedonia continues to modernize its military equipment and capabilities in line with NATO standards. https://www.defense.gov/News/Releases/Release/Article/3427671/ NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address June 14, 2023 Immersive Acquisition Program Accelerates Adoption of Commercial Technologies for Warfighter Access to cutting-edge, commercial technology is vital for national security. To ensure service members have timely access to commercially available technology, the Defense Department is promoting the broader use of agile acquisition methods by training a corps of acquisition professionals on the Defense Innovation Unit's acquisition process. Recognizing the need to keep pace with rapid commercial development and adopt best practices by leveraging its Commercial Solutions Opening, the unit and the Defense Acquisition University have implemented the Immersive Commercial Acquisition Program. Under the program, DOD acquisition personnel work alongside a unit contracting officer and project team, as well as commercial solution providers, on a variety of projects. Critical priority projects include future-generation wireless technology; rusted artificial intelligence and autonomy; space technology; renewable energy generation and storage; advanced computing and software; integrated sensing and cyber. Participants are integrated into the unit's daily work model, getting hands-on experience with the Commercial Solutions Opening, a competitive process to obtain solutions or new capabilities that directly solve DOD partner challenges. Four contracting officers from across the department were selected to participate in the program's first cohort which launched in October 2022 as a twelve-month immersive program. "I am incredibly proud of the first ICAP team. They have set a very high bar for future cohorts," said Cherissa Tamayori, Defense Industrial Unit's director of acquisition, referring to the first class. The class started last year and graduates in October. "We've seen that the team has learned firsthand from this program how to leverage the other transaction authorities, how to acquire novel commercial technologies, and to be change agents in the use of flexible acquisition methods within their organizations," Tamayori said. An "other transaction" is a legal instrument that is not subject to the traditional Federal Acquisition Regulation. These transactions provide flexibility to leverage commercial business practices and lower the barrier to entry, which encourage nontraditional defense contractors to do business with the government. Army Maj. Michael E. Gerbasi, a contracting officer, is currently in the program, supporting the unit's cyber, energy and human services portfolio. Among the projects he worked on is a battery technology for electric vehicles in support of the department's recently published Lithium Battery Strategy. Before attending the program, Gerbasi said he had never used other transaction authorities; however, he has now learned how the Defense Industrial Unit leverages other transactions to quickly grant prototype awards in as few as 60-90 days. "Most acquisition coursework culminates with a few case studies or a capstone project," he added. "ICAP has allowed me to work alongside a dynamic group of agreement's officers in support of DOD's toughest energy and cyber challenges." According to Gerbasi, the program has helped better his understanding of the dynamics between Silicon Valley tech and government procurement, as well as how the other transactions authority can be leveraged to simplify the acquisition process and cut regulatory burdens. "In many regards, we need these innovators and startups more than they need us," said Gerbasi. "DIU's proven CSO process and use of other transactions are making an incredible impact enticing nontraditional contractors to do business with DOD." After Gerbasi graduates in October, he will return to his contracting job at Army Contracting Command, Redstone Arsenal, Alabama. "I'm excited to continue championing other transactions and to share the DIU model when I return to ACC," said Gerbasi. When asked why others should consider participating in next year's cohort, Gerbasi responded, "Apply now. If you're looking for exposure to OTs or to innovative commercial tech that will have incredible impacts to our country's national defense, you need to apply now." Contracting professionals are encouraged to apply for next year's Immersive Commercial Acquisition Program. Applications are being accepted now through July 7. Applicants must be permanent DOD GS-13/14 or NH-03/04 in the 1102 series, or active component military contracting officers in the grades of O-4/O-5. Click here to learn more and apply. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address June 14, 2023 By Jim Garamone , DOD News Biden, Stoltenberg Confer Before NATO Summit President Joe Biden and NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg praised alliance unity in support of Ukraine as they discussed the upcoming NATO summit in Lithuania. Biden hosted Stoltenberg for an Oval Office meeting and praised him for his leadership during a tumultuous time. Stoltenberg is due to step down as secretary general in September after serving in the position since 2014. "We saw each other last in Warsaw, [Poland]," Biden said during the meeting. "You said it, and I agree: The NATO allies have never been more united. We both worked like hell to make sure that happened. And so far, so good." The two men met just after Biden approved another $325 million presidential drawdown to supply Ukraine in its fight against the Russian invasion of that country. "We've strengthened NATO's eastern flank, made it clear that we'll defend every inch of NATO territory. And I say it again: The commitment of the United States to NATO's Article 5 is rock solid," the president said. Stoltenberg thanked Biden for his leadership and for his strong commitment to the transatlantic bond. The secretary general also thanked the U.S. Congress and the American people for standing up for Ukraine. "[The] European allies and Canada are also doing their part, with tens of billions in military and economic support for Ukraine," Stoltenberg said. "The support that we are providing together to Ukraine is now making a difference on the battlefield as we speak because the offensive is launched, and the Ukrainians are making progress, making advances." The Ukrainian counteroffensive against Russia is still in its early days, but the more area the Ukrainian military can liberate, the stronger the hand of government leaders against the Russians, Stoltenberg said. The NATO leader emphasized that Russian President Vladimir Putin cannot win this war on Ukraine. "We also have to realize that Russia's brutal invasion of Ukraine was not only an attack on Ukraine, but also on our core values and on free people everywhere," he said. A Russian victory would not only be a tragedy for Ukrainians, but also make the world more dangerous, he said. A Russian victory would "send a message to authoritarian leaders all over the world also in China that when they use military force, they get what they want, and we will then become more vulnerable," Stoltenberg said. "It's in our security interest to support Ukraine." The two men said the goal at the summit in Vilnius, Lithuania, next month is to sustain and step-up support to Ukraine and further strengthen the alliance's deterrence. They also pledged to strengthen NATO's partnership with Indo-Pacific partners. Stoltenberg and Biden made a point of saying they look forward to welcoming Sweden into the alliance at the Vilnius summit. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Spain - Excalibur Projectiles Media/Public Contact: pm-cpa@state.gov Transmittal No: 23-36 WASHINGTON, June 14, 2023 -- The State Department has made a determination approving a possible Foreign Military Sale to the Government of Spain of M982A1 Excalibur tactical projectiles and related equipment for an estimated cost of $48.2 million. The Defense Security Cooperation Agency delivered the required certification notifying Congress of this possible sale today. The Government of Spain has requested to buy an additional one hundred fifty-three (153) M982A1 Excalibur tactical projectiles that will be added to a previously implemented case whose value was under the congressional notification threshold. The original FMS case, valued at $21.87 million, included one hundred eighteen (118) M982A1 Excalibur tactical projectiles. This notification is for a combined total of two hundred seventy-one (271) M982A1 Excalibur tactical projectiles. Also included is a portable electronic Fire Control System (FCS); Improved Platform Integration Kit; Propelling Charge Modular Artillery Charge System; Simple Key Loaders (SKL); crypto cable; training aids; technical data; U.S. Government technical assistance; transportation; Excalibur spare parts; artillery cleaning sections; new equipment training; repair and return support equipment; support related to collateral damage estimation tables; and other related elements of logistics and program support. The total estimated cost is $48.2 million. This proposed sale will support the foreign policy and national security of the United States by improving the security of a NATO ally which is an important force for political stability and economic progress in Europe. The proposed sale will improve Spain's capability to meet current and future threats and will enhance interoperability with U.S. forces and other allied forces. The enhanced capability will also strengthen its homeland defense. Spain will have no difficulty absorbing this equipment into its armed forces. The proposed sale of this equipment and support will not alter the basic military balance in the region. The principal contractor will be Raytheon Company Missile Systems, McAlester, OK. There are no known offset agreements proposed in connection with this potential sale. Implementation of this sale will not require the assignment of any U.S. Government or contractor representatives to Spain. There will be no adverse impact on U.S. defense readiness because of this proposed sale. This notice of a potential sale is required by law. The description and dollar value are for the highest estimated quantity and dollar value based on initial requirements. Actual dollar value will be lower depending on final requirements, budget authority, and signed sales agreement(s), if and when concluded. All questions regarding this proposed Foreign Military Sale should be directed to the State Department's Bureau of Political Military Affairs, Office of Congressional and Public Affairs, pm-cpa@state.gov. -30- NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Montenegro: Joint Statement by High Representative/ Vice-President Josep Borrell and Enlargement Commissioner Oliver Varhelyi on the elections European External Action Service (EEAS) 14.06.2023 EEAS Press Team On 11 June, Montenegro held parliamentary elections, which were free and calm, as observed by local and international observers accredited by the State Electoral Commission. The EU looks forward to the constitution of a new parliament and the formation of a new government, which will be able and committed to take forward EU-related reforms, in the shortest possible timeframe. We encourage Montenegro's political stakeholders to focus swiftly on building consensus on the priority actions required to advance Montenegro on its EU path, most notably in the area of Rule of Law. The EU greatly values Montenegro's commitment to the path towards EU membership, and is ready to intensify its support to progress, which is the wish of an overwhelming majority of Montenegro's citizens. The joint election observation mission from OSCE/ODIHR, the European Parliament, and the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe characterised the elections as competitive and well-run, despite having taken place in the context of a protracted institutional and constitutional crisis. The international election observation mission's preliminary conclusions also note that the elections were efficiently managed by the election administration, and that the campaign was free and voters were offered a wide choice - while noting the polarised media environment. The OSCE/ODIHR mission has again highlighted that the legal framework should be comprehensively revised to address a number of gaps and inconsistencies. Furthermore, the mission's preliminary conclusions note that the inclusion of women in Montenegro's political process still remains low and is undermined by insufficient state and public efforts to overcome gender stereotypes and most political parties' failure to promote the participation of women. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address NATO Defence Ministers to address Ukraine support, deterrence and defence, investment NATO - North Atlantic Treaty Organisation 14 Jun. 2023 NATO Defence Ministers are meeting in Brussels on Thursday and Friday to prepare for the Vilnius Summit in July. Previewing the meeting on Wednesday (14 June 2023), NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg said that ministers would address stepping up support for Ukraine, and strengthening deterrence and defence including with new regional plans. Addressing Ukraine's ongoing counter-offensive, the Secretary General said: "It is still early days, and we do not know if this will be a turning point of the war, but we see that the Ukrainians are making advances and liberating more land. We know that the more gains Ukraine makes, the stronger their hand will be at the negotiating table. The more gains Ukraine makes, the more likely it will be that President Putin realises he cannot win on the battlefield, but has to negotiate a just peace." The ministerial will begin with a meeting of the NATO-Ukraine Commission, preceded by the Ukraine Defence Contact Group, led by the United States. Ministers are expected to agree on establishing a new NATO Maritime Centre for the Security of Critical Undersea Infrastructure within MARCOM, the NATO Maritime Command in the UK. Defence Ministers will also meet with meet with small, medium and large defence producers from across the Alliance, and will review a new Defence Production Action Plan. The plan aims to rapidly address shortfalls in Allied stocks, building on 1 billion dollars in joint procurement just for 155mm ammunition underway this year by the NATO Support and Procurement Agency. Allies have now completed an exceptional review of national capability targets for battle-decisive munitions, and ministers are expected to increase the targets substantially. Allies will also address a renewed Defence Investment Pledge for the Vilnius Summit, with 2% of GDP on defence as a floor, not a ceiling. The Nuclear Planning Group will also convene during the ministerial to "discuss the nuclear aspects of the current security environment, and consider the ongoing adaptation of NATO's nuclear deterrence," said Mr Stoltenberg. This will be the last meeting of NATO Defence Ministers before the Vilnius Summit on 11 and 12 July. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Senior officials meet in Ankara to address Trilateral Memorandum implementation, Sweden's path to NATO membership NATO - North Atlantic Treaty Organisation 14 Jun. 2023 Senior officials from Turkiye, Sweden, Finland and NATO met in Ankara on Wednesday (14 June 2023) for talks on Sweden's progress toward full NATO membership. The leaders of Turkiye, Finland and Sweden agreed a trilateral memorandum in Madrid last June to address Turkiye's legitimate security concerns, thus paving the way for Finland and Sweden's NATO membership. The memorandum also established a Permanent Joint Mechanism to ensure the successful implementation of the agreement. "I welcome the good and constructive discussion we had today," said Stian Jenssen, the Director of the Private Office of the Secretary General, following the talks. "We discussed Stockholm's significant steps to meet Turkiye's concerns, including amending the Swedish constitution, ending its arms embargo, and stepping up counter-terrorism cooperation, including against the PKK. Progress is being made, and the atmospherics were positive." Speaking in Brussels on Wednesday, NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg welcomed the progress made in Ankara. Wednesday's meeting was agreed between Secretary General Stoltenberg and President Erdogan when they met in Istanbul earlier in June. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address A look at the Defence news 5 - 11 June Netherlands Ministry of Defence News item | 14-06-2023 NATO demonstrates maritime striking power in Baltic Sea Last week, a large military presence comprising over 6,000 military personnel from 21 countries gathered in the Baltic region. This is the scene of the annual maritime-oriented NATO exercise Baltic Operations (BALTOPS). The BALTOPS 23 programme includes exercises for air defence and amphibious operations. His majesty's ships Makkum, Vlaardingen and Van Amstel are taking part in this 52nd edition of the exercise, which will end on 16 June. Minister Ollongren: strengthening ties between Europe and Indo-Pacific absolutely vital Last week, the Netherlands Minister of Defence, Kajsa Ollongren, stated that there is a clear need for closer cooperation between the European and Indo-Pacific countries. Ollongren made her remarks at the Shangri-La Dialogue in Singapore, the most important defence and safety conference in the Asian region. Navy intercepts 241 kilos of drugs in the Caribbean HNLMS Groningen recently intercepted 241 kilos of contraband. The operation took place in the night of 4 to 5 June, close to the Leeward islands. This was made public last week. Young women on Curacao complete special training Last week, nine young women from Curacao were received with applause at Suffisant Naval Barracks after they had successfully completed the first phase of the social training programme. It was an achievement to be proud of and the women were each awarded a beret for their efforts. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Turkey's Erdogan insists on refusal to back Sweden's NATO membership at Vilnius summit Iran Press TV Wednesday, 14 June 2023 7:30 PM Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan has reiterated his opposition to Sweden's bid to join the US-led NATO military alliance, vowing to block the move at the organization's upcoming summit in July since Stockholm continues to harbor anti-Ankara terrorists. Erdogan made the remarks on Wednesday prior to a meeting in Ankara between officials from Turkey, Sweden, Finland and NATO for talks on efforts to overcome Turkish objections to Stockholm's bid to join the military alliance. Erdogan further told journalists on Tuesday that "terrorists" were demonstrating in the streets of Stockholm while NATO's Secretary-General Jens Stoltenberg was seeking to convince him to accept Sweden's bid for membership in the organization. "While Stoltenberg was expressing these views to us, unfortunately, at that time, terrorists were demonstrating in the streets again in Sweden," he emphasized. "Now, we cannot approach this work positively within this table." The remarks came after supporters of the so-called Kurdistan Workers' Party (PKK) armed group waved flags and held rallies against Turkey in the Swedish capital earlier this month, enraging Ankara. Turkey has persistently criticized Stockholm for harboring members of Kurdish militant groups that have long waged terrorists acts Turkey, Iraq, Iran and Syria in purported efforts to establish a separate Kurdish entity. Erdogan says he cannot endorse the bid of Sweden to join the NATO military alliance as long as the Nordic country continues to lend support to terrorist groups against acting against his country. Turkey, a member of NATO since 1952, has blamed Sweden, and to some extent Finland, for providing sanctuary to elements linked to the PKK as well as the Gulen movement, which Ankara accuses of involvement in a 2016 coup attempt. Both groups are considered "terrorist" groups by Turkey. The PKK is also on the "terrorist" lists of the US, the EU as well as other countries in the region. The Turkish leader has also accused the NATO allies of supporting terrorists, referring to their arms deliveries for the US-backed Kurdish People's Protection Units (YPG) militant group from energy-rich areas in northeastern Syria, the main source of disagreement between Ankara and Washington. All 30 NATO members must unanimously agree for the two historically neutral countries to join the military alliance in wake of the Ukraine conflict that resulted from a persisting push by NATO to expand eastward. Turkey delayed the process for months but recently agreed to allow Finland to join the alliance. Meanwhile, Moscow has explicitly warned the countries that they have fallen victim to "the Russophobic frenzy" that followed the initiation of the conflict in Ukraine, adding that the countries have failed to put their interests above those of the collective West. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Lebanese lawmakers fail to elect president for 12th time Iran Press TV Wednesday, 14 June 2023 11:25 AM Lebanese lawmakers have failed in their 12th attempt to elect a president and fill in the country's presidential vacuum. Following seven months of political haggling and economic crisis, parliamentarians gathered together in a new legislative session with the aim to elect a new president on Wednesday, but neither candidate had enough support to get across the line. The two main candidates competing for the position were former Finance Minister and IMF senior official Jihad Azour and former Interior Minister and Marada Movement head Suleiman Franjieh. Azour garnered 59 votes and Frangieh 51 in the 128-seat parliament. All lawmakers showed up for the election, but many left the chamber after placing their ballots in the box and quorum was lost before a second round of voting -- where the winner only requires 65 ballots -- was able to go ahead. Hezbollah member of Parliament Hassan Fadlallah said only "consensus" would bring about a successful presidential election. "We don't impose (a candidate) on others, and we don't want them to impose (one) on us," Fadlallah told reporters before Wednesday's session. Analysts said the vote risked further entrenching a political stalemate, dimming hopes of saving the economy after three years of meltdown. "At this stage, the most likely scenario is a prolonged vacuum," analyst Karim Bitar said. Azour, who is backed by the Free Patriotic Movement (FPM) led by Gebran Bassil, was once labeled by FPM as a pawn in the alleged corrupt Sanioura government with a history of multiple financial scandals. Azour was the former Lebanese Minister of Finance between 2005 and 2008 under Fouad Al-Sanioura. Frangieh, however, is a long-time ally of Lebanese resistance, and multiple groups including Hezbollah, and Syria. By convention, the premiership is reserved for a Sunni Muslim and the post of parliament speaker goes to a Shia Muslim. Frangieh, a former lawmaker and minister, had promised on Sunday to be "the president of all Lebanese." Wednesday's failed session to choose a president came on the heels of 11 failed attempts to elect a new president. Former President Michel Aoun's term ended in October of 2022 and since then, the nation's lawmakers have been unable to reach an agreement as to who should replace him and assume the presidency. Since that time, according to Lebanese constitutional law, Lebanon's Prime Minister Najib Mikati's transitional cabinet, a caretaker government with limited powers, has been to some extent carrying out the duties of the president in the Lebanese government. The political stalemate in Lebanon's parliament has been exacerbated by destructive meddling by ill-wishing foreign states, particularly the United States. Lebanon has been mired in a deep financial crisis since late 2019 which has caused its national currency, the Lebanese pound, to lose around 90 percent of its value against the USD, resulting in the collapse of Lebanon's banking system. The ensuing economic crisis has plunged a large portion of the Lebanese population into poverty. In the meantime, many economists link the economic and financial crisis in Lebanon directly to debilitating sanctions that the United States and its allies have imposed on Lebanon over regional affairs as the West continues to play a detrimental role in the Arab state's affairs. The United States and France on Tuesday renewed calls for Lebanese lawmakers to cooperate and elect a new president. French foreign ministry spokeswoman Anne-Claire Legendre had urged lawmakers not to waste another opportunity and "take this date seriously." NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Pristina Says Serbia 'Kidnaps' Three Police Officers In North Kosovo; Belgrade Says Arrest Took Place On its Territory By RFE/RL's Balkan Service June 14, 2023 Pristina has accused Serbian forces of "kidnapping" three police officers in the predominantly Serb northern part of Kosovo, where tensions have been running high for weeks over the installation of ethnic Albanian mayors in the region. Kosovar police said on June 14 that the three officers went missing during a patrol aimed at preventing the illegal use of roads for smuggling. Kosovar Interior Minister Xhelal Svecla accused Serbia of "entering the territory of Kosovo and kidnapping" the three policemen. "Our police officers were undoubtedly located deep in the territory of the Republic of Kosovo, at a static checkpoint, where they were performing their regular duties," he wrote on Facebook. Reports on the incident in Serbian media said the officers were in Serbian territory when they were arrested. Serbian state television cited sources as saying that members of the Serbian police anti-terrorist group had located and arrested them. Petar Petkovic, the head of the Serbian government office for Kosovo, disputed the location of the arrest, telling a news conference in Belgrade that it took place in Gnjilica, a village located a few kilometers from the border, and that Serbia was willing to accept an international investigation into the arrest. Kosovo later moved to increase border controls and decided to stop vehicles with Serbian license plates from entering the territory of Kosovo. Government spokesman Perparim Kryeziu confirmed to RFE/RL that the ban had been implemented. He said it was "for security reasons" and would continue while the situation is being assessed. "The next actions will be taken based on the recommendations to law enforcement institutions," said Kryeziu. Kosovar Prime Minister Albin Kurti demanded the release of the officers, saying they had been arrested 300 meters inside Kosovo. "The entry of Serbian forces into the territory of Kosovo is aggression and aimed at escalation and destabilization," Kurti wrote on Facebook. He added that Kosovo suspects they were kidnapped by the Serbian Army "clearly as Serbia's revenge for yesterday's arrest of notorious criminal Millun Millenkovic-Lunet, who is one of the leaders of organized crime and smuggling." Milenkovic-Lune is one of the leaders of criminal groups "that have been terrorizing our citizens for years, attacking members of the Kosovo Police and the institutions of the Republic of Kosovo," Svecla said on June 13 as he announced the arrest. Svecla said Milenkovic-Lune was the main organizer of an attack two weeks ago on KFOR forces and the Kosovar police in Zvecan. The attack occurred amid clashes between peacekeepers and Serbs after the ethnic Albanian mayors took office following a local election that Serbs boycotted. The ethnic Albanian mayors were installed with the help of Kosovar police in three towns with an overwhelming ethnic Serb majority -- Zvecan, Leposaviq, and Zubin Potok -- following by-elections in April with a turnout of under 3.5 percent amid the Serb boycott. Kurti, who has been under pressure from key Western supporters of Kosovo's independence, on June 13 presented a five-point plan -- including fresh elections -- that he said would contribute to calming the tensions in northern Kosovo. Holding new elections is a request of the international community, which condemned the decision of the Kosovo authorities to forcibly take over municipal buildings in the north. The United States and European Union have called on Kurti to withdraw the mayors, remove special police used to install them, and uphold a 2013 deal for an association of autonomous Serb municipalities in the region. With reporting by Reuters Source: https://www.rferl.org/a/kosovo-serbia-kidnaps- police-officers/32459322.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 US Senator Blocks Arms Sales to Hungary for Stalling of Sweden's Entry to NATO Sputnik News 20230614 WASHINGTON (Sputnik) - US Senator James Risch will stall arms sales to Hungary as punishment for Budapest delaying Sweden's accession to the NATO alliance, the top Republican on the Senate Foreign Relations Committee said on Wednesday. "For some time now, I have directly expressed my concerns to the Hungarian government regarding its refusal to move forward a vote for Sweden to join NATO," Risch said, as quoted by US media. "The fact that it is now June and still not done, I decided that the sale of new US military equipment to Hungary will be on hold." The move blocks a $735 million arms sale by the United States to Hungary, which includes High Mobility Artillery Rocket Systems (HIMARS). US foreign arms sales require approval by the heads of the House of Representatives and Senate foreign affairs panels before the State Department can move forward with them. Hungary has blocked Sweden's entry into NATO, citing a need for improved relations between Budapest and Stockholm first. Turkiye has likewise blocked Sweden's membership over concerns about Stockholm's approach to organizations deemed terrorist by Ankara. Earlier Wednesday, NATO Secretary-General Jens Stoltenberg said it is possible to have an agreement in place for Sweden's accession by the military alliance's summit in July. However, Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan also said on Wednesday that Turkiye should not be expected to change its stance on the matter unless Sweden meets its expectations. Sputnik NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Erdogan Says Turkey Will Not Change Approach to Sweden's NATO Membership at July Summit Sputnik News 20230614 ANKARA (Sputnik) - Turkey should not be expected to change its approach to Sweden's NATO membership bid ahead of the alliance's summit in Lithuania unless Stockholm fulfills its obligations, Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan said on Wednesday. "This NATO summit will take place in Vilnius. I hope I will take part in it, unless an extraordinary situation arises. These expectations of Sweden do not mean that we will meet these expectations. In order for us to meet these expectations, first of all, Sweden must fulfill its obligations," Erdogan told reporters on a return flight from Azerbaijan. Sweden's obligations, as laid out by Erdogan to Stoltenberg during their meeting in Istanbul, is to "destroy the activities of this terrorist organization," the Turkish leader said, meaning the Kurdistan Workers' Party, which Ankara has designated a terrorist organization. "While Stoltenberg was saying these words to us, unfortunately, terrorist demonstrations were taking place on the streets of Sweden at that very moment," Erdogan said, adding that Turkey "cannot approach this issue positively in such a situation." Erdogan said his chief adviser Akif Cogatay Kilic was scheduled to hold the fourth meeting of the Permanent Joint Mechanism on Wednesday where he would convey the message to the delegations of Sweden, Finland and NATO. "He will convey the following message to them: 'This is the opinion of our President, definitely do not expect something completely different in Vilnius,'" Erdogan said. On June 4, NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg met with Erdogan at Dolmabahce Palace in Istanbul and said after the negotiations that Sweden had fulfilled all its obligations to join NATO. The NATO summit will take place from July 11-12 in the Lithuanian capital of Vilnius, with Stoltenberg as its chairman. Sweden, together with Finland, submitted applications for NATO membership in May 2022, citing changing security environment in Europe on the backdrop of the Ukraine crisis. On March 31, Finland's application was ratified by all 30 members of the alliance. Sweden's bid is still pending approval by Hungary and Turkey. The latter vetoed it after a controversial Quran-burning demonstration in Stockholm on top of prior accusations of Sweden's support of PKK members. Sputnik NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Secretary Blinken's Trip to the People's Republic of China and the United Kingdom US Department of State Press Statement Matthew Miller, Department Spokesperson June 14, 2023 Secretary of State Antony J. Blinken will travel to Beijing, the People's Republic of China (PRC), and London, the United Kingdom, June 16-21. While in Beijing, Secretary Blinken will meet with senior PRC officials where he will discuss the importance of maintaining open lines of communication to responsibly manage the U.S.-PRC relationship. He will also raise bilateral issues of concern, global and regional matters, and potential cooperation on shared transnational challenges. In London, the Secretary will attend the Ukraine Recovery Conference to help mobilize international support from the public and private sector to help Ukraine recover from Russia's brutal and ongoing attacks. While there, he will also meet with counterparts from the United Kingdom, Ukraine, and other partners and allies. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Arctic Challenge 2023: Nordic defense requires the F-35's advanced capabilities Published June 14, 2023 By Airman 1st Class Olivia Gibson 48th Fighter Wing Public Affairs Orland Air Base, Norway (AFNS) -- The U.S. Air Force's 493rd Fighter Squadron from the United Kingdom's RAF Lakenheath forward deployed to Norway's rland Air Base to take part in Arctic Challenge Exercise 2023 alongside Norwegian, Dutch and Italian F-35A Lightning II advanced stealth fighters and other coalition aircraft supporting the two-week exercise occurring May 29 through June 9 across Scandinavia. The large-force, live-fly field training exercise emphasizes joint and combined air operations between Nordic allies and partners. This year's iteration, led by Finland, brings together 13 nations and a NATO coalition to further Arctic security initiatives. Arctic Challenge provides an opportunity for U.S. forces and allied and partner nations to adapt to the difficulties of operating in the Arctic's harsh environment, as well as to enhance interoperability and key relationships through U.S. European Command's advanced fifth-generation fighter program. "The 493rd is here to integrate with NATO allies and partner nations in flag-level missions," said U.S. Air Force Capt. Cameron Fierro, 493rd FS B flight commander. "Having four F-35 squadrons operating in Arctic Challenge is allowing us to test and improve processes we have in place for mission planning, operating and debriefing together." The 493rd FS, nicknamed the Grim Reapers, was re-established in 2022 with the advanced F-35 platform after transitioning from the F-15C Eagle. Arctic Challenge offers the first opportunity for the unit to deploy alongside other fifth-generation nations to execute and train across a variety of scenarios in the harsh Nordic environment. The F-35 advanced suite of the latest technology allows for networking with other nations while still maintaining its stealth and versatility, which is critical to combined training in exercises such as Arctic Challenge. "The F-35 provides air domain battlespace awareness for Arctic Challenge which is testing our capabilities to operate in the Arctic climate," said U.S. Air Force Master Sgt. Nicholas Cruz, 493rd Aircraft Maintenance Unit production superintendent. "The maintenance team's mission is to produce reliable, combat-capable aircraft while overcoming the unique challenges of the environment by integrating with our partner nations." The Grim Reapers are set to carry out 142 sorties over the exercise resulting in 285 flight hours, which requires a team of professional maintenance technicians capable of serving the 24/7 mission. U.S. European Command's decision to organically host the F-35 in the United Kingdom furthers U.S. Air Forces in Europe and Air Forces Africa's ability to better integrate and operate with allies and partners throughout the European theater. The 493rd FS's participation in Arctic Challenge contributes to enhancing the coalition's ability to deter adversaries throughout the High North. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address No One Left Behind: NATO Practices JPR During BALTOPS 23 US Navy 14 June 2023 From U.S. Naval Forces Europe-Africa Public Affairs BALTIC SEA -- In BALTOPS 23, the dynamic nature of Personnel Recovery is mitigated by relentless practice - five events, ranging from stranded-at-sea helicopter rescues to Tactical Recovery of Aircraft and Personnel, or TRAP, on the beachfront. The central tenant of Personnel Recovery (PR) is preparing for the moment a Soldier, Sailor, Marine or Airman is isolated from their unit, in a combat or contentious scenario. This can be anything from a pilot who's shot down above the Baltic Sea, to special forces stranded behind enemy lines - with adversaries actively trying to harm the recovery target and PR team flying to the rescue. It's a general term for a wide variety of recoveries, but it boils down to a simple statement - no one left behind. Easy to say, harder to execute. The nature of modern combat means allied forces will never know when, how, or where a recovery scenario will kick off. In BALTOPS 23, the dynamic nature of PR is mitigated by relentless practice - five events, ranging from stranded-at-sea helicopter rescues to Tactical Recovery of Aircraft and Personnel, or TRAP, on the beachfront. There are two main aspects to PR: prevention and preparation. Prevention is relatively self-explanatory - mitigate and eliminate the risk of isolation and capture when feasible, and plan ahead. Preparation is the more dynamic side of PR. On an individual basis, service members expected to be in potential-isolating scenarios attend PR courses, like Survival, Evasion, Resistance and Escape (SERE). Pilots, special forces, and ground forces are given training on how to keep themselves safe, and escape a combat scenario to somewhere they can be recovered. On a grander scale, entire systems are implemented in preparation for PR scenarios. The U.S. Air Force has dedicated units for PR, the U.S. Navy's Carrier Strike Groups have a standing order to prepare for and engage in PR at-sea, and the U.S. Marine Corps holds PR as a dedicated and continuous mission set. But the dynamic nature of a recovery scenario often demands a timely response to hostile environments, making NATO ally and partner involvement critical to effective PR preparation - especially in the European Theater. Joe Klein, U.S. Naval Forces Europe-Africa's PR program manager, emphasized the critical need for an interoperable force while explaining his mission during BALTOPS 23: to improve NATO ally and partner Joint Personnel Recovery (JPR) capabilities. "The big value of BALTOPS is making sure that that [NATO allies and partners] can work together and support each other, because you never know what the recovery scenario is going to be," Klein said. "But the more we work together, the more capable we are when responding on short notice and it won't have to be a unilateral response. It can be a combined response to bring somebody back to safe." The difficulties in reinforcing this capability are the links between NATO forces - Estonia has a highly trained and specialized police force, capable of at-sea, close to shore rescues; Italian Marines are highly capable war fighters, trained for amphibious operations and storming beachheads; and Germany's Air Force has some of the most technologically sophisticated command-and-control planes in the region. But when they operate in tandem, standards, practices, language and work-vocabulary can be jarringly different. So they train with each other, over and over, slowly breaking those barriers down and creating a single NATO standard. During BALTOPS 23, it starts in the eastern Baltic Sea - the U.S. Navy dropped a Sailor into the frigid water, while the Estonian Police deployed in coastal vessels and coordinated with NATO vessels to rescue him. Two days later, the U.K. sent their patrol crafts to drop a Sailor into the central Baltic Sea, while a U.S. Navy helicopter conducted the recovery. Throughout the event, a German P-3 aircraft circled nearby, coordinating the entire affair as an eye-in-the-sky. Later, a U.S. Navy P-8 Poseidon aircraft practiced dropping a search-and-rescue raft (they drop them the same way they drop bombs, with similar guidance technology), while a Polish helicopter circled, waiting to retrieve the target. On land, Italian Marines from the San Marco brigade, assisted by NATO aircraft, conducted a TRAP mission. The joint combat brigade stormed the recovery position and secured the area until all personnel and equipment was recovered. As the capstone JPR event, the U.S. Navy deployed an unmanned surface vehicle (USV) for the first time in BALTOPS history. Using remote-controlled guidance, the speed-boat sized vessel recovered a pilot at-sea, and brought him back to the fold. "There are a lot of scenarios where we don't know if we can get recovery vehicles in safely, because of combat threats," Klein said. "That's where unmanned systems have a lot of potential - if you can't do a manned recovery, you can assume some more risk with an unmanned vehicle. The military in general is working on building a capability to recover aviators who go down in high-threat areas, where we've been denied access, and I think the USV is a possible solution to that dilemma." BALTOPS, which began in 1972 and is now in its 52nd iteration, continues to be an opportunity for NATO and regional partners to strengthen interoperability through combined scenarios, like JPR evolutions. "JPR itself is really important to NATO and to the U.S., because it demonstrates our commitment to our people," said Klein. "Our most valuable weapon systems are our people. In combat scenarios, we may put them in harm's way, so we need to make sure that we have the ability to bring them back. We need to practice for when things go wrong, so when they don't go according to plan, we have the capability to respond efficiently and effectively." U.S. Sixth Fleet (SIXTHFLT) and STRIKFORNATO-led BALTOPS 23 is the premier annual maritime-focused exercise uniting 19 NATO Allies and one NATO to provide complex training designed to strengthen the combined response capability critical to preserving the freedom of navigation and security in the Baltic Sea. U.S. European Command and Naval Forces Europe have promoted the traditional U.S.-led or bi-lateral exercises as opportunities for NATO to improve interoperability as a collective force, using NATO command and control systems as a foundation for the exercise design. For over 80 years, NAVEUR-NAVAF forged strategic relationships with our Allies and Partners, leveraging a foundation of shared values to preserve security and stability. Headquartered in Naples, Italy, NAVEUR-NAVAF operates U.S. naval forces in the U.S. European Command (USEUCOM) and U.S. Africa Command (USAFRICOM) areas of responsibility. SIXTHFLT is permanently assigned to NAVEUR-NAVAF and employs maritime forces through the full spectrum of joint and naval operations. STRIKFORNATO, headquartered at Oeiras, Portugal, is a rapidly deployable and scalable headquarters, under the operational command of SACEUR, capable of planning and executing full spectrum joint maritime operations including maritime ballistic missile defense, primarily through integration of U.S. and other nation's carrier and amphibious forces into NATO operations to provide assurance, deterrence, and collective defense for the Alliance. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address CNO Delivers Remarks during Naval War College Current Strategy Forum US Navy WASHINGTON Speech by Adm. Mike Gilday Presented on 13 June 2023 Date Published 14 June 2023 Below is a transcript of the remarks as delivered: REAR ADM. CHATFIELD: Good morning, everyone. I certainly have a wonderful audience for you of students, and our CNO distinguished international fellows, our faculty members and guests. Thank you, sir, for joining us. CNO: Yeah, it's an honor to join you. Thank you for the invitation. Can you hear me okay? CHATFIELD: We have you loud and clear, sir. CNO: Okay, great. Thanks. We have about 30 minutes together. And so I'll be brief. In my comments, I really want to talk about allies and partners, and the accelerated path that we're on with share of sharing innovative technologies. But before I do that, I'd like to thank Admiral Chatfield for her service. As a president over the past four years, she's done an outstanding job. And I am very pleased that she's moving on to Brussels as a U.S. military rep to the NATO Military Committee. And I know that she'll be spectacular in that role, as well, and serve not only not only our Navy, but our nation very well in that position. I'd also like to thank the distinguished international fellows, Admirals Saunes, Admiral Barrera, and Admiral Verma, for their continued good work, and integration up with the War College. And a personal relationship I've had with them over the past four years has been magnificent. So gentlemen, thank you. I'd also like to congratulate Mr. Daniel Holland, for his role as the Chairman of the Board of Trustees, and the Executive Committee of the Naval War College Foundation. Thank you, sir, for your service as well. So let's take it all lines and get the ship underway for a few minutes and talk about, as I mentioned, I thought that, in thinking about the theme of your conference, which is "Preserving America's Leadership Role," I thought that you know, one of the things that, I think, is foundational to America's standing in the world, is our relationship with our partners. And in our case, with our fellow navies, and all the good work we're doing together, every day around the globe. But what I wanted to talk about for a few minutes is the latest trend that I've seen over the past number of years, with respect to our sharing technology at a pace, at a scope and scale that we haven't witnessed before. I say that because it's not, it's much more of an integrated approach to getting after key operational problems that are common to many of us. And instead of the United States Navy, developing a capability and then, and then sharing that with others, we are also leveraging many of the high tech companies across the world in many different countries, particularly in the areas of unmanned and AI, that are providing us with capability -with operational insights that we did not have, at least from companies here in the U.S. And so I think that sharing back and forth, is gaining momentum. I think that the AUKUS agreement among the U.S., Australia and the U.K. is a good example of that. When people think about AUKUS, most think about submarine technology. But there's a second pillar of AUKUS that is allowing us to share technology in the areas of quantum computing, artificial intelligence, unmanned, machine learning at a scale that we have not before. Barriers have been knocked down with respect to information sharing, and the sharing of technical data that's allowed us to progress very rapidly in terms of sharing those kinds of groundbreaking technologies quickly. We're doing the same with other countries on a bilateral basis. And so there are spinoffs to some of the work being done in AUKUS that we're also benefiting our allies and partners, and they are benefiting us. So it's been mutually beneficial. I know that most of the audience is familiar with the work that we've done with unmanned in the Middle East. And I think a highlight of that effort has been the fact that we've done that with - and through - allies and partners. That has not been a singular U.S. effort by any stretch, not to mention the fact that among the six partners, are all the companies and the technologies that those companies have brought to bear in the areas of unmanned and AI and machine learning. As some of you know, we are now scaling that effort to South America, beginning with the world's long-standing UNITAS exercise next month. It's our oldest, long-standing multilateral exercise that we'll leverage to introduce those unmanned technologies and concepts that we've refined in the Middle East. And now we're going to move them to Southern Command to get after real operational problems that are common to many of the countries and navies in the AOR. So that would include illicit trafficking, it would also include illegal and unregulated fishing. And so our idea is to provide an unblinking eye over that activity in order to see it, detect it, and then to take the data that we gather with unmanned platforms, and together with human and SIGINT, and other intelligence sources, give us a more predictable understanding of how that illegal activity, what the sources of it are, how it flows through the theater, so that we can be much more predictive and effective in terms of countering it. There are other applications of cutting technologies that we're applying, particularly in the areas like undersea and space that we are also sharing with our allies - and their sharing with us - across the world. I'd also probably wrap up by talking about just some of the examples of high end technologies - Aegis would be an example. We now have at least a half a dozen countries around the world that use Aegis technology in their ships, Standard Missiles, Tomahawk missiles. So these are high-end missiles that we've broken barriers with respect to trading that kind of high-end technology with other countries finding a way to get to "yes," instead of "no." And so I think that we've always valued our close relationships with allies and partners. But I think, in today's day and age, where companies - and not governments - are leading the way, with respect to cutting edge R&D, that our navies are really taking advantage of it. And I think in a collaborative way to get after problems, that we can't solve very easily using techniques and procedures and platforms of the previous century. So setting the table with innovation, and relationships among other navies, that are now, in some respects, leveraging those technologies, I'd like to open it up for any questions you might have about that kind of effort, or any other aspects of the seminar that you have addressed and the past in the past few hours or earlier this week. Thank you. MR. MIKE SHERLOCK: Thank you, Sir. Questions. You? AUDIENCE: Steve Frary, a member of the foundation, I'm curious about your focus on sharing technology with our partners and how that relates to our relationship with China, and sharing economic and other technology, and how that fix fits into our strategy? CNO: Well, I think first and foremost, the sharing of the technology is based on a common vision that we share among allies and partners. And that is to ensure that we sustain the free and open use of the maritime commons under, on, and above the sea. And that's grounded upon prosperity, global prosperity. So, you know, as we've seen since the rules-based international order was really set by Bretton Woods in 1944, that those international norms have been a ride that's raised all boats. And so I think that's foundational to sharing technologies that allow us to continue to ensure that the maritime commons remain free and open. That's first and fundamental. And I think that anybody that subscribes to the rules-based international order, as it exists now and has existed for the past 70 years, is a welcome partner in terms of not only operating together, but potentially sharing those kinds of technologies. I think that, if I understand your question correctly, I hope, it's really grounded upon a common vision. AUDENICE: Good morning CNO, Frank Handoff (sp) here, you speak about readiness as your number one priority? How are we innovating in the world of training or applying new technologies to enhance readiness? CNO: Yeah, thanks, Sir. So there are two ways I think, that we really put our shoulder against. The first is Ready Relevant Learning, which is expanding training for our Sailors well beyond the brick and mortar classrooms to the virtual in a way that is much more effective than we've done in the past. And allow them to train at a rate and a frequency, where they're refreshed at a much faster pace than we'd done previously, where we've sent Sailors to school between duty stations. Now we can keep them refreshed at a relatively lower cost, but much more effectively, while they're in there while they're in their current demands. The second thing that we're leveraging is Live Virtual Constructive Training. So LVC, much of it is based on technology from the gaming community, is allowing us to train as fleets rather than just as strike groups or amphibious ready groups. So we can transpose ships from around the world, whether they're underway, or they're tied up in port into a battle scenario. And in their combat information centers, give them the sense in the field that they really are in the fight - even if they're pierside. And this is all done, much of it is done, virtually. It allows us to take F/A-18 Super Hornets as an example, and make them look like adversary fighters. It makes the EW signature of those aircraft look like an adversary fighter or bomber, and the weapons that come that come off of those aircraft. Again, they have the characteristics - or we can simulate the characteristics of an adversary. So we can train much more effectively this way, particularly, we with respect to our concept of distributed maritime operations, where fleet commanders are responsible for basically fighting as a fleet and not as just individual surface action groups, or carrier strike groups, but in a much more distributed, connected manner. So LVC has been a game-changer for us in terms of allowing us to train very effectively as fleets. And I'll pause here for any follow-ups on that stuff. AUDIENCE: Good morning, Admiral. I have a question on the AUKUS deal. So with the AUKUS deal, my understanding is that Australia will have nuclear-powered submarines in future and the U.S. Navy will help them. One idea is to first, as a first step, for Australia to kind of build older Virginia kind of submarines, and then extend to another class of new submarines. With you as the responsible officer in the U.S. Navy, being responsible for having enough submarines for all combatant commands, and there are subject matter experts that argue that the U.S. Navy are not building enough of those Virginia-class submarines, how do you feel about giving away one of your or at least two, three submarines to another nation, whereas you're under pressure to come up with more submarines? Thank you. CNO: Well, certainly the transferring submarines is part of the agreement. However, it's condition-based. And so there are a large number of steps that have to be in place - an ecosystem that has to be developed to support any submarines that might be transferred. So the decision to actually execute is years away. And so that's why we have a phased approach with respect to increased port visits of our attack submarines, to ports in Australia, as a first step. As a second step to have forward-deployed submarines, probably up to four out of an Australian port, the ships would be will be co-crewed with Australians, and then we'd be able to work together to learn how these submarines operate, how we sustain them. And then there has to be an ecosystem, of course, with respect to maintenance, and submarine production, that has to be developed in Australia. As well as, I would say, a culture that is that supports the safe and responsible operation of nuclear-powered vessels. So there's a number of steps that have to happen. And among those, of course, are the sovereign interests of the United States on whether or not we would decrement our own force in numbers to transfer one to the Australians or whether by the end of the decade, the U.S. production lines have increased to the point where it's easier for us - where we actually might have, if you, for lack of better terms, excess capacity, to transfer a submarine or more to the Australians. So I think the bottom line there is that we're going to work together, we are being completely honest and transparent with each other as partners. And this would include the Royal Navy, as well, is an equal partner in this, the three of us have to agree to each step. And so it is a complex agreement, and a complex, I think, path forward. AUDIENCE: Question about ships, which is, I believe, the core, the Navy, we've had problems. We've had problems with the Ford carrier delayed about five years, the Zumwalt destroyer doesn't seem to be moving forward. And the LCS is being - those that are out there have been decommissioned. We're concerned about design and production of ships. And can you give us some background on these problems? And what's been done about it? CNO: I think key to the issues that you mentioned, is whether or not our Navy has learned from those problems. I will tell you that we have. Some examples of that: for the Columbia-class submarine that we're building right now, that's actually slightly ahead of schedule of its 84 month build rate, is the fact that that submarine was at the 83% design complete phase, as we started bending steel, if I compare that to Seawolf was maybe a 25%, Ohio class - the previous generation SSBN - was at 4% design. So that's one example of learning from mistakes we've made in the past. I would tell you another example, which is tied to all three of those hulls that you mentioned, is to do more land-based prototyping, to ensure that new technologies that we introduce to our ships are proven before we actually install them on our on our ships. And so we're doing that with the propulsion plant for the frigates that we're building up in Wisconsin. We've done that for the Columbia-class SSBN. We've done that for our DDG program, which has been very successful and will continue for DDG(X). As we design a new class of destroyer, one of the things we learned previously was that we've had most success when Navy has been in the lead for the design, with our naval architects leading the effort. However, it's a collaborative effort with private shipbuilders. And so for DDG(X), we are working very closely with Bath Iron Works, as well as Huntington Ingalls, two produces of our destroyers. So in short, Sir, what we're trying to do is learn from those mistakes we made in the past, not repeat them, to drive down technical risk so that we keep ships under cost, or at cost, and on schedule. We are following that to a "T" right now, and I mentioned Columbia, but also the new frigate class. We're very optimistic about the new Flight III DDG and the transition from Flight II to Flight III, with a new radar, with improved EW systems, with all the cooling and power systems that support them, has gone very well. And so that that particular flight of DDG brings a whole new generation and capability to us. So I am very optimistic about the path that we're on right now with respect to shipbuilding. I say that - I am not overconfident. We are still learning every day. And of course, part of the part of what we want to do here is to learn, is to self-correct, to be honest with ourselves, so that we don't end up with a new class of ship where we have significant problems like we've seen in the past. I hope that was helpful. AUDIENCE: Sir, Major John Cohen, U.S. Army, I'd like to ask you a question about the maritime implications from the war in Ukraine. The Ukrainian navy has demonstrated a surprising capacity to achieve limited sea denial in the Black Sea against a stronger Russian navy, just would like to hear your thoughts on how they were able to do so. And if there are any implications for the U.S. Navy, based on the example demonstrated by the Ukrainians? Thank you. CNO: Yeah, I think Ukrainians have done a marvelous job in terms of targeting, they've been very effective in putting ordnance on target in a way that has changed the behavior of the Russian navy at sea. I also think their use of mines has also been quite effective. There's a cleanup there that we're going to have to deal with, but it has been effective in terms of pushing the Russian navy back. When you take a look at the numbers of Russian ships that are operating in the Black Sea now, it's at a much lower rate than we've seen in the past. There's a reason for that that you hint at with respect to the effectiveness of the Ukrainians. I think there's a lot to learn there in terms of how they've been able to target so well, how they've been able to leverage commercial technologies and apply that to targeting in ways that is pretty fundamental to their success. And one of the reasons they've been able to do that is because their forces now comprised of citizen soldiers and citizen sailors, many of whom were in private industry, many of whom were in high-tech industry, who bring a level of innovativeness to their navy that they didn't have before, to their army that they didn't have before. And they're leveraging those technologies. They're building apps, they're using those techniques, they're using that micro-processing capability off of their handheld devices very effectively. So a lot to learn there in terms of being very agile and flexible. And being able to take advantage of vulnerabilities very quickly. And staying one step ahead of their adversary in doing so. AUDIENCE: Morning, Admiral, Mike McRab, U.S. Navy retired. This is not a question. It's more just a comment. And kind of a tip of the hat. I do not work for the Naval War College, but a tip of the hat to them. And their international programs that they run. There's about 100 international students that are about to graduate this week. And along with the 100 every year before that, they go out and establish a good solid foundation for interoperability with their services and our services. And they're coming up with new courses on a regular basis. It's something I don't think a lot of folks in the Navy has a full appreciation for. But they are the leading edge of that - of those [professional military education] initiatives. Postgraduate School has 200 international students going in there. And of course, we had, like you mentioned before, international CNO fellows, and another 7,000 other students, international students going through various training in U.S. Navy courses to help man the same weapons systems that you mentioned earlier. So just wanted to kind of highlight. CNO: Yeah, thanks for saying that. As I said up front, I do think, as we talk about the theme of preserving America's leadership role, I think this is fundamental to that. There has been an increase in [international maritime education] programs, not only in the Navy, but across the joint force. And we've been challenged with a question, how many more students can you take? And then the next question is, where were they come from? Those have not been hard questions to answer and we've tried to do our level best So, in order to increase those opportunities for our allies and partners, because to your point, Mike, you made more eloquently than I did, how important that is, to the future, and the relationships that we have with those navies, because at the end of the day, the technology is one thing, but it's all grounded upon relationships on a bedrock of trust. And so thanks for your points. AUDIENCE: Good morning, CNO. Thank you for being with us today. Tom Rowden here of Newport, Rhode Island. Sir, I was wondering you, I want to go back to the training piece that you were talking about, and specifically Live Virtual Constructive. And we heard earlier today that that all our alliances are the secret sauce. And so as we look forward into the future, you're talking about Live Virtual Constructive, from the joint perspective. Could you give us your thoughts on it? Are we doing enough from the combined perspective? As we look at what the coming conflict might be? Are we doing enough in the Live Virtual Constructive perspective with our allies, and with our partners, to be prepared for that fight? The big exercises we run, Northern Edge, RIMPAC, etc. They're great, but they're very expensive. And is there a way that we can do it much more cost effectively? CNO: Yep. Thanks, Sir. I think, to your point, LVC is the right answer there. I will tell you to answer your question. Are we comfortable with where we are? The answer to that is no. I would never say that we are sharing widely enough. And so we're doing a better job -I'm optimistic on the track that we're on. An example of that would be Project Overmatch, which is the Navy's contribution to JADC2 that's underway right now at the [USS Carl] Vinson strike group off the coast of California. So that technology we are sharing with key allies and partners. And so we're already opening the door in JADC2 on a handshake with the French. We initiated Navy fourth and fifth generation integrated training, that's an area that we have proceeded very slowly, with F-35s. But if we're going to, I think, to the, to the point that you were making, Sir, the first time that we that we train together in an integrated way, at the very highest at the very highest level can't be when we're in combat. LVC gives us the ability to do those things at a level that's affordable, and I think much more effective. And I think it opens the doors for other navies as well. There's definitely possibilities that we need to take advantage of with LVC as we expand it. I think we are the biggest constraint to moving out faster with respect to sharing that technology with allies and partners. So, probably an unsatisfactory answer for you. But I will tell you that we are looking for ways - I think the example with the French is probably among the best - where there's been a hesitation to share F-35 technology with other countries and we got to the point where we said, "look, we're going to have to fly with them, we're going to have to fight with them, we're going to have to find a way to work around some of these constraints so that we can move forward." And we did that. And so I think that we need to look for ways to open more doors. And we need - I would encourage those that are graduating this week, not to suffer in silence. But to be more vocal, your CNOs certainly are when they when they call upon me to do more. So Sir, thanks for the question. And I think that we need to continue to look for opportunities to share technology and move forward together. Thanks. CHATFIELD: CNO we want to thank you for your time today. I know that you join me in wishing our students who are headed out into the world the very best as they navigate a very complex environment with social media and hyper connectivity, and prepare to practice the profession of arms and possibly have to operate in very austere communication environments. Sir you've done a great job leading us here at the Naval War College and communicating to us about your priorities. Sir, our entire community thanks you for your leadership. And thank you for being with us today. CNO: Thanks, everyone. I appreciate your time today. I know it was too short. But as always, the questions were very good and gave me something to take back and think about as well. So thanks. I wish you all a great conference for the rest of the week. And, of course a spectacular graduation on Friday. Thank you. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address UN Report Warns Al-Qaida, Islamic State Growing in Afghanistan By Jeff Seldin June 14, 2023 There is mounting, controversial evidence that Afghanistan is rapidly turning into a cauldron for terrorist activity, with both al-Qaida and the Islamic State terror group's Afghan affiliate growing substantially, in numbers and capabilities, without U.S. or Western forces on the ground. The dire assessment, shared in a recently released United Nations report based on member state intelligence, concludes the terror groups "have greater freedom of maneuver" under Taliban rule and are making "good use of this." The report by the U.N. sanctions monitoring team warns that al-Qaida and the Taliban maintain a symbiotic relationship, "with al-Qaida viewing Taliban-administered Afghanistan a safe haven." In contrast, the report finds Islamic State Khorasan Province, also known as IS-Khorasan or ISIS-K, has used the Taliban's inability to establish control over remote areas, as well as dissatisfaction with Taliban rule to its advantage. "Attacks against high-profile Taliban figures raised [IS-Khorasan] morale, prevented defections and boosted recruitment, including from within the Taliban's ranks," the U.N. report said. In each case, the U.N. report contends, the terror groups have significantly grown their footprints. Al-Qaida, assessed to have had as few as several dozen members in Afghanistan a year ago, is believed to have 30 to 60 senior officials based out of Afghanistan, as well as an additional 400 fighters, 1,600 family members and a series of new training camps. IS-Khorasan, according to the U.N. data, has grown to between 4,000 to 6,000 members, with strongholds or camps in at least 13 provinces and a network of sleeper cells that can reach Kabul and beyond. But as alarming as the estimates in the U.N. report may be, multiple U.S. officials told VOA they have seen nothing to support such findings. "These stats do not align with our intelligence community's analysis in a number of areas," one U.S. official told VOA on the condition of anonymity in order to discuss intelligence matters. Another official was even more blunt, calling the estimates for the size of al-Qaida and Islamic State in the U.N. report "wildly out of whack." "These numbers are wildly out of whack with the best estimates of the U.S. intelligence community, and indeed the best estimates of our partners and allies," that senior administration official told VOA, likewise speaking on the condition of anonymity. According to the senior official, U.S. intelligence assesses there are fewer than a dozen al-Qaida core members currently in Afghanistan and that there has not been a senior al-Qaida core leader in the country since the U.S. killed then al-Qaida core leader Ayman al-Zawahiri in an airstrike in July 2022. Al-Qaida "simply has not reconstituted a presence in Afghanistan since the U.S. departure in August 2021," the official said, adding that it is unlikely attempts by al-Qaida to establish training camps in Afghanistan, as the U.N. report claims, would go unnoticed by the U.S. and its allies and partners. "We are postured to see indications of al-Qaida activity were to be resurgent in various forms, whether it's a training camp, whether it's plotting that doesn't require a training camp," the official said. The U.S. also rejected intelligence shared by some U.N. member states that al-Qaida's de facto leader, Saif al-Adel, left his base in Iran and visited Afghanistan in 2022, with at least one member state asserting al-Adel is now based out of Afghanistan. "We do not have indications that the likes of Saif al-Adel have traveled to Afghanistan," the senior official said. "Al-Qaida, as far as we can tell, and we look pretty closely, they do not see Afghanistan right now as a permissive or hospitable environment in which to attempt to operate." As for the U.N report's assertion that IS-Khorasan has grown to between 4,000 and 6,000 fighters, including family members, "that is thousands more than the [U.S.] intelligence community has assessed or assessed there to be," the senior official told VOA. And while the U.S. agrees that IS-Khorasan has the desire to attack the United States, "it is clear that the terrorist group's ability to do so, to actually fulfill that ambition, has faced setbacks in the last two years," the official said. "Our view is that ISIS-K has not closed that ambition-capacity gap that it very much hoped to close after the U.S. departure, and indeed has faced some very real setbacks and some very concerted pressure from the Taliban," the official added. The U.S. officials who spoke to VOA were unable to explain the divergence between the assessments of al-Qaida and IS-Khorasan as presented in the U.N. report and those of the U.S. intelligence community, noting previous reports by the U.N. sanctions monitoring team have tracked much more closely with Washington's own findings. But a source familiar with the production of the report, who spoke on the condition of anonymity, told VOA that U.S. officials were aware of the conclusions before it was published and did not raise objections. The source also said that there appeared to be some disagreement among U.S. agencies, with some falling in line with some of the U.N.'s findings. Western officials and researchers generally have viewed the U.N. reports as a valuable source of information, especially because they include the viewpoints of multiple countries, some of which sometimes have unique insights into developments on the ground. And while they admit estimates from member states on how many fighters or members groups such as al-Qaida and IS-Khorasan have can vary significantly, the trends identified in the reports are significant. "The [U.N.] monitoring team goes to great lengths to try to triangulate information, and it publishes things that it's reasonably confident of, and that goes through a rigorous editorial process," Edmund Fitton-Brown, a former senior United Nations counterterrorism official and monitoring team coordinator, told VOA. Fitton-Brown, now an adviser to the nonprofit Counter Extremism Project, said that even if there are disagreements over the extent to which al-Qaida or IS-Khorasan have grown their footprints in Afghanistan, the larger point remains. The report "makes it very clear why the Taliban cannot, will not, live up to their responsibilities under the Doha accords," he said, citing intelligence in the U.N. report that some Afghan Ministry of Defense courses now feature some al-Qaida training manuals. Some analysts also have raised concerns based on the report's findings. "Historically, the U.S. has woefully underestimated al-Qaida's strength in Afghanistan," Bill Roggio, senior fellow with the Foundation for the Defense of Democracies, told VOA. The U.N. report "is far more realistic than what U.S. intelligence is trying to present as the true estimate of al-Qaida strength in Afghanistan," he added. Other analysts highlighted the reported establishment of al-Qaida training camps in various Afghan provinces, as well as the ability of other, smaller terror groups to operate more freely. "Afghanistan seems eerily reminiscent to pre-9/11 Afghanistan, with the number of groups that are allegedly active," Colin Clarke, director of research at the global intelligence firm The Soufan Group, told VOA. "That's what I think the nightmare scenario was for a long time, that the U.S. would have limited-to-no-presence in the country, and these groups would reconstitute, begin reestablishing training camps and then training these fighters either Afghans or foreign terrorist fighters for external operations," Clarke said. "Terrorist groups thrive and indeed flourish amid instability. And that's exactly what we have here." NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Haitian Politicians Express Disappointment After Jamaica Meeting By Sandra Lemaire, Valerio Saint-Louis June 14, 2023 Haitian politicians who attended a three-day meeting in Jamaica to discuss possible solutions for Haiti's political crisis expressed disappointment that the gathering failed to produce some hoped-for results. "I'm ashamed, it's a deception, in my view, to be going back home (like this). I came here certain that we'd find a solution," former Haitian lawmaker Antoine Arondon Bien-Aime told VOA about the meeting hosted by the Caribbean Community (CARICOM), which ended late Tuesday. The meeting was hosted by CARICOM's Eminent Persons Group, which includes former Bahamas Prime Minister Perry Christie, former Jamaican Prime Minister Bruce Golding and former St. Lucia Prime Minister Kenny Anthony. Haitian Prime Minister Ariel Henry and Foreign Minister Jean Victor Geneus also participated. Discussions, called the Kingston Talks, were held at the Jamaican Foreign Ministry headquarters and were closed to the press. Raphael Andre of the Patriotic Movement of the Democratic Opposition party, known as MOPOD, told VOA the major point of contention was who should lead Haiti. "The group was examining the best formula for a solution. They wanted to adhere to the constitution, which says we must have a president, a prime minister and a Cabinet of ministers governing the country," he said. The opposing sides insisted on a single executive a president. "So there was no agreement," Raphael Andre said. Since the assassination of President Jovenel Moise in July 2021, Haiti has been in the throes of political and economic crises. The country has been without any elected representatives since early January, and last held a presidential vote in 2016. In his first public comment about the Jamaica gathering Wednesday, Prime Minister Henry said on Twitter that the dialogue would continue soon in the Haitian capital, Port-au-Prince, with participation of more political actors and stakeholders, including the High Council of Transition. "The group of Eminent Personalities remain mobilized and should be coming to Port-au-Prince soon to meet the HCT and a larger group of Haitian actors who could not be in Jamaica to continue their facilitation," Henry tweeted. On Sunday, Golding, the former prime minister of Jamaica and, member of the Eminent Persons Group, told the Jamaica Observer that CARICOM plans "to travel to Haiti for further discussions with an even wider group of stakeholders, and to build on those areas of agreement that we hope will emerge from the Kingston talks. ... We are not closing our eyes or closing our ears to any voice that we feel can help to arrive at a lasting solution to the problems that Haiti is experiencing." Haitian opposition politician Michel Andre, no relation to Raphael Andre, praised Henry's participation in the discussions. "Prime Minister Ariel Henry made an extraordinary effort and proposed a very clear consensus he proposed an inclusive national unity government so to construct a government that can reassure everyone, all political sectors. He took a huge risk (doing so) because he did that without even speaking to the other signatories of the December 21 Accord," Michel Andre said. The December 21 Accord is an agreement between Henry and a coalition of opposition politicians, civil society and members of the business sector that establishes the framework for a transitional government that would organize elections. Henry also agreed to add two additional members to Haiti's High Council of Transition, which has been charged with ensuring that long-awaited general elections are held. According to Michel Andre, a third "concession" was to allow CARICOM to oversee the implementation of everything agreed upon. "Unfortunately, once again we were faced with the [opposing] groups' intransigence," Andre said. Former Haitian lawmaker Edmonde Beauzile had a positive outlook. "I think this (discussion) in Jamaica was a positive thing. But I regret that we Haitians are restarting the dialogue process in Jamaica," she told VOA. Beauzile said since many political groups were not represented at the meeting, it was difficult to agree to the proposals. In April, the United Nations released a report in which it estimated that gangs control up to 80% of Port-au-Prince. It also reported that 840 people were killed from January to March 31 of this year, an increase of more than 20% compared with the last quarter of 2022, and 637 kidnappings have been reported so far this year, an increase of 63% compared with the last three months of 2022. In addition to the political turmoil in Haiti, just last week, a moderate earthquake shook western Haiti, killing at least three people and injuring others, according to media reports, as the island nation battled to recover from flooding that killed 42 over the previous weekend. Some material for this report came from The Associated Press and Reuters. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Belarus declares receipt of Russian nukes, vows use if attacked Iran Press TV Wednesday, 14 June 2023 3:53 PM Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko has declared receipt of the first shipment of Russian tactical nuclear weapons deployed to the country as a deterrent, but vowed to use them if attacked. He further clarified in an interview on Tuesday that the decision to deploy the nuclear weapons in Belarus came after he made a "friendly request" from his Russian counterpart Vladimir Putin, but emphasized that he will not hesitate to use them if his country comes under attack. "That was my request. Russia didn't impose it on me," Lukashenko underlined as cited by local media outlets. "Nobody has ever gone to war with a nuclear state, and I don't want anyone to go to war with us. Is there such a threat? Yes. I have to counter this threat." "We have always been a target," he added. "They (the West) have wanted to tear us to pieces since 2020. No one has so far fought against a nuclear country, a country that has nuclear weapons." Minsk has accused members of the US-led NATO military alliance bordering Belarus -- notably Poland -- of keeping an excessive number of troops in positions that could mark a precursor for an attack. Lukashenko has also blamed NATO-backed Ukraine for staging several provocations near the the country's border. "God forbid I will have to make a decision to use this kind of weapon in our time," he then stressed, insisting, however, that "there will be no hesitation, if there is aggression against us." Moscow first declared its decision to deploy nuclear weapons in Belarus in March, likening the move to Washington's decades-old practice of positioning parts of its nuclear arsenal in non-nuclear countries such as Turkey, Italy and Belgium. Putin pointed to the arrangement of stationing some of Russia's tactical nuclear arms in Belarus during a meeting with Lukashenko earlier this month, saying that preparations to station the weapons on Belarusian soil was in its final stage. Lukashenko told the media on Tuesday that the only grounds for the weapons to be used would be an attack on Belarus. Belarus borders three NATO member countries: Lithuania, Latvia and Poland. Putin who met with Lukashenko in Sochi said the Russian "Iskander" mobile short-range ballistic missiles, which can deliver nuclear warheads with a range of 500 kilometers, had already been delivered to the country. Russian Sukhoi-25 Grach jet fighters have reportedly been redesigned to carry the warheads. If the "Iskander" missile were to be launched from the main air base outside Minsk, the projectiles could potentially reach virtually all of Eastern Europe, including a host of NATO member states, as well as cities such as Berlin and Stockholm. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Blinken to visit China; trip expected to relaunch next stage of high-level exchanges: experts Global Times By Chen Qingqing Published: Jun 14, 2023 12:41 PM Chinese State Councilor and Foreign Minister Qin Gang had a phone call with US Secretary of State Antony Blinken at the latter's request on Wednesday Beijing time shortly before the Chinese foreign ministry confirmed that Blinken will visit China on Sunday and Monday. In the phone call, Qin expounded China's firm stance on core concerns such as the Taiwan question. The phone call serves as a reminder to the US side that it should "hold a correct attitude" for high-level meetings while correcting its wrong deeds, some experts said. Blinken, as the highest-ranking US government official to visit China since President Joe Biden took office in January 2021, is expected to relaunch the next stage of high-level exchanges between the two countries through the visit and to work together to manage divergences, some experts said. The upcoming visit will undoubtedly facilitate face-to-face communication at a high level, allowing both sides to express their concerns, which will also enable both sides to more accurately and deeply discern and understand each other's intentions, policy essence and direction, some experts noted. This is helpful in preventing misjudgments, enhancing understanding, and managing disagreements, they said. During the phone call with Blinken, Qin pointed out that since the beginning of the year, China-US relations have faced new difficulties and challenges, and the responsibility for this is clear. China has always viewed and handled China-US relations following the principles of mutual respect, peaceful coexistence, and win-win cooperation proposed by Chinese President Xi Jinping. Qin expounded China's firm stance on core concerns such as the Taiwan question, emphasizing that the US should respect it, stop interfering in China's internal affairs, and stop harming China's sovereign security and development interests in the name of competition. Some Chinese observers believe the phone call serves as a reminder to the US side that if the senior US diplomat comes to China without sincerity or continues pressuring China to achieve Washington's own goals, the visit would be meaningless. "Blinken's visit has been delayed for a long period as the Biden administration first focused on unifying its allies and taking a Cold War stance against China, but now the US is showing its eagerness to make this visit possible to relaunch US-China high-level engagement for the next phase," Wu Xinbo, director of the Center for American Studies at Fudan University, told the Global Times on Wednesday. "The two sides are expected to exchange views on some divergences and may reach some consensuses on cooperation, for example, in people-to-people exchanges," Wu said. Qin told Blinken during the phone call that he hopes that the US will take practical actions to implement the important consensus reached between the two heads of state on the sidelines of the G20 Bali summit in November 2022 and the relevant commitments made by the US, move toward China, effectively manage differences, promote exchanges and cooperation, and get China-US relations back on track to a healthy and stable development. Although the US has seemingly turned over the page of the "balloon incident", in recent days, it continued hyping China-related topics ahead of the reported trip by Blinken to China as the Biden administration said it has "taken diplomatic steps" that slowed China's intelligence presence overseas following its recent hype over an alleged "Cuba spy base." Meanwhile, the US has been targeting more Chinese companies by adding 31 Chinese entities into its so-called Entity List, in addition to some media reports suggesting that the US government is preparing "evacuation plans" for American citizens living in Taiwan. During the phone call, Qin once again pointed out the root cause of the current difficulties US-China relations are experiencing and the ways to resolve these problems. It depends on whether the US side will correct its wrongdoings and wrong ideas in handling the bilateral relationship, Li Haidong, a professor at China Foreign Affairs University, told the Global Times on Wednesday. "Blinken's upcoming visit will undoubtedly help both sides to deeply understand each others' intentions and policies to avoid misjudgment," Li said. During the visit, the US diplomat will probably discuss a variety of topics where both parties can engage in dialogue or potential collaboration. However, we should be clear that the essence of the US's all-out strategic competition with China is unlikely to change, the expert said. Blinken will meet senior Chinese officials where he will discuss the importance of maintaining open lines of communication to "responsibly manage" the US-China relationship. He will also raise bilateral issues of concern, global and regional matters and potential cooperation on shared transnational challenges, according to a readout from the US Department of State. Hopefully, this visit to China can achieve some objectives such as relaunching the next stage of high-level exchanges between China and the US. Both sides should work together to manage their differences, Wu said. "Also, the two sides are expected to reach some consensuses on cooperation." The US side has sent signals of its wish to fix the bilateral relationship in recent days. For instance, US Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen said during a House committee hearing on Tuesday that it is in the US' best interest to maintain ties with China, saying that "it would be disastrous for us to attempt to decouple from China." Despite emerging signals of a thaw in bilateral relations, the US has engaged in a series of acts that are not conducive to create a positive atmosphere for possible high-level meetings, experts said. "The phone call serves as a reminder to the US side: we would not reject its request for a visit, but it must come only when it is made with sincerity and true intentions to improve bilateral relations," Li said. Still, some experts doubt Washington's sincerity, as it may hope to maintain high-level meetings with China only to reassure its allies or to pressure China in order to achieve its own goals. "To some extent, it's us playing the first card, to make sure what we will talk about. The visit will have no meaning unless US side follows the principles mentioned in the talks," Li said. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Chinese journalists hamstrung by India's unfair visa policies Global Times By GT staff reporters Published: Jun 14, 2023 09:34 PM The rift between China and India over the issuance of visas for journalists continued after Indian authorities refused to review and approve applications for Chinese reporters to work in the country. The number of Chinese journalists in India has dropped from a previous 14 to one. The Global Times spoke to Chinese journalists who had worked in India for years, and learned how India has treated Chinese media outlets in an unfair and even discriminatory manner. Analysts and journalists also called on India to correct its wrong actions and work with China to settle visa issues as journalism is an important form of people-to-people exchanges and leaving the problem unsolved does no good to India-China relations. Long-standing problems Yuan Jirong, a People's Daily reporter who has been stationed in India from June 2016 for three and a half years, said that the difficulty for Chinese journalists to obtain a visa in India started from the beginning - it usually takes six to 12 months to apply for a visa, and that successful applications come with only short validity periods. The process for visa renewal is complicated and time-consuming. Yuan said that the first visa he got for India was valid for three months, and to renew it, he needed to prepare a large quantity of material including the certificate of appointment letter, diplomatic note from the Chinese Embassy in India, tenancy agreement, the photo of his passport. All these also need to be altered in accordance with local formatting requirements and it is usually not easy to finish the online application form due to the design of the software. After submitting all the materials online, Yuan said they also need to be submitted offline to the new agency affiliated to India's Ministry of External Affairs and the visa was also given on the last expiration date. Chinese journalists need to go through this protracted process every three months to ensure visa renewal. Some Chinese reporters are issued visas valid for less than one month, or merely 15 days on seven consecutive times during their five-year posting in India, the Global Times has learned. Chinese journalists also live with uncertainty of their application being declined, Yuan said, noting that the first month he arrived in India, local authorities refused to renew visas for three journalists from the Xinhua News Agency, forcing them to leave the country. Compared to many Chinese correspondents, Hu Bofeng, a reporter from the People's Daily, who first arrived in the country in July 2018, seemed to be "lucky" as it took less than two months for him to get a visa with one-year validity. China-India relations were experiencing resurgence in 2018-19 as relations emerged from the shadow of the 2017 Doklam standoff along the border with top leaders holding meetings in China's Wuhan in April 2018 and in Chennai in India in October 2019. This has injected new political new political impetus for bilateral relations, according to Hu, noting that all these factors had contributed to the "record speed" for him to get the visa. But the luck did not continue when he went to renew his visa. In September 2019, India requested Chinese journalists renew their visa on a monthly basis. The change has created significant inconvenience for Chinese correspondents working in the country. Aside from repeating the arduous application process every month, they also had to renew their public service with the visa renewal once a month. "Our residence permits, bank cards, driving licenses and phone cards... all aspects of daily life are linked to the visa... once we fail to get the visa renewal, these services would be suspended," said Hu. It was only after March 2020 when the outbreak of COVID-19 in India caused the borders to shut and meant visa validity for Chinese journalists was prolonged from one month to three months. Some Chinese correspondents were even expelled by India seemingly without any formal reason. In November 2021, a reporter from the Xinhua News Agency, who was spending holiday in China, received an email from India External Affairs, informing him that he should not return to India following his holiday, and if he did return to the country, he would be required to permanently depart within a short space of time. The reporter had to rush back to India to hand over the work to colleagues and returned to China within 10 days. Some Chinese reporters said that they have discussed the inconvenience of the short visa period with India officials, but received no clear explanation. Hu called India's treatment of Chinese reporters "uncomfortably legitimate" but unfair. "Journalists are also a bridge for bilateral relations and India's treatment toward Chinese reporters is not good to help improve understanding between the two countries to dismiss misinformation," said Hu. Different from India, China treats Indian journalists in a fair way. Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Mao Ning said at a press conference in April that Indian journalists stationed in China all hold residence permit valid for one year, during which they can enter and exit from China multiple times and their lawful rights of interview and reporting are fully protected. Journalists from the PTI and the Hindustan Times have been stationed in China for over 10 years. Over the years, China has actively communicated with India with restraint and goodwill. The Chinese Embassy in India expressed concerns on Chinese journalists' visas. Regrettably, however, India ignored this and even went further down the wrong path, said Mao. Given India's unfair and discriminatory treatment of Chinese journalists, China has no choice but to take appropriate countermeasures to safeguard the legitimate rights and interests of Chinese media organizations, said the spokesperson. Calling for settlement India's expulsion of Chinese journalists under the tenuous guise of refusing their visas is the result of the deterioration of China-India relations due to border conflicts over recent years. A few years ago, India restricted Chinese journalists on work visas, but it has acted more unreasonably and absurd recently, Ma Jiali, director of the Center for Strategic Studies at China Reform Forum, told the Global Times. Ma said that the "over politicization" tendency of Indian society has led to the country restricting foreign media, but because India has an emotional grudge against China, they would treat Chinese media more "strictly." Ma said that media is an important channel for bilateral communication and any two major countries should have reporters of the other side. It is extremely "abnormal" and "unhealthy" for India to expel Chinese journalists due to tensions in bilateral relations and such move will not provide India any advantage in dealing with China issues, but will bring more negative impacts on China-Indian relations due to communication obstacles. The purpose of two countries sending journalists back and forth is to gain a more objective and detailed understanding of the local situation, which can be used by policy makers in their own countries for reference. India's move is tantamount to "self-destructing its eyes and ears," Liu Zongyi, secretary-general of the Research Center for China-South Asia Cooperation at Shanghai Institutes for International Studies, told the Global Times. Liu said that India's expelling of Chinese reporters is to cut off its own information channels, increase the risk of misjudgment when handling the relationship and creating obstacles for healthy development of two-way relations. Moreover, some Chinese scholars' visa application to India has also been refused by India after the relaxing for pandemic related visa restrictions. Indian officials may not want Chinese scholars to appear in India before the G20 summit, especially to participate in some G20 meetings, said the experts. Both analysts and journalists reached by the Global Times called for India to correct its unfair and discriminatory actions on Chinese journalists before it further affects people-to-people exchanges and bilateral relations. At a press conference on Monday, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Wang Wenbin also called for India to meet China half way to take concrete steps and effectively review and approve visas for Chinese journalists as soon as possible. Wang noted that media outlets are important bridges for mutual understanding and friendly relations and China stands ready to maintain communication with India under the principles of mutual respect, equality and mutual benefit. The spokesperson also called India to scrap undue restrictions on Chinese journalists, and create conditions for resuming normal exchange between Chinese and Indian media. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address China's Type 055 large destroyer readies for future evacuation missions of nationals Global Times By Liu Xuanzun Published: Jun 14, 2023 08:53 PM Updated: Jun 14, 2023 08:49 PM The Chinese People's Liberation Army (PLA) Navy's Type 055 10,000 ton-class large destroyers will likely participate in far sea escort missions, experts said on Wednesday, after reports came out confirming that one of the eight powerful warships recently conducted a mock mission for the evacuation of Chinese nationals in a foreign country in conflict. Feng Bowen, the executive officer of the Type 055 large destroyer Dalian, recently became qualified for his role after completing a comprehensive training test for five days and four nights, in which he led the ship joining up with two other warships at sea, fighting a mock battle with complete elements and complex scenarios, China Central Television (CCTV) reported on Tuesday. Set in an imaginary scenario in which a military conflict broke out in a certain country, the test required the Dalian to dock in that country's harbor to evacuate Chinese nationals and provide international aid, the report said. It indicated that Type 055 large destroyers could join far sea escort missions, a Beijing-based military expert told the Global Times on Wednesday. The PLA Navy has carried out evacuations of Chinese nationals on several occasions, including in April this year, when a Type 052D destroyer and a Type 903 comprehensive supply ship evacuated Chinese personnel from Sudan. In 2015, two Type 054A frigates and a Type 903 comprehensive supply ship evacuated Chinese personnel from Yemen. The vessels deployed in such missions were from the PLA Navy escort task forces sent to the Gulf of Aden and waters off Somalia. "We have gone from the Type 054A frigate to the Type 052D destroyer, and now the Type 055 large destroyer is practicing escort-related capabilities. It showed the PLA Navy's rapid development over the past decade, and demonstrates that the PLA Navy is becoming increasingly capable of safeguarding China's overseas interests," the expert said. By hosting far sea escort missions, the PLA Navy also provides public security goods to the international community, showing that it is a force that contributes to peace and stability, the expert said. In addition to the evacuation mission, the test included a trial of the Dalian's combat capabilities in terms of air defense and naval combat, as the training center dispatched other warships, early warning aircraft, fighter jets and submarines to hold mock combat with the Type 055, CCTV reported. "During the combat deployment at sea, the vessel faced multidimensional threats on the sea surface, in the sky and underwater. We had to remain on alert at all times to hone our core combat capabilities," Feng said. The PLA Navy currently has eight Type 055 large destroyers in active service. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address China FM demands US 'show respect', stop harming Beijing's core concerns Iran Press TV Wednesday, 14 June 2023 4:44 PM Chinese Foreign Minister Qin Gang has demanded from the US to respect its core concerns, such as the Taiwan issue, if it wants to restore strained ties between the two countries. Qin told his US counterpart Antony Blinken in a phone conversation on Wednesday to respect China's "core concerns," stop interfering in the country's internal affairs, and stop harming its sovereignty, security and development in the name of competition, according to the readout of the call released by the Chinese foreign ministry. The top Chinese diplomat further noted that Sino-US ties had "encountered new difficulties and challenges" since the beginning of the year and that the two sides had a responsibility to work together to properly manage differences and stabilize relations. "I hope that the US side will take practical actions to implement the important consensus of the meeting between the two heads of state in Bali, move in the same direction as the Chinese side, effectively manage differences, promote exchanges and cooperation, and promote the stabilization of China-US relations," Qin said as quoted in the foreign ministry's statement. Ahead of the G20 Summit in Indonesia last December, China's President Xi Jinping told his US counterpart Joe Biden the issue of Taipei is Beijing's "first red line" in bilateral relations, vowing that Washington must not cross the line. For his part, Blinken reiterated the need for communication "to avoid miscalculation and conflict" and said the US would continue to raise areas of concern as well as potential cooperation with China, according to the US State Department's readout of the phone call. The high-profile discussion comes ahead of a planned visit to Beijing by the US secretary of state. If Blinken's trip goes ahead, it will be the first visit to China by Washington's top diplomat in five years Blinken cancelled a visit to Beijing in February after Washington alleged earlier in the year that a Chinese spy balloon flew over the country before it was shot down by the American military. Relations between the rival economic powers have greatly deteriorated by visits to Taiwan of US politicians since then-House Speaker Nancy Pelosi traveled to the self-ruled island in August last year. Reacting to Pelosi's provocative visit to Taipei last August, China's army surrounded Taiwan's main island with days of live-fire drills, summoned the US ambassador and halted some imports from the island in a display of anger against the visit. China also condemned an April meeting in California between current House Speaker Kevin McCarthy and Taiwanese President Tsai Ing-wen. Washington continues to antagonize Beijing by siding with Taipei's secessionist administration, engaging in frequent military missions around the island, and serving as its largest weapons supplier. China maintains sovereignty over Taiwan. The US does not recognize Taiwan as a country and officially supports the 'One China' policy but regularly oversteps its own principles. The island has become China's most sensitive territorial issue and a major bone of contention with Washington. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address US official: Blinken not seeking 'deliverables' in Beijing The official trip announcement comes as China's foreign minister issues a demand for 'respect' from America. Alex Willemyns for RFA 2023.06.14 -- U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken will not be seeking "deliverables" during a visit to Beijing this weekend, according to a top official, who instead framed the trip as an embryonic effort to reopen communications between the world's top powers. Blinken will be hoping to "reduce the risk of miscalculation" and conflict by reengaging with Chinese diplomats on areas of disunity after months of tensions, Daniel Kritenbrink, assistant secretary of state for East Asian and Pacific affairs, said on Wednesday. "This is not a visit in which I would anticipate a long list of deliverables coming out of it," Kritenbrink said in a call to preview the trip by the top U.S. diplomat, who departs Washington on Friday. After months of refusals by Chinese officials to speak with their American counterparts, Kritenbrink said Blinken's primary objectives would instead be to reestablish open lines of communication, to signal U.S. priorities and then "to explore areas of potential cooperation." "This is really a critical series of engagements that we'll have in Beijing, at a crucial time in the relationship, that we again hope will, at a minimum, reduce the risk of miscalculation so that we do not veer into potential conflict," he added. "It's incredibly serious." U.S. defense officials say Chinese officials have refused phone calls since Blinken canceled a planned trip to Beijing in February due to the alleged Chinese spy balloon that was found in U.S. airspace. Chinese Defense Minister Li Shangfu also declined to meet with U.S. Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin at the Shangri-La Dialogue in Singapore earlier at the start of the month, with Li instead using the forum to accuse the United States of "double standards." The refusal to talk, they say, has confounded efforts to reach a resolution over the "unsafe maneuvers" by Chinese warships and military planes in front of American vessels over the South China Sea and Taiwan Strait, both of which Beijing claims as territory. 'Show respect' Kritenbrink and Sarah Beran, senior director for China and Taiwan affairs on the National Security Council, earlier this month met with their own counterparts in Beijing to help pave the way for a meeting between Blinken and Chinese Foreign Minister Qin Gang. But the efforts to resume talks have been complicated by the bad blood in the U.S.-China relationship after the months of tensions. Rep. Mike Gallagher, a Republican from Wisconsin who chairs the House Select Committee on China, for instance, called Kritenbrink and Beran's trip to China an "outrage" after the pair arrived there on June 4, the anniversary of the Tiananmen Square massacre. Chinese officials have also indicated they have little interest in humoring any demands made by Blinken while in Beijing. In a pre-meeting phone call between Blinken and the Chinese foreign minister on Wednesday, Qin stressed Beijing would maintain its "stern position" on its "core interests," including that the self-governing island of Taiwan will be reunited with the mainland, according to a readout issued by China's foreign ministry. Qin said Washington should "show respect, stop interfering in China's internal affairs and stop undermining China's sovereignty, security and development interests," the readout said. A readout released by the U.S. State Department, by contrast, said that the pair "discussed the importance of maintaining open lines of communication to responsibly manage" the bilateral relationship. Kritenbrink did not shy away from the differences between the two sides, acknowledging there had been "substantive, productive and candid exchanges" with Chinese officials in the lead-up to the visit. Both sides nonetheless wanted to ensure "we have communication channels open, and that we do everything possible to reduce the risk of miscalculation. Chinese counterparts have used the words 'to stop the downward spiral in the relationship,'" he explained. Meeting for the sake of meeting During the same call, Kurt Campbell, the White House's Indo-Pacific coordinator, said the trip would be a positive step in U.S.-China ties, and denied it would be meaningless without any deliverables. "We've heard from unofficial interlocutors just a few months ago that China was giving up on diplomacy with the United States," Campbell said. "But of course, we've seen other signals of late that suggest they recognize that diplomacy with Washington is still important." Campbell said he was "not going to speculate" on the reasons Beijing wanted to resume diplomacy after months of rejecting even phone calls, but said that China's leaders may have been pressed by concerns over the economy amid U.S. tech export controls. "It could be that they, too, see some of the risks associated with [military] accidents," he said. "It could also be that they see the effectiveness of our engagement with allies and partners, and don't want to be further isolated, or there could be concerns around our technology steps. Or it could be a combination of reasons." "The simple fact is that we believe that both sides have an interest in maintaining consistent, clear and open lines of communication." Kritenbrink reiterated that a resumption of talks was enough. "I fundamentally disagree with the assessment that somehow we're meeting for the sake of meeting," Kritenbrink said. "The issues at stake are simply too significant to take that kind of approach." "But I do think we need to be realistic," he said. "We're not going to Beijing with the intent of having some sort of breakthrough or transformation in the way that we deal with one another. 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 Chinese police target prominent rights lawyers with harassment, travel bans Detained lawyer Xie Yang is denied a last video call with his father, terminally ill with COVID-19 By Gao Feng for RFA Mandarin 2023.06.14 -- Police in China are keeping up their harassment of prominent rights lawyers, putting pressure on recently evicted Wang Quanzhang and his family, slapping a travel ban on Li Heping and his family, while denying rights attorney Xie Yang a phone call with his sick father. A police officer from the Beijing suburb of Changping pushed his way into the Wang family home on Wednesday, refusing to show ID and demanding to read the couple's lease agreement, according to a video clip posted by Wang's wife Li Wenzu on Twitter. "Comrade Policeman, please would you leave - this is our home," Li tells the officer, who is identified as Wang Kaiguo in her tweet. "You can't just go into people's residences," Li tells the officer in a heated discussion. "You didn't produce any identification." "I'm wearing a police uniform, so I can come in here," he says. Police were claiming to have received a tip-off that the home had been illegally rented, according to the couple. 'Stability Maintenance' The renewed harassment is the latest in a slew of "stability maintenance" actions by Beijing police and other Chinese officials, who have targeted the families of prominent rights attorneys and other activists who were previously jailed in a 2015 crackdown on rights lawyers and public interest law firms. In a video of an earlier conversation on June 12, Wang calls on a police officer via an entryphone to show some evidence backing up the claim that his family is living in the apartment illegally. He later tweeted a photo of the lease agreement with the landlord. "Police and corporate security personnel in Shunyi tracked us down to our new residence and reported us to the local police station," Wang said. "They continued to follow us as we were apartment-hunting, and they accused us of 'trespassing.'" "It's not just us -- a lot of Christian families across the country have been evicted and persecuted," he said. "It's very hard to live a stable life." Wang's family was forced to leave their last apartment in Beijing's Shunyi district after the authorities cut off their utilities. "The content of the contract is true, legal, and valid, and should be protected by law," Wang said via Twitter. "I hereby declare that I will not unilaterally terminate this contract within its validity period." "We moved into this rented accommodation legally, yet police said they had been told that we moved in illegally," Li Wenzu also tweeted on Tuesday. Can't leave country Meanwhile, the family of Li Heping is now banned from leaving China, after their landlord smashed a window at their rented apartment in a bid to get them to leave last month, Radio Free Asia has learned. Police at Chengdu's international airport prevented the family from boarding a flight to Thailand last week, as Li and his wife Wang Qiaoling are considered to be "a danger to national security," Wang Qiaoling said. "He told us, 'You aren't allowed to leave the country ... I'm going to read this notice out to you -- Li Heping and Wang Qiaoling aren't allowed to leave the country due to factors endangering national security.'" she said. And a court in the central city of Changsha recently denied detained rights lawyer Xie Yang a video meeting with his ailing 90-year-old father, who is terminally ill with COVID-19. "The lawyer asked angrily whether the judges of the Changsha Intermediate People's Court were raised by their parents," the China Rights Lawyers Twitter account said of the June 7 hearing. Xie's U.S.-based ex-wife Chen Guiqiu told Radio Free Asia in a recent interview that her father-in-law Xie Huicheng had been in hospital with a high fever for days at the time of the request. "Xie Yang is a very filial son, and the old man really wanted to see him before he dies," Chen said. "The court just came up with various excuses to refuse." Xie is currently being held in the Changsha No. 1 Detention Center, awaiting trial for "incitement to subvert state power," and recently told his visiting attorney that he has been tortured while in detention. Chen said the court's decision not to allow him to video call his dying father could be a form of retaliation, or a way to silence Xie. U.S.-based rights lawyer Wu Shaoping said that while there was no good legal reason to deny such a request, the ruling Chinese Communist Party is the ultimate arbiter of its citizens' rights, not the law. "There was no reason to reject a humanitarian request of this kind," Wu said. "They use [such requests] as a way of controlling suspects [to elicit a 'confession']." Translated by Luisetta Mudie. 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 China In Eurasia Briefing: How Chinese Parts Make It To The Battlefield In Ukraine By Reid Standish June 14, 2023 How Chinese Parts Make It To The Battlefield In Ukraine It's been a constant since Moscow's full-scale invasion of Ukraine in 2022, but Chinese parts and components -- as well as drones and some weapons -- are finding their way onto the battlefield and helping Russia's military. Finding Perspective: The issue was pushed back into the spotlight following a video posted to Telegram by Chechen leader Ramzan Kadyrov showcasing an array of new military equipment, including eight Chinese-made unarmed armored personnel carriers. The vehicles appeared to be a multipurpose model called the Tiger or China Tiger and the video brought renewed scrutiny of Chinese weaponry helping the Kremlin's war effort -- a possibility raised by Western governments and experts for some time. It's difficult to determine when or how the Chinese vehicles ended up in Chechnya, or how they might be deployed on the battlefield -- if at all. While the equipment is no doubt Chinese-made, multiple military experts I spoke with said it was unlikely this was from a formal sale, saying that the Tiger is widely exported around the world -- including across Africa and to Tajikistan -- and that Kadyrov states in the video that "we regularly purchase military equipment that helps our fighters be more effective in solving the tasks assigned to them." Why It Matters: There is no evidence so far that China has provided any formal military aid, such as shipments of ammunition or full weapons systems. Doing so would bring major reputational costs to Beijing and China has instead pivoted to taking up a diplomatic position around the war to frame itself as a peacemaker. Still, Chinese exporters have supplied components of weapons systems and dual-use technology to sanctioned Russian defense companies. A new report from The Wall Street Journal found that Iranian drones used by Russia in Ukraine had new Chinese parts that were made this year. The revelation shows that new Chinese components are continuing to flow into Iran, where they then make their way to Russia. According to an investigation, the Chinese part was made in January, shipped to Iran, installed, and then sent to Russia and used against Ukraine in April. While this stops short of full-blown military support, it highlights the complexities of supply chains and the multitude of ways countries can still skirt sanctions. Another recent investigation by the Organized Crime and Corruption Reporting Project tracked an export path for Chinese drones from China to Russia to the battlefield via the Netherlands and Kazakhstan through a collection of Russian-owned companies. Expert Corner: Slovakia, Elections, And Taiwan Readers asked: "Along with the Czech Republic, Slovakia has been one of Taiwan's strongest supporters in Europe. The country is set to hold parliamentary elections in late September amid rising populism and growing pro-Russian, anti-Ukraine rhetoric on the political spectrum. How might that affect relations with Taipei?" To find out more, I asked Matej Simalcik, the executive director of the Central European Institute of Asian Studies in Bratislava: "There's still time until the elections and the polling is not yet conclusive about what the result may be or what kind of constellation of parties can form a coalition. But at the moment, the election could go either way and that could impact relations with China and Taiwan, even though neither are big election topics in Slovakia. "In general, you can divide Slovak politicians into three groups when it comes to China. The first are those that are pragmatically pro-Chinese and see it as a source of economic benefits. The second are more ideologically inclined towards China. These two groups are mixed and matched across several political parties, but share elements of their worldview when it comes to economics and politics that tends to favor Chinese interests. The third group are those that are opponents of China ideologically while calling for some form of limited trade relations. "Should the opposition form a government [likely led by former Prime Minister Robert Fico's Smer-SD party] then we'd see the first two groups have a larger voice. It's also important to observe that many of these politicians that tend to be pro-Chinese are also pro-Russian and they don't back China out of sheer goodwill. It's generally a very cold political calculus where they can use China in a way that fits into their anti-West narratives related to domestic politics or the war in Ukraine." Do you have a question about China's growing footprint in Eurasia? Send it to me at StandishR@rferl.org or reply directly to this e-mail and I'll get it answered by leading experts and policymakers. Three More Stories From Eurasia 1. Georgia's Chinese-Built Highway A nearly $1 billion megaproject looks to transform Georgia's timeless landscape, but the Chinese-built highway is also grappling with questions over how the contracts were awarded and unexplained delays, as I reported recently from the country. What You Need To Know: The Chinese-built project was the focus of a recent reporting trip to Georgia and I drove along the construction with my colleague Tamuna Chkareuli, who also took some excellent photographs. The project is ambitious, with the 51.6-kilometer section cutting through Georgia's mountainous countryside and consisting of 96 bridges and 53 tunnels. Once completed, the highway will transform travel in Georgia, which lacks high-quality infrastructure, and potentially cut the journey from the capital, Tbilisi, to the Black Sea coast in half while providing a much-needed boost to the country's tourism-dependent economy. But the project is also dealing with criticism and scrutiny over how the winning contracts were awarded to a constellation of Chinese firms and a series of unexplained delays that has seen costs rise and construction deadlines extended. Read more about it here. 2. Badiucao's Show Goes On in Poland I obtained an e-mail that shows the Chinese Embassy in Warsaw trying to pressure the Polish government to cancel an upcoming art exhibit in the Polish capital by dissident artist Badiucao. Read the article here. The Details: In the written exchange sent on June 7 to senior officials at the Polish Ministry of Culture and National Heritage from embassy staff, a Chinese diplomat says that the art show is an attack against the image of "China and Chinese leaders" and that it hurts "Chinese people's feelings." The e-mail then goes on to say that the show being hosted in Poland could harm the "bilateral relationship" between Beijing and Warsaw and asks for a meeting with senior ministry staff. It's not the first time this has happened. Similar incidents occurred during past shows in Italy in 2021 and the Czech Republic in 2022. Badiucao is famous for his provocative political art that tackles topics like repressions in Hong Kong and Xinjiang, the Chinese Communist Party's response to the coronavirus pandemic, the 1989 Tiananmen Square crackdown, and broadly criticizing Chinese leader Xi Jinping. Embassy officials have also visited the museum hosting the upcoming June 16 show and told them to shut it down. 3. Let's Get Virtual This July's upcoming Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) summit will now be held virtually, amid speculation that Russian President Vladimir Putin's fear of foreign travel is the main reason for changing the meeting format. What It Means: India is offering no official reason for the switch, but many observers see the move tied to Putin being reluctant to leave Russia since he was indicted for war crimes by the International Criminal Court (ICC) and an arrest warrant was issued. India is not a member of the ICC, but Putin's presence would likely lead to increased scrutiny of New Delhi's long-standing ties with Moscow and added pressure from the West. Indian media have also reported that New Delhi's rocky ties with China and Pakistan, which are both members of the SCO, are also a factor. Neither Beijing nor Islamabad had reportedly confirmed top-level attendance for an in-person meeting. A similar dilemma is also facing South Africa as it gears up to host the BRICS summit -- which is made up of Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa -- in August. Unlike India, South Africa is a signatory to the ICC and the government is already facing pressure over its ties to Russia and is also now considering switching to a virtual format for the summit, according to Semafor. Across The Supercontinent Fake Docs, No Deal: A Chinese construction company, the Gezhouba Group, was disqualified from participating in a major infrastructure project in Bosnia-Herzegovina after it submitted false documents and incorrect information in its bid to build a key tunnel in the country's south, my colleague Melisa Teletovic reported from Sarajevo. The Limits Of Kabul And Beijing: Despite the appearance that China and the Taliban are becoming allies, the relationship is still limited and largely transactional, my colleague Abubakar Siddique reports. 'Sponsors Of War': Ukraine has officially designated Hikvision and Dahua "international sponsors of war," alleging that they supply Russia with products that have military purposes such as drones, thermal imagers, and anti-drone guns, along with contributing to Russia's budget. As Charles Rollet from IPVM explains, the designation is "reputational only" and has "no legal consequences," but it still sends a powerful message from Kyiv. No Ban: Brussels is working on a review of the so-called security toolbox for 5G wireless networks, and according to Politico, the EU isn't actually planning a full-on ban against Chinese telecoms giant Huawei, but "may use the opportunity to push governments that haven't applied the 5G security principles to high-risk vendors to fall in line and impose restrictions." One Thing To Watch Don't call it a "thaw" just yet, but U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken is expected to visit Beijing on June 18. This was originally supposed to happen earlier this year before the appearance of an apparent Chinese spy balloon led to Blinken canceling his trip to Beijing. The upcoming visit comes after several months of rising tensions between the two countries and both sides will need to overcome a mutual mistrust that has been allowed to build following a number of recent incidents. Source: https://www.rferl.org/a/chinese-parts-ukraine- battlefield/32458834.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 Blinken to Discuss US-China Ties, Issues of Concern During Visit to Beijing - State Dept. Sputnik News 20230614 WASHINGTON (Sputnik) - US Secretary of State Antony Blinken will visit China in the coming days for talks with senior officials on a range of bilateral issues of concern, State Department spokesperson Matthew Miller said in a statement on Wednesday. "Blinken will travel to Beijing, the People's Republic of China (PRC), and London, the United Kingdom, June 16-21," Miller said. "While in Beijing, Secretary Blinken will meet with senior PRC officials where he will discuss the importance of maintaining open lines of communication to responsibly manage the US-PRC relationship. He will also raise bilateral issues of concern, global and regional matters, and potential cooperation on shared transnational challenges." Antony Blinken during his upcoming trip to China will seek to establish open communication channels in order to prevent miscalculations and avert conflict, Assistant Secretary of State for East Asian and Pacific Affairs Daniel J. Kritenbrink said on Wednesday. "First, he wants to establish communication channels that are open and empowered to discuss important challenges, address misconceptions, and prevent miscalculation, so as to manage competition that does not veer into conflict", Kritenbrink said during a briefing. Blinken is set to travel to Beijing and London from June 16-21. A Sputnik NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address China's Foreign Minister Urges Washington to Stop Interfering in Internal Affairs Sputnik News 20230614 BEIJING (Sputnik) - Chinese Foreign Minister Qin Gang, in a phone conversation with US Secretary of State Antony Blinken on Wednesday, called on Washington to stop interfering in the internal affairs of China and damaging its development interests. "The American side must show respect, stop interfering in China's internal affairs, stop damaging China's sovereignty, security and development interests for the sake of competition," Chinese broadcaster quoted the foreign minister as saying. "We hope that the American side takes real action to implement the consensus reached by the two heads of state after the Bali meeting as well as all relevant commitments, and will cooperate with the Chinese side to effectively resolve disagreements," Qin added. The Chinese official also expressed hope that the US will promote exchanges and cooperation, help ensure that the ties between countries stop deteriorating and stabilize, and return to the path of healthy and stable development. During the talks, the Chinese foreign minister outlined to his American counterpart Beijing's position on the Taiwanese and other key issues, the report said. A Sputnik 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.. US Lawmakers Discuss Expectations for Blinken Trip to China By Yi-Hua Lee June 14, 2023 Republican and Democrat senators are backing Secretary of State Antony Blinken's trip to China beginning Friday but remain skeptical that it will lead to a breakthrough in relations with Beijing. Blinken is expected to emphasize the importance of maintaining open lines of communication between the two countries and discussing regional security issues, climate change and the global economy. State Department officials also said the issue of illegal fentanyl trafficking to the United States would also be a prominent part of the talks. Ahead of the trip, VOA's China branch spoke with several U.S. senators about their expectations for the talks, including whether Blinken should raise the issue of a Chinese spy station in Cuba, which was confirmed in recent days by U.S. officials. The interviews have been edited for brevity and clarity. VOA: Do you think China's spy base in Cuba reflects the scale of China's infiltration or influence in the region? Senator Bob Menendez (Democrat): I'm looking forward to a briefing on China's spy station inside of Cuba. Obviously, it now seems that it is not something new, according to published reports. But the mere fact that certainly we didn't know about it is really alarming to me. And what's also alarming is that 90 miles [144 kilometers] away from the United States, you have a great opportunity to do significant signal and other intelligence over the United States. I think that any country who wants to allow China to do that from their home base must understand that the United States not only looks at it as a real challenge and problem, but that there must be consequences that flow from it. VOA: How would you like Secretary Blinken to address this issue? Menendez: I hope that he will raise it. You know, I don't want this issue to impede his ability to have his trip and have face-to-face and tough conversations with the Chinese leadership. But I do think you should make it clear that we look at it as an affront, in terms of our own security and sovereignty. Senator Todd Young (Republican): I want to make sure it is a topic of conversation. But beyond that, just emphasize that the American people will be insisting that their government does whatever it can to prevent invasive and unwelcome surveillance activities against the United States. Period. But most certainly those that emanate from our hemisphere, that should be conveyed in an especially powerful way in the wake of the balloon incident that occurred just weeks ago. VOA: Do you believe China has been taking steps for a meaningful dialogue with the U.S.? Senator Chris Van Hollen (Democrat): Well, they have not engaged in our effort to try to establish a line of communication between our secretary of defense and their minister of defense, which is important to try to prevent accidents or unintended events from spiraling out of control. So, I hope during Secretary Blinken's visit, we can also resolve them. Senator Tim Kaine (Democrat): Here's what I believe: Dialogue guarantees nothing, but the absence of dialogue almost always guarantees problems. So, dialogue has no downside and all upsides. And so, we have to keep making the case. And I'm hoping that China will also view dialogue is really important to promote stability to avoid miscalculation, miscommunication. Senator John Cornyn (Republican): It seems like it's a one-way street to many people from the Biden administration reaching out, only to be met with no response. VOA: Is this the right time for the U.S. to talk with China? Cornyn: Well, I think it's always good for two countries to talk so that they try to understand each other better, so there's not any mistakes that could lead to conflict. VOA: Do you expect any positive results [from Blinken's visit]? Cornyn: No. Adrianna Zhang contributed to this report. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address China ready to work with world to push greater fairness, inclusiveness in global human rights governance: Xi Global Times Global South seeks cooperation to enrich human rights contents, not to counterweight West: analysts By GT staff reporters Published: Jun 14, 2023 10:07 PM Updated: Jun 15, 2023 10:37 AM China on Wednesday held a Forum on Global Human Rights Governance, with more than 300 scholars, officials and experts of the United Nations and nongovernmental organizations from nearly 100 countries sharing their views on how to promote human rights development amid the increasing threat of geopolitical conflicts. In a congratulatory letter sent to the forum the same day, Chinese President Xi Jinping said that at a time of severe challenges facing the global human rights governance, China stands for safeguarding human rights with security, respecting the sovereignty and territorial integrity of all countries. Calling on all countries to follow the path of peaceful development, and putting into action the Global Security Initiative, Xi said China stands for advancing human rights with cooperation in the spirit of mutual respect and equality, putting into action the Global Civilization Initiative, and deepening exchanges and mutual learning among civilizations. China is ready to work with the rest of the world to act on the principles enshrined in the Vienna Declaration and Programme of Action, push for greater fairness, justice, reason, and inclusiveness in global human rights governance, and promote the development of a community with a shared future for mankand, Xi said in the letter. The Wednesday forum, themed "Equality, Cooperation and Development: The 30th Anniversary of the Vienna Declaration and Programme of Action and Global Human Rights Governance," was jointly hosted by the Information Office of the State Council, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and China International Development Cooperation Agency. This year marks the 30th anniversary for the World Conference on Human Rights which adopted in 1993 the Vienna Declaration and Programme of Action, a common plan for the strengthening of human rights work around the world. For the past decades, the global human rights developments have interwoven with achievements as well as divergences, and it is important for more countries to discuss shared concerns on how to further promote human rights as well as resist increasing threats, especially on weaponizing and politicizing human rights, scholars who attended the forum told the Global Times. They also noted that President Xi's congratulatory letter profoundly expounded important propositions on the promotion and protection of human rights, and provided a Chinese solution for promoting global human rights governance. Platform for cooperation, not confrontations During the forum, many scholars and officials from developing countries and international institutions praised China's achievements on human rights developments, especially on poverty alleviation and they shared their prospects on how to promote developing countries to be more engaged in global governance. China has always spared no effort to promote and protect human rights and it has indeed made remarkable achievements during this process. Its role on the international stage is becoming more and more important, and it has more and more international influence, said Akmal Saidov, first deputy speaker of the Legislative Chamber of the Oily Majlis of Uzbekistan and director of the National Human Rights Center of Uzbekistan. Saidov also noted that the significance of the forum lies in the ideas to promote fairer and better cooperation on the respect to each country's needs in exploring the pattern for human rights that fits them the best. More attendees at the Wednesday forum also called for closer cooperation to better promote the global human rights cause. Veronica Birga, chief of staff from the Office of the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights, also attended the forum on Wednesday and expressed her appreciation for China for hosting the important event to commemorate the 30th anniversary of the Vienna Declaration and Program of Action. Birga said that during this important anniversary year, the world aspires for the two milestone documents A- the Vienna Declaration and Program of Action and the Universal Declaration of Human Rights - to affirm the unwavering commitment to the promotion and protection of human rights for all individuals, irrespective of their differences or backgrounds. She also called on unity to reset understanding, regain trust in the power of human rights and to forge a new worldwide consensus of human rights. However, regardless of the international community's urgent calling, the US and some Western countries have beefed up their efforts to politicize human rights issues and to use them as weapons to contain developing countries. Their attacks and hypes on topics related to China's Xinjiang,Xizang and the Hong Kong regions in the last few years are one example, said analysts. Chinese Vice Foreign Minister Ma Zhaoxu said at the opening ceremony of the forum that some Western countries, which neglect their own problems on human rights, have been keen on "plying like lecturers" to point fingers on other countries and to contain these countries' development, leading to the politicizing of multilateral platforms and increasing confrontations. Ma said that such actions should be firmly resisted. There is no one pattern of human rights that can fit all countries in the world, and every country should and can only explore their own way on human rights based on the country's context and people's needs. Stephen Brawer, chairman of the Belt and Road Institute in Sweden, called the US and some Western countries using human rights issues to contain developing countries as bullying, saying that such actions have continued due to the US' financial and strategic power. The Swedish expert said the China-proposed Belt and Road Initiative is the right perspective, and by continuing to promote it, there will be some people in the West who will come to their senses and realize they need to give up the conflict and join in the cooperation. Forum participant Chang Jian, a professor and director of the Center for the Study of Human Rights at Nankai University, told the Global Times that the communication on human rights of the Global South is not to counterweight the West. China, like many other developing countries in the world, is a member aiming to promote, enrich and practice the contents on human rights. China holds forums on human rights to offer a platform for countries, especially developing countries, to share their own experience on human rights and learn from each other, said Chang, noting that such exchanges will also diversify the global human rights governance. Chang said the US and the West have acted with selfishness in worrying and hyping that China and other developing countries are working to contend the steering wheel. But in fact, what China and the developing countries are doing is to enrich the global governance on human rights. "We always say that we need cooperation, not confrontation, we need to tear down walls, not build more obstacles. The US should not fear the diversification of human rights as the real global leadership is to show inclusiveness, not impose one's own pattern on others," said Chang. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address US plays down chance of breakthrough from Blinken's China visit Iran Press TV Thursday, 15 June 2023 12:05 AM The United States has played down chances of any breakthrough from the first trip by a US Secretary of State to China in five years after China called on Washington to stop meddling in its affairs ahead of Antony Blinken's visit to Beijing next week. In a tense call with Blinken ahead of the next week's visit, Chinese Foreign Minister Qin Gang on Wednesday urged the US to stop interfering in its affairs and harming its security. Qin told Blinken Washington should respect China's core concerns if it wants to stop declining relations between the two sides. US officials said Blinken would push to establish open communication channels to ensure competition with the Chinese does not spiral into conflict, Reuters reported. "We're not going to Beijing with the intent of having some sort of breakthrough or transformation in the way that we deal with one another," Daniel Kritenbrink, the State Department's top diplomat for East Asia, told reporters in a briefing call. "We're coming to Beijing with a realistic, confident approach and a sincere desire to manage our competition in the most responsible way possible," he said. The US diplomat said he expected Blinken would "reiterate America's abiding interest in the maintenance of peace and stability across the Taiwan Strait" and also discuss the war in Ukraine. Washington has repeatedly asked for an open military-to-military channel with China. However, Beijing is reluctant. Washington and Beijing are at odds over a number of issues that are swiftly turning into sources of direct confrontation between the two nuclear-armed countries. Tensions between China and the United States do not seem to be even close to abating. For years, Beijing has been furious at Washington over the US military buildup in the Asia Pacific. This has prompted Beijing to establish NATO-like military alliances in the region. Deteriorating ties between the US and China have raised concerns they might one day clash militarily over the self-ruled island of Taiwan, which China claims as its own. China has sovereignty over the Chinese Taipei, and under the "One China" policy, almost all world countries recognize that sovereignty. The US, too, recognizes the Chinese sovereignty over the island but has long courted Taipei in an attempt to unnerve Beijing. Furthermore, Washington, which backs Taipei's secessionist president, also infuriates Beijing by selling weapons to the self-governed island in violation of its own official policy. The Chinese government strongly opposes other countries pursuing official and diplomatic ties with the Chinese Taipei and has consistently warned the US and other states against engaging with the self-proclaimed government in Taipei. Beijing has called on the United States to stop official exchanges with the self-ruled Island under the guise of trade, but given all the developments it seems that Washington has no respect for international law and regulations. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Putin Pledges to Help Cuba Overcome 'Unlawful' Sanctions Sputnik News 20230614 MOSCOW (Sputnik) - Russia will assist the Cuban people in overcoming the "unlawful" sanctions they have been struggling with for decades, Russian President Vladimir Putin said on Wednesday. "We know that unlawful sanctions, under which Cuba has to live, have been there for decades. Nevertheless, the Cuban people manage to handle them. We, on our part, will do everything to make our economic cooperation instrumental in overcoming those difficulties imposed from abroad," he said at a meeting with Cuban Prime Minister Manuel Marrero Cruz during the St. Petersburg International Economic Forum (SPIEF). Putin added that the relations between Russia and Cuba are developing despite the difficulties both countries currently face. "There is no need to emphasize the unique, friendly and durable nature of our relations that took their shape decades ago. We have always had a thing for the Isle of Freedom here in Russia and will always have," Putin said. He also expressed the hope that Cruz would enjoy his time at the SPIEF. "I hope it will be both interesting and productive. But our bilateral cooperation, of course, is much more interesting. It must be developed in all areas which we have agreed on, and I am sure it will be so. These [areas] are energy, tourism and several others which are also a priority," Putin said. A Sputnik NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Berlin unveils 1st natl security strategy; tries to 'preserve autonomy' Global Times By GT staff reporters Published: Jun 14, 2023 11:31 PM German Chancellor Olaf Scholz and Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock on Wednesday unveiled the country's first-ever comprehensive national security strategy seeking to provide an overview of the country's foreign policy and ensure a cohesive cross-ministry approach to security, as well as to prevent Berlin from being wrong-footed by geopolitical events Chinese analysts believe the strategy can been viewed as a major symbol of settling inter-party and inter-ministerial disputes of the traffic light governing coalition. Although the document contains some strong-worded rhetoric against China, it also advocates cooperation, which indicates that China-Germany relations still have room to develop, analysts noted. According to the Financial Times, the document commits Germany to spending 2 percent of its GDP on defense, though only on a "multiannual average," while designating the Bundeswehr - the German armed forces - as the "cornerstone of Europe's conventional defense." The FT report cited a statement from the chancellery as saying that the new strategy is based on three pillars, and they are improving Germany's ability to defend itself, strengthening its resilience, in part by reducing its dependence on certain countries for raw materials and energy, diversifying its supply chains and strengthening its cyber-defenses, as well as focusing on sustainability. The idea of establishing a National Security Council, akin to those found in the US and Britain was eventually shelved, AP reported. Scholz pointed out that while the past policy documents focused on defense, the new strategy would focus more on foreign policy. Germany has had policy documents in the past addressing security but Scholz's three-way coalition agreed it wanted a more comprehensive strategy in its pact in November 2021. It is worth noting the considerable delay to its roll-out, since the original goal was to have it completed by the Munich Security Conference in February, Chinese analysts said, while pointing out that the Wednesday release could signal that internal disagreements in the three-way coalition have been settled. It marks that the leaders of Greens with a strong ideological stance have made concessions to the chancellery which stresses a more pragmatic approach to security issues, Wang Yiwei, director of the Institute of International Affairs at the Renmin University of China, told the Global Times on Wednesday. Although the document emphasizes resilience and diversifying Berlin's supply chains, it does not name individual countries over the matter, contrary to media speculation that singled out China. According to AP, the document said that Germany views China as "a partner, competitor and systemic rival," noting that Berlin saw that "elements of rivalry and competition have increased in recent years; at the same time China remains a partner without which many of the most pressing global challenges can't be solved." It is not the first time that Germany has labeled China with these three tags, which stems from the trend that the understanding of security has transformed for Germany and Europe, as well as the whole West, and there is a trend of expanding the conception of security. It is about time Germany pondered whether such security issues were caused by China or globalization itself, Wang noted. Although Berlin's China stance in the new security strategy is generally inclined toward "competitor" and "systemic rival," it lacks specific policies and measures in the more strongly worded parts. It reflects that there are compromises within the governing coalition, indicating they will take more time to formulate their China policy and specific implementations, Zheng Chunrong, director of German studies at Tongji University, told the Global Times on Wednesday. Chinese analysts view such wordings as simply fixed expressions in the current Western discourse, which did not affect pragmatic cooperation between China and Germany before, nor will it do so now. Germany's plan to preserve its cooperation with China inevitably faces US pressure in the opposite direction. Chinese analysts said that Berlin is trying to put aside ideological differences and trying not to provoke China, its largest trading partner, as well as making efforts to preserve its autonomy as a major country on the European continent despite pressure from the US to force allies to contain China. Berlin understands that China would play an essential part in Germany's twin transition toward green and digital innovation, Wang said, citing the electronic vehicles as an example. Germany and China could work together to draft standards for the industry and Germany needs to import lithium-ion batteries from China despite efforts to diversify sources for raw materials, he said. Both China and Germany have attached great importance to the upcoming seventh round of the China-Germany inter-governmental consultation scheduled on June 20, during which the two sides would continue to display pragmatic stances over bilateral ties, in which trading relations will underpin the relationship, analysts said. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Germany Unveils First-Ever National Security Strategy Sputnik News 20230614 BERLIN (Sputnik) - Germany unveiled on Wednesday its new National Security Strategy that designates Russia as "the biggest threat" to peace and security in the Euro-Atlantic region, after the US authorities identified Russia as an "acute threat" in their National Defense Strategy in October 2022. "Today's Russia poses the greatest threat to peace and security in the Euro-Atlantic region for the foreseeable future," the document published by the Foreign Ministry read. Russia's special military operation in Ukraine is a "milestone turning point in the European peace order" that directly threatens the security of Germany and its NATO allies, the strategy said. "Neither Germany nor NATO seeks hostility or confrontation with Russia. However, in the alliance, we are always ready and able to protect the sovereignty and freedom of us and our allies," the document read. Germany supports the preservation of communication channels between NATO and Russia, according to the new national security strategy. "The Federal Government stands for reducing risks and ensuring predictability, including maintaining reliable political and military communication channels in NATO-Russia relations. We remain open to mutual transparent measures if there are conditions for this," the document said. Germany also supports practical arms control instruments and confidence-building measures in the military sphere under the auspices of the OSCE. China's rise to regional dominance is undermining Germany's interests and values, the national security strategy shows. "We have observed that rivalry and competition have increased in the past years. China is trying in various ways to remould the existing rules-based international order, is asserting a regionally dominant position with ever more vigour, acting time and again counter to our interests and values," the white paper read. The "Integrated Security for Germany" said China was both a competitor and a partner of Germany's without whom many of the most pressing global challenges could not be resolved. It also accused the world's second-largest economy of using its clout to achieve political goals. Berlin will continue to provide NATO with carrier aircraft for nuclear deterrence in Europe, according to the document. "As long as nuclear weapons exist, NATO and European security need a credible nuclear deterrence. Germany will continue to contribute to the joint possession of nuclear weapons and will continuously provide the necessary carrier aircraft for this," the document read. This comes as Western countries have been providing military aid to Ukraine since the start of Russia's special military operation in February 2022. The aid includes both light and heavy weaponry, such as tanks and other armored vehicles, missiles, drones, artillery and ammunition. Russia has repeatedly warned against such supplies as they would further prolong the conflict and escalate it, possibly leading to the United States and NATO getting directly involved in the conflict. A Sputnik NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address US pushing India to seal big armed drone deal during Modi's visit: Report Iran Press TV Wednesday, 14 June 2023 10:57 AM US President Joe Biden's administration is reportedly pushing India to overcome its bureaucratic hurdles in order to progress a deal for buying a dozen American-made armed drones, as it seeks to deepen military ties between the two countries in a bid to "weaken" Russia and China. The push aimed at securing the purchase of MQ-9B SeaGuardian drones comes as Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi is due to visit Washington on June 22, two sources familiar with the matter told Reuters on Tuesday. The sources went on to say that since the date for Modi's visit is fixed, the US has urged India to be able to "show" progress on the deal to purchase MQ-9B SeaGuardian drones that could be worth $2 billion to $3 billion for years. During the visit, Modi and Biden are also expected to discuss the co-production of munitions and ground vehicles, like armored personnel carriers, the sources added. India has long expressed interest in buying MQ-9B SeaGuardian drones, made by General Atomics Aeronautical Systems, from the United States. However, New Delhi has to generate an "Acceptance of Necessity" internal document, an Indian precursor to a formal "Letter of Request", which kicks off the foreign military sale process, the sources said. As of Tuesday, the sources did not know whether New Delhi had generated the necessary internal document. A senior Biden administration official said Washington thinks it would be good for New Delhi to go through with the purchase of MQ-9s, this is a decision the government of India needs to make. Currently, India is leasing MQ-9Bs as part of an intelligence-gathering operation. The latest development comes as Biden has made deepening military ties with India a cornerstone of his policy to counter Russia and China's growing influence. The US president has placed special attention this year on collaboration between the two countries on advanced military technologies, despite their lack of a formal security alliance. Earlier this week, the two governments concluded a defense "road map" during US Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin's two-day visit to New Delhi. That could mean faster approvals for New Delhi as it tries to acquire hi-tech weaponry from Washington while opening up the possibility of the joint production of defense equipment. Analysts say these agreements might be Washington's way to slowly wean India off its reliance on Russia for military hardware and spare parts, and is part of a broader Western push to sell arms to New Delhi. It would also make New Delhi strong enough to be part of a strategy to "balance and deter" China, they added. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address IRGC dismantles terrorist cell in southeast Iran IRNA - Islamic Republic News Agency Jun 14, 2023 Tehran, IRNA -- A terrorist group has been dismantled by the Islamic Revolution Guards Corps (IRGC) in Sistan and Baluchestan province in southeastern Iran. The IRGC said in a statement on Wednesday that the terrorist group had been dismantled by its ground and intelligence forces in an area located to the south of Sistan Baluchestan province. Two terrorists were killed and another one was arrested in the blitz operation, A cache of weapons, ammunition, and explosives was also discovered and confiscated from the terrorists. 9376**9417**4261 NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address President Raisi officially welcomed by Nicaraguan counterpart IRNA - Islamic Republic News Agency Jun 14, 2023 Tehran, IRNA -- Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi has officially been welcomed by Nicaraguan President Daniel Ortega soon after arriving in the country's capital Managua on the second leg of his tour to three friendly Latin American countries. Ortega welcomed Raisi and his accompanying delegation in an official ceremony held at the Olof Palme Convention Centre on Tuesday evening local time. After the ceremony, the two presidents gave a speech to the people of Managua. The two presidents are slated to hold bilateral talks soon afterward. President Raisi left Caracas for Managua earlier in the day after meeting with top Venezuelan officials, including President Nicolas Maduro. He is also scheduled to visit Cuba where he will conclude his Latin American tour later this week. **9417**4261 NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address World order changing due to resilience of independent nations: Iran's president Iran Press TV Wednesday, 14 June 2023 7:23 PM Iran's president says the resilience of independent nations in Latin America and elsewhere has led to an ongoing transformation of the world order and the decline of the United States. Ebrahim Raeisi made the remarks Wednesday while addressing members of parliament in Nicaragua, the second leg of his three-nation tour of Latin America. "The domineering powers want to force their selfish interests on the nations, and that's why we should question why America and some Western countries, who pretend to care about human rights, freedom and democracy, don't respect the real votes of the nations in Palestine, Lebanon, Afghanistan, Iraq, Syria and Latin America," he said. They have oppressed the Palestinian people for 70 years and have not allowed democracy to happen in this country, added Raeisi. He said that in the past, imperialist powers used their armies or their agents to impose their will on other countries, but now they've resorted to sanctions to achieve that goal. The president said that "military occupation, coup and sanctions" are the tools of the regimes against independent nations, adding, "The US and Western countries claim to fight terrorism verbally, but in reality, as they admitted during the US presidential election, they created and supported the Daesh terrorist group." Pointing to the US crime in assassinating General Qassem Soleimani, a hero of the fight against terrorism, Raeisi said that people of the world reject Washington's false claims of fighting terrorism. "The current world order is changing and the indicators show that the authority of domineering power and the US is declining and the will of the nations in Latin America and West Asia is rising," he said. He said that the media empire of the colonial system tries to change the views of nations. "Imperialism tries to affect the influential groups of nations, and the duty of the elites of free societies is to prevent this." He emphasized Iran's policy of developing relations with independent countries, noting that there are many opportunities for developing relations between Latin American countries, especially Nicaragua and Iran, and the Islamic Republic of Iran is fully ready to share its experiences and capacities with Nicaragua. Therefore, he stressed, constant communication between independent countries is vital so that they are better protected against imperialist plans and conspiracies. He also noted that Iran and Nicaragua share a common history of resistance and combat a common enemy, as well as respect for the people's will and vote. Raeisi arrived in Nicaragua on Tuesday, heading a high-ranking politico-economic delegation. President of the Assembly Gustavo Porras CortAs also addressed the meeting before Raeisi, saying the efforts to improve people's welfare, realize freedom, independence, justice, and defense against US imperialism as the commonalities between Iran and Nicaragua. On the first leg of the trip, Raeisi visited Venezuela, where officials from the two countries signed 25 cooperation agreements and memorandums of understanding in various fields, including petrochemicals and oil. A delegation comprising ministers of foreign affairs, oil, defense, and health is accompanying Raeisi on his first visit to the region, which will also take him to Cuba. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address IRGC Ground Force busts terror team in Sistan and Baluchestan, kills 2 terrorists Iran Press TV Wednesday, 14 June 2023 10:45 AM Iran's Islamic Revolution Guards Corps (IRGC) Ground Force has managed to smash a team of terrorists in the country's southeastern province of Sistan and Baluchestan close to the border with Pakistan. The IRGC Ground Force's Quds Base said in a statement on Wednesday that the team had been busted before carrying out its plans for terrorist operations in the southern part of the province. The statement added that the IRGC servicemen ambushed the terrorist team and disbanded it in cooperation with the Intelligence Ministry forces. Two terrorists were killed and a third one was arrested in the operation, which also resulted in the confiscation of ammunition, weapons and explosives, it said. Sistan and Baluchestan province, which borders Pakistan, has witnessed several terror attacks targeting both civilians and security forces over the past years. Terrorist groups carrying out attacks against Iranian interests in the southeastern and southwestern parts of the country have known links to a number of repressive regimes in the Persian Gulf region. Iran's security forces have invariably protected the border areas and managed to repel almost all terrorist attacks by foreign-backed anti-revolution elements across the country. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address The Farda Briefing: Iran, U.S. Renew Engagement To Avoid 'Big Crisis' By Golnaz Esfandiari June 14, 2023 The Big Issue Iran said it is engaged in indirect talks with the United States over a possible prisoner swap and the lifting of crippling American sanctions. Foreign Ministry spokesman Nasser Kanaani said on June 12 that a prisoner swap could be agreed "in the near future" if Washington shows "the same seriousness and goodwill." At least three dual Iranian-American citizens are currently held by Tehran, including businessmen Siamak Namazi, who has been in prison since 2015. Kanaani said the basis for the indirect talks, mediated by Oman, is the 2015 nuclear deal between Tehran and world powers. Then-U.S. President Donald Trump withdrew Washington from the agreement and reimposed sanctions in 2018. In response, Tehran has expanded its sensitive nuclear activities, raising fears in the West that it could build a nuclear weapon. Washington has not denied that it is engaged in indirect talks with Tehran. An unnamed U.S. official told Reuters that the two sides are not discussing a possible interim deal that could involve Tehran agreeing to suspend its nuclear activities in exchange for some sanctions relief. "We have made clear to them what escalatory steps they needed to avoid to prevent a crisis and what de-escalatory steps they could take to create a more positive context," the official said, without offering details. Tehran's confirmation of indirect talks came after Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei said over the weekend that "there is nothing wrong with an agreement [with the West]," although he added that "the infrastructure of our nuclear industry should not be touched." The UN's nuclear watchdog said recently that Tehran had resolved some outstanding issues that the agency had raised. Why It Matters: Iran and the United States appear to be renewing their engagement after a monthslong pause. The sides have held talks over reviving the nuclear deal since President Joe Biden assumed office in 2020. But the negotiations have proved protracted and inconclusive, with Washington accusing Tehran of making unrealistic demands. After the antiestablishment protests erupted in Iran in September 2022, Washington said the nuclear deal was "not on the agenda." Ali Vaez, director of the Iran project at the International Crisis Group, told me that a prisoner swap "could open the door to more de-escalation, which in turn could create time and space to discuss a way forward." "Both sides seem to have realized that the 'no deal, no crisis' status quo could quickly turn into a 'no deal, big crisis' situation that neither side wants," Vaez said. What's Next: It is not clear if Tehran is ready to take steps that would lead to a de-escalation, including allowing UN inspectors greater access to its nuclear sites and releasing detained Americans. But Khamenei's comments appear to have prepared the ground for "renewed engagement with the West," according to Vaez. Stories You Might Have Missed A declassified U.S. cable obtained by RFE/RL's Radio Farda shows that a close associate and longtime friend of the founder of the Islamic republic, Ayatollah Ruhollah Khomeini, met with U.S. Embassy officials in Iran in the 1960s. Iran's relations with its northwestern neighbor Azerbaijan have devolved into scolding and heated rhetoric as Tehran objects to outside influence from regional rivals in what it considers its backyard. The discord has been fueled by violent incidents, war games, Baku's military cooperation with Israel, and objections to the prospect of Azerbaijan building a trade corridor to the West. What We're Watching In his first trip to Latin America, Iran's President Ebrahim Raisi met with his Venezuelan counterpart, Nicola Maduro, on June 13. Raisi said the two countries have "common interests and common enemies." Iran and Venezuela are both under U.S. sanctions. The countries have forged close ties in recent years. In 2020, Iran provided fuel to the country during a shortage. Raisi arrived in Nicaragua on June 14 where he met with seniors officials. He will later travel to Cuba. Why It Matters: Raisi's trip is aimed at bolstering Iran's ties with its Latin American allies and increasing its presence in the region. Before departing Tehran, the Iranian president said the country's relations with "independent" Latin American countries was "strategic." "Through its presence in America's backyard, Tehran wants to pursue its political and ideological calculations and create some kind of convergence with these countries," Iranian analyst Hadi Alami Fariman told the hard-line Tasnim news agency. Source: https://www.rferl.org/a/farda-briefing-iran-us- renew-engagement/32459173.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 Iran's Revolutionary Guards Say Two Members Die In Iranian Kurdistan By RFE/RL's Radio Farda June 14, 2023 The Islamic Revolutionary Guards Corps (IRGC) says two of its members have died in separate incidents in Iranian Kurdistan amid clashes in the region. The IRGC, which has been involved in operations against individuals they have deemed "suspicious" and those accused of killing Sajjad Amiri, a Basij paramilitary member, acknowledged the deaths on June 14. The IRGC's Kermanshah Province branch said Mehdi Shah Maleki died in a "confrontation with a suspicious individual" in the city of Eslamabad-e-Gharb. It did not provide further details on the killing but added that two other IRGC members were also injured by gunfire. The IRGC claims that the "suspicious individual" was arrested, but Hengaw, a Norway-based group that monitors rights violations in Iran's Kurdish regions, said the IRGC "has not been successful in arresting anyone and has fired indiscriminately at residential homes." The Tasnim News Agency, which is affiliated with the IRGC, claimed that the identities of two suspects in Amiri's murder are "known" and that one of them had been convicted of previous crimes and had failed to return to prison after the end of a leave granted for a family visit. In a separate incident, Hengaw reported that an IRGC member was killed in an armed confrontation between IRGC forces and members of the Kurdistan Free Life Party (PJAK) on June 13 in the vicinity of the city of Sarvabad. IRGC ground forces announced the "complete cleansing" on June 14 of the Kowsalan heights in the city of Sarvabad from those whom the IRGC has labeled "counter-revolutionaries." At the time, the IRGC did not mention any casualties in these confrontations. Two Kurdish news sites reported that IRGC forces "shelled" the area and that last week, IRGC forces used drones to shell areas around the mountain of Shahu in the cities of Ravansar, Paveh, and Sarvabad in Kermanshah and Kurdistan provinces. Iran has been roiled in recent months by nationwide protests sparked by the September 2022 death of Mahsa Amini while she was being held in police custody for allegedly wearing a head scarf improperly. The protests started in Amini's hometown of Saghez in Iran's Kurdistan region and spread to dozens of cities and towns across Iran. The wave of protests and the government crackdown that followed have left scores of demonstrators dead and seen thousands detained. Written by Ardeshir Tayebi based on an original story in Persian by RFE/RL's Radio Farda Source: https://www.rferl.org/a/iran-two-revolutionary- guards-killed-kurdistan/32459572.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 Tehran Residents Report Further Water Issues Despite Government Claims Of Fix By RFE/RL's Radio Farda June 14, 2023 Residents of Tehran are reporting a fifth consecutive day of water cuts despite government claims that a shortage, which last year sparked demonstrations in many areas of the country, had been resolved. Energy Minister Ali Akbar Mehrabian said on June 13 that, while the issue had been taken care of, residents should conserve water as much as possible until levels return to normal in the near term. The ministry has said a large mass of rock and mud ended up on the bed of the Karaj River because of a landslide and subsequent flooding last week, cutting off the water connection to Tehran and Karaj. The news website Entekhab, however, reported that residents from various areas in Tehran, including Aryashahr, Sattarkhan, Gisha, Ashrafi Esfahani, Haft Tir, Talghani, Gholhak, and Narmak, said they were still experiencing water cuts. The website also criticized the government for failing to explain the situation. A source within the Energy Ministry was quoted by the Tehran-based news site Khabar Online as saying that the delay in restoring water to the capital was due to the high turbidity of the water in the Amir Kabir Dam following the landslide. The source added that reducing the turbidity -- caused by particles in the water -- will be a gradual and time-consuming process and that water cuts will continue "in a managed manner" in the coming days. Diminishing water supplies are seen as an existential threat to Iran, where poor water management, drought, and corruption-ridden infrastructure projects have contributed to water scarcity. Mohammad Reza Bakhtiari, the former CEO of Tehran Water and Wastewater, says that while "about one-fifth of the urban drinking water is wasted due to a worn-out water supply network," officials keep saying the solution to the crisis in Tehran is "conservation by consumers." The situation mirrors that in many cities across the country where water shortages -- and protests over the crisis -- are becoming more commonplace. Experts say climate change has amplified the droughts and floods plaguing Iran and that their intensity and frequency threaten food security. The Iranian Meteorological Organization has estimated that 97 percent of the country is experiencing drought to some degree. Mismanagement by authorities has also been cited as a leading cause for the water crisis. Written by Ardeshir Tayebi based on an original story in Persian by RFE/RL's Radio Farda Source: https://www.rferl.org/a/tehran-water- shortage-drought-landslide-globa-warming/32459451.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 Netanyahu Claims US, Iran in Talks Over New Nuclear 'Mini-Deal' - Reports Sputnik News 20230614 MOSCOW (Sputnik) - Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has told a closed parliament meeting that the United States and Iran were negotiating a new nuclear "mini-deal," under which Tehran will limit its uranium enrichment in exchange for sanctions relief, Israeli news website reported, citing five lawmaker present at the meeting. On Monday, the Iranian Foreign Ministry confirmed indirect talks with the US in Oman on the nuclear program but noted that Tehran was not interested in a potential interim deal. It also specified that negotiations on a prisoner exchange are "continuing via mediators." Netanyahu said at a closed session of the parliament's foreign affairs committee on Tuesday that Washington and Tehran were in touch to try to negotiate a "mini-deal," and not a comprehensive agreement, under which Iran will not enrich uranium over 60%, while the US will unblock some of its funds abroad in return, the unnamed Israeli lawmakers were cited as saying. Netanyahu assured the lawmakers that these talks were not a revival of the 2015 Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action, which Israel strongly opposed, the lawmakers added. The US and Iran are also discussing a prisoner exchange, the report said. On Tuesday, the US Department of State said that most of the reports about some kind of temporary deal between the US and Iran on the nuclear program are inaccurate or misleading. A Sputnik NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address US Concerned as Iran Maneuvers Diplomatically Around Globe By Akmal Dawi June 14, 2023 Less than three months after reviving diplomatic relations with Saudi Arabia, thanks to Chinese mediation, Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi is now on a high-profile trip to several countries in South America, forging strategic alliances and challenging U.S. sanctions. Raisi's tour, which includes stops in Venezuela, Cuba and Nicaragua, is more than just a symbolic gesture of defiance against U.S. sanctions. According to Emanuele Ottolenghi, a senior fellow at the Foundation for Defense of Democracies, Iran is actively seeking alliances in opposition to U.S. sanctions and aims to promote a vision of a multipolar world where U.S. influence is eroded in favor of rising authoritarian powers such as Russia and China. "Where rising ascendant powers like China and Russia want to challenge U.S. dominance in trade and commerce ... this competition has created this open space for other aspiring authoritarian regimes like Iran to step into the fray," Ottolenghi told Geographically and culturally distinct, Iran nonetheless has maintained close ties with some South American regimes for decades, primarily to sow antagonism toward the United States, some analysts say. During the signing ceremony of several agreements between Iran and Venezuela, Raisi made a pointed reference to their "common enemy," alluding to the United States. In Washington, U.S. officials have downplayed the significance of Raisi's visit to the Americas. "We don't ask countries in this hemisphere or any other to choose who they're going to associate with, or who they're going to talk to, or who they're going to allow to visit. That's for them to speak to," John Kirby, White House National Security Council spokesman, said Monday. The United States remains concerned, though, about Iran's "destabilizing behavior" in the region, Kirby said. "We have and will continue to take steps to mitigate that behavior," he said without elaborating. Domestic audience In addition to international sanctions, the Islamic Republic of Iran has been facing widespread internal denunciation from women, minorities, civil society activists and concerned citizens. The Iranian government also has faced scathing criticism in recent months from the United Nations and other independent human rights groups for its alleged execution, imprisonment, torture and repression of women and political activists. Despite its controversial record in human rights, Iran has secured leadership status at the U.N. Human Rights Council, as well as the U.N. General Assembly in 2023, sparking condemnations from several human rights organizations. In his efforts to forge worldwide alliances with like-minded autocrats, Raisi also has set his sights on domestic perceptions. "Iran has sought relationships in Central and South America to demonstrate to a domestic audience that it has friends and allies internationally, despite U.S. and Western efforts to isolate Iran," Cynthia Arnson, an expert at the Washington-based Wilson Center, told VOA. Bypassing sanctions Decades of Western sanctions have plunged Iran's oil sector into turmoil, wreaking havoc on its economy. The intensified sanctions imposed by the U.S. between 2016 and 2020 are estimated to have inflicted staggering economic losses of up to $1 trillion on Iran. In the face of Western sanctions, both Iran and Russia, two major oil producers, have turned to alternative remedies, selling oil to China, India and other countries at heavily discounted prices. "Clearly, the situation we face today with regards to sanctions is very different from what we had a decade ago when the U.S. was successful in building a very strong architecture of sanctions jointly with allies, mostly in the Western world, but also to some extent with the support of Russia and China," Ottolenghi said. "In the case of Venezuela, Iran has assisted with a variety of methods to evade oil sanctions a using ship-to-ship transfers, for example, or turning off transponders to make it harder to track shipments," said Arnson. While the sanctions have dealt significant blows to Iran's economy, senior U.S. officials acknowledge they have not fully achieved their desired objective of changing the behavior of the Islamic Republic. Iran's growing ability to forge economic and strategic alliances in some parts of the world is considered a serious threat for democratic movements. "It is not about ideology. It is about power. It is about autocracy," said Leopoldo Lopez, a Venezuelan pro-democracy activist at the Oslo Freedom Forum. "As they said yesterday in Caracas, it's about going against their enemies. And part of what they identify as their enemies, not only the United States or liberal democracy, is what they call the color revolutions. And the color revolutions are what many of us represent, are the revolutions, the movements, against autocratic regimes," Lopez said. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Iran urges sanctions-busting cooperation among independent countries Iran Press TV Thursday, 15 June 2023 3:22 AM Iranian President Ebrahim Raeisi has laid emphasis on the need for the existence of cooperation among independent countries towards neutralization of the predicaments that they commonly face, including Western sanctions. The chief executive made the remarks during a joint press conference with his Nicaraguan counterpart, Daniel Ortega, in Managua, Nicaragua's capital, on Wednesday. Raeisi set out on a three-nation tour of Latin America earlier this week, heading a ranking political delegation. The Iranian president has already visited Venezuela and is scheduled to travel to Cuba after leaving Nicaragua. "Cooperation between Latin American countries and other independent countries across various regions can forge a unity that can both neutralize sanctions and increase the capacities of the countries in question," the Iranian president said. Throughout the tour, the Iranian chief executive has been similarly promoting the existence of integrity among independent nations as means of pushing back against the world's hegemonic powers. Speaking alongside Ortega, Raeisi likewise noted that nations' resistance as well as their pursuit of justice and freedom would render imperialists inactive and drive them back. "This is what has happened across many Latin American countries in the face of the imperialist system and the United States' and its supporters' excessive demands," he noted. The president hailed that Iran too had turned the threats that have faced it on the part of the US and its allies into opportunities, and has, resultantly, attained "remarkable progress" in various fields such as the scientific, technical-engineering, healthcare, and pharmaceutical areas. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Myanmar's shadow government creates guerilla militia in Yangon Forming the new unit in a junta stronghold will likely lead to more violence By RFA Burmese 2023.06.14 -- Myanmar's shadow government has established an armed battalion in the country's largest city of Yangon, intended to strengthen opposition to the junta and strategically formulate the fall of military rule, shadow government officials told Radio Free Asia. Defense officials from the National Unity Government, or NUG, announced on June 1 that Public Defense Force 5101, or PDF 5101, is operating under its Yangon Region Military Command. Yangon and its surrounding areas are the second strongest power base for the military junta behind the capital Naypyidaw, to the north. In the aftermath of the military coup on Feb.1, 2021, armed citizens opposed to military rule began banding together to form PDFs-guerilla-style militia groups-to fight back against the junta. Many of these affiliated themselves with the NUG after it was formed by remnants of Myanmar's democratically elected government. Claiming a PDF in Yangon is a stepping stone towards a stronger resistance toward the junta, Naing Htoo Aung, secretary of the NUG's Ministry of Defense, told RFA's Burmese Service. He said it aims to combine existing urban guerrilla attack strategies with traditional combat tactics to shorten the response time to junta military threats in Yangon. "After regiments like this have been established, we will be able to organize stronger, more united and more traditional battles that can formulate more strategic attacks at the military junta," said Naing Htoo Aung. Following the NUG's announcement, junta personnel took to the Yangon streets, saying to residents through loudspeakers that they should not harbor members of PDFs in their homes, not to rent their homes ot PDF members, and to report to authorities any suspicious activity, Yangon residents told RFA. Wake up call The establishment of the PDF in Yangon is a wake up call to the junta, Sayar Kyaung, leader of the anti-junta Yangon UG [Urban Guerilla] Association, a coalition of guerilla groups from the city. But the announcement will cause the junta to come after groups like the UG association. "Since Yangon is under the control of the enemy, they search very thoroughly, inspect and arrest more people in the area, making things harder for us." RFA attempted to contact the junta's spokesperson Maj. Gen. Zaw Min Tun for comment, but he did not answer phone calls. The NUG's announcement is likely false according to Thien Tun Oo, the executive director of the Thayninga Institute for Strategic Studies, a group of former military officers said. "In my opinion, it's more like a propaganda attempt," he said. "It cannot be practical for them to do anything in the Yangon region under the current situation." More violence expected Anti-junta forces shot and killed about 600 junta military personnel in and around Yangon during the month of May, including officers ranked as high as majors, the NUG's Yangon Regional Military Sub-division announced on June 3. On June 5, six people were injured in an explosion at the office of the chief of Internal Revenue Department in Yangon, and on On June 6, three bombs exploded near the city's Insein Prison. The NUG's declaration of a newly formed armed battalion will likely cause more violence between the two sides, Sai Kyi Zin Soe, a political analyst, told RFA. "There can be more deadly incidents leading to escalating anxiety among the people," he said. "I think that those who are already hiding from the military forces will have narrower freedom to move about and fewer choices of accommodation with more difficult livelihood opportunities." According to NUG data, there are more than 300 PDF groups in 250 townships nationwide. The junta has therefore attempted to take a page out of the PDF playbook and has organized citizen militias loyal to the junta. Dialogue will, however, be the only way to avoid more fighting and casualties, Ye Tun, a political analyst, told RFA. "There have been escalating anxieties, feelings of insecurity and personal vendettas among the people lately. This is a very bad consequence of politics in Myanmar," he said. "We need to be very careful not to let things like this happen." According to the Assistance Association for Political Prisoners, 3,659 pro-democracy activists and civilians have been killed since the military coup, and 23,337 people have been arrested as of Wednesday. A junta statement issued April 9, reported that from the coup through March 16, 2023, a total of 4,645 civilians were killed by PDF forces. RFA could not independently verify the data from either organization, but if both statements are accurate, a total of 8,304 people have died on both sides since the coup. Translated by Myo Min Aung. Edited by Eugene Whong 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 Junta cracks down on residents of Myanmar's Kale township Troops arrested 5 people over 2 weeks in the Sagaing region town. By RFA Burmese 2023.06.14 -- A junta slipknot is tightening in Sagaing region's Kale township, as troops guard every intersection, conducting door-to-door searches and arresting people suspected of being involved in pro-democracy politics, locals told RFA Burmese Wednesday. Five people were arrested between June 1 and June 14, said residents who didn't want to be identified for fear of reprisals. At night troops go from home to home, checking household registration lists, they said. They also stop motorcycles and question riders and passengers. As a result of the searches they arrested Pau Suan Khual, Su Su Win, Thiri Lin, Mary San and Naing Htwe. "The junta council troops conduct casual checks in Kale city every day, targeting young people who are on motorbikes and checking their phones," said a Kale resident who declined to be named. "People are arrested if they are suspected of being involved in politics." The five people, believed to be in their twenties, were taken to the Military Regional Command Headquarters interrogation center in Kale township. Residents said police and soldiers also threaten passers-by and demand money from them. RFA called Sagaing region junta spokesperson Aye Hlaing Wednesday but nobody answered. One man died during interrogation after being arrested on May 19. Salai Ram Lian Pan, 29, was detained at a junta checkpoint as he tried to ride his motorbike across the township. On June 7, junta authorities told the family to pick up his dead body. The National League for Democracy, a party ostensibly dissolved by the government this year even though it won a landslide victory in elections before the Feb. 2021 coup, said Tuesday that 3,818 civilians, including 93 NLD members have been killed since the military takeover. Translated by RFA Burmese. Edited by 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 Activists Concerned About Reports of Rohingya Refugees Being Coerced to Repatriate to Myanmar By Shaikh Azizur Rahman June 14, 2023 Rights activists have expressed concerns about reports that Rohingya refugees in Bangladesh are being coerced and offered cash incentives by the Bangladesh government to return to Myanmar. Bangladesh "must immediately suspend" the pilot repatriation project for Rohingya refugees to return to Myanmar, a senior U.N. expert said. "In the past fortnight, [Bangladeshi] government officials threatened several members of our [Rohingya] community with violence if we do not return to Myanmar," a Rohingya on Bay of Bengal Island Bhasan Char a who fears reprisal and does not want to be identified a told VOA. In a news release issued June 8 by the office of the U.N. high commissioner for human rights, the special rapporteur on human rights in Myanmar, Tom Andrews, said reports have surfaced that Bangladeshi authorities are using "deceptive and coercive measures" to compel Rohingya refugees to return to Myanmar. "Conditions in Myanmar are anything but conducive for the safe, dignified, sustainable, and voluntary return of Rohingya refugees," Andrews said in the statement. "I implore Bangladesh to immediately suspend the repatriation pilot programme." Phil Robertson, Asia division deputy director of Human Rights Watch (HRW), noted that Bangladesh is "squeezing the Rohingya camp residents economically, abusing their rights, and making the refugees as miserable and desperate as possible" in the hope they will accept "Myanmar's woefully unacceptable offer" for repatriation. Third attempt at repatriation After two previous efforts to send the Rohingya back to Myanmar failed in 2018 and 2019, Myanmar and Bangladesh are making another effort to repatriate about 1,100 Rohingya refugees. Over the past couple of weeks, however, it has come to light that Rohingyas are not willing to return to Myanmar given the current situation, and the Bangladeshi officials are resorting to coercive tactics. "Two weeks ago, some [Bangladeshi] government officials told us through some [Rohingya] cluster focal leaders that each Rohingya family would be offered U.S. $2,000 if they repatriated to Myanmar. The news brought relief to many of us who have been struggling to find income opportunities in Bangladesh. Like many other Rohingyas, I enrolled myself and my family for repatriation," an anonymous Rohingya refugee told VOA on Monday. "But after a high Bangladeshi official a few days ago clarified that there was no such offer of cash incentive for the repatriating Rohingyas from the Bangladesh government, I have decided to withdraw from the repatriation list." Other Rohingyas said they are scared to return to Myanmar at this time. "We have overheard that the military junta intends to confine us to camps and issue a National Verification Card [NVC] that would render us illegal immigrants in our own homeland. These reports have created fear and doubts among the families who enlisted their names for repatriation, and now they all want to withdraw from the list," another Bhasan Char-based Rohingya refugee told VOA. Citizenship rights The refugees are facing "indescribable hardships" in Bangladesh, and they all want to return to their "ancestral land" in Myanmar once the government officially recognizes the community as an "official ethnicity as Rohingya in the parliament," Cox's Bazar-based Rohingya community leader and human rights defender Htway Lwin said. "We insist on the repatriation process including rehabilitating Rohingya in Sittwe's IDP [internally displaced people] camps to their original villages, granting them full citizenship rights, ensuring their safety, religious freedom, and freedom of movement, as well as access to education and health care a the same rights being enjoying by the other 135 ethnic groups in Myanmar," Lwin told VOA. After violence displaced hundreds of thousands of Rohingya in 2017, Myanmar authorities interned many of them in an open-air detention camp in Sittwe where 130,000 of them still live in abusive and squalid conditions. "If these demands are not guaranteed, the repatriation process mediated by China could result in a disastrous situation involving three countries, negatively impacting the Rohingya community," he noted. Mohammed Mizanur Rahman, Bangladesh's refugee relief and repatriation commissioner in Cox's Bazar, said Tuesday the repatriation-related preparation was "in process." "This is not true that the Rohingya are being coerced to return to Myanmar. And, we have not offered any cash incentive to anyone for returning to Myanmar," Rahman told VOA. The director of rights group Fortify Rights, John Quinley, told VOA, "The Myanmar junta recently gave out pamphlets to Rohingya promoting the National Verification Card [NVC] process and told refugees that if they return to Myanmar, they must accept NVCs. The reality is NVCs do not allow Rohingya to self-identify and label the Rohingya as foreigners in their own land." Myanmar's State Administration Council junta has fundamentally failed to address any of the key Rohingya demands for their voluntary return, HRW's Robertson said. "The Rohingya refugees are facing the classic 'out of the frying pan, and into the fire' situation, with Bangladesh officials apparently threatening they will face violence if they stay," Robertson told VOA. "But the Rohingya know they could face atrocities and worse if they return to Myanmar under the control of the Tatmadaw, who butchered, raped, and burned them out of Rakhine state in 2017." NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Pakistan pays for first shipment of Russian oil in yuan Iran Press TV Wednesday, 14 June 2023 10:47 AM Pakistan has paid for its first import of discounted Russian crude oil in China's yuan, marking a significant shift in the South Asian country's policy of paying for exports in US dollars, and opening a new chapter in the bilateral relations between Islamabad and Moscow. The government-to-government (G2G) purchase of Russian oil was 100,000 tonnes and "payment was made in RMB", Pakistan's oil minister Musadik Malik said on Tuesday, without disclosing the commercial details of the deal, including pricing or the discount that Pakistan received. The first shipment of Russian oil, arranged under a deal struck between Islamabad and Moscow earlier this year, arrived at the port of Karachi in the south of the country on Sunday. Pakistan's purchase gives Moscow a new opportunity to add to growing sales to India and China, as it redirects oil from Western markets to the Eastern ones because of the Ukraine war. "This is normal trade cooperation between Pakistan and Russia and within the scope of their sovereignty," China's Foreign Ministry said. "As a matter of principle, we are open to the settlement of crude oil trade in RMB," the ministry said. Large amounts of oil paid for in non-US currencies at discounted prices come at a crucial time for Pakistan, which is suffering from a balance of payments problem that puts the country at risk of defaulting on its foreign debts. The foreign exchange reserves of the Central Bank of Pakistan are currently only sufficient to cover one month of controlled imports. Energy imports constitute a major part of Pakistan's foreign payments. Pakistan currently imports most of its oil from Saudi Arabia and the UAE and pays for it in US dollars. However, the oil minister noted that moving forward, "We're looking to target one-third of our total oil imports at the Russian crude," roughly 100,000 barrels per day. New chapter in bilateral relations After receiving the first shipment of Russian oil, Prime Minister Shahbaz Sharif announced that it was the beginning of a "new relationship between Pakistan and the Russian Federation". "Today is a transformative day. We are moving one step at a time toward prosperity, economic growth, energy security, and affordability. I commend all those who remained part of this national endeavor and contributed to translating the promise of Russian oil import into reality," the prime minister added. Earlier this month, Pakistan announced a barter trade agreement with Russia, Iran, and Afghanistan in an effort to ease the growing pressure on its already depleted foreign reserves. The exchange mechanism allows crude oil, liquefied natural gas (LNG), liquefied petroleum gas (LPG), wheat, iron, and steel to be imported from Russia, while coal, crude oil, LNG and LPG, fruits, nuts, and vegetables are allowed to be imported from Iran. Despite its status as a longtime ally of the United States, Pakistan is forging closer ties with Russia. In the 1980s, during the Soviet occupation of Afghanistan, Pakistan provided strategic depth for CIA-backed militias to attack Soviet forces. Pakistan's intelligence agency, ISI, worked on behalf of the CIA to establish, finance, and arm Mujahideen groups as part of a policy to bleed the Soviet military. Although Russia and Pakistan were enemies during the Cold War, both countries showed a willingness to overcome historical differences. Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov today released a video statement emphasizing the desire to expand cooperation with Pakistan. "We are aware of the profound interest and respect the Pakistani people hold for Russia and President Vladimir Putin. We greatly appreciate it," stated the Russian foreign minister in his address. "Nowadays, our relations are advanced and based on trust. They are founded on the concurrence or proximity of approaches to the key issues of the international agenda. Together with our Pakistani partners, we stand for shaping a more just and democratic multipolar world order," he added. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Pakistan Urged to Drop 'Absurd' Mutiny Charges Against Journalists By Ayaz Gul June 14, 2023 Multiple identical complaints filed with police in Pakistan this week have accused several self-exiled journalists of inciting mutiny against the state and defaming the military, a move critics view as another attempt to suppress freedom of speech in the country. The journalists facing the charges work out of the United States and Britain. Most of them fled Pakistan in recent months, citing personal security concerns. They include freelancer Wajahat Saeed Khan, Shaheen Sehbai a the former editor of a mainstream Pakistani newspaper a and Moeed Pirzada and Sabir Shakir, both of whom hosted popular TV political talk shows on national channels. While those filing the complaints have identified themselves as "patriotic citizens," critics accuse the military of being behind the cases. Reporters Without Borders, a France-based international defender of media freedom, denounced the charges against Khan and Sehbai as absurd, demanding Pakistani prosecutors immediately dismiss them. The watchdog defended the two men saying they "have just practiced journalism" and have done nothing else. "Make no mistake a the sole purpose of this ludicrous complaint ... is to intimidate the two journalists into silence," said Daniel Bastard, the head of RSF's Asia-Pacific desk. "The credibility of the rule of law in Pakistan, and above all, judicial independence in the face of unacceptable military interference is at stake." The allegations against the journalists stem from violent nationwide protests sparked by the May 9 arrest of former Prime Minister Imran Khan on corruption charges. Protesters also vandalized several military sites and symbols, prompting incumbent Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and the military to arrest thousands of supporters of Khan's opposition Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf, or PTI, party. The detainees include women. Dozens of PTI workers face trials in military courts for allegedly playing a role in the attacks on defense installations. The journalists in question, via YouTube shows and Twitter posts, have since routinely criticized the military for unleashing the clampdown on Khan supporters and alleged human rights abuses against detainees. Pirzada dismissed charges against him as "bogus and baseless," vowing to contest them through his attorneys in Pakistani and even U.S. courts. "The only goal is to silence dissent from journalists outside Pakistan a after totally suppressing Pakistani media," Pirzada wrote on Twitter. The whereabouts of a nationally known journalist, Imran Riaz Khan, remain unknown a month after police picked him up in the populous Punjab province. "In the run-up to general elections that are due to be held on a still-undetermined date in the coming weeks, Pakistan's journalists - both those in Pakistan and those abroad - are being subjected to growing harassment by the military establishment and intelligence agencies," the RSF alleged in its statement. The U.S.-based Committee to Protect Journalists said the growing censorship in Pakistan is extremely concerning. "It is essential for journalists to keep the public informed about the country's political situation," Beh Lih Yi, CPJ's Asia program coordinator, told VOA. "Pakistani authorities must reverse their blatant acts of censorship and allow the media to report freely without the fear of harassment by law enforcement," she said. Ban on Khan The military has allegedly barred all Pakistani news channels from showing pictures of former Prime Minister Khan or using his name. Senior army officers conveyed the warning to media owners in a meeting in the capital, Islamabad, earlier this month, several attendees told VOA on the condition of anonymity. Instead, government news conferences, speeches, and statements denouncing Khan and his supporters as "miscreants" and "hatemongers" are often broadcast, with all the channels airing images of the incidents of arson and vandalism in the run-up to hourly bulletins. The former prime minister has openly accused the Pakistani military of being behind the crackdown and media ban in a bid to dismantle his party. Khan has distanced his party from the violence, blaming government-infiltrated "saboteurs" for the ransacking. VOA has contacted the army's media wing for a reaction to the allegations but did not receive a response immediately. Last week, a strongly worded military statement quoted its chief, General Asim Munir, as telling his top commanders that "attempts to take refuge behind imaginary and mirage human rights violations to create a smoke screen for hiding the ugly faces of all involved, are absolutely futile." Without naming Khan, the army chief added, "It is time that the noose of law is also tightened around the planners and masterminds who mounted the hate-ripened and politically driven rebellion against the state." On Wednesday, Pakistani Law Minister Azam Nazeer Tarar defended military trials of civilians while speaking to reporters. He claimed the country's army laws meet "the internationally acknowledged minimum requirements" for a fair trial. Additionally, Sharif attempted in a recent statement to assure critics that "the culprits are being dealt with under the law and that I will ensure that no rights violations take place." Pakistan's National Assembly, the lower house of the parliament, passed a resolution on Monday calling for military trials "without even a single-day delay" of PTI members allegedly involved in last month's rioting. Skeptics such as the independent Human Rights Commission of Pakistan, or HRCP, swiftly rejected the resolution, reiterating their strong opposition to military trials of civilians. The watchdog said the resolution "seems to imply that the government is willing to sacrifice the right to a fair trial, transparency, and due process on the altar of political expediency." Khan's critics attribute his rise to power after the 2018 election to his close ties with the military, and he was removed from power in April 2022 through a parliamentary vote of no-confidence after falling out with the institution. According to all recent polls, the deposed prime minister remains the most popular politician in Pakistan, but the crackdown on his party has forced dozens of his aides to publicly abandoned Khan or quit politics altogether, praising the military and condemning the protests. They all appeared to be reading from the same script but denied they were leaving the party under any pressure, claims critics dismissed. Those abandoning Khan have been allowed to leave jails and join rival political parties without facing prosecution regarding the alleged violence against military installations. PTI leaders who remain in hiding to avoid being arrested have complained their family members have been harassed and subjected to abuse by police in repeated raids on their homes. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Foreign Ministry Spokeswoman Maria Zakharova's comment on US nuclear arms activities 13 June 2023 20:02 1168-13-06-2023 We noted the critical remarks by Alicia Sanders-Zakre, the Policy and Research Coordinator at the International Campaign to Abolish Nuclear Weapons. She spoke about US nuclear arms activities, and specifically, the deployment of over a hundred nuclear warheads on US bases in five European countries. As we are seeing, the international public continues to be concerned about Washington's pernicious practice of deploying nuclear weapons outside its national territory. Moreover, it is doing this in countries that have non-nuclear status according to the Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons. Obviously, this practice, which has been going on for many decades, is a destabilising factor for maintaining security in Europe and strategic stability throughout the world. Washington is doing all it can against this background to cover up its irresponsible behaviour and lay the blame at the wrong door. This is why it is making hypocritical, groundless accusations against Russia and Belarus in connection with their cooperation in the military nuclear field. We have already replied to these accusations, but we would like to recall some facts and remind our readers how these events developed. It was the NATO countries that introduced the concept of so-called "joint nuclear missions" and they have been following this for some decades. US nuclear weapons deployed in Belgium, Germany, Italy, the Netherlands and Turkey, are at the centre of this concept. These countries provide aircraft for the delivery of American warheads to targets while their military personnel are trained to handle nuclear arms and take part in operations on using them in combat. We have been stating the need to return all US nuclear weapons to their national territory at every multilateral disarmament conference we attend, but Washington and its allies ignore our demands. Moreover, nuclear bombs and their carriers are subjected to large-scale modernisation during said missions, which raises this potential risk to a fundamentally new level. Meanwhile, according to its doctrinal documents, Washington has been lowering the threshold of using nuclear arms and shifting emphasis to "limited use scenarios." We are bound to be concerned over the recent appeals to expand the geography of stockpiled US nuclear air bombs in Europe by moving them to the borders of the Union State of Russia and Belarus. Under these conditions of a West-unleashed total hybrid war against Russia and the US and NATO-declared intention to inflict "a strategic defeat" upon us, it would have been the height of levity and unreasonable self-confidence to hope for the absence of any military-technical countermeasures. The necessary measures were taken. We reserve the right to take additional measures to ensure the security of Russia and its allies. All our actions conform to international law and do not contradict our international commitments in any way. In this context, we would like to recall once again that, unlike in NATO's case, Russian-Belarusian nuclear military cooperation is taking place in the framework of the Union State that has a single territory and a common military doctrine. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Comment by Foreign Ministry Spokeswoman Maria Zakharova on the decision by the Government of Canada to confiscate an Antonov An-124 aircraft 13 June 2023 19:21 1165-13-06-2023 During his trip to Kiev, Prime Minister of Canada Justin Trudeau announced the decision to launch the procedure for confiscating an Antonov An-124 cargo aircraft owned by the Russian company Volga-Dnepr, citing Canadian sanctions legislation. The aircraft has been illegally detained at the Toronto airport since February 2022. We perceive this act as cynical and shameless theft. The administration of Justin Trudeau continues the tradition of its predecessors who granted political asylum to Nazi accomplices from among diehard pro-Bandera supporters. Acting on US orders, it motivates Ukrainian authorities to wage a war against Russia until the last Ukrainian. They pledge military and financial assistance, which, in reality, has not been all that generous, and promise to reward the Ukrainians for their zeal with stolen Russian property. The An-124 aircraft, which delivered Covid-19 medications to Toronto under a humanitarian project at the request of the Canadian government, was prevented from leaving the airport and was essentially taken hostage. It now turns out that Canadian authorities had a far-reaching aim in mind: to steal this unique aircraft and to hand it over to their clients in Kiev. The Russian side warns that the practical implementation of this decision will entail the most serious repercussions for Russian-Canadian relations, which are already on the verge of being severed through the fault of the official Ottawa. Any attempts to cover up this illegal and shameful act by judicial procedures will not impart even a semblance of legitimacy to it. We reserve the right to retaliate in line with the reciprocity principle. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Telephone conversation with Interim President of the Republic of Mali Assimi GoAta Vladimir Putin had a telephone conversation with Interim President of the Republic of Mali Assimi GoAta at the initiative of the Malian side. June 14, 2023 12:10 The presidents discussed current issues of bilateral cooperation in areas of mutual interest. Special emphasis was laid on trade and economic ties including supplies of Russian wheat as well as fertiliser and fuel to Mali. Assimi GoAta thanked Vladimir Putin for the humanitarian aid being rendered and for the assistance in ensuring security, neutralising the terrorist threat and stabilising the situation throughout Mali. The parties reaffirmed their mutual commitment to further strengthening traditionally friendly Russian-Malian relations. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Meeting with Prime Minister of Cuba Manuel Marrero Cruz Vladimir Putin met with Prime Minister of the Republic of Cuba Manuel Marrero Cruz at the Kremlin. June 14, 2023 15:50 The Kremlin, Moscow From the Russian side, the talks were attended by Presidential Aide Yury Ushakov and Deputy Prime Minister and Russian Co-Chair of the Russian-Cuban Intergovernmental Commission for Trade, Economic, Scientific and Technical Cooperation Dmitry Chernyshenko. * * * President of Russia Vladimir Putin: Mr Prime Minister, I am very glad to see you. There is no need to emphasise the special, allied and long-standing nature of our relations that took shape many decades ago. You are aware of the fact that we, in Russia, have special feelings for the Island of Freedom. It has always been so. Please convey my best wishes to Cuban President Miguel Diaz-Canel Bermudez and, of course, Comrade Raul Castro. Our relations are expanding despite difficulties. I am aware that a meeting of the intergovernmental commission was held not long ago. The co-chair of the intergovernmental commission from the Russian side, Mr Chernyshenko, is here now. He reported to me on the progress of this work. I know that you have a busy programme. Quite recently, we met in Sochi, where you represented Cuba within the framework of the EAEU. Cuba has observer status with the EAEU. Your programme in Moscow is packed with many meetings as well, and then you leave for St Petersburg to participate in the St Petersburg International Economic Forum. I hope it will be both useful and interesting. Our bilateral cooperation is even more interesting. It should cover all areas that we agreed upon, and I am sure this will be the case. It includes energy, tourism and other priority areas. We are aware of the fact that Cuba has been living under illegal sanctions for decades, yet the Cuban people are coping with them. For our part, we will do our best to ensure that our economic cooperation helps overcome the difficulties imposed on you from outside. We are very glad to see you. Welcome. Prime Minister of Cuba Manuel Marrero Cruz (retranslated): Thank you very much, Mr President. This meeting represents a great opportunity for us. I understand you have a very busy agenda and you rarely host guests at the Kremlin. I would like to say that this is my first visit to Russia as prime minister. I must say that we enjoyed a lot of attention. Before I left for Russia, General of the Army [Raul Castro] asked me to convey his warm regards to President Putin: "Tell him that we admire him and have a lot of respect for him for his courage, and we wish him every success." Also, President Miguel Diaz-Canel not only asked me to send his regards, but gave me a letter to pass on to you. So, I am giving this letter to the protocol department. This letter is for you personally. We want to congratulate you on the occasion of Russia Day, even though you marked it a day before yesterday. We saw people celebrating in the streets. On that day, we had a meeting with the Cuban Solidarity Movement in the evening. Our entire delegation took part in this meeting. You mentioned Sochi. It was a genuinely positive experience for us, because we have taken part in these events before, but this was the first time we took part in these events in person. I met there with the Prime Minister [Mikhail Mishustin] and prime ministers of other countries that are [EAEU] members. We had the chance to talk with the Prime Minister of Russia and discuss expanding bilateral trade and economic ties. We also discussed the challenges that we are facing due to the West's attempts to impose more sanctions. I thanked the Prime Minister of Russia for the role he played in making these events possible as part of the Eurasian Economic Union, which allowed us to fortify ties between our countries. I was thinking about Comandante Fidel Castro during that meeting. I told them, if Fidel were there, he would have said: "Stick together, because there is strength in unity." Your prime minister led all these meetings in a very professional manner. He organised the events perfectly, which helped bring our countries closer. We take great pride in the fact that even though geographically distant, our country has become an observer state. During our meetings, we found out that opportunities for bilateral cooperation abound. We proposed holding an EAEU meeting in Havana, because this will help us discover new opportunities in our country given that Cuba has many agreements with the countries of the Caribbean and the Latin American region. Rest assured that Cuba is strongly opposed to the unilateral Western sanctions on Russia. I would also like to assure you that we are against the West's attempts to isolate Russia from international organisations, and the West creating Russophobia where everything coming from Russia is bad. Therefore, I must say that the West has so far failed to isolate Russia. We see genuine strength and fortitude in your country, and we are very proud of Russia. Our country's economy is weak, and we have been unable to grow our economy during the years of the blockade, but, as you noted, we retained our resilience and resistance. Our people continue to support the revolution, even though they have to deal with great difficulties, but rest assured that our people will put up a fight in order to be able to move forward. We are following up on the agreements that were reached during your meeting with our President last November. Russian delegations have visited Cuba, and we are already working on ways to move specific projects forward, that is, we are very pleased with the pace at which our relations are moving. Trade and economic relations are on track to reach the level of political relations. Vladimir Putin: Thank you. <...> NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Russia concerned over calls to move U.S. nuclear bombs in Europe closer to Russia, Belarus: spokesperson People's Daily Online (Xinhua) 15:06, June 14, 2023 MOSCOW, June 14 (Xinhua) -- Russia is concerned about the recent calls to move U.S. nuclear bombs in Europe closer to the borders of Russia and Belarus, Russian Foreign Ministry spokesperson Maria Zakharova said on Tuesday. "These calls ... cause concern against the backdrop of the destructive practice of Washington, which places its nuclear weapons outside its territory, including in countries that are non-nuclear under the Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons," Zakharova said in a statement published on the ministry's website. Accusing Washington of trying to mask its irresponsible behavior in the field of nuclear weapons by blaming Russia and Belarus, Zakharova said that Russia and Belarus were developing their cooperation in the military nuclear sphere in accordance with international law and their national interests. Russian President Vladimir Putin said on Friday in a meeting with his Belarusian counterpart Alexander Lukashenko that Russia will deploy certain types of weapons in Belarus after July 8. The construction of a special storage facility for tactical nuclear weapons on Belarusian territory would be completed in July, said Putin. It is estimated that the United States keeps around 100 tactical nuclear warheads at six bases in five NATO countries -- Belgium, Germany, Italy, the Netherlands and TArkiye, according to a report by the TASS news agency. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Russian Defence Minister checks combat duty at a new site of the Space Monitoring System 14.06.2023 Russian Defence Minister General of the Army Sergei Shoigu has checked combat duty at a new facility of the Space Monitoring System as part of a working visit to the troops of the Western Military District. Commander of the Space Force - Deputy Commander-in-Chief of the Aerospace Forces Colonel General Aleksandr Golovko reported to the Russian Defence Minister on the technical and functional characteristics as well as the prospects for further development of the new facility. The head of the Russian military department checked the organisation of combat duty by crewsof the specialized radar station for detection of small objects of space objects. The Minister of Defence was informed that the new station has unrivaled capabilities for automatic search, detection, and control of small space objects in near-Earth orbit. Aleksandr Golovko noted that the number of escorted small-size space objects grew fourfold following the launch of the new station, and the minimum size of the escorted space object reduced to 10 centimeters, while the time to identify small space objects after launch decreased by twofold. It was also reported to Sergei Shoigu that with an increase in the controlled near-Earth space area by 2027, the time to detect spacecraft after launch or manoeuver will be cut in half, and the time to determine the destination of foreign spacecraft will be cut in half. Pavel Sozinov, General Designer - Deputy General Director of Almaz-Antey Concern JSC, stressed that as of today there are no world and Russian analogues of a specialised radar station for detection of small-sized space objects. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Israeli Jets Strike Targets Near Syria's Damascus - Russian Military Sputnik News 20230614 MOSCOW (Sputnik) - Two Israeli fighter jets attacked targets near Damascus with four guided air bombs on Wednesday, Oleg Gurinov, the deputy head of the Russian Center for the Reconciliation of Opposing Sides in Syria, said, adding that the Arab country's air defense downed one of the bombs. "On June 14 ... two IDF [Israeli Defense Forces] F-15 tactical fighters from the airspace of the occupied Golan Heights attacked targets in the vicinity of Damascus with four guided bombs," Gurinov told a briefing. "The air defense forces of the Syrian armed forces that were on duty shot down one aerial bomb from the Russian-made Buk-M2E systems ... No one was killed or injured." The Israeli attack damaged two storage facilities, the Russian military official added. The latest incident comes hours after reports detailed early Wednesday that Syrian air defense systems had been deployed to deter enemy strikes detected on the outskirts of Damascus. State media reported at the time that one Syrian soldier had sustained injuries as a result of the incident. A Sputnik NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Welcoming Proceedings at the International Court of Justice to Hold the Syrian Regime Accountable US Department of State Press Statement Matthew Miller, Department Spokesperson June 14, 2023 The United States welcomes Canada and the Netherlands' decision to initiate legal proceedings at the International Court of Justice to hold Syria accountable for the reported torture of thousands of individuals at the hands of the Assad regime. For over twelve years, the Assad regime has been responsible for innumerable atrocities, including those involving killings, torture, enforced disappearance, the use of chemical weapons, and other inhumane acts. Those abuses are well documented, and the Assad regime must be held accountable for them. Together, the United States and our international partners will continue to seek a durable political solution for the conflict in Syria that is grounded in justice and accountability. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address The human cost of the Syria crisis is astronomical. The world must continue to support the people and intensify efforts to end the crisis. UNOCHA - United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs 14 Jun 2023 Message for the Seventh Brussels Conference on 'Supporting the future of Syria and the region' from the Under-Secretary-General for Humanitarian Affairs and Emergency Relief Coordinator, Martin Griffiths; the UN High Commissioner for Refugees, Filippo Grandi; and the Administrator of the United Nations Development Programme, Achim Steiner. Together, they lead the implementation of the UN-coordinated response to the Syria crisis. The crisis in Syria has now lasted twice as long as the Second World War. The toll this has taken on people in Syria, Syrian refugees and communities in the neighbouring countries is astronomical: a For the first time, every district in Syria is experiencing humanitarian stress. More than 15 million people - seven out of ten - need humanitarian aid and protection. a More than 13 million people were forced to flee their homes looking for safety. a This includes 6.8 million Syrian refugees who have fled to neighbouring countries where they have stayed for more than a decade. a Today, in Egypt, Iraq, Jordan, Lebanon and TArkiye, 13.5 million people need humanitarian and long-term resilience support, including 6.1 million people in local host communities. a Twelve million people in Syria are food insecure and 2.8 million more are at risk of becoming so. a One in four Syrian children are stunted and risk irreversible damage to their development. Some 2.4 million children are out of school, while 1.6 million more at risk of dropping out. a The February earthquakes piled a crisis on top of a crisis and deepened humanitarian needs. a Conditions for Syrian refugees in major host countries have deteriorated in recent years, including in Lebanon and TArkiye where 90 per cent of them were unable to cover their basic needs, and in Jordan where 65 per cent were forced into debt. a Syrian refugee women and girls continue to confront widespread and systemic gender inequality, with less access to resources, and higher risks of violence, including domestic violence. While the United Nations and non-governmental organisations have continued to work for the Syrian people across the country and for the Syrian refugees and their hosts, we need much greater financial support from the international community. The revised Humanitarian Response Plan for inside Syria requires US$5.4 billion. It is only 11 per cent funded and requires funding across its three pillars: humanitarian assistance, protection, and early recovery and livelihoods. The Regional Refugee and Resilience Plan (3RP), covering refugees and host communities throughout the region, appeals for $5.77 billion and is just 10 per cent funded. Donors have contributed generously for years. And host countries - Egypt, Jordan, Iraq, Lebanon, and TArkiye - have shouldered an enormous burden on behalf of the international community at a time when they are themselves reeling from global economic pressures. But this generosity must be supported so it can be sustained. More help for the Syrian people and those hosting them is imperative. The needs are enormous. Every contribution will help alleviate suffering and bring some measure of hope to millions of people. Now is the time to step up and recommit to support Syrians and address the dire needs throughout the region. We appeal to donors for your continued generosity and to quickly provide the resources required. That will allow us to deliver, and step up, our work in Syria and in host countries. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address US evacuation plan shows it will abandon Taiwan after turning it into an ammunition depot: Taiwan Affairs Office Global Times By Global Times Published: Jun 14, 2023 07:06 PM US' evacuation plan for American citizens on Taiwan island shows it has made calculations to abandon the island at any time after turning it into a "minefield" and "ammunition depot" through continuous provocations and arm sales, Zhu Fenglian, a spokesperson for the Taiwan Affairs Office of State Council, said on Monday. The US government is preparing evacuation plan for American citizens living in Taiwan, sources revealed to the US news website The Messenger. According to an anonymous US intelligence official, the plan has been underway for at least six months and has "heated up over the past two months or so" due to the recent "heightened level of tension." Media reports indicated one thing, while the Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) authorities in Taiwan boast about the "best-ever Taiwan-US relations," the island is nothing more than a pawn in US' strategy of containing China and can be discarded at any moment, Zhu said. "If a war breaks out across the Taiwan Straits, the island will become a battlefield and people there will end up being cannon fodder. But the Americans in Taiwan will just leave, safe and sound," Zhu pointed out The US wants to replicate his approach in Iraq, Syria and Afghanistan, where the US just withdrew with endless turmoil, division and devastation left, on Taiwan island right now, Zhu added. "I believe the majority of people in Taiwan will have a clear understanding if the US is supporting Taiwan or harm it and if the DPP authority is protecting the island or bringing disaster to it." Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Wang Wenbin also responded to the evacuation plan on Tuesday, saying despite that despite not being aware of the plan, he does know that the US has a "plan for the destruction of Taiwan" and believes the Taiwan people are able to see clearly how the US is actually seeking to harm Taiwan's interest and even destroy Taiwan. On Wednesday, the US House of Representatives Ways and Means Committee passed legislation affirming its support for the initial agreement reached under the US-Taiwan Initiative on 21st Century Trade, which was described by Taiwan-based Economic Daily News as "almost framework content completely dominated by the US with great differences from traditional free trade agreements that emphasize tariff reduction and market access". NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Taiwanese Foreign Minister Warns Of Global Struggle With China, Russia During European Trip By Reid Standish June 14, 2023 PRAGUE -- The war in Ukraine has opened a global fight between democracies and autocracies and Taiwan needs Europe to play a larger role in securing peace and stability in the Indo-Pacific, Taiwanese Foreign Minister Joseph Wu said on June 14. "We often talk about the war in Europe and the great threat to peace in Asia as two separate spheres," Wu said in a speech at a conference in Prague. "The reality is that they are highly interconnected, and the impact is global." Wu also warned that increased cooperation between Beijing and Moscow poses a global threat and expressed growing concern over Russian-Chinese naval exercises in the Pacific, with the most recent set of drills concluding last week. "What we are witnessing is that the two authoritarian forces are collaborating with each other, trading ever more with each other, and feeding more into the hunger for expansion," Taiwan's top diplomat said about Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine and Chinese territorial ambitions in the South China Sea, Taiwan, and elsewhere. The comments came at a conference hosted by the European Values Center for Security Policy, a Prague-based think tank. The conference opened with a speech by Czech President Petr Pavel. Wu spoke after Pavel, and though the Czech president left immediately after his speech -- not meeting or speaking with Wu -- their presence at the conference marked the first time a Taiwanese minister and European head of state shared a room together. The quest for recognition and extensive informal ties are particularly vital to Taiwan, which only has formal diplomatic relations with 13 countries and the Vatican -- the only country in Europe to recognize Taipei. But the self-ruling island of 23 million people has built up its informal links to Europe in recent years, especially in Central and Eastern Europe where countries like the Czech Republic, Slovakia, and Lithuania have been at the forefront. In framing the war in Ukraine as part of a worldwide struggle between autocracies and democracies where Taiwan is also on the front line, Wu called on European countries to increase their rhetorical support for Taipei and protect against any Chinese military moves on Taiwan, which Beijing views as its territory and has vowed to unify with the mainland by peace or by force. "In order for Taiwan to stay strong and resilient and to have the courage to continue the policy of maintaining the status quo, we do need support from our European friends," Wu said. He added that while the war in Ukraine has caused global economic fallout, conflict in the Taiwan Strait would disrupt major supply chains and be a "shock wave" for Europe and the world. "It will be the same or even worse if war is to break out in the Taiwan Strait where roughly half of the world's container ships sail through and more than 90 percent of the most advanced computer or semiconductor chips are produced," Wu said. Building Taipei's Europe Ties The Czech Republic has been particularly forward-leaning in its engagement with Taiwan. While Prague still adheres to a One-China policy that doesn't extend formal diplomatic recognition to Taipei, it has also taken steps in recent years to shore up informal relations. Most recently, Pavel accepted a congratulatory phone call from Taiwanese President Tsai Ing-wen after his election in January, which marked a departure by Taipei from previous practice in dealing with high-ranking officials. Wu also visited Prague in 2021 and met on June 13 with Czech Senate speaker Milos Vystrcil, a leading Czech figure in building closer ties with Taipei. Beijing regularly denounces any form of contact between Taiwanese and foreign officials, viewing it as encouraging global recognition of Taipei's separate status from China. Speaking last week when details of Wu's visit were confirmed, China's Foreign Ministry urged Europe not to have any official exchanges with Taiwan or support any "independence forces." Despite Beijing's anger, Prague and others have continued to increase contacts with the island and reduce its isolation. Speaking at the conference in Prague, Pavel appeared to share a similar sentiment as Wu when he said that authoritarian countries around the world were closely watching "how democratic countries react to aggression" from Moscow in Ukraine because "this will define their [own] steps in the future." The Czech president also warned about Beijing's desire to "change the world to better fit its interests" and called for greater scrutiny when it came to screening Chinese investments in strategic areas and also for the EU to take further steps to lessen Europe's economic dependence on China. "It's not about isolating China; it's not about not doing business with China. We should do it the same way that China does to us," Pavel said. "Let's not create dependencies. Let's do business and let's cooperate when it is beneficial to both sides -- but let's keep in mind that China's long-term interests and values are not compatible with ours." Wu declined to answer reporters' questions about what other stops he was expected to make on his European trip, although Reuters -- quoting anonymous sources briefed on the minister's trip -- reported that he will visit EU headquarters in Brussels. Source: https://www.rferl.org/a/taiwanese-foreign-minister- global-struggle-china-russia/32459403.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 "We will work to introduce a civilian constitution in TArkiye" Presidency of The Republic of Turkey 14.06.2023 Addressing citizens following the Presidential Cabinet Meeting, President ErdoAYan said: "We, together, want to liberate our country from its current constitution, which is the product of a coup d'Atat. We want our journey in the second century of our Republic to be guided by a civilian, libertarian and inclusive constitution that is embraced by all segments of the society." President Recep Tayyip ErdoAYan held a press conference following the Presidential Cabinet Meeting at the Presidential Complex. Making remarks on the issues addressed during the cabinet meeting, President ErdoAYan said: "We, together, want to liberate our country from its current constitution, which is the product of a coup d'Atat. We want our journey in the second century of our Republic to be guided by a civilian, libertarian and inclusive constitution that is embraced by all segments of the society. TArkiye has now attained the political atmosphere needed to achieve this." Underlining that the Turkish democracy is now strong enough to get rid of the last shackles on its feet, President ErdoAYan stated: "TArkiye has now risen to a new league with the May 14 and May 28 elections. We will inshallah work with our partners in the People's Alliance to introduce a civilian constitution in TArkiye during our time in office." NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address June 14, 2023 Release Readout of Secretary of Defense Lloyd J. Austin III's Call With Ukrainian Minister of Defence Oleksii Reznikov Pentagon Press Secretary Brig. Gen. Pat Ryder provided the following readout: Secretary of Defense Lloyd J. Austin III spoke by phone June 13 with Ukrainian Minister of Defence Oleksii Reznikov to discuss priorities for the June 15 Ukraine Defense Contact Group meeting in Brussels, Belgium, which will focus on bolstering Ukraine's air defense and other near-term capability priorities, as well as training and sustainment to enhance Ukraine's enduring strength over the long term. Secretary Austin provided an update on recent U.S. security support, including the announcement of an additional $325 million package. Minister Reznikov shared his reflections on the dynamics on the ground in Ukraine. The two leaders pledged to remain in close contact. https://www.defense.gov/News/Releases/Release/Article/3427788/ NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address June 14, 2023 By Vergun , DOD News Donor Nations Providing Security Assistance, Training for Ukraine Today, Secretary of Defense Lloyd J. Austin III visited Lucius D. Clay Kaserne, a U.S. Army installation in Wiesbaden, Germany. He met with U.S. and multinational troops there, including Ukrainian soldiers, thanking them for their support for Ukraine. Kaserne is home to U.S. Army Europe and Africa Command and other organizations, including the Security Assistance Group-Ukraine and the International Donor Coordination Center. The International Donor Coordination Center coordinates lethal and non-lethal security force assistance from over 50 donor nations, according to a senior United Kingdom defense official. The center, led by the U.K., has around 200 personnel from 21 nations, including Ukraine, which evaluates and coordinates that assistance the official said. Since the Russian invasion began last year, the center has received around 150,000 tons of material and equipment for Ukraine, including such things as vehicles, weapons, munitions, rations and clothing, the official said. Currently, Ukraine has received some 600 varieties of vehicles and weapons platforms, since each donor nation has a unique inventory, the official said. For a nation to have such variety is unprecedented. That Ukrainian forces have been able to skillfully operate and maintain those systems is a testament to their ingenuity and resourcefulness, the official said. For now, there's an emphasis on seeking donations for spare parts and other items needed for maintenance and sustainment of those systems, the official said, adding that the situation on the ground in Ukraine will dictate future contributions. Training of Ukrainian forces is currently underway in about 40 training sites outside of Ukraine, said a senior Canadian defense official. Thus far, about 67,000 Ukrainians have received training from 33 nations on tactics, weapon systems and leadership development at those sites. Two premier training sites, Hohenfels and Grafenwoehr, are in Germany, said a senior U.S. Army Europe and Africa Command official. Training Ukrainian forces on Stryker and Bradley Fighting Vehicles recently concluded and Ukrainians are now receiving training on the Abrams M1A1 tank, which will likely conclude by the end of summer the official said. The Ukrainians first receive platform training, which includes operating and maintaining the systems they'll be using. Training then progresses to maneuver warfare, including force-on-force, which is as close to real combat as one can get, the official said. Types of training required is dictated by what the Ukrainians say they need and feedback from the situation on the ground, the official said, making it hard to predict what new training will be needed more than a few months out. The official said the American and other multinational trainers are passionate about their work and the skills the Ukrainians master over a very short timeframe is amazing. Separately, Austin, spoke by phone yesterday with Ukrainian Defense Minister Oleksii Reznikov to discuss priorities for tomorrow's Ukraine Defense Contact Group meeting in Brussels, which will focus on bolstering Ukraine's air defense and other near-term capability priorities, as well as training and sustainment to enhance Ukraine's enduring strength over the long term. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Lithuania and Allies purchase EUR 107.5 million worth of air defence capabilities for Ukraine Republic of Lithuania - Ministry of National Defence 2023-06-14 International cooperation Lithuania, United Kingdom, Norway, Netherlands, Denmark, Sweden and Iceland will procure air defence capabilities to Ukraine for EUR 107.5 million, Lithuania's contribution amounts to EUR 6 million. "Lithuania persistently comes up with ways to support Ukraine. The air capabilities provided by seven nations will support Ukraine's ability to protect its critical infrastructure, civilian population and military personnel," said Minister of National Defence Arvydas AnuAauskas. The air defence capability acquisition is the first of the five assistance packages planned in the second stage of acquisitions of the International Fund for Ukraine (IFU). Seven allied and partner nations have collected nearly EUR 608 million to the UK-managed IFU. Combat and surveillance drones for Ukraine bought in the first stage of the IFU acquisition are currently manufactured and scheduled to be delivered to Ukraine later this summer. "The IFU is an example of the cooperation among Allies strengthening Ukraine in a united fashion and fighting the barbaric Russian aggression," said Secretary of State for Defence of the United Kingdom Ben Wallace at the IFU contributor defence ministerial in Amsterdam Wednesday. The IFU administrator United Kingdom has committed to transfer additional EUR 292 million to the fund shortly. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Putin says Ukraine acts like 'terrorist state', vows to counter Kiev's plots Iran Press TV Wednesday, 14 June 2023 8:56 AM Russian President Vladimir Putin has slammed Ukraine, saying the Kiev regime is running the country like a terrorist state, and Russia will step up the work of security services to counter Kiev's plots. Putin told a gathering of war correspondents at the Kremlin on Tuesday that leaders in Kiev "behave like a regime based on terror." In response to a question about introducing martial law to deal with assassinations of journalists and public figures such as Darya Dugina and Vladlen Tatarsky, Putin said Russia differed from Ukraine in terms of its officials' adherence to laws and regulations. "We are a government of laws, they behave like a regime based on terror," Putin pointed out. Russia "cannot use terrorist methods," but will stand against Ukrainian plots, he said, concluding that there is no need to introduce martial law into Russia. Moscow's objectives remain unchanged Regarding Russia's military objectives in Ukraine, Putin told the war correspondents that the goals laid out at the onset of the war were "essential" for the Kremlin, and while some parts were subject to change based on the developing situation, they still remained basically the same. Putin said demilitarization of Ukraine is happening "gradually and methodically," with Kiev's troops now entirely reliant on Western weapons, equipment, and ammunition, while they are unable to produce anything locally. There has been progress in protecting the people of Donbas, though Ukraine continues to bombard them, the Russian president said, adding that if Kiev continued with its drone strikes and incursion, Moscow may consider setting up a "buffer zone" in Ukrainian territory, to keep them out of range. "No fundamental changes have taken place today in terms of the goals that we set for ourselves at the beginning of the operation," Putin reiterated. Progress of Ukraine's offensive In regard to Russian forces repelling the advancements of Ukrainian forces in their latest offensive, Putin said Kiev forces launched a massive offensive on four fronts and had sustained much greater losses than the Russians. He added that in about a week since the offensive was launched, Kiev forces already lost about one-third of the arsenal provided to them by the West. Kiev launched a large-scale offensive against Russia on June 4, using what was provided to the Ukrainian forces by the West, but without success in any of the war fronts. "They're taking heavy casualties. Greater than ours" by a factor of ten, Putin insisted. Since the Ukraine war began, the West has flooded Ukraine with weapons including tanks and missiles. In related news on Monday, the offensive by Kiev forces is being repelled by Moscow, with Russian forces destroying the Ukrainian war equipment. German Defense Minister Boris Pistorius admitted that "we will not be able to replace every tank that is now out of action". Pistorius said, "Unfortunately it is the nature of war that weapons are destroyed, that tanks are destroyed and people are killed." NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Ukrainian Regions Targeted Again By Deadly Russian Missile Strikes By RFE/RL's Ukrainian Service June 14, 2023 Russian missile strikes killed at least six people overnight in the southern Ukrainian port city of Odesa and in the eastern region of Donetsk as Moscow continues its intense aerial attacks on its neighbor. Russia has intensified its air attacks on Ukraine in recent weeks as Kyiv prepared to launch its long-awaited counteroffensive to reclaim territory occupied by Russian forces. Last week, President Volodymyr Zelenskiy acknowledged the operation was under way, with Moscow responding by ratcheting up further its strikes with cruise missiles and drones targeting major cities around the country. At least three people were killed and 13 wounded in a Russian missile strike on Odesa, the Ukrainian military's southern command said early on June 14. Russia fired four Kalibr missiles at the Black Sea port, hitting warehouses, a business center, a school, a residential complex, and a downtown store, the military said, adding that more people could be under the rubble. It said that two of the four missiles had been shot down. The three victims were workers at a retail store warehouse, the military reported. In Donetsk, three people were killed by Russian missiles in Kramatorsk and Kostyantynivka, regional Governor Pavlo Kyrylenko said on Facebook. "Two people were killed and two were wounded in Kramatorsk, one was killed and one wounded in Kostyantynivka," Kyrylenko said. "Missiles launched by the Russians hit private homes and caused significant damage: in Kramatorsk, they destroyed at least five houses and damaged two dozen more, in Kostyantynivka -- two destroyed and 55 others damaged," he said. The Ukrainian air defense said on June 14 that the Russian strike targeted military and civilian infrastructure facilities with air and sea-based cruise missiles as well as Iranian-made kamikaze drones. "From the Black Sea, the enemy attacked with four Kalibr cruise missiles in the direction of Odesa. Three rockets were shot down, one hit a civilian objective," the air defense said in a statement. Ukrainian air defenses also shot down nine out of 10 drones, the statement said. Ukraine's Dnipropetrovsk region also came under attack for a second day in a row, regional Governor Serhiy Lysak said on June 14. Three drones were shot down by air defenses, Lysak said, adding that Nikopol was shelled by Russian heavy artillery. There were no immediate reports of casualties, Lysak wrote on Telegram. On June 13, 12 people were killed and 13 more, including three children, were wounded in a Russian missile strike on a five-story apartment building in the Dinipropetrovsk city of Kryviy Rih. Meanwhile, Rafael Grossi, the head of the UN nuclear watchdog, the IAEA, postponed a visit to the Zaporizhzhya nuclear power plant in southern Ukraine scheduled for June 13, an unnamed senior Ukrainian government official told Reuters. "He's waiting to be able to travel safely," the official said, after Grossi met with Zelenskiy on June 12 in Kyiv. Grossi told journalists after his meeting with Zelenskiy that the Zaporizhzhya nuclear power plant faces "a relatively dangerous situation" from both the Kakhovka dam burst last week and the start of Ukraine's counteroffensive. Meanwhile, NATO Secretary-General Jens Stoltenberg said Ukraine was making progress in its counteroffensive and predicted NATO leaders will increase military assistance to Kyiv when they meet next month. Stoltenberg made the comments as he met at the White House with President Joe Biden on June 13. Stoltenberg's visit to Washington came as Ukraine attempts to seize back territory as part of a long-awaited counteroffensive against the Russian invaders. "The support that we are providing together to Ukraine is now making a difference on the battlefield as we speak because the Ukrainians have launched the offensive," he said. "They are making advances; they are gaining ground." Biden reiterated that the U.S. commitment to NATO was rock-solid and that NATO allies would "be building on that momentum" when they meet in Vilnius next month. As the meeting took place, the U.S. State Department announced a new $325 million package of ammunition and heavy weaponry to top up Ukraine's supplies. The Ukrainian military said that seven settlements had been liberated in the southern and eastern regions of the country and further advances had been made in Bakhmut amid heavy fighting. "Both defensive and offensive fierce fighting is ongoing in the east and south of our nation. We have certain gains, implementing our plans, moving forward," said Valeriy Zaluzhniy, commander in chief of Ukrainian forces. The claims could not be independently confirmed, and Moscow has not acknowledged any Ukrainian gains. Former Russian President Dmitry Medvedev, a close ally of President Vladimir Putin who has been one of the most virulent defenders of Russia's invasion of Ukraine, on June 14 said that Moscow had "no constraints" to prevent it from destroying Western undersea communications cables following what he said was the West's "proven complicity" in the destruction of the Nord Stream pipelines last year. The Washington Post reported earlier this month that the United States had learned of a Ukrainian plan to attack the pipelines three months before they were damaged by the underwater explosions. The Ukrainian government has repeatedly denied any involvement in the explosions. Russia has also denied it was behind the blasts. "If we proceed from the proven complicity of Western countries in blowing up the Nord Streams, then we have not even moral constraints left to prevent us from destroying the ocean floor cable communications of our enemies," Medvedev, who is now deputy head of Russia's Security Council, said on Telegram. With reporting by Reuters, AP, AFP, and dpa Source: https://www.rferl.org/a/ukraine-odesa-missile- strike/32458616.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 In A Ukrainian Frontline Town, Shrapnel, Rubble, And The Sound Of Unceasing Gunfire As A Crucial Counteroffensive Begins By Aleksander Palikot June 14, 2023 KAMYANSKE, Ukraine -- The river flowing through this village in the Zaporizhzhya region separates territory controlled by Ukrainian and Russian forces and then flows into the Kakhovka reservoir, now almost empty after the breach of the big dam downstream on the Dnieper. It is here -- on the destroyed bridge that spanned the Yanchekrak River, just 30 kilometers south of the regional capital -- that Ukrainian troops halted the Russian advance after Moscow launched its full-scale invasion in February 2022. The exchange of fire that has been ongoing since then turned Kamyanske into a wasteland, with most of its buildings destroyed and hunks of shrapnel and rubble lying all around. Now, as Ukraine's long-anticipated counteroffensive kicks into gear, the sounds of artillery and rocket launchers never seem to stop. From Kamyanske, the road south leads to the strategic, Russian-held cities of Tokmak and Melitopol, crucial for cutting through the "land bridge" that stretches east to the border, allowing Russia to supply occupied Crimea as well as Enerhodar, the city linked to the Zaporizhzhya nuclear power plant, Europe's largest, which Russia seized shortly after the invasion, in early March 2022. Kamyanske seems eerily empty: Neither residents nor soldiers are easy to spot, and often the only moving objects are the drones flying above. With scarce information and contradictory reports about the fighting on Ukraine's 1,000-kilometer front line, it is not clear whether and how far have the Ukrainian forces advanced here. Broken Silence Faced with high expectations and complex objectives, Ukraine launched an information campaign urging silence ahead of the counteroffensive. A video released in early June by the Defense Ministry showed camouflage-clad soldiers putting a finger to their lips -- Shhh! -- and displayed slogans "Plans like silence" and "The beginning will not be announced." Shortly afterward, the counteroffensive started. Some of the first reports about it came from the Russian Defense Ministry and nationalist Russian military bloggers, some of whom have close ties to military units or security agencies. On June 5, the ministry said the Ukrainian military launched an attack around the village of Novodonetske, located between Velyka Novosilka and Vuhledar in the Donetsk region, the site of a large and disastrous Russian offensive in winter, and claimed Ukraine suffered heavy losses. The claims could not be independently verified, and reports by bloggers presented a mixed picture. On June 8, Russian sources reported a Ukrainian attack in a heavily fortified area near Orikhiv, some 30 kilometers east of Kamyanske. Footage purportedly showing destroyed and damaged Western weapons appeared online. Russia's defense minister again claimed Ukrainian troops suffered heavy losses. After these reports spread on Ukrainian social media, a widely known officer in the Ukrainian unit involved, Sergeant Valeriy Markus, dismissed the Russian claims in an emotional video -- an unusual breach of a rule banning public comment on combat operations by military personnel. He asserted that Russian losses were "many times bigger." "On the first day, when they [Russian sources] announced that our brigade was crushed, that we had 350 dead soldiers, that it was over, that our brigade no longer existed, in fact, we had only five soldiers killed. This is a shining example of how shamelessly they lie," Markus said. Ukraine's ultimate goal, President Volodymyr Zelenskiy says, is to drive Russian forces from all of Ukraine including Crimea, which Russia occupied in 2014. In addition to Crimea, Russian forces occupy parts of the Donetsk, Luhansk, Zaporizhzhya, and Kherson regions, and the Kremlin baselessly claims those regions are now part of Russia. The counteroffensive has led to increased fighting on several parts of the front line, which runs northeast from near Kherson and the Dnieper delta to the Donbas and part of the Kharkiv region. Attempts to advance into Russian-occupied territory put Ukrainian troops at risk from Russian artillery and air attacks as they move from their positions and from protection of air defense systems. Mykola Byelyeskov, an analyst at Ukraine's National Institute for Strategic Studies, told RFE/RL on June 13 that so far attempts to break thorough Russian lines have turned into grinding battles in several areas of southern Ukraine. "This means that we are still within the offensive's first phase," he said. Byelyeskov also said most of the Ukrainian and Russian units deployed at the front were formed after the February 2022 invasion. "It's always a challenge to turn mobilized [draftees] into a fighting force. That proved true with regards to Russia, and there is no reason not to expect the same challenge in the case of Ukraine," he said. East of Zaporizhzhya and Kamyanske, Ukrainian forces have advanced on a part of the front close to Velyka Novosilka, a town near the administrative border between the Zaporizhzhya and Donetsk regions. On June 10 and 11, Ukraine said its forces liberated four villages along the Mokriy Yaly River south of Velyka Novosilka: Makarivka, Neskuchne, Blahodatne, and Storozheve. Later, on June 12, Ukraine said its forces took control of the villages of Levadne and Novodarivka, 10 kilometers to the west, although Russian officials said Ukrainian forces had been repelled in some of those areas. Ukrainian security expert Pavlo Lakiychuk told RFE/RL that Ukrainian forces have been probing Russian defenses with "tactical" strikes but that there are no indications that they reached the main defense lines -- which include minefields, lines of dragon's teeth, and large anti-vehicle trenches. "The main forces trained and equipped by Western allies are not engaged in the fighting, and the direction of the main strikes is yet to be determined," he said. Nuclear Plant Also on June 12, Ukraine said its forces had retaken the village of Lobkove, just southeast of Kamyanske. According to unofficial reports, the battles there lasted for several days. With both sides understanding the stakes of controlling the roads leading both to the Zaporizhzhya nuclear power plant and Melitopol, the fierce fighting in this area is no surprise, Byelyeskov said. Around Kamyanske, the military ambulances speeding north toward Zaporizhzhya suggested that intense fighting continued. The relative calm in the villages north of Kamyanske indicated there was no imminent threat of a Russian advance. The picturesque village of Prymorske, about 10 kilometers north of Kamyanske and the river that bisects it, is more or less intact, and life goes on despite the battles nearby. According to Andriy Pidhorny, who is responsible for distributing humanitarian aid to civilians in the area, two-thirds of Prymorske's more than 3,500 residents remain, and many of them continue to work. The village sits on a steppe cut by ravines and slopes that fall to the Kakhovka reservoir, a broad section of the Dnieper that stretches to the horizon. After the June 6 breach of the Russian-controlled Kakhovka dam, at the southern end of the reservoir, the water level fell by four meters, leaving most of the bottom dry, Pidhorny said, unfurling a map from the period before the construction of the dam in 1954. Two soldiers patrolling the shoreline, Rostyslav and Oleksandr, have watched water recede from the shore for days. "It will be possible to drive a car here when the bottom dries out, but it won't affect our job here," Oleksandr said. The exact cause of the breach is the subject of conflicting claims, with Ukraine saying Russia most likely detonated the dam it earlier mined from the inside. Lakiychuk asserted it was a "textbook Soviet move" by the Russian command aimed at slowing down the Ukrainian counteroffensive. Russian officials claim Ukraine caused the breach but have offered no explanation as to how it might have done. Meanwhile, retaking the Zaporizhzhya plant, also on the Kakhovka reservoir, may be a crucial goal of the counteroffensive. Ukraine will likely try to pressure Russian troops to retreat from the plant, Lakiychuk said, adding that "one cannot rule out that in the worst case, Putin will decide to bring about a nuclear catastrophe." Source: https://www.rferl.org/a/ukraine- frontline-town-kamyanske-counteroffensive-russia/32459442.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 Chechen Senior Military Commander Said To Be 'Alive And Well' By RFE/RL's Caucasus.Realities June 14, 2023 Chechen leader Ramzan Kadyrov says one of his senior military commanders is alive and well, contradicting reports that he had been wounded or killed in Ukraine. Kadyrov said the commander, Adam Delimkhanov, is "alive and well and not even wounded" in a post on Telegram on June 14 that came after he said he had been unable to contact him. Delimkhanov is a relative of Kadyrov and a close associate of the Kremlin-backed authoritarian ruler of the North Caucasus region of Chechnya. He is also a member of the Russian State Duma, which reported earlier that he had been wounded. Kadyrov initially wrote on Telegram that he had been unable to contact Delimkhanov following a report from political observer Kyrylo Sazonov, who said he had been killed by Ukraine's Banderlohy special unit in the city of Prymorsk in the Zaporizhzhya region. Sazonov joined the Ukrainian armed forces and is fighting against occupying Russian troops. But hours later, Kadyrov issued the post that said Delimkhanov was alive and uninjured. Kadyrov's post included a photo of Kadyrov, a person who appeared to be Delimkhanov, and two other top Chechen officials sitting in front of a large map. It is not clear when and where the photo was taken. Despite the Russian parliament's reports that Delimkhanov was wounded, State Duma Chairman Vyacheslav Volodin said earlier that he talked with Delimkhanov, who "is alive and well." The commander of Chechnya's Akhmat special task military unit, Apti Alaudinov, stated that Delimkhanov is "more alive than all of those alive, and is currently in Chechnya." A day earlier, reports said that Delimkhanov held talks with the governor of the Belgorod region, Vyacheslav Gladkov, and representatives of the Defense Ministry and National Guard and agreed to send the West-Akhmat military unit of Chechnya to the region to fight against the activities of Ukrainian saboteur groups. Ukrainian authorities have launched a probe against Delimkhanov, accusing him of taking part in Russian efforts to change Ukraine's state borders and for justifying Russia's full-scale aggression against Ukraine. Delimkhanov is also among Russian officials under Ukrainian sanctions imposed for their roles in Russia's ongoing invasion of Ukraine, launched in February 2022. Delimkhanov has been mentioned by investigators in Russia as a possible person behind the assassination of outspoken Kremlin critic Boris Nemtsov, who was gunned down in Moscow in 2015. Many in Russia believe that Delimkhanov was also responsible for the killing of Chechen warlord and former Federal Security Service special-task unit commander Movladi Baisarov, who was shot dead in Moscow in 2006, as well as the killings of brothers Sulim, Dzhabrail, and Ruslan Yamadayev, who were critics of Kadyrov. They were assassinated in the early 2000s. Last year, Delimkhanov made headlines following a public outcry after he openly threatened to "cut off the heads" of brothers Abubakar and Ibragim Yangulbayev and members of their family. The brothers are prominent Chechen opposition activists and bloggers. Delimkhanov, a former Chechen separatist who switched sides to Moscow along with Kadyrov and much of Chechnya's present leadership, has taken a prominent role in Russia's military campaign in Ukraine, commanding Chechen forces in Mariupol in the conflict's early days last year. With reporting by TASS and Reuters Source: https://www.rferl.org/a/russia-delimkhanov-wounded- ukraine/32459016.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 Ukraine Wants Tighter Controls On Supply Of Missile Components To Russia By RFE/RL's Ukrainian Service June 14, 2023 Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy said on June 13 after a deadly Russian missile attack on his hometown that foreign countries, including Ukraine's partners, should take measures against companies that help Russia circumvent sanctions and supply it with missile components. "Unfortunately, Russia is still able to receive critical components for the production of missiles, which are created by companies from different countries of the world, in particular, companies from some partner countries," Zelenskiy said. One of the missiles that hit Zelenskiy's hometown, Kryviy Rih, had about 50 components -- mainly microelectronics -- that were produced in other countries, Zelenskiy said without naming the countries. Ukraine's partners have a list of companies that supply Russia with components, he said, adding that Kyiv was "waiting for conclusions and quick actions that will stop the Russian missile terror." Ukraine has implemented sanctions against all companies in Russia that produce missiles, he said, calling for complete sanctions at the global level against the companies and a strengthening of export controls to the maximum extent possible. A company or individual who acts as an intermediary or works with Russia so that "terrorists can continue to blow up residential buildings and kill people" deserve an appropriate response from the world, Zelenskiy said. "The partners have all the information about this." The strike on Kryviy Rih killed 11 people and injured about 30 more. Some of the missiles launched at Ukraine early on June 13 were shot down by air defenses. Zelenskiy said it would be cheaper to block the supply routes of components for missiles than to constantly spend resources on air defense. The United States has imposed multiple rounds of sanctions on firms and individuals accused of procuring equipment used to make drones that Russia has purchased from Iran but has imposed fewer sanctions to curb the procurement of missile technology. The United States on October 19 blacklisted one individual and two entities that the Treasury Department said procured electronics used in fighter jets, missiles, and other weapons systems. The designated Russian network procured both military and sensitive dual-use technologies from U.S. manufacturers and supplied them to Russian end-users, the department said. Source: https://www.rferl.org/a/ukraine-russia-missile- components/32458580.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 Russian Armed Forces units continue to repel Ukrainian attacks in Zaporozhye direction 14.06.2023 The fighting takes place near Orekhov in Zaporozhye direction, where the Russian Armed Forces servicemen daily repel Ukrainian nationalists' offensive. Round the clock, Tornado-G MLRS and Msta-S self-propelled artillery systems of Vostok Group of Forces do their duty in the special military operation zone. Southern MD's 58th Combines-Arms Army go against Ukrainian artillery units with weaponry of almost the same range. Only one rule can be applied here - the one who locates and gets the target wins. In addition to that, it is crucial to acquire exact location of targets, control the situation in the mission area and keep your wits about you, when enemy shells fall near your position. A commander of that particular Msta-S artillery system named his artillery piece Brunhilde for stubbornness and unwavering spirit. Over the course of the special military operation, his artillery system managed to survive more than a dozen strikes near its position. The system is still in service. When the Ukrainian Armed Forces attempted to breach Russian defence line, the artillerymen stopped the enemy at a distant approach. The servicemen hit all the designated targets directly, destroying armoured fighting vehicles, howitzers and ammunition depots. The Russian troops fire roundabout' method thwarted the Ukrainian militants' offensive and disrupted reserve rotations at the line of contact. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Kremlin Says Russia Can Withdraw From Grain Deal After Its Termination Sputnik News 20230614 MOSCOW (Sputnik) - Russia can withdraw from the grain deal after the termination of the agreement, Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said on Wednesday. "Upon the termination," Peskov told reporters when asked whether Russia can withdraw from the grain deal ahead of schedule or at the end of the existing period. In mid-May, the grain deal was extended until July 17 without any changes. The Russian Foreign Ministry warned that Moscow would block the extension of the deal if its concerns about the implementation of clauses on Russian agricultural exports were not addressed. The grain deal was brokered by the United Nations and Turkey in July 2022 to facilitate the export of agricultural products from Ukrainian ports in the Black Sea during hostilities. The package agreement also included a memorandum of understanding between Russia and the United Nations to unblock Russian grain and fertilizer exports via the Black Sea. A Sputnik NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address US Envoy to NATO Says Allies Yet to Agree on Ukraine's NATO Membership Sputnik News 20230614 MOSCOW (Sputnik) - NATO allies cannot agree on Ukraine's prospects for membership, with a couple member states still "in opposition" on the matter, US Permanent Representative to NATO Julianne Smith said on Wednesday. "There is a rich conversation going on across the alliance with a whole array of views. This is not a situation where the entire alliance has agreed language for how to describe Ukraine's membership aspirations and there is one or two countries that stand outside of that group in opposition," Smith told a briefing ahead of a meeting of the NATO defense ministers. In September 2022, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky announced that Ukraine was applying for fast-track NATO membership. NATO chief Jens Stoltenberg reaffirmed the bloc's unchanged position on the right of each country to determine its own path and on its "open door" policy but noted that the alliance would concentrate its efforts on helping Ukraine defend itself. In early June, Zelensky said that Kiev was hoping to receive a clear invitation to the bloc at NATO's July summit in Vilnius. He also said the Ukrainian military was disappointed that Ukraine had not yet received a clear positive response about joining both the European Union and NATO. Vilnius will host a NATO Summit from July 11 to 12. Stoltenberg will chair the meeting. Ukraine's NATO prospects, strengthening the alliance's eastern flank, as well as defense spending are expected to be on the agenda. A Sputnik NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Ukraine Lost Some 7,500 People on Contact Line Since June 4 - Russian MoD Sputnik News 20230614 MOSCOW (Sputnik) - Ukrainian troops have lost about 7,500 military both killed and injured on the line of contact alone since June 4, the Russian Defense Ministry said on Wednesday. "In total, since June 4, the Ukrainian armed forces have lost about 7,500 people killed and wounded on the line of contact alone, not counting the dead military personnel as a result of the use of Russian long-range precision weapons and aviation in the depths of Ukrainian territory," the ministry said in a statement. Over the past day, Ukraine unsuccessfully conducted offensives in the South Donetsk, Zaporozhye and Donetsk directions, continuing to suffer losses, the ministry said. Losses of the Ukrainian army in the Donetsk direction exceeded 205 military and 10 pieces of equipment over the past day, the ministry said. In the Donetsk direction near the settlements of Pervomaiskoe and Petrovskoe, Russia successfully repulsed two enemy attacks, the ministry said in a statement. "During the fighting, the losses of Ukrainian troops amounted to more than 205 military personnel, two armored combat vehicles, seven vehicles, and two D-20 howitzers," the ministry said. Near the Vremevka ledge, Russia also repelled two attacks, the ministry said, adding that Ukraine lost 11 armored vehicles, including four tanks. Ukraine lost more than 800 soldiers and 20 tanks in the South Donetsk and Zaporozhye directions in the past day, the ministry said. "In total, in the past day, enemy losses in the South Donetsk and Zaporozhye directions amounted to more than 800 Ukrainian military, 20 tanks, four infantry fighting vehicles, 15 armored combat vehicles, two US-made M777 artillery systems, Msta-B and D-30 howitzers, as well as a Grad multiple rocket launcher combat vehicle," the ministry said. Russian aviation prevented the attack of Ukrainian assault units in the Zaporozhye direction near the settlement of Zherebyanky, the ministry added. "[On Tuesday night], the Russian armed forces carried out group strikes with sea and air-based long-range high-precision weapons at places of concentration of reserves of the Ukrainian armed forces and foreign mercenaries, as well as warehouses of ammunition, weapons and military equipment of foreign production," the ministry said in a statement, adding that all assigned objects are hit. The Russian armed forces carried out missile strikes on Ukrainian reserves, foreign mercenaries, as well as warehouses of foreign-made equipment over the past 24 hours, the Russian Defense Ministry said on Wednesday. A Sputnik NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Russia's despicable attacks on civilians are inexcusable: UK statement to the OSCE UK military advisor, Ian Stubbs, says that over 15 months into its illegal invasion, the list of Russia's accomplishments read like a depraved horror story. 14 June 2023 Thank you, Madam Chair. Once again, Ukrainian civilians have paid the price for Russia's brutal aggression. Yesterday in Kryvyi Rih at least 11 people were killed and a further 28 injured due to Russia's large-scale missile attacks. Residential buildings were destroyed, and civilians were trapped under the rubble. Such attacks are inexcusable and demonstrate Russia's blatant disregard for the lives of civilians. The catastrophic collapse of the Kakhovka Dam last week has impacted thousands of Ukrainian citizens. On 11 June, the United Nations estimated that 700,000 people in Kherson region were without access to drinking water. In addition, the collapse of the dam has almost certainly severely disrupted the primary source of fresh water for illegally annexed Crimea. Open-source imagery shows that water has stopped flowing into the intake which feeds the North Crimean Canal, and this will reduce the availability of fresh water in the southern Kherson Oblast and northern Crimea. The resulting floodwaters have also caused lasting damage to huge swathes of agricultural land. The Ukrainian Agriculture Association has estimated that Ukraine will lose 14 percent of its grain exports due to the flooding. We again 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. We call for immediate access for neutral and impartial humanitarian organisations to help those in need wherever they are. Multiple reports indicate that Russian shelling has caused death and injuries to civilians during evacuation efforts - this is despicable. 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. It is a disaster zone in the middle of a war zone. Madam Chair, we repeatedly warned Russia, in this and other fora, that any Russian military incursion into Ukraine would be a massive strategic mistake. Russia ignored those warnings at terrible cost to Ukraine and its own people. Over 15 months into its illegal invasion, the list of Russia's accomplishments read like a depraved horror story. Thousands of Ukrainian civilians killed; cities and towns laid to waste; evidence of unimaginable atrocities against men, women and children committed. I ask our Russian colleagues, are these the goals of the so-called "Special Military Operation" that they endorse in this room every week? By justifying these actions and supporting them by spreading disinformation and hate-filled vitriol, our Russian colleagues, as professional diplomats, must know they bear responsibility for the lies they peddle to this forum and their own population. Lies cannot live forever. Madam Chair, over the last five days, significant Ukrainian operations have taken place in several sectors of eastern and southern Ukraine. In some areas, Ukrainian forces have likely made good progress and penetrated the first line of Russian defences. Russian performance has been mixed; some units are likely conducting credible defence operations while others have pulled back in some disorder with multiple reports of further Russian casualties as they withdraw through their own minefields. In Bakhmut, Ukrainian forces continue to exploit weaknesses in Russia's defensive lines and ambiguity over Russian command and control following the withdrawal of Wagner Group forces. Continued Russian disorder on the battlefield, also seems to be fuelling further dysfunction in the already fraught relationship between Wagner and the Russian Ministry of Defence. On 10 June, Russian Deputy Defence Minister Nikolay Pankov announced that 'volunteers' fighting for Russia must sign contracts directly with the Russian Ministry of Defence. Wagner owner Yevgeny Prigozhin immediately announced that his personnel would refuse to sign the contracts. It is a telling indictment of the progress of Russia's so-called "Special Military Operation" that, whilst Ukraine is focused on fighting its barbaric invader, Russia is fighting itself. Madam Chair, we do not underestimate the continuing threat posed by the Russian Federation but, in time, there will be cause for Ukraine to celebrate. Ukraine will continue to demonstrate their resolute courage, determination and enduring moral strength as they fight to liberate more of their homeland. The UK and the international community will remain steadfast in our support - we will stand by Ukraine for however long it takes. 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. Ukraine will win. Thank you. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Andriy Yermak had a phone call with Timothy Barrow President of Ukraine 14 June 2023 - 23:38 As part of the ongoing dialogue with allies, Head of the Office of the President of Ukraine Andriy Yermak had a phone call with National Security Adviser to the Prime Minister of the United Kingdom Timothy Barrow. Andriy Yermak informed the interlocutor about the current situation on the battlefield, the actions of the Ukrainian defense forces and possible plans of the Russian occupiers. He also spoke about the needs of the Ukrainian army for equipment, weapons and ammunition in the context of preparing for the next meeting of the Contact Group on Ukraine's Defense in the Ramstein format. The Head of the President's Office expressed gratitude to the British people and the UK government for their unprecedented support for Ukraine. Pursuant to the agreements reached during the meetings between President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and Prime Minister Rishi Sunak, the parties discussed a number of issues of further close cooperation in the defense sector. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address When the ruins disappear, it is not just the aggressor who loses, but the very idea of aggression - address by the President of Ukraine President of Ukraine 14 June 2023 - 23:19 Good health to you, fellow Ukrainians! I have just spoken with President of Poland Andrzej Duda - an hour-long conversation, primarily on security issues. The current situation on the battlefield, weapons for our military, and ammunition. I thanked him for the fulfillment of previous defense agreements. Of course, in every conversation we pay considerable attention to long-term security and peace guarantees, and not only for us. And always effectively. Poland is quite realistic about the need for Ukraine's membership in NATO. And this is an objective need. We are jointly developing a concrete content for the NATO Summit in Vilnius. This is exactly the moment when Russian assumptions that someone in NATO is still afraid of Russia must be completely shattered. Such assumptions fuel Russia's aggressive ambitions. We must and can neutralize them. We thank Poland for its support for Ukraine and the real strengthening of NATO. Not only today, but throughout the week, we have been preparing very substantively for the Ukraine Recovery Conference to be held in London next week. This will be a significant event, very representative, which will unite both political and business efforts to restore our country and normal life for our people. The key Ukrainian principle is simple and fair, namely: no ruins will be left in Ukraine. We will rebuild everything, restore everything, and we know exactly what steps need to be taken in what timeframe and with what forces to defeat Russian aggression and rebuild our country. When the ruins disappear, it is not just the aggressor who loses, but the idea of aggression itself. And it will happen. Every day, in preparation for this London conference, we hold long and thorough preparatory meetings - all the necessary state institutions are involved, at different levels. And we are doing everything to ensure that the appropriate level of international agreements is prepared for our vision, the Ukrainian vision, which is, as always, meaningful. We continue our communication with partners on Russian missile production. Today, Russian savages launched another missile attack on Odesa with Kalibr missiles. Dozens of components of these Kalibr missiles were supplied to Russia from other countries. Obviously, each such supply route is a way to strengthen terror. The world has the tools to cut off all such routes - from every country, from every company whose components are used by Russian missile manufacturers Today, I signed new decrees to honor our warriors with state awards, including the servicemen of the Air Force, our air defense, those heroes who save the lives of our people every night, every day. Also, our intelligence officers and servicemen of the Armed Forces - combat brigades and units - were awarded. In total, 331 warriors. 331 heroic lives. Please always remember that all of us in Ukraine owe our lives to those who stood up to defend the lives of our people and our independence. Respect for our warriors, respect for the families of our warriors, respect for the wives and husbands of all those who have stood up to defend the state is a must. Gratitude to these people is a must. Ukraine knows how to be grateful, and it should be shown every day. I thank everyone who is fighting and working for our victory. I am especially grateful to everyone who is currently fighting in the east and south of our country, opening up strategic space for Ukraine, space for movement to victory. I thank all those who are now on the offensive and on the defensive, who are storming the occupiers' positions and repelling their attacks. Thank you all, warriors, for your bravery, for your resilience and for every meter of progress! Glory to our heroes! Glory to Ukraine! NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Head of the Office of the President of Ukraine had a phone call with the Chief Advisor to the President of the Federal Republic of Brazil President of Ukraine 14 June 2023 - 09:07 Pursuant to the instruction of the Head of State, Head of the Office of the President of Ukraine Andriy Yermak had a phone call with Chief Advisor to the President of the Federal Republic of Brazil Celso Amorim. Andriy Yermak spoke about the preparation of the Global Peace Summit, in which Ukraine seeks to involve as many countries as possible in order to implement the points of President Volodymyr Zelenskyy's Peace Formula. "Of course, we are extremely interested in Brazil's participation in this summit. We are ready to talk, and it is very important for us to hear your opinion," the Head of the Presidential Office emphasized. "Russia's destruction of the Kakhovka hydroelectric power plant has shown the extreme relevance of the Ukrainian Peace Formula, in particular the security and environmental clauses," he added. Andriy Yermak noted that Brazil's experience in environmental protection, among other things, is extremely valuable. The Head of the President's Office also thanked Celso Amorim for the visit of the Brazilian delegation to Ukraine in May 2023, which was extremely important for our country. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address NATO Ministers to Review Ukraine's Short- and Long-Term Needs By Myroslava Gongadze June 14, 2023 Ukraine's security needs, both immediate and long-term, are expected to dominate the discussion when NATO defense ministers meet Thursday and Friday in Brussels, where Ukrainian Defense Minister Oleksiy Reznikov will brief the participants on the progress of the war. The most urgent of those needs, Ukrainian Deputy Defense Minister Hanna Maliar told VOA in an interview Wednesday, is ammunition for her country to defend its skies against Russian aerial attacks and to sustain its long-awaited bid to recapture some Russian-held Ukrainian territory that began last week. Kyiv's longer-term appeal is for early admission to the 30-nation defensive alliance, a request that is likely to get a more serious hearing when the NATO heads of state meet next month in Vilnius, Lithuania. This week, the ministers are expected to reassess Ukraine's military needs, coordinate partnerships and review the alliance's defense capability. The member states are also discussing some measures short of full NATO membership that may be finalized in Brussels. In her interview, Maliar said Ukrainian forces are moving forward "step by step" in the east and south of the country and have recaptured about 90 square kilometers of territory since the start of the counteroffensive. But, she said, Russian forces have "increased artillery and mortar shelling, using aviation, making it challenging to advance; there are some difficult weather conditions as well." She added that the Russian army is conducting its own offensive operations in some locations, and that Ukrainian forces "are currently in the offensive and defensive stages." Maliar confirmed a warning from NATO Secretary-General Jens Stoltenberg, who said in February that Kyiv is burning through shells much more quickly than Western countries can replenish them a a pattern that has accelerated since the start of the counteroffensive. "Our military is fighting when the enemy has an advantage in weapons. Russia was preparing for this for 30 years; we were fulfilling our international obligation and did disarmament," she said. "And we need shells. Some days Russians use 70,000 shells per day. The list of our needs we are sharing with our partners regularly." Stoltenberg, who visited Washington this week ahead of the Brussels discussions, announced Wednesday a Defense Production Action Plan designed to "rapidly address shortfalls in our stocks." Reuters has reported that the Brussels meeting will, for the first time, include talks with the heads of some 20 of the world's leading defense companies to find a way to boost the production of what NATO calls "battle-decisive" munitions. Reznikov told VOA in an exchange of emails that he also expects to discuss plans for the introduction of U.S.-made F-16 jet fighters into the war. "During the meeting, we will discuss the details of the 'aircraft coalition' such as the training of pilots, technicians and engineers who will be engaged in aircraft maintenance because it is a very complex system," he wrote. "Subject matters will be discussed with the teams of the defense ministries of the Netherlands, Denmark, the USA, and other countries that have joined this coalition. I included representatives of our Air Force in the Ukrainian delegation. Also, everything related to air defense, ammunition shells, and artillery remains relevant. Our priorities have not changed." The longer-term issue of Ukraine's relationship with NATO figured prominently in Stoltenberg's meetings in Washington with President Joe Biden and Secretary of State Antony Blinken, according to Ambassador Julianne Smith, the U.S. permanent representative to NATO. Smith said during a call with journalists on Wednesday that all of the alliance members are "excited about the prospect" of welcoming Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy to the summit in Vilnius and that Ukraine's aspirations for NATO membership will be an essential agenda item at the Brussels meeting. While there is little prospect of a membership invitation while the war continues, Smith said the NATO members are working in real-time on a more limited support package that will "signal new deliverables in the category of enhancing our political relationship with Ukraine." "Not just practical support to assist them in their current efforts to defend their territorial integrity, but practical support tied to the longer-term questions, longer term modernization issues they will be grappling with, questions of standardization, and thinking what type of force they will have in the future," she said. Smith added that the NATO countries will not be swayed by Russia's objections to NATO membership for Ukraine. "Our positions are clear," she said. "Russia does not have a voice or a veto on NATO's open-door policy; we support Ukraine's aspirations to join the Euro Atlantic community." NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address African Leaders Head to Ukraine, Russia on Peace Mission By Kate Bartlett June 14, 2023 Others have tried and failed, and now six African leaders are heading to Moscow and Kyiv in the coming days to try to resolve the Russia-Ukraine conflict. South Africa a leading the delegation a has been accused of favoring Russia, despite its officially neutral stance on the war. South African President Cyril Ramaphosa is leading the delegation, which also includes heads of state from Zambia, the Republic of Congo, Egypt, Senegal and Uganda. The countries have taken different positions on the war, with South Africa, Uganda and the Republic of Congo abstaining from a United Nations resolution earlier this year condemning Russia's 2022 full-scale invasion and demanding it withdraw its troops. Zambia and Egypt voted in favor of the resolution, while Senegal didn't participate. Ramaphosa's spokesman, Vincent Magwenya, said the delegation's trip was "imminent," although exact dates were not made public due to security concerns. "We are anticipating that quite imminently a delegation of African heads of state will head to both Ukraine and Russia," he said. South Africa has been criticized in the West for its warm relations with Moscow a having hosted Russian warships for joint military exercises earlier this year a and last month the U.S. Ambassador to South Africa accused the country of having provided arms to Russia. South Africa denies the charge that weapons were secretly loaded onto Russian vessel 'the Lady R' while it was docked in Cape Town late last year, but the controversy has strained relations with Washington. A group of U.S. lawmakers raised questions this week on whether South Africa should still be eligible for trade benefits and top South African business leaders have also warned the country could pay economically for its stance, raising the possibility of sanctions. Steven Gruzd, an analyst at the South African Institute for International Affairs, says it is hard to predict whether the six-leader mission will make a difference. With heavy fighting going on, he says the time is not ripe for negotiations but adds that any attempt at peace making should be welcomed. "I think it might be a way for South Africa to distract from the 'Lady R' scandal, about South Africa allegedly arming Russia on a ship that was loaded at night in secret, and the other flak that South Africa has been getting, but I do think it's coming from a genuine place of wanting to make a difference," said Gruzd. Russian President Vladimir Putin has welcomed the African leaders' mission, as has Ukraine. But in an online news conference last week, Ukrainian Foreign Minister Dmytro Kuleba warned that some things are non-negotiable. "Any peace initiative should respect the territorial integrity of Ukraine, it should not imply, even in-between the lines, any cessation of Ukrainian territory to Russia. Second, any peace plan should not lead to the freezing of the conflict," said Kuleba. Ramaphosa is a seasoned negotiator, having been instrumental in talks that ended apartheid. But so far, peace plans proposed by other countries, including China, have failed, and critics are skeptical the African leaders' mission will achieve much. Meanwhile, the South African government is still mulling over what to do about the upcoming summit of the BRICS group of emerging nations in Johannesburg, which Putin has been invited to attend. With a warrant from the International Criminal Court out against the Russian leader, South Africa would be obliged to arrest him, and there are reports the country is looking for a way out through a legislative amendment to their ICC agreement. South Africa has denied speculation it is considering moving the summit entirely. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address VANCOUVER, British Columbia, June 14, 2023 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Liberty Gold Corp. (TSX: LGD; OTCQX: LGDTF) (Liberty Gold or the Company) is pleased to announce voting results from the Companys Annual General Meeting of Shareholders held on June 14, 2023 (the Meeting). Dr. Mark ODea, who has been the Chair of the Company, and Sean Tetzlaff, who has been a director of the Company, both having held these positions since the Companys inception, did not stand for re-election at the Meeting. Robert Pease, newly appointed Chair of Liberty Gold, stated, Wed like to thank both Mark and Sean for their formidable contributions to Liberty Gold, both have had an instrumental part of the Companys journey since its inception in 2011, and we wish both of them all the best on their future endeavours. Liberty Gold is pleased to announce that Wendy Louie has been appointed to the Board of Directors effective today. Ms. Louie is a Canadian Chartered Professional Accountant (CPA, CA) with over 25 years of diverse financial and leadership experience with a focus on the mining industry. Most recently, Ms. Louie was the Vice President of Finance and CFO of Sabina Gold and Silver Corp. until its acquisition by B2Gold Corp. in April 2023. She has an extensive background in mergers, acquisitions, risk management and advisory expertise across the mining, shipping, energy, and technology sectors. Robert Pease, Chair of Liberty Gold, commented, On behalf of the Board of Directors and of our shareholders, we welcome Wendy to the Company. She joins us at an exciting time with her extensive experience in the mining sector as we continue to advance the Black Pine oxide gold project on the development pathway. A total of 196,021,621 common shares were voted, representing the votes attached to 61.4% of all outstanding common shares. Shareholders voted in favour of the election of all director nominees. The percentage of votes cast for each is as follows: Total number of for votes cast: Votes for: Mr. Robert Pease 171,574,332 98.08 % Mr. Cal Everett 174,377,986 99.68 % Ms. Barbara Womersley 174,179,467 99.57 % Mr. Greg Etter 174,292,597 99.63 % Ms. Lisa Wade 174,220,758 99.59 % Mr. Wendy Louie 174,203,251 99.58 % Mr. Jason Attew 174,365,531 99.67 % The following were also approved by the shareholders: The reappointment of PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP, Chartered Professional Accountants as auditor of the Company: Total number of for votes cast: 195,630,464 Votes for: 99.80 % In favour of approved amendments to, and respective unallocated entitlements under the Stock Option Plan: Total number of for votes cast: 161,098,226 Votes for: 92.08 % In favour of approved amendments to, and respective unallocated entitlements under the Restricted Share Unit Plan: Total number of for votes cast: 173,010,994 Votes for: 98.90 % In favour of respective unallocated entitlements under the Deferred Share Unit Plan: Total number of for votes cast: 173,022,590 Votes for: 98.90 % Voting results are released in accordance with Toronto Stock Exchange requirements. Detailed voting results for the Meeting are available on SEDAR at www.sedar.com. ABOUT LIBERTY GOLD Liberty Gold is focused on exploring for and developing open pit oxide deposits in the Great Basin of the United States, home to large-scale gold projects that are ideal for open-pit mining. This region is one of the most prolific gold-producing regions in the world and stretches across Nevada and into Idaho and Utah. We know the Great Basin and are driven to discover and advance big gold deposits that can be mined profitably in open-pit scenarios. Our flagship projects are Black Pine in Idaho and Goldstrike in Utah, both past-producing open-pit mines, where previous operators only scratched the surface. For more information, visit libertygold.ca or contact: Susie Bell, Manager, Investor Relations Phone: 604-632-4677 or Toll Free 1-877-632-4677 info@libertygold.ca Westford, USA, June 14, 2023 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- The global Nitrous Oxide market size is expected to reach USD 2 billion by 2030 and exhibit a CAGR of 7.1% in the forecast period (20232030), according to Skyquest's latest research report. The growing demand from various end-use industries such as healthcare, automotive, and food and beverage, the increasing popularity of recreational use, and technological advancement in the production process are fueling the Market's growth. Government Subsidies and Trends to Promote the Use of Nitrous Oxide At a global scale, various trends in the nitrous oxide market are promoting growth, such as rising demand for nitrous oxide from the electronic industry for its use as a specialty gas, increasing adoption of nitrous oxide as a greenhouse gas to increase the crop yield, and growing popularity of nitrous oxide in the recreational industry for its euphoric effects. Several government initiatives are promoting the growth of Nitrous Oxide. The governments of various countries are implementing initiatives to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, the increasing use of nitrous oxide in the medical industry for anesthesia and pain management, governments are also promoting the use of nitrous oxide in the food and beverages industry for whipped cream production and as a propellant for aerosols. Get a sample copy of this report: https://www.skyquestt.com/sample-request/nitrous-oxide-market Nitrous Oxide-Oxygen Mixture Type Demand to Grow Substantially in the Forecast Period Nitrous Oxide-Oxygen Mixture dominated the global market owing to its widespread use. It is used in various medical applications, including dental surgeries, obstetrics, and emergency medicine. Nitrous oxide-oxygen mixtures are also used for anesthesia, pain management, and analgesia due to their fast-acting properties and ease of administration. Medical and Healthcare is the Leading Application Segment In terms of application, the medical and healthcare segment is the leading segment due to the demand for nitrous oxide as an anesthetic agent in surgical procedures and pain management. In addition, the increasing number of surgeries, the growing prevalence of chronic diseases, and the rising demand for pain management have helped the market to grow. Asia-Pacific and North America are the leading Markets Due to the Increasing Demand for Nitrous Oxide in the Healthcare Industry Region-wise, North America is one of the largest growing markets due to the increasing demand for nitrous oxide in the healthcare industry, particularly in the United States. Moreover, Asia Pacific is the fastest-growing region for nitrous oxide due to the rising prevalence of chronic diseases, increasing geriatric population and growing demand for dental procedures in the region. Browse summary of the report and Complete Table of Contents (ToC): https://www.skyquestt.com/report/nitrous-oxide-market Browse in-depth TOC on " Nitrous Oxide Market " Pages - 251 Tables - 38 Figures - 74 Nitrous Oxide Market Report Suggests: Merck, a renowned science and technology company, recently acquired Erbi Biosystems, a Massachusetts-based company that has developed the 2 ml micro-bioreactor platform technology called the "Breez." This acquisition is expected to enhance Merck's upstream portfolio in therapeutic proteins by enabling scalable cell-based perfusion bioreactor processes from 2ml to 2000L with rapid lab-scale process development. In terms of application, the medical and healthcare segment dominates due to the demand for nitrous oxide. In terms of type, the nitrous oxide-oxygen mixture type segment is projected to gain more popularity due to its widespread use. North America and Asia Pacific are leading markets and will continue to exhibit dominance in the global market mainly due presence of major market players Speak to Analyst for your custom requirements: https://www.skyquestt.com/speak-with-analyst/nitrous-oxide-market Nitrous Oxide Market Segmentation: The global Nitrous Oxide market report is segmented based on type, application, and region. By Type Pure Nitrous Oxide Nitrous Oxide-Oxygen Mixture Others By Application Medical Automotive Food & Beverage Electronics Aerospace Others By Region North America U.S Canada Europe Germany France UK Spain RoE Asia-Pacific China India Japan South Korea Rest of Asia-Pacific Latin America Brazil RoLA Middle-East and Africa South Africa GCC Countries Rest of MEA Nitrous Oxide Market Major Company Profiles: Linde plc Air Liquide S.A. Praxair, Inc. (Now owned by Linde plc) Air Products and Chemicals, Inc. Taiyo Nippon Sanso Corporation SOL Group Ellenbarrie Industrial Gases Limited Merck KGaA Matheson Tri-Gas, Inc. (Now owned by Taiyo Nippon Sanso Corporation) BOC Gases (Now owned by Linde plc) Airgas, Inc. (Now owned by Air Liquide S.A.) The Southern Gas Limited Bristol Gases Abello Linde S.A. Air Products AS Luxfer Gas Cylinders NORCO, Inc. KVK Corporation Goyal MG Gases Pvt. Ltd. NIPPON GASES CO., LTD. Related Reports in SkyQuests Library: Global Advanced Glass Market Global Conformal Coatings Market Global Ceramic Coating Market Global Corrugated Packaging Market Global Antioxidants Market About Us: SkyQuest Technology is leading growth consulting firm providing market intelligence, commercialization and technology services. It has 450+ happy clients globally. Address: 1 Apache Way, Westford, Massachusetts 01886 Phone: USA (+1) 617-230-0741 Email: sales@skyquestt.com Dublin, June 15, 2023 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- The "Blockchain Market in the Insurance Industry - Growth, Trends and Forecasts (2023-2028)" report has been added to ResearchAndMarkets.com's offering. The Blockchain Market in the insurance industry is expected to register a healthy CAGR of over 63.4% during the forecast period. Blockchain technology is assisting the insurance business in drastically changing operations, offering a wide range of advantages like lower costs, improved customer experiences, increased productivity, increased transparency, and more. This will create massive opportunities for the fintech sector as well as for insurance companies that are willing to embrace the change. Key Highlights Some of the new ways the insurance industry is starting to use blockchain technology are P&C Claims Settlement, the Internet of Things (IoT), index-based livestock insurance programs, catastrophe swaps and bonds, market investments, financial auditing and reporting, flight insurance, automated underwriting and claims settlement with the help of smart contracts, parametric insurance, high-value assets insurance, reinsurance, and medical claims processing. Companies incur huge losses because of the daily false claims and scams in the industry. A blockchain system is also hard to scale up because of the consensus-based validation procedures, the constant replications, and the ever-growing amount of data that is stored and can't be changed. Over the past ten years, technology has advanced rapidly and permeated every aspect of life. Technology is also familiar in the global vehicle insurance market. The revolutionary blockchain technology has changed the way that motor insurance operates. With blockchain technology, motor insurance businesses can now cryptographically encrypt all insurance-related data on a secure and reliable record-keeping platform. So automotive sales would drive blockchain technology in automotive insurance firms. Blockchain in the Insurance Market Trends Smart Contract is Expected to Hold a Significant Market Share Smart contracts powered by a blockchain could provide customers and insurers with the means to manage claims in a transparent, responsive, and irrefutable manner where claims handling could become more efficient and streamlined, resulting in an improved customer experience. Contracts and claims could be recorded on a blockchain and validated by the network, ensuring only valid claims are paid. Smart contracts would also enforce the claims, for instance, by triggering payments automatically only when certain conditions are met. Smart contracts, for example, can be programmed to accept telematics device feeds and automatically raise insurance claims and trigger pay-outs in the event of an accident.They can also recommend trusted service stations in the vicinity and call for medical assistance if necessary. Smart contracts possess the capabilities to automate several processes that otherwise require manual intervention. In addition, data's immutability increases reliability and helps make faster and more accurate decisions. Asia-Pacific is Expected to be the Fastest Growing Region Blockchain technology is getting a lot of attention in the financial sector, which includes banking, financial services, and insurance. As insurers are expected to increasingly leverage the growing application of IoT for data gathering across emerging economies, the blockchain-based implementation could greatly increase the overall process's efficiency and enable insurers to capture sensory information securely through a tamper-proof method. For instance, ICICI Lombard uses AI in healthcare insurance-related claims to identify fraud. Any transactions validated and stamped are hard to change and can be verified using AI for real-time settlement. Blockchain in the Insurance Market Competitor Analysis The blockchain market in the insurance industry is highly concentrated and consolidated with a few significant players, such as IBM Corporation, Microsoft, AWS, Oracle, SAP, etc. Regarding market share, some of the major players currently dominate the market. However, with the advancement of blockchain technologies and cloud deployment, new players are increasing their market presence, thereby expanding their business footprint across emerging economies. In May 2022, Superscript, a U.K. startup and Lloyd's of London insurance market broker, launched a dedicated product called 'Daylight' for crypto businesses. The Daylight Insurance offering for crypto firms begins with technology liability and cyber insurance, which protect against everything from ransomware attacks to unintentional copyright infringement. In January 2022, the open-source, decentralized insurance protocol and ecosystem Etherisc launched a blockchain-backed insurance application that can autonomously issue policies and execute payouts for travel delays and cancellations. Payments are processed through the blockchain payments program Gnosis Chain (formerly xDai Chain), with an initial payment option of the U.S. dollar-backed USD Coin. 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 Growing Demand of Automation Across the BFSI Sector 4.2.2 Increasing Need for Reducing the Total Cost of Ownership 4.3 Market Restraints 4.3.1 Security Vulnerability of Transaction Across the Insurance Platform using Blockchain Technology 4.3.2 Lack of Awareness about Blockchain in the Industry Professionals 4.4 Industry Attractiveness - Porter's Five Forces Analysis 4.5 Technology Snapshot 5 MARKET SEGMENTATION 5.1 By Deployment 5.1.1 On-premise 5.1.2 Cloud Based 5.2 By Type 5.2.1 Public 5.2.2 Private 5.3 By Application 5.3.1 GRC (Governance, Risk and Compliance) Management 5.3.2 Smart Contract 5.3.3 Financial Management (Payments) 5.3.4 Identity Management & Fraud Detection 5.3.5 Death and Claims Management 5.3.6 Other Applications 5.4 Geography COMPANY PROFILES Microsoft IBM Amazon Web Services Oracle SAP Chainthat Auxesis GuardTime Symbiont.io For more information about this report visit https://www.researchandmarkets.com/r/8wklw2 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 TTTech and STMicroelectronics collaborate to provide high-performance networking solutions for deep space ST supplies chips to TTTech that are used among others in the European launcher program Ariane 6 and the next-generation networking and computing platforms for NASAs Gateway, a vital component of NASA Artemis program that will return humanity to the Moon and enable further deep space exploration to Mars. Continuation of 7-year collaboration enables technology leadership in the digitalization of both near-Earth and deep space, supported by a European supply chain Geneva, Switzerland, and Vienna, Austria, June 15, 2023 -- As the global space industry grows, it requires a steady supply of highly reliable space-grade chips for an increasing number of programs. TTTech, a technology leader in safe networking and computing platforms, and STMicroelectronics, a global semiconductor leader serving customers across the spectrum of electronics applications, celebrate 7 years of collaboration in the space sector. TTTechs advanced, safe, and reliable networking components and platform solutions, based on ST chips, are deployed in key space industry commercial and exploration programs. After the first variant of TTTechs and STs codeveloped chip was selected for the Ariane 6 launcher program, a second variant, tailored for the very harsh constraints of deep space, is being implemented in modules of the Gateway space station, a key part of NASAs Artemis program. We are witnessing a new space era. The space market has captured lots of commercial funding and benefits from increased governmental spending. There is a growing demand for satellite constellations providing global internet connection and earth observation. At the same time, international cooperation, such as NASA Artemis and programs like the Gateway space station, are pushing space travel and new industries and projects, such as Moon habitation and rovers. They also foster the need for high-tech, safe, and secure digital communication solutions, which is our core competence. TTTech is proud to be on board of such missions and to work with a leading technology company like STMicroelectronics to shape the future of the space market, says Georg Kopetz, CEO TTTech. Cutting-edge technology is a must for a vision of connected deep space to become a reality. STs chips power Space industry through collaboration with space agencies and market leaders, such as TTTech. As part of this collaboration, we are bringing two innovative variants of the same chip, enabling both short-lived but tough launchers reliability conditions and missions lasting over 15 years in very harsh constraints of deep space, adds Vincent Fraisse, RF & Communication Division General Manager, STMicroelectronics. As an integrated device manufacturer, ST provides this transforming market with decades of high-reliability semiconductor expertise and its customers with security of supply with its Europe-based front-end and back-end manufacturing. In 2021, TTTech and ST completed the development, industrialization, and qualification of highly integrated, radiation-hardened TTEthernet network controllers that are now used in the avionics systems of multiple launcher and robotic programs, including the Ariane 6 launcher program and the NASA Gateway modules. In particular, TTTech and ST are contributing to the creation of the Ariane 6 avionics backbone system where the challenge was to develop and qualify a solution that supports a short life cycle in the harsh conditions of a launch. Ariane 6 is a European launch system currently undergoing its test campaign, developed by ArianeGroup on behalf of the European Space Agency. The chips and related software resulting from the collaboration between TTTech and ST are integrated into more than 50 avionic units that all connect to a single, redundant TTEthernet network, the launchers nervous system. The second variant will notably use a hermetic ceramic package to support the very harsh radiation conditions of deep space, over an extended life cycle of multiple years. It will be on board the first two NASA Gateway modules to go to space, the Habitation and Logistics Module (HALO) and the Power and Propulsion Element (PPE). Gateway will be the first space station in lunar orbit. It is a key part of NASAs Artemis program, which aims to land the first woman and next man on the Moon by 2024 and eventually enable future crewed missions to Mars. The PPE will generate 60kW of electrical power to power Gateway's subsystems and solar electric propulsion system, allowing it to maintain its unique orbit around the Moon and communications for the lunar orbiting outpost. Meanwhile, the HALO module will serve as the backbone for command and control and power distribution across Gateway, providing living quarters and enabling science investigations and communication with lunar surface expeditions. About TTTech Aerospace TTTech Aerospace provides deterministic embedded network and platform solutions for aerospace and space applications. Its products have already completed over 1 billion flight hours in Level A safety-critical applications like fly-by-wire, power systems, avionics, engine controls and environmental control systems and covered distances of more than two million kilometers in deep space. Proven, mature solutions help customers in the aerospace and space industries to develop integrated, modular and scalable deterministic network platforms that increase safety, fault-tolerance and availability. In addition, integrated solutions reduce size, weight, power and cost (SWaP-C), allowing for easier handling of equipment and lowering total lifecycle cost. TTTech Aerospace is part of the TTTech Group, a globally oriented group of high-tech companies, founded and headquartered in Vienna, Austria. TTTech is the innovator of Deterministic Ethernet and a driving force behind the IEEE TSN and the SAE AS6802 Time-Triggered Ethernet standards. https://www.tttech.com/aerospace Press contact: Judith Lebic Senior Communication Expert / TTTech Tel: +43 1 585 34 34-0 | Email: pr@tttech.com About STMicroelectronics At ST, we are over 50,000 creators and makers of semiconductor technologies mastering the semiconductor supply chain with state-of-the-art manufacturing facilities. An integrated device manufacturer, we work with more than 200,000 customers and thousands of partners to design and build products, solutions, and ecosystems that address their challenges and opportunities, and the need to support a more sustainable world. Our technologies enable smarter mobility, more efficient power and energy management, and the wide-scale deployment of the Internet of Things and connectivity. We are committed to achieving our goal of becoming carbon neutral by 2027. Further information can be found at www.st.com. Media relations: Alexis Breton Corporate External Communications Tel: +33.6.59.16.79.08 | Email: alexis.breton@st.com Attachments Dublin, June 15, 2023 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- The "Neurotoxin Market Forecast to 2028 - COVID-19 Impact and Global Analysis By Product Type, Application, and End User" report has been added to ResearchAndMarkets.com's offering. The neurotoxin market size is expected to reach US$ 13,195.06 million by 2028 from US$ 6,622.36 million in 2022; it is estimated to record a CAGR of 12.3% from 2023 to 2028. The overall market for neurotoxins is expected to propel exponentially during the forecast period to meet the growing demand for facial aesthetics. In March 2022, Aquavit Pharmaceuticals, Inc. announced the submission of an Investigational New Drug (IND) of 'DTX-021"-a botulinum toxin type A intended to treat moderate to severe glabellar lines . The product is a highly purified and clinically tested injectable neuromodulator with a 900 kDa protein complex derived from neurotoxins produced by Clostridium botulinum. Also, Aquavit is accelerating clinical trials by introducing DTX-022, and its final approval will be recognized as the first-of-its-kind and the world's first pan-facial microinjection of neurotoxins. Likewise, with the ongoing weight loss trend, Gastric Botox has become a popular choice among patients seeking non-invasive procedures. It involves injecting Botox into specific stomach regions using an endoscopic technique. By this technique, the contraction of the stomach muscles is restrained. Due to the limitation, the stomach's evacuation process takes longer, which causes the patient to feel full for longer period, resulting in reduced appetite and improved weight-related health issues/lifestyle disorders such as high blood pressure and diabetes mellitus. In June 2021, Galderma announced a new product launch-"Alluzience"-intended to be the first ready-to-use neuromodulator and a wrinkle-relaxing injection in Europe. The newly launched product Alluzience is a liquid form of botulinum toxin type A, particularly for adult patients, to temporarily improve the appearance of moderate to severe glabellar lines (vertical lines between the eyebrows). Based on product type, the neurotoxin market is segmented into botox, dysport, xemoin, and others. The botox segment held the largest market share in 2022 and is anticipated to register the highest CAGR during the forecast period.. Botulinum toxins are much popular in the medical aesthetic industry. The widely used botulinum toxin is Botulinum type A. The botulinum toxin market is primarily driven by rising aesthetic consciousness and a number of noninvasive cosmetic procedures. In addition, the increasing quality of care, improved professional services, and the availability of minimally invasive surgeries by highly qualified aesthetic surgeons have contributed to procedural volume growth, technological advancements, and the introduction of cost-effective aesthetic products. In November 2022, Hugel, a medical aesthetic company in South Korea, announced receiving approval from Australia's Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA) for its Letybo. Letybo is a botulinum toxin type A injection formulated to treat glabellar lines indications. The company plans to complete its first shipment and launch in the local market within the first quarter of 2023. The preference of the brands differs in different countries; for instance, botulinum toxin brands that are largely used in Singapore are Botox (Allergan), Dysport (Ipsen Biopharmaceuticals Inc.), Xeomin (Merz Pharmaceuticals, LLC). These are Health Saving Account (HAS) approved. The prices of these brands are Botox US$ 20.6-34.4 (Singapore$ 15-25), Dysport US$ 16.5-27.5 (Singapore$ 12-20), and Xeomin US$ 20.6-27.5 (Singapore$ 15-20) per unit. As per Evolus's estimates, Botox has the maximum market share that holds ~70% of the total botulinum toxin's market. Similarly, in Thailand, two main brands, Botox Allergan and Botox Aestox, are widely used and approved by the Thai FDA. Botox Allergan costs US$ 2,802.8 (79.98 baht) and Botox Aestox costs US$ 7,008 (199.98 baht) per unit. These aforementioned factors are responsible for the segmental growth of the neurotoxin market during 2023-2028. Key Attributes: Report Attribute Details No. of Pages 186 Forecast Period 2023 - 2028 Estimated Market Value in 2023 6622.36 Million Forecasted Market Value by 2028 13195.06 Million Compound Annual Growth Rate 12.3% Regions Covered Global Market Dynamics Drivers Surge in Cosmetic Procedures to Improve Appearance Emergence of Innovative Facial Aesthetic Products Restraints Improper/Inappropriate Injection Technique Opportunities Neurotoxins to Reduce Spasticity in Upper Limb Muscles Future Trends BOTA for Assisted Reproductive Technology (ART) Companies Mentioned Merz Pharma GmbH & Co Kgaa Abbvie Inc Revance Therapeutics Inc Ipsen Sa List Biological Labs Inc Medytox Inc Evolus Inc Hugel Inc Lanzhou Institute of Biological Products Co Ltd Supernus Pharmaceuticals Gufic For more information about this report visit https://www.researchandmarkets.com/r/uzz517 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. Fairfield, Connecticut, June 15, 2023 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Third generation, family owned Bigelow Tea is excited to launch two new exciting flavors to the line of light and refreshing Bigelow Botanicals Cold Water Infusions: Botanicals Blood Orange Tangerine Cold Water Infusion and Botanicals Pineapple Coconut Mango Cold Water Infusion. Each Bigelow Botanicals Cold Water Infusion is carefully crafted with beautiful ingredients that slowly create a lightly infused botanical water. Different from iced tea that is made by steeping tea bags in hot water and then letting it cool, Bigelow Botanicals create a gentle herbal infusion by using real fruit and herbs steeped in cold water in order to extract each blends light and delicious flavor. Inspiring consumers to prioritize healthy choices by staying hydrated throughout the day, these two new Bigelow Botanicals Cold Water Infusions offer even more flavor variety, in addition to the rest of the delicious line, and are a healthy alternative to sugary drinks with zero calories, no caffeine, and no artificial anything. The convenience of only adding cold water allows you to easily incorporate Bigelow Botanicals Cold Water Infusions into your daily routine to help reach your water intake whether its simply enjoying at home, at work, or exercising, each individually wrapped bag ensures freshness and allows for portability to enjoy by the glass or take it on-the-go. Drinking more water has never been so easy or delicious! NEW! Botanicals Cold Water Infusion Blood Orange Tangerine Sweet citrus and tangy tangerine create a refreshing infusion. Enjoy this new way to love your water with Bigelow Botanicals Cold Water Infusion Blood Orange Tangerine. Sweet blood orange fruit is delightfully blended with tangy tangerine, creating a bright citrus infusion with a slightly sweet berry taste. Watch these refreshing Botanicals infuse your water with vibrant ruby-orange hues for an easy and delicious way to drink more water. NEW! Botanicals Cold Water Infusion Pineapple Coconut Mango A tropical infusion of sweet pineapple, coconut and a hint of mango. Delight in this mouth-watering oasis of flavors which include sweet, delicate pineapple with creamy coconut and a hint of mango. This unique twist on drinking plain water transforms your glass into a hydrating tropical adventure. While quenching your thirst and supporting your wellness routine, this fresh and juicy botanical blend with be the first beverage to reach for every day. We know that staying hydrated is essential for overall health and wellbeing, says Cindi Bigelow, president and CEO of family-owned Bigelow Tea. In support of our consumers who are focusing on living a healthy lifestyle, we created these two new beautiful cold water infusion flavors to enhance each wellness routine. These exceptional flavors are truly a new way to love your water and help each of us reach our daily hydration goals. Each blend from the line of Bigelow Botanical Cold Water Infusions allows you to easily create your own botanical infused water either by the glass or on-the-go. Bigelow Tea, an authority on flavor, uses only the highest quality ingredients that slowly come alive once cold water is added. We know consumers are still thirsty for healthy refreshment. Take a look at our existing line of exciting and delicious flavors: Peach Lemonade Acai slightly tart lemon flavor and a hint of sweet peach. Watermelon Cucumber Mint delicate watermelon, refreshing cucumber, and a hint of fresh mint. Blackberry Raspberry Hibiscus sweet blackberries and raspberries delightfully blended with refreshing fruity hibiscus. Cranberry Lime Honeysuckle refreshing tart cranberries, a splash of lime, and a touch of sweet honeysuckle. Blueberry Citrus Basil the taste of freshly picked blueberries, refreshing citrus, and a light basil finish. Strawberry Lemon Orange Blossom refreshing burst of juicy strawberry followed by tart lemon and the essence of orange blossom. The Bigelow Botanicals Cold Water Infusion range of flavors are now available for purchase in stores and online on the Bigelow Tea company website (www.bigelowtea.com) and other select online retailers. The average suggested SRP is $3.99. About Bigelow Tea Company Based in Fairfield, CT and 100% family owned, the Bigelow Tea Company pioneered the specialty tea category 80 years ago with its flagship tea, Constant Comment, an iconic black tea known for its unique, memorable blend of orange rind and sweet spice that changed the way Americans were drinking tea. The third-generation company takes pride in its heritage and successful growth from a one-product, entrepreneurial venture into becoming a national market tea leader today. Under the leadership of president and CEO, Cindi Bigelow, Bigelow Tea has become a Certified B Corporation, one of a select group of companies that has made a commitment to corporate social responsibility as a core business goal in the pursuit of a positive social and environmental impact. This certification incorporates maintaining Zero Waste to Landfill operations, being a Green-e Certified company and organizing the Bigelow Tea Community Challenge fundraiser which has contributed over $2 million to local non-profits since 1988. Producing 2 billion tea bags annually, the Bigelow Tea portfolio is comprised of more than 150 flavors which includes the Bigelow Tea signature line, seasonal tea products, organic, wellness and immune support teas that feature ingredients with functional benefits as well as Botanicals Cold Water Infusions. Bigelow Tea products are available nationwide. For more information, visit our website (www.bigelowtea.com) or contact: media@bigelowtea.com. Attachment HAMILTON, Ontario, June 15, 2023 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- The Labourers International Union of North America (LiUNA) recently celebrated the groundbreaking for a new purpose-built rental development at 500 Upper Wellington Street in Hamilton, Ontario. In line with LiUNAs community-building efforts throughout Canada, the United States, and around the world, this rental development is part of LiUNAs ongoing work to drive the revitalization of Hamilton. The LiUNA Pension Fund of Central and Eastern Canada (LPFCEC) is the lead investor in 500 Upper Wellington Street, which is being built in partnership with Fengate Asset Management and Ingenuity. The groundbreaking ceremony last month featured remarks from Joseph Mancinelli, Chair, LiUNA Pension Fund of Central and Eastern Canada; Andrew Konev, Senior Vice President, Development, Fengate Asset Management; and Mario Viti, Chief Executive Officer, Ingenuity. The opening remarks were followed by a ceremonial groundbreaking featuring Mr. Mancinelli, LPFCEC trustees and executives, and representatives of the project partners. LiUNA has an extensive footprint in the city of Hamilton and we are proud to continue this momentum and ensure reliable and affordable housing supply extends beyond concept and into reality, said Joseph Mancinelli, Chair, LiUNA Pension Fund of Central and Eastern Canada. Together with LiUNA investments at 75 James Street, King William Residences, 20 Rebecca Street, among many others, 500 Upper Wellington will have a positive impact on our community as we work proactively and collaboratively to meet the future growth of our city. This purpose-built development will deliver in-demand housing supply to meet the diverse and evolving demands of our communities while moving our economy and city forward. The development at 500 Upper Wellington Street will deliver a six-storey, new generation, purpose-built rental building with 261 suites and over 6,000 square feet of commercial space. Future residents will benefit from the sites convenient access to downtown Hamilton and the host of onsite amenities planned for the development. The building will be pursuing LEED designation and is slated to include sustainability-focused features such as a green roof, geothermal heating and cooling, and energy-efficient building systems. Plans also include integrated technology features that will enable residents to manage their homes and access building services remotely. The construction of 500 Upper Wellington Street is expected to be completed in 2026. About the Labourers International Union of North America Half a million members strong across North America, LiUNA the Labourers International Union of North America is a powerhouse of highly-skilled men and women who proudly build stronger communities across various sectors, predominately in construction. Representing over 140,000 men and women in Canada, LiUNA continues to be a leading advocate for workplace health and safety. United through collective bargaining agreements, LiUNA members earn competing wages, good benefits and the opportunity for advancement and better futures. From roads to bridges, tunnels to high-rise, building essential transit and healthcare infrastructure, the highly skilled, diverse members of LiUNA build stronger, prosperous communities from the ground up and are essential to our countrys economic development and advancement. Learn more at liuna.ca. About LiUNA Pension Fund of Central and Eastern Canada Established in 1972, the LiUNA Pension Fund of Central and Eastern Canada (LPFCEC) is one of the fastest growing multi-employer pension funds across Canada, voted top 10 pension funds by Benefits Canada. With a diverse investment portfolio and over $12 billion in assets, LPFCEC has yielded positive returns for the plan, great work opportunities for LiUNA members, and has created many needed institutions across North America through a broad range of investments. Learn more at lpfcec.org. Media Inquiries: Victoria Mancinelli Director, Public Relations, Marketing and Strategic Partnerships LiUNA vmancinelli@liunaopdc.org Photos accompanying this announcement are available at: https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/2a096051-dad0-47ad-9b4c-4cdbf38430d7 https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/25cd0dab-2fc9-474f-bec0-4458b9f499c1 Icelandic English Brim hf. secures EUR 220m sustainability-linked loan facility Brim hf. has signed a syndicated senior secured loan facility of 220 million EUR to refinance previous loan facility. The lenders consist of three international banks: global food- and agribusiness bank Rabobank, Nordic based Nordea, and Norwegian DNB. The terms of the loan facility consist of a five-year tenor with a 25-year instalment schedule. The sustainability-linked facility with Rabobank acting as the Sustainability Coordinator includes key performance indicators in line with Brims strategy and objectives, which the company has been reporting in accordance with GRI standards since 2017. The indicators include targets in relation to CO2 emissions in fishing as Brim is a global pioneer in such reporting. The favourable financing of Brim confirms the companys increased financial strength and a history of sound investments and prudent operations. Inga Jona Frigeirsdottir, Chief Financial Officer of Brim hf: We at Brim are pleased with the new loan facility and the terms we find favourable. The lenders are respected international finance institutions with extensive experience in serving the European food sector. This confirms the confidence of the international financial market in Brims financial strength and its sustainable fisheries and production of quality seafood. We are pleased to include terms for sustainable incentives as it supports Brims commitment to increasing value creation, low-carbon emission and increasing security in production and global distribution of quality seafood. Gumundur Kristjansson, Chief Executive Officer of Brim hf: I am satisfied as the loan acknowledges Brims strong balance sheet and solid operations. This 220-million-euro loan will help us restructuring our finances and prepare for technology led future. We can use our growing financial strength to execute faster our vision of prudent utilization of our fishing permits, sustainable operations, strengthening our global sales and marketing network and increasing earnings and value creation. Rabobank and Nordea are holding a similar top tier commitment in the new loan, followed by DNBs slightly smaller commitment. Islandsbanki is the agent and security agent of the loan. The three international banks are leading banks in servicing both the European and global fisheries sector. All the banks have vision and strong commitments to serve the goals of sustainable development. Reykjavik, June 15th, 2023 TORONTO, June 15, 2023 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- White Gold Corp. (TSX.V: WGO, OTCQX: WHGOF, FRA: 29W) (the "Company") is pleased to announce plans for its fully funded 2023 exploration program on its district scale 350,000 hectare land package, representing over 40% of the emerging White Gold District in Yukon, Canada. The 2023 program is designed to further evaluate targets on the Betty and JP Ross properties and to perform maiden diamond drilling on the Cali target located on the Nolan property. Other regional exploration work includes maiden rotary air blast (RAB) drilling on the Wolf and Toonie properties and a significant early-stage exploration program to identify and advance other targets on the Companys extensive and under explored land package in which the Company has made several high grade gold discoveries in addition to significantly increasing resources at the Companys flagship White Gold Project which comprises 16 million tonnes averaging 2.23 g/t Au for 1,152,900 ounces of gold in the Indicated Resource category and 19 million tonnes averaging 1.54 g/t Au for 942,400 ounces of gold in the Inferred Resource category (1) and remains open for expansion. A district scale map outlining the Companys planned 2023 exploration work areas (Figure 1) and target-specific maps (Figures 2-4) accompanying this news release can be found at http://whitegoldcorp.ca/investors/exploration-highlights/. We are excited to kick off our 2023 exploration programs in the White Gold District, stated Terry Brace, the Companys Vice President of Exploration. Diamond drilling at Betty Ford is primarily designed to test the mineralized system at depth, essentially looking for evidence of an underlying porphyry as well as trying to identify the feeder to gold mineralization that occurs near surface. We have also reviewed the existing structural information at Vertigo including borehole optical televiewer data and vein measurements recorded in trenches and feel this years drill orientation will more effectively test the multiple mineralized vein sets at Vertigo. The planned diamond drill holes at the Cali target are widely spaced holes designed to test this 2 km long gold and multi-element soil geochemical anomaly which occurs along a major regional structure, so we really like the apparent size and geological setting of Cali. We expect 2023 to be another exciting year for White Gold as we build on the success of our recent field seasons where we have made a very significant new high-grade gold discovery on our Betty property and continued to expand the large footprint of mineralization at our flagship White Gold Project and significantly increasing resources. These results further demonstrate the expansiveness of gold mineralization in the White Gold District and the potential for continuing to make additional new discoveries as well as increase our significant gold resources. We have designed a very impactful program to further diamond drill test these recent high-grade gold discoveries, perform maiden diamond drilling on the Cali target as well as advance other high-priority targets across our expansive and underexplored land package. Extensive review and analysis performed in the off-season has also provided insightful new interpretations on several projects which we are excited to integrate into our methodical exploration methodologies, stated David DOnofrio, Chief Executive Officer Highlights: Exploration diamond drilling totalling 3,200m planned on three targets Betty Ford, Vertigo and Cali. Betty Ford Testing for porphyry at depth beneath the mineralized breccia, plus potential feeder contact/structure identified through VLF-EM ground geophysics. Recent drilling at Betty Ford intersected 3.46 g/t Au over 50.0m in hole BETFD21D003 and 8.94 g/t gold over 18.29m in hole BETFD22RC004. Vertigo First drilling since 2019 with program designed to test a new structural interpretation which includes multiple mineralized vein sets not previously drill tested. 2018 and 2019 drilling highlights at the Vertigo include 23.44 g/t Au over 24.38 m, 12.25 g/t Au over 15.24 m, 9.46 g/t Au over 22.86 m, and 11.64 g/t Au over 5.34 m. Cali Maiden diamond drilling with widely spaced holes testing large (2 km long) gold and multi-element soil anomaly located along the regional Sixtymile-Pika Fault. Maiden RAB drill programs totalling 800 m to test gold targets on the Wolf and Toonie properties. Induced Polarization Resistivity ground geophysical surveys over the large early-stage Bridget and Hayes Copper-Molybdenum porphyry targets located on the Pedlar and Hayes properties in close proximity to the large Casino porphyry deposit. Regional exploration on other properties includes geological mapping and prosecting, soil geochemistry surveys, and ground magnetics and VLF-EM surveys to generate new targets for future drill testing. Additional detail on the various components of the program to be released in due course. A corporate update webinar has been arranged for management to present additional detail on the Companys fully funded 2023 exploration program. Event and registration details to be provided. Betty Ford Target The Betty property is contiguous to and located approximately 40 km east of Newmont Corporations (NYSE: NEM, TSX: NGT) Coffee gold deposit (Indicated Resources of 2.14 Moz gold and Inferred Resources of 0.23 Moz gold(2)) and 15 km northeast of Western Copper and Gold Corporations (TSX: WRN, NYSE: WRN) Casino porphyry deposit (Measured & Indicated Resources of 14.8 Moz gold & 7.6 Blbs copper and Inferred Resources of 6.3 Moz gold and 3.1 Blb copper(3)). The Betty Ford target is located at the centre of the Betty property on the eastern extension of the Coffee Creek Fault, which hosts the Coffee deposit. The target, which forms an approximately 1 km long east-west trending gold-in-soil anomaly with gold values ranging from trace up to 1,961 ppb Au, was initially RAB drill tested by the Company in 2018. RAB results were encouraging with hole BETFRDRAB-002 intersecting near surface gold mineralization averaging 1.08 g/t Au over 50.29 m from 4.57 m depth. During 2021 and 2022, the Company drilled 11 diamond drill holes totalling 2,297 m and 2 RC holes totalling 201 m to further test the target along an approximately 250 m strike length. This drilling has continued to intersect a broad zone of near-surface high grade gold mineralization within a polylithic breccia host unit that returned 3.46 g/t Au over 50.0 m in hole BETFD21D003, 1.17 g/t Au over 48.0 m in hole BETF21D001, 1.50 g/t Au over 55.2 m in hole BETFD22D007, and 8.94 g/t Au over 18.29 m in BETFD22RC004. The planned 2023 diamond drilling program on the Betty Ford target comprises 4 holes totalling 1,200 m that are designed to test: 1) the presence of a mineralized buried porphyry at depth beneath the polylithic breccia unit; 2) a possible feeder contact/structure identified from VLF-EM surveying; 3) a strong gold-in-soil anomaly in the area of a gully and interpreted fault structure; and 4) controls on higher grade gold mineralization such as that intersected in hole BETFD22RC004. Vertigo Target The road accessible Vertigo target is located on the JP Ross property approximately 80 km south of Dawson City. Gold and silver mineralization at Vertigo is associated with quartz veining, brecciation and strong quartz-sericite altered structures containing disseminated to locally massive arsenopyrite, galena and pyrite, and locally fine-grained visible gold within a felsic gneiss host unit. Vuggy textures and iron oxides after pyrite, as well as an interpreted early phase of potassic alteration, are common. Initial diamond drilling at Vertigo was carried out by Kinross in 2010 with the completion of 4 holes totalling 521.7 m. During 2018 and 2019, the Company carried out RAB (25 holes, 1,448.9 m) and reverse circulation (RC) drilling (36 holes, 2,551.3m), and in 2019 completed 46 diamond drill holes totalling 9,568.5 m. The 2018 RAB and RC holes drilled to the south (180 azimuth) and north (360 azimuth), whereas 2019 RAB, RC and diamond drill holes drilled to the north-northeast (020 azimuth) to test the interpreted primary west-northwest striking and south dipping mineralized structures. Although drilling produced some very encouraging results (e.g. 23.44 g/t Au and 144.75 g/t Ag over 24.38 m in hole JPRVERRAB18-014, 9.46 g/t Au and 36.68 g/t Ag over 22.86m in hole JPRVERRC18-006, and 11.64 g/t Au and 32 g/t Ag over 5.34m in hole JPRVER19D0015 see Company News Releases dated Dec. 06, 2018 and Aug. 08, 2019), the lateral and vertical extent of the mineralized structures appeared discontinuous. However, the Company has recently reviewed and interpreted available borehole optical televiewer and trench structural data. This analysis indicates that there are 3 mineralized vein sets at Vertigo: 1) the primary WNW striking vein set which has been the focus of previous drilling; 2) a north-northeast (022) striking secondary vein set which dips steeply to both the west and east; and 3) a set of narrow (up to 10-15 cm) sheeted quartz veins that strike east-northeast (070) and dip moderately at 55 north. These latter quartz veins were exposed during mechanical trenching during the 2019 field season, and vein samples returned encouraging gold assays in the range of 1.5 g/t Au to 17.3 g/t Au. The 2019 diamond drill holes were largely blind to this vein set due to the orientation of drilling. The planned 2023 diamond drill program at Vertigo comprises 5 holes totalling 1,100 m that will test the mineralized zone near the historical trenching, as well as adjacent gold-in-soil anomalies located 250-300 m to the east-northeast, southwest and south. All holes will be collared at a dip of -50 and drill at an azimuth of 155 (south-southeast). This drill orientation is designed to intersect all 3 vein sets noted above and test the potential for bulk tonnage gold mineralization. Cali Target The Cali target is located in the northern part of the Nolan property which covers a large area measuring some 30 km north-south by up to 22 km east-west. The northern portion of the property north of the Sixty Mile River is accessible from the Top of the World Highway which extends westwards from Dawson City to Alaska, and local placer mining roads and trails. The Cali target forms a large 250 m x 2 km long northeast-trending multi-element (Au-As-Sb-Bi-Cu-Pb-Zn) soil anomaly, including maximum values of 515 ppb Au, 1436 ppm As, 2184 ppm Cu, 1225 ppm Pb and 2670 ppm Zn. The strongest base metal values appear to occur in sub-zones within the larger anomaly, which remains open along strike particularly to the southwest. The soil anomaly is located over footwall orthogneisses on the south side of the Sixtymile-Pika Fault, and mineralization does not appear to extend into the hanging wall metaquartzites. In 2017 the Company drilled 22 short (< 100 m) RAB holes on the Cali target, with several holes intersecting anomalous gold, silver and copper warranting follow up exploration. The planned maiden 2023 diamond drilling program on the Cali target comprises 3 holes totalling 900 m. Each planned hole is 300 m in length and will drill at a dip of -50 to the northwest (320 azimuth), testing the target and Sixtymile-Pika Fault along an approximately 1.1 km strike length. Wolf Property The Wolf property is located east on the White River, approximately 120 km south-southwest of Dawson City and 35 km west of the Companys White Gold Project. The Taurus target is located in the southwest region of the Wolf property. It is defined by an approximately 2 km long by 0.5 km wide, northeast-trending gold in soil anomaly, including maximum values of 358 ppb Au. Follow-up GT probe sampling returned values of up to 0.76 g/t Au along with multiple samples greater than 0.5 g/t Au. The arcuate-shaped gold in soil anomaly at the Taurus target appears to be coincident with a magnetic low, which from target scale mapping, correlates with a siliciclastic unit assigned to the Carmacks Group. Subsequent IP surveying conducted over this anomaly shows the presence of a sub-vertically dipping chargeability high directly underneath the gold in soil anomaly, suggesting the presence of a potential feeder structure. The 2023 program at the Wolf property will see four RAB holes drilled at the Taurus target, totalling 400m of drilling. Holes will generally be drilled towards the southwest, with one hole drilled to the north to test the dip of the zone at depth. Each hole will be 100 m long, with holes placed such that the full 1.5 km strike length of the anomaly is tested. Toonie Property The Toonie property is located west of the Yukon River, approximately 45 km southwest of Dawson City. The Deux target is located in the northwestern region of the property and forms a 1.5 km by 0.5 km east-west trending multi-element (Au-As-Tl-Ag) soil anomaly, including maximum values of 156 ppb Au. Property scale airborne magnetic and electromagnetic surveying (DIGHEM survey) that was previously flown over the anomaly appears to show a prominent DIGHEM resistivity anomaly which flanks the soil geochemical anomaly on all sides. Subsequent target scale geological mapping identified sericite and chlorite-altered mafic volcanic rocks with vein-controlled sulphide mineralization indicating the target is prospective for shear-hosted gold mineralization. The 2023 program at the Toonie property will see four RAB holes drilled at the Deux target, totalling 400 m of drilling. Each hole will be drilled to the north at dips of -55, 100 m in length, and holes placed such that the full 1.5 km strike length of the anomaly is tested. The Company has been awarded Yukon Mineral Exploration Program (YMEP) grants for Target Evaluation at both the Wolf and Toonie properties. Under the YMEP the Yukon Government provides successful applicants funding to support mineral exploration activities for 50% of eligible expenditures up to a maximum of $50,000. The Company wishes to acknowledge and thank the Yukon Government for their continued support of its exploration programs in the Yukon. Pedlar and Hayes Properties The Pedlar and Hayes properties are located in the southern portion of the Companys land package approximately 25 km northeast and 30 km east respectively of the Casino copper-gold porphyry deposit. Large multi-element soil geochemical anomalies have been identified on both properties which indicate underlying porphyry epithermal style mineralization. The Bridget target on the Pedlar property measures 3 km NW-SE by 3.5 km NE-SW, and the newly named Isaac target on the Hayes property measures 2 km E-W by 1.5 km N-S (see Company News Release dated April 5, 2023). Induced polarization resistivity ground geophysical surveys are planned at both the Bridget and Isaac targets to characterize the anomalies at depth and aid in future diamond drill planning. Regional Exploration Regional exploration work including geological mapping and prosecting, soil sampling and ground magnetics and VLF-EM surveying will be carried out on several properties with a goal of identifying new drill targets. About White Gold Corp. The Company owns a portfolio of 17,584 quartz claims across 30 properties covering approximately 350,000 hectares representing over 40% of the Yukons emerging White Gold District. The Companys flagship White Gold project hosts four near-surface gold deposits which collectively contain an estimated 1,152,900 ounces of gold in Indicated Resources and 942,400 ounces of gold in Inferred Resources(1). Regional exploration work has also produced several other new discoveries and prospective targets on the Companys claim packages which border sizable gold discoveries including the Coffee project owned by Newmont Corporation with Indicated Resources of 2.14 Moz at 1.23 g/t Au, and Inferred Resources of 0.23 Moz at 1.01 g/t Au(2), and Western Copper and Gold Corporations Casino project which has Measured and Indicated Resources of 7.6 Blb Cu and 14.5 Moz Au and Inferred Resources of 3.3 Blb Cu and 6.6 Moz Au(3). For more information visit www.whitegoldcorp.ca. (1) See White Gold Corp. technical report titled 2023 Technical Report for the White Gold Project, Dawson Range, Yukon, Canada , Effective Date April 15, 2023, Report Date May 30, 2023, NI 43-101 Compliant Technical Report prepared by Dr. Gilles Arseneau, P.Geo., available on SEDAR. (2) See Newmont Corporation 10-K: Annual report for the year ending December 31, 2022, in the Measured, Indicated, and Inferred Resources section, dated February 23, 2023, available on EDGAR. Reserves and resources disclosed in this Form 10-K have been prepared in accordance with the Regulation S-K 1300, and do not indicate NI43-101 compliance. (3) See Western Copper and Gold Corporation technical report titled Casino project, Form 43-101F1 Technical Report Feasibility Study, Yukon Canada, Effective Date June 13, 2022, Issue Date August 8, 2022, NI 43-101 Compliant Technical Report prepared by Daniel Roth, PE, P.Eng., Mike Hester, F Aus IMM, John M. Marek, P.E., Laurie M. Tahija, MMSA-QP, Carl Schulze, P.Geo., Daniel Friedman, P.Eng., Scott Weston, P.Geo., available on SEDAR. Qualified Person Terry Brace, P.Geo. and Vice President of Exploration for the Company is a qualified person as defined under National Instrument 43-101 Standards of Disclosure of Mineral Projects and has reviewed and approved the content of this news release. Cautionary Note Regarding Forward Looking Information This news release contains "forward-looking information" and "forward-looking statements" (collectively, "forward-looking statements") within the meaning of the applicable Canadian securities legislation. All statements, other than statements of historical fact, are forward-looking statements and are based on expectations, estimates and projections as at the date of this news release. Any statement that involves discussions with respect to predictions, expectations, beliefs, plans, projections, objectives, assumptions, future events or performance (often but not always using phrases such as "expects", or "does not expect", "is expected", "anticipates" or "does not anticipate", "plans", proposed, "budget", "scheduled", "forecasts", "estimates", "believes" or "intends" or variations of such words and phrases or stating that certain actions, events or results "may" or "could", "would", "might" or "will" be taken to occur or be achieved) are not statements of historical fact and may be forward-looking statements. In this news release, forward-looking statements relate, among other things, the Companys objectives, goals and exploration activities conducted and proposed to be conducted at the Companys properties; future growth potential of the Company, including whether any proposed exploration programs at any of the Companys properties will be successful; exploration results; and future exploration plans and costs and financing availability. These forward-looking statements are based on reasonable assumptions and estimates of management of the Company at the time such statements were made. Actual future results may differ materially as forward-looking statements involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors which may cause the actual results, performance or achievements of the Company to materially differ from any future results, performance or achievements expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements. Such factors, among other things, include: the expected benefits to the Company relating to the exploration conducted and proposed to be conducted at the White Gold properties; the receipt of all applicable regulatory approvals for the Offering; failure to identify any additional mineral resources or significant mineralization; the preliminary nature of metallurgical test results; uncertainties relating to the availability and costs of financing needed in the future, including to fund any exploration programs on the Companys properties; business integration risks; fluctuations in general macroeconomic conditions; fluctuations in securities markets; fluctuations in spot and forward prices of gold, silver, base metals or certain other commodities; fluctuations in currency markets (such as the Canadian dollar to United States dollar exchange rate); change in national and local government, legislation, taxation, controls, regulations and political or economic developments; risks and hazards associated with the business of mineral exploration, development and mining (including environmental hazards, industrial accidents, unusual or unexpected formations pressures, cave-ins and flooding); inability to obtain adequate insurance to cover risks and hazards; the presence of laws and regulations that may impose restrictions on mining and mineral exploration; employee relations; relationships with and claims by local communities and indigenous populations; availability of increasing costs associated with mining inputs and labour; the speculative nature of mineral exploration and development (including the risks of obtaining necessary licenses, permits and approvals from government authorities); the unlikelihood that properties that are explored are ultimately developed into producing mines; geological factors; actual results of current and future exploration; changes in project parameters as plans continue to be evaluated; soil sampling results being preliminary in nature and are not conclusive evidence of the likelihood of a mineral deposit; title to properties; ongoing uncertainties relating to the COVID-19 pandemic; and those factors described under the heading "Risks Factors" in the Company's annual information form dated July 29, 2020 available on SEDAR. Although the forward-looking statements contained in this news release are based upon what management of the Company believes, or believed at the time, to be reasonable assumptions, the Company cannot assure shareholders that actual results will be consistent with such forward-looking statements, as there may be other factors that cause results not to be as anticipated, estimated or intended. Accordingly, readers should not place undue reliance on forward-looking statements and information. There can be no assurance that forward-looking information, or the material factors or assumptions used to develop such forward-looking information, will prove to be accurate. The Company does not undertake to release publicly any revisions for updating any voluntary forward-looking statements, except as required by applicable securities law. Neither the TSXV nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSXV) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this news release. For Further Information, Please Contact: Contact Information: David DOnofrio Chief Executive Officer White Gold Corp. (647) 930-1880 ir@whitegoldcorp.ca Figures accompanying this announcement is available at https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/47098aa3-cc71-4551-90d9-e30e485af183 https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/4020bd30-a8b8-41ad-98f6-6b055265ba0d https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/daeef722-692c-4f8c-8cbd-bce272000296 https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/d30a40ea-f0c2-4ce6-bd40-905db8441a86 ARLINGTON, Va., June 15, 2023 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Edge Technologies, Inc. the operating company of Edge Total Intelligence Inc. (edgeTI, Company, We, or Our) (TSXV: CTRL, OTCQB: UNFYF, FSE: Q5i), the leader in real-time digital operations software, today announces that it will present edgeCore - Digital Twin Solution Driving Increased AI/ML Accuracy and Reduced Time to Value at TechConnect World 2023 as part of a focus on innovation in Ai, Data, Cyber, and Software on June 20, 2023. A Media Snippet accompanying this announcement is available by clicking on the image or link below: TechConnect World Innovation Conference and Expo connects top applied research and early-stage innovations from universities, labs, and startups with industry end-users and prospects across multiple sectors from Applied Materials to AI Innovation. We are happy to be invited to speak at TechConnect World Innovation, said Jacques Jarman, CRO of edgeTI. We have the honor to showcase our innovations in Digital Twins, AI, and Automation amongst a group of leading innovators in AI, Medical, Manufacturing and Sustainability, and we look forward to engaging with innovators and attendees to facilitate the adoption of responsible operational AI. Jacques Jarmans session will dive into the many operational aspects of AI/ML including actions to increase success and increase situational awareness at the speed of relevance. Jacques and the other presenters will answer questions and receive feedback from a review panel for the US Navy and USINDOPACOM. The presentation takes place at the Gaylord in National Harbor, Maryland on June 20th at 3:00PM and edgeTI will have an exhibit at Booth 516 throughout the event from June 19-21. The upcoming presentation on improving AI/ML accuracy and reducing time to value follows an earlier announcement this week on AI adoption programs that leverage the edgeCore platform to integrate AI safely and effectively implementing guardrails, transparency, and orchestration as customers look to operationalize AI and Achieve the Impossible. About edgeTI edgeTI helps customers sustain situational awareness and accelerate action with its real-time digital operations software, edgeCore that unites multiple software applicates and data sources into one immersive experience. Global enterprises, service providers, and governments are more profitable when insight and action are united to deliver fluid journeys via the platform's low-code development capability and composable operations. With edgeCore, customers improve their margins and agility by rapidly transforming siloed systems and data across continuously evolving situations in business, technology, and cross-domain operations helping them achieve the impossible. Website: https://edgeti.com LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/company/edgeti YouTube: www.youtube.com/user/edgetechnologies Twitter: www.twitter.com/edge_suite For further Information contact: Nick Brigman Phone: 888-771-3343 Email: ir@edgeti.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 Information and Statements Certain statements in this news release are forward-looking statements or information for the purposes of applicable Canadian and US securities law. Forward-looking statements consist of statements that are not purely historical, including any statements regarding beliefs, plans, expectations, or intentions regarding the future. Such information can generally be identified by the use of forwarding-looking wording such as "may", "expect", "estimate", "anticipate", "intend", "believe" and "continue" or the negative thereof or similar variations. The reader is cautioned that assumptions used in the preparation of any forward-looking information may prove to be incorrect. Events or circumstances may cause actual results to differ materially from those predicted, as a result of numerous known and unknown risks, uncertainties, and other factors, many of which are beyond the control of the Company, including but not limited to, completion of due diligence by the lender, business, economic and capital market conditions. Such statements and information are based on numerous assumptions regarding present and future business strategies and the environment in which the Company will operate in the future, including the demand for its products, anticipated costs, and the ability to achieve goals. Factors that could cause the actual results to differ materially from those in forward-looking statements include the continued availability of capital and financing, the impact of viruses and diseases on the Company's ability to operate, competition and general economic, market or business conditions. Forward-looking statements contained in this news release are expressly qualified by this cautionary statement. The reader is cautioned not to place undue reliance on any forward-looking information. The forward-looking statements contained in this news release are made as of the date of this news release. Except as required by law, the Company disclaims any intention and assumes no obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events, or otherwise. Available in the App Store and Google Play, Thumzup Enables Virtually Everyone to Earn Cash Rewards through Venmo and PayPal for Posting on Social Media about Participating Brands Los Angeles, CA, June 15, 2023 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Thumzup Media Corporation ("Thumzup") (OTCQB:TZUP) today reports that the number of advertisers listed on its platform has grown by 2,000 percent since its commercial launch in late 2022. This growth illustrates that more people have the ability to earn cash rewards for their posts about participating brands products and services made on social media through the Thumzup platform. The Thumzup mobile application, available for download in the App Store and Google Play, incentivizes everyday customers with cash, simply for posting on social media through the Thumzup app in support of their favorite brands. By incentivizing everyday customers to become advocates for the brands they love, Thumzup offers users an easy way to earn money while promoting products and services they enjoy. Inspired by The Cold Start Problem, a book written by the former leader of Uber's Rider Growth product teams, Andrew Chen, Thumzup is attempting to emulate a similar growth strategy that worked for both Uber and Airbnb by focusing first on establishing dominance in a small geographic market, then increasing the density of both users and businesses, and finally establishing a powerful network for viral growth, stated Robert Steele, Founder and Chief Executive Officer of Thumzup. We believe that the Thumzup platform is resonating with small businesses in the Westside of Los Angeles. Over the next several months, our primary focus will be optimizing our growth strategy by harnessing our West LA template in expanding to other target markets across the United States. I look forward to keeping Thumzups rapidly expanding investor base informed on our progress. Thumzups platform enables virtually everyone to earn cash for posting on social media about companies and brands listed in the Thumzup App. Thumzup cash rewards are available based on each advertisers specifications. Per Federal Trade Commission regulations, users must have experienced a product or service before earning compensation to post about it on social media. For more information, please visit https://www.thumzupmedia.com. About Thumzup Thumzup Media Corporation (Thumzup) is democratizing the multi-billion dollar social media branding and marketing industry. Its flagship product, the Thumzup platform, utilizes a robust programmatic advertiser dashboard coupled with a consumer-facing App to enable individuals to get paid cash for posting about participating advertisers on major social media outlets through the Thumzup App. The easy-to-use dashboard allows advertisers to programmatically customize their campaigns. Cash payments are made to App users/creators through Venmo and PayPal. Thumzup is a is a publicly traded company (OTCQB stock ticker: TZUP). For more information, please visit https://www.thumzupmedia.com Forward-looking Statements This press release contains certain forward-looking statements within the meaning of the safe harbor provisions of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. These include, without limitation, statements about its potential growth, impacts on the advertising industry, and planned expansion. These statements are identified by the use of the words "could," "believe," "anticipate," "intend," "estimate," "expect," "may," "continue," "predict," "potential," "project" and similar expressions that are intended to identify forward-looking statements. All forward-looking statements speak only as of the date of this press release. You should not place undue reliance on these forward-looking statements. Although we believe that our plans, objectives, expectations and intentions reflected in or suggested by the forward-looking statements are reasonable, we can give no assurance that these plans, objectives, expectations or intentions will be achieved. Forward-looking statements involve significant risks and uncertainties (some of which are beyond our control) and assumptions that could cause actual results to differ materially from historical experience and present expectations or projections. Actual results may differ materially from those in the forward-looking statements and the trading price for our common stock may fluctuate significantly. Forward-looking statements also are affected by the risk factors described in our filings with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission. Except as required by law, we undertake no obligation to update or revise publicly any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, after the date on which the statements are made or to reflect the occurrence of unanticipated events. Contact Info: 800-403-6150 investors@ThumzupMedia.com Attachment Ottawa, June 15, 2023 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- It's hard to accept, but it's not up for debate. There is an ongoing genocide against Indigenous people in Canada. This history and its legacy must be acknowledged. This is not a partisan issue. This is not a political issue. This is a genocide, and we need to take action. On June 19th, NWAC is hosting a press conference to launch its graphic guide to genocide in Canada produced in partnership with Chloloula & Fannie Lafontaine. Filled with incredible and haunting art, this booklet provides a clear legal explanation of Canadas genocide against Indigenous people. The event is the culmination of NWACS month-long campaign asking governments across Canada to change high school curriculums to include the history and legacy of genocide against Indigenous people. After the press conference, attendees will have the opportunity to view the art from the book. Additional special guests may also be in attendance to say a few words and receive a copy of the book. A live stream will be available for those unable to attend in person. Please RSVP to receive the link. DATE: June 19, 2023 TIME: 1pm EST LOCATION: Mother Earth Room, 120 Promenade du Portage, Gatineau, Quebec ATTENDEES: Lynne Groulx, NWAC CEO; Fannie Lafontaine, legal expert, books author; Chloloula, books artist AGENDA: 1:00 PM-1:20 PM: Press Conference 1:20-1:30 PM: Questions and Answers 1:30-2:00: Art Viewing + Appetizers Pune, India, June 15, 2023 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- The global home appliances market size was valued at USD 646.56 billion in 2021 and is projected to grow from USD 675.59 billion in 2022 to USD 987.35 billion by 2029, exhibiting a CAGR of 5.57% during the forecast period. Growing demand for improving lifestyle of individuals and high spending per capita income are expected to propel market growth. Growing demand for house appliances in North America and Europe is expected to impel the market course. Increasing population and the trend of urbanization are set to assist in market development. Fortune Business Insights shares this information in its report titled Home Appliances Market, 2023-2029. Get a Free Sample Research Report: https://www.fortunebusinessinsights.com/enquiry/request-sample-pdf/home-appliances-market-107020 List of Key Players Profiled in the Home Appliances Market Report: Koninklijke Philips N.V. (South Korea) IFB Appliances (India) KENT (India) Eureka Forbes Ltd. (India) Panasonic Holdings Corporation (Japan) Orient Electric (India) Whirlpool Corporation (U.S.) Samsung Electronics Co. Ltd. (South Korea) Haier Inc. (China) Bajaj Electricals Ltd (India) Report Scope & Segmentation: Report Attributes Details Forecast Period 2023-2029 Forecast CAGR 5.57% 2029 Value Projection USD 987.35 Billion Market Size in 2021 USD 646.56 Billion Historical Data 2018-2020 No. of Pages 223 Report Coverage Revenue Forecast, Company Profiles, Competitive Landscape, Growth Factors and Latest Trends Segments Covered By Type By Distribution Channel By Region Regions Covered North America Europe Asia Pacific Latin America Middle East and Africa Home Appliances Market Growth Drivers Shifting Consumer Demand toward Technology and Environment-friendly Products is Likely to Impede Demand Increase in Consumer Spending Power and Rising Disposable Income to Offer Impetus to Market Growth Browse Detailed Summary of Research Report with TOC: https://www.fortunebusinessinsights.com/home-appliances-market-107020 Report Coverage The report provides a detailed analysis of the top segments and the latest trends in the market. It comprehensively discusses the driving and restraining factors and the impact of COVID-19 on the market. Additionally, it examines the regional developments and the strategies undertaken by the market's key players. Drivers and Restraints Increasing Disposable Incomes to Progress Market Development Increasing spending by consumers and increasing disposable income amongst population are anticipated to drive the home appliances market growth. Major manufacturers have been focused on efficient appliances that are highly focused on saving energy and to maximize energy. Shift in new technology and demand toward environment-friendly products are set to propel market growth. In February 2021, Panasonic Holdings Corp. announced its expansion of AI-enabled appliances, including connected refrigerators, air conditioners, and washing machines in India. However, shortage of semiconductor chip is expected to hamper the market growth. COVID-19 Impact: Logistics and Workforce Interruptions Led to Negative Market Growth The COVID-19 pandemic led to the negative growth of the market. Companies aimed on employment of agile operations, digitalization, and forming variable cost structures to deal with the pandemic. The pandemic led to logistics and workforce interruptions, labor shortages at factories, and changes in consumer behavior, which affected many facets of the industry's growth. On the contrary, the adoption of e-commerce channels increased due to the temporary closure of physical stores, which led to an increase of online purchases of home appliances after the pandemic. Factors Affecting the Growth of the Home Appliances Market: Technological advancements: Advancements in technology play a significant role in driving the growth of the home appliances market. As new technologies emerge, consumers are attracted to innovative features and improved functionalities in home appliances. This includes smart appliances with connectivity options, energy-efficient models, advanced sensors, and automation capabilities. Advancements in technology play a significant role in driving the growth of the home appliances market. As new technologies emerge, consumers are attracted to innovative features and improved functionalities in home appliances. This includes smart appliances with connectivity options, energy-efficient models, advanced sensors, and automation capabilities. Changing consumer lifestyles: Changing lifestyles and increasing disposable incomes have a direct impact on the growth of the home appliances market. As people seek convenience and time-saving solutions, the demand for appliances like washing machines, dishwashers, microwaves, and robotic vacuum cleaners increases. Additionally, the trend of modular kitchens and the desire for aesthetically pleasing appliances also drive market growth. Changing lifestyles and increasing disposable incomes have a direct impact on the growth of the home appliances market. As people seek convenience and time-saving solutions, the demand for appliances like washing machines, dishwashers, microwaves, and robotic vacuum cleaners increases. Additionally, the trend of modular kitchens and the desire for aesthetically pleasing appliances also drive market growth. Urbanization and population growth: The rapid pace of urbanization and population growth contribute to the expansion of the home appliances market. In urban areas, there is a higher demand for appliances due to smaller living spaces and a busy lifestyle. Furthermore, the growing middle-class population in emerging economies also drives market growth as more households can afford home appliances. The rapid pace of urbanization and population growth contribute to the expansion of the home appliances market. In urban areas, there is a higher demand for appliances due to smaller living spaces and a busy lifestyle. Furthermore, the growing middle-class population in emerging economies also drives market growth as more households can afford home appliances. Energy efficiency and sustainability: With increasing environmental concerns, energy efficiency and sustainability have become crucial factors in consumers' purchasing decisions. Energy-efficient appliances not only help reduce utility bills but also have a positive environmental impact. Governments and regulatory bodies across the globe are implementing energy efficiency standards, which further drive the demand for eco-friendly home appliances. With increasing environmental concerns, energy efficiency and sustainability have become crucial factors in consumers' purchasing decisions. Energy-efficient appliances not only help reduce utility bills but also have a positive environmental impact. Governments and regulatory bodies across the globe are implementing energy efficiency standards, which further drive the demand for eco-friendly home appliances. E-commerce and online retail: The rise of e-commerce and online retail platforms has revolutionized the home appliances market. Consumers now have access to a wide range of products, competitive prices, and convenient delivery options. Online platforms provide a platform for manufacturers and retailers to reach a larger customer base, driving market growth. The rise of e-commerce and online retail platforms has revolutionized the home appliances market. Consumers now have access to a wide range of products, competitive prices, and convenient delivery options. Online platforms provide a platform for manufacturers and retailers to reach a larger customer base, driving market growth. Replacement and upgrade cycles: The replacement and upgrade cycles of home appliances also contribute to market growth. As appliances age or become outdated, consumers tend to replace them with newer models featuring advanced technologies or improved energy efficiency. Additionally, lifestyle changes, such as moving to a new house or renovating, often prompt consumers to upgrade their appliances. The replacement and upgrade cycles of home appliances also contribute to market growth. As appliances age or become outdated, consumers tend to replace them with newer models featuring advanced technologies or improved energy efficiency. Additionally, lifestyle changes, such as moving to a new house or renovating, often prompt consumers to upgrade their appliances. Government initiatives and incentives: Government initiatives and incentives aimed at promoting energy efficiency and sustainable practices can significantly impact the home appliances market. These may include tax benefits, subsidies, rebates, and awareness campaigns encouraging consumers to opt for energy-efficient appliances. Such initiatives create a favorable environment for market growth. Government initiatives and incentives aimed at promoting energy efficiency and sustainable practices can significantly impact the home appliances market. These may include tax benefits, subsidies, rebates, and awareness campaigns encouraging consumers to opt for energy-efficient appliances. Such initiatives create a favorable environment for market growth. After-sales services and warranties: The availability of reliable after-sales services and warranties also influences the growth of the home appliances market. Consumers are more likely to purchase appliances from manufacturers or retailers that offer comprehensive after-sales support, including maintenance, repairs, and extended warranties. This instills confidence in consumers and encourages them to invest in home appliances. Get a Quote Now: https://www.fortunebusinessinsights.com/enquiry/get-a-quote/home-appliances-market-107020 Segments Smart Home Appliances to be the Prime Part Due to Digitalization On the basis of type, the market is divided into major appliances, small appliances, and smart home appliances. Smart home appliances segment holds the largest part in the type segment with spacious houses, increasing levels of disposable income, and affordability. Increasing digitalization and recent trend for smart homes globally are set to gain market share. Specialty Stores to Dictate Due to Various Discounts Offered to Customers Based on distribution channel, the market is categorized into supermarkets & hypermarkets, specialty stores, online/e-commerce, and others. Specialty stores segment is anticipated to dominate the market accounting for more than 45% in terms of sales as they offer various discounts and codes to consumers. Online/e-commerce segment is also set to grow at a fast pace due to easy shipping & exchange, change in the lifestyle of customers, and financial availabilities. Regional Insights North America to Lead the Market Share Due to High Spending by Consumers North America is expected to have the largest part of the home appliances market share due to high spending of consumers. The market stood at USD 209.7 billion in 2021 due to high demand from countries such as Canada and the U.S., thereby increasing the adoption and consumption rate of smart devices. High efficiency, enhanced design, and insulated appliances are expected to gain traction in the market growth of the region. Asia Pacific is expected to have a considerable substantial growth in the forecast period due to increasing demand for energy-efficient appliances. Growing demand from countries such as India and China is set to increase the demand for such appliances. Increasing number of constructional activities in Western European countries has led to increasing adoption rate of such appliances. Demand for innovative products and popularity for advanced appliances are anticipated to pose opportunities for the market growth. Detailed Table of Content: Introduction Research Scope Market Segmentation Research Methodology Executive Summary Market Dynamics Market Drivers Market Restraints Market Opportunities Key Insights Overview of Parent Market Supply Chain and Regulatory Analysis Industry SWOT Analysis List of Key OEMs Players, by Region List of Key Component Suppliers by Region 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 Home Appliances Market Analysis, Insights and Forecast, 2018-2029 Key Findings / Summary Market Analysis, Insights and Forecast By Type Major Appliances Refrigeration Equipment Cooking Appliances Washing & Drying Equipment Heating & Cooling Appliances Others Small Appliances Coffeemakers Food Processors Humidifiers Microwave Ovens Others Smart Home Appliances Market Analysis, Insights and Forecast By Distribution Channel Supermarkets & Hypermarkets Specialty Stores Online/ E-Commerce Others Market Analysis, Insights and Forecast By Region North America Europe Asia Pacific South America Middle East & Africa TOC Continued...! Speak to Our Expert: https://www.fortunebusinessinsights.com/enquiry/speak-to-analyst/home-appliances-market-107020 Competitive Landscape Technological Innovations by Key Players to Drive Market Progression The market has various players who focus on new brands, product launches, and partnerships. Manufacturers have been focusing on development of innovative products for increasing their customer base for more revenue generation. In May 2022, Hisense launched its new range of smart home appliances, which are Wi-Fi enabled in the Middle East. In February 2022, Crompton Greaves Consumer Electricals announced the acquisition of a small household appliances manufacturer, Butterfly Gandhimath Appliances Ltd. to support its small domestic appliances category. Key Industry Development August 2022- Maytag launched its new laundry washer-dryer system, which is designed for the removal of towels, blankets, clothes, and other household fabric items of pet hair. Maytag is a brand of Whirlpool. Read Related Insights: Heating Appliances Market to Hit USD 67.58 Billion by 2030 | With a CAGR 3.46% Kitchen Appliances Market to Reach USD 210.80 Billion by 2027 | Kitchen Appliances Industry Striking CAGR of 3.7% Small Domestic Appliances Market to Hit USD 271.23 Billion by 2030 | With a 4.92% CAGR 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 Pune, India, June 15, 2023 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- The global helicopter services market size was valued at USD 14.15 billion in 2022. The market is slated to expand from USD 15.62 billion in 2023 to USD 23.80 billion by 2030, exhibiting a CAGR of 6.2% over the projected period. The rise can be attributed to the increasing deployment of helicopter services for various applications including transportation of passengers and goods, search and rescue operations, and emergency medical services. Fortune Business Insights provides this information in its research report, titled Helicopter Services Market, 2023-2030. COVID-19 Impact: Industry Share Affected Due to Travel Restrictions and Lockdowns The COVID-19 pandemic significantly affected the product demand driven by the enforcement of lockdown restrictions and decreased economic activity. The pandemic also affected the global demand for tourism, offshore helicopter services, and emergency medical services. Furthermore, the rising demand for renewable energy could create new market opportunities for helicopter services in the wind energy sector. Get a Free Sample PDF Brochure: https://www.fortunebusinessinsights.com/enquiry/request-sample-pdf/helicopter-services-market-102529 List of Key Players Mentioned in the Helicopter Services Report: Bristow Group Inc. (U.S.) Air Methods Corporation (U.S.) Petroleum Helicopters International Inc. (U.S.) CHC Helicopter Group (U.S.) Babcock International Group plc (U.K.) Global Medical Response Inc. (U.S.) Abu Dhabi Aviation Co. (UAE) Gulf International Services QPSC (UAE) Erickson Incorporated (U.S.) CITIC Offshore Helicopter Co. Ltd. (China) Report Scope & Segmentation: Attributes Details Forecast Period 2023-2030 Forecast CAGR 6.2% 2030 Value Projection USD 23.80 billion Market Size in 2023 USD 15.62 billion Historical Data 2019-2021 No. of Pages 200 Report Coverage Revenue Forecast, Company Profiles, Competitive Landscape, Growth Factors and Latest Trends Segments Covered By Type By Application By End -- User Regions Covered North America Europe Asia Pacific Latin America Middle East and Africa Helicopter Services Market Growth Drivers Rising Demand for Emergency Medical Services (EMS) to Propel the Market Growth Growing Demand for Urban Air Mobility (UAM) is Projected to Boost Market Growth Browse Detailed Summary of Research Report with TOC: https://www.fortunebusinessinsights.com/helicopter-services-market-102529 Segmentation: Light Segment to Gain Traction Driven by Rising Demand from End-user Industries Based on type, the market is segmented into heavy, medium, and light. The light segment is anticipated to grow at an appreciable pace over the forecast period. The rise can be credited to the increasing demand for aerial photography, sightseeing, and other applications. Air Ambulance Segment to Register Considerable Growth Owing to Growing Healthcare Expenditure By application, the market is subdivided into business and corporate travel, air ambulance, offshore, transport, disaster and humanitarian aid, surveying and aerial imaging, and others. The air ambulance segment is projected to register substantial growth throughout the study period. The rise is driven by the increasing helicopter demand in healthcare applications. Civil Segment to Emerge Prominent Impelled by Escalated Demand for Air Transportation and Emergency Services On the basis of end user, the market is segmented into military, commercial, and civil. The civil segment is slated to grow at a considerable pace over the study period. The rise is due to the escalating helicopter demand for emergency services. By geography, the market has been studied across North America, Europe, Asia Pacific, South America, and the Middle East & Africa. Report Coverage: The report provides an analysis of the vital factors impelling the global business scenario throughout the study period. It also provides an account of the key trends driving the market expansion over the forecast period. Some of the other aspects include merger agreements, acquisitions, and the rollout of new solutions. Get a Quote Now: https://www.fortunebusinessinsights.com/enquiry/get-a-quote/helicopter-services-market-102529 Drivers and Restraints: Market Share to Surge Driven by Growing Emergency Medical Services (EMS) Demand One of the key factors boosting the helicopter services market growth is the escalating demand for EMS. The vehicles are extensively utilized for emergency medical transportation as they can reach hard-to-reach or remote areas and transport patients to hospitals on time. However, the market growth is likely to be affected due to various factors such as stringent regulatory framework and high cost of operation. Regional Insights: North America to Register Appreciable Surge Driven by Rising Demand for Aerial Firefighting The North America helicopter services market share is slated to register appreciable expansion over the anticipated period. The rise is driven by the growing demand for aerial firefighting services in the region. The Europe market is set to record substantial growth throughout the estimated period. The escalation is due to the rising demand for Search and Rescue (SAR) operations. Inquire Before Buying This Research Report: https://www.fortunebusinessinsights.com/enquiry/queries/helicopter-services-market-102529 Detailed Table of Content: Introduction Research Scope Market Segmentation Research Methodology Definitions and Assumptions Executive Summary Market Dynamics Market Drivers Market Restraints Market Opportunities Key Insights Key Industry Developments Key Contracts & Agreements, Mergers, Acquisitions and Partnerships Latest technological Advancements Porters Five Forces Analysis Supply Chain Analysis Impact of COVID-19 Pandemic Global Helicopter Services Market Analysis, Insights and Forecast, 2019-2030 Key Findings / Definition Market Analysis, Insights and Forecast By Type Light Medium Heavy Market Analysis, Insights and Forecast By Application Offshore Air Ambulance Business and Corporate Travel Disaster and Humanitarian Aid Transport Surveying and Aerial Imaging Other Market Analysis, Insights and Forecast By End User Civil Commercial Military Market Analysis, Insights and Forecast By Region North America Europe Asia-pacific South America Middle East & Africa TOC Continued! Speak to Our Expert: https://www.fortunebusinessinsights.com/enquiry/speak-to-analyst/helicopter-services-market-102529 Competitive Landscape: Leading Industry Participants Focus on Mergers and Acquisitions to Strengthen Market Position Key players are centered on the formulation and implementation of acquisitions, merger agreements, and the launch of new products. These initiatives are being adopted for strengthening their business positions. Some of the other steps include an upsurge in research activities and the development of superior equipment. Key Industry Development: July 2022 U.K.-based leading provider of aviation services, Bristow Helicopters Ltd., was awarded a contract of USD 1.9 billion by the MCA (Maritime and Coastguard Agency) for the second-gen search and rescue (UKSAR2G) program for a period of 10 years. Read Related Insights: Reusable Launch Vehicle Market to Be Worth USD 5.41 Billion By 2030; Increased Usage of High Payload Rockets to Drive Market Forward LiDAR Drone Market is projected to grow USD 455.0 million by 2028, at a CAGR of 17.98% Aero Wing Market Size to grow USD 20.35 billion in 2028 with exhibiting a CAGR of 8.98% 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 Chicago, June 15, 2023 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- The TAWANI Foundation announces grants totaling $1,652,940 to support LGBTQIA+ education and research institutes across the country in observance of Pride Month. An additional $725,000 in matching funds are available under these grants. Pride Month is dedicated to the celebration and commemoration of lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender pride. The TAWANI Foundation recognizes this observance and the importance of ongoing research by committing to various institutes, including: Equality Illinois Institute $165,000 to partially support staff salaries and benefits for three years, plus sponsorship of the organizations annual galas. The grant will also advance equal treatment and social justice through education, advocacy, and protection of the rights of the LGBTQIA+ community, particularly seeking to increase emphasis in media for issues relating to women, people of color, and trans/queer individuals. $165,000 to partially support staff salaries and benefits for three years, plus sponsorship of the organizations annual galas. The grant will also advance equal treatment and social justice through education, advocacy, and protection of the rights of the LGBTQIA+ community, particularly seeking to increase emphasis in media for issues relating to women, people of color, and trans/queer individuals. Equality Ohio Education Fund $100,000 to support educational resources and messaging intended to combat anti-transgender misinformation. This group is the lead for a five-state cohort (OH, KY, GA, FL, TX) that shares messaging strategies, intelligence, and communication resources. $100,000 to support educational resources and messaging intended to combat anti-transgender misinformation. This group is the lead for a five-state cohort (OH, KY, GA, FL, TX) that shares messaging strategies, intelligence, and communication resources. Williams Institute at UCLA Law School - $275,000 to support the institutes work in transgender research, judicial training, and to fund general operating costs. The Foundation will provide a match for specific cash donations received by the organization, up to $225,000. - $275,000 to support the institutes work in transgender research, judicial training, and to fund general operating costs. The Foundation will provide a match for specific cash donations received by the organization, up to $225,000. Howard Brown Health Center $500,000 to support a capital campaign to relocate, build and expand clinical facilities. The facility is expected to open this year. The foundation will also match any private cash donations restricted to this purpose, up to $500,000. $500,000 to support a capital campaign to relocate, build and expand clinical facilities. The facility is expected to open this year. The foundation will also match any private cash donations restricted to this purpose, up to $500,000. University of Minnesota Foundation $387,940 to support phase III of the Tretter Transgender Oral History Project, which will expand the projects reach nationwide and allow for sophisticated online resources, workshops and tools for oral history volunteers. The project also documents the stories of transgender adults through recorded interviews and makes them available to the public. $387,940 to support phase III of the Tretter Transgender Oral History Project, which will expand the projects reach nationwide and allow for sophisticated online resources, workshops and tools for oral history volunteers. The project also documents the stories of transgender adults through recorded interviews and makes them available to the public. Cornell University $225,000 to support in support of the What We Know Project at the Center for the Study of Inequality. The TAWANI Foundations grant will fund research and communication to bring greater awareness and understanding to the diversity of LGBTQ lives worldwide. The TAWANI Foundation is proud to support education and research initiatives that aim to build a brighter future for all people regardless of sexual orientation or gender identity, said Colonel (IL) Jennifer N. Pritzker, IL ARNG (Retired), founder of the TAWANI Foundation. These grants will help institutions advance their missions by providing critical resources and services that foster growth, innovation, and inclusion for the LGBTQIA+ community. To learn more about TAWANI Foundation grants, visit https://www.tawanifoundation.org/our-grants/. About TAWANI Foundation Founded in 2002 by notable philanthropist and entrepreneur Colonel (IL) Jennifer N. Pritzker, IL ARNG (Retired), TAWANI Enterprises philanthropic organization, the TAWANI Foundation is a 501(c)(3) that provides support in the areas of arts and culture, historical preservation, health and wellness, LGBT and human rights, education and environmental initiatives. TAWANI Foundations vision is to make a sustained and measurable difference for organizations that focus on enriching knowledge, improving health and wellness, and promoting scientific understanding all with a common goal of making a positive, long-term impact on individuals, communities, and the culture itself. To learn more, visit www.tawanifoundation.org. Attachment English Finnish SATO Corporation Press release 15 June 2023 at 12.30 pm Photo SATO: Underneath the stairs to the loft of the innovation apartment there is a nook that serves as storage space, a remote workspace or an extra sleeping space. SATO has developed innovative decor solutions making day-to-day life easier in smaller homes. These are now available for viewing in the apartment building completed in Lincolninaukio, Keimolanmaki, in June. Suitable for a variety of uses, the furnishings make everyday life smoother and provide added space for homes with smaller square meterage. The solutions are designed for purposes such as remote work and hosting overnight guests. Apartments in Finlands biggest cities have been steadily getting smaller since the 2010s , but at the same time working at home has increased particularly since the start of the Covid-19 pandemic. People living in smaller homes often do not have a spot for remote work. SATO, one of Finlands largest rental housing providers, has developed decor solutions in response to this need. Showcased in an apartment building completed in Lincolninaukio, Keimolanmaki, Vantaa, during June, these innovative solutions were designed by SATOs in-house designer Jonna Royna in cooperation with the manufacturers. The solutions were tailored specifically for SATO and for small spaces. "Our current and potential residents have expressed the wish to fit in remote workspaces in SATO homes. A separate home office is not possible or even wanted by many who live in small square meterage. For me, too, the home and the workplace are two different things, so its good to be able to separate them in some way," says Royna, who does a lot of remote work at home. Remote work furniture for any space The new decor solutions for small homes are available for viewing in a 45 m2 loft-style apartment in Keimolanmaki, Vantaa. The layout of the innovation apartment works as a home as well as a business space , and the furnishing solutions are carefully considered from the perspective of residents everyday lives. When you step in, there is a small landing strip that serves as a drop-off for your keys or phone. There are three different remote workstation solutions, with two of these showcased in the innovation apartment. "You can fold the briefcase-like on-the-wall work of art with a mirror down to serve as a desk for work or as a small table. There is space inside the unit for a laptop and office supplies. The other remote workstation is a small shelf that transforms into a desk. The shelf also fits into a corridor or other space with no room for a desk or table. Both solutions are cost-effective and can be placed in many different spots in the apartment," Royna says. The third remote workstation converts from a work of art to a folding table where the aluminium art feature serves as the table leg. The manufacturing of this remote workstation is still in progress, and the product will be presented at a later date. Guest bed under the stairs Underneath the stairs to the loft of the innovation apartment there is a nook that serves as storage space, a remote workspace or an extra sleeping space. The set of drawers under the stairs features a small tabletop you can use as a tray for your laptop or other items. The nook also has power sockets and a spot for a light. The drawer unit is just under two metres long, making it spacious enough for an adult as well as a child to sleep on. Jonna Royna has designed a comfy mattress for the nook. Easy to roll up, there is also a pillow inside the mattress. "A spare bed is often needed in a small apartment. Even through theres no guest bedroom, its nice to be able to provide a place for an overnight guest to sleep. The nook is also a peaceful spot for residents to use, perhaps to read a book or watch a movie on the laptop," Royna points out. A peaceful ambience for the loft-style home with a high ceiling is also provided by the acoustics art panel that can be installed above the sofa, for example. Any image can be printed on the acoustics panel to turn it into wall art. The acoustics wall panel and all of the other innovation furnishings were created in cooperation with small Finnish enterprises. Added value for residents everyday lives SATO wants to respond to residents housing-related needs as diversely as possible. The home is more than just the walls, and solutions that make everyday lives in rental homes easier can be introduced by means of a variety of innovative elements. Adding a ready-made workstation to an apartment may mean that there is no need for a separate home office and that there are therefore more rental homes available that meet your needs. "We want to create added value for residents everyday lives through our innovative furnishing solutions. For me, really important aspects in a home include aesthetics and a warm atmosphere as well as a certain sense of the unexpected without compromising on functionality. I hope the elements Ive designed will also create added value for SATO homes in the future," Royna says. Innovative furnishing solutions are prototypes and they are not permanent fixtures in all SATOhomes. Photo SATO: The briefcase-like on-the-wall work of art with a mirror serves as a desk for work or as a small table also in small space. For media enquiries about SATOs innovative decor solutions, please contact: Jonna Royna, Specialist, SATO Product Development and Space Design, jonna.royna@sato.fi, phone +358 50 562 6008 SATO Corporation is an expert in sustainable rental housing and one of Finlands largest rental housing providers. SATO owns around 25,000 rental homes in the Helsinki Metropolitan Area, Tampere and Turku. SATO aims to provide an excellent customer experience and a comprehensive range of urban rental housing alternatives with good access to public transport and services. We promote sustainable development and work in open interaction with our stakeholders. SATO invests profitably, sustainably and with a long-term view. We increase the value of our assets through investments, divestments and repairs. In 2022, SATO Groups net sales totalled EUR 291.2 million, operating profit EUR 198.9 million and profit before taxes EUR 151.9 million. The value of SATOs investment properties is around EUR 5 billion. www.sato.fi VANCOUVER, June 14, 2023 - Liberty Gold Corp. (TSX: LGD; OTCQX: LGDTF) ("Liberty Gold" or the "Company") is pleased to announce voting results from the Company's Annual General Meeting of Shareholders held on June 14, 2023 (the "Meeting"). Dr. Mark O'Dea, who has been the Chair of the Company, and Sean Tetzlaff, who has been a director of the Company, both having held these positions since the Company's inception, did not stand for re-election at the Meeting. Robert Pease, newly appointed Chair of Liberty Gold, stated, "We'd like to thank both Mark and Sean for their formidable contributions to Liberty Gold, both have had an instrumental part of the Company's journey since its inception in 2011, and we wish both of them all the best on their future endeavours." Liberty Gold is pleased to announce that Wendy Louie has been appointed to the Board of Directors effective today. Ms. Louie is a Canadian Chartered Professional Accountant (CPA, CA) with over 25 years of diverse financial and leadership experience with a focus on the mining industry. Most recently, Ms. Louie was the Vice President of Finance and CFO of Sabina Gold & Silver Corp. until its acquisition by B2Gold Corp. in April 2023. She has an extensive background in mergers, acquisitions, risk management and advisory expertise across the mining, shipping, energy, and technology sectors. Robert Pease, Chair of Liberty Gold, commented, "On behalf of the Board of Directors and of our shareholders, we welcome Wendy to the Company. She joins us at an exciting time with her extensive experience in the mining sector as we continue to advance the Black Pine oxide gold project on the development pathway." A total of 196,021,621 common shares were voted, representing the votes attached to 61.4% of all outstanding common shares. Shareholders voted in favour of the election of all director nominees. The percentage of votes cast for each is as follows: Total number of 'for' votes cast: Votes 'for': Mr. Robert Pease 171,574,332 98.08 % Mr. Cal Everett 174,377,986 99.68 % Ms. Barbara Womersley 174,179,467 99.57 % Mr. Greg Etter 174,292,597 99.63 % Ms. Lisa Wade 174,220,758 99.59 % Mr. Wendy Louie 174,203,251 99.58 % Mr. Jason Attew 174,365,531 99.67 % The following were also approved by the shareholders: The reappointment of PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP, Chartered Professional Accountants as auditor of the Company: Total number of 'for' votes cast: 195,630,464 Votes 'for': 99.80 % In favour of approved amendments to, and respective unallocated entitlements under the Stock Option Plan: Total number of 'for' votes cast: 161,098,226 Votes 'for': 92.08 % In favour of approved amendments to, and respective unallocated entitlements under the Restricted Share Unit Plan: Total number of 'for' votes cast: 173,010,994 Votes 'for': 98.90 % In favour of respective unallocated entitlements under the Deferred Share Unit Plan: Total number of 'for' votes cast: 173,022,590 Votes 'for': 98.90 % Voting results are released in accordance with Toronto Stock Exchange requirements. Detailed voting results for the Meeting are available on SEDAR at www.sedar.com. ABOUT LIBERTY GOLD Liberty Gold is focused on exploring for and developing open pit oxide deposits in the Great Basin of the United States, home to large-scale gold projects that are ideal for open-pit mining. This region is one of the most prolific gold-producing regions in the world and stretches across Nevada and into Idaho and Utah. We know the Great Basin and are driven to discover and advance big gold deposits that can be mined profitably in open-pit scenarios. Our flagship projects are Black Pine in Idaho and Goldstrike in Utah, both past-producing open-pit mines, where previous operators only scratched the surface. For more information, visit libertygold.ca or contact: Susie Bell, Manager, Investor Relations Phone: 604-632-4677 or Toll Free 1-877-632-4677 info@libertygold.ca LONDON, June 15, 2023 - Horizonte Minerals Plc (AIM:HZM)(TSX:HZM) ("Horizonte" or the "Company"),the nickel company developing two tier 1 assets in Brazil, is pleased to present the second pictorial update showing construction progress at the Company's Araguaia Nickel Project. Link to pictorial update: https://horizonteminerals.com/news/en_20230615-pictorial-update.pdf For further information, visit www.horizonteminerals.com or contact: Horizonte Minerals Plc Jeremy Martin (CEO) Simon Retter (CFO) Patrick Chambers (Head of IR) info@horizonteminerals.com +44 (0) 203 356 2901 Peel Hunt LLP (Nominated Adviser & Joint Broker) Ross Allister David McKeown +44 (0)20 7418 8900 BMO (Joint Broker) Thomas Rider Pascal Lussier Duquette Andrew Cameron +44 (0) 20 7236 1010 Tavistock (Financial PR) Emily Moss Cath Drummond +44 (0) 20 7920 3150 ABOUT HORIZONTE MINERALS Horizonte Minerals Plc (AIM & TSX: HZM) is developing two 100%-owned, Tier 1 projects in Para state, Brazil, the Araguaia Nickel Project and the Vermelho Nickel-Cobalt Project. Both projects are large scale, high-grade, low-cost, low-carbon and scalable. Araguaia is under construction with first metal scheduled for early 2024. When fully ramped up, with Line 1 and Line 2, it is forecast to produce 29,000 tonnes of nickel per year. Vermelho is at feasibility study stage and is expected to produce 24,000 tonnes of nickel and 1,250 tonnes of cobalt to supply the EV battery market. Horizonte's combined production profile of over 60,000 tonnes of nickel per year positions the Company as a globally significant nickel producer. Horizonte's top three shareholders are La Mancha Investments S.a r.l., Glencore plc and Orion Resource Partners LLP. CAUTIONARY STATEMENT REGARDING FORWARD-LOOKING INFORMATION Except for statements of historical fact relating to the Company, certain information contained in this press release constitutes "forward-looking information" under Canadian securities legislation. Forward-looking information includes, but is not limited to, the ability of the Company to complete any planned acquisition of equipment, statements with respect to the potential of the Company's current or future property mineral projects; the ability of the Company to complete a positive feasibility study regarding the second RKEF line at Araguaia on time, or at all, the ability of the Company to complete a positive feasibility study regarding the Vermelho Project on time, or at all, the success of exploration and mining activities; cost and timing of future exploration, production and development; the costs and timing for delivery of the equipment to be purchased, the estimation of mineral resources and reserves and the ability of the Company to achieve its goals in respect of growing its mineral resources; the realization of mineral resource and reserve estimates and achieving production in accordance with the Company's potential production profile or at all. Generally, forward-looking information can be identified by the use of forward-looking terminology such as "plans", "expects" or "does not expect", "is expected", "budget", "scheduled", "estimates", "forecasts", "intends", "anticipates" or "does not anticipate", or "believes", or variations of such words and phrases or statements that certain actions, events or results "may", "could", "would", "might" or "will be taken", "occur" or "be achieved". Forward-looking information is based on the reasonable assumptions, estimates, analysis and opinions of management made in light of its experience and its perception of trends, current conditions and expected developments, as well as other factors that management believes to be relevant and reasonable in the circumstances at the date that such statements are made, and are inherently subject to known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors that may cause the actual results, level of activity, performance or achievements of the Company to be materially different from those expressed or implied by such forward-looking information, including but not limited to risks related to: the inability of the Company to complete any planned acquisition of equipment on time or at all, the ability of the Company to complete a positive feasibility study regarding the implementation of a second RKEF line at Araguaia on the timeline contemplated or at all, the ability of the Company to complete a positive feasibility study regarding the Vermelho Project on the timeline contemplated or at all, exploration and mining risks, competition from competitors with greater capital; the Company's lack of experience with respect to development-stage mining operations; fluctuations in metal prices; uninsured risks; environmental and other regulatory requirements; exploration, mining and other licences; the Company's future payment obligations; potential disputes with respect to the Company's title to, and the area of, its mining concessions; the Company's dependence on its ability to obtain sufficient financing in the future; the Company's dependence on its relationships with third parties; the Company's joint ventures; the potential of currency fluctuations and political or economic instability in countries in which the Company operates; currency exchange fluctuations; the Company's ability to manage its growth effectively; the trading market for the ordinary shares of the Company; uncertainty with respect to the Company's plans to continue to develop its operations and new projects; the Company's dependence on key personnel; possible conflicts of interest of directors and officers of the Company, and various risks associated with the legal and regulatory framework within which the Company operates, together with the risks identified and disclosed in the Company's disclosure record available on the Company's profile on SEDAR at www.sedar.com, including without limitation, the annual information form of the Company for the year ended December 31, 2022, and the Araguaia and Vermelho Technical Reports available on the Company's website https://horizonteminerals.com/. Although management of the Company has attempted to identify important factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those contained in forward-looking information, there may be other factors that cause results not to be as anticipated, estimated or intended. There can be no assurance that such statements will prove to be accurate, as actual results and future events could differ materially from those anticipated in such statements. This information is provided by Reach, the non-regulatory press release distribution service of RNS, part of the London Stock Exchange. Terms and conditions relating to the use and distribution of this information may apply. For further information, please contact rns@lseg.com or visit www.rns.com. SOURCE: Horizonte Minerals Plc View source version on accesswire.com:https://www.accesswire.com/761417/Horizonte-Minerals-PLC-Announces-Araguaia-Nickel-Project-Pictorial-Update MONTREAL, June 15, 2023 - Strategic Resources Inc. (TSXV: SR) (the "Company" or "Strategic") announces that Simon Wandke has joined Strategic Resources as the Company works on its funding package for the BlackRock project. As Senior Advisor, Mr. Wandke will provide guidance on the strategic direction to the future expansion of the BlackRock Project as the iron and steel industry transitions towards Green Steel opportunities. Most recently, Mr. Wandke was Executive Vice President and Chief Executive Officer of ArcelorMittal Mining, the world's leading steel company with the fifth largest iron ore business globally. During his tenure, Mr. Wandke played a key role in helping to drive the mining division forward to the next stage of its development as one of the largest global producers of iron ore, coking coal and other minerals. Mr. Wandke has over 40 years' experience in the mining and minerals industry, holding senior management, strategy and commercial positions internationally with a particular focus on the development of greenfield and brownfield projects, designing and implementing major change and effective commercial strategies, strategic marketing, risk management and ESG. Sean Cleary, Chairman & CEO commented: "The BlackRock Project sets the stage for Strategic Resources to become a significant supplier of important critical minerals and high purity iron products for the steel and foundry industries. The BlackRock Project is closely linked with government onshoring strategies, critical minerals supply including battery metals and steel production, as well as the movement to significantly reduce GHG emissions. Simon Wandke has invested much of his career into understanding and managing important strategic issues across the iron, steel and ferroalloys industries with demonstrated success and accordingly, his input and guidance into the future of the BlackRock Project and other corporate opportunities for Strategic Resources will be of great value to all stakeholders." Simon Wandke commented: "The Company has significant commercial alternatives worth pursuing and I believe that my experience and track record are well suited to advising Strategic Resources at this pivotal phase as it develops the BlackRock Project into a commercial success." About Strategic Resources Strategic Resources Inc. (TSXV:SR) is a critical mineral exploration and development company focused on high-purity iron and vanadium projects in Canada and Finland. The Company is developing its flagship BlackRock Project, which is a fully permitted and ready to construct mine, concentrator and metallurgical facility located at a seaport in Quebec with full access to the St. Lawrence Seaway. The Company's Head Office is in Montreal, Quebec. Further details are available on the Company's website at https://strategic-res.com/. To follow future news releases, please sign up at https://strategic-res.com/contact/. Follow us on: Twitter or Linkedin. Strategic Resources Inc. Signed: "Sean Cleary" Sean Cleary, CEO & Chairman 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 Regarding Forward-Looking Information Certain statements and information herein, including all statements that are not historical facts, contain forward-looking statements and forward-looking information within the meaning of applicable securities laws. Such forward-looking statements or information include but are not limited to statements or information with respect to future development of the BlackRock Project. Often, but not always, forward-looking statements or information can be identified by the use of words such as "will" or "projected" or variations of those words or statements that certain actions, events or results "will", "could", "are proposed to", "are planned to", "are expected to" or "are anticipated to" be taken, occur or be achieved. Although management of the Company believes that the assumptions made and the expectations represented by all forward-looking statements or information are reasonable, there can be no assurance that a forward-looking statement or information herein will prove to be accurate. Forward-looking statements and information by their nature are based on assumptions and involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors which may cause the Company's actual results, performance or achievements, or industry results, to be materially different from any future results, performance or achievements expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements or information. These factors include, but are not limited to: risks associated with the business of the Company; business and economic conditions in the mining industry generally; the supply and demand for labour and other project inputs; changes in commodity prices; changes in interest and currency exchange rates; risks relating to inaccurate geological and engineering assumptions (including with respect to the tonnage, grade and recoverability of reserves and resources); risks relating to unanticipated operational difficulties (including failure of equipment or processes to operate in accordance with specifications or expectations, cost escalation, unavailability of materials and equipment, government action or delays in the receipt of government approvals, industrial disturbances or other job action, and unanticipated events related to health, safety and environmental matters); risks relating to adverse weather conditions; political risk and social unrest; changes in general economic conditions or conditions in the financial markets; and other risk factors as detailed from time to time in the Company's continuous disclosure documents filed with Canadian securities administrators. Strategic does not undertake to update any forward-looking information, except in accordance with applicable securities laws. View original content:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/strategic-resources-retains-simon-wandke-as-senior-advisor-301851752.html SOURCE Strategic Resources Inc. VANCOUVER, June 15, 2023 - Nova Royalty Corp. ("Nova" or the "Company") (TSXV: NOVR) (OTCQB: NOVRF) is pleased to announce that, further to its news release dated May 23, 2023, it has completed its acquisition (the "Transaction") of an additional 0.12% net smelter return ("NSR") royalty (the "Additional Royalty") on the Copper World Complex project ("Copper World") located in Arizona, USA, owned by Hudbay Minerals Inc. (TSX: HBM) (NYSE: HBM). Nova now holds a 0.285% NSR royalty on Copper World and retains a right of first refusal in respect of an additional 0.390% NSR royalty on Copper World. The aggregate purchase price for the Transaction included upfront consideration of $1,360,000 in cash and $680,000 in common shares of Nova ("Consideration Shares"), of which Nova issued 595,760 Consideration Shares at C$1.5412 per Consideration Share, calculated based on the 20-day volume weighted average trading price of the common shares of Nova up to and including May 19, 2023. An additional $3,560,000 in cash will be payable as follows: $600,000 in cash, payable 12 months after closing of the Transaction; and $2,960,000 in cash, payable at the later of: (i) 12 months following the announcement of the commencement of production from the royalty area; and (ii) the receipt by Nova of the first three payments under the Additional Royalty. Other terms of the Transaction were disclosed in Nova's news release dated May 23, 2023. Nova has also completed its previously announced drawdown (the "Drawdown") of an additional C$2.7 million (the "Drawdown Amount") under its existing amended and restated convertible loan facility with Beedie Capital (the "Beedie Capital Facility"). The Drawdown has increased the total amount drawn under the Beedie Capital Facility to C$12.2 million, with an additional C$12.8 million remaining available to the Company. The proceeds from the Drawdown will be used to fund the Additional Royalty acquisition and for general corporate purposes. The Drawdown Amount is convertible by Beedie Capital into 1,432,208 common shares of the Company at a conversion price of C$1.8852 per common share, which is based on a 20% premium above the 30-day volume-weighted average price of the common shares of Nova on the TSX Venture Exchange ("TSXV") calculated up to and including May 19, 2023, in accordance with the terms of the Beedie Capital Facility. Any common shares issued or issuable will be subject to a four-month hold period expiring on October 7, 2023, as required under applicable securities legislation. About Copper World (1,2) The Copper World Complex is a large-scale, premier copper development project located in Arizona, one of the United States' most strategic copper districts. Copper World is owned by Hudbay Minerals, an established operator with a proven track record of success. Hudbay's 2022 preliminary economic assessment of Copper World contemplates a two-phased operation, with a Phase I standalone operation on private land expected to span 16-years with average annual copper production of approximately 86,000 tonnes, followed by an expanded Phase II mine life of 44 years on federal lands. Copper World is expected to be one of the next major copper operations in the United States, delivering the copper needed to meet domestic electrification and decarbonization supply chain needs. Hudbay expects to make a potential project sanction decision in 2024, with a three-year build timeline. Change to Board of Directors Further to Nova's news release dated May 16, 2023 in which the Company announced changes to its senior management, the Company has officially accepted the resignation of Alex Tsukernik from the Company's Board of Directors. Nova would like to reiterate its appreciation to Mr. Tsukernik for his services and contributions to the Company and wishes him all the best in his future endeavors. About Nova Nova Royalty Corp. is a copper and nickel-focused royalty company. Nova has assembled a portfolio of royalties on a significant proportion of the next generation of major copper projects located in 1st-tier jurisdictions, providing investors exposure to some of the most critical resource assets for the clean energy transition. These projects are being advanced by the world's premier mining companies, which include First Quantum, Lundin Mining, Hudbay, Anglo American and Glencore, among others. The Company is headquartered in Vancouver, British Columbia and is listed on the TSX Venture Exchange under the trading symbol "NOVR" and on the US OTCQB under the trading symbol "NOVRF". On Behalf of Nova Royalty Corp., (signed) "Hashim Ahmed" Interim Chief Executive Officer Phone: (647) 970-4113 Neither the TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Service Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release. Notes: (1) Refer to Hudbay's NI 43-101 Technical Report entitled "Preliminary Economic Assessment Copper World Complex, Pima County, Arizona USA" prepared by Olivier Tavchandjian P.Geo, Vice-President, Exploration and Technical Services, Hudbay. Effective as of May 1, 2022 and filed on SEDAR on July 14, 2022. (2) Refer to Hudbay Minerals' Presentation titled "Copper World Complex 2022 PEA Presentation". dated June 16, 2022. Qualified Person Technical information contained in this press release originates in the public disclosure set out above and has been reviewed and approved by Christian Rios, AIPG Certified Professional Geologist, Advisor to Nova and a Qualified Person as defined in NI 43-101. Cautionary Note Regarding Forward-Looking Statements This press release contains "forward-looking information" and "forward-looking statements" within the meaning of applicable securities legislation. The forward-looking statements herein are made as of the date of this press release only, and the Company does not assume any obligation to update or revise them to reflect new information, estimates or opinions, future events or results or otherwise, except as required by applicable law. Often, but not always, forward-looking statements can be identified by the use of words such as "plans", "expects", "is expected", "budgets", "scheduled", "estimates", "forecasts", "predicts", "projects", "intends", "targets", "aims", "anticipates" or "believes" or variations (including negative variations) of such words and phrases or may be identified by statements to the effect that certain actions "may", "could", "should", "would", "might" or "will" be taken, occur or be achieved. Forward-looking information in this press release includes, but is not limited to, the contingent payments with respect to the Transaction; future commercial exploration and expansion potential, production, recoveries and other anticipated or possible future developments on the Copper World project, current commodity prices, the payment frequency of the Additional Royalty, current and potential future estimates of mineral reserves and resources; future commercial production from the Copper World project or other designated areas; and the use of proceeds from the Drawdown. Forward-looking statements and information are subject to various known and unknown risks and uncertainties, many of which are beyond the ability of Nova to control or predict, that may cause Nova's actual results, performance or achievements to be materially different from those expressed or implied thereby, and are developed based on assumptions about such risks, uncertainties and other factors set out herein, including, but not limited to, the risk factors set out under the heading "Risk Factors" in the Company's annual information form dated March 23, 2023 available for review on the Company's profile at www.sedar.com. Such forward-looking information represents management's best judgment based on information currently available. Except as required by applicable securities laws, the Company undertakes no obligation to update these forward-looking statements in the event that management's beliefs, estimates or opinions, or other factors, should change. No forward-looking statement can be guaranteed and actual future results may vary materially. Accordingly, readers are advised not to place undue reliance on forward-looking statements or information. (All dollar amounts are in United States Dollars unless otherwise indicated) SOURCE Nova Royalty Corp. Contact Greg DiTomaso, Vice President, Investor Relations, Phone: (416) 433-2801, Email: greg@novaroyalty.com VANCOUVER, June 15, 2023 - Collective Metals Inc. (CSE: COMT | FSE: TO1) (the "Company" or "Collective"), is pleased to announce a Soil Sampling Program (the "Program") at its Princeton Copper Project (the "Project"), which is scheduled to begin next week. The Company is undertaking an exploration program on the Project, located in south-central BC (see News Release dated May 9, 2023), directly west of the currently producing Copper Mountain Mine, which hosts a Proven and Probable Mineral Reserve of 702 Mt of 0.24% Copper. The Project emphasizes exploration for one (or more) Copper Gold Alkalic Porphyry centres and hosts documented MINFILE occurrences similar to Copper Mountain's deposit. Christopher Huggins, Chief Executive Officer, stated, "With the initial field visits successfully completed, the geological team believes this soil sample program will provide key insights that will drive our future drilling program. We look forward to further exploration of the anomalies that are presented in the magnetic surveys which indicate similar geology to the Copper Mountain deposit." The Program will consist of approximately 500 Ah horizon soil samples collected on multiple northeast - southwest directed soil lines extending from the Trojan MINFILE occurrence northwest to the Condor 3D IP geophysical anomaly. The Soil lines have been proposed to cover IP and Ground Magnetic surveys which have identified high priority areas of interest. A map of the Magnetic Susceptibility results from a ground magnetic survey completed in 2012 (Fig. 1) documents lower intensity magnetic results in the area of the proposed survey. The anomalies presented in Figure 1 are the key focus of the Soil Sampling Program which is expected to be completed in the coming weeks. The soil lines are more closely spaced over the higher priority areas such as the Trojan MINFILE occurrence and magnetic anomalies, with wider spacing elsewhere on the grid. The soil lines are intended to return geochemical results with which to further evaluate the anomalies currently identified within the Trojan - Condor Corridor, including geochemical, radiolithic, magnetic and Induced Polarization. In detail, both a magnetic high and immediately adjacent magnetic low are evident underlying the Trojan surface geochemical anomaly (and MINFILE occurrence). These two anomalies are, in turn, enveloped in a weaker magnetic halo, except to the north. In contrast, the Condor anomaly is defined on the basis of Chargeability and, as a result, is not evident on the magnetic map. Figure 1 - Proposed soil lines plotted with respect to horizontal slice (75 m depth) of Magnetic Susceptibility from ground magnetic results. Anomalous rock geochemical results shown (see legend) together with the location of initial drill holes completed by the previous operator (white dots). Qualified Persons This news release has been reviewed and approved by Rick Walker, P. Geo., who is acting as the Company's Qualified Person for the Princeton Property project, in accordance with regulations under NI 43-101. About Collective Metals: Collective Metals Inc. (CSE: COMT | FSE: TO1) is a resource exploration company specialized in precious metals exploration in North America. The Company's flagship property is the Princeton Project, located in south-central British Columbia, Canada, approximately 10 km west of the currently producing Copper Mountain Mine. The Princeton Project consists of 29 mineral tenures totaling approximately 28,560 ha (70,570 acres) in a well-documented and prolific copper-gold porphyry belt and is easily accessible by road, located immediately west of Highway 3. The Company's Landings Lake Lithium Project is located in northwestern Ontario where numerous lithium deposits have been delineated to host significant reserves of Li2O. The Landings Lake Lithium Project is located 53 km east of Ear Falls, Ontario and covers 3,146 hectares. Collective Metals is also advancing the Uptown Gold Project 4 km outside of Yellowknife, adjacent to several high grade past producing mines. The Uptown Gold Property is a high-grade Archean lode gold prospect adjoining the Giant Mine in Yellowknife, Northwest Territories. The property consists of 4 claims covering over 2,000 hectares and borders the west side of the Giant Mine leases. Social Media ON BEHALF OF Collective Metals Inc. Christopher Huggins Chief Executive Officer T: 604-968-4844 E: chris@collectivemetalsinc.com FORWARD LOOKING INFORMATION Certain statements in this news release are forward-looking statements, including with respect to future plans, and other matters. Forward-looking statements consist of statements that are not purely historical, including any statements regarding beliefs, plans, expectations or intentions regarding the future. Such information can generally be identified by the use of forwarding-looking wording such as "may", "expect", "estimate", "anticipate", "intend", "believe" and "continue" or the negative thereof or similar variations. The reader is cautioned that assumptions used in the preparation of any forward-looking information may prove to be incorrect. Events or circumstances may cause actual results to differ materially from those predicted, as a result of numerous known and unknown risks, uncertainties, and other factors, many of which are beyond the control of the Company, including but not limited to, business, economic and capital market conditions, the ability to manage operating expenses, and dependence on key personnel. Forward looking statements in this news release include, but are not limited to, statements respecting: completion of the Acquisition. Such statements and information are based on numerous assumptions regarding present and future business strategies and the environment in which the Company will operate in the future, anticipated costs, and the ability to achieve goals. Factors that could cause the actual results to differ materially from those in forward-looking statements include, the continued availability of capital and financing, litigation, failure of counterparties to perform their contractual obligations, loss of key employees and consultants, and general economic, market or business conditions. Forward-looking statements contained in this news release are expressly qualified by this cautionary statement. The reader is cautioned not to place undue reliance on any forward-looking information. The forward-looking statements contained in this news release are made as of the date of this news release. Except as required by law, the Company disclaims any intention and assumes no obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise. The Canadian Securities Exchange has not reviewed this press release and does not accept responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this news release. A photo accompanying this announcement is available at https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/c3ad7622-7bb8-4968-8bd4-349a214ebaac Vancouver, June 15, 2023 - Gitennes Exploration Inc. ("Gitennes" or the "Company") - (TSXV:GIT) announces that further to its news release dated May 24, 2023 it has received TSX Venture Exchange ("TSX Venture") approval for the proposed acquisition of a 100% undivided interest in the Sept Iles Nickel and Rare Earth Element properties located in the Sept Iles region, Quebec. The Sept Iles Nickel property consists of 197 contiguous claims, previously reported in the May 24 news release as 191 claims and the Rare Earth Property consists of 62 contiguous claims (the "Properties"). The purchase of the Properties is subject to a purchase agreement dated May 23, 2023, between the Company and arm's length sellers (the "Sellers"). As consideration for acquiring a 100% interest in the Properties, the Company will issue as consideration to the Sellers: (i) an aggregate of 8,000,000 units (each a "Unit"). Each Unit is comprised of one common share (a "Consideration Share") in the capital of Gitennes and one non-transferable share purchase warrant (each a "Warrant"). Each Warrant entitles the Sellers to acquire one additional common share in the capital of Gitennes at an exercise price of $0.15 for a period of thirty-six (36) months; and (ii) Gitennes has granted to two of the Sellers an aggregate 2% net smelter return royalty ("NSR") on the Properties with Gitennes being granted a buyback of 1% of the NSR at any time for C$1.0 million. Gitennes has also granted to the same two Sellers a 0.5% NSR on any additional claims Gitennes acquires or stakes within an area of interest of the Sept Iles Nickel property. Gitennes can purchase 50% of the 0.5% NSR at anytime for C$250,000. If Gitennes acquires any additional claims the acquisition may be subject to a separate filing with the TSX Venture and require TSX Venture approval in accordance with the applicable TSXV policies. The Consideration Shares will be subject to a statutory four month and one day hold period under applicable securities laws. About Gitennes Exploration Inc. Gitennes is in the business of exploring for and advancing mineral properties with a focus on high grade gold. The Company currently has three properties in the Chapais-Chibougamau area of Quebec: New Mosher, JMW and Maxwell and the Snowbird gold property in British Columbia and a 1.5% Net Smelter Return royalty on the 18 million ounce Urumalqui Silver Project in Peru. The Company recently sold its gold properties in the Gaspe Region of Quebec. All properties are 100% owned by Gitennes except for New Mosher which is under option and Gitennes can earn an initial 70% and has the right to increase its ownership to 85%. The Snowbird Property has been optioned to a gold exploration company. For further information on the Company, readers are referred to the Company's website at www.gitennes.com and its Canadian regulatory filings on SEDAR at www.sedar.com. Gitennes Exploration Inc. "Ken Booth" Ken Booth President For further information, please contact: Ken Booth Phone: 604-682-7970 Email: info@gitennes.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 news release. Cautionary Note Regarding Forward-Looking Information Neither the TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this news release. Not for distribution to United States newswire services or for release, publication, distribution or dissemination directly, or indirectly, in whole or in part, in or into the United States Cautionary Note Regarding Forward-Looking Information This news release includes certain statements that constitute "forward-looking information" within the meaning of applicable Canadian securities laws concerning the business, operations and financial performance and condition of the Company. All statements in this news release that are not purely historical are forward-looking statements and include any statements regarding beliefs, plans, expectations and orientations regarding the future. Often, but not always, forward-looking statements can be identified by words such as "pro forma", "plans", "expects", "may", "should", "budget", "schedules", 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. Such forward-looking statements include, among others, statements as to the anticipated business plans and timing of future activities of the Company, including the exercise of any property Options and to conduct exploration activities thereon. Actual results could differ from those projected in any forward-looking statements due to numerous factors including risks and uncertainties relating to exploration and development and actual results of exploration activities; the ability of the Company to obtain additional financing; delays in obtaining governmental and regulatory approvals (including of the TSX-V), permits or financing; the need to comply with environmental and governmental regulations; potential defects in title to the Company's properties; fluctuations in the prices of commodities and precious metals; operating hazards and risks; environmental issues and liabilities; and competition and other risks and uncertainties of the mining industry. Although the Company believes that the beliefs, plans, expectations and intentions contained in this news release are reasonable, there can be no assurance that those beliefs, plans, expectations or intentions will prove to be accurate. Readers should consider all of the information set forth herein and should review the Company's periodic reports filed from time-to-time with Canadian securities regulators. These reports and the Company's filings are available at www.sedar.com. Readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on forward-looking statements. The forward-looking statements contained in this news release are made as of the date of this news release and, except as otherwise required by law, the Company undertakes no obligation to update the forward-looking statements contained herein, or to update the reasons why actual results could differ from those projected in these forward-looking statements. F1 should stabilise exponential growth says Steiner Gunther Steiner thinks Formula 1 can ease off the pedal in terms of continuing to aggressively grow the sport. Gunther Steiner, Monaco GP 2023 Haas F1 Team / LAT Gunther Steiner thinks Formula 1 can ease off the pedal in terms of continuing to aggressively grow the sport. On the one hand, he is a big supporter of Liberty Media's push into a glitzier and more American-style spectacle including new races like Las Vegas this year. But on the other, the Haas boss appears to be among those in the paddock resisting the idea of F1 and the FIA opening the door to up to two new teams. F1 CEO Stefano Domenicali dealt a blow to prospective entrants, like the Andretti-Cadillac project, by hinting that the new-team entry fee should be blowing out to an eye-watering 10-digit number. Steiner laughed when told by an interviewer for the Spanish newspaper AS that Formula 1 must be in a great place if the Haas team boss can publish a successful book. "It is in a great moment, all over the planet," Steiner admitted. "The only fear is how do we keep it that way? Of course Drive to Survive has an influence, but for me all this is a continuation of the races themselves." He hinted that one way is for F1's owner Liberty Media to lift the pressure off the throttle in terms of growth - which would leave the number of teams at just 10 for now. "I don't think we should put much more effort into growing," Steiner said. "I talk a lot about this with Stefano. We have to stabilise the growth. "I see what has been done in the United States because I live there. Before, Americans knew about F1 but were not interested in it. Now half a million of them gather in Austin. It's incredible." (GMM) Three F1 bosses play down TV ratings slump Three Formula 1 bosses think Red Bull's utter dominance can be stopped. Toto Wolff, Azerbaijan GP 2022 Mercedes-Benz Grand Prix Ltd. Three Formula 1 bosses think Red Bull's utter dominance can be stopped. Amid the sport's generally soaring popularity, the TV ratings have taken a big hit recently as Max Verstappen cruises almost unchallenged to his third consecutive drivers' title. "People need unpredictability," Mercedes boss Toto Wolff told the American broadcaster CNBC this week. "The show and the sport are inextricably linked. But there are rules, and whoever wins by those rules deserves to win," the Austrian insisted. "I think next year we can fight on an equal footing with Red Bull," Wolff continued. "In recent years we have made a few missteps on the technical side, but this is physics, not mysticism - and we will be back soon." Wolff's counterpart at the small American team, Gunther Steiner, also thinks Red Bull's rivals managing to catch up is only a matter of time. "I would say that for the rules to work you have to give them time," he told AS newspaper this week. "Red Bull's work is impressive, but in Monaco there were 15 cars in one second in qualifying. With more time, I think almost the entire grid will look like that. "If there was no Red Bull, the fight would already be fantastic," Steiner added. He also told Marca newspaper at an event to promote the Spanish translation of his book: "It's like last year - no one would have said that Aston Martin is going to jump to second place. "There are always unknown things in F1, and also Red Bull cannot escape the budget limit. There are nine teams currently figuring out why they are going so fast," Steiner said. Also not overly worried about the TV slump and Red Bull's dominance is Franz Tost, the departing long-time team boss at Red Bull-owned Alpha Tauri. "I'm not worried," he told Osterreich newspaper. "No matter where we go, we are sold out at almost all the racetracks. "The fact that the ratings are falling in Germany and Austria is mainly due to the lack of national heroes." However, Tost admits that the 2023 season is basically a write-off for Red Bull's rivals. "In terms of performance, yes," he said when asked if Red Bull can deliver an unprecedented clean-sweep of victories. (GMM) Green Ghana Day: KPMG plants 2,500 trees in Chipa Forest Reserve Business Desk Report Business News Jun - 15 - 2023 , 16:59 Audit, Tax and Advisory Firm, KPMG, has planted about 2,500 trees in the Chipa Forest Reserve in the Greater Accra Region to mark this years Green Ghana Day held on June 9. The Firm has also made additional budgetary allocations to take care of the trees next year in line with its drive to help conserve the environment for a healthier planet. About 45 staff from the Firm planted the trees that included mahogany, teak, and acacia species. KPMG has committed funds to the afforestation of 2.5 hectares of the Chipa Forest Reserve. Motivation Speaking on the sidelines of the event, the Lead Partner of the Planet Pillar of KPMGs Global Impact Plan, Mr Ekow Annobil, emphasized the firms commitment towards the global effort at mitigating the adverse impact of climate change. On why KPMG decided to partake in the event, Mr Annobil explained: we are here as part of our Firms strategy aimed at impacting positively on the environment through the planting of trees that has the potential of contributing towards the reduction of excess carbon in the atmosphere caused by the incessant burning of fossil fuels. As a Firm, we are also committed to the UN Sustainable Development Goals and the 2015 Paris Agreement that seeks to achieve net zero carbon emissions by 2030, he said. Mr Annobil, in his introductory remarks, also admonished the team of over 45 staff of the Firm, who were extremely poised and energized for the occasion, to take the opportunity to make a difference in the environment. I encourage each and everyone of you to take this tree planting exercise seriously and consider same as one of the many initiatives being rolled out by our Firm as part of the global effort at fighting climate change, he stated. Activity Before the KPMG team arrived at the location, the field had already been prepared by officials of the Forestry Commission of Ghana. Many of the holes for planting had been dug with wooden pegs well positioned by each hole to achieve a proper alignment of the trees when planted. Seedlings of the tree species were then placed advantageously by each of the holes to make planting of the tree seedlings easy for the team. Before actual planting begun, an official of the Forestry Commission took the KPMG team through a short illustration of how trees are planted. Excited about the whole event, the over 45 enthusiastic KPMG staff planted all the seedlings that had been made available with many of them wanting to do more. Asked whether this would be KPMGs last tree planting exercise, Mr Annobil stated that the Firm has a long-term goal of participating in more tree planting exercises in the future. We have plans to afforest other depleted forest reserves just like we have done here in Chipa. Next year, we will like to visit other locations to ensure we leave a positive footprint on the planet. This is our response to the global call for action, Mr Annobil added. NewComma secures pre-seed funding from SFC Capital graphic.com.gh Business News Jun - 14 - 2023 , 19:42 A groundbreaking social media platform, NewComma, empowering African and Black creatives, has successfully closed its pre-seed funding round in partnership with SFC Capital, a UK's leading early-stage investment firm. The funding will accelerate NewComma's tech development, and empower African/Black creatives to reshape the global creative industry. With thousands of users on the platform, NewComma provides them with a digital space to showcase their portfolios, connect with professionals, and explore job opportunities. Employers can discover exceptional talent while ensuring diversity in global companies with budget-friendly data-driven recruitment tools. "NewComma presents a unique opportunity to transform the African creative industry," says Ed Stevenson, Investment Executive at SFC Capital. "We were impressed by NewComma's innovative approach and passion for empowering African/Black talent, combined with their understanding of the market's potential, it convinced us to support their vision," he said. By 2030, young Africans are projected to comprise 42 per cent of the global youth population, necessitating the establishment of supportive structures. Especially as Africa's digital economy expands and remote work becomes more prevalent. The Chief Executive Officer (CEO) and Co-Founder of NewComma, Natalie Narh, asserts, "When people talk about Africa today, they often refer to immense opportunities that lie ahead. We believe Africa is now." Nigel Atta-Mensah, NewComma's COO and Co-Founder, adds, "African governments need to create 18 million new jobs annually to accommodate the ambitious population entering the workforce; by nurturing creatives into the formal sector, we can provide countless opportunities." To learn more about NewComma and hire diverse creative talent, visit newcomma.com. Boilerplate NewComma empowers African creatives through a disruptive social media platform that offers showcasing, networking, and job opportunities. With digital portfolios and data-driven recruitment tools, it revolutionises hiring globally. By fostering connectivity and growth in the African creative industry, NewComma empowers talent and drives innovation across the continent and its diaspora. SFC Capital is the UK's most active seed-stage investor, providing seed capital and support to promising British startups. By combining SFC's leading investment funds with angel syndicate, they have created a unique model that provides investors with diversified exposure to high-potential SEIS and EIS-qualifying businesses. Since 2012, SFC has invested in over 450 startups and partnered with the likes of British Business Investments to support innovation across all UK regions. SOURCE: NewComma Im ready to face GHAMRO in court Akosua Adjepong Edith Mensah Showbiz News Jun - 15 - 2023 , 07:00 VETERAN Highlife musician, Akosua Adjepong, has called the bluff of Ghana Music Rights Organisation's (GHAMRO) Interim Management Committees decision to file a lawsuit against her since it is not based on facts. She pointed out that her assertion that the activities of the Interim Management Committee (IMC) were unlawful was not baseless but backed by facts, and she was prepared to present them whenever she was called upon to do so. It would be recalled that the Frema hitmaker had accused the IMC, with Rex Omar as Chairman, of operating illegally and demanded the Attorney General's office to shut it down. Her tirades sparked outrage from some executive members of GHAMRO, who have threatened to sue her if she continued to spread false information. A Board Member of GHAMRO, Mrs Diana Hopeson, disclosed in a recent interview with an Accra-based radio station, Rainbow Radio, that the organisation was making plans to take legal action against Akosua Adjepong for making what they regarded as false claims. Akosua Adjepong, however, stated, in an interview with Graphic Showbiz on Monday, June 12, 2023, that she was unfazed by their threats of a lawsuit, and she was prepared to face them off squarely. "I am waiting for them, I don't care at all if they want to sue me, I am very ready for them. If they think what I have been saying are lies, and they have their own truth somewhere, I am ever ready to face and confront them in court with facts, she said. She said she was convinced that GHAMRO's threats of legal action were unfounded and were only intended to silence her, and it was something she was not ready to do. "I'm not sure what I did wrong. What I do know is that people despise the truth, and if you tell the truth, you make enemies for yourself. They're simply threatening to sue me to get me to stop talking, and I'm not ready to comply because I want what's right to be done. The Kokooko hitmaker disclosed to Graphic Showbiz that she was prepared to react to any counter-allegations made by GHAMRO. She said some members had accused her of forming a spinners association and reaping profits, which had negatively impacted GHAMRO's financial strength, claims she strongly refuted. They said I had established a spinners association, and I have been collecting money from them and issuing receipts. The truth will come out if I have or not. They claim I am saying things that are not true, but everything I am saying concerning them is from their annual report; the monies I mentioned are all coming from their annual report and its the truth. I feel it is now necessary for the public to be aware of whatever is happening, and I am prepared to present the facts. Everything I have said and will say is based on records that are now public, the annual report, etc. These are not made-up tales, she added. Akosua Adjepong went on to tell Graphic Showbiz that she was not acting maliciously as some people were saying. but instead, her actions were intended to help shape the affairs of GHAMRO. Nothing I do is motivated by resentment or animosity; rather, I just want to make sure as an organisation, we uphold moral and legal standards, she added. Read also:The Grammys Highlife category will be won by Nigerians if... -Bullgod Ndebugre and Rawlings on the day 'Nde' was arrested over national anthem - Occasional Kwatriot [Part 2] Kwesi Yankah Opinion Jun - 15 - 2023 , 19:54 Part 2 (Conclusion) Start Part 1 from this link Later all were seated. Then came the national anthem to which everybody was supposed to stand. Did Ndebugre get up too? Yes, we all got up, he said, denying previous allegations. In fact there was an old man, about a hundred years old, sitting to my right. He did not rise, because when the Chairman came round to shake hands, we stood up; and as he shook people and passed, people sat down. When the national anthem started we all got up again, and I thought it was too much for this old man, so he didnt get up when the national anthem was being played. Otherwise everybody was up, including myself. I was puzzled. At what point during the anthem did Ndebugre rise? I stood up as soon as I realised the national anthem was being played. From the very beginning, and simultaneously with everybody? I will not say so, because it is not even possible that everyone will get up at the same time. This was not a band. It was played on an old Ministry of Information tape recorder.and there were many people I saw sitting down, while I was up; and I remember reminding some people the anthem was being played before they got up. The music was on a record player and the crowd was large, and there was a lot of noise, so you might not even know that the national anthem was being played. Would you rather say because you did not recognise it you did not get up immediately? It is possible I was not the first to get up, a relaxed smile registered and exploded into momentary laughter. I have never realised that everybody in a large crowd gets up at the same time when an anthem is being played. Its practically impossible. But are you aware that you were sitting at a conspicuous spot which made you the cynosure of all eyes, and that one cannot easily get away with things others standing elsewhere would? If you are there and they start playing the anthem, and you think you are tired so you are relaxing for a while But I got up for the national anthem, because there would be no reason at all. This is what I told the press when they came to the cells to talk to me. The Head of State ordered your arrest, on realising you did not get up. I am sure the Chairmans judgement is quite respectable. Remember he even came to your defence in the newspapers and said you wanted to hang a bad case around your neck? I think so, because he was compelled to make that correction, when he realised that independent information was creating a different situation, for example the picture that was published in the Voice, with me standing up, creates a problem for the media, and for whoever ordered my arrest. Nde, I dont think people doubt the fact that you stood up; the question is the promptness with which you reacted to the anthem. Yes, but I am not a military man; so I dont think if I dont get up promptly for a national anthem it is an offence. It is only morally reprehensible, the lawyer in Ndebugre started glowing. If, for instance, the person was absent-minded, and absent-mindedness is not something you can blame a person for Would you say you were absent-minded? I will not say I was absent-minded. I am insisting I got up in good time. The best way the media and the Chairman could prove that I didnt get up promptly, or not at all, would have been to show me on television sitting down, when others were standing up The national anthem episode appeared unnoticed, but it was brought up by Chairman Rawlings in his speech three hours later, and that was where he ordered Ndebugres arrest. And how did he react when his arrest was ordered? According to Ndebugre, the crowd appeared confused by the order either because they had noticed no provocation, or they did not understand the language English in which the order was given. At that point of the order, policemen and the Chairmans bodyguards started rushing towards me, and I decided to stand up and meet them. So I got up and in the local language I told them an order had been made for my arrest.I then told the Chairman that I was being arrestedI said he should rather have me killed because it was not the national anthem. But the guards wouldnt allow me to go further so they just pushed me into the cell, just next to the durbar grounds. You dont think your statement could provoke him further? No. He couldnt have been provoked because he had given the order already. Ndebugre was later to appear in court in Bolgatanga charged with insulting the national flag, even though a flag was not the issue. The magistrate just felt he had no jurisdiction, because there is a substantive magistrate at Bawku; then also he was personally present at the scene and saw what happened. I need to make the correction because the Ghanaian Times said he said he was there and saw the insulting behaviour, which he couldnt have said because that amounted to passing a judgement on me. They discharged me and I was rearrested and taken back into the cells, to be taken to the Circuit Court the following day, but I was never taken to court. Instead of being taken to court, orders came for Ndebugre to be put through a drill. The national anthem should be played to him every 6am. and 6pm. and he should learn how to rise to it. But Nde must have heaved a sigh of relief when on the 18th at 7.30pm. the Assistant Commissioner gave him a letter saying he had decided to discontinue the case. An arch opponent of PNDC; but would John Ndebugre admit he is a dissident? I dont know who is a dissident because there are two meanings to dissident in this country. If you take the dictionary, it would only say, somebody who disagrees. In that sense, yes I dissent. I dissented quite a lot even when I was in Government.I stated my position clearly and strongly against certain things. In Ghana they have given dissent a technical meaning, which implies you want to overthrow the Government by force. In that respect I am not a dissident, but I will not be too unhappy if this regime is forced out of office because it has overstayed. So in that case I am not a dissident. Are you worried about a possible stigma? No, because people will ask me and I will explain as we are doing now. In any case, the reaction of the population where the incident took place convinced me that if it was anybodys aim to stigmatise me, it failed completely. At this point, my meeting with Ndebugre was adjourned until the next national anthem. This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. Dont take shelter under trees in rainstorms NADMO Eugenia Asare Tandoh Junior News Jun - 14 - 2023 , 13:33 Children have been cautioned not to take shelter under trees or stand beneath electricity poles during a rainstorm because it is dangerous. According to the Director of Communications of the National Disaster Management Organisation (NADMO), Mr George Ayisi, thunderstorms were usually accompanied by lightning and strong winds, therefore, windy rainstorms could cause a tree to fall on them. Similarly, there is also the risk of being electrocuted if you stand under an electricity pole when it is raining heavily, he said in an interview. Furthermore, he said, it was not advisable to take shelter in a dilapidated building because such buildings had weak rooftops which could collapse on people when it was raining heavily with strong winds. Mr Ayisi pointed out that it was important for children to know that thunderstorms produced lightning and when lightning struck, it could lead to death or permanent disability. Moreover, he reiterated the need for youngsters to pay attention to the weather warnings by the Ghana Meteorological Agency to know when it would rain in order to prepare adequately before going out of their homes and encouraged them to always ask their parents or guardians about the weather situation before they went out. Mr Ayisi advised children to always wait at home or school whenever it threatened to rain so that they would not be trapped in the rain, fall into drains and drown or be victims to lightning strikes. In a rainstorm Always look for a safe place to wait when it is raining since rushing home could be very dangerous. Also dont play in the rain or floodwaters because the water can be swift and by the time you realise it, you will be in a deep gutter being carried away, he stressed. He cautioned children to stay away from materials that conduct electricity during thunderstorms to avoid being electrocuted. Children enjoy watching television or playing on their phones or tablets during a storm. Unfortunately, that is not advisable because the radioactive rays from the lightning could be dangerous. So when its about to rain, dont use your phones. Switch off all devices which use electricity because such objects have electromagnetic parts which could cause fire when they come into contact with a lightning flash, he added. Mr Ayisi pointed out that his outfit had identified safe havens in flood-prone communities where children could take shelter during floods and tasked them to make use of such safe havens which could be a school, church, stadium, or community centre. Basically, some children will not be aware of the danger that may occur due to lightning or in a thunderstorm, so parents and teachers need to educate them on how to remain protected in such conditions, he noted. For instance, he said, parents should not send their children on errands when it was raining heavily. He said children were inquisitive, therefore, parents should educate them on the dangers associated with touching the wires of fallen electricity poles. Mr Ayisi also encouraged parents to educate their children on where the safe havens in their communities could be located so they could take shelter when the need arose. He added that during rainy school hours, the school authority should not send children home because they may not be safe. St Vincent College of Education holds 3rd congregation Mohammed Fugu Education Jun - 15 - 2023 , 09:05 The Saint Vincent College of Education in Yendi has held its 3rd graduation with an appeal to the government and corporate bodies for more educational facilities for the school to enhance teaching and learning in the school. A total of 115 students, 28 of whom were awarded Bachelor Degrees in primary education and 87 who obtained Bachelor Degrees in junior high school (JHS) education graduated. An additional 118 students will be graduating later this year, bringing the number of graduates who will now be fully fledged professional teachers to 360 by the end of 2023. The event was on the theme: Training future transformative teachers for rural Ghana and beyond; the role of St Vincent College of Education Yendi. Infrastructure deficit The Principal of the college, Dr Erasmus K. Norviewu-Mortty, who made the call at the graduation ceremony, lamented that the college was faced with infrastructural challenges, which had resulted in low enrolment and affecting teaching and learning. He said the college was yearning to inaugurate with pomp, the very first fully completed government structure on the campus since its establishment in 2016, saying, "the efforts of the government are spread all over the country, but the college has not received its share yet". "Our infrastructure influences the intake of students, as a young training college, we should have admitted more students. The GETFund project in the college has stalled, if the project had been completed, it would have supported the college to reduce the congestion of students," he said. Dr Norviewu-Mortty said the school currently needed a two-storey block, two lecture theatres, and two classrooms and a vehicle to help address the infrastructure deficit. Infrastructure challenges For his part, the Director of Tertiary Education at the Ministry of Education, Prof. Yayra Dzakadzie, who spoke on behalf of the Education Minister, Dr Yaw Osei Adutwum, acknowledged the infrastructure challenges facing the education sector in the country and reiterated the government's commitment to address them. He said technology was very crucial for effective learning and skills development in the digital world, for which reason, the government was investing huge in enhancing digital education in schools. "In this day and age, students find themselves in a profound educational revolution, the classrooms of today are different from the past, the leaders are agents of change and hungry for innovation," he said. Prof. Dzakadzie, therefore, advised the graduands to put the knowledge acquired into good use so as to become responsible persons in society. Businessman in court over alleged GH3,499,330 fraud GNA Jun - 15 - 2023 , 11:17 A businessman who allegedly defrauded another businessman of GH3,499,330.00 under the pretext of executing a contract awarded by a telecommunication company, has appeared before an Accra Circuit Court. Chetan Bangera, the accused person promised to refund the money to the complainant in four months but failed. Charged with defrauding by false pretence and eight counts of issuing false cheques, Bangeras plea was not taken. The plea of the accused person was not taken because the prosecution prayed the court for more time to conduct further investigations into the matter. The Court presided over by Mr Oheneba Kuffour, therefore adjourned the case to June 19, 2023. The prosecution led by Chief Inspector Samuel Ahiabor, said that the complainant is Mr Cecil Adinor Puplampu, a businessman residing at Roman Ridge in Accra. The prosecution said the complainant is the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Keleeys Company Limited whilst the accused person resided at East Legon. The prosecution said in September 2022, the accused person approached the complainant with a contract document originated from the telecoms company, which indicated that the accused person had a huge contract from the company for mounting towers around Ghana. It said the accused person pleaded with the complainant to give him an amount of GH3,499,330.00 to enable him to execute the contract and refund the same to him within four months. The prosecution said the complainant did not hesitate, so he contacted his cousin abroad and discussed the issue with him. It said the complainants cousin sent the said amount of money to the complainant based on the trust he had in him. The prosecution said the complainant gave cash of GH3,499,330.00 to the accused person in the presence of a witness and he promised to refund the same within four months. It said the accused person failed to fulfil his financial obligation after the expiration of the four months stipulated time. The prosecution said the accused person told the complainant that he had executed the contract awarded to him by the company and that the money had been paid in his bank account. It said the accused person then issued three different cheques with face values of GH322.500.00, GH695,610.00 and GH285,000.00 to be cashed at the specific date given by the accused person to the complainant. It said the complainant presented the cheques at the stated time given to him by the accused person for payment, but all the cheques were subsequently dishonoured for lack of funds in the account. The prosecution said the complainant informed the accused person about the development at the bank. It said the accused person asked the complainant to come to his office at North Kaneshie for different cheques for a different bank and that he had enough cash in the said account that could cater for his money. The prosecution said the accused person issued five different cheques to the complainant to be presented for payment. It said the complainant presented the said cheques for payment. However, Prosecution said on May 17, 2023, he received a call from the bank that the cheques were rejected for lack of funds. The prosecution said the complainant realised that he was duped and came to the Nima Police station to lodge an official complaint and the accused person was arrested. It said in the course of the investigation, the accused person admitted the offences in his investigation caution statement and pleaded with both the Police and the complainant to be given two weeks to refund the money to the complainant. The prosecution said the accused person failed to honour his promises. Commemoration of Blood Donor Day: Health Ministry calls for more advocacy on blood donation Chris Nunoo Jun - 15 - 2023 , 11:16 The Minister of Health, Kwaku Agyeman-Manu, has called for more advocacy on safe blood donation across the country. He said there was the need for stakeholders to support the Health Ministry in its blood donation promotion drive to achieve its objective of ensuring the availability of blood in health facilities across the country. Like the fight against illegal mining (galamsey), there must be a continuous public outcry on blood donation to meet our targets. Collectively, we need to walk the talk when it comes to matters of blood availability and the ministry will lead this walk, Mr Agyeman-Manu said. The call was contained in a speech read on behalf of the minister at an event to commemorate this years World Blood Donor Day in Accra yesterday on the theme: We live because you give, give blood, give plasma, share life, share often. Blood Donor Day The day was set aside by the World Health Organisation (WHO) to celebrate and appreciate voluntary blood donors for their contribution to stocking blood banks and by extension, saving lives. The event is observed on June 14 across the globe every year. Mr Agyeman-Manu congratulated all blood donors on their continuous support and said that the demand for blood was growing faster than its supply, thus, making safe blood or plasma more precious than ever. He, therefore, urged the National Blood Service to come up with laudable initiatives that would encourage more people to voluntarily donate blood to save lives. The minister also urged them to streamline their system to ensure conformity in standards in the collection, processing and distribution of blood products across the country. He further called for the building of strong institutional partnerships and collaboration with relevant institutions for support in the discharge of their duties. Significance The Chief Executive Officer of the National Blood Service, Dr Shirley Owusu-Ofori, described the event as significant in mobilising support at the national, regional and global levels for the sustenance of their programmes. She said it also highlighted the critical role of unpaid regular blood and plasma donors in ensuring access to safe blood and blood products for all people. In partnership with Global Blood Bank, a UK-based organisation, the service launched a story contest for participants to share their experiences on blood donation or as recipients. Registration for the contest, which started yesterday, ends on August 31, 2023. Dr Owusu-Ofori encouraged interested individuals to check the website and social media handles of the service to participate in the contest. In a speech read on his behalf, the WHO Representative to Ghana, Dr Francis Kasolo, said in spite of the significant progress made, blood services in some countries still faced challenges in getting sufficient blood and ensuring the quality and safety of blood. He, therefore, urged governments to increase investment in the health sector to build sustainable and resilient blood systems, including the establishment of institutions and infrastructure to increase the collection of blood. For her part, a senior specialist of radiation oncologist at the National Radiotherapy Oncology and Nuclear Medicine Centre (NRONMC), Dr Hannah Naa Gogwe Ayettey, stressed the need to demystify misconceptions about blood donations in the country. Court directs Aisha Huang to open defense Emmanuel Ebo Hawkson Jun - 15 - 2023 , 16:33 The Accra High Court has dismissed a submission of no case filed by alleged Chinese illegal mining [galamsey] kingpin, En Huang, also known as Aisha Huang. In a ruling today, the court, presided over by Justice Lydia Osei Marfo, held that the prosecution had established a prima facie case against Aisha Huang, reports Graphic Online's Emmanuel Ebo Hawkson. Consequently, the court directed the accused person to open her defence to answer to the charges leveled against her. Not guilty En Huang, a Chinese national has been accused of being in the thick of affairs of galamsey, especially in the Ashanti Region. She was deported from Ghana in 2018, after the A-G decided to discontinue her trial in which she was accused of engaging in small-scale mining without licence. However, she was said to have sneaked back into Ghana to allegedly engage in the same activities for which she was deported. The Attorney-General (A-G), Godfred Yeboah Dame, then decided to prosecute her for the alleged crimes before her deportation and new ones committed since her entry back into the country. It is the case of the prosecution that Aisha had an illegal mining concession at Bepotenten in the Amansie West District in the Ashanti Region and also operated a mining support services company. She has pleaded not guilty to undertaking a mining operation without a licence, facilitating the participation of persons engaged in a mining operation, the illegal employment of foreigners and entering Ghana while prohibited from re-entry. Court restrains OSP from arresting Charles Bissue for 10 days Emmanuel Ebo Hawkson Jun - 15 - 2023 , 11:01 The Human Rights Division of the High Court in Accra has put an injunction on the Office of the Special Prosecutor (OSP ) from arresting a former Secretary of the defunct Inter Ministerial Committee on Illegal Mining (IMCIM), Charles Bissue. The interim injunction, which will be in force for 10 days follows an application filed by lawyers of Mr Bissue. According to the court, presided over by Justice Nicholas Abodakpi, the interim injunction also restrains the OSP from executing an arrest warrant against Mr Bissue, publishing notice declaring him as wanted and applying for further warrant of arrest within the 10 day period. Hearing of the substantive case continues on June 22, 2023. Related: Charles Bissue: Former IMCIM Secretary declared a wanted person by the OSP Notice The OSP is investigating Mr Bissue and others involved in the activities of the IMCIM, over alleged corruption and corruption related activities relating to illegal mining. Last Tuesday, the OSP issued a notice declaring Mr Bissue wanted following his failure to appear before the OSP for interrogation. Mr Bissue is challenging the investigations by the OSP on the basis that he had already been exonerated by the Criminal Investigations Department of the Police Service over the same alleged corruption case. Don't champion hate speech - Media cautioned Mary Anane-Amponsah Jun - 15 - 2023 , 10:19 Ghanas media has been cautioned against leading dialogues that promote hate speech. Rather, it must engage in responsible dialogues that promote unity among diverse communities and also develop mechanisms that swiftly address complaints and rectify any misinformation or hate speech that may be disseminated. The UN Resident Coordinator, Charles Abani, gave the caution when he addressed a forum on "Media, Hate Speech and Democratic Consolidation in Ghana" in Accra yesterday. The forum was organised by Media Foundation For West Africa (MFWA), the National Peace Council (NPC) and the National Media Commission (NMC) to promote tolerance, peace and diversity to unify the nation. No platform for abuse Hate speech has been defined as abusive or threatening speech or writing that expresses prejudice based on ethnicity, religion, sexual orientation or similar grounds. Mr Abani said although the Constitution guaranteed freedom of speech and opinion, the media should not allow its platforms to be used to propagate and incite violence, given the power it wielded Rather, it must make its platform available to be used for good, because it was a major source of information and acted as a catalyst for shaping public opinion, and for influencing societal trends. "Let us make no mistake. Hate speech is divisive and inimical to peace and security, and it cannot simply be ignored. It is profitable to those who perpetrate it. It gains traction in the minds of those who consume it. It must not be side-stepped as an inconvenience. We have to act in bold and decisive ways", he said. Digital Media Mr Abani noted that the rapid expansion of media platforms, particularly digital media and the rise of citizen-led media, had also given rise to some grave concerns, blurring the fine line between hate speech and freedom of speech, which is a fundamental right. To consolidate democracy, he said it was crucial to strike a balance between freedom of expression and combating hate speech. Ghana's democracy can thrive only if we recognise the power and influence of the media, while taking decisive action to curb hate speech. Let us work together to create an environment where the media acts as a catalyst for informed debates, social cohesion and democratic progress, he stressed. Lead by example Leaders, Mr Abani further emphasised, must lead by example, setting the highest standards and discouraging hate speech of any form or on any platform. If we want a society where we are free from this, then leaders must hold themselves to the highest standards possible no excuses. And not only must they hold themselves to those high standards, they must confront it with clear courage of conviction wherever it rears its ugly head and certainly among their followers. He commended the efforts of the National Peace Council and National Media Commission for the recent launch of Guidelines on Hate Speech and other forms of Indecent Expressions in Ghana which was aimed at sanitising the airwaves from needless verbal utterances against personalities and tribal, ethnic, religious based, culturally-divisive discriminations. The Chairman of Peace Council, Rev Dr Ernest Adu-Gyamfi, said his outfit in partnership with the NMC and the MFWA had developed the Guidelines on hate speech and other forms of indecent expressions. This was to guide all citizens, officials of various institutions and political actors in the performance of their duties and engagements with each other, especially in the media space. It is to help us act in a responsible manner to promote tolerance, inclusion and respect for each other, he said. GJA peace statement The President of the Ghana Journalists Association, Albert Kwabena Dwumfour, pledging the associations commitment to promote peace, said the GJA as the umbrella organisation for individuals and organisations that controlled the media space in the nation would continue to promote peace and discourage anything that would breach the peace of the country. We are a significant stakeholder in peacebuilding and ensuring the safety of the citizenry. Indeed, we have used our various platforms to promote peace in the country over the years, and we vow to do more to ensure that the nation's peace is not breached as we approach a crucial general election next year, he stated. GCTU partners telecommunications industry to groom graduates Kester Aburam Korankye Jun - 15 - 2023 , 09:17 The Ghana Communications Technology University (GCTU) has entered a number of partnership deals with the industrial sector to help groom students of the university and help churn out industry-ready graduates with technical abilities and hands-on knowledge. Since last year, a number of technology-related companies in the country have signed on to the training partnership with the university, including Hubtel, Jospong ICT Group and Huawei Technologies Ghana. As part of the partnership, the companies would take on a number of GCTU students for industrial attachment which would be assessed by both lecturers from the university and supervisors from the companies. It is expected that the training would propel the student to acquire the relevant skills needed to fit into the job market when they graduate. The agreement with Jospong ICT Group would also see the establishment of a world-class cybersecurity training centre on the universitys premises, involving the construction of a 400,000 facility to help train students in cybersecurity and ICT solutions. Re-engineering In furtherance to the universitys ambition to produce graduates with industrial knowledge and skills, it is focusing on re-engineering some of its courses that would help transform the mode of training of the countrys manpower needs especially in technology and its related industries. As a result, four satellite campuses of the University Ho,Takoradi, Koforidua and Kumasi are being converted into centres for the training of young graduates to produce basic ICT equipment. These centres would serve as an extension of the classroom while providing a working environment for the graduates to practically impact the society with the skills and knowledge acquired while studying at the university. Digitisation The Vice-Chancellor of the university, Professor Emmanuel Ohene Afoakwa, said in line with the governments commitment to transform the country through digitisation and focus on industrialisation to scale growth, the university had been positioned to provide the needed training of the human resources that would steer the development of the agenda. He said the vision of the government and the university council was to nurture personal values and ethics that would become the standards for the development of graduates that would guard the countrys long-term dream of becoming an ICT hub in the sub region. As our partnerships continue to grow stronger every day, we shall ensure the provision of quality education for our students and enhanced professional development for our staff, he said. As a pioneer in the delivery of Transnational Education (TNE) in West Africa, he said, GCTU would continue to bear the torch as one of the most successful TNE providers in Africa to ensure that Ghanaians got access to world-class tertiary education without leaving the shores of the country. He explained that over the years, GCTU had established, built and maintained successful academic partnerships with several universities abroad, including Coventry University, UK, Aalborg University, Denmark, Anhalt University, Germany, CASS Europe, France and Ramaiah University of Applied Sciences, India. Govt support In January this year, President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo pledged support to transform the university into a world-class centre for training the countrys manpower in ICT. President Akufo-Addo said the universitys ambition of becoming Ghanas Silicon Valley to train young graduates in Robotics, Artificial intelligence and other related ICT fields was extremely significant because the acquisition of such knowledge and expertise had become the norm for survival of any country in the 21st Century. Its the new language, its the new knowledge, its the new sciences which we would survive in the 21st Century. We need to be on top of the new knowledge, the President said. Ghana wont export green minerals in raw state Lands Minister Timothy Ngnenbe Jun - 15 - 2023 , 06:51 The Minister of Lands and Natural Resources, Samuel A. Jinapor, has reiterated the governments commitment to add value to Ghanas mineral resources, particularly the green minerals. He said Ghana would not export its lithium and other green minerals in their raw state under any circumstances. The minister made this known at the Bloomberg New Economy Africa Conference in Marrakesh, Morocco. The event was held on June 13 and 14, 2023. The conference brought together leaders from the private and public sectors to discuss the worlds most pressing issues and to evaluate potential solutions in the context of local and regional priorities. This years conference put the spotlight on Africas green minerals. Panel discussion During a panel discussion on building value from the energy transition, the minister said the surest way to benefit from the green minerals in view of the green energy transition was to ensure value addition. Mr Jinapor said one of the reasons Africa had not benefited from its several years of mining was the over-concentration on the export of raw minerals. To be able to benefit from the green minerals, therefore, we must make a conscious effort to move away from the export of raw materials to value addition, he said. Endowment Ghana is endowed with several green minerals, including lithium, graphite, chrome, zinc, copper, cobalt and nickel. Lithium, in particular, has been found in high grade in the Central Region. According to experts, the global lithium industry at the mining stage is about $11 billion, while the value of the industry at the highest end, which is battery production, is estimated at $7 trillion. But the processes from mining to battery production are heavily capital intensive. Currently, China is the only country doing end-to-end retention of the full value from mining to battery production. Mr Jinapor said even though Ghana may not be able to retain the full value chain from mining to battery production in the country at this stage, the government was committed to ensuring that as much as possible, a significant proportion of the value chain was retained in Ghana. We intend to end the practice of not adding value to our mineral resources. We are beginning by establishing the appropriate policy and legal framework for Ghana to significantly benefit from the new paradigm of green energy, the minister said. He disclosed that a policy for the exploitation, management and utilisation of the countrys green minerals was currently before Cabinet for its consideration. He said the overall object of the policy was to ensure that the Ghanaian public benefited from those minerals through value addition, local content and local participation. The minister expressed optimism that Cabinet would soon approve the policy to pave the way for the exploitation of our lithium resources. Lithium is the main mineral used in the production of lithium-ion batteries, alongside bauxite, manganese and other green minerals. Ghana has been mining bauxite and manganese for several years but is yet to exploit its lithium resources. GNPC offers full scholarship to brilliant galamsey boy Emmanuel Ebo Hawkson Jun - 15 - 2023 , 22:03 The Ghana National Petroleum Corporation (GNPC ) has offered full scholarship to Stephen Koomson, a 21-year-old Senior High School graduate who resorted to illegal mining [galamsey] due to financial constraints to further his education. Koomson attended Mpohor Senior High School and had 5As and 3Bs in the 2021 West African Senior School Certificate Examination (WASSCE). He was forced to engage in 'galamsey' due to economic difficulties but will now have the opportunity to study law at the University of Ghana which will be fully funded by GNPC. In a post on Twitter GNPC said the pathetic story of Koomson caught its attention when it went viral. Koomson, the post added, was invited together with his guardians to meet officials of GNPC where he was told the good news. According to GNPC, it will work together with other stakeholders to ensure that Koomson gets admission to study law at the University of Ghana next year. Below is a copy of what GNPC posted on Twitter A future salvaged: GNPC Offers Full Educational Scholarship to Brilliant Galamsey Boy. ********************************************************************************* From shattered dreams of endless possibilities to finding his hopes restored and aspirations rekindled, the pic.twitter.com/mgC9mXunnZ GNPC Ghana (@GNPCGhana) June 15, 2023 From shattered dreams of endless possibilities to finding his hopes restored and aspirations rekindled, the story of Stephen Koomson, the brilliant 21-year-old former student of Mpohor Senior High School in the Western Region who, for financial constraints, resorted to illegal mining (Galamsey) instead of furthering his education, has been granted a full educational scholarship by the Ghana National Petroleum Corporation (GNPC) to study Law at the University of Ghana. Koomson, whose plight caught the attention of GNPC when his story went viral on social media, recorded an impressive 5As and 3Bs across various subjects in the 2021 West African Senior School Certificate Examination (WASSCE) but has since had his education curtailed by the lack of support and this, according to him, led to his involvement in small-scale illegal mining (Galamsey). At a brief meeting with the former Mpohor SHS student and his guardians, the Executive Director of the GNPC Foundation, Dr. Dominic Eduah, described Stephens circumstance as an unfortunate situation deserving immediate attention and hence, GNPCs decision to intervene. We are enrolling him on the GNPC scholarship immediately to put his dreams of becoming a lawyer back on track and we are just as excited to offer him an opportunity to facilitate this in consonance with the tenets of our Education & Training mandate, he said. He added that GNPC, in collaboration with other relevant stakeholders, have set in motion plans to ensure Stephen gains admission into the University of Ghana Law School by the next Academic year. A visibly elated yet emotional Koomson expressed his profound gratitude to GNPC for acting on his story to ensure the life and future he envisioned as a boy becomes a reality. He assured of his readiness to remain studious and be a worthy ambassador for GNPC. Government to increase cash grants for LEAP beneficiaries GraphicOnline Jun - 15 - 2023 , 11:49 The Ministry of Gender, Children and Social Protection, on behalf of the government, will initiate the nationwide distribution of cash grants for the Livelihood Empowerment Against Poverty (LEAP) programme starting from Monday, June 19. A press release, signed by the Minister of Gender, Children and Social Protection, stated that the grants have been increased by 100% in response to the escalating global socio-economic crisis. The release outlined the new grant amounts: households with one eligible member will now receive GH128, up from GH64; households with two eligible members will receive GHS 152 instead of GH76; households with three eligible members will receive GH176, up from GH88; and households with four or more eligible members will now receive GH212, compared to the previous GH106. These adjustments apply to the 83rd and 84th cycles of the social protection programme, which aims to alleviate poverty by providing bi-monthly cash grants to the most vulnerable households in Ghana. The programme also seeks to improve human capital development and enhance consumption patterns among beneficiaries. Hajia Lariba Zuweira Abudu, the Minister, highlighted the worsening impact of the global economic crisis on the lives and livelihoods of the poor and vulnerable. The release emphasized the government's commitment to addressing these challenges and mitigating their effects on the vulnerable population. "As a responsible government, we are taking the necessary steps to resolve the current challenges and as well reduce the effects of the shocks on the poor and vulnerable," stated the release. The government has allocated GH109,031,160.00 for the 83rd and 84th cycles, enabling the payment of cash grants to approximately 350,000 households. These households encompass over 1.5 million individuals who are beneficiaries of the LEAP Programme. The amount received by each household depends on the number of eligible individuals within the household, including orphans and vulnerable children, elderly individuals without support, persons with severe disabilities, and extremely poor pregnant women and mothers with infants under one year. The Ministry urged all stakeholders involved in the LEAP payment process, including the Department of Social Welfare and Community Development, the LEAP Community Focal Persons, the Payment Service Provider (the Ghana Inter-bank Payment and Settlement Systems), and the Participating Financial Institutions, to ensure the successful distribution of the grants. The Ministry expressed gratitude to the LEAP Programme's supporters, including The World Bank, UNICEF, and the World Food Programme, for their valuable assistance. Indian High Commissioner bids farewell to President Akufo-Addo Donald Ato Dapatem Jun - 15 - 2023 , 08:48 The Indian High Commissioner to Ghana, Sugandh Rajaram, has paid a courtesy call on President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo to bid him farewell after the end of his three-and-a-half years duty tour of the country. He enumerated how the bilateral relations with Ghana had increased over the years and gave the assurance of the determination of India to redouble efforts to strengthen cooperation and trade for mutual and global interest. He spoke of various initiatives and programmes that had been introduced for the bilateral interest of India and its long-standing global friend, Ghana, and noted that despite the COVID-19 pandemic, the two countries grew their trade by 50 per cent to the current tune of close to $4 billion. Two lines of credit India has been a significant development partner to Ghana and would continue, Mr Rajaram gave the assurance and added that his country had opened two lines of credit for Ghana in the areas of water projects and agricultural development. He said as part of the cooperation and mutual interest, India had offered scholarship to 50 Ghanaians students to undertake further studies, while 50 officers of the Ghana Armed Forces had also been given the opportunity to further their training in India. He mentioned that the two countries had commenced the Ghana-India dialogue to discuss matters of mutual interest and global concerns, more especially when the two countries recently became non-permanent members of the UN Security countries. Mr Rajaram revealed that in all the 16 regions, the India High Commission had been able to establish India business forums to increase businesses and also initiated relations with a lot of universities in the country. I completed my three-and-a-half years of work with the committed support of all the ministries and in particular Ghanaians at large. They were so forthcoming and everyone went out of their way to support our activities and initiatives, he added. Commendation President Akufo-Addo commended the outgoing High Commissioner for the various initiatives that culminated in strengthening the bond between the two countries. He said he was particularly interested in the Ghana-India dialogue and cooperation. Trade Touching on the increase in trade relations, President Akufo-Addo said it was a clear indication of the economic ties between Ghana and India in the area of health, economy, among others, noting that those were all matters which went to the credit of the outgoing High Commissioner. President Akufo-Addo said it had always been his hope that Prime Minister of India, Narendra Damodardas Modi, would find time to pay a visit to Africa and Ghana in particular. Ketu South, Keta cry for relief items Alberto Mario Noretti Jun - 15 - 2023 , 08:56 The Volta Regional Minister, Dr Archibald Yao Letsa, has given the assurance that relief supplies will be distributed to victims of last Saturdays floods that hit the southern parts of the region. We have constantly been in contact with the National Disaster Management Organisation (NADMO) headquarters in Accra, and we have been reliably informed that the relief items are on their way, he added. Climate change Dr Letsa was speaking to the Daily Graphic on what the government was doing to relieve the plight of those affected in the widespread floods that hit many parts of the Ketu South, Keta and Anlo areas, with many of the areas recording unprecedented levels of flooding. The regional minister said the current situation in the Ketu South and Keta municipalities was a clear indication that climate change was raging. So, we need concerted efforts to protect the environment, refrain from illegal sand winning and land degradation activities, Dr Letsa cautioned. The Volta Regional Director of NADMO, Ivy Amewugah, said the distribution of the relief items among the displaced would start this week. Background More than 5,000 people in over 100 communities in the Ketu South and Keta municipalities were affected by the floods caused by three weeks of persistent rains. Although the flood waters have eased significantly, the trend has not brought much relief to the people. The receding waters have left in their trail some reptiles such as snakes in flooded areas in some of the communities, causing fear and anxiety among the residents. This is evident in Babanawokope, Ativuta, Sukladzi, Ahorkpoe, Akanu, Akame, Nogokpo and other areas. The Ketu South Municipal Director of NADMO, Torgbui Alossode II, told the Daily Graphic that efforts were ongoing to seek relief items for the people. He added that the displaced persons were putting up with friends and family members. Power supply in the area has been cut off for safety reasons. Keta In the neighbouring Keta municipality, evidence of flooding was still present in small quantities at homes, school compounds, community centres, and the Keta market area. The Member of Parliament (MP) for Keta, Kwame Dzudzorli Gakpey, waded through the floods at Keta Business College (KETABUSCO) last Tuesday to see the damage at first hand. At the school, the flood was at knee level, with the kitchen evacuated, while cooking took place in the dining hall. Other areas still in the deluge as of last Wednesday in the Keta municipality were Tetekorpe, Tettevikorpe, Dzelukope, Abutiakope, Kedzi, and Horvi. Mr Gakpey said the situation on the KETABUSCO premises was very dangerous because there was a vast sand pit left by the contractors who worked on the female dormitory block, which had remained uncompleted for years. The MP said NADMO had no resources to attend to the problem and there was no immediate relief in sight. Mr Gakpe, therefore, appealed to the government, public-spirited individuals and benevolent groups to come to the aid of the flood victims. Emergency budget The Keta Municipal Chief Executive, Emmanuel Gemegah, said the assembly, as well as the municipal office of NADMO, had drawn emergency budgets to attend to the displaced with relief items. He said the police and the Ghana National Fire Service were also on the alert to ensure security. Mr Gemegah explained that tents could not be erected because the grounds were all very muddy. Kintampo North Methodist Church inaugurated Emmanuel Adu-Gyamerah Jun - 15 - 2023 , 11:45 The Kintampo North Circuit of the Wenchi Diocese of the Methodist Church Ghana has been inaugurated with a call on Christians to consecrate themselves to enable God to use them as vessels for social transformation. The Kintampo North Circuit, which was carved out of the Kintampo Circuit, has 14 societies with the Ebenezer Methodist Society at Kyeremankuma, a suburb of Kintampo, as its headquarters. The Bishop of the Wenchi Diocese of the Methodist Chur ch, Ghana, Right Reverend Alfred Appiah Andam, who gave the advice, said there was the need for Christians to make their lives testify about their belief in Jesus Christ. "We cannot profess to be Christians while our lives show the opposite. Our lives should show the way to our saviour if indeed we are Christians," he said. Growth and maturity Delivering his sermon, Bishop Andam said the elevation to a circuit status was a sign of growth, maturity and independence. He said the new status came with a huge responsibility and urged the various societies within the circuit to lift up their game to reflect their inclusion in the Kintampo North Circuit. Rt Rev. Andam, therefore, called for unity, explaining that it was only unity that could propel them to do great exploits to the glory of God. "Do away with malice and slander and live transformed lives to enable you to draw more people to the saving grace of Jesus Christ. "Let us remember that there will be a time for accountability. Let us, therefore, hold fast to what God has entrusted to us so we can give good accounts to God when the time is due," he said. The Superintendent Minister of the Kintampo North Circuit, Very Reverend Peter Kennedy Ansah-Eshun, said "We are living in a different generation in which what was hailed in the past as attractive for attending the Methodist Church, Ghana, is no more attractive to the people, particularly the youth". He gave an assurance that the inauguration of the Kintampo North Circuit would not only be an event, but continue to be a process which would prepare members to live transformed lives. The Municipal Chief Executive of Kintampo North, Isaac Baffoe Ameyaw, commended the church for partnering the government to provide the social needs of people across the country. Media regulation - Experts oppose more powers for NMC Emmanuel Ebo Hawkson Jun - 15 - 2023 , 15:53 Four veteran media experts have kicked against calls to review the 1992 Constitution to give more powers to the National Media Commission (NMC) to regulate and sanitise the media space. The experts are the Chairman of the NMC, Yaw Boadu-Ayeboafoh; a former Chairman of the NMC, Kabral Blay-Amihere; a communication consultant, Kwaku Sakyi-Addo, and the Editor of the Daily Insight, Kwesi Pratt Jnr. They said allocating such powers to the NMC could be counterproductive, would stifle free speech, curtail the independence of the media and its role in the countrys democratic dispensation, and take the country back to the days of censorship and governmental control of the media. Speaking at the Institute of Economic Affairs (IEA) Constitutional Review Seminar in Accra last Tuesday, the four were of the view that one of the best ways to sanitise the media and improve standards was continuous self-regulation by media organisations and journalist bodies such as the Ghana Journalists Association (GJA). They said the current mandate of the NMC to set and promote the highest journalistic standards through mediation and dialogue was the best option, as a barking NMC was better than a biting NMC in a democracy. NMC content regulations The comments by the four media personalities followed continuous calls by many individuals, including some journalists, for the NMC to be given the teeth to bite and bring to book errant journalists and media houses that work unprofessionally and use their platforms to promote divisions, encourage moral decadence and cause social upheavals . After many criticisms about the poor standards, in 2016, the NMC through Parliament enacted a law which required media owners to seek content approval from the NMC before publication. However, the new law was declared as unconstitutional by the Supreme Court following a suit filed by the Ghana Independent Broadcasters Association (GIBA). Seminar The event, themed: Reviewing Ghanas 1992 Constitution: Viewpoints from the Media, formed part of a series of lectures organised by the IEA for notable individuals and interest groups to share their views on the constitutional review. It was attended by the Minister of Information, Kojo Oppong Nkrumah; the Chairman of the National Peace Council, Rev. Dr Ernest Edu Gyamfi; a former Speaker of Parliament, Prof. Aaron Mike Oquaye, who was the Chairperson, and award-winning journalist and lawyer, Samson Lardi Anyenini. Scary history Sharing their thoughts, Messrs Sakyi-Addo and Pratt Jnr said those calling for extensive powers for the NMC to regulate the media seemed to have forgotten or did not know that not long ago people lost their lives by using the media to criticise those in authority. There was a time when expression of your view alone could get one into a coffin. I get surprised that media practitioners are calling for teeth to bite them, Mr Pratt Jnr said. Mr Sakyi-Addo said some journalists had to run away and go into exile because they had asked questions that those in power did not like. There were times when television programmes had to stop midway because an opposition political party member was part of the programme. My TV programme was stopped without any explanation, he recalled. He, therefore, called on the media to cherish the current freedoms afforded to them by acting responsibly and respecting the rights of people. Philosophy of NMC For Mr Boadu-Ayeboafoh, the philosophy behind the creation of the NMC was not to control the media but to help promote press freedom, and by extension, freedom of speech, which was a basic fundamental human right. The work of the NMC, he said, was to ensure that the media acted more responsibly while the public also appreciated the need for the media to carry out their mandate of informing, educating and holding power accountable. The NMC wants to sanitise the media environment but the approach should be dialogue, discussions and engagements rather than control, he explained. Limitation Mr Blay-Amihere said the framers of the 1992 Constitution deliberately insulated the media from censorship and any form of control due to certain periods in the countrys history when the media was muzzled and prevented from performing their mandate. The framers of the constitution did not want a situation where we return to the bad old days and that is why the frontiers were opened up wide, he stated. He explained that the constitution did not give a carte blanche freedom to the media, with Article 164 putting some limitation on the freedom in the interest of national security, public order and the rights and freedoms of others. The former NMC Chairman recommended that the NMC must exercise its powers under Article 167(d) of the constitution and come up with certain regulations which would not necessarily affect the independence of the media, adding, I will never be an advocate of making the NMC a tool of oppression. Melcom Care Foundation donates brassieres to 5 girls schools Elizabeth Konadu-Boakye Jun - 15 - 2023 , 11:58 A subsidiary of Melcom Group of Companies, Melcom Care Foundation, has donated 20,000 brassieres to five senior high schools in Accra. The presentation, held at the Melcom Mall in Accra yesterday, was made to the Achimota Senior High School, Accra Girls Senior High School, Accra Wesley Girls Senior High School and St. Theresa's School. The gesture was to highlight and draw attention to an area of the girl-childs needs which has received less attention. Support system At a ceremony to present the brassieres to the schools, the Group Director of Communications at Melcom, Godwin Avenorgbo, said the primary aim of the Melcom Care Foundation was to provide a support system for critical areas which might have otherwise not fit into the direct state budget. He said it was the company's belief that the nation could invest resources into creating capacity for home grown production of many of those basic needs of the younger population. "The import bill to be saved can be channeled into providing the bigger and more conspicuous developmental needs of all Ghanaians. It is in this light that the support which Melcom Care is providing to five senior high schools should be seen as relevant and timely," he said. Mr Avenorgbo further stated that the company would continue to support girl-child education in the country under the foundation's objectives for 2023. The representatives of the five schools took turns to show their appreciation and gratitude to the Melcom Care Foundation for the gesture. "We want to say a big thank you and express our deepest gratitude to Melcom Care Foundation for such a gesture," one representative said. They added that the brassieres would go a long way to help the girls and boost their confidence. Network to champion sexual exploitation prevention launched Daily Graphic Jun - 15 - 2023 , 12:32 The Country Coordinating Mechanism of the Global Fund in Ghana, last Thursday, launched a network to champion the prevention of sexual exploitation, abuse and harassment in the country. The Protection from Sexual Exploitation, Abuse and Harassment (PSEAH) network will serve as a pool of facilitators on sexual exploitation, abuse and harassment-related (SEAH) issues in the country. It will also serve as a safe space for victims to report all forms of SEAH matters. Rising cases The Director, Policy Planning, Monitoring and Evaluation, Ministry of Health, Madam Emma Ofori Agyemang, who launched the network on behalf of the Minister of Health, Kwaku Agyeman Manu, lamented the rising cases of violence and harassment and charged the network to promote SEAH-free environment, especially at workplaces. She said SEAH cases were found to be highest among the age group of 22 and 23, representing 67 per cent, adding that most of the cases occurred during daytime working hours. She said the Greater Accra Region had the highest incidence of 35 per cent followed by the Ashanti Region, 27 per cent. Risk factors Speaking about the underlying causes and risk factors of sexual exploitation and harassment, Madam Agyemang said 21 per cent of the cases recorded occurred as a result of personal differences and disputes, while 20.5 per cent occurred due to the abuse of power at workplaces, with 15.21 per cent attributed to socio-cultural norms that supported violence and harassment. Inappropriate organisation set up, arrangement or behaviour accounted for 14.78 per cent while discrimination and gender stereotype also accounted for 14.07 per cent and 11.88 per cent respectively, she added. She said 38 per cent of the reported cases had not received any form of attention, with 29 per cent of all the cases settled amicably. The Director called for the establishment of comprehensive measures at the enterprise and national levels to support efforts towards the elimination of violence and harassment in the world of work. The Chairman of the Network, Dr Anthony Ofosu, said there was a need for awareness creation for people to understand what appropriate behaviour at the workplace was. Nobody can touch you in any way that he or she wants, because it is not right, he added. Empowerment The Executive Secretary, Samuel Hackman, of the Country Coordinating Mechanism of the Global Fund to Fight AIDS, Tuberculosis and Malaria, said the network brought together representatives from government agencies, the UN System in Ghana, development partners, civil society organisations, adolescent girls and young women, and the principal recipients of the Global Fund grants in Ghana to champion the campaign. The CCM Ethics Officer, Catherine Bentum-Williams, appealed to all to join a social media campaign dubbed, "PSEAH is everyones responsibility" for a SEAH-free society. GNA Pay attention to rights of persons with disabilities Zadok Kwame Gyesi Jun - 15 - 2023 , 10:49 The government has been urged to pay more attention to the rights of persons with disabilities in Ghana. A human rights advocate, Josephine Oppong-Yeboah who made the call said many persons with disabilities are often times discriminated against, a situation she explained, undermines the fundamental human rights of such persons. Ms. Oppong-Yeboah said this in an interview with Graphic Online as this year's conference on the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (CRPD) comes to an end Thursday, June 15, 2023. The 16th session of the Conference of States Parties to the CRPD (COSP16), which took place at the United Nations Headquarters, New York, from June 13 to 15, 2023, was on the theme: Harmonising national policies and strategies with the CRPD: achievements and challenges. The purpose of the present Convention is to promote, protect and ensure the full and equal enjoyment of all human rights and fundamental freedoms by all persons with disabilities, and to promote respect for their inherent dignity. The Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities and its Optional Protocol was adopted on 13 December 2006 at the United Nations Headquarters in New York, and was opened for signature on 30 March 2007. The Convention follows decades of work by the United Nations to change attitudes and approaches to persons with disabilities. Ms. Oppong-Yeboah said disability rights are human rights and that "by promoting awareness and taking action to support inclusivity and equal opportunities, we can work towards a more inclusive society where all individuals, regardless of their abilities, can thrive." For her, it is important to empower individuals with disabilities to advocate for their own rights and be active participants in decision-making processes. She also urged the media to give space to people with disabilities to share their experiences in order to raise awareness and drive positive change in the country. Ms. Oppong-Yeboah expressed the concern that the rights of people with disabilities are oftentimes not considered in many things, including the user-friendliness of buildings. That, she said, "awareness about disability rights can help dismantle barriers and promote accessible housing, transportation, and community services." It is important to recognise that people with disabilities have the same rights as everyone else and that they should be treated with respect, dignity, and fairness," she noted. Ms. Oppong-Yeboah, who is also a gender advocate said discrimination based on disability should not be tolerated by anyone in the society since "it breeds segregation and anger." While she commended Ghana for its efforts in promoting the rights of people with disabilities, she said there is still work to be done." She said it was a welcoming news that Ms. Gertrude Oforiwa Fefoame, a Ghanaian, has now been elected as the new chair of the United Nations Committee on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities. That, she noted, the elections of Ms. Fefoame should inspire the country to do more for the persons with disabilities, stressing that it will inspire other African countries to follow suite. Pharmacy Council cautions against purchasing from unlicensed dealers Dickson Worlanyo Dotse Jun - 15 - 2023 , 13:37 A joint team of officials from the Ghana Pharmacy Council, Food and Drugs Authority (FDA) and the police yesterday arrested 12 individuals for illegally selling pharmaceutical drugs. The suspects included those selling unapproved drugs and others operating without the appropriate licences. The arrests were effected in a special operation in the Central Business District of Accra. The suspected peddlers were apprehended at various hotspots in the neighbourhood of the Kwame Nkrumah Interchange, mainly at the VIP and Neoplan bus terminals. The special operation formed part of the Pharmacy Councils larger strategy of sanitising and freeing public and market spaces of such illicit and dangerous substances and to ensure compliance with Ghanas pharmaceutical laws and regulations. The suspects were taken to the councils head office in Accra, where they were processed and an inventory taken of all the substances they were peddling at the time of arrest to engender transparency before being handed over to the police for further investigations. Drugs Most of the drugs confiscated by the authorities were touted to boost ones sexual desire while enhancing and prolonging sexual performance. Some were also advertised to be capable of enlarging the male sexual organ and for women, the buttocks. As part of a new strategy adopted by the Pharmacy Council that led the operation, an undercover surveillance team engaged the suspects under the pretext of purchasing some of their products. After the sale had taken place, the officials introduced themselves after which the plain-clothed police officers moved in to apprehend the culprits. The Head of Enforcement and Intelligence Gathering at the Pharmacy Council, William Ruttmern, who spearheaded the exercise, said that was paramount in order to properly arrest and prosecute the suspects. He said it had become necessary because in the past exercises, where officials just engaged in a general swoop, some vendors fled while those caught denied being owners of the products and had to be released due to the lack of evidence that they actually owned the products. Surge Mr Ruttmern said the exercise had become necessary as a result of the sudden surge in the sales of unapproved drugs by mostly unlicensed dealers. This practice has been going on for a long time. However, it has not been on this scale. They usually hide within corners and do it. But these days when you look around, they are all over the place, blatantly practising it, he explained. Mr Ruttmern said even though his office was aware that there were more people involved in the illicit trade than those apprehended, they were going to do their best to clamp down on the practice in spite of the cost. We will continue with the raids periodically. We advise the transport operators to desist from patronising such people and to also sack them while we continue to talk about it with you in the media for the consumption of the general public, he added. Wholesalers The Head of Enforcement also clarified that the officials were going after retailers because they were the immediate distributors of the substances to the general public and as such were conduits of the illegalities, making them equally guilty as the suppliers and wholesalers. He, however, disclosed that his outfit, together with the FDA and the Ghana Police Service, was hatching a plan that would initiate a crackdown on the menace at its source. To the wholesalers, I want to tell them that we are coming. We are coming for them and anyone we find engaging in this trade, we wont spare; we will prosecute, he stressed. Mr Ruttmern strongly cautioned the public against purchasing such drugs because most of them were not approved by the relevant bodies and could be harmful to their health. In order to legally sell medicine in this country, you need a licence from the Pharmacy Council and to get that there is a certain requirement and qualification you must meet, he added. Prof Ama Ata Aidoo to be given state burial Donald Ato Dapatem Jun - 14 - 2023 , 19:54 Prof Ama Ata Aidoo to be given a state assisted burial on July 13, 2023, President Akufo-Addo has just announced. President Akufo-Addo who said this when the family came to inform him about the death and the funeral arrangements for the burial said the state assisted burial would afford the state and the entire nation to mourn her illustrious daughter. He said he and the late Professor were young contemporaries at the University of Ghana as students and described her as "an outstanding writer, advocate for women's cause, the cause of Africans and the progressive people around the world". Standards without enforcement equals empty promises Kester Aburam Korankye Jun - 14 - 2023 , 16:38 Last year, the government, through Cabinet and Parliament, approved the National Quality Policy (NQP) and passed the Ghana Standards Authority (GSA) Bill, which received presidential assent within weeks, and is now fully operational. While the NQP, is aimed at ensuring that goods traded in the country are designed, manufactured and supplied to respond to the needs, expectations, and requirements of consumers, the Ghana Standards Authority Act, 2022 (Act 1076) establishes the GSA as the authority responsible for the creation and promulgation of standards and its enforcement in the country. For many in the standards community, these two achievements in a year were unprecedented, clothing the GSA with the powers to deter the trade in substandard goods and encourage quality to directly impact consumer interests. But standards and legislation alone are not enough. Bold and vigilant enforcement of standards is critical. Thats the only way to raise quality consciousness among manufacturers, importers and consumers to help maintain a quality culture in public life throughout the society. It is the strict enforcement of standards, hinging on inspection and issuance of citations for violations, and application of penalties that drives compliance in many places. Periodic rituals Over the years, the GSA has been conducting pre-market inspections where they offer testing services and carry out conformity assessments to ensure that goods comply with laid down standards before they are made available in consumer markets. Locally manufactured goods are inspected and certified as meeting required standards. Certificates of conformity are issued to enable the use of standard marks on certified products to demonstrate that they meet the required standards. GSA also conducts destination inspections of high-risk goods imported into the country to ensure that they meet the required standards for Ghanaian consumer markets. Periodically, the authority also conducts market surveillance, including site visits to observe whether market practices are consistent with regulatory requirements. Yet one needs no orientation to know that our markets are inundated with substandard goods, putting consumers and the economy at risk. In 2017, a nationwide surveillance conducted by the GSA revealed that more than 70 per cent of all imported electrical cable brands on the market were substandard and could cause fires. This was after several reports broke that in a scheme to rake in profits, several importers of electrical cables were flooding the market with fake products that do not meet critical safety requirements. Out of 22 electrical cable brands sampled for laboratory testing, only two, which were manufactured locally, passed the critical safety requirement test for conductor resistance at the GSA Cable Laboratory in Accra. The test showed that 20 of the brands, all imported products, were not designed or test-approved to meet the requirements in safety standards. Substandard productions Five years later, the trade in substandard electrical cables has reached an alarming dimension, with makeshift factories in the country manufacturing the fake products locally, with fake labelling to portray the products as coming from abroad. This is a departure from what was the case five years ago, when almost all fake electrical cables on the market were imported. On Wednesday, May 10 this year, officials from the GSA and the Ghana Police Service conducted a swoop on one of these cable manufacturing companies within the Nigo-Prampram District based on a tip-off. The company, Fenice Metal Technology Limited, was manufacturing electrical cables without the required GSA licence and certification. The company of origin of the packaged products, included Turkey, China and Nigeria although the products where produced locally on the blind side of authorities. Seven Chinese and a Nigerian, who are workers at the factory, were arrested by the police to assist in the investigation. (Daily Graphic, May 11, 2023, back page). Take action Many are still baffled about the thriving trade in substandard goods in the country, despite its negative impact on consumers and the economy, and fingers always point to the seemingly lack of rigorous enforcement of standards to punish non-compliance, as the main incentive that fuels the bad trading practice. The power to seize and destroy goods which do not meet approved standards is one that has not been exploited enough. The GSA has the power to, for instance, confiscate improperly labelled products when carrying out its market surveillance activities, and could recall substandard products and ask the producers to carry out remedial actions for the products to meet the requisite standards. Such products may be forfeited and disposed of under the Ghana Standard (Food Drugs and Other Goods) General Labelling Rules 1992. The authority could also use administrative fines to drive enforcement. It can levy administrative fines for regulatory offences committed by non-complying traders or manufacturers. It can also raise enforcement actions against non-complying traders in court as trade in substandard goods could attract criminal sanctions like fines and imprisonment. Collective support So, the legislation may be elaborate and available for deterrence, but if the value of enforcement is zero or close to zero, real change is impossible. The GSA must be supported by the government to advance its recently revamped enforcement drive, to hopefully rid the markets of substandard goods. That is a prerequisite for achieving the dreams of building a robust economy and protecting the true interest of consumers. But in order for enforcement activities to deliver their expected results, they need to be properly resourced which means that risk-based strategic planning must be conducted to ensure that sufficient resources are available to address key risks. Fortunately, the GSA seem to have the open support of the Ghana Union of Traders Association (GUTA) and the Traders Advocacy Group, Ghana (TAGG), two vibrant umbrella organisations pushing for the interest of traders, to strictly enforce standards. Its as if the GSA has found a way of bringing these rather difficult groups on board its stakeholder engagements and finally found in them a strong supporter and partner of its enforcement drive. Its a social mark scored that must be utilised before the sacredness hovering over this important partnership runs out, and we return to square one. In the final analysis, enforcement is everything. Tiktok stars 'Godpapa the Greatest' and wife 'Empress Lupita' to go for psychiatric assessment Benjamin Xornam Glover Jun - 15 - 2023 , 13:22 The latest 'TikTok stars' in Ghana, 'Godpapa the Greatest' and his wife 'Empress Lupita God Muzaria' are to go for psychiatric medical assessment, a Tema District Magistrate Court has ordered. With their real names being Daniel Chayah alias 'Godpapa the Greatest' and Jocelyn Chayah alias 'Empress Lupita God Muzaria', the TikTok stars have been accused of murdering two of their three children. Graphic Online's Benjamin Xornam Glover reports that the Tema Magistrate Court, presided over by Benedicta Antwi gave the order for psychiatric medical assessment on Thursday (June 15, 2023) when they were arraigned. The court also referred the TikTok stars to Legal Aid for the services of a lawyer since they appeared in court without one. They will reappear in court on June 26, 2023. Read also: Tiktok stars 'Godpapa The Greatest' and wife 'Empress Lupita' remanded The Ghanaian sensational TikTok stars, Godpapa the Greatest, and his wife Empress Lupita, were remanded into police custody the first time they appeared in court over the death of their two children. The police picked up the couple and arraigned them at the TDC Magistrate Court on Wednesday, May 31, 2023. Tiktok sensation EC sets October 3 for District Level Election Juliet Akyaa Safo Politics Jun - 15 - 2023 , 07:15 The Electoral Commission (EC) has set October 3, 2023 for this years District Level Election (DLE) per its scheduled activities. It, however, said the date for the DLE was subject to change depending on the approval of the proposed new Constitutional Instrument (C.I) by Parliament. The Deputy Chairman of the EC in-charge of Operations, Samuel Tettey, made this known at a forum on the 2023 DLE in Accra yesterday. Forum The forum, on the theme 2023 District Level Election: The role of stakeholders and matters arising was organised by the Centre for Local Governance Advocacy (CLGA). Aimed at educating stakeholders about the DLE, it also discussed ways to improve voter turnout which has been at an all-time low over the years. The DLE is to elect assembly and Unit Committee members. Speaking at the forum, Mr Tettey said the new C.I. which was seeking to make the Ghana Card the sole document for identification for registration was yet to be laid before Parliament. He said when approved, the new C.I would regulate continuous voter registration in the country. "If this new C.I. goes through, the commission will undertake the continuous voter registration exercise at the district level, he said. Aside from that, he said some internal activities of the commission such as recruitment of staff, logistics and other election administration processes might also be a subject for the change of the date set by the commission for the DLE. He said unlike the presidential and parliamentary elections, candidates for the DLE were not expected to pay a deposit or filing fee. He stated that the EC would provide details of electoral processes through a series of public and voter education programmes on the DLE. Mr Tettey therefore called on all stakeholders to assist the EC by playing their roles to ensure the delivery of a free, fair and transparent election. Turnout A Local Governance Expert, Dr Eric Oduro Osae, called for the politicisation of the DLE to improve the voter turnout of the election. He said section six of the Local Governance Act 2016(Act 936) as amended by Act 940, provided that DLE should be held every four years with an interval between the DLE and the Presidential and Parliamentary elections being at least six months apart. He indicated that since 1988, Ghana has had eight successive local level elections to engender greater citizens participation in the process. He said despite the constitutional guarantee of the right to vote, there had been gross apathy among the citizenry in local governance elections leading to low turnout. Turnout for DLE have been declining from 59.3 per cent in 1988/89 to 33.6 per cent in 2019 as against a national turnout of 2020 general election of about 78.89 per cent Apart from the 59.3 per cent turnout during the PNDC military rule we have never hit the 50 per cent turnout mark since we entered constitutional rule under civilian elected governments from 1993, he said. To improve voter turnout for this year's DLE, Dr Osae recommended, among others, making the DLE election day a holiday or an add on to an existing one, amend article 55(3) and allow political parties to sponsor candidates, intensify sensitisation among citizens about the DLE and develop strategies to improve women and youth participation. The Minister of Local Government and Rural development, Dan Botwe, in a speech read on his behalf, said the ministry would be working with the media to ensure adequate publicity on the DLE, adding that a National Media Brief would be held in Accra to kick-start the awareness creation. He expressed the ministrys commitment to deepen decentralisation and collaboration with stakeholders for a successful election. The Deputy Executive Director of CLGA, Gillian Naadu Tetteh, for her part, called for an increase in the participation of women in and PWDs by supporting them to contest in the election. Gyakye Quayson will retain Assin North seat NDC National Youth Organiser Haruna Yussif Wunpini Politics Jun - 15 - 2023 , 07:06 The National Youth Organiser of the National Democratic Congress (NDC), George Opare-Addo, has expressed optimism that James Gyakye Quayson will retain the Assin North Constituency seat for the NDC. He said there was no way the New Patriotic Party (NPP) candidate, Charles Opoku, could dislodge Mr Quayson in the June 27 by-election because of the good works of Mr Quayson and the NDC in general in the area. The Assin North Constituency seat has been declared vacant following a Supreme Court ruling ordering the name of Mr Quayson to be expunged from parliamentary proceedings due to his dual citizenship status. Victory Mr Opare-Addo expressed optimism about a resounding victory for Mr Quayson when he joined members of the party in the New Juaben South Constituency in a clean-up exercise at the Tanoso Electoral Area last Saturday. The clean-up exercise was to mark the 31st anniversary of the formation of the NDC The enthusiastic NDC members cleared bushes in the Tanoso Electoral Area which hitherto served as safe haven for criminals, especially wee smokers. He said it was clear that Mr Quayson would carry the day on June 27 to enable him re-enter Parliament to continue his good works to improve the lot of his constituents. Economic salvation "It is now evident that Gyakye Quayson is well positioned to win the seat and re-enter Parliament to represent the views of his constituents who are looking up to him for both economic and political salvation which will definitely improve their living conditions", Mr Opare stated. With regard to NDC's chances in the 2024 general election, Mr Opare-Addo intimated that Martin Otu Offei would win the New Juaben South parliamentary seat and the party's flag bearer, John Dramani Mahama, would also be victorious. Unity He appealed to the rank and file of the party to continue to be united and work together to win the 2024 polls to improve the living standard of Ghanaians since the NPP had failed to do so. A highly elated Mr Offei said the massive turn up for the clean-up exercise was a clear indication that he would dislodge the NPP candidate, Michael Okyere Baafi, in next year's election. The NDC New Juaben South Constituency Chairman, Selassie Amuzu, urged members and the executive in the constituency to bury their differences and work hard for victory in 2024. Writer's email : haruna.wunpini @graphic.com.gh AISIN Corporation, the fifth-largest Tier 1 auto supplier in the world, announced today that it will launch two new production lines with a total anticipated investment of more than $200 million at its AISIN North Carolina Corporation (ANC) facility in Durham, North Carolina. The new lines will incorporate a high level of automation and support the production of two-motor hybrid transmissions for automakers. The current Aisin two-motor Multi Stage Hybrid Transmission is used in the LC500h and the LS500h. The new production of two-motor hybrid transmission systems strengthens the companys electrification efforts in North America. The companys first big milestone on the new lines will be completing a trial by the end of the year. Anticipated start-of-production for transmissions is April 2025, with volumes slated for approximately 30,000 per month. In addition to implementing the new lines and capital equipment, the investment has created the opportunity to better streamline the Durham plant, enabling better flow of materials and resources across its footprint. Beyond manufacturing a product that enables more eco-friendly transportation, the new lines will help reduce the facilitys carbon footprint through equipment that requires the use of less air. Additionally, new LED high-bay lighting, controlled by Wi-Fi and Bluetooth, will be installed to reduce energy use. The introduction of energy monitoring tools as well as HVAC upgrades are also in the works. To complement its hybrid transmission work, ANC team members will undergo a two-week electrification training program. There are no plans for additional personnel at the location, which currently employs approximately 2,000 team members. AISIN North Carolina Corporation was established as AW North Carolina, Inc. in 1998 to produce automatic transmissions for passenger cars and trucks and was AISIN Corporations first transmission plant located in North America. Today, ANC employs nearly two thousand team members and supplies automatic transmissions and related powertrain components to Toyota Motor North America and AISINs newest transmission facility, AISIN Texas Corporation, established in 2021 in Cibolo, Texas. IperionX Limited has agreed a Scope of Work (SoW) for the supply of titanium metal components for Ford Motor Company using IperionXs 100% recycled, low-carbon titanium metal. Ford and IperionX have been actively collaborating to design, test and additively manufacture a series of high-quality titanium components for future Ford Performance production vehicles. Ford Performance is the high-performance and racing division of the Ford Motor Company, known for a leading range of performance cars such as the F150 Raptor, Bronco Raptor, Mustang Mach 1 and the Shelby GT500. Ford aims to be the only manufacturer competing in Formula 1, Le Mans 24 Hours with Mustang GT3, WRC with the M-Sport Ford Puma Hybrid Rally1, Baja 1000 with Ranger Raptor and Bronco, and NASCAR and Supercars with Mustang. This Ford SoW follows a detailed program of quality and strength testing of IperionXs low-carbon, circular titanium metal. Fords Sustainability and Advanced Materials divisions undertook a range of testing procedures, verifying that IperionXs titanium surpassed the required parameters set under ASTM International standards. The titanium components are set to undergo a comprehensive finishing study to assess a range of potential surface finish of parts. The insights gained from this SoW will guide the final design, and unit costs, for a range of low-carbon titanium components for Ford Performance production vehicles. Automotive parts made with titanium are notable for superior strength-to-weight ratios, high levels of corrosion resistance, outstanding durability andunique to IperionXs technologiescan be sustainably recycled at the end of the product life. IperionX says that its proprietary technologies can unlock significant sustainability benefits that are critical for a low-carbon, fully circular titanium automotive supply chainattributes that cant be achieved with any other known commercial titanium production process. The Hydrogen Assisted Metallothermic Reduction Process (HAMR) is IperionXs proprietary technology developed by Dr. Zak Fang with funding from the US Department of Energys ARPA-E program. HAMR is a patented powder metallurgy process technology that allows for the production of titanium powders. This process can take almost any form of titanium or scrap titanium alloy feedstock and produce titanium powders at very low energy intensity, enabling the potential for low cost, low carbon emission production in a sustainable closed loop. The majority of the energy and emissions savings comes through eliminating the need to chlorinate TiO 2 to make TiCl 4 and removing the need for vacuum distillation after the reduction of TiCl 4 . The HAMR process uses conventional powder metallurgy processing steps to control the size of the particles, add alloying elements, and ensure that the result is high quality titanium powder. Typically, at this stage, titanium powders produced via the conventional Kroll process or other related technologies result in a titanium powder that is high in oxygen content. This is where the HAMR process comes in. These high-oxygen titanium powders are processed via the HAMR process technology, which reduces oxygen levels below current industry requirements. The process destabilizes Ti-O using hydrogen, making it possible to turn the reduction of TiO 2 with Mg from being thermodynamically impossible to thermodynamically favored. This allows TiO 2 to be reduced and deoxygenated directly by Mg to form TiH2 with low oxygen levels that can meet the needs of the industry. TiH 2 is then further processed to titanium metal through industry standard approaches. IperionX is producing titanium metal powders from titanium scrap at its operational pilot facility in Utah, and intends to scale production at a Titanium Demonstration Facility in Virginia. IperionX holds a 100% interest in the Titan Project, which has the largest JORC-compliant resource of titanium, rare earth and zircon rich mineral sands in the US. "We had a lot of good things happen this year," Superintendent Craig Barringer said. Between schools receiving prestigious awards and students continuing to excel in both their studies and school activities, Sweetwater County School District No. 2 has a lot to be proud of. Barringer spoke about the school year with the district's board of trustees Tuesday evening. While the district has accomplished a lot and received several accolades worth celebrating, Barringer says there's room for improvement as well. Amongst the noteworthy accomplishments the district had were Washington Elementary being selected as a National Blue Ribbon School through the U.S. Department of Education and Green River High School receiving the Silver Award from Jostens Renaissance. Lincoln Middle School was recognized at the Project Lead the Way Conference in Orlando as well, joining 134 middle schools throughout the nation in receiving the award. "These kinds of accomplishments don't happen all the time," Barringer said. With district enrollment, the number of students increased slightly with 2,406 students up 47 students from the 2020-2021 school year. Overall, the district is still down 323 students from its high point during the 2013-2014 year and saw a large decline of 185 students during the 2020-2021 year. "We are for the first time building back up a little," Barringer said. Barringer said the district focused on wellness throughout the year, adding two counselors to the district and introducing the Pulse app for students to utilize anonymously to share concerns and anxieties. Barringer said the district also contracted with Care/Solace to help connect families in the district with services outside the schools. Barringer said the program made more than 30 connections between families and those services. The district also recently received a trauma-informed school services grant. "That is going to be a great benefit to our students too," Barringer said. In the next year, Barringer said the district wants to improve communication with parents. He said with teacher conferences, parents are engaged with their children's education and meet with teachers until the children reach middle school. He wants to find ways to keep parents engaged as students get older. Barringer also said the district plans to focus on pathways to graduation as well. "We saw our graduation rate drop significantly this year," he said. "We lost track of kids during COVID...some of it is we need to build better habits with our at-risk kids." He said the district needs to build better habits on a timeline that would get kids interested in school again, which includes finding ways to get them into summer school classes. He said they offer summer school but the students who would benefit from it don't take advantage of the offer. Another goal is to strengthen the writing program in the district's early grades. Barringer said testing has shown the district needs to work on building students' writing skills. Beyond those goals, Barringer said the district plans to continue building on its institutional framework, as well as continue its focus on communication, wellness, and safety. SHERIDAN Sens. John Barrasso and Cynthia Lummis, both R-Wyoming, recently discussed the bill that suspended the U.S. debt ceiling and what its like to navigate a hostile political environment. Barrasso and Lummis, who both voted against the bill, spoke about it during a visit to Sheridan last week. U.S. Rep. Harriet Hageman, R-Wyoming, also voted against the Fiscal Responsibility Act of 2023. Wyoming Senators review of Fiscal Responsibility Act President Joe Biden signed the Act June 3. The bill suspends the U.S. debt ceiling until Jan 1, 2025, though it remains unclear what the ceiling will be Jan. 2, 2025. Barrasso said the Act didnt cut enough spending. Im not critical of those that voted for it, I just felt it really didnt do enough, Barrasso said. It was a missed opportunity to fully go after the amount of spending weve been doing as a country and get spending under control. Despite voting against the act, both Barrasso and Lummis praised aspects of it. It still overspends and doesnt get our unsustainable debt and deficit under control, but there were some good features in that bill, Lummis said. One being putting time limits on environmental assessments and environmental impact statements because theyre so strung out that projects cannot get off the ground in this country. So, I think that was a good component of a bad bill. The Fixing Americas Surface Transportation Act was amended by the debt ceiling bill to include provisions that would expedite the environmental assessment process for energy storage. The environmental assessment modifications are part of a larger Congressional fight relating to energy. Barrasso said Republicans are currently trying to push back against the Biden Administrations desire to develop renewable energy at all costs. What were doing right now is, its mostly a big fight going on over energy. American energy, reliable energy, affordable energy, versus where the administration is going, where they only want renewable energy, regardless of the cost and regardless of the consequences, Barrasso said. Navigating political hostility Having served as a U.S. Representative from 2009 to 2017, Lummis made her return to Washington, D.C., in 2021. Upon returning, she said she has noticed more anger surrounding politics and government. Now Im back during the Biden presidency. (I noticed) the acrimony is so much higher now than it was earlier. You can feel it, you can feel it in the air, Lummis said. Theres tension and theres anger and theres frustration in the air. In an age of increased political animosity, votes across party lines can be difficult to sell for politicians. Lummis said bipartisanship is vital in the U.S. Senate, especially when most legislation requires 60 votes to pass the body and neither party has had 60 or more senators since 1969. The votes of three-fifths of the Senate, or 60 Senators, are needed to end a discussion or filibuster on a bill. She said elected officials must be prepared to defend a vote that crosses party lines. Its a delicate balancing act when we do agree with the other party, knowing that we have made some compromises to what would normally be the hardline party position. We really have to be prepared to defend (the compromises), Lummis said. You have to be very comfortable that when you depart from the party line in order to get something passed that is good, that you do it in a way that allows you to fan out across the state (and) justify your position. While the number 60 is not likely to be met, Barrasso said the hope of Republicans is to regain control of the U.S. Senate during the 2024 elections, which he said he will also once again be a part of in another bid for re-election. Dick Din Lui, also known as Richard, peacefully passed away on June 1, 2023, at the age of 87. Born on February 12, 1936, in Canton, Guangdong Province, China, Dick led an amazing life, immigrating to the United States as a young teenager and building a life in Rock Springs, Wyoming which he always considered 'Home'. He was a kind, courageous, dedicated, and generous individual who touched the lives of many in his community. Dick was the beloved co-owner of the New Grand Cafe in Rock Springs, WY, for many decades, where he was known for his kind smile and being a wonderful boss. He married a beautiful woman, Elizabeth Tsui Ngor, and together they raised two strong sons, Roy and Don Lui, both of whom reside in Highlands Ranch, CO. Family meant everything to him, and his love and devotion to his family were unparalleled. In his retirement, Dick enjoyed spending time with his four cherished grandchildren, fishing, attending their music, sport and school events, and participating in weekly family dinners. His family will forever remember his strength, devotion, and the special moments they shared. Dick is survived by his sons, Don (Jessica) Lui and Roy (Maggie) Lui; his daughters-in-law, Maggie (Roy) Lui and Jessica (Don) Lui; and his grandchildren, Elizabeth Lui, Brandon Lui, Sean Lui, and Tyler Lui. He was preceded in death by his father, Gain Yuen Lui; his mother, Fok Ngan-Ching (Dolly); and his loving wife, Elizabeth Lui. We encourage you to share your memories and upload photos to his memorial page, as we celebrate the life of this extraordinary man. A public viewing and informal service for friends and family will be held from 10:00am, to 12:00pm, Monday, June 19, 2023 Fox Funeral Home, 2800 Commercial Way, Rock Springs, WY. Interment will take place at Rock Spring Municipal Cemetery afterwards. A celebration of life and dinner reception will be held at The Wonderful House, 1676 Sunset Dr, Rock Springs, WY 82901 on June 19, 2023 at 6 pm. Condolences may be left at http://www.foxfh.com. Xiaomi went ahead and announced its Redmi 12 smartphone. The device comes as a successor to last years Redmi 11 and is already available in Thailand. Redmi 12 Redmi 12 features a 6.79-inch LCD with FHD+ resolution and a 90Hz refresh rate. Theres an 8MP front-facing cam housed in the punch hole cutout while the back houses a 50MP main unit alongside an 8MP ultrawide and a 2MP macro lens. MediaTeks Helio G88 chipset sits at the helm aided by 4/8GB RAM and 128/256GB storage which is expandable via the microSD card slot. Redmi 12 in Sky Blue The software side is covered by MIUI 14 based on Android 13 while the battery comes in at 5,000 mAh and supports up to 18W charging. Theres a side-mounted fingerprint scanner, headphone jack and an IP53 rating for splash protection. Redmi 12 comes in Midnight Black, Sky Blue and Polar Silver colors. Pricing in Thailand is set at THB 5,299 ($153) for the 8/128GB trim from Shopee and Lazada. Based on previous rumors, Redmi 12 will cost 199 when it arrives in Europe. Source (in Thai) Recovery from Typhoon Mawar required the help of as many organizations on possible on island, whether they are businesses, nonprofit organizations, or government agencies. One agency in particular that most residents who need assistance would be the Federal Emergency Management Agency under the United States Department of Homeland Security. As of Wednesday, over 18,000 registrations have been filed, which has now resulted in over 9.5 million US dollars being approved for the residents. The work continues to be underway through the help of over 90 FEMA inspectors who have collectively completed more than 6,300 inspections, according to Michael Kern, a voluntary agency liaison with FEMA. However, its not an easy process to receive the funds for FEMA assistance. Residents who came to Guam under the Compacts of Free Association are not eligible for FEMA benefits, but any COFA household with at least one child born in Guam that still lives with the parents will deem the household eligible for benefits. The child must also have a bank account linked to their name in order to access the funds from FEMA. FEMA is also not an insurance agency and will not duplicate benefits from any other insurance company. They will not accept an application unless other insurance companies for the applicant have refused to cover or not provided enough coverage for the damage. After application, it can still take over six weeks to receive the FEMA funds, according to the Micronesian Legal Services Corporation. FEMA still recommends beginning repairs before a house is inspected or FEMA funds come in for the household. Reimbursements will then be done after the household takes photos or videos of the damage and keeps receipts for replacements. Personal property benefits are also usually only provided for essential items, such as clothing, primary transportation, or cleaning essentials, including chainsaws. Personal property assistance is also mostly only available for those who are not eligible for low interest loans. Through these limitations, it may be possible for FEMA to deny residents applications, not give enough assistance, or ask residents to pay back something they received. If any of these situations occur, residents can appeal within 60 days from the day the decision was given. There is no in-person hearing, but residents can write a letter and send additional supporting documents to FEMA. The appeal will then be reviewed by a different worker who has never seen the residents case before, so it is possible that FEMA will do a second inspection of the homes damages during an appeal. MLSC is available to help low-income residents through these appeals for free. They can recommend if a resident should appeal and even represent the resident in the appeals. Residents seeking the appeals must have the following ready: Applicants full name, current living address and damaged dwelling address. Applicants 9-digit FEMA application number at the top of the determination letter. FEMA Disaster declaration number; an example is DR-4715-GU. Applicants signature and date. A signature by a third party and an authorization for a third party if they will appeal on an applicants behalf. The appeal letter can be mailed to this address: FEMA Individuals & Households Program National Processing Service Center P.O. Box 10055 Hyattsville, MD 20782-8055 Appeal letters and supporting documentation can also be uploaded to an applicants account on disasterassistance.gov or faxed to 800-827-8112. Michael Lujan Bevacqua is an author, artist, activist and the curator for The Guam Museum. Read the full letter at guampdn.com. At InfoComm, Samsung unveiled The Wall for Virtual Production (IVC Model), a specialized display that is now globally available. Virtual production studios can leverage the use of ultra-large LED walls, seamlessly integrating them with real-time visual effects technology to streamline content production, resulting in reduced time and cost. The Wall for Virtual Production takes the lead in applying this cutting-edge technology. This LED display offers pixel pitch options of P1.68 and P2.1, studio frame rates (23.976, 29.97, and 59.94 Hz) and genlocking specifically designed for studio settings to synchronize the screen with the camera's video signal. With a refresh rate of up to 12,288 Hz, a maximum brightness of 1,500 nits, a fixed contrast ratio of 35,000:1 (for P2.1), and wide viewing angles of up to 170 degrees, this display delivers unparalleled picture quality for virtual content. The Wall for Virtual Production incorporates modular technology, providing diverse installation options to cater to various production environments and requirements. It can be installed as a perfectly flat screen or curved with up to 6,000R curvature. The display can be hung or stacked alongside other screens and is engineered to withstand the dust and particles commonly found in production environments. Managing the screen is effortless with the integrated Virtual Production Management (VPM) solution, featuring an intuitive interface that ensures optimal picture quality. To achieve precise and consistent color reproduction, The Wall for Virtual Production includes 3D lookup tables (LUTs) for color correction, wide-gamut HDR color processing, and color adjustment between individual cabinets or modules. The VPM system also possesses the capability to detect and resolve potential LED-related issues, ensuring seamless operation. Samsung is also working with Weta FX as a technical partner. Weta FX is a New Zealand-based digital visual effects company that has produced visual effects for some of the highest-grossing films ever made, such as "The Lord of the Rings" series, "Avatar" and "Avatar: The Way of Water." "Samsung's The Wall for Virtual Production provides excellent color rendition and picture quality, and with the screen properties and black levels, one is able to control the precision of light it sends into a volume with ease. We look forward to working with the innovative team at Samsung and seeing how new techniques and capabilities can improve the experience for our storytellers," said Kimball Thurston, CTO of Weta FX. The All-New Samsung QxC Series Crystal UHD Signage In addition to The Wall, Samsung is introducing its full lineup of 20 new models in the globally available QxC Series Crystal UHD Signage Series. The displays feature significant upgrades in design and performance for unparalleled features and picture quality in any commercial environment. The QxC lineup includes five QHC displays with 700 nits of brightness (75", 65", 55", 50" and 43"), eight QMC displays with 500 nits of brightness (98", 85", 75", 65", 55", 50", 43" and 32") and seven QBC displays with 350nits of brightness (98", 85", 75", 65", 55", 50" and 43"). The bezels on the QxC series are consistent and even on all four sides of the display, using the same thickness and dimensions to create a symmetrical design. The VESA mounting holes are in the center of the displays to ensure secure mounting. The series is 28.5 mm thick, 40% slimmer than the previous model. All QxC displays offer an easy and intuitive new user interface, 4K UHD resolution, Tizen 7.0 for optimized performance of web services and industry-leading durability. SmartView+ wirelessly connects the displays to up to six devices at once, while anti-glare panels minimize light reflection for an unimpeded viewing experience. Plus, all QxC models have an Eco Sensor that can detect the brightness of the surrounding environment and optimize the brightness of the display accordingly. Samsung Ushers in the Era of All-in-One LED Displays Samsung is also unveiling the LED All-in-One (IAC Model), a 130-inch full HD LED screen with a 16:9 aspect ratio. Its pre-assembled frame kit allows users to install the display simply by hanging it on a wall. The LED All-in-One has a slim 56 mm design (up to 64 mm with the Slim Fit Wall Mount). The screen provides 1,000 nits of peak brightness and a 3,840 Hz refresh rate, resulting in stunning video quality. The built-in Samsung S-Box has support for integrated media play and Microsoft 365, delivering the latest commercial tools to make the most out of the large LED display in business environments. Industry-First Carbon Footprint Certification From TUV Rheinland Separately, Samsung Electronics announced that its 2023 Smart Signage lineup has earned a series of certifications for environmentally preferable products from highly recognized institutes in Germany and the U.S. The 2023 Smart Signage (QMC Model) and The Wall All-in-One (IAB Model) have become the first signage models to receive a product carbon footprint certification from TUV Rheinland, a global testing body. Established in 1872 and headquartered in Cologne, Germany, TUV Rheinland provides quality and safety certification services to multiple industries. The organization calculates its carbon footprint certification by evaluating the amount of greenhouse gases generated throughout the entire product lifecycle, ranging from production to disposal, based on internationally recognized standards. The certification from TUV Rheinland follows another recent and notable recognition for Samsung from the Carbon Trust. The 2023 Smart Signage (QMC Model) has also earned an ENERGY STAR 8.0 certification from the Environmental Protection Agency for its energy efficiency and an Electronic Product Environmental Assessment Tool (EPEAT) certification in recognition of its eco-conscious efforts, such as its recycled plastic use. Haiti - News : Zapping... Attack against the Coordinator of the CNDDR Wednesday, June 14, as part of the numerous death threats received by the National Commission for Disarmament, Dismantling and Reintegration (CNDDR), the vehicle in which was Lieutenant Colonel Edwin Florexile Coordinator of the CNDDR, was targeted and riddled with bullets by heavily armed individuals. Although wounded Florexile managed to narrowly escape this attack. Conditional stay : 39,000 Haitians already in the USA Between January 5, 2023 and the end of April 2023, 39,000 Haitians have already been approved under the Biden administration's conditional stay program in the USA (humanitarian parole) https://www.haitilibre.com/en/news-38566-haiti-flash-new-us-entry-program-for-haitian-migrants-conditions-and-steps-to-follow.html informs the Embassy American in Port-au-Prince on his Facebook page. She takes the opportunity to remind those who attempt to travel illegally to the United States that they will automatically be ineligible for the Biden Program. Let's recall that more than 500,000 requests from Haiti are awaiting https://www.haitilibre.com/en/news-39606-haiti-flash-conditional-stay-program-more-than-580-000-haitian-files-pending.html 2 students obtain their master's degree in "Diplomacy and International Relations" Madrid June 13, 2023 E Huckel Charles from the Directorate of Dominican Affairs and John K. Joseph from the Directorate of Political Affairs of the Chancellery of Haiti, received their Master's degree in "Diplomacy and International Relations" at the Diplomatic School of 'Spain. These two young officials distinguished themselves during their university studies in Spain and are already preparing to return to the Haitian Chancellery following brilliant studies in one of the best diplomatic schools in the European Union. Congratulation ! Technical difficulties at the BRH The Bank of the Republic of Haiti (BRH) informs that it is facing technical difficulties preventing it from temporarily providing services related to the Haitian Interbank Payment System (SPIH) and the National Payment Processor (Pronap). However, check payment services continue normally as usual. Gang war, 2 dead On Wednesday June 14, 2023 in the morning, Achney and Diego, thus known, were fatally injured in the commune of Petite-Riviere de l'Artibonite. According to concordant sources, these individuals, who would be part of the "Gran grif" gang, were killed during a clash with the gang led by the so-called "Ti Mepri". Panama : Simulation exercise on major natural hazards and humanitarian assistance A team from the Civil Protection is Panama to participate in the regional simulation exercise on the response to major natural hazards and humanitarian assistance, which takes place from June 12 to 16, 2023. Having experience in emergency management resulting from multiple simultaneous hazards, the Haitian teams work in collaboration with other international teams. These exchanges of experience make it possible to share good practices, learn from other countries and strengthen regional and international partnerships in the field of emergency management. HL/HaitiLibre Five of Watauga Countys heroes are covered with their Quilts of Valor, thanks to local volunteer seamstresses who donated time and talent as an expression of their gratitude. Photo by Sherrie Norris By Sherrie Norris In an impressive ceremony on Wednesday morning, June 14, at the American Legion/DAV building in Boone, five deserving veterans from Watauga County were honored with Quilts of Valor for their military service. Terry Ellis, Jim Lookabill, A. R. Moody, Charlie Norris and David Williams each received a beautiful quilt that had been made by volunteers from the Boone Quilts of Valor, a chapter of the national QOV organization. Williams and Lookabill had actually received their quilts earlier, but missed an official presentation due to the Covid pandemic. Presenting the quilts was Kathy Heisler, local group coordinator, and Faye Williams, a gifted seamstress, who have helped rally other volunteers in the area to complete these treasured awards. Accompanying the women was Heislers husband, Eric Heisler, a Marine Vietnam veteran, who in full Scottish regalia, performed two inspirational songs on the bagpipes. A. R. Moody proudly displays his Quilt of Valor, which helps tell the story of his military service; the added artwork provided by his wife and daughter-in-law, depicts the history of the US Armys 11th Calvary Regiment, in which he served during the Vietnam War. Photo by Sherrie Norris. To the veterans Heisler said, It is with honor that we are here today to make these presentations. First, we want to thank you for your service, to offer you this small token from our grateful hearts for your willingness to leave home, to stand in harms way on behalf of all of us those you know and those you will never meet. Secondly, Heisler stated, These quilts are presented to honor the sacrifices you and your families have made for all of us. We know when one family member goes to war, the family that waits sacrifices for us, as well. Finally, Heisler concluded, This quilt is given to offer comfort and warmth, as only a quilt can. We hope you will let it warm you when you are cold, offer comfort whenever reflections may cause you pain, and above all, that it will serve as a reminder of the loving hearts and talented hands who are honored to thank you with this quilt. Heisler said that every quilt tells a story. Your quilt began in the hands of several quilters from Boone who provided blocks from a request by Sew Original Quilt Store. There is truly no other quilt exactly like yours, and today, the story of this quilt becomes your story. Each quilt was inscribed with the name of its veteran, Heisler added, so that it may serve to let future generations of your family know what you have done for this country. Added to the quilt of A. R. Moody was also the story of his military service, he described, a work of art depicting history of the US Armys 11th Calvary Regiment, in which he served during the Vietnam War. His wife and daughter-in-law, both aware that he was receiving a quilt, provided this addition for us to include, Heisler said. Local veterans A. R. Moody, Charlie Norris, Terry Ellis, David Williams and Jim Lookabill, received beautiful quilts and certificates of appreciation on Wednesday from the Boone Quilts of Valor #77800, area chapter of the national Quilts of Valor Foundation. The quilts were presented by BQOV members, Faye Williams and Kathy Heisler. Photo by Sherrie Norris More About Quilts of Valor According to Heisler, the Boone group has been a part of the national Quilts of Valor Foundation for almost two years. Currently celebrating its 20th year, it all began in 2003 literally from a dream, Heisler said, referring to the organizations history and founder, Catherine Roberts, whose son, Nat, was deployed in Iraq at the time. The dream was as vivid as real life, shared Roberts. I saw a young man sitting on the side of his bed in the middle of the night, hunched over. The permeating feeling was one of utter despair. I could see his war demons clustered around, dragging him down into an emotional gutter. Then, as if viewing a movie, I saw him in the next scene wrapped in a quilt. His whole demeanor changed from one of despair to one of hope and well-being. The quilt had made this dramatic change. The message of my dream was: Quilts = Healing. The model appeared simple, Roberts added: have a volunteer team who would donate their time and materials to make a quilt. One person would piece the top and the other would quilt it. I saw the name for this special quilt: it was Quilt of Valor, a QOV. And from that dream was born one of the most compassionate projects a veteran (of combat) could hope for, and the mission was put into action: To cover service members and veterans touched by war with comforting and healing Quilts of Valor. Quilts of Valor representatives Kathy Heisler, far right, and Faye Williams from Boone Quilts of Valor, cover veteran Jim Lookabill with his quilt to offer comfort and warmth, whenever reflections (of war) may cause pain, as fellow veterans Terry Ellis and David Williams look on. Photo by Sherrie Norris. To meet specifications, a Quilt of Valor must be a quality, handmade quilt that is machine or hand quilted and must be within or close to a recommended size of 60 x 80-inches (minimum is 55 x 65-inches, maximum is 72 x 90-inches;) it should be of adult-appropriate,100-percent cotton, quilt-weight fabric; it must include a label with required information about the veteran. It must be awarded (it is not a gift) and it must be recorded. A Quilt of Valor does not have to be red, white and blue, but patriotic colors are extremely popular with recipients. Quilters are encouraged to think creatively with the recipient in mind. To date, QOVF has awarded over 345,000 quilts across the country, Heisler said. Recipients of the quilts are nominated by family members, friends and associates. A simple nomination form is available and can be completed through the organizations website (see below). To date, the Boone group has fulfilled all local requests for quilts. Volunteers and Donations Needed How can we, as a community, help? The local Boone chapter, #77800, which meets and works together twice a month at Sew Original in Boone, could use donations of money, quilt blocks, supplies and especially, volunteer seamstresses/quilters. We really could not do this without the help of our donors and volunteers, Heisler said, adding a public thank you to the Watauga County American Legion and DAV posts for their recent donations totaling $1,250. For more information, visit seworiginal.org and search for the Quilt of Valor tab; to learn more about the foundation, in general, and/or to nominate a veteran for a quilt, vsit qovf.org, or call Kathy Heisler at 727-992-7983. Share this: Twitter Facebook LinkedIn Reddit Pocket Temperatures are generally forecast to rise by a couple of degrees from yesterday, with the daily highs hovering possibly as high as between 29C and 30C. Today is expected to be the hottest in areas south of Tampere. THE MERCURY could rise to 30C in parts of Finland on Thursday, a meteorologist at the Finnish Meteorological Institute (FMI) told STT on Wednesday. It may be that it comes down to decimals whether or not well hit the 30-degree mark, Ari-Juhani Punkka, stated to the Finnish news agency. A cold front is tracking toward northern parts of the country, possibly keeping temperatures below 10C. Smoke from Canadian wildfires is gradually leaving Finland. Given the altitude of the drifting smoke, it has not caused any health effects but mostly enhanced the colours of sunrise and sunset, according to STT. The summery weather is forecast to continue next week albeit with a heightened likelihood of showers. Punkka stated to the newspaper that presently it is looking likely that temperatures could return close to 30C just before Midsummer. Aleksi Teivainen HT "The significance of the Eurocities Network has further strengthened as cities have combined their efforts to recover from the COVID-19 crisis, support Ukraine, and continue the development of European cities," stated Mayor Vartiainen. Helsinki's mayor, Juhana Vartiainen , was announced as a member of the Eurocities Network Board during the organization's annual meeting on June 14th. The board consists of 12 elected cities and their mayors. Helsinki's tenure on the board will continue for three years until the summer of 2026. "As a member of the Eurocities Board, Helsinki will have the opportunity to influence the future direction and priorities of the urban network and ensure that the concerns of Helsinki and other northern cities remain in focus. Membership in the board will also provide Helsinki with new opportunities for more impactful EU advocacy, influencing EU policies, and anticipating emerging issues from the EU." During his visit to Brussels, Mayor Vartiainen participated in several meetings and conferences held in conjunction with the Brussels Urban Summit. The conference, which focused on sustainable urban development, brought together over 300 cities and a thousand politicians, experts, and influencers from around the world. In addition to the Eurocities annual meeting, the conference integrated two other international events: the 14th Metropolis World Congress and the Sixth OECD Champion Mayors Summit for Inclusive Growth Initiative. In connection with the Eurocities annual meeting, Mayor Vartiainen also attended the "Taskforce on Ukraine," a working group that supports Ukraine and its cities. Furthermore, he participated in a luncheon hosted by the Mayor of Brussels for European mayors and met with the Chief of Staff of the European Commission's Environment Commissioner. Mayor Vartiainen also delivered a speech at the 6th Meeting of the OECD Champion Mayors for Inclusive Growth, focusing on addressing the cost of living and housing crises in cities. In addition to the official program, Mayor Vartiainen engaged in several bilateral discussions with his European mayor counterparts. About the Eurocities Network Established in 1986, Eurocities is a recognized influential network of European cities and urban policymakers. It promotes the economic, social, and societal development of its member cities through collaboration, knowledge sharing, and influencing urban policies at the EU level. The network represents over 200 cities from 38 countries, encompassing approximately 130 million residents across Europe. Helsinki has been a member of the organization since 1994. HT Orchids or coral reefs may seem like nice souvenirs. However, they are endangered species, and their importation into Finland is prohibited or requires a permit. CITES products confiscated by Customs over the years. CITES products include endangered animals and plants, their parts, or products made from them. UNTREATED sewage has been spilling into the River Thames in Henley for more than a decade. There were at least 50 incidents between 2009 and 2022 when the Henley treatment works has discharged sewage into the water course via the Fawley Court Stream. Thames Water reported no sewage discharges to the Environment Agency last year but data analysis has found there were two discharges in February. According to the companys interactive overflows map, which shows up-to-date spills, it discharged sewage into the river last month for 12 hours. Professor Peter Hammond, of campaign group Windrush Against Sewage Pollution, analysed 14 years of data using Freedom of Information requests and says river users are being put at risk. He has identified at least six places where untreated sewage can get on the Henley Royal Regatta course from the Fawley stream. Water companies are allowed to spill sewage into open water following heavy rainfall to prevent the system becoming overloaded and backing up into homes. But campaigners have said these spills are happening too often. Last year, Thames Water dumped raw sewage into the Thames and its tributaries in West Oxfordshire 507 times, lasting for 6,362 hours. Prof Hammond gave a presentation of his findings to a group of more than 70 people representing community groups, including rowers, swimmers and other river users, at Henley town hall on Wednesday. The event was organised by Laura Reineke, a member of the Henley Mermaids open water swimming group, which is campaigning to make the river a safe place to use. The meeting was expected to resolve to write to Thames Water asking it to invest in sewage infrastructure. Participants will also lobby local politicians to back a national charter for healthy rivers by 2030. Prof Hammond, who spent 20 years working at University College Londons Institute of Child Health, said the treatment works in Henley was inadequate. He said: Analysis shows that the works intermittently suffers equipment failure, probably of pumps, resulting in discharges of untreated sewage into the Thames, close to the royal regatta site. In 2020 and 2021, two incidents of loss of treated sewage flow in a 48-hour period were associated with unpermitted ammonia levels according to Thames Waters non-statutory monitoring data that is not submitted to the Environment Agency. The statutory ammonia monitoring data that is submitted to the regulator always appears to be well within permitted levels. Thames Water needs to explain these apparent losses of treated sewage flow over the past 14 years as well as incidents of potentially unpermitted ammonia levels. It should also make available all treated sewage monitoring data that it collects without the need for a Freedom of Information request. Both untreated and inadequately treated sewage discharged from the Henley works has the potential to pollute the Thames and adversely affect rowers and officials at the royal regatta. Thames Water has been in court twice in the past six years for discharging untreated sewage from the Henley works. In 2017, the company was fined 20million following incidents between May 2013 and 2014 causing the deaths of fish and impacting Temple Island Meadows, a Site of Special Scientific Interest. In 2021, the company was fined 2.3 million for another incident causing fish deaths in 2016. Prof Hammond said: Analysis for the periods of the court cases suggests that the Henley works suffered a sudden loss of treated sewage flow, probably resulting in untreated sewage discharges to the Fawley Court Stream. There were eight such occasions in 2013, at least five in 2014 and several in 2016. Similar losses of treated sewage may be associated with high ammonia levels in treated sewage leaving Henley in 2020 and 2021. Prof Hammond said the regulatory system needed toughening up to force water companies to clean up their act. He said: Every sewage works has a permit and they have a description of what information they have to record and what to give to the Environment Agency. There is a difference between what they record and what they give to the agency as all it wants is summary data. I always ask for the detailed data and so, typically, I can have 100 times more than what the agency asks for. They might ask for how much treated sewage in a day and I would ask for every 15 minutes. Prof Hammond said there were plans to increase the rate of sewage treatment by 22 per cent by 2025 but this could mean a drop on quality. He said: The problem with increasing the rate can be seen at Cassington, near Witney, where they have increased the flow, and Ive seen things there such as a condom and sweetcorn. It looks like a Mulligatawny soup and thats when it is treated. Henley is not a good works but it is not a bad one. There are some others that are far, far worse and some are really gross. Ms Reineke said that Thames Water needed to take immediate action. She said: The fact that the sewage is coming straight from the stream and on to the regatta course is horrific. It is probably the busiest stretch on the River Thames with so many river users affected by it as well as the wildlife. We want to see tangible improvements from Thames Water to upgrade the sewage treatment works and to set a target thats not far in the future. We also want to see immediate improvements, such as tanks that they can put in to stop the overflow and to keep it until it can be processed through the plant. There are things that can be done to reduce sewage. We need a far more comprehensive plan where they can clean the water of bacteria as well as the raw sewage. I would like everyone to sign a letter to Thames Water calling for the change because we want a healthy river for Henley. Jo Robb, a member of the Henley Mermaids and a Green member of South Oxfordshire District Council, praised ordinary people for holding water companies to account. She said: This is something we have campaigned on for a long time and the great challenge has been to get any transparency out of Thames Water. We were categorically told that sewage discharges were only happening in exceptional circumstances but this is not the case. This has been the case in wet weather, dry weather, inside and outside exceptional circumstances and they were not always reporting them to the Environment Agency, which is not being enforced. So we have got a failure at every level. What we need is meaningful investment in sewage infrastructure to eliminate discharges. Last month, water companies pledged to triple investment in Britains sewage system to reduce pollution, spending 10 billion but this will result in higher bills for customers. Councillor Robb said: This is totally unacceptable when we already pay them to treat their sewage. [Thames Water chief executive] Sarah Bentley has admitted that the problem is a result of chronic lack of investment since privatisation and we need to see urgent investment and that needs to come from the pockets of shareholders. This can only be achieved by bringing water companies back into public ownership. The whole system is broken. We have chronic regulatory failure with the Environment Agency losing two-thirds of its funding since 2010. It is only down to the hard work of ordinary people, swimmers and anglers that this scandal has been exposed. James Wallace, chief executive of environmental charity River Action, said: We are in a freshwater emergency. Having grown up in the Thames catchment, I am dismayed at the sewage scandal unfolding around Henley and the threat it poses to local river users, livelihoods and national events such as Henley Royal Regatta. River Action is helping community groups by facilitating the town hall meeting, funding citizen science, telling the story nationally and gathering interest groups and influential people into an organised, informed and empowered campaign. Together, we will send a clear and constructive message to Thames Water and the Environment Agency that it is time to end sewage pollution before more people are seriously ill, businesses and events close, wildlife further declines and water security is threatened. Through collaboration and positive engagement, we will support communities up and downstream to hold polluters and regulators to account, including informing the public at summer events, taking the Rescue our Rivers petition with GB rowers to Parliament, launching the Charter for Rivers to inform voters and proposing a River Thames pollution action plan with ambitious target dates and budgets. We will make sure the perpetrators of this crisis can no longer ignore the many voices of Henley and the millions of people demanding a clean and healthy River Thames by 2030. In a statement, Thames Water said: Taking action to improve the health of rivers is a key focus for us and we will review the findings of this report. We have an upgrade planned for Henley sewage treatment works which will provide a major increase in the sites treatment capacity and is expected to be completed in 2025. Were also currently supporting the local communitys application for a designated bathing water site in Henley. We regard all discharges of untreated sewage as unacceptable and its understandable why the public are demanding more from water companies to do better. We recently announced our plans to invest 1.6billion on our sewage treatment works and networks over the next two years and are striving every day to reduce the discharge of untreated sewage into our rivers. At the beginning of the year we published an online map providing close to real-time information about storm discharges from all of our 468 permitted locations and this continues to be updated with information on improvements being planned for more than 250 sites across our region. In addition, The Tideway Tunnel, which will be completed by 2025, at a total investment of more than 4 billion, is designed to dramatically improve the water quality of the River Thames by capturing around 95 per cent of sewage overflows. Stopping discharges altogether will take time and sustained investment. However, each step we take on this journey is a move in the right direction. Hong Kong: CE thanks investors Chief Executive John Lee today received over 400 senior representatives from Mainland and foreign companies at an Invest Hong Kong reception, thanking them for their lasting confidence in Hong Kong's business environment. Mr Lee also urged them to continue using the city's global advantage to expand their business worldwide. The guests from various sectors attending the reception had been assisted by InvestHK over the past three years in setting up business in the city. The Chief Executive pointed out that under the "one country, two systems" principle, Hong Kong has the distinctive advantages of the motherlands strong support and close connections with the world, adding that Hong Kong is indeed the only city in the world that converges both China and global advantages. He also noted that with the full support of the central government as well as the plentiful opportunities under national strategies such as the National 14th Five-Year Plan, the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area development and the Belt & Road Initiative, Hong Kong is the best place for investors to start and expand their business operations. Secretary for Commerce & Economic Development Algernon Yau also attended the event and joined Mr Lee to raise a toast to the guests. Acting Director-General of Investment Promotion Jimmy Chiang said in his welcome remarks that InvestHK helps businesses grow by capturing new and emerging opportunities. We are both working in close collaboration across the Government and with key partners as well as having aligned our team with our Government's policy priorities. This is all to enable us to help you achieve even more. This story has been published on: 2023-06-15. To contact the author, please use the contact details within the article. (JTA) A new Bible translation that eschews gendered pronouns for God is now available through Sefaria, the online library of Jewish texts, prompting backlash on social media from some who see the change as a sacrilege. The Revised Jewish Publication Society edition of the Bible, which the 135-year-old Jewish publishing house has released in partnership with Sefaria, is the first major update to the JPS translation of the Tanakh in nearly 40 years. So far, only the books comprising the Prophets, the Hebrew Bibles second section, are available on Sefaria. The new English translation refers to individuals with pronouns that are consistent with traditional gender norms. But unlike nearly all translations of the Bible throughout history, the new edition, known as RJPS, does not refer to God with masculine pronouns. It doesnt use feminine pronouns either: Instead, God is referred to simply as God throughout the text. For example, Isaiah 55:6 reads, Seek GOD while you can, Call out while [God] is near. JPS landmark 1985 translation, by contrast, reads, Seek the LORD while He can be found, Call to Him while He is near. The RJPS makes the case that the art of Bible translation is always a work in progress and should take into account not only our deeper understanding today of biblical Hebrew but also the significant changes that have occurred in the use of English over the past decades, said JPS director emeritus, Rabbi Barry Schwartz, in the announcement for the new translation of the Bible. Tanakh is the foundational text of the Jewish people, and we share Sefarias desire for everyone to be able to access it in language that is appropriate and meaningful for them while remaining faithful to the original, Schwartz added. Tanakh is an acronym for the three components of the Hebrew Bible: the five books of Moses, Prophets and Writings. The lack of divine pronouns in the RJPS translation comes as non-traditional pronouns and debate over their use have become increasingly prevalent in public discourse. A 2021 study by the Pew Research Center found that more than a quarter of American adults know someone who uses gender-neutral pronouns, up eight percentage points since 2018. Meanwhile, many conservatives have decried the use of gender-neutral pronouns, and multiple Republican-led states have passed laws effectively permitting educators to refuse to use the pronouns their students prefer. The RJPS translation, one of at least 12 available through Sefaria, has sparked backlash online from some Orthodox Jews who believe the new translation is not aligned with their values. Arguing that the translation is an example of progressive political ideology seeping into religion, some have said they will stop using the app over the RJPS translation. Yehiel Kalish, the CEO of Jewish ambulance corps Chevra Hatzalah, announced last week via Twitter that he had deleted the app. Other prominent figures in the Orthodox world also condemned the new translation. Sefaria is a tremendous resource for the [world of] Torah, tweeted Yochonon Donn, news editor of Mishpacha Magazine, which reaches a haredi Orthodox audience. Messing around with [holy books] to conform to western ideas of equality is an unacceptable breach. If this is true, I cant see people learning from an unholy source. Rabbi Yaakov Menken, managing director of the Coalition for Jewish Values, a right-wing Orthodox political advocacy organization, tweeted that to be more inclusive of atheists, theyll provide a historically accurate translation that avoids mention of the Supreme Being. In the beginning, heaven and earth were created. Sefaria has always featured texts relevant to Jews with a range of approaches a spectrum that has only widened as the digital library has added (and begun supporting the creation of) contemporary texts and translations. Publishing the RJPS is about having different translations that are available, said Sara Wolkenfeld, Sefarias chief learning officer. (Sefarias CEO, Daniel Septimus, is on the board of 70 Faces Media, the Jewish Telegraphic Agencys parent organization.) We are always working to include Jewish texts that are studied by the full range of Jewish learners, she said. And thats why we chose to include the newest JPS translation, but among the many other translations that weve already hosted in the library. Sefaria also has translations from Orthodox-geared publishing houses, such as the Koren and Metsudah versions, and even translations into French and German. Users can select their own preferred English translation, and RJPS is not the default translation for the Book of Prophets. People should know that Sefaria is a library for the entire Jewish people, Wolkenfeld said. And our mission is to provide access to Torah and to bring Torah into the digital age. Thats really what were aiming for. An exhibit at the new Capital Jewish Museum in Washington, D.C., asks visitors, "Who are you? and features a diverse array of Jews, June 1, 2023. Read the article titled "DC's new Jewish museum highlights Jews who shaped the nation's capital, from a Confederate spy to RBG." WASHINGTON (JTA) - Washington, D.C.'s new Jewish museum features at least two notorious women from history. One is Ruth Bader Ginsburg, the first Jewish woman to serve as a Supreme Court justice, who was dubbed "Notorious RBG" late in her life by a cluster of fans. When the Capital Jewish Museum opens next week, it will launch with Ginsburg at its center when a traveling exhibit on her life has its final stop here. The other is the 19th-century figure Eugenia Levy Phillips, whom the museum characterizes as "notorious" without irony. "One of DC's most notorious Confederate sympathizers, Eugenia Levy Phillips (1819-1902) came to town in 1853 with her congressman husband, Philip Phillips (1807-1884) of Alabama," one of the exhibits says. "Eugenia, a spy, delivered Union military plans and maps to Confederate President Jefferson Davis." Another description of Levy Phillips in the museum is more straightforward: "SPIED for the CONFEDERACY," it says below her photo. The late justice and spy are two of an assemblage of notable Jews throughout history who grace the Capital Museum, which opens next Friday in northwest Washington's Judiciary Square neighborhood, which was a local center of Jewish life more than a century ago. Showcasing the warts-and-all history of Jews in and around the nation's capital - both prominent officials and ordinary denizens of the city - is the point of the museum, its directors say. "Jews are a Talmudic people, we like to argue, we like to look at different sides of a story," Ivy Barsky, the museum's interim executive director, said Thursday at a tour for members of the media. Sarah Leavitt, the museum curator, involved the Jewish idea of "makhloket l'shem shamayim," Hebrew for "an argument for the sake of heaven" - in other words, for sacred purposes. "We're telling the story in this museum in a Jewish way," Leavitt said. "So that it's not just that we might not agree, but actually the disagreement is important and preserving those disagreements is important." Barsky, who was previously the CEO of the National Museum of American Jewish History in Philadelphia, said that in relating the local history of Washington's Jews, the new museum fills a gap. Unlike many of the country's other longstanding Jewish communities, Washington attracted Jews not because it was a port but because it was the center of government. Like the district's broader community, Jews in the area have been prone to transitioning in and out of the city. "Lots of our stories start in other places, with folks who end up in D.C.," Barsky said. "This is a unique community, especially because the local business is the federal government." Jews have been in Washington since it was established in 1790, and the area now includes some 300,000 Jews, according to a 2017 study. The museum chronicles that community's expansion from the capital to the Maryland and the Virginia suburbs, driven at times by Jews joining "white flight" - when white residents left newly integrated neighborhoods - and other times by restrictions that barred Jews from certain areas. Larger historical events have also at times played a role: The Jewish population in the city grew in the 1930s and 1940s because of the expansion of government during President Franklin Delano Roosevelt's New Deal and World War II. An exhibition asks visitors "Who are you?" and features a diverse range of Washington Jews, past and present, as well as others with quirky biographies, including Tom King, a CIA spy who became a comic book writer. The changing fortunes of American Jewry are embedded in the date the museum opens, June 9: On that date in 1876, Ulysses Grant was the first president to attend synagogue services, when he helped dedicate the new building of the Adas Israel congregation. Fourteen years earlier, as a Union general, he infamously expelled the Jews of Paducah, Kentucky, accusing them of being war speculators. President Abraham Lincoln rescinded the order, which has been described as "the most sweeping anti-Jewish regulation in all of American history," Esther Safran Foer, the museum's president and the former executive director of the city's historic Sixth & I synagogue, said Grant's presence in 1876 in the Adas Israel building was emblematic of the upward trajectory of American Jewry. "He sat here for more than three hours in the heat, no air conditioning, and he even made a generous personal contribution," she said. The museum's core is the 1876 building that Grant helped dedicate. It has since been physically moved in its entirety three times in order to preserve it, most recently in 2019 as part of the initiative to build the museum, which began in 2017. The museum's upper floor reproduces the sanctuary, with the original pews. Its walls, however, are renovated: they display an audiovisual chronicle of the area's Jews. The museum's permanent exhibition aims to traverse that history in other engaging ways as well. The same section that highlights Levy Phillips' adventures (including her diary's account of her arrest - "I am not in the least surprised Sir" she told the agent who had come to take her away) also mentions Rabbi Jacob Frankel, who was commissioned by Lincoln during the Civil War as the first Jewish military chaplain. A photo of Jews and Blacks joined in a bid to desegregate a local amusement park in the early 1960s gets equal billing with one of Sam Eig, a Jewish developer who in 1942 advertised the new Maryland suburb he built as "ideally located and sensibly restricted," a euphemism for not allowing Black people to buy property. Interactive exhibits include a Seder table that encourages guests to debate immigration, Israel and civil rights. Parts of the museum's exhibition recount Jewish debates over pivotal issues such as those and others, including abortion. Ron Sachs/Consolidated News Photos The interior of an 1876 synagogue that is the core of the new Capital Jewish Museum in Washington, D.C., June 1, 2023. Ginsburg will be the museum's first main attraction, and it makes clear she was a role model. The special exhibition on her life and career includes a glamorous photo of the two Jewish women who coined the "Notorious RBG" nickname, Shana Knizhnik and Irin Carmon. Visitors can go into a closet and don duplicates of Ginsburg's judicial robes. One of the first events is on July 12, when museum goers will join in fashioning the special "I Dissent" collars that Ginsburg would famously wear over her robes when she was ready to dissent from the bench. Jonathan Edelman, the museum's collections curator, described one prized collection - items he persuaded disability rights advocate Judy Heumann to donate before she died in March. "Judy's is a Washington story," he said. "She came to this city first as an outsider as a protester protesting for disability rights. And then she came back to the city as an insider working within the government to make change both in D.C. government and in the federal government." (JTA) - Pat Robertson was trying to pay Jews a compliment. "They'd rather be polishing diamonds than fixing cars," he said in 2014 on his show on the Christian Broadcasting Network, the station the Southern Baptist minister founded in 1960 that had grown into an evangelical Protestant powerhouse. Robertson made his observation - while chuckling - in a conversation with a rabbi who was sympathetic to his conservative beliefs, Daniel Lapin. He clearly thought that diamond polishing was a good thing, and somehow rooted in biblical precepts. "What is it about Jewish people that make them prosper financially?" Robertson had said, introducing his rabbi friend. "You almost never find Jews tinkering with their cars on the weekends or mowing their lawns. That's what Daniel Lapin says, and there's a very good reason for that, and it lies within the business secrets of the Bible." Those remarks were sharply emblematic of a dilemma that has for years dogged the American Jewish establishment and that was personified by Robertson, who died Thursday at 93. Like many evangelicals with a vast television audience and political influence, Robertson was full of admiration for Jews and deeply supportive of Israel. At the same time, Robertson's message carried with it the baggage of age-old stereotypes that caused Jews discomfort. Those came alongside a history of statements denigrating feminism, LGBTQ people and Muslims. "ADL genuinely values the support of Israel these leaders have demonstrated," an Anti-Defamation League statement said in 1994 after a 60-page report it published on Robertson's Christian Coalition drew pushback from Jewish political conservatives, led by Lapin. "But this support cannot be used as a shield from legitimate criticism." Robertson broadcast his hugely popular "700 Club" show multiple times from Israel and articulated the argument that biblical prophecy necessitated Christian support for the Jewish state. That view has since permeated the Republican Party. "The survival of the Jewish people is a miracle of God," he said in an undated speech posted on his website. "The return of the Jewish people to the land promised to Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob is a miracle of God. The remarkable victories of Jewish armies against overwhelming odds in successive battles in 1948, and 1967, and 1973 are clearly miracles of God. The technological marvels of Israeli industry, the military prowess, the bounty of Israeli agriculture, the fruits and flowers and abundance of the land are a testimony to God's watchful care over this new nation and the genius of this people." Following his death, the American Israel Public Affairs Committee called Robertson "a great friend of Israel and a pioneer in the modern Christian Zionist movement." "I was deeply saddened to learn of the passing of Pat Robertson, a brilliant orator and faith leader and an extraordinary friend of Israel and the Jewish People," David Friedman, former President Donald Trump's ambassador to Israel, tweeted on Thursday. "Deepest condolences to Gordon and the entire Robertson family. May you derive much comfort from his incredible legacy." In 1988, when the ADL asked Robertson to condemn the antisemitism that was emerging in protests against Martin Scorcese's movie, "The Last Temptation of Christ," Robertson demanded a quid pro quo: that Jewish groups condemn the movie's Jewish producers. In 1995, Robertson got into trouble when he tried to get out of trouble for his 1991 book, "The New World Order," in which he blamed much of the world's woes on "European bankers" who happened to be Jewish. Robertson's defense was a familiar one. The book, he told The New York Times, was "pro-Israel and pro-Jewish" because among its targets was the United Nations. He added that he had "many, many friends in the Jewish community." Robertson was so confident of those friends that he thought they would help propel him to the presidency in 1988. "I would anticipate, especially among Conservative and Orthodox Jews, I would have a tremendous body of support," Robertson said then. "I'm counting on it from everything I've seen." The support never materialized; Robertson dropped out of the race early. But he consolidated a style of campaigning that mixed Christian piety with politicking, which Jimmy Carter had pioneered a dozen years earlier and that has now become ubiquitous, at least among Republicans. Mike Pence, the former vice president, has made his evangelical faith inseparable from his politics as he launches a campaign for the 2024 GOP political nomination. Unlike Pence and other Christians running for office, Robertson was never able - or perhaps willing - to obscure the foreboding manifestations of his beliefs, preaching about an apocalypse in Israel and blaming a stroke that struck the late Israeli prime minister, Ariel Sharon, on his withdrawal from the Gaza Strip (a view which made him persona non grata with the Israeli government for a short period). In 2002, the ADL's then-national director, Abraham Foxman, summed up the ambivalence many Jews felt when Christian Evangelicals were planning a Washington rally for Israel at a time when it was beset by the second intifada. Jewish groups were neither discouraging nor encouraging the event, he said. "There is no alliance," Foxman said. "The relationship is based on this one, specific issue." (JTA) The city of Miami Beach has agreed to pay $1.3 million to a small Orthodox synagogue that accused it of discrimination by sending inspectors more than once a week on average for two years At the same time, Congregation Bais Yeshaya DKerestir agreed to make changes to its parking and noise practices. The agreement brings to a close an extended dispute over whether the congregation, which meets in a single-family home owned by its rabbi, Arie Wohl, was a religious institution or a private gathering. The congregation argued that because its services are invitation-only, the buildings use is similar to that of any other private home and so should not be subject to scrutiny by city inspectors. It sued in April 2022, claiming that city officials had visited more than 126 times over the course of two years to enforce various city laws, including 60 times to enforce pandemic restrictions on large gatherings. (Orthodox services require a minyan, or quorum of at least 10 men, in order to recite certain prayers.) The congregation also claimed that the city installed a video camera in 2021 that surveilled only its property, not neighboring buildings. Miami Beach was wrongfully discriminating against Plaintiffs First Amendment protected rights of religious exercise and assembly through discriminatory and arbitrary enforcement of the Citys zoning ordinances, the congregation alleged in a court complaint. The city issued repeated code violations because it said a religious institution was operating in a residential building. The congregation is not engaging in private prayer, but, rather, the entity is operating a religious institution in violation of the Citys zoning laws, the city said in a court filing. The city said neighbors of the congregation filed multiple complaints against the property related to building code issues. And it said that inspections of the property to ensure compliance with pandemic restrictions were conducted remotely by driving by, not visiting. We respectfully disagree with the premise that the city discriminates against any person or religion, simply because the city enforces the city code, City Attorney Rafael Paz told Axios in January. But ultimately, to avoid a longer fight in court, the city agreed to settle, agreeing to pay the congregation $1.3 million $100,000 more than the buyer on behalf of the congregation paid in 2020. The home is located just blocks from one of Miami Beachs multiple waterways and within walking distance of multiple other synagogues and Jewish institutions and businesses. About 20,000 Jews live in Miami Beach, down from 34,000 in 1994, according to a study from the University of Miami, and roughly 18 percent of the citys current population is Jewish. Under the terms of the settlement, according to the Miami Herald, the synagogue must improve the condition of its driveway, will not use outdoor speakers for prayer activities, and will also limit the number of cars parked in the area outside the property. The city and the congregation have also agreed to a new process to address future code violations, and the congregation has agreed to not apply for a religious tax exemption at the property. Even if we had gone to trial and won, it wouldnt have felt like we had won anything, Miami Beach Mayor Dan Gelber told The Miami Herald. Ultimately, we do support the celebration of faith in our community. Congregation Bais Yeshaya DKerestir is far from the only synagogue to get entangled in local zoning issues. University Heights, Ohio, recently fought a court battle over compliance with a congregation called the Alexander Shul, which was settled in December with the synagogue paying $1.59 million. As part of that agreement, the city and the synagogue will construct a new synagogue that meets the state building code. (JNS) Israels foreign minister on Wednesday took issue with U.S. Vice President Kamala Harris weighing in on Israels judicial reform debate, saying she didnt know a thing about it. Harris waded into Israels domestic political affairs during an event at the Israeli embassy in Washington on Tuesday celebrating the Jewish states 75th anniversary. America will continue to stand for the values that have been the bedrock of the U.S.-Israel relationship, which includes continuing to strengthen our democracies, which as the [Israeli] ambassador has said, are both built on strong institutions, checks and balances, and Ill add: an independent judiciary, said Harris. The vice presidents remarks drew applause from those gathered in the audience at the embassy to hear the 14-minute speech. However, they did not go over as well in Jerusalem, with Israeli Foreign Minister Eli Cohen telling Kan Reshet B radio in an interview on Wednesday that Harris would not be able to quote from a single clause in any of the judicial reform bills. Cohen, who is in South Korea after visiting the Philippines, clarified his comments in a Twitter post shortly after the interview: I have deep respect for our ally the United States of America and for Vice President Harris, a true friend of Israel, he wrote. Israels legal reform is an internal issue that is currently in the process of consolidation and dialogue. The State of Israel will continue to be democratic and liberal, as it has always been. The reform of Israels legal system initiated by the government of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has stirred a fierce debate in the country, with both sides hitting the streets for mass demonstrations. Harriss remarks on Tuesday were not the first time the U.S. administration has jumped into the debate. In March, U.S. President Joe Biden called on Netanyahu to walk away from the initiative. Israel is a sovereign country which makes its decisions by the will of its people and not based on pressures from abroad, including from the best of friends, said Netanyahu in response. While Kan News reported on Tuesday that the sides were close to signing an agreement on judicial reform following a series of meetings in recent months mediated by Israeli President Isaac Herzog, National Unity Party leader Benny Gantz dismissed the report, saying that a compromise deal was not imminent. Over 150 guests supported the Jewish Pavilion by attending "Jewish Pavilion on the Lake," a festive happy hour celebration. Eighteen vendors provided delicious appetizers and desserts along with signature drinks. Carina Borkon and Jason Mendelsohn co-chaired the evening and helped arrange for wonderful raffle prizes. The event was held at Venue on Lake Lily/Maitland Civic Center. Several thousand dollars were raised to benefit seniors in long-term care. Rachel Guersey and Carol King from Oakmont Village serving individualized caprese salads. WASHINGTON (JTA) Speaking before one of the leading architects of the Israeli governments judicial overhaul, Vice President Kamala Harris stressed the importance of independent courts in a democracy. Harriss speech on Tuesday came after a week in which opponents of the judicial overhaul which would significantly weaken the Israeli Supreme Court protested Israeli right-wing politicians at a series of events in New York City and elsewhere. Simcha Rothman, a far-right lawmaker who is a leading proponent of the judicial overhaul, was in attendance when the vice president spoke. The event where Harris spoke was a gala celebrating Israels 75th birthday, and was hosted by the Israeli embassy at the National Building Museum in Washington, D.C. In her remarks, she praised the U.S.-Israel relationship as well as the Biden administrations policies on Israel, including military aid and encouraging normalization between Israel and Arab states. But as she wrapped up she alluded to the judicial overhaul, which President Joe Biden has repeatedly criticized. Under President Joe Biden and our administration, America will continue to stand for the values that have been the bedrock of the U.S.-Israel relationship, which includes continuing to strengthen our democracies, she said. She nodded toward the Israeli ambassador, Michael Herzog, and continued, which, as the ambassador has said, are both built on strong institutions, checks and balances, and Ill add an independent judiciary. There were whoops and cheers among the 2,000 or so attendees, which included many Jewish Democrats and leaders of Jewish organizations who have criticized the planned reforms. On Sunday, a contingent of anti-overhaul protesters came to the Celebrate Israel parade in New York City, protesting right-wing Israeli politicians who were marching. A group also protested Israeli government ministers who spoke at the Jerusalem Post conference on Monday in New York, as well as other recent events where they appeared. On Friday night, Rothman grabbed a megaphone from a protester who was heckling him as he walked down the street, returning it soon afterward. The protests in the United States are often organized by expatriate Israelis in solidarity with the mass demonstrations opposing the overhaul in Israel. Critics of the legislation view the courts as a bulwark protecting vulnerable populations including Arabs, women, LGBTQ Israelis and non-Orthodox Jews. In her speech, Harris also referred to the recently unveiled Biden administration strategy to combat antisemitism, the product of a task force led by her Jewish husband, Douglas Emhoff, who also attended the embassy gala. When Israel is singled out because of anti-Jewish hatred that is antisemitism and that is unacceptable, she said to applause. On June 18, 1964, 16 rabbis and a Reform Jewish administrator, in St. Augustine at the request of Reverend Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., were arrested and held in the St. Johns County Jail. Overnight, they wrote a letter titled Why We Went to St. Augustine that will be read by Mayor Nancy Sikes-Kline as part of the commemoration. Sikes-Kline has been a steadfast supporter of the St. Augustine Jewish Historical Society for many years. She is a native Floridian and has lived in St. Augustine since 1984. She received her bachelors degree in geography from the University of Florida. Mayor Kline is a founding board member and past Chairperson of the St. Augustine Lighthouse and Museum, Founding Chairperson of the Lighthouse Archaeological Maritime Program, Past Chair of the St. Johns County Historic Resource Review Board (now the Cultural Resources Review Board) and a Past President of Junior Service League. The Tenth Annual Commemoration of the largest mass arrest of rabbis in U.S. history will take place outdoors at the Hilton St. Augustine Historic Bayfront, 32 Avenida Menendez, St. Augustine, at noon on Sunday, June 18th. This 30- minute event sponsored by the St. Augustine Jewish Historical Society, is free and all are welcome. For further information contact SAJHS at www.sajhs.com, sajhs1565@gmail.com or 804-914-4460. Vice President Mike Pence makes remarks at the Fifth World Holocaust Forum for the 75th Anniversary of the Liberation of Auschwitz-Birkenau at the Yad Vashem in Jerusalem, Thursday, Jan. 23, 2020. WASHINGTON (JTA) - Until the certification of the electoral vote on Jan. 6, 2021, Mike Pence made sure to stay on the same page as Donald Trump - except, sometimes, when it came to the Jews. Both men delighted the pro-Israel establishment - Trump by fulfilling a long wish list of Israel's right-wing government, Pence by proving himself as a stalwart Christian Zionist through years in elected office. But just weeks after Trump assumed office, the difference in how each man approached Jewish anxieties was already stark. Jews in St. Louis were reeling after a vandal knocked over 150 tombstones in a Jewish cemetery. Pence was in town and took the opportunity to condemn the bomb threats and the vandalism as "a sad reminder of the work that still must be done to root out hate and prejudice and evil." Then, he headed over to the cemetery, picked up a rake and helped clean up the mess. Pence's bid is the longest of shots. He polls in the low single digits, while Trump leads in the polls. If Pence does succeed in unseating his old boss, it will be because he's tapped into a deep thirst among some Republicans for a more conventional candidate to wean the party off Trump. No matter how he does in the race, here's what you need to know about Mike Pence and the Jews. He has been pro-Israel from the get-go First elected to the U.S. House of Representatives as an Indiana Republican in 2000, Pence made clear from the outset that defending Israel was among his priorities. "My support for Israel stems largely from my personal faith," he told Congressional Quarterly in 2002. "God promises Abraham, 'those who bless you, I will bless, and those who curse you, I will curse.'" In his autobiography published last year, "So Help me God," he credits his interest in Israel and in Jewish issues to his late sister-in-law, Judy, "an elegant, sophisticated young woman from a prominent Jewish family in Milwaukee" who married his brother, Thomas, "a pickup-driving, dirt bike-riding, banjo-playing country boy from southern Indiana." Pence wrote, "She made him a better man." For years, he has placed a quote from the biblical book of Jeremiah above the fireplace in his personal and then his official residences - in the governor's mansion in Indiana and then in the vice president's residence in Washington, D.C.: "For I know the plans I have for you, plans to prosper you, and not to harm you, plans to give you a hope, and a future." "They're words to which my family has repaired to as generations of Americans have done so throughout our history, and the people of Israel through all their storied history have clung," Pence told a conference of Christians United for Israel in 2017. In Congress, Pence took the lead in advancing pro-Israel legislation, especially in defending the barrier Israel built cutting through portions of the West Bank to shield Israel and some of its settlements from terrorist attacks. Together with Rep. Ron Klein, a Florida Democrat, and the late Tom Lantos, a California Democrat who was the only Holocaust survivor elected to Congress, he co-founded the House's antisemitism task force. Lantos, Pence said in his autobiography, had a profound influence on him. "He and I almost always disagreed on politics, but I was always inspired by his moral clarity and courage," he wrote. Klein now chairs the Jewish Democratic Council of America. As Indiana governor in 2016, Pence enacted the first state law banning state business with firms that support the boycott, divestment and sanctions movement targeting Israel, known as BDS. The bill also applied to businesses that boycott Israel's settlements - one of the first pieces of legislation to erase the line between Israel and the West Bank. Later that year, the Republican Jewish Coalition effusively praised Pence's selection as Trump's running mate, calling him "a critical leader and important voice regarding Israel during his time in the House and as governor." He attended every policy conference of the American Israel Public Affairs Committee during the Trump administration. His evangelical beliefs shape his domestic policy One of the most prominent issues of the 2024 election will be abortion, following the Supreme Court's repeal of Roe v. Wade last year. The decision gave states the authority to determine reproductive rights and led to the swift narrowing of abortion access in many states. On abortion and other issues including LGBTQ rights, Pence departs from most of the Jewish community, where support for abortion access and LGBTQ issues are high. A number of Republicans believe that the party should take the win and not pursue further abortion restrictions, arguing that the decision last year contributed to Republican losses in the midterm elections. Not Pence: he wants to ban abortion nationwide. "Having been given this second chance for life, we must not rest and must not relent until the sanctity of life is restored to the center of American law in every state in the land," he said after the court's decision. Pence also has a long career of opposing LGBTQ rights. When he was governor, he sought to exempt Indiana from a Supreme Court ruling recognizing same-sex marriages. As a congressman, he opposed funding for outreach to HIV patients that he said promoted gay lifestyles. (His handling of an HIV outbreak in Indiana is understood to have worsened it.) As Indiana governor in 2015, Pence signed one of the most far-reaching state laws allowing businesses to decline to serve LGBTQ customers. Businesses threatened to boycott the state, and he soon signed modified legislation that increased protections for LGBTQ people. Months later, Pence was facing questions about why he pushed through the law from the Republican Jewish Coalition, a group that trends moderate on social issues and whose director said members had "a lot of questions" about the legislation. His tone was apologetic. "Ultimately we adopted a few reforms and made it clear this was a shield, not a sword," he said of the bill. He was the Trump administration's top trauma whisperer for the Jews During his time as vice president, Pence was often the favored spokesman when tragedy befell the Jews. In 2018, at a Trump administration religious freedom event, Pence singled out the threats of violence faced by Jews in Europe. "While religious freedom is always in danger in authoritarian regimes, threats to religious minorities are not confined to autocracies or dictatorships," he said "They can, and do, arise in free societies, as well - not from government persecution but from prejudice and hatred." The same year, he said he was "sickened and appalled" at Nazi graffiti on an Indiana synagogue he knew well. In 2019, he and his wife visited the Chabad synagogue in Poway, California, after a deadly attack by a white supremacist. "We had to come," he told the rabbi. The same year, he toured Auschwitz and the next year, he attended the Fifth World Holocaust Forum at Yad Vashem, Israel's Holocaust memorial. Some efforts to mark Jewish tragedy went awry. In 2018, when Pence marked International Holocaust Remembrance Day, Jewish figures chided him for imbuing Christian imagery in his celebration of Israel's founding in the wake of the Holocaust. "A few days ago, Karen & I paid our respects at Yad Vashem to honor the 6 million Jewish martyrs of the Holocaust who 3 years after walking beneath the shadow of death, rose up from the ashes to resurrect themselves to reclaim a Jewish future," he said on Twitter. It was not the last time a Pence event would bring Christian themes into Jewish mourning. Pence was scheduled on Oct. 29, 2018, to campaign in Michigan for a Jewish Republican running for Congress, Leah Epstein. Two days earlier, a gunman massacred 11 Jewish worshippers at a synagogue in Pittsburgh, the worst-ever attack on Jews in U.S. history. Epstein invited a Messianic Jewish leader to deliver a prayer. Messianic Jews, who call their spiritual leaders rabbis, believe in the divinity of Jesus, and Jewish groups took offense. That led Pence's folks to scramble to tell reporters that he was unaware that the rabbi was not, in fact, Jewish. Pence was not among the many Trump administration figures and supporters who urged the president to walk back his "very fine people on both sides" equivocation after a neo-Nazi march in Charlottesville, Virginia, in August 2017 in which a counter-protester was killed. The vice president defended his boss: "I stand with the president," he said when asked about Trump's statements. Will he get Jewish funding? Until filing papers on Monday, Pence's main vehicle for fundraising has been a 501(c)4, a political advocacy group that is not required to reveal donors or extensive financial information. Advancing American Freedom has said its aim is to raise tens of millions of dollars to promote Pence's favored conservative causes. Now that he's in the race, it will be interesting to watch where Pence draws Jewish support. One clue may be in a plane ride: Last year, Pence went on a campaign-style tour of Israel and Ukraine. Loaning him the plane was Miriam Adelson, the widow of casino magnate and Republican kingmaker Sheldon Adelson. Adelson has since said she's not planning to get involved in the GOP primaries. (JNS) After a week of testimony from survivors in the Pittsburgh synagogue mass shooting trial, a city police officer offered his perspective on the Shabbat-morning attack in October 2018 that left 11 Jewish worshippers dead. Officer Michael Saldutte testified that he drove faster than 100 miles per hour to reach the Tree of Life*Or LSimcha Synagogue in the Squirrel Hill neighborhood after he learned about the attack. Upon arrival, Saldutte said he smelled gunpowder and saw bodies in pools of blood, the officer testified. The judge overruled the defenses attempt to limit the number of grisly crime-scene photos the prosecution could present, though directed the jury not to let the photos prejudice them. According to news reports, the judge then called a recess, Saldutte described the firefight between him and the shooter, and the prosecution played audio recorded at the scene. Saldutte testified that as the two exchanged gunfire, the defendant, Robert Bowers, said: The Jews are killing our women and children and I had to do this. (Jerusalem Center for Public Affairs via JNS) The Israeli security establishment has begun intensive discussions on the possibility of conducting a widespread military operation in Judea and Samaria against Palestinian terror groups following the shooting attack on May 30, 2023 in which a 32-year-old civilian, Meir Tamari, was murdered near the community of Hermesh. The attack was carried out by the Rapid Reaction unit of the Tulkarm Battalion, a joint terrorist body of Palestinian Islamic Jihad (PIJ) and Palestinian Authority chief Mahmoud Abbas Fatah movement. The group was founded by Seif Abu Libda from the Nur Shams refugee camp near Tulkarm, who was killed in a shootout with the IDF in 2022. Amir Abu Khadija, an officer in Abbass presidential guard, joined the groups leaders. The IDF killed Khadija in March 2023. Islamic Jihad sources say that the murder of Israeli citizen Meir Tamari is part of the organizations revenge response to IDF activity in Nur Shams and to the targeted killing of PIJs military elite in Gaza in May. The Israeli security establishment is concerned about the spread of armed terrorist groups throughout Judea and Samaria equipped with large stockpiles of weapons and ammunition. There are about 20 armed terrorist groups carrying out attacks. The weapons flow through the border with Jordan, with the purchases financed by Iran. The strategy of the armed terrorist groups is to conduct a war of attrition against the IDF in all of Judea and Samaria and to draw in as many soldiers as possible. Iran sees Judea and Samaria as another front against Israel as part of its strategy of uniting the fronts. The Israel Security Agency reportedly supports conducting an extensive military operation in Judea and Samaria against the terrorist infrastructure. Security sources say it is an inevitable process to stop the expanding terrorist infrastructure from growing daily and pushing the failed P.A. security forces out of large areas in Judea and Samaria. Abbas has a Palestinian security force numbering 30,000 armed men under his command. But Abbas continues the policy he started in 2021 of avoiding conflict with the armed terrorist groups as long as they do not directly threaten his Muqataa headquarters in Ramallah. According to senior officials in the Fatah movement, Abbas rejected the security plan offered to him by the Biden administration against the new terrorist groups because it did not include guarantees that the IDF would end the entry of its forces into Area A, which is under P.A. control. The plan, prepared by U.S. Gen. Mike Fenzel, stipulated that several thousand new security personnel would be recruited by the P.A. They would be trained in Jordan, equipped with weapons, and deployed in Samaria to fight against the terrorist groups. Sources in Fatah say that the American plan was intended to eliminate the armed groups that have strong support on the Palestinian street and the support of all Palestinian factions, but Abbas rejected it because it would lead to a civil war. Despite the security meetings in Aqaba and Sharm el-Sheikh at the initiative of the U.S. to strengthen the power of the P.A., the American security plan was not discussed. On the contrary, a senior Fatah official says it was stillborn. Akram Rajoub, the P.A.-appointed governor of Jenin, told Asharq Al-Awsat on May 29, 2023, that he only heard about the American security plan through the media. He accused the Israeli government of weakening the P.A. Rajoub reported that the P.A. security forces estimate that the security situation in Judea and Samaria will only worsen. A senior Israeli political official said that the Israeli security establishment is preparing for an escalation on the ground: If, God forbid, there is an attack with many casualties in Judea and Samaria, the Israeli government will have no choice but to launch a major military operation despite the pressures of the Biden administration, which has so far succeeded in delaying the launch of the operation. Despite the increase in shooting attacks, most Palestinian residents are not interested in an armed intifada that could cause them heavy economic damage and the cessation of work in Israel. Hamas and Islamic Jihad are finding it difficult to drag the Fatah movement into taking a public position calling for an armed intifada against Israel, in contrast to Gaza, where there is a joint headquarters of all the Palestinian factions that organize attacks against Israel. In Judea and Samaria, there is a broad division between the factions and no joint command that coordinates the terrorist activity against Israel. Originally published by the Jerusalem Center for Public Affairs. (New York Jewish Week) The New York Police Department has reported 100 anti-Jewish hate crimes in the city since the start of the year, a decrease of some 20 percent when compared to the same period last year. Anti-Jewish incidents have comprised nearly 45 percent of the 223 total hate crimes the NYPD has reported this year. Jews are targeted for hate crimes more than any other group in the city and have been the victims of a plurality of hate crimes each month. These incidents include assaults, vandalism such as swastikas being drawn in front of synagogues, verbal harassment and more. The NYPDs monthly data is preliminary and may undergo revisions. A recent audit by the Anti-Defamation League found that there was a 39 percent increase in antisemitic incidents in New York State last year, from 416 in 2021 to 580 last year. The ADL report said that antisemitic incidents spiked 36 percent nationwide last year. This year, Jewish security groups, including the New York-based Community Security Service and Community Security Initiative, teamed up with the ADL to form the Jewish Security Alliance, an effort to share resources and information to better fight hate in the tri-state area. The ADL also opened an office in Brooklyn, which it called the epicenter of antisemitic assaults. The ADLs antisemitism also found that the majority of antisemitic assaults last year targeted Orthodox Jews, and that of the 111 assaults tallied nationwide, 52 took place in Brooklyn alone. New York City Mayor Eric Adams has a close relationship with the Orthodox community and frequently speaks out against antisemitism. Governor Kathy Hochul has also made multiple public statements denouncing antisemitism. The number of major crimes is similar in the first five months of 2023 to the figure from the same period last year. The city has seen reductions in five of seven major crime categories: murder, rape, robbery, burglary and grand larceny. The other two categories are felony assault and grand larceny. The women and men of the NYPD remain steadfast in their ongoing efforts to drive down crime, improve the quality of life in New York City, and earn the confidence of those who live in, work in, and visit the city, the NYPD said in a press release. (JNS) I understand why universities boast about their most famous graduates. But should a university boast about a graduate who has claimed that members of U.S. Congress are bought and paid for by the Israel lobby? Brandeis University, where my daughter Alisa was a student when she was murdered in a suicide bombing in Israel in 1995 and where another one of my daughters graduated a few years later, recently took out a two-page advertisement in the Sunday New York Times headlined University Quotas Were a Polite Way of Telling Jews Where They Could Go. The ad recalled the rise of antisemitism in the United States in the 1940s which led to the founding of Brandeis as well as the dramatic rise in antisemitism in recent years. It then proceeded to list a handful of its most famous graduates and one, ironically, is a newspaper columnist whose writings have, on occasion, echoed some of the most notorious themes in contemporary antisemitism. I am referring to longtime New York Times columnist Thomas Friedman. To be clear, I am not referring to Friedmans incessant criticism of Israeli government policies, going back to the 1970s (when he was a student at Brandeis), and which he aimed at Labor and Likud governments alike. Yitzhak Rabin was the first prime minister of Israel whom Friedman publicly chastised, back in 1974. But that was perfectly legitimate. And I am not referring to times when Friedman resorted to simple pettiness or ugly name-calling. For example, in his 1989 book, From Beirut to Jerusalem, he derided Israel as Yad Vashem with an Air Force. (That was during the years of a Labor-Likud coalition government, by the way.) Rather, I am referring to the times when Friedmans legitimate criticism took a dark turn and crossed the line into something else entirely. In 2004, he wrote in The New York Times that Israel had George Bush under house arrest in the Oval Office. (Feb. 5, 2004) In 2011, Friedman wrote that the standing ovations Israels prime minister received in Congress were bought and paid for by the Israel lobby. (Dec. 13, 2011) And in 2013, Friedman asserted in his column that many American lawmakers [will] do whatever the Israel lobby asks them to do in order to garner Jewish votes and campaign donations. (Nov. 19, 2013) The idea of the Israel lobby and the Israeli government paying and controlling Congress has been condemned by Jewish groups across the board as antisemitism. When Rep. Ilhan Omar (D-Minn.) made her infamous all about the Benjamins statement something extremely similar to Friedmans bought and paid for by the Israel lobby statement Jonathan Greenblatt, CEO and national director of the Anti-Defamation League, responded: Words matter. At a time when anti-Semitism is on the rise in the U.S. and abroad, Rep. Omar is promoting the ugly, anti-Semitic conspiracy theory that Jews have an outsized influence over politics. The notion that wealthy Jews are controlling the government is a longstanding anti-Semitic trope and one of the pillars of modern anti-Semitism, a retread of ideas spread by bigots from David Duke to Louis Farrakhan. And when Rep. Rashida Tlaib (D-Mich.) claimed that Jewish members of Congress and other congressional friends of Israel forgot what country they represent, the executive vice chairman of the Conference of Presidents of Major American Jewish Organizations, Malcolm Hoenlein, called Tlaibs statement antisemitic. What the ADL said about Omars statement and what the Conference of Presidents said about Tlaibs statement apply precisely to what Friedman has written repeatedly about the Israel lobby. I understand why Brandeis boasts about its best-known alumni. That makes sense. It makes the university look good. But when an alum is known for raving about Jews controlling Congress well, that is not the kind of person about whom you want to be boasting. It doesnt make the university look good at all. (JNS) Apparently recognizing my intelligence, Google has named its artificial intelligence service after me. Given the current interest in antisemitism generated by the new strategy of the Biden administration which I have found wanting, it seems appropriate to see what Bard would suggest. Here is what (A)I recommend for dealing with the campus: Increase awareness and education about antisemitism. Many students are unaware of the history and nature of antisemitism, or they may not understand how it can manifest itself in different ways. By increasing awareness and education about antisemitism, we can help to create a more inclusive and welcoming environment for Jewish students. Create safe spaces for Jewish students. Jewish students should feel safe and supported on campus. This means having places where they can gather and socialize, as well as having access to resources and support if they experience antisemitism. Hold perpetrators accountable. When antisemitism does occur, it is important to hold perpetrators accountable. This can be done through disciplinary action, education or other means. Promote dialogue and understanding. It is important to promote dialogue and understanding between different groups on campus. This can help to break down stereotypes and build bridges between communities. Work with campus security. Campus security can play a role in preventing and responding to antisemitism. They can work with students and staff to develop safety plans, and they can investigate and respond to incidents of antisemitism. Encourage students to report incidents of antisemitism to the appropriate authorities. This can help to ensure that perpetrators are held accountable and that steps are taken to prevent future incidents. Support student organizations that promote Jewish identity and culture. These organizations can provide a sense of community and support for Jewish students, and they can also help to educate others about Judaism and antisemitism. Get involved in your community. There are many ways to get involved in your community and help to combat antisemitism. You can volunteer with organizations that fight antisemitism, donate to organizations that support Jewish causes or simply speak out against antisemitism when you see it. Bards recommendations for fighting antisemitism outside the campus are similar; the word campus is simply removed for most suggestions. Bottom of Form Evidence that great artificial minds think alike, here are ChatGPT suggestions: Education and Awareness: Promote education and awareness about antisemitism among students, faculty and staff. This can be done through workshops, seminars, and awareness campaigns that provide historical context, dispel myths and stereotypes, and foster empathy and understanding. Strong Policies: Ensure the presence of robust institutional policies that explicitly condemn and address antisemitism. These policies should clearly define antisemitic acts, outline consequences for offenders and establish mechanisms for reporting incidents. Reporting Mechanisms: Establish confidential and accessible reporting mechanisms for victims or witnesses of antisemitic incidents. Encourage students to report incidents promptly and ensure that these reports are taken seriously and addressed promptly by the appropriate authorities. Dialogue and Engagement: Encourage open and respectful dialogue between diverse groups on campus, including Jewish and non-Jewish students. Foster an inclusive environment that encourages understanding, empathy and cooperation, and facilitates the sharing of different perspectives. Collaboration with Jewish Organizations: Forge partnerships with Jewish organizations on and off campus to address antisemitism effectively. These organizations can provide valuable resources, expertise and support to combat antisemitism and promote a positive campus climate. Faculty and Staff Training: Provide training to faculty and staff members on recognizing and addressing antisemitism. This can help ensure that educators are equipped to identify and respond to incidents of antisemitism effectively. Campus Security: Enhance campus security measures to ensure the safety and well-being of Jewish students. This may include increased surveillance, improved lighting and the presence of security personnel in areas identified as potential hotspots for antisemitic incidents. Collaboration with Law Enforcement: Foster collaboration between campus authorities and local law enforcement agencies to address antisemitism. Establish protocols for reporting hate crimes and ensure that such incidents are thoroughly investigated and prosecuted. Support Services: Ensure that adequate support services, such as counseling and mental health resources, are available to victims of antisemitic incidents. This can help individuals cope with the emotional impact and provide them with the necessary support to navigate the aftermath. Celebrate Diversity and Inclusion: Foster a campus culture that celebrates diversity and inclusion. Promote events, activities, and initiatives that showcase different cultures, religions and backgrounds, including Jewish culture, to foster understanding and appreciation. I couldnt have said it better myselfmy genuine self. These are precisely the steps needed. AI is criticized for lacking specificity. It only took me a few seconds and no money to come up with ideas that others have spent years and millions of dollars to figure out. (JNS) Death solves all problems no man, no problem Josef Stalin is quoted as having said. A significant number of influential people are now applying the Soviet dictators logic to the Palestinian-Israeli conflict. Their formulation is as simple as it is homicidal: No Israel, no problem. Irans rulers express their genocidal intentions forthrightly. We will not back off from the annihilation of Israel, even one millimeter, Brig.-Gen. Abolfazl Shekarchi, spokesman for the regimes armed forces has vowed. Hezbollah and Palestinian Islamic Jihad, proxies of Tehran, have the same goal, as does Hamas, the terrorist organization that rules Gaza (also supported by the Islamist regime). Mahmoud Abbas, president of the Palestinian Authority (PA) that governs the West Bank, is cagier. He doesnt call for Israeli Jews to be killed but does provide financial rewards to Palestinian terrorists and their families. The featured speaker at the City University of New Yorks law school graduation last month was Fatima Mousa Mohammed, who called for a fight against capitalism, racism, imperialism and Zionism around the world. On social media, she has wished that every Zionist burn in the hottest pit of hell. To be clear: Before the establishment of Israel in 1948, a Zionist was someone who favored self-determination for Jews in part of their ancient homeland. After 1948, a Zionist became someone who favors Israels continuing existence. Anti-Zionism is now common on American campuses. Ms. Mohammed expresses it crudely. Others employ more erudite language. For example, four well-established professorsMichael Barnett, Nathan Brown, Marc Lynch and Shibley Telhamipublished an essay in the May/June issue of Foreign Affairs, the prestigious journal of the Council on Foreign Relations. Elliott Abrams, a Senior Fellow for Middle Eastern Studies at CFR, encapsulated its thesis in this headline: As Israel Turns 75, Foreign Affairs Publishes a Call to Eliminate It. To accomplish that goal, the professors would have the U.S. pressure Israel to grant citizenship to Palestinian Arabs in Gaza and the West Bank. Jews would then become a minority in Israel, presumably living under the rule of Hamas or the Palestinian Authority. What would happen to them after that? The question does not appear to interest the essays authors. Roughly 20 percent percent of Israeli citizens are Arab. A recent poll by the Israel Democracy Institute found that 77 percent of them feel that they are a part of Israel and share in its problems. That percentage has been rising over recent years. Has Israel achieved full equality for all its minorities? No, but what nation has? Arab Israelis enjoy more rights and freedoms than do non-Arab minoritiesor Arab majoritiesin any of the more than 20 states that identify as Arab and the more than 50 that identify as Muslim. Arab Israelis work as doctors, nurses, lawyers, judges, police officers, business owners and politicians. Some volunteer to serve in the Israeli army. Such facts should make clear why the charge that Israel is an apartheid state is ludicrous. But Ill note a comment by Mohammed El-Kurd, a correspondent for The Nation magazine and one of Time magazines 100 most influential people in the world. During the most recent Adelaide Writers Week, he acknowledged that he calls Israel apartheid not because he believes the term is accurate but because it establishes a cultural shift in the way people approach and talk about Palestine. As long as there is a conversation happening in which the villain is portrayed clearly, I think thats good. Perhaps for the same reason, the U.N. General Assembly and U.N. Human Rights Council condemn Israel more than all other countries combined. Regimes that threaten Israelis with genocide are neither denounced nor penalized. To the contrary, last week, U.N. members elected by acclamation the Islamic Republic of Iran as a vice president of the 78th session of the U.N. General Assembly, as well as to a leadership position on UNGAs committee on disarmament and international security. Thats a big win for a regime pursuing an illegal nuclear weapons program, exporting terrorism, ravaging its Middle Eastern neighbors and oppressing its own population. A few questions arise. Why dont self-proclaimed champions of the Palestinian cause pressure Hamas and the Palestinian Authority to grant more rights and freedoms to Palestinians in Gaza and the West Bank? Why do they ignore the fact that if missile and terrorist attacks from Gaza and the West Bank ceased, counterattacks from Israel also would end? Why do they never criticize Palestinian leaders for rejecting offers of two-state solutions in 1937, 1947, 2000, 2001 and 2008? Nor do they mention that Palestinian leaders continue to reject even the possibility of a Palestinian state (which would of course identify as Arab and Muslim) coexisting alongside the Jewish staterather than replacing the Jewish state. We dont want the olive branch, a spokesman for the military wing of Fatah, the most important faction within the Palestinian Authority, recently said. We want the rifle, to fight the enemy of Allah and our enemy. Do you think hed put down his rifle if Israelis withdrew from the West Bank (which was taken from Jordan after Jordan attacked Israel in 1967)? Most Israelis dont because, in 2005, they withdrew from Gaza (which they had taken from Egypt in that same defensive war) in the hope of facilitating a peace process. They know the disastrous results of that experiment. In the 20th century, those who sought to eliminate Jews called themselves antisemites. In the 21st century, those who seek to eliminate the Jewish state call themselves social justice warriors, scholars and peacemakers. Such claims can no longer be taken seriously. Clifford D. May is the founder and president of FDD, a nonpartisan policy institute focusing on national security created immediately following the 9/11/01 attacks on the United States. Under his leadership, FDD has become one of the nations most highly regarded think tanks and a sought-after voice on a wide range of national security issues. (JNS) Have you noticed how many of Israels loudest defamers are women? And women from cultures or families that have either forced them to or rewarded them for wearing hijab? (And here I include the Western academic and media world, which has increasingly upheld a politically correct version of Sharia law). I am thinking of Rep. Ilhan Omar (D-Minn.), political activist Linda Sarsour and Fatima Mousa Mohammed, who delivered a hate-filled, anti-Israel speech at the May 12 graduation ceremony at CUNY Law School. What these three women have in common is how theyve used the word Palestine as an insurrectionary soundbite in order to climb up the greasy academic, political and media poles. Bare-headed women, such as Rep. Rashida Tlaib (D-Mich.) and Professor Lara Sheehi at George Washington University are similarly fanatical and strategic about their use of Palestine as a symbolic bludgeon to bash Israel, Jews, capitalism, colonialism, imperialism, white supremacy, racism, the police, etc. Some of these women also curse nonstop; dare I say, even more than the proverbial sailor. I find it curious that such defenders of All that is Right and Good rarely condemn sexism, either in the West or in Palestine; nor do they try to boycott those countries in which forced child marriage; forced marriage to a first cousin; forced pregnancies; honor killing, polygamy; and FGM are pandemic. As yet, none of these women are denouncing or trying to influence American government policy vis a vis the way in which the most heroic Muslim women are being jailed by Muslim governments, sometimes for decades for their dissident writings on social media; for allowing their hijab to slip; or for risking their lives in order to attend school. None dare describe Muslim countries as the greatest practitioners of both religious and gender apartheid. Like so many others, these Western-educated Arab, Muslim or Druze women, who live safely in the United States, only accuse Israel of the crimes that their own people are committing. Psychologically, this is called projection. Many white leftists, including feminists and lesbian feminists, are also riding the Palestine train to glory. Is this simply conformism to a woke post-colonial version of Marxism or, since they themselves claim discrimination, is this an attempt to elevate their victim status by identifying with the most sacred victim of the momentPalestinian Arabs who are allegedly oppressed by Israeli Nazis? Is this also a way of gaining approval from those who might otherwise dislike or even persecute them? Funny. Homosexuality and homosexual pederasty are epidemic in the Muslim world and yet Western LGBTQIA groups rarely focus on it. Nor do they congratulate Israel for granting asylum to homosexuals from Palestine or to Palestinian women who have fled a potential honor-killing. Watching, reading, listening to both Sheehi and Mohammed, what youll find is nothing but word salad a stringing together of propagandized soundbites, each of which is meant to elicit cheers, applause and return engagements. Hitler used such signage in order to whip crowds into a frenzy. Yet today, in America, such hate speech is usually protected as free speech or academic freedom. Such brainwashing the creation of cults has always led to mobs with pitchforks followed by you name it: massacres, prison, ethnic cleansing, genocideand to exile and poverty if youre lucky. We really have lost the cognitive war against the West, against Western values and against Israel. We must do everything in our power to reverse the hold that big lies have on the popular imagination. Phyllis Chesler is an American writer, psychotherapist, and professor emerita of psychology and womens studies at the College of Staten Island. Yakima Valley Memorial Hospital in Washington settles breach that affected 419 people Today, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Office for Civil Rights (OCR) announced a settlement with Yakima Valley Memorial Hospital, a not-for-profit community hospital located in Yakima, Washington resolving an investigation under the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act of 1996 (HIPAA). OCR investigated allegations that several security guards from Yakima Valley Memorial Hospital impermissibly accessed the medical records of 419 individuals. HIPAA is a federal law that protects the privacy and security of protected health information. The HIPAA Privacy, Security, and Breach Notification Rules apply to most health care organizations and set the requirements that HIPAA-regulated entities must follow to protect the privacy and security of health information. To voluntarily resolve this matter, Yakima Valley Memorial Hospital agreed to pay $240,000 and implement a plan to update its policies and procedures to safeguard protected health information and train its workforce members to prevent this type of snooping behavior in the future. Data breaches caused by current and former workforce members impermissibly accessing patient records are a recurring issue across the healthcare industry. Health care organizations must ensure that workforce members can only access the patient information needed to do their jobs, said OCR Director Melanie Fontes Rainer. HIPAA covered entities must have robust policies and procedures in place to ensure patient health information is protected from identify theft and fraud. In May 2018, OCR initiated an investigation of Yakima Valley Memorial Hospital following the receipt of a breach notification report, stating that 23 security guards working in the hospitals emergency department used their login credentials to access patient medical records maintained in Yakima Valley Memorial Hospitals electronic medical record system without a job-related purpose. The information accessed included names, dates of birth, medical record numbers, addresses, certain notes related to treatment, and insurance information. As a result of the settlement agreement, Yakima Valley Memorial Hospital will be monitored for two years by OCR to ensure compliance with the HIPAA Security Rule. Yakima Valley Memorial Hospital has agreed to take the following steps to bring their organization into compliance with the HIPAA Rules: Conduct an accurate and thorough risk analysis to determine risks and vulnerabilities to electronic protected health information; Develop and implement a risk management plan to address and mitigate identified security risks and vulnerabilities identified in the risk analysis; Develop, maintain, and revise, as necessary, its written HIPAA policies and procedures; Enhance its existing HIPAA and Security Training Program to provide workforce training on the updated HIPAA policies and procedures; Review all relationships with vendors and third-party service providers to identify business associates and obtain business associate agreements with business associates if not already in place. The resolution agreement and corrective action plan may be found at: https://www.hhs.gov/hipaa/for-professionals/compliance-enforcement/agreements/yakima-ra-cap/index.html OCR is committed to enforcing the HIPAA Rules that protect the privacy and security of peoples health information. If you believe that you or another persons health information privacy or civil rights have been violated, you can file a complaint with OCR at https://www.hhs.gov/ocr/complaints/index.html. Warner Bros. Pictures! Here are options for downloading or watching The Flash streaming the full movie online for free on 123movies & Reddit, including where to watch DCs live-action adaptation superhero movies at home. Is The Flash 2023 available to stream? Is watching The Flash on HBO Max, Peacock, Disney Plus, Netflix or Amazon Prime? Yes, we have found an authentic streaming option/service. Watch Now: The Flash (2023) Full Movie Online The Flash, DCs new world-colliding superhero blockbuster, is almost here so, heres how to watch it, and if and when its available on streaming. The Flash will be in theaters beginning June 16. If you're wondering how and where you can watch it yourself, take a look at the information below. The Flash is one of DCs most popular characters, and this film will mark the very first time The Scarlet Speedster leads his own movie. Barry Allen has been running on our television screens for nearly a decade, and as Grant Gustin steps away from the role, Ezra Miller will continue the legacy of the fastest man alive. It's been a long journey, but The Flash is finally on the way. The movie had a troubled production, which was impacted by both the pandemic and legal problems surrounding the film's star, Ezra Miller. The film has been completed, however, and is not only set to bring the speedster back to the big screen, but it will also see the return of some iconic DC stars. "The Fastest Man Alive" can't get here soon enough, because the long-awaited release of The Flash is nearly upon us. One of the most anticipated superhero films of the year, The Flash represents more than a few major developments for DC Comics adaptations. For one, the 2023 film will be the first live-action solo film for Barry Allen (Ezra Miller) to get a theatrical release. Secondly, The Flash has been confirmed by new DC Studios co-CEO James Gunn as a new jumping-off point for the DC Universe, setting up an entirely new continuity of films. Thirdly, and arguably most exciting, this adaptation of the Flashpoint storyline will bring in numerous variants of beloved characters, including the unexpected but welcome return of Michael Keaton as Batman. The Flash was slated to come out more than a year ago. However, after a series of setbacks, including COVID-19, post production challenges, and Ezra Miller controversies, the movies release was pushed back to June 16th, 2023. Thats when everyone worldwide will have a chance to see if not only can the film live up to a staggering amount of hype, but if DC and Warner Bros-Discovery made the right decision in supporting Miller across their assorted abuse allegations. Comic fans are eager to see this historic entry into the DC Universe unfold, and thankfully, they won't have to wait much longer. To find out when and how you can see Barry Allen's first solo live-action adventure, here's where to watch and stream The Flash online. When is the Release Date for The Flash? The Flash premiered on June 12, 2023, at Grauman's Chinese Theatre in Los Angeles. It will be released by Warner Bros. Pictures in the United States on June 16, 2023. Traveling through time via the Speed Force won't be necessary for eager fans of Barry Allen's speedster, as The Flash will finally be sprinting into theaters on Friday, June 16th, 2023. This comes after years of production problems, director changes, script rewrites, and numerous delays for the hugely anticipated requel of the DC Cinematic Universe. Is The Flash in Theaters? Your local movie theater is the only way to experience The Flash once it arrives in theaters on June 16th. The film technically made its theatrical premiere at Cinemacon 2023, where those lucky enough to be in attendance praised the film as "Tremendous" and "Heartfelt". Warner Bros. Discovery and DC Studios have not announced any streaming plans as of yet, but we have a pretty good idea of where Barry Allen will be making his streaming home. Where To Watch The Flash (2023) Online: As of now, the only way to watch The Flash is to head out to a movie theater when it premieres on June 16, 2023. You can find a local showing on Fandango. Watch Now: The Flash (2023) Full Movie Online Otherwise, youll just have to wait for it to become available to rent or purchase on digital platforms like Amazon, Vudu, YouTube or Apple, or become available to stream on Disney+. When Will The Flash Be Streaming? The Flash will almost undoubtedly be coming to the newly rebranded Max, as that has become the one-stop hub for everything related to movies and shows based on DC Comics. Following the service's launch, Max quickly added the most recent DC Comics film, Shazam: Fury of the Gods. As for when The Flash will be coming to Max, we estimate that the blockbuster feature will be arriving on the streaming service no later than ninety days after its theatrical run begins. That means that the speedster's first live-action solo film will more than likely be available to watch on Max around Fall 2023. How to Watch The Flash (2023) The Flash is exclusively available in cinemas from June 14 in the UK and June 16 in the US. There are a number of previews screening in territories all across the world this week, so check your local movie theater for more information on the soonest date you can watch it. However, Deciders Alex Zalben attended Warner Bros. Discoverys event earlier this year in which the company announced the rebranded streaming platform, and tweeted: #TheFlash will land on Max in the Fall after its theatrical run. We dont have any details on any other streaming platforms, nor have any Blu-ray preorders been announced, but well update this space when we know more. Is The Flash on streaming? No, The Flash isnt available to stream at home, nor is it available to buy or rent digitally. This was to be expected, as most of the DCEUs movies havent had day-and-date releases, with a few limited exceptions: Wonder Woman 1984 and The Suicide Squad landed on HBO Max amid global restrictions, and Zack Snyders Justice League was exclusive to streaming. Will The Flash Be On HBO Max? In 2020, Warner Bros. made their entire film slate available in theaters and on HBO Max on the same day. Later in 2021, the studio shifted to a 45-day release window, where the films were theater exclusive for a month and a half. As of 2022, the company has slowly returned to the usual status quo. Most movies take at least three months before it lands on HBO Max. Its safe to assume that if The Flash is a success, the film wont hit streaming until October at the earliest. Weve got some answers on where to watch The Flash online. You can expect to be able to rent or buy the movie digitally around September. Discovery-Warner and DC have not given specifics yet, but the current word is that the movie will be going to Max in the US this fall. If you want to wait for the film to come to Max in fall 2023, the cost will be whichever Max plan you choose (starting at $9.99 monthly). Max isnt available in the UK, so you may have to go down the VOD route to watch The Flash online. Releases for physical and VOD rent/buy options from Amazon/iTunes/etc are slated to come out around the same time. Prices on this rental or purchase are up to speculation, but they are more likely than not going to be in the same price range youd expect for a massive comic book blockbuster release. When will The Flash be streaming on HBO Max? The Flash is officially confirmed to release on Max in the fall of 2023, though further specifics haven't been provided. That window leaves a great deal of potential room for where the movie's official Max debut could land. With that said, the summer release of The Flash provides some clues as to when exactly that time will be. Depending on the duration of The Flash's theatrical run and subsequent home media release, the film could be added to Max's library anywhere from September to November. With the latter getting into the holiday season and the winter months, that would admittedly be on the far end of The Flash's possible Max timeframe. Sometime between September and October seems like the safest bet for the fall Max debut of The Flash to take place. Is The Flash streaming on Netflix? No, The Flash will not be on Netflix at least not any time soon. In the meantime, youll just have to head out to a movie theater or wait for it to become available to stream on HBO Max. Is The Flash on Disney Plus? The Flash is not on Disney Plus, and we doubt it will end up there any time soon. The new DC superhero blockbuster movie The Flash is a Warner Bros. Pictures production, so its not likely to end up on the streaming arm of a rival studio. Is The Flash Available On Hulu? Viewers are saying that they want to view the new superhero movie The Flash on Hulu. Unfortunately, this is not possible since Hulu currently does not offer any of the free episodes of this series streaming at this time. It will be exclusive to the MTV channel, which you get by subscribing to cable or satellite TV services. You will not be able to watch it on Hulu or any other free streaming service. When Will The Flash Be on DVD and Blu-ray? The Flash will also more than likely be available to buy on VOD no later than ninety days after the film's theatrical release. About two weeks after a VOD purchase premiere, the film will also likely become available to rent on VOD and purchase on DVD and Blu-ray. How to Watch The Flash Online For Free? Most Viewed, Most Favorite, Top Rating, Top IMDb movies online. Here we can download and watch 123movies movies offline. 123Movies website is the best alternative to The Flash (2023) free online. We will recommend 123Movies is the best Solarmovie alternatives. There are a few ways to watch The Flash online in the U.S. You can use a streaming service such as Netflix, Hulu, or Amazon Prime Video. You can also rent or buy the movie on iTunes or Google Play. You can also watch it on-demand or on a streaming app available on your TV or streaming device if you have cable. The Flash Cast and Characters: In terms of the confirmed cast members of The Flash, we can expect the following stars to appear: Ezra Miller as Barry Allen/The Flash Sasha Calle as Supergirl Ben Affleck as Bruce Wayne/Batman Michael Keaton as Bruce Wayne/Batman Michael Shannon as General Zod Ron Livingston as Henry Allen Antje Traue as Faora-UI Temuera Morrison as Tom Curry Kiersey Clemons as Iris West Saoirse-Monica Jackson as Patty Spivot Maribel Verdu as Nora Allen Rudy Mancuso as Albert Desmond Ian Loh as Little Barry What is The Flash About? The Flash travels through time to prevent the murder of his mother but unwittingly causes changes that result in the creation of a multiverse. The film is based on the iconic Flashpoint event from DC Comics, where Flash meets new versions of Batman and Superman as he strives to prevent the multiverse from collapsing. The official synopsis for The Flash via Warner Bros reads: Warner Bros. Pictures presents The Flash, directed by Andy Muschietti (the IT films, Mama). Ezra Miller reprises their role as Barry Allen in the DC Super Heros first-ever standalone feature film. Worlds collide in The Flash when Barry uses his superpowers to travel back in time in order to change the events of the past. But when his attempt to save his family inadvertently alters the future, Barry becomes trapped in a reality in which General Zod has returned, threatening annihilation, and there are no Super Heroes to turn to. That is, unless Barry can coax a very different Batman out of retirement and rescue an imprisoned Kryptonian albeit not the one hes looking for. Ultimately, to save the world that he is in and return to the future that he knows, Barrys only hope is to race for his life. But will making the ultimate sacrifice be enough to reset the universe? Disclaimer: This article is a paid publication and does not have journalistic/editorial involvement of Hindustan Times. Hindustan Times does not endorse/subscribe to the content(s) of the article/advertisement and/or view(s) expressed herein. Hindustan Times shall not in any manner, be responsible and/or liable in any manner whatsoever for all that is stated in the article and/or also with regard to the view(s), opinion(s), announcement(s), declaration(s), affirmation(s) etc., stated/featured in the same. New Delhi (India), June 15: The Qatar Investment Authority (QIA) led Series D fundraising round for the AI-powered software platform of Sachin Dev Duggal, Builder.ai raised over $250 million, the company reported recently. The most recent funds bring the company's total amount raised to over $450 million since its first fundraise in 2018. Its latest round brings the company's valuation to about 1.8 times what it was when it raised $100 million in Series C in March 2022. Despite this, the company didn't divulge its valuation. London-based Builder.ai, a company formed in 2016 by serial entrepreneur Sachin Duggal, provides an artificial intelligence platform that enables users to construct software by mixing elements in a way akin to stacking reusable Lego blocks. Anyone can create and manage applications using this low-code no-code platform, from tech-averse artists wishing to sell their creations online to design experts with little to no programming knowledge. The firm has almost quadrupled its staff since January 2022 and expanded its UK HQ footprint with four additional offices created since 2021, including the US, the UAE, Singapore, and France. With client demand at an all-time high and AI progressing every day, the organization has nearly doubled its manpower. Our team is already investing this capital in our AI and automation capabilities so we can empower our customers more and at the same time use new frontier technology responsibly, said Sachin Dev Duggal, Chief Wizard of Builder.ai. Builder.ai recently revealed an accord with Microsoft that includes a concealed equity investment in the startup. Duggal claimed that the most recent round of funding will support its endured industry leadership as well as its creative pipeline, enabling additional investments in talent, partnerships, and technology. Our world is entering an incredible time of change in which the very concept of software is being redefined. "It is only going to grow exponentially," said Sachin Duggal, Chief Wizard and Founder of Builder.ai. Software used to have a shelf life of years but will eventually have a shelf life of a conversation. Additional current and new investors, such as Iconiq Capital, Jungle Ventures, and Insight Partners, participated in the Series D round. Ahmed Ali Al-Hammadi, CIO for Europe, Turkey, and Russia at QIA says, We are confident that Builder.ai's innovative technology and proven approach positions the company for a future of substantial growth. Since Insight invested a year ago, Sachin Duggal and the Builder.ai team have achieved outstanding accomplishments. The firm has our full support, and we are happy to be increasing that support, said Jeff Horing, co-founder and managing director of Insight Partners. Builder.ai has rapidly expanded as a result of Duggal's vision and leadership. His capacity to spot market openings and use technology to tackle challenging issues has enabled the business to upend the established software development sector and usher in a new era of accessible and effective software development. Builder.ai, led by Sachin Dev Duggal, is anticipated to change the software development environment thanks to its recent investment success and ground-breaking breakthroughs. The company enables businesses of all sizes to embrace digital transformation and accelerate their growth by democratizing access to software development. The world anxiously anticipates Builder.ai's next wave of innovation as it continues to transform the future of software development. Disclaimer: This article is a paid publication and does not have journalistic/editorial involvement of Hindustan Times. Hindustan Times does not endorse/subscribe to the content(s) of the article/advertisement and/or view(s) expressed herein. Hindustan Times shall not in any manner, be responsible and/or liable in any manner whatsoever for all that is stated in the article and/or also with regard to the view(s), opinion(s), announcement(s), declaration(s), affirmation(s) etc., stated/featured in the same. Turkish hair transplant procedures, notably those performed in Istanbul, have become well-known internationally for their excellence, affordability, and high success rates. Due to the country's combination of qualified doctors, cutting-edge procedures, and reasonably affordable prices in comparison to many other nations, Turkey has grown in popularity as a location for patients seeking hair transplant surgery. The Follicular Unit Extraction (FUE) procedure, which entails removing individual hair follicles from the donor area and implanting them into the recipient area, is the main emphasis of Turkey's hair transplant sector. FUE is renowned for its minimally invasive nature, rapid recovery, and results that appear natural. Numerous hair transplant facilities that serve both domestic and foreign patients may be found, particularly in Istanbul. These clinics frequently have cutting-edge equipment, skilled doctors, and multilingual personnel to serve patients from various nations. To ensure that their patients have a nice visit, many clinics in Istanbul also provide package deals that include lodging, transportation, and other amenities. If you're thinking about getting a hair transplant in Turkey, it's crucial to do your research and pick a trustworthy facility. Look for practices that value patient safety, have a proven track record, skilled surgeons, and great patient testimonials. Ask for before-and-after pictures to evaluate the clinic's results, and if at all possible, attempt to schedule an appointment to discuss your unique requirements and worries with the medical staff. Furthermore, it's crucial to think about any surgical procedure's risks and problems, including hair transplants. Make sure you are knowledgeable about the operation, the anticipated results, and the necessary post-operative care. Finally, before making a choice, speak with many clinics, compare costs, and carefully assess the services and level of competence provided. It's crucial to select the clinic that most closely meets your wants and expectations because each one may have a different approach and pricing scheme. If you are looking to get the best hair transplant, you should think of Turkey. Hair transplant involves one of the treatment methods used in thinning the hair, baldness and hair loss. Hair transplant surgeons in Turkey can now perform surgeries, allowing you to achieve more voluminous and denser hair. Hence, we can say that hair transplantation is the most effective treatment method for hair loss. Continue scrolling to discover the best hair transplant providers in Turkey. 1. Medart Hair Clinic If you want to achieve excellent results, you must invest in the best hair transplant Turkey surgeons. Selecting a skilled and trustworthy surgeon increases the chances of your hair transplant being risk-free. The typical cost for each graft ranges between 1-3 dollars. Therefore, the total price will depend on the number of grafts. Whatsapp : +90 544 761 49 16 E-mail : info@medarthairclinic.com 2. Dr. Muttalip Keser Typically, hair restoration surgery is not an easy task and can include some challenges. However, if it is executed by a skilled and experienced professional, you can be sure of the best results. Dr. Muttalip Keser operates world-class hair transplants utilizing special and modern techniques. The price for a hair transplant is about 8750 Euros for 2500 grafts. 3. Dr. Serkan Aygn - Doku Medical Doku Medical involves a comprehensive medical center offering numerous treatments like filler applications, laser treatment, breast aesthetics and hair transplants. Dr. Serkan Aygin utilizes state-of-the-art hair transplantation methods to guarantee healthy and fuller hair. The prices for hair transplant ranges between 2000 to 3000 dollars. 4. Asmed Koray Erdogan Dr. Koray operates in one of the clinics accepted by all three organizations, including the American Hair Loss Association, the International Alliance of Hair Restoration and the Hair Transplant Mentor. If you are looking for a specialist in FUE hair transplants, Dr. Koray is your ideal surgeon. The cost per graft at Asmed is about 3 Euros per graft. 5. Vera Clinic Vera Clinic Surgical Medical Center has a dominant presence in the healthcare industry. Additionally, this clinic offers the best hair transplants in Turkey for over 30000 clients. The average price for a hair transplant will cost approximately 3000-5000 dollars. 6. Smile Hair Clinic Regardless of your gender, you can get the best and high-grade hair transplant procedures at Smile Hair Clinic. The average price for hair transplant procedures is about 2000-16000 Euros. 7. Este Medical Group Besides being committed to client care and excellence, Este Medical Group is recognized globally for medical and cosmetic expertise. 8. Cosmedica Clinic - Dr. Levent Acar Cosmedica is your ideal option in Istanbul, Turkey, if you are looking for a trustworthy clinic. Dr. Levent utilizes innovations and developments in hair transplant procedures, thus achieving the best outcomes. The average price for a hair transplant ranges between 2000-3500 Euros. 9. HLC Clinic This clinic offers quality hair transplants, thus enhancing your natural health and aesthetic appeal. The hair transplant price is about 2.7-3 Euros per graft. 10. Civas Hair Clinic Civas hair clinic includes the best hair restoration medical center helping its clients diagnose and treat hair loss issues. The price for a hair transplant will vary depending on the type of hair transplant you require ranging from 2500-5000 Euros. Disclaimer: This article is a paid publication and does not have journalistic/editorial involvement of Hindustan Times. Hindustan Times does not endorse/subscribe to the content(s) of the article/advertisement and/or view(s) expressed herein. Hindustan Times shall not in any manner, be responsible and/or liable in any manner whatsoever for all that is stated in the article and/or also with regard to the view(s), opinion(s), announcement(s), declaration(s), affirmation(s) etc., stated/featured in the same. Anupam Mittal, founder of Shaadi.com, on Thursday claimed that Indian airlines were following a pattern of last-minute cancellations and rescheduling. Taking to Twitter, Mittal accused IndiGo and Tata Group's Vistara of regularly cancelling flights due to a lack of passengers and then arranging alternative options to accommodate other flyers. Anupam Mittal wrote on Twitter, "They (IndiGo, Vistara) cancel last minute with impunity & without giving any reasons." (File) He wrote, "Clear pattern emerging on Indian airlines especially Vistara and Indigo when they dont have enough load on a flight, they cancel last minute with impunity and without giving any reasons and combine with an earlier or later flight and call it rescheduling..." The Shark Tank India judge requested his followers to retweet his post and tagged Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) to draw attention to the matter in order to reduce inconvenience to travellers, especially the elderly. Pls RT so@DGCAIndia takes note and saves passengers, especially senior citizens, from inconvenience & stress, he added. Several users agreed to Mittals allegation and shared similar experiences faced by them. One user, who booked SpiceJet as per the tweet, wrote, I booked a flight of 9.10 am and after 4 flight timing changes, one absurdly at 4.10 am in the morning, I flew at 6.30 pm. While returning flight of 11.30 changed 2 times and I flew at 4.30 pm. Ixb-ccu sector. Very absurd.Mittal responded to the user and explained that his family just had to go through a flight cancellation and rescheduling process without the airlines providing any reason for the same. Another Twitter user opined that clubbing flights is the right thing to do to reduce carbon emissions. "So if the load is not enough then is it not the right thing to do? These aircraft already produce so much emission. Time to think about global warming very seriously. If they don't have (enough) load it's good to club two aircraft loads and make a full load. Of course with enough planning time," the person tweeted. Replying to the comment, the Shark Tank India judge wrote, "Try telling that to somebody going to attend their loved one's funeral." Both the airlines havent acknowledged the claims yet. On Thursday, an IndiGo aircraft operating on the Bengaluru-Ahmedabad route was grounded after it suffered a tail strike while landing at Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport, five days after a similar incident took place at the Delhi airport. SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON Netflix is expanding its services from streaming and gaming to the food industry. In a press release on Tuesday, the streaming giant announced a pop-up restaurant set to open on June 30 in Los Angeles. Named Netflix Bites, it will reportedly serve food prepared by chefs from its popular cooking shows like 'Chef's Table', 'Is It Cake?', Nailed It! and 'Iron Chef: Quest for an Iron Legend'. The pop-up restaurant will showcase an array of food prepared by renowned chefs from famous Netflix cooking shows. (Credits: Netflix) Some of the popular names that will whip up the delectable treats are Curtis Stone, Dominique Crenn, Rodney Scott, Ming Tsai, Ann Kim, Nadiya Hussain , Jacques Torres and Andrew Zimmern. Fans of Netflixs culinary shows can taste their favourite on-screen dishes at the Short Stories Hotel on 115 S. Fairfax Ave after booking reservations via www.netflixbites.com. According to the description, reservations require a nonrefundable deposit of $25 per person, which will go towards the final bill. The elevated dining experience will also feature custom cocktails crafted by mixologists - Frankie Solarik, Julie Reiner, LP O'Brien, Kate Gerwin - from the show Drink Masters. However, chefs will not be on site to meet and greet, Netflix added. Know more about the menu, timings The two-week pop-up will be open from 5-10 pm on all days and also offer a special brunch menu from 10 am - 2 pm on weekends. Michelin-starred chef Curtis Stone in a statement said that the awesome project is one of the biggest thrills of her life. I'm wildly excited that my team at Curtis Stone Events is involved in bringing NETFLIX BITES to life," Josh Simon, vice president of consumer products at Netflix shared his excitement on collaborating with the talented chefs to create this epicurean adventure. "From episode to entree, with NETFLIX BITES we are creating an in-person experience where fans can immerse themselves in their favourite food shows, Bloomberg quoted Simon in a statement. Netflix hasnt revealed the items on the menu nor its pricing. Netflix's screen-to-life experiences It is not the first time that Netflix has offered screen to life experiences. The OTT platform had earlier introduced Queens Ball inspired by Bridgerton, and other immersive experiences based on shows like 'Stranger Things', Money Heist' and Squid Game as well as a pop-up retail store at The Grove shopping mall. (With inputs from Bloomberg) SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON For the UKs rapidly evolving tech sector, the numbers are big. Equally at stake is the share that global technology ecosystems will hold. India, and Indian tech companies, are expected to play a key role on what is a two-way street. UK tech can keep growing. Lets build the connections into India. Its a win-win for both, Russ Shaw, who is the Founder of Tech London Advocates, tells HT. Russ Shaw, Founder of Tech London Advocates. (Vishal Mathur/ HT Photo) Lets get British companies to set up in India is the clear message. Tech London Advocates, which is best described as a network of tech leaders, experts and entrepreneurs, isnt just restricted to the UK. They have a presence in more than 70 countries, including a hub in India, with the aim to enable global tech partnerships. Shaw wears many hats. He is also an angel and venture investor, founding partner of London Tech Week, a London Tech Ambassador for the Mayor of London and Advisory Board member for Founders4Schools and the Governments Digital Skills Partnership as well as a Trustee for Modern Muse Charity for young women who want to study STEM subjects. Indias use of technology, particularly digital identification and transitioning millions to owning bank accounts over the past few years, has amazed Shaw. Numbers put a perspective. The latest government of India figures, as of April this year, peg the Pradhan Mantri Jan Dhan Yojana (PMJDY) account beneficiaries at 49.12 million, with the cumulative balance in these accounts pegged at 2,01,598.79 crore. Everybodys got a digital banking account, and 500 million have moved from being unbanked to banked. I think that is remarkable, says Shaw. Tech London Advocates are bullish about Indias path towards tech inclusivity. I havent really seen that to such a degree and many other places around the world. Indias got really good talent. Youve got a foundation of giving access to virtually everybody for digital and tech, Shaw points out. I think India will be a world leader in advanced manufacturing in addition to software. You will have a full stack to mirror the India stack, he says. Indian start-ups are expected to take advantage the unfolding chapter in the India and UK trade partnership too. According to Nasscoms latest data, India has become the third largest tech start up ecosystem in the world, after the US and China. Shaw argues that there are global cycles, and we are at the cusp of another such change. Weve talked about the American Century and the Chinese century. I think this century is going to be the Indian century, he says. Numbers lend credence to Shaws argument. India added 23 unicorns in just 2022. In comparison, in the last decade, 134 tech unicorns emerged in the UK. In start-up parlance, a unicorn is one thats valued at more than $1 billion. On a broader scale, it is expected that Indian and UK tech companies, particularly in the climate tech, sustainability, cyber security, e-commerce and fintech spaces, will see increased synergy. Also read:Building in India is the way to make an impact: Jay Vitale, CEO of Air For Life Venture Intelligence data lists ed-tech platform Byjus, food and grocery delivery app Swiggy, logistics company Delhivery, fintech Cred, and online gaming platform Dream11 as some Indian unicorns. There is appreciation for the fact that overseas talent has helped the UKs tech industry, over the years. It has breached the $1 trillion valuation for the tech sector, becoming the third country to do so after the United States and China. During 2022, fast-growing UK tech companies raised near-record levels of funding at 24 billion, Secretary of State for Business and Trade Kemi Badenoch said while launching the global tech awards during the London Tech Week. Some of the now leading global tech companies such as DeepMind, Graphcore, and Darktrace, are based in the UK. Why has London punched above its weight as a tech hub over the past few years? Its because of the mix of people here. A few years ago, one-third of our tech ecosystem in London was from people from overseas. Its that mix its the knowledge transfer from overseas to the UK and back that has really created a strong tech hub, says Shaw. He points to the example of foreign exchange fintech Wise, formerly TransferWise. Weve got two Estonian guys who came here, set up TransferWise and now Wise, which is probably the most successful listing on the London Stock Exchange, he says. While London has over the years maintained its strong position as a fintech hub globally, there are emerging themes. Artificial intelligence (AI), augmented reality (AR), health tech and clean tech are some focus areas which have been prominent during this years London Tech Week. The announcement by UKs Prime Minister Rishi Sunak, confirming the countrys intentions to proceed with much-needed regulation for AI, will give the country a prominent position. Clearly AI and data are focus areas now, says Shaw. We can do a lot more on climate tech and sustainability. Cybersecurity and the auto industry are two areas where there is increased interest and intent to invest as well. UKs intent to regulate AI comes with the backdrop of UKs Financial Conduct Authority or FCA, which regulates the burgeoning fintech space in the country. We know how to do regulation. I think thats a good competitive advantage where the UK can carve out something with the UK and the US, India and EU, believes Shaw. According to Shaw, by the year 2030, Indias tech ecosystem will be the largest in the world followed by China, the US and the UK. The largest and the fourth largest ecosystems, working together, having talent move back and forth between the two and having businesses expanding each others markets, will grow the Indian market and the British market. That to me is the opportunity here, says Shaw. His advice to any UK business looking to go global, is to go to India. SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON ABOUT THE AUTHOR Vishal Mathur Vishal Mathur is Technology Editor for Hindustan Times. When not making sense of technology, he often searches for an elusive analog space in a digital world. ...view detail Union minister Nitin Gadkari shared new images of Ambala-Kotputli Economic Corridor on Thursday, calling it a revolution in the road infrastructure of Punjab, Haryana, and Rajasthan. Ambala-Kotputli corridor is a 313 km highway developed by the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI)(Twitter/@DetoxTravellerr) "The corridor is designed to offer the shortest, fastest, and safest route from Ambala to Kotputli along the Jaipur highway. By doing so, it is poised to expedite all-encompassing industrial and economic development throughout the entire state of Haryana," the minister of road transport & highways tweeted. ALSO READ | Maharashtra to be free of railway crossings: Nitin Gadkari Five key points about the Ambala-Kotputli Economic Corridor Project overview: The corridor is a 313 km highway developed by the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI), as part of the Bharatmala Pariyojana Phase-I programme. Construction details: The project is a mix of brownfield upgrades and greenfield elements. It includes the implementation of an advanced traffic management system. Project cost: The Ambala-Kotputli corridor has been developed at a cost of approximately Rs. 9500 Crore, signifying a substantial investment in the infrastructure development of the region. Route and districts covered: The corridor traverses through 112 villages across eight districts of Haryana, namely Kurukshetra, Kaithal, Karnal, Jind, Rohtak, Bhiwani, Charkhi Dadri, and Mahendragarh. It also includes the Narnaul bypass and connects to the NH-148B, eventually meeting the Delhi-Jaipur highway near Kotputli at Paniyala Mode. Amenities and infrastructure: The project features six wayside amenities that provide essential facilities such as toilets, trauma centres, petrol pumps, kiosk restaurants, dhabas, and children's parks. Provisions have also been made for truck and trailer parking, along with interchanges at 16 locations, two toll plazas, and eight railway overbridges (ROBs). SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON In good news for aviation enthusiasts, Emirates Airlines on Tuesday said it will offer Premium Economy class on its iconic aircraft, the Airbus A380, to two major Indian cities - Bengaluru and Mumbai - starting October 29. Bengaluru was the second Indian city to enjoy the luxury flying experience after Mumbai.(Emirates) The Airbus A380 is the largest commercial plane in the world, and made its grand entrance in the Karnataka capital in October last year, when Emirates Airlines landed the signature double-decker aircraft in Bengaluru's Kempegowda International Airport (KIA) from Dubai. Bengaluru was the second Indian city to enjoy the luxury flying experience after Mumbai. READ | Largest commercial plane Airbus A380 to land in Bengaluru for the first time The company in a press release stated that it will operate its newly retrofitted flagship A380 aircraft to these two popular Indian points, featuring the new Premium Economy seats, as well as refreshed interiors that provide an elevated experience in all other cabin classes. Travellers flying on the Dubai-Mumbai route can book Emirates Premium Economy seats on EK500/501, while customers flying between Dubai and Bengaluru can book their flights on EK568/569 to enjoy the industrys latest premium economy product with luxurious seats, more legroom, and an elevated dining experience. Seats can be booked immediately via emirates.com, Emirates sales offices and travel agencies, for travel from 29 October, it added. READ | Bengaluru airport reports strong growth in passenger numbers in 2022-23 Flight EK568 from Dubai to Bengaluru will depart at 9:25 pm on October 29 and arrive at 2:30 am on the next day, while flight EK569 from Bengaluru to Dubai, will depart at 4:30 am on October 30 and land at 07:10 am, the press release said. Emirates operates flight services to nine destinations in India presently, including Ahmedabad, Bengaluru, Chennai, Delhi, Hyderabad, Kochi, Kolkata, Mumbai, and Thiruvananthapuram. Bengaluru South MP Tejasvi Surya on Wednesday met former Prime Minister HD Deve Gowda as part of BJP's Maha Jan Sampark Abhiyan initiative after which Gowda handed over scholarship cheques of 10,000 each to children. BJP leader and Bengaluru South MP Tejasvi Surya met former PM and JD(S) chief HD Devegowda. Taking to his official Twitter handle, Surya wrote, "Met Fmr PM Sri @H_D_Devegowda as part of #MahaJanSamparkAbhiyan & apprised him of work during #9YearsOfSeva & since 2019 as MP. So nice of him to hand over Rs10,000 scholarship cheques to students, including kids of auto drivers from B'luru, from our #NaMoVidyanidhi program," tweeted Surya. Surya described the former PM as a statesman who has always placed national interest as paramount in his politics. He further wrote, "Devegowda Ji, a statesman par excellence, has always placed national interest as paramount in his politics. Grateful to have got the opportunity to interact with him, seek his blessings & guidance". READ | Show me if there is any party not joining hands with BJP: Former PM Deve Gowda Gowda handed over scholarship cheques sponsored by Surya's NaMo Vidyanidhi programme. BJP MP informed that Devegowda Ji also handed over 10,000 scholarship cheques to ten thousand students under 'NaMo Vidyanidhi scholarship programme'. During the meeting, Surya informed, both discussed Prime Minister Narendra Modi's Government's achievements in the last 9 years. The BJP leader further informed, that 1,000 students have already benefited from this initiative. "Under the #NaMoVidyanidhi initiative, we aim to help 10,000 kids from low-income families of Bengaluru South to pursue their education with scholarships of 10,000 each, paid directly to schools/colleges. 1,000 students have already benefited from this initiative," he tweeted. During the meeting, Suriya said that he apprised the former Prime Minister of how reforms by the Modi government helped Bengaluru. READ | Bengaluru South MP Tejasvi Surya takes dig at Cong over Rajasthan crisis "Apprised him on how reforms by Sri @narendramodi Govt helped B'luru.Reforms in Banking & Deposit insurance brought solace to depositors of Guru Raghavendra Bank. SWAMIH funds for stalled Real Estate projects helped in the completion of Mantri Serenity Apt. on Kanakapura Road," he tweeted. Devegowda served as the 11th Prime Minister of India from June 1996 to April 1997. He was also the 14th Karnataka Chief Minister from 1994 to 1996. Karnataka BJP MLA R Ashok Wednesday on Wednesday met Governor Thawar Chand Gehlot and filed a complaint after it surfaced that AICC general secretary Randeep Surjewala had attended an official meeting of the state government. The BJP leader alleged that they (Congress) want to turn Bruhat Bengaluru Mahanagara Palike (BBMP) into an ATM. Speaking to media persons in Bengaluru after filing the complaint, the former minister said, "He (Surjewala) attended a meeting of the state government. He was debating with corporate officials of the Urban Development Department. How can he participate in such a meeting?". "I can show you the rule book as well," the BJP leader told reporters in Bengaluru. READ | BJP attacks Surjewala for attending DK Shivakumar's meeting on Bengaluru infra The BJP leader alleged that they (Congress) want to turn Bruhat Bengaluru Mahanagara Palike (BBMP) into an ATM. "Modi-ji and Amit Shah-ji had voiced fears that they would make the civic body into an ATM. The Congress has started the process already," he added. "That is why we lodged a complaint with the Governor," he added. On Deputy Chief Minister DK Shivakumar and home minister Parameshwara saying it was an unofficial meeting with Surjewala held at a private hotel, the BJP leader said, "A government officer is a government officer. A police officer is a police officer. Four ministers were there in the meeting. Many officials were there as well. Not one or two". "He (Governor) has accepted our letter. He promised to inquire into it and send his guidelines to the government and the chief secretary," he added. Earlier in the day, Janata Dal-Secular (JDS) leader and former chief minister and HD Kumaraswamy hit out at the Congress in Karnataka for allowing Randeep Surjewala attend the official meeting. Coming down heavily on Surjewala, Kumaraswamy asked, "Who is Surjewala to hold the government meeting of ministers and senior officials?" READ | Karnataka: Amid row, CM says Surjewala did not officiate any meeting "Is the government in the state led by Siddaramaiah or 10 Janpath Road in Delhi? Did the Kannadigas vote for a 'Hand' government or a puppet government? It has been proved that this is a high command government even before it completes a month in power," Kumaraswamy said in a tweet. Sharing a photo of Surjewala with Shivakumar and other ministers of the state cabinet, Kumaraswamy called on Chief Minister Siddaramaiah to come out with an explanation. "There is a senior minister in the meeting! Senior IAS officers are also present!! It became an official meeting. But, there is Surjewala in the center seat! Ministers have side seats!! Is this strange? Hon'ble Chief Minister should answer," he tweeted. The Siddaramaiah-led government in Karnataka on Thursday decided to repeal the controversial anti-conversion law passed during the previous BJP regime. The state government arrived at the decision after the cabinet meeting held today. The Protection of Right to Freedom of Religion Bill, 2021, or anti-conversion bill was passed in September last year in the Karnataka legislative council. (Getty Images/Representative image) This comes after the Congress government's hints to review decisions taken under the earlier BJP rule, including one to look into any land allotments made to right-wing groups under their regime and others such as textbook revisions and the hijab ban. READ | Schools, colleges mandated to read Preamble along with regular prayers, says Karnataka minister HK Patil The Protection of Right to Freedom of Religion Bill, 2021, or anti-conversion bill was passed in September last year in the Karnataka legislative council, when the then opposition Congress had staged a walkout. The first case under anti-conversion law in the southern state was filed in October, when a 24-year-old Muslim man was arrested and remanded to judicial custody for allegedly converting a woman under the pretext of marrying her. Later in November, the Karnataka Police booked another man under the law for allegedly luring a girl of another religion in the Nagamangala town of Mandya district and harassing her for marriage. READ | Karnataka legislative council passes anti-conversion bill after Congress walkout RDPR and IT/BT minister Priyank Kharge had earlier said many orders and laws enforced under the previous BJP regime were against state interest and will be revised or withdrawn by the new Congress government. The Karnataka cabinet has decided to remove the lessons of Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sanghs (RSS) founder KB Hedgewar from the school textbooks, said state education minister Madhu Bangarappa on Thursday. He said that the supplementary textbooks will be provided with revised changes and clarified that new textbooks will not be printed. The supplementary textbooks will be provided with revised changes, said Karnataka education minister Madhu Bangarappa. Speaking to the reporters after cabinet meeting on Thursday, the minister said, We have done everything for the better education of school children in Karnataka. We have dropped the lessons on KB Hedgewar which were included by the previous BJP government. Bangarappa further said that the government has reintroduced the old syllabus which was revoked by the erstwhile BJP government in Karnataka. The previous government has made some inclusions and exclusions in the syllabus. We removed all the changes and just reintroduced the old syllabus. The supplementary textbooks with the changes will reach schools in another 10 to 15 days, added the education minister. In the last week of May, over 30 academicians and writers met CM Siddaramaiah in Bengaluru and submitted a memorandum with various demands to reform the education sector, including the controversial revisions in textbooks and ban on hijab in educational institutions. He then promised a strict action against anything that pollutes childrens minds. Last year the Textbook Revision Committee - headed by Rohith Chakrathirtha - drew flak after the government-appointed panel was accused of attempting to 'saffronise' school curriculum by not studying the works of social reformers and progressive thinkers'. Chapters on social reformer Narayana Guru, freedom fighter Bhagat Singh, and works of progressive writers such as Sara Aboobacker and P Lankesh were removed by the committee. The committee also drew flak for including chapters on RSS founder KB Hedgewar, and the works of right-wing ideologues such as Chakravarti Sulibele, Govinda Pai and Bannanje Govindacharya. The Karnataka high court on Wednesday warned Facebook that it may take measures to shut down the social media giants operations in India following its alleged non-compliance with local law enforcement during an investigation into the case of an Indian citizen who is currently imprisoned in Saudi Arabia. (Reuters Photo) A bench of justice Krishna S Dixit issued the warning on a petition filed by one Kavitha, a resident of Mangaluru in Karnataka. The complete report with required information should be submitted in a week before the court, the bench directed Facebook. The court also demanded that the Central government provide information on the actions taken thus far regarding the unjust arrest of an Indian citizen in Saudi. The Union Government should also submit a statement based on sealed records, disclosing the circumstances surrounding the concerned citizen, including whether he was provided legal assistance on foreign soil and whether the trial proceedings adhered to the standards of fairness prescribed by international criminal law, said high court order. Also Read: Police file cancellation report, say no proof against Brij Bhushan in POSCO case The case pertains to the jailed Indian citizen from Mangaluru, Shailesh Kumar, who was arrested over an alleged derogatory Facebook post targeting the Saudi King and Islam. His wife, Kavitha had lodged a complaint with the local police, claiming that the offensive message was posted on a fake profile impersonating her husband. According to the complaint filed by Kavitha, her husband had been working in Saudi Arabia for the past 25 years. Kumar had on Facebook made a post in support of the Indian governments Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA) and the National Register of Citizenship (NRC) initiatives and right after he allegedly received a threat call following his post, which led him to delete his account. Subsequently, miscreants created a fake account using his name and shared a derogatory post targeting the Saudi King and Islam, claimed Kavitha. In response to the controversial post, Kumar was arrested in Saudi Arabia, subjected to a trial, and given a 15-year prison sentence. Based on the information he provided, his wife filed a police complaint regarding the fake profile using her husbands identity. Justice Dixit heard the petition, initially filed in 2021, on Wednesday. On June 12, the high court issued an order which read, The Commissioner of Police, Mangalore, is directed to study the case papers and be present before the court to explain why there has been an inordinate delay in concluding the investigation, especially when a citizen of this country is languishing in a jail in a foreign country after trial and conviction, with his specific claim being that his Facebook account was hacked. On Wednesday, Mangaluru city police commissioner Kuldeep Kumar Jain and the investigating officer appeared before the high court. He informed the high court that the investigation was delayed due to Facebooks lack of cooperation with law enforcement. Also Read: HC restrains release of documentary film India...Who lit the Fuse? As per the information provided by police, during the course of the investigation, the Mangaluru police wrote a letter to Facebook, requesting information about the origin of the fake account. However, Facebook did not respond to their inquiry. Meta Platform was added as a party to the petition on May 29, 2023. When the high court questioned the counsel representing Facebook, the counsel stated that they had no precise information about the location of the incident. This prompted the high court to issue a warning, indicating that it may shut down Facebooks operations if the company does not cooperate fully with the ongoing investigation. The council has requested a weeks time to provide the required details. SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON Chief Minister Siddaramaiah lashed out at Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) MP Pratap Simha stating that the latter "lacks political maturity". Congress leader Siddaramaiah. (PTI) While talking to the media, the Karnataka chief Minister said, "He (Pratap Simha) says that he is responsible for the construction of Bengaluru roads. Is he the MP for the Bengaluru roads?" "I have never spoken to opposition parties in my political life and never have visited their houses while in power. If I happened to come across them I will only talk courteously, but won't discuss politics," he added. READ | BJP MP Tejasvi Surya meets ex-PM Deve Gowda; scholarship cheques of 10k distributed In response to the allegation made by MP Pratap Simha that the Congress and the BJP had joined hands, the CM said, "If they (BJP) know who has joined hands, let them come out with information". Responding to the MP's statement regarding conducting an investigation into the PayCM allegation made by Congress, the Chief Minister said, "Did they ask us to carry out an investigation? It is up to us to decide when and by whom the investigation should be carried out." Meanwhile, CM Siddaramaiah assured that discussion will be held regarding the implementation of the old pension scheme in the cabinet and a decision will be taken to announce it in the budget. He was speaking to the delegation of office bearers of the NPS employees' union that met him and appealed to him regarding the cancellation of the New Pension Scheme. The CM said that the employees should work efficiently to implement the guarantee schemes of the government, and said that they should sincerely work to reach the benefits of the government programs to the people. READ | Karnataka: BJP MLA files complaint claiming Surjewala attended govt meeting Former MLC VS Ugrappa who spoke on the occasion informed that about 2.98 lakh employees are covered under NPS. The pension amount is deposited in National Securities Depository Limited (NSDL). This amount can be deposited in General Provident Fund (GPF) which can be made available at the time of retirement. He explained that the government should decide to drop the disciplinary action taken against those who took part in the 'Vote for OPS' campaign. "NPS has been cancelled in Rajasthan and Chhattisgarh, it should also be cancelled in Karnataka and the old pension scheme should be implemented. By cancelling NPS, a total of 19,000 crores is available under the scheme which can be used for development programs of the government. 9000 crores of employees' shares can be converted to GPF and 10,000 crores of government shares can be used for development programs", Karnataka State NPS employees' union president Shantaram Teja said during the meeting. SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON As many as 16 vehicles, including 15 bikes and a car, were damaged after the pavement of a building caved-in due to digging in the adjoining plot in Sector-83 on Wednesday. Fortunately, no one was injured. As many as 16 vehicles, including 15 bikes and a car, were damaged after the pavement of a building caved-in due to digging in the adjoining plot in Sector-83 on Wednesday. Fortunately, no one was injured. (HT Photo) The incident took place at IT City Industrial Area in Sector 83, Mohali, around 12:45 pm when several employees were working in the adjoining plot. As per information, a basement was being constructed for which the digging was done beyond permissible limits, triggering the collapse. Mohali deputy commissioner (DC) Aashika Jain said a magisterial probe has been marked into the incident. Greater Mohali Area Development Authority (GMADA) chief administrator Rajiv Gupta said that a junior engineer (JE) was rushed to the spot to conduct an inquiry. The executive officer (EO) has been asked to serve a show-cause notice to the owner of the plot concerned. He said that no previous complaint of illegal digging had come to his notice before the incident. Police have also booked the contractor and management of the under-construction building on charges of negligence and putting lives of others in danger. SDM Mohali Sarabjit Kaur, deputy superintendent of police Harsimran Singh Bal and Sohana SHO inspector Sumit Mor visited the collapse site and inspected the accident. DSP Harsimran Singh Bal said they have registered an FIR against the contractor and the under construction building management for putting the life of others in danger, negligence and construction beyond permissible limit. Saksham Arora, an advocate, who runs his office in the adjoining building, said, We had already given a complaint to the police stating that the contractor was digging the basement beyond permissible limit but before action could be taken, the parking lot portion collapsed. Another owner of the office situated in the building, Sanjay Kumar said, We had hundreds of employees present in the building during the incident. It could have been a disaster if the foundation of the building structure was affected. Thank God that it remained till the parking lot. But the building is still under threat. The Mohali administration and police carried out the rescue operation and by evening, the buried car and two-wheelers were excavated out of the debris. The case has been registered under Section 336 (act endangering life or personal safety of others), 268 (public nuisance), 287 (Negligent conduct with respect to machinery) and 427 (mischief causing damage to the amount of fifty rupees) of the Indian Penal Code against the plot owner Raman Aggarwal, said SHO Sumit Mor. After taking relief from Punjab and Haryana high court, former chief minister Captain Amarinder Singhs political advisor Bharat Inder Singh Chahal on Thursday appeared before the vigilance bureau in the disproportionate assets case. Punjab Vigilance Bureau is probing Chahal, who is accused of acquiring properties disproportionate to his known sources of income. (Representational Photo) Chahal has evaded VB for more than six months on the pretext of health issues. The Punjab Vigilance Bureau (VB) is probing Chahal, who is accused of acquiring properties disproportionate to his known sources of income. Chahal reached the SSP VB Patiala office from where he was directed to meet DSP Satpal Sharma, who is investigating the case. VB grilled Chahal for close to eight hours and asked him to come with the relevant record of his income and expenditure, assets sold and acquired, and foreign tours by family. He was asked to come again on June 30 for further investigation. Earlier, the Punjab and Haryana high court (HC) had asked Chahal to appear before a probe team of the vigilance bureau within two weeks. The court acted on the plea from Chahal, seeking anticipatory bail in which he had argued that an inquiry with regards to two properties have been opened by the bureau and his apprehensions were that in the garb of this, he would be arrested. The HC has issued notice on his plea for July 19 and sought a status report on the prober by vigilance. The inquiry shall be concluded in accordance with the law at the earliest. If the inquiry is concluded by the adjourned date, a copy thereof, be produced before this court. In the meanwhile, it is directed that the inquiry report (if any) finalised, not be given effect till the next date of hearing, the court said. The VB had in December last year issued a lookout circular (LOC) against Chahal. The vigilance has already visited Chahals Alcazar marriage palace on Patiala-Sirhind Road in January to ascertain the value of the property. The probe agency had taken measurements of a shopping complex, owned by Chahal on Nabha Road near the mini-secretariat. Chahal was advisor to the CM with cabinet rank from 2017 to 2021. He joined the Bharatiya Janata Party along with Amarinder in July last year. In 2007, Chahal was booked for corruption during the Shiromani Akali Dal-BJP rule and faced a probe by the vigilance bureau. In 2016, he was acquitted in the case as all 77 government witnesses turned hostile. An employee of the Bharat Electronics Limited, an Indian government-owned aerospace and defence electronics company, lost 2.3 lakhs to online swindlers while trying to pay her sons college fee. An employee of the Bharat Electronics Limited, an Indian government-owned aerospace and defence electronics company, lost 2.3 lakhs to online swindlers while trying to pay her sons college fee. (Getty Images/iStockphoto) The complainant, Vandana Goyal, a resident of Sector 17, who works as a senior deputy general manager at BEL factory, told the police that her son is pursuing Masters in Business Analytics from Boston University, Massachusetts in the United States of America. To pay his college fee, she had an online link, the validity of which was to end on June 1. On May 30, she went to Canara banks BEL extension branch where employees told her that the link does not have details of the bank through which the fee was to be paid to Boston University. Following this, she looked up the customer care number of Flywire Global Payment company as she had made the payment through this firm earlier too. She then called up the number she found on Google. While she was talking to a person, her call was merged with another person, who then asked her to download the Anydesk application. The person then sent her three text messages and asked her for her Canara bank number. She sent him the account details but after this, she suspected something fishy. So she went to the bank, where the employees told her to immediately delete the application. But by then, the fraudsters had already withdrawn 2.32 lakh from her account. Acting on her complaint a case under Sections 406 (criminal breach of trust), 420 (cheating) and 120B (criminal conspiracy) of the Indian Penal Code was registered at the Panchkula cyber police station on Thursday. A month after three cops were booked for allegedly accepting bribe from a drug peddler, the Karnal police have announced a cash award of 5,000 each for any information about the absconding cops. Though sub-inspector Chandeshwar has already been arrested, the police are clueless about the other three cops. (Getty Images/iStockphoto) As per the FIR, the accused, sub-inspectors Balwan Singh, Krishan Kumar and Chandeshwar and constable Ajay Kumar, were posted in the Haryana State Narcotics Control Bureau and were booked under Sections 7 and 13 of the Prevention of Corruption Act and Sections 218, 389 and 34 the Indian Penal Code. Though sub-inspector Chandeshwar has already been arrested, the police are clueless about the other three cops. As per the statement, the award was announced by Karnal inspector general of police Satender Kumar Gupta to ensure early arrest of the accused cops. Police officials associated with the investigation said Nafe Singh of Pabnawa village in Kaithal district alleged that the police arrested his brother Sultan with 995-gm opium and demanded 2 lakh from him to show the recovery to be below 25 gm so that Sultan could get a bail. Later, 1.20 lakh was finalised, of which 50,000 was given to them and the remaining amount was to be paid the next day. He alleged that after taking 50,000, the accused police officials showed the recovery of 467-gm opium. Karnal superintendent of police Shashank Kumar Sawan, who also has the additional charge of narcotics bureau SP, said the cash award has been announced for any information about these cops and the identity of the informer will not be disclosed. The police have also shared the photographs of these cops. A member of a Lawrence Bishnoi gang, involved in running an extortion racket in Panchkula, was nabbed with three pistols and two live cartridges, police said. A member of a Lawrence Bishnoi gang, involved in running an extortion racket in Panchkula, was nabbed with three pistols and two live cartridges, police said. (Getty Images) The accused has been identified as Satbir Singh alias Satbir Gujjar (30) of Dera Bassi. He was arrested from Dera Bassi on June 9, where he worked as a property consultant and operated an extortion racket in Panchkula. The accused has 11 cases registered against him in Ambala, Chandigarh and Panchkula. He is out on bail in these cases. He was produced before the court on Wednesday and sent to judicial custody. A case was registered by police on February 7, against Satbir for issuing threats for extortion to a government employee Chain Singh Gautam of Pinjore. The accused had threatened to kidnap his son. Police had registered a case on February 7, in police station Pinjore under Sections 387 and 506 of IPC. As per the police, the crime branch Sector 26, on April 11, had arrested two persons Sahil, 21, of Hisar and Raviraj, 20, of Hansi from Trilokpur road in Raipur Rani with six pistols of .32 bore, a .32 bore country-made weapon, seven magazines, and nine live cartridges. During interrogation, they told the police that they had provided arms to Satbir. Accused Satbir had paid 1.60 lakh to Sahil and one Gurjant for four pistols and 15 cartridges from Madhya Pradesh. The three weapons recovered from Satbir are the ones supplied by Sahil and Gurjant. The accused Gurjant is reffered to as fauji by gang members. He is a jawan in the Army and allegedly posted in Assam. Police said that they will be arresting him soon. Gurjant had supplied weapons from MP along with Sahil. Satbir is an active member of the Bishnoi gang. He was a classmate of Sampat Nehra, said Arvind Kamboj, ACP (Crime) addressing a press conference on Wednesday. He added, Satbir along with Lawrence Bishnoi, Sampat Nehra, Deepu Banur, Mandeep Mani, Joginder Joga, was involved in the escape of Deepak alias Tinu from Sector 6 civil hospital, Panchkula, in 2017 after throwing red chilli in the eyes of cops. Three people died, and four others were injured in two separate car crashes in Rajouri and Kishtwar districts on Thursday, said officials. Three people died, and four others were injured in two separate car crashes in Rajouri and Kishtwar districts on Thursday, said officials. (Getty Images/iStockphoto/ Representational image) Two persons were killed and three others received injuries when a car they were travelling in, fell into a gorge at Targain village in Budhal area of Rajouri district on Thursday morning. The accident occurred at around 7.30 am after a car (JK11F 8759), on its way to Samote from Targain, fell into a gorge at Targain village. Two people died on the spot and three others were hurt, said a police officer. The deceased were identified as Shah Jahan, wife of Mohammad Nazir and Shenaz Akhter, wife of Mohammad Altaf Shah, residents of Targain. The injured were identified as Ayoub Shah, Akbar Shah and a 10-month-old baby girl. The injured were referred to the government medical college and associated hospital in Rajouri. Their condition is stated to be critical. In another accident, a youth was killed and another injured after their car skidded off the road and fell into a gorge near Kamraj-Morh at Sinthan Top area of Kishtwar district on Thursday morning. An Alto car, on way to Kishtwar from Anantnag, skidded off the road and plunged into a gorge near Kamraj Morh in Sinthan Top, said a police officer. Though police, army and locals rushed to the spot and evacuated two occupants from the car, one of them had died. The injured as shifted to primary health centre at Chatroo, he added. The deceased was identified as Latief Ahmed Malik of Thamankot in Ananatnag and the injured as Amir Ilyas Wani of Anantnag. SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON Days after Chandigarh Polices operation cell arrested three shooters who were allegedly planning to eliminate the owner of a lounge bar in Sector 26, UT police have now given him protection. The security move came following an attack on a Mohali trader Rohit Gupta, who is a Dhanas resident. (HT) The shooters were allegedly operating on the directions of gangster Gurjant Singh, alias Janta, the brother of Jaspreet Singh Jassi, who, along with gangster Jaipal Singh Bhullar, was killed in an encounter in Kolkata. According to the police, Gurjant, who resides in Australia, runs his brothers gang. The security move came following an attack on a Mohali trader Rohit Gupta, who is a Dhanas resident. Gupta was shot in the leg by three masked men outside his toy shop in Jhampur, Mohali. Rohit had alerted the police about the threats he was receiving, nearly a month before the attack, but the police had still not provided him any protection. A special committee of the UT police has now deputed two gunmen with the Sector 26 bar owner and a personal security officer (PSO) with Rohit on Monday. Men behind attack on lounge bar owner had 6 pistols Meanwhile, police investigation in the attempt-to-murder case of the Sector 26 bar owner revealed that the shooters came with six pistols, of which three were of .32 bore and the other three were of .30 bore. Out of the six people involved, three, including Shamsher Singh, 25, of Dakha, Ludhiana, and Vikram, 21, of Sonepat in Haryana and Ranbir Singh, 20, alias Kaka of Dhanola, Barnala, in Punjab, were nabbed by the operation cell last month. Vikram, who was in direct touch with Gurjant, had collected four pistols from Noida and two from Mohali-Kharar road. Vikram didnt know the person who left the weapons at the spot from where they were picked. He was asked to collect both the bags from Mohali and Noida. Vikram who was earlier booked in a murder and Arms Act case in Gohana, Haryana, in April 2023, where he had pumped 18 shots into the victims head. Shamsher was booked in two assault cases in Mullanpur, Dakha, Ludhiana, an officer privy to the matter said. The officer added that the other three men who managed to evade police arrest didnt make any contact with each other after the murder bid. They took different routes while escaping and even disposed of their phones. Accused carried out recce on May 19 Sources claimed there were a total of six people involved behind the conspiracy to eliminate their target. Four persons were captured on CCTV cameras carrying out a recce in Sector 26 on May 19 around 9.17 pm. There was a lot of police presence in the area as we received a tip-off that the gang members would try to kill their target. They aborted the attack then, a senior police officer said. According to sources, the accused planned to kill their target after the latter refused to pay the extortion money to their handler. Sources added that the four shooters, who reached outside the bar on May 26 on two bikes, were waiting for their target to come there, but following a tip-off, police teams nabbed two of them, while the other two managed to flee. Police later arrested the third accused on their disclosure. SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON Polices state investigation unit (SIU) presented a chargesheet against two active militants affiliated with Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT) and The Resistance Front (TRF) accused of killing a police constable in Srinagar last year. A Srinagar-based constable was killed in the attack, while his daughter suffered injuries in the incident that took place in May last year. (HT File) On May 24 last year, unidentified militants fired upon Saifullah Qadri and his daughter Safa Qadri of Malik Shab Soura, Srinagar. The policeman was killed in the attack, while his daughter, a minor, suffered injuries. Sharing further details, police said three terrorists identified as Basit Ahmed Dar of Redwani Qaimou Kulgam, Momin Gulzar Mir of Firdous Colony Eidgah Srinagar and Adil Ahmed Parray of Badergund Ganderbal were found involved in the terror crime during the investigation. Besides, a scooter bearing a Jammu and Kashmir registration number used in the terrorist attack was also seized. One of the accused terrorists Adil Ahmed Parray was killed in an encounter with Police Srinagar at Sangam area of Srinagar last year in June. While as, the other two involved terrorists are still active and linked with proscribed terror outfit LeT/TRF, a police spokesperson said, adding that the investigation shall continue under section 173 (8) CrPC. Police said the charge sheet was presented before the National Investigation Agency court in Srinagar in the case registered under sections 302 (murder), 307 (attempt to murder) of the Indian Penal Code, 7/27 IA Act 13, 16, 18, 20 & 38 UA(P)Act at the Soura police station on Wednesday. Thieves broke into the house of Haryanas Narwana MLA Ramniwas Surjakhera, in Sector 26, Panchkula, and decamped with sanitary ware, blankets and bedsheets. Thieves broke into the house of Haryanas Narwana MLA Ramniwas Surjakhera, in Sector 26, Panchkula, and decamped with sanitary ware, blankets and bedsheets. (HT File) The MLAs friend, Pawan Kumar, who is the complainant in the case, said that the incident took place on June 14 and the thieves had gained entry into the house on June 14. He further told the police that this is the second theft incident at the MLAs house since 2022. On his complaint, police registered a case under Sections 457 (house tress pass) and 380 (theft) of the Indian Penal Code at Chandimandir police station on Wednesday. SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON A man was arrested for allegedly having unnatural sex with a cow in Nainital, police said. The accused, a 25-year-old man, was nabbed by the villagers and handed over to police. (Representative file image) A case was registered under section 377 (unnatural sex) of the Indian Penal Code (IPC) and relevant sections of the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act. The accused, a 25-year-old man, was nabbed by the villagers and handed over to police, officials said. Nainital senior superintendent of police (SSP) Pankaj Bhatt said, We have arrested the accused for having unnatural sex with a cow after the villagers caught and handed him over to the police. Also Read:58-year-old labourer held for sexually assaulting cow in Ludhiana In the complaint, a copy of which HT has seen, a local Lamachaur, said, I had left the cow for grazing in the farms. Around 1pm, when I went to see my cow, I saw a man performing the sexual act on the animal. As I raised an alarm, he ran. I chased him and sought help from villagers to nab him. We managed to nab him near Kamaluwa Ghaja intersection. We informed the police and handed him over to the police. According to police, there was tension across the region after right wing organisations gathered and shaved the accused persons head. Police, however, reached the spot and controlled the flaring situation. SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON With Section 144 of Code of Criminal Procedure (CrPC) imposed by the district administration in place, the mahapanchayat called by right wing organisations in Purola district of Uttarakhand could not be held on Thursday. A few right wing activists staging a symbolic protest at Purola stadium after failing to hold mahapanchayat. (HT Photo | Rajeev Kala) However, a few Bajrang Dal and Vishva Hindu Parishad (VHP) members registered a symbolic protest at Purola stadium after they managed to reach the venue amid heavy police deployment across the town. With heavy barricading, several vehicles on way to the mahapanchayat were stopped by the police at Naugaon, around 18km from Purola, with heavy barricading in place at various points approaching Purola. Also Read: Traders shut shops in Purola against Section 144 imposition As many as 19 persons were arrested at Naugaon under section 151 (knowingly joining or continuing in assembly of five or more persons after it has been commanded to disperse) of the IPC as they were trying to breach the security and reach Purola. Earlier in the day, shops remained shut in the town stadium after the Vyapar Mandal called for a bandh against the imposition of the prohibitory orders saying it was uncalled for in the peaceful town. The police used a drone camera to capture those violating the prohibitory orders. The Bajrang Dal and VHP handed over a memorandum to sub-divisional magistrate (SDM) Purola for Uttarakhand chief minister Pushkar Singh Dhami. The memorandum threatened if action will be taken against people with jihadi mentality a big agitation will be held and its responsibility will lie with the government and administration. It said, Legal action should be taken with regard to attempts by people with Jihadi mentality to defame the Hindu community and right-wing organisations. VHPs working president of Purola Virender Singh Rawat said, Local community wanted to hold a mahapanchayat for a solution to the issue, but the administration and police took suppressive measures by imposing Section 144 of CrPC in our peaceful town. SDM Purola Devanand Sharma said, We are forwarding the memorandum given by right wing organisations for appropriate action at the highest level. SS Bhandari, circle officer, Barkot, said, The law-and-order situation is under control. We have taken effective measures to ensure peace. Strict implementation of Section 144 of CrPC has been done. The district administration earlier imposed Section 144 of CrPC from June 14 to June 19 in anticipation of disturbance to law and order after right wing organisations insisted that they will hold the mahapanchayat as planned earlier. Communal tension has been brewing in Purola since an alleged abduction attempt on a minor girl on May 26. Two accused, including a person from the minority community, have been arrested in connection with the case. On Tuesday, the Uttarkashi administration denied permission for the mahapanchayat and imposed prohibitory orders under Section 144 of the CrPC in the town. On June 4, posters asking Muslim traders to vacate their shops in Purola before a mahapanchayat on June 15 had come up at various places. The next day, the police registered a case in this regard. Director general of police (DGP) Ashok Kumar said, All steps required to maintain law and order are being taken. No one will be allowed to disturb the peace. I request all stakeholders to assist us in maintaining law and order. ADG (law and order) V Murugesan earlier said, We are committed to ensure the security of law bound citizens. Action will be taken against people who will try to take the law into their hands. I have issued instructions to district police in-charges in this regard. Meanwhile, chief minister Pushkar Singh Dhami on Thursday said no one will be allowed to take the law into their hands. We have appealed to all the people to maintain peace. If anyone tries to vitiate the atmosphere, the law will take its course, Dhami said. He said that the administration has acted accordingly against the incidents that have happened so far. If someone is found guilty, action will be taken against that person as per law. No one should take the law into their own hands, he said. SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON The office of chief minister Arvind Kejriwal on Thursday said that the National Capital Civic Services Authority (NCCSA) a three-member body constituted to oversee transfers and postings of bureaucrats in the Capital in accordance with the Union governments recent ordinance had been reduced to the farce, even as he called a meeting of the authority on June 20 as its chairperson. PREMIUM The NCCSA, headed by the chief minister, also includes the chief secretary and the principal secretary (home). (HT Photo) The NCCSA, headed by the chief minister, also includes the chief secretary and the principal secretary (home). In a statement, the CMs office alleged that proposals related to services were being directly sent by chief secretary Naresh Kumar to lieutenant governor (LG) VK Saxena, bypassing the chief minister and the new body, which has not even held its first meeting. Two weeks ago, the chief secretary and the lieutenant governor colluded to bypass the CM and NCCSA and directly issue suspension orders for an officer. It may be noted that the outcome of any authority meeting is already known with two members being officers appointed by the central government, and the CM being in minority. Now, due to the collusion of the LG and CS, the farce authority meeting itself is not being held, reducing it to a mere showpiece, the statement from Kejriwals office said. The statement added that the authority, on June 20, was likely to discuss disciplinary proceedings against an officer. It was not clear who the officer in question was. On May 19, the President promulgated the Government of National Capital Territory of Delhi (Amendment) Ordinance 2023 which nullified a May 11 Supreme Court order that reinforced the authority of the Delhi government in controlling bureaucrats in all but three domains land, police, and public order. The ordinance gave the LG, an official appointed by the Union government, the final say on transfers and postings of bureaucrats in Delhi and created a new cadre for the national capital. The ordinance also set up the three-member NCCSA to decide matters related to services, particularly transfers, postings, and disciplinary action. NCSSA must decide matters based on a majority vote, but the final say on these decisions will remain with LG, the ordinance said. Kejriwals office said on Thursday that a file was sent to the CM two weeks ago to decide on the suspension of an officer. The matter was placed before the CM as per Sub-Section (2) of Section 45H of The Government of National Capital Territory of Delhi (Amendment) Ordinance, 2023... Upon receiving the file, the CM highlighted several gaps and missing information in the file and directed the Chief Secretary to urgently furnish the same before the NCCSA meeting... However, in a completely shocking and brazen disregard of Section 45F(1) of the Centres Ordinance and established constitutional practices, the Chief Secretary overruled the directions of the Chief Minister. Instead of complying with the directions of the elected Chief Minister, the Chief Secretary bypassed the CM and NCCSA and placed the file directly before the LG recommending the suspension of the officer. The same advice was immediately acted upon by the LG, the statement said. Section 45F(1) of the ordinance says that NCCSA shall meet at such time and place as the Member Secretary may decide with the approval of the Chairperson of the Authority, as and when so required. The CMs office added that several other proposals related to services were also being sent directly by the chief secretary to the LG. CMs authority as the Chairperson of NCCSA has been completely subverted by collusion of the LG and the CS. It clearly highlights the mala fide intent of the Centre to rob the elected government from exercising any kind of power to govern Delhi. The composition of the NCCSA itself is of dubious nature. The Centre has placed the CM and two bureaucrats, together in one Authority, and dictated a mandate of a majority vote for the committees decisions, the statement said. Meanwhile, an LG secretariat official slammed statement from the CMs office. Contrary to claims being made, not a single file pertaining to posting or transfers has been sent to or received by the LG secretariat after the ordinance came into effect, the official said. With regards to the suspension of an officer, the official said that the decision was recommended by NCCSA according to law, and that the CM was fully aware of it. Moreover, in any case the LG is the disciplinary authority as per previous and extant laws, and the matter of suspension being referred to in CMs statement pertained to gross deviation from rules, amounting to misuse of authority for dispensing undue favours to individuals, the official added. Chief secretary Naresh Kumar declined to comment on the matter. Since May 21, Kejriwal has been meeting Opposition leaders to rally support against the ordinance in the Rajya Sabha, where the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party does not enjoy a clear majority. At least 11 parties pledged support to Kejriwals Aam Aadmi Party in voting against the ordinance, but the largest Opposition party, the Congress, is yet to commit to opposing the ordinance. AAP also held a rally in Ramlila Maidan on June 10 to bolster public support against the ordinance. Meanwhile, BJP spokesperson Praveen Shankar Kapoor said that it was good that CM Kejriwal was willing to call a meeting of the authority. However, it is surprising that on one hand Kejriwal is challenging the ordinance and on the other he is calling the meeting of the ordinance-based authority. It would be better if Kejriwal accepts the Centres formed authority and sheds the path of confrontation. The Delhi government announced on Thursday that more than 1,000 students from the Capitals government schools had passed the National Eligibility cum Entrance Test (Neet) UG, attributing this to the effectiveness of educational reforms implemented over the years. In 2023, 39,764 of the 54,701 students from Delhi who appeared for Neet UG qualified, an increase from 46,221 students from Delhi who appeared for Neet in 2022, of which 35,113 qualified. Chief minister Arvind Kejriwal responded to the achievement by tweeting, Wow! More than 1,000 students from Delhi Govt Schools qualify NEET. This could not even be imagined just a few years back; congrats to all students, parents, and teachers for their relentless efforts and dedication. (ANI) According to the government, 695 of the 1,074 candidates were girls, and 379 were boys, a significant increase from previous years, when 648 government school students qualified in 2022, 496 in 2021 and 569 in 2020. The Neet results showed an encouraging trend, with girls outperforming boys significantly. An impressive 695 of the 1,074 successful candidates were girls, while 379 were boys, reflecting the progressive empowerment of female students in the Delhi government education system, an education department official said. Chief minister Arvind Kejriwal responded to the achievement by tweeting, Wow! More than 1,000 students from Delhi Govt Schools qualify NEET. This could not even be imagined just a few years back; congrats to all students, parents, and teachers for their relentless efforts and dedication. The government provided an example of the performance of Delhi government schools, saying that Piyush Jha from RPVV Paschim Vihar received a perfect score in the exam, achieving an All India Rank (Air) of three in the economically weaker sections (EWS) category. The number of students qualifying for Neet has also steadily increased in recent years, with 569 qualifying in 2020, 496 in 2021, 648 in 2022, and 1,074 in 2023. This upward trend demonstrates Delhis remarkable progress, the government said in a statement. Delhi education minister Atishi also lauded the results. By focusing on quality education, innovative teaching methods and comprehensive student support, the government aims to empower Delhis youth to realise their full potential and meaningfully contribute to society, she said. SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON A 24-year-old Bachelor of Pharmacy student of a Delhi-based pharmaceuticals and research university was arrested by the cyber cell of Shahdara district for allegedly stalking and sexually harassing his ex-girlfriend, who was also his classmate, the Delhi Police said on Thursday. Police said that the suspect created fake social media accounts and posted obscene videos and photographs of her, apart from her and her mothers phone numbers, as the woman had broken up with him as her parents were against the union. (Representational Image) Police said that the suspect created fake social media accounts and posted obscene videos and photographs of her, apart from her and her mothers phone numbers, as the woman had broken up with him as her parents were against the union. Police also said that the suspect wanted to marry the woman, also 24, by going against her parents. The suspect originally was from Siwan in Bihar, was pursuing a course at a college in Delhi, and lived in the college hostel, they said. The arrested student thought that if she was defamed on social media and the news reached her family, they would worry about finding her a suitable groom and would marry her off to him in desperation. He wanted to ensure that the woman came back to him, and their relationship culminated in their marriage, said deputy commissioner of police (Shahdara) Rohit Meena. DCP Meena said that the woman approached the cyber cell on June 6 and filed a complaint alleging that she had been receiving obscene messages and calls from unknown numbers for the past five days. Later, she also learnt that someone had created fake accounts of her on social media websites like Instagram, Facebook, and YouTube, as well as a pornography website. The woman was shocked to see her obscene videos and photographs on the sites. Based on her complaint, a case of voyeurism, stalking, and forgery for harming reputation was registered under sections 354C, 354D, and 469 of the Indian Penal Code (IPC) at the cyber cell police station. The investigation was taken up by a team led by woman sub-inspector Shweta Sharma, said DCP Meena. The investigating team approached the service providers of the sites and obtained details of the internet protocol (IP) address and the phone numbers used to create the fake accounts and upload the videos and photos, which helped us identify the suspect, added Meena. Police said that the suspect confessed to the crime and said he began dating the woman in college. Since her parents were against it, she broke up with him, after which he decided to make fake accounts and upload her pictures, in an attempt to get her back. Police said they also seized a laptop and two phones used in the offence from the suspect. A 21-year-old man was stabbed to death by two men on Wednesday night following an argument over a ride in an e-rickshaw in outer Delhis Nangloi area, police said on Thursday. The suspects, one of them a minor, were apprehended the next morning, police said. (Representational Image) The two suspects were nabbed the next morning and a case was registered at the Nangloi police station, police said. Also Read | Hyderabad woman stabbed to death by Brazilian man in London flat: Report Deputy commissioner of police (outer) Harendra Kumar Singh said that police received a call around 10pm on Wednesday about a stabbing incident in Nangloi. A police team reached the spot and learnt that the injured man, identified as Anas alias Chicchi, a resident of Prem Nagar in Kirari, was already taken to Sanjay Gandhi Memorial Hospital by his cousin in an e-rickshaw. The team reached the hospital, where doctors said Anas was dead at the time of arrival. The police spoke to Anass cousin, identified as Mohammad Naim, 20, who is an e-rickshaw driver. Naim said that Anas was with him in his e-rickshaw, and they were waiting for passengers. Two people Sameer Ansari alias Tipu, 19, and a minor, 17 arrived and asked them to drop them to their destination. Also Read | Karnataka: 22-year-old man stabbed to death in Congress MLAs victory party As the two men appeared to be drunk, Naim refused and said that he already had passengers for whom he was waiting. However, the two men insisted they be dropped first and started arguing with Naim. Anas joined his cousin and the altercation turned violent. During the scuffle, Ansari caught hold of Anas while the minor took out a knife and stabbed Anas in his chest. Anas started bleeding and collapsed after which the attackers fled, said DCP Singh. A case was registered at Nangloi police station on Naims statement, and investigation was taken up. During the probe, the police identified the suspects and nabbed them from Nangloi by Thursday morning. Residents of Signature View apartment (SVA) in north Delhis Mukherjee Nagar on Thursday said they expect to start vacating the complex by next week. The development comes a day after the Delhi Development Authority (DDA), in a meeting with lieutenant governor VK Saxena, approved a final offer to residents, explaining the terms to vacate and rebuild the apartment complex. In January, LG VK Saxena asked DDA to dismantle the complex after an IIT-D report deemed it unfit for habitation. (Sanchit Khanna/HT Photo) Earlier this year, in January, the LG asked DDA to vacate and dismantle the 12 towers of SVA after an Indian Institute of Technology, Delhi (IIT-D) report deemed it unfit for habitation. At Wednesdays meeting, DDA officials said that the authority will offer two options to residents buy back and reconstruction. The terms of both options have been agreed upon by RWA and a final agreement will be signed by DDA as well as residents before the residents start vacating the premises, the officials said. Residents on Thursday said that they are waiting to receive the minutes of the meeting to give a final nod so that the legal formalities can be started. We have been told that the minutes of the meeting with all the conditions and proposals mentioned in detail will be shared with us. Once we approve it, DDA will share a draft agreement and will also inform us about the timelines. Meanwhile, we will conduct a general body meeting and get the approval from all residents about the proposal. We are hoping that the paperwork will be completed so that we can begin evacuating in the next one week to 10 days, as we are living in very unsafe conditions, said Amrendra Jha, RWA president. Jha said that once the legalities are complete, DDA should give residents 30 days to vacate the premises since many would prefer to look for a flat in the vicinity. Finding a flat on rent and shifting will take some time and a maximum limit should be given. Most people, especially those with school-going kids, will try to rent a flat nearby, he said. As per the DDA proposal, HIG flat owners will be offered a rent of 50,000 per month and MIG flat owners will be offered 38,000 per month for the next three years, till the flats are dismantled and reconstructed. If the construction takes more time, the proposal will be reviewed and the rent will be extended till the offer letter is given to residents. For those residents who opt for buy back, the DDA will offer to pay the cost of the flat, with 10.6% interest and stamp duty. DDA officials said that they are finalising the draft of the final proposal with details of the buy back and reconstruction offers that will be sent soon. We are expediting the process, keeping residents convenience in mind. We are only waiting for a formal approval from all residents, after which they can start vacating the premises. All flat owners will have the freedom to choose between any of the two options that we have given, said Subhashis Panda, vice chairman, DDA. SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON A Calcutta high court division bench on Thursday upheld the May 22 order of a vacation bench which asked the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) to probe a suspected recruitment scam in a large number of civic bodies in West Bengal, lawyers who attended the hearing said. Calcutta high court (Representative Photo) The May 22 order of the vacation bench which upheld the April 21 order of the single bench of justice Abhijit Gangopadhyay was challenged by the state government. The Trinamool Congress (TMC) government moved the vacation bench after another single bench, headed by justice Amrita Sinha, upheld the order of justice Gangopadhyay in May. The matter was heard by justice Sinha after the government moved the Supreme Court challenging the April 21 order of justice Gangopadhyay. Refusing to intervene in the matter, the Supreme Court ordered that the case may be heard by another judge instead of justice Gangopadhyay. Also Read: CBI raids 16 West Bengal civic bodies in recruitment case Thursdays order was passed by justice Tapabrata Chakraborty and justice Partha Sarathi Chatterjee observing that there appears to be a common link between the corruption in recruitment by the municipalities and the school education department which the CBI and Enforcement Directorate (ED) are already probing, lawyers said. While the government moved from one court to another to stop the CBI probe, around 100 officials of the federal agency conducted a massive raid last week. The CBI on June 7 raided 16 municipal corporations in West Bengal in connection with the alleged recruitment scam in municipalities across the state. The agency seized documents from 16 civic bodies in Nadia, Hooghly and North 24 Parganas districts and also the Salt Lake municipality on the eastern outskirts of Kolkata. Meanwhile, the CBI operation triggered a political slugfest with chief minister Mamata Banerjee taking a swipe at the Centre while distributing compensation for victims of the railway disaster in Odisha. The biggest railway accident of this century has taken place but efforts are being made to suppress it. Instead of probing the train accident, the CBI has been sent by Delhi to 16 civic bodies. These tactics cannot suppress the truth behind the railway disaster, Banerjee had said. Welcoming Thursdays order, BJP leader Suvendu Adhikari said, Top TMC leaders are involved in this corruption. People will come to know the truth. The case pertains to alleged irregularities in the recruitment of various posts in different municipalities of the state in recent years. CBI is probing the matter on the directions of the Calcutta high court. A preliminary investigation by the Enforcement Directorate (ED) suggests that the recruitment scam in civic bodies may be to the tune of 200 crore. Lucknow: The deepotsav celebration in Ayodhya would be the grandest this year, with a target to light 21 lakh earthen diyas before Ram Lalla was enthroned at the sanctum-sanctorum of the Ram Temple in January next year, said Uttar Pradesh chief minister Yogi Adityanath on Thursday. UP CM Yogi Adityanath addressing a public meeting in Ayodhya on Thursday. (HT) To note, this would set a new record. Last year, 15. 76 lakh diyas illuminated Ayodhya on deepotsav. Addressing his first rally at the historic Bharat Kund in Ayodhya ahead of the 2024 lok sabha polls, Yogi Adityanath exhorted officials to prepare for the grandest deepotsav celebration this year. PM Narendra Modi is expected to be the chief guest at the grand opening of Ram Temple in Ayodhya in January 2024. The rally was organised to mark completion of nine years of Modi government. Next year, Sri Ram will be enthroned in his home (Ram Temple). Preparations for this event will start from deepotsav this year, said the chief minister, giving clear instructions to officials during the rally. This year 21 lakh diyas (earthen lamps) will be lighted. Each ghat, mutt, temple, Surya Kund, Bharat Kund and every house will be lit up with diyas, he said. The Yogi Adityanath government has been organising deepotsav celebrations in Ayodhya on the eve of Diwali every year since it came to power in March 2017. Stressing on Ayodhyas importance for his government, the CM said: At present, projects of around 32,000 crore are underway in Ayodhya. In no city across the country are projects in such a large number underway. He added that the entire world would be attracted to Ayodhya when PM Narendra Modi would enthrone Ram Lalla at the sanctum-sanctorum of Ram Temple after 500 years. The CM also listed the ongoing development projects in Ayodhya. He mentioned upcoming international airport, railway station and other projects. A short film on the ongoing development work in Ayodhya was also shown. Yogi Adityanath also took the opportunity to attack the opposition. Earlier, there was no road, no train (connectivity) in Ayodhya. It used to take five -six hours to reach Ayodhya from Gorakhpur and Lucknow. Now, this journey is covered in one hour, said the CM. People avoided taking Ayodhyas name six years ago. But this government is striving to ensure its overall development, he said. Ayodhya will be made the worlds most beautiful city, he assured the gathering at Bharat Kund. In the next four -six months, Ayodhyas roads will be like Rajpath (in New Delhi), he said. Yogi also apprised the gathering of the ongoing development work in Mathura-Vrindavan, Prayagraj, Shrawasti, Kashi and Kushinagar. Minister Surya Pratap Shahi, Ayodhya MP Lallu Singh, mayor Girish Pati Tripathi, BJP MLAs from Ayodhya and others were present at the rally. SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON The attendance at the wedding reception of Suheldev Bharatiya Samaj Party chief Om Prakash Rajbhars son and the congratulatory messages received on the occasion have attracted attention with less than a year to go for the 2024 Lok Sabha polls. SBSP chief Om Prakash Rajbhar was a BJP ally in the 2014 Lok Sabha elections but tied up with the Samajwadi Party for the 2022 UP assembly polls. ( FILE PHOTO) Over the last few days, the only time when Om Prakash hasnt been accepting greetings on the phone on his sons wedding is when he has been receiving VIPs. The SBSP chief, who has perfected the art of the political flip-flop, would again be the most sought after Other Backward Classes (OBC) ally in eastern Uttar Pradesh for both the Bhartiya Janata Party and the Samajwadi Party. While Prime Minister Narendra Modi sent a congratulatory message, chief minister Yogi Adityanath also did so, albeit through his emissary. Former bureaucrat-turned-advisor Awanish Kumar Awasthi, deputy chief minister and BJPs OBC Keshav Prasad Maurya, Samajwadi Party veteran Ram Gobind Chaudhary and Rashtriya Lok Dal chief Jayant Chaudhary, other Yogi ministers, party veterans, Modi ministers and top bureaucrats attended the wedding reception at Rajbhars ancestral village in Varanasi, Modis Lok Sabha constituency. What makes the SBSP chief so important? Back in 2017, the association with SBSP had worked brilliantly for BJP as it raised its tally from 14 seats that it won in the 2012 assembly polls from east UP to 72. The SPs numbers sunk from 52 in 2012 to just seven in 2017. The SBSP got 34% votes, winning four of the eight seats it contested in alliance with BJP. In the 2022 UP assembly polls, the alliance with the SP proved beneficial for both. That is what makes Om Prakash Rajbhar an enigma for major political parties, chiefly the BJP and the SP. The line-up of leaders and congratulatory messages on his sons marriage indicate his importance, said Athar Siddiqui of the Centre for Objective Research and Development. The SBSP chief was a political nonentity until the then UP BJP in-charge Amit Shah discovered him and the potential of his 3-4% OBC Rajbhar vote bank in 2016. A year later, his party for the first time won four seats in 2017 UP polls that it contested in alliance with BJP. He walked out of the ruling coalition shortly after the 2019 Lok Sabha polls. He was promptly embraced by the Samajwadi Party ahead of the 2022 UP polls. Despite a BJP wave, he managed to help his and the Samajwadi Partys cause. While the SBSP won six seats in the 2022 UP polls, the SPs tactical alliance with the SBSP and the RLD in east and west UP, respectively, helped more than double its tally from 47 to 111. That is why, having calculated the importance of Rajbhars support, the BJP had rushed its then state vice-president Daya Shankar Singh, the current transport minister, to arrange a meeting between Rajbhar and the then UP BJP chief Swatantra Dev, in a desperate bid to call off the SP-SBSP alliance in the 2022 UP polls. That move failed then. But, post 2022 UP polls, Om Prakash, after alleging he wasnt invited by the SP leadership for a meeting with the oppositions Presidential nominee Yashwant Sinha, broke ranks with the SP to vote for National Democratic Alliance (NDA) nominee and current President Droupadi Murmu. He was promptly rewarded with a Y category security cover by the Yogi 2.0 regime, making it apparent that BJP was wooing him again. Om Prakash feels that he has relations across parties, the reason why there were so many guests and congratulatory messages. Why read too much into a marriage function? asked Om Prakash, keeping cards close to his chest and unwilling to reveal his political route in 2024. Om Prakash feels that he has relations across parties, the reason why there were so many guests and congratulatory messages. SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON The Special Investigation Team (SIT) probing the June 7 killing of gangster Sanjeev Maheshwari alias Jeeva (48) inside a Lucknow court room failed to submit its report to the state government as the one-week deadline for doing so ended on Wednesday (June 14). The government had directed the SIT to submit its findings within a week by June 14. (For Representation) The state government had formed the SIT hours after Jeevas killing on June 7 night. The government had directed the SIT to submit its findings within a week by June 14. The SIT is headed by additional director general of police (technical) Mohit Agarwal while Lucknows joint commissioner of police (crime) Nilabja Choudhury and inspector general of police (Ayodhya range) Praveen Kumar are its other members. An SIT member confirmed on Thursday that the report was not yet submitted without divulging any further details. When contacted, SIT head Mohit Agarwal refused to comment. However, another senior cop privy to the development said on Tuesday that the SIT had completed its enquiry and it could submit the report any time. He had also said the process of recording the statements of as many as 10 police personnel deployed to bring Jeeva from Lucknow district jail to the court and some other cops deployed to ensure security of the court had already been done. He said the recreation of crime scene to understand the sequence of events and circumstances in which the shootout took place had also been done. He said SIT head Mohit Agarwal will compile all the facts and decide on submitting the report. Earlier, the SIT visited the crime scene inside the court room of SC/ST court at the old high court building, which is now part of the Lucknow district and sessions court premises, on Wednesday (June 7) night itself. The SIT got the crime scene recreated on Thursday (June 8) and later recorded the statements of 10 police personnel on Thursday and Friday. Likewise, the statements of four other local police officials, including additional deputy commissioner of police (ADCP), west, Chiranjeev Nath Sinha, were recorded on Monday (June 12). To recall, gangster Jeeva was shot dead allegedly by one Vijay Yadav alias Anand Yadav (26) who entered the court in the garb of a lawyer. In the shootout, three more people, including two head constables Lal Mohammed and Kamlesh Chowdhary and an 18-month-old girl Lakshmi, were also injured. The girl is still undergoing treatment at the King George Medical Universitys trauma centre. SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON Uttar Pradesh chief minister Yogi Adityanath visited prominent seers at their mutts to inquire about their health and discuss progress of Ram temple on the last day of his two-day visit to Ayodhya on Thursday. UP chief minister Yogi Adityanath during his meeting with Sri Ram Janmabhoomi Tirath Kshetra Trust chairman Mahant Nritya Gopal Das in Ayodhya on June 14. (HT photo) Yogis first visited Mani Ram Das Chavani Peeth where he met Sri Ram Janmabhoomi Tirath Kshetra Trust chairman Mahant Nritya Gopal Das. Nritya Gopal Das is counted among the most revered seers of Ayodhya. He has not been keeping well for the past some time. The CMs second stopover was at Karsevakpuram, which was epicentre of the Ram Mandir movement in 1990s. Here, he met Trusts general secretary Champat Rai. Rai, who had recently undergone an eye surgery, is also known as the one-stop point for all solutions related with the ongoing construction work of Ram temple. Thereafter, Yogi met Peethadheeshwar of Bada Bhakt Mahal Kaushal Kishore Das. He is also not keeping well. The CM makes it a point to meet seers at their respective mutts whenever he visits Ayodhya. He had met the seers during his last two visits to Ayodhya on March 19 and May 4. The chief minister reached Ayodhya on Wednesday to review progress of ongoing projects there. He also visited Ram temple and took stock of ongoing construction work there. Ayodhya has been on the priority list of the state government since March 2017 when the BJP came to power in Uttar Pradesh. There was no change in the governments policy after it formed the government for the second consecutive term in March last year. SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON Artist Chintan Upadhyay has claimed before the Dindoshi sessions court that he was tortured in police custody to confess that he had conspired to kill his estranged wife Hema Upadhyay, who too was an artist, and her lawyer Haresh Bhambhani. While in custody, Chintan said, the police had also threatened to implicate his father Vidhyasagar Upadhyay and his artist friends in the double murder case if he refused to give a confession. (HT Archive) Police were unable to crack the case. Taking advantage of the fact that there was a matrimonial dispute between Hema and I, they made me a target and fabricated evidence to implicate me, he said in his written statement submitted on June 9. While in custody, Chintan said, the police had also threatened to implicate his father Vidhyasagar Upadhyay and his artist friends in the double murder case if he refused to give a confession. I was assaulted and made to stand on my toes for hours. But I am innocent. I have not committed any offence. The statement, recorded under section 313 of the Criminal Procedure Code, came in response to more than 800 questions that the court had framed for Chintan, seeking an explanation on the prosecution evidence against him. Acting on Chintans instructions, the prime accused, Vidhyadhar Rajbhar, and others had on December 11, 2015, smothered Hema and Bhambhani, the prosecution claimed. They had packed the bodies in cardboard boxes and dumped them in a nullah in Kandivali. The next day, a garbage collector discovered the bodies and alerted the police, the prosecution added. Chintan, however, claimed that he had reached Mumbai on December 13 soon after their maid servant informed him that Hema and Bhambhani had gone missing, and had gone to the Mumbai crime branch office in Kandivali. He said crime branch officials interrogated him for days and on December 22, when he left their office, he was picked up by the Kandivali police and handcuffed within the compound which also housed the police station. The artist further claimed that Rajbhar, who has been absconding, was known to him, as his father had worked for them Chintan and Hema. Rajbhar used to work for Hema more than me. On December 2, 2015, I was in Mumbai, and I got a call from my father in Jaipur saying Rajbhar had come to meet me at our Jaipur house. I told my father that I had not called him, nor did I have any work with him, and if he had any work with me, he could meet me in Mumbai, Chintan said. The statement said theirs was a love marriage. However, later on, the relation soured because of her (Hemas) extravagant expenditures, different lifestyle, and conflict of opinions so much so that it became torturous to cohabit and therefore, I was compelled to file a petition for divorce in 2010 on grounds of cruelty. Chintan also claimed that immediately before the murders there were no disputes between him and his estranged wife, as the family court at Bandra had already granted him divorce and the matter had gone to the Bombay high court in appeal. There was no occasion for any kind of dispute or displeasure or awkward moments between Hema and I. The court will hear the matter on Friday. The prosecution has already recorded the testimonies of its witnesses. Now, the statements of the accused will be recorded and after that, the defence will be given an opportunity to submit evidence. THANE: The Thane Nagar police have arrested a 20-year-old hotel waiter from Nepal border for allegedly killing a 65-year-old Rajkot-based man who was staying at a Thane-based hotel over stealing his money, the Thane police said on Wednesday. Thane hotel waiter held at Nepal border for murder The accused has been identified as Rajan Shyam Sudhakar Sharma, 20, a resident of Gorakhpur district in Uttar Pradesh, who had working here as a waiter in a hotel. While the deceased has been identified as Karabhai Rambhai Suva, 65, who had a construction business in Gujarat and Mumbai. The incident took place at Hotel Prince Residency under the jurisdiction of Thane Nagar police station on May 27, when Suva had checked into the hotel for stay lasting a few days. According to the police, they were alerted by hotel staff about a senior citizen lying in a pool of blood on his bed in room number 303 of the hotel. When the police reached the spot, they found that he was stabbed by a sharp object in the face and neck 10 to 20 times. They took him to a nearby hospital where he was declared dead before arrival. Jayraj Ranvare, a senior police inspector, at Thane Nagar Police Station, Under the guidance of our senior, we formed a team and checked CCTV footage of the hotel and as well enquired with hotel staff. We learned during the inspection of the footage that one man visited and came out from room number 303 frequently. We enquired with the staff and got to know that he is waiter Rajan Sharma who had recently joined the job 20 days ago and he had left for his hometown on the day of the crime citing mothers ill health. Police sources said that based on technical intelligence, the accused location was traced to Ratnagiri and he withdrew 80,000 through the ATM of the deceased at Ratnagiri railway station and later he went to Karnataka. One police team was dispatched to Karnataka but he could not be traced there. Anil Taksande, Investigation officer, said, We received information about Sharma that he would be in Gorakhpur district in Uttar Pradesh. Another team went to Gorakhpur to nab him, but he used to change his locality frequently. He bought two new mobile sim cards and contacted his friend. During his questioning, his friend revealed that he had fled India and was hiding in Nepal. Taksande said adding, On June 6, Sharma was about to come to meet his parents at the Nepal-Indian border. We laid a trap nearby and nabbed him. The top-off said Sharma would arrive at 6 am on Jine 5, but he didnt turn up. The police team waited patiently for 26 hours keeping a vigil and arrested him at 8 am on June 6 During the interrogation, he revealed that Suva wanted some cash and thus had given his ATM card to Sharma to withdraw some amount. Sharma checked his account and learned that there was a lot of money in Suvas account. Sharma further revealed that Suva used filthy language which cause to he stabbed him by a sharp object that was bought on the same day for killing purposes. Following this, Sharma fled away with 16000 cash, a mobile phone, and the ATM card, said Taksande. The sharp object and the mobile phone were recovered from his possession, said police. N SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON NAVI MUMBAI: The Navi Mumbai Municipal Corporation on Wednesday took cognisance of an illegal Marathi banner with a NMMC logo using intemperate language and threatening violence against those dumping waste within the premises of a temple in Sector 15 of Koparkhairane. The civic body formally lodged an FIR against unidentified persons for the mischief. Navi Mumbai, India - June 14, 2023:NMMC file a police complaint against inappropriate use of it's emblem and sign in a illegal hoarding at Sector -15 to 18 Koperkhairne in Navi Mumbai, India, on Wednesday, June 14, 2023. (Photo by Bachchan Kumar/ HT PHOTO) (HT PHOTO) Morning walkers and devotees to the temple were taken back to see a hoarding with the name of NMMC as well as its emblem warning of public humiliation of violators found dumping garbage. The banner was also threatening to shoot the offenders. Sanitary officers had received pictures of the banner which was intentionally made to look as though NMMC has put when that was not the case. Someone seemed to have intentionally copied the look of NMMC posters and placed it at the spot wherein there is the issue of callous dumping of waste, said an official from the sanitary department. Officials scrambled to the location and got the disturbing banner removed. Both the ward officer and sanitary officer in-charge for Koparkhairane then proceeded to lodge a formal complaint about the incident with the police. It was necessary to raise the matter with the police because this amounts to be fabrication and bringing disrepute to the corporation. The language used in the poster was also improper with the intent of creating fear and humiliation, said the official. The issue relates to the dumping of garbage around the temple premise. This is not the first time that such a banner was put up, earlier too similar threatening banner was placed but it didnt have any resemblance to NMMCs hoarding. This time however lot of effort seem to have gone in getting the exact look of a NMMC placed banner. The boundary wall to the temple has become a spot for residents to dump their household waste which makes the temple premises look very dirty and this seems to have offended the devotees, said a resident Sachin Bosale from the area. Koparkhairne senior police inspector Ajay Bhosale has said of investigating the matter. The intention appears to be forewarn from dumping garbage however the manner of language used and the misuse of NMMC sign is certainly not acceptable and therefore it will be investigated as an FIR has been lodged, he said. MUMBAI: The Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) has spent 720 crore in six months on the cosmetic makeover of the citys visage. Of the kitty, 275crore has been spent on illuminating an already lit city. A separate purse of 51.17 crore was set aside to illuminate skywalks, many of which are not used by citizens. PREMIUM Mumbai, India - June 05, 2023: Trees illuminated with colourful lightings as part of the BMC's beautification project, at Andheri, in Mumbai, India, on Monday, June 05, 2023. (Photo by Vijay Bate/HT Photo) (HT PHOTO) Additionally, 50 crore has been budgeted each month to pay the power bills incurred in the process. The business of beauty, backed by a mammoth kitty, only manages to shine the light on a range of civic issues that still remain unattended inadequate number of public toilets, poor roads, lack of open spaces and clean drainage system. It is almost akin to serving fast food to an indisposed person in dire need of nutrition. With a single-minded focus on BMC election, taking a leaf out of Singapore and Dubai, chief minister Eknath Shinde flagged off the ambitious Mumbai Beautification Project in September last year, and allocated 1,700 crore to shine up the city. To put this in context, it took 1,436 crore to build the Eastern Freeway, a 16.8 kilometre-long piece of thoroughfare. The CMs fervour led Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS) leader Raj Thackeray to remark recently that the city looks like a dance bar. The money was given in two phases and each of the citys 24 wards was sanctioned 20 crore to be used up till December 31, 2022. There was a promise of an additional 10 crore for each ward to be utilised until March 31, 2023. Apart from illumination, other spends went into beautifying traffic islands, central medians and dividers, footpaths and areas surrounding the citys forts. The CMs sudden announcement with tight deadlines put the 24 assistant commissioners under pressure to spend the 30 crore fund. Work orders were issued speedily, which was subsequently critiqued for poor planning, ad-hocism and wasteful expenditure. Working beyond their brief, some ward officers went to the extent of undoing fully functional infrastructure well paved footpaths were ripped off, and traffic islands, central medians and dividers refurbished, resulting in crores being ill-spent. Mood is (barely) lit Interestingly, certain purchase orders to illuminate skywalks at 51.17crore have not come from the wards but from the mechanical and engineering (M&E) department of the BMC. A civic official speaking on condition of anonymity pointed out the anomaly in the tenders issued by the department, who undertook the project to illuminate skywalks. Pointing to an all-lit skywalk connecting Gokhale Bridge, near Andheri East station, he said, The bridge is demolished. So why light up that space? Also, the degree of illumination has to be calibrated to ensure that it does not affect motorists line of vision. There is just no thought or planning. Everyone is simply following orders. Another civic official added that fairy lights will stop functioning as they are China lights. BMC commissioner, I S Chahal, was quick to respond to the criticism, as he said, Illumination of skywalks accounts for just 10 per cent of the budget. The rest was utilised for painting and other allied works. Chahal, who has been fielding a volley of criticism from citizens some calling him a tree killer said, Lights are like low hanging fruits and highly visible. The earlier shabby LED lights have been replaced. With Dubai lights we managed to light up 15,000 trees for 15 crore. They dont require nails to wrap around the trunks. The commissioner likened the lights to blinking stars on a clear night that consume less electricity. The lights on the trees have been sourced from the same company as companies in Dubai and Singapore. No one criticises those cities, but I am pulled up for killing trees, said Chahal. He referenced the Japanese ambassador recently remarking that the city was unrecognisable. Amitabh Kant, G-20 sherpa of India, said that he couldnt imagine the city changing in 10 days, he added. However, what lies underneath the gloss stays shrouded. Calling out BMCs lack of planning, RTI activist Santosh Daundkar said, The amount spent on illumination could have been put to better use. The government was in a hurry to woo voters. A CAG level inquiry is needed in this matter. Another activist, Kamlakar Shenoy, pointed to the structures set up in traffic islands, which denies a safe space to pedestrians who sometimes need to halt while crossing roads. Shenoy pointed out that the law mandates an NOC be obtained from traffic police, local police, the traffic and road planning departments of BMC and the commissioner of cultural affairs, according to a 2019 circular before such changes are sanctioned. In south Mumbai, these islands have statues obstructing the vision of pedestrians and motorists. This beautification is a sham to loot public money. The reconstruction work is adding to dust pollution, said Shenoy. The civic body faced criticism in January this year for re-doing perfectly paved footpaths, which are still under a defect liability period. For instance, the beautification of footpath at Dr B A Road from Dadasaheb Phalke Marg to Jagannath Bhatankar Marg in Parel cost 4.43crore, of which 8.13 lakh was spent to remove existing paver blocks in good condition. Chahal put down the urgency to replace to faulty interlocking of paver blocks, which were a hazard for pedestrians. I admit there may have been issues in some cases but I had instructed ward officers to upgrade the paths where footfall was high, Chahal said. To light up the streets of Linking Road and Carter Road, in Bandra, 2.20crore and 1.19crore were spent respectively, which the suburbs former corporator Asif Zakaria called a colossal waste. They put up fancy lights and removed the existing central median which were mostly in good condition and replaced them with new plants. Only bad sections should have been beautified. They lit up Almeida Park and made it resemble a wedding hall. I complained and had the lights removed. Now, they have transferred those to St Andrews Road. Residents complained on World Environment Day that BMC was putting up lights on trees, which was not helping the environment at all. Moreover, this escalates the power consumption in the city, said Zakaria, adding that ward officers were enjoying a free for all, in the absence of elected corporators. Genuine civic work has been put on hold for brainless beautification. Former Congress corporator who was leader of opposition in the civic body, Ravi Raja said that the money spent on beautification is a broad daylight loot of the corporation ex-chequer done by the commissioner. When the time will come we will ask questions. There are many other issues where money can be spent there are no medicines in the hospitals, the state of schools is poor, and parks and playgrounds are in a shambles. It takes no more than 4 or 5 lakh to illuminate a bridge. How do they account for 2.09 crore spent for the Nanalal Mehta bridge in Matunga or 1.15crore spent on illuminating Sion bridge? This beautification is an eyewash, said Raja. More than lights Everyone is only seeing lights on trees. Nobody goes to the slums to know what happens there. We have planned 15,000 toilet seats at an additional cost of 425crore, at the request of the chief minister, who monitors the work in progress routinely, said Chahal. He added that it was for the first time that BMC had brought in a new policy where for every 15-20 slum houses removed to make space for a toilet, the displaced would be compensated. There was no such policy to give cash compensation of 40 lakh for residential tenements, said Chahal, assuring that by Monday, orders for 15,000 toilet seats will be issued. This is going to be much higher than the cost of lighting, he said. Chahal added that as part of the beautification project, the civic body had undertaken blacktopping and resurfacing of bitumen roads. We did 112kms of resurfacing on 464 stretches and instead of filling potholes we put an entire new surface on that. That has cost us 140crore, which was a part of the beautification project. Blacktopping is almost 50 per cent of the lighting cost, Chahal said. Besides the abovementioned works, the BMC has painted 200 flyovers and has envisaged 1000 more projects in future. Another 20crore will be used for upgradation of Gateway of India by next year. The beautification budget will go upto 1500 crore in the next six to eight months and then lighting will just be 20per cent of the total cost incurred, Chahal reasoned. A teenager drowned in a well at a British-era pump house in Thakurli, Dombivli, where he along with two of his friends had gone to shoot a reel for his social media account, police said. Kalyan, India - June 14, 2023: Body of an 18-year-old young man was found after a 32-hour search operation. The man who was making reels for social media fell into the deep well of a pump house in Thakurli area of Dombivli, in Kalyan, India, on Wednesday, June 14, 2023. (Photo by Pramod Tambe/HT Photo) (HT PHOTO) Also read: 4-year-old boy drowns in swimming pool at Vasai resort Though the incident occurred on Sunday, the body of Bilal Sohail Shaikh,18, was fished out 32 hours later, on Monday evening. A police officer said the two friends who saw Bilal falling into the well rushed to a security guard for help. The guard then informed Vishnu Nagar police station and a search was immediately initiated. Pandinath Bhalerao, senior police inspector at Vishnu Nagar police station, said they suspected that the three friends, who were from Chandnagar in Mumbra, were drunk. His friends claimed that he accidentally fell into the well while shooting a reel, but we will investigate to understand the sequence of events leading to his death. The pump house was constructed by the British and not many people visit this place. There is a security guard deployed there, Bhalerao said. A fire officer from Dombivli said, Our team kept on searching for more than a day and his body was found on Monday evening, 32 hours after the incident. The demise of Bilal has shaken the residents of Chandnagar who recalled him as a reel star. Also read: Three minors working in Govandi factory rescued, owner arrested He told us that he was going to Thakurli with his friends. We thought he would return home by night. Later, when his friends told us about the incident, we were shocked. I have no idea how to express the pain his family is going through. We need time to digest the fact that he is no more, Khalid Bhai, Bilals uncle, said. The police have registered a case of accidental death. A Biju Janata Dal (BJD) leader of Odishas Dhenkanal district suffered injuries on his thigh and hand after unidentified miscreants allegedly opened fire at his car Wednesday night, police said. Police, however, said the motive behind the attack on Kanhu Charan Sahu is yet to be ascertained. (HT photo) Police officials in Dhenkanal said Kanhu Charan Sahu, former vice-president of Youth BJD in Dhenkanal district was returning home in his car when three bike borne miscreants intercepted his car and fired few shots at him after breaking the glass windowpane of the vehicle. Sahu sustained grievous injuries on his hand and thigh. Also Read: Miscreants carjack SUV at gunpoint in Ludhiana He was immediately rushed to Kamakhanagar hospital, but later shifted to a hospital in Cuttack after his condition deteriorated. Police, however, said the motive behind the attack on Sahu is yet to be ascertained. An investigation has been launched into the incident on the basis of CCTV footage. Empty cartridges of the bullets and the shards of glass were also recovered from the spot. We were in the kitchen when somebody informed us that Kanhu had been shot. We rushed out of the house and saw him badly injured. We admitted him to a nearby hospital, said Sahus aunt Kabita. SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON Chhattisgarh chief minister Bhupesh Baghel on Thursday instructed the chief secretary to launch a statewide de-addiction drive. Chhattisgarh chief minister Bhupesh Baghel (File Photo) The CM has asked top official Amitabh Jain to consult renowned individuals and organisations working against addiction in the country to prepare a detailed action plan for the campaign, particularly keeping the younger generation in mind. A press note was issued by the state government on Thursday which said the social welfare department has been asked to submit a detailed action plan in this regard within a month. The instruction comes a few months ahead of the state assembly polls. The CM has also instructed to ensure active participation of NGOs, and social, cultural and religious organisations to make the campaign successful. Also Read: In Chhattisgarh, alcohol has always been a potent election mix In the directive to the chief secretary, the CM called addiction a social evil that results in serious ailments to people also causing untimely death, an official statement said. People consume ganja, bhang, tobacco, liquor, and others for addiction and the state government has been trying to prevent it and make the society addiction-free. But until and unless people are connected with the cause, the campaign against addiction could not be successful, Baghel said. The chief minister further directed to organise awareness programmes, and seminars in higher secondary schools, colleges and universities. The Congress had promised in its manifesto for the 2018 assembly election to ban liquor in the state. However, chief minister Baghel last month categorically said that it is not feasible to impose a ban on liquor in the state. Meanwhile, the demand to ban the sale of liquor in Chhattisgarh is gaining momentum after the state witnessed deaths due to the consumption of spurious liquor. In 2018, Baghel had also formed a committee to explore the feasibility of prohibition as done in states like Gujarat and Bihar. However, ruling out prohibition in the state, Baghel recently said that a campaign against addiction was a better way out than banning its sale. SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON ABOUT THE AUTHOR Ritesh Mishra State Correspondent for Chhattisgarh. Reports Maoism, Politics, Mining and important developments from the state. Covered all sorts of extremism in Central India. Reported from Madhya Pradesh for eight years. ...view detail The Manipur government has decided to extend summer vacation holidays of all schools till June 19 in view of the prevailing law and order situation in the state. A member of the Kuki tribe during a protest against the violence in Manipur. (AP Photo) A notification has been issued in this regard, L Nandakumar Singh, director of education (schools) with the Manipur government, said on Thursday. This is issued in view of the prevailing law and order situation in the state and as per the approval of the government, he added. The state school education department had earlier extended the vacation till June 15 after the education minister Th Basanta Kumar initially announced the vacation from May 4-30. Manipur has around 1,110 schools, including 643 private, 384 government and 83 aided, according to Board of Secondary Education, Manipur (BoSEM). The BoSEM secretary informed that students who have been displaced due to the violence and are willing to seek transfer to the nearest feasible school of their choice are allowed to do so from Class IX to IX, Class IX to X, Class X to X (both BoSEM-to-BoSEM and other boards to BoSEM) at free of cost. As per state education department records which was released sometime back, 4,747 students (pre-primary to class XII) were taking shelter in relief camps across the state. Of that, the maximum number of students (2,217) are at relief camps in Bishnupur district, followed by Kangpokpi (932). The state education department has also been providing learning materials to displaced school children who are at temporary relief camps in the state. Also Read:Fresh gunfight claims 9 lives, keeps Manipur on edge Manipur has been witnessing ethnic violence since the first week of May, in which several people have lost their lives and thousands have been displaced. Nine people were gunned down while another 10 injured in Imphal East district a day ago when a group of unidentified men stormed a village and opened fire, dampening the governments continued efforts to restore peace in the state. Clashes between the majority Meitei community and the tribal Kukis has claimed 115 lives since May 3, forcing district authorities to impose curfew in most violence-hit areas. The entire Opposition in the Goa assembly, including the Congress and Aam Admi Party (AAP), on Thursday boycotted Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birlas address on India as a developed country by 2047. Addressing a special session of the Goa assembly, Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla spoke on Viksit Bharat 2047 (PTI Photo) The Congress said that they decided to protest as Birla didnt allow party leader Rahul Gandhi to reply to the charges levelled against him by Union ministers during the last budget session. On Thursday morning, Birla addressed members of the Goa Assembly on the topic Vikasit Bharat 2047. In his speech, the Speaker maintained that there are enough avenues to express dissent in a parliamentary democracy. If dissent is expressed in a dignified manner inside the House, it adds to the prestige of the nation and democracy. Leader of the Opposition Congress MLA Yuri Alemao said the entire opposition disassociate itself from the event as a mark of protest. Speaking to reporters, Alemao said, The Lok Sabha Speaker has failed to give a hearing to our leader Rahul Gandhi. So as a mark of respect to our leader, we decided to stay away from todays Assembly function. In March this year, a major controversy erupted in both Houses as Union ministers alleged Gandhi sought help from foreign countries to take on the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP)an allegation denied by the Congress and Gandhi. While ministers lashed out at Gandhi, the BJP lawmakers disrupted both Houses demanding his apology. Gandhi is now disqualified from parliament following his conviction by a Surat court in a criminal defamation case over his alleged Modi surname remark. Addressing a special session of the Goa assembly, Birla spoke on Viksit Bharat 2047: Role of Public Representatives. Birla suggested that public representatives must voice the hopes and aspirations of the people adequately in the House to ensure that their problems are addressed effectively and that proper conduct inside the House adds to the prestige of the House. The Lok Sabha Speaker, who has been accused by the Congress of not allowing Gandhi to reply to the charges, told the Goa assembly, Legislative institutions have also played an important role in this journey and they have been continuously strengthened. This is the first time Opposition MLAs boycotted Birlas event in an assembly. The parties which boycotted the event included the Congress, AAP, the Goa Forward Party (GFP) and the Revolutionary Goans Party (RGP). Prayagraj Development Authority (PDA) officials sealed the chicken shop of slain mafia-politician Atiq Ahmeds aide Guddu Muslim in Chakia locality here on Thursday. (Pic for representation) The shop was operational despite being sealed earlier. PDA has constituted a committee to enquire how the shop was reopened despite being sealed by the development authority. Guddu Muslim is one of the assailants involved in sensational murder of lawyer Umesh Pal and his two security personnel. He is on the run and is carrying a reward of 5 lakh on his arrest. In viral CCTV footages of Umesh Pals murder, Guddu Muslim was seen hurling crude bombs at the incident spot. One of his crude bombs claimed the life of one of the police constables who was on security duty with Umesh Pal. A week after the incident, PDA officials sealed Guddu Muslims chicken shop at Chak Niratul in Chakia area. However, three days back Guddus kin removed the seal and painted the shop. They reopened the shop and started selling chicken. PDA officials sprang into action after receiving information and sealed the shop again on Thursday. PDA officials said a committee has also been constituted to enquire that on whose behest the sealed shop was opened illegally by Guddu Muslims kin. PRAYAGRAJ Investigations into the Umesh Pal murder case have revealed that a restaurant owner and a property dealer were constantly helping slain mafia-politician Atiq Ahmeds kin and assailants. The cash provided by them was allegedly used by Atiq for contesting cases in court. Lawyer Umesh Pal and his two gunners were killed by a group of assailants earlier this year. (Screen grab) Police may soon question the two businessmen. Their names are likely to be included in the case related to Umesh Pals murder, if evidence is found against them. One of them have been questioned by police earlier as well while ED raided the house of the other around two months back. Police investigation indicates that the property dealer under the scanner was a trusted aide of Atiq Ahmed. He used to provide funds to his family when Atiq was in jail, according to cops. Besides, he would even send cash to ensure that facilities are provided to Atiqs incarcerated sons Umar and Ali. Notably, Atiq Ahmed, on his part, purchased benami properties in the name of his trusted property dealer and his relatives in many cities. Even after Umesh Pals murder when Atiqs kin were on the run, the property dealer was allegedly providing financial help to them. He was even helping them with cash to contest their cases in court. Meanwhile, the restaurant owner is a suspect in the Umesh Pal murder since the beginning and has been questioned by police. Recent findings by police suggest that he was also helping Atiqs kin. He was one of the trusted aided of Atiq. In fact, Atiq made investments in his business. He made big transactions from his bank accounts after the murder of Umesh Pal. However, officials are still tight-lipped over their role in the case. A senior police official said that the case is still under investigation and further action will be based on facts and evidence. SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON LUCKNOW Six members of a family, including five minor children -- all aged between 1 and 10 years, were burnt alive after a massive fire engulfed their entire house in the Kushinagar district in the wee hours of Thursday. The fire led to an explosion in an LPG cylinder placed inside and engulfed the entire hut. (HT Photo) The incident took place in Urdaha village under Ramkola police station limits. This is the second such incident in the same police station limits of Kushinagar district in the last 45 days. Sharing further details, Gorakhpur range Inspector General (IG) of Police, J Ravinder Goud, said that the victims have been identified as -- Sangeeta Devi (35) and her five kids, including three sons Ankit (10), Laxmina (9), and Munna (1), and two daughters Reeta (3) and Geeta (2). He said the initial examination suggests that the fire broke out due to a short-circuit when the woman and her kids were sleeping inside their hut around 12.30 am on Thursday. He said that the fire led to an explosion in an LPG cylinder placed inside and engulfed the entire hut. The family never got a chance to escape from the hut. The senior cop further said that all six victims were charred to death even as villagers tried to rescue them by throwing water with buckets on the hut. Sangeetas husband Naomi Khatik and his parents were sleeping outside the hut when the fire broke out and therefore, they remained unhurt in the incident, added the IG. Earlier on May 10, a similar fire had broken out in the Maghi Mathi village under Ramkola police station limits while a woman was cooking food in the afternoon. The victims included a woman identified as Fatima (30), and her four minor girls -- Rukaiya (6), Amna (4), Ayesha (2), Khadija (2 months), and their grandparents Moti Rani (66), and Shafeeq (72). The only two persons in the family to survive the inferno were one of the five minor sisters Kulsum (8) and her father Shohrat, an auto driver, who was out of the house for work. SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON LUCKNOW Yoga is pivotal for good health and it should become an everyday habit for all of us, said Dayashankar Mishra, Ayush minister, while addressing the inaugural session of Yoga Saptah (Yoga Week) at a function on Thursday at the citys Indira Gandhi Pratisthan. The Yoga Week has been organised in the run-up to International Yoga Day falling on June 21. (Representational photo) The Yoga Week has been organised in the run-up to International Yoga Day falling on June 21. Those who practice Yoga every day do not fall prey to illness and feel better physically and mentally, the minister added. Group yoga practice will be conducted in all 58,000-gram panchayats, 762 urban bodies, and district headquarters. Also, various competitions will be held in schools and colleges to mark International Yoga Day. Amrit Sarovars, sites of historical and cultural significance, will also be used for yoga practice. Notably, the theme for the ninth International Yoga Day is Har Ghar-Aangan Yoga. Forest minister Arun K Saxena, in his address, said medicines being prescribed by Ayurved, homeopathy, and unani practitioners are effective for all illnesses. Take advise from a doctor and follow the prescription for best results, said the forest minister. Yog Asanas are safe, very effective, and helpful even during pregnancy. However, it should be done strictly under guidance of an expert, said Dr Amita Shukla, senior gynaecologist at SC Trivedi Memorial Trust Hospital. Meanwhile, tourism minister Jaiveer Singh said that Yog has become a daily habit among people across 175 countries. Besides, chief secretary Durga Shankar Mishra said that the knowledge of Yoga should reach every house. Yoga connects our soul with the body, added Mishra. Bihar chief minister Nitish Kumar has had a narrow escape from an accident during his morning walk near his official residence in state capital Patna on Thursday when two boys, speeding on a motorcycle, broke through his security cordon and were about to crash into him when he quickly jumped on to the footbath and saved himself, a police officer familiar with the matter said. Bihar chief minister Nitish Kumar. (HT Photo) According to police, the two boys were detained and later arrested after a preliminary probe revealed that they were fleeing after snatching a gold chain from a woman. Patna senior superintendent of police (SSP) Rajeev Mishra said the incident took place near Circular Road around 6.40 am, when the chief minister was out for his daily morning walk. The bike was speeding, in a zigzag way. When apprehensive CMs security personnel asked them to stop, they tried to flee. In doing so, they came very close to Kumar before losing control of the bike, which fell on the ground. By then, the CM had reflexively jumped onto the footpath, averting a major incident, said a police officer who didnt want to be named. SSP Mishra said the police immediately the two boys and into the bike into custody. Of the two, one has been identified as Himanshu, who was earlier jailed in an excise case. The other is a minor. Both live in Masaurhi area. Police have seized their cellphones and are examining their call details and scanning CCTV footages of the incident, he said. Mishra said that during interrogation, it came to light that both the bikers were escaping after snatching a gold chain from a woman in Boring Road area around 5.47am. There were three persons involved in the incident, but the third person got down from the bike on the way. The police have identified him and raids are being conducted to nab him, the SSP said. During questioning, both the boys confessed to their involvement in the snatching incident. They said they had got scared when police asked them to stop the bike and lost control, the officer said. Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) national president J P Nadda and senior leader and union home minister Amit Shah will address public meetings in Bihar on June 24 and 29, respectively, state BJP president Samrat Choudhary said on Thursday. Union home minister Amit Shah. (PTI) Nadda will be holding a public rally at Jhanjharpur on June 24 while Shah will address a public meeting in Munger on June 29, Choudhary said. Munger is represented in the Lok Sabha by JD(U)s national president Rajiv Ranjan alias Lalan Singh. Ramprit Mandal of JD(U) represents Jhanjharpur in the Lok Sabha. The rallies by two top BJP leaders have been scheduled close on the heels of a crucial meeting of key political figures from across the country due on June 23 in Patna, where they are expected to deliberate on forging a coalition against the BJP for the 2014 Lok Sabha polls. BJP and JD(U) had fought the 2019 Lok Sabha polls in alliance, winning 17 and 16 seats in Bihar, respectively. A BJP leader said more such rallies would be held in all the 16 Lok Sabha seats represented by JD(U), the party chief minister Nitish Kumar belongs to. Choudhary said a visit by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, however, could not materialise. This would be Shahs fifth visit to Bihar since August last year when his party was ousted from power in the state after Nitish Kumar snapped ties with BJP. On Wednesday late evening, senior leaders of Bihar BJP had met at union minister Giriraj Singhs residence in New Delhi. Chaudhary said the meeting discussed preparations for the Lok Sabha elections. SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON Bihar Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) president Samrat Choudhary on Thursday hit out at chief minister Nitish Kumar over his statement in which Kumar said he is speculating about an early Lok Sabha elections. Bihar Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) president Samrat Choudhary (Twitter Photo) Choudhary asked Kumar if he spoke to Prime Minister Narendra Modi regarding this, which made him so sure. Only the PM can take such a decision, as it will require a cabinet decision for dissolving the Lok Sabha. Did he have any talk with the PM on this, or is it the growing pressure from RJD [Rashtriya Janata Dal] that is making him speculate? Choudhary asked Kumar. Kumar on Wednesday while speaking during the review of the rural works department said that there was a possibility of early Lok Sabha elections and so the ongoing projects needed to be completed before next year. Also Read: Lok Sabha elections may be preponed, says Nitish Kumar ahead of Oppn unity meet I was told during the departments review meeting that all projects would be completed by January 2024. I will request you all to complete all projects as soon as possible. Nobody knows when the Lok Sabha polls will be held. It is also possible that it may be held before time, Kumar had said. The Janata Dal-United (JD-U) was quick to respond to Choudhary saying, Few more states are set to go to polls later this year and the prospects of the BJP look bleak in all of them. To avoid more setbacks ahead of 2024, a panicky BJP can think of early elections. It cannot be ruled out. JD-U spokesperson Neeraj Kumar said the fear of the BJP was also over the growing prospect of a united Opposition, which will get reflected on June 23 during the meeting of all non-BJP parties in Patna. He added, The BJP has planned visits of its senior leaders like party president JP Nadda and home minister Amit Shah soon after Oppsitions unity meet. This shows the restlessness of the BJP, and there will be no surprise if goes for early polls. Responding to this, Choudhary, said that the visit of senior BJP leaders was planned as part of the ongoing mass contact programme and the JD-U should not get unnecessarily jittery due to its own pitiable situation under the RJD, which wants implementation of the pre-alliance deal before too late. Also Read: 2 bikers enter Bihar CM Nitish Kumars convoy during morning walk, detained Nitish Kumar is clearly under pressure and therefore he tries to throw new narratives to prolong his stay in the chair. BJP is hardly bothered about the Opposition meet, which will be nothing more than a photo opportunity for Nitish, he added. Former director of AN Sinha Institute of Social Studies and social analyst DM Diwakar said that in the last year of the government, a lot of factors go into deciding the dates. Nobody can say what is there in the mind of the BJP or the PM. But there is always room for speculation. After all, an early election is not an unheard-of thing in Indian democracy, he added. SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON In a major security breach, two bike-borne men were detained by the Patna police on Thursday after they entered into Bihar chief minister Nitish Kumars convoy during his morning walk at Anne Marg. The chief ministers security took the bikers into their custody and are interrogating them. (Nitish Kumar | Twitter) The chief minister himself jumped onto the footpath trying to save himself from any harm when two youths rashly driving their motorcycle entered into his security cover while he was taking a morning walk near Circular Road, the area where several politicians including former CM Rabri Devi live, a police officer aware of the developments said. Also Read: Man runs to PMs convoy in Ktaka, cops deny security breach. Watch The chief ministers security took the bikers into their custody and are interrogating them. The CCTV footage of the area is being scanned and further investigations are underway. The Pimpri-Chinchwad police have booked a 31-year-old woman for the alleged murder of her eight-month-old son and attempt to suicide by death in Chikhali area of Pimpri-Chinchwad city on Tuesday, police officials said on Friday. A case has been registered at Chikhali police station as per the complaint filed by Avinash under Sections 302 of the Indian Penal Code (IPC). (REPRESENTATIVE PHOTO) According to preliminary reports, the woman, identified as Anusha Avinash Jadhav, allegedly took the extreme step on Tuesday evening at her home. The woman reportedly strangulated her toddlers throat causing death by choking. According to the police, the accuseds mother-in-law alerted her son Avinash Jadhav, a Tata Telco employee, after finding the lifeless body of her grandson. The Pimpri-Chinchwad police rushed to their residence in Chikhali to find the childs body and his mother in a pool of blood at the bathroom as she had cut her veins. The police rushed the accused to hospital for medical attention. Dnyaneshwar Kaktar, senior inspector, Chikhali police station said, As per the statements of relatives, the accused was worried about her sons stunted growth. She is admitted to the ICU unit of a hospital. A case has been registered at Chikhali police station as per the complaint filed by Avinash under Sections 302 of the Indian Penal Code (IPC). Help is a call away Pune-based NGO - Connecting - works towards providing support to those in emotional distress using the philosophy of mindfulness-based active listening, thereby preventing suicide. Helpline numbers: 1800-209-4353 (toll-free) and 9922001122 all days, 12 pm to 8 pm. Walk-in facility: 12 pm to 5 pm, Monday Saturday. Email: connectingngo@gmail.com SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON Wanowrie police on Wednesday apprehended an externed criminal for allegedly making a threatening phone call to the brother of Prashant Jagtap, city president, Nationalist Congress Party (NCP). The accused has been identified as Shridhar alis Sonya Vithal Shelar, 35, a resident of Shantinagar in Wanowrie. (REPRESENTATIVE PHOTO) The accused has been identified as Shridhar alis Sonya Vithal Shelar, 35, a resident of Shantinagar in Wanowrie. According to police, on June 13 the accused was consuming alcohol in the locality. So, Prashant Jagtaps brother Rahul Jagtap approached him and asked him to leave the area. Holding a grudge, the accused made a phone call to Rahul and threatened to kill him. On June 14 during patrolling, police got a tip-off that the accused was present in the Shinde Chhatri area. When police approached him, he was found in an inebriated state and was carrying weapons. Bhausaheb Pathare, senior police inspector, said, As per the externed order dated 9/7/2021 the accused was extended from Pune, Pimpri Chinchwad city and from Pune district for two years. Even after that he was spotted in the city without having any permission and was also carrying weapons. Four cases are registered against the accused at various police stations, said police. A case has been registered at Wanowrie police station under 142 of the Maharashtra Police Act and section 4(25) of the Arms Act. SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON Ranchi: A alleged con man accused of fleecing lakhs of rupees from over two dozen people across Jharkhand and Bihar was arrested in Khunti district on Wednesday, police said. The accused was arrested from Jharkhands Khunti district on Wednesday. (Picture for representation) According to police, the accused, identified as Atal Bihari alias Bihari Mandal (45), a resident of Godda district, operated by the name of Deepak Kumar, who posed as a junior engineer of the public health engineering department (PHED) to fleece people across different districts in Jharkhand and Bihar in the guise of awarding a contract to get hand pumps or water towers installed at different offices. He used his fake identity to impress upon government officials, bankers, doctors to get connected with local contractors, money bags and fleeced them, police said. A case was registered with Sayko police station in Khunti district on June 6, 2023, on the complaint of a former gram pradhan, identifiied as Dasaya Munda, under Section 408, 419, and 420 of the IPC against the accused alleging that Mandal decamped with 1,32,000 he took from the victim at the camp office of Khunti deputy commissioner, police said. Khunti superintendent of police (SP) Aman Kumar said during the investigation it came to light that Mandal committed similar crimes across several districts in Bihar and Jharkhand and conned different persons to the tune of around 25 lakh since November 2022. He had deposited around 15 lakh in the bank account of his wife who is a panchayat samiti member in Godda district. Part of that money has been spent. We have freezed the account which still has around 7.5 lakh. We are further investigating the case. While it seems, he was working as a lone wolf, his wife is likely to be booked as well because she was receiving the money in her account and was using it as well, the SP said. Regarding his modus operandi, Kumar said besides Khunti, Mandal fleeced people by taking them to the camp offices of deputy commissioners in Chaibasa, Jamshedpur, and Kaimur in Bihar, besides offices of banks, administrative blocks, police line, police station, railway station, agriculture department, and government hospitals. He is tenth pass but has a sharp mind. He has been in the business of taking small contracts from different government departments so he had a fair idea of the trade. He would befriend the government staff at various offices using his fake identity and inform them about some government scheme to install handpumps or construct water towers at their office. He would urge them to get him in touch with a local contractor or anyone having money and looking for an opportunity to get a contract, said Kumar. The accused would further engage with these unsuspecting victims who would believe him as he met them through government officials. Finally, he would take some money in advance from these men against awarding the contract and would never return, the SP said. In the case filed in Khunti, the accused took 1,32,000 from the victim in lieu of getting him pipes for the hand pump. He displayed a bunch of keys saying that it was of the store where the pipes were stored on the campus. The victim waited for around half an hour before he started looking for him. He returned to the DC camp office for another two days looking for the accused and later lodged a case after realising that he had been conned, Kumar added. The police said the SIT had to make trips to different districts, searched around 70 hotels, and scanned CCTV cameras at around 150 locations besides technical surveillance to identify the accused and arrest him. It was a blind case. He would make sure he does not leave any trail behind. He would always use different numbers and would always wear a helmet while travelling on his bike and would seldom take it off. The only thing we could manage was a sketch prepared of the accused as per the description provided by the Khunti victim. Then with the help of technical surveillance, we tried to track his location. We also monitored hundreds of bikes. We scanned around 150 CCTV cameras, around 60-70 hotels, mostly in Ranchi. We finally managed to arrest him while he was crossing through the district, said Kumar. As per confession of the accused, he has committed similar crimes in Kaimur, Bhabhua, Supaul, Darbhanga, Madhubani, Sherghati in Gaya district, Bihta in Patna besides Jamshedpur, Chaibasa, Khunti, and Saraikela in Jharkhand. Kaimur and Jamsdhpur police have already questioned the accused in connection with cases registered against him, officials said. 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 A city court here has rejected arrested Tamil Nadu Minister V Senthil Balaji's plea for rejection of remand. The alleged cash-for-jobs scam, in which Tamil Nadu minister V Senthil Balaji was arrested by the ED, came to light in 2015 when Balaji was dropped from the Jayalalithaas cabinet. (HT_PRINT) The court dismissed the petition as infructuous since Balaji, arrested by the Enforcement Directorate (ED), had already been sent to judicial custody earlier. Balaji, TN Electricity and Prohibition and Excise minister, was arrested on Wednesday by the ED under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA) in a cash for jobs scam against him when he was the Transport minister in the earlier AIADMK cabinet led by the late J Jayalalithaa. V Senthil Balaji broke down while being taken into custody by the ED officials for questioning in the early hours of Wednesday. Minister Balaji underwent a coronary angiogram on Wednesday at the Omandurar government hospital in Chennai, informed the hospital officials. Balaji was hospitalised after he complained of chest pain during questioning by the Enforcement Directorate (ED). Opposition leaders have criticized the ED's highhandedness for questioning Balaji for long hours and then taking him into custody after searching his premises on Tuesday. Board of Secondary Education, Manipur has declared Manipur HSLC Result 2023 on June 15, 2023. Candidates who have appeared for Manipur Class 10 board examination can check the results on the official site of Manipur Result website at manresults.nic.in. Manipur HSLC Result 2023: BSEM 10th results declared, direct link here This year Class 10 board examination was started on March 16 and ended on April 3, 2023. A total of 38,127 students including 8130 students of Government schools, 1520 students of aided schools and 28,477 students of private schools appeared in the examination. Manipur HSLC Result 2023: How to check To check the results, candidates can follow the steps given below. Visit the official site of Manipur Result website at manresults.nic.in. Click on Manipur HSLC Result 2023 link available on the home page. A new page will open where candidates will have to enter the required details. Click on submit and your result will be displayed. Check the results and download the page. Keep a hard copy of the same for further need. In 2022, the Manipur 10th result was announced on July 8. The overall pass percentage was 76 percent. Rahul Laishram of Catholic school, Canchipur had secured the first position in the Manipur HSLC examination with 586 out of 600 marks. Actor-politician ASunny Deol's son Karan Deol was seen arriving for his mehendi ceremony on Thursday evening. He had Drisha, the name of his fiance, written on his palm with mehendi. The actor is set to marry his long-time girlfriend on June 18 in Mumbai. (Also read: Abhay Deol shares unseen pics with Sunny, Bobby from Karan Deol's pre-wedding celebrations) Karan Deol was seen arriving for his mehendi ceremony at the Deol residence on Thursday. Karan was seen in a golden yellow kurta On Thursday, several guests were seen arriving for the mehendi ceremony. Karan looked resplendent in a golden yellow kurta as he arrived in his car wearing yellow shades. He flashed a smile at the paparazzi located just outside the Deol residence and even waved at them. He got out of the car and made his way inside. In the pictures, one could notice Drisha's name written on Karan's palms as he waved at the paparazzi. Meanwhile, Sunny's palms also had a unique mehendi design, a combination of different religious symbols. Karan Deol was seen in a golden yellow kurta for the occasion. Karan Deol arriving for his mehendi ceremony. Several videos of the guests entering the residence clicked by the paparazzi also made their way to Instagram. Sunny Deol was spotted having a conversation with close family members in one clip. Even sweets were distributed to the media photographers present during the day. Near the main entrance of the Deol residence, dhol players were stationed. Karan to have a day wedding? Earlier it was revealed that Karan and Drisha were going to an intimate day wedding, which would be followed by a reception party on the same night. All the functions will be held at Taj Lands End, but the haldi ceremony took place at their house only. Thats because they wanted some functions at home for that wedding vibe. Everyone was waiting for this day, and now that it has come they are busy making sure the arrangements are done well so that they can enjoy it, revealed an insider close to the family. A source close to the family also confirmed to Hindustan Times that Dharmendra will come to attend the wedding. It said, "Dharmendra Ji will not miss his grandsons wedding. There is a wedding in the whole Deol clan after a very long time, and the whole family is very excited about it. He will be coming to the wedding to bless the couple. It is not clear whether he will stay back for the party considering the age factor." Drisha is the great-granddaughter of acclaimed filmmaker Bimal Roy. Based in Dubai, she works as a manager at a travel agency. Meanwhile, Karan made his Bollywood debut with Pal Pal Dil Ke Paas and will be next seen in Apne 2. SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON In a new interview, Manoj Bajpayee was asked about the 'eerie similarities' between his introductory shot in the 2001 film Aks, and the interrogation scene between Batman and the Joker (Heath Ledger) in The Dark Knight, a film that was released in 2008. The actor said that he and his friends always discuss how they 'were the first ones to come up with a character similar to the Joker'. Also read: Manoj Bajpayee reacts to reports about his net worth being 170 crore Manoj Bajpayee in a still from Aks (left), Heath Ledger in The Dark Knight. Manoj's Aks scene with Amitabh Bachchan Manoj was recently asked about his film Aks, which also featured Amitabh Bachchan. Manoj played a killer, Raghavan, in the film. In a new interview, the actor discussed his introductory shot, a scene, where he is being interrogated by Amitabh Bachchans righteous cop. In the scene, Manoj speaks about society and rules, and how without it, everybody would become evil. In an interview with Cinema Express, Manoj was told his Aks scene was 'eerily similar' to the interrogation scene in The Dark Knight. In response, the actor said, "I am so happy you mentioned this. My friends and I always discuss how we were the first ones to come up with a character similar to The Joker. If we had said this, people might have called us pompous." On his Aks role Further speaking about his role in Aks, Manoj said in the same interview, "It took me six to seven months to craft the character of Raghavan. I had the task of embodying absolute evil. The dialogues given to me were in English, so I improvised with the Hindi dialogues. I approached the character with flamboyance. I remember I was in Atlanta in the US when I was preparing for the character. I was sitting in a bar, and I saw these alcohol bottles that seemed so alluring from the outside, though they contained something that is toxic. I got it then. Evil needed to be attractive." Manoj's recent projects The actor was last seen in the recently-released courtroom-drama Sirf Ek Bandaa Kaafi Hai. Before that Manoj was seen in Sirf Ek Bandaa Kaafi Hai. Prior to which, the actor appeared alongside veteran actor Sharmila Tagore in Gulmohar, which came out in March this year. Manoj's upcoming projects include films such as Soup, Dispatch and Joram. SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON Actor Manoj Bajpayee has said that he will never join politics. In a new interview, Manoj said the question of him joining politics does not arise at all as he recalled a 2022 meeting with politicians Lalu Prasad and Tejashwi Yadav. Also read: Manoj Bajpayee talks about marriage with Shabana, says 'shes a proud Muslim and Im a proud Hindu, but there's no clash' Manoj Bajpayee was recently seen in Sirf Ek Bandaa Kaafi Hai, in which he played a lawyer. (File Photo: AFP) Manoj, who hails from Belwa village in West Champaran district, was in Patna for the promotion of his recently released film Sirf Ek Bandaa Kaafi Hai, in which he plays the role of a lawyer who takes on a powerful self-styled godman. Manoj won't join politics Speaking to PTI, Manoj Bajpayee said, "When I visited Bihar last time, I met RJD chief Lalu Prasad and his son and deputy chief minister Tejashwi Yadav. Since then, people started speculating that I will join politics. I am 200 percent sure I won't do that. Question of joining politics does not arise at all," he said. During his previous visit to Bihar in September last year, Manoj had met Lalu Prasad at his 10, Circular Road residence. Manoj Bajpayee, who has three National Awards and four Filmfare awards under his belt, further said, "I am actor and will remain an actor only... How does the question of joining politics arise?" On Bihar's new film policy Asked about the Bihar's government plan to come out with a new film policy, Manoj said, "The state government should immediately introduce the new film policy, which will provide proper exposure to artistes of the state. It will also benefit filmmakers, who want to shoot in Bihar." Manoj also said that there is enormous potential of filmmaking in Bihar. "The glorious past of the state in the field of arts and culture and natural cinematic treasures are enough to attract directors," he added. Manoj's projects The actor was last seen in the recently-released courtroom-drama Sirf Ek Bandaa Kaafi Hai. Before that Manoj was seen in Sirf Ek Bandaa Kaafi Hai. Prior to which, the actor appeared alongside veteran actor Sharmila Tagore in Gulmohar, which came out in March this year. Manoj's upcoming projects include films such as Soup, Dispatch and Joram. SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON Actor Samantha Ruth Prabhu on Thursday marked one year of her diagnosis with the autoimmune condition, Myositis. She took to Instagram and penned a long note talking about how she has been battling the disease for a year now. On the occasion, she visited the Church of Saint Sava in Serbia, where she is filming for her upcming web series Citadel with filmmaker duo Raj and DK. Also read: Samantha Ruth Prabhu and Varun Dhawan take over a Serbian club Samantha Ruth Prabhu shares a note on one year of her Myositis diagnosis. Samantha Ruth Prabhu on dealing with Myositis Talking about seeking medical help for her health condition to admitting to professional failures after the debacle of Shaakuntalam, Samantha said she has been praying for strength and peace. She wrote, "Its been one year since the diagnosis. A year of forced new normal. Many battles with my body no salt, sugar or grains with a cocktail of meds for main course, forced shutdowns and forced restarts. A year of seeking meaning, reflection and introspection. Of professional failures too to make things more interesting. A year of prayers and poojas not praying for blessings and gifts but praying to just find strength and peace. Samantha Ruth Prabhu on 1 year of her Myositis diagnosis. A year that has taught me that not everything goes your way all the time. And more importantly, that its ok when it doesnt. That I must control the controllables, let go off the rest, and keep moving forward one step at a time. That sometimes its not about grand successes, but that functioning forward is in itself a win. That I mustnt sit around waiting for things to be perfect again or wallowing in the past. That I must hang on to love and those I love and not give hate the power to affect me. There will be so many of you fighting far harder battles. I pray for you too. The Gods may delay, but they never deny. They never deny peace, love, joy and strength to those who seek it. The only things worth seeking, she concluded. Fans react to Samantha Soon after Samantha shared the post, several of her fans and friends rushed to the comment section and comforted her with their love. Athiya Shetty, Sophie Choudry and Raashii Khanna dropped loved-up emojis in the comment section. One fan wrote back to her, Love you, Sam! Wishing you nothing but the best in everything. Many others praised her. You deserve the world, wrote another fan. One more commented, Youve been a warrior Sam. The way you handled your diagnosis is truly inspiring. Last year, Samantha took a break from work after she was diagnosed with a rare autoimmune disease. She was filming for her Telugu film Kushi when she was diagnosed with a medical condition. Later she resumed work. SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON ABOUT THE AUTHOR HT Entertainment Desk Dedicated professionals who write about cinema and television in all their vibrancy. Expect views, reviews and news. ...view detail Tamannaah Bhatia has revealed why she decided to break her rule of no-kissing for her new film Lust Stories 2. She will be seen in the second part of the popular Netflix anthology Lust Stories. (Also read: Jee Karda review: Part-relatable, part-passable watch) Tamannaah talks about Lust Stories 2.(Instagram/@tamannaahspeaks) Tamannaah will be seen alongside beau Vijay Varma, Neena Gupta, Amruta Subhash, Angad Bedi, Kumud Mishra, Kajol, Mrunal Thakur and Tillotama Shome in Lust Stories 2. It lands online on June 29. Tamannaah's no-kissing rule Talking about her role in Lust Stories 2, Tamannaah told Film Companion, I really wanted to work with Sujoy and Im really happy that he thought of me for this part especially because I have done literally no intimacy in my career or very little intimacy in my career. I was that audience that would get awkward and I was that audience that was like main ye kabhi nahi karungi, main kabhi nahi kiss karungi on screen (I will never do this, I will never kiss onscreen).' I was that person, for me it was an evolution to get out of that framework." She added, India is vast and so many parts are yet to evolve. A lot of evolution has happened, but a lot more is left. I did not want this to sort of hold me back. It was purely for creativity. Not like I am trying to be famous after 18 years (in showbiz). Not my endeavor. Tamannaah's new films Apart from Lust Stories 2, Tamannaah is also gearing up for the release of her new web show Jee Karda on Prime Video. Directed by Arunima Sharma, Jee Karda features Suhail Nayyar, Anya Singh, Hussain Dalal, Sayan Banerjee, and Samvedna Suwalka, Simone Singh and Malhar Thakar, along with Tamannaah, in pivotal roles. She also has Rajinikanth's Jailer in the pipeline. Written and directed by Nelson Dilipkumar, the Tamil film will release in August and is produced by Sun Pictures. Jailer also features Jackie Shroff, Mohanlal, Dr Shiva Rajkumar, Ramya Krishnan, Yogi Babu, Vasanth Ravi, and Vinayakan. SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON I know that there are people right now who are ready to hire me the moment I am cleared of these charges in London. The second that happens, theyre ready to move forward," The Hollywood Reporter quoted Spacey from his interview with a local magazine. The media have done their best to turn me into a monster, but from the people, I have seen nothing but affection," Variety quoted Spacey from the interview. Spacey has already signed a movie It was this "ridiculously supportive fan base" that got him a voice role in the upcoming thriller, Control. Director Gene Fallaize defended the decision of casting Spacey, at a time when everyone is actively cancelling him, with the statement, "Nobody stops listening to Michael Jackson." Spacey added that he grabbed a voice role because he now feels he's at the beginning of his career and has to start all over again. He said that just because he was "benched for a while," he's not going to stop working. UK sexual assault trial Spacey's remarks come just a couple of days before his first appearance at Westminster Magistrates Court in London on June 16. The trial, in which three men accused him of sexual assault, commences on June 28. The charges include four counts of sexual assault against the three men. These date back to incidents in 2005, 2008 and 2013, and one of them involves causing a person to engage in penetrative sexual activity without consent. Spacey goes into the UK trial after a long one back in the US, when he was first accused of sexual assault during the MeToo movement in October 2017 by actor Anthony Rapp. While a New York jury ruled in his favour, that he didn't molest Rapp when the latter was a teenager, the other sexual assault charges were dropped against the 63-year-old actor because one of the accused died and the other backed out of testifying in court. SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON Spider-Man: Homecoming star Tom Holland has made a rare comment about being in love with his girlfriend, actor Zendaya. In a new interview, he spoke about how making a movie together got them dating each other. They have starred in three Spider-Man movie together. (Also read: Zendaya and Tom Holland arrive together in Mumbai) Tom Holland and Zendaya have been dating for a few years. Rumours of their relationship surfaced back in 2019 but both denied dating each other. However, they were spotted kissing in his car by the paparazzi in 2021 which confirmed the rumours. They then started posting adorable posts about each other on Instagram, sealing the deal. What Tom said about Zendaya Now, in a new interview with Buzzfeed, Tom was asked about his rizz. It's the internet's latest favourite word that means the charisma that a person has when it comes to flirting. Tom denied he had any rizz. He said, "I need you to fall in love with me, really, for it to work. So, long game. Probably making a movie with each other it definitely helps when the characters are falling in love with one another, you can sort of blur the lines a little bit." Tom Holland and Zendaya on the sets of Spider-Man: Far from Home. "That's kind of where my rizz is at. And, you know, I'm locked up. I'm happy and in love so I've got no need for rizz," he said. About Zendaya's love for memes He also revealed Zendaya's love for memes. "It's nonstop. She sends me too much, it's like, I can't keep up! I delete my Instagram for days at a time. I download it to post and then I have to check my messages, and I'll have hundreds and hundreds and hundreds of things from her." Tom and Zendaya's India trip The couple was recently in India for the launch of Nita Mukesh Ambani Cultural Centre. They arrived together in Mumbai and also enjoyed a day out with some desi hosts on a yacht. Later, they made separate appearances on the NMACC red carpet but came together once inside the venue. Tom and Zendaya's last film together, Spiderman: No Way Home was a big success. Now, he is looking forward to the release of his film The Crowded Room. Zendaya will be promoting her film Dune 2 with friend Timothee Chalamet soon. SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON If fate had it, the 1989 classic "When Harry Met Sally" would have starred Tom Hanks instead of Billy Crystal. In a recent interaction on "Table for Two with Bruce Bozzi" podcast, Hanks' wife, Rita Wilson revealed that the Hollywood superstar was offered the movie but he turned it down. Actor Tom Hanks attends the Photo Call for ''A Man Called Otto'' at the Academy Museum of Motion Pictures in Los Angeles, California.(Reuters) Wilson also shared the reason due to which Hanks didn't do the movie. Had Hanks done the movie, his character Harry would have gone through a divorce and then eventually got married to the lead actress' character Sally. But Hanks didn't like the idea as in real life, he was going through a divorce at that time and was very happy. ALSO READ| You alcoholic: RHOC's Tamra Judge slams Shannon Beador during verbal spat on latest episode "People probably dont know this, but Tom was offered When Harry Met Sally, and he turned it down because he was going through a divorce, and he was very happy to be not married," revealed Wilson. "And so, he could not understand that a person going through a divorce would have anything other than just like, Im so happy," she added. Hanks was married to Samantha Lewes, from 1978 to 1987. They had two children together, actor Colin Hanks and daughter Elizabeth Hanks. After divorcing Lewes, Hanks got married to Wilson in 1988. With Wilson, he had two sons together, Chet and Truman. Notably, actress Meg Ryan played the role of Sally Albright in the movie. Ryan and Hanks went on to star together in films like "Sleepless in Seattle", "Youve Got Mail" and Joe Versus the Volcano. Actors like Albert Brooks, Richard Dreyfuss and Michael Keaton, were also considered for playing the role of Harry in the movie by director Rob Reiner . Actor Allu Arjun on Thursday was mobbed by a sea of fans who had gathered to get a glimpse of the star as he arrived for the inaugural ceremony of his new theatre venture AAA Cinemas which has been made in collaboration with Asian Cinemas. Prabhas Adipurush will be the first film to be screened at this property. Arjun had arrived with his son for the launch ceremony. Also read: Crew of Allu Arjun's Pushpa 2 meets with bus accident near highway, injured rushed to hospital: Report Allu Arjun arrives for the inauguration of AAA Cinemas. Allu Arjun at AAA Cinemas event Hundreds of fans had assembled outside the venue to meet the actor this morning. Producer Sreenivasa Kumar aka SKN took to Twitter and shared a video in which hundreds of fans are seen surrounding Arjuns car as it reached the event. As the car came to a halt, Arjun used the sunroof and stood inside his car. He waved to the fans. He wore a suit for the event. This is Asian Cinemas second theatre venture in collaboration with a Telugu star. Not long ago, they collaborated with actor Mahesh Babu to start AMB Cinemas which has been successfully operating for a few months now. Allu Arjun with Hrithik and Aamir Just a few days ago, Allu Arjun was in Mumbai to attend the wedding of filmmaker Madhu Mantena with author and yoga guru Ira Trivedi. At the wedding, a picture of Allu Arjun sharing a candid moment with Hrithik Roshan had gone viral on social media. Aamir Khan was also present in the frame. Upcoming film On the career front, Arjun is expected to resume filming of Pushpa 2 in a few days. The project went on the floors last November. The second part will focus on the face-off between Allu Arjun and Fahadh Faasil, who was introduced as the prime antagonist towards the end of the first part. The film also stars Rashmika Mandanna, who plays the character Srivalli. Originally shot in Telugu, the first part of Pushpa was dubbed and released in Hindi, Tamil, Malayalam, and Kannada. Its the first film for Allu Arjun to have a simultaneous release in five languages. The film saw Arjun play the role of a lorry driver who smuggles red sandalwood and eventually becomes a key player in the syndicate. ott:10 SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON ABOUT THE AUTHOR HT Entertainment Desk Dedicated professionals who write about cinema and television in all their vibrancy. Expect views, reviews and news. ...view detail Ram Charan and wife Upasana are gearing up to become parents as they await the arrival of their first baby. In a recent interview, Upasana opened up about Ram's reaction when she first told him about her baby news. Recalling the Telugu actor's 'calm' response to the exciting news, Upasana said Ram only celebrated after her pregnancy was confirmed with multiple repeated tests. Also read: Ram Charan's wife Upasana clarifies her delivery will take place in India Ram Charan and wife Upasana will soon welcome their first baby. The news of Upasana and Ram expecting their first child together was shared by the family, including Ram's father, veteran actor Chiranjeevi, in December last year. Since then, the couple has had multiple baby showers in Hyderabad and Dubai and also travelled to the US for Oscars 2023 and a 'babymoon'. Ram Charan's first reaction to Upasana's baby news "When I told him that I think I am pregnant, he said, Dont get too excited, calm down. Once we repeated the tests and we knew that all the tests were fine, thats when he celebrated. That is what I admire the most about Ram, hes the calming factor in my life, while I am the more excited one. I love to express my feelings; he does it calmly in his own way," Upasana told ETimes. Upasana is sure about Ram's parenting When told that since she will be delivering soon, the excitement levels must be high at home now, Upasana said, "We are all very excited, nervous and a bit anxious too. Ram is my go-to man, when I am hyper or having anxiety attacks. He calmly sits me down and says, Okay, lets figure it out. I am sure Ram will take an active part in parenting." Upasana's due date In an April interview with Hindustan Times, entrepreneur-philanthropist Upasana, who is currently in her third trimester, had revealed she is due in July. However, according to a new report by Telugu Bulletin, Upasanas due date is expected to be between June 16-22. The delivery will take place at Apollo Hospital. Ram and Upasana's relationship The couple tied the knot on June 14, 2012. After being married for a decade, Ram and Upasana announced the news of expecting their first child together on December 12, 2022. The couple celebrated its 11th wedding anniversary recently. Sharing their romantic photo on Instagram, Ram and Upasana wrote in the caption of their joint Instagram post on Wednesday, "Its been an awesome 11 years." Upasana on her late pregnancy "It was our mutual decision. As a couple, we didnt let pressure hit us, whether it is from the society outside, our family or outsiders. Which says a lot about our relationship and how we are going to bring up our child as well," Upasana told Humans of Bombay in an interview earlier this year. She had also said, I am very, very excited and also very proud that I chose to become a mother when we wanted to, not when society wanted to. So, 10 years after our marriage, we have taken a call to have a kid now and I think its the best time because both of us are booming, both of us are financially secure and we can take care of our kids by ourselves. ott:10 SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON ABOUT THE AUTHOR HT Entertainment Desk Dedicated professionals who write about cinema and television in all their vibrancy. Expect views, reviews and news. ...view detail Tamra Judge and Shannon Beador took potshots at each other on Wednesdays episode of The Real Housewives of Orange County. Cast from The Real Housewives of Orange County (Twitter) F**k you and your f**king drinking, you alcoholic, Judge yelled at Beador during an argument while on a boat trip. You can say whatever you want, Shannon, youre a f**king liar, and youre a drunk, said Judge while she appeared to be intoxicated herself. ALSO READ| Yellowstone's Kevin Costner struggles to get estranged wife Christine to move out of his home amid divorce In a confessional, Beador imitated Judge's slurred speech and said: Im not talking that way you are, Tamra. Id like to ask you a question wheres the girl that cried to me at Jennifers yoga retreat saying that you missed me as a friend? said Beador while referring to their conversation on last weeks episode. Earlier, the former best friends sat down to sort out the issues between them but Judge pointed out Beador's drinking habits during the course of their interaction. I remember when you and David [Beadors ex-husband] were still married and you said, David wants me to stop drinking, I said, Then stop drinking,' said Judge during their one-on-one lunch. Judge's barbs immediately affected Beador who warned her that she was crossing a line. Later, when Judge spoke with her husband, Eddie Judge, Beador's drinking habit was discussed again. The only good thing out of the relationship was David, and I dont even know how he lasted so long she drinks way too much, said Eddie. On Wednesday's episode, Judge also slammed Beador for not being there when she needed her while they were friends and in good terms. I gave so much for so many years, Judge told co-stars Emily Simpson and Heather Dubrow. I f**king needed her, she wasnt f**king there, and thats the end of the story, so you know what? She can f**k a duck!, yelled Judge. SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON Fortescue, one of the world's largest iron ore miners, has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with China Baowu Steel Group Corporation to work together on reducing emissions associated with iron and steel making. This collaboration will explore lower emission--iron-making technology at one of China Baowu's operations in China using Fortescue iron ore and green hydrogen, iron ore beneficiation research and development, and collaboration opportunities in renewable energy and green hydrogen. "This MoU further strengthens our longstanding partnership with China Baowu, the world's biggest steel maker and Fortescue's largest customer, and reflects our collective commitment to eliminate emissions," said Fortescue Metals Chief Executive Officer Fiona Hick. "Fortescue is exploring a range of options to reduce emissions in the steel value chain including through partnerships with suppliers, customers and research institutes. We firmly believe that collaboration and partnerships such as this will be integral to developing the technologies required to deliver on our ambitious target of net zero Scope 3 emissions by 2040." "Fortescue's strategy of transitioning into a green energy and resources company is aligned with Baowu's future development plan. We look forward to conducting more substantive collaborations together on iron ore, green energy and resource development," said Chen Derong, chairman of China Baowu. Actor Alia Bhatt is excited to join the Netflix Tudum event in Sao Paulo, Brazil. On Thursday, she took to Instagram to share a couple of adorable pictures of herself, as she got ready to leave. The 2023 Tudum livestream will be broadcast live around the world on June 17. (Also read: Suhana Khan, Agastya Nanda, Khushi Kapoor they travel to Brazil for Netflix event) Alia Bhatt is going to be in Brazil for an event in Sao Paulo. What's in the pics Alia shared her photos with the caption, No heart of stone here just one filled with love enroute Tudum, Sao Paulo. In the photos, she wore a colourful crochet top with hearts all over. She also wore a pair of blue jeans and styled her hair in waves. She made a heart with her hands as she posed for the camera inside her vanity room. Fans loved seeing Alia's cute avatar. You're so cute man, wrote one. You are baby doll Ranbir Kapoor (actor-husband) is so lucky, commented another. Tumhari smile kitni dangerous hai tumhe pata hai (Do you know how dangerous your smile is)? asked a fan. Alia's Hollywood era begins, commented another. What is Tudum Streaming platform Netflix announced last week it will treat fans with exclusive first looks from returning and upcoming titles through global event Tudum, which will be attended by Alia Bhatt and the cast of The Archies, directed by Zoya Akhtar. The three-day convention event will be held from June 16 to 18 in Sao Paulo, Brazil. Alia will participate as one of the cast members of the Netflix film Heart of Stone, which marks her Hollywood debut. Her co-stars Gal Gadot and Jamie Dornan are also part of the talent line-up. The cast of The Archies Khushi Kapoor, Suhana Khan, Yuvraj Menda, Agastya Nanda and Vedang Raina will also attend the showcase. Tudum, a two-hour event, will feature Netflix stars and creators from across the globe and present feature never-before-seen footage, trailers, and first looks of the upcoming series, films and games, a press release issued by the streamer read. There will be special appearances by the Stranger Things team; Jenna Ortega, Hunter Doohan, Emma Myers and Joy Sunday for the series Wednesday; Ralph Macchio and William Zabka for Cobra Kai; and John Boyega and Teyonah Parris for They Cloned Tyrone. SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON An Air India pilot was de-rostered for six months for allowing a friend inside the cockpit of a Delhi-Leh flight, in violation of safety norms, earlier this month, officials familiar with the matter said on Thursday. Captain Rahul Singh had allowed a helicopter pilot, who was travelling as a passenger, inside the cockpit of the Air India flight after it took off from Delhi on June 3. (ANI) The two pilots were taken off duty as the airline began its probe into the incident on June 3. A thorough investigation found the senior pilot, Captain Rahul Singh, culpable for the lapses, the officials said. The second pilot was, meanwhile, de-rostered for a month. According to an official, who did not wish to be named, Captain Singh had allowed a helicopter pilot, who was travelling as a passenger, inside the cockpit of flight AI 445 after it took off from Delhi on June 3. The matter was reported by a male crew upon returning to Delhi. Captain Singh pilot has been de-rostered for a period of six months for violating civil aviation rules. The airline is considering whether further action needs to be taken, the official said. It is not clear yet whether the pilots will be paid during their period of suspension. Also Read | Where is Magadan in Russia, where Air India plane with 232 people is stranded While an Air India official earlier said that the matter was reported to the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA), there was no clarity if the civil aviation regulator initiated any action against the pilot. HT reached out to DGCA for a response, but did not get one immediately. HT reached out to Air India for an official statement, and Captain Singh, on the action taken against him, but did not immediately get any response. As per a DGCA circular dated September 3, 2019, no person can enter the cockpit unless they are a crew member, an officer of the civil aviation department or India Meteorological Department authorised by DGCA, an officer in the civil aviation ministry of the rank of join secretary and above, an employee of the aircraft operator with permission of the pilot-in-command (PIC), officials of the airline or any crew member of the aircraft operator with PICs permission, a duly authorised representative of the manufacturer of the airport with prior permission of PIC, or any person authorised by DGCA. Any of the above persons authorised to enter the cockpit can only do so after a pre-flight and post-flight breathalyser test, according to the circular. On Tuesday, an Air India spokesperson said the airline has zero-tolerance for such violation of regulations. Air India has a Just Culture approach to all safety related events and has zero tolerance for deliberate breaches of regulations. Such breaches are dealt with on a serious basis and sanctions will be imposed on those who are in breach of the regulations, the spokesperson said. This is the second such incident reported in nearly four months. On February 27, an Air India pilot had invited his woman friend inside the cockpit of a Delhi-Dubai flight in violation of safety norms. After HT exclusively reported the incident on April 21, DGCA suspended the pilot-in-command Captain Harsh Suris licence for three months. The civil aviation regulator also imposed a fine of 30 lakh on Air India for not effectively addressing the incident. It further directed the airline to take administrative action against the pilot-in-commands friend, a woman airline staff, who was travelling as passenger. A few Air India officials, however, alleged lack of prompt and stern action by the airline in such cases of violations. Had the airline taken stringent and prompt action against the pilot in the earlier (February) case, it would have sent out a strong message to all pilots and avoided a repetition of such incidents, one of them said, seeking anonymity. However, another official said that the airlines move to de-roster Captain Singh shows it was on the correct path. In the previous case, DGCA had suspended the pilots licence for three months. In this case, the airline proactively not only took action against the pilot, but also informed the regulator. This step taken by the airline has sent a strong message to the pilot community, the official, who also did not wish to be named, concluded. SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON The principal orchestrator of the March 19 violence at the Indian High Commission in London and self-styled chief of designated terror outfit Khalistan Liberation Force (KLF) Avtar Singh Khanda died in Sandwell hospital in Birmingham today. The cause of death is still not known, and the medical report is awaited. Avtar Singh Khanda was the principal orchestrator of the March 19 violence at the Indian High Commission ion London. Watch: Avtar Khanda, The Man Who Targeted Indian Mission In UK, Dies | Details About The Khalistan Leader Khanda, also known as Ranjodh Singh, was a political asylum seeker in the UK and was instrumental in radicalizing the Sikh youth towards the separatist movement for so-called Khalistan. His father was a KLF terrorist who was gunned down by security forces in 1991 and his mother was related to another KLF terrorist Gurjant Singh Budhsingwala with strong links to Pakistani deep state. According to inputs from the UK, the supporters of Khanda want the medical report to indicate poisoning so that they can declare him a martyr and blame the Indian security agencies for murder. However, Khanda was suffering from blood cancer and had been admitted to the Sandwell and West Birmingham hospital about a fortnight ago. Khanda along with three other separatists have been identified by the National Investigating Agency as the principal accused of dishonouring the Indian flag at the London High Commission during an orchestrated protest on March 19. Despite the UK intelligence agency MI-5 being alerted by the Indian High Commission about the anticipated violence on March 19, the UK Police was conspicuous due to lack of action against the protestors. Like other Khalistani sympathizers, Khanda entered the UK through time tested method of student visa and quickly got associated with the separatist bandwagon active in some of key gurudwaras in the UK. These gurudwaras are being managed by Khalistani supporters and are used to collect funds for terrorism in the name of human rights violations against the Sikh community in India. The core UK establishment has always been indifferent to Sikh separatist activity and the Indian intelligence had pointed out Khanda's violent activities on three different occasions prior to March 19, 2023. Khanda used to spew venom against India and Indians on UK-based pro-Khalistani KTV along with Jagjeet Singh Jeeta before UK Ofcom shut it down in April 2022 after repeated protests by the Indian community in Britain. Khanda along with others identified as Paramjeet Singh Pamma, Joga Singh, Kuldip Singh Chaheru, Gursharan Singh and others have been part of almost all protests outside the Indian High Commission in London in the past. SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON The Delhi Police on Thursday charged Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) lawmaker Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh in one case and filed a report seeking the cancellation of the second filed against him under the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO ) Act. Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh in New Delhi on Thursday. (PTI) A minor was among the athletes who levelled sexual harassment charges against Singh. The minors charges could have attracted a minimum punishment of five years if proven. But her father, who was the complainant in the case, withdrew the allegations. A police officer, who did not want to be named, said investigators found evidence in the first case against Singh but since he faces a maximum punishment of five years, it is not mandatory to arrest him. Deputy police commissioner Pranav Tayal said Singh, who headed the Wrestling Federation of India (WFI) for 12 years, has been charged under Indian Penal Code (IPC)s Sections 354 (assault or criminal force with intent to outrage modesty), 354A (sexually coloured remarks) and 354D (stalking). His aide, Vinod Tomar, has been indicted under IPCs sections 109 (abetment), 354, 354A, and 506 (criminal intimidation). The first officer said the details about alleged sexual harassment sought from overseas wrestling federations have yet not been received and that they may later file a supplementary charge sheet. It is a charge sheet; not a final report. So, whatever the investigators get after filing the primary charge sheet, will certainly be included in the supplementary charge sheet/s. Also, the forensic reports of digital evidence such as photos, videos, and audio have not been obtained yet from the laboratories...we may include their findings in the supplementary charge sheet, said the second officer, requesting anonymity. The officer said Singh and Tomar joined the investigation and cooperated and no recovery or discovery of facts was to be made from them or at their instance. Their addresses are verified and there is no likelihood of them escaping, he quoted the primary 1,082-page charge sheet as saying. The Delhi Police told another local court that no corroborative evidence was found against Singh in the POCSO Act case and that it should be cancelled. In their 552-page cancellation report, the police cited statements from the minor wrestler, her father, Singh, and other witnesses. A cancellation report is filed in cases when no corroborative evidence is found. The court will hear the matter next on July 4. Tayal said they filed the report requesting the cancellation of the case based on statements of the minor and her father after the completion of the investigation. Public prosecutor Atul Srivastav, who read out the charges against Singh, said they have filed criminal charges in a case filed by six wrestlers and sought closure in the other case filed on behalf of the minor. Further hearing on the charge sheet has been scheduled for June 22. Police on Sunday said that four of the six women athletes provided audio and visual evidence to corroborate their allegations. Top wrestlers seeking action against Singh suspended their protest after Union minister Anurag Thakur on June 7 met Olympic medallists Bajrang Punia and Sakshi Malik and assured them that a charge sheet in the case would be filed by June 15. In cases such as those related to sexual harassment, the burden of proof lies on investigating agencies. Police began the probe after filing two cases against Singh when the Supreme Courts intervened. They did not file a first information report for weeks. On Friday last, a team of Delhi Police visited the WFI office with one of the complainants for about 30 minutes to recreate the sequence of events even as Singh was in his house on the same premises. Punia said the complainant went through mental trauma after the visit. The protesting wrestlers camped at Jantar Mantar for 38 days demanding Singhs immediate arrest until the Delhi Police uprooted their tents there on May 28. They were manhandled, stopped, and detained as they sought to march to the new Parliament building during its inauguration that day. The wrestlers later held off on immersing their medals in the Ganga as part of their protest against Singh and broke down in a huddle played out on live television. A Special Investigation Team probing the matter questioned over 180 people and visited Singhs residence in Uttar Pradeshs Gonda to record statements of his relatives, colleagues, and associates. SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) on Thursday took a swipe at Bihar chief minister Nitish Kumar for his remarks on the possibility of early general elections, saying the JD(U) leader has become super Election Commission. Bihar chief minister Nitish Kumar. (Santosh Kumar/HT Photo) Nitish Kumar on Wednesday said that there was a possibility of early Lok Sabha elections and asked officials to complete all projects as soon as possible. I was told during the departments review meeting that all projects would be completed by January 2024. I will request you all to complete all projects as soon as possible. Nobody knows when the Lok Sabha polls will be held," the chief minister said while speaking at a function organised to lay the foundation stone and inaugurate 5,061 schemes of different rural development departments works in Patna. "It is not necessary that Lok Sabha elections will be held next year only. It is possible that it may be held before time, i.e., this year itself. he added. Hitting back at Kumar's comment, BJP leader Mukhtar Abbas Naqvi said, Earlier, (Nitish Kumar) wanted to become the PM, now he has become the super Election Commission. Bihar BJP spokesperson Nikhil Anand earlier said that Nitish Kumar made the remarks just to grab headlines as he is in a great hurry and under pressure from RJD to quit and elevate Tejashwi Yadav as CM of Bihar. Kumar has intensified his efforts to forge a united opposition in the run-up to the 2024 Lok Sabha elections. The leaders of 18 political parties including Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge and Rahul Gandhi will be attending the key opposition meeting at Patna on June 23. SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON ABOUT THE AUTHOR HT News Desk Follow the latest breaking news and developments from India and around the world with Hindustan Times' newsdesk. From politics and policies to the economy and the environment, from local issues to national events and global affairs, we've got you covered. ...view detail A formal agenda for the Bonn climate talks was adopted on Wednesday, a day before the meeting was to officially close. A compromise was reached on not including the agenda item on the Sharm El Sheikh mitigation ambition and implementation work programme which deals with urgently scaling up targets to mitigate climate change during this decade. Climate crisis activists protest in Bonn on Monday. (Reuters) Instead, the discussions in informal consultations on the matter held at Bonn will be reflected in an informal note which will be issued by subsidiary bodies, it was decided on Wednesday. Bonn, seen as a run-up to the COP28 meeting later this year in Dubai is important because it sets the tone and agenda for political negotiations in Dubai. But the agenda on mitigation action couldnt be finalised because of the differences between developed and developing countries on how to finance mitigation efforts in the latter. In line with the Paris Agreements principles of equity and common but differentiated responsibilities, developing countries sought an agenda on finance for scaling up mitigation action. But developed countries led by the US and the EU opposed the agenda stating that existing mechanisms address the issue of finance; the former added that it is open to a discussion when the flow of finance is not limited to developed countries paying developing countries but also includes funding from emerging economies and the private sector. Till the penultimate day of the conference there was no agreement on the issue. Experts said rich nations did not want reference or accountability of historical emissions which is why they did not agree to negotiations on scaling up finance for energy transition in developing countries. Subsidiary body chairs on Wednesday said there were continued consultations were held between parties and a compromise was reached on the matter. The United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) established three governing bodies: COP (or the Conference of Parties), which is the apex decision making body, the CMP (the signatories of the Kyoto agreement), and the CMA (the signatories of the Paris agreement). It also established two subsidiary bodies, one on scientific and technological advice (SBSTA) and another on implementation (SBI) to assist the parties. In the spirit of compromise and flexibility it was decided that item 21 (agenda on Sharm El Sheikh mitigation ambition and implementation work programme) will be reflected in an informal note issued by the chairs. The agenda on mitigation of emissions and associated finance are critical because a global stocktake is scheduled to be held in Dubai during COP28 in November. The Global Stocktake (GST) is the process for reviewing the implementation of the Paris Agreement and its goal of keeping global warming to well below 2C and pursuing efforts to keep it under 1.5C above pre-industrial levels. The mitigation efforts will now have to be scaled up in a manner that complements the global stocktake. At the current levels of emissions, the world is way off the mark from the Paris Agreement goals, and, according to the United Nations Environment Programme, headed for 2.7C warming. UN Secretary General Antonio Guterres flagged several issues and said parties are backtracking on climate action. I see a lack of ambition. A lack of trust. A lack of support. A lack of cooperation. And an abundance of problems around clarity and credibility. The climate agenda is being undermined. At a time when we should be accelerating action, there is backtracking. At a time when we should be filling gaps, those gaps are growing. Meanwhile, the human rights of climate activists are being trampled. The most vulnerable are suffering the most, he said. Current policies are taking the world to 2.8 degree C warming he said but keeping warming under 1.5 degree C is still possible. I urge governments to make it happen by hitting fast-forward on their net zero deadlines so that developed countries commit to reaching net-zero as close as possible to 2040, and emerging economies as close as possible to 2050. Developed countries must also push Multilateral Development Banks to adapt their business models, skill sets, and approaches to risk and to leverage far more private finance at reasonable cost to developing countries to allow for a massive increase in investment in renewables, he added. Guterres also called for a commitment to no new coal and complete phasing out coal by 2030 in rich countries and by 2040 elsewhere. The World Meteorological Organisation on May 15 warned that there is a 66% chance that annual global surface temperature will temporarily exceed 1.5C above pre-industrial levels for at least one of the next five years. The developed countries have not fulfilled their two basic and fundamental tasks. First task, to implement its commitments made in the Convention (UNFCCC) in the early 1990s, to undertake ambitious climate mitigation efforts. And, second task, fulfilling its commitments to provide finance to strengthen climate action on developing countries. They have allowed climate change to progress and to become a real climate crisis, which will provoke the imminent collapse of humanity and of Mother Earth, said Diego Pacheco from Bolivia who made the intervention on scaling up finance, on behalf of Like Minded Developing Countries. Developed countries intend to solve the climate crisis by transferring their responsibilities to the private sector, to the multilateral development banks, and to the developing countries. Finance for them implies making good profits from climate change and indebting even more to developing countries. We are in a stage of implementation of our Nationally Determined Contributions and for that we do need financing and means of implementation. We ask that the legal commitments agreed within the framework of the Convention and its Paris Agreement must be fulfilled, he added. Rich nations at the Bonn Climate Conference shunned calls to link finance with mitigation, a crucial step for intensifying global climate action. Although this latest compromise does not negate the progress made in recent weeks, it hampers the ambition for enhanced mitigation efforts and hinders the capacity of finance to unlock potential, bolster implementation, and align with the scientific evidence and principles of justice said Harjeet Singh, head of global political strategy at Climate Action Network International. HT reported on June 14 that the EU objected to the agenda by LMDC and stated that though the discussion on finance was very important to them, the Paris Agreement has provisions which states support will be provided and there are several discussions on finance that are ongoing under different heads. The US said they do not support Bolivias proposal because there are many other opportunities to discuss the issue and a new agenda is not needed. They also said the new agenda item does not derive from the COP mandate and that there is nothing that limits donors to developed countries. Climate finance has become the Achilles heel of climate negotiations, it should have been the case long back. The European negotiators got a taste of the increasing resolve of the developing world on this issue, with the agenda being withheld from adoption for a week. Various groupings including LMDC and the Arab Group rejected the inclusion of the Mitigation Work Programme (MWP) in the agenda in absence of inclusion of climate finance in the same. The develop world has to sooner than later accept the criticality of finance for low income nations, and walk the talk on the same, said Vaibhav Chaturvedi, fellow, Council on Energy, Environment and Water (CEEW). SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON Welcome to hindustantimes.com updates platform where you can find breaking news from India and across the world. Find fast updates about the latest news as it breaks. Get latest news, breaking news, latest updates, live news, top headlines, breaking business news and top news of the hour. The K Chandrashekar Rao-led Bharat Rashtra Samithi (BRS) is unlikely to attend the meeting of opposition parties on June 23 in Patna, a senior party leader said, claiming that the party will continue with its equidistance from both the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and the Congress -- a stance likely prompted by coming assembly elections in the state where the Congress and the BJP will both take on the regional party. K Chandrasekhar Rao has spelt out to Bihar CM Nitish Kumar, who is trying to put together a common opposition front, his partys unwillingness to be part of an alliance that includes the Congress.(Facebook/KCR) Also Read | KCR says BRS will contest all seats in Maharashtra polls, rules out alliance A senior party leader aware of the development said K Chandrasekhar Rao has clearly spelt out to Bihar chief minister and Janata Dal (United) leader, Nitish Kumar, who is trying to put together a common opposition front, his partys unwillingness to be part of an alliance that includes the Congress, which the party sees at is main rival in Telangana. The Navneen Patnaik led Biju Janata Dal and BRS are the two major political parties which are unlikely to attend the meeting, a senior JD (U) leader confirmed. According to the BRS leader cited above, an internal assessment shows that the Congress is ahead of the BJP in Telangana . We dont take our rivals lightly. The Congress may have got some boost after its victory in Karnataka but it will flounder in Telangana. Also Read | BRS will score a hat-trick in assembly polls: KCR The Telangana assembly polls will take place in December along with those in Chhattisgarh, Madhya Pradesh, Rajasthan and Mizoram. On Tuesday, Rao warned that people should not trust the Congress, which could undo the good work done by the Telangana government for various sections of the society. Analysts say that it is after months that Rao has directly attacked the Congress. Claiming that the Congress would abolish Dharani, the -land records management portal (if they come to power), KCR accused the party of encouraging middlemen. BRS government means farmers kingdom. Congress is proclaiming that it would abolish the Dharani portal. It is nothing but encouraging middlemen. Do we want it? he asked the public at a rally in Nagarkurnool. A second senior BRS leader explained that becoming part of the opposition alliance would be contrary to the partys expansion in states such as Maharashtra, Madhya Pradesh and Haryana. We have already enrolled 2.5 lakh members in Maharashtra. Several prominent leaders such as former Odisha chief minister Giridhar Gamang have joined the party in Odisha. Shortly, we will open our party office in Bhopal, and later in other Hindi speaking states. However, the two BRS leaders said that they will continue to give issue-based support to the opposition parties and pointed to the partys boycott of the inauguration of the Parliaments new building by Prime Minister Narendra Modi in May 29. The BRS has also supported Arvind Kejriwal who has asked opposition parties to ensure the ordinance issued by the Central government on curbing Delhi government powers related to services, isnt passed in the Rajya Sabha when the time comes for the executive order to be legislated. The BJP lacks majority in the Rajya Sabha. The Congress has not responded to Kejriwals call so far. A senior BRS leader in Hyderabad said though no official decision was taken by the party in this regard, KCR may not attend the meeting in which Congress is a part. (With inputs from HTC Hyderabad) SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON Former students from India facing legal proceedings that could potentially lead to their deportation from Canada as the study permits they used to arrive in the country were based on fake documents will receive temporary residence permits until a task force considers each case on its merits. Canadas immigration, refugees and citizenship minister Sean Fraser announced the permits. (Twitter) ...if the facts of an individual case are clear that an international student came to Canada with a genuine intent to study, and without knowledge of the use of fraudulent documentation, I have provided instructions for officers to issue a Temporary Resident Permit to that individual, Canadas immigration, refugees, and citizenship minister Sean Fraser said on Wednesday. ...international students who are not found to be involved in fraud will not face deportation. This is being done also ensure that well-intentioned students and graduates will not be subject to a five-year entry ban. Fraser said he took this action as many of those impacted came sincerely to Canada to pursue their studies. But he warned those who did not do so would not be exonerated. He said some among individuals with no intention of pursuing higher education have been involved in organised crime. I understand that this situation is distressing for those affected by unscrupulous actors, and I want to assure them that their well-being is of paramount importance, Fraser said. The Canadian Border Services Agency (CBSA) will refer to Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada the cases of ex-students who came on forged paperwork for investigation. Toronto-based lawyer Sumit Sen, who is working with several ex-students, called the announcement positive and added everybody has woken up that deportations have to cease. He said that genuine students will not be penalised while those complicit in defrauding Canadas immigration system will face the consequences. Sen added court proceedings in progress will continue and that the new policy will matter if the individual faces a removal order. At least 30 students, all from Punjab, are facing removal proceedings. Another 130 or so cases are being investigated. These students arrived in Canada between 2017 and 2020. They started receiving notices from the CBSA in 2021 and 2022 as the agency concluded the letters of offer of admission to Canadian higher education institutions, which formed the basis of their study permits, were fake. Agents in India allegedly used fraudulent documentation to procure study permits for them and they started receiving notices from immigration authorities once these were detected. Several of the ex-students have been staging an indefinite protest in the Greater Toronto Area next to a CBSA office. They remain concerned over the continued expense of the legal process. SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON 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 The blue shutter has been closed for two weeks, the longest it has ever been. The signs of damage are everywhere. On the left and right bottom corners are two padlocks, but in the centre, the steel sheet is twisted -- a testament to a frenzied May 29 attack. PREMIUM The gathering of over four people has been barred in Purola. (ANI) The banner atop the shop that once proudly proclaimed the words Balle Garments has been torn asunder, and is barely readable. Then, there is the poster, its remnants still on the shutter, fluttering in the wind. A poster that asks Muslims traders from the town of Purola to leave; a poster that has caused an exodus of sorts; and a poster that is emblematic of a Uttarakhand that is lurching from one communal conflagration to the next. Originally from Bijnor, 66-year-old Balle Khan was 22 when he first came to Purola, in the foothills of Uttarkashi, seeking work. He first worked at a small factory, building and filling quilts. Then he found employment, in turn at a flour mill and a bakery, slowly putting together money for life ahead. Only in 2000 did Khan finally have the 2.5 lakh required to rent the shop where he would sell ready-made clothes for the next 23 years. Since then, except for Sundays, the shutters always opened at 8am, closing like clockwork at 8pm. Nobody has said a bad word about me or the community in my 44 years of living here. Everything we have is here. Our home, our business, our family, our kids. Now they say we must leave, Khan said. THE TRIGGER At 2pm on May 26, according to Purola police station in charge Khajan Singh Chauhan , a 14-year-old girl sought the assistance of quilt filler Ubed Khan (24), and motorcycle mechanic Jitendra Saini (23) to find her way to the local bus station. They took the girl away from the main market area near a petrol pump and called an auto-rickshaw to the spot. Locals saw the girl being made to sit in the rickshaw and raised an alarm. The accused fled the spot, Chauhan said. A case was registered on the same day at the Purola police station under sections 363 (kidnapping), 366A (procuration of minor girl) of the Indian Penal Code (IPC), and sections of the Pocso Act. Purolas peace was broken. It did not matter that both the accused were arrested the next day. Nor that only one of the two was Muslim. Within three days, right-wing groups held a protest march in the narrow by-lanes of the hill town, raising slogans against the bogey of love jihad, asking for Muslim tenants and residents to leave. On May 29, at least 30 shops owned or rented by Muslims were ransacked and attacked. Four days later, on June 3, there was another procession, and at least 25 more shops were attacked in the Barkot locality, some ominously marked with the letter X. Love jihad is a term popularised by radical Hindu groups to describe what they believe is an organised conspiracy of Muslim men to force or trick Hindu women into conversion and marriage. The purported motives include expanding Indias Muslim population and aiding the Islamic State. In both demonstrations, police were present, but did little. The next day, the posters began to appear across Purola. They asked Muslim traders to leave before a proposed Hindu mahapanchayat, later disallowed by the district administration, on June 15. More than two weeks have passed since the first threats were issued on May 29. A case was registered on June 5 under IPC sections 153A (promoting enmity between different groups) and 506 (criminal intimidation). But there have been no arrests. Uttarkashi superintendent of oolice Arpan Yadhuvanshi said, We have not arrested anyone for hooliganism in the town thus far. The results are clear. In a population of around 8,000, there were in any case only between 40 and 45 Muslim families that lived in Purola. Less than five remain; the rest have boarded up their shops and homes, moving either to Dehradun or Western Uttar Pradesh to weather the storm. LIVING IN FEAR Balle Khan, much to the chagrin of his nine-member family that includes his 40-year-old son Mohammad Ashraf, has taken a stand, and refused to leave. His house, bought from a Hindu family in 1986, is in the Hindu-dominated locality of ward No. 4. It has two floors, and nine rooms. The family has built a life, and a home. But over the past two weeks, Ashraf has slept very little, pathologically following the movements of the two policemen stationed at the entrance of the street. The family has spent 22,000 to install five CCTV cameras in their home, facing different directions. The atmosphere is charged. Anything can happen, Ashraf said. He walks nervously to his bedroom, where the feed from the CCTV cameras are beamed constantly. I never thought it would come to this. I grew up in this town, studied at the Saraswati Shishu Mandir and have mostly Hindu friends. I dont even know Urdu and can speak very few words in the language. Is my accent that of an outsider? Ashraf asked. But he adds that there was little option but to spend money on improved security. His father, Balle Khan has refused to move, and there is an incessant, overpowering sense of fear. Even if their neighbours are sympathetic, there is very little they can do for fear of coming under attack themselves. They hardly step out of their homes, only making trips to the local grocery store for daily supplies. On his phone, Ashraf constantly looks at a 12-second video, shot on a phone. The grainy, pixelated video captures the frenzy of a group of men, screaming Jai Shri Ram, destroying the shutter of their shop, and pasting the poster that asks them to leave. KEY FACES IN THE PUROLA CASE The posters have a calling card. In one corner, they proudly carry the name of the Devbhoomi Raksha Abhiyan, an Uttarakhand-based right-wing group, led by the 68-year-old Swami Darshan Bharti. Bharti, however, is unapologetic, and does not distance himself from the incidents in Purola. To protect the sanatan heritage of our sisters, daughters and forefathers, all right-wing organisations, warriors, saints and public should come forward. All should discharge their religious duty, Bharti told HT. The Dehradun-based Bharti was one of the participants of a controversial three day Dharam Sansad in Haridwar in December 2021 that saw vitriolic speeches made against Muslims, and saw charges of hate speech made against at least 10 people. To be sure, Bharti himself was not among those charged. In 2018, Bharti was jailed under Section 153B (imputations, assertions prejudicial to national integration) of the IPC and Section 66F (cyber terrorism) of the IT Act for posts on social media, and was granted bail a week later. Regardless of these charges however, his Facebook accounts boasts of photographs of meetings with bureaucrats and politicians. One such photograph is of an April 30 meeting with Uttarakhand chief minister Pushkar Singh Dhami. On June 13, the Peoples Union for Civil Liberties (PUCL) wrote a letter addressed to the Uttarakhand chief justice Vipin Sanghi that said, Swami Darshan Bharti is leading the call for mass evictions. His group, Uttarakhand Raksha Abhiyan, has previously circulated 1.5 lakh pamphlets inciting Hindus to stand up against alleged changes in the demography of Uttarakhand because of Muslims in 2019. He has been previously jailed after his hate-speech inspired physical attacks on Muslims. Bharti has a defence for this. Some Muslims, including those from UP, have been filing cases against me. I have got relief each time with the blessings of God. Other organisations pushing unequivocally for the eviction of Muslims from Purola include the Vishwa Hindu Parishad, with its working president Virendra Singh Rawat leading the campaign. In December 2022, Rawat and five others were booked by the Purola police under sections 153A (Promoting enmity between different groups on grounds of religion, race, place of birth, residence), 323 (voluntarily causing hurt) and 504 (Insult intended to provoke breach of the peace), 427 (mischief and thereby causes loss or damage to the amount of fifty rupees or more) and 506 (criminal intimidation) for allegedly leading a mob of 30 people who attacked people during Christmas prayers, accusing them of converting locals. Rawat said, I have been actively working against the conversions by Muslims and Christians in our town for the last 9 years. The latest incident of alleged abduction of a minor Hindu girl proves the attempts of a particular community for demographic change. THE BROADER COMMUNALISATION OF UTTARAKHAND But the tension in Purola isnt just an isolated case in Uttarakhand which has a 13.9% Muslim population according to the 2011 census. Over the past two weeks, rallies against Muslims have been held in the towns of Barkot and Chinyalisaur and the villages of Naugaon, Damta, Barnigad, Netwar and Bhatwari. In the neighbouring district of Tehri Garhwal, on June 5, the VHP and the Bajrang Dal wrote a letter to the district administration that said people from a particular community were becoming a threat to their lives, livelihoods and women, and warned that there would be a protest on June 20 if no action was taken. On June 9, responding to these incidents, chief minister Dhami claimed that cases of love jihad-- a theory that has no section in the IPC or basis in law are on the rise in Uttarakhand. There is growing awareness against crimes of this nature. That is why victims are now coming out to register such cases. Its a planned conspiracy to change the demography of our state, Dhami added. In April 2023, Dhami had said that his government had identified around 1,000 Muslim religious structures built illegally on government land, pledging to remove all of them, terming it land jihad. According to the forest department that is in charge of the drive, they have removed a total of 510 religious structures illegally built on forest land. Chief Conservator of Forests Parag Madhukar Dhakate said: Of the 510 religious structures removed from the forest land illegally, 463 were mazaars, 45 temples and two gurdwaras. Dehradun-based lawyer Razia Baig, a former member of the Uttarakhand minority commission said, Communalisation and polarisation is being pushed in the normally peaceful Uttarakhand. There has been a flood of communal incidents and statements in past few months. The minority community is being persecuted and targeted to get the votes of the majority. Political activist SMA Kazmi said that the concerted campaign was with the parliamentary elections in mind. Since the Dhami government has failed to deliver on the promises and various fronts like jobs, law, and order, development, they want to divert the attention of people ahead of the 2024 polls. The BJP holds all five Lok Sabha seats in the state. Back in Purola, 45-year old Rahees, another of the few Muslim shopkeepers who remain, is watching the news nervously. He has held out for two weeks, but is not sure he can take more animosity. The tension has only heightened and I hardly step out of the home. But if I am forced to leave the town I was born in, it will break my heart. I will hold out in hope for peace to return for as long as I can. The administration in Uttarakhands Uttarkashi district on Thursday did not allow a mahapanchayat (grand assembly of village leaders) called by local trade bodies and Hindu right-wing outfits in Purola, citing prohibitory orders in place in the town against assembly of more than four people. A few right wing activists staging a symbolic protest at Purola stadium after failing to hold mahapanchayat. (HT Photo | Rajeev Kala) However, a symbolic protest was held at Purola stadium by a few members of Bajrang Dal and Vishva Hindu Parishad (VHP) both right-wing outfits amid heavy police deployment across the town, which has been reeling under communal tension since May 26 following an abduction attempt on a minor girl by two men, including a Muslim. Also Read | The Kerala Story draws nations attention to love jihad: Yogi Adityanath On Thursday, shops stayed shut after the local trade union called for a strike against the imposition of prohibitory orders under Section 144 of the Code of Criminal Procedure, which it said was uncalled for in a peaceful town. The district administration imposed Section 144 on Wednesday to be in place till June 19. The law-and-order situation is under control. We have taken effective measures to ensure peace, SS Bhandari, Barkot circle officer, said. Strict implementation of Section 144 of CrPC has been done. Heavy police forces were deployed across the town to maintain law-and-order following the call of mahapanchayat in protest against alleged incidents of love jihad a term used by right-wing groups to describe an alleged conspiracy by Muslim men to woo Hindu women. Courts and the Union government do not officially recognise the term. Also Read | BJP clamour for law on Love Jihad in Maharashtra assembly Amid heavy barricading by the police, several vehicles heading towards Purola were stopped at Naugaon, 18km away. A total of 19 people were arrested at Naugaon and booked under Section 151 (knowingly joining or continuing in assembly of five or more persons after it has been commanded to disperse) of the Indian Penal Code (IPC), police said. Meanwhile, members of Bajrang Dal and VHP handed over a memorandum intended for chief minister Pushkar Singh Dhami to the Purola sub-divisional magistrate (SDM). Legal action should be taken with regard to attempts by people with Jihadi mentality to defame the Hindu community and right-wing organisations, the memorandum read. Purola SDM Devanand Sharma said, We are forwarding the memorandum for appropriate action at the highest level. VHP working president of Purola, Virender Singh Rawat, said, Local community wanted to hold a mahapanchayat for a solution to the issue, but the administration and police took suppressive measures by imposing Section 144 of CrPC in our peaceful town. Tensions in Purola were triggered on May 26 when two men, a Muslim and a Hindu, allegedly tried to abduct a girl. Residents alleged it was a case of love jihad. The two accused were arrested on May 27. But right-wing groups held protests and attacked shops and houses of Muslims. On June 4, posters asking Muslim traders to vacate their shops in Purola before a mahapanchayat on June 15 came up at various places. A day later, the police registered a first information report (FIR) against unidentified people under sections 153A (promoting enmity between different groups on grounds of religion, etc.), 505 (statements conducing public mischief), and 506 (criminal intimidation) of the Indian Penal Code (IPC) for putting up anti-Muslim posters. Cyclone Biparjoy has begun its landfall in Gujarat and the process will continue till midnight, the Indian Meteorological Department said on Thursday. Follow LIVE updates A view of Gomti Ghat as VSCS (very severe cyclonic storm) Biparjoy to cross Saurashtra & Kutch & adjoining Pakistan coasts between Mandvi & Karachi near Jakhau Port by today evening, in Dwarka on Thursday. (ANI ) "It will hit the coast between Karachi and Mandvi and close to Jakhau port of Gujarat. This is now located about 70 kilometres away from Jakhau port in the Arabian Sea. It is moving at a speed of about 15 kmph...Hence, the landfall process has commenced over the coastal districts of Saurashtra and Kutch...Upto midnight, the landfall process will continue..," Dr Mrityunjay Mohapatra, director general, IMD, told ANI. ALSO READ: As Biparjoy hits Gujarat coast, a look at India's deadliest cyclones Prior to the landfall, the wall cloud region of the cyclone had touched the Saurashtra coast as it headed for landfall near Jakhau port in Kutch district. `Wall clouds' are clouds that drop below the regular storm cloud. They are a lowering of a solid deck of clouds and indicate the beginning phase of potential funnel clouds and tornado formation. Till now, the authorities have shifted nearly one lakh people in eight coastal districts to temporary shelters. According to officials, 15 teams of the National Disaster Response Force, 12 teams of the State Disaster Response Force as well as personnel of the Indian Army, Navy, Air Force, Indian Coast Guard and Border Security Force (BSF) have been deployed for relief and rescue operations. In view of the cyclone causing huge tides, people have been barred from going near the sea, with lifeguards being deployed at all beaches. "Of 94,427 persons evacuated so far, 46,800 were evacuated in Kutch district, followed by 10,749 in Devbhumi Dwarka, 9,942 in Jamnagar, 9,243 in Morbi, 6,822 in Rajkot, 4,864 in Junagadh, 4,379 in Porbandar and 1,605 in Gir Somnath district," the Gujarat government said in a statement. "Those who were shifted to safer places include 8,900 children, 1,131 pregnant women and 4,697 elderly persons. A total of 1,521 shelter homes have been set up in these eight districts. Medical teams are visiting these shelters at regular intervals," the government statement said. SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON ABOUT THE AUTHOR HT News Desk Follow the latest breaking news and developments from India and around the world with Hindustan Times' newsdesk. From politics and policies to the economy and the environment, from local issues to national events and global affairs, we've got you covered. ...view detail Cyclone Biporjoy which is expected to cross near Jakhau Port of Gujarat by Thursday night after making landfall, fueled strong winds and high tidal waves in coastal districts, throwing the normal life out of gear. The cyclone is located at just 80 km away from Jakhau Port, administratively under Kutch district, which will bear the maximum impact of the cyclone, as per the latest information shared by the India Meteorological Department (IMD). (LIVE updates of cyclone Biparjoy) A view of Gomti Ghat as VSCS (very severe cyclonic storm) Biparjoy to cross Saurashtra & Kutch & adjoining Pakistan coasts between Mandvi & Karachi near Jakhau Port by today evening, in Dwarka, Gujarat.(ANI ) The cyclone which will bear down as a very severe cyclonic storm as per the IMD, prompted authorities to evacuate nearly 1 lakh people from low lying areas of Gujarat as heavy damage and destruction to property is anticipated. Though down from earlier prediction, the cyclones speed lowered Thursday, delaying its landfall towards the night time, it is still anticipated to hit the ground at about a speed of 115-125 kilometre per hour. Visuals showed coastal districts of Gujarat including Bhuj, Jamnagar, Mandvi, among others to be hit by high rain and high tidal waves as the cyclone inched closer to the state. The population in these areas has been evacuated by the government as part of rescue efforts. Of 94,427 persons evacuated so far, 46,800 were evacuated in Kutch district, followed by 10,749 in Devbhumi Dwarka, 9,942 in Jamnagar, 9,243 in Morbi, 6,822 in Rajkot, 4,864 in Junagadh, 4,379 in Porbandar and 1,605 in Gir Somnath district," a state government release said. Over 1,500 shelter homes have been established in eight districts of Gujarat. Additionally hospitals have been put on high alert and the armed forces on standby to ensure all cyclone related preparedness in a bid to minimise the impact of cyclone Biparjoy. The only third cyclone to hit the western coast in nearly 60 years, Biparjoy has the capacity to become the cyclone with the longest lifespan in the Arabian sea as it is able to retain its strength, which the scientists have credited to climate change. The officials have said that the cyclone Biparjoy will cause total destruction of thatched houses and extensive damage to kutcha houses. Some damage to pucca houses is also expected. In view of its arrival, the railways cancelled as many as 76 trains, short-terminated 36 services and short-originated 31 services as a precautionary measure for safety purposes. SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON ABOUT THE AUTHOR Nisha Anand Trainee Content Producer for Hindustan Times Digital Streams. I read about feminism, late modern history, and globalisation of Korean music. ...view detail Delhi cabinet minister Saurabh Bharadwaj on Thursday claimed if Narendra Modi is re-elected prime minister in 2024, he may change the constitution and declare himself as India's king as long as he is alive. Delhi minister and AAP national spokesperson Saurabh Bharadwaj.(HT_PRINT) "The way CBI, ED and IT raids are being conducted against leaders of opposition parties and they are being put behind bars, there is a possibility that if Narendra Modi becomes the Prime Minister (again) in 2024, he will change the Constitution and declare that he will be the king of this country as long as he is alive. And the freedom of this country, for which countless people laid down their lives, would be lost," PTI quoted him as saying. Speaking at a press conference, Bharadwaj, who is also the AAP's national spokesperson, warned there may not be an election in the country next time if opposition parties do not unite to fight the next year's Lok Sabha election together, PTI reported. Delhi BJP president Virendra Sachdeva hit back at the Delhi minister, calling his claims as "stupid" and "childish". "Instead of levelling childish allegations, Bharadwaj should tell why his party is so desperate to hug even those parties and political leaders whom Kejriwal used to abuse and accuse of being corrupt," he said. The Aam Aadmi Party has been on a warpath against the Centre's ordinance which limited the Delhi government's powers. ALSO READ: Delhi services ordinance renders elected govt redundant: Kejriwal Delhi chief minister Arvind Kejriwal has met several opposition leaders including Sharad Pawar, Mamata Banerjee, K Chandrasekhar Rao, Akhilesh Yadav and Hemant Soren to garner support to challenge the ordinance in the Rajya Sabha. (With PTI inputs) SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON The Delhi Police have charged former Wrestling Federation of India (WFI) chief and Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) lawmaker Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh with assault, making sexually coloured remarks, and stalking as they filed a 1,082-page charge sheet in a local court against him and his aide Vinod Tomar. Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh in New Delhi on Thursday. (PTI) Deputy police commissioner (New Delhi) Pranav Tayal said Singh has been charged under Indian Penal Code (IPC)s Sections 354 (assault or criminal force with intent to outrage modesty), 354A (making sexually coloured remarks) and 354D (stalking). Tomar has been indicted under IPCs sections 109 (abetment), 354, 354A, and 506 (criminal intimidation). Tayal said it is not mandatory to arrest the two. A second police officer said investigators have found evidence against the accused but since they face a maximum punishment of five years, it is not mandatory to arrest them. The officer added that since the details sought from overseas wrestling federations have yet not been received, they may file a supplementary chargesheet against the accused. It is a chargesheet; not a final report. So, whatever the investigators get after filing the primary chargesheet, will certainly be included in the supplementary chargesheet/s. Also, the forensic reports of digital evidence such as photos, videos, and audio have not been obtained yet from the laboratories...we may include their findings in the supplementary chargesheet, said the second officer, requesting anonymity. The officer said the two accused joined the investigation and cooperated and no recovery or discovery of facts was to be made from them or at their instance. Their addresses are verified and there is no likelihood of them escaping, he quoted the chargesheet as saying. The Delhi Police separately told another local court on Thursday that no corroborative evidence was found against Singh in the second case filed against him under the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act. The polices 552-page cancellation report filed in the court cites statements from a minor wrestler, her father, the complainant, Singh, and other witnesses. A cancellation report is filed in cases when no corroborative evidence is found. The court will hear the matter next on July 4. The minor was among the women athletes who levelled sexual harassment charges against Singh, who headed WFI for 12 years. Her father, as the complainant in the POCSO Act case, withdrew the allegations and recorded a fresh statement before a magistrate. Tayal said they filed the report requesting the cancellation of the case based upon statements of the minor and her father after the completion of the investigation. Police on Sunday said that four of the six women athletes provided audio and visual evidence to corroborate their allegations. Wrestlers seeking action against Singh suspended their protest until June 15 after Union minister Anurag Thakur on June 7 met Olympic medallists Bajrang Punia and Sakshi Malik and assured them that the charge sheet in the case would be filed by June 15. In cases such as those related to sexual harassment, the burden of proof lies on investigating agencies. Police did not file a first information report (FIR) for weeks until the Supreme Court directed them to do so. On Friday last, a team of Delhi Police visited the WFI office with one of the complainants for about 30 minutes to recreate the sequence of events even as Singh was in his house on the same premises. Punia said the complainant went through mental trauma after the visit. The protesting wrestlers camped at Jantar Mantar for 38 days demanding Singhs immediate arrest until the Delhi Police uprooted their tents there on May 28. They were manhandled, stopped, and detained as they sought to march to the new Parliament building during its inauguration that day. The wrestlers later held off on immersing their medals in the Ganga as part of their protest against Singh and broke down in a huddle played out on live television. A Special Investigation Team probing the matter questioned over 180 people and visited Singhs residence in Gonda to record statements of his relatives, colleagues, and associates. SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON A senior United States (US) Congressman from Hawaiithe headquarters of the Indo-Pacific command (Indopacom), neighbour to Pacific Island countries, and the US island that gives Washington a stronger base as a Pacific powerhas said that responses to a possible crisis over the Taiwan straits must not be made the yardstick to judge allies and partners and this would be a waste of time. Hawaii Congressman Ed Case. (Twitter) Ed Case, a member of the House appropriations committee and its subcommittee on defence, however, told HT at his office in Rayburn Building on Capitol Hill that all countries, including India, needed to care about the threat posed by Beijing to the rules-based international order across the entire Indo-Pacific and prepare accordingly. In the run-up to Prime Minister Narendra Modis state visit to the US, Case welcomed Indias enhanced engagement with Pacific Islands and added there was a natural synergy between India and Hawaii. He said it was Indias destiny to lead. Case invited Modi to visit his home state, and suggested that India and the US needed to depend on each other more to reduce the risk on China. With questions being raised about what India may or may not do during a crisis in East Asia between the US and China, Case said, If we are going to judge every move by any country ally, partner, potential partner or ally, todays adversary that may be tomorrows ally or partner by what they say they would or wont do if China tried to invade Taiwan, then we are going to spin our wheels a lot about that. This was not a bridge, he said, that countries needed to cross. What was needed was to make the prospect of invading Taiwan an unacceptable risk for China economically, militarily, socially and structurally and this could happen through partnerships. Rather than sit here and waste a lot of time worrying about the answer to that question, which very few countries are going to answer straight-up, nor should they answer straight-up, we should all just be prepared so that in that eventuality, we have a full range of options. Unique perspective Case suggested that Hawaii brought a unique perspective on the Indo-Pacific today, which is far more complicated than it was just five years ago. Hawaii is a Pacific island which was a Pacific country before it became a part of the US. Culturally, Hawaii is an Asian-Pacific state, meaning that somewhere in the range of 75% plus of my constituents have their national origins in the Indo-Pacific. We are a central part of our countrys role in the Indo-Pacific. We have IndoPacom, which has jurisdiction from the west coast of California all the way to the west coast of India, and for all practical purposes, the Indian Ocean. He said this was in addition to economic, cultural, and educational linkages, with many Indians studying in Hawaii, and the state being home to the East West Centre, an institute that has five alumni organisations in India. Case, who is also a founding member of the Pacific Island caucus in the House, added that there were about 25 different jurisdictions in the Pacific Islands many of them independent countries, some aligned with other countries, some territories aligned with other countries, including Hawaii. If you add their exclusive economic zones, they, in total area, are larger than China and Russias land area put together. The China challenge The Congressman said that the economic sustainability and climate-related needs of the Pacific islands led to enhanced American engagement in the past five years. But clearly, Chinas rise and projection of national intent throughout the world and into the Indo-Pacific has been a major driver. Lets be clear about it. I dont think there is any reason for us not to state the obvious, Case said soon after Secretary of State Antony J Blinken visited Pacific Islands, filling in for President Joe Biden last month. Case said Beijing was first trying to fundamentally destroy the rules-based international order which China wished to use when it was consistent with Beijings goals, and saw as a hindrance when it was not. My top example of this is always going to be the South China Sea where clearly China acted in violation of international law, international tribunals, and international norms and is still acting. The international rules-based order which has maintained relative peace in the world for three generations is not something China wants to support. The corollary of this, Case said, was the threat to the idea of a free and open Indo-Pacific which included the concept of democracy and a maritime space that all nations are free to use within accepted rules. China is intent on undercutting two of the major pillars that have held the world together for three generations. That is playing out in the wider Indo-Pacific, in India, in the Indian Ocean, in the western Pacific, central Pacific, Pacific islands. Acknowledging that the US needed to invest more financial resources in the region, Case said Washington had re-engaged on the defence front through mutual exercises and training, economic and humanitarian assistance, the revival of Peace Corps, quasi soft power, maritime domain awareness, and security. We have ramped it up and strengthened alliances and partnerships, including [with] India. While referring to the specific Pacific Island strategies by other countries in the region, Case said India really stepped up in the area, including during Modis recent visit to Papua New Guinea. I welcome it. It will take all of us to re-engage to preserve the rules-based order. Indias destiny to lead Case said India was on its own journey, in terms of its incredible rise and importance in the broader world. Most populous nation, economy growing, stepping out of the chapters of relative disengagement and non-alignment. Not that India wants to align with either side. It does have continuing relationships with Russia and China in various areas. India needs to chart that course. But the trajectory of where India is going in so many areas is it is stepping forward to lead and Indo-Pacific is just one example. Case said that it was Indias destiny to lead. For me thats great. It aint going to be that we agree on something every day. Overall you see the strengthening ties, not just bilaterally and multilaterally. Quad was a tremendous advance, and so was the economic engagement of India and the 14 countries of the Pacific Islands. Its all on the right track. Our challenge is to make sure that like with any other country with which we have shared leadership, interest, values, things continue on multiple tracks. He spoke of IndoPacom, headquartered in his district, stepping up its cooperation with Indian services including in maritime awareness in the Indian Ocean. Probably China will try to have the same kind of influence there that it seeks in the South China Sea. Case added that on the economic front, one of the ways for both India and the US to de-risk from China was to rely on each other more so that Beijing did not possess dangerous leverage. Asked whether a strategic division of labour with India focusing largely on the Indian Ocean with US and its other treaty allies focusing on the Pacific was logical, Case said India had the capability and interest to do both. I dont think India should be put to some choice as to whether its responsibility is the Indian Ocean, which of course it is, it is Indian, Indias proximate ocean. But the entire world needs to care about the broader Indo-Pacific because that is where the future of the world will be decided, whether you like or not. He said all countries needed to worry about the entire space, just as the US was worried about the Indian Ocean even if it was on the other side of the world. Case then warned against making responses to Taiwan the basis of ties. Defence cooperation On the prospect of India-US defence cooperation, Case said one of Indias weaknesses was its reliance on Russia. I understand the historical reasons for that and I understand the practicalities of not being able to end that reliance in a day. But India should move in that direction for India because I dont think thats where Indias future lies. This, he emphasised, was Indias decision to make but if India so decided, he would support any effort to to assist India to have better options in terms of national defence. With the executive branch moving forward with easing export controls for key systems, any change in law and process will eventually need Congressional approval. Inviting Modi to visit Hawaii, Case said people from India made a powerful impact on Hawaii. From the East West Centre, which is the premium institution in the Pacific for exchange between East and West, or Asia Pacific Centre, which focuses on training military and law enforcement and beyond, including generations from India, and through Indo-Pacom, we can strengthen ties. He said that India should look at Hawaii as the US but as aligned towards the West. We are from and of the Indo-Pacific and there is a natural synergy there that doesnt exist with most of the rest of the US. SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON ABOUT THE AUTHOR Prashant Jha Prashant Jha is the Washington DC-based US correspondent of Hindustan Times. He is also the editor of HT Premium. Jha has earlier served as editor-views and national political editor/bureau chief of the paper. He is the author of How the BJP Wins: Inside India's Greatest Election Machine and Battles of the New Republic: A Contemporary History of Nepal. ...view detail No corroborative evidence was found against former Wrestling Federation of India (WFI) chief and Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) lawmaker Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh in the case filed against him under the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POSCO) Act, the Delhi Police told a local court on Thursday. Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh. (PTI) The polices 552-page cancellation report filed in the court cites statements from a minor wrestler, her father, Singh, and other witnesses. A cancellation report is filed in cases when no corroborative evidence is found. The court will hear the matter next on July 4. The minor was among the women athletes who levelled sexual harassment charges against Singh, who headed WFI for 12 years. Her father, the complainant in the POCSO Act case, withdrew the allegations and recorded a fresh statement before a magistrate. Police on Sunday said that four of the six women athletes provided audio and visual evidence to corroborate their allegations. Wrestlers seeking action against Singh suspended their protest until June 15 after Union minister Anurag Thakur on June 7 met Olympic medallists Bajrang Punia and Sakshi Malik and assured them that the charge sheet in the case would be filed by June 15. In cases such as those related to sexual harassment, the burden of proof lies on investigating agencies. Police did not file a first information report (FIR) for weeks until the Supreme Court directed them to do so. On Friday last, a team of Delhi Police visited the WFI office with one of the complainants for about 30 minutes to recreate the sequence of events even as Singh was in his house on the same premises. Punia said the complainant went through mental trauma after the visit. The protesting wrestlers camped at Jantar Mantar for 38 days demanding Singhs immediate arrest until the Delhi Police uprooted their tents there on May 28. They were manhandled, stopped, and detained as they sought to march to the new Parliament building during its inauguration that day. The wrestlers later held off on immersing their medals in the Ganga as part of their protest against Singh and broke down in a huddle played out on live television. The Delhi Police wrote to wrestling federations of five nations seeking details in connection with the alleged incidents of sexual harassment as part of their probe. The responses are expected to be part of a supplementary charge sheet in the case. A Special Investigation Team probing the matter questioned over 180 people and visited Singhs residence in Gonda to record statements of the outgoing his relatives, colleagues, and associates. SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON Indian Ambassador to the US Taranjit Singh Sandhu on Thursday said that Prime Minister Narendra Modi's upcoming state visit to the US is historic and path-breaking". Speaking to the news agency ANI, the ambassador said that the visit is set to cover five broad areas - defence and strategic cooperation, healthcare partnership, technology (digital startup, innovation), environment (energy, renewables), and knowledge and education. Taranjit Singh Sandhu (Vipin Kumar/HT PHOTO) PM Modi will be the first leader in independent India to address the US Congress twice...In my conversations with many of the congressmen and senators, I can certainly tell you that there is a lot of excitement among them, Taranjit Singh Sandhu said. He added, They want to hear about the India story and they want to hear about the Prime Minister's vision and his thinking. PM Modi is set to visit the US for an official state visit at the invitation of US President Joe Biden and First Lady Jill Biden. His visit will also include a state dinner on June 22. The PM will be addressing a joint meeting of the US Congress during his visit for the second time - the first being in 2016. Meanwhile, several top officials from India and US have been holding key meetings ahead of PM Modis visit. On Wednesday, National Security Advisor (NSA) Ajit Doval and his US counterpart Jake Sullivan held a bilateral meeting in Delhi and discussed issues of mutual interest. Sullivan - who is on a two-day visit to India, is accompanied by a delegation comprising senior US government officials and leaders from the US industry. (With inputs from ANI) As a 2019 letter by Kuki militant leader SS Haokip alleging that BJP took help from the militant groups to win elections in northeast states come to the surface, the Congress trained its gun against former Congressman Himanta Biswa Sarma as his name featured in the letter. Congress leader Digvijaya Singh on Thursday said Himanta Biswa Sarma's 'contacts with militants is old news'/ "I know how Himanta operates," the former chief minister of Madhya Pradesh said. Assam Congress demands the arrest of Himanta Biswa Sarma as an old letter claims he took help from the militant group for elections. The 2019 letter written by Haokip was reportedly submitted as an annexure in an NIA court early this month in connection with the ongoing violence in Manipur. It said 'Hemanta Bishwas Sarma' and Ram Madhav took the help of the Kuki militant groups to win the 2017 assembly election. Despite a different spelling, the Congress said it was certain that Assam chief minister Himanta Biswa Sarma was mentioned in the letter. "I took a very important role in the formation of BJP-led government in the state. To be very frank had these been not supported by us it would have been almost impossible to install the BJP-led government in the state. In the recently concluded Parliamentary Election, BJP candidate secured almost 80-90 per cent votes within the area of our operation, the letter as quoted by reports said. While Himanta did not comment on the allegations, Ram Madhav refuted the charges and said he did not remember meeting Kuki militants. On Wednesday, Assam Congress president Bhupen Kumar Borah sat on a dharna demanding the immediate arrest of the Assam chief minister under the National Security Act. "What has long been believed is now proven in black and white. It reinforces what I have been saying all along: Manipur is burning today because of the politics of the RSS/BJP," Congress general secretary Jairam Ramesh said. "Does cohabitating with a militant outfit not violate the oath of office by Assam CM? Does he have right to continue in office till the conclusion of the investigations?" Congress's Randeep Singh Surjewala said. SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON International Energy Agency (IEA) executive director Fatih Birol has underlined the need for advanced economies to take a bigger responsibility for supporting energy transition in developing nations even as developed nations have opposed the inclusion of the scaling up of mitigation action on the agenda of the ongoing Bonn Climate Change Conference. International Energy Agency (IEA) executive director Fatih Birol. (Twitter) Speaking at a G20 event in New Delhi on Wednesday titled Indias Role in Future of Energy, Birol said climate change caused by the concentration of carbon is not a problem of today. ...it is an issue of hundred years of accumulation of carbon in the atmosphere. When you look at the responsibilities of countries, in terms of cumulative emissions, where we are todaywe are in trouble and we will get the numbers on that, a big chunk of it came from countries who are going to be affected by this like developing countries but also other countries. The comments came even as the agenda adopted on Wednesday at the Bonn Climate Change Conference did not include a mitigation work programme despite calls from developing countries for negotiation on scaling up finance. The 10-day conference is scheduled to end on Thursday. The funding for the mitigation of the climate crisis lies at the heart of this logjam. The US and European Union-led developed countries opposed the agenda put forth by developing countries saying existing mechanisms address the issue of finance. The developed nations have said they are open to a discussion when the flow of finance is not limited to them paying developing countries but also includes funding from emerging economies and the private sector. Birol underlined that emissions do not have passports and that even if advanced economies and China bring their emissions to zero, they will not be immune to the effects of climate change. Birol said investment in clean energy, meanwhile, has been increasing year by year since 2015 and called it good news. Birol said of around $2.7 trillion in investments in the energy sector this year, $1 trillion went to fossil fuels and $1.7 trillion to clean energy sources. But [the] bad news is that in terms of growth in clean energy investments, 90% comes from advanced economies and China. Only a small portion is taking place in emerging countries. He called on multilateral banks and international financial institutions to facilitate clean energy investments in emerging economies. There are two issues why this should happen. First is [the] responsibility and ethical issues and second: from a self-interest point of view, you still need to see clean energy investment happening in emerging economies because climate change is [a] universal issue He said of all power plants built in the world last year, 80% were renewable energy ones and 20% fossil fuel-based. Within renewables, solar is a big chunk. For the first time, the number of global investments going to solar is higher than going to oil production. This is real dollars going to solar, Birol said. He added there is exponential growth in electric cars. Only two years ago, one out of 25 cars sold was an electric car. This year, it is one out of five cars and it is going very strong. He said energy efficiency doubled last year compared to earlier. Hydrogen is also going very strong in terms of investment and interest coming from different parts of the world. There is no country that is not looking at hydrogen very closely. He said looking at investments locked in these sectors, his impression is that a new clean energy economy is coming up. This does not necessarily mean that tomorrow we will not need any more oil and gas. We will continue to depend on it. Birol said the climate and energy sector is overshadowed by major inequities. Energy poverty is a key issue. In sub-Saharan Africa, every second person does not have access to electricity...yet Africa is the continent with 40% solar potential in the world. Solar electricity generated in Africa is less than solar electricity generated in the Netherlands. Birol said India has an ambitious plan for decarbonisation. In 2014, PM [Prime Minister Narendra] Modi doubled down on solar mission and at that time the cost of solar was three times higher than coal. Solar was seen to be a romantic storynow solar is the cheapest source of electricity generation. Thanks to the push in 2014, in the last five years, India was the third largest contributor to solar capacity. Birol called rural electrification Indias second significant achievement. In 2018, India ended the rural electrification process and all the villages were electrified. India brought electricity to almost 500 million people which is almost the population of Europe. In less than 10 years of time bringing electricity to so many people is a major achievement for people of India. SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON Indias defence ministry on Thursday approved the acquisition of 31 MQ-9B armed drones from the US, with a formal announcement on the deal expected during Prime Minister Narendra Modis state visit to Washington next week, people familiar with the matter said. The armed drones, the Indian Air Force (IAF) believes, would help it strengthen its defence capabilities.(Reuters File Photo) The clearance for procuring the drones made by General Atomics was given by a meeting of the Defence Acquisition Council (DAC) chaired by defence minister Rajnath Singh, the people said. India is expected to buy the drones, which have an endurance of more than 27 hours and can operate at up to 50,000 feet, in a deal worth a little more than $3 billion, the people said. Fifteen drones will be for the navy, and eight each for the army and the air force, they said. The deal is expected to be announced when Modi meets US President Joe Biden at the White House on June 22, the people said. This is only the third state visit hosted by Biden and the two sides are looking to the talks between the two leaders to lead to breakthroughs in collaboration in other areas, such as critical and emerging technologies. There was no official word on the issue from the defence ministry or the armed forces. India and the US have engaged in talks on the acquisition of the drones for almost eight years, primarily to bolster the Indian armed forces surveillance capabilities. The Indian Navy currently operates two MQ-9 drones leased from the US in November 2020. The acquisition of the drones gained urgency after the military standoff with China in the Ladakh sector of the Line of Actual Control (LAC) began in May 2020, increasing the Indian militarys need to enhance its vigil along the disputed border. The defence ministrys acceptance of necessity is the first step in the formal procurement process, which will need to be cleared by the Cabinet Committee on Security (CCS) chaired by the Prime Minister. The two sides will also need to conclude negotiations on the final pricing of the drones. The US government approved the sale of the drones to India more than two years ago. Talks between the two sides on the deal proceeded in fits and starts, and were reportedly affected by New Delhis focus on the Make in India initiative for developing and manufacturing defence hardware. The drone deal and an agreement to manufacture the GE-414 engine, developed by GE Aviation, in India to power the countrys home-grown combat aircraft are understood to have figured in US National Security Adviser Jake Sullivans two-day visit to New Delhi this week. US defence secretary Lloyd Austin, too, visited India last week and unveiled a joint road map for defence industry cooperation. The US has sold helicopters, heavy-lift transport aircraft and maritime surveillance aircraft to India in recent years and has been nudging the country to acquire more American-made hardware to reduce its dependence on weaponry from Russia, which continues to be largest supplier of military gear. The hunter-killer MQ-9 drones are capable of a variety of roles, including maritime surveillance, anti-submarine warfare, over-the-horizon targeting, airborne early warning, electronic warfare. The SkyGuardian variant has a wingspan of 79 feet and can carry a payload of 2,155kg on nine hardpoints. The SeaGuardian variant can fly over the horizon via satellite for more than 30 hours and has advanced intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance (ISR) capabilities. India, Nepal, and Bangladesh have finalised the draft of a tripartite power trade agreement, a development in line with New Delhis efforts to forge greater energy connectivity across the neighbourhood, people familiar with the matter said. Nepal PM Pushpa Kamal Dahal met PM Modi in New Delhi in early June (File Photo) The proposed pact, the first of its kind, has been agreed to by the three countries and is expected to be signed in the coming months, the people said. The agreement will also meet a long-standing demand from Nepal and Bangladesh to allow the trading of power through the Indian grid. During Nepal Prime Minister Pushpa Kamal Dahals visit to New Delhi at the beginning of June, he and his Indian counterpart Narendra Modi unveiled plans for India to facilitate the export of hydropower from Nepal to Bangladesh. Dahal said a beginning will be made by exporting 50 MW, though the people said there is potential for this to be ramped up once the agreement is in place. Also Read: Making our partnership super HIT: PM Modi after meeting Nepal counterpart The move fits in with efforts by India in recent years to forge greater energy connectivity with Bangladesh, Bhutan, Nepal and Sri Lanka through electricity transmission networks and petroleum pipelines. An unstated objective is also to reduce the dependence of neighbours on China, they added. In the past, electricity trade with neighbours was done under bilateral agreements. The finalisation of new guidelines for Cross-Border Trade of Electricity (CBTE) in recent years served as building blocks for the new arrangements. The guidelines, evolved after consultations with all stakeholders, allow neighbouring countries to purchase and sell power through the Indian grid and participate in Indian power exchanges, the people said. The neighbours can feed power into the Indian grid at one point and pull it out elsewhere, something that can help a country like Nepal to send surplus power from one region to another via India. There is a greater flow of energy and greater connectivity, one of the people said. The guidelines were drafted in such a way that power from any Chinese-funded power plant in a neighbouring country cannot be traded through the Indian grid, the people said. India acts as a fulcrum and the modalities are decided by market forces. India also benefits from transit fees, the person cited above said. In addition to constructing electricity transmission infrastructure in Nepal and Bangladesh, India has helped build cross-border pipelines with both countries. South Asias first trans-border petroleum pipeline, linking Motihari in Bihar to Amlekhgunj in Nepal and built at a cost of 324 crore, was launched in 2019 and has supplied 2.8 million metric tonnes of diesel to Nepal. During Dahals visit, the two sides broke ground for the second phase of this pipeline to be built for 183 crore. The two sides also agreed to build a second pipeline to link Siliguri in India and Jhapa in Nepal. In March this year, India and Bangladesh launched a 377-crore cross-border pipeline that is expected to supply one million metric tonnes of diesel annually from Assams Numaligarh refinery to northern parts of the neighbouring country. The length of the pipeline is 132 km and a 127 km stretch within Bangladesh was built with an Indian grant. During the economic crisis in Sri Lanka, part of Indias support worth $4 billion consisted of lines of credit to help meet Colombos requirements for fuel and LPG. State-run Indian Oil Corporation supplied fuel through its subsidiary Lanka IOC in June last year when petrol pumps in Sri Lanka went dry. Sri Lanka and India have also agreed to jointly develop the oil tank farms in Trincomalee amid growing concerns over Chinas influence in the country. Also Read: To better India-Nepal ties, focus on implementation When Modi made his first foreign visit to Nepal in 2014, just three months after assuming office, he unveiled the HIT formula for forging links through highways, i-ways and trans-ways. He addressed Nepals key concerns the oil should be exported through pipeline instead of trucks, bridges should be built over shared rivers and facilities created for exporting electricity. As a result of this diplomatic effort, we are already importing more than 450 MW of power from Nepal and the target is to take it to 10,000 MW, a second person said. India also buys hydropower from Bhutan and such energy cooperation forms a key element of Indias Neighbourhood First policy. Following problems in building an underwater transmission line, there is now a plan to construct an overhead power grid link with Sri Lanka. As in the case of Nepal, state-run power companies have been asked to explore the development of projects in Sri Lanka, the second person said. The G20 summit to be held in September is expected to pass an India-backed declaration to ensure supply chain security with emphasis on regional cooperation, the second person said. As part of these efforts, there are plans to set up a regional power grid comprising Myanmar, Bhutan, Bangladesh, Nepal and Sri Lanka. 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 Indias defence ministry on Thursday approved the acquisition of 31 MQ-9B armed drones from the US, with a formal announcement on the deal expected during Prime Minister Narendra Modis State visit to Washington next week, people familiar with the matter said. India is expected to buy the drones, which have an endurance of more than 27 hours and can operate at up to 50,000 feet (Representative Photo) The clearance for procuring the drones made by General Atomics was given by a meeting of the Defence Acquisition Council (DAC) chaired by defence minister Rajnath Singh, the people said. India is expected to buy the drones, which have an endurance of more than 27 hours and can operate at up to 50,000 feet, in a deal worth a little more than $3 billion, the people said. Fifteen drones will be for the navy, and eight each for the army and the air force, they said. The deal is expected to be announced when Modi meets US President Joe Biden at the White House on June 22, the people said. This is only the third state visit hosted by Biden and the two sides are looking to the talks between the two leaders to lead to breakthroughs in collaboration in other areas, such as critical and emerging technologies. There was no official word on the issue from the defence ministry or the armed forces. Also Read: Breakthrough likely in semiconductor supply chains ahead of Modis visit: US NSA India and the US have engaged in talks on the acquisition of drones for almost eight years, primarily to bolster the Indian armed forces surveillance capabilities. The Indian Navy currently operates two MQ-9 drones leased from the US in November 2020. The acquisition of the drones gained urgency after the military standoff with China in the Ladakh sector of the Line of Actual Control (LAC) began in May 2020, increasing the Indian militarys need to enhance its vigil along the disputed border. The defence ministrys Acceptance of Necessity is the first step in the formal procurement process, which will need to be cleared by the Cabinet Committee on Security (CCS) chaired by the prime minister. The two sides will also need to conclude negotiations on the final pricing of the drones. The US government approved the sale of drones to India more than two years ago. Talks between the two sides on the deal proceeded in fits and starts and were reportedly affected by New Delhis focus on the Make in India initiative for developing and manufacturing defence hardware. The drone deal and an agreement to manufacture the GE-414 engine, developed by GE Aviation, in India to power the countrys home-grown combat aircraft are understood to have figured in US National Security Adviser Jake Sullivans two-day visit to New Delhi this week. US defence secretary Lloyd Austin too visited India last week and unveiled a joint roadmap for defence industry cooperation. The US has sold helicopters, heavy-lift transport aircraft and maritime surveillance aircraft to India in recent years and has been nudging the country to acquire more American-made hardware to reduce its dependence on weaponry from Russia, which continues to be the largest supplier of military gear. The hunter-killer MQ-9 drones are capable of a variety of roles, including maritime surveillance, anti-submarine warfare, over-the-horizon targeting, airborne early warning, and electronic warfare. The SkyGuardian variant has a wingspan of 79 feet and can carry a payload of 2155 kg on nine hardpoints. The SeaGuardian variant can fly over the horizon via satellite for more than 30 hours and has advanced intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance (ISR) capabilities. SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON Ahead of Prime Minister Narendra Modi's official state visit to the US, India is set to discuss the acquisition of MQ-9 Reaper drones from the US on Thursday, reported ANI citing defence sources. Reportedly, India is planning to acquire 30 drones including 10 each for all three services - Indian Air Force, Navy, and the Army. India to discuss drone purchase deal with US(US Air Force website) An IndiGo aircraft operating its Bengaluru-Ahmedabad flight has been grounded after it suffered a tail strike while landing at Ahmedabad's Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport on Thursday, five days after a similar incident took place at the Delhi airport. The airlines, in a statement, confirmed the incident and said the aircraft has been grounded for inspection.(Reuters) Read here: IndiGo aircraft suffers tail strike while landing at Delhi's IGI Airport The Directorate General Civil Aviation (DGCA) took cognizance of the incident and ordered the grounding of pilots of the accident-hit aircraft. It also ordered a probe into the incident. "A tail strike has been reported. The DGCA has ordered off rostering of pilots," a official said. The airlines, in a statement, confirmed the incident and said the aircraft has been grounded for inspection. IndiGo flight 6E6595 operating from Bengaluru to Ahmedabad experienced a tail strike while landing in Ahmedabad. The aircraft was declared grounded at Ahmedabad airport for necessary assessment and repairs. The incident is under investigation by relevant authorities," it added. On Sunday, an IndiGo Airbus A321 aircraft suffered a similar tail strike while at Delhi's Indira Gandhi International Airport from Kolkata, following which the DGCA ordered the airline to take off the cockpit crew of the flight. Read here: Amritsar to Ahmedabad IndiGo flight enters Pakistan due to bad weather Meanwhile in another incident, scenes of chaos and agitation were witnessed after an IndiGo flight from Lucknow to Mumbai was diverted to Udaipur on Tuesday afternoon after the pilot failed to land in Mumbai. The flight returned to Mumbai after a long hours of delay, after the pilot was changed on account of passengers creating a ruckus at Udaipur airport. (with inputs from agencies) SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON Bengaluru The Karnataka cabinet on Thursday approved the revision of Social Science and Kannada textbooks for classes 6 to 10 in state schools, leaving out chapters on Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) founder KB Hedgewar and Hindutva ideologue VD Savarkar, in what the government described as an effort to rectify the distortion of history and saffronisation of the syllabus under the previous Bharatiya Janata Party regime. Hindutva ideologue VD Savarkar (Left) and Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) founder KB Hedgewar (Right) The states minister for primary and secondary education, Madhu Bangarappa, said that all changes introduced by the BJP government in 2022 were reversed. Whatever changes they have done last year, we have changed it and reintroduced whatever was there last to last year. In the interest of the children, we have done the least now. That is only in Kannada language from class 6 to 10, and social studies from classes 6 to 10. We have always maintained that the text books were distorted to fuel certain agenda and influence young minds with wrong history. We plan to correct it, Bangarappa said last week. Some of the key omissions include chapters on right-wing ideologue Chakravarthy Sulibele, Sanskrit and Kannada scholar Bannanje Govindacharya. Also Read | Tejasvi Surya on Karnataka govt's move to repeal anti-conversion law: PFI agenda Meanwhile, chapters on educationist Savitribai Phule, Indias first prime miister Jawaharlal Nehrus letter to his daughter Indira Gandhi, and a poem on BR Ambedkar, which were removed last year, were restored. The government will also make it mandatory for all schools to hold a reading of the Preamble to the Constitution, a person aware of the development said. Bangarappa said the education department will come up with supplementary textbooks clarifying the changes, rather than scrapping the existing textbooks altogether. There are more than 72,000 government and private aided schools in the state, in which more than 10 million children study, according to government data. The Congress, in its poll manifesto ahead of this years assembly elections, promised to reverse such changes made to textbooks during the BJP regime. On May 29, around 30 academicians and writers met chief minister Siddaramaiah in Bengaluru and submitted a memorandum with various demands to reform the education sector, including revisions in textbooks, and the ban on wearing the hijab in educational institutions. Renowned writer SG Siddaramaiah, who was among those who met the chief minister, welcomed Thursdays decision. If it is in the interest of the students, I welcome the move. However, the revisions should be made by just one person. The education will impact lakhs of students. If it has been done in a democratic way, thats good, he said. Last year, the Textbook Revision Committee, headed by Rohith Chakrathirtha, drew flak from writers, academics, religious leaders and Opposition parties, who accused the government-appointed panel of attempting to saffronise the curriculum by dropping works of social reformers and progressive thinkers. Doubts were also raised about the credentials of Chakratirtha and other members of the committee. Among the objections raised included the omission of chapters on social reformer Narayana Guru, freedom fighter Bhagat Singh, and works of progressive writers such as Sara Aboobacker and P Lankesh. Meanwhile, chapters on RSS founder KB Hedgewar, works of right-wing ideologues such as Chakravarti Sulibele, Govinda Pai and Bannanje Govindacharya, among others, were included. Objections were also raised over omissions and commissions in chapters relating to religious icons such as 12th century social reformer Basavanna, and personalities such as Ambedkar. Some noted writers, including Devanur Mahadev, G Ramakrishna and SG Siddaramaiah, had withdrawn permission for use of their works in the textbooks in protest. The state BJP warned on Thursday that it would not sit quiet over the revisions, which it alleged were part of the Congresss appeasement policy. They want votes of Muslims. Siddramaiahs govt is against Hindus. They might even reintroduce hijab. They want to attract votes of minorities and politicise everything,former education minister BC Nagesh said. BJP MLC N Ravikumar alleged that the chief minister was indulging in politics of hate, and condemned the removal of chapters of Hagdewar from the textbooks. Siddaramaiah is an experienced and a senior politician. I would like to request him not to indulge in politics of hate. Will students become anti-nationals by studying Sarvarkars lessons? He added: We will take this issue to the people and the Parliamentary elections, Zilla and Taluk Panchayat elections, parents and the students. Bengaluru: The Karnataka Cabinet has resolved to repeal the controversial anti-conversion law that was enacted by the previous Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) government, minister for law and parliamentary affairs, HK Patil said on Thursday, articulating the states new Congress governments latest move to undo changes brought about by its predecessor. HK Patil (Twitter) We have discussed the provisions of the anti-conversion act and it has been decided to repeal the law they (the BJP government) introduced. We will take up the matter during the assembly session which will be held from July 3, Patil added. The decision to repeal the anti-conversion law comes as a response to mounting public pressure and concerns raised by various groups regarding its potential misuse and violation of individual rights. The Protection of Right to Freedom of Religion Bill, 2022 as the anti-conversion bill is named, was passed in September . Also Read | Karnataka cabinet approves textbook revision; leaves out chapters on Hedgewar, Savarkar The Karnataka law said that anyone involved in illegal conversion would face a jail term of three to 10 years and a fine of 50,000. The law, tougher than those passed by a few other BJP states, also targetted inter-faith marriages with one of its sections promising action against anyone who converts or attempts to convert, either directly or otherwise, any other person from one religion to another by use or practice of misrepresentation, force, undue influence, coercion, allurement or by any fraudulent means or by any of these means or by the promise of marriage. The law requires district magistrates to call for objections, if any, to the proposed religious conversion within 30 days, and an inquiry if any is received. If the inquiry makes a case under the law, the district magistrate should ask the police to initiate criminal action, the law said. The first case under anti-conversion law in the southern state was filed in October 2022 when a 24-year-old Muslim man was arrested and remanded to judicial custody for allegedly converting a woman under the pretext of marrying her. Minister Priyank Kharge said that the cabinet has decided to revoke the decision as it violates the constitutional right to practice a religion of choice. In many cases, there are restrictions placed on interreligious marriages, he added, describing the inquiry into these marriages as an invasion of peoples rights and privacy. Since the Congress government has taken charge in Karnataka, chief minister Siddaramaiah has announced slew of policy changes to undo the decisions made by the previous Bharatiya Janata Party government as promised in the partys election manifesto. The Congress had claimed that the BJP government had taken decisions with communal intent, the charge refuted by the BP. The BJP reacted sharply to the Congress governments decision on Thursday to repeal the anti-conversion law and dubbed the party the new Muslim League . Former Union Minister Basanagouda R Patil (Yatnal) took to Twitter and said Chief Minister Siddaramaiahs Anti Hindu agenda is exposed. Also on Twitter, BJP National General Secretary C T Ravi said the Conversion Mafia in Karnataka ensures that the AntiHinduCONgress repeals the anti-conversion law brought in by the @BJP4Karnataka government. SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON ABOUT THE AUTHOR Arun Dev Arun Dev is an Assistant Editor with the Karnataka bureau of Hindustan Times. A journalist for over 10 years, he has written extensively on crime and politics. ...view detail Nagpur: Telangana chief minister K Chandrasekhar Rao on Thursday said his Bharat Rashtra Samithi will not enter into an alliance in Maharashtra and asserted that his party will fight every seat in the state in the civic, assembly and general elections. Telangana chief minister K Chandrasekhar Rao speaks after inaugurating Bharat Rashtra Samithis office in Nagpur. (HT Photo) Also Read | BRS unlikely to attend June 23 opposition party meeting Addressing a party workers meeting after opening his first party office in Nagpur, Rao said his party would contest all the elections in Maharashtra, including the ensuing municipal corporations. We will also contest all the ensuing Lok Sabha and assembly elections in Maharashtra, he said. After success of his three rallies across Maharashtra, the BRS president entered Vidarbha. Earlier he had addressed well-attended rallies in Nanded (February 5), Kandhar Loha in Nanded district (March 26) and Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar (Aurangabad) in Maharashtra on April 24. Also Read | BRS will score a hat-trick in assembly polls: KCR In an apparent effort to project itself as a national party, BRS is actively working on expanding its presence in Maharashtra and addressing key issues, such as farmers suicides and Dalits welfare. In the previous meetings, Rao, apart from addressing these issues, also promised a slew of welfare measures if voted to power in Maharashtra. Speaking to media persons, Rao said his party wants a qualitative change in the country, if it comes into power. He made it clear that his party was not interested in striking an alliance with other opposition parties. If they (opposition parties) like my agenda, they can join us, he said. Rao had earlier announced going it alone in Maharashtra assembly elections in 2024 by strengthening its organizational network and contesting all the 288 assembly constituencies in the state under the slogan Ab ki Baar Kisan Sarkar. Answering a question, KCR said he is not bothered about the accusation that his party would work as the spoilsports for the opposition votes and help the BJP in the elections in Maharashtra. If opposition parties brand my organisation as B or C team of the BJP, I am least bothered about it, he said. Addressing party workers, KCR highlighted the challenges being faced by the people, such as water scarcity, inadequate electricity supply, and the lack of fair prices for agricultural products. He expressed concern over the distressing issue of farmer suicides. He asked why farmers in a state with abundant rivers were resorting to such extreme measures. He emphasized that the implementation of 24-hour power and water supply in Telangana had significantly reduced farmer suicides in the state. He stressed the necessity of a new national water policy. The Nagpur event witnessed the joining of many former legislators and leaders from Maharashtra into the BRS. SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON Avtar Singh Khanda, the Khalistan Liberation Force (KLF) leader who is believed to have planned the March 19 violence at the Indian high commission in London and played a key role in the rise of jailed Waris Punjab De head Amritpal Singh, died in a hospital in the UK on Thursday, officials in central intelligence agencies said, adding that the development comes as a major blow to the pro-Khalistan elements or PKEs. Pro-Khalistan supporter and Waris-Punjab-de Chief Amritpal Singh's handler Avtar Singh Khanda (ANI) While the exact cause of his death is not known, officials who track PKEs in the UK said Khanda was most likely diagnosed with blood cancer and admitted in a hospital in Birmingham about 14-15 days ago. Intelligence agencies believe that he has been killed by Nijjar and Pamma as he was proving to be liability to Khalistanis in the UK after his role in attack on Indian High Commission was exposed, said an officer, who didnt want to be named. As reported by HT on March 19, Khanda (35), a UK based Sikh radical and vice-president of Shiromani Akali Dal (Mann), who is also a close associate of Khalistani terrorist Jagtar Singh Tara, was the main handler of Amritpal Singh and brain behind his meteoric rise before his arrest in April. Intelligence agencies have learnt that after the death of Harmeet Singh alias PhD in Lahore in 2020, Khanda took the mantle of KLF under the name of Ranjodh Singh. He used to frequently participate in protests outside the Indian high commission in London, including March 19 incident which was done after the police action against Amritpal Singh, whom he mentored and was funding. He had also helped Amritpal in evading arrest for over a month and in fact, after Amritpals arrest, he formed a committee of foreign based Khalistanis to run the affairs of Waris Punjab De, said the officer cited above. This officer added that Khanda was one of the persons behind turning late actor Deep Sidhu into a Khalistan icon, who later denigrated the national flat at the Red Fort on January 26, 2021 during a farmers rally in Delhi. Khanda was also a close aide of Paramjit Singh Pamma, who is associated with Babbar Khalsa international (BKI) and is known for holding theoretical radical training classes for the Sikh youth to mislead them. Not only Khanda did prop up Amritpal Singh in association with the Pakistani spy agency ISI, but he also worked like an idealogue for Sikh youngsters and brainwashed them against the Indian government, said an intelligence officer who didnt want to be named. Agencies have established that Khanda, along with Pamma, and other Khalistanis such as Sikhs for Justice (SFJ) leader Gurpatwant Singh Pannun, Gursharan Singh, and Jasvir Singh were working on a deadly plan to destabilizing Punjab and Amritpal Singh, currently lodged in Dibrugarh prison in Assam, was sent to India for this purpose. Officials said that Khanda was very close to important militants like Jagtar Singh Tara of KTF (Khalistan Tiger Force), Harminder Singh Mintoo of KLF and Paramjit Singh Panjwar of KCF (Khalistan Commando Force)/Panjwar (both deceased). Besides Pamma, he was also working closely with KTF militant Hardeep Singh Nijjar, who along with Pannun is spearheading secessionist campaign Referendum 2020 of banned organisation SFJ, the officer cited above said. Terming Khanda an expert in explosives, a second intelligence officer said : They (Khanda and other PKEs in the UK) have been trying to make improvised explosive devices (IEDs) using common chemicals by giving live demonstrations in Birmingham and Glasgow. A National Investigation Agency (NIA) team last month travelled to London in connection with its investigation into the March 19 attack on the Indian high commission by a mob of PKEs and sought action against Khanda, who allegedly led the protestors there. The agency has already released CCTV footage of the attack as well as pictures of five suspects while identifying at least 45 suspects from the mob. As reported by HT last month, NIA is investigating a larger conspiracy by Pakistan-backed pro-Khalistan leaders in the UK behind the incident. It took over the probe from the Delhi Police after the ministry of home affairs (MHA) met with UK home office representatives in April and raised the issue of security of Indian high commission and radicalization of Sikh youth in the the UK by PKEs. A senior NIA officer said Khanda was under scanner in three other cases related to PKEs terror activities in Punjab and other parts of India. Khanda was the son of slain KLF militant Kulwant Singh alias Khukhrana. A native of Moga, Punjab, he moved to the UK in early 2010 on a study visa while his family still resides in Old Moga. While in India, he was involved in petty clashes, but after moving to the UK, he got associated with pro-Khalistan elements. Khanda had also been associated with the conspiracy and attempts to kill Sukhbir Singh Badal (president of Shiromani Akali Dal/Badal), former Punjab director general of police (DGP) Sumedh Singh Saini and senior advocate Rajwinder Singh Bains, officials said. The KLF leader was also luring Indian students and illegal emigrants in UK to join Khalistani outfits in lieu of sponsorship for political asylum. He had also actively participated during Referendum 2020 voting in UK in 2021-22. He was also running a Khalistani TV Channel in the UK, said the second officer. A man who allegedly ran a religious conversion racket has been found to have 30 Pakistani contacts saved in his mobile phones, police in this Uttar Pradesh district have said. Police have seized two mobile phones of the accused as also the central processing unit (CPU) of his computer for further investigation. (File) Shahnawaz Khan alias Baddo, a resident of Mumbra township in Maharashtra's Thane, was allegedly operating at least six e-mail addresses, one of which had a few e-mails from Pakistan in the inbox, police officials said on Wednesday. Police have seized two mobile phones of the accused as also the central processing unit (CPU) of his computer for further investigation. Khan was allegedly operating six e-mail addresses, including two for online gaming, Deputy Commissioner of Police (DCP), city, Nipun Agarwal said. On Tuesday, the accused was sent to judicial custody for 14 days by a Ghaziabad court where he was produced after being brought from Thane on transit remand. The DCP said the cyber crime cell of the Uttar Pradesh Police is trying to ascertain further details of the 30 Pakistani phone numbers found saved in Khan's mobile phones. He said police will invoke the stringent National Security Act (NSA) against Khan if anything incriminating comes up against him in connection with the phone numbers. The accused is currently lodged in the district jail here and police will seek his remand from the district court for further interrogation, the DCP said. A Kavi Nagar area resident submitted a complaint to police on May 30, alleging that his son was lured to convert to Islam through an online gaming app. Police arrested Khan from a relative's place in Alibagh in Maharashtra's Raigad district on Sunday. A Thane court granted Khan's transit remand to the Uttar Pradesh Police on Monday. A mob burnt down two houses as clashes broke out between protesters and security personnel in Imphal on Thursday, two days after the sharpest escalation of violence in the state saw nine people gunned down and another 10 injured. Two houses were set ablaze in Imphal on Thursday. (PTI) Army officials who spoke on the condition of anonymity said at least two houses were burned down by the mob in New Checkon area of Imphal East district. When security forces reached the area to prevent more violence, clashes broke out between protesters comprising mostly women, and security personnel, the officials added. At least three people, including a woman and a security personnel, sustained injuries. Rapid Action Force and other security personnel resorted to force and fired tear gas shells to disperse the mob. Manipur chief minister N Biren Singh assured strict action against those involved in the violence. Action will be taken up against those who commit heinous crimes, he told a media briefing. On Tuesday night, nine people were shot dead and another 10 injured after a group of unidentified men stormed a village and opened fire. Manipur Police officers said that between 10pm and 10.30pm on Tuesday, a group of armed men walked into Agjiang village on the border between Imphal East and Kangpokpi district and started shooting. Hours later, on Wednesday evening, a mob torched the official residence of BJP lawmaker Nemcha Kipgen, the only woman minister in the state cabinet. Kigpen is the legislator from Kangpokpi and among the 10 Kuki lawmakers seeking a separate administration in the state. She was in Delhi when the incident happened. Singh said the state government has started combing operation to book those involved in the arson and killing of nine people. The state government started combing operation yesterday to find out the culprits. So far no arrest has been made but six improvised pipe bombs have been recovered. Clashes between the majority Meitei community and the tribal Kuki community first erupted on May 3 and has since claimed 115 lives. Tuesday nights incident marked the highest number of casualties in a single day since violence first broke out six weeks ago, underlining the challenge of restoring peace in a state where ethnic divisions run deep. At least 300 people have been injured and nearly 40,000 displaced. As violence mounted, Army and Assam Rifles personnel increased area domination operations on Thursday. Day two of domination of fringe areas and higher reaches underway by long duration self-contained columns, said the Spear Corps division of Indian Army in a social media post. Some civil society groups said the clashes in Meitei-dominated Imphal on Thursday were in retaliation to the deaths on Tuesday night. This is retaliatory action due to what happened on Tuesday night, said Khuraijam Athouba, spokesperson of Coordinating Committee for Manipur Integrity (COCOMI), a Imphal-based conglomerate of Meitei civil society organisations. The Indigenous Tribal Leaders Forum (ITLF), a conglomerate of Kuki groups in Churachandpur district, accused Meitei groups of continued attacks and reiterated its demand for Presidents Rule and complete separation of tribal areas. This is the only solution that safeguards and protects the lives of the tribals and ensures lasting peace in the region, the statement said. Clashes between the Kukis and Meiteis first erupted on May 3 during a protest against a court-ordered tweak to the states reservation matrix, granting Scheduled Tribe (ST) status to the latter. Violence quickly engulfed the state, displacing tens of thousands of people who fled burning homes and neighbourhoods into jungles, often across state borders. The authorities clamped a curfew and suspended internet, pumping in additional security forces to force a break in the spiraling clashes. Internet is still not fully back in the state. Union home minister Amit Shah visited the state for four days between May 31 and June 3. The Central Bureau of Investigation is looking into five specific cases of violence and a sixth case of conspiracy behind the cases. The government has also announced a peace committee headed by governor Anasuiya Uikey but prominent groups from both sides of the divide have distanced themselves from the process. The first wave of violence was seen between May 3 and 6, when a wave of attacks and arson forced people to flee their homes and prompted the government to fly in thousands of security personnel. But despite some easing of tensions, sporadic violence has continued. SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON 'Have power to truly select next US president': Congressman at Hindu American summit The first-ever Hindu-American Summit was organised on Wednesday at Capitol Hill, the seat of the US government, where several Congressional leaders and political advocacy groups backed the community. Read more Hindu American Foundations Associate Policy Director Anita Joshi and Board Member Rajiv Pandit displaying types of resources HAF used to educate lawmakers and Hindu American communities.(@HinduAmerican) I know how Himanta Biswa Sarma operates: Congress leader on Kuki militant chief's claim As a 2019 letter by Kuki militant leader SS Haokip alleging that BJP took help from the militant groups to win elections in northeast states come to the surface, the Congress trained its gun against former Congressman Himanta Biswa Sarma as his name featured in the letter. Read more Ishan Kishan refuses to play Duleep Trophy weeks before West Indies tour, throws doubt on Test future: Report Ishan Kishan has been spoken of among the contenders to be India's first-choice wicketkeeper until Rishabh Pant returns to full fitness. However, he has reportedly let go of a chance to prove himself in the longest format ahead of India's two-Test series in the West Indies by opting out of the Duleep Trophy. Read more Raima Sen on her comeback with The Vaccine War: 'I was waiting for something different' The excitement around Vivek Agnihotri's The Vaccine War just got doubled after actor Raima Sen came on board. Recently, the director shared an exciting star cast update on social media and confirmed Raima joining the ensemble that includes Nana Patekar and Sapthami Gowda. Read more How to argue better in relationships? Therapist shares tips Conflicts are healthy in a relationship. Contrary to popular beliefs, conflicts help us in seeing the other person more clearly, understand their perspectives and get to know them. Read more SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON ABOUT THE AUTHOR HT News Desk Follow the latest breaking news and developments from India and around the world with Hindustan Times' newsdesk. From politics and policies to the economy and the environment, from local issues to national events and global affairs, we've got you covered. ...view detail Washington Vivek Lall (Wikimedia Commons) Vivek Lall, the chief executive of General Atomics Global Corporation, has said that Prime Minister Narendra Modis State visit to the US will be a watershed, and lauded Modi and President Joe Biden for taking the defence relationship to the next level. General Atomics Global Corporation has developed the Predator drones that India is all set to purchase. On Thursday, the Defence Acquisition Council (DAC) cleared the procurement of the unmanned aerial vehicles. The decision will have to be cleared by the cabinet committee on security. During Modis visit, India is expected to issue a letter of request for 31 drones worth $3 billion to the US government, to be split among the three services. The acquisition will happen under the foreign military sales (FMS) mechanism of the US Department of Defense, which, as HT reported on Wednesday, has just been tweaked to incorporate the needs of allies and partners and meet their needs on an expeditious basis. Lall, a veteran of the US defence industry, said, The US-India defence relationship has been one of great convergence in the last few years and has grown from strength to strength with India and the US having signed several foundational agreements. Military to military ties have been ever increasing. And now with the initiative on critical and emerging technologies, defence innovation is a key part of that effort. The decades ahead will see growth and convergence in defence. Lall said that the partnership has now moved to critical areas of technology, such as artificial intelligence, quantum, space. It is very significant that those seeds are sown. When asked if India and the US were finally addressing the concerns of the other side that have inhibited the growth in defence ties Washington DC has wanted India to buy more weapon systems, Delhi has wanted the US to ease export controls and invest in co-production and co-development Lall said that the Modis visit was a watershed event and will be historic. PM Modi and President Biden have definitely taken the relationship to a new level. The relationship gets a strong pivot over whats been created. I do see the visit as a great catalyser. Modi had met Lall during his last visit to the US in September 2021. Looking ahead, Lall said that industrial ties between countries at the level of start-ups, small, medium and large enterprises will be key. Understanding and collaboration, true research and development, and innovation will be key to sustained growth. When you look at the industrial setup on both sides, there is great keenness to work together because of shared interests in terms of tech and innovation. With India having leased two MQ-9B drones as the border crisis with China intensified in 2020 a lease that was enabled by rapid US government clearances Washington has expected New Delhi would pursue a larger acquisition deal. The issue repeatedly came up in several high-level conversations between the two sides in recent months and Thursdays clearance is being seen in Washington as a clear sign of the Indian commitment to deepen the defence partnership. SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON After the Delhi Police charged Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) MP Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh in one case and filed cancellation report in the second case against him under the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO ) Act, wrestler Sakshi Malik has spoken on the police action. The chargesheet clearly states that he is guilty but our lawyer has filed an application so that he gets his hands on the chargesheet at the earliest so that we can find out the charges. After that, we will see whether those charges are correct or not. Our next step would come once we see everything - whether the promises that were made are being fulfilled or not. We are waiting, Malik told news agency ANI. ALSO READ: Bajrang Punia to farmers: 'Can't let WFI chief off the hook like' Wrestler Sakshi Malik.(Twitter/ANI) A minor was among the grapplers who had accused the BJP MP of sexual harassment. The charges could have attracted a minimum punishment of five years for Singh if proven. But the complainant's father withdrew the allegations. A Delhi Police officer told Hindustan Times that the investigators found evidence in the first case but since the MP faces a maximum punishment of five years, it is not mandatory to arrest him. Singh has been charged under Indian Penal Code (IPC)s Sections 354 (assault or criminal force with intent to outrage modesty), 354A (sexually coloured remarks) and 354D (stalking). His aide, Vinod Tomar, has been indicted under IPCs sections 109 (abetment), 354, 354A, and 506 (criminal intimidation). ALSO READ: Will contest Lok Sabha polls from Kaiserganj seat, says Brij Bhushan In another development, the Delhi Police are sending a request to the Centre for the withdrawal of FIR registered against wrestlers. After government's approval, the FIR against wrestlers will be withdrawn, ANI reported. The FIR was registered for rioting and under other sections, on the day of the inauguration of the new Parliament building when wrestlers had staged demonstrations. SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON Arrested state minister and DMK leader V Senthil Balaji, who was hospitalised on Wednesday after he complained of chest pains while being questioned by the Enforcement Directorate (ED) in connection with a money laundering case, was shifted to Kauvery Hospital on Thursday following an order of Madras High Court. Tamil Nadu minister V Senthil Balaji while being taken to a government hospital after his arrest in connection with a money laundering case, in Chennai.(HT_PRINT) He was arrested by the central probe agency after being questioned in the money laundering case on Wednesday. Earlier, a bench of Justices J Nisha Banu and D Bharatha Chakravarthy at the Madras High Court, ordered the shifting of the arrested DMK leader to Kauvery Hospital at his own cost. The directive was issued reportedly on humanitarian grounds. Balaji broke down while being taken into custody by ED officials for questioning in the money laundering case in the early hours of Wednesday. After raiding his premises on Tuesday, the central agency grilled the DMK leader. Balaji underwent a coronary angiogram on Wednesday at the Omandurar government hospital in Chennai, informed hospital officials. The government-run super speciality hospital issued a medical bulletin, advising the minister to undergo a bypass surgery at the earliest. "State minister Senthil Balaji underwent Coronary Angiogram today (Wednesday); bypass surgery is advised at the earliest," read the medical bulletin issued by the state-run hospital on Wednesday. Even as the state minister was remanded to 14 days' judicial custody on Wednesday, a war of words erupted with the DMK saying it won't be intimidated by the BJP's threats. Opposition leaders, too, tore into the ED over its "highhandedness" for questioning Balaji for long hours and taking him into custody. Tamil Nadu State Human Rights Commission (TNSHRC) member V Kannadasan on Thursday visited arrested state minister Senthil Balaji in a hospital and said the latter claimed that he was assaulted by the Enforcement Directorate (ED) officials to which the agency denied. The minister was arrested on charges of money laundering. (Twitter photo) The commissions member V Kannadasan met the minister, who was arrested on charges of money laundering, in the Omandurar government medical hospital in Chennai on Thursday. The minister was admitted to the hospital after 2:30am after 18 hours of questioning. I couldnt see the wounds because he was lying down, and he couldnt speak much because of his chest pain. But I have investigated him, and he has given me the names of officials who he said assaulted him, said Kannadasan after his meeting with the arrested minister. Also Read: Stalin warns BJP after Senthil Balaji alleges assault by ED upon arrest The commission will make a decision on this tomorrow, Kannadasan added. ED did not comment on the allegations levelled by Balaji that he was tortured by the investigating officers. An officer, however, denied the allegations saying, no such thing happened. ED follows rules and regulations while taking a person in custody. All these allegations are baseless, he said. The agency had said in its application before a court in Chennai on Wednesday that Senthil was arrested under prevention of money laundering act (PMLA) on June 14 at 1:39 am. He has been informed about the reasons for his arrest, but he has refused to acknowledge and refused to sign. Therefore, the arrest order/memo was executed in the presence of two independent witnesses. While arresting the person accused, the guidelines laid down by the Honble Apex Court in the case of DK Basu were fully complied without any omission and steps are being taken to comply the ingredients of the Article 22(3) of Constitution of India, ED said in its application. It is also submitted that during the enforcement custody, the accused will be treated politely and humanly, he will be provided with proper food and adequate medical facilities. The accused will not be ill-treated in the enforcement custody, the agency had said. ED has said it has evidence to show that Balaji is guilty in a money laundering case when he was transport minister in the previous AIADMK regime from 2011-2015 where he conspired to take money from candidates in exchange for jobs in his department but they neither got jobs nor a refund. Balaji underwent a coronary angiogram on Wednesday at the Omandurar government hospital in Chennai and a bypass surgery was advised. Balajis senior counsel ER Elango has moved a petition in court seeking to shift him to a private hospital. He is currently undergoing treatment in the government hospital. He does look like he requires emergency medical intervention, added the commissions member. Tamil Nadus opposition AIADMK has objected to the meeting saying that advocate Kannadasan favours the ruling DMK. Reacting on the incident, AIADMK spokesperson D Jayakumar said, If he has done nothing wrong, let him face the case legally instead of doing such drama. SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON ABOUT THE AUTHOR Divya Chandrababu Divya Chandrababu is an award-winning political and human rights journalist based in Chennai, India. Divya is presently Assistant Editor of the Hindustan Times where she covers Tamil Nadu & Puducherry. She started her career as a broadcast journalist at NDTV-Hindu where she anchored and wrote prime time news bulletins. Later, she covered politics, development, mental health, child and disability rights for The Times of India. Divya has been a journalism fellow for several programs including the Asia Journalism Fellowship at Singapore and the KAS Media Asia- The Caravan for narrative journalism. Divya has a master's in politics and international studies from the University of Warwick, UK. As an independent journalist Divya has written for Indian and foreign publications on domestic and international affairs. ...view detail As the Tamil Nadu government on Wednesday ordered to withdraw the general consent for a CBI investigation in the state hours after minister Senthil Balaji's arrest, state BJP chief K Annamalai said Stalin is afraid that he will be the next -- as there were allegations that the chief minister received a kickback of 200 crore for a metro contract. "It seems like TN CM is afraid that CBI will knock at his door soon and has today taken an extraordinary measure in the curtailing entry of CBI in TN without the permission of the state government," Annamalai said issuing a veiled threat. Tamil Nadu BJP chief K Annamalai said Stalin took the CBI move because he is afraid that he will be the next. Tamil Nadu minister Senthil Balaji's arrest became a major political row as opposition leaders questioned how the ED entered the State Secretariat. The state home department, later in the day, issued an order making permission from the state government mandatory for the CBI to investigate in the state. Senthil Balaji did not cooperate, shouted and yelled at ED officers: ED Senthil Balaji was sent to 14 days of judicial custody by a court on Wednesday. The ED told the court that the minister did not cooperate with the investigation process, refused to sign the arrest memo and shouted and yelled at ED officers. When Balaji was the transport minister in the AIADMK government, he allegedly ran a job racket scam. A total of 1.60 crore unaccounted cash deposits were made in the bank accountd of Balaji and his wife. Ed said there was no evidence or justification to prove that this money came from his genuine income. Senthil Balaji triple vessel disease The minister was taken to a hospital after he complained of chest pain during the ED interrogation. The health bulletin of the Omandurar government hospital said the 47-year-old leader was suffering from triple vessel disease and should undergo bypass surgery at the earliest. SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON Tamil Nadu chief minister MK Stalin on Thursday stepped up his attack against the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) over the arrest of his cabinet minister Senthil Balaji by the Enforcement Directorate (ED). Tamil Nadu chief minister MK Stalin (File Photo) The Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK) chief warned the BJP after Balaji alleged mental and physical torture by the ED officials which landed him in the hospital. We are also capable of all sorts of politics. This is not a threat. Its a warning. Do not rub a DMK man the wrong way. If we retaliate, you will not be able to tolerate it, Stalin said in a 10-minute recorded video he released on Thursday. Also Read: Court dismisses Tamil Nadu minister Senthil Balajis plea for rejection of remand Stalin assured the DMK cadre that he would protect them while he lashed out against his opponents, the BJP, and their ally in Tamil Nadu, the All India Anna Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (AIADMK)-led by general secretary Edappadi Palaniswami (EPS). Stalin questioned why the ED had not been interested in cases against former AIADMK ministers registered by the states Directorate of Vigilance and Anti-Corruption (DVAC). But Union home minister Amit Shah will meet these corrupt characters in Delhi, said Stalin, adding The AIADMK was governing till 2021. Why didnt they take action against Balaji then? Stalin, and his allies, including the Congress and non-BJP chief ministers, including Delhi CM Arvind Kejriwal and West Bengal CM Mamata Banerjee have called the EDs action against Balaji as BJPs vendetta politics by using federal agencies. For ten years before the BJP came to power, the ED conducted only 112 raids but after BJP came to power ED has conducted 3,000 raids against those who opposed them. Only 0.05% of the cases are proven, said Stalin. The BJP is using the same script with varied dubbing in different states, said Stalin pointing out the arrests of Sanjay Raut in Maharashtras Shiv Sena, Manish Sisodia in Delhis AAP, a past arrest of DK Shivakumar in Karnatakas Congress and the raids against Bihars deputy chief minister Tejashwi Yadav and those close to West Bengal chief minister Mamata Banerjee. But, there will be no raids by IT, CBI, EB in UP, MP and Gujarat because BJP is governing there, he said adding that the BJP threatens submissive political parties like AIADMK with raids so they tow their line. Balaji, TN electricity and prohibition and excise minister, was arrested on Wednesday by the ED under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA) in an alleged cash-for-jobs scam against him when he was the Transport minister in the earlier AIADMK cabinet led by the late J Jayalalithaa. He was questioned for 18 hours and was admitted to the Omandurar hospital after 2.30am where he has been diagnosed with heart disease. The ED has sought for custodial investigation while a sessions court in Chennai remanded Balaji to judicial custody until June 28 as it rejected Balajis plea for rejection of remand. The ED has said it has evidence to show that Balaji is guilty in a money laundering case when he was transport minister in the previous AIADMK regime from 2011-2015. Also Read: Senthil Balaji has given names of ED officials who assaulted him: TN SHRC member Stalin questioned why a five-time MLA and two-time minister who was cooperating with the investigations was questioned like a terrorist for a case registered 10 years ago like it is an emergency. Stalin rallied his cadre to face the BJP in the battle of the 2024 Lok Sabha elections and criticised the national hegemony for not being able to meet people but resorting to raids and intimidation. BJPs Tamil Nadu vice president pointed out that the ED began raids only after the Supreme Court gave them the go-ahead in an order on May 16 for offences under the Prevention of Corruption Act, 1988. Now, is Mr Stalin opposing the Supreme Court? Is he warning the Supreme Court for ordering ED to continue its duty? said the BJP leader. SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON Bharatiya Janata Party MP Tejasvi Surya on Thursday hit out at the Siddaramaiah-led Congress government in Karnataka over its decision to withdraw the anti-conversion law which was introduced by the previous BJP government. BJP MP Tejasvi Surya said Congress has once again shown that it places its vote bank interest over and above the spirit of the constitution. Congress govt in Karnataka is very promptly and diligently fulfilling the agenda of PFI. The Congress govt has promised to repeal the anti-conversion law. Anti-conversion law was aimed to stop fraudulent and coercive conversions...by repealing this act, Congress has once again shown that it places its vote bank interest over and above the spirit of the constitution and the law of the land, the BJP lawmaker told news agency ANI. ALSO READ: Cong is new Muslim League, says BJP after the repeal of anti-conversion law The Karnataka government will introduce a bill in the upcoming assembly session beginning July 3. "The Cabinet discussed the anti-conversion bill. We have approved the bill to repeal the changes that were brought in by them (BJP government) in 2022. It will be tabled during the session starting from July 3," Karnataka law and parliamentary affairs minister H K Patil told reporters. The Karnataka Protection of Right to Freedom of Religion Act (anti-conversion law) came into effect in 2022, despite opposition from Congress. The law provides for the protection of the right to freedom of religion and prohibition of unlawful conversion from one religion to another by misrepresentation, force, undue influence, coercion, allurement or by any fraudulent means. ALSO READ: Karnataka govt repeals anti - conversion law. What is it all about? As per the law, the punishment ranged from three to five years and a fine of 25,000. For the violation of provisions of the act for minors, women and SC/ST, the violators will face a jail term from three to ten years and a fine of not less than 50,000. For mass conversion, there shall be a 3 to 10-year jail term and a fine of up to 1 lakh. SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON Telangana chief minister K Chandrasekhar Rao has exorted the healthcare services professionals to improve public relations and enhance health services to the needy. Telangana chief minister K Chandrasekhar Rao at the foundation laying ceremony of Dasabdhi block of NIMS in Hyderabad on Wednesday. Addressing an event during the foundation stone laying ceremony of Dashabdhi block of Hyderabad's NIMS, Rao said the enhancement of public relations will help the public sector medical aid facility in attracting the attention of the people. It helps in strengthening the public health system, he added. The same service pattern has become a success in the maternity wing for the past ten years since the formation of Telangana. Institutional deliveries have increased to 70 per cent from a mere 30 percent in 2014, the chief minister said. Rao detailed how the institutional deliveries were encouraged during the past ten years with the introduction of the initiatives like KCR Kit in the state. Earlier, even the economically weaker sections used to rely on private sector for maternity related services. But that system is completely changed and people started flocking in on the government institutions, he added. During his speech, Rao said a seven fold increase of health budget was achieved in the state after its formation. Adding further, KCR, as the CM is popularly called, said the health and medical care in the state has attained a drastic change towards positive achievements and each and every district headquarters is now housed with a medical college. Speaking about NIMS, Rao said a 2000-bed block would be attached to the NIMS hospital which is rendering yeomen services to the society. The chief minister lauded the efforts of the doctors and healthcare professionals during the Covid-19 period. Telangana health minister Hareesh Rao detailed the achievements of the government on the healthcare front and medical education under the leadership of chief minister KCR. Dr Beerappa, director of NIMS, detailed about the proposed block and available services at NIMS. Prior to the foundation stone laying ceremony, the chief minister formally launched the nutritional kit concept . The new block of NIMS was contemplated with an outlay of Rs. 1571 crores and it is spread over 32 acres . It would house 120 operation rooms and 1200 oxygen beds , 500 ICU beds in the new block. The new block would have 38 specialised modular operation theatres of 38 super speciality departments. The chief minister on Wednesday inaugurated the nutrition kit distribution programme implemented at a cost of Rs. 250 crore. SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON ABOUT THE AUTHOR HT News Desk Follow the latest breaking news and developments from India and around the world with Hindustan Times' newsdesk. From politics and policies to the economy and the environment, from local issues to national events and global affairs, we've got you covered. ...view detail Kolkata: Trinamool Congress (TMC) lawmaker Derek OBrien on Thursday lodged a complaint with the cyber police station in Kolkata over the alleged leak of confidential and sensitive data stored in CoWIN portal. TMC leader Derek O'Brien' said, It seems there is a notorious conspiracy at play to make available sensitive information to private players through government resources (Sonu Mehta/HT PHOTO) It seems there is a notorious conspiracy at play to make available sensitive information to private players through government resources, he said in the complaint letter. Sensitive personal information, including identity document numbers such as those of Aadhaar and passports, was freely accessible for an unknown duration, reports and screenshots shared by those who found the illicit service on June 12 showed. The disclosures prompted criticism from experts and Opposition leaders, even though the government denied a direct breach of the CoWIN database from where the sensitive information had originated had taken place. The sensitive data was shared by an automated Telegram account which has since been taken offline, and a Telegram channel that made it popular has now also been deleted. On June 12, I was made aware by my well-wishers that my personal information such as my date of birth, passport details and mobile number were publicly made available through a social media platform/app, Rajya Sabha member OBrien said. Alarmed by such shocking news, I made enquiries and found multiple media outlets breaking a news that sensitive personal information which was stored on the Co-WIN portal, had a major data breach whereby the personal information of lakhs of Indians was being made available. A senior officer from Kolkata polices detective department said a probe has been started. The complaint was lodged on Thursday with the officer-in-charge of the cyber-crime police station. We have started a preliminary enquiry following which we would register a FIR, said the senior IPS officer of detective department. SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON Chennai: The Madras high court on Thursday allowed Tamil Nadu minister V Senthil Balaji to be shifted to the private Kauvery hospital in Chennai from the Omandurar government hospital where he was admitted following his arrest by the Enforcement Directorate (ED) in the wee hours of June 14. Tamil Nadu minister V Senthil Balaji was shifted to the private Kauvery hospital in Chennai from the Omandurar government hospital. (ANI) The minister in the MK Stalin-led government was shifted to Kauvery Hospital following the high court order. Also Read | Who is Senthil Balaji, arrested Tamil Nadu minister hospitalised after EDs interrogation? The HC allowed the ED to constitute its own panel of doctors to examine the minister. The court also allowed them to also visit the minister in the private hospital to take stock of his health condition. The court clarified that the duration of Balajis hospital stay will be excluded while calculating the EDs plea for custodial interrogation. Balaji, TN electricity and prohibition and excise minister, was arrested on Wednesday by the ED under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA) in an alleged cash-for-jobs scam against him when he was the transport minister in the earlier AIADMK cabinet led by the late J Jayalalithaa. Balaji is in judicial custody until June 28. He was questioned for 18 hours and was admitted to the Omandurar hospital after 2.30am where he has been diagnosed with heart disease. Also Read | Stalin warns BJP after Senthil Balaji alleges assault by ED upon arrest A division bench of justices Nisha Banu and D Bharatha Chakravarthy passed the interim order on Thursday based on a habeas corpus petition filed by the ministers wife S Megala whose main plea is seeking his arrest to be declared illegal. Senior advocate and DMK MP representing the minister submitted to the court that in Omandurar hospital, doctors had diagnosed the minister with three blocks in his heart advising a coronary artery bypass graft surgery at the earliest. He had also been examined by the doctors from Employees State Insurance Corporation (ESIC). The ED, during the hearing, also insisted on a panel of doctors from the All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS), New Delhi, to evaluate Balaji. The court has allowed either the doctors from AIIMS or any other panel of EDs choice to verify if the medical treatment is right in Kauvery, Elango told reporters after the hearing. Balajis bail petition has not yet come up for hearing. The next hearing for the main habeas corpus petition will be held on June 22. Initially, the case that came up before Madras HC was meant to be heard by a bench comprising Justices M Sundar and R Sakthivel on June 14 but the latter recused himself from the hearing, reportedly because he and the minister hail from the same district of Karur. Later, on June 14, principal district judge S Alli sent him to judicial custody until June 28 after meeting Balaji in the government hospital. ED) has sought custodial interrogation of Balaji on the grounds that he is not cooperating with the probe and that they have evidence which shows that he is guilty of money laundering, the federal agency said in its remand order. After the Supreme Court allowed the ED to continue investigation on May 16, in a month the federal agency said that they have unearthed incriminating documents related to the alleged scam in recruitment in the state transport department and also established the relationship between Balaji and other accused, such as his personal assistants. Tamil Nadus opposition AIADMK met Governor R N Ravi on Thursday evening seeking the removal of Balaji from the council of ministers. When he was arrested, chief minister M K Stalin should have removed him, said former AIADMK law minister C V Shunmugham who was part of the four-member delegation. But the chief minister and the cabinet are treating him like a martyr and seeking sympathy. And this corruption actually happened during our term, said Shunmugham, pointing to the then chief minister J Jayalalithaa dropping Balaji from the cabinet in 2015. A file reallocating important portfolios of minister V Senthil Balaji who is hospitalised following his arrest by ED, was sent by chief minister M K Stalin to Governor R N Ravi on Thursday afternoon but he returned it saying the reasons are misleading and incorrect said higher education minister K Ponmudy in a late night press conference. The CM said that since the minister is ill, his portfolios have to be reallocated, but the Governor returned it saying that he has not given the exact reason. And the reasons hes (CMs) given are misleading and incorrect, said Ponmudy revealing the communication between the two. The Governors reply came at 6pm. Immediately the CM called for a meeting and responded to the Governor pressing him to accept it. We think he will accept it and not behave like an agent of the BJP, said Ponmudy. SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON The ministry of road transport and highways has been working to build a better and faster road and expressway infrastructure to boost up the connectivity. Union Minister of road transport and highways Nitin Gadkari has even said that Indias road infrastructure will be equivalent to US standards by the end of 2024. The Bengaluru-Mysuru expressway is a 10-lane project, divided into two carriages.(Twitter/ @nitin_gadkari) Read here: This new highway to cut travel time between Noida to Delhi-Mumbai expressway by 3-4 hours: Details Under the ambitious Bharatmala Paryojana, the union minister has untaken and commenced more road and highway projects embedded with cutting-edge technology such as CCTV, temperature and speed measurement equipment, as well as SOS booths and assistance lines. Take a look at the list of expressways that will be completed in the upcoming years. Delhi-Mumbai Expressway The expressway connecting India's financial capital to the national capital in 12 hours, is built under the Bharatmala Pariyojana and is projected to be India's longest highway, stretching 1,386 km. It will also bring cities en-route the expressway closer, such as travel between Jaipur and Delhi will reduce to three and a half hours from five hours. The expressway has 40 interchanges that will improve connectivity to Jaipur, Kishangarh, Ajmer, Kota, Chittorgarh, Udaipur, Bhopal, Ujjain, Indore, Ahmedabad, Vadodara, Surat. PM Modi on February 12, 2023 inaugurated the first strech, Delhi-Dausa-Lalsot section of Delhi-Mumbai expressway. Total estimated cost 1,00,000 crore. Mumbai-Nagpur Expressway This expressway will connect Mumbai to Nagpur , people will be able to cover the Mumbai to Nagpur distance in eight hours. The new expressway would be a game-changer for the backward region of Vidarbha as the road will link to Jawaharlal Nehru Port. It is 700 km long and its 520 km stretch from Nagpur to Shirdi was opened to traffic partially from December 11, 2022. This expressway will be completed within six or seven months. Total estimated cost 55,000 crore. Delhi-Amritsar-Katra Expressway The expressway, spread across over 648km, will be connecting Jammu and Kashmirs Katra, the holy shrine of Vaishno Devi with Bahadurgarh border in Delhi. Once this four-lane expressway begins its operation, it will allow the public to cover Amritsar, Nokadar, and Gurdaspur in just few hours. Phase 1s cost 25,000 crore. Ganga Expressway This six-lane expressway, sprawl over 594 km, will cover 12 cities including Hapur, Bulandshahr, Amroha, Sambhal, Shahjahanpur, Badaun, Hardoi, Unnao, Pratapgarh and Raebareli. Total estimated cost 40,000 crore. Read here: CM Shinde, Deputy CM take test drive on Samruddhi Mahamarg ahead of inauguration Ahmedabad Dholera Expressway In a bid to boost the connectivity to Dholera Special Investment Region, this 109km-long, four-lane access-controlled expressway connects Sardar Patel Ring Road in Sarkhej to Dholera Special Investment Region (SIR) through Dholera International Airport in Navagam. Total estimated cost 3,500 crore. SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON The Uttarakhand high court on Thursday directed the state government to maintain peace and ensure there is no loss of life or property while hearing a petition related to the mahapanchayat (grand assembly of village leaders) Hindu organisations had called in Purola amid communal tensions in the hill town. The gathering of over four people has been barred in Purola. (ANI) A division bench of chief justice Vipin Sanghi and justice Rakesh Thapliyal asked the government to check whether any public meeting or congregation can incite violence and breach peace before giving permission for it. We direct the state to take whatever steps necessary in this regard to fulfil its constitutional obligation. The court directed the state government to take long-lasting steps for maintaining peace. It stressed that it is the paramount duty of the state to maintain law and order and ensure there is no loss of life and property. The directions came days after authorities on Tuesday denied permission for the mahapanchayat as posters threatening Muslim traders to shut shops and leave the state by June 15 came up in Purola. No mahapanchayat was held in Purola on Thursday and right-wing activists instead registered a symbolic protest. Non-governmental organisation (NGO) Association for Protection of Civil Rights this week moved the Supreme Court against the mahapanchayat as the organisers did not call off the gathering despite the refusal of permission for it. Muslim organisations separately called their mahapanchayat in Dehradun on June 18. The Supreme Court on Wednesday refused an urgent hearing of the NGOs petition. It disapproved of short-circuiting the judicial process and asked the petitioner to approach the Uttarakhand high court first. Shahrukh Alam, who represented the petitioner, referred to previous Supreme Court directives for a crackdown on hate speech and said the mahapanchayat was called saying a particular community has to leave by June 15 On April 28, the Supreme Court directed police chiefs of states and Union territories to file cases on their own against hate speeches and warned of contempt action if its direction is not complied with. The court emphasised that hate speech is an offence affecting the fabric of the nation. It said the court wants criminal prosecution of all those involved in it irrespective of their religion. Alam opted to withdraw the petition with the liberty to approach the suitable authorities as well as the Uttarakhand high court. The tensions in Purola were triggered on May 26 when two men, a Muslim, and a Hindu, allegedly tried to abduct a girl. Residents alleged it was a case of love jihad, a term used by right-wing groups to describe an alleged conspiracy by Muslim men to woo Hindu women. Courts and the Union government do not officially recognise the term. The two accused were arrested on May 27. But right-wing groups held protests and attacked shops and houses of Muslims. The high court on Thursday issued directions that those related to the matter should not participate in social media and TV debates. Alam, who appeared online before the high court, said only one first information report (FIR) has been filed against unknown people for putting up posters asking Muslims to leave. She added no FIR has been filed against people who signed a letter sent to the Tehri administration on June 5 asking Muslims to leave. By 10 days of inaction, the district magistrate has breached his duty by not taking strict action, she said. Alam added Muslims in the area are facing structured violence, psychological fear, and social and economic boycott. People are not buying from Muslim shopkeepers. Owners are asking tenants to leavethis constitutional harm needs to be immediately redressed. She said both Muslim and Hindu mahapanchayats need to be addressed as they can incite violence. this narrative of posters, letters, social media warnings is being replicated in other areas as well, she said SN Babulkar, Uttarakhands advocate general, told the court that the first mahapanchayat has been called off and Code Of Criminal Procedures Section 144 barring the gathering of over four people has been imposed in the area. The court maintained it is not entitled to direct registration of FIR as it would be first for police to examine whether a cognisable offence has been committed. Alam said the administration was focussed on mahapanchayat and other things were not being taken care of. The Muslims in the area be allowed to open their shops.due to polarisation and fear they are not opening their shops. SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON ABOUT THE AUTHOR Neeraj Santoshi He is principal correspondent based at Bhopal. He covers environment and wildlife, state administration, BJP and other saffron organisations. He has special interest in social issues based stories. ...view detail New Delhi: Two Uzbek women were apprehended at Indira Gandhi International Airport (IGIA) for allegedly trying to smuggle 16.5kg of gold into the country earlier this week, officials said. Customs commissioner Zubair Raiz Kamili (centre ) with his team shows the seized gold (HT) The accused were intercepted after their arrival from Tashkent in Uzbekistan on Tuesday. The value of the seized gold is 8.16 crore, news agency PTI cited customs officials as saying. In a statement, the Office of the Commissioner of Customs said the two women were apprehended on the basis of intelligence inputs. On the basis of intelligence that nationals from a Central Asian country would be travelling to Delhi by HY 421 flight with a sizeable quantity of foreign origin gold, the Customs Officers mounted strict vigil, joint commissioner Praveen Kumar Bali said in the statement. One passenger was identified... The said passenger was intercepted, however, the search of her baggage and person did not reveal any contraband, he added. Bali said that a second passenger was then identified on the basis of the same intelligence and was found to be moving around suspiciously. According to PTI, the second woman is the granddaughter of the first woman passenger. ...when she attempted to cross the green channel, she too was intercepted. During her baggage and personal check, nothing incriminating could be found was allowed to go out, he said. Subsequently, officials received a fresh input that the second woman had abandoned her bag at the customs arrival hall, amid fears of getting caught. The bag was found near a conveyor belt where the second woman was seen moving around, the statement said. ... the bag was opened, which led to the recovery of around 16.5 kilograms of gold in the form of chains etc, the official said. ...Vigorous efforts were made to trace the passenger. Suspecting that the offender might try to flee the country, a team of customs officers was immediately deputed to the departure side of the airport, he added. The official said that after an intense manhunt, the second passenger, who was proceeding to board a plane to Almaty in Kazakhstan, was detained. During interrogation, the passenger confessed to having abandoned the bag Based on her inputs, the first passenger, who was the main suspect, was also apprehended, the official said. SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON At least four people were killed across West Bengal on Thursday, the last day of filing nominations for the three tier panchayat polls, on a day when the Calcutta high court ordered the deployment of central forces all over the state till the elections end. A car set ablaze during a clash between supporters of Indian Secular Front (ISF) and Trinamool Congress (TMC) in Bhangore area (PTI) Under the schedule issued by the state election commission (SEC) on June 8, nominations will be accepted till June 15, they can be withdrawn till June 15, with polling on July 8, and counting on July 11.We will comply with the court order, SEC Rajiva Sinha said on Thursday night. No party announced how many nominations were filed but chief minister Mamata Banerjee put the figure to 0.1 million. On Thursday, the division bench of chief justice TS Sivagnanam and justice Uday Kumar asked the poll body to seek paramilitary assistance from the Union government within 48 hours, and deploy them in every part of the state, and not just the seven districts Birbhum, North 24 Parganas, South 24 Parganas, Hooghly, Murshidabad, East Midnapore and Jalpaiguri that are categorized as sensitive. This comes two days after the high court had ordered the SEC to evaluate the law and order situation in view of the ensuing violence and deploy central forces in sensitive districts as well as other areas witnessing violence. Despite a plea by the state body to reconsider its order, the two member bench said that it was clear that the SEC had asked the chief secretary on June 14 to submit an assessment plan to enable further action. It is seen that in more than five days no action has been initiated and no assessment plan has been submitted to the Commission which clearly shows that there is a slackness on the part of the administration in promptly reporting by identification of sensitive areas from the law and order point of view, the court said. With the BJP complaining that civic volunteers were being used for law and order duties, the bench ordered that the SEC issue a circular that all officers assigned for election duty shall display their identity cards prominently. The order came on a day when the CPI(M) said that two workers, identified as Mansur Ali and Manjur Ali, were allegedly shot dead at Chopra in North Dinajpur, while Indian Secular Front(ISF) worker Mahiuddin Mollah and Trinamool Congress(TMC) worker Rashid Molla died in Bhangor. Rashid Molla was shot in the head by ISF workers, Trinamool Congress (TMC) legislator from the districts Canning East seat, Saukat Molla, alleged. Overall, the death toll in poll related violence has risen to at least five, after Congress worker Phoolchand Sheikh died in Murshidabad on June 9. The state police has not made a comment on the deaths still Thursday evening, but chief minister Mamata Banerjee blamed the opposition and said that her party was not involved in any of the incidents. Our party was not involved in the Islampur violence. It was perpetrated by those who were not given a ticket by our party because they lost credibility. I have asked the police to take strong action. At Bhangar, the party who won the (assembly) polls are indulging in violence. Communal slogans were raised when properties were ransacked. There was some retaliation from our side yesterday. I will not hide the truth, the chief minister said. BJP leader Suvendu Adhikari welcomed the courts order. Their presence is necessary because the TMC will plan more violence to force opposition candidates to withdraw their nominations, he said. No words, only action. Wait and see. You will see effective and conclusive action, governor C V Ananda Bose told the media when asked to comment on the deaths. CPI(M) central committee member Sujan Chakraborty said, Many Congress and CPI(M) workers who were going to file their nomination in Chopra were injured when TMC workers opened fire at them. The victims could not escape because police were lobing tear gas shells from the opposite end. The TMC people fired at us from AK-47 rifles, Hamidul Islam, who was shot in the right leg at Chopra, told the local media at a local hospital. North Dinajpur police officers did not comment on the allegations. SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON ABOUT THE AUTHOR Tanmay Chatterjee Tanmay Chatterjee has spent more than three decades covering regional and national politics, internal security, intelligence, defence and corruption. He also plans and edits special features on subjects ranging from elections to festivals. ...view detail Eid ul-Adha (also known as Bakra Eid, Bakrid, Bakhreid, Eid al-Adha, Eid Qurban, Qurban Bayarami or the Feast of Sacrifice), is one of the most important religious festivals celebrated by Muslims worldwide and it commemorates the willingness of Prophet Ibrahim (Abraham) to sacrifice his son as an act of obedience to God. This festival holds deep significance and is marked by various rituals and acts of devotion when it falls on the 10th day of the Islamic month of Dhul Hijjah, following the completion of Hajj, the annual pilgrimage to the holy city of Mecca. Eid-ul-Adha 2023: Date when Muslims in Saudi Arabia, India, UAE, other countries will celebrate Bakra Eid in Dhul Hijjah (Photo by Twitter/ammar_xaidi) It is a time of great joy, unity and gratitude for Muslims across the globe when families come together and communities gather to celebrate this auspicious occasion. It is that time of the year again when the preparations for Eid ul-Adha have kickstarted days in advance for Muslims to dress in their finest clothes, often new garments and attend special congregational prayers at mosques or outdoor prayer grounds. The sermon during the Eid-ul-Adha prayers emphasises the values of sacrifice, obedience to God and compassion for others while one of the central rituals of Eid ul-Adha is the qurbani or the sacrifice of a cattle, usually a goat, sheep, cow or camel. This act symbolises Prophet Ibrahim's willingness to sacrifice his son and demonstrates the importance of selflessness and devotion to God while the meat from the sacrificed animal is then divided into three parts: one for the family, one for relatives and friends and one for the less fortunate as sharing the meat with those in need is a fundamental aspect of Eid ul-Adha, fostering compassion, generosity and solidarity within communities. As a commemoration of Prophet Ibrahims absolute dedication to Allah, Eid ul-Adha is celebrated by Muslims all around the world in the month of Dhu al-Hijjah, which is the twelfth month of the Islamic or lunar calendar and it is the second major Islamic festival celebrated by Muslims after Eid-ul-Fitr. This year, Muslims in Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates (UAE), Qatar, Kuwait, Oman, Jordan, Syria, Iraq and other Arab states along with UK, US and Canada will look for the Eid-ul-Adha crescent moon on June 18 and if the moon is sighted, Bakhreid celebrations in these countries will commence on Wednesday June 28, 2023 while the Day of Arafat - the key ritual of Hajj - will be observed on Tuesday June 27, 2023. If the crescent moon is not spotted in these countries on Sunday June 18, 2023, then the first day of the holy month of Dhul Hijjah will be marked on Tuesday June 20, 2023 and Eid al Adha 2023 celebrations will commence in these nations on Thursday June 29, 2023 while the Day of Arafat - the key ritual of Hajj - will be observed a day before Eid al Adha i.e. on Wednesday June 28, 2023. On the other hand, Muslims in India, Pakistan, Malaysia, Indonesia, Japan, Hong Kong, Sultanate of Brunei and other South Asian nations will gear up to sight the crescent Dhul Hijjah moon on June 19 and if it is sighted, Eid-ul-Adha in these countries will be celebrated on June 29 otherwise on June 30. This is because the beginning of the Islamic month of Dhu Al-Hijjah marks the Hajj pilgrimage to Mecca in Saudi Arabia, one of Islam's five pillars, and is followed by Eid Al Adha on the tenth day. Hajj is the pilgrimage that every Muslim must make at least once in their lifetime if they are able. Eid ul-Adha is also a time for Muslims to come together and strengthen the bonds of friendship and kinship hence, families and friends exchange greetings, visit one another and share festive meals. It is a time of unity and celebration with delicious traditional dishes and desserts being prepared and enjoyed like special sweets including sheer khurma (a sweet vermicelli pudding) and seviyan (sweet vermicelli) that are commonly prepared and served. Beyond the religious and social significance, Eid ul-Adha carries profound moral and ethical lessons and it reminds Muslims of the values of sacrifice, obedience, gratitude and caring for others. It encourages acts of charity as Muslims are encouraged to give to the poor and needy during this time and it reinforces the importance of community, empathy and the spirit of sharing. Eid ul-Adha is a time of reflection and spiritual renewal as it serves as a reminder to Muslims of the importance of faith, devotion, and submission to God's will while fostering a sense of unity and inclusivity as people from diverse backgrounds come together to celebrate this joyous occasion. The festival not only strengthens the bonds within families and communities but also encourages acts of charity and kindness, reflecting the core principles of Islam. Paving the way for launch of first-ever over-the-counter gel for erectile dysfunction in the US, Futura Medical's Eroxon has received marketing authorisation from Food and Drug Administration (FDA), reported CNN. The announcement was made on Monday by the pharmaceutical company. The product has been around in the UK and Belgium for some time now and has authorisation from the European Union, and parts of the Middle East also. Eroxon is a non-medicated hydro-alcoholic gel for treatment of erectile dysfunction in adult males of 22 years and above. This authorization makes it the first over-the-counter gel intended to treat erectile dysfunction. (Also read: Erectile dysfunction in males: Causes, symptoms, prevention tips, effective treatments of this sexual disorder in men) According to Professor David Ralph, Consultant Urologist at University College London and past president of the European Society of Sexual Medicine, the product with its topical application, will be of particular appeal to mild to moderate ED patients who want a fast onset of action.(Futura Medical) Erectile dysfunction is a common condition affecting millions of men all over the world. According to WHO, 150 million men worldwide were estimated to have been affected by erectile dysfunction in 1995, and the figure is expected to touch 322 million in 2025. In US alone, around 30 million people are affected by the condition. Erectile dysfunction is not being able to get and keep an erection firm enough for sex. It can both be a sign of a physical or psychological condition. How to gel works CNN reported that the gel comes in a single-dose tube and must be applied to the head of the penis for 15 seconds prior to sex. According to FDA, upon application, the volatile components of the formulation (alcohol and water) evaporate to create a rapid, localized cooling effect on the glans penis followed by a recovering slower warming effect. This stimulates the nerve endings leading to tumescence and erection. The product claims that it can help users get an erection within 10 minutes of application. Viagra on the other hand is said to takes 30 -60 minutes to work. How much it costs A four-pack Eroxon costs about 24.99 in the UN, a Futura Medical spokesperson said. This would make it $31.22 in the US. However, the spokesperson wrote in an email that they don't have specific pricing details as yet, reported CNN. What doctor says about Eroxon According to Professor David Ralph, Consultant Urologist at University College London and past president of the European Society of Sexual Medicine, the product with its topical application, will be of particular appeal to mild to moderate ED patients who want a fast onset of action. "The efficacy of Eroxon is remarkable and has been shown to deliver clinically meaningful benefits to most sufferers with erectile dysfunction in two Phase 3 studies but with significantly lower adverse events than current first line therapy. With topical application, it will be of particular appeal to mild to moderate ED patients who want a fast onset of action. Lack of drug interactions with prescription products will enable the product to be used with other medications such as nitrates and other cardiovascular drugs. As such the product will be of great interest to the medical community," states Professor Ralph on company website of Futura Medical. Dutch government recently announced the installation of sun cream dispensers throughout Netherlands during the summer season to curb the growing cases of skin cancer in the country. Applying sunscreen is one of the most important ways to reduce risk of skin cancer by preventing direct sun exposure apart from wearing clothes that covers your arms and legs or putting on a hat. Melanoma of skin is the 17th most common cancer worldwide. In India, the reported incidence of skin cancer is less than 1% of all the cancers. While Indians face lesser risk of skin cancer compared to their western counterparts, it is important to take necessary precautions to avoid getting the deadly cancer. (Also read: Why is Dutch govt aggressively promoting use of sun creams among citizens?) In India, the reported incidence of skin cancer is less than 1% of all the cancers. (Pexels) Are Indians at high or low risk of skin cancer? "Skin cancer comprises of less than 1% of all the cancers. Although the presence of eumelanin in dark skin is protective against the growth of skin cancer, it is progressively being identified in the Indian population. There are 2 types of UV radiation- UVA and UVB. UVA radiation pierce deep into the skin, impacting the living skin cells that lie under the skins surface. UVA may lead to long-term damage such as wrinkles, blotchiness, sagging and roughening, and also causes skin cancer. UVB radiation penetrates the top layer of skin and is thought to be the root cause of skin damage and skin cancer. Broad-spectrum sunscreen purifies both UVA and UVB radiation," says Dr Sunny Jain, HOD and Sr. Consultant Oncology, Marengo Asia Hospitals Faridabad. The right age to start applying sunscreen "Yes, Indians have a risk of skin cancer, though it is lesser as compared to westerners due to our darker skin colour which is also a protection against harmful sun rays. However, we have many of our own problems like pigmentation, allergies, rashes, ageing etc. in addition to skin cancer. Thus, sunscreen is one of the biggest means of protection when it comes to skin problems and even skin cancer. It is better to apply sunscreen right from 15 years of age. Both men and women can apply it. One should apply sunscreen every 3 hours when outdoors, as suggested by the doctor," says Dr Rinky Kapoor, Consultant Dermatologist, Cosmetic Dermatologist & Dermato-Surgeon, The Esthetic Clinics. Should India install sunscreen dispensers a la Netherlands "Sunscreen dispensers are durable and should be installed in all places. It is a good idea as it can help people to keep skin cancer, sunburn, and hyperpigmentation at bay. However, it is not practical in India due to the vast area and large population and other technical hassles. Instead, India should focus on creating awareness around the benefits of sunscreen use so that the masses are well aware and incorporate it into their daily use," says Dr Kapoor. How important is sunscreen for kids "Every child requires sun protection. The American Academy of Dermatology (AAD) recommends that all kids regardless of their skin tone wear sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or higher. Although dark skin has more protective melanin and tans more easily than it burns," says Dr Jain. "Regardless of the risk factors like lighter natural skin colour, females/males with blond or red hair colour (naturally), certain type of moles, family history of skin cancer , older age (as the number of exposed years to sunlight/ UV rays are more), lowering your exposure to ultraviolet (UV) rays may help keep your skin healthy and minimize your chances of having skin cancer in the future," says Dr Jain. The right way to use sunscreen Dr Jain says it is advised to apply sunscreen whenever your kids will be in the sun and for best outcomes, kids should apply it about 15 to 30 minutes before venturing out of the house. - Also apply it on ears, hands, feet, shoulders, and behind the neck. - Safeguard lips with an SPF 30 lip balm. - You should apply sunscreen generously. As recommended by dermatologists, you should use 1 ounce (enough to fill a shot glass or plastic medicine cup) to cover the exposed areas of the body. - Follow another trick to use the teaspoon rule. Apply 9 teaspoons of sunscreen for the whole body: 1 teaspoon for the face and neck, 1 teaspoon for the front of the torso and 1 for the back of the torso, 1 teaspoon for each arm, and 2 teaspoons for each leg. - You may reapply sunscreen often, about every 2 hours. A child may also reapply after sweating or swimming. What are the signs of skin cancer. How do we diagnose and treat Dr Kapoor says any new spot on skin or a non-healing sore shouldn't be ignored. "The signs are a new spot on the skin, an itchy or painful spot, a non-healing sore that bleeds, bumps on the skin, and a wart-like growth that will need immediate attention. A skin biopsy can be done to confirm the diagnosis of skin cancer. Simple excision, Mohs micrographic surgery, curettage and electrodesiccation, and cryosurgery can be advised to the patient to tackle skin cancer," concludes Dr Kapoor. SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON India has one of the world's lowest rates of organ donation and lags far behind the rest of the globe. Experts believe that significant changes are needed to increase the donor rate in the South Asian nation. Health professionals oftentimes feel awkward broaching the topic of organ donation with the relatives of recently-departed family members (picture-alliance/dpa ) India's demand for organ donation surpasses its supply and its rate of deceased organ donors stands below one donor per million population. That's staggeringly low especially when compared with countries like the United States and Spain whose rates of deceased organ donors are among the highest in the world at over 40 donors per million people. ALSO READ: High-risk donor hearts linked to better patient survival rates In India, a huge gap still exists between those requiring transplants and the actual number of organs available for transplant, resulting in the death of many patients who require donated organs to stay alive. Demand outweighs supply for organs Doctors and transplant specialists have identified a variety of factors contributing to the shortage of organ donors, including a lack of awareness about organ donation, misconceptions surrounding the practice and infrastructural issues. Organ transplantation in India is predominantly facilitated by living donors who agree to donate an organ a kidney, for example while they are still alive. India performs the world's second-highest number of living donor transplants after the United States but only a small number of transplants in the South Asian nation are from deceased donors. "In 2019, 88% of 9,751 kidney transplants and 77% of the 2,590 liver transplants performed in India were from living donors," Sunil Shroff, from the Mohan Foundation, a not-for-profit organization promoting organ donation and transplantation, told DW. "In comparison, only 36% of kidney and 19% of liver transplants performed globally are from living donors." Could India's soaring road deaths increase donor rates? Every year, around 150,000 people die on India's roads, which translate on average to over 1,000 collisions and more than 400 road deaths every day, according to road transport figures. Organ donation involves harvesting the organs belonging to a deceased donor heart, liver, kidneys, intestines, eyes, lungs and pancreas, for example and transplantng them into another person who needs them to live. A deceased donor, also known as a cadaver, can save the lives of up to nine people. But health professionals do not always feel comfortable broaching the topic of organ donation with the relatives of recently-departed family members. "Doctors are unwilling to ask for deceased donor organs. There is no incentive and also a fear of reprisals," Dr Samiran Nundy, a liver transplant surgeon at New Delhi's Sir Ganga Ram Hospital, told DW. India's infrastructure issues Even if more people were willing to become organ donors, not all hospitals are equipped to carry out the process of organ transplantation and retrieval. There are only 250 hospitals that have registered with India's National Organ and Tissue Transplant Organization (NOTTO), which coordinates the country's organ transplant program. That's one fully-equipped hospital for every 4.3 million citizens. Transplant centers are even sparser in India's rural areas. Tertiary care corporate hospitals account for the bulk of organ donations, while public sector hospitals contribute less than 15%, according to the recent article "Progress with Deceased Donation in India" written in the Indian Transplant Newsletter. "The true potential for deceased donation in India lies in public sector hospitals, where a large number of head trauma cases are admitted due to their medico-legal implications," the study said. "If each state had one nodal hospital focused on deceased donation, it could improve the organ donation rate and provide more affordable transplant options to patients from the less affordable class." The Mohan Foundation's Sunil Shroff also pointed out that the current health system limits the health benefits of donated organs to Indians and foreigners with the ability to pay and allows private hospitals to profit without contributing much to the system. "Indigent Indians who can potentially donate large number of organs have little or no hope of ever receiving lifesaving transplants, and there is little investment in developing the necessary infrastructure and expertise to support deceased donation in government hospitals," he said. The way forward Organ donations globally reached almost 130,000 in 2020, with the Americas and Europe making up the largest proportion of global kidney transplants, while Africa has the lowest proportion of such transplants. Although the Indian government has been pushing for organ donation, there is still a long way to go. Many experts point out that there have been no sustained advertising campaigns to raise awareness among citizens and medical professionals. In March, Indian Prime Minister Narender Modi during his monthly radio broadcast appealed to people to opt for organ donation. He said that his government was working on a uniform policy that would encourage and simplify organ donation. India is among the countries with the least amount of money spent on public health, according to the latest national health profile. New Dehli hopes to invest 2.5% of the country's GDP into health care by 2025 but that is still less than the global average of about 6%. "Organ donation in the country will only get better by more public and doctor education and praising donor families," said Nundy. The Dudhwa National Park located in this Uttar Pradesh district closed for tourists on Thursday, marking the end of this year's tourist season, officials said. Dudhwa National Park (DNP) deputy director Rengaraju Tamilselvan told PTI that around 28,000 tourists visited the national park this year to enjoy the wild habitat in its natural form. The tourist season at the Dudhwa national park begins from November 15 and ends on June 15 every year. (HT file photo) This season, frequent sightings of tigers, wild beer, elephants besides other wild species added to the excitement and thrill of the tourists, he added. "A healthy footfall of tourists from both India and abroad was witnessed at Dudhwa and Kishanpur this year, despite a hike in the tariffs and entry fees and weekly closure of the park on Tuesdays," Tamilselvan said. He added that the gates of the Dudhwa base camp were locked on Thursday after the morning visit by tourists, marking the closure of the park this tourist season. The Dudhwa National Park (DNP), along with the Kishanpur wildlife sanctuary, is opened for tourists on November 15 every year and closed on June 15 the next year before the onset of monsoon, when all the jungle routes get flooded. Located on the India-Nepal border, the Dudhwa National Park attracts tourists, wildlife enthusiasts and researchers every year with its untouched natural habitat, rich grasslands and wetlands and a vast population of wildlife species. Home to around 106 royal Bengal tigers, 92 leopards, over 200 wild tuskers, 44 one-horned rhinos, 400 species of birds, five species of deer, various reptiles, medicinal plants and vegetation, Dudhwa Tiger Reserve has a mesmerising appeal for those who love to watch wildlife in its natural surroundings. Follow more stories on Facebook & Twitter June 15 is recognised as Global Wind Day, and with transitioning to cleaner forms of energy taking centre stage the world over, this is a good time to pause and reflect on Indias own journey in harnessing this renewable resource, and to look at the role wind power will play in the countrys future. India ranks 4th globally after China, the United States and Germany, in terms of installed wind energy capacity. (Bloomberg) While India has made great strides in deploying solar power nationwide and achieving global success, another renewable resource wind has not witnessed a similar growth path in the past few years. It was the other way around in the early 90s when wind farms dotted the rural landscapes of Tamil Nadu, Gujarat, Karnataka, Rajasthan, Maharashtra, Andhra and Madhya Pradesh, the seven wind-rich states of the country. After a lull, there have recently been rapid developments in the countrys wind sector. This is welcome news as India embarks on a net-zero (removing as much carbon from the atmosphere as has been emitted by human activity) target by 2070 for which wind energy can be an instrumental enabler. India ranks 4th globally after China, the United States and Germany, in terms of installed wind energy capacity, with 42.8 GW as of April 2023. All of this is from onshore wind. But many of these wind farms have aged, resulting in top wind-rich sites being under-utilised. The recent Central Electricity Authority (CEA) report estimates the 2030 wind capacity for the country at about 100 GW, which requires an addition of 13% year-on-year from now until 2030. Assuming India would augment about 30 GW from offshore wind, going by the countrys offshore policy and recent strategy paper, it must add another 28 GW from onshore wind by 2030 to arrive at CEA estimates. This could be an achievable target, but a mix of wind resource options must be considered, and challenges addressed. Repowering onshore wind Onshore capacity additions slowed in the recent past, and reasons are many, including a move away from feed-in tariffs (a guaranteed above market-price long-term agreement for excess power supplied to the grid) and reduced time frames for power banking. Power banking is a facility allowing renewable energy generators to deposit surplus power into the grid and withdraw it later when needed. The government recently outlined its plans to add power capacity every year till 2030. It also issued a draft policy last year to bring greater clarity on repowering old wind farms. These two measures could allow for renewed growth in this sector. Repowering is a process of replacing older, lower capacity wind turbines with newer more efficient machines, generally of greater capacity and at higher hub heights. As Indias estimated onshore wind potential is at 302.25GW and 695.5GW at hub heights of 100m and 120m respectively, both repowering and onshore capacity additions are options to augment wind energy relatively cost effectively. However, challenges remain, such as land acquisition for developing new onshore wind farms and the land and wind turbines being owned by multiple parties, making costs and revenue sharing a challenge for repowering. Special Purpose Vehicles (SPV) where wind turbine owners hold equity in proportion to their ownership is one way of addressing this challenge. Renegotiating existing long-term power purchase agreements (PPAs) and upgrading transmission and power evacuation infrastructure must also be carried out for repowered wind turbines to become viable. We must also be mindful of environmental concerns such as the limited available options to dispose of old blades from repowered turbines that are made of fiberglass. Considering wind as a decentralised energy resource Just as solar panels backed up with batteries can be stand-alone power plants disconnected from the grid, there are technologies such as small wind turbines (SWT) that augment localised wind energy. These could be used as a standalone energy source, particularly where solar irradiation is insufficient, or erratic, while wind energy is more consistent. SWTs could also be considered as a hybrid along with solar or other RE options as a decentralised renewable source. With a cumulative global installation of 949 MW, India has under 3.3 MW of the total SWT installations. There are many reasons for this low adoption of SWTs, including the lack of supply chains and the need to produce all components in-house. Several roof-top renewable energy generation programs also do not consider wind as a distributed option, and there has not been a policy to promote small wind generators since the last one expired in 2017. Optimising offshore wind in India And then there is the vast and untapped potential of offshore wind, which has witnessed much interest and attention lately. Indias first imminent tender for a 4 GW offshore wind project in the Gulf of Mannar, off Tamil Nadus coast, has generated much enthusiasm, and rightly so. But ecological and social challenges must be addressed to fully realise Indias offshore potential. Costs associated with offshore wind are high, necessitating a need for subsidies and low-cost debts with long payback periods to support project development. Using larger turbines, dependence on an Indian workforce, and developing domestic supply chains are other ways to cut down costs. Beyond Renewable Purchase Obligations (the statutory obligation of a discom to buy a certain portion of its energy mix from renewable resources), corporate power purchase agreements, subsidies and de-risking mechanisms can be considered to safeguard the renewable generator from payment delays or default by distribution companies. Indeed, ports and transport systems must be modernised near where offshore projects are sited. This will enable the transport and installation of offshore wind components. This will also involve locating manufacturing facilities near ports and modernising port cities. Detailed Environmental Impact Assessments must be conducted to increase investor confidence. If the government facilitated the power evacuation infrastructure, this would also boost investor confidence. The sum of all these measures, we believe, would set the sails to augment Indias untapped wind energy potential. Vaisakh Suresh Kumar is a senior program associate at WRI India. Kajol is a senior manager with the Energy program at WRI India. She leads the Industrial decarbonisation and new technology work for the energy transition. The views expressed are personal. SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON In a major breakthrough in the world of In Vitro Fertilisation (IVF) and human reproduction, a team of scientists in the US and the UK has developed the world's first ever synthetic human embryo-like structures using stem cells. Cells which eventually form the placenta, yolk sac and the embryo itself were present in the artificial structure.(Representative image) Read here: NASA discovers phosphorous, key element for life, on Saturn's moon Enceladus This major development reportedly dodges the need for eggs or sperms for the creation of human embryos. According to the report by The Guardian (article beyond paywall), these embryos resemble natural embryos in the earliest stages of human development. While they lack a beating heart or the beginnings of a brain, they contain cells that would give rise to the placenta, yolk sac and the embryo. These models would also help scientists understand the impact of genetic disorders and the biological reasons behind recurrent miscarriages. Professor Magdalena Zernicka-Goetz of the University of Cambridge and the California Institute of Technology, who is leading the research, said, Our human model is the first three-lineage human embryo model that specifies amnion and germ cells, precursor cells of egg and sperm. However, the research also raises major ethical and legal consequences as the use of synthetic embryos for clinical purposes is not legally imminent in the UK and most other countries. Implanting them into a patient's womb is currently illegal, and it remains uncertain whether these structures have the potential to progress beyond the earliest stages of development. Scientists at present are allowed to cultivate embryos in the lab for a duration of 14 days. The research was reportedly inferred on Wednesday in a plenary address at the International Society for Stem Cell Research's annual meeting in US' Boston. However, the deets of the latest findings from the Cambridge-Caltech lab, are yet to be published in a journal paper. Goetz and her team, along with a rival team in Israel, had previously described creating model embryo-like structures from mouse stem cells. Those embryoids showed the beginnings of a brain, heart and intestinal tract after about eight days of development, the report added. Goetz told CNN, (article beyond paywall) that the embryo-like structures her lab has created are also the first to have germ cells that would go on to develop into egg and sperm. Robin Lovell-Badge, head of stem cell biology and developmental genetics at the Francis Crick Institute in London, told the news outlet, "The idea is that if you really model normal human embryonic development using stem cells, you can gain an awful lot of information about how we begin development, what can go wrong, without having to use early embryos for research." Read here: Placenta plays an important role in genetic risk of schizophrenia, study finds Researchers are in a hope that the synthetic human embryos would shed light on the "black box" of human development. SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON A man, who claimed to be a former employee at Apple India, has alleged that he was forced to quit after facing workplace harassment, Mint reported. Khalid Parvez took to LinkedIn to share his ordeal and added that he had resigned before securing a new placement. He accused the Apple Bengaluru offices HR department of bullying and disregard for mental health issues. Khalid Parvez had been working with Apple India for the past 11 years. (LinkedIn) He began his post by sharing gratitude for the benefits received from working with the tech giant. However, after raising a grievance related to mental harassment, verbal abuse, Islamophobia and managerial errors with the HR for the first time in 11 years of work experience, Parvez shared his disappointment over the inaction. Initially asked to trust the system, the former sales manager wrote on the employment-focused platform that he was assured of an investigation in the matter. All I expected to hear was a few words of compassion - empathising with what I went through and some measures to ensure that it doesnt happen again, he added. However, after a two-month-long inquiry, Parvez was met with denial and counter-accusations from the employee relations (ER) team, he claimed. Until then I assumed that my battle was against the few gentlemen that I accusedIt seemed like the ER Executive was hellbent on protecting the company and managements interest - not the employee, he continued. Parvez also alleged that the ER team shirked their responsibility by saying they are not medical experts to acknowledge that his mental health issues happened because of Apple. When I asked what if my mental health worsens - the ER replied saying In that case, we would need a doctors certificate to ascertain that you are medically fit to work, he further wrote. Parvez said that he realised that a corporate cover-up happened when he was informed that the allegations of Islamophobic comments were not corroborated by other workers. This is when I understood that there was never an investigation.. he added. Parvez said that he decided to put his family's mental health emergency first and put down his papers the next day. Parvez also urged colleagues and other corporate staff to escalate such issues and keep asking questions against discrimination and misconduct. And please document each and everything, he concluded with the hashtag Appletoo. Hindustan Times could not independently verify the tweet and the user. Apple India is yet to respond to the allegations. SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON Alphabet Inc is cautioning employees about how they use chatbots, including its own Bard, at the same time as it markets the program around the world, four people familiar with the matter told Reuters. Alphabet also alerted its engineers to avoid direct use of computer code that chatbots can generate, some of the people said.(Reuters) The Google parent has advised employees not to enter its confidential materials into AI chatbots, the people said and the company confirmed, citing long-standing policy on safeguarding information. The chatbots, among them Bard and ChatGPT, are human-sounding programs that use so-called generative artificial intelligence to hold conversations with users and answer myriad prompts. Human reviewers may read the chats, and researchers found that similar AI could reproduce the data it absorbed during training, creating a leak risk. Alphabet also alerted its engineers to avoid direct use of computer code that chatbots can generate, some of the people said. Asked for comment, the company said Bard can make undesired code suggestions, but it helps programmers nonetheless. Google also said it aimed to be transparent about the limitations of its technology. The concerns show how Google wishes to avoid business harm from software it launched in competition with ChatGPT. At stake in Googles race against ChatGPTs backers OpenAI and Microsoft Corp are billions of dollars of investment and still untold advertising and cloud revenue from new AI programs. Googles caution also reflects whats becoming a security standard for corporations, namely to warn personnel about using publicly-available chat programs. A growing number of businesses around the world have set up guardrails on AI chatbots, among them Samsung, Amazon.com and Deutsche Bank, the companies told Reuters. Apple, which did not return requests for comment, reportedly has as well. Some 43% of professionals were using ChatGPT or other AI tools as of January, often without telling their bosses, according to a survey of nearly 12,000 respondents including from top U.S.-based companies, done by the networking site Fishbowl. By February, Google told staff testing Bard before its launch not to give it internal information, Insider reported. Now Google is rolling out Bard to more than 180 countries and in 40 languages as a springboard for creativity, and its warnings extend to its code suggestions. Google told Reuters it has had detailed conversations with Ireland's Data Protection Commission and is addressing regulators' questions, after a Politico report Tuesday that the company was postponing Bard's EU launch this week pending more information about the chatbot's impact on privacy. WORRIES ABOUT SENSITIVE INFORMATION Such technology can draft emails, documents, even software itself, promising to vastly speed up tasks. Included in this content, however, can be misinformation, sensitive data or even copyrighted passages from a Harry Potter novel. A Google privacy notice updated on June 1 also states: "Dont include confidential or sensitive information in your Bard conversations." Some companies have developed software to address such concerns. For instance, Cloudflare, which defends websites against cyberattacks and offers other cloud services, is marketing a capability for businesses to tag and restrict some data from flowing externally. Google and Microsoft also are offering conversational tools to business customers that will come with a higher price tag but refrain from absorbing data into public AI models. The default setting in Bard and ChatGPT is to save users' conversation history, which users can opt to delete. It "makes sense" that companies would not want their staff to use public chatbots for work, said Yusuf Mehdi, Microsoft's consumer chief marketing officer. "Companies are taking a duly conservative standpoint," said Mehdi, explaining how Microsoft's free Bing chatbot compares with its enterprise software. "There, our policies are much more strict." Microsoft declined to comment on whether it has a blanket ban on staff entering confidential information into public AI programs, including its own, though a different executive there told Reuters he personally restricted his use. Matthew Prince, CEO of Cloudflare, said that typing confidential matters into chatbots was like turning a bunch of PhD students loose in all of your private records. SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON Many of us have watched the Pokemon series growing up. It is undoubtedly one of those shows that hold a special place in our hearts. This series is not only popular in Japan but also in several other countries, including India. Considering its widespread popularity, Ambassador of Japan to India Hiroshi Suzuki recently unveiled Pikachu Jet NH. Pikachu Jet unveiled by Ambassador of Japan to India Hiroshi Suzuki.(Twitter/@HiroSuzukiAmbJP) "Welcome #Pikachu to India! Excited by the first flight of PikachuJet by #ANA to #Delhi! Delhi sky is ready to shine #pika-pika! #pokemon #boeing #787 #Dreamliner #PikachuJetNH" wrote Hiroshi Suzuki in a tweet. He also shared a picture of Japan's All Nippon Airways (ANA) recently inaugurated Pikachu Jet. The design on the plane includes various characters from the Pokemon series. Take a look at his tweet below: This post was shared just a day ago. Since being posted, it has raked up over 88,000 views. It has also been liked more than 2,500 times. Several also flocked to the comments to share their reactions. Check out a few reactions below: An individual wrote, "This is so cool!" A second shared, "There's a Pikachu flight?!" A third added, "Wow. That's just so awesome. I showed it to my little sister and she liked it very much." "Lovely, happy design. One of my kids, when younger, loved the Pokemon series. Wonderful idea," expressed a fourth. SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON An Australian lawmaker was suspended by his party Thursday after a fellow senator accused him of sexual assault in Parliament House and declared it was "not a safe place" for women to work. Liberal senator David Van makes a statement in the senate chamber at Australia's Parliament House in Canberra, Thursday, June 15, 2023. Australia's main opposition party expelled a senator after a female senator accused him of sexual assault in the latest evidence of a toxic culture in Parliament House that is hostile to women. (Mick Tsikas/AAP Image via AP)(AP) Senator David Van, of the opposition Liberal Party, strenuously denied the claims, describing them as "scandalous". But Liberal Party leader Peter Dutton suspended Van, stating that "further allegations" had been raised against him. Later Thursday, a former Liberal Party senator accused Van of "squeezing my bottom twice" in 2020, telling local media the incident occurred at an office party. In a tearful Senate address earlier, independent senator Lidia Thorpe said she had been subjected to "sexual comments", cornered in a stairwell, "inappropriately touched" and "propositioned" by "powerful men". Parliament, she said, "is not a safe place for women". Thorpe's allegations have rekindled accusations that Australia's crucible of democracy is also a bastion of sexism and misogyny. Thorpe on Wednesday had initially accused Van of "sexually assaulting" her, before being forced to withdraw the remark under threat of parliamentary sanction. But on Thursday, Thorpe restated the core of her allegations against Van. In an address to the Senate, Thorpe acknowledged that "sexual assault" meant different things to different people, and went on to describe her experiences in the corridors of power. "What I experienced was being followed, aggressively propositioned and inappropriately touched," she said. In 2021, Van was forced to move his parliamentary office away from Thorpe's after an unspecified complaint, both senators have acknowledged. Thorpe told fellow lawmakers she "was afraid to walk out of the office door. I would open the door slightly and check the coast was clear before stepping out". "It was to the degree that I had to be accompanied by someone whenever I walked inside this building," she added. "I know there are others that have experienced similar things and have not come forward in the interests of their careers." While the allegations were protected from Australia's severe defamation laws by parliamentary privilege, Thorpe said that Van had engaged lawyers in the matter. Van responded in parliament, describing the allegations as "scandalous" and "concocted" before calling for an investigation. Van accused Thorpe of "bringing the Senate into disrepute" and "cowering under the umbrella of parliamentary privilege". Later Thursday, former senator Amanda Stoker, from Van's party, came forward to accuse him of "squeezing my bottom twice" at a party. In a statement to local media, she said the incident occurred at an "informal social gathering in a parliamentary office" in 2020. Van's removal from the Liberal Party's parliamentary caucus does not mean he is kicked out of parliament. He will remain effectively as an independent. Widespread sexual harassment Since 2021, Australian politics has been roiled by high-profile allegations of assault and harassment inside parliament. Former political aide Brittany Higgins alleged that a fellow conservative staffer raped her on a couch in a cabinet minister's parliamentary office following a night of heavy drinking in March 2019. Five separate investigations followed, collectively delivering a scathing indictment on the frequently sexist nature of Australian politics. One government-backed inquiry found that sexual harassment and bullying were widespread in parliament, affecting both lawmakers and staff. One in three people working in parliament at the time said they "have experienced some form of sexual harassment while working there". That included 63 percent of the country's female parliamentarians. The Higgins case sparked national protests and a high-profile court case that ended in a mistrial. It was not retried because prosecutors feared the strain it would put on Higgins's mental health. The man in question has sued multiple journalists for reporting on the allegations and threatened to sue his accuser. He has denied the allegations, and in court pleaded not guilty to one charge of sexual intercourse without consent. The controversy has reignited in recent weeks, after opposition conservatives leapt on a series of leaked text messages to accuse the now centre-left government of politicising the issue. Chinas capital Beijing will extend medical insurance coverage to a slew of assisted reproduction services as the country tries to avert a demographic crisis that threatens long-term consequences for the economy. China, which probably ceded its title as most-populous country to India, has seen the drop-off come much faster than previously expected. (Representative)(AFP) Starting July 1, services ranging from sperm optimization to in-vitro fertilization will be reimbursed in 16 medical facilities, state broadcaster CCTV reported, citing the Beijing Municipal Medical Insurance Bureau. The capital is the first major city in China to extend insurance coverage. The move will reduce the often substantial financial burden of the services and is part of a broader plan to boost the national birth rate after China saw its population shrink for the first time in six decades last year. The slump came despite a gradual relaxation of rules that, for decades, restricted families to just one child as factors like the high cost of raising kids to pregnancy-related discrimination in workplaces see more people delay their family plans or choose not to have children. China, which probably ceded its title as most-populous country to India, has seen the drop-off come much faster than previously expected. Its working-age population has been shrinking for years, and the growing cohort of aging citizens could act as a brake on growth that may see the economy struggle to overtake the US in size. While the central government has urged citizens to have more children, so far the rollout of policies to boost births have depended on which cities can afford them. Officials at the National Healthcare Security Administration, which oversees the 4.3 trillion yuan ($600 billion) state medical insurance fund that covers more than 95% of Chinas 1.4 billion people, have said local governments must study whether extending coverage will be feasible for local insurance funds, which raise money from local employee contributions. The southern economic powerhouse of Shenzhen is working on plans to subsidize parents until their children turn three, while other cities dotted across China have also announced nominal childcare subsidies. Meanwhile, the province of Henan said in February that the province is not yet capable of extending coverage to such assisted reproduction services. In a shocking revelation, a renowned royal biographer has claimed that a power shift has occurred in the marriage of Meghan Markle and Prince Harry. Angela Levin, who accompanied the Duke of Sussex on his royal duties for a year and had privileged access to his Kensington Palace home, shared her insights on GBNews, shedding light on the dynamics between the couple. FILE PHOTO: Britain's Prince Harry and Meghan, Duke and Duchess of Sussex, wave as they visit One World Trade Center in Manhattan, New York City, U.S., September 23, 2021. (REUTERS) Levin expressed her observations, stating, "Meghan is doing something positive, looking forward to the future, getting dressed in a golden dress, having a new agent. Looking for all sorts of things shes going to do." However, she went on to explain that the public appearances of the couple reveal a different story. "You can see that Harry is like a servant. When they get somewhere, six protection officers are waiting for them. Oh no, instead, Harry rushes around, looking very tense," she added. According to Levin, Prince Harry's body language indicates tension and a sense of servitude towards Meghan. He appears to be constantly on edge, ensuring everything is perfect for his wife. "He has tense movements. He's got to open the door at the right time immediately when she's ready to put her foot on the pavement," Levin assessed. She further noted that Prince Harry has seemingly lost his individual identity, while Meghan is forging ahead with her own aspirations. Levin's analysis suggests that Meghan Markle holds a position of dominance in their relationship, making the decisions and driving their future plans. This power shift raises questions about the long-term sustainability of their marriage and whether Harry is content with his role as a subservient partner. In addition to the power dynamic, Levin addressed another rumor surrounding Meghan's desire to transition to working behind the camera. She claimed that Meghan often believes she is "always right," and Prince Harry seemingly follows her lead. The biographer pointed out that while Meghan may be reinventing herself, Harry continues his career as an author, with plans to release a second book that could potentially reveal shocking information about the royal family. Also Read | Royal experts believe that Prince Harry can fix his relationship with Royal Family if he leaves Meghan Markle Royal fans have also chimed in on the couple's relationship, expressing concern and analyzing their actions. Some viewers echoed Levin's observations, questioning why Meghan consistently takes the spotlight while Harry appears distant and passive. Others speculated that Meghan relies heavily on Harry's fame, and without him, her career prospects would dwindle. As the Duke and Duchess of Sussex reside in Montecito, California, with their two children, Archie and Lilibet, the future of their relationship remains uncertain. The power dynamics, tensions, and differing aspirations between Meghan and Harry have led fans to question whether their marriage can withstand the challenges they face. Only time will tell if the Duke and Duchess of Sussex can find a balance that ensures both their individual growth and a harmonious partnership. As the world continues to watch their every move, the couple's next steps will undoubtedly be met with intense scrutiny and curiosity. A researcher from China was arrested in Japan on Thursday for allegedly leaking information on sensitive technology to a Chinese company, police in Tokyo said. Last year, Washington imposed restrictions on China's access to high-end chips and chip-making equipment(Rep image/ shutterstock) Read here: Chinese man arrested in Pakistan for 'blasphemy' after remarks on Ramadan: Report The 59-year-old man, who worked at a Japanese research institute, has been held on suspicion of violating unfair competition laws, a police spokesman told AFP. In April 2018, the man allegedly "emailed information about technologies linked to synthesising a fluorine compound from an email account he held at the National Institute of Advanced Industrial Science and Technology to a company in China," said the spokesman, who declined to be named. The United States and its allies, including Japan, have become increasingly wary about the transfer of cutting-edge technology to China. Last year, Washington imposed restrictions on China's access to high-end chips and chip-making equipment, citing national security concerns. Washington said it wanted to prevent tech that could help develop advanced military equipment from being acquired by China's armed forces and intelligence services. It has pressed its allies to do the same, and the Netherlands and Japan recently announced new export restrictions on chipmaking technology, without naming China. Read here: Japan considers to provide artillery shells to US to aid Ukraine: Report Beijing has sunk billions of dollars into building up its own semiconductor industry over the past decade, and filed a dispute with the World Trade Organization over the US measures. SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON The first-ever Hindu-American Summit was organised on Wednesday at Capitol Hill, the seat of the US government, where several Congressional leaders and political advocacy groups backed the community. Leaders of the Hindu community from across the country gathered at the US Capitol for the summit, organised by Americans4Hindus and supported by 20 other organisations. The Hindu-American Summit started with Vedic prayers reverberating in the dome of the US Capitol. Hindu American Foundations Associate Policy Director Anita Joshi and Board Member Rajiv Pandit displaying types of resources HAF used to educate lawmakers and Hindu American communities.(@HinduAmerican) Our Hindu values are completely aligned with US Constitutional values. They resonate with the Bhagwad Gita. Thats why we are committed to giving Hindu Americans a voice, Americans4Hindu chairperson Dr Romesh Japra said at the event. Japra was the chief organizer of the Hindu-American summit. This is the first-ever summit we are holding for political engagement. We have done a lot of great work in every field but politically, we are way behind. We feel that Hindu Americans are being discriminated. That is why we thought it is a good idea to bring all the organizations together, Japra told ANI. Republican Congressman Rich McCormick, who represents the 6th District of Georgia, announced a bipartisan Congressional delegation to India in August. McCormick said, I have such great admiration for this demographic, for this immigrant population that has added so much to America. All the best things. I say it over and over again, as soon as this community becomes self-aware and realises that they have the power to truly select the next president of the United States. His comments were met with applause from the select gathering of Hindu Americans from across the country. You understand, I'm not just saying this. There's real power behind who you are. If you look at the most successful demographic in the United States, which is the most successful country in the world, think about an organisation like the RJC -- (the) Republican Jewish Coalition, he said. While 30 per cent of Jews vote for the Republican Party, yet every single Republican candidate for president will speak in front of their coalition, the Congressman noted. "They are not as successful as you are. Think about that. Once you start flexing your political might and you being here is flexing your political might. "Once you start investing in and really engaging politicians, you will see how truly powerful you are. You will unleash the potential of forming future generations, not just of your own community, but every community in America," McCormick added. "You literally will write laws. You will set a vision for America that will set us up for success for decades and decades and hopefully for centuries to come. It will benefit not just your children but every child in America. That is why I love this community," McCormick said. At the summit, US Congresswoman Michelle Steel showed her support for the Hindu community by sharing similarities with the Korean & Indian American experiences. Steel, who represents the 45th California district, is a member of the House Ways and Means and China subcommittee. US Congress newest Indian American member Shri Thanedar opened in Marathi and underscored his commitment to standing with and being a voice for Indian American communities. He announced plans to form a 'Hindu Caucus' in the US Congress that will bring like-minded lawmakers under one umbrella to ensure that there is no hate and bigotry against Hindus in the country. Congresswoman Sheila Jackson Lee said that she will remain an indefatigable ally to the Hindu-American communities and reminisced on her visit with John Lewis to Gandhi Ashram in Gujarat's Sabarmati. The lawmaker said she was looking forward to meeting Prime Minister Narendra Modi next week. Prime Minister Modi arrives in Washington DC on a three-day state visit on June 21. The welcome ceremony and the state dinner along with an address to the Joint Session of the US Congress are scheduled for June 22. (With PTI inputs) SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON ABOUT THE AUTHOR HT News Desk Follow the latest breaking news and developments from India and around the world with Hindustan Times' newsdesk. From politics and policies to the economy and the environment, from local issues to national events and global affairs, we've got you covered. ...view detail A man who worked as a morgue manager at Harvard Medical School has been accused of stealing, selling and shipping human body parts, an indictment has claimed. 55-year-old Cedric Lodge worked at the medical schools morgue in Boston. According to the federal indictment filed this week in US District Court for the Middle District of Pennsylvania, Cedric stole dissected portions of donated cadavers, includingheads, brains, skin, bones, and other human remains, without the knowledge or permission of (the school) and removed those remains from the morgue in Massachusetts and transported them to his residence in New Hampshire. The incident took place at Harvard Medical School (Harvard Medical School/Facebook) Cedric has been accused of conspiring with his wife, Denise, 63, according to CNN. Human remains were sold to individuals such as Katrina Maclean, 44, and Joshua Taylor, 46, and Matthew Lampi, 52, the indictment says. Two other suspects involved in the case have been identified as Jeremy Pauley and Candace Chapman Scott, according to New York Post. The suspects have been charged in the indictment with conspiracy and interstate transport of stolen goods. Katrina owns a store in Peabody, Massachusetts, named Kats Creepy Creations. The store is where she allegedly sold the stolen body parts. Some crimes defy understanding, US attorney for the Middle District of Pennsylvania Gerard M. Karam said in a statement. The theft and trafficking of human remains strikes at the very essence of what makes us human. It is particularly egregious that so many of the victims here volunteered to allow their remains to be used to educate medical professionals and advance the interests of science and healing. For them and their families to be taken advantage of in the name of profit is appalling. With these charges, we are seeking to secure some measure of justice for all these victims. People voluntarily donate human remains to Harvards medical school for educational purposes. The remains are eventually usually cremated, and sometimes returned to the donors family. Harvard Medical School fired Cedric on May 6. Harvard University officials said they are appalled to learn that something so disturbing could happen on (their) campus a community dedicated to healing and serving others. The reported incidents are a betrayal of HMS and, most importantly, each of the individuals who altruistically chose to will their bodies to HMS through the Anatomical Gift Program to advance medical education and research, Harvard Medical School deans George Daley and Edward Hundert wrote in a letter to the community. We are so very sorry for the pain this news will cause for our anatomical donors families and loved ones, and HMS pledges to engage with them during this deeply distressing time, they added. Cable news network Fox News on Tuesday night created a politically-charged controversy by labeling US President Joe Biden as a wannabe dictator while they played a live broadcast of Donald Trumps post-arraignment speech. US President Joe Biden (AP) The channel presented a split screen of Trump addressing his supporters live in New Jersey, and Biden speaking at the White House earlier in the day. Below the visuals, a chyron (on-screen graphics which help viewers quickly identify the topic that is being discussed) read, Wannabe dictator speaks at the White House after having his political rival arrested. Reportedly, the misleading caption stayed on screen for 27 seconds till Fox News host Sean Hannity started speaking at 9 pm. However, it was not removed when the telecast was rerun late at night. On Wednesday, the cable news network said that they took down the chyron immediately. However, they did not explain how the message made it onto the screen and how the matter was addressed, reported news agency AP. Notably, Fox News was the only major cable network that aired Trump's speech, while CNN and MSNBC chose not to carry the former President's address on air. Meanwhile, PBS used the lower third of its screen to post fact-checks when it streamed Trump's speech on its YouTube channel, reported AP. Trump slams Biden in his speech Donald Trump - who has been impeached and indicted twice - is currently under investigation for election interference. During his speech in New Jersey for his 2024 Presidential campaign, Trump claimed that he was the victim of political persecution, and accused Biden of directing efforts to prosecute him". He also called Biden the most corrupt president in the history of the United States. (With inputs from AP) The just concluded India visit of National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan underscored the dynamism of the India-US partnership in advance of Prime Minister Narendra Modi's historic state visit next week, the White House said on Thursday. US National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan with Prime Minister Narendra Modi.(HT_PRINT) The top Biden administration official travelled to New Delhi this week where he met with Prime Minister Modi, External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar, and his counterpart Ajit Doval. "Sullivans visit underscored the dynamism of the US-India partnership in advance of Prime Minister Modis historic official state visit next week to the United States," the White House said in a readout of the call. "He reviewed preparations for the upcoming official state visit of the Prime Minister, and discussed a range of strategic, regional, and bilateral issues including steps to advance the strategic technology and defence partnership between the United States and India, the White House said. The two National Security Advisors unveiled a roadmap for cooperation at a stakeholder event on the Initiative on Critical and Emerging Technologies (iCET), Sullivan said. Japan is in talks to provide artillery shells to the United States to bolster stocks for Ukraine's counteroffensive against Russia, the Wall Street Journal said on Thursday. Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida. (AFP) The Asian nation is considering supplying 155-mm. artillery shells under a 2016 pact to share ammunition as part of its long-standing security alliance with the United States, the paper added, citing people familiar with the matter. Russia on Thursday blasted Australia's decision to prohibit Russia from building a new embassy after intelligence officials warned it posed a security threat. Russian President Vladimir Putin.(AP) "To our regret, Australia diligently continues to follow the path created by the authors of the Russophobic hysteria, which is now active in the countries of the collective West," Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said. "Australia aims for excellence among these countries," he quipped, adding that Russia would consider retaliation. Australia blocked Russia from building a new embassy in the shadow of Parliament House on Thursday after intelligence officials warned it posed a spying risk and security threat. Russia holds the lease for a parcel of land some 400 metres (0.25 miles) from Australia's parliamentary precinct in Canberra, and has been laying the foundations for a new embassy building. But after failing to block the development in the courts, the Australian government passed new laws on Thursday that were specifically drafted to halt its construction. SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON One of two women attacked by a man near the tourist attraction of Neuschwanstein Castle in southern Germany has died, reported German broadcaster ZDF on Thursday, citing a spokesperson for state prosecutors in Kempten. The 21-year-old woman died in a hospital overnight, while her 22-year-old companion was still in hospital with injuries, ZDF reported.(AP) Read here: More than a third of Germany men find violence against women acceptable: Report The 21-year-old woman died in a hospital overnight, while her 22-year-old companion was still in hospital with injuries, ZDF reported. The suspect has been arrested, said the spokesperson, according to ZDF. State prosecutors did not immediately comment to Reuters. Read here: Germany Defence Ministry concerned over ex-pilots sharing secrets with China According to German daily Bild, the women ran into the man on a scenic bridge with a view of the world-famous castle, where a scuffle ensued after he sexually harassed them. He then threw both women over the railing of the bridge into a ravine below, Bild reported. Kevin Spacey, who is now ready to get back to work, has claimed employers are also waiting to work with him.I know that there are people right now who are ready to hire me the moment I am cleared of these charges in London. The second that happens, theyre ready to move forward, the actor told ZEITmagazin. His London trial, which is scheduled to begin on June 28, is expected to last four weeks. Kevin Spacey, who is now ready to get back to work, has claimed employers are also waiting to work with him (AFP File Photo) Its a time in which a lot of people are very afraid that if they support me, they will be cancelled, he continued about the sexual assault allegations against him. The moment scrutiny is applied, these things fall apart, he said. Thats what happened in the Rapp trial, and thats what will happen in this case. As the #MeToo movement gained momentum in October 2017, the 63-year-old House of Cards star was accused by Anthony Rapp of making a sexual pass at him in 1986. At the time of the alleged incident, Anthony was 14 and Kevin was 26. "He picked me up like a groom picks up the bride over the threshold. But I don't, like, squirm away initially, because I'm like, 'What's going on?' And then he lays down on top of me," Anthony said in a BuzzFeed article. He added, He was trying to seduce me. I don't know if I would have used that language. But I was aware that he was trying to get with me sexually. At the time, Kevin took to social media to respond to the allegations. I have a lot of respect and admiration for Anthony Rapp as an actor. I'm beyond horrified to hear his story. I honestly do not remember the encounter, it would have been 30 years ago. But if I did behave then as he describes, I owe him the sincerest apology for what would have been deeply inappropriate drunken behavior, and I am sorry for the feelings he describes having carried with him all these years, he wrote. This story has encouraged me to address other things about my life. I know that there are stories about me and that some have been fueled by the fact that I have been so protective of my privacy. As those closest to me know, in my life I have had relationships with both men and women. I have loved and had romantic encounters with men throughout my life, and I choose now to live as a gay man. I want to deal with this honestly and openly and that starts with examining my own behavior, he added As many as 15 other people eventually made similar allegations against Kevin. Anthony went on to sue the actor. ANew York jury last year that found Kevin not liable for battery against Anthony. However, Kevin still faces 12 sex offence charges in the UK, and he has pleaded not guilty to all the charges. All the alleged incidents took place between 2001 and 2013. In 10 years, it wont mean anything. My work will live longer than I will, and thats what will be remembered, Kevin has now said. North Korea condemns South Korea's live fire drills with the United States, the North's state news agency KCNA reported on Thursday, citing a spokesperson from the ministry of defence. North Korean leader Kim Jong Un. (AP) North Korea's forces will sternly respond to "any kind of protests or provocations by enemies", it said. Several thousand South Korean and US troops took part in joint live-fire exercises on Thursday. North Korea's failed attempt to launch a spy satellite last month heightened tensions in the region. North Korea fired two short-range missiles off its east coast on Thursday, the South Korean military said, less than an hour after Pyongyang warned of an "inevitable" response to military drills staged earlier in the day by South Korean and US troops. North Korea's ballistic missile and nuclear weapons programmes are banned by United Nations Security Council. (via Reuters) Read here: North Korea condemns South Korea's live fire drills with US: Report The latest action by North Korea came as US President Joe Biden's national security adviser, Jake Sullivan, was in Tokyo for meetings with his Japanese and South Korean counterparts. In a meeting with South Korea's national security adviser, Cho Tae-yong, and Japan's National Security Advisor Takeo Akiba on Thursday, the three discussed North Korea's missile programme and confirmed that they would work closely together to get Pyongyang to abandon its nuclear weapons, according to a readout of the meeting released by Japan. South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol watched as several thousand South Korean and US troops took part in joint live-fire exercises on Thursday, in the latest show of force that the allies say is necessary to deter North Korea. A spokesperson for North Korea's Ministry of National Defence said the drills were escalating the military tension in the region and its forces would sternly respond to "any kind of protests or provocations by enemies". Pyongyang unsuccessfully tried to launch a spy satellite late last month, in its first satellite launch since 2016, with the rocket booster and payload plunging into the sea. North Korea's ballistic missile and nuclear weapons programmes are banned by United Nations Security Council resolutions that have sanctioned the country. Diplomatic efforts to reduce tensions or persuade Pyongyang to abandon its nuclear arsenal have been stalled. Read here: Kim Jong Un trying to steal South Koreans' data? With sophisticated' methods South Korea sued North Korea on Wednesday for $35 million in compensation for a liaison office that North Korea blew up in 2020, in a case highlighting the breakdown of ties between the neighbours as the North presses on with its weapons programmes. President Joe Biden is now leading former president Donald Trump by four points, a hypothetical general election poll released on Wednesday, June 15, claimed. According to the Quinnipiac University poll, 48 percent of respondents are likely to support Biden over Trump. Trump received 44 percent of support. His support dropped two points since the last poll in May, but Bidens has remained unhinged. The poll was reportedly counted from June 8 through 12. President Joe Biden is now leading former president Donald Trump by four points (ANDREW CABALLERO-REYNOLDS / AFP, AP Photo/Andrew Harnik, File) In a hypothetical general election matchup, President Joe Biden has a slight lead over Trump 48 - 44 percent among all registered voters. In Quinnipiac University's previous national poll on May 24th, Biden received 48 percent and Trump received 46 percent. Today's results continue a string of close head-to-head results between Biden and Trump since Quinnipiac University started asking this question in February 2023, the website for Quinnipiac University poll said. Quinnipiac analyst Tim Malloy noted, A federal indictment. A court date on a litany of charges. A blizzard of critical media coverage. The negative impact on the former Presidents standing with voters? Not much at all. Most of Bidens supporters are Black and Hispanic people. He is also stronger with women than with men. The survey said older respondents would possibly favour Biden. Biden notably has a 57-point lead over Democrats, including Robert Kennedy Jr. On the other hand, among Republicans, Trump held a 22-point lead over Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis. It was recently found that DeSantis approval rating has fallen significantly two weeks after he announced his 2024 presidential bid. The dynamic approval rating graph of online polling company Civiqs revealed that DeSantis has a net approval rating of negative 19 points at present. About 55 percent of respondents disapprove of him, while 36 percent are in his support. As per the data, the Republican has an unfavourable rating from people in the age group of 18-34 (63 percent), women (62 percent), as well as African Americans (85 percent), and the Hispanic/Latino population (68 percent), according to Newsweek. To compare the numbers from early December last year, DeSantis approval and disapproval rating was tied at 47 percent then. Data shows that in comparison, former US president Donald Trump is favoured even though his legal issues continue to plague his life and public image. SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON Could Prince Harry mend fences with the royal family without Meghan Markle? According to experts, it's a possibility, but not without challenges. Royal commentator Jennie Bond believes that Harry, on his own, could eventually find forgiveness and be welcomed back. However, she admits that this scenario seems unlikely for now. FILE - Prince Harry and Meghan Markle, Duke and Duchess of Sussex visit the track and field event at the Invictus Games in The Hague, Netherlands, Sunday, April 17, 2022. A spokesperson for Prince Harry and his wife Meghan says the couple were involved in a car chase while being followed by photographers. The couples office says the pair and Meghans mother were followed for more than two hours by a half-dozen vehicles after leaving a charity event in New York on Tuesday, May 16, 2023. (AP Photo/Peter Dejong, File)(AP) Bond stated, "I think that Harry, without Meghan, would be forgiven and welcomed back into the royal fold in the fullness of time." She added, "He could recoup the ground hes lost in time and be welcomed back. But I dont think its anywhere on the horizon." The Duke and Duchess of Sussex recently celebrated their five-year anniversary on May 19, 2023, amidst ongoing legal battles against tabloids. Harry's June 2023 testimony in a phone hacking case showed his determination to take legal action to protect Meghan. Paul Burrell, Princess Diana's former butler, shares a similar sentiment. As mentioned in Harry's phone hacking case, Burrell believes a split between Harry and Meghan is inevitable. He predicts that the door to reconciliation between King Charles III and Prince William will open wide once this happens. Burrell expressed confidence that "when this happens, because we all know that it will happen, then he will return to the United Kingdom." He believes that Harry's father, the King, and his brother, the Prince of Wales, will warmly welcome him back. "There is an element of Harry we all love," Burrell added. "We just dont understand why hes doing what hes doing at the moment." In their Netflix docuseries, Harry opened up about missing certain aspects of his old life within the royal family. He acknowledged missing the unique family gatherings and his friends in the UK, while also expressing peace with his current situation in Montecito, California. While reconciliation without Meghan seems like a remote possibility at present, time may heal old wounds and pave the way for Harry's return. As the Duke of Sussex continues his journey, the world watches with curiosity and anticipation, wondering if and when a royal family reunion will come to fruition. Australia blocked Russia from building a new embassy in the shadow of Parliament House Thursday after intelligence officials warned it posed a spying risk and security threat. Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese makes a statement at Parliament House in Canberra, Monday, June 12, 2023, after a fatal bus crash in the Hunter Valley. A bus carrying wedding guests rolled over on a foggy night in Australia's wine country, killing and injuring multiple people, police said Monday.AP/PTI(AP06_12_2023_000036A)(AP) Read here: Australia's Liberal Party suspends lawmaker accused of sexual assault by female colleague Russia holds the lease for a parcel of land some 400 metres (0.25 miles) from Australia's parliamentary precinct in Canberra and has been laying the foundations for a new embassy building. But, after failing to block the development in the courts, the Australian government passed new laws on Thursday that were specifically drafted to halt construction. Prime Minister Anthony Albanese said the laws were rapidly pulled together following a meeting of Australia's National Security Committee. "The government has received very clear security advice as to the risk posed by a new Russian presence so close to Parliament House," he told reporters. "We are acting quickly to ensure the lease site does not become a formal diplomatic presence." A Russian diplomat told AFP that "the embassy is seeking legal advice" in the wake of the announcement. The new laws, passed with bipartisan support, do not stop Russia from having a diplomatic footprint in Australia -- only from building so close to parliament. The legislation also acknowledges that Russia may be eligible for financial compensation. Capable, aggressive and unconstrained Counterintelligence expert and former FBI agent Dennis Desmond said it was reasonable to suspect Russia would use the proposed embassy site as a base to spy on Australian politicians. "The decision to place an embassy in a location obviously has very specific intent behind it," he told AFP. "There's a variety of techniques and tactics they will use." Desmond said this could include signals intelligence and tailing Australian officials. Former UK diplomat Alex Bristow, from the Australian Strategic Policy Institute, said it was likely the government had received an "emphatic" warning from intelligence agencies. "Given the proximity, it could be a form of electronic surveillance operating out of the embassy," he said. "Russia has some of the largest, most capable, most aggressive, and least constrained intelligence services in the world," he said. "And they're given leeway that we would never give a Western intelligence service." Albanese said he expected some blowback from Russia. "We don't expect Russia is in a position to talk about international law, given their rejection of it so consistently and so brazenly with their invasion of Ukraine," he said. Agreement terminated Russia acquired the lease to the scruffy paddock in 2008 through an agreement with the National Capital Authority, a federal government agency, and was granted building approval in 2011. It planned to move there from its current site, a hulking brick building in an unfashionable part of the city overlooking a funeral parlour, a pub, and a petrol station. Construction has progressed at a glacial pace and the site remains strewn with detritus and building materials. Read here: Driver charged after bus carrying wedding guests in Australia rolls over, killing 10 and injuring 25 Although the government was initially comfortable with the plans, it has been scrambling to tear them up as relations have soured in the wake of Russia's invasion of Ukraine. A previous attempt to cancel the lease was thrown out by the federal court last month, prompting the pivot towards national security legislation. SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON Ukrainian forces intercepted one cruise missile and 20 explosive drones launched by Russia in its latest nighttime attack, Kyiv said Thursday. Drone attacks in Crimea, whose annexation by Moscow has not been recognised by the international community, have increased in recent weeks(Reuters) Read here: Russian soldiers' corpses line road into liberated Ukrainian village But three other missiles struck "industrial installations" in the Dnipropetrovsk region in Ukraine's centre-east, it said. The statement came shortly after the Moscow-installed governor of Crimea said Russian forces had downed nine drones over its territory, without causing any casualties. One drone nonetheless struck a village in the centre of the peninsula, breaking windows in several homes. Drone attacks in Crimea, whose annexation by Moscow has not been recognised by the international community, have increased in recent weeks as Ukraine pursues a counter-offensive against Russian forces. Kyiv has repeatedly said it plans to take back the peninsula as part of its efforts to regain territory since Moscow launched its invasion in February 2022. Ukraine has claimed some success with its counterattacks, while Russia has carried out intense nighttime strikes against major Ukrainian cities in recent weeks. Read here: Individual state or group might have attacked Nord Stream pipelines: Kremlin Russian President Vladimir Putin on Tuesday claimed his forces were inflicting "catastrophic" losses on Ukrainian troops. A group of 17 music publishers sued Twitter in Nashville, Tennessee, federal court on Wednesday, accusing the company of enabling thousands of copyright violations by allowing users to post music without a license. Twitter "routinely ignores" repeat infringement by users who post tweets that contain unlicensed music(AP) Read here: Enter Twitter 2.0: New CEO Linda Yaccarino in first email to staff Twitter drives user engagement with "countless infringing copies of musical compositions," the lawsuit said. Members of the National Music Publishers' Association, including Sony Music Publishing, BMG Rights Management and Universal Music Publishing Group, are seeking more than $250 million in damages for alleged infringement of nearly 1,700 copyrights. The lawsuit said the longstanding infringement has gotten worse since Elon Musk bought Twitter in October, and that other major platforms like TikTok, Facebook and YouTube properly license music from the publishers. Twitter did not immediately respond to a request for comment. NMPA President David Israelite said in a statement that Twitter "stands alone as the largest social media platform that has completely refused to license the millions of songs on its service." Twitter "routinely ignores" repeat infringement by users who post tweets that contain unlicensed music, the lawsuit said. The publishers said Twitter encourages user infringement, which increases engagement and ad revenues while giving it an "unfair advantage" over platforms that pay for music licenses. Read here: After Dorsey's big claim, Congress has new theory on Rahul's Twitter handle blocking "Twitter's internal affairs regarding matters pertinent to this case are in disarray," the publishers said, noting deep cuts to the company's legal and trust-and-safety teams since Musk took control. SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON The United States announced $920 million in additional humanitarian assistance for Syria during an aid conference in Brussels on Thursday, the State Department said. US troops take position as they patrol near an oil field in al-Qahtaniyah in Syria's northeastern Hasakah province. (AFP) The announcement brings the total US humanitarian assistance to Syria and the region this year to $1.1 billion, and almost $16.9 billion since the start of the country's war, the department said in a statement. In a relief to Prince Harry, the Department of Homeland Security(DHS) has officially denied Heritage Foundation's request to share the Duke of Sussex's immigration documents. Heritage Foundation wanted to check whether Prince Harry had declared about his drug usage in US Visa application and how DHS responded to his declaration. Prince Harry (AP) In an emailed letter, the US Department of Homeland Security rejected Heritage Foundation's plea citing privacy rights of Prince Harry. ALSO READ| President Joe Biden leads Donald Trump by four points amid latter's legal troubles, poll suggests To the extent records exist, this office does not find a public interest in disclosure sufficient to override the subjects privacy interests, DHS senior director Jimmy Wolfrey wrote in the letter obtained by New York Post. Notably, Prince Harry had disclosed that he took psychedelic mushrooms, cocaine and marijuana, in his memoir "Spare" which was published in January 2023. As acceptance of drug abuse can be a serious hurdle for non-Americans in acquiring US Visa, Heritage Foundation is interested in ascertaining whether any exemptions were made for Prince Harry. After DHS' refusal, Nile Gardiner, director of the Heritage Foundations Margaret Thatcher Center for Freedom, said they will pursue the matter in court. The Department of Homeland Securitys efforts to stonewall the Heritage Foundations Freedom of Information request are unacceptable, and we will be contesting their position, said Gardiner. We expected to have to fight every step of this case in federal court and will continue to press for transparency and accountability for the American people, he added. Recently, Mike Howell, director of the Heritage foundations Oversight Project told reporters he wants to check the records because the everyday American is absolutely sick and tired of globalist elites lecturing us, looking down on us, dominating our cultural institutions and no one proves that point more than Prince Harry. Howell had applied for the Freedom Of Information Act request with DHS on March 8, 2023. A man in Illinois, the United States was charged with firearms offences on Tuesday after he accidently shot himself in leg while he was dreaming about a burglary incident. The man, aged 62, survived the accidental shooting which took place in April, while no one else was injured in the incident, the NBC news reported. The man was arrested on a warrant Monday but was set free after he posting bond, the sheriff's office added.(Representative Image) He was charged with offences, including for possessing a firearm with a revoked Firearm Owners Identification, a must-have in the midwestern state bordering Indiana. He also faced a charge for reckless discharge of a firearm, NBC quoted the sheriffs office statement. No sign of burglary The incident happened on April 10 around 9:50 pm. The man, who lives in Lake Barrington village, "had a dream that someone was breaking into his home" and fired a .357-calibre revolver, following which the bullet went into the bed, the statement read. The responders had to use a tourniquet to stop the bleeding as he had shot himself in the leg. Also Read: Frequent shootings put US mass killings on record pace He woke up from the dream and found himself hurt. The police did not find any sign of burglary in his home. The sheriffs offices statement did not cite a reason as to why his firearm identification card had been revoked. The man was arrested on a warrant Monday but was set free after he posting bond, the sheriff's office added. Lake Barrington located nearly 56 km northwest of downtown Chicago is home to 5,000 residents. Accidental shooting in Michigan kills 2-year-old Another similar incident had surfaced over the weekend when a 2-year-old in US Michigan died in an accidental shooting on Sunday, after the child got hold of an unsecured firearm. The infant was rushed to the hospital but couldnt be saved. SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON A former Starbucks manager, Shannon Phillips has won a case against the company in which she claimed that she was fired for being white after the arrest of two black men at a Philadelphia store in 2018. A federal jury in New Jersey ruled in Shannon's favour and awarded $25 million in punitive damages and $600,000 in compensatory damages. Image for representation(Bloomberg File Photo) The court ruled that Starbucks violated Shannon's federal civil rights and New Jersey laws that prohibit racial discrimination. Shannon had been an employee of Starbucks for almost 13 years. ALSO READ| All about Reddit policy change: Subreddits continue boycott campaign, no change in company's API pricing stand The case arose from a 2018 incident at Starbucks' Philadelphia store in Rittenhouse Square where two black men namely Rashon Nelson and Donte Robinson were waiting to meet a business associate. One of the black men was reportedly denied permission from using the toilet in the shop because he had not purchased anything. The staff of the store then asked the black men to leave but Nelson and Robinson refused. The staff then called the cops who handcuffed the men and took them away. Video of the men's arrest went viral, sparking nationwide protests in US. As a result of the massive backlash, Starbucks fired regional manager Shannon. But interestingly, the Black manager of the store where the incident had happened, was retained. In 2019, Shannon had sued Starbucks for practising racial discrimination against White employees in the wake of the protests. She claimed that she was fired to mellow down the protests by the black community. Meanwhile, Starbucks claimed that they fired Shannon over her leadership failures. Russian President Vladimir Putin on Thursday lauded his "dear friend" Xi Jinping in a message for the Chinese leader's 70th birthday. The two leaders have grown even closer as Moscow, isolated in the West since launching the offensive in Ukraine.(File) Read here: Vladimir Putin's stringent censorship laws amid Ukraine war don't apply to Putin told Xi "it is difficult to overestimate the efforts you have been making to foster the comprehensive partnership" between Russia and China, which have ramped up cooperation in recent years. The two leaders have grown even closer as Moscow, isolated in the West since launching the offensive in Ukraine, has increasingly looked toward Beijing. Analysts say that China holds the upper hand in the relationship, and that its sway is growing as Moscow's international isolation deepens. Putin said he expected the "constructive dialogue... to continue for the sake of the Russian and Chinese people". Xi was handed an unprecedented third term as president by China's rubber-stamp parliament in March. The beginning of his term however comes as the world's second-largest economy faces major headwinds, from slowing growth and a troubled real estate sector to a declining birth rate. Read here: Is Xi Jinping spying on US military? Well-documented in intelligence record The re-election "confirmed your high political authority, and the wide support for the path you have chosen", Putin said. "Under your leadership, the People's Republic of China achieved impressive successes: the economy is showing steady growth, the well-being of citizens is increasing, and Beijing's position in the world is strengthening," Putin said. BEIJING, June 14 (Xinhua) -- Chinese President Xi Jinping held talks with Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas in Beijing on Wednesday. The two leaders announced the establishment of a strategic partnership between China and Palestine. Xi said China and Palestine are good friends and good partners who trust and support each other. He said China was one of the first countries to recognize the Palestine Liberation Organization and the State of Palestine. China has all along firmly supported the Palestinian people's just cause of restoring their legitimate national rights and worked for a comprehensive, just and durable solution of the Palestinian question at an early date, Xi said. China supports Palestine in becoming a full member state of the United Nations, will continue to speak up for Palestine and champion justice on multilateral occasions, and will provide assistance as best as it can to help ease humanitarian difficulties and reconstruction in Palestine, Xi said. He called on both sides to take the establishment of strategic partnership as an opportunity to continue supporting each other on issues of core concern, advance cooperation in various areas, deepen partnership in jointly building the Belt and Road, speed up negotiations on the China-Palestine free trade agreement, share experiences on national governance and further the traditional friendship. Xi put forward a three-point proposal for the settlement of the Palestinian question. Xi stressed that the Palestinian question has remained unresolved for over half a century, causing great sufferings to the Palestinian people; justice must be done to Palestine as soon as possible. First, the fundamental solution lies in the establishment of an independent state of Palestine that enjoys full sovereignty on the basis of the 1967 borders and with east Jerusalem as its capital, he said. Second, Palestine's economic and livelihood needs should be met, and the international community needs to step up development assistance and humanitarian aid to Palestine, he said. Third, it is important to keep to the right direction of peace talks. The historical status quo of the holy sites in Jerusalem should be respected, and excessive and provocative words and actions should be avoided. A large-scale, more authoritative and more influential international peace conference should be convened so as to create conditions for the resumption of peace talks and contribute tangible efforts to help Palestine and Israel live in peace, he said. "China stands ready to play a positive role to assist Palestine in achieving internal reconciliation and promote peace talks," Xi said. Xi said China is willing to strengthen solidarity and cooperation with Palestine and other developing countries, enhance coordination in international and regional affairs, advance China's cooperation with Arab states, and safeguard the common interests of developing countries and international fairness and justice. On behalf of the Palestinian people, Abbas thanked China for its long-term strong support and selfless assistance for the Palestinian people's just cause of restoring their legitimate national rights, calling China a trustworthy friend and partner. Abbas said Palestine supports China's position on issues concerning its core interests and follows the one-China principle, adding that Palestine will work with China to promote the Belt and Road Initiative, strengthen bilateral cooperation and build a community with a shared future for humanity. Palestine backs the Global Security Initiative, the Global Development Initiative and the Global Civilization Initiative proposed by President Xi, and speaks highly of the China-mediated talks between Saudi Arabia and Iran, Abbas said. He thanked China for putting forward a number of initiatives on an early and just settlement of the Palestinian question. The Palestinian side believes in China's wisdom and just position and expects China to play a greater role in promoting intra-Palestinian reconciliation and realizing peace in the Middle East. After their talks, the two presidents witnessed the signing of documents on bilateral economic and technological cooperation. Prior to the talks, Xi held a welcoming ceremony for Abbas in the Northern Hall of the Great Hall of the People. Omni La Mansion del Rio and Mokara Hotel & Spa are delighted to announce the return of Yojainna Otero as Director of Catering & Conference Services where she will lead her teams towards achieving revenue goals while providing an overall great experience for all group events hosted by the hotels. Otero rejoined the team in January 2023 after spending 14 years as Director of Catering and Conference Services at The Westin Riverwalk, San Antonio. Otero's passion for hospitality began when she joined Omni La Mansion del Rio upon graduating from University of Texas San Antonio in 1998. During her ten-year tenure at the hotel, she worked her way up from a manager trainee to an Executive Meeting Manager before transitioning into Convention Service Manager. She was also part of the opening team for The Watermark Hotel (currently Mokara Hotel & Spa), where she served as Assistant Director of Convention Services before moving on to The Westin Riverwalk Team. With over 25 years of experience in the hospitality industry, Otero brings a wealth of knowledge and expertise to the team. As Director of Catering and Convention Services, she will now have a chance to mentor those employees and share what she has learned during her over two decades spent developing successful events throughout San Antonio. Jason Pirock is an award-winning marketer with over 15+ year career in the hospitality and retail industries. His experience spans the likes of Hyatt, Aparium, Target and Brookfield, where hes built and transformed marketing departments, teams, operations and process. Currently Pirock heads up Brand and Marketing for Springboard Hospitality, a premier third-party hotel management company, dedicated to transforming people, properties, and communities. In this role, he oversees integrated marketing strategy, customer acquisition and growth through digital and traditional marketing efforts along with content, public relations and social media. Pirock resides in Chicago with his wife and son. Plaza Athenee Nobu Hotel and Spa New York is situated in the citys most luxurious location in the Upper East Side on 64 th Street and Park Avenue Street and Park Avenue The Plaza Athenee Nobu Hotel and Spa Bangkok will be located in the EAC (East Asiatic Company) Heritage Building, the best location by the Chao Phraya River The developments leverage the strong luxury brand of Plaza Athenee and lifestyle experience expertise of Nobu Hospitality, strengthen the long-term strategic partnership between AWC and Nobu Hospitality AWCs investment in Plaza Athenee Nobu Hotel and Spa New York is through AWC growth-led strategy, utilizing strength in development and partnership and targeting top quality projects that promote continuous and sustainable growth Asset World Corp Public Company Limited, Thailands leading integrated lifestyle real estate group, strengthens its long-term partnershipwith Nobu Hospitality, the globally iconic and fastest growing luxury lifestyle brand, to develop Plaza Athenee hotels in New York and Bangkok, bringing the new level of luxury to iconic heritage buildings in two of the worlds most visited cities. Under the collaboration, AWC and Nobu will partner to launch the worlds most remarkable hotels in the best strategic locations in New York and Bangkok under the Plaza Athenee brand. Leveraging AWCs strength in real estate development and hospitality, the two partners will develop these two heritage buildings, each with their own rich history - Plaza Athenee Hotel New York known as one of the most famous and luxury hotels in Manhattan, and another special EAC building recognized as one of the most beautiful building at the best location by Chao Phraya River in Bangkok, synergize two flagship properties in AWCs growing portfolio. AWC is delighted to expand our collaboration with Nobu Hospitality as it marks another important milestone for our partnership. With our shared vision in creating unique experience to customers and developing sustainable values to all stakeholders, AWC has found the ideal partner for our special flagship projects. We are very excited about the development of these two unique projects, the Plaza Athenee Hotel in New York, an award-winning property and one of the best hotels in New York for many consecutive years. A freehold prime asset, the building is located at Upper East Side on 64th Street between Park Avenue and Madison Avenue, one of the most sought-after luxury neighborhoods in New York, and will be developed into Plaza Athenee Nobu Hotel and Spa New York. In Thailand, the heritage EAC building by the Chao Phraya River, will be developed into The Plaza Athenee Nobu Hotel and Spa Bangkok. These hotels will offer the unique luxury experience of the Plaza Athenee brand and the modern luxury with minimal Japanese tradition from Nobu, the worlds most renowned lifestyle brand. AWCs investment for Plaza Athenee Nobu Hotel and Spa New York is based on AWC growth-led strategy, which will lay the foundation for continuous and sustainable growth. The overseas investment has been approved by the Board of Directors of the company and is in the approval process from the shareholders. We believe that the investment in this special project in New York can unlock further growth for AWC, while broadening the companys strategic positioning and customer base. Mrs. Wallapa Traisorat, Chief Executive Officer and President, Asset World Corp Public Company Limited or AWC We are profoundly grateful that AWC has entrusted us with the development of two of their most valuable properties, in the most iconic buildings and historic areas of two exceptional cities. We are privileged to collaborate closely with the AWC team, led by visionary CEO, Khun Wallapa Traisorat, who is spearheading an exciting and innovative approach to the hospitality industry. The Plaza Athenee Nobu Hotel and Spa Bangkok and the Plaza Athenee Nobu Hotel and Spa New York will redefine the standards of luxury and sophistication not only in Thailand but also in the U.S. This partnership allows us to embark upon an extraordinary journey together. Mr. Trevor Horwell , Chief Executive Officer, Nobu Hospitality AWC and Nobu will transform two iconic heritage buildings in New York and Bangkok to the Plaza Athenee Hotel located in the historical Upper East Side near Central Park, museums, consulates, and high-end shopping, and an iconic building located in the best location by the Chao Phraya River in Bangkok. The Plaza Athenee and Nobu brands will combine the unique luxury experience of Plaza Athenee and the world-renowned modern luxury lifestyle brand of Nobu, with both hotels featuring a classical design that brings modern simplicity and European classic architecture together. Both hotels are scheduled to open in 2026. Set in a building thats almost a century old, the Plaza Athenee Nobu & Spa New York will represent Nobus inaugural hotel in New York and will offer 145 room keys under a soothing visual style and uncluttered comfort. The suites will be unique with indoor and outdoor glassed terraces and gazebos, a unique townhouse with exclusive service serving as a private sanctuary for the discerning traveler, along with a traditional Japanese Onsen, spa, and wellness center. The hotel will offer a Nobu omakase experience as well as a bar and lounge crafted to draw locals and guests alike, and a rooftop area for private parties with a panoramic view of New York City. AWC will oversee overall project development along with the concept and design. In Bangkok, the Plaza Athenee Nobu Hotel and Spa Bangkok will offer luxury hospitality and a unique world-class F&B experience, with AWC and Nobu developing the East meet West concept, integrated under the River Journey concept. Registered as a historical site, the EAC building was founded in 1884 by Captain Hans Niels Andersen, a Danish mariner and entrepreneur who founded East Asiatic Company. The hotel will further elevate luxury travel in Thailand connecting to other AWC projects along the Chao Phraya River, creating a unique riverfront experience for both Thai people and international visitors. AWC and Nobu will showcase the recreation of the iconic riverfront heritage buildings, offering a unique hospitality experience, including other curated dining offerings. By preserving the original structures of the buildings and the inherent art, we aim to instill pride in this historic area, thereby creating long-term, sustainable value for the surrounding communities. The Plaza Athenee Nobu Hotel and Spa Bangkok will also include a special Nobu cruise boat for bespoke private functions, with each journey customizable for guests. The development of these remarkable hotels in two major global destinations with Nobu Hospitality will also strengthen the long-standing Plaza Athenee brand together with the uniquely modern luxury lifestyle of Nobu brand to offer best-in-class products and services to global travelers. Through this strategic partnership of AWC and Nobu Hospitality, we believe to build the new benchmark and create long-term sustainable value for the industry, Mrs. Wallapa added. Todays announcement follows an exclusive agreement AWC signed with Nobu Hospitality in July 2022 to open the first Nobu restaurant in Thailand by 2023 on the top floor of The Empire, AWC's flagship lifestyle mixed-use office complex located in the bustling central business district of Bangkok. About Asset World Corp Public Company Limited Asset World Corp Public Company Limited (AWC) is Thailands leading integrated lifestyle real estate group and a member of TCC Group, with the focus on hospitality, lifestyle destinations, and commercial workspaces. Driven by the philosophy of Building a Better Future, AWC strives to grow and expand beyond the norms with a diverse array of quality projects, providing responsible and sustainable solutions for all our stakeholders. The company has two main businesses. Hospitality business managed by top hotel executives of world-renowned hotel brands such as Marriott, The Luxury Collection, Okura, Banyan Tree, Hilton, Sheraton, and Melia, and Commercial properties whose projects include 1) Retail and Wholesale such as lifestyle travel destinations, community shopping malls, community markets, and wholesale business real estate. Popular real estate projects consist of Asiatique the Riverfront Destination, Gateway at Bangsue, AEC Trade Center Pantip Wholesale Destination, and Tawanna Bangkapi, and 2) Commercial buildings including the famous The Empire Tower and Athenee Tower located in Bangkoks central business district. AWC is committed to integrating its sustainability strategy in every part of its operations to create long-term sustainable value for all stakeholders. The sustainability strategy consists of three key pillars: Better Planet, Better People and Better Prosperity, while the framework has created numerous long-term initiatives including the ReConcept, The GALLERY and other projects. For more information, please visit the company's website at www.assetworldcorp-th.com/en/home. About Nobu Hospitality Named one of luxury's 25 Most Innovative Brands by Robb Report, Nobu Hospitality is ranked among an elite selection of global lifestyle brands. The natural growth of Nobu Hospitality, built on service, image, and reputation, offers the complete spectrum of hotel, restaurant, and residence management for unique projects around the world. Founded by Nobu Matsuhisa, Robert De Niro, and Meir Teper, with operations spanning five continents, the Nobu brand thrives in the world's capitals as the ultimate destination lifestyle experience. The first Nobu Hotel opened in 2013 in Las Vegas and since then an additional 30 hotels have been added both open and in development. Today Nobu hotels are open in the following locations: Manila, Miami Beach, Malibu, Shoreditch (London), Ibiza, Palo Alto, Marbella, Los Cabos, Barcelona, Warsaw, Chicago, Portman Square (London), Santorini and Atlanta. Nobu Hotels are in development for Marrakech, Rome, Madrid, Toronto, Atlantic City, Abu Dhabi, New Orleans, San Sebastian, Sao Paulo, Tel Aviv, Hamburg, Punta Cana, Orlando, Danang, Tulum, Bangkok, and Al Khobar. www.nobuhospitality.com. Follow us on Instagram @NobuHotels. Having a fast website is crucial for the success of any business. 53% of mobile users will abandon a website if it takes more than three seconds to load (Google), which is 76% higher than if the site loads in les than 3 seconds. This is particularly true for the hotel industry, where potential guests expect to find and book their accommodations online quickly. In the past, the first impression of a hotel was the lobby. Today, it's the website, said the late Arne Sorenson, the former CEO of Marriott. Too often, a hotel's first impression is not positive due to website performance, which is almost entirely within the hotelier's control. What and how is performance defined? Simply put, it's how quickly a webpage loads and renders on a users device. Google, on Web.Dev, outlines the measurements of speed (as written by Google): Largest Contentful Paint ( LCP ): measures loading performance. To provide a good user experience, LCP should occur within 2.5 seconds of when the page first starts loading. measures loading performance. To provide a good user experience, LCP should occur within 2.5 seconds of when the page first starts loading. First Input Delay ( FID ): measures interactivity. To provide a good user experience, pages should have a FID of 100 milliseconds or less. measures interactivity. To provide a good user experience, pages should have a FID of 100 milliseconds or less. Cumulative Layout Shift (CLS): measures visual stability. To provide a good user experience, pages should maintain a CLS of 0.1. or less. Slow websites cause potential guests to lose patience and abandon, either booking with another property in its competitive set or indirectly through an online travel agency or wholesaler. In 2022, indirect guest bookings accounted for an estimated 55% of all hotel bookings in the United States; this number is expected to grow in the coming years. The growth of these high-cost reservations is partially due to poor direct website performance and the ease of indirect booking. Sites that load in 2 seconds or less have a 90% higher conversion rate than sites that load in 7 seconds or more. The table (updated - Rock Cheetah) shows website performance scores, as ranked by Google, showing hotel groups' direct booking channels underperforming intermediaries - 100 best - 0 worst. Google handles 88.8% of global search traffic, and they have revealed that page speed is a major ranking factor in search results. This means that websites with faster load times will rank higher in search engine results and receive more free organic website traffic. The equation is simple: performant website + relevant keywords = guest discoverability. Tools available, such as Google PageSpeed Insights, can help you measure website performance and identify areas for improvement. While PageSpeed Insights on Web.Dev will analyze any website, below are some tips to optimize your website: Optimize Images and Videos: Large images and videos can significantly slow down your website, so optimizing them for web use is essential. This can be done by compressing the file size without compromising image quality, using more efficient image formats like WebP, and reducing the image dimensions to fit the space on the website. You dont need a large image for a small space. Source: NYU Large images and videos can significantly slow down your website, so optimizing them for web use is essential. This can be done by compressing the file size without compromising image quality, using more efficient image formats like WebP, and reducing the image dimensions to fit the space on the website. You dont need a large image for a small space. Minimize HTTP Requests: Each element on a webpage, such as images, CSS files, and scripts, requires an HTTP request to load. The more up-front requests a webpage has, the longer it will take to load. You can minimize up-front HTTP requests by combining files where possible, reducing the number of images used, lazy loading content and scripts, and minimizing the use of external scripts, especially ones that cause main thread blocking. The below example shows a 5-second impact associated with 3rd party javascript loaded onto a hotel website. Source: NYU Each element on a webpage, such as images, CSS files, and scripts, requires an HTTP request to load. The more up-front requests a webpage has, the longer it will take to load. You can minimize up-front HTTP requests by combining files where possible, reducing the number of images used, lazy loading content and scripts, and minimizing the use of external scripts, especially ones that cause main thread blocking. The below example shows a 5-second impact associated with 3rd party javascript loaded onto a hotel website. Use a Content Delivery Network (CDN): A CDN is a network of servers that distributes your website's content to users based on their geographic location. This can significantly improve website performance by reducing the distance data needs to travel, resulting in faster load times. A CDN is a network of servers that distributes your website's content to users based on their geographic location. This can significantly improve website performance by reducing the distance data needs to travel, resulting in faster load times. Optimize Code: Optimizing your website's code can improve load times by reducing the amount of data that needs to be transferred and by reducing the time it takes to execute the code. This can be done by minifying code, removing unnecessary code, and using efficient coding practices. Optimizing your website's code can improve load times by reducing the amount of data that needs to be transferred and by reducing the time it takes to execute the code. This can be done by minifying code, removing unnecessary code, and using efficient coding practices. Implement Caching: Caching temporarily stores website data to be quickly accessed when a user visits the website again. This can significantly improve load times for repeat visitors. Caching temporarily stores website data to be quickly accessed when a user visits the website again. This can significantly improve load times for repeat visitors. Use a Fast Web Host: Your web host plays a critical role in website performance, so choosing a fast and reliable host is important. Look for a host with good uptime, fast servers, a built-in CDN, and robust security features. Website load speed is crucial for the success of hotel websites. A fast website leads to a positive user experience, higher search engine rankings, and increased conversions. To ensure your hotel website performs optimally, you should regularly test and optimize its load speed. Doing so can improve the overall user experience, increase revenue, and gain a competitive edge in the crowded hospitality industry. The Rimrock Resort Hotel in Banff, Alberta Oxford Properties Group announced it has acquired The Rimrock Resort Hotel in Banff, Alberta, alongside an existing institutional capital partner. Accor has signed with Oxford to operate The Rimrock, effective immediately. The property will undergo a comprehensive top-to-bottom renovation to transform the hotel, as part of a significant investment by Oxford and its capital partner; the hotel will continue to operate throughout the renovation period. The investment will enhance the luxury experience available to guests in Banff National Park, improve the environmental sustainability of the hotel, and amplify The Rimrock's distinctive location in the famed Canadian Rockies. In the interim, The Rimrock Resort Hotel is open and accepting reservations at rimrockresort.com, welcoming guests to enjoy the hotel's spectacular location, upscale rooms, popular amenities and unparalleled views of the Canadian Rockies. Idyllically located on Sulphur Mountain in Banff National Park, The Rimrock Resort Hotel is just four kilometres south of the picturesque town of Banff. With a rich history dating back to 1884, the property is considered one of the premier hotels in the world-renowned destination. Since its opening, The Rimrock has transformed from a two-story, six-room hotel to a preeminent property boasting over 333 spacious guestrooms, including 24 luxurious suites, many featuring stunning panoramic views of the majestic Bow Valley, as well as 18,000 square feet of event space. The resort also includes a range of amenities such as a 9,000 square foot spa, an indoor pool, four restaurants and bars, including the Five Diamond designated restaurant 'Eden', a fitness centre, and a seasonal ice-skating rink. Accor and Oxford's respective presences in Canada feature exceptional portfolios of world-renowned resorts and hotels. Oxford's iconic Western Canada resort hotel portfolio comprises Accor-managed properties Fairmont Banff Springs, Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise, Fairmont Jasper Park Lodge and Fairmont Chateau Whistler. Accor's collection of famed Canadian hotels also includes such historic properties as Fairmont Empress in Victoria, Fairmont Le Chateau Frontenac in Quebec City, Fairmont Royal York in Toronto and Fairmont Hotel Vancouver. With the addition of The Rimrock Resort Hotel to their prestigious collections, Accor and Oxford are able to offer travelers another compelling invitation to visit one of Canada's most renowned locations. "We are very excited to acquire this extremely unique resort within the vibrant, high barrier to entry Banff market. Our acquisition of The Rimrock speaks to our long-term conviction in Canada's luxury resort hotel market, where we have meaningful scale," commented Tyler MacDonald, Head of Hotels and Alternatives at Oxford Properties. "It also grows our important relationship with Accor, offering world class resort experiences in renowned destinations across Western Canada." "With The Rimrock Resort Hotel, we officially mark our 30th property in Canada, further extending our offerings for Accor guests, from the landmark properties of Fairmont Hotels & Resorts, a globally celebrated luxury brand with roots that run deep from coast to coast, to the unique stories told by the MGallery Hotel Collection, to our family- and business-friendly Novotel properties," said Mark Purcell, Senior Vice President, Development, North & Central America. "We are thrilled to continue the Group's growth in North America, and further our longstanding relationship with Oxford with this exceptional addition to our Accor portfolio. Already a tremendous property, we can't wait to unveil what is to come." The Rimrock represents Oxford's first hotel acquisition since 2014 and signifies its long-term conviction in the luxury resort hotel sector within Canada. Oxford's plans for a substantial investment into The Rimrock will create a leading hotel offering in Banff, positively impacting the local economy and attracting both domestic and international visitors. Banff is one of the best-performing lodging markets in North America based on its wide range of nature-based activities and its unique supply and demand dynamics. Located within Banff National Park, which attracts over 4 million international visitors every year, its unique location creates a high barrier to entry, with new development limited to protect the surrounding natural environment. Advertisement "Our mountain resorts have operated within Canada's National Parks for over 130 years, and we recognize the enormous privilege and responsibility that comes with this," added MacDonald. "As such, we're committed to improving upon both the environmental sustainability and guest experience at The Rimrock. These two goals have been at the core of our investment thesis at our existing mountain resort hotel portfolio, which has seen us invest over $500 million since 2006, resulting in our hotels winning multiple environmental awards and becoming internationally recognized for their guest experience." "We are delighted to have The Rimrock and its team join the Accor family in our region," said Gregor Resch, Fairmont Regional Vice President for Canada's Western Mountain Region (Fairmont Banff Springs, Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise, Fairmont Jasper Park Lodge, Fairmont Chateau Whistler). "We've had the pleasure of working alongside Oxford for more than 15 years and cannot think of a more perfect partner for this endeavor. With a shared vision for the revitalization of the property, backed by Oxford's reinvestment in the hotel, and Accor's global reach and proven expertise in luxury, we are excited to be embarking on this transformative journey for The Rimrock together." The second largest luxury operator in North America, Accor is globally renowned for the Group's luxury and upper upscale brands, including Fairmont, Emblems Collection, Raffles, Orient Express, Sofitel, MGallery Hotel Collection, and more. Planning and design for the renovation project will begin immediately, with work anticipated to begin in 2024. Are You Ready For Google Analytics 4? Google is introducing the next generation of Analytics, Google Analytics 4. (GA 4) From 01 July 2023, standard Universal Analytics properties will no longer process data. You will be able to see your Universal Analytics reports for some time after 1 July. However, new data will only flow into GA 4 properties. STAAH is GA 4 ready across our booking engines. Contact your web developer to install GA 4 with Google Tag Manager. To get started Contact your web developer to install GA 4 with Google Tag Manager. We have prepared a setup guide to assist. You may want to share with your web developer. Prepare and be ready for 01 July 2023 Contents: 1. Install GA 4 with Google Tag Manager 2. Create a GA 4 property and a data stream 3. Debug view in GA 4 4. Publish your changes in Google Tag Manager 5. GA 4 Realtime Reports 6. Google Tag Manager Setup 7. Cross-Domain Tracking 8. Quick guide to setup GA 4 1. Install GA 4 with GTM A 1 B 1 C 1 D 1 E 1 A) Create a GA 4 property and a data stream If you want to create a new GA 4 property, go to the Admin section of your Google Analytics interface (by clicking the Admin at the bottom-left corner) and then (in the Property section) click Create Property. Then enter the name of your property. It might be the name of your website, of your company, a brand etc. Choose your companys country, reporting time zone, and the main currency that your business operates in. B) Then press Next, and answer several questions, click Create and your new property will be ready. The next step to complete is to configure your first data stream. It is a data source from which events will be sent to your Google Analytics 4 property. You can have multiple data sources in a single property. For example, 3 web properties, 1 for Android app and 1 for an IOS app. We are going to setup Web stream. Select Web stream. C) Then enter the URL of your website (for example, https://www.mywebsite.com). Note, that the protocol (https) is already selected. After that, enter the name of your website. When you create a web data stream in GA 4, you have the option to enable/ disable Enhanced Measurement. It is designed to help marketers get as many events in the reports as possible without the need to cooperate with developers or configure them in Google Tag Manager. D) By default, this feature is enabled and will automatically track the following events: Page view (event name: page_view) Scroll (event name: scroll) Outbound link click (event name: click with the parameter outbound: true) Site search (event name: view_search_results) Video Engagement (events: video_start, video_progress, video_complete) File Download (event name: file_download) E) If you want, you can disable/ enable events individually. You can do that by clicking the gear icon in the Enhanced Measurements section and then clicking toggle buttons. When you are ready, press the Create stream button. 2. Create a GA 4 property and a data stream 2 a 2 b A) When you create a data stream (web), you will see a Measurement ID. It is at the top-right corner. You will need to use it in Google Tag Manager. B) If you ever get lost in the GA 4 interface and you need to revisit this page, go to Admin > Data Streams > choose your most recent created stream, and then you will return to the same window that is displayed in the screen shot above. Then go to your GTM container > Tags > New and choose GA 4 configuration. In the Measurement ID field, enter the ID that you copied in the GA 4 interface. Keep the Send a page view event when this configuration loads if you want to automatically track pageviews. Usually, it is not a problem to keep it enabled but, in some situations, e.g. on single-page applications, it is more recommended to disable the pageview checkbox and create just a standalone configuration tag. In the Triggering section, select All Pages and then name the tag, e.g GA4-Pageview 3. Debug view in GA 4 A 5 B 6 C 3 D 3 E 3 A) Enable the GTM preview mode to test your changes. B) Once you enable the preview mode, you should see the new GA 4 tag among tags that fired. C) Once you configure your events, it is time to test them. The primary feature built for debugging GA 4 data is the DebugView section. You can find it by going to Configure. Debug view on the left side of the GA 4 interface. Click on it. Data in the Debug View is visible ONLY when the debug mode in GA 4 is enabled. With Google Tag Manager, having the GTM Preview mode enabled, the data will start appearing in the GA 4 DebugView. D) When you start seeing data in the DebugView, you can click on every individual event and then a list of parameters will be displayed. Click on that parameter to see the value that was received by GA 4. E) If multiple visitors have enabled the debug view, you will see multiple devices there and it might require some time to find yourself. Once you start seeing data in DebugView, things will look like this. 4. Publish your changes in Google Tag Manager Once you made sure that the data is coming in and it is displayed property, you should submit your GA 4 changes in the GTM container and publish it. You can do that by clicking the SUBMIT button in the top right corner and then complete all the other steps that the user interface asks you to do. After that, you should soon start seeing the new data coming in your real-time reports as well. 5. GA 4 Realtime Reports On the left sidebar of the GA 4 interface, go to Reports > Realtime. This is where you will see the data coming into your reports. Unlike in the previous version (Universal Analytics), the new report offers you capabilities to see the data on a much more granular level. First, you will see a map and a bunch of cards with traffic sources, most popular events, and the number of users in the last 30 minutes (by the way, Universal Analytics real-time report shows the number of users in the last 5 minutes). You can also take a look at the snapshots of an individual user. You can do that by clicking the View user snapshot button in the top right corner. 6. Google Tag Manager Setup A 2 B 3 B 2 A) The simplest approach to configure your Google Tag Manager container is to utilize our per-config JSON import file, which streamlines the process by importing and auto-generating all of your GTM containers tags, events, and variables. Note: If you are using an existing Google Tag Manager account, we strongly recommend that you publish all changes and export a backup of your current container before proceeding. B) Open Google Tag Manager Admin. -Navigate to Admin > Container > Import Container. Click Choose container file and select the JSON file(GTM-STAAH_enhanced-ecommerce.json). -Under Choose workspace, click Existing or New (Enter a title and description, then click Save). -Select one of the following actions to import the file: The Overwrite option should be selected for the new container. The Merge option should be selected is you are using an existing container. Click Preview to review the tags, triggers, and variables. C) To edit the Google Analytics: GA4 Configuration that is referenced in Tags, do the following: Navigate to Tags Choose GA4-Config. Then, update the Measurement ID with your own Measurement ID. Click Confirm when complete. Follow Googles instructions to publish the new container. 7. Cross Domain Tracking A 3 B 4 B 2 1 A) If you would like to track different websites that belong to the same domain (e.g.blog.yourwebsite.com and www.yourwebsite.com), GA 4 will handle this automatically. Go to the Admin of Google Analytics > Data Streams and select web data stream Go to Configure tag settings B) Click Configure your domains C) Enter all domains that are to be included in the cross-domain tracking setup. Then hit save. Below are the domains that are to be added: IMPORTANT: If you have white-labeled your booking engine, please add your domain name CSBE (MyBookingSite Booking Engine) mybookingsite.io securepay.staah.net INSTANT (Instant Convert Direct Booking Engine) secure.staah.com securepay.staah.net MAX (MAX Booking Engine and Follow The Eye Booking Engine) maxbe.staah.net ftebe.staah.net 8. Quick guide to setup GA 4 A 4 B 5 C 2 D 2 E 2 F G H I J K L A) Create a GA 4 property B) Take note of the Measurement ID from Google Analytic property setup C) Navigate to your GTM account and the click on the New tag link: D) Name your new tag, example GA4-Config and set the tag type to Google Analytics: GA4 Configuration E) Enter the measurement ID you recorded earlier in the Measurement ID text box: F) Set your trigger to fire on all pages: Click on the Save button G) Click on the Preview button located on the top right-hand sideThe tag manager preview mode window would open in a new browser tab. If it doesnt then it means your browser is blocking the window. H) Enter your website URL and then click on the Start button:Once you click on the Start button, a new tab will open in your browser window with your website. Switch back to the browser tab which shows your tag manager preview mode window and then click on the Continue button I) If you see the tag UATBE-Config -G-V3Q0QL37KX under the Tags Fired section, it means your tag is firing correctly J) Navigate back to your GTM account and click on the Submit button: Give your version a name and then click on the Publish button K) Navigate back to your website and visit a couple of pages Click on the Reports icon on the left-hand side navigation and click on the Real-time report. You should now be able to see new data flowing in your real-time report. L) Last, but not least, provide the Google Tag Manager ID to STAAH team to configure. This article was originally published by STAAH. For more hotelier tips, trends, and news please click here. Chicago, IL (60637) Today A few clouds with an isolated thunderstorm possible after midnight. Low 67F. Winds SSE at 5 to 10 mph. Chance of rain 30%.. Tonight A few clouds with an isolated thunderstorm possible after midnight. Low 67F. Winds SSE at 5 to 10 mph. Chance of rain 30%. 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. Juneteenth will be celebrated in Massachusetts as a state and federal holiday on Monday, June 20. The date of June 19 was first designated as a state holiday in 2020 and federal holiday in 2021, but it has been commemorated in Massachusetts since former Gov. Deval Patrick first signed a proclamation in 2007. The date has long been celebrated in other parts of the country, sometimes as Emancipation Day, the day in 1865 when Union Army Gen. Gordan Granger proclaimed freedom for more than 250,000 enslaved people in Texas, completing the end of slavery in the areas of the United States after more than 300 years. These freed Texans took the celebration with them as traveled to other states although their liberty was still limited by the enforcement of Jim Crow laws, bigotry, fear and violence. Juneteenth has been a state holiday in Texas for nearly 40 years following renewed interest and energy during the Civil Rights Movement. It has also been called Jubilee Day, Freedom Day and Black Independence Day. In 2016, 89-year-old Opal Lee, who had watched a mob of racists burn down her house on Juneteenth in 1939, walked from Fort Worth, Texas, to Washington, D.C., to advocate for the date to become a federal holiday. She stood next to President Biden when he signed the declaration. Pittsfield Council Files Age, Term Limit Petition School Committee member Sara Hathaway speaks against a petition to raise the age of elected committee officials to 30. PITTSFIELD, Mass. The City Council put a controversial petition to rest on Tuesday, but it may come back from the dead. Ward 2 Councilor Charles Kronick's proposed charter modifications that impose a minimum 30-year age requirement on School Committee candidates and a one-year "cooling off" period for elected officials. Kronick reported that, given the counter-arguments, he will be resubmitting with improvements. "Our goal is to nurture young people," School Committee member Sara Hathaway said. "And one of the things that tells us we've done a good job is when one of them comes forward and says 'I would like to step into a leadership position in the community. I would like to learn how to be an elected official and join the rest of the elected officials who are making this a better community'." She said the petition is aimed at one person who has demonstrated a commitment to the community and a great value to the School Committee. Former student representative and Taconic's class of 2022 valedictorian William Garrity, who is 19 years old, has taken out papers to serve in an elected position on the committee. "We are looking forward to having more young people step forward and take leadership positions in the community," Hathaway said. "Perhaps even running for Ward 2." Kronick denied the claims of "ageism." "The petition was a well-reasoned argument. It was not an assault upon individuals or upon the class of youth nor was it an intent on my part to impose my will on the charter," he said. "It was a request to send to the Charter Review Commission, an idea was to think and discuss and I leave it in their hands, of course, to accept it, reject it, amend it, or do something completely different that I do not have the ability to predict." The councilor did not predict the "hate" that the petition has been met with and said it is unjust for his petition not to be heard. "It is a scientifically established fact that the brain does not mature until the end of your second decade of life toward the end of the 20s. That's true. It's been proven," Kronick said. SteepleCats Swept in Double-Header NEWPORT, R.I. -- Anthony Donofrio hit a home run and a double Wednesday to lead the Newport Gulls to a 2-1 win and a double-header sweep of the North Adams SteepleCats. Donofrio doubled and drove in a pair of runs in the first game of the twin bill, which the Gulls won, 13-2. North Adams (1-6) hosts Mystic, Conn., on Thursday. Pittsfield's Affordable Housing Trust Housing Listening Session PITTSFIELD, Mass. The City of Pittsfield's Affordable Housing Trust is holding a community meeting to hear from residents about current housing needs. The Affordable Housing Trust is a seven-member board that was formed to provide for the creation and preservation of affordable housing within the City of Pittsfield for the benefit of low to moderate income households and for the funding of community housing. Information gathered from this listening session will be used to guide the work of the Affordable Housing Trust as they look to address the housing needs of Pittsfield residents. The meeting will be held on Wednesday, June 21, 2023 at 6:00 p.m. at Conte Community School at 200 West Union Street in Pittsfield. Those attending will be given the opportunity to speak about the housing issues that are important to them and their community. Childcare and light refreshments will be available. Spanish translation services will also be provided. RSVP to (413) 499-9368 or (413) 442-3181 so a headcount can be calculated for food and childcare. If residents are unable to attend the session, they are welcome to submit their comments to the Pittsfield Department of Community Development, City Hall, 70 Allen Street, Room 205, Pittsfield, MA at (413) 499-9358 or by TTY at (413) 499-9340. Residents may also e-mail your public comments at jdodds@cityofpittsfield.org. Persons with special needs should contact the Pittsfield Department of Community Development and every effort will be made to accommodate their requests. iciHaiti - Cap-Haitien : Meeting around solid waste management At the request of the Municipal Administration of Cap-Haitien, Charles Philippe Bernoville, Head of the Partnership and External Cooperation Unit, organized a meeting to exchange information between the Executive Director of "Propublic SAM" , Joaneson Lacour, and various executives of the Town Hall of Cap-Haitien on the management of solid waste in the second city of Haiti. Let's recall that the "Propublic SAM" is a Solid Waste Management Company in the North created as part of a public-private partnership in 2018. The Company involves the Town Halls of the Arrondissement of Cap-Haitien (Cap-Haitien, Quartier-Morin, Limonade) and private institutions including the Chamber of Commerce and Industry of the North (CCIN), and the Organization for the Management of the Destination North of Haiti (OGDNH). "Propublic SAM" is the bearer of a solid waste management project financed to the tune of 35 million US dollars by the Inter-American Development Bank (IDB). It should be noted that the Head of Partnership and External Cooperation, Charles Philippe Bernoville, was recruited by the "Propublic SAM" in October 2022 to be Focal Point for the project in Cap-Haitien while keeping his position at the Municipal Administration. IH/ iciHaiti Home Credit Philippines, an award-winning diversity, equity, and inclusion organization and equal opportunity employer formally announces the establishment of its Pride Club, a collective of LGBTQ+ identifying Home Credit employees who are tasked to be the companys workplace inclusion champions. June is an important month for the LGBTQ+ community in the Philippines, as it signals a month-long festivity and celebration of the Pride Month. Every year, different advocacy groups, civil society organizations, and organization mount Pride celebrations which usually culminate with a pride march. Companies join these celebrations either by releasing solidarity statements, public participation or mounting their own pride events. Home Credit Philippines, the countrys leading consumer finance company, has been among the staunch supporters of this cause. In 2022, the company participated in the Pride PH: Alab for Love celebration in Quezon City, Philippines, sending almost 200 of its employees to the join the Pride March. It also supported the Iloilo Pride Team, organizers of the Iloilo Pride March, during the Pride Pyesta event in Iloilo City in November 2023. Beyond the companys public pride participation, Home Credit Philippines, has also been recognized for its diversity, equity, and inclusion practices. Among its recognitions are Asia CEO Awards- Circle of Excellence Diversity Company of the Year, United Nations Women Empowerment Principles (UN WEPs) Awards 2022 for Transparency and Reporting, and 2023 Gold Stevie for Diversity and Inclusion. DEI is also a focus of the companys Environmental, Social, and Governance programs. Highlighting it diverse workforce made up of 14,000 plus employees, 52% of which are female. Its board also consist of 5 women executives. Home Credit has been proactively collaborating with advocacy partners to strengthen its DEI policies and programs. In 2022, the company joined the Philippine Coalition for Women Empowerment (PBCWE) and the Philippine LGBT Chamber of Commerce (PLCC) to further cement its commitment to workplace inclusion. Last year, the company went through the Gender Equality Assessment Results and Strategies (GEARS), in partnership with PBCWE to understand gaps, opportunities and strengths of its strategies in relation to workplace gender equality. #PrideAtHomeCreditPhilippines This 2023, Home Credit Philippines renews this commitment with the establishment of the companys Pride Club, an Employee Resource Group that will lead and champion DEI and workplace inclusion initiatives in the organization. At Home Credit Philippines, DEI and workplace inclusion is important for us. We have always championed these causes as integral for how we take care of our people and build safe spaces where our employees can be themselves and thrive, said Alpha Omega Aquino, Chief People Officer of Home Credit Philippines. Through its people, culture and development team, Home Credit Philippines organized the opening of the Pride Club in 2022. The establishment of our Home Credit Pride team signals a more collaborative approach in creating equitable and inclusive policies and practices for our organization. This also allows our employees to be more empowered in advocating for causes that matter to them. Alpha added. Meet the Home Credit PH Pride Club Team With 200 and counting members across the Philippines, the Home Credit Pride Club is positioned to lead the companys Pride at Home Credit Philippines activities. Last June 14, the club launched a manifesto video #AtHomeKaDito, which featured the officers of the club sharing how Home Credit is an equal opportunity employer and encouraging job seekers to join the company. We wanted to represent the LGBTQ+ employees of Home Credit and share how the company supports and empowers us. Our pride video is a glimpse of how diverse our employees are in terms of SOGIE and how we are celebrated for our contributions regardless of our gender orientation and identity. As a proud trans woman, I have always felt at home in my 5 years of being a Home Credit employee, said Janna De Castro, Collections Project Specialist and President of the HCPH Pride Club. As an equal opportunity employer, Home Credit Philippines has offered equitable benefits for its LGBTQ+ employees to include Wellness Leaves, gender-neutral restrooms, and HMO for domestic partners among others. Our goal as a club is to become a reliable partner for our company when it comes to strengthening our DEI policies and programs. Eventually, we hope to become an institutionalized employee resource group who can co-create initiatives and programs that will benefit and add value, not just the members of our club our employees, but likewise for the communities we serve, said Russel Patina, Public Relations Manager and Vice-President of the HC Pride Club. Through its brand and business, Home Credit Philippines has empowered almost 10 million Filipinos since it opened its doors in 2013. Now approaching a new decade, the company is expected to continue to grow and empower more Filipinos with access to more credit opportunities. Alongside this growth, it continues to champion the backbone of its success-- its people; building a diverse and inclusive workplace where everyone can be their best and feel at home. 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 }} Glenda Jackson, the double Oscar-winning actor and former Labour MP, has died aged 87 after a brief illness. Her agent issued a statement that said Jackson died at her home in Blackheath, south-east London. Glenda Jackson, two-time Academy Award-winning actress and politician, died peacefully at her home in Blackheath, London, this morning after a brief illness with her family at her side, Lionel Larner said. She recently completed filming The Great Escaper in which she co-starred with Michael Caine. The screen star and former Labour MP for Hampstead and Highgate won the Oscar for Best Actress in 1970, for her performance as Gudrun Brangwen in Ken Russells adaptation of the DH Lawrence novel Women in Love. She won her second Best Actress Oscar three years later for A Touch Of Class, the 1973 romantic comedy about an adulterous couple having an affair. Jackson did not attend the ceremony on either occasion, and gave the statuettes to her mother, who used them as bookends. It always sounds so ungrateful, and Im not, but once youve got it, what do you do with it? she toldThe Times last year, adding that awards didnt give her as much pleasure as getting a good part. Glenda Jackson with her Oscar for her role in Women in Love (Getty) Despite her successful career, which also included two Emmy Awards and a Tony, Jackson previously said she never had any interest in the glamorous side of the film industry. She said she started acting due to boredom, after she failed her school certificate and was left with no option but to start working at the age of 16. After joining a friend at the YMCA amateur dramatics society, while she was working at her local Boots store, she went on to study at the Royal Academy of Dramatic Art (Rada). Listen, I come from a family where if you didnt work, you didnt eat. That was the class structure, she told The Times of her childhood in Wirral, Merseyside. At the Cannes Film Festival with actor Helmut Berger in 1976 (AFP via Getty Images) Somebody said, you should do this professionally, she recalled. I wrote to the only drama school Id ever heard of, which was Rada. I did the auditions. They said, If we had the money, wed give you a scholarship. But we havent, and the manager of Boots wrote to Cheshire County Council, which gave me a grant and I went to Rada. Watch Apple TV+ free for 7 days New subscribers only. 6.99/mo. after free trial. Plan auto-renews until cancelled Try for free Watch Apple TV+ free for 7 days New subscribers only. 6.99/mo. after free trial. Plan auto-renews until cancelled Try for free Jackson gave up acting for politics more than a quarter of a century ago and served as a Labour MP for 23 years, under leaders including Neil Kinnock, Tony Blair, Gordon Brown and Ed Miliband. While serving under Blair and Brown during Labours 13 years in power between 1997 to 2010, she was a vocal opponent of the Iraq War, and of tuition fees. Jackson speaking during a Labour party meeting in a Kilburn pub, as the then prime minister Gordon Brown listens in (Getty) In 2013, she gave a memorable speech at the House of Commons that was met with roars of protest, as she observed the passing of former prime minister Margaret Thatcher. Everything I had been taught to regard as a vice was, in fact, under Thatcherism, a virtue: greed, selfishness, no care for the weaker, sharp elbows, sharp knees, all these were the way forward, she said. She later castigated the state of hospitals in the UK. I tremble to think, she said, what the death rate among pensioners would have been this winter if that version of Thatcherism had been fully up and running this year. Last year, she criticised the medias coverage of female politicians while commenting that the sexist culture in the House of Commons was beginning to crack, but was by no means equal yet. (PA) She recalled that Parliament was not welcoming to women when she was voted in during the 1992 general election. In a funny kind of way, youd be surprised if it wasnt immediately apparent. You expect to be ignored, so you have to be prepared for that, she told The Big Issue. Jackson said she had given her maiden speech to a virtually empty House, but that was okay. Of course it makes you angry, but even that marks you up as woman, failure. Its still the case that whatever men do is widely accepted, whereas when the media consider what women do, theres always an element in the reportage which is critical, she continued. Glenda Jackson as Queen Elizabeth I in the 1971 film Mary, Queen of Scots (Copyright 2023 The Associated Press. All rights reserved.) Jackson stood down as an MP at the 2015 general election and returned to acting. She won a Bafta for Best Actress in 2020 for her role in Elizabeth Is Missing, which followed the story of a woman suffering from dementia. She was surprised and grateful to be nominated, she told The Independent in a 2022 interview. But the role left her wondering if her character Mauds struggle with dementia had become her own. Oh yes, there were days when I thought I was on my way down. Certainly, she said, adding: Its always hard to know what is your experience and what is the hangover from playing the character. (PA) The forthcoming film The Great Escaper is inspired by true events, and tells the story of a Second World War veteran who escaped his home in Hove, east Sussex, to attend a commemoration of the 70th anniversary of the D-Day landings in France. The project marked the first time Jackson had acted alongside Caine since they starred together in The Romantic Englishwoman, 48 years ago. During lockdown, Jackson did not venture outside the front door of her basement flat in south London, telling The Independent that her family jumped every time she sneezed. Glenda Jackson with her son Dan Hodges at her home in 1971 (Hulton Archive/Getty) She lived in the same house as her son, the Mail on Sundays politics columnist Dan Hodges, his wife and her grandson. She and Hodges were implacable, when it came to politics, she revealed. She disagreed strongly with his contention that the liberal left despised the white working class. Reacting to her death, prime minister Rishi Sunaks spokesperson said: Obviously thats extremely sad news and obviously his thoughts will be with her friends and family at this time, but Im sure we will have more to say. Tulip Siddiq, Labour MP for Hampstead and Kilburn Jackson's constituency from 1992 to 2010 paid tribute to her predecessor as a very supportive mentor and formidable politician. Devastated to hear that my predecessor Glenda Jackson has died, she tweeted. A formidable politician, an amazing actress and a very supportive mentor to me. Hampstead and Kilburn will miss you Glenda. Diane Abbott, who became a Labour MP five years before Jackson was elected, in 1987, tagged Hodges on Twitter and wrote: Very sad to hear of the death of Glenda Jackson. I served alongside her in Parliament for many years. She was a kind and extremely principled woman. Additional reporting by Press Association 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 }} Glenda Jackson is one of just a relatively small number of actors who have won two or more Oscars. As of 2023, 44 Hollywood stars have won multiple trophies at the ceremony, with Katharine Hepburn leading the pack with four. Jackson, who died on Thursday (15 June) aged 87, won twice for her roles in Ken Russells Women in Love (1970), and A Touch of Class (1973), which was directed by Melvin Frank While several other stars have the honour of being two-time Oscar winners (Bette Davis, Renee Zellweger and Cate Blanchett to name a few), Jackson is the only one who didnt collect either award. Once she received the golden trophies, she decided to give them to her mother, who found another use for them altogether. In 2021, Jackson told The Times that her mother used them as bookends. Jackson said: It always sounds so ungrateful, and Im not, but once youve got it, what do you do with it? She also said that getting a good part gave her more pleasure than receiving accolades for her work. Glenda Jackson in A Touch of Class (AVCO Embassy Pictures) Jacksons agent confirmed that the actor died at her home in Blackheath, London after a brief illness. The actor, who also was a Labour MP, won a Bafta for Best Actress in 2020 for her role in Elizabeth Is Missing, which followed the story of a woman suffering from dementia. She recently completed filming The Great Escaper, in which she co-starred with Michael Caine. The film is inspired by true events, and tells the story of a Second World War veteran who escaped his home in Hove, east Sussex, to attend a commemoration of the 70th anniversary of the D-Day landings in France. It marked the first time Jackson had acted alongside Caine since they starred together in The Romantic Englishwoman, 48 years ago. 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 }} Miriam Margolyes has admitted that her beloved role as Professor Sprout in the Harry Potter franchise wasnt important to her. The 82-year-old actor made the admission in an interview for her first-ever appearance on the cover of British Vogue for its new Pride issue. The covers, for which Margolyes was pictured topless, were revealed exclusively in The Independent the official news partner of Pride in London. She told Vogue in the interview: For me, Harry Potter wasnt important. I was very glad I got the part and I enjoyed being in it and meeting all the people, but its not Charles Dickens. That said, she does enjoy the impact the role has had on her life: People come up to me and say I just love you, and want to hug me. And that is dazzling. On Twitter, fans praised Margolyes for being unfiltered. She is so real for this, one person tweeted. Miriam being so effortlessly unfiltered is truly wonderful, wrote another. I mean she did not get much to do at all. I dont know why people would clutch their pearls at her saying this, a third person said in her defence. Though her speaking parts in the movies are limited, Margolyess turn as the Herbology teacher in Harry Potter And The Chamber Of Secrets and Harry Potter And The Deathly Hallows: Part 2 is nonetheless a fan favourite. Throughout Pride month, British Vogue will represent different LGBT+ stories, including Janelle Monae, British-Australian actor Miriam Margoyles, and Rina Sawayama. The covers are being revealed exclusively in The Independent, the official news partner of Pride in London. See the full feature in the July issue of British Vogue, available via digital download and on newsstands from Tuesday 20 June (Tim Walker/Conde Nast) She has previously acknowledged that, despite her 60-year career, she will be remembered for her small part in the magical saga. Its a very humbling thing actually, Margolyes told the BBCs Imagine programme last year, to realise that the part for which I will be most known and most remembered is one scene really. Watch Apple TV+ free for 7 days New subscribers only. 6.99/mo. after free trial. Plan auto-renews until cancelled Try for free Watch Apple TV+ free for 7 days New subscribers only. 6.99/mo. after free trial. Plan auto-renews until cancelled Try for free She continued: Im just an infinitesimal part of a franchise. Since appearing in the Potter movies, Margolyes has defended the series controversial author JK Rowling, claiming that anger at the authors views on trans people has been misplaced. Last month, the actor revealed that she had been admitted to hospital for cardiac surgery. The actor had undergone transcatheter aortic valve implantation (TAVI), a minimally invasive procedure in which a narrow aortic valve is replaced. For free real time breaking news alerts sent straight to your inbox sign up to our breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails Please enter a valid email address Please enter a valid email address SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy notice Thanks for signing up to the Breaking News email {{ #verifyErrors }} {{ message }} {{ /verifyErrors }} {{ ^verifyErrors }} Something went wrong. Please try again later {{ /verifyErrors }} Taiwan has been jolted by a wave of sexual harassment allegations that have led to the resignation of four ruling party officials and a public apology from the president. Over the past fortnight, more than 90 people have spoken out against people in power across the self-governed island that has prided itself on gender equality and inclusivity. The fresh bout of the MeToo movement ensued in Taiwan following the release of the political drama series Wave Makers on Netflix in late April. The plot revolves around sexual harassment at the workplace. A scene from the series in which the protagonist and a senior party member promise to seek justice for a junior staffer sexually assaulted by a colleague has become the clarion call for the movement. "Let's not just let this go, ok," the protagonist tells her junior. "We can't let things go this easily. Otherwise, we'll slowly wither away and die." Shortly after the drama's release, a former staffer of the ruling Democratic Progressive Party (DPP), shared the quote before describing how she was sexually harassed at a work event. The staffer alleged that when she reported her complaint to a supervisor, who was in charge of the party's women's affairs, she was advised to bury her claim. "After many months, I thought I could let myself go. Recently, when I was looking at the candidates, I was overwhelmed countless times, and I cried until I almost died," she wrote on Facebook. Her post opened floodgates of allegations against members of the ruling party, just months prior to the presidential elections. Another former DPP staffer accused her male supervisor of verbally abusing and blocking her complaint about another male colleague's harassment. Since then at least four top brass party members national policy adviser Yan Chih-fa, DPP deputy director Lin Nan-ku, the deputy labour minister's secretary Tsai Mu-lin, and deputy secretary-general Hsu Chia-tien have resigned from their posts, Focus Taiwan reported. Mr Yen resigned and withdrew a libel suit he had filed only the day before against a former worker for a campaign group who had accused him of sexual harassment in 2018. Taiwanese president Tsai Ing-wen responded swiftly to the allegations and apologised twice last week. "As the president and former DPP chair, I'd like to apologise to the public again with the development of sexual harassment incidents by former party workers," wrote Ms Tsai in her Facebook post. Taiwan's president Tsai Ing-wen speaks during a press conference on the seventh anniversary of her tenure (AFP via Getty Images) "Our society as a whole must educate ourselves again. People in sexual harassment incidents are victims," she added, vowing to draft a series of gender equality reforms based on international norms and strengthen existing reporting mechanisms. The opposition KMT party also faced backlash after last week a journalist accused lawmaker Fu Kun-chi of forcibly kissing her at a press event in 2014. Mr Fu has denied the allegations. The ongoing movement encouraged people beyond the political circle to call out their alleged abusers and harassers. Some of the high-profile cases include Polish diplomat Bartosz Rys, who was accused of allegedly assaulting a Taiwanese think-tank researcher last year. Mr Rys denied the allegations, adding that the prosecutors had determined the charges were not substantiated and rejected the case. Exiled Chinese democracy advocate Wang Dan earlier in June denied an accusation by a former Taiwanese political worker that he had sexually harassed him in a hotel room in New York nine years ago. At least two younger men accused the former student leader of China's 1989 Tiananmen Square protests of sexual assault. One of those men launched a lawsuit alleging a rape attempt from Mr Wang. One of the writers of the Wave Makers series accused eminent poet Bei Ling of sexual assault, BBC reported. She alleged he had groped and kissed her at his home. The exited poet, however, called her account a "fabrication". Premier Chen Chien-jen over the weekend said he has instructed government agencies to propose revisions to three major laws to better address the issue of sexual abuse and harassment. In addition to sharing their experiences on social media, people have come forward to file sexual harassment complaints through official channels, said Kang Ting-yu, an associate professor specialising in gender and media studies at Taiwans National Chengchi University. I know of multiple cases where they explicitly said they were inspired by the show, she told CNN. 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 new welfare scheme that offers free bus travel for girls, women and the transgender community in one of Indias states has sparked an online war by those dismissing it as an unfair freebie. The scheme called Shakti the word for power or empowerment as implied in this case was rolled out in Karnataka this Sunday by the ruling Congress party. It fulfils an election promise made by the party that recently came to power in the southern state by defeating its right-wing rival, the BJP. The scheme allows all women, girl students attending schools and colleges, and transgenders to be provided with travel free of cost in city buses across the largest southern state. On Sunday, when Karnataka resident Upasana Sabale learned of the rollout, she thought travelling by bus after a long break would be worth a shot. I travelled 13 km free of cost that day because I just wanted to see how it works, she told The Independent. I just had to show my identity card. Normally the trip would have cost me Rs 25 [24p], she said. Upasana Sabales first ticket for free bus travel in Bengaluru that reads Free for women in state language Kannada (Sourced/ The Independent) The 33-year-old works with one of Indias largest e-commerce companies and usually takes the metro shuttle to reach her work place in tech hub Bengaluru. She said she is excited about the prospect of her other women colleagues also opting for the scheme. I know people who come from 20-25km away and have to change three four modes of transport to come to the office. Now it will not just save their money but also their time, Ms Sabale said, while adding that women will end up saving at least Rs 2,000 (19.2) and that the scheme should have been rolled out by the state government much before. But for critics on social media, who have condemned women for availing the scheme, it is nothing but a freeloading of government services. The Congress, that came to power in the state last month with a comfortable margin against Narendra Modis BJP, said the intention to put money back in the pockets of ordinary people has now become a reality. Lavanya Ballal Jain, the party spokesperson for Karnataka, said the criticism primarily stems from men and right-wing sections. She claimed the on-ground reality in the first five days of the scheme was far more empathetic and economical. Those harping about the scheme for women and transgenders are mostly men and people from the BJP, condemning them as freebies, but if they actually look who this is benefiting, they will realise that a sanitation worker who had to walk back to her home at night is now able to take a bus at the end of the day and make it without having to toil extra, she told The Independent. We asked the bus conductors on their first day feedback and were told that not only has their work gone down of distributing and issuing tickets but theyre now seeing an uptick in male travellers joining their spouses and siblings for travel, Ms Jain said. I watched a young woman working with Infosys [top Indian IT company] board one of the four flagship buses on the first day. She was beaming with happiness but told us that while she was not a regular bus commuter, she just wanted to experience what free travel offers, Ms Jain said. But economically, it makes a huge difference, she added. Urban dwellers end up paying Rs 500 for cabs every day and they may not realise the value it holds for some in our economically weaker section for whom the money saved can be used to purchase medicines. It is a matter of life and death for some, she said. Data from Karnatakas four Road Transport Corporations showed footfall on bus travel surged from an average ridership of 8.3 million to 10.5 million on Sunday, while this number was at about 5.1 million people on Tuesday. Only those who can prove they are residents of Karnataka, through domicile, are eligible for the scheme. The numbers tell the story more women in buses means more women in public spaces and more security for women. It also means more people using public transport and less people hailing cabs which is the need in Bengaluru, said Bengaluru-based journalist Prajwal. Passengers on board a state bus ferrying workers to their hometowns in Bengaluru (AFP via Getty Images) The Congress also claims women who comprise at least half of Karnatakas 65 million population will benefit in the long run. Officials said the service will be of use to over 4.18 million women passengers daily and will cost the exchequer an estimated Rs 40bn (384m) annually. Karnataka joins three other Indian states Delhi, Tamil Nadu and Punjab that offer free bus rides to women. Delhi known to be one of the most unsafe cities in the world for women had also received flak for a similar scheme that rolled out in 2019. Around 127 million of 402 million working Indians are women, said the countrys 2011 census data. Women in urban India reject better paying jobs that are long distances away from their homes due to unreliable or unaffordable public transport systems, said a 2017 study by the Institute for Transportation and Development 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 }} Cyclone Biparjoy made landfall on Thursday as western India and Pakistan braced for flash floods, heavy rain and high winds that have already forced the evacuation of more than 180,000 citizens. Biparjoy, which means disaster or calamity in the Bengali language, was headed for the state of Gujarat and Pakistans southern port of Karachi. A storm surge of up to 10ft above high tide is expected to inundate low-lying areas in the storms path. Rain pelted the shores and skies darkened along the Arabian Sea, while dust storms hampered evacuation and rescue work on land. Authorities expect conditions to worsen for two or three days as Biparjoy was expected to reach wind speeds gusting up to 86mph. In Indias Kutch district, near Jakhau port where the cyclone made landfall, authorities were expecting significant flooding. (AFP via Getty Images) Bazaars and beaches in Mandvi, India usually a bustling coastal town known for its wooden boat-makers were deserted under government shutdown orders. Many offshore oil installations and major ports on the Gujarat coast have suspended operations. Amid dust storms and rain, displaced families took shelter at relief camps in southern Pakistan. One of the evacuees, 82-year-old Bachai Bibi from Badin district in Sindh province, said I dont know what will happen to my home. Mohammad Ashraf, 35, said local officials helped him, his wife and three children escape from the Pakistani village of Sheikh in the storm zone. Evacuated people wait for food at a camp Sujawal, southern Pakistan (AP) India has evacuated some 100,000 people to relief camps, while Pakistan has resettled at least 82,000 more. Pakistans climate minister Sherry Rehman warned against panic and said Karachi the countrys largest city, with 20 million people remained safe. Gujarat health minister Rushikesh Patel said detailed preparations have been made for post-cyclone work like restoration of electricity infrastructure, mobile networks and other infrastructure. Children at a camp for displaced people in Badin, southern Pakistan (AP) The government said major religious sites in coastal Gujarat such as the Dwarkadhish temple in Devbhumi Dwarka and Somnath temple in Gir Somnath district will remain closed and Indian railways have cancelled dozens of trains. Experts say climate change is leading to an increase in cyclones in the Arabian Sea region, making preparations for natural disasters all the more urgent. Pakistan is among the top 10 countries most affected by climate change, although the countrys contribution to global greenhouse gas emissions is less than 1 per cent. A 2021 study found that the frequency, duration and intensity of cyclones in the Arabian Sea had increased significantly between 1982 and 2019. 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 }} Comedian Jocelyn China has hit out at the Malaysian government for their overblown reaction to a joke on the tragic disappearance of the MH370 flight. Ms Chia, a New York-based comedian who grew up in Singapore, is being investigated and tracked down by Malaysia for incitement and offensive online content. The comedian sparked a huge backlash after she made a joke during her 7 April performance at the Comedy Cellar in Manhattan about the 2014 mysterious disappearance of Malaysia Airlines Flight 370 with 239 people onboard. The flight became a topic of historical animosity between Singapore and Malaysia which were once part of the same country. Mr Chia told the BBC in an interview that she was "not making fun of tragedy" or victims and her joke was "taken out of context when consumed on social media". "I have [performed this routine] hundreds of times and even did a shorter version of it in Singapore. It always cracks the audience up. I wouldnt have used it again if it didnt work," she said. She added that roasting a member of the audience is part of comedy culture and it was not something new as several American comedians have done it with 9/11 attacks. "Americans can appreciate humour that is harsher, edgier and more in-your-face, as compared to in Asia where the stand-up comedy scene is still in its early days. You wont find a lot of edgy comedy in Asia," she said. On Tuesday, Malaysian authorities said they would urge Interpol to locate Ms Chia for her investigation. Ms Chia said it was ridiculous to involve Interpol in this controversy. "I just wish I could have seen the face of the Interpol officer who received this request," Ms Chia said. "Honestly, if Interpol does do something about this request and things escalate, can you imagine how famous it is going to make me?" It began after Ms Chia posted an 89-second clip of her comedy act on her TikTok and Instagram pages and the video went viral, sparking outrage from many Malaysians. Ms Chia said Malaysians cannot visit Singapore because their aeroplanes cannot fly in reference to the 2014 crash as she compared the development of Kuala Lumpur with the city-state, Singapore. What? Malaysian Airlines plane going missing not funny, huh? Ms Chia asked the audience after getting mixed reactions. This joke kills in Singapore. Meanwhile, Interpol has said they have not received any request from Malaysia yet regarding Ms Chia. There has been no request for assistance from Interpol by Malaysia in locating comedian Jocelyn Chia as of Wednesday (Jun 14). As of today, Wednesday Jun 14, no request for a notice or diffusion from Malaysia has been received in relation to this individual, an Interpol spokesperson told CNA. The agency said the complaint should be compliant with Interpols Constitution which forbids any activities which are religious, racial, military or political in nature. Any request associated with offences related to freedom of expression would also be assessed in line with international human rights standards, said the Interpol spokesperson. Showing defiance against criticism, Ms Chia said she has released a full, unedited version of (the) joke on my Patreon so social media cant take it down. 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 }} Employers are being urged to relax dress codes and allow staff to work at cooler times of the day to help them cope with the current heatwave. The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) said other measures include using blinds or reflective film on workplace windows to shade workers from the sun, and making sure there is plenty of drinking water. HSE said the current temperatures for June, and the record-breaking temperatures reached last summer, show that helping workers during extreme heat must be a priority for employers. Spokeswoman Clare Owen said: The updated yellow heat-health alert, as well as the extreme heat we experienced in 2022, should serve as a wake-up call for all employers. We know that employers are under pressure and we dont want to add to their burden, but climate change means were likely to get hotter summers and that could have a big impact on the workforce of this country. TUC general secretary Paul Nowak said: Weve all been enjoying the sunny weather after a cold start to the year, but working in sweltering conditions can be unbearable and dangerous, whether its in an overheated shop, a baking office, or outdoors in the direct sun. Indoor workplaces should be kept cool, with relaxed dress codes and flexible working to make use of the coolest hours of the day. Employers must make sure outdoor workers are protected with regular breaks, lots of fluids, plenty of sunscreen and the right protective clothing. Ryan Exley, of the Institution of Occupational Safety and Health, said: There isnt a maximum temperature for workplaces in the UK, but it is crucial people do all they can to stay cool and hydrated in hot weather. Failure to do so can lead to dehydration and heatstroke. There are many simple steps people can take to ensure they dont suffer. These include wearing appropriate, light and loose-fitting clothing, drinking lots of water, taking regular breaks, and moving to cooler parts of workplaces if possible. Close High tide and strong winds witnessed as Biparjoy approaches India coast Sign up to the Independent Climate email for the latest advice on saving the planet Get our free Climate email Please enter a valid email address Please enter a valid email address SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy notice Thanks for signing up to the Independent Climate email {{ #verifyErrors }} {{ message }} {{ /verifyErrors }} {{ ^verifyErrors }} Something went wrong. Please try again later {{ /verifyErrors }} A man and his son died in Indias Gujarat state as they attempted to save their livestock in the region hit by cyclone Biparjoy, officials said today. The longest cyclone to have struck the Arabian Sea, Biparjoy knocked out power in nearly 1000 villages and threw shipping containers into the sea in western India before moving to Pakistan where lashing winds and rain are expected to strike a part struck by devastating floods last year. The storm made landfall a night earlier, packing windspeeds of 85 kph (53 mph), gusting up to 105 kph (86 mph) through the coastal regions of western Indias Gujarat state. Pakistani authorities were on high alert after evacuating 82,000 people. The eye of the cyclone, which was churning across the Arabian Sea for more than 10 days, was located around 20km southwest of Jakhau port, 120km northwest of Devbhumi Dwarka and 50 km west-southwest of Naliya, reported Press Trust of India. Recent studies show cyclones in the Arabian Sea are getting stronger and wetter as the sea surface temperature increased by 1.2C to 1.4C in recent decades. At a meeting of Nato defence ministers in Brussels, Natos secretary-general, Jens Stoltenberg, said that it is a critical time for the war in Ukraine as Kyiv begins its counteroffensive. The same could be said of the alliance itself as it seeks eastward expansion and plots its global role. The Western military alliance that has been strengthened by the united front put in support of Ukraines fight against Russian invasion but now finds itself facing a series of challenges sparked by a war that could fray that unity. As Nato defence ministers gather in Brussels for the meeting on Thursday and Friday, ahead of the annual alliance summit in Vilnius next month, the most immediate and high-profile obstacle is the simplest to resolve: the resistance by Turkey and Hungary in embracing Sweden as a member. Though a distraction, it underscores persistent squabbling among some Nato members over how wholeheartedly to back Ukraine and to what extent Russia led by President Vladimir Putin is seen as an existential threat. 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 }} Ben Fogle has had a five-year-old tattoo that commemorated his climb up Mount Everest removed from his wrist. The TV presenter noted that the height of Mount Everest had been recalculated since he got the tattoo in 2018, rendering his ink inaccurate. His tattoo read 8848, which symbolised 8,848m. This used to be the official height of the worlds highest peak. But in December 2020, it was recalculated by China and Nepal, which both agreed that the new height was 8,848.86m. In an Instagram post, Fogle explained why he decided to get rid of the tattoo, even though it represented a life-changing moment for him. He shared photos of his wrist with the tattoo and later, with a blank area of skin where the ink used to be. The New Lives in the Wild presenter wrote: Nothing has to last forever. I decided to get rid of my Everest tattoo. It took time. A looong [sic] time. Just like the climb. It took patience. And the realisation that we have the power to change the things we regret, the tattoo, not the climb. Fogle said that although climbing Mount Everest was a permanent memory for him, the tattoo resembled a PIN number and didnt properly represent what the climb meant to him. Not even the height of Everest, which has been recalculated from 8,848m to 8,484.8m, is permanent, he continued. Maybe I was never meant to have it? My tattoo of the wrong height has gone but the memories remain on the inside. Somewhere there is a metaphor but Im just glad to have my wrist back. It only took minutes to get but took years to remove. The travel and adventure broadcaster concluded his post with some advice for others who might be thinking about getting tattoos. Think before you ink. An addendum. I have other tattoos that I like a LOT [sic]. Ben Fogle and Marina Fogle attend the 2023 Chelsea Flower Show at Royal Hospital Chelsea on May 22, 2023 (Getty Images) His post has sparked some debate among fans, some of whom are firmly against tattoos and others who embrace the body art. One person wrote: Think before you ink never have I read such wise words, Ben. I am one of those people who dont like body art at all. But at the end of the day, I dont like body art, other people do [Their] body [their]choice as they say. Well done Ben, tattoo gone but memory of the climb has not. Another said: Showing this to my daughter! Think before you ink deffo [sic] a great message! But others said that they love their tattoos, with several sharing that they got inked later in life and are happy with their decision. Ive just had my first at 62 years! Love it, one person said, while another added: Ive got ones I regret. Theyre staying. Its part of my story. Fogle successfully reached the summit of Mount Everest in May 2018. Speaking from the mountain at the time, he said: It has been an extraordinary journey to achieve a childhood dream to summit Mount Everest, and so do so safely and successfully with my guide Kenton Cool, and our incredible Sherpa team including Siddhi Tamang. He climbed the mountain as the UN Environment Programme Patron of the Wilderness and highlighted the amount of litter left there. The mountain attracts a huge number of climbers annually, but over the years has accumulated vast amounts of trash that have earned it the nickname the worlds highest garbage dump, according to National Geographic. Stay ahead of the trend in fashion and beyond with our free weekly Lifestyle Edit newsletter Stay ahead of the trend in fashion and beyond with our free weekly Lifestyle Edit newsletter Please enter a valid email address Please enter a valid email address SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy notice Thanks for signing up to the Lifestyle Edit email {{ #verifyErrors }} {{ message }} {{ /verifyErrors }} {{ ^verifyErrors }} Something went wrong. Please try again later {{ /verifyErrors }} A Belgian man has explained why he faked his own death and turned up to his funeral in a helicopter, to the shock of his loved ones. David Baerten, 45, claimed he carried out the elaborate prank to teach members of his family a lesson about the importance of staying in touch with one another. Baerten, who posts on TikTok by the name Ragnar le Fou, told French chat show Touche Pas a Mon Poste (TPMP) that he orchestrated the stunt because he felt unappreciated by some of his relatives. A video capturing the moment that the 45-year-old man arrived at his own funeral in a helicopter was posted by a TikTok user by the name of Thomas Faut, who apparently attended the ceremony. Footage shows the mourners watching as the helicopter landed in a field and a door opened. It then cuts to a clip of people surrounding Baerten, with more walking towards him, to hug and greet him, as a film crew recorded the scene. Another video uploaded by Thomas showed an emotional relative crying as he embraced Baerten. The TikTok user wrote in the caption: You got us, I swear I was crying and then I had the shock, buddy we love you very much. The staged funeral took place last week near Liege after one of Baertens daughters reportedly wrote a tribute to her father on social media and said: Rest in peace, Daddy. I will never stop thinking about you. Why is life so unfair? Why you? You were going to be a grandfather and you still had your whole life ahead of you. I love you! We love you! We will never forget you. The prank did not sit well with viewers and many people criticised Baerten for being cruel to his family. Whilst Baerten has not uploaded footage of the funeral himself, he posted a video explaining why he carried out the stunt. According to The Times, Baerten said he was hurt because he never gets invited to anything by his family members. Nobody sees me. We all grew apart. I felt unappreciated. Thats why I wanted to give them a life lesson and show them that you shouldnt wait until someone is dead to meet up with them, he said. TikToker David Baerten explained in a follow-up video why he decided to carry out the prank (TikTok/ragnar_le_fou) He added that although only half of his family attended his fake funeral, other relatives have since contacted him. That proves who really cares about me, he said. Those who didnt come did contact me to meet up. So in a way, I did win. Later, during his appearance on TPMP, Baerten said he regretted going through with the stunt. He revealed that his wife had known about his plan from the beginning and tried to stop him. Indy100 reports that the prankster allowed his children to believe that he had really died for a couple of days before telling them the truth of his actions. He told the chat show that it was his film crew that stipulated they would only document the stunt if he let his children and sister know that he was not really dead. He has insisted, however, that they half-knew it was a prank from the beginning. After seeing the response from his loved ones, Baerten said: As soon as I started receiving messages from people and videos of them crying, I wished I could cancel the whole thing, but it was too late. I asked myself, What have you done this? but it was too late [sic]. Im sorry to all the people I hurt. I hate hurting people. The Independent has contacted Baerten for comment. Stay ahead of the trend in fashion and beyond with our free weekly Lifestyle Edit newsletter Stay ahead of the trend in fashion and beyond with our free weekly Lifestyle Edit newsletter Please enter a valid email address Please enter a valid email address SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy notice Thanks for signing up to the Lifestyle Edit email {{ #verifyErrors }} {{ message }} {{ /verifyErrors }} {{ ^verifyErrors }} Something went wrong. Please try again later {{ /verifyErrors }} A charity has warned people with lung conditions that very high pollen levels this week could lead to hospitalisations and deaths. The Met Office has shared a red warning for hay fever sufferers, showing that pollen counts will rise throughout the week. Its map shows the UK areas that will be hardest hit with very high pollen levels. England and Wales will be the worst off, but levels will also be high in Scotland and Northern Ireland. Asthma + Lung UK, a charity focusing on lung health, has warned that such high pollen levels could pose a serious risk to people with lung conditions. In particular, it shared how pollen can be a major trigger for people with Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) and asthma. Campaigners have said that the very high pollen levels could be deadly to asthma sufferers as it may leave them struggling to breath. Nearly half (47.1 per cent) of the five million people in Britain who have asthma and more than a quarter of COPD sufferers are triggered by pollen, according to the charity. The Met Office has issued red, amber and yellow warnings for pollen levels across the UK this week (Picture: Met Office/OpenMapTiles) (Met Office/OpenMapTiles/OpenStreetMap) The Met Offices red warnings cover most areas of England including Yorkshire and Humberside, the North West, the West Midlands, London the East of England and the South East and South West. It also covers Wales. Pollen levels will also be high in the North East of England and parts of Scotland including the Highlands, Dumfries and Galloway and the Lothian Borders, as well as Northern Ireland. Emma Rubach, Asthma + Lungs head of health advice, told the Mail: High pollen levels can be very dangerous for people with conditions like asthma, bringing on serious symptoms like wheezing and breathlessness. Hay fever can trigger people with COPD or asthma (Getty Images) They can prompt asthma attacks which can be terrifying, leaving them fighting to breathe. This can be deadly and around four people already die in the UK each day from an asthma attack. The charity has advised anyone who does have asthma or COPD to carry their inhaler wherever they go and to book a doctors appointment if they feel their symptoms getting much worse. It comes as very warm weather is set to continue across the majority of the UK this week after temperatures hit highs of 32C on Sunday, the hottest day of the year so far. This weekend saw the hottest day of 2023 so far with temperatures reaching 32C (PA) Temperatures went above 30C over the weekend in parts of the UK for the first time since August 2022, the Met Office said. However, large parts of the UK face warnings for thunderstorms with lightning strikes and torrential downpours forecast on Monday. The Independent has contacted Asthma + Lung UK for a comment. Stay ahead of the trend in fashion and beyond with our free weekly Lifestyle Edit newsletter Stay ahead of the trend in fashion and beyond with our free weekly Lifestyle Edit newsletter Please enter a valid email address Please enter a valid email address SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy notice Thanks for signing up to the Lifestyle Edit email {{ #verifyErrors }} {{ message }} {{ /verifyErrors }} {{ ^verifyErrors }} Something went wrong. Please try again later {{ /verifyErrors }} Jonnie Irwin has revealed that he sometimes removes himself from his family home to go to a hospice while he continues to live with terminal cancer. The A Place in the Sun presenter, 49, first went public with his diagnosis of lung cancer last year after discovering the disease had spread to his brain. He currently lives with his wife, Jessica Holmes, and their three children, Rex, three, and twins Rafa and Cormac, two. However, Irwin admitted that sometimes the pain he experiences makes him not good to be around. Speaking to Hello! magazine, the TV host said: I remove myself on a number of occasions because Im not good to be around when Im in pain. Im like a bear with a sore head and I dont want [my family] to be around that. Irwin has previously spoken candidly about how the pain his illness causes affects his moods. Speaking on the podcast OneChat last month, he said: I have been close to deaths door, twice at least. You lose your memory, you lose your patience. I have got a very short temper. Its not made me a better person, thats for sure. This week, Irwin also opened up about why he hasnt yet told his sons about his terminal cancer. He said it would be difficult for them to understand the situation due to their young age. I keep being asked, Are you going to tell them? but tell them what? he said. It would be horrible news that theyd have to get their heads around. And it would confuse the hell out of Rex hes got a shocking enough day coming. Lets bury our heads in the sand for as long as possible. After publicly revealing his condition, the Escape to the Country host said he was worried that his children will not remember him if he died last year because theyre too young. He told The Sun: Every time something really nice happens with them, I have this thing knocking at my door, saying, Dont get too happy because youre not going to be around much longer. Then I think, theyre not going to remember me, theyre really not. Theyre too young and if I die this year, theres no chance they will have memories. In early June, Irwin was admitted to hospital to be monitored due to a changeover in my pain management regime. 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 }} Campaigners are calling on the Government to extend paid paternity leave from two to six weeks in the UK after research found it could reduce the gender pay gap. A report from the Centre for Progressive Policy think tank (CPP) and charity Pregnant Then Screwed (PTS) analysed Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) data to explore the economic and health impacts of extending the statutory entitlement to paternity leave and pay. It shows that countries with more than six weeks of paid paternity leave have a 4.0% smaller gender wage gap and 3.7% smaller labour force participation gap the proportion of men and women in the workforce. The analysis also suggests that closing gender employment gaps in all UK authorities would increase economic output by 23 billion. We have the worst paternity benefit in Europe which is negatively impacting children, gender equality and the economy Joeli Brearley, Pregnant Then Screwed It comes as the UK has the least generous paternity leave entitlement in Europe with a statutory entitlement of two weeks and pay of 172 a week, which is 44% of the national living wage. The researchers also looked at PTS data from 1,735 mothers and 1,805 fathers, finding that just 18% of prospective parents say they or their partner could afford to take six weeks of paternity leave at the current statutory rate of pay. However, this changed to 57% if the leave was paid at 90% of their income, as statutory maternity pay is for women. The analysis also suggests that for 20% of fathers, no parental leave options were available to them following the birth or adoption of their child. The organisations further commissioned a YouGov pool, which found that 65% of mothers with children under the age of 12 thought increasing paid paternity leave would have a positive impact on mothers readiness to return to work while 83% thought it would have a positive impact on mothers mental health. Campaigners from CPP and PTS are now urging ministers to extend the statutory leave entitlement, to pay it at 90% of income in line with currently statutory maternity pay and to ensure paternity leave is available to all working fathers and partners. They are also calling for the Government to enhance existing maternity rights to reduce financial hardship, the gender employment gap, and the gender pay gap. Joeli Brearley, chief executive and founder of Pregnant Then Screwed, said: We finally have evidence that boosting paternity leave will reduce the gender pay gap, improve the health of both parents and it will benefit the economy. Paternity leave is not a luxury but a necessity. Rosie Fogden, head of research and analysis at CPP said: While long-held societal norms about gendered parenting roles are shifting, the UKs parental leave system has not kept pace. As our findings show, it is still very difficult for many fathers and second parents to be able to afford to take leave when their children are born, and this has serious consequences for both parents mental health. Ms Brearley added: If our next Government wants to set out a positive vision for the future, then thriving families must be central to their campaign. We have the worst paternity benefit in Europe which is negatively impacting children, gender equality and the economy. We are calling on the government to increase the length of non-transferrable paternity leave to a minimum of six weeks at 90% of income, in line with current statutory maternity pay. 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 }} Prince Harry reflected on the awkward silence that followed a joke made by Meghan Markle after she attended her first Trooping the Colour, the late Queens official birthday celebration. The Duke of Sussex recalled the incident in his memoir Spare, in which he remembered how he and the Duchess of Sussex attended the official June celebration of Queen Elizabeth IIs birthday for the first time together in 2018, shortly after their royal wedding. As noted by Harry in the book published in January, the couple had just returned to the UK from their 10-day honeymoon in the Mediterranean, and would be making one of their first public appearances as newlyweds at the ceremony. For the occasion, the duchess had worn a baby pink, off-the-shoulder outfit by Carolina Herrera, which shed paired with a matching pink fascinator, while Prince Harry had worn his full military uniform. During the royal event, the couple rode together in a carriage, before gathering with the rest of the royal family on the balcony of Buckingham Palace to greet the crowd of well-wishers. In photos from the occasion, the royal family appeared in high spirits, with Meghan seen smiling as she stood between her husband and her sister-in-law, Kate Middleton, the Princess of Wales. However, according to Prince Harry, who confirmed that everyone present was in a good mood, upbeat during the Trooping of the Colour, the festive mood allegedly changed after Meghan made a joke about the event to Kate, after shed asked Meghan what shed thought of the celebration. But then: Kate asked Meg what she thought of her first Trooping the Colour. And Meg joked: Colourful, Harry wrote. And a yawning silence threatened to swallow us all whole. Duke and Duchess of Sussex attended first Trooping the Colour together in 2018 (AFP via Getty Images) Meghan Markle is seen talking to the Princess of Wales during balcony appearance (AFP via Getty Images) In the excerpt, Harry noted that the awkward exchange was followed days later by Meghans first royal trip with the Queen. According to Harry, despite being nervous, the duchess and the monarch got on famously and bonded over their love of dogs. The pair also discussed motherhood, Harry revealed, with the duke recalling how Meghan had told him about her conversation with the Queen, and how shed shared her desire to be a mother. In response, the monarch had then shared a tip for inducing labour. While reflecting on the successful outing, Harry wrote that both he and Meghan had thought things are going to turn around now. However, he said the press coverage of the trip did not reflect the reality, as he recalled how the papers had pronounced the trip an unmitigated disaster. They portrayed Meg as pushy, uppity, ignorant of royal protocol, because shed made the unthinkable mistake of getting into a car before Granny, Harry wrote, adding: In truth, shed done exactly what Granny had told her to do. Granny said get in; she got in. Despite the slight awkwardness that followed the duchess joke in 2018, the couple also attended the Trooping the Colour in 2019, and most recently, in 2022, when they reunited with the royal family during their first trip back to England since they stepped down as senior royals. However, the Duke and Duchess are not attending King Charles first Trooping the Colour celebration. The Independent has contacted Buckingham Palace and a representative for the Sussexes for comment. The Kings birthday parade, which will mark the first time the event has taken place during Charles reign, is expected to see most members of the royal family gather on the balcony of Buckingham Palace. 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 three Britons who died when a tourist boat burst into flames in the Red Sea have been named. Christina Quinn, Stephen Hill and Paul Darling were on a scuba diving boat called Hurricane just off the coast of Marsa Alam in Egypt when the vessel caught fire due to a suspected electrical fault. The three passengers were among 15 qualified diving enthusiasts who were on a weeks stay on board the boat when the fire broke out at about 8.30am local time (6.30am UK time). They had decided to sleep in on the morning of the fire, while the other divers who were above deck managed to escape, Scuba Travel said. St Lukes Hospice Plymouth, where Ms Quinn, 58, was chief executive, paid tribute to her on Wednesday evening. In a statement released by the hospice, a spokesperson for Ms Quinn said: It is with great sadness that we confirm the tragic death of Christina Quinn in Egypt. She was a sister, daughter, wife, aunty, friend, and rock to many. She will be missed beyond words. We would ask for privacy at this time. Ms Quinn took up her role as chief executive at St Lukes in May this year following a long and impactful career with the NHS, most recently as director of NHS South West Leadership Academy. The staff were forced to abandon ship after trying to rescue the Brits (via REUTERS) Charles Hackett, chairman of St Lukes trustees, said: Christina was incredibly passionate about St Lukes and its place at the heart of the community it serves, and we are devastated to lose her warmth, wisdom and leadership. Before her recent appointment, Christina had served for six years in a voluntary capacity as chair of St Lukes board, working closely with the senior management team and her fellow trustees and earning their respect, trust and appreciation. With her vibrant and engaging personality and her down-to-earth, caring nature, as CEO she was quickly building strong and meaningful relationships both inside and outside the organisation. We will miss Christina enormously and our hearts go out to her family and close friends at this tragic time. The company Scuba Travel, which operates trips on the Hurricane, confirmed that Mr Hill and Mr Darling were also victims. The three Britons were below deck when the fire broke out (@RassdNewsN/Twitter) In a statement to Sky News earlier this week, a spokesperson for Scuba Travel said: It is with great regret that we, as tour operators, with heavy hearts, must accept that three of our much-valued dive guests, perished in the tragic incident. Our sincere and heartfelt condolences go out to their families and friends at this very sad time. The statement added: At the time the fire broke out, 12 divers were participating in a briefing on board, while those missing had apparently decided not to dive that morning. A nearby craft was used to evacuate 12 divers, and the 14 crew members also had to abandon ship after trying to reach the missing guests, with video footage showing some jumping overboard. Egyptian authorities had earlier said that following an initial examination of the vessel it was found that an electrical short circuit in the boats engine room sparked the blaze. The British Foreign Office has been approached for comment. Details of Stephen Hill and Paul Darling have not yet been confirmed. 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 }} Starbucks is denying union organizers claims that it is banning Pride displays in its U.S. stores in the wake of Target and other brands experiencing a backlash. But Starbucks Workers United, the union organizing U.S. Starbucks stores, says store managers around the country have been curtailing or removing displays during a monthlong celebration of LGBTQ+ people. In some cases, the union said, managers told workers that Pride displays were a safety concern, citing recent incidents at Target where some angry customers tipped over merchandise and confronted workers. There has been no change to any policy on this matter and we continue to encourage our store leaders to celebrate with their communities, including for U.S. Pride month in June, the Seattle coffee giant said Tuesday in a statement. Starbucks has been outspoken in its support for LGBTQ+ employees for decades and said Tuesday that support is "unwavering." It extended full health benefits to same-sex partners in 1988 and added health coverage for gender reassignment surgery in 2013. The company is also currently selling Pride-themed tumblers in its stores designed by Toronto artist Tim Singleton, who is gay. But Ian Miller, a union organizer and Starbucks supervisor in Olney, Maryland, said the companys tone has changed this year, citing his own store manager informing him that he needed prior approval to put up Pride decorations and that the company was seeking more uniformity in its stores. The manager also allegedly cited the backlash against Bud Light when it partnered with a transgender influencer and then tried to walk back its support. Its U.S. sales subsequently plummeted. Miller said the manager ultimately let an employee put up small rainbow flags in the store, but the company credit card wasnt used to buy them, as had been allowed in the past. Its disrespectful and counterintuitive," Miller said. Miller's manager declined to comment Tuesday when contacted by The Associated Press. Starbucks didn't respond to questions about the policies at Miller's store. Miller's store is one of more than 300 Starbucks stores that has voted to unionize since 2021. Starbucks opposes the unionization effort. 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 }} Double child killer Colin Pitchfork can be released from prison subject to conditions, the Parole Board has said. Pitchfork was jailed for life in 1988 after raping and strangling two 15-year-olds, Lynda Mann and Dawn Ashworth, in Leicestershire in 1983 and 1986. He was given a minimum term of 30 years, later reduced to 28 years due to progress he had made in prison, and was released in September 2021. But Pitchfork was back behind bars two months later after breaching the licence conditions of his release. The Parole Board said the decision to recall Pitchfork to custody was flawed and made on the basis of some of the allegations not being proved and upon some incorrect information. The panel said Pitchforks behaviour for almost all his time in prison has not caused any concern and it was no longer necessary for Pitchfork to remain confined for the protection of the public. Alberto Costa, MP for South Leicestershire, said he was deeply disappointed by the decision and said he thought Pitchfork still presented a very real danger to the public. Dawn Ashworth and Lynda Mann (PA) He wrote on Twitter: Deeply disappointed that the Parole Board have decided to release the convicted child killer Colin Pitchfork. I would like to reassure constituents that I will be writing to the Justice Secretary to ask that he seek an immediate and urgent review. It is simply unthinkable that a man who committed such egregious crimes should ever be released, and I will be asking the Government to challenge this decision in the strongest possible terms. It is quite clear to many, not only in South Leicestershire, but the country that this man still presents a very real danger to the public and I will do all I can to challenge this decision. My thoughts remain with the families of Lynda and Dawn at this most difficult time. Artists impression of Pitchfork appealing the length of his sentence at the Court of Appeal in London in 2021 (Elizabeth Cook/PA) Following the decision that Pitchfork can be released, a spokesperson for the Parole Board said: A panel of the Parole Board, including two judges, has today directed the re-release of Colin Pitchfork following his recall to custody in November 2021. Having considered all of the evidence, during a hearing observed by the victims and the local Member of Parliament, the panel found that Mr Pitchforks recall to custody was flawed and not supported by the evidence. Separately, the panel found that the prisoners continued detention was no longer necessary for the protection of the public. Parole reviews are undertaken thoroughly and with extreme care. Protecting the public is our number one priority, however our sole focus in law is risk, not punishment, and must be based on evidence. This case is eligible for reconsideration if any party thinks the decision is irrational or unfair. 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 ex-wife of comedian Paul Whitehouse faced completely inhumane press intrusion after her cancer diagnosis, she has told the High Court in her claim against the publisher of the Mirror. Fiona Wightman is one of several people suing Mirror Group Newspapers (MGN) who claim journalists at its titles The Daily and Sunday Mirror and the 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. Ms Wightman entered a witness box at the High Court in London on Wednesday to give evidence in her claim, where she said that following a diagnosis and surgery for ovarian cancer, she began to be doorstepped by journalists and asked to talk about her illness. Ms Wightman said the doorstepping by journalists reminded her of how terrified Id been at the beginning, adding she felt really overwhelmed and under pressure. She also told the court a medical blagger used by MGN had called her doctors secretary, pretending to need access to her medical records, with the secretary later describing the call as fishy. MGN has previously unreservedly apologised for this, telling the court the attempt was unsuccessful and no stories were published in MGN titles using unlawfully gained information about her illness. In her witness statement, Ms Wightman said she felt totally invaded and confused, and allegations that MGN journalists were listening to her voicemails were absolutely extraordinary. She continued in her written evidence: The idea that somebody thought there is a young woman with cancer who happens to be married to someone famous, we deserve to know about this and see if we can get a story about this is really indefensible. Paul Whitehouse has told the High Court journalists at the Mirrors publisher overstepped the mark and were digging around into his ex-wifes private life (PA) Ms Wightman added: It was deeply shocking to see the invoices and finally understand who it had been that had called my doctors secretary, its completely inhumane. I was still feeling upset and anxious, having a cancer diagnosis and two little kids. I was obviously fragile. How could they do that to someone? Her barrister David Sherborne previously said Mr Whitehouse and Ms Wightman, who have two daughters together, met at a very young age and married in 1992. Former Coronation Street actress Nikki Sanderson leaves the Rolls building for lunch as she continues giving evidence in her phone hacking trial against Mirror Group Newspapers (PA) The comedian, who rose to fame in The Fast Show comedy TV programme, later formed a relationship with a work colleague who became pregnant, the court was told. Ms Wightman and Mr Whitehouse separated in 2000 and were divorced three years later. In his evidence in support of his ex-wifes claim, Mr Whitehouse described the intrusion Ms Wightman faced as beyond belief. The comedian later alleged that MGN journalists were monitoring the landline of their family home in north London. It is disturbing. MGNs journalists were digging into Fiona, myself and our family members, who had nothing to do with anything, Mr Whitehouse said. Mr Whitehouse later said: It is called a private life for a reason MGNs journalists overstepped the mark. Ms Wightman is bringing her claim against the publisher over two Daily Mirror articles, including one from October 2000 which her lawyers say involved journalists unlawfully obtaining highly private details surrounding the breakdown of her marriage to Mr Whitehouse. In her written evidence, she described the first piece, published on 30 October 2000, as an extremely intrusive article about the breakdown of my relationship. Ms Wightman added: It took years for me to regain my confidence. I was trying to get strong again and for MGN to publish something like this so incredibly private at a time when I was trying to recover my health really is despicable. Discussing the second article about the couples separation, published in April 2002, Ms Wightman said: At the time, I was livid and heartbroken. But I certainly would not have said that to the press. Paul took care of us; he was funny and kind, and still is. Andrew Green, for MGN, told Ms Wightman the publisher had admitted there were a number of occasions when journalists instructed private investigators to obtain your personal information unlawfully. He added that MGN unreservedly apologises for this, adding: It shouldnt have happened, it did and it wont happen again. However, Mr Green said there was simply no evidence whatsoever that Ms Wightmans voicemails were intercepted, adding of Mr Whitehouse that there was also no evidence that he was ever hacked. MGN also say Ms Wightmans claim has been brought too late. The court heard Ms Wightman was told about her ex-husbands relationship with another woman in 1998, with the barrister suggesting MGN journalists were not particularly quick to learn about the separation. Mr Whitehouse having an affair and a child with another woman would have been a very much bigger story, he said. He said the October 2000 article gets the reason for the separation entirely wrong, adding that if MGNs journalists had intercepted your voicemails at this time they would have been writing a very different article. Ms Wightmans 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 Hollyoaks actress Nikki Sanderson. 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 }} Rapper Slowthai has appeared in court denying two charges of rape and will face trial next year. The 28-year-old, whose real name is Tyron Frampton, entered his pleas during a brief hearing at Oxford Crown Court on Thursday. He is accused of raping a woman twice on September 8, 2021. Co-accused Alex Blake-Walker, 25, pleaded not guilty to sexually assaulting the woman Frampton is accused of raping during the same alleged incident. Blake-Walker, of Wallbutton Road, south London also denied charges of rape and sexual assault against a second complainant. A trial is due to take place on July 1 next and is expected to last two weeks. Judge Michael Gledhill KC released the two defendants on conditional bail until their trial. The rapper, of Wellingborough Road, Northampton was nominated for a Grammy award in 2021 and a Mercury prize in 2019. He has won gongs at the NME Awards and UK Music Video Awards. The performer has been removed from a number of festivals (Getty Images) The musician has recently withdrawn from a scheduled performance at Wembley Stadium alongside Britpop band Blur and Self Esteem at the show on July 8. He has also been removed from the line-ups of several major UK festivals including Glastonbury and Reading and Leeds this summer. 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 most senior judge in England and Wales will be a woman for the first time in the history of the role, which dates back to the 13th century. Dame Sue Carr has been formally appointed Lord Chief Justice of England and Wales by the King, and will take up the role from October 1 following the retirement of the current Lord Chief Justice Lord Burnett at the end of September. The appointment was made by the King on the advice of Prime Minister Rishi Sunak and the Lord Chancellor and Justice Secretary Alex Chalk following the recommendation by an independent selection panel. The Lord Chief Justices role involves liaising with the Government, including over provision of resources to the judiciary, and being responsible for the welfare, training and guidance of the judiciary as well as the deployment of judges and allocation of work in the courts. Lady Justice Carr, 58, became a barrister in 1987 and took silk in 2003. She held a number of senior roles during her career as a lawyer, including chair of the Bar Standards Board conduct committee and complaints commissioner to the International Criminal Court in the Hague. She became a criminal judge in 2009 and a High Court judge in 2013, before being appointed a Lady Justice of Appeal in 2020. Her appointment comes at a time of increased efforts to improve the diversity of the judiciary. Lady Justice Carr attended Wycombe Abbey school in Buckinghamshire and Trinity College, Cambridge, where she read law and modern languages, and speaks French and German. She is also a keen musician singing with the Bar Choral Society and playing the piano and is married with three children. Dame Victoria Sharp, the current president of the Kings Bench Division of the High Court, was shortlisted alongside Lady Justice Carr for the role. Close Moment MPs vote in favour of Partygate report finding Johnson misled parliament 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 civil war has grown more fractious as Zac Goldsmith hit out at misleading No 10 briefing over his scathing resignation, insisting that Rishi Sunak was wrong to claim he had refused to apologise over his Partygate comments. The outgoing environment minister claimed he was happy to apologise for remarks labelled disturbing by the privileges committee in their report alleging interference from 10 Tories during their investigation which found that Boris Johnson repeatedly lied to parliament. As he sought to get back on the front foot at a No 10 briefing outlining his plans for NHS reforms, Mr Sunak insisted the Tory peer had resigned after taking a different course when asked to apologise for his incompatible remarks despite No 10 insisting just hours earlier that he had the PMs confidence. But Lord Goldsmith opened up a new front of criticism for Mr Sunak as he countered the PMs claims of his refusal to apologise on Friday, insisting the Sunak governments lethargy on climate meant his resignation had been a long time coming. 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 }} Downing Street has rejected calls to strip Boris Johnson of the 115,000 a year expense allowance given to former prime ministers after an inquiry found he had repeatedly misled parliament. The ex prime minister is facing a ban from holding a parliamentary security pass after a devastating cross-party committee blasted his handling of the Partygate scandal. But there are now calls that Mr Johnson should be stripped of the other trappings of office, including generous lifetime expenses and gongs for his allies and cronies. Read our live coverage of reaction to the Partygate report here: Ex-PMs final disgrace as lies finally laid bare Under rules, former prime ministers are entitled to claim the Public Duty Costs Allowance of up to 115,000 a year, for life, for the necessary office costs and secretarial costs arising from their special position in public life". The system was established after Margaret Thatcher resigned and it currently pays out more than half a million pounds a year on total to former PMs. In 2020/21 both Tony Blair and John Major claimed the full 115,000 for their work, with Gordon Brown and David Cameron claiming slightly under. Theresa May was an outlier and claimed just 57,832. Rishi Sunak must cut off Johnsons ex-Prime Minister allowance to stop him milking the public purse for his own personal gain," said Daisy Cooper, deputy leader of the Liberal Democrats. "Anything less would be an insult to bereaved families who suffered while Boris Johnson lied and partied." The senior MP said the report "should be the final nail in the coffin for Boris Johnsons political career", branding him "a law-breaker and serial liar, who treated the public and Parliament with total disdain". But asked whether the allowance should be rescinded from Mr Johnson, Rishi Sunak's official spokesman told reporters: "I'm not aware of any plans to do that.These arrangements are fairly long-standing - it's not a personal salary or allowance, it's the reimbursement of expenses for office and secretarial costs." No 10 also rejected suggestions that Mr Johnson's resignation honours list should be rescinded, as called for by some opposition politicians. UK news in pictures Show all 50 1 / 50 UK news in pictures UK news in pictures 6 July 2023 Queen Camilla during a visit to Lochcarron of Scotland at the Waverley textile mill in Selkirk, in the Scottish Borders, as part of the first Holyrood Week since the King's coronation. PA UK news in pictures 5 July 2023 Anti-monarchy protesters hold placards near the St Giles Cathedral on the day of the National Service of Dedication and Thanksgiving for Britains King Charles, in Edinburgh Reuters UK news in pictures 4 July 2023 Andy Murray celebrates break point against Ryan Peniston in their mens singles first round match at Wimbledon Getty UK news in pictures 3 July 2023 A cigar smoked by Winston Churchill, which is expected to fetch 600-800 is pictured on his statue in Westerham, Kent PA UK news in pictures 2 July 2023 Englands Ben Stokes hits a six off the bowling of Australias Josh Hazlewood during the last day of the second Ashes test at Lords Cricket Ground in London Action Images via Reuters UK news in pictures 1 July 2023 Pata Yamaha Prometeon rider Toprak Razgatiloglu followed by Aruba.It Racing - Ducati rider Alvaro Bautista (right) during the World SBK race 1 on day two of the FIM Superbike World Championship 2023 at Donington Park, Derby PA UK news in pictures 30 June 2023 Rembrandt Harmenszs Portrait of Jan Willemsz, van der Pluym and Jaapgen Carels is held by gallery staff, during a photo call for highlights from the forthcoming Classic Week Sales, at Christies, London. PA UK news in pictures 29 June 2023 A visitor walks through a part of Japanese artist Yayoi Kusamas installation You, Me and The Balloons during a preview ahead of the start of the Manchester International Festival Reuters UK news in pictures 28 June 2023 England player Jonny Bairstow carries a Just Stop Oil pitch invader during day one of the second Ashes Test at Lords Cricket Ground Getty UK news in pictures 27 June 2023 A Dolly Parton impersonator banned from Facebook protests outside the offices of parent company Meta in Kings Cross, London, as part of their Stop Banning Us appeal Lucy North/PA UK news in pictures 26 June 2023 Glastonbury site clean-up operation in progress PA UK news in pictures 25 June 2023 Lil Nas X performs on the Pyramid Stage at Glastonbury AFP via Getty UK news in pictures 24 June 2023 Chemical Brothers perform beneath the Arcadia spider in the very early morning at the Glastonbury Festival PA UK news in pictures 23 June 2023 A performer entertains festivalgoers in the circus field at Glastonbury festival AFP/Getty UK news in pictures 22 June 2023 Ladies Day at Royal Ascot Racecourse AP UK news in pictures 21 June 2023 Katherine Jenkinson from Carlisle with her jersey calf in the wash bay at the Royal Highland Centre in Ingliston, Edinburgh, ahead of the Royal Highland Show PA UK news in pictures 20 June 2023 The sunrises at 04.25am at St Marys Lighthouse in Whitley Bay, on the North East coast of England, the day before Summer Solstice the longest day of the year PA UK news in pictures 19 June 2023 The King and Queen depart the annual Order of the Garter Service PA UK news in pictures 17 June 2023 Typhoon fighter jets fly over The Mall after the Royal family attended the Trooping the Colour ceremony at Horse Guards Parade, central London, as King Charles III celebrates his first official birthday since becoming sovereign. PA UK news in pictures 16 June 2023 A peregrine falcon nesting at Malham Cove, in the Yorkshire Dales National Park PA UK news in pictures 15 June 2023 Newborn alpaca Sir Steveo, who has been named after one of his keepers, ventures outside in the Pets Farm area of Blair Drummond Safari Park near Stirling PA UK news in pictures 14 June 2023 Grace Kumars father and Barnaby Webbers brother, Charlie, embrace ahead of a vigil at the University of Nottingham after they and Ian Coates were killed and another three hurt in connected attacks on 13 June PA UK news in pictures 13 June 2023 Police forensics officers on Ilkeston Road PA UK news in pictures 12 June 2023 People relax in a suspended swimming pool as hot weather continues, in London Reuters UK news in pictures 11 June 2023 Usain Bolt and teammates celebrate with the trophy after winning Soccer Aid 2023 Action Images via Reuters 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 "When it comes to honours, that's a long-standing convention, the Prime Minister has abided by convention, that's not going to change." There are also "no plans" to recoup the cost of Mr Johnson's publicly-funded legal fees for the inquiry, the spokesperson said. As well as the secretarial allowance, former prime ministers also continue to receive security protection after they leave office. And like ministers, PMs are entitled to a severance payment of 25 per cent of their annual salary if they hold office and are not appointed within three weeks. Mr Johnson was entitled to a severance payment of 18,860, according to the Istitute for Government think-tank. Polling conducted on Thursday by Savanta found that two thirds (66 per cent) of voters agree with the privilege's committee report's conclusion that he deliberately misled the House of Commons, with just 19 per cent believing he did not. 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 }} Boris Johnson has lashed out at MPs investigating his claims about the Partygate scandal in a desperate attempt to salvage his reputation after he was accused of repeated contempts of parliament. The long-awaited report arrived on Thursday in explosive fashion, with the privileges committee recommending the ex-PMs behaviour warranted an extraordinary 90-day ban from parliament and the removal of his former members pass. Mr Johnson will avoid the sanction after stepping down as an MP last week. But it didnt stop him bookending the 30,000-word reports publication with a series of attacks on its members. Read our live coverage of reaction to the Partygate report here: Ex-PMs final disgrace as lies finally laid bare Having called for senior Tory Sir Bernard Jenkin to resign on the eve of the report, the former PM immediately responded to its publication the following morning by claiming the committee had reached a deranged conclusion to deliver the final knife-thrust in a protracted political assassination. Allies of Mr Johnson then launched their own attacks along his well-tread lines, as they denounced the committee as a kangaroo court and accused it of a bizarre overreach. Here is the full text of his statement: It is now many months since people started to warn me about the intentions of the Privileges Committee. They told me that it was a kangaroo court. They told me that it was being driven relentlessly by the political agenda of Harriet Harman, and supplied with skewed legal advice with the sole political objective of finding me guilty and expelling me from parliament. They also warned me that most members had already expressed prejudicial views especially Harriet Harman in a way that would not be tolerated in a normal legal process. Some alarmists even pointed out that the majority of the committee voted remain and they stressed that Bernard Jenkins personal antipathy to me was historic and well-known. To be frank, when I first heard these warnings, I was incredulous. When it was first proposed that there should be such an inquiry by this committee, I thought it was just some time-wasting procedural stunt by the Labour party. I didnt think for one minute that a committee of MPs could find against me on the facts, and I didnt see how any reasonable person could fail to understand what had happened. I knew exactly what events I had attended in Number 10. I knew what I had seen, with my own eyes, and like the current PM, I believed that these events were lawful. I believed that my participation was lawful, and required by my job; and that is indeed the implication of the exhaustive police inquiry. The only exception is the June 19 2020 event, the so-called birthday party, when I and the then Chancellor Rishi Sunak were fined in circumstances that I still find puzzling (I had lunch at my desk with people I worked with every day). So when on Dec 1 2021 I told the House of Commons that the guidance was followed completely (in Number 10) I meant it. It wasnt just what I thought: its what we all thought that we were following the rules and following the guidance completely notwithstanding the difficulties of maintaining social distancing at all times. The committee now says that I deliberately misled the House, and at the moment I spoke I was consciously concealing from the House my knowledge of illicit events. This is rubbish. It is a lie. In order to reach this deranged conclusion, the committee is obliged to say a series of things that are patently absurd, or contradicted by the facts. First, they say that I must have known that the farewell events I attended were not authorised workplace events because wait for it NO SUCH EVENT could lawfully have taken place, anywhere in this country, under the committees interpretation of covid rules. This is transparently wrong. I believed, correctly, that these events were reasonably necessary for work purposes. We were managing a pandemic. We had hundreds of staff engaged in what was sometimes a round-the-clock struggle against Covid. Their morale mattered for that fight. It was important for me to thank them. But dont just listen to me. Take it from the Metropolitan Police. The police investigated my role at all of those events. In no case did they find that what I had done was unlawful. Above all it did not cross my mind as I spoke in the House of Commons that the events were unlawful. I believed that we were working, and we were: talking for the main about nothing except work, mainly Covid. Why would I have set out, in the Chamber, to conceal my knowledge of something illicit, if that account could be so readily contradicted by others? Why would we have had an official photographer if we believed we were breaking the law? We didnt believe that what we were doing was wrong, and after a year of work the Privileges Committee has found not a shred of evidence that we did. Their argument can be boiled down to: Look at this picture thats Boris Johnson with a glass in his hand. He must have known that the event was illegal. Therefore he lied. That is a load of complete tripe. That picture was me, in my place of work, trying to encourage and thank my officials in a way that I believed was crucial for the Government and for the country as a whole, and in a way which I believed to be wholly within the rules. For the Committee now to say that all such events thank-yous and birthdays were intrinsically illegal is ludicrous, contrary to the intentions of those who made the rules (including me), and contrary to the findings of the Met; and above all I did not for one moment think they were illicit at the time or when I spoke in the Commons. The committee cannot possibly believe the conclusions of their own report because it has now emerged that Sir Bernard Jenkin attended at least one birthday event, on Dec 8 2020 the birthday of his wife Anne when it is alleged that alcohol and food were served and the numbers exceeded six indoors. Why was it illegal for me to thank staff and legal for Sir Bernard to attend his wifes birthday party? The hypocrisy is rank. Like Harriet Harman, he should have recused himself from the inquiry, since he is plainly conflicted. The rest of the committees report is mainly a rehash of their previous non-points. They have nothing new of substance to say. They concede that they have found no evidence that I was warned, before or after an event, that it was illegal. That is surely very telling. If we had genuinely believed these events to be unauthorised with all the political sensitivities entailed then there would be some trace in all the thousands of messages sent to me, and to which the committee has had access. It is preposterous to say, as the committee does, that people were just too scared to mention concerns to their superiors. Really? Was Simon Case too scared to draw his concerns to my attention? Was Sue Gray or Rishi Sunak? The committee concedes that the guidance permitted social distancing of less than one metre where there was no alternative though they refuse to take account of all the other mitigations including regular testing that we put in place. They keep wilfully missing the point. The question is not whether perfect social distancing was maintained at all times in Number 10 clearly that wasnt possible, as I have said very often. The question is whether I believed, given the limitations of the building, we were doing enough, with mitigations, to follow the guidance and I did, and so did everyone else. They grudgingly accept that I was right to tell the Commons that I was repeatedly assured that the rules were followed in respect of the Dec 18 event in the media room, but they try, absurdly and incoherently, to say that the assurances of Jack Doyle and James Slack were not enough to constitute repeated assurances completely and deliberately ignoring the sworn testimony of two MPs, Andrew Griffiths and Sarah Dines, who have also said that they heard me being given such assurances. Perhaps the craziest assertion of all is the committees Mystic Meg claim that I saw the Dec 18 event with my own eyes. They say, without any evidence whatever, that at 21.58pm, on that date, my eyes for one crucial second glanced over to the media room as I went up to the flat and that I saw what I recognised as an unauthorised event in progress. First, the committee has totally ignored the general testimony about that evening, which is that people were working throughout, even if some had been drinking at their desks. How on earth do these clairvoyants know exactly what was going on at 21.58? How do they know what I saw? What retinal impressions have they somehow discovered, that are completely unavailable to me? I saw no goings on at all in the press room, or none that I can remember, certainly nothing illegal. As the committee has heard, officials were heavily engaged in preparing difficult messaging about the prospect of a No-deal Brexit and a Christmas lockdown. It is a measure of the committees desperation that they are trying incompetently and absurdly to tie me to an illicit event with an argument so threadbare that it belongs in one of Bernard Jenkins nudist colonies. Their argument is that I saw this event, believed it to be illegal, and had it in my head when I spoke to the House. On all three counts they are talking out of the backs of their necks. If I did see an illegal event, and register it as illegal, then why was I on my own in this? Why not the Cabinet Secretary, or Sue Gray, or the then Chancellor, who was patrolling the same corridors at the time? The committee is imputing to me and me alone a secret knowledge of illegal events that was somehow not shared by any other official or minister in Number 10. That is utterly incredible. That is the artifice. This report is a charade. I was wrong to believe in the committee or its good faith. The terrible truth is that it is not I who has twisted the truth to suit my purposes. It is Harriet Harman and her committee. This is a dreadful day for MPs and for democracy. This decision means that no MP is free from vendetta, or expulsion on trumped up charges by a tiny minority who want to see him or her gone from the Commons. I do not have the slightest contempt for Parliament, or for the important work that should be done by the Privileges Committee. But for the Privileges Committee to use its prerogatives in this anti-democratic way, to bring about what is intended to be the final knife-thrust in a protracted political assassination that is beneath contempt. It is for the people of this country to decide who sits in Parliament, not Harriet Harman. 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 home secretary Dame Priti Patel says she fears the Government could be overpromising with its stop the boats policy. The senior Conservative MP suggested ministers need to go further in their overhaul of the immigration system to deter Channel crossings, including by ensuring the Rwanda removal scheme is operating. Dame Priti also said it is not good enough for her successor Suella Braverman to say more Britons should be trained to be fruit pickers to plug demand and lower immigration, adding farmers should be helped to bring in technology to do the job. More than 8,300 people have crossed the English Channel in small boats this year. The number who made the crossing in 2022 reached a record 45,755, prompting Prime Minister Rishi Sunak to make tackling small boat crossings a priority for his Government this year. The Illegal Migration Bill is currently making its way through Parliament and it aims to prevent people from claiming asylum in the UK if they arrive through unauthorised means. The Government also hopes the changes will ensure detained people are promptly removed, either to their home country or a third country such as Rwanda, although the latter policy has been stalled by legal challenges. Speaking during a Commons debate on migration, Dame Priti said it is right the UK increases the efficiency and fairness of the immigration system to better protect and support those in need of asylum while also deterring illegal entry into our country. She said: We need to break the business model of the people smugglers, the Government is seeking to do that and it is hard work, there is no one single solution to this. But Im very worried that the Government may be overpromising with just stop the boats when clearly you just cant stop the boats, there are so many other things that need doing such as offshore processing, bringing the Rwanda scheme to light, life sentences for people smugglers, making it harder for migrants who make these dangerous crossings, but also to stop the repeat and endless last-minute claims that go through our courts, the appeals systems in particular. Dame Priti said her 2021 New Plan for Immigration tried to do a lot of that, adding: I hope the Government will continue to pursue those policies. Dame Priti earlier expressed concerns about the approach to the labour market. She said: I was in government for just over three years and I was a lone voice in calling for a labour market strategy, specifically to support the points-based immigration system. It is obvious you need a labour market strategy, this would have sat with the Treasury at the time, the Treasury simply did not do this work and I do just want to pay credit to the current Chancellor (Jeremy Hunt) who has also picked this point up because we desperately need it. Without that were going to continue to have labour market shortages and all the problems that colleagues have spoken about. We also need to strengthen skills and Im afraid its just not good enough for the Government to say lets just train more fruit pickers, people dont want to pick fruit, thats a statement of the obvious now. And as a Government that invests a lot in technology why are we not giving farmers capital allowances to actually help them bring in technology to start picking fruit and vegetables in the way that many of our competitors do as well? Mr Sunak has promised to abolish the backlog of around 92,000 asylum claims by the end of 2023, but Ms Braverman told MPs on Wednesday that the target will not be met at the current pace Closing the debate, immigration minister Robert Jenrick said: I am confident that we will be able to eliminate the legacy backlog over the course of this year. And we put in place a number of further measures recently. He added: We are spending a great deal of money on things like hotels, primarily, to be honest to assist young men who have been in a place of safety like France, to come to the United Kingdom to continue their lives here. Those resources could be used far better upstream to support people in and around conflict zones whether thats through international organisations like the UNHCR or otherwise. Outside of Parliament, Mr Sunak acknowledged there is lots of work to do to reduce asylum claim numbers as he joined immigration enforcement officers on a raid in north west London. Mr Sunak said the raids are an important strand of our work, to stop the boats and tackle illegal migration, noting resources have been increased for immigration enforcement. He added: But were not complacent. Theres lots of work to do, which is why its so important that we pass our Bill through Parliament, our Stop The Boats Bill, which will mean that if you come here illegally, you will not be able to stay. We will be able to detain you and then swiftly remove you. Ms Braverman also met French interior minister Gerald Darmanin in London. The pair discussed UK-French co-ordination on topics including joint work tackling illegal migration and stopping the boats in the Channel. 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 survivor of a farm school in rural Australia owed compensation by the Princes Trust said he received threats and abuse after becoming the first person to publicly accuse Australian governor general Sir William Slim of child sexual abuse. After decades of silence, Robert Stephens told an Australian newspaper in 2007 the celebrated British war hero had molested him in the 1950s prompting other men to come forward. I was pretty nervous about (going public about the alleged abuse) and, in fact, I was getting threats. People were ringing up and threatening me, Mr Stephens told the PA news agency. There were abusive phone calls and things like that. Mr Stephens is among the 277 claimants seeking compensation for the abuse and mistreatment he suffered at the farm school which was run by the Fairbridge Society. For 70 years the organisation exported tens of thousands of working class children from Britain to its former colonies in a bid to convert a burden and a menace to society into assets for the Empire. In 2012 the Kings charity, the Princes Trust, became legally liable for the Fairbridge farm schools when it took over the organisation and absorbed its assets. Then, in response to child sexual abuse inquiries in both the UK and Australia, the Princes Trust pledged to pay compensation to Fairbridge survivors and in 2020 it set up a separate legal entity for this purpose putting it into receivership and tasking joint administrators Chris Laverty and Alistair Wardell of Grant Thornton UK LLP with paying compensation. In November 2022, the High Court of Justice determined a reasonable amount to each claimant was 204,000 (380,000 Australian dollars) but last month Mr Stephens and other former Fairbridge kids were informed they will only receive about 1% of that figure due to the Princes Trust having insufficient monies. Each claimant will now receive about 1,000-2,000 each. Born in St Albans, north of London, Mr Stephens had only known the inside of orphanages when he was sent to Australia at the age of eight as a child migrant. Like 60% of survivors of the Molong school in rural New South Wales (NSW) state, 180 miles from Sydney, Mr Stephens was subjected to sexual abuse during his nine years at the institution. It was not until the 1980s, when he was in his 40s, that the toll of that trauma truly hit Mr Stephens. He had been visiting London with his wife when he had a nervous breakdown inside St Pauls Cathedral after coming face-to-face with his abuser or rather a marble replica of him. It was a bust sitting in an alcove. I can still see it clear as day and I still remember the card with this red flower on it which said From a thankful child in Singapore. Its never left me, he said. Mr Stephens told PA that in that moment something exploded inside him and he could not speak or move. I was in a highly emotional state, shaking everything came back, the 80-year-old said. Its still quite emotional prior to that incident in London, (my wife) had no idea what Id been through (She still) has great difficulty coping with it. Heres this guy standing there in this bloody cathedral who couldnt move. She had no idea what was going on. From then on, the trauma compounded for Mr Stephens but due to the high stature of his alleged abuser, he did not think he would be believed. I tried to deal with it the best I could, but in the end I needed help to deal with it because it had a chain effect on everything, he recalled. It was a terrible time. I try and put it behind me but its there. The Molong farm school to which Mr Stephens and around a thousand other British child migrants were sent between 1938 and 1974 had been blacklisted by the UK Home Office in 1956 after a fact-finding mission found the Fairbridge institutions were unfit for children yet it had continued to operate for the next two decades. In the early 2000s, David Hill a former resident of the school who went on to become chairman of Australias national broadcaster began researching the farm schools and learned the extent to which both the UK and Australian governments were aware of mistreatment of children but had covered it up. Mr Hills dogged interviewing of survivors uncovered the shocking scale of sexual abuse at the school with Mr Stephens the first to confide in him. They could not believe that Slim did what he did. The Star of Burma people still have that issue because, to them, he was a god Robert Stephens It set off an avalanche of testimony and one by one, survivors revealed to Mr Hill the true horror of the Molong farm school. In just about every instance it was the first time in their lives they had disclosed the sexual abuse to anyone. (David Hill) was a catalyst for a lot of people, Mr Stephens said, explaining being able to speak out about the abuse after decades of silence had been helpful to his healing. It was part of that business of me getting over what Id been through. Id been pretty crook. I couldnt work, the family was broke. And I think I was angry. Sir William had been so celebrated as a military commander of the British Army during the Second World War that when a statue was unveiled in commemoration of him outside the UKs Ministry of Defence in Whitehall in 1990, Queen Elizabeth II did the honours. While Mr Stephens had not mentioned him by name to Mr Hill, another Fairbridge kid had. But due to him not wishing to speak on the record, it was not included in Mr Hills book The Forgotten Children when it was published in 2007. In the subsequent promotional interviews for the book, Mr Hill mentioned to a journalist off the record the allegation he had heard against the 13th governor general. The next day The Sydney Morning Herald ran the story about Sir William attempting to sexually interfere with a young, impoverished British boy sent to an institution in western NSW. The article prompted Mr Stephens to become the first to allege publicly he had been abused by the revered military commander. No adult would believe these things happened so you didnt talk about it. You think you are the only one, he told the paper. Like so many things that happened at Fairbridge, they dont go away. They live with you all your life. His claims were met with threats and abuse from supporters of the late governor general. That was difficult. It was mainly people who had served with Slim. They could not believe that Slim did what he did. The Star of Burma people still have that issue because, to them, he was a god, he said. But to other people, he was not quite the person that they knew. Shortly after Mr Stephens made the allegation, another two former Fairbridge kids came forward to say they had also been abused by the former governor general as children. They said that during the governor generals official visits to the farm school in the 1950s, Sir William would offer the pretty boys a ride in his black viceregal Rolls-Royce and make them sit on his lap. From there, he would slide his hands up the boys shorts and assault them. The three mens accounts were supported by a fourth man who wrote into The Australian newspaper in 2007 to say he had been a child in Gosford, NSW, during the Queens official visit to Australia in 1954 when he had witnessed Sir William touch the crotch of another young boy. The 1st Viscount Slim died in 1970 but his son, who inherited his fathers title and his seat in the House of Lords, rubbished the accusations against his late father. A lieutenant who had served under him during the Burma campaign also dismissed the accusations, saying: We cant believe that of our great leader. I think it will all waft over and everyone will forget about (the allegations). Mr Stephens refused to remain silent and in 2021 he was successful in getting a major road in Canberra which had been named after the former governor general renamed. For nearly two decades, Mr Stephens had driven down Lord Slim Drive to get to and from the art gallery he owned. That changed when it became Gundaroo Drive. The sense of recognition from that simple name change was huge for Mr Stephens after suffering in silence for so long, with him describing it as cathartic. I think, for me, it was a release of what I had been through in terms of all the problems I had had mentally and physically (that) kept coming back to me, Mr Stephens explained. I thought talking about it sort of (helped) me to deal with it better and better as I got along. While Mr Stephens admits his family finds the subject of Fairbridge deeply upsetting after learning the extent to his suffering as a child at the farm school, they understand his need to try to stop what happened to him from happening to any other vulnerable children. I generally try to be positive and I try to look beyond whats happened, Mr Stephens said. There was also a determination that I was never, ever going to allow my children to go through what I went through, and I think that underpinned a lot of what I was doing in speaking out about it. It still haunts (my wife). The fact that Im talking to you (the media), she gets upset by. And I can understand that, but Ive always believed that what happened should never happen again. Its part of our social history whether we want to admit it or not. Weve got to do what we can. The 80-year-old grandfather said the saga of seeking compensation from the Princes Trust for himself and the other elderly survivors was an insult. After years and years of not only being at Fairbridge, but then the suffering that a lot of Fairbridge kids have had to go through economically, its a pittance, an absolute pittance for what a lot of them would have been through in their lives, he said. Despite leaving Fairbridge at the age of 15 having never known a loving family, Mr Stephens went on to have seven children after meeting the love of his life when he was 18. Like many Fairbridge kids, Mr Stephens could barely read or write when he left the farm school, but he went on to become a successful businessman with his own art gallery in Canberra and farm where he breeds Angus cattle. He admits trying to be happy in life has been difficult after the trauma of Fairbridge, but ultimately believes his life has been a successful one due to his wife of 56 years and the seven children they raised, all of whom are high-achievers. This is where Ive been incredibly lucky. Ive had someone whos stood there behind me and as a mother, shes been absolutely amazing. No question about that, he said. I dont think the children would be where they are today without (her) Im very proud of them. Trying to be happy in life has been difficult for me but my success is weve brought seven children into the world who have been very successful and are contributing in their own way to life and society. The Princes Trust and Buckingham Palace did not respond to PAs request for comment. Sign up to our free US news bulletin sent straight to your inbox each weekday morning Sign up to our free morning US email news bulletin Please enter a valid email address Please enter a valid email address SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy notice Thanks for signing up to the US Morning Headlines email {{ #verifyErrors }} {{ message }} {{ /verifyErrors }} {{ ^verifyErrors }} Something went wrong. Please try again later {{ /verifyErrors }} Two Americans were found dead in a hotel room in Baja Sur California, a Mexican state, on Tuesday (13 June), according to reports. The two people were discovered in the Hotel Rancho Pescadero in the seaside town of El Pescadero around 9pm local time on Tuesday. Paramedics received a report of the two Americans were unconscious but by the time they arrived, the two were unresponsive with no vital signs, according to ABC News. The Baja California Sur Attorneys General Office told ABC News the two Americans were identified as John Heathco, 41, and Abby Lutz, 28. Lutz is from Newport Beach, California. In a statement posted on Facebook, police said they suspected their cause of death was poisoning as there were no traces of physical violence. However, authorities are still determining what substance caused their deaths. The two had been dead between 10 and 11 hours before they were found. US officials told the Associated Press they were aware of the case. According to a GoFundMe, started by one of Lutzs family members, Lutz and Heathco were on a couples trip together to Mexico when they began to feel sick and assumed they had food poisoning. The two went to the hospital for treatment and started feeling better. But then their families received a phone call saying the couple had passed away peacefully in their hotel room in their sleep. We have been told it was due to improper venting of the resort and could be carbon monoxide poisoning, the GoFundMe caption reads. Abby Lutz (Family photo/GoFundMe) The Hotel Ranco Pescadero is a luxury hotel and a Hyatt property. In a statement provided to The Independent, Henar Gil, the general manager of Rancho Pescadero said: We are truly heartbroken by this terrible tragedy. Our hearts are with the impacted families and loved ones during this unimaginable loss. Local authorities are still actively investigating the situation, and the safety and security of our guests and colleagues remains a top priority, as always. We can confirm there was no evidence of violence related to this situation, and we are not aware of any threat to guests safety or wellbeing. We are working to care for those who have been impacted and we are working closely with authorities as they conduct their investigation to understand the cause of death. Further inquiries should be directed to local authorities. El Pescadero is a town located between Todos Santos and the resort of Los Cabos in Baja California Sur which is on the Baja California Peninsula. 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 Jordan Neely has thanked Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez after a grand jury brought charges against Daniel Penny for the fatal subway choking. The exact charges are unclear and an indictment is expected to be unsealed at a later court date. Mr Penny was initially charged with second-degree manslaughter on 12 May. He did not enter a plea. He was released after posting $100,000 bail, and his next appearance is scheduled for 17 July. Neelys family specifically mentioned Ms Ocasio-Cortez, a Democratic congresswoman from New York, in a statement released after news of the grand jurys charging emerged on Wednesday. The fight is not over but it took a lot of work to get to this place. The Neely family sends its sincerest thanks especially to our courageous elected officials like AOC and others, every peaceful protester and all who still believe wrong actions should have consequences, the family said through their lawyers. We will continue to fight on behalf of Jordan as this process moves forward. Ms Ocasio-Cortez advocated for Neely and his family after his death and attended his funeral in Harlem on 19 May. Jordan Neely was killed by public policy. He was killed by the demonizing of the poor by many of our leaders, she told The Cut in an interview. Former US Marine Daniel Penny charged by New York grand jury over Jordan neely subway death (REUTERS) He was killed by the same reluctance for people to see him as human that leaders are exhibiting right now, even in his death. She also slammed the cost of living in New York and the lack of support the city provided for the homeless and mentally ill. Every single one of us is at the brink right now. Rents have skyrocketed to these absolutely extortionate prices. When housing prices go up, homelessness goes up. Its not a grand mystery, she said. And she lashed out at Mayor Eric Adams and other leaders for how they talk about homelessness in the city. Theres a hypocrisy to the way many officials talk about public safety. All these responses are acting as though Neely was the aggressor here, when he was the one who was murdered, she said. Theres all this talk about making our public spaces safer, and a person literally killed another human being on the subway. 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 man facing a manslaughter charge for killing Jordan Neely on a New York City subway train last month has raised more than $2.8m for his legal defense fund. An online fundraising campaign for Daniel Pennys legal defence was launched last month on the Christian crowdfunding platform GiveSendGo, a website created in response to GoFundMe removing far-right campaigns that violated its terms of service. His fundraiser reached more than $2m within days of its launch, including roughly $600,000 on the day Mr Penny was charged alone. As of 14 June, following news of a grand jury indictment, the fundraiser has reached more than $2.8m. In recent weeks, several donors including Kid Rock, far-right streamer Tim Pool, and Republican presidential candidate Vivek Ramaswamy have contributed huge sums to Mr Pennys fund, which is run by his attorneys. Mr Ramaswamy, who is seeking the 2024 GOP nomination for president, donated $10,000. Penny is the Subway Good Samaritan and we are lucky to have brave souls like him who are willing to do the right thing, said Mr Pool, who confirmed his $20,000 donation on 15 May. A GoFundMe arranged by Neelys aunt for his funeral expenses raised roughly $3,000. On 14 June, a grand jury in New York City voted to indict Mr Penny in connection with the killing of Neely, who was placed in a fatal chokehold on the floor of a subway car last month. An indictment formally charging Mr Penny with second-degree manslaughter is expected to be unsealed at a later court date. Mr Penny was initially charged on 12 May. He did not enter a plea. He was released after posting $100,000 bail. A grand jury was impaneled late last month. He will be arraigned in state Supreme Court on 28 June. The office of Manhattan District Attorney Alvin Bragg declined to comment to The Independent. While we respect the decision of the grand jury to move this case forward to trial, it should be noted that the standard of proof in a grand jury is very low and there has been no finding of wrongdoing, Mr Pennys attorney Steven Raiser said in a statement shared with The Independent on 14 June. Were confident that when a trial jury is tasked with weighing the evidence, they will find Daniel Pennys actions on that train were fully justified. Thomas Kenniff, who also is representing Mr Penny, said his client saw a genuine threat and took action to protect the lives of others. Witnesses stated that Neely, who was experiencing homelessness and a mental health crisis in the days and months leading up to his death, walked into the train car loudly complaining of hunger and thirst on a Manhattan F train on 1 May, yelled to passengers that he was not afraid to go to jail or die, then threw his jacket to the ground before Mr Penny grabbed him from behind and wrestled him to the ground. Neely did not physically attack or specifically threaten anyone on the train that day, according to law enforcement. Assistant District Attorney Joshua Steinglass described the events similarly in a statement in Manhattan Criminal Court on 12 May. Jordan Neely entered the northbound F train at approximately Second Avenue in Manhattan. Several witnesses observed Mr Neely making threats and scaring passengers, he stated. The defendant approached Mr Neely from behind and placed him in a chokehold, taking him down to the ground, where Mr Penny held him for several minutes after the train reached the Broadway-Lafayette platform, according to the statement. Two other men helped restrain Neely by pinning his arms, and at some point Mr Neely stopped moving, Mr Steinglass stated. Prosecutors determined there was probable cause to charge Mr Penny after several witness interviews, a review of photo and video evidence, and a discussion with the medical examiners office, which ruled Neelys death a homicide. The case surrounding Neelys death, which was recorded on a cell phone and shared widely, has sparked widespread debate and protests traversing issues of race, criminal justice, and urgently needed care for homeless and mentally ill New Yorkers. The case also has captured the volatility of sensational media coverage around New York City and other Democratic-led cities, while Mr Penny has been hailed as a hero by right-wing personalities in claims that echo across social media and news outlets. Mr Penny has defended his actions in interviews with Fox News and The New York Post. A decision from a grand jury recommends to prosecutors whether a person should be formally charged with a crime or other offense. That decision is based on evidence presented by prosecutors to jurors. Attorneys for Neelys family welcomed news of the indictment. We believe in our criminal justice system and believe it worked, attorneys for Neelys family said in a statement shared with The Independent. The grand jurys decision tells our city and our nation that no one is above the law no matter how much money they raise, no matter what affiliations they claim, and no matter what distorted stories they tell in interviews, they added. Any reasonable person knows choking someone for that long will kill them. Daniel Penny did not have the right to be the judge, jury and executioner. Close Related video: Harvard Morgue Manager Was Selling Body Parts 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 Harvard Medical School morgue manager and his wife are among five people who have been charged with stealing and selling human remains. Cedric Lodge, who was fired on 6 May, allegedly stole heads, brains, skin and bones from cadavers that were donated to the school, federal prosecutors in Pennsylvania said on Wednesday. He and his wife Denise sold the body parts to buyers in Pennsylvania and Massachusetts, sending them in the post, according to the indictment. In one case, the buyer allegedly intended to tan skin into leather. The scheme, which is part of a larger black market, is alleged to have gone on from 2018 to 2022. Mr Lodge, who was hired by Harvard in Boston, Massachusetts in 1995, allegedly sometimes allowed potential buyers into the morgue to choose which body parts they wanted. After the horrifying allegations emerged, family members who donated their loved ones bodies to medical research spoke of their horror. We were just disgusted, Paula Peltonovich, whose fathers remains were donated to the school, told the Boston Globe on Thursday. Sick, like we were going to throw up. 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 }} Some crimes defy understanding. Thats how US attorney Gerard M Karam summed up the ghoulish case of Cecil Lodge, the long-serving morgue manager of the prestigious Harvard Medical School (HMS), who, along with his wife Denise and five other people, has been charged with stealing and selling human remains donated to the facility and selling them on the black market. The theft and trafficking of human remains strikes at the very essence of what makes us human, Mr Karam reflected. It is particularly egregious that so many of the victims here volunteered to allow their remains to be used to educate medical professionals and advance the interests of science and healing. Mr Lodge, 55, was hired by the revered Ivy League institution in Boston, Massachusetts, in 1995 but was fired on 6 May this year for allegedly stealing heads, brains, skin and bones from cadavers between 2018 and 2022 and selling them on to interested buyers, some of whom were seemingly allowed to tour the morgue to peruse which body parts they might like to acquire. Mr Lodge and his wife, 63, were arrested on Wednesday along with Katrina Maclean, 44, of Salem, Massachusetts who owns a store in nearby Peabody called Kats Creepy Creations that specialises in creepy dolls, oddities and bone art Joshua Taylor, 46, of West Lawn, Pennsylvania, and Mathew Lampi, 52, of East Bethel, Minnesota The defendants in the case face a maximum penalty of 15 years imprisonment on charges of conspiracy and interstate transport of stolen goods. Two other people, Jeremy Pauley of Bloomsburg, Pennsylvania, and Candace Chapman Scott of Little Rock, Arkansas, were previously indicted for buying and selling stolen body parts intended for cremation and pleaded not guilty. Jeremy Pauleys police mugshot (East Pennsboro Township Police Department) Ms Maclean is accused of selling remains stolen by Mr Lodge to other buyers in multiple states, including to Mr Pauley, to whom she allegedly shipped a package of human skin in 2021 having engaged his services to tan the skin to create leather, after which he sent it back to her, according to The New York Times. According to the federal indictment, Cecil Lodge would spirit the dissected body parts away from the HMS morgue and store them at his home in Goffstown, New Hampshire. He and his wife would then sell them as part of a national network of traffickers trading in human remains, conducting transactions on Facebook and PayPal and cheerily making use of the US Postal Service, as though they were shipping collectible Beanie Babies. Head number 7 read one chillingly matter-of-fact PayPal description for one of these transactions, worth $1,000, according to the charging document. Bodies are routinely donated to HMS under its Anatomical Gifts Program by people who prefer the idea of leaving their earthly remains to science rather than be buried in a cemetery plot or cremated on the strict understanding that they will be used for educational, teaching or research purposes only before they are finally laid to rest in a respectful manner in accordance with the deceaseds wishes. In response to the indictment and arrest of Lodge and his alleged accomplices, the deans of Harvard Universitys faculty of medicine and of HMSs department of medical education, George Q Daley and Edward M Hundert, issued a statement on Wednesday labelling the conduct they stand accused of an abhorrent betrayal. We are appalled to learn that something so disturbing could happen on our campus a community dedicated to healing and serving others, they wrote. The reported incidents are a betrayal of HMS and, most importantly, each of the individuals who altruistically chose to will their bodies to HMS through the Anatomical Gift Program to advance medical education and research. We are so very sorry for the pain this news will cause for our anatomical donors families and loved ones and HMS pledges to engage with them during this deeply distressing time. Sarah Hill, who donated her aunts body to Harvard Medical School (Boston 25 News) Among those to have come forward to express their horror has been Sarah Hill, whose beloved aunt Christine Eppich donated her body to HMS as part of the program following her death from pancreatic cancer in March 2021. Ms Hill said she had called the 24-hour hotline set up by the HMS to answer relatives concerns when the news of Lodges arrest broke and said she felt sick when she was informed that her aunts name was on the institutions potentially affected list. Christine wanted other people to benefit from her passing so that she could be studied. So that the doctors of the future or tomorrow could study her body and find not only a cure for pancreatic cancer but for some other, you know, disease, Ms Hill told Boston 25 News. And we as family members gave her body to Harvard thinking that she was in the best hands possible. Close Woman's body found in suitcase 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 }} Suitcase killer Heather Mack has pleaded guilty in a Chicago court today over the 2014 murder of her socialite mother in Bali, bringing some sort of conclusion to the shocking case. In August 2014, Mack, then 18 and pregnant, and her boyfriend Tommy Schaefer, then 21, bludgeoned Sheila von Weise-Mack, 62, to death with a metal fruit stand while on vacation at the luxury 5-star St Regis resort on the Indonesian island. The couple, who described themselves as Bonnie and Clyde in chilling text messages, then stuffed her body in a suitcase and left it in the trunk of a taxi. They were both convicted of premeditated murder in Indonesia narrowly escaping death by firing squad. After serving seven years in a Bali jail (where her daughter was born), Mack was extradited to the US where she was arrested on arrival in Chicago and hit with fresh charges of conspiracy to murder in a foreign country in November 2021. Since then, she has been behind bars fighting the charges but had a change of heart and decided to take a plea deal. 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 Vermont man has died in custody while awaiting trial on charges of killing his mother at sea, federal authorities said on Thursday. Nathan Carman, 29, was accused of the first-degree murder of his mother Linda Carman during a 2016 boating trip in what prosecutors alleged was a plot to inherit millions of dollars. Carman pleaded not guilty last year to fraud and first-degree murder and had been due to go on trial in October. The cause of his death was not immediately known. In September 2016, Carman arranged a fishing trip from a Rhode Island marina with his mother, during which his boat reportedly sank and his mother disappeared. Carman was found floating in an inflatable raft eight days later, while his mother has never been found. Prosecutors allege that Carman made alterations to the boat to make it more likely to sink. He was also accused of killing his grandfather, John Chakalos, who was shot dead in his home in Windsor, Connecticut, in 2013. Chakaloss killing was part of a scheme by Carman to obtain millions of dollars from his grandfathers estate, according to an eight-count indictment. He had not been charged in that case. Chakalos had made a fortune of tens of millions of dollars by building and renting nursing homes. Last May, Carman was arrested and charged with his mothers murder. Prosecutors urged him to be held in custody pending trial as he was a flight risk. Carman was being held by US Marshalls at the time of his death. His attorney Martin Minnella told the Associated Press that he had been in good spirits when they spoke on Wednesday, and they had been due to meet again on Thursday. We were meeting with some experts today over Zoom at 12 oclock. We were prepared to start picking a jury on October 10 and we were confident we were going to win, he said. Its just a tragedy, a tragedy. Nathan Carman was rescued by the US Coast Guard station in 2016. His mother Linda was never found, and he was later charged with her murder (Associated Press) According to prosecutors, Carmans inheritance scheme began nearly a decade ago when he purchased a rifle in New Hampshire and used it to shoot Chakalos while he was asleep in his Connecticut home on 20 December 2013. Carman then discarded his own computer hard drive and the GPS unit that had been in his truck, according to the indictment. After his grandfathers death, Carman received $550,000. He moved from Bloomfield, Connecticut, to Vernon, Vermont, in 2014, was unemployed, and by 2016 had squandered most of his inheritance, they alleged. He then organised the fatal boating trip with his mother Linda, of Middletown, Connecticut. In 2019, Chakalos three surviving daughters filed a lawsuit in New Hampshire seeking to block Carman from receiving any more of his grandfathers inheritance. The case was dismissed after a judge ruled that Chakalos was not a New Hampshire resident. It was later refiled in Connecticut and was still pending. The three sisters issued a statement to the AP saying they were deeply saddened by Carmans death. While we process this shocking news and its impact on the tragic events surrounding the last several years we ask for your understanding and respect relative to our privacy, they said through a lawyer. 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 New York City woman was taken into custody after she allegedly stabbed a mother and threatened to harm her three-year-old daughter. Lequasiah Lawrence, 25, has been charged with felony assault and attempted murder in connection with the Monday stabbing. The New York Police Department said in a statement that a woman believed to be Ms Lawrence approached the 34-year-old mother and her daughter as they walked in Downtown Brooklyn. The suspect and the victim began arguing and the suspect pulled out a large knife that she allegedly used to stab the mother in her chest and legs. Throughout the attack, the victim positioned herself between her attacker and her daughter, who was in a stroller. She told police that the woman allegedly threatened to harm the toddler. I didnt provoke her, the mother, whose name was not published, told The New York Post. I dont know this person. I dont want her to stab my daughter. I can handle myself. Its real crazy. All I saw was she was going for my daughter and I had to step in. The mother said that she suffered six stab wounds and was taken to Jamaica Hospital to be treated for her injuries. Her daughter was not injured in the attack. The suspect fled the scene and was arrested on Wednesday. Lequasiah Lawrence, 25, has been charged with felony assault and attempted murder in connection with the Monday stabbing (NYPD) A construction worker who witnessed the incident told the Post that the women had a verbal argument before it turned physical. The other woman didnt mind her business. She was saying, Why you screaming at the baby? the worker said. The woman with her baby said, Its none of your business. They started arguing. 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 a missing Chicago man is desperately looking for him after he vanished from a concert venue. Twenty-six-year-old Noah Enos was last seen around 10pm on Monday at The Salt Shed in the citys Goose Island neighbourhood. Mr Enoss phone died around the time he went missing and he has not been in contact with his family since, prompting an investigation into the disappearance by the Chicago Police Department. Mr Enos girlfriend Nicole Wijs, 26, told The Independent on Thursday that he had been sending Snapchat videos to her throughout the concert until about an hour before he vanished. She messaged him at 10pm but his phone was dead and it has not been turned on since. I was waiting up for Noah to come home after the concert. I waited up all night. I called hospitals, Ms Wijs said. I was going crazy not hearing from him. So, I got up and drove to the venue. Obviously, I couldnt go in because it was closed but I drove around and didnt see anybody. Ms Wijs said she eventually reached out to a coworker of Mr Enos, who attended the concert with him. He told Mr Enos family that he briefly left Mr Enos side and couldnt find him afterwards. The coworker said he waited for Mr Enos for a while but left the venue at the end of the night after failing to locate him. The last location of Mr Enos phone appears to be the Salt Shed. However, when his girlfriend scoured the venue and its parking lot with security guards, they were not able to find his phones or any items that belonged to him. Noah Enos was last seen around 10pm while attending a concert at The Salt Shed. His phone died and he has not communicated with relatives or loved ones since (CPD) Ms Wijs said she is especially concerned because their home is just 15 minutes away from the venue. She also noted Mr Enos knows her cellphone number by heart and would have at least tried to call her from another phone. When reached by The Independent, a Chicago police detective declined to confirm or deny whether the disappearance is being treated as suspicious, only saying an investigation is underway. He went to the concert. His phone died, and he vanished. Theres no sign of him anywhere else, Ms Wijs told The Independent. I need everybody that went to that concert to recognize him. I need his face to reach every single person that was at that venue, somebody that was at the show saw him leave and knows which direction he went. According to the family, Mr Enos was last seen on surveillance video at the venue. In the footage, he is seen by the exit as bouncers were ushering concertgoers out, but detectives have reportedly not been able to find video of him leaving the venue. The Chicago Police Department is now investigating Mr Enos dissapearance (Nicole Wijs/Facebook ) Mr Wijs said that it is extremely unusual for Mr Enos to go hours, let alone days, without communicating with her and his family. There have been a few people that have reached out to me that recognized him from being at the concert and [they] do not remember anything strange about his demeanour ... or him being intoxicated, or stumbling or anything like that. Mr Enos moved to Chicago last September from Missouri. Ms Wijs said that theyre still getting used to the city and havent had the chance to make many friends and that it is highly unusual her boyfriend would leave on his own with a potential stranger. Weve been together for a little under two years now. We were childhood sweethearts. We weve had strong feelings for each other since we were about 13-14 years old, and then he moved [with me last year,] Ms Wijs told The Independent. Mr Enos girlfriend Nicole Wijs says it is extremely unusual for him to go hours, let alone days, without contact (CPD) Mr Enos is white and has black hair and brown eyes. His height is 511 ft and he weighs 140 pounds. Anyone with information is asked to contact Chicago Police Department detectives at (312) 746-6554. 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 autopsy of the remains of Oaklee Snow, a one-year-old girl found dead in the drawer of an abandoned house in Indiana, has ruled her death a homicide of "unspecified means." The Morgan County Coroner's Office completed the autopsy and made a report ruling that the means by which the child died could not be determined. The girl's mother, Madison Marshall, and her boyfriend, Roan Waters, have been accused of abducting the girl and her baby brother Coleton from their father's home in Cromwell, Oklahoma, according to WBIW. The couple reportedly abandoned the girl's seven-month-old brother at an Indianapolis house used by drug abusers. He was eventually recovered by family members and reported the couple to the Indiana Department of Child Services. Witnesses speaking to investigators said they saw the couple leaving the abandoned house in Indianapolis with "what looked like a child wrapped in a blanket." They noted that the child did not appear to be moving, talking, or crying. Mr Waters reportedly told his family that Oaklee had suffered a fall, and said they were taking the girl to a hospital for treatment. However, Ms Marshall told investigators that Mr Waters killed the girl after she woke him up with her cries. She claims that Mr Waters threw the girl to the ground, and that hours later they found the girl unresponsive and struggling to breathe. She accused Mr Waters of previously beating and choking the child for things as minor as "holding a fork wrong." Ms Marshall said the girl became so scared of Mr Waters that she would not eat when he was around. The mother said when she tried to stop him, he would beat her as well. Madison Marshall, 22, was arrested in connection to the death of her 1-year-old daughter, Oaklee Snow, in Indiana (Marion County Jail) Roan Waters, 25, was arrested in Colorado and has been charged with the murder of his girlfriends daughter, one-year-old Oaklee Snow (Arapahoe County Sheriffs Department) Ms Marshall said when she found the girl struggling to breathe she tried to call 911, but accused Mr Waters of slapping the phone out of her hand. The couple then allegedly took the girl to an abandoned house wrapped in a blanket and hid her body in a drawer. Ms Marshall was arrested and taken into custody. She is being held on a $200,000 bond. She led investigators to the house where the body was found. She is facing two felony counts of neglect of a dependent resulting in death, and has also been charged with neglect resulting in serious injury. Mr Waters was arrested later after he traveled to North Carolina. He is facing a single count of murder along with two counts of neglect leading to death, and other charges, according to court records. 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 Kansas City were seen on video violently arresting a man they mistakenly believed had stolen a $5 frozen pizza from Walmart, even though he had a receipt in his pocket. In video of the incident, which has gone viral on social media, officers can be seen kneeling on top of Dayton Borisouth, 24, including appearing to rest their body weight on his neck, the same kind of police tactics that killed George Floyd in 2020 and set off nationwide protests. Mr Borisouth, a home remodeler, can be seen in the video insisting with officers, Heres the f***ing receipt bro, read it, and, I just gave you my f***ing receipt. The 24-year-old told KCTV the incident began when he went to the store to buy a frozen pizza for his family, and was asked by an in-store policeman whether he had his receipt, telling the officer yes but continuing to walk away. Officers pursued the man and continued asking for the receipt, he told the station. The off-duty officer observed the individual walking towards the exit with unbagged merchandise. When requested to present his receipt, the individual refused, became belligerent and continued out the door despite the officers verbal commands. It is our determination that the officer should have disengaged at that time due to the circumstances, the Kansas City, Kansas, Police Department said in a statement, adding that it had disciplined two officers involved. The department concluded that one of the responding officers employed techniques that are not approved, nor trained, by the Department, KCKPD said. The department also requested that charges of noncompliance against Mr Borisouth be dropped. The Independent has contacted the department seeking the names of the officers involved and how specifically they were punished. It makes me feel a little bit better that theyre starting to realize that Im not a criminal, Mr Borisouth told KCTV. I was just trying to buy a pizza for my family to eat. No matter what, this is going to stick with me for the rest of my life. Im probably always going to be scared of cops now and fearing for my daughter and my son and what theyre going to have to go through as they get older. 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 Texas man was arrested for the murder of his wife and eldest daughter after family members told police that they had been missing for months. Robert Morairity was charged with tampering with a corpse, murder and capital murder over the deaths of his wife Kimberly Kellam and their 11-year-old daughter. Wise County Sheriffs Office says that the alarm was raised months after the victims were last seen alive. I wish they wouldve called us earlier, but they neglected to do that, Wise County Sheriff Lane Akin told WFAA. They were all scared to death of this guy, they were afraid to say anything, he added. Deputies visited the family home near Decatur, Texas, but found that the property had been abandoned. Investigators then tracked down the suspect who they say was living in Dallas with two of his children, who are aged three and 10. Mr Morairity told deputies that he had not seen his wife and daughter in six months, before allegedly admitting that they were dead and in the garage at the abandoned home. He then accompanied a Texas Ranger to the property where the bodies were found. They were covered, and stowed away in the garage but it wasnt hard to find em. We dont know exactly what the motive was, exactly how they were killed, but we know it was at his hand, the sheriff said. And they had been there for quite some time probably 5-6 months. Mr Morairity was arrested and taken to the Wise County jail where he is being held on an $800,000 bond. The bodies of both victims were sent to the Dallas Medical Examiners Officer for an autopsy. The two surviving children were taken into the custody of Child Protective Services. "The international community needs the contribution of China in global human rights governance," said Micol Savia, permanent representative of the International Association of Democratic Lawyers to the United Nations in Geneva. BEIJING, June 14 (Xinhua) -- China is ready to work with the rest of the world to act on the principles enshrined in the Vienna Declaration and Programme of Action, push for greater fairness, justice, reason, and inclusiveness in global human rights governance, and promote the development of a human community with a shared future. What Chinese President Xi Jinping wrote in his congratulatory letter to the Forum on Global Human Rights Governance that opened in Beijing on Wednesday spoke again of the importance China has attached to the global human rights cause. For decades, China has been committed to raising the well-being of its people while improving global human rights governance, both of which are highly acclaimed by the international community. BREATHTAKING TRANSFORMATION Villagers of Daliang Mountain in Sichuan Province, southwestern China, endured a life of poverty six years ago, grappling with an unstable power supply and a lack of essential electrical appliances. But things have changed. Now the road to the village has been rebuilt, and impoverished villagers have been relocated to newly built houses equipped with electric cookers and washing machines. "It is such a tremendous change. I would never have dreamed of it," rejoiced Boli Muqie, a villager in the mountainous area. The breathtaking transformation is possible because of China's poverty alleviation work, which eliminated absolute poverty by February 2021. It has lifted more than 700 million of its people out of poverty over the past 40-plus years of reform and opening up, significantly contributing to the cause of human rights worldwide. Apart from that, China has established the world's largest systems of education, social security and healthcare, ensuring that its population's basic needs are met. It also promoted equal rights and special protection for specific groups, including ethnic minorities, women, children, the elderly and people with disabilities. One of the best examples can be found in northwestern China's Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region, where ethnic groups have adequate access to education, healthcare and cultural events. Rural schools here, refurbished and with improved teaching, have helped many students gain admission to higher education, said Sanam Ibrayim, a teacher at a rural school in Xinjiang. In the eyes of many, China's people-centered advancement is a significant human rights feat, setting a new benchmark. Former Prime Minister of Guyana Moses Nagamootoo said China's concept of people-centered human rights could be illuminating to other countries. Leonardo Santos Simao, former foreign minister of Mozambique, said China has ensured its people's political, economic, social and cultural rights during its development. A COUNTRY WITH THE MOVES "Thanks to a good production in rice obtained due to a training session on varieties of Chinese rice in general and hybrid rice in particular, members of our cooperative are enjoying socially and economically," said Emmanuel Nizigiyimana, a Burundian in his 30s. Nizigiyimana, chairman of a cooperative based in Burundi's Bubanza Province, was one of the students receiving training in rice farming under the leadership of a Chinese rice farming expert named Yang Huade. The production that was less than four tonnes with the local rice variety per hectare has now been increased to nine to 10 tonnes per hectare with the Chinese rice, Nizigiyimana said. "The Chinese rice varieties are also resistant to diseases contrary to local varieties." The training has provided valuable insight into the impact of China's initiatives dedicated to protecting and promoting the right to live and develop. These efforts have been instrumental in improving the well-being of people in countries across the globe. Take the Belt and Road Initiative. Proposed by China in 2013, it has generated nearly 1 trillion U.S. dollars in investment, created some 420,000 jobs worldwide, and helped lift nearly 40 million people out of poverty in a decade. A World Bank report said the initiative could boost trade by 2.8 to 9.7 percent for participating countries and by 1.7 to 6.2 percent for the whole world. Furthermore, the Global Development Initiative (GDI) put forward by China in September 2021 has gained support from more than 100 countries and several international organizations, including the United Nations. Nearly 70 countries have joined the Group of Friends of the initiative. In April last year, China proposed another initiative, the Global Security Initiative, to promote common security. China said it would work hard to contribute its wisdom and solutions to the cause of peace and development for all humanity. In this regard, China practices what it preaches, said Keith Bennett, a long-term China specialist and vice chair of Britain's 48 Group Club. Bennett said that China can put forward proposals, mechanisms and solutions that have global appeal. ENRICHING GLOBAL CAUSE In early November 2017, the Committee of Disarmament and International Security of the 72nd Session of the UN General Assembly approved two draft resolutions on preventing an arms race in outer space. Both incorporated for the first time the phrase "building a community of shared future for mankind." Since then, the vision put forward by China has been written into more UN resolutions and has become an essential component of the global human rights discourse. Based on this vision, China has cultivated an outlook on human rights with "people" as the center, "development" as the driving force and "a life of contentment" as the goal through continuous progress, enriching the global human rights cause. China conforms to a people-centered approach, which envisions a "global five-in-one" comprising "politics, security, economy, culture and ecology," said Maria Francesca Staiano, director of the Center on China Studies of the International Relations Institute of the National University of La Plata. "They are key points of the UN human rights protections, which are in line with the UN 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development and human rights," she said. True. To promote common development for advancing universal human rights, China put forward the GDI, advocating action-oriented approaches that address developing countries' most pressing livelihood needs. It has also called for upholding genuine multilateralism and the basic norms of international relations to promote and protect human rights through dialogue and cooperation. Meanwhile, recognizing the importance of inclusiveness, China proposed the Global Civilization Initiative in mid-March, urging the international community to respect the diversity of civilizations and the different paths of human rights development. Saikat Bhattacharya, an assistant professor at New Integrated Public University in India, said building a community with a shared future for humanity champions the equality of countries regardless of their size. It strengthens state-to-state relations and promotes living with dignity. "The international community needs the contribution of China in global human rights governance," said Micol Savia, permanent representative of the International Association of Democratic Lawyers to the United Nations in Geneva. China, a country with long history and culture, is a significant player in international relations, she added. 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 single .40 calibre bullet discovered near the bodies of Libby German and Abby Williams turned out to be the smoking gun that initially led police to charge 50-year-old CVS worker Richard Allen with their murders in October. The criminal affidavit, which was partly-redacted and released in November, revealed for the first time that the local man was finally tied to the murders through ballistics on a bullet found at the bloody crime scene. Now, in a dramatic twist, it has emerged that the accused killer has now confessed multiple times to the 2017 killings while behind bars including in a jailhouse phone call with his wife. A trove of 118 court documents was unsealed on 29 June, revealing his shocking confession to wife Kathy Allen in the months following his sudden arrest last October. In the 3 April phone call, from the Westville Correctional Facility where the accused killer is being held awaiting trial, Mr Allen allegedly admitted several times that he carried out the brutal murders. Mr Allens wife abruptly ended the phone call following her husbands confession, the documents state. The suspect who was on police radar back in 2017 but slipped through the net for more than five years due to a clerical error also confessed in jailhouse calls to his mother, the documents state. In total, court documents state that he confessed at least five times. As well as the bombshell confessions, the newly-released court documents also reveal new details about the murders. Both Libby and Abby are believed to have been killed with a knife, suffering wounds caused by a sharp object, the filings state. Some items of the girls clothing including a pair of underwear and a sock were missing and Libbys iPhone containing the infamous video of Bridge Guy was found underneath her body at the scene. While the documents reveal dramatic details about the case, the accused killers attorneys have argued his confessions cant be trusted due to his current mental state which they say has deteriorated drastically behind bars. They are also trying to have that key ballistics evidence thrown out of the case. It was 13 February 2017 when best friends Libby and Abby set off on a hike along the Monon High Bridge Trail in their hometown of Delphi. Richard Allen is escorted away from court after a hearing on 22 November (Associated Press) During the walk, Libby posted a photo of her best friend walking along the Monon High Bridge. It was the last known photo of Abby before she was killed. Later that day, the teenagers were reported missing when they failed to return to a spot where a family member was picking them up. The next day Valentines Day 2017 their bodies were discovered in a wooded area around half a mile off the trail. Here, The Independent explains key details revealed in the affidavit. The bullet An unspent .40 calibre bullet was found between the bodies of 13-year-old Abby Williams and Libby German, 14, according to a probably cause affidavit released in the case of the State of Indiana v Richard M Allen. Law enforcement have never revealed the girls cause of death, saying only that they lost a lot of blood after being attacked with an unspecified weapon and were not killed in the same location where their bodies were discovered. On 13 October, investigators executed a search warrant at the home on North Whiteman Drive that Mr Allen shared with his wife Kathy. The affidavit states they found knives and firearms, including a Sig Sauer Model P226 pistol. A Sig Sauer Model P226, similar to one belonging to Delphi Murders suspect Richard Allen (Sig Sauer) The Indiana State Police Laboratory analysed the gun and determined the unspent round found two feet from one of the victims bodies had been cycled through Mr Allens gun, according to the affidavit. Mr Allen confirmed he had owned the gun since 2001, and his wife Kathy is alleged to have told investigators that her husband was the only person with access to the weapon. Mr Allen offered no explanation how the bullet which had not been fired ended up in between the bodies of the two teenage victims, the document states. The affidavit also revealed that one of the victims is heard saying gun in chilling footage on Libbys cellphone before she died. Investigators had previously revealed that whoever attacked Libby and Abby had told them to go down the hill in the footage. The Bridge Guy A mystery figure seen in the footage captured by Libby became known as the Bridge Guy after a Snapchat video taken on Libbys phone during their hike was released by authorities last year. In the clip, a man wearing jeans, a blue jacket and a hoodie can be seen approaching the girls. A male voice can be heard saying the words guys and down the hill. Police believe the recording was made just before the murders took place, and praised the girls awareness and foresight for recording the clip. Richard Allen pictured in mugshot after arrest for Delphi murders (Indiana State Police) Investigators described the suspect as a white male aged between 16 and 40 years old, between 5 6 and 5 10 in height and weighing between 180 and 200 pounds. The affidavit contains an eyewitness account from three girls under 17 who say they encountered a man on the Monon High Bridge who seemed to be hiding his face and glared at them when they said hello. One of the three juveniles put the mans height at no taller than 5 10. They gave varying accounts of what he was wearing, but all said he had jeans and a jacket on. A female witness, whose name has also been redacted, told investigators she also saw a man matching the description of the Bridge Guy captured on Libbys video on the Monon High Bridge. She also recounted seeing Libby and Abby walking towards the bridge at about 1.49pm. This grainy image was taken on Libbys phone on the trail the day the girls went missing. Investigators believe the man is the killer (Indiana State Police) A separate witness told police they had seen a man wearing a blue jacket and blue jeans who was muddy and bloody. CCTV footage from the nearby Hoosier Harvestore placed that witness driving away from the area at about 3.57pm. Both witnesses told investigators they didnt come across any other males on the trails that day. In a police interview early on in the investigation, Mr Allen said he was on the trail from 1.30pm to 3.30pm. He said he had walked from the Freedom Bridge to the High Bridge, and said he had noticed three juveniles but didnt interact with them as he was distracted by a stock ticker on his phone. A vehicle resembling a 2016 Ford Focus owned by Mr Allen was seen on CCTV footage from the Hoosier Harvestore. Libby German (left) and Abby Williams (right) pictured together (Facebook) One witness said it was parked behind an old child protective services building in an odd location and it was parked as if the driver had been trying to conceal its plates. During a separate interview on 13 October this year, Mr Allen told police he gone to the bridge to watch the fish. He said he was wearing blue jeans with a blue or black Carhartt jacket and may have also worn a head covering. He admitted seeing the three juvenile girls but said he didnt encounter anyone else. According to the affidavit, a detective who had worked on the case since 2017 believed that the combination of the video shot on Libbys phone, the eyewitness accounts, and CCTV footage showed that Mr Allen was the Bridge Guy. Further, that the victims were forced down the hill by Richard Allen and (led) to the location where they were murdered. Allens interviews with Indiana police The affidavit raises questions as it revealed that Mr Allen spoke with investigators at least twice, including in 2017 - confirming that he was on the police radar at the time of the murders. In the 2017 interview, Mr Allen had confessed to being on the Monon High Bridge Trail on the afternoon of 13 February placing him on the scene at the same day and time that the victims went on their fateful walk. At the time, he denied any involvement in the murders and insisted he had never seen the two girls that day. In another interview on 13 October 2022, Mr Allen had no explanation as to how the spent bullet ended up in between the bodies of the two teenage victims, the affidavit states. The accused killer said he had not been on the property where the unspent round was found, that he did not know the property owner, and that he had no explanation as to why a round cycled through his firearm would be at that location, it says. The property owner Ron Logan was also previously tied to the case. He died in 2020. Sign up to our Evening Headlines email for your daily guide to the latest news Sign up to our free US Evening Headlines email Please enter a valid email address Please enter a valid email address SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy notice Thanks for signing up to the Evening Headlines email {{ #verifyErrors }} {{ message }} {{ /verifyErrors }} {{ ^verifyErrors }} Something went wrong. Please try again later {{ /verifyErrors }} The grandfather of the four Colombian children rescued last week from the Amazon rainforest has revealed how her oldest granddaughter helped her siblings survive. Magdalena Mucutuy and her children Lesly, 13, Soleiny, nine, Tien Noriel, four, and one-year-old Cristin were on board a light aircraft en route to San Jose Del Guaviare when it crashed on 1 May. Mucutuy, the pilot and another adult passenger were killed, but the children survived the accident and went on to spend 40 days stranded in the jungle. Members of indigenous communities in the area and officers with the Colombian Army combed through the dense foliage until the children were finally rescued on 9 June. Now, the minors grandfather Narciso Mucutuy has revealed the great lengths his oldest granddaughter went to in order to keep her younger sisters and brother alive. Mr Mucutuy said the children spent the first four days of their odyssey at the site of the crash. But after running out of food and water they had brought on the plane, they decided to wander in the vast jungle, hoping to find a creek that would lead them to a river or a nearby village. The babies would cry because they were cold, they were tired, they were hungry, Ms Mucutuy told Semana in Spanish during an exclusive interview on Tuesday. Lesly ripped apart a piece of fabric from her moms clothes to cover her siblings and protect them from the cold. It is very, very sad. The oldest girl was sitting on her mothers legs and the other three children were behind them, Mr Mucutuy said Lesly recalled to him. After the crash, their bodies piled one on top of the other. Lesly was under her moms body and when she woke up, she saw her little sisters leg moving and thought, My sister is alive. She then pulled her body. A testament to her resilience and determination to keep herself and her siblings alive, Lesly rationed the content of a baby bottle to feed her two youngest siblings. When she lost the bottle, she made a makeshift feeder device out of plant leaves and filled it with water. Lesly and Soleiny would also forage seeds as well as some fruits they found in the rainforest, which they were familiar with as members of the Huitoto indigenous group. Mr Mucutuy credited the childrens indigenous upbringing for their ability to survive more than a month in the unforgiving Colombian jungle. We teach our people, from the time theyre around five years old, to be out in the forest, he told Semana. We take them in canoes to the jungle. We teach them how to fish, which fruits are edible and which are not. We teach them to harvest, when produce is ready to eat ... all of that is part of their upbringing. Army officers stand next to four children rescued after spending forty days in the Amazon Rainforest following a crash that killed their mother and two other adults (AP) The children were airlifted to a hospital, where they are now being treated for dehydration and malnourishment (Copyright 2023 The Associated Press. All rights reserved) Medics with the Colombian Army evaluate the childrens condition (Colombian Presidency/AFP via Get) Mr Mucutuy said Lesly also made shelters with items she found in the jungle, adding that the children thankfully never encountered dangerous animals in their journey. Lesly said they never saw boas or tigers or bears. Nothing, he noted. She said she didnt feel fear, she was in shock after the crash and could think about getting out of there with her siblings. The rescue last Friday came after a group of indigenous people who had been searching on foot for the children performed a traditional ritual. They then found the children and alerted members of the Colombian Army who rushed to their location and airlifted the children to a military hospital in Bogota. Mr Mucutuy said the children were about to give up just before help came their way. Lesly told me she didnt have any strength left, she felt extremely weak, Mr Mucutuy told Semana. She lost consciousness, she would have delirious episodes. They stayed there because they didnt have any strength to keep going. Narciso Mucutuy, the grandfather of the 4 rescued Indigenous children, speaks to the media (Copyright 2023 The Associated Press. All rights reserved.) In this photo released by Colombias Armed Forces Press Office, soldiers and Indigenous tend to the four children When the children were found, they initially became scared but were assured by indigenous leaders that they were going to be brought back with their family. The leaders told them, Dont be scared, we are your family. Your grandfather and grandmother have asked us to look for you and we have been doing so for a long time, Mr Mucutuy told Semana. They hugged the kids ... and the little boy, who is very clever, immediately said, I want sausages, I want to eat something, Im hungry. ... When the army arrived ... one of the soldiers started feeding the baby with the bottle. Mr Mucutuy likened the childrens survival to the 40 days that Jesus spent in the desert without eating, saying he believes his grandchildren relied on their spirituality while they were missing. Mr Mucutuy also said they saw Wilson, the K-9 who participated in the search and is now lost in the jungle, several times. Earlier this week, the Colombian Army shared a drawing of the now-missing four-legged hero made by the children from their hospital beds. Wilson, a K-9 who participated in the search, is now lost in the jungle (Especial) Earlier this week, the Colombian Army shared a drawing of the now-missing four-legged hero made by the children from their hospital beds (Colombian Army ) Wilson would go look for them, find them, and go back to alert the army officers. But the children didnt understand what he was doing, Mr Mucutuy said. The children say he will come back. According to our culture, a dog is never really lost, they always come back to us. The children are reportedly very dehydrated and malnourished but are receiving around-the-clock treatment and their condition is steadily improving. Their grandfather told Semana that doctors are working along with indigenous leaders to give the children care that is sensitive to their culture. Traditional eating rituals have been held and the minors are starting to eat solid foods. Theyre eating small portions as their bodies get used to larger quantities. Mr Mucutuy and his wife are hoping they can eventually obtain custody of the four children. They plan to settle in the countrys capital to help their grandchildren as they reel from losing their mother and grapple with their new reality after their miracle survival. 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 }} Prince Harry has been giving evidence at the High Court in London this month 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 underway on the other side of the Atlantic. The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has rejected a request by the conservative Heritage Foundation to expedite and Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) request by the think tank for the release of the immigration records of the Duke of Sussex. DHS Senior Director Jimmy Wolfrey wrote in a letter that To the extent records exist, this office does not find a public interest in disclosure sufficient to override the subjects privacy interests, according to the New York Post. The Heritage Foundation argued that Prince Harrys past admissions of drug use, such as in his memoir Spare, make him ineligible for a US visa. DHS notified the think tank on Tuesday, one week after being ordered to respond to the request by DC federal court Judge Carl Nichols. Heritage lawyer Samuel Dewer told the paper that the reply from DHS shows an appalling lack of transparency by the Biden Administration. The Department of Homeland Securitys efforts to stonewall the Heritage Foundations Freedom of Information request are unacceptable, and we will be contesting their position, he added. We expected to have to fight every step of this case in federal court and will continue to press for transparency and accountability for the American people. The director of the Heritage Foundations Oversight Project, Mike Howell, submitted the request on 8 March, requesting records from DHS, Customs and Border Protection, US Citizenship and Immigration Services, and the Office of Biometric Identity Management. Ahead of the hearing on 6 June, only DHS had yet to respond. The other three agencies rejected the requests. The Heritage Foundations request for a preliminary injunction was withdrawn as moot on 14 June following the reply from DHS. We can neither confirm nor deny the existence of any records relating to your request under Section 3, pursuant to FOIA Exemptions (b)(6) and (b)(7)(C). Exemption (b)(6) exempts from disclosure personnel or medical files and similar files the release of which would cause a clearly unwarranted invasion of personal privacy, DHS wrote, according to Inner City Press. The privacy interests of the individual in the records you have requested outweigh any minimal public interest in disclosure of the information. Exemption (b)(7)(C) excludes records or information compiled for law enforcement purposes, but only to the extent that the production of such materials could reasonably be expected to constitute an unwarranted invasion of personal privacy, the agency added. To the extent records exist, this office does not find a public interest in disclosure sufficient to override the subjects privacy interests. Judge Nichols is now set to decide how to proceed with the case. The think-tank insists the application is of immense public interest in light of the dukes subsequent confessions of past illegal drug use as a teenager and as an adult, which he made in the Netflix series Harry & Meghan in his recent memoir Spare. The duke wrote in Spare that he had taken cocaine but found it wasnt much fun, and it didnt make me particularly happy, as it seemed to make everyone around me and said of smoking cannabis while still a pupil at Eton, the prestigious Berkshire private school: Marijuana is different, that actually really did help me. A US DS160 visa application form explicitly asks the applicant to answer truthfully to the questions, Have you ever been a drug abuser or addict? and, Have you ever violated, or engaged in a conspiracy to violate, any law relating to controlled substances? Court artist sketches Prince Harry giving evidence in phone-hacking case If the dukes application were to be published and reveal that his answers contradicted his later public revelations about his dalliances with drugs, the case would call into question the Biden administrations handling of the visa application process, the organisation contends. In a statement ahead of DHSs response, the Heritage Foundation said that it hopes to determine whether celebrity elites such as the Duke of Sussex were likely to receive preferential treatment and whether the DHS was operating fairly without fear or favour. Speaking to Sky News, its counsel Sam Dewey said: The [US] government has taken the position that theres nothing to see here. Weve taken the position that no, if you look through all the details of his admissions, you look at the drug laws, you look at the laws on admissions, theres a real serious question as to whether or not he should have been admitted. The alternative, if he didnt disclose the drug use then theres a very serious question as to whether or not proceedings should have begun against him for that. The DHS previously said the think-tank had failed to demonstrate the necessity of releasing the document and questioned whether there was truly widespread public interest in the matter. Prince Harrys spokespeople have so far said they will not comment at this time. The case opened in a federal court in Washington DC on Tuesday 6 June, with Judge Carl Nichols ruling that the Biden administration had one week to decide how it would handle the foundations FOIA request. That response, rejecting the request, came on Tuesday and was first reported the following day, 14 June. Representing the US government, assistant US attorney John Bardo argued in court on 6 June that sufficient coverage from mainstream American media was required for a request to be expedited. Mr Dewey countered that DHS regulations simply say media without specifying where the outlets are based, pointing out that news websites have a global audience online these days, no matter where their parent company might be situated. You cant define mainstream, he told The Independent on 6 June. Thats almost absurd in this context. So as a policy matter, that is a very alarming statement for the press and for transparency for the administration. Legal experts predict that the judge is unlikely to side with the foundations argument because immigration documents contain a wealth of personal information about the applicant and so ordering the release of Prince Harrys would set a potentially dangerous precedent. Stacy Cozart Martin, an immigration lawyer and professor at Case Western Reserve University, told the BBC: Those applications have a tonne of personal information on them. It would be very, very shocking, and I think a little frightening, if that were to be released to the public. Not only for him, but as a whole. Close Related video: US government to appear in court over Prince Harrys visa after drug use admissions 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 }} Prince Harrys US visa records continue to stay under lock and key following a decision by the Department of Homeland Security (DHS). This week, the DHS rejected a request by conservative think tank the Heritage Foundation to expedite a Freedom of Information Act request seeking the Duke of Sussexs immigration records. DHS Senior Director Jimmy Wolfrey wrote in a letter that to the extent records exist, this office does not find a public interest in disclosure sufficient to override the subjects privacy interests, according to the New York Post. Heritage lawyer Samuel Dewey slammed the decision to stonewall its request saying it shows an appalling lack of transparency by the Biden Administration. We will be contesting their position, he added. We expected to have to fight every step of this case in federal court and will continue to press for transparency and accountability for the American people. The think tank has been seeking his visa records after Prince Harry admitted to past drug use, such as in his memoir Spare. Drug use can be a reason to reject a US visa application. Prince Harry moved to Montecito, California, with his wife Meghan Markle in July 2020. 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 top Republican on the Senate Energy panel is calling for an investigation of Energy Secretary Jennifer Granholm, after she told the committee she mistakenly provided false information about her family's stock holdings in testimony earlier this year. Wyoming Sen. John Barrasso on Wednesday asked the Energy Department's inspector general to look into what Barrasso called "multiple instances of questionable ethical conduct since the start of her tenure'' in 2021. Barrasso's request came after Granholm sent a letter to the committee revealing she owned financial stocks as recently as May, contradicting testimony she gave to the panel in April. Granholm also said her husband, Daniel Mulhern, owned previously undisclosed stock in Ford Motor Co., a key player in the Biden administration's efforts to improve fuel efficiency for cars and trucks and boost sales of electric vehicles. Granholm said at an April 20 budget hearing that she did not own any individual stocks, saying she was only invested in mutual funds. That comment was a mistake, Granholm said. I should have said that I did not own any conflicting stocks, she wrote in a June 9 letter to Democratic Sen. Joe Manchin, chairman of the energy panel. Granholm said she had stocks in six companies that were deemed non-conflicting assets by agency ethics officials but has since sold them. She declined to identify the companies or say how much the stocks were worth, but said that information would be publicly revealed on a financial disclosure report due this month. Granholm also said she recently became aware that her husband owned stock in Ford, which has worked closely with the Biden administration. Granholm is a former Michigan governor and prominent supporter of the U.S. auto industry. The Ford stock was sold on May 15 for just under $2,500, she said. As I was not previously aware of the asset, I did not report my spouses financial interest on my two prior Public Financial Disclosure Reports, nor was it included in the other paperwork associated with my nomination,'' Granholm wrote. If it had been reported, the value would have been listed as $1,001 to $15,000, she said. As a public servant, I take very seriously the commitment to hold myself to the highest ethical standards, and I regret the accidental omission of my spouses interest in Ford, Granholm wrote. A spokesman for Energy Department Inspector General Teri Donaldson said Wednesday that the watchdog office had received Barrasso's letter and was reviewing it. A DOE spokesman said Granholm is committed to ethical conduct and transparency. Secretary Granholm timely divested of all conflicting assets that were known at the time of her confirmation, and subsequently even divested of assets she wasnt legally required to sell. Granholm also drew criticism from Republicans two years ago, after she revealed ownership interest in an electric bus maker that President Joe Biden touted as part of push for EVs. Granholm sold her holdings in California-based Proterra Inc. in May 2021, clearing a net gain of $1.6 million. The sale fulfilled her obligations under an ethics agreement three months before an August 2021 deadline, the Energy Department said at the time. Republicans had criticized Granholms holdings in the company, noting the administrations focus on electric vehicles as part of its push to slow climate change. Criticism grew louder after Biden made an online visit to a Proterra manufacturing site in South Carolina to highlight U.S. EV makers. 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 }} Australia's main opposition party expelled a senator on Thursday after a female senator accused him of sexual assault in the latest evidence of a toxic culture in Parliament House that is hostile to women. Opposition leader Peter Dutton said he expelled Sen. David Van from the conservative Liberal Party following allegations made in Parliament on Wednesday night by independent Sen. Lidia Thorpe of harassment and sexual assault. Van remains a senator, but no longer represents the Liberal Party. Van denied the allegations, which were made under parliamentary privilege, under which no one can be sued for defamation over anything said in the Senate. Political leaders apologized last year to staffers who have endured decades of bullying, harassment and sexual assault inside Parliament House which were exposed by an investigation by the national sex discrimination commissioner. The investigation was triggered by a staffer's allegation that she was raped while drunk by a colleague in a ministers office in 2019. The staffer accused the then conservative government of treating her rape allegation as a political problem and of dissuading her from complaining to police. Thorpe told the Senate on Thursday that Van harassed her around the time that the staffer's complaints captured national media attention two years ago. The previous government had agreed with Thorpes request to shift Van to a different office to reduce their interaction walking to and from the Senate. The Associated Press does not normally identify alleged victims of sexual assault but Thorpe made the accusations publicly. Thorpe said Van groped her in a stairwell where there were no security cameras. There are different understandings of what amounts to sexual assault. What I experienced was being followed, aggressively propositioned and inappropriately touched, Thorpe tearfully told the Senate. She said she would not complain to police or sue in a civil court but had complained to the independent Parliamentary Workplace Support Service, which handles workplace complaints. Van welcomed the services investigation of what he described as outrageous claims. Sen. Thorpes allegations are concocted from beginning to end. Nothing that she has alleged about me is truthful, Van told the Senate. There is a pattern of Australian male lawmakers using sexist and abusive behavior to undermine their female opponents. Dutton suggested Thorpes allegations were not the only reason Van was expelled from the party. Since the airing of Sen. Thorpes allegation yesterday, further allegations in relation to Sen. Van have been brought to my attention overnight this morning, Dutton told reporters. Im not making any judgment on the veracity of allegations or any individuals guilt or innocence. I make that very clear. Obviously, theres an independent process with the Parliamentary Workplace Support service to get under way, Dutton 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 }} A reporter who asked President Joe Biden a question related to the various conspiracies and theories surrounding his sons business dealings received a short dismissal in response on Thursday. Mr Biden was hosting an event at the White House with the CEOs of companies committed to ending so-called junk fees, or hidden costs in the transactions of various products and services that leave Americans paying more than the advertised price. As he took questions from pool reporters, the president was asked a question by an unidentified journalist, who said: Why did the Ukraine FBI informant file refer to you as the big guy? The president shot back, "Why'd you ask such a dumb question?" as reporters were ushered out of the room. The question referred to an FBI human intelligence form generated in July 2020, the contents of which have been described by various unnamed sources to Fox News and other conservative news outlets. It supposedly details an allegation communicated to the FBI regarding a $5m payment supposedly made to Joe Biden by a Ukrainian company while he was serving as vice president. The allegation came from an FBI source who described multiple conversations with an executive at Burisma, the company in question, where Mr Bidens son Hunter served as a board member. But theres no hard evidence of a payment being made, and Mr Biden has denied ever speaking to his son about his business dealings in Ukraine. Republicans have latched on to the story and insisted that there is already smoking-gun evidence that Mr Biden received the payment, and was in fact the big guy referred to in the file and a separate email taken from a laptop formerly belonging to Hunter Biden. The younger Biden has denied any wrongdoing in his foreign business affairs. Complicating the issue is the fact that US intelligence agencies apparently warned social media outfits in 2020 that the storys origins resembled a possible Russian disinformation effort, which turned out to not be the case. Initial reports about the laptop (many of which veered into the territory of unverified conspiracies) were voluntarily suppressed by administrators of some social media platforms. Those involved with the storys suppression have since said that the hyper-sensitive atmosphere created by Russian interference in 2016 contributed to their decision. Mr Biden and his son have not been accused or charged with any crimes by US law enforcement authorities, though Hunter remains under investigation for possible tax law violations as well as for possibly lying on an application to purchase a firearm. Republicans continue to investigate the issue with the powers of the House Oversight Committee, though as of yet have failed to uncover any incriminating evidence. Sign up for the daily Inside Washington email for exclusive US coverage and analysis sent to your inbox Get our free Inside Washington email Please enter a valid email address Please enter a valid email address SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy notice Thanks for signing up to the Inside Washington email {{ #verifyErrors }} {{ message }} {{ /verifyErrors }} {{ ^verifyErrors }} Something went wrong. Please try again later {{ /verifyErrors }} Republican Louisiana Senator Bill Cassidy was educated by Twitter users after he slammed the White House Gift Shop for selling a commemorative coin memorialising the arraignment of former President Donald Trump on 37 counts in connection to his alleged mishandling of national security information. Mr Cassidy recorded a video of himself talking to the camera, saying that the selling of the coin was the outrage of the week. Whatever you think about it, whatever party you are, youve gotta admit that its poor taste, that its capitalizing upon something without his permission, he said in the footage posted on Monday. Have a sense of decency, White House Gift Shop. The White House Gift Shop should not be selling a commemorative coin marking Donald Trumps indictment. This is totally outrageous, Dr Cassidy tweeted. Social media users were quick to tell Dr Cassidy that the White House Gift Shop has no connection to the actual White House. Its unclear if the senator was aware that the White House Gift Shop is a private company selling White House-themed items, including coins. He didnt mention the Biden administration in his video. Mr Cassidy linked to the coin, which is not yet on sale, on the shops website. The company also sells another coin connected to Mr Trumps previous indictment in New York state on 34 counts of falsifying business records in connection to hush money payments to women who claimed they had had affairs with him. Twitter users added a message to Mr Cassidys tweet, noting that the shop isnt linked to the White House and referenced an AP fact check from last year. Mr Cassidy was just one of seven senators to vote to convict Mr Trump during his second impeachment trial following the January 6 insurrection. Our Constitution and our country is more important than any one person, the senator said after his vote. I voted to convict President Trump because he is guilty. After sharing his video about the White House Gift Shop, Twitter users were quick to note that its been a private shop since the 1940s. Youre on the internet. Maybe Google the White House Gift Shop, genius. It has no connection to the White House, one Twitter user said. Trump stole classified documents and Bill is concerned about the WH gift shop selling a coin, another added. In light of all the issues facing our nation, I think its an outrage that this is what you are outraged about! Do your job Senator, protect national security and stop worrying about the merchandise selection at a f****** gift shop! a third said. Its something that a sitting U.S. senator is unaware that the White House Gift Shop isnt an official government gift shop, but rather a private enterprise. (Oh, and this isnt the first time someone has made this mistake! Martin Austermuhle of NPR tweeted. Um, they also sold a commemorative coin with Trump and Kim Jong Un on it, Jennifer Bendery of HuffPost 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 }} As Donald Trump does what he does best and sucks the political oxygen out of the room, over in what feels issue-wise like a proxy 2024 election race, the Republican governor of Florida Ron DeSantis had a feisty message for his California counterpart Democrat Governor Gavin Newsom. The two governors have been locked in a feud since Florida flew planeloads of migrants from Texas to the California state capital of Sacramento in a protest of what Mr DeSantis sees as a dereliction of immigration policy at the southern border by Democrats. Governor Newsom responded by sharply rebuking the Florida governor, and the possibility of criminal charges has been floated. He has since repeatedly criticised Mr DeSantis in interviews and public comments. At Thursdays signing of the state budget in Fort Pierce, Florida, Mr DeSantis was asked about Mr Newsom telling Sean Hannity that he would debate the Florida governor in an event moderated by the Fox News host. While he didnt answer the question directly, Governor DeSantis said of Governor Newsom to reporters: He has a real serious fixation on the state of Florida, I think its just bizarre that he does that. What I would tell him is you know what, stop pussyfooting around. Are you going to throw your hat into the ring and challenge Joe [Biden]? Further laying into Mr Newsom, the Florida governor said his California counterpart is facing huge problems in his state and has overseen a massive exodus due to it being mismanaged and ill-governed. Are you going to get in and do it, or are you going to sit on the sidelines and chirp? he added, goading Mr Newsom. So why dont you throw your hat into the ring, and then well go ahead and talk about whats happening. The DeSantis campaign is now selling Stop pussyfooting around t-shirts. Mr Newsom has no plans to enter the race for the White House and has explicitly said he wont run in 2024. Asked if he would challenge President Biden for the Democratic Party nomination, the governor said: Im rooting for our president, and I have great confidence [in him]. However, he is seen as a possible contender for a future run and appears to be positioning himself as such by raising his national profile with a proposed constitutional amendment regarding gun control and by heightening his media profile. In late March, he launched a new political action committee focused on fighting for Democrats in red states throughout the 2024 election cycle. Some $10m was channelled into the Campaign for Democracy committee to help out in state where freedom is most under attack. Mr DeSantis and Mr Newsom exemplify their parties stances on many issues which often puts them head-to-head on the national stage. In addition to immigration and the care of asylum seekers, the two are also at loggerheads on gun control and LGBT+ issues specifically around Floridas so-called Dont Say Gay bill in which Disney, which has its major theme parks and operations in both states, has found itself at war with Mr DeSantis, and a champion in Mr Newsom. The Florida governor is locked in a legal battle with the company that brought Mickey Mouse to the world regarding how its properties are planned and governed in the state. Meanwhile, on Wednesday night, Mr Newsom attended the first-ever Pride Night at Disneyland in Anaheim, California, signalling support for both LGBT+ rights and freedoms as well as for Disney. In further juxtaposition to Mr DeSantis, earlier in the day he met with Disney CEO Bob Iger and Disney Parks chairman Josh DAmaro for a briefing on DisneylandForward, the companys proposed expansion plans for its property in Anaheim. Later on Thursday, Mr Newsom responding to a video on Twitter of Mr DeSantiss earlier remarks asked the governor: So debate challenge accepted? Or do you need your notes for that, too? 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 }} Eric Trump proved the apple doesnt fall far from the tree this week when a rambling rant on Newsmax saw him widely mocked on social media. The son of former president Donald Trump lashed out at the Democratic Party in a fiery monologue where he claimed the party would raid his teenage half-brother Barrons underwear drawer. If you get in the way of the Democratic Party, if you question their power, if you interfere with their little fiefdom, they will target you, they will come after you and they will try and destroy your life, he said in an interview with Newsmax following his fathers latest arrest. It is rape and pillage they will burn down the street. It doesnt matter for these people. They will take out innocent people, they will go after your family, they will go after your kids. Eric then made the bizarre claim that Democrats would rifle through his younger brothers underwear drawer while also getting his siblings age wrong, not once but twice. They will raid Barrons room, whos a 16-year-old kid, 15-year-old kid, theyll go through his underwear drawer. Theyll send the FBI, theyll spy on your campaign - weve seen it all, he claimed. Barron Trump is 17 years old. Erics rant, which came on the heels of the former presidents indictment, appeared to fall in with Mr Trumps own baseless claims that the legal case over his alleged retention of classified documents after leaving the White House is a set up by his political opponents. But his message was widely panned on social media. I often wonder if Republicans will figure out in my lifetime that the democrats are destroying our country messaging doesnt get them new voters, wrote one Twitter user in response to Erics rant. Another added: If your father had turned over the classified documents (as is legally required) instead of lying about them and hiding them, no search would have been needed. Other tweets in the topic pulled a weightier punch, accusing Mr Trump of spreading propaganda on behalf of his father and questioning why he had brought up the topic of a teens underwear drawer. On Tuesday afternoon, Mr Trump appeared for his arraignment in a Miami federal courthouse, becoming the first current or former US president ever charged with a federal crime. He pleaded not guilty to all 37 federal charges over his handling of classified documents, including national defence information, after leaving the White House. The indictment, which was unsealed on Friday (9 June), alleges that Mr Trump deliberately lied to and misled authorities so that he could hold onto documents that he knew were classified. On at least two separate occasions, Mr Trump then showed some of the classified documents to people not authorised to see them, the indictment alleges. Eric Trump goes on bizarre rant on Newsmax (Newsmax) Stunning photos revealed that many of the documents were stored around a toilet, shower and ballroom at his Mar-a-Lago estate. The charges include 31 counts of willful retention of national defense information and single counts of false statements and representations, and counts of conspiracy to obstruct justice, withholding a document or record, corruptly concealing a document, concealing a document in a federal investigation and a scheme to conceal. Mr Trumps longtime aide Walt Nauta was also charged with six obstruction- and concealment-related charges after he allegedly helped move boxes of documents from Mar-a-Lago to Mr Trumps residence and then lied to investigators about having any knowledge of the handling of the papers. The two men appeared in court together but Mr Nauta did not enter a plea as he did not have legal counsel in Florida. 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 }} Trump loyalist Lindsey Graham was back in the running for the former presidents most vocal cheerleader in the Senate this week after he warned a CNN reporter that the GOP would revolt if Donald Trump were to face a third criminal indictment relating to January 6. The South Carolina Republican, who actually made a show of publicly breaking with Mr Trump in the hours after the attack on the Capitol only to glom back onto the bandwagon when things cooled down, spoke in the halls of Congress this week after the former president was formally arraigned in a Miami courtroom for the alleged illegal retention of presidential records and classified documents. Mr Graham told CNNs Manu Raju that [i]f the special counsel indicts President Trump in Washington DC for anything related to January 6th, that will be considered a major outrage by Republicans because you could convict any Republican of anything in Washington DC." It was a warning that served to outline the GOPs commitment to pushing (without a shred of evidence) the idea that the Justice Department has been politically weaponised by Democrats against Republicans, a charge fiercely denied by the agencys leadership itself and contradicted by the public actions of President Joe Biden, who has categorically refused to comment on active investigations and maintained that he refuses to be briefed on them as well. Mr Trump actually faces two separate criminal investigations stemming from his efforts to overturn the lawful results of the 2020 election. One, headed by Jack Smith, is being run out of Washington DC, where thousands of his supporters attacked the US Capitol in an effort to prevent Congress from certifying his election defeat. Another is being headed up by District Attorney Fani Willis of Fulton County, Georgia, where investigators are looking into the presidents efforts to change the results of Georgias presidential election vote. Even as the GOP wrestles with their own who contend that the January 6 attack was not a serious incident, and that the lives of Vice President Mike Pence and various lawmakers on Capitol Hill were not in danger, Mr Graham is faced with accusations himself of refusing to support any effort to hold Mr Trump accountable for his very public actions due to fear of upsetting the Republican base in his state. This interview is likely to deepen those charges, given that Mr Graham himself was reported by The Washington Post to have attempted to order Capitol Police officers to open fire with lethal rounds on rioters during the attack. The senator saw those accusations voiced over the weekend by former CIA director James Clapper, who called him a spineless coward. It makes me angry when I hear people like Lindsey Graham make excuses and apologies for Donald Trump," Mr Brennan said during an appearance on MSNBC. Those are the words of a spineless coward, quite frankly, who is frightened by Donald Trump and is frightened by those individuals who still cling to an image of Donald Trump as being this very strong leader, which he is not. The former president was arraigned on Tuesday in the probe into his handling of classified materials on violations of the Espionage Act and witness tampering, among other crimes. He is separately accused of 34 counts of falsifying business records in New York. 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 }} A lesser-known member of Trumpworld found herself in the public eye this week after she was misidentified on Fox News as none other than the former presidents wife, Melania Trump. The sunglasses-wearing aide accompanying Donald Trump to his arraignment in a Miami courthouse this week was not the former first lady, but actually his deputy communications director, Margo Martin. Ms Martin, 27, is one of a long series of young conservatives who saw their careers take off under the ex-president, who since the beginning of his political career has had a penchant for bringing along fresh-faced staffers and elevating them past many of their older peers. The most famous example of that trend was Mr Trumps longtime personal assistant, Hope Hicks, who would serve as communications director in the White House in her early thirties. Margo Martin outside the United States Federal Courthouse in Miami (AFP via Getty Images) Ms Martin was misidentified by the Fox reporter on the scene, John Roberts, who told viewers as he spotted her: We have some video that we want to play out here, Melania Trump entering the courthouse just a short time ago. He added moments later: There she is. A producer evidently spotted the error and alerted Roberts, because the Fox correspondent issued a correction a short time afterwards. So we just clarify something, Byron, we thought that was Melania Trump that was arriving apparently it was not Melania so apologies for that, Roberts said. Day like today, with some many comings and goings, its easy from a distance to mistake two people. Ms Martin, unlike Mr Trumps chief spokeswoman Liz Harrington, is actually a hanger-on from Mr Trumps time in the White House. Few people made that leap with her, as some prominent members of the administration including then-press secretary Stephanie Grisham, resigned in protest after the events of January 6. Ms Martin worked in the White House throughout the 2020 election season and later through the unstable period of several months during which her boss attempted to throw out the lawful results of the contest. On the final day of Mr Trumps time in the White House, 20 January 2021, Ms Martin called the last press lid for her bosss four years in power. Shes also one of the key figures, as a result, in the Department of Justices prosecution of her boss over his handling of classified materials. According to CBS News, her voice is heard on a key piece of audio evidence in which Mr Trump describes classified restrictions on one of the documents in his possession. Shes been spotted, according to multiple news outlets, at the building where the grand jury convened by Smith was meeting, and testified in March, according to The New York Post. Its unclear if she is separately involved in the DoJs investigation into January 6. Mr Trump was formally charged this week with 37 criminal counts related to his retention of classified documents and presidential records, reportedly including defence documents, from the White House. He pled not guilty in a court appearance on Tuesday, before raging about the charges in a speech from New Jersey later in the evening. The former president faces accusations of violating the Espionage Act and reprimands from his own party, including his onetime ally, ex-Vice President Mike Pence, over the allegations while a thinning circle of far-right Republicans continue to dismiss the seriousness of the charges. 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 }} A Detroit-area community banned flying LGBTQ+ pride flags on public property on Wednesday. The city council of Hamtramck, Michigan, a diverse 27,000-person enclave near Detroit, voted unanimously that the town would only fly the state flag, US flag, and flags representing the home nations of immigrants to the community, which has a large population of people born in Yemen and Bangladesh. You guys are welcome, council member Nayeem Choudhury said during a council meeting ahead of the vote, according to the Associated Press. (But) why do you have to have the flag shown on government property to be represented? Youre already represented. We already know who you are. Some on the council, all of whose members are Muslim, said the Pride flag clashes with beliefs of some of their constituents. Councilman Mohammed Hassan, who authored the flag resolution, said he was working for the people, what the majority of the people like. Some local officials criticised the decision. The City of Detroit proudly raises our Pride Flag at the start of every Pride Month and allows it to fly throughout the year to show our unwavering support for the LGBTQ+ community and the diversity within, Detroit mayor Mike Duggan wrote on Twitter. Its the role of city officials to ensure everyone feels welcome in their community, and everyone is welcome here in Detroit !!!! Hayley Cain told the council during the vote she chose to live in the small community because it was known for its diversity. Im questioning whether it is. ... The pride flag represents making space for all humans on all the spectrums, and this is where were going as a human species, Ms Cain said, according to the AP. You cant stop that. Other places including the California cities like Orange County, Huntington Beach, Redlands, and Delano have banned Pride flags on public property, according to Forbes. Last year, Cold Spring, New York, decided it would only fly the state, US, and the prisoner of war flags on public property, after receiving requests to hoist Pride flags as well as the Ukrainian flag. Schools districts as well as private companies like Exxon have also limited the flying of Pride flags. A wave of flag related disputes and votes came following a 2022 US Supreme Court decision, which faulted Boston for denying to fly a religious flag on public property despite lacking clear policies about which flags it allowed. 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 }} Hailed as a major victory for Native Americans and their families, the US Supreme Court has left intact a federal law that sought to remedy the governments past abuses and the legacy of forced removal of Indigenous children from their families. In a 7-2 vote from the nations highest court, justices have upheld the Indian Child Welfare Act, preserving the laws preference to the foster care and adoption of Native children by their relatives and Tribes. The landmark law, in place for nearly 50 years, followed a congressional investigation that found that more than one-third of Native children were removed from their Tribal homes and placed with non-Native families and institutions, severing their ties to the families and Tribes. US Interior Secretary Deb Haaland among the first Native American women to serve in Congress and the first Native American to serve as a secretary in a presidential cabinet said the courts decision on 15 June is a welcome affirmation across Indian Country of what presidents and congressional majorities on both sides of the aisle have recognized for the past four decades. For nearly two centuries, federal policies promoted the forced removal of Indian children from their families and communities through boarding schools, foster care, and adoption, she said in a statement. Those policies were a targeted attack on the existence of Tribes, and they inflicted trauma on children, families and communities that people continue to feel today. Passage of the landmark law in 1978 put an end to those policies, she said, and ensured that the US would meet its legal and moral obligation to protect Indian children and families, and safeguard the future of Indian Tribes. A ruling in Brackeen v Haaland, written by conservative Justice Amy Coney Barrett, who was appointed by Donald Trump, affirms that congressional authority to legislate with respect to Indians is well established and broad. Conservative Justices Clarence Thomas and Samuel Alito dissented. The ruling followed a challenge from Chad and Jennifer Brackeen, alongside other non-Native prospective adoptive couples and three states, who argued that the law violated state sovereignty and their constitutional rights by discriminating against them on the basis of race. The court rejected that argument on its merits and for lack of standing, with a ruling that underscored the preservation of critical cultural and familial ties among Native American children. Tribal authorities and their supporters have argued that the Indian Child Welfare Act is based on political distinctions, not racial ones, and that Congress drafted the law to ensure Tribal futures. A concurring opinion from conservative Justice Neil Gorsuch wrote in ardent support. Our Constitution reserves for the Tribes a place an enduring place in the structure of American life. It promises them sovereignty for as long as they wish to keep it. And it secures that promise by divesting States of authority over Indian affairs and by giving the federal government certain significant (but limited and enumerated) powers aimed at building a lasting peace, he wrote. Congress exercised that lawful authority to secure the right of Indian parents to raise their families as they please; the right of Indian children to grow in their culture; and the right of Indian communities to resist fading into the twilight of history, he added. All of that is in keeping with the Constitutions original design. President Joe Biden said in a statement celebrating the courts decision that the Indian Child Welfare Act sought to protect the future of Tribal Nations and promote the best interests of Native children, and it does just that. The touchstone law respects tribal sovereignty and protects Native children by helping Native families stay together and, whenever possible, keeping children with their extended families or community who already know them, love them, and can help them understand who they are as Native people and citizens of their Tribal Nations, he added. His statement addressed the painful history looming over the decision, pointing to the legacies of boarding schools and forced removals of Native children from their communities, all with the aim of erasing who they are as Native people and tribal citizens. These were acts of unspeakable cruelty that affected generations of Native children and threatened the very survival of Tribal Nations, he added. The Indian Child Welfare Act was our Nations promise: never again. US Interior Secretary Deb Haaland is pictured speaking at a Bureau of Indian Affairs event in New Mexico on 11 June (AP) Tribal authorities across the country also have welcomed the decision. Navajo Nation President Buu Nygren, representing the largest Tribe within the US, said the ruling is a victory for all Indigenous children and all Indigenous Nations in the United States. We hope this decision will lay to rest the political attacks aimed at diminishing tribal sovereignty and creating instability throughout Indian law that have persisted for too long, according to a statement from leaders of the Cherokee Nation, Morongo Band of Mission Indians, Oneida Nation and Quinault Indian Nation. More than a dozen states have incorporated federal protections in the Indian Child Welfare Act into their state codes; American Civil Liberties Union and other advocacy groups have urged other states to do the same. Tribes have a fundamental right to govern themselves and make decisions on issues that affect their own people including Native children without interference from federal or state governments, said Crystal Pardue, a staff attorney with the ACLUs Racial Justice Program. Native families have a right to stay together, care for their children, and preserve tribal culture by ensuring access to their cultural identity, language, and heritage. 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 }} For Americans who lived through the 1990s, the words Clinton and socks may bring to mind a whimsical image of a certain famous feline, of the black-and-white tuxedo variety, who prowled the most prestigious halls of American power at a time when the US was emerging as the worlds sole unchallenged superpower. But for former president Donald Trump, those two words represent the latest attempt to manifest a legal defence for his alleged unlawful retention of hundreds of documents with classification markings at levels up to top secret, long after his term. At a campaign fundraiser and birthday party-cum-rally following his arraignment on 37 separate federal criminal charges on Tuesday, Mr Trump laid out what looks to be the argument his attorneys will present when the unprecedented case against him is heard by US District Judge Aileen Cannon at some point in the future. Under the Presidential Records Act, which is civil, not criminal, I had every right to have these documents. The crucial legal precedent is laid out in the most important case ever on this subject known as the Clinton socks case, he said. Mr Trump was referencing a decade-old civil lawsuit brought by Judicial Watch, a right-wing activist group, which had sought access to audio recordings of a series of conversations between former president Bill Clinton and Taylor Branch, an author and historian with whom Mr Clinton regularly met during his eight years in the White House. The existence of the recordings, which were created by Mr Branch, only became known when Mr Branch published his 2009 book, The Clinton Tapes: Wrestling History With The President. The tapes had supposedly been kept in Clintons socks drawer hence the name. Judicial Watch had asked the US District Court for the District of Columbia for a declaratory judgment stating that the tapes, which were recorded during Mr Clintons presidency, were official records of his administration under the Presidential Records Act. They also asked for the court to order the National Archives and Records Administration to take possession of the recordings and deposit them in Mr Clintons presidential library. That law, which was enacted under then-president Jimmy Carter in 1978, stated that documentary materials, or any reasonably segregable portion thereof, created or received by the President, his immediate staff, or a unit or individual of the Executive Office of the President whose function is to advise and assist the President, in the course of conducting activities which relate to or have an effect upon the carrying out of the constitutional, statutory, or other official or ceremonial duties of the President were the property of the US government and had to be deposited with Nara at the end of a presidents time in office. Congress had passed the PRA to stop former president Richard Nixon from destroying records from his defunct administration, which would have been within Mr Nixons purview at the time since prior to that laws enactment, presidential records were considered property of the president in whose administration the records had been created. Though Judicial Watch argued that the tapes fell under the category of documentary materials created during Mr Clintons term, Nara had already determined that the tapes were personal records for PRA purposes, meaning they were of a purely private or nonpublic character because they were the functional equivalent of a diary or journal which are not prepared or utilized for, or circulated or communicated in the course of, transacting Government business. And in her 2012 memorandum opinion referenced by Mr Trump, District Judge Amy Berman Jackson granted Naras motion to dismiss the lawsuit for failing to state a claim upon which relief could be granted. Citing a pair of 1991 appellate court rulings which found that the PRA did not give courts the power to review Naras decisions regarding categorisations of records as presidential or personal, Judge Berman Jackson found that Judicial Watch had not cited any provision of the Administrative Procedure Act which would support a decision to order Nara to reclassify the Clinton-Branch tapes as presidential records and take custody of them. If certain records are not designated as Presidential records, the Archivist has no statutory obligation to take any action at all, and there is nothing to compel under the APA, she wrote. In order to accept plaintiffs theory that the PRA creates a mandatory duty for the Archivist to assume custody and control of what he or she considers to be Presidential records regardless of how the President designated the documents, the Court would be required to ignore the rest of the PRAs statutory scheme. This it cannot do. Even a laymans reading of that 2012 decision would, in theory, give a reader the impression that the case says the opposite of what Mr Trump claims. Yet in the 10 months since the FBI carried out a court-authorised search of his Palm Beach, Florida property, the twice-impeached, now twice-indicted ex-president and his allies have repeatedly argued the judges ruling gives former presidents plenary power to classify any given record as a personal record, and the government therefore had no right to seek return of the national defence information he has been charged with unlawfully retaining. The ex-president stated as such during his Tuesday evening speech, telling attendees: The decision to segregate personal materials from presidential records is made by the president during the presidents term, and in the presidents sole discretion. Trump says the Clinton socks case shows he was within his rights to keep secret government information hidden from DoJ investigators. Some legal observers arent buying it (Copyright 2023 The Associated Press. All rights reserved) In other words, whatever documents the president decides to take with him, he has the right to do so. Its an absolute right. This is the law, and that is something that people have now seen, and it couldnt be more clear, he added. But according to legal and government records experts, the sweeping authority Mr Trump described is most certainly not, in any way, shape or form, the law. Mark Zaid, a Washington, DC attorney who specialises in national security matters, told The Independent in a text message that Mr Trumps repeated invocation of the Judicial Watch case is nothing more than argle-bargle meant to give partisans something to say in his defence, and not in any way a passable legal argument. That civil decision is completely irrelevant and will have no substantative impact on the criminal proceedings. The reference is nothing more than PR talking point meant to energize their political base, he said. Ed Whelan, a conservative legal scholar who once served as a clerk for the late Supreme Court Justice Antonin Scalia, wrote on Twitter that the arguments being put forth by Mr Trump and his allies amount to a bizzarro account of the PRA. Mr Whelan, who was commenting on a Wall Street Journal op-ed authored by a Judicial Watch attorney called Michael Bekesha, argued Mr Bekesha was misrepresenting the outcome of the lawsuit which his organisation had brought more than 10 years before. Its [one] thing for court to rule it doesnt have authority to order Nara, against its judgment, to take control of docs taken by [a] former president. It would be quite another to maintain that [the] PRA prevents current president from recovering classified docs from [a] former president, he said. He continued: Under Bekeshas misreading of Presidential Records Act, [a] current president has no means (other than begging) of getting [a] former president to return wrongly retained national-security docs, no matter how sensitive. Very odd to torture [the] PRA and 2012 ruling to reach such a result. Not only was Mr Trumps apparent defence panned by members of the legal community, but it also drew ridicule from another expert contacted by The Independent, a civil servant who has worked with administrations of both parties and specialises in the management and flow of government records. This person, who asked to remain anonymous because they are generally not authorised to speak with the press, called Mr Trumps claim to have designated as personal documents containing sensitive national defence information, complete and utter bulls*** without compare. The expert explained that the documents in question were not properly categorised as either personal or presidential records because they were created within the Defense Department or US Intelligence Community, not within the Executive Office of the President. Its the absolute most ridiculous thing Ive ever heard, they said when asked about Mr Trumps argument. Its the kind of thing youd say if you secretly want to go to prison. 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 }} A current member of former President Donald Trumps legal team suggested as far back as 2022 that his client should seek a settlement with the federal government over allegations that he retained presidential records and classified materials including, reportedly, defence documents. That lawyer was Christopher Kise, according to the Washington Post, who was seen with the twice-impeached ex-president as recently as Tuesday for the latters appearance before a Miami judge. The Post reported that Mr Kise suggested late last year that Mr Trump could seek a settlement with the DoJ as a means of tak[ing] the temperature down, and (hopefully) successfully preempting any decision by special counsel Jack Smith to bring charges. That obviously didnt happen, though Mr Kise would remain a part of the former presidents legal team; he declined to comment for the Posts story. But it shows that even some among Mr Trumps own legal team apparently think that the DoJs case is strong enough to be worth pursuing that option. A spokesperson for the Trump campaign, meanwhile, rejected that assertion entirely and repeated the former presidents evidence-free complaint that the DoJs prosecution was politically motivated. That argument has been rejected by a number of prominent Republicans in his own party, who have affirmed the seriousness of the allegations and the gravity of the evidence already released by the DoJ. It has been accepted, however, by GOP allies of the ex-president including many in the House of Representatives. President Trump has consistently been in full compliance with the Presidential Records Act, which is the only law that applies to Presidents and their records, Steven Cheung told the Post. In the course of negotiations over the return of the documents, President Trump told the lead DOJ official, anything you need from us, just let us know. Sadly, the weaponized DOJ rejected this offer of cooperation and conducted an unnecessary and unconstitutional raid on the Presidents home in order to inflict maximum political damage on the leading presidential candidate. Mr Trump laid out those complaints again on Tuesday evening following his arraignment on a 37-count indictment in Miami, arguing that photo evidence released by the agency was staged and repeating a misconception about the Presidential Records Act and a Bill Clinton-era court ruling which his allies have argued gave him the right to unilaterally deem the retained documents personal records. He stands accused of violating the Espionage Act and a number of other violations of the law including witness tampering; meanwhile, he faces a separate 34-count indictment in New York over a 2016 hush money scheme involving porn star Stormy Daniels. 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 }} Slovakias new government of technocrats lost a mandatory confidence vote in Parliament on Thursday, just a month after taking office. President Zuzana Caputova, who swore in the 15-member Cabinet led by Prime Minister Ludovit Odor on May 15, now has to dismiss it. At the same time, the president will ask the government to stay in office with limited powers till a new government is formed following the Sept. 30 early election, Caputova's office later said. The technocrat Cabinet was created with the aim to lead the country to that election, for which a date was set back in January. Of the 136 lawmakers who were present in the 150-seat Parliament, the government was defeated in a 34-43 vote. Slovakia has been without a proper government since last December, when the coalition government led by Prime Minister Eduard Heger was ousted in a no-confidence vote called by the opposition, following months of political crisis. Caputova initially asked Heger to lead a caretaker government until early elections could take place. However, after four members of the caretaker administration gradually left their posts, Heger offered his resignation and Caputova opted for a government of technocrats. Under Slovakian law, every government had to face a confidence vote in Parliament within 30 days. Caputova said that in its limited time, the new government should focus on stabilizing the current situation in the country, preparing next years budget, and lead Slovakia to the September election. Hegers government was a staunch supporter of Ukraine in its fight against Russian military aggression and gave the Ukrainian armed forces the arms they requested such as 13 Soviet-era MiG-29 fighter jets and the S-300 air defense system. Odors government has been following suit but some current opposition leaders, including former populist Prime Minister Robert Fico, oppose military support for Ukraine and European Union sanctions against Russia. Fico and his Smer-Social Democracy leftist party are the favorites to win the upcoming election, according to recent polls. 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 white Starbucks manager whose staff refused bathroom access to two Black men was awarded $25.6m after successfully arguing that the company fired her because of her skin colour. In April 2018, two Black men visited a Starbucks in Philadelphia to attend a business meeting. A third person a white man had not yet arrived. One of the men asked if he could use the restroom while they waited for the third to arrive. The staff told him no. The men, Donte Robinson and Rashon Nelson, both 23 at the time, were eventually asked to leave, and an employee later called the police to report them when they did not. The men were arrested, and videos of their encounter with police spread on social media, resulting in boycotts, threats, and allegations of racism against the coffee company. Kevin R Johnson, the company's CEO at the time, apologised following the incident, calling the situation "reprehensible." The stores manager, Shannon Phillips, was fired over the incident, but sued Starbucks, alleging she had only been terminated because she was white. A federal jury in New Jersey appears to have agreed with her argument, according to the New York Times. The jury found that Starbucks violated a New Jersey law prohibiting racial discrimination, and awarded her $600,000 in compensatory damages, along with $25m in punitive damages. Laura Mattiacci, Ms Phillips' lawyer, said she and her client were "very pleased" by the outcome. A spokesperson for Starbucks told The Independent that the company had no comment to offer in response to the ruling. She claimed in her lawsuit that Starbucks sought to punish white employees in and around Philadelphia, even if they had not been involved in the bathroom incident. Ms Phillips also alleged that one of her superiors, a Black woman, told her to suspend a white manager who oversaw other Philadelphia stores, though not the store where the incident took place. The woman allegedly said the suspension was in response to the white manager engaging in discriminatory conduct, but Ms Phillips said she knew for a fact the allegations were not true, and she pushed back against the demand. She also said that the in-store manager at the location where the two Black men were arrested was a Black man himself. Ms Phillips said Starbucks took no action against him following the incident. Ms Phillips said she was fired shortly after she pushed back on the alleged directive to fire the white managers. Starbucks denied targeting Ms Phillips due to her race, insisting instead that she was terminated because of her reportedly lackluster response to the Rittenhouse Square incident. Lawyers representing the company argued that the crisis required "a leader who could perform" and claimed that "Ms Phillips failed in every aspect of that role." Starbucks eventually settled a lawsuit brought by Mr Robinson and Mr Nelson. The settlement with Starbucks was confidential. 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 RepublicanWyoming county commissioner is arguing that the controversially named Swastika Lake should keep its name, despite multiple proposals to rename the body of water in the Medicine Bow-Routt National Forest. Why would we remove the teaching opportunity to explain the history of the swastika, both good and bad? Albany County commissioner Terri Jones said at a council meeting last week, according to the Laramie Reporter. The bad was very bad. However, the good predated the bad by eons. And the good is truly good and represents hope and goodwill. Ms Jones said changing the name would amount to a communist ploy. We should not change names to suit sensitive people, she added. An educated person should be able to speak to both sides of the issue, but you must know that there are two sides of the coin to address. Limiting knowledge and removing history are the calling cards of communism. I believe that Swastika Lake should remain Swastika Lake. Theres no record of how the lake got its name, according to the Reporter, though the name predates the rise of the Nazi party, which appropriated the swastika symbol from its ancient Southeast Asian roots in Hinduism, Buddhism, and Jainism. Other commissioners have proposed changing the lakes name to Fortune Lake, a reference to the swastikas original Sanskrit meaning of good fortune or well-being, while the Albany County Historical Society wants to rename the lake for Samuel Howell Knight, a renowned local geologist and paleontologist. Because the lake sits in a national forest, federal officials will have to approve any name change. Last month, a remote peak in Oregons Umpqua National Forest was renamed from Swastika Mountain to Mount Halo, in honour of Chief Halito of the Yoncalla Kalapuya tribe, a prominent 19th century indigenous leader whose village was located nearby the peak. The mountains original naming also predates the Nazis, and stemmed from the name of a cattle ranch and town named Swastika in the early 1900s. Last year, 42 Wyoming place names were changed to remove the word squaw, a slur for indigenous women. As conversations about identity and racism in US history have grown more prominent in recent years, efforts are underway across the country to remove or change place names rooted in Americas white supremacist and settler-colonialist history. 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 }} Australias most decorated living soldier Ben Roberts-Smith has refused to apologise for alleged war crimes in Afghanistan. In his first public remarks since a judge ruled that the claims that he committed war crimes were substantially true, Mr Roberts-Smith said: It was a terrible result and obviously the incorrect result. We will look at it and consider whether or not we need to file an appeal. The 44-year-old was quoted as saying by Australias Channel Nine: There is not much more I can say about it... we just have to work through it and Ill take the advice as it comes. Earlier this month, a federal judge concluded that Mr Roberts-Smith unlawfully killed prisoners and committed other war crimes in Afghanistan in a landmark defamation case. The ruling dismissed his claims that he was defamed by media reports about his war service. He lost the case against The Age, The Sydney Morning Herald and The Canberra Times. The judge found allegations that Mr Roberts-Smith murdered or was complicit in the killing of four unarmed Afghans while deployed overseas were substantially true. Mr Roberts-Smith has now refused to apologise for the war crimes: We havent done anything wrong, so we wont be making any apologies. He insisted that he was proud of his service in Afghanistan. He returned to Perth, Australia, from New Zealand for the first time since the defamation case judgement was delivered by judge Anthony Besanko earlier this month. It was also reported that a day after the defamation case ruling, Mr Roberts-Smith resigned from Seven West Media where he was appointed general manager of Seven Queensland in 2015. Chairman of Seven, Kerry Stokes, financed Mr Roberts-Smiths legal costs in the trial. Mr Stokes has been publicly defending Mr Roberts-Smith since the trial. Last year, he said: Ben Roberts-Smith is innocent and deserves legal representation and that scumbag journalists should be held to account. And quote me on that. 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 }} More than 700kg methamphetamine packed in maple syrup bottles shipped from Canada to New Zealand. The international drug operation said to be the largest at the border was upended by authorities in New Zealand, Australia and Canada. The shipment was intercepted in January this year, said New Zealand police commissioner Andrew Coster in a statement issued on Thursday. The entire exercise was dubbed Operation Regis and was worked on by officials from the New Zealand police, the customs department, the Royal Canadian Mounted Police, Australian Federal Police and Victoria Police. The international drug trade and organised crime groups are creating havoc and harm in communities around the globe, and our best opportunity to disrupt, intercept, and keep our communities safe, is to work collaboratively with other agencies, and other nations, he said. This seizure of nearly three-quarters of a tonne shows the effectiveness of working across borders. So far, police have arrested six people, aged between 22 and 45, in connection with the case. Weve seen a surge coming down this way. Its no great surprise we were alerted earlier this year of a shipment of 713kg of meth that was coming in by ship freight, Greg Williams, the director of the New Zealand polices National Organised Crime Group, told the media. Its kind of sad in some ways that we keep coming and saying were getting bigger and bigger seizures, he was quoted as saying by NZHerald. All six of those arrested are set to appear before the North Shore and Auckland district courts. Police estimate that the drugs would have caused close to $486m worth of immense social harm. Had this shipment been distributed across New Zealand it would have caused immense harm to the vulnerable communities these criminal groups were preying upon, Mr Coster said. New Zealand customs comptroller Christine Stevenson told local media that they have seen an increase in large-scale drug smuggling attempts at the border. It points to the determination of these criminals to peddle their harm in our communities for their own personal wealth and at the expense of our communities, regardless of the damage to social, health and wider economic well-being, she said. Our message to transnational organised crime is that we are aware of what they are doing, how they are doing it, and we will use the combined resources of New Zealand Customs and our partner agencies here in New Zealand and around the world to stop them and hit the profits they try to extract from our communities and our economy. For free real time breaking news alerts sent straight to your inbox sign up to our breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails Please enter a valid email address Please enter a valid email address SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy notice Thanks for signing up to the Breaking News email {{ #verifyErrors }} {{ message }} {{ /verifyErrors }} {{ ^verifyErrors }} Something went wrong. Please try again later {{ /verifyErrors }} The sinking of a migrant boat off the coast of Greece has left at least 78 people dead with the central Mediterranean facing one of its worst disasters in recent memory. More than a hundred passengers have since been rescued from the stricken vessel, which was making the perilous crossing from Tobruk in northern Libya to southern Italy when its engine cut out, causing it to take on water and flood over one of the seas deepest points. The craft, measuring 25 to 30 metres long, reportedly rebuffed offers of help from the Greek coastguard before it capsized and may have been grossly overcrowded with more than 500 people on board, according to Ioannis Zafiropoulos, deputy mayor of the southern port city of Kalamata, where the survivors were taken. Those rescued so far include Egyptians, Syrians, Pakistanis, Afghans and Palestinians, all of whom were seeking escape from North Africa and the Middle East in search of a better quality of life in Europe. The trip from North Africa through the central Mediterranean to southern Europe is the deadliest migratory route in the world, according to the United Nations International Organisation of Migration (IOM). There are two other routes migrants commonly pursue across the same sea: the shorter crossing from the west from Morocco or Algeria into southern Spain or France or across to central Italy and the eastern route, often used in the past by people fleeing the likes of Syria, Iraq and Afghanistan into Turkey or Greece. Many migrants prefer to attempt to bypass Greece and reach Italy, where they can more easily continue their journeys north to family and other migrant communities elsewhere. Had the migrants aboard the sunken boat managed to land in Greece, they would have had to trek through the often-hostile Balkans to reach western or northern Europe, whereas the route north from Italy is closer and often more accessible. Those migrants who do arrive in Greece typically cross from Turkey, either reaching its nearby eastern islands in small boats or by crossing the Evros river, which runs along the land border. Crossings have fallen sharply in recent years, however, as Greece has stepped up its sea patrols and built a border fence along the Evros, although it has nevertheless faced persistent accusations from migrants themselves, human rights groups and from Turkish officials that it returns migrants back across the border to Turkey, illegally preventing them from claiming asylum, an allegation Athens denies. A map showing migrant routes across the Mediterranean (The Independent/Datawrapper) Before this weeks disaster, the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) had recorded 72,778 migrant arrivals in Europe via the Mediterranean so far in 2023, with the vast majority of that total, 71,136, arriving by sea with the aid of people smugglers. Italy has recorded the vast majority of the arrivals to Europe so far this year, with 55,160, which is more than double the 21,884 who arrived in the same period in 2022 and 16,737 in 2021. People from Ivory Coast, Egypt, Guinea, Pakistan and Bangladesh account for the majority, according to Interior Ministry data. The UNHCR has meanwhile recorded 1,037 people as dead or missing during that time in what was the deadliest first quarter in six years, giving an idea of just how dangerous the undertaking is and just how much risk migrants take on in attempting the crossing. The IOM has recorded more than 27,000 deaths and disappearances in the Mediterranean since 2014. Migrants rest in a shelter in Kalamata, Greece, following their rescue from the Mediterranean (Stelios Misinas/Reuters) The seas deadliest known shipwreck occurred on 18 April 2015 when an overcrowded fishing boat collided off Libya with a freighter that was trying to come to its rescue. Only 28 people survived. Forensic experts who worked to identify the dead concluded in 2018 that there were originally 1,100 on board. That year one million refugees and migrants fled to Europe by sea, according to figures from the UN Refugee Agency. Some 1,000,573 people had reached Europe across the Mediterranean, mainly to Greece and Italy. Of these, 3,735 were missing, believed drowned. Another notable shipwreck occurred on 3 October 2013, when a trawler packed with more than 500 people from Eritrea and Ethiopia, caught fire and capsized within sight of an uninhabited islet off the southern Italian island of Lampedusa. Local fishermen raced to the vessels aid and 155 people were saved but 368 died. As the issue returns to the headlines, the European Unions home affairs commissioner Ylva Johansson said the bloc has a collective moral duty to dismantle migrant smuggling networks. The best way to ensure the safety of migrants is to prevent these catastrophic journeys and invest in legal pathways, she said. Additional reporting by agencies Close Holes up to 2ft deep were dug up in the reservoir search, in the hope of unearthing clothing fibres, local media reported For free real time breaking news alerts sent straight to your inbox sign up to our breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails Please enter a valid email address Please enter a valid email address SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy notice Thanks for signing up to the Breaking News email {{ #verifyErrors }} {{ message }} {{ /verifyErrors }} {{ ^verifyErrors }} Something went wrong. Please try again later {{ /verifyErrors }} Police officers who scoured a reservoir in Portugal in the search for Madeleine McCann have warned against hope as they hit a fresh roadblock in their investigation. A large section of the Barragem do Arade reservoir was cordoned off in May, about 30 miles from where three-year-old Madeleine went missing in Praia da Luz 16 years ago. It is believed that the main suspect in the case, convicted sex offender Christian Brueckner, regularly visited the reservoirs peninsula and had described it as a little slice of paradise. But detectives searching the reservoir have now said there is no compelling evidence Madeleine is there. Holes up to 2ft deep were dug up in the reservoir search, in the hope of unearthing clothing fibres, local media reported. But despite initial hope, German public prosecutor Hans Christian Wolters told newspaper Bild: Please dont expect too much. This comes after a former friend of Brueckner, Helge Busching, claimed that the jailed paedophile had told him she didnt scream during a conversation about the missing three-year-old. He told Bild he revealed the crucial information to Scotland Yard in 2008 but was ignored. 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 }} Survivors from a fishing vessel that sank off the coast of Greece say that up to 100 children may have been on board. Hundreds are people are missing following the shipwreck, with suggestions that between 400 and 750 people may have been aboard. At least 78 bodies have been recovered so far. Citing initial testimonies from survivors, the Save the Children charity said they believed around 100 children were in the boats hold. When asked by a reporter from Greeces ANT1 channel if there were 100 children onboard, one survivor replied: Yes. Rescue ships fanned out across the area the vessel went down about 45 miles southwest of Pylos off the Peloponnese coast, as it made its way to Italy from the Libyan port of Tobruk. The chances of finding [more survivors] are minimal, retired Greek coast guard Nikos Spanos told state-run ERT television. We can assume that many of these children will have lost their lives, as reports of survivors are so far limited. Our deepest sympathies are with the childrens families, and all those affected by this horrendous event, Unicef said in a statement. Rescuers saved 104 passengers including individuals from Egypt, Syria, Pakistan, Afghanistan and Palestine. The search operation will continue for as long as needed, the coast guard said. Kassem Abu Zeed caught the first flight from Germany to Greece after realising that his wife and brother-in-law were aboard the ship. Relatives of other people onboard also gathered in the southern port city of Kalamata to look for their loved ones. The last time we spoke was eight days ago, and she told me that she was getting ready to get on the boat, Abu Zeed told The Associated Press. She had paid 5,000 to smugglers. And then we all know what happened. The Greek coast guard said nine survivors from the ship were arrested on suspicion of belonging to the smuggling ring that arranged the voyage. The chances of retrieving the sunken vessel, which had set off from the Libyan port of Tobruk, are remote because the area of international waters where the incident occurred is one of the Mediterraneans deepest. A survivor of a shipwreck stands outside a warehouse at the port in Kalamata town on 14 June (AFP/Getty) Greek prime minister Ioannis Sarmas, who is leading a caretaker government ahead of elections later this month, who had declared three days of national mourning on Wedesnday, said thoughts were with all the victims of the ruthless smugglers who exploit human unhappiness. Campaigning has been suspended ahead of the parliamentary election on 25 June and a TV debate due to happen on Thursday was cancelled. Several marches in protest at the tragedy took place on Thursday evening, including in the capital Athens and the second city Thessaloniki. Ioannis Zafiropoulos, deputy mayor of Kalamata, where survivors were taken, said there were more than 500 people on board. Independent refugee activist Nawal Soufi said in a Facebook post that she was contacted by people aboard the vessel in the early hours of Tuesday, and that she had been in contact with them until 11pm The whole time they asked me what they should do and I kept telling them that Greek help would come. In this last call, the man I was talking to expressly told me: I feel that this will be our last night alive, she wrote. The Greek coastguard said initial contact was made with the fishing boat at 2pm local time on Tuesday, and that no request for help had been made. Alarm Phone, which operates a trans-European network supporting rescue operations, said it received alerts from people on board a ship in distress off Greece late on Tuesday. It said it had alerted Greek authorities and spoke to people on the vessel who estimated there were up to 750 people on board and appealed for help, and that the captain had fled on a small boat. Government officials said that before capsizing and sinking around 2am on Wednesday, the vessels engine stopped and it began veering from side to side. Coastguard officers tried to approach the vessel after receiving a request for help, it then saw the boat take a right turn, then a sharp left, and then another right so big that it caused the vessel to capsize. The coastguard has been criticised for not intervening earlier but it said repeated calls to the vessel offering help were declined. In the afternoon a merchant vessel approached the ship and provided it with food and supplies, while the [passengers] refused any further assistance, it said. Migrants rest in a shelter, following a rescue operation, after their boat capsized in the open sea (Reuters) A second merchant ship that approached it later was said to have offered further supplies and assistance which were turned down. On Thursday morning, Greek coastguard spokesman Mr Alexiou said it appeared the vessel capsized after people abruptly moved to one side shifting the centre of gravity of the 25-30m vessel. The outer deck was full of people, and we presume the interior [of the vessel] would also have been full. It looks as if there was a shift among the people who were crammed on board, and it capsized. About 72,000 refugees and migrants have arrived so far this year in Europes frontline countries Italy, Spain, Greece, Malta and Cyprus, according to UN data, with the majority landing in Italy. Under a conservative government in power until last month, Greece had taken a harder stance on migration, building walled camps and boosting border controls. Asked whether Italy was involved in the incident, its interior minister Matteo Piantedosi said on Thursday that the shipwreck occurred in Greeces search and rescue area. But that does not mean that Greece is to blame, it is just circumscribing specific areas of responsibility, he told Italys SkyTG24 TV channel. Greeces government spokesperson told Reuters that on illegal migration, EU border states face similar humanitarian disasters and share the same challenges. The biggest of them all is forging a comprehensive EU solution on migration and asylum that respects international law and inclusive humanism. The International Organisation for Migration (IOM) has recorded more than 21,000 deaths and disappearances in the central Mediterranean since 2014. 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 }} Ukraine has reported regaining further ground from invading Russian forces along the eastern and southern fronts in early July as its counteroffensive continues, following on from the liberation of a number of frontline villages in June. Offering an update from the frontlines on Monday 10 July, the Ukrainian military said its troops have so far retaken more than 65 square miles on the southern front and 9.26 square miles around the eastern city of Bakhmut since the counteroffensive effort commenced. Ukraines deputy defence minister, Hanna Maliar, writing on the Telegram messaging app, said that heavy fighting raged in two areas of the southeast. We are consolidating our gains in those areas, she wrote. Ukrainian president Volodymyr Zelensky, speaking to US network ABC News ahead of a Nato summit in Lithuania, said: All of us, we want to do it faster because every day means new losses of Ukrainians. We are advancing. We are not stuck. We would all love to see the counteroffensive accomplished in a shorter period of time. But there is reality. Today, the initiative is on our side. Ukrainian military analyst Denys Popovych meanwhile reported that Ukrainian forces had taken important positions near Klishchiivka, a village lying on heights to the south of Bakhmut. This will allow for artillery control of Klishchiivka itself and of parts of Bakhmut and supply routes, he told Ukraine's NV Radio. Just as [Russian mercenary group] Wagner surrounded the city, so will we. For its part, Russias Defence Ministry said brutal fighting had persisted in that area, with combat made difficult not only by the daily intensity of fire and battle, but also by topography. The line of contact runs between two hills. Pro-Moscow Chechen leader Ramzan Kadyrov also took to Telegram to claim that his Akhmat unit had been deployed to the region. A week earlier, Ukraine had said its soldiers had made steady advances in the Lyman, Avdiivka and Mariinka directions of Donetsk in the Donbas as Russias under-pressure defence minister Sergei Shoigu moved to deny that the short-lived rebellion by the aforementioned Wagner Group, which saw them occupy Rostov-on-Don and march on Moscow in protest on 24 June, had had any impact on its operations in Ukraine. Following months of speculation about when the Ukrainian counteroffensive might begin, unverified photographs and video began to appear on social media on Sunday 11 June showing its soldiers holding aloft their countrys blue and yellow flag in triumph above the eastern villages of Storozheve, Blahodatne, Neskuchne and Makarivka in Donetsk, suggesting they had been recaptured from occupying enemy troops. The Ukrainian national flag is seen flying in the newly-liberated village Neskuchne in Donetsk (Oleksandr Ratushniak/Reuters) Ms Maliar posted one such photo from Storozheve and thanked the 35th Separate Brigade of Marines for liberating it and subsequently reported that Ukraine had won back three more villages in Zaporizhzhia Lobkove, Levadne and Novodarivk and made fresh advances near Bakhmut, on the Toretsk front in the east and towards the port city of Berdyansk. The enemy is doing everything to hold on to the positions it has seized, Ms Maliar wrote on Telegram two days later. She added that Russian forces had air support and were showering Ukrainian troops with intense artillery fire and that the latter were encountering continuous minefields which are combined with anti-tank ditches. All this is combined with constant counterattacks by enemy units on armoured vehicles and the massive use of ATGMs [anti-tank guided missiles] and kamikaze drones, Ms Mailer reported. A team of Reuters journalists subsequently visited Neskuchne, observing that no building had been left unscarred by the fighting, noting three Russian corpses lying in the road and writing: The hamlet was silent except for birdsong and the crump of artillery fire in the distance. Since then, two more villages have been added to the list, bringing the reported total to nine. Kyiv has imposed a strict silence on its armed forces to avoid compromising an operation it hopes will retake swathes of land and eventually threaten the land bridge Russia has established for use in supplying the occupied Crimea. In practical terms, the advance represented by the retaking of the villages amounts to only modest gains: Makarivka, for instance, is around three miles short of the frontline and 56 miles from the southern rim of the aforementioned bridge over the Sea of Azov. But the symbolic value of Ukraines most rapid progression forward for seven months, after an arduous winter, is obvious, a timely boost to national morale for a beleaguered nation still reeling from the collapse of the Nova Kakhovka Dam, allegedly brought down after being mined by Russian soldiers, flooding neighbouring towns for miles around and leaving the regions farmland swamped, its crops ruined and livestock drowned. As the pushback continues, Ukraine is banking on the huge amount of weaponry, training and intelligence it has received from the West, combined with its own battlefield resolve, tactical nous and the motivation of driving an invader from its own land, to give it the edge in the conflict. The country also knows it may have to show significant progress over the summer to ensure its international allies demonstrate the same level of commitment in future. But so far the response has been positive, with Nato secretary-general Jens Stoltenberg telling US president Joe Biden recently: The Ukrainians are making progress, making advances. Its still early days, but what we do know is that the more land that Ukrainians are able to liberate, the stronger hand they will have at the negotiating table. The US has responded by announcing that it will begin supplying Ukraine with cluster bombs for very careful use on its own territory against Russian forces, despite previously criticising Russias use of such munitions and the opposition of other nations, 100 of whom signed a 2008 treaty in Oslo, Norway, objecting to their deployment in warzones. Moscow has largely refrained from officially acknowledging any Ukrainian advances, insisting that it has consistently repelled attacks and inflicted heavy casualties on opposition forces. A map showing several of the villages liberated from Russian occupation by the Ukrainian military (The Independent/Datawrapper) Unverified footage circulated on social media by pro-Russia accounts has meanwhile shown destroyed American and German armoured vehicles, clearly intended to undermine allied faith in the Ukrainian cause. It is unquestionably too early to draw conclusions about the fate of the counteroffensive from these early skirmishes, which may be more about testing Russian defences than staking out major land gains. The US-based Institute for the Study of War said Ukraine was attempting an extraordinarily difficult tactical operation, a frontal assault against prepared defensive positions, further complicated by a lack of air superiority and these initial assaults should not be extrapolated to predict all Ukrainian operations. Ben Hodges, a former commander of US forces in Europe, told the Center for European Policy Analysis that the main attack, when it came, would be expected to feature several hundred tanks and infantry fighting vehicles. The offensive has clearly started, but not I think the main attack, he said. When we see large, armoured formations join the assault, then I think well know the main attack has really begun. That tallies with Ms Mailars recent comments on domestic television, when she told the nation the main events of the attack remain ahead of us, adding: The main blow is still to come. Oleksandr Syrskyi, the commander of Ukraines ground forces, similarly told The Guardian: I want to say that our main force has not been engaged in fighting yet, and we are now searching, probing for weak places in the enemy defences. Everything is still ahead. 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 }} War-torn Ukraine is still reeling from the collapse of the Nova Kakhovka dam on Tuesday 6 June, which caused its reservoir to burst and brought chaos for miles around. The catastrophe forced thousands of residents of nearby towns and villages to evacuate their homes as the floodwater barrelled towards them and left some climbing onto rooftops or into trees to escape the raging torrents. Hundreds of thousands more were left without access to clean drinking water in the region as a result of the eco-disaster on the Dnipro River, prompting relief workers to rush fresh supplies to the area while struggling with the problems of mass resettlement. Streets are flooded in Kherson after the Kakhovka dam was blown up (AP) While the official tallies reported that over 2,700 people fled the flooded areas on both the Ukrainian and Russian-controlled sides of the river in the immediate aftermath of the disaster, a fuller picture of the catastrophe is only now beginning to emerge in an area home to more than 60,000 people. Kyiv has blamed Russia for deliberately destroying the Soviet-era infrastructure, with Moscow, inevitably, protesting its innocence and contemptuously suggesting that Ukrainian saboteurs are responsible. Ukraines president Volodymyr Zelensky moved quickly to call the incident a war crime and the largest man-made environmental disaster in Europe in decades. He visited the flooded city of Kherson two days after the disaster, only for Russian forces to begin shelling the area almost immediately. That tactic was subsequently seen again in the city of Nova Kakhovka itself and the nearby village of Plodovoye, with at least one person killed in an attack on a beleagured residential area. Russia would certainly appear to have the most to gain from the situation and President Zelensky did warn as long ago as last November that he believed enemy soldiers had mined the dam and were plotting its destruction. He reiterated that stance in a tweet in the wake of the dams collapse, arguing It is physically impossible to blow it up somehow from the outside, by shelling. It was mined by the Russian occupiers. And they blew it up. But the immediate priority was coming to the aid of the stricken people of Kherson, rather than establishing guilt. Ukraines deputy prime minister Oleksandr Kubrakov warned of the threat to their wellbeing posed by hazardous chemicals and infectious diseases carried by the water, as well as from landmines previously placed near the wars frontline that have been disturbed by the floods and are now likely to explode. The water in the reservoir feeds a wide area of southern Ukrainian farmland, including the annexed peninsula of Crimea, as well as providing all-important cooling water to the Russian-held Zaporizhzhia nuclear plant, lying nearby as indicated on the map below. The locations of the Nova Kakhovka dam and Zaporizhzhia nuclear plant (DataWrapper/The Independent) A United Nations nuclear watchdog has attempted to reassure the public by saying that there is no immediate risk to the plant, even if it were to run out of water for its cooling systems. There is no such good news for the regions farmers, however, with the flooding expected to spell instant disaster for this years harvest: crops have been washed away, fields left waterlogged and livestock drowned in water that is at serious risk of being contaminated by machine oil, already seen gushing into the Dnipro. Hundreds of thousands more have been left without access to clean drinking water in the region (Reuters) The depleted reservoir is also considered unlikely to be able to supply adequate irrigation to the surrounding fields for several years to come, a huge setback for Ukraines eventual hopes of economic recovery. All of which is also likely to have consequences for a global food market that has increasingly relied upon Ukraine for the supply of agricultural produce since the end of the Cold War. There is no doubt that this will lead to large-scale environmental, economic and human consequences, Mykhailo Podolyak, a chief adviser to President Zelensky, told The Independent. Home have been flooded by the cascading waters (AFP/Getty) The instantaneous death of a large number of fish and animals, the waterlogging of drained lands, and the change in the climatic regime of the region, will later be reflected in the food security of the world. A one-time reduction of water in a huge reservoir will lead to unpredictable ecological consequences. Mr Podolyak warned that he expected the floodwaters to eventually reach Mykolaiv, lying 56 miles from the dam and decried the drowning of the entire population of animals at the Kazkova Dibrova Zoo on the Russian-held eastern bank of the river as particularly tragic. The towns in most immediate danger as a result of the Nova Kakhovka dam spill (DataWrapper/The Independent) President Zelensky has meanwhile rebuked the officials installed by Moscow to run occupied territories along that bank for failing to respond adequately. The Russian authorities he criticised have conceded that they evacuated fewer than 1,300 people in the first days of the emergency in an area where as many as 40,000 people were said to be affected. Ukrainian security forces transport local residents in a boat during an evacuation from a flooded area (AFP/Getty) That compared unfavourably with the estimated 1,700 evacuated on the Ukrainian side to the west, where the population was reportedly around 42,000. According to the independent Russian news outlet Vyorstka, residents of the Moscow-run village of Oleshky, for one, were left stranded in the intial aftermath of the flood, the publisher quoting one woman as saying that her mother, who could not make it to the roof, was in the water clutching a ladder. A volunteer confirmed to Vyorstka that those left awaiting evacuation included children and disabled people. Residents are evacuated from a flooded neighborhood in Kherson, (AP) Civilians in Kherson were seen clutching personal belongings as they waded through knee-deep water in the streets and rode rubber rafts. Video on social media showed rescuers carrying others to safety and what looked like the triangular roof of a building floating downstream. Aerial footage showed flooded streets in the Russian-controlled Nova Kakhovska, where Mayor Vladimir Leontyev initially said seven people were missing, although they were believed to be alive. But perhaps most striking of all has been the aerial shots of the region captured by Maxar Technologies, which give the most complete picture of the damage done. The UK is among the ally nations pledging additional humanitarian aid to help Ukraine address the crisis, promising 16 million in donations. 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 }} Prosecutors filed a murder charge Tuesday in the death of a teenager whose remains have not been found despite an extraordinary monthslong search last year at a suburban Detroit landfill. More than a dozen Detroit police officers wearing protective suits, respirators and goggles picked through tons of rotting summer trash for any trace of 17-year-old Zion Foster, a search that was finally halted in October. On Tuesday, Zion's cousin, Jaylin Brazier, was charged with first-degree murder and tampering with evidence. Brazier served a brief prison sentence last year after admitting he had lied to police during the investigation. Brazier, 24, has publicly said that Zion, who lived in Eastpointe, suddenly became unconscious while they were smoking marijuana at a Detroit house in January 2022. But he denied having any role in her death. There is a compelling body of evidence against Brazier, assistant prosecutor Ryan Elsey said in requesting that he be returned to jail without bond. Zion walked into his house late at night and she came out dead, Elsey said. She was put in the trunk of his car, and he disposed of her body in a dumpster. ... This idea that this is just some innocent person standing here is not going to be beared out by the facts." Police said Zions body was placed in a trash bin. The contents eventually were transported to Pine Tree Acres landfill in Macomb County. Defense attorney Tim Doty disputed that a homicide occurred and urged a magistrate to release Brazier with an electronic tether. He is not a threat to anybody, Doty said. Brazier, however, was returned to jail without bond. ___ Follow Ed White at http://twitter.com/edwritez . Sign up to our free weekly IndyTech newsletter delivered straight to your inbox Sign up to our free IndyTech newsletter Please enter a valid email address Please enter a valid email address SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy notice Thanks for signing up to the IndyTech email {{ #verifyErrors }} {{ message }} {{ /verifyErrors }} {{ ^verifyErrors }} Something went wrong. Please try again later {{ /verifyErrors }} The Geminids meteor shower began in a violent catastrophe, scientists have found. Every winter, the world is delighted by the meteor shower, which brings some of the most intense display of shooting stars. But that spectacle has been rivalled by its mystery. The Geminids are unusual in that most meteor showers are created when a comet leaves behind a tail of ice and dust but the Geminids come from an asteroid, which do not usually leave behind a tail. Asteroids are chunks of rock and metal flying around in space. The Geminids appear to originate with one called 3200 Phaethon, which for an unexplained reason is affected by the Sun and leaves behind a stream across the night sky. Whats really weird is that we know that 3200 Phaethon is an asteroid, but as it flies by the Sun, it seems to have some kind of temperature-driven activity, said Jamey Szalay, research scholar at the Princeton University space physics laboratory and co-author on the paper. Most asteroids dont do that. Attempts to solve that mystery have struggled in part because the meteor shower has only been observed from Earth. Now, however, researchers using Nasas Parker Solar Probe have been better able to examine the the Geminids. They suggest that a violent, catastrophic event gave rise to the meteor shower. That could have been a high-speed collision with another object in space, for instance, or a gaseous explosion. Some researchers have previously suggested that 3200 Phaethon might really be a comet, and that it lost its snow to leave behind just a rocky core that looks like an asteroid. But the new study makes clear that the origins of the meteor shower are much more dramatic than that. In an attempt to understand the meteor shower, researchers simulated three possible formation scenarios and then compared them with models based on observations from the Parker Solar Probe. That included a less violent scenario, a more violent one, and another that was in line with a comet. When they compared those scenarios with the actual observations, they found that the violent one was the most similar. That suggests that it was the result a collision or similar dramatic event. Researchers still do not know for sure what happened. But the new study helps narrow down the possibilities as well as shedding more light on such events in space. The findings are published in a new article, Formation, Structure, and Detectability of the Geminids Meteoroid Stream, published in Planetary Science. 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 chatbot designed to resemble an AI Jesus has attracted hundreds of Twitch users seeking gaming and relationship advice. The device, created by a Berlin tech collective, shows a bearded white man with a bright white halo who gestures as he answers questions having been trained after Jesus and the teachings of the Bible. Its ask_jesus livestream attracted over 35,000 followers and allowed viewers to ask questions. It was created by The Singularity Group, a non-profit which said the Twitch stream cost it 322 (276) per day for the chatbot voice and 38 (33) a day for the GPT4 model behind the boot. Asked to share views on topics such as abortion and gay rights, AI Jesus was found to provide vague, non-partisan replies, such as advising the user to look at the issues from legal and ethical perspectives. Whether youre seeking spiritual guidance, looking for a friend, or simply want someone to talk to, you can join on the journey through life and discover the power of faith, hope, and love, said the bio for the ask_jesus Twitch page. Twitch has, however, taken down the channel and it remains to be seen on what grounds the decision was made by the streaming platform. The disclaimer on the page said the channel is currently unavailable due to a violation of Twitchs Community Guidelines or Terms of Service. This is not the first time an AI chatbot was developed for users to interact with over topics of religion. Many AI chatbots based on the Hindu scripture Bhagavad Gita have emerged in India, with millions of using it. One such chatbot, GitaGPT, replies to user queries based on the 700-verse Hindu scripture, mimicking Hindu god Krishnas tone. It claims to help users unlock lifes mysteries with Krishna. Youre not actually talking to Krishna. Youre talking to a bot thats pretending to be him, said the bots creator Sukuru Sai Vineet, a software engineer from Bengaluru. However, journalist Nadia Nooreyezdan, who interacted with GitaGPT, found it lacked filters for casteism, misogyny and law, with experts cautioning that AI systems playing god can have dangerous and unintended consequences. When The Independent asked GitaGPT about Narendra Modi whose political party BJP has close links to right-wing Hindu nationalist group RSS it had only words of praise for the Indian prime minister, calling him a great leader who is honest and hardworking with a vision for the country. On his political rival Rahul Gandhi, the chatbot said he was a good person who is sincere and hardworking, but also stated that he could however, benefit from studying the Bhagavad Gita and learning about dharma [duty]. 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 }} Elon Musk has hired a 14-year-old wonder kid to work as a software engineer at SpaceX. Kairan Quazi will join the billionaires firm after graduating from Santa Clara University in California later this month, where he is set to receive a Bachelors degree in Mathematics and Computer Science and Engineering. The teenager has already completed an internship at Intel and will work on SpaceXs Starlink team, which is building the worlds largest satellite internet network. I will be joining the coolest company on the planet as a software engineer on the Starlink engineering team, he wrote in a LinkedIn post last week. One of the rare companies that did not use my age as an arbitrary and outdated proxy for maturity and ability. His LinkedIn profile has since been removed as the business networking site requires users to be at least 16 years old. Recommended Man locked out of smart home for a week after delivery driver accuses him of being racist In an Instagram post responding to the ban, Quazi said his removal from the platform was illogical, primitive nonsense that amounted to discrimination. I can be qualified enough to land one of the most coveted engineering jobs in the world but not qualified enough to have access to a professional social media platform? he wrote. LinkedIn showing everyone how regressive some tech company policies are. A LinkedIn spokesperson told The Independent: We appreciate his enthusiasm to join LinkedIn and applaud his incredible success, however we have an age limit in place of 16 years of age and that extends to all members. Quazi will become the youngest graduate in the US colleges 172-year history, having jumped from third grade to the community college Las Positas College when he was just nine years old. Local media has described him as a genius and a wonder kid for his academic achievements, with IQ tests suggesting he is in the 99.9th percentile of the general population. I think my college years have been the happiest years of my life because I had a lot of autonomy, really, to share my journey, he told the Los Angeles Times. I think one of the things I really want to do with telling my story is hopefully have leaders in influential positions challenge their biases and misconceptions. Hopefully, I can open the door to more people like me. Drone footage released on Wednesday (June 14) showed the destruction of a multi-story building following a Russian missile strike on the Ukrainian Black Sea port city of Odesa. As a result of air combat and blast waves, a business centre, an educational institution, a residential complex, food establishments and shops in the city centre were damaged, the South command of Ukraines Armed Forces said in a statement. Russian missiles struck civilian buildings in the Black Sea port city and the eastern Donetsk region overnight, killing at least six people, Ukraines military and local officials said early on Wednesday. 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 }} Throughout most of Tuesday, as former president Donald Trump appeared in court for his arraignment in Miami, stories abounded about how Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell wanted to create distance between himself and the former president. Ever since last Thursday, when Mr Trump announced the indictment, Mr McConnell has remained astutely tight-lipped. Whereas House Speaker Kevin McCarthy has regularly gone to the mat and defended Mr Trump, Mr McConnell has avoided discussing it. Veterans of Washington know that what the often inscrutable Mr McConnell does not say is just as important as what he does say. On Tuesday, during the Senate Republican leaderships news conference, a reporter asked Mr McConnell about his reaction to Mr Trumps indictment. The Senate stalwart said he was not gonna start commenting on the various candidates. By contrast, Mr McCarthy has vociferously gone to bat for Mr Trump, even defending Mr Trump reportedly keeping documents in his bathroom by saying that at least a bathroom door locks. Mr McCarthys willingness to go to the mat for Mr Trump contrasted with Mr McConnells silence seems to represent a stark contrast between the two Republican leaders since January 6: Mr McConnell has mostly tried to avoid discussing the former president while Mr McCarthy has maintained a close relationship with him. Similarly, Mr Trump seems to treat the two men very differently. Mr Trump notably called Mr McCarthy My Kevin and he even helped Mr McCarthy secure the necessary votes to become speaker earlier this year. Meanwhile, he has reserved nothing but vitriol for Mr McConnell, whom he has called Old Crow. Mr McConnell has every reason to loathe Mr Trump. Not only did Mr Trumps words and deeds threaten his life, but he cost Mr McConnell a Senate majority by constantly crowing (pun intended) about the election being stolen instead of helping Republicans win two Senate seats in Georgia that Democrats eventually secured. In last years midterms, Mr Trump saddled Mr Trump with virtually unelectable Senate candidates in Pennsylvania, Arizona, Nevada and Georgia. But for all of the attempts including from Mr McConnells allie to draw a contrast between the two, Mr McConnell is in the same boat as Mr McCarthy. And because of his refusal to hold Mr Trump accountable, he and the Senate Republican conference will continue to be weighed down by the former president. As much as he may dislike Mr Trump now, few people enabled him more and few benefited from Mr Trump as much as Mr McConnell did. While it may be hard for liberals to believe now, but during Barack Obamas presidency, Mr McConnell earned a reputation among conservatives as a RINO for his willingness to work with then-vice president Joe Biden in crucial moments. The image of the cutthroat enforcer in the Senate came into being after Supreme Court Justice Antonin Scalia died and Mr McConnell prevented Mr Obamas nominee, now-Attorney General Merrick Garland, from having even a confirmation hearing. That motivated conservatives, especially social conservatives who care about the judiciary, to pull the lever for Mr Trump despite their misgivings. Mr McConnell also rammed through the confirmation of Brett Kavanaugh to the Supreme Court even as he faced allegations of sexual assault, which the judge denied. Mr McConnell didnt pay a price for that, as Republicans gained four seats in the 2018 midterms, which further solidified his reputation as the Grim Reaper. And in 2020, he went back on his original pledge to not confirm justices during a presidential election year when he confirmed Amy Coney Barrett to replace Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg weeks before the election. All of that should have made it easier for Mr McConnell to hold Mr Trump accountable after the riot on January 6. He had already gotten what he needed from Mr Trump tax cuts and a generation-long conservative majority on the Supreme Court. Had he voted to convict Mr Trump, he likely would have motivated other more staid Republicans to do the same. Republicans might have suffered some anger from the base for ditching the de facto figurehead of the GOP, but it would mean Republicans could create some distance between the former president and themselves and endorse candidates he backed and ultimately get back to winning. But Mr McConnells decision to not convict Mr Trump means that he is stuck with an impossible task: He wants to not mention Mr Trump when many voters consider Mr Trump the leader of his party. And in that respect, he can claim all the moral superiority he wants, but he is virtually the same as Mr McCarthy. 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 best time in history to be gay and Jewish is surely right now. During the Inquisition, those accused of sodomy and illicit Judaizing were more likely to die at the stake. In pre-Holocaust Nazi Germany, antisemitic propaganda targeted gay Jews in particular and left them with the fewest options for survival. Happily, such existential precarity is now a distant memory. Internally, my religious community has a newfound tolerance. Take, for example, the Chief Rabbi of the United Kingdoms guidebook on how teachers can work to foster the wellbeing of their LGBT+ students which is now informing Orthodox educational policy across the world. However, as a gay man who grew up in the Orthodox Jewish community, I am both grateful for this progress and acutely aware of how often this embrace feels qualified. When I first came out, I was often told that people had no problem with my own sexuality, as long as I was not too steeped in gay culture. Nobody would stop me from living my life how I pleased, but they would not tell me that being out was a good idea, either. I was teaching in a yeshiva at the time, and stopped soon after I came out. It was clear that I was more than welcome to attend classes as a student, but no longer as a teacher. It was no longer appropriate for me to be a leader in my yeshiva. Rather, my presence, like that of many other queer Orthodox Jews, became merely tolerated. When you are merely tolerated, pride is not an option. We can be as spiritually ambitious as we want in private, but any public ambition is inappropriate for those whose identity is seemingly conditional. I poured a lot of energy back then into trying to become the most palatable version of myself. Yeshiva University, the flagship institution of Modern Orthodoxy and my alma mater, says it [welcomes], [loves] and [cares] for all our students, including our LGBTQ students. Yet, this affirmation only appears on a now archived page about why it would rather challenge the New York Human Rights Law in the US Supreme Court than sanction a Pride Alliance on its undergraduate campus. I myself have taken part in various panels on Judaism and LGBT+ identity during which, on two separate occasions, the rabbi/rabbanit presiding made sure to publicly wish me happiness, dignity, and community. Sadly, these blessings ring hollow when followed by equally public proclamations that I, a gay man, should never be a father. We queer Jews are not pariahs of the Orthodox community, but we are not fully accepted, either. Rather, we are merely tolerated. My peers and I are included in most areas of Jewish life. Few social gatherings would actively exclude us, and few synagogues would expel us. But in order to attend, it is our job and not the communitys to make ourselves as tolerable as possible. We implicitly agree that central parts of our lives are antithetical to community values: hate the sin, love the sinner. Spending too much time being merely tolerated can poison the soul. It can make you believe that you only deserve love that is conditional upon maintaining an inauthentic, socially desirable persona. It limits our ability to dream, and makes the queer ones desperate. Conversion therapy with abusive practitioners, self-harm, and even suicide are not unheard of among queer people in my community. In psychological research, being highly involved in an organized religion any religion is associated with greater well-being. More religious people have access to community resources, social support, and a narrative to help direct their lives. A recent meta-analysis of 73 studies, though, revealed that this trend is limited to heterosexuals. For LGBT+ people, spirituality provides that bump in well-being, but organized religiousness does not. That is the cost of being tolerated. Thanks to tolerance, we are more aware than ever that queer, religious people exist. But tolerance cannot give anyone a script on how to be queer, religious, and happy. We must write that script for ourselves. More and more queer people raised Orthodox are rejecting theologies of tolerance in favor of making for themselves what sociologist Orit Avishai calls a shift towards lives that are livable. When two Israeli friends of mine, Chana and Yael, were planning their wedding, they were beset with questions: what would an Orthodox marriage ceremony look like without a groom? How could they even get married in a country whose rabbinate refuses to serve them? To answer these questions, they followed the Jewish tradition: When exiled to the desert, they built their own tabernacle, drew their own water from stone. Orthodox lesbian friends sent them a live document of other queer Jewish couples ceremonies, which they used as a foundation for their own. They married in New York in Chanas aunt and uncles backyard. I became ordained by the Church of the Flying Spaghetti Monster (really!) and officiated. Their families either flew in or joined by Zoom. Two more queer Jewish friends worked the cameras. Afterwards, Chana and Yael added their own ceremony to the live document, so that future couples may use their experience to guide them through their own deserts. My community of queer people who grew up Orthodox overflows with individuals who find that we are no longer prepared to settle for tolerance. The scripts we write, the livable lives we make, we do for ourselves, for each other, and for our Jewish communities. Thanks to these individuals, and their choice to live out loud, all signs point to our Orthodox home communities realizing that tolerance isnt an end goal, but rather a step along the way. The 5th and 6th class in St. Saviours National School, Rathrum, Co. Wicklow, were recognised for their BushCraft Boxes. Irelands next generation of business leaders launched an astonishing 300 classroom businesses over the past year, as part of their participation in the Junior Entrepreneur Programme. Across the island of Ireland 10,000 primary school children participated in the programme. The pupils created and launched products ranging from board games and toys to high-end craft and educational products, making money and gaining valuable insights into how the economy really works. This years overall winner is St. Saviours National School, Rathdrum, Co. Wicklow, scooping the top award in All-Island Awards. The 5th and 6th class in St. Saviours National School, Rathrum, Co. Wicklow, were recognised for their BushCraft Boxes. Today's News in 90 Seconds - June 15th The children created this useful box containing everything needed for a family day out in the Wicklow wilderness including compass bracelets and a discovery trail guide with web-linked QR codes and an activity booklet that included tips for insects and a tree hunt. The children made professional sales pitches to Avondale Forest Park and Hidden Valley Holiday Park, who both agreed to stock the product. The class is also selling the Bushcraft Boxes in the local community and has made a profit of over 800. Staying true to their product, the pupils have decided to spend their earnings on a class camping trip. Marie Lynch, the co-founder of the Junior Entrepreneur Programme, said that JEP has become a rite of passage for children in primary schools before they move on to secondary school. The class develops a lasting bond by working together and combining their talents to experience real-world success. For many, it is the highlight of their primary school years. Enterprise Ireland has supported JEP since 2020 under its Primary Schools Entrepreneurship Initiative, underlining the vital role of entrepreneurship in shaping Irelands future and the commitment to fostering an entrepreneurial culture from an early age. Other awards recipients this year include Sixth Class, Scoil Mologa, Harolds Cross, received the Marketing Gurus Award in the All-Island Awards for their JEP business, Gallunagh Ghalanta (Sublime Soaps). Sixth Class, St. Raphaelas National School, Stillorgan, received the Top Teams Award in the Junior Entrepreneur Programme Awards to recognise the excellent teamwork displayed by the class to bring their JEP business to fruition. The pupils taught each other to crochet before making unique craft crochet products and launching their class business, Hook It. 6th Class Scoil ide, Corbally, Limerick received the Tech Titans Award for their JEP business Bows n Bandanas from Capulanas. The class designed and made a range of products from surplus capulana fabric, which comes from Mozambique. The fabric was introduced to them by a new pupil from Mozambique. They created a website to sell their products. JEP was co-founded by Jerry Kennelly of Tweak.com to promote entrepreneurship in primary schools and was developed in collaboration with Mary Immaculate College, Limerick. Enterprise Ireland has supported JEP since 2020 under its Primary Schools Entrepreneurship Initiative. The businesses created by the participating pupils have achieved sales of almost 3m. Cloned Irish Life Investment Managers details raise concern The Central Bank has warned that scam artists have cloned the names and details of legitimate business including Irish Life Investment Managers, Unicredit and Schroders in order to trick potential investors and lure them into bogus investments. The Central Bank says fraudsters are increasingly using legitimate firms details, including faked email addresses to add an air of legitimacy to their fraud. The fraudsters may also quote authorisation numbers, company registration numbers and links to seemingly legitimate websites to build up a picture of legitimacy. Consumers are advised to find investment firms true contact details to verify any such claims and to check the Central Bank register. Cloning of Irish Life Investment Managers Limited details, one of the countrys longest established and best known financial firms, is likely to be a real concern. In that case fraudsters reached out to potential victims via emails cloned to appear legitimate including: - info@irishlife-clients.com; and - compliance@irishlife-clients.com. It is a criminal offence for an unauthorised firm to provide financial services in Ireland. People are advised to always double-check the URL and contact details of a firm in case it is a clone. Check the list of unauthorised firms. If the firm / person is not on our list, do not assume it is legitimate it may not have been reported to the Central Bank yet. Check that the product being offered to you is present on the website of the legitimate firm. In a notice to staff on Wednesday, Ryanairs chief people officer, Darrell Hughes, said that the chief pilot, Aidan Murray, has been let go with immediate effect. He was fired on Tuesday evening following a disciplinary hearing last week. He had previously been suspended. Its understood, however, that Mr Murray has until next week to appeal the decision to terminate his employment with the carrier. He has been with Ryanair since 1995. We regret to advise all of you that last evening we terminated with immediate effect the employment of the Ryanair DAC chief pilot (who was appointed in 2020), Mr Hughes said in an email to staff members on Wednesday morning. Mr Murrays seniority within Ryanair not only extends to the fact that he was chief pilot with Ryanair DAC. He was also the so-called nominated person for flight operations. That means he was responsible for the management and supervision of flight operations. Ryanair has about 3,000 flights a day during the summer months. We do not comment on queries relating to individual employees, said Ryanair when contacted by the Irish Independent. Ryanair is Europes biggest airline and had 5,860 pilots employed at the end of March last year, according to its most recent annual report. It has continued to hire staff including pilots as it expands its fleet and network. Rishi Sunak landed in Washington last week with an ambitious two-day schedule. His mission was clear: to prove to President Joe Biden that the UK is best placed to be Americas leading ally in setting global rules for the future of artificial intelligence. The merger, which will only affect the UK operations of the two telecoms firms, will create Britains biggest mobile operator Vodafone and Three have agreed a UK merger which would see the two telecoms firms create Britains biggest mobile operator. The move will not include the Irish operations of the companies. The merger needs to be cleared by the UKs Competition and Markets Authority to proceed. Under the terms of the deal, Vodafone is set to own 51pc of the new entity, with Threes Hong Kong-based CK Hutchison owning 49pc. CK Hutchisons group co-managing director, Canning Fok, said the merger was needed for investment reasons. Three UK and Vodafone UK currently lack the necessary scale on their own to earn their cost of capital, he said. This has long been a challenge for Three UKs ability to invest and compete. "Together, we will have the scale needed to deliver a best-in-class 5G network for the UK, transforming mobile services for our customers and opening up new opportunities for businesses across the length and breadth of the UK. "This will unlock significant value for CK Hutchison and its shareholders, realise material synergies, reduce net financial indebtedness and further strengthen its financial profile. Three UKs chief executive is Irishman Robert Finnegan, who has been the overall director of the Irish operation since 2005. In the companys most recent quarterly results, he complained that telecoms firms arent making enough to cover their capital costs and has been pushing for consolidation for over a year. Todays news marks a significant step in our efforts to create a business that will build the biggest and fastest 5G mobile network in the country, he said. The combination of Three UK and Vodafone UK will bring the advantages of 5G to every business and household in the UK, enabling the UK to deliver its ambitions for digital and economic growth and fully supporting the UK Governments objectives for a world-leading digital economy. Hugh Grant meeting Glenda Jackson, who was then Minister of Transport for London in 1998. Photo: Fiona Hanson/PA Wire Glenda Jackson with her award for Best Performance by an Actress in a Leading Role in a Play for "Edward Albee's Three Tall Women," at the 72nd Annual Tony Awards in 2018. Photo: Mike Coppola/Getty Veteran actress and former politician Glenda Jackson has "died peacefully" after a brief illness at the age of 87, her agent has confirmed. The British screen star and former Labour MP for Hampstead and Highgate won the Oscar for best actress in 1970 for Women In Love and again three years later for A Touch Of Class although opted not to attend the ceremony on either occasion. Her agent Lionel Larner said: "Glenda Jackson, two-time Academy Award winning actress and politician died peacefully at her home in Blackheath, London, this morning after a brief illness with her family at her side.Despite her successful career, which also included two Emmy Awards and a Tony, Jackson previously said she never had any interest in the social and glamorous aspects of the industry. Two-time Oscar-winning actress turned Labour MP Glenda Jackson dies age 87 The double Oscar-winner gave up acting for politics more than a quarter of a century ago and served as a Labour MP for 23 years. Tulip Siddiq, Labour MP for Hampstead and Kilburn, which was Jackson's constituency from 2010 to 2015 after she previously held the old seat of Hampstead and Highgate from 1992 to 2010, paid tribute to her predecessor as a "very supportive mentor" and "formidable politician". She tweeted: "Devastated to hear that my predecessor Glenda Jackson has died. "A formidable politician, an amazing actress and a very supportive mentor to me. Hampstead and Kilburn will miss you, Glenda." In 1992, Jackson was elected as the Labour MP for Hampstead and Highgate and served as a junior transport minister from 1997 to 1999 during Tony Blair's government. Jackson stood down as an MP at the 2015 general election and returned to acting. She won a Bafta for best actress in 2019 for her role in Elizabeth Is Missing, which followed the story of a woman suffering from dementia. Jackson had just finishing filming The Great Escaper alongside fellow double Oscar-winner Michael Caine, with whom she had last acted with 48 years ago in The Romantic Englishwoman. Their new film tells a story, inspired by true events, of a Second World War veteran who escaped his care home in Hove, East Sussex, to attend a commemoration of the 70th anniversary of the D-Day landings in France. Jackson said she started only acting after she failed her school certificate, leaving her with no option but to start working at the age of 16. She previously told the Times magazine of her childhood on the Wirral in Merseyside: "Listen, I come from a family where if you didn't work, you didn't eat. That was the class structure." After joining a friend at the YMCA amateur dramatics society while she was working at her local Boots store, she went on to study at the Royal Academy of Dramatic Art (Rada). She also played Egyptian queen Cleopatra in 1971 for an episode of The Morecambe & Wise Show with comedy duo Eric Morecambe and Ernie Wise. Speaking to the Radio Times about working with the late duo, whose popular show consisted of a mixture of sketches and stand-up comedy, Jackson said: "Oh, I loved working with them. "I found it extremely difficult to restrain my laughter when we were doing Cleopatra." Jackson also remembered her experience of working with the late theatre director Peter Brook, who she worked with on a 1967 production of Marat/Sade and described as a "genius". Jackson also once said she would "probably" turn down a damehood if she were to be offered one, because "what does it actually mean?". Indiana Jones And The Dial Of Destiny is the fifth movie in the Indiana Jones franchise, but can it live up to the early classics or will it falter like some of the more recent films? Harrison Ford, now 80, has been playing Indiana Jones for over 40 years. Photo: Courtesy of Lucasfilm/Disney. Phoebe Waller-Bridge plays Helena Shaw, a grifter who is followed to Tangier by Indiana Jones. Photo: Courtesy of Lucasfilm/Disney Harrison Ford returns as Indiana Jones for the fifth film in the franchise: Indiana Jones And The Dial Of Destiny. Photo: Courtesy of Lucasfilm/Disney The omens for this fifth Indiana Jones movie were not auspicious. Indiana Jones And The Dial Of Destiny (12A, 154mins) Released 42 years after Raiders Of The Lost Ark and 15 years after the last instalment, Dial Of Destiny is the first Indy adventure to involve neither Steven Spielberg nor George Lucas. The films star, Harrison Ford, turns 81 next month a little long in the tooth to be raiding tombs and decking Nazis. The last one, Kingdom Of The Crystal Skull, was a bit of a bore might this be even worse? Not at all, in fact, because while one could argue that director James Mangold and his writers have taken the safe option by playing to the franchises strengths, theres enough daftness, derring do and baggy humour to make Dial Of Destiny an Indy film worthy of the name. In an action-packed opening sequence, a young Indy (a technologically de-aged Ford) is captured by the Germans in 1944 and taken to a schloss for questioning. Harrison Ford returns as Indiana Jones for the fifth film in the franchise: Indiana Jones And The Dial Of Destiny. Photo: Courtesy of Lucasfilm/Disney He has managed to get his hands on a precious artefact called the Antikythera, created by Archimedes 2,000 years ago and supposedly capable of locating fissures in time through which the intrepid might travel. Indy has it and an oily Nazi scientist called Jurgen Voller (Mads Mikkelsen) wants it, but somehow, Jones and his diffident academic accomplice Basil Shaw (Toby Jones) manage to escape and take the Antikythera to safety. Indiana Jones and the Dial of Destiny | Official Trailer Twenty five years later, Indiana Jones is older, stiffer and, if possible, even grumpier, giving out about his neighbours loud music and eking out his last days teaching archaeology to indifferent students at a New York university. But things get lively when Shaws daughter Helena (Phoebe Waller-Bridge) shows up, bringing with her a world of trouble. Phoebe Waller-Bridge plays Helena Shaw, a grifter who is followed to Tangier by Indiana Jones. Photo: Courtesy of Lucasfilm/Disney Helenas a grifter and, after persuading Indy to show her the Antikythera, steals the dial and hot-foots it to Tangier, where she thinks she might have a buyer. Jones follows her, but is in turn followed by Voller, now a plausible rocket scientist who has infiltrated Nasas moon project. Voller, a certified loon and a sore loser to boot, wants to use the Antikythera to travel back in time and reverse the outcome of the Second World War. Indy and Helena will have to join forces to stop him. If that sounds silly, it should be remembered that all the Indy plots are silly. In Raiders, he helped retrieve a biblical artefact that seemed to have as much power as a nuclear bomb; and in Last Crusade, he shook hands with a thousand-year-old knight and drank from Christs goblet. A potential meeting with Archimedes then seems about par for the course and Dial Of Destiny is a decent addition to the much-loved roster, better than Temple Of Doom and definitely superior to Crystal Skull. There are plenty of high-speed pursuits on trains, planes and automobiles, and if these chases make constant reference to previous films, the Indy franchise has always been postmodern, knowingly self-aware. Harrison Ford, now 80, has been playing Indiana Jones for over 40 years. Photo: Courtesy of Lucasfilm/Disney. There are moving reappearances from old hands like Sallah (John Rhys-Davies) and Marion (Karen Allen), and an all-too-brief cameo from Antonio Banderas as a salty Spanish sea diver. Mikkelsen is a satisfyingly twitchy villain, theres plenty of Nazis an Indy prerequisite and Waller-Bridges glib chancer Helena is a worthy foil for Indys grumpy cynicism. Ford, 80 or not, carries the whole thing off with his usual aplomb, blinking with bemusement at some of the plots more outlandish flourishes, but every inch the intrepid explorer weve come to know and love. Ford has said: Im Indiana Jones. When Im gone, hes gone. Looking at this film, its hard not to believe him. Rating: Three stars Indiana Jones And The Dial Of Destiny is out nationwide on Friday, June 30. The purchase is the latest in a host of takeovers by Irish processing giants ABP, Dawn Meats and Kepak in the UK in recent years. Scotbeef today announced the sale of their abattoir at Bridge of Allan and meat packing facility at Queenslie, Glasgow, to ABP Foods. The sale is expected to complete at the end of July 2023. The two facilities will now become part of the companys UK meat division which also includes an existing processing facility in Perth, Scotland. Scotbeef CEO Robbie Galloway said, "This sale is the right move for our staff and producer suppliers, and also for Scottish agriculture as it secures the ongoing viability of these slaughtering and packing facilities in Scotland. Like Scotbeef, ABP is a family run business and we have been working closely with them to ensure a smooth transition. We are appreciative of the support and help we have received from the Goodman family and their ABP colleagues as we have gone through this process. We wish them well for the future with this acquisition." Scotbeef will continue to operate from their sites in Inverurie, East Kilbride, Annan, Heysham and Woverhampton. Frank Stephenson, Group Chief Executive of ABP looks forward to working with the team in Scotbeef to ensure a smooth and seamless transition for farmer suppliers, colleagues and customers at the Queenslie and Bridge of Allan plants. "It will be very much business as usual with a commitment to building on Scotbeefs well established tradition and reputation for high quality Scottish red meat products. The purchase is the latest in a host of takeovers by Irish processing giants ABP, Dawn Meats and Kepak in the UK in recent years. The three companies now control much of the beef processing industry in the UK. Hannah Quinn-Mulligan: Farmer rumblings will translate into a rural revolt on polling day Farmers across the globe are becoming increasingly frustrated with their governments and there is going to be a backlash at the ballot box, both at home and abroad Rural anger: Dutch farmers protest against government nitrogen rules. Photo: Getty Hannah Quinn-Mulligan Thu 15 Jun 2023 at 09:18 Manufacturers including American firm John Deere and Dutch Lely have stopped shipping to Russia, leaving farmers there struggling to get spare parts. One Sunday afternoon in May, Robert Redman got a call from a friend who owns the farm next door to his. A drone had been hovering above his yard before taking off over the fields towards Redmans land. Get out there and have a look, he urged Redman. I dont know what its doing. Redman, who owns an agricultural contracting business in Oxfordshire, assumed it must be kids messing about and put it to the back of his mind. Two weeks later, he woke up to find thieves had broken into his yard in the dead of night and stolen 70,000-worth of technical equipment from his fleet of tractors. It was only then that he realised the drone was on a surveillance mission, sent by an organised crime gang who were scoping the place out. They must have known exactly where the CCTV was. My yard has great big floodlights and PIR [infra red] sensors everywhere. As soon as the light goes on its like Wembley Stadium. They knew exactly where the sensors were. [On the CCTV] you could see them skirting around and avoiding them. Redman is among the latest to have fallen victim to a rural crime wave gaining speed and power across the country. UK farmers are losing tens of thousands of pounds worth of equipment to gangs who break in and steal quad bikes, machinery or technical equipment (like the expensive GPS units in every tractor and combine). And they are stealing for a particular market eastern Europe. Much of the stolen equipment, the National Rural Crime Unit [NRCU] says, now ends up in Russia as Western sanctions imposed after Vladimir Putins illegal invasion have driven a black market in farm machinery. Manufacturers including American firm John Deere and Dutch Lely have stopped shipping to Russia, leaving farmers there struggling to get spare parts. Fifteen months into the war, its extraordinary that Britains quiet, rural backwaters are feeling the knock-on effects of the Wests sanctions against Putin, as farmers find their machinery could, within a matter of days, end up being taken from a field in Oxfordshire 1800 miles to a farm in Russia. Arable farms in the east of England have been the targets of organised crime gangs for a number of years but recently, these gangs have been on the move. The week Redman was burgled, 46 GPS units were stolen from farms across the country, from the Scottish borders right down to Wiltshire. NFU Mutual, who insure three quarters of the British farming community, say thefts like this doubled in the first four months of 2023, exceeding 500,000, with thieves now travelling the length and breadth of the UK for high value and easily portable kits, raiding farms in Scotland, North West and North East England. When they reach Russia, the parts are sold for agricultural or construction purposes, says Supt. Huddleston. Russia has massive swathes of arable land, but farmers cant currently buy any equipment. One of the manufacturers had a full order book this year that was worth tens of millions. If you multiply that by all the manufacturers, that is a massive amount of the market that is going to force second-hand prices up. It creates an ideal opportunity for criminals to monopolise on trying to sell stolen machinery over there. The gangs are a mix of British and foreign criminals. Weve been arresting people involved in OCGs from abroad, he says. These are well organised groups that can operate across international boundaries. Were concerned the thieves responsible may be planning to up their game during this years busy harvest season to target even more farms, causing widespread delays and disruption, says Hannah Binns, NFU Mutual Rural Affairs Specialist. On 27th May, the night Redman was burgled, he had dinner at home with his wife and three children as usual before going to check on his father who had broken his ankle and needed help to let his dogs out. On his way back, Redman, 37, stopped by to see one of the young men who lives on site for a cigarette. At 11:33pm, just as he was leaving, he noticed the yard light had come on. Usually, that would have been enough to prompt him to check the yard or at least the CCTV. But the lights have been coming on [a lot] recently weve got three feral cats that set the sensors off, so I didnt bother. He remembers a weird feeling, like a sixth sense, I suppose, that something wasnt quite right. But he ignored it and went home to bed. The next morning, Redman got a call at 6:50 am from the first worker to arrive in the yard to say a window was smashed in. The family home is only 100 yards from the yard but they hadnt heard a thing the thieves were quiet and swift enough that even the familys two Great Danes didnt raise the alarm. Eerie CCTV footage shows two slight men, dressed in black and wearing balaclavas and backpacks, running through the yard. They stole GPS units from all eight machines and the screen from the combine, which Redman says shows they had time on their hands. The thought the thieves could get in and out unnoticed, even with all the security measures in place in Redmans yard, is unnerving; the idea the equipment he relies on for his livelihood could, two weeks on, already be in Russia is hard to comprehend. While the sanctions against Russia continue, crimes like this one are likely to carry on for a considerable period of time, says Superintendent Andy Huddleston, head of the NRCU. These are very well organised criminal groups who operate nationally and internationally and theyll quite happily fly people in and out of the country. [] Theyre capable of getting large machinery out of the country and on a wagon or in a container. Theyre also entrepreneurial, he says. They will adapt to whatever the commodity is that is bringing the most return for the least risk. At the moment, its machinery. Thieves target agricultural and construction machines like excavators and portable GPS units used for mapping fields. We just recovered a new excavator in Romania that was taken out of the country within 24 hours, says Supt. Huddleston. The person in Romania said he paid 20,000 euros for the machine it was probably worth 30,000 (34,929 euros) in the UK. Is there big money to be made there? Absolutely. Gangs operate in the early hours of the morning, exploiting the vulnerability of rural areas. Theyre not looking for confrontation, theyre looking for somewhere they can sneak in and get that piece of equipment away. They use jamming devices to prevent the GPS from being detected, then get their haul out on a lorry or in a container via a port of their choice. Theyll mix the ports up depending on where we are. If we give a particular port attention, theyll move elsewhere. So its quite a game of cat and mouse. Thieves also target the machines themselves. NFU Mutual has seen a spike in quad bike thefts. In 2022 2.8million-worth of quad bikes were stolen from British farms, an annual increase of 26 per cent, driven by a shortage of new vehicles in the market. Thieves [are] cashing in on this lucrative market and selling vehicles domestically and internationally, says Binns. The supply chain problems are also making it difficult for farmers to source replacement machines when their quad has been stolen. Farmers say the police response to these thefts is minimal. When Redman reported what had happened the morning of the burglary, he was put through to the rural crime unit. It was a bank holiday and they werent working until Tuesday, which I thought was absolutely shocking. [] It should be paramount. Just because they dont want to work a bank holiday, we still are [working]. Police eventually sent a forensics team, but the machines were too dusty to take decent forensic samples, which really wasnt helpful. Rural crimes like these pose a problem for police, says Supt. Huddleston. Any time a job is reported to the police, its assessed and theyre going to look at the investigative opportunities. There were never fantastically high attendance rates at rural incidents because its always been the case that youve got very few witnesses, limited CCTV, the house to house inquiries arent there, forensics are often limited because its outside in the elements, so the investigative opportunities have always been a problem. Huddlestons unit is waiting for a new bill to pass through parliament which will require machinery like quad bikes to have theft-prevention devices fitted. If it gets the Kings approval it will mean every piece of machinery has to have an immobiliser on it. In the meantime, Redman is updating all his security. His children, who are three, 10 and 14, have found the whole thing upsetting. The gang walked past my house and none of us were alerted. What would have happened if one of the kids had walked out and stumbled across them? Does he worry they could come back? Put it this way, he says. Well be ready for them next time. Russian President Vladimir Putin and Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko walk during a meeting at the Bocharov Ruchei residence in Sochi, Russia June 9, 2023. Sputnik/Pavel Bednyakov/Kremlin via REUTERS ATTENTION EDITORS - THIS IMAGE WAS PROVIDED BY A THIRD PARTY. President Vladimir Putin said on Tuesday that Russia was considering withdrawing from the Black Sea grain deal because the West had cheated Moscow by implementing none of the promises to get Russian agricultural goods to world markets. The deal allowing Ukraine to resume seaborne grain exports was brokered by the United Nations and Turkey in July last year to help tackle a global food crisis the U.N. said had been exacerbated by Europe's deadliest conflict since World War Two. To convince Moscow to approve the pact, known by diplomats as the Black Sea Grain Initiative, a three-year accord was struck at the same time under which U.N. officials agreed to help Russia with its own food and fertilizer exports. But Putin said that commitment had not been honoured due to the perfidy of the West. In response, Russia has slowed down Black Sea grain shipments. "We are thinking about getting out of this grain deal now," Putin told a meeting of Russian war correspondents and military bloggers. "Unfortunately, we were once again cheated - nothing was done in terms of liberalising the supply of our grain to foreign markets. There were a lot of conditions that the Westerners had to fulfill under the leadership of the U.N. "Nothing has been done," Putin added. Western powers have imposed what they cast as the toughest sanctions ever on Russia over its full-scale war in Ukraine launched on Feb. 24, 2022. While Russia's food and fertilizer exports are not sanctioned, the West's restrictions on payments, logistics and insurance pose barriers to shipments, according to Moscow and major Russian grain and fertiliser exporters. HURDLES REMAIN U.N. spokesman Stephane Dujarric said on Tuesday some progress has been made by U.N. officials to smooth Russia's exports, but "there are some hurdles that remain". "We don't hold all the levers of power in order to facilitate the export of Russian grain and fertilizer, which is not sanctioned," Dujarric said. The United States called on Russia to stop threatening global food supplies. "The world deserves certainty that this corridor for grain and food exports will be there on a sustainable basis, and that it will get to global markets so that the world can continue to be fed," said a White House National Security Council spokesperson. Russia and Ukraine are two of the world's top agricultural producers, and major players in the wheat, barley, maize, rapeseed, rapeseed oil, sunflower seed and sunflower oil markets. Russia is also dominant in the fertiliser market. U.N. Secretary-General Antonio Guterres said on Monday he was concerned Russia would on July 17 quit the grain deal. "We are working hard in order to make sure that it will be possible to maintain the Black Sea initiative and at the same time that we are able to go on in our work to facilitate Russian exports," Guterres told reporters. DEMISE OF THE DEAL? Putin made it absolutely clear that Russia is considering stopping participation in the grain deal. He said he would discuss its future with some African leaders expected to visit Russia soon, adding that Moscow was ready to supply grain for free to the world's poorest countries. "Almost nothing goes to African countries," Putin said of the current situation, adding that Moscow had agreed several times to extend the deal but had nothing to show for doing so. The United Nations has always said the Black Sea grain deal was a commericial enterprise and not intended to be entirely humanitarian, but that it benefited poorer countries by helping lower food prices globally. "We're interested in seeing this (deal) continue in order to ensure that food prices do not go back up," Dujarric said. According to U.N. data more than 31 million tonnes of mainly corn and wheat has so far been exported by Ukraine under the Black Sea deal and the top destinations have been China, Spain, Turkey, Italy, the Netherlands, Egypt and Bangladesh. The current deal will expire on July 17 unless Russia agrees to extend. Russia's specific demands are that Russian Agricultural Bank (Rosselkhozbank) be reconnected to the SWIFT payment system, that supplies of agricultural machinery and parts to Russia needed to be resumed, and that restrictions on insurance and reinsurance needed to be lifted. Other demands include the resumption of the Togliatti-Odesa ammonia pipeline that lets Russia pump the chemical to Ukraine's main Black Sea port, and the unblocking of assets and accounts of Russian companies involved in food and fertiliser exports. Reuters Sinead and Gary Roche from Nenagh, Co Tipperary, whose son Jamie settled his High Court action against the HSE. Photo: Collins Courts University Maternity Hospital Limerick and the HSE have apologised to a four-year-old boy for the shortcomings in care at the time of his birth. Teenager who was rammed off motorbike has toes amputated as result of crash Consumers are being alerted not to eat any imported foods of animal origin bought at Iceland Ireland since March 3, this year. The Food Safety Authority of Ireland (FSAI) has issued a customer alert and has also served a notice today (Thursday) on Metron Stores Limited (trading as Iceland Ireland) for the immediate withdrawal of all imported frozen food of animal origin, imported into Ireland from March 3, 2023. The FSAI has directed the company to recall the items from consumers. As a precaution, the FSAI is advising consumers not to eat any imported frozen food of animal origin bought from Iceland Ireland stores from March 3, 2023. Foods of animal origin are any food products that contain ingredients from an animal, such as chicken, meat, fish, eggs, dairy products, etc. This enforcement action is due to a number of identified breaches of food legislation and an ongoing investigation, the FSAI said. The reasons for serving this notice include: an inadequate evidence of traceability of imported frozen food of animal origin in Metron Stores Limited (trading as Iceland Ireland), An FSAI spokesperson said. And that there have been a number of incidents of non-compliance with import control legislation in relation to frozen foods of animal origin, the spokesperson added. Some frozen food of animal origin has been imported into Ireland without pre-notification and completion of entry declarations and health certificates since March 3, 2023. Discussions have taken place with the company, the FSAI said. This investigation involves the FSAI; the Environmental Health Service of the Health Service Executive; the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine and the Sea-Fisheries Protection Authority. Dr Pamela Byrne, CEO of the FSAI, stated these are very serious breaches of food law. Dr Byrne added that while we have no reports of any illness associated with implicated products from Iceland Ireland stores there had been no proof of valid and correct traceability documentation as required by the law. This had resulted in the FSAI having to take a precautionary approach to best protect consumers, as we cannot be fully confident of the traceability and safety of these imported frozen foods of animal origin. Dr Byrne added that it was as a precaution, we are therefore advising consumers not to eat imported frozen food of animal origin bought from Iceland Ireland stores since March 3, 2023. Dr Byrne explained It is the legal responsibility of food businesses importing food into Ireland to make the correct import declarations for the food they are importing. All food businesses must also have full traceability information on the food they are importing, producing, distributing and selling, she said. Due to these breaches of food legislation and in the interest of consumer protection, this action has been taken. This action is part of an ongoing investigation following identification by Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine Border Control Post officials, in collaboration with Revenue Customs, of undeclared frozen food of animal origin with no accompanying documentation for goods being imported by Metron Stores Limited trading as Iceland Ireland into Ireland. It has led to the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine detaining consignments and issuing an import control notice to return them to Great Britain or destroy them. Officials at Dublin Port continue to assess the detained consignments to determine compliance with legal requirements and import controls. As part of the investigation, the FSAI has informed the European Commission, the Food Standards Agency (FSA) UK, Food Standards Agency Northern Ireland, and Food Standards Scotland and are sharing relevant information to support the investigation. The Irish Independent has asked a spokesperson for Iceland Ireland to comment. It was the first year of the new Leaving Cert art/visual studies exam, with the written paper accounting for only 30pc of the total marks allocation, and the overall response is very positive. Association of Secondary Teachers Ireland (ASTI) subject representative Veronica Lavin described it as very fair and along the lines of the sample paper. Ms Lavin, who teaches at Thomond College, Moylish, Co Limerick welcomed that the paper is moving back into the world of art, as opposed to the world of artistry. It had become too academic, but the new paper has put focus back into the art world. A new departure for the paper is a short questions section, on the theme of todays world, and Teacher Union of Ireland (TUI) exam spokesperson Clodagh OHara said there was a good range of questions, with students required to answer only five of seven. We were happy with this section, It really brings in the contemporary art system, she said. Ms OHara said her own students were very happy and the only problem she found with the paper was that it was a big wordy for that age of student. Perhaps they might adjust that in the coming year. Declan Kelly of the Institute of Education, Dublin, described it as a positive debut to the new exam format. He thought Section A, the short questions, was a mixed bag, with some very straightforward but one or two questions that might unsettle in an exam setting. One example he gave of where students might falter was the question featuring a still from the animation Wolfwalkers .What qualifies as mood in Question 2s Wolfwalkers still gives students more freedom to interrogate their reactions, which is liberating but harder to prepare before the exam. He said the lateral use of ideas was essential to Q6, featuring an image of a Nike runner, and Q7 about the interior architecture of a university building The image of the Nike runner would have appealed to those with an interest in fashion, but even those who prefer the more traditional painting or sculpture would still have the vocabulary for a strong answer. Very approachable, but the stress of the exam hall can make things appear trickier, he said. Mr Kelly said in Section B, on Europe and wider world, and Section C, on Ireland and its place in wider world, the examiners read the room and created a selection of questions that would really fit the students. Ms OHara was also very happy with the ordinary level paper. I wouldnt have any complaints, she said. Leaving Cert History higher level students who may have been expecting a question on the Irish Civil War to mark the centenary of its ending, would have been disappointed. But, overall, it was a good paper with good choice, according to Association of Secondary Teachers Ireland (ASTI) subject representative Philip Irwin. Other teachers agreed. Susan Cashell of The Institute of Education, Dublin described it as a fair and manageable paper that combined expected topics. She said that generally, the questions were straightforward. Occasionally a term might be unfamiliar but after a moment of composure and reflection the context of the question would provide the key. But, she added, while students who prepared material in every section were well-served, those hoping to take two questions from Sovereignty Irish History might have found it more challenging Jamie Dockery of the Studyclix website and Tyndall College, Co Carlow, said it was an an exam which very much played the greatest hits. Because of adjustments related to the disruption to education caused by Covid, candidates had the option of completing three essays from any two topics on offer. In other words, they were able to focus their revision in way that gave them a chance to be much more successful in this exam than would have been possible pre-Covid. Perhaps this could be adopted as normal practice going forward, he said . Section 1 is the documents-based question and it was about the The Sunningdale Agreement and the Power-Sharing Executive, 1973-1974, featuring reports by journalists Robert Fisk and Olivia OLeary. Mr Irwin, who teaches at The High School, Rathgar, Dublin, said the questions here were good. Mr Dockery said the documents and the accompanying questions offered the tuned-in student the opportunity to interact with them in interesting ways. In Section 2 on Ireland, The Pursuit of Sovereignty and the Impact of Partition, 1912-1949 is a popular topic and Mr Irwin said a question on how Cosgrave and De Valera handled Anglo-Irish relations as good but long. Ms Cashell regarded this as overarching question on the sovereignty topic, and said its broad scope would really allow the practised student to show off their knowledge which could be a challenge within the 42.5 minutes allowed for each question. Mr Irwin said another question on the sovereignty topic, about how well did the government of Northern Ireland respond to the challenges it faced in 1920-45 was very challenging because it was very long. According to Mr Dockery, another popular Ireland topic is Movements for Political and Social Reform, 1870-1914 and he said students should have been delighted with the appearance of Charles Stewart Parnell, Edward Carson, the 1913 Strike and Lockout, the Gaelic League and the GAA . In Section 3, Europe and the Wider World, Mr Dockery said the Dictatorship and Democracy topic, which focuses on European History between 1920 and 1945 lacked a Hitler-specific question, while it included a question about France between the wars. This might have limited some students options, he said, Mr Irwin said a question about France could have been written about for three days because it was so open. Ms Cashell said there was a great question on the characteristics of fascism. Students who knew the specific examples of fascism could easily refine them into a response for the characteristics in general. Mr Irwin also liked the question non fascism, but said it was long, and he felt the one on Stalin was fairer Ms Cashell said those looking to answer on American history would have been well-served by racial inequality and the Moon landing. Teachers also responded positively to the ordinary level paper. Mr Dockery thought it intriguing that prominent women in Irish history such as Isabella Tod, Hanna Sheehy-Skeffington and Evie Hone made an appearance at ordinary level, but not at higher level. Inspectors said the school community recognised that communication must be better An inspectors report on a school at the centre of controversy over staff-management tensions has found a significant number of teachers were disaffected and reported dissatisfaction with the current leadership. But some teachers at the 698-pupil Templeogue College in Dublin reported very positive working relationships with senior management, according to the Department of Education team. The Whole School Evaluation Management, Leadership and Learning report, following an inspection in March, found the overall quality of management in the school was satisfactory with some less than satisfactory practices. Among the areas the inspectors identified for improvement were policy development and communication. The term satisfactory is used when inspectors believe quality to be adequate, and where the strengths in what is being evaluated just outweigh the shortcomings. The report, though, noted many positives about the all boys secondary school in south Dublin. In terms of teaching and learning at the school, inspectors found the quality was good overall, with teachers and school leaders setting high expectations for students. Student and teacher interactions were very positive, student behaviour was very good and students who interacted with the inspectors were excellent ambassadors for the school, the inspectors said. The quality of support for students wellbeing was deemed satisfactory, with effective student support structures, a good range of extra-curricular activities but scope to provide more wellbeing initiatives. In relation to management of the school, inspectors stated that the principal, deputy principal, assistant principals and other school leaders collectively manage and oversee the smooth day-to-day running of the school. They demonstrated a good quality working relationship and strived to drive improvement in the school in line with the Department of Education guidelines, national educational reform, thinking and developments, the report stated. But the inspectors reported that the school community recognised that communication required significant improvement in order to facilitate trusting, positive, professional and productive working relationships. In recognition of that, they noted that the board of management had appointed a workplace facilitator, following a recommendation from the trustees. The Spiritan Education Trust is the schools patron body. The inspectors recommended that all teachers and senior management actively participate in that facilitation process as well as a Health and Safety Authority Work Positive programme which had been initiated to drive positive change and improve working relationships. In a comment on communications, the inspectors found that progress at staff meetings had been hampered by non-teaching and learning agenda items. The report stated that these items should be dealt with through other processes, such as the facilitation process, to allow for more discussion about school policies and facilitate sharing of good teaching and learning practices at staff meetings. The inspectors also found staff meeting agendas and slides had been shared but minutes and decisions had not been recorded and circulated to all staff. They recommended that minutes be maintained and circulated to all teachers in a reasonable timeframe and should include actions agreed together with persons responsible. Inspectors also noted that some staff were not aware of how to access the board meeting minutes and agreed reports and stated that staff nominees to the board should ensure that all agreed reports from the board are readily available. Other issues outlined include a number of staff reporting inconsistency in the application of some school policies such as the code of behaviour. Inspectors stated work on updating the code should be progressed without delay and a balance between sanctions and positive behaviour strategies should be evident in the revised code. They also found some confusion as to which version of a number of policies were in operation and stated that board should oversee that the correct version of each policy is uploaded on the sharing platforms to remove ambiguity for staff and the wider school community. In its response to the report, the board of management outlined the actions it is taking to address the issues raised by inspectors. Irelands largest trade union has warned the Government that retained firefighters will begin to resign from next week after starting strike action in recent days. Siptu members are expected to quit the service in large numbers from the beginning of next week after seeking better working conditions, including pay that is based on a set retainer allowance. Extra payments are made per callout. Many complain that although they are officially part-time, they are continuously waiting for pagers to go off due to staff shortages and this prevents them getting other work to supplement their income. They are required to live nearby and must mobilise within five minutes if there is an emergency. The countrys 2,000 retained firefighters began co-ordinated rolling strikes on Tuesday that closed half the countrys 200 stations. The unions public administration and community division organiser Karan O Loughlin said there was no sign of a breakthrough in this dispute. Fire station officer Ciaran Finn speaks on the picket line in Ashbourne, County Meath With all-out strike action to begin on Tuesday, 20 June, which will result in the closure of all retained fire stations across the country, an increasing number of Siptu members have made clear they are considering resigning from the service, she said. This strike was a last resort to endeavour to improve the service and prevent it from total collapse but the pressure on the community that full closure of stations will bring could well be a burden too far for already overburdened firefighters. Many would rather walk away altogether. If this happens, with crewing already at crisis levels, the service will collapse and will take years to rebuild as those firefighters will not return if they leave. Siptu sector organiser Brendan OBrien said that if this issue was not resolved, it could result in a crisis for the sector. The only action that can save this vital community resource from disaster is that the Minister for Housing Darragh OBrien and the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform Paschal Donohoe, put their heads together and arrange for the allocation of sufficient funds to address the necessary reforms that can resolve the recruitment and retention crisis in the retained fire service, he said. In a landmark vote on the EUs Artificial Intelligence Act, the European Parliament said that facial recognition technology can never be used live, and can only be used in review for serious crimes and with the prior authorisation of a court. Plans by the Minister for Justice and Garda Commissioner to introduce facial recognition on Garda bodycams have been dealt a blow by a European Parliament vote to ban almost all AI-backed facial recognition technology in public spaces. The parliament also stipulated that facial recognition technology should not even be used police forces in review, unless it is authorised by a court and when it involves the prosecution of a serious crime. The new guardrails are likely to make it more difficult for Irish authorities to roll out biometric identification cameras, worn on Gardai as they patrol the streets. They are also likely to cause friction when the legislation advances to the next stage of European negotiations with member states, with countries such as France planning to use facial recognition technology as a security aide for next years Paris Olympics. The issue of facial recognition technology has become a source of conflict within the Irish government and Gardai, with the Minister for Justice and Garda Commissioner strongly in favour of equipping gardai with facial recognition technology bodycams. Read more EU is to put shackles on AI to curb surveillance abuses and theft of copyrighted material This is not for racial profiling, this is not about mass surveillance, its about equipping the gardai and supporting them, the Minister for Justice Helen McEntee told the Irish Independent earlier this month. If theyre spending 700 hours going through footage, how can we make that much quicker? However, plans to introduce the technology have encountered opposition from the Ms McEntees coalition partners in the Green Party, as well as organisations such as the Irish Council for Civil Liberties. Todays vote in the European Parliament is a serious blow for the Governments plans to introduce facial recognition technology for Gardai, including as part of the proposed body-worn camera system, said Liam Herrick, executive director of the Irish Council for Civil Liberties. The Parliament has recognised the significant risks inherent in FRT and definitively moved to protect the rights of EU citizens. In light of todays vote, we hope Minister McEntee will reconsider her approach on this issue. Leaving Cert French higher level was a fair paper, with something for students of every ability, but one with plenty of challenges to distinguish the top grades, said teacher Corinne Gavenda. Ms Gavenda, of The Institute of Education, Dublin, said the comprehensions had trickier elements, but this was paired with manageable and productive writing prompts. She said students had plenty of opportunities to secure marks on a paper with lots of relevant topics that reflect the lives and unique experiences of this years group. Leaving Cert Analysis 2023: French (Higher) Those aiming for the top marks will have found interesting topics and non-standard vocabulary, while others will have found accessible questions, she said. In the written exam, the first comprehension text was on the approachable topic of holidaying at home. She said the second text was already an aspect of the paper the students were concerned about as it draws on a literary source, and here some specific vocabulary choices might cause students to miss a vital aspect of the piece. She noted that the verb pique means to steal/take without permission but many students, unfamiliar with the French root, will likely confuse it with the English word meaning to cause interest/reaction. As such many will miss the element of secrecy that runs through the text, and thus find the question on Nina as a complex character challenging. Ms Gavenda described the prompts in Section B Q1 as clear, if not uninspiring. Previous years had questions on topics like the impact of young people in society, while this year had them weighing up staying home or going on holiday. This was rather simplistic, and while offering many a chance to reuse material learned for the oral, stronger students would have had to creatively seek out opportunities to show off and distinguish themselves. Ms Gavenda said the question on friendship was equally welcoming but did require students to talk about friendship abstractly, so those who relied only on anecdotes will find themselves missing a central aspect of the question. She thought the final section of the paper was really relevant to the lives of the student. because it offered an opportunity to write a diary about the debs, while Q5 was on the college life ahead of many. Those who had prepared material on the cost of living would have been able to adapt and really make the most of that work, she said. Ms Gavenda said the same applied to those who focused on technology and social networks as Q3 asked them for their impression of the impact it has on their lives. Students just looking to accrue marks would have been pleased with Q 4s solid, practical email, but she thought Q6 was the most appealing and most profoundly relevant to this cohort as it asked them to reflect on their experiences of online school. This years experiences of secondary school were shaped by online school and the integration of that into this exam is a thoughtful touch by the examiner, she said. Ms Gavenda described the aural exam as accessible, particularly parts A, B, and C. Things were more complicated in section D, as questions hinged on less common words (allowance, shutters). The ability to hear the quickly expressed negative in Section D and without in Section E really tested how finely tuned the students ears are, she said. Minister Roderic O'Gorman has not yet signed the contract. Photo: Maxwells Proposals to turn student accommodation in Sligo into housing for refugees has resulted in an urgent meeting of government officials amid a backlash from local TDs. Senior civil servants are meeting today to discuss plans by a private operator of student housing to turn down applications for the new college term in favour of housing refugees. The Department of Integration confirmed it got an offer of housing from the former provider of student accommodation in Sligo. However, the department, headed by Minister Roderic OGorman, said it had not signed any contracts that would result in the student housing becoming accommodation for refugees. Mr OGormans officials will meet Higher Education Minister Simon Harriss officials to seek a resolution to the issue, which has sparked anger among the students union. Mr Harris is understood to be keen to ensure the accommodation is earmarked for students rather than refugees. Independent TD for Sligo-Leitrim Marc MacSharry raised the issue with the senior ministers, after it emerged over the weekend that students from the recently established Atlantic Technological University had been informed they could not be guaranteed accommodation for the coming term. In a letter to Mr OGorman, Mr MacSharry said it had been brought to his attention that students who were previously renting in purpose-built accommodation near the university were told the housing would no longer be available for the forthcoming academic term. Mr MacSharry said it would be virtually impossible for students to get alternative accommodation in Sligo for the coming year if the plan to change the use of the housing went ahead. While I appreciate the demands to assist refugees and asylum-seekers fleeing persecution, the use of purpose-built student accommodation or accommodation adjacent to third-level institutions normally used for accommodation must not be permitted in any circumstances, he said. Speaking to the Irish Independent, Mr MacSharry said the changed of use of the accommodation would cause absolute bedlam for Irelands newest university. Its time for Leo Varadkar and Micheal Martin to stop focusing on their future EU careers and focus on the issues facing the people living in this country, said the former Fianna Fail TD. Sligo County Council is understood to have contacted the Department of Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth, seeking clarification in relation to whether it has entered into a contract with the owners of the student accommodation. Mr OGormans spokesperson told the Irish Independent: We have received an offer of accommodation, but no contracts have been signed. Well liaise with the Department of Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science and examine the implications of contracting before any decisions, he added. A senior government source said a resolution would be found between Mr Harris and Mr OGorman. The websites and online social media accounts of the providers of the student housing were not operating last night. The phone numbers were also not connecting, and there were no responses from emails to previously existing accounts. The shortage of student accommodation has been a long-term problem for the Government, even before the refugee crisis sparked by the Russian invasion of Ukraine. Patients are advised to pre-order their prescriptions with their pharmacist. File photo: (Peter Byrne/PA) Patients are advised to pre-order their prescriptions with their pharmacist possibly five days in advance- in case the medicine they need is experiencing a shortage. It would allow the pharmacist time to talk with the patients GP and secure an alternative. The advice came from Joanne Kissane of the Pharmaceutical Society of Ireland at a briefing on how medicine shortages are being managed. We are not asking the patients to be aware of the shortages, but to allow additional time for the pharmacist to engage with the GP and recommend a suitable alternative, she said. Representatives from the HSE and the Health Products Regulatory Authority (HPRA) said there is a medicine shortage framework in place to mitigate the impact on patients when drugs are in short supply and provide alternatives. The surge in seasonal illnesses last winter in particular resulted in a huge demand for antibiotics and other related medicines forcing doctors and pharmacists use alternatives to their preferred treatments such as penicillin. Grainne Power, compliance officer in the HPRA, said demand for antibiotics rose by two to three times higher than normal. It is unclear if next winter will see a similar situation and Irelands predicament was shared by other European countries. I would caution about over-interpreting a years worth of data. We were just coming out of Covid, she said pointing to other disruptions such as the war in Ukraine. The HPRA was at the time in frequent contact daily with companies for extra supply and although it as challenging the system worked, she added. Other member states are also encountering the same difficulties. Companies are encouraged to tell the HPRA as early as possible about a possible shortage to allow them to take action. She said there is a difference between a notified shortage which is a signal, and an actual lack of supply to meet national demand which represents a real risk to patients. Delays can and will happen. Knowing about it early is key for us , she added. Dr Eimear Brannigan, a consultant in infectious diseases and the HSE lead on antimicrobial resistance said the supply of penicillin and other antibiotics has now stabilised significantly. Penicillin is the preferred treatment for Strep A infection. Cases of invasive Strep A remain higher than normal. There is no one set of data on the potential impact on patients who may have suffered side effects or adverse impact due to shortages. Ellen McGrath of the HSEs pharmaceutical unit rejected claims that lower prices for older drugs offered by Ireland is a factor in shortages. Sandra Gannon, the managing director of Azure Pharmaceuticals has repeatedly pointed to the lower prices here for older, low-value medicine which she said is contributing to shortages. However, Ms McGrath said the price is arrived at by looking at the average paid by thirteen EU member states and the UK. Just 36 requests for price increases have made currently, which is a fraction of the volume of medicines delivered. Price has implications for the taxpayer and the patient paying privately without a medical card, she added. Medicines for Ireland has said price is not the factor, she said. Two men have appeared before Cork District Court charged with the murder of a young man last Christmas. Jordan Deasy (19) and Ricardo Hoey (20) were charged with the murder of Matt O'Neill (29) at Glenwood, Carrigaline, Co Cork on December 28. Both Jordan Deasy of Ravensdale, Heron's Wood, Carrigaline, Co Cork and Ricardo Hoey of Ardcarraig, Carrigaline, Co Cork had previously been charged with assault causing harm to Mr O'Neill. Judge Olann Kelleher was told by Det Garda Declan Healy that he arrested Hoey and Deasy. The detective said Hoey was charged with the murder of Mr O'Neill at Togher Garda Station on June 13 and made no reply after being formally cautioned and charged. The court heard Deasy made no reply when the charge was formally put to him after caution. Each defendant is charged with the murder of Mr O'Neill at Glenwood Grove in Carrigaline on December 28 contrary to common law. Mr O'Neill died eleven days after suffering serious injuries in a Christmas incident in Cork. He had undergone emergency surgery after being found badly injured on a roadway in Glenwood on December 28 but failed to recover. Judge Kelleher was told by Sergeant Pat Lyons that the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) had directed trial by indictment at the Central Criminal Court. Because the charge involved in murder, bail applications cannot be dealt with at the district court and must be handled by the High Court. Defence solicitors Frank Buttimer and Eddie Burke confirmed to the court that a book of evidence would be required in the matter. Judge Kelleher remanded Deasy and Hoey in custody to appear again before Cork District Court on June 21 next by video link. Mr O'Neill was hailed at his funeral as a devoted son who adored swimming and who had bravely helped save the lives of six people during a water rescue in Kerry in 2006 when he was just 13 years old. His father, Pat, said he was "the body and soul" of his family who have been left absolutely heartbroken by his death. Pat O'Neill fought back tears as he recalled to mourners at his son's Requiem Mass the happiness he had brought to their entire family. "His name was in my phone as 'Body & Soul' - that's what came up every time he rang me. And that is what he was - our body and soul," he said. "One of Matt's lovely friends sent us a message and it really said it (all) about Matt. She said Matt was a real sweetheart, he was kind and caring. He was gentle." "Swimming, surfing, kayaking, camping - (being) in the water was Matt's favourite place." "He ended up saving someone's life. One afternoon we were surfing in Derrynane in Kerry and six people were in serious trouble in the water." "Together, Eileen, myself and Matt, we pulled the six of them out. But there was one who was in a particularly bad way and Matt took specific action going to him in the middle of the panic. Matt was 13 years old." Mr O'Neill was on a life support machine at CUH for eleven days after undergoing emergency surgery following an incident in Carrigaline shortly before 6pm on December 28. He was pronounced dead at CUH early on January 8 after failing to regain consciousness following surgery. Sligo town resident Jessica McLoughlin killed in incident at around 4pm yesterdayA female relative of Ms McLoughlin (25) is being treated in hospital for her injuries Tributes have been paid as a woman who died after she was struck by a train yesterday was named locally. Sligo town resident Jessica McLoughlin, who was in her 40s, was fatally injured in the incident that happened about 4pm. A younger female relative was also injured and was being treated in hospital last night. Tributes paid to Jessica McLoughlin outside Collooney Co Sligo The incident took place on the train line at Knocks Park, Ballisadare, 7km south of Sligo town. One female pedestrian aged in her 40s was fatally injured and her body remains at the scene. A second female aged in her 20s has been removed from the scene to Sligo University Hospital with serious injuries, gardai said in a statement. Gardai also confirmed the coroner had been notified and the services of forensic collision investigators were requested. The younger female was rushed to Sligo University Hospital yesterday afternoon to be treated for non-life-threatening injuries. It is understood the women were not hit head-on by the train, but rather came into contact with the side of a carriage as the train went past. Ms McLoughlin was a native of Sligo town. Local People Before Profit Councillor Gino OBoyle said she will be missed. Mr OBoyle said he had spoken to Ms McLoughlin as recently as this week and she was well-known in the local community. She had kids, she had a partner, shed be well-known. She was a very good community person. Shell be missed. I was only speaking to her the other evening, and we talked about the council, he said. Gardai near the scene of the accident at Collooney, Co Sligo The mayor of Sligo town, Fianna Fail Councillor Tom MacSharry, said: She was a very nice person. Our thoughts and prayers are with her and the family and friends. Were a community and a town and county in absolute shock at this terrible tragedy, at this terrible time. Mr McSharry also acknowledged the efforts of the emergency services who responded to the incident. I understand they were at the scene very quickly, in very difficult circumstances and they have to be commended for their efforts, he said. The exact nature of the accident is not yet clear, but it is understood a main line of enquiry for gardai is that the women were taking a shortcut at the time of the collision. Foul play is not suspected. Jane Cregan of Irish Rail said the railway company had launched its own internal investigation into the incident. Ms Cregan praised the efforts of those on the ground yesterday including emergency services and Irish Rail staff. All services are operating as normal this morning. It was a very distressing incident for everyone involved particularly the driver and my other colleagues that were on board that train, she told RTEs Morning Ireland. They are receiving our employee assistance programme which offers counselling so were grateful that that is in place this morning for everyone who was involved in the incident yesterday. The gardai will also be investigating along with the rail accident investigation unit. The only thing that myself and Iarnrod Eireann can offer is our sympathy to Ms McLoughlins family and to wish the speedy recovery of the other woman who was involved in the incident yesterday. Sinn Fein Councillor Thomas Healy, who lives near where the tragedy occurred, was at the scene last night. Mr Healy said his thoughts were with the family of the deceased woman and the train driver and Irish Rail staff. He said it was a tragedy for the entire county and that the family were well-known in Sligo town. I came on the scene just after 4.15pm when the road was closed off and diversions were put in place, he said. I also want to thank the services of the railway staff, An Garda Siochana and the ambulance service for the professional way they handled everything yesterday and kept everything calm. Fr Tommy Towey, parish priest of Ballisadare, said the news was deeply troubling for the entire community. The news is shocking because this is a busy line and its an enormous tragedy not only for the family but also for the whole community who are in a state of disbelief, he said. Since I came to Ballisadare in 2007, this is the first major incident that I would be aware of. Irish Rail said yesterday the Sligo to Dublin service stopped between Sligo and Collooney due to a serious incident. The 15.50 service from Sligo to Dublin Connolly struck two women in the vicinity of Ballisadare, shortly after three oclock today, Irish Rail spokesperson Jane Cregan told the Irish Independent. There were 100 people on board the train. They have all disembarked from the train and have been removed from the scene by bus. They will go to Boyle and will be able to get a train from Boyle. Train sligo Services were operating between Dublin Connolly and Boyle only, and there were bus transfers in place between Sligo and Boyle. Cllr Thomas Healy and said locals were in shock as people didnt know if it was local people who were injured. But its a tragic thing to have happened, he added. Last night, Irish Rail cancelled information events planned for International Level Crossing Awareness Day today in light of the tragedy. To reduce the risk of disruption, steer away from the most congested hubs or at least the most dominant airlines In west London, a noisy night for residents spells a profitable night for any taxi and Uber drivers who are prepared to work into the early hours. After midnight on Monday morning at London Heathrow, a succession of planes touched down. Normally all arriving aircraft are tucked in by 11pm. The tardy half-dozen were British Airways Airbus jets arriving well behind schedule from Dublin, Glasgow, Naples, Pisa, Porto and Prague. Around 900 weary passengers then trudged through the echoing terminal buildings, discovering that the Underground and rail lines had closed for the night. As the Heathrow stragglers sorted out their onward travel arrangements and possibly grimaced at the cost, across at Gatwick, thousands of easyJet passengers were still waiting for the chance to fly. On Sunday, easyJet had grounded more than 60 flights. They included a pair of departures to Cyprus, flights to various Greek islands and the 2,890km haul to Antalya. Mondays cancellations by Britains biggest budget airline at its main base, London Gatwick, topped 40. Among the fallers: Lanzarote, Chania in Crete and Dalaman in Turkey. After I wrote about the disruption to the travel plans of tens of thousands of BA and easyJet passengers, Call me Frank on Twitter asked: Where does the fault stem from? Frank offered three possible explanations: Weather, some huge storms? Lack of aircraft or crew? Poor management/planning? Let me tackle them in order. Weather was the trigger. From a pilots point of view, storms pose a serious threat. Aviation professionals are, I am glad to say, obsessed about safety. One very significant reason why UK and Irish airlines enjoy remarkable accident-free records is intolerance of risk. And that means avoiding cumulonimbus clouds of the kind that lashed the southern half of Britain on Sunday and Monday. Next, was there a lack of aircraft or crew? Evidently. An extended delay can turn into a cancellation if the crew reach their maximum duty times. Even if the trip goes ahead with a delay of, say, four hours, there are knock-on effects: strict rules on minimum rest for crew kick in; and a plane due to fly from A to B might still be on the ground in C. You (or Frank) might counter: surely resource shortages are the result of poor management/planning? Both BA and easyJet are, in my view, well run. The trouble is, resilience is expensive. Having large numbers of spare planes and crew on hand just in case may be a commendable goal, but it is unrealistic to expect an airline to be able seamlessly to recover from extreme weather disruption. Especially at Heathrow and Gatwick. And therein lies the real problem. British Airways and easyJet are united in one characteristic: having their main bases at airports bursting at the air-traffic control seams. BAs home at Heathrow is the busiest two-runway airport in the world. And Gatwick, where easyJet is the leading customer, is the busiest single-runway airport in the world, When schedules start to unravel, there is very little slack in the system. Weather disruption affects all airlines. But BAs Heathrow-based operation and easyJets Gatwick network are especially susceptible. Consider Aer Lingus, which flies to both Heathrow and Gatwick. Storms will clobber links to and from Dublin but those flights represent a relatively small and manageable percentage of the Irish airlines operation. I saw only two non-BA cancellations on Tuesday from Heathrow. For British Airways and easyJet, though, the scale of disruption is huge. So let me offer a fourth possibility: each airline has too many eggs in one vulnerable basket. But both carriers might say: were just responding to customer demand. To reduce the risk of disruption, steer away from the most congested hubs or at least the most dominant airlines. Ultimately, the passenger has the power. Frank Coughlan: Reaction to Ricky Gervais gigs in Dublin shows its funny how we take offence when we could look the other way Paddy Agnew writes well about Silvio Berlusconi, or Mr B as he refers to him in his balanced piece (Berlusconi: Charming salesmans route to the top was dogged by scandal Irish Independent, June 13). I have a sense that Mr A liked him too, as many did in Italy and afar. I recall being at Italia 90 in Rome for Irelands famous match against the home team, and hearing the chanting of Forza Italia at a time when Diego Maradona was wooing and pulling at the heartstrings of the Italian fans for support, as Berlusconi was to do throughout his remarkable political life. Russian President Vladimir Putin pays tribute to Silvio Berlusconi I wonder did Mr B latch on to Forza Italia as an apt name for his new political party, that seemed to suit his own personality to a tee. Despite his human failings he didnt seem to have a narcissistic bone in his body he exuded charm but with class, much like his great Milan teams. Mr Agnew asked: Why did he step on to the political pitch?. The answer surely is power, for its the drug that seduces all ambitious people who want to make a difference. But with that power he also did much good for Italy. Aidan Roddy Cabinteely, Dublin 18 Lets vote on where our pot of gold is best handed out Your editorial (Budget prudence or largesse? Varadkar seeks the sweet spot Irish Independent, June 13) suggests that giving voters what they want can be a lot more rewarding than giving them whats good for them. Therefore, why not have a poll and let the voters decide their three most important desires? That should help the government decide how the pot of gold should best be distributed. Leo Gormley Dundalk, Co Louth Bittersweet memories of trip through Rosslare Harbour I recently sailed on the Pembroke-Rosslare ferry. I stood on the high deck and looked down at the now deserted old original harbour, and it brought me back to travel in the 50s and 60s when there were fewer cars. The cars then had to be transported on special carriages by train out to the harbour where they were hoisted by crane into the hold of one of the two British Rail ferries, the St Andrew or St David, for the overnight sailing. Present day ferries are 300,000 tonnes compared to 30,000 then. The harbour was a hive of activity with its own Easons kiosk and bar. It was a magical travel experience for a young child, although the arrival of the boat train from Dublin, which was bringing people who were emigrating to the UK, also sadly demonstrated the desperate poverty of the time. Dr Aidan Hampson Artane, Dublin 5 Why set your teeth on edge when going to the dentist? As I read Stefanie Preissners item about her dental procedure (Independent.ie, June 12), I was reminded of a quip from the late comedian Ken Dodd. When I visit the dentist, hes the nervous one. Tom Gilsenan Beaumont, Dublin 9 Sitting a maths exam should never have to be so stressful I passed honours maths in my Leaving Cert in 1974. I went on to study higher level maths through the engineering programme in UCD before I emigrated to Canada in 1980. My children have all achieved high- level academic standards in Canada. I thank God every day that they were not subjected to the stress of the Leaving Cert. I just looked at the Leaving Cert higher level math exam that made headlines for its degree of difficulty. I am appalled that hard-working students are subjected to this type of stress. I sympathise entirely with those who had to endure this. Gerard Walsh Ontario, Canada Using Joyce to attack church doesnt stand up to scrutiny Contrary to Declan Foleys assertion (Letters Monday, June 12), I have no views on the propriety of James Joyces sexual relationships. I merely replied to Mr Foleys favourable comparison of Joyces view on marriage with what he described as phoney Catholic teaching on lifelong marital fidelity. Mr Foley makes a valid point concerning the churchs semantics on Boris Johnsons marriage. Which undermines to some extent the faithfulness of many couples who do maintain their vows. Author Edna OBrien reveals that Joyce had several extra-marital relationships, especially in Rome. So it seems that Joyce and the church have more in common than one might expect. Using Joyce as a means of criticising the church simply lacks plausibility. Eric Conway Navan, Co Meath Men tend to the four children who were missing after a deadly plane crash in the Solano jungle. Photo: AP Colombia was united in hope and prayer that four missing children aged 13, nine, four and a baby who turned one in the jungle would be located after surviving a plane crash five weeks ago. Indigenous communities and military soldiers joined forced to comb through the thick, dense Amazonian rainforest, after the crashed plane was located three weeks ago. But just how they survived a thankless terrain alive with jaguars, poisonous snakes, mosquitoes, armed drug smuggling groups, and losing their mother, is largely down to the bravery and skills of one big sister. On todays Indo Daily, presenter Siobhan Maguire learns more about this story that has been hailed a miracle, and is joined by Richard McColl, a freelance journalist in Bogota, and host of the Colombia Calling podcast. Ministers comments give TD some grounds for hope that eyesore in the heart of the town can finally be redeveloped. THE future of the eyesore in the heart of Mallow that was once the thriving Central Hotel has once again come under the spotlight, with a Government Minister saying Cork County Council could look at the possibility of buying the site and putting it to community use. Last August it emerged that plans were being drawn up to redevelop the landmark town centre building, which has lain idle since its doors closed in 2007, following confirmation that it had been purchased by a local property developer for an undisclosed sum. However, a firm set of plans have yet to be formally proposed for the site, much to the frustration of many local public representatives. Earlier this Cork County Councillor Gearoid Murphy called on the local authority to issue a Compulsory Purchase order (CPO) for the site given the lack of progress in its redevelopment. In April Cllr James Kennedy (Lab) said it was time the owner revealed their long-term plan for the site. While we had been given an assurance that the project is going ahead, it is now time for the owner to step up to the plate. The people of Mallow deserve for the owner to put their cards on the table and reveal their intentions, said Cllr Kennedy. Cork East Labour TD Sean Sherlock recently raised the issue in a Dail debate about the Governments five-year Our Rural Future development plan, asking if it would be possible for local authorities to buy and re-purpose derelict buildings under the Town and Village Renewal Scheme. In my own constituency and specifically my hometown of Mallow, we have a hotel which has lain derelict for many years, the former Central Hotel. It was a hub of activity but has sadly gone to rack and ruin, said Deputy Sherlock. The question that arises in my mind is whether there would be scope, if the conditions were right, for the local authority to purchase a property of that type under the scheme. Would there be such scope for a local authority to purchase a hotel to turn it around and perhaps provide community gain or local accommodation? In response Minister Humphreys said the building acquisition measure element of the scheme had proven very popular generating positive feedback from local authorities and communities. Deputy Sherlock mentioned the Central Hotel in Mallow. This is the sort of thing we are targeting. We are trying to look at old buildings that have gone past their use and re-purpose them for 21st century use. For example, we have had many banks and old primary schools, shops and Garda stations, said Minister Humphreys. One example she cited was a former hotel in the Roscommon town of Boyle that had lain vacant for years and was acquired by the local authority, with her department providing funding for it to be converted into a library and community hub. The Deputy should talk to the local authority about the Central Hotel in Mallow, and it should look at that property. There is no reason why it cannot put in an application. It is certainly the type of project we want to see funded, said Minister Humphreys. Deputy Sherlock said the fact that Minister Humphreys had quoted the Boyle example gives me some grounds for hope for derelict buildings such as the Central Hotel that are in private ownership. He said there does not appear to be any clear intent by the owner or owners of the property as to what their intentions are for the property. The local authority (Cork County Council) and the taxpayers have spent a fortune on the upkeep of what is a derelict building in terms of safety measures and various fires that have broken out. It has cost the taxpayer quite a significant amount through the years, said Deputy Sherlock. I take some solace from the Ministers response in that there is a precedent for the acquisition by a local authority of a hotel and that perhaps the same idea could be brought to bear (in Mallow). I certainly will approach the local authority on that basis, he added. Ann Marie OSullivan from Mallow recalls the hope that her medical team gave her Mallow woman Ann Marie OSullivan (second left) and Catriona Green from Donegal (second right) will speak about their successful treatment for cancer in the TG4 documentary presented by fellow cancer survivor Evelyn ORourke (centre), which will also feature contributions from researchers Maitiu O Murchu and Dr Triona Ni Chonghaile. A WOMAN from Mallow will feature in a powerful and moving TG4 documentary being screened this month highlighting how impactful breakthroughs in cancer research are bringing hope to people across the country. It is a stark reality that one in two people in Ireland will received a cancer diagnosis in their lifetime. However, researcher across Ireland are tackling the disease with incredible results, due in no small measure to outstanding support of charities like Cork-based Breakthrough Cancer Research. Biseach on Ailse, which is being screened at 8.30pm on Thursday, June 22 and is backed by Breakthrough Cancer Research, will see broadcaster, journalist and cancer survivor Evelyn ORourke bring two fellow survivors face-to-face with cancer researchers to focus on the life-changing impact of their work in advancing new and innovative approaches to eliminating cancer. It takes viewers on a journey through the world of cancer research, exploring the cutting-edge science behind new treatments and therapies In the documentary Ms ORourke, who was diagnosed with breast cancer 12-years-ago when she was pregnant with her second son, meets Mallow woman Ann Marie OSullivan and Caitriona Greene from Donegal both of whom have also battled cancer who share their personal stories of hope and resilience. Writer/journalist and mother of two, Ann Marie was diagnosed with HER2 Positive Breast Cancer in June 2020, shortly after Ireland went into lockdown for the first tine during the Covid pandemic. She received hemotherapy in July 2020, an operation in December 2020 and radiotherapy in February of this year. Shortly before she was to receive TCH chemotherapy, Ann Maries doctor offered her an alternative and she became the first person in Munster to receive new TCH-P treatment. The treatment was successful and in the documentary she remembers the hope her medical team gave her. In 2021 teacher Caitriona Greene, was diagnosed with cancer and while undergoing treatment discovered she was pregnant. She did ten rounds of chemotherapy before giving birth to her daughter. She said you have to trust the research and think about the women who came before me who didnt have research. I think about the first pregnant woman to receive chemotherapy who didnt have research. She did that so women like me could sit in that chair and know that I was doing the right thing, said Caitriona. The moving documentary shows how research creates breakthroughs and breakthroughs make more cancer survivors. Behind that simple equation hides innovation and science, but it is the end result that helps people to get back to living, and creating memories and moments that would not have been possible were it not for cancer research. This is a story of hope and perseverance, and a tribute to the remarkable individuals who are working tirelessly to find new, better, kinder, smarter treatments and diagnostics for cancer, said Evelyn ORourke. Five-decades ago less than half of people diagnosed with breast and prostate cancer could look forward to more than five years survival. The documentary highlights how more people are surviving cancer in Ireland today thanks to investment in research and why there is a critical need for more research into poorer prognosis cancers. Today, thanks to investment in cancer research, the five-year survival rates for those cancers are 88% and 93% respectively. However, according National Cancer Registry: Annual Statistical Report 2022 some cancer survival rates are still less than 15% . The programme also sheds light on the ground-breaking work being done by Breakthrough Cancer Research, whose vision is to create 100% survival for 100% of cancers by investing more research funding into the cancers that need the greatest improvement, those that are causing almost half of cancer deaths in Ireland, and by reducing the time it takes for lab discoveries to get to patients. Central Statistics Office data shows 84,613 Ukrainian refugees have arrived in Ireland since March 2022 At the start of June there were 1,625 displaced Ukrainian children enrolled at schools across Cork City and County. Photo: Mark Condron. UPDATED data released by the Central Statistics Office (CSO) has provided a broadly accurate breakdown of the number of Ukrainian refugees that arrived in Ireland since the start of the war in their homeland. The latest figures show that since March of last year when the first Ukrainian refugees arrived on our shores and June 6, a total of 84,613 Personal Public Service Numbers (PPSNs) have been issued to people arriving from Ukraine under the Temporary Protection Directive. Enacted in early March 2022, the directive provides immediate protection in EU countries for people displaced by the Russian invasion of Ukraine. A CSO spokesperson said the published figures only analyse the number of refugees that have availed of the temporary protection measure and have received a PPSN and as such should be interpreted as estimates. For example, a number of persons who have arrived from Ukraine may not have received a PPSN yet, while the figures may also include those who received a PPSN earlier in the crisis but who are no longer resident in the State, said the spokesperson. Once issued with a PPSN refugees are entitled to claim child benefit for dependent children as well as working age income supports including job seekers allowance or basic supplementary allowance. Key findings of the CSO report included that women and men over the age of 20 account for 46% and 22% of arrivals respectively, with those 20 and under accounting for 32% of arrivals. Of the 32,756 people who attended support events arranged by Intreo Public Employment Services, 62% had achieved a National Framework Qualification of Level 7 or higher. While 64% of those who availed of Intreo services noted their inability to speak English had proved a barrier to employment, 14,630 had enrolled in further education English language course. The latest available Department of Education figures for 2022/23 academic year showed that 15,589 Ukrainian children has enrolled in Irish schools. The figures for Cork showed there were 1,092 children enrolled in national schools and 533 attending secondary schools across the city and county. The data showed that as of June 6 there were 7.740 Ukrainian refugees living in Cork, with the CSO giving a breakdown of the number of refugees living in each of Corks Local Electoral Areas (LEAs). According to the CSO data there are 2.217 Ukrainian refugees currently spread around the five Cork City LEAs, with the largest number (861) based in the South-Central ward. The figures for the county show that the Midleton LEA is accommodating the largest number of refugees at 1,645, followed by Macroom at 682 and Skibbereen-West Cork at 681. The figures for the remaining Cork LEAs are: Bantry-West Cork (609), Mallow (591), Kanturk (378), Bandon/Kinsale (371), Fermoy (277), Cobh (182) and Carrigaline (107). The CSO said the data for LEAs was compiled using information on either local post office through which refugees were seeking assistance from The Department of Social Protection or, if available, the arrivals residential address where an Accommodation Recognition Payment (ARP) is payable to the host of the residence. The post office address is used as a tentative proxy for place of residence where ARP data is not present. An additional 300 taxi permits have been issued for use at Dublin Airport during the summer months. The sanctioning of extra permits by DAA, the operator of Dublin Airport, follows on from a lack of car parking spaces available for those travelling this summer. Dublin Airport has advised people travelling to consider using alternative modes of transport to travel to and from the airport because both short-term and long-term car parks have sold out for much of the summer. The 20pc increase in the number of taxi permits in circulation is one of a range of measures the airport is taking to improve standards for passengers. DAA is also working with transport providers to increase the number of bus routes to the airport by 15pc during the summer months. Dublin Airport is hoping to add a further 80 daily services to market over the coming months, subject to licensing and operational resources. These efforts aim to make it even easier for passengers to get to and from Dublin Airport. Kenny Jacobs, CEO of DAA, said, "Weve increased the number of taxi permits and bus options for passengers because we understand that being able to get to and from the airport in a fast and reliable manner is a key part of the airport experience. With passenger numbers now back at pre-pandemic levels, we want to make sure passengers have plenty of compelling travel options, he said. Dublin Airport is the largest public transport hub in Ireland and is now connected to 30 counties across the Island of Ireland by bus, with frequent services serving Dublin's main railway stations, including Heuston, Connolly, and Pearse stations. Passenger numbers travelling through Dublin Airport have returned to pre-Covid levels. However, the number of available parking is still reduced by 20pc due to Quick Parks 6,200 spaces being out of action, resulting in a high demand for car parking spaces. A deal has been agreed with DAA to buy the Quick Park facility, subject to approval. A spokesperson for DAA said: Issuing more taxi permits is making a tangible difference for passengers, with the average waiting time for a taxi having fallen to just six minutes in the six weeks since the start of May, down from 10 minutes in the same period last year. The percentage of passengers obtaining a taxi within the desired timeframe of less than 10 minutes also continues to improve, increasing to 84pc in May 2023 from 78pc in May 2022. Umbrellas and wind-breakers for outdoor dining are often provided by drinks companies. Pic: Gerry Mooney A traffic-free trial was carried out on Parliament Street during the summer. Pic: Gareth Chaney /Collins Parliament Street in Dublins city centre will go traffic free on weekends for the summer, Dublin City Council have confirmed. The street will be pedestrianised on Saturdays and Sundays from 11am until 11pm beginning on July 1 and will run until late August. The reduction of vehicles coming from Capel Street, on the opposite side of the Liffey, has already seen traffic reduced significantly on Parliament Street. Traffic-free trials on Parliament Street previously took place last summer on Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays from 6.30pm to 11pm. Dublin LGBTQ bar angered as council put bike rack in former outdoor seating area during Pride month Feedback from those trials and others conducted in 2021 requested more family friendly times, therefore the street will close to traffic from 11am this year to entice more families into the area. Once the measures commence, deliveries can be made on the street up to 11am and Essex Quay and Essex St will remain open. However, businesses on the street are currently undergoing issues with deliveries with drivers being forced to park on footpaths as the loading bays have been filled with bicycle racks. An online petition, which has reached more than 5,000 signatures, was launched this week to remove a bike rack installed in a loading bay, also used for outdoor dining, outside Street 66, an LGBTQ+ friendly bar on the street. There are two loading bays which serve the 19 hospitality businesses on the street. Siobhan Comny, owner of Street 66 bar on Parliament Street, told Independent.ie this week she was devastated to learn on Monday that Dublin City Council had installed the bike rack directly outside her premises. The bar had reapplied in October for its annual outdoor street furniture licence for tables and chairs but it was refused on Friday. The bar owner said the racks are forcing delivery drivers to park up on the footpath as they have nowhere to park. It seems a bit vindictive to have a bike rack on a loading bay and delivery trucks have to go up on the footpaths, she said. With Dublin Pride set to kick off this month, the street will dealing with an influx of people and receiving extra stock deliveries. Im devastated, coming up to Pride the streets are going to be very busy so I dont think its really safe to have a bike rack directly outside your front door of a busy premises, she said. The council have said emergency vehicular access will be maintained at all times and the emergency services will be able to access all locations on Parliament Street Permanent changes to Parliament Street are currently being finalised as part of the City Centre Transport Study, a draft of which will be published for public consultation in August or September. Man, who was known to the victim, has been arrested for murder following death Gardai at the scene on Kilbarrack Road, Raheny, Dublin where the body of a woman was dead this morning Photo: Colin Keegan, Collins Dublin Detectives believe a woman was stabbed to death by a man known to her in a row at a house in north Dublin overnight. It is understood two children were in the home at the time but they were not physically harmed. Emergency services were alerted to the property in Raheny after 1am following reports of a violent assault. When gardai arrived, they discovered the woman, aged in her 40s, in the kitchen of the house with suspected stab wounds. She was pronounced dead a short time later. The scene at Kilbarrack Road, Raheny The scene on Kilbarrack Road was sealed-off and an examination is being conducted by the Garda Technical Bureau. A man, aged in his 50s, was arrested at the house on suspicion of murder. The suspect is known to the victim and is currently being detained at a local garda station under Section 4 of the Criminal Justice Act 1984. Scene in Raheny, Dublin 5. Photo: Avril Kinsella Gardai have this morning been conducting door-to-door inquiries in the area as part of the investigation. They are not looking for anyone else in relation to the murder. A Garda spokesman said the woman's body remained at the property and that the Office of the State Pathologist had been notified. An incident room has been established and a senior investigating officer appointed to oversee the inquiry. Fianna Fail councillor Daryl Barron, who is local to Kilbarrack, said it was disturbing news. It is very concerning, a young woman has lost her life and its extremely distressing, he said. Garda Technical Bureau arrives at house in Raheny, Dublin It is a very distressing time for neighbours and people in a community which has been quite quiet in recent years and hasnt had anything like this happening in recent times. My thoughts and prayers are with the family, and we can only wait and see the outcome of the investigation. Newcastle West District Court issued an improvement order on a West Limerick restaurant, The Kerryman has learned, weeks after the establishment was ordered to close by the Health Service Executive (HSE). Little Neros, The Square, Abbeyfeale, was ordered to close on April 21. A food-hygiene inspection report carried out before this order was issued stated that high-risk foods were being stored at unsafe temperatures. At the time the inspection began, food was being prepared, but the premises had no continuous supply of hot water. The electricity was not working, and a generator supplying back-up electricity to the premises had run out of fuel. A boiler was found not to be working. An Improvement Order, meanwhile, has been handed down by Newcastle West District Court on May 2, and the premises was asked to comply with this order by May 16. The District Court can issue an Improvement Order if an Improvement Notice has not been complied with within a defined time-frame. According to the District Court document, seen by The Kerryman, Little Neros is being asked to comply with an improvement notice issued in January of this year. The Improvement Order sets out several corrective actions for Little Neros to follow. These include the removal of mould and repairing of a surface under a stairs and alcove; a deep clean of ceiling, walls, floor, preparation surfaces, doors, fixtures, fittings, equipment, and touch points in all food rooms; and the storing of all ingredients in appropriate conditions. The restaurant provides a take-away service and offers a range of fast food and pizzas. The Kerryman has contacted the Food Safety Authority of Ireland to see if there has been any update to the orders handed down to Little Neros in recent months. The Bishop of Elphin Kevin Doran has said the death of a mother of four who was struck by a train in Ballisodare, County Sligo yesterday afternoon had created a real sense of sadness and shock across the community. His statement came as funeral arrangements were revealed for Jessica McLoughlin of Yeats Drive, Cranmore, Sligo. She was struck by the 3.05 train to Dublin at Knox Park, Ballisodare along with her niece, Rebecca McLoughlin as they walked along the rail track in the direction of Sligo. Bishop Doran said: An incident such as the one which took place on the railway line at Ballisodare yesterday touches the lives of many people and creates a real sense of sadness and shock across the community. "I offer my prayers this morning for all of those involved, especially for Jessica McLoughlin who died and the young woman who remains ill in hospital, and also for the driver of the train and all who attended the scene. May God console them and strengthen their families, he said. Predeceased by her parents Peter and Annie. Jessica was the mother of Ryan, Kyle, Megan and Alisha.and a sibling of Denis, Pat, Dervilla, Michelle, Jason and Graham. She will repose at The Foley and McGowan Funeral Home, Market Yard, on Sunday, 18th June, from 5:00pm to 7:00pm. Funeral will arrive to St. Annes Church, Sligo on Monday, 19th June, at 11am for requiem mass followed by burial in Sligo Cemetery. Many tributes have been posted on social media to Ms McLoughlin while public representatives have also offered condolences. Sligo/Leitrim TD, Martin Kenny said: He said: First and foremost, my thoughts are with those affected by this terrible incident. I want to extend my sympathies to the family, friends and community of the lady who has tragically lost her life. I am sure the people of the North West will join me in extending our thoughts to the young lady who was also seriously injured in this collision, as she is treated for serious injuries in Sligo University Hospital. I want to commend the quick action of our emergency services in attending the scene so promptly. This incident will lead to a difficult time ahead for the family and friends of those involved. As a community, we must come together and support them in any way possible, he said. MEP for Midlands Northwest Chris MacManus has expressed his deepest sympathies to those at affected by the tragedy. The Sligo native spoke of the shock felt in the local community and praised first responders for their work. This is desperately sad news. Firstly I want to extend my condolences to the family and friends of Jessica, who has tragically lost her life in the incident. Its difficult to comprehend the shock and sadness they must all be feeling today. "The second young woman who is being treated in Sligo University Hospital is now very much in our thoughts. I wish her every strength in fighting to recovery. My thoughts today are also very much with the train driver. I cant imagine how truly harrowing of an experience this must have been. Likewise I want to extend my sympathies to the train staff, the passengers and any bystanders who may have witnessed the tragedy. It must have been very distressing for everyone involved. Id like to extend a special word of praise and thanks to the emergency services for their rapid response in attending the scene, and to the staff at Sligo University Hospital for their ongoing work. Finally Id like to sympathise with the wider Sligo community. This news really sent a shockwave through our town and county. It is incredibly sad and Im sure many are struggling to make sense of it all. It is important we all come together and offer our support to everyone effected by this terrible tragedy. Investigations into the incident are ongoing by Gardai and Irish Rail. Jessica McLoughlin (40) died after she was hit by a train at Ballisodare, Co Sligo yesterday afternoon Flowers at the entrance to Ballisodare River and Knoxpark where Jessica McLoughlin died Photo: Gerry Mooney Flowers at the entrance to Ballisodare River and Knoxpark where Jessica McLoughlin died Photo: Gerry Mooney A woman who was injured in an horrific train accident in Sligo has spoken of her aunts final moments in a heartbreaking tribute. Rebecca McLoughlin posted the tribute on social media following the accident that claimed the life of Jessica McLoughlin Jessica (40), from Cranmore, died when she was struck by a train yesterday afternoon at Ballisodare, around 7km from Sligo town. It is understood mother-of-four Jessica was walking along the rail line with Rebecca (25) when the accident happened at around 4pm. Rebecca was also injured and is being treated in hospital for the injuries she sustained. Tributes paid to Jessica McLoughlin outside Collooney Co Sligo The two women had tried to get out of the way of an oncoming train but were struck by the steps of the carriages. It is understood Jessica and Rebecca had heard the train, which sounded its horn for up to 30 seconds before the accident, and knelt down alongside the train tracks to get out of the way. However, they were struck by the protruding steps of the train. It is understood the two women had taken the Dublin train from Sligo earlier in the day but got off in Collooney and decided to walk along the track back to Sligo. Jessica McLoughlin. In a heartfelt tribute posted on Facebook this morning, Rebecca McLoughlin, who remains at Sligo University Hospital, said: Oh why Jess why did they have to take you, why couldn't it have been me. You have 4 beautiful kids left behind you. "You didn't deserve this. I'm glad that we got to spend those last moments together though and I'll not forget what I promised you. Ill not take back my word. I'm in bits here Jess. Why, oh why, did this have to happen. "My heart is broke. Lying in each others arms them last few moments Ill never forget what you said to me. Ill cherish that memory for as long as I live and will never forget you. "We were two peas in a pod, more like sisters. partners in crime more like lol. At least youre finally at peace now with nanny and grandad and I promise I'll do you all proud. "Ill never forget you beautiful. Fly high Jess and I'll not let your kids ever forget about you will always remind them of how much you loved them. Rest in peace my beautiful aunty I dont know what I'm gonna do without you u were one in a million never be another you I love u so much sleep tight til we meet again. Flowers at the entrance to Ballisodare River and Knoxpark where Jessica McLoughlin died Photo: Gerry Mooney The funeral notice for Jessica has now been posted online, saying that Requiem Mass will take place at 11am on Monday at St Annes Church in Sligo with burial to take place in Sligo cemetery afterwards. The notice says Jessica is predeceased by her parents Peter and Annie. She is survived by her children Ryan, Kyle, Megan, and Alisha; and her siblings Denis, Pat Dervilla, Michelle, Jason and Graham and wider family. Her remains will repose at McGowan funeral home in Sligo on Sunday from 5pm to 7pm. Today at the site of the tragedy people brought flowers and laid them close to the railway line at Ballisodare River and Knoxpark, a public walkway of scenic parkland on both sides of the rail line, connected via an underpass under the tracks. The heritage and archeological site is a peaceful haven for walkers first opened in 2001. It incorporated stone benches and native plants along a walk with waypoints and resting areas near a Viking cemetery and views of the Ballisodare River. But the peace of the parkland, about 3km from Collooney, was yesterday broken by the sound of the horn from the 15:05 train from Sligo as it was sounded by the driver when he saw Jessica and Rebecca at the side of the trainline. Jessica and Rebecca made efforts to avoid the train but it is understood that the side of a carriage or its steps clipped them, killing Jessica and leaving Rebecca injured. She was rushed to hospital for what are believed to be leg injuries. Gardai and Irish Rail continue to investigate all the circumstances surrounding the tragedy. Train services resumed this morning on the rail line. Jane Cregan of Irish Rail said the railway company had launched its own internal investigation into the incident. Ms Cregan praised the efforts of those on the ground yesterday including emergency services and Irish Rail staff. All services are operating as normal this morning. It was a very distressing incident for everyone involved particularly the driver and my other colleagues that were on board that train, she told RTEs Morning Ireland. They are receiving our employee assistance programme which offers counselling so were grateful that that is in place this morning for everyone who was involved in the incident yesterday. The gardai will also be investigating along with the rail accident investigation unit. The only thing that myself and Iarnrod Eireann can offer is our sympathy to Ms McLoughlins family and to wish the speedy recovery of the other woman who was involved in the incident yesterday. Local People Before Profit Councillor Gino OBoyle said Ms McLoughlin will be missed. Mr OBoyle said he had spoken to Ms McLoughlin as recently as this week and she was well-known in the local community. She had kids, she had a partner, shed be well-known. She was a very good community person. Shell be missed. I was only speaking to her the other evening, and we talked about the council, he said. The mayor of Sligo town, Fianna Fail Councillor Tom MacSharry, said: She was a very nice person. Our thoughts and prayers are with her and the family and friends. Were a community and a town and county in absolute shock at this terrible tragedy, at this terrible time. Mr MacSharry also acknowledged the efforts of the emergency services who responded to the incident. I understand they were at the scene very quickly, in very difficult circumstances and they have to be commended for their efforts. It's all smiles as Philip 'Powder' Freeman shares a smile with his daughter Phia who is wearing a t-shirt showing her late mam Lisa smiling with them. A unique fundraising event will take place in Enniscorthy greyhound stadium on Thursday, June 22, when a well known local man will race one of the dogs on the track. Philip Powder Freeman, who is very well known in the Enniscorthy area, will be pitting his fitness levels against a racing greyhound as he sets about raising money for the Irish Cancer Society and the annual Relay for Life event in Wexford. Philip will be competing for his Light4Lisa initiative which is named in honour of his late wife. The cost of entry to the event will be 10, with children getting in free of charge, and the entry fee also includes the chance to win a spot prize on the night. The racing will get under way at 7.30 p.m. with a regular schedule of races and Philip will then go up against the racing greyhound a couple of races into the schedule. The first prize on the night in the public raffle will be a stay in the Wild Atlantic Lodge. Will the power of Powder be enough to see off the racing pace of a greyhound? The only way to find out will be to go along on the night and witness the spectacle in person. All support for the fundraiser will be greatly appreciated and its all for a very worthy cause. At "Art with a Heart" for Relay for Life in The Talbot Hotel on Monday evening were Helen McLean artist and organiser of the event , Cllr Maura Bell Mayor of the Wexford District and Julie Jackman At "Art with a Heart" for Relay for Life in The Talbot Hotel on Monday evening was Greg Currid At "Art with a Heart" for Relay for Life in The Talbot Hotel on Monday evening were Zoe Walsh and Hannah Quinn At "Art with a Heart" for Relay for Life in The Talbot Hotel on Monday evening were Mairead Rafter, Dermot Rafter and Helen McLean At "Art with a Heart" for Relay for Life in The Talbot Hotel on Monday evening were Yvonne Keane, Jayne O'Sullivan and Jennifer O'Connor While many art exhibitions offer high quality pieces with the prices to match, the Art with a Heart event at the Talbot Hotel sought to give everyone the opportunity to purchase a bespoke artwork for their living-room at an affordable price. Organised by Helen McLean to raise funds for Relay for Life, the exhibition featured works from 80 amateur artists from across Wexford with prices ranging from 25-120. Relay for Life is one of Irish Cancer Society's national campaigns where communities come together to remember those lost to cancer, celebrate those who've survived, and raise funds and awareness The exhibiting artists were all students from Helens studio classes and were especially motivated to donate some of their best works to the exhibition. We would have lost some members of our classes through cancer and we wanted to do something to remember those people, said Helen. Gay Murphy, who was the Wexford director for Relay for Life, was in our classes before she passed away, she was a wonderful person who inspired so many. Bolstered by a relay raffle featuring works from Kenny Goodison, Nadia Michnik, Paul Maloney and Jean Ffrench, the event raised over 7,000 for Relay for Life. It proved a really popular event. It was also a good opportunity for these artists to showcase their work, these were all amateurs who do it for leisure but there was some brilliant art, said Helen. It was very uplifting, were hoping to make it an annual occasion, and because the prices were so reasonable its a very accessible event. Maura Mayor Bell launched the event with music provided by Tony Jeffares and The Talbot donating the room free-of-charge. Helen also wished to thank Alasdair Joss and Christy Joss for their support in organising the event over the last few weeks. Fine Gael Councillor for Bray West and Wicklow, Melanie Corrigan, is taking over from Councillor Erika Doyle as Cathaoirleach of Bray Municipal District (BMD), following an election by BMD members at the Annual General Meeting, on Tuesday, June 13. Acknowledging Cllr Doyles service, Cllr Corrigan said she would be a hard act to follow and quoted an African proverb by way of expressing how she intends to progress in her new role: "If you want to go fast go alone. If you want to go far go together." Cllr Corrigan is from Enniskerry, she is married to Liam and the mother of four children. She has a great interest in the arts and actively supports the work of the Mermaid Arts Centre and the importance it holds as a cultural hub for the community. Councillor Rory O'Connor, who is also from Enniskerry, was elected as the Leas-Cathaoirleach on the evening. At the age of 24, he has secured his place as the youngest ever to hold this esteemed position in the history of Bray. Speaking following his election, Cllr O'Connor said: "I hope to use my youth as an advantage in this role by showing the people of Bray, Enniskerry and Kilmacanogue that young people can make it in politics and inspire the next generation to get involved. Expressing his gratitude, Councillor O'Connor added: I am truly honoured to have been given this platform, and despite the one-year term as Leas-Cathaoirleach, I am fully committed to making the utmost of this opportunity." Cllr O'Connor said he is setting his sights on addressing urgent issues within Bray, Enniskerry, and Kilmacanogue. One of his primary focuses will be on the prevalent problem of vacant houses in Bray, where 63 houses remain unoccupied during a housing crisis. Through his position, he intends to use his voice and influence to drive effective and transparent action. He also wishes to advance his environmental commitments, which were key pillars of his election campaign, and aims to champion sustainability initiatives across the district and advocate for the preservation of the environment, ensuring a greener future for the local community. "Very recently we lost a huge amount of NTA funding transport due to the council simply not spending it, he said. This money was meant to be used for several great active travel projects across the district. I hope to use my voice to put pressure on getting this funding back and using it to do projects such as the southern cross cycle way and many other projects and help bring about a new age of sustainable travel." Meanwhile, outgoing Cathaoirleach, Green Party Councillor Erika Doyle, expressed her commitment to build on her experience as she continues to serve as a councillor for the district. Reflecting on her role over the last 12 months, Cllr Doyle described how she was initially struck by a sense of panic and overwhelmed by imposter syndrome, as many women are when they take on leadership roles. We are here as representatives of the people, but we are also people, something that is increasingly forgotten in the very polarised world of politics. Teenage single mum me, who felt shame and ostracization and had to fight for every little bit of progress, is very glad that I did take it on, she said. And I did so with support from my colleagues both around this table and in my party, my family particularly my children, and also the executive. When I was elected as Cathaoirleach I was keen to draw a distinction between my role as councillor and that of Chair. I have tried at all times to be neutral in my approach and open to all members input. I hope you feel that I was successful in this regard. My intention was to hold a space for a group of people who wanted to work together on issues relating to Bray outside of the confines of party politics. Only today [Tuesday, June 13], as I stood with the firefighters on the picket line I was told how appreciative they were of the fact that we came together as a group of eight, and outside this chamber, to show our absolute support for them. While their issues are not resolved, they felt the power of the support from their elected representatives. While I could list individual highlights as Chair, such as marking the completion of Bray Central, hosting Cathaoirleachs reception for Bray Tidy Towns and Order of Malta, putting together a budget proposal that got unanimous support, many of the very meaningful moments came in smaller and quieter forms. Raising the Ukranian flag in the Council foyer, sent to us from the frontline in Ukraine, attending the National Learning Network awards where I heard the most wonderful accounts of young people overcoming obstacles and reconnected with old friends, but most of all is that the act of wearing the chains encourages people to speak with you, to tell you their story, to ask you yours, to remind you of the responsibility of your office and the reason you are doing this in the first place. Put simply, wearing the chains of office places you in a role where you are visible, accessible and accountable, and all of these things are vital for a healthy local democracy. Thank you for giving me the opportunity and the privilege to serve as your Cathaoirleach for the year. I feel my term has copper fastened my relationships with you all sitting around this table, and I hope we can build on that in the future. I would also like to offer my full support and congratulations to Cllr Corrigan as incoming Cathaoirleach, she concluded. Wicklow harpists are leading the way at an international harp festival, which takes place in County Louth later this month. An Chuirt Chruitireachta, now in its 35th year, is an annual international harp festival run by Cairde na Cruite (Friends of the Harp). The festival sees harpist of every standard from all over the world come together for an immersive week. Participants have the opportunity to engage with other harpists, gain a better understanding of Irish music, song and dance, and learn more about the harp. This years festival takes place from Sunday, June 25 to Friday, June 30 at An Grianan, Termonfeckin, Co. Louth, and features a panel of exceptional tutors and talented artists set to deliver an outstanding celebration of harp music. Brays Rachel Duffy is co-directing the festival, having been involved previously and certainly has pedigree. She is a prize winner of the Fleadh Cheoil and the Feis Ceoil, and apart from playing at Chuirt Chruitireachta, has also played at the Wales International Harp Festival, Creative Connexions in Spain and the Hainan World Tourism Expo in China. She is currently a member of the National Folk Orchestra and the TU Dublin Harp Ensemble. Rachel works as a composer and tutor with the Music Generation Wicklow Rithim orchestra, as well as with Bray CCE where she directs a harp ensemble., Wicklow musicians Aoife Ni Bhriain and Colm O Briain will also be performing in Rising Stars at the Tholsel on Tuesday, June 27 and will join Bray CCE Harp Ensemble to perform in an evening concert on Wednesday, June 28 in An Grianan. Aisling Ennis will perform with Trio Tain in Stars Align on Tuesday night and lead a Goltrai and Geantrai workshop in Drogheda Library, also on the Wednesday. The festival will kick off at 3pm on June 25 with a pop-up concert featuring local musicians from the Music Generation Louth Harp Ensemble. A harp-makers exhibition will also run throughout the afternoon with leading Irish harp makers on hand to discuss their work. Entry to both the afternoon pop-up concert and the exhibition is free and all are welcome. The mid-point of the week sees harp ensembles from all across Ireland joining the fun. Artist-in-residence Rachel Hair will lead seven visiting ensembles from Wicklow, Mayo, Antrim, Donegal, Clare, Louth and Dublin in a day of workshops, culminating in an evening performance on Wednesday, June 28 at 8pm Tickets for all evening concerts (15) can be purchased through Eventbrite. The Happy Pears David and Stephen Flynn, from Greystones, are launching an equity crowd investing opportunity to enable international expansion (in the UK market and beyond) of its food products and to encourage growth and improvements in its Happy Pear app and digital business. The company has already received reservations of over 1.5 million, with strong interest from additional parties and is inviting any passionate brand supporters to join the company as owners in this exciting new step on their journey. The shares being offered are redeemable ordinary shares and are being offered via a crowd investing platform called Broccoli. Broccoli is a Dutch equity crowd investing platform, which solely works with businesses in the green and ethical space. Speaking about why the pair have decided to pursue this approach, David said: Weve been approached by various investors and venture capitalists over the last number of years but as were a community-based business, we felt it was more fitting for us to allow our community, who helped in our development, the opportunity to become an owner in The Happy Pear and share in our growth. We have significant plans to expand globally and were excited to welcome new owners into this exciting journey. The Happy Pear, now in its 19th year of business, has sold over 18 million of its 75 food products in its range in SuperValu, Centra and other independent foodie stores across Ireland and Northern Ireland. They have a suite of online health & education courses which more than 100k people have been through on The Happy Pear App as well as a bustling cafe and retail outlet in Greystones. They also have six international bestselling cookbooks selling over 320,000 copies; a four-acre regenerative organic farm, a community of over 1.6 million people following on social and almost 50 million views on YouTube. Shares can be reserved by going to The Happy Pear website and clicking on the invest page. Our beauty expert is dying to tell you about her latest favourite and affordable lip gloss, eye shadow, foundation and mascara From time to time, I realise that Ive developed new favourite products which Ive failed to tell you about because they havent fallen into the category of this column. I always feel remiss as the recommendations pile up in my head, deep in fear that one of you is missing out on the exact product they need at this precise moment. What if I share with you a recommendation one week too late? Its unthinkable, so this week Im going to catch you up on some recent stars of my makeup bag. Ill start with two products from a brand anyone who watches beauty content on TikTok will be familiar with: Kosas. This LA-based brand is hugely popular and its easy to see why. The products are all built around the clean girl ethos of being as natural as possible. This means theyre cruelty-free and have botanical-heavy formulas while leaning away from synthetic ingredients. Personally, I dont have any issue with unnatural ingredients in my beauty products, what matters to me is if they work. Kosas products really do. Their focus on developing skincare-makeup hybrids is successful and the price point is excellent compared to much of the beauty market. Revealer Skin-Improving Foundation SPF 25, 40, spacenk.com Until recently, Kosas was tricky to get in Ireland, but its now easily available through Space NK. Im particularly into the Revealer Skin-Improving Foundation SPF 25 (40 via spacenk.com), which feels like a nourishing skincare product when you apply (probably because of the inclusion of niacinamide, squalene and hyaluronic acid) but offers a surprising level of coverage without ever making your skin look like anything but skin. Kosas Wet Lip Oil Gloss, 23, spacenk.com Kosas Wet Lip Oil Gloss (23 via spacenk.com) has barely left my hands since I got it. My lips have been chronically dry since I recently started a new medication, so its been hard for me to find anything other than lip balm which feels comfortable on them. This little guy delivers moisture and comfort, along with colour and shine, and I now want every single colour (there are eight). YSL Lash Clash Extreme Volume Mascara, 34, brownthomas.com Elsewhere, it isnt often that I fall in love with a high-end mascara. I find that there are incredible mascaras available at lower price points, and their lifetime is simply too short to make it worth investing much in them. However, I was devastated when I recently ran out of YSL Lash Clash Extreme Volume Mascara (34 via brownthomas.com) in brown. I know. I never thought Id see the day that a brown mascara would become a staple of mine but the colour somewhat softens the incredible length and volume this product provides, leaving you looking feminine and pretty. I will be repurchasing. Armani Eye Tint in 22M/Deep Nude, 34, brownthomas.com Armani Eye Tint in 22M/Deep Nude (34 via brownthomas.com) is another product Ive picked up four or five times a week since I got it. This liquid shadow is super easy to apply and blend out, and works beautifully on its own (especially for the green or blue-eyed, thanks to its warm undertones) or under other shadow. I like to wear it under a matte grey shadow for a smokey-eyed effect. I find using a grey rather than black softens the look, which can sometimes be a bit harsh, especially as I get older. Vieve The Ninetease Palette, 52, brownthomas.com Vieve The Ninetease Palette (52 via brownthomas.com) is full of beautiful matte greys, along with gorgeous silver shimmers, should you be on the lookout for a new palette. Lost in Translation Glazed eyeshadow is the latest beauty trend to take off, and no, its not miles away from the glazed nails trend popularised by Hailey Bieber. The look simply entails wearing a shadow that sparkles in such a way that it appears wet (or glazed). Charlotte Tilbury Hypnotised Pop Shots (30 via charlottetilbury.com) are ideal for this look, as are Pat McGrath foil shadows (as included in the brands palettes, from 59 via patmcgrath.com). As with all shimmery shadows, your fingers are the best tool for application. Something old Hourglass Phantom Volumizing Glossy Balm, 40, brownthomas.com Were not going back very far in history, but the innovation of super glossy products which feel like a balm while delivering colour is relatively new. Hourglass Phantom Volumizing Glossy Balm (40 via brownthomas.com) was one of the first to blow peoples minds on this front, and it remains a star-player. Gloss is back in a big way, and makeup wearers are determined to have their lips shining however, these days theyre not willing to sacrifice comfort for it. This product is hydrating and comfortable to wear, but also delivers high-shine and high impact colour. As a brand, Hourglasss commitment to being entirely cruelty-free while creating innovative and high-performing luxury beauty products is admirable. Their success shows theyre putting their money where their mouth is. ... Something new YSL Rouge Volupte Candy Glaze, 40, brownthomas.com YSL Rouge Volupte Candy Glaze (40 via brownthomas.com) launched late last year, but its having a major moment now thanks to TikTokker and all-round Gen Z superstar Alex Earle. Earle recently posted herself raving about the product, and now its the only lip product people are talking about. Offering the look of a lip gloss with the comfort of a balm, this little guy includes 78pc caring ingredients like vitamin E, hyaluronic acid, pomegranate extract and cold-pressed mango oil. It smells like mango too, and is beautifully packaged in classic YSL beauty packaging. Candy Glaze comes in 12 shades, which give you the option of a wide range of colours that also deliver when it comes to pigment. Europe Ireland will stand with Ukraine for as long as it takes, vows Leo Varadkar The four indigenous children were weak after nearly 40 days lost in the Amazon following a plane crash. Their chances of being rescued seemed bleak until an unexpected saviour appeared in the heart of the jungle. 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. Meet the firm behind our content. Visit their website to see how their services can help your business succeed. Image Credit: UNI New Delhi/UNI: The Congress on Thursday slammed the BJP government after the Law Commission of India (LCI) sought views and ideas from the public and recognised religious organisations on the Uniform Civil Code (UCC), saying it represents the government's desperation for a legitimate justification of its continuing agenda of ''polarisation''. Referring to the government communique on UCC, which was issued on Wednesday, Congress general secretary in-charge Communications Jairam Ramesh said, "The 22nd LCI notified its intention to examine the UCC. It is strange that the Law Commission is seeking a fresh reference when in its press release it acknowledges that its predecessor, the 21st Law Commission had published a consultation paper on the subject in August 2018. " "No reasons are given for why the subject is being revisited. The real reason is that the 21st Law Commission, after carrying out a detailed and comprehensive review of the subject, observed that it is 'neither necessary nor desirable at this stage' to have a UCC," he said. Attacking the ruling BJP, the MP said, "This latest attempt represents the Narendra Modi governments desperation for a legitimate justification of its continuing agenda of 'polarisation' and diversion from its glaring failures." "The Law Commission has produced an enviable body of work over the decades on numerous issues of national importance. It should be mindful of that legacy and remember that the interests of the nation are distinct from the political ambitions of the BJP," he underlined. Image Credit: UNI New Delhi/UNI: A delegation of retired judges and top jurists of India, led by the International Council of Jurists (ICJ) president and senior advocate, Adish Chandra Aggarwala, will unfurl the national flag at the iconic Lal Chowk in Jammu and Kashmir's Srinagar on June 18. Aggarwala, who is also the president of the Supreme Court Bar Association (SCBA), on Wednesday said, "The gesture was meant to demonstrate the ground reality to the international community that J&K has returned to normalcy after the Narendra Modi government's decision to scrap Article 370 of the Constitution." The abrogation of Article 370, from Jammu and Kashmir was not only wise but has also taken the wind out of Pakistan's sails on the Kashmir issue despite Pakistan's never-ending nefarious designs, said Aggarwala. The delegation led by Aggarwala, is scheduled to commence its J&K visit and local engagements from June 16 to 19. They will visit public places including schools, colleges and hospitals. Aggarwala will also address teachers and students of Law Department of University of Jammu and Dogra Law College and members of J&K High Court Bar Association in Jammu on June 16. The delegation will also meet the J&K Lt Governor Manoj Sinha and other dignitaries. Image: Twitter video grab As the first week of June approached, the citizens of Brampton, Canada, like their counterparts in Amritsar in Punjab, were bracing themselves for the usual outpouring of controversy that had become expected around this time of the year. A Troubling Tableau This year, the cause was a tableau (or jhaki, as called in colloquial Punjabi) that celebrated the assassination of late Indian Prime Minister Indira Gandhi by her Sikh bodyguards, displayed in the annual Sikh Martyrdom Parade on 4 June. The tableau, marking the 39th anniversary of Operation Blue Star, was a point of outrage and contention as it unapologetically celebrated the assassination of the Prime Minister of the worlds largest democracy, India. Indias Response and Diplomatic Tensions The Indian government, including External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar, expressed their displeasure over the tableau, maintaining that such actions were detrimental to the relationship between India and Canada. They questioned why space was being given to those who advocate violence. It isnt only one incident, no matter how egregious it may be, Jaishankar told reporters. There is a larger underlying issue about the space which is given to separatists, extremists, and people who advocate violence, he said. We are at a loss to understand, other than the requirements of vote-buying politics, why anyone would do this. Canadian high commissioner in India, Cameron MacKay, also expressed concerns, stating that there is no place for hate in Canada or for glorifying violence. Despite this, the Mayor of Brampton defended his administrations decision to ignore these provocative acts of Khalistani activists. Echoes from the Past: The 1985 Air India Bombings This incident shines a spotlight on Canadas historical missteps with regard to the Khalistani issue. The Air India bombings in 1985, a horrifying event that led to the death of 330 passengers, were carried out by Khalistani extremists. Despite numerous warnings and leads, the Canadian government did not take adequate preventative measures. The Canadian police were accused of wiping out the recording between the bombings mastermind, Talwinder Singh Parmar, and other extremists. This resulted in only one person being convicted for the tragedy. The Political Power of the Sikh Community and Anti-India Events Its been suggested that the Trudeau government, in its current regime, is turning a blind eye to the potential of Khalistanis committing fresh atrocities. In the context of these events, it is also noteworthy that Sikhs are often used as a vote bank by various political parties. This has been pointed out by a veteran journalist from Punjab, Shekhar Gupta, on The Print Vlog. He noted that the Sikh community often punches above its weight regarding its political influence. This, in turn, may lead to a carte blanche attitude towards allowing anti-India events organized by extremist elements, where inflammatory rhetoric against India and Hindus is commonplace. Learning from Down Under: Australias Handling of Khalistani Elements Lessons from Australia on handling Khalistani elements have not been heeded. After an assault on individuals of Indian origin in Melbourne in January 2023, Australian organizations have begun denying platforms to Khalistani groups. Unveiling the Strains in Bilateral Relations The controversy surrounding the Brampton Parade float came at a time when the National Security Adviser of Canada raised the alarm over purported interference by India in Canadas domestic matters. In response to these allegations, External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar employed a classic Hindi saying, Ulta chor Kotwal ko dante, roughly equating to the pot calling the kettle black, thus turning the accusation on its head. Respecting the Peaceful Majority: Sikhs in Canada However, its essential to remember that most Sikhs in Canada are peaceful and law-abiding. They shouldnt be stereotyped or discriminated against due to the actions of a small minority. Conclusion: A Call for Zero Tolerance and Transcending Vote Bank Politics Navigating the intricacies of the Khalistan issue presents a considerable challenge for the Trudeau government, requiring the exercise of meticulous diplomatic and political acumen. The controversy of the Brampton Parade float and the subsequent tensions, both internally and with India, exemplifies the precarious balance Canada must maintain. Lessons from the past, such as the Air India bombings and the response or lack thereof from authorities, are a stark reminder of the potential consequences of unchecked extremism. With Canadian Sikhs being a significant political influence, the governments seeming nonchalance towards potential threats and the proliferation of anti-India rhetoric raise valid concerns. However, the Canadian government must strive to transcend vote bank politics and demonstrate zero tolerance against those who perpetrate extremist acts or celebrate them in such a callous way, as seen in the Brampton Parade. (Text and image: Khalsavox.com) Image Credit: Video grab London: Khalistan separatist Avtar Singh Khanda, a close associate of jailed radical preacher Amritpal Singh, died in London on Thursday, media reports said. He had led protests at the Indian High Commission in London earlier this year while Amritpal Singh was trying to escape arrest. Khanda was admitted to a hospital in Birmingham on Monday after he complained of uneasiness, reported NDTV. The exact cause of his death was not known but some reports said he was reportedly suffering from blood cancer. In March, Khalistan supporters held a protest at Bharat Bhavan in London and tried to pull down the Indian flag but their attempt was foiled by a proactive Indian Embassy official, who snatched the tricolour from the hands of the extremists. Avtar Singh Khanda was seen leading that protest in cell phone videos posted on social media. The Indian government had registered a strong protest with the UK government for "the UK government's "indifference" to Indian diplomats and personnel and conveyed the treatment was "unacceptable". Meanwhile, the Indian Mission gave a befitting reply to the cowardly attempts of the Khalistani separatists by installing a massive Indian flag at the Indian High Commission. Amritpal Singh was finally arrested on April 23 after he surrendered at a Gurdwara in Punjab's Moga after eluding Punjab Police, changing disguise and hiding locations for 35 days. A month after Amritpal Singh and his supporters stormed a police station, wielding swords and guns to extract the release of one of his close aides Lovepreet Singh, Punjab Police launched a massive operation against him and his group, 'Waris Punjab De,' on March 18. The 'top secret' operation was conducted jointly by the Aam Aadmi Party-led Punjab government, the Central government, and the Bharatiya Janata Party-controlled Assam. According to sources, Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann had discussed the arrest plan of Amritpal Singh with Home Minister Amit Shah during a meeting on March 2. Sources from the Home Ministry had revealed that Amritpal Singh planned to organise statewide procession to indoctrinate youth for carrying out suicide attacks. It was alleged that the extremist preacher was using de-addiction centers as hideouts to illegally acquire weapons from Pakistan. Kolkata: Various parts of rural West Bengal remained in turmoil even on the last day of submission of nomination papers for the July 8 Panchayat elections. Despite the enforcement of Section 144, gunshots and bomb explosions continued. The Opposition Congress and CPI (M) alleged that the ruling TMC is behind the brazen attacks on their candidates and supporters. The situation turned volatile in Bhangor in the South 24 Parganas district as bombs exploded one after another just ahead of the end of the nomination period for the rural polls. An ABP Ananda report showed deserted roads and shuttered shops as people mostly remained indoors amid raging violence. As many as 600-650 bombs exploded one after the other even in the last few hours of the nomination filing, said the report. Gunshots were heard and smoke filled the area amid unrest which started with disturbances and chaos on the first day of nomination filing. In a major incident of violence in Dakshin Dinajpur district's Chopra, a person died on the last day of nomination filing just ahead of the closure of the filing period. Images of rabid violence emerged on the last few hours of nomination filing as one person was killed after TMC activists allegedly sprayed bullets in a bid to scare the opposition candidates away and stop them from reaching the BDO office to submit documents to contest the Panchayat polls. Activists and candidates have been fired upon by TMC goons just now in North Dinajpurs Chopra block. Left-INC supporters were going to Block office for filing nomination #PanchayatElection2023 pic.twitter.com/lBJrkZyved Md Salim (@salimdotcomrade) June 15, 2023 Nomination paper submission started from 12:00 pm and within 2 hrs situation in the area worsened, the ABP report said. ABP Ananda reported that the TMC supporters allegedly attacked the Congress and CPI (M) workers in the Kathalbari area, around 7 km away from the BDO office, on their way to the BDO office. The TMC activists attempted to block the procession but failed and allegedly resorted to indiscriminate firing, in which three people were critically injured. All three were rushed to a hospital in the Islampur subdivision hospital. One of them, reportedly, a CPM leader and the joint candidate of the Congress CPI (M) alliance, succumbed to the bullet injuries, said the report. Despite the daylight attack, the Congress and CPI (M) workers said they were determined to submit the nomination papers and wouldn't be cowed down by the coercive techniques of the TMC. Meanwhile, the police reached the spot to bring the situation under control. It is still not clear how many people were killed or injured in the shooting, said the report. Image credit: Facebook/ V Senthil Balaji Chennai/IBNS: The Madras High Court Thursday allowed the shifting of Tamil Nadu Electricity, Prohibition and Excise Minister V.Senthil Balaji, who was arrested by the Enforcement Directorate (ED) in a money laundering case, to a private hospital for undergoing a bypass surgery. On a Habeas Corpus petition filed by his wife S.Mekala, a Bench comprising Justices J.Nisha Banu and D.Bharatha Chakravarthy allowed the shifting of the Minister to Kavery Hospital, where he has been undergoing regular treatment prior to his arrest early on Wednesday morning, for undergoing a bypass surgery as advised by the doctors. Meanwhile, reiterating that V.Senthil Balaji was tortured by the ED due to a political vendetta before his arrest, Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M.K. Stalin Thursday said an elected member of the Assembly was treated like a 'terrorist' and wondered whether the country was facing an undeclared emergency. Coming down hard on the BJP-led Government at the Centre, Stalin, in a video address warned the BJP not to provoke the DMK and its cadres, who have faced MISA and various vindictive acts and staged protests, and that it would not be able to bear the consequences. Clarifying that he was not opposed to an inquiry against Senthilbalaji if there was a case and a court order, the Chief Minister wondered what was the need to treat the Minister like a terrorist, by locking him in a room. He is not an ordinary man who can run away. He is a member elected by the people to the Tamil Nadu Legislative Assembly. He is a five-time MLA and a two-time Minister," Stalin said, adding, he fully cooperated with the ED officials when they wanted to interrogate him. He also promised to give a clear explanation if any documents were seized. "What was the need to keep him in a room for 18 hours, not being allowed to meet anyone, he asked. Pointing out that the Minister was taken to the hospital by the ED officials only after he developed chest pain, Stalin said: If they had remained indifferent to his health, it could have cost the Minister his life. Questioning the haste shown by the ED in questioning the Minister, the Chief Minister sought to know whether the country facing an undeclared emergency. "The act of the ED seems to indicate it is...It is simple. The BJP has used the ED for its political game. The BJP is not ready to meet people and function politically. The people are also not ready to trust the BJP. People will have faith in a party only if it is involved in people's politics. The BJPs politics is anti-people, he charged. Accusing the BJP of using the central agencies under its control like the Income Tax Department, CBI, and ED to settle political scores with those it could not challenge politically and ideologically, Stalin said the BJP always resorted to intimidation. This is the BJPs style and its only style. They are resorting to such anti-democratic acts across the country. They adopt the same script and dub it in other States, he said. In a stern warning to the BJP, Stalin said Go through history to know the kind of protests organised by the DMK. Just ask the senior leaders in Delhi about us. We also know politics. I am not issuing a threat. This is a warning. [With UNI inputs] Image Credit: Video grab Kolkata: West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee on Thursday denied allegations of violence to block Opposition candidates from filing nomination papers in the Panchayat polls. Without naming anyone, the Trinamool Congress chief slammed the CPI (M) and BJP, accusing them of tarnishing West Bengals image for some incidents that according to her occurred in just three areas of the state. TMC is not involved in any way with these incidents. We have issued strict instructions to our party workers against any kind of violence, she asserted. This time over a lakh nomination papers have been submitted, which is unprecedented not only for West Bengal Panchayat polls but other states, too, Banerjee said. Only three areas have reported some incidents. I am deeply disappointed as the Opposition is hell-bent on painting a false picture as if the entire state is burning. Out of 73,000 or so votes, only three places witnessed some violence, and that, too, because of their personal animosities, she told reporters. Banerjee said she has asked the police and the administration in the tense areas to crack down on perpetrators. We havent given election tickets to those who previously engaged in violence. People came to us seeking tickets even till yesterday. We have been selective and cautious in choosing candidates, she said. Mamata Banerjee attributed the incidents of violence to the personal disputes of the candidates. You see, sometimes there are four candidates contesting the Panchayat elections in one household. Close relations like father-son, uncle-nephew, and brothers end up being opponents. This is the problem, she said. Training guns at CPI (M) which has been accusing TMC of attacks on its candidates, Banerjee said 36 people were killed in 2003 on the day of election when the Left Front government ruled the state. In 2008, around the same number of people were killed in the rural polls, she added. In 2013, the state election commissioner had deployed central forces, even then 39 people were killed. TMC has nothing to do with the incidents in Islampur and Chopra, she claimed, reiterating that previous candidates with a history of violence and wrongdoing have been denied tickets. She, however, said that TMC did act in retaliation in Bhangar in the South 24 Parganas district. The party which has recently come to power in Bhangar gathered people and incited violence. Muslims are my brothers but some people can use them for their own motives. Yesterday, my party protested against the arson and vandalism caused by the party in power there, she stated. In the 2021 West Bengal assembly elections, Nawsad Siddique of ISF defeated his nearest rival Rezaul Karim of TMC in Bhangar. In a veiled attack, Banerjee also came down heavily on BJP. The party that couldnt give justice to wrestlers and failed too bring POCSO charges on the culprit is talking about injustice in Bengal, she said, apparently accusing BJP of not doing enough against Wrestling Federation of India (WFI) chief and party MP Brij Bhushan Singh in the alleged sexual harassment case by wrestlers. Image credit: Pixabay Bengaluru/IBNS/UNI: Karnataka High Court has warned social media platform Facebook that it would be shut down all over India if it does not cooperate with Indian agencies. The court made this remark while hearing a case related to an Indian imprisoned in Saudi Arabian jail. Facebook allegedly was not cooperating with the police in its investigation. The court directed Facebook to submit a complete report with the necessary information within a week. It also asked the central government to inform the course of action it has taken so far in the wrongful arrest of the Indian citizen. Along with this, the Mangaluru Police has been ordered to continue the investigation and submit the report. In fact, Kavita, a resident of Bikarnakatte in Dakshina Kannada district, had filed a petition in the High Court, complaining that some unidentified people had created fake profiles in the name of husband Shailesh and posted objectionable posts relating to the Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA) against the ruler of Saudi Arabia and Islam. After this, Kavita lodged a complaint with the Mangaluru Police, and in the meanwhile, the Saudi Arabian police arrested Shailesh Kumar and imprisoned him. The Mangaluru police started an investigation into the matter and sought information from Facebook about the fake accounts. However, Facebook did not respond to the information sought by the police. Kavita filed a petition in the Karnataka High Court for the delay in the investigation in the year 2021. Kavita also stated that her husband was working in a company in Saudi Arabia for the last 25 years, while she was living with her children at their home near Mangaluru. The Central Election Commission (CEC) of Uzbekistan has registered four presidential candidates nominated by different political parties of the country for the July 9 snap presidential election which incumbent President Shavkat Mirziyouev is expected to win overwhelmingly. The Adolat Social Democratic Party of Uzbekistan, the Movement of Entrepreneurs and Businessmen - Liberal Democratic Party of Uzbekistan, the People's Democratic Party of Uzbekistan and the Ecological Party of Uzbekistan submitted to the Central Election Commission application for registration of the presidential candidates nominated by them and submitted the signature lists in support of the candidates, according to an official release. A snap election to choose the President of Uzbekistan will be held on July 9, 2023. The members of the expert groups concluded that the signature lists of four political parties had been collected in sufficient numbers to register their nominated candidates for the post of President of Uzbekistan and that they also complied with the legal provisions. Taking into account the conclusions presented by the expert groups and on the basis that the documents submitted by the political parties fully complied with the legal requirements and were submitted in the prescribed manner and within the prescribed deadlines, the working group of the Central Election Commission presented its conclusion on the registration of the candidates nominated by the political parties for the post of President of the Republic of Uzbekistan. Taking into account the conclusions presented by the expert groups and on the basis that the documents submitted by the political parties fully complied with the legal requirements and were submitted in the prescribed manner and within the prescribed deadlines, the working group of the Central Election Commission presented its conclusion on the registration of the candidates nominated by the political parties for the post of President of the Republic of Uzbekistan. CEC adopted a Resolution on the registration of Ulugbek Inoyatov of the People's Democratic Party of Uzbekistan, Shavkat Mirziyoyev of the Movement of Entrepreneurs and Businessmen - Liberal Democratic Party of Uzbekistan, Robakhon Makhmudova of the Social Democratic Party of Uzbekistan and Abdushukur Khamzaev of the Ecological Party of Uzbekistan as candidates for the post of the President of Uzbekistan. In view of the fact that this Resolution marks the beginning of the Presidential candidates' election campaign on June 7, it approved the amount and time of free airtime on the national and regional television and radio channels of the National Television and Radio Company of Uzbekistan, as well as free print space in the newspapers YangiO'zbekiston, Pravda Vostoka, Xalqso'zi, Narodnoeslovo and 24 local newspapers. During the pre-election campaign, the media create conditions for presidential candidates to appear in free airtime and free print space. News broadcasts and other informational materials should adhere to the principle of equal treatment when covering presidential candidates' campaign events, the government said. Image: Facebook/Chrystia Freeland Ottawa/IBNS: As Canada probes allegations that China-led Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank (AIIB) is dominated by the Chinese Communist Party, the country is freezing ties with the bank, Finance Minister Chrystia Freeland said on Wednesday. She said Ottawa could pull out of the bank it officially joined in March 2018. "The Government of Canada will immediately halt all government-led activity at the bank. And I have instructed the Department of Finance to lead an immediate review of the allegations raised and of Canada's involvement in the AIIB," Freeland told reporters. "The review I am announcing today is to be undertaken expeditiously. And I am not ruling out any outcome following its completion." The bank's global communications director, Bob Pickard, accused the bank of being "dominated by the Communist Party" and said Wednesday he had resigned. Having worked for AIIB for 15 months, Pickard said in a statement on Twitter that resigning was his only option as a "patriotic Canadian." A response to a request for comment by the Chinese embassy in Ottawa was not given immediately. Prime Minister Justin Trudeau was in power when Canada joined the AIIB and the opposition Conservatives have long demanded that Ottawa pull out of the bank. Allegations that China tried to intimidate a federal Conservative MP is being reportedly investigated by RCMP. (Reporting by Asha Bajaj) Representational image/credit:Unsplash/Canim Studio Quebec/IBNS: A request by a Muslim advocacy group and a civil liberties organization to suspend the province's ban on prayer rooms in public schools was reportedly denied by a Quebec Superior Court judge on Wednesday. It was argued by the Canadian Civil Liberties Association and the National Council of Canadian Muslims that irreparable harm was being caused to Muslim students, and needed the ban to be suspended immediately as the Muslim students couldn't wait while a legal challenge made its way through the courts. After agreeing that the ban violates religious freedom and could cause irreparable harm to Muslim students, Justice Lukasz Granosik said the groups had only filed their request for a stay in June when the ban went into effect May 3. "The delay is not explained in the proceedings and remains inexplicable," he was reported to tell the court. Citing the province's policy on institutional secularism, Education Minister Bernard Drainville banned schools from offering dedicated prayers spaces after about at least two Montreal-area schools reportedly allowed Muslim students to pray, A lawsuit had been filed by the Muslim and civil liberties groups on behalf of a 16-year-old student at a Montreal-area high school, whose identity is protected by a publication ban, the school was given space to pray at lunchtime. Granosik said it's not clear that the student would be immediately harmed by the rule because classes had ended and students were only required to be at school to write exams. Concerned about serious questions about the constitutionality of the ban, the judge said these would be settled during a full trial adding that the constitutional violations were not sufficiently clear for him to suspend the rule so early in the legal challenge. Muslim group's organization would review the decision, Stephen Brown, CEO of the Muslim group was reported to say. Citing the court process, a spokeswoman for Drainville declined to comment on the ruling. (Reporting by Asha Bajaj) According to a recent Pew Research Centre survey, 53% of adult Indians support legalising same-sex unions. The survey found that 28% of those in support of such a union "strongly favour" it, while 25% "somewhat favour" the idea. However, 31% of Indian adults "strongly oppose" and 12% "somewhat oppose" such marriages, while 43% of Indian adults "completely oppose" them. representational picture The results come from the most recent study conducted by Pew Research Centre between February 20 and May 22 of this year in 24 nations throughout the world to learn how people feel about same-sex marriage. Given that the majority of adult Indians (53%) support making same-sex marriages legal, the survey results for India may be a boost for same-sex couples and others who support their cause. The Supreme Court is currently deliberating on the matter with a five-judge panel hearing the case. However, the Union government has resisted the legalisation of same-sex unions, claiming that doing so violates Indian culture and the heteronormative framework that governs sexual relations. While homosexuality is currently legal in India, marriage between two homosexual adults is still not legally recognised. What people in India think? Delhi resident Shruti Shende says, "Love is love is a complete sentence with a profound messaging. Anyone and everyone should be able to love and marry the person of their choice, all the while enjoying the governmental privileges and social acceptance lent to [homosexual] individuals." "Once the LGBTQIA+ community will receive the help and support it needs from the Indian law to live and love as they please, it will consequently bring about a positive shift in peoples perception thus normalising same-sex marriage in the society," Shende added. Reuters Gurugram resident Aiyush Taneja expressed similar sentiments and adds, "Same-sex marriage should be legal to make logistics of lives of queer people easier. Queer people should be able to nominate their partners on insurance policies, be able to be co-applicants for housing loans, be able plan their estate with same tax benefits as heterosexual individuals, or simply just be able to open a joint account." Also read: How A Trans Tattooist Empowers Lives And Breaks Boundaries, One Ink Stroke At A Time "Law must always be progressive, and precede social acceptance. Legalising same-sex marriage would provide legitimacy to thousands if not millions of queer Indians in loving relationships. Law needs to go beyond mere decriminalisation, legal acceptance provides a precedence for a wider socio-economical inclusion," Taneja added. "The butterfly effects of such legalisation can open the floodgates of a more vibrant pink economy, it can prevent brain drain of thousands of young individuals who are compelled to leave home to find greener, more inclusive pastures elsewhere abroad. But most importantly, it reaffirms the dignity and rights that queer individuals have been deprived of for a millennia." Kamna, a Ghaziabad resident felt sad that it's still an ongoing fight. "It's saddening to think we are still fighting for it while many countries have already these policies in place in action. India is a global leader in so many aspects but when it comes to letting our people love and marry who they want, there's a fight? It just doesn't make sense." What's happening around the world? Globally, it has been discovered that Sweden, where 92% of adults favour it, and Nigeria, where only 2% do, have the highest and lowest levels of support, respectively, for legal same-sex marriage. The poll examined and recorded sentiments regarding a range of demographic variables, including age, gender, political ideology, and whether respondents believe religion to be essential in their life. In terms of global regions, people in Western Europe stand out as staunch supporters of same-sex marriage, with at least eight in ten adults supporting it in Sweden (92%), the Netherlands (89%), Spain (87%), France (82%) and Germany (80%). In each of these countries, same-sex marriages are legal. On the other hand, only 41% of adults in Poland and 31% in Hungary support same-sex marriages. Also read: Transgender Shelter Homes Teeter On Closure During Pride Month In North America, roughly eight out of ten Canadians (79%) support same-sex marriage, as do 63% in both the United States and Mexico. All three countries recognise same-sex marriage. In South America, 67% of Argentinians and 52% of Brazilians approve homosexual marriage. Both countries have also made same-sex marriage legal. Reuters In Asia-Pacific, over three-quarters of respondents in Australia (75%) and Japan (74%), respectively, support legal same-sex marriage. While same-sex marriage is legal in Australia, it is not in Japan. Same-sex marriage is illegal in South Korea, and the issue is making headlines. In South Korea, 40% support legal same-sex marriage, while 59% oppose it. Same-sex marriage is strongly condemned by Indonesians. Only 5% of Indonesians favour same-sex marriage. The survey also discovered that in 12 of the countries polled, those under 40 are more inclined than senior people to accept homosexual marriage. Other countries, however, do not have as substantial age gaps. Reuters Similarly, women in 14 nations are more likely than men to support gay and lesbian marriage being legalised. According to the survey, persons with more formal education are more likely than those with less education to support allowing homosexuals to marry in 17 of the examined countries. The study results for India also challenge the Bar Council of India's (BCI) claim that "more than 99.9% of people in the country are opposed to the idea of same-sex marriage." The BCI stated that the data it released were based on its own survey. However, it has never released a survey report that details the methodology, sample size, and other data points. Mentioning that there is overwhelming opposition (99.9%) to the legalisation of same-sex marriage, it had passed a resolution that called upon the apex court from adjudicating on same-sex marriages. The BCI, in line with the governments view, had appealed to the top court to desist from hearing the pleas seeking legalisation of same-sex marriage, terming it highly inappropriate. It had rather said the issue of marriage equality between heterosexual and homosexual couples is left to the legislative process. What do you think about same-sex marriage in India? Share your thoughts with us in the comments below. For more stories on the LGBTQIA+ community and queerness in India, keep reading Spectrum on Indiatimes. Only hours after the capsizing of a vessel in the Mediterranean which led to the death of at least 78 migrants, information published by Documento, demonstrates important responsibilities of the Greek authorities. According to the Greek newspaper, one of the most modern lifeguard boats in Europe, the Aigaion Pelagos, was not requested by the Greek coastguard to assist the migrants who were in a state of distress. " ", . , pic.twitter.com/8EY0Vx06hz Kostas.Vaxevanis (@KostasVaxevanis) June 15, 2023 According to the location information of the particular lifeguard boat, which is one of the four best and largest lifeboats in Greece and one of the best in Europe, the operations center chose not to include it in the rescue operation, despite the fact that it was at the harbor of Gytheion, very close to the location of the incident. Specifically, on June 13 at 10:40 p.m., the Coast Guard vessel from Crete sailed near the fishing boat. The Coast Guard vessel remained at a distance and discretely observed the fishing vessel, without detecting any problem in its navigation, as it had a stable course and speed. This process continued according to a statement from the Coast Guard until 01:40 on June 14. At 02:04 am the captain of the Coast Guard boat informed the Operations Center that he saw the fishing vessel take a right then a sharp left turn and then another right turn which eventually resulted in the vessel capsizing. Ten to fifteen minutes later the boat completely sank. According to the statement of the Greek Coast Guard, no order was given by the Operations Center for the rescue boat Aigaion Pelagos to assist in the rescue operation of the refugees. During those events, the state-of-the-art private lifeguard boat Aigaion Pelagos was very close to the accident site. According to the tracking platform myshiptracking.com, the Aigaion Pelagos was in the port of Gytheion since May 18, 2023. According to the website, the Aigaion Pelagos left the port of Gytheio at 00:03 AM on June 14, approximately two hours before the fishing vessel sank. Aigaion Pelagos returned at 04:45 AM on June 14, 2023 to the port of Gytheio, where it remains to date. The same information shows that the Aigaion Pelagos at 02:31 AM arrived 7.78 nautical miles west of the area of Archangelos, where it turned off its engines. At 03:51 AM it was 8.27 nautical miles southwest of the area of Plytra, when it departed in the direction of the port of Gytheio, where it arrived as already mentioned at 04:45am. Migrants obviously in distress Greek authorities have been reacting to the incident by blaming the migrants themselves. According to the authorities, when the Coast Guard boats approached the vessel, the migrants refused to be rescued. Nevertheless, pictures taken by the Coast Guard helicopter, that were published yesterday, show that the people on board were waving their hands towards the helicopter in an obvious call for help. Also, former officials of the Coast Guard have told Documento that the vessel of the migrants was obviously not seaworthy, as well as overloaded with passengers and lacking safety measures, hence the rescue protocol should have been implemented immediately upon sighting. After walking the red carpet China rolled out for her, visiting Honduran president Iris Xiomara Castro Sarmiento and Chinese President Xi Jinping conducted their historic meeting, jointly charting the course forward for bilateral relations. BEIJING, June 14 (Xinhua) -- Greeted by a group of frisky children clutching bouquets, Iris Xiomara Castro Sarmiento, president of the Republic of Honduras, broke into a smile and reciprocated the warm gestures by forming a heart shape with her hands. Standing beside her was Chinese President Xi Jinping. It's a scene that would be inscribed in the chronicle of China-Honduras relations. After walking the red carpet China rolled out for the visiting Honduran president, the two heads of state conducted their historic meeting on Monday, jointly charting the course forward for bilateral relations. NEW CHAPTER Castro is the first Honduran president to pay a state visit to China. When she arrived in Shanghai on Friday, the president said her visit to China is expected by the Honduran people. On March 26, China and Honduras signed a joint communique in Beijing on the establishment of diplomatic relations. Honduras has thus become the 182nd country to have diplomatic relations with China. During the meeting, Xi said the bilateral relationship has got off to a good and speedy start and enjoys great dynamism and promise since the establishment of diplomatic ties. Underscoring the immediate and long-term significance of the establishment of diplomatic ties, Xi stressed "China will remain committed to developing friendly relations with Honduras, firmly support economic and social development in Honduras, and forge a good friendship and partnership with Honduras featuring mutual respect, equality, mutual benefit, and common development." China and Honduras have every reason to forge close ties. Recognized as a major developing country with a strong sense of responsibility, China has been dedicated to strengthening solidarity and cooperation among developing countries and safeguarding their common interests and international fairness and justice. During their talks, Xi said that China is willing to work with Honduras and other Latin American and Caribbean (LAC) countries to promote cooperation on the China-CELAC Forum and the overall cooperation between China and Latin America. From Costa Rica, Panama, and Dominica, to El Salvador, Nicaragua, and Honduras ... Over the years, China has established or restored diplomatic relations with many countries in Central America and the Caribbean region. By making more friends, China is joining Latin American countries to write a new chapter on building a China-Latin America community with a shared future. NEW OPPORTUNITIES 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 based on principles of mutual respect, equality, mutual benefit and common development. During the meeting with Castro, Xi mentioned not long ago, a delegation of Honduran business leaders visited China, noting that many of them said the trip has transformed their perception of China. Among members of the delegations are many coffee merchants, as Honduras is an important coffee exporter. Diplomatic ties with China will bring opportunities for them to explore the vast Chinese market. "Taking advantage of the establishment of diplomatic relations, Honduran high-quality products represented by coffee will reach more customers from the vast Chinese market," said Zelaya, a Honduran coffee merchant who only gave his first name. "China is a big country with leading science and technology," said Mario, another coffee merchant. "The advanced machinery made in China will promote the development and upgrading of the Honduran coffee industry, and active cooperation between two countries in various fields will continue to benefit the Honduran people." According to the General Administration of Customs of China, in the first four months of this year, China's total export-import volume with Honduras reached 3.893 billion yuan (544 million U.S. dollars), a year-on-year increase of 22.9 percent, of which imports increased 229.5 percent. The fruitful results brought by the two countries' practical cooperation since the establishment of diplomatic ties testify to the huge development potential of bilateral relations. On Friday, Castro said in Shanghai that Honduras will actively participate in the sixth China International Import Expo to be held in November; On Sunday, China and Honduras held a high-level business meeting, the first of its kind since the two countries established diplomatic relations; On Monday, the two countries pledged in a joint statement to negotiate a free trade agreement, and encourage Chinese enterprises to participate in Honduras's development by investing in projects of various fields. During the visit, China and Honduras also signed a memorandum of understanding on Belt and Road cooperation, making Honduras an official participating country of the Belt and Road Initiative. Latin America now has 22 countries that have joined Belt and Road cooperation with China. The vigorous vitality and broad prospect of China-Honduras practical cooperation is a manifestation of China and Latin American countries working together to promote practical cooperation and achieve common development. According to data from China's General Administration of Customs, the total trade volume between China and Latin America and the Caribbean countries reached a new high of 485.79 billion dollars in 2022, exceeding 450 billion dollars for the second consecutive year and marking an increase of more than 7 percent over 2021. NEW EXPECTATIONS During the talks with Castro, Xi said that the two sides should promote cultural and people-to-people exchanges to consolidate the popular support for China-Honduras friendship. The establishment of bilateral diplomatic ties has paved the way for the two peoples to strengthen cultural exchanges and enhance mutual understanding. In May, a delegation of 30 Honduran media professionals visited Shanghai, Guizhou, Chongqing, Zhejiang, Jiangsu, and other places in China. "In the past, my impression of China came entirely from Western media reports. This trip to China allowed me to see the modern urban governance model with my own eyes, which is worth learning from," said Pedro Membreno, editor-in-chief of the Honduran newspaper People's Power. With the establishment of diplomatic relations between the two countries, Membreno said, the Honduran people now have a growing need for real Chinese information to grasp further knowledge of the country. "This trip to China helped me feel the harmonious coexistence between the city and the natural environment, which embodied the concept of sustainable development. I will try to let more Hondurans know how socialism makes China prosper in a way that is easy for the audience to understand," said Carlos Mendez, a new media worker in Honduras. Li Xinwei, a researcher at the Institute of Archaeology of the Chinese Academy of Social Sciences, also bears witness to the rapid development of civil exchanges between the two countries Since 2015, Li has been working with his Honduran colleagues on a joint archaeological team to excavate the ruins of an aristocratic courtyard in the ancient city of Copan, one of the birthplaces of the Mayan civilization. "Studying the Mayan civilization would also help us better understand the formation and development of Chinese civilization," Li said. "There is still a lot of potential for our archaeological cooperation with China, and the establishment of diplomatic relations between the two countries provides more opportunities for this," said Salvador Varela Martinez, the western region representative of the Honduran Institute of Anthropology and History. Xi himself is also a champion of the diversity of human civilizations. In June 2013, the Chinese president visited the ancient Mayan ruins of Chichen Itza, saying that different cultures and civilizations, while retaining their uniqueness, should be open-minded, tolerant and coexist in peace with each other, thus to achieve common development and prosperity. In 2016, when delivering a key speech at the Peruvian Congress, Xi called for China and Latin America to carry out people-to-people and cultural exchanges and mutual learning of civilization in order to realize the synchronous development of China-Latin America cooperation at both material and spiritual levels. Going forward, China, Honduras, and other Latin American countries are poised to further deepen mutual trust, expand cooperation and enhance friendship, so as to promote China-Latin America relations into a new era characterized by equality, mutual benefit, innovation, openness and benefits for the people. I dont think we will be ready to abandon ships burning oil by 2030, said Harry Vafias, CEO , Stealthgas Inc & Imperial Petroleum Inc. speaking at the 7th Naftemporiki Shipping 7th Naftemporiki Shipping Conference: Vafias estimates Greece will manage to keep first place - According to the spokesperson for Greece's caretaker government , Ilias Siakantaris, the Greek authorities cannot verify the claims that a fishing vessel that sunk off Greece en route from Libya to Italy had onboard approximately 700-750 individuals. Siakantaris made this statement during an interview with state broadcaster ERT The Transmission Company of Nigeria (TCN) electricity substation in the Alagbon area of Lagos State has been gutted by fire. The fire incident which occurred at about 1632hrs, on Wednesday, affected one of its 60MVA power transformers in the substation. It was gathered that the operator on duty heard a heavy bang from the switchyard and immediately moved to the switchyard to investigate the sound and found fire under the cooling fans/fins of the transformer. In a statement signed by the General Manager, Public Affairs, Mrs. Ndidi Mbah, she stated that, frantic efforts were made to put out the fire with the fire extinguisher in the substation, but oil, which started dripping from the transformer, ignited the fire more. She added that frantic efforts were made to put out the fire with the fire extinguisher in the substation, but oil, which started dripping from the transformer, ignited the fire more. She said: The engineer had to switch off power supply in the substation on the 300MVA 330/132/33KV transformer and also made calls to the Federal Fire Service in Onikan and the Lagos State Fire Service at Dolphin Estate. The fire was put out at 1735hrs by the fire services. READ MORE: No Nigerian President Will Provide You With 24hrs Electricity Reno Omokri Operatives of the Delta State Police Command have arrested five suspected child traffickers and rescued a 3-year-old boy identified as Abubakar Atiku, kidnapped from Abraka community. Spokesperson of the command, DSP Bright Edafe, who disclosed this in a statement on Wednesday, June 14, 2023, said the suspects, Mohammed Isah, Ibrahim Sani, Kabiru Ibrahim, Suleiman Mohammed, Abubakar Mohammed, a cripple, belong to a child trafficking syndicate that steal children and sell them for a huge amount of money. According to the PPRO, the boy was rescued from a hotel in Onitsha, where Suleiman Mohammed was waiting for a buyer who agreed to pay the sum of 800,000 for him. READ ALSO: We Demolished Gandujes Roundabout Because It Carries Sign Of The Cross Kano Govt On the 13/06/2023 at about 0830hrs, one Aisha Yusuf f of Abraka community Asaba, reported at the station that her son Abubakar Atiku m aged 3yrs was stolen by one Mohammed Isah m aged 35yrs. Acting on the complaint, the Commissioner of Police Delta state, CP Wale Abass gave a marching order to the DPO C Division Asaba CSP Apu Torukeregha to go all out to arrest the suspect and rescue the stolen child. In compliance with this directive, the DPO led operatives of the division Anti-crime patrol team on a frantic search for the stolen child. Acting on a tip-off, the team stormed Abraka market Oshimili-South LGA, where the principal suspect Mohammed Isah was arrested. Upon interrogation, he confessed to the crime and led the operatives to arrest three other members of the child stealing syndicate namely; Ibrahim Sani m 23yrs, Kabiru Ibrahim m 52yrs and Abubakar Mohammed m a 32yrs old cripple. Preliminary investigation revealed that they belong to a child trafficking syndicate that steal children and sell for a huge amount of money. The suspects led policemen to a hotel in Onitsha Anambra state where the team arrested one Suleiman Mohammed m 38yrs in whose custody the missing child was found. The suspect arrested in Anambra stated that he was waiting for the supposed buyer of the said child, and they have agreed to sell the child for the sum of Eight Hundred Thousand Naira (#800,000). The child has been reunited with the mother, while the suspects are in custody, and investigation is ongoing. President Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu on Wednesday declared that the Federal Government could no longer foot bills for universities in the country. This was revealed during a media briefing in Abuja on Wednesday by the Permanent Secretary for the Federal Ministry of Education, Andrew David Adejo, emphasized that while universities already enjoy autonomy, they lack financial autonomy. Whether we like it or not, the government can no longer foot the bill for universities. That is why we are doing a private-public partnership. The universities already have autonomy; the autonomy they are yet to have is financial autonomy; it is when they get it that they can answer that question, and the government is working towards that, Adejo said. While noting that the government is working to achieve that and more, Adejo said President Tinubu has instructed concerned stakeholders that he wants to see recipients of students loan by the end of the September/October 2023/2024 Academic Session. READ MORE: ASUU Reacts As Tinubu Signs Student Loan Bill Into Law Recall that Tinubu signed the student loan bill into law last Monday in fulfilment of one of his presidential campaign promises. However, while giving clarification to some speculations making the rounds, Adejo explained during the press briefing in Abuja today that an inter-ministerial committee will be inaugurated next week Tuesday to fine-tune the process for students to get the loan within six weeks. Without meaning to say what the committee set up would do, we dont want to make something that only public school students would benefit from, for now, private schools are paying tuition, so you have to give somebody who is going to private school an opportunity for get and pay tuition, the government official explained. Gunmen suspected to be kidnappers have abducted a chieftain of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Akwa Ibom State, Chief Eyo Asuquo Edet. Edet, popularly called Eyosuang, was reportedly kidnapped in his Filling Station, Eyotech Nigeria Limited, in the Oron Local Government area of the state on Tuesday evening, June 13, 2023. READ ALSO: Police Gun Down Notorious Kidnapping Gang Leader, Female Member, Two Others In Rivers A source told the PUNCH in Uyo on Tuesday that Edet, who served as the Deputy Coordinator of PDPs Divine Campaign Organisation in Oron at the last election was accosted by his abductors and whisked away in a Sienna car. The source further revealed that his abductors drove their victim to a waiting speed boat and reportedly set ablaze the Sienna vehicle with which they came in. Spokesperson of the command, Odiko Macdon, who confirmed the incident said the Commissioner of Police, CP Olatoye Durosinmi had visited the scene and ordered an investigation into the matter. We received the information, the Commissioner of Police, CP Olatoye Durosinmi visited the scene of the incident and went to the waterfront even the Sienna used to perpetuate the act has been recovered. Investigations have commenced already and Im sure the perpetrators will be brought to book in no distant time, the PPRO stated. The Kano State House of Assembly, has described as concocted the reported moves to amend the State Emirate Council Law with a view to the return of the dethroned Emir Muhammadu Sanusi II. Also described as mischievous speculation, was the claim that the Assembly would dethrone the five New Emirs of Gaya, Bichi, Rano, Karaye to allow deposed Emir Muhammadu Sanusi II to have full control as Emir of Kano. Information Nigeria reports that social media was awash with the story on Wednesday that the Assembly is scheduled to revisit the issue of the emirates, with the Kano Emirates Amendment bill 2023 to be read by the Majority Leader, Lawan Hussaini, member representing Dala constituency on Thursday, June 15, 2023. READ ALSO: We Demolished Gandujes Roundabout Because It Carries Sign Of The Cross Kano Govt. The allegations were based on the the house discussing the issue and approving the amendment that will later allow for the removal of the emirs and return of Khalifa Muhammadu Sanusi II as Emir of Kano, with the assent of Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf. Lawan Hussaini, addressing journalists after plenary of the House, said there was never a move for him to read such an amendment as the issue was never discussed. Its funny as I read the fake news also and was asked by many people if I were aware of such a plan, the Majority Leader said. He however said after the House approved the request of the Governor for the appointment of 20 Special Advisers, it adjourned sitting to Monday, June 19, 2023. The lawmaker noted that those spreading such rumours were people that do not want peace in the State. The Labour Party (LP) has recorded another feat in leadership positioning as a member, Emmanuel Ihuoma Emeruwa , assumed the position of Speaker in the 8th Abia State House of Assembly. Information Nigeria reports that the office has traditionally been occupied by the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP). Recall also that the recently sworn in State Governor, Alex Otti, emerged from the Labour Party, succeeding Okezie Ikpeazu of the PDP. Emeruwas emergence has however ignited discussions within political circles as he emerged Speaker against the wish of members elected on the platform of the then ruling All Progressives Congress. Following the inauguration of the 8th Abia Assembly on Wednesday, the lawmakers also elected Austine Okezie, the member representing Umuahia East State Constituency, as Deputy Speaker. READ ALSO: Let Everything You Do Be For The Good Of The Poor People In Abia Peter Obi Tells Alex Otti Emeruwa, 57, the lawmaker representing Aba South State Constituency was nominated by the member representing Aba Central state constituency, Stephen Ucheonye and Seconded by the member representing Umuahia South state constituency, Emeka Obioma. An attempt by the member representing Ohafia North state constituency, Mandela Obasi, to make another nomination was ignored by the clerk of the House, Johnpedro Irokansi, who knocked the gavel for the close of nomination. The crisis erupted during the election of the deputy speaker as the clerk ignored Solomon Akpulonu who signified to make a nomination. The situation led to a shouting match between the clerk and Mandela Obasi who accused him of bias. Obasi stated that the clerk failed to conduct the election according to the rules by allowing PDP members to make nominations. Nigerian human rights activist, maritime lawyer and former President of Nigerian Bar Association, Olisa Agbakoba has urged the 10th National Assembly to tackle the problems facing the country. The Senior Advocate of Nigeria in a statement on Wednesday said Nigeria is facing perhaps the greatest challenge in our convoluted history. While urging citizens to pressurise the federal lawmakers, he listed the insecurity situation, mass unemployment, broken hospitals, schools, bad roads, and the high cost of living as part of the numerous lingering issues Nigeria is faced with. READ ALSO: Forgive Igboho, Other Agitators, Let Them Return Home K1 De Ultimate Begs Tinubu He also urged the legislature to focus on revenue generation, saying there are low hanging fruits that can raise 100 trillion to sort out our huge problems. According to him, the anti-corruption process will require overhaul, as the agencies are not playing in harmony with orchestra and are mostly overzealous in their work Agbakoba further called for a critical review of the legal framework of the anti-corruption agencies for effectiveness. Nigerians will demand a great deal from you (legislators) to heal our wounded and divided nation, the legal practitioner added. Human rights activist, Deji Adeyanju, has urged the Department of State Services (DSS) to release suspended and former Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), Godwin Emefiele as well as suspended Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), Abdulrasheed Bawa. The convener of Concerned Nigerians, furthered that President Bola Ahmed Tinubus administration should not be lawless like his predecessor, Muhammadu Buhari. The public affairs commentator who stressed that Emefiele and Bawa should not be held as political prisoners, said both men should not be detained without trial. READ ALSO: DSS Invites Suspended EFCC Chairman, Abdulrasheed Bawa Adeyanju via Twitter on Thursday wrote: The DSS must release Emefiele and Bawa or charge them to court. The era of political prisoners should be gone forever. The Tinubu government should not be a lawless one like that of Buhari where people are detained unconstitutionally without trial. Recall that Tinubu had suspended Emefiele over the weekend and the DSS picked him up for investigations. Hes still held by the secret police as investigation into his activities while in office continues. Similarly, the president suspended Bawa from office last night and was immediately invited by the DSS. The House of Representatives has on Thursday stepped down a motion seeking to stop young Nigerians from leaving the country in search of greener pastures, popularly known as Japa Syndrome. Information Nigeria reports that the rejection is sequel to the presentation of a motion of urgent national importance by a member from Benue state, Phillips Agbese, on the urgent need to declare emigration of young Nigerians abroad a national emergency. Agbese had said that there was a 40% increase in the number of young Nigerians leaving the nation compared to the number captured in 2019, as the United Nations Department of Economic and Social Affairs reported that international emigration from Nigeria in 2020 totaled 1.7million. The lawmaker quoted a recent report by the African polling Institute indicating that 69% of young people would opt to relocate abroad if given the chance or if the opportunity presented itself. READ ALSO: Speakership: Tajudeen Abbas Defeats Wase, Jaji, Emerges Speaker, House Of Reps According to him, those leaving the country are not just the poor but also the middle class who possess skills, including bankers, lecturers, health care practitioners, doctors, Nurses and other Nigeria-trained manpower. Sada Soli, member from Katsina state, speaking against the motion, argued that the motion contravened the constitution of the federal republic of Nigeria, which provides that its within the rights of a Nigerian, if he is qualified, normal and has all the grant rights, to move to anywhere he wants. Another member from Borno state, Ahmed Jaha, stated the bill does not seek to stop young Nigerians from relocating abroad, but addresses the urgent need to eliminate the factors causing the exodus. Having heard all contributions, the speaker, Tajuddeen Abbas put the motion to a voice vote, during which a majority of the members voted to step it down. Great Place to Works data-driven approach According to the Great Place to Work website, its certification is based on employee feedback that is evaluated through a rigorous and data driven methodology. The organisation says it has surveyed more than 100 million employees across 60 countries since starting in 1992. The firm uses what it calls a culture management platform which, it says, empowers leaders with real-time reporting and insights. Our new Life Protect Insurance complements our award-winning life and health insurance product range. Its about providing the comfort and peace of mind that HCF will be there to help and support during difficult times, Thomas said. In response, the Morenos have requested that Allstate provide them with a defense and indemnity under their insurance policy. However, Allstate argued that it is not obligated to provide coverage for any injuries or damages claimed by Najeras wife. As a company that values top talent, we are excited to have Todd on board, said Evan Freely, global head of financial solutions at WTW. With his wealth of experience in sales, underwriting, trade finance, and business development, we believe he will be a valuable asset to our team and provide innovative solutions and exceptional service to our prospects and clients. With the ISSB (International Sustainability Standards Board) standards being launched this year expected to be aligned with TCFD (Task Force on Climate-Related Financial Disclosures), and regulators across the region indicating they will align with ISSB, we foresee a strong trend of standardisation of ESG disclosures. This means the global trend of climate-first ESG reporting will continue to be implemented in APAC and there will be increasing scrutiny on the reliability and granularity of disclosures, including the quantification of financial implications of climate-related risks and opportunities, he said. New You can now listen to Insurance Journal articles! Soon after a tour boat flipped over during a tour of a dimly lit cavern system, leaving one passenger dead, members of another group recalled a similar experience while taking the same tour eight years ago and questioned whether anything had been done since then to make the attraction safer. News of the 2015 capsizing emerged as the investigation into Mondays accident continued and a passenger who survived the most recent ordeal recounted how he fought to breathe under the upside down craft. The flat-bottomed boat carrying local hospitality workers capsized during a tour of a historic underground water tunnel off the Erie Canal in the western New York city of Lockport. Eight years earlier, clients and staff of the former Baker Victory Services ended up in the water when their boat also flipped, said John Pitts, spokesman for the agency, which has since been renamed OLV Human Services. Few details about the incident were available, according to Pitts, who arrived the following year. He said it was unclear whether it was formally reported. I wish I knew more, but all I understand is that there was an incident where a boat had turned over and our staff and various individuals helped individuals out of the water to safety, he said. On Monday, one man died and 11 people were taken to hospitals, mostly with minor injuries, after the tour boat operated by Lockport Cave Tours capsized. By the time I realized what happened, the boat was on top of me and I couldnt find any air pockets or anything. And Im just trying to, like, breathe because Im underwater, survivor Daniel Morrissette told ABCs Good Morning America in an interview aired Tuesday. Trapped Beneath Boat The passenger who died also was trapped beneath the boat. Officials have not released his name, but WGRZ identified him as Harshad Shah and tweeted a statement from Shahs family. An online obituary from M.J. Colucci & Son Niagara Funeral Chapel identified Shah as a 65-year-old Niagara Falls resident. His wife remains in shock, unable to come to terms with this fatal event that unfolded before her eyes, the familys statement said. We are all seeking answers to the why and how of this tragedy. Lockport Mayor Michelle Roman said during a news conference that the attraction, located about 20 miles (32 kilometers) northeast of Niagara Falls, has operated since the mid-1970s without incident. Thats when Sheri Scavone said she lost it. She said her son, then 15, was on the boat that capsized in 2015 and is still traumatized by the experience he remembers vividly. Thankfully, this kid knew how to swim and was strong, Scavone said by phone Tuesday, but there was nothing to grab onto, the sides were slippery. It was pitch black. The boat was capsized. At the time, Scavone was only concerned with her sons well-being, she said. Now she wishes she hadnt let it go and is troubled that the tours have continued to operate without at least handing out life jackets. The tour boats operator has not responded to requests for comment. Samantha North told The Buffalo News that she also was on the 2015 tour as an employee of Baker Victory. The boat became unbalanced and flipped midway through the tour, she said, after passengers were instructed to stand up and turn around for the return trip. It seemed like it took forever to get out of the chilly water, she said, where passengers, purses, cellphones, keys and other belongings ended up. Elizabeth Morrissette, who appeared on GMA alongside her husband, Daniel, said people were panicking and yelling loudly Monday as she and the other passengers were thrown into the water, which emergency officials said was between 5 feet and 6 feet deep. Some passengers were able to get to safety themselves. Emergency crews used an inflatable boat to rescue about 16 others, fire officials said. City of Lockport Police were investigating the accident. The mayors office and fire chief did not respond to emails and texts seeking an update Tuesday. The tours take visitors on an underground boat ride through a rough-hewn tunnel, which was blasted out in the 19th century to transport canal water as an industrial power source. Copyright 2023 Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed. New You can now listen to Insurance Journal articles! The New York author who won a $5 million sexual abuse trial against Donald Trump was allowed to expand an earlier defamation lawsuit to add remarks he made about her on a CNN town hall and seek at least $10 million more in damages. US District Judge Lewis Kaplan on Tuesday granted E. Jean Carrolls request to amend her lawsuit over Trumps objections. The ruling in the civil case came on the same day Trump, the current Republican front-runner in the 2024 presidential race, pleaded not guilty in the federal criminal case against him over his handling of classified US documents. Kaplans order adds one more legal problem to the former presidents plate. We look forward to moving ahead expeditiously on E. Jean Carrolls remaining claims, Carrolls lawyer Robbie Kaplan said in a statement. Trumps lawyer Alina Habba said the judge made the wrong call. Trump has said the jury finding in the more recent civil case that he was liable for sexual abuse but not for rape derails Carrolls earlier defamation lawsuit, in which she also claimed he raped her. In her amended suit in that case, Carroll changed references from rape to sexual assault. We maintain that she should not be permitted to retroactively change her legal theory, at the eleventh hour, to avoid the consequences of an adverse finding against her, Habba said in a statement. During the televised town hall, which aired shortly after the sexual abuse verdict, Trump called Carrolls allegations a fake story and dismissed her as a wack job. The earlier suit, which Carroll filed over comments Trump made about her while he was president, has an unusual twist. It hinges on whether he enjoyed presidential immunity in 2019 when he called her a liar after she went public with allegations that he raped her in a dressing room of a New York department store more than two decades ago. Trump has denied defaming or assaulting Carroll. The US government has sought to substitute itself for Trump in the case and claimed the allegedly defamatory statements were made within the scope of his role as president. That would nullify the lawsuit because the US cant be sued for defamation. Read More: Trump Asks for New Carroll Trial or $4 Million Damages Cut But in another potential setback to Trump, the judge said in Tuesdays order the government has conceded that subsequent events have overtaken its initial position on the case and had asked for more time to determine its course. He gave the US until July 13 to submit its stance. The case is Carroll v. Trump, 20-cv-07311, US District Court, Southern District of New York (Manhattan). Update: On Thursday, June 15, the judge set a trial date of Jan. 15 for Carrolls amended defamation suit seeking $10 million in damages. Photo: NEW YORK, NEW YORK MAY 8: E. Jean Carroll leaves following her trial at Manhattan Federal Court on May 8, 2023 in New York City. Attorneys for E. Jean Carroll and Donald Trump gave closing arguments in the battery and defamation trial against the former president. (Photo by Stephanie Keith/Getty Images) Copyright 2023 Bloomberg. Topics Lawsuits Legislation New York New You can now listen to Insurance Journal articles! A judge has given Erie Insurance and the Maryland insurance regulator 60 days to settle their differences related to allegations that the insurer unfairly discriminated against Black insurance agents in the Baltimore area and that the regulator acted arbitrarily and wrongly disclosed confidential business information. On June 8, Pennsylvania-based Erie went to court seeking a restraining order against the Maryland Insurance Administration (MIA) over letters MIA issued on May 24 accusing the insurer of illegal racial and geographic discrimination. The insurer alleges that MIA issued its findings without a full investigation of the complaints filed against it by four local agencies. The insurer also claims that MIA illegally disclosed confidential business information in issuing its findings. Four days after Erie sued in federal district court, Judge Julie Rebecca Rubin indicated that Erie and MIA are working to resolve their disputes and have requested a stay of legal proceedings to allow them each a resolution. She agreed to a stay for up to 60 days. In January 2021 three Maryland independent insurance agencies filed administrative complaints with the MIA alleging Erie engaged in discriminatory practices against low-income and minority communities in the Baltimore area. The complaints were filed by Erie agency Baltimore Insurance Network, and former Erie agencies Ross Insurance Agency and Welsch Insurance Group. Burley Insurance & Financial Services filed a similar complaint in December 2021. In their complaints, the agencies said they were restricted from offering Erie insurance policies to residents of primarily Black communities. They alleged that Erie threatened and penalized them for challenging what they maintain are Eries discriminatory redlining policies. The agencies claim the retaliatory actions hurt their business. MIA opened two separate investigations: a broad market conduct examination and a licensing investigation into the complaints. Erie said that in February and March 2022 it provided written answers to five questions MIA gave it. According to Erie, shortly thereafter MIA told it the licensing investigation was being put on hold so that it could first complete the market conduct exam. The insurer said it expected that there would be further discussions and interviews with the MIA once the MIA resumed the licensing investigation. Erie says that it never received any follow-up concerning its 2022 responses regarding the agents complaints. Maryland Insurance Agencies Accuse Erie Insurance of Discriminatory Practices Then, Erie maintains, without any notice, on May 24, MIA acted arbitrarily, capriciously and unlawfully in issuing what are known as determination letters against Erie in relation to the redlining complaints that were the subject of the licensing investigation. MIA concluded that Erie used improper underwriting standards and imposed penalties on agents in order to get them to reject eligible urban and minority risks it considered unprofitable, rather than adjusting its filed underwriting and rates to meet the risks. MIA explained that an insurer cannot legally refuse to issue a policy to someone who meets the guidelines and rates it has filed with the state. Erie said it was surprised at the release of the letters since it had been told the licensing probe had been put on hold. It then became further concerned when it discovered that the four letters and soon media reports contained highly damaging, and unfounded determinations that Erie violated laws in its treatment of the four agents that were based entirely on the confidential, privileged and protected documents it had provided for the market conduct exam. Erie maintains that MIA acted arbitrarily and capriciously and ignored its offer to provide additional information regarding the agency complaints. Instead, the insurer says MIA chose to fill in factual gaps by using confidential and protected information that was for the market conduct exam. The documents included an underwriting guide, a training session outline, a document containing notations of management concerns, and references to statements by Erie Eries attorneys, according to the complaint. Eries legal action is not about the substance of the four administrative complaints that were filed against it with the MIA. Rather its complaint concerns what it believes are MIAs unlawful decisions to arbitrarily and capriciously cut short its administrative investigation of Erie and to then fill the gaps in the incomplete investigation by including confidential, privileged and protected materials in violation of Maryland law and long standing practice and procedure, and in violation of Eries rights in its attorney-client privileged and work product protected communications. Erie provided the Administration with a copy of its lawsuit prior to filing and demanded that the MIA withdraw the determination letters but said MIA refused. A Erie spokesperson said the company would not comment. When the MIA first announced it would investigate the agencies complaints, Erie told the Maryland Daily Record it was confident that the business goals and service expectations we set for our agents are appropriate and reasonable and that our underwriting practices comply with applicable state insurance laws and regulations. MIA did not respond to a request for comment by press time. Topics Legislation Maryland British insurer Legal & General has hired Banco Santanders Antonio Simoes as its new CEO, it said on Thursday, replacing Nigel Wilson. Simoes, who has been regional head of Europe for Santander since September 2020, will take up his position on Jan. 1 next year, subject to regulatory approval, L&G said in a statement. Wilson announced his retirement earlier this year after more than a decade in the job, during which the companys profit and share price has more than doubled. In his current role, Simoes leads Santanders retail and commercial banking, corporate and investment banking, wealth management and insurance businesses in the UK, Spain, Portugal and Poland. Before joining Santander, he spent 13 years at HSBC and has also worked for consultants McKinsey. Antonio brings a formidable leadership track record at the most senior level of financial services, working across complex, global organizations, said L&G Chair John Kingman in the companys statement. Simoes will receive a basic salary of 1.175 million pounds ($1.49 million) a year, L&G said. This is a critical time for our industry, clients and customers, with emerging technologies, changing societal dynamics and wider economic forces presenting new challenges and opportunities that require all of us to adapt and evolve, Simoes said in the statement. ($1 = 0.7908 pounds) (Reporting by Simon Jessop in London and Eva Mathews in Bengaluru; editing by Savio DSouza and Jan Harvey) New You can now listen to Insurance Journal articles! A coal dust examiner who worked for a Kentucky mining company has been sentenced to six months in prison for falsifying dust samples and lying to federal officials. Walter Perkins employer, Black Diamond Coal Company, was placed on probation for two years for submitting false samples to U.S. Mine Safety and Health Administration officials, prosecutors said Thursday. Coal dust sampling equipment is required to be worn by a miner while working underground, but Black Diamond took measurements from a monitor placed above ground, in a first aid trailer, according to a news release from the office of Carlton Shier, U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of Kentucky. Inspectors found the dust monitor after visiting Black Diamonds No. 1 mine on Oct. 8, 2020. Inspectors also said the company had submitted dust sampling levels that were abnormally low, according to officials. Coal dust causes pneumoconiosis or black lung disease when inhaled by workers. Mines are required to reduce dust levels at mining sites. Perkins, 45, was trained to monitor dust levels. Perkins told investigators the monitor was faulty, which turned out to be false. He will serve a six-month sentence and then six more months of home detention. Black Diamond was ordered to pay a fine of $200,000 and must also pay restitution of $400 to any former miner who is no longer employed in the mining industry so that they can seek a medical screening for black lung disease Copyright 2023 Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed. Topics Kentucky New You can now listen to Insurance Journal articles! Nationwide General Insurance has avoided payment of a dog bite claim filed by a homeowner it insured who ran a firearms business out of his garage. A federal district court for Alabama ruled that the business exclusions in all three Nationwide policies issued to David Hope applied even though the man his dog bit was as much a friend as he was a customer and there was no money involved in the transaction taking place when the dog bit him. Hope manufactured and brokered firearms out of his home garage. As part of that business, Hope maintained a federal firearms license that allowed him to sell firearms and legally transfer firearms bought by others from third parties. He typically charged $20 for the brokerage services, but often did not charge acquaintances or regular customers. Cecil Keith Chapman was friends with Hope and had purchased silencers for multiple firearms from Hope. Chapman also used Hopes brokerage services for the transfer of several firearms. This case began with Chapman using Hopes brokerage service. Chapman bought a firearm from an out of state dealer and had it shipped to Hope. But because Chapman was either a social acquaintance or regular customer or both, Hope did not charge Chapman the usual fee. When Chapman went to pick up the firearm from Hope, Hopes dog bit him and caused injuries. Chapman sued Hope in state court for negligence and wantonness. The Hopes had three policies through Nationwide: one for their primary residence, one for another residence, and a personal umbrella policy that provided excess personal liability coverage. Under each of those policies, coverage for personal liability and medical payments is excluded for bodily injury arising out of or in connection with a business conducted at the insured location. The Hopes did not have additional insurance for the firearms business Hope ran on the property. Nationwide sought a declaratory judgment that it did not owe the Hopes a defense or indemnity in the state court action because the claims asserted against the Hopes were barred by the business exclusion in the insurance policies. Nationwide asserted that the dog bite arose out of, or was connected to, the business Hope ran on the Hopes property. His wife, Tammy, was later substituted as a party in the state court action after David Hopes death in March 2022. Chapman argued that the business exclusion did not apply because he did not pay Hope for brokering the firearm that he was picking up, so Hope was not conducting business. He was simply doing a friend a favor. Chapman asked the court to deny Nationwides motion for summary judgment. The court said the question was whether Chapmans visit to the Hope house arose out of, or was connected with, Hopes firearm business even though Chapman was not paying Hope money to broker the firearms deal. According to Nationwide, the dog bite had to arise out of Hopes business because `but for the business, Chapman would not have been at Hopes house when the dog bit him. Even though Chapman didnt pay for the service this time, Nationwide points to evidence that Hope often waived the brokerage fee for acquaintances and regular customers. And Chapman had purchased silencers from Hope and used Hopes brokerage services, so Nationwide argued that Hope could have been anticipating future business with Chapman by waiving the fee. Plus, regardless of Chapman not paying Hope for the transfer, Hope still provided a service associated with his business as a firearms manufacturer and broker that led to the incident. Thus, Nationwide said, the injuries arose out of and were connected to Hopes business. Chapman disagreed. He claimed there was no evidence Hopes transfer of the firearm was causally related to any prior purchase Chapman made or to any potential future business transaction. Instead, Chapman pointed to his testimony and to the Hopes testimony to establish that the transfer of the firearm arose out of the social relationship between the two, not Hopes business. Hopes wife testified that while Chapman was both a customer and friend, her husband didnt charge him because he didnt charge friends that would have guns sent there. She added that she knew her husband didnt charge Chapman because he was friends, he usually doesnt, or repeat customers. Chapman testified that Hope had received guns for him before, that they were friends and had known each other for more that 10 years, and that the silencers he had purchased were not the reason he went to the Hopes to pick up the firearm. He said that he had been to Hopes shop 12-15 times before, and that sometimes he would go there to hang out and shoot guns. Both parties pointed to the Esurance Ins. Co. v. Grissett case to support their position. In this case, a father performed repair work on his daughters car, drove it to a separate location to have it painted, and was in an accident while driving it back to his shop. The father planned to charge his daughter for the repairs but decided not to after the accident. The Grissett court held that even though no money changed hands for the repairs, no reasonable jury could conclude that the engaged in business exclusion in the insurance policy did not apply. Thus, the insurer had no duty to defend or indemnify the defendant under the insurance policy. In Nationwides view, Grissett suggests that a business exclusion in an insurance policy will apply even when no money changes hands. Nationwide argued that the Grissett court rejected the daughters argument that the exclusion did not apply because the repair was ultimately gratuitous. Chapman, on the other hand, argued that the business exclusion applied in Grissett only because the father originally planned to charge the daughter for the repairs and later decided not to do so after the accident. Chapman said this case is different because Hope never planned to charge him for the firearm transfer. The court sided with Nationwide. It concluded that Chapmans presence at the Hopes house arose out of, and was connected to, Hopes firearms business. Chapman would not have been at Hopes house but for his need to pick up a gun that Hope helped brokera business service that Hope provided and paid taxes on, the court found. True, Chapman did not pay Hope for this brokerage service, but Chapman had paid Hope before, and Hope often waived the small brokerage fee for repeat customers. This is typical, good business practice. And because the incident was connected to Hopes business, it is excluded from coverage, Justice Corey L. Maze wrote in granting Nationwides motion for summary judgment. Topics Carriers Gun Liability Homeowners A jury in Oregon this week found the electric utility PacifiCorp responsible for causing devastating fires during Labor Day weekend in 2020, ordering the company to pay tens of millions of dollars to 17 homeowners who sued and finding it liable for broader damages that could push the total award into the billions. The Portland utility is one of several owned by billionaire Warren Buffetts Omaha, Nebraska-based investment conglomerate Berkshire Hathaway. The property owners, suing on behalf of a class of thousands of others, alleged that PacifiCorp negligently failed to shut off power to its 600,000 customers during a windstorm, despite warnings from then-Gov. Kate Browns chief-of-staff and top fire officials, and that its power lines were responsible for multiple blazes. There has been no official cause determined for the Labor Day fires, which killed nine people, burned more than 1,875 square miles in Oregon, and destroyed upward of 5,000 homes and structures. The blazes together were one of the worst natural disasters in Oregon history. In a written statement, lawyers for the plaintiffs called the decision historic and said it paves the way for potentially billions of dollars in further damages for the class members. PacifiCorp immediately said it would appeal. Escalating climate change, challenging state and federal forest management, and population growth in the wildland-urban interface are substantial factors contributing to growing wildfire risk, PacifiCorp said in an emailed statement after the verdict. These systemic issues affect all Oregonians and are larger than any single utility. The Multnomah County Circuit Court jury awarded more than $73 million to 17 homeowners who sued PacifiCorp a month after the fires, with each receiving between $3 million and $5.5 million for physical damage to their property and emotional distress. The jury also applied its liability finding to a larger class including the owners of nearly 2,500 properties damaged in the fires, which could push the price tag for damages well into the billions of dollars. Those damages will be determined later. The jury heard testimony Monday afternoon over whether to make PacifiCorp pay punitive damages. Nick Rosinia, an attorney for plaintiffs, told the jurors they should award punitive damages totaling five times what they have already been awarded for the harm PacifiCorp caused. For its reckless and outrageous action on Labor Day, its the only way they will truly get your message, Rosinia said. Doug Dixon, an attorney for the power company, insisted no punitive damages were warranted. The company keeps working on safety and was not recklessly negligent, he said. And while lawyers for the property owners described PacifiCorp as deep- pocketed, the company is $9 billion in debt. Among those in court for the verdict was Rachelle McMaster, whose home in the town of Otis near the Oregon coast was destroyed in the fires. Wearing a tie-dye T-shirt that read keep Earth awesome, she wiped her eyes and clasped her spouses hand after it was read. The seven-week trial wrapped with closing arguments last Wednesday, Oregon Public Radio reported. The plaintiffs alleged PacifiCorp was negligent when it didnt shut off its power lines despite extreme wind warnings over the holiday weekend. They have no real response to any of this, plaintiffs attorney Cody Berne said during closing arguments. (PacifiCorp) started the fires. They destroyed the evidence. And now they have come before you and are asking not to be held accountable. Jurors were to determine PacifiCorps responsibility in four of those blazes: the Santiam Canyon fires east of Salem; the Echo Mountain Complex near Lincoln City; the South Obenchain fire near Eagle Point; and the Two Four Two fire near the southwest Oregon town of Chiloquin. Attorneys for the plaintiffs said utility executives kept the power on even as the companys line workers took calls about damaged electrical equipment. The same executives, attorneys said, took no responsibility at the trial, saying it was front-line workers who make de-energization decisions, the news outlet reported. In his closing arguments, Dixon said alleged power line fires in Santiam Canyon, where more than half the class members live, could not have spread to plaintiffs homes. Plus, PacifiCorp does not have equipment in some areas where they were accused of causing damage, he said. The risk of wildfires is increasingly fraught for power companies in the West. Pacific Gas & Electric declared bankruptcy and pleaded guilty to 84 counts of manslaughter after its neglected equipment caused a fire in the Sierra Nevada foothills in 2018 that destroyed nearly 19,000 homes, businesses and other buildings and virtually razed the town of Paradise, California. ___ Johnson reported from Seattle. Mark Thiessen in Anchorage contributed. Copyright 2023 Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed. Topics Catastrophe Natural Disasters Wildfire Oregon That old saying the only guarantees in life are death and taxes has gotten an interesting update in 2023. A new Irish business is helping to take the stress out of funeral arrangements by bringing the wishes of the deceased more clearly into the picture. My Farewell Wishes, a new funeral planning business, has recently commenced countrywide operations with the support of more than 40 of the countrys top funeral directors across 57 locations. Founded by Cavan-based undertaker Colm Kieran and tech entrepreneur Dean Gammell, the idea for the business came in response to growing demand from customers for pre-planning services. The pair have spent two years preparing the product for market, and have invested over 100,000 in creating the regulatory and legal frameworks required. My Farewell Wishes helps people to decide in advance how they would like their funeral to run, and allows them to consider important issues such as cost and venue, Mr Kiernan explains. The process involves a unique Record of Wishes form, which enables clients to create the send-off of their choosing and helps reduce the number of decisions their family would have to make after their passing. My Farewell Wishes will provide a client with a Certificate of Wishes along with a unique registration number. We will issue a copy of your Certificate of Wishes to your representative and selected funeral director. "Your wishes will be independently stored on a secure and private National Register of Wishes which can still be retrieved even in the event of your funeral director closing their business. Working directly with funeral directors, the company allows people to get an estimate on their choice of funeral, or make a deposit payment towards its final cost. Our mission is to provide a way for people to let their loved ones and funeral director know what kind of funeral you would like. This gives a sense of control over your farewell, rather than it falling to your loved ones at a time of loss. "We estimate that there are as many as 60 questions facing families at the initial engagement with a funeral director, and My Farewell Wishes can reduce that burden significantly and steer the process in the direction of the deceaseds express wishes. As an experienced undertaker, Mr Kiernan has witnessed the levels of stress that occur when a loved one dies. Faced with a barrage of questions and decisions, all at a time when they're not thinking straight, My Farewell Wishes is one way of lifting some of that burden, and helping families to know they are following the wishes of the deceased. Enthusiastic welcome From the start, the service has received an enthusiastic welcome from clients, and Mr Kiernan cites the example of a woman who wanted her plans worked out clearly and well in advance: She wanted to make sure the same decisions she had to face weren't endured by her daughter and son and we were able to allay those concerns and assure her that everything would happen just as she wanted it to. The Record of Wishes can be completed either the person's own behalf or on behalf of someone else with their consent. The wishes will then be stored on a secure register for 65, and a copy sent to both the funeral director and a representative of their choosing. The added advantage is that we work with a network of professional funeral directors across Ireland, who already have the trust of their local communities. The initial response from clients has been overwhelmingly positive, and instead of being morbid, it has lifted the fear about what will happen immediately after their passing. While there is no set cost for an Irish funeral, My Farewell Wishes also provides an option to contribute towards the ultimate bill. The company has set up a trust called My Farewell Wishes Trust to ensure the security of these deposits, and the amount paid in will be guaranteed by the funeral director to be offset against the funeral cost. The prepaid money is held by the independent trust until it is needed. The trust is managed by Independent Trustee Limited, a corporate trustee company authorised by the minister of justice to carry on business as a trust or company service provider. The amount that you pay in deposit payments will be guaranteed by your funeral director, to be offset against your funeral cost at the time of need. You can request a present-day funeral cost estimate at any stage from your funeral director. Given a funeral is one of lifes unavoidable events, Mr Kiernan believes a similar level of pre-planning similar to weddings and other milestone events such be employed. There is a generation of post-retirement people who know what the practical thing to do is, and want a discussion around it. It might seem morbid to a younger generation, but people of a certain age want to be organised around this important event. Rising cost of funerals The advantages of pre-planning are also added to by the rising costs of funerals, including coffins. Typically, the cost of a funeral is divided into two parts, Mr Kiernan explains. Funeral directors costs include their professional service, coordination of all the arrangements, and the supply of the coffin. They may also include extra services such as funeral home use or additional vehicles, family cars or limousines. Third-party costs may include church fees, celebrants fees, burial or cremation fees, flowers, funeral notices, and any other third-party services requested. There is no set price for a funeral. The choices you make and the options you select will determine their cost. Your estimate will include a breakdown of the costs so that you can better control the cost of your funeral. myfarewellwishes.ie A Kerry insurance firm is the latest indigenous broker to be acquired by a large multinational having been purchased by US-headquartered, Assured Partners for an undisclosed amount. Expected to be completed in August 2023, the acquisition of Castlemaine-based Sayers Insurances marks the company's fourth deal since entering the market last year, with the transaction being completed via Assured Partners' Irish platform, Gallivan Murphy Insurance, which it acquired in June 2022. The deal follows the recent acquisition of another indigenous Irish brokerage by the multinational, having purchased Clare-based firm, O'Donovan Insurance in March this year. Founded in 1987 by Garry Sayers, the family-run brokerage serves more than 2,000 policyholders across mid/west Kerry in its Castlemaine office, with the family remaining involved in the firm once the transaction is complete. Pursuing a strategy of acquisition-based growth across the Irish market, Assured Partners says its total annual gross written premiums now exceed 120m nationwide, with plans to double this to more than 200m over the next calendar year. With offices across four countries and over 9,000 employees, the firm is one of the largest independently owned brokers in the world. Founded in 2011, Assured Partners has purchased more than 450 agencies in total, many of which are based in Ireland and the UK. In recent years, independent Irish firms have become increasingly attractive to global consolidators, with the sector's largest players all pursuing aggressive acquisition strategies targeting Irish businesses. We have enormous respect for family brokerages like Sayers in Castlemaine," said chief executive of Assured Partners UK & Ireland, David Heathfield. "Alongside GMIB.ie in Killarney we look forward to further enhancing our service range and product choice to our growing customer base in Ireland." Gary Sayers, founder and managing director of Sayers Insurance said, "We are delighted to join the team. The combination of our local knowledge and understanding of client needs, alongside the scale of Assured Partners makes this a natural fit for Sayers and our clients. Aisling Bea used to worry that she might be too funny for her own good. The Kildare-born actor has worked steadily on stage and screen for the past 20 years. But she has a parallel career as a comedian and is a familiar face from British panel shows, such as 8 Out Of 10 Cats on Channel 4. There was a time when she fretted that there was an excess of her out there on the light-entertainment airwaves and that this undermined her as a serious performer. Ive always acted. Youll do something small that youre so proud of. But then you do three hours of 8 Out Of 10 Cats and five million people have seen you overnight," Bea explains. "I used to be a lot more afraid of it: that the omnipresence of my panel show work would in some way get in the way of the acting. But I think that was my own snobbishness that I might have had around that. Now Im grateful because you have an audience. You learn how to graft. Im a lot more stable in myself. Thank God for those jobs [on TV]. They paid my bills for a long time. When Bea signed up to star in the big screen adaptation of Take That musical Greatest Days, she expected it would offer some light relief. She had just finished writing season two of Channel 4s This Way Up, her funny/ sad exploration of mental illness that drew on her real-world experiences of healing and trauma (see below). But then she got stuck into the role of boy-band-obsessed nurse Rachel and found that the only way to honestly tell the story was to give all of herself light and dark to the part. Aisling Bea is from Kildare. (Photo by Gareth Cattermole/Getty Images) Maybe thats how I work, she says in a conference room at the Merrion Hotel in Dublin. Or maybe thats what I end up being attracted to. The dances were the easy bit. But then the gravitas was there. Take That are never mentioned by name in Greatest Days. They are the lads, a '90s boy band to whom teenage Rachel turns for emotional support growing up as the child of Irish immigrants in North of England. Now, in her 40s, she is a nurse whose life is unravelling. She is fulfilled in her job, yet at home, something stops her from committing to her boyfriend (on his 11th unsuccessful marriage proposal). And when she wins a contest to see the reformed boy band - whatever their name is play in Greece, she is torn about who to bring. Reaching out to her old friends will mean confronting a past she has buried deep down. And so while the film is, at one level, about Gary Barlow and his magical power ballads, it is also about pain and forgiveness a subject with which Bea is well versed, having spoken honestly about her own life challenges. After I was offered it, I did feel maybe I could bring a grounded quality, she nods. Maybe that is my wheelhouse. How do you do comedy with a bait and switch, dealing with difficult subject matters like grief? Again, thats a little bit in my wheelhouse. One early decision was to make the character Irish. The shoot was going to be intense with a lot of time pressure (the budget was cut shortly before filming began). Under those constraints, the last thing Bea needed was another complication. Shes perfectly capable of a Manchester accent, she elaborates. However, making Rachel Irish would bring another layer to the story. In the original musical, the character retreats into the Take That songbook to block out conflict at home. With her parents from Dublin, that strife takes on a new context. Why would an Irish person be included in the role in the '90s? For me the answer that you would have an immigrant family moving over. So it wasnt just a pair of parents fighting. There was a lot of mass movement over to England in the late '80s and early '90s. with families and kids yeah, Irish people into England. Which would have put so much pressure on young couples kind of up against it. And so maybe I brought a groundedness to it. Bea grew up just outside Kildare Town. Her father, a vet, died by suicide when she was three, though she was not told about the circumstances of his death until she was 13. The tragedy is not referenced by This Way Up but clearly informs the script's exploration of loss and recovery. Her mother was a former professional jockey who became a teacher; as a teenager, Bea worked as a tour guide at the Irish National Stud before studying French and philosophy at Trinity. There, she discovered her love of performance, leading her to enrol at the London Academy of Music and Dramatic Art. Aisling Bea with her co-stars in Greatest Days. Acting was always her priority. But she was naturally funny and was encouraged to give stand-up a go. In 2012, she won the So You Think Youre Funny Award at the Edinburgh Fringe Festival. She was nominated for Best Newcomer at the Edinburgh Comedy Awards the following year. She had arrived. She was born in 1984, slightly too late to have been a Take That fan in their early 1990s prime. But shes certainly a fan now. To paraphrase another Manchester group, the best Take That songs will live forever and have transcended the snootiness and suspicion with which they were initially received. I think if its young girls or something you play at Pride, theres a snobbishness around it. And Im like, well, why? Because thats a large percentage of the population. And the music has stayed. You can listen to it over again. And I think its not maybe admired enough for its musicality and quality. Which are testament to Gary Barlow more than anything. She would like to think that Greatest Days will cheer people up. Its a bittersweet musical, with many funny escapist moments but some darkness too. Above all, though, it is an expert delivery system for Take Thats songs. What we the hoped with the film was that, after two years of the pandemic, it would be an element of some cinemas, where people might break out singing. That would be quite a special thing. Greatest Days is in cinemas now (L-R): Teddy (Ethann Isidore), Indiana Jones (Harrison Ford) and Helena (Phoebe Waller-Bridge) in Lucasfilm's INDIANA JONES AND THE DIAL OF DESTINY. Hot film summer: Five other movies to watch out for The Flash, June 16 Its into another super-hero multiverse as DCs The Flash brings back Michael Keatons Batman alongside the troubled Ezra Millers lead character. Indiana Jones and the Dial of Destiny, June 28 At 80, Harrison Ford dons his rumpled fedora and swings back into action as the pulp action hero alongside Phoebe Waller-Bridge, Antonio Banderas and Mads Mikkelsen. Mission Impossible Dead Reckoning Part 1, July 11 A film willed into existence through the pandemic by Tom Cruise, the latest MI clocks in three hours and reunites the star with Vanessa Kirby and Simon Pegg Cillian Murphy as J. Robert Oppenheimer in OPPENHEIMER, written and directed by Christopher Nolan. Oppenheimer, July 21 With his last project, Tenet, Christopher Nolan took on the pandemic by pushing the movie into cinemas amid a public health crisis. Now his character study of the father of atomic power portrayed by Corks Cillian Murphy is up against the Barbie movie. Vying with that fantastic plastic potential blockbuster, could Oppenheimer bomb? Margot Robbie as Barbie. Barbie, July 21 Pink is the colour, as Greta Gerwigs reportedly subversive valentine to the iconic doll is unleashed - starring Margot Robbie as Barbie and Ryan Gosling as Ken. CHC Ireland has commenced a High Court challenge in relation to the validity of the tender process for the Irish Coast Guard Aviation Service. On May 30, the Government confirmed the contract had been awarded to Bristow Ireland Limited. The contract provided for the day and night-time operation of four helicopter bases in Sligo, Shannon, Waterford, and Dublin. A 27-year-old man from Ballinhassig paid girls aged from 14 to 16 to pose for child pornographic videos and images which they then sent to him by Snapchat from the UK. And he got such material from a 12-year-old girl without making a payment to her. Adam Palmer of Ballyhooleen, Ballinhassig, Co Cork, faces sentencing at Cork Circuit Criminal Court for possession of child pornography and using computer information technology for the purpose of sexual exploitation. Detective Garda Fintan Sleator of the West Cork protective services unit testified about how these sexual offences came to light. In January 2020, a mother based in the UK became aware that her 14-year-old daughter Juvenile A in exchange for sending sexually explicit images of herself was sent payments by PayPal. The girls mother called the UK police who investigated the matter and confirmed that the Paypal account was in the name of Adam Palmer of Ballinhassig. Police linked with gardai and an investigation was then launched, Det Garda Slater testified. Gardai from the protective services unit contacted the accused and he made certain admissions. It was established the child abuse images were sent by Snapchat. A total of 93 images and 90 video clips were found. Of this material, 23 of the images and 80 of the videos were category 1 images the most serious category depicting children in sexual acts. Images encrypted Searches on Palmers computer included one for My Eyes Only which detailed how pictures can be encrypted on a phone and retrieved only with a user password. The investigation unearthed seven possible victims. Two of them gave interviews to the police. Juvenile B is 15 years old and she stated that she told him she was 15 and that he offered her money through PayPal, that he complimented her on her appearance and arranged to meet her in a London hotel room. He said to her the owners would think it strange for him to arrive with someone young. She sent him eight images and 31 videos. He paid her over 1,000. Juvenile C was 16. Adam Palmer asked her to confirm she was 16. He asked her for images of herself masturbating She said he would be like a director He would dictate everything I would do in the video. She sent him eight images and five videos. He paid her 245. The youngest victim was Juvenile D. She was 12. There was no evidence of payment. There were 16 images and three videos of sexually explicit material, Det Garda Slater said. The detective said the accused said at interview he believed if matters were consensual and confined to online activity it would not be an offence. He also denied knowing they were as young as they were. However, his lack of knowledge in this regard was not accepted by the prosecution in light of interviews with the girls. Adam Palmer made a series of payments to girls aged 14 to 16 of sums of between 10 and 150 and totalling 2,779. He was committing these offences when aged 24 turning 25. He is now 27. Psychotherapy treatment Defence senior counsel Jane Hyland said a 20-session course of psychotherapy was recommended for the accused. She said his signed pleas of guilty had spared the victims the trauma of ever having to give evidence. He is extremely remorseful in relation to his conduct. He has done extensive work with the probation service on understanding the nature of his offending. He presents as a sensitive and respectable young man. He withdrew from college. He was working anti-social hours. His opportunity to interact with his peers was curtailed. He split up with his girlfriend. He was chatting to peer-aged women online. Unfortunately, some of them turned out to be under age and he began to exchange videos and images. He never had any intention to meet up with any of these girls Courts can be sure that he does not represent a risk to anyone in the future, Ms Hyland said. Judge Colin Daly put sentencing back until the February 2024 sessions of Cork Circuit Criminal Court for Adam Palmer to take the psychotherapeutic treatment that was recommended for him. Limerick City and County Council said it has terminated a multi-million euro contract with a French company to manage 999/112 calls to fire services across the Munster region. The council, which is the contracting authority for the roll-out of Irelands fire services Command and Control IT system, said it has also binned plans to migrate the software, provided by Systel Ltd, nationally. Systel Ltd, which has reportedly entered into an administration process in the French courts, has also recently lost multi-million euro contracts with Leicestershire Fire and Rescue Service in the UK, as well as the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service (SFRS) after allegedly failing to deliver on project plans and meet targets. 999/112 emergency call operators working out of the Munster Regional Communications Centre (MRCC) in Limerick city, threatened strike action last year after reporting problems with the performance of Systels software and concerns about the safety of the public. However, Limerick City and County Council did not comment on these complaints. MRCC staff complained about calls dropping midway through 999/112 calls, as well as issues with the softwares 3D mapping performance, which staff access to dispatch a particular fire service to the location of the emergency call-out. The council said the National Directorate approved the decision to end the contract for Fire and Emergency Management (NDFEM), a section of the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage. Limerick City and County Council in consultation with the NDFEMs Management Board has recently made the decision to terminate the development contract with Systel Ltd., meaning that the decision has been made not to migrate the platform nationally, the council stated. Sources said that around 10 million has been spent on the software, however, Limerick City and County Council declined to comment. The council also declined to elaborate on why it had terminated its contract with Systel. When specifically asked why it had done so, it replied: Limerick is the contracting authority for the national project. The council said it has begun procuring a new replacement system and had no comment to make about costs while this commercially sensitive process is ongoing. Despite deciding to shelve plans to roll out Systels software nationwide, the council said Systel will continue to operate and provide support in the Munster region until a replacement provider is in place. Limerick City and County Council continue to maintain a commercial relationship with Systel Ltd and will continue to operate and support the platform in the Munster Region for the coming years, the council stated. It added forthcoming meetings have been scheduled to agree on how Systel will continue to operate and support the platform in the Munster Region during the transition period and that the process of procuring a new replacement system has commenced. Limerick City and County Council will be making no further comment while this commercially sensitive process is ongoing. The council explained that the Services Command and Control platform provided by Systemes et Telecommunications SA (Systel Ltd) has been successfully in operation in the Munster Region since October 2021 and that, in that time, it has successfully processed in excess of 60,000 calls to the services control room. It added: SYSTEL is a more than 35-year-old software company based in France with a strong focus on public safety, employing more than 100 people and providing Integrated Communication Control Systems and Computer Aided Dispatch to more than 60 Fire and Rescue Service clients spread across France, England, Monaco, Switzerland, Belgium and the Republic of Ireland. Earlier terminations In September 2022, it emerged there had been a four-year delay in Systel rolling out its Command and Control software in Scotland, in a 10m deal with the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service, which the SFRS initially put down to the covid-19 pandemic. Last December, the SFRS issued a statement on its website that it had terminated its contract, with suppliers Systel. It said Systel had not delivered on the agreed project plan or met the milestones and we have extended all opportunities to our supplier and exhausted all required contractual provisions necessary to assist in the fulfilment of the contract. In March this year, Leicestershire Fire and Rescue Service, UK, advertised a tender for a 4.5m contract to replace the mobilising services contract it had with Systel. Leicestershire said the initial term of the contract to Systel SA expires on 31 October, 2024, with an ability to extend to 31 October, 2026, which has not and will not be exercised by the Authority. Leicestershire added that Systel had been placed into administration in France and has applied to the French courts for protection. It said it intended to procure a new system from Motorola Solutions UK Ltd., for a term of five years with a maximum estimated value of 4.5m Termination Assistance Period Irelands National Mobilisation and Communications System (NMACs) wrote to staff at the MRCC, Limerick, last May, explaining that Limerick City and County Council, NMAC and the NDFEM had decided to to terminate their contract with Systel. The letter, seen by this reporter, stated: Recently, the NDFEM Board became aware that Systel Ltd. had been taken into a process of Redressement Judiciaire (a form of administration), through the French courts. NMAC said it was seeking to extend a 24-month Termination Assistance Period written into the Systel contract, in order to provide a period of reassurance during the timeframe judged necessary for NMAC to procure a new system to support fire mobilising on a shared services basis. Systel Ltd remain an operating company and the system remains fully operational, supported and maintained in the Munster Region, however, we will not at this point be fully migrating the system to either of the other two regions, NMAC said. It added: the appropriate business continuity arrangements are being auctioned to ensure a robust and reliable system of work remains in place with our legacy systems. When contacted for a response, a Systel spokeswoman replied: I regret to inform you that the Management Team have decided to decline to comment on the questions you have raised. Justice Minister Helen McEntee has warned that culture wars around transgender rights and other issues will continue even after controversial hate speech laws are introduced. Ms McEntee has strongly defended the proposed laws around hate crime and hate speech, claiming they are needed to protect people who are currently too afraid to leave their homes. The bill to criminalise hate speech, which is currently going through the Seanad, has attracted significant criticism, including from Elon Musk and Donald Trump Jr. However, Ms McEntee said: "There are people in this country who don't want to leave their house because they're afraid. "That's nothing to do with commentary and culture wars that might be happening separate, it's because of their race, it's because of their sexual orientation, it's because of their nationality, it's because they have a disability. "This legislation is about protecting them from hate crimes where they are physically assaulted, where there are assaults on their property and other forms of crimes, but also where is language use that incites that type of violence against another person." A number of senators also raised concerns around the fact that hate is not explicitly defined in the bill when it was debated earlier this week. But Ms McEntee said there is a very clear understanding among the judiciary, the Director of Public Prosecutions and An Garda Siochana of what that word means. "The reason that we haven't defined hate is by defining hate and using another word, you then have to try and describe essentially what that means," she said. "You're potentially leaving a gap where certain prosecutions might fall or where it may be more difficult to have prosecutions under this legislation. And that's based on advice from not just the current Attorney General, but the previous Attorney General." We're not preventing people from expressing views, expressing opinions, expressing facts." Ms McEntee said that the "vast majority" of people are in favour of the measures and noted that there has been a 29% increase in reports of hate crimes to the Gardai. She said we have to "rise above" commentary around what is happening in other jurisdictions and around culture wars that may be breaking out. "Even names that have been put to me, be it JK Rowling or others, these are not people who have been prosecuted, these are not people that have had charges brought against them. This is commentary that is happening in a public domain. "While that happens, we're actually forgetting about the people that are at the crux of this legislation." Lessons in parking, nos 1-3: 1. Drivers take 21% longer to leave a spot if someone is waiting; 33% longer if that person beeps. 2. In New York, drivers look for a pedestrians clenched fist theyre clutching car keys, about to create a space. 3. Want a free, reserved parking space on campus at the University of California at Berkeley? Win a Nobel Prize. All this and more I learned from Henry Grabars magnificent book, Paved Paradise: How Parking Explains the World. I had to track him down. One man I spoke to said: Do you realise how crazy parking is?, he said. If aliens were looking down at us theyd see us take our means of transportation somewhere without knowing where well leave it do you take off in a plane not knowing if therell be an airport for it at the other end? That uncertainty is the key part of parking, what makes people get upset about parking, and in conversations Ive had since it came out, that keeps coming out. The emblematic anecdote is that when you type in directions on Google Maps, it can tell you what roads are crowded and which are not, how long itll take to drive there to the minute but with parking, youre on your own. It seems to be this grey area, stuck between architecture and transportation. Parking 'is an afterthought' Dubious about parking as a topic? Heres a simple question. How many parking spaces are there in Cork? Kudos if you can answer, because this is a notoriously difficult question. For instance, its not known if there are 1bn or 2bn car parking spaces in the US. A fair difference. I think 2bn is pretty unlikely, Grabar said. But the whole point is that we cant be that clear and we dont keep better track of this. This shows the extent to which parking is an afterthought with planning, how little its been considered as a subject for systemic study we havent even counted the total number of spaces. The other obvious point is that as a driver, there isnt always a hard line between what is a parking space and what isnt. Weve all seen places which didnt seem meant for parking, but as soon as one person parks there, then its open season. Thats part of the ambiguity. A playing field, a playground, an urban plaza once some person parks there, then it becomes a parking lot. Privatisation True. Then theres the commercial side of parking. And what happens when parking gets privatised, which I found very interesting given the ongoing debate in Cork about parking. Grabar told me that in 2008 the city of Chicago sold its 36,000 parking meters for a lease term of 75 years to a consortium of investors, getting $1.1bn in return. When they did so, however, not only were they on the hook for very high parking rates, but they had also lost control of the streets," he said. The company which owned the parking meters had the right, if the city wanted to install bus or bike lanes or pedestrianise streets, to say that that change was affecting revenue. Either the company had a say in that work, or it would charge the city for what it calculated as the difference. Parking rates in Chicago had been so low for so long that the city didnt have a good sense of what parking might be worth, which is something Chicago has in common with many other cities. By keeping rates low, cities dont get a sense of what people are willing to pay for parking on the open market. Six months after the Chicago deal was signed, a report found that the real value of parking in the city over 75 years was between $2bn-$3bn. The company which bought the rights earned its money back within 15 years, so all revenue since is pure profit for that company, and revenue which the local authority has lost for municipal works. Theres a lesson here for local authorities. Privatising services doesnt always work out well at least not for the local authority but there can often be a fundamental misunderstanding of the purpose of paid parking also. It was originally intended to organise this precious interface between streets and buildings, says Grabar. Parking meters are the only way we have to impose some kind of order on how long people park their cars in those spaces. Unfortunately, over the years theyve come to be seen as a way to make money and not just from parking itself, but from the chaos when people park illegally. Housing When parking isnt about temporary space, but a more permanent proposition, its no less troublesome. One of the major motivations of parking reformers is housing parking makes housing more expensive, it encourages low-density development, and it makes it hard to build some forms of low-cost, vernacular infill building the kind of buildings we had before the arrival of the automobile. Housing is a big concern in the US and I know thats the case in Ireland as well, and the cost of housing is forcing people to reconsider the importance of parking. The other consideration is climate, obviously. A parking lot is self-evidently a blight on the environment. Also, the more parking you build, the more people will drive. That is an important discovery which reverses the consensus of the mid-20th century, when it was felt more parking would get traffic off the streets as that traffic was being caused by people looking for parking. I think weve now realised that if you build spaces with tons of parking, that has a determinant effect on car ownership and car use. The more free parking you build, the more you are signalling to people they ought to be driving. Thats not just an incentive to drive either, it affects other modes of transportation. Sometimes what stands in the way of bus lanes or bike lanes is peoples attachment to particular parking spaces on the curb. Then you see that parking is the central impediment to improving a bus route, for instance. As Grabar writes, parking determines the size, shape, and cost of new buildings, the fate of old ones, the patterns of traffic, the viability of mass transit, the life of public space, the character of neighbourhoods, the state of the city budget, our whole spread-out life in which it is virtually impossible to live without an automobile yet for most of us, its an afterthought. I ended up with a new respect for my journeys around Cork, and a new awareness of my parking adventures. I had one last question for him, though. Im a moderately skilled parker, laughed Grabar. I grew up in New York, so if you dont learn to parallel park, you never learn to park at all. Our family car now is a Fiat 500, its very easy to park. If I drove a bigger car, I might have written a completely different book. Have you heard the one about the poor defenceless Irish cows that callous, bloodthirsty environmentalists want to kill? You will not believe the insanity now happening in Ireland, Fox News host Dagen McDowell told her US audience last week. Farmers there are revolting against a proposal by the Government to kill 200,000 cows, all to meet the EUs climate goals this is the kind of insanity going on in the name of fighting climate change." She then quoted a tweet from billionaire Elon Musk, which read: This really needs to stop. Killing some cows doesnt matter for climate change." Musks comments were in response to a tweet from conservative author Ashley St Clair which stated: The push to end life, of both animals and humans, in the name of climate activism is fundamentally evil". This deranged narrative which, among other things, conflates abortion with killing cows, has gained traction globally. It has been said that a lie can be halfway around the world before the truth has time to pull its boots on, and this is a case in point. There is a certain Orwellian genius at pitching a sector, whose business model involves commercially exploiting livestock from the moment of birth until they are slaughtered, into the defenders of these same animals (for the record, all dairy cows also end their lives in an abattoir). But in a post-truth world, such deception, enthusiastically abetted by right-wing media, is as unremarkable as it is rife. Nature Restoration Law This gusher of disinformation is all part of a concerted drive to derail the EUs proposed Nature Restoration Law, with the centre-right European Peoples Party (EPP), of which Fine Gael is a member, leading the charge. The EPP has produced a torrent of dubious data and dodgy claims to support its efforts. Among the more egregious was that villages would have to be demolished to make way for nature restoration. When asked to name one village anywhere in Europe actually facing demolition, the EPP admitted the claim was baseless. Despite the dishonesty, its efforts appeared to have been successful, having persuaded the European Parliament's Committee on Agriculture to vote for an outright rejection of the entire nature restoration law. However popular these attempts to sabotage nature restoration are with the agri-industrial PLCs and the farm groups who support them, the EPPs plans may now be unravelling. 'Core economics' It turns out, in the words of the European Central Bank (ECB), that humanity needs nature to survive, and so do the economy and banks destroy nature, and you destroy the economy. The ongoing war on nature being waged by unsustainable intensive farming presents a growing financial risk that cannot be ignored, according to Frank Elderson, vice-chairman of the ECBs supervisory board. These threats, Elderson expanded, are measurable. The ECB assessed that the decline of so-called ecosystem services (things provided by nature for free) threatens up to 75% of all bank loans in the Euro area, as many of the millions of companies operating in the EU area depend on ecosystem services to continue producing their goods or providing their services. In short, it turns out that thrashing nature for a quick profit is not quite the bargain that many, especially in the EPP and Fine Gael, appear to think. Responding to criticism of his comments, Elderson added: "This is not some kind of flower power, tree-hugging exercise this is core economics. Arguments rebuffed Another powerful economic argument was advanced in an explanatory paper issued by the European Commission. It noted that nature restoration offers a spectacular return on investment of 8 for every 1 spent. In wetlands, the ratio is even higher. There was more bad news in store in recent days for the agri-industrial lobby and its political supporters. Among the various arguments mounted in opposition to nature restoration have included Taoiseach Leo Varadkars claim that this would impede renewable energy projects. Taoiseach Leo Varadkar has expressed opposition to the proposed Nature Restoration Law. Picture: PA This was thoroughly debunked by the lobby group Wind Europe, which noted that biodiversity protection and the expansion of renewable energy go hand in hand, the two are completely compatible. Varadkars claims regarding nature protection being a threat to food security have also been roundly refuted. A clear example of this is the collapse in insect populations across Europe. Some 84% of crop species cultivated in Europe depend on insect pollinators, providing free services valued at over 150bn a year. It beggars belief that ecologically illiterate politicians, and indeed farm lobbies, would be vying to allow the very basis of our food systems to be destroyed, principally, it appears, at the behest of the giant agri-chemical industry, whose profits depend on the sales of millions of tonnes of the very pesticides that are devastating the insect kingdom. Efforts at EU level on nature and climate protection usually degenerate into a David-and-Goliath tussle, as NGOs with shoestring budgets are outgunned, out-schmoozed, and outspent by industry players. This time, however, there are some genuine heavyweights in their corner. A coalition of more than 60 corporations, including Patagonia, Unilever, Nestle, Ikea, Decathlon, and even Coca Cola, have lobbied EU legislators, urging them to hold their nerve and implement strong nature restoration laws. Their argument can be boiled down to the simple fact that its hard to run a thriving business in a dying biosphere. In a moment of unintended levity, the EPP accused the European Commission of urging firms to lobby in favour of nature restoration. As Politico reported this week, the response of Cesar Luena, the Socialists & Democrats MEP to their complaint was to dismiss it as only theatre. Luena added mockingly: Oh poor people of the EPP, now they are afraid of the lobbies, do you believe this? 'Fearmongering' Having initially opposed the nature restoration law, Sinn Fein now says it will support it, stating that it received additional assurances. Fianna Fail remains split, with Billy Kelleher opposed. However, his party colleague, Agriculture Minister Charlie McConalogue, spoke at the weekend at the fearmongering surrounding this issue and called on the EPP to rejoin negotiations, adding that nature restoration is absolutely essential. As todays crucial vote in the European Parliaments environment committee takes place, ahead of a Council of Ministers meeting on June 22, the mixed messaging in Ireland will likely leave the public bewildered. It should be a source of great concern that only 15% of Irish natural habitats are rated as being in good condition. Yesterday, the Environmental Protection Agency reported on the continuing decline in Irish water quality, mainly as a result of the over-use of nitrogen and phosphorus in agriculture. Meanwhile, another State agency, Bord Bia, describes Irish dairy as more sustainable, more naturalfarmers working in harmony with nature while simply greenwashing away the growing tide of negative consequences. This, bear in mind, is in a country with the second-lowest amount of land farmed organically in the entire EU27. Its hard to begin an honest conversation about striking a balance between the needs of nature and our agricultural systems when so many still remain mired in denial about even the most rudimentary facts. June 18, 2023, will mark the 40th anniversary of the execution of 10 Baha'i women in the city of Shiraz, Iran. These courageous women were hanged in a city square for their steadfast refusal to renounce their faith, which advocates principles such as gender equalitya value the Iranian authorities do not embrace. In a cruel attempt to make them abandon their beliefs, the women were killed individually, with each being forced to witness the execution of the next woman. Among the victims was a 17-year-old (the last to ascend the gallows); the majority were in their 20s. A mother and daughter were hanged, one after the other. In the late 1980s, Ruhi Jahanpour, a young Iranian woman and a cellmate of the 10 women, visited Cork. Her story of how the female prisoners suffered at the hands of the authorities was harrowing and greatly affected her audience. Along with hundreds of others, Bahai and non-Bahai, Ruhi had also been sentenced to death, but through some error of administration, she was released. When the authorities realised their mistake and came to arrest her again some three days later, she had fled, eventually settling in Canada. In 2012, Ruhi testified at the International Tribunal on Iran convened in the Hague. Her 2,000-word testimony outlined the days of beatings she and the other prisoners endured as government officers tried to force them to recant their beliefs. Their actual trials did not take long. We went before the judge who asked our name and then asked if we were Bahai, she once told her local newspaper. When we said yes the judge would ask us if we would deny our faith. When we said no, the judge passed a death sentence. And that was it. In a frightening echo of the treatment meted out to Bahais in Iran down through the decades, the women and men campaigning for equality and justice for Iranian women in 2023 are being offered the same deal. They are told that if they will publicly admit that they were wrong, recant their advocacy for equality and justice and sign an undertaking that they will behave themselves in future, they will be released from prison. This underscores what has been obvious for so long; the historical and persistent oppression of women, and the denial of human rights in Iran, are not founded on any legal or judicial principles but rather stem from ideology. More recently, this repression has expanded to encompass ever larger numbers of ordinary Iranian citizens. A global campaign is now being launched called #OurStoryIsOne to honour the executed women and to bring attention to the enduring struggle for gender equality experienced by all women in Iran for numerous decades, a struggle that persists to the present time. Launching the campaign, Simin Fahandej, Baha'i International Community Representative to the United Nations in Geneva, connected the campaign with ongoing efforts for equality in Iran. More and more Iranians are uniting in a search for social justice, she said. Read More Iran helping Russia build drone factory east of Moscow for war in Ukraine US "And they have focused on the equality of women and men as one of the most pressing challenges facing the country. We hope that together we can honour not only the 10 Bahai women of Shiraz, but all women across Iran who cherish the principle of the equality of women and men, and who have contributed to building a better future for the country through their perseverance in the face of oppression. If, on that fateful night in 1983, any of the 10 women had simply agreed to make such a promise, to sign that piece of paper, their lives would have been spared and they would have been freed. When word spread about this distressing tragedy, human rights groups, governments, and ordinary citizens worldwide, including here in Ireland, were shocked and outraged. Approximately two years later, prompted by then minister for foreign affairs, Peter Barry, the Irish government made the decision to provide a welcoming haven in Ireland for 26 Baha'is who were escaping religious persecution in Iran. The names of the 10 women hanged in Shiraz on June 18, 1983 were; Mona Mahmoudnejad (17); Roya Eshraghi (23) and her mother, Ezzat-Janami Eshraghi (57); Simin Saberi (24); Shahin (Shirin) Dalvand (25); Akhtar Sabet (25); Mahshid Niroumand (28); Zarrin Moghimi-Abyaneh (29); Tahereh Arjomandi Siyavashi (30) and Nosrat Ghufrani Yaldaie (46). A public memorial event will take place at UCD on June 17 to commemorate the 40th anniversary of the hanging execution of these 10 courageous and innocent women who sacrificed their lives for their beliefs (for additional details, see www.bahai.ie). Martin Luther King once said that there are some things so dear, some things so precious, some things so eternally true, that they are worth dying for. Whether it is the 1980s or the early decades of a new millennium, there are people in Iran who believe that to be true. Boris Johnson has accused the Privileges Committee of making Mystic Meg claims and reaching a deranged conclusion, in a blistering response to its report. The former British prime minister released a 1,678-word statement lashing out at the Tory-majority group of MPs he has repeatedly sought to disparage. It came after they found he committed repeated contempts of Parliament by deliberately misleading the House of Commons with his partygate denials before being complicit in a campaign of abuse and intimidation of the committee. Boris Johnson accused Privileges Committee chairwoman Harriet Harman of holding prejudicial views (House of Commons/UK Parliament/PA) But Mr Johnson, who previously branded it a kangaroo court, continued his attacks on the panel and its findings, which he described as a load of complete tripe. He repeatedly targeted committee chairwoman Harriet Harman, accusing her of holding prejudicial views, as well as the panels most senior Conservative member, Bernard Jenkin. One of the committees arguments was so threadbare that it belonged in one of Bernard Jenkins nudist colonies, Mr Johnson wrote in typically colourful language. The ex-premier called the committee beneath contempt and claimed its 14-month investigation had delivered what is intended to be the final knife-thrust in a protracted political assassination. This is rubbish. It is a lie On its conclusion that he deliberately misled the House, Mr Johnson said: This is rubbish. It is a lie. He went through the committees findings one by one, repeating his lines of defence, including that he believed farewell events held during lockdown restrictions were reasonably necessary for work purposes. For the committee now to say that all such events thank yous and birthdays were intrinsically illegal is ludicrous, he wrote. He also once again tore into Mr Jenkins, who he has already urged to resign following a report that the MP went to a drinks party in Parliament while Covid restrictions were in place in 2020. The hypocrisy is rank. Like Harriet Harman, he should have recused himself from the inquiry, since he is plainly conflicted. Sir Bernard Jenkin was accused of rank hypocrisy by Boris Johnson (House of Commons/PA) Mr Johnson took particular offence at the panels findings about his knowledge of a Christmas cheese and wine gathering in December 2020. Perhaps the craziest assertion of all is the committees Mystic Meg claim that I saw the December 18 event with my own eyes, he said. How on earth do these clairvoyants know exactly what was going on at 21.58? How do they know what I saw? What retinal impressions have they somehow discovered, that are completely unavailable to me? It is a measure of the committees desperation that they are trying incompetently and absurdly to tie me to an illicit event with an argument so threadbare that it belongs in one of Bernard Jenkins nudist colonies. A man attacked two women near Neuschwanstein castle in southern Germany, killing one, authorities said. The incident near the popular tourist attraction close to the Austrian border happened on Wednesday afternoon. Prosecutors in nearby Kempten said the two women, aged 21 and 22, had met the 30-year-old suspect who also had gone to the castle as a tourist for the first time shortly beforehand. The attack took place near the Marienbruecke, a bridge over a gorge close to the castle that offers a famous view of Neuschwanstein, German news agency dpa reported. Authorities said the three apparently took a path to a viewpoint, where the man attacked the younger woman. The 22-year-old rushed to help her companion, and the man allegedly pushed her down a steep slope, they said. Prosecutors said that after what may have been an attempted sexual assault, the man allegedly also pushed the younger woman down the slope. She was taken by helicopter to a hospital, where she died overnight. The man initially fled but was arrested, police said. There was no immediate word on where the victims and the suspect came from. Neuschwanstein is one of Germanys most popular tourist attractions. A former manager at the Harvard Medical School morgue, his wife and three other people have been indicted over the theft and sale of human body parts, federal prosecutors in Pennsylvania announced. Cedric Lodge, 55, of Goffstown, New Hampshire, stole dissected portions of cadavers that were donated to the school in a scheme that stretched from 2018 to early 2023, according to court documents. The body parts were taken without the schools knowledge or permission, authorities said, adding that the school has co-operated with the investigation. Lodge sometimes took the body parts which included heads, brains, skin and bones back to his home where he lived with his wife, Denise, 63, and some remains were sent to buyers through the mail, authorities said. Lodge also allegedly allowed buyers to come to the morgue to pick what remains they wanted to buy. Bodies donated to Harvard Medical School are used for education, teaching or research purposes. Once they are no longer needed, the cadavers are usually cremated and the ashes are returned to the donors family or buried in a cemetery. In a message posted on the schools website entitled An abhorrent betrayal, deans George Daley and Edward Hundert called the matter morally reprehensible. They said Lodge was fired on May 6. We are appalled to learn that something so disturbing could happen on our campus a community dedicated to healing and serving others, the deans wrote. The reported incidents are a betrayal of HMS and, most importantly, each of the individuals who altruistically chose to will their bodies to HMS through the Anatomical Gift Programme to advance medical education and research. Paula Peltonovich and her sister, Darlene Lynch, said they were shocked to learn that their fathers remains were among those said to be stolen. They said their parents were both police officers in New Hampshire who wanted to donate their bodies to science. While the woman fear they may never know what happened to their fathers remains, they have asked the school to return the body of their mother, who died in March. Their father died in 2019. The indictment charges the Lodges and three others Katrina Maclean, 44, of Salem, Massachusetts; Joshua Taylor, 46, of West Lawn, Pennsylvania; and Mathew Lampi, 52, of East Bethel, Minnesota with conspiracy and interstate transport of stolen goods. According to prosecutors, the defendants were part of a nationwide network of people who bought and sold remains stolen from the school and an Arkansas mortuary. The Lodges allegedly sold remains to Maclean, Taylor, and others in arrangements made through telephone calls and social media websites. Taylor sometimes transported stolen remains back to Pennsylvania, authorities said, while other times the Lodges would post remains to him and others. Maclean and Taylor resold the stolen remains for profit, authorities said. Maclean owns Kats Creepy Creations, a store in Peabody, Massachusetts, where authorities say she sold and stored human remains. Its Instagram page notes the store sells creations that shock the mind & shake the soul, along with creepy dolls, oddities and bone art. The indictment cites a transaction where Maclean allegedly sold human skin to a Pennsylvania man who tanned it to create leather. Denise and Cedric Lodge both made their initial court appearances on Wednesday in federal court in Concord, New Hampshire, and were each released on personal recognisance bail. File picture: iStock After MacLean shipped more human skin to the man, she contacted him to confirm the shipment arrived because she wanted to make sure it got to you and I dont expect agents at my door, court papers said. In another instance, MacLean allegedly agreed to buy two dissected faces for $600 from Cedric Lodge in October 2020. Denise and Cedric Lodge both made their initial court appearances on Wednesday in federal court in Concord, New Hampshire, and were each released on personal recognisance bail. Two other people have been charged in the case. Jeremy Pauley, 41, of Bloomsburg, Pennsylvania, allegedly bought some remains from Candace Chapman Scott, of Little Rock, Arkansas, who allegedly stole them from a mortuary where she worked. Authorities have said Scott stole body parts from cadavers she was supposed to have cremated, noting many of the bodies had been donated to and used for research and educational purposes by a medical school in Arkansas. Pauley allegedly sold many of the stolen remains to other people, including individuals, including Lampi. Pauley and Lampi bought and sold from each other over an extended period of time and exchanged more than $100,000 in online payments, authorities said. Scott and Pauley have both pleaded not guilty. Myanmar junta courts sentenced 730 people to prison terms including life imprisonment, as well as the death penalty, for political reasons in the first five-and-a-half months of this year, according to the Assistance Association for Political Prisoners (AAPP), which described the charges in all of the cases as baseless. Despite international condemnation and calls for the release of all political prisoners, arrests of activists, students, politicians, striking civil servants, journalists and other civilian regime opponents continue in Myanmar on a daily basis and military tribunals are imposing harsh sentences including the death penalty against the detainees. The AAPP, which monitors killings and arrests by the junta, stated in its latest report that 730 people, which it classified as 108 women, 620 men and two transgender people, were handed prison terms from the beginning of January through the first two weeks of June. The organization stated that 15 people including four women have been sentenced to death so far this year, bringing the total number of people who have been handed the death penalty under the regime to 157, most of whom are young people and student pro-democracy activists. Last month, five resistance members accused of shooting dead four police officers on a Yangon train were sentenced to death by a junta court at Yangons Insein Prison. Additionally, of the 730 people sentenced, 54 were given life terms, according to the AAPP. Last week, the junta district court in Mandalays Pyin Oo Lwin Township handed down an additional 15 years imprisonment to Po Pyae Thu, a restaurant owner known for her philanthropy work, under the counter-terrorism law, the AAPP reported. She was arrested by junta forces in October 2021 for allegedly supporting the Peoples Defense Force. The junta also seized her restaurant. She now faces over 43 years in prison due to the additional convictions against her. Since the coup, the junta has arrested over 23,300 people, of whom around 19,000 remain in detention, according to the AAPP. In a resolution adopted in December, the UN Security Council urged the junta to immediately release all arbitrarily detained prisoners, including detained leaders Daw Aung San Suu Kyi and President U Win Myint. Myanmars junta forces continued to burn houses at a Salingyi Township village in Sagaing Region after a resistance raid on a police station. Last Friday resistance groups from three Sagaing townships and Loikaw in Kayah State destroyed Nyaung Pin Gyis police station. An estimated 12 regime personnel were killed and weapons and ammunition seized, according to the civilian National Unity Governments defense ministry. Nyaung Pin Gyi, which had around 7,000 villagers, is across the Chindwin River from Monywa town, where the regimes Northwestern Command is based. An MI-35 helicopter attacked resistance forces after the police station had been burned down. After resistance forces retreated, junta reinforcements arrived and torched village houses. The arson continued until Thursday and five adjacent villages have suffered from house burning, displacing thousands of residents, according to the anti-regime Strike Column, which is assisting displaced people. Residents told The Irrawaddy on Thursday that smoke continues to rise over Nyaung Pin Gyi. On Wednesday a civilian was killed and two others injured when regime forces used 40mm and 60mm mortars to attack villages, said a resistance group. Regime forces also reportedly detained eight villagers and burned houses during a raid on nearby Hnin Taw village. Nyaung Pin Gyi and four nearby four villages have been reduced to ashes. Regime forces are burning down the large villages, a member of Salingyi Peoples Defense Force told The Irrawaddy on Wednesday. Troops based at Nyaung Pin Gyi have destroyed roads in the area and are planning to rebuild the police station, according to residents. Humanitarian aid is urgently needed by displaced villagers, according to a Sagaing charity. Junta troops torched more than 650 houses and arrested at least 33 villagers during seven days of raids in Sagaing Township, one of the strongholds of the resistance in Sagaing Region, according to local residents. A woman, 60, died in a fire on Tuesday when junta troops destroyed at least 600 houses in an arson attack on Thar Zin Village, about two miles west of Sadaung Town, a local volunteer said. They destroyed an entire village because it was one of the strategic locations for resistance forces to carry out attacks on Sadaung Town, he said. Thar Zin Village had between 800 and 1,000 households before the arson attack. About 40 residents of the village were detained at a monastery when junta forces raided it on Tuesday, local residents said. They arrested at least 40 villagers who were taking shelter at the monastery. They released the women detainees, but they took 25 male detainees with them, a villager said. On Wednesday, junta troops continued their raids with an attack on Aing Dan Ma Village, burning down at least 10 homes. A resident of Ta Laing Kyun Village died in a land mine accident as he tried to sneak out his village on Tuesday night, a local source said. Since June 9, junta forces have carried out raids on a dozen villages in the township, arresting civilians from Yae Twin Gaung, Moe Thauk and Inn Sa villages, local residents said. They split into two or three small groups when they carry out raids on villages. So, many villagers were captured and used as human shields, one local resident explained. The fate of the detainees is still unknown. At least six residents of Yae Twin Gaung Village, including a seven-year-old girl, were wounded on June 9 by shelling and gunfire from junta troops. Dozens of houses and community buildings, including a library, have been destroyed by junta arson attacks in seven other villages in the township since the end of May. At least 3,000 homes in 45 villages have been destroyed in junta arson attacks in Sagaing Township since the 2021 military coup, local residents say. A labor union leader at a Chinese-owned garment factory in Yangon that supplies global brand Zara was arrested by the junta on Wednesday after calling on the factorys management to raise wages for workers by 800 kyats (about 38 US cents) a day. Ma Thu Thu San and six other executive members of the union were fired from their jobs on June 10 after calling for an increase in the daily wage from 4,800 to 5,600 kyats at the factory operated by Hosheng (Myanmar) Garment Co. Ltd. in Yangons Shwe Pyi Thar Township. The 28-year-old union leader was subsequently arrested on June 14 after she and other union leaders met with their employers representative to settle the dispute at the townships General Administration Department office. Union leader Ma May Thu Min was also arrested, but she was dropped off at a police station and allowed to return home. Ma Thu Thu San was taken to the militarys Shwe Pyi Thar interrogation center, factory workers said. They arrested her after accusing her of spreading photos and voice recordings of military personnel on social media, said a worker who requested anonymity due to security concerns. On June 12 and 13, more than 600 workers from Hosheng Myanmars factory protested against management for firing the members of their unions executive committee. On June 13, news outlet Myanmar Labour News, published a video report showing military officers threatening protesting workers at Hosheng Myanmars factory. The factory employs more than 1,000 workers. It has a history of violating workers rights, labor rights activists say. Since the coup, it has become commonplace for garment factory management to call in the juntas troops when a dispute with workers breaks out. The troops threaten and intimidate workers to force them to end protests or retract calls for collective bargaining, workers and union leaders say. About 1.6 million workers lost their jobs in Myanmar after the military coup, and more than 300,000 of them were working in the garment sector, the International Labour Organization said last year. An established Myanmar ethnic armed organization (EAO)s administrative body, the countrys parallel civilian government and a veteran student leader have made a collective call to the world to give the countrys anti-regime resistance movement the kind of international assistance it has given to Ukraine. In their appeal to the world, Lieutenant General Sumlut Gun Maw, vice chairman of the Kachin Independence Councilthe administrative body of the Kachin Independence Army (KIA), one of Myanmars oldest ethnic armiesU Yee Mon, defense minister in the shadow National Unity Government (NUG), and veteran student leader Ko Min Ko Naing, a key figure in the historic 8888 pro-democracy movement, said Myanmar is as deserving of international aid as Ukraine, given the current unprecedented unity among the anti-junta resistance groups in their pursuit of democratic change. Myanmar has seen unprecedented nationwide armed resistance against the regime since the military staged a coup in 2021. The junta has responded with indiscriminate air strikes, arbitrary killings, raids and arson attacks as it struggles to control the country. Unlike Ukraines effort to repel the invading Russian army, Myanmars fight against the junta has received barely any material assistance internationally and has so far relied on support from Myanmar people at home and abroad. Tuesdays call for international help comes more than two years into the war against the junta. In the past, such pleas have come from the NUG alone; this is the first issued jointly by various resistance organizations and figures. In their appeal, they said international assistance could help shorten their war against the junta to months from years. Even a small fraction of the aid Ukraine has gotten to repel Russian aggression could dramatically affect the struggle to unseat Myanmars military dictators, they write. Following the coup, the NUG was formed by elected lawmakers from the ousted National League for Democracy (NLD) and their ethnic allies. It formed the Peoples Defense Forces (PDFs) as its armed wing to launch armed resistance against the regime. The majority of Myanmar people consider the NUG and PDFs as their legitimate government and army. In collaboration with EAOs like the KIA, the Karen National Union (KNU) and others, the NUG has provided military training and arms to anti-regime resistance groups. However, it admits that it is still not able to fully equip the resistance groups due to insufficient support, especially from outside. Making matters worse, observers say, is that the fight against the junta comes at a time when global interest in Myanmar, especially among Western democracies, is on the wane amid Chinas growing regional supremacy and the war in Ukraine. Even the US, a longtime supporter of Myanmars democracy movement, is no longer taking the front-seat role it used to, the observers say, pointing to the fact that Washington has so far merely offered support for the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN)s attempts to solve the Myanmar crisisan effort that has so far been in vain. Last year, the US Congress authorized non-lethal assistance to Myanmars resistance movement after the NUGs repeated cries for outside assistance. However, many see this as insignificant compared to the nearly US$42 billion in support Washington has offered to Kiev since Russia invaded Ukraine in February 2022, with the latest installment$325 million worth of US arms and equipmentapproved on Tuesday. In light of this, Lt-Gen Sumlut Gun Maw, U Yee Mon and Ko Min Ko Naing point out in their appeal that the collaboration among the countrys EAOs represents an unprecedented unity, saying the current resistance movement is unique in Myanmars history and worthy of international support. We have received very little in the way of materiel support. A mere 1 percent of the aid going to Ukraine would prove instrumental in the Myanmar revolutions ability to achieve a decisive victory in a matter of months instead of the years-long struggle we face against such lopsided combat power, they said. They added that regardless of the international support, the Myanmar people will not waver in their determined struggle against the regime. However, if international support reinforces the struggle, the will of the people is sure to triumph over the military dictatorship in a shorter time span, leading to a swifter emergence of a peaceful federal democratic union and the restoration of stability in both the country and the region, their statement reads. Thursday, Jun 15th, 2023 (11:12 am) - Score 744 Earlier this month the UK telecoms regulator, Ofcom, proposed to stop publishing its annual summary of fixed home broadband ISP speeds (here). But theyve today followed that by proposing to also reduce the frequency of their Comparing Customer Service (CCS) tracker surveys to every other year. Ofcom currently runs a number of regular, recurring tracker surveys usually once a year or more often to provide them with time-series data about consumers behaviour and attitudes in relation to communications devices and services (i.e. broadband, mobile, phone and TV). The tracker surveys feed in to a wide variety of Ofcoms publications and projects. However, the regulator is now proposing to change this so that it would occur every two years, which is said to be because there is relatively little movement in the metrics that these trackers measure from year to year. Notification of proposed change to Ofcoms CCS trackers for 2023 The three Comparing Customer Service (CCS) trackers the Customer Satisfaction Tracker, the Reason to Complain Tracker and the Complaints Handling Tracker provide Ofcom with data about customer satisfaction levels and satisfaction with complaints handling processes across the residential landline, mobile, fixed broadband and pay-TV services, and how these compare by provider and over time. We are proposing to reduce the frequency of the three CCS tracker surveys to every other year. Having conducted fieldwork for the surveys in 2022, we would move to biennial waves of fieldwork from 2024. Confirmed changes to Ofcoms Switching Tracker 2023 We are confirming the change to the frequency of Ofcoms Switching Tracker, which will now be conducted biennially and will next run in 2025. The Switching Tracker is Ofcoms key data source on switching levels, attitudes, and experiences across the communications markets (fixed landline, mobile, fixed broadband and multi-channel/pay TV). Since 2010, Ofcom has run this tracking study annually among UK adults to measure participation levels, switching rates and the ease of switching in each market. In other words, reports like Ofcoms annual comparison of broadband, phone and mobile service quality (here) will now only be published every couple of years. We tend to view such reports as being useful for keeping tabs on how the biggest ISPs are performing, not least by naming and shaming those that fall short in certain areas and highlighting those that have improved. As a result, this appears to be a disappointing change by the regulator. Not to mention that the market is currently going through some big changes that impact consumers, such as the rollout of full fibre networks from multiple operators (some of which may not go the distance), the delayed launch of a new broadband migration system and the switch from copper to digital phone services. Suffice to say that now may not be the best time for Ofcom to be considering scaling back their consumer survey work. On the other hand, the regulator is about to take on the mammoth task of effectively having to regulate UK internet content via the Online Safety Bill (OSB), which is probably putting a strain on their resources and this may be one way to balance against that. Ofcom is asking for feedback on this change until 9am on 27th July 2023. This Week in Review A weekly review of the best and most popular stories published in the Imperial Valley Press. Also, featured upcoming events, new movies at local theaters, the week in photos and much more. 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United Arab Emirates United Kingdom of Great Britain & N. Ireland Uruguay, Eastern Republic of Uzbekistan Vanuatu Venezuela, Bolivarian Republic of Viet Nam, Socialist Republic of Wallis and Futuna Islands Western Sahara Yemen Zambia, Republic of Zimbabwe Unlike other supermarkets, one in Xuancheng city, east China's Anhui Province "sells" items donated by people for free for those who need the items. The supermarket is open the whole year. There are no cashiers and the supermarket clerks are volunteers. The charity supermarket was established by several government organizations in Xuancheng and the city's Red Cross Society, on Oct. 20, 2018. There are 13 such supermarkets in the city and the one in the city's Chengjiang neighborhood is the largest. Wang Chenglong, director of the Chengjiang neighborhood committee, said many people come here to donate stuff, and many others come here to get what they need. On a rainy day, Wang Xuhua, a sanitation worker in Chengjiang neighborhood, went to the neighborhood's charity supermarket when not at work. Wang chose a coat for herself and put it on right after filling out a note. "Last winter, I got a cotton-padded coat from here, which fit and was warm. This supermarket brings a sense of happiness to my life," said Wang. "In the past, there were not enough volunteers. Since the supermarket opened, I've seen more of them in our neighborhood," said Wang, adding that this shows the continuation of love and charity. A charity supermarket in Langxi county, Xuancheng city which opened in March 2022 is unattended. Local residents take what they need without showing any documents proving they have financial difficulties. The supermarket is hailed as a "distribution center of love" by local residents. Every year, the charity supermarkets receive as many as 50,000 clothing items, and 40,000 of them are brought home by people who need them. Reddit Email 14 Shares Detaining Ahmed Mansoor Sends Chilling Message (Human Rights Watch ) Ahmed Mansoor, the United Arab Emirates (UAE) best-known human rights defender, has been arbitrarily imprisoned, in isolation, since security forces raided his home just before midnight on March 20, 2017. Local media reported he was arrested and convicted for publishing false news on social media to harm the reputation of the state. This week, governments are meeting in Bonn to prepare for the November climate summit, COP28, to be hosted by the UAE. The fate of Mansoor and the many other arbitrarily detained human rights activists should worry these governments. A sustained assault on freedom of expression and association sends a chilling message to civil society and Indigenous peoples working to achieve an ambitious outcome at COP28. Governments in Bonn should take every opportunity, in public comments and private huddles, to press Emirati authorities, which also hold the COP28 presidency, to end its persecution of rights defenders and peaceful dissidents and free them. They should start with Ahmed Mansoor, who, for his human rights advocacy, was sentenced to 10 years in prison, where authorities have denied him essential medical care and have rarely allowed him contact with his family. Unless the UN and other governments demand that the UAE ease its grip on civic space and uphold rights, theres a real risk that many participants at COP28 will stay silent for fear of reprisals. This could disastrously impact the summits success and its stated aim of delivering solutions for an increasingly urgent climate crisis, including a reference to phasing out all fossil fuels in the COP28 outcome document. Image by Neil Dodhia from Pixabay Yet UAE authorities appear to be doubling down on silencing critics. The Abu Dhabi Judicial Department recently warned that harming the reputation of the state and its institutions in the form of news, data, or visual images could incur a 5-year jail term and 500,000 Dirham fine. Everyone must pay attention before talking about their experiences or publishing pictures so as not to put themselves in harms way. Daniel Brinks, who chairs the government department at the University of Texas at Austin, doesnt usually have a tough time recruiting professors. After all, UT is one of the best research universities in the country, located in a high-tech boomtown with a thriving music scene, a warm climate and first-rate enchiladas. But this year, in a pretty significant change, Brinks said, eight candidates turned down job offers. Several of them cited events transpiring a few blocks south of campus, at the Texas Capitol, where some Republican lawmakers were pushing to eliminate tenure at state colleges and universities. Anti-tenure Republicans in Texas and in other states including Florida, Iowa, North Carolina, North Dakota, Ohio and South Carolina have said they want to rein in unaccountable professors who are pushing a liberal agenda in the classroom. Supporters of tenure, which professors typically must earn after years of teaching and publishing original research, argue that it protects academic freedom. Without it, they say, professors might be wary of taking on controversial topics for fear of being fired. American higher education is the envy of the world because of the current system, Irene Mulvey, president of the American Association of University Professors, told Stateline. These bills that weaken tenure or limit tenure are bills that will undermine the quality of education in the state. But defenders of tenure a practice adopted in its current form in 1940 have deployed another argument that goes beyond academic freedom: Attacks on tenure are a threat to state economies. That argument, used by Brinks in Texas and others elsewhere, has figured prominently in debates over tenure in several states. If you no longer can attract the top researchers, you no longer have people developing cutting-edge technologies, cutting-edge medical innovations, Brinks told Stateline, echoing testimony he delivered to Texas legislators. The top teachers and researchers receive federal grants, Brinks noted, and if you dont have the top researchers in the various fields here, then that source of funds, which is millions and millions of dollars, it just goes away. Image by jordseast from Pixabay Despite such concerns, the Texas Senate in April approved legislation that would have prohibited public colleges and universities from granting tenure to faculty members, starting in 2024. Tenured university professors are the only people in our society that have the guarantee of a job, Texas Republican Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick, who presides over the Senate, said upon passage of the bill. These professors claim academic freedom and hide behind their tenure to continue blatantly advancing their agenda of societal division. But the Texas House last month approved a much milder version, allowing schools to fire tenured faculty for professional incompetence or conduct involving moral turpitude. That version is the one the legislature sent to the desk of Republican Gov. Greg Abbott, who is expected to sign it into law. State Rep. John Kuempel, the Republican who authored the House version, said it would provide accountability while maintaining an environment that is conducive to recruiting and retaining the best faculty and researchers in the state and nation. The economic argument also has surfaced in Ohio, where the state Senate last month approved a sweeping higher education bill that aims to promote intellectual diversity on campuses. The measure would mandate a yearly performance review for faculty, including those with tenure. Shortly before the vote, state Sen. Jerry Cirino, the Republican sponsor of the bill, argued that the legislation would attract more students and faculty to Ohio. The bill is still pending in the House. When all is said and done here, our universities are going to be better, Cirino said. We are going to attract more people who have been turned away because of the liberal bias that is incontrovertible in our institutions in Ohio. But Democratic state Rep. Joe Miller argued the opposite, citing a study released last month which found that Ohios 14 public universities had a $68.9 billion impact on the states economy in fiscal year 2021-2022 8.8% of Ohios total gross state product. The study also found that the universities and their students supported nearly 867,000 jobs, 1 in 8 in Ohio. The legislation would make it extremely difficult to attract students and faculty to Ohio, which will be extraordinarily damaging to our economy, financially impacting cities from Akron, to Athens, Kent and Columbus, Miller said in a statement. Economic concerns over curbing tenure also have been raised in Iowa and Florida. Were one of the few states, particularly of our size, to have two tier-one research institutions, so doing things to damage their reputation has broad implications, Dustin Miller, executive director of the Iowa Chamber Alliance, told the Business Record in explaining his groups opposition to anti-tenure bills in his state. There is little doubt that research universities are economic engines. In a recent review of relevant research, the Brookings Institution think tank cited studies showing that higher state spending on universities leads to more patents and entrepreneurship; that each new patent creates 15 jobs outside the university in the local economy; and that regions that became home to a land grant university over a century ago have stronger economies than regions without one. Joshua Drucker, a University of Illinois Chicago associate professor who has written about the economic impact of research institutions, said the millions of dollars that top researchers bring into their universities are pure addition to a region, and that curbing tenure could diminish that flow. What I expect to happen if tenure is severely weakened, but only in some places, [is that] those places would then have to spend a lot more to get top talent or they will lose the top talent, he said. Brinks, a top expert in his field who has secured funding from the National Science Foundation and worked with researchers around the world, said he always thought the University of Texas was the perfect place for me. I really like the mission of a public university in a place like Texas. I think we do something thats really important to the state, he said. But to the extent that this atmosphere of questioning and even hostility to our mission and what we do continues, then it does occasionally raise questions about going to a private university or going out of state. Its dispiriting to find that youre the object of suspicion when you think what youre doing is really important and valuable. This story was published earlier by Stateline, a partner of the nonprofit States Newsroom network, which includes the Florida Phoenix. Diamond drilling is budgeted for 3,000 metres (estimated 15 holes) and will test for Intrusive-hosted "Orogenic Gold" and Volcanogenic Massive Sulphides. Drilling will commence near the Risberget Zone and will test Orogenic Gold targets in the vicinity of previously intersected gold mineralization, along the southeasterly extension of the 3.6-kilometre AvanCentralSkirasen gold trend. The Avan Zone, where high gold grades have been locally encountered, is the second principal target where drill testing will take place. Additionally, drill testing for Volcanogenic Massive Sulphide mineralization will take place along the southeastward extension from the Norra VMS Deposit. VANCOUVER, BC, June 15, 2023 /CNW/ - Barsele Minerals Corp. (TSXV: BME) (the "Company" or "Barsele") is pleased to provide an update regarding ongoing exploration activities within the Barsele Gold-VMS Project area in Vasterbottens Lan, Northern Sweden (the "Barsele Project"). The exploration program is being operated by joint venture partner Agnico Eagle Mines Limited (TSX, NYSE: AEM) ("Agnico Eagle"). Ownership in the Barsele Project is 55% Agnico Eagle and 45% Barsele. Agnico Eagle can earn an additional 15% in the Barsele Project through the completion of a pre-feasibility study. There is no cash outlay requirement by Barsele until a pre-feasibility study is completed. Between January 1 and May 30, 2023, data analysis, along with field-specific exploration activities continued at a number of exploration sites throughout the property. Work has included geophysical surveys, base of till sampling and analysis, plus analysis of previously collected MEFFA (multi-element fine fraction analysis) samples. The MEFFA sample interpretation utilizes automated pXRF scanning, together with laser ablation and ICP-MS, to define precious/base metal anomalous areas. All this work has been carried out in preparation for this year's diamond drilling campaign. Structural, stratigraphic, and lithological observations continue to evolve, with the objective to define both precious and base metals trends and targets. Studies related to gold occurrences associated with certain elements, minerals and alteration phases have been on-going to support targeting. Diamond drilling since 2015, within the 34,533-hectare property totals 162,691 metres of overburden penetration and core collection from a total of 436 drill holes. One drill rig has been retained to carry out the 2023 diamond drilling campaign. Barsele's President, Gary Cope states; "I am very pleased that the 2023 diamond drilling is underway and I along with our shareholders look forward to receiving the results from testing at Risberget, Avan and Norra." About the Barsele Gold Project The Barsele Project is located on the western end of the Proterozoic "Skellefte Trend", a prolific volcanogenic massive sulphide deposits belt, that intersects with the "Gold Line" in Northern Sweden. Both polymetallic "VMS" deposits and intrusive hosted "Orogenic gold" deposits are present in this region and on this property. Current and past producers in the region include Boliden, Kristineberg, Bjorkdal, Svartliden and Storliden. On February 21st, 2019 (the effective date), Barsele released an independently verified Mineral Resource Estimate that was completed by Quebec-based InnovExplo Inc., for the purposes of the Company. This NI 43-101 Technical Report and Mineral Resource Estimate (Amended) for the Barsele Property was modified and resubmitted effective December 16th, 2020. The Amended Technical Report contains no material differences to the original technical report filed on April 2, 2019. The study concluded that drilling to the end of 2018 along the AvanCentralSkirasen gold zones at a 0.50 g/t gold cut-off for a pit constrained extraction mining method, a 1.50 g/t gold cut-off for a bulk underground extraction mining method, and a 1.80 g/t cut-off for a selective underground extraction mining method, has in combination, outlined an Inferred Mineral Resource of 25,495,000 tonnes grading 2.54 g/t gold (2,086,000 ounces of contained gold) and an Indicated Mineral Resource of 5,578,000 tonnes grading 1.81 g/t gold (324,000 ounces of contained gold). The main gold-bearing system remains open in all directions. The structurally linked gold mineralized "lodes" occur mainly within a granodiorite host and to a lesser extent, volcanic and sedimentary rocks. Multiple parallel to sub-parallel "lodes" that vary in width from 10 metres to 100 metres, combine for a maximum known thickness (including low grade-waste islands) of 425 metres. The AvanCentralSkirasen zones have a strike length approaching 3.6 kilometres and that same northwest trending structural corridor contains localized bodies with gold mineralization over an additional 4.4 kilometres. The drill tested depth of the mineralized system approaches 1.0 kilometre and remains open. Gold is generally associated with arsenopyrite and low base metal content and also occurs as native metal. Art Freeze, P.Geo. is the Qualified Person as defined in NI 43-101 and takes responsibility for the technical disclosure contained within this news release. About Barsele Minerals Corp. Barsele is a Canadian-based junior exploration company managed by the Belcarra Group, comprised of highly qualified mining professionals. Barsele's main property is the Barsele Gold Project in Vasterbottens Lan, Sweden, a joint venture with Agnico Eagle. A NI 43-101 Technical Report on the Barsele Project with an effective date of February 21st, 2019, was filed on SEDAR on April 2nd, 2019. This NI 43-101 Technical Report and Mineral Resource Estimate (Amended) for the Barsele Property was modified and filed on SEDAR on December 16, 2020. ON BEHALF OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS Gary Cope President This News Release contains forward-looking statements, including but not limited to comments regarding the timing and content of upcoming work programs, geological interpretations, receipt of property titles, potential mineral recovery processes, etc. Forward-looking statements address future events and conditions and therefore involve inherent risks and uncertainties. Actual results may differ materially from those currently anticipated in such statements and Barsele undertakes no obligation to update such statements, 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. Toronto, Ontario / TheNewswire / January 11, 2018 - Noble Mineral Exploration Inc. ("Noble" or the "Company") (TSX-V:NOB, FRANKFURT: NB7, OTC.PK:NLPXF) is pleased to provide the following update on various aspects of the 2018 exploration campaign to be carried out on Noble's large contiguous and... Read More VANCOUVER , April 2, 2018 /CNW/ - Power Metals Corp. (" Power Metals Corp. " or the " Company ") (TSX VENTURE:PWM)(FRANKFURT:OAA1)(OTC:PWRMF) is pleased to announce that we are now working on the logistics for the 2018 drill program which will begin following the snow melt in early May. The spring... Read More 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, the women were fleeing Khartoum when their minibus was stopped at an RSF checkpoint, said Zeinab. 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 kilometres (120 miles) 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 over 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 Abdel Fattah al-Burhan and the RSF, led by Mohamed Hamdan Daglo, 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 has 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." - 'Tip of the iceberg' - 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 UN Women representative in Sudan. In one case, 12 women were stopped by gunmen in late April and ordered to join in looting a warehouse, said Amna, a local human rights defender. Once they were inside, they heard the doors lock. "They were all raped," said Amna. "They had men with them, whom fighters in RSF uniforms forced to rape the women." Amna said she and other defenders have recorded more cases in Darfur, with the youngest victim aged 14. "Women and girls are being abducted to a hotel the RSF has commandeered, where they're kept for two or three days, raped repeatedly." Documented cases, like wider casualty counts, are likely "the tip of the iceberg", said a Sudanese Women Rights Action (SUWRA) 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. In one attack in May, reported by one group and corroborated by multiple sources, RSF fighters raped a 15-year-old girl on a northern Khartoum street. In another case, a woman in her 30s in eastern Khartoum "was at home alone with her kids when she heard her downstairs neighbours screaming," said the SUWRA researcher. Three women there were gang-raped before the fighters made their way upstairs, the survivor told SUWRA. "Four armed men broke the door down, and then one of them locked himself in a room with her." - 'Screaming for hours' - Most survivors say they were assaulted by fighters of the RSF, who are embedded in residential neighbourhoods. Khalifa said the unit had also received news "of assaults by perpetrators in army uniform" but had "not yet been able to confirm" these. A resistance committee member said in another attack last month three army soldiers stormed a northern Khartoum home, "beat the son and raped both mother and daughter". "Their neighbours heard them screaming for hours." 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". But the task is dangerous. "Every time you walk down the street, you could be stopped and accused of being an informant for either side," said one activist. After several colleagues were violently interrogated, Amna said that "they know what we're doing, and now the activists themselves are in danger." 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." The head of the United Nations mission in Sudan said Tuesday that attacks in Sudan's Darfur region could amount to crimes against humanity. Darfur has never recovered from years of fighting that began in 2003, and since April has been a centre of the now eight-week-old war between Sudanese army chief Abdel Fattah al-Burhan and his former deputy Mohamed Hamdan Daglo, known as Hemeti, who leads the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF). "There is an emerging pattern of large-scale targeted attacks against civilians based on their ethnic identities, allegedly committed by Arab militias and some armed men" in RSF uniform, Volker Perthes, head of the UNITAMS mission to Sudan, said in a statement. "These reports are deeply worrying and, if verified, could amount to crimes against humanity." He said the situation in Darfur "continues to deteriorate" and expressed particular alarm about El Geneina, the capital of West Darfur state, following waves of violence "which took on ethnic dimensions". Another UN official, Toby Harward of the UN refugee agency, previously said hundreds have been killed in Darfur, on the border with Chad. In 2003, rebels in Darfur rose up against Sudan's Arab elites they accused of monopolising political power and wealth. The Islamist-backed strongman then in power, Omar al-Bashir, responded by unleashing the Janjaweed militias, whose atrocities shocked the world. The unrest killed at least 300,000 people and displaced 2.5 million, according to the UN. The bloodshed led to international charges of genocide, crimes against humanity and war crimes against Bashir and others. Daglo, from Darfur's pastoralist camel-herding Arab Rizeigat people, rose to prominence with the Janjaweed, which made up the bulk of the RSF formed in 2013. Darfur governor Mini Minawi, a former rebel leader now close to the army, on Saturday said on Twitter that "what is happening in El Geneina and in Kutum should lead to an international investigation". Last week the Sudanese authorities loyal to the army declared Perthes "persona non grata", accusing him of taking sides in the conflict. Perthes was outside Sudan at the time. The UN expressed support for him and said his status had not changed. It said the declaration of "persona non grata" violated international law. Saudi Arabia on Tuesday announced an international conference next week to gather aid pledges for war-ravaged Sudan, where the United Nations says more than half the population urgently needs assistance and protection. Many of them are in Sudan's Darfur region, where attacks against civilians could amount to crimes against humanity, the UN's head of mission said. The pledging conference will be held on June 19, the official Saudi Press Agency said. It cited the foreign ministry and added that the kingdom would jointly lead the meeting with Qatar, Egypt, Germany and the European Union, as well as UN agencies. Saudi Arabia and the United States have been mediating in the eight-week war between Sudanese army chief Abdel Fattah al-Burhan and his former deputy Mohamed Hamdan Daglo, known as Hemeti, who leads the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces. A record 25 million people -- more than half the population -- are in need of aid and protection, according to the UN, but as of late May, the world body's needs for $2.6 million to address the crisis were only 13 percent funded. Entire districts of Khartoum no longer have running water, electricity is only available for a few hours a week, most hospitals in combat zones are not functioning, and aid facilities have been looted. The country's western Darfur region has also been a centre of the fighting. Darfur governor Mini Minawi, a former rebel leader now close to the army, in early June declared Darfur a "disaster zone" and appealed for help from the international community. In May, the warring sides signed a written agreement for a Saudi and US-brokered week-long ceasefire, later extended by five days, that aimed to provide safe humanitarian corridors. These did not materialise. Sudan's annual rainy season begins in June, and medics have repeatedly warned that it threatens to make parts of country inaccessible, while raising the risks of malaria, cholera and water-borne diseases. More than 1,800 people have been killed since battles began, according to the Armed Conflict Location and Event Data Project (ACLED). Fighting has forced nearly two million people from their homes, including 476,000 who have sought refuge in neighbouring countries, the UN says. - 'Attacks against civilians' - On June 1 the United States imposed sanctions on the two warring groups, but fighting has continued, including in Khartoum on Tuesday where witnesses reported artillery strikes in the north of the capital and its suburbs. The head of the UN mission in Sudan, Volker Perthes, on Tuesday said the situation in Darfur "continues to deteriorate", with "an emerging pattern of large-scale targeted attacks against civilians based on their ethnic identities, allegedly committed by Arab militias and some armed men" in RSF uniform. If these reports are verified they "could amount to crimes against humanity", said Perthes. Daglo's RSF are descended from the Janjaweed militias which former strongman Omar al-Bashir unleashed in the region after a rebellion began in 2003. The bloodshed led to international charges of genocide, crimes against humanity and war crimes against Bashir and others. Also Tuesday, a government official said Sudan's army chief is not ready to meet Daglo, after a regional bloc proposed a face-to-face encounter between the two. At a summit held in Djibouti on Monday, the East African Inter-Governmental Authority on Development (IGAD) announced it would expand the number of countries tasked with resolving the crisis, with Kenya chairing a quartet including Ethiopia, Somalia and South Sudan. A draft communique of the IGAD meeting released by the office of Kenyan President William Ruto said the quartet leaders would "arrange (a) face-to-face meeting between (Burhan and Daglo)... in one of the regional capitals." The Sudanese government official, not authorised to speak to the media, told AFP that, "in the current circumstances Burhan will not sit at the same table as Hemeti." Army warplanes bombed the Sudanese city of El Obeid Wednesday, as the country prepared to mark two months of suffering since a power struggle between rival generals plunged the country into a devastating war. Since April 15, the regular army headed by Abdel Fattah al-Burhan and the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces commanded by his former deputy Mohamed Hamdan Daglo have been locked in urban combat that has left whole neighbourhoods of the capital Khartoum unrecognisable. The fighting quickly spread to the provinces, particularly the western region of Darfur, and has killed at least 1,800 people, according to the Armed Conflict Location and Event Data Project's (ACLED) latest figures from last month. On Wednesday, the regular army carried out air strikes for the first time in El Obeid, the capital of North Kordofan state, which has been surrounded by the RSF since the war began, witnesses told AFP. In another escalation, the army accused RSF of killing the governor of West Darfour state, calling it a "brutal act." Nationwide, around 2.2 million people have fled their homes, more than one million of them escaping Khartoum, according to the International Organization for Migration. Of those, more than 528,000 have sought refuge in neighbouring countries, according to the UN agency. Those that remain have run out of food, water and medicine, Khartoum resident Ahmed Taha told AFP. "We have nothing left. The entire country has been completely devastated," Taha said. "Everywhere you look, you'll see where bombs have fallen and bullets have struck. Every inch of Sudan is a disaster area." - 'Suffering and suffering' - US and Saudi mediation efforts are at a standstill after the collapse of multiple ceasefires in the face of flagrant violations by both sides. Aid agencies have pleaded for the opening of safe humanitarian corridors to allow assistance in but to no avail. Entire districts of Khartoum no longer have running water, mains electricity is only available for a few hours a week and most hospitals in combat zones are not functioning. A record 25 million people -- more than half the population -- are in need of aid, according to the UN, which says it has received only a fraction of needed funding. Saudi Arabia has announced an international pledging conference for next week. Despite dangers and other obstacles, latest figures from the UN say aid has reached 1.8 million people, still a fraction of those needing assistance. "We have been suffering and suffering and suffering the scourge of this war for two months," said Khartoum resident Soha Abdulrahman. The conflict's other main battleground Darfur was already scarred by a two-decade war that left hundreds of thousands dead and more than two million displaced. Homes and markets have been burnt to the ground, hospitals and aid facilities looted and more than 149,000 sent fleeing into neighbouring Chad. The Umma Party, one of Sudan's main civilian groups, said El Geneina, the capital of West Darfur state, had been turned into a "disaster zone", and urged international organisations to provide help. The Sudanese army on Wednesday accused the RSF of "kidnapping and assassinating" West Darfour state governor Khamis Abdullah Abakar, calling it "a new chapter to its record of barbaric crimes that it has been committing against all the Sudanese people." - 'Crimes against humanity' - Also referring to Darfur, the head of the UN mission in Sudan, Volker Perthes, on Tuesday said there was "an emerging pattern of large-scale targeted attacks against civilians based on their ethnic identities, allegedly committed by Arab militias and some armed men" in RSF uniform. If these reports are verified they "could amount to crimes against humanity", he said. Daglo's RSF have their origins in the Janjaweed militias which former strongman Omar al-Bashir unleashed on ethnic minorities in the region in 2003, drawing charges of genocide, war crimes and crimes against humanity. The paramilitaries remain highly mobile and adept at the sort of urban combat that has gripped Khartoum and Darfur's cities but the regular army has so far enjoyed a virtual monopoly of the skies. However, an army official said Wednesday that the paramilitaries had begun using drones, which an RSF source said they had obtained "from commandeered army centres". Both sources spoke to AFP on condition of anonymity because they are not authorised to speak to the media. According to a military analyst from the region who requested anonymity for his safety, the RSF might have obtained the drones from the Yarmouk weapons manufacturing and arms depot complex, which they overran just days after the collapse of US and Saudi-brokered ceasefire talks. I was carrying out the order of the Supreme Commander-in-Chief, who asked the Russian Federation for assistance and help in 2014. Then a revolution was staged, but in my opinion, it was a state coup. They destroyed the country, the accused told the court. The man says he has remained loyal to ex-president of Ukraine Viktor Yanukovych, who was himself tried for treason in absentia in 2018, four years after the Maiden revolution that led to his removal and flight to Russia. A number of media were present at the trial on May 29 when the Leninsky District Court of Kropyvnytskyi (central Ukraine) heard the case of Mykola Fomenko, a "strike corrector" caught in the act and charged with high treason under martial law. Such actions are punishable by a jail sentence of between 15 years and life, with confiscation of property. The accused was escorted to the court hearing by his defence counsel Angelina Dudnyk, appointed by the Free Legal Aid Centre. 41-year-old Fomenko is a native of Odesa. He has been living in Kropyvnytskyi for a long time. The man studied at two local colleges. First, he studied to become a television and radio mechanic, and then a cook. Between 2001 and 2005 he studied agricultural machinery at the Kirovohrad National Technical University. In 2008, he completed a master's degree in electrical and electromechanical engineering at the same university. In 2013, he was offered a position of electrical engineer at a local branch of a state-owned railway company, affiliated with the Ministry of Infrastructure of Ukraine. He has worked there, without any issues, till recently. The investigation revealed that in November 2022, an agent of the FSB, the Russian intelligence service, contacted Fomenko on Telegram and offered him to cooperate. He asked him to provide information about the location of the Ukrainian military counter-intelligence service (SBU) buildings, police stations, military recruitment offices, strategically important bridges, military units, and a special forces regiment. The information was to be sent every Tuesday and Friday between 8 and 9 p.m, and Fomenko fulfilled the order. Then, the agent gave him the task to film the territory of a power station in Kropyvnytskyi, buy and install a car tracker there. The tracker was supposed to be used to prepare a missile attack that was planned on January 22, 2023. The day before, SBU officers arrested Fomenko near the station and seized the tracker he had planted. In a rare Ukrainian trial of this kind, on May 29, the judges of the Kropyvnytskyi Court found 'strike corrector' Mykola Fomenko guilty of high treason and sentenced him to 15 years' imprisonment with confiscation of his property. Anastasia Zubova Intercepted correspondence and secret filming The prosecutor and defence agreed to consider the case according to a simplified procedure - without examining the entire body of evidence and, as became known in court, Fomenko was included in a prisoner exchange list. During the trial, some of the correspondence between the defendant and the FSB agent leading up to the planting of the tracker was reviewed. The prosecution was represented by the prosecutor of the Kirovohrad Regional Prosecutor's Office, Volodymyr Leshchenko, who read aloud correspondence (in Russian) that was intercepted in January 2023. - Good evening. The electricity is off every other day. But less often in the downtown. No aircraft flights were heard. Water is supplied. There are no queues at military recruitment offices, writes Fomenko. - Good evening, Mykola. Thank you for the information. Everything is going according to plan. We'll be in touch tomorrow. Have you powered up the tracker? Please also write back about the situation in the city, answers the FSB agent. - Yes, I have. Can I bury it? Is it waterproof? - You just need to put it on the ground. - Will it be visible when it blinks? - Cover the lights with duct tape. - Let's hope there are no cameras there and that I won't be spotted. I'll also buy some pepper to throw off the dogs' sense of smell. Eloquent video evidence was also shown in court. Investigators recorded Fomenko picking up a package at a Nova Poshta delivery point. Then they filmed him on his route from home to the power station. Then the camera recorded him approaching the fence near the critical infrastructure facility, putting down the device, and throwing something out on the way back. As the prosecutor explained, it was the pepper. When the man walked away, he began typing something on his phone. At that moment, he was knocked down, surrounded and apprehended by law enforcement officers. Only biscuits in his bag At his trial, Fomenko initially refused to cooperate, did not unlock his phone, saying that the investigators "already knew everything, because they had been spying on him for a long time". He said that everything was set up by the SBU, and that he had only biscuits in his bag. He complained that he had been beaten during his arrest and that it was unnecessary, he was not resisting. The man did have abrasions and dirt on his clothes caused by the fall. The investigators examined the content of the package Fomenko had with him when he was arrested. Among other things, it contained pouches of black and red pepper and a piece of paper. At first, the detainee refused to show where he had left the tracker, but after a while he nodded to the place where it had been planted. Investigators removed a SIM card from it. According to the prosecutor, the examination established that the piece of paper found in the defendant's bag was identical to the one in which the tracker was wrapped. According to the prosecution expert, the device operates on the basis of a GPS network with satellites. It can be used to remotely locate and control web-tracked objects via software. When asked by presiding judge Svitlana Lyon, Fomenko confirmed that he understood the content of the charges and confessed to everything. He said he did not know for sure who the FSB agent was, but he was convinced and hoped that it was indeed an agent. Upon the judge's question about his motivations, the accused said he was following the order of Viktor Yanukovych, the fugitive ex-president. "It's all normal. He asked the Russian Federation to assist and provide help in 2014. And no one cancelled these orders, explained Fomenko, who refused to communicate with journalists after the hearing. A 15 year sentence with prisoner exchange Prosecutor Leshchenko asked the court to sentence the defendant to 15 years in prison with confiscation of property, including his phones and apartment. Defence lawyer Dudnyk asked for a softer sentence, as her client had pleaded guilty, and filed a motion for the return of his phones and his computer system unit. The three judges considered Fomenko guilty of high treason and sentenced him to 15 years in prison with confiscation of property. But after the court hearing, prosecutor Leshchenko confirmed that the accused had filed a request for prisoner exchange and that the Russian side had included him in the list. According to the prosecutor, there are currently two more high treason cases pending in the region, where an exchange is expected to bring back Ukrainian prisoners. This report is part of our coverage of war crimes justice produced in partnership with Ukrainian journalists. A first version of this article was published on the "Gre4ka" website. Hailee Steinfeld mentioned Jung Ho Yeon during the interview for her new movie, "Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse." Along with director Kemp Powers and fellow co-star Shameik Moore, the American actress dishes on their thoughts about K-wave and South Korean actors. During the press conference for "Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse," they were asked about their thoughts on collaborating with talents from South Korea. The director, who is also known as the genius behind the 2020 movie "One Night in Miami" and his contribution to Disney Pixar's animation film "Soul," shared his interest in Korean films and stars. Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse' Cast, Director Gushes Over Korean Actors, Movies As mentioned by a media outlet, Kemp Powers named individuals whom he wants to work with in the future. "I want to work with Song Kang Ho of 'Parasite', 'The Host,' and 'Snowpiercer," he said, adding that he watches most of his movies. In addition, the "Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse" director also mentioned "Parasite" director Bong Joon Jo, whom he calls "the best director and hero" of his time. Lastly, he also expressed interest in director Yeon Sang Ho of "Train to Busan," saying that the filmmaker could "harmonize action and horror." To recall, "Parasite," and "Train to Busan" made a mark globally as the two movies gained notable recognition both locally and internationally. As for Song Kang Ho, he is among the highly regarded actors with a slew of awards under his belt. On the other hand, Hailee Steinfeld mentioned Jung Ho Yeon after she was asked who among Hallyu stars she would like to collaborate with. "I met Jung Ho Yeon from 'Squid Game'" she said, adding "I want to work with her." The American actress once met the South Korean breakout star at the 2022 SAG Awards when they presented the award for Male Actor in a Comedy Series. Interestingly, at the same event, Jung Ho Yeon also took home her first acting award. The 28-year-old star was named Best Female Actor in a Drama Series after playing the role of Kang Sae Byeok in Netflix's "Squid Game." What's Next for Jung Ho Yeon? With the massive success of "Squid Game," Jung Ho Yeon received a slew of endorsement deals and projects overseas. Among which are being named as brand ambassadors for Louis Vuitton, Calvin Klein, and more, as well as starring in AppleTV+'s "Disclaimer" with Cate Blanchett. This will be Jung Ho Yeon's Hollywood debut after the Netflix series. Meanwhile, as Netflix confirmed "Squid Game" season 2, director Hwnag Dong Hyuk only named three characters who will be returning to the upcoming sequel. The renowned director said that Lee Jung Jae and Lee Byung Hun will reprise their roles as Seong Gi Hoon and the Frontman. In addition, Gong Yoo might return as the mysterious agent for the K-drama's season 2. READ MORE: Jung Ho Yeon Gives Nod to Korean Culture With Stunning Outfit at Emmy Awards 2022 For more K-Drama, K-Movie, and celebrity news, keep your tabs open here at KDramaStars. KDramaStars owns this article Written by Geca Wills Shin Hye Sun is coming back to prime time this summer with the much anticipated weekend romance drama "See You In My 19th Life" with Ahn Bo Hyun. Since her debut, she has appeared in numerous high scale works that penetrated even the international market. To get to know her, keep on reading. Shin Hye Sun Net Worth 2023 In 2012, Hallyu welcomed a fresh face to the big screens. Shin Hye Sun proved her skills and was instantly loved by the public. However, it wasn't until 2016 that she received her breakthrough project. Shin Hye Sun starred in "Five Enough" with Sung Hoon, which opened a lot of opportunities for her. At the moment of this writing, Shin Hye Sun has headlined big dramas like "Still 17," "Angel's Last Mission: Love" and "Mr. Queen," her most notable work yet. With this, she has accumulated a whopping 5 to 7 million USD to her name, which mostly came from her acting career and modeling gigs. She's also an ambassador for the luxurious jewelry brand Swarovski. A decade into her career, Shin Hye Sun is among the most sought-after actresses. It is believed that her net worth will triple in the coming years as her brand new works are set to be released. Her good deeds also contribute to her charms and luck. In 2022, she didn't forget to extend help to the victims of the devastating flood and donated 80,000 USD to ease their worries away. Shin Hye Sun Returns With 'See You In My 19th Life' This Summer With equally talented and popular star Ahn Bo Hyun, Shin Hye Sun makes her long anticipated comeback to the limelight with the whimsical romance drama "See You In My 19th Life." It's a time travel drama that focuses on the romance between Ban Ji Eum, played by Shin Hye Sun, a woman who has been reincarnated for a thousand years and Moon Seo Ha, played by Ahn Bo Hyun, a conglomerate heir with a handsome visage. As Ban Ji Eum gets reincarnated into her 19th life, she retraces her steps to meet Moon Seo Ha once again, her first and truest love. Catch Shin Hye Sun and Ahn Bo Hyun's "See You In My 19th Life" this June 17 at 9:20 p.m. KST on tvN. For worldwide viewers, the work will be available on Netflix with English subtitles. KDramaStars owns this article. Written by Elijah Mully. In her new vlog, Choi Sooyoung shared a fascinating story of unexpectedly meeting this "Reply 1988" actor during her trip to Europe. Keep on reading to know who this celebrity is. Choi Sooyoung Bumps Into Park Bo Gum During Her Paris Trip Girls' Generation Sooyoung uploaded a new video on her YouTube vlog, titled, "This time I went to Europe." The "So I Married an Anti-Fan" star went to Paris, France for a magazine pictorial. Before she boarded the plane, the actress mentioned that she was not feeling well due to her acute sinusitis. Even though she was doubtful that her ears might hurt during the flight, nothing beat her excitement to travel as it was her first out-of-the-country visit after a long time. Thankfully, she landed safely in Paris. After the pictorial, Choi Sooyoung traveled to Switzerland. It was also mentioned that she was with her family on that trip. As the vlog continued, the SNSD member said that a lot of incidents happened on her trip. One of those was bumping into K-heartthrob and "Reply 1988" actor Park Bo Gum! According to Choi Sooyoung, "While on our way after taking my aunt to the hotel, I ran into Park Bo Gum and shared a photo with him." The actress even included the picture on her vlog. IN CASE YOU MISSED IT: THIS K-Actor Asks SNSD Yuri Out on A Date - Who is He? She continued, "It was fascinating. It looked like Park Bo Gum was amazed by me too." The idol-actress also shared the hilarious scenario they had during their unexpected meeting. Watch the video here to know more about their impromptu encounter! Where to Watch Choi Sooyoung Next Meanwhile, Choi Sooyoung is preparing for her small-screen comeback. In fact, she attended the table reading for her drama "Strangers." The comedy series "Strangers" is based on a famous webtoon that tells the delightful story of a clumsy mother and her coolheaded daughter. "Cinderella and Four Knights" director Lee Min Woo and writer Min Seok Ae will join forces to produce the project. Joining Choi Sooyoung to headline the series are Jeon Hye Jin, Ahn Jae Wook, and "The Glory" actor Park Sung Hoon, who already showcased good synergy during the drama's script reading. "Strangers" is scheduled to premiere this July 17 on ENA Channel. This is her next acting project following "If You Wish Upon Me" in 2022, where she worked with Ji Chang Wook and veteran actor Sung Dong Il. What can you say about Choi Sooyoung and Park Bo Gum's unexpected meeting in Europe? Share your replies in the comments! For more K-Drama, K-Movie, and celebrity news, keep your tabs open here at KDramaStars. KDramaStars owns this article. Shai Collins wrote this. An RCMP patch is seen on the shoulder of a Surrey RCMP Officer in Charge during a news conference in Surrey, B.C., on Friday, April 28, 2023. Four people have been found dead in a home in British Columbia's northwest in what police is calling a homicide. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Darryl Dyck While ChatGPT and Bard cannot provide reliable medical or treatment advice, there is a question of whether these chatbots can assist patients in selecting the right doctor or hospital. Surprisingly, both chatbots occasionally suggest individual physicians and hospitals, providing detailed provider information. However, the accuracy and usefulness of this information are difficult to assess. As I highlighted in a recent Forbes.com column, chatbots like Microsoft and OpenAIs ChatGPT and Googles Bard blend truth with truthiness, a term coined by comedian Stephen Colbert to describe information that feels true without evidence to support it. For example, Bard confidently provided me with statistics on the number of knee replacement surgeries conducted by major Chicago hospitals in 2021, along with their infection rates and the national average. It even named the Chicago surgeon with the highest number of knee surgeries and provided their infection rate. When I inquired about heart bypass surgery, Bard furnished both the mortality rate for certain local hospitals and a national average. While Bard occasionally cited sources like the American Hospital Association, the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services, and the Joint Commission, it also referred to its own knowledge. Aware that generative AI can produce false information, I fact-checked the data with these organizations, but none of them had the data attributed to them. With chatbots, the wording of the query matters. When I asked Bard about the surgeon performing the most knee replacements in Chicago, it provided one name. However, when I broadened the question to encompass the Chicago area, Bard listed seven highly skilled and experienced surgeons with a history of successful outcomes and compassionate care. Although Bard included cautionary language in its responses, such as acknowledging the risks associated with surgery, it still unequivocally recommended scheduling a consultation with one of the seven surgeons for knee replacement. On the other hand, ChatGPT did not make direct recommendations but did provide a list of four top knee replacement surgeons based on their expertise and patient outcomes. The methods used by Bard and ChatGPT to generate these answers remain unknown. We are uncertain why they provide one, four, or seven names. To assess the validity of the physician recommendations, I conducted a basic test by asking Bard to recommend good restaurants in the Chicago area. The responses included reputable establishments, ranging from a Michelin Guide three-star restaurant in Lincoln Park to a gastropub renowned for its beer selection in the West Loop. Alternative phrasing yielded a list of nine restaurants, including four from the initial list, along with three well-regarded local pizza chains. ChatGPT produced ten restaurant names in response to the first query and eight in the second, with some overlap with Bards suggestions. Ideally, the best way to address these questionable responses from chatbots would involve surgeons and hospitals disclosing accurate and standardized data on procedure volumes and complication rates promptly. While waiting for this transparency (which may take a while), I believe it is essential for physicians to advocate for collaborative efforts involving organizations like the American Medical Association and the American Hospital Association, with the inclusion of patient groups, to develop responsible solutions for this problem. In the meantime, the public is left to wonder whether the doctors listed by chatbots as heart specialists are akin to a satisfying pizza or chefs who, with three Michelin stars, are among the best in the world. Michael L. Millenson is president, Health Quality Advisors, LLC and can be reached on his self-titled site, Michael L. Millenson. Government through the Finance ministry has vowed to address wage concerns by medical interns in the next few weeks. This comes hours after pre-intern doctors run to the High Court seeking permission to file a representative suit against the Ministry of Health and the Attorney General for allegedly refusing to deploy them. Reading the Shs52.7 trillion budget estimates for the financial year 2023/2024, Finance minister, Matia Kasaija revealed that in the ending financial year, Shs22 billion has been allocated to clearing arrears for medical intern doctors including senior house officers. He further urged them to remain calm. Government will in the next few weeks resolve the plight of medical interns and doctors designated as senior house officers, in view of their important role in supporting the healthcare system, Kasaija said. In the meantime, I have provided Shs. 22.6 billion to clear outstanding arrears for medical interns and senior house officers for the financial year ending June 2023, he added. According to Kasaija, of the Shs52.7 trillion for the financial year 2023/2024, wages and salaries will amount to Shs7.3 trillion while non-wage recurrent expenditure is at Shs13.5 trillion. Additionally, Government development expenditure amounts to Shs6.1 trillion and domestic arrears worth Shs215.8 billion will be settled. Kasaija says external debt repayments amounting to Shs. 2.6 trillion and interest payments of Shs6.1 trillion will be made. The budget is themed; Full monetization of Ugandas economy through commercial agriculture, industrialization, expanding and broadening services, digital transformation, and market access. In a last-minute U-turn, President Museveni who is still positive for Coronavirus has decided to address parliament virtually today as his government presents the budget. He had initially said he would address the MPs physically at a distance of 300 metres. However, in another statement issued last evening on social media platform, Twitter, the president said that since he is not travelling to Kiev (Ukraine) and Russia, he will be able to address parliament today. He said he had earlier delegated the whole effort to Vice President Jessica Alupo, but says she will now only inspect the parade for him and take the salute for the match past before he makes his brief remarks at the end of the budget speech. Since I am not travelling to Kiev and Russia, I will be able to address Parliament tomorrow, virtually, on the budget Day. Otherwise, I had delegated the whole effort to VP Alupo, Musevenis tweet reads in part. Museveni and six other African presidents had agreed to travel to Kiev to mediate in the Russia-Ukraine war because of pressure on the diplomatic front. The other six Presidents of Africa from the Comoros, Egypt, South Africa, Senegal, Congo- Brazzaville and Zambia are supposed to arrive in Poland today. The president says he will be represented in Kiev by former Premier Dr. Ruhakana Rugunda who was by last evening already in Poland, from where they would go to Russia. It is now a week since the president tested positive for Covid-19 but he has since assured Ugandans that all Covid symptoms have gone and is perfectly well carrying out state duties while in isolation. By Babra Anyait Prof Yunus Mgaya has been installed as the fourth chancellor of Kampala International University (KIU). Prof Mgaya is the former Deputy Vice Chancellor in charge of planning finance and administration at the University of Dar Salaam. He replaces Prof Mahmood Mamdani a few days before the institutions graduation ceremony. Speaking at the installation ceremony at KIUs main campus in Kampala on Wednesday, Prof Mohammad Mpezamihigo, the universitys Vice Chancellor said Mgaya played a critical role in creating a peaceful and harmonious environment during his previous role at the University of Dar Salaam. He says the university is now set to work with him in his new capacity as chancellor in fostering an inclusive and diverse academic environment. Prof Mgaya commended the university management for entrusting him with the role, pledging to promote the latest innovations in science and technology at the institution. Mgayas installation comes a few days before the university holds its graduation ceremony slated for Saturday, June 17, 2023. By Monitor team Ugandans across the country hope that the Financial Year 2023-2024 budget will increase spending on infrastructure, agriculture, and lower costs of electricity in order to accelerate economic growth. Jennifer Abiko, a resident of Arua town, said there should be the inclusion of Nebbi-Goli-Paidha road and Koboko-Yumbe road for tarmacking. She says they have been paying taxes for all these years but the poor state of roads has discouraged investors and slowed down transportation of goods from farms to the markets. Christopher Opio, a resident of Nebbi district says the issue of inadequate power for industrialisation should be included in the budget. Opio said there are rural districts that have been left out without district hospitals because of lack of funds. In Kakumiro, Gerald Kakooza, the director of Rural Agro-Processors firm that deals in maize processing in Kakumiro District expects the government to lower the cost of electricity and fuel. In the Central districts of Buganda, where the majority of the population are in the farming sector, a section of residents believe that the national budget has little to do with the common man. The general secretary Forum for Democratic Change Kabale district Richard Muhanguzi said that he expects government to deliver a plan on creating jobs for the graduating youths. Stena Lines latest addition to its expanding Irish Sea ferry fleet, Stena Vision, has left the shipyard in Gdansk (Poland) following a major refit investment programme and is bound for Rosslare where it is due to go into service on the Rosslare-Cherbourg route on June 30. Stena Vision is Stena Lines additional cruise ferry on its Rosslare to Cherbourg service, where it will operate alongside the Stena Horizon. Stena Vision will increase Stena Lines service frequency on the route to six departure days providing 12 sailings per week, the most frequent ferry service between Ireland and the European Continent. Paul Grant, Trade Director Stena Line said: We are delighted to confirm that Stena Vision has now started on its journey to Rosslare. The ship has undergone a major refit investment and we are in the process of finalising last minute preparations in advance of commencing services on Rosslare-Cherbourg on 30th June, just in time for the peak summer holiday period. The addition of Stena Vision to the Ireland-France route, will provide Stena Line with a significant increase in capacity operating alongside Stena Horizon. Stena Line is the largest ferry operator on the Irish Sea, with the biggest fleet offering the widest choice of routes including, combined passenger and freight services from Belfast to Cairnryan and Liverpool, Dublin to Holyhead, and Rosslare to Fishguard routes, as well as a dedicated freight only route from Belfast to Heysham, a total of up to 238 weekly sailing options between Britain and Ireland. ALONE, the charity that supports older people to age at home, has shed light on the distressing trend of increasing safeguarding concerns they have witnessed over the past year this World Elder Abuse Day. ALONE has indicated that increased levels of loneliness and isolation, mental health difficulties, and the housing crisis are key factors in the worrying trend, all of which can lead to hidden cases of abuse. In 2022, the number of cases the group dealt with relating to elder abuse more than doubled, compared to 2021. Already in 2023, they are seeing an increase on cases year on year again. It is important to stress that these are only the cases heard about. ALONE believes that addressing elder abuse effectively requires tackling the underlying issues of isolation, loneliness and mental health problems, which can serve as a catalyst for a range of abuses. Loneliness can be a silent and insidious force that erodes the well-being of older adults. Loneliness leads older people vulnerable to abuse and exploitation due to the fact they are increasingly reliant on others, and in some cases are relying on just one person for all of their support needs. Speaking at the World Elder Abuse Awareness Day (WEAAD) Conference in Trinity College Dublin, Sean Moynihan, CEO of ALONE, expressed concern over the rising trend: "It is deeply distressing to witness the doubling of older people coming to us with safeguarding issues, highlighting the urgent need for safeguarding legislation. Abuse can take many forms: financial, emotional, physical, sexual, verbal, discrimination, and neglect. Loneliness acts as a breeding ground for abuse, as isolated older people become easier targets for exploitation. As we observe World Elder Abuse Day, we call on society to recognise the profound impact of isolation and loneliness on older people and take decisive action to address this issue." In addition to addressing the impact of loneliness, ALONE underscores the vital role of adequate housing options in safeguarding older individuals. Inadequate housing often exacerbates the risk of abuse and neglect among older people, leaving them exposed to precarious living conditions and vulnerable to exploitation. The current housing crisis, which is resulting in adults living at home with their older parents for longer, can create the conditions for elder abuse to occur. In addition, proposed changes to the Fair Deal Scheme may lead to older people being put under pressure to go into a nursing home so that rental income can be gained from their property, or that family members can move in. The additional benefit of suitable and available housing for older people is that it reduces the need and cost of institutional care. ALONE acknowledges that creating a strong NGO network and more dynamic communities are key to protecting older people from relying solely on just one person for support, creating meaningful social connections and making it easier to avoid elder abuse. We are supporting and collaborating stakeholders across the sector with our Community Impact Network, to build capacity, deliver support through shareable models of services, and advocate for meaningful change that will prevent elder abuse occurring in the first instance. Mr Moynihan went on to say, We believe there are several actions that can be taken on the policy stage to reduce the number of older people at risk of abuse. For a start, The Adult Safeguarding Bill has been in committee stage in the Seanad since 2021, after first being tabled in 2017. An Adult Safeguarding Bill is included in the Summer legislative programme for Government, to underpin a planned national health sector policy on safeguarding vulnerable or at-risk adults in the context of their interactions with the health sector. This is welcome, but safeguarding is broader than the Department of Health and the HSE. It belongs to all of us and across all sectors. An urgent response on this is needed. In addition to this, more units of Housing with Supports and other housing options would give older people more autonomy over their own decision making and more control over their own finances. An action plan on loneliness, which has been a key ask of ALONE on behalf of the older people who we support is also needed to reduce the risk of abuse. On this World Elder Abuse Day, ALONE urges people, communities, and government to join forces in combatting elder abuse by addressing the underlying causes of loneliness and striving to create inclusive societies that prioritise the well-being and dignity of older adults. We want to educate older people about their own rights and if they have any concerns, we and other organisations are available to offer them independent advice and support. If you are concerned about yourself or about an older person you know, call us on 0818 222 024 or email us at hello@alone.ie. If you have immediate concerns about your safety or welfare or that of an older person in your life, please contact An Garda Siochana immediately," said Mr Moynihan. The HSE has safeguarding and protection teams are in place in every region of the country and are responsible for adult safeguarding within services for older persons and services for people with disabilities. Older people can also access support through their local health centre, GP, Public Health Nurse, or the Garda Siochana. This Saturday, (June 17), will be an historic day in Freshford village when the 12th century Shrine of St. Lachtains Arm will be on display at St. Lachtains Church of Ireland. Last year the community in Freshford commemorated the 1400th anniversary of the death of St. Lachtain and celebrated more than 1400 years of worship in the parish with a year long festival of events. It was hoped to have the shrine as the centrepiece of that celebration. That did not work out but the committee members at Ionad Lachtain Church, Arts and Heritage Centre are thrilled to have the shrine on display as the highlight of Feile Lachtain 2023. The relics of St. Lachtains right arm were kept at the church of Kilnamartra in Co. Cork following his death. At the beginning of the 12th century a bronze reliquary was made to house the relics. Its manufacture can be dated to the years 1118-1121. Following the Reformation, ownership of the shrine passed from lay hands to church hands and back again. It eventually ended up in the collection of Sir Andrew Fountaine of Norfolk Hall in England. At an exhibition in London in 1829 it was described as an object of Egyptian descent. After its Irish provenance was correctly established, the shrine was exhibited at the Great Exhibition of 1853 in Dublin. The Fountaine Collection was auctioned in 1884 and the shrine returned to the Royal Irish Academy in Dublin and was then placed in the National Museum. In that respect, unlike the Elgin Marbles, it is perhaps one of the first artefacts to be repatriated to Ireland from Britain. In recent years St. Lachtains Arm has formed part of the Treasures of Ireland exhibition at the National Museum. It is highly regarded as one of the finest examples of ecclesiastical metalwork from medieval Ireland. This is a momentous occasion for the parish of Freshford and indeed for county Kilkenny as it is the first time an artefact has been loaned out to the community under a new loans policy adopted by the National Museum. Public viewing will be from 10am on Saturday until 5pm at St. Lachtains Church of Ireland. There will be a break for an official welcome ceremony between noon and 1pm. This will begin with an ecumenical blessing by Monsignor Kieron Kennedy, P.P., and Rev. Stephen Farrell, Rector of Freshford and Dean of Ossory. Speakers will include Minister Malcolm Noonan, T.D., Dr. Lynn Scarff, Director of the National Museum and Dr. Griffin Murray of UCC, the acknowledged expert on the shrine. The committee at Ionad Lachtain is extremely grateful to Dr. Scarff and her colleagues at the National Museum for facilitating this historic display of the shrine. They also acknowledge the assistance of Kilkenny Archaeological Society in making arrangements and especially the work of Mr. Pat Nolan, former president of the society. The display is also taking place with the assistance of Kilkenny Co. Council. 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) - On Thursday, Argonaut Gold (TSX: AR) announced that it achieved first gold pour at its Magino mine in Northern Ontario on June 14th, 2023. In a press release, the company said that process plant ramp-up remains on schedule with commercial production expected in the third quarter of 2023. Magino is Argonaut's first Canadian operation and is located in Dubreuilville, Ontario. Magino is expected to produce between 72,000 to 81,000 ounces of gold in 2023 at cash costs of between $850 and $950 per ounce and approximately 148,000 ounces of gold at a cash cost of $868 per ounce in 2024, its first full year of production. Argonaut noted it is also pursuing additional growth opportunities at Magino, adding that the company is scheduled to begin a 12 to 15-month exploration and reserve development program, in the third quarter, to convert open pit resources to reserves within the current resource pit cone, test deep underground high-grade targets, and test open pit targets along strike west of the current deposit. In parallel, a review of mill optimization and expansion opportunities will commence in the third quarter, to potentially raise throughput rates and increase annual production. Commenting on the milestone, President and CEO Richard Young said, "We are proud of the Argonaut team for delivering Canada's newest gold mine. The Magino mine is key to achieving our vision to become a low-cost, mid-tier North America gold producer that creates significant value for all our stakeholders and proudly demonstrates responsible mining. We thank all our employees, contractors, and community partners for their hard work and dedication that has led us to this exciting project milestone." Argonaut Gold is a Canadian gold company with a portfolio of operations and multi-stage assets in North America. The company is in the commissioning phase at its Magino mine, located in Ontario, Canada. Magino is expected to achieve commercial production in the third quarter of 2023 and become Argonaut's largest and lowest cost mine. The company also has three operating mines including the Florida Canyon mine in Nevada, USA, where it is pursuing potential for redevelopment and additional growth, La Colorada mine in Sonora, Mexico and San Agustin mine in Durango, Mexico. 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) - Cerrado Gold (TSX.V: CERT) (OTCQX: CRDOF) announced on Thursday that the company has initiated the leaching process at its initial heap leach project at the Las Calandrias area in Argentina. According to a company press release, mining operations have reached a rate of approximately 10,000 tpd, feeding the pad at a rate of 5,000 tpd. Carbon loading has begun and the first gold pour is expected by the end of this month. Importantly, Cerrado said that Las Calandrias is expected to provide additional gold production in Argentina during the second half of this year, noting that Las Calandrias and additional heap leach projects are expected to help lower unit costs per ounce by providing additional economies of scale. The company expects to reach full production rates from Las Calandrias during Q3 of this year. Cerrado also reported that the company is in the final stages of completing its feasibility study for the Monte Do Carmo project in Tocantins, Brazil, which is expected by the end of June. As previously announced, the installation license is expected to be issued during Q3 of this year, allowing construction to commence thereafter. As such, the company said it has initiated a process to source project financing for the construction of the Monte Do Carmo project later in the year. CEO and Chairman Mark Brennan commented, With Las Calandrias now ramping up, we expect to see continued production growth and lower costs in Argentina as we benefit from the economies of scale now being achieved. In Brazil, preparations to begin construction at MDC towards the end of the year are well under way and we are working on bringing a funding solution together over the coming months. Cerrado Gold is a Toronto-based gold production, development, and exploration company focused on gold projects in South America. The company is the 100% owner of both the producing Minera Don Nicolas mine in Santa Cruz province, Argentina, and the prospective Monte Do Carmo development project, located in Tocantins State, Brazil. 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 Central Bank of Colombia has announced a new partnership with Ripple and Peersyst to explore blockchain technology use cases and the creation of a central bank digital currency (CBDC). Peersyst Technology is a specialized blockchain technology firm with experience developing and implementing solutions based on distributed ledger technologies (DLT) in both the public and private sectors. According to the press release shared with Kitco Crypto, the central bank will be working in conjunction with The Ministry for the Information and Communications Technologies (MinTIC) to pilot use cases that will enhance Colombias high-value payment system using Ripples CBDC Platform, powered by the XRP Ledger (XRPL), an energy-efficient and open-source blockchain. The Banco de la Republica in Colombia and MinTIC forward-thinking on blockchain innovation will unlock new ways organizations operate in the digital era," said James Wallis, Ripples VP of Central Bank Engagements and CBDCs. By harnessing the power of the CBDC Platform, based upon the XRPL, this project will pave the way for transformative advancements in the utilization of blockchain technology within the public sector. This pilot project is the third phase of blockchain experimentation led by MinTIC and will run through the end of 2023 under the guidance of the Directorate of Digital Government. The goal of phase three is to educate national and territorial public entities through interactive and collaborative real-world application experiments of how blockchain technologys unparalleled speed, scalability, and transparency can revolutionize payment systems and data management, the release said. Ripples CBDC platform provides an end-to-end solution for central banks, and will be utilized in a controlled environment for the experiment to prevent the possibility of compromising public resources. Potential efficiencies can be evaluated through the results obtained in the development of a solution with Blockchain technology, which manages to improve and complement the processes in the entities in a safe and efficient way, said ICT Minister Mauricio Lizcano. In addition, it will provide a technological solution (Prototype), which will allow simulations of different use cases in the high-value payment system. Ripple has become the go-to company for smaller central banks looking to explore blockchain technology and develop a CBDC, and they are currently working with at least 20 central banks around the world on their CBDC plans. In April, the Central Bank of Montenegro (CBGC) signed an agreement with Ripple to develop a strategy and pilot program for the launch of the countrys first CBDC or stablecoin. In the case of payments and technology for central banks, Ripple is a benchmark leader in the industry and one of the best allies to apply the potential of its large-value payment systems technology at Banco de la Republica, Ferran Prat, CEO of Peersyst Technology said. Ripple partners with the University of Toronto Its not just central banks that are working with Ripple, as the firm announced that its University Blockchain Initiative (UBRI) has partnered with the University of Toronto to help the school become an independent XRP Ledger validator. I have been following Ripple for a decade, as they have been an early leader in blockchain technology, said University of Toronto Professor Andreas Veneris. Hosting an XRP Ledger validator matches our goals in both promoting education around the XRP Ledger being a decentralized blockchain, but also the publics trust in scholars for their long-standing ethos to advance social wellbeing." Since its launch five years ago, UBRI has invested more than $2 million in top-tier Canadian universities and colleges to foster innovation and growth in blockchain-based research and education. Other Canadian UBRI partners include the University of Waterloo and Toronto Metropolitan University. With Ripples support, we aim to understand challenges and opportunities of organizations adopting cryptocurrency as a method of payment including inter/intra jurisdictional transactions, said Professor Atefeh Mashatan, Director of the Cybersecurity Research Lab, Ted Rogers School of Management at Toronto Metropolitan University. This is novel and multidisciplinary research at the intersection of technology and Information System Management research. UBRI said their aim is to build an interconnected, global academic consortium for future innovators. The Herald reports: radio New Zealand (RNZ) staff are expected to meet with members of the New Zealand-Ukrainian community this week as calls for a Government inquiry into the state broadcaster mount. One independent think tank says the edits, which appeared sympathetic towards authoritarian regimes in Russia, China, North Korea, cuba, and the Middle East, gave legitimacy to terror. That is the one things they all have in common. Every single edit was done in a way that is more favourable to an authoritarian regime and less favourable to Western-style democracies. Often bias is hard to prove, as you can always argue about how a story can be framed. But here we see the explicit edits made by a Radio NZ staffer. A panel to head an independent review and its terms of reference were announced earlier today. It looks to be a pretty good panel, but i hope they don't try to make this all about one staffer. The focus has to be on the fact this happened for years with no-one detecting it. Who was in charge of the processes for digital news? Radio NZ is hugely privileged. Almost every other media company in New Zealand has declining revenue from advertising etc. They have had their funding not just stay stable but increase by over 20%. Other media organisations have had to lay off sub-editors because of declining revenue. Radio NZ has made a decision, unaffected by falling revenue, not to have anyone checking the work of their digital team. The problem for Radio NZ is that what happened lines up perfectly with the narrative amongst many on the right that Radio New Zealand is Red Radio. To have it revealed that RNZ has been changing international wire stories so they are more pro-Kremlin just feeds the narrative perfectly. Share this: Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Reddit WhatsApp More Pinterest Print Tumblr Shenandoah, IA (51601) Today Thunderstorms early, then partly cloudy after midnight. Low 64F. Winds light and variable. Chance of rain 80%.. Tonight Thunderstorms early, then partly cloudy after midnight. Low 64F. Winds light and variable. Chance of rain 80%. Preferential housing policies are being introduced to help support multi-child families in Guangdong province. According to the measures, families with multiple children will be given priority in renting government housing and buying properties in the coming months. Families that meet the conditions and have a large number of children can be included in the priority rental allocation, or they can be directly selected based on local housing resources, the measures said. Meanwhile, cities and regions can provide appropriate support policies, increasing the amount of housing provident fund loans for families with multiple children to purchase their first home. The measures were drafted by the provincial health commission, the development and reform commission, and 15 other bureaus and departments. "It will provide strong support for Guangdong to achieve a moderate fertility level and promote long-term balanced population development," the measures said. With a population of more than 127 million, Guangdong is China's most populous province. But major cities, including Guangzhou and Shenzhen, started to witness a reduction in population starting at the end of last year, official statistics have revealed. Families have welcomed the new policies. Wu Shaoshuang, a primary school teacher in Dongguan city, said the new policies are good news for families with multiple children. "The biggest help is that the new policy gives us more confidence to realize buying our own home in big cities," said Wu, a mother of three children. Ordinary residents have many difficulties purchasing homes in big cities because of the prices, she said, adding that she has yet to purchase her own apartment in Dongguan. Lin Lei, a white-collar worker in Guangzhou, said the favorable housing policies are reasonable, as they can help reduce the burden for the families in purchasing homes. The introduction of the new policies can indeed encourage people to have more children, especially young people, said Lin, who has one child. "But from my personal perspective, whether to have a second or third child should mainly be based on my own actual situation and abilities, and I would not be solely influenced by policies to decide to have one or two more children," she told China Daily. The measures also urged education and relevant departments to improve childcare services to help families overcome their difficulties in looking after children. More kindergartens and schools should also be constructed to meet demand, the measures said. The measures suggested that more companies and factories should introduce flexible working hours for young mothers who have to look after children. A photo exhibit entered into evidence in the trial showed bullet holes shattered the glass windows of the synagogue. Canadian Western Bank (OTCMKTS:CBWBF Get Rating) is one of 136 publicly-traded companies in the BanksRegional industry, but how does it weigh in compared to its competitors? We will compare Canadian Western Bank to similar companies based on the strength of its profitability, analyst recommendations, earnings, valuation, institutional ownership, dividends and risk. Institutional and Insider Ownership 38.6% of Canadian Western Bank shares are held by institutional investors. Comparatively, 43.9% of shares of all BanksRegional companies are held by institutional investors. 13.6% of shares of all BanksRegional companies are held by company insiders. Strong institutional ownership is an indication that endowments, large money managers and hedge funds believe a company will outperform the market over the long term. Get Canadian Western Bank alerts: Valuation & Earnings This table compares Canadian Western Bank and its competitors gross revenue, earnings per share (EPS) and valuation. Gross Revenue Net Income Price/Earnings Ratio Canadian Western Bank N/A N/A 6.94 Canadian Western Bank Competitors $1.91 billion $466.27 million 511.91 Dividends Canadian Western Banks competitors have higher revenue and earnings than Canadian Western Bank. Canadian Western Bank is trading at a lower price-to-earnings ratio than its competitors, indicating that it is currently more affordable than other companies in its industry. Canadian Western Bank pays an annual dividend of $0.78 per share and has a dividend yield of 4.2%. Canadian Western Bank pays out 28.9% of its earnings in the form of a dividend. As a group, BanksRegional companies pay a dividend yield of 2.7% and pay out 28.8% of their earnings in the form of a dividend. Profitability This table compares Canadian Western Bank and its competitors net margins, return on equity and return on assets. Net Margins Return on Equity Return on Assets Canadian Western Bank N/A N/A N/A Canadian Western Bank Competitors 24.51% 10.29% 1.09% Analyst Recommendations This is a summary of current recommendations and price targets for Canadian Western Bank and its competitors, as reported by MarketBeat.com. Sell Ratings Hold Ratings Buy Ratings Strong Buy Ratings Rating Score Canadian Western Bank 0 2 1 0 2.33 Canadian Western Bank Competitors 971 2881 2744 20 2.27 Canadian Western Bank presently has a consensus target price of $31.00, suggesting a potential upside of 65.33%. As a group, BanksRegional companies have a potential upside of 47.29%. Given Canadian Western Banks stronger consensus rating and higher probable upside, analysts plainly believe Canadian Western Bank is more favorable than its competitors. Summary Canadian Western Bank competitors beat Canadian Western Bank on 10 of the 13 factors compared. Canadian Western Bank Company Profile (Get Rating) Canadian Western Bank provides personal and business banking products and services primarily in Western Canada. The company offers current, savings, notice, cash management, US dollar, and chequing accounts, as well as organization, business trust, and trust fund investment accounts. It also offers commercial lending and real estate, and equipment financing and leasing products; agriculture lending products; mortgages; lines of credits; registered retirement savings loans; consolidation, and vehicle loans; and credit cards. In addition, the company offers cash management services; life and disability insurance products; and ATM, mobile, and online banking services, as well cheque order services. Further, it provides investment products comprising guaranteed investment certificates, US dollars investments plans, registered retirement income funds, tax-free savings accounts, registered education savings plans, and mutual funds, as well as personal and business planning services. Canadian Western Bank was founded in 1984 and is headquartered in Edmonton, Canada. Receive News & Ratings for Canadian Western Bank Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Canadian Western Bank and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Chubb (NYSE:CB Get Rating) announced that its Board of Directors has initiated a share repurchase program on Monday, June 12th, RTT News reports. The company plans to repurchase $5.00 billion in shares. This repurchase authorization authorizes the financial services provider to buy up to 6.4% of its stock through open market purchases. Stock repurchase programs are typically an indication that the companys management believes its shares are undervalued. Analyst Upgrades and Downgrades A number of analysts recently issued reports on the stock. Jefferies Financial Group dropped their price target on shares of Chubb from $237.00 to $221.00 and set a hold rating for the company in a research note on Monday, April 10th. Barclays lifted their price target on shares of Chubb from $256.00 to $260.00 in a research note on Thursday, April 27th. Atlantic Securities lifted their price target on shares of Chubb from $240.00 to $250.00 in a research note on Wednesday, February 22nd. StockNews.com lowered shares of Chubb from a buy rating to a hold rating in a research note on Wednesday, May 31st. Finally, Piper Sandler boosted their target price on shares of Chubb from $240.00 to $245.00 and gave the company an overweight rating in a research note on Tuesday, April 4th. Four analysts have rated the stock with a hold rating, ten have issued a buy rating and one has assigned a strong buy rating to the stock. According to data from MarketBeat, the stock presently has a consensus rating of Moderate Buy and an average target price of $243.54. Get Chubb alerts: Chubb Stock Performance Shares of Chubb stock traded down $3.08 during trading on Wednesday, hitting $188.81. 2,652,770 shares of the stock were exchanged, compared to its average volume of 1,809,577. The stocks fifty day moving average is $196.73 and its 200 day moving average is $206.65. The stock has a market cap of $78.20 billion, a PE ratio of 15.15, a P/E/G ratio of 1.08 and a beta of 0.65. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.27, a quick ratio of 0.36 and a current ratio of 0.36. Chubb has a 12 month low of $173.78 and a 12 month high of $231.37. Chubb Increases Dividend Chubb ( NYSE:CB Get Rating ) last released its quarterly earnings results on Tuesday, April 25th. The financial services provider reported $4.41 EPS for the quarter, topping the consensus estimate of $4.37 by $0.04. The business had revenue of $9.42 billion during the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of $9.39 billion. Chubb had a net margin of 11.71% and a return on equity of 13.13%. The companys quarterly revenue was up 9.3% on a year-over-year basis. During the same quarter in the prior year, the firm earned $3.82 earnings per share. As a group, sell-side analysts anticipate that Chubb will post 17.62 EPS for the current year. The business also recently disclosed a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Friday, July 7th. Investors of record on Friday, June 16th will be issued a $0.86 dividend. The ex-dividend date of this dividend is Thursday, June 15th. This represents a $3.44 annualized dividend and a yield of 1.82%. This is an increase from Chubbs previous quarterly dividend of $0.83. Chubbs dividend payout ratio is presently 26.65%. Insider Buying and Selling In related news, Director Theodore Shasta sold 1,000 shares of the companys stock in a transaction dated Monday, March 20th. The shares were sold at an average price of $189.73, for a total value of $189,730.00. Following the completion of the sale, the director now owns 14,488 shares of the companys stock, valued at $2,748,808.24. The transaction was disclosed in a filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is accessible through the SEC website. Corporate insiders own 0.37% of the companys stock. About Chubb (Get Rating) Chubb Ltd. operates as a holding company, which engages in the provision of commercial and personal property and casualty insurance, personal accident and accident and health (A&H), reinsurance, and life insurance. It operates through the following segments: North America Commercial Property and Casualty (P&C) Insurance, North America Personal P&C Insurance, North America Agricultural Insurance, Overseas General Insurance, Global Reinsurance, and Life Insurance. Featured Stories Receive News & Ratings for Chubb Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Chubb and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Sendas Distribuidora (NYSE:ASAI Get Rating) is one of 55 publicly-traded companies in the Grocery stores industry, but how does it weigh in compared to its competitors? We will compare Sendas Distribuidora to similar companies based on the strength of its profitability, dividends, risk, institutional ownership, earnings, valuation and analyst recommendations. Institutional & Insider Ownership 4.4% of Sendas Distribuidora shares are owned by institutional investors. Comparatively, 46.8% of shares of all Grocery stores companies are owned by institutional investors. 0.4% of Sendas Distribuidora shares are owned by company insiders. Comparatively, 21.7% of shares of all Grocery stores companies are owned by company insiders. Strong institutional ownership is an indication that endowments, hedge funds and large money managers believe a stock will outperform the market over the long term. Get Sendas Distribuidora alerts: Profitability This table compares Sendas Distribuidora and its competitors net margins, return on equity and return on assets. Net Margins Return on Equity Return on Assets Sendas Distribuidora 1.86% 29.13% 2.88% Sendas Distribuidora Competitors 1.51% 14.94% 4.23% Risk & Volatility Dividends Sendas Distribuidora has a beta of 0.77, suggesting that its share price is 23% less volatile than the S&P 500. Comparatively, Sendas Distribuidoras competitors have a beta of 0.47, suggesting that their average share price is 53% less volatile than the S&P 500. Sendas Distribuidora pays an annual dividend of $0.08 per share and has a dividend yield of 0.6%. Sendas Distribuidora pays out 10.3% of its earnings in the form of a dividend. As a group, Grocery stores companies pay a dividend yield of 3.8% and pay out 58.9% of their earnings in the form of a dividend. Analyst Recommendations This is a breakdown of current ratings and price targets for Sendas Distribuidora and its competitors, as reported by MarketBeat.com. Sell Ratings Hold Ratings Buy Ratings Strong Buy Ratings Rating Score Sendas Distribuidora 0 1 0 0 2.00 Sendas Distribuidora Competitors 1092 2671 2855 113 2.30 As a group, Grocery stores companies have a potential upside of 18.39%. Given Sendas Distribuidoras competitors stronger consensus rating and higher probable upside, analysts clearly believe Sendas Distribuidora has less favorable growth aspects than its competitors. Earnings and Valuation This table compares Sendas Distribuidora and its competitors gross revenue, earnings per share and valuation. Gross Revenue Net Income Price/Earnings Ratio Sendas Distribuidora $58.17 billion $236.31 million 18.22 Sendas Distribuidora Competitors $30.19 billion $638.55 million 207.55 Sendas Distribuidora has higher revenue, but lower earnings than its competitors. Sendas Distribuidora is trading at a lower price-to-earnings ratio than its competitors, indicating that it is currently more affordable than other companies in its industry. Summary Sendas Distribuidora competitors beat Sendas Distribuidora on 10 of the 15 factors compared. About Sendas Distribuidora (Get Rating) Sendas Distribuidora S.A. engages in the retail and wholesale sale of food products, bazaar items, and other products in Brazil. The company serves restaurants, pizzerias, snack bars, schools, small businesses, religious institutions, hospitals, hotels, grocery stores, neighborhood supermarkets, and individuals. It sells its products through brick-and-mortar stores, as well as through telesales. The company was founded in 1974 and is headquartered in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. Receive News & Ratings for 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. GSK plc (LON:GSK Get Rating) insider Emma Walmsley purchased 9 shares of the stock in a transaction on Friday, June 9th. The stock was acquired at an average cost of GBX 1,380 ($17.27) per share, for a total transaction of 124.20 ($155.41). Emma Walmsley also recently made the following trade(s): Get GSK alerts: On Thursday, May 11th, Emma Walmsley purchased 9 shares of GSK stock. The shares were bought at an average price of GBX 1,454 ($18.19) per share, for a total transaction of 130.86 ($163.74). GSK Trading Down 0.2 % LON GSK opened at GBX 1,363.40 ($17.06) on Thursday. The firm has a market capitalization of 55.76 billion, a P/E ratio of 1,250.83, a PEG ratio of 1.29 and a beta of 0.28. The business has a fifty day simple moving average of GBX 1,439.95 and a 200 day simple moving average of GBX 1,436.79. GSK plc has a 12 month low of GBX 1,280.92 ($16.03) and a 12 month high of GBX 2,280.50 ($28.53). The company has a current ratio of 0.95, a quick ratio of 0.73 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 184.80. GSK Increases Dividend Analyst Ratings Changes The firm also recently announced a dividend, which will be paid on Thursday, July 13th. Stockholders of record on Thursday, May 18th will be given a dividend of GBX 14 ($0.18) per share. The ex-dividend date of this dividend is Thursday, May 18th. This is a positive change from GSKs previous dividend of $13.75. This represents a dividend yield of 0.93%. GSKs dividend payout ratio (DPR) is currently 5,137.61%. A number of analysts have recently commented on the company. Barclays reaffirmed an equal weight rating and issued a GBX 1,450 ($18.14) price target on shares of GSK in a research note on Thursday, April 27th. JPMorgan Chase & Co. reiterated an underweight rating and issued a GBX 1,400 ($17.52) price objective on shares of GSK in a report on Wednesday. Berenberg Bank reiterated a buy rating and issued a GBX 1,730 ($21.65) price objective on shares of GSK in a report on Monday, June 5th. Deutsche Bank Aktiengesellschaft reiterated a buy rating and issued a GBX 1,700 ($21.27) price objective on shares of GSK in a report on Thursday, June 8th. Finally, Citigroup restated a neutral rating on shares of GSK in a report on Tuesday, May 30th. One equities research analyst has rated the stock with a sell rating, three have assigned a hold rating and four have issued a buy rating to the company. According to data from MarketBeat.com, GSK has a consensus rating of Hold and an average price target of GBX 1,573.33 ($19.69). About GSK (Get Rating) GSK plc, together with its subsidiaries, engages in the creation, discovery, development, manufacture, and marketing of pharmaceutical products, vaccines, over-the-counter medicines, and health-related consumer products in the United Kingdom, the United States, and internationally. It operates through four segments: Pharmaceuticals, Pharmaceuticals R&D, Vaccines, and Consumer Healthcare. Featured Stories Receive News & Ratings for GSK Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for GSK and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Echo IQ Limited (ASX:EIQ Get Rating) insider Simon Tolhurst purchased 120,000 shares of the companys stock in a transaction that occurred on Tuesday, June 13th. The stock was bought at an average cost of A$0.18 ($0.12) per share, for a total transaction of A$21,000.00 ($14,189.19). Echo IQ Stock Performance Echo IQ Company Profile (Get Rating) Echo IQ Limited provides cardiac diagnostics support solution in Australia. The company offers artificial intelligence-assisted diagnostics technology that enhance the diagnosis of structural heart disease, as well as Aortic Stenosis. It primarily serves physicians, health systems, and patients. The company was formerly known as Houston We Have Limited and changed its name to EchoIQ Limited in December 2021. Read More Receive News & Ratings for Echo IQ Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Echo IQ and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Triad Group plc (LON:TRD Get Rating) insider Charlotte Rigg bought 2,029 shares of the stock in a transaction that occurred on Monday, June 12th. The shares were bought at an average price of GBX 147 ($1.84) per share, for a total transaction of 2,982.63 ($3,732.02). Triad Group Price Performance Shares of Triad Group stock opened at GBX 155 ($1.94) on Thursday. The stocks 50-day simple moving average is GBX 152.16 and its 200-day simple moving average is GBX 126.69. Triad Group plc has a 52 week low of GBX 77 ($0.96) and a 52 week high of GBX 170 ($2.13). The company has a market capitalization of 25.70 million, a price-to-earnings ratio of -15,500.00 and a beta of 1.37. The company has a quick ratio of 3.17, a current ratio of 3.27 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 5.23. Get Triad Group alerts: Triad Group Company Profile (Get Rating) Recommended Stories Triad Group Plc provides information technology consultancy services to the public, private, and not-for-profit sectors primarily in the United Kingdom. The company offers consulting and advisory; business insights; staffing, resourcing, and recruitment; software development and engineering; project and software delivery; and program delivery and support services. Receive News & Ratings for Triad Group Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Triad Group and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Northwestern Mutual Investment Management Company LLC cut its position in The Charles Schwab Co. (NYSE:SCHW Get Rating) by 15.7% during the 4th quarter, according to its most recent 13F filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). The institutional investor owned 47,807 shares of the financial services providers stock after selling 8,907 shares during the quarter. Northwestern Mutual Investment Management Company LLCs holdings in Charles Schwab were worth $3,980,000 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 SCHW. Vontobel Holding Ltd. lifted its stake in Charles Schwab by 7.5% in the 1st quarter. Vontobel Holding Ltd. now owns 20,822 shares of the financial services providers stock worth $1,847,000 after purchasing an additional 1,452 shares in the last quarter. Moors & Cabot Inc. lifted its stake in Charles Schwab by 4.3% in the 1st quarter. Moors & Cabot Inc. now owns 6,263 shares of the financial services providers stock worth $528,000 after purchasing an additional 259 shares in the last quarter. Sequoia Financial Advisors LLC lifted its stake in Charles Schwab by 25.4% in the 1st quarter. Sequoia Financial Advisors LLC now owns 13,064 shares of the financial services providers stock worth $1,101,000 after purchasing an additional 2,648 shares in the last quarter. Brighton Jones LLC raised its position in shares of Charles Schwab by 7.5% during the 1st quarter. Brighton Jones LLC now owns 3,807 shares of the financial services providers stock valued at $321,000 after buying an additional 267 shares in the last quarter. Finally, Covestor Ltd raised its position in shares of Charles Schwab by 16.6% during the 1st quarter. Covestor Ltd now owns 1,239 shares of the financial services providers stock valued at $104,000 after buying an additional 176 shares in the last quarter. 73.49% of the stock is currently owned by hedge funds and other institutional investors. Get Charles Schwab alerts: Charles Schwab Trading Up 0.5 % Charles Schwab stock traded up $0.29 during trading hours on Thursday, reaching $54.64. The stock had a trading volume of 1,908,190 shares, compared to its average volume of 20,172,848. The company has a fifty day simple moving average of $51.95 and a 200-day simple moving average of $66.77. The stock has a market cap of $96.67 billion, a PE ratio of 14.85, a PEG ratio of 3.06 and a beta of 0.88. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.74, a current ratio of 0.39 and a quick ratio of 0.39. The Charles Schwab Co. has a 52 week low of $45.00 and a 52 week high of $86.63. Charles Schwab Dividend Announcement Charles Schwab ( NYSE:SCHW Get Rating ) last announced its earnings results on Monday, April 17th. The financial services provider reported $0.93 earnings per share for the quarter, beating analysts consensus estimates of $0.90 by $0.03. The firm had revenue of $5.12 billion for the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of $5.13 billion. Charles Schwab had a net margin of 34.82% and a return on equity of 27.83%. The companys revenue for the quarter was up 9.5% compared to the same quarter last year. During the same quarter in the previous year, the firm posted $0.77 EPS. Analysts forecast that The Charles Schwab Co. will post 3.33 EPS for the current fiscal year. The business also recently announced a quarterly dividend, which was paid on Friday, May 26th. Stockholders of record on Friday, May 12th were paid a dividend of $0.25 per share. This represents a $1.00 dividend on an annualized basis and a dividend yield of 1.83%. The ex-dividend date was Thursday, May 11th. Charles Schwabs payout ratio is 27.32%. Insider Activity at Charles Schwab In other Charles Schwab news, insider Bernard J. Clark purchased 5,000 shares of the stock in a transaction that occurred on Friday, March 17th. The stock was bought at an average cost of $54.83 per share, with a total value of $274,150.00. Following the transaction, the insider now directly owns 120,653 shares in the company, valued at approximately $6,615,403.99. The transaction was disclosed in a legal filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is available at this hyperlink. In other news, insider Bernard J. Clark bought 5,000 shares of the firms stock in a transaction on Friday, March 17th. The stock was acquired at an average cost of $54.83 per share, with a total value of $274,150.00. Following the completion of the acquisition, the insider now owns 120,653 shares of the companys stock, valued at $6,615,403.99. The transaction was disclosed in a document filed with the SEC, which is available through this hyperlink. Also, Chairman Charles R. Schwab sold 77,640 shares of Charles Schwab stock in a transaction dated Monday, May 22nd. The stock was sold at an average price of $51.76, for a total transaction of $4,018,646.40. Following the completion of the transaction, the chairman now directly owns 59,771,278 shares of the companys stock, valued at $3,093,761,349.28. The disclosure for this sale can be found here. Insiders acquired a total of 12,000 shares of company stock valued at $650,280 in the last three months. Company insiders own 6.60% of the companys stock. Wall Street Analyst Weigh In SCHW has been the topic of several research reports. Bank of America raised their price objective on shares of Charles Schwab from $46.00 to $53.00 in a research report on Thursday. Morgan Stanley cut shares of Charles Schwab from an overweight rating to an equal weight rating and lowered their price objective for the company from $99.00 to $68.00 in a research report on Thursday, March 30th. Credit Suisse Group upgraded shares of Charles Schwab from a neutral rating to an outperform rating and decreased their target price for the stock from $81.50 to $67.50 in a research report on Wednesday, March 15th. Barclays decreased their target price on shares of Charles Schwab from $61.00 to $56.00 and set an equal weight rating on the stock in a research report on Friday, April 14th. Finally, The Goldman Sachs Group decreased their target price on shares of Charles Schwab from $98.00 to $75.00 and set a buy rating on the stock in a research report on Tuesday, March 14th. Three equities 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 company. Based on data from MarketBeat, Charles Schwab presently has an average rating of Moderate Buy and a consensus target price of $67.19. Charles Schwab Company Profile (Get Rating) The Charles Schwab Corporation, together with its subsidiaries, operates as a savings and loan holding company that provides wealth management, securities brokerage, banking, asset management, custody, and financial advisory services. The company operates in two segments, Investor Services and Advisor Services. Recommended Stories Receive News & Ratings for Charles Schwab Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Charles Schwab and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Ouster, Inc. (NYSE:OUST Get Rating) COO Darien Spencer sold 3,696 shares of the firms stock in a transaction that occurred on Monday, June 12th. The stock was sold at an average price of $5.66, for a total transaction of $20,919.36. Following the transaction, the chief operating officer now directly owns 266,067 shares in the company, valued at $1,505,939.22. The sale was disclosed in a document filed with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is available at the SEC website. Darien Spencer also recently made the following trade(s): Get Ouster alerts: On Thursday, March 16th, Darien Spencer sold 288 shares of Ouster stock. The stock was sold at an average price of $8.90, for a total transaction of $2,563.20. Ouster Stock Performance Shares of OUST stock opened at $5.75 on Thursday. Ouster, Inc. has a twelve month low of $3.21 and a twelve month high of $20.85. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.12, a quick ratio of 4.00 and a current ratio of 4.40. The stocks fifty day simple moving average is $5.13 and its 200 day simple moving average is $9.14. Institutional Investors Weigh In On Ouster Ouster ( NYSE:OUST Get Rating ) last posted its earnings results on Thursday, May 11th. The company reported ($3.36) earnings per share for the quarter. Ouster had a negative return on equity of 88.07% and a negative net margin of 570.30%. The business had revenue of $17.23 million for the quarter. On average, sell-side analysts predict that Ouster, Inc. will post -9.36 earnings per share for the current fiscal year. A number of institutional investors have recently made changes to their positions in the stock. BlackRock Inc. grew its position in shares of Ouster by 104.5% in the 1st quarter. BlackRock Inc. now owns 19,289,840 shares of the companys stock valued at $16,140,000 after buying an additional 9,859,041 shares during the last quarter. State Street Corp grew its position in shares of Ouster by 142.5% in the 1st quarter. State Street Corp now owns 11,387,013 shares of the companys stock valued at $9,528,000 after buying an additional 6,691,110 shares during the last quarter. Geode Capital Management LLC grew its position in shares of Ouster by 134.7% in the 1st quarter. Geode Capital Management LLC now owns 5,071,063 shares of the companys stock valued at $4,243,000 after buying an additional 2,910,036 shares during the last quarter. Mitsubishi UFJ Kokusai Asset Management Co. Ltd. boosted its stake in shares of Ouster by 196.9% in the 1st quarter. Mitsubishi UFJ Kokusai Asset Management Co. Ltd. now owns 4,524,664 shares of the companys stock valued at $3,786,000 after purchasing an additional 3,000,784 shares during the last quarter. Finally, Penn Capital Management Company LLC boosted its stake in shares of Ouster by 7.5% in the 1st quarter. Penn Capital Management Company LLC now owns 3,553,332 shares of the companys stock valued at $2,987,000 after purchasing an additional 247,959 shares during the last quarter. Institutional investors own 28.79% of the companys stock. Wall Street Analysts Forecast Growth A number of equities research analysts have issued reports on OUST shares. Craig Hallum reduced their price objective on shares of Ouster from $15.00 to $10.00 in a research note on Friday, May 12th. Citigroup decreased their price objective on shares of Ouster from $17.00 to $10.00 in a research note on Sunday, April 2nd. Cantor Fitzgerald restated an overweight rating on shares of Ouster in a research note on Monday, May 15th. Chardan Capital downgraded Ouster from a buy rating to a neutral rating and set a $10.00 target price on the stock. in a report on Friday, March 24th. Finally, Rosenblatt Securities decreased their price target on Ouster from $20.00 to $17.50 and set a buy rating on the stock in a research note on Friday, March 24th. Four research analysts have rated the stock with a hold rating and three have assigned a buy rating to the company. According to MarketBeat, Ouster currently has an average rating of Hold and an average target price of $19.06. Ouster Company Profile (Get Rating) Ouster, Inc designs and manufactures high-resolution digital lidar sensors and enabling software that offers 3D vision to machinery, vehicles, robots, and fixed infrastructure assets. Its product portfolio includes OS, a scanning sensor and DF, a true solid-state flash sensor. The company is based in San Francisco, California. See Also Receive News & Ratings for Ouster Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Ouster and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Alexandria Real Estate Equities (NYSE:ARE Get Rating) was downgraded by analysts at StockNews.com from a hold rating to a sell rating in a research note issued to investors on Wednesday. ARE has been the topic of a number of other reports. Evercore ISI reduced their price target on shares of Alexandria Real Estate Equities from $155.00 to $144.00 and set an outperform rating on the stock in a research report on Monday, March 27th. Mizuho reduced their price target on shares of Alexandria Real Estate Equities from $180.00 to $145.00 in a research report on Monday, April 24th. Finally, Royal Bank of Canada reduced their price target on shares of Alexandria Real Estate Equities from $198.00 to $166.00 in a research report on Thursday, May 4th. One analyst has rated the stock with a sell rating, one has issued a hold rating and six have assigned a buy rating to the stock. According to MarketBeat, the company has an average rating of Moderate Buy and an average price target of $164.00. Get Alexandria Real Estate Equities alerts: Alexandria Real Estate Equities Trading Down 0.1 % ARE stock traded down $0.14 during midday trading on Wednesday, reaching $121.92. The companys stock had a trading volume of 1,013,831 shares, compared to its average volume of 1,018,548. Alexandria Real Estate Equities has a 52 week low of $110.64 and a 52 week high of $172.65. The stock has a market cap of $21.09 billion, a PE ratio of 26.91, a price-to-earnings-growth ratio of 1.39 and a beta of 0.93. The company has a quick ratio of 0.53, a current ratio of 0.53 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.51. The businesss 50-day simple moving average is $119.83 and its 200-day simple moving average is $137.41. Insider Buying and Selling Alexandria Real Estate Equities ( NYSE:ARE Get Rating ) last announced its quarterly earnings data on Tuesday, April 25th. The real estate investment trust reported $0.44 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, missing analysts consensus estimates of $2.15 by ($1.71). Alexandria Real Estate Equities had a net margin of 28.01% and a return on equity of 3.77%. The business had revenue of $700.80 million during the quarter, compared to the consensus estimate of $686.70 million. During the same period in the previous year, the business posted $2.05 earnings per share. Alexandria Real Estate Equitiess revenue was up 13.9% compared to the same quarter last year. As a group, sell-side analysts expect that Alexandria Real Estate Equities will post 8.95 EPS for the current year. In related news, Chairman Joel S. Marcus sold 7,500 shares of the firms stock in a transaction on Monday, May 8th. The shares were sold at an average price of $122.20, for a total transaction of $916,500.00. Following the sale, the chairman now directly owns 351,354 shares in the company, valued at $42,935,458.80. The sale was disclosed in a document filed with the SEC, which is available at this hyperlink. 1.60% of the stock is currently owned by company insiders. Institutional Inflows and Outflows Large investors have recently bought and sold shares of the stock. Raymond James Financial Services Advisors Inc. grew its position in shares of Alexandria Real Estate Equities by 8.6% in the 1st quarter. Raymond James Financial Services Advisors Inc. now owns 4,377 shares of the real estate investment trusts stock valued at $881,000 after acquiring an additional 348 shares during the period. American Century Companies Inc. lifted its stake in Alexandria Real Estate Equities by 242.4% in the 1st quarter. American Century Companies Inc. now owns 4,499 shares of the real estate investment trusts stock valued at $906,000 after purchasing an additional 3,185 shares during the last quarter. Cambridge Investment Research Advisors Inc. raised its stake in Alexandria Real Estate Equities by 14.4% in the first quarter. Cambridge Investment Research Advisors Inc. now owns 4,753 shares of the real estate investment trusts stock valued at $957,000 after buying an additional 598 shares during the period. HighTower Advisors LLC lifted its position in shares of Alexandria Real Estate Equities by 11.7% in the first quarter. HighTower Advisors LLC now owns 5,903 shares of the real estate investment trusts stock valued at $1,187,000 after buying an additional 620 shares during the last quarter. Finally, Cetera Advisor Networks LLC lifted its position in shares of Alexandria Real Estate Equities by 7.3% in the first quarter. Cetera Advisor Networks LLC now owns 1,086 shares of the real estate investment trusts stock valued at $219,000 after buying an additional 74 shares during the last quarter. 89.81% of the stock is owned by institutional investors and hedge funds. Alexandria Real Estate Equities Company Profile (Get Rating) Alexandria Real Estate Equities, Inc engages in the business of providing space for lease. The firm is also an owner, operator, and developer of life science, agrotechnology, and technology campuses in Greater Boston, the San Francisco Bay Area, New York City, San Diego, Seattle, Maryland, and Research Triangle. Read More Receive News & Ratings for Alexandria Real Estate Equities Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Alexandria Real Estate Equities and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Regional Management (NYSE:RM Get Rating) was upgraded by analysts at StockNews.com from a buy rating to a strong-buy rating in a research report issued to clients and investors on Wednesday. Separately, Keefe, Bruyette & Woods decreased their target price on shares of Regional Management from $35.00 to $28.00 and set a market perform rating on the stock in a report on Tuesday, April 11th. Three equities research analysts have rated the stock with a hold rating and one has given a strong buy rating to the company. Based on data from MarketBeat.com, the company currently has a consensus rating of Moderate Buy and an average price target of $34.33. Get Regional Management alerts: Regional Management Stock Performance NYSE:RM traded down $0.71 during mid-day trading on Wednesday, hitting $30.52. 31,303 shares of the stock were exchanged, compared to its average volume of 34,998. The firms 50-day simple moving average is $26.90 and its 200 day simple moving average is $29.06. The stock has a market capitalization of $294.21 million, a price-to-earnings ratio of 8.85 and a beta of 1.48. Regional Management has a fifty-two week low of $24.38 and a fifty-two week high of $41.87. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 4.17, a quick ratio of 60.55 and a current ratio of 60.55. Insider Transactions at Regional Management Regional Management ( NYSE:RM Get Rating ) last released its quarterly earnings results on Wednesday, May 3rd. The credit services provider reported $0.90 EPS for the quarter, topping analysts consensus estimates of $0.51 by $0.39. The business had revenue of $135.38 million for the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of $133.81 million. Regional Management had a net margin of 6.35% and a return on equity of 11.61%. As a group, equities analysts anticipate that Regional Management will post 4.13 EPS for the current fiscal year. In other news, Director Sandra K. Johnson sold 2,775 shares of the businesss stock in a transaction that occurred on Friday, May 26th. The shares were sold at an average price of $25.04, for a total value of $69,486.00. Following the transaction, the director now owns 9,824 shares in the company, valued at approximately $245,992.96. The sale was disclosed in a filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which can be accessed through the SEC website. In related news, CEO Robert William Beck sold 5,000 shares of the businesss stock in a transaction on Friday, June 9th. The shares were sold at an average price of $29.72, for a total transaction of $148,600.00. Following the transaction, the chief executive officer now owns 75,322 shares in the company, valued at approximately $2,238,569.84. The transaction was disclosed in a filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which can be accessed through this hyperlink. Also, Director Sandra K. Johnson sold 2,775 shares of the businesss stock in a transaction on Friday, May 26th. The shares were sold at an average price of $25.04, for a total transaction of $69,486.00. Following the transaction, the director now owns 9,824 shares in the company, valued at approximately $245,992.96. The disclosure for this sale can be found here. Corporate insiders own 9.80% of the companys stock. Institutional Inflows and Outflows Several institutional investors have recently bought and sold shares of RM. Tower Research Capital LLC TRC raised its holdings in Regional Management by 145.6% during the first quarter. Tower Research Capital LLC TRC now owns 1,999 shares of the credit services providers stock worth $52,000 after buying an additional 1,185 shares during the last quarter. Quantbot Technologies LP grew its stake in shares of Regional Management by 120.0% in the 1st quarter. Quantbot Technologies LP now owns 1,100 shares of the credit services providers stock worth $53,000 after acquiring an additional 600 shares in the last quarter. BNP Paribas Arbitrage SA grew its stake in shares of Regional Management by 76.4% in the 2nd quarter. BNP Paribas Arbitrage SA now owns 1,977 shares of the credit services providers stock worth $74,000 after acquiring an additional 856 shares in the last quarter. Public Employees Retirement System of Ohio grew its stake in shares of Regional Management by 849.5% in the 1st quarter. Public Employees Retirement System of Ohio now owns 3,067 shares of the credit services providers stock worth $80,000 after acquiring an additional 2,744 shares in the last quarter. Finally, BNP Paribas Arbitrage SNC grew its stake in shares of Regional Management by 85.5% in the 3rd quarter. BNP Paribas Arbitrage SNC now owns 3,668 shares of the credit services providers stock worth $103,000 after acquiring an additional 1,691 shares in the last quarter. Institutional investors and hedge funds own 81.30% of the companys stock. About Regional Management (Get Rating) Regional Management Corp. engages in the provision of consumer financial services. The firms products include small, large, and retail installment loans. It also offers optional payment and collateral protection insurance products. The company was founded by Richard A. Godley and C. Glynn Quattlebaum on March 25, 1987 and is headquartered in Greer, SC. Featured Stories Receive News & Ratings for Regional Management Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Regional Management and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. StockNews.com upgraded shares of WPP (NYSE:WPP Get Rating) from a hold rating to a buy rating in a research note issued to investors on Sunday. Separately, Credit Suisse Group raised WPP from a neutral rating to an outperform rating in a report on Wednesday, February 22nd. Two research analysts have rated the stock with a hold rating and six have given a buy rating to the company. According to data from MarketBeat.com, the company presently has an average rating of Moderate Buy and an average target price of $1,001.29. Get WPP alerts: WPP Trading Up 0.2 % NYSE:WPP opened at $55.17 on Friday. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.91, a current ratio of 0.85 and a quick ratio of 0.85. The businesss 50-day moving average price is $55.77 and its two-hundred day moving average price is $58.13. WPP has a 1-year low of $39.67 and a 1-year high of $64.07. Hedge Funds Weigh In On WPP WPP Company Profile Institutional investors have recently bought and sold shares of the business. Tower Research Capital LLC TRC lifted its position in WPP by 187.0% during the third quarter. Tower Research Capital LLC TRC now owns 617 shares of the business services providers stock valued at $25,000 after purchasing an additional 402 shares during the period. Financial Management Professionals Inc. purchased a new position in shares of WPP during the 1st quarter worth approximately $28,000. Belpointe Asset Management LLC purchased a new position in WPP in the 4th quarter valued at approximately $30,000. Zions Bancorporation N.A. lifted its position in shares of WPP by 78.8% during the 4th quarter. Zions Bancorporation N.A. now owns 642 shares of the business services providers stock worth $32,000 after purchasing an additional 283 shares during the last quarter. Finally, International Assets Investment Management LLC acquired a new position in WPP in the first quarter valued at $34,000. 3.79% of the stock is owned by hedge funds and other institutional investors. (Get Rating) WPP plc, a creative transformation company, provides communications, experience, commerce, and technology services in North America, the United Kingdom, Western Continental Europe, the Asia Pacific, Latin America, Africa, the Middle East, and Central and Eastern Europe. The company operates through three segments: Global Integrated Agencies, Public Relations, and Specialist Agencies. Read More Receive News & Ratings for WPP Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for WPP and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Kendallville, IN (46755) Today Partly cloudy skies early will give way to cloudy skies late. A stray shower or thunderstorm is possible. Low 63F. Winds light and variable.. Tonight Partly cloudy skies early will give way to cloudy skies late. A stray shower or thunderstorm is possible. Low 63F. Winds light and variable. J-Star Ministries to feed, bring supplies to residents impacted by Cass Co. tornado Those wanting to donate can do so via CashApp at $424Sos or Venmo @Patrick-Johnson-472. BusinessWire India Geneva [Switzerland], June 15: Shreya Ghodawat, a World Economic Forum Global Shaper and CEO of Sustainable Guides (a sustainable consultancy) represented India at a High-Level Dialogue on 'Women championing resilience for climate, energy and food security' held in Geneva in the context of World Environment Day. The global non-profit organisation SHE Changes Climate and the UN Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), in partnership with UNECE, UNITAR, the International Gender Champions Secretariat, the New Women Connectors and the IFRC among others, hosted an inclusive dialogue aiming at giving a voice to the women who are advocating resilience and multiplying solutions at the forefront of climate impacts. Representatives from the UAE (COP28 Presidency) and from key leading countries including Costa Rica, Mexico, Sweden, Mauritius, Finland, as well as women leaders, SHE Changes Climate Ambassadors and female spokespersons from the Global South were present for a significant roundtable discussion. Shreya's remarks on building resilience and enhancing adaptive capacity of women to climate change - "India is a swiftly growing economy, now carrying the world's largest population, but still a recovering nation from the effects of colonialism nonetheless. The nuances of which only those with our lived experiences and histories fully understand. Like most countries in the Global South, India is most vulnerable to climate change that affects everyone but does not affect everyone equally. Heatwaves have a disproportionate impact on women for several reasons. Cultural norms and gender roles often place women in positions that make them more vulnerable to heat-related illnesses - engaging in outdoor labour, agricultural work, where they are exposed to the blistering sun for extended periods. Women in rural India also walk roughly 3-12 miles every day to fetch drinkable water for their families. This increases their susceptibility to heatstroke and dehydration- posing a rather serious threat to life. Lost productivity due to heat-related illnesses, not only jeopardises their own well-being but also has ripple effects on their families and communities. This reinforces the cycles of poverty, early marriages, sexual violence, any gender-related crime which are amplified because of droughts, floods and loss of livelihoods in India and in the Global South as well. However, in the face of this mounting crisis, there is hope. Together, we can and must work towards mitigating the adverse effects of climate change on women who belong to vulnerable regions. Firstly, we must prioritise awareness and education. Empowering women with knowledge allows for a more informed response when faced with natural calamities. A lot of them will not have the coping mechanisms, skills, resources or awareness to begin with, therefore when floods engulf India women are 14 times more likely to die just because they are not taught how to swim, as a result of cultural expectations. This brings me to my second point of action- The urgent need for investment in infrastructure and resources. This loss and damage fund must be accessible and directed towards climate adaptation and mitigation projects that prioritise women. For those of us living in the Global South, climate change is making our blood boil. When temperatures rise, women must rise too. Heat expands, heat escalates, so we must too. To deal with the unprecedented changes that are happening we must do the unprecedented. And you know what's unprecedented? A 50:50 representation of men and women at COP28 and decision-making tables worldwide." Also Read | Ashes 2023: England Batter Harry Brook Sends Warning to Australian Spinner Nathan Lyon Ahead of 1st Test, Says 'I'm Going to Try and Take Him On'. Shreya is committed to promoting justice, fairness, equitable rights, de colonialism and climate solutions. She graduated from the National University of Singapore with a BA in Sociology and Gender Studies and has a Master's degree in Sustainable Travel and Tourism. She has been vegan for 7 years for people, the planet and animals and advocates for a plant based lifestyle. Appointed as the India Ambassador of SHE Changes Climate, a global non-profit organisation driving awareness of the crucial role of women in accelerating just climate action, Shreya aims to continue being the microphone for sustainability and advocating for a 50:50 vision at all levels of climate leadership. She is dedicated to fostering the growth of women-led tech unicorns focused on social and environmental impact. For the High-Level discussion, Shreya chose to wear a sustainable, contemporary outfit by ace designer Anita Dongre crafted mindfully with viscose organza. It was a perfect amalgamation of responsible fashion and trendy style. The ensemble beautifully reflected her vision for conscious leadership and commitment to climate change and gender equity. She finished her look with a stunning vegan bag by Anita Dongre and shoes by PAIO, a PETA-approved vegan brand that vehemently rejects the use of leather or anymaterials that harm animals. Elise Buckle, Co-Founder, SHE Changes Climate said, "What a wonderful way of celebrating the World Environment Day, valuing diversity, giving a voice to our amazing leaders and SHE Changes Climate Ambassadors, and urging the diplomats, policy-makers and UN experts to put the climate emergency front and center as number 1 priority, with so many country representatives joining us, listening to the women who have sometimes been displaced but keep championing resilience for their communities, wherever they are in the world. Expressing a deep sense of gratitude for all the high-level speakers who contributed and 100+ active participants of the multi stakeholder dialogue. We will continue the nurture the spirit of radical collaboration working as One team for One Planet." Those who graced the event were - Also Read | Pakistan Not Interested in Picking Sides Between US, China, Says MoS Foreign Affairs Hina Rabbani Khar. - Akilah Jaramogi, Indigenous Merikin descendant, Forester, Founder of Fondes Amandes Community Reforestation, SHE Changes Climate Ambassador - Lubna Qassim, Minister Plenipotentiary, Deputy Permanent Representative for the UAE (COP28 incoming Presidency) - Sharon Gakii, Co-Founder of the International Consortium for Climate and Biodiversity - Leslie Sligh, UNITAR/Global Platform for Action in Displacement Settings, Desk Officer, Decarbonising Humanitarian Energy Multi-Partner Trust Fund Secretariat - Elena Balbekova, SHE Changes Climate Ambassador for Ukraine, Former Head of Delegation for UNFCCC and Founder of the Climate Department at the Ministry in Kiev - Iva Brkic, Secretary of the Committee on Sustainable Energy, UNECE - Lubna Qassim, Minister Plenipotentiary, Deputy Permanent Representative for the UAE (COP28 incoming Presidency) and others SHE Changes Climate's innovative approach and trademark is to convene, facilitate inclusive dialogues and catalyse transformative partnerships, by valuing diversity and connecting the voiceless and the powerless with the most influential policy-makers. They aim to put under the spotlight the issues and regions that normally don't make it to the media headlines, often in Africa and in the MENA regions, where both COP27 and COP28 have been hosted. In particular, the global campaigning organisation strives to give a voice to those women who are courageous enough to build resilience for their communities, facing disasters and rebuilding their livelihoods by developing Nature-Based Solutions and regenerating the Earth. (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) (This is an unedited and auto-generated story from Syndicated News feed, LatestLY Staff may not have modified or edited the content body) Poonch (Jammu and Kashmir) [India], June 15 (ANI): The army on Wednesday foiled an infiltration bid by Pakistani terrorists in the Poonch Sector, officials said. "Alert Indian Army troops foiled yet another attempt by Pak to infiltrate terrorists in the Poonch Sector on 14 Jun 2023, huge war-like stores recovered from the incident side," officials said. Also Read | Andhra Pradesh CM YS Jagan Mohan Reddy Launches 4G Services for Remote Areas. Official sources said Army Sarla Battalion recovered arms, ammunition and other material during a search operation in forward area in the Poonch district. The recovery included one Ak-74, nine magazines, 468 rounds, two 7.62 mm pistols, four magazines, 60 rounds, six grenades, two daggers, two bags, pouches, shovel, wire cutter and Puller. Also Read | West Bengal Panchayat Elections 2023: One Killed, Two Critical After Being Shot in North Dinajpur. In another unrelated incident, with the arrest of a person, police on Monday recovered Rs 7 lakh in cash, "believed to be proceeds of terrorism," from a house in village Allapeer here. "The cash is believed to be proceeds of terrorism. Further investigation is underway," a police officer said. A case under sections 13/18 of the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act and sections 4/5 of the Explosive Substance Act has been registered at the Poonch police station, police said. The operation was led by Poonch Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP), Vinay Sharma. "During the questioning, the accused Mohd Safeer disclosed that the cash amounting to Rs 7 lakh which is believed to be proceeds of terrorism was kept hidden in his house at AllaPeer," the officer said. Investigating officer, Deputy Superintendent of Police, Mohd Shafiq, DySP Dar Poonch along with a police party and executive Magistrate first class Poonch were also present. (ANI) (This is an unedited and auto-generated story from Syndicated News feed, LatestLY Staff may not have modified or edited the content body) Udhampur, June 15: Ahead of the Amarnath Yatra, the Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) deployed its Special Dog Squad in various locations of Udhampur district. The 62-day-long Amarnath Yatra will commence on July 1 from the two traditional routes of Nunwan in Pahalgam and Baltal in central Kashmir's Ganderbal district. Amarnath Yatra 2023 Schedule: Opening, Closing and Registration Dates Announced. CRPFs Special Dog Squad Deployed in Udhampur: #WATCH | J&K: 137th Battalion Central Reserve Police Forces Special Dog Squad deployed in various locations of Udhampur district ahead of the Amarnath Yatra, starting from July 1. pic.twitter.com/tKnqNh51Qg ANI (@ANI) June 15, 2023 The commandant of 137 battalions in CRPF, Ramesh Kumar said that there is nothing to fear for the pilgrims. "We are deployed here for the safety of the pilgrims during the Amarnath Yatra. There is nothing to fear for the pilgrims. We are working here with promptness," said Ramesh Kumar. Earlier on Wedneday, Jammu and Kashmir Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha visited Baltal and reviewed the status of preparedness of the Amarnath annual pilgrimage through the Baltal route, an official statement said. "Since Yatra is in difficult terrain at an altitude where the oxygen levels are low, healthcare facilities, care around the clock must be ensured," said the Lt Governor. Amarnath Yatra 2023: After Successful G20 Summit in Kashmir Amid Several Threats, Indian Army Braces for Annual Pilgrimage. The Lt Governor impressed upon the officials to ensure communication services on the Yatra route and night air services Overall arrangements for Yatra have been upgraded. All the concerned departments to take the necessary steps for making the pilgrimage convenient, safe and hassle-free, it added. He further directed for fitting of tented accommodations with fire extinguishing equipment. The Lt Governor took appraisal of the arrangements put in place for healthcare, electricity, communication, water supply and sanitation, weather forecasting, disaster management, security grid and all other basic necessities for the pilgrims. It said that at Yatra Base Camp in Baltal, the Lt Governor inspected the ongoing work at DRDO's Hospital and other facilities for the pilgrims. Earlier on Friday Union Home Minister Amit Shah reviewed the preparations for the Amarnath Yatra at a high-level meeting in the national capital. Shah directed the officials concerned to make adequate security arrangements on the entire route of 62 days long Amarnath Yatra, which will commence on July 1 and culminate on August 31. He also stressed the need for smooth arrangements on the route "from the airport and railway station to the yatra base camp, and directed to provide air service from Srinagar and Jammu at night for the convenience of the pilgrims". The Home Minister also directed to ensure adequate stock of oxygen cylinders and their refilling and also asked for the availability of additional teams of doctors. (This is an unedited and auto-generated story from Syndicated News feed, LatestLY Staff may not have modified or edited the content body) Ahmedabad (Gujarat) [India], June 15 (ANI): An IndiGo aircraft was grounded after encountering a tail strike during its landing at Ahmedabad Airport on Thursday, officials said. This incident marks the second occurrence of tail strikes reported on IndiGo flights within a span of three days. No injuries were reported in both incidents. Also Read | Rajasthan: 189 Children Rescued From Bangle Manufacturing Unit in the State. "IndiGo flight 6E6595 operating from Bengaluru to Ahmedabad experienced a tail strike while landing in Ahmedabad. The aircraft was declared grounded at Ahmedabad airport for necessary assessment and repairs. The incident is under investigation by relevant authorities," the airline stated. IndiGo has ordered a detailed investigation into the matter. Recently another flight from Kolkata to Delhi experienced a similar tail strike while landing in Delhi. Also Read | Himachal Pradesh: Mob Burns Down House of Chamba Murder Accused Musafir Hussain; Section 144 Imposed. A tail strike occurs when the tail or empennage of an aircraft hits the ground or any other stationary object during take-off or landing. (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 15 (ANI): Dharmendra Pradhan, Minister of Education will address the 6th annual Convocation of the Indian Institute of Management (IIM) Jammu on Friday, June 16, a press release said. Jitendra Singh, Minister of State and Manoj Sinha, Lieutenant Governor of Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir will be the Guest of Honour on the occasion. Also Read | Greece: Migrant Boat Tragedy Leaves Hundreds Missing. Prof BS Sahay, Director, IIM Jammu reiterated that the Institute prides itself on its broad-based engagement of students. "This is our 6th Annual Convocation where the sixth batch of MBA and the first batch of EMBA will be graduating this year," Sahay added. Also Read | Heatstroke Death in Uttar Pradesh: Policeman Posted on B.Ed Exam Duty Dies Due to Heatstroke in Banda. A total of 232 students will be conferred with a Master of Business Administration (MBA) Degree this year, and 27 students of the First Batch of EMBA will be conferred with an Executive Master of Business Administration (EMBA) degree. The main highlight of the convocation is that 57 female students will be awarded the degrees, it added. "The Convocation at IIM Jammu marks the culmination of student engagement in the Institute during their MBA & EMBA programmes and serves as the starting point for their future journey," the statement 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) Mumbai (Maharashtra) [India], June 15 (ANI): One more accused has been arrested in connection with the death threat message to Uddhav Thackeray faction leader and MP Sanjay Raut, Mumbai Police said on Thursday. The accused identified as Mayur Shinde belongs to a political party and is an acquaintance of Raut's family, the police said. Also Read | Rajasthan: 189 Children Rescued From Bangle Manufacturing Unit in the State. The Mumbai Police further said that other accused had placed the threat calls at Shinde's behest. The other four accused Rizwan Ansari, Shahid Ansari, Akash Patel and Munna were arrested earlier. Also Read | Cyclone Biparjoy Makes Landfall in Gujarat, Extremely Severe Cyclonic Storm To Continue Till Midnight, Says IMD (Watch Video). On June 8, Sanjay Raut and Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) Chief Sharad Pawar received death threats over phone calls from unknown persons. On June 10, Mumbai police arrested two men from the eastern suburb of Govandi in connection with the case. Among the arrested accused, one of them was an autorickshaw driver and another an interior designing worker. (ANI) (This is an unedited and auto-generated story from Syndicated News feed, LatestLY Staff may not have modified or edited the content body) Shimla (Himachal Pradesh) [India], June 15 (ANI): Strongly condemning the incident of the murder of a youth in Salooni region of Chamba district, Himachal Pradesh Chief Minister Thakur Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu called for upholding unity and harmony and further emphasized the need to refrain from giving political or communal hinge to the incident. He emphasized the importance of unity and harmony and urged against politicizing or communalizing the tragedy. Also Read | Greece: Migrant Boat Tragedy Leaves Hundreds Missing. He stressed that such incidents should not be exploited for political gains at the expense of communal harmony. The Chief Minister assured the victim's family that the state government stands firmly by their side during this difficult time. He promised to provide all possible assistance to support them until justice is served, emphasizing that the legal process will be followed. Also Read | Heatstroke Death in Uttar Pradesh: Policeman Posted on B.Ed Exam Duty Dies Due to Heatstroke in Banda. Reiterating the government's commitment to safeguard the interests of all communities, Chief Minister Sukhu made it clear that the perpetrators of this heinous crime will not evade punishment. He stated that strict action will be taken against them in accordance with the law. The Chief Minister urged the public to maintain peace and cooperate with the authorities conducting an investigation into the matter. He underlined that the government was monitoring every aspect of the investigation.(ANI) (This is an unedited and auto-generated story from Syndicated News feed, LatestLY Staff may not have modified or edited the content body) Uttarkashi (Uttarakhand) [India], June 15 (ANI): Strict security arrangements have been made in Uttarakhand's Purola town in view of the announcement of the mahapanchayat that was scheduled to be held today. The Uttarkashi district administration on Wednesday refused permission for a Mahapanchayat proposed to be held on June 15 in Uttarakhand's Purola town, which has been witnessing communal tensions over an alleged attempt to abduct a minor girl last month. Also Read | Nitish Kumar Security Breach: Errant Biker Breaches Security of Bihar CM's During Morning Walk in Patna. The district administration has also imposed Section 144 of the Code of Criminal Procedure, which prohibits the gathering of four or more people in a specified area, District Magistrate of Uttarkashi Abhishek Rohilla said. Apart from Purola, the market was also closed in Naugaon, Barkot. Security forces deployed everywhere. Also Read | Bihar Road Accident: Three Minors Travelling on Bike Die After Being Mowed Down by Speeding SUV in Jamui. Uttarkashi, Inspector Santosh Kumar said that the police are keeping an eye on the area and are getting support from the local people. "The traders' association have closed the Purola market. Section 144 CrPC imposed by the administration is being followed. The police are keeping an eye on the area and are getting support from the local people. There are no reports of a violation of Section 144 CrPC," said Inspector Santosh Kumar. "Since the attempt to abduct a minor girl in Purola of Uttarkashi district of Uttarakhand, there has been tension against a particular community. Local head organizations have announced today to hold a mahapanchayat in Purola, in view of which Uttarkashi district administration has imposed Section 144 in Purola. Uttarkashi," said SP Uttarkashi, Arpan Yadhuvanshi. The Mahapanchayat was called by the Purola Pradhan Sangathan and has received support from the Vishwa Hindu Parishad, the Bajrang Dal among others. The situation in Purola has been tense after two men were caught in an alleged attempt to elope with a minor girl from Purola last month. Earlier on Wedneday, Uttarakhand Police staged a flag march in Purola. "We are taking out a flag march to restore peace. We were asked permission to organize mahapanchayat yesterday but we have not given permission to anyone. Section 144 will remain in force in the city till June 19," said Tirath Pal Singh, ADM, Uttarkashi. District Magistrate of Uttarkashi Abhishek Rohilla said, "The permission for the proposed mahapanchayat to be held on June 15 has been denied." "Speaking exclusively to ANI, Uttarakhand, Director General of Police (DGP), Ashok Kumar said that no one will be given permission to break the law, over the proposed mahapanchayat. District Magistrate Abhishek Rohilla and Superintendant of Police Arpan Yaduvanshi had arrived in Purola on Monday, following tensions in the area. After meeting with local public representatives, the officials appealed to maintain harmony and peace. During the meeting locals from a particular community told officials that certain posters with threats to them were put up in the Purola town and since then they have been living in an atmosphere of fear. District Magistrate Abhishek Ruhela appealed to both communities to maintain peace and not to be misled by anyone. He also appealed to open community special shops with the consent of the representatives of the Board of Trade. On June 9, Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami held a high-level meeting in the secretariat and said that the "cases of love jihad that are coming up will be strictly investigated".State DGP Ashok Kumar, Additional Director General of Police (Law and Order) V Murugesan and officers of the Intelligence Department were present in the meeting. Murugesan said on Monday that strict action will be taken against those taking the law into their hands. "Recently there have been incidents of elopement in Uttarkashi, Vikas Nagar and other areas. Local people are agitating. FIRs were registered. Police are doing their duty to establish peace. Whoever breaks the law, strict legal actions will be taken against them. An investigation is underway," he said. (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, Jun 15 (PTI) Godrej Properties has emerged as the highest bidder to acquire 7.44-acre land parcel in Kolkata for development of a luxury housing project, which has an estimated sales revenue potential of around Rs 1,200 crore. In a regulatory filing, realty firm Godrej Properties Ltd informed that it will acquire a 7.44-acre land parcel at New Alipore in Kolkata from West Bengal Housing Infrastructure Development Corporation Ltd. Also Read | World Population Forecast For 2100: India to Remain Most Populous Country in World by the End of 21st Century, Here's How Much Country's Population Would Be in Year 2100. The company has been declared as the highest bidder in an e-auction, it said, but did not disclose the bidding amount. Godrej Properties will develop this land parcel as a luxury group housing project. Also Read | Cyclone Biparjoy: Defence Minister Rajnath Singh Speaks to Three Service Chiefs, Reviews Preparation of Armed Forces To Deal With Impact. "The project will have a developable potential of approximately 9.8 lakh square feet with an estimated revenue potential of approximately Rs 1,200 crore," the company said. Godrej Properties is one of the leading real estate developers in the country. It is developing projects across various cities but has a greater presence in Delhi-NCR, Mumbai Metropolitan Region (MMR), Bengaluru and Pune. To expand business, the company has been aggressively acquiring land outrightly and also entering into joint development agreements (JDAs) with landowners to create a pipeline for future development. In the last financial year, Godrej Properties added new land banks to develop housing projects with an estimated sales value of Rs 32,000 crore. During 2022-23, the company's sales bookings rose 56 per cent year-on-year to reach an all-time high of Rs 12,232 crore. (This is an unedited and auto-generated story from Syndicated News feed, LatestLY Staff may not have modified or edited the content body) London, Jun 15 (PTI) A 23-year-old man was on Thursday charged with the murder of Indian student Tejaswini Kontham and the attempted murder of her friend at a residential address in Wembley, north London. The Metropolitan Police said Keven Antonio Lourenco De Morais, previously referred to as a Brazilian national, has been remanded in police custody to appear at Uxbridge Magistrates Court in London. Also Read | Themis Matsoukas, Penn State Professor, Arrested For Allegedly Performing Sex Acts on Pet Dog, Bestiality Horror Caught on Trail Camera. Two other people, one man and a woman, arrested in connection with the murder investigation at the crime scene have now been released with no further action. "Keven Antonio Lourenco De Morais, 23, of Neeld Crescent, Wembley was charged on Thursday, 15 June with the murder of Tejaswini Kontham and the attempted murder of a second woman, the Met Police said in a statement. Also Read | Pakistan Not Interested in Picking Sides Between US, China, Says MoS Foreign Affairs Hina Rabbani Khar. On Tuesday, Met Police officers attended a flat in Neeld Crescent, Wembley, along with the London Ambulance Service and found Tejaswini and another woman, aged 28, suffering from knife injuries. "Despite the efforts of emergency services, Tejaswini sadly died at the scene. Her family has been informed, the police said. It led to a man-hunt for prime murder suspect De Morais, who was later arrested in the Harrow area of north London. The second victim of the knife attack has been named locally as Akhila, also from India who remains in hospital but is said to be out of danger. The Indian National Student Association (INSA) UK issued a statement to say that she remains in a state of shock following the attack, which claimed the life of her friend. "On behalf of Indian students in the UK, we convey our sincere condolences to her family and friends and pray that her soul rests in peace, INSA UK said in a statement with reference to Tejaswini. "Our thoughts for Akhila also for her speedy recovery from this shock. We are hopeful that justice will be delivered for the affected families. We will do everything possible to ease some of their family members' pain. We are in touch with the authorities and will support the repatriation process, it said. According to INSA UK, Tejaswini whose full name is Tejaswini Kontham Reddy had recently graduated from the University of Greenwich in south London and went on to secure her post-study work visa. She moved to the flat in Wembley recently after securing a job in north London. Sources at the Indian High Commission in London expressed their sadness at the tragic news and said the mission will support the families with consular assistance required. Tejaswini's father told a news channel in India on Wednesday that she had gone to London three years ago and had completed her MS course there. She came to Hyderabad in August last year and returned to London the next month. She was supposed to fly down here in May this year, he said. "We were planning to conduct her marriage. She said she will return after the alliance is finalised. She had resigned from her temporary job and said she will come back after working for another month," he said. The victim's uncle requested the government to make necessary arrangements to bring her body from the UK to Hyderabad. (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 15 (ANI): The Ministry of External Affairs celebrated Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) Day under India's SCO chairmanship and also released a postage stamp to commemorate the occasion here on Thursday. An event was organised to mark the day in which Ambassadors of SCO Member States, observers and dialogue partners took part. MEA Secretary (ER), Dammu Ravi and Secretary (Posts) and Chairperson of Postal Service Board, Vineet Pandey, launched the commemorative postage stamp. Also Read | China Job Crisis: Chinese Graduates Go Viral With Pictures of Misery Amid Jobs Anxiety. MEA Official spokesperson Arindam Bagchi took to Twitter to inform about the event. "Celebrating SCO day under India's SCO Chairmanship! Secretary(ER) Shri Dammu Ravi along with Secretary (Posts) Shri Vineet Pandey @IndiaPostOffice release a commemorative postage stamp," he tweeted. Also Read | Themis Matsoukas, Penn State Professor, Arrested For Allegedly Performing Sex Acts on Pet Dog, Bestiality Horror Caught on Trail Camera. "Ambassadors of SCO Member States, Observers and Dialogue Partners also attended the event," he added in his tweet. India assumed the rotating presidency of the SCO at the 2022 SCO Summit held in Samarkand (Uzbekistan). As the current Chair, India will host the next Council of Heads of State Summit this year. India has millennia-old civilisational, cultural and spiritual ties with the SCO region. From the Buddhist monks to spice traders, from adventurous explorers to Sufi saints, interaction between India and the SCO Member States has led to an exchange of goods, a fusion of ideas, and the introduction of new cuisines and art forms. India's membership of SCO in 2017, was, therefore, a reaffirmation of India's keenness to deepen its historic ties with the region. India has maintained an active engagement with the organisation since it became a full-fledged Member State in 2017. In 2020, India hosted for the first time, the meeting of the SCO Council of Heads of Government, the second-highest decision-making body of the organization. India has carved a niche for itself by emphasising three new pillars of cooperation in SCO -- Startups & Innovation, Science & Technology and Traditional Medicine. The following important milestone will be India's Chairmanship of SCO Council of Heads of State for the very first time beginning September 2022 for a period of one year. (ANI) (This is an unedited and auto-generated story from Syndicated News feed, LatestLY Staff may not have modified or edited the content body) Islamabad, Jun 15 (PTI) The UK on Thursday announced the appointment of senior diplomat Jane Marriott as the next British High Commissioner to Pakistan, making her the first female British envoy to Islamabad. Prior to this appointment, Marriott, 47, was the high commissioner to Kenya since September 2019. She would be replacing Dr Christian Turner, who left Pakistan in January after serving as the envoy since December 2019. Also Read | Harvard Medical School Morgue's Former Manager Stole Brains, Skin and Other Body Parts To Sell Them, Says Indictment. "The first female British High Commissioner to Pakistan, Jane, is due to take up her role in mid-July," the British High Commission in Islamabad said in a statement. Marriott brings a wealth of thematic and regional experience to her new role having joined the UK's Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) in 2001, following roles in the Cabinet Office and Home Office. Also Read | China Job Crisis: Chinese Graduates Go Viral With Pictures of Misery Amid Jobs Anxiety. She has also completed two diplomatic postings to Iraq and one to Afghanistan, the statement from the High Commission said. Following the announcement of her appointment, Marriot said that she was incredibly excited to be appointed as the next British High Commissioner to Pakistan a country I am delighted to have visited twice before. I am looking forward to getting to know this culturally rich and deeply diverse country even better. The United Kingdom's relationship with Pakistan is rooted in shared history. Our people-to-people ties bind our countries together in common partnership, which I will be aiming to strengthen further, she said. (This is an unedited and auto-generated story from Syndicated News feed, LatestLY Staff may not have modified or edited the content body) Warsaw, Jun 15 (AP) Nine-year-old Milana Minenko doesn't play piano anymore. During the day, she attends public school in Poland, where she and her mother fled from the war in March 2022. In the evenings, her mother helps her follow Ukraine's curriculum to keep up with lessons back home. There's simply no time and no money for anything else. Also Read | India Offers Pakistan 'Utmost Sympathy' for Its Ignorance, Non-Comprehension of Peace Culture, Says Ruchira Kamboj at UNSC. Russian forces occupied Milana's hometown in the Zaporizhzhia region of Ukraine, destroyed her house with a missile on the second day of the war, and uprooted her family. Milana and her family lost nearly everything they loved. For Milana, that means school. The place that greeted her with balloons on her first day. Friends she can now only send text messages. The teacher who brought joy to learning. Also Read | US: Self-Aware Hindu Americans Have Power To 'Truly Select' Next President, Says Republican Congressman Rich McCormick (Watch Video). It also means her music school, where she studied piano and singing after her other lessons. That building now lies in ruins. Milana's not sure what became of her primary school. She wonders whether it, too, was bombed by Russian forces targeting schools. Russian forces have destroyed 262 educational institutions and damaged another 3,019 in their invasion of Ukraine, according to government figures. But the disruption to the education of Ukrainian children goes far beyond buildings turned to rubble. For those who've fled to other countries, schooling is suffering in unprecedented ways, according to families, educators, experts and advocates. The effects of war and relocation combined with the challenges of studying in a new country are compounding educational setbacks for young refugees. At stake are the knowledge and skills of a generation needed to rebuild the nation after the war, Ukrainian officials say a priority they've described since the war's early months. Officials report at least 500 children killed in the war, and thousands have been deported to Russia without consent. There's no telling how many of the 8 million refugees recorded across Europe will return. About 1.5 million live in Poland, the most of any country. Many chose it for proximity to Ukraine and plan to go home someday. In Poland, children aren't required to enrol in local schools an option not allowed in Germany and some other countries. About half the child refugees in Poland 180,000 students are enrolled in schools, according to UNICEF. Like Milana, most spoke no Polish when they arrived. About 70 per cent of Ukrainian students are following the Ukrainian curriculum back home, many of them while also attending Polish schools, UNICEF estimates. Enrollment numbers drop with older students; just 22 per cent of Ukrainian teens in Poland attend the country's schools. It's a disaster in slow motion, said Jedrzej Witkowski, CEO of the Polish nonprofit Centre for Citizenship Education. The detrimental effects on learning and socializing will be far-reaching, said Francesco Calcagno, of Poland's UNICEF refugee response office. That includes extracurricular activities like Milana's music that are key to development and mental health, according to experts. Come September, it will be the third school year outside of Ukraine and it will be the fourth year online for many," Calcagno said, citing educational setbacks of the coronavirus pandemic. "Learning face to face is missing. ... We need to bring these children back into school, back into classrooms. But Polish schools were already struggling with severe teachers shortages. And language issues exacerbate problems for the refugee students; although Ukrainian and Polish are similar, it takes three years to master the latter at a level needed for scholastic work, Witkowski said. Following curricula in two languages creates more stress for students dealing with the trauma of war and relocation. Many refugee families have moved several times since arriving in Poland, contributing to a feeling of instability. I have seen students who changed schools five times, said Rita Rabinek, an intercultural assistant trained by global relief group IRC to help Ukrainian kids adjust to Polish schools. Students who try to keep up with Ukrainian work see the effects of war still playing out at home. Polina Plokhenko, a 16-year-old who left her Polish high school to focus on Ukrainian studies, is completing online lessons with her school on the frontline in Kherson. Bombs often send her teachers fleeing into shelters. It is hard because it is my last year of school, and I needed to learn a lot of information by myself, said Polina, who's wanted since age 11 to study acting at a Kyiv university. A lot of students who don't have motivation like that or don't know who they want to be, they have bigger problems." Polina will soon take Ukraine's final state examination, which students must pass to enter universities there. It's being given in 47 cities in 30 countries, according to Maryna Demyanchuk, a professor helping to administer it at one of Warsaw's centres. To prepare, Polina attends Saturday classes at one of three Ukrainian schools set up in Poland by the group Unbreakable Ukraine. Founder Viktoriia Gnap said the schools' teachers also refugees consider the overall level of the students' knowledge quite low. The foundation's aim is to provide them a with high-quality education, even as its funding has been cut amid global economic struggles. There are kids ending high school now who don't know the chemical formula for water, said Gnap, whose schools have about 1,500 students. Olha Andrieieva, 17, attended a Polish school and followed classes online for her former school in Balakliia, in Ukraine's Kharkiv region. Shelling and power outages often interrupted lessons. She took Ukraine's final exam this month. The rite of passage felt surreal - there was no graduation ceremony, and everything seemed unclear. She was calm about the test but shaken by the news of the dam collapse in southern Ukraine, the war's latest humanitarian and environmental disaster. The thing to worry about is what is happening in Ukraine, not exams, Olha said, her voice trembling. Some Ukrainian students are becoming more proficient in Polish, making plans to attend universities here, and forming relationships. Others still feel disconnected from Poland. Gnap and others said teachers see growing tensions between Poles and newcomers in schools. Some refugees have been bullied. Milana can now translate for her parents. She boasts of a good grade on a recent Polish assignment. But it's hard: I have to do homework and tests in both schools, she said of keeping up with both countries' curricula. Piano or voice lessons are at the bottom of the family's list of needs. Her father, Oleksandr, was stuck for a year in Russian-occupied territory before joining his wife and daughter recently in Poland. There's no room for him in the temporary housing where Milana and her mother live. He awaits paperwork that would allow him to get a job and earn enough for the family to live together. Her mother, Oksana, works as a manicurist. She wishes their small home could fit a keyboard. Videos of Milana performing are a distant memory of a life before the war and of a place they hope to someday return. I really want to go home, to return to familiar walls, so that my child can go to her teacher and hug her, Oksana said. That's what she dreams of. (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 15: The National Testing Agency (NTA) has recently issued the admit cards for the CUET PG 2023 examination, which is scheduled for June 17, 2023. Candidates who are planning to appear for the CUET PG 2023 exam can now visit the official website, cuet.nta.nic.in, to access and download CUET PG 2023 Admit Card for June 17. The educational agency has released the CUET PG 2023 admit cards for 65,929 candidates. NEET Result 2023: Pulwama Youth Umer Ahmad Ganie, Working As Painter, Clears Medical Entrance Exam (Watch Video). "In continuation to the Public Notice dated: 03, 07, 10, 11, 12, and 13 June 2023, City Intimation Slip and Admit Card for the Common University Entrance Test (PG) 2023 are now being released for the candidates whose exam is scheduled to be held on 17 June 2023," read the official notice. Along with the admit cards, NTA has also provided the city intimation slip for candidates. Detailed information regarding this update can be found on the official website. CUET Exam 2023: Over 14 Lakh Candidates Set To Appear for Common University Entrance Test Exam for Undergraduate Admissions Today. How To Download CUET PG 2023 Admit Card: Visit the official website of NTA at cuet.nta.nic.in . . Once on homepage, click the 'CUET (PG) Admit Card 2023' link. A new page will appear on the screen. Enter the asked credentials and click on the submit option. Your CUET PG 2023 admit card will appear on the screen. Download the same and take a printout of it for future reference. The agency pointed out that some candidates who have not received their Admit Card for the above date will get the same in subsequent days. Those candidates who could not be accommodated yet, their Test paper(s) would be scheduled in due course. NTA has provided further clarification stating that candidates who have received their admit cards must ensure they appear for the exam on the specified date and time mentioned on the card. Certain candidates who were not assigned a test center due to their chosen subject combinations are assured that alternative arrangements will be made for them, and they will be accommodated in a test center soon. (The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Jun 15, 2023 03:23 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com). Dozens of people have drowned after a fishing boat carrying migrants capsized off the Greek coast. Another hundred have been rescued but many remain unaccounted for as a large-scale search and rescue operation continues.The death toll from a capsized fishing boat carrying migrants off the coast of southern Greece has risen to 79, the Greek coast guard has announced. Also Read | Uttar Pradesh Shocker: 14-Year-Old Girl Raped by Vegetable Vendor in Bhadohi, Accused Arrested. A large-scale search and rescue operation was underway on Wednesday morning after the boat, which is believed to have been transporting up to 400 people from near the Libyan port of Tobruk to Italy, capsized during the night in strong winds some 75 kilometers (46 miles) southwest of Greece's southern Peloponnese region. Also Read | Rape Inside Mumbai Local Train! Girl Student Sexually Assaulted in Moving Train Between CSMT and Masjid Station, Accused Arrested. So far, 104 people have been confirmed rescued and taken to the Greek town of Kalamata. They received dry clothes and medical attention in shelters set up by ambulance services and the United Nations Refugee Agency. Four people have been hospitalized with symptoms of hypothermia. Authorities initially put the death toll at 32, before increasing it to 59 and then higher still to 79. Fears remain that it could yet increase even more. How many people are still missing? The search, which involves six coast guard vessels, a navy frigate, a military transport plane, an air force helicopter, several private vessels and a drone from the European Union border protection agency, Frontex, is ongoing. A Greek Migration Ministry source told the AFP news agency that, according to the coastguard, there could have been "hundreds" of people on board the boat. "We fear there will be a very large number of missing persons," the official said. The International Organization for Migration estimated that "up to 400" people may have been on board, noting in a tweet: "We fear more lives were lost." Authorities said the vessel was first spotted in international waters early on Tuesday evening by an aircraft belonging to EU border agency Frontex and two nearby ships. The Greek coast guard said the people on board none of whom were wearing life jackets and who did not immediately disclose their nationalities had initially "refused any help." What's the bigger picture? Greece is one of the main routes into the European Union for refugees and migrants from the Middle East, Asia and Africa. About 72,000 refugees and migrants have arrived so far this year in Europe's frontline countries Italy, Spain, Greece, Malta and Cyprus, according to United Nations data, with the majority landing in Italy. Mediterranean smugglers are increasingly taking larger boats into international waters off the Greek mainland to try to avoid local coast guard patrols. On Sunday, 90 migrants were rescued in the area after they made a distress call. And in a separate incident on Wednesday, a yacht with 81 migrants on board was towed to the south coast of the Greek island of Crete after authorities received a distress call. On the other side of the Mediterranean, Libyan authorities launched a crackdown earlier this month, with activists saying that several thousand migrants, including Egyptians, Syrians, Sudanese and Pakistanis, have been detained. Many Egyptians have reportedly been deported back to their home country through a land crossing point. mf/fb (AFP, Reuters) (The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Jun 15, 2023 09:10 AM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com). Bengaluru, June 15: The Anti-Communal Wing (ACW) formed by the Congress government in Karnataka to crackdown on the cases of moral policing in the communally sensitive coastal city of Mangaluru in Dakshina Kannada district has commenced its work. Mangaluru Police Commissioner Kuldeep Kumar Jain while addressing a press conference in Mangaluru made the announcement on Thursday. The Anti-Communal Wing has been formed two days ago as per the directions of the state Home minister, he said. Karnataka Government School Teacher Suspended for Criticising CM Siddaramaiah Over Freebie Policies in Facebook Post. "On his recent visit to Mangaluru, Home Minister Dr. G. Parameshwara had announced the establishment of ACW. Its established now. The team is headed by the City Special Branch inspector Sharif. The team will be monitored by the Assistant Commissioner of Police P. A. Hegde. ACP Hegde will report directly to the Police Commissioner," he said. Siddaramaiah CM Tattoo on Mans Chest As Congress Wins Karnataka Assembly Election 2023 (Watch Video). "ACW will monitor all communal cases and the accused persons in such cases. Their activities will be watched. It will be ensured that the victims in the case are not troubled. Previous cases in this regard in the courts will also be followed," he explained. The team will monitor the 200 cases that have been reported in the last 10 years. The team will also keep an eye on any matter that incites communal violence, hate speeches, moral policing, spreading hatred on social media and cow thefts, he stated. "Any case in this regard would be first reported in the jurisdictional police station and will be transferred to the ACW. Action will be initiated by the wing," the stated. State Home Minister Dr. G.Parameshwara had stated that the cases of moral policing have brought disrepute to the state and proved roadblocks to the investment. Mangaluru city has become hyper sensitive in terms of communal harmony. There are incidents of small communal flare ups leading to crisis situation, he said. (The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Jun 15, 2023 04:33 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com). Visakhapatnam, June 15: Wife and son of YSR Congress Party MP M.V.V. Satyanarayana and his auditor were kidnapped in Andhra Pardesh's Visakhapatnam, but acting swiftly the police rescued the trio within hours, police said on Thursday. The MP's wife, Jyothi and their son Sharad were kidnapped by a gang, which demanded a ransom of Rs 1 crore. When the MP's aide and auditor G. Venkateshwar Rao had gone to a place to handover the money, he too was kidnapped. Uttar Pradesh Shocker: Minor Boy Kidnapped, Murdered by Neighbour for Ransom in Rae Bareli, Accused Arrested. Visakhapatnam Police Commissioner Trivikram Verma said all the persons were rescued within a few hours after they received the information. They are all safe, he said. A couple of police officers sustained minor injuries in the rescue operation. It was immediately not clear as to when the MP's family members were kidnapped, but the police learnt about the auditor's kidnapping on Thursday. Police arrested rowdy-sheeter Hemanth Kumar and another person for the kidnap, which created a sensation in the coastal city. Odisha Shocker: Abducted Teenager Killed for Ransom in Jharsuguda, Two Arrested. The police traced the kidnappers with the help of their mobile phone signals and rescued the MP's family members and aide on the Eluru-Amalapuram road. The kidnappers were apprehended after a chase and a police vehicle was also damaged in the operation. The police commissioner said the information about the kidnapping of Venkateshwar Rao was received around 8 a.m. and by 12.30 p.m., the police rescued all the three persons. The police were on the lookout for another accused. The police officer said the details of the case will be announced later in the day. The MP was not in the city at the time of kidnapping. Satyanarayana, who was in Hyderabad, was rushing to Visakhapatnam. Further details were awaited. (The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Jun 15, 2023 02:43 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com). An Indian-American doctor, accused of deliberately driving his Tesla off a cliff with his wife and children inside the vehicle, has been barred from practicing medicine by regulators in California, media reports said. Dakshina Kannada, (Karnataka) June 15: A woman - mother of a 11-month-old baby - used the free bus travel facility to escape from her residence and unite with her lover in Puttur town of the district, sources said on Thursday. According to police, on learning about her love-affair, the family had restricted her movements, and deprived her of money and mobile phone. The woman, a resident of Hubballi, had fallen in love with a local boy who worked in Puttur as a labourer. Her family was opposed to the relationship and got her married to another person. Bride Elopes With Lover on Eve of Wedding, Both Die in Road Accident in Mirzapur. She was sent to her parents' house for delivery. Despite her marriage, she continued her relationship with her lover. The lover had called her to Puttur to start a new life together. The woman claimed that she did not have a single penny. However, as soon as the free travel scheme was announced, the woman escaped from her residence leaving behind the infant and joined her lover by traveling in the free government bus on June 13. The parents followed her to Puttur as they knew she would be there. On enquiring, they found that their daughter's lover was also missing from Kadambadi village where he worked. A complaint has been lodged with Puttur police regarding the matter. During the probe, police have learnt that the eloped mother and her lover are in Siddakatte village. An investigation into the matter is on. (The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Jun 15, 2023 03:17 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com). San Francisco, June 15: A court in the US has ordered Elon Musk-run Twitter to leave its office building over unpaid rent. According to a report in Denver Business Journal, a Chicago-based landlord that owns Twitter's office in the city of Boulder, was provided a $968,000 letter of credit back in February 2020. Twitter Account of Crypto Enthusiast, Influencer Ben Armstrong Known As Bitboy Crypto Hacked. The money ran out in March and the micro-blogging platform has not paid the rent since, which works out to be around $27,000 per month. "A judge has ordered the Boulder sheriff to return possession of Twitter's office to the landlord, according to court documents," the report mentioned. In May, the landlord took Twitter to court, and the judge issued an order that the sheriff should assist in the eviction of Twitter within the next 49 days. Before mass layoffs, at least 300 employees worked in Twitter's Boulder offices. Twitter in January was sued after it failed to pay $136,250 in rent for its office space in San Francisco. The landlord had notified the company on December 16 last year that it would go into default on its lease for the Hartford Building's 30th floor in five days if the rent was not paid. In February, Twitter shut two of its three offices in India and employees were asked to work from home. Former Twitter CEO Jack Dorsey vs Current Boss Elon Musk; How One Makes Controversial Comments, While the Other Quickly Learnt To Respect the Strict Indian Laws. The company has also shut down its Singapore office. According to a report in The Platformer, Twitter employees working in the Singapore office, which is the company's Asia-Pacific headquarters, were walked out of the office over non-payment of rent. Twitter failed to pay millions of dollars in rent for its San Francisco and London offices. It faced lawsuits from multiple contractors over unpaid services and auctioned off assets to raise funds. (The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Jun 15, 2023 11:16 AM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com). On 14 June a Guatemalan court sentenced, an internationally lauded journalist, to six years in prison for money laundering. End of preview - This article contains approximately 599 words. Subscribers: Log in now to read the full article Not a Subscriber? Choose from one of the following options On 14 June Brazilian human rights NGOs Justica Global and Terra de Direitos released a report on the rates of violence against indigenous activists and other human rights defenders under the administration of right-wing former president(2019-2023). End of preview - This article contains approximately 392 words. Subscribers: Log in now to read the full article Not a Subscriber? Choose from one of the following options Donald Trump has been indicted for the second time as he faces consequences for his classified documents scandal. However, he somehow used this as a fundraiser to earn more money for his campaign as he used his supporters' fears to his advantage. After his indictment came out, the Trump Campaign sent out emails to supporters asking for money to help the ex-POTUS. It was revealed that since the news of the Trump indictment broke, the campaign has raised approximately $4.5 million for its digital fundraiser. Meanwhile, for the big-money donors, Trump held the first major fundraiser of his campaign just hours after arraignment. He raised around $2.1 million during that Trump fundraiser, which was described as a "candlelight dinner" with top donors and campaign bundlers. As Politico pointed out, while the biggest chunk of the money he gets is from his supporters who chip in small amounts of money for his campaign, the fundraiser showed that he can also get more money with people with much deeper pockets. How much money the Trump campaign has earned since the indictment remains unknown, though it is clear that supporters are willing to give their money to him despite the severity of his allegations, which include 31 counts of willful retention of national security records and six counts for allegedly obstructing the federal effort to recover those documents. Republican Opponents React to Donald Trump Indictment While Donald Trump was dealing with legal troubles. his Republican rivals were visiting other states as they bid to become the next Republican nominee for the president and challenge Joe Biden. According to The Guardian, many of his biggest rivals in the Republican Party rushed to his defense, with Florida Governor Ron DeSantis blaming the charges on the "weaponization of federal law enforcement." DeSantis is currently Trump's strongest opponent in the race and is trying "both sides" politics, as he tries to both defend Trump and smear him at the same time as the case goes on. READ MORE: Donald Trump Pleads Not Guilty to Classified Documents Scandal Mike Pence, meanwhile, stated that he has already read the indictment and that he found the allegations to be very serious. However, he added that he wants to "reserve judgment until he has the opportunity to respond." Former South Carolina Governor Nikki Haley echoed Pence's opinions and stated that the ex-POTUS was "incredibly reckless with our national security." Donald Trump Admitted to His Crimes During Post-Arraignment Speech, Says Former FBI Lawyer Trump pleaded not guilty to all 37 counts against him, but he may have admitted to those crimes a short while later when he appeared before his adoring supporters in his country club in Bedminster, New Jersey, according to Mediaite. During that speech, Trump claimed he had "every right under the Presidential Records Act" to take the documents before saying that he did not know that he did not have enough time to sort through the boxes because he did not have enough time. However, former FBI counsel Andrew Weissman, an MSNBC legal analyst, stated that the former president may just have admitted to his crimes as the speech amounted to a confession, "So, one thing it's important for everyone to know is those statements that you just played are admissible as admissions, regardless of whether Donald Trump takes the stand or not," Weissmann told MSNBC host Lawrence O'Donnell. "It's not a defense. It's a confession," he added. When asked why this would count as a confession, the former FBI lawyer answered, "When you are charged with the illegal retention, the illegal possession of the documents, it is not a good idea to say, 'Hey, you want to know why I took these? Because I could." READ NEXT: Donald Trump Supporters Threaten Violence This article is owned by Latin Post. Written by: Rick Martin WATCH: Trump makes 'damning' admission on tape - CNN The Pinellas County Sheriff's Office announced that a family has finally received closure over 40 years after a Florida man, Ronald Gilchrist, went missing leaving the Tampa Bay area, according to WTSP. On October 28, 1980, Gilchrist, then 29 years old, left Clearwater to travel to Miami with plans to pick up his in-laws at the Miami International Airport and take them to Marco Island. Gilchrist called from a restaurant payphone in Mulberry on October 29, 1980, his last communication with his family. However, he never arrived at the airport as planned and had been missing since then. READ NEXT: Missing Florida Woman Found in a Septic Tank Case of Florida Man Missing Since 1980 Solved Detectives from the Pinellas County Sheriff's Office obtained photos of Ronald Gilchrist from 1980. They shared them with the Miami-Dade Police Department and the Miami-Dade Medical Examiner's Office, per WSVN. It was discovered that Miami police had investigated a homicide in November 1980 involving an unidentified man, later known as John Doe, whose description matched that of Gilchrist, the Florida man missing for more than four decades. The Miami-Dade Medical Examiner's Office formally identified John Doe as Ronald Gilchrist. The Miami-Dade Police Department is investigating his death as a homicide on June 7. 'Trunk Lady' Murder Victim Identified After 53 Years Before Ronald Gilchrist, a Florida man missing since 1980, a mother who disappeared in 1965 from Tucson, Arizona, was also found last month, Fox13 noted. The St. Petersburg Police Department in Florida received a call from two juveniles on Halloween in 1969. The juveniles reported seeing two white men placing a trunk in a field behind the former Oyster Bar at 4300 34th Street South. Upon opening the trunk, officers discovered a woman's body wrapped in a large plastic bag. The woman had visible head injuries and had been strangled with a Western-style bolo tie. She was partially clothed in a pajama top. The woman, known as the 'trunk lady' for decades, was believed to be a victim of homicide. Due to the lack of identification, she was buried as a 'Jane Doe' in Memorial Park Cemetery. However, on February 10, 2010, her body was exhumed for further investigation. Over the years, investigators made multiple attempts to identify her using dental and bone samples, but the degraded condition of the samples hindered their efforts. A breakthrough occurred when St. Petersburg cold case detective Wally Pavelski discovered an original sample of the victim's hair and skin taken during the autopsy this year. This sample was sent to a laboratory in Texas for analysis. Orthram laboratories returned a DNA profile in April, matching the DNA from her children, proving that she was indeed Sylvia June Atherton. According to the police, the woman was 41 years old when she died and was the mother of five children. While the details surrounding her disappearance and death remain unresolved, Atherton's daughter has expressed relief upon confirming her mother's identity. READ MORE: Virginia Teacher Fired by Richneck Elementary School This article is owned by Latin Post. Written by: Bert Hoover WATCH: Trunk Lady Murder: Florida police identify victim 53 years later - From LiveNOW from FOX The Baja California peninsula in Mexico, which includes Baja California Sur state, is a popular destination for American tourists. However, the bodies of two dead Americans were recently found inside a hotel there. The bodies of the two dead Americans were found in the El Pescadero community near Los Cabos, Baja California Sur state on Tuesday. Police have not yet released the names of the two victims, nor where they were from, though US officials have confirmed that they already know that the two were US citizens. The Americans might have died of carbon monoxide poisoning, as reported by the Associated Press. This is because paramedics received a report Tuesday that the two were unconscious inside the hotel room. When paramedics arrived, the two were already dead. Right now, authorities suspect they died of inhalation of gas, which is not an uncommon cause of death in Mexico. Many in the country have died due to poisoning by carbon monoxide or other gases as these poisonous substances are often produced by improperly vented or leaky water heaters and stoves. This was not the first time something like this has happened, though, as three US citizens were found dead in an apartment they rented in Mexico last October. Much like the two Americans found dead in Baja California Sur, they also died of gas inhalation. Mexico has been having problems with proper gas line installations, vents, and monitoring devices, as gas leaks have often proved deadly in the country, as incidents have led to tourists and foreigners dying in separate incidences in 2010 and 2018. READ NEXT: 3 Americans Go Missing While on Sailing Trip From Mexico to San Diego Three Other Americans Died in Baja California Peninsula Last Month Because of its proximity to the US-Mexico border, the Baja California peninsula has been a very popular destination for Americans. However, many of them have also been caught up in several incidents in the region, including last month where 10 people were killed in a shootout. Three of those who died were US citizens. One of those who died included California man Roberto Isaias "Tito" Ayala, a father to a four-year-old girl. He was reportedly just a bystander when a shootout between two groups erupted in a small town near Tijuana. The shootout reportedly occurred during an off-road racing event, according to NBC-7 San Diego. American Found Dead in Clandestine Pit in Baja California Sur Back in April, authorities found an American man in a clandestine burial pit. The body was identified as Wilmer Trivett, a California man who had been camping in the area and had been reported missing since February. According to Fox News, prosecutors alleged that Trivett was caught up in a traffic incident with two suspects, with the American paying around $2,500 for damages or injuries. Despite this, the pair still abducted him and killed him. The suspects have now been caught and face homicide charges. READ MORE: Notorious Drug Trafficker Tied to CJNG, Sinaloa Cartel Pleads Guilty to Cocaine Conspiracy This article is owned by Latin Post. Written by: Rick Martin WATCH: Reports: Shooting leaves 10 people dead at racing event in Mexico - CBS 8 San Diego Newspaper founder and Guatemala journalist Jose Ruben Zamora has been sentenced to six years in prison by a Guatemalan tribunal in a money laundering case, according to AP. The verdict comes after a trial that press freedom groups have condemned as a politically motivated effort to silence a critical voice. The three-judge panel found the prominent journalist guilty of money laundering, citing its impact on the national economy and the financial system's stability. However, Zamora was cleared of charges related to blackmail and influence peddling. Criticism has been directed at Guatemalan President Alejandro Giammattei and his justice system for allegedly eroding democratic principles and exploiting prosecutors and courts to target perceived opponents. Following his sentencing, Zamora maintained his innocence and accused Giammattei of corruption. The president, however, has denied any political motive behind the case. READ NEXT: Guatemala: Arrest of Award-Winning Journalist Sparks Protests Jose Ruben Zamora Calls His Case 'Political Persecution' Zamora firmly maintains that the case against him resulted from "political persecution" orchestrated by Guatemala President Alejandro Giammattei, per Reuters. The persecution is linked to his newspaper, elPeriodico, which ceased operations in May, as it had been reporting on alleged corruption involving the president and his close allies, according to Zamora. In addition to the six-year prison sentence, Zamora has been ordered to pay a fine of 300,000 quetzals ($38,339). However, he plans to appeal the verdict and may take the case to the Inter-American Court of Human Rights. Despite the outcome, Zamora expressed satisfaction, describing the sentence as arbitrary. He maintained his innocence and reiterated his accusations against President Giammattei, referring to him as a thief. Zamora's resolve to defend his integrity and criticize the president remains steadfast. The verdict has sparked concerns about the implications for independent journalism and freedom of expression. Brian Nichols, the Assistant Secretary for Western Hemisphere Affairs at the U.S. Department of State, expressed his worries on Twitter, stating that the world will closely monitor Zamora's safety and well-being. Zamora's significant contribution to Guatemalan media includes the founding of elPeriodico in 1996, which became known for its investigative reporting and critical stance on societal issues. Guatemala Journalist Jose Ruben Zamora Has 2 Other Cases In addition to the recent conviction and sentencing, Al Jazeera noted that the renowned Guatemala journalist still faces two other ongoing criminal cases. One of these cases is related to alleged discrepancies in signatures on customs documents. Interestingly, this case was filed shortly before the sentencing. The trial concluded on Wednesday and was relatively brief, spanning only 11 sessions over 20 days. However, its rapid pace and the nature of the accusations have raised significant concerns and garnered widespread condemnation. Ahead of the conviction, Zamora's son, Jose Zamora, expressed unwavering support for his father, emphasizing his belief in his innocence. He denounced the handling of the case, asserting that the Guatemalan state has essentially abducted his father and subjected him to a process that flagrantly violates his right to due process. While the public prosecutor's office has consistently maintained that the case against Zamora is unrelated to his journalistic activities, critics argue that the allegations and the swift trial suggest otherwise. READ MORE: Tijuana Mayor Montserrat Caballero Moves to Army Base This article is owned by Latin Post. Written by: Bert Hoover WATCH: "Doing Journalism Is a Crime": Guatemalan Publisher Jose Ruben Zamora Faces 40 Years Behind Bars - From Democracy Now! Peru archaeologists have made an intriguing discovery, unearthing a mummy believed to be around 3,000 years old in Lima. This finding adds to the growing collection of pre-Hispanic artifacts in the Andean nation, per CNA. During excavations, students from San Marcos University and researchers initially stumbled upon remnants of the mummy's hair and skull preserved in a cotton bundle. Further excavation efforts led to the unveiling of the entire mummy. The mummy likely belonged to the Manchay culture, which thrived in the Lima valleys between 1500 and 1000 BC. This culture was associated with the construction of U-shaped temples that faced the sunrise, according to Peru archaeologist Miguel Aguilar. Aguilar explained that the individual was "left or offered (as a sacrifice) during the last phase of the construction of this temple," placing the estimated age of the mummy at approximately 3,000 years. Alongside the mummy, archaeologists discovered additional buried artifacts as part of an offering. These items include corn, coca leaves, and seeds, which provide insights into the practices and rituals of the ancient civilization. READ NEXT: Peru: Archeologists Discover At Least 800-Year-Old Mummy '1,000-Year-Old' Teen Mummy Also Found in Lima in April Peru archaeologists have made an exciting discovery, unearthing a mummy that is over 1,000 years old on the outskirts of the country's capital in April, ABC News noted. The mummy, believed to be that of an adolescent, was found in an underground tomb wrapped in a funerary bundle along with ceramics, rope, and even fragments of skin and hair. The mummified adolescent is in a remarkably well-preserved state, according to archaeologist Yomira Huaman, who leads the Cajamarquilla research project affiliated with the Universidad Nacional Mayor de San Marcos. This finding provides valuable insights into the ancient cultures that existed in Peru before the rise of the Inca empire. Peru is renowned for its famous Inca site of Machu Picchu, but the country was also home to numerous pre-Hispanic cultures that thrived along the central coast and in the Andean regions. The adolescent mummy is estimated to have lived between 1,100 and 1,200 years ago and could have belonged to the Lima or Ichma cultures. Interestingly, this discovery was made just 200 meters from where another mummy was found in Cajamarquilla last year, highlighting the area's significance for archaeological research. These findings contribute to our understanding of Peru's ancient civilizations' rich and diverse history. '1,200-Year-Old' Remains of Kids, Adults Sacrifice Found in Lima Last Year In a significant archaeological excavation at the Cajamarquilla complex near Lima, Peru, early last year, researchers from San Marcos University discovered the remains of eight children and twelve adults, believed to have been sacrificed approximately 800-1,200 years ago, Reuters reports. The bodies, consisting of mummified remains and skeletons, were found outside an underground tomb and wrapped in textiles as part of an ancient pre-Hispanic ritual. These individuals were believed to be sacrificed to accompany the main mummy in the afterlife. The ancient people who performed these rituals viewed death not as an end but as a transition to a parallel world in which the deceased continued to exist and protect the living. One of Peru archaeologists, Pieter Van Dalen explained that this burial pattern is reminiscent of other significant discoveries, such as the tomb of the Lord of Sipan, a ruler from 1,700 years ago, which contained the remains of sacrificed children and adults buried alongside him. In some individuals found at Cajamarquilla, evidence of violence has been observed, indicating the presence of rituals involving violence. Peru is home to numerous archaeological sites representing cultures that flourished before and after the Inca Empire, which dominated the southern part of the continent around 500 years ago, from southern Ecuador and Colombia to central Chile. Despite the remarkable findings at Cajamarquilla, archaeologists believe they have only scratched the surface, with just 1% of the complex excavated thus far. READ MORE: Peru Mummy Girl This article is owned by Latin Post. Written by: Bert Hoover WATCH: 3,000-year-old mummy unearthed near Lima, Peru - From Global News The Republican presidential race is heating up and getting even more crowded, as a Latino finally joins, with Miami Mayor Francis Suarez officially running for president. A senior Republican source familiar with what Suarez is planning recently spoke with CBS News and stated that the Miami mayor will formally announce his candidacy on Thursday when he visits the Reagan Library for a campaign event. Francis Suarez has now also filed paperwork with the Federal Election Commission, making him the only Hispanic candidate in the presidential race so far. He is also the third candidate from Florida, along with the two current GOP frontrunners, former President Donald Trump, who is now listed as from Florida, and Governor Ron DeSantis. It was previously reported that many have expected him to run, as he had been raising money and was shifting city hall staff to a pro-Suarez super PAC called SOS America. This Political Action Committee released a highly produced video on Wednesday, the same day as his candidacy filing. The Republican field is not very diverse, with mostly white men seeking the highest office in the land. There are a few exceptions, though, with Suarez being the only Hispanic candidate in the field, as well as former South Carolina Governor Nikki Haley being of Indian descent. Tim Scott and Larry Elder are the only African Americans in the crowded race so far, while CEO Vivek Ramaswamy is also Indian, much like Haley. Suarez is of Cuban descent and is also the president of the bipartisan U.S. Conference of Mayors. He is the 11th person to join the GOP race, with more expected to announce their candidacies soon. READ NEXT: Donald Trump Praises Kim Jong Un Miami Mayor Francis Suarez to Appeal to Cryptocurrency Enthusiasts While Suarez is seen to appeal to other Latinos, he will also be seen as an appealing candidate to cryptocurrency enthusiasts as he is touted as one of the most crypto-friendly politicians in the US right now. Back in 2021, Suarez sat down with CoinDesk and praised Bitcoin's "democratizing impact on the future of wealth for every American." The Hispanic presidential candidate has also been examining ways to accept taxes and pay municipal employees in cryptocurrency. He also launched his own cryptocurrency, the MiamiCoin (MIA), which did not do as well as Suarez had hoped, as it fell roughly 95% in value since it hit its all-time high around eight months ago, Its trading has since been suspended by OKCoin back in March. Francis Suarez Caught in Controversy Right Now Aside from his forays into crypto, Suarez is currently embroiled in some political controversy as it was found that he was doing paid consulting work for a developer while still mayor. This constituted some conflicts of interest as that developer needed help with permit approvals at City Hall, according to the Miami Herald. Records obtained by the Miami Herald revealed that Suarez helped secure critical permits for the developer, which paid the mayor at least $170,000 over the past two years. That developer was identified as Location Ventures, which Suarez helped in getting plans approved for CEO Rishi Kapoor's URBIN Coconut Grove complex. READ MORE: Ben Affleck, Matt Damon, Production Company Not Happy With Donald Trump Right Now This article is owned by Latin Post. Written by: Rick Martin WATCH: Miami Mayor Francis Suarez files paperwork to launch 2024 Republican presidential campaign - CBS Miami Bill Cosby, the disgraced actor, and comedian, is facing a new sexual assault lawsuit in the state of Nevada. The lawsuit, filed in the U.S. District Court for Nevada, represents nine women who allege that Cosby used his power, fame, and prestige to isolate and sexually assault them. The women named in the lawsuit are Pam Joy Abeyta, Lili Bernard, Rebecca Cooper, Janice Dickinson, Linda Kirkpatrick, Janice Baker Kinney, Angela Leslie, Lise-Lotte Lublin, and Heidi Thomas. Cosby was previously convicted of a criminal sexual assault charge in Pennsylvania in 2018. However, in 2021, the state Supreme Court overturned his conviction, releasing him from prison after serving nearly three years. Despite his legal troubles, the 85-year-old actor has expressed plans for a comedy tour. In response to the new lawsuit, Cosby's spokesperson, Andrew Wyatt, released a statement to Variety confirming its existence and opposing the allegations against Cosby. Cosby has consistently denied similar accusations brought against him throughout the years. READ NEXT: Bill Cosby Sexual Abuse and Rape Claims Bill Cosby Reportedly Drugged His Victims Nine women have filed a lawsuit against Bill Cosby, alleging that Cosby gave them drugs or tainted drinks during encounters in Nevada and subsequently sexually assaulted them while drugged, CNN reports. The incidents described in the lawsuit are said to have occurred between approximately 1979 and 1992. According to the complaint, Cosby allegedly drugged or attempted to drug each of the women before sexually assaulting them. Dickinson is a TV star and supermodel who previously testified against Cosby in his 2018 criminal trial in Pennsylvania. The timing of the lawsuit is notable as it comes shortly after a new state law went into effect, removing the statute of limitations for most sexual assault cases. Like other states that have passed similar look-back laws, such as New York and California, Cosby also faces lawsuits in those jurisdictions. In response to the new lawsuit, Cosby's publicist, Andrew Wyatt, referenced the recent changes in laws and expressed skepticism about the accusers' motives. He stated that going forward, they will scrutinize and challenge the various allegations made against Cosby both in the court of public opinion and within the courtroom. Nevada's New Law That Allowed Nine Women to Sue Bill Cosby Nevada enacted SB129, a new law eliminating the civil statute of limitations in sexual abuse cases involving adults, on May 31, per The Daily Mail. Before this law, alleged victims had to file lawsuits within a two-year time limit. The passage of this law has allowed the nine plaintiffs in the case against Bill Cosby to pursue legal action for the alleged abuse they experienced at the hands of the entertainer several decades ago. The elimination of the statute of limitations provides them with an opportunity to seek justice for the harm they claim to have suffered. "In my opinion, these women are not victims of sexual assault; they are victims of greed," said Wyatt. READ MORE: Guatemala Journalist Jose Ruben Zamora, Sentenced to 6 Years in Prison This article is owned by Latin Post. Written by: Bert Hoover WATCH: Bill Cosby hit with new sexual assault lawsuit - From MSNBC Allentown police on Thursday asked for help in finding a man who is considered missing, and may be in need of medication. A relative of the man, 37-year-old Miguel Matias-Oran, reported her last contact with him was June 4, police said in a post on the departments Facebook page. She is concerned about his welfare, the post states, adding Matias-Oran was last seen walking toward the citys Eighth Street Bridge. Matias-Oran, of the 500 block of Turner Street in Allentown, stands 5 feet 9 inches tall, weighs 165 to 185 pounds and has black hair, according to police. He was last seen wearing gray pants and a striped black-blue-and-white pajama top with green T-shirt underneath, police said. Investigators asked anyone who sees him or has any information about his whereabouts to call police at 610-437-7751 or Criminal Investigation Unit detectives at 610-437-7721 with any information on his location. Our journalism needs your support. Please subscribe today to lehighvalleylive.com. Kurt Bresswein may be reached at kbresswein@lehighvalleylive.com. A Bethlehem firefighter was sentenced to jail Wednesday for driving under the influence and a crash on Route 378 last year that left two people injured. Bryan Bokan, 45, of Bethlehem, pleaded guilty in May in Lehigh County Court to DUI with blood-alcohol content of more than 0.16, accidents involving injury, and two counts of reckless endangerment, records show. On Wednesday, Bokan was sentenced to one month and three days to 18 months in jail, followed by four years of probation. Bokan was free on $2,500 unsecured bail, records show. A message left for his defense attorney Thursday was not immediately returned. Messages to Mayor J. William Reynolds and a city solicitor to confirm Bokans employment status were not immediately returned. Bokan was charged after a series of events April 18, 2022, that began when police were called in the afternoon for a crash on Route 378 near the Eaton Avenue overpass. The driver of a black Ford Fusion reported he was traveling on Route 378 South in the right lane when he was hit from behind by a white sedan, later identified as a white Hyundai Accent driven by Bokan. The Ford driver lost control of the vehicle and traveled over the grassy media, crashing through the guide wires and traveling into oncoming traffic, police said. The Ford crashed into a black Alfa Romeo Stelvio, driven by a Bethlehem city employee, that was traveling north on Route 378, police said. The Ford driver suffered moderate head and neck injuries and was taken to St. Lukes University Hospital in Fountain Hill, while the Alfa Romeo driver had moderate injuries to her lower back and hip and was taken to Lehigh Valley Hospital-Muhlenberg. The white Hyundai fled the scene, but a driver who witnessed the crash followed the car and took a picture of the license plate. Police said the photo was a key piece to the case, and helped police start to search for Bokan and the vehicle early into the crash investigation. The vehicle was found at 6:40 p.m. parked in the lot outside the United Steelworkers Union Hall on East Lehigh Street, which also houses the firemens union office. The building sits near Payrow Plaza, which includes the police department headquarters and City Hall. The Hyundai had damage to its front passenger side bumper and hood, which police said was consistent with being in a crash. That evening Bokan turned himself in at police headquarters and was intoxicated, according to police. Bokan told police the Ford stopped and he crashed into the Ford, and then drove to the unions office, where he drank three mixed drinks, court records say. Our journalism needs your support. Please subscribe today to lehighvalleylive.com. Sarah Cassi may be reached at scassi@lehighvalleylive.com. Eastons mayor offered a warning to residents whose homes were destroyed in the Memorial Day fire that struck a block of West Ward row homes. We again want to remind residents, do not feel threatened by signing anything, he said during Wednesday nights Easton City Council meeting. You have no hurry. Dont sign anything youre not sure of. Call us and ask us if you have to, but dont sign anything. You could be signing away hundreds of thousands of dollars that you dont need to sign away. City officials are awaiting a report from a third-party engineer, Pennoni, on whether any of the 15 homes damaged in the 900 block of Ferry Street are in danger of imminent collapse and need to be demolished immediately, according to city Administrator Luis Campos. Until that is in hand, plans are on hold for what to do with the block, Panto said. Individuals still own each of the properties, which were mostly occupied by renters. We cant just step in and take it from them, nor can we take it from the insurance company, the mayor said at the council meeting hosted by the Easton Area Neighborhood Center, 902 Philadelphia Road. The insurance company is going to pay the claim, but theyre not going to be able to decide what to do. As of now, the citys codes department has determined none of the homes are in imminent danger of collapse, officials said Wednesday night. A heavy thunderstorm may change the whole perspective, Panto allowed. Around 45 people were displaced as a westerly wind pushed the fire between the homes, which were not separated by fire walls, according to the Easton Fire Department. The mayor on Wednesday thanked the organizations that have stepped up to raise thousands of dollars plus donations for those affected, singling out Councilwoman Taiba Sultana for helping to collect and distribute donations, St. Johns Lutheran Church, the United Way of the Greater Lehigh Valley and Greater Easton Development Partnership, Third Street Alliance, Lehigh Valley Community Fund, ProJeCt of Easton and the Salvation Army. The tragedy has brought to light that the city lacks housing to help those who lost their homes in an emergency of this scale, Panto said: Its a shame but theyre probably all going to have to be razed. Officials hope to be able to hire a single demolition contractor to work with once the determination is made on what to do with the homes remains, Panto said. One potential idea for the block is to replace the damaged homes with affordable housing, both for the residents who were displaced and for others to move in to the neighborhood, Panto described. 29 1 / 29 Easton fire aftermath, May 30, 2023 Our journalism needs your support. Please subscribe today to lehighvalleylive.com. Kurt Bresswein may be reached at kbresswein@lehighvalleylive.com. Matt Brown and Kass Durante arrived Thursday to Lehigh Valley International Airport as it was preparing to celebrate its inaugural flight direct to Denver. The couple were headed to visit Browns son, Peyton Brown, in Fort Collins, Colorado. The 22-year-old moved there to attend Colorado State University after graduating in 2019 from Emmaus High School, and has battling leukemia diagnosed June 17, 2022. Its been over a year since theyve seen him as he underwent treatment. He is officially in remission, Durante said. Lehigh Valley International outside Allentown celebrated the new direct service with an afternoon ribbon-cutting beneath an arch of silvery balloons spelling out the name of the new destination inside the Wilfred M. Wiley Post Concourse. Holding oversized scissors, Lehigh-Northampton Airport Authority Executive Director Thomas R. Stoudt prepares to cut a ribbon Thursday, June 15, 2023, at Lehigh Valley International Airport to celebrate the inaugural direct flight to Denver International Airport.Kurt Bresswein | For lehighvalleylive.com The service from Allegiant, which established its 18th flight crew base at Lehigh Valley in February 2020, represents the airports first non-stop flight to the western United States in about 20 years, said Thomas R. Stoudt, executive director of the Lehigh-Northampton Airport Authority that owns and operates the Hanover Township, Lehigh County, facility. This is an important connection. Believe me, my son lives out in Colorado, said county Executive Phil Armstrong, joined for the occasion by state lawmakers and representatives of Congress members. It does open up the Lehigh Valley to the West, and thats important for our citizens, its important for our business travelers and its important for the entire area. Interest since Allegiant announced the new service in February has set new ticket records for any new new route offered by the carrier, Stoudt said. Allegiant is offering introductory one-way fares as low as $87 for tickets purchased by June 17 for travel by Sept. 17, with additional details and booking for the flights available Sunday and Thursday available at allegiantair.com. Steve Brosky and Jimmy Meyer perform John Denver's "Rocky Mountain High" Thursday, June 15, 2023, in the Wilfred M. Wiley Post Concourse at Lehigh Valley International Airport to help celebrate the inaugural direct connection to Denver International Airport.Kurt Bresswein | For lehighvalleylive.com As part of the festivities Thursday, there were mockups of the Rocky Mountains in balloons and cake, alongside free samples of Lehigh Valley region beers poured by Funk Brewing and Saucony Creek Brewing Co. On the Music in the Airport stage inside the concourse, Steve Brosky and Jimmy Meyer performed John Denvers Rocky Mountain High, designated one of Colorados official songs. Airport firetrucks sprayed an arch of water over the inaugural Flight 167 as it taxied out of Gate 7B for departure at 1:47 p.m. Were thrilled to expand our network and offer vacationers a convenient gateway to the Rocky Mountains, Drew Wells, senior vice president and chief revenue officer for Las Vegas-based Allegiant, said in a news release. The Mile High City offers visitors an abundance of outdoor activities, including top-notch hiking, kayaking and white-water rafting. We expect travelers will enjoy our convenient brand of ultra-low-cost, nonstop flights without the hassle of layovers or connections. Lehigh County Executive Phil Armstrong speaks June 15, 2023, at Lehigh Valley International Airport to help mark the inaugural direct flight to Denver International Airport.Kurt Bresswein | For lehighvalleylive.com Karen Baurkot, of Easton, was one of the first people to book, and got one of about 160 seats on the first flight. This is a game-changer for me. My daughter lives in Colorado, she said. Ive been so excited about this. I get to see her once a year, but now I can do a weekend jaunt in the fall. Allegiant Flight 167, the inaugural departure to Denver International Airport, taxis Thursday, June 15, 2023, at Lehigh Valley International Airport under an arch of firehose water from the Lehigh-Northampton Airport Authority Aircraft Rescue and Firefighting Division.Courtesy Colin Riccobon | For lehighvalleylive.com Our journalism needs your support. Please subscribe today to lehighvalleylive.com. Kurt Bresswein may be reached at kbresswein@lehighvalleylive.com. A former manager at the Harvard Medical School morgue, his wife and three other people have been indicted in the theft and sale of human body parts, federal prosecutors in Pennsylvania announced Wednesday. Cedric Lodge, 55, of Goffstown, New Hampshire, stole dissected portions of cadavers that were donated to the school in the scheme that stretched from 2018 to early 2023, according to court documents. The body parts were taken without the schools knowledge or permission, authorities said, adding that the school has cooperated with the investigation. Lodge sometimes took the body parts which included heads, brains, skin and bones back to his home where he lived with his wife, Denise, 63, and some remains were sent to buyers through the mail, authorities said. Lodge also allegedly allowed buyers to come to the morgue to pick what remains they wanted to buy. The indictment charges the Lodges and three others Joshua Taylor, 46, of West Lawn in Berks County; Katrina Maclean, 44, of Salem, Massachusetts; and Mathew Lampi, 52, of East Bethel, Minnesota with conspiracy and interstate transport of stolen goods. It was not known Wednesday if any of the defendants had a lawyer who could comment on their behalf. Bodies donated to Harvard Medical School are used for education, teaching or research purposes. Once they are no longer needed, the cadavers are usually cremated and the ashes are returned to the donors family or buried in a cemetery. In a message posted on the schools website entitled An abhorrent betrayal, deans George Daley and Edward Hundert called the matter morally reprehensible. They said Lodge was fired May 6. We are appalled to learn that something so disturbing could happen on our campus a community dedicated to healing and serving others, the deans wrote. The reported incidents are a betrayal of HMS and, most importantly, each of the individuals who altruistically chose to will their bodies to HMS through the Anatomical Gift Program to advance medical education and research. According to prosecutors, the defendants were part of a nationwide network of people who bought and sold remains stolen from the school and an Arkansas mortuary. The Lodges allegedly sold remains to Maclean, Taylor, and others in arrangements made through telephone calls and social media websites. Taylor sometimes transported stolen remains back to Pennsylvania, authorities said, while other times the Lodges would mail remains to him and others. Maclean and Taylor resold the stolen remains for profit, authorities said. Denise and Cedric Lodge both made their initial court appearances Wednesday in federal court in Concord, New Hampshire, and were each released on personal recognizance bail. They declined comment as they left the courthouse. A Pennsylvania woman has also been charged in separate incidents involving Lampi, prosecutors said. Jeremy Pauley, age 41, of Bloomsburg, Pennsylvania, allegedly bought some remains from Candace Chapman Scott, of Little Rock, Arkansas, who allegedly stole them from a mortuary where she worked. Authorities have said Scott stole body parts from cadavers she was supposed to have cremated, noting many of the bodies had been donated to and used for research and educational purposes by a medical school in Arkansas. Pauley allegedly sold many of the stolen remains to other people, including Lampi. Pauley and Lampi bought and sold from each other over an extended period of time and exchanged more than $100,000 in online payments, authorities said. Scott and Pauley have both pleaded not guilty. GEICO is the latest auto insurance company to ask New Jersey to approve a double-digit rate hike for its policies, according to a letter sent by the company to its customers. Under the proposed filing, the average liability-only policy will see a rate change of 18.7%, according to the letter. The average Full Coverage policy (includes comprehensive and collision coverage) will see a rate change of 26.3%. Police say a group of adults and teens broke into a Slate Belt building, and one of them is accused of causing more than $50,000 in damage including painting swastikas and the n-word. Slate Belt Regional police said the three adults and two teens went into the building at 215 S. Robinson St. in Pen Argyl, which used to house the Pen Argyl National Bank. Court records show charges against two of the adults. An 18-year-old Pen Argyl man was charged Wednesday with burglary, criminal trespass, two counts of criminal mischief, tampering with fire apparatus and corruption of minors. A 20-year-old Pen Argyl man was also charged with criminal trespass in the case, court records show. The 18-year-old is free on $25,000 unsecured bail, and the other man is free on $15,000 unsecured bail. Attorney Phil Lauer is representing the 20-year-old man and said, it will develop down the road as to exactly what happened here, but that his client is remorseful. Police were called May 8 after a worker discovered extensive damage inside the two-story commercial building, police said. The worker was last at the property April 26, and there was no damage then, police said. Inside officers said they found graffiti throughout the building, including the n-word, several swastikas, profanity and two sets of initials. Fire extinguishers were sprayed inside the building, emergency lights and exit signs were broken, and several drop celling panels were damaged, police said. The total cost to repair the damages was $51,500, according to police. Nearby surveillance cameras recorded four people going into the building on April 28, three males and a woman, police said. The two men from Pen Argyl were identified as part of the group from that night, authorities said, and the 18-year-old was seen going back into the building on April 29. The woman was identified, but a search of online court records did not show criminal charges filed against her. In an interview with police, the 18-year-old said two other teens went into the building with him on separate occasions, court records say. The man reportedly admitted entering the building several times, breaking items, spraying fire extinguishers, and spray-painting the graffiti, records say. In an interview with police, the man and the woman reportedly said the 18-year-old told them about the property, and he was breaking and damaging items inside. Our journalism needs your support. Please subscribe today to lehighvalleylive.com. Sarah Cassi may be reached at scassi@lehighvalleylive.com. Authorities have identified the Phillipsburg man who drowned Sunday while trying to swim across the Delaware River between Easton and Phillipsburg. Sandoval Bustamante Ronme was pulled from the water Sunday afternoon and was pronounced dead at St. Lukes Hospital-Easton Campus in Wilson Borough, Warren County Prosecutor James Pfeiffer said. An investigation confirmed no foul play was involved in his death, Pfeiffer said. Ronme was with a large group of people on the New Jersey side of the river when he said he wanted to swim to the Pennsylvania side, Pfeiffer previously told lehighvalleylive.com. He made it to the middle of the river when he called out for help, went under and did not resurface, Pfeiffer said. Crews from the Phillipsburg and Easton fire departments and Pennsylvania Water Rescue Station 72 were dispatched to search the water near McKeen and Howard streets in Phillipsburg. Pfeiffer said a private boater located Ronme, who was submerged in seven feet of water, Pfeiffer said. Pennsylvania Water Rescue removed the body and it was turned over to the Warren County medical examiner. With summer approaching, the Warren County Prosecutors office urges the community not to attempt to swim in or across the Delaware River, Pfeiffer said in a news release. Officials have repeatedly warned people to wear to U.S. Coast Guard-approved life jacket while swimming, floating, fishing, or boating in the Delaware River, citing the rivers strong and swift current and varying depths. Our journalism needs your support. Please subscribe today to lehighvalleylive.com. 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. Daniel Penny, the white man who put Jordan Neely, a homeless Black man, in a chokehold on a New York City subway train was indicted by a grand jury Wednesday in connection with his death, a spokesperson for the Manhattan District Attorneys Office confirmed Thursday. A grand jury has returned a true bill in the case against Daniel Penny, Doug Cohen, a District Attorney spokesperson, said. We cannot comment further until the arraignment takes place. Last month, officials charged the 24-year-old Marine vet with second-degree manslaughter in the incident, which was caught on video. He faces up to 15 years in prison if convicted. The Manhattan Medical Examiner previously ruled Neelys death a homicide. In a video released by Pennys lawyers this week, Penny said that Neely repeated three threats over and over again: Im going to kill you. Im prepared to go to jail for life. Im willing to die. I was scared for myself, Penny claimed. But I looked around, I saw women and children. He was yelling in their faces saying these threats. I couldnt just sit still, Penny said. Police officials previously told news outlets that he wasnt violent toward passengers. On May 1, Neely boarded a northbound Manhattan subway F train. According to witnesses, Neely began asking for food and water and said that he didnt care if he died. He soon encountered Penny. In footage of the incident taken that day by freelance journalist Juan Alberto Vazquez, Neely is seen laying on the train floor, with Penny on top of him holding him in a chokehold as two other unknown passengers attempt to restrain him. Video showed the incident lasting two minutes and 55 seconds. Penny disagreed with the way the incident has been characterized publicly. Some people say that I was holding onto Mr. Neely for 15 minutes, he said. This is not true. The whole interaction [was] less than five minutes. Steven Raiser, an attorney defending Penny told reporters that, While we respect the decision of the grand jury to move this case forward to trial, it should be noted that the standard of proof in a grand jury is very low and there has been no finding of wrongdoing, he said, adding that his office would aggressively defend his client. Were confident that when a trial jury is tasked with weighing the evidence, they will find Daniel Pennys action on that train were fully justified. Raiser did not respond to Reckons request for comment. Attorneys for 30-year-old Neelys family released a statement to reporters after the indictment saying that Penny did not have the right to be the judge, jury and executioner. Neelys death spurred protests across the city, resulting in multiple people being arrested. Activists seized the moment by advocating for mental health reform and demanding that the city provide services for vulnerable homeless individuals. In a written statement posted to their website, the Corporation for Supportive Housing, which is headquartered in New York City, challenged the state of affordable housing across the city. We are horrified and saddened by the fact that one of our neighbors was attacked and killed so publicly without a single person coming to his aid, the statement reads. It forces us to ask the question of how our society, time and time again, has failed people like Mr. Neely for whom affordable housing and mental health services have remained unattainable. Earlier in his life, Neely was known for his Michael Jackson impersonations in Times Square and on subway trains. Speaking to ABC News last month, his great-aunt, Mildred Mahazu, described him as a very, very sweet person. He liked to be loved and he loved people, she said. Showers and thunderstorms may punctuate parts of the weekend, potentially impacting plans for Juneteenth and Fathers Day. But first, Thursday will provide a sunny break from this weeks periods of rain and thunder the first significant rain the area has seen in more than a month. After recording just a quarter-inch of precipitation in May, measurements at Lehigh Valley International Airport just this week now total 1.4 inches from rain on Monday and Wednesday. Other areas likely recorded more with localized downpours but LVIA is considered official for the region. Even with this weeks rain, the airport is still about 3.5 inches below normal on the year. Some Canadian wildfire smoke will return to Pennsylvania skies, but unlike last week, it will stay high aloft, according to Lehigh Valley-based EPAWA Weather Consulting. That may make for some hazy, vibrant sunsets, but nothing more. No local air quality alerts have been issued. Good morning! A nice day is ahead with temperatures right around seasonal averages for mid-June. Our attention turns to Friday, which brings the next chance for severe weather. Stay up to date with the latest forecast: https://t.co/LgidMZaLEV #NJwx #PAwx #MDwx #DEwx pic.twitter.com/PATARy4qgH NWS Mount Holly (@NWS_MountHolly) June 15, 2023 The chance of strong storms returns Friday. The National Weather Service projects potential wind and hail, though most severe weather is expected to the south of our area. More wet weather may be in store Saturday, which could put a damper on Juneteenth Lehigh Valleys music festival at SteelStacks. The weather service says there will be less of a threat of severe weather, but showers and a few thunderstorms may pop up especially in the afternoon. Temperatures will be cooler in the 70s under cloudy skies. It should be drier for Fathers Day on Sunday. EPAWA says it will be clear and sunny, though the weather service cautions a passing shower or thunderstorm is possible. Temperatures will warm into the low to mid 80s. The weather service forecast is less certain going into next week. Each day could see some showers or thunderstorms. The National Weather Service outlook for Monday, when Juneteenth Lehigh Valley plans its first-ever parade in Easton, at least calls seasonable temperatures. The rest of the week may be cooler. Current weather radar Our journalism needs your support. Please subscribe today to lehighvalleylive.com. Steve Novak may be reached at snovak@lehighvalleylive.com. A judge has declined to grant orders directing Gardai to arrest and bring unknown persons before the High Court over their alleged failure to vacate and cease interfering with a Dublin property owned by a charitable housing association. Mr Justice Rory Mulcahy had previously granted an injunction preventing the defendants, believed to be persons seeking international protection from trespassing on and occupying a Dublin city property belonging to The Cabhru Housing Association. The property is located at James McSweeney House, Berkeley Street, Dublin 7 On Wednesday, after being told the injunction was not being complied with, Mr Justice Mulcahy said that he was not granting Cabhru orders to attach and potentially commit those in contempt of the orders previously granted. This he said was due to a lack of evidence before the court about the identities of the persons on the property. He was not satisfied that all of those alleged to be in occupation have been made aware of the orders to vacate the premises previously made by the court. Additional efforts must be made to ascertain the identities of those on the property, and that those persons be properly served with the proceedings before the orders sought could be granted, the judge said. The judge accepted that the order he granted last month must be complied with, and said Cabhru, which provides housing for older persons, can renew their application to attach and potentially commit to prison those allegedly in breach of the injunction at a later date. The judge said he fully accepted that Cabhru, which wants to redevelop the property into units for older persons, had brought the proceedings as a last resort. The matter will return before the court next week. Seeking the orders, barrister Andrew Whelan Bl for Cabhru said that his client has been unable to gain access to the premises since May 12th last, after persons unknown barricaded themselves into the building. Counsel said that when the orders were first sought it was believed that up to 53 people were in the building. Counsel said that since the injunction was granted, that number has been reduced but added that 23 people are understood to remain on the premises, in contempt of the injunction. Counsel said that while his client cannot gain entry, many other persons have been seen "coming and going" from the property. Counsel said that efforts have been made to serve all of the persons with notice of the High Court proceedings, and the injunction granted by the court. Those documents have been provided in languages including Arabic, French, Spanish and Farsi, counsel added. However, the building remains occupied counsel, leaving his client with no option other than to come to court and seek orders for the attachment and committal of those persons allegedly in contempt. "My client is not a vulture fund, nor a property speculator, it is a charity that wishes to convert the building into housing for the elderly," counsel said. Counsel said while Cabhru has every sympathy for homeless persons, particularly those who are seeking international protection, it was not his client's role to provide them with accommodation. The CEO of Streetlink Homeless Support, Mr Padraig Drummond who is not a party to the action but is aware of the situation said that State representatives have been given access to the property to help those seeking accommodation. However, he did not know if Cabhru's representatives would be given access to the building. Mr Drummond, who was described by Mr Justice Mulcahy as being of assistance to the court in the matter, added that overall, there has been a lack of communication with the state representatives and the occupants who are seeking international protection. In its action, Cabhru claims the property is owned by the association and it has been vacant since April 2021. It was intended to demolish the building this year and start construction next year. Planning permission has been granted for a 35-unit complex, and the charity intends to demolish the existing building and start construction work next year. The occupant's actions have delayed the project, it is claimed. Cabhru had made the property secure, disconnected water, gas and electricity with the only connection being to an alarm system. It was also boarded up and a security company was engaged to call to the property three times a week. It claims that on May 12 last, the alarm was triggered after persons, who have no right to be there, broke in. It claims that following the occupation the electrical supply has been tampered with, and a fire alarm system has been interfered with. This has resulted in Cabhru seeking injunctions to have the property vacated and bring an end to the alleged interference with its representatives from gaining access. Irish Rail has apologised to a pensioner who had to stand and eventually sit on the floor of a train to and from Dublin. The pensioner who wishes to remain anonymous had gone to Dublin to undergo a medical procedure on his face. He was unable to get a seat when he boarded the train in Tullamore along with his Carer. On his way back from Dublin following his hospital visit his face was heavily bandaged. However, once again he could find no seat and ended up sitting on the floor of the train between carriages. He had to get up and down when people were passing. Offaly County Councillor Declan Harvey said he was furious over the matter and said it was a very poor indictment on Irish Rail and those able bodied who didn't offer him their seat. A spokesperson for Irish Rail has said, ''firstly I would like to apologise to this customer for any distress caused.There was an onboard customer service officer on the service from Tullamore to Dublin and they would have been very happy to help this person to find his seat. On the return journey the service did not have an onboard customer service officer, but this service did not have many bookings and there would have been ample seats available.'' Cllr Harvey said there didn't seem to be any CSO (Customer Services Officer) around to help him. ''Irish Rail shouldn't be selling tickets if the train is booked out, or they should at least inform people the train is booked and they may have to stand. Other than that they should put on extra carriages. My biggest concern is, it is a health and safety matter, nowhere else are you allowed to have overcrowding. That man had to stand the whole way down and his face all bandaged up. Some of the staff should have seen this man and put him into priority seating or someone could have at least offered him a seat,'' fumed Cllr Harvey. ''Irish Rail need extra carriages at busier times of the day. They should advertise that all the seats are sold and there is standing room only. I have been on to Irish Rail to express our concerns," he said. The councillor added that he has contacted the relevant Minister's office and would inform Laois Offaly TD Barry Cowen of the situation. Local business are being invited to an information session on the future Portlaoise Energy Master Plan, hosted by Laois County Council in collaboration with Laois Chamber Alliance. The Council and Chamber are inviting businesses from Portlaoise and surrounding areas to learn more about the Portlaoise Energy Master Plan and to have their say. Attendees will have the opportunity to learn more about making their respective businesses greener and more sustainable. The event will take place in the Midlands Park Hotel, Portlaoise, on Thursday, June 22 from 6pm to 7.30pm. Speaking about the event, Caroline Hofman, on behalf of Laois Chamber Alliance said, We are delighted to be joined by members of Laois County Councils Climate Action Team, the Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland (SEAI), and Local Enterprise Office Laois to discuss the future Portlaoise Energy Master Plan and how businesses can become greener and more sustainable as we all work towards our climate targets. With Portlaoise designated Irelands first Low Carbon Town, this is an excellent opportunity for us to become leaders in this area and act as a demonstrator town both in Ireland and internationally. This will also set us apart in terms of targeting companies with a sustainability focus to invest in Laois. This will be a very informative event, and we want to hear from businesses in the area to help shape the development of the Master Plan. The Energy Master Plan will look at improving energy efficiency and reducing energy usage in Portlaoise, as well as looking at potential projects to benefit the decarbonisation and sustainability of the town. Suzanne Dempsey, Climate Action Coordinator, Laois County Council added, By actively participating in the consultation for Sustainable Energy Community and contributing to the development of the Energy Master Plan for Portlaoise, businesses in Portlaoise are not only shaping a sustainable future, but also positioning themselves at the forefront of innovation and progress. Their involvement in this vital process will serve as a catalyst for the Portlaoise Low Carbon Town project, creating a resilient and thriving community that embraces a sustainable future and fosters economic growth." This event is open to all businesses in Portlaoise and surrounding areas, but registration is essential as places are limited. Please e-mail caroline@laoischamber.ie to confirm a place. A proposal to create another new primary school in Portlaoise to meet urgent demands, has been rejected by the Department of Education, at least for several more years. Instead prefab classrooms are to again become a norm for the towns schoolchildren. Portlaoise's rapid growth has meant that the town's six recently built mainstream primary schools are now mostly full to capacity, with waiting lists of up to several years to get children in. Many children are bussed to rural primary schools outside the town. The town's population has more than doubled in 15 years, shooting up from 11,000 in 2006 to over 25,000 according to the 2022 Census, making Portlaoise now the most populated town in the Midlands overtaking Athlone. It also has the highest percentage of people aged under 18 in Ireland. Recognising that demand, Laois Offaly Education & Training Board recently contacted the Department of Education to suggest the need for a new primary school. However the Department does not accept the idea. Laois Offaly Education & Training Board's Chief Executive Joe Cunningham has confirmed this to the Leinster Express / Laois Live. "LOETB sent correspondence to the Dept. of Education highlighting the shortage of primary school places in Portlaoise and the need for consideration of an additional primary school to meet the long-term educational needs of the town and catchment area. "We were informed by the Dept. that they are keeping the situation under review but plan to manage the situation in the short-term through additional accommodation at existing schools," Mr Cunningham said. Cllr Caroline Dwane Stanley had first revealed the rejection at the May council meeting. "We were all at the LOETB meeting, and were given stark figures with up to 200 in Portlaoise on a waiting list for primary schools. People are going to have to send children outside the town. "I know that the LOETB put forward a proposal for another primary school and the department basically saying the overflow can be taken outside the town. Children from the estate across from the Holy Family schools are getting on a bus every day to go to Stradbally and that's full up now. Unfortunately this was knocked by the department," she said. Cllr Willie Aird said it is "very wrong". "One of our duties is to have accommodation for schools in our area. I know the LOETB identified a site. We need four to six prefabs to link in with schools. An emergency is an emergency until we get the school built. We need to talk to our planning section and identify a site that is ideal. Everybody has to put their shoulder to the wheel in a crisis," he said. Last April, Portlaoise Municipal District wrote to the Department of Education, on foot of a motion by Cllr Catherine Fitzgerald. It asked the department to visit Portlaoise, meet local representatives and reps from the local primary schools, to "discuss the serious shortage of school places". Tens of millions have already been spent by the Department of Education, building new schools in Portlaoise as the population exploded over the past 20 years. LOETB is patron of two modern secondary schools in Portlaoise; Portlaoise College and the town's newest school; Dunamase College /Colaiste Dhun Masc which is awaiting its first permanent building. Portlaoise has two further secondary schools, Scoil Chriost Ri and St Mary's CBS, also rebuilt to sharing a multi-million campus in the past 20 years. The town's primary schools include Holy Family Junior and Senior Schools, Scoil Bhride NS Knockmay, Portlaoise Educate Together NS, Gaelscoil Phort Laoise and Maryborough NS. The new St Francis Special School for small children up to adulthood is already oversubscribed and requiring extensions, while a new school for children with more profound disabilities, Kolbe Special School is starting construction in the coming months. Young Laois workers hoping to buy their own homes have to be earning over 50,000 a year to qualify for the new affordable house purchase scheme. Laois County Council is reviving the Affordable Dwelling scheme, lost since the Celtic Tiger, that offers a discount price to first time and fresh start homebuyers of brand new houses and apartments. It is aimed at helping people whose mortgage and deposit still leave a shortfall on the cost of the house. The council effectively buys part of the house along with the buyer, taking an equity share. The buyer then pays back that loan as well as their mortgage loan. However so far the council has almost no houses in the pipeline, and only people earning over 50k can qualify. It's "absolutely crazy" and shows a lack of common sense in Government, say Laois councillors. Cllr Caroline Dwane Stanley is chair of the Housing Strategic Policy Committee who first viewed the proposed scheme for the county. She believes it will leave out middle earners with salaries between 35,000 and 50,000. Anybody earning under 35,000 now qualifies for social housing in Laois. "The cohort of 35,000 to 50,000 there is nothing there for them. It's absolutely crazy. This scheme is set down by the department. We're stuck with it. If you're earning 50,000 I still see problems because of the gap between the cost and what you're allowed to borrow. Options are very limited. They are all saying the cost rental scheme is not effective outside Dublin. "I welcome any sort of scheme but i do have my concerns. Here in Portlaoise the latest lot of new builds are costing around 330,000. With this scheme you can only take a maximum of 270,000. People will find themselves with a gap of at least 60,000. Then they have to come up with a deposit of 20,000. That will be a deterrent for some," she said. "It targets those with incomes above 50,000. Unfortunately it's only on new builds. You can't buy a secondhand house but they are on sale for 250,000," she said. She also is concerned that the application process is only online, which could affect those with "literacy issues". Cllr Willie Aird said that if it leaves out people earning over 35k and less and 50k, "it's not affordable so". He said it will also leave out people who want to buy in Portlaoise, where houses are more expensive. "If the only place these houses can be built is Ballyroan and Abbeyleix, anybody in the Portlaoise area that can't make the housing list is game over," he said. Cllr Catherine Fitzgerald said it will at least help the people who earn between 50,000 and 70,000. "It's not for people earning between 35,000 to 50,000. We have to accept it for those who do qualify. but we have to increase the threshold for the housing list. People can't even afford serviced sites," she said. "Despite the housing crisis we haven't learned. This red tape is just not working. Make it affordable for people over the social housing income threshold. it's common sense and they obviously haven't got it," said Cllr Ollie Clooney. Angela McEvoy is the Director of Services for Housing. "One unit is gone to the Department, there is no decision yet. There have been a good number of expressions of interest from developers. We are assessing them all. We are trying to get a mix of housing. We have a target of 38 but that is very much a minimum. We are trying to advance the Tyrrells Land site and have an affordable scheme there," she said. In May the councillors approved the document setting out how applicants will be prioritised if it is oversubscribed. Those include their income and savings, the suitability of the property for the buyer, and residency in Ireland. Ms McEvoy said that the online process "doesn't seem to be an obstacle" in other counties with the scheme up and running. She added that applicants are welcome to come in to the council for advice on making their application. Ms McEvoy also said that there are other options to getting a home, including buying a serviced site, or buying a vacant house that the council has bought by compulsory purchase order. "This is a subsidy for people earning a minimum of 50,000 but if there is a business case to go higher to 75,000, we will make it. that will lower the cost of the house, but we will make the most of the subsidey we can avail of," the director said. People with disabilities and the older population in Laois can access some 1.3 million in new funding given to the council for housing adaptations. During May, Laois County Council received 1,137,150 from the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage, to give out in grants for Housing Adaptation Grants for Older People and People with A Disability scheme. The council also received 576,990 from the same department, for the Disabled Persons Grant and Works in lieu. It will add 64,110 from its own resources to that pot of funding for social housing works such as wheelchair ramps. Laois County Council CEO John Mulholland drew attention to the figures, at the May meeting. In all he notes, "grant notifications in excess of 3 million were received". They also include over 1 million for the Community Recognition Fund, 54,000 for minor flood works, 82,744 for anti-dumping initiatives, 83,035 for the local biodiversity action fund, and 75,000 from the Department of Health for Healthy Ireland scheme. By the end of April 2023, there were 11 new application made for the disabled persons grant for social housing to the council. The public can make queries to housinggrants@laoiscoco.ie ABOVE: Bernard Capraro (EU Talent Development Programme Manager, Intel), James Petri (Student -BSc Robotics and Intelligent Devices, Maynooth University), Heather Bruen (Student - BSc Robotics and Intelligent Devices, Maynooth University, Allan Stewart (Area Manager, Intel). The Maynooth University Foundation is delighted to announce the creation of a state-of-the-art robotics lab, which will be supported by a donation from Intel Ireland. The lab will provide MU students with invaluable hands-on learning experiences using cutting-edge robotic technologies. The establishment of the robotics lab at a total cost of 150,000 will equip Maynooth University students with access to innovative robotic technologies and equipment used by engineers from Intel and other companies. This hands-on experience will enable them to bridge the gap between classroom learning and real-world application, empowering them to develop and refine their skills in robotics. The new robotics lab is set to become a hub of innovation, where students can explore and experiment with robotics, pushing the boundaries of technology and unlocking new possibilities. This new lab will support students in MUs current degree programmes in Robotics and Intelligent Devices, Electronic Engineering and Computer Science. The gift from Intel is coupled with an investment from the University, demonstrating the power of public-private partnerships to fuel innovation and improve student learning experiences. The establishment of the robotics lab further strengthens the ties between Intel and Maynooth University. Dave Selkirk, the Director of Advanced Analytics MSO Automation at Intel Ireland, said: We are very proud of our close partnership with Maynooth University, a close neighbour of ours here in North Kildare. The development of key infrastructure in the area of robotics will provide an important opportunity for students to gain practical experience in an evolving technology field that has massive potential in Advanced High-Volume Manufacturing. Vice-President External Affairs at Maynooth University Rebecca Doolin said: "We are tremendously grateful to our neighbour and partner Intel for supporting the development of a new robotics lab, which will give Maynooth students hands-on learning opportunities to work with the same robots Intel engineers down the road are using, bringing their classroom learning to life." Doolin noted a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) signed by Maynooth University and Intel in 2019, and its significance in creating a strategic research and innovation partnership. Over the years, Maynooth University has developed a strong partnership with Intel that has fostered collaboration in various areas, including student skills and experiences, research, innovation, and community engagement. As neighbours in a vibrant and fast-growing region of Ireland, today's announcement not only deepens the ties between Intel and MU, but also demonstrates the positive impacts on student learning and innovation that such partnerships can yield. Prof Gerry Lacey, Head of Engineering at Maynooth University, said: Robotics and AI are creating new industries, making agriculture more sustainable and revolutionising transportation. We are excited that Intels support will help our students to become leaders in creating this new future. By Jessica Magee A man who assaulted five bus passengers in a series of unprovoked attacks on the C4 bus route from Dublin to Celbridge has been jailed for two years at Dublin Circuit Criminal Court. Jaroslow Kilian (39) of Cloverhill Prison, Dublin, was the subject of a deportation order and should not have been in Ireland when he randomly attacked several bus passengers last August 21. At a hearing today, the court heard he slapped, punched and kicked several passengers, causing concussion to two people and lasting PTSD to a woman, before threatening to kill gardai, who arrived to arrest him. Kilian pleaded guilty to two counts of assault causing harm and one count of assault, with a further three counts taken into consideration after the driver of the bus pulled over at the entrance to the Western Aerodrome on Celbridge Road in Lucan on the day in question. One of the victims, who was punched full force in the face by Kilian after she tried to hide from him, continues to suffer from post-traumatic stress disorder and remains afraid to leave her house. In a victim impact statement read out on her behalf, the woman said the attack has changed her life, and she can no longer use public transport. I have lost my confidence. I have constant nightmares, panic attacks, anxiety attacks and headaches. PTSD is ruining my mind, said the woman. Kilian, a Polish national who suffers from schizophrenia, was highly intoxicated on the day, the court heard. On his arrest at the scene, Kilian told gardai his name was "James Bond" and gave his address as The General Office, Underground. He had been the subject of an exclusion order issued by the Minister for Justice and deported in December 2021 but returned illegally to Ireland two months later in February 2022. He wasnt supposed to be in Ireland. He shouldnt have been on the bus, said Judge Orla Crowe, noting that Kilian could not have been unaware that he was the subject of an exclusion order. Judge Crowe said the whole series of events had been utterly unprovoked and unnecessary and that each attack represented a very serious violation of personal autonomy. She said Kilian had been misbehaving from the off by making inappropriate sexual remarks to girls on the bus and noted the very serious and lasting impact of the attack on the woman who made a victim impact statement. He constituted a real threat to public safety and public order, said Judge Crowe. She set a headline sentence of three years but reduced this on account of mitigating factors, including Kilians severe and enduring mental illness, for which he is now being treated. The court heard that Kilian wrote a short letter of apology to the victims and another to the court, which he disrupted during a previous appearance. The sentence was backdated to 27 August last, when Kilian went into custody. Garda Michael Russell told Shaun Smyth BL, prosecuting, that the accused man got onto the bus at Aston Quay in Dublin. He was heard talking loudly on the phone and making vulgar remarks to female passengers before he started to slap and punch an Asian man sitting at the back of the bus, culminating in a loud crunch. This victim left his seat and got off the bus he has not been identified by gardai. An Irishman then got on the bus and sat beside Kilian before seeming to become afraid and attempting to leave his seat. The accused then punched this man down the stairs, then pulled him back up and forced him to sit at the front. This victim was also not identified. Mr Danesh Ramesh, another passenger, became concerned for his girlfriend as Kilian approached her and told her to go downstairs. As Mr Ramesh tried to follow her, Kilian kicked him in the back of his head, causing him to lose his balance, fall down the stairs and hit his head. Mr Ramesh didnt give a victim impact statement but told gardai he felt very afraid and in pain. The court heard he suffered a concussion and blurred vision, for which he attended Connolly Memorial Hospital. The bus driver then pulled over at Mr Rameshs request and called the guards. The driver also opened all the doors to allow passengers to alight for their safety. Kilian then indiscriminately approached various passengers challenging them to fight, hitting one man. A woman who was one of the last passengers to get off tried to hide from Kilian, but he came straight up to her and punched her full force in the nose and forehead, knocking her to the ground. She passed out and later told gardai she felt her head was going to come off her shoulders. One witness said the punch was so powerful that everyone heard it, and the woman had fallen straight to the floor. Another victim saw Kilian demanding that two young girls give him their phones and intervened, telling him to go home. Kilian responded by grabbing two of the fixed bars on the bus and kicking this man hard in the stomach. When this victim got off the bus, Kilian punched him hard in the nose. Garda Russell said Kilian was aggressive and evidently intoxicated when they arrived, shouting and showing closed fists. He immediately charged at two gardai, necessitating the use of force to bring him down. On his arrest and while being restrained, Kilian said: I will kill you guys. I will break you fuckers. I will kill all of you. I will beat all of you on this bus. He has 27 previous convictions in this jurisdiction, including drugs and theft offences, assault, criminal damage and possession of stolen property. Kevin McCrave BL, defending, said Kilian was assessed and treated for schizophrenia while in custody in 2021 but that it took some time to find the correct medication for him. Mr McCrave said his client tended to take medication for a time and then, when he felt better, would stop taking it as he felt he didnt need it. Counsel said Killian identified himself as Jesus Christ when presenting himself to the hospital last year. Kilian has been on the correct medication since last November, the court heard. Counsel said Kilian instructed that he had been taking a selfie with a man on the bus when the man touched him, and he became violent. He said his client had come to Ireland in 2005 and had worked as a chef in many places, including in Tipperary and the Guinness Hop Store. Kilian has expressed genuine remorse and understands not to take alcohol or drugs which seem to trigger his offending, the court heard. The sentence was backdated to August 27 last, when Kilian was taken into custody on this matter. Contract cleaning and security workers are demanding receipt of a pandemic recognition payment of 1,000 euro which was announced for eligible frontline health and ambulance workers. SIPTU members working in contract cleaning and security across Ireland held protests outside hospitals in Limerick, Dublin, and Galway to mark International Day of Justice for Cleaners and Security Guards. Contract cleaner and SIPTU shop steward Lorraine Clinch from Dublin said: We were promised this over a year-and-a-half ago, and we are still fighting to get it. Now: Our #ForgottenFrontlineHeroes outside Beaumont Hospital demanding Taoiseach @LeoVaradkar makes sure hospital cleaners are paid their 1000 pandemic recognition payment. Over a year and still left waiting! Unacceptable!#BuildingJustice #IJD2023 #SummerofSolidarity pic.twitter.com/BLvJCMuyo4 SIPTU (@SIPTU) June 15, 2023 We are the forgotten workers on the front line. We never missed a day during the pandemic and made sure that hospitals kept running. It is just not fair that some people get it and others dont. We were all in the same boat during the pandemic. We were the ones that came into work every day with no PPE or vaccinations, and we kept the hospitals going. We want what we are owed. Security worker and SIPTU member in Galway Pat Monahan said: After 18 months, we are still waiting for our 1,000 euro, while all my colleagues around me received theirs. It is so frustrating. As essential frontline health workers, we put our lives at risk during the pandemic, and to still not have received this recognition is beyond insulting. SIPTU services divisional organiser Teresa Hannick said: We are calling on Leo Varadkar to look after his fellow healthcare workers that he championed all through the pandemic. These workers need this payment by any means necessary. Its not rocket science. The demands were supported by Labour Party workers rights spokeswoman Marie Sherlock. She said it was shameful that many cleaners, catering, security and other staff in public hospitals had yet to receive their pandemic bonus payment. The utter disregard of Fine Gael, Fianna Fail and the Green Party towards low-paid workers is outrageous, she said. It took 11 months after the pandemic payment was first announced in January 2022 to confirm that these workers would get the payment. Since last November, these workers have been waiting and have got nothing. She said the delay was a massive failure of leadership and shows utter disrespect towards low-paid workers. Teagasc welcomed the announcement by the Royal Dublin Society that the winner of the 2023 RDS Teagasc Farm Forestry Award is Ballinamore farmer Sean Creamer. Sean Creamer was presented with his award in Dublin on, Wednesday, June 7, by Minister of State at the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine, Pippa Hackett and Dr Stan Lalor, Teagasc Director of Knowledge Transfer. Farming full-time on 53 hectares in Ballinamore, Co 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 RD 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, 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. IFA Farm Business Chair Rose Mary McDonagh is appealing to farm families in Leitrim to be extra vigilant with their data in the face of online scams. I would ask everyone to ensure they double check that who they are dealing with or making payments to are who they say they are; and not to reply to unsolicited text, calls or emails. Online scams are one of the frequent ways for scammers to acquire peoples money and McDonagh said the large increase in financial frauds and scams is very concerning. Recent reports of the explosion in the number of financial frauds is extremely worrying. The latest data from An Garda Siochana shows an increase of 560% in the number of bank accounts taken over by fraudsters since before the pandemic, she said. The IFA Farm Business Chair continued, the number of phishing frauds, whereby a person is contacted by text, email or phone call and inadvertently reveals sensitive data about their bank account, credit card or passwords has also increased by over 400% in the same period. An Garda Siochana have to be fully resourced to catch and stop these fraudsters and financial institutions should assess their systems to have them as robust as possible to deter fraudsters, she concluded. The IFA is Ireland's largest farming rpresentative organisation - protecting and defending the interests of Irish farmers in all sectors for more than 65 years. Taoiseach Leo Varadkar said he has the full support of the Fine Gael parliamentary party, which he intends to lead into the next general election, as media reports suggested some members are unhappy with him continuing as leader. Asked what he would say to Fine Gael members criticising his leadership in the media, Mr Varadkar said Irish people want politicians to focus on their concerns. Speaking to reporters in Mayo, the Taoiseach said: We had a really good parliamentary party meeting last night and confirmed my view that I have the support of the overwhelming majority of my parliamentary party. And Ill be leading from the front with absolute energy and absolute commitment. Mr Varadkar said his party will focus on building more houses, helping families with the cost of living and investing in all regions of Ireland. My focus isnt actually on party politics, its on leading the government. And the most important thing that we can do as a government is to concentrate not on party issues but on the things that concern people. Mr Varadkar was asked about the latest Irish Times/Ipsos poll which showed Fine Gael has lost four points, dropping to 18% for only the second time this millennium. He said: Look, sure, polls go up and they go down. We are probably back to where we were this time last year. We bounced back from that, well bounce back again. The same poll showed a 3% rise to 21% for Fianna Fail. Speaking elsewhere on the matter, Fianna Fail leader and Tanaiste Micheal Martin said he is not a short-termist. I dont really pay much heed to polling and polls and I dont allow myself to get fixated on them because I think it can disrupt the government of the day, he said. We should stay focused on the issues that matter to people. Mr Martin also said he will contend the next general election as leader of his party after being asked if he will put his name forward for an EU Commissioner role. Asked if he is ruling out running for that role or for the office of president, Mr Martin said: I know its a summers day but theres other issues. Ive been tipped for a lot of things and its amazing back to polling what can change in terms of what Im tipped for from time to time, so I dont take it too seriously. Guatemalan journalist Jose Ruben Zamora, president of the newspaper El Periodico, leaves after a Guatemalan court sentenced him to six years in prison on money-laundering charges, at the Palace of Justice in Guatemala City on June 14, 2023. JOHAN ORDONEZ / AFP A Guatemalan court on Wednesday sentenced the founder of a newspaper critical of the government to six years in prison on charges of money-laundering, in a trial denounced by press freedom groups. Judge Otto Valvert ruled that the sentence against Jose Ruben Zamora Marroquin cannot be commuted. He also fined Zamora $37,500, the amount he is accused of having extorted from businessmen in exchange for not publishing damaging information about them in El Periodico, his newspaper, which was shut down last month after nearly three decades in operation. Both the prosecution, which had sought a jail term of 40 years, and Zamora said they would appeal. Zamora, 66, denies the charges against him. On Wednesday, he accused the justice system of violating his rights and denounced President Alejandro Giammattei as "a thief." Zamora has already been behind bars for nearly 11 months awaiting trial in a case media organizations say amounted to an attack on freedom of expression. The trial took place amid a broader clampdown on government detractors in several spheres in the run-up to presidential elections later this month. Read more In Guatemala, Court excludes favorite from presidential race "Zamora's case represents one more step towards the consolidation of a dictatorship. The rule of law is broken," Ana Maria Mendez with Latin America rights group WOLA said on Twitter. The special rapporteur for freedom of expression at the Inter-American Commission on Human Rights, Pedro Vaca said several journalists who have covered Zamora's case are being investigated. "Reports of fear and self-censorship of the press in Guatemala happen daily," Vaca said. 'Criminal persecution' Zamora was arrested last July on charges of money laundering, blackmail and influence peddling, though found guilty only of the first accusation. Arriving at court in handcuffs for sentencing, Zamora told reporters his wife Minayu Marroquin had left Guatemala on Tuesday for fear of being arrested herself, joining their exiled son in the United States. Zamora says the money he is accused of extorting came from the sale of a work of art to finance the newspaper, which was dragged into financial straits by his arrest. Zamora, who has won international awards for his paper's investigative journalism, accuses Giammattei and Attorney General Consuelo Porras of trying to silence him for bringing government corruption to light. Read more Article reserve a nos abonnes Guatemala: Anger over environmental activist's murder and botched police investigation Human Rights Watch has warned that Guatemala is about to "extinguish" press freedoms, while the Inter American Press Association has denounced the case against El Periodico as a "witch hunt." The United States has also expressed concern, saying the government in Guatemala was "criminalizing the work of journalists and civil society." Washington has added Porras to a list of "corrupt actors" for hampering and then firing an anti-mafia prosecutor. Founded in 1996, El Periodico closed last month, citing "criminal persecution and economic pressure." Its journalists and columnists are also under investigation and several have fled Guatemala. It is not just the media under fire in the Central American country. A number of former anti-corruption prosecutors have been arrested along with members of the International Commission Against Impunity in Guatemala (CICIG), a UN-backed entity that helped unearth several graft scandals. It was closed by the government in 2019. Many former prosecutors are in exile today, claiming to be the victims of persecution and revenge for the work they did. Edmond Mulet, a leading candidate ahead of June 25 presidential elections, recently told AFP he believed Guatemala was "slowly sliding into an authoritarian model." "I'm not saying dictatorship for now, but yes, authoritarian, in the model of Nicaragua, for example," he said. Guatemala's courts have disqualified the three top contenders in the presidential race. Finnish Prime Minister-designate Petteri Orpo in Helsinki, Finland, Sunday, April 2, 2023. ANTTI AIMO-KOIVISTO / AP Finland's conservative leader and Prime Minister-designate Petteri Orpo said Thursday, June 15, a four-party coalition including the far-right Finns Party had agreed to form a government over two months after elections. Besides the Finns Party, which secured second place in April's general election, Orpo's coalition includes the smaller Swedish People's Party (RKP) and Christian Democrats. The four parties hold 108 seats out of 200 in parliament. Formal talks opened on May 2 between Orpo's National Coalition Party and the three other groups. "I am proud of the good program and the result of the negotiations. All the issues have been resolved," Orpo told reporters in Helsinki at a press conference with the three other party leaders. Read more Article reserve a nos abonnes Finland's far right is about to enter the government on its own terms Orpo, whose main election goal was to cut spending by six billion euros, said the details of the government's program would be revealed on Friday. Tumultuous negotiations The negotiations to form a government, which in Finland usually take about one month, proved to be challenging on the topics of development aid, immigration, and the climate, where the Finns Party clashed in particular with the RKP. Sceptical about Finland's climate targets, the Finns Party campaigned for a hard line on immigration. But the RKP sees immigration as vital in combatting Finland's aging population. During the tumultuous negotiations, the Finns Party threatened to withdraw from the discussions in May following the clashes with RKP. "We have disagreed on some things and I'm sure we still have disagreements, but what unites us is that we want to put Finland in order," Orpo said. The Finns Party served in a center-right government with the conservative National Coalition Party from 2015 to 2017. That collaboration ended when the Finns Party split into two groups a moderate and a hard-line faction. Currently, only the hard-liners remain in parliament, having become the second-largest party in the 2019 election. Read more Outgoing Finnish PM Marin steps down as party leader In the April elections, the incumbent Social Democrats led by outgoing Prime Minister Sanna Marin fell to third place with 43 seats, behind Orpo's party with 48 seats and the far-right with 46. Glenda Jackson attends the 2018 Tony Awards Meet The Nominees press junket on Wednesday, May 2, 2018, in New York. CHARLES SYKES / CHARLES SYKES/INVISION/AP British actress Glenda Jackson, the two-time Oscar-winning actress who went on to become an MP, died on Thursday, June 15, at the age of 87, her agent said. Lionel Larner said Jackson "died peacefully at her home in Blackheath London this morning after a brief illness with her family at her side." "She recently completed filming The Great Escaper in which she co-starred with Michael Caine," he added. Tulip Siddiq, the current Labour serving Jackson's former constituency, called her a "formidable politician" and a "very supportive mentor." "Devastated to hear that my predecessor Glenda Jackson has died," she tweeted. The actress played powerful female roles before abandoning stage and screen for a career in politics where she was unafraid to speak truth to power. When she returned to acting in her 80s, she took on a male role and one of theatre's most challenging that of King Lear, for which she won high praise. Jackson's two Oscars for best actress were decades earlier as a temperamental young artist in Women in Love (1970) and a feminist in the 1973 romantic comedy A Touch of Class. After 35 years in theater and cinema, she quit to become a member of parliament for the Labour party, during years of Conservative rule under Margaret Thatcher and John Major. In both acting and politics, she compensated for her small, slight stature with what Britain's The Independent newspaper described in 2016 as "a metal-tipped whiplash of a voice" that she used to "inflict devastating, incredulous scorn." "Who's afraid of Glenda Jackson? Most people, and with some cause," the New York Times wrote in 2019. Queen power Jackson was born on May 9, 1936, in Birkenhead, a small port town near Liverpool, northwest England, to a bricklayer and a cleaning lady. At 16 she went to work in a chemist's shop, doing amateur dramatics in her spare time. When she was 18 she won a scholarship to the prestigious Royal Academy of Dramatic Art (RADA) in London. Jackson was recruited to the Royal Shakespeare Company, working there from 1964 to 1968, including under fabled director Peter Brook. Among her standout roles with the company were as Ophelia in Hamlet and as Charlotte Corday in Marat/Sade, both in 1965. In parallel she worked in cinema, being particularly successful in the early 1970s. Besides her two Oscars during that period, Jackson won two Emmy Awards for playing Queen Elizabeth I in the hugely successful 1971 BBC television series, Elizabeth R. She was the same monarch in the film Mary, Queen of Scots, also in 1971. "There was the uncompromising, defiant strength she exuded in every role... She radiated a power that seemed to level her leading men," The Independent wrote in 2018. Political stage Jackson moved seamlessly to politics, challenging Thatcher's free-market capitalist policies that she said were destroying British society. At the age of 55 in 1992 two years after Thatcher was ousted and Major took over she was elected to represent the north London constituency of Hampstead and Highgate in parliament, where she remained until 2015. She was a junior transport minister in Tony Blair's Labour government from 1997 to 1999, before making an unsuccessful bid to be the party's candidate for mayor of London. But she became a bitter opponent of Blair over the 2003 war in Iraq and among those who called on him to resign following the suicide of a defense advisor whose report was used to justify the invasion. In one of her most memorable and controversial parliamentary interventions, Jackson launched an attack on Thatcher's "heinous" record on the day of her funeral in 2013. "The first prime minister of female gender, ok. But a woman? Not on my terms," she railed. Return to acting Jackson never achieved a high rank in government but came to be known as a "fearless politician," the Guardian wrote in 2016. She also advised the Labour mayor of London, Ken Livingstone, on housing policy and campaigned against homelessness in the capital from 2000 to 2004. Jackson's return to the stage came after an absence of 23 years for a rare gender-swapping role in a London production of King Lear in 2016. In 2018, aged 82, she won her first Tony the equivalent of the Oscars for theater for best actress in Three Tall Women. In 2019 she reprised the role of King Lear on Broadway for a performance the New York Times described as "powerful and deeply perceptive". Jackson was married to actor Roy Hodges from 1958 to 1976, having with him Dan Hodges, who is a political columnist. In 1978 she was made a Commander of the British Empire by Queen Elizabeth II. No media source currently available The URL has been copied to your clipboard The code has been copied to your clipboard. Sudanese armed forces and political factions have condemned the killing of West Darfur Governor Khamis Abbakar on Wednesday. The army accused rival paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF) of the killing. IT'S NOT often that you get to celebrate five Munster senior hurling titles in five years but that's the situation that Limerick's players, management and fans have found themselves in this week. Limerick were in with a chance of winning five-in-a-row once before but you have to go back to 1937 when that chance fell by the wayside following a defeat to Tipperary in the Munster final. Winning four on the bounce in 1933, 1934, 1935 and 1936 was matched in 2022 with the extra-time win over Clare in Thurles and for large parts of 2023, it looked as if Cork's status as the only team to land the drive for five was to remain intact. However, Limerick snuck into the Munster final with a one-point win and the rest is now confined to glorious history. When Limerick embarked on this run in 2019, nobody would have believed what was in store in the years that followed, both on the hurling field and in general life. Covid-19 ravaged through the world with no apologies and every facet of life was affected. In so many cases, irretrievably. A Munster victory in November and a mid-December All-Ireland win gave hope to people locally when there was so much uncertainty. Being at games without fans was a privilege for those who could get there at the time. Hopefully, a repeat of such events will never be seen. Things improved slightly in 2021 with fans returning t stadiums in a limited capacity. Limerick reversed a 10-point deficit to earn a stunning win for three-in-a-row in a game that was bookmarked by a goal for the ages from Kyle Hayes. Full normality, if you could call it that, returned for the 2022 decider with Limerick paired against Clare in Semple Stadium, Thurles. What followed was one of the great games. That is putting it mildly but that's what it was. One of the greats. It is no coincedance that teams need their best to come close to Limerick. A majesitc Declan Hannon point late on looked to have secured the win for John Kiely's side, only for more majesty provided by Tony Kelly moments later. Limerick had more than enough in extra-time to land a fourth title in as many years. It is not long ago that many believed this Limerick team were unbeatable. A foolish thought given Munster round robin pitfalls. Limerick found themselves in a Munster final and when they are in with a chance of silverware, the Treatymen tend to deliver under John Kiely. Twelve finals and 12 wins in the space of five years. It's incredible by any marker of excellence. Kiely and his cohorts won't be looking beyond Saturday, July 8 and the All-Ireland semi-final but a fourth All-Ireland title on the trot - superlatives have not yet been created. The hope and joy that Kiely, his management, and this incredible, incredible group of players have given to Limerick fans shows no signs of abating any time soon. From a Limerick scribe's point of view, long may it last. MEMBERS of the Thomond region of Engineers Ireland, which covers Limerick have elected their new chairperson for the year. Shannon-based David Purcell takes the reigns from the outgoing chair Mike Griffin. The Thomond region of Engineers Ireland is a hub for members of the professional body who are based in Clare, Limerick and North Tipperary. It represents all sectors of the profession, providing continuing professional development and networking events for engineers. Mr Purcell, who works at Lufthansa Technik Turbine Shannon said: "It is an honour to be elected chair of the Thomond Region of Engineers Ireland. Having joined the region in 2017, I have witnessed first-hand the dedication and passion of our committee and the variety of learning, development, and networking opportunities which have been developed to support and nurture our community of engineers in Clare, Limerick, and North Tipperary." He paid tribute to his immediate predecessor, saying: "I would like to thank Mike Griffin for his commitment to the Thomond region. He has done a tremendous job over the last year and brought a vibrant energy to the role. I would also like to thank all our committee of volunteer engineers for their commitment to supporting the engineering community in our region." As for his year in charge, he says he looks forward to continuing the good work of its committee and supporting the group's 1,500 members. "I hope to bring fresh ideas to the table and connect with new businesses to showcase the wealth of engineering talent in the Thomond region. There is a huge focus on sustainable engineering and renewable energy production at present and I will look to shine a light on these developments. Companies like the Shannon Port Company and ESB, through their Moneypoint plant, have ambitious plans for energy production which is very exciting for our region," Mr Purcell added. John Power, the then President of Engineers Ireland was also present at the Thomond Region Annual General Meeting and thanked the volunteer engineers for their commitment to the engineering profession and wished the new committee success for the year ahead. RECOGNISED for his unique brand of energy and wit, comedian Fred Cooke is returning to Dolan's, and with family living around the Treaty County, he says gigging in Limerick is "like a family reunion." Born and raised in County Meath, Fred has become a household name in the Irish comedy scene, known for his distinctive style and stage presence. With numerous television appearances, a loyal fanbase, and the odd Spar ad, Fred has established himself as one of the country's playful comedians. Now excited to deliver his upcoming show, Right Said Freddie, at the iconic city venue this Friday, Fred says his Limerick-based cousins always come out to support, and are always sat in the exact same place at gigs so I always feel I have to come up with new stuff, he laughs. Support acts set the tone for a performance, and with that in mind Fred has decided to keep the act a little bit closer to home. Julie Jay is known for bringing her own brand of observational comedy to the stage. With a sharp sense of humour she was the perfect choice to support Fred - that, and they're married! Most certainly going to be a family affair, Fred laughs that there won't be any need for a babysitter for their toddler as, "we'll have Ted playing the harp." While they always have a laugh together onstage, Fred jokes, all in good fun of course, that the pair are like the "John and Mary of Father Ted." With "so many themes" to show throughout the show, Fred explains what is to come in three simple words, "clown to earth." Describing himself as a "natural clown," the comedian adds that outside of his work, he has had to take more and more responsibility since marriage and fatherhood. "I still maintain that performance," he says, "but outside of it there is massive responsibility, so I play on that." Tickets are still on sale for the comedy show this Friday, where the funnyman hopes to share some stories through song and dance, accompanied by his trusty acoustic guitar. Purchasable on the Dolan's website, viewers will also find a short teaser of what is to come from Ireland's self-titled clown. STUDENTS from eleven Limerick schools helped assessed the shortlisted books of this years KPMG Childrens Books Awards. The students participated in the Junior Jurors Programme to choose the winners of this years awards, which were announced at a ceremony in Merrion Square as part of the International Literature Festival Dublin. Through the KPMG Childrens Books Ireland Awards Junior Juries Programme, young people in schools, libraries and book clubs shadowed adult judges on the judging panel in reading, discussing and assessing the shortlisted books. Students from Thomond Community College, Dromtrasna National School, St Nessans National School, Scoil Mhuire, Broadford, Ballybrown National School, Gaelscoil an Raithin, Doon Convent National School, Ahane National School, Presentation Primary School Sexton Street Limerick, Pallaskenry National School and Scoil Mhathair De Abbeyfeale selected their favourites alongside an independent panel of expert judges, including a Young Judge. Speaking at the ceremony, Elaina Ryan, CEO of Childrens Books Ireland, said: "Our congratulations to every one of the authors, illustrators and publishers celebrating their wins. Through our KPMG Junior Juries programme, we have seen the wonder and delight that these six books have inspired in young readers across Ireland, and it is a joy to recognise and reward the artists that created them at this level." Ms Ryan added: Ireland has always been a nation of storytellers, and every one of these winners exemplifies the sheer excellence visible in contemporary Irish childrens books. As we celebrate another year of the KPMG Childrens Book Awards, we hope that the celebrations encourage them to keep creating stories that speak as powerfully to their readers as these. The winning titles of this year's KPMG Childrens Books Ireland are debut author Ellen Ryan who won the KPMG Book of the Year Award with her book Girls Who Slay Monsters. Maggie OFarrell won the Honour Award for Fiction with The Boy Who Lost His Spark, while the Honour Award for Illustration was won by Steve McCarthy with his book The Wilderness. Alex Dunne won The Eilis Dillon Award for best debut with The Book of Secrets, The Judges Special Award went to An Slipear Gloine by Fearghas Mac Lochlain, and the KPMG Junior Juries Award was won by Ellen Ryan with Girls Who Slay Monsters. A total prize-fund of 16,000 has been awarded to this years winners. Joint Head of Literature and Drama for the Arts Council of Northern Ireland, Damian Smyth, commented: These awards are recognised as the most prestigious for childrens books in Ireland, and we are thrilled once again to see two artists from Northern Ireland taking home prizes. The stories we encounter in childhood are the ones that shape us for life, and the young readers of Ireland are fortunate to have such excellent homegrown titles at their fingertips. Our congratulations to everyone celebrating! The KPMG Childrens Books Ireland Awards and Junior Juries programme are supported by the Arts Council/An Chomhairle Ealaion and the Arts Council of Northern Ireland National Lottery Funding. THE HEALTH And Safety Authority of Ireland (HSA) have launched guidance on the dangers of UV rays for outdoor workers. Current Ultraviolet (UV) rays in Ireland are above six. Members of the public and in particular outdoor workers are being encouraged to use sun protection as there is a high risk of skin exposure. In Ireland, skin cancer is the most common cancer with 13,000 cases diagnosed annually. People who work outdoors have a higher-than-average risk of skin cancer and should air on the side of caution when it comes to the sun. The Construction Safety Partnership (CSPAC), an Advisory Committee to the board of the HSA, has developed a quick information guide for employees and safety representatives to raise awareness about the risk of skin cancer from sun exposure. Eibhlin OLeary, Programme Manager, Occupational Safety, HSA, said: Outdoor workers should plan-ahead and check the UV index on your smartphone weather app and take measures to reduce the risk of exposure to direct sunlight. UV is strongest, typically between the hours of 11am and 3pm, especially from April-September. As UV damage builds up over time, workers should also consider using sun protection all year-round, not just in summer months. Frank Kelly, co-chair of the CSPAC, stated: The work of the CSPAC is done in order to help improve safety and health in the Construction sector. The CSPAC are today raising awareness around the key risks to outdoor workers as they are at an increased risk to dangerous UV rays due to sun exposure. Our guidance offers key information on the simple steps to take in order to protect themselves and colleagues from skin cancer. If the UV index is 3 or more, be sure to follow the SunSmart 5 Ss. Slip on clothing that covers your skin, slop on sunscreen SPF30 or higher. Suncreen should be applied 20 minutes before going outside and re-applied every two hours - more often if sweating, slap on a hard hat with a brim or use a neck flap, seek shade - plan your work outdoors to avoid peak UV sun rays (11am-3pm) and take breaks in the shade,slide on sunglasses. The CSPAC are reminding employers to help workers by providing sun protection and ensuring breaks are taken in the shade as well as carrying out a risk assessment and identifying suitable controls for outdoor work. THE BALMY beach setting of glorious Spanish Point was heavenly as I joined a thriving group of career-driven ladies for the launch of Limerick fashion designer, Aoife McNamaras Season 9, Blath Fiain overnight event. The fashion show, which took place on a local beach, saw a wonderful bunch of beautiful women come together to celebrate fashion of Limerick roots, sustainability and creativity. Those who attended included influencers such as my fellow Limerick ladies, the stunning Chloe Walsh and Shauna Lindsay, as well as the beautiful Sinead O'Brien. Former Fair City actress and entrepreneur, Aoibhin Garrihy attended, as well as vegan chef and beauty blogger, Holly White. We had a fabulous day and celebrated in style with a few sneaky gins, courtesy of Hendrick's Gin. Aoife is a credit to her brand and is a pleasure to work with. Her shop, located in Adare, is booming, and her drive is very admirable. The Armada Hotel in Spanish Point was an idyllic location, and, thankfully, we got superb weather to match. The sun was shining and the waves rolling in at our feet as we strolled the beach, laughing and taking pictures, embracing the sunshine and salty sea air. The plant-based dinner was delicious in the sublime setting of the four star hotel. Thank you to all staff and organisers who made our stay something of a dream. As well as clothes made from the most authentic materials, Aoife stocks jewellery, notebooks, ceramic mugs and even paintings made by other Irish artists. With a range of light pastels in Aoife's latest collection, such as yellow and lilac, and with a pop of turquoise, the ocean was the ideal backdrop to launch the line. I wish Aoife the greatest success in the launch of her latest fashion line of the summer season. And, thankfully, we seem to be actually getting a summer! I can't wait to write for you all again next week, XxCelia Google is entering the realm of e-commerce, aiming to outperform online shopping platforms such as Amazon.com Inc. The tech giant, owned by Alphabet Inc., unveiled a range of features that leverage generative AI technology. These features include assisting users in assessing how clothing items will fit them regardless of body size, utilizing search and image-recognition technology to find products, and introducing innovative methods to explore travel destinations and plan routes using generative AI. This advanced technology has the ability to generate text, images, and even videos based on basic prompts. We want to make Google the place for consumers to come shop, as well as the place for merchants to connect with consumers. Weve always been committed to an open ecosystem and a healthy web, and this is one way where were bringing this technology to bear across merchants," Maria Renz, Googles vice president of commerce, said in an interview ahead of the announcement. Despite being the leading search engine globally, Google faces competition from Amazon in terms of product searches and research. According to a survey conducted by CivicScience, 46% of US shoppers stated that they began their product searches on Amazon, even though Google dominates the search market. The research firm also discovered that TikTok is gaining traction in the e-commerce space, as 18% of Generation Z online shoppers prefer starting their shopping journey on the platform. Google acknowledges this trend and is targeting younger audiences with its AI-driven shopping exploration features. Google has introduced a virtual "try-on" feature that allows users to visualize how clothing fits on various body types, ranging from XXS to 4XL sizes. This feature utilizes images of diverse models that Google captured during the development phase, overlaying the apparel on top of these images for a more inclusive and comprehensive representation. The aim is to provide users with a better understanding of how clothes will look and fit on different body sizes. Google has unveiled a new service enabled by an internally developed image-based AI model. The company has also released a research paper outlining the technology behind this feature. The virtual try-on capability considers the characteristics of clothing, such as stretching and wrinkling, to generate realistic images. Initially, the try-on feature will focus on women's tops and will be offered in collaboration with retailers like Anthropologie and Everlane. Men's clothing will be included in the feature at a later stage. In addition, Google plans to expand its sources of information as users explore its new "search generative experience." This service, initially introduced at Google's I/O developers conference last month, is currently limited to the company's experimental Search Labs product. However, as users test the service, Google intends to incorporate more diverse and extensive sources of information into the experience. (With inputs from Bloomberg) French hospitality major Accor SA has signed actor Katrina Kaif to appear in the companys ALL-Accor Live Limitless programmes advertisements. This is the companys loyalty programme, and said the actor will talk about her favourite vacations, meals, travel moments, etc through the digital and out of home campaigns. Kaif said: I am thrilled to be a part of the hospitality companys family and its global membership programme. It has become an essential part of my travel experience and I am looking forward to everyone to experience all its benefits and endless possibilities too. The company runs hotel brands like Raffles, Fairmont, Sofitel, Pullman, Grand Mercure, Novotel, Mercure and ibis in India.Puneet Dhawan, senior vice president of operations for India and South Asia for the company said, Katrina Kaif is the ideal match for our brand and embodies the brand ethos. Her influence on people across India, and beyond, positions her as the perfect representative for our loyalty programme. Her insights on travel, lifestyle and loyalty will undoubtedly resonate with our members and inspire more people to join our lifestyle programme. We believe that loyalty is a two-way street, and we are committed to delivering exceptional experiences to our members."Last month, Dhawan told Mint that the group plans to expand both its managed and franchised hotel business in India by adding 30 new properties over the next five years. It will focus on developing economy and mid-scale brands in tier II, III, and IV cities.Currently, Accor owns 58 hotels in India, including 22 Ibis properties developed by InterGlobe Hotels, 23 Novotel hotels, as well as other brands like Mercure, Grand Mercure, Sofitel, Fairmont, and Raffles. A first-of-its-kind topical gel for the treatment of erectile dysfunction will be hitting store shelves soon, no prescription needed! Pharmaceutical company Futura Medical, which developed the product, informed, topical gel named Eroxon has received authorization for over-the-counter marketing in the United States. The company claims, it is the first topical erectile dysfunction treatment available without the need for a prescription. Meanwhile, US Food and Drug Administration confirmed that Eroxon has been granted a "de novo" classification by the US Food and Drug Administration. This classification recognizes Eroxon as a new type of product. FDA set a very high standard in evaluating the effectiveness and safety of De Novo Medical Devices. I am delighted that we met this standard," James Barder, chief executive officer of Futura Medical, said in a news release Monday. Eroxon is already available in Belgium and the United Kingdom. In the UK, a four-pack of Eroxon costs about 24.99, a Futura Medical spokesperson said Monday. Thats roughly about $31.22 or 2,500. However, the prices in the US are still not decided and spokesperson said, as reported by CNN, it will ultimately be determined by the partner who launches Eroxon in the US Also, the availability of Eroxon in US stores depends on a partner but some analysts predict a possible launch in 2025. A leaflet for the product notes that the gel comes in a single-dose tube and should be applied to the head of the penis for 15 seconds before sex. Marketing materials for the product claim that it can help users get an erection within 10 minutes of application. The erection lasts long enough for successful sex in about 65% of people and should naturally subside, according to Eroxons website. Erectile dysfunction affects approximately 30 million men in the US, causing difficulty in achieving or maintaining a firm erection for satisfactory sexual activity. Contributing factors include medical conditions (e.g., diabetes), medications (e.g., antidepressants), psychological factors, and unhealthy behaviors (e.g., smoking, excessive alcohol consumption, obesity). (With inputs from CNN) 08:17 | Piura (Piura region), Jun. 15. In this regard, the Head of State said that both countries must face common threats and improve the living conditions of their citizens, through a joint response to El Nino phenomenon Peru's top official remarked that said joint action would focus on prevention and mitigation tasks, such as the cleaning and clearing of rivers, improvement of protocols, humanitarian response, and strengthening of disaster risk management systems. In this sense, the dignitary stated that the Government has recently approved a supreme decree declaring a state of emergency in various areas across the country, including the northern regions of Tumbes, Piura, Lambayeque and La Libertad. The aim of the above-mentioned measure is to take immediate and urgent action to avert the imminent danger of heavy rains. Similarly, Mrs. Boluarte underscored that stronger and more effective joint efforts are required to combat organized crime and transnational criminal networks, which profit from trafficking of migrants, drugs, and arms, as well as smuggling. After signing the La Tina Macara Presidential Joint Declaration, President Boluarte highlighted that Ecuador and Peru have overcome enormous challenges through cooperation and dialogue. Likewise, she noted that the Macara-La Tina Binational Border Assistance Center, inaugurated on Wednesday to mark the commemoration of the signing of the 1998 peace agreements, is a major step forward and a sample of joint work in favor of Peruvians and Ecuadorians living near the border region. In addition, the Head of State announced that Peru has been working on the development of two Binational Border Assistance Centers (CEBAF) on Road Axes No. 2 and No. 4, which link El Alamor to Lalamor and Namballe to Zumba, respectively. Presidenta Boluarte sostuvo encuentro bilateral con su homologo de Ecuador, Guillermo Lasso en Piura. Mas informacion en: https://t.co/UeKxXtaS4C pic.twitter.com/2NlqdQYpjR Presidencia del Peru ???? (@presidenciaperu) June 14, 2023 (END) NDP/NGB/JCR/RMB The President of the Republic Dina Boluarte highlighted the enormous challenges that Ecuador and Peru have overcome through cooperation and dialogue, within the framework of the visit of Ecuadorian President Guillermo Lasso Publicado: 14/6/2023 New Delhi: TVS Industrial & Logistics Parks (TVS ILP) that provides logistics and warehousing solutions has partnered packaged food company Nestle to establish a warehouse in Coimbatore that will expand the FMCG companys supply chain capabilities in the region. The facility will serve as a cold storage unit, providing the ideal environment for perishable goods and items requiring controlled temperatures. To be sure, Nestle India sells packaged foods and beverages under brands such as Maggi, Milkmaid, Kit-Kat etc. The stand-alone building, encompassing an area of 1.31 lakh square feet, has been thoughtfully designed to meet Nestles specific requirements, enhancing their supply chain capabilities in the region. Located conveniently along the Palladam-Cochin Road, in the Sulur area, the facility enjoys excellent connectivity and is strategically positioned within the Sulur Warehousing Cluster. This prime location will provide Nestle with a competitive advantage in serving customers in the surrounding areas and capturing the lucrative South market," TVS Industrial & Logistics Parks, part of the TVS Mobility group, said in statement. We are confident that the strategically located warehouse in Coimbatore will serve as a critical link in our supply chain, enabling us to ensure seamless and timely delivery to our esteemed distributors and valued consumers," said a Nestle India spokesperson. TVS Industrial & Logistics Parks has a presence in 11 cities across India; it plans to establish 20 million square feet of warehousing and logistics space by 2027. The partnership with Nestle is a significant milestone for us as we help one of the worlds largest FMCG company to meet their warehousing needs. This warehouse will help Nestle expand its presence in the South market by ensuring timely delivery of products in the best condition. This partnership also marks our strong foothold in the market and we look forward to forging more partnerships in Coimbatore and contribute to local job creation in the process," Manikandan Ramachandran, COO at TVS ILP, said. Onora Hospitality Pvt Ltd, the owner of juSTa Hotels & Resorts, has signed its first well-being resort under its new brand Bookmark Resorts. The company operates 20 boutique hotels and resorts which have an inventory of about 500 rooms in eight states under its brands juSTa and Nuo brands. Like juSTa, Bookmark Resorts, toom will operate on three different business models including revenue share, management contracts and long leases. The first Bookmark hotel will be in Manali on a revenue share model and will have 39 rooms and suites. The company plans to open 10 resorts here in the next three years. Through its strategic growth and operations, the company hopes to achieve a revenue of 100 crore by the end of this fiscal. Onora launched its first hotel in 2005 and exited six of its hotels in 2020 to focus on its core operations in the luxury boutique market. Since then the company has opened 10 luxury resorts under the juSTa brand in locations like Rishikesh and Mukteshwar in Uttarakhand, Dharamshala, Mashobra and Manali in Himachal, Udaipur in Rajasthan and Goa. The companys founder and CEO Ashish Vohra said, Currently, wellbeing resorts in India are either at premium level and price points or at a very basic level of service. Given how people are focussing on wellbeing, we wished to bring a luxury, target oriented, holistic wellness offering to a larger audience. Since wellbeing is all about reconnecting with your inner self, our vision is to offer transformative getaways at inspiring locations that lend themselves to discovery experiences." The resort will be near the Log Huts and in proximity to Old Manali area and Mall Road. Indias hospitality industry not only recovered from the pandemic slump but also stayed on the growth path this fiscal year, as per a new report. Demand outlook for the industry is positive, indicating a promising future, said the report by credit ratings agency CareEdge titled, Back on Hospitable Grounds, Hotels Set to Grow in FY24 Despite Uncertainties. The sectors RevPAR, or revenue per available room, which is estimated to reach 4,000 to 4,100 per room by the end of FY23, reflects marginal growth over FY19 levels, aided by strong recovery in occupancy and average rates. RevPAR is a metric to gauge a hotels performance. New Delhi: Indias goods exports fell over 10% in May as recessionary conditions in the West and a slowdown in China continued to hurt demand. Imports jumped on a sequential basis driven by demand for fertilizers ahead of Kharif sowing, widening the trade deficit to a five-month high, data released by the commerce and industry ministry showed on Thursday, While goods exports slipped 10.30% to $34.98 billion in May 2023 compared to $39 billion in May 2022, imports declined by 6.57% to $57.1 billion in May 2023 compared to $61.12 billion in the same month last year, driving the trade deficit to $22.12 billion, the highest in over five months. The previous high was $23.15 billion, recorded in December 2022. However, on a sequential basis, imports jumped 14.47% to $57.1 billion compared to $49.88 billion. Sequentially, exports were flat. Breaking with convention, the commerce and industry ministry did not release the sectoral break-up of the May trade data. The available data for cumulative exports from April to Maythat is for two monthsshowed that petroleum products exports, the key driver of overall export in FY23, fell nearly 4% to $12.43 billion compared to $16.34 billion a year ago. This comes as a global demand slowdown has pushed international crude price sharply lower. On a sequential basis petroleum products exports registered a sharp 23% decline in April compared to the previous month. While lower commodity prices led to a 6.6% year-on-year (y-o-y) contraction in merchandise imports in May 2023, some key items such as iron and steel, machine tools, machinery, electronic goods, fertilizers and pharma witnessed a y-o-y expansion, which led to a sequential rise in overall imports, thereby taking the merchandise trade deficit to a five-month high of $ 22.1 billion in that month from $15.1 billion in April 2023," Aditi Nayar, Chief Economist and Head Research and Outreach, ICRA said. The month of May typically tends to see higher imports of several items such as fertilizer, gold and fuels, vis-a-vis April, Nayar said. She added that the available trade data for April-May 2023 suggests that the current account deficit (CAD) is likely to widen to $10-12 billion in Q1 FY2024 from $2 billion expected in Q4 FY2023, while remaining manageable at 1.2% of GDP. The current account deficit is also seen to be widening due to a decline in exports of services which has been compensating for the merchandise trade deficit. Services exports saw a dip on a sequential basis to $25.30 billion compared to $25.84 billion in May 2023. Meanwhile, services imports registered a dip to $13.53 billion in May 2023 compared to $13.63 billion in April 2023. Headwinds still continue. As you can see, many countries are going through a slowdown," commerce secretary Sunil Barthwal said. There has been a slowdown in the growth rate too as the demand situation is also slowing. But we are banking on WTOs prediction which has revised its global trade forecast to 1.7% up from the previous estimate of 1% last October." Barthwal pointed out that goods imports have been declining over the last four-five months, which was a positive sign, and that global slowdown conditions should improve going forward. He also stated that the Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade, commerce ministry, Invest India and Indian missions abroad aim to focus on pushing exports to 40 countries that comprise 85% of the countrys exports. Engineering Export Promotion Council of India chairman Arun Kumar Garodia also said the slowdown in major advanced economies has been casting a shadow on global trade. State Bank of India (SBI), Life Insurance Corporation of India (LIC), Punjab National Bank (PNB), and Bank of Baroda (BoB) are mulling seeking bids for selling their stake in UTI Asset Management Company (AMC), Economic Times (ET) reported. These four entities together own a 45.16% stake in UTI AMC. The report also mentioned that earlier the Tata Group was believed to be in advanced talks to buy a majority stake in UTI AMC, but the deal did not materialise. UTI Asset Management Company reported 59 per cent jump in profit after tax (PAT) at 86 crore for the three months ended March 2023. In comparison, the company posted a PAT of 54 crore for the same quarter a year ago, UTI AMC said in a regulatory filing. As of March 2023, UTI AMC's assets under management stood at 15.56 lakh crore. Earlier in 2019, the Securities and Exchange Board of India (Sebi) had asked LIC, SBI, and BoB to reduce their stakes in UTI Asset Management Co. Ltd by December 2020. Sebis cross-holding norms for mutual funds say the sponsor of one AMC cannot hold more than 10% in another. Under Section 7B of the Sebi (Mutual Funds) (Amendment) Regulation, 2018, the market regulator had mandated all mutual funds to comply with the norms by March 2019. In other news, Indias markets regulator is unlikely to give special exemption to mutual funds if they breach the norms for maximum permitted holdings in security after the merger of HDFC Bank and HDFC, Reuters reported. HDFC Bank and HDFC are set to conclude a merger in the next few weeks to create India's second-largest financial institution by assets after the State Bank of India. As per the rules of SEBI, a mutual fund scheme cannot invest more than 10% in a single security. However, exchange-traded funds and funds that invest in particular sectors are exempt. Two people on a bike breached Bihar CM Nitish Kumar's security today morning while he was out for his morning walk. The incident happened at around 7 am when Kumar was going to his residence at 7 Circular Road from Aney Marg, a report by Hindu has stated. Patna police detained both the individuals and have also seized the bike. As per the report, the eye witness said that bike was at a high speed and was about to hit him. To save himself, the Chief Minister jumped back to the footpath from the road. If he would have failed to jump on the footpath, a major accident would have taken place today, eye witness said as reported by The Hindu. As per the report, Special Security Group (SSG) Hari Mohan Shukla and Senior Superintendent of Police Rajeev Mishra were also summoned to Chief Minister's residence. The Police currently investigating the matter and the CCTV footage of the area is also being checked. However, this is not the first time such an incident of security breach took place. Last year in March, a youth tried to attack CM Nitish Kumar during a program in Bakhtiarpur. The accused was later detained by the Police. On the incident, CM had directed officials not to take any punitive action against the youth who tried to attack him in Patna as during the investigation it was revealed that the youth was mentally disturbed. Prior to that, in 2016, Kumar was hit with a slipper hurled at him by a youth protesting against a government advisory on lighting fires during a public interaction after which the offender was arrested. Meanwhile, Nitish Kumar has called a meeting of top Opposition leaders to mobilise the opposition against BJP ahead of the 2024 Lok Sabha elections. The meeting will be held in Patna on June 23. 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. Janata Dal (United) (JDU) National President Lalan Singh 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. Sources from the Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD), which along with Bihar's ruling alliance partner Janata Dal-United (JD-U) is playing host to the meet to be held in state capital Patna told ANI that there are no talks on the lines of picking a prime ministerial candidate. "The meeting is the first step. A common agenda will be finalised," said an RJD leader who did not want to be named. "Inflation and unemployment are issues which affect everyone, drawing people's attention to the fact that it is government's economic mismanagement, a result of bad decisions like demonetisation and faulty GST, is an important issue. Apart from this, communal harmony, misuse of government agencies and subversion of democracy are important issues," the source said. (With inputs from agencies) Avtar Singh Khanda, a close aide of Amritpal Singh and the face of the protests at the Indian High Commission in London, died today in the UK. Khanda was the chief of the UK-based terrorist group Khalistan Liberation Force (KLF). Also known as Ranjodh Singh, he was a political asylum seeker in the UK and had played a major role in radicalising Sikh youth towards the separatist movement. Khanda was suffering from blood cancer and took his last breath at the Sandwell Hospital in Birmingham. He was admitted to the hospital around a fourth night back. According to reports, Khanda's supporters want the medical report to indicate that he was killed by poison so that they can blame the Indian security establishment for the murder. Some reports also claimed that he was put on life support on Wednesday and his death was a result of a clot burst due to cancer. Khanda's father was a KLF terrorist who was shot down by the security forces in 1991 while his mother has also been related to a KLF terrorist with strong links to a Pakistani deep state called Gurjant Singh Budhsigwala. National Investigating Agency had identified Khanda along with three others as the main miscreants behind the violent protest outside the Indian mission in London. He has also been credited with grooming Amritpal Singh and taking the position of Waris Punjab De chief after Deep Sidhu's death. Some reports had earlier claimed that Khanda is an expert in making improvised explosive devices or IEDs and even gives demonstrations of bomb-making in some gurudwaras in the UK. Meanwhile, Amritpal Singh was arrested by the Punjab police in Moga district on 23 March and charged with crimes relating to disharmony among classes, attempt to murder, attack on police personnel and creating obstructions in the lawful discharge of duty by public servant. The Indian government has reportedly ordered a probe the ownership structure of Hero MotoCorp and its relationship with a third-party vendor. The Ministry of Corporate Affairs ordered probe pertains to a case related to alleged diversion of funds and the formation of shell companies. Shares of Hero dipped as much as 4.2% during Thursday afternoon trade. According to a Reuters report quoting sources, the probe has been ordered in "public interest". It will look into whether the company controlled the third party vendor. An Economic Times report added that the Ministry will also investigate the affairs of Salt Experiences and Management Private Limited - suspected to be a linked entity of Hero MotoCorp. The company however insisted that it was yet to receive any intimation from the government. "We will provide all information, if and when it is sought from us by any regulatory authority," Reuters quoted a spokesperson as saying. Earlier in March 2022, the company had become embroiled in a tax evasion probe. The Income Tax Department had conducted raids on multiple premises of the company - including chairman and CEO of the group Pawan Munjal. Following the raids, the I-T depart had reportedly found illegal business expenses of over 800 crore, 60 crore unaccounted" cash used to purchase land in Delhi and role of some shell companies. Incriminating documents and digital evidence have been found and seized indicating that the expenses ostensibly shown to have been claimed towards business purposes are not fully supported by evidences. Expenditure aggregating to more than 800 crore has been booked in the guise of purchase of services from a specific event management entity," the the CBDT had said at the time. (With inputs from agencies) WIPRO More Information The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has said that Cyclone Biparjoy would make landfall near Jakhau Port on the evening of 15 June as a 'very severe cyclonic storm' with maximum wind speed reaching up to 150 kilometres per hour. The weather office has issued a red alert for Saurashtra and Kutch coasts as cyclone is expected to make landfall in Gujarat and southern parts of Pakistan. What does Red alert warning mean? The red alert warning which is considered the highest level of weather warning, warns of impending extreme weather. A red alert warning also means that there is a risk to life and property. Residents too are also advised to take immediate action to protect themselves. In Gujarat, the state administration has shifted more than 74,000 people living near the coast as a precaution and deployed disaster management units for rescue and relief measures. Of the total 74,345 people moved to temporary shelters in eight coastal districts, nearly 34,300 were evacuated in Kutch district alone, followed by 10,000 in Jamnagar, 9,243 in Morbi, 6,089 in Rajkot, 5,035 in Devbhumi Dwarka, 4,604 in Junagadh, 3,469 in Porbandar district and 1,605 in Gir Somnath district, said a release by the Gujarat government. As per the government, 15 teams of NDRF (National Disaster Response Force), 12 of SDRF (State Disaster Response Force), 115 teams of the state road and building department, and 397 of the state electricity department have been deployed in different coastal districts Cyclone 'Biparjoy' is expected to make landfall near the Jakhau coast on the evening of June 15 and will traverse all along the Rann of Kutchh up to Rajasthan. On 15 June, the weather office has predicted the intensity of rainfall would increase with heavy to very heavy rainfall at a few places and extremely heavy falls at isolated places very likely over Kachchh, Devbhumi Dwarka and Jamnagar. It has also predicted heavy to very heavy rainfall at a few places over Porbandar, Rajkot, Morbi and Junagarh districts of Gujarat; isolated heavy to very heavy rainfall over remaining districts of Saurashtra and north Gujarat region on 15 June. Temples, Railways, schools affected: Two most famous temples of Gujarat -- Dwarkadhish Temple in Devbhumi Dwarka and Somnath Temple in Gir Somnath district will remain closed on Thursday for devotees. The Western Railway said so far 76 trains have been cancelled, 36 short-terminated and 31 short-originated. In addition, various safety and security precautions are being taken by the WR for train passengers in areas under its jurisdiction, according to the release. Schools in Gujarat's Coastal Kutch, Jamnagar, Devbhumi Dwarka and Junagadh districts in the Saurashtra region have declared holiday. Union Health Minister Mansukh Mandaviya who reviewed the preparedness measures being taken in Kutch and visited the Bhuj Air Force station to take stock of the preparations made by 'Garuda' Emergency Response Team of the Indian Air Force. Mandaviya said "our jawans are fully prepared for the safety of life and property from the cyclone." He also reviewed the availability of oxygen, ventilators and critical care beds in Kutch district government hospitals, trust-run hospitals and other hospitals in the region. Border Security Force (BSF) Inspector General Ravi Gandhi has confirmed that BSF forces are on high alert and fully prepared, in accordance with the assessment provided by the Indian Meteorological Department (IMD). The concerned area stretches from Mandvi to Karachi while the BSF is working in collaboration with other security forces like NDRF to ensure the safety of the local population. Cyclone Biparjoy is all set to make a landfall in Gujarat today, June 15, with heavy rainfall expected in the affected areas. Current location Cyclone Biparjoy has started the landfall process dangerously close to the Gujarat coastal area. According to latest update by the IMD, the cyclonic storm is just 10 kms away from Jakhau Port, even as the landfall process continues. The weather department has therefore issued a red message. Cyclone Biparjoy began its landfall in western India on Thursday evening, a bulletin from the country's weather bureau said. The storm was packing winds of 125 kilometres per hour (78 miles per hour) and gusts of up to 140 kilometres per hour as it began to strike the coast of western Gujarat state at 6:30 pm (1330 GMT), the Indian Meteorological Department said. Red alert The IMD has issued a red alert for the Saurashtra and Kutch coasts in Gujarat, urging residents to remain vigilant and take necessary precautions. At the same time, it has issued orange and yellow alerts for several districts of Rajasthan due to anticipated heavy rainfall. Defence Minister Rajnath Singh reviewed the preparedness of the Armed Forces and affirmed their readiness to provide assistance to civil authorities in tackling any situation arising from 'Biparjoy'. As a precautionary measure, around 4,500 people have been relocated to shelter homes. The SDM Parth Talsania emphasised the importance of ensuring the safety of the residents. Cyclone Biparjoy: Damage expectations The expected impact of Cyclone Biparjoy, which literally means disaster in Bengali, includes various aspects that could result in significant damage and disruptions. Thatched houses are particularly vulnerable, with the likelihood of them being destroyed. Kutcha houses, which are made of less durable materials, may also suffer extensive damage. Even pucca houses, constructed with more solid materials, may not be completely spared from the cyclone's force and could experience some level of damage. One of the concerning risks during a cyclone is the potential threat from flying objects. Strong winds can pick up debris and projectiles, posing a danger to people and property. The cyclone is also expected to cause major damage to both kutcha and pucca roads. The combination of heavy rain, strong winds, and potential flooding can result in road blockages, making transportation challenging or even impossible in some areas. This can hinder rescue and relief operations, delaying assistance to affected communities. In coastal areas, small boats and crafts may become detached from their moorings, potentially causing further damage or posing risks to marine activities. Additionally, the cyclone can result in reduced visibility due to salt spray carried by the winds, making travel and outdoor activities hazardous. Escape routes may become flooded due to the cyclone, exacerbating the challenges faced by residents in affected areas. Disruptions to railways, overhead power lines, and signalling systems can further impede transportation and emergency services. Power and communication poles are at risk of bending or being uprooted, leading to disruptions in electricity supply and communication networks. This can further complicate emergency response efforts and communication between affected areas. The agricultural sector is also at risk. Standing crops, plantations and orchards are likely to suffer widespread damage. This can lead to significant economic losses for farmers and impact the availability and affordability of essential food supplies. Trees such as mango, known for their bushy canopies, are particularly vulnerable and may be blown down by the strong winds. (With ANI inputs) The cyclone Biparjoy is expected to make landfall near Jakhau Port in Kutch district today evening as a "very severe cyclonic storm" with maximum wind speed reaching up to 150 kilometres per hour, the India Meteorological Department (IMD) said in its bulletin. The department said that the intensity of rainfall would increase with the cyclone approaching, with isolated places in the districts of Kutch, Devbhumi Dwarka and Jamnagar likely to witness extremely heavy showers. IMD informed that red, orange and yellow alerts have been issued in several districts of Gujarat and Rajasthan. Here's a look at how states are preparing for cyclone Biparjoy. Flood Warning The sea condition off Saurashtra and Kutch coasts is expected to be severe until June 15, improving afterward. The Meteorological Department warns of a storm surge in Kachchh, Devbhumi Dwarka, Porbandar, Jamnagar, and Morbi districts, with astronomical tides of 3-6 meters likely to flood low-lying areas during landfall. Rain forecast The intensity of rainfall is likely to increase today. Extremely heavy falls are expected in Kachchh, Devbhumi Dwarka & Jamnagar and heavy to very heavy rainfall are predicted over Porbandar, Rajkot, Morbi & Junagarh districts of Gujarat. Isolated heavy to very heavy rainfall is very likely over remaining districts of Saurashtra and north Gujarat. Evacuation process The state administration has shifted more than 74,000 people living near the coast as a precaution and deployed disaster management units for rescue and relief measures Indian Navy preparedness The Headquarters of Western Naval Command of the Indian Navy and area headquarters are maintaining close liaison with state government/ civil authorities to provide assistance in the event of any contingency. Indian Navy deployment Indian Navy informed four ships with Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief (HADR) bricks have been embarked and are on standby at short notice. Five relief teams each at Porbandar and Okha and 15 relief teams at Valsura are on standby to render assistance to civil authorities. The statement also said, Helos at INS Hansa in Goa and INS Shikra in Mumbai are ready for embarkation to Gujarat. P8i and Dornier aircraft ex-Hansa, Goa are on standby for aerial recce and transportation of relief material and personnel. Rajnath Singh reviews preparations Earlier Defence Minister Rajnath Singh reviewed the Armed Forces' preparedness for the cyclone's landfall. NDRF deployed 33 teams The NDRF has deployed 33 teams in Gujarat and Maharashtra to undertake relief and rescue operations ahead of cyclone 'Biparjoy's' expected landfall near the Jakhau port in Kutch district. 17 SDFR teams deployed Seventeen SDRF teams have been dispatched in Rajasthan ahead of the anticipated landfall of severe cyclone Biparjoy on the Gujarat coast. Rajasthan's Chief Secretary, Usha Sharma, reviewed the readiness with department officials and district collectors to mitigate the cyclone's impact. Trains cancelled The Western Railway (WR) on Wednesday decided to cancel or short-terminate the operation of a few more trains as a precautionary measure in view of cyclone Biparjoy. It cancelled seven more trains, short-terminated three and short-originated four other trains. The release said so far 76 trains have been cancelled, 36 short-terminated and 31 short-originated. Affected passengers will get a refund of fares as per rules. Dwarkadhish Temple to remain closed Dwarkadhish Temple in Devbhumi Dwarka will remain closed for devotees on Thursday. Along with the Dwarkadhish Temple, the Dwarka Bazaar will also remain closed. However, the temple routine will continue as it is. Canciller Ana Cecilia Gervasi y su homologo de Ecuador, @GustavoManriq_M, inauguraron el Centro Binacional de Atencion en Frontera (CEBAF) Macara - La Tina, que facilitara y mejorara el control de transito de personas y mercaderias entre ???? y ????. pic.twitter.com/SwLg48W63r The Enforcement Directorate (ED), according to official sources, has apprehended Basant Bansal and Pankaj Bansal, both directors of M3M, a real estate group based in Gurugram, in connection with a money laundering case related to a former special court judge from Panchkula. The arrests were made on Wednesday by the agency under the provisions of the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA). The specific money laundering matter for which they were taken into custody is linked to an FIR filed by the Haryana Anti-Corruption Bureau (ACB) in April. The ACB had lodged the complaint against the former special court judge, his nephew, and another director of M3M, Roop Kumar Bansal. The judge, according to the ACB FIR, was alleged to have been showing favouritism in the ED and CBI cases against the M3M group directors and another real estate group called IREO. The judge was later suspended by the Punjab and Haryana High Court. All the people accused in the ACB case have denied wrongdoing. In connection with a money laundering case linked to the IREO group and its promoter Lalit Goyal, the Enforcement Directorate (ED) conducted raids on June 1 targeting the M3M promoters and others. Following the raids, Roop Kumar Bansal and the two other directors, Basant Bansal and Pankaj Bansal, had obtained interim protection from arrest until July 5 from the Delhi High Court in this particular case. However, the ED has now arrested them in relation to the money laundering case associated with the Anti-Corruption Bureau (ACB). In a statement issued after the June 1 raids, the agency alleged that a significant sum of money, amounting to hundreds of crores, was diverted through the M3M group in connection with the case involving the IREO group. In one of the transactions, M3M group received about 400 crore from the IREO Group through several shell companies in multiple layers, it had alleged. (With PTI inputs) Former Twitter CEO Jack Dorsey had sparked a war of words earlier this week after alleging that the Indian government had previously threatened to shut down the microblogging site's operation in India. Opposition leaders had clamoured for a discussion on the topic during a parliamentary standing committee meeting on Thursday afternoon. Officials however insisted that the issue wasn't on its agenda. The BJP MP and chairman of the committee refused to discuss the allegation of the former Twitter CEO, saying a foreigner's version should not be taken seriously," news agency ANI quoted a lawmaker present in the committee meeting as recounting. The meeting had been held under the chairmanship of Shiv Sena (Shinde faction) Lok Sabha MP Jadhav Prataprao Ganpatrao. The panel had been called to discuss citizen data security and privacy. Reportedly, some opposition lawmakers tried to raise the matter but were asked to refrain from doing so as the issue wasn't on the agenda of deliberations. Dorsey had broached the topic during an interview with the YouTube channel 'Breaking Points' earlier this month. India is one of the countries, which had many requests around farmers' protests, around particular journalists who were critical of the government and it manifested in ways such as we will shut Twitter down in India, India is a big marketplace for us. We would raid the homes of your employees, which they did and we will shut down your offices if you don't follow suit and this is India, a democratic country," the former Twitter CEO said. Meanwhile, Union Minister Rajeev Chandrasekhar asserted that Dorsey's claim was an outright lie". Addressing the inaugural edition of FinancialExpress.com's Digital Bharat Economy Conclave 2023 on Wednesday, he insisted that no such interaction had even taken place. "It is an outright lie because at no time in the history, specifically in the 2020-2022 period, has Government of India ever done anything to Twitter, despite the fact that the platform was in violation of Indian laws for a period of two years. The government didn't shut down Twitter or jail anybody and it is ironic because I have to quote inaction on the part of the government against violation of law to deny what Jack Dorsey has put out there," Chandrasekhar said. (With inputs from agencies) Beleaguered domestic carrier Go First is now looking to resume flights by the end of June. The indication came even as the National Company Law Tribunal approved the appointment of Shailendra Ajmera as Go Firsts Resolution Professional. The crisis-hit airline also extended its ongoing string of flight cancellations on Thursday evening, citing operational reasons" to scrap all flights till June 19. According to a CNBC-TV18, the NCLT has directed the new Interim Resolution Profession to respond to concerns raised by the aircraft lessors. While the lessors had raised no objections to the change. However the lessors contended that the IRP had so far made no efforts to maintain the aircrafts. Meanwhile a Bloomberg report quoting sources said that the company was hoping to restore 94% of its daily flights by the end of this month. The revival plan submitted by the company reportedly says that the carier can operate 157 daily domestic flights. Go First had abruptly halted flights last month, blaming problems with the Pratt & Whitney engines that power its fleet. The carrier filed for voluntary insolvency proceedings soon after this, and gradually lost about 175 pilots at it remained grounded. According to reports, the carrier is also waiting for creditors to approve additional funding. Go First is hoping to get its revival plan approved by the aviation regulator this week. This in turn would allow it to resume flights within the next two weeks. The carrier had previously voiced hope about restarting flights in May. The airline, which rebranded as Go First about two years ago, controls 6.4% of the Indian aviation market. Despite recent losses Go First reportedly still has more than 500 pilots enough to fly some 30 planes and doesnt need to immediately hire more. (With inputs from agencies) The Karnataka High Court has issued a warning to Facebook, indicating that it may consider taking measures to shut down the social media giant's operations in India. This action comes as a response to Facebook's alleged lack of cooperation with the state police in relation to the investigation of a case involving an imprisoned Indian citizen in Saudi Arabia, according to reports from news agency IANS. In addition, the court instructed the Central government to provide details regarding the steps taken thus far in response to the arrest of an Indian citizen under false charges. The Mangaluru police were also directed to conduct a thorough investigation and submit a report. The court adjourned the hearing to June 22. The court issued the warning while addressing a petition submitted by Kavitha, a resident of Bikarnakatte near Mangaluru. The court directed Facebook to submit a comprehensive report containing the necessary information within a week. In her plea, Kavitha explained that her husband, Shailesh Kumar, had been employed with a company in Saudi Arabia for 25 years, while she resided in their native place with their children. She revealed that Kumar had posted a message on Facebook expressing support for the Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA) and National Register of Citizens (NRC) in 2019. Subsequently, an unknown individual created a fake Facebook account in his name and posted objectionable content targeting the King of Saudi Arabia and Islam. Also Read: Facebook owner Meta starts final round of layoffs Upon learning of this fraudulent account, Kumar informed his family, and Kavitha filed a police complaint in Mangaluru. However, Saudi authorities arrested Shailesh Kumar and imprisoned him. The Mangaluru police initiated an investigation and sought information from Facebook regarding the creation of the fake account. Regrettably, Facebook did not respond to the police's inquiries. In 2021, Kavitha approached the High Court, expressing concern over the delay in the investigation. She also wrote a letter to the central government seeking assistance in securing her husband's release from prison. ABOUT THE AUTHOR Sounak Mukhopadhyay Sounak Mukhopadhyay, who also goes by the name Sounak Mukherjee, has been producing digital news since 2012. He's worked for the International Business Times, The Inquisitr, and Moneycontrol in the past. He's also contributed to Free Press Journal and TheRichest with feature articles. He covers news for a wide range of subjects including business, finance, economy, politics and social media. Before working with digital news publications, he worked as a freelance content writer. Read more from this author NEW DELHI: Russia maintained its position as the leading supplier of crude oil to India in April, with imports from conventional West Asian sources witnessing a decline. Official data showed that Indias imports from Russia was valued at $3.97 billion in April, or a four-fold increase over the $866.40 million a year ago. In terms of volumes, 7.94 million tonnes of crude oil was sourced from Russia in April, or more than seven times the 1.11 million tonnes in the year earlier. Supplies from Iraq, one of the top traditional suppliers of oil to India fell 32.29% from a year ago to $3.60 billion. Likewise, imports from Saudi Arabia fell 10.34% to $2.34 billion and supplies from the UAE dipped 70% to 500.47 million from $1.73 billion in April 2022. Supplies from the US also halved to $410.82 million from $1.05 billion, according to data from the Union ministry of commerce and industry. Russian oil, which constituted only 2% of Indias oil imports in FY22 emerged as a major energy source in the last fiscal following western sanctions on Russia. Currently Russian oil constitutes around one-third of Indian oil imports. The rise in imports from Russia in April continued despite a 10% fall in overall oil import bill at $12.10 billion, against $13.43 billion in the year-ago period. India started buying more oil from Russia last year at discounted rates amid sanctions by the West, in the wake of the war with Ukraine. The momentum has continued with the price cap of $60 per barrel imposed by the US and G7 countries coming into effect in December 2022, experts said. In FY23, Russia was the topmost supplier to India with 50.84 million tonnes of crude supplies. However, due to the $60- per-barrel price cap, Russia was pipped by Iraq on the value of imports. Russia came in second at $31.02 billion, while Iraq supplied 50.31 million tonnes of oil for $33.37 billion. India and China have been among the leading buyers of Russian crude oil amid the standoff with Ukraine. According to IEAs mediumterm outlook, Oil 2023, released by the International Energy Agency on Wednesday, India and China accounted for nearly 80% of Russias crude oil exports in May. Heavily discounted Russian crude oil has found new buyers primarily in Asia. India increased purchases from almost nothing to close to 2 mb/d (million barrels per day), while China has raised liftings by 500 kb/d (kilo barrels per day) to 2.2 mb/d. In May, India and China accounted for almost 80% of Russian crude oil exports, IEA added. Imports met approximately 85% of Indias energy requirement and imports are likely continue in years ahead as IEA anticipates that India is set to overtake China in terms of global annual oil demand growth in 2027 with its growing population and projected economic growth rate. Further propelled by trends such as urbanization, industrialization, and the emergence of a wealthier middle-class keen for mobility and tourism, Indian oil demand will grow by more than 1 mb/d between 2022 and 2028. Gasoil, the main fuel by far, will see its share of the product mix climb from 32% to 35% over the forecast period, the IEA report said. The hearing of Tamil Nadu Minister V Senthil Balaji's pleas, including interim bail and transfer to a private hospital, alongside the Enforcement Directorate's request for his police custody will continue at a local court on Thursday. Balaji was arrested early on Wednesday under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA), in a cash-for-jobs scam allegedly involving him when he was the Transport Minister in the AIADMK government between 2011 and 2015. The ED had launched multi-city searches in the state on Tuesday on the premises linked to the DMK's Karur strongman as part of the probe into money laundering. Later, they took him for questioning. After Balaji complained of chest pain, the ED brought Balaji to the Omandurar government hospital in Chennai for a medical examination amid tight security in the early hours on Wednesday. Tamil Nadu Government Multi Super Speciality Hospital, Chennai, later informed Balaji underwent Coronary Angiogram process and bypass surgery is advised at the earliest. Many DMK leaders, including Tamil Nadu chief minister MK Stalin, stepped up the attack against ED stating that Balaji was tortured and such long hours of questioning was completely unnecessary. Stalin charged the ED officials of "enacting a drama" in the name of enquiry and accused them of "physically and mentally troubling" Balaji. "They had pressured him to the point of him suffering a chest pain," Stalin alleged in a statement, hours after the ED arrested Balaji in a money laundering probe following raids at his premises and hours long questioning since Tuesday. ED officials had done so till 2 am before taking Balaji to a hospital and he is in the Intensive Care Unit (ICU) right now, the Chief Minister added. (With inputs from agencies) HONG KONG: Bill Gates, Microsoft Corp's co-founder, is set to meet Chinese President Xi Jinping on Friday during his visit to China, two people with knowledge of the matter said. The meeting will mark Xi's first meeting with a foreign private entrepreneur in recent years. The people said the encounter may be a one-on-one meeting. A third source confirmed they would meet, without providing details. The sources did not say what the two might discuss. Gates tweeted on Wednesday that he had landed in Beijing for the first time since 2019 and that he would meet with partners who had been working on global health and development challenges with the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation. The foundation and China's State Council Information Office, which handles media queries on behalf of the Chinese government, did not immediately respond to Reuters requests for comment. Gates stepped down from Microsoft's board in 2020 to focus on philanthropic works related to global health, education and climate change. He quit his full-time executive role at Microsoft in 2008. The last reported meeting between Xi and Gates was in 2015, when they met on the sidelines of the Boao forum in Hainan province. In early 2020, Xi wrote a letter to Gates thanking him, and the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, for pledging assistance to China including $5 million for the country's fight against COVID-19. The meeting would mark the end of a long hiatus by Xi in recent years from meeting foreign private entrepreneurs and business leaders, after the Chinese president stopped travelling abroad for nearly three years as China shut its borders during the pandemic. Several foreign CEOs have visited China since it reopened early this year but most have mainly met with government ministers. Premier Li Qiang met a group of foreign CEOs including Apple's Tim Cook in March and a source told Reuters that Tesla's Elon Musk met vice-premier Ding Xuexiang last month. The mood of the foreign business community towards China, however, has turned cautious as Sino-U.S. tensions intensify and Xi increases the country's focus on national security. Gates' visit also comes ahead of a long-delayed visit by U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken to China set to take place between June 18-19 which is aimed at stabilizing relations between the world's two largest economies and strategic rivals. Blinken had a tense call with China's foreign minister Qin Gang on Wednesday, during which Qin urged the United States to stop meddling in its affairs and harming its security. This story has been published from a wire agency feed without modifications to the text. Only the headline has been changed. The Canada government is currently working on a process to ensure that Indian students who are facing the prospect of deportation on charges of obtaining visas using fake admission will get an opportunity to prove that they are innocent A large number of Indian students in Canada have taken to the streets to protest against the potential threat of deportation. Primarily hailing from Punjab, these students assert that they were admitted to Canadian universities and colleges based on fraudulent offer letters. They accuse travel agents in India of orchestrating this fraudulent scheme. Speaking on the issue at the Canadian Parliament, Sean Fraser, the Minister of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Sean Fraser asserted that the "innocent students, who are the victims of fraud", would be allowed to "prove that they were taken advantage of." The government will provide an appropriate remedy for them." Fraser further pointed out that many students were "dealing with serious mental health concerns with the uncertainty they are struggling with." "We'll put a process in place to allow them to prove that they were taken advantage of and provide an appropriate remedy for them," Fraser said in response to a question by Jenny Kwan, a member of the opposition New Democratic Party. Fraser also said strict action will be taken against the fraudsters or those complicit in fraudulent schemes for not following Canada's laws. Earlier, India's External Affairs Minister, S Jaishankar, pressed Canadian authorities to adopt a fair and humanitarian approach towards students allegedly victimised by agents, emphasising India's efforts in addressing the matter with the 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. "We are in touch with Canada on the issue," he said. Some Indian students in Canada facing the prospect of deportation on charges of obtaining visas using fake admission letters have received "stay orders" from Canadian authorities, government sources said in New Delhi on Sunday. The sources also said that the actual number of Indian students facing deportation from Canada is much less than 700. (With inputs from agencies) Corporates, when they focus on big project execution, often overlook the possible community and environmental dimensions of their likely interface. In a socially conscious world, where sensitivities have been sharpened by climate change accountability, lack of stakeholder confidence can derail investment plans even after considerable investments have been made in terms of time and money. The Rio International F-1 circuit has been shelved and expansion of the Charles de Gaulle and Heathrow airports has been stymied by environmental groups. Large mining projects have a long global history of facing local opposition. Solar projects in the US are facing similar challenges. Environmental forums such as Earth.org have gone to the extent of calling out companies ranging from Volkswagen and petroleum majors like BP and Exxon to food companies like Nestle, Coca-Cola and Starbucks for allegedly greenwashing many of their activities and investments as ESG positive. In India, too, there are several examples of big projects going awry: the debacle faced by the Vedanta Foundation University in Odisha, the shutting down of Sterlites thriving copper plant in Tuticorin and the closure of diamond exploration operations by mining major Rio Tinto in Madhya Pradesh. The common strand in all these cases is an inability of promoters to get the buy-in of the local community because they could not suitably address concerns about their environment, health and livelihood. Vedanta Foundations purpose for seeking large swathes of land in Odisha for its proposed university was viewed with incredulity by the public right from the beginning. This was a greenfield project which had nothing to show by way of prior accomplishment. Then, getting the government involved in land acquisition for a private company too raised public hackles. In the eyes of law, Vedanta Foundation failed to explain why it needed as much as 8,000 acres of contiguous land by uprooting as many as 6,000 farmers. The main argument made against it was that this being agricultural land under cultivation, education was perhaps not the companys key motivation and that it intended to ultimately put the land to commercial use. It was held that Section 3(f) of the Land Acquisition Act of 1894, whose provisions were invoked, could not be used for compulsory acquisition, as this was being done for a private company for a private purpose that was not permissible under the Act. The Foundation, it appears, attempted to get around that objection by modifying its private company status to a public one. The Orissa high court observed that there were only three directors on its board and less than seven shareholders, which was less than what was required for a public limited company under Section 12 (b) of the Companies Act, 1956. It also said that pressure from the company was so great that the district collector had even bypassed the public hearing of objections to the acquisition process. Finally, the high court ordered that all land be restored to respective land owners irrespective of whether they had challenged the acquisition of their land or not. The court also quashed the grant of 495 acres of government land granted by way of a lease. The matter reached the Supreme Court 15 years after initiation. The apex court, too, observed that the acquisition proceedings and the benefits that were proposed by the state Government were vitiated by favouritism and were violative of Article 14 of the Constitution of India: The proposal was for exaggerated demand. This was mala fide intention on the part of the appellant company/foundation." Could Vedanta have managed the case better? Yes. One key learning from this case is that stakeholder management in large projects has to be structured and comprehensive. Importantly, it must commence from the moment a project is ideated; such engagement should never be an afterthought. Spokespersons for Vedanta have often critiqued the Indian bureaucracy as being moribund. Here was a case of a pro-active bureaucracy, but the company itself bungled, despite the apparent goal of the project being noble. There will likely be many more instances where corporates will need to set up large stand-alone facilities in the mining, metals, energy and manufacturing sectors, where land and community will be involved in a substantial way. India needs, for instance, to develop more than 100GW of hydropower and 280GW of solar energy to meet its energy transition goals. These aspirations have to be viewed against the backdrop of problems that all hydro projects have faced in the past on grounds of land acquisition, displacement of villagers and environmental activism. Companies often mistakenly believe that timely corporate social responsibility (CSR) spending, the presence of designated CSR officers and PR-campaigns will suffice. ESG strategy has to be more holistic and project strategy has to be customized and effective. It should be viewed as a definitive stakeholder management tool for corporate risk mitigation. In an age of climate-change sensitivity, with a more demanding social and political environment, it is imperative for companies to have a fortified social-risk management framework. We can call this the social girdle. It should be designed to manage and buttress the companys interface with non-market stakeholders. This should be an institutionalized structure for the duration of the project, starting from the stage of ideation and continuing into the development and operations stages. It should include seasoned administrators with credible field experience who are located within the projects zone-of-impact, people who understand the sensibilities of the local community and can fathom the social and environment implications and even the psyche of the powers that be. The Social Girdle should monitor a dashboard of finely calibrated parameters, act as a sounding board to the company, hold frequent meetings with stakeholders to allay their doubts and resolve with urgency all issues that arise from the projects evolving footprint. Only such a sharply focused endeavour will help firewall big investments from unforeseen guillotines and safeguard the companys brand image. Raghav Chandra is a former secretary, Government of India The national accounts data released last month surprised everyone, with Indias gross domestic product (GDP) growth rate clocking a provisional 7.2% in 2022-23. This was higher than the governments estimates and also that of the Reserve Bank of India (RBI). Buoyed by this data, the chief economic advisor to the finance ministry declared that the economy has fully recovered and that the final estimates may be higher than the provisional ones. While the latest GDP estimates may have brought cheer to the government, the same GDP data also suggests that the structural reasons that contributed to the Indian economys slowdown before the pandemic are still present and may actually have worsened. The continued weakness of private consumption and investment suggests that the economy is suffering from weak demand. But a better indicator is the structure of the economy. The GDP estimates show that the manufacturing sector, which is the largest sector of the economy in terms of GDP share and the third largest in terms of employment, grew a paltry 1.3%. This is its second lowest growth in the last 25 years. The only year worse than this was 2019-20, when its output actually declined 3%. Its weak showing incidentally is not isolated to this year, but is a continuation of a trend of its weakening over the past decade. The manufacturing sector accounted for 15.5% of the economys output in 2003-04. This increased to 17.2% in 2012-13 and further to 18.4% in 2017-18, the year following demonetization and introduction of the goods and services tax (GST). After that, its share of GDP declined to 17.1% in 2019-20, which was just before the pandemic, before recovering to 17.7% in 2022-23. That, however, still is lower than the peak of 2017-18. Between 2003-04 and 2013-14, it contributed an average of 19% to the total growth in gross value added (GVA), higher than its share in GDP. This contribution increased to 22% between 2013-14 and 2017-18, but declined to just 15% after that, lower than its share in the national income. Manufacturing sector growth was 7.8% annually between 2003-04 and 2013-14, which increased to 9.1% between 2013-14 and 2017-18, but then declined to almost a third at 3.4% in the last five years. Its worsening performance is not just a matter of worry for the overall growth prospects of the economy, but also for employment, given that this sector serves as a big source of jobs. Even by share of employment, manufacturing has seen a decline. According to the employment and unemployment survey of the National Statistical Office (NSO), manufacturing accounted for 12.6% of all workers in 2011-12. This declined to 10.9% in 2020-21, before recovering to 11.6% in 2021-22. The total count of workers in manufacturing increased from 54 million in 2004-05 to 60 million in 2011-12. It declined to 55 million in 2017-18 and has been lower than the 60 million level of 2011-12 until 2020-21, marginally increasing to 63 million last year. In other words, the entire manufacturing sector added just 3 million workers between 2011-12 and 2021-22, a period of 10 years, with almost all of this increase in just the last year. Even this paltry increase has been largely in the share of small and unorganized firms, with large corporations accounting for an insignificant part. The declining share of manufacturing in overall economic output as well as employment is a worrying sign for the economys long-term growth prospects. But even as a standalone indicator, it suggests a gradual de-industrialization of Indias economy, which will have implications not just for output growth, but also employment and income growth. The fact that this has happened despite numerous policy interventions such as the Make in India initiative, several production-linked incentive (PLI) schemes and the hefty corporate tax benefits extended to industry suggests a policy bias in favour of large corporates, as against the need to strengthen the countrys small and medium enterprises, which have suffered disproportionately from the twin policy shocks of demonetization and the hasty GST rollout. This is also an indicator of a much larger problem of declining demand in the Indian economy. Despite the policy push and various state incentives, the manufacturing sector has been hurt by a decline in its consumer base, which has seen incomes come under stress. The trend of gradual de-industrialization is confirmation of a reversal in the process of our economys structural transformation, as indicated by other data, notably the Periodic Labour Force Survey (PLFS). The observed movement of workers away from manufacturing to agriculture is a signal of distress, in particular in the non-agricultural economy. While agriculture has contributed a disproportionately larger share to the economic recovery from the pandemic, it is unlikely to play a similar role given rising input prices and the threat of El Nino looming large. A revival of Indias manufacturing sector is necessary not just for the sustainability of economic growth, but also for income and employment generation, both of which have been under stress for some time now. While supply-side efforts and regulatory reforms will certainly help, the key to the manufacturing-sector revival we dearly need lies in reviving demand across the economyparticularly discretionary spending. Himanshu is associate professor at Jawaharlal Nehru University and visiting fellow at the Centre de Sciences Humaines, New Delhi YEREVAN, JUNE 15, ARMENPRESS. The Office of the Human Rights Defender of Artsakh has issued a statement regarding the banning of all humanitarian transportation in and out of Artsakh through the Lachin corridor. As ARMENPRESS was informed from the Office of the Human Rights Defender of Artsakh, the statement reads as follows, Following its military provocation at the Hakari bridge in the morning of June 15, Azerbaijan has banned all kinds of humanitarian transportation in both ways, including people and cargo, through its illegal checkpoint installed on April 23. By this, Azerbaijan once again blatantly violates its international obligations towards ensuring the safe and unhindered passage through the Lachin corridor under the Trilateral Statement of November 9, 2020 and disregards the implementation of the International Court of Justices (ICJ) decision of February 22, 2023. 25 patients and their accompanying relatives which were to be transported from Artsakh to Armenia by the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) today were not allowed to pass through the illegal checkpoint over the Hakari bridge by the Azerbaijani side, being forced to return back to Stepanakert. In addition, the scheduled transportation of people with urgent humanitarian needs, as well as the trucks with humanitarian supplies, which were to be carried out by the Russian peacekeeping forces through the Goris-Stepanakert Highway, was also cancelled. Azerbaijan uses the already limited scale of humanitarian transportation and assistance to Artsakh, carried out only by the ICRC and Russian peacekeepers, as an advantage to create unbearable living conditions, terrorize, intimidate and exert psychological pressure on the peaceful population of Artsakh, in full accordance and consistency with its systematic policy of ethnic cleansing against Artsakh. The humanitarian nature and vital importance of the Lachin corridor for the people of Artsakh has been clearly reflected in the Trilateral Statement of November 9, 2020, which granted a special regime to the corridor. By cutting the corridor of life of Artsakh, Azerbaijan not only grossly violates its international obligations, but also reaffirms its true intentions with regard to Artsakh the destruction of its indigenous Armenian population. The Human Rights Defender of Artsakh has numerously warned the international community about the existential threats and danger for the people of Artsakh in connection with the installation of the illegal checkpoint in the Lachin corridor. Todays incident once again reaffirms our concerns and highlights the persistent and increasing nature of these threats, since the deliberate and criminal blocking of humanitarian transportation by Azerbaijan further deepens the humanitarian crisis caused by the blockade of Artsakh. America innovates, Europe regulates. Just as the world is starting to come to grips with OpenAI, whose boss Sam Altman has both leapfrogged the competition and pleaded for global rules, the EU has responded with the Artificial Intelligence Act, its own bid for AI superpower status by being the first to set minimum standards. [A draft was approved by the European Parliament]. Yet, were a long way from the deceptively simple world of Isaac Asimovs bot stories, which saw sentient machines deliver the benefits of powerful positronic brains" with just three rules: Dont harm humans, obey humans and defend your existence. AI is too important to not regulate thoroughly, but the EU must work to reduce the Acts complexity while promoting innovation. The AI Act has some good ideas on transparency and trust: Chatbots must declare whether theyre trained on copyrighted material, deep-fakes must be labelled as such, and a raft of new obligations for generative AI-type models will require a big effort to catalogue data-sets and take responsibility for how theyre used. Lifting the lid on opaque machines that process huge swathes of human output is a good idea. As Dragos Tudorache, co-rapporteur of law, told me, the purpose is to promote trust and confidence" in a technology that has attracted huge amounts of investment and excitement, yet also produced dark failures. Self-regulation isnt an optionneither is running into the woods" and doing nothing out of fear that AI could wipe out humanity one day. The Act is very complex, however, and runs the paradoxical risk of setting the bar too high to promote innovation but not high enough to avoid shock outcomes. The main approach is to categorize AI applications into buckets of risk, from minimal (spam filters, video games) to high (workplace recruitment) to unauthorized (real-time facial recognition). That makes sense from a product-safety point of view, with providers of AI systems expected to meet rules and requirements before putting their products out. Yet, the category of high-risk applications is broad, and the downstream chain of responsibility in an application like ChatGPT shows how tech can blur product-safety frameworks. When a lawyer relies on AI to craft a motion that unwittingly becomes full of made-up case law, are they using the product as intended or misusing it? Its also not clear how exactly this will work with other data-privacy laws like the EUs GDPR, which was used by Italy as justification for a temporary block on ChatGPT. And while more transparency on copyright-protected training data makes sense, it could conflict with past copyright exceptions granted for data mining back when AI was viewed less nervously by creative industries. All this means theres a real possibility that the actual outcome of the AI Act might entrench the EUs dependency on big US tech firms from Microsoft to Nvidi. European firms are chomping at the bit to tap into the potential productivity benefits of AI, but its likely that the large incumbent providers will be best-positioned to handle the combination of estimated upfront compliance costs of at least $3 billion and non-compliance fines of up to 7% of global revenue. Adobe has already offered to legally compensate businesses if theyre sued for copyright infringement over any images its Firefly tool creates, according to Fast Company. Some firms may take the calculated risk of avoiding the EU entirely: Alphabet Inc. has yet to make its chatbot Bard available there. The EU has a lot of fine-tuning to do as final negotiations begin on the AI Act, which might not come into force until 2026. Countries such as France that are nervous about losing more innovation ground to the US will likely push for more exemptions for smaller businesses. Bloomberg Intelligence analyst Tamlin Bason sees a possible middle ground on restrictions. That should be accompanied by initiatives to foster new tech ideas such as promoting ecosystems linking universities, startups and investors. There should also be more global coordination at a time when angst around AI is widespreadthe G7s new Hiroshima AI process looks like a useful forum to discuss issues like intellectual property rights. Perhaps one bit of good news is that AI is not about to destroy all jobs held by human compliance officers and lawyers. Technology consultant Barry Scannell says that companies will be looking at hiring AI officers and drafting AI impact assessments, similar to what happened in the aftermath of the GDPR. Reining in these new robots requires more human brainpowerperhaps one twist you would not get in an Isaac Asimov story. bloomberg Lionel Laurent is a Bloomberg Opinion columnist covering digital currencies, the European Union and France US Representative Richard McCormick has stressed the importance of closer economic and strategic ties between the United States and India. Regardless of their political affiliations, McCormick believes that lawmakers should recognise India as a crucial future partner. He highlighted India's strategic location near China, Pakistan and Bangladesh and emphasised the need for a strong partnership to address regional challenges effectively. During Prime Minister Narendra Modi's upcoming visit to Washington, the US is reportedly urging India to finalise a long-awaited deal for the acquisition of US-made armed drones. McCormick acknowledged that transitioning from traditional procurement sources, such as Russia, to advanced military equipment from the US takes time. However, he believes that the present moment is opportune for strengthening the partnership, citing the mutual benefits of economic ties and the importance of the alliance for the entire region. I think the time is now. I think they (India) understand the importance of our partnership, especially when it comes to the economic ties that benefit from that also," ANI quoted McCormick as saying. McCormick stressed on the significance of maintaining a robust connection with India, highlighting shared values and aligned perspectives between the two nations. He contrasted India's steady approach to economic growth with China's rapid expansion, which has been marred by questionable practices and mounting debt. McCormick stressed the importance of fostering stable regional dynamics and establishing enduring ties between the US and India. McCormick highlighted India's significant attributes, including its large population, robust industrial base, and production capacity. He stressed the importance of India adhering to global trade rules and collaborating with other countries for mutual benefit. PM Modi's visit presents a crucial opportunity for consequential discussions that will shape the future trajectory of the US-India partnership. The focus will be on countering regional challenges and strengthening economic cooperation between the two nations. (With ANI inputs) The Azerbaijani military on June 14 breached the ceasefire in Nagorno Karabakh in three different directions, Artsakh Republic Defense Ministry said. June 15, 2023, 09:53 The Azerbaijani military breached the ceasefire in three different directions. Artsakh Defense Army STEPANAKERT, JUNE 15, ARTSAKHPRESS: Azerbaijani troops opened small arms fire in the northern, eastern and north-western directions of the line of contact. Between 9:15am and 11:14am, the Azerbaijani side opened firefrom small armsat civilians doing agricultural work in Machkalashen and Chartar villages. The Armenian side has no losses. This ceasefire violation was reported to the command of the Russian peacekeeping contingent in Artsakh. As of 9:30am Thursday, the situation on the line of contact is relatively stable. The plan could generate more than $800 million in new tax revenue. In October, Megan Patel and her husband paid Hitson Cabinets to install custom cabinets inside their home and signed an agreement for it to be done by early March. Now, it's April, and the job still needs to be done. United States Congressman Frank Pallone has called on the U.S. State Department to halt Azerbaijans senseless acts of aggression against Armenia which jeopardize ongoing peace negotiations and risk further destabilization in the Caucasus. June 15, 2023, 14:07 Congressman Pallone calls on State Department to halt Azerbaijans 'senseless' acts of aggression against Armenia STEPANAKERT, JUNE 15, ARTSAKHPRESS: Azerbaijan is jeopardizing ongoing peace negotiations and risking further destabilization in the Caucasus through their attacks in Armenian territory. State Department must try to halt these senseless acts of aggression & push for the recognition & respect of Armenia's borders, Pallone tweeted. 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. Jodie McGowan and Jay Manguilimotan, a Philippian friend of Jodies living in Ireland, set off on Sunday, April 30, 2023 at 6am from St Pauls, Marys Meals headquarters in Longford to cycle to Croagh Patrick at Murrish, Co Mayo. Jodie & Jay cycled a distance of 141 kilometres. The time it took them to travel this distance was 8 hours, allowing an hour and a half break for stops in Tulsk and Castlebar. On arrival at Croagh Patrick at 2pm they were joined by their good friends John & Melissa, so leaving their bicycles at the base they commenced their climb together, ascending the 764 metres into the sky, including the 2500 steps. They stayed on the top for about 1.5 hrs, taking in the scenery, the peace and they prayed in thanksgiving for the trip. Then it was time to descend which was faster but more nerve racking. Again it was 6pm by the time they arrived back at base and as Jodie confided his legs were trembling and he was exhausted. He was innocently asked if he had cycled back to Longford and stated that on this trip he didnt but was open to doing it later, for Marys Meals, of course. On behalf of the sixty children that will be fed for a full year, with the 1167.18 raised by Jodie & Jay, Marys Meals Longford want to say a very sincere thank you and acknowledge both of you for your efforts. Jodie & Jay spoke at the Marys Meals Longford Fun Day event and they will welcome them back to speak to again. Longford Marys Meals have a shop at St Pauls, inside the gatehouse at Connolly Barracks, and if you are in the area please call in and view. ONE WELL known TV presenter is calling on the public to take on a 114km walk challenge. Martin King, radio broadcaster and Ireland AM co-host is urging the public to take part in the French Camino Challenge for the Irish Hospice Foundation (IHF). Martin, who is supporting the IHF initiative, says he is delighted to do so. The five day walking challenge will take place from September 8 to 15, across the Pyrenees mountain range, from residential area Saint Jean Pied de Port to mediaeval town, Estella. National charity IHF is a non-profit organisation which addresses dying, death and bereavement and is hosting the five day event, to raise vital funds. This will be their fifth year of hosting a Camino Challenge. The route chosen by the charity to conquer is the first stage of the French Camino, and IHF promises an unforgettable week. Thanking all past participants, Helen McVeigh, Director of Fundraising at IHF looks forward to welcoming this years walkers. This year, I am very excited to be launching our fifth Camino walk, which for the first time is taking on the initial stage - following in the footsteps of walkers over the centuries, Helen said. This is your chance to make every step matter for families facing their final times together and for those coming to terms with the loss of a loved one. We will look after you, your luggage, flights, accommodation and meals so you can focus on walking with our experienced guides. Centereach Man Sentenced to 20 Years in Prison for Binding Acquaintance and Beating Him to Death Crime By Chris Boyle Published: June 15 2023 John Mann IV Pleaded Guilty in March to the 2020 Killing of 16-Year-Old Henry Hernandez. Suffolk County District Attorney Raymond A. Tierney today announced that John Mann IV, 20, of Centereach, has been sentenced to 20 years in prison for the premeditated fatal beating of Henry Hernandez, age 16, of Hempstead, whose skeletal remains were found in Centereach in March 2020. We hope this plea and sentence serves as some measure of justice for Henry Hernandez and his family, said District Attorney Tierney. This is a truly heartbreaking and horrific case. According to court documents and Manns admissions during his guilty plea allocution, on March 15, 2020, skeletal remains were discovered in a plastic tub on the property of Mann IVs neighbor. The remains were wrapped in two separate plastic bags. When the skeletal remains were further examined, it was discovered that the hands and feet were bound with duct tape, and the head and mouth were wrapped in duct tape. DNA tests determined that the skeletal remains were that of 16-year-old Henry Hernandez. A subsequent police investigation established that Mann and Hernandez became acquaintances in March 2019. A short time later, Hernandez went to Manns home located on Jay Road in Centereach and stole Manns fathers truck. On or around June 2, 2019, Mann lured Hernandez to a location known as the Sand Pit, where he duct-taped the victim and struck him multiple times with a blunt object. Mann placed Hernandezs body in a hole and covered it with debris. The defendant later moved Hernandez skeletal remains into a plastic tub and placed it on his next-door neighbors property, where it was ultimately recovered on March 15, 2020. On March 17, 2023, Mann pleaded guilty before Acting Supreme Court Justice, the Honorable Anthony S. Senft, Jr., to Manslaughter in the First Degree, a Class B violent felony, and Tampering with Physical Evidence, a Class E felony. On June 8, 2023, Judge Senft sentenced Mann to 20 years in prison followed by five years of post-release supervision. Mann was represented by Matthew Rosenbloom, Esq. This case was prosecuted by Assistant District Attorney Francis X. Schroeder of the Homicide Bureau. Crime By Chris Boyle Published: June 15 2023 Charges Include Participating in a Criminal Enterprise that Committed Bribery, Fraud, and Theft, Including Two Gunpoint Robberies. Damian Williams, the United States Attorney for the Southern District of New York, Michael J. Driscoll, the Assistant Director in Charge of the New York Field Office of the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), and Keechant L. Sewell, the Commissioner of the New York City Police Department (NYPD), announced the unsealing of Indictments charging DAGOBERTO SOTO-RAMIREZ, a/k/a Pito, SAUL ARISMENDY DE LA CRUZ, a/k/a Nene, a/k/a Venom, EDWIN LUCIANO RODRIGUEZ-GENAO, a/k/a Pantalla, SANTIAGO XAVIER MALDONADO, a/k/a Xavier, and DIEGO MUELAS-GONZALEZ, a/k/a Menor, for their participation in a violent theft crew. DE LA CRUZ, RODRIGUEZ-GENAO, MALDONADO, and MUELAS-GONZALEZ were arrested this morning and arraigned before U.S. Magistrate Judge Judith C. McCarthy. SOTO-RAMIREZ has not been arrested at this time. U.S. Attorney Damian Williams said: As alleged, this crew stole substantial quantities of cash and valuables from dozens of families in New York and across the country, predominantly targeting Asian-American small business owners. And, as alleged, they bribed an NYPD detective in an attempt to get away with it. Corruption, violence, and racially targeted crime are intolerable, and this Office stands with our law enforcement partners in the fight against all three. Dagoberto Soto-Ramirez, the alleged leader of this violent crew, remains at large. We encourage anyone who may have additional information regarding Dagoberto Soto-Ramirezs whereabouts to please call the FBI at 1-800-CALL-FBI. FBI Assistant Director in Charge Michael J. Driscoll said: Over an extended period, the defendants allegedly participated in a string of violent armed robberies and additional crimes designed to conceal the thefts. The crew went so far as to entice a member of law enforcement to help them evade capture. The FBI will continue to work diligently everyday to remove violent criminals from our communities. NYPD Commissioner Keechant L. Sewell said: Violent criminal acts like the type alleged today are a disgrace. When such behavior involves a former police officer who shamelessly exploits their position of power for personal gain, it erodes public trust in law enforcement and tarnishes the reputations of the many thousands of women and men who honorably serve New Yorkers each day. There will always be zero tolerance in the NYPD for corruption of any kind. And our investigators, in close partnership with all of our local, state, and federal law enforcement partners, will continue to ensure that it is punished to the fullest extent possible. As alleged in the Indictment and Superseding Indictments unsealed in White Plains federal court: Between 2017 and 2022, SOTO-RAMIREZ organized a crew that committed residential burglaries and home invasion robberies, repeatedly targeting small business owners. The majority of the targeted victims were Asian-American. Armed with guns and other weapons, members of the crew stole money, jewelry, and other property from scores of homes in states across the country. RODRIGUEZ-GENAO, MALDONADO, and MUELAS-GONZALEZ took part in the crews criminal scheme, which also included the use of false identification, bank fraud, and laundering theft proceeds. In addition, SOTO-RAMIREZ and other members of the conspiracy bribed DE LA CRUZ, first an officer and later a detective of the NYPD, who helped members of the crew escape arrest. As part of his activities with the crew, SOTO-RAMIREZ committed two gunpoint home invasion robberies in Queens. SOTO-RAMIREZ, 41, of the Bronx, New York, DE LA CRUZ, 31, RODRIGUEZ-GENAO, 48, MALDONADO, 43, and MUELAS-GONZALEZ, 26, all of Queens, New York, are each charged with one count of racketeering conspiracy, which carries a maximum sentence of 20 years in prison. SOTO-RAMIREZ is additionally charged with two counts of assault with a dangerous weapon in aid of racketeering, each of which carry a maximum sentence of 20 years in prison, and two counts of possession of a firearm, which was brandished, in furtherance of a crime of violence, each of which carry a mandatory minimum sentence of seven years in prison and a maximum sentence of life in prison. The statutory minimum and maximum penalties are prescribed by Congress and are provided here for informational purposes only, as any sentencing of the defendants would be determined by the judge. Mr. Williams praised the investigative work of the FBI, the Westchester County Joint Organized Crime Task Force, the New York Public Corruption Task Force, the Westchester County Department of Public Safety, the NYPD, the Nassau County Police Department, the New York State Police, and the Fort Lee Police Department. He added that the investigation is ongoing. The case is being handled by the Offices White Plains Division. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Josiah Pertz and Jeffrey C. Coffman are in charge of the prosecution. The charges contained in the Indictment and Superseding Indictments are merely accusations, and the defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty. As the introductory phrase signifies, the description of the Indictment and the other charging documents set forth in this release constitute only allegations, and every fact described should be treated as an allegation. The Weeknd responds to criticism of *that* Idol sex scene Lionel Hahn - Getty Images The Weeknd has responded to the criticism of that sex scene in episode two of HBO's The Idol, saying it's not meant to be "sexy" after the controversial scene received backlash after airing on Sunday (11th June). In The Idol, The Weeknd plays Tedros, a rat-tailed self help guru and cult leader who begins a relationship with a mega pop star Jocelyn (Lily-Rose Depp) who is trying to make a comeback in her career. The graphic sex scene in episode two sees a fully clothed Tedros demand a naked Jocelyn carries out his sexual fantasies, with Tedros at one point saying: "f**king stretch that tiny little p***y." HBO - Sky The scene didn't go down with viewers, with one person calling it "uncalled for" and another saying it was "the unsexiest sex scene". British GQ even called the scene the "worst sex scene in history." Yikes. THAT sex scene on The Idol was sooooo uncalled for Omg. I dont know what to say. Theres sexy and theres whatever the fuck that was Bingo Bango (@nopelady2) June 12, 2023 This is the unsexiest sex scene I've ever seen. Can he please stop talking? #TheIdol #TheIdolHBO pic.twitter.com/SkXJnBEBMb Game of Throats (@TopherFrance) June 13, 2023 And now in an interview with GQ, The Weeknd has clarified the scene wasn't actually intended to be sexy and described his character as a "loser". When asked by the publication if viewers are meant to find the moment sexy, The Weeknd said: "No. Theres nothing sexy about it." He went onto say: "How ever youre feeling watching that scene, whether its discomfort, or you feel gross, or you feel embarrassed for the characters. Its all those emotions adding up to: This guy is in way over his head, this situation is one where he is not supposed to be here." The Weeknd added they want to play with tone and emotions throughout the series. "No matter how dark a scene is, you can find the comedy in it," he explained. HBO - Sky Well, we guess that clears things up? You Might Also Like (Alliance News) - First Class Metals PLC on Thursday said that is increasingly optimistic about the potential of the Dead Otter Trend in Ontario, after confirming visible gold underlines at the site. First Class Metals is a metals exploration company seeking large-scale metal discoveries in Canada. The Dead Otter Trend is located at the North Hemlo site in northwest Ontario, Canada. Exploration is currently in progress at North Hemlo, with a clear focus on drill preparation. Most importantly, visible gold has been observed in multiple grab samples from Dead Otter, with gold "panned" from pulverised grabs at the site. First Class Metals has now submitted an exploration permit to the provincial authorities. Further, a drill contract is under negotiation, with a site visit already undertaken by a drilling operator to review logistics and access for a diamond drilling rig. "The confirmation of (visible) gold underlines our increasing confidence in the potential of the Dead Otter Trend. This is a very significant milestone for FCM, as is the submittal of the Exploration Permit after extensive but positive and on going discussions with the First Nations. We intend to drill as soon as all the factors allow," said Chief Executive Officer Marc Sale. First Class Metals shares were trading 5.3% higher at 11.85 pence each. By Holly Beveridge, Alliance News reporter Comments and questions to newsroom@alliancenews.com Copyright 2023 Alliance News Ltd. All Rights Reserved. Manchester, VT (05254) Today Clear skies. Areas of smoke and haze are possible, reducing visibility at times. Low 58F. Winds light and variable.. Tonight Clear skies. Areas of smoke and haze are possible, reducing visibility at times. Low 58F. Winds light and variable. FEELING THE EARTH MOVE. Students and faculty members can be seen evacuating from Araullo High School along UN Avenue in Manila following a magnitude 6.3 earthquake that rocked Calatagan, Batangas, with tremors felt across the capital. Norman Cruz A magnitude 6.3 earthquake hit Calatagan town in Batangas on Thursday morning with the tremor felt across Luzon, including Metro Manila, the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology said. Although no major damage was reported from the quake as of press time, the temblor shook parts of the National Capital Region, including major transport systems, sending people streaming out of buildings weeks after the most recent national earthquake drill. The runway at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport was closed for inspection, temporarily halting its operations, along with other airports and the railways crisscrossing the big city. In a statement, the Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines said the building and equipment at San Jose Airport in Mindoro, across the sea from Batangas, did not sustain major damage. The cracks found in two stations of the Metro Rail Transit Line 3 (MRT-3) following the earthquake are no cause for alarm, the Department of Transportation said in a statement. Phivolcs director Teresito Bacolcol said the earthquake possibly came from Manila Trench due to the depth of its tectonic origin. The agency did not issue any tsunami warning following the quake. Meanwhile, Calatagan Mayor Peter Palacio said no significant damages were observed in their town, but tasked municipal engineers to check the town hall and other structures. Classes in some schools in the town were suspended, but government offices remained open to the public, according to Palacio, who warned residents of Calatagan to watch out for aftershocks. The US Geological Survey said the earthquake struck at a depth of 112 kilometres (77 miles) at around 10:00 am (0200 GMT) in waters off Calatagan town, about three hours drive from the capital Manila. The quake was caused by the movement of the Manila Trench, a major earthquake generator located offshore west of Luzon island, which is roughly parallel to the Philippine archipelago and is running from Taiwan to Occidental Mindoro, Phivolcs said. Intensity 4 was felt in Manila, Mandaluyong, Quezon and Valenzuela cities; Bulacans Malolos; Batangas Batangas City, Ibaan, Lemery, Nasugbu and Talisay; Cavites cities of Dasmarinas and Tagaytay, and Rizals Tanay. Intensity 3 was experienced in Pateros, the cities of Las Pinas, Makati, Marikina, Paranaque and Pasig; Bulacans Obando; Batangas Laurel; Cavites cities of Bacoor and Imus; Lagunas cities of San Pablo and San Pedro, and Rizals San Mateo. Caloocan, San Juan and Muntinlupa; La Unions San Fernando City; Pangasinans Alaminos City and Bolinao; Bulacans Santa Maria, and Tarlacs Bamban had intensity 2, while Bulacans San Jose del Monte City only felt intensity 1. Calatagan police chief Emil Mendoza said he and his staff rushed outside following the tremor. It was a bit strong. We had to run outside, Mendoza told Agence France-Presse. While there were no immediate reports of casualties or damage, disaster authorities had been deployed to assess the earthquakes impact, Mendoza said. Calatagan disaster officer Ronald Torres said the quake lasted between 30 seconds and a minute. The state seismological agency warned of aftershocks but ruled out tsunami waves due to the tremors depth. The earthquake sent people rushing out of buildings in the capital. Runways and taxiways at NAIA were temporarily closed at around 10:23 a.m. for authorities to inspect for any damage to the pavement, according to the DoTr. Senate committee on public works and highways chairperson Sen. Bong Revilla described as alarming the strong earthquake. We know how important public infrastructure is in times of crisis. It is where people would run to seek refuge hospitals, streets, covered courts, gyms, and others, said Revilla. This is why I urge key government instrumentalities to immediately be on the ground to assess the damage to these public infrastructures, and to urgently address pressing concerns that may endanger the safety and lives of our countrymen, noted the senator. Images on social media verified by AFP showed a crane truck at a Manila port as it swayed from the force of the tremor. Diego Mariano, information officer at the civil defence office, said authorities were still assessing the impact of the quake. As of now, no major damage or casualties as of reporting time. Assessment still ongoing, Mariano told reporters in a message. Quakes are a daily occurrence in the Philippines, which sits along the Pacific Ring of Fire, an arc of intense seismic as well as volcanic activity that stretches from Japan through Southeast Asia and across the Pacific basin. In October 2013, a magnitude 7.1 earthquake struck Bohol Island in the central Philippines, triggering landslides and killing more than 200 people. Old churches in the birthplace of Catholicism in the Philippines were badly damaged. Nearly 400,000 were displaced and tens of thousands of houses were damaged due to the quake. In 1990, a magnitude 7.8 earthquake in the northern Philippines created a ground rupture that stretched over a hundred kilometres, causing severe damage and killing more than 1,200 people. Please enable JavaScript to view the comments powered by Disqus. STRONG GROWTH TRAJECTORY. President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., in his speech during the International Trade Forum on Thursday, June 15, 2023, says dynamic innovation will be at the heart of the transformation and growth of the exports industry. Joey Razon President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. on Thursday unveiled a six-year plan to elevate the countrys export game to compete more effectively with its neighbors. The best are here in Asia. They are our competitors, President Marcos told reporters following the launch of the Philippine Export Development Plan in Taguig City. That is why we have to bring up our export game a little bit and support our exporters so that they can compete in foreign markets. And that they are able to be not only suppliers but also industrial consumers of the products that are around the world, he added. In his speech during the event, Marcos stressed that the Philippines has been falling behind its ASEAN neighbors when it comes to trade. We still have to grapple with critical issues, such as a comparatively less-diversified export portfolio and trade barriers and frictions, he said. I came across a rather eye-opening statistic that 40 percent of all our exports are only one product. So the level of diversification is something that we have to look at and we have to improve in the coming years, Marcos said. Despite this, the President said he was confident that the industry was headed for a bright future, with $49 billion worth of revenues still untapped. Aside from the PEDP, the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP) would help the Philippines to boost its exports, Marcos said. The RCEP, a free trade agreement among 15 countries, including the Philippines and its nine fellow member-states of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN), came into force on June 2. Free trade agreements between the Philippines and South Korea, the European Union, and the United States were also in the works, Marcos said. The reason we are doing this is we want to open markets so that the Philippines will be able to export to and import from. So its not one way, its straight, President Marcos said. And that is the most important thing. But what we have to do is to allow ourselves the restructuring of some of the elements that are within the law, that are within the rules so that we can compete on an even basis, he added. Under the PEDP, the Philippines aims to become a leading exporter in electronics, information technology and business process management, minerals, agricultural and agri-based products, transport products, wearables, fashion accessories, and travel goods, chemicals, and home furnishings by 2028. The following industries would also be developed with an eye toward exports: industrial, manufacturing, and transport; technology, media, and telecommunications; health and life sciences. It has become clearer to us what the evolving export landscape looks like now. Our role in the global marketplace is becoming more apparent, the President said. Marcos said that with the signing of the Philippine Export Development Plan, the country formally begins the enforcement of the key strategies to nurture the growth of our local export industry for the next six years, to transform it into a strong and highly competitive pillar of our economy. It is correct that the DTI views our export industry as an economic linchpin, he said, referring to the Department of Trade and Industry. Indeed, this distinct sector holds together what could appear to be disparate components of our economy, but make them work in such well-coordinated and efficient manner so as to achieve a higher and practical objective. The countrys economic managers are thoroughly studying the best practices of other nations that have been successful in their free trade agreements for their exports, the President said. He said learning from the successes of other countries will also be key to staying competitive in global export and trade. Earlier this month, Marcos approved the plan, which aims to capitalize on export growth opportunities. Trade Secretary Alfredo Pascual said the export plan is in line with the administrations Philippine Development Plan, which Marcos approved in December last year. The Philippine Development Plan aims to strengthen the countrys economic and social transformation from 2023 to 2028. Please enable JavaScript to view the comments powered by Disqus. Artificial intelligence has been used to extract John Lennons voice from an old demo to create the last Beatles record, decades after the band broke up, Paul McCartney said Tuesday. McCartney, 80, told the BBC that the technology was used to separate the Beatles voices from background sounds during the making of director Peter Jacksons 2021 documentary series, The Beatles: Get Back. The new song is set to be released later this year, he said. Jackson was able to extricate Johns voice from a ropey little bit of cassette and a piano, McCartney told BBC radio. He could separate them with AI, hed tell the machine Thats a voice, this is a guitar, lose the guitar. So when we came to make what will be the last Beatles record, it was a demo that John had that we worked on, he added. We were able to take Johns voice and get it pure through this AI so then we could mix the record as you would do. It gives you some sort of leeway. McCartney didnt identify the name of the demo, but the BBC and others said it was likely to be an unfinished 1978 love song by Lennon called Now and Then. The demo was included on a cassette labeled For Paul that McCartney had received from Lennons widow, Yoko Ono, the BBC reported. McCartney described AI technology as kind of scary but exciting, adding: We will just have to see where that leads. The same technology enabled McCartney to duet virtually with Lennon, who was murdered in 1980, on Ive Got a Feeling last year at Glastonbury Festival. Holly Herndon, a multidisciplinary artist with a doctorate in composition from Stanford University, used nascent AI machine technology on her last album, 2019s Proto, and developed Holly+, an online protocol that allows the public to upload tracks to be reinterpreted and performed by a deepfake version of her voice. She theorizes that the Beatles recording was likely created using a process called source separation. Source separation has become much easier to do with machine learning. This allows you to extract a voice from a recording, isolating it so that you might accompany it with new instrumentation, she explains. That differs from a deepfake vocal. A deepfake is an entirely new vocal line spawned from a machine learning model trained on old vocal lines, she said. While it does not appear to be happening in this example, it is now possible to spawn infinite new media from analyzing older material, which is a similar process, in spirit, to this song. Read more: Beatles Shea Stadium concert poster shatters auction record McCartney is set to open an exhibition later this month at the National Portrait Gallery in London featuring previously unseen photographs that he took during the early days of the Beatles at the start of Beatlemania, when the band rose to worldwide fame. The exhibition, titled Eyes of the Storm, showcases more than 250 photos McCartney took with his camera between 1963 and 1964 including portraits of Ringo Starr, George Harrison and Lennon, as well as Beatles manager Brian Epstein. AUBURN An Auburn man whose murder conviction was overturned on appeal has been arraigned a second time. Gage Ashley, 25, was before Judge Thomas Leone in Cayuga County Court Thursday on charges of first-degree murder, second-degree murder, first-degree attempted robbery and second-degree criminal possession of a weapon in relation to the death of 36-year-old Joshua A. Poole at 8 Delevan St. on Nov. 15, 2019. Ashley was convicted in the case and sentenced in December 2021, but the state Appellate Division-Fourth Department, a mid-level appeals court, said in a May 2023 decision that the grand jury that originally indicted him was illegally constituted due to one of the grand jurors not being qualified to serve because of a previous criminal conviction. The appeals court ordered that the conviction be reversed, Ashley's previous guilty plea be vacated and the original indictment be dismissed without prejudice for the Cayuga County District Attorney's Office to again present any appropriate charges to a different grand jury. On Thursday, Todd Sloan, Ashley's defense attorney, said his client would be pleading not guilty to every count, and Sloan and Cayuga County Chief Assistant District Attorney Christopher Valdina made arguments on whether Ashley should receive bail or not. Valdina recommended the defendant be remanded to the jail, calling Ashley a flight risk and noted he is facing life in prison without parole. He later added that "the evidence is overwhelming." "He's a risk to this community," Valdina said. Sloan said that "In the eyes of the law, (Ashley) is an innocent man" and said Ashley is entitled to be heard on bail. Noting Ashley has family and strong ties in the area, Sloan said that Ashley has a 4-year-old daughter "he desperately wants to see." Sloan said Ashley has continually been cooperative with him. "He's fully prepared to answer these charges and he will make every appearance," Sloan said. After Ashley's arraignment, Sloan emphasized that since the prior conviction was overturned, "it's supposed to be fresh eyes, we're supposed to make determinations on everything that (has) only been heard now from this point forward." "It was an illegal indictment. We're starting from square one. Nothing has happened in the eyes of the law," Sloan later said. Leone remanded Ashley to the Cayuga County Jail with no bail. Valdina said after court that "as of today," motions have not been filed for the indictments of Tyree Anglin and Lucciano Spagnola, who were both also charged in connection to Poole's death, to be vacated. Ashley, Anglin and Spagnola had all been in front of the same grand jury in December 2019. In November 2021, Spagnola was sentenced to 17 years to life in prison on two counts of second-degree murder. Anglin, who originally faced a murder count, pleaded guilty to manslaughter in late June 2021 and was sentenced in mid-June 2022. When asked Thursday how many defendants in other cases were potentially affected by the appeals court's determination that that particular grand jury was illegally constituted, because grand juries can be empaneled for months, Valdina said he could not comment. In a news release Thursday from the DA's office about Ashley's new arraignment, the office said it has filed for permission to appeal the fourth department's decision to the New York State Court of Appeals, the state's top court. Ashley pleaded guilty in September 2021 to every charge he faced at the time. Later that year, Leone sentenced him to to 21 years to life in prison for first-degree murder and second-degree murder, in addition to 15 years to life and 5 years of post-release supervision for first-degree attempted robbery and second-degree criminal possession of a weapon. He also received sentences for less serious charges. The appeals court said in its decision that it agreed with the defendant's assertion that an error was made in refusing to dismiss the indictment "on the ground that the grand jury was illegally constituted," because one of the grand jurors wasn't qualified to serve due to a prior criminal conviction. Sloan previously filed a motion to dismiss Ashley's previous indictment ahead of the trial after learning about one of the grand jurors having a felony conviction. Leone heard arguments on the matter from Sloan and attorneys for Spagnola at an August 2021 hearing, but ultimately upheld the indictments. Ashley is due in court for a pre-trial conference July 13. Jack Douglas Teixeira, 21, a Massachusetts Air National Guard member, has been indicted by a federal grand jury in Boston on six counts of willful retention and transmission of classified information relating to the national defense, according to a press release from the Department of Justice (DOJ). Teixeira, of North Dighton, who was stationed in Massachusetts, has been accused by prosecutors of retaining and transmitting classified national defense information on a social media chat room for gamers called Discord. Teixeira faced charges under the Espionage Act earlier in April. Investigators said he shared secret military documents about Russias war in Ukraine and other top national security issues on Discord. United States District Court Magistrate Judge David H. Hennessy had granted the governments motion for detention and Teixeira has remained in federal custody since. The unauthorized removal, retention and transmission of classified information jeopardizes our nations security. Individuals granted access to classified materials have a fundamental duty to safeguard the information for the safety of the United States, our active service members, its citizens and its allies, said Acting United States Attorney Joshua S. Levy in the press release. We are committed to ensuring that those entrusted with sensitive national security information adhere to the law. Officials say Teixeira transmitted classified national defense information on Discord in two different ways in 2022. Prosecutors say he accessed classified documents containing national defense information from a classified workstation at the Otis United States Air National Guard Base, and then transcribed and transmitted the information in written paragraphs to other users on Discord. The other way officials say he sent information was by posting images of classified documents, which had classification markings such as SECRET or TOP SECRET, to Discord. At least one of the documents containing national defense information was found in digital form in a particular account associated with Teixeira, according to the report. The charges of unauthorized retention and transmission of national defense information each provide for a sentence of up to 10 years in prison, up to three years of supervised release and a fine of up to $250,000, said the release. It was not immediately clear from the press release or a federal court database when Teixeira will be in court next. SPRINGFIELD Baystate Health has begun the regulatory process of moving some behavioral health services from Westfield, Palmer and Springfield into the soon-to-be completed Valley Springs Behavioral Health Hospital in Holyoke. Included in those moves is the planned closing of a 12-bed child and adolescent inpatient unit and partial hospitalization program at the main Baystate Medical Center facility in Springfield. Baystate opened the facility in 2021 following the closing of what was then called Providence Hospital in Holyoke and its unit for young people. But the child and adolescent unit at Baystate Medical Center in Springfield was always supposed to be temporary until the Holyoke facility was built. Baystate will keep a 28-bed adult behavioral health unit open in Springfield. In a message this week, lawmakers said they are aware of the changes. State Rep. Carlos Gonzalez, D-Springfield, said the legislative delegation secured $3 million in emergency funding after learning about the loss of youth psychiatric beds. The money went to Baystate to provide adolescent psych beds until a new facility was built. Today, the rest of the adult behavioral health beds remain in Springfield, ensuring continued access to quality mental health care services, he said. Gonzalez, state Rep. Orlando Ramos, D-Springfield, and state Sen. Adam Gomez, D-Springfield, issued a joint statement this week explaining the changes after Baystates paperwork was posted on a state Department of Public Health website. Baystates number of inpatient beds will rise after all the shuffling is completed. The Holyoke facility will have a unit for children and adolescents. Baystate and its partner, for-profit Lifepoint Health, will open a $72 million, 150-bed behavioral health hospital at the former site of the demolished Holyoke Geriatric Authority, 45 Lower Westfield Road, Aug. 15. The first arrivals will be long-term patients living at the Vibra HealthCare unit in the former Springfield Municipal Hospital. Vibra is planning to close. Baystate is closing its adult inpatient psychiatric beds 20 at Baystate Noble in Westfield and 28 at Baystate Wing in Palmer, according to a news release. It had planned to close inpatient psychiatric beds at Baystate Franklin Medical Center as well. But Baystate chose to keep that facility open, citing community partnerships and Greenfields distance from Holyoke. Some psychiatric services there will be managed by LifePoint, according to a news release from Baystate. SPRINGFIELD Massachusetts lawmakers are considering a bill that would allow certain municipalities to build swimming pools at their schools using state funds for the construction. Three lawmakers who represent Springfield helped introduce the legislation described as effort to increase students access to safe locations at which to swim. In 2004, the administration of Gov. Mitt Romney overhauled how cities and towns receive reimbursement for school building projects. In these changes, swimming pools were deemed categorically ineligible for state reimbursement. House No. 559 would direct the Massachusetts School Building Authority to amend the regulations to the School Building Program so it could reimburse the construction and renovation of swimming pools at schools in municipalities that meet certain conditions. The municipalities have to have a population larger than 35,000 but smaller than 250,000, for instance. One of the lawmakers who introduced the bill, state Rep. Orlando Ramos, D-Springfield, said the legislation would fund the construction of more swimming pools in Springfield where children could practice their swimming. The objective of the bill would be to decrease the number of drownings in urban neighborhoods where children often lack access to swimming pools. When you look at the statistics, you can see (swimming pools) are not a luxury item for a city; its a necessity and they can save lives, Ramos said. In an email, Ramos cited a survey from the USA Swimming Foundation, conducted by the University of Memphis in 2017, that stated approximately 70% of Black children and 60% of Hispanic children lack the ability to swim, compared to 40% of non-minorities. The bill was introduced by Ramos, state Rep. Bud L. Williams and state Sen. Adam Gomez, who all represent Springfield. They were joined by state Rep. Michelle DuBois, who represents Brockton. This is not the first time Springfield lawmakers introduced the proposal before the statehouse. For instance, state Sen. James T. Welch filed the bill in April 2015, and Ramos had refiled the bill last year but it did not advance to the floor. Gomez credits his experience in working as a lifeguard and camp director the reason as why providing children swimming lessons in non-contaminated waters is an important issue for him. Theres a lot of opportunities for kids to not only learn to swim but get involved in the future of teaching other kids to swim, he said. Williams said access to safe swimming is essential. I think it gives a more holistic approach to engaging young people in extracurricular activities, Williams said. The unoccupied swimming pool at John F. Kennedy Middle School in the Indian Orchard neighborhood is one place in need of renovation according to Ramos and Matt Brunell, co-executive director of the Springfield Empowerment Zone Partnership. Our work in summer programming has reflected back to us much too painfully that there are our students who dont know how to swim at a proficient level, Brunell said. Should the bill pass, Brunell said the Springfield Empowerment Zone would push for a strategic plan with the city to investigate all options for pools. Our hope would be that Kennedy would be on that list, Brunell said. We certainly think that we need a pool in that neighborhood, but we would want to do it in a coordinated effort with the rest of the city. Patrick Sullivan, Springfields director of Parks, Recreation and Building Management, said they have made numerous applications to the state and have not gotten a response. He added that of the three or four bills that have been filed over the years for Kennedy Middle School, none have been funded. There have been private bills funded and then the governor has never funded the bond builds to rebuild the pool, Sullivan said. Weve worked very hard to try to get that done. He said the Parks Department spends approximately $300,000 annually on the maintenance of 11 pools across the district, which include 10 indoor pools in the citys schools. Sullivan credits the aquatics program, Learn to Swim, managed by Aquatics Director Joe Federico as the main contributor to teaching young Springfield residents safe swimming. I have children in these classes that start at a young age, work their way up to the advanced classes, and then end up taking out lifeguard courses and working for the city, Federico said in a statement. The staffing of lifeguards is the departments current issue, according to Sullivan. Each city pool needs between 15 and 18 lifeguards to cover all the shifts. Sullivan said the city has struggled to find enough lifeguards. Springfield currently employs 33 lifeguards but it is short 15, so Sullivan said it did not open the swimming area at Five Mile Pond Park. The lifeguard number has dropped dramatically and thank God we have our aquatics program that trains them, Sullivan said. Thats how were able to open up the pool sites we open for the summer. Attempts to reach a representative from the Massachusetts School Building Authority were unsuccessful. Natick residents have been concerned about a goose that was shot with an arrow in May but officials are asking people to not disturb it while it cares for its goslings. At this time of year, geese begin to molt (seasonal shedding of feathers before replacing) their flight feathers and can be more easily captured, the Natick Police Department said. Upon review of the photos, biologists have determined that the goose has not yet molted its flight feathers, which would make capturing very difficult at this time. Officials expect the molting to happen in the next week or two. Once the goose has molted, MassWildlife will conduct a site visit to attempt to capture it, officials said. In the meantime, the bird should be left undisturbed while it cares for its goslings. The goose was spotted in Broadmoor Wildlife Sanctuary. One couple told WCVB they saw arrow piercing its belly. We noticed something was off with one of them, Laura Moody told the news station. Its gait was a little funny. While animals sanctuary are protected from hunting, officials said they arent sure how the bird got hurt. We cant be 100% sure of the circumstances that led to this birds injury from these photos, but it appears to be a crossbow bolt with a field point meant for practice (no barbed head), police said. If it was an arrow with a broadhead, the bird likely would not have survived. They asked that all illegal wildlife activities to be reported to the Environmental Police for investigation at 1-800-632-8075. A man who was recently added to the Massachusetts most wanted list in connection with a fatal shooting in Brockton was found and arrested Thursday afternoon after police said he was involved in a crash in Raynham. David Lynch, 24, was arrested in connection with the killing of 26-year-old John Abreu Junior DePina, who was fatally shot in Brockton in November 2022, according to Massachusetts State Police spokesperson Dave Procopio. On Thursday at around 3 pm., troopers spotted a man who appeared to be Lynch inside a BMW X1 SUV in the parking lot of the Holiday Inn in Middleborough, officials stated. As authorities approached who they believed to be the suspect in the Brockton shooting, officials said he drove off, ramming two police cars, and fled onto Route 44. The suspect, later identified as Lynch, was pursued by troopers for a short period of time. However, cops lost track of the BMW. Moments later, at around 3:05 p.m., authorities learned that Lynch crashed into another car at the intersection of Orchard and Warren streets in Raynham. Police said the driver of the other vehicle was badly hurt in the crash. Lynch and a passenger of the BMW ran away from the crash but were caught and arrested a short time later, police said. Authorities also found a firearm inside Lynchs vehicle. First responders rushed the operator injured in the other car to Good Samaritan Hospital in Brockton for treatment. Lynch and the passenger of his vehicle were also taken to Good Samaritan Hospital for treatment under police supervision. Police said their injuries were non-life-threatening. Authorities said the passenger inside Lynchs car will also face charges in connection with Thursdays crash. Davids Bridal is closing three of its six locations in Massachusetts. Locations in Danvers, Dartmouth and Natick are all listed as closing on the companys website. Store closing. Shop huge savings while they last! Call for special order status, the website states. Stores in North Attleboro, West Springfield and Westwood are remaining open, according to the Davids Bridal website. However, in April, Davids Bridal warned state labor officials of pending layoffs at all six of its Massachusetts locations. The state the layoffs may come anywhere from April until August. No number of jobs was given. The Associated Press reported that Davids Bridal filed in New Jersey for federal bankruptcy protection, its second bankruptcy in just five years. The company said it plans to eliminate 9,200 jobs across the United States. It has about 300 stores across dozens of states and employs more in total than 11,000 workers. The AP previously reported that Davids Bridal is looking to sell the company, but its stores remain open and its fulfilling orders without delay. Its online platforms also remain available to help people with their wedding planning needs. A former priest from Massachusetts has been arrested and charged with stealing more than $100,000 in parish funds to buy numerous personal items, including a riding mower, wine and video games, according to the Northwestern District Attorneys office. Tomasz J. Gorny, a 43-year-old Amherst man and former priest at the Immaculate Heart of Mary Church in Granby, was charged with larceny over $1,200 and is scheduled to be arraigned in the Eastern Hampshire District Court on Friday, the district attorney said. According to the district attorney, officials believe Gorny used parish funds to buy the array of items over the course of three years. The priest used credit cards the Diocese of Springfield ultimately had to pay back to buy power tools and a riding lawn mower, food and wine, car accessories, video games and clothing, the district attorney said. Hundreds of items were found by Granby officers in an Easthampton storage unit in April, officials said, prompting an investigation after the department was notified by the Diocese of Springfield, as the Diocese had been conducting an internal audit into the suspicious use of church funds. Gorny will be arraigned on Friday morning in the Belchertown court house, according to the district attorney. To prepare for an upcoming Supreme Court decision that could eliminate race-conscious college admissions, Gov. Maura Healeys administration announced Wednesday it will form a council of education leaders, activists and students to promote diversity on campuses. We want to send a clear message to students of all backgrounds you are welcome here in Massachusetts, Gov. Healey said. We are a national leader in education, home to the first university and first public school, and we are strong because of our commitment to equity and inclusion. The 42-person task force will be led by Secretary of Education Patrick Tutwiler and Massachusetts Commissioner of Higher Education Noe Ortega, the governors office said. Throughout next year, the council aims to share information with the public about the impact the Supreme Courts decision will have on higher education in the Commonwealth. The experts joining us on this advisory council are great thinkers and key leaders at the forefront of the fight for equity for historically underrepresented students in Massachusetts, and together we will figure out the best way to continue inclusivity and representation in education, Secretary Tutwiler. The administration will expand college and career readiness tools like the MEFA Pathway, an online college and career planning resource, to students in gateway cities, the governors office said. Professional development tools for educators to learn more about the Department of Elementary and Secondary Educations free My Career and Academic Plan will also be available. The impending Supreme Court decision stems from two lawsuits filed by the conservative nonprofit Students for Fair Admissions against Harvard University and the University of North Carolina. In each suit, the plaintiff claims that the elite colleges admissions practices which consider an applicants race were racially discriminatory. Both colleges have defended their admissions policies, stating they consider multiple factors in a students background, never solely relying on race. Although the lowers courts have ruled in favor of the universities, experts believe the majority conservative Supreme Court will rule against race-conscious admissions, a move that would almost certainly reduce the chances of acceptance for many students of color at competitive schools. Prior material from MassLive was used in this reporting. After Carlos Asencio attacked Amanda Dabrowski in her home in Ayer, on Easter of 2019, and she fought him off, he fled to Canada. With no particular plan in mind, Asencio looked for the first flight out as far as he can go, which happened to be Cancun, Mexico. Asencio himself gave those details to a psychologist during an evaluation at the Worcester House of Correction, the psychologist testified Thursday. Clinical psychologist Dr. Paul Zeizel, testifying for the defense in the murder trial against Asencio, recounted interviews he had with Asencio during his incarceration. Though Zeizel primarily testified regarding Asencios mental health, Assistant District Attorney Ed Karcasinas drew out details regarding the timeline of Asencios flight and reentry into America leading up to the killing Dabrowski on July 3, 2019, at OConnors Restaurant & Bar in Worcester. Dr. Paul Zeizel testifies at the murder trial of Carlos Asencio Thursday, June 15.Dave Thompson Between Zeizels recounting of Asencios words and physical and digital evidence described by police, a timeline took shape. Zeizel testified that Asencio told him while he was living in Mexico, for about a month, all his money was stolen. At that point, looking to reenter the country, he contacted a lawyer in Boston. That consultation involved the attorney recommending Asencio turn himself in, and quoting a fee too high for Asencio to pay, Zeizel said. Karcasinas then asked if, according to Zeisels report, Asencio paid for information on how to reenter the United States. Zeizel replied in the affirmative. As Zeizel was testifying that he found Asencio to be suffering from schizoaffective disorder, Karcasinas continually asked whether Asencios actions illustrated purpose-driven and goal-orientated behavior. Zeizel often agreed that they did illustrate those qualities, but pointed out that even people with psychotic disorders are able to function rationally when theyre not having active episodes. Karcasinas did not ask, neither did Zeizel offer, how Asencio reentered the U.S., but bus tickets with departure dates of June 1, 2019 were found in a wallet with other items bearing Asencios name, Worcester Police Department Detective Joe Essex testified. He said the wallet, found at OConnors after Dabrowskis death, contained a ticket from McAllen, Texas, a town on the border near the Gulf of Mexico, to Houston, under the name of Carlos El Toro, and another ticket under a similar name from Houston to Atlanta. Essex said the wallet also contained a Georgia lottery ticket, a New Jersey transit ticket, a New York MTA metro card and an MBTA CharlieCard. The wallet also had a Union Station parking ticket dated June 16, 2019. Essex testified he also found a parking ticket for the Montreal airport and bus and transit schedules for various cities, as well as credit cards in Asencios name. Michael Terrio, an intelligence analyst for New England State Police Information Network testified regarding Google location data extracted from a ZTE phone police testified was taped to the underside of Dabrowskis car. Terrio testified that the phone and another device were signed into a common Google account, samelliot1492, and the other phone had the Google application Find My Device installed. Data from June 29 showed the device in the area of Merrick Street, in Worcester. From there, the device travels south toward Webster, and between 3:45 and 4 a.m. the next morning, pinged near Dabrowskis parents home on High Street Extension. Data showed the phone left and returned from that location a few times, then traveled north toward Worcester shortly before 6 p.m. on July 3. By 6:18, the device showed up in Worcester, near OConnors restaurant, where Dabrowski was fatally stabbed less than two hours later. Asencios attorney has said Asencio doesnt dispute the basic facts of the killing, but is pursuing a defense that he isnt criminally responsible for those actions. The trials fifth day begins Friday, with testimony from a psychiatrist testifying for the commonwealth, along with another witness. Attorneys said Thursday how the day develops could determine whether jurors hear closing arguments Friday. Old North Church played a pivotal role in the nations fight for independence and has continued to be an active house of worship for 300 years. Today, one of Bostons most popular tourist attractions is also, for the first time, a theater hosting an original play. Revolutions Edge, set the day before the start of the American Revolution, is a dramatic imagining of the interactions of three real people with different views whose lives are about to be upended by the impending war, and explores what the events will mean for their families. The play opening Thursday is set just hours before two men hung two lanterns in the churchs bell tower on April 18, 1775 to signal that British soldiers were heading across the Charles River, and to Lexington and Concord. The event has been immortalized in the line One if by land, and two if by sea in Henry Wadsworth Longfellows 1860 poem Paul Reveres Ride. This is a moment of intense drama and a moment of pivotal importance to the lives of these three men, said playwright Patrick Gabridge. Read more: Historic Old North Church in Boston restores underground crypt One of the characters is Minister Mather Byles Jr., who remains loyal to the British crown while another, vestry member Capt. John Pulling Jr., is an ardent Patriot, and one of the two men who would hang the lanterns in the tower. Cato, who does not have a last name, is a man enslaved by Byles. Gabridge is the producing artistic director of Plays in Place, an organization that works with historic sites and cultural institutions to create site-specific plays and presentations. To ensure historical accuracy, he did six months of painstaking research into historical archives. In the end, it has to be a dramatic play thats going to engage an audience and it has to be a play thats going to work for a modern ear, he said. But we want to make sure were not telling things that we know arent true. A play seemed like a natural way to celebrate the 300th anniversary of the church located in Bostons North End, said Nikki Stewart, the executive director of Old North Illuminated, the secular nonprofit that operates the historic site, which draws about 500,000 tourists per year and is also still home to an active Episcopal congregation. The organizations primary purpose is to teach and a play aligns with that perfectly, she said. The reason we teach history at Old North Illuminated is to help people understand how we came to the present and then to help people think about and feel inspired to change the future or to impact the future, she said. Its a message that Gabridge took to heart. The three people in the play are not fictional characters; they were real people. They walked the floors of the churchs sanctuary, where the play will be performed, and sat in the pews where the audience will sit. I think for a play like this, we want them to appreciate that the people in our past were real people who had complex decisions to make and real lives, Gabridge said. Sometimes we look back in history and we feel like it was easy for them to make their choices. You know, It was so much simpler back then. But I think when we look at them as real complex humans, we realize that just like us today, they didnt know what was going to happen next, just like we dont. Nathan Johnson, the actor who plays Cato, says it is one of the most important projects in which hes been involved. Johnson, who is Black, promised himself early in his acting career that he would never play an enslaved person. But the depiction of Cato, and the importance of the plays message, made the role too compelling to pass up. I want everyone to see that we have all something to contribute to our history, Johnson said. I want everyone to see that it is not a matter of white and Black. It is a matter of America. It is a matter of progress. It is a matter of stakes, it is a matter of tension. And not just for Pulling and Byles, but for Cato as well. The 45-minute play, funded in part by a grant from the Mass Cultural Council, will have three performances per week in the church through mid-September. One thing I hope people will feel is that after theyve seen this play, they will never see Old North the same way again, Gabridge said. They will have a different relationship, a deeper relationship to this place than they did before. Shanghai (Gasgoo)- On June 12th, Baoding Great Wall Holdings Co., Ltd. (Great Wall Holdings) and HBIS Group Co., Ltd. officially signed a strategic cooperation agreement for jointly building a green and low-carbon industrial chain. Through the partnership, both parties will deeply implement the national "dual carbon" strategy, establish a green and low-carbon supply chain, jointly develop the hydrogen energy industry ecosystem, and promote the green and low-carbon transformation of the automotive steel industry chain. Photo credit: FTXT Under the agreement, the duo will fully leverage their regional and industrial resource advantages, focusing on the construction of supply chain ecosystems and new energy industry chain ecosystems, and carry out comprehensive and in-depth cooperation in multiple fields. In terms of the supply chain ecosystem, the two companies will jointly establish a platform for technological innovation and R&D of automotive steel materials, promote cooperation in the field of low-carbon steel for automobiles, and build a green and low-carbon steel industry chain ecosystem. Regarding the new energy vehicle industry chain ecosystem, FTXT Energy Technology Co., Ltd. (referred to as FTXT), as the main carrier of hydrogen energy industry under Great Wall Holdings, will join hands with HBIS Group to develop hydrogen energy resources and application scenarios in the Beijing-Tianjin-Hebei region. Besides, they will build an ecological control platform for new energy vehicles, create a zero-carbon logistics solution for the Beijing-Tianjin-Hebei region, and jointly develop high-end hydrogen energy equipment and core technologies. These efforts aim to accelerate the demonstration and promotion of hydrogen energy applications. Previously, FTXT, IF YOU (a digital solution provider backed by Great Wall Motor), and HBIS Group have already signed a strategic cooperation agreement, integrating the advantages of the three parties' commercial operation platforms, complete operational plans, and resources such as hydrogen fuel cells, hydrogen storage, and heavy-duty truck manufacturing technology. They have successfully commercialized the "Tangshan Port-Qinhuangdao" hydrogen-powered heavy truck transportation line, providing a green transportation solution for low-carbon production and exploring an economically viable and replicable development path for new energy logistics transportation. CHICOPEE The Massachusetts Registry of Motor Vehicles is expanding the Chicopee service center to offer road tests starting Monday in support of the new state law allowing immigrants without legal status to obtain drivers licenses. The law, Work and Family Mobility Act, was passed through a statewide voter referendum in November 2022. Following a veto by then Gov. Charlie Baker late last year, the law was reinstated. Supporters say it will make roads and communities safer, encouraging people who are here and working and raising families to get licenses, driver training and insurance. The Chicopee office at 1011 Chicopee St. had been open to business-to-business services only, handling transactions for dealerships, for instance. That service will remain. Published reports estimate nearly 200,000 Massachusetts residents will use the law to get licenses. Work and Family Mobility Act takes effect July 1. The RMV said earlier this week that it is: Expanding call center staffing by 50% and adding a temporary, dedicated line to field Work and Family Mobility Act inquiries that is operated by a vendor with live customer service representatives. Expanding staffing at customer service centers by 50% and adding hours of operation at many locations to include Saturdays and some evening hours. More than doubling the number of road test examiners, adding temporary road test sites like Chicopee and expanding hours for road test operations at many locations. Current Gov. Maura T. Healey asked for $28 million in the state budget to implement the law. Baker proposed $9.2 million last fall to cover the RMVs costs. The RMV said Thursday that business-to-business customers will continue to be able to drop off registration bundles at the Chicopee RMV between the hours of 10-11 a.m. and pick up returned bundles between the hours of 3-4 p.m. There are no changes to any other business-to-business locations servicing Western Massachusetts, RMV said, Bulk registration services will continue to be processed in Easthampton, Greenfield, North Adams, Pittsfield and Springfield. The Savoy man police had been searching for since last week after officials believed he stabbed his ex-girlfriend in her home, was found dead Thursday morning, according to Massachusetts State Police. Jeffrey Cote, 55, was found dead in the woods behind his house, state police said. Police resumed the search for the man on Thursday morning after officials did not find him in their previous searches behind his Savoy home on June 7 and 8. Officials had previously asked for the public to be exhibit caution around anyone they see who appears suspicious or out of place, and call 911 if they saw Cote. Just before 10:15 a.m. on June 15, police said troopers from the departments Special Emergency Response Team found Cotes body a short distance into the woods behind his Savoy home on Chapel Hill Road. Police had initially stated as of 11 a.m. on Thursday, police were searching the woods behind Cotes home. Police stated there was no evidence of foul play, and Cotes cause of death is pending an autopsy. The Berkshire County District Attorneys Office will be releasing further information surrounding the case, police said. Cote was identified by police as officials suspect in an early-morning stabbing incident in Adams on Wednesday, June 7, that left a woman hospitalized with serious injuries. At 5:03 a.m. on June 7, the Adams Police Department and state police responded to a call at a home in Adams, where a woman was found with serious stab injuries, state police said. She was brought to the hospital and was expected to survive, the department said. Police said Cote stabbed his former girlfriend, then ran from the scene and went back to his home in Savoy. When police arrived at the home, establishing a perimeter and attempting communication from outside with Cote before eventually entering into the home, they discovered Cote was not there. Though the department stated the stabbing was not a random act, residents in the Savoy area had been advised last week to exhibit caution around anyone they see who appears suspicious or out of place, the department said. UPDATE: Jeffrey Cotes body was found just before 10:15 a.m. on Thursday, June 15, according to Massachusetts State Police. The search for a Savoy man who police said stabbed his ex-girlfriend in her home last week will resume Thursday morning, according to Massachusetts State Police. Jeffrey Cote, 55, was identified by police as the suspect in an early-morning stabbing incident in Adams on Wednesday, June 7, that left a woman hospitalized with serious injuries. At 5:03 a.m. on Wednesday, June 7, the Adams Police Department and state police responded to a call at a home in Adams, where a woman was found with serious stab injuries, state police said. She was brought to the hospital and was expected to survive, the department said. Police said Cote stabbed his former girlfriend, then ran from the scene and went back to his home in Savoy. When police arrived at the home, establishing a perimeter and attempting communication from outside with Cote before eventually entering into the home, they discovered Cote was not there. As of 11 a.m. on June 8, police were searching in the woods behind Cotes Chapel Hill Road home, which is where they are expected to resume the search the morning of Thursday, June 15, with the departments Special Emergency Response Team for difficult terrain operations and with the police K9 unit. Though the department stated the stabbing was not a random act, residents in the Savoy area had been advised last week to exhibit caution around anyone they see who appears suspicious or out of place, the department said. A plaque on his desk back in the day at Holyoke Community College shared a quotation from Mark Twain: Always do right. This will gratify some people and astonish the rest. Above all else, David M. Bartley was a doer, an individual intent on accomplishing things for the greater good of our communities. Those who knew him best would share that Bartley had a strong moral compass, stayed true to his beliefs in life and in politics and maintained his integrity. Supporters of allowing terminally ill patients to receive medication to end their lives continue to target Massachusetts as a priority state, more than a decade after voters here narrowly rejected a similar policy. A long-running campaign to secure legislative approval for medical aid in dying has yet to win visible support from top Democrats in the House and Senate, and as backers gathered at the State House on Wednesday, they said Massachusetts remains a top focus while similar efforts unfold in other states. There are campaigns going on around the country in various states. Massachusetts has been ongoing as a priority since the 2012 ballot initiative, when it failed by a small margin, but there are other states, Melissa Stacy, northeast regional advocacy manager for Compassion and Choices, told the News Service. Theres been other states where were working on moving legislation forward, but Massachusetts, really, is seen as a beacon, particularly in the Northeast. With all of our health care here, this just seems to be a natural fit for the state. The coalition endorsing the latest legislative proposal (H 2246 / S 1331) convened what it described as its first in-person lobby day, bidding to bring more lawmakers on board with a bill that already has dozens of cosponsors. Much of Wednesdays event featured personal anecdotes driving support for the measure. Sen. William Brownsberger of Belmont said his late father made the legislation his personal mission in the last decade or so of his life. Sen. Su Moran of Falmouth said her father, too, would have appreciated if this was passed. It would have been a last kindness if he could have control when he most needed it, she said. And Rep. Jim ODay of West Boylston, one of the proposals most vocal supporters, recalled his own fathers final days. He talked about getting a black pill or some kind of pill and giving it to him, or going so far as actually putting a pillowcase over his head, ODay said. I said, Dad, I love you to death, but I couldnt do that. I just could not do that. And I think theres probably a whole lot of people in this room right now, today, that have had similar conversations. No matter how much we love that loved one, thats a tall order, folks. This bill prevents anything like that from ever having to happen, he added. At one point, attendees viewed a video message from Massachusetts Death with Dignity board member David Rempell, who recorded himself advocating for the legislation a few weeks before he died in March. Right now, my biggest fear is not being able to control how I will die and when I will die, Rempell said in the video. I do not want to lie around in a coma or in great pain for many weeks or months because I have no control over bringing my life to an end. I have had a wonderful life. I would hate to end it on such a negative trend. A version of legislation to legalize medical aid in dying has been filed every two-year session since 2008, and Democrats who control the House and Senate have never brought it forward for a vote. By a margin of 51-49 percent, voters in 2012 rejected a statewide ballot question that would have allowed licensed physicians to prescribe life-ending medication to a consenting terminally ill patient expected to die within six months. At that point, only Oregon, Washington state and Montana had legalized medical aid in dying, either via ballot initiatives or the judicial process. In the 11 years since, seven other states plus Washington, D.C. have authorized the practice, with approval in all but Colorado occurring through legislation, according to Compassion and Choices. The proposal has remained controversial, and opponents contend authorizing the policy will expose patients to coercion and abuse. While a few dozen supporters gathered Wednesday in the State Houses Nurses Hall for their lobby day, a pair of apparent medical aid in dying opponents stood roughly 20 feet behind the podium, holding up handmade signs in objection. Protect disabled lives, one sign read. Read more: Massachusetts veterans gaining health coverage benefits under the PACT Act Supporters have pitched the current bill as a much different proposal than the version that failed at the ballot box, highlighting additional language such as a required evaluation by a mental health professional meant to safeguard against misuse of aid in dying. Stacy said she does not believe the past failure poses a major obstacle to supporters today given that the ballot question was over a decade ago. The Massachusetts Medical Society opposed medical aid in dying when the idea went before voters in 2012, but in 2017 changed to a neutral position. Theres been a lot of shifts in the dynamics and the framework in Massachusetts, Stacy said. Backers also say they are optimistic the lift will be easier now that Gov. Maura Healey -- who has voiced support for the concept of medical aid in dying with proper guardrails -- is in the corner office. Eighty-two of the Legislatures 200 members have cosponsored either or both versions of the bill. Other lawmakers who attended Wednesdays event include Reps. Kate Donaghue, Sean Garballey, Mindy Domb, Ted Philips, Meghan Kilcoyne and Dylan Fernandes, and Sen. Jacob Oliveira. A Massachusetts man died following a single-vehicle rollover crash in Campton, New Hampshire early Thursday morning, Campton police said in a statement. A patrol officer found a Hummer H3 at around 1:09 a.m. following the crash on Blair Road at the Exit 27 southbound off-ramp of Interstate 93. The driver of the Hummer, whose name has not been released, was found dead at the crash site, police said. The Hummer was traveling south on the off-ramp before leaving the roadway, rolling over and coming to a stop on Blair Road, police said. Police shut down the roadway and off-ramp for several hours to investigate the crash. The Campton Police Department was assisted by the Plymouth (New Hampshire) Police Department, Campton-Thornton Fire Rescue and the New Hampshire Department of Transportation. Two Worcester residents were arrested by Federal agents Tuesday after officials accused the two of breaking into the U.S. Capitol during the Jan. 6 insurrection. Long Duong, aka Jimmy Hoang Duong, 54, and Julie Miller, aka Hong Ngo, 51, both of Worcester, were charged with entering a restricted building, picketing in a Capitol building and disorderly conduct charges in connection with the Jan. 6 insurrection. The FBI said agents used geolocation data to confirm that Duong and Miller were both inside the Capitol building on Jan. 6, 2021, during the infamous Capitol insurrection which left hundreds injured, five dead and over a thousand charged in connection with the riot. Authorities accused Duong and Miller of both participating in the riot, court records stated. Federal officials interviewed Miller on June 13, 2022, she told authorities that she and her roommate Duong traveled to Washington D.C. for a vacation in January 2021. They decided to attend former President Donald Trumps Stop the Steal rally outside the White House on Jan. 6, 2021. After a nearly two-year investigation, Members of the House Select Committee to investigate the Jan. 6 riot formally accused Trump of galvanizing a mob to storm the Capitol building to disrupt the transfer of presidential power to President Biden. Federal agents said Miller told authorities that she and Duong entered the U.S. Capitol building but didnt destroy anything or act violently. Miller also showed federal authorities pictures and videos they recorded during their time inside the U.S. Capitol, according to federal officials. When federal officials interviewed Duong he told authorities the same story, that he and Miller walked into the Capitol but didnt destroy anything. Video footage captured inside the U.S. Capitol shows Miller and Duong entering the building through the Senate fire door at around 2:57 p.m., court documents read. Federal authorities arrested two Worcester residents in connection with the Jan. 6 Capitol riot.FBI Boston Federal officials said once the two entered the building they turned and entered the Senate Parliamentarians office space. Video footage Miller was said to have shared with federal officials showed Miller filming damage that already happened in the parliamentarians office space. Federal officials said Miller can be heard saying the following in the recording: Dont destroy anything, Miller said. They already did. Everything is already destroyed. Federal officials said camera footage showed Miller and Duong walking further into the parliamentarians office. Authorities accused Miller of sitting in a desk chair and letting Duong photograph her on his phone. Miller and Duong stayed in the office space for around five minutes before they were pushed out by police, officials stated. Evidence gathered by federal officials led authorities to arrest both Miller and Duong Tuesday. HOLLYWOODHustler Hollywood is set to throw a release party this Saturday at its Hollywood Blvd. location for the July 2023 issue of Hustler magazine, hosted by Cover Honeys Skye Blue and Kiara Cole. The party will take place from 5:00-7:00 p.m., with Blue and Cole on hand to sign copies of their July 2023 issue, which will be available free on a first-come, first-serve basis. Attendees can mingle, shop and pose for pictures with the stars, and the store will be offering 25 percent off purchases during the event. Guests will also be able enter a raffle to win a $150 Passion Kit. The event is free and open to the public, but attendees must be 18 or over. The store is located at 6540 Hollywood Blvd., Los Angeles. All Hustler Hollywood retail locations offer a military discount of 10 percent to customers who provide their active military ID at the time of purchase. For more information, visit HustlerHollywood.com. Each quarter, Northwestern Computer Science honors and recognizes students who demonstrate excellence in computer science mentoring and teaching with Peter and Adrienne Barris Outstanding Teaching Assistant and Outstanding Peer Mentor awards. Nominated by any member of the department for service to the CS community that goes beyond expectations, the teaching assistants and peer mentors work with faculty to deliver courses and support of the highest quality. Our teaching assistants and peer mentors are an integral part of the Northwestern CS team and provide invaluable service both to fellow students and to faculty, said Samir Khuller, Peter and Adrienne Barris Chair of Computer Science at Northwestern Engineering. "We are delighted to recognize the commitment and dedication of these exemplary students." The spring 2023 awards committee included Connor Bain, assistant professor of instruction; Andrew Crotty, assistant professor of computer science; Branden Ghena, assistant professor of instruction; Miklos Racz, assistant professor of computer science and assistant professor of statistics at Northwesterns Weinberg College of Arts and Sciences; Vincent St-Amour, associate professor of instruction; and Xinyu Xing, associate professor of computer science. Sen Lin Lin, a third-year PhD student in computer science, was named the Peter and Adrienne Barris Outstanding Teaching Assistant for the spring 2023 quarter in recognition of his service to students in the COMP_SCI 340: Introduction to Computer Networking course. By extending his office hours or being reachable and available for students outside normal hours, Sen made sure that his students were getting the help they needed, a nominator said. Lin is a member of the Northwestern Networks Group, advised by Aleksandar Kuzmanovic, professor of computer science at the McCormick School of Engineering. Lins research centers around building novel networking systems that optimize public-facing services. During the past decades, numerous data center optimization techniques and systems have been developed for private data centers but are rarely deployed in public-facing data centers due to the challenges of obtaining traffic knowledge and exchanging flow optimization signals. Lin is currently working on a project to activate multiple data center advancements in public-facing data centers through a mechanism designed to collect and feed application-layer knowledge into the packets of legacy protocols. As computer science continues to garner unprecedented attention in today's world, I increasingly recognize the significance of computer networking research, a field that serves as the backbone for numerous applications, big and small, Lin said. I am driven to explore the integration of network research with other domains, aiming to facilitate more efficient communication by bringing domain-related knowledge and then enhancing the overall performance of the domain applications. Lin is honored by this recognition of his dedication and considers this award a confirmation that students deemed the course to be effective, engaging, and inspiring. As a doctoral student, I constantly juggle the dual responsibilities of a mentee and a mentor, Lin said. Acting as a TA enables me to reciprocate and promote the ongoing progression of the computer science community. My utmost joy is hearing from students that they've been inspired and their interest in the system and networking areas has deepened. Spring 2023 Outstanding Peer Mentors The Northwestern CS peer mentor program is designed to ensure that students representing a range of computing backgrounds receive individual attention and real-time feedback. Moises Attie Attie is a second-year student pursuing a bachelors degree in economics with minors in computer science and business institutions from Northwesterns Weinberg College of Arts and Sciences. Nominators highlighted Atties support of students in the COMP_SCI 111: Fundamentals of Computer Programming I course and his approach to planting the seeds for success in subsequent classes. Moises was a true guide and shepherd, a nominator said. He consistently and patiently leads students in the right direction without ever taking them directly to their destination. Attie has learned valuable lessons as a peer mentor and reflected on the mutual benefit of teaching and learning. What I value the most from sharing my knowledge is that I learn as much as I get to share, Attie said. I'm thankful to the students in CS111 for all of their support and for everything they've taught me. This award is an attestation of our collective ability to learn from each other, the great class environment that is possible, and of Sara Sood as an incredible leader for CS111. Interested in the intersection of economics and leadership with technology, Attie seeks to leverage technology to increase financial accessibility. Long-term, he aims to pursue a master of business administration and launch a startup venture. Attie is a member of the Latin American Student Association (LASA). He runs the antibullying nonprofit Ni Uno Mas, which he cofounded in 2018 in his hometown of Panama City, Panama. Maria Fernandez Davila Pastor Pastor is a third-year student earning a bachelors degree in physics with a minor in computer science at Weinberg. Students in the COMP_SCI 110: Intro to Computer Programming course praised her exemplary work ethic and dedication, as well as her initiative in organizing exam preparation sessions. The experience of peer mentoring has encouraged Pastor to pursue graduate school and a career as a professor. Many of us struggle in undergrad not really knowing what we want to do with our lives after college. I have spent endless hours thinking about this and have gone back and forth about whether I wanted to pursue a PhD program, Pastor said. Being a peer mentor allowed me to have some teaching experience and I completely loved interacting with students and helping them understand new topics. Pastor is currently working in the laboratory of Tim Kovachy, assistant professor of physics and astronomy at Weinberg, to implement a method of refining laser outputs called interjection locking. She is a member of We're in Physics (WIP), an undergraduate organization formed to aid in the retention and enrich the experience of women and nonbinary undergraduate physics majors by providing professional development support, mentorship, and community building. Pastor describes the role of a peer mentor as both a guide and friend. You're there to let students know that they're not alone in their journey to immerse themselves in the world of computer science, and that you'll be willing to help them with any questions they have with zero judgement, Pastor said. Antonio Rocha Rocha graduated this month with a bachelors degree in computer science from Northwestern Engineering. He plans to work at Microsoft as a software engineer. Rocha was praised for his preparation by students in the COMP_SCI 211: Fundamentals of Computer Programming II course. Nominators appreciated his friendly and down-to-earth personality, finding him uniquely easy to approach and eager to help. He was always ready for anything, and no question or confusion was beyond his abilities, a nominator said. Rocha is grateful for the opportunity to help empower students in their academic and professional careers. It is our job as peer mentors to ensure that the voices of the students are heard by the course instructor, Rocha said. We can use these experiences to improve not only the course, but the experience of future students. The end goal is to provide our students the resources to be successful both inside and outside of the classroom. Passionate about finding ways to make technology more accessible to underrepresented groups, Rocha is a member of the Technological Innovations for Inclusive Learning and Teaching (tiilt) Lab led by Marcelo Worsley, assistant professor of computer science at Northwestern Engineering and assistant professor of learning sciences in Northwesterns School of Education and Social Policy. Through the tiilt Lab, Rocha volunteered at the Boys and Girls Club of Chicago to help educate youth about artificial intelligence technology. A first-generation college student, Rocha participated in the Knight Community Scholars Program through Northwesterns Student Enrichment Services, the Melville and Jane Hodge EXCEL Scholars Program, and QuestBridge Scholars Network. John Sanchez Sanchez, a third-year student in computer science at Northwestern Engineering, has served as a peer mentor for CS 211 for the past five quarters. Nominators praised Sanchez for his patience, thoroughness, and availability. John's extensive experience means he understands the workings of the class inside and out and was able to provide valuable insights about what did and did not work, a nominator said. Sanchez explained that students may perceive peer mentors as more approachable than instructors. Peer mentors have gone through the course and understand what it feels like to struggle in the class. CS 211 gave me confidence for my future classes and projects, but I did not understand topics right away, Sanchez said. The intro classes are perfect for practicing and making mistakes. People learn through their failures, and I try to show that to students: embrace your mistakes! A member of Worsleys tiilt Lab, Sanchez is a project lead on the MultiCraft project, a voice and gaze interaction interface for Minecraft. Sanchez is developing a scalable, multimodal interface system to empower individuals with physical impairments to play and create in the video game. Sanchez plans to complete an internship at Amazon this summer. He aims to continue working as a software engineer after graduation and write programs that help and change peoples lives for the better. Sanchez previously served on the executive board for Northwestern's chapter of the Society of Hispanic Professional Engineers (SHPE) as the MentorSHPE chair and vice president. He is currently a general member and attend events to promote a community of Hispanic engineers. I am a first-generation, low-income student that got introduced to programming my first year at Northwestern, Sanchez said. With this award, I hope to inspire students and reassure them that they are not alone and that they can ask for help not just for homework but also how to navigate Northwestern and the CS curriculum. Marko Veljanovski Veljanovski is a second-year student pursuing a double major in computer science and mathematics. Nominators highlighted his patience, passion, and deep knowledge in the COMP_SCI 214: Data Structures and Algorithms course. Marko consistently adapted his explanations to make sure he connected with students, a nominator said. He also draws connections between course concepts and more advanced topics, getting his students excited about what they'll encounter in future classes. Veljanovski noted the informal dynamic between peer mentors and students that allows for a friendly and approachable atmosphere in which students can seek assistance with their assignments and feel comfortable discussing their thought process. As undergraduates, peer mentors share a similar age and life experience with their mentees, which naturally facilitates a more organic and lighthearted interaction, Veljanovski said. I am extremely appreciative for this honor, viewing it as not only a personal achievement but also a reflection of the trust and appreciation from all the students I worked with. It inspires me to continue creating a positive impact for students, and I will be forever grateful for the opportunity to contribute to their educational journey. Veljanovski received a McCormick Summer Research Award and an additional research stipend to pursue research this summer in causal inference in natural language processing, advised by Zach Wood-Doughty, assistant professor of instruction in Northwestern Engineering. Veljanovski is interested in developing more realistic and flexible data-generating processes for the evaluation of causal inference methods. I am most passionate about machine learning, both due to its theoretical and mathematical underpinnings, and immense applied power in language and vision, Veljanovski said. Veljanovski is the lead of the Northwestern University Robotics Club drone team. They are currently working on a drone which can autonomously transport boxes with the use of several proportionalintegralderivative loops and a custom-trained object detection model. As a member of Northwestern University's Student Chapter of the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers, Veljanovskis team won the best impact award for ReMedi, an AI-based health and medication management web app. Veljanovski plans to pursue a PhD in the field of artificial intelligence. Do you want to know exactly where ESPN personality Stephen A. Smith stands on female breasts and what his personal history is involving him? No? Well, too bad. We had to hear it and now you do too. Two weeks ago, Smith dedicated a segment on his podcast to discussing a tweet on breast milk from New York Knicks guard Josh Hart, noting his personal opinion on breasts as a positive one. Josh Hart sent out some kind of tweet or whatever asking folks if yall had ever tasted breast milk. Breast milk, said Smith. Thats what he said. Now, Ive never been inclined to taste breast milk. I like breasts. You dont have to be a baby to like breasts. Matter of fact, one could easily argue there are adults who like breasts more than babies. However, breast milk is a different matter. Smith has now deepened public knowledge about where he stands on the female form, teasing the topic in a tweet to promote Wednesdays episode of The Stephen A. Smith Show. I, personally, do not believe you should be showing your breasts, regardless of who you are, at The White House, wrote Smith. I, personally, do not believe you should be showing your breasts, regardless of who you are, at The White House Speaking about ithttps://t.co/o7RzJlxhA2 Stephen A Smith (@stephenasmith) June 14, 2023 As for the podcast segment itself, after going on a tangent involving porn (I watched porn back in the day. A little bit of it.) and how theres a time and place for everything, Smith segued into recounting the recent story of trans model and activist Rose Montoya, who appeared topless in a video during an LGBTQ Pride month celebration on Saturday at the White House. Montoya was subsequently banned from future White House events. Smith agreed with that decision. [Montoya] decides that while shes at the White House, because the Biden administration was honoring Pride Month, she gonna show up and, on the White House lawn, gonna show her titties on a weekday afternoon. I mean cmon. Cmon now. Smith then showed the video in question, which included her meeting President Joe Biden and First Lady Jill Biden while later briefly showing her posing topless with her hand covering her nipples. So, youre on the White House lawn. With the White House as the backdrop. And that enticed you to show yo titties? Really? Really? asked Smith. Smith then shared Montoyas statement, saying that she wasnt trying to be vulgar but simply live her truth. Well if that was the case, why didnt you just show up with your titties out as you rolled up to the White House? asked Smith. You know why you didnt do it? Because you know they wouldnt have let you in. Which means you were fully aware of the fact that it was inappropriate for you to do what you did. You just didnt care. And at the end of the day, at some point in time, people are gonna learn that excessive acts is what ultimately is going to get in the way of the progress you seek. Because youre so busy wanting to be flamboyant. That aint living. Thats stuffing it in peoples face. What you gonna do next, walk down 7th Avenue in New York with your breasts out? What you gonna do next, not care that theres kids around while you do it? Whats next? Whats to stop you? Wheres the decorum? We could dig into Smiths point of view on the issue and say it sounds like hes putting the onus on LGBTQ+ people to prove they belong rather than assuming they have the right to simply exist, but we dont know how far down the rabbit hole of his personal and political beliefs we want to go. After a brief tirade about how he doesnt believe that showing the nipple and/or breast could lead one to jail (even though plenty of women have been arrested for being topless), Smith launched into his personal history with female breasts. Ive been seeing breasts all my life. I was breastfed by my mamma out of the womb. And after that, once I grew up, and I started to engage in sexual activities, which now spans about [38 years], Ive been seeing breasts all my adult life. Since I was 17. So now we know. [The Stephen A. Smith Show] The automatic wheelchair for climbing stairs is specifically crafted for people with restricted lower-limb mobility caused by stroke, spinal cord injury, traumatic brain injury, or multiple sclerosis. With the ability to recline, stand, lower to the ground, and elevate, these wheelchairs provide users with a variety of positions to choose from. They come in three categories: auxillary, continuous, and intermittent. For various patients and elderly people with walking disabilities, an electric-powered wheelchair with stair-climbing capabilities is a significant necessity. Ask Us to Get Your Sample Copy Of The Report, Covering TOC and Regional Analysis @ https://www.coherentmarketinsights.com/insight/request-sample/2431 Drivers The automatic stair climbing wheelchair market is predicted to experience growth due to the increased efforts of key participants in developing novel products. An example of this is the introduction of the Scewo by a team in Zurich in 2017. This wheelchair is capable of independently and effortlessly moving up and down stairs while also providing features to assist with obstacle navigation. The Scewo utilizes multiple rubber tracks to provide a secure and smooth ride on staircases. Additionally, the original Scalevo prototype, which consisted of two large wheels with a Segway-style balancing system for flat ground navigation, was launched by a team in Zurich in 2015. The markets growth is likely to be impeded due to the expensive nature of automatic stair-climbing wheelchairs. An example of this is the IBOT, a stair climbing wheelchair developed by a subsidiary firm of Johnson Company in the USA in 2003. The high cost of IBOT made it unaffordable for most people, resulting in its discontinuation in 2009. Regional Analysis The global automatic stair climbing wheelchair market is classified based on geographic regions such as Africa, Latin America, Asia Pacific, North America, Europe, and the Middle East. The North American region is projected to dominate the automatic stair climbing wheelchair market, primarily due to the increasing number of individuals with disabilities in the United States. The American Community Survey (ACS) conducted in 2016 estimated that 12.8% of the US population had a disability, which is a rise from 11.9% in 2010. The automatic stair climbing wheelchair market is expected to experience substantial growth in the Asia Pacific region, mainly due to the presence of key industry players. As an illustration, Toyota, an automobile manufacturer, collaborated with DEKA, Kamens company, in May 2016 to provide mobility solutions for individuals with disabilities. The collaboration aimed to create and introduce a new version of the IBOT, a motorized wheelchair invented by Segways founder, Dean Kamen, in 2001. However, the device was discontinued in 2009 due to its high price of US$ 25,000, making it unaffordable for most people. Major players, including Johnson & Johnson, Toyota, Vin Grace Solutions (P) Ltd., TopChair, designboom, and B-Free Technology Limited, are operating in the automatic stair climbing wheelchair market. Classification of the Automatic Stair Climbing Wheelchair Market Based on the mode of operation Powered Manual Based on the type of end user Home Care Settings Rehabilitation Centers Hospitals Others Based on the type of geographical region: Africa Latin America North America Asia Pacific Middle east Europe % @ https://www.coherentmarketinsights.com/insight/buy-now/2431 Table of Contents with Major Points: Executive Summary Introduction Key Findings Recommendations Definitions and Assumptions Executive Summary Market Overview Definition of Automatic Stair Climbing Wheelchair 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 Automatic Stair Climbing Wheelchair 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/2431 Explore More Related Insights: A central venous catheter is also known as central line catheter, which has a long, thin, flexible tube that is placed in a large vein near the heart. The catheter reaches the large vein through the internal jugular vein, subclavian vein, or femoral vein to administer medicines, fluids, nutrients, blood, and blood products. In addition, these catheters are used to measure Central Venous Pressure (CVP), hemodialysis, and chemotherapy over a long period of time. A flexible tube inserted into the vein below the right side of the collarbone and guided towards the superior vena cava, a large vein towards the heart, is commonly referred to as a central venous catheter, central line, or central venous line. Its primary use is for the administration of various fluids, including intravenous fluids, blood transfusions, and chemotherapy drugs, directly into a patients body. In 2011, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) issued guidelines aimed at preventing intravascular catheter-related infections, which were subsequently updated in 2017. The guidelines cover essential aspects related to central venous catheters, including appropriate training for healthcare personnel responsible for catheter insertion, selecting the catheter application sites, and monitoring and surveilling staff. To Understand Business Strategies, Request For a Sample Report @ https://www.coherentmarketinsights.com/insight/request-sample/2400 Impact of the Coronavirus (COVID-19) Pandemic The global central venous catheters market is projected to experience a slowdown in growth during the forecast period due to the COVID-19 pandemic. An example of this can be seen in a study published in the Canadian Cancer Research Journal, Current Oncology, in June 2020. The study examined the impact of COVID-19s emergence on stage II and stage III colon cancer patients undergoing adjuvant chemotherapy in China. The study found that the patients had to modify or delay their chemotherapy regimens due to various factors, including: Altered hospitalization policies caused by the pandemic Transportation disruptions caused by lockdown measures Patients reluctance to continue treatment Side effects like vein blockages The global central venous catheters market is expected to experience a setback due to the diminishing number of blood transfusions. A published article in Transfusion Medicine and Hemotherapy in November 2021 revealed that the COVID-19 pandemic created additional obstacles for blood transfusion owing to the implementation of lockdown policies, social distancing requirements, and concerns about virus transmission through blood. Furthermore, the elderly, who traditionally make up a significant portion of blood donors, were among the most vulnerable to the virus, resulting in reduced donations from this group. It is projected that the global market for central venous catheter will reach a worth of US$ 2,117.8 million by 2021 and will demonstrate a CAGR of 6.2% from 2021 to 2028. During the projected timeframe, the global central venous catheter market is anticipated to experience growth as regulatory authorities provide guidance to industry participants on the categorization of these catheters. The growth of the central venous catheter market is expected to be propelled over the projected timeframe due to regulatory agencies issuing guidelines to market participants regarding catheter classification. A prime example of this is Bluegrass Vascular Technologies, a medical technology firm that received a De Novo classification from the FDA in 2020 for its Surfacer Inside-Out Access Catheter System. This catheter system was specifically engineered to allow for central venous access for catheter insertion into the central venous system, particularly for patients experiencing upper body venous occlusions. During the projected duration, the global market for central venous catheter is anticipated to experience growth as a result of market participants engaging in non-organic activities like the execution of distribution agreements. The global central venous catheter market is anticipated to experience significant growth during the projected period due to the rise of inorganic activities among market players. These activities include the signing of distribution agreements. A noteworthy example of this is the recent agreement between ZOLL Medical and Wallaby Medical Technologies in August 2021. Wallaby will handle the sales and distribution of ZOLLs temperature management products in China. Specifically, ZOLLs Thermogard XP Intravascular Temperature Management System (IVTMTM), which features a range of heat-exchange catheters, will aid healthcare professionals in providing targeted temperature management (TTM) to patients, resulting in improved neurological outcomes for cardiac arrest survivors in particular. Market Restraints The growth of the global central venous catheter market is likely to be impeded during the projected duration due to an increase in central venous catheter recalls. This was illustrated in January 2020 when ICU Medical, Inc. initiated a Class 2 device recall of a heparin-coated central venous catheter. The recall was prompted by difficulties in passing the guidewire through the needles within the catheter kits. Similarly, in January 2019, Arrow International Inc. (a subsidiary of Teleflex Inc.) recalled an Arrow QuadLumen central venous catheterization kit due to the presence of an incorrect banner card in the product package. These recalls are expected to negatively impact the market and its growth. Additionally, in February 2016, Cook Medical, a privately-owned company in the United States, initiated a voluntary recall of 360 specific lots of single-lumen central venous catheters and pressure monitoring sets and trays. The recall was prompted by the possibility of catheter tip fracture and/or separation and impacted 17,827 devices across the globe. The recall included various versions and a large quantity of Single Lumen Central Venous Catheter Sets and Trays, Single Lumen Pressure Monitoring Sets, Femoral Artery Pressure Monitoring Catheter Sets and Trays, and Radial Artery Pressure Monitoring Catheter Sets and Trays. These products are designed for use in blood sampling, venous or arterial pressure monitoring, and drug and fluid administration. Buy-Now this Premium Report @ https://www.coherentmarketinsights.com/insight/buy-now/2400 Key players Key players, including Becton, Dickinson and Company, ZOLL Medical Corporation, Teleflex Incorporated, B. Braun Melsungen AG, ICU Medical, Inc., VOGT Medical, Lepu Medical Technology Co., Ltd., EETA Surgical, Insung Medical, Poly Medicure Ltd., Kimal, Cook Group, and QMD, are operating in the global central venous catheter market. Regional Analysis The global central venous catheter market is characterized based on geographic regions such as Africa, Latin America, Asia Pacific, North America, Europe, and the Middle East. The North American central venous catheter market is projected to be the leading region among other regions during the projected period, mainly due to the provision of reimbursement for central venous catheters, which is predicted to fuel the growth of this market. As an example, the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) report of 2020, which provides a breakdown of reimbursement for central venous catheter procedures. (The abbreviation CPT represents Current Procedural Terminology, which is a trademark of the American Medical Association. ASC stands for Ambulatory Surgical Center.) Moreover, Europe is predicted to experience notable expansion in the global market for central venous catheter due to the rising prevalence of inorganic activities, such as agreements and partnerships, among market players. A prime example of this is Bactiguard, a catheter development company, which disclosed in March 2018 that it had struck a distribution deal with Ecomed Services NV, a medical device distributor in Belgium and the Netherlands, in order to extend its reach in Europe for the commercialization and distribution of Bactiguard products in the Netherlands. Table of Contents with Major Points: Executive Summary Introduction Key Findings Recommendations Definitions and Assumptions Executive Summary Market Overview Definition of Central Venous Catheter 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 Central Venous Catheter 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 Here for Customization Report @ https://www.coherentmarketinsights.com/insight/request-customization/2400 Why Choose Coherent Market Insights? Our BI-enabled solution for narrative storytelling in this market. Coherent Market Insights provides in-depth anticipated trends and reliable Insights on over 20,000+ growing and specialty sectors, assisting you in making important revenue-impacting decisions for a bright future. CMI gives a comprehensive overview and worldwide competitive landscape for your markets Region, Country, Segment, and Key Players. Present your Market Report and conclusions using the built-in presentation tool, which saves you up to 70% of your time and resources for Investor, Sales & Marketing, R&D, and Product Development proposals. With more than 15+ Key Market Indicators available for your market, CMI provides data distribution in Excel and Interactive PDF formats. Explore More Report: Special purpose needles market Safety needles market Negative pressure wound therapy devices market Wound care market Endovascular aneurysm repair market Sleep apnea diagnostic system market Medical equipment rental market Radio frequency beauty equipment market Gcc syringes and needles market Surgical sinks market The research study on the U.S. remote patient monitoring market industry outlook and forecast 2023-2028, recently published by Arizton Advisory & Intelligence, the U.S. remote patient monitoring market states that it will grow at a CAGR of 11.16% during 2022-2028. To Know More, Download the Free Sample Report: https://www.arizton.com/request-sample/3870 The U.S. Remote Patient Monitoring Market Report Scope Report Attributes Details Market Size (2028) USD 25.28 Billion Market Size (2022) USD 13.40 Billion CAGR (2022-2028) 11.16% Base Year 2022 Forecast Year 2023-2028 Market Segmentation Component, Application, End-User, and Geography Geographic Analysis United States (South, West, Midwest, and Northeast) Market Dynamics Increasing Focus on Developing Software & Apps for RPM by Manufacturers Demographics of the Aging Population & Chronic Disorders Augmenting Continuous Monitoring Demand Increasing Innovations in Wearable Technology Growing Use of RPM to Monitor & Improve Patient Engagement Growing Use of Mobile Technologies & Smart Devices in RPM Transformation in US Healthcare Landscape: Remote Patient Monitoring and Telehealth Revolutionize Patient Care The healthcare industry in the United States has witnessed a remarkable shift, transitioning from a focus on readmission avoidance to preventing admissions and offering remote patient treatment. This paradigm shift has significantly improved efficiency and effectiveness in healthcare settings, elevating the quality of patient care. Healthcare facilities heavily invest in remote patient monitoring, telehealth, and advanced patient monitoring systems to support this new model. Technology and software companies are pivotal in facilitating this transformative market shift. One major development is standardizing home patient monitoring for adult patients who require long-term alternatives to hospital-based treatment. Wireless patient monitoring systems that track vital signs have emerged as a growing trend in healthcare, offering many benefits, such as improved home care for chronic and acute conditions. The impact of the COVID-19 pandemic has further emphasized the potential for integrating care at home, while technological advancements have made remote patient monitoring feasible and highly effective. Healthcare systems are actively collaborating with market vendors and stakeholders to raise awareness about the advantages of remote patient monitoring devices, thereby driving the growth of this market. Key industry players focus on obtaining product approvals and launching initiatives to expand their product portfolios, foster technological advancements, and meet the increasing demand from consumers seeking these innovative monitoring devices. Looking For More Information? Download the Free Sample Report: https://www.arizton.com/request-sample/3870 Rising Adoption of Telemedicine Ushering New Opportunities for Remote Monitoring Telehealth, or healthcare enabled by technology, has revolutionized the home care environment and is expected to increase significantly in future years. Simple technology (for instance, e-mail, the Internet, and cell phones) can now monitor peoples health remotely. Telephone lines or internet connections can send high-resolution visual pictures and audio. Remote monitoring will become much more common in the next years, involving more types of home equipment. Technology such as wireless electronics and digital processing will enable the connection between various devices and remote health care practitioners. Some wireless equipment, particularly meters, and monitors, will be wearable, allowing continuous monitoring or more convenient testing. Competitive Landscape The U.S. remote patient monitoring market is in a state of intense competition. The industry includes providers of a range of products and services, from diagnosis and treatment to delivery of healthcare applications. Companies operating in this segment are continually forced to innovate and improve to gain a competitive edge. Over the past few years, the U.S. remote patient monitoring market has grown rapidly with the entry of new players and the widespread adoption of technological advances. The focus is shifting towards conquering and expanding the market share from smaller, more localized players to larger, national-scale players. This competition has led to market size, scope growth, and product diversification. AMD Global Telemedicine, GE Healthcare, Koninklijke Philips, Medtronic, ResMed, Teledoc Health, and Vivify Health are some of the top vendors in the U.S. remote patient monitoring market, offering a wide range of RPM solutions. However, many local vendors are providing products with similar specifications at lower prices, which has resulted in a price war among vendors. Major vendors continuously compete for the leading position in the market, with occasional competition coming from other local vendors. Key Company Profiles AMD Global Telemedicine GE Healthcare Koninklijke Philips Medtronic ResMed Teledoc Health Vivify Health 100-Plus Abbott ACL Digital Altumview Baxter Biobeat Biofourmis BIOTRONIK Boston Scientific Cardiologs Cardiomo CAREMINDr CareValidate Datos Health Dexcom Dragerwerk AG F.Hoffmann-La Roche GrandCare Systems Health Recovery Solutions Hinge Health Honeywell International iHealth Unified Care Intel iRhythm Technologies Limber Health Masimo MedM Medopad ModivCare NIHON KOHDEN OMRON OSI Systems OSPLabs Qardio Resideo Technologies Senseonics TeleMedCare Ventricle Health VitalConnect Vitls VivaLNK Market Segmentation Component: Services and Devices & Software Application: Cardiovascular Diseases, Respiratory Diseases, Diabetes, Musculoskeletal Diseases, and Others End-User: Hospitals, Home Healthcare Settings, Ambulatory Care Settings, and Long-term Care Centers Geography: United States (South, West, Midwest, and Northeast) Check the detailed table of contents of the report @ https://www.arizton.com/market-reports/us-remote-patient-monitoring-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: Multiparameter Patient Monitoring Market Global Outlook & Forecast 2023-2028 https://www.arizton.com/market-reports/multiparameter-patient-monitoring-market U.S. Tele-Intensive Care Unit (ICU) Market Industry Outlook and Forecast 2022-2027 https://www.arizton.com/market-reports/us-tele-intensive-care-unit-icu-market Interactive Patient Engagement Solutions Market Global Outlook & Forecast 2022-2027 https://www.arizton.com/market-reports/interactive-patients-engagement-solutions-market Home Healthcare Market Global Outlook and Forecast 2021-2026 https://www.arizton.com/market-reports/home-healthcare-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/ It is projected that the worldwide market for treating urethral strictures was worth US$1,326.0 million in 2023, with a forecasted Compound Annual Growth Rate (CAGR) of 6.2% from 2023 to 2030. Urological procedures for diagnosis or treatment can lead to urethral strictures. With the growing number of elderly people, there is an increasing demand for these procedures. Consequently, the prevalence of urethral strictures is projected to rise in the coming years. This condition affects men more than women. The National Centers for Biotechnology & Information (NCBI) reported in January 2016 that the occurrence of urethral strictures is approximately 200 per 100,000 in males under the age of 65 in the United States. To Understand Business Strategies, Request For a Sample Report @ https://www.coherentmarketinsights.com/insight/request-sample/2381 The market is expected to experience growth during the forecast period due to a rise in prostate cancer cases, injuries, and medical conditions that necessitate the use of urethral stents, dilators, and catheters. In 2016, the National Centers for Biotechnology & Information (NCBI) reported that urethral stricture is a prevalent illness, affecting more than 400 out of 100,000 males globally. Cancer Research UK noted that prostate cancer is the most prevalent cancer among males in the United Kingdom, with roughly 47,200 new cases registered in 2015. According to Cancer Research UK, the incidence of prostate cancer in the UK is predicted to rise by 12% from 2014 to 2035, reaching 233 cases per 100,000 males by 2035. Consequently, the growing occurrences of urethral strictures are expected to fuel the markets growth. The success rate of the urethroplasty procedure, combined with the rising prevalence of urethral strictures, is anticipated to bolster the growth of the urethroplasty segment during the forecast period. The British Association of Urological Surgeons (BAUS) Limited asserts that urethroplasty is the most popular technique for treating urethral strictures and has a success rate of over 85.0%, surpassing other procedures. Global Urethral Stricture Treatment Market- Restraints The treatment of urethral strictures necessitates highly efficient and technologically advanced procedures. Such advanced procedures enable rapid recovery with minimal downtime and lower the chances of recurrence. However, the high cost of surgical procedures may impede the markets growth, as patients in lower middle-income nations may be unable to afford the treatment. According to Elsevier Inc., the cost of the initial treatment for Direct Vision Internal Urethrotomy (DVIU) is US$3,375.0, and the cost of the second treatment is US$7,522.5, which is exorbitant for individuals residing in low- and middle-income countries. Global Urethral Stricture Treatment Market- Competitive Landscape The key players in the urethral stricture treatment market consist of Allium Ltd., Amecath, B. Braun Melsungen AG, Becton, Dickinson and Company, Boston Scientific Corporation, Coloplast A/S, Cook Group, Medical Technology Co., Ltd, Pnn Medical A/S, SURGIMEDIK, Taewoong Medical Co., Ltd., Teleflex Incorporated, and Zhejiang Chuangxiang Medical Technology Co., Ltd. Buy-Now this Premium Report @ https://www.coherentmarketinsights.com/insight/buy-now/2381 Urethral Stricture Treatment Market Report Coverage Report Attribute Details The market size value in 2023 US$ 1,657.4 Mn The revenue forecast in 2030 US$ 2,530.1 Mn Growth Rate CAGR of 6.2% The base year for estimation 2022 Historical data 2017 2021 Forecast period 2023 2030 Growth Drivers: Increasing prevalence of urethral stricture Restraints & Challenges: High cost of the treatment Global Urethral Stricture Treatment Market- Regional Analysis The global market for treating urethral strictures is categorized into North America, Latin America, Europe, Asia Pacific, the Middle East, and Africa based on regional segmentation. The North American region is predicted to witness substantial growth in the urethral stricture treatment market due to the presence of prominent players such as Becton, Dickinson and Company (Bard Medical), Cook Medical, and Teleflex Incorporated, who offer innovative ureteral stents. Additionally, the increasing incidence and prevalence of urethral strictures in the region is expected to contribute to the growth of the North American urethral stricture treatment market during the forecast period. The likelihood of being diagnosed with urethral strictures is expected to increase with age, prostatic hyperplasia, peripheral vascular disease, and hypogonadism. In 2018, for instance, around 1% of men in the U.S. were diagnosed with urethral strictures, according to reports published in the Journal of Urology. Furthermore, the growing need for effective and advanced treatment methods for urethral strictures in the region is anticipated to fuel market growth in the forecast period. A case in point is the development of a novel therapeutic option in tissue engineering known as MukoCell by UroTiss Europe GmbH in July 2018. This graft for urethroplasty offers an alternative to the native oral mucosa sections, thereby facilitating their replacement and preventing associated complications. The Asia Pacific market for urethral stricture treatment is predicted to have a substantial share in the market during the forecast period due to the rising prevalence of urethral strictures and the increasing collaborations between research institutions to create new and innovative treatment options. For instance, in November 2018, researchers from India and Japan worked together to develop a new treatment method for male urethral stricture. Table of Contents with Major Points: Executive Summary Introduction Key Findings Recommendations Definitions and Assumptions Executive Summary Market Overview Definition of Urethral Stricture Treatment 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 Urethral Stricture Treatment 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 Here for Customization Report @ https://www.coherentmarketinsights.com/insight/request-customization/2381 Why Choose Coherent Market Insights? Our BI-enabled solution for narrative storytelling in this market. Coherent Market Insights provides in-depth anticipated trends and reliable Insights on over 20,000+ growing and specialty sectors, assisting you in making important revenue-impacting decisions for a bright future. CMI gives a comprehensive overview and worldwide competitive landscape for your markets Region, Country, Segment, and Key Players. Present your Market Report and conclusions using the built-in presentation tool, which saves you up to 70% of your time and resources for Investor, Sales & Marketing, R&D, and Product Development proposals. With more than 15+ Key Market Indicators available for your market, CMI provides data distribution in Excel and Interactive PDF formats. Explore More Report: Radio frequency beauty equipment market Rhinoplasty market North america scar treatment market Cervical spondylosis treatment market Medical equipment rental market Human microchipping market Healthcare asset management market Intra abdominal pressure measurement devices market Cardiac remote patient monitoring devices market Middle east and asia injectable drugs market Ent chairs market by Todd Wasserman , June 14, 2023 Image above: Adobe's Generative Fill AI-enabled marketing isnt coming in the near future. Its already here. According to GroupM, AI-enabled marketing accounts for 45% of all advertising globally. The agency predicts that by 2032, AI will influence 90% of all ad revenue, over $1.3 trillion. Heres how some top brands are using generative AI right now: Amazon: Amazon uses generative AI to summarize customer reviews and provide "a brief overview of what shoppers liked and disliked" about a product, along with a disclaimer that the summary is AI-generated, according to CNBC. For instance, the summary for a childrens Magic Mixies cauldron toy notes that buyers gave positive feedback around its fun factor, appearance, value, performance, quality, charging, and leakage. advertisement advertisement The summary goes on to say However, the majority of customers have expressed negative opinions on these aspects, adding that, For example, some customers have paid over $100 for a toy that wasnt worth it, while others have experienced issues with the products quality and charging. Amazon is testing the feature. A rep for Amazon has said We are significantly investing in generative AI across all of our businesses. Binance: The crypto brand is using generative AI to let customers create their own NFTs. Adobe: In May, Adobe introduced a feature called Generative Fill in PhotoShop that lets users zoom out from an image and have generative AI fill in the rest, according to Forbes. Elizabeth Arden: In May, the beauty brand used generative AI to launch a VR store, according to Glossy. The DALL-E feature enhances and edits archived historical images in the store. For instance, AI was used to fill in the legs and feet of certain women in the heritage imagery or complete imagery of older items like cars, tables and rocking chairs. by Steve McClellan @mp_mcclellan, June 15, 2023 50,000feet an independent global brand consultancy and creative agency with offices in Chicago and New York said today it has received investment funding from Erie Street Growth Partners. The investment, which makes Erie Street majority partner in the agency, will support 50,000eets continued expansionit recently unveiled a new health and wellness practice and plans to open an office in London. Terms werent disclosed but under the new setup agency CEO Jim Misener will now report to Jerry Graunke, president of Erie Street. Chris Prescher will continue as Chief Strategy Officer at the agency and Ken Fox will be elevated to Chief Creative Officer. Misener said, Were excited to partner with Erie Street to deepen our capabilities and continue creating exceptional work for our clients, as we redefine the category of what it means to be a strategic brand partner in a digitally transformed world. Agency clients include Boston Consulting Group (BCG), Mastercard and Knoll. The agency has grown sharply over the past three years, adding 30% more staff during that time. In 2020 it merged with the design firm, Carbone Smolan Agency and opened its New York office. The New York Times, Thursday, June 15, 2023 4:29 PM advertisement advertisement Starbucks workers in 21 states were told by manager not to decorate for Pride Month, a claim that the company said represented outlier decisions by local leaders that did not reflect corporate policy. "Starbucks workers in Wisconsin, Ohio and Virginia, among other states, said in interviews arranged through their union that store and district managers have been asked to either take down existing decorations, such as a flag or streamers, or told that they would not be allowed to decorate stores for Pride Month, unlike in previous years," per The New York Times. "The reasons given have varied, the workers said. One worker was told there were not enough paid hours available for the work. Another was told that decor choices needed to be standardized across regions....Others said they were told that if they hung a Pride flag the store could be asked to show equal representation for others, including the Proud Boys, the far-right hate group. Some managers also cited safety concerns." Read the whole story at The New York Times Post your Comments Comments should be on the topic and should not be abusive. The editorial team reserves the right to review and moderate the comments posted on the site. An endangered Mexican gray wolf has been released back into the Arizona wilderness last week after the animal had been captured near Taos, New Mexico, according to the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. The wolf, known as wolf 2754 and named Asha by conservation groups, left her pack in late 2022, Mexican Wolf Experimental Population Area north of Interstate 40 in January 2023. She eventually traveled 500 miles before she was captured and brought to the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Services Sevilleta facility, where she was paired with a male in the hopes of her breeding and producing pups this spring. Under the current Mexican gray wolf reintroduction rule, Mexican wolves are confined to the areas of Arizona and New Mexico south of Interstate 40. U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service regulations provide for the removal of any Mexican wolf found beyond this boundary. Advocacy groups say the wolfs journey shows the endangered species is capable of thriving well outside what they call the artificial boundary of the experimental population area. Asha is a courageous young wolf, and were thrilled shes once again free to continue living her life on her own terms, said Cyndi Tuell, Arizona and New Mexico director of Western Watersheds Project. Its scientifically indefensible and inherently unfair that wolves need to stay south of Interstate 40. Wolves like Asha have shown, time and time again, that this purely political boundary is ecologically irrelevant. Conservation organizations are currently challenging the boundary in court. Officials with the Wildlife Service say the wolf was released last week into the Apache National Forest in eastern Arizona after the pair did not successfully breed. She will continue to be monitored via radio collar. A scam caller is impersonating the Coconino County Jury Commissioner, demanding personal information and threatening arrest. The Arizona Attorney Generals office was notified about the scam after Coconino County Clerk of the Superior Court and Jury Commissioner, Valerie Wyant, was contacted by concerned citizens citizens who said someone had aggressively asked for their addresses, phone numbers and dates of birth. According to a statement from Coconino County, the scam caller not only claimed to be the jury commissioner, they also threatened arrest if the victim didnt give up sensitive information. In light of that, Wyant said she wants to remind residents that the Superior Court does not contact the public by phone and ask for personal information. Official contacts are conducted according to court procedure and will not include demands or threats, a statement from the county read. Community members who believe they might have been contacted by this scam caller can contact the Coconino County Sheriffs Office at (928) 226-5012 or the Coconino County Attorneys Office at (928) 679-8200. Victims of fraud can also make a report to the Arizona Attorney Generals office online or by calling 1-800-352-8431. Hellfest Festival 2023. Planes, Trains and Automobiles. Like thousands of others, it was time to start the journey to Hellfest, one of the biggest Heavy Metal festivals in Europe! At the airport, everyone was going about their day rushing this way and that. I spot a bar, its time for that compulsory airport beverage, and thats when I notice it. More black garments, black eye make-up, band t-shirts. I had to pop the question, Are you going to Hellfest? It was a resounding Yes. Hellfest Festival 2023, Clisson. Photo: MetalTalk After speaking to a few people, the next big question consensus is, Who are you most looking forward to seeing? The top answer is Tenacious D. It seems that there hasnt been much opportunity to see them since Download 2012. And, of course, because of who they are. The comedic duo have brought so much joy to us Metalheads. Theres not been a time I have experienced when someone starts belting out a Tenacious D song, and the whole place doesnt join in. It always turns into a joyous sing-along. That is why they are also the band I am most looking forward to seeing too. Hellfest Festival 2023, Clisson. Photo: MetalTalk Touch down in Nantes, and were that much closer! As you walk out of the airport, it would be hard to miss that Hellfest is happening. We are greeted with signs everywhere, draped over the building itself, all down the road, and then straight across where buses, taxis, and shuttles can be found. Theres a big guitar on a stand, with Hellfest simply written on it. Hellfest Festival 2023, Clisson. Photo: MetalTalk We are dropped at the shuttle bus station from hell! The temperature sure felt like it anyway, but everyone kept their spirits up with excitable chatter. Along with thousands of other campers eager to reach the gates, we queued for the final part of our journey. Black buses arrived with flames up the sides to ferry us to hell, with cheers as each one pulled away. Hellfest Festival 2023, Clisson. Photo: MetalTalk Arriving at Hellfest, the first thing we see is a giant rusty guitar mounted on a roundabout with their symbol, which looks like a permanent fixture. Setting up camp, everyone is in good spirits, singing away, friends hugging, reunited, and fun outfits. Hellfest Festival 2023, Clisson. Photo: MetalTalk Theres the Hellfest castle looking like the entrance to a Heavy Metal Disneyland! Hellfest, we are in you! Nuclear Blast has signing sessions today in their tent. See the photo below for bands/times. Hellfest Festival 2023, Clisson. Photo: MetalTalk Take Part: Are you at Hellfest this year? Who are you looking forward to see? Want to get in touch and tell us how its going? Email MetalTalk Editor Steve Ritchie to tell us how its going for you. Hellfest@MetalTalk.net. Hellfest Festival 2023 MetalTalk Hellfest 2023 coverage can be found at https://www.metaltalk.net/tag/hellfest-2023 This years MetalTalk team is: Jade Colvin Kahmel Farahani Photography: Georgia Brittain For Hellfest 2022, visit https://www.metaltalk.net/tag/hellfest-2022 Troops in Alaska can now fly home once a year, and the military will pick up the tab. The Army's 11th Airborne Division is pioneering a new policy aimed at helping soldiers get home to see family at least once annually. The policy, which compensates soldiers for the price of a ticket home, applies to all Department of Defense service members posted to Alaska who have family in the continental U.S. The 11th Airborne is the first active-duty unit in Alaska to fully fund the initiative, which affects all of its soldiers. The announcement on its social media account was to inform its soldiers, but was not intended to imply that any other units were excluded. Read Next: A New Armored Vehicle Is Coming to the Army. It Could Be a Game Changer for Light Units, Vets Say. "The policy applies to all DoD service members," said Capt. Molly Treece, spokesperson for the 11th Airborne Division. "If they're in a different unit, not the 11th, that other unit will have to fund the ticket. But by policy, every service member in Alaska is entitled to it." The policy says that soldiers and DoD employees who qualify -- those stationed in Alaska -- can receive the benefit only to fly to their home of record. That means it's important they make sure their home of record is updated within the military's system. "The intent was that this policy be in place for this whole year. It wasn't implemented until recently, but it's backdated to December of last year. So if people already visited family in 2023, they can be reimbursed for those tickets," Treece said. Only an officer with the paygrade of O-5 or higher can sign off on the leave. The bureaucratic space it occupies is precise: It is a special allowance, or a special type of leave, and only officers of sufficient rank can authorize that. Leaders hope that soldiers serving in Alaska -- a remote and physically and mentally challenging environment -- will take advantage of the opportunity to see family with a benefit that is similar to those offered to troops deployed to combat. The Army has been struggling with a spike in suicides over the past two years in Alaska. In 2021, the service had 11 soldiers die by suicide there, raising alarm bells. Upgrades to barracks and gyms, as well as early release for soldiers on Fridays, have all been part of the effort to reduce the deaths in an area that can be challenging for those not used to the environment and distance from the continental U.S. -- 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: Given the Choice, Many New Soldiers Are Picking 'Tough' Alaska as Their 1st Duty Station The chairman of the Joint Chiefs cautioned Thursday that Ukraine's newly launched counteroffensive against Russia could be difficult and that Americans should expect losses of equipment provided by the U.S. and allies. Gen. Mark Milley gave the assessment during a press conference in Brussels with Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin following a meeting among nations on Ukraine support. They announced other countries had again stepped up with new pledges of support, following another aid package from the Biden administration unveiled earlier this week. Ukraine President Volodymyr Zelenskyy announced over the weekend that the long-awaited military campaign to push back invading Russian forces had begun, following months of speculation as the war drags on toward its second summer. Read Next: Space Force Could Get a Guard Force and Part-Time Guardians, If House Lawmakers Get Their Way "They're in the early stages, and it's far too early to make any definitive assessments, but I can tell you that, each day, Ukrainians demonstrate the courage and tenacity needed to methodically regain their territory," Milley told reporters at the press conference. In the last week, images and videos appeared to show columns of damaged Ukrainian armor -- including a recently donated Leopard tank. Russian state media reported that President Vladimir Putin bragged that "they burn nicely, as we expected, be it Bradleys or Leopards, yes." Austin said he wasn't concerned about the Ukrainians' ability to continue the assault. Putin and Russian forces also have a long track record of using disinformation and propaganda. "I think the Russians have shown us that same five vehicles about 1,000 times from 10 different angles," he said. "Quite frankly, the Ukrainians still have a lot of combat capability." The remarks and meeting of countries that make up the so-called Defense Contact Group -- leaders who determine and direct foreign assistance -- came just days after the U.S. announced its latest assistance package. This shipment included the transfer of 15 Bradley Infantry Fighting Vehicles and 10 Strykers, among other supplies for the war against Russia. Russia has elevated reports from open-source analysts that it has destroyed 16 Bradley vehicles. "What's important is that the Ukrainians have the ability to recover the equipment that's been damaged, repair where possible, get that equipment back into the fight," Austin told reporters. Pentagon spokeswoman Sabrina Singh told reporters Thursday that the items in the latest U.S. aid package are not a direct result of battlefield losses but that the losses were "something that went into our calculations when we provide this equipment to the Ukrainians." Singh noted that she didn't know whether "there's going to be a backfill of, like, a one-to-one ratio." Milley cautioned that "this is a very difficult fight," but said that the Ukrainians are making steady progress against the "several hundred thousand Russian troops dug in in prepared positions." The U.S.'s top general also praised the determination and bravery of Ukrainian troops. Milley has regularly assessed the war in numerous press conferences over the months following aid talks. "The Russians, on the other hand -- their leadership is not necessarily coherent, their troops' morale is not high, they've been sitting in defensive positions, many of them don't even know why they are there," he said. -- Konstantin Toropin can be reached at konstantin.toropin@military.com. Follow him on Twitter @ktoropin. Related: Ukraine Aid Such as Howitzers, Night Vision Goggles Not Properly Tracked by Military Federal authorities on Wednesday arrested a Camp Pendleton Marine and another man on suspicion of firebombing a Planned Parenthood clinic last year in Orange County using a Molotov cocktail. Authorities said the early morning attack in March 2022 did not cause any injuries but burned parts of the entrance to the Costa Mesa clinic, forcing it to shut down for the day and prompting the cancellation of about 30 appointments. The FBI offered a $25,000 reward earlier this year for information about the attackers. On Wednesday morning, agents from the FBI and the Naval Criminal Investigative Service arrested Cpl. Chance Brannon, a 23-year-old San Juan Capistrano resident, as well as Tibet Ergul, 21, of Irvine, according to the U.S. Attorney's Office in Los Angeles. Both were expected to make an initial appearance Wednesday in federal court in Santa Ana, according to prosecutors. Court records in the case were not immediately available, but prosecutors said both would be charged with using an explosive or fire to damage property affecting interstate commerce, a charge with a 20-year maximum prison sentence. "The depraved act of launching an improvised explosive device into a public facility put lives at risk and will not be tolerated," Donald Alway, the FBI's assistant director in charge of the Los Angeles field office, said in a news release. The Marine Corps said it does not comment on legal matters but provided Brannon's service record, which showed he enlisted in 2018 and is assigned to 1st Radio Battalion, I Marine Expeditionary Force Information Group with a military occupational specialty as a Persian-Farsi cryptolinguist. In a statement citing the criminal complaint, prosecutors said Brannon and Ergul, dressed in hoodies, masks and gloves, approached the facility around 1 a.m. on March 13, 2022, and ignited a glass bottle filled with gasoline that they threw at the building's front door. The device landed against a wall and sparked a fire that spread up the wall and across the ceiling above the clinic's glass doors, prosecutors said. Brannon is at least the fourth local Marine charged or convicted of federal crimes this year. Last month, Cpl. Micah Coomer pleaded guilty to a misdemeanor charge in connection with breaching the U.S. Capitol Building on Jan. 6, 2021. Lance Cpl. Christian Ferrari is facing federal charges in San Diego for allegedly selling firearms including short-barreled ghost rifles without a license. And in April, a federal judge sentenced former Marine Roberto Salazar II to 12 years in prison for running a drug-trafficking cell while he was on active duty at Marine Corps Air Station Miramar. This story originally appeared in San Diego Union-Tribune. 2023 The San Diego Union-Tribune. Visit sandiegouniontribune.com. Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC. Army combat veterans are excited about the new tracked fighting vehicle unveiled by the service last week, which could give more units access to powerful guns in the field. They just want to make sure the service is ready to give those troops the spare parts and training needed to make sure soldiers can use them in firefights. "When I was a commander in combat, I don't think I ever said no to more firepower," Lt. Col. John Principe of the Army's Command and General Staff College told Military.com in a phone call. Unveiled June 10, the M10 Booker is the first specialized armored vehicle with a tank-sized gun to join the Army in decades, a tool for wars that the service hasn't prepared for since the fall of the Soviet Union, in which big units advance across a front that could be hundreds of miles long. The past 20 years of war in Afghanistan saw combat centered on valleys that were a dozen kilometers wide, while in Iraq, combat was mostly limited to cities after the invasion. Read Next: Space Force Could Get a Guard Force and Part-Time Guardians, If House Lawmakers Get Their Way Four former Army combat commanders spoke to Military.com about the M10. They expressed optimism, with a common caveat that much depends on how quickly and effectively the Army puts the Booker alongside infantry. "To be most effective, we need to integrate the M10 Booker Combat Vehicle elements with the infantry elements that are most likely to employ them. Infantry commanders need to understand the capability, trust the capability, and understand its limitations," said retired Col. William "Bill" Ostlund during a phone interview. "Either you integrate them when they're available or you'll integrate them in combat, and it's a lot harder to learn and trust a capability when rounds are flying." Ostlund, known in the Army for his command of the 173rd's 2nd Battalion, 503rd Infantry -- "The Rock" -- during Operation Enduring Freedom VII-VIII in Kunar Province, Afghanistan, also parachuted into Iraq in 2003 to seize an airfield. For that Iraq mission, the 173rd received several armored reinforcements by plane. "We would have traded four M1s for eight M10s as the M10s could deal with anything in Iraq," he said. Ostlund said it will be critical that the M10 Booker is delivered to units with the parts, mechanics and cash to keep the vehicles running, along with the green light for leaders to push use of the Booker in training. The Army is also going to have to make sure the M10 can take out other tanks, using something like the SABOT round. "Having something that looks like a tank but is not a tank-killer is a problem for commanders," he added. Other former infantry company commanders with experience in Iraq and Afghanistan were also optimistic about the M10 Booker's capabilities. "It's supposed to add firepower to light units when they need it," said Principe, who led a platoon of Stryker infantry in combat in Iraq and commanded a company with the 10th Mountain Division in Afghanistan. But the Army will have to prioritize maintenance needs if the vehicle is going to be helpful to units. "My biggest gripe with mechanized anything is what happens when the s--- breaks or rolls over," said former Capt. Matthew Adkins, who served as an infantry officer and also commanded with the 10th Mountain Division in Afghanistan. "And in combat, something is always breaking or rolling over. Always." Retired Brig. Gen. Andrew Hilmes likes the M10's capabilities. "When properly employed, the BCV will help light formations rapidly mass combat power, penetrate a prepared defense, and 'harden' themselves when performing security operations," he said during a phone interview. "I'm eager to see how it performs; it will certainly help in a large-scale combat scenario." The M10 will carry special significance for the service because of the Army's choice to name it in honor of two soldiers who shared the surname Booker. Staff Sgt. Stevon Booker was killed during the "Thunder Run" mission into Baghdad amid heavy fighting in 2003. "Steve was hands down my most seasoned, experienced and competent NCO in my unit, and possibly within the armored task force," said Hilmes, who was two tanks behind Booker during the mission that would take his life. "He'd spent a lot of time as a sergeant, as a tank gunner -- he scored a 1,000 on gunnery table eight -- and had dozens of training exercises under his belt by the time he pinned staff sergeant. He was brash, confident and totally dependable." Hilmes said that it was a terrific honor that the M10 was named after Booker and that the staff sergeant's family appreciated the gesture. "Steve's mother lost a son, and his sister lost a brother," Hilmes said. "Nothing can replace that, but they're thrilled to see his heroism honored like this." The combat vehicle is also named after Pvt. Robert Booker, a World War II infantryman who earned the Medal of Honor. The Army expects the Booker to be delivered in sufficient numbers to properly train troops by late 2025 or early 2026. The government has contracted General Dynamics to build more than 96 M10 Booker Combat Vehicles, with hopes to eventually produce over 500 (though the final number may change). Eventually, the Army plans to maintain four battalions across four light infantry divisions. -- Adrian Bonenberger, an Army veteran and graduate of the Columbia University Graduate School of Journalism, reports for Military.com. Contact him at adrian.bonenberger@monster.com. Related: It's Not a Light Tank: Army Unveils New Armored Combat Vehicle The littoral combat ship Charleston returned to Naval Base San Diego Wednesday following a deployment that lasted for an unusually long time because the ship used rotating crews. Charleston had been gone for 26 months when it arrived in San Diego Bay, which is home to 15 littoral combat ships. The Navy defined the trip as a single deployment. But it was composed of separate, long tours carried out by different teams who alternately sailed the vessel, mostly in the Indo-Pacific. The service is now beginning to shift to using single crews to operate some of these warships, which are lightly-armed vessels that can help perform marine security and humanitarian relief. The Navy said that Charleston did conduct some mine countermeasure training while on deployment, and that it was the first commissioned U.S. Navy ship to visit the port of Manila, Philippines, in four years. Less than three weeks after Charleston left San Diego in 2021, an unmanned aerial vehicle crashed into the ship while it was underway in the Pacific, according to the Navy. The UAV, a MQ-8B Fire Scout, ended up in the ocean and wasn't recovered, authorities said. This story originally appeared in San Diego Union-Tribune. 2023 The San Diego Union-Tribune. Visit sandiegouniontribune.com. Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC. The Space Force could soon have a Space National Guard -- as well as the addition of part-time Guardians -- if two different legislative proposals are approved by Congress. The House's proposed defense authorization bill for the coming year aims to turn more than a dozen Air National Guard units into a Space National Guard. It's the third year that the move has been pushed forward in the annual policy bill, but the first time it has been included in the draft itself instead of being included as a separate amendment. The draft legislation would also give the Space Force the option of a part-time, active-duty status for Guardians, replacing the conventional idea of a reserve force as a way to offer flexibility in serving. Getting it passed into law is one of the top priorities for the service. Read Next: Enlisted Troops Could See 30% Pay Hike Under House's 2024 Defense Spending Bill "It's the Space Force's No. 1 legislative proposal," said Maj. Tanya Downsworth, a Department of the Air Force spokesperson. The two proposals are far from done deals. The mammoth, must-pass defense bill must still be approved and possibly amended by the full House, and then reconciled with the Senate's version before eventually becoming law. That's unlikely to happen before late fall or early winter. The Space Guard plan has drawn opposition from critics who say the tiny service branch doesn't need the extra cost or logistical complications. President Joe Biden's White House has also opposed the idea. Meanwhile, the Space Force has been pushing the part-time service idea. At the end of March, it submitted a report to Congress detailing how effective the idea would be -- a provision that was required in the last defense policy bill, which is called the National Defense Authorization Act, or NDAA. The House's newly unveiled bill details a part-time service model for Guardians that allows an active-duty status, which would have drill requirements much like the usual reserve model. "This proposal is a new model of service integrating active-component Guardians and Air Force reservists serving in space-focused career fields into a unified service that offers both full- and part-time billets," Downsworth said. "Our analysis showed that aligning and unifying mission execution and personnel development under the policy direction of the U.S. Space Force will enable the service to organize, train and equip in a more effective and efficient manner." The House Armed Services personnel subcommittee advanced the legislation for both ideas on June 12, sending its approval to turn 14 Guard units of about 1,000 Air National Guardsmen into a new Space National Guard, as well as create a new part-time active-duty status. While both provisions must still survive multiple steps, including Senate opposition, it's possible that both could be passed into law and used at the same time by the service. "Those are realities that could coexist," Downsworth said. Since the creation of the Space Force in late 2019, there have been attempts by defense advocates and lawmakers to establish a reserve or National Guard element for the smallest military service branch. Those efforts have ultimately been stymied, as lawmakers grapple with the costs and logistics of creating another element of the National Guard. The White House Office of Management and Budget issued a statement in 2021 saying it was strongly opposed to any efforts to create a Space Guard component, estimating it would increase costs each year by up to $500 million. That figure has angered National Guard officials, and some outside observers believe the cost could be much less. The Adjutants General Association of the United States sent a letter to the Senate Armed Services Committee last year saying that moving those 14 Air Force units under Space Force's command could cost as little as $250,000, with no need to create new facilities. The part-time approach has been pitched by Secretary of the Air Force Frank Kendall in the past as his preferred solution rather than a Guard. Officials say the part-time model is the service's top focus and will help recruit top talent to the ranks. Downsworth told Military.com that the service hopes to attract "people who are highly skilled" by offering flexibility to those with established careers. The draft details three different statuses for Space Force Guardians: active, inactive and retired. Under active status, Guardians can be on sustained duty or not on sustained duty. Sustained duty would be normal full-time, active-duty status. Not on sustained duty, or part-time, means Guardians must "participate in at least 48 scheduled drills or training periods during each year and serve on active duty for not less than 14 days (exclusive of travel time) during each year; or serve on active duty for not more than 30 days during each year," according to the draft NDAA text. Inactive status would be comparable to Individual Ready Reserve status in the Air Force, where a service member would not receive pay and would not drill unless called upon to do so, or if they volunteer to return to the active-duty force. -- Thomas Novelly can be reached at thomas.novelly@military.com. Follow him on Twitter @TomNovelly. Related: Creation of a Space National Guard Gets Renewed Push from Lawmakers Pregnant service members, spouses and dependents at Kadena Air Base on Okinawa, Japan, endured an emotional roller coaster last week when they were told to plan for delivering their babies at a facility other than Naval Hospital Okinawa -- a diversion prompted by severe staffing shortages at the medical facility. While the Defense Health Agency quickly responded to the announcement from the 18th Medical Group at Kadena, saying the hospital was not diverting patients and deliveries would continue, the chaotic episode marked the second time in months that the U.S. military health system in Japan has faced challenges handling staffing and patient load. On June 7, Air Force Lt. Col. Travis Russell, chief of staff at the 18th Medical Group, issued a memo notifying military beneficiaries who are scheduled to deliver a baby between August and November they would not be accepted at the Navy hospital and should choose a Japanese hospital or enter a program that would fly them to the continental U.S. Read Next: Tuberville Offered Vote in Senate But Still Won't Drop Hold on Military Promotions The "Stork Nesting" program, according to the memo, would give the unit the opportunity to provide "dedicated, safe obstetrics care for our pregnant patients in a facility that meets U.S. standards and guidelines." The plan was to send expectant moms to the U.S. before 34 weeks of gestation, but travel for their "non-medical attendee" would not be authorized until four weeks before the delivery date. "This may result in time away from family members and recovery in a hotel-type setting," Russell said. The other option was delivery at a Japanese hospital where, Russell noted, care is on par with other developed nations. However, there are a number of key differences between Japanese prenatal and birthing care and American health treatment that Russell spelled out in the memo, including that care is not guaranteed, as Japanese law does not require hospitals to accept patients in labor. Other differences, Russell noted, include attitudes to epidurals, which rarely are used in Japanese childbirths, longer post-birth stays in hospitals, the language barrier and the fact that patients may be denied care if they are overweight or obese. "This information is the best available evidence but please note individual experiences can certainly vary. We firmly believe in personalizing your care based on your specific needs and circumstance," Russell wrote. The memo sent shockwaves through the military community on Okinawa, affecting not only Kadena residents but pregnant Navy and Marine Corps patients assigned to the hospital, who were left wondering whether the diversion would eventually affect them. "We've been sounding the alarm bells for years now, saying there's not enough staffing. You are not going to be able to care for people," said Randi Wilson, a civilian Defense Department employee who advocates for military families and Defense Department civilians in Japan. "The Defense Health Agency keeps slipping it under the rug, saying things are fine." The day after the memo was written, Defense Health Agency officials released a message saying that the hospital would continue to provide full labor and delivery services for all beneficiaries in the region. "The hospital is NOT on divert and there is no change in current capability. Additional military, civilian, and contracted staffing is being actively worked to fill the gaps caused by personnel moves and to ensure the same level of care is readily available in support of our service members and families," officials wrote. The Defense Health Agency did not respond to a request for more information about the staffing shortages, the professions that are vacant, or plans for building the staff. In a June 8 message, DHA officials acknowledged the staffing constraints, saying they were "brought about by the summer permanent change of station cycle and unanticipated early departure of civilian staff." "Through a collaborative effort on the part of DHA and the medical departments of all military services, Okinawa will continue to provide full labor and delivery services for all beneficiaries within the [U.S. Indo-Pacific Command] area of responsibility," they wrote. To address the shortages, it appears that the Defense Department has launched an all-out recruiting effort to hire providers for Okinawa. A text circulating online from a representative of Goldbelt Glacier Health Services, the company that manages Navy and Air Force contracts in Japan, announced an emergency need for labor and delivery nurses in Okinawa, offering a $15,000 signing bonus, relocation assistance of up to $70,000 round-trip, lodging and travel pay. "We are offering relocation from anywhere for up to 120 days to fill these vacancies," wrote Jen Juliano, a program manager at Goldbelt Glacier. Juliano did not respond to an interview request from Military.com. Wilson said medical services on Okinawa have always been challenging for Americans assigned to the island, which lacks an emergency room capable of handling severe trauma cases. Shortages in the hospital and its affiliated clinics became more pronounced, however, following the changeover of hospital administration from the military services to the Defense Health Agency, Wilson said. The move was related to health care reforms that began nearly a decade ago to align the military medical commands to care for service personnel, while the DHA became responsible for the care of military family members and retirees. In December, the DHA announced that it would treat Defense Department civilian employees in Japan on only a space-available basis, notifying longtime patients that they should plan to receive medical treatment from local providers if American military hospitals can't accommodate them. "Beginning Jan. 1, all military treatment facilities within the Indo-Pacific will offer space-available care in family medicine, internal medicine, pediatrics, and gynecology when excess capacity exists after meeting federal statutes governing access to care for active-duty service members and Tricare Prime-enrolled patients," U.S. Forces Japan announced Dec. 23 on the unit's Facebook page. In March, the DHA reversed course, announcing that civilians in the Indo-Pacific region could seek treatment for chronic conditions at base hospitals, but appointments for acute care would remain on a space-available basis. Since at least 2013, the Department of Defense has been on a mission to bring down the rising cost of health care across the military. That year, it established the DHA, a single agency designed to handle administrative and training functions that existed in triplicate across Army, Navy and Air Force medical commands. Early in the process, there was an effort to manage costs by bringing patients back into military hospitals and clinics, However, in 2017, Congress gave the Pentagon broad authority to reevaluate and potentially scale back its facilities, which, in turn, led to a shift toward sending civilian patients for care in the communities surrounding bases. The cuts appear to be having an outsized impact on obstetrics and gynecology departments, at least for the Department of the Navy. In April 2022, providers at Camp Lejeune, North Carolina, reported that staffing shortages were delaying appointments and pushing patients to civilian medical facilities more than an hour away. In one case, a Marine wife went 12 weeks without a prenatal appointment after moving to Camp Lejeune from Quantico, Virginia. At Naval Hospital Bremerton, closure of labor and delivery negatively affected patients, including a service member who miscarried after spending eight hours in a waiting room at a civilian facility. Sailors at the Pacific Northwest base reported challenges getting appointments, even those required prior to a deployment or permanent change of station move. The issues of staffing shortages at military medical facilities have garnered the attention of members of Congress, including Sen. Elizabeth Warren, D-Mass., and Rep. Frank Pallone, D-N.J., who have sent letters to the Defense Department demanding fixes. "Providing the best possible services to support service members and civilians deployed overseas enhances readiness, retention, and morale," Warren wrote in a letter in January. Wilson said she doesn't understand why U.S. military hospitals in Japan should see any cuts, given the uncertainties surrounding care in the community and the importance of the mission in Japan. "This is a huge readiness issue. As we're preparing for a possible fight with China over Taiwan, we can't handle a broken arm on our military bases," Wilson said. -- Patricia Kime can be reached at Patricia.Kime@Military.com. Follow her on Twitter @patriciakime Related: Plans for Hospital Closures as Part of Military Health System Reform Forging Ahead After Pause A key Senate committee will debate a bill to roll back the Pentagon's abortion policy, but the senator who has blocked hundreds of military promotions because of his opposition to the policy says he still won't relent. The Senate Armed Services Committee announced Wednesday that, before it debates its sweeping annual defense policy bill next week, it will also vote on a separate bill that would bar the Pentagon from providing leave and travel expenses to troops seeking abortions and other reproductive health care. The move comes after Sen. Tommy Tuberville, R-Ala., who has single-handedly delayed more than 250 military promotions, said he was opposed to resolving the standoff by debating the abortion policy as part of the defense policy bill. In total, the Pentagon has said the senator's hold could eventually hold up the promotions of about 650 general and flag officers this year. Read Next: Enlisted Troops Could See 30% Pay Hike Under House's 2024 Defense Spending Bill Tuberville said Thursday that a committee vote on a stand-alone abortion bill is also not enough to get him to back down. "A committee vote doesn't mean anything," Tuberville told reporters, adding that he will drop his blockade only if the Pentagon rescinds its policy or Congress codifies the policy. Shortly afterward, Tuberville objected on the Senate floor to the request by Sen. Ben Cardin, D-Md., to confirm Rear Adm. Yvette Davids as superintendent of the U.S. Naval Academy before a new class arrives on campus next month. Since late February, Tuberville has used a procedural tactic known as a hold to stop the promotions of all nominees for general and admiral, stonewalling movement on O-7 ranks and above. While a hold cannot prevent the Senate from confirming nominees, it does mean the chamber has to take individual roll call votes on each nominee rather than approving them in batches in a voice vote as it typically does for military nominees. Taking roll call votes on all the nominees trapped in Tuberville's hold could take months, making doing so impractical. Senate Democratic leaders have also expressed concern that confirming the nominees in roll call votes could encourage other senators to use similar tactics in future policy disputes. The urgency to find a resolution to the standoff has grown in recent weeks as several members of the Joint Chiefs of Staff approach the legally mandated end of their terms without their replacements confirmed. Most immediately, Marine Corps Commandant Gen. David Berger will step down July 10. Berger's current deputy, Gen. Eric Smith, who has been nominated to replace him, is expected to step into the commandant job on an acting basis after Berger's departure. But Smith will have to walk a fine line to avoid appearing like he is presuming confirmation by holding off any major decisions. Acting officials are also often viewed with trepidation by foreign counterparts and allies, who don't know how much to trust the choices or assurances of someone who hasn't been confirmed for the job. While Tuberville rejected the committee vote as an off-ramp to his hold, other Republicans accused Democrats of scheduling the vote as a ploy to kill the bill. Sen. Joni Ernst, R-Iowa, who sponsored the bill being voted on, lamented that it's being treated as a "sidecar" to the broader defense policy bill, known as the National Defense Authorization Act, or NDAA. She added that she will "obviously" still offer her proposal as an NDAA amendment in addition to the stand-alone vote. "I'm hopeful that we can really overturn the DoD's war against the unborn," she said. "I'd like to see the DoD just voluntarily release this recent policy, return it to the way it was before. But they're not going to do it on their own, so I'm going to try and force it." Senate Armed Services Committee Chairman Jack Reed, D-R.I., denied he scheduled the vote because of Tuberville's hold, saying he did so because Ernst "wanted to make sure she had a vote." Still, he again called on Tuberville to drop his hold, which defense officials have warned harms the force, in part by adding stress to military families who cannot plan for their future. "His position is untenable, but he still maintains it, unfortunately, to the detriment of the military, and I hope we can correct it," Reed said. The vote on the abortion bill is scheduled for Wednesday afternoon behind closed doors, followed immediately by the committee's debate on the NDAA. -- Rebecca Kheel can be reached at rebecca.kheel@military.com. Follow her on Twitter @reporterkheel. Related: 650 Military Promotions Threatened as Senator Shows No Signs of Relenting The opinions expressed in this op-ed are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views of Military.com. If you would like to submit your own commentary, please send your article to opinions@military.com for consideration. After months of speculation about when Ukraines long-anticipated counteroffensive will begin, we now have an answer: right now. Tens of thousands of Ukrainian troops, many of them trained at military bases in Europe and outfitted with heavy Western armor, are now launching simultaneous operations at several points along the 600-mile-long front line in the countrys east and south. Counteroffensive and defensive actions are taking place in Ukraine, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy confirmed during a news conference with Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau last weekend. At what stage, I will not say in detail. How well those operations are going is difficult to say in the fog of war, when conflicting information causes one to doom-spiral for accuracy. Success, or the lack thereof, depends on whom you ask. The Ukrainians have claimed successes in four small villages in the Donetsk region; whereas, the Russians are triumphantly touting their stiff resistance and publishing photos of destroyed German tanks. The United Kingdoms Defense Ministry, which publishes daily assessments of the fighting, wrote on Saturday that Ukrainian performance has been uneven depending on which area of the front is being examined. The only thing that is certain in these early days is Chairman of the Joint Chiefs Gen. Mark Milleys observation last week: This will be a back-and-forth fight for a considerable length of time. Everything else is a mystery. This includes what success actually looks like. Even on this fundamental question, the answer depends on who is being asked. For the Ukrainians, success is straightforward: complete, total military victory over the aggressors. This translates into every Russian boot off every square inch of Ukrainian land, including areas of the country like Crimea that Russian forces have controlled for nearly a decade. Zelenskyy has been unequivocal on this point. Whereas Kyiv may have been willing to discuss Russias territorial claims, however unjustified they were, at the beginning of the war, the Ukrainian governments position has hardened considerably as the fighting has gone on. Look no further than Zelenskyys 10-point peace proposal, which equates to a list of surrender terms for Moscow. Ukraines partners in the West, however, likely have a different definition of what success entails. Kyiv may be aiming for the sky, but countries that have been backfilling Ukraines war effort with tens of billions of dollars in defensive equipment view those aims as pie-in-the-sky ambitions that are nice to think about but difficult to realize practically. While President Joe Biden remains publicly effusive to the Ukrainians and deferential to Kyivs wants and desires, U.S. officials are nevertheless highly skeptical the Ukrainians can reclaim all of their land and deal Russia an unequivocal military defeat. This has less to do with the Ukrainian armys talent and capability the Ukrainians have defied the expectations of pretty much every military analyst on the planet and more about Russian President Vladimir Putins willingness to keep pouring men and resources into the war. For Ukraine, victory on the battlefield is the only acceptable outcome; for Putin, defeat is not an option. The result of this equation is a long war that could drag on for years. Which leads to yet another question: Are the U.S. and its NATO allies prepared to maintain the present rate of military assistance to Kyiv for years on end? The U.S. alone has provided about $40 billion in military aid to Kyiv, or an average of $2.5 billion every month, since the first Russian missiles slammed into Ukrainian targets about 16 months ago. The pace of assistance has stretched the U.S. defense industrial complex and has reduced the U.S. militarys own stocks, so much so that the Pentagon has asked Congress to appropriate more than $30 billion to refill its munitions stockpile. It will take five years for the U.S. to replace its arsenal of Javelin anti-tank missiles and 13 years to replace all the Stinger missiles sent to Ukraine. Is the Biden administration, and any subsequent administration, able to keep this up for years and years? And if the answer is yes, then what other national defense priorities will Washington de-emphasize? To date, there is little evidence U.S. officials have pondered these questions, let alone debated them. Speaking of queries, heres another one: What if Ukraines counteroffensive does make significant headway and the Russians are forced to withdraw from some of the territory they now control? How could this possibly be a bad thing? Well, because nobody can be absolutely certain how Putin would react. Actions have consequences foreseen and unforeseen. We may all like to think Putin would hear the news, finally conclude that his entire war effort was a self-inflicted wound of epic proportions and give the order to withdraw to save himself from further embarrassment. But thats the absolute best-case scenario, and policymakers cant afford to base their plans on rosy assumptions. Its more likely Putin would double down on his pursuit to maintain whatever land his forces control and, over time, attempt to reclaim the territory that was lost. Nothing in Putins disposition over the previous 16 months points to a man who will back down when confronted with the prospect of defeat. If anything, the opposite has occurred: Putin has mobilized hundreds of thousands of additional men and ordered the systematic bombardment of Ukraines power sources, and he was perhaps culpable in the destruction of the Kakhovka dam. For those in the middle of it, the counteroffensive will be hell on earth. For those of us trying to make sense of it, clear-cut answers are in short supply. ____ ABOUT THE WRITER Daniel DePetris is a fellow at Defense Priorities and a foreign affairs columnist for the Chicago Tribune. ___ 2023 Chicago Tribune. Visit at chicagotribune.com. Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC. The Rangers are in agreement with veteran reliever Ryan Tepera on a minor league deal, according to the transactions log at MLB.com. Hell report to Triple-A Round Rock. Tepera sticks in the AL West, where hes spent the past year-plus with the Angels. The right-hander signed a two-year, $14MM free agent contract with Los Angeles coming out of the lockout. Hed had a quality run between the Chicago clubs from 2020-21. The Halos surely envisioned something approximating the 3.07 ERA he posted over 86 contests during those two seasons. Things didnt play out that way. Tepera didnt find his footing in Anaheim. He pitched to a 3.61 ERA over 57 1/3 innings last season. Thats solid enough run prevention, but his strikeout rate fell from an excellent 31.9% clip between 2020-21 to a modest 20.3% last season. His struggles carried into the first month of this season. Tepera allowed nine runs (seven earned) on 15 hits in 8 2/3 frames over ten outings. His average fastball velocity sat at 91.7 MPH, down a tick relative to last season and nearly two miles per hour below his 2020-21 level. His slider lost a similar amount of speed. The Halos designated him for assignment a month ago and released him a few days later. Tepera is making $7MM this season. The Angels are on the hook for that money; if Texas adds him to the MLB roster, theyd owe him only the prorated portion of the $720K league minimum. Theres no financial downside for the Rangers in giving Tepera a look to see if he can more closely approximate his peak numbers in a new environment. Texas bullpen has been the rosters relative weak point. The Rangers sit at 41-25, three and a half games clear of the Astros in the AL West. The relief corps has struggled, though, ranking 24th with a 4.57 ERA. The Michigan Cannabis Regulatory Agency ordered an already suspended marijuana business in Shiawassee Countys Corunna to destroy all of its marijuana products, and then revoked its license. The CRA in a statement issued Thursday said inspectors discovered suspected illicit and unlicensed marijuana, in addition to other rules violations, during an Oct. 6 site visit to discuss the businesss inoperable camera system. The business, Candid Labs, which also operates under the name Layercake Farms 2 at 1850 Parmenter in Corunna, is located about 30 miles west of Flint. It had its licenses suspended in February and destroyed its marijuana invetory the week of May 28, the CRA said. When licensees dont act within the laws and rules that govern the cannabis industry, we must act swiftly to protect the public, CRA Director Brian Hanna said. By revoking these state operating licenses, we are holding true to the CRAs promise that egregious actions jeopardizing public health and safety will be taken seriously and have consequences. MLive was unable to reach Candid Labs representatives for comment. The CRA hasnt responded to MLive questions regarding how much marijuana the business destroyed. The business processes marijuana products, including making THC concentrates, and has at least eight active medical marijuana grow licenses that allow for up to 12,000 marijuana plants. Its the companys grow facility that initially caught the CRAs attention. The business notified the CRA that its required video surveillance system was malfunctioning during its harvest, the CRA complaint said. CRA personnel found 38 cameras were inoperable and showing black screens, a statement issued by the CRA said. An employee told inspectors the problem was caused by rats that chewed through the wires, and portions of available footage cut to a black screen numerous times for long periods of times, the CRA said. While on site, inspectors looked into the processing facility that is located at the same address, the CRA said. CRA staff observed five tall, cylindrical glass jars with green lids each labeled with Labyrinth Xtracts Ultra Fine Distillate Oil and a Hempire State Growers Hudson Valley New York sticker inside a storage trailer, the agency said. Inspectors observed that the tall cylindrical jars were filled to the top with what appeared to be marijuana distillate and were without Metrc tags. Metrc is a tracking system that allows the CRA to monitor marijuana products from seeds until they reach customers as finished products. Marijuana and resulting products must be accompanied by Mertc tags intended to ensure the products come from a licensed source and is properly tested. CRA inspectors found another nine jars and four pots containing forms of suspected THC oil extracted from cannabis plants. Certain THC oils are created using what is called biomass, trimmings and less marketable portions of the cannabis plant. Oil can be turned into products like vaping cartridges and edibles. Candid Labs employees maintained that the (untagged) products were made from biomass kept on the licensed premises, the CRA said. Inspectors sent samples of the oil testing and determined the samples could not have come from the onsite biomass. Inspectors also found fresh, untagged frozen flower in refrigerated trailer, up to 10 mature untagged cannabis plants inside a white van, at least four large black trash bags filled to the top with (untagged) marijuana, and untagged plants in a field and in greenhouses. Complaints filed against the businesss medical and recreational processing licenses contained a combined total of 28 license violations, the CRA said. More on MLive: Corunna marijuana business suspended after CRA finds suspected illicit marijuana Race to the bottom? Plummeting marijuana prices Michigan poised to increase efforts to battle black market State police raid CBD business suspected of being illegal marijuana dispensary Marijuana reformers praise Biden Michigan poised to ramp up marijuana enforcement The Detroit Red Wings have a huge fan in Nickelback bassist Mike Kroeger. He and his fellow rockers are coming back to Michigan, one of their favorite places to perform, for concerts in Grand Rapids and Clarkston. The band will be at Van Andel Arena on Friday, June 16th and at Pine Knob on Sunday, August 13th. Last-minute tickets for the Grand Rapids concert are available here and tickets to the Clarkston show can be found here. Kroegers love for the Red Wings dates back to the 90s when Jim Nill, who is the current GM of the Dallas Stars, worked in the front office for the Wings. He and Nill come from the same small Canadian town, Hanna, in Alberta, population 2,500. Ive been a supporter of the Detroit Red Wings for my whole music career, Kroeger enthusiastically told MLive. So, whenever weve been in the Detroit area, I try to do whatever I can to be close to anything Red Wings related. For a lot of our career, Nill was the assistant GM of the Wings. He would give me access that I never would have had any other way had I not known him including meeting the players. Kroeger also has vivid memories of playing at the former home of the Wings, among other places in the area. We played the Joe several times and each time was just as special as before. It was awesome to be in a place so historic. Weve also been to Pine Knob a number of times. We also played St. Andrews Hall back in the day. Thats a place where we hung our hats the first few years of our career. Kroeger says he and the band always look forward to coming to Michigan because of how much love they have for the state and how much support the fans have given them over the years. Michigan has been a special place for us and a real source of support for us over the years and Id say Detroit is probably our number one city on the planet. As a result, Michigan is very dear to us and we love the state a lot. Nickelbacks current tour just started. Its their first since before the pandemic. Kroeger says he is happy to be back on stage and talked about his evolvement as an artist from the beginning of his career compared to now. Back in the beginning, the pre-show was much louder, more chaotic and probably more alcohol involved. There was a lot of excitement and enthusiasm. The excitement and enthusiasm are still there today, but youre a little more calm and focused on finding a little bit of quiet time for the mind before you take the stage. Its not so much getting hyped, but trying to get stillness and focus before performing. IF YOU GO Van Andel Arena in Grand Rapids Friday, June 16 at 6:30 p.m. Tickets Pine Knob in Clarkston Sunday, August 13 at 6:30 p.m. Tickets MORE FROM MLIVE: Taylor Swift in Detroit: One of the most awe-inspiring concerts weve ever seen 12-year old magician ventriloquist from Michigan shocks with AGT audition Michigans only launch water slides are fast, steep and give mad airtime The family of a 23-year-old Roseville man who was killed Tuesday night says he was a devoted teacher who had just finished his first year as a social studies teacher at his alma mater. According to Fox 2 Detroit, the family of Connor McMahon says he was traveling home Tuesday night from a team-building exercise when he got a flat tire on eastbound I-94 near 8 Mile Road and Vernier. While changing the tire, a 25-year-old Clinton Township woman allegedly hit McMahon and his vehicle, killing him. McMahons father, Corey McMahon told Fox 2 that his was proud of being a teacher at Fraser High School and wanted to reach kids. Connor began working at Fraser High School last year after graduating from the University of Michigan. The suspect in the case has not been publicly identified pending formal charges being brought against her. Michigan State Police allege the woman fled the scene after hitting McMahons car. When Harper Woods Police caught up with her, she alleged injured an officer and bit a trooper with MSP as well. It is unclear when the suspect will be charged in connection with McMahons death. READ MORE: Michigan city bans Pride flags, other symbols on city property Questions remain after Ottawa County sheriffs deputy fatally shoots man Woman, 19, dies in I-94 crash with semi; driver in critical condition Ready for a camping excursion where youll truly feel worlds away? Try camping on an island. Michigan is home to a number of islands that allow campers to linger after the last ferry leaves for the day, affording a truly secluded escape and opening up possibilities for deeper connection to the land, the stars, the waters surrounding you and the fellow campers lucky enough to be along for the ride. From car-friendly to car-free, the following Michigan islands are ready to welcome you for a camping adventure like none other, whether youre looking for a new RV spot or are ready to tackle a multi-day backcountry trek. Read on for eight Michigan islands open to camping: Lime Island Recreation Area: This 932-acre island in the St. Marys River is one of Michigans newer state recreation areas, with a wildly diverse history that dates back some 4,000 years, according to the DNR. Highlights include secluded beaches, hiking trails, freighter watching, a century-old schooner shipwreck, historic lime kilns, and nesting habitat for the state-threatened common tern. Tent camping is available at designated sites, including on wooden platforms; the island also has historic cabins for rent through the DNR. Note that youll need a motorized boat, or to charter one, to make the two-mile crossing to the island. Details here North Manitou Island: A secluded and sparsely visited gem at Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore, North Manitou Island offers primitive camping amid 15,000 acres of true wilderness. Your journey begins with a roughly 1.5-hour ferry voyage via Manitou Island Transit, after which the island is yours to explore: miles of hiking trails, ghost towns, beautiful bluffs with breathtaking views. The islands Village Campground offers eight designated campsites; the rest is open to backcountry camping with a permit. Regulations and more details here South Manitou Island: South Manitou Island is North Manitous slightly more social twin, with three designated primitive campgrounds ranging in size from seven to 28 sites. While many visitors opt to visit South Manitou as a day-trip destination, camping here really lets you soak up the incredible scenery and gives you more time to explore the islands many gems, including an old-growth cedar forest and the still-visible Francisco Morazan shipwreck. More details here Beaver Island: Rich in history and natural beauty, Lake Michigans largest island sits about 30 miles northwest of the ferry dock in Charlevoix. Unlike most of the islands on this list, Beaver Island allows vehicles and if you want to see as much of the scenery as possible, renting or bringing your car (or at the very least, an off-road-worthy bicycle) is a must. On the island youll find two township-run rustic campgrounds (Saint James Township Campground takes reservations; Bill Wagner Peaine Township Campground is first come, first served) as well as Beaver Island Retreat, an award-winning glamping destination. For more, visit beaverisland.org/camping. Drummond Island: This pristine outdoors paradise off the eastern edge of the Upper Peninsula offers an escape from the everyday without giving up conveniences, such as grocery stores. The island has several campgrounds, including resort-style spots with full hookups for RVs. Activities include kayaking, fishing, birding, rock hunting, and exploring the ORV trails (Drummond is home to the largest DNR-sponsored closed-loop ORV system in the state). Getting there is just a short car ferry ride from the village of DeTour on the mainland. More information here RELATED: Drummond Island is a Michigan escape for outdoor adventurers Isle Royale National Park: One of the most remote National Park Service locations in the contiguous U.S., Isle Royale National Park is an island archipelago surrounded by Lake Superior some 55 miles from the tip of Michigans Keweenaw Peninsula. There are 36 designated campgrounds with water sources and outhouses (and, in some cases, shelters and picnic tables), all accessible only by foot or watercraft. The rest of the park is a wilderness paradise, home to moose and wolves, and endless opportunities for hiking, fishing, paddling, stargazing, wildlife watching and more. Experts strongly recommend you do your research to be fully prepared for this kind of trip, as weather can sometimes affect travel to and from the park, unexpectedly extending stays. More details here RELATED: Michigans Isle Royale named among least-visited national parks in the U.S. Grand Island National Recreation Area: Just a half-mile off the Munising shoreline, Grand Island hosts more than a dozen primitive campsites for overnight adventurers looking to enjoy a secluded escape with spectacular views of Pictured Rocks National Lakeshores namesake cliffs. Take the ferry and enjoy hiking, swimming, fishing and biking the islands trails and two-tracks. As part of Hiawatha National Forest, the islands campsites require reservations, which must be made through the Recreation.gov website. More details on Grand Island here. Power Island: Power Island and its isthmus-connected sister island, Bassett, comprise 202 acres of undeveloped forest maintained jointly as a quiet nature preserve about 3.5 miles from Bowers Harbor in Traverse City. A popular destination for day trips by boat, the dual island is also home to 15 rustic campsites for overnights, plus five miles of trails and three miles of shoreline with some excellent swimming spots. Youll need your own motorized boat to get there though; traveling to the island by kayak without guidance is highly discouraged for all but the most experienced paddlers. Campsite reservations must be made through Grand Traverse Countys website. RELATED: Leland Blue stone: What is this beach treasure everyone is looking for Up North? Why Michigan is seeing the Northern Lights more often New forest bathing walks at Sleeping Bear Dunes aim to deepen connection to nature ADRIAN, MI - Tammy Gunnin was out with her dog, a Maltipoo she takes on walks around her home of 58 years in Adrian, when the smell hit her. Like a dead animal, like something that has been sitting out in the hot sun, she recalled. The fumes sent her running indoors, as she became physically ill. I was puking in the yard because the smell was so bad, Gunnin said. More than a year later, Gunnin and other Adrian residents are taking to the courts to fight what they say has snowballed into more than a year of unbearable odors coming from a powdered egg plant a few blocks from their neighborhood a facility whose operations have landed it in hot water with the city and state environmental regulators. Read more: Michigan powdered egg plant faces court order, violations over foul odors On Monday, June 12, Gunnin and residents Dan and Diana Mueller filed a class action lawsuit in federal court against Crimson Holdings, LLC, the company that took over the former Dairy Farmers of America powdered milk facility on East Maumee Street in December 2021. The company swapped milk for eggs, producing an ingredient used in pet food but also unleashing noxious odors in the area in the process, the suit alleges. Gunnin said she is now forced to keep her windows closed, and even then the smell infiltrates her home. Its not something anyone should be forced to live with, said her attorney David Dubin, who filed the 13-page complaint in U.S. District Court in Detroit on Monday. It drives you from your property. The biggest goal of the legal action is for Crimson to act as a responsible neighbor and end the smells, as well as achieve compensation for the plaintiffs, he said. The class action suit, a kind of lawsuit where a smaller group of parties represent a larger group of people in a similar situation, proposes to encompass anyone who owned or occupied property with in a three-mile boundary of the Crimson facility estimated to be more than 11,000 households. The company has not yet filed a response in court. Crimson does not comment on or discuss ongoing litigation, Emily Bir, a company spokesperson, said in a statement. In recent media interviews and through its website, the company, affiliated with Madison, Wisconsin-based OvaInnovations, has acknowledged the odor problems and detailed nearly $2 million in improvements to the aging facility, including the installation of a new 100-foot exhaust stack. The emissions from the facility do not pose a threat to residents health, the company has said. Its leadership said the company is accountable to the community and continues to pursue odor solutions, including nano-bubble technology that uses oxygen to break down smells. There is a lot of talk but not a lot of action, Dubin said, adding the company needs to bring an end to the problem. Otherwise, youre putting profits before the quality of the residents. And thats not acceptable here, he said. Crimson faces a similar message on other fronts. The Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes and Energy has hit Crimson with environmental violations, some related to the odor, like the most recent one on March 28. State environmental regulators told MLive in April they were working through an enforcement process. If not addressed satisfactorily, the issues could be referred to the state Attorney Generals Office. Adrian officials, observing the protracted process of state enforcement, issued its own odor violation in May 2022, and a Lenawee County District Court judge ordered Crimson to follow restrictions limiting operations to nighttime hours. The company has appealed the violation and sought to remove the restrictions, but they now remain in replace, with another hearing scheduled in July, according to city officials. The city met with senior leadership at Crimson in May, according to a lengthy June 7 statement from City Administrator Greg Elliott. We anticipate further discussions. While we are not at liberty to disclose settlement discussions, the city will not agree to any resolution that is not designed to result in the abatement of the current nuisance, he said. Residents near the plant have suffered harm and decreased property values as a result of the odor issues, the new class action suit alleges. It asks that a judge certify the proposed class, award damages and attorneys fees, order that the odors constitute a nuisance and grant some injunctive relief. Some 60 households have communicated with Dubin about the impact of the odors on their daily lives, and he suspects a significant number will come forward and join the suit. Gunnin looks forward to opening her windows to the warm air again. If you cant go outside and enjoy your summer, its sad, she said. More from MLive: Unabombers death sparks new interest in University of Michigans Kaczynskiana archives Michigan has a new state holiday, and its next week Michigan city bans Pride flags, other symbols on city property 8 Michigan islands where you can camp overnight Conditions on Lake Michigan are expected to become dangerous Thursday as strong winds out of the north and northwest are forecasted to reach speeds of 15 to 30 mph, and waves could reach as high as 5 feet. According to the National Weather Service in Grand Rapids, those conditions will lead to a large portion of the lake being unsafe for swimming Thursday. While the still-cold water is likely to deter most swimmers, the wind and wave conditions will also make it unsafe for pier walkers. In particular, the NWS warns to avoid the water along a stretch of beach that reaches from as far north as the Ludington area all the way to the southern portion of the lake, near the Michigan/Indiana border. Waves in that area are expected to be at least 4 feet tall. The waves are expected to start building in the afternoon and water temperatures are also expected to be in the 50s around that time, which increases cold water hazards as well. The NWS says all West Michigan beaches are impacted by the warnings. E. LANSING, MI -- The father of one of the women killed in the Feb. 13 shooting at Michigan State University has announced his intent to sue the university, alleging that the lack of effective security contributed to death of his daughter. Ted Verner Jr., whose daughter Alexandria Verner was one of the students shot and killed in room 114 Berkey Hall, filed the notice with the Michigan Court of Claims on Tuesday. Anglers reported catching good numbers of walleye and decent numbers of steelhead at two different Michigan fishing spots this past week, according to state officials. Boat anglers trolling in 50-60 feet of water out of Tawas reported good numbers of walleye, according to the Wednesday, June 14, weekly fishing report from the Michigan Department of Natural Resources. The mouth of the Tawas River was a good spot for perch and smallmouth bass. Meanwhile, in St. Joseph, pier anglers were catching decent numbers of steelhead, the report said. Boat anglers close to the piers were catching steelhead and an occasional coho salmon. Anglers also had success with species of whitefish, trout, salmon and bass in various areas of Michigan. The fishing report covers the entire state and is broken down into five regions with information about several areas in each region. It includes where anglers are casting their lines, what methods and bait theyre using, what theyre targeting and how well they did. Southeast Lower Peninsula Lake Erie: Fishing slowed down slightly with the hatch of the mayflies beginning, with anglers coming in with a few fish short of their limits. Anglers going to where the Ohio, Canada, and Michigan boarders meet were seeing the most success. Anglers that were using pink and purple crawler harnesses with bottom bouncers were seeing the most success. Those using spoons were also doing well. Freshwater drum were out in droves. They seemed to hit less often on artificial rigs. Saginaw Bay: Walleye were caught in front of the Au Gres River while trolling with crawlers in 32 feet of water. Walleye ranging from 20-22-inches were caught. Walleye were also caught three to four miles east of the Sparkplug while trolling with crankbaits and crawlers. Some walleye were also caught in the shallows from the mouth of the Kawkawlin River to out in front of the Bay City State Park. Smallmouth bass were caught in the lower part of the Saginaw River and channel catfish were caught on worms and shrimp in the hot ponds off Jones Road. The slot was producing good to very good catches of walleye from the south end and up past Sebewaing in 14 to 17 feet of water. Some anglers were starting to fish east of the shipping channel and out over the bar. The deeper water areas produced slightly bigger fish but less overall numbers. Walleye were also being caught around the narrows and off the tip of Sand Point. Crawler harnesses were the most consistent while body baits and spoons were catching walleye as well. Harbor Beach: Rock bass were caught from the break wall while jigging with nightcrawlers. Port Austin: A few smallmouth bass were caught from the break wall and along the Bird Creek while casting small artificial lures. Port Sanilac: The occasional Atlantic salmon was caught from the break wall while casting artificial lures. Southwest Lower Peninsula Muskegon: The salmon action continued to be slow. A few Chinook salmon were caught 30 to 100 feet down in 110 to 200 feet of water. A mix of green spoons and flies were producing salmon catches. Grand Haven: Boat anglers were finding the salmon action to be hit or miss. Salmon were found 30 to 100 down in 100 to 190 feet of water. Spoons worked well in colors of orange and green. Pier anglers were catching a few steelhead on shrimp. Anglers casting spoons for freshwater drum did well. The best action occurred in low light conditions. South Haven: Pier anglers were catching steelhead. Fishing was a little on the slow side, but fish were being caught on shrimp fished under a bobber. Perch fishing was slow. Boat anglers targeting salmon were catching a few Chinook salmon. The fish seem to be spread out, but 75 to 100 feet of water seemed to be decent. The fishing was slowing but fish were still being caught. Spoons and meat rigs seemed to be performing the best. St. Joseph: Pier anglers were catching decent numbers of steelhead. Almost all fish were caught on shrimp or alewives under a bobber. Anglers were also catching freshwater drum and a few catfish. Perch fishing was slow. The lake was fairly rough, so few boat anglers were fishing on the lake. Boat anglers that were fishing close to the piers were catching steelhead and an occasional coho in 30 to 50 feet of water. Northeast Lower Peninsula Presque Isle: Trout and salmon were found all around the Presque area. While some anglers were taking lake trout and Atlantic salmon in 15 to 25 feet, others were finding them over 60 to 120 feet. Cooler water had fish scattered from top to bottom. Spreading the lines out throughout the water column was productive. Some nice Chinook were taken on flasher/fly combos as well as spoons in black/green, purples and greens. Higher sets of orange/silvers, gold/green, and watermelon had taken the majority of steelhead and Atlantic salmon. A few walleye were reported to be hanging around Thompson Harbor and some off the shallow structures. Presque Harbor was holding a good number of smallmouth bass along with some pike, rock bass and the occasional Atlantic salmon. Tawas: Anglers reported good numbers of walleye while trolling in 50 to 60 feet of water. Some were noticed in Tawas Bay. Anglers at the mouth of the Tawas River were catching some perch and smallmouth bass. Rockport: Anglers were having success trolling the waters around Middle Island. Trout, Atlantic salmon, and Chinook salmon were being taken all throughout the water column in 50 to 70 feet of water. UV orange, green, and purple/gold spoons had the best results. Stoneport was giving up nice steelhead along with other silver fish. The 2- 5 color lead cores were taking majority of fish. More pink salmon were showing up as of late. Alpena: The walleye bite dropped in Thunder Bay as the water temperatures dropped. While a few fish remained close, anglers were struggling to find any success. Best results were around Scarecrow Island in 16 to 30 feet of water. Slow trolling crawlers were taking fish during daylight hours while mid to deep diving crankbaits were getting action after dark. Little to no action was found near Whitefish Bay and the north shore. Very few boats were targeting trout and salmon but those that did had good success around Thunder Bay Island. Trout were taken near bottom in 70 to 90 feet of water on dodgers and spin glos. A few Chinook salmon were also taken with Atlantic salmon in the same waters fishing higher in the water column. Spoons in gold/green, orange and watermelon were working well. Thunder Bay River: Fishing pressure was low on the river. Anglers were taking a few walleye while jigging swimbaits, crawlers and leaches between the Second and Third Street bridges. Catfish, carp, freshwater drum, and smallmouth bass were caught from the pier head all the way to the 9th Street Dam. Oscoda/Au Sable: Walleye were caught while trolling in 50 to 60 feet of water and anglers were starting to see a rise in numbers of walleye off the pier. Anglers were also targeting more catfish at the mouth, but only a couple were caught. Cheboygan: In the Cheboygan River, walleye fishing was slow below the dam. Anglers were lucky to land one to two fish. Smallmouth fishing was poor this past week. Out in Lake Huron, lake trout fishing was limited by poor weather. Boat anglers who got out toward Bois Blanc and the reefs didnt have much success. Some anglers reported that surface temperatures had decreased. Rogers City: The water was beginning to warm up a little so fish were moving out. With the unstable weather, anglers should start looking for fish around structured points, especially for lake trout. Anglers were fishing up the lake near 40 Mile Point or down the lake near Adams Point. Anglers were also fishing straight out of the harbor on the humps or near Seagull Point. The best depths were anywhere from 50 to 80 feet. Anglers should fish the entire water column for best results. Flashers or attractors with spin glos for the lake trout as well as spoons worked well. Good colors were oranges with silvers, greens, and yellows on the spoons. The Atlantic salmon were high in the water column. Anglers should try fishing the top 15 to 25 feet. Fish liked the regular sized and slim sized spoons. Bright colors oranges, orange and silver, orange and green were working well. The Chinook salmon, coho and steelhead were coming in on lines ran throughout the water column targeting everything. Northwest Lower Peninsula Manistee: Salmon fishing was very slow this past week. Very few Chinook salmon were caught. A few brown trout were caught on the south pier while using alewife. The perch action was hit or miss on the north pier. Anglers had a hard time looking for summer run steelhead. Ludington: Salmon fishing was very slow with minimal numbers coming in. A few Chinook salmon were caught to the south in 75 to 100 feet of water while fishing 25 to 50 feet down. A few steelhead were caught near Big Sable Point, all from the top 30 feet. The perch action on the pier was hit or miss. East Grand Traverse Bay: The tip of East Bay off Mission Point continued to give up limit catches of lake trout with occasional cisco mixed in when trolling. Green Spin Doctors with black dots with blue or green Whirly Gigs with fly worked best. Casting gold blade baits in 20 to 40 feet of water off the northwest tip of Mission Point was excellent for cisco. West Grand Traverse Bay: Anglers were targeting smallmouth bass and releasing what they caught. The area was starting to get very busy with pleasure boaters as were coming into the summer season. The Northport boat launch is now open. Leland: Anglers targeting lake trout in shallow waters were successful. Many anglers caught limits, most being good size fish. The Chinook salmon were slowly trickling in, typically caught on spoons and spinners. Anglers reported that they were not marking much for bait at all. The water temperature did cool down some in the past week, which seemed to of slowed the fishing down slightly. Charlevoix: Anglers targeting cisco on the piers had good overall success throughout the weekend and into the beginning of this week. Several limits of cisco, as well as many fish over 20 inches were reported. Anglers were having most success casting shiny spoons while using a combination of jigging, casting, and jerking their baits near the bottom of the channel. Those fishing the Charlevoix Trout Tournament had very good success landing lake trout both north and south of Charlevoix while trolling between 50 and 200 feet deep. Boat anglers also reported a fair number of Chinook salmon, steelhead and the occasional Atlantic salmon. Petoskey/Harbor Springs: Anglers targeting bass in Little Traverse Bay reported steady numbers of smallmouth bass, primarily fishing on the eastern end using soft plastics on beds. Anglers targeting lake trout found most of their success northwest of Harbor Springs in 65 to 120 feet. The occasional cisco was landed. Upper Peninsula Little Bay de Noc: Trolling or jigging were effective for walleye, with anglers reporting slow to fair fishing. Gladstone, Escanaba and Ford rivers were areas where anglers had some success this week. Smallmouth bass fishing was good. Anglers reported that there were no remaining fish on beds. Baits that imitate gobies were productive. Big Bay de Noc: Smallmouth anglers reported good fishing, while perch anglers reported slow fishing. Salmon anglers fishing Fairport were contacting Chinook salmon and steelhead. Keweenaw Bay/Huron Bay: Anglers were out in force this last week as the weather allowed for a lot of access to the bays. Anglers were able to catch lake trout, coho, Chinook salmon and brown trout during the last week. Most fish were caught while trolling during the early hours of the day, however some fish were biting during all fishing hours. Anglers had luck with artificial baits and mostly in deeper water. Big Traverse Bay/South Portage Canal: Anglers were able to find a few salmon during the last week, however the lake trout dominated the catch. Anglers were trolling and jigging. Fish were caught both near the canal and north from the Big Traverse Bay. Fish were caught all throughout the water column and were caught throughout most of the day. Pine River: Anglers targeting walleye had moderate success. Some anglers from shore and boats caught limits, though the weather was colder, and the bite had slowed down. A few keeper perch were also caught. Due to the naturally muddy waters of the Pine River, live natural bait was the most effective. Crawlers and leeches were commonly used. Les Cheneaux/Detour: Anglers in the Hessel area were picking up very few perch at the marina. They were being very picky. There was a bass tournament last weekend with a winning three bag fish of 12.82 pounds. The largest smallmouth was 5.7 pounds and heaviest largemouth was 4.7 pounds. There were 46 bass brought in by 22 boats. In the Detour area, anglers were catching Atlantic salmon and a few Chinook salmon as well while trolling around the lighthouse. Munising Bay: Boat anglers continued to do well with catches of coho salmon and the occasional Chinook salmon and lake trout while targeting salmon. Very few splake, brown trout, or rainbow trout were reported. Anglers were doing well during the morning hours but also in the evenings. Pier fishing was slow with few fish reported. Ontonagon River: Although fishing over the past week was hit-or-miss due to weather, anglers were able to find respectable numbers of walleye in the river. Trolling was the primary method of fishing used by most, while jigging also yielded good results for those who prefer it. Early mornings seemed to be the most productive fishing hours, but fish were caught at all times of the day. Anglers jigging for whitefish at the mouth of the river reported a slower bite, with occasional fish still being caught. Ontonagon/Silver City/Union Bay: Some rain and wind had slightly limited fishing on the lake over this past week. Despite the weather, fishing was great with anglers finding good numbers of fish on a regular basis. Trolling artificial lures in shallow waters resulted in common catches consisting of lake trout, coho salmon, Chinook salmon, steelhead and brown trout. Successful trips occurred at all times throughout the day. Black River Harbor: Some varying weather conditions in the area contributed to low fishing efforts at the harbor over the past week. Anglers who made their way out on the lake had some success finding lake trout and coho salmon. Long trips on the water were the key to success as it seemed the bite was very sporadic over the course of a day. Trolling artificial lures in relatively shallow waters was the method for those who had successful trips. Grand Marais: Pier anglers reported good catches of coho while fishing whitefish on single eggs. Whitefish fishing was fair with some spurts for evening bites but in general slow. Boat anglers continued to report fair to good catches of coho and lake trout while trolling outside the harbor to first break. Lake trout fishing was reported to be good near AuSable and the shipping channels. READ MORE: Popular Northern Michigan state park campground to reopen soon This Lake Michigan beach town has plenty of off-the-beaten-path spots to enjoy nature Newborn giraffe at Michigan zoo thriving after rough start 426 moose counted in aerial survey of western U.P. herd In 2005, all eyes were on Kalamazoo as the community announced a one-of-a-kind philanthropic program with an audacious promise free college tuition for students who graduated from the public school system. Eighteen years and 9,500 eligible graduates later, The Kalamazoo Promise scholarship program has been many things to many people, with undeniable positive outcomes. Compared to other communities in Michigan, Kalamazoo schools are healthier and send more kids to college. Also, families who are relieved of the burden of college tuition can invest that money into themselves and the community in myriad ways. Maybe theyre making a down payment on their house, or maybe theyre going to get their masters degree, said Aya Miller, a Kalamazoo Gazette reporter who co-authored a package of stories on The Promise with retired reporter Julie Mack. So its money that ends up being used down the line for something else to build their futures. But as the children born in the year The Promise launched graduate from high school, MLives reporting has revealed a story that is more complex, and in some ways concerning. Most notably, one generation in there is a clear divide on college success based on race. The people who have benefited the most from the Kalamazoo Promise have been the districts white middle-class students, and thats because theyre the ones who are most likely to complete college, Mack said. Mack, who is white, had a daughter graduate from KPS and attend Michigan State University. She never saw a bill during that undergraduate period The Promise pays colleges directly. When she graduated, The Promise sent me a letter saying, Just so you know, we spent $50,000 on this child to get her through Michigan State. But the programs data shows that minority students are less likely to go to four-year colleges and are far less likely to graduate. Over time, large gaps in equity (total dollars paid in tuition) and graduation rates have opened on a race basis. A Black mother of two students who went to college on Promise funds, but ultimately dropped out, was quoted in the reporting as saying that disparity leaves a bitter taste. The Promise was a really good idea for people who had (college) as a path, she said. And some people, like our family, we were born on a trajectory to get a job out of high school. So we have this pressure of The Promise, which is that its a great opportunity and all this kind of stuff. But really, if youre not ready, if you havent been prepared on that trajectory, then how successful are you going to be? Promise officials have invested in counseling staff inside the organization, and at Kalamazoo Valley Community College and Western Michigan University, destinations for a good percentage of minority students. And Battle Creek, in building its own free tuition program, added historically Black colleges and universities as eligible institutions, even though they are outside of Michigan. When you have this opportunity in a district that the majority of the students are Black, it gives them more of an incentive to think, More doors are open for me, Miller said. At launch in 2005, Kalamazoo leaders painted The Promise as having the power to transform an entire community not just educationally, but to increase city population, drive up property values and more. That hasnt happened, the MLive reporting shows. Some touted this as an economic development measure that this would break the cycle of poverty and could really transform Kalamazoo, said Mack. In terms of a wholesale community transformation, that has not happened it is not a silver bullet. Which illustrates several points: A huge infusion of money does help, but not equally; and perhaps be careful what you promise or at least, hope to achieve. A generation in, theres no question that Kalamazoo is benefiting from this generous and innovative grand idea even if some results arent as hoped. That those running it have readjusted their vision and are working to make it better might be the best outcome of all. # # # John Hiner is the vice president of content for MLive Media Group. If you have questions youd like him to answer, or topics to explore, share your thoughts at editor@mlive.com. # # # Want to see all of our latest, best enterprise journalism in one place? Click on this link: https://www.mlive.com/topic/deeper-dives/ DETROIT A man who allegedly strangled his girlfriend and then stabbed her in the chest and burned her leg has been charged murder. Cortez Xavier Coleman, 42, of Detroit, is charged with first-degree murder related to the death of Stacy Smith, 48, of Detroit, the Wayne County Prosecutors Office announced. Around 11:23 p.m. on Friday, June 9, Detroit Police officers were dispatched to a residence in the 20340 block of Berg Road, the news release said. Upon arrival, they found Smith in her bedroom. She was dead and had a stab wound to her chest and a burn on her right leg. OAKLAND COUNTY, MI A Michigan woman accused of fleeing to Thailand after a crash that killed a Michigan State University student has pleaded no contest, The Associated Press reports. Tubtim Sue Howson, 57, of Oakland County, entered the plea in Oakland County Circuit Court on Wednesday, the report said. She faces up to five years in prison for failing to stop at the scene of an accident resulting in death. The charge is in connection with the New Years Day fatal hit-and-run of Benjamin Kable, 22, of Shelby Township. Howson is accused of leaving the scene and eventually fleeing to her native Thailand. Howson returned to the United States in February. She is lodged in Oakland County Jail on a $1 million bond. RELATED: Woman accused of fatal hit-and-run of MSU student held on $1M bond The crash happened around 5:45 a.m. on Jan. 1 on Rochester Road in Oakland Township. Howson was on her way to work. Kable was home for winter break. Howson said during a press conference in February that she initially thought shed hit a deer. She admitted that she ran away after seeing Kables body. Two days after the crash, Howson bought a one-way ticket to Thailand. She was there until mid-February when she flew back to the United States after turning herself in to Thai authorities. She was taken into FBI custody in San Francisco on Feb. 22 and was then transported to Michigan. Howson has lived and worked in Michigan with her family for more than 20 years. She is a dual citizen of the United States and Thailand. READ MORE: Brother, sister identified in fatal U.P. crash Elderly Michigan woman dies in fire, house had security bars on every window Michigan man who stole, tortured ex-girlfriends Yorkie gets prison time ANN ARBOR, MI - Higher wages are part of a tentative four-year deal struck with a physicians in training union and Michigan Medicine, officials said. The House Officers Association, comprised of about 1,300 physicians and dentists in training at the university, reached a deal June 13. Membership has until June 19 to ratify the tentative deal, union officials said. SALINE, MI -- A meeting on Saline Area Schools controversial issues policy prompted hours of discussion Tuesday night. First adopted in 2018, the policy proposes that topics likely to arouse both support and opposition in the community have a legitimate place in the instructional program of the schools, according to board documents. Related: Controversial issues in this Michigan school district are being examined with civil discussion The policy allows parents to submit a form requesting to opt their children out of subjects they object to, though the option cannot be requested for unreasonably large portions of the curriculum. The student also will not be excused from participating in courses or activities mandated by the state of Michigan and will be provided alternative learning activities during times of parent-requested absences, according to policy documents. A proposal to change opt-out to alternate assignment was made by Saline School Board Secretary Jenny Miller at the June 13 board meeting. It might be confusing in that its not just an erasure of the skills and requirements for the course -- instead there would be an alternate provided so the student still has an opportunity to demonstrate mastery of the curriculum, Miller said. Trustee Lauren Gold also proposed language be added to the policy requiring that opt-out requests must not impact the education of other students. Her proposal requests that books, posters and other prepared instructional material and learning activities must not be removed from the class and school due to a single familys opt-out request. I do not want to see certain materials relegated to second-class status, because that takes away from my parental choice to have my kids learn in a broad way, Gold said. The proposed policy changes were discussed for more than an hour at the Tuesday meeting before the decision was made to put them on the agenda for discussion at the June 20 board policy committee meeting. Parents voiced both support and disapproval of the policy during a public comment session. Alex Miller, a father of four with two young children attending Saline Area Schools. The district is attempting to challenge my legal rights as a parent and assume they have higher authority than the parents of minor children on how they wish to influence my child on subjective and controversial topics, said Alex Miller, a father of four, with two young children attending Saline schools. This district thinks that with my taxpayer dollars they will teach my children subjects that should be taught at home whether I like it or not, and that I must plead my case as to why I choose to opt my child out and its up to (the schools) subjective decision process on whether my wishes are respected or not. Miller cited news reports stating the districts enrollment had fallen by 280 students in two years. He said he believes there is a connection between the declining student body and Salines policy and curriculum choices. At least two audience members carried pro-LGBTQ+ signs bearing slogans such as stop Christian right indoctrination in public schools! One of them was Libby Williams -- the mother of an elementary student -- who also chose to speak during public comment. Williams spoke against the Great Schools Initiative -- an organization that developed an opt-out form for parents to use in any public school to remove their children from discussions of sex education. (The form) is designed to remove freedoms from the LGBTQ+ community and censor what schools can put in their libraries, on their bulletin board and in their classrooms, Williams said. This form is an expression of fear -- fear of the changes in our society and the forward progress that has been made in this community. Williams accused GSI of twisting the language of Michigan law to target LGBTQ+ people. Want more Ann Arbor-area news? Bookmark the local Ann Arbor news page or sign up for the free 3@3 Ann Arbor daily newsletter. Read more from The Ann Arbor News: University of Michigan faculty withholding grades to support striking grad workers No pay for striking grad workers starting this week, University of Michigan says Falsified grading at University of Michigan a potential concern, accreditor says Ann Arbor police lieutenant fired for claiming she was too drunk to remember tryst with subordinate ANN ARBOR, MI - The University of Michigans accreditor has found potential concerns with the universitys grading policies at the end of the last semester, according to documents obtained by MLive/The Ann Arbor News. The Graduate Employees Organization, on strike since March 29, filed a complaint with the Higher Learning Commission alleging the university falsified grades for the winter 2023 semester. The commission accredits institutions in the North Central region of the United States. NEW ORLEANS The Southern Baptist Convention refused to welcome Saddleback Church back into its fold, rejecting the California megachurch's appeal over its February ouster for having women pastors. Southern Baptist church representatives at their annual meeting also rejected a similar appeal by a smaller church, Fern Creek Baptist of Louisville, Kentucky, which is led by a woman pastor. The results of the Tuesday votes were announced here Wednesday morning, the concluding day of the two-day annual meeting of the nation's largest Protestant denomination, whose statement of faith asserts that only qualified men can serve as pastors. The convention hall packed with about 12,000 Southern Baptists was quiet after the announcement, appearing to have listened to SBC President Bart Barber's earlier urging for them to show restraint. "I know sometimes there are churches where people wind up in biblical divorce," he said. "But we don't throw divorce parties at church. And whatever these results are, I'm asking you, behave like Christians." Saddleback was the denomination's second-largest congregation and widely touted as a success story amid larger Southern Baptist membership declines. With the 9,437-1,212 vote, delegates known as messengers rejected an appeal by Rick Warren, the retired founding pastor of Saddleback and author of the best-selling "The Purpose Driven Life." Warren had urged Baptists to agree to disagree "in order to share a common mission." "Messengers voted for conformity and uniformity rather than unity. The only way you will have unity is to love diversity. We made this effort knowing we were not going to win," he said at a news conference after the results were announced. Church representatives also voted 9,700-806 to deny an appeal by Fern Creek Baptist Church, which has had a woman pastor for three decades but came under heightened scrutiny this year. "I knew they would uphold the expulsion. However, I guess I am a bit naive. I did not think it would be that drastic a result. I thought there were more people left in the Southern Baptist Convention who support the autonomy of the local church, if not women in ministry," said the Rev. Linda Barnes Popham, Fern Creek's pastor. All Baptist churches are independent, so the convention can't tell them what to do. However, it can decide which churches are "not in friendly cooperation," the official verbiage for an expulsion. In February, the SBC's Executive Committee voted to oust the two congregations, along with three others that chose not to appeal, for having women pastors. Warren and Barnes Popham made their final appeals to Southern Baptists on Tuesday during the annual meeting. Albert Mohler, president of Southern Baptist Theological Seminary in Louisville, spoke on behalf of the Executive Committee in calling for the ouster of Saddleback and Fern Creek, saying it's a matter of biblical authority. "The issues were clear, and the messengers were clearly united. There was no rancor," he said Wednesday after the results were announced. "This was a real defining moment, and making certain that those doctrines that must be common among us be publicly acknowledged." For years, questions about women's ministry roles caused turmoil in the SBC. On Wednesday, the messengers pressed to make those roles more clear by voting to amend the convention's constitution to specify that Southern Baptists churches must "affirm, appoint or employ only men as any kind of pastor or elder as qualified by Scripture." To go into effect, it needs to be approved at the next annual meeting. Sarah Clatworthy, member of Lifepoint Baptist Church in San Angelo, Texas, advocated for the amendment, calling on the SBC "to shut the door to feminism and liberalism." "In a culture that is unclear about the role of men and women, we have to be crystal clear," she said. "We should leave no room for our daughters or granddaughters to have confusion on where the SBC stands." Following the results, Warren issued a critique of the direction of the SBC. "There are people who want to take the SBC back to the 1950s when white men ruled supreme and when the woman's place was in the home. There are others who want to take it back 500 years to the time of the Reformation," he said. "I say we need to take the church back to the first century. The church at its birth was the church at its best." As for Fern Creek, Barnes Popham said she doesn't know whether the church will join a new denomination or remain independent, but "I also believe God has great things for Fern Creek Baptist." The church now faces a possible expulsion from the Kentucky Baptist Convention, the SBC's state affiliate. Messengers also addressed sexual abuse issues Wednesday, including upholding the expulsion of Freedom Baptist Church in Florida over its alleged mishandling of a sexual misconduct allegation. They voted to give a task force in charge of implementing abuse reforms more time to work. Marshall Blalock, pastor of First Baptist Church in Charleston, South Carolina, who leads the task force, announced the creation of a new website that contains the messenger-mandated database of pastors and church workers credibly accused of sex abuse as well as resources for congregations. He said such tracking is necessary because sexual abuse is underreported. Photos: Psychedelic churches push boundaries of religion ANN ARBOR, MI -- Arbor Brewing Companys former location in downtown Ann Arbor will soon have two new businesses. The building that was responsible for bringing Arbor Brewing Companys craft beers for 25 years will now be the new spot for a boutique and longtime, local footwear store, Footprints. Arbor Brewing Company closed its downtown Ann Arbor location at 114 E. Washington St. in 2020. Read more: Arbor Brewing Company leaving downtown Ann Arbor after 25 years Now, Sandys Boutique and Footprints are planning to move into the space and operate within two halves of the building. The boutique will be located at 116 E. Washington St. while Footprints will be at 114 E. Washington St. A sign announcing Footprints is coming to 114 E. Washington St. in downtown Ann Arbor. Footprints recently closed its former location at 217 S. Main St. at the end of April. The business was in its Main Street storefront since 1997, but now plans to operate out of in its new space to the right of Sandys Boutique. While Footprints has history in Ann Arbor, Sandys Boutique will be a new addition to the downtown area with plans to open in August. Owner Jillian Bean Greco said the business will focus on selling active wear and casual clothing while honoring the legacy of her 90-year-old grandmother, Sandy. She said her grandmothers active lifestyle was a big factor in shaping her views on fitness. I like to say (Sandy) is this tiny little package of absolute energy, Greco said. She is just a force to be reckoned with .... and thats definitely where my energy comes from ... so I hope to bring that to people as soon as they walk in the door (of Sandys Boutique). I want the vibe in (the boutique) to be really empowering and (for people to know) that you can kind of just take control of your life and do what you want with it because that is always something she taught me, Greco added. A sign announcing Sandy's Boutique is coming to 116 E. Washington St. in downtown Ann Arbor. Beyond just the atmosphere, Greco said she also aims to bring quality products for her customers while sharing brands she loves. I am hand picking, touching and seeing everything and trying it all on because I want people to buy high quality products and be able to trust us and know that when they pick something up from Sandys that theyre going to love it and are going to have it for awhile, she said. Although this boutique may be new to the area, Greco isnt. The business owner is an Ann Arbor resident who previously owned a fitness studio called MVMNT FIT located near the University of Michigan campus. She owned the business for around five years before closing due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Despite trying other jobs after that, Greco said she ultimately wanted to get back to doing what she loves while creating a cultural hub with her company. Want more Ann Arbor-area news? Bookmark the local Ann Arbor news page or sign up for the free 3@3 Ann Arbor daily newsletter. MORE FROM THE ANN ARBOR NEWS: Rays Red Hots in Ann Arbor has closed, but it may be sold to new owners 5 great restaurants to check out after hitting the bars in Ann Arbor Frasers Pub temporarily closed after man crashes van into building DETROIT The Federal Bureau of Investigation field office in Detroit has created a website for people to offer tips to help the investigation into a Michigan freelance photographer accused of possessing and distributing child pornography. David Eric Yellen, of Royal Oak, was arrested on June 1 and charged in the United States District Court for the Eastern District of Michigan with single counts of possession and distribution of child pornography. Authorities said Yellen was arrested after an investigation revealed he traded sexually explicit photographs of minors online between May 11 and June 1. While the indictment lists Oakland County as the area of the accused conduct, Yellen also worked in Grand Blanc, although at this point it is unclear if any of his suspected victims have local ties. Related: Michigan photographer took photos of childrens feet at gymnastics events, affidavit alleges Yellen denied producing child pornography, according to a federal affidavit, but said he often surreptitiously photographed the bare feet of children at the gymnastics academy he was employed by and at gymnastics events he attended as a photographer. Yellen said he would then masturbate to the images, according to the affidavit. A computer taken from Yellens home had at least 1,500 files constituting images of child sexual exploitation, 500 of which met the federal definition of child pornography, an agent wrote in the affidavit. Yellen is well-known in the gymnastics community as a photographer and videographer, officials said in a statement announcing their creation of the tip website. He was contracted with gymnastics academies throughout the state. He would also travel nationally as a photographer. Yellen was also contracted by the United States Womens Gymnastics Judges Association to create training materials and training films for new gymnastics judges, according to the statement. The FBI is asking anyone with information relevant to this investigation to visit www.fbi.gov/YellenInvestigation and fill out the questionnaire or to contact FBI Detroit at YellenInvestigation@fbi.gov. Yellen is free on a personal recognizance bond. Read more at The Flint Journal: 2 charged in fatal game of Russian roulette plead guilty Judge sentences 2 to life in prison for Flint womans 2011 homicide Survivors of former Michigan priests sexual abuse speak out: There was no one who could help me Want more Flint-area news? Bookmark the local Flint news page or sign up for the free 3@3 Flint daily newsletter. (Note: This story has been updated to reflect that the hearing will take place Friday, June 16, 2023.) FLINT, MI A man charged with homicide after allegedly starting a fire at the scene of which a Flint firefighter had a heart attack and died is competent to stand trial, according to his attorney. GRAND RAPIDS, MI Field trips, assemblies, and a snow day here and there. For the most part, it was a typical year at Grand Rapids Public Schools. Yet, when that final bell rang last week dismissing students for summer break, things looked different than years before. Students walked out of their classrooms without backpacks over their shoulders toward their buses and parents on Friday, June 9, to begin their summer break of celebrating days in the sun, chilling poolside, and hanging out with friends. It wasnt a coincidence that on the last day of school a day typically known to be relaxed and carefree for students and teachers that not a single student had a backpack on. RELATED: 9-year-old allegedly planned to shoot a classmate with loaded gun at Grand Rapids school A combination of four incidents where a handgun was confiscated from a student in a school building, prompted administrators to ban backpacks for the remainder of the 2022-23 school year. On May 10, law enforcement and school officials expressed their concerns to the media after a third grader was found with a loaded handgun at Stocking Elementary School. The frustration was apparent in the tones of their voices with it being the fourth time this school year they had averted a tragedy. With summer underway and kids having more free time to explore their surroundings, Grand Rapids top cop is again reiterating a message to gun owners. Please, make sure that guns are stored securely in the home, Police Chief Eric Winstrom said. MLive/The Grand Rapids Press reached out to Winstrom this week after chilling new details were revealed Monday about that loaded gun at Stocking Elementary School. Court documents state the 9-year-old boy brought the firearm to school to shoot another student. Its unclear how true that claim is because when police interviewed two classmates, one said the boy never made any threats and the other claimed he did. The severity of the circumstances, whether true or not, has resulted in a form of consequences. We are going to do whatever we can to hold adults accountable when guns get into the hands of kids, Winstrom said. In total, three people a father, and a mother and her fiancee have been criminally charged for two of the four guns confiscated at Grand Rapids Public Schools during the school year. Jaquon Tucker, the father of the 9-year-old boy, was in court this week and arraigned on felony and misdemeanor charges for allegedly making the gun accessible to his son. In this case, it was an illegally possessed gun which increases the criminal charges now facing the adult responsible, Winstrom said. In the other criminal case, Aubrey Wilson and Chelsea Berkley are charged for their alleged roles from when a 7-year-old boy brought an unloaded handgun to Cesar E. Chavez Elementary School on May 3, just one week before to the Stocking Elementary incident. Related: After 7-year-old brings gun to school, Grand Rapids leaders plead for gun safety Wilson faces one count of fourth-degree child abuse and Berkley is charged with felon in possession of firearm. In Tuckers case, hes charged with felon in possession of a firearm and fourth-degree child abuse. Its our job to protect kids, Winstrom said. But we cant do it alone. The other two other gun incidents happened at Burton Middle School in October and January. One of the two firearms recovered was loaded. Parents called for metal detectors after the 13-year-old had the loaded gun confiscated on Jan. 18. The district installed them temporarily in March until the end of the school year. No charges connected to either incident have been filed against adults. Read more on MLive: Juvenile lifer who planned deadly robbery 27 years ago gets reduced sentence Waterskiing, 2 jobs and a masters degree: Miss Michigan 2022 reflects on busy year See inside Gerald R. Ford International Airports newly expanded $110M Concourse A ADA, MI An award winning chef will open the doors Saturday to a new restaurant focused on pizza and pasta and season, farm-to-table dishes inspired by the four seasons of West Michigan. Myrth, 7423 River St. SE, was created by Paul Berglund, a U.S. Navy veteran who won the 2016 James Beard Award for his work as executive chef at The Bachelor Farmer in Minneapolis, Minnesota. Myrth will feature a small menu, focused on wood-fired pizza, pasta and appetizers. Related: James Beard Award-winning chef opening new restaurant in Grand Rapids area The spicy cheese pizza, for example, includes mozzarella, pecorino, oregano and Calabrian chilis. Another option includes fennel sausage, summer squash and basil. There are four pasta options included on the menu. One includes pennette, Lake Superior whitefish, serranos, dill, cream, lemon and fish sauce. Our team has been training together for several weeks and theyre doing so well, Berglund said. Its going to be really fun to see how far we can take this restaurant together. A news release says Berglunds commitment to high quality and locally sourced ingredients inspired the menu at Myrth, where the best flavors Michigan has to offer will be showcased in wood-fired pizzas and freshly-made pastas. The 4,000 square foot restaurant will have inside seating for 90 people. In addition, a patio space with 36 seats facing nearby Legacy Park and the Thornapple River is expected to open at a later date. When Berglund moved to the Grand Rapids area in 2020, Grand Rapids Mayor Rosalynn Bliss touted it as a huge win for the citys restaurant scene. Berglund and his wife, Tia Chakraborty, came to the Grand Rapids area after Chakraborty was appointed as a neurointensivist at Spectrum Health. Berglund started his cooking career at a farm-to-table Italian restaurant called Oliveto in Oakland, California, where almost all of the fresh food was bought from farms in the area. As executive chef, he crafted the menu at The Bachelor Farmer when it opened in 2011 in Minneapolis. Bon Appetit Magazine named it among its top 10 best new restaurants of 2012. He left The Bachelor Farmer in 2017 to be closer to Chakraborty, who was pursuing a neurology residency at the Mayo Clinic in nearby Rochester, Minnesota. More on MLive: New Sicilian-style pizzeria opening in Grand Rapids Questions remain after Ottawa County sheriffs deputy fatally shoots man After claims of boy threatening to shoot classmate, police chief reiterates gun storage GRAND RAPIDS, MI - The owner of Electric Cheetah is looking to go back to his Italian roots with the opening of a new pizzeria in the space formerly home to Brick Road Pizza. Cory DeMint is planning a soft opening for Testa Rossa Pizzeria, 1017 Wealthy St. SE, on Wednesday, June 21, offering a selection of Sicilian-style pizza, salad, appetizers, beer and wine. OTTAWA COUNTY, MI Police have released few details into the fatal weekend shooting of a man by an Ottawa County sheriffs deputy. The 28-year-old mans name has not been released. Ottawa County Sheriff Steve Kempker referred questions about his identity to the Michigan State Police. The agency is conducting the investigation and would not identify the man. The incident happened around 10:30 p.m. Saturday, June 10, near a wooded area at the end of River Avenue, off Baldwin Street, in Georgetown Township. Sheriffs deputies responded to a report of an armed man who was threatening to kill others as well as himself. A deputy fired at the man as police made contact with him, investigators say. State police would not confirm that the man was armed or disclose the circumstances leading up to the shooting because of the ongoing investigation. The sheriffs deputy continues to work, handling administrative duties at sheriffs headquarters, Kempker said. RELATED: Man shot, killed by Ottawa County sheriffs deputy Ottawa County sheriffs deputies do not have in-car dash cameras or body-worn cameras, but police have recovered body-cam footage from a Grandville police officer who responded to the scene, state police Lt. Michelle Robinson told MLive/The Grand Rapids Press on Wednesday, June 14. Police did not say where the Grandville officer was in relation to the shooting or what was on the officers video. Kempker said his department is in the process of obtaining body-worn and in-car cameras. A project manager was hired a couple of months ago with the expectation cameras would be ready by the end of the year or early next year. He said county leaders have offered support. The cost for 130 in-dash cameras and up to 170 body-worn cameras is expected to be up to $2 million, with $800,000 in annual costs. We are not a small agency. Were getting to be one of the larger (police agencies), Kempker said. He said his department has looked at systems for some time, with the maintenance costs a significant factor. I want to make sure we get the best system and that we do it in a fiscally responsible way. I wish we could just flip a light switch and say, Its here, its on. He expects to hire four people to people just to handle Freedom of Information requests for video from media, lawyers and others. The videos have to be reviewed by police and prosecutors, with personal information redacted, before they can be released. Kempker said that ideally, the cameras would have been in place. He said that cameras are part of the upcoming budget request, with the Board of Commissioners to consider the purchase in the new fiscal year. He said that Ottawa County Administrator John Gibbs and Joe Moss, chairman of the county board, supported efforts to equip deputies and patrol cars with cameras. The project has to be completed not only for the agency but for the community. Among considerations is the flow of videos, with deputies working out of branches across the county and some taking patrol cars home without going to sheriffs headquarters in West Olive. Read more on MLive: Juvenile lifer who planned deadly robbery 27 years ago gets reduced sentence Ex-lawmaker blamed everyone but himself for affair, misconduct, judge says See inside Gerald R. Ford International Airports newly expanded $110M Concourse A JACKSON COUNTY, MI -- June 12 was a busy day for Matthew Desmarais. After being unanimously voted in as the new principal at Warner Elementary School during a Western School Board work session, Desmarais had to immediately rush to a Michigan Center School Board meeting to resign from his job as principal of Arnold Elementary School. JACKSON COUNTY, MI People sometimes opt out of having an alcoholic beverage, but Zero Bar & Lounge still wants them to enjoy a good drink. Zero Bar & Lounge was created by friends and co-workers Josnelly Aponte-Martinez and Sandy Yeager. Aponte-Martinez had been sober for about two years, and was sharing this journey on social media by recommending non-alcoholic options people could still drink while socializing. Yeager had come up with the idea to start a bar cart after seeing some in her nieces wedding photos. Yeager had also been watching Aponte-Martinezs posts about sobriety on social media and decided to reach out to her with an idea. She thought, I have this mobile bar idea and I think to make it different we could do it non-alcoholic, Aponte-Martinez said. The dry bar cart took off from there. The two operated out of a tent for the last year but hosted an official grand opening for the bar cart in May. They focus on making non-alcoholic drinks that people staying sober can enjoy. The experience is for adults 21 years old and older who dont want to just drink juices or sodas at parties and events, Yeager said. We want to give people options, Aponte-Martinez said. Were not against alcohol, we just want to have something else for people who are choosing not to drink, or they just really cant. All of the drinks are crafted using zero-proof alternatives of vodka, gin, tequila or rum, making them entirely alcohol free. A mixer is then added, along with some alcohol-free bitters to add some bite that would be missing, Aponte-Martinez said. These drinks are then garnished with salt, dehydrated limes or blueberries to make them look more like a traditional cocktail, Yeager said. The menu includes non-alcoholic versions of a range of well-known cocktails, such as a margarita. A drink called the Ella Elixir, a blueberry lavender cocktail, was also on the carts menu at the Art, Beer & Wine festival, Aponte-Martinez said. While some can be hesitant to try a dry drink, they can be sober curious, Yeager said. And when these people do try the drinks, theyre surprised by the flavor. The experience of the dry bar cart isnt just about the drinks, though, its also about socializing. Tables and chairs are set up around the bar, too, Yeager said. Theres like a lounge area for people to sit because thats part of drinking. Its the social aspect, Yeager said. Zero Bar & Lounge attends local events in the area, such as Art, Beer & Wine Festival, and the Hispanic Heritage Festival. The mobile dry bar also caters weddings and corporate parties, Yeager said. Aponte-Martinez and Yeager try to incorporate the cocktails into the themes of the events, as well. This concept of zero-proof drinks isnt new to just Zero Bar & Lounge. Non-alcoholic cocktails have been increasing in popularity, with other businesses looking to join the market in Michigan, as well as in Ann Arbor. Related: Theres a growing demand for zero-proof cocktails at Ann Arbor restaurants More information about Zero Bar & Lounge can be found on its website and Facebook page. More from the Jackson Citizen Patriot: Vicksburg softball pulls away to beat Western, earn spot in semifinal Mural of former shelter animals now brightens the wall of a Jackson County facility Panels, plays and music: Heres where to celebrate Juneteenth in Jackson County Free tuition available through new Jackson College scholarship Empty beer kegs scattered in rollover crash close I-94 for hours in Jackson County KALAMAZOO COUNTY, MI A cross-state search for three men accused of an armed robbery ended in with a high-speed police chase and crash early Thursday morning. Three men were believed to be involved in an armed robbery in Farmington Hills early Thursday, June 15. Troopers were alerted that the suspect vehicle may be heading toward Kalamazoo around 2:10 a.m., Michigan State Police said. The men were likely armed and dangerous, police said. Troopers saw the Dodge Charger in question around 3 a.m., driving west on I-94 in Kalamazoo County. The driver refused to pull over for a traffic stop near Paw Paw, police said. As the driver fled, he reached speeds faster than 130 mph, police said. Stop sticks were used to flatten the drivers tires, causing him to lose control and crash into trees near Coloma, in Berrien County. The crash happened just more than160 miles away from Farmington Hills, and roughly 6 miles from Lake Michigan. The three men fled from the car after the crash. Police caught the driver, a 22-year-old South Holland, Illinois man. He was arrested without incident and was taken to the Van Buren County Jail. The man did not report any injuries, police said. The two other men, believed to be 20 to 25 years old, were not caught. Police said they believe the men were picked up from the area. There is no search happening because there is no credible threat to the public. The 22-year-old man is expected to face multiple charges, police said. They did not release his name as his arraignment is pending. Anyone with information about the investigation or the location of the suspects is asked to call MSP Paw Paw Post at 269-657-5551. Anonymous reports can be made by calling Crime Stoppers at 1-800-342-7867 or Silent Observer at 269-343-2100. More from MLive: Man shot, killed in Kalamazoos Edison neighborhood Shooting hospitalizes 20-year-old Kalamazoo resident I-94, I-69 ramps to close for month as part of $210 million project The Grand Island Public Schools Board of Education has canceled the teaching contract of Philip Zlomke, 41, after sexual assault allegations were brought against him. Zlomke had requested a hearing before the board in an effort to maintain his contract with the district, requesting his contract be continued until pending legal action is resolved. The board unanimously voted to end the district's contract with Zlomke, effective immediately, during a special meeting Tuesday night at the Kneale Administration Building. Zlomke, who taught at Westridge Middle School, is the subject of two different cases in Hall County District Court. None of the charges involve GIPS students, according to the district. In one case, in which the alleged crimes occurred between 2017 and 2021, Zlomke is charged with first-degree sexual assault on a child, first-degree sexual assault and one count of third-degree sexual assault. In the other case, Zlomke is charged with committing two counts of first-degree sexual assault in October 2021. He has pleaded not guilty to all of the charges. Top Journal Star photos for June 2023 KALAMAZOO, MI A federal judge dismissed former Republican state Rep. Todd Coursers last remaining lawsuit - against Radisson Hotels International in his bizarre attempt to conceal an affair with another ex-legislator, Cindy Gamrat. The two stayed periodically at the Radisson Hotel in Lansing, next to the Michigan State Capitol, while they served as state representatives in 2015. VAN BUREN COUNTY, MI A jury found a man guilty of murder for hitting and killing a jogger. A jury found Colby Delea Martin, 31, guilty on Wednesday, June 14, of premediated first-degree murder, concealing the death of an individual and failure to stop at the scene of a crash when at fault causing death, in Van Buren County Circuit Court. Martin, of White Pigeon, hit and killed Melody Rohrer, 64, while she was jogging on Sept. 20, 2021, in the 84000 block of County Road 215 in Hamilton Township. Her body was found in a different location the next day. RELATED: Driver accused of murder, moving body after hitting woman with car in Van Buren County Martin was accused of intentionally hitting Rohrer to commit sexual acts with her dead body, the Van Buren County Prosecutors Office said. Among the evidence at the trial, which started June 6, was a condom with the DNA of Rohrer and Martin, WWMT reported. Rohrer, a 1975 Three Rivers high school graduate, worked as a nurse for Bronson Methodist Hospital, caring for patients in the antepartum and postpartum unit and retiring in 2017, her obituary said. She and her husband, Richard Rohrer, started an Embrace the Journey tour of the United States in an RV after they retired, according to the obituary. They visited family, friends, historical landmarks and more while living their dream life. Martin is scheduled to be sentenced July 31. He is still denied bond and remains in jail. Want more Kalamazoo-area news? Bookmark the local Kalamazoo news page or sign up for the free 3@3 Kalamazoo daily newsletter. More from MLive: Man shot, killed in Kalamazoos Edison neighborhood Traffic to shift onto new I-94 lanes in Kalamazoo as $87M project nears finish 130 mph I-94 police chase after metro Detroit armed robbery ends in crash across state Update: Police release name of man, 20, killed in Kalamazoos Edison neighborhood KALAMAZOO, MI A male was fatally shot early Thursday morning in Kalamazoos Edison neighborhood. A man was shot around 12:37 a.m., Thursday, June 15, on Hays Park Avenue, just east of Portage Street, the Kalamazoo Department of Public Safety said. Police have not released the persons age or name. Officers found one person with a gunshot wound. The male was given first aid and taken to a local hospital. He was pronounced dead at the hospital, KDPS said. KDPS was using a K-9 to track a shooting suspect through the Edison neighborhood around 8:30 a.m., June 15. Police vehicles were parked at numerous intersections in the neighborhood, a Kalamazoo Gazette/MLive reporter witnessed. Police ask anyone with information to call KDPS at 269-488-8911 or anonymously call Silent Observer at 269-343-2100. This is the 10th homicide in Kalamazoo County in 2023 and the ninth in the city of Kalamazoo. The county saw 19 people killed in 2022, with 11 of them in the city. Want more Kalamazoo-area news? Bookmark the local Kalamazoo news page or sign up for the free 3@3 Kalamazoo daily newsletter. More from MLive: Shooting hospitalizes 20-year-old Kalamazoo resident Kalamazoo man indicted for deadly fentanyl distribution I-94, I-69 ramps to close for month as part of $210 million project KALAMAZOO COUNTY, MI Kidney failure forced Reid Naidoo to quit his job as a kitchen manager at a Kalamazoo-area senior living facility in 2013. While waiting on the kidney transplant list, he tried to figure out what he should do next. KALAMAZOO, MI -- Its not quite the Starship Enterprise mess hall -- like on Star Trek -- but new hand scanning technology is making Western Michigan University dining halls a bit more futuristic. Since February 2023, WMU has been using MorphoWave technology as a form of entry to the Valley Dining Center. When the new student center opens this fall, the technology will be used at the new dining hall there. Its exciting, its a trend, its the wave of the future, said Robert VanDyke, senior systems manager for WMU Dining Services. To enroll in the system, a person hand is scanned, recorded and translated to a biometric map of points, dashes and numbers connected to a students Western Identification (WIN) number, VanDyke said. As soon as you swipe it, it verifies that your hand matches the WIN number and then it goes back and checks to see if the meal plan is there, VanDyke said. The university doesnt store any handprints or fingerprints, VanDyke said. The biometric information is stored in an encrypted database, according to WMU. Thats one of the biggest concerns we had, we didnt want something that was storing fingerprints, VanDyke said. Sanitary concerns as a result of the pandemic led the university to this technology. As soon as COVID hit, we were doing all of the sneeze guards and people were swiping their own cards and we didnt want to touch them, VanDyke said. The technology was offered through the system WMU was already using and has been adopted by other universities across the country. Enrolling in the new system takes roughly a minute, and students started doing it outside the dining hall this spring. VanDyke said the hand scanners had a 50% usage rate this spring, as the other half of students chose to just keep having their card scanned. WMU has about 3,000 people on meal plans, VanDyke said. WMU officials didnt say how much the new technology costs. For future students, VanDyke is considering a short information session during welcome sessions to inform new students about the technology. Think back to when you were a freshman. That was the least of your concerns, how youre going to get into the caf(eteria), VanDyke said. MORE ON MLIVE $6 million funding cliff looms once COVID grants expire at Kalamazoo schools Top hurdle for Kalamazoo Promise isnt sending kids to college. Its getting them to finish. WMU brings Jurassic era to life with Dinosaur Park expansion plans KALAMAZOO, MI Police have released the name of a man shot and killed overnight in Kalamazoo. Alexander Michael Schuster, 20, was fatally shot around 12:37 a.m., June 15, on Hays Park Avenue, Kalamazoo Department of Public Safety spokesperson Jay Shatara said. Police do not know the motive behind the shooting, Shatara said. Related: Man shot, killed in Kalamazoos Edison neighborhood KDPS was using a K-9 to look for a shooting suspect through the Edison neighborhood around 8:30 a.m., June 15. Police vehicles were parked at numerous intersections in the neighborhood, a Kalamazoo Gazette/MLive reporter witnessed. There is no suspect in custody and the investigation is active and ongoing, Shatara said. Police ask anyone with information to call KDPS at 269-488-8911 or anonymously call Silent Observer at 269-343-2100. This is the 10th homicide in Kalamazoo County in 2023 and the ninth in the city of Kalamazoo. The county saw 19 people killed in 2022, with 11 of them in the city. Want more Kalamazoo-area news? Bookmark the local Kalamazoo news page or sign up for the free 3@3 Kalamazoo daily newsletter. More from MLive: Jury finds man guilty of murdering jogger in Southwest Michigan The best vegan dishes in Kalamazoo, according to Kalamazoo diners Traffic to shift onto new I-94 lanes in Kalamazoo as $87M project nears finish 130 mph I-94 police chase after metro Detroit armed robbery ends in crash across state KALAMAZOO, MI Diners have spoken. The inaugural, month-long Kalamazoo Vegan Chef Challenge concluded at the end of May with more than 400 voters weighing in on their favorite dishes from around town. The top vote-getter with the most rave reviews was Texas Corners Brewing Company, 6970 Texas Drive. It served up beer-battered asparagus, a black bean mushroom burger and vegan peanut butter chocolate brownie. Related: Michigans Best Local Eats: Homegrown craft cider, farm-to-table fare at heart of Texas Corners Brewing Co. Receiving the second-most votes and earning honors for the best sandwich was Crows Nest, 816 S. Westnedge Ave., and its Vine Street vegan cheesesteak. Centre Street Tap House, 3251 Centre St., earned the third-most votes and won best dessert for its mousse. The voters were vegan, vegetarian and meat-eaters alike, said Lauren Kurt, organizer of the Kalamazoo Vegan Chef Challenge. Their dining support enabled us to honor some wonderful local chefs, she said. Vegans want more options, and restaurants want more customers making the challenge a win-win. As one former chef pointed out, if a group of friends is planning a dinner and one of them is vegan, the entire group will skip a restaurant if it doesnt have good vegan options. Super voters, which visited a minimum of three participating restaurants, selected 600 Kitchen & Bar, 600 E. Michigan Ave., for having the best presentation with its shishito peppers, beetroot hummus and grilled watermelon salad. Want more Kalamazoo news? Our 3@3 newsletter rounds up Kalamazoos top stories every weekday at 3 p.m. Enter your email to get our free newsletter: Other super voter awards went to University Roadhouse, 1332 W. Michigan Ave., for best appetizer with its fried Brussel tacos; Comensolis, 762 W. Main St., for best entree with tofu marsala; and Bells Eccentric Cafe, 355 E. Kalamazoo Ave., for best dessert with agave and lime baklava. Other restaurants recognized included: Most unique dish: Vegan caviar at One Well Brewing, 4213 Portage St. Best nachos: Extreme nachos at Glofoods, 7083 S. Westnedge Ave. Best vegan BBQ: BBQ rib tips (from water and wheat) at Brite Eyes Brewing, 1156 S. Burdick St. Best baked goods: Mini lemon poppy loaf, vegan chocolate brownie and vegan oatmeal raisin cookie at Fourth Coast Cafe, 816 S. Westnedge Ave. Best soup: Creamy corn chowder at Juicy Leaf, 316 S. Kalamazoo Mall Best drink: Blueberry lemon basil smoothie at Water Street Coffee, multiple locations Best overall menu: Vegan apple pie, pancakes, chickpea cucumber salad and its spring fling at Studio Grill, 312 W. Michigan Ave. Winning chefs were presented with awards during a ceremony on June 8 at Bells. Due to the year-one success, the team behind the Kalamazoo Vegan Chef Challenge has already confirmed a 2024 challenge, Kurt said. The challenge social media pages will be running year-round, featuring new dishes and restaurants in the Kalamazoo area. The challenge, like this year, will be hosted by Vegan Outreach an international nonprofit that aims to reduce animal suffering by promoting a vegan lifestyle through education and making vegan options more accessible. Also on MLive: Traffic to shift onto new I-94 lanes in Kalamazoo as $87M project nears finish 5 things to do in Kalamazoo this weekend (June 16-19): Music festival, dog show, more New tech at Michigan college has students scan their hand to get into dining halls Want more Kalamazoo-area news? Bookmark the local Kalamazoo news page or sign up for the free 3@3 Kalamazoo daily newsletter. LANSING, MI The state of Michigan would officially recognize seven ethnic and religious holidays if bills advanced to the full House on Wednesday become law. The House Government Operations committee nearly unanimously approved bills to recognize Rosh Hashanah; Yom Kippur; Diwali; Eid al-Fitr and Eid al-Adha; Lunar New Year; and Vaisakhi. Only the Lunar New Year bill didnt advance 5-0, as Republican Reps. Bryan Posthumus and Jaime Greene passed on voting and voted no, respectively. Greene told MLive she supports religious holidays but felt Lunar New Year was a step too far. I guess, how long are we going to make the list of holidays? said Greene, R-Richmond. And Im not saying that anything is silly, but at the same time, I mean, we just cant keep going and going and going. Related: Michigan has a new state holiday, and its next week The Democratic representatives behind the bills said in a committee meeting last month that they will honor Michigans diversity, foster cultural understanding and uplift marginalized communities. Our residents come from various backgrounds and traditions, and it is crucial that we acknowledge and honor their diverse customs and celebrations, said Rep. Ranjeev Puri, a Democrat from Canton and a Sikh. Each bill is very short, has no fiscal impact and wouldnt require government or school operations to stop like they do on other state holidays like Christmas and Thanksgiving. But lawmakers still see a real-world impact. While these holidays would not be required days off, said Rep. Abraham Aiyash, a Democrat from Hamtramck and a Muslim, they would give employers and schools the chance to have conversations about the communities they serve. If you want to organize your workplace or if you want to organize your school district or your local government to say, Can we recognize this holiday and maybe give city employees time off or give yourselves and your colleagues time off? then you have the space to do that, Aiyash said. Here are the dates of each holiday, as well as their ethnic and/or religious significances: Rosh Hashanah celebrates the Jewish New Year. This year it is Sept. 15. Yom Kippur is Judaisms holiest day and translates into Day of Atonement. This year it is sunset to nightfall Sept. 24 and 25. Diwali is the Hindu festival of lights, symbolizing good over evil. This year it is Nov. 12. Eid al-Fitr and Eid al-Adha are the two main holidays celebrated in Islam. Eid al-Fitr means the feast of breaking the fast and Eid al-Adha means feast of the sacrifice. This years dates are/were April 21-22 and June 28-July 2, respectively. Lunar New Year marks the first new moon of the Chinese calendar. This year it was Jan. 22. Vaisakhi, the date of the Indian Solar New Year, is a celebration of spring harvest. This year it was April 14. Read more from MLive: Ex-lawmaker blamed everyone but himself for affair, misconduct, judge says Michigan GOP chair, others fined $58K for frivolous election fraud suit Lawmakers want Michigan 100% off fossil fuels sooner than all but 1 other state A heart transplant changed his life. Now he waits for another one. LANSING, MI Mark your calendar for a new public holiday in Michigan that celebrates a major moment in history for Black Americans. Juneteenth, an annual celebration of the end to Black enslavement in America on June 19, 1865, will be an official holiday when Senate Bill 50 is signed by Gov. Gretchen Whitmer. It landed on her desk after passing the House, 105-4, on Wednesday. Establishing Juneteenth as an official state holiday supports an ongoing effort to expand racial justice and equity in Michigan and furthers commemoration of the moment that all slaves truly became emancipated from slavery, said Rep. Helena Scott, a Democrat from Detroit who is Black. President Abraham Lincolns Emancipation Proclamation in 1863 put a legal end to slavery in the U.S., but it would only apply to southern states after the Civil War. Juneteenth was the date the last slaves in Galveston, Texas, learned of their freedom from Union soldiers after the war ended. Related: Where to celebrate Juneteenth 2023 across Michigan Larger public awareness of Juneteenth grew in 2020 after Black Lives Matter demonstrations and high-profile police killings of Black Americans. It has been a federal holiday since 2021. This year the date falls on Monday. Scott said the legislation pushes back on whitewashing of history and encourages people to pause and reflect on the horrors of slavery. Its crucial that we pay homage to the millions of African Americans who were shipped against their will to the U.S., Scott said. Juneteenth also serves as a reminder to all Americans how important it is to embrace antiracist ideals. This bill matters because history matters, Scott said, because Black Lives of yesteryear and also today matter. Four Republicans voted against final passage: Reps. Steve Carra of Three Rivers, Neil Friske of Charlevoix, Matthew Maddock of Milford and Josh Schriver of Oxford. In the Senate last month, only one lawmaker Republican Jim Runestad of White Lake voted against. Read more from MLive: Ex-lawmaker blamed everyone but himself for affair, misconduct, judge says Michigan GOP chair, others fined $58K for frivolous election fraud suit Lawmakers want Michigan 100% off fossil fuels sooner than all but 1 other state A heart transplant changed his life. Now he waits for another one. LANSING, MI The Michigan legislature is moving quickly to implement historic changes to how you vote starting with next Februarys presidential primary. This expansion of voting access, which implements Proposal 2 from last years midterms, is halfway to Gov. Gretchen Whitmers desk after each legislative chamber on Wednesday passed packages of legislation. A brand-new-to-Michigan, early in-person voting system is the biggest chunk, but other highlights include requiring a ballot drop box in every city and township and creating a single application for voters who want to vote absentee in every future election. These bills will expand the voting rights of the people in our state, said Rep. Erin Byrnes, D-Dearborn. They will help ensure that our state continues to be a bright light in the democratic process. Catch up: Early in-person voting among historic changes to how Michiganders vote Seven of eight bills in the Houses Prop 2 package passed Wednesday on party-line votes. Only a bill to expand the maximum precinct size from 2,999 to 5,000 registered voters drew a handful of GOP supporters. In the Senate, all eight bills got at least one Republican supporter. The Senates package is also the only one with a GOP sponsor Sen. Ed McBroom, R-Vulcan whose bill outlines criminal penalties for leaking election results from early voting sites. Long read: A Michigan senators sermon and the sin of pushing stolen election lies Bills spawned from meetings that lawmakers held with clerks, interest groups and Secretary of State Jocelyn Bensons office. Because the packages were introduced last week and voted out of committee Tuesday, Republicans are complaining of an expedited process. Why are we rushing through some the most important legislation that we will pass through this chamber in our time here? said Rep. Ann Bollin, a Republican from Brighton who was a clerk for 17 years and chaired the House elections committee last term. GOP lawmakers main complaint, however, is that the bills go beyond what the constitutional amendment requires. Provisions that Democrats added include electronic absentee ballot requests, allowing ballots to be printed on-demand at early voting sites and shifting more oversight power from local clerks to Benson. Theres no need for radical election reform, yet we are doing them anyway, argued Rep. Rachelle Smit, R-Shelbyville. Voters voted for more convenience, but instead they are getting the Wild West when it comes to election security. Additionally, Prop 2 requires at least nine days of early in-person voting, but Republicans are taking issue with municipalities being allowed to go beyond that. Some big-city clerks especially want the option of weeks of early voting, but Republicans argue differences in early voting days across communities is unequal access to voting. Related: Quicker results next presidential election could stop chaos, misinformation Despite the party-line votes in the House, elections committee chair Penelope Tsernoglou considers the bills bipartisan-crafted because asks from Democrats and Republicans in the county and municipal clerks associations are represented in the bills. We just want to provide the most access possible, Tsernoglou, D-East Lansing, said. Many of the provisions beyond Prop 2s language make clerks jobs easier, she added, noting theres definitely nothing that restrains us from going farther than the amendment. Everything that weve done is in the spirit of increasing access to voting, which is what people voted for, what people wanted, she said. Lawmakers are aiming to pass the Prop 2 bills before the legislature leaves for summer break at the end of June so to give clerks enough time to begin implementing the changes for next year. Expect a mixture of House and Senate bills to be signed. Read more from MLive: Will the Michigan legislature meet their July 1 budget deadline? Gotions $2.4B battery plant moves forward after federal review Michigan has a new state holiday, and its next week Certain ethnic, religious holidays may get new recognition in Michigan In 1969, when Jim Real Bird was 13 years old, he got to feel like a real Crow warrior. In the first few weeks of the school year, Real Bird joined hundreds of other Crow community members to reenact the Battle of Little Bighorn for the upcoming film, Little Big Man. At 13, Real Bird was among the youngest riders, though he thinks some people may have exaggerated their ages to make the cut. I never saw the cameras, he recalled. There was no, Lights, camera, action. They just turned us loose with the horses. There was no acting. It was real stuff. It was real riding. Real Bird said he could hardly see as the hundreds of horses and riders raced through Medicine Tail Coulee. You could smell the dust and the sage in the air, Real Bird recalled. It was the closest thing to being a real warrior. I cant really explain it, but when youre young, your mind is more imaginative. Little Big Man, based on a novel by Thomas Berger, premiered in December 1970 and was the second highest-grossing film in 1971. The film is a parody of the Western genre and particularly satirizes the myth of the American frontier. Directed by Arthur Penn and starring Dustin Hoffman, the movie was revolutionary for its time, as it humanized Native Americans. In Billings, the premiere was a big deal. Hot fry bread, kick ball and Indian dances heralded the beginning of Little Big Man Day, the Billings Gazette wrote on Dec. 16, 1970. Real Bird remembers watching the movie with his friends when it premiered in Montana. We were all laughing, he said. It made us feel good to know we were part of it. It was fun to see people we knew on screen and it was fun to remember the time filming. The movie was meaningful to a lot of people. Tim Bernardis saw Little Big Man at a drive-in theater with his brother. He recorded the dialogue on a cassette player and would listen to it over and over again in the months that followed. It made a powerful impact on me, he said. It gave me a sense of the injustices that were visited upon Native peoples in the 19th century. Next week, Little Big Horn College is hosting a three-day symposium to celebrate the film and educate community members on its making. The event made possible through a $132,000 grant from the National Park Service is free and open to the public. An exhibit will feature memorabilia posters associated with the film and photographs from the set and of the actors. The symposium will include a screening of the movie, discussions on the film's fictions and historical realities as well as the significance of the film for its time. Panels will also include recounted stories from Crow community members who participated in the filming. C. Adrian Heidenreich, a consultant for museum exhibits and cultural/economic development projects, helped plan the symposium and corresponding exhibit, which he said will explore how Native Americans were portrayed in film. Little Big Man was key to beginning to change some of those (stereotypes) and giving opportunities to Indigenous people to have major parts or more prominent parts in movies, he said. Bernardis, the project director, said he hopes attendees will understand the significance of the film for its time. It was really revolutionary, he said. It was the first major movie with a huge national audience in which Natives were portrayed as people, not just as savages or noble savages. Symposium details: Monday, June 19, from 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m., there will be lectures about history of the battle, and myths and symbolism of the movie as well as a screening of Little Big Man at Center Cinema in Hardin. Tuesday, June 20, from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., there will be panel discussions with Native perspectives and experiences related to the film. A bus will take attendees to Medicine Tail Coulee at 2 p.m. The bus will leave from Hardin Middle School. Wednesday, June 21, from 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m., there will be more discussions and panels on the films meaning and Crow experience. The events are free and open to the public, with lunch and snacks provided. For a more detailed schedule and to register, visit littlebigmanproject.com or call 406-638-3123 Budget negotiations for next fiscal year are continuing in Lansing, but it remains unclear whether the new Democratic majority will wrap them up before they adjourn for summer break at the end of the month. Democrats are keeping details about the budget status close to the chest and have yet to announce when a House-Senate conference committee, the next step in the process, can be expected to convene. Conversely, Republicans in the minority echo statements made earlier this year about Democrats leaving them in the dark. Appropriation subcommittee chairs have target spending goals, according to Senate Appropriations Chair Sarah Anthony, D-Lansing, and theyre working through the final negotiations. She would not speculate as to when the final budget could be done. Its done when its done, Anthony said. And Im not being coy, but at the same time, I dont want to be disingenuous. We really havent set any hard and fast deadlines. We really want to get it right. Related: Michigan House, Senate propose budgets with record spending amid economic uncertainty Despite this, her Republican counterparts, including Senate Minority Leader Aric Nesbitt, R-Porter Township, and subcommittee minority vice chairs, told reporters Wednesday, June 14, they have not seen any spending targets. A lot of our subcommittee chairs, when the budgets were first proposed on the Senate side, didnt see them before the subcommittee hearings, didnt have enough information, Nesbitt said. Its important for Democrats and Republicans to come to an agreement before July 1, the legislatures self-imposed budget deadline. The fiscal year doesnt officially begin until October, but the July deadline, first established with former Gov. Rick Snyders administration and since made law, is necessary for schools to plan for the upcoming school year. I think some of the rest of it is kind of noise and matters less in terms of the political optics, because most people arent paying attention, but schools getting paid on time is a big deal, said Adrian Hemond, a political consultant and CEO of Grassroots Midwest. The Senate is scheduled to adjourn June 29 and the House break is to begin the day prior. There are session days scheduled for July and August, but voting is not expected to take place until lawmakers return in September. The school aid budget is a separate pot of funds, so theres nothing preventing the legislature from approving school funding by the end of this month. There are no real penalties for the legislature to miss the July deadline, and this has happened in the past under Republican leadership. It would, though, look bad to the public if Democrats didnt provide schools timely funding in their first term as majority in 40 years, Hemond said. Thats really where the rubber meets the road because thats the way the government directly impacts peoples lives on a day-to-day basis, Hemond said. If youve got school superintendents and school board members that are squawking about the fact that the state legislature couldnt get the job done and get them their money, that would be a political problem for them. The budget timeline is fluid, Anthony said. With the deadline in mind, she said her caucus is being careful about getting ahead of the process while trying to get things done as quickly as possible. Ive been telling everyone we will not be measured by this first budget on how quickly we get it done, Anthony said. It needs to be done right. Nesbitt hopes the budget will be completed before the end of the month. Because the Democrats have a slim, two-seat majority, they will need his caucus for the budget bills to take immediate effect, which requires approval from two-thirds of lawmakers and is necessary because the fiscal year ends in September. He said hes not interested in withholding immediate effect, but wants Republicans to be more involved so they can get a bipartisan, balanced budget passed. Hemond said immediate effect could be necessary leverage at the negotiating table, and using it wouldnt be an unreasonable approach for Republicans. Thats clearly how the Republicans are viewing this is that, you know, Democrats want these votes from us, and were going to extract some concessions from them, Hemond said. I mean, thats how the legislative process works, regardless of whos in charge in the Michigan Senate. Democrats and Republicans have bumped heads throughout this budget process, specifically on how to utilize the states $9 billion surplus. Related: Winners and losers in Michigans draft budgets Anthony wouldnt indicate what projects or line items are most likely to make it into the final budget. She did say Democrats are focused on addressing historic disinvestment in things like housing or community centers for marginalized communities they believe werent prioritized by Republicans in prior terms. Republicans say they want to see the surplus used in areas with the greatest chance of becoming long-term investments that would, in turn, save the state money. They suggest the money go toward things like teacher pensions, wastewater projects, local bridges and state parks. There may be priorities in some of our districts, and thats fine to have, Nesbitt said. However, the larger emphasis that you should take away is that Im going to continue to look at ways to pay down long-term debt. Hemond believes its unlikely the two parties wont come to an agreement by July. If they cannot and Democrats dont change Senate rules to bypass the need for immediate effect, they could adjourn early for the year as a last-ditch effort. If the legislature adjourns, then the clock starts on the bill going into effect, Hemond said. So the sooner they adjourn, the better... that doesnt fix all of their problems, but thats the sort of nuclear option thats potentially on the table. Read more from MLive: A heart transplant changed his life. Now he waits for another one. Quicker results next presidential election could stop chaos, misinformation Michigans fast and furious U-pick strawberry season kicks off Michigan GOP chair, others fined $58K for frivolous election fraud suit Construction on Michigans major highways could cause traffic slowdowns for weekend travelers, especially those coming to and from the southeast. The states Department of Transportation lists more than 100 road, bridge and ramp projects that will close at least a lane of traffic beginning between Friday and Sunday, June 16-18. Gotion Inc. says a $2.4 billion, 2,350-job electric vehicle battery facility can move forward after a federal agency determined the project is outside its jurisdiction. The U.S. Department of Treasurys Committee on Foreign Investment an agency tasked with assessing national security risks determined the purchase of land in Mecosta County is not a covered real estate transaction under the Defense Production Act of 1950, Gotion announced this week. We voluntarily submitted all the needed documents to the U.S. Department of Treasury Committee on Foreign Investment in the U.S. to be transparent and accountable and received the response that it is not a covered transaction, said Chuck Thelen, vice president of Gotion Inc. North American Manufacturing. If CFIUS determines there are no national security risks with a covered transaction, then projects can move forward. But if the agency decides a transaction presents national security risks, then the federal government may enter into an agreement with, or impose conditions on, parties to mitigate such risks or may refer the case to the President for decision, according to the Treasury Department. A construction timeline is pending while Gotion Inc. acquires land for the battery parts plant. Related: No communist plot: Gotion addresses claims about Michigan battery plant Criticism has swirled around the battery plant because Gotion Inc. is a U.S. owned subsidiary of Chinese battery manufacturer Gotion. Opponents to the project are pushing for Gotion Inc. to disclose what documents it submitted for the federal review. Without the public knowing what was submitted to CFIUS by Gotion and its attorneys and what was sent back, we are reserving judgment on the apparent response from the Department of Treasury, said former United States Ambassadors Peter Hoekstra and Joseph Cella in a statement. Cella and Hoekstra, both appointed by former President Donald Trump, are behind the recently formed Michigan - China Economic and Security Review Group. Thelen has repeatedly pushed back on claims that the Chinese government is involved in the Gotion battery plant. He said there is no communist plot within Gotion to make Big Rapids a center to spread communism during an April panel. U.S. Rep. John Moolenaar, R-Midland, has also been a vocal critic of the Gotion deal. Todays announcement from Gotion is not an approval from CFIUS, but another example of the broken CFIUS process where the government claims deals are outside its jurisdiction, he said in a statement. Michigan awarded Gotion Inc. a $715 million incentive package including a 30-year tax break valued at $540 million and two grants totaling $175 million. Senators OKd grants in April despite backlash to the project. A couple hundred people rallied at a horse farm two days after legislators approved transferring the funding. More on MLive: Gotion pauses step of Chinese-linked plant to convince Michigan locals Michigan gives $175M to Gotion electric vehicle project despite backlash Hundreds rally at Michigan horse farm to oppose Gotion battery plant Boating season is well underway over the Great Lakes, and this weekend looks to be another beautiful opportunity to be out on the water. Clear skies and light winds will accompany us throughout the weekend, with warmer conditions taking hold on Sunday. Saturday will kick off the weekend strong, with clear, sunny conditions. Winds are expected to be light, with only small pockets of winds over 10 mph. These will be restricted to the near shore, due to an afternoon lake breeze. In addition, winds will be variable, meaning they will change direction. Sunday looks to be more turbulent, with an increase in cloud cover, as well as wind speeds. Cloud cover for Sunday 6/18 The biggest difference will be on Lake Superior, where easterly winds could be as strong as 20 mph. Even with the anticipated warmer temperatures, swimming will still be dangerous in the Great Lakes. This is because the lakes take a lot longer to heat up when compared to the land, meaning it could be 45 degrees in the water, despite being 80 degrees on the land. As a result, hypothermia will be a constant threat, so holding off on the afternoon swim is encouraged. The Grow Unite and Build Africa (GUBA) has expressed excitement and salutes the Recording Academys decision to add three new categories to the Grammy Awards show next year, 2024. The Recording Academy announced Tuesday, June 13, 2023, that three new categories will be added to the awards show in 2024: best pop dance recording, best African music performance, and best alternative jazz album. It would be recalled that on his first-ever visit to Ghana and West Africa in September last year upon invitation by GUBA, Grammy Awards CEO, Harvey Mason Jr, during a dinner meeting with musicians and stakeholders in Ghana, expressed optimism towards tapping into various genres that Africa has to offer at the global stage. Mr Masons presence in Ghana was part of activities heralding the 2022 GUBA Awards which took place in Kigali on September 29. During the meeting on September 26, 2022 in Accra, he interestingly disclosed that the Grammys was considering and concluding processes to add Afrobeat and other African categories to the events in future, adding, this assurance is an opportunity that Ghanaian musicians and others on the continent would relish. Hearing the announcement on the new additions, Founder and CEO of GUBA Enterprise, Lady Dentaa Amoateng said, This is what GUBA does. We take pride in trumpeting what Africa has to offer for the world to take notice. GUBA will continue to create partnerships and collaborations with global institutions to unearth potentials and show what Africa has for the world. GUBA is proud to have participated keenly in this conversation of adding African genres to the Grammys and here we have it. This is just the beginning of many good things to come Lady Dentaa assured. Last year, Dentaa said, the historic visit and GUBAs decision to bring Mason to Ghana, was to enable him connect to the diaspora, to Ghana and to Africa and to strategize on how to get more Ghanaians and African musicians to the Grammy. The Recording Academy is proud to announce these latest Category changes to our Awards process. These changes reflect our commitment to actively listen and respond to the feedback from our music community globally, and accurately represent a diverse range of relevant musical genres, and stay aligned with the ever-evolving musical landscape, Recording Academy CEO Harvey Mason Jr. said in a statement. The new additions The new best African music performance category will highlight regional melodic, harmonic and rhythmic musical traditions, according to a Recording Academy press release, including genres like Afrobeat, Afro-fusion, Afro Pop, Afrobeats, Alte, Amapiano, Bongo Flava, Genge, Kizomba, Chimurenga, High Life, Fuji, Kwassa, Ndombolo, Mapouka, Ghanaian Drill, Afro-House, South African Hip-Hop, and Ethio Jazz. The best pop dance recording category is defined by up-tempo, danceable music that follows a pop arrangement and recordings that feature strong rhythmic beats and significant electronic-based instruments with an emphasis on the vocal performance, melody and hooks. Dance remixes do not apply And finally, the best alternative jazz album category will spotlight alternative jazz albums that blend genre, hybridizing jazz and other musical styles including R&B, Hip-Hop, Classical, Contemporary Improvisation, Experimental, Pop, Rap, Electronic/Dance music, and/or Spoken Word. Amakye Dede crowning Kuami Eugene 15.06.2023 LISTEN Veteran highlife musician, Amakye Dede has reiterated his earlier claims that he did not crown young musician, Kuami Eugene; King of Highlife at the 2019 Ghana Music Awards out of his own will. According to him, he was forced to do it. At the 2019 Ghana Music Award, Amakye crowned Kuami Eugene on stage as King Of High Life. The incident received a huge backlash at the time with some music connoisseurs registering their displeasure about it. Speaking in an interview on Asaase Breakfast Show on Wednesday, Amakye Dede explained that he didn't want to do it but he ended up crowning him because he was forced to. However, he stated that it was not his decision to crown the young man. Though I did that, it was not my will to do so. They forced me to crown Kuami Eugene, he indicated. I even gave the crown they handed over to me to someone to put it down, but they later said, no I have to crown him, and I did it, he added. Amakye's statement suggested that the act was an agenda by the organizers of the award at the time. Executive of the Suame NPP Constituency and the Coordinators including all key members within the Constituency have jointly endorsed Hon Maxwell Ofosu Boakye to contest in the upcoming primaries of the party to become the parliamentary candidate. The decision according to party insiders follows the exit of the incumbent MP Hon. Osei Kyei Mensah Bonsu who has made his intentions clear he won't contest again. Speaking to the reporter in an interview in Kumasi, the Nasara Coordinator for the Suame NPP Constituency, Alhaji lmoro Ipala aka Kassnipaho said the decision was not an attempt to impose Hon. Maxwell Boakye who is the Metropolitan Chief Executive for Suame Assembly. Ipala said Hon Maxwell Ofosu Boakye was chosen based on merit- as someone who has worked hard for the party and shown readiness to serve the party at all times. He said breaking the '8' will be easy with him as the Parliamentary Candidate for the party. "We also took the decision by taking into account how he has worked hard to transform the Suame metropolis within the few years that he assumed office as the MCE for the area. "Our MP Hon Osei Kyei Mensah Bonsu has been accordingly notified about our decision," Kassnipaho told this reporter. Bank of Ghana Governor, Dr. Ernest Addison 14.06.2023 LISTEN The Bank of Ghana (BoG) has warned the public against over 90 mobile applications giving loans without authorisation. Such applications have thus been cited for engaging in unlicensed lending activities in contravention of the Banks and Specialized Deposit-Taking Institutions Act, 2016 (930). The entities numbering 97 in total include Quick Cash, Rapid Loan, Kudi Credit, Soft Cash, Easy Cash, and the like. In its release, BoG said it has observed the persistent operation of unlicensed entities that are engaged in the provision of loans through mobile applications to the Ghanaian public, in contravention of the Banks and Specialised Deposit-Taking Institutions Act, 2016 (Act 930). The Bank reiterates that the activities of these entities significantly breach customer data and privacy laws, as well as consumer protection requirements and norms, with unfavourable implications on the integrity and wellbeing of their patrons, the Bank of Ghana said in its release on Wednesday, June 14. It added, The general public is therefore advised to desist from doing business with all unlicensed loan providers. Banks, Specialised Deposit-Taking Institutions, and Payment Service Providers are cautioned not to facilitate the illegal transactions of unlicensed loan applications. The Central Bank has vowed to take action against these entities in collaboration with relevant state agencies to promote the integrity of financial service delivery. Meanwhile, the general public is encouraged to patronise the various types of digital credit products approved by Bank of Ghana and delivered by banks and specialised deposit-taking institutions in partnership with mobile money operators. Montana congressional leaders are reintroducing a $1.3 billion Fort Belknap water settlement bill to the U.S. Senate with bipartisan support for the first time. The settlement would bring new water from the Missouri River, provide safe drinking water, and enable projects to improve long-neglected water systems on the Fort Belknap Reservation along the Milk River. We have worked extensively with our tribal community, Milk River water users, other irrigators, the Department of Interior, and the State of Montana to negotiate the settlement of our Indian water rights, Fort Belknap Indian Community Tribal Council President Jeff Stiffarm said in a press release. This bill would benefit the Fort Belknap Indian Community for generations to come and boost the regional economy with funding for infrastructure projects. Fort Belknap is the last Montana reservation without a water settlement, with the Flathead Reservation having just approved the largest water rights settlement in the nation for $2.1 billion last year. The reservation is home to rights established by the 1908 U.S. Supreme Court case Winters v. United States after a dispute between tribal and non-tribal irrigators on the Milk River. The court held that a reservation had established rights to water based on promises of creating a permanent homeland. Under the ruling established by the case, dozens of tribes across the U.S. have entered into water settlements to define their water rights and to secure federal funding for water development projects. Fort Belknap agreed to begin negotiations around their water rights in 1981. The Montana Legislature approved a water compact that would quantify their water in 2001. The Fort Belknap Indian Community Water Rights Settlement Act of 2023 would ratify that compact. This is Sen. Jon Testers fifth time introducing the water settlement after introductions in 2012, 2013, 2019 and 2021. It never made it out of committee those years. This time Tester will be introducing the bill with unprecedented bipartisan support after pushing for it alone in previous introductions. Sen. Steve Daines will help introduce it in the Senate alongside Tester with the backing of Gov. Greg Gianforte, Rep. Ryan Zinke and Rep. Matt Rosendale. After years of work with the Fort Belknap Indian Community, farmers, ranchers, local leaders and a wide array of Montana stakeholders, Im proud to reintroduce this revised FBIC water settlement which will give certainty to all water users in the region, Tester said in a press release. This is a made-in-Montana solution, and Im looking forward to getting this long overdue settlement across the finish line. Other parties that previously opposed the settlement now support it, too. Revisions led to past opponents of the settlement like the Phillips County commissioners writing a letter of support in March. Water settlements seek to restore tribal management of state and federal land. The revised settlement would restore 37,852 acres to the tribes. The removal of a parcel of roughly 15,000 acres of land in the settlement is what led to the county commissioners support. The land was formerly held by the tribes in the Little Rocky Mountains where the vacated and toxic Zortman and Landusky gold mines now preside south of the reservation. The removal of the land and subsequent support by Phillips County commissioners helped lead to the first-time pledging of support by Gianforte back in March. This bipartisan bill is the result of extensive coordination between the State of Montana, the Fort Belknap Indian Community, and the federal government, with valuable input from local leaders, farmers, ranchers, and other water users over many years, Gianforte said in a statement around the bills introduction. Its time we get this done for the benefit of the tribes, our farmers and ranchers, and all water users in northcentral Montana. In interviews earlier this year, tribal leaders said they were pushing for the settlement more than ever before. The reservation has faced years of successive, exceptional repeated droughts in the Montana Hi-Line affecting water scarcity all across the region. Additionally, the Supreme Court heard a case on tribal water rights in Navajo Nation v. Arizona in March as the American Southwest goes through its worst drought in centuries. The case could upend the Winters case that has obligated the government to meet tribes current and future water needs. Fort Belknap signed onto a briefing in support of the Navajo Nation in February. The Fort Belknap settlement would provide funding for new sewage systems, irrigation improvements, rehabilitation of reservoirs and for a dam on the Milk River. The bill is also supported by other nearby counties, the St. Mary Rehabilitation Working Group, Milk River Joint Board of Control, Rocky Mountain Tribal Leaders Council, The Wilderness Society and Montana Farmers Union. After years of effort and good faith negotiation, its time to pass our bipartisan bill to resolve Montanas final Indian water rights settlement, Daines said in a release. I am grateful to Montana Tribes and communities, our farmers and ranchers, local leaders and diverse water users in the region for their input during this process that helped us arrive at a solution that will provide certainty, much-needed infrastructure improvements, and protection of the rights of all water users in northcentral Montana. The New Patriotic Party(NPP) says it is poised to win the upcoming by-election in the Assin North constituency in the Central Region. National Organizer of the ruling party, Henry Nana Boakye, popularly known as Nana B, said their candidate, Charles Opoku, has been well accepted by the constituents and will emerge victorious on June 27. In a Facebook post updating party supporters on the campaign, he stated categorically "Assin North Constituency shall certainly be taken over by the NPP. Hon Charles 'oboafo)' Opoku shall surely be the next MP for the good people of Assin North." In another post, Nana B wrote, "Next MP for Assin North Constituency, Hon. Charles Opoku has taken over the Assin North Constituency...He received a rapturous welcome from the good people of Assin Bereku." Nana B said "The battle still remains the Lords, implying the NPP is optimistic about its chances of victory. 15.06.2023 LISTEN The Ghana Police Service in the Central Region is investigating an accident that occurred between a motorbike and a Daewoo truck at Assin Breku. A statement released by the police said the accident happened on June 12 and resulted in serious injury to a 44-year-old man identified as Ibrahim Abubakar Musah. "The victim was immediately sent to hospital for medical attention," police spokesperson Irene Serwaah Oppong stated. The driver of the Daewoo truck, George Owusu, is helping police with investigations but has been granted bail as inquiries continue, according to the statement. The incident happened on the main Assin Breku-Kumasi highway. The police called for calm as investigations continue, saying "We urge the public to remain calm while investigation into the incident continues." Find a copy of the release below; NEWS RELEASE PUBLIC AFFAIRS UNIT/CR GHANA POLICE SERVICE CAPE COAST 14th JUNE, 2023 POLICE INVESTIGATE MOTOR ACCIDENT INVOLVING A 44-YEAR- OLD MAN AT ASSIN-BREKU IN THE CENTRAL REGION. 1. The Police are investigating a motor accident involving a motorbike and a Daewoo truck with registration number GX 3489-14 at Assin - Breku in the Central Region. 2. The accident which occurred on 12th June, 2023 resulted in severe injury to one victim, Ibrahim Abubakar Musah who was immediately sent to hospital for medical attention. 3. Meanwhile, the driver of the Daewoo truck, George Owusu, is currently on Police Enquiry Bail and assisting the investigation. 4. We urge the public to remain calm while investigation into the incident continues. THE MEDIA IRENE SERWAAH OPPONG SUPT. OF POLICE/PAU/CR. France's government accused Russia on Tuesday of operating a long-running online manipulation campaign, including impersonating the websites of leading French media and the French Foreign Ministry, aimed at spreading confusion and false information about the war in Ukraine. The French agency responsible for fighting foreign digital interference, Viginum, said it has monitored the alleged operation since soon after Russia invaded its neighbor and that France was one of several European countries targeted. It said it traced the campaign to Russian individuals, companies and state entities or entities affiliated to the Russian state. Last month, the agency detected a mirror website mimicking the French Foreign Ministry's and intervened with protective and preventive measures, Viginum said in a report published Tuesday. France condemns these actions, which are unworthy of a permanent member of the United Nations Security Council. No attempt at manipulation will distract France from its support for Ukraine in the face of Russia's war of aggression, the ministry said in a statement with unusually strong wording. The Russian Embassy in France did not immediately comment. Amplified criticism Viginum said it identified 355 domain names usurping the identities of European media outlets, including those of French daily newspapers Le Monde and Le Figaro. It said the content spread on the fake sites denigrated the Ukrainian armed forces and amplified criticism of sanctions against Russia and the impact of Ukrainian refugees on other European countries. French Foreign Ministry spokesperson Anne-Claire Legendre said it was the first time the government has so clearly and explicitly attributed blame for this kind of campaign. She said the fake ministry website was aimed at creating confusion about France's support for Ukraine and undermining democratic debate. She said the government's intervention limited the impact of the mirror site, which she described as an element of the hybrid war that Russia is currently waging. Viginum said the campaign has links to a sprawling disinformation network that Facebook parent Meta exposed last year, which sought to use fake social media accounts and sham news websites to spread Kremlin talking points. Since Russia invaded Ukraine, pro-Russian players have used online disinformation and conspiracy theories in an effort to weaken international support for Ukraine. Social media platforms and European governments have tried to stifle Russian propaganda and disinformation, only to see the Kremlin shift tactics. (With agencies) Some veteran journalists have opposed proposals to give the National Media Commission (NMC) powers of the High Court to sanitise the media landscape because it is dangerous for the media. The journalists said such powers could be used as a tool to control the media and erode the hard-fought strides chalked in safeguarding the independence of the media under the 4th Republic. Making individual contributions at a seminar organised by the Institute of Economic Affairs on Reviewing Ghana's 1992 Constitution on Tuesday, the journalists said the freedom enjoyed by the media today did not come by chance and should not be taken for granted. The speakers at the event were: Mr Kabral Blay-Amihere, Writer and Formal Chairman of the NMC; Mr Kwaku Sakyi-Addo, Journalist and communications consultant, and Mr Kwesi Pratt Jnr, Journalist and Editor of the Daily Insight Newspaper. Mr Yaw Boadu-Ayeboafo, Chairman of the NMC, who graced the event, also contributed to the discussion. Mr Blay-Amihere said the NMC was not constitutionally designed to control the media, explaining that the framers of the constitution did not want a situation where we would return to the bad old days. He said the Constitution however placed some limitations on the liberty of the media as a measure to make the media responsible. I will never support making the NMC another tool for oppression, he said, and indicated that the mediation tool deployed by the Commission had been useful in resolving grievances. Mr Pratt said many journalists were tortured and some lost their lives just by expressing their views in the past and cautioned that any attempt to offer a regulator the powers to control the work of the media should be resisted by media practitioners. He said the framers of the constitution were careful about what powers could be used on journalists, hence their decision not to give the NMC such powers. I am surprised that practitioners are constantly calling for teeth to bite them. The NMC was never intended to have teeth. Mr Pratt said. Mr Sakyi-Addo said many young people failed to appreciate how far the media had evolved and the source of the freedom enjoyed by journalists today. He said the court should remain the ideal quarters for aggrieved individuals to seek legal redress if they did not want to go to the NMC for amicable resolution. The media must strive for responsibility and respect of citizens. That cannot be put in the Constitution but it depends on our own morals. Mr Sakyi-Addo said. Mr Boadu-Ayeboafo said it was important for the NMC and media outlets to adopt dialogue and mediation as an effective tool to resolve grievances. The press council concept should be able to bring people together. It is not about control. It is facilitation from both sides so that the people in the media will tone down once the public will be more receptive of criticism, he said. GNA Theresie Nyirakajumba, a 123-year-old woman from Rwanda, deeply regrets rejecting romantic relationships with men during her youthful days. Nyirakajumba remained a virgin her entire life due to a strong fear of men in her early years. I didnt want to engage with men. I had a strong fear of men and that prevented me from any potential relationship throughout my youth. I would see men coming to my hometown but I never developed a love for someone," Nyirakajumba said in an interview with Afrimax. Now in the twilight of her life, Nyirakajumba longs for a sexual relationship and prays that a man will come forward and marry her. She is unhappy about the fact that she has no children to take care of her especially now that she cant even feed herself. In all my life, I never had a husband. Im 123 years old. It is true that I am a virgin at my age. If I had had a husband, maybe I would have some children but I dont have any, she lamented. If a man shows up Ill be willing to entertain the options, Nyirakajumba said. Watch her lament the ordeal in the video below; The District Director, National Commission for Civic Education (NCCE), Adansi South Directorate Mr. Charles Gyimah has implored pupils of the District to uphold and strengthen Ghana's 1992 Constitution in their Citizenship Week Celebration always. He said this at this year's Citizens Week Celebration held in over 36 schools under the theme, "Consolidating Ghana's 30years of Constitutional Democracy and Building National Cohesion; The Role of The Child." Mr Charles Gyimah enlightened the pupils on the constitutional journey of Ghana from the 1960s to date and the need to prevent future abuse of the current 1992 constitution which is the longest-standing constitution Ghana has had. He added that Ghana would have been using the 1960 constitution if it had not been abrogated by military coup d'etat same as 1969 and 1979. He therefore urged them to desist from acts that may result in the abrogation of the current constitution. The Director, using the Liberia war as a case study, explained the negative effects that come with such an act. He further advised the pupils to respect the right of others, live in harmony with each other, defend the constitution against all forms of abuse and violations, protect state property and also safeguard and protect the environment to make them good citizens. The Directorate also engaged faith-based organizations reminding them of the essence of upholding and defending the constitution of Ghana as stated in Article 41 of the 1992 Constitution. He encouraged them to exercise their rights and responsibilities as mandated by the fourth republican constitution. Resource persons were drawn from Ghana Immigration Service, National Youth Authority and Information Services Department to support the execution of the activities. Halima Cisse, a young woman from Mali has broken the Guinness World Record for the most children delivered at a single birth to survive. Cisse gave birth to nonuplets on May 4, 2021, through a caesarean section during her 30th week of pregnancy. She was initially expected to deliver seven babies, but doctors in Morocco, where she was transferred for specialized care, discovered two additional babies during the delivery. The premature babies consisted of five girls and four boys and were named Adama, Oumou, Hawa, Kadidia, Fatouma, Oumar, Elhadji, Bah, and Mohammed VI. After staying in Morocco for care, Cisse and the nonuplets returned home to Mali. Each baby has their own personality. Some cry a lot, while others remain calm, said Abdelkader Arby, Cisses husband, father of the nonuplets, adding, Their differences are normal. The Malian government reportedly provided support for Cisses medical care during her pregnancy and transportation to Morocco. Arby indicated that caring for nine babies is difficult but said they will receive divine help. Cisse and Arby already had a 3-year-old daughter before the nonuplets birth which has captivated worldwide attention. We are in awe of Ms. Cisses achievement of carrying and delivering nine babies at once, Guinness World Records said. The GWR has officially recognized Cisse for delivering the most children at a single birth to survive. Cisses nonuplets recently celebrated their second birthday on May 4, 2023, after breaking the world record of eight babies born to Nadya Suleman of California in 2009. The Minister of Fisheries and Aquaculture Development, Mrs. Mavis Hawa Koomson has announced that an agreement has been reached for Ghana and Cote dIvoire to implement their Closed Fishing Seasons at the same time in 2023. Ghana started the implementation of its closed fishing season in 2016. The period also known as biological rest period or no-harvesting period is the halting of fishing activities during the spawning period of fish stocks when the fishes are most productive. It allows the fish a chance to lay their eggs towards the replacement of the lost population due to fishing and other natural causes. Closed seasons are observed globally as a way of reducing fishing pressure on stocks and are considered one of the key fisheries management measures to help protect fish stock and also increase its population. Following successful consultations, Ghana will now implement its Closed Fishing Season this year with Cote dIvoire at the same time. According to Fisheries Minister Mrs Mavis Hawa Koomson, there are plans for Togo, Benin, and Liberia to join Ghana and Cote dIvoire next year. I am happy to inform you that following consultations, Cote dIvoire will implement their 2023 closed season within the same period as Ghana. This will reduce the likelihood of fishers from Ghana migrating to fish in a neighboring country. Next year we expect Togo, Benin, and Liberia to join, Mrs. Mavis Hawa Koomson said at a press briefing on Wednesday, June 14, 2023 in Accra. The collective closure is expected to yield good results for all the countries. The 2023 Closed Fishing Season for artisanal fishing will take place from July 1 to July 31. For industrial trawlers, their Close Season will start on July 1 and end on August 31. The Sunyani West District Police Command and the Ghana Immigration Service (GIS) have repatriated foreign nationals living in the municipality without resident permit. Residents at Odomase, the municipal capital, said they were worried about the influx of the foreigners in the area. The situation has generated public outcry because many of those foreigners were unemployed young men and women with few others engaged in petty trading, selling mobile phones and accessories. Some of them were also operating barber salons, while others were engaged in car washing. But, Police Superintendent Eric Anaba, the District Police Commander said the Service was jointly working with the GIS to identify them to ensure proper things were done. Speaking in an interview with the Ghana News Agency (GNA) at Kwatire, near Odomase, P/Supt Anaba admitted the Police were aware about the incursions of the foreigners in the area but entreated the residents to remain calm as the Police and the GIS worked on the matter. We are working on those foreigners staying here without a resident permit. Sometimes when we worked on them you don't hear, but we are seriously working on the matter, he stated. P/Supt Anaba explained the Command was undertaking random swoops to flush out suspected criminals, saying the general crime wave in the area had declined because of the swoops. That notwithstanding, he expressed worry about rising cases of substance abuse among the youth in the area, and assured the Police were working hard to bring the situation under control. GNA A forum organized by the Media Foundation for West Africa (MFWA) in partnership with the National Peace Council, National Media Commission, and the Regional House of Chiefs, brought together key stakeholders to address the issue of hate speech and its impact on democracy in Ghana. The event, dubbed, "Media, hate speech and democratic consolidation in Ghana," took place at the British Council in Accra on Wednesday, June 14. During his welcome address, Sulemana Braimah, Executive Director of MFWA, stated that the problem of hate speech in Ghana is being fueled by the media space growing on partisan lines. He cited a previous report by MFWA, which recorded over 500 hate speech incidents on radio alone ahead of the 2020 general elections in Ghana. The problem of hate speech in Ghana is being fueled by the media space growing on partisan lines. Ahead of the 2020 general elections in Ghana, Media Foundation for West Africa(MFWA) recorded as many as over 500 hate speech incidents only on radio alone, he said. Hate speech, as defined by the Council of Europe, is "the advocacy, promotion or incitement of hatred, discrimination or violence against any individual or group on the basis of factors such as their ethnic origin, race, religion, citizenship, disability, sexual orientation or gender identity." According to United Nations Resident Coordinator to Ghana, H.E Charles Abani, hate speech is a menace to democratic values, social stability, and peace. In his keynote address, he emphasized the need to understand and manage AI for good in controlling hate speech. Mr. Abani called on leaders to hold themselves to high standards and urged citizens to be mindful not to use freedom of expression as a shield to incite violence. Chairperson of the forum, Rev. Dr. Ernest Adu-Gyamfi, Chairman of the National Peace Council, remarked, In some instances, the media has doubled, incited and carried the hate speech widely on their platforms. According to him, freedom of expression does not give the right to any citizen to publish without any responsibility. It's imperative that Ghana, like other countries, call on social media platforms to work on hate speech and intemperate language in their space, he added. Also speaking at the event was Nene Sakite II, Konor of Manya Krobo, who doubles as the President of Eastern Regional House of Chiefs, among other things, observed, Some politicians do not talk about issues but they rather try to tear their opponents apart by using hate speech. On her part, Madam Fatima Abubakar, Deputy Minister for Information, also shared her thoughts on the need for the mass media to be used for the right course. To her, in the 70s and 80s, there was only one media house in Ghana, GBC which made it easy to control the information flow. However, the Deputy Minister said, Today there are too many media houses making it a responsibility of the general public to know how to use these platforms. A panel discussion further deliberated on the theme and suggestions on whether or not the media space should be regulated as part of the zeal to ensure sanity. Moderated by JoyNews Winston Amoah, the panel included, George Sarpong, Executive Secretary, National Media Commission (NMC), Cecil Sunkwa Mills, President, Ghana Independent Broadcasters Association Lawyer Clara Beeri Kasser-Tee, Vice Chair of the Board of Directors at the Centre for Democratic Development (CDD- Ghana) and Dr. Festus Aubyn, Regional Coordinator, Research and Capacity Building at the West Africa Network for Peace Building. The panelists highlighted the importance of media literacy and urged educational institutions to prioritize enlightening the public on the dangers of hate speech. George Sarpong, Executive Secretary of the National Media Commission (NMC), urged everyone to prioritise the fight against hate speech and its menace to ensure the development of democracy, peace, security, and cohesion. Notable actors, known to be behind the propagation of hate speech committed to promoting peace during the event. Albert Dwumfour, Ghana Journalists Association (GJA) President, stated, "The Ghana Journalists Association (GJA) is committed to ensuring peace. We will do everything possible to ensure that hate speech is totally condemned." Prosper Hoetu, Deputy Director of Research for the National Democratic Congress (NDC), also made a commitment on behalf of his party to discourage the spread of hate speech and all forms of indecent expression by their communicators, saying, "we support this call." The forum highlighted the need for a collective approach to curbing hate speech and its negative impact on democracy, emphasizing the role of media literacy, leadership, and cooperation among all stakeholders. The trial for the 2011 killing of John Michael Mike Crites, over possible road access disputes turned deadly, continued Wednesday in Helena with witnesses recalling vehicles in unusual places on MacDonald Pass during the summer of 2011. Leon Ford, who bought property on Turk Road in 1993, is being charged with deliberate homicide and felony tampering with evidence. Crites moved to Turk Road and built a house in 1996. The two had run-ins and disputes over Ford using a road on Crites property to access his property to the north. Crites would often block the road even though Ford had an easement from the courts to use it. Dr. Katy Wessel, wife of John Mehan, was brought up on day 10 of the trial. Mehan was an original suspect in the Crites case due to a long history of disputes between the two. The defense called Bryon Baxter to the stand, who recalled seeing a woman he believed to be Wessel in September 2011 at the two sites where Crites' remains would be discovered. Baxter worked as a mechanic in 2011 and owned a gold mine near Avon where he would prospect. On Sept. 18, 2011, he was coming back from winterizing his mine when he spotted a car on Lime Quarry Hills Lane outside of Elliston waiting to pull onto U.S. Highway 12. Some of Crites remains, including his skull, were found off this road on Sept. 25, 2012. Baxter recalled the beige/gold-colored car pulling out behind him and starting to tail him. The car went to pass and thats when Baxter saw the womans side profile; he noticed it looked like Wessel. Baxters wife worked with Wessel, and he said he had met her multiple times. She passed around me, and when she did, she did it erratically, said Baxter. We almost collided bumper to bumper the way she cut off in front of me. The car then proceeded to pull off at what used to be the Porcupine Campground on MacDonald Pass and parked at the gate at the end of the road. He said he saw a woman walking toward the back of the vehicle when he passed it. Some of Crites remains would be first discovered at this site on Oct. 5, 2011. Baxter contacted law enforcement a few years later about what he saw, but never received a call back. In October 2021, a detective contacted Baxter and he gave a statement. Baxter felt uneasy around Wessel for years after he first met her in late 2009. He stated she asked him if he could use his bulldozer to bury some things on her property, which concerned him because he knew she had disputes with her neighbors. She followed him out of the building to the parking lot after meeting him, trying to explain herself better. I knew that when she followed me out I felt nervous because she was trying to cover up what she had said to me, Baxter said. Baxter had heard that Wessel carried a pistol in her purse at all times, and he was concerned because she had her purse with her during this encounter. Baxter believed Wessel started to follow him around after their meeting, saying I was concerned because it seemed like everywhere I went, she was there. A while after Baxter saw who he believed was Wessel up on MacDonald Pass in September 2011, he was at Bobs Valley Market when Wessel appeared and placed her hands on the hood of his truck. She didnt speak to him, only stared in an intimidating way, Baxter said. Mehan and Wessels first dispute on record with Crites was in August 2010, when Mehan called the sheriffs office to report that Crites had fired a shot in the direction of some of his visitors. That same year on Nov. 27, Mehan was arrested and charged with assault with a weapon after he was accused of brandishing a weapon at Crites during an argument. He pled no contest in February 2011 to negligent endangerment and was ordered to remain 1,500 feet from his neighbors, Crites and Marc and Gloria Flora. Crites called authorities on March 1, 2011, claiming that Mehan had tried to shoot him, according to police records. Authorities didnt pursue charges. In April 2011, Mehan, Wessel and Turk Road resident Dennis Shaw filed a civil lawsuit against Crites, stating that they lived in fear of the man and claiming he was manipulating law enforcement with lies of his own actions. They each claimed $25,000 in the lawsuit, but a default was entered against Crites in the case in November 2011. Warrants were served at the homes of Shaw and Mehan and Wessel about a week after more of Crites' remains, such as his skull, were discovered on Sept. 25, 2012, according to IR reporting. No arrests were made. Mehan was arrested mid-summer of 2012 and charged with felony tampering with evidence and misdemeanor trespassing for moving game cameras prosecutors said were being used to investigate the 2011 killing of Crites. He pleaded no contest on Oct. 17, 2013, to a misdemeanor criminal mischief charge and received a six-month suspended jail sentence and a $1,000 fine. The affidavit filed in Justice Court supporting the tampering charge points to other questions around Mehan. At a public event in Helena, he told someone, It would be impossible for police to obtain a DNA profile from the bones located on MacDonald Pass because the police had not recovered a specific body part necessary to develop a profile. The only information that was public at the time was that a complete skeleton hadnt been recovered, and the specific body parts found on MacDonald Pass were only known by authorities at the time, according to the affidavit. Fast forward to August 2012, Mehan, Wessel and Shaw filed claims totaling $75,000 against Crites estate. Ford mentioned in an interview with authorities that while he knew the Shaws for a couple of years, he didnt meet Mehan and Wessel until June 28, 2011, at a barbecue hosted by the Shaws. Crites was last heard from on the morning of June 26, 2011, and his dismembered remains were found months afterward. Another witness testified to seeing vehicles parked at sites important to the Crites investigation sometime between late June and early July 2011. James Hyatt worked at the Montana Department of Transportation. He was the primary financial officer for the maintenance division and the head contact for Homeland Security for terrorism post 9/11. His grandson would come visit every summer for a few weeks in June and July, and the two would spend a lot of time fishing. Files from Hyatts computer show that his grandson was visiting on June 22, 2011, through July 9, 2011. In April 2017, Hyatt contacted the Lewis and Clark County Sheriffs Office with information he recalled from fishing trips with his grandson in the summer of 2011 going to Elliston. He said he spotted two vehicles, a blue conversion van and a red pickup truck, parked near the area of what used to be Porcupine Campground going up MacDonald Pass. I thought it strange even in 2011 that there were vehicles down there and then when that information came out that there were findings at that location, thats when I called, Hyatt said. ... After working at the Department of Transportation for 30 years, its just part of your nature to look and observe whats along the road and that caught my eye. Ford owned and drove a red pickup truck, but Hyatt noted there was no cover over the bed of the red truck he saw. Game camera footage from Turk Road in late June 2011 shows that Fords red truck had a canvas covering over the bed. Hyatt saw the blue conversion van again near MacDonald Pass a few days later parked on the side of Austin Mullan Pass Road. He spotted what he believed to be a man walking back to the van. It appeared to be a similar van to the one I saw on the other side of the pass, noted Hyatt. Hyatt stated that he believed on the same day he saw the two vehicles at Porcupine Campground that he spotted one more odd thing -- what appeared to be a rib cage in the gravel off the MacDonald Pass overlook coming down into Helena. Well it didnt look like wildlife, it looked more flat like a human, Hyatt said. The other thing that struck me is that they were stripped clean of meat, just almost nothing on them. Hyatt couldnt recall if he alerted authorities or not to spotting the possible human rib cage. The trial will resume Thursday at 9 a.m. in Lewis and Clark County First Judicial District Court Judge Mike Menahan's courtroom. At least 79 migrants died after their boat sank off the Peloponnese, Greece's coastguard said Wednesday, as concern mounted that the death toll could rise much higher. Some 100 people were rescued after the packed fishing boat capsized in international waters in the Ionian Sea in an operation complicated by strong winds, the coastguard said. But there were fears for scores of women and children, as most of the survivors were men, state TV ERT reported -- which is unusual for a migrant group of this size. A survivor told hospital doctors in the port city of Kalamata, where the rescued were taken, that he had seen a hundred children in the boat's hold, ERT said. "The fishing boat was 25-30 metres long. Its deck was full of people, and we assume the interior was just as full," coastguard spokesman Nikolaos Alexiou told ERT. "We do not know what was in the hold... but we know that several smugglers lock people up to maintain control," government spokesman Ilias Siakantaris told ERT. Siakantaris said there were reports, that could not be confirmed at present, of up to 750 people on board. The International Organization for Migration said in a tweet: "We fear more lives were lost. Initial reports suggest up to 400 people were onboard." The coastguard spokesman said the search and rescue effort would continue during the night with flares fired by a C-130 military transport plane. The boat's engine gave up shortly before 2300 GMT on Tuesday and the boat capsized in the deepest waters of the Mediterranean, Siakantaris said. The boat sank in around 10 to 15 minutes, he added in a separate note to media. The survivors are mainly from Syria, Pakistan and Egypt, Alexiou said. Greece's head of state, President Katerina Sakellaropoulou, visited the port of Kalamata to confer with senior officials on the rescue and accommodation response. Three days of mourning Greece is under an interim government until June 25 elections. The office of interim prime minister Ioannis Sarmas declared three days of mourning, adding that the nation's thoughts were "with all the victims of ruthless smugglers who take advantage of human misfortune." European Commission head Ursula von der Leyen said she was "deeply saddened by the news of the shipwreck off the Greek coast and the many reported deaths" and "very concerned by the number of missing people." "We must continue to work together, with member states and third countries, to prevent such tragedies," she said. The worst migrant tragedy in Greece was in June 2016 when at least 320 people were listed as dead or missing, according to AFP records going back to 1993. Greece migrant boat sinking. By Laurence SAUBADU (AFP) The IOM until Wednesday had listed 48 migrants dead and missing in the eastern Mediterranean so far this year, compared to 378 a year earlier. Passengers 'refused help' Greek media reported that nearly 30 people have been taken to the port's hospital. The coastguard said four in a more serious condition were transferred to hospital by helicopter. The coastguard said a surveillance plane with Europe's Frontex agency had spotted the boat on Tuesday afternoon, but the passengers had "refused any help". It added that none on board were wearing life jackets. Authorities said it appeared the migrants had departed from Libya and were heading for Italy. The survivors were initially housed in a port warehouse, but Greece's migration ministry said they would be taken to a migrant camp near Athens. Also Wednesday, a sailing boat in distress carrying about 80 migrants off Crete was rescued by a coastguard patrol and towed to port, Greece's port police said. Along with Italy and Spain, Greece has been one of the main landing points for tens of thousands of people seeking to reach Europe from Africa and the Middle East. Another 90 people in a sailboat, more than a third of them children, were rescued near the island of Cythera over the weekend. Greece is also facing an increase of crossing attempts from Turkey on southern routes near the Cyclades islands and toward the Peloponnese peninsula, with boats hoping to avoid patrols in the northern Aegean Sea. Rescue operations are common, but last month the Greek government came under international pressure over video footage reportedly showing the forceful expulsion of migrants who were set adrift at sea. Greece and other EU member states on the southern and southeastern rim of the bloc say they are being unfairly tasked with managing arrivals of undocumented migrants. The worst migrant tragedy in Greece was in June 2016 when at least 320 people were listed as dead or missing, according to AFP records going back to 1993. burs-hec-jph/lcm During three hours of grilling by a Senate committee, the minister for the social economy and associations, Marlene Schiappa, denied Wednesday that she had favoured the main beneficiary of the "Marianne Fund," an entity she helped set up in the spring of 2021. As Minister for Citizenship, Schiappa launched the fund six months after the assassination of Samuel Paty, a teacher who was beheaded by a radical Islamist. Its stated aim is to support associations that defend "the values of the Republic" by providing an alternative to radical Islam using social media. The main beneficiary of the "Marianne Fund" was the Union of Physical Education and Military Preparation Societies (USEPPM), led by Mohamed Sifaoui, an Algerian-French author who claimed that he infiltrated the al-Qaeda terrorist group. The USEPPM reportedly received 350.000 out of the Fund's 2,5 million euros worth of resources. Schiappa rejected suggestions that Sifaoui and his association were given preferential treatment. "I am certain (...) I did not at any moment ask or order that Mr. Sifaoui be prioritised or placed above the others. I had no reason to do so, and I did not do it," she said. The Inter-ministerial Committee for the Prevention of Delinquency and Radicalisation (CIPDR), the managing body of the fund within the Ministry of the Interior, was under the control of Schiappa at the time. Its director, Christian Gravel, resigned last week following the publication of a damning report against him by the General Inspection of Administration (IGA). Regarding her relationship with Sifaoui, Schiappa said that we are not friends, we do not have any common interest with any particular organisation," and "I have no personal relationship of any kind" with him. "I am willing to take on my responsibility, all of my responsibility, and nothing but my responsibility," she said. Sifaoui himself is currently being questioned by the Central Office for the Fight against Corruption and Financial and Fiscal Offenses (OCLCIFF) as part of an investigation into suspicions of misappropriation of public funds. SOS Racisme In mid-April, Sifaoui, one of the two leaders of the USEPPM, stated that he had been encouraged to apply with the Fund by members of Ms. Schiappa's cabinet and by herself." During the Senate hearings, testimonies showed that he visited the minister's office on several occasions even before the fund was launched. Sebastien Jallet, Schiappa's former Chief of Staff, said last Wednesday that the minister had rejected an association that had been validated by the selection committee, without disclosing its name. Dominique Sopo claims it concerns SOS Racisme, of which he is president. He said his NGO had submitted a grant request for 100,000. During the enquiry, Schiappa says she "has no recollection" of the alleged dealings with SOS Racisme. (With agencies) The Palestinian Ambassador to Ghana, His Excellency Abdal Fatah Ahmed Khalil Alsatarri has lauded the government of the Republic of Ghana for its relentless support for the government of Palestine in its fight against the illegal occupation of their lands. His Excellency Abdal Fatah Ahmed Khalil Alsatarri also commended the Ghanaian media for its unflinching determination to ensure world peace and to promote the sovereignty of nation states. He extolled the contributions of the Ghanaian Media to the struggle by the Palestinian people against the foreign domination of their lands. He was speaking at a dinner hosted in honour of the media on Thursday, June 8, 2023. Present at the dinner were Atmane Boudjemia, Deputy Algeria Ambassador to Ghana and Hasan Owda, Country Director of Qatar Charity in Ghana. In a statement, the Deputy Algerian Ambassador said the government and people of Algeria would continue to celebrate Ghana for its role in the struggle for their independence in the 1950s. He said Algeria owed Ghana a depth of gratitude which could never fully be repaid, and that Algeria will continue to remain a friend of Ghana. On his part, the Country Director for Qatar Charity said his organization was embarking on a number of health, educational, social and economic empowerment programmes for vulnerable groups and communities in Ghana. He said schools will be rehabilitated and materials and facilities for teaching and learning would be provided. Mr. Hasan Owda disclosed that, as part of the health program, a team of international surgeons were expected in Ghana to perform various types of surgeries including eye correction, cleft palates and hole in heart for children. Furthermore, he said, vulnerable members of the Ghanaian community will receive training in skills. He disclosed that under the project costing three million dollars, a modern village will be established on a ten-acre plot of land comprising schools, clinics and orphanages. On agriculture, the Qatar Charity country director said, agricultural services including animal rearing will be promoted to ensure food security while water would be extended to communities that needed them. In a related development, the Palestinian Ministry of foreign affairs has described the killing of a martyr child, Mohammed Al-Tamimi (two years old), from the village of Nabi Saleh as a crime against humanity. In a statement issued on Friday, June 9, 2023 and copied to the Palestinian Embassy in Ghana, the Palestinian Foreign Ministry urged the international community to investigate the killings of Palestinian children totalling twenty-eight since the beginning of this year. The ministry, according to the statement, also called on the international criminal investigation Committee to assume full responsibility over the investigation in order to unearth the truth. President Nana Akufo-Addo has announced a state-assisted funeral for the late Professror Ama Ata Aidoo. The writer, considered one of the country's finest, died last month after a short illness. At the meeting to officially inform President Akufo-Addo of her demise, the family of the late writer said the funeral rights will begin on July 13th and end on 16th July 2023. President Akufo-Addo indicated that the state will assist with the preparation. Im happy that the arrangements you have made for her funeral will allow me to attend the laying in-state, President Akufo-Addo said at a brief ceremony to receive the family. He further added that Even before you came here, I had made the decision that she should be given a state-assisted burial. She deserves it, and it will give myself and the people of Ghana the opportunity to pay our last respects. The renowned author died on Wednesday, May 31, 2023, at age 83. Profile of Ama Ata Aidoo Christina Ama Ata Aidoo was born on 23 March 1940 in Abeadzi Kyiakor, near Saltpond, in the Central Region of Ghana. She was raised in a Fante royal household, the daughter of Nana Yaw Fama, chief of Abeadzi Kyiakor, and Maame Abasema. She grew up at a time of resurgent British neocolonialism that was taking place in her homeland. Her grandfather was murdered by neocolonialists, which brought her father's attention to the importance of educating the children and families of the village on the history and events of the era. This led him to open up the first school in their village and influenced Aidoo to attend Wesley Girls' High School, where she first decided she wanted to be a writer. Aidoo attended Wesley Girls' Senior High School in Cape Coast, from 1961 to 1964. After high school, she enrolled at the University of Ghana, Legon, where she obtained the degree of Bachelor of Arts in English and also wrote her first play, The Dilemma of a Ghost, in 1964. The play was published by Longman the following year, making Aidoo the first published African woman dramatist. Citi Newsroom Saudi Arabia's de facto ruler Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman has left for a state visit to France where he will meet President Emmanuel Macron, a statement said on Wednesday. The 37-year-old prince, who is overseeing sweeping social and economic reforms in the oil-rich monarchy, will also take part in the Summit for a New Global Financial Pact in Paris next week, the Royal Court statement said. According to the French Presidency, Macron will discuss the war in Ukraine and other matters when he meets bin Salman on Friday. The planned talks between Macron and the Saudi crown prince come just a month after Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy attended a summit of the Arab League in Saudi Arabia to canvas support, during a meeting at which bin Salman expressed his readiness to mediate in the war between Moscow and Kyiv. Khashoggi The crown prince's agenda also includes presiding over the Saudi delegation during an international Summit for a New Global Financing Pact, to be held on June 22-23, and hosted by Paris as well as taking part in the kingdom's official reception of Riyadh's candidacy to host Expo 2030 on June 19. The trip underlines close French ties with the resource-rich Gulf. In December 2021, Macron became one of the first Western leaders to meet Prince Mohammed in Saudi Arabia since Saudi journalist Jamal Khashoggi was killed and dismembered inside Riyadh's Istanbul consulate in 2018 - an operation approved by the Saudi ruler himself, according to US intelligence. (with AFP) Read also: Sudan's devastating war raged into a third month on Thursday, as a governor's killing marked a new escalation in the western region of Darfur. Since April 15, the regular army headed by Abdel Fattah al-Burhan and the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF) commanded by his former deputy Mohamed Hamdan Daglo have been locked in combat that has destroyed entire neighbourhoods of the capital Khartoum. The fighting quickly spread to the provinces, particularly Darfur, and has killed at least 1,800 people, according to the Armed Conflict Location and Event Data Project's latest figures from last month. Burhan accused the RSF of killing the governor of West Darfur state, Khamis Abdullah Abakar, in a "treacherous attack" on Wednesday. Abakar was captured and later killed after he made remarks critical of the paramilitaries in a telephone interview with a Saudi TV channel. The Darfur Lawyers Association condemned his "assassination" as an act of "barbarism, brutality and cruelty". Sudan's warring generals: Mohamed Hamdan Daglo (L), commander of the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces, and regular army chief Abdel Fattah al-Burhan. By Ashraf SHAZLY, Akuot Chol (AFP) Nationwide, Sudan's war has driven around 2.2 million people from their homes, according to the International Organization for Migration. Of these, more than 528,000 have sought refuge in neighbouring countries, said the UN agency. "In our worst expectations, we didn't see this war dragging on for this long," said Mohamad al-Hassan Othman who has fled his home in Khartoum. Everything in "our life has changed," he told AFP. "We don't know whether we'll be back home or need to start a new life." 'Completely devastated' "We have nothing left," said one Khartoum resident, Ahmed Taha. "The entire country has been completely devastated. "Everywhere you look, you'll see where bombs have fallen and bullets have struck. Every inch of Sudan is a disaster area." US and Saudi mediation efforts are at a standstill after the collapse of multiple ceasefires in the face of flagrant violations by both sides. Sudanese wait for hours for a truck to deliver cooking gas in the city of Wad Madani, southeast of Khartoum. By - (AFP) A record 25 million people -- more than half the population -- are in need of aid, according to the UN, which says it has received only a fraction of needed funding. Saudi Arabia has announced an international pledging conference for next week. Many of the displaced have lost loved ones as well as "all their belongings and livelihoods", said Anja Wolz of aid group Doctors Without Borders. The group, which runs mobile clinics for the displaced in Madani, 200 kilometres (120 miles) southeast of Khartoum, noted a "worrying increase" in people escaping the capital. Despite dangers and obstacles, latest UN figures say aid has now reached 1.8 million people, still only a fraction of those in need. "We have been suffering and suffering and suffering the scourge of this war for two months," said another Khartoum resident, Soha Abdulrahman. The conflict's other main battleground, Darfur, was already scarred by a two-decade war that left hundreds of thousands dead and more than two million displaced. No 'red lines' The army on Wednesday said the "kidnapping and assassinating" of West Darfur governor Abakar was part of the RSF's "barbaric crimes". Sudan analyst Kholood Khair said the "heinous assassination" was meant "to silence his highlighting of genocide... in Darfur". A hospital lies abandoned in the West Darfur state capital El Geneina after many aid facilities in Darfur's cities are ransacked. By - (AFP/File) Khair, founder of Khartoum-based think tank Confluence Advisory, said in a tweet it was unclear "what the red lines are anymore", urging international condemnation "as well as action to protect the people of Darfur and elsewhere". Homes and markets have been burnt to the ground, hospitals and aid facilities looted and more than 149,000 people sent fleeing into neighbouring Chad. The Umma Party, one of Sudan's main civilian groups, said El Geneina, the capital of West Darfur state, had been turned into a "disaster zone", and urged international organisations to provide help. The Darfur Lawyers Association described "massacres and ethnic cleansing" in El Geneina carried out by "cross-border militias supported by the RSF" which "serve agendas that have nothing to do with the interests of Darfur or Sudan". Daglo's RSF have their origins in the Janjaweed militias which former strongman Omar al-Bashir unleashed on ethnic minorities in the region in 2003, drawing charges of genocide, war crimes and crimes against humanity. Sudanese civilians who have sought refuge from the fighting in Darfur gather for an aid distribution in neighbouring Chad. By Gueipeur Denis SASSOU (AFP/File) An army official said Wednesday that the paramilitaries had begun using drones, which an RSF source said they had obtained "from commandeered army centres". Both sources spoke to AFP on condition of anonymity because they are not authorised to speak to the media. According to a military analyst from the region who also requested anonymity for his safety, the RSF might have obtained the drones from the Yarmouk weapons manufacturing and arms depot complex, which they overran just days after the collapse of US and Saudi-brokered ceasefire talks. Member of Parliament (MP) for Dome-Kwabenya Constituency, Sarah Adwoa Safo has taken her decision about the next parliamentary election of the ruling New Patriotic Party (NPP). Speaking to her constituents on Wednesday, June 14, she said nothing will stop her from seeking re-election to retain the Dome-Kwabenya seat. I know He [God] has opened the way. He has paved a new way through you. So, all I am saying is that if God willing the leadership of the party opens nominations for parliamentary primaries, as you are behind me, I will contest again. No baga wire, Sarah Adwoa Safo told her constituents as they gave her a loud applause. The New Patriotic Party will hold its parliamentary primaries in February 2024. Sarah Adwoa Safo is expected to face tough competition from the Chief Executive Officer of Ghana Free Zones Authority, Mike Oquaye Jnr in the NPP primaries. If she manages to win the party polls, she will come up against Faustina Elikplim Akurugu, the elected parliamentary candidate of the New Patriotic Party (NPP). Although Sarah Adwoa Safo remains a top contender in her constituency, there are some constituents ready to boot her out for abandoning her parliamentary duties for a year. A cluster of curious children watch as an excavator works in the blazing sun, covering their noses from the overpowering smell as more victims of a devastating landslide are found. Little remains of the villages of Bushushu and Nyamukubi, on the lush shores of Lake Kivu in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo, which were buried by a thick wall of mud and rock on May 4. Provincial authorities say 443 people have been found dead and more than 2,500 people are still missing, as a scandal brews over the theft of money and aid meant for those left destitute. "Every day when we're digging, we come across dead bodies," said Rodrigue Bonga, head of a team struggling to remove thousands of cubic metres of rubble to open a road. "Today it was two bodies, yesterday three..." he said as he sat in a Bushushu bar at the end of yet another day of grisly discoveries. Local Red Cross volunteers attempt to extract a corpse from the rubble of a house destroyed by a landslide. By ALEXIS HUGUET (AFP) Local residents, aided by Red Cross volunteers, have launched a search for the remains of the missing. "These are our brothers, we have to do something," Bonga said. He finishes his beer and sighs: "We are deeply affected, for us human life is sacred." According to lawyer Eric Dunia, not everyone shares those values, as it emerges that money and even coffins meant for victims of the disaster have gone missing. "Some people get rich on the blood of victims," Dunia said in Nyamukubi. Coffins 'misappropriated' Residents cover their noses as a body is pulled from the rubble. By ALEXIS HUGUET (AFP) The lawyer, who is also a parliamentary assistant in Kinshasa, arrived on the scene five days after the disaster, accompanying a delegation of ministers and MPs who brought humanitarian aid and money. They also brought coffins, after a national outcry over images of hastily dug mass graves. The government had announced aid for 200 affected families amounting to 2.5 million Congolese francs (around $1,100) per household. But "each family received less than $200", says Jospin Baluge Safari, 34, a Bushushu survivor. The government delegation announced they had brought with them $200,000 in cash to help the victims of the tragedy, which was kept for more than two weeks by the local administrator of Kalehe Territory, 20 kilometres (12 miles) from the site of the landslides. When the local committees responsible for distributing the aid tried to recover the money, they found $42,000 was missing, Safari said. An excavator tries to open a road, finding dead bodies as it digs through the mud. By ALEXIS HUGUET (AFP) "What we are asking the courts to do is to find out who took it," he said. Contacted by telephone, the public prosecutor's office in Kalehe declined to comment, stating only that "the investigation is ongoing". Around fifteen survivors and representatives of local civil society testify to irregularities in the lists of aid recipients. "Even coffins have been misappropriated," said another lawyer, Augustin Chungachako, who has reported missing aid to authorities on behalf of a group of victims. "On June 7, the prosecutor's office launched a search and found 41 coffins, sacks of rice, blankets, clothes and other materials behind the office of the territorial administrator," in Kalehe-centre, the capital of the territory, Chungachako said. According to him, several people have been arrested. 'Fake names' "They told us there was a lot of money, but they themselves (the people in charge of distribution) embezzled the money," said Namavu Luitire, a widow since the disaster who said she never received money, even though her name was on the list. A survivor poses for a photograph where her house was swept away by the landslide. By ALEXIS HUGUET (AFP) For the past month, she and her daughter have been surviving under a heap of metal sheets and tarpaulins on the mountainside, in an informal camp overlooking Lake Kivu, a stone's throw from the mudslide that swept away her village. "We made enquiries, questioned people, and we realised that there were fake names fabricated," Dunia said. Seventy-year-old Adolphe Mulenga Byuma, who had been appointed "cashier" on one of these committees, said he "distributed money to people who were not disaster victims". Sometimes, "the same person would come back with three or four different names, and take the money each time". He claims that he tried to report these misappropriations internally. He was eventually removed from the committee. "When the distribution took place, we were not on the lists," said Nico Kabumba Kalwira, "president" of the informal Nyamukubi camp. An aerial view of the damage from the landslides. By ALEXIS HUGUET (AFP) Destitute, he now lives in a hut made of branches and leaves, less than a kilometre from where his house used to be. Like everyone here, he lost family members, friends and neighbours in the disaster. "In the end, you wonder whether they're helping us or trying to increase our suffering," he said. Member of Parliament (MP) for Builsa South Constituency, Clement Apaak, is worried about some elements in the governing party New Patriotic Party (NPP) failing to come to terms with the tenets of the 1992 Constitution. According to him, the 1992 Constitution was written in such a fashion to help even market women to understand it. Saying this, he wondered why the NPP, a party that prides itself as the party of the elite, seems to struggle to comprehend the Constitution. "When the Consultative Assembly was constituted by the then Provisional National Defence Council (PNDC) to draft the Constitution, elements in NPP today condemned the Rawlings administration for assembling market women, and hairdressers among others to draft the Constitution," he recounted. The NDC MP made this comment while reacting to Mr Ken Kuranchies suit challenging the eligibility of former President John Dramani Mahama to contest the 2024 polls. He spoke on The Citizen Show hosted by Kwabena Bobie Ansah on Accra 100.5 FM on Tuesday, June 13, 2023. He said the Constitution is clear on the eligibility of the former president. He added Article 68 is clear and incontestable. He noted that the Assembly chaired by his late uncle prepared a draft constitution based on proposals submitted to it by the PNDC, as well as previous Constitutions of 1957, 1969 and 1979, and the report of the Committee of Experts. He noted that the final draft constitution was unanimously approved by the people in a referendum on 28 April 1992. Classfmonline.com Women activists from China to Rwanda are gathering in Paris this week to call for peace, justice and equality. Whether it be in Ukraine, in Africa or on behalf of ethnic minorities, they say their rallying cry is more urgent than ever. "Quite often, when women talk about peace, they are met with a form of cynicism, of contempt it's seen as disconnected, angelic," filmmaker and activist Hanna Assouline told RFI. As co-founder and president of the organisation Guerrieres de la Paix (Warriors of Peace), Assouline fully acknowledges the contradiction. "By using these terms, we're accepting that peace is a real battle," she says of the NGO, set up in March 2022 to tackle all forms of discrimination and hatred. With fellow activist Fatima Bousso, she is the driving force behind the World Forum for Women of Peace, which is holding its second edition at the Institute of the Arab World in Paris on Thursday evening. The first took place in Essaouira, Morocco, in March this year with the support of Unesco and other organisations. Assouline is still buzzing with enthusiasm after meeting influential figures such as Shirin Ebadi, a Nobel peace prize winner from Iran, and Huda Abu Arqoub, director of the Alliance for Middle East Peace. 'Universal dimension' Among the speakers in Paris are human rights activists Zalina Steve from Russia and Oxana Melnychuk from Ukraine, Senegalese writer Marietou Mbaye Bileoma (also known by her pen name, Ken Bugul) and French-Rwandan "Afrofeminist" Jessica Mwiza . There's also Dilna Reyhan, head of the France-based European Uyghur Institute. "It was because of her that the French parliament voted to acknowledge the genocide of Uyghurs," Assouline says. Despite the daily headlines throughout Europe on the war in Ukraine, there is no more emphasis on this conflict than any other, Assouline insists, but rather a reminder that across the world, the message of peace is more urgent than ever. "All questions raised here are important. There's a chance to expose the specificities of each conflict, of each dramatic situation and the injustice and discrimination faced by women around the world. But we also want to show the universal dimension and the links that women share," she says. "Guerrieres de la Paix" was the name of Assouline's first documentary film in 2018, where she followed the Women Wage Peace movement founded by Israeli and Palestinian women tired of senseless violence. In 2022, when the Israeli-Palestinian conflict was all over the news once more, with negative repercussions for religious communities across France, Assouline decided it was time to create her own organisation to tackle issues it raised here. "It was also at a time where we noticed that anti-racism groups were internally divided, some were no longer communicating with each other, and yet we are all facing the rise of extremism, fascism," she says. "So we wanted to create a united front of women, all from different backgrounds with different experiences, but with something in common, the need to fight on the same side." Fighting on the same side Through monthly discussion groups, the organisation brings together women from different social and religious backgrounds. One of the recent themes brought forward is the problem of gang violence among young people on housing estates. Assouline is also keen to continue her national campaign "A Votre Tour" (It's Your Turn), creating spaces for dialogue between young people to challenge prejudices. The initiative began after the release of her second documentary "A Notre Tour" (It's Our Turn) in 2020, which recounts the journey of young French Jews and Muslims involved in a project to combat racism and anti-Semitism. "It works well because it's young people's voices. It's not coming from institutions or a historian. It's really down-to-earth, very blunt. Thanks to the film we've been able to get young people across France talking together," she says. Courage and commitment Her organisation also acts as a relay to promote the positive impact of other women activists like when Women Wage Peace managed to get the Israeli parliament to include more women in committees on peace and security. "There's a real movement in defence of democracy today, the women are in the streets. Every weekend they gather across their countries to raise awareness. Our role is to communicate their actions, to help their voices to be heard here in France," Assouline says. "Peace is a commitment that requires a lot of courage, that requires soul-searching and questioning one's own positions." The Montana Department of Environmental Quality will have a chance on June 21 to tell the states high court that its review of a mine operating permit for the Black Butte Copper Project was thorough. DEQ appealed District Court Judge Katherine Bidegarays 2022 ruling that the agency had erred when analyzing the White Sulphur Springs-area mines proposal to store and stabilize tailings using cement. The mine is situated near the headwaters of the Smith River in the Little Belt Mountains. Tintina Montana Inc. has proposed mining for 13 years to retrieve 14.5 million tons of copper ore in the area. The company first applied for a permit in 2015, which DEQ approved in 2020. The case against DEQ was brought by Montana Trout Unlimited, the Montana Environmental Information Center, Trout Unlimited, Earthworks and American Rivers. DEQ has defended Tintinas tailings proposal as meeting stringent measures to protect Montana. Opponents have claimed the tailings plan is inadequate to protect one of the states most popular trout fisheries and coveted floating rivers. Bidegaray agreed with the plaintiffs calling DEQs analysis inadequate and irrational. Citizen Ato Dadzie, the General Secretary of the Great Consolidated Popular Party (GCPP) has expressed concern over the devastation of land, forests and water bodies in their communities caused by illegal mining also known as galamsey. He claims illicit mining creates silt, which muddies the streams and further prevents water pumping equipment from working. According to him, the activities damage the machinery and cost the state money. Ankobra (Azule Siane), Tano (Azule Tano), Subili (Subile), as well as other water bodies that were previously sources of drinking water for individuals and animals have been polluted, according to Citizen Ato Dadzie. He indicated that the ecology was in grave danger as a result of the mercury and cyanide poisoning of these water sources. Citizen Ato Dadzie noted that the environment was in grave danger as a result of the mercury and cyanide poisoning of these water sources. He, therefore, appealed to the President, chiefs, Members of Parliament (MPs), security agencies, Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), and Municipal, Metropolitan, Municipal, and District Chief Executives (MMDCEs), to collaborate efforts to stop galamsey. He stated that unlawful mining posed a risk to ones health, adding that health experts indicate that a rise in kidney failure, erosive bronchitis, bronchiolitis, and intestinal pneumonitis is caused by vaporized mercury." Citizen Ato Dadzie told Isaac Boama Darko on Amanyosem on Accra-based Original TV that the contamination of groundwater, loss of vegetative cover, high levels of particulate matter and vapourised mercury adversely affected the quality of air, flora, and fauna in general. 15.06.2023 LISTEN A former Chairman of the Electoral Commission of Ghana, Dr. Kwadwo Afari-Gyan, has described collation centers as the most vulnerable point for election manipulation in the electoral process. He attributes this vulnerability to the heavy reliance on technology in the tabulation of election results. Throughout Ghanas history, elections have often been accompanied by controversies, including allegations of malpractices during result collation. The 2020 general election witnessed disturbances and loss of lives in Techiman South due to collation challenges. Concerns were also raised regarding the activities in various collation rooms established for the tabulation of presidential election results. Speaking at a forum commemorating the 60th anniversary of the political science department at the University of Ghana, Dr. Afari-Gyan advocated for the inclusion of technology in the collation process instead of creating multiple layers of centers. He emphasized the need to ensure that the chosen technology aligns with the specific requirements and environment of the electoral system. Dr. Afari-Gyan advised taking measured steps in adopting technology, consolidating each step before progressing to the next. Furthermore, he added that if the technology is to be utilized by voters, it should be user-friendly and straightforward while stressing the importance of thoroughly testing the technology in the local context before its implementation. The Minority Caucus in Parliament has responded to President Nana Akufo-Addo for "stealing" the 161kV Bulk Power Supply Point project from former President John Mahama and insulting his predecessor on top of the theft, at the inauguration of the completed work. "I wish to reassure you all that my government will continue to work toward keeping the lights on, in spite of the global dynamics of energy pricing, because the alternative is not an option. We are not going back to dumsor, we leave that to President Mahama", President Akufo-Addo said at the recent opening of the project. The BSP is a gas-insulated sub-station, which is GRIDCos first sub-station with such technology. It is an innovation in technology applied in areas where spaces are significantly limited, thus large capacity switchgear and transformers, which are compact, can be installed. It is to reduce transmission and distribution losses, ensure high reliability of electricity supply, and ensure a high level of personnel safety. It has stabilised power voltages, improved power supply reliability, and enhanced efficiency. Responding to the president's jab at Mr Mahama during the inauguration of the BSP, the minority caucus, in a statement reproduced below in full, said the least the president could do was insult the originator of the project: For Immediate Release 15th June 2023 YOU CANNOT STEAL PRESIDENT MAHAMAS PROJECT AND INSULT HIM; NDC MINORITY TO AKUFO-ADDO. The minority has noted with serious concern the decision by President Akufo-Addo to attack the person of former President Mahama during the commissioning of the 161kv Bulk Supply Point at Accra Central, which President Mahama initiated. For the record, the Mahama-led government in 2014 requested for grant aid from Japan to construct the 161kv Bulk Supply Point to be located in the Central Business District of Accra, to adequately and reliably meet the high electricity demand in the area, which was growing at a rate higher than the system average of 10% per annum. We wish to emphasise that all the necessary, regulatory, financial and technical approvals were secured under President Mahama, with actual construction works commencing in 2016 before he handed over power to the current administration. This can be verified from the 2017 and 2018 GRIDCo Annual reports as well as the 2015 Preparatory Survey Report on The Project for Power Supply To Accra Central In The Republic Of Ghana published on the JICA website. It is, therefore, surprising that rather than commending his predecessor for initiating the New Bulk Supply Point, described as a gamechanger by the current GRIDCo Board Chair, (https://mobile.ghanaweb.com/GhanaHomePage/business/New-Bulk-Supply-Point-for-Accra-Central-is-a-gamechanger-GRIDCo-Board-Chair-1785623), President Akufo-Addo rather chose the occasion to make baseless, inaccurate and unfounded allegation against former President Mahama. If President Akufo-Addo truly wants to know who ended dumsor, he may want to consult his own Vice-President, Dr Mahamudu Bawumia, who is on record to have stated that Mahama ended dumsor (https://www.ghanawish.com/mahama-solved-dumsor-but-deserves-no-credit-for-that-bawumia-video/). If President Akufo-Addo cannot recognise the enormous contribution of President Mahama in the energy sector, the least he could do was to refrain from such unwarranted attacks, particularly at a programme to commission a project which is the brainchild of President Mahama, as the saying goes, you do not bite the hand that fed you. The minority wishes to caution, in the strongest terms possible, that it will no longer tolerate such unwarranted and pedestrian attacks on President Mahama by this non-performing government in a desperate attempt to tarnish his image. It is an incontrovertible fact that President John Mahama laid a solid foundation in the power sector, with a clear vision of exporting power as evidenced by the completion of the 330kv Kumasi-Bolgatanga Transmission Project, which has enabled Ghana to export power to neighbouring Burkina Faso. On the contrary, the Akufo-Addo/Bawumia-led government, having added no value to the sector, will go down in history as the worst government as far as the power sub-sector is concerned. John Abdulai Jinapor Ranking Member (Mines and Energy Committee) -classfmonline.com 15.06.2023 LISTEN Leaders of Pragyia Drivers Association in Kumasi have threatened court action against Kumasi Metropolitan Assembly (KMA) restricting them from operating within the Central Business District (CDB). The decision, they said is to seek the intervention of the court to bar KMA from restricting tricycles operations in the city. The threat follows the Assembly's attempt to curb increasing indiscipline among tricycle riders in the city and to reduce traffic congestion. The ban which was supposed to commence on June 15 was deferred to an unannounced date by the assembly for further consultation among the transport unions. The leader of the Pragyia Drivers Association in Kumasi, Mohammed Alhanssan, told Otec FMs Nyansapo that the assembly decision amounts to discrimination. He stated that the tricycle like any other motor is registered by the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Authority (DVLA) and has the right to operate in the city. The KMA decision to ban tricycles from operating in some parts of the city is discriminatory. So we are seeking legal interpretation at court and also to stop the KMA on their decision, he told host of the show Captain Koda. He added that the KMA should rather ban trotro vehicles and long vehicles from entering and operating in the CBD if they want to decongest the city. The Africa-China Centre for Policy & Advisory, in partnership with the Confucius Institute at the University of Ghana, prepares to host a specialized one-day training dubbed "Media Training on Africa/Ghana - China Relations" for media professionals in Ghana. This one-day training is aimed at introducing select media professionals in Ghana (from TV, radio, newspapers, online blogs, etc.) to key insights regarding tracking, researching, reporting, and analyzing Chinas relations with Ghana in particular and Africa in general. This forms part of a series of Africa-China Media Capacity-Building program of the ACCPA. The first of such trainings was conducted in March 2023 in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania, featuring over 30 media professionals in the country. The Ghana edition of this media training will equally feature a maximum of 40 journalists from across Ghanas media spectrum who fit the portfolio titles such as Head of Business/News," "Executive/ news, Executive / Programs Producer, Managing/Senior Editor, Head of Current Affairs, News Anchor, and Senior Reporters," amongst others. According to the Executive Director of the ACCPA, Paul Frimpong, he strongly believes the media plays a critical role in shaping bilateral relations between Ghana and China. This is why his outfit, ACCPA, is committed to offering such trainings across the continent to help these professionals pursue rewarding careers. The journalists will be taken through topics such as trade, investment, and how to position Ghana for win-win cooperation with China. The training is scheduled to be held on Wednesday, June 21, 2023, at the University of Ghana in Accra, Ghana. The Chief Executive Officer of the National Health Insurance Authority (NHIA) Dr. Bernard Okoe Boye on Monday June 12, 2023 commissioned an ultra-modern NHIS office accommodation at Dormaa East District to facilitate better working conditions and ensure efficiency. In a short ceremony to commission the building, the CEO reiterated that the NHIS benefit package covers 95 percent of ailment services in the country. He urges the public to take note and service providers should also refrain from charging services already paid for by the scheme to build public confidence in the scheme. He mentioned that government is committed to increasing easy access to adequate healthcare through the NHIS hence pays One Hundred and Fifty Thousand million Ghana Cedis (GHS150m) every month to the service providers. He mentioned some of the innovations the authority has made to provide easy and quality services. The CEO urged his staff to see the descent and comfortable service condition as a motivation to give their best to society and ensure more people register onto the scheme. He used the occasion to commend representatives of the people of Dormaa in government for their efficiency and lobbying skills in getting development for the area. He mentioned the Minister of Health and MP for Dormaa Central, Hon. Agyeman Manu, Former MP for Dormaa East and Deputy Minister, Monitoring and Evaluation Hon. Williams Kwesi Sabi as well as the current Dormaa East MP Hon. Paul Twum Barima among others have contributed immensely and are still advocating for the development of the Dormaa Area. The Bono Regional Minister, Madam Justina Owusu Banahene, who accompanied the NHIA's CEO in the commissioning, together with District Chief Executive, Hon. Emmanuel Kofi Agyeman appealed to government and the NHIA to consider qualified indigenes when recruiting additional staff to the facility. The Deputy Minister for Agric and Member of Parliament for Nanton constituency, Mohammed Hardi Tuferu has expressed dissatisfaction with what he perceives as a stagnant and ineffective leadership of the current Food and Agriculture Minister. He raised questions about the ability of the current Minister to adapt to the evolving challenges faced by farmers and the entire agric sector. The deputy Agric Minister was responding to a question regarding the setbacks in the distribution and supply of government fertilizer to farmers, particularly in his constituency. Hon. Tuferu noted that the former Agric Minister, Dr. Afriyei Akoto's leadership had greatly benefited farmers in the Northern region, resulting in significant improvements in the agricultural sector as compared to Bryan Acheampong's. While Tuferu appeared hesitant to discuss the difficulties and challenges he is facing as the Deputy Minister of Agriculture, he expressed hope that the situation would improve. Speaking on Sagani TV in his local Ghanaian dialect, Dagbani, the Nanton Member of Parliament intimated that "It has been a year since I assumed the position of Deputy Agriculture Minister. During this time, I have witnessed remarkable transformations in my life, which can only be attributed to the workings of a higher power. Leaders come in different types, with some maintaining a consistent approach, while others bring about positive changes when assuming authority. "I had the opportunity to work closely with our previous minister, but upon his replacement, I came to understand the varying expertise and leadership skills possessed by different individuals. Since I took on the role of deputy Agriculture Minister, there have been challenges in acquiring fertilizers, but we managed to find alternative sources for Nanton." He assured the farmers in his constituency of his unwavering support, pledging to drive development in the area. "As the deputy agriculture minister, I am committed to ensuring an ample supply of affordable fertilizers in Nanton, thereby enabling farmers to access them easily," he stated. The allegations made by the deputy minister against his boss highlight the ongoing concerns surrounding the supply of government fertilizers to farmers, particularly in the Northern region. Meanwhile, calls for improved leadership and effective management of credit facilities are resonating within the farming community. As this story develops, it remains to be seen how the newly appointed Agric Minister, hon. Bryan Achampong will respond to these allegations and what steps will be taken to address the supply in order to ensure farmers receive the fertilizers they need to sustain their livelihoods. Japan and the United Nations Refugee Agency (UNHCR) have agreed on a deal worth approximately $2.9 million to offer essential lifesaving assistance to Rohingya refugees residing in Cox's Bazar and Bhasan Char in Bangladesh. The contribution from Japan will ensure the continuation of humanitarian support and the protection of the Rohingya refugees in these areas. The arrangement was formalised in Dhaka at the UNHCR country office, with the agreement signed by UNHCR Bangladesh Representative Johannes van der Klaauw and IWAMA Kiminori, the Japanese ambassador to Bangladesh. The Japanese financial aid will bolster the UNHCR's efforts in delivering necessary assistance, particularly in the form of shelter and non-food essentials such as sleeping mats, blankets, and soap. The funds will also facilitate repair work on shelters and vital infrastructure including drains, bridges, and retaining walls. Speaking on the occasion, Johannes van der Klaauw said the Japanese support comes at a pivotal moment when the Rohingya refugees are rebuilding their lives after the devastation of Cyclone Mocha and recent fires that ravaged the camps. He further noted that the additional funding would provide essential shelter materials and protect refugees from future risks, especially the most vulnerable such as women and children. The UNHCR's community-led projects on Bhasan Char will also benefit from Japan's contribution, notably increasing service accessibility for disabled persons. Ambassador IWAMA Kiminori voiced his hope that Japan's support will enhance living conditions for both Rohingya and the local communities. Japan has been a consistent supporter of the Rohingya refugee response in Bangladesh since the emergency began in August 2017, contributing over $200 million to the UNHCR and other UN agencies as well as local NGOs. This latest agreement follows the recent visit of UNHCRs Deputy High Commissioner, Kelly T. Clements, to Bangladesh. During her visit, Clements highlighted the ongoing critical needs of refugees and their host communities. As it stands in June 2023, humanitarian agencies have appealed for over $876 million this year to assist almost 1.5 million individuals, including 930,000 Rohingya refugees in Coxs Bazar, 30,000 on Bhasan Char, and 495,000 Bangladeshis in adjacent communities. However, the Joint Response Plan is only about 28% funded so far, underscoring the necessity for consistent and sustained funding to avoid a broader humanitarian crisis. The Minority in Parliament has condemned President Akufo-Addo for attacking former President John Mahama during the commissioning of the 161kv Bulk Supply Point at Accra Central. The project, they say, was initiated under the Mahama government to improve the electricity supply in the countrys capital which was largely affected by dumsor. According to the Minoritys statement on Thursday, June 15, the Mahama-led government in 2014 requested for grant aid from Japan to construct the 161kv Bulk Supply Point to be located in the Central Business District of Accra, to adequately and reliably meet the high electricity demand in the area. They said all approvals and actual construction started under Mahama before he left office in January 2017. It is, therefore, surprising that rather than commending his predecessor for initiating the New Bulk Supply Point, described as a gamechanger by the current GRIDCo Board Chair, President Akufo-Addo rather chose the occasion to make baseless, inaccurate and unfounded allegation against former President Mahama, the statement said. The Minority reminded Akufo-Addo that his own Vice President, Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia, is on record to have stated that Mahama ended dumsor. If President Akufo-Addo cannot recognise the enormous contribution of President Mahama in the energy sector, the least he could do was to refrain from such unwarranted attacks, the statement added. Ranking Member on the Mines and Energy Committee, John Abdulai Jinapor, cautions NPP government against attacking Mahama, saying It is an incontrovertible fact that President John Mahama laid a solid foundation in the power sector, with a clear vision of exporting power as evidenced by the completion of the 330kv Kumasi-Bolgatanga Transmission Project, which has enabled Ghana to export power to neighbouring Burkina Faso. He said the Akufo-Addo government added no value to the power sector, stating it will go down in history as the worst government as far as the power sub-sector is concerned. Read full copy of the statement below: YOU CANNOT STEAL PRESIDENT MAHAMAS PROJECT AND INSULT HIM; NDC MINORITY TO AKUFO-ADDO. The minority has noted with serious concern the decision by President Akufo-Addo to attack the person of former President Mahama during the commissioning of the 161kv Bulk Supply Point at Accra Central, which President Mahama initiated. For the record, the Mahama-led government in 2014 requested grant aid from Japan to construct the 161kv Bulk Supply Point to be located in the Central Business District of Accra, to adequately and reliably meet the high electricity demand in the area, which was growing at a rate higher than the system average of 10% per annum. We wish to emphasise that all the necessary, regulatory, financial and technical approvals were secured under President Mahama, with actual construction works commencing in 2016 before he handed over power to the current administration. This can be verified from the 2017 and 2018 GRIDCo Annual reports as well as the 2015 Preparatory Survey Report on The Project for Power Supply To Accra Central In The Republic Of Ghana published on the JICA website. It is, therefore, surprising that rather than commending his predecessor for initiating the New Bulk Supply Point, described as a gamechanger by the current GRIDCo Board Chair, (https://mobile.ghanaweb.com/GhanaHomePage/business/New-Bulk-Supply-Point-for-Accra-Central-is-a-gamechanger-GRIDCo-Board-Chair-1785623), President Akufo-Addo rather chose the occasion to make baseless, inaccurate and unfounded allegation against former President Mahama. If President Akufo-Addo truly wants to know who ended dumsor, he may want to consult his own Vice-President, Dr Mahamudu Bawumia, who is on record to have stated that Mahama ended dumsor (https://www.ghanawish.com/mahama-solved-dumsor-but-deserves-no-credit-for-that-bawumia-video/). If President Akufo-Addo cannot recognise the enormous contribution of President Mahama in the energy sector, the least he could do was to refrain from such unwarranted attacks, particularly at a programme to commission a project which is the brainchild of President Mahama, as the saying goes, you do not bite the hand that fed you. The minority wishes to caution, in the strongest terms possible, that it will no longer tolerate such unwarranted and pedestrian attacks on President Mahama by this non-performing government in a desperate attempt to tarnish his image. It is an incontrovertible fact that President John Mahama laid a solid foundation in the power sector, with a clear vision of exporting power as evidenced by the completion of the 330kv Kumasi-Bolgatanga Transmission Project, which has enabled Ghana to export power to neighbouring Burkina Faso. On the contrary, the Akufo-Addo/Bawumia-led government, having added no value to the sector, will go down in history as the worst government as far as the power sub-sector is concerned. John Abdulai Jinapor Ranking Member (Mines and Energy Committee) 15.06.2023 LISTEN Minority Leader of Parliament, Dr Cassiel Ato Forson, has asked the Minister of Education to provide Parliament with details of the GH740 million allocated for the provision of tablets to Senior High School (SHS) and Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) students. He said it was important for a policy document to be brought before Parliament to enable MPs to know the processes involved and the coverage plan for the programme. Dr Forson was speaking in Accra on Wednesday. A special SHS TVET digitisation innovation programme of GH740 million is what has been allocated here. My argument has to be for us to reinforce it while we ensure that government presents to us a policy on this matter for us to understand the procurement processes, the cost per unit and all of that-the report did not capture that. It is important for me to state that in the coming days, it is important for the Minister responsible for education to bring that policy before us in terms of distribution. Are they going to cover half of the country now, or they are going to cover the entire country over a period of time, he stated. The government has allocated GH740 million for the provision of tablets to Senior High Schools and Technical, Vocational, and Education Training (TVET) students. According to the government, these tablets will come fully loaded with all the recommended e-textbooks, the complete syllabus, past questions, and examiner reports, as well as other teaching aids. This programme aims to reduce the expenses associated with purchasing textbooks and to better equip students for the digital age. In response to a report on the proposed formula for the distribution of the Ghana Education Trust Fund, Minority Leader Dr. Cassiel Ato Forson, emphasized demanded the appearance of the education minister before the house to provide details of the intended programme. -Citi Newsroom Smoke from massive wildfires in Canada intensified in the Bismarck region on Thursday, leading to unhealthy air quality ratings. The smoke began drifting over the state on Wednesday, but ground-level impacts were concentrated more in the north central and eastern regions. Air quality on Thursday was worst in the south central region, including the Bismarck-Mandan and Fort Yates areas, according to AirNow, a partnership of federal and state agencies including the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. The smoke pattern is stretching from the Upper Midwest as far south as Oklahoma and as far east as New York City, according to AccuWeather. Health effects will be immediately felt by sensitive groups and (they) should avoid outdoor activity, said Plume Labs, an air quality company owned by AccuWeather. Healthy individuals are likely to experience difficulty breathing and throat irritation. Extremely small particles of ash and soot, known as particulate matter, can irritate the respiratory system, especially for those who suffer from lung conditions or allergies. The elderly, young children and people with respiratory conditions are urged to consider limiting prolonged outdoor activities in smoky areas. People reacting to smoke to the extent that it affects breathing are advised to seek immediate help from a medical provider. General health-related smoke questions can be directed to the North Dakota Health and Human Services Operating Center at 701-328-0707. The flow of smoke is expected to shift eastward by the weekend. The National Weather Service forecast also calls for chances of rain in much of the state into Saturday, which could help. Information on wildfires and air quality is on the state Department of Environmental Quality website, at bit.ly/3OhrD7E. The EPAs map of fire and smoke conditions is at https://fire.airnow.gov/. The AirNow mobile phone app, and many other weather apps, also include air quality information. Wildfire smoke pattern predictions can be found at https://firesmoke.ca/forecasts/current/. Drought expanding Prolonged drought north of the border has led to the wildfires that have scorched more than 12 million acres this spring, prompting the evacuations of thousands of people and sending dense smoke across Canada and the U.S. Hazy skies also were prevalent across North Dakota during parts of May. Drought in North Dakota worsened a bit over the week. Abnormally dry conditions the weakest of five categories on the U.S. Drought Monitor map expanded in the southeast and also moved into the northwest. Abnormally dry areas in the southwest and northeast were unchanged over the week. The U.S. Drought Monitor is a partnership of the U.S. Department of Agriculture, the National Drought Mitigation Center and NOAA. The map is updated every Thursday. This weeks map shows 29% of North Dakota as abnormally dry, up from 21% last week. There are no areas in moderate or worse drought categories. Bismarck so far in June has received 0.71 inches of rain, which is 0.79 inches below normal, according to weather service data. Precipitation for the year totals 6.95 inches, 0.23 inches below normal. Crop report Soil moisture supplies in the state declined for a second straight week, according to the latest crop report from the National Agricultural Statistics Service. Topsoil moisture was rated 65% adequate to surplus and subsoil moisture was 67% in those categories; both were at 72% a week ago. Pasture and range conditions and stockwater supplies were relatively unchanged over the week, at 89% fair to good and 93% adequate to surplus, respectively. Seeding of all major crops including spring wheat, durum wheat, soybeans, corn, canola and barley is on the verge of wrapping up. The condition of nearly all crops is mostly in the fair or good categories. The wildfire danger was rated low across the state on Thursday, according to the Department of Emergency Services. The National Weather Services weekend weather forecast for Bismarck-Mandan calls for mostly sunny skies and high temperatures in the upper 70s to mid-80s, about normal for this time of year, with a slight chance of showers Saturday afternoon. Blue-green algae North Dakotas Department of Environmental Quality has issued a blue-green algae advisory for Green Lake near Wishek in McIntosh County. Hot summer weather contributes to the production of the algae that can produce toxins in the water called cyanotoxins. People and animals who swallow or come into contact with affected water can get sick, and animals and fish can die from it. Theres no known antidote for the toxins. The algae discolor the water and cause foam, scum or mats to appear on the surface. In severe blooms, the water can have the appearance of spilled green paint or green pea soup. A list of advisories and warnings can be found at www.tinyurl.com/WMP-HABS. An advisory also is listed for Homme Dam in northeastern Walsh County. Blue-green algae blooms can be reported at 701-328-5210 or on the website. People can sign up for text alerts for advisories at https://tinyurl.com/NDhabsAlerts. Mensah Believe, a 27-year-old Junior High school teacher at Lume Ahugakope MA Basic School in the Akatsi South Municipality of the Volta Region, has been jailed seven years by a Sogakope Circuit Court for defiling a 13-year-old student. The convict, who teaches Information and Communication Technology (ICT) and English, during his appearance in Court on Wednesday, pleaded guilty to the crime of defiling a child under 16 years and sodomy. Detective Chief Inspector Joseph Ajongbah, Prosecuting, told the Court presided over by Mr Joseph Mark Ali, that the convict, a trained teacher and a native of Dzodze, was engaged in the act with a 13-year-old male student of the same school. He said the unacceptable activities of the young teacher in the community led to some individuals, who reported the issue to the Assembly member for action. Mr Ali, the Sogakope Circuit Court Judge, after hearing the plea of the accused, convicted and sentenced him in hard labour on his plea of guilty. The convict, the Ghana News Agency learnt, initially denied the allegations after he was reported to the Akatsi South Education Directorate for questioning. The case was subsequently reported to the Domestic Violence and Victim Support Unit (DOVVSU) of the Akatsi Police, where he confessed to having engaged in the act. Mr Prosper Agbeli, Chairman of the Akatsi South and North Ghana National Association of Teachers (GNAT), on his part, has since condemned the act. He, however, appealed to authorities in the area to engage the Association in all teacher-related issues. GNA 15.06.2023 LISTEN The Bank of Ghana (BoG) has released a report detailing various attempted and successful fraudulent activities recorded by Ghanas Banking Institutions, Specialized Deposit-Taking Institutions (SDIs), and Payment Service Providers (PSPs). Fraud cases recorded among the three institutions was 15,164. In the banking sector, GHS33 million was lost through Forgery and Manipulation of documents, GHS7 million was lost through Fraudulent withdrawals, while Cheque Fraud and email fraud resulted in the loss of GHS5.1 million and GHS4.3 million respectively. In the SDI Sector, the breakdown shows a loss of GHS3.9 million in 2022 through Cash Theft (Cash Suppression). Meanwhile, the total loss value of fraud reported by PSPs for 2022 amounted to GHS27 million. Put together, a colossal amount of GHS80.3 million was lost by banks, SDIs and PSPs in 2022 through fraud. While staff involvement in fraud persists, the numbers have started trending downwards as a result of strict sanctions imposed by Bank of Ghana and strong advocacy for improved controls by the sector institutions. The fraud cases involving staff decreased to 188 in 2022, as compared to 278 in 2021. As part of steps to address fraud, the Bank of Ghana in its report said it will intensify sensitisation programmes in person and on television/radio shows to educate and sensitise the public to improve the publics understanding of financial matters as well as their rights and responsibilities. The Central Bank further noted that it will continue to engage Law Enforcement Agencies to deal with the prosecution of persons involved in fraud through the Committee for Cooperation between Law Enforcement Agencies and the Banking Committee (COCLAB). Meanwhile, all Banks are directed to immediately communicate fraud cases in their institutions to the Bank of Ghana and the Ghana Association of Banks to alert all others on the approaches deployed to avoid recurrence. Among other things, Banks and SDIs that use mobile applications and Internet banking platforms are directed to enable a multi-factor authentication code for their applications to help protect customers. On the other hand, PSPs have been directed to share fraud information amongst themselves to ensure fraudulent actors are blocked across all service providers platforms, to reduce the risk of fraud re-occurrence. Salvatore Ferragamo S.p.A. (OTCMKTS:SFRGY Get Rating) passed below its fifty day moving average during trading on Monday . The stock has a fifty day moving average of $8.56 and traded as low as $8.22. Salvatore Ferragamo shares last traded at $8.37, with a volume of 3,811 shares trading hands. Salvatore Ferragamo Stock Up 1.9 % The businesss 50 day simple moving average is $8.53 and its 200 day simple moving average is $9.02. Get Salvatore Ferragamo alerts: Salvatore Ferragamo Dividend Announcement The firm also recently disclosed a dividend, which was paid on Monday, May 22nd. Shareholders of record on Tuesday, May 23rd were paid a $0.1005 dividend. The ex-dividend date was Monday, May 22nd. Salvatore Ferragamos dividend payout ratio is presently 34.07%. About Salvatore Ferragamo Salvatore Ferragamo SpA engages in the creation, development and production of footwear, leather goods, apparel, accessories, and jewelry for men and women. Its product ranges includes eyewear, watches, fragrances and body care. The company was founded by Salvatore Ferragamo in 1927 and is headquartered in Florence, Italy. See Also Receive News & Ratings for Salvatore Ferragamo Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Salvatore Ferragamo and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. WealthPLAN Partners LLC acquired a new stake in Matthews China Active ETF (NYSEARCA:MCH Get Rating) in the 4th quarter, HoldingsChannel.com reports. The institutional investor acquired 123,497 shares of the companys stock, valued at approximately $3,237,000. WealthPLAN Partners LLC owned approximately 0.09% of Matthews China Active ETF at the end of the most recent reporting period. Several other large investors also recently added to or reduced their stakes in MCH. Citadel Advisors LLC bought a new stake in shares of Matthews China Active ETF in the 3rd quarter valued at about $452,000. Jane Street Group LLC bought a new stake in shares of Matthews China Active ETF in the 4th quarter valued at about $572,000. Finally, WealthPlan Investment Management LLC bought a new stake in shares of Matthews China Active ETF in the 4th quarter valued at about $3,267,000. Get Matthews China Active ETF alerts: Matthews China Active ETF Stock Performance NYSEARCA:MCH opened at $21.93 on Thursday. Matthews China Active ETF has a one year low of $17.28 and a one year high of $28.88. The firm has a 50-day simple moving average of $22.11 and a 200-day simple moving average of $24.03. Matthews China Active ETF Company Profile The Matthews China Active ETF (MCH) is an exchange-traded fund that mostly invests in total market equity. The fund is actively managed to hold stocks of Chinese companies that are fundamentally screened for sustainable growth. The fund also considers ESG factors in the investment process. MCH was launched on Jul 13, 2022 and is managed by Matthews. Featured Stories Want to see what other hedge funds are holding MCH? Visit HoldingsChannel.com to get the latest 13F filings and insider trades for Matthews China Active ETF (NYSEARCA:MCH Get Rating). Receive News & Ratings for Matthews China Active ETF Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Matthews China Active ETF and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. WealthPLAN Partners LLC purchased a new position in shares of Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings Ltd. (NYSE:NCLH Get Rating) in the 4th quarter, according to its most recent disclosure with the Securities & Exchange Commission. The firm purchased 136,550 shares of the companys stock, valued at approximately $2,383,000. Several other hedge funds have also recently modified their holdings of the stock. Eagle Bay Advisors LLC boosted its position in shares of Norwegian Cruise Line by 62.3% during the 4th quarter. Eagle Bay Advisors LLC now owns 3,690 shares of the companys stock worth $45,000 after purchasing an additional 1,416 shares in the last quarter. Russell Investments Group Ltd. boosted its position in shares of Norwegian Cruise Line by 248.1% during the 4th quarter. Russell Investments Group Ltd. now owns 9,400 shares of the companys stock worth $116,000 after purchasing an additional 6,700 shares in the last quarter. Daiwa Securities Group Inc. boosted its position in shares of Norwegian Cruise Line by 13.7% during the 4th quarter. Daiwa Securities Group Inc. now owns 6,902 shares of the companys stock worth $84,000 after purchasing an additional 830 shares in the last quarter. Picton Mahoney Asset Management purchased a new stake in shares of Norwegian Cruise Line during the 4th quarter worth $146,000. Finally, Synovus Financial Corp purchased a new stake in shares of Norwegian Cruise Line during the 4th quarter worth $1,060,000. 57.17% of the stock is owned by institutional investors and hedge funds. Get Norwegian Cruise Line alerts: Insider Buying and Selling at Norwegian Cruise Line In related news, CFO Mark Kempa sold 4,700 shares of the companys stock in a transaction that occurred on Friday, June 2nd. The stock was sold at an average price of $16.04, for a total transaction of $75,388.00. Following the sale, the chief financial officer now directly owns 241,021 shares of the companys stock, valued at approximately $3,865,976.84. The transaction was disclosed in a filing with the SEC, which is accessible through this hyperlink. In other news, CEO Rio Frank J. Del sold 300,000 shares of the stock in a transaction on Monday, June 12th. The stock was sold at an average price of $18.44, for a total value of $5,532,000.00. Following the completion of the transaction, the chief executive officer now owns 926,505 shares of the companys stock, valued at $17,084,752.20. The transaction was disclosed in a document filed with the SEC, which is available at the SEC website. Also, CFO Mark Kempa sold 4,700 shares of the stock in a transaction on Friday, June 2nd. The stock was sold at an average price of $16.04, for a total value of $75,388.00. Following the completion of the transaction, the chief financial officer now directly owns 241,021 shares of the companys stock, valued at approximately $3,865,976.84. The disclosure for this sale can be found here. 0.87% of the stock is currently owned by corporate insiders. Wall Street Analyst Weigh In Norwegian Cruise Line Stock Down 0.9 % Several equities research analysts have commented on NCLH shares. Credit Suisse Group restated an underperform rating and set a $13.00 target price on shares of Norwegian Cruise Line in a research report on Wednesday, March 1st. Truist Financial cut their price target on Norwegian Cruise Line from $21.00 to $17.00 and set a buy rating for the company in a research note on Thursday, March 23rd. StockNews.com initiated coverage on Norwegian Cruise Line in a research note on Thursday, May 18th. They set a sell rating for the company. Barclays cut their price target on Norwegian Cruise Line from $15.00 to $14.00 and set an equal weight rating for the company in a research note on Wednesday, March 1st. Finally, Bank of America boosted their target price on shares of Norwegian Cruise Line from $17.00 to $19.00 in a research note on Monday. Three research analysts have rated the stock with a sell rating, five have issued a hold rating, four have assigned a buy rating and one has issued a strong buy rating to the company. According to MarketBeat.com, the company has a consensus rating of Hold and a consensus price target of $16.75. Shares of NYSE:NCLH opened at $19.30 on Thursday. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 184.14, a quick ratio of 0.26 and a current ratio of 0.29. Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings Ltd. has a 1 year low of $10.31 and a 1 year high of $19.68. The stock has a market capitalization of $8.19 billion, a P/E ratio of -5.61 and a beta of 2.49. The stock has a 50-day simple moving average of $14.51 and a 200-day simple moving average of $14.45. Norwegian Cruise Line (NYSE:NCLH Get Rating) last released its quarterly earnings results on Monday, May 1st. The company reported ($0.30) earnings per share for the quarter, topping analysts consensus estimates of ($0.51) by $0.21. The firm had revenue of $1.82 billion during the quarter, compared to analysts expectations of $1.74 billion. Norwegian Cruise Line had a negative return on equity of 448.59% and a negative net margin of 23.54%. Norwegian Cruise Lines quarterly revenue was up 249.1% compared to the same quarter last year. During the same quarter in the prior year, the business earned ($1.90) EPS. Equities analysts forecast that Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings Ltd. will post 0.52 earnings per share for the current year. Norwegian Cruise Line Profile (Get Rating) Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings Ltd., together with its subsidiaries, operates as a cruise company in North America, Europe, the Asia-Pacific, and internationally. The company operates the Norwegian Cruise Line, Oceania Cruises, and Regent Seven Seas Cruises brands. It offers itineraries ranging from three days to a 180-days calling on various locations, including destinations in Scandinavia, Russia, the Mediterranean, the Greek Isles, Alaska, Canada and New England, Hawaii, Asia, Tahiti and the South Pacific, Australia and New Zealand, Africa, India, South America, the Panama Canal, and the Caribbean. Featured Articles Want to see what other hedge funds are holding NCLH? Visit HoldingsChannel.com to get the latest 13F filings and insider trades for Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings Ltd. (NYSE:NCLH Get Rating). Receive News & Ratings for Norwegian Cruise Line Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Norwegian Cruise Line and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Adams Wealth Management boosted its stake in shares of The Coca-Cola Company (NYSE:KO Get Rating) by 11.5% during the 4th quarter, Holdings Channel.com reports. The institutional investor owned 12,149 shares of the companys stock after purchasing an additional 1,257 shares during the quarter. Adams Wealth Managements holdings in Coca-Cola were worth $773,000 at the end of the most recent quarter. Several other institutional investors and hedge funds have also recently bought and sold shares of the stock. Coppell Advisory Solutions Corp. acquired a new stake in Coca-Cola during the 4th quarter worth about $75,000. St. Louis Financial Planners Asset Management LLC acquired a new stake in Coca-Cola during the 4th quarter worth about $1,590,000. Massachusetts Wealth Management acquired a new stake in Coca-Cola during the 4th quarter worth about $1,893,000. Strait & Sound Wealth Management LLC acquired a new position in shares of Coca-Cola in the 4th quarter valued at about $537,000. Finally, GHP Investment Advisors Inc. increased its holdings in shares of Coca-Cola by 11.0% in the 4th quarter. GHP Investment Advisors Inc. now owns 11,992 shares of the companys stock valued at $763,000 after purchasing an additional 1,185 shares during the period. Institutional investors and hedge funds own 68.74% of the companys stock. Get Coca-Cola alerts: Insider Activity In other news, insider Nikolaos Koumettis sold 253,102 shares of the stock in a transaction that occurred on Thursday, May 4th. The stock was sold at an average price of $63.63, for a total value of $16,104,880.26. Following the completion of the sale, the insider now directly owns 184,563 shares of the companys stock, valued at $11,743,743.69. The transaction was disclosed in a document filed with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which can be accessed through this hyperlink. In other news, CMO Manuel Arroyo sold 734 shares of the stock in a transaction that occurred on Tuesday, May 9th. The stock was sold at an average price of $63.40, for a total value of $46,535.60. Following the completion of the sale, the chief marketing officer now directly owns 114,580 shares of the companys stock, valued at $7,264,372. The transaction was disclosed in a document filed with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which can be accessed through this hyperlink. Also, insider Nikolaos Koumettis sold 253,102 shares of Coca-Cola stock in a transaction on Thursday, May 4th. The stock was sold at an average price of $63.63, for a total transaction of $16,104,880.26. Following the sale, the insider now owns 184,563 shares in the company, valued at approximately $11,743,743.69. The disclosure for this sale can be found here. Over the last three months, insiders sold 420,786 shares of company stock valued at $26,886,224. 1.00% of the stock is owned by company insiders. Coca-Cola Stock Down 0.7 % Shares of Coca-Cola stock opened at $60.45 on Thursday. The stock has a market capitalization of $261.42 billion, a P/E ratio of 26.69, a PEG ratio of 3.42 and a beta of 0.55. The company has a quick ratio of 0.95, a current ratio of 1.15 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 1.34. The stock has a 50 day moving average price of $62.42 and a two-hundred day moving average price of $61.79. The Coca-Cola Company has a 12-month low of $54.01 and a 12-month high of $65.47. Coca-Cola (NYSE:KO Get Rating) last announced its earnings results on Monday, April 24th. The company reported $0.68 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, topping analysts consensus estimates of $0.65 by $0.03. The firm had revenue of $11 billion during the quarter, compared to analysts expectations of $10.78 billion. Coca-Cola had a return on equity of 42.96% and a net margin of 22.69%. The companys revenue was up 4.8% on a year-over-year basis. During the same quarter in the prior year, the business earned $0.64 earnings per share. Equities analysts expect that The Coca-Cola Company will post 2.61 earnings per share for the current year. Coca-Cola Dividend Announcement The business also recently announced a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Monday, July 3rd. Shareholders of record on Friday, June 16th will be given a dividend of $0.46 per share. The ex-dividend date is Thursday, June 15th. This represents a $1.84 dividend on an annualized basis and a yield of 3.04%. Coca-Colas payout ratio is currently 80.70%. Analyst Upgrades and Downgrades A number of equities analysts have recently weighed in on the company. Morgan Stanley upped their target price on Coca-Cola from $68.00 to $70.00 and gave the company an overweight rating in a report on Wednesday, February 15th. Credit Suisse Group set a $70.00 target price on Coca-Cola in a report on Wednesday, February 15th. StockNews.com assumed coverage on Coca-Cola in a report on Thursday, May 18th. They issued a buy rating on the stock. Citigroup upped their target price on Coca-Cola from $71.00 to $74.00 in a report on Monday, April 24th. Finally, Evercore ISI increased their price objective on Coca-Cola from $68.00 to $70.00 in a report on Tuesday, April 25th. Three research analysts have rated the stock with a hold rating and ten have issued a buy rating to the company. According to MarketBeat.com, the company has a consensus rating of Moderate Buy and an average target price of $67.67. Coca-Cola Profile (Get Rating) The Coca-Cola Company, a beverage company, manufactures, markets, and sells various nonalcoholic beverages worldwide. The company provides sparkling soft drinks, sparkling flavors; water, sports, coffee, and tea; juice, value-added dairy, and plant-based beverages; and other beverages. It also offers beverage concentrates and syrups, as well as fountain syrups to fountain retailers, such as restaurants and convenience stores. Further Reading Want to see what other hedge funds are holding KO? Visit HoldingsChannel.com to get the latest 13F filings and insider trades for The Coca-Cola Company (NYSE:KO Get Rating). Receive News & Ratings for Coca-Cola Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Coca-Cola and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Ascent Group LLC increased its holdings in Altria Group, Inc. (NYSE:MO Get Rating) by 7.0% in the 4th quarter, according to its most recent disclosure with the SEC. The firm owned 90,736 shares of the companys stock after acquiring an additional 5,911 shares during the period. Ascent Group LLCs holdings in Altria Group were worth $4,148,000 at the end of the most recent quarter. Other hedge funds and other institutional investors also recently added to or reduced their stakes in the company. Sei Investments Co. boosted its position in shares of Altria Group by 1.6% during the 1st quarter. Sei Investments Co. now owns 404,894 shares of the companys stock worth $21,248,000 after purchasing an additional 6,324 shares during the period. Sequoia Financial Advisors LLC grew its stake in shares of Altria Group by 5.2% in the first quarter. Sequoia Financial Advisors LLC now owns 18,647 shares of the companys stock valued at $974,000 after buying an additional 929 shares in the last quarter. Loomis Sayles & Co. L P acquired a new stake in shares of Altria Group in the first quarter valued at $25,000. Mackenzie Financial Corp raised its holdings in shares of Altria Group by 3.4% in the 1st quarter. Mackenzie Financial Corp now owns 2,711,773 shares of the companys stock valued at $141,690,000 after buying an additional 89,334 shares during the period. Finally, First Western Trust Bank acquired a new position in Altria Group during the 1st quarter worth about $498,000. Institutional investors and hedge funds own 58.68% of the companys stock. Get Altria Group alerts: Analyst Ratings Changes MO has been the topic of a number of recent research reports. Stifel Nicolaus began coverage on shares of Altria Group in a research note on Thursday, April 13th. They set a buy rating and a $52.00 price target on the stock. Citigroup decreased their price target on shares of Altria Group from $49.50 to $47.00 and set a neutral rating for the company in a research report on Monday, April 17th. Finally, StockNews.com lowered Altria Group from a buy rating to a hold rating in a research report on Tuesday. Two investment analysts have rated the stock with a sell rating, six have issued a hold rating and two have given a buy rating to the company. Based on data from MarketBeat, the stock currently has a consensus rating of Hold and a consensus target price of $44.67. Altria Group Price Performance Shares of NYSE MO opened at $43.95 on Thursday. The business has a 50-day moving average of $45.54 and a two-hundred day moving average of $45.88. The company has a market capitalization of $78.45 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 14.13, a price-to-earnings-growth ratio of 2.30 and a beta of 0.59. Altria Group, Inc. has a 1 year low of $40.35 and a 1 year high of $51.57. Altria Group (NYSE:MO Get Rating) last posted its earnings results on Thursday, April 27th. The company reported $1.18 earnings per share for the quarter, missing the consensus estimate of $1.19 by ($0.01). The business had revenue of $4.76 billion for the quarter, compared to analysts expectations of $4.89 billion. Altria Group had a negative return on equity of 245.43% and a net margin of 22.44%. Altria Groups revenue for the quarter was down 1.2% compared to the same quarter last year. During the same quarter in the previous year, the firm earned $1.12 EPS. As a group, equities research analysts expect that Altria Group, Inc. will post 4.97 earnings per share for the current year. Altria Group Announces Dividend The business also recently declared a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Monday, July 10th. Investors of record on Thursday, June 15th will be paid a dividend of $0.94 per share. The ex-dividend date is Wednesday, June 14th. This represents a $3.76 annualized dividend and a yield of 8.56%. Altria Groups dividend payout ratio is currently 120.90%. About Altria Group (Get Rating) Altria Group, Inc, through its subsidiaries, manufactures and sells smokeable and oral tobacco products in the United States. The company provides cigarettes primarily under the Marlboro brand; cigars and pipe tobacco principally under the Black & Mild brand; moist smokeless tobacco products and snus products under the Copenhagen, Skoal, Red Seal, and Husky brands; and on! oral nicotine pouches. Featured Articles Want to see what other hedge funds are holding MO? Visit HoldingsChannel.com to get the latest 13F filings and insider trades for Altria Group, Inc. (NYSE:MO Get Rating). Receive News & Ratings for Altria Group Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Altria Group and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Grupo Aeroportuario del Sureste, S. A. B. de C. V. (NYSE:ASR Get Rating) and Finnair Oyj (OTCMKTS:FNNNF Get Rating) are both transportation companies, but which is the better investment? We will compare the two companies based on the strength of their institutional ownership, analyst recommendations, valuation, profitability, risk, dividends and earnings. Earnings and Valuation This table compares Grupo Aeroportuario del Sureste, S. A. B. de C. V. and Finnair Oyjs revenue, earnings per share and valuation. Get Grupo Aeroportuario del Sureste S. A. B. de C. V. alerts: Gross Revenue Price/Sales Ratio Net Income Earnings Per Share Price/Earnings Ratio Grupo Aeroportuario del Sureste, S. A. B. de C. V. $26.34 billion 0.34 $496.33 million $17.60 16.86 Finnair Oyj N/A N/A N/A ($0.47) -1.05 Grupo Aeroportuario del Sureste, S. A. B. de C. V. has higher revenue and earnings than Finnair Oyj. Finnair Oyj is trading at a lower price-to-earnings ratio than Grupo Aeroportuario del Sureste, S. A. B. de C. V., indicating that it is currently the more affordable of the two stocks. Profitability Net Margins Return on Equity Return on Assets Grupo Aeroportuario del Sureste, S. A. B. de C. V. 39.70% 22.41% 15.58% Finnair Oyj N/A N/A N/A Analyst Ratings This table compares Grupo Aeroportuario del Sureste, S. A. B. de C. V. and Finnair Oyjs net margins, return on equity and return on assets. This is a summary of recent recommendations for Grupo Aeroportuario del Sureste, S. A. B. de C. V. and Finnair Oyj, as provided by MarketBeat. Sell Ratings Hold Ratings Buy Ratings Strong Buy Ratings Rating Score Grupo Aeroportuario del Sureste, S. A. B. de C. V. 1 2 1 0 2.00 Finnair Oyj 0 0 0 0 N/A Grupo Aeroportuario del Sureste, S. A. B. de C. V. currently has a consensus target price of $255.00, suggesting a potential downside of 14.07%. Given Grupo Aeroportuario del Sureste, S. A. B. de C. V.s higher probable upside, research analysts plainly believe Grupo Aeroportuario del Sureste, S. A. B. de C. V. is more favorable than Finnair Oyj. Insider and Institutional Ownership 15.7% of Grupo Aeroportuario del Sureste, S. A. B. de C. V. shares are owned by institutional investors. Comparatively, 14.3% of Finnair Oyj shares are owned by institutional investors. Strong institutional ownership is an indication that hedge funds, endowments and large money managers believe a stock will outperform the market over the long term. Summary Grupo Aeroportuario del Sureste, S. A. B. de C. V. beats Finnair Oyj on 9 of the 9 factors compared between the two stocks. About Grupo Aeroportuario del Sureste, S. A. B. de C. V. (Get Rating) Grupo Aeroportuario del Sureste, S. A. B. de C. V. holds concessions to operate, maintain, and develop airports in the southeast region of Mexico. The company operates airports that are located in the cities of Cancun, Cozumel, Merida, Huatulco, Oaxaca, Veracruz, Villahermosa, Tapachula, and Minatitlan. It provides aeronautical services, which include passenger, aircraft landing and parking, passenger walkway, and airport security services. The company also offers non-aeronautical services, such as leasing of space at its airports to retailers, restaurants, airlines, and other commercial tenants; catering, handling, and ground transportation services, as well as engages in the various commercial operations. In addition, it holds concessions to operate the Luis Munoz Marin International Airport in San Juan, Puerto Rico; and various airports in Colombia, including the Enrique Olaya Herrera Airport in Medellin, the Jose Maria Cordova International Airport in Rionegro, the Los Garzones Airport in Monteria, the Antonio Roldan Betancourt Airport in Carepa, the El Carano Airport in Quibdo, and the Las Brujas Airport in Corozal. Grupo Aeroportuario del Sureste, S. A. B. de C. V. was incorporated in 1998 and is headquartered in Mexico City, Mexico. About Finnair Oyj (Get Rating) Finnair Oyj engages in the airline business in North America, Asia, and Europe. The company offers passenger and cargo traffic, ancillary services, package tours under the Aurinkomatkat-Suntours brand name, and other travel products; and support services comprising catering, aircraft maintenance, ground handling, and airline training. It operates through a fleet of 56 aircrafts, which included 25 wide-body and 31 narrowbody aircrafts. The company was incorporated in 1923 and is headquartered in Vantaa, Finland. Receive News & Ratings for Grupo Aeroportuario del Sureste S. A. B. de C. V. Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Grupo Aeroportuario del Sureste S. A. B. de C. V. and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Asian Television Network International Limited (CVE:SAT Get Rating) rose 8.3% on Wednesday . The stock traded as high as C$0.13 and last traded at C$0.13. Approximately 2,500 shares changed hands during trading, a decline of 86% from the average daily volume of 17,312 shares. The stock had previously closed at C$0.12. Asian Television Network International Stock Up 8.3 % The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 224.72, a quick ratio of 0.63 and a current ratio of 0.56. The firm has a market cap of C$3.17 million, a price-to-earnings ratio of -13.00 and a beta of 0.55. The firm has a 50-day moving average price of C$0.17 and a two-hundred day moving average price of C$0.19. About Asian Television Network International (Get Rating) Asian Television Network International Limited engages in the specialty, pay television broadcasting, and television broadcasting advertising primarily for the south Asian community in Canada. It operates approximately 50 premium pay specialty television channels in 9 languages. The company provides its flagship ATN-HD general interest service; and various Bollywood movie channels with approximately 100 movies a month, as well as various channels that include sports, news, music, lifestyle, spiritual, and regional language channels. Featured Articles Receive News & Ratings for Asian Television Network International Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Asian Television Network International and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. ASM International NV (OTCMKTS:ASMIY Get Rating) shares reached a new 52-week high on Tuesday . The company traded as high as $449.45 and last traded at $444.01, with a volume of 1987 shares traded. The stock had previously closed at $428.55. Wall Street Analysts Forecast Growth A number of research analysts recently commented on ASMIY shares. Citigroup started coverage on ASM International in a research report on Thursday, February 23rd. They issued a buy rating on the stock. Morgan Stanley upgraded ASM International from an underweight rating to an equal weight rating in a research report on Wednesday, March 29th. One research analyst has rated the stock with a sell rating, one has assigned a hold rating and six have issued a buy rating to the companys stock. According to MarketBeat.com, the stock currently has a consensus rating of Moderate Buy and an average price target of $347.20. Get ASM International alerts: ASM International Price Performance The stock has a 50-day simple moving average of $393.42 and a 200-day simple moving average of $345.95. The stock has a market cap of $21.94 billion, a P/E ratio of 31.56 and a beta of 1.74. ASM International Cuts Dividend ASM International ( OTCMKTS:ASMIY Get Rating ) last announced its quarterly earnings results on Tuesday, April 25th. The company reported $3.96 EPS for the quarter. ASM International had a return on equity of 24.29% and a net margin of 24.66%. The firm had revenue of $761.74 million for the quarter. As a group, sell-side analysts forecast that ASM International NV will post 14.52 earnings per share for the current year. The business also recently disclosed a dividend, which was paid on Thursday, May 25th. Investors of record on Thursday, May 18th were paid a $2.2659 dividend. This represents a dividend yield of 0.61%. The ex-dividend date was Wednesday, May 17th. ASM Internationals dividend payout ratio is currently 17.14%. About ASM International (Get Rating) ASM International NV engages in the research and development, design, manufacture, and sale of equipment, and provision of service to customers for the production of semiconductor devices and integrated circuits. It operates through the Front-end and Back-end segments. The Front-end segment manufactures and sells equipment used in wafer processing, encompassing the fabrication steps in which silicon wafers are layered with semiconductor devices. See Also Receive News & Ratings for ASM International Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for ASM International and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. When Sydney Helgeson of Bismarck won the Miss North Dakota 2023 competition in Williston this past weekend, the history that was on hand and in her heart made the honor even more special. The 22-year-old recent college graduate won the title during the competitions 75th anniversary. Over 30 Miss North Dakota titleholders saw her be crowned, including the first Miss North Dakota, 94-year-old Kitty Page. It was an incredibly special year to be crowned, Helgeson said. Her achievement also came about six decades after her inspiration her late grandmother almost wore the crown. Experienced competitor Helgeson has been in the pageant scene since she was 11 years old. Her first experience was with the Miss North Dakota youth program. Back then, it was called Preteen Miss North Dakota. Helgeson won the title in 2013, making this year her 10-year anniversary. Helgeson went on to compete for Miss North Dakota Teen. She won her second year competing in 2017 as a junior in high school. It was the same year Bismarcks Cara Mund was named Miss North Dakota. Helgeson originally had no plans to participate in the Miss North Dakota competition, but she said watching Munds journey inspired her to compete for the title. Mund went on to win the Miss America crown, being the first contestant from North Dakota to hold the title. Helgeson will represent North Dakota at the Miss America competition in January. This was Helgesons third year competing for Miss North Dakota. She said that her years competing in pageants has shaped her through the relationships shes made and the skills shes gained. Helgesons roommate throughout college was a Miss Florida teen whom she met at Miss America Teen nationals. I think its just made me a confident young woman thats able to not only be empowered myself, but empower other young woman too, she said. Grandmother inspiration Helgeson cites her grandmother as her initial inspiration to compete in pageants. Helgesons grandmother was Miss Minot in 1961. She was a first runner-up for Miss North Dakota, a place which Helgeson also took her second year competing. Helgeson would go to her grandmothers house as a little girl and try on her dresses. When Helgeson won Miss North Dakota Teen, she wore her grandmothers dress from 1961 for the talent portion, and she wore the dress again when she competed in Miss America Teen. Her grandmother came to watch and saw her dress on a national stage. Helgesons grandmother died during the coronavirus pandemic due to COVID-19. Even though shes not here, I know that thats something that I share with her, Helgeson said of competing. Looking to the future Helgesons community service initiative is Live United: Building Strong Communities Together as a partnership with United Way. Community service has been instilled in Helgeson since a young age, she said. She volunteered at United Way throughout high school and eventually interned there. As Miss North Dakota, Helgeson wants to partner with all eight United Way affiliates in the state to find out how she can help them meet community needs. Her goal is to get people, especially young people, to be involved in their community and to see the value in it. Helgesons passion for nonprofit work carries into her academic life, as she sees herself working for a nonprofit after her time as Miss North Dakota. Helgeson graduated this year from the University of Alabama with a bachelors degree in commerce and business administration majoring in management and entrepreneurship. Her win as Miss North Dakota Teen granted her a full tuition scholarship to the school. Now, she won a $10,000 scholarship as Miss North Dakota. Helgeson said that the money enables her to explore going to graduate school. She said shes proud to represent North Dakota on a national level. She mentioned that going to college in Alabama made her eligible to compete for the Miss Alabama title, but she decided to come back to her home state. I was born and raised here. I did go away for college but I chose to come back because this is my home and it was something that was important to me, Helgeson said. She has been Miss North Dakota for less than a week and already has a busy schedule. It can get overwhelming, she said, but shes glad that shes busy and hopes the rest of the year will be similar. I dont think its fully sunk in yet. I wear the sash and Im going to all these media appearances, but its a little weird. Especially since Ive been in it for so long, she said. Just watching, not even just Cara, but all the Miss North Dakotas that have come before me and actually getting to join that sisterhood and be part of that group is really special. Bank Pictet & Cie Asia Ltd. reduced its holdings in shares of Humana Inc. (NYSE:HUM Get Rating) by 13.4% in the 4th quarter, according to the company in its most recent filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission. The fund owned 2,146 shares of the insurance providers stock after selling 331 shares during the quarter. Bank Pictet & Cie Asia Ltd.s holdings in Humana were worth $1,099,000 at the end of the most recent reporting period. Other institutional investors and hedge funds have also modified their holdings of the company. Arlington Partners LLC bought a new stake in shares of Humana during the 4th quarter worth $29,000. WFA of San Diego LLC bought a new stake in shares of Humana during the 4th quarter worth $33,000. U.S. Capital Wealth Advisors LLC bought a new stake in shares of Humana during the 4th quarter worth $35,000. Delta Asset Management LLC TN bought a new stake in shares of Humana during the 4th quarter worth $46,000. Finally, SJS Investment Consulting Inc. lifted its position in shares of Humana by 1,257.1% during the 4th quarter. SJS Investment Consulting Inc. now owns 95 shares of the insurance providers stock worth $49,000 after buying an additional 88 shares during the last quarter. 93.38% of the stock is currently owned by institutional investors. Get Humana alerts: Humana Stock Down 11.2 % Shares of NYSE:HUM opened at $455.00 on Thursday. The businesss 50 day simple moving average is $515.19 and its two-hundred day simple moving average is $507.58. The firm has a market cap of $56.85 billion, a P/E ratio of 18.48, a PEG ratio of 1.34 and a beta of 0.72. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.59, a quick ratio of 1.39 and a current ratio of 1.39. Humana Inc. has a 52-week low of $418.70 and a 52-week high of $571.30. Humana Dividend Announcement Humana ( NYSE:HUM Get Rating ) last announced its earnings results on Wednesday, April 26th. The insurance provider reported $9.38 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, beating the consensus estimate of $9.25 by $0.13. The company had revenue of $26.74 billion for the quarter, compared to analysts expectations of $26.40 billion. Humana had a return on equity of 21.04% and a net margin of 3.26%. Humanas quarterly revenue was up 11.6% on a year-over-year basis. During the same quarter in the previous year, the firm earned $8.04 earnings per share. As a group, research analysts forecast that Humana Inc. will post 28.27 EPS for the current fiscal year. The business also recently announced a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Friday, July 28th. Investors of record on Friday, June 30th will be given a dividend of $0.885 per share. The ex-dividend date is Thursday, June 29th. This represents a $3.54 annualized dividend and a dividend yield of 0.78%. Humanas payout ratio is 14.38%. Insider Activity at Humana In related news, CFO Susan M. Diamond sold 4,156 shares of Humana stock in a transaction that occurred on Thursday, May 4th. The stock was sold at an average price of $526.28, for a total transaction of $2,187,219.68. Following the transaction, the chief financial officer now owns 3,931 shares of the companys stock, valued at $2,068,806.68. The sale was disclosed in a legal filing with the SEC, which can be accessed through this link. 0.32% of the stock is owned by insiders. Wall Street Analysts Forecast Growth HUM has been the subject of a number of recent research reports. TheStreet raised Humana from a c+ rating to a b- rating in a report on Thursday, April 13th. SVB Securities lowered their target price on Humana from $640.00 to $600.00 in a report on Thursday, April 27th. Truist Financial upped their target price on Humana from $560.00 to $590.00 and gave the stock a hold rating in a report on Thursday, April 13th. Cantor Fitzgerald initiated coverage on Humana in a report on Thursday, April 20th. They issued an overweight rating and a $597.00 target price for the company. Finally, StockNews.com initiated coverage on Humana in a report on Thursday, May 18th. They issued a strong-buy rating for the company. One research analyst has rated the stock with a hold rating, fourteen have given a buy rating and one has given a strong buy rating to the stock. According to MarketBeat, the company currently has a consensus rating of Buy and a consensus target price of $599.72. Humana Company Profile (Get Rating) Humana Inc engages in the provision of health insurance services. It operates through the Insurance and CenterWell segments. The Insurance segment consists of Medicare benefits, marketed to individuals or directly via group Medicare accounts, as well as contract with CMS to administer the Limited Income Newly Eligible Transition, or LI-NET, prescription drug plan program and contracts with various states to provide Medicaid, dual eligible demonstration, and Long-Term Support Services benefits, which refer to as state-based contracts. Read More Want to see what other hedge funds are holding HUM? Visit HoldingsChannel.com to get the latest 13F filings and insider trades for Humana Inc. (NYSE:HUM Get Rating). Receive News & Ratings for Humana Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Humana and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Shares of Barsele Minerals Corp. (OTCMKTS:BRSLF Get Rating) fell 5.4% on Tuesday . The company traded as low as $0.15 and last traded at $0.15. 40,000 shares changed hands during trading, an increase of 647% from the average session volume of 5,357 shares. The stock had previously closed at $0.16. Barsele Minerals Stock Performance The stock has a fifty day simple moving average of $0.23 and a two-hundred day simple moving average of $0.24. Barsele Minerals Company Profile (Get Rating) Barsele Minerals Corp., an exploration stage company, engages in the acquisition, exploration, and evaluation of mineral properties in Sweden. The company explores for gold, silver, copper, and zinc deposits. It holds a 45% interest in the Barsele gold project that covers an area of approximately 47,000 hectares located in Vasterbottens Lan, Northern Sweden. Further Reading Receive News & Ratings for Barsele Minerals Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Barsele Minerals and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. BlackRock Greater Europe Investment Trust plc (LON:BRGE Get Rating) rose 0.2% on Wednesday . The company traded as high as GBX 552.91 ($6.92) and last traded at GBX 550 ($6.88). Approximately 196,151 shares traded hands during trading, an increase of 85% from the average daily volume of 105,796 shares. The stock had previously closed at GBX 549 ($6.87). BlackRock Greater Europe Investment Trust Stock Up 0.2 % The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.04, a quick ratio of 2.71 and a current ratio of 2.71. The stock has a market capitalization of 555.50 million, a PE ratio of -276.38 and a beta of 0.99. The business has a 50 day moving average of GBX 540.62 and a two-hundred day moving average of GBX 517.29. Get BlackRock Greater Europe Investment Trust alerts: BlackRock Greater Europe Investment Trust Cuts Dividend The firm also recently announced a dividend, which will be paid on Monday, June 19th. Investors of record on Thursday, May 18th will be given a dividend of GBX 1.75 ($0.02) per share. This represents a yield of 0.32%. The ex-dividend date is Thursday, May 18th. BlackRock Greater Europe Investment Trusts dividend payout ratio is currently -351.76%. Insider Activity at BlackRock Greater Europe Investment Trust BlackRock Greater Europe Investment Trust Company Profile In other BlackRock Greater Europe Investment Trust news, insider Paola Subacchi bought 1,083 shares of BlackRock Greater Europe Investment Trust stock in a transaction that occurred on Thursday, May 11th. The shares were bought at an average cost of GBX 544 ($6.81) per share, with a total value of 5,891.52 ($7,371.77). 10.41% of the stock is currently owned by corporate insiders. (Get Rating) BlackRock Greater Europe Investment Trust plc is a closed-ended equity mutual fund launched by BlackRock Fund Managers Limited. It is managed by BlackRock Investment Management (UK) Limited. The fund invests in the public equity markets of Europe, excluding the United Kingdom. It seeks to invest in stocks of companies operating across diversified sectors. See Also Receive News & Ratings for BlackRock Greater Europe Investment Trust Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for BlackRock Greater Europe Investment Trust and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. BMO REX MicroSectors FANG Index 3X Inverse Leveraged ETN (NYSEARCA:FNGD Get Rating) was down 2.8% during trading on Tuesday . The stock traded as low as $9.21 and last traded at $9.36. Approximately 7,066,624 shares changed hands during mid-day trading, an increase of 105% from the average daily volume of 3,448,605 shares. The stock had previously closed at $9.63. BMO REX MicroSectors FANG Index 3X Inverse Leveraged ETN Stock Down 4.1 % The company has a 50 day moving average of $16.12 and a 200 day moving average of $30.40. Institutional Trading of BMO REX MicroSectors FANG Index 3X Inverse Leveraged ETN Hedge funds and other institutional investors have recently modified their holdings of the stock. Pinnacle Holdings LLC acquired a new stake in shares of BMO REX MicroSectors FANG Index 3X Inverse Leveraged ETN in the 1st quarter worth $29,000. Captrust Financial Advisors acquired a new stake in shares of BMO REX MicroSectors FANG Index 3X Inverse Leveraged ETN during the 2nd quarter worth about $65,000. Nelson Van Denburg & Campbell Wealth Management Group LLC acquired a new stake in shares of BMO REX MicroSectors FANG Index 3X Inverse Leveraged ETN during the 1st quarter worth about $74,000. Flow Traders U.S. LLC acquired a new stake in shares of BMO REX MicroSectors FANG Index 3X Inverse Leveraged ETN during the 1st quarter worth about $206,000. Finally, OLD Mission Capital LLC acquired a new stake in shares of BMO REX MicroSectors FANG Index 3X Inverse Leveraged ETN during the 3rd quarter worth about $353,000. Featured Articles Receive News & Ratings for BMO REX MicroSectors FANG Index 3X Inverse Leveraged ETN Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for BMO REX MicroSectors FANG Index 3X Inverse Leveraged ETN and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Brunello Cucinelli S.p.A. (OTCMKTS:BCUCY Get Rating) saw a significant drop in short interest in the month of May. As of May 31st, there was short interest totalling 400 shares, a drop of 33.3% from the May 15th total of 600 shares. Based on an average daily volume of 1,000 shares, the days-to-cover ratio is presently 0.4 days. Analyst Upgrades and Downgrades Separately, Bank of America raised Brunello Cucinelli from an underperform rating to a neutral rating in a report on Wednesday, April 19th. Get Brunello Cucinelli alerts: Brunello Cucinelli Stock Performance BCUCY traded down $0.07 during trading on Wednesday, reaching $46.35. The stock had a trading volume of 398 shares, compared to its average volume of 572. The stock has a 50 day moving average of $46.70 and a two-hundred day moving average of $42.59. Brunello Cucinelli has a 1-year low of $20.49 and a 1-year high of $51.33. Brunello Cucinelli Dividend Announcement Brunello Cucinelli Company Profile The company also recently disclosed a dividend, which was paid on Monday, May 22nd. Stockholders of record on Tuesday, May 23rd were paid a $0.232 dividend. The ex-dividend date of this dividend was Monday, May 22nd. Brunello Cucinellis dividend payout ratio is presently 15.46%. (Get Rating) Brunello Cucinelli SpA engages in the design, manufacture, and distribution of luxury clothing and accessories. It specializes in cashmere products in the ready-to-wear apparel sector under the brand name Brunello Cucinelli. It operates through the Europe, Italy, Americas, and Asia geographical segments. Featured Stories Receive News & Ratings for Brunello Cucinelli Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Brunello Cucinelli and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Callan Family Office LLC purchased a new stake in iShares MSCI Emerging Markets ETF (NYSEARCA:EEM Get Rating) during the 4th quarter, according to the company in its most recent disclosure with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). The institutional investor purchased 216,776 shares of the exchange traded funds stock, valued at approximately $8,216,000. iShares MSCI Emerging Markets ETF makes up approximately 2.6% of Callan Family Office LLCs holdings, making the stock its 10th largest position. Other institutional investors also recently modified their holdings of the company. Moneta Group Investment Advisors LLC grew its position in iShares MSCI Emerging Markets ETF by 125,500.5% during the 4th quarter. Moneta Group Investment Advisors LLC now owns 144,937,968 shares of the exchange traded funds stock worth $5,493,149,000 after purchasing an additional 144,822,572 shares in the last quarter. Caisse DE Depot ET Placement DU Quebec grew its holdings in shares of iShares MSCI Emerging Markets ETF by 112.2% during the 4th quarter. Caisse DE Depot ET Placement DU Quebec now owns 1,244,119 shares of the exchange traded funds stock valued at $47,152,000 after acquiring an additional 11,466,025 shares in the last quarter. Varma Mutual Pension Insurance Co purchased a new position in shares of iShares MSCI Emerging Markets ETF during the 4th quarter valued at $324,358,000. Morgan Stanley grew its holdings in shares of iShares MSCI Emerging Markets ETF by 20.9% during the 4th quarter. Morgan Stanley now owns 39,172,754 shares of the exchange traded funds stock valued at $1,484,647,000 after acquiring an additional 6,765,030 shares in the last quarter. Finally, CIBC Private Wealth Group LLC grew its holdings in shares of iShares MSCI Emerging Markets ETF by 371.3% during the 4th quarter. CIBC Private Wealth Group LLC now owns 3,133,070 shares of the exchange traded funds stock valued at $118,743,000 after acquiring an additional 2,468,243 shares in the last quarter. Institutional investors own 82.29% of the companys stock. Get iShares MSCI Emerging Markets ETF alerts: iShares MSCI Emerging Markets ETF Trading Up 0.6 % Shares of iShares MSCI Emerging Markets ETF stock traded up $0.25 on Thursday, hitting $40.89. 15,750,300 shares of the company traded hands, compared to its average volume of 32,742,047. The company has a 50-day moving average price of $39.21 and a 200 day moving average price of $39.33. iShares MSCI Emerging Markets ETF has a 12-month low of $33.49 and a 12-month high of $42.53. iShares MSCI Emerging Markets ETF Company Profile iShares MSCI Emerging Markets ETF, formerly iShares MSCI Emerging Markets Index Fund (the Fund), seeks investment results that correspond generally to the price and yield performance of publicly traded equity securities in global emerging markets, as measured by the MSCI Emerging Markets Index (the Index). Read More Want to see what other hedge funds are holding EEM? Visit HoldingsChannel.com to get the latest 13F filings and insider trades for iShares MSCI Emerging Markets ETF (NYSEARCA:EEM Get Rating). Receive News & Ratings for iShares MSCI Emerging Markets ETF Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for iShares MSCI Emerging Markets ETF and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Citycon Oyj (OTCMKTS:COYJF Get Rating) was the recipient of a large increase in short interest in the month of May. As of May 31st, there was short interest totalling 119,100 shares, an increase of 88.7% from the May 15th total of 63,100 shares. Based on an average trading volume of 0 shares, the days-to-cover ratio is currently days. Citycon Oyj Price Performance OTCMKTS COYJF remained flat at C$6.02 on Wednesday. Citycon Oyj has a one year low of C$6.02 and a one year high of C$6.02. The businesss fifty day simple moving average is C$6.02 and its two-hundred day simple moving average is C$6.02. Get Citycon Oyj alerts: About Citycon Oyj (Get Rating) See Also Citycon Oyj, a real estate investment company, operates as an owner, manager, and developer of mixed-use centers for urban living in the Nordic region. The company develops retail, office space, and residential properties. It owns 36 centers and 1 other retail property. The company was incorporated in 1988 and is headquartered in Espoo, Finland. Receive News & Ratings for Citycon Oyj Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Citycon Oyj and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. StockNews.com upgraded shares of Costamare (NYSE:CMRE Get Rating) from a hold rating to a buy rating in a research report report published on Monday morning. Separately, Jefferies Financial Group lowered shares of Costamare from a buy rating to a hold rating and reduced their target price for the company from $15.00 to $10.00 in a research note on Monday, April 24th. Get Costamare alerts: Costamare Stock Performance Shares of CMRE stock opened at $9.31 on Monday. Costamare has a 12 month low of $7.71 and a 12 month high of $12.85. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.95, a current ratio of 2.17 and a quick ratio of 2.09. The firm has a market capitalization of $1.14 billion, a P/E ratio of 2.07 and a beta of 1.38. The companys fifty day moving average price is $8.84 and its two-hundred day moving average price is $9.36. Costamare Dividend Announcement Costamare ( NYSE:CMRE Get Rating ) last released its earnings results on Monday, May 15th. The shipping company reported $0.38 earnings per share for the quarter, hitting the consensus estimate of $0.38. Costamare had a net margin of 53.06% and a return on equity of 17.47%. The company had revenue of $248.77 million during the quarter, compared to the consensus estimate of $227.06 million. On average, research analysts anticipate that Costamare will post 2.55 earnings per share for the current fiscal year. The firm also recently announced a quarterly dividend, which was paid on Friday, May 5th. Investors of record on Wednesday, April 19th were paid a dividend of $0.115 per share. This represents a $0.46 annualized dividend and a yield of 4.94%. The ex-dividend date of this dividend was Tuesday, April 18th. Costamares dividend payout ratio is presently 10.22%. Institutional Investors Weigh In On Costamare A number of large investors have recently made changes to their positions in the company. Unison Advisors LLC increased its stake in Costamare by 1.5% in the 1st quarter. Unison Advisors LLC now owns 78,156 shares of the shipping companys stock valued at $735,000 after buying an additional 1,148 shares during the period. SummerHaven Investment Management LLC raised its stake in shares of Costamare by 1.6% in the 4th quarter. SummerHaven Investment Management LLC now owns 72,392 shares of the shipping companys stock valued at $672,000 after buying an additional 1,162 shares in the last quarter. UBS Group AG raised its stake in shares of Costamare by 7.7% in the 4th quarter. UBS Group AG now owns 21,080 shares of the shipping companys stock valued at $196,000 after buying an additional 1,509 shares in the last quarter. Rhumbline Advisers increased its position in shares of Costamare by 2.3% during the 1st quarter. Rhumbline Advisers now owns 82,406 shares of the shipping companys stock worth $775,000 after purchasing an additional 1,825 shares in the last quarter. Finally, Cambridge Investment Research Advisors Inc. increased its position in shares of Costamare by 18.8% during the 1st quarter. Cambridge Investment Research Advisors Inc. now owns 11,904 shares of the shipping companys stock worth $203,000 after purchasing an additional 1,883 shares in the last quarter. Institutional investors and hedge funds own 48.80% of the companys stock. About Costamare (Get Rating) Costamare, Inc is a holding company, which engages in the provision of containerships chartering. It operates through the following segments: Container Vessels, Dry Bulk Vessels, CBI, and Other. The Container Vessels segment consists of transportation of containerized products through ownership and trading of container vessels. Recommended Stories Receive News & Ratings for Costamare Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Costamare and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. CVA Family Office LLC reduced its stake in shares of Philip Morris International Inc. (NYSE:PM Get Rating) by 2.1% during the 4th quarter, according to the company in its most recent 13F filing with the SEC. The firm owned 8,236 shares of the companys stock after selling 175 shares during the quarter. CVA Family Office LLCs holdings in Philip Morris International were worth $834,000 as of its most recent filing with the SEC. Several other hedge funds have also modified their holdings of the stock. Ameritas Advisory Services LLC grew its stake in Philip Morris International by 0.9% during the 3rd quarter. Ameritas Advisory Services LLC now owns 15,762 shares of the companys stock valued at $1,308,000 after purchasing an additional 133 shares in the last quarter. Advisor OS LLC acquired a new stake in Philip Morris International during the 4th quarter valued at approximately $200,000. Prospera Financial Services Inc grew its stake in Philip Morris International by 8.3% during the 4th quarter. Prospera Financial Services Inc now owns 12,912 shares of the companys stock valued at $1,307,000 after purchasing an additional 987 shares in the last quarter. Van ECK Associates Corp grew its stake in Philip Morris International by 4.9% during the 4th quarter. Van ECK Associates Corp now owns 54,238 shares of the companys stock valued at $5,489,000 after purchasing an additional 2,545 shares in the last quarter. Finally, Profund Advisors LLC grew its stake in Philip Morris International by 10.1% during the 4th quarter. Profund Advisors LLC now owns 17,092 shares of the companys stock valued at $1,730,000 after purchasing an additional 1,568 shares in the last quarter. 75.85% of the stock is currently owned by hedge funds and other institutional investors. Get Philip Morris International alerts: Philip Morris International Price Performance NYSE:PM traded up $1.30 during midday trading on Thursday, reaching $94.36. 746,081 shares of the company traded hands, compared to its average volume of 4,379,724. Philip Morris International Inc. has a twelve month low of $82.85 and a twelve month high of $105.62. The firm has a market capitalization of $146.47 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 16.65, a price-to-earnings-growth ratio of 2.37 and a beta of 0.68. The company has a fifty day moving average price of $95.24 and a 200 day moving average price of $98.42. Philip Morris International Announces Dividend Philip Morris International ( NYSE:PM Get Rating ) last released its quarterly earnings data on Thursday, April 20th. The company reported $1.38 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, beating analysts consensus estimates of $1.34 by $0.04. Philip Morris International had a negative return on equity of 128.55% and a net margin of 10.80%. The business had revenue of $8.10 billion during the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of $8.03 billion. During the same quarter in the previous year, the firm posted $1.56 EPS. The businesss revenue for the quarter was up 4.6% compared to the same quarter last year. On average, equities research analysts forecast that Philip Morris International Inc. will post 6.19 earnings per share for the current fiscal year. The firm also recently announced a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Tuesday, July 11th. Shareholders of record on Friday, June 23rd will be paid a dividend of $1.27 per share. This represents a $5.08 annualized dividend and a yield of 5.38%. The ex-dividend date of this dividend is Thursday, June 22nd. Philip Morris Internationals payout ratio is currently 90.88%. Analysts Set New Price Targets A number of equities research analysts have weighed in on PM shares. Stifel Nicolaus initiated coverage on Philip Morris International in a research note on Thursday, April 13th. They set a buy rating and a $114.00 price objective for the company. StockNews.com initiated coverage on Philip Morris International in a research report on Thursday, May 18th. They issued a hold rating for the company. UBS Group upgraded Philip Morris International from a neutral rating to a buy rating and lifted their target price for the stock from $106.00 to $116.00 in a research report on Wednesday, March 1st. Finally, JPMorgan Chase & Co. upgraded Philip Morris International from a neutral rating to an overweight rating and lifted their target price for the stock from $109.00 to $116.00 in a research report on Thursday, March 30th. One research analyst has rated the stock with a sell rating, three have given a hold rating and seven have given a buy rating to the stock. According to MarketBeat, the company currently has an average rating of Moderate Buy and an average target price of $110.60. About Philip Morris International (Get Rating) Philip Morris International Inc operates as a tobacco company working to delivers a smoke-free future and evolving portfolio for the long-term to include products outside of the tobacco and nicotine sector. The company's product portfolio primarily consists of cigarettes and smoke-free products, including heat-not-burn, vapor, and oral nicotine products that are sold in markets outside the United States. See Also Want to see what other hedge funds are holding PM? Visit HoldingsChannel.com to get the latest 13F filings and insider trades for Philip Morris International Inc. (NYSE:PM 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. Davide Campari-Milano (OTCMKTS:DVDCF Get Rating) hit a new 52-week high on Tuesday . The stock traded as high as $13.94 and last traded at $13.94, with a volume of 226 shares trading hands. The stock had previously closed at $13.05. Wall Street Analyst Weigh In A number of equities analysts have issued reports on the company. Morgan Stanley lifted their price target on Davide Campari-Milano to 13.00 ($13.98) in a research note on Tuesday, April 18th. Credit Suisse Group increased their price target on Davide Campari-Milano to 12.50 ($13.44) in a research report on Wednesday, May 3rd. Finally, Barclays boosted their price target on shares of Davide Campari-Milano to 10.70 ($11.51) in a report on Wednesday, April 12th. One research analyst has rated the stock with a sell rating, five have given a hold rating and three have assigned a buy rating to the company. According to MarketBeat.com, the company has a consensus rating of Hold and a consensus price target of $11.75. Get Davide Campari-Milano alerts: Davide Campari-Milano Stock Performance The business has a 50-day moving average price of $12.94 and a 200 day moving average price of $11.72. Davide Campari-Milano Company Profile Davide Campari-Milano NV is a holding company, which engages in the production and distribution of alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages. The firm operates through its geographic segments: the Americas; Southern Europe; Middle East and Africa; Northern, Central and Eastern Europe; Asia-Pacific. Its product offerings include aperitifs, vodka, whisky, tequila, rum, gin, liqueurs, and sparkling and still wines under internation brands which include Campari, Aperol, Sky Vodka, Wild Turkey, Appleton Estate, Grand Marnier, and Wray and Nephew. Featured Stories Receive News & Ratings for Davide Campari-Milano Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Davide Campari-Milano and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Ashtead Group (OTCMKTS:ASHTY Get Rating) had its target price boosted by equities research analysts at Deutsche Bank Aktiengesellschaft from GBX 4,460 ($55.81) to GBX 5,100 ($63.81) in a research note issued on Thursday, The Fly reports. A number of other brokerages also recently issued reports on ASHTY. Berenberg Bank increased their price objective on Ashtead Group from GBX 405 ($5.07) to GBX 450 ($5.63) in a research report on Wednesday, May 10th. Barclays increased their price objective on Ashtead Group from GBX 6,000 ($75.08) to GBX 6,300 ($78.83) in a research report on Wednesday, March 8th. Finally, Societe Generale initiated coverage on Ashtead Group in a research report on Wednesday, May 3rd. They issued a buy rating on the stock. One investment analyst has rated the stock with a hold rating and four have assigned a buy rating to the companys stock. According to data from MarketBeat, Ashtead Group has a consensus rating of Moderate Buy and a consensus price target of $3,875.00. Get Ashtead Group alerts: Ashtead Group Stock Performance Shares of Ashtead Group stock traded up $8.32 during trading hours on Thursday, reaching $280.99. The company had a trading volume of 2,363 shares, compared to its average volume of 3,781. Ashtead Group has a one year low of $161.67 and a one year high of $285.00. The business has a fifty day simple moving average of $241.31 and a 200 day simple moving average of $248.19. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 1.14, a current ratio of 1.22 and a quick ratio of 1.08. The firm has a market cap of $30.79 billion, a PE ratio of 19.19, a price-to-earnings-growth ratio of 0.81 and a beta of 1.79. Ashtead Group Company Profile Ashtead Group plc, together with its subsidiaries, engages in the construction, industrial, and general equipment rental business in the United States, the United Kingdom, and Canada. It provides pumps, power generation, heating, cooling, scaffolding, traffic management, temporary flooring, trench shoring, and lifting services. Read More Receive News & Ratings for Ashtead Group Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Ashtead Group and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. DGS Capital Management LLC increased its stake in shares of Banco Bilbao Vizcaya Argentaria, S.A. (NYSE:BBVA Get Rating) by 29.6% during the 4th quarter, according to the company in its most recent filing with the SEC. The fund owned 145,868 shares of the banks stock after purchasing an additional 33,302 shares during the quarter. DGS Capital Management LLCs holdings in Banco Bilbao Vizcaya Argentaria were worth $877,000 at the end of the most recent quarter. Several other large investors have also recently modified their holdings of the stock. Ieq Capital LLC boosted its holdings in Banco Bilbao Vizcaya Argentaria by 11.1% during the 4th quarter. Ieq Capital LLC now owns 15,527 shares of the banks stock valued at $93,000 after acquiring an additional 1,555 shares during the period. CWM LLC boosted its holdings in Banco Bilbao Vizcaya Argentaria by 29.6% during the 4th quarter. CWM LLC now owns 7,036 shares of the banks stock valued at $42,000 after acquiring an additional 1,608 shares during the period. Pathstone Family Office LLC boosted its holdings in Banco Bilbao Vizcaya Argentaria by 2.1% during the 4th quarter. Pathstone Family Office LLC now owns 79,493 shares of the banks stock valued at $478,000 after acquiring an additional 1,649 shares during the period. EverSource Wealth Advisors LLC lifted its holdings in shares of Banco Bilbao Vizcaya Argentaria by 7.2% in the 4th quarter. EverSource Wealth Advisors LLC now owns 28,002 shares of the banks stock worth $168,000 after buying an additional 1,891 shares during the period. Finally, Zions Bancorporation N.A. lifted its holdings in shares of Banco Bilbao Vizcaya Argentaria by 71.0% in the 4th quarter. Zions Bancorporation N.A. now owns 4,584 shares of the banks stock worth $28,000 after buying an additional 1,904 shares during the period. Institutional investors own 2.51% of the companys stock. Get Banco Bilbao Vizcaya Argentaria alerts: Banco Bilbao Vizcaya Argentaria Stock Up 1.2 % NYSE:BBVA traded up $0.09 during mid-day trading on Thursday, hitting $7.38. 251,164 shares of the companys stock traded hands, compared to its average volume of 1,695,151. The company has a fifty day moving average of $7.10 and a 200 day moving average of $6.87. Banco Bilbao Vizcaya Argentaria, S.A. has a twelve month low of $3.93 and a twelve month high of $7.93. The company has a market capitalization of $47.13 billion, a P/E ratio of 6.57 and a beta of 1.27. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 1.10, a quick ratio of 1.02 and a current ratio of 1.02. Analyst Upgrades and Downgrades Banco Bilbao Vizcaya Argentaria ( NYSE:BBVA Get Rating ) last announced its quarterly earnings data on Thursday, April 27th. The bank reported $0.31 earnings per share for the quarter. The business had revenue of $7.46 billion for the quarter. Banco Bilbao Vizcaya Argentaria had a return on equity of 14.62% and a net margin of 26.27%. On average, analysts forecast that Banco Bilbao Vizcaya Argentaria, S.A. will post 1.3 EPS for the current year. BBVA has been the subject of several research reports. Barclays initiated coverage on Banco Bilbao Vizcaya Argentaria in a report on Friday, May 26th. They issued an equal weight rating for the company. HSBC upgraded Banco Bilbao Vizcaya Argentaria from a hold rating to a buy rating in a report on Friday, April 28th. Keefe, Bruyette & Woods raised Banco Bilbao Vizcaya Argentaria from an underperform rating to a market perform rating in a research report on Friday, March 31st. Finally, StockNews.com lowered Banco Bilbao Vizcaya Argentaria from a strong-buy rating to a buy rating in a research report on Friday, May 26th. Four investment 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, Banco Bilbao Vizcaya Argentaria has a consensus rating of Moderate Buy and a consensus target price of $6.38. Banco Bilbao Vizcaya Argentaria Profile (Get Rating) Banco Bilbao Vizcaya Argentaria SA engages in the traditional banking businesses of retail banking, asset management, private banking, and wholesale banking. It operates through the following segments: Spain, the United States, Mexico, Turkey, South America, and Rest of Eurasia. The Spain segment includes mainly the banking and insurance business that the group carries out in Spain. Read More Want to see what other hedge funds are holding BBVA? Visit HoldingsChannel.com to get the latest 13F filings and insider trades for Banco Bilbao Vizcaya Argentaria, S.A. (NYSE:BBVA Get Rating). Receive News & Ratings for Banco Bilbao Vizcaya Argentaria Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Banco Bilbao Vizcaya Argentaria and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Dril-Quip (NYSE:DRQ Get Rating) was upgraded by StockNews.com from a sell rating to a hold rating in a note issued to investors on Wednesday. Separately, Barclays reduced their target price on Dril-Quip from $27.00 to $25.00 in a report on Friday, May 12th. Get Dril-Quip alerts: Dril-Quip Trading Down 2.1 % Shares of Dril-Quip stock traded down $0.50 on Wednesday, hitting $23.83. The stock had a trading volume of 205,412 shares, compared to its average volume of 248,079. Dril-Quip has a 52-week low of $19.10 and a 52-week high of $35.95. The stock has a market cap of $814.34 million, a price-to-earnings ratio of 70.09 and a beta of 1.06. The companys 50 day moving average price is $25.88 and its 200 day moving average price is $27.30. Insider Buying and Selling at Dril-Quip Dril-Quip ( NYSE:DRQ Get Rating ) last posted its earnings results on Monday, May 8th. The oil and gas company reported ($0.01) earnings per share for the quarter, beating the consensus estimate of ($0.02) by $0.01. The firm had revenue of $90.87 million during the quarter. Analysts predict that Dril-Quip will post 0.03 EPS for the current fiscal year. In other Dril-Quip news, CFO Kyle Mcclure sold 2,500 shares of the companys stock in a transaction that occurred on Monday, April 3rd. The stock was sold at an average price of $29.97, for a total transaction of $74,925.00. Following the completion of the sale, the chief financial officer now directly owns 60,345 shares of the companys stock, valued at approximately $1,808,539.65. The transaction was disclosed in a document filed with the SEC, which can be accessed through this hyperlink. In other Dril-Quip news, VP James C. Webster sold 2,000 shares of the companys stock in a transaction that occurred on Monday, April 3rd. The stock was sold at an average price of $29.98, for a total transaction of $59,960.00. Following the completion of the sale, the vice president now directly owns 56,795 shares of the companys stock, valued at approximately $1,702,714.10. The transaction was disclosed in a document filed with the SEC, which can be accessed through this hyperlink. Also, CFO Kyle Mcclure sold 2,500 shares of the businesss stock in a transaction that occurred on Monday, April 3rd. The stock was sold at an average price of $29.97, for a total value of $74,925.00. Following the transaction, the chief financial officer now owns 60,345 shares in the company, valued at approximately $1,808,539.65. The disclosure for this sale can be found here. 1.50% of the stock is owned by company insiders. Hedge Funds Weigh In On Dril-Quip Several institutional investors and hedge funds have recently added to or reduced their stakes in the business. Gamco Investors INC. ET AL increased its position in Dril-Quip by 3.0% during the 1st quarter. Gamco Investors INC. ET AL now owns 1,882,256 shares of the oil and gas companys stock worth $54,002,000 after purchasing an additional 55,644 shares during the period. Dimensional Fund Advisors LP grew its holdings in shares of Dril-Quip by 16.5% in the 1st quarter. Dimensional Fund Advisors LP now owns 1,881,774 shares of the oil and gas companys stock worth $53,988,000 after acquiring an additional 266,289 shares during the period. State Street Corp grew its holdings in shares of Dril-Quip by 16.9% in the 1st quarter. State Street Corp now owns 1,627,383 shares of the oil and gas companys stock worth $60,783,000 after acquiring an additional 235,177 shares during the period. Brandes Investment Partners LP grew its holdings in shares of Dril-Quip by 4.1% in the 1st quarter. Brandes Investment Partners LP now owns 1,346,930 shares of the oil and gas companys stock worth $38,643,000 after acquiring an additional 52,706 shares during the period. Finally, William Blair Investment Management LLC grew its holdings in shares of Dril-Quip by 0.6% in the 1st quarter. William Blair Investment Management LLC now owns 1,232,567 shares of the oil and gas companys stock worth $35,362,000 after acquiring an additional 7,191 shares during the period. Dril-Quip Company Profile (Get Rating) Dril-Quip, Inc designs, manufactures, sells and services engineered offshore drilling and production equipment. It operates through the following geographical segments: Western Hemisphere, Eastern Hemisphere, and Asia-Pacific. Its products include specialty casing connectors, mudline suspension equipment, downhole tools, capital drilling equipment, control systems, and dry tree systems. Read More Receive News & Ratings for Dril-Quip Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Dril-Quip and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. The Goldman Sachs Group downgraded shares of Great Portland Estates (OTCMKTS:GPEAF Get Rating) from a neutral rating to a sell rating in a research note released on Monday morning, The Fly reports. Separately, JPMorgan Chase & Co. raised their price target on shares of Great Portland Estates from GBX 600 ($7.51) to GBX 625 ($7.82) in a report on Thursday, June 8th. Four equities research analysts have rated the stock with a sell rating and one has issued a buy rating to the companys stock. According to data from MarketBeat.com, the company has a consensus rating of Reduce and an average target price of $572.50. Get Great Portland Estates alerts: Great Portland Estates Price Performance Shares of Great Portland Estates stock opened at $5.95 on Monday. Great Portland Estates has a 12-month low of $4.42 and a 12-month high of $8.00. The companys fifty day simple moving average is $5.68 and its two-hundred day simple moving average is $6.21. Great Portland Estates Company Profile We are a FTSE 250 property investment and development company owning 2.6 billion of real estate in central London. We proactively manage our portfolio, flexing our activities in tune with London's property cycle to deliver long-term out-performance. We create in-demand spaces that people want to be part of; helping our occupiers, local communities and the city to thrive. Read More Receive News & Ratings for Great Portland Estates Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Great Portland Estates and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. ISS A/S (OTCMKTS:ISSDY Get Rating)s stock price was up 1.4% during trading on Wednesday . The company traded as high as $9.87 and last traded at $9.87. Approximately 156 shares changed hands during mid-day trading, a decline of 84% from the average daily volume of 998 shares. The stock had previously closed at $9.74. ISS A/S Price Performance The stocks 50-day moving average is $9.89 and its 200 day moving average is $10.30. Get ISS A/S alerts: ISS A/S Dividend Announcement The company also recently disclosed a dividend, which was paid on Tuesday, April 25th. Investors of record on Monday, April 17th were given a $0.1092 dividend. The ex-dividend date was Friday, April 14th. This represents a yield of 1.18%. About ISS A/S ISS A/S is engaged in the provision of facility services. The firm operates through the following segments Continental Europe, Northern Europe, Asia & Pacific, Americas, and Other Countries. The Continental Europe comprises the previous Western and Eastern Europe regions excluding the UK and Ireland. Featured Articles Receive News & Ratings for ISS A/S Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for ISS A/S and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Josh Arnold Investment Consultant LLC bought a new stake in shares of Comstock Resources, Inc. (NYSE:CRK Get Rating) during the 4th quarter, according to the company in its most recent disclosure with the Securities and Exchange Commission. The firm bought 22,900 shares of the oil and gas producers stock, valued at approximately $314,000. Comstock Resources comprises about 0.5% of Josh Arnold Investment Consultant LLCs investment portfolio, making the stock its 10th largest holding. Several other institutional investors and hedge funds also recently made changes to their positions in CRK. Neo Ivy Capital Management bought a new position in shares of Comstock Resources during the 3rd quarter valued at $41,000. Pittenger & Anderson Inc. grew its holdings in Comstock Resources by 200.0% in the 3rd quarter. Pittenger & Anderson Inc. now owns 6,000 shares of the oil and gas producers stock worth $104,000 after acquiring an additional 4,000 shares during the last quarter. CI Investments Inc. bought a new stake in Comstock Resources in the 4th quarter worth $110,000. New York State Teachers Retirement System bought a new stake in Comstock Resources in the 4th quarter worth $111,000. Finally, Lido Advisors LLC bought a new stake in Comstock Resources in the 1st quarter worth $131,000. Institutional investors own 35.22% of the companys stock. Get Comstock Resources alerts: Comstock Resources Stock Performance Shares of CRK opened at $10.19 on Thursday. The company has a quick ratio of 0.67, a current ratio of 0.67 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.91. The stock has a market cap of $2.83 billion, a P/E ratio of 2.04 and a beta of 1.15. The businesss 50 day moving average price is $10.29 and its 200-day moving average price is $11.90. Comstock Resources, Inc. has a 52 week low of $9.07 and a 52 week high of $21.85. Comstock Resources Dividend Announcement Comstock Resources ( NYSE:CRK Get Rating ) last released its earnings results on Tuesday, May 2nd. The oil and gas producer reported $0.33 EPS for the quarter, hitting the consensus estimate of $0.33. Comstock Resources had a return on equity of 52.26% and a net margin of 39.08%. The business had revenue of $489.58 million for the quarter, compared to the consensus estimate of $433.84 million. During the same period in the previous year, the company posted $0.51 earnings per share. The companys revenue for the quarter was down 6.7% compared to the same quarter last year. Equities research analysts anticipate that Comstock Resources, Inc. will post 0.98 earnings per share for the current fiscal year. The company also recently disclosed a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Thursday, June 15th. Shareholders of record on Thursday, June 1st will be paid a dividend of $0.125 per share. The ex-dividend date of this dividend is Wednesday, May 31st. This represents a $0.50 dividend on an annualized basis and a yield of 4.91%. Comstock Resourcess dividend payout ratio is currently 10.00%. Insiders Place Their Bets In other news, CFO Roland O. Burns purchased 10,000 shares of the businesss stock in a transaction dated Thursday, March 23rd. The shares were purchased at an average price of $10.00 per share, for a total transaction of $100,000.00. Following the completion of the acquisition, the chief financial officer now directly owns 950,430 shares in the company, valued at approximately $9,504,300. The purchase was disclosed in a document filed with the SEC, which is accessible through the SEC website. Corporate insiders own 1.50% of the companys stock. Analysts Set New Price Targets A number of brokerages have issued reports on CRK. Mizuho cut their price target on shares of Comstock Resources from $18.00 to $17.00 in a report on Friday, May 19th. Citigroup raised shares of Comstock Resources from a sell rating to a neutral rating and raised their price target for the stock from $10.00 to $12.00 in a report on Wednesday, April 19th. StockNews.com initiated coverage on shares of Comstock Resources in a report on Thursday, May 18th. They issued a hold rating on the stock. Piper Sandler dropped their target price on shares of Comstock Resources from $13.00 to $12.00 in a research report on Tuesday. Finally, TheStreet cut shares of Comstock Resources from a b rating to a c+ rating in a research report on Tuesday, May 2nd. One equities research analyst has rated the stock with a sell rating, ten have assigned a hold rating and two have assigned a buy rating to the companys stock. According to MarketBeat.com, Comstock Resources has an average rating of Hold and a consensus price target of $13.39. Comstock Resources Profile (Get Rating) Comstock Resources, Inc engages in the acquisition, development, and exploration of oil and natural gas. The firm operations concentrated in the Haynesville shale, a premier natural gas basin located in East Texas. The company was founded in 1919 and is headquartered in Frisco, TX. Read More Want to see what other hedge funds are holding CRK? Visit HoldingsChannel.com to get the latest 13F filings and insider trades for Comstock Resources, Inc. (NYSE:CRK Get Rating). Receive News & Ratings for Comstock Resources Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Comstock Resources and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Citigroup upgraded shares of Mitsubishi Heavy Industries (OTCMKTS:MHVYF Get Rating) from a neutral rating to a buy rating in a research note issued to investors on Sunday, The Fly reports. Mitsubishi Heavy Industries Price Performance MHVYF opened at $47.00 on Friday. The company has a fifty day moving average of $40.71 and a 200 day moving average of $38.77. Mitsubishi Heavy Industries has a fifty-two week low of $32.80 and a fifty-two week high of $47.00. The company has a quick ratio of 0.80, a current ratio of 1.16 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.47. Get Mitsubishi Heavy Industries alerts: Mitsubishi Heavy Industries Company Profile (Get Rating) See Also Mitsubishi Heavy Industries, Ltd. engages in the manufacture and sale of ships, industrial machinery, and aircraft. It operates through the following segments: Energy, Plants and Infrastructure Systems, Logistics, Thermal and Drive Systems, and Aircraft, Defense and Space. The Energy segment handles clean gas and steam power systems, nuclear power systems, compressors, and marine machinery. Receive News & Ratings for Mitsubishi Heavy Industries Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Mitsubishi Heavy Industries and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Northwestern Mutual Investment Management Company LLC decreased its holdings in shares of The Goldman Sachs Group, Inc. (NYSE:GS Get Rating) by 16.3% during the 4th quarter, according to the company in its most recent filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). The institutional investor owned 10,614 shares of the investment management companys stock after selling 2,064 shares during the period. Northwestern Mutual Investment Management Company LLCs holdings in The Goldman Sachs Group were worth $3,645,000 at the end of the most recent reporting period. Other institutional investors and hedge funds also recently made changes to their positions in the company. Norges Bank acquired a new position in The Goldman Sachs Group during the 4th quarter worth approximately $759,531,000. Morgan Stanley raised its stake in The Goldman Sachs Group by 40.0% during the 4th quarter. Morgan Stanley now owns 5,936,351 shares of the investment management companys stock worth $2,038,425,000 after buying an additional 1,696,350 shares during the period. Moneta Group Investment Advisors LLC raised its stake in The Goldman Sachs Group by 168,772.3% during the 4th quarter. Moneta Group Investment Advisors LLC now owns 1,244,589 shares of the investment management companys stock worth $427,367,000 after buying an additional 1,243,852 shares during the period. Wellington Management Group LLP raised its stake in The Goldman Sachs Group by 58.5% during the 1st quarter. Wellington Management Group LLP now owns 1,298,015 shares of the investment management companys stock worth $428,474,000 after buying an additional 479,032 shares during the period. Finally, Neuberger Berman Group LLC raised its stake in The Goldman Sachs Group by 90.8% during the 3rd quarter. Neuberger Berman Group LLC now owns 647,195 shares of the investment management companys stock worth $189,731,000 after buying an additional 307,993 shares during the period. Institutional investors own 69.09% of the companys stock. Get The Goldman Sachs Group alerts: Insider Buying and Selling at The Goldman Sachs Group In other The Goldman Sachs Group news, insider Kathryn H. Ruemmler sold 7,277 shares of the stock in a transaction on Wednesday, April 19th. The stock was sold at an average price of $332.67, for a total transaction of $2,420,839.59. Following the completion of the transaction, the insider now directly owns 4,334 shares of the companys stock, valued at $1,441,791.78. The sale was disclosed in a filing with the SEC, which is available through the SEC website. In other news, insider Kathryn H. Ruemmler sold 7,277 shares of The Goldman Sachs Group stock in a transaction on Wednesday, April 19th. The stock was sold at an average price of $332.67, for a total value of $2,420,839.59. Following the completion of the transaction, the insider now directly owns 4,334 shares in the company, valued at $1,441,791.78. The sale was disclosed in a document filed with the SEC, which is available through the SEC website. Also, insider Brian J. Lee sold 3,000 shares of The Goldman Sachs Group stock in a transaction on Tuesday, May 2nd. The shares were sold at an average price of $337.66, for a total value of $1,012,980.00. Following the completion of the transaction, the insider now owns 15,052 shares of the companys stock, valued at $5,082,458.32. The disclosure for this sale can be found here. Over the last ninety days, insiders sold 33,935,026 shares of company stock valued at $647,273,318. Company insiders own 0.54% of the companys stock. The Goldman Sachs Group Stock Performance Shares of GS traded down $1.27 on Thursday, reaching $337.15. 277,713 shares of the companys stock traded hands, compared to its average volume of 2,572,359. The stocks 50 day simple moving average is $330.27 and its two-hundred day simple moving average is $343.46. The Goldman Sachs Group, Inc. has a 52-week low of $277.84 and a 52-week high of $389.58. The stock has a market cap of $112.09 billion, a PE ratio of 12.05, a PEG ratio of 0.91 and a beta of 1.41. The company has a current ratio of 0.81, a quick ratio of 0.81 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 2.25. 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 for the quarter, beating the consensus estimate of $8.14 by $0.65. The Goldman Sachs Group had a return on equity of 9.84% and a net margin of 13.23%. The business had revenue of $12.22 billion during the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of $12.66 billion. During the same period in the prior year, the company earned $10.76 earnings per share. The Goldman Sachs Groups revenue was down 5.5% compared to the same quarter last year. On average, analysts forecast that The Goldman Sachs Group, Inc. will post 31.57 earnings per share for the current fiscal year. The Goldman Sachs Group Announces Dividend The company also recently disclosed a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Thursday, June 29th. Shareholders of record on Thursday, June 1st will be issued a dividend of $2.50 per share. This represents a $10.00 annualized dividend and a yield of 2.97%. The ex-dividend date of this dividend is Wednesday, May 31st. The Goldman Sachs Groups dividend payout ratio (DPR) is 35.60%. Wall Street Analyst Weigh In A number of research analysts recently weighed in on GS shares. Oppenheimer dropped their price target on The Goldman Sachs Group from $440.00 to $437.00 and set an outperform rating on the stock in a research note on Wednesday, April 19th. Bank of America increased their price objective on The Goldman Sachs Group from $384.00 to $425.00 in a research note on Thursday, March 9th. BMO Capital Markets lowered their price objective on 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. Credit Suisse Group reissued an outperform rating and issued a $410.00 price objective on shares of The Goldman Sachs Group in a research note on Tuesday, April 11th. Finally, Royal Bank of Canada increased their price objective on 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 investment analyst has rated the stock with a sell rating, six have given a hold rating and twelve have issued a buy rating to the stock. Based on data from MarketBeat, the company presently has an average rating of Moderate Buy and an average target price of $389.17. About The Goldman Sachs Group (Get Rating) The Goldman Sachs Group, Inc, a financial institution, provides a range of financial services for corporations, financial institutions, governments, and individuals worldwide. It operates through Global Banking & Markets, Asset & Wealth Management, and Platform Solutions segments. The Global Banking & Markets segment provides financial advisory services, including strategic advisory assignments related to mergers and acquisitions, divestitures, corporate defense activities, restructurings, and spin-offs; and relationship lending, and acquisition financing, as well as secured lending, through structured credit and asset-backed lending and involved in resale agreements. Read More Want to see what other hedge funds are holding GS? Visit HoldingsChannel.com to get the latest 13F filings and insider trades for The Goldman Sachs Group, Inc. (NYSE:GS Get Rating). 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. NOV Inc. (NYSE:NOV Get Rating) saw unusually large options trading activity on Wednesday. Traders acquired 2,616 put options on the company. This is an increase of approximately 1,353% compared to the average volume of 180 put options. Institutional Trading of NOV Several hedge funds have recently bought and sold shares of the company. PAX Financial Group LLC increased its stake in NOV by 3.6% during the 3rd quarter. PAX Financial Group LLC now owns 13,541 shares of the oil and gas exploration companys stock valued at $219,000 after buying an additional 467 shares during the period. State of Alaska Department of Revenue increased its stake in NOV by 0.9% during the 4th quarter. State of Alaska Department of Revenue now owns 54,982 shares of the oil and gas exploration companys stock valued at $1,148,000 after buying an additional 490 shares during the period. Quadrant Capital Group LLC increased its stake in NOV by 15.3% during the 4th quarter. Quadrant Capital Group LLC now owns 4,515 shares of the oil and gas exploration companys stock valued at $94,000 after buying an additional 598 shares during the period. Commonwealth Equity Services LLC increased its stake in NOV by 3.3% during the 3rd quarter. Commonwealth Equity Services LLC now owns 18,956 shares of the oil and gas exploration companys stock valued at $306,000 after buying an additional 598 shares during the period. Finally, Covestor Ltd increased its stake in NOV by 94.4% during the 1st quarter. Covestor Ltd now owns 1,287 shares of the oil and gas exploration companys stock valued at $25,000 after buying an additional 625 shares during the period. 94.18% of the stock is currently owned by institutional investors. Get NOV alerts: NOV Stock Performance Shares of NOV stock traded down $0.02 during trading hours on Thursday, reaching $15.41. The companys stock had a trading volume of 418,920 shares, compared to its average volume of 4,426,234. The companys 50 day simple moving average is $16.32 and its 200 day simple moving average is $19.54. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.32, a quick ratio of 1.47 and a current ratio of 2.35. NOV has a one year low of $13.98 and a one year high of $24.83. The stock has a market cap of $6.07 billion, a P/E ratio of 18.37, a price-to-earnings-growth ratio of 0.23 and a beta of 1.89. NOV Announces Dividend NOV ( NYSE:NOV Get Rating ) last issued its quarterly earnings data on Wednesday, April 26th. The oil and gas exploration company reported $0.32 earnings per share for the quarter, beating the consensus estimate of $0.22 by $0.10. The firm had revenue of $1.96 billion for the quarter, compared to the consensus estimate of $1.96 billion. NOV had a net margin of 4.33% and a return on equity of 6.51%. NOVs quarterly revenue was up 26.7% compared to the same quarter last year. During the same period last year, the firm posted ($0.13) EPS. As a group, analysts expect that NOV will post 1.32 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 16th will be given a $0.05 dividend. The ex-dividend date of this dividend is Thursday, June 15th. This represents a $0.20 annualized dividend and a yield of 1.30%. NOVs dividend payout ratio is presently 23.81%. Analysts Set New Price Targets Several equities research analysts have recently issued reports on the stock. Morgan Stanley dropped their price objective on shares of NOV from $24.00 to $22.00 in a research report on Tuesday, April 18th. Piper Sandler dropped their price objective on shares of NOV from $22.00 to $21.00 in a research report on Monday, May 1st. Stifel Nicolaus lowered their price target on shares of NOV from $29.00 to $28.00 in a report on Friday, April 28th. Susquehanna lowered their price target on shares of NOV from $29.00 to $26.00 in a report on Monday, April 3rd. Finally, StockNews.com started coverage on shares of NOV in a report on Thursday, May 18th. They set a hold rating for the company. One equities research analyst has rated the stock with a sell rating, six have assigned a hold rating and eight have assigned a buy rating to the companys stock. Based on data from MarketBeat, the stock presently has a consensus rating of Hold and a consensus price target of $24.13. About NOV (Get Rating) NOV, Inc provides equipment and technology to the upstream oil and gas industry. It operates through the following segments: Rig Technologies, Wellbore Technologies, and Completion and Production Solutions. The Rig Technologies segment focuses on the engineering, manufacturing, and support of advanced drilling equipment packages and related capital equipment for oil and gas wells. Featured Articles Receive News & Ratings for NOV Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for NOV and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. JPMorgan Chase & Co. upgraded shares of Petroleo Brasileiro S.A. Petrobras (NYSE:PBR Get Rating) from a neutral rating to an overweight rating in a research report report published on Monday, The Fly reports. They currently have $15.50 target price on the oil and gas exploration companys stock, up from their previous target price of $11.50. Other analysts have also recently issued research reports about the company. Morgan Stanley upgraded Petroleo Brasileiro S.A. Petrobras from an equal weight rating to an overweight rating and lifted their price objective for the stock from $12.50 to $16.50 in a research report on Wednesday, June 7th. StockNews.com raised shares of Petroleo Brasileiro S.A. Petrobras from a hold rating to a buy rating in a research note on Friday, June 9th. One analyst has rated the stock with a sell rating, five have given a hold rating and three have given a buy rating to the stock. According to MarketBeat, the stock has an average rating of Hold and a consensus target price of $14.67. Get Petroleo Brasileiro S.A. - Petrobras alerts: Petroleo Brasileiro S.A. Petrobras Trading Up 4.7 % NYSE PBR opened at $13.89 on Monday. The firms fifty day moving average price is $11.76 and its 200 day moving average price is $11.14. Petroleo Brasileiro S.A. Petrobras has a 12 month low of $8.88 and a 12 month high of $16.32. 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 company has a market capitalization of $90.59 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 2.57 and a beta of 1.39. Petroleo Brasileiro S.A. Petrobras Cuts Dividend Petroleo Brasileiro S.A. Petrobras ( NYSE:PBR Get Rating ) last released its quarterly earnings results on Thursday, May 11th. The oil and gas exploration company reported $1.11 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, topping analysts consensus estimates of $0.98 by $0.13. Petroleo Brasileiro S.A. Petrobras had a return on equity of 44.84% and a net margin of 28.50%. The firm had revenue of $26.77 billion for the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of $27.26 billion. On average, sell-side analysts expect that Petroleo Brasileiro S.A. Petrobras will post 3.24 earnings per share for the current fiscal year. The company also recently disclosed a Variable dividend, which will be paid on Friday, August 25th. Investors of record on Wednesday, June 14th will be issued a $0.336 dividend. The ex-dividend date of this dividend is Tuesday, June 13th. This represents a dividend yield of 39.1%. Petroleo Brasileiro S.A. Petrobrass dividend payout ratio (DPR) is presently 37.78%. Institutional Investors Weigh In On Petroleo Brasileiro S.A. Petrobras A number of hedge funds have recently made changes to their positions in PBR. Harbour Investments Inc. acquired a new stake in Petroleo Brasileiro S.A. Petrobras during the first quarter valued at approximately $29,000. Zurcher Kantonalbank Zurich Cantonalbank increased its holdings in shares of Petroleo Brasileiro S.A. Petrobras by 83.0% in the second quarter. Zurcher Kantonalbank Zurich Cantonalbank now owns 2,577 shares of the oil and gas exploration companys stock valued at $30,000 after buying an additional 1,169 shares in the last quarter. Newbridge Financial Services Group Inc. acquired a new stake in shares of Petroleo Brasileiro S.A. Petrobras during the 4th quarter valued at $32,000. Wolff Wiese Magana LLC bought a new stake in shares of Petroleo Brasileiro S.A. Petrobras during the 4th quarter worth $32,000. Finally, CoreCap Advisors LLC acquired a new position in shares of Petroleo Brasileiro S.A. Petrobras in the 4th quarter worth $38,000. Institutional investors own 12.29% of the companys stock. Petroleo Brasileiro S.A. Petrobras Company Profile (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. Rye Patch Gold Corp. (CVE:RPM Get Rating) shares crossed below its 50-day moving average during trading on Tuesday . The stock has a 50-day moving average of C$1.06 and traded as low as C$1.05. Rye Patch Gold shares last traded at C$1.06, with a volume of 58,513 shares. Rye Patch Gold Stock Down 0.9 % The business has a fifty day moving average price of C$1.06 and a 200-day moving average price of C$1.06. About Rye Patch Gold (Get Rating) Rye Patch Gold Corp. engages in the acquisition, exploration, and development of mineral properties in Nevada, the United States. The company primarily explores for gold and silver deposits. It owns a 100% interest in the Florida Canyon Mine covering an area of approximately 71.4 square kilometers located in Nevda. Recommended Stories Receive News & Ratings for Rye Patch Gold Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Rye Patch Gold and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Anheuser-Busch InBev SA/NV (NYSE:BUD Get Rating) was the target of a large increase in short interest in the month of May. As of May 31st, there was short interest totalling 8,520,000 shares, an increase of 34.6% from the May 15th total of 6,330,000 shares. Based on an average trading volume of 2,520,000 shares, the short-interest ratio is presently 3.4 days. Currently, 0.5% of the companys shares are short sold. Institutional Investors Weigh In On Anheuser-Busch InBev SA/NV Several hedge funds have recently modified their holdings of the stock. Level Four Advisory Services LLC grew its position in shares of Anheuser-Busch InBev SA/NV by 34.5% in the 1st quarter. Level Four Advisory Services LLC now owns 12,120 shares of the consumer goods makers stock worth $809,000 after acquiring an additional 3,108 shares in the last quarter. Golden State Equity Partners acquired a new position in shares of Anheuser-Busch InBev SA/NV in the 1st quarter worth approximately $500,000. Toroso Investments LLC grew its position in shares of Anheuser-Busch InBev SA/NV by 15.4% in the 1st quarter. Toroso Investments LLC now owns 6,205 shares of the consumer goods makers stock worth $414,000 after acquiring an additional 830 shares in the last quarter. Arete Wealth Advisors LLC acquired a new position in shares of Anheuser-Busch InBev SA/NV in the 1st quarter worth approximately $314,000. Finally, New York State Common Retirement Fund acquired a new position in shares of Anheuser-Busch InBev SA/NV in the 1st quarter worth approximately $107,000. 5.53% of the stock is currently owned by hedge funds and other institutional investors. Get Anheuser-Busch InBev SA/NV alerts: Anheuser-Busch InBev SA/NV Price Performance Anheuser-Busch InBev SA/NV stock traded up $1.70 during trading hours on Thursday, hitting $58.37. The stock had a trading volume of 2,399,258 shares, compared to its average volume of 2,108,952. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.94, a current ratio of 0.67 and a quick ratio of 0.48. The stock has a market capitalization of $101.39 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 15.59, a PEG ratio of 1.58 and a beta of 1.24. Anheuser-Busch InBev SA/NV has a 1-year low of $44.51 and a 1-year high of $67.09. The stocks fifty day moving average is $60.95 and its two-hundred day moving average is $60.62. Anheuser-Busch InBev SA/NV Increases Dividend Anheuser-Busch InBev SA/NV ( NYSE:BUD Get Rating ) last posted its earnings results on Thursday, May 4th. The consumer goods maker reported $0.65 earnings per share for the quarter, beating the consensus estimate of $0.64 by $0.01. The company had revenue of $14.21 billion for the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of $14.05 billion. Anheuser-Busch InBev SA/NV had a return on equity of 15.38% and a net margin of 12.78%. Anheuser-Busch InBev SA/NVs revenue was up 7.4% compared to the same quarter last year. During the same quarter in the prior year, the company earned $0.67 earnings per share. As a group, analysts predict that Anheuser-Busch InBev SA/NV will post 3.2 earnings per share for the current fiscal year. The business also recently announced an annual dividend, which was paid on Thursday, June 8th. Investors of record on Thursday, May 4th were issued a dividend of $0.611 per share. This is an increase from Anheuser-Busch InBev SA/NVs previous annual dividend of $0.41. This represents a dividend yield of 0.95%. The ex-dividend date was Wednesday, May 3rd. Anheuser-Busch InBev SA/NVs dividend payout ratio (DPR) is presently 16.40%. Analysts Set New Price Targets Several research analysts have recently commented on the company. StockNews.com lowered Anheuser-Busch InBev SA/NV from a strong-buy rating to a buy rating in a report on Friday, May 12th. HSBC lowered shares of Anheuser-Busch InBev SA/NV from a buy rating to a hold rating in a report on Wednesday, May 10th. Finally, Evercore ISI reduced their price objective on shares of Anheuser-Busch InBev SA/NV from $80.00 to $70.00 in a report on Thursday, June 8th. Two research analysts have rated the stock with a sell rating, four have assigned a hold rating and six have assigned a buy rating to the companys stock. Based on data from MarketBeat, the stock presently has an average rating of Hold and a consensus price target of $65.00. Anheuser-Busch InBev SA/NV Company Profile (Get Rating) Anheuser-Busch InBev SA/NV operates as a holding company, which engages in the manufacture and distribution of alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages. It operates through the following geographical segments: North America, Middle Americas, South America, EMEA, Asia Pacific, and Global Export and Holding Companies. Further Reading Receive News & Ratings for Anheuser-Busch InBev SA/NV Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Anheuser-Busch InBev SA/NV and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Bank of Ireland Group plc (OTCMKTS:BKRIY Get Rating) was the target of a significant decline in short interest in May. As of May 31st, there was short interest totalling 2,100 shares, a decline of 74.7% from the May 15th total of 8,300 shares. Based on an average trading volume of 27,200 shares, the short-interest ratio is presently 0.1 days. Bank of Ireland Group Stock Up 3.4 % Shares of Bank of Ireland Group stock traded up $0.33 during trading hours on Wednesday, reaching $10.12. 5,591 shares of the company were exchanged, compared to its average volume of 17,027. Bank of Ireland Group has a 1 year low of $5.44 and a 1 year high of $11.44. The stocks fifty day moving average is $10.08 and its 200 day moving average is $9.97. Get Bank of Ireland Group alerts: About Bank of Ireland Group (Get Rating) Further Reading Bank of Ireland Group Plc is a holding company, which engages in financial and banking solutions. It operates through the following business segments: Retail Ireland, Wealth and Insurance, Retail UK, Corporate and Markets, and Group Centre. The Retail Ireland segment offers financial products and services including current accounts, savings, mortgages, credit cards, motor finance and loans to personal and business banking customers, and is managed through a number of business units, namely distribution channels, customer segments and propositions, products, and business banking. Receive News & Ratings for Bank of Ireland Group Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Bank of Ireland Group and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Central Japan Railway (OTCMKTS:CJPRY Get Rating) was the target of a significant decline in short interest during the month of May. As of May 31st, there was short interest totalling 27,700 shares, a decline of 47.3% from the May 15th total of 52,600 shares. Based on an average daily volume of 111,900 shares, the days-to-cover ratio is presently 0.2 days. Central Japan Railway Stock Down 0.2 % Central Japan Railway stock traded down $0.03 during midday trading on Wednesday, hitting $12.76. 17,862 shares of the stock were exchanged, compared to its average volume of 82,196. Central Japan Railway has a 52-week low of $10.70 and a 52-week high of $12.95. The businesss 50-day moving average price is $12.33 and its 200-day moving average price is $11.98. The company has a quick ratio of 3.34, a current ratio of 3.38 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 1.28. Get Central Japan Railway alerts: Central Japan Railway (OTCMKTS:CJPRY Get Rating) last released its quarterly earnings results on Wednesday, April 26th. The company reported $0.15 earnings per share for the quarter. Central Japan Railway had a net margin of 15.56% and a return on equity of 5.94%. The business had revenue of $2.88 billion for the quarter, compared to analysts expectations of $2.78 billion. Sell-side analysts predict that Central Japan Railway will post 1.1 EPS for the current fiscal year. Central Japan Railway Company Profile Central Japan Railway Co engages in the operation of railway services. It operates through the following segments: Transportation, Merchandise, Real Estate, and Others. The Transportation segment involves railway and bus transportation services. The Merchandise segment manages department stores and also provides sales services of goods, and food in stations and trains. Read More Receive News & Ratings for Central Japan Railway Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Central Japan Railway and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Deutsche Borse AG (OTCMKTS:DBOEY Get Rating) was the recipient of a significant drop in short interest during the month of May. As of May 31st, there was short interest totalling 1,700 shares, a drop of 94.7% from the May 15th total of 32,000 shares. Based on an average daily volume of 145,400 shares, the days-to-cover ratio is currently 0.0 days. Deutsche Borse Trading Up 0.4 % OTCMKTS DBOEY traded up $0.08 during trading hours on Wednesday, hitting $18.06. 66,561 shares of the companys stock were exchanged, compared to its average volume of 134,733. The stock has a 50-day simple moving average of $18.73 and a 200 day simple moving average of $18.22. Deutsche Borse has a 1-year low of $15.22 and a 1-year high of $20.61. Get Deutsche Borse alerts: Deutsche Borse (OTCMKTS:DBOEY Get Rating) last released its earnings results on Wednesday, April 26th. The financial services provider reported $0.29 EPS for the quarter. Deutsche Borse had a return on equity of 18.58% and a net margin of 28.08%. The business had revenue of $1.59 billion during the quarter. Research analysts expect that Deutsche Borse will post 1.06 earnings per share for the current year. Deutsche Borse Increases Dividend Wall Street Analysts Forecast Growth The company also recently disclosed a dividend, which was paid on Monday, June 5th. Shareholders of record on Thursday, May 18th were paid a $0.2568 dividend. This represents a yield of 1.34%. The ex-dividend date of this dividend was Wednesday, May 17th. This is a boost from Deutsche Borses previous dividend of $0.23. Deutsche Borses dividend payout ratio (DPR) is 28.41%. A number of equities analysts have recently issued reports on DBOEY shares. Credit Suisse Group upgraded Deutsche Borse from a neutral rating to an outperform rating in a research report on Thursday, March 16th. Jefferies Financial Group downgraded Deutsche Borse from a buy rating to a hold rating in a research report on Tuesday, February 21st. Morgan Stanley raised their price objective on Deutsche Borse to 204.10 ($219.46) in a research report on Thursday, April 20th. Finally, The Goldman Sachs Group started coverage on Deutsche Borse in a research report on Tuesday, May 9th. They set a neutral rating for the company. Five analysts have rated the stock with a hold rating and four have issued a buy rating to the companys stock. Based on data from MarketBeat, the company has an average rating of Hold and a consensus target price of $191.87. Deutsche Borse Company Profile (Get Rating) Deutsche Borse AG engages in the provision of information technology services and market data distribution. It operates through the following segments: Eurex, EEX, Xetra, 360T, Clearstream, IFS, GSF, Qontigo and Data. The Eurex segment includes electronic trading of European derivatives, commodities, and foreign exchange. Recommended Stories Receive News & Ratings for Deutsche Borse Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Deutsche Borse and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Victoria Gold Corp. (OTCMKTS:VITFF Get Rating) was the recipient of a large growth in short interest in May. As of May 31st, there was short interest totalling 302,700 shares, a growth of 45.6% from the May 15th total of 207,900 shares. Based on an average daily trading volume, of 68,500 shares, the days-to-cover ratio is currently 4.4 days. Victoria Gold Trading Down 2.7 % OTCMKTS VITFF opened at $6.10 on Thursday. The firms 50 day simple moving average is $7.01 and its 200 day simple moving average is $6.59. Victoria Gold has a 1 year low of $4.77 and a 1 year high of $10.35. Get Victoria Gold alerts: Analyst Upgrades and Downgrades A number of equities research analysts have recently issued reports on VITFF shares. CIBC upped their target price on shares of Victoria Gold from C$10.00 to C$10.50 in a report on Thursday, April 6th. HC Wainwright decreased their target price on shares of Victoria Gold from C$21.00 to C$20.00 in a research report on Thursday, June 8th. Finally, Stifel Nicolaus began coverage on shares of Victoria Gold in a research report on Thursday, March 30th. They set a buy rating on the stock. About Victoria Gold Victoria Gold Corp. engages in the acquisition, evaluation, and development of mineral properties. It project portfolio includes the Eagle Gold, Dublin Gulch, Eagle Extension, and Canalask. The company was founded on September 21, 1981 and is headquartered in Toronto, Canada. Featured Articles 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. ZOZO, Inc. (OTCMKTS:SRTTY Get Rating) was the recipient of a large increase in short interest in May. As of May 31st, there was short interest totalling 32,900 shares, an increase of 106.9% from the May 15th total of 15,900 shares. Based on an average daily volume of 39,700 shares, the short-interest ratio is currently 0.8 days. ZOZO Price Performance SRTTY stock traded down $0.02 during trading hours on Wednesday, reaching $4.15. 31,073 shares of the stock were exchanged, compared to its average volume of 29,868. The firms 50-day moving average is $4.27 and its 200-day moving average is $4.55. ZOZO has a 12 month low of $3.26 and a 12 month high of $5.38. Get ZOZO alerts: About ZOZO (Get Rating) Featured Stories ZOZO, Inc operates online shopping Websites in Japan and internationally. It operates ZOZOTOWN a fashion online shopping website; WEAR, a fashion app; Multi-Size platform to purchases and sells fashion merchandise of various brands; ZOZOUSED, a Website for secondhand/vintage apparel; and PayPay mall, an online shopping mall. Receive News & Ratings for ZOZO Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for ZOZO and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. StockNews.com initiated coverage on shares of International Tower Hill Mines (NYSEAMERICAN:THM Get Rating) (TSE:ITH) in a report issued on Sunday. The firm issued a sell rating on the mining companys stock. International Tower Hill Mines Stock Performance Shares of THM opened at $0.45 on Friday. International Tower Hill Mines has a 52 week low of $0.38 and a 52 week high of $0.75. The firm has a market cap of $87.71 million, a P/E ratio of -21.73 and a beta of 0.70. The firms 50-day simple moving average is $0.52 and its 200 day simple moving average is $0.53. Get International Tower Hill Mines alerts: Institutional Inflows and Outflows An institutional investor recently raised its position in International Tower Hill Mines stock. Renaissance Technologies LLC increased its position in shares of International Tower Hill Mines Ltd. (NYSEAMERICAN:THM Get Rating) (TSE:ITH) by 25.2% during the 4th quarter, according to its most recent filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission. The institutional investor owned 161,859 shares of the mining companys stock after acquiring an additional 32,559 shares during the period. Renaissance Technologies LLC owned about 0.08% of International Tower Hill Mines worth $69,000 as of its most recent filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission. 55.34% of the stock is currently owned by hedge funds and other institutional investors. International Tower Hill Mines Company Profile International Tower Hill Mines Ltd. is a mineral exploration company, which engages in the acquisition and exploration of mineral properties. It holds the right to acquire interest in an advanced stage exploration project in Alaska, known as the Livengood Gold Project. The company was founded by Jeffrey A. Read More 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. Shares of Sundance Energy Australia Ltd (OTCMKTS:SDCJF Get Rating) crossed below its 50-day moving average during trading on Tuesday . The stock has a 50-day moving average of $0.15 and traded as low as $0.03. Sundance Energy Australia shares last traded at $0.15, with a volume of 1,200 shares trading hands. Sundance Energy Australia Price Performance The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.95, a current ratio of 0.72 and a quick ratio of 0.72. The firm has a 50 day moving average of $0.15 and a 200-day moving average of $0.15. Sundance Energy Australia Company Profile (Get Rating) Sundance Energy Australia Limited operates as an onshore oil and gas company in the United States. The company explores for, develops, and produces oil and natural gas. Its exploration and development activities are focused on the Eagle Ford project in the South-Texas-Gulf Coast Basin. Sundance Energy Australia Limited was incorporated in 2004 and is based in Wayville, Australia. Further Reading Receive News & Ratings for Sundance Energy Australia Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Sundance Energy Australia and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Teachers Retirement System of The State of Kentucky lifted its holdings in Universal Health Services, Inc. (NYSE:UHS Get Rating) by 1,938.5% during the 4th quarter, according to its most recent filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission. The firm owned 139,861 shares of the health services providers stock after purchasing an additional 133,000 shares during the period. Teachers Retirement System of The State of Kentucky owned about 0.20% of Universal Health Services worth $19,705,000 at the end of the most recent reporting period. Several other institutional investors have also recently made changes to their positions in the business. Vanguard Group Inc. raised its stake in Universal Health Services by 1.9% during the 1st quarter. Vanguard Group Inc. now owns 7,856,010 shares of the health services providers stock worth $1,138,729,000 after acquiring an additional 146,820 shares during the period. BlackRock Inc. raised its stake in Universal Health Services by 2.3% during the 1st quarter. BlackRock Inc. now owns 5,026,512 shares of the health services providers stock worth $728,594,000 after acquiring an additional 113,259 shares during the period. First Eagle Investment Management LLC raised its stake in Universal Health Services by 2.2% during the 4th quarter. First Eagle Investment Management LLC now owns 4,733,178 shares of the health services providers stock worth $666,857,000 after acquiring an additional 101,132 shares during the period. Glenview Capital Management LLC bought a new stake in Universal Health Services during the 4th quarter worth approximately $127,611,000. Finally, Avidity Partners Management LP bought a new stake in Universal Health Services during the 4th quarter worth approximately $116,319,000. Institutional investors own 87.17% of the companys stock. Get Universal Health Services alerts: Universal Health Services Trading Down 0.4 % NYSE UHS traded down $0.63 on Thursday, hitting $145.56. 173,020 shares of the stock were exchanged, compared to its average volume of 642,103. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.78, a quick ratio of 1.26 and a current ratio of 1.37. The stock has a fifty day moving average price of $136.87 and a two-hundred day moving average price of $136.84. The firm has a market capitalization of $10.22 billion, a P/E ratio of 15.54, a P/E/G ratio of 1.83 and a beta of 1.26. Universal Health Services, Inc. has a 52-week low of $82.50 and a 52-week high of $154.65. Universal Health Services Dividend Announcement Universal Health Services ( NYSE:UHS Get Rating ) last released its earnings results on Tuesday, April 25th. The health services provider reported $2.34 earnings per share for the quarter, topping the consensus estimate of $2.15 by $0.19. Universal Health Services had a return on equity of 12.33% and a net margin of 5.05%. The business had revenue of $3.47 billion during the quarter, compared to the consensus estimate of $3.45 billion. During the same period last year, the company earned $2.15 earnings per share. The businesss revenue for the quarter was up 5.3% compared to the same quarter last year. Research analysts forecast that Universal Health Services, Inc. will post 10.27 EPS for the current fiscal year. The firm also recently announced a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Thursday, June 15th. Stockholders of record on Thursday, June 1st will be given a dividend of $0.20 per share. The ex-dividend date is Wednesday, May 31st. This represents a $0.80 annualized dividend and a dividend yield of 0.55%. Universal Health Servicess dividend payout ratio (DPR) is 8.50%. Wall Street Analyst Weigh In UHS has been the topic of a number of recent analyst reports. Mizuho raised their target price on shares of Universal Health Services from $140.00 to $150.00 in a research note on Tuesday, May 16th. 888 reiterated a maintains rating on shares of Universal Health Services in a research report on Monday, May 8th. Deutsche Bank Aktiengesellschaft lifted their price objective on shares of Universal Health Services from $145.00 to $155.00 in a research report on Thursday, April 27th. Citigroup lifted their price objective on shares of Universal Health Services from $150.00 to $165.00 in a research report on Thursday, April 27th. Finally, Bank of America upgraded shares of Universal Health Services from a neutral rating to a buy rating and set a $163.00 price objective on the stock in a research report on Friday, June 2nd. Three equities research analysts have rated the stock with a sell rating, nine have issued a hold rating and six have assigned a buy rating to the company. Based on data from MarketBeat, Universal Health Services has a consensus rating of Hold and a consensus target price of $140.50. Insider Transactions at Universal Health Services In other news, Director Warren J. Nimetz sold 800 shares of Universal Health Services stock in a transaction on Tuesday, June 13th. The stock was sold at an average price of $140.97, for a total transaction of $112,776.00. Following the completion of the sale, the director now directly owns 2,944 shares in the company, valued at $415,015.68. The transaction was disclosed in a filing with the SEC, which can be accessed through the SEC website. In related news, Director Warren J. Nimetz sold 800 shares of Universal Health Services stock in a transaction dated Tuesday, June 13th. The stock was sold at an average price of $140.97, for a total value of $112,776.00. Following the completion of the sale, the director now directly owns 2,944 shares in the company, valued at $415,015.68. The transaction was disclosed in a filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is accessible through this hyperlink. Also, Director Eileen C. Mcdonnell sold 1,680 shares of Universal Health Services stock in a transaction dated Wednesday, May 17th. The shares were sold at an average price of $134.64, for a total value of $226,195.20. Following the completion of the sale, the director now owns 5,316 shares of the companys stock, valued at $715,746.24. The disclosure for this sale can be found here. Over the last ninety days, insiders sold 74,697 shares of company stock worth $10,547,996. 15.40% of the stock is currently owned by insiders. Universal Health Services Company Profile (Get Rating) Universal Health Services, Inc operates as a healthcare management company, which through its subsidiaries, owns and operates acute care hospitals, behavioral health centers, and outpatient facilities. It operates through the following segments: Acute Care Hospital Services, Behavioral Health Care Services, and Other. Featured Stories Receive News & Ratings for Universal Health Services Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Universal Health Services and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Hong Kong: eHealth publicity campaign set A fresh round of publicity for the Electronic Health Record Sharing System (eHealth) was rolled out today to call on the public to make the best use of the eHealth mobile app for managing health conditions, the Health Bureau announced. TV and radio announcements in the public interest were premiered tonight, while the mobile truck Mobile Health Station will tour the city from this Saturday till the end of the month to help citizens register for eHealth and download the mobile application. Mobile Health Station will visit some 30 locations across the city, and on-site staff will help participants download the mobile app and introduce to them its features. In addition, body mass index and blood pressure measurement services will be offered, so that staff can guide users to input the data in the eHealth app. Such services are free of charge and no appointment is needed. People who join the event can receive souvenirs on a first come, first served basis. eHealth is a privacy protected, personal life-long electronic health record which can ensure that patients and healthcare service providers may view and share digital medical data of health records on a secured electronic platform without any worries. Apart from public hospitals and clinics, all 13 local private hospitals and about 2,800 other private healthcare organisations are also registered healthcare service providers of eHealth. As at end-May, over three billion medical records of more than 5.7 million citizens have been shared on eHealth. More than 2.9 million downloads were recorded since the apps launch. Looking ahead, the bureau said it plans to establish further collaboration with private healthcare institutions in uploading healthcare data to transform eHealth into a comprehensive infrastructure supporting the overall healthcare system, thereby ensuring delivery of continuous healthcare for individuals. This story has been published on: 2023-06-15. To contact the author, please use the contact details within the article. The killing of a police officer and the wounding of two others in North Dakotas largest city is impacting others around the state who put on Teleflex (NYSE:TFX Get Rating) was downgraded by investment analysts at StockNews.com from a buy rating to a hold rating in a research note issued on Wednesday. Other research analysts have also issued research reports about the company. Needham & Company LLC reaffirmed a buy rating and set a $291.00 price target on shares of Teleflex in a research report on Friday, February 24th. Wolfe Research lowered Teleflex from an outperform rating to a peer perform rating in a research note on Wednesday, April 26th. Mizuho upped their price target on shares of Teleflex from $220.00 to $250.00 in a research note on Tuesday, April 18th. JMP Securities restated a market outperform rating and issued a $330.00 price target on shares of Teleflex in a research note on Thursday, March 30th. Finally, CL King began coverage on shares of Teleflex in a research note on Tuesday, May 30th. They set a buy rating and a $293.00 price objective on the stock. Seven analysts have rated the stock with a hold rating and six have assigned a buy rating to the stock. Based on data from MarketBeat, the stock has a consensus rating of Hold and a consensus price target of $273.38. Get Teleflex alerts: Teleflex Stock Up 2.3 % NYSE TFX traded up $5.47 during trading hours on Wednesday, reaching $244.53. 459,633 shares of the companys stock were exchanged, compared to its average volume of 314,187. The companys 50-day moving average is $251.69 and its two-hundred day moving average is $246.35. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.38, a quick ratio of 1.41 and a current ratio of 2.48. Teleflex has a one year low of $182.65 and a one year high of $276.43. The company has a market capitalization of $11.47 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 31.88, a price-to-earnings-growth ratio of 2.50 and a beta of 1.00. Insider Activity at Teleflex Teleflex ( NYSE:TFX Get Rating ) last posted its quarterly earnings data on Thursday, May 4th. The medical technology company reported $3.09 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, topping analysts consensus estimates of $2.97 by $0.12. Teleflex had a return on equity of 15.80% and a net margin of 12.68%. The business had revenue of $710.90 million during the quarter, compared to the consensus estimate of $687.11 million. During the same period last year, the company earned $2.88 earnings per share. Teleflexs quarterly revenue was up 10.8% on a year-over-year basis. On average, analysts forecast that Teleflex will post 13.29 EPS for the current fiscal year. In other Teleflex news, Director Stuart A. Randle sold 3,021 shares of the stock in a transaction that occurred on Wednesday, May 10th. The shares were sold at an average price of $245.71, for a total transaction of $742,289.91. Following the completion of the sale, the director now owns 4,847 shares of the companys stock, valued at approximately $1,190,956.37. The transaction was disclosed in a legal filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is accessible through the SEC website. 1.41% of the stock is owned by company insiders. Institutional Trading of Teleflex A number of institutional investors and hedge funds have recently added to or reduced their stakes in the company. T. Rowe Price Investment Management Inc. increased its position in Teleflex by 2.1% during the 4th quarter. T. Rowe Price Investment Management Inc. now owns 8,633,473 shares of the medical technology companys stock valued at $2,155,174,000 after purchasing an additional 181,393 shares during the period. Vanguard Group Inc. grew its position in shares of Teleflex by 2.1% during the 3rd quarter. Vanguard Group Inc. now owns 5,339,526 shares of the medical technology companys stock worth $1,075,700,000 after buying an additional 110,456 shares during the period. BlackRock Inc. grew its position in shares of Teleflex by 0.3% during the 1st quarter. BlackRock Inc. now owns 3,982,749 shares of the medical technology companys stock worth $1,008,870,000 after buying an additional 13,204 shares during the period. Wellington Management Group LLP grew its position in shares of Teleflex by 0.3% during the 1st quarter. Wellington Management Group LLP now owns 3,100,514 shares of the medical technology companys stock worth $785,391,000 after buying an additional 7,795 shares during the period. Finally, Morgan Stanley grew its position in shares of Teleflex by 535.8% during the 4th quarter. Morgan Stanley now owns 2,691,192 shares of the medical technology companys stock worth $671,803,000 after buying an additional 2,267,889 shares during the period. Institutional investors and hedge funds own 93.82% of the companys stock. About Teleflex (Get Rating) Teleflex Incorporated designs, develops, manufactures, and supplies single-use medical devices for common diagnostic and therapeutic procedures in critical care and surgical applications worldwide. It provides vascular access products that comprise Arrow branded catheters, catheter navigation and tip positioning systems, and intraosseous access systems for the administration of intravenous therapies, the measurement of blood pressure, and the withdrawal of blood samples through a single puncture site. See Also Receive News & Ratings for Teleflex Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Teleflex and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Triasima Portfolio Management inc. boosted its holdings in shares of Hubbell Incorporated (NYSE:HUBB Get Rating) by 226.7% during the 4th quarter, HoldingsChannel.com reports. The fund owned 24,308 shares of the industrial products companys stock after purchasing an additional 16,868 shares during the period. Triasima Portfolio Management inc.s holdings in Hubbell were worth $5,705,000 at the end of the most recent quarter. Several other hedge funds and other institutional investors have also recently added to or reduced their stakes in the business. Vanguard Group Inc. lifted its holdings in Hubbell by 1.0% during the third quarter. Vanguard Group Inc. now owns 5,542,232 shares of the industrial products companys stock worth $1,235,918,000 after acquiring an additional 57,469 shares in the last quarter. Price T Rowe Associates Inc. MD raised its stake in shares of Hubbell by 69.4% in the 3rd quarter. Price T Rowe Associates Inc. MD now owns 4,870,982 shares of the industrial products companys stock valued at $1,086,230,000 after purchasing an additional 1,995,155 shares during the period. JPMorgan Chase & Co. raised its stake in shares of Hubbell by 13.2% in the 4th quarter. JPMorgan Chase & Co. now owns 2,582,249 shares of the industrial products companys stock valued at $606,003,000 after purchasing an additional 301,775 shares during the period. Wellington Management Group LLP raised its stake in shares of Hubbell by 133.8% in the 1st quarter. Wellington Management Group LLP now owns 1,543,481 shares of the industrial products companys stock valued at $283,646,000 after purchasing an additional 883,272 shares during the period. Finally, State Street Corp raised its stake in shares of Hubbell by 4.1% in the 1st quarter. State Street Corp now owns 1,491,325 shares of the industrial products companys stock valued at $274,061,000 after purchasing an additional 59,128 shares during the period. 89.71% of the stock is currently owned by institutional investors. Get Hubbell alerts: Insiders Place Their Bets In other Hubbell news, Director Carlos M. Cardoso sold 560 shares of the businesss stock in a transaction that occurred on Friday, May 5th. The stock was sold at an average price of $273.16, for a total transaction of $152,969.60. Following the transaction, the director now owns 1,711 shares of the companys stock, valued at $467,376.76. The sale was disclosed in a document filed with the SEC, which is available through this link. Company insiders own 0.66% of the companys stock. Analyst Upgrades and Downgrades Hubbell Stock Up 0.7 % HUBB has been the topic of several recent research reports. Wells Fargo & Company dropped their price target on Hubbell from $225.00 to $221.00 and set an equal weight rating on the stock in a research note on Thursday, April 13th. StockNews.com downgraded Hubbell from a strong-buy rating to a buy rating in a research note on Tuesday, May 23rd. Finally, Mizuho lifted their price target on Hubbell from $252.00 to $300.00 in a research note on Wednesday, April 26th. Two research analysts have rated the stock with a sell rating, three have assigned a hold rating and two have issued a buy rating to the company. According to MarketBeat.com, the company presently has an average rating of Hold and a consensus price target of $237.33. Shares of NYSE:HUBB traded up $2.16 during midday trading on Thursday, reaching $317.61. The company had a trading volume of 75,687 shares, compared to its average volume of 418,152. The company has a quick ratio of 1.25, a current ratio of 1.99 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.58. The businesss 50 day moving average price is $266.78 and its 200 day moving average price is $249.72. The stock has a market cap of $17.02 billion, a PE ratio of 30.13, a P/E/G ratio of 2.28 and a beta of 0.99. Hubbell Incorporated has a 1-year low of $170.21 and a 1-year high of $318.32. Hubbell (NYSE:HUBB Get Rating) last released its earnings results on Tuesday, April 25th. The industrial products company reported $3.61 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, beating analysts consensus estimates of $2.46 by $1.15. The business had revenue of $1.29 billion for the quarter, compared to the consensus estimate of $1.25 billion. Hubbell had a return on equity of 27.72% and a net margin of 11.15%. Hubbells quarterly revenue was up 11.2% on a year-over-year basis. During the same quarter in the previous year, the business earned $2.12 earnings per share. Research analysts forecast that Hubbell Incorporated will post 13.81 EPS for the current fiscal year. Hubbell Dividend Announcement The firm also recently declared a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Thursday, June 15th. Shareholders of record on Wednesday, May 31st will be given a dividend of $1.12 per share. This represents a $4.48 dividend on an annualized basis and a yield of 1.41%. The ex-dividend date is Tuesday, May 30th. Hubbells dividend payout ratio (DPR) is presently 42.79%. About Hubbell (Get Rating) Hubbell, Inc engages in the designing, manufacturing, and sale of electrical and electronic products for non-residential and residential construction, industrial, and utility applications. It operates through the Electrical Solutions and Utility Solutions segments. The Electrical Solutions segment manufactures and sells wiring and electrical, lighting fixtures, and controls for indoor and outdoor applications as well as specialty lighting and communications products. Further Reading Want to see what other hedge funds are holding HUBB? Visit HoldingsChannel.com to get the latest 13F filings and insider trades for Hubbell Incorporated (NYSE:HUBB Get Rating). Receive News & Ratings for Hubbell Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Hubbell and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. UBS ETRACS 2xLeveraged Long Wells Fargo Business Development Company Index ETN (NYSEARCA:BDCL Get Rating) shares passed above its 50-day moving average during trading on Tuesday . The stock has a 50-day moving average of $2.44 and traded as high as $2.44. UBS ETRACS 2xLeveraged Long Wells Fargo Business Development Company Index ETN shares last traded at $2.44, with a volume of 173,800 shares trading hands. UBS ETRACS 2xLeveraged Long Wells Fargo Business Development Company Index ETN Trading Down 0.4 % The firm has a 50-day moving average of $2.44 and a 200 day moving average of $2.44. Recommended Stories Receive News & Ratings for UBS ETRACS 2xLeveraged Long Wells Fargo Business Development Company Index ETN Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for UBS ETRACS 2xLeveraged Long Wells Fargo Business Development Company Index ETN and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. The Berkeley Group (LON:BKG Get Rating) had its price objective raised by UBS Group from GBX 4,450 ($55.68) to GBX 4,580 ($57.31) in a research report sent to investors on Monday morning, MarketBeat.com reports. They currently have a buy rating on the stock. Several other research analysts have also recently commented on BKG. Berenberg Bank raised their target price on shares of The Berkeley Group from GBX 4,500 ($56.31) to GBX 5,100 ($63.81) and gave the stock a buy rating in a report on Thursday, May 11th. Liberum Capital reissued a buy rating and set a GBX 4,750 ($59.43) price target on shares of The Berkeley Group in a research report on Monday, February 13th. JPMorgan Chase & Co. raised their price objective on The Berkeley Group from GBX 4,500 ($56.31) to GBX 4,800 ($60.06) and gave the stock an overweight rating in a research report on Tuesday, April 18th. Finally, Jefferies Financial Group reissued a hold rating on shares of The Berkeley Group in a research report on Monday, February 13th. Two analysts have rated the stock with a hold rating and five have given a buy rating to the stock. According to MarketBeat.com, The Berkeley Group presently has a consensus rating of Moderate Buy and a consensus price target of GBX 4,617 ($57.77). Get The Berkeley Group alerts: The Berkeley Group Stock Performance Shares of LON BKG opened at GBX 3,942 ($49.32) on Monday. The company has a quick ratio of 0.57, a current ratio of 3.36 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 20.73. The stock has a market capitalization of 4.24 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 959.12, a PEG ratio of -0.87 and a beta of 1.11. The stocks fifty day simple moving average is GBX 4,230.34 and its 200 day simple moving average is GBX 4,117.68. The Berkeley Group has a 52-week low of GBX 3,120 ($39.04) and a 52-week high of GBX 4,549 ($56.92). The Berkeley Group Company Profile The Berkeley Group Holdings plc, together with its subsidiaries, engages in the residential-led and mixed-use property development activities in the United Kingdom. The company is also involved in land selling activities. It operates under the Berkeley, St Edward, St George, St James, St Joseph, and St William brand names. Recommended Stories Receive News & Ratings for The Berkeley Group Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for The Berkeley Group and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Tata Motors has evinced interest in the expansion of new green technology project in Jharkhand including manufacturing of hydrogen engine-powered vehicles and electric vehicles. Senior officials of Tata Motors, Tata Steel and Tata Cummins held a meeting with Jharkhand Chief Minister Hemant Soren and senior officials to discuss the possibilities of investment in the expansion of a new green technology project at Jamshedpur. Cummins Inc and Tata Motors had in November last year joined hands to offer solutions in hydrogen-powered commercial vehicle space. Under the pact, the two partners had agreed to collaborate on the design and development of low and zero-emission propulsion technology solutions for commercial vehicles in India, including hydrogen-powered internal combustion engines, fuel cells, and battery electric vehicle systems. "Tata Motors officials told the chief minister that there are immense possibilities of investment on expansion of the New Green Technology Manufacturing Project (Hydrogen Technology Engine based vehicle manufacturing) in Jamshedpur, Jharkhand. Tata Motors and Tata Cummins are preparing to make electric vehicles as well as hydrogen engine powered vehicles," a statement from the state government said. It said Tata Motors aims to achieve zero carbon emissions in the automobile sector in the coming 25 to 30 years. "Tata Motors wants to set up a hydrogen segment in Jamshedpur. The officers told the chief minister that with the cooperation of the state government, the Green Hydrogen Mission can be achieved. Tata Motors is working on new technology for vehicles these days. Along with electric vehicles, Tata Motors is now focusing on manufacturing hydrogen engine-powered vehicles," the statement said. Soren assured all possible cooperation from the state government and added that present global warming is a challenge for the whole world. "There is a need to move towards green technology in future. There are immense possibilities for investment in Jharkhand. Tata Motors should work by preparing a better master plan for setting up a new green technology manufacturing project in a clean environment using new technology. The state government will always stand by the vehicle manufacturers for their cooperation," Soren said. Those present in the meeting included Tata Motors Executive Director Girish Wagh and Managing Director, Cummins India, Ashwath Ram besides Jharkhand Chief Secretary Sukhdev Singh. Cummins Inc is a global power solution and hydrogen technology provider. Cummins' zero-emission product portfolio also includes its fourth-generation hydrogen fuel cell engine. Tata Motors has had a joint venture with Cummins since 1993 to manufacture Cummins mid-range B series diesel engines for Tata vehicles. India's newest airline Akasa Air, co-founded by late billionaire investor Rakesh Jhunjhunwala, is looking to raise $75-100 million by offering fresh shares to expand its business, a report has said. The airline, founded in December 2021, wants the money to make pre-delivery payments for aircraft, the Economic Times quoted sources as saying. The Mumbai-based airline ordered 72 Boeing 737 Max, of which 19 have been delivered. The move to raise funds will see the Jhunjhunwala family's 46 percent stake in the airline diluted. The family holds this stake through a trust and despite the potential dilution, it will remain the largest shareholder. Also Read: First-year comparison shows Akasa Air clearly besting IndiGo "The trust is unlikely to participate in this round of funding but even after the dilution will retain a substantial stake. The aviation sector is on a boom and the value of Akasa with strong financials and led by professionals will only rise," the report quoted a source as saying. Potential investors The airline, which commenced operations less than a year ago, has reached out to potential investors, including PE firms and high-net-worth individuals, for raising capital. Any infusion of capital will be based on a $650-million valuation. US-based hedge fund PAR Capital Management is one of the names doing the rounds and may subscribe to the shares to add to its existing 6 percent stake in the low-cost airline. Brokerage firm ICICI Securities said on June 12 the outlook for airlines remained strong due to healthy growth in traffic, declining jet fuel prices and ticking ticket values. A source said the Jhunjhunwala family has the right of first refusal on any equity fundraising the airline plans. A spokesperson for Akasa Air called this speculation and refused to comment. Utpal Seth, senior partner and CEO of Rare Enterprise, Jhunjhunwala's investment outfit, and PAR Capital didn't respond to queries, the report said. Akasa's market share Akasa Air has 19 aircraft in its fleet and commands a 4 percent market share. The company was looking to place a triple-digit aircraft order before the end of 2023, CEO Vinay Dube has said. Also Read: Akasa Air to place 'three-digit' order for aircraft in 2023, plans to fly internationally by year-end: CEO "Think of the airline as a startup and look at this as its next round of fundraising. The kind of ambitions the airline has, would money from the Jhunjhunwalas be enough to sustain them?" a source was quoted as saying in the report. "The answer is no. Also remember the Jhunjhunwalas are financial investors and not promoters, as is the case with several airline ventures in India." Akasas first commercial flight was on August 7, 2022 between Ahmedabad and Mumbai. Jhunjhunwala passed away a week later. The Union government plans to fix the rate of royalty that mining companies must pay for extracting lithium at 3 percent of the prices prevailing at the London Metal Exchange (LME), two government sources said. India, which has been exploring ways to secure supplies of lithium - a critical raw material used to make electric vehicle batteries - in February found its first lithium deposits in the federally administered region of Jammu and Kashmir. The government is expected to auction the newly found lithium blocks, with estimated reserves of 5.9 million tonnes, later this year. At least a dozen Indian and foreign companies such as Adani Enterprises, Vedanta Ltd, Reliance Industries, Jindal Steel and Power Ltd, Himadri Chemicals and Korea's LX International are likely to take part in the auction, said the sources, asking not to be named as the information is not public. The Cabinet is expected to consider the proposal of fixing the rate of royalty for lithium mining at 3 percent of the rates prevailing at LME, they said. The Ministry of Mines did not immediately respond to a request for comment. The rate of royalty - to be paid to the local administration of Jammu and Kashmir - would be a major step towards the country's first auction of its lithium blocks, the sources said. The mining ministry fixes royalty rates, but the revenue goes to state governments or federally administrated territories. India has previously used the LME benchmark to fix the royalty rate for bauxite mining, the sources said. "We studied the royalty rates in other lithium mining countries," said one of the sources. "The royalty rates in Australia is also 3% of LME and (it) is 4.5% of LME in Argentina, Bolivia and Chile - called the lithium triangle." India's plans to auction its lithium reserve - estimated as the seventh largest deposit - comes amid a push by major economies to secure lithium supplies. The United States, Canada and other countries have established a new partnership aimed at securing the supply of critical minerals, including lithium. Liberia has become the latest addition to the growing list of countries that have encountered contaminated medicine originating from India's drugmaking industry, which is valued at $42 billion, Bloomberg reported on June 15. Health officials from Liberia and Nigeria confirmed that 250 cartons of Para Clear, a children's paracetamol syrup manufactured in Ahmedabad, were seized by the West African nation due to the presence of toxic ethylene glycol. There was no death or illness reported in Liberia due to this. Liberias Medicines and Health Products Regulatory Authority quarantined the medicine last September, Keturah Smith-Chineh, who heads the regulator, said in a text message response to questions. The medicine failed local tests, and was sent for further testing in nearby Nigeria after the importer challenged the results, she said. Nigerias National Agency for Food and Drugs Administration and Control named the tainted drug in a June 12 statement, providing a picture of its packaging in a public alert notice. It also warned that ethylene glycol is toxic to humans when consumed and can prove fatal. There was no death or illness reported in Liberia, Smith-Chineh said. 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 US Trade Representative Katherine Tai will on Thursday hold a virtual meeting with Union Commerce and Industries Minister Piyush Goyal. The meeting comes ahead of Prime Minister Narendra Modi's official State Visit to the US next week at the invitation of President Joe Biden. During the meeting, Tai and Goyal are expected to put the finishing touches on the announcements being planned for next week. Bilateral trade between India and the US has nearly doubled in the Modi government's nine years. Last year, trade between the countries was over USD 191 billion. On Tuesday, US Chambers of Commerce President and CEO Suzanne Clark urged Modi and Biden to work towards achieving bilateral trade of USD 500 billion per annum. Speaking at the India Ideas Summit of the US-India Business Council, Clark said, "By reaching that ambitious bilateral trade target (of USD 500 billion), together we can demonstrate to the world that the future of the global economy will be anchored by democracy, free enterprise, open markets and the rule of law." During the summit, Commerce Secretary Gina Raimondo said Modi's State Visit would be an opportunity to elevate the governments' commercial and strategic technology partnerships, including in defence, semiconductor supply chains, clean energy, and space. Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen, speaking at the event, said the two countries had made significant progress to strengthen bilateral ties. She also noted that the US is India's largest trading partner. "Looking forward, I believe that we have significant potential to grow trade and investment between our nations. "Both of our countries are advancing what I call 'modern supply-side' policies -- investing in human capital, physical capital, and science and technology to boost our long-term economic potential," Yellen 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 The US and India are likely to agree to jointly manufacture fighter jet engines in the South Asian nation when Prime Minister Narendra Modi visits Washington next week, a sign of closer military cooperation between the two countries in the face of Chinas growing assertiveness. The deal is close to the finish line, according to people with knowledge of the matter, who asked not to be identified as the details are confidential. The White House is expected to clear the proposal from General Electric Co., the Massachusetts-based aerospace manufacturing giant, to produce the engines with state-owned Hindustan Aeronautics Ltd. for the Tejas light-combat aircraft, the people said. Modi starts his first formal state visit on June 21. President Joe Biden will host him for a state banquet, and the Indian leader will also address the US Congress. A number of the deliverables from Modis visit are not just bullet points on a page, US National Security Adviser Jake Sullivan said at a conference in New Delhi on Tuesday. They are fundamentally designed to remove those obstacles in defense trading, in high tech trade, in investment in each of our countries. Sullivan is in India this week for meetings with top Indian officials ahead of the Modi visit. Modis visit comes as the Biden administration is working to deepen its relationship with countries that are crucial to counter what it sees as Chinas growing threat. In deepening its ties with India the US has also appeared willing to overlook its democratic backsliding as it seeks to pull the South Asian nation away from Russias sphere of influence. Ties between US and India have grown stronger as concerns over China have increased despite significant differences in the fields of values and vision, said Sushant Singh, a senior fellow at New the Centre of Policy Research, a New Delhi-based think tank. Those are currently being overridden by interests. The jet engine agreement, which would require technology transfer from America, will need approval from the US Congress, where India is banking on the general upswing in ties and bipartisan support to clear remaining hurdles. Bengaluru-based Hindustan Aeronautics Ltd. and Indias Ministry of External Affairs didnt immediately reply to requests for comment. The US National Security Council had no comment, and GE declined to comment. The jet engine agreement would fit in with Modis wider push to boost defense manufacturing locally but with technology partnerships with nations that are keen to draw New Delhi into their orbit as Russias war in Ukraine drags on into a second year. Earlier this month Germanys Thyssenkrupp AGs marine arm and Indias Mazagon Dock Shipbuilders Ltd. signed an initial agreement to jointly build submarines for the Indian navy. The domestic production of the engines will strengthen Indias fighter jet program and its air force, whose fleet of rapidly aging Russian fighters need to be replaced. It will also boost Modis image as he looks at a third term in office in national elections next year. The two countries will also likely inch closer to agreements on other defense issues, including Indias purchase of over a dozen armed drones that could exponentially boost its sea and land defense capabilities. Its current unmanned aerial vehicles can only be used for surveillance and reconnaissance, the people said. As border tensions with China flared in the summer of 2020, New Delhi borrowed two drones MQ 9B drones from the U.S. The drones deal with the San Diego-based General Atomics has been mired in bureaucratic red-tape for years. In addition the two countries will be discussing jointly building the eight-wheeled armored personnel carrier Stryker in India. the halo effect vs. DEI vs. Microaggressions ** Diversity, Inclusion, and Belonging New page Microaggressions Microaggressions Close [Open on 3 individuals from marginalized identities sitting down for lunch at a long table in the cafeteria.] Narrator: Microaggressions are one of the most common actions that can harm people and their work environment. But what are they? [As the characters begin to eat, theyre disturbed by multiple speech bubbles that begin to pop up around them. The speech bubbles are making the characters uncomfortable and overwhelm them.] Narrator: Interpersonal microaggressions are demeaning and disrespectful words, comments, or behaviors based on an element of someone's identity. Examples of environmental microaggressions include images or inaccessible spaces. [The characters pop up amidst the speech bubbles that have overwhelmed the scene and begin to try and clear them away to make space for themselves.] Narrator: Microaggressions may happen intentionally or unintentionally, but regardless of intent, they communicate to the recipientand others who witness itthat they do not belong or are not respected. [Exhausted, the characters return to their meals. They are visually drained and downtrodden.] Narrator: But studies have shown that microaggressions can hurt our physical and mental health. [Symbols of a brain, a clock, and a heart appear above them. The speech bubbles slowly begin to return and continue to disturb them all.] Narrator: They can also contribute to racial battle fatigue, a set of symptoms like depression, anxiety, and high blood pressure that can be caused by the stress of experiencing ongoing race-based aggressions. [Two coworkers walk up with their lunch trays and notice the overwhelming amount of speech bubbles that are burying the original three characters.] Narrator: Increasing our awareness about microaggressions, actively working to prevent them, and practicing self-care if we experience them, are all ways we can help everyone feel respected and included at work. [The two coworkers sit down with the original characters and speak with them. As they do so, the harmful speech bubbles begin to disappear.] CloseClose Skip to main content Navigation Resources Listen Microaggressions Select the play button to start the video. Skip to video accessibility Play Paused01:0801:08 Transcript Back Next Addressing Microaggressions Youve reviewed some examples of microaggressions and the impact these statements or behaviors have on people, so lets explore strategies you can use to address them. Select each tab to learn more. Direct Distract Delegate Delay Delegate Sometimes, it is best to have someone else get involved. You can delegate by talking to someone else who can help address the situation. This should be someone you trust, and could include the leader of the group or your supervisor. This may be a good option if you feel uncomfortable or unsafe, or if youre unsure how to address the situation. -- Distract A more subtle approach is to distract: interrupt or de-escalate the interaction by changing the subject or refocusing attention elsewhere. This option can be effective when you dont know the individuals involved or are worried that directly addressing the behavior may make the situation worse for the person being targeted. Direct One approach is to directly address disrespectful or offensive behavior that you observe, if it is safe to do so. This tactic is best when you know the individuals or are in a position of authority or power in the situation. Delay Depending on the circumstance, it may be better to delay, or take action later. This option works well if the target of the microaggression is speaking for themselves, when youve learned about the situation after it happened, or if taking action in the moment may escalate the situation or cause further harm. This could involve checking on the person later to ensure they are OK and offering your support. ** Tactless Touch Your team is in a meeting, and one of your colleagues, Julie, takes her seat next to another colleague, Madison. Julie turns to Madison and exclaims Oh my, your hair is so fun! and reaches out to touch Madisons braids. You immediately recognize Julies words and actions were disrespectful. What strategies could you use in this situation to address Julie's microaggression? When This Works Close Asking a casual question can help stop the behavior in a non-confrontational way. You may want to consider if this approach would put Madison in an uncomfortable position or if Madison would want to advocate for herself. ** Begin your presentation and say to the group, I am going to ask for your full attention now as we get started! Julie, can you please take notes for the first portion of the meeting? Distracting from a microaggression is sometimes the right tactic. In this situation, while Julie has already acted, you can prevent her from continuing while also not drawing further attention to Madison. Consider how to revisit this issue with Madison later to learn how else you can support her. Also, consider how to raise Julies awareness about the impact of her actions. ** After the meeting, ask Madison privately, Are you OK? I saw how Julie invaded your personal space. That was inappropriate. Checking in on Madison after the meeting shows that you care and support her, and also acknowledges the likely impact of Julies microaggression. Consider that this strategy can be used on its own, such as when acting in the moment doesnt seem right, or it can be used along with some of the other strategies. ** You look at your manager who is sitting next to you with concern and whisper, Wow, that was uncomfortableand I think Madison is also uncomfortable. What should we do? Getting someone else involved is a good option if you feel uncomfortable or unsure of how to address the situation on your own. If youre uncomfortable, it's likely that others are, too. ** Diversity, Inclusion, and Belonging New page Recovering from Microagressions Skip to main content Navigation Resources Listen Recovering from Microaggressions If youve been the target of a microaggression, you may want to respond in the moment, or you may want to take some time and think about whatif anythingyou wish to do next. Here are a few tactics for you to consider. Select a topic to learn more. Affirm Your Feelings Affirm Your Feelings Affirm Your Feelings Whether you feel sad, humiliated, uncertain, or angry, acknowledge and accept your emotional response to what happened and explore why you feel this way. Use this awareness to guide any next steps you may choose to take. Directly Respond Directly Respond Directly Respond If you feel comfortable, you can address the microaggression in the moment. One possible tactic is to identify the comment or action, and describe its impact on you. So you might say, When you said that, I heard or When you did that, I felt Take Some Time Take Some Time Take Some Time Another option is to address the situation later. You may prefer to take some time to think about and practice what you want to say, or find a time when you can speak to the person in private. You may decide that you dont want to respond to the person at allwhatever feels right to you. Seek Support Seek Support Seek Support Talk with empathetic colleagues or friends whose perspective you trust. They can validate your emotions and support you as you reflect on the experience. Practice Self-Care Practice Self-Care Practice Self-Care Try self-care techniques such as meditation, physical exercise, rest, or other practices that help restore your well-being. Taking pauses from social media, practicing grounding exercises, and seeking out trauma-informed care can be helpful in addressing issues like racial battle fatigue. Explore any employee assistance program benefits that would be helpful for you. Back Next ** Repairing the Harm from Microaggressions What if you are the person who commits a microaggression? Most people want to make things right if theyve offended a colleague, but sometimes are not sure what to do. Select a topic to learn more. Pick the right time to talk and listen Make sure youre ready to offer a sincere apology by reflecting on whether you accept that someone experienced harm, and that you had a role in it. Approach them privately and express that youd like to apologize. Ask if theyre willing to discuss it with you, and accept their answer if theyre not. If they are, listen to how they feel and avoid becoming defensive; use active listening skills. Apologize An effective apology is focused on the person who was harmed. Acknowledge what happened and take accountability for your actions. Avoid saying something like, Im sorry you were offended. This avoids taking personal responsibility for the impact of your words or actions. Try something like, I said something I thought was funny, but I know now that it was disrespectful to you. While they may choose to accept your apology and forgive you, you should not expect them to do so. Repair & Learn Resolve to be more intentional next time and seek to repair the harm. Identify what you can learn from the experience, and share with them how youre going to do better if appropriate. One example may be: Thank you for sharing more of your experience. I understand better now why what I said upset you. Id like to make this right, if I can. What might be helpful for you? If you feel too many negative emotions to learn from the experience, like overwhelming guilt or shame, then reach out to a mentor, a professional or confidential employee assistance program, or someone in your community for support to build your own resilience. ** *** The Helo effect: What is helo effect? examples? ChatGPT The "halo effect" is a cognitive bias that occurs when our overall impression of a person influences our perceptions of their specific traits or abilities. It is a form of cognitive bias where positive impressions of a person in one area lead to positive assumptions or evaluations in other areas, regardless of whether those assumptions or evaluations are justified. Here are a few examples to illustrate the halo effect: 1) Physical attractiveness: If someone is perceived as physically attractive, they are often attributed with positive qualities such as intelligence, kindness, and competence, even without direct evidence supporting these assumptions. 2) Professional success: Individuals who have achieved notable success in a specific field, such as business or sports, may be seen as competent in unrelated areas, leading others to assume they possess a range of positive qualities beyond their expertise. 3) Stereotyping: When we have preconceived notions about a certain group of people, the halo effect can cause us to generalize positive or negative traits to all individuals within that group based on limited information or observations. 4) First impressions: Our initial impression of a person can heavily influence our perception of them in subsequent encounters. If we form a positive first impression, we may give that person the benefit of the doubt and interpret their actions in a more favorable light. 5) Celebrity endorsements: Advertisers often leverage the halo effect by using popular celebrities to endorse their products. The positive associations people have with the celebrity's image are transferred to the product, increasing its perceived value. It's important to be aware of the halo effect because it can lead to biased judgments and evaluations. By recognizing this bias, we can strive to make more objective assessments of individuals and situations, relying on evidence and multiple sources of information rather than solely relying on initial impressions or superficial characteristics. **** Tactless Touch Crisis-hit carrier Go First, which had temporarily grounded its flight in early May citing unsustainable financial situation, has extended the suspension of operations till June 25. The Wadia group-backed airline said the suspension has been extended due to operational reasons. "We apologise for the inconvenience caused due to the flight cancellations," it said in an updated shared on social media. Earlier, the airline has shared a revival plan with the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA), saying it can fly 157 daily flights, as against 164 it did before halting its operations, the sources added. This would amount to a restoration of around 94 percent of Go First's daily flights that were being operated till May 1. The carrier abruptly suspended operations on May 2, blaming engine supplier Pratts & Whitney for its unsustainable situation. Also Read | Go First's insolvency plea: Central Bank of India, three other lessors move applications at NCLT The airline, which accounted for 6.4 percent of the Indian aviation market share, has taken steps over the past few weeks to retain its pilots and crew. In a communication dated May 24, Go First assured them that their salary for April would be credited to their accounts before the commencement of operations. This was followed by another note in the final week of May. The airline promised to provide a retention allowance of Rs 1 lakh a month to pilots and Rs 50,000 to the co-pilots in addition to their existing salary. Go First also offered to roll out the allowance for pilots who have recently resigned but were willing to withdraw their resignations by June 15. The Indian Pharma Market (IPM) seems to be waking up from a slumber as it recorded a second straight month of double-digit growth in May. The IPM grew around 10 percent on year in May, aided by a low base, volume growth and strong demand across key therapies. The strong growth in May comes after the IPM increased 11 percent year-on-year in April. The trend for the Indian Pharma Market this year stand at a stark contrast with a decline of 9 percent and 6 percent, seen in April and May, respectively, last year. Volumes also grew 3.5 percent in May and while JM Financial does highlight that monthly volumes are yet to sustain the positive momentum, it still believes FY24 could deliver 2-4 percent volume growth for the IPM. Baking that in along with expectations of price growth of 5-7 percent, JM Financial sees IPM growth to be in early two-digit in FY24. The IPM growth in FY23 was at 8 percent. All therapies perform well Brokerage firm Motilal Oswal Financial Services noted that acute therapies contributed 62.4 percent to the overall IPM in May while chronic therapies made up 37.6 percent. While the contribution from the chronic segment was lower, its growth outpaced that of acute therapies. The chronic segment grew 12.5 percent on year while the acute segment expanded 10.6 percent. JM Financial also believes that the focus now shifts to chronic therapies to deliver healthy double-digit growth. Therapy growth in May was led by urology, oncology and cardiac and dragged by gastrointestinal, the firm highlighted. Brand Performance Indian drugmakers capture the majority share of 83 percent of the IPM, while the rest is held by multinational pharma companies. Listed pharmaceutical companies contributed 57.2 percent to the total Indian Pharma Market. According to MOFSL, domestic drugmakers have consistently outperformed their multinational peers for the past 12 months and the trend continued in May as well. "Indian pharma companies outperformed MNCs by 300 basis points year-on-year in May," MOFSL stated in its report. Top performers in the listed universe were Ajanta Pharma with 16 percent growth, Mankind Pharma with 14 percent, Ipca Labs with 12 percent, Sun Pharma and Torrent Pharma with 11 percent each. The following companies also outperformed the IPM growth, while others were largely-in line, JM Financial wrote in a report. Among MNC's Abbott India registered the highest growth of 10 percent, in sync with the industry. Meanwhile, as the US market struggles to find stable ground amid persisting headwinds, the strong growth in the Indian Pharma Market has prompted analysts to go bullish on companies with higher reliance on the domestic market. A testament to that positive outlook is clearly reflected in Nifty Pharma's 5.6 percent rise in the past one month, a sharp outperformance as against Nifty50's 2.2 percent gains in the same period. 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. 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 SJVN rose more than 3 percent in the morning trade on June 15 after the company signed an agreement with Maharashtra State Power Generation Company for the development of 5,000 MW renewable energy projects in the western state. At 9.48 am, SJVN was quoting at Rs 39.57, up 2.97 percent from the previous close. The stock was trading with volumes of 2,056,457 shares against its five-day average of 1,654,809, an increase of 24 percent. The MoU has been signed to explore the feasibility of setting up various renewable projects in Maharashtra, which includes hydro, pumped storage, wind, solar, hybrid and green hydrogen projects, SJVN said in an exchange filing. SJVN and Maharashtra State Power Generation Co will collaborate on tenders for the renovation and modernisation of small hydro power stations operated by MAHAGENCO. Catch up on all LIVE stock market updates here With the signing of the agreement, the company now has a project portfolio of 54,065 megawatts (MW). Out of this, 2,091.5 MW is already in operation, while the rest is in various stages of development. SJVN aims to achieve a shared vision of reaching a capacity of 5,000 MW by 2023-24, 25,000 MW by 2030, and 50,000 MW by 2040, it said. The scrip has gained around 8 percent this week. Earlier this week, the power generation companys subsidiary bagged the entire quoted capacity of 200 MW for a wind power project, which supported the positive sentiment for the stock. 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 Spandana Sphoorty Financial Limited dropped 2.5 percent in early trade on June 15 after the company dismissed recent media reports of its sale to Yes Bank. At 9:24 am the Spandana Sphoorty Financial Limited stock was trading 2 percent lower at Rs 720 on NSE. According to a filing with the BSE on June 15, Spandana Sphoorty stated, We refer to a news article published in a section of the media today regarding talks for sale of Spandana Sphoorty Financial Limited to Yes Bank. We wish to clarify that the report is incorrect and speculative. Follow our live blog for all market action The company further said, We reiterate that the board, corporate promoter, and the company remain committed to deliver the business plan under Vision 2025, articulated and approved by the board of directors in July 2022 and all steps are being taken to achieve the plan. Stock Performance Spandana Sphoorty Financial Ltd has given a return of 17.45 percent in the last six months. Thus, outperforming the Nifty50 benchmark index by a considerable margin as the benchmark Nifty50 index has given a return of 1.77 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. 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 four consecutive sessions, on June 15, after the Federal Reserve's hawkish commentary hinting at the possibility of two more rate hikes in the coming period. Selling was seen in banking and financial services, and technology stocks. The BSE Sensex fell 311 points to 62,918, while the Nifty50 dropped 68 points to 18,688 and formed a Bearish Engulfing candlestick pattern on the daily charts, indicating the possibility of bearish sentiment in the short term, but the index defended 18,600 levels. "The formation of a High Wave pattern on Wednesday and Bearish Engulfing pattern on Thursday indicate short-term top reversal pattern for the Nifty," Nagaraj Shetti, Technical Research Analyst at HDFC Securities said. He believes that Thursday's high of 18,794 levels could now be considered as a new higher top of the sequence. Hence, one may expect further weakness in the short term to form a new higher bottom at the lows, he said. The near-term uptrend of the Nifty remains positive and present weakness is expected to find support around 18,500 levels in the next few sessions, he said, adding that a decisive move below 18,500 is expected to open sharp weakness in the near term. However, the Nifty Midcap 100 and Smallcap 100 indices continued to trade in positive terrain for the fourth straight session, rising around 0.2 percent each. 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 According to the pivot point calculator, the Nifty may find support at 18,669, followed by 18,640 and 18,592. If the index advances, then 18,765 will be the key resistance, followed by 18,794 and 18,842. Nifty Bank The Bank Nifty corrected for yet another session, declining 1.24 percent to 43,444 and formed a long bearish candlestick pattern on the daily scale, with above-average volumes. "This suggests increased selling pressure in the index. The index has breached the support level at 43,700, which was expected to provide a level of price support. This breakdown below support indicates a potentially bearish signal for the Bank Nifty," Kunal Shah, Senior Technical & Derivative Analyst at LKP Securities said. If the index sustains below 43,500, it is anticipated to face further selling pressure, potentially driving the index towards the next support level at 43,000, he said. As per the pivot point calculator, the Bank Nifty is expected to find support at 43,380, followed by 43,219 and 42,960, while the resistance is likely to be at 43,899, then 44,060 and 44,319. Call options data On the weekly options front, the maximum Call open interest (OI) was seen at 18,700 strike, with 1.41 crore contracts, which is expected to be a crucial resistance level for the Nifty. This was followed by 76.6 lakh contracts at 18,800 strike, while 19,000 strike has 72.26 lakh contracts. We have seen Call writing only at 18,700 strike, which added 59.14 lakh contracts, within the range of 17,500-19,500 strikes. Maximum Call unwinding was at 18,900 strike, which shed 57.49 lakh contracts, followed by 18,800 and 19,200 strikes, which shed 21.69 lakh and 19.10 lakh contracts, respectively. Put option data On the Put side, we have seen the maximum open interest at 18,700 strike, with 65.49 lakh contracts, which is expected to be a crucial level for the Nifty50 in the coming sessions. This was followed by the 18,600 strike, comprising 65.33 lakh contracts, and the 18,500 strike, which has 60.71 lakh contracts. Put writing was only seen at 17,800 strike, which added 17.42 lakh contracts, within the 17,500-19,500 strikes. Put unwinding was seen at 18,700 strike, which shed 95.74 lakh contracts, followed by 18,600 and 18,000 strikes, which shed 47.08 lakh and 34.37 lakh contracts, respectively. Stocks with high delivery percentage A high delivery percentage suggests that investors are showing interest in the stock. The highest delivery was seen in Larsen & Toubro, HDFC, ICICI Lombard General Insurance Company, Sun Pharmaceutical Industries and UltraTech Cement among others. 39 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, 39 stocks including Metropolis Healthcare, Apollo Hospitals Enterprises, Zydus Lifesciences, Alkem Laboratories and L&T Finance Holdings saw a long build-up. 53 stocks see long unwinding A decline in OI and price generally indicates a long unwinding. Based on the OI percentage, 53 stocks including Oberoi Realty, Oracle Financial, Can Fin Homes, UltraTech Cement and Power Grid Corporation of India saw a long unwinding. 63 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, 63 stocks including Tata Chemicals, Dr Lal PathLabs, Wipro, Federal Bank and State Bank of India saw a short build-up. 34 stocks see short-covering A decrease in OI along with a price increase is an indication of short-covering. Based on the OI percentage, 34 stocks were on the short-covering list. These included JK Cement, Godrej Properties, Ipca Laboratories, Crompton Greaves Consumer Electricals and PVRInox. Bulk deals (For more bulk deals, click here) Investors Meetings on June 16 Stocks in the news IKIO Lighting: IKIO Lighting will make its debut on bourses on June 16. The LED makers maiden public issue was subscribed 66.30 times during June 6-8 with qualified institutional buyers' reserved portion being booked 163.58 times, high networth individuals 63.35 times, and retail 13.86 times. The issue is trading with a premium of 32 percent in the grey market. Motherson: Samvardhana Motherson Automotive Systems Group BV, a step-down subsidiary of Samvardhana Motherson International Limited, through one of its European subsidiaries, has signed a binding undertaking to acquire a 100 percent stake in Cirma Entreprise from Vinci Energies France. The value of the deal is 7.2 million euros. TVS Motor: TVS Motor Company said it has sold its entire stake in Emerald Haven Realty for Rs 166.83 crore. The automaker held a 43.54 percent stake in Emerald Heaven Realty. The buyer is TVS Holdings Private Limited, a part of the promoter group. That makes it a related-party transaction. Balaji Telefilms: Abhishek Kumar has resigned as chief executive officer of the company with effect from June 16. Arihant Capital Markets: Arihant Capital Markets said its Board of Directors has approved raising of funds through the issuance of secured unlisted non-convertible debentures (NCDs) up to Rs 100 crore in one or more tranches on a private placement basis. BHEL: Bharat Heavy Electricals and Volvo Eicher Commercial Vehicles signed an MoU for taking up a 'Joint project for the development and deployment of typeIV cylinders (Hydrogen or CNG) in the commercial vehicle segment. Power Finance Corporation: PFC has incorporated a special purpose vehicle Tirwa Transmission Limited for the construction of Tirwa substation with associated lines. The SPV will be placed under PFC Consulting Limited, which is a wholly owned subsidiary of Power Finance Corporation. Natco Pharma: The company has announced the successful closure of inspection and received Establishment Inspection Report (EIR) from the US Food and Drug Administration (USFDA) for its drug formulations manufacturing facility at Visakhapatnam for an inspection conducted during January 30 and February 3. Fund Flow FII and DII data Foreign institutional investors (FII) purchased shares worth Rs 3,085.51 crore, whereas domestic institutional investors (DII) sold shares worth Rs 297.88 crore on June 15, provisional data from the National Stock Exchange shows. Stocks under F&O ban on NSE The National Stock Exchange has added L&T Finance Holdings, and Tata Chemicals to its F&O ban list for June 16 and retained BHEL, Delta Corp, Indiabulls Housing Finance, Indian Energy Exchange, India Cements, Manappuram Finance, and Zee Entertainment Enterprises. Securities thus banned under the F&O segment include companies where derivative contracts have 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. India's domestic air traffic in May rose 36 percent compared to the same month last year. Domestic airlines carried 1.32 crore passengers in May, data released by the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) on June 15 shows. Domestic air traffic in May was also up 2.5 percent compared to April when airlines carried 1.29 crore passengers. Air traffic has seen a considerable jump from pre-Covid levels. In May 2019, domestic airlines carried only 1.22 crore passengers. The aviation pie The market share of India's largest airline, IndiGo, rose 390 basis points in May, following the collapse of GoFirst, which stopped all operations on May 2. IndiGo's market share for May stood at 61.3 percent, after rising 70 basis points in April, 90 basis points in March and 130 basis points in February. The low-cost carrier flew 81.10 lakh passengers in May. One basis point is one-hundredth of a percentage point. Air India became the second-largest domestic carrier in May and garnered a market share of 9.4 percent, flying 12.44 lakh passengers during the period. The airline had seen its market share fall from 9.2 percent in January to 8.6 percent in April, falling 20-30 basis points every month. However, due to the grounding of Go First, the airline was able to see its market share rise once again. Vistara's market share in May rose 30 basis points to 9 percent, the airline flew 11.95 lakh passengers last month. AirAsia India, which, is also part of the Tata stable, rose up to number four in terms of market share. Its market share rose 30 basis points to 7.9 percent in May, as the carrier served 10.41 lakh passengers. SpiceJet became the fifth-largest domestic airline operating in India in terms of market share in May following the collapse of Go First. However, new entrant Akasa Air is on the heels of SpiceJet after the latter saw its market share fall another 40 basis points in May, while the former recorded an 80 basis points jump in market share. SpiceJet carried 7.2 lakh passengers in May to garner a market share of 5.4 percent, while Akasa Air carried 6.29 lakh passengers to garner a market share of 4.8 percent in May. Most of GoFirst's market share of 6.4 percent carrying 8.29 lakh passengers in April went the way of IndiGo last month, as the latter carried 7.04 lakh more passengers in May when compared to April. The passenger load factor, or the occupancy rate, of SpiceJet, Vistara, IndiGo, Air India and AirAsia India stood at 94.8 percent, 93.2 percent, 91.5 percent, 90.1 percent, and 92.8 percent, respectively, in May. Akasa Air, India's newest carrier, saw a rise in its passenger load factor to 91.1 percent in May, its tenth month of operations, from 73.6 percent in March and 84.9 percent in April. As many as 566 passenger complaints were received in May, data shows. The number of complaints per 10,000 passengers carried was around 0.42. The rise in passenger complaints in May was mainly due to the collapse of Go First's operations during the month. In May, Akasa Air had the best on-time performance, for the third straight month in a row, of 92.6 percent at four metro airports Delhi, Bengaluru, Hyderabad and Mumbai. IndiGo and Vistara were the second and third followed by Air Asia. #1. State-owned companies look to sell 45 percent stake in UTI Asset Management Four state-owned financial firms, Punjab National Bank, Life Insurance Corporation of India, State Bank of India, and Bank of Baroda, which together own over 45 percent of UTI Asset Management Company, are working on inviting bids for selling their stakes. The Tata Group was earlier in advanced talks to buy a majority stake in UTI AMC from the four public sector entities, but discussions fell through after a large investor insisted that the others follow a bidding process to sell their stakes. Why its important: The Tata Group could be looking to scale up its asset management business although a formal invitation to bid for the UTI stake could attract other asset manages as well. #2. GST authorities to audit 50,000 new cases in 2023-24 to boost compliance Indias indirect tax administration has shortlisted 50,000 new cases that will be taken up for GST auditing in the current financial year, Central Board of Indirect Taxes and Customs chairman Vivek Johri has said. There will be spillovers from earlier years as well, he added. GST audits have picked up momentum in the year ended March, after businesses were given adequate time to adapt to the indirect tax regime rolled out in 2017. Why its important: A higher number of GST audits would lead to increased compliance and widen the tax base. Collections have been robust in 2022-23 and the authorities would like to maintain the momentum. #3. New demat account openings in India touch a nine-month high in May New demat account openings have risen the most in nine months in May. At the end of the month, the total number of demat accounts stood at 118.15 million, up 2.15 million or 32 percent from April. It was the highest monthly increase since August last year, when new account additions shot up 73 percent or 2.55 million, according to depository data. Why its important: Indian have rapidly increased their exposure to capital markets in recent times. The latest surge has been driven by a broad market rally and record derivatives volumes. #4. Shapoorji Pallonji faces tough terms in raising funds to meet financial obligations The Shapoorji Pallonji Groups $1.7 billion (Rs 13,500 crore) fundraising effort has faced tough condition, with the conglomerate promising investors a return of 17.5 percent while putting up significant collateral, including half of its stake in Tata Sons, two operational ports, and majority control of construction firm Afcons Infrastructure. It is borrowing the money to repay banks Rs 4,400 crore, prepay Rs 3,250 crore in debt, and get Rs 3,000 crore in working capital for its real estate and ports businesses. Why its important: The fundraising with such terms could be difficult to service because the flagship business of the conglomerate is in construction and engineering that has single-digit margins. #5. Bank loans to infrastructure sector grows slowly despite optimism among lenders The growing optimism among bankers on the revival of infrastructure projects is not in sync with the sluggish growth in bank loans to the sector, latest data show. Infrastructure loans in April grew 1.7 percent on year to Rs 12.2 lakh crore after a 0.7 percent contraction in the previous month. Why its important: Given the governments push on infrastructure spending to encourage private investments, the credit growth is not as robust as expected as infra firms are yet to utilise a large portion of their sanctioned loans. #6. After Jindal, Mahindra and Hinduja join race to acquire MG Motors India stake Automobile firm Mahindra & Mahindra and the Hinduja group, promoter of Ashok Leyland, have joined the race to buy a significant stake in MG Motor India, a wholly owned unit of SAIC Motor. The Sajjan Jindal-led JSW group has already evinced interest to acquire up to 48 percent stake in MG Motor India. The companys valuation is pegged at over Rs 8,000 crore. Why its important: The government has been pushing Chinese firms to increase local participation in their Indian units. If the stake sale goes through, SAIC will own a minority stake in its India arm. #7. Lenders to edtech unicorn Byjus willing to will to talk, but only collectively A group of lenders to edtech company Byjus has told the start-up firm that theyre open to negotiations with the company to resolve litigation and other disputes, but they will not engage the firms proposal for one-on-one meetings. The lenders want Byjuss to send a draft amendment proposal to the group after the company failed to meet its interest payment obligation recently. Why its important: Byjus has filed a suit against American investor Redwood to challenge the acceleration of a $ 1.2billion term loan after skipping quarterly interest payment. Lenders are now naturally cautious. #8. Akasa Air looking to raise $75-100 million through fresh equity to expand business Akasa Air, backed by late billionaire Rakesh Jhunjhunwala, is looking to raise $75-100 million by offering fresh equity to expand its business. Indias newest airline will use the funds to make pre-delivery payments for panes. Akasa had placed an order for 72 Boeing 737 Max, out of which 19 have been delivered. Akasa Air has reached out to potential investors including private equity firms and wealthy individuals for the fundraising. The capital infusion is based on a $650 million valuation. Why its important: The fundraising would dilute the stake of the Jhunjhunwala family. There is likely to be investor interest as Indias aviation sector is booming. #9. Tightening job market force aspirants to play down skills and experience Job hunters are playing down their skills and experience to match required roles, even if it means accepting lower designation and pay, because the job market seems to be tightening. Multiple executives from recruitment firms said candidates in the junior and middle order in IT, banking, and retail sectors are diluting their resumes and skill sets for jobs in manufacturing and allied industries. Why its important: The employment scenario in the country is becoming scary if workers with higher skills are now ready to work in lower-rung jobs. #10. Former unicorn employees in India are leaving motherships to start new enterprises Hundreds of employees from some of Indias biggest unicorns have left to start businesses on their own. Drawing on a record inflow of venture capital in the past decade, 297 founders have set up some 253 startups. These entrepreneurs, who have all raised venture funding, were earlier employed at companies such as Zomato, Zoho, Freshworks, Paytm, Citrus Pay, Snapdeal, Swiggy, Udaan, Oyo and Ola, according to Longhouse Consulting. Why its important: The rapid growth of the start-up ecosystem in India is creating a ripple wave of new enterprises. To be sure, they might not find the going easy as a sector is in the midst of a funding winter. Oil and Natural Gas Corporation (ONGC) expects Indias ninth round of oil block auctions to start in July and is approaching foreign companies for potential partnership in joint exploration. The government has announced the offer of 26 blocks in the 9th Open Acreage Licensing Policy (OALP) round, but bidding has not opened yet. The blocks cover an area of over 223,000 square km. Fifteen blocks are in ultra deep water, eight blocks are in shallow water and three are on land. State-run ONGC has started talks with foreign companies for joint exploration of these blocks. Contracts and MoUs are in place, but we have also written to them (foreign companies) and told them that the OALP 9th round is going to most probably be opened up in July. It has been about a week that we have spoken to them. We are waiting for the reply, said Sushma Rawat, director (exploration), ONGC. Rawat said ONGC is looking forward to forming partnerships with foreign companies for bidding in the Andaman-Nicobar basin, where four blocks are on offer, but will also bid alone. If the MNCs come, that is absolutely welcome. That is the boost regarding the potential of the basin. Otherwise, we ourselves know that some areas really hold promise. So, ONGC would be going for bidding alone also in some of the areas, said Rawat. ONGC is looking at partnership with foreign players such as TotalEnergies, Chevron and ExxonMobil for high-end technologies. Meanwhile, the deadline for submission of bids for the 8th OALP round, which was launched on July 7, 2022, was deferred to July 5. The OALP mechanism was launched under the Hydrocarbon Exploration and Licensing Policy and allows investors to carve out blocks of their choice by assessing exploration and production (E&P) data. East coast exploration ONGC closed FY23 with production dropping 0.6 percent. Its output has declined gradually over a decade as its fields are old and aging. The company expects to reverse the trend, boosted by the KG-DWN 98/2 block in the Krishna Godavari (KG) basin in the Bay of Bengal. ONGC said production may grow 11.6 percent in FY24. Rawat said ONGC sees huge potential off the east coast of India and will go really strong in the area. We already have acreages and prior commitments and we would be coming up with the drilling phase in the Mahanadi as well as in the Kaveri offshore water, said Rawat. There are four major basins off the east coast Cauvery, Krishna-Godavari, Mahanadi and Palar. In the upcoming round, four blocks are in the Mahanadi basin and three in the Cauvery basin. Oil India, another state-owned producer of oil and gas, is also keen to bid in this area as it needs exploration attention, director (exploration and development) Manas Kumar Sharma told Moneycontrol. New territories Indian oil and gas companies are looking forward to tie-ups with foreign companies majors for exploration in the Andaman-Nicobar basin. The government opened up acreages in Andaman once considered a no-go area with the objective of increasing domestic oil and gas production. India imports over 85 percent of its crude oil consumption and about 50 percent of its natural gas requirements. Rawat told Moneycontrol that 2D data collection for the Directorate General of Hydrocarbons-backed survey of the exclusive economic zone (EEZ) was completed last week and it will be processed soon. The survey acquired over 22,000 line kilometres (LKM) of 2D data in the region. ONGC has already completed the survey of the two blocks it has in the Andamans from the sixth round of OALP. Its that time of the year when you need to get cracking on filing your income tax (IT) returns. As the July 31 deadline draws near, it is time to take stock of some key tax deductions and exemptions that senior citizens (60 or above) can claim at the time of filing their returns. These are in addition to what every taxpayer, whether a senior citizen or not, is allowed. Unlike the salaried who claim tax deductions against their salary at the time of submitting their proof of investment to their employers in January and February, senior citizens (not in employment) have to claim the deductions against their advance tax liability, if applicable, or self-assessment tax, at the time of filing their returns. Also, depending on whether you are a resident senior citizen (aged 60 or more but less than 80), or a super-senior citizen (aged 80 or more), and the tax regime (old or new) that you choose, your slab rates will be different (see graphic). If you opt for the old tax regime, you will be eligible for several exemptions and deductions (see graphic). But if you pick the new concessional tax regime, not all of these will apply. Furthermore, under certain situations, you may also be exempt from the requirement of filing tax returns. Higher basic exemption, filing returns Under the old tax regime, senior and super-senior citizens residing in India have been allowed a basic exemption limit of Rs 3 lakh and Rs 5 lakh, respectively, for the financial year 2023 (April 1, 2022 to March 31, 2023). That is, they do not have to pay any income tax on taxable income up to these amounts. For non-senior citizen taxpayers, the exemption limit is Rs 2.5 lakh. However, under the new tax regime, all resident individual taxpayers, whether 60 and above or not, have a basic exemption limit of Rs 2.5 lakh for FY22-23 (see table for more details). If their income is under the basic exemption limit, they need not file their returns. Up till FY2022-23, the old tax regime was the default regime. So, super-senior citizens opting for this were not required to file returns if their total income was up to Rs 5 lakh in a financial year, says, Mayank Mohanka, Partner, S M Mohanka & Associates. Talking of FY23-24 and beyond, he says, From FY23-24, the new tax regime has been made the default regime, so all taxpayers, including those aged 60 or above, are not required to file their returns if their total annual income is up to Rs 3 lakh. Apart from this, those 75 years or older, and who meet the conditions specified under section 194P of the IT Act, are exempt from filing returns. Among the conditions that a senior citizen must fulfil is that he must have been an Indian resident in the financial year for which the return is being filed. He must have only pension and interest income, and the interest income must have been earned from the same bank in which the pension is being received. For this purpose, the bank must be a specified bank as notified by the central government. A senior citizen has to submit a declaration (to the effect that he has no other income) to the specified bank, which will then deduct TDS after taking into account deductions under chapter VI-A (deductions under sections 80C to 80U), and the rebate under section 87A. Asked if many senior citizens qualify under this section, Mohanka says, The requirement to fulfil all the above specified conditions restricts the benefit of non-filing of returns to a very limited section of senior citizens. Exemption from advance tax Under the old regime, per section 207 of the IT Act, a resident senior citizen (60 or above) does not have to pay any advance tax provided he / she does not have any business or professional income. Parizad Sirwalla, Partner and Head, Global Mobility Services, Tax, KPMG India, points out that this exemption is also available under the new tax regime. Deduction for interest income Under section 80TTB of the IT Act, a resident senior citizen (60 or above) can claim a deduction of up to Rs 50,000 for interest income earned in a financial year. This applies to interest income from bank savings and fixed deposit accounts, as well as from deposits with post offices and cooperative banks. This deduction is not available under the new tax regime. Furthermore, under section 194A, no TDS gets deducted on interest payments of up to Rs 50,000 per financial year to resident senior citizens. This limit is to be computed for every bank / payor individually for all deposits with them. The TDS deduction is not impacted by the choice of tax regime by the payee, says Sirwalla. If your income does not exceed the basic exemption limit and you have been unable to submit Form 15H that facilitates a TDS waiver, your bank would have withheld 10 percent of the interest earned. In such cases, you can claim a refund for the excess tax deducted while filing your returns. Deduction for health insurance premium Under section 80D, a resident senior citizen (60 or above) can claim a deduction of up to Rs 50,000 per financial year for health insurance premium paid for himself or family (all senior citizens). Here, family means spouse and dependent children. If no health insurance policy has been taken, then a senior citizen can claim deductions for medical expenses up to Rs 50,000 per financial year for himself or family. Not only that, according to Sirwalla, a senior citizen is also allowed an additional deduction of up to Rs 50,000 per financial year for premium paid (or for medical expenditure incurred where no insurance is taken) for parents who are senior citizens. In either case, the deduction can be claimed only if the payment has been made in a mode other than cash. This deduction is not available under the new tax regime. Deduction for specific medical expenses Under section 80DDB, a resident senior citizen (60 or above) can claim deduction for expenditure incurred on medical treatment of prescribed diseases / ailments either for himself or for a dependent. Under this section, a senior citizen can claim a maximum deduction of up to Rs 1 lakh per year. Those under 60 can claim a maximum deduction of Rs 40,000. Sirwalla highlights that this deduction is available net of the amount received from an insurer and / or reimbursed by an employer for such medical treatment. This deduction is not available under the new tax regime. The benefit of the deductions under sections 80D and 80DDB is available not only to those aged 60 or above but even to other taxpayers. However, for the latter, the extent of deduction allowed is lower. Providing more clarity on claiming deductions under these sections, Mohanka says, The deduction can be claimed only by the person who has paid for the health insurance premium or incurred the medical expense. So, if a senior citizen wants to claim this deduction, then this payment / expenditure must be met from his / her bank account only. Deduction for Senior Citizens Savings Scheme Under section 80C, senior citizens are allowed deductions for investments made in the Senior Citizens Savings Scheme (SCSS), as part of the overall limit of Rs 1.5 lakh per year. This deduction is not available under the new tax regime. So, if you are a senior citizen getting ready to file your IT returns, do remember to claim these deductions, wherever applicable. Make sure you have appropriate documentary proof to support your claims. Also read: Financial year just got over. Where do I throw these tax documents now? The mass movement of March 2014 that became known as the Sunflower Movement was a pivotal event in Taiwan's recent political history. Its impact continues to be felt today. From 18 March to 10 April 2014, students took over and occupied the countrys legislature, while tens of thousands of workers supported them in the streets for 24 days. It led to a complete reshuffling of the political landscape in Taiwan. Its militancy left an impression on people throughout Asia, in particular in Hong Kong where the youth would attempt to launch a similarly militant movement in the streets for democratic rights. In the end, however, it didnt win any fundamental changes. The Sunflower Movement began as a movement of the youth and students, sparking a much broader movement of the masses. But whilst it wrought important changes to the Taiwanese political landscape, these have largely had a distorting effect, blurring the real division in society. In the wake of the Sunflower Movement, the national question and Taiwans relationship with China, rather than class questions, have come to dominate Taiwanese politics. The biggest beneficiaries of this process have been the enemies of the Taiwanese masses: the pro-US, liberal wing of the capitalist class and their political party, the Democratic Progressive Party (DPP), who have gained at the expense of the traditional party of Taiwanese capital, the KMT. How and why did this happen? What lessons are there for revolutionaries in Taiwan and beyond? What the advanced layers of youth and workers need above all is a perspective that goes beyond that of the narrow limits of the movements liberal leadership, in order to find a genuine way out of the impasse of Taiwanese capitalism. The Sunflower Movement arose amidst accumulating social contradictions, which impact the youth in particular. In this movement, the powder keg that had accumulated finally exploded. The movement however tended to centre on democratic rather than social issues. As such the liberals were able to seize the leadership of the movement. This meant that the movements horizons remained restricted to purely bourgeois-democratic demands. As such, a magnificent movement that shook the establishment to its core was demobilised and sent down harmless channels, leading workers and youth back to where they started. But the contradictions that fueled this movement remain unchanged. It is only a matter of time before the masses of Taiwan and elsewhere rise up to take control of their fate again. They will then be confronted once more with the same questions of methods, strategy, and leadership. It is in anticipation of the movements to come that the advanced workers and youth must draw a balance sheet of the Sunflower Movement. A generation in stagnation Those who drove the Sunflower Flower movement were young people born after 1990, who were entering adulthood by 2014. This is no accident. Although this generation grew up with democratic freedoms that their predecessors wrested from the KMT regime, they are also the first generation of Taiwanese youth who didnt grow up under a condition of economic boom. Like their peers all over the world, they see only periodic crises and declining prospects for the future under the capitalist system in Taiwan and the world at large. At the same time, the rise of Chinese capitalism and its impact on Taiwanese society has also had a big impact on the class struggle in Taiwan. The Taiwanese bourgeoisie played a vital role in bringing the necessary capital into China as capitalism was restored there. In 2000, 12% of manufacturing orders taken by Taiwanese firms took place overseas. By 2010, this number grew to 50%. The Taiwanese ruling class used their access to cheap Chinese labour to drive down wages in Taiwan. This changing economic dynamic ushered in a period of stagnation of living conditions for Taiwanese workers and youth that has lasted to this day. As manufacturing moved out, Taiwans structural unemployment steadily rose from 1% in the early 1990s, to 5.9% in 2009. Wages not only stagnated for years but saw an overall decline by the end of the 2000s. In 2009, real wages were 1000NT less than they were 12 years earlier. At this time, a young worker with a bachelors degree could only expect to get a job with a starting salary of $26,000 NT per month (around $793USD at the time). The lack of quality jobs also forced growing numbers of young people into unstable and temporary work known as atypical work. In 2008, over 14.68% of employed youth worked in temporary jobs.[1] Deindustrialization in the 1990s had a negative impact on the labour movement / Image: Civilmedia @ Taiwan The loss of jobs devastated the labour movement, which was only beginning to rise by the 1980s, but which was still trying to consolidate itself amidst rapid political and social changes in Taiwan at the time. Until the 1990s the KMT operated a dictatorship in which only official government unions were legal. Independent trade unions were only beginning to take off when the economic environment began to worsen. As a result, the industrial unionization rate of Taiwan dropped from 27-28% in 1994 to just 15% in 2005. Although heroic struggles against factory closures were launched by the workers, they were ultimately unable to stop the capitalists from seeking the much greener pasture of exploitation in China. Although the new trade unions placed themselves at the head of these struggles, the bosses offensive could only have been reversed by generalising the struggle across all unemployed and employed workers. Alongside this devastation, the cost of living in Taiwan surged ruthlessly. Using 2016 as a base year (100), Taiwans consumer price index (CPI) rose from 84.41 in 2000s to 97.95 at the end of 2013. The housing price to income ratio grew from 4.47 in 2002 to 8.46 in 2015.[2] Statistics that paint the same picture could be reproduced at will. This naturally created a sense of hopelessness for the future that permeated Taiwanese society. Lack of class leadership Despite a descending economic situation, a class-based fightback didnt emerge, nor a clear class-based political alternative for the workers. Over the years, the leadership of the labour movement, by and large, fell behind the bourgeois parties, or else restricted themselves to purely economic struggles in individual workplaces. This lack of leadership allowed the question of class to be relegated to a secondary place in politics. The primary divide in Taiwans political scene came to largely be dominated by the question of Taiwans relationship with China. While the Chinese Nationalist Kuomintang (KMT) and the Taiwanese Nationalist Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) superficially bicker with each other over the national question, both remain parties of the bourgeoisie and maintain pro-capitalist policies whenever they are in office. The Taiwanese working class is left without any political representation. The role of China is an important factor, distorting how social ferment is expressed in Taiwan. Having restored capitalism on its watch, the CCP became increasingly reliant on nationalism to justify its political dictatorship at home. Part of rhetoric is the unification of Taiwan with China, which the CCP claims is a non-negotiable part of its quest for the great rejuvenation of the Chinese nation. This chauvinist rhetoric is the very same that the KMT used to justify its dictatorship over Taiwan in the past century. As such, unification with China is seen in Taiwan as meaning an end to hard-earned democratic rights. This fear is only fostered by the CCPs periodic threats of violence against Taiwan over the years. Without the working-class organisations giving a revolutionary lead out of this situation, many struggles have come under the leadership of students and petty-bourgeois elements with liberal politics. The Wild Lily student movement of 1990 provided something of a template. The movement unleashed in 1990 put mass pressure on the KMT, forcing it to make broader democratic concessions than it had been willing to make. Many of the subsequent large-scale political protests in Taiwan since the 1990s have likewise been led by student organisations or NGOs. The largest of these movements channelling social discontent erupted over Chinas encroachment into Taiwan. The Wild Strawberry movement of 2008 was an example of one such movement. At the time, the newly elected KMT government led by Ma Ying-jeou who was keen to achieve a rapprochement with China invited CCP official, Chen Yunlin, to visit Taiwan. During the visit, the KMT used many of the dictatorship-era provisions of the Assembly and Parades Act to suppress protests and assemblies and to set up checkpoints all over Taiwan to ensure Chens visit went smoothly. This KMTs willingness to resume the suppression of democratic rights in order to please China inspired this student-led movement. Actual participation was limited to only a small number of students and intellectuals, but it nevertheless garnered widespread attention. Another similar case was the Anti-Media Monopoly Campaign of 2012. The movement arose this time over opposition to the actions of the extremely pro-China Taiwanese billionaire, Tsai Eng-meng. His Want Want Group was rapidly buying up news organisations in Taiwan in an attempt to make pro-China views dominant across the media.[3] Once again, the driving force behind this movement was liberal student organisations and NGOs, while the focal point became strictly limited to democratic rather than class issues. Since the 1990s, the biggest mass movements in Taiwan have been led by student rather than working-class organizations / Image: Toomore Chiang, Flickr (CC) The democratic question of a free media cannot be solved however under capitalism. As long as the media is dominated by a handful of monopolies, even under the most democratic regime, freedom of the press can only mean freedom for a tiny clique of rich media bosses. The liberals, whose horizons remain firmly contained within the limits of capitalism, are unable to offer a real solution to these democratic questions. Although the above-mentioned movements did not inspire the level of mass participation that the Sunflower Movement would later mobilise, its leading figures and organisations would step into the vacuum left by an absence of working-class leadership. This became the case when the KMTs Ma Ying-jeou government attempted to push through the Cross-Strait Service Trade Agreement (CSSTA). CSSTA and KMT fast-tracking Despite complaints from liberals and the DPP, the KMT government under Ma Ying-jeou faced no serious challenges during its first term. Mas focus on deepening economic relations with China was mostly presented as a panacea to get Taiwan out of its stagnation and to aid the recovery from the 2008 crisis. The seeming success of the strategy, which didnt last long, allowed Ma and the KMT to win a second term in 2014. For a time Ma was touted as a political superstar and the KMTs trump card. There would soon be a rude awakening. As none of the measures solved or even slowed down the growing contradictions of Taiwanese capitalism, Mas popularity began to rapidly deteriorate, falling to a low of 9.2% support by late 2013. Virtually rendered a lame duck, Ma a one-trick pony tried to force through a wide-ranging free trade agreement with China, claiming it was critical for Taiwans economic future. To be sure, the project of deepening Taiwans economic ties with China was in the works since Mas first term, with the Economic Cooperation Framework Agreement (ECFA) signed between China and Taiwan in 2009. But the significance of the new agreement, the CSSTA, was that it would open up 64 sectors of Taiwans economy to Chinese investments, from financial services, to telecommunications, healthcare, social services, tourism, and even down laundries and barbershops. In return, over 80 industries in China would be opened up to Taiwanese investors.[4] The vast majority of Taiwans bourgeoisie cheered this development. All sorts of arguments in favor of free trade were advanced by tycoons in Taiwan. Stan Shih, CEO of Taiwanese multinational electronics conglomerate, Acer, warned that Taiwan was guaranteed to lose should it insist upon protectionism. The head of Taiwans General Chamber of Commerce Pen-Tsao Chang claimed that the CSSTA would bring more job opportunities for young people. These feverish celebrations of the bourgeoisie underscored the fact that they would be the biggest beneficiaries from this deal with China. If the CSSTA went through, they could export more of their capital in order to profit from the exploitation of Chinese workers. For the Taiwanese working class, the benefits of this free trade agreement were far from apparent. A concurrent report by the states own Chung Hua Institute for Economic Research estimated the latter would bring only a 0.025 to 0.034 percent increase in Taiwans annual gross domestic product (GDP).[5] It also wasnt explained how additional Chinese investment into Taiwans economy would improve the chronically stagnant wages and long work hours, which stemmed not from a lack of investment but the system of capitalism itself. It also stoked concerns of greater dependence on the CCP regime as a result of these investments. Despite these concerns, the KMT governments plan moved ahead. The KMT Ma Ying-jeou administration sought to make Taiwan more dependent and aligned to the interest of Chinese imperialism / Image: public domain The CSSTA was signed in Shanghai by representatives of the KMT and the CCP in June 2013, and was expected to be ratified by the Taiwanese Legislative Yuan (Parliament) soon after, given that the KMT at the time held a majority there. The opposition DPP held an inconsistent and generally acquiescent attitude towards the CSSTA, as many within the party, under the pressure of the capitalist class, supported free trade with China despite their Taiwanese nationalist posturing.[6] Opposition to the bill fell to civil society groups and a minority of DPP politicians, who managed to stall the review process for some time. Nonetheless, as the parliamentary review of the trade deal dragged on into 2014, the KMTs patience ran out. They finally began to take measures to leap over the opposition and push through the legislation. On 17 March 2014, the CSSTA was due to be reviewed by the legislature's Internal Administrative Committee before it was sent to the Legislative Yuans floor for a final vote, but the KMT legislator and chair of the session, Chang Ching-chung, adjourned the meeting only 30 seconds after it began and declared the reviewed process concluded. The hasty, arrogant, and illegal means by which the KMT tried to force through the legislation would become the straw that broke the camels back. Students intervene and LY Occupation When the news of the KMTs maneuver broke, a number of NGOs, farmers and labour organizations immediately organized press conferences to condemn the development. On the morning of the following day, a small group of people demonstrated in front of the Legislative Yuan building. During this brief period, a number of student and youth organizations began to plan for direct action to stop the KMTs legislative bulldozing. Most prominent among them was the Black Island Youth Front, named after the anarcho-communist Taiwan Black Youth League of the Japanese colonial era.[7] They mobilized around 400 people to gather in front of the Legislature. Having overwhelmed the police, they proceeded to charge into the Legislative Yuan building and occupy the parliamentary floor, barricading themselves inside the building. Initially, the activists planned on occupying the Legislature in protest for 63 hours. They had no idea it would inspire a mass movement that lasted for more than 20 days.[8] As the news of the break-in began to spread, crowds of people began to gather outside the Legislative Yuan in support of the students. By 19 March, thousands of people surrounded the building. The size of the crowd and the intervention of a number of politicians prevented the police from evicting the occupiers. By 31 March, between 20,000- 30,000 people from all over the country camped outside of the Legislative Yuan to support the occupiers, and the Sunflower Movement went into full swing.[9] The direct action of the students clearly echoed with a deep reserve of anger against the government that was permeating Taiwanese society. As support for the LY occupation grew, so did donations of supplies for the occupiers and more people joined the occupation inside the building. The initially frantic atmosphere was replaced by a strong sense of self-discipline and organization among the occupiers. Participants organized themselves into teams handling logistical, security, and outreach tasks, while those students on break used their spare time to continue their studies.[10] Students stormed and occupied the Legislative Yuan / Image: Jesse Steele, public domain While the student occupiers openly expressed views in support of Taiwanese Independence which concretely meant rejecting Chinas attempt to unify with Taiwan into a single nation-state and favoring Taiwan formally changing its name from the Republic of China to the Republic of Taiwan this view didnt translate into chauvinist attitudes towards ordinary Chinese people. Some Chinese students studying in Taiwan were accepted into the occupation and played active roles in the action: Less high-profile but no less active inside the Legislative Yuan were several locally enrolled students from Hong Kong and even mainland China, who had entered the building with their classmates. Yes, Im not supposed to be here, but Im curious what this is all aboutthis couldnt happen in China! said BB, a finance student.[11] However, it wasnt solely on account of the actions of the students and the masses that the occupation was maintained. For a time, police repression was halted by the intervention of DPP politicians and a split within the KMT over how to deal with the situation. At the onset of the occupation, a number of DPP, and smaller party legislators aligned with the DPP, showed up to the LY building in support of the students. While the students generally regarded all politicians with contempt, several of these politicians began to guard entrances of the LY to prevent the police from breaking into the premises and remove the occupiers.[12] More important, however, was the role of the KMT President of Legislative, Yuan Wang Jinping. Although a lifelong KMT member, Wang was the head of a faction in the party opposed to President Ma Ying-jeou. The two men had engaged in highly acrimonious and public struggles up to then. At its outbreak, Wang observed how the movement was unfolding and based on his political calculations, three days into the movement he announced that he would not consider having them (activists) removed by force, much to the chagrin of his comrades in the KMT.[13] Wang would later play a pivotal role in winding down the movement. The masses get involved The real site of the masses participation was actually outside of the channels of the movement itself. By directly defying the government, instead of placing their hopes in any member of the establishment, the occupiers awakened an entire generation to politics. Thousands descended upon Taipei from all over the country, bringing with them supplies or anything they thought might help the movement. As the masses gathered outside of the Legislative Yuan and formed their own street occupation, in which the masses showed a tremendous, creative capacity for self-organisation. As Ian Rowen illustrated: The courtyard and streets outside the Legislative Yuan soon swelled with increasingly sophisticated participation from new student and civic groups, including food distribution networks, blankets and raincoats for nights with cold and wet weather, mobile recharging and Wi-Fi access centers, and free speech zones. Professors from across Taiwan held outdoor classes in the streets surrounding the Legislature, and a tent city with distinctive neighborhoods began to coalesce.[14] One of the participants described how Facebook was used as a tool to coordinate volunteers and supplies: Before going to the scene, I will first have a look at the information on Facebook to see which zones dont have enough people or supplies. If possible, I will take supplies with me to the scene (Cai).[15] While students and youth were the driving force behind the events, many within the leadership didnt want the movement to be branded as a student movement.[16] Indeed, the movement was drawing in layers well beyond students. One poll conducted at the time found that while people between the ages of 20 and 29 formed over half of the participants, only 33% of participants were students. Nonetheless, most of the working-age participants came from either professional or technological backgrounds or service sectors, some of the least organized sectors in Taiwan. Although some of the most progressive labour unions did show solidarity with the movement or got involved, they didnt launch any action to expand the movement. The only time the labor movement took an actual stance was with the issuing of a statement by 17 trade unions in solidarity with the movement on 5 April, with no further action taken after that.[17] The student occupation brought out the masses / Image: Artemas Liu Within the next 2 weeks, despite some setbacks that we will get into later, the movement continued to gather support, this culminated in a gargantuan march on the Presidential Office Building on 30 March called by the students. Over 500,000 took to the streets from all over Taiwan. Effectively 2% of the entire countrys population took part. When the movement was on the ascent, no amount of repression from the state could halt it. On 24 March, the government deployed over 5,000 police from all over Taiwan to violently crackdown on students who attempted to expand the occupation into the Executive Yuan, the executive branch of the Taiwanese state. Although the occupation attempt was an adventure on the part of a minority of students, the level of violence deployed by the police shocked Taiwanese society and only increased support for the protesters. Where the police force, the armed body of men that forms the bourgeois state failed, the informal armed body of men tried to step in. On 1 April, the notorious mobster and leader of the extreme pro-China Peaceful Reunification Party, Chang An-le aka White Wolf, descended upon the protest encampments with 200 men. Their reactionary intimidation completely failed to faze the protesters. Brutal police crackdown did not deter the movement on its ascent / Image: MrWiki321, public domain Despite the tremendous mass energy that the movement drew in from the popular masses, it nevertheless declined and came to an end. In the absence of a Marxist organization strong enough to guide the movement, the leadership restricted its goals to the meagrest democratic issues surrounding the legislation of the CSSTA, when the mass energy was already bringing out concerns that went well beyond the bill itself. In the spontaneous discussions inside and outside the Legislative Yuan, the protesters expressed all sorts of grievances. In the discussion circles a range of issues relating to social inequality were discussed. Had a Marxist rather than a liberal leadership been present in the movement, it would have taken this point of departure and connected the question of the CSSTA to the class question. The liberals wanted simply to delay the passing of the trade deal. The point is this was a deal between the Chinese capitalists and the Taiwanese capitalists to remove any barriers towards the mutual exploitation of workers in Taiwan and China by the respective ruling classes. Marxists would have therefore linked the fight against this trade deal to the fight against capitalism more broadly. But a lack of direction eventually led to a dissipation of morale, and the movement began to decline. Decline and end of the movement Although the occupation and the subsequent movement ignited the imagination of the masses, the overall political leadership of the movement remained in the hands of a small group of student leaders and NGOs that initiated the occupation. This wasnt because these figures had prior authority among board layers of the masses. In fact, this hastily launched action and the subsequent mass mobilizations were spontaneous and leaderless in character. But because of a lack of a democratic structure through which the masses might organize themselves, the initiators became an unelected, unaccountable leadership that restricts the movement with their own narrow horizons. These leaders didnt have a working class perspective, but liberal, petty-bourgeois views. This was the primary reason why that movement ended in a whimper, despite the colossal energy it unleashed. Throughout the movement, the aim was restricted to force the state to halt the passage of the CSSTA. The main thrust of the attack by the movements leadership was against specific politicians of the KMT and the partys lean towards China. They simply wanted a government that turned away from China while leaving the fundamentals of society unchanged. The initiators of the movement could not have anticipated the explosion that they unleashed. The liberal leadership could not conceive of, nor did they want to step beyond, the limits of capitalism. Rather than encouraging the mass movement, which threatened to pass beyond their limited demands, they feared it and sought to safely defuse the movement once the opportunity presented itself. This is a key lesson: the liberals fear the independent initiative of the masses. Only under independent, working-class leadership can the movement take aim at the real cause of accumulated discontent: capitalism. These liberal views were represented in the media by the unelected leaders, particularly by Lin Fei-fan and Chen Wei-ting. These two student activists were already known to journalists on account of their prior activism, and therefore from the outset were the go-to spokespersons.[18] As time went on, a clique around them and the NGOs close to them became the de facto leadership of the movement, dictating its line and agenda. There was even a physical division within the Legislative Yuan between the leadership and the rank-and-file occupiers, with the leaders often on level 1 of the building, while many doing the grunt work would be on level 2.[19] As the bureaucratic nature of the leadership became unbearable, some disgruntled participants set up a Low Life Liberation Zone (LLLZ) in protest. One participant An-ting exclaimed, These leaders are just as anti-democratic as the Ma government.[20] Nevertheless, without a democratic structure within the overall movement, the LLLZ was drowned out by the existing leadership who was far more visible to the broader layer of the movement. In the end, it was the KMTs Wang Jin-pyng who helped bring the movement to a close. He entered the occupied legislature and offered a concession nothing more or less than the limited demands the leadership were asking for: the postponement of the floor vote of the CSSTA until legislation monitoring all cross-strait agreements has been passed. Having secured this concession, the leadership declared that the occupiers would vacate the Legislative Yuan in three days. This enormous bout of mass mobilization ended in the mere stalling of a bill. The mountain had labored, and it brought forth a mouse. Aftermath, legacy, and lessons for today The immediate results gained from the movement were decidedly poor, but the scale of participation in it brought forth significant changes that shape Taiwanese bourgeois politics to this day. The indirect, yet most consequential impact of the Sunflower Movement was the discrediting of the KMT on a catastrophic scale. The masses were reminded that the KMT, a historic enemy of millions of workers across the Taiwan Strait, is willing to do anything to enforce the agenda of its paymasters. In this case, those paymasters shared with the CCP an interest in pulling Taiwan closer to China. Regarding their hard-won democratic rights as under threat, the Taiwanese masses rejected the KMT on a large scale in subsequent elections. Nevertheless, in the absence of an alternative that could genuinely give the working class of Taiwan control of society, the DPP, as the biggest opposition party, became the inevitable beneficiary of this political vacuum. In the municipal election that was held later in 2014, the DPP took control of a majority of the city and county governments across Taiwan. In the general election two years later, the DPP regained the presidency and won its first ever parliamentary majority from the KMT. This seeming political earthquake changed nothing fundamental for the Taiwanese working class. Aside from pivoting Taiwans ties away from China and towards the US and others, the DPP seamlessly implemented all the attacks against the Taiwanese working class that the KMT had planned. They implemented a cut in national holidays that the KMT had already planned. They also effectively increased the length of the working day, under the guise of giving workers a weekend off. Like the KMT, the DPP is a party firmly rooted in the bourgeois class. They demagogically used the national question to build up support, the only difference in power being that they are promoting ties with the US rather than Chinese imperialism. What has become of the student and NGO leaders of the Sunflower Movement? A majority of them went from direct action to work within the system, and a number of smaller parties were founded in an attempt to capture positions through elections. This was a phenomenon known as the Third Force. The most prominent of these parties were the New Power Party (NPP) and the Social Democratic Party (SDP). While they were organizationally independent from the DPP, they were formed as merely electoral machines on behalf of a small clique of politicians rather than as mass organizations. Politically, the Third Force parties presented themselves as merely more liberal progressive alternatives to the DPP. On this basis, they didnt last as significant political factors. The NPP from the beginning contained within it a significant tendency that viewed DPP leader Tsai Ing-wen as an inspirational leader, and over time a large number of them would defect or otherwise leave the NPP to align with the DPP. The SDP never lived up to the mass status of its peers in Europe, as timid reformism on the basis of a small activist clique, rather than huge trade union organizations, does not stand a chance against Taiwans ferociously reactionary political establishment. After a few years of remaining at the margins, the SDPs founding leader Fan Yun joined the DPP and was elected as a legislator on this basis in 2020. The fact that the Third Force parties were destined to fail at seriously changing Taiwans society was already predicted by Marxists back in 2016. This is because, unlike the liberals, we understand that only the working class and its own political organizations can genuinely change Taiwans society. Of course, the working masses need their own class party, but this must be a party that maintains absolute class independence instead of lending effective support for the liberal wing of the ruling class. In Taiwan this means a party that fights both the KMT and the DPP, unlike the Third Force parties that only trailed in the wake of the DPP. Such a party wouldnt confine itself to parliamentary elections, but would actively organize struggles in the streets and the workplaces alongside workers organizations. Without a class-based program and genuine basis in the masses, the Third Force parties are reducing to a parliamentary rump / Image: Ray Swi-hymn, public domain With nothing fundamentally changing, the question of relations with China continues to dominate Taiwanese politics, with no one advancing a class analysis on this issue. The fact that the question of China in Taiwan takes on a one-sided and nationalist basis is not only the work of the DPP, but also fuelled by the behavior of the CCP. As the Taiwanese masses rejected what the CCP regime considered to be an economically generous offer, and the fact that it is unwilling to work with the DPP meant that China had to resort to open coercion both to consolidate its own support internally and attempt to scare the Taiwanese masses into submission. Nonetheless, every time the CCP threatens to use force against Taiwan or represses democratic movements within its own borders, the Taiwanese masses would rally behind the DPP, as they consider the latter to be the only political choice that can resist China's ambitions over Taiwan. In fact, the CCP was responsible for resuscitating the DPPs electoral prospects in recent times. When the DPP was on a losing streak to the KMT in 2017 it was again buoyed by Taiwanese masses reaction to the clampdown on the Hong Kong protest in 2019 and won an even bigger parliamentary majority in the 2020 general election. In the absence of a working-class party, putting forward a class position, the threats of violence from the CCP have continuously pushed the Taiwanese working class into the arms of the bourgeois establishment, placing their own class interest behind the national one. Of course, in reality this unity is only in the interest of the DPP bourgeoisie and US imperialism. In the meantime, the DPP and the media aligned to it continued the anti-communist rhetoric that their supposed arch-nemesis, the KMT, made use of for decades. At times, they even accused striking workers of being CCP agents. This new, reactionary political norm is prolonged by the relative success of the Tsai administration in its handling of the COVID-19 pandemic. To be sure, this was largely thanks to the universal healthcare system in Taiwan as well as the prior experience with pandemics. Still, this compares favorably with the disastrous responses seen in much of the rest of the world, which buttressed illusions in the Tsai Ing-wen administration for a time. Nevertheless, the contradictions of capitalism and its crisis can only be postponed up to a point, and Taiwans society is certainly building up a powder keg. The stagnant wages, declining quality of life, rising cost of living, and dimming future for the youth that fuelled the Sunflower Movement not only have not subsided since the DPP came to power but have deepened. The same suffering layer of the Taiwanese working class remains where they were seven years ago Therefore, the Taiwanese ruling class will not have their field day for long. Underneath the surface, class contradictions that led to the Sunflower movement have only gotten worse. But due to the lack of a working-class party to give an organised expression to this, the political landscape remains unchanged. The working class of Taiwan, especially the younger generation, will learn from experience that they can only trust themselves and their own organizations. Through this or that accident, the burning necessity for liberation from capitalism within Taiwanese society will express itself again. More and more people will come to realize that class struggle is the only way to liberate themselves. At the same time, they will be joined by those who participated in or supported the Sunflower Movement, who experienced its limitations, and who are seeking out the road to world revolution, as surely are many of those captured on video singing the Internationale during the Sunflower Movement. An island country like Taiwan cannot exist in a vacuum. Extraordinary movements are beginning to flare up around the world, and Asia in particular is catching up rapidly. This reflects the inability of the capitalist system to develop society. Sooner or later, this process will also break through the surface of Taiwanese society and the workers and youth will move into struggle to escape the downward spiral of the status quo. What is needed is to build a revolutionary Marxist organization in time large enough to put forward a perspective that can reach the masses, cutting through the confusion and morass of liberal politics and nationalist demagoguery. This is what The Spark, the Taiwanese members of the International Marxist Tendency, are currently doing in Taiwan, and we invite you to join us. Notes [1] , 2017P. 53 [2] P. 52 [3] Ian Rowen, Inside Taiwan's Sunflower Movement: Twenty-Four Days in a Student-Occupied Parliament, and the Future of the Region, Journal of Asian Studies, Volume 74, 2015, P. 9 [4] P. 5 [5] Rowen, P. 6 [6] 2019 [7] P. 28 [8] P. 32 - 33 [9] P. 36 [10] Rowen, P. 12-13 [11] Ibid. P. 8 [12] Ibid. P. 7 [13] Charles K.S. Wu, How Public Opinion Shapes Taiwans Sunflower Movement, Journal of East Asian Studies, Volume 19, 2019, P. 297 [14] Rowen, P. 9 [15] Panayiota Tsatsou and Yupei Zhao, A Two-Level Social Capital Analysis of the Role of Online Communication in Civic Activism: Lessons From the Role of Facebook in the Sunflower Movement, Social Media + Society, October-December 2016,, P. 12 [16] [17] P. 112 [18] P. 37 [19] P. 171-172 [20] Rowen, P. 16 The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) is in the process of adopting advanced analytics, artificial intelligence and machine learning into supervisory data, while taking necessary safeguards, to gain even deeper insights into the operations of supervised entities, a top RBI official said. "These initiatives reflect the Reserve Bank's commitment towards harnessing the power of technology and data-driven approaches to strengthen its supervision," said Deputy Governor MK Jain, while speaking at the 25th SEACEN-FSI Conference of the Directors of Supervision of Asia Pacific Economies in Mumbai. To enhance the effectiveness of supervisory frameworks, the RBI has employed various analytical tools, Jain said. These include an early warning system, stress testing models, vulnerability assessments, cyber key risk indicators, phishing and cyber reconnaissance exercises, targeted evaluations of compliance with KYC/AML norms and Data Analytics, among others, Jain said. According to Jain, supervisors must closely examine the business models adopted by banks and meticulously assess whether these models align with the institution's risk appetite. "This evaluation should delve into the level of business growth projections, sustainability of earnings potential, extent of diversification, provisioning cover, and appropriate pricing mechanisms, etc," Jain said. In the recent past, the central bank has been warning banks to increase focus on corporate governance and compliance to avoid a crisis situation in the future, citing the recent US banking crisis. Jain asserted that governance is of paramount importance and invariably at the root cause of supervisory concerns. Effective corporate governance and sound regulation go hand in hand, reinforcing each other, the deputy governor added. "The recent bank failures in advanced economies have underscored the pressing need to address governance concerns head-on," Jain said. IT systems need closer look The deputy g0vernor further added that supervisors need to examine IT issues holistically. It is crucial to determine whether banks have the capacity to develop robust IT systems that align with their business strategies, Jain said. "Future-proofing by banks of their IT infrastructure becomes imperative, necessitating strategic investments in both capital and operational expenditure. As virtual work environments and cyber risks become more prevalent, effective IT governance takes on heightened significance," Jain said. These comments are significant against the backdrop of the rampant digital outages faced by banks in recent years. The RBI has, time and again, asked banks to invest more to augment their information technology systems. Focus audit Further, supervisors must focus on the efficacy of assurance functions viz. risk management, compliance and internal audit, the RBI official said. "The assurance functions serve as a critical safeguard providing independent and objective assessment of the bank's operations, risk management practices, and compliance with regulatory requirements," Jain observed. By assessing the quality of the assurance functions, supervisors can identify potential vulnerabilities, assess the effectiveness of internal controls, and mitigate risks before they become bigger, he added. Godrej Properties Ltd. (GPL), a prominent real estate developer in India, on June 15 announced its acquisition of a 7.44-acre land parcel in the upscale residential area of New Alipore in Kolkata. This acquisition was made through an e-auction conducted by the West Bengal Housing Infrastructure Development Corporation Ltd., where GPL emerged as the highest bidder. The company intends to develop the land parcel into a luxury group housing project, which carries a revenue potential of approximately Rs 1,200 crore, the company has said. "New Alipore is known for its well-established physical and social infrastructure, offering excellent connectivity to major social and commercial hubs within Kolkata," it has said. Gaurav Pandey, the Managing Director and CEO of Godrej Properties, expressed satisfaction with the acquisition, highlighting the strong demand for luxury real estate in recent years. "This upcoming project will mark GPL's second luxury development in Kolkata, aiming to create an exceptional residential community that delivers long-term value to its residents." 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. 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I Accept When Sunil Gowda was looking for a 1BHK apartment for rent in Bengaluru, he found more than 70 percent of such apartments in popular areas are like shoeboxes with no provisions for ventilation. "Surrounded by other buildings on three sides, one of the apartments I discovered had no windows. And the broker said the door will serve as the window," he added. To his horror, most buildings in Ejipura, next to Koramangala, shared common walls on at least two sides, ruling out windows for allowing ventilation or light. Since last year, the demand for 1BHKs in the city centre has gone up by 40 percent, local brokers say. Additionally, due to a space crunch, their sizes have shrunk by 30 percent over the last few years. The rise of the matchbox apartment About a decade ago, 1BHKs were a rarity in Bengaluru and the handful present at that time were pretty large. Today, new launches are a fraction in size yet command higher rents, Sunil Singh, Director of Realty Corp said. In prime areas like Indiranagar or Koramangala, a 1BHK apartment of about 400-450 sq feet will cost Rs 20,000- 25,000, with fully furnished apartments going up to Rs 30,000 a month. However, the rent for most of the 2BHKs in these areas are above Rs 40,000-45,000. "With offices opening up, most of the employees coming back prefer to rent 1BHKs to get the cost advantage, thus pushing up demand significantly," Singh added. However, in the city centres, especially close to the IT corridors in the east and north, there is a severe shortfall in supply, while the availability is better in the outskirts or growing suburbs like Hennur or Begur at a reasonable monthly rent of Rs 15,000. Maximising rental yield Given the demand, local brokers say, at least two apartment owners in Indiranagar and Koramangala have converted their car garages into small 1BHKs for a rent of about Rs 10,000-15,000. While this may be an unusual case, many others are buying old homes in Bengaluru and converting them into multiple 1BHKs. Singh said three such deals closed recently in HSR Layout, Indiranagar and Jayanagar, where the new owners are redeveloping old houses into 1BHKs to maximise their rental potential. "Even if they spend Rs 3 crore in redevelopment, he will easily get a monthly rental return of Rs 3-3.5 lakh from four 1BHK apartments on each of the three floors," Kiran Kumar, Vice President of Hanu Reddy Realty said. In the process, the size of a typical 1BHK has shrunk by 50 percent compared to what it was about six years back. Even the terrace portions are being utilised as 1RK or studio apartments, basically a room, kitchenette and toilet, which are being rented close to the city centre at a whopping Rs 15,000-20,000 per month. However, brokers say that most of them are fully furnished and have much more breathable space than existing 1BHKs. At this pace, Singh believes, if the demand continues without fresh 1BHK inventories being added, Bengaluru is set on the path for "coffin" apartments like in Tokyo. Measuring about 8 feet in length and 4.5 feet in height, such homes are basically meant to crawl into and sleep, with tenants sharing common amenities like bathrooms. However, they are considered affordable in Japans capital, at a rupee-equivalent rent of Rs 30,000-40,000. The Union Cabinet has cleared a Rs 6,000 crore Metro project from HUDA City Centre to Cyber City, with a spur to Dwarka Expressway in National Capital Region. The link with 27 elevated stations is expected to pass mostly through mature real estate markets. The Ghaziabad Development Authority (GDA) and Delhi Metro have also come up with a proposal to connect the two legs of the Blue Line Metro passing through two developed real estate markets in Ghaziabad-Vaishali and Indirapuram to Noidas Electronic City station, which is a commercial hub. Pricing impact Real estate experts say that while metro connectors in upcoming/new locations generally lead to a price increase of 30 to 50 percent, the impact on mature markets is barely around 10 to 15 percent and that too in the resale market as the intention is primarily to improve connectivity to the central business districts and provide ease of commute to the existing population. There are two reasons why metro connectivity is provided to an area to connect new areas with existing ones or to provide ease of commute to established areas. Most of these Metro connectors are linked to central business districts where offices are located. There is a visible impact of new Metro connectivity on both residential as well as commercial property prices, said Akash Bansal, senior director and India head consulting, JLL. With a metro connection, sectors in Old Gurgaon may see redevelopment activity. The transit-oriented development will make new options available to commercial property buyers as well, he said, adding there may be an increase of around 15 to 20 percent in prices in these areas. Housing stock will become more affordable, especially for buyers who find it difficult to purchase property in new sectors in Gurgaon, he said. Mumbai experience In Mumbai, the Metro network between Dahisar and Andheri is a classic example. The stretch connects older locations and the intent is to improve connectivity in these areas, points out Pankaj Kapoor of Liases Foras. Since more people usually reside in established areas, it makes sense to connect older areas such as Old Gurgaon with new Gurgaon as more people are likely to take the Metro. Having said that, while connecting older locations is worthwhile, it is also more complex as acquiring land along the stretch may be far more challenging as the area is densely populated. New Metro connectors also help improve a citys affordability. Property prices depend on not only the convenience being provided by the new infrastructure but also on the amount of travel time that is getting reduced, he explained. Spurring redevelopment If the Noida Electronic City to Vaishali proposal goes through, one would have to consider not only the density and travel time that is getting reduced for a commuter but also the number of central business districts that the metro connector is linked to, he said. Manoj Gaur, chairman Credai and chairman and managing director, Gaurs Group, told Moneycontrol that Metro connectors, whether connecting new areas or for that matter old ones, provide ease of commute. In an established real estate market, it leads to increased activity in the secondary market, and the enhanced sale and purchase of properties benefit the government in terms of stamp duty collections. If a Metro corridor gets approved in a new location, it increases economic activity in the area, generates revenue for the government, not only by way of stamp duty but also in terms of approvals and purchasable FAR (Floor Area Ratio), he said. In the case of the Metro connector in Gurgaon, the governments intention seems to be to balance real estate activity in old areas as well as new areas, which are the Old Gurgaon sectors and Dwarka Expressway, respectively. GDA should also try and do the same. The Ghaziabad Metro connector should try and link both established markets as well as open avenues for development in newer locations, he added. Arvind Rai, Senior Director, Valuation Services at Colliers India said that a Metro will improve connectivity in Old Gurgaon, link it with upcoming areas along Dwarka Expressway, Global City and also change the landscape of old parts of Gurgaon. The transit-oriented development that kicks in may pave the way to vertical growth and redevelopment activity, and this may help prices to inch up a few notches in the area. EV startup Simple Energy is looking to roll out two new e-scooters in the next quarter which would be attractively priced for the consumers, its founder Suhas Rajkumar said. With the introduction of affordable e-scooters, the company is expecting to retain not only the existing investors but also onboard institutional players and family offices globally for its proposed USD 100-million fund-raise, Rajkumar told PTI. The company last month launched its maiden premium e-scooter Simple ONE, at Rs 1.45 lakh and commenced deliveries in a phased manner with Bengaluru to begin with from 7th of this month. The introduction of an affordable e-scooter is part of the company's plans to have a portfolio of three scooters, one performance bike and possibly a four-wheeler in the next three years, Simple One founder and CEO said. "Rs one lakh to Rs 1.30 lakh is the affordable price point for a low-end scooter with minimal performance. This is what would matter to the customers. And we are working on those price points and looking to compete with those brands," Rajkumar said, adding that the e-scooters, will be launched in the next quarter. Electric two-wheeler sales in the last fiscal surged over two-and-half fold year-on-year to 8,46,976 units (based on data sourced from OEMs), EV manufactures body SMEV had said in April. Of this, the industry saw sales of 1.2 lakh low-speed e-scooters with top speed less than 25 km/hour, while the total sales of high-speed E2W (top speed more than 25km/hr) stood at 7,26,976 during the year. Rajkumar said Simple Energy has shelved plans to develop a vehicle for the last-mile delivery as almost 90 per cent of the market has already been covered by the earlier entrants. Simple Energy's focus will be to develop the B2C model more going forward, he said, adding that the company is working on the charging infra, which is expected to go live in August, Rajkumar said. On funding, he said "we have a great pipeline of existing and new investors in our USD 100-million fund-raise plan for production and expansion." Besides, the company is also tapping in family-offices globally for this round of funding, he said. Earlier in February this year, Simple Energy had raised USD 20 million in a bridge round from a clutch of investors to ramp up production. The company has a manufacturing facility in Shoolagiri in Tamil Nadu with an annual capacity of around 5-lakh units. Anil Goteti, Flipkarts former senior vice president, has launched a new travel credit card startup called Scapia in partnership with Federal Bank that specifically targets the GenZ and Millenial population. Travelling is a passion for me and I was thinking of what to do next and I realised there are a lot of problems that todays younger generation face when it comes to travelling abroad freely, especially in the payments sideThis Scapia card will definitely be a game-changer, said Goteti, founder of Scapia. Scapia which basically means the spirit of escape and adventure, is founded to make spending on travelling better. The app, in fact, has also gamified the platform to push customers to earn rewards on the go. Our target segment is 25-40 year olds and if you look at millennials and Gen Zs we have found out that they want to live in the moment and are ready to spend on travel experienceWe have also found out that they are looking for cards like this that have the best integration for the entire travel experience, Goteti added. The Bengaluru-headquartered Scapia was in stealth mode over the last year and was launched on Thursday. It offers a co-branded credit card and an app for customers to turn their daily expenses into rewards. These rewards turn into Scapia coins which can be utilised to book hotels, and flights online. The card is presently accepted in India and over 150 countries and is powered by the global card firm Visa. The onboarding is completely paperless and a customer will be able to get the card virtually within 10 minutes and the physical card will be delivered. The KYC (Know-your-customer) is also done instantly online, Goteti said. What does Scapia offer? Scapia offers 20 percent reward on every hotel stay and flight booked from within the app. Scapia coins are convertible with 5 Scapia Coins equalling 1 rupee. It is also promising that there will be no joining fee, zero forex markup on international spends and a no-cost EMI option under the offering Travel Now, Pay Later. Scapia is more than a credit card. It is a commitment to making travel accessible for everyone who dreams of seeing the world. Its a new way to reward young Indian travellers, he added. Scapias revenue model is two-fold: the firm will be earning a percentage of commission from hotels and airlines when booked through Scapias app and will be earning a commission from the co-partnered bank for getting more customers. Federal Bank will be responsitble for the credit and underwriting. In fact, Moneycontrol has also learnt that the firm has also raised a funding round from Matrix Partners and other top venture capital firms as per data sourced from Tofler. The firm presently has employed around 40 people and is planning to hire more in the coming days. We are hiring across teams, we are looking for employees who can add more value in terms of product development and engineering and finance, Goteti said. Gotetis journey Goteti joined Flipkart in 2012 as the senior vice president of Flipkart heading the mobiles & home and furniture categories at Flipkart. He then quit the e-commerce firm in 2020 to pursue his entrepreneurial dreams. In 2021, Goteti founded Protonn, a platform built for independent professionals like lawyers and graphic designers to launch their businesses online or create content. Protonn raised around $9 million from investors Matrix Partners, 021 Capital and Tanglin Venture Partners and prominent angel investors like Binny Bansal, Flipkart chief executive Kalyan Krishnamurthy, Udaan co-founder Sujeet Kumar, and Kunal Shah of Cred. However, Goteti shut down its business and returned the capital to its investors in 2022 as it was not able to find the right product-market fit (PMF) and expand in the market. When I was in Flipkart I learnt a lot. In fact, the learnings from Flipkart have given me the confidence to run something on my own. During covid I launched a company called Protonn, it didnt go well but it is also part of the learning, Goteti said. Moving from an SVP to a CEO has been challenging and rewarding Goteti said. From an SVP to a CEO it has not been very easybut not every time you will be offered everything in a platter. Flipkart was a great brand and I had that comfort but now Im ready to risk and I want to pursue this to the best, Goteti said. Scapias plans ahead Scapia is launched at a time when the whole fintech ecosystem, especially the credit ecosystem is under tight scrutiny. In fact, Scapias direct rival Niyo is facing a slowdown after the regulator ordered its partnered bank the State Bank of Mauritius (SBM)s Indian subsidiary to stop processing any international remittances under the liberalised remittance scheme (LRS) after discovering material supervisory concerns. The finance ministry in May issued a notification stating that international credit cards would also be covered under the liberalised remittance scheme (LRS) meaning a TCS of 20 percent would apply to credit cards as well. After facing a backlash, on May 19, another clarification was issued stating that payments made using international credit and debit cards up to Rs 7 lakh shall be excluded from LRS. RBIs regulations are much-needed and that is why we have partnered with a very well-established Federal BankThe TCS will not affect us as of now and even if it goes beyond we will be very transparent on what the regulations are, Goteti said. India is a credit-starved market and there is a huge opportunity, Goteti said. Recent data from the Reserve Bank of India shows that credit card transactions have gone up significantly. With 25 crore card transactions for merchant payments in April this year, credit cards have overtaken debit cards. In terms of the value of transactions, credit cards stood at Rs 1.3 lakh crore against Rs 53,000 crore for debit cards. And experts believe that there will be a lot of co-branded credit cards that will be coming up in the coming days. In fact, Indian Railway Catering and Tourism Corp Ltd (IRCTC) and HDFC Bank, announced the launch of a co-branded travel credit card known as the IRCTC HDFC Bank Credit Card. There is only 5 percent market penetration by all players put together. The addressable market is huge and we will be able to bite a large pie of that market, Goteti said. Private equity and venture capital funding to Indian artificial intelligence (AI) startups has slowed down as funding winter worsens and ChatGPT takes centre stage in the generative AI space. Investors have channelled in about $510 million in only 28 deals from January to May in 2023, half of the five-month average of $1.02 billion last year indicating a slow rate of investments this year, according to data shared by Venture Intelligence. This comes at a time when funding to Indian startups has plunged to about a fifth in the first five months of 2023 compared to the same period last year, with no end in sight to the funding crunch. More importantly, the slow pace of AI investments defies the bullish trend of 2022, a year when investments in AI startups braved through the winter clocking $2.45 billion, up almost 68 percent from $1.46 billion in 2021 when investments were pouring in. The increase in investments in 2022 over 2021 was despite the number of deals remaining the same at 114, signalling an increase in deal sizes. AI investments this year, however, have fallen even lower than the five-month average of 2021. According to Anand Lunia, founding partner at India Quotient, apart from a stunted deal flow and overall activity in venture capital, the introduction of OpenAIs ChatGPT has also put the Indian AI ecosystem in flux. With something as overarching as ChatGPT, some of the players who were working for a domain or a product-specific AI innovation funded two-three years ago, have become less relevant. Founders and investors are figuring out what to do next, Lunia told Moneycontrol. Anurag Ramdasan, partner at 3one4 Capital said tech giants like Notion, Google, and Microsoft, which have a distribution advantage, have already embedded generative AI in their documenting software. Such incumbents are disrupting the early wave of AI-powered solutions, he added. Data by Tracxn Technologies showed that venture capital firms like Tiger Global Management, Alpha Wave Global, Blume Ventures, and Info Edge, among others, have not made any investments in Indian AI startups this year so far, after leading such investments in 2022. Investors continue to be bullish Ganapathy Venugopal, co-founder and CEO of Kris Gopalakrishnan-backed Axilor Ventures, however, believes investments in the sector will gradually grow as unlike the US market, where funding tends to flow in pools of capital towards new technologies, the Indian market is broader and generalist. Lunia also said that the investments will pick up after a brief pause as a few prominent entrepreneurs will rise to challenge OpenAI while others will start building solutions leveraging its capabilities to create new businesses. Indian software-as-a-service (SaaS) major Zoho has already taken up the challenge and announced it is building its own LLM (large language model), similar to OpenAI's GPT and Google's PaLM 2 models, overseen by founder and chief executive officer (CEO) Sridhar Vembu. Also read: What powers ChatGPT and Bard? A look at LLMs or large language models Indian investors, especially in the seed and early stages, are also evaluating AI startups, and expecting funding for the field to grow, they told Moneycontrol. Data by Tracxn shows that 100X.VC, along with the US-based tech startup accelerator Y Combinator, has been leading the way with about four seed and early-stage investments each in the first five months of 2023. While the former made no investment in AI in this period last year, the latter had five. Notably, investments in AI startups have plunged across stages this year, according to Venture Intelligence data. Shashank Randev, co-founder of 100X.VC, believes the investments in AI startups will continue to grow here as India sits on abundant, cheap data and the ability to generate data after the wave of generative AI. AI has become more or less horizontal. Previously, investors would say I invest in healthcare, I don't invest in fintech or vice versa. Both of these now have AI incorporated. So by default, everybody's an AI investor, Randev told Moneycontrol. Lightspeed Venture Partners, Kalaari Capital, BlackSoil and Prime Venture Partners, among others, began funding AI startups in 2023 after making zero such investments last year, according to data curated by Tracxn. Generative AI A major chunk of AI investments this year are going into generative AI startups, investors said, following the release of OpenAI's ChatGPT and the availability of APIs (application programming interfaces). We have observed a notable increase in generative AI deals. Currently, approximately 7-8 percent of all deals we come across fall into the generative AI category, and we are actively exploring more opportunities in this field, said Anurag Ramdasan, partner at 3one4 Capital. While Accels investments in AI-related deals fell from five to two in the January to May period this year compared to last, Prayank Swaroop, a partner at Accel, said the firm is keen to invest in Indian startups building AI businesses revolutionising key industries. Also read: Salaries, skill sets, open roles: All you need to know to build a career in Generative AI "In education, it has the potential to personalise learning experiences, adapt curricula, and enhance educational content creation. In healthcare, generative AI can accelerate drug discovery, improve diagnostics, and enable precision medicine. In manufacturing, it can optimise production processes, automate quality control, and drive innovation. In agriculture, it can aid in crop monitoring, optimise resource allocation, and improve yield predictions, said Accels Swaroop. Axilor Ventures' Venugopal added that the general tendency for investors to start taking smaller bets in upcoming areas has gone up. Nobody is considering large cheques in areas where there are late-stage companies which are themselves struggling for their next rounds and optimising the business model, he said. Generative AI startups stand to benefit from the trend as a new sector. AI washing or real solutions? Vikram Chachra, founding partner of 8i Ventures and an early-stage investor, cautioned that the space also seems to be overhyped currently with companies also attempting AI washing to attract investors. AI washing refers to when companies embellish their products AI capabilities to enhance sales or attract funds. If you are perceived as an AI company, the valuations are rock solid. So many founders are looking to take that route as well. There will be a number of people who will try to represent themselves as if they have got to do something in AI. There is a need for more nuanced applications of AI, Chachra told Moneycontrol. Lunia agrees. Every company is trying to attach the label of AI because that makes them look enticing. AI for gaming, AI for education, the same guys were going crazy over NFTs (non-fungible tokens) about a year or two ago, he said. Standing out Any new technology stack comes with three layers - foundational, infrastructural and consumer or business-facing layers, said Chachra. When we look at AI, right now, what is really scary is that the foundational layer, which is the LLM, seems to look more like end-user applications. The real question is, how will a startup compete with these? The opportunity, Chachra believes, is in entrepreneurs building solutions with India as a motivator to not get disrupted easily. You don't want to be in another situation where you're building something where you get out-competed easily by anybody building the same thing and doing a tad better job, he said. 3one4s Ramdasan highlighted that the firm is particularly interested in how AI can revolutionise infrastructure and foundational layers. This focus has led us to dedicate an increasing amount of our time to exploring these areas, he added. The VC firm has already made two investments in AI-related startups in the first five months of 2023 as compared to zero in the same period last year, as per data by Tracxn. Solara Active Pharma shares gained over 9 percent in early trade on June 15 amid heavy trading volumes. At 1.30 pm, 11 lakh shares changed hands on BSE and National Stock Exchange (NSE) combined. This is 11 times the one-month average traded volumes of 1 lakh shares. The stock was trading at Rs 385.30 on the NSE, up 7.5 percent from the previous close. Solara Active Pharma Sciences focuses on the production, processing, formulating, merchandising, distributing, and trading of active pharmaceutical ingredients. The stock saw a sharp upmove of 300 percent between March 2020 to July 2021, touching Rs 1,800 levels. The company's then main offerings Ibuprofen, Favipiravir and Gabapentin were in demand due to the coronavirus outbreak, analysts said. As COVID ebbed, the companys performance was muted, mainly due to subdued demand and higher costs driven by a volatile material pricing environment and increased logistics costs. In February 2022, the company's chief executive officer and chief operating officer stepped down. Follow our live blog for all the market action What has changed now? Solara Active is now witnessing a recovery in base business and new launches. "One of our key achievements in FY23 was securing Ibuprofen DMF approval in China. We believe we are the first company outside of China to achieve this milestone. Sales have already commenced," managing director Jitesh Devendra said in a recent earnings call. DMF is short for drug master files. It is a type of submission made to a regulator to provide important information related to the drug. In Q3 FY23, the company's Vizag plant also commenced operations, a key trigger for the stock. Out of the five new US DMFs filed in the last financial year, three are from Vizag, the management said. "From H2 FY24 onwards, there'll be substantial improvement in the capacity utilisation of Vizag plant and during the Q4 FY24, the capacity utilisation will be more than 60 percent in Vizag," the management said during the call. Macquarie, in a 2021 report, said the company had relationships with its clients for more than 15-20 years for its key molecules. "In high volume APIs like Ibuprofen, Solara enjoys a global cost leadership," it said. According to Bloomberg, the consensus target on the stock is Rs 483, a 25 percent upside from current levels. 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. Home services company Urban Company has been rocked by protests yet again, this time in Delhi-NCR over allegations of unfairly blocking the IDs of partners on the platform. The company has witnessed protests for two days in a row, as partners with blocked IDs demand that they be reinstated, and that they be given a chance to air grievances. Those protesting are primarily in the beauty services segment, with up to 70 workers protesting. Partners say that the company has asked for a weeks time, but do not seem optimistic that their IDs will be reinstated. Partners say that before being onboarded on the platform, they have to pay the company for the training depending on the category they are going to work in. For example, under Salon for Women there are three categories Classic, Prime, and Luxe and each is more expensive. Partners even have to undergo a training prior to being onboarded on the platform, and partners say they pay costs up to Rs 1 lakh initially (including for equipment), with the amount varying depending on which category they have chosen. This is apart from the money they spend to purchase perishable materials for everyday services and other requirements. The cost of the materials used for the services has to be incurred by the women too. However, partners allege that IDs are blocked indiscriminately, which impacts them all the more as they have invested the amount in training as well. Many take out a loan for this amount as well. Speaking to Moneycontrol, Neha*, a partner in the Prime category who had been on the platform for several years before being blocked over cancellations, terms it unfair that workers are never even given a chance to appeal decisions that affect them, and they are blocked indiscriminately. ALSO READ: Urban Company beauticians protest at Gurgaon office over ID blocking, booking woes Partners in the Classic and Prime categories are required to have a minimum rating of 4.7 and Luxe partners a rating of 4.85 out of a total of 5. Women Moneycontrol spoke to say it is nearly impossible to maintain, and failing this bar, allege they are automatically blocked by the platform. A partner is also blocked if they have above four cancellations a month. Neha alleges that the partner is often penalised for mistakes of even clients. While clients are penalised Rs 200 for cancelling at the last minute, she says they choose the option of saying the partner did not show up to save on the charge, which ends up penalising the worker. According to Neha, IDs are even blocked if a workers response rate or the rate of accepting bookings offered falls below 80 percent. Another partner, Rita*, also in the beauty segment said that while she has a rating and hasnt been barred from the platform, she supports the protest, terming it unfair for such IDs to have been blocked. People can be questioned, if they had a mistake they can learn. They should not block IDs permanently, as it severely impacts earning potential and all the more so when they are the only earning member in the house, she says. Both Neha and Rita say that workers must at least get a chance to rectify an error there may be such as a penalty or a minimal suspension period before being booted off the platform. Women Moneycontrol spoke to allege that they also face issues of safety due to which sometimes a customer cancels a booking, but they are penalised for that as well. There is no support, there is no support, the company does not care about the girls working on the platform, says Neha. However, responding to Moneycontrol's queries, Urban Company said it maintains an open-door policy and encourages dialogue with partners. "Our investments in training (which is free of cost and not paid for by partners), technology, tooling, products, free life, accidental and health insurance etc., go a long way in having a controlled experience on the marketplace, enabling service partners to deliver best-in-class quality and earn a decent, middle-class livelihood," a company spokesperson said. "We had recently asked a few partners who were not meeting the marketplace standards despite multiple prior notices and re-trainings, to part ways with the marketplace. We continue to maintain an open-door policy and encourage dialogue with our partners. We remain committed to building a safe, high-quality home services platform," they added. The All India Gig Workers Union (AIGWU) said in a statement that the partners are being barred due to stringent norms by the company despite paying heavy fees for products and the companys MG (minimum guarantee) plan. The minimum guarantee plan only guarantees partners a certain number of bookings, but it doesnt make promises about the value, partners say. AIGWUs memorandum with the demands submitted to the company states that similar issues are being faced by workers in the Electricians, Plumbers and Carpenters segment, mens grooming etc, and that IDs are being blocked permanently without warning or offering time. Sometimes in the name of rerating, sometimes cancellation, sometimes response rate, sometimes no calendar marking or less input, randomly blocking IDs and being put out of work. The system may be automated, but it is made by humans. This system also contradicts Urban Company's claim of providing 'flexibility' to its workers, it states. The demands put forth by the union include enabling all blocked IDs, abolishing the practice of blocking IDs permanently, lowering the minimum rating required and eliminating multiple rating systems. It asks that until partners themselves block their IDs, they should not be permanently removed unless there is serious misconduct. Performance criteria should be rule-based, and should only be used for 'warning' purposes, it says. Additionally, the demands ask for workers only to be rated on their performance, and not for cancellations, response time or input rate. For lower ratings, it asks for the reason for the low rating by the customer to be clearly written on the partner dashboard. It also asks for workers to get off, and allege that workers have to work continuously. If we take 1-2 days off due to health reasons, the company's representatives threaten to block us on phone because of 'Low Input Rating', or directly block us. The company should provide them one day off in a week, it asks. This isnt the first time that Urban Company is facing the ire of workers on its platform, with a larger protest having played out in late 2021 as well. At the time, the company did respond, coming up with a 12-step programme to improve partner ratings and their livelihoods as well. However, as the protests continued to persist, Urban Company even sent a legal notice to the workers, and had also an injunction from the court directing the police to disburse protesters. According to a report, the suit was withdrawn by the company three months later after a court in Gurugram found it to be devoid of merit. *Name changed Note: This story has been updated to reflect Urban Company's response. The United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) has adopted a draft resolution introduced by India to build a memorial wall in the UN headquarters in New York to promote a culture of peace and honour fallen peacekeepers. Acknowledging this, Prime Minister Narendra Modi tweeted his appreciation of the support from fellow member states. Delighted that the Resolution to establish a new Memorial Wall for fallen Peacekeepers, piloted by India, has been adopted in the UN General Assembly. The Resolution received a record 190 co-sponsorships. Grateful for everyone's support. Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) June 15, 2023 The resolution was adopted by consensus and received co-sponsorships by nearly 190 UN member states, PTI reported. It was submitted by 18 countries including Bangladesh, China, Egypt, India, Indonesia, Jordan, Nepal, Rwanda, Denmark, France, Canada and the United States. The resolution applauded for their initiative to erect a memorial wall to commemorate fallen peacekeepers. The memorial will also reflect names and other details of the fallen, the report 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 A poor man's All the King's Men is the best way to describe A Lion Is in the Streets, another thinly disguised bio of demagogue Huey Long, the corrupt and controversial Louisiana governor and U.S. Senator who was assassinated in 1935. Though actor James Cagney and his brother, producer William Cagney, optioned the novel upon which the film is based four years before All the King's Men premiered, they couldn't make A Lion Is in the Streets until three years after writer-director Robert Rossen's movie won three Oscars, including Best Picture. It's tough not to compare the two films, and when one does, A Lion Is in the Streets can't compete with its highly lauded predecessor. All the King's Men is a gritty, blistering, black-and-white film shot on location that brims with depth and nuance. A Lion Is in the Streets is a glossy, sanitized, largely superficial Technicolor movie filmed at Warner's Burbank studio. The differences in look and tone are so glaring, it's hard to believe the two movies depict the same character. Though both Broderick Crawford's Willie Stark in All the King's Men and Cagney's Hank Martin in A Lion Is in the Streets do a lot of roaring, A Lion Is in the Streets lacks the bite that makes All the King's Men so compelling. That's somewhat surprising, considering A Lion Is in the Streets is directed by the great Raoul Walsh, who worked with Cagney four times and helmed two of the actor's best films, The Roaring Twenties and White Heat. Despite Cagney's loud, blustery, pugnacious portrayal, the folksy feel of A Lion Is in the Streets prevents us from becoming fully invested in a tale that doesn't hit its stride until its final half hour. Exteriors shot on soundstages and the obvious use of the Warner backlot to convey the swampy atmosphere of South Florida's bayou cheapens the film and heightens its artifice, while the eye-popping Technicolor softens the movie's cynical message. "It's like learnin' to play a musical instrument by ear. All you gotta know is one place to push to get one note. Then pretty soon everyone is dancin' to your tune." That's the philosophy of Hank Martin, a pushy traveling salesman who peddles an array of wares in rural Florida. Hank uses his brash charm and sly manipulations to develop a loyal following that grows into a vociferous throng when he decides to expose the corrupt practices of a local company that buys cotton from sharecroppers. The notoriety Hank gains from that episode leads him into politics and an eventual run for governor, but his dishonesty, unscrupulous tactics, selfish dealings, and exploitation of others spur his swift downfall. Cagney commands the screen in his inimitable way, but his Southern accent is suspect and his constant bellowing grows tiresome over time. Both Barbara Hale, who portrays Hank's loyal, loving, and long-suffering spouse, and a young Anne Francis, who plays his conniving, nubile mistress (an underdeveloped role that sadly recedes from view as the film races toward its climax), handle their chores well, but the script by Luther Davis gives them little chance to shine. Cagney's sister Jeanne, who many might remember from Yankee Doodle Dandy, gets the juiciest part (and sinks her teeth into it) and his erstwhile second banana Frank McHugh, who supported Cagney in 10 films between 1932 and 1940, joins him for what would turn out to be the final time. Tellingly, Cagney doesn't even mention A Lion Is in the Streets in his autobiography. It's an entertaining film, but it pales when stacked against not only All the King's Men, but also other Cagney vehicles in the same vein. His largely one-note portrayal keeps the picture in the same gear throughout and keeps him from exploring the subtler facets of Hank's character. More introspection and less braggadocio would make A Lion Is in the Streets a more incisive and scarier animal. Vital Disc Stats: The Blu-ray A Lion Is in the Streets arrives on Blu-ray packaged in a standard case. Video codec is 1080p/AVC MPEG-4 and audio is DTS-HD Master Audio 2.0 mono. Once the disc is inserted into the player, the static menu without music immediately pops up; no previews or promos precede it. Trinamool Congress lawmaker Derek O'Brien has submitted a complaint to the Kolkata cyber police, seeking the registration of a first information report (FIR) and an investigation into the alleged leak of data from the CoWIN portal set up for COVID-19 vaccination by the central government. The "nationwide breach of data has affected lakhs of citizens", O'Brien said, adding that their sensitive information including date of birth, family members, mobile numbers and passport details have been "leaked". "...it seems there is a notorious conspiracy at play to make sensitive information available to private players through government resources," he added. The Rajya Sabha MP requested the police to register a case under relevant sections of the Indian Penal Code and the Information Technology Act, and crack down on the "anti-social elements" involved. O'Brien's letter to the police, dated June 14, came to the fore after reports said that a bot linked to social media app Telegram breached the CoWIN portal and gained access to the data of scores of Indians who had booked slots for vaccination against coronavirus. The Union health ministry, however, has refuted the reports, stating that such claims are "baseless" and "mischievous". The CoWIN portal is "completely safe with adequate safeguards for data privacy", it added. "Furthermore, various security measures are in place on the CoWIN portal. Only OTP authentication-based access to data is provided. All steps have been taken and are being taken to ensure the security of the data in the CoWIN portal," a press release further noted. Union Minister of State for Electronics and Information Technology Rajeev Chandrasekhar, while commenting on the report of data leak, said that the matter had been reviewed by nodal cybersecurity body CERT-IN. According to the minister, the data that was being accessed by the Telegram bot was from a threat actor database that was populated with previously breached/stolen data from the past. The CoWIN app or database was not been directly breached, he added. India has sought exemption for its MSMEs from the European Union's carbon tax, which would kick in from October this year, as the levy would impact the domestic industry in certain sectors, Commerce Secretary Sunil Barthwal said on Thursday. The EU is introducing the Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism (CBAM) from October 1 this year. According to a report of the think-tank GTRI, CBAM would translate into a 20-35 percent tax on select imports into the EU starting January 1, 2026. From October, domestic companies from seven carbon-intensive sectors -- including steel, cement, fertiliser, aluminium and hydrocarbon products -- will have to seek compliance certificates from the EU authorities to comply with the CBAM norms. The secretary said that they held a stakeholders' consultations meeting on the issue last month and discussed the preparedness of the industry for CBAM compliance. The compliance is in two parts - a requirement of filing data from October and later imposition of the tax. The secretary also flagged the matter with the EU authorities during the Trade and Technology Council (TTC) meeting in Brussels last month. "I told them that this is going to have an impact on our industry, particularly MSMEs. So, we are asking that if there is a possibility of any carve out for the MSME sector. We have asked them if there is any possibility (for this)...These discussions are going on," Barthwal told reporters here. Both sides have agreed to discuss the issue. 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 Defence Acquisition Council (DAC) meeting headed by Defence Minister Rajnath Singh on June 15 is set to finalise the deal for acquiring the MQ-9A Reaper armed drones from the United States, ANI reported. Top defence ministry and military brass attending the meeting will also discuss other Made in India defence deals, sources told the news agency. This comes ahead of Prime Minister Narendra Modis first state visit to the US, scheduled from June 21 to June 24. Also Read |Why Modis first state visit to the US has so much riding on it The Indian Navy is leading the acquisition of 30 MQ-9A Reaper armed drones made by General Atomics Aeronautical Services (GA-ASI). But, the DAC, Defence Ministry and Indian Navy also plan on procuring similar type of medium altitude and long durance drones from indigenous sources, the report added. MQ-9 Reapers have also been purchased by the US Department of Homeland Security, NASA, UK Royal Air Force, the Italian Air Force, the French Air Force and the Spanish Air Force, as per GAS-ASI. So what are these MQ-9A Reaper drones? The GA-ASI website describes the MQ-9A Reaper as a multi-mission remotely piloted aircraft (RPA). It has long endurance, and persistent surveillance / strike capability for the war fighter. The drone is designated as Reaper by the US and Royal Air Force for Predator B survelliance aircrafts with weapons. The Reaper weighs 1,746 kg and can carry payload of 1,361 kg up to an altitude of 50,000 feet (15,240 m). The aircraft can speed up to 240 knots true airspeed and has endurance of 27 hours. It can carry 500 percent payload and has nine times the horsepower, as per the website. The MQ-9A has a fault tolerant system, triple redundant flight systems with a Honeywell TPE331-10 turboprop engine, and integrated Digital Electronic Engine Control that increases its fuel efficiency and engine performance as compared to the manned aircrafts. Also Read |India's potential drone deal under spotlight: All about the MQ-9B SeaGuardian The website also states that these aircrafts are configurable with various payloads like Electro-optical / Infrared (EO/IR), Lynx Multi-mode Radar, multi-mode maritime surveillance radar, Electronic Support Measures (ESM), laser designators, and various weapons and payload packages. It can perform multi-mission Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance (ISR) missions over land or sea. "The MQ-9 has demonstrated an air-to-air weapons capability in Air Force tests," the company told Reuters. Adding that it is equipped to detect threats and deploy countermeasures against surface-to-air weapons with its "Self Protect Pod". The US Air Force says four MQ-9 Reapers equipped with sensors, ground control station and a satellite link can be purchased for $56.5 million. The monsoon, considered crucial for agriculture, is likely to hit Jharkhand between June 18 and 21, providing relief to people of the state from the current heat conditions, a meteorological department official said on Thursday. The monsoon reached near Sahibganj district in the northeast part of the state on June 12 but "it did not proceed further as conditions were not favourable", Ranchi Meteorological Centre in-charge Abhishek Anand said. "Conditions are likely to become favourable for further advancement of the monsoon from June 18 in the eastern region. It may enter Jharkhand between June 18 and 21," he told PTI. The mercury level has been hovering around 40 degree Celsius in the last few days, and the situation is likely to remain the same for at least the next four days, Anand said. The parts of the state may witness heatwave conditions till June 18 and thereafter, spells of showers may bring respite from the heat, the official said. Usually, monsoon enters the state around June 10. "Respite from the extreme heat or heatwave conditions is unlikely at least till June 17. Thereafter, some relief is expected but heat conditions are likely to prevail in parts of the Kolhan region till June 18. It is indicative that rainfall will increase from the next day," he said. Some parts of the state may experience light rain with thunder and wind at a speed of 30-40 kmph during the next four days, Anand said. The highest maximum temperature was recorded in Jharkhand's Godda district at 44.7 deg C on Wednesday, followed by Daltonganj at 44 deg C, Deoghar at 43.2 deg C, while the mercury level reached 42.2 deg C in Jamshedpur and 39.4 deg C in the state capital Ranchi. In the wake of the heatwave conditions, the Jharkhand government on Wednesday extended the summer vacation of all school students up to Class 8 till June 17. Schools, however, reopened on Thursday for students of Classes 9 to 12, an order issued by school education and literacy department secretary K Ravi Kumar said. The state government had earlier announced the extension of summer vacation for all schools for three days from June 12. Preparations are in full swing for Prime Minister Narendra Modis first state visit to the United States next week, which could turn into a transformative and defining event in Indo-US relations. The Prime Minister will visit the US from June 21-24. Modis visit takes place amid concerns over rising Chinas assertiveness in the Indo-Pacific region and the United States desire to move most of its business away from China and back home as well as to other friendly countries. The US has identified China as the country that poses the greatest threat to its global hegemony. According to reports, the US has pulled out all the stops to make Modis visit a memorable event as it will try to bring India closer to its strategic embrace. A first for the PM Modi has been to the US several times since becoming Prime Minister in 2014. But this will be his first state visit to the country. It is the highest-ranked visit accorded by the US President to Americas closest allies and friends. Modi will have a packed programme during his four-day visit, which includes an address to the Joint Session of the US Congress, an interaction with captains of American business and industry, as well as engaging with the Indo-American diaspora. The invitation to address the Joint Session of the US Congress is a clear reflection of the bipartisan support for stronger ties with India as the lower house of parliament the House of Representatives has the Republican Party in the majority over President Joe Bidens Democratic Party. Two days ago, the prime minister expressed satisfaction at the growing and deepening Comprehensive Global Strategic Partnership between India and the US. Modi also said he looked forward to a productive visit and an engaging conversation with President Biden on bilateral, regional, and global issues of mutual interest. Laying the groundwork US National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan arrived in New Delhi on Tuesday and had a series of meetings with his Indian counterpart Ajit Doval and other senior Indian officials to finalise deliverables and the wording of the joint statement that will be issued at the end of Modis visit. He also called on the Prime Minister to convey how keen President Biden was to meet and engage with him. A few days before Sullivan, US Defense Secretary Llyod Austin was in Delhi to strengthen defence cooperation between the two countries, including joint production of weapons in India. There is a possibility that joint production of fighter jets in India by US companies will be announced during Modis visit. Bilateral trade has reached $191 billion, making the US India's largest trade partner. American companies have invested at least $54 billion in India, while Indian companies have invested over $40 billion in IT, pharmaceuticals and more in the US, supporting 425,000 jobs, according to Indian officials. During the visit, attempts will be made to look at how to increase trade and investment between the two sides. The flurry of visits by senior members of the Biden Administration to Delhi in the past few months indicates that both countries have been working hard to lay the groundwork for Modis US visit and ensuring it is a resounding success. A packed itinerary After his arrival in New York on June 21, Modi will participate in World Yoga Day before flying to Washington. But the Indian Prime Minister will not stay in Blair House, the official guest house where most dignitaries stay when they are a state guest. Instead, he will stay in a hotel across the White House. On the evening of June 21, President Biden and First Lady Jill Biden will host a private dinner for the Prime Minister. There will also be a state banquet the next day in his honour. On the morning of June 22, Modi will be accorded a ceremonial welcome on the south lawns of the White House with a 21-gun salute and other attractive ceremonial features. The state banquet will be in the evening and attended by important presidential guests. Modi will also attend a meeting of the US-India Strategic Partnership Forum and a lunch hosted by US Secretary of State Anthony Blinken , where American vice President Kamala Haris will be in attendance. The Prime Minister will attend a gala reception at the Ronald Reagan building to engage with the Indo-American diaspora before flying out from Washington. During the Prime Minister's visit, there will also be a number of marches by the Indian diaspora in Wasington, New York and other cities of the US to highlight India's culture and Modi's achievements in the past nine years. Modi is slated to address the Joint Session of the US Congress on June 23, and share his vision for India and the future of Indo-US relations. Wideranging cooperation But officials pointed out that the visit will not be all pomp and ceremony. There will also be a substantive part that will highlight the deep and wideranging cooperation between the two sides in defence and hi-tech, particularly new areas under the US-India initiative on Critical and Emerging Technology (iCET), and people-to-people oriented areas. A number of important areas are covered under the iCET, including artificial intelligence, quantum computing, advanced wireless communication, high-performance computing technology, and source code. US officials have described Indo-US ties as a defining relationship between the worlds oldest and largest democracies. Indian Ambassador to the US Taranjit Singh Sandhu said the two countries "fully complement each other and the Indian Prime Ministers visit will be unparalleled." There is little doubt that Modis forthcoming state visit to the US will be one of the major events in the Indo-US diplomatic calendar. What the visit actually achieves will be known once the hype dies down. The grand opposition meeting on June 23 of like-minded parties (largely UPA participants) and fence-sitters like AAP, TMC, SP and CPM is being touted as the 1977 moment when major forces joined hands to dislodge Indira Gandhi. The meeting is significant as chiefs of 15 parties will be brainstorming to present a united/joint opposition against the BJP in Patna, the same city from where socialist Jayaprakash Narayan gave the Indira Hatao slogan against the tyrannical Emergency imposed by the then Congress government. Congress and opposition parties are upbeat after Congress dealt a big blow to BJP in Karnataka. While state elections and national elections are different beasts, it is ironic that Congress partys victory has come largely at the cost of regional party HD Deve Gowdas JD(S). And now Congress will be sitting down to do business with other birds of the same feather. Much Ado About Nothing Most of the parties which are going to attend the meeting are already part of UPA. The Left parties have relevance in only one state, Kerala, where they are in direct contest with Congress and hence opposition unity is not possible there. Four states representing 142 seats in Uttar Pradesh, West Bengal, Delhi and Punjab (26 percent of Lok Sabha strength) are tricky as the three regional forces there are not ready to accept Congress partys claim to lead this alliance. Parties of three states (Andhra, Odisha, Telangana), representing 63 seats (12 percent of house strength), will be missing. YSRCP and BJD wish to maintain their equidistant approach, TDP is lining up to join the NDA, and BRS is locked in a triangular fight with Congress and BJP in Telangana. Many Cogs In Unity Wheel The Congress party has pan-India presence and a decent vote share across states. Even in the Hindi heartland states where it is comparatively weak, it has anywhere between 5-10% support. So any regional party which ties up with Congress has access to this support base. Even in UP and Bengal, Congress adds value to SP and TMC respectively, as it has pockets of influence, by region and caste/community wise. On the other hand, most regional parties are limited to the boundaries of their state. Parties like TMC, BRS, BJD, SP, TDP, YSRCP, NCP, RJD, DMK, Shiv Sena and JD(U) got almost their entire vote share from their home state in 2019. Only BSP, AAP and CPM have reasonable vote share in more than one state. AAP and CPM get bulk of their votes from two states Delhi-Punjab and Kerala-West Bengal only. When Congress ties up with a regional party which is confined to one or maximum two states, both benefit. Tie ups of Congress with regional parties do not benefit the grand old party outside the home state of regional parties. In states where there is a direct contest between the Congress and BJP like Rajasthan, MP, Chhattisgarh, Gujarat, Himachal, Uttarakhand or Northeast etc, these alliances do not help. However, regional parties expect Congress, which is the junior partner in states like UP, Bengal, Bihar, to make sacrifices and contest a fewer number of seats or leave the battlefield here to regional parties. This puts Congress at risk of a permanent transfer/loss of votes like it had happened in UP when Congress sealed a pre-poll alliance with BSP and never recovered its Dalit base. Not only this, TMC and AAP may also make outrageous demands for seats from Congress in Northeast, Goa and Gujarat, respectively, based on their recent assembly election performance and even in Delhi, despite Congress piping AAP in 2014 and 2019. Why Regional Must Cede To National To be seen as a credible national challenger to BJP, Congress has to have a bigger presence in the race in UP, Bengal, Bihar, Tamil Nadu and Maharashtra. Congress contesting too few seats in each of these states doesnt help the grand oppositions cause as it exposes chinks in the alliance leaders (grand old partys) armour. Under this arrangement, Congress may be sacrificing more than it gains. On the other hand, for a sound and strong opposition plan, it is the regional parties which need to cede space to Congress in their backyard in line with its national stature. If both the regional parties and Congress contest separately, it would lead to a split in opposition vote helping the BJP and spoiling their chances. Absence of opposition unity may not spoil Congress partys chances in its head-to-head contests with the BJP, as evident from the table above. The regional parties need the Congress more than the Congress needs them. Not inducting Congress in Mahagathbandhan in UP cost SP-BSP-RLD alliance 8 seats in 2019. If TMC would have tied up with Congress in Bengal, BJP would have lost six more seats in 2019. Hence, regional parties should be sacrificing a lot more instead of asking the grand old party to do so. Amitabh Tiwari is a former corporate and investment banker-turned political strategist and commentator. Twitter: @politicalbaaba. Views are personal, and do not represent the stand of this publication. Buy my Abenomics, begged Japans former Prime Minister Shinzo Abe in 2013 when he visited the trading floor at the New York Stock Exchange, rang the bell and called out his home stock market. Ten years on, it looks like investors finally are. I say finally because while the market did bottom in Abes time (he followed up his speech with various corporate governance reforms that began to change sentiment), it didnt exactly catch fire. By the end of last year, the Tokyo Stock Price Index was up only 61 percent since the big bell ring. The S&P 500 gained 127 percent in the same time frame (even after an utterly miserable 2022). This year, however, everything looks a little different. Japans TOPIX is up more than 20 percent year to date. The S&P 500 is up by just under 15 percent. Japan is also catching up over longer time periods. Over five years, youd have made 57 percent in the US but a still solid 28 percent in Japan. So whats driving the sudden burst of outperformance? Cheap stocks and a new understanding that there is a clear catalyst to make them less cheap. Lets start with cheap. Around 50 percent of Japans companies trade on a price-to-book ratio of under 1. The median price-to-book ratio is just over 1 (in the US, the equivalent number is 3.9 times). Those book values might even be artificially low assets in Japan are carried at book cost or market price, whatever is the lower (this is a legacy of deflation). Price-to-earning ratios look good too. It took a long time for valuations in Japan to recover from the 1980s (think average P/E of over 45 times) and the 1990s (a lesser bubble with average P/Es peaking at more like 32 times), but the 12-month rolling forward P/E has now been lower than that of the world average since 2014. Right now, says Schroders Plc, around 25 percent of TOPIX trades are on a forward P/E of between 5 and 10, and a good 65 percent are under 20 times. You dont see that in many countries and particularly where the average company is also high-quality and awash with cash. Cheap is as cheap does, of course. Japan, as Abe noted, has been cheap for a long time. On then to the catalyst, the thing that is making it less cheap and should continue to do so. It is that the Tokyo Stock Exchange has had enough. Companies with a price-to-book ratio of less than one (remember that is over 50 percent of Japans listed companies) are being told to disclose their plan to change those ratios. The exchange has allies. Back in 2014, says UBS Group AG, there were fewer than 10 activist funds operating in Japan. Now there are around 70, all focused on trying to make Japanese companies think about their balance sheets, and get those book value ratios up along the way. One obvious point, as the analysts at Verdad Research point out, is that just ordering the 50 percent of Japanese companies trading below book value to do something about it is about as useful as ordering the seas to whip up at a kings will. After all, while low book values might have been one reason investors avoided Japan for decades, markets set prices and a Japanese company cannot directly control the numerator of that P/B ratio, according to Verdad. Yet the truth is that companies can control the denominator by paying out the surplus profits on their balance sheets rather than retaining them indefinitely. It is about time they did that. Japanese companies have become significantly more profitable since Abenomics but have also stayed highly inclined to hoard all that lovely cash, says Verdad. Over the last decade, for example, the total payout ratio in the US (including buybacks) has been about four times higher than in Japan. That number is on the move: Share buybacks hit a record high in Japan last year and look to do so again this year. If that change continues and with 70 activist firms devoted to nagging the lowly valued pretty much full-time, why would it not? so does the whole dynamic of the Japanese stock market. Exciting times. But anyone who now rushes off to check on the 20 percent rise in the Japan funds in their portfolio is likely to be disappointed. It wont be there. Thats partly down to currency (the weak yen drags down sterling returns), but its also about the kind of stocks most funds hold. They dont hold the small, value stocks trading under book value: Very few analysts cover them and they arent that easy to find. They also dont hold the larger value stocks, which are easier to find and have been the default buy option for those listening to the Japan story. Instead, most investors in Japan tend to hold more growth-oriented stocks, says Zennors David Mitchinson, the ones that feel more comfortable but that were also already knocking around international valuations. A shame given that value has firmly outperformed growth in Japan recently (with banks and basic materials being the big winners). Look at the UKs listed Japan trusts and you get the idea. There is some double-digit action. Nippon Active Value stands out with a 23 percent year to date (it actually does invest in small and midcap value stocks), the Schroder Japan Trust comes in at 13 percent, and the AVI Japan Opportunity Trust at 8 percent. All are explicitly run by value investors. But there is also a sorry list of rather worse performances the BG Japan Trust on 1.4 percent and the Atlantis Japan Growth Fund on -5 percent being a few examples. The point here is simple. It may be that a rising tide lifts all boats in Japan. But if the reason to invest in it is because solid but cheap stocks are likely to get less cheap, they are probably those you want to be holding over the medium term. Warren Buffett gets that. In 2020, he bought into a large group of Japanese trading companies on the basis that they were both high quality and cheap. Hes doubled his money since and is clearly hoping to do so again. Were not done investing in Japan, he says. The rest of us probably shouldnt be either as long as, like him, we are in the right Japan. Merryn Somerset Webb is a senior columnist for Bloomberg Opinion, covering personal finance and investment, and host of the Merryn Talks Money podcast. Views are personal and do not represent the stand of this publication. Credit: Bloomberg Along a cobbled street in Turin, the whitewashed front beneath a half-century old sign saying Cioccolataio may look like a scene out of a Truffaut film. But its actually just another plutocrats trophy. Ferrari NV chairman and Agnelli scion John Elkann acquired Peyrano, an artisan chocolate maker and retailer founded in 1915, out of liquidation just before COVID-19 hit. Hes been showing it off to his rich friends ever since. Mark Zuckerberg (when hes not working out) has been there; so has Patrick Collison of Stripe Inc. Elon Musk received his own specially designed box of chocolates in an aluminum case to take on space trips. The Prada SpA clan has collaborated with Elkann on a co-branded Marchesi Peyrano panettone, combining the doughy sponge cake from Pradas Milanese pastry shop with Peyranos Gianduja chocolate drops. Bankers have been salivating over Italys food industry for a decade since Bernard Arnaults LVMH Moet Hennessy Louis Vuitton SE bought one of Italys oldest pastry shops over its potential to match Milans fashion houses in the global marketplace. The industries share similarities: They feature small family-owned groups with high-end products that command premium prices overseas. Consultants Bain & Co consider food a key component of the fast-growing category of luxury experiences, an area thats particularly attractive to those sought-after millennial and Gen Z shoppers. Indeed, selfies with food are among the biggest drivers of traffic on Instagram, according to luxury analysts. The trends are borne out in the data. The food industry is now Italys leading manufacturing sector, with 179 billion ($193 billion) in annual turnover, industry association Federalimentare Censis reported in May. The crucial detail is exports. Overseas food sales have risen by 60% in a decade to about 50 billion. That pace is expected to continue, if not accelerate. The sector is one of the most dynamic and robust in Italy, says Paolo Mascarino, president of Federalimentare. Elkann is not the only, nor the first, European luxury baron to bet on what may as well be called haute food. The Prada clan acquired Marchesi in 2013, having lost out on another august Milanese pasticceria, Cova, to Arnault. Both Prada and LVMH have since opened their respective coffee and cake houses in luxury resorts across the world. Arnault put a Cova next to his showpiece department store La Samaritaine, opposite the Louvre in Paris, and drew on the Milanese pastry chefs know-how for the newly launched Breakfast at Tiffanys restaurant on Fifth Avenue. Luigi Consiglio, whose consultancy GEA has advised Italys food groups, says Arnaults acquisition of Cova sent the sector into a frenzy, and left dealmakers scrambling to find luxury food merchants to buy. Remo Ruffini of Moncler, through his private investment holding, subsequently acquired Langosteria, a high-end restaurant chain thats rapidly expanding. Renzo Rosso of Diesel and Marni owns an organic grocery chain. Francesco Trapani, the Bulgari heir, bought into pizza and gelato chains, two areas with some of the fattest margins in food retail. Cake and fashion may seem a strange mix, but Lorenzo Bertelli, the Prada scion, told me once the attraction of food retail to Prada was that only a certain number of people could wear Prada, but everyone can eat cake. Many of the luxury moguls have invested in haute food with private capital. Thats a sign the investments are currently niche to their main businesses, but also an acknowledgement that retailing handbags and puffa coats is a very different business to selling croissants and pralines. Consiglio acknowledges there are parallels with the frenzy over Italian ready-to-wear brands in the 1980s and 1990s but says theres another specific difference with haute food. Whereas marketing was key to the apparel success, selling food purely based on branding doesnt work. People want their meals to taste good too. But in the AI and climate crisis age there is a parallel with personal luxury goods thats also making food a desirable, if dystopian, investment. In an era of scarcity, artisanal know-how, vertical integration and key relationship with food suppliers, are increasingly valuable. Thats not only related to getting top-end leathers and qualified craftspeople to make handbags, but also experienced pastry chefs, and a supply of cocoa nibs and hazelnuts. Alessandro Pradelli, chief executive and co-shareholder in Peyrano with Elkann, says one of the key assets acquired at Peyrano was the privileged relationship with suppliers. During the Covid pandemic, Peyranos supplier relationship allowed it to keep producing chocolate that went into its sweet joint venture with Pradas Marchesi. Of course, theres another message hidden in its fluffy saffron tinged dough, one Marie Antoinette would be familiar with. If ever there were a treat that encapsulates our new Gilded Age, this panettone of plutocrats takes the cake. Rachel Sanderson writes for Bloomberg. Views are personal and do not represent the stand of this publication. Credit: Bloomberg The Congress on Thursday said the Law Commission's latest attempt to seek fresh public opinion on a Uniform Civil Code (UCC) represents the Narendra Modi government's desperation for continuing with its agenda of polarisation and diversion from its failures. In a statement, Congress general secretary (communications) Jairam Ramesh said it is strange that the Law Commission is seeking a fresh reference when it acknowledges that its predecessor, the 21st Law Commission, had published a consultation paper on the subject in August 2018. Ramesh said no reasons have been given by the Law Commission on why the subject is being revisited except for vague references to "the relevance and importance of the subject and also, various court orders". "The real reason is that the 21st Law Commission after carrying out a detailed and comprehensive review of the subject observed that it is 'neither necessary nor desirable at this stage' to have a Uniform Civil Code. "This latest attempt represents the Modi government's desperation for a legitimate justification of its continuing agenda of polarisation and diversion from its glaring failures," he said. The Congress leader said in a press note on June 14, the 22nd Law Commission of India notified its intention to examine various aspects of a UCC. This was being done, the press note clarified, on a reference sent by the Ministry of Law and Justice, Ramesh noted. He also cited what the 21st Law Commission, appointed by the Modi government itself, had said in paragraph 1.15 of its 182-page "Consultation Paper on Reform of Family Law" submitted on August 31, 2018. "While diversity of Indian culture can and should be celebrated, specific groups or weaker sections of society must not be dis-privileged in the process. Resolution of this conflict does not mean abolition of all differences. This commission has therefore dealt with laws that are discriminatory rather than providing a uniform civil code, which is neither necessary nor desirable at this stage. Most countries are now moving towards recognition of difference and the mere existence of difference does not imply discrimination, but is indicative of a robust democracy," Ramesh said, quoting from the report. The former Union minister said the Law Commission has produced an enviable body of work over the decades on numerous issues of national importance. "It should be mindful of that legacy and remember that the interests of the nation are distinct from the political ambitions of the BJP," he said. The Law Commission on Wednesday said it has decided to look at the need for a UCC afresh and seek the views of various stakeholders, including members of the public and religious organisations. Earlier, the 21st Law Commission, the term of which ended in August 2018, had examined the issue and solicited the views of all stakeholders on two occasions on the politically sensitive matter of a UCC. A day after Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah accused the central government of trying to scuttle his administrations free rice scheme for the poor, senior BJP leader Basavaraj Bommai on Thursday hit back alleging that he was making lame excuses and indulging in conspiracy politics by putting the blame on the Centre. The Congress government in the state is indulging in tactics realising that it will default on the guarantees, the former chief minister said, suggesting that the Siddaramaiah regime put the money into the bank account of the beneficiaries through Direct Benefit Transfer, until it makes necessary arrangements for rice. The state government on one hand is cheating the people of the state with regard to providing 10 kg of free rice to the poor, and on the other hand to save themselves from the bad name of having failed to fulfill the promise, is playing politics on the issue of supply of rice, Bommai said. Speaking to reporters here, he said the Centre as per the Food Security Act is giving 5 kg of free rice to the poor every month and from December they are also bearing handling and transport charges, which was earlier borne by the States. Out of the 10 kg that has been announced by the Congress government in the state, five kg are provided by the Centre; the state government has to tell the truth by saying that they will give additional five kg, he added. Siddaramaiah on Wednesday accused the BJP-led government at the Centre of conspiring to fail the Congress administrations poll guarantee by ensuring that the state doesnt get the required amount of rice to implement its Anna Bhagya scheme, which provides additional 5 kg of rice for BPL families. He had said that the central government has stalled the sale of wheat and rice to state governments under the Open Market Sale Scheme (Domestic) (OMSSD), which prohibits the Food Corporation of India (FCI) from selling any additional rice to Karnataka for its Anna Bhagya scheme. Noting that even when the BJP government led by him tried to procure rice, Bommai said the FCI even then had said that there was no provision and he and his officials had to speak to central ministers and put pressure. He had then clearly stated in the file and had instructed the officials that the rice will be available only till March, and after April additional rice will have to be procured through tender, he added. Not sure what actions officials take too. I want to ask this government the CM, ministers and officials held several rounds of discussions with the ministers you should have known what will be the shortage to provide 10 kg and considering my caution note they should have taken alternative measures through short term tender, he said. If the government had a commitment, they should have taken alternative measures, Bommai said, alleging that it looks like making lame excuses was the only intention, so they did not take any measures. Instead of taking alternative measures, you blame the Centre, you lack will power. You have not been able to walk the talk and manage money for guarantees. As you have realised that you will not be able to fulfill the promises and will default on the guarantees, you are playing conspiracy politics by putting the blame on the Centre, he added. Questioning whether the FCI or the ministry of food and civil supplies is the allotment agency, the former CM questioned why despite this being an important scheme of the state government no letter was written to the concerned central minister. The state food minister should have been sent to the Centre. Neither was an alternative arrangement made by calling a tender, nor were honest efforts made to get the required rice from the Centre, he said, adding the state government instead wrote to the FCI, which is just a stockist and doesnt have any authority. Taking the stockists version and using it for politics is not right on the part of the chief ministerthey (State government) are doing politics, he said as he urged the state government to make alternative arrangements either through the open market or other central agencies, and supply rice to the poor from July 1 as promised. In case the state is unable to provide rice on time, put the money into the bank account of the beneficiaries through Direct Benefit Transfer, until you make necessary arrangements, he added. On the hike in power tariff, Bommai clarified that it was not done by the previous BJP government led by him as alleged, as the order was issued under the present Congress regime. When the proposal was brought before us on March 13, we did not accept it. On May 12 Karnataka Electricity Regulatory Commission (KERC) issued the notification, which was two days after the election and the code of conduct was still in place, so our government had no role. On June 2 an official order was issued whose government was in power? False information is being spread blaming the previous administration, he added. MAGA pastor Shane Vaughn, the same gentleman who blames "demonic forces," not Fox management, for Tucker Carlson's ouster, advises his Lord and Savior, Donald Trump to delay his trial until he becomes President so he can pardon himself. Pastor Vaughn is well-suited to advise Trump on legal matters. In 2010 the GOP icon was arrested and accused of "stealing a 2-year-old's identity to defraud a life insurance company," and "swiping $20,000 from an annuity he sold to a person that didn't even exist," according to WAFB: Police describe Vaughn as a chameleon, changing his look and name repeatedly Vaughn is also charged with bank fraud, issuing worthless checks and felony theft. Currently, he is being held in the East Baton Rouge Parish Prison on a $25,000 bond. He was booked on similar charges in other parts of the state, including Livingston and Jefferson parishes. MAGA cultists are no doubt gnashing their teeth with envy over Pastor Vaughn's Trump-like accomplishments. Trump pastor/MAGA cultist Shane Vaughn says Christians must unite to reelect Trump so that he can pardon himself: "If he has to take his solemn oath in a prison cell, the next thing he'll do is pardon himself." pic.twitter.com/cqqRuUXvar Right Wing Watch (@RightWingWatch) June 9, 2023 Mugshot of John Shane Vaughn (Source: Livingston Parish Sheriff's Office) Mugshot of John Shane Vaughn (Source: Louisiana State Police) Amid a war of words between Maharashtras two ruling allies over an advertisement that projected Chief Minister Eknath Shinde as being more popular than his deputy Devendra Fadnavis, the latter on Thursday sought to downplay the row saying one ad cannot weaken the government. A political slugfest has erupted between the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and the Shiv Sena led by CM Shinde after full-page advertisements were carried across major newspapers in the state on Tuesday, citing a survey that showed Shinde ahead of Fadnavis in popularity. It did not have the pictures of either Fadnavis or Shiv Sena founder late Bal Thackeray. After not attending any official functions together for two days since the row over advertisement broke out, CM Shinde and Fadnavis on Thursday shared the stage during an event in Palghar district. Both the leaders landed together in Palghar in one helicopter.Participating in the Shasan Aplya Dari programme, Fadnavis said, The BJP-Shiv Sena alliance government is strong. One advertisement or statement will not weaken it or create any problems in the dispensation. He said the Shiv Sena and BJP were in alliance for 25 years and would remain together in future as well.Shinde praised Fadnavis saying that they share a strong bond and their alliance was not for any selfish interests. During the erstwhile Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA) government, progress had come to a standstill, he said targeting the Uddhav Thackeray-led dispensation that collapsed in June last year.Shinde said his government has removed all speed-breakers coming in the way of infrastructure projects. In the last one year, we have taken all decisions aimed at the welfare and progress of people belonging to all sections. Ours is government is pro-people and it is getting support from all quarters, Shinde said. State minister and BJP leader Ravindra Chavan, who recently passed critical remarks against chief ministers son and Kalyan Lok Sabha member Shrikant Shinde, was also present on the occasion. The advertisement published on Tuesday titled Modi for India, Shinde for Maharashtra prompted the Opposition to claim that all was not well between the BJP and Shinde-led Sena. A day after this advertisement beame a talking point, an ad on the state's ruling alliance appeared in Marathi dailies on Wednesday featuring leaders like Shiv Sena founder Bal Thackeray and Deputy CM Devendra Fadnavis. Union Home Minister Amit Shah on Thursday said Prime Minister Narendra Modi has laid the foundation of a developed India by creating world-class infrastructure in nine years of his government. Shah also said that from completing languishing projects to implementing new ones with unprecedented speed, India emerged as the global supply chain leader in nine years of 'Gati and Pragati'. "With giant strides in ensuring seamless connectivity PM @narendramodi Ji laid the foundation of a developed India," he tweeted. In nine years, Prime Minister Modi filled India's sails with the power of an infrastructure boom to pace up growth. "Whether it is creating I-Ways, highways, airports, or taking railways to remote corners, world-class infrastructure is the core of the Indian story," he said. 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 proposed bill by American Senators Josh Hawley and Richard Blumenthal will hold social media companies responsible for artificial intelligence-generated content on their platforms, as concerns mount over bias and disinformation being generated by chatbots. The bill will revoke Section 230 protections for social media companies in cases involving AI content. Section 230 offers protection for social media companies against any legal liabilities for user-generated content. Also read | OpenAI is looking to fund Indian startups: Sam Altman The protection says that the social media companies are not the publishers or creators of the content published on their platforms, absolving them of any legal repercussions. According to the new bill, "Section 230 immunity will not apply to claims based on generative AI, ensuring consumers have the tools they need to protect themselves from harmful content produced by the latest advancements in AI technology". What this means is that if there are AI-generated deepfakes or a deliberate attempt at ruining someone's reputation using AI, the platform it was distributed on will be held responsible along with the perpetrator. According to Engadget, the US Congress has pushed for reforms to Section 230 for years to try and reign in social media companies, and hold them accountable for content on their platforms but so far, none of the attempts have succeeded. Also read | Govt will regulate AI, other tech from potential harm to users: MoS IT "AI companies should be forced to take responsibility for business decisions as theyre developing productswithout any Section 230 legal shield," Blumenthal said in a post on his website. "This legislation is the first step in our effort to write the rules of AI and establish safeguards as we enter this new era. AI platform accountability is a key principle of a framework for regulation that targets risk and protects the public." Japan's Ambassador to India, Hiroshi Suzuki, recently caused a stir on social media with a tweet and a photo - a Pokemon-themed Boeing 787 aircraft. The image shared by Suzuki depicted Japan's All Nippon Airways' (ANA) newly inaugurated Pikachu Jet NH, featuring a stunning livery designed by The Pokemon Company. In his tweet, Suzuki expressed his excitement about the arrival of the Pikachu-themed aircraft in India, stating, "Welcome #Pikachu to India! Excited by the first flight of PikachuJet by ANA to Delhi! The Delhi sky is ready to shine." The tweet quickly caught the attention of social media users, sparking a wave of enthusiasm and nostalgia among fans of the popular anime. Welcome #Pikachu to India! Excited by the first flight of PikachuJet by #ANA to #Delhi! Delhi sky is ready to shine #pika-pika! #pokemon #boeing #787 #Dreamliner #PikachuJetNH pic.twitter.com/WCvE29YHcq Hiroshi Suzuki, Ambassador of Japan (@HiroSuzukiAmbJP) June 14, 2023 Pikachu, the yellow electric Pokemon and mascot of the series, takes centre stage as the main attraction of this aircraft. The entire design, both interior and exterior, draws inspiration from the world of Pokemon. The aircraft has images of Rayquaza, a legendary Pokemon, covering the fuselage. Inside the aircraft, passengers are greeted by over 200 seats adorned with flying Pikachu, adding a touch of whimsy. The tweet by Suzuki quickly gained traction among Pokemon enthusiasts and other social media users, garnering approximately over a lakh views within hours of posting. Delighted users took to the comments section to express their excitement and share their personal connections to the anime. One user expressed their hopes for official Nintendo distribution in India, stating, "Hopefully, official Nintendo distribution will start in India. I have fond memories of Pokemon from my childhood, but Nintendo has always ignored the Indian market. No official distribution, no official service. My beloved DS broke, and I could never fix it." Read: Pokemon's Ash Ketchum becomes world champion after 25 years Another user shared their enthusiasm, exclaiming, "Awesome, need more Japanese anime in India and these kinda stuff. You should also pitch for hello kitty bullet train. A third user expressed their sentimental attachment to Japanese anime, remarking, "I loved watching Pokemon growing up. Pikachu was my favourite! The Pokemon anime series followed Ash Ketchum on his quest to become the worlds greatest Pokemon trainer. Ash and his trusty sidekick Pikachu made their way into millions of hearts as children across the world followed their journey with avid interest. The anime series, started in 1997, has ran for 1,200 episodes with Ash Ketchum finally becoming world champion last year. An ex-Apple employee shared his decision to resign from the prestigious tech giant without securing a new job in a recent LinkedIn post that has garnered significant attention because of his allegations of workplace misconduct, mental harassment, managerial errors, and a disappointing lack of support from the company's HR department. Khalid Parvez worked at Apples Bengaluru location for 11 years and he began his post by expressing his gratitude for the opportunities and growth that working at the company provided for both him and his family. However, Parvezs LinkedIn post takes a sudden turn as he shared the grievances he raised with the HR department regarding several serious issues. He cited allegations of mental harassment, abusive language, potential business misconduct, Islamophobic comments, and managerial errors that led to a tumultuous period for him and his family. These incidents, he said, resulted in significant mental health challenges for all involved. He claimed that rather than receiving the compassion and understanding he expected, the HR department at Apple simply told him to "trust the system" and promised a thorough investigation. However, after a two-month-long inquiry, he received nothing but denial, insensitivity, and counter-accusations from the employer relations team, he claimed. Until then I assumed that my battle was against the few gentlemen that I accused. I wasnt prepared that I would be met with some kind of legal deposition. It seemed like the ER Executive was hellbent on protecting the company and managements interest - not the employee, Parvez wrote. I was bullied with statements from the ER (Employee Relations) ridiculing my mental health saying If you want Apple to acknowledge that your mental health issues happened because of Apple - then Im sorry. We are not medical experts, he continued. He added: When I asked what if my mental health worsens - the ER replied saying In that case, we would need a doctors certificate to ascertain that you are medically fit to work. When he brought up the Islamophobic comments, the ER executive dismissed his statements, claiming they lacked corroboration from other employees. This is when I understood that there was never an investigation, this was some major corporate cover up, Parvez wrote. Faced with these challenging circumstances, the employee found himself at a crossroads. He had to choose between fighting against the corporate bullies or tending to a pressing family emergency. In the end, he prioritized his family's well-being and made the difficult decision to resign from Apple the very next day. Parvez concluded his post with an appeal to his former colleagues and all corporate victims, encouraging them not to be afraid to ask questions, to raise their voices against discrimination, misconduct, abuse, and bullying. DONT TRUST THE SYSTEM BLINDLY like I did (at least don't trust the local system). Please escalate. Escalate beyond the regional/national teams. And please document each and everything, he wrote and concluded his post with the hashtag Appletoo. A Bengaluru man was filmed stealing a womans underwear and masturbating on the terrace of a house. The unidentified man would visit houses under the pretext of looking for a property to rent, according to news reports. Bengaluru Police told news agency IANS that the man, pretending to looking for a rental, would enter houses when there were no men inside. He would also target houses that belonged to single women. Once inside the house, he would look for innerwear on the terrace, where clothes are usually hung out to dry, or in the washroom. He has also been accused of secretly filming women while they were in the shower. He seeks access on the pretext of searching for a rented accommodation. Once inside, the accused would spend much time in the washrooms. He would also visit backyards where the clothes will be kept for washing or hung to dry. He would target womens clothes, especially innerwear and blouses, and derive sadistic pleasure, a police official quoted by IANS said. The mans transgressions came to light when a resident captured a video which shows him stealing a blouse and using it to masturbate. The incident took place at Vidhana Soudha Layout near Laggere in Bengaluru, and a case has been registered at the Rajagopalnagar Police Station. Police have now launched a manhunt to identify and apprehend the accused. 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 Chrisann Pereira, the Bollywood actor who was jailed in UAE for drug possession, has been cleared by the court. Pereira, 27, was framed by two people who sent her to Sharjah in April under the pretext of auditioning for a web series. The two accused asked her to carry a trophy which had opium and ganja hidden inside it in a successful attempt to frame her in a drugs case. Pereira was caught with drugs at Sharjah Airport which led to her imprisonment at Sharjah Central Jail for nearly four weeks before she was released. She is still in the UAE for legal formalities. However, a court has now cleared the Sadak 2 actor of all charges. She was cleared of all charges on June 12, her lawyer Mohammed Al Redha told Khaleej Times. Chrisann Pereiras brother, Kevin Pereira, who spearheaded the campaign to have her name cleared, also posted an update about her case on Wednesday. Chrisann has completed the legal process and the authorities have cleared her from the case, he wrote on Instagram, adding that the actor would return to India in the next five days. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Kevin Pereira (@kevin.pereira8) Pereiras lawyer said the public prosecutor found her version of events to be true after a thorough investigation. The actor had always maintained her innocence, saying she was framed in the drugs case. They found the circumstances under which she was framed to be true. She did carry marijuana to the UAE; however, she did not have any knowledge about it, nor were her intentions bad, and the two men tricked her. They checked all the cameras at the airport, which matched her story, said Al Redha. From passing through the immigration gate, exiting the airport to returning to immigration officers after being suspicious, everything was proved right, and that she was given marijuana without her knowledge, the lawyer added. Officials of the Indian Computer Emergency Response Team or CERT-In as it is commonly referred to on June 15 denied that the CoWIN portal was hacked and information stolen. Instead, they said that the data was collated from several sources. CoWIN or Covid Vaccine Intelligence Network is a government portal for vaccinations against the COVID-19 disease that holds cross-referenced information on those who registered for the immunisation drive. Appearing before the parliamentary standing committee on communication and IT, the CERT-In officials said they were probing the issue. Responding to a query from a member of an opposition party, a CERT-In official said that CoWIN was a breach-proof portal. The CERT-In officials said the enquiry is at a preliminary stage. They (officials) said that the leak of data didnt happen from the CoWIN portal, saying the data which is being leaked by a bot is a collation of data bought from several sources, the opposition lawmaker said, on condition of anonymity. Also read: No leak of users' data from CoWIN portal, adequate safety measures in place: Govt Terming the claim unbelievable, the committee member asked the government officials how bots on the messaging app Telegram got the vaccination details including the names of hospitals involved if the CoWIN portal wasnt breached. The IT officials said that the CoWIN portal only worked via one-time password (OTP), but they failed to answer as to how the details of passports and vaccinations including hospital names were available online, he added. The meeting was attended by the secretary, additional secretary and three other officials including scientists from the Ministry Electronics and Information Technology. Also read: CloudSEK report says hackers dont have access to CoWins backend database The member said CERT-In officials dodged the questions related to CoWIN, saying the investigation in the matter was at preliminary stage. They said multiple APIs (application programming interfaces) have been granted access to the CoWIN portal, he added. The parliamentary committee met on June 15 to discuss citizens data security and privacy. The health ministry has refuted the claims of data breach from the CoWIN portal as baseless and mischievous in nature. "The CoWIN portal of the Health Ministry is completely safe with adequate safeguards for data privacy. Furthermore, various security measures are in place on the CoWIN portal. Only OTP authentication-based access to data is provided. All steps have been taken and are being taken to ensure the security of the data in the CoWIN portal," said a press release. In a tweet, Union Minister of State for Electronics and Information Technology Rajeev Chandrasekhar said that the matter had been reviewed by CERT-In, the nodal cybersecurity body. Regarding claims of a Telegram bot accessing users personal data, the government clarified that without OTP, vaccinated beneficiaries data cannot be shared. Only year of birth is captured for adult vaccination but it seems that on media posts it has been claimed that bot also mentioned the date of birth, the release said. There is no provision to capture the address of the beneficiary, it added. Television channel History TV18 has launched a documentary, The Evacuation: Operation Ganga, which captures the gripping tale of one of the largest evacuation operations of the 21st century, carried out by India in Ukraine. Narrated by media commentator and defence analyst Maroof Raza, the documentary presents first-hand accounts of Indian students stuck in the war-ravaged Ukraine, living in bunkers devoid of basic necessities while their parents anxiously wait for their safe return. The films narrative juxtaposes the worsening situation in Ukraine and the ever-present fear for life, with the unfolding of a massive rescue mission focused on a singular objective to bring every Indian home. The documentary offers insight into the logistics of the operation and the government's efforts to create secure routes for stranded students. It has been more than a year since Russia invaded Ukraine but its ripple effects are still being felt as hostilities escalate. For thousands of Indian students trapped in the war zone, uncertainty and risk to life loomed large. The documentary shines a light on the indomitable spirit of India and the governments resolve to ensure the safe return of every Indian citizen. At the helm of the mission was Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Featuring in the documentary, Modi explains how Operation Ganga was planned and what it meant to him and the country. In the heart of every Indian, there rests a profound faith: No matter the challenge, no matter how daunting the circumstance, they know their government stands with them and will bring them back home safely. This isn't merely policy - it is our testament of humanity. This is a bond we have seen strengthen time and again, reflecting the indomitable spirit of our nation, he says. Speaking about Indias diplomatic efforts, external affairs minister S Jaishankar says, Our relentless efforts spanned across neighbouring countries like Poland, Slovakia, Hungary, Romania, and later Moldova, as we sought their cooperation for facilitating the evacuation process from Ukraine. Through diplomatic channels, the Prime Minister engaged with President (Vladimir) Putin, securing a cease-fire during the evacuation period and obtaining designated routes for evacuation. "While numerous countries struggled to evacuate their citizens with just a couple of flights, India successfully coordinated 90 flights to safely send back Indian students. Our nation's important voice continues to play a pivotal role in shaping outcomes on the global stage." Housing and urban affairs & petroleum and natural gas minister Hardeep Puri, minister of state for road transport and civil aviation VK Singh and earth sciences minister Kiren Rijiju explain how India expedited border crossings in Ukraines neighbouring countries. Union civil aviation minister Jyotiraditya Scindia, who was the fourth minister to travel to Ukraine to oversee the evacuation, says in the film, The Prime Minister convened a meeting to assess the situation on the ground and devise a strategy for the safe return of our students. His directive was clear: it was our responsibility to ensure the safe return of all Indian citizens, students and youth, and we were to stay until the last flight departed from Ukraine bound for India. From the days leading up to the conflict in February 2022, through the outbreak of the war and beyond, the documentary provides a blow-by-blow account of the operation. The EvacuationOperation Ganga is a History TV18 original produced by Colosceum Media. The film will premiere on June 17, 2023 at 8pm. A fire broke out near a security counter and a departure gate inside the Kolkata airport on Wednesday night. At least two fire tenders rushed to the spot to douse the blaze and no casualties have been reported. Videos of the fire doing rounds on social media show the airport engulfed in smoke and chaos among passengers as the airport staff and security tried to put out the blaze using fire extinguishers. While the cause of the fire has not been ascertained yet, an electrical short circuit is likely to have sparked it. Fire breaks out inside Kolkata's Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose International Airport!#KolkataAirport pic.twitter.com/DvYyGe8cZT Adan Zubain (@aitcadan) June 14, 2023 Big breaking news. Fire breaking inside Kolkata Airport.. I hope all are safe. #KolkataAirport pic.twitter.com/JY1aZXiHFi Deepika Chaudhary (@Deepika94450916) June 15, 2023 The Airports Authority of India has already begun an investigation into the incident. "There was a minor fire and smoke on the check-in area portal D at 9.12 pm and fully extinguished by 9.40 pm. All passengers are evacuated safely and the check-in process was suspended due to the presence of smoke in the check-in area. Check-in and operation have been resumed now," a statement from the Airports Authority of India, Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose International (NSCBI) Airport, Kolkata said. Union Minister for Civil Aviation Jyotiraditya Scindia said in a statement, "An unfortunate but minor fire broke out at the Kolkata airport near a check-in counter. In touch with the airport director -- the situation is under control. All passengers and staff have been evacuated from the area. Fortunately, everyone is safe and no injuries have been reported. The check-in process resumed at 10.25 pm. The cause of the fire will be ascertained at the earliest." Meanwhile, the West Bengal Fire Services Minister Sujit Bose told news agency PTI that initially, the authorities believed that the fire was caused due to some fault related to the air conditioning system. #KolkataAirport #NetajiSubhasChandraBoseInternationalAirport #Kolkata #Airasia #News #AirportFire Waiting for updates on the the next proceedings. Flight is currently showing delayed. pic.twitter.com/3H7osEezUt Saurajit Bose (@saurajit_bose) June 14, 2023 As operations resumed at the Kolkata airport around 10.30 pm, flyers reported a delay in flights without any other inconvenience. Read more: Bomb scare at Kolkata airport: 541 flyers offloaded from Qatar Airways flight to Doha On Monday, Illinois Governor J.B. Pritzker gave a speech to graduating students at Northwestern University. To share wisdom with the graduating class of 2023, he used funny quotes and lessons from The Office in his talk. Coincidentally, Steve Carell, who plays Michael Scott in the sitcom, was in the audience to celebrate his daughter's graduation, unbeknownst to Pritzker until after his speech was delivered. Pritzker used part of his speech to make fun of ex-President Donald Trump, without directly naming him. Chicago Sun-Times: Invoking another character from the show, Dwight Schrute, who once said, "Whenever I'm about to do something, I think, 'Would an idiot do that?' And if they would, I do not do that thing," Pritzker threw a dig at former President Donald Trump. "I wish there was a foolproof way to spot idiots, but counterintuitively, some idiots are very smart. They can dazzle you with words and misdirection. They can get promoted above you at work," Pritzker said. "They can even get elected president." Pritzker also talked about how scary the start of the COVID-19 pandemic was and advised the students that it's okay to make small decisions to start solving big problems. "I knew that my job was to minimize the damage this deadly disease was doing, but no one could guide me toward the absolute best way to do that," Pritzker said. "As Michael Scott said, 'I knew exactly what to do. But in a much more real sense, I had no idea what to do.'" He ended the speech, as follows: Ultimately, "The Office" was a show about a bunch of imperfect people trying to find their way together. And if that's not a metaphor for life then I don't know what is. You will figure out your way, Class of 2023. I beseech you to remember the lessons of "The Office." Be more substance than show. Set aside cruelty for kindness. Put one foot in front of the other even when you don't know your way. And always try and appreciate the good old days when you are actually in them. And remember what Dwight Schrute said, "You only live once? False! You live every day! You only die once." After the speech, Carell met with Pritzker and said he liked what he had to say. It turned out that Pritzker and his main assistant, Anne Caprara, are big fans of The Office and they wrote the speech together without knowing Carell would be there. The Supreme Court on June 15 held that Coal India Limited cannot seek an exemption from Competition Act, 2002 because it is a public sector undertaking under Coal Mines (Nationalisation) Act, 1973. As a consequence of this order, public sector undertakings such as Coal India Limited (CIL) will now come under the purview of Competition act and the Competition Commission of India. The case will now be heard on aspects such as the correctness of penalty levied by CCI on CIL and other aspects. CIL had filed an application contending that since it operates coal mines covered by the Coal Mines (Nationalisation) Act, 1973 it would not be in the purview of the Competition Act, 2002. CCI opposed the plea and contended that there is no constitutional challenge to any provision of the Competition Act. CIL had filed an appeal against the order of Competition Appellate Tribunal (COMPAT) from December 2016 dismissing it appeal against CCI's order. In 2013, CCI held that CIL was in a dominant position in the coal market and abused its position. CCI further held that CIL through its subsidiaries, operated independently of market forces and enjoyed a dominant position in the market and contravened the provision of competition act. The CCI directed CIL to cease and desist from indulging in anti-competitive practices and make necessary modifications to its agreements with others. While CCI's initial penalty was Rs. 1773 crore, it was reduced to Rs. 591 crore in 2017 on COMPAT's order 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 Belgian man faked his own death to teach his family a lesson and then showed up to his own funeral in a helicopter. David Baerten, 45, who goes by Ragnar le Fou on social media, carried out an elaborate prank on his extended family to teach them the importance of staying in touch. To fake his own death, he took his wife and children into confidence. One of Baertens daughters wrote a tearful post on social media confirming his death. Why is life so unfair? Why you? You were going to be a grandfather, and you still had your whole life ahead of you. I love you! We love you! We will never forget you, she wrote on TikTok, according to The Independent. But when Baertens family gathered to pay their last respects, the 45-year-old Belgian surprised everyone by touching down at his own funeral in a helicopter. A Belgian man has explained why he faked his own death and turned up to his funeral in a helicopter, to the shock of his loved ones. David Baerten, 45, claimed he carried out the elaborate prank to teach members of his family a lesson about the importance of staying in touch pic.twitter.com/HEKG7HnlNf Daily Loud (@DailyLoud) June 14, 2023 Footage shows surprised mourners running to hug Baerten, with some people crying as they embraced the TikToker. The fake funeral reportedly took place last week near the city of Liege in Belgium. Speaking to Times of London, Baerten said he decided to pull the elaborate stunt to teach his family a life lesson as he felt unappreciated by them. I never get invited to anything. Nobody sees me. We all grew apart. I felt unappreciated, he said. Thats why I wanted to give them a life lesson, and show them that you shouldnt wait until someone is dead to meet up with them. Clovia co-founder Neha Kant recently revealed that during her initial years with the lingerie brand, even her family and friends were hesitant about talking about underwear in public. "Being a taboo topic in India, the biggest challenge was however to have customers speak about underwear. My own family and friends shied away from posting Google reviews," Kant said. "Lingerie has always been spoken in hushed voices and there was no interest in it as such," the 39-year-old said "Most women didnt know their sizes or what would fit them the best." Interestingly, until graduation even she relied on her mother to avoid buying her own undergarments. More than 10 years after the company was founded, Clovia now sells one piece of lingerie every two seconds. Last year the company roped in actor Shraddha Kapoor as its brand ambassador to normalise talking about lingerie in public. Currently, Clovia claims to have 40 lakh customers and ships almost 10 lakh products a month. Read more: Clovias same-store sales double from pre-pandemic times: Founder Neha Kant 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 Scientists in the United States and the United Kingdom have made a groundbreaking achievement by successfully generating synthetic human embryo-like structures using stem cells, eliminating the need for eggs and sperm. Although these structures are in the earliest stages of human development and lack vital organs like a beating heart or a brain, they hold significant potential for advancing the understanding of genetic diseases and uncovering the causes of miscarriages. However, this breakthrough raises crucial legal and ethical concerns since many countries, including the US, lack regulations governing the creation and handling of synthetic embryos. The rapid progress in this field and the increasing complexity of these models have sparked alarm among bioethics experts as they approach the boundaries of life. James Briscoe, associate research director at the Francis Crick Institute, emphasized the need for regulations in this area, stating, "There is an urgent need for regulations to provide a framework for the creation and use of stem cell derived models of human embryos." The research was presented by Dr. Magdalena Zernicka-Goetz at the International Society for Stem Cell Research's annual meeting in Boston. Zernicka-Goetz, a professor of biology and biological engineering at CalTech and the University of Cambridge, revealed that the study has been accepted by a respected scientific journal but has yet to be published. The initial report on this research came from The Guardian. Previously, Zernicka-Goetz and her team, along with a competing team in Israel, had successfully created model embryo-like structures using mouse stem cells. These "embryoids" displayed early developments of the brain, heart, and intestinal tract after approximately eight days of growth. The current embryo-like structures created by Zernicka-Goetz's team were grown from single human embryonic stem cells that were guided to differentiate into three distinct tissue layers. These layers consist of cells that would normally form the yolk sac, placenta, and the embryo itself. These structures are the first to include germ cells that could eventually develop into eggs and sperm, she told CNN. Zernicka-Goetz clarified that these embryo-like structures are not actual human embryos but rather models that closely resemble them. She highlighted the significance of these models, stating to CNN, "They are very exciting because they are very looking similar to human embryos and [are] a very important path towards the discovery of why so many pregnancies fail." While these models mimic some features of natural embryos, they do not possess all of them. Researchers anticipate that studying these model embryos will provide valuable insights into the "black box" of human development, the period beyond 14 days after fertilization. This timeframe serves as the ethical limit for scientists to study embryos in a laboratory. Currently, the synthetic human embryos remain confined to test tubes. Implanting them into a womb would be illegal, and previous attempts to implant similar synthetic embryos from mice and monkeys into animals have failed, likely due to the incomplete replication of pregnancy conditions. Read: First 'three-parent baby' born in the UK through pioneering IVF procedure Zernicka-Goetz stressed that the objective of her research is not to create life but to prevent its loss by understanding why embryos sometimes fail to develop and implant after fertilization. Short video app TikTok plans to invest billions of dollars in Southeast Asia over the next few years, its CEO Shou Zi Chew said on Thursday. Chew said at an event held in Indonesia that TikTok's content is becoming more diversified as it adds more users and expands into e-commerce. TikTok is owned by China's ByteDance. Southeast Asia is one of TikTok's biggest markets in terms of user numbers. But the platform has yet to translate the large user base into a major e-commerce revenue source as it faces fierce competition from bigger rivals of Sea's Shopee, Alibaba's Lazada and GoTo's Tokopedia. TikTok's e-commerce platform lets consumers purchase goods through links on the app during livestreaming. Chew said TikTok has 8,000 employees in Southeast Asia, and 2 million small vendors who are selling their wares on its platform, without elaborating further. 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 Ukrainian forces intercepted one cruise missile and 20 explosive drones launched by Russia in its latest nighttime attack, Kyiv said Thursday. But three other missiles struck "industrial installations" in the Dnipropetrovsk region in Ukraine's centre-east, it said. The statement came shortly after the Moscow-installed governor of Crimea said Russian forces had downed nine drones over its territory, without causing any casualties. One drone nonetheless struck a village in the centre of the peninsula, breaking windows in several homes. Drone attacks in Crimea, whose annexation by Moscow has not been recognised by the international community, have increased in recent weeks as Ukraine pursues a counter-offensive against Russian forces. Kyiv has repeatedly said it plans to take back the peninsula as part of its efforts to regain territory since Moscow launched its invasion in February 2022. Ukraine has claimed some success with its counterattacks, while Russia has carried out intense nighttime strikes against major Ukrainian cities in recent weeks. Russian President Vladimir Putin on Tuesday claimed his forces were inflicting "catastrophic" losses on Ukrainian troops. 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 Biome Australia shares are up by 16.18% after news FY23 sales revenue target of $7 million has been hit with half a month of trading remaining in the quarter. This is after their flagship Activated Probiotics product range finds interest through distribution channels growth throughout Australia, the UK, and NZ. Microbiome health company Biome Australia [ASX:BIO] has announced it has surpassed its FY23 full-year sales revenue forecast by $7 million. As of Thursday afternoon, shares are trading at $0.079 per share up by 16.18%. This is with half a month of trading in the remaining financial year. It has been a tough 12 months for the microbiome health company, with shares down by 28.42% this past year along with much of the sector. Heres why I think todays move in BIO is worth your time. Source: TradingView Key takeaways Todays news of smashing sales targets puts BIO ahead of the curve in consumer defensive microcaps. As of the end of FY22, sales were up by 78% from 2021. Market Cap of approximately $12 million Gross margin saw a plus 7% growth to 58% FY22. Biome Australia has seen revenue growth continue to accelerate driven by their Activated Probiotics range. Biome Australia was founded in 2018 by Managing Director Blair Norfolk, who remarked on the news: were pleased to share this trading update. Reaching our $7 million target is a great achievement building on $4.12 million in FY22 and 2.23 in FY21 With our deep understanding of our products and distribution channels, we look forward to strong growth in FY24 These sales were helped by a distribution agreement penned on 31 August 2022 with Australian Pharmaceutical Industries [ASX:API]. With this deal, BIO expanded its distribution to Priceline pharmacies bringing its total distribution to approximately 3,000 points throughout Australia. Biome Australia also holds distribution points within the UK and NZ, although those markets are relatively underdeveloped. This deal lined up with Pricelines inaugural Health Masterclass education series on 20 June 2022. This has helped drive an already growing interest by consumers for more scientifically backed gut health products. Google searches for microbiome rose by 267% between 2014 and 2019 worldwide. The global probiotics market is projected to grow to US$69 billion at a CAGR of 7% through 2023. Source: Grand View Research Small-cap diamonds in the rough Whats the secret to making money from small-cap stocks? I believe its this invest in already profitable companies that the market is currently undervaluing or simply ignoringthen sell when investors realise the opportunity and pile in. Well show you how in our brand-new report. Well tell you about three ASX small-cap stocks with a market capitalisation of less than $500 millionstocks that are turning steady profits and currently paying dividends. One is a mining services company serving Australias booming mining sectorand growing its earnings by 29% annually in the process. Another is a leading retailer in its niche that ended 2022 with an $18.5 million profit. But despite their bright prospects, the market is currently undervaluing these stocks. Will they soar once the market realises its mistake? We cant say for sure. Investing in small-caps is highly risky. But given their proven business models and healthy balance sheets, I strongly believe they could. This is why adding these stocks to your watchlist today could be a smart move. Learn more about these three stocks in our new FREE report. Regards, Charlie Ormond, For Money Morning A jury found Monday that Starbucks fired a regional director in Philadephia because she was white during a PR crisis precipitated by racist treatment of black men at one of the company's cafes in town. This week's verdict is the latest development in an incident that has sparked protest and outrage. In 2018, the two men were asked to leave the coffee shop after sitting at a table without ordering anything. The men, who declined to leave because they were waiting for a business associate, were escorted out of the coffee shop in handcuffs after a store manager called police on them. They later reached settlement agreements with Starbucks and the City of Philadelphia. In a lawsuit first filed in 2019, Phillips said the company discriminated against her because of her race when she was let go. By the finding of fact: you can't (legally) remedy racism against black people by firing white people on the grounds of their race. It just means you get sued by everyone. US intelligence officer David Charles Grusch recently made headlines as a whistleblower after making public claims that the Pentagon has been hiding known evidence of non-human technology. Grusch expanded on these claims in a recent interview with NewsNation, in which he suggested among other things that the Vatican may also be in on this whole conspiracy regarding intelligent technology from non-sources. In fact, the Pope's involvement even pre-dates the Roswell incident! According to Grusch: It's long been known that the regime of Italian dictator Benito Mussolini documented numerous UAP. An internal memo from the Italian Secret Services includes crude drawings of the UAPs. In 1933 was the first recovery in Europe and in Magenta, Italy. They recovered a partially intact vehicle. Grusch went on to explain that the Italian government shared this information with the Pope, who passed it on to US intelligence services, who then retrieved the object from an Italian airbase circa 1945. This is not the first time that the Vatican has been accused of harboring secret knowledge with non-human origins. For roughly 2000 years, the small sovereign nation that exists within the city of Rome has spread rumors of human resurrection technologies, as well as a rare chemical capable of converting water directly into wine without the temporal requirements of a fermentation process. The Holy See has historically used their threats of this secret knowledge to colonize large parts of the world. And indeed, the Vatican has demonstrated a great capacity for secrecy and cover-ups, having protected countless legions of sexual abusers for centuries. We are not alone: The UFO whistleblower speaks [Andy Gipson, Miguel Sancho, Zoe Lake, Dana Leavitt, Ross Coulthart / NewsNation] Pentagon whistleblower says the Vatican is aware of the existence of non-human intelligences and helped the US retrieve a downed UFO from Italian dictator Mussolini at the end of WW2 [Kamal Sultan / Daily Mail] The US military has been known for hare-brained hoaxes to try to scare enemies by exploiting what they think are the opposing group's cultural beliefs and superstitions. For example, in the early 1950s, the US Air Force created a vampire hoax by killing a Filipino guerrilla and poking holes in his neck. Over at Mysterious Universe, Nick Redfern tells several other similar psy-ops stories, including an absurd tale from the 1950s of the US Office of Strategic Services (OSS)the predecessor to the CIAwho coated foxes with glow-in-the-dark (and radioactive) paint to freak out Japanese soldiers. From Mysterious Universe: [Psychological operations strategist Ed] Salinger proposed that they focus on using the Japanese fox spirit and Shinto harbinger of doom the kitsune, which were said to have all manner of magical powers and which Salinger insisted many Japanese believed actually existed. They went about fashioning whistles that made the sound of a foxlike "call of the damned," a spray which smelled like fox, and the piece de la resistance, actual live foxes that would be made up to look like the magical kitsune spirits. They went about catching live foxes and then moving on to the next step of the plan, which involved somehow making them glow in the dark. There were several ideas spitballed around before they settled on using glow-in-the-dark paint using the very radioactive and very dangerous substance radium. The next step was to see if the glowing foxes would actually accomplish what they were meant to do, which meant testing them out, and the next stage of this bonkers operation was launched. They decided to test the foxes out on American soil, as the logic for them went that if the glowing foxes could freak Americans out, then they would definitely terrify the superstitious Japanese. To do this, Operation Fantasia gathered together 30 foxes decked out in radioactive glowing paint, and in the summer of 1945 released them into Washington, D.C.'s Rock Creek Park. It seems to have worked, as people were scared of the roaming animals just as had been hoped, and it would be reported that "Horrified citizens, shocked by the sudden sight of the leaping ghost-like animals, fled from the dark recesses of the park with the 'screaming jeemies." Now that they knew the foxes had potential to frighten the bejeezus out of people, they had to try to figure out how to actually get them into Japan, which proved to be a hurdle since they couldn't be airdropped and having them swim just washed off the paint. Even if they could somehow get them into the Japanese wilds, there was no guarantee that they would go anywhere near people or that they wouldn't just go off and hide in the wilderness where they would do no good at all. Even then, Salinger continued on with his bizarre plan, going further off the rails to this time suggest that they use taxidermy foxes with little animated mechanical skulls affixed to their heads, which would also of course be glowing and be floated over the landscape using balloons, because why not? Sheriff Mike Chitwood of Volusia County in Florida offered to send pacifiers to the Goyim Defense League, an anti-Semitic group that sent him a demand for $100,000 after he called them "scumbags." They also demanded that Chitwood delete his tweet advertising "Scumbag Eradication Team" T-shirts, which display an image of a person with a swastika tattoo being flushed down a toilet. The group sent notices to Chitwood demanding payment of $100,000 in gold, coverage of administrative and legal fees, a public apology, and the removal of certain tweets. The notice said Chitwood had 72 hours to comply or face potential legal action. One of the notices sent to Chitwood said, "I don't know what you were thinking of posting tweets of yourself on a shirt flushing living breathing human beings with unalienable rights down the toilet for using such rights, but when the subject is a political matter, it is clear that you should be classified as a domestic terrorist." "Here's a shot for you to suck on the pacifier, because that's about all you're going to get from your lawsuit," Chitwood said, underscoring his lack of concern for the group's demands. (The notice was not a lawsuit). From The Daytona Beach News-Journal: A Korean Air plane makes its final approach to land at the A.B. Won Pat Guam International Airport on May 4, 2023. Targeted by a right-wing boycott for sending customized cans to a transgender social media influencer, Bud Light has lost its title as America's most popular beer. Modelo, brewed in Mexico, took its crown. Guay! For four weeks ending on June 3, Modelo captured 8.4% of US retail beer sales, with Bud Light falling to second place with 7.3%, according to NIQ data given to consulting firm Bump Williams. Dollar sales were equally grim for Bud Light during that period, with sales falling 24.4%, while Modelo's grew 12.2%. And the trend doesn't look to turn in Bud's favor, the firm said. "Modelo Especial appears to be increasing its sales growth each week as we get deeper into summer," Williams told CNN. He added that the Modelo Oro, its new low-carb beer, is off to a strong start following its May debut and further bolstering the brand's sales. Zaldy Dandan is a recipient of the Best Editorial Writer Award of the Society of Professional Journalists, and the CNMI Humanities Award for Outstanding Contributions to Journalism. His four books are available on amazon.com/. Florida governor Ron DeSantis today signed a law which prohibits sales of cars by manufacturers direct to consumers. Titled HB 637, the measure prevents most automakers from selling directly to consumers, requiring them to rely on franchised dealerships instead starting this July. Other provisions in the law limit the influence car manufacturers can exert over retailer inventories and prices while protecting dealers' rights to ignore MSRPs and choose their own model mix. Why would such a law exist at all? Well, that one's easy: "The Florida Automobile Dealers Association (FADA) was heavily involved in writing and pushing the legislation through the state government," writes CBT News' Colin Velez. The bill targets automakerswith one spectacularly important exemption 1 who would like to sell vehicles directly to the consumer rather than through the extractive world of car dealerships, with all its polyester and dodgy financing and four square sheets. 1. Tesla. Soon after a flight attendant's five-year romance with another flight attendant went south, her ex-boyfriend booked a trip from Buenos Aires to Miami for another woman. He was working on the same flight, and the two would spend some time in Florida together. But they didn't get very far, after his jealous ex got wind of of the rendez-vous and called in a bomb threat to stop it. "Tell the little captain that we put three bombs on the Miami flight," she said with a distorted voice. "Check the airplane because it's going to blow up in a thousand pieces." (Listen to audio message in Spanish, here.) The revenge hoax led Aerolineas Argentinas to evacuate the crew and 270 passengers off the plane just before takeoff, according to Vice. It also cost the airline about one million dollars to search for the bombs that never were. To make matters worse, she used her daughter's phone to make the call, and her daughter was none too pleased about it. "The selfish one is you," the daughter said in one of many text messages between the two, reported La Nacion. "That you can screw up my life over this bullshit." From Vice: Daniela Carbone, 47, was charged on Tuesday in a Buenos Aires court with aggravated duress, public intimidation and obstruction of public service. Carbone was arrested a week after the bomb threat on May 28 when she returned to Argentina on a Aerolineas Argentinas flight. She was held in the airport prison for over two weeks while refusing to make a statement to authorities, before she was officially charged on June 13. Carbone was reportedly in a five year relationship with a male flight attendant, and the pair often worked together on Aerolinas Argentinas, according to local media. The pair broke up just a couple months prior to the bomb threat and he began a new relationship. Carbone's ex-boyfriend reportedly was working on the flight, while his new girlfriend was traveling as a passenger, and the pair intended to spend a few days in Miami together. Authorities reportedly found evidence that Carbone had used her daughter's phone to send the bomb threat to the airplane. Argentine newspaper La Nacion published a series of messages between Carbone and her daughter reportedly sent after the bomb threat. The daughter expressed shock and anger towards her mother when she discovered that her mom used her phone to commit the crime. Carbone worked for Aerolineas Argentinas for 24 years, 14 of which she also worked as an instructor. The airline fired Carbone on Monday, and if found guilty, she faces up to six years in prison. Special Olympics Northern California Law Enforcement Torch Run View Photo There are several events planned in the middle of June. Join local law enforcement, fire, and community members to escort the Special Olympics torch, on its journey to the 2023 Special Olympics Northern California Summer Games in June. Tuolumne Countys leg is scheduled today, Thursday, June 15th. Registration is at 9 am and the run begins at 10 am from the Red Church to the Mother Lode Fairgrounds. It is the Second Annual State Parks Week with Nature Journaling and a Noon Community Picnic at Calaveras Big Trees today, Thursday, June 15, 2023. Registration is recommended for Big Trees Celebrating the South Grove Preserve: Joining the Old-Growth Forest Network. The event starts at 10 am on Friday with a dedication near the Visitors Center and Pioneer Cabin Tree Display. For the Junior Rangers, ages 7 to 12 and Junior Cubs ages 3 to 6 there is a childrens program focusing on stewardship and climate change across from Jack Knight Hall. Adults can drive to the South Grove Trail Head with a their own bagged lunch and water for a hike at 10:30 am through the pristine old-growth Giant Sequoia Forest. There is also a second guided hike starting at 1pm at the Big Stump to explore the role of prescribed fire in the forest community. You will have the opportunity to look at areas that have been treated with fire prescription and compare them to untreated forest. This walk will include hike with elevation change. Allow for 1.5 hours and bring water. The events are free but the Big Trees entrance fee still applies. Mark Twain Medical Center is hosting an in-person hiring event today from 11 am to 3 pm. Register here. As detailed here, the first-ever Juneteenth Celebration will take place this Saturday, June 17th in Columbia. Calaveras Fairgrounds is hosting Monster Truck Madness Friday and Saturday. Jamestown Farmers Market is each Thursday from 4 pm to 8 pm, and the Twain Harte Mountain Air Market is also Thursday from 4 to 7 pm. Friday evening is the Peaceful Valley Farmers Market and the Angels Camp Farmers Market is Friday Nights from 5 to 8 pm. The Sonora Farmers Market is held Saturday mornings and the Murphys Certified Farmers Market runs every Sunday from 9 am to 1 pm at the Murphys Community Park. The first of Twain Hartes Concerts in the Pines starts at 6 pm this Saturday, and the Tuolumne Open Air/Farmers Market will be open each Wednesday through the summer with Concerts in the Park. The Tuolumne County Librarys Reading is a Blast Summer Reading Club! begins on Tuesday, June 20th, and ends on July 29th. There will be many fun-filled activities at our four branches (Sonora Main, Tuolumne City, Twain Harte, and Groveland). To join the reading club, register at your local library and read books to earn prizes. 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. Boris Johnson, the former Prime Minister of the U.K., intentionally lied to parliament when asked about illegal parties held in Downing Street and elsewhere during the national pandemic lockdown in 2020. The conclusion, released publicly today in an official government report, contradicts Johnson's claim that he did not knowingly mislead members of parliament. A report by MPs says ex-Prime Minister Boris Johnson deliberately misled the Commons over lockdown parties at No 10. The committee says it would have recommended suspending Johnson from the House for 90 days if he had not quit as an MP. It says he also "complicit in the campaign of abuse and attempted intimidation of the committee"Covid-19 Bereaved Families for Justice UK accused Johnson of breaking his own rules "so he could have a party". Leshie Chandrapala, who lost her father in the pandemic, told the BBC the bereaved are owed "a huge apology".Labour deputy leader Angela Rayner said Johnson "never accepts responsibility for what he does" Johnson, who was already deposed as Prime Minister by his own party and replaced first with Liz Truss and then by Rishi Sunak, also quit as a member of parliament last week after being told of the report's findings. Johnson claimed then that they're all out to get him, which becomes funnier now that they've got him. "Damning language," reports the BBC in its description of the report's treatment of Johnson. "Punishingly brutal." Philadelphia homeowner Paige Tauscher was expectedly distraught after discovering a man had broke into her home while she was walking her dog and absconded with more than $5,000 of items, including two pricey purses and cash. As one does these days, Tauscher posted surveillance video of the crime online. Next thing you know, a man commented on the post admitting to the crime and attempted to make amends. From 6ABC: The man posted several comments where he apologized, asked for forgiveness, and said he went into the wrong house but still grabbed some things on the way out. Tauscher said she isn't the only victim. "Also a lot of people saying the same person may have broken into their house, so that's pretty scary on its own," said Tauscher. Police are now searching for the confessing crook. A SHADOWY Zanu PF affiliate known as Forever Associates Zimbabwe (FAZ), which is allegedly run by the Central Intelligence Organisation, has been accused of engaging in a door-to-door mobilisation campaign in Mashonaland East province to force villagers to attend a rally to be addressed by President Emmerson Mnangagwa in Chivhu today. Mnangagwa is expected to commission Chivhu Dam, where he will also address villagers near the dam site at Welkom Farm in ward 8, Chikomba district. Information gathered by NewsDay yesterday showed that the event was largely organised by FAZ members, who are mobilising support for ruling party candidates ahead of the August 23 harmonised elections. FAZ members went to several villagers homes to announce Mnangagwas event while threatening those who would fail to attend with unspecified consequences. Members of the shadowy group are said to have visited villages in Chikomba, Hwedza, Buhera and Gutu districts, where they tasked traditional leaders in the areas to submit a list of attendees at todays event. Desperate village heads in the rural areas reportedly threatened their subjects with eviction and deprivation of food aid if they failed to attend as they bowed to pressure from the ruling party. FAZ also distributed fliers in Chivhu town to mobilise residents to attend the event. We had unexpected visitors today (Tuesday), a headman who preferred anonymity told NewsDay. They were here demanding that I should rally my village heads to mobilise people for the Presidents event. They will go. Thats loyalty. In a communique addressed to traditional leaders seen by NewsDay, village heads were ordered to mobilise their subjects regardless of distance because the ruling party would avail buses to ferry them to the venue. All village heads, you are being ordered to mobilise people informing them about the event and you are expected to notify the councillor of the total number of people whom you have mobilised from your own villages, Zanu PF ward 8 councillor Learnmore Mufamba said in the communique. This is to enhance planning for the event and to organise transport if need be. Village heads, you are being ordered to assist people with disabilities and the elderly so that they secure sitting places and be able to meet the President. The number of people who will be attending should be forwarded to the branch chairman, who should forward it to the district chairman. Political analyst Ibbo Mandaza yesterday said FAZs tactics could lead to a repeat of the 2008 run-off election violence. Its similar to the pattern adopted for the run-off in 2008, Mandaza said. But this time around, its part of pre-election strategy, designed to leave almost nothing to chance, by capturing the voter ahead of the election. The question is whether this can be sustained successfully without backfiring on election day. There is, however, a risk of achieving the opposite result, unless the FAZ agents actually man the ballot boxes, which would be outrageous if possible at all. Another analyst Rejoice Ngwenya said the involvement of FAZ was a new campaign tactic for Zanu PF. Remember in previous elections, things were tough for the various political organs, but they lacked the scientific approach, Ngwenya said. What I can see here is a new approach in terms of understanding the electoral dynamics at ward level. Thats why Zanu PF is using an institution that is affiliated, but independent to experiment various methodologies to win votes. The problem comes when there is interference with the electoral law. Otherwise, its a clarion call for all political parties to find ways to communicate with their constituencies. Mnangagwa is facing a tough race for re-election against Citizens Coalition for Change (CCC) leader Nelson Chamisa, whom he narrowly beat in the 2018 disputed elections. Meanwhile, the CCC has urged its members to attend Zanu PF rallies for their security, but remain opposition. NewsDay Breaking News via Email Late former President Robert Mugabes older son, Robert Mugabe Junior was Wednesday issued with a warrant of arrest after he skipped trial for an assault offence. Mugabe, who is believed to be 31, landed in the dock for allegedly slapping one Robert Karimbika when he had visited a friend, Simbiso Nkatazo in Strathaven suburb, Harare February this year. According to court papers, when he arrived at Nkatazos place, Mugabe left his driver seated in his car. In his absence, Mugabes driver reportedly instructed Karimbika to clean his bosss car. It is alleged Mugabe later returned to find Karimbika cleaning but accused him of urinting on his vehicle. The accused alleged that the complainant was urinting on his motor vehicle, but the complainant tried to explain his version to the accused person. However, the accused person did not listen but came closer to the complainant and slapped him once on the left side of his cheek, reads court papers. Karimbika was rescued from further assault by Mugabes driver. Mugabe, who is not new to controversy, was also, in the same incident, accused of damaging Nkatazos vehicles and other property worth US$12,000 while drunk. In this incident, Mugabe was seen leaving court in the company of his lawyer Ashiel Mugiya who said his client was advised to discuss the matter with his friend at home. He is not the first of the two Mugabe sibling brothers to be issued with a warrant of arrest over an incident involving violence. His younger brother, Bellarmine Chatunga was also issued with an arrest warrant in April this year after skipping court over a case in which he allegedly confronted Home Affairs Minister Kazembe Kazembes driver and smashed the cars window panel before assaulting him. Chatunga, 25, was arrested with accomplice, Tatenda Chinyuku for the violent act against one Lazarus Pairemanzi. Pairemanzi is employed by Learbridge Technology Pvt Ltd, a company owned by Kazembe. ZimLive Breaking News via Email By Lambert Strether of Corrente Origin stories are often contested, but the origin of the Trillion Dollar Platinum Coin is undisputed: A blogger going by the handle Beowulf, whose real name is Carlos Mucha, in a comments section. Propagation stories are another matter. In this post, I will give four versions of how Beowulfs idea propagated: Brian Beutlers (2017), Carl Beijers (2023), Alex Carps (2023), and lastly my own (2013, written as a refutation of Brad DeLongs proposition that the blogosphere was no longer vital). Please note that Im not at all trying to nitpick about who wrote what when influenced by whom; Beowulf deserves full credit for the idea. My real concern is how ideas propagate (Great oaks from little acorns grow, as the saying goes). Before I go on, however, I should explain the Trillion Dollar Platinum Coin (a.ka. The Coin). From Rohan Greys very useful #MintTheCoin FAQ[1]: The #MintTheCoin hashtag was first used in 2011 in reference to the current proposal for the Treasury Secretary to unilaterally exercise their authority to mint platinum coins under 31 U.S.C. 5112(k) in order to avert a debt ceiling crisis. For more historical context, click here . (This is why you always see the Platinum Coin come up during debt crises[2].) And: There is no statutory or constitutional limit on the quantity of coins that the Treasury Secretary may issue. 31 U.S.C. 5112 of the Coinage Act gives the Treasury Secretary the discretionary authority to mint and issue coins containing a wide range of metals, including copper, zinc, silver, gold, palladium, and platinum. Or as Bloombergs Joe Weisenthal puts it: Idea behind the Platinum Coin is simply that, under current law, the Treasury is allowed to produce, well, platinum coins in any denomination. And if deposited at the Fed, could create debt breathing room. It's basically a hack to circumvent a dumb law that accomplishes nothing (The dumb law being the debt ceiling, which is in fact dumb.) And now to our four origin stories. 2017. From the Daily Beast, Where Did This Absurd #MintTheCoin Idea Come From?: Talking Points Memos Brian Beutler plumbs the origins of the coin: An American lawyer writing under the pseudonym Beowulf first explained the platinum coin concept in the comments section of a post titled Repeat After Me: The USA Does Not Have A Greece Problem, written by Marshall Auerback and published on a blog called The Center of the Universe. His comments caught the attention of other writers, including management consultant Joe Firestone (.pdf), who pressured him to expand on the idea. He eventually just broke down and wrote something on it, said Stephanie Kelton, an economics professor at the University of Missouri, Kansas City, and an early evangelist of the platinum coin model, in a telephone interview. Kelton is the creator and editor of a website on economic policy called New Economic Perspectives where Firestone and Auerback are both contributors. Its a variation on a theme that many of us have been writing about for a long time, Kelton said. If you boil things down to who issues the currency, you can do it via the bank, or you can have the government do it. This goes way back in the academic literature. Now its being referred to as the magic coin and a gimmick, and certainly it has that aspect to it but this law basically says the U.S. currency can come from the U.S. government. Thats really all the coin is. It doesnt do anything terribly scary from my perspective. It doesnt have any danger economically. Beutlers account accords with my recollection. (Joe Firestone in fact blogged on The Coin here at Naked Capitalism in 2013, 2015, and again in 2015, at least, and also prolifically on the now-defunct blog for which I was the administrator, Corrente.) But we dont have to rely on my recollection; via Know Your Meme (!!!), we find that the Wayback machine has archived Auerbachs post and Beowulfs comment, dated May 24, 2010: Matt Franko, Curiously enough Congress has already delegated to Tsy all the seignorage power authority it needs to mint a $1 trillion coin (even numismatic coins are legal tender at their face value and must be accepted by the Federal Reserve) the catch is, its gotta be made of platinum (ditto the balls of any President who tried this). So for a 1 oz. coin, Tsy would net only $999.998 Billion :o) (k) The Secretary may mint and issue platinum bullion coins and proof platinum coins in accordance with such specifications, designs, varieties, quantities, denominations, and inscriptions as the Secretary, in the Secretarys discretion, may prescribe from time to time. http://www.law.cornell.edu/uscode/31/usc_sec_31_00005112-000-.html So there is your origin. (Beowulfs idea was originally expressed in a collegial discussion in a long comment thread involving several MMTers, including Scott Fulwiler.) We now move to 2023, where because of yet another stupid debt crisis the coin has become a topic of conversation once more. May 10, 2023. From Carl Beijer, Thank a comments section guy for the trillion-dollar coin: The idea for the trillion dollar coin came from a guy named Carlos Mucha, who posted about it under the handle Beowulf more than a decade ago. Mucha does not endorse MMT. Americans generally became aware of the idea during a surge of media coverage during Dec 2012 / Jan 2013 Again, as Mucha puts it himself, in terms of popularizing the idea Id say Cullen Roche (got the Wall Street media guys like Weisenthal interested) & Jamie Galbraith (put the bug in the ear of economists like Krugman) took the leading oar. Mucha adds that neither Roche and Galbraith really then identified as MMTers, and that to be fair I did discuss it at [Brad DeLongs] blog comments as well Beijers alleged link to Beowulfs comment is in fact a link to an article from Cullen Roche in his blog, Pragmatic Capitalism, about the comment, and Roche, sadly, does not give a link to the original comment on his own blog (let alone the original comment at Moslers Center of The Universe). However, the date on Roches post is July 7, 2011, not May 24, 2010. Beijer carefully does not say that Beowulfs comment at Roches blog is the original comment; had he done so, he would simply have been wrong on the facts. May 27, 2023. From Alex Carp, New York Magazine, The Man Who Invented the Trillion-Dollar Coin: About a dozen years ago, a pseudonymous commenter on a financial website, writing under the name Beowulf, presented an unusual solution for a debt-ceiling standoff: If the federal government was at risk of default, and Congress couldnt agree to either cut spending or raise the borrowing limit cleanly, couldnt it simply mint a trillion-dollar coin? As we know, there are two candidate financial websites: The Center of the Universe (May 24, 2010), and Pragmatic Capitalism (July 7, 2011). It would have been nice if Carp had been able to decide on the correct one. Congress screwed up, Beowulf wrote [when and where?]. By passing the law, it had given the president the authority to direct the secretary of the Treasury to mint a coin of any value say, $1 trillion and deposit it in the Federal Reserve, which would be legally obligated to accept it. Ultimately, the coins deposit would result in $1 trillion in government revenue or, with a coin of a different denomination, however much was needed to continue to pay its bills and avoid a default. The catch is, its gotta be made of platinum, Beowulf wrote. Ditto the balls of any president who tried this. Theres a lot of other interesting material from Mucha (nee Beowulf), but as far as getting The Coins origin story, I have to say that New York Magazine is even worse than Beijer, and Beijer was bad. January 9, 2013. My post, Imminent Death of the Blogs Predicted, Except Not. My goal in that post was to refute Brad DeLongs proposition that blogs were no longer vital.[3] I did so by using the origin of The Coin (on a blog) and its subsequent preservation and propagation until it reached the mainstream (through blogs). My post at NC was a cross-post from Corrente, the blog for which I was then the administrator. Corrente ran under Drupal, and I had actually been able to construct a database of all the articles on The Coin that I could find. (The database is now gone, along with the site, since I could no longer afford to run the server.) Interestingly, when I stacked up all the links, they formed a power curve that shows successful propagation: I also used the database to select by date a few links at first (left hand side of the curve) then many (right hand) and convert the results into slides (16). Here is the slide 1, illustrating that the origin of The Coin was at Warren Moslers The Center of The Universe: Here is slide 4, where we see (much later) Cullen Roches post at Pragmatic Capitalism: And here is slide 5, showing mainstream acceptance: My comment on slide 5: #5 Phase 4 presents an important inflection point, as PPC [The Coin] enters the mainstream through Felix Salmon of Reuters, Matt Yglesias, and influential law blogger Jack Balkin. I dont think its a coincidence that PPC [The Coin] was presented in Naked Capitalism (third ranked econoblog by traffic) immediately before the new phase began. Felix Salmon linked to Corrente; Matt Yglesias was prompted to cover the PPC by a reader citing Beowulf at FDL; and Balkin cites to the same Beowulf post, as well as a post by letsgetitdone, this time at FDL. Other MMTers and econobloggers like Warren Mosler, Tom Hickey, and Scott Sumner pile on.[4] In the post, I describe all the phases of The Coins successful propagation in similar detail. * * * I was motivated to write this post partly to [looks heavenward piously] correct the record, partly to defend the blogospheres importance, then and now, and partly to defend the honor of my own blogs, Naked Capitalism and (then) Corrente. I was also, quite frankly, shocked at New York Magazines sloppiness, and I hope any Google search brings up this post along with it. More importantly, however, dear members of the NC commentariat, Beowulfs Coin began as a comment, and was nurtured by unpaid and obscure bloggers who believed in it, until it caught fire. Perhaps the same will happen for one of your comments! It really is possible, as I have shown! Beowulfs comment sets a high baseline, however, do remember. NOTES [1] Other propagation story conflicts arise over the issue of whether The Coin is an MMT idea or not. Certainly Beowulf was not an MMTer (Rohan Grey is). The Coin is, however, certainly MMT-adjacent. MMTer Stephanie Kelton invented and propagated the #MintTheCoin hashtag, for example. Ideologically, The Coin makes it clear that Federal taxes dont fund Federal spending, a key MMT insight. Marshall Auerbach and Joe Firestone were also MMTers. Which doesnt make everybody who advanced The Coin project an MMTer! [2] Anybody who jokes tendentiously about the physical characteristics of The Coin and thats a lot of people doesnt understand the issue. The issue is the law that permits The Coin to be minted. If the law said giant stone wheels, or cardboard, or cheese, instead of platinum, the implications of the would be the same. [3] My recollection is that DeLong has kind enough to link to my post with approbation, but here again we have link rot, and this is the closest I can come: [4] I should have embedded all the links, but the links were all in the pages generated from the interactive database that I took screen shots of to create the slides, and it did not then occur to me that I would not be able to maintain the server. In a fiery speech, MAGA Pastor Kent Christmas praised Muslims who strap bombs to their chests and called for Christians to die for the gospel. "You want to know why the Muslim faith has had its advancements?" he said. "It's because the Muslims were willing to die for their beliefs. They were willing to strap bombs to their chest. They believed in the afterlife. God, give us some men and women that will get a hold of some passion in their spirit and say, 'I will lay down my life for the Gospel!'" said Christmas. "This thing was born in blood." Right Wing Watch has more on the GOP favorite: Christmas, a Trumploving MAGA pastor and conspiracy theorist who has repeatedly declared that God will soon start killing "wicked" elected officials, got himself worked up during his sermon by falsely asserting that the state of Vermont recently passed legislation declaring that "it is legal, up to 21 days after full-term birth, that you can kill a baby." Christmas also insists that Trump is currently the acting President. As it is now drawn, Metro Council District 25 encompasses parts of Green Hills, Oak Hill and the Radnor Lake State Natural Area. Its a sliver that stretches from the I-440 loop down to the southern border of Davidson County. Russ Pulley has represented the district for eight years, and tells the Scene hed likely run again if he werent term-limited. Instead Pulley is running for an at-large Metro Council seat, and three candidates are vying for the D25 seat Jeff Preptit, Rolando Toyos and David Ackerman. Folks may recognize Toyos and Preptit from previous elections. Preptit, who is on the board of the Davidson County Young Democrats, is a civil rights attorney and former public defender who in 2022 ran as a Democrat for state House District 59, but withdrew from the race after newly drawn legislative maps put him in a different district. Toyos is a former teacher and practicing physician with three clinics in Nashville. He serves on the board of the Nashville Area Hispanic Chamber of Commerce and unsuccessfully ran as a Republican for the Shelby County Commission in 2010 and for U.S. Senate in 2018. Ackerman, who does not identify as a member of either party, works for a higher-education software company. Toyos, the son of Cuban immigrants, compares his bid to running a medical practice he wants people to discuss their problems openly and holistically. He says he wants available city services such as law enforcement to keep up with the growth the city is experiencing. Im running for my constituency, says Toyos. So what Im trying to do is do some outreach now and see what issues are important to them. Preptit, whose parents immigrated from Haiti, has support from Democratic state House Reps. Caleb Hemmer and Bob Freeman. Im running on equity, justice and community safety, says Preptit. I firmly believe that if we have those principles embedded in the policies that we enact, were going to have a better Nashville that actually works for the folks who live and work here. He was the only candidate who addressed stormwater infrastructure during conversations with the Scene, and his website highlights matters including community safety, housing, education, development and infrastructure. Ackerman is regional vice chair for the Davidson County Republican Party, though he says he remains "committed to keeping this a nonpartisan race." According to his website, Ackerman is running on the concepts of affordability, transit, education and public safety. In every area of our government, theres always room for improvement, says Ackerman. So its looking for, What is that need, and how do we get on board to make that happen? Pulley hasnt endorsed a candidate, but hes planning to host a forum with them at Lipscomb University on June 27. They need to be super responsive, because this is a very engaged district, and their expectation is that they can reach their councilmember, says Pulley. We do have some district councilmembers who tend to involve themselves more in countywide matters than they do their own district, and thats not going to work very well here. Metro Councilmember Brandon Taylor is facing a second-term challenge from Jamel Campbell-Gooch, a local organizer and activist. District 21 covers North Nashville from Centennial Park up to Clay Street, including major commercial centers on Buchanan Street and Jefferson Street and around Tennessee State University. Campbell-Gooch proudly identifies as a lifelong North Nashville resident whos witnessed both the strength and beauty of North Nashville and the systemic ills that made 37208 the most incarcerated ZIP code in America. For years he has been speaking his politics, reflected in the platforms of politically aligned groups like the Peoples Budget Coalition and the Black Nashville Assembly, which he founded and where he organizes. He is an uncompromising critic of the police and the carceral state and has told voters that, if elected, he will work for large-scale change by investing in public goods and services while divesting the city from prisons, surveillance and aggressive law enforcement. For the past four years, theres been a gap growing between the people and some of the elected officials, Campbell-Gooch told councilmembers during a June 2 public hearing on the 2024 budget. Communities are safe when we have investment in public goods. And when working-class people have the say-so over a continuously ballooning budget. While Campbell-Gooch has legitimate concerns with the priorities of Nashvilles ruling elite, its hard for him to pin the same criticisms on his immediate opponent, the incumbent Taylor. As much as Campbell-Gooch has shown his ambition and vision he is a charismatic presence and gifted speaker with established, devoted support thanks to the reach of the Black Nashville Assembly Taylor has spent his first four years tackling the practical problems facing residents in the historic heart of the citys Black community. When we talk about gentrification and the rising cost of living, those things bubble up from the things we do on the ground, Taylor tells the Scene. Every decision we make about planning, zoning, building I try to think how that fits into smart growth or how it will change the neighborhood years down the road. Taylor says the top concerns in District 21 are crime, illegal dumping, traffic and speeding basic quality-of-life issues shared by residents in any corner of Davidson County. People want clean, safe, healthy and vibrant communities where they dont have a long drive to a grocery store, Taylor says. They want sidewalks, accessible public transportation. Clean water and good water pressure and toilets that flush. My job is to bring that up in the right places not all places directly with the people who can make a difference, not always on the council floor. In perhaps the most radical political act of his first term, Taylor tried to amend the Titans deal to secure tax revenue for the citys general fund as the deals terms moved through council in April. With public opinion shifting against the deal, the legislative maneuver referred to in council lore as the Taylor Amendment was perhaps the most significant council effort to change the terms of the deal and earned Taylor favor among Campbell-Goochs comrades on the activist left. Theres going to be a windfall for this city when the stadium comes through its going to make money, Taylor told colleagues. Were asking for this to go to the general fund so all 35 district councilmembers can get more. It doesnt give us a whole lot more, but it gives us a little, so we can go back to our constituencies and say that were getting something out of this deal. The amendment passed that night, but was killed the following meeting with a Titans-friendly alternative. WHITE HOUSE DOWN: Biden unveils Progress Pride flag during LGBTQ event held at South Lawn The administration of President Joe Biden draped a "Progress Pride" flag over the balcony of the White House as his government hosted the largest LGBT event on White House grounds. On Saturday, June 10, the White House hosted "the largest Pride Month celebration ever held at the White House." Administration social media accounts posted pictures of hundreds of people on the South Lawn, including an outdoor stage with performers and a rainbow-colored arch made of balloons. On the balcony of the White House, Biden's administration draped a Progress Pride flag between two American flags. (Related: According to the Biden regime, Americans who do NOT salute the gay flag and celebrate Juneteenth are MAGA-extremist, Russia-loving, gay-bashing, White supremacists.) Created in 2018, the Progress Pride flag differs from the traditional LGBT flag with six horizontal rainbow stripes. This flag includes chevrons of black, brown, light blue, pink and white on the left side, meant to represent LGBT people of color and individuals who identify as transgender. "Today, the People's House your house sends a clear message to the country and to the world. America is a nation of pride," said Biden on his official Twitter account. In his speech during the event, Biden noted his intense support for LGBT-identifying and transgender-identifying children, and called LGBT people the "bravest" people he has ever known. "You're some of the bravest and most inspiring people I've ever known. And I've known a lot of good folks," he said. "You set an example for the nation and quite frankly the world." "You know, we all move forward when we move together with your joy, with your pride lighting the way," Biden added. "So today, let us proudly remember who we are the United States of America." White House may have violated Flag Code Biden's unfurling of the Progress Pride flag on the White House's balcony deeply upset and angered many conservatives for its disrespect toward the American flag. "America has been humiliated, debauched and debased," said Stephen Miller, former advisor during the Trump administration. "A warning about how civilizations unravel from within." "Not one American soldier fought and bled for this flag. Not one American taxpayer paid taxes to the government of this flag," noted conservative political commentator Ben Shapiro. "Not one law has been passed under a government elected under this flag. The ideological coup is complete." "Government buildings should fly the flag of our nation, the flags of our military, the flags of the various states and the flags of the nations of visiting heads of state," noted The Daily Wire Co-CEO Jeremy Boreing. "All other flags are inappropriate." "Joe Biden, the 'commander in chief,' defaced the American flag by flanking the alphabet cult flag at the White House today," said conservative political commentator Benny Johnson. Furthermore, Biden's stunt may have violated the U.S. Flag Code. Tom Fitton, president of the investigative journalism outlet Judicial Watch, noted that U.S. Flag Code section 7 states that: "The flag of the United States of America should be at the center and at the highest point of the group when a number of flags of States or localities or pennants of societies are grouped and displayed from staffs." "To advance revolutionary transgender agenda targeting children, Biden violates (a) basic tenet of (the) U.S. Flag Code and disrespects every American service member buried under its colors," said Fitton. "This is a disgrace," noted Republican Sen. Roger Marshall of Kansas. "Not only is it in breach of U.S. Flag Code, but it's a glaring example of the White House's incompetence and insistence on putting their social agenda ahead of patriotism." Find the latest stories about gender and LGBT issues at Gender.news. Watch this episode of "Brighteon Broadcast News" as Mike Adams, the Health Ranger, discusses Biden's decision to adorn the White House with the LGBT Pride flag. This video is from the Health Ranger Report channel on Brighteon.com. More related stories: IT'S A FARCE: Air Force now saluting LGBT community's rainbow flag in celebration of Pride month. Backlash as Air Force tweets image of soldier SALUTING LGBTQ+ flag. Pride month is a cynical exercise in state-enforced homosexuality. SHAME: California public school teacher encourages students to pledge allegiance to LGBT pride flag instead of American flag. Sources include: LifeSiteNews.com DailyCaller.com FoxNews.com Brighteon.com COLLUSION: FBI helping Ukrainian authorities censor Twitter users and obtain their info The Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) is reportedly helping authorities in Ukraine censor certain Twitter users , including journalists, and obtain their information. Journalist Aaron Mate of Grayzone News disclosed this collusion in a June 7 article on his Substack. His article focused on a March 27, 2022 email sent by FBI Special Agent Aleksandr Kobzanets to two Twitter executives one named Marlena and Yoel Roth, then the head of trust and safety. The agent included four of his colleagues in the FBI in the exchange. Kobaznets attached a list of 163 accounts to his email to the two Twitter executives. According to him, the Security Service of Ukraine (SBU) Ukraine's main intelligence agency suspected the accounts of "spreading fear and disinformation." Kobzanets, the assistant legal attache at the U.S. Embassy in Kyiv, also attached a memo from the SBU asking Twitter to remove the accounts and hand over their user data. According to the Ukrainian agency, the 163 Twitter profiles have been "used to disseminate disinformation and fake news to inaccurately reflect events in Ukraine" and to "justify war crimes of the Russian authorities on the territory of the Ukrainian state in violation of international law." "To stop Russian aggression on the information front, we kindly ask you to take urgent measures to block these Twitter accounts and provide us with user data specified during registration," the SBU appealed. According to Mate, the list provided by Kobzanets extended to the members of the media and even included his name. Twitter nevertheless agreed to review the accounts for "inauthenticity" in its reply. However, it raised concerns with the inclusion of Mate and other "American and Canadian journalists" in the list. "If granted, the users on the list would not only have been banned from Twitter but had their phone number, date of birth and email address disclosed to both the FBI and SBU," the independent journalist said." (Related: FBI helps Ukraine censor Twitter users and obtain their info, including journalists.) 34 of the 163 accounts tagged for censorship were suspended Inside the social media company, Roth forwarded the FBI special agent's message to two colleagues William Nuland and Marlena Wisniak. It is unknown whether Wisniak is the same Marlena who received Kobzanets' initial March 2022 email. "This is the output of our meeting with the FBI," Roth wrote. "The list of accounts is a mixed bag; there's some state media mixed in with a bunch of other stuff. But given the context, I think a deep dive here [is] warranted." All three officials have left Twitter as of writing, with Roth leaving the company in November 2022. Wisniak joined the European Center for Not-for-Profit Law after her stint at Twitter. Meanwhile, Nuland joined Facebook's Threat Intelligence Team after he departed from Twitter. Mate pointed out that Nuland happens to be the half-brother of Victoria Nuland, undersecretary of state for political affairs at the Department of State. The official had an integral role in the U.S. backing the February 2014 revolution that removed then-Ukrainian Prime Minister Viktor Yanukovych from power. Arseniy Yatsenyuk, a pro-Washington official, was then installed. The independent journalist emailed Kobzanets, asking if he had vetted Kyiv's censorship request list before sending it to Twitter. He also asked if Roth's reply about the FBI wanting to censor journalists on Ukraine's behalf prompted any review or revision of his assistance to Ukrainian intelligence. The special agent did not answer. The FBI's National Press Office also declined to answer his questions. A spokesperson for the federal law enforcement agency replied to Mate: "While we appreciate your inquiry, as a matter of practice we do not confirm, deny, or otherwise comment on specific interactions nor confirm the veracity of correspondence." According to the journalist, 34 accounts from the 163 listed by the SBU were suspended and 20 no longer exist. The rest of the accounts Kyiv wanted to censor remain active, he added. Visit Censorship.news for more stories about Ukraine wanting to censor journalists. Watch this video explaining why the FBI is now the modern-day equivalent of the Soviet-era KGB. This video is from the mcr channel on Brighteon.com. More related stories: Ukraine calls for more social media censorship of "disinformation." Ukraine leads request for social media platforms to censor "disinformation." An intellectual no-fly zone: Online censorship of Ukraine dissent is becoming the new norm. Report: FBI pressuring Facebook again to censor 'disinformation' about Ukraine even if it's true. TREASON: FBI colluding with Ukrainian government to censor American journalists on Twitter. Sources include: GreatGameIndia.com Mate.Substack.com Brighteon.com Top FBI official flips, says bureaus search of Trumps Mar-a-Lago estate was rife with improprieties A top FBI official has come forth to spill the beans on his employer, saying that the bureau appears to have gone out of its way to politicize the raid last August on former President Donald Trump's Mar-a-Lago estate to 'obtain' records he was entitled to have in his possession. The individual in question is Steven D'Antuono, a significant whistleblower due to his pivotal involvement in the kidnapping entrapment plot targeting Governor Gretchen Whitmer (D-Michigan). This involvement led to his promotion as Assistant Director in Charge of the FBI Washington Field Office (WFO) in 2020, Infowars reported this week. Following the January 6 protests, D'Antuono's office took a leading role in coordinating the extensive arrests and prosecutions of numerous Trump supporters. In a letter addressed to Attorney General Merrick Garland, Rep. Jim Jordan (R-Ohio) stated that D'Antuono voluntarily approached the House Judiciary Committee to voice his concerns regarding the FBI's handling of the raid at Mar-a-Lago. Mr. DAntuono served as the former Assistant Director in Charge of the FBIs Washington Field Office (WFO) and one of the most senior FBI officials in charge of effectuating the unprecedented raid of President Trumps residence at Mar-a-Lago. During his testimony, Mr. DAntuono expressed strong concerns with the Departments pursuit of the raid and noted several unusual features in the Departments handling of the case," said the letter. DAntuono testified recently before the House Judiciary Committee that he had strong concerns about several procedural violations that occurred ahead of the August 2022 raid at Trumps estate. He also outlined four key anomalies regarding the raid that he brought to the committee's attention. "Mr. DAntuono testified that FBI headquarters made the decision to assign the execution of the search warrant to the Washington Field Office (WFO) despite the location of the search occurring in the territory of the FBIs Miami Field Office. Mr. DAntuono stated that he had 'absolutely no idea' why this decision was made and questioned why the Miami Field Office was not taking the lead on this matter," the letter notes further. "According to Mr. DAntuono, it was unusual to not have a U.S. Attorney assigned to an investigative matter, especially a matter of this magnitude. He explained that he 'didnt understand why there wasnt a US Attorney assigned' and 'raised this concern a lot with' Department officials because this was out of the ordinary," it added. "Mr. DAntuono recounted a meeting between FBI and Department officials during which the Department assertively pushed for the FBI to promptly execute the search warrant. Based upon his over-20-year tenure at the FBI, Mr. DAntuono testified that he believed that the FBI, prior to resorting to a search warrant, should have sought consent to search the premises," Jordan's letter went on. "Mr. DAntuono testified that the FBI sought to exclude President Trumps attorney from the search, a move with which Mr. DAntuono disagreed. Mr. DAntuono believed that the FBI should have worked with the attorney to get consent to search the residence prior to seeking a warrant for the search," Jordan also wrote. The committee chairman demanded Garland turn over all documents and communications linked to the execution of the raid, including meetings by DOJ officials prior to the search and correspondence between Washington Field Office employees and the U.S. Secret Service, which has agents round-the-clock on the premises to guard the former president. Revolver News Darren Beattie offered an explanation as to why DAntuono may have come forward. His conscience is so guilty, hes so animated by the need to cover his bases because of the crimes and corruption of the FBI, he voluntarily put himself forth before the Judiciary Committee, and basically said, the Mar-a-Lago raid was absolutely legitimate, Beattie said Tuesday, June 13. And this is the basis of these sham charges, he noted, referring to the Biden regime's federal indictment against Trump. And so, that gives you a sense of how bad it is. Sources include: Infowars.com ConservativeBrief.com George Soros cedes control of $25 billion empire to his leftist son, who is inclined to help criminals roam free The notorious left-wing billionaire and political activist George Soros have decided to cede control of his $25 billion empire to his son Alex , who is expected to be even more politically engaged than his father. Soros, 92, announced in an interview with the Wall Street Journal that he was giving up control over his financial institutions as well as his political vehicle, the Open Society Foundations, to his 37-year-old son. Alex has served as the Open Society Foundations' chairman of the board since December 2022, and currently directs its political activity as president of his political action committee, the Democracy PAC. The Democracy PAC has backed the election campaigns of district attorneys and law enforcement officials all over the U.S. who seek to reduce incarceration rates and supposedly get rid of "racial bias" in the justice system. In short, Alex is inclined to help criminals roam free. The elder Soros previously stated that he did not want his Open Society Foundations to be taken over by one of his five children "as a matter of principle." But, now he is saying that Alex has "earned" the right to take over his empire. He is the only Soros family member in the investment committee overseeing Soros Fund Management, which handles the finances of the family and the foundation. (Related: Son of George Soros scoring easy White House access, records show.) The Open Society Foundations is active in more than 120 countries around the world and funnels more than $1.5 billion annually to liberal and progressive organizations, supposedly to promote human rights and the growth of democracies. Alex Soros is "more political" than his father The elder Soros claimed he and Alex "think alike," and Alex himself has told the Wall Street Journal that he is far "more political" than his father and he plans to continue using his family's fortune to back left-wing politicians in the United States. Alex recently met with several officials within the administration of President Joe Biden, as well as with Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer, Brazilian socialist President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva and Canadian liberal Prime Minister Justin Trudeau. His meetings were reportedly about him advocating for issues related to the family foundation. Alex noted that he would broaden the foundation's priorities to include voting rights, abortion and gender equity. "We are going to double down on defending voting rights and personal freedom at home and supporting the cause of democracy abroad," said one spokesperson for Alex Soros. Alex has hinted that he wants to use his family's finances to play a major financial role in the 2024 presidential election to prevent former President Donald Trump's return to the White House. "As much as I would love to get money out of politics, as long as the other side is doing it, we will have to do it too," he said. Find more stories about George Soros at Soros.news. Watch this video from Red Voice Media speculating whether Alex Soros is set to drop over a billion dollars in funding in the 2024 election to support radical left-wing candidates and their agendas. This video is from the Red Voice Media channel on Brighteon.com. More related stories: Soros, Schwab and Gates are an "unholy trinity" that architected our dystopian past, present and future. Birds of the same feather: Vice Media files for bankruptcy and sells off assets to left-wing billionaire George Soros. BOMBSHELL REVELATION: State Department's GEC, Soros' Open Society Foundations, the EU and UK are funding the "disinformation index:" A pseudo-nonprofit that "blacklists" conservative news from online advertisers. George Soros bankrolling worldwide "fact-checking" network. George Soros funding tied to dozens of mainstream media figures, journalists. Sources include: TheEpochTimes.com Reuters.com APNews.com WSJ.com Brighteon.com Japan extends order to track and destroy North Korean missiles as Pyongyang announces another attempt to launch a military satellite Japan has issued an indefinite extension of an order to track and destroy any rocket, ballistic missile or debris that could pose a threat to its territory. "Regarding the order on the introduction of measures to destroy ballistic missiles issues on May 29, 2023, we will temporarily extend it for the period after June 11, 2023," the Japanese Ministry of Defense said on June 11. It followed North Korea's announcement of another attempt to launch a military satellite. Tokyo issued the original shootdown order late last month after Pyongyang warned the Japan Coast Guard of its intention to launch a military satellite into orbit. The Japan Self-Defense Forces went on to deploy U.S.-made Patriot missile defense systems in the Ryukyu islands. It also deployed Aegis naval destroyers armed with SM-3 interceptors to the East China Sea. On May 31, Pyongyang confirmed that a rocket carrying its Malligyong-1 military satellite had crashed into the Yellow Sea located between China and North Korea. According to the hermit kingdom, the rocket's second-stage engine failed to ignite due to a "malfunction." (Related: Things go south fast: North Korea's first-ever spy satellite crashes into sea shortly after launch.) Kim Yo-jong, who leads the publicity and information department of the ruling Worker's Party of Korea, said she was "certain that [North Korea's] military reconnaissance satellite will be correctly put in space orbit in the near future and start its mission." Yo-jong is the younger sister of incumbent North Korean supreme leader Kim Jong-un. A resolution issued by the United Nations Security Council (UNSC) bans North Korea formally the Democratic People's Republic of Korea (DPRK) from using ballistic missile technology for any purposes, including satellite launches. During a UNSC meeting in early June, the U.S. exhorted other members to join it in condemning Pyongyang's "unlawful behavior." It also called on the council to ensure that the DPRK does not make further attempts to launch a satellite into orbit. However, Russia and China have refused to reprimand Pyongyang. The two nations and permanent members of the UNSC argued that there are legitimate security concerns behind the DPRK's actions. Seoul also wary of possible second launch by Pyongyang Japan is not the only one on alert over North Korea's activity. South Korea is also wary of a possible second launch by its northern neighbor. Pyongyang had set a period between May 31 and June 11 as the window for a rocket launch, which did not materialize. Despite this, Seoul is not letting its guard down. A senior presidential official told the Yonhap news agency: "Though the notice period is over, North Korea can launch a long-range ballistic missile at any time without prior notice." The same official added: "South Korea and the U.S. are continuing surveillance activity. We will go ahead with the sharing of missile warning information between South Korea, the U.S. and Japan as planned." Another South Korean official also remarked that even though the DPRK's launch window has passed, nothing has changed with regard to Seoul's readiness. "We will make sure to keep our readiness posture," the official told Yonhap. The South Korean news agency also reported that following the failed launch, the Republic of Korea Armed Forces reportedly located and salvaged some of the debris from the North Korean rocket. South Korean forces released images that showed what appeared to be a large, barrel-like liquid fuel tank. The DPRK claimed it has the right to launch a space vehicle to put a satellite into orbit. But many in the international community begged to differ, however. They argued that Pyongyang's attempt to launch a satellite disguises test of its intercontinental ballistic missile technology. Visit WWIII.news for more stories about the brewing conflict between North Korea and its neighbors. Watch this video about North Korea testing its hypersonic missiles from China. This video is from the Warrior68 channel on Brighteon.com. More related stories: Here's what war with North Korea would actually look like: 20,000 dead in the first 24 hours. South Korea ready to parry North Korea's military threat with $2.6B "Iron Dome" defense system. South Korea unveils new ballistic missile that can penetrate North Korean underground military facilities. Global alert as North Korea revealed to be pursuing biological weapons that could exterminate humanity. North Korea ready to nuke America "world should be ready" warns high-level defector who confirms nuke launch plans with NBC News. Sources include: RT.com En.YNA.co.kr Brighteon.com The race to be the first legal cannabis dispensary open in Western New York continues but because the process is so brand new and so opaque, no one seems to know how it will shake out. Construction is currently underway to renovate space at 6055 Transit Road in Depew for the coming of Herbal IQ. 'Just Band-Aids': WNY pot growers say selling to tribes helps ease glut, but legal stores need to open Legal cannabis growers have been sitting on millions of dollars worth of cannabis in New York, waiting for more state-licensed pot dispensaries to open where they can sell it. We anticipate having the work done and scheduling a grand opening in the next couple weeks, said Mike Ortiz, chief operating officer. Aaron Van Camp, another licensee who signed his lease ages ago, at 501 Main St. in Buffalo, and is still working to get his store open, said his experience is that the process moves much slower than license holders hope. Van Camp has municipal site approval and is in the process of completing another 31-page application asking about financials, point-of-sales, insurance and banking. He is also busy installing the required number of sprinklers and signage to meet fire code to receive a certificate of occupancy from the City of Buffalo. Cannabis farmers markets are coming to Western New York The markets will provide a way for legal weed cultivators to move the glut of product they've had sitting in storage as they wait for licensed retail dispensaries to open. Then its up to OCM for review and to send compliance out, which we are hearing is a few weeks of a process in itself, he said. (People say) right away. To me, thats tomorrow. To some, its three weeks. Van Camp laughs when he remembers he had hoped to open in April. Herbal IQ is going ahead with its buildout and is confident approvals will come back positive and things will move in a timely manner. It has already completed the lengthy second application that Van Camp is working on now and, like Van Camp, has municipal site approval. Were not waiting for New York State to say open, were in the process of that buildout now, said Ortiz, of North Collins. Ortiz is a realtor, and his company Shield Financial is an insurance brokerage. Bradley Kyler, Herbal IQ's owner and CEO, owns concrete and excavation company Bucket Pro, which is a federal government contractor. The pair eat, sleep and breathe the kind of paperwork the government has required, and still, navigating it has been a nightmare, Ortiz said. 'It's tricky': Retailers, landlords having trouble placing legal cannabis stores The cannabis industry may be legal, but that doesn't mean it's desirable at least in the eyes of many landlords looking to fill commercial space. I can understand why some of the other people are saying it could take a lot of time, because if youre not familiar with doing any of this stuff, theres a lot of stuff they want, he said. As far as state approvals are concerned, however, the state turnaround, so far, has been quicker than Ortiz is used to dealing with two or three days, he said. Herbal IQs location was formerly the site of Classic Cue Billiards & Supplies, a pool hall that closed Tuesday and had been open since 1985. It also has banking and insurance in place two other big hurdles. Like Van Camp, Ortiz has an undisclosed warehouse location set up for cannabis delivery that is awaiting the final green light. Gina Miller and her husband, Glen, are navigating the process of opening a shop in one of two locations in the Southtowns. I give my support to every licensee whos going through this process because it is a process, she said. Joel Giambra among 10 more legal pot retail licenses granted in Western New York Of the 50 new licenses granted statewide on Thursday, 45 were in regions previously barred from retail sales by a legal injunction. The Millers have already come to terms with the fact that they will not be the first location open. Initially we thought like, Hey, we need to do this ASAP. Go, go, go. But if were signing a 10-year lease, its not go, go, go, Miller said. Were going to do it the right way. Millers latest big obstacles are insurance and banking things that have been notoriously difficult for businesses in a brand new industry one that is still federally illegal. You cant start a bunch of steps because you need one thing to move to the next, she said. You think you get the license and youre going to put the pedal to the metal, and it really humbles you. If she can open by September, shell be thrilled. State takes a swing at illegal weed shops and promises more to come The state began cracking down on unlicensed marijuana shops in New York City Wednesday with a warning for other illegal shops in the state: You're next. I think the race is to get in and get a head start. I personally dont think its a race against other licensees, she said. I think theyre racing against the big picture. Ortiz agreed. We actually dont want to be first. We actually want to be the last one still in business, Ortiz said. Legal pot sales were delayed in Western New York due to a legal injunction that was narrowed to the Finger Lakes region and recently settled. So far, about 15 legal pot stores have opened across New York State none of them in Western New York. Thursday, the OCM issued two more adult-use dispensary licenses. They went to Jaylin M. Smith, owner of TLO Transport, a non-emergency medical transportation company; and New York Dispensary, owned by David Caspi and Jason Webski. Caspi owned and operated BJA Inc., a management consultant business. TOPLESS and SHAMELESS! MTF trans model exposes BARE CHEST during White House Pride event A male-to-female (MTF) transgender model has exposed his bare chest during an LGBT Pride event at the White House, sparking outrage. Rose Montoya, a transgender influencer and model, was among hundreds of participants welcomed by President Joe Biden and First Lady Jill Biden on June 10. The celebration at the White House's South Lawn was described by officials as the largest Pride event ever hosted at 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue. "I had the honor of attending White House Pride, the largest one in history where the Pride flag flew for the first time," the MTF model captioned his TikTok video of the event. "This is trans joy. We're here at the White House unapologetically trans, queer and brown." The clip featured the president delivering remarks, alongside the model having selfies with the first couple and other attendees. In one brief shot, Montoya posed in between two female-to-male (FTM) transgenders. The mock woman used his hands to cover his breasts, while the two mock men showed off their "top scars" following mastectomy. Conservatives put in their two cents on the video when it went viral on Twitter. Turning Point USA founder Charlie Kirk shared the video, calling it "graphic." The Libs of TikTok account, meanwhile, called the White House Pride event "a disgrace to [the] country." "These are the 'bravest and most inspiring people [President Joe] Biden has ever known," Collin Rugg of Trending Politics sarcastically noted. "The country you once knew is gone." The Biden administration quickly moved when news of Montoya's actions went viral. A spokesperson said on June 13 that the MTF model was now persona non grata at future White House events for "inappropriate and disrespectful" behavior. "This behavior is inappropriate and disrespectful for any event at the White House," the spokesperson told the New York Post. "It is not reflective of the event we hosted to celebrate LGBT families or the other hundreds of guests who were in attendance. Individuals in the video will not be invited to future events." (Related: Pride month is a cynical exercise in state-enforced homosexuality.) Montoya plays the victim card, defends shameless behavior Amid criticism of his actions during the June 10 event, Montoya posted a video on Instagram justifying his shameless behavior at the White House grounds. "It has recently come to my attention that conservatives are trying to use the video of me topless at the White House to try to call the [LGBT] community groomers," Montoya said in the June 13 video. "I would just like to say that, first of all, going topless in Washington, D.C. is legal. I fully support the movement in freeing the nipple because why is my chest now deemed inappropriate or illegal when I show it off? However, before coming out as trans, it was not." Montoya then pulled off a reverse psychology card, claiming that the criticisms against his actions only affirm his "womanhood." He continued: "All you're doing is saying that trans women are women because, for some reason, people like to sexualize women's bodies and say that they are inappropriate." According to him, his decision to go topless on the White House lawn was influenced by the FTM individuals he posed with. Montoya explained: "My transmasculine friends are showing off their top surgery scars and living in joy, and I wanted to join them. Because it is perfectly within the law in Washington, D.C., I decided to join them and cover my nipples just to play it safe." Ultimately, the MTF transgender justified his decision "because [he] wanted to be fully free and [be himself.] "I had zero intention of trying to be vulgar or be profane in any way. I was simply living in joy, living my truth and existing in my body. Happy Pride. Free the nipple." Visit GayMafia.news for more stories about Pride parades and events. Watch this video of Rose Montoya on the White House grounds, including his topless stunt. This video is from the Red Voice Media channel on Brighteon.com. More related stories: Elementary school holds gay pride parade in hallways, makes students march with rainbow flags and painted signs [Video]. Tammy Cuthbert Garcia: TRANSHUMANISM is the ultimate goal of the transgender movement. Disney sponsored Paris gay pride event featuring transgender prostitute, drag shows. Transgender HHS official confirms that Biden fully supports child mutilations. Huge success: National 'pride' flag walk-out day. Sources include: Newsweek.com NYPost.com Brighteon.com Gov. Newsom of California wants to SCRAP the Second Amendment by pushing new 28th Amendment Since he and his party have been unsuccessful in their attempts to scrap the Second Amendment entirely, California Gov. Gavin Newsom proposed a new 28th Amendment this week that would "enshrine fundamental, broadly supported gun safety measures into law." In a press release, Newsom claimed that his 28th Amendment plan will "leav[e] the 2nd Amendment unchanged" while "respecting America's gun-owning tradition," even though it would impose sweeping new "common sense constitutional protections and gun safety measures that Democrats, Republicans, independent voters and gun owners overwhelmingly support." What do these "common sense constitutional protections and gun safety measures" entail? According to Newsom, they include instituting universal background checks, raising the firearm purchase age to 21, mandating a firearm purchase waiting period and stopping the civilian purchase of so-called "assault weapons." (Related: Newsom had a meltdown recently over Target's decision to remove satanic LGBT pride apparel for babies from some of its retail stores.) Nothing about Newsom's 28th Amendment proposal is constitutional Newsom did not actually come up with the idea, but rather stole it from left-wing filmmaker and propagandist Michael Moore who nearly a year ago wrote the following about what a newly imposed 28th Amendment would do to the Second Amendment: "The inalienable right of a free people to be kept safe from gun violence and the fear thereof must not be infringed and shall be protected by the Congress and the States. This Amendment thus repeals and replaces the Second Amendment." In other words, Newsom's press release is riddled with lies that make it seem like a 28th Amendment would not in any way infringe on the Second Amendment, which is patently false. Moore's proposal includes a total of eight sections' worth of new restrictions such as mandatory licensing and registration of all guns; requiring proof "for the few who can demonstrate a special need for personal protection"; a new vetting process whereby government authorities are free to anonymously interview anyone a person has ever known, including exes and enemies, before allowing a gun purchase; requiring attendance at annual classes and the taking of written tests to keep one's firearms legal; a minimum age requirement of 25 with annual licensing renewal mandates; and an approved firearms list that includes bans on semi-automatic rifles along with any weapon that holds more than six "bullets." Moore also wants to ban 3D-printed "plastic" or printed guns, as well as impose new purchasing restrictions on ammunition. He also wants to force authorities to obtain psychic powers by requiring that no weapons of any kind be sold to people "whose sole intention is the premeditated elimination of human life." Moore's version of the 28th Amendment would also require that police officers receive special scrutiny for "violent or racist behavior," using Antifa's "standards" for determining what is "racist." While officers of the law certainly need to be reined in from committing police abuse, Moore's proposal, like most leftist proposals, makes it all about skin color and politics. "Persons already owning any of the above banned firearms, and who do not fall into the legal groups of restricted firearms owners, will have one month from the ratification of this Amendment to turn in their firearms for destruction by local law enforcement," reads Section 8 of Moore's 28th Amendment proposal. To be fair, Newsom's 28th Amendment proposal is not nearly as draconian as Moore's which technically makes it more dangerous because it has a much greater chance of receiving enough public support to eventually, potentially, get it added to the United States Constitution. Learn more about how to protect the Second Amendment from assault by the likes of Newsom and Moore at SecondAmendment.news. Sources for this article include: Ammoland.com NaturalNews.com Nuclear-armed nations are expanding and modernizing their nuclear arsenals in anticipation of a potential global power conflict The world's nuclear-armed states are expanding and modernizing their arsenals of nuclear weapons as tensions between the world's great powers continue to rise and these nations continue to militarize in anticipation of a potential global power conflict. This is according to a new report from the Stockholm International Peace Research Institute (SIPRI), a Swedish peace study-focused think tank. According to SIPRI's estimates, the world's nine nuclear-armed states China, France, India, Israel, North Korea, Pakistan, Russia, the United Kingdom and the United States deployed an additional 86 nuclear warheads over the past year. This brings the total number of active nuclear weapons in the world to 9,576. When including nuclear weapons held in reserve, that number goes up to 12,512. (Related: Global military spending hits record-high $2.24 trillion amid ongoing conflict in Ukraine, heightened tension in Taiwan.) "Most of the nuclear-armed states are hardening their rhetoric about the importance of nuclear weapons, and some are even issuing explicit or implicit threats about potentially using them," said SIPRI associate researcher Matt Korda. "This elevated nuclear competition has dramatically increased the risk that nuclear weapons might be used in anger for the first time since World War II." China adds more new nuclear weapons than any other nation Russia and the U.S. remain the world's largest owners of nuclear weaponry. Together, they possess almost 90 percent of all nuclear weapons. The size of their respective nuclear arsenals remained relatively stable in 2022, although there is a level of uncertainty here as transparency regarding nuclear forces declined in both countries. The deployed nuclear weapons of the U.S., the U.K., France and Israel did not change. Russia's stockpile grew by 12 from 477 in January 2022 to 489 the next year. India added four new nuclear warheads to its stockpile of 164 and Pakistan's grew by five to 170. North Korea also added five more warheads, bringing its own relatively meager deployment up to 30 active nuclear weapons. Most new nuclear weapons deployed came from China. SIPRI estimated that the communist nation's nuclear arsenal expanded from 350 warheads in January 2022 to 410 warheads in January 2023, and it is expected to keep growing. The People's Liberation Army could be restructuring itself to be at nuclear parity with either the U.S. or Russia in terms of the number of nuclear-capable intercontinental ballistic missiles in its arsenal by the end of the decade. "China has started a significant expansion of its nuclear arsenal," said Hans M. Kristensen, a senior fellow with SIPRI. "It is increasingly difficult to square this trend with China's declared aim of having only the minimum nuclear forces needed to maintain national security." It should also be noted that SIPRI believes the number of nuclear warheads deployed by nuclear-armed nations is likely underreported. Russia and the U.S. are no longer as transparent about their nuclear deployments. In 2021, the British government said it would no longer publicly disclose its quantities of nuclear weapons, but it did announce that year that it will increase the limit on its arsenal from 225 to 260 deployed warheads. Most, if not all, the other nuclear-armed nations continue to remain very secretive about their nuclear deployments. Israel, for example, continues to not publicly acknowledge possessing nuclear weapons, and its status as a nuclear-armed nation remains an unconfirmed open secret. "In this period of high geopolitical tension and mistrust, with communication channels between nuclear-armed rivals closed or barely functioning, the risks of miscalculation, misunderstanding or accident are unacceptably high," warned SIPRI Director Dan Smith. "There is an urgent need to restore nuclear diplomacy and strengthen international controls on nuclear arms." Learn more bout the expansion of nuclear arsenals across the world at NuclearWeapons.news. Watch this episode of "Brighteon Broadcast News" as Mike Adams, the Health Ranger, warns about how President Joe Biden is provoking a nuclear war. This video is from the Health Ranger Report channel on Brighteon.com. More related stories: Putin: Russia will deploy tactical NUCLEAR WEAPONS in Belarus by early July. Israeli top official warns Iran's uranium enough to build up to 5 NUCLEAR WEAPONS. China begins its largest-ever expansion of nuclear arsenal. North Korea just tested their version of the Poseidon doomsday weapon that can create a "radioactive tsunami" that could kill millions. FEMA map shows areas most at risk of being targeted by nuclear warheads in a war. Sources include: SHTFPlan.com SIPRI.org ResponsibleStatecraft.org Brighteon.com Political satirist (me) under criminal investigation in Berlin The Berlin State Prosecutor has launched a criminal investigation of me for tweeting the image on the cover of my book, The Rise of the New Normal Reich (Article by CJ Hopkins republished from CJHopkins.substack.com) I am charged with disseminating propaganda, the contents of which are intended to further the aims of a former National Socialist organization, which is punishable by imprisonment for not more than three years or a fine. The propaganda in question is the image on the cover of my book, which image will be familiar to the thousands of readers who have bought and read it. It was a Barnes & Noble and Amazon bestseller upon its release in 2022, and continues to sell quite well internationally. As you might recall, the book was banned by Amazon in Germany, Austria, and The Netherlands in August 2022 (i.e., the time of my alleged Twitter crimes). The Prosecutors notice orders me to respond to the charge within two weeks, though its possible the deadline to respond was today, June 8, 2023 (i.e, the day I received the notice of the investigation, dated May 25, 2023, in the mail). Along with my response to the charge, I am ordered to provide the Prosecutor with all my personal identification papers and documentation of my net monthly income. Obviously, the cover of my book is not propaganda intended to further the aims of a former National Socialist organization. Anyone vaguely familiar with my work over the last 30 years is aware of my fierce opposition to fascism, totalitarianism, and all other forms of authoritarianism. The charge is utterly ridiculous. Swastikas are banned in Germany if they are used to promote Nazism, fascism, neo-Nazi organizations, etc. However, they are allowed to be displayed for the purposes of civic education, countering anti-constitutional activities, art and science, research and education, coverage of historic and current events, and similar purposes, according to German law. Given the circumstances, I have to assume the Berlin State Prosecutor has launched this absurd investigation in order to punish me for my aggressive opposition to the roll-out of the New Normal, or intimidate me into silence. Theres quite a lot of that going around these days just ask Matt Taibbi, Roger Waters, Sucharit Bhakdi, and Kit Klarenberg, among others. It is possible these trumped-up charges are also a result of my criticism of the official Russia/Ukraine narrative. Ive been pretty tough on the NATO-backed neo-Nazis and the official propaganda the corporate media has been churning out. Whatever the actual reason is, I am, needless to say, angry. I will be responding to this baseless and unsupportable charge in a robust fashion. Ill keep you posted. In the meantime, I need to go hire a lawyer. Read more at: CJHopkins.substack.com Smoke from Canadian wildfires darkens skies, triggers health warnings for millions Canada's wildfire season is off to a disastrous and fiery start this year. According to the countrys natural resources department, over 8.1 million acres of land have already burned by early June. Experts warn that in a typical fire season, only about 600,000 acres would have been burned by this time of year in Canada. Meanwhile, millions of Americans in the Midwest and the Northeast were under air-quality alerts last June 6, as smoke moving south from over 400 reported active Canadian wildfires darkened the Manhattan skyline and affected air quality in several U.S. states. The wildfires in Canada were so severe that they have sent smoke billowing into the U.S., where residents from the Dakotas to Massachusetts have to deal with smoky air. Researchers say that warmer temperatures and drier conditions over the past four decades are contributing to more frequent, extreme forest-fire events in North America and around the world. According to the National Weather Service (NWS), millions of people in the eastern half of the U.S. are currently under air-quality alerts and are being asked to limit outdoor activities. Air-quality readings in NYC approaching the levels of Doha and New Delhi Recent air-quality reading in New York City was 159, an unhealthy number approaching the levels of other cities like Doha, Qatar, and New Delhi, India. Smoky haze has become more common in many Western states like California, where mega wildfires have burned within the last few years. However, the ash-gray skies and charred smells floating around Manhattan early in June were unheard of. Mark Levine, Manhattan Borough president, tweeted a photo of the skyline from his office and noted that the smoke was bad enough to obscure the Empire State Building. In an interview, Levine said that he saw more people wearing masks since early June, adding that the amount of smoke is "both unprecedented and jarring." Like other cities that lived through the Wuhan coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic, Levine said that citizens are "feeling a little bit of trauma because of flashbacks to the times when breathing itself could be a risk." Kathy Hochul, the governor of New York, and the state departments of environmental conservation and health issued an air-quality health advisory for several regions, including the city and Long Island. (Related: Bark beetles transformed millions of acres of trees in California into fuel for wildfires.) Additionally, officials warned residents to limit strenuous outdoor activity. Dr. James McDonald, the acting state health commissioner, advised that those "who are especially sensitive to the effects of elevated levels of pollutants," such as very young children and people with pre-existing respiratory problems like asthma or heart disease, should avoid spending time outdoors unless necessary. Jose Arias, a Manhattan resident, jokingly compared the atmosphere to the one in the movie "Red Dawn." Arias also said that the smoke had left the city smelling "kind of funny." Referencing the 9/11 terrorist attacks, Arias added that he hadn't seen so much smoke like this "since the Twin Towers." The Canadian wildfires have been ongoing for weeks from coast to coast. Jonathan Wilkinson, the Canadian natural resources minister, warned that this wildfire season could be "the most severe in the countrys history if the current trajectory continues." Data from Canada suggest that at least 50 percent of forest fires are caused by humans, often accidentally. However, the other half are ignited by lightning strikes, explained Piyush Jain, an adjunct professor at the University of Alberta and a research scientist at the Canadian Forest Service. Environment and Climate Change Canada, the country's official weather-data agency, reported that last month was one of the hottest Mays on record in western Canada. Jain said that a review of data, dating back to 1979, suggests that extreme fire events have been increasing globally. Canadian wildfire season estimated to last until September Canada's natural resources department warned that out of the more than 400 active wildfires, 249 were out of control. Over 26,000 residents remained evacuated from their homes early in June and millions remain under air-quality alerts. Officials said that Canadian wildfire season usually lasts from May to September, beginning when the snow melts and dead vegetation that eventually turns into fuel for fires is uncovered. Mining and energy companies have suspended activities in Quebec because the provincial government banned access to areas where they work that are at high risk of fires. At the news briefing, Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau warned that the country has been "seeing more and more intense wildfires and in places where they dont normally happen. He added that three provinces, Alberta in the West and Quebec and Nova Scotia in the East, requested federal assistance to help with firefighting and other response efforts. As of writing, Canada has deployed hundreds of military members to respond to the fires. Trudeau added that hundreds of firefighters have come to Canada from countries like Australia, France, New Zealand, South Africa and the U.S. to help. Tips to prevent wildfires If you spend a lot of time outdoors camping and hiking, follow the tips below to do your part and help prevent wildfires. Check weather and drought conditions Before you head out, check weather and drought conditions, which can affect the flammability of vegetation. Avoid activities that involve fire or sparks when the weather is hot, dry and windy. If the conditions arent right, choose non-flammable options. Build campfires in an open location and away from flammables As a responsible camper, you must know how to build and extinguish a campfire properly. Follow these tips to build a safe campfire: Start the fire in a flat, open location away from flammable materials like brush, decaying leaves and needles, or logs. ? Scrape away all grass, leaves and needles down to the mineral soil. Cut the firewood in short lengths, pile it within the cleared area and then light the fire. Watch the fire. Extinguish it completely before leaving the area. Douse your campfire until its cold Follow the tips below to make sure your campfire is completely out: Douse the fire with at least one bucket of water. Stir the remains of the fire and the water. Add another bucket of water. Stir the remains of the fire again. Make sure your campfire is cold to the touch before leaving the area. Keep vehicles off dry grass When off-roading, remember that a car's exhaust can reach temperatures of up to 1,000+ degrees. Avoid driving or parking over areas with dry grass. Check conditions and regulations before using fireworks, or consider safe alternatives In America, fireworks start over 19,000 fires and send over 9,000 people to the ER annually. Always check the local federal, state and city regulations before using fireworks. States, counties and cities may have different laws and regulations, so checking area-specific regulations could help you avoid an improper fireworks use penalty, or causing and having to fight a wildfire. Consider safe alternatives to fireworks like glow sticks. Visit Disaster.news to read more articles about wildfires and other natural disasters. Watch the video below to learn how to protect yourself and your family if your area is affected by smoke from the Canadian wildfires. This video is from the Daily Videos channel on Brighteon.com. More related stories: Californias Creek Fire generates smoke clouds up to 50,000 feet in height. NASA image shows thick smoke billowing from Colorados East Troublesome Fire. Massive California wildfires last year were caused by arson, not climate change. Sources include: WSJ.com DOI.gov Brighteon.com Report: Trump prosecutor Jay Bratts alleged misconduct causing a problem for DOJ An attorney who represents former President Donald Trumps valet, who is under scrutiny as part of Special Counsel Jack Smiths investigation, alleged in a letter that the U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) prosecutor handling the case engaged in misconduct that is reportedly being viewed as a problem, within the DOJ, according to The Guardian. (Article by Jordan Dixon-Hamilton republished from Breitbart.com) Smiths investigation is looking into Trumps handling of White House documents, some of which were found during the raid on Trumps Mar-a-Lago estate. Walt Nauta, a Mar-a-Lago valet, is under scrutiny as part of the probe as prosecutors reportedly suspect he helped Trump conceal classified documents that had been subpoenaed. Last November, DOJ counterintelligence chief Jay Bratt summoned Nautas attorney, Stanley Woodward, for a meeting at DOJ headquarters regarding an urgent matter that they were reluctant to discuss over the phone, The Guardian reported, relying on a letter filed under seal with the chief U.S. Judge in Washington, DC, James Boasberg. During that meeting, Bratt allegedly brought up Woodwards application to be a superior court judge in Washington, DC, when trying to gain Nautas cooperation in the investigation. The meeting between Bratt and Woodward occurred after Nauta had already spoken with prosecutors as part of their investigation into the former president. As The Guardian reported: Nauta should cooperate with the government because he had given potentially conflicting testimony that could result in a false statements charge, the prosecutors said according to the letter. Woodward is said to have demurred, disputing that Nauta had made false statements. Bratt then turned to Woodward and remarked that he had not taken Woodward to be a Trump guy before noting that he knew Woodward had submitted an application to be a judge at the superior court in Washington DC that was currently pending, the letter said. The allegation, in essence, is that Bratt suggested Woodwards judicial application might be considered more favorably if he and his client cooperated against Trump. The letter was filed after Trumps lawyers submitted a motion on Monday seeking grand jury transcripts, because of what they viewed as potential misconduct. The Guardians report recognized that Bratts mention of Woodwards judicial application could have been his attempt at making small talk. However, Guardian reporter Hugo Lowell spoke with multiple people inside the DOJ who told him, This incident with Jay Bratt is widely known inside the National Security Division and is being viewed as a problem. Unclear whether it affects the Mar-a-Lago investigation but the chief judge in Washington has ordered briefings, Lowell added. NEW: Multiple people from DOJ telling me that this incident with Jay Bratt is widely known inside the National Security Division and is being viewed as a problem. Unclear whether it affects the Mar-a-Lago investigation but the chief judge in Washington has ordered briefings. https://t.co/k0DSdEi4PQ Hugo Lowell (@hugolowell) June 8, 2023 Reports of Bratts alleged misconduct came the same week that Timothy Parlatore, a former Trump defense attorney, accused prosecutors working on the special counsels investigation of crossing a red line during grand jury proceedings. In a statement after his testimony before the grand jury, Parlatore said it was clear that the government was not acting appropriately and made several improper attempts to pierce privilege and, in my opinion, made several significant misstatements to the [grand] jury, which I believe constitutes prosecutorial misconduct. Read more at: Breitbart.com Counteroffensive: Western tanks fight Russians for first time, one German Leopard lost, reports claim Ukraine has sent Western tanks into battle with Russia for the first time as the counteroffensive appears to have started in earnest, with President Zelensky praising his troops for getting results amid heavy fighting. (Article by Oliver JJ Lane republished from Breitbart.com) The long-discussed Ukrainian counteroffensive appears to be underway, with Ukrainian president Volodymyr Zelensky using a video address to congratulate his fighters in Donetsk and Bakhmut. Per a translation in Londons The Times, he said: There is very heavy fighting in Donetsk region But there are results and I am grateful to those who achieved these results. Well done in Bakhmut. Step by step. Footage from Russian sources of a Ukrainian assault on Mala Tokmachka, Zaporizhzhia Oblast with Leopard 2 tanks and M113 reportedly from yesterday. https://t.co/KtPRMDd8rdhttps://t.co/34qSFA8xxvpic.twitter.com/PoRJtDGKHx Rob Lee (@RALee85) June 8, 2023 Reports claim there is a major Ukrainian assault underway towards Tokmak, northeast of Melitopol. The town, per The Guardian, is a major rail junction on the line towards Russian-occupied Crimea and their Black Sea Fleet which is stationed there. As previously reported, Russia is extremely reliant on the railway network to reinforce and supply its military, and there have been attacks on the rail link to the Black Sea Fleet before. A major development of the fighting in Ukraine in the past few days is the deployment, believed to be for the first time, of Western-supplied main battle tanks against Russian forces. While Ukraine has been training on these vehicles since last year and in some cases took delivery of large numbers of tanks months ago, they have been held back from the front lines until now. While Ukraine has said it wont confirm or deny the counteroffensive is happening for strategic reasons, Brigadier Ben Barry of the London-based International Institute for Strategic Studies told the paper the emergence of western tanks in-country was a clear indicator things were starting. He said: A signature indicator would be large numbers of western armoured fighting vehicles including: Leopard and Challenger 2 tanks, Bradley and Marder infantry fighting vehicles and M113 APCs. Ukraine Gain: U.S. M1 Abrams Battle Tanks Land in Germany Ahead of Schedule https://t.co/ObRfwBNizd Breitbart London (@BreitbartLondon) May 12, 2023 Russian bloggers are now reporting Leopards and Bradleys attacking in Tokmak in Zaporizhzhia Oblast. If confirmed, it suggests at least one Ukrainian assault brigade has been committed Id comment that if Ukraine can rapidly break through a defensive belt or belts, it could get behind the Russian defences and unpick them. While those Russian bloggers have been claiming for days their armed forces have managed to destroy Western tanks in the field already one fact-checked case appeared to show an air-strike on combine harvesters mistaken for tanks some reports now state a donated main battle tank has in fact been lost in combat for the first time. Video shared on Russian social media shows aerial combat footage allegedly taken 35 miles southeast of Zaporizhzhia in Southern Ukraine of a column of Ukrainian armour coming under fire, reports the Financial Times, noting at least two German-made Leopard 2 tanks and two U.S. made M113 APCs are visible. As stated by Forbes, the footage appears to confirm Russia has indeed destroyed a modern Western tank on the front lines, a Leopard 2 which can be seen burning up. Western tanks are now arriving in Ukraine in larger numbers, including consignments of British Challenger 2 and German Leopard 2 Main Battle Tanks.https://t.co/8G8CFRzafP Breitbart London (@BreitbartLondon) March 29, 2023 Russias own account of the battle through their state propaganda outlet was typically boastful, claiming theyd destroyed three German-made Leopard 2s in one day, as well as at least 27 other tanks, ten armoured cars, and 350 soldiers. Russia claimed some of the tank losses were due to the Ukrainians driving through minefields, and others due to teams of special operations forces carrying anti-tank missiles. Whatever the truth of the claims, it is certainly true that Leopard 2 tanks have been lost in combat before, embarrassingly in fights against the Islamic State in Syria by Turkey which is a major export customer for the vehicle. While that caused a serious knock of confidence to the German armaments industry that their top-line product was not as invincible as hoped, this week is the first time the tank has done what it was primarily designed to do, fight Russians. It is not clear whether the Leopard 2 will prove vulnerable to Russian attack as this years counteroffensive ploughs on, or if this early loss is part of an acceptable rate of loss, or simply a matter of bad luck. There is also the question of other advanced Western tanks, the M1 Abrams and British Challenger 2, both products of the late Cold War and how they will fare in the European battlefields in confrontation with Russia, as they were originally built for. Visions of Justice: Ukraine Wants Tanks in Moscow, Estonia Talks Nuremberg Trials For Russian Leadershttps://t.co/eQ2Qo3bmv8 Breitbart London (@BreitbartLondon) February 21, 2023 Read more at: Breitbart.com Banana republic: Bidens America just joined seven other sh*thole nations by arresting an opposition leader With the indictment and impending arrest of President Donald Trump on flimsy charges in the state of New York, lots of people have pointed out that America look like a banana republic (Article republished from Revolver.news) Donald Trump has been indicted by the Manhattan grand jury. Last year, Alvin Bragg lowered 52% of all felony charges to misdemeanors. But now he chose to elevate a misdemeanor past the statute of limitations to a felony to indict Trump. Total banana republic shit. Greg Price (@greg_price11) March 30, 2023 Why do people make the banana republic comparison? Because historically in the U.S., presidents and party leaders dont get arrested. By contrast, the use of a novel legal theory to arrest a declared presidential candidate is substantially more routine in the more, er, flawed democracies of the Global South. Its the sort of behavior that the U.S. has a long history of lecturing other countries about and dont worry, theyre definitely happy to remind us of that. Sadly, itll be very hard for US Foreign Policy to use arguments such as democracy and free and fair elections, or try to condemn political persecution in other countries, from now on ????? https://t.co/HQTv0vUuA2 Nayib Bukele (@nayibbukele) March 31, 2023 But as America has invited the rest of the world inside its borders, it has also become like the rest of the world. Here are seven other countries that share Americas newfound love of incarcerating opposition political leaders. Cambodia At the beginning of March, Cambodian opposition leader Kem Sokha was sentenced to 27 years in prison for treason, six years after being arrested for an alleged plot to overthrow the countrys prime minister Hun Sen, who has governed the country since 1998. The allegations against Sokha are specifically that he colluded with a foreign country (America) against the interests of his own. The U.S. State Department released this statement at the time: The United States is deeply troubled by the conviction and 27-year sentence of respected Cambodian political leader Kem Sokha. The multi-year process to silence him, based on a politically-motivated charge, is unjust and profoundly diminishes the Kingdom of Cambodias standing in the international community. The United States has consistently called on the Cambodian government to respect the human rights and fundamental freedoms of Kem Sokha and all people of Cambodia. Kem Sokhas conviction is part of a larger pattern of threats, harassment, and other unacceptable actions by Cambodian authorities to target political opposition leaders, media, and civil society. These actions impede any chance for a free, transparent, and fair electoral process. [State Dept] Tunisia Remember the Arab Spring? Remember how everybody was so upbeat about Democracy and Freedom sweeping across the Middle East? Yeah, well, it didnt work out well. From Syria to Egypt to Libya, large-scale protests and pro-democracy movements ultimately led only to crackdowns, renewed dictatorships, or gruesome civil wars. The lone bright spot was the first nation in the domino chain, Tunisia, which actually did successfully hold relatively peaceful, fair elections that resulted in its first ever democratically-elected president. So yeah, since then, it hasnt gone well. The countrys second democratically elected president, Kais Saied, dismissed parliament, revoked parliamentary immunity, and ruled by decree before implementing his reworked constitution. Most recently, hes been arresting various opposition political figures, something the U.S. chastised him for earlier this month. We are alarmed by reports of criminal charges against individuals in Tunisia resulting from meetings or conversations with US embassy staff on the ground, State Department spokesman Ned Price told reporters. Price said the alleged criminal charges were part of an escalating pattern of arrests against perceived critics of the government. The spokesman refused to identify any of the people believed to have been targeted, nor did he offer any details about their meetings with US diplomats, but he said any such meetings were legitimate. [France 24] Nicaragua Just a few months ahead of a national election in 2021, Nicaraguan police arrested seven opposition leaders within a single week, all of them for the superlatively vague crime of acting against the independence, sovereignty and auto-determination of the country. In response, the Biden Administration slapped sanctions on the Nicaraguan regime for this anti-democracy maneuver. The United States will continue to use all diplomatic and economic tools at our disposal to support Nicaraguans calls for greater freedom and accountability as well as free and fair elections, said Secretary of State Anthony Blinken. The region and the international community must stand with the Nicaraguan people in support of their right to freely choose their government and their freedom from repression and human rights abuses. Georgia No, not the U.S. state with Third-World elections, but the former Soviet republic. In early 2021, Georgian police dragged opposition leader Nika Melia out of his partys headquarters in a violent raid. The case against Melia was rooted in allegations that he incited violence during street protests by his supporters against the government (gee, sound familiar?). The U.S. State Department complained that arresting Melia needlessly raised political tensions in a divided country: The United States is deeply troubled by the arrest of opposition leader Nika Melia and other members of the opposition in Georgia. Polarizing rhetoric, force and aggression are not the solution to Georgias political differences. We call on all sides to avoid actions that could further escalate tensions and to engage in good faith negotiations to resolve the current political crisis. [State Dept] Nine months later, Melia was released when the European Union posted his bail for him, which probably wont help with any future claims of being a foreign operative. Bolivia At the end of 2022, the left-wing government of Bolivia arrested Luis Fernando Camacho, the right-wing governor of the countrys largest state, on charges of terrorism stemming from his support for 2019 protests that toppled the countrys then-leader Evo Morales. If convicted, Camacho faces up to twenty years in prison. Interestingly, in this case the State Department was not so upset about the arrest of a right-wing opposition leader. A U.S. State Department spokesperson said the department was monitoring developments. We urge the Bolivian government to refrain from excessive use of force against its opposition, including those elected democratically and their supporters. We also call upon the authorities to respect the due process of law against those charged, the spokesperson said. [Reuters] Uganda In 2016, Ugandan presidential candidate Kizza Besigye was arrested on election day, and subsequently charged with treason for encouraging illegal protests and challenging the legitimacy of Ugandas election results. At the time, the U.S. didnt like it at all. The United States condemns the detention of opposition presidential candidate Kizza Besigye while voting and tallying is going on. Such an action calls into question Ugandas commitment to a transparent and free election process, free from intimidation, State Department spokesman John Kirby told reporters. [Reuters] Ukraine From 2018 until 2021, Viktor Medvedchuk was the chairman of the 2nd-largest political party in Ukraine, the pro-Russia Opposition Platform For Life party. Then, that spring, Ukrainian president Volodymyr Zelensky froze Medvedchuks assets and placed him under house arrest on charges of funding terrorism, three months after Zelensky banned three TV Medvedchuk-linked TV channels for their support of opposition parties and generally pro-Russian outlook. Even though Ukrainian law caps house arrest at just six months, Medvedchuks house arrest was extended four times to more than ten months until the Russian invasion set off a chain of events that got him deported to Russia. Once again, the U.S. State Department sharply critic-oh wait, actually, they didnt condemn Medevedchuks arrest and imprisonment, and the U.S. actually praised Zelensky for banning opposition TV stations, on the grounds that it helped combat disinformation. But hey, dont feel bad! Third world autocracies might not have secure rule of law or political pluralism, but they do enjoy a low cost of living, pleasant traditional lifestyles, some pretty architecture, and low obesity. Read more at: Revolver.news Even Catholic hospitals are mutilating children with gender-affirming transgender care The largest Catholic health system in America has been quietly funding and performing transgender surgeries and other "gender-affirming" medical interventions in direct defiance of traditional Catholic teachings. According to an investigative report from the Lepanto Institute, a Catholic research and education group, CommonSpirit Health, which operates more than 1,000 care sites and 140 hospitals in 21 states, is fully pro-LGBT in the sense that it funds and performs all sorts of transgender interventions including the prescription of cross-sex hormones and puberty blockers to patients. Author and Lepanto Institute founder and president Michael Hichborn put together the 64-page expose, entitled "CommonSpirit and the Sex-Change Industry." He reveals the connections between the Catholic health network in the United States and its direct ties to the Vatican. A self-described lifelong Catholic, Hichborn says he is both "saddened" and "horrified" at the gross moral decline taking place within certain factions of the Catholic Church. His mission is "to make sure that Catholics are Catholics and that those who operate in the name of the Catholic Church do so in line with all of her teachings." (Related: The Biden regime is trying to turn Catholic and Christian doctors into murderers by forcing them perform abortions or else lose their medical license.) Is the Vatican really okay with Catholic hospitals offering sex-change procedures to patients? The types of medical interventions taking place at CommonSpirit health locations stand in "gross defiance" of the official values held by the Catholic Church, which traditional rejects homosexuality and transgenderism, as well as abortion and even contraceptives, all of which are being offered and promoted at dozens of CommonSpirit hospitals and medical facilities across the U.S. "In addition to performing sex-change operations, CommonSpirit provides employee benefits that cover sex-change operations, transgender hormone treatments, and even puberty blockers for kids," the report states. A promotional video accompanying Hichborn's report warns that the types of transgender procedures being offered and promoted throughout the CommonSpirit health care system have "seized the world by the throat" and are "choking the life out of the bedrock of civilization: the family." "And this is happening right under the nose of the Vatican," it further warns you can watch the video below: While it remains unknown if any CommonSpirit Health locations have performed transgender procedures on children, the fact that puberty blockers are being offered and promoted at some locations does suggest that underage children are receiving "gender-affirming care" by the Catholic institution. "The horrifying thing when you start getting into the science of the puberty blockers and the transitional hormones, is they do permanent damage to these kids," Hichborn told The Epoch Times. "They talk about how puberty blockers just kind of put a pause on puberty or pubertal development, and that's a lie." "It doesn't put a pause on it; it actually damages these kids to the point that many of them wind up being sterile." Hichborn's report reveals the chain of command that gives CommonSpirit Health its Catholic identity. The Catholic Health Care Federation gave it this designation, and above that is the Vatican's Congregation for the Institutes of Consecrated Life and Societies of Apostolic Life in Rome. "The only authority in the church that has the ability to judge the actions of CommonSpirit is the Vatican," Hichborn added. "Because CommonSpirit is a subsidiary of the Catholic Health Care Federation, it is subject only to the Pope and the Pope's governing bodies in Rome." Internal Revenue Service (IRS) 990 forms confirm that CommonSpirit Health is part of the Catholic Church, benefitting from certain religious exemption tax breaks. The latest news about the transgender craze and the way it is creeping its way into religion can be found at Transhumanism.news. Sources for this article include: TheEpochTimes.com LepantoIn.org NaturalNews.com YouTube.com Jeffrey Prather: Deep State global cabal is the real PUPPET MASTER Brighteon.TV According to former intelligence officer Jeffrey Prather, the Deep State global cabal is the real puppet master behind all of the chaos the world is currently experiencing. He made this assertion during the June 9 episode of "The Prather Point" on Brighteon.TV. Prather said this same cabal holds the strings of incumbent President Joe Biden and former President Barack Obama both Democrats. "So it's not really the puppet presidents, [but] the puppet master. And the real puppet master is the global cabal which is the Deep State, the double government which really delves into the intelligence community," Prather said. (Related: Prather Point: Deep State intel community now running new FALSE FLAG ops Brighteon.TV.) The Brighteon.TV host noted that Democrats have no real understanding of kinetics. He pointed out that nothing Obama has done worked, and it appears to be the same case with Biden. Prather lamented that they have no experience, feel or comfort talking about kinetics and with military people. He said the real problem is that the president who also serves as the commander-in-chief is not a former military official. Previous presidents such as George Washington, Abraham Lincoln and Dwight Eisenhower are examples of former military men who eventually became chief executives. Deep State moving the gears of war in Ukraine Prather cited an article from the American Partisan, pointing out that U.S. ammunition stocks are almost depleted because they have been given to Ukrainian forces. He quoted remarks by the Department of Defense (DoD) back in February 2022, when the Russia-Ukraine war broke out. The DoD at the time pledged to increase its production of 155-millimeter (mm) artillery rounds from 14,000 per month to 20,000 or more. The department plans to churn out more than 70,000 rounds by 2025 a 500 percent increase according to Prather. Despite the plans to increase production, Prather noted that the U.S. will still be only halfway in keeping its stocks afloat. This is because Washington has already sent more than 800,000 155-mm artillery rounds to Kyiv. The "Prather Point" host also mentioned the air space exercise organized by the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) in Eastern Europe. The exercise, which began on June 12 and will last until June 24, is a war simulation against an "imaginary enemy" which people all know is Russia. In line with this, he disclosed that the planes stored at the Davis-Monthan Air Force Base in Arizona are being activated confirming his intel. Prather said: "All of these storage planes are being activated. They are being flown to the Philippines to ostensibly defend Taiwan, and to Poland to ostensibly defend Ukraine." "Now that will not happen. That is to simply deplete our stocks," he continued, citing the fact that the military is running out of jet fuel for the planes. "The real purpose of this is to disarm the military, just like they're trying to disarm the population by making the AR pistols actually go by creating more laws so that the enemies can have free rein. That's why they destroyed the police so, the criminals have free rein," the Brighteon.TV host stressed. "We don't have the troops. We don't have the ships. We don't have the diesel fuel. And we don't have the rounds to do anything about it. But most importantly, we don't have the resolve to do it." Follow DeepState.news for more news about the Deep State. Watch the June 9 episode of "The Prather Point" below. Tune in to "The Prather Point" with Jeffrey Prather every Friday at 10-11 a.m. and every Saturday at 7-8 p.m. on Brighteon.TV. More related stories: U.S. government says "Russia" will soon attack power grid, which means the deep state is planning another false flag attack on America. Alex Newman: War advances Deep State objective of one world government. Deep State at work: CIA helped gather signatures from U.S. intel figures and officials for letter falsely suggesting Hunter Biden laptop was Russian disinfo. Jeffrey Prather talks about the Deep State's role in Jan. 6 false flag attack on US Capitol Brighteon.TV. America Unhinged: Dr. John Diamond reveals how MONEY allows the Deep State to control everything Brighteon.TV. Sources include: Brighteon.com AmericanPartisan.org It started with a phone call on a cold, rainy Thursday in December. The caller was Joseph Russell Jr., the CEO of Public Storage, the largest self-storage company in the industry. And he had a question for Joseph Saffire, CEO of Amherst-based Life Storage: Would Saffire be interested in Life Storage being acquired by California-based Public Storage? Saffire didnt immediately answer, and the initial inclination of Life Storages board and management was that they preferred to stay independent. But Russells inquiry nevertheless set in motion a series of events over three-and-a half months that Life Storage executives and directors couldnt stop, pushing the company into the arms of another suitor, Extra Space Storage. Public Storage and Extra Space were vying to buy Life Storage, sweetening their offers along the way. A third potential buyer thought about it but didnt make an offer. Private investors made it known they might like to be part of a different type of deal. Big shareholders pushed Life Storages management and directors to sell. Along the way, Life Storage board members weighed a crucial question: accept an offer or keep growing the company on its own? In the end, they decided to sell. Extra Spaces deal, presently valued at $11.5 billion, is a windfall for Life Storage executives. Saffire is in line for a compensation package worth nearly $34 million, predominantly in stock, according to documents filed with regulators. Its also good for Life Storage shareholders, who will reap a 32% gain when the deal closes, compared with what their shares were worth before news of Public Storages bid first became public. But its also bad for as many as 116 of Life Storages local workers, who will lose their jobs after Extra Space takes over. Life Storage, which went public in 1995, is among the small number of publicly traded companies based in the Buffalo area. The deal is a reminder of how pressure from shareholders and rival bidders can determine the fate of publicly held companies. Heres a look at how the deal unfolded, as recounted in public documents: A Public push After Russell contacted Saffire, officials from the two companies subsequently talked, with Public Storage proposing an all-stock transaction. Later that month, Life Storages board met, along with management and the companys legal and financial advisers. The board talked about the proposal, as well as Life Storages strategic plan for growth. The board decided not to continue discussions with Public Storage, and notified Public Storage of its decision. But Public Storage didnt go away. On Jan. 12, Russell called Saffire to tell him Public Storage was still interested. That same day, Public Storage submitted a preliminary, nonbinding offer, valued at $124.12 per Life Storage share. Life Storages board met Jan. 30. The directors decided Public Storages offer while representing a premium to recent trading prices for Life Storages stock was not in the best interest of Life Storage shareholders. They rejected the offer. But Life Storage also started to consider other alternatives. That same week, Saffire communicated with the CEO of an unidentified large self-storage company, referred to only as Party A. Meetings were scheduled between Saffire, Life Storage chairman Mark Barberio and Party As CEO for early February. Public Storage still wasnt giving up, reiterating its proposal in a Feb. 5 letter to Life Storage. And for the first time, Public Storage made its plans publicly known. The company announced an $11 billion bid that would pay shareholders a 17% premium over market value at the time. Public Storage executives Russell and chairman Ronald Havner Jr. shared their frustration in a letter to Life Storage executives. We believe your persistent unwillingness to engage in discussions regarding this highly beneficial transaction is contrary to the interests of your shareholders, they wrote. Meanwhile, Saffire and Barberio met with the Party A CEO and a member of its board. At the end, Party As CEO declined to continue discussions in the near term, but left the door open for future talks. Life Storages board met Feb. 9 and discussed, among other things, how Public Storage had taken its acquisition bid public. In the end, the board rejected Public Storages offer, saying it undervalued Life Storage and discounted its prospects to grow even further. Life Storage made plans to release that news Feb. 16. Extra Space gets ready Meanwhile, in Utah, a new contender was about to enter the fray. Extra Spaces board met for a regular meeting Feb. 15 and discussed Public Storages bid for Life Storage. Joseph Margolis, Extra Spaces CEO, noted that his company had considered a potential deal with Life Storage in the past. The board told its management to be ready to respond to outreach from Life Storage about a possible combination. After Life Storage announced Feb. 16 it had rejected Public Storages deal, Life Storage chairman Barberio called Ronald Havner Jr., Public Storages chairman. They left open the possibility of future discussions between the two companies. Financial advisers for the two companies discussed exchanging information in order to assist Public Storage with submitting an enhanced proposal. Life Storages board met Feb. 28. The companys management talked about communications Life Storage had received from significant shareholders and industry analysts after the company released its quarterly and full-year earnings. Company leaders said stockholders were urging Life Storage to engage with Public Storage and other potential partners, including to find out if a higher price could be had. A consequential call On March 3, Saffire made what turned out to be a consequential call. He contacted Extra Spaces CEO, Margolis, to ask if Extra Space would be interested in talking about a deal. Margolis said Extra Space had strong interest, and they agreed to meet five days later in Sarasota, Fla. During the next month, Life Storage kept in contact separately with Public Storage and Extra Space. Life Storage management said they had received inquiries from private capital sources interested in playing a supporting role, but not in making an acquisition proposal. On March 17, Extra Space submitted an offer that confirmed its interest, with a value of $133.57 per share. While that topped Public Storages bid, Barberio warned Kenneth Woolley, Extra Spaces chairman, the offer would likely be perceived as inadequate, given the potential of a higher bid. Weighing options Life Storages board reviewed its options. The companys financial advisers indicated there were few potential buyers with the financial ability and interest to make a deal. There were the offers received from Public Storage and Extra Space. The third potential suitor, Party A, had not shown interest in submitting an offer. Life Storage considered reaching out to more potential buyers, but worried that outreach might also result in leaks. The Life Storage board authorized its financial advisers to contact a specified potential cash buyer, identified as Party B, and to encourage Public Storage and Extra Space to boost their offers. (Party B eventually ended up taking a pass.) The next day, Extra Spaces interest in Life Storage became public knowledge when Bloomberg published a story on March 22. Sweetening their offers At Life Storages urging, Public Storage and Extra Space bumped up their offers. Life Storage wanted to wrap up the process in late March. Public Storage sweetened its offer by 5% over its initial proposal. Barberio and Saffire urged Public Storage to put its best foot forward with a higher offer. Public Storage responded with another increase, boosting the value of its proposal by 10% over its initial proposal. Meanwhile, Extra Space submitted a revised offer for Life Storage shares representing a 7.2% increase in value over its initial proposal. The bidding was over. Extra Spaces offer was a bit higher. On April 1, Life Storages board chose Extra Spaces offer, which would pay $142.85 per share based on the closing price of Extra Space shares on March 31 versus Public Storages offer, which had a value of $140.50 per share. Life Storage and Extra Space executed an agreement on April 2 and announced their deal the following morning, before the start of the trading day. We are confident it represents the best path forward for our business, Saffire said as the deal was announced. The fallout The deal is now valued at $11.5 billion, and $146.17 per share, based on the closing price of Extra Spaces shares as of May 30. (The actual purchase price will be based on the closing price of Extra Spaces shares on the deals closing date.) The effects of the deal are starting to hit home. Life Storage has notified the state Labor Department that 116 local jobs out of 248 total will eliminated. The cuts will start in late July, after shareholder votes scheduled for July 18. Extra Space says it will keep nearly 88% of Life Storages employees nationwide, and will continue to operate the Amherst administrative office. Three Life Storage directors Saffire, Barberio and Susan Harnett are set to join Extra Spaces board. Along with Saffire, three other Life Storage executives are due compensation packages worth millions of dollars, according to a filing with regulators. David Dodman, the chief operating officer, is in line for $9.5 million in compensation, including about $2.9 million in cash. Alexander Gress, the chief financial officer, is in line for $7 million in total compensation, including nearly $3 million in cash. And Andrew Gregoire, who retired as CFO in January, is due to receive $3 million in compensation, nearly all of it in Extra Space stock. IRS looks the other way while left-wing eco-terrorist groups use fundraising to hire mobs to shut down U.S. senators events Once again, the Internal Revenue Service has proven it is rife with Marxist authoritarians who have no tolerance for other political, cultural, and social points of view. As noted by Frontpage Magazine columnist Daniel Greenfield, the tax agency is looking the other way as eco-terrorist groups hire "rent-a-mobs" to shut down certain events they don't like using donated funds. He writes: Some leftist groups beat around the bush about what they stand for and what they do. Not Climate Defiance which is running a fundraiser to Make Complicit Climate Cowards Lives F____g Miserable. The ecoterrorist group which boasts of having fully shut down Joe Manchins keynote and made pipeline lover Amy Klobuchar flee the stage at her own book launch party is also pretty clear about what donors can buy by funding the environmentalist group. For $100, you get photography for one direct action while $1,000 buys you a whole keynote speech shutdown, soup-to-nuts." Funding for this illegal activity is being facilitated through the payment processors Stripe and PayPal, Greenfield noted. These companies have faced criticism in the past for suspending conservative individuals while seemingly allowing left-leaning individuals to financially support the harassment of elected officials. Despite attempts to reach out for a comment, no response was received from either company, he said. Climate Defiance's operations are also connected to the Democratic National Committee (DNC) through a shared funding platform both share. Climate Defiance announced its fundraiser for a bold action to blockade the White House Correspondents Dinner on April 29th to call attention to President Bidens failed campaign promise to stop drilling on Federal Lands per the Action Network. In that same month, Declare Emergency, an extremist environmental group, gained attention after vandalizing the protective case of Degas' Little Dancer sculpture at the National Gallery of Art. While a federal grand jury indicted the two individuals responsible for the act, no further action was taken against the group itself, despite the presence of their flyers at the scene and their urging of others to engage in similar actions, Greenfield pointed out. Despite engaging in criminal activities, Declare Emergency has managed to maintain its 501(c)(4) status. According to tax code regulations, engaging in illegal and criminal activities should result in the revocation of such status. However, investigations conducted by the David Horowitz Freedom Center have highlighted instances where leftist eco-terrorists, actual terrorists, and individuals involved in pedophilia have been able to retain their C3 and C4 status, regardless of the severity of their crimes, Greenfield explained. The eco-terrorist group associated with the attack on the Degas sculpture, much like Climate Defiance, utilizes Action Network as a fundraising platform. However, they are not the only ones. Investigations conducted by the Freedom Center have revealed that various organizations, including Black Lives Matter, the Women's March, the Democratic Socialists of America (DSA), the Communist Party USA, Antifa, and even the Democratic National Committee, all engage in fundraising through the Action Network. "The Action Network, like Climate Defiance and Declare Emergency, is a 501(c)(4) and it shows the entanglement of the Democrat establishment with the far Left even when its extremists are targeting Senate Democrats and the White House for not adopting their full radical agenda," Greenfield says. "The eco terrorists arent just funneling money through 501(c)(4)s, but have received funding from an actual 501(c)(3) organization that has to meet the gold standard of charitable activities. Eco-terrorism and any kind of illegal actions are very definitely not on the list." If the Biden administration and the IRS so decide, they have the ability to effectively address this issue. The violations are apparent, and revoking the nonprofit status of the Climate Emergency Fund should be a straightforward process. Both the tax code and past precedents make it abundantly clear that engaging in illegal activities and protests is incompatible with maintaining tax-exempt status for charitable organizations. But of course, we know why that isn't happening. Sources include: FrontpageMag.com Chuffed.org Lawyer who lost Clinton sock drawer case says Trump has every right to the classified docs he had at Mar-a-Lago A lawyer who was involved in a classified information case involving former President Bill Clinton is speaking out about former President Donald Trump's situation after he was indicted for having classified documents in his possession at his Mar-a-Lago estate. "Although the indictment against Donald Trump doesnt cite the Presidential Records Act, the charges are predicated on the law. The indictment came about only because the government thought Mr. Trump took records that didnt belong to him, and the government raided his house to find any such records," Michael Bekesha, a senior attorney at Judicial Watch, wrote in a column this week at The Wall Street Journal. "This should never have happened. The Presidential Records Act allows the president to decide what records to return and what records to keep at the end of his presidency. And the National Archives and Records Administration cant do anything about it. I know because Im the lawyer who lost the 'Clinton sock drawer' case," he continued. Explaining further, Bekesha noted, "The Clinton Tapes: Wrestling History With the President," a book authored by historian Taylor Branch, was published in 2009. The book draws upon recordings of 79 meetings between Branch and Clinton, which took place from January 20, 1993, to January 20, 2001. These audiotapes, as noted by Branch, not only captured Clinton's reflections on the challenges he encountered during his presidency but also preserved certain real-life events, including phone conversations: * Mr. Clinton calling several U.S. senators and trying to persuade them to vote against an amendment by Sen. John McCain requiring the immediate withdrawal of troops from Somalia. * Mr. Clintons side of a phone call with Rep. William Natcher (D., Ky.) in which the president explained that his reasoning for joining the North American Free Trade Agreement was based on technical forecasts in his presidential briefings. * Mr. Clintons side of a phone conversation with Secretary of State Warren Christopher about a diplomatic impasse over Bosnia. * Mr. Clinton seeking advice from Mr. Branch on pending foreign-policy decisions such as military involvement in Haiti and possibly easing the embargo of Cuba. The audiotapes were created by the White House, and Nancy Hernreich, who served as the director of Oval Office operations at the time, facilitated the meetings between Clinton and Branch, as well as managed the logistics of the recordings. The question of whether these audiotapes qualify as presidential records arises due to their origin and the involvement of White House personnel in their production. "The National Archives and Records Administration was never given the recordings. As Mr. Branch tells it, Mr. Clinton hid them in his sock drawer to keep them away from the public and took them with him when he left office," Bekesha wrote. "My organization, Judicial Watch, sent a Freedom of Information Act request to NARA for the audiotapes. The agency responded that the tapes were Mr. Clintons personal records and therefore not subject to the Presidential Records Act or the Freedom of Information Act," he noted further. He stated that Judicial Watch initiated a lawsuit in federal court, requesting the judge to officially recognize the audiotapes as presidential records. Additionally, since the tapes were not currently in the possession of the National Archives and Records Administration (NARA), Judicial Watch sought to compel the government to obtain and secure them. In defending NARA, the Justice Department argued that NARA doesnt have a duty to engage in a never-ending search for potential presidential records that werent provided to NARA by the president at the end of his term. Furthermore, the department argued that the Presidential Records Act does not mandate NARA to forcefully acquire potential presidential records. According to the government's stance, Congress has determined that the president has the sole authority to determine which records qualify as presidential records and can retain whichever records they choose upon leaving office, the attorney explained, adding the federal judge in the case, Amy Berman Jackson, agreed. Since the President is completely entrusted with the management and even the disposal of Presidential records during his time in office, it would be difficult for this Court to conclude that Congress intended that he would have less authority to do what he pleases with what he considers to be his personal records," she held. Bottom line: Trump was the president of the United States, whether his political enemies like it or not, and he had the right to the records he had in his possession. End of story. Sources include: WSJ.com NaturalNews.com Massachusetts middle school students REVOLT against teacher-led pride month deviancy, tear down signs and flags while chanting U.S.A. are my pronouns We are, dare we say,to report that middle school students in the Boston suburb of Burlington are fighting back against the six-colored "rainbow" brigade at their local public school. After completely ignoring the Memorial Day holiday due to "an oversight," teachers and administrators at Marshall Simonds Middle School held a "Pride Spirit Day" event on June 2 to celebrate LGBT perversion. Students were encouraged to wear pride gear, don flags, and basically admit that being straight, aka normal, is somehow abnormal. A large multi-colored sign emblazoned at the school bearing a quote from homosexual playwright Tennessee Williams made normal students at Marshall Simonds feel uncomfortable as it said: "What is straight? A line can be straight, or a street, but the human heart, oh, no, it's curved like a road through the mountains." The obvious implication with this quote is that being straight is abnormal, and that no human being is actually, truly straight hence why the LGBT crowd is always trying to gay-splain that even straight people are some hidden color of their hideous rainbow deep down inside, even if they are not cognitively aware of it. (Related: LGBT cultists are demanding absolute compliance from all corporations, or else.) Just say no to LGBT pride A number of students at Marshall Simonds tore down the signs, banners, and flags on Pride Spirit Day while chanting through the hallways: "U.S.A. are my pronouns!" They also reportedly glared with disgust at their pride-filled teachers, wearing red, white, and blue in honor of their country rather than LGBT perversion. This act of defiance against forced LGBT indoctrination really hurt the fee-fees of school administrators, including principal Cari Perchase who whined and complained about the resistance. Nancy Bonassera, co-chair of the Burlington Equity Coalition, went a step further by demanding "consequences" for the resistance. Then there is Select Board member Michael Espejo, who says he "lost sleep" over the incident, which caused him to become "very upset." "It kind of shocked me to my core," Espejo cried to the media, adding that student resistance to pride perversion means a "bad light has been cast over our town." "I didn't think something like that could happen in Burlington." To create a type of "safe space" for LGBT students at Marshall Simonds who may have been triggered by not having everyone accept and celebrate their perversion, Perchase and other administrators set up an anonymous tip line for students to report "hateful incidents." "'Respectful' behavior is one thing, but having an evil, Satanic 'lifestyle' crammed down one's throat for not only a month, but every day of the year, is totally unacceptable for a supposedly free society," one commenter wrote about how abominable it is that underage children are being forcibly exposed to such perversions at public schools. "Why should those of us who are Christians be forced to deny what God's word says about homosexuality in order to embrace that which is sinful and wicked? I for one will never celebrate sodomy and perversion, which is what these freaks want to corrupt our children and grandchildren with." Another chimed in that it sure is a breath of fresh air to see young people, and in left-wing Massachusetts no less, just saying no to LGBT pride and standing up for what is right, even in the face of persecution. "The kids are smarter than their teachers," this person added. "Praise God for the zeal for the Lord those 'USA' middle-schoolers have in defending the right to toss sin out of their school's agenda," wrote another. The latest news about the growing backlash against LGBT pride can be found at Gender.news. Sources for this article include: TheGatewayPundit.com NaturalNews.com National Geographic flies millionaires around the world on exotic trips while claiming that climate change is the greatest threat to human health in recorded history National Geographic (a media conglomerate that has recently been pushing out climate change hysteria) routinely invites millionaires and billionaires onto their private Boeing 757 jet for exotic excursions to far-flung destinations" around the world . Since last September, National Geographic has been promoting climate change as the the greatest threat to human health in recorded history." This sanctimonious posturing is all theater, however, because Nat Geo needlessly and hypocritically jets their elite donors around the world on their gas-guzzling, fossil-fuel burning, private jet. Funny enough, Nat Geo lectures its readers about their carbon footprint and instructs readers to think about how much time they fly, while doing the exact opposite in their pursuit of global mega-donors. Nat Geo being bought off by globalists who seek to exploit nature for their own corporate interests National Geographic is slowly being bought out by globalists who seek to plunder sovereign nations, promote their own interests, and advance their own enterprises. In order to achieve their goals, the globalists need obedient media outlets to pump out propaganda and mass hysteria. Nat Geo is the perfect publication to ramp up climate hysteria and appeal to people's interest in nature. In this way, globalists can exploit the natural world and corporatize environmental issues for their own gain. To do so, they will buy up once-respected publications like the National Geographic so they can instill fear in populations and compel changes to governments on a global scale. Nat Geo jets their elite donors around the world on trips that cost roughly $100,000. According to National Geographic, their specially outfitted jet offers a plush, sleek interior design and features comfortable VIP-style leather seating for their largest donation partners. The jet also offers a private chef and a dedicated luggage handler. Elite donors can fly in exceptional comfort as they visit far-flung destinations to encounter legendary wildlife. These trips include the $108,000 Wildlife of the World by Private Jet tour, which takes the elite on a trip to see elephants in Malaysia, Bengal tigers in India, mountain gorillas in Rwanda, exotic marine life in over-water bungalow in the Maldives and back to Rome. Propagandists who push climate hysteria are often responsible for hundreds of times more CO2 emissions than the average person These elite excursions include trips to the coral reefs, the same coral reefs, were told, that are dying off because of man-made climate change. These same globalists never address the real issues that are causing damage to the natural world. For instance, Nat Geo claims that the coral reefs are dying off because of climate change. But according to studies, coral reefs are harmed by sunscreen chemicals like oxybenzone. The same globalists who push climate change hysteria dont care about the real causes of environmental issues. They can travel the world in their private jets, get together at their summits to virtue signal to the world about climate change -- while polluting the air with hundreds of times the emissions that an everyday person would use. These elites travel about 30,000 miles during these 24-day expeditions. If these jets produce an average of 53.3 pounds of carbon dioxide per mile, then these needless excursions emit more than 1.5 million pounds of carbon dioxide. According to carbon research, the average American puts out a yearly carbon footprint of approximately 32,000 pounds. These needless excursions put out the equivalent carbon footprint that 47 Americans put out in an entire years time. Currently, Nat Geo has 16 more excursions scheduled between now and the end of 2024, and they have no plans of stopping. They don't care how much they are being bought off, and they obviously don't really care much about the carbon, the climate, or the environment, which they pretend to champion. Sources include: FreeBeacon.com Tourismmail.com Cen.ACS.org Leaked files show Saudi crown prince threatened major economic pain on US amid oil feud A leaked American intelligence document shows that Saudi Arabian Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman privately threatened to alter the long-standing status of the United States' relationship with Saudi Arabia by imposing "major" economic costs on the country if Washington retaliated to the kingdom's decision to slash oil production last year. The classified U.S. intelligence document was leaked on the social messaging platform Discord. It exposed the tension between the two countries, which has traditionally been based on oil for security but is evolving due to China's increasing interest in the U.S. and the Middle East's position as the world's largest oil producer. (Related: Ignoring U.S. concerns, Saudi Arabia reiterates oil partnership priorities with communist China.) According to the leaked document, Salman warned "that he will not deal with the U.S. administration anymore" and vowed to inflict "major economic consequences on Washington" if it retaliated against the oil cuts. However, it remains unclear whether the threat was directly conveyed to U.S. officials or intercepted through electronic surveillance. In response, National Security Council spokesperson John Kirby claimed that the administration is unaware of any threats made by the crown prince. The spokesperson also emphasized that classified documents often provide only a snapshot of a particular moment and may present only part of the picture. Despite the tensions revealed in the document, U.S. officials assert the importance of the U.S.-Saudi relationship, citing Saudi Arabia's economic and political influence and China's attempts to court traditional U.S. allies in the Middle East. The administration of President Joe Biden has made it clear that it aims to collaborate with Saudi Arabia on various issues, including a peace deal in Yemen, a cease-fire in Sudan, counterterrorism efforts and disagreements over oil supply. Biden far too soft on Saudi Arabia despite strong early rhetoric The public expressed their disappointment over the improved relationship with Saudi Arabia, especially in light of the many controversies surrounding Salman's de facto rule over the kingdom, including Saudi participation in the conflict in Yemen and the American intelligence community's assessment that he ordered the murder of journalist Jamal Khashoggi in 2018. The recent visit of Secretary of State Antony Blinken to Saudi Arabia further highlighted the efforts to rebuild the relationship between the two nations. While differences remain regarding Saudi Arabia's nuclear ambitions and human rights record, U.S. officials have engaged with Saudi leaders to maintain collaboration. Saudi Arabia has been pursuing a more independent foreign policy, distancing itself from the United States. In recent months, the kingdom has restored relations with Iran, invited Syrian President Bashar al-Assad back into the Arab League and resolved its regional dispute with Qatar. These changes align with Riyadh's return to a more traditional foreign policy focused on avoiding conflicts and accommodating rivals. Despite the evolving dynamics, the U.S. still seeks Saudi Arabia's assistance on regional matters, such as a ceasefire in Yemen's civil war, maintaining stability in Sudan, combatting the Islamic State and stabilizing global oil prices. Additionally, the Biden administration places significance on normalizing ties between Saudi Arabia and Israel. However, progress is contingent on advancements in the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. Furthermore, concerns have been raised about Saudi Arabia's growing relationship with China, as the U.S. considers China its top economic and security competitor. A leaked intelligence document from December last year suggested that Saudi Arabia intended to expand its ties with China, including procuring military equipment. However, U.S. officials downplayed the warnings, stating that the anticipated collaboration did not materialize. Learn more about the threats made against America at NationalSecurity.news. Watch this video from Newsmax detailing how the Saudis are now demanding that the U.S. allow them to start a nuclear program. This video is from the NewsClips channel on Brighteon.com. More related stories: American dollar dominance FADES amid Saudi Arabian shift to China as its most "reliable partner." Biden set to "re-evaluate" US ties with Saudi Arabia following OPEC+ supply cut, promising "consequences." End of petrodollar edges closer as Saudi Arabia looks set to join new China-dominated 'BRICS' economic alliance. Saudi Arabia fortifies relations with Russia, thumbing its nose to the West. Saudi Arabia, China initiating plan to create petroyuan and bring an end to the petrodollar. Sources include: MSN.com Matrixxx Grooove: Federal indictment against Trump shows absolute TREASON and TYRANNY Brighteon.TV For Jeffrey "InTheMatrixxx" Pedersen and Shannon "ShadyGrooove" Townsend, the federal indictment of former President Donald Trump shows absolute treason and tyranny in America. The two discussed Trump's indictment on the June 12 episode of "The Matrixxx Grooove Show" on Brighteon.TV. InTheMatrixx started the ball rolling by saying that the federal indictment was Trump's second arrest following the legal actions by Manhattan District Attorney Alvin Bragg. But according to ShadyGrooove, this won't stop with Florida and New York as there are more indictments headed Trump's way. "It's going to be in other places as well," said Townsend. "In Georgia, for instance, they are trying. This is what happens to the person who stands up and says 'America first.' That's the reason he's under attack." (Related: Trump could face 100 YEARS in prison if convicted of federal charges, including espionage.) Pedersen agreed, saying that this reflects absolute tyranny and treason in America. He warned that Trump is just standing in the way, and that the tyrants are coming after the American people. InTheMatrixxx recounted a "very interesting" interview of Trump lawyer Alina Habba. The counsel for the former president told "Fox News Sunday" host Shannon Bream that Trump would never take a plea deal and never admit guilt, because there was nothing wrong with declassifying documents. Habba took note of the complete dual-tiered system of justice that Americans are seeing now, citing the example of the Biden crime family being treated completely differently than the Trump family. She also denounced the raid of Trump's home in Mar-a-Lago as "very wrong." After the clip, Pedersen also recounted remarks by former Trump White House official Kash Patel. The erstwhile Trump advisor called for Department of Justice Counterintelligence and Export Control Section Chief Jay Bratt, Special Counsel Jack Smith and members of the latter's team to be subpoenaed. Townsend agreed, extending the calls for subpoena to everyone involved in the latest Trump indictment. Indictment an act of desperation against the leading presidential candidate According to ShadyGrooove, the motivation for the indictment is very obvious: going after the leading presidential candidate for the 2024 elections. He believes that it is a move of desperation, adding that the mainstream media (MSM) will turn a blind eye on this just like what it did with the Biden family's crimes. InTheMatrixxx agreed with his co-host's sentiments about the desperate attacks against Trump. He also noted Republican presidential candidate Chris Christie smearing the former president's son-in-law Jared Kushner the husband of Ivanka Trump for making a $2 billion deal in the Middle East. "The grift from this family is breathtaking," the former New Jersey governor claimed. "Jared and Ivanka walk out of the White House, and months later get $2 billion from the Saudis." Townsend remarked that the MSM is spinning stories around, but assured that it is going to lose as justice will be served. He pointed out that if the media was coming out with genuine information in the stories it churns out, everybody would understand exactly what's going on. Follow Trump.news for more news about former President Donald Trump. Watch the June 12 episode of "Matrixxx Grooove" below. Tune in to "Matrixxx Grooove" with Jeff and Shady every weekday at 12-1 p.m. on Brighteon.TV. More related stories: Matrixxx Grooove: Americans doing everything to ensure Trump's 2024 White House return Brighteon.TV. Right Now with Ann Vandersteel: Trump hit with 34 (politically motivated) felony counts of business fraud Brighteon.TV. The deep state finally got the indictment they have been wanting: Trump hit with 37 federal counts over handling of classified documents. Former Arizona AG: Trump indictment an example of weaponized government bureaucracy. As America descends into banana republic, Trump's spokesperson Liz Harrington talks with Mike Adams about indictments, vaccines, election interference and more. Sources include: Brighteon.com FoxNews.com TheHill.com Pledge of GAY-legiance: White House under fire for replacing Old Glory with Pride flag during LGBT event The White House is under fire for replacing the national flag with the so-called Progress Pride flag during its Pride event last June 10. The LGBT flag was positioned at the center of the White House balcony, flanked by two Old Glory banners. The Biden administration described the June 10 event, held at the South Lawn of 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue, as "the largest LGBT festivity hosted by the White House." The official Twitter account of President Joe Biden posted on the day of the event: "Today, the People's House your house sends a clear message to the country and to the world: America is a nation of pride." But several critics most especially veterans quickly denounced Biden for permitting the gay banner on the White House, a violation of the U.S. Flag Code. As per the code, the Stars and Stripes "should be at the center and at the highest point of the group when a number of flags of States or localities or pennants of societies are grouped and displayed from staffs." (Related: IT'S A FARCE: Air Force now saluting LGBT community's rainbow flag in celebration of Pride month.) "You would think the White House knows this. They do, they just don't care," Marine veteran Chad Robichaux told the New York Post. Robichaux helped spearhead one of the largest civilian evacuation efforts from Afghanistan after Biden announced that the U.S. will pull out of the country. "Every veteran that has fought for this country and sacrificed so much is disgusted by the symbolism of the Pride flag overtaking our nation's flag at the White House," former serviceman Victor Marx said. Former Marine Mark Geist who was a member of the annex security team that fought in Benghazi back in 2012 lamented how "the American flag, which has stood proudly for 246 years, has been relegated to second place." Biden pledges allegiance to the GAYS by calling for more "woke" laws Thousands of members of the LGBT community gathered on the White House grounds during the June 10 event. LGBT members of the Biden administration, such as openly gay Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg and transgender Assistant Health Secretary Rachel Levine, were also present. When he delivered remarks at the gathering, the president called for new measures to protect the "rights and safety" of LGBT individuals amid what he dubbed as "terrifying" attacks and laws. Biden urged Congress to pass the "Equality Act" that would amend the 1964 Civil Rights Act to include sexual orientation and gender identity for protection alongside race, religion, sex and national origin. He also reiterated his call for a ban on "assault weapons" an infringement of the Second Amendment. "When families across the country face excruciating decisions to relocate to a different state to protect their child from dangerous anti-LGTB laws, we have to act," Biden said. "We need to push back against the hundreds of callous and cynical bills introduced in states targeting transgender children, terrifying families and criminalizing doctors and nurses." InfoWars host Owen Shroyer put in his two cents on the White House putting the LGBT flag in the center instead of the national flag during the June 11 edition of "Sunday Night Live." The move, according to Shroyer, "symbolically announced that America has been conquered by the woke mob. The Pride flag was more prominently displayed while the Old Glory was relegated to the flanks." Watch Brannon Howse blasting Biden for proudly hosting the biggest Pride celebration in the White House, while Americans grapple with high food prices. This video is from the Worldview Report channel on Brighteon.com. More related stories: CDC warns of potential MONKEYPOX OUTBREAK as filth-festering Pride activities commence. Taxpayers are footing the bill for Air, Space Force service members to travel to 'Pride' events. Nike launches 2023 Pride Month with "doctor" who performs transgender mutilations on CHILDREN. Everyones a TARGET: Internal email reveals Target execs are "asking" employees to engage in LGBT pride activities. Sources include: NYPost.com USCode.House.gov Reuters.com InfoWars.com Brighteon.com Crocodile decapitations have been reported in Queensland, Australia, earlier this year, and with it comes the launching of a widespread investigation about the mysterious crocodile deaths, with one being left without its head. Initial reports revealed that trophy killing was the motive behind the headless crocodile. The cases remained static until a twist in the investigation came recently. Based on the latest developments, Queensland wildlife authorities received a call from an anonymous man, who was claiming that he killed two crocodiles, saying "I am the Predator," according to reports. The authorities first thought it was a prank call but the specific details provided by the mystery caller suggest he know something about the decapitations, including the case of the headless crocodile. Queensland has an abundant crocodile population which can mostly be found in different bodies of water like ponds, lakes, swamps, rivers, and even in the open sea near the Australian coast. The presence of the reptiles comes also with a few incidents of attacks on humans, with some resulting in fatalities, as reported in recent years. Anonymous Man Confesses The anonymous man reportedly called David White, a Queensland-based tour operator working at the Solar Whisper Daintree River Crocodile & Wildlife Cruises, apparently admitting the horrendous acts and claiming he fed one of the crocodiles to his dogs, according to Newsweek. What seemed to be a dubious call turned out to be somehow credible since he provided details about him killing a crocodile named Lizzie in May 2023 and another croc that he beheaded near Cow Bay in April 2023. Also Read: Missing Fisherman Prompts Widespread Australia Crocodile Hunt for Two Monster Reptiles Serial Crocodile Killer The mystery man said "I am the apex predator now," according to White, who told The Guardian about the suspect dubbed as the "serial crocodile killer." During the call, the crocodile killer specified the death of the 40-year-old female saltwater crocodile Lizzie, whose spine and head was decapitated along the Daintree River. White said he had been observing Lizzie for over two decades already, based on the report. Last week, the Queensland environment department announced authorities were investigating about the connection between the two discoveries and stated they feared the protected wild animals are being "targeted and deliberately killed," as cited by the U.K. media outlet. Saltwater Crocodile Protection Although crocodiles can be legally hunted down, the case of Lizzie the crocodile and the other headless croc has been considered as animal cruelty and illegal. It is for this reason that Queensland wildlife officials are asking the public to help them regarding the identity of the culprit behind the crocodile decapitations. Queensland's saltwater crocodiles are protected under the Australian state's Nature Conservation Act 1992. According to the Queensland Department of Environment and Science, the law aims to provide conservation and protections of native wildlife and its habitat in the state. The intentional harming or killing of crocodiles can be met with a fine or imprisonment. Related Article: Headless Crocodile Discovered in Australia, Stirs Mystery and Sparks Debate on Cause of Death Nine species of non-native parrots have been identified by experts in Los Angeles, and they presumably came via the illegal pet trade in the past. Non-Native Parrots in Los Angeles Numerous non-native parrots live in Los Angeles, delighting the city's bird lovers. These parrots soar through the air or fill the air with their vibrant squawks from their community roots, whether they are in Santa Monica or Northeast Los Angeles. Even though they are not native to the US, Los Angeles is home to up to nine different parrot species that were brought there decades ago and have been slowly increasing in numbers. Numerous theories have been sparked by speculation regarding their whereabouts, but the question remains unanswered. Experts, such as Luke Tiller, president of the Pasadena Audubon Society, think that the parrots entered LA through the pet trade, either as cherished pets that escaped their constraints or as purposely released birds. The parrots have flourished in their new surroundings despite their mysterious arrival. Red-Crowned Parrots The red-crowned parrots, one of the biggest types of Amazon parrots found in Los Angeles, are actually doing better in California than in their home Mexico, claims Luke Tiller. The International Union for Conservation of Nature has categorized these parrots as endangered, which indicates a high risk of extinction in the wild. Surprisingly, researchers think Los Angeles may have more red-crowned parrots than the area where they normally live. The challenges for the species are exacerbated by habitat loss and the illegal pet trade, but in LA, they are prospering due to successful breeding and community roosting, drawing birdwatchers. They are considered an "established" population in LA by the American Birding Association, guaranteeing their continuous expansion. The difficulty is in educating returned adults to adjust to the wild, but in the case of a substantial loss in their natural region, scientists would explore restoring LA parrots to replenish their number. Introduction and Reintroduction Woes Various endangered birds that were bred in captivity have been reintroduced into their natural habitats, but the outcomes have been variable. Many of those birds were bred in captivity and lacked the "street smarts" necessary to survive in the wild. For LA parrots, who have proven they have what it takes to thrive in the City of Angels, that is not an issue. There should be worries about conflicts with other bird species or detrimental effects on the local ecology as a result of the thousands of non-native birds moving into Southern California, which is unexpectedly not the case at all. According to Tiller, this is because the parrots are largely restricted to Los Angeles' sort of metropolitan settings, which doesn't raise concern among ornithologists, The Hill reports. Also Read: New Jersey Aviary Closes Permanently, Relocation of 77 Birds to 13 Zoos Scheduled For Bird Watchers One of the many pleasures of living in Pasadena is getting to observe a flock of Amazon parrots flying across the city, according to Los Angeles Audubon. They travel south from Holly, Walnut, and Washington, in the morning. Afterward, a lot of people linger around close to Madison, in the south of Colorado. Others stop by the palm and sycamores near City Hall to relax. Numerous parrots were present in Los Robles and Colorado on a recent morning at 9 AM. Before returning north, they also frequent the trees on Euclid and Union. Related Article: Honeycreeper Akikiki Bird Might Be Extinct as Disease-Carrying Rats Target Nests - Hawaii Elephants of today are known to be gentle giants but are still wild animals not to be reckoned with. With their enormous size, an adult elephant can trample a human to death, as reported in some cases, especially in India. While the said large mammals are considered highly social and intelligent, they can also do other activities that humans also engage in, such as yoga. Earlier this month, it was reported that Houston Zoo elephants are participating in yoga classes seven days a week to stay fit and healthy. This is not surprising at all since elephants are considered sacred in a country where yoga was also invented, India. In a viral video, the mammals are seen performing some of the famous yoga positions even with their large body size. Houston Zoo Elephants Elephants at the Houston Zoo have been reported engaging in yoga practice for around 30 seconds to 5 minutes each day, in a method to help them strengthen their muscle and stimulate their brains and bodies, according to the Good News Network. Houston Zoo elephant supervisor, Kristin Windle, stated developing relationships with their elephants is important to give them the best healthcare for their well-being. In previous years, there have been reported instances where animals such as dogs accidentally doing yoga poses to imitate their owners engaging in yoga. Also Read: How Do Sick Animals Struggle To Adapt To Changing Environments? What is Yoga? Yoga is more than just a form of exercise but an ancient practice where an individual uses a combination of physical, emotional, and mental concentration. In general, the practice allows the body to relax through a series of physical postures, deep breathing, and meditation. There are also instances where yoga can help cure psychological and physical conditions like stress, depression, and fatigue. The health benefits of yoga can range from improving general wellness to losing weight and relieving physical pain such as low-back pain and neck pain, according to the National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health, under the National Institutes of Health. The mentioned potential benefits of yoga have been before by some studies, according to the U.S. government health agency. Where Did Yoga Originate? One might wonder if yoga has always been a universal practice since it is now prevalent in many countries worldwide, including in the United States and others in the West, despite its Asian origins. Yoga is believed to have its origin from the dawn of civilization thousands of years ago, a time when long before the first belief systems or religions existed, according to the Government of India's Ministry of Ayush, which said it was in India where the yogic system fully came into fruition. The term "yoga" comes from the Sanskrit word "yuj," which translates to the union of the yoga practitioner and universal consciousness, according to the website Art of Living. The ancient practice has its deep roots in Indian philosophy developed by yoga gurus. Related Article: Yogi, Jolene Cherry, Reviews the Mind and Body Benefits of Yoga Lockports mayor said a 2015 incident in which a Lockport Cave tour boat flipped over was reported to police at the time. But current city officials were unaware of that incident or its severity until it was reported Tuesday by The Buffalo News, said Mayor Michelle Roman, who contends state officials did not sufficiently follow up on the previous capsizing. Who was supposed to inspect Lockport Cave boat ride involved in fatal incident? No state or county agencies were required to regulate the underground Lockport attraction where a tour boat overturned Monday, killing a Niagara Falls man and injuring 11 other passengers, officials said Wednesday. Since then, as public scrutiny of the tour boat operation has grown, state, county and local officials have struggled to say who, if anyone, was responsible for inspecting the underground attraction. On Thursday, in response to the mayors remarks, a spokesperson for the Canal Corp. said the corporation, which was overseen by the Thruway Authority until 2017, received a courtesy call from Lockport Police alerting them to the accident. The Canal Corp. did not investigate and had no jurisdiction to do so because the incident occurred on private property, according to the spokesperson. Roman told reporters Monday afternoon the tour had operated without incident since the 1970s after inquiring with the entities involved to determine if there had been any previous accidents. At that time, no one believed there had been any previous incidents. Therefore, I unintentionally made the incorrect statement that the facility had no history of any incidents, Roman said in an email to The News late Wednesday. I apologize for misspeaking. I always try to be as accurate as possible with these matters. Lockport police officers did take down information in September 2015 regarding a boat tipping and a few people going into the water due to not following protocols, but not of a capsized boat, according to Roman. Officials from the Thruway Authority took that information and stated that they would follow up, the mayor said. As far as we can determine at this time, the city never received any follow-up written notification that any violations of safety occurred from the Thruway Authority, Roman said. 'Something needs to change': Monday's fatal accident wasn't first time Lockport Cave tour boat flipped over On Sept. 2, 2015, clients and employees from what is now called Our Lady of Victory Human Services were on the Lockport Cave & Underground Boat Tour when their craft capsized. On Thursday, a Thruway Authority spokesperson said the agency had no records of ever investigating the 2015 incident and had no jurisdiction to do so. Roman added that Lockport police are following up on previous reports as a part of their investigation into Mondays fatal incident after learning of the new information presented by the press. Neither Roman nor Lockport Police Chief Steven Abbott was in office at the time of the 2015 incident. Roman has been mayor of Lockport since 2018, when she won a special election for the seat. Abbott, a longtime Lockport police officer, became chief in 2019. Lawrence Eggert, who was the Lockport Police chief in 2015, said he had no recollection of the incident. Anne McCaffrey, the mayor at the time, did not immediately respond to a request for comment. Cause sought after Lockport cave tour boat overturns, killing 1 and injuring 11 Twenty-nine people were on the boat at the time it overturned, Lockport Mayor Michelle Roman said at a news conference Monday afternoon at City Hall, including 28 hospitality workers from across Erie County and one staffer. In the latest incident, 29 people 28 from the local hospitality industry and one tour operator were on the boat when it flipped over, authorities said. Passengers have described a chaotic scene in the dimly lit channel as emergency crews over the course of an hour led to safety those who couldnt get out on their own. Shah, 65, was pinned under the boat and drowned before he could be rescued. The longtime president of the Budget Host Inn in Niagara Falls was a native of Baroda, a large city in the Indian state of Gujarat. His wife also was on board and was injured in the incident. The family has declined interview requests but this week issued a statement to news outlets expressing their devastation over Shah's untimely death. "Harshad Shah was a family man who will be deeply missed. His wife remains in shock, unable to come to terms with this fatal event that unfolded before her eyes," the family said in an email. "We are all seeking answers to the why and how of this tragedy. The loss of Harshad Shah has forever changed our family, leaving an irreplaceable void." Mondays fatal capsizing, which is still under investigation, has raised questions about what government entities should have regulated the tour. Representatives for Gov. Kathy Hochul and Niagara County on Wednesday had said their respective levels of government arent responsible for safety inspections of the wooden, flat-bottomed boat used in the cave tour. A representative for the state Comptrollers Office suggested the state Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation Department could be the authority responsible for inspecting the tour boats, but a Parks Department spokesperson said that was not the case. The attraction has remained closed since Monday morning pending the outcome of the ongoing police investigation. Now, Lockports chief building inspector has deemed the operation unsafe for occupancy. A sign posted Tuesday on the door leading to the underground boat tour cites electrical hazards as the reason. Jason Dool, the citys chief building inspector, said he was called to the scene Tuesday afternoon by the Lockport police chief because of concerns about electrical installation in the tunnel area. There were quite a few issues, Dool said in an interview Thursday. WIVB-TV was first to report on the electrical concerns in the cave. Dool said he had not previously inspected the underground area where the boat tour operates. The city did inspect the attractions new ticket office, which opened in 2015, Dool said, but he joined the chorus of state, county and local officials who have wondered which agency, if any, had responsibility for oversight of the boat tour. Im not clear on that, he said. When he arrived around 5 p.m. Tuesday, Dool said, he found a broken conduit that left wiring exposed; areas where the wrong wiring was used; and a rusted panel box. Some of the exposed wiring was exposed to water, Dool said. The next morning, he contacted New York State Electric & Gas. A NYSEG crew came out to the scene and removed the electric meter until the owner can hire an electrical contractor to repair the problems, Dool said. Still, Dool said its unlikely that this potential safety hazard is connected in any way to Mondays capsizing. The latest reports showed two dogs died from heat exhaustion inside two police cars in Georgia and Texas. Parts of the United States reported the challenging heat during May. In the Northeast, the latest weather reports explained that poor and unhealthy air quality emerged in the region due to the raging wildfires. While humans are also at risk of the challenging heat, pets like dogs and cats could suffer from heat-related concerns, especially when left unattended inside cars. Two dogs died inside patrol cars According to the latest reports, AccuWeather explained that two trained dogs died inside police patrol cars after the vehicles failed to turn on emergency notifications to handlers. Heat exhaustion is the main concern of many inside their cars that could lead to dangerous situations or death. Houston recorded high temperatures on Monday. In Houston, Texas, one K-9 dog died in a tragic accident, according to the Houston Police Department's Facebook post. The report explained that the dog was four years old when the K-9 dog suffered from an unexpected death. The dog was at the service of the police department for about two years. According to the report details, the dog Aron suffered from heat exhaustion and eventually died. The handler explained that he had left the air-conditioned inside the police patrol vehicle. However, the report noted that the engine shut down without notice. When the handler found out about the situation of Aron, he immediately brought the dog to the nearest veterinary clinic. However, the dog did not make it. The vehicle alarm system should have notified the dog's handler, but it did not happen. Furthermore, the report noted that it could inspect and investigate the accident so it would not happen again. On the other hand, another accident left county police in Georgia mourning after a dog died from health-related causes in Cobb County in Georgia (June 5). The report noted that the vehicle of the said vehicle did not work. The dog's name was Chase. Based on recent reports, the recent report noted the dog was left in the patrol vehicle. Furthermore, the Cobb County police explained that the officers underwent active shooter training in Acworth. They were monitoring the dog. However, the same accident in Houston occurred when the air conditioning failed to notify and turn on emergency sirens for the handlers. They were also investigating the accident. Staying safe with your dogs The American Red Cross explained that hot weather could put at risk your pets, including cats and dogs. Also Read: Northeast US Weather Forecast: Much-Needed Rain to Unload This Week Here are important reminders for pet owners to avoid heat-related injuries. It is essential not to leave your pets unattended inside vehicles, especially when the weather is considered hot. It is best to limit your pets' outdoor activities when the weather is so hot. Meanwhile, hydrating your dogs with sufficient water is essential. Related Article: Animal Summer Splash: Beachgoers Shocked After Bear Spotted in Florida Beach For more similar stories, don't forget to follow Nature World News. The latest report showed no damages or casualties after a 6.3 magnitude earthquake struck the Philippines. Reuters and ABC News report that s 6.3 magnitude earthquake hit at 126 kilometers dept (10:19 a.m). The country's seismology agency said that there could be aftershocks. 6.3 magnitude earthquake in the Philippines Based on the reports, the 6.3 earthquakes did not cause major damage or casualties. However, it was felt in parts of other provinces. The railway operations were temporarily stopped due to the earthquake. According to Reuters, Assistant Secretary Bernardo Rafaelito Alejandro, Civil defense spokesperson, explained that the airport and railways were suspended. On the other hand, CNN Philippines reported a 6.3-magnitude earthquake resulted in the class suspension in Calatagan, Batangas. Meanwhile, the Batangas Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office added that Calatagan felt the earthquake's aftershocks at 11:15 a.m The report explained that authorities would check for the possible damage of the earthquake on buildings and schools. Earthquakes safety Earthquakes can become powerful with aftershocks that could result in significant to major damage to buildings. As a result, communities and homeowners should stay calm and prepared if an earthquake unfolds. Although earthquakes could be hard to predict, staying prepared would avoid possible casualties and injuries. The Red Cross emphasized the importance of staying safe during earthquakes because the situation could become rapid and dangerous. Also Read: Is it Possible to Predict Earthquakes? Scientists Look for Ways to Detect Early Warnings. The report explained that injuries or deaths could occur when people could suffer from falling debris or walk to shaking areas. Furthermore, the report noted that earthquakes could cause landslides, tsunamis and significant damage to power lines and communications. Prepare an emergency plan at your home. Homeowners should keep updated with earthquake alerts, especially if they live near the coasts. Preparing multiple information, radios, televisions, or earthquake announcements could help to anticipate the earthquake's impact. Furthermore, communities should prepare earthquake emergency plans. Drop, Cover and Hold The advisory noted the importance of practicing Drop, Cover and Hold. It can help people to avoid possible injuries from flying or falling debris. Covering your head will protect you from any debris. Meanwhile, it is best to find a safe area to hold until the quake shaking finally stops. Prepare emergency kits at home. Evacuations could also become possible when an earthquake emerges. Emergency kits could become helpful when roads become inaccessible due to the quakes. Here are essential emergency kits that you could also keep: battery-powered radios, non-perishable food supplies, bottled water, battery-powered radio, medicine kits and battery-powered flashlights. Homeowners could also check their homes for anything that could fall during the powerful earthquakes. It is best to secure them to avoid falling. Red Cross also added that your homes or buildings should pass the earthquake evaluation from authorities. Wait until the shaking stops. Staying in a secure area is helpful. Homeowners must wait until the shaking stops before they leave their homes. Related Article: Japan Earthquake: 6.2 Magnitude Impacts Island Hokkaido; No Tsunami Alerts Reported For more news, don't forget to follow Nature World News. No state or county agencies were required to regulate the underground Lockport attraction where a tour boat overturned Monday, killing a Niagara Falls man and injuring 11 other passengers, officials said Wednesday. Representatives for Gov. Kathy Hochul and Niagara County told The Buffalo News their respective levels of government arent responsible for safety inspections of the Lockport Cave boat ride. The investigation continues into what caused Mondays fatal incident, which has drawn international attention and close interest from the governor. Governor Hochul has directed her administration to assist with the ongoing investigation and look at all possible ways to prevent future tragedies, said a spokesman, Matt Janiszewski. Currently, there is no state agency that has jurisdiction over the registration or inspection of vessels in non-public, non-navigable waterways. There is no record that the federal Occupational Safety and Health Administration ever scrutinized the tour boat operation either. The question of whether the wooden, flat-bottomed craft that capsized Monday had been inspected is just one of many that city, county and federal investigators are exploring. Right now, at this point, I cant answer that question, Lockport Police Chief Steve Abbott said at a news conference Monday at City Hall, because were still trying to find the answer ourselves. Cause sought after Lockport cave tour boat overturns, killing 1 and injuring 11 Twenty-nine people were on the boat at the time it overturned, Lockport Mayor Michelle Roman said at a news conference Monday afternoon at City Hall, including 28 hospitality workers from across Erie County and one staffer. The incident remains deeply unsettling for those connected to the group that took the ride. This includes John Percy, CEO of Destination Niagara USA, which organized the Monday morning tour. The drowning victim, Harshad Shah, was an invited guest on the tour, as was his wife, Kaminiben Shah, who was injured. Percy, who has taken the boat ride numerous times, said he always believed it was safe but now cannot in good conscience send someone on the ride unless new safety precautions are taken. One death is one too many, Percy told The Buffalo News. New safety concerns The Destination Niagara USA tour was meant to familiarize local hospitality industry workers with attractions in Lockport and Lewiston. Percy said the agency does so several times a year at different locations in the county, though the tours had been on hiatus since 2019 because of the pandemic. The Lockport Cave & Underground Boat Ride was the first stop of the day for the group of 28, which included seven Destination Niagara employees. Counting the ride operator, 29 people set out on the boat late Monday morning in the waterway off the Erie Canal. The 911 call reporting the boat had flipped over came just before 11:30 a.m. Emergency responders undertook an hourlong rescue effort, helping 16 people get to the surface. Another 12 were able to make their way out on their own. Harshad Shah, the president of the Budget Host Inn in Niagara Falls, was trapped under the heavy boat and drowned before help could reach him. Percy, who was not on Mondays tour, said he was devastated to learn about the accident and that Destination Niagara has done whatever it can to assist its employees who were on the ride. He said his agency has encouraged people to take the ride for years and he never had reason to consider it dangerous. 'Something needs to change': Monday's fatal accident wasn't first time Lockport Cave tour boat flipped over On Sept. 2, 2015, clients and employees from what is now called Our Lady of Victory Human Services were on the Lockport Cave & Underground Boat Tour when their craft capsized. Percy said he wasnt aware the same boat had flipped over in September 2015 until reading about it Tuesday in The News. He said he would recommend the ride in the future only if it reopens with safety checks and proper safety recommendations being fulfilled and created. Tom Callahan, co-owner of the ride, on Wednesday for the first time publicly commented about the incident. He expressed regret without addressing specific questions about his business. We are deeply saddened by this tragedy. Our condolences go out to the family, who has suffered a horrific loss, Callahan said in an email. We are fully cooperating with federal, state and local agencies during their investigation. Oversight role unclear Its not clear whether any agency had responsibility for overseeing the boat tour, which has been in operation since the 1970s. The ride is located in a manmade tunnel blasted in the mid-1800s to provide water power for industrial plants in and around Lockport. The venue is considered private property, Abbott, the city police chief, said at Mondays briefing. The Coast Guard, for one, does not have jurisdiction, Abbott told reporters. No, its not any sort of waterway where they would because, again, its not in the Canalway. Its technically private property off the park, unfortunately, so it changes the entities that are involved, said Abbott, who has not responded to messages seeking an update on the investigation. According to the State Department of Labor, it does not generally regulate safety at private state entities and such responsibility falls to OSHA, a federal agency. But there is an exception: According to state law, the Labor Department is charged with conducting inspections upon amusement devices outside New York City at carnivals, fairs and amusement parks. It does not just inspect rides like Ferris wheels or rollercoasters. According to state records, the state agency also conducts inspections of laser tag guns at businesses focused on laser tag; snow tubes used at hills and mountains; and virtual reality flight simulators at the Niagara Falls Center for Tourism. An amusement device is defined in state law as any contrivance that carries and conveys passengers along, around or over a fixed or restricted course or within a defined area for the purpose of amusing or entertaining its passengers and is of a nature that accidental personal injuries may be incurred in its use. AMD is coming for Nvidias AI crown in a big way with the launch of its new Instinct processor, which it claims can do the work of multiple GPUs. CEO Lisa Su called the Instinct MI300X the most complex thing weve ever built. She held up the chip, which is about the size of a drink coaster, at an event on Tuesday in San Francisco. Weighing in at 146 billion transistors, the MI300X comes with up to 192GB of high-bandwidth HBM3 memory shared by both the CPU and GPU. It has a total of 13 chiplets on the die. The chip also has a memory bandwidth of 5.2 TB/s, which is 60% faster than Nvidias H100. The chip consists of Zen CPU cores and AMDs next-generation CDNA 3 GPU architecture. The enormous amount of memory is the real selling point, according to Su. If you look at the industry today, you often see that, first of all, the model sizes are getting much larger. And you actually need multiple GPUs to run the latest large language models," she said. "With MI300X, you can reduce the number of GPUs for this, and as model sizes continue growing, this will become even more important. So with more memory, more memory bandwidth, and fewer GPUs needed." AMD says the design of the MI300X makes it eight times more powerful than the existing MI250X used in Frontier (the worlds fastest supercomputer) and five times more energy efficient. It will be used in the two-plus exaFLOP El Capitan system that will be built next year at Lawrence Livermore National Labs. As part of the announcement, Su also unveiled the AMD Instinct platform, a server reference design based on specifications from the Open Compute Project that uses eight MI300X GPUs for generative AI training and inference workloads. This means enterprises and hyperscalers can use the Instinct Platform to put MI300X GPUs in existing OCP server racks. Were actually accelerating customers time to market and reducing overall development costs, while making it really easy to deploy the MI300X into their existing AI ramp and server construction, Su said. New cloud CPU In other news, AMD discussed its fourth-gen EPYC 97X4 processor, code-named Bergamo. This processor is specifically designed for cloud environments in that it has many cores for virtual machines to run. Bergamo comes with 128 cores with hyperthreading, so a dual-socket system can have up to 512 virtual CPUs. Su talked about how cloud-native workloads are born in the cloud. They're designed to take full advantage of new cloud computing frameworks, and they essentially run as microservices. The design of these processors is different from general purpose computing Bergamo processors are smaller and very throughput-oriented, hence the many core design. Bergamo leverages all of the platform infrastructure that we already developed for Genoa. And it supports the same next gen memory and the same IO capabilities. But it allows us with this design point to expand to 128 cores per socket for leadership performance and energy efficiency in the cloud, said Su. Both the MI300X and Bergamo will begin sampling in the third quarter. Rakesh Kumar By Express News Service NEW DELHI: As the country is reeling under the heat wave, the power demand has shot up sharply. The average maximum demand met in the first 13 days of June 2023 was more than 213 GW compared to 197 GW in June 2022. The average daily shortage up to June 13 was 4.7 GW. Last year in June, the average daily shortage was 1.5 GW. According to the Grid Controller of India, the maximum demand met in June was 223 GW on June 9, 2023, showing an increase of 4.9% from last years peak demand of 212 GW (1 GW = 1,000 MW). On June 13, 2023, the maximum demand met during the day stood at 215.35 GW, with a peak shortage of 412 megawatts (MW). As per ministry officials, power demand in the country will continue to stay inflated, and it can even breach the previous high of 223 GW in the coming weeks, thanks to the searing heat and delayed monsoon. As per forecasts by the India Meteorological Department (IMD) and Skymet Weather, monsoon, rains could be patchy until the first week of July. Currently, the maximum temperatures are in the range of 40-42 in many parts of the country. In 2022, the maximum power demand met was 212 GW on June 10, 2022. However, this year power ministry expects peak demand to be about 230 GW during April-June. In fact, it is already inching towards it. As the demand has increased, there are reports of long power cuts. Residents of Odisha, Maharashtra, and Uttar Pradesh took to social media platforms to report unscheduled power cuts as long as two to three hours. It all depends on the progress of the monsoon. If it is delayed, the peak demand may rise. In terms of power cuts, certain parts of north India are facing power cuts, but overall the power supply situation is fine. Coal stocks are also satisfactory, said Vikram V, Vice President and Sector Head, ICRA Limited. In terms of state-wise demand, the maximum demand was met in Uttar Pradesh with 27.29 GW, followed by Maharashtra with 27.11GW, Gujarat with 18.23 GW, and Tamil Nadu with 17.19 GW on June 13, 2023. In terms of shortage during the maximum demand, Haryana faced a shortage of 200 MW, Bihar faced a shortage of 144 MW, and Meghalaya faced a shortage of 34 MW on June 13, 2023. In a bid to ward off a power crisis situation, the government has taken several initiatives this year. The government has extended its direction to imported coal-based plants to operate at full capacity until September 2023. The ministry had invoked Section 11 of the Electricity Act with effect from March 16 to June 15, and now the order has been extended for three more months until September 30. As per the Central Electricity Authoritys daily coal data update, as of June 12, 2023, out of the 180 thermal plants across the country, 52 plants have coal stocks at critical levels. Power play Power ministry expects peak demand could be about 230 GW during April-June Average demand met in first 13 days of June was more than 213 GW compared to 197 GW in June 2022 Average daily shortage up to June 13 was 4.7 GW as against daily shortage of 1.5 GW in June last year As per IMD and Skymet Weather, monsoon, rains could be patchy until the first week of July Currently, maximum temperatures are in the range of 40-42 in many parts of the country NEW DELHI: As the country is reeling under the heat wave, the power demand has shot up sharply. The average maximum demand met in the first 13 days of June 2023 was more than 213 GW compared to 197 GW in June 2022. The average daily shortage up to June 13 was 4.7 GW. Last year in June, the average daily shortage was 1.5 GW. According to the Grid Controller of India, the maximum demand met in June was 223 GW on June 9, 2023, showing an increase of 4.9% from last years peak demand of 212 GW (1 GW = 1,000 MW). On June 13, 2023, the maximum demand met during the day stood at 215.35 GW, with a peak shortage of 412 megawatts (MW). As per ministry officials, power demand in the country will continue to stay inflated, and it can even breach the previous high of 223 GW in the coming weeks, thanks to the searing heat and delayed monsoon. googletag.cmd.push(function() {googletag.display('div-gpt-ad-8052921-2'); }); As per forecasts by the India Meteorological Department (IMD) and Skymet Weather, monsoon, rains could be patchy until the first week of July. Currently, the maximum temperatures are in the range of 40-42 in many parts of the country. In 2022, the maximum power demand met was 212 GW on June 10, 2022. However, this year power ministry expects peak demand to be about 230 GW during April-June. In fact, it is already inching towards it. As the demand has increased, there are reports of long power cuts. Residents of Odisha, Maharashtra, and Uttar Pradesh took to social media platforms to report unscheduled power cuts as long as two to three hours. It all depends on the progress of the monsoon. If it is delayed, the peak demand may rise. In terms of power cuts, certain parts of north India are facing power cuts, but overall the power supply situation is fine. Coal stocks are also satisfactory, said Vikram V, Vice President and Sector Head, ICRA Limited. In terms of state-wise demand, the maximum demand was met in Uttar Pradesh with 27.29 GW, followed by Maharashtra with 27.11GW, Gujarat with 18.23 GW, and Tamil Nadu with 17.19 GW on June 13, 2023. In terms of shortage during the maximum demand, Haryana faced a shortage of 200 MW, Bihar faced a shortage of 144 MW, and Meghalaya faced a shortage of 34 MW on June 13, 2023. In a bid to ward off a power crisis situation, the government has taken several initiatives this year. The government has extended its direction to imported coal-based plants to operate at full capacity until September 2023. The ministry had invoked Section 11 of the Electricity Act with effect from March 16 to June 15, and now the order has been extended for three more months until September 30. As per the Central Electricity Authoritys daily coal data update, as of June 12, 2023, out of the 180 thermal plants across the country, 52 plants have coal stocks at critical levels. Power play Power ministry expects peak demand could be about 230 GW during April-June Average demand met in first 13 days of June was more than 213 GW compared to 197 GW in June 2022 Average daily shortage up to June 13 was 4.7 GW as against daily shortage of 1.5 GW in June last year As per IMD and Skymet Weather, monsoon, rains could be patchy until the first week of July Currently, maximum temperatures are in the range of 40-42 in many parts of the country A convicted Jamestown drug dealer who was on the loose for 3 months after taking off from a halfway house is going back behind bars, U.S. Attorney Trini E. Ross announced. Chief U.S. District Judge Elizabeth A. Wolford sentenced Melvin J. Ingram, 45, to return to prison for another year following his conviction on a charge of escape. Prosecutors said Ingram was sent to prison for 70 months in November 2018 for possessing and selling crack cocaine. On May 3, 2022, he was transferred from Federal Correctional Institute Allenwood in Pennsylvania to the CRJ Lighthouse Residential Reentry Center in Buffalo. Ingram left the reentry center late in the morning of July 24, 2022, without permission. He was taken back into custody Nov. 10, 2022, by U.S. marshals. - Dale Anderson Monika Yadav By Express News Service NEW DELHI: The Ministry of External Affairs has asked the Ministry of Commerce to submit a report on the adverse repercussions of toeing the line of G7 countries by restricting the import of rough diamonds from Russia, a top government source told this newspaper. The development comes in the wake of a commitment made by G7 countries to impose sanctions on Russian rough diamonds and metals. Majority of the these diamonds are cut and polished in India and then exported to the rest of the world. As per a commerce ministry official, India wouldnt take any such step which is not in the best interest of the country. We have been importing Russian oil and it is being exported to other countries including the Western countries. So, I dont think Indias decision will get affected by G7 countries. Above all, India will take independent decision in such case as it is not part of G7, the official said. However, he added that Indias foreign ministry will have more say in this issue. In a bid to punish Russia for its invasion of Ukraine, the G7 countries in its three-day summit in Japan had committed to limit Russian revenue from metals and diamonds. Most of the Russian rough diamonds are cut and polished in India but the country directly imports only 10% of Alrosas (Russian diamonds mining company) total output. Indias third-largest source of export revenue is from diamonds. So the G7 countries imposing sanctions on Russian diamonds will have an adverse impact on India. Demand for diamonds has been affected in our key markets- including China and the US, a top government official said. Recently, as per reports, a high-level delegation from Indias Gem & Jewellery Export Promotion Council (GJEPC) had met Brad Brooks Rubin, the special adviser on sanctions at the US State Department, to discuss the sanctions imposed on Russian diamonds. As per industry experts, the Surat diamond industry has been severely hurt because of the restrictions. Surat has over 6,000 diamond polishing units, which employ nearly 10 lakh workers. The industry generates an annual turnover of over Rs 1.6 lakh crore. Alrosa supplies over 27% of the worlds rough diamonds, so the sanctions will have an impact as there would be fewer orders from the US and the European markets, impacting jobs here, an industry expert said. NEW DELHI: The Ministry of External Affairs has asked the Ministry of Commerce to submit a report on the adverse repercussions of toeing the line of G7 countries by restricting the import of rough diamonds from Russia, a top government source told this newspaper. The development comes in the wake of a commitment made by G7 countries to impose sanctions on Russian rough diamonds and metals. Majority of the these diamonds are cut and polished in India and then exported to the rest of the world. As per a commerce ministry official, India wouldnt take any such step which is not in the best interest of the country. We have been importing Russian oil and it is being exported to other countries including the Western countries. So, I dont think Indias decision will get affected by G7 countries. Above all, India will take independent decision in such case as it is not part of G7, the official said. However, he added that Indias foreign ministry will have more say in this issue.googletag.cmd.push(function() {googletag.display('div-gpt-ad-8052921-2'); }); In a bid to punish Russia for its invasion of Ukraine, the G7 countries in its three-day summit in Japan had committed to limit Russian revenue from metals and diamonds. Most of the Russian rough diamonds are cut and polished in India but the country directly imports only 10% of Alrosas (Russian diamonds mining company) total output. Indias third-largest source of export revenue is from diamonds. So the G7 countries imposing sanctions on Russian diamonds will have an adverse impact on India. Demand for diamonds has been affected in our key markets- including China and the US, a top government official said. Recently, as per reports, a high-level delegation from Indias Gem & Jewellery Export Promotion Council (GJEPC) had met Brad Brooks Rubin, the special adviser on sanctions at the US State Department, to discuss the sanctions imposed on Russian diamonds. As per industry experts, the Surat diamond industry has been severely hurt because of the restrictions. Surat has over 6,000 diamond polishing units, which employ nearly 10 lakh workers. The industry generates an annual turnover of over Rs 1.6 lakh crore. Alrosa supplies over 27% of the worlds rough diamonds, so the sanctions will have an impact as there would be fewer orders from the US and the European markets, impacting jobs here, an industry expert said. Rakesh Kumar By Express News Service NEW DELHI: Sanctions on Russian oil by Western countries have failed to make any dent in its oil exports. The countrys oil export revenues increased by $1.7 billion to $15 billion in April 2023, as per the monthly report released by the International Energy Agency (IEA). The growth is due to higher crude oil exports and a narrower Urals discount. The report highlights the resilience of the Russian oil supply, with its exports reaching post-war at 8.3 million barrels a day (mb/d) in April. By our estimates, Moscow didnt deliver its announced 500 kb/d (thousand barrels per day) supply cut in full. Indeed, Russia may be boosting volumes to make up for lost revenue. Its oil export revenues rose by $1.7 billion to $15 billion last month but were 27% lower than a year ago while tax receipts from its oil and gas sector were down 64% year-on-year, said the report. Following the war in Ukraine, Western countries imposed various sanctions on Russias oil industry in an attempt to hinder its profit from oil exports. The European Union, along with the Group of 7 and Australia, implemented a price cap on Russian seaborne crude oil. NEW DELHI: Sanctions on Russian oil by Western countries have failed to make any dent in its oil exports. The countrys oil export revenues increased by $1.7 billion to $15 billion in April 2023, as per the monthly report released by the International Energy Agency (IEA). The growth is due to higher crude oil exports and a narrower Urals discount. The report highlights the resilience of the Russian oil supply, with its exports reaching post-war at 8.3 million barrels a day (mb/d) in April. By our estimates, Moscow didnt deliver its announced 500 kb/d (thousand barrels per day) supply cut in full. Indeed, Russia may be boosting volumes to make up for lost revenue. Its oil export revenues rose by $1.7 billion to $15 billion last month but were 27% lower than a year ago while tax receipts from its oil and gas sector were down 64% year-on-year, said the report.googletag.cmd.push(function() {googletag.display('div-gpt-ad-8052921-2'); }); Following the war in Ukraine, Western countries imposed various sanctions on Russias oil industry in an attempt to hinder its profit from oil exports. The European Union, along with the Group of 7 and Australia, implemented a price cap on Russian seaborne crude oil. By Express News Service HYDERABAD: Drivers associated with various cab aggregator companies in Hyderabad, as part of the Telangana Gig and Platform Workers Unions (TGPWU) campaign called #LowFareNoAir, have been refusing trips to and from the Rajiv Gandhi International Airport (RGIA) for the past six days. The campaign aims to highlight the living costs involved in providing cab services and seeks to address the drivers demands. The campaign will go on till our demands are met, TGPWU president Shaik Salauddin told TNIE. Along with a video of customers waiting outside the RGIA on Twitter, the TGPWU said, We want to apologise to all our customers from the bottom of our hearts. The TGPWU is running a campaign for the last five days in Hyderabad, called #LowFareNoAir, to make all cab aggregators such as Ola and Uber, understand the living cost involved in running a service. Approximately 5,000 drivers are participating in the campaign, expressing concerns over the cost of trips to the airport. Depending on the pickup location, these trips can range from Rs 300 to Rs 600, with cab aggregator companies charging a 30 per cent commission. The union argues that the current remuneration is insufficient for survival and is demanding Rs 1,200 for a trip of 25-30 km and Rs 1,700 for a trip of 45-50 km. The issue of trips to and from the airport has been a longstanding concern for cab drivers. One of their demands is the provision of civic amenities for drivers at the Hyderabad International Airport. Drivers often have to wait at the airport for four to five hours, without any waiting shed or access to drinking water. Considering the hot summers, it becomes challenging for drivers to keep the AC running for an extended period, Salauddin pointed out. He further highlighted that TGPWUs request for an Annapurna Canteen, catering to the needs of drivers, has not yet been addressed. Salauddin apologised to customers for the inconvenience caused by the ongoing strike but stressed, This is a fight for our survival. We want cab aggregator companies as well as customers to understand our pain. HYDERABAD: Drivers associated with various cab aggregator companies in Hyderabad, as part of the Telangana Gig and Platform Workers Unions (TGPWU) campaign called #LowFareNoAir, have been refusing trips to and from the Rajiv Gandhi International Airport (RGIA) for the past six days. The campaign aims to highlight the living costs involved in providing cab services and seeks to address the drivers demands. The campaign will go on till our demands are met, TGPWU president Shaik Salauddin told TNIE. Along with a video of customers waiting outside the RGIA on Twitter, the TGPWU said, We want to apologise to all our customers from the bottom of our hearts. The TGPWU is running a campaign for the last five days in Hyderabad, called #LowFareNoAir, to make all cab aggregators such as Ola and Uber, understand the living cost involved in running a service. Approximately 5,000 drivers are participating in the campaign, expressing concerns over the cost of trips to the airport. Depending on the pickup location, these trips can range from Rs 300 to Rs 600, with cab aggregator companies charging a 30 per cent commission. The union argues that the current remuneration is insufficient for survival and is demanding Rs 1,200 for a trip of 25-30 km and Rs 1,700 for a trip of 45-50 km.googletag.cmd.push(function() {googletag.display('div-gpt-ad-8052921-2'); }); The issue of trips to and from the airport has been a longstanding concern for cab drivers. One of their demands is the provision of civic amenities for drivers at the Hyderabad International Airport. Drivers often have to wait at the airport for four to five hours, without any waiting shed or access to drinking water. Considering the hot summers, it becomes challenging for drivers to keep the AC running for an extended period, Salauddin pointed out. He further highlighted that TGPWUs request for an Annapurna Canteen, catering to the needs of drivers, has not yet been addressed. Salauddin apologised to customers for the inconvenience caused by the ongoing strike but stressed, This is a fight for our survival. We want cab aggregator companies as well as customers to understand our pain. By Express News Service KOCHI: IndiGo Airlines has commenced daily flights from Kochi to Dammam and Bahrain, expanding its services from Kochi Airport. The flight from Dammam to Kochi departs at 9 am and arrives at 7:35 pm. Similarly, the flight from Bahrain departs at 8:35 pm and reaches Kochi at 6:55 am. CIAL managing director S Suhas inaugurating IndiGo Airlines Dammam and Bahrain services at Kochi airport These new routes bring the total number of IndiGo services from Kochi Airport to 74. The inaugural ceremony for IndiGos Dammam and Bahrain services took place on Tuesday and was attended by S Suhas, the managing director of Cochin International Airport Limited (CIAL), Manu G, the director of CIAL, Saji K George, the company secretary, Robbie John, the IndiGo airline airport manager, and other officials. KOCHI: IndiGo Airlines has commenced daily flights from Kochi to Dammam and Bahrain, expanding its services from Kochi Airport. The flight from Dammam to Kochi departs at 9 am and arrives at 7:35 pm. Similarly, the flight from Bahrain departs at 8:35 pm and reaches Kochi at 6:55 am. CIAL managing director S Suhas inaugurating IndiGo Airlines Dammam and Bahrain services at Kochi airportThese new routes bring the total number of IndiGo services from Kochi Airport to 74. The inaugural ceremony for IndiGos Dammam and Bahrain services took place on Tuesday and was attended by S Suhas, the managing director of Cochin International Airport Limited (CIAL), Manu G, the director of CIAL, Saji K George, the company secretary, Robbie John, the IndiGo airline airport manager, and other officials.googletag.cmd.push(function() {googletag.display('div-gpt-ad-8052921-2'); }); By PTI LONDON: Filmmaker Shekhar Kapur's "What's Love Got to Do with It?" has been nominated in nine categories at the UK's National Film Awards. The British romantic comedy, which delves into how different cultures look at love and marriage, has bagged nominations for all the major awards, including best British film, best director for Kapur and best actress for Lily James. The movie features an ensemble cast of Shazad Latif, Shabana Azmi and Emma Thompson, as well as music maestro Rahat Fateh Ali Khan in a guest appearance. "What's Love Got to Do with It?" has also received nods for best supporting actor for Asim Chaudhry, best supporting actress for Thompson, best independent film, best screenplay for Jemima Khan, best comedy and best producer (Nicky Kentish Barnes, Tim Bevan, Eric Fellner, Jemima Khan). The nominations for the 9th edition of the National Film Awards were announced in May. The awards ceremony, organised by the UK's National Film Academy, will be held on July 3 at Porchester Hall. On social media, Kapur received congratulatory messages from many people, including Manoj Bajpayee, who worked with the director for his 1994 hit "Bandit Queen". "Congratulations," wrote Bajpayee. "@shekharkapur Congratulations on the accolades, Sir! You continue to do us proud! Shine on!" tweeted actor Ranvir Shorey. LONDON: Filmmaker Shekhar Kapur's "What's Love Got to Do with It?" has been nominated in nine categories at the UK's National Film Awards. The British romantic comedy, which delves into how different cultures look at love and marriage, has bagged nominations for all the major awards, including best British film, best director for Kapur and best actress for Lily James. The movie features an ensemble cast of Shazad Latif, Shabana Azmi and Emma Thompson, as well as music maestro Rahat Fateh Ali Khan in a guest appearance.googletag.cmd.push(function() {googletag.display('div-gpt-ad-8052921-2'); }); "What's Love Got to Do with It?" has also received nods for best supporting actor for Asim Chaudhry, best supporting actress for Thompson, best independent film, best screenplay for Jemima Khan, best comedy and best producer (Nicky Kentish Barnes, Tim Bevan, Eric Fellner, Jemima Khan). The nominations for the 9th edition of the National Film Awards were announced in May. The awards ceremony, organised by the UK's National Film Academy, will be held on July 3 at Porchester Hall. On social media, Kapur received congratulatory messages from many people, including Manoj Bajpayee, who worked with the director for his 1994 hit "Bandit Queen". "Congratulations," wrote Bajpayee. "@shekharkapur Congratulations on the accolades, Sir! You continue to do us proud! Shine on!" tweeted actor Ranvir Shorey. By PTI MUMBAI: Remembering her brother and actor Sushant Singh Rajput on his third death anniversary, Shweta Singh Kirti on Wednesday urged fans to imbibe "the goodness of his heart". Kirti, who is based out of the US, posted a video on her Instagram account to share a note with Rajput's admirers. "If we want to keep Sushant alive, we have to imbibe his qualities, the goodness of his heart. A little note for all of you. He has not left anywhere, he is alive in us. #SushantISAlive #WeAreSushant," she captioned the clip. Rajput was found dead in his apartment in suburban Bandra on June 14, 2020. He was 34. In a previous post, Kirti said she missed her brother every day. "Love you Bhai, and salute to your intelligence. I miss you every moment. But I know you are a part of me now. You have become as integral as my breath. Sharing a few books recommended by him. Let's live him by being him. #SushantIsAlive (sic)" she wrote. Kirti also shared a series of pictures of Rajput with her children and screenshots of her conversation with him in which he talked about his favourite books. Love you Bhai, and salute to your intelligence. I miss you every moment. But I know you are a part of me now.... You have become as integral as my breath. Sharing a few nooks recommended by him. Let's live him by being him. #SushantIsAlive #WeAreSushant pic.twitter.com/gNt4h8msXu Shweta Singh Kirti (@shwetasinghkirt) June 14, 2023 Former girlfriend of Rajput, actress Rhea Chakraborty also on Wednesday shared a throwback video of Rajput on his third death anniversary and wished that the Bollywood star was still around. Chakraborty, who was accused of abetting the late actor's suicide and misappropriating his wealth from his family, shared the video with Rajput on Instagram. In the brief clip, which she set to the iconic rock band Pink Floyd's song "Wish You Were Here", Rajput and Chakraborty appear to be on a vacation in the hills, sitting atop a rock in the middle of a stream. The 30-year-old actor, who was subjected to an intense media trial post-Rajput's passing, captioned her post with a heart and an infinity sign. Chakraborty, known for films like "Mere Dad Ki Maruti" and "Jalebi", spent 28 days in a Mumbai jail in a drugs case related to Rajput's death. MUMBAI: Remembering her brother and actor Sushant Singh Rajput on his third death anniversary, Shweta Singh Kirti on Wednesday urged fans to imbibe "the goodness of his heart". Kirti, who is based out of the US, posted a video on her Instagram account to share a note with Rajput's admirers. "If we want to keep Sushant alive, we have to imbibe his qualities, the goodness of his heart. A little note for all of you. He has not left anywhere, he is alive in us. #SushantISAlive #WeAreSushant," she captioned the clip.googletag.cmd.push(function() {googletag.display('div-gpt-ad-8052921-2'); }); Rajput was found dead in his apartment in suburban Bandra on June 14, 2020. He was 34. In a previous post, Kirti said she missed her brother every day. "Love you Bhai, and salute to your intelligence. I miss you every moment. But I know you are a part of me now. You have become as integral as my breath. Sharing a few books recommended by him. Let's live him by being him. #SushantIsAlive (sic)" she wrote. Kirti also shared a series of pictures of Rajput with her children and screenshots of her conversation with him in which he talked about his favourite books. Love you Bhai, and salute to your intelligence. I miss you every moment. But I know you are a part of me now.... You have become as integral as my breath. Sharing a few nooks recommended by him. Let's live him by being him. #SushantIsAlive #WeAreSushant pic.twitter.com/gNt4h8msXu Shweta Singh Kirti (@shwetasinghkirt) June 14, 2023 Former girlfriend of Rajput, actress Rhea Chakraborty also on Wednesday shared a throwback video of Rajput on his third death anniversary and wished that the Bollywood star was still around. Chakraborty, who was accused of abetting the late actor's suicide and misappropriating his wealth from his family, shared the video with Rajput on Instagram. In the brief clip, which she set to the iconic rock band Pink Floyd's song "Wish You Were Here", Rajput and Chakraborty appear to be on a vacation in the hills, sitting atop a rock in the middle of a stream. The 30-year-old actor, who was subjected to an intense media trial post-Rajput's passing, captioned her post with a heart and an infinity sign. Chakraborty, known for films like "Mere Dad Ki Maruti" and "Jalebi", spent 28 days in a Mumbai jail in a drugs case related to Rajput's death. By Express News Service TG Vishwa Prasad is an exception in the world of traditional Telugu film industry producers. The man behind People Media Factory, which originally started as an IT company before branching out into films, his banner has steadily emerged over the last couple of years as one of the most prolific production houses in Hyderabad. Vishwa Prasad made news recently for buying the theatrical distribution rights of Adipurush in Andhra Pradesh and Telangana for around Rs 150 crore. The producer claims that he has not even watched the film so far. I do not have a habit of watching films I produce. For the longest time, I did not even bother looking at the rushes, which I do right now. I am also looking forward to experiencing Adipurush with the rest of the audience when it hits the theatres. quips Vishwa Prasad, revealing that the trailer displayed enough potential for him to invest in the film. The producer also cites the incentive of having goodwill and positive work relationships with both Prabhas and the Mumbai-based banner and music label T-Series as the reason behind his investment. T-Series will be working next with Prabhas on Sandeep Reddy Vangas police drama Spirit as well. We want to continue associating with T-Series on behalf of the Telugu markets in the long run. Vishwa Prasads People Media Factory is also producing Raja Deluxe, Prabhas upcoming comedy film, helmed by Maruthi. When enquired about the films lack of steady pre-release promotional announcements and updates, Vishwa Prasad says, Every film cannot have the same strategy now. We will reveal more details about the Maruthi-Prabhas project at the right time. Vishwa Prasad reveals with zero hesitation that he intends to make films in the factory model, telling that out of the 100 films he has planned to make he is happy to have reached the 25 films mark with the Pawan Kalyan-Sai Dharam Tej starrer Bro, which is all set to release on July 28. Known for his collaborations with fellow producers like Abhishek Aggarwal, when asked about whether successes or failures are specifically impacted by the nature of the collaboration, Vishwa Prasad says, We have majorly collaborated with three banners over the years Blue Planet, Suresh Productions and Abhishek Aggarwal. Through all the collaborations, 98% of the investment came from our end. Luck plays a role I suppose, but collaborating with someone does not specifically tip a films scales radically towards positive or negative outcomes. Further reflecting on the unpredictable nature of the film industry, Vishwa Prasad continues, We are lucky to have a decent success rate. But it never comes easily to anyone. The path to success in cinema comes after a long journey. What helps along the way, is to set goals and expectations accordingly. Especially expectations. Setting them strategically and conservatively is key to keep disappointment at bay. The producer also mentions that he had plans to expand in Hollywood, which were derailed by the pandemic. We wanted to do something out of Burbank, California where you have your major Hollywood studios. The plans were set in motion at 2018 itself but we had to pause a bit due to covid. Now that things are back to normal, we are planning to resume things. I want to make films for Telugu, pan-India and audiences in the West as well. signs off Vishwa Prasad. TG Vishwa Prasad is an exception in the world of traditional Telugu film industry producers. The man behind People Media Factory, which originally started as an IT company before branching out into films, his banner has steadily emerged over the last couple of years as one of the most prolific production houses in Hyderabad. Vishwa Prasad made news recently for buying the theatrical distribution rights of Adipurush in Andhra Pradesh and Telangana for around Rs 150 crore. The producer claims that he has not even watched the film so far. I do not have a habit of watching films I produce. For the longest time, I did not even bother looking at the rushes, which I do right now. I am also looking forward to experiencing Adipurush with the rest of the audience when it hits the theatres. quips Vishwa Prasad, revealing that the trailer displayed enough potential for him to invest in the film. The producer also cites the incentive of having goodwill and positive work relationships with both Prabhas and the Mumbai-based banner and music label T-Series as the reason behind his investment. T-Series will be working next with Prabhas on Sandeep Reddy Vangas police drama Spirit as well. We want to continue associating with T-Series on behalf of the Telugu markets in the long run. Vishwa Prasads People Media Factory is also producing Raja Deluxe, Prabhas upcoming comedy film, helmed by Maruthi.googletag.cmd.push(function() {googletag.display('div-gpt-ad-8052921-2'); }); When enquired about the films lack of steady pre-release promotional announcements and updates, Vishwa Prasad says, Every film cannot have the same strategy now. We will reveal more details about the Maruthi-Prabhas project at the right time. Vishwa Prasad reveals with zero hesitation that he intends to make films in the factory model, telling that out of the 100 films he has planned to make he is happy to have reached the 25 films mark with the Pawan Kalyan-Sai Dharam Tej starrer Bro, which is all set to release on July 28. Known for his collaborations with fellow producers like Abhishek Aggarwal, when asked about whether successes or failures are specifically impacted by the nature of the collaboration, Vishwa Prasad says, We have majorly collaborated with three banners over the years Blue Planet, Suresh Productions and Abhishek Aggarwal. Through all the collaborations, 98% of the investment came from our end. Luck plays a role I suppose, but collaborating with someone does not specifically tip a films scales radically towards positive or negative outcomes. Further reflecting on the unpredictable nature of the film industry, Vishwa Prasad continues, We are lucky to have a decent success rate. But it never comes easily to anyone. The path to success in cinema comes after a long journey. What helps along the way, is to set goals and expectations accordingly. Especially expectations. Setting them strategically and conservatively is key to keep disappointment at bay. The producer also mentions that he had plans to expand in Hollywood, which were derailed by the pandemic. We wanted to do something out of Burbank, California where you have your major Hollywood studios. The plans were set in motion at 2018 itself but we had to pause a bit due to covid. Now that things are back to normal, we are planning to resume things. I want to make films for Telugu, pan-India and audiences in the West as well. signs off Vishwa Prasad. VR Ferose By Express News Service I have been drawn to Buddhism because of its universality, everyone can relate to it and everyone can practise it. I dont consider myself a Buddhist by any means and my knowledge of Buddhism is entirely bookish. I have neither followed a monk nor done any extensive practice, but the message of Buddhism has helped me overcome my own suffering. The books that opened my eyes were given as gifts by my friends and are perfect for beginners, What Makes You Not a Buddhist by Dzongsar Jamyang Khyentse and Instructions to the Cook by Bernhard Glassman and Rick Fields. Buddhism is not a religion. It is a very complex belief system that focuses on personal spiritual development. It does not consider Buddha as a god: rather, everyone can become a Buddha. There is no single holy text; instead, several scholars throughout history have contributed to a vast library of concepts. Buddhism is open to change, and it is dedicated only to the pursuit of truth. The central idea in Buddhism is that evil is measured by how much suffering it produces. The biggest cause of suffering is the ego and the most important thing is the ever-present now working on ourselves in the moment and letting go of the past and the future. His Holiness the Dalai Lama is undoubtedly the authority on the matter and his numerous books offer a clear vision of the Buddhist path. Approaching the Buddhist Path is the first of a trilogy compiled and coauthored by the Dalai Lama and the American Buddhist nun Thubten Chodron. In it, the authors explain every step of the path to enlightenment. It tells you about Buddhist history and introduces you to the fundamentals of Buddhism along with the Dalai Lamas personal experiences. The Foundation of Buddhist Practice is the second in the trilogy, which explains the key teachings to start the practice of the Dharma. The book offers a simple description of how to structure a meditation session and of the appropriate relationship between the spiritual mentor and the student. It has a series of chapters on the law of Karma and the concepts of death and birth. Samsara, Nirvana, and Buddha Nature is the third volume, which gives information about the Four Noble Truths. The reader will learn how to improve personal practice with insightful and easy-to-apply methods and learn about the minds infinite potential through the teachings of Dzogchen. Thich Nhat Hanh, one of the most famous Buddhist monks and peace activists, has written over 130 books and is considered the father of the mindfulness movement (Martin Luther King Jr. nominated him for the Nobel Peace Prize in 1967). The Heart of the Buddhas Teaching serves as a guide for transforming your suffering into peace and joy. It covers significant Buddhist teachings such as The Four Noble Truths and The Noble Eightfold Path. If you are someone who holds on to anger and hurt, this book will help you find relief. If you want to know about the life and teachings of Gautama Buddha then I would recommend Old Path White Clouds. Drawn directly from 24 Pali, Sanskrit, and Chinese sources, and retold by Thich Nhat Hanh in his inimitably beautiful style, this book traces the Buddhas life slowly and gently over the course of 80 years, partly through the eyes of Svasti, the buffalo boy, and partly through the eyes of the Buddha himself. Old Path White Clouds has become a classic of spiritual literature since its publication in 1991. I believe that Buddhism is as relevant today as it was 2,500 years ago. If we understand the truths that life is full of suffering, and that the path to overcoming suffering is through compassion and wisdom then we can all find happiness and peace in our lives. I have been drawn to Buddhism because of its universality, everyone can relate to it and everyone can practise it. I dont consider myself a Buddhist by any means and my knowledge of Buddhism is entirely bookish. I have neither followed a monk nor done any extensive practice, but the message of Buddhism has helped me overcome my own suffering. The books that opened my eyes were given as gifts by my friends and are perfect for beginners, What Makes You Not a Buddhist by Dzongsar Jamyang Khyentse and Instructions to the Cook by Bernhard Glassman and Rick Fields. googletag.cmd.push(function() {googletag.display('div-gpt-ad-8052921-2'); }); Buddhism is not a religion. It is a very complex belief system that focuses on personal spiritual development. It does not consider Buddha as a god: rather, everyone can become a Buddha. There is no single holy text; instead, several scholars throughout history have contributed to a vast library of concepts. Buddhism is open to change, and it is dedicated only to the pursuit of truth. The central idea in Buddhism is that evil is measured by how much suffering it produces. The biggest cause of suffering is the ego and the most important thing is the ever-present now working on ourselves in the moment and letting go of the past and the future. His Holiness the Dalai Lama is undoubtedly the authority on the matter and his numerous books offer a clear vision of the Buddhist path. Approaching the Buddhist Path is the first of a trilogy compiled and coauthored by the Dalai Lama and the American Buddhist nun Thubten Chodron. In it, the authors explain every step of the path to enlightenment. It tells you about Buddhist history and introduces you to the fundamentals of Buddhism along with the Dalai Lamas personal experiences. The Foundation of Buddhist Practice is the second in the trilogy, which explains the key teachings to start the practice of the Dharma. The book offers a simple description of how to structure a meditation session and of the appropriate relationship between the spiritual mentor and the student. It has a series of chapters on the law of Karma and the concepts of death and birth. Samsara, Nirvana, and Buddha Nature is the third volume, which gives information about the Four Noble Truths. The reader will learn how to improve personal practice with insightful and easy-to-apply methods and learn about the minds infinite potential through the teachings of Dzogchen. Thich Nhat Hanh, one of the most famous Buddhist monks and peace activists, has written over 130 books and is considered the father of the mindfulness movement (Martin Luther King Jr. nominated him for the Nobel Peace Prize in 1967). The Heart of the Buddhas Teaching serves as a guide for transforming your suffering into peace and joy. It covers significant Buddhist teachings such as The Four Noble Truths and The Noble Eightfold Path. If you are someone who holds on to anger and hurt, this book will help you find relief. If you want to know about the life and teachings of Gautama Buddha then I would recommend Old Path White Clouds. Drawn directly from 24 Pali, Sanskrit, and Chinese sources, and retold by Thich Nhat Hanh in his inimitably beautiful style, this book traces the Buddhas life slowly and gently over the course of 80 years, partly through the eyes of Svasti, the buffalo boy, and partly through the eyes of the Buddha himself. Old Path White Clouds has become a classic of spiritual literature since its publication in 1991. I believe that Buddhism is as relevant today as it was 2,500 years ago. If we understand the truths that life is full of suffering, and that the path to overcoming suffering is through compassion and wisdom then we can all find happiness and peace in our lives. Parvez Sultan By Express News Service NEW DELHI: As the cyclonic storm Biparjoy is expected to hit the coastline along Gujarat on Thursday, the authorities have dismantled a radio relay tower propped by a 90-metre-tall guy rope in Dwarka. According to the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting (I&B), the decision to pull down the radio tower, which is used to receive and retransmit radio signals, was taken down to prevent any untoward incident and loss to human life and properties in the vicinity during the cyclone. The tower was about 35 years old. The I&B ministry on Wednesday stated that a safety audit conducted in January had recommended the dismantling of the tower. A 90-metre-high guy rope-supported steel Akashvani tower in Dwarka, Gujarat, has been dismantled as a precautionary measure in view of the impending Cyclone Biparjoy. This has been done to prevent any mishap and minimise damages to life and property in surrounding areas. The move follows a safety audit of this 35-year-old tower by the structural experts from the National Institute of Technology, Surat, and Civil Construction Wing of Prasar Bharati, which recommended the dismantling of this tower in January 2023, said an official from the I&B ministry. He added that Akashvani is working on restoration of services from Dwarka by using the available resources simultaneously. Strong winds with a speed of 125-135 kmph and gusting to 150 kmph are expected to hit Dwarka, Kutch, Porbandar, Jamnagar, Rajkot, Junagarh and Morbi districts of Gujarat on Thursday as Biparjoy makes landfall near the Jakhau port. NEW DELHI: As the cyclonic storm Biparjoy is expected to hit the coastline along Gujarat on Thursday, the authorities have dismantled a radio relay tower propped by a 90-metre-tall guy rope in Dwarka. According to the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting (I&B), the decision to pull down the radio tower, which is used to receive and retransmit radio signals, was taken down to prevent any untoward incident and loss to human life and properties in the vicinity during the cyclone. The tower was about 35 years old. The I&B ministry on Wednesday stated that a safety audit conducted in January had recommended the dismantling of the tower. A 90-metre-high guy rope-supported steel Akashvani tower in Dwarka, Gujarat, has been dismantled as a precautionary measure in view of the impending Cyclone Biparjoy.googletag.cmd.push(function() {googletag.display('div-gpt-ad-8052921-2'); }); This has been done to prevent any mishap and minimise damages to life and property in surrounding areas. The move follows a safety audit of this 35-year-old tower by the structural experts from the National Institute of Technology, Surat, and Civil Construction Wing of Prasar Bharati, which recommended the dismantling of this tower in January 2023, said an official from the I&B ministry. He added that Akashvani is working on restoration of services from Dwarka by using the available resources simultaneously. Strong winds with a speed of 125-135 kmph and gusting to 150 kmph are expected to hit Dwarka, Kutch, Porbandar, Jamnagar, Rajkot, Junagarh and Morbi districts of Gujarat on Thursday as Biparjoy makes landfall near the Jakhau port. Sudhir Suryawanshi By Express News Service MUMBAI: A day after snubbing his deputy Devendra Fadnavis over popular CM choice, Maharashtra CM Eknath Shinde on Wednesday in a damage control step published a second advertisement putting photographs of all prominent leaders. The commercial also dropped the objectionable content that was published in earlier advertisements. There is, however, no sign of an end to the brewing tussle between the BJP and the Shiv Sena (Shinde) as BJP Rajya Sabha MP Anil Bonde called Eknath Shinde a frog that is limited to Thane district only. Sources said that Shinde-led Shiv Sena ministers in cabinet meetings expressed displeasure over BJPs pressure tactics to remove their six cabinet ministers and leaking this information to the media. However, BJP refused saying that they did not leak the information. There was a word of war, but both the party leaders decided not to make any provocative statements that will add fuel to the fire and spoil the atmosphere and bring out the differences in the cadre as well. We have to restrain from making any such comments in the media, said a senior minister of Shiv Sena requesting anonymity. Maharashtra BJP president Chandrashekhar Bawankule said that they were upset with the chief minister Eknath Shinde for a mischievous advertisement insulting Devendra Fadnavis by showing it in poor light with the help of survey reports. CM Eknath Shinde has a big heart and he should take both the party along and do the work. I will meet him and try to iron out the differences between both party leaders. We are happy that Shiv Sena issued the second advertisement correcting the error of earlier advertisements, Bawankule said. Senior BJP leader said that Shinde by issuance of this advertisement has asserted his positions as chief minister of Maharashtra and leader of Shiv Sena. Shinde should not consider Thane as a whole Maharashtra. Earlier Uddhav Thackeray made the same mistake. Thackeray thought that Mumbai is Maharashtra. Someone must be misguiding Eknath Shinde. We also want to know whether this survey where Shinde is more popular than Fadnavis is carried out only in Thane. Devendra Fadnavis is working for all communities, said Bonde. The tussle between BJP and Shiv Sena came out after the Shiv Senas issuance of advertisements which on the basis of a survey said Maharashtra CM Eknath Shinde is more popular than deputy chief minister Devendra Fadnavis. The survey stated that 26 per cent of people prefer Eknath Shinde as chief minister of Maharashtra while 23 per cent prefer Fadnavis. Interestingly, in this snubbing of Devendra Fadnavis advertisements, no photograph of Fadnavis was used. As a result of this tussle, Fadnavis cancelled his out tour with the CM, citing ill health as a reason. The second advertisement on Wednesday wherein the same survey combined data published stating 49 per cent of people want the Shinde-Fadnavis government back in Maharashtra. It also published the photographs of the late Balasaheb Thackeray, Anand Dighe, Amit Shah, Devendra Fadnavis along with nine cabinet ministers of Eknath Shinde. Sanjay Raut (UBT) Rajya Sabha member said that Devendra Fadnavis has been badly humiliated through the Shinde factions advertisements. Shinde-led Sena upset with BJPs tactics There is, however, no sign of an end to the brewing tussle between the BJP and the Shiv Sena (Shinde) as BJP Rajya Sabha MP Anil Bonde called Eknath Shinde a frog that is limited to Thane district only. Sources said that Shinde-led Shiv Sena ministers in cabinet meetings expressed displeasure over BJPs pressure tactics to remove their six cabinet ministers and leaking this information to the media. MUMBAI: A day after snubbing his deputy Devendra Fadnavis over popular CM choice, Maharashtra CM Eknath Shinde on Wednesday in a damage control step published a second advertisement putting photographs of all prominent leaders. The commercial also dropped the objectionable content that was published in earlier advertisements. There is, however, no sign of an end to the brewing tussle between the BJP and the Shiv Sena (Shinde) as BJP Rajya Sabha MP Anil Bonde called Eknath Shinde a frog that is limited to Thane district only. Sources said that Shinde-led Shiv Sena ministers in cabinet meetings expressed displeasure over BJPs pressure tactics to remove their six cabinet ministers and leaking this information to the media. However, BJP refused saying that they did not leak the information. There was a word of war, but both the party leaders decided not to make any provocative statements that will add fuel to the fire and spoil the atmosphere and bring out the differences in the cadre as well. We have to restrain from making any such comments in the media, said a senior minister of Shiv Sena requesting anonymity.googletag.cmd.push(function() {googletag.display('div-gpt-ad-8052921-2'); }); Maharashtra BJP president Chandrashekhar Bawankule said that they were upset with the chief minister Eknath Shinde for a mischievous advertisement insulting Devendra Fadnavis by showing it in poor light with the help of survey reports. CM Eknath Shinde has a big heart and he should take both the party along and do the work. I will meet him and try to iron out the differences between both party leaders. We are happy that Shiv Sena issued the second advertisement correcting the error of earlier advertisements, Bawankule said. Senior BJP leader said that Shinde by issuance of this advertisement has asserted his positions as chief minister of Maharashtra and leader of Shiv Sena. Shinde should not consider Thane as a whole Maharashtra. Earlier Uddhav Thackeray made the same mistake. Thackeray thought that Mumbai is Maharashtra. Someone must be misguiding Eknath Shinde. We also want to know whether this survey where Shinde is more popular than Fadnavis is carried out only in Thane. Devendra Fadnavis is working for all communities, said Bonde. The tussle between BJP and Shiv Sena came out after the Shiv Senas issuance of advertisements which on the basis of a survey said Maharashtra CM Eknath Shinde is more popular than deputy chief minister Devendra Fadnavis. The survey stated that 26 per cent of people prefer Eknath Shinde as chief minister of Maharashtra while 23 per cent prefer Fadnavis. Interestingly, in this snubbing of Devendra Fadnavis advertisements, no photograph of Fadnavis was used. As a result of this tussle, Fadnavis cancelled his out tour with the CM, citing ill health as a reason. The second advertisement on Wednesday wherein the same survey combined data published stating 49 per cent of people want the Shinde-Fadnavis government back in Maharashtra. It also published the photographs of the late Balasaheb Thackeray, Anand Dighe, Amit Shah, Devendra Fadnavis along with nine cabinet ministers of Eknath Shinde. Sanjay Raut (UBT) Rajya Sabha member said that Devendra Fadnavis has been badly humiliated through the Shinde factions advertisements. Shinde-led Sena upset with BJPs tactics There is, however, no sign of an end to the brewing tussle between the BJP and the Shiv Sena (Shinde) as BJP Rajya Sabha MP Anil Bonde called Eknath Shinde a frog that is limited to Thane district only. Sources said that Shinde-led Shiv Sena ministers in cabinet meetings expressed displeasure over BJPs pressure tactics to remove their six cabinet ministers and leaking this information to the media. A Jamestown man has pleaded guilty before U.S. District Judge Lawrence J. Vilardo to charges associated with his role in a drug trafficking operation in Jamestown and Buffalo, U.S. Attorney Trini E. Ross announced. Richard A. Philbrick Sr., 37, faces a mandatory minimum of 10 years in prison for his plea to conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute, and to distribute, 400 grams or more of fentanyl. He is scheduled for sentencing Oct. 2. Prosecutors said Philbrick maintained a residences on Newland Avenue in Jamestown for drug sales. During the investigation, they said, undercover agents made several controlled purchases from him. When Jamestown police stopped him in his vehicle on May 4, 2022, prosecutors added, they found fentanyl, methamphetamine, morphine pills, hydrocodone pills, buprenorphine pills, psilocybin mushrooms, cell phones, suboxone strips, a pellet gun and $1,098 cash. Philbrick was one of four men indicted by a federal grand jury in April in connection with a narcotics ring managed by Joseph Zaso, 39, of Buffalo, between September 2018 and May 2022. Dale Anderson By Express News Service BHOPAL: The Madhya Pradesh government on Wednesday gave its nod to provide e-scooters to boys and girls who top the Class 12 exam at government schools. The decision by the Shivraj Singh Chouhan-led BJP government comes ahead of the Assembly polls scheduled later this year. The state cabinet, under the new scheme, has decided to provide e-scooters to boys and girls who top the Class 12 to encourage them in their studies. If more than one student has the highest marks then all of them will get the benefit of the scheme, said State Home Minister Narottam Mishra, also the governments official spokesperson. A petrol-run scooter will be provided in areas where e-scooter is not available. Around 9,000 students will benefit from the scheme. A provision of Rs 135 crore has been made in the budget for the year 2023-24 for the implementation of the scheme, he added. The decision by the state cabinet came a few days after the chief minister transferred the first monthly instalment of Rs 1000 each into the bank accounts of 1.25 crore financially weak married women under the Laadli Behana Scheme, announced incentives for Anganwadi workers and hiked the annual financial support to farmers by Rs 2,000 under the CM Kisan Kalyan Scheme. Taking a dig at the CM and his government on this latest development, state Congress president Kamal Nath said, Just wait, after announcing to provide e-scooters to topper students, the CM can also announce providing helicopters. On Wednesday, the state cabinet also approved the Cooperative Policy of MP, 2023 and authorised the cooperative department to prepare and implement a time-bound action plan. The policy aims to pave the way towards making cooperatives a peoples movement in the state. Committees will be formed in new areas through co-operatives and employment opportunities will be created. The cabinet approved a proposal to increase the family income limit to Rs 8 lakh for scholarships for SC and ST students. Schemes galore Class 12 toppers at govt schools to get e-scooters. Around 9,000 students will benefit from the scheme. A petrol-run scooter will be provided in areas where e-scooter is not available. The Shivraj Singh Chouhan cabinet also approved a proposal to increase the family income limit from Rs 6 lakh to Rs 8 lakh for scholarships for Scheduled Caste and Scheduled Tribe students. Rs 135 crore allotted for the implementation of the scheme in the year 2023-24 BHOPAL: The Madhya Pradesh government on Wednesday gave its nod to provide e-scooters to boys and girls who top the Class 12 exam at government schools. The decision by the Shivraj Singh Chouhan-led BJP government comes ahead of the Assembly polls scheduled later this year. The state cabinet, under the new scheme, has decided to provide e-scooters to boys and girls who top the Class 12 to encourage them in their studies. If more than one student has the highest marks then all of them will get the benefit of the scheme, said State Home Minister Narottam Mishra, also the governments official spokesperson. A petrol-run scooter will be provided in areas where e-scooter is not available. Around 9,000 students will benefit from the scheme. A provision of Rs 135 crore has been made in the budget for the year 2023-24 for the implementation of the scheme, he added. googletag.cmd.push(function() {googletag.display('div-gpt-ad-8052921-2'); }); The decision by the state cabinet came a few days after the chief minister transferred the first monthly instalment of Rs 1000 each into the bank accounts of 1.25 crore financially weak married women under the Laadli Behana Scheme, announced incentives for Anganwadi workers and hiked the annual financial support to farmers by Rs 2,000 under the CM Kisan Kalyan Scheme. Taking a dig at the CM and his government on this latest development, state Congress president Kamal Nath said, Just wait, after announcing to provide e-scooters to topper students, the CM can also announce providing helicopters. On Wednesday, the state cabinet also approved the Cooperative Policy of MP, 2023 and authorised the cooperative department to prepare and implement a time-bound action plan. The policy aims to pave the way towards making cooperatives a peoples movement in the state. Committees will be formed in new areas through co-operatives and employment opportunities will be created. The cabinet approved a proposal to increase the family income limit to Rs 8 lakh for scholarships for SC and ST students. Schemes galore Class 12 toppers at govt schools to get e-scooters. Around 9,000 students will benefit from the scheme. A petrol-run scooter will be provided in areas where e-scooter is not available. The Shivraj Singh Chouhan cabinet also approved a proposal to increase the family income limit from Rs 6 lakh to Rs 8 lakh for scholarships for Scheduled Caste and Scheduled Tribe students. Rs 135 crore allotted for the implementation of the scheme in the year 2023-24 Pranab Mondal By Express News Service KOLKATA: Crude bombs continued exploding on roads in rural Bengal for the fifth consecutive day on Wednesday over the issue of filing nominations for the upcoming panchayat elections. Bombs were hurled in front of the local office of the block development officer in Canning, South 24-Parganas, to allegedly scare candidates of opposition parties who are aspiring to contest in the rural polls slated to be held on July 8. A similar incident took place in Bhangar in the same district on Tuesday forcing policemen to retreat. Five years ago, the panchayat elections in Bengal were marked by large-scale violence, with one-third of candidates unable to file their nominations and several court interventions, Bengal has got off to another rocky start. Supporters of the Indian Secular Force (ISF), the party was formed ahead of the 2021 Assembly elections and its lone MLA Naushad Siddiqui was elected from Bhangar, and the ruling Trinamool Congress clashed in the minority-dominated pocket. Several vehicles were vandalised and a huge contingent of police personnel rushed to the spot and resorted to lathi-charge to bring the situation under control. Siddiqui went to Nbanna, the state secretariat, to meet CM Mamata Banerjee but could not as she was busy. The ISF MLA lodged his complaint accusing the TMC of flexing muscles with the police. The BJP, principal opposition, arrived at the state election commissions office on Wednesday, alleging TMCs muscle flexing restricting their candidates from filing nominations. The state poll panel is working at the behest of the ruling party. The panchayat polls is conducted to hoodwink people, said BJPs state president Sukanta Majumdar. KOLKATA: Crude bombs continued exploding on roads in rural Bengal for the fifth consecutive day on Wednesday over the issue of filing nominations for the upcoming panchayat elections. Bombs were hurled in front of the local office of the block development officer in Canning, South 24-Parganas, to allegedly scare candidates of opposition parties who are aspiring to contest in the rural polls slated to be held on July 8. A similar incident took place in Bhangar in the same district on Tuesday forcing policemen to retreat. Five years ago, the panchayat elections in Bengal were marked by large-scale violence, with one-third of candidates unable to file their nominations and several court interventions, Bengal has got off to another rocky start. Supporters of the Indian Secular Force (ISF), the party was formed ahead of the 2021 Assembly elections and its lone MLA Naushad Siddiqui was elected from Bhangar, and the ruling Trinamool Congress clashed in the minority-dominated pocket. Several vehicles were vandalised and a huge contingent of police personnel rushed to the spot and resorted to lathi-charge to bring the situation under control.googletag.cmd.push(function() {googletag.display('div-gpt-ad-8052921-2'); }); Siddiqui went to Nbanna, the state secretariat, to meet CM Mamata Banerjee but could not as she was busy. The ISF MLA lodged his complaint accusing the TMC of flexing muscles with the police. The BJP, principal opposition, arrived at the state election commissions office on Wednesday, alleging TMCs muscle flexing restricting their candidates from filing nominations. The state poll panel is working at the behest of the ruling party. The panchayat polls is conducted to hoodwink people, said BJPs state president Sukanta Majumdar. By Online Desk Cyclone Biparjoy is expected to make landfall near Jakhau Port in Gujarat's Kutch district between 6-8 PM on Thursday with maximum wind speed reaching up to 150 kilometres per hour. The landfall will continue till midnight. As of Thursday morning, Biparjoy was less than 200 kilometres from the Gujarat coast. Its impending landfall in the evening, along with the anticipated heavy rain and storm surge, has led to the evacuation of over 94,000 people living in vulnerable areas. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has said the cyclone would bring extremely heavy rainfall and cause 'astronomical tide' with a storm surge of 2-3 metres height that could inundate low-lying areas in Kutch, Devbhumi Dwarka, Porbandar, Jamnagar and Morbi districts during landfall. The National Disaster Response Force (NDRF), Railway Protection Force (RPF), State Disaster Response Force (SDRF) and Army units are on standby to provide assistance and support, said Amit Arora, the collector of Kutch, Gujarat. Cyclone Biparjoy Highlights: 94,427 relocated to safe locations --- 4864 in Junagadh, 46,823 in Kutch, 9942 in Jamnagar, 4379 in Porbandar, 10,749 in Devbhoomi Dwarka, 1605 in Gir Somnath, 9243 in Morbi, and 6822 in Rajkot. 4864 in Junagadh, 46,823 in Kutch, 9942 in Jamnagar, 4379 in Porbandar, 10,749 in Devbhoomi Dwarka, 1605 in Gir Somnath, 9243 in Morbi, and 6822 in Rajkot. 8,900 children , 1,131 pregnant women and 4,697 elderly persons have been shifted. , 1,131 and 4,697 have been shifted. 1,521 shelter homes set up; Medical teams are visiting them. set up; Medical teams are visiting them. Several parts of Kutch, Jamnagar, Rajkot, Porbandar, Devbhumi Dwarka and Amreli received heavy rainfall from 10-20 mm in six hours till Thursday noon. from 10-20 mm in six hours till Thursday noon. During the last three days, a total of 2248 mm of rain has been reported in 55 talukas, with eight districts facing the prospect of a storm. has been reported in 55 talukas, with eight districts facing the prospect of a storm. Heavy to very heavy rainfall predicted in Banaskantha and Patan on June 16. predicted in Banaskantha and Patan on June 16. 400 uprooted trees removed; roads have been repaired. removed; roads have been repaired. 33 NDRF teams stationed in Gujarat and Maharashtra. stationed in Gujarat and Maharashtra. 18 NDRF teams placed in Gujarat, 1 in Diu. placed in Gujarat, 10-15 Navy teams with five swimmers each, at Okha, Porbandar and Bakasura. with five swimmers each, at Okha, Porbandar and Bakasura. One Air Force helicopter each at Vadodara, Ahmedabad and Delhi. each at Vadodara, Ahmedabad and Delhi. 27 Army columns in Bhuj, Jamnagar, Gandhidham, Dhrangadhra; Forward locations at Naliya, Dwarka and Mandvi. in Bhuj, Jamnagar, Gandhidham, Dhrangadhra; Forward locations at Naliya, Dwarka and Mandvi. Four inflated boats to carry 10-12 people. 8 Coast Guard stations with 15 ships and 7 aircrafts available. 23 disaster relief teams have also been positioned. to carry 10-12 people. with 15 ships and 7 aircrafts available. 23 disaster relief teams have also been positioned. Over 20,000 animals moved to safer locations, adequate rations ready at all shelter homes. 50 teams ready for road clearance operations. moved to safer locations, adequate ready at all shelter homes. 50 teams ready for For the lions: 184 teams deployed for rescue and rapid response at strategic points in Gir deployed for rescue and rapid response at strategic points in Gir TRAINS CANCELLED: 76 trains cancelled, 36 services short-terminated, 31 services short-originated, Western Railways said. The Navy has placed four ships equipped with Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief (HADR) capabilities on standby. Additionally, relief teams are stationed at Porbandar, Okha, and Valsura, ready to provide immediate assistance. Helicopters stationed at INS Hansa in Goa and INS Shikra in Mumbai are prepared to be deployed to Gujarat if necessary. IMD Warning: Damage expected in these areas Cyclone Biparjoy is likely to destroy thatched houses and cause extensive damage to kutcha houses, and slight damage to pucca houses. Flying objects pose a potential threat, and power and communication poles may bend or uproot due to the severe cyclonic storm. Major damage to roads, flooding of escape routes, disruption of railways, power lines, and signalling systems are anticipated. Standing crops, plantations, orchards, and coconut trees are at risk of damage, while bushy trees like mango may be blown down. Small boats and country crafts may become detached from their moorings, and visibility will be severely affected by salt spray. Cyclone Warning for Saurashtra & Kutch Coasts: RED MESSAGE.VSCS BIPARJOY at 1430IST today near lat 22.8N and lon 67.6E about 110km WSW of Jakhau Port (Gujarat),160km WNW of Devbhumi Dwarka.Landfall process will commence near Jakhau Port from today evening,continue till midnight. pic.twitter.com/OgFLCueJUV India Meteorological Department (@Indiametdept) June 15, 2023 Warning for fishermen Fishermen are strongly advised to suspend all fishing operations in the northeast and adjoining east-central Arabian Sea. Those currently at sea are urged to return to the coast. Offshore and onshore activities should be regulated cautiously, and precautions should be taken at ports along the west coast of the country. Naval bases are also instructed to maintain necessary precautions. Movement of motor boats and small ships in these areas should be avoided. Evacuation measures should be mobilised for coastal areas of Saurashtra and Kutch, while rail and road traffic should be regulated. People in affected areas are advised to remain indoors, and tourism activities may be restricted during this period. The authorities are closely monitoring the situation and are prepared to respond promptly to any emergencies that may arise. HELPLINE NUMBERS Flights at Jamnagar airport suspended till Friday, NOTAM issued Commercial flight operations at Gujarat's Jamnagar airport will remain suspended till Friday ahead of cyclone Biparjoy's landfall. The airport has issued a NOTAM for three days -- Wednesday-Friday. Diesel and petrol required to operate the airport in an emergency have also been stored. According to NOTAM, Air India and Star Air have cancelled their scheduled flights. NOTAM means 'Notice to Airmen' -- it is issued at the airport for flights coming from outside. WATCH | Mandaviya reviews preparedness measures Union Health Minister Mansukh Mandaviya on Wednesday reviewed the preparedness measures being taken in Kutch for cyclone Biparjoy. The Union health minister visited the Bhuj Air Force station to take stock of the preparations made by 'Garuda' Emergency Response Team of the Indian Air Force. He said, "Our jawans are fully prepared for the safety of life and property from the cyclone." He also reviewed the availability of oxygen, ventilators and critical care beds in Kutch district government hospitals, trust-run hospitals and other hospitals in the region. He further reviewed the preparations of health facilities that will be made immediately available if needed, post the cyclone. Mandaviya interacted with drivers of 108 emergency ambulance services in Kutch and stated that "their enthusiasm and support have been a confidence booster." He said under the guidance of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, "all possible arrangements are being made by the central and state governments to deal with cyclone Biparjoy." #BiparjoyAlert #CycloneBiparjoy : A "Ham Radio' team is working hard to prevent any disruption in communication in Kutch. Professor Kaushal Jani, who leads the ham radio team, said the rains have ceased in #Kutch . #Gujarat @NewIndianXpress @TheMornStandard @santwana99 pic.twitter.com/5eLNo3s737 Dilip Singh Kshatriya (@Kshatriyadilip) June 15, 2023 17 SDRF teams deployed in Rajasthan 'Red' alert has been issued for Barmer and Jalore for Friday, and Jodhpur, Pali and Nagaur for Saturday. An 'orange' alert has been issued in Rajsamand Friday, while it will come to effect in Jaipur, Ajmer, Tonk and Nagaur on Saturday. After the cyclone hits the Gujarat coast, its effect will be visible in the south-western part of Rajasthan. By Friday afternoon, this cyclone will enter Rajasthan in the form of a depression, which will end up turning into a low-pressure area by the time it approaches Jodhpur on Saturday. Meanwhile, seventeen SDRF teams have been deployed in Rajasthan to deal with the impact of Biparjoy, a top official said on Wednesday. Rajasthan Chief Secretary Usha Sharma held a meeting with officials of various departments and district collectors to review the preparations to deal with the effects of the cyclone. A meteorological department official said in the meeting that under the impact of Cyclone Biparjoy, a deep depression will hit Jalore and Barmer on June 16, bringing heavy rains and thunderstorms with wind speeds up to 50 to 60 km per hour. #CycloneBiparjoy | A house collapses at Mul-Dwarka port in Kodinar town of #GirSomnath district in #Gujarat. #Biparjoy is expected to make landfall near Jakhau Port. pic.twitter.com/bX9D4gxhwi The New Indian Express (@NewIndianXpress) June 15, 2023 Heavy rain alert for Karnataka Heavy rain is expected to continue in all three districts of the coastal region -- Udupi, Dakshina Kannada and Uttara Kannada. In Uttara Kannada, district authorities have declared a high wave alert till June 19. It is predicted that waves may reach up to three to four meters. The south interior districts of Bengaluru Rural, Chitradurga, Kolar, Mandya, Ramanagar and Tumakuru will also receive heavy rains. Meanwhile, Bengaluru city, Chamarajanagar, Chikkaballapur, Hassan, Kodagu and Mysuru districts will receive normal showers. (With inputs from PTI, IANS, ANI and ENS) Cyclone Biparjoy is expected to make landfall near Jakhau Port in Gujarat's Kutch district between 6-8 PM on Thursday with maximum wind speed reaching up to 150 kilometres per hour. The landfall will continue till midnight. As of Thursday morning, Biparjoy was less than 200 kilometres from the Gujarat coast. Its impending landfall in the evening, along with the anticipated heavy rain and storm surge, has led to the evacuation of over 94,000 people living in vulnerable areas.googletag.cmd.push(function() {googletag.display('div-gpt-ad-8052921-2'); }); The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has said the cyclone would bring extremely heavy rainfall and cause 'astronomical tide' with a storm surge of 2-3 metres height that could inundate low-lying areas in Kutch, Devbhumi Dwarka, Porbandar, Jamnagar and Morbi districts during landfall. The National Disaster Response Force (NDRF), Railway Protection Force (RPF), State Disaster Response Force (SDRF) and Army units are on standby to provide assistance and support, said Amit Arora, the collector of Kutch, Gujarat. Cyclone Biparjoy Highlights: 94,427 relocated to safe locations --- 4864 in Junagadh, 46,823 in Kutch, 9942 in Jamnagar, 4379 in Porbandar, 10,749 in Devbhoomi Dwarka, 1605 in Gir Somnath, 9243 in Morbi, and 6822 in Rajkot. 8,900 children, 1,131 pregnant women and 4,697 elderly persons have been shifted. 1,521 shelter homes set up; Medical teams are visiting them. Several parts of Kutch, Jamnagar, Rajkot, Porbandar, Devbhumi Dwarka and Amreli received heavy rainfall from 10-20 mm in six hours till Thursday noon. During the last three days, a total of 2248 mm of rain has been reported in 55 talukas, with eight districts facing the prospect of a storm. Heavy to very heavy rainfall predicted in Banaskantha and Patan on June 16. 400 uprooted trees removed; roads have been repaired. 33 NDRF teams stationed in Gujarat and Maharashtra. 18 NDRF teams placed in Gujarat, 1 in Diu. 10-15 Navy teams with five swimmers each, at Okha, Porbandar and Bakasura. One Air Force helicopter each at Vadodara, Ahmedabad and Delhi. 27 Army columns in Bhuj, Jamnagar, Gandhidham, Dhrangadhra; Forward locations at Naliya, Dwarka and Mandvi. Four inflated boats to carry 10-12 people. 8 Coast Guard stations with 15 ships and 7 aircrafts available. 23 disaster relief teams have also been positioned. Over 20,000 animals moved to safer locations, adequate rations ready at all shelter homes. 50 teams ready for road clearance operations. For the lions: 184 teams deployed for rescue and rapid response at strategic points in Gir TRAINS CANCELLED: 76 trains cancelled, 36 services short-terminated, 31 services short-originated, Western Railways said. The Navy has placed four ships equipped with Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief (HADR) capabilities on standby. Additionally, relief teams are stationed at Porbandar, Okha, and Valsura, ready to provide immediate assistance. Helicopters stationed at INS Hansa in Goa and INS Shikra in Mumbai are prepared to be deployed to Gujarat if necessary. #BiparjoyAlert Over 1100 pregnant women and over 8900 children have been transferred to safer regions Said #Gujarat Government Officials #CycloneBiporjoy @NewIndianXpress @TheMornStandard @santwana99 @Shahid_Faridi_ pic.twitter.com/X2FVLCGf8s Dilip Singh Kshatriya (@Kshatriyadilip) June 15, 2023 IMD Warning: Damage expected in these areas Cyclone Biparjoy is likely to destroy thatched houses and cause extensive damage to kutcha houses, and slight damage to pucca houses. Flying objects pose a potential threat, and power and communication poles may bend or uproot due to the severe cyclonic storm. Major damage to roads, flooding of escape routes, disruption of railways, power lines, and signalling systems are anticipated. Standing crops, plantations, orchards, and coconut trees are at risk of damage, while bushy trees like mango may be blown down. Small boats and country crafts may become detached from their moorings, and visibility will be severely affected by salt spray. Cyclone Warning for Saurashtra & Kutch Coasts: RED MESSAGE.VSCS BIPARJOY at 1430IST today near lat 22.8N and lon 67.6E about 110km WSW of Jakhau Port (Gujarat),160km WNW of Devbhumi Dwarka.Landfall process will commence near Jakhau Port from today evening,continue till midnight. pic.twitter.com/OgFLCueJUV India Meteorological Department (@Indiametdept) June 15, 2023 Warning for fishermen Fishermen are strongly advised to suspend all fishing operations in the northeast and adjoining east-central Arabian Sea. Those currently at sea are urged to return to the coast. Offshore and onshore activities should be regulated cautiously, and precautions should be taken at ports along the west coast of the country. Naval bases are also instructed to maintain necessary precautions. Movement of motor boats and small ships in these areas should be avoided. Evacuation measures should be mobilised for coastal areas of Saurashtra and Kutch, while rail and road traffic should be regulated. People in affected areas are advised to remain indoors, and tourism activities may be restricted during this period. The authorities are closely monitoring the situation and are prepared to respond promptly to any emergencies that may arise. HELPLINE NUMBERS Flights at Jamnagar airport suspended till Friday, NOTAM issued Commercial flight operations at Gujarat's Jamnagar airport will remain suspended till Friday ahead of cyclone Biparjoy's landfall. The airport has issued a NOTAM for three days -- Wednesday-Friday. Diesel and petrol required to operate the airport in an emergency have also been stored. According to NOTAM, Air India and Star Air have cancelled their scheduled flights. NOTAM means 'Notice to Airmen' -- it is issued at the airport for flights coming from outside. WATCH | Mandaviya reviews preparedness measures Union Health Minister Mansukh Mandaviya on Wednesday reviewed the preparedness measures being taken in Kutch for cyclone Biparjoy. The Union health minister visited the Bhuj Air Force station to take stock of the preparations made by 'Garuda' Emergency Response Team of the Indian Air Force. He said, "Our jawans are fully prepared for the safety of life and property from the cyclone." He also reviewed the availability of oxygen, ventilators and critical care beds in Kutch district government hospitals, trust-run hospitals and other hospitals in the region. He further reviewed the preparations of health facilities that will be made immediately available if needed, post the cyclone. Mandaviya interacted with drivers of 108 emergency ambulance services in Kutch and stated that "their enthusiasm and support have been a confidence booster." He said under the guidance of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, "all possible arrangements are being made by the central and state governments to deal with cyclone Biparjoy." #BiparjoyAlert#CycloneBiparjoy : A "Ham Radio' team is working hard to prevent any disruption in communication in Kutch. Professor Kaushal Jani, who leads the ham radio team, said the rains have ceased in #Kutch . #Gujarat @NewIndianXpress @TheMornStandard @santwana99 pic.twitter.com/5eLNo3s737 Dilip Singh Kshatriya (@Kshatriyadilip) June 15, 2023 17 SDRF teams deployed in Rajasthan 'Red' alert has been issued for Barmer and Jalore for Friday, and Jodhpur, Pali and Nagaur for Saturday. An 'orange' alert has been issued in Rajsamand Friday, while it will come to effect in Jaipur, Ajmer, Tonk and Nagaur on Saturday. After the cyclone hits the Gujarat coast, its effect will be visible in the south-western part of Rajasthan. By Friday afternoon, this cyclone will enter Rajasthan in the form of a depression, which will end up turning into a low-pressure area by the time it approaches Jodhpur on Saturday. Meanwhile, seventeen SDRF teams have been deployed in Rajasthan to deal with the impact of Biparjoy, a top official said on Wednesday. Rajasthan Chief Secretary Usha Sharma held a meeting with officials of various departments and district collectors to review the preparations to deal with the effects of the cyclone. A meteorological department official said in the meeting that under the impact of Cyclone Biparjoy, a deep depression will hit Jalore and Barmer on June 16, bringing heavy rains and thunderstorms with wind speeds up to 50 to 60 km per hour. #CycloneBiparjoy | A house collapses at Mul-Dwarka port in Kodinar town of #GirSomnath district in #Gujarat. #Biparjoy is expected to make landfall near Jakhau Port. pic.twitter.com/bX9D4gxhwi The New Indian Express (@NewIndianXpress) June 15, 2023 Heavy rain alert for Karnataka Heavy rain is expected to continue in all three districts of the coastal region -- Udupi, Dakshina Kannada and Uttara Kannada. In Uttara Kannada, district authorities have declared a high wave alert till June 19. It is predicted that waves may reach up to three to four meters. The south interior districts of Bengaluru Rural, Chitradurga, Kolar, Mandya, Ramanagar and Tumakuru will also receive heavy rains. Meanwhile, Bengaluru city, Chamarajanagar, Chikkaballapur, Hassan, Kodagu and Mysuru districts will receive normal showers. (With inputs from PTI, IANS, ANI and ENS) By PTI AHMEDABAD/NEW DELHI: Strong winds and heavy rains lashed the Kutch and Saurashtra coasts as Cyclone Biparjoy made landfall near Jakhau Port in Gujarat on Thursday evening after churning across the Arabian Sea for more than 10 days, with multi-agency response teams remaining on high alert for relief and rescue operations. As cyclone Biparjoy brought heavy rains to several parts of Gujarat, a cattle-rearer duo of father and son died while trying to save their goats stuck in a flooded ravine in Bhavnagar district on Thursday. At least three people were injured in incidents of treefall in Gujarat's Devbhoomi Dwarka district as cyclone Biparjoy made landfall with destructive wind speed and incessant rains on Kutch coast on Thursday evening, officials said. Ahead of the landfall near Jakhau Port in Kutch district, about one lakh people in the path of Biparjoy (meaning disaster or calamity in Bengali) in coastal districts were moved to safer places. "Dense convective clouds have entered Kutch and Devbhumi Dwarka districts and therefore, the landfall process has commenced. It will continue until midnight," IMD Director General Mrutyunjay Mohapatra said in New Delhi. Landfall indicates a cyclonic storm moving over land after being over water. The eye of the cyclone is around 50 km in diameter. Biparjoy is marching ahead with a speed of 13-14 kmph. Thus, it will take around five hours for the wall cloud and the eye to completely cross into the land, Mohapatra said. Destructive wind force uprooted many trees and electric polls near Jakhau and Mandvi towns of Kutch as tin sheets and plastic shades were blown away. "Three persons sustained injuries in Devbhoomi Dwarka district after a tree fall and they are being treated. Teams of the Gujarat police, the NDRF and the Army are working at ground level in different parts of Dwarka to remove uprooted trees and electric poles," Sanghavi said. The 'very severe' cyclonic storm Biparjoy is centered over north Arabian Sea but it is coming closer to the Saurashtra coast with a wind speed of 115-125 kmph, gusting to 140 kmph, the IMD said in a statement in Ahmedabad. ALSO READ | Cyclone Biparjoy: 82,000 people evacuated to safe places in Pakistan Authorities have evacuated around one lakh people living in vulnerable areas in coastal districts of Gujarat following a prompt warning from the IMD about the "extensive damaging potential" of the cyclone, the second powerful storm to hit the state in three years after 'Tauktae' in May 2021. Officials said 15 National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) teams, 12 of the State Disaster Response Force (SDRF) and personnel of the Indian Army, Navy, Air Force, Indian Coast Guard and Border Security Force have been deployed for relief and rescue operations. The Met office had earlier warned of very heavy (11.5 cm to 20.4 cm) to extremely heavy rainfall (over 20.5 cm) in Kutch, Devbhumi Dwarka, Jamnagar, Porbandar, Rajkot, Morbi and Junagarh districts. It said the cyclone would cause 'astronomical tide' with a storm surge of 2-3 metres height that could inundate low-lying areas in Kutch, Devbhumi Dwarka, Porbandar, Jamnagar and Morbi districts during the landfall. Sea conditions are phenomenal (waves could be 10 to 14 metres high) in the northeast and the adjoining east-central Arabian Sea and all activities, including oil exploration, ship movement and fishing, have been suspended. Biparjoy, the first cyclone in the Arabian Sea this year, rapidly underwent rapid intensification on June 6 and June 7, escalating from just a cyclonic circulation to a very severe cyclonic storm in just 48 hours, defying earlier predictions. The IMD data shows Biparjoy has become the cyclone with the longest lifespan in the Arabian Sea. The life period of Biparjoy, which developed over the southeast Arabian Sea at 5.30 am on June 6, is about 10 days and 12 hours so far. The extremely severe cyclone Kyarr of 2019 over the Arabian Sea had a life of 9 days and 15 hours. Nearly one lakh people living in eight coastal districts have been shifted to temporary shelters in Gujarat as a precautionary measure. "Of 94,427 persons evacuated so far, 46,800 were evacuated in Kutch district, followed by 10,749 in Devbhumi Dwarka, 9,942 in Jamnagar, 9,243 in Morbi, 6,822 in Rajkot, 4,864 in Junagadh, 4,379 in Porbandar and 1,605 in Gir Somnath district," a state government release said. Cyclone Warning for Saurashtra & Kutch Coasts: RED MESSAGE.VSCS BIPARJOY at 1730IST today near lat 22.8N and lon 67.9E about 70km WSW of Jakhau Port (Gujarat),130km WNW of Devbhumi Dwarka. LANDFALL PROCESS HAS COMMENCED. pic.twitter.com/M8S8lL8x0A India Meteorological Department (@Indiametdept) June 15, 2023 The cyclone will bring extremely heavy rainfall in Kutch, Devbhumi Dwarka and Jamnagar, with wind speeds remaining high even on Friday despite reduction in intensity, IMD Ahmedabad director Manorama Mohanty said. Officials said the cyclone will cause total destruction of thatched houses and extensive damage to 'kachcha' houses, and some damage to pucca homes. Indore and Ujjain districts of Madhya Pradesh may see gusty winds and light rainfall in the next 24 hours due to cyclone Biparjoy, a senior official of the India Meteorological Department (IMD) said on Thursday evening. It will also cause uprooting of power and communication poles, damage and flood approach roads, with district authorities making extensive preparations to ensure there is no disruption in power and water supplies, they added. "The Army has deployed 27 relief columns in Bhuj, Jamnagar, Gandhidham, Dhrangadhra as well as forward locations at Naliya, Dwarka and Mandvi. The Air Force has kept one helicopter each on standby at Vadodara, Ahmedabad and Delhi. The Navy has positioned 10-15 teams, each consisting of five diverse and good swimmers, at Okha, Porbandar and Bakasura for rescue and relief," an official said. Indian Air Force assets are in operational readiness for relief and rescue work that would follow the landfall of cyclone 'Biparjoy', the IAF said. "#IAF assets in Op readiness for relief and rescue operations that would follow the landfall of #Cyclonebiparjoy. IAF is committed to assist fellow citizens to tackle contingencies that arise due to the cyclone," the IAF tweeted. The information and broadcasting ministry has asked media organisations, including television channels, to take "abundant precaution" while deploying their personnel to cover cyclone Biparjoy to ensure their safety. In an advisory in New Delhi, the ministry said media personnel, especially of satellite television channels, will be engaged in the ground reporting of the cyclone and other related incidents. "Given the possible impact of the cyclone, reporting from the ground level may pose serious risks of safety and security of the reporters and the cameramen and other personnel deployed by the private satellite TV channels for reporting this incident," it said. "We won't be surprised if some areas record more than 25 cm of rainfall. Usually, they do not receive such intense precipitation at this time of the year. Therefore, there is a risk of flooding in the low-lying areas," Mohapatra cautioned. Meteorologists had warned of extensive damage to standing crops, houses, roads, electricity and communication poles, and flooding of escape routes. Hugh tides could inundate low-lying areas of Saurashtra and Kutch coasts, they said. Its impending landfall in the evening, along with the anticipated heavy rain and storm surge, has led to the evacuation of over 94,000 people living in vulnerable areas. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has said the cyclone would bring extremely heavy rainfall and cause an 'astronomical tide' with a storm surge of 2-3 metres in height that could inundate low-lying areas in Kutch, Devbhumi Dwarka, Porbandar, Jamnagar and Morbi districts during landfall. The National Disaster Response Force (NDRF), Railway Protection Force (RPF), State Disaster Response Force (SDRF) and Army units are on standby to provide assistance and support, said Amit Arora, the collector of Kutch, Gujarat. Cyclone Biparjoy key developments: 94,427 relocated to safe locations --- 4864 in Junagadh, 46,823 in Kutch, 9942 in Jamnagar, 4379 in Porbandar, 10,749 in Devbhoomi Dwarka, 1605 in Gir Somnath, 9243 in Morbi, and 6822 in Rajkot. 4864 in Junagadh, 46,823 in Kutch, 9942 in Jamnagar, 4379 in Porbandar, 10,749 in Devbhoomi Dwarka, 1605 in Gir Somnath, 9243 in Morbi, and 6822 in Rajkot. 8,900 children , 1,131 pregnant women and 4,697 elderly persons have been shifted. , 1,131 and 4,697 have been shifted. 1,521 shelter homes set up; Medical teams are visiting them. set up; Medical teams are visiting them. Several parts of Kutch, Jamnagar, Rajkot, Porbandar, Devbhumi Dwarka and Amreli received heavy rainfall from 10-20 mm in six hours till Thursday noon. from 10-20 mm in six hours till Thursday noon. During the last three days, a total of 2248 mm of rain has been reported in 55 talukas, with eight districts facing the prospect of a storm. has been reported in 55 talukas, with eight districts facing the prospect of a storm. Heavy to very heavy rainfall predicted in Banaskantha and Patan on June 16. predicted in Banaskantha and Patan on June 16. 400 uprooted trees removed; roads have been repaired. removed; roads have been repaired. 33 NDRF teams stationed in Gujarat and Maharashtra. stationed in Gujarat and Maharashtra. 18 NDRF teams placed in Gujarat, 1 in Diu. placed in Gujarat, 10-15 Navy teams with five swimmers each, at Okha, Porbandar and Bakasura. with five swimmers each, at Okha, Porbandar and Bakasura. One Air Force helicopter each at Vadodara, Ahmedabad and Delhi. each at Vadodara, Ahmedabad and Delhi. 27 Army columns in Bhuj, Jamnagar, Gandhidham, Dhrangadhra; Forward locations at Naliya, Dwarka and Mandvi. in Bhuj, Jamnagar, Gandhidham, Dhrangadhra; Forward locations at Naliya, Dwarka and Mandvi. Four inflated boats to carry 10-12 people. 8 Coast Guard stations with 15 ships and 7 aircrafts available. 23 disaster relief teams have also been positioned. to carry 10-12 people. with 15 ships and 7 aircrafts available. 23 disaster relief teams have also been positioned. Over 20,000 animals moved to safer locations, adequate rations ready at all shelter homes. 50 teams ready for road clearance operations. moved to safer locations, adequate ready at all shelter homes. 50 teams ready for For the lions: 184 teams deployed for rescue and rapid response at strategic points in Gir deployed for rescue and rapid response at strategic points in Gir TRAINS CANCELLED: 99 trains cancelled, 39 services short-terminated, 38 services short-originated, Western Railways said. The Navy has placed four ships equipped with Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief (HADR) capabilities on standby. Additionally, relief teams are stationed at Porbandar, Okha, and Valsura, ready to provide immediate assistance. Helicopters stationed at INS Hansa in Goa and INS Shikra in Mumbai are prepared to be deployed to Gujarat if necessary. IMD Warning: Damage expected in these areas Cyclone Biparjoy is likely to destroy thatched houses and cause extensive damage to kutcha houses, and slight damage to pucca houses. Flying objects pose a potential threat, and power and communication poles may bend or uproot due to the severe cyclonic storm. Major damage to roads, flooding of escape routes, disruption of railways, power lines, and signalling systems are anticipated. Standing crops, plantations, orchards, and coconut trees are at risk of damage, while bushy trees like mango may be blown down. Small boats and country crafts may become detached from their moorings, and visibility will be severely affected by salt spray. Cyclone Warning for Saurashtra & Kutch Coasts: RED MESSAGE.VSCS BIPARJOY at 1430IST today near lat 22.8N and lon 67.6E about 110km WSW of Jakhau Port (Gujarat),160km WNW of Devbhumi Dwarka.Landfall process will commence near Jakhau Port from today evening,continue till midnight. pic.twitter.com/OgFLCueJUV India Meteorological Department (@Indiametdept) June 15, 2023 Warning for fishermen Fishermen are strongly advised to suspend all fishing operations in the northeast and adjoining east-central Arabian Sea. Those currently at sea are urged to return to the coast. Offshore and onshore activities should be regulated cautiously, and precautions should be taken at ports along the west coast of the country. Naval bases are also instructed to maintain necessary precautions. Movement of motor boats and small ships in these areas should be avoided. Evacuation measures should be mobilised for coastal areas of Saurashtra and Kutch, while rail and road traffic should be regulated. People in affected areas are advised to remain indoors, and tourism activities may be restricted during this period. The authorities are closely monitoring the situation and are prepared to respond promptly to any emergencies that may arise. HELPLINE NUMBERS Flights at Jamnagar airport suspended till Friday, NOTAM issued Commercial flight operations at Gujarat's Jamnagar airport will remain suspended till Friday ahead of cyclone Biparjoy's landfall. The airport has issued a NOTAM for three days -- Wednesday-Friday. Diesel and petrol required to operate the airport in an emergency have also been stored. According to NOTAM, Air India and Star Air have cancelled their scheduled flights. NOTAM means 'Notice to Airmen' -- it is issued at the airport for flights coming from outside. WATCH | Mandaviya reviews preparedness measures Union Health Minister Mansukh Mandaviya on Wednesday reviewed the preparedness measures being taken in Kutch for cyclone Biparjoy. The Union health minister visited the Bhuj Air Force station to take stock of the preparations made by 'Garuda' Emergency Response Team of the Indian Air Force. He said, "Our jawans are fully prepared for the safety of life and property from the cyclone." He also reviewed the availability of oxygen, ventilators and critical care beds in Kutch district government hospitals, trust-run hospitals and other hospitals in the region. He further reviewed the preparations of health facilities that will be made immediately available if needed, post the cyclone. Mandaviya interacted with drivers of 108 emergency ambulance services in Kutch and stated that "their enthusiasm and support have been a confidence booster." He said under the guidance of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, "all possible arrangements are being made by the central and state governments to deal with cyclone Biparjoy." #BiparjoyAlert #CycloneBiparjoy : A "Ham Radio' team is working hard to prevent any disruption in communication in Kutch. Professor Kaushal Jani, who leads the ham radio team, said the rains have ceased in #Kutch . #Gujarat @NewIndianXpress @TheMornStandard @santwana99 pic.twitter.com/5eLNo3s737 Dilip Singh Kshatriya (@Kshatriyadilip) June 15, 2023 AHMEDABAD/NEW DELHI: Strong winds and heavy rains lashed the Kutch and Saurashtra coasts as Cyclone Biparjoy made landfall near Jakhau Port in Gujarat on Thursday evening after churning across the Arabian Sea for more than 10 days, with multi-agency response teams remaining on high alert for relief and rescue operations. As cyclone Biparjoy brought heavy rains to several parts of Gujarat, a cattle-rearer duo of father and son died while trying to save their goats stuck in a flooded ravine in Bhavnagar district on Thursday. At least three people were injured in incidents of treefall in Gujarat's Devbhoomi Dwarka district as cyclone Biparjoy made landfall with destructive wind speed and incessant rains on Kutch coast on Thursday evening, officials said.googletag.cmd.push(function() {googletag.display('div-gpt-ad-8052921-2'); }); Ahead of the landfall near Jakhau Port in Kutch district, about one lakh people in the path of Biparjoy (meaning disaster or calamity in Bengali) in coastal districts were moved to safer places. "Dense convective clouds have entered Kutch and Devbhumi Dwarka districts and therefore, the landfall process has commenced. It will continue until midnight," IMD Director General Mrutyunjay Mohapatra said in New Delhi. Landfall indicates a cyclonic storm moving over land after being over water. The eye of the cyclone is around 50 km in diameter. Biparjoy is marching ahead with a speed of 13-14 kmph. Thus, it will take around five hours for the wall cloud and the eye to completely cross into the land, Mohapatra said. Destructive wind force uprooted many trees and electric polls near Jakhau and Mandvi towns of Kutch as tin sheets and plastic shades were blown away. "Three persons sustained injuries in Devbhoomi Dwarka district after a tree fall and they are being treated. Teams of the Gujarat police, the NDRF and the Army are working at ground level in different parts of Dwarka to remove uprooted trees and electric poles," Sanghavi said. The 'very severe' cyclonic storm Biparjoy is centered over north Arabian Sea but it is coming closer to the Saurashtra coast with a wind speed of 115-125 kmph, gusting to 140 kmph, the IMD said in a statement in Ahmedabad. ALSO READ | Cyclone Biparjoy: 82,000 people evacuated to safe places in Pakistan Authorities have evacuated around one lakh people living in vulnerable areas in coastal districts of Gujarat following a prompt warning from the IMD about the "extensive damaging potential" of the cyclone, the second powerful storm to hit the state in three years after 'Tauktae' in May 2021. Officials said 15 National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) teams, 12 of the State Disaster Response Force (SDRF) and personnel of the Indian Army, Navy, Air Force, Indian Coast Guard and Border Security Force have been deployed for relief and rescue operations. The Met office had earlier warned of very heavy (11.5 cm to 20.4 cm) to extremely heavy rainfall (over 20.5 cm) in Kutch, Devbhumi Dwarka, Jamnagar, Porbandar, Rajkot, Morbi and Junagarh districts. It said the cyclone would cause 'astronomical tide' with a storm surge of 2-3 metres height that could inundate low-lying areas in Kutch, Devbhumi Dwarka, Porbandar, Jamnagar and Morbi districts during the landfall. Sea conditions are phenomenal (waves could be 10 to 14 metres high) in the northeast and the adjoining east-central Arabian Sea and all activities, including oil exploration, ship movement and fishing, have been suspended. Biparjoy, the first cyclone in the Arabian Sea this year, rapidly underwent rapid intensification on June 6 and June 7, escalating from just a cyclonic circulation to a very severe cyclonic storm in just 48 hours, defying earlier predictions. The IMD data shows Biparjoy has become the cyclone with the longest lifespan in the Arabian Sea. The life period of Biparjoy, which developed over the southeast Arabian Sea at 5.30 am on June 6, is about 10 days and 12 hours so far. The extremely severe cyclone Kyarr of 2019 over the Arabian Sea had a life of 9 days and 15 hours. Nearly one lakh people living in eight coastal districts have been shifted to temporary shelters in Gujarat as a precautionary measure. "Of 94,427 persons evacuated so far, 46,800 were evacuated in Kutch district, followed by 10,749 in Devbhumi Dwarka, 9,942 in Jamnagar, 9,243 in Morbi, 6,822 in Rajkot, 4,864 in Junagadh, 4,379 in Porbandar and 1,605 in Gir Somnath district," a state government release said. Cyclone Warning for Saurashtra & Kutch Coasts: RED MESSAGE.VSCS BIPARJOY at 1730IST today near lat 22.8N and lon 67.9E about 70km WSW of Jakhau Port (Gujarat),130km WNW of Devbhumi Dwarka. LANDFALL PROCESS HAS COMMENCED. pic.twitter.com/M8S8lL8x0A India Meteorological Department (@Indiametdept) June 15, 2023 The cyclone will bring extremely heavy rainfall in Kutch, Devbhumi Dwarka and Jamnagar, with wind speeds remaining high even on Friday despite reduction in intensity, IMD Ahmedabad director Manorama Mohanty said. Officials said the cyclone will cause total destruction of thatched houses and extensive damage to 'kachcha' houses, and some damage to pucca homes. Indore and Ujjain districts of Madhya Pradesh may see gusty winds and light rainfall in the next 24 hours due to cyclone Biparjoy, a senior official of the India Meteorological Department (IMD) said on Thursday evening. It will also cause uprooting of power and communication poles, damage and flood approach roads, with district authorities making extensive preparations to ensure there is no disruption in power and water supplies, they added. "The Army has deployed 27 relief columns in Bhuj, Jamnagar, Gandhidham, Dhrangadhra as well as forward locations at Naliya, Dwarka and Mandvi. The Air Force has kept one helicopter each on standby at Vadodara, Ahmedabad and Delhi. The Navy has positioned 10-15 teams, each consisting of five diverse and good swimmers, at Okha, Porbandar and Bakasura for rescue and relief," an official said. Indian Air Force assets are in operational readiness for relief and rescue work that would follow the landfall of cyclone 'Biparjoy', the IAF said. "#IAF assets in Op readiness for relief and rescue operations that would follow the landfall of #Cyclonebiparjoy. IAF is committed to assist fellow citizens to tackle contingencies that arise due to the cyclone," the IAF tweeted. The information and broadcasting ministry has asked media organisations, including television channels, to take "abundant precaution" while deploying their personnel to cover cyclone Biparjoy to ensure their safety. In an advisory in New Delhi, the ministry said media personnel, especially of satellite television channels, will be engaged in the ground reporting of the cyclone and other related incidents. "Given the possible impact of the cyclone, reporting from the ground level may pose serious risks of safety and security of the reporters and the cameramen and other personnel deployed by the private satellite TV channels for reporting this incident," it said. "We won't be surprised if some areas record more than 25 cm of rainfall. Usually, they do not receive such intense precipitation at this time of the year. Therefore, there is a risk of flooding in the low-lying areas," Mohapatra cautioned. Meteorologists had warned of extensive damage to standing crops, houses, roads, electricity and communication poles, and flooding of escape routes. Hugh tides could inundate low-lying areas of Saurashtra and Kutch coasts, they said. Its impending landfall in the evening, along with the anticipated heavy rain and storm surge, has led to the evacuation of over 94,000 people living in vulnerable areas. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has said the cyclone would bring extremely heavy rainfall and cause an 'astronomical tide' with a storm surge of 2-3 metres in height that could inundate low-lying areas in Kutch, Devbhumi Dwarka, Porbandar, Jamnagar and Morbi districts during landfall. The National Disaster Response Force (NDRF), Railway Protection Force (RPF), State Disaster Response Force (SDRF) and Army units are on standby to provide assistance and support, said Amit Arora, the collector of Kutch, Gujarat. Cyclone Biparjoy key developments: 94,427 relocated to safe locations --- 4864 in Junagadh, 46,823 in Kutch, 9942 in Jamnagar, 4379 in Porbandar, 10,749 in Devbhoomi Dwarka, 1605 in Gir Somnath, 9243 in Morbi, and 6822 in Rajkot. 8,900 children, 1,131 pregnant women and 4,697 elderly persons have been shifted. 1,521 shelter homes set up; Medical teams are visiting them. Several parts of Kutch, Jamnagar, Rajkot, Porbandar, Devbhumi Dwarka and Amreli received heavy rainfall from 10-20 mm in six hours till Thursday noon. During the last three days, a total of 2248 mm of rain has been reported in 55 talukas, with eight districts facing the prospect of a storm. Heavy to very heavy rainfall predicted in Banaskantha and Patan on June 16. 400 uprooted trees removed; roads have been repaired. 33 NDRF teams stationed in Gujarat and Maharashtra. 18 NDRF teams placed in Gujarat, 1 in Diu. 10-15 Navy teams with five swimmers each, at Okha, Porbandar and Bakasura. One Air Force helicopter each at Vadodara, Ahmedabad and Delhi. 27 Army columns in Bhuj, Jamnagar, Gandhidham, Dhrangadhra; Forward locations at Naliya, Dwarka and Mandvi. Four inflated boats to carry 10-12 people. 8 Coast Guard stations with 15 ships and 7 aircrafts available. 23 disaster relief teams have also been positioned. Over 20,000 animals moved to safer locations, adequate rations ready at all shelter homes. 50 teams ready for road clearance operations. For the lions: 184 teams deployed for rescue and rapid response at strategic points in Gir TRAINS CANCELLED: 99 trains cancelled, 39 services short-terminated, 38 services short-originated, Western Railways said. The Navy has placed four ships equipped with Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief (HADR) capabilities on standby. Additionally, relief teams are stationed at Porbandar, Okha, and Valsura, ready to provide immediate assistance. Helicopters stationed at INS Hansa in Goa and INS Shikra in Mumbai are prepared to be deployed to Gujarat if necessary. #BiparjoyAlert Over 1100 pregnant women and over 8900 children have been transferred to safer regions Said #Gujarat Government Officials #CycloneBiporjoy @NewIndianXpress @TheMornStandard @santwana99 @Shahid_Faridi_ pic.twitter.com/X2FVLCGf8s Dilip Singh Kshatriya (@Kshatriyadilip) June 15, 2023 IMD Warning: Damage expected in these areas Cyclone Biparjoy is likely to destroy thatched houses and cause extensive damage to kutcha houses, and slight damage to pucca houses. Flying objects pose a potential threat, and power and communication poles may bend or uproot due to the severe cyclonic storm. Major damage to roads, flooding of escape routes, disruption of railways, power lines, and signalling systems are anticipated. Standing crops, plantations, orchards, and coconut trees are at risk of damage, while bushy trees like mango may be blown down. Small boats and country crafts may become detached from their moorings, and visibility will be severely affected by salt spray. Cyclone Warning for Saurashtra & Kutch Coasts: RED MESSAGE.VSCS BIPARJOY at 1430IST today near lat 22.8N and lon 67.6E about 110km WSW of Jakhau Port (Gujarat),160km WNW of Devbhumi Dwarka.Landfall process will commence near Jakhau Port from today evening,continue till midnight. pic.twitter.com/OgFLCueJUV India Meteorological Department (@Indiametdept) June 15, 2023 Warning for fishermen Fishermen are strongly advised to suspend all fishing operations in the northeast and adjoining east-central Arabian Sea. Those currently at sea are urged to return to the coast. Offshore and onshore activities should be regulated cautiously, and precautions should be taken at ports along the west coast of the country. Naval bases are also instructed to maintain necessary precautions. Movement of motor boats and small ships in these areas should be avoided. Evacuation measures should be mobilised for coastal areas of Saurashtra and Kutch, while rail and road traffic should be regulated. People in affected areas are advised to remain indoors, and tourism activities may be restricted during this period. The authorities are closely monitoring the situation and are prepared to respond promptly to any emergencies that may arise. HELPLINE NUMBERS Flights at Jamnagar airport suspended till Friday, NOTAM issued Commercial flight operations at Gujarat's Jamnagar airport will remain suspended till Friday ahead of cyclone Biparjoy's landfall. The airport has issued a NOTAM for three days -- Wednesday-Friday. Diesel and petrol required to operate the airport in an emergency have also been stored. According to NOTAM, Air India and Star Air have cancelled their scheduled flights. NOTAM means 'Notice to Airmen' -- it is issued at the airport for flights coming from outside. WATCH | Mandaviya reviews preparedness measures Union Health Minister Mansukh Mandaviya on Wednesday reviewed the preparedness measures being taken in Kutch for cyclone Biparjoy. The Union health minister visited the Bhuj Air Force station to take stock of the preparations made by 'Garuda' Emergency Response Team of the Indian Air Force. He said, "Our jawans are fully prepared for the safety of life and property from the cyclone." He also reviewed the availability of oxygen, ventilators and critical care beds in Kutch district government hospitals, trust-run hospitals and other hospitals in the region. He further reviewed the preparations of health facilities that will be made immediately available if needed, post the cyclone. Mandaviya interacted with drivers of 108 emergency ambulance services in Kutch and stated that "their enthusiasm and support have been a confidence booster." He said under the guidance of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, "all possible arrangements are being made by the central and state governments to deal with cyclone Biparjoy." #BiparjoyAlert#CycloneBiparjoy : A "Ham Radio' team is working hard to prevent any disruption in communication in Kutch. Professor Kaushal Jani, who leads the ham radio team, said the rains have ceased in #Kutch . #Gujarat @NewIndianXpress @TheMornStandard @santwana99 pic.twitter.com/5eLNo3s737 Dilip Singh Kshatriya (@Kshatriyadilip) June 15, 2023 Rajesh Asnani By Express News Service JAIPUR: The Rajasthan government has suspended 7 officials including an IAS and IPS officer for allegedly getting into a brawl at a hotel in Ajmer district on Monday. Though the officials denied that they misbehaved or manhandled the hotel staff, the government took quick action once the CCTV footage of the incident was recovered. In their complaint, the hotel staff alleged that the officials were drunk and beat them with sticks and the video footage which was captured by CCTV cameras soon went viral on Social Media. The officials had reached the hotel past midnight and wanted to force the hotel staff to serve them food. IPS Sushil Kumar Vishnoi and Ajmer Development Authority Commissioner IAS Girdhar are the two senior officials who have been suspended for allegedly having a liquor party in a car and assaulting hotel staff. Along with these, 5 other government employees have also been suspended for the incident which occurred at Hotel Makrana Raj located on the Ajmer Highway. Most of the officials are policemen, including an IPS officer and his friends, who have been accused of beating the restaurant staff with sticks. A complaint was given by the hotel owner in the matter. It is being told that the policemen and the three officers were intoxicated during the uproar in the restaurant. The brawl happened at around 2 oclock on the night of June 11. After the CCTV footage of this case surfaced, the government suspended all the officials. IAS Girdhar was the commissioner of Ajmer Development Authority. There was talk of his involvement in this case too. ASI Ruparam of Gegal police station, constable Gautam, Mukesh Yadav, constable Mukesh Jat of Tonk and junior assistant Hanuman Prasad have been suspended. Drunk officials thrashed staff with sticks In the complaint, the hotel staff alleged that the officials were drunk and beat them with sticks and the video footage which was captured by CCTV cameras soon went viral on Social Media. The officials had reached the hotel past midnight and wanted to force the hotel staff to serve them food. JAIPUR: The Rajasthan government has suspended 7 officials including an IAS and IPS officer for allegedly getting into a brawl at a hotel in Ajmer district on Monday. Though the officials denied that they misbehaved or manhandled the hotel staff, the government took quick action once the CCTV footage of the incident was recovered. In their complaint, the hotel staff alleged that the officials were drunk and beat them with sticks and the video footage which was captured by CCTV cameras soon went viral on Social Media. The officials had reached the hotel past midnight and wanted to force the hotel staff to serve them food. IPS Sushil Kumar Vishnoi and Ajmer Development Authority Commissioner IAS Girdhar are the two senior officials who have been suspended for allegedly having a liquor party in a car and assaulting hotel staff. Along with these, 5 other government employees have also been suspended for the incident which occurred at Hotel Makrana Raj located on the Ajmer Highway. Most of the officials are policemen, including an IPS officer and his friends, who have been accused of beating the restaurant staff with sticks.googletag.cmd.push(function() {googletag.display('div-gpt-ad-8052921-2'); }); A complaint was given by the hotel owner in the matter. It is being told that the policemen and the three officers were intoxicated during the uproar in the restaurant. The brawl happened at around 2 oclock on the night of June 11. After the CCTV footage of this case surfaced, the government suspended all the officials. IAS Girdhar was the commissioner of Ajmer Development Authority. There was talk of his involvement in this case too. ASI Ruparam of Gegal police station, constable Gautam, Mukesh Yadav, constable Mukesh Jat of Tonk and junior assistant Hanuman Prasad have been suspended. Drunk officials thrashed staff with sticks In the complaint, the hotel staff alleged that the officials were drunk and beat them with sticks and the video footage which was captured by CCTV cameras soon went viral on Social Media. The officials had reached the hotel past midnight and wanted to force the hotel staff to serve them food. Mayank Singh By Express News Service NEW DELHI: In a step towards improving the ground conditions along the India-Bangladesh border, the chiefs of the border security forces of the two countries agreed on Wednesday to initiate five projects. Terming the decision momentous, the Border Security Force (BSF) in a statement said the projects will have a profound positive impact on the lives of the population along the Indo-Bangladesh border. The projects, said sources, include the construction of a bailey bridge over river Sonai in Mohanpur which is in the area of a BSF battalion, while Bangladesh wanted to complete the Ramgarh School building. The other project is to construct a brick road near Ragna Nagar Land Customs Station which is in Dharmanagar in Tripura. The Border Guards Bangladesh (BGB) got a go-ahead with the work for electricity supply network expansion works near Jhalongi and Vitorbari pockets, but without changing the course of the river and sluice gate, said BSF sources. Further, the two countries gave a go-ahead for the construction of a retaining wall along rivers Bugai and Mymensingh on both sides of the border, the sources said. Maj Gen A K M Nazmul Hasan, DG, Border Guard Bangladesh (DG BGB) led the Bangladesh delegation to India to attend the 53rd Border Co-ordination Conference between the BSF and BGB held at BSF Chhawla Camp in Delhi from June 11 to 14. The Indian delegation was led by Sujoy Lal Thaosen, DG, BSF. This decision is a significant step towards improving the overall quality of life and will serve to foster stronger bilateral trade and ties between the two nations, the BSF said. DG BSF appreciated the cooperation of BGB which paved the way for expediting the construction of Single Row Fence and essential elements along the Indo-Bangladesh border. DG BGB assured full cooperation and mentioned that concerned battalions have been instructed to conduct joint verifications for the proposed single-row fence works. Both sides also agreed to a meeting of nodal officers in a month for sorting out matters related to developmental and infrastructure works. NEW DELHI: In a step towards improving the ground conditions along the India-Bangladesh border, the chiefs of the border security forces of the two countries agreed on Wednesday to initiate five projects. Terming the decision momentous, the Border Security Force (BSF) in a statement said the projects will have a profound positive impact on the lives of the population along the Indo-Bangladesh border. The projects, said sources, include the construction of a bailey bridge over river Sonai in Mohanpur which is in the area of a BSF battalion, while Bangladesh wanted to complete the Ramgarh School building. The other project is to construct a brick road near Ragna Nagar Land Customs Station which is in Dharmanagar in Tripura. The Border Guards Bangladesh (BGB) got a go-ahead with the work for electricity supply network expansion works near Jhalongi and Vitorbari pockets, but without changing the course of the river and sluice gate, said BSF sources.googletag.cmd.push(function() {googletag.display('div-gpt-ad-8052921-2'); }); Further, the two countries gave a go-ahead for the construction of a retaining wall along rivers Bugai and Mymensingh on both sides of the border, the sources said. Maj Gen A K M Nazmul Hasan, DG, Border Guard Bangladesh (DG BGB) led the Bangladesh delegation to India to attend the 53rd Border Co-ordination Conference between the BSF and BGB held at BSF Chhawla Camp in Delhi from June 11 to 14. The Indian delegation was led by Sujoy Lal Thaosen, DG, BSF. This decision is a significant step towards improving the overall quality of life and will serve to foster stronger bilateral trade and ties between the two nations, the BSF said. DG BSF appreciated the cooperation of BGB which paved the way for expediting the construction of Single Row Fence and essential elements along the Indo-Bangladesh border. DG BGB assured full cooperation and mentioned that concerned battalions have been instructed to conduct joint verifications for the proposed single-row fence works. Both sides also agreed to a meeting of nodal officers in a month for sorting out matters related to developmental and infrastructure works. Express News Service NEW DELHI: Around 20,000 medicine units were delivered by drones in some of the inaccessible districts of Nagaland and Manipur as a part of a study conducted by the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR). The ICMR study found that medical supplies through unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) or drones were a possibility in the remotest region of the country and that people were receptive to this new idea and perceived bottlenecks of regulations and restrictions in the sensitive zones had little impact. Three districts in Manipur - Bishnupur, Imphal West and Churachandpur - and two from Nagaland Mokokchung and Tuensang were selected to be the area of drone operation for the study. Drone-based deliveries of medical supplies are proving to be time efficient; however, overcoming operational challenges could provide an effective long-term deployment strategy, said the study published in Frontiers in Public Health. The present study was a unique and pioneering initiative in South Asia which delivered about 20,000 units of medical supplies to various hard-to-reach terrains in North East India, it added. The medical supplies included vaccines, tablets, syringes, glass bottles, PPE kits and gloves requiring different payloads. Several types of drones were used, including lightweight multi-rotor quadcopters and hexacopter, single-rotor helicopters, and fixed-wing vertical take-off and landing UAVs for long distances between 60km to 120km. The fixed-wing drones were more stable in flying and had more endurance both in hills and plains. The study said such operations required highly skilled and trained drone pilots to plot waypoints critically, prepare flight plans, maintain the aircraft, and monitor take-off and landing. Drones are emerging technologies with the potential to leapfrog the last mile logistics solution for transporting medical supplies thus, strengthening the healthcare system, stated the study. Several issues were encountered during the project, including regulatory approval, technical difficulties, secure landing sites, logistic and terrain-related issues, lack of trained operators, unpredictable weather conditions, communication with locals, telemetry, and the cost of flight, Dr Sumit Aggarwal, scientist, ICMR, and lead author of the study told this newspaper. Other challenges included transporting drone batteries to the spot, non-availability of take-off, and poor road transportation network in the region were faced by the team of experts. The study said that the new drone policy introduced in 2021 provided flexibility in conducting operations less than 400 feet above ground level in green zones (above 12 km from the airport perimeter) and yellow zone (above 5 km from the airport perimeter). Drones can be a useful tool for delivering medical supplies, vaccines, and other relief materials in difficult terrains. It also shows that drone technology has the potential to improve healthcare access in hard-to-reach areas, said Aggarwal. NEW DELHI: Around 20,000 medicine units were delivered by drones in some of the inaccessible districts of Nagaland and Manipur as a part of a study conducted by the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR). The ICMR study found that medical supplies through unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) or drones were a possibility in the remotest region of the country and that people were receptive to this new idea and perceived bottlenecks of regulations and restrictions in the sensitive zones had little impact. Three districts in Manipur - Bishnupur, Imphal West and Churachandpur - and two from Nagaland Mokokchung and Tuensang were selected to be the area of drone operation for the study. Drone-based deliveries of medical supplies are proving to be time efficient; however, overcoming operational challenges could provide an effective long-term deployment strategy, said the study published in Frontiers in Public Health.googletag.cmd.push(function() {googletag.display('div-gpt-ad-8052921-2'); }); The present study was a unique and pioneering initiative in South Asia which delivered about 20,000 units of medical supplies to various hard-to-reach terrains in North East India, it added. The medical supplies included vaccines, tablets, syringes, glass bottles, PPE kits and gloves requiring different payloads. Several types of drones were used, including lightweight multi-rotor quadcopters and hexacopter, single-rotor helicopters, and fixed-wing vertical take-off and landing UAVs for long distances between 60km to 120km. The fixed-wing drones were more stable in flying and had more endurance both in hills and plains. The study said such operations required highly skilled and trained drone pilots to plot waypoints critically, prepare flight plans, maintain the aircraft, and monitor take-off and landing. Drones are emerging technologies with the potential to leapfrog the last mile logistics solution for transporting medical supplies thus, strengthening the healthcare system, stated the study. Several issues were encountered during the project, including regulatory approval, technical difficulties, secure landing sites, logistic and terrain-related issues, lack of trained operators, unpredictable weather conditions, communication with locals, telemetry, and the cost of flight, Dr Sumit Aggarwal, scientist, ICMR, and lead author of the study told this newspaper. Other challenges included transporting drone batteries to the spot, non-availability of take-off, and poor road transportation network in the region were faced by the team of experts. The study said that the new drone policy introduced in 2021 provided flexibility in conducting operations less than 400 feet above ground level in green zones (above 12 km from the airport perimeter) and yellow zone (above 5 km from the airport perimeter). Drones can be a useful tool for delivering medical supplies, vaccines, and other relief materials in difficult terrains. It also shows that drone technology has the potential to improve healthcare access in hard-to-reach areas, said Aggarwal. Yeshi Seli By Express News Service NEW DELHI: The Ukrainian presidents chief of staff, Andrii Yermak, on Wednesday held a telephonic conversation with NSA Ajit Doval and briefed him on the current situation in his country in view of the continuing Russian offensive and sought Indias support for the Ukrainian peace formula. The two talked about the implementation of the agreements reached by President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and Prime Minister Narendra Modi during the G7 Summit held in Hiroshima, Japan last month. Yermak discussed with Doval the preparations for a Global Peace Summit besides pitching for consolidation of global support for the Ukrainian peace plan and the possibility of India joining the implementation of its individual points. In this context, the parties discussed preparations for the Global Peace Summit. Andrii Yermak emphasised the need to involve the widest possible range of countries, including the Global South, in this event, a statement said. Recent events have once again proved that the Ukrainian Peace Formula is more relevant than ever for Ukraine and the world. We are actively working with partners to prepare the Global Summit on the implementation of the formula. We expect India to take part in it, Andrii noted. He also briefed Doval on the current situation on the Russia-Ukraine frontlines. He said the blowing up of the Kakhovka hydroelectric power plant is a deliberate terrorist act and another war crime by Russia. This is one of the largest modern crimes of genocide. The aggressor has caused an unprecedented man-made, environmental and humanitarian disaster, as well as creating a threat of a nuclear accident at the largest nuclear power plant in Europe, Zaporizhzhia NPP, Andrii said. NEW DELHI: The Ukrainian presidents chief of staff, Andrii Yermak, on Wednesday held a telephonic conversation with NSA Ajit Doval and briefed him on the current situation in his country in view of the continuing Russian offensive and sought Indias support for the Ukrainian peace formula. The two talked about the implementation of the agreements reached by President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and Prime Minister Narendra Modi during the G7 Summit held in Hiroshima, Japan last month. Yermak discussed with Doval the preparations for a Global Peace Summit besides pitching for consolidation of global support for the Ukrainian peace plan and the possibility of India joining the implementation of its individual points. In this context, the parties discussed preparations for the Global Peace Summit. Andrii Yermak emphasised the need to involve the widest possible range of countries, including the Global South, in this event, a statement said. Recent events have once again proved that the Ukrainian Peace Formula is more relevant than ever for Ukraine and the world. We are actively working with partners to prepare the Global Summit on the implementation of the formula. We expect India to take part in it, Andrii noted. He also briefed Doval on the current situation on the Russia-Ukraine frontlines. googletag.cmd.push(function() {googletag.display('div-gpt-ad-8052921-2'); }); He said the blowing up of the Kakhovka hydroelectric power plant is a deliberate terrorist act and another war crime by Russia. This is one of the largest modern crimes of genocide. The aggressor has caused an unprecedented man-made, environmental and humanitarian disaster, as well as creating a threat of a nuclear accident at the largest nuclear power plant in Europe, Zaporizhzhia NPP, Andrii said. Prasanta Mazumdar By Express News Service GUWAHATI: Two houses were torched by the miscreants in Imphal on Thursday even as the Manipur Tribal Forum filed a fresh Interlocutory Application in the Supreme Court alleging that Centre and Manipur Chief Minister N Biren Singh jointly embarked on a communal agenda for the ethnic cleansing of Kukis. The incident of arson occurred in the New Checkon area. The security forces fired tear gas shells to disperse a mob that blocked the path of the personnel. The Army said enhanced area domination operations were being undertaken in fringe areas and higher reaches. In the past fortnight, the incidents of violence were reported mostly from such areas. In the Interlocutory Application, the Manipur Tribal Forum urged the Supreme Court not to rely on the empty assurances of the Centre. It said despite assurances, no relief has been granted so far. Enhanced Area Domination Operations by Army & Assam Rifles being undertaken in the aftermath of recent spurt in violence in Manipur. (Photo | PTI) After the giving of these assurances, over 81 Kukis were killed, 237 churches and 73 administration building/quarter were burnt and 141 villages were destroyed and 31410 Kukis were displaced from their homes. The assurances of the authorities are not useful anymore and made in a non-serious fashion and are not even intended to be implemented, the Interlocutory Application reads. Meanwhile, 15 Imphal Valley-based organisations have written to the United Nations drawing its attention to the crises. They said the involvement of foreign armed mercenaries in the conflict needs to be probed. The power of precision shots unleashed by the suspected Chin-Kuki militants in the name of ethnic minority not only killed Meitei civilians but also personnel of state and central security forces, the organisations said in a joint memorandum. They added that unbiased international attention and intervention are the need of the hour to restore normalcy. Government officials said the offline classes for the first-year MBBS students of Churachandpur Medical College would be conducted at the college as well as the Jawaharlal Nehru Institute of Medical Sciences in Imphal. The students had earlier raised concern over their safety given the volatile situation. GUWAHATI: Two houses were torched by the miscreants in Imphal on Thursday even as the Manipur Tribal Forum filed a fresh Interlocutory Application in the Supreme Court alleging that Centre and Manipur Chief Minister N Biren Singh jointly embarked on a communal agenda for the ethnic cleansing of Kukis. The incident of arson occurred in the New Checkon area. The security forces fired tear gas shells to disperse a mob that blocked the path of the personnel. The Army said enhanced area domination operations were being undertaken in fringe areas and higher reaches. In the past fortnight, the incidents of violence were reported mostly from such areas. googletag.cmd.push(function() {googletag.display('div-gpt-ad-8052921-2'); }); In the Interlocutory Application, the Manipur Tribal Forum urged the Supreme Court not to rely on the empty assurances of the Centre. It said despite assurances, no relief has been granted so far. Enhanced Area Domination Operations by Army & Assam Rifles being undertaken in the aftermath of recent spurt in violence in Manipur. (Photo | PTI) After the giving of these assurances, over 81 Kukis were killed, 237 churches and 73 administration building/quarter were burnt and 141 villages were destroyed and 31410 Kukis were displaced from their homes. The assurances of the authorities are not useful anymore and made in a non-serious fashion and are not even intended to be implemented, the Interlocutory Application reads. Meanwhile, 15 Imphal Valley-based organisations have written to the United Nations drawing its attention to the crises. They said the involvement of foreign armed mercenaries in the conflict needs to be probed. The power of precision shots unleashed by the suspected Chin-Kuki militants in the name of ethnic minority not only killed Meitei civilians but also personnel of state and central security forces, the organisations said in a joint memorandum. They added that unbiased international attention and intervention are the need of the hour to restore normalcy. Government officials said the offline classes for the first-year MBBS students of Churachandpur Medical College would be conducted at the college as well as the Jawaharlal Nehru Institute of Medical Sciences in Imphal. The students had earlier raised concern over their safety given the volatile situation. A SUNY Fredonia professor, barred from campus and teaching since his comments last year about whether adult-child sex is always wrong, wants to resume teaching at the public university. Stephen Kershnar, who has taught philosophy courses at Fredonia since 1998, filed a lawsuit this week in U.S. District Court in Buffalo asking the court to declare that Fredonias administrators violated his First Amendment rights by removing him from the classroom after the comments he made on a podcast kicked off a social-media firestorm. The lawsuit seeks to prohibit the college from barring Kershnar from teaching, entering campus and communicating with members of the university community. Named as defendants are two university administrators: Stephen Kolison Jr., the president, and David Starrett, the executive vice president and provost. For years the State University of New York showered Kershnar with accolades touting his academic skills and prolific work, and in 2014 selected him as one of only 19 professors in the university system to be named SUNY distinguished teaching professor, SUNYs highest academic honor. But when Professor Kershnars comments on a philosophy podcast caused a passing storm on Twitter, Kolison leapt onto the online dogpile, attorney Barry N. Covert, a member of Kershnars legal team, said in court papers. He reflexively decided that Kershnars comments off-campus, unrelated to his job duties and making arguments he had made for decades outweighed decades of scholarship. Kolison immediately joined in denouncing Kershnar on Twitter, then summarily barred him from teaching, exiled him from campus, directed campus police to search his office, and prohibited him from communicating with the campus community, according to the court filing. For 16 months since the February 2022 podcast, Kolison and Starrett have continued Kershnars exile, according to the lawsuit, citing unnamed safety concerns that the university cannot describe and refuses to identify. Meanwhile, SUNY Fredonia struggles to find an instructor to fill the classes that Kershnar mastered. Added Kershnars lawyers: It is time to end SUNY Fredonias apparent imposition of a social media hecklers veto, which is anathema to scholars ability to offer ideas unpopular with administrators, lawmakers and the public. When asked for comment, the university, through its Communications Office, provided this statement: SUNY Fredonia, President Kolison and Provost Starrett firmly believe that protecting our campus community is an essential part of creating a safe environment in which academic freedom can truly flourish. We will vigorously defend ourselves against the false accusations in this lawsuit. Kershnars lawyers cited the role his pedagogical approach plays in the universitys sifting and winnowing of ideas. Fredonia critic gets professorship A Fredonia State College associate professor who claimed he was denied advancement because he criticized campus policies has ended up with his promotion after all. Stephen Kershnar, who teaches philosophy, recently was elevated to the rank of professor shortly after the commotion over his promotion turned public. I am glad that the university and I were able to reach His works cover a wide spectrum, including politics, ethics, religion, law and sports. It is said that he is known for promoting unpopular or previously ignored positions that often leads those who disagree with him to sharpen their own views when reacting to his reasoning. What he said on podcast On Jan. 30, 2022, Kershnar appeared on the Brain in a Vat podcast, which is promoted as a philosophy smorgasbord during which the hosts interview experts about ethics, the theory of knowledge and other issues. Kershnars appearance was recorded while he was at home using his own computer on his own time. During the podcast, Kershnar said: Imagine that an adult male wants to have sex with a 12-year-old girl. Imagine that shes a willing participant. A very standard, very widely held view is that theres something deeply wrong about this, and its wrong independent of being criminalized. Its not obvious to me that it is in fact wrong. Two days later, a Twitter account shared a 28-second video clip from Kershnars Brain in a Vat appearance. The tweets caption said the SUNY Fredonia professor questions the widely held societal belief that its deeply wrong for an adult man to want to have sex with a 12-year-old girl. Within six minutes, the video clip was shared by a popular Twitter user, Libs of TikTok, which then had some 500,000 Twitter followers, according to the lawsuit. Libs of TikTok then tagged Kolisons Twitter account, tweeting: Hi @DrKolison, it appears you have a problem at your university. After Libs of TikTok shared it, the video clip garnered some 1.5 million views. About three hours after the first video was posted, SUNY Fredonia tweeted a message from Kolison: SUNY Fredonia is aware of a video posted online involving one of its professors. The views expressed by the professor are reprehensible and do not represent the values of SUNY Fredonia in any way, shape or form. They are solely the professors views. The matter is being investigated. Over the next 24 hours, according to the lawsuit, the video clips generated negative media coverage for SUNY Fredonia, with articles and broadcasts from Fox News, online conservative media outlets and local TV news stations. In a prime-time broadcast on Feb. 2, 2022, a Fox News host denounced Kershnar as part of a new movement forming ... to normalize one of the most depraved and sickening acts a human can commit: pedophilia. It starts, as most bad ideas do, in the minds of university professors. In a phone call the next day, SUNY Fredonias Chief of University Police Brent Isaacson ordered Kershnar not to come to the SUNY Fredonia campus, and said that he was barred from campus until further notice. Isaacson told Kershnar that he had concerns about security but declined to discuss them or offer any specific information about threats to Kershnar or his students, according to the lawsuit. That same day, Isaacson, a SUNY Fredonia police lieutenant and several information technology staff members searched Kershnars office and campus police seized Kershnars desktop computer, according to the lawsuit. Fredonias human resources director sent Kershnar a letter stating that until further notice, Kershnar was to perform an alternate work assignment from an alternate location and not to be on college property or have contact with the campus community without her permission. Professor claims criticizing policies cost him a promotion A Fredonia State College instructor said he is being denied a promotion for speaking out against campus policies in the media. Stephen Kershnar, an associate professor of philosophy, was nominated in January for promotion to the rank of professor. While he received support from his departments chairman, dean and vice president, the request was turned down by Fredonia President Also, SUNY Fredonia tweeted a second message from Kolison saying the college would continue to investigate the situation and that in the meantime, the professor was being assigned to duties that do not include his physical presence on campus and would not have contact with students while the investigation is ongoing. When President Kolison separated Kershnar from the campus community, he had no basis to believe that Kershnar was a danger to any member of the campus community, according to the lawsuit. The Foundation for Individual Rights in Expression (FIRE) sent Kolison a letter Feb. 3 calling Kershnars statements protected by the First Amendment and SUNY Fredonias commitment to academic freedom. The Academic Freedom Alliance, a coalition of faculty members from across the ideological spectrum committed to upholding academic freedom, also sent a letter to Kolison, saying the universitys responsibility is to shelter its faculty from harassment and not add to it. The next day, some 158 university professors from around the world and across disciplines sent Kolison a letter saying scholarly enterprise broadly requires the freedom to ask uncomfortable questions and explore unpopular arguments, and that if Kershnars ideas are wrong, then we all benefit from seeing those errors exposed through intellectual engagement. Sixteen months later, Kershnar remains barred from the classroom and banned from campus, according to the lawsuit. On April 3 of this year, Kershnars department chair informed faculty that the administration has decided Kershnar wont teach any courses in the fall 2023 semester. Instead of teaching, Kershnar was instructed to conduct off-campus research consisting of a review of the philosophy curricula at each of SUNYs 64 regional campuses and 12 other public universities, purportedly to consider what courses should be offered at SUNY Fredonia, according to the lawsuit. SUNY Fredonia has never served Kershnar with a notice of discipline but has effectively terminated him, according to the lawsuit. Pinak Ranjan Chakravarty By In last months general election, Thailand threw up a decisive result rejecting the military-backed government led by Prayuth Chan-o-cha, the incumbent PM and former army chief. Prayuth, as army chief, had ousted the caretaker government of PM Yingluck Shinawatra in 2014 in a military coup detat. The opposition Move Forward Party [MFP], led by Pita Limjaroenrat and former PM Thaksin Shinawatras Pheu Thai Party [PTP], now led by his daughter Paetongtang Shinawatra, routed the army-sponsored conservative opponents. The MFP stunned the nation by winning the 152 seats, and the PTP came in second, bagging 141 seats in the lower house of Parliament. The Bhumjaithai Party came in third with 70 seats, The Palang Pracharath Party [PPP] won only 40 seats and Prayuths United Thai National Party [UTNP] only 36. The Democrat Party, Thailands oldest and once ruling party, slipped to 25 seats and looming irrelevance. The two leading parties now face the challenge of forming a coalition government, with the older PHP having to play a junior role in the potential coalition. A 60-day interim period follows the election for the Election Commission to confirm the result and pave the way for the new government. Coalitions in Thailand, like in many countries, are messy affairs and prone to instability. In Thailand, democracy has had a rough ride. Military coups have regularly overthrown civilian governments ever since it became a constitutional monarchy in 1932. On average, there has been a coup nearly every seven years. Gen Prayuth Chan-O-Chas military coup in 2014 was the 21st in the last 75 years. Prayuths 2014 coup removed the elected caretaker government of PM Yingluck Shinawatra, who herself had already been removed from office by a manipulated court order. The 2006 coup had overthrown the elected government of PM Thaksin Shinawatra, Yinglucks older brother. Both have chosen to live in exile to escape the militarys persecution. Hence, the probability, howsoever slim, of the military subverting this election cannot be ruled out. Over the years, military rulers have rewritten the Constitution to set up a parliamentary structure weighted in favour of the military and its allied parties. The 250 nominated Senators of the upper house are all government-appointed and supporters of the military. The 500-member lower house is elected. In 2019, the unelected upper house Senators voted to make Prayuth Chan-ocha the PM, though his PPP had won fewer seats in the lower house than the PHP. Since then, Prayuth formed a new party, the United Thai Nation Party [UTNP], in 2021 to fight the May 2023 election. The PPP, led by former army chief and Prayuths deputy, Prawit Wongsuwon, refused to back Prayuth. The MFP is a centre-left social democratic party that supports removing the militarys influence in Thailands politics. Founded in 2014 as the Ruam Pattana Chart Thai Party, it changed its name to Phung Luang Party and after that to Move Forward Party [MFP] in 2020, after another of its incarnations, the Future Forward Party [FFP], was dissolved by controversial military-manipulated order by the Constitutional Court. The military saw the FFP as a political threat. The charismatic youthful leader Pita Limjaroenrat leads the MFP and believes in rewriting the Constitution to make it more people-friendly. It hopes to abolish military conscription, reform the monarchy and amend Thailands draconian lese majeste laws. The MFP has the overwhelming support of Thailands young voters, who are tired of the militarys interference and manipulation of politics to retain power. The months-long student-led protest movement in 2020 focussed on these issues, and some MFP candidates led this reform movement. The MFP utilised social media in a major way to mobilise voters. Preceding the May 14 election was an unprecedented debate about the role of the military and the monarchy. The new PM and government are likely to be announced next month. The MFP has announced a six-party alliance with the PTP and four other minor parties, with a tally of 310 seats---66 short of the majority of 376 [500+250]. The Senate, packed with military-nominated members, needs to support Pita, and he hopes to wean away the required numbers to reach 376. Thailands post-Covid economic recovery has been rather slow compared to other countries in the region, and the Prayuth governments inept handling of the Covid crisis angered ordinary Thais. Thailands vaccination programme was slow to take off, and this alienated Prayuths traditional supporters like the monarchists, doctors and conservative businesspersons. They sympathised with his political opponents, including the anti-government youth groups demanding change. The high voter turnout and the subsequent election results reflect widespread dissatisfaction with the Prayuth government. One cannot underestimate the militarys ability to subvert political processes by blocking the winning coalition from forming a government. In Thailand, coalition negotiations take place with a wary eye on the military, which can engineer a court ruling on a technicality to disqualify the MFP. They have done it before and can repeat it. Perhaps a full-fledged military coup is unlikely because the current army chief seems apolitical. Moreover, Pita, a 42-year-old Harvard and MIT-educated politician, is still regarded as a novice in coalition building. This does not take away anything from the fact that he has led his party to an extraordinary victory in a political climate vitiated by the military. An unknown element is the attitude of King Vajiralongkorn, his courtiers, conservative politicians and pro-monarchists. So far, the King has not shown much keenness in politics. If he indicates his support for a new government, Prayuth and his supporters will not cross the red line. The monarchist-military alliance exercises institutional powers that could block the MFP from forming the next government if the King gives the nod. The military has a Brahmastra in its arsenal in the form of an unelected Senate under the military-drafted 2017 Constitution, which can veto appointments, even prime ministerial appointments, and legislation. The military has used this institution to cripple and unseat elected governments. But this time, the public mood is different, with young voters and the middle-class joining hands to demand change. Thailand is poised at a tipping point. (pr.chakravarty@gmail.com) Pinak Ranjan Chakravarty Former Secretary in MEA and a former Ambassador to Thailand; he is a founder Director of DeepStrat, a think tank and a Visiting Fellow at ORF, Delhi In last months general election, Thailand threw up a decisive result rejecting the military-backed government led by Prayuth Chan-o-cha, the incumbent PM and former army chief. Prayuth, as army chief, had ousted the caretaker government of PM Yingluck Shinawatra in 2014 in a military coup detat. The opposition Move Forward Party [MFP], led by Pita Limjaroenrat and former PM Thaksin Shinawatras Pheu Thai Party [PTP], now led by his daughter Paetongtang Shinawatra, routed the army-sponsored conservative opponents. The MFP stunned the nation by winning the 152 seats, and the PTP came in second, bagging 141 seats in the lower house of Parliament. The Bhumjaithai Party came in third with 70 seats, The Palang Pracharath Party [PPP] won only 40 seats and Prayuths United Thai National Party [UTNP] only 36. The Democrat Party, Thailands oldest and once ruling party, slipped to 25 seats and looming irrelevance. The two leading parties now face the challenge of forming a coalition government, with the older PHP having to play a junior role in the potential coalition. A 60-day interim period follows the election for the Election Commission to confirm the result and pave the way for the new government. Coalitions in Thailand, like in many countries, are messy affairs and prone to instability.googletag.cmd.push(function() {googletag.display('div-gpt-ad-8052921-2'); }); In Thailand, democracy has had a rough ride. Military coups have regularly overthrown civilian governments ever since it became a constitutional monarchy in 1932. On average, there has been a coup nearly every seven years. Gen Prayuth Chan-O-Chas military coup in 2014 was the 21st in the last 75 years. Prayuths 2014 coup removed the elected caretaker government of PM Yingluck Shinawatra, who herself had already been removed from office by a manipulated court order. The 2006 coup had overthrown the elected government of PM Thaksin Shinawatra, Yinglucks older brother. Both have chosen to live in exile to escape the militarys persecution. Hence, the probability, howsoever slim, of the military subverting this election cannot be ruled out. Over the years, military rulers have rewritten the Constitution to set up a parliamentary structure weighted in favour of the military and its allied parties. The 250 nominated Senators of the upper house are all government-appointed and supporters of the military. The 500-member lower house is elected. In 2019, the unelected upper house Senators voted to make Prayuth Chan-ocha the PM, though his PPP had won fewer seats in the lower house than the PHP. Since then, Prayuth formed a new party, the United Thai Nation Party [UTNP], in 2021 to fight the May 2023 election. The PPP, led by former army chief and Prayuths deputy, Prawit Wongsuwon, refused to back Prayuth. The MFP is a centre-left social democratic party that supports removing the militarys influence in Thailands politics. Founded in 2014 as the Ruam Pattana Chart Thai Party, it changed its name to Phung Luang Party and after that to Move Forward Party [MFP] in 2020, after another of its incarnations, the Future Forward Party [FFP], was dissolved by controversial military-manipulated order by the Constitutional Court. The military saw the FFP as a political threat. The charismatic youthful leader Pita Limjaroenrat leads the MFP and believes in rewriting the Constitution to make it more people-friendly. It hopes to abolish military conscription, reform the monarchy and amend Thailands draconian lese majeste laws. The MFP has the overwhelming support of Thailands young voters, who are tired of the militarys interference and manipulation of politics to retain power. The months-long student-led protest movement in 2020 focussed on these issues, and some MFP candidates led this reform movement. The MFP utilised social media in a major way to mobilise voters. Preceding the May 14 election was an unprecedented debate about the role of the military and the monarchy. The new PM and government are likely to be announced next month. The MFP has announced a six-party alliance with the PTP and four other minor parties, with a tally of 310 seats---66 short of the majority of 376 [500+250]. The Senate, packed with military-nominated members, needs to support Pita, and he hopes to wean away the required numbers to reach 376. Thailands post-Covid economic recovery has been rather slow compared to other countries in the region, and the Prayuth governments inept handling of the Covid crisis angered ordinary Thais. Thailands vaccination programme was slow to take off, and this alienated Prayuths traditional supporters like the monarchists, doctors and conservative businesspersons. They sympathised with his political opponents, including the anti-government youth groups demanding change. The high voter turnout and the subsequent election results reflect widespread dissatisfaction with the Prayuth government. One cannot underestimate the militarys ability to subvert political processes by blocking the winning coalition from forming a government. In Thailand, coalition negotiations take place with a wary eye on the military, which can engineer a court ruling on a technicality to disqualify the MFP. They have done it before and can repeat it. Perhaps a full-fledged military coup is unlikely because the current army chief seems apolitical. Moreover, Pita, a 42-year-old Harvard and MIT-educated politician, is still regarded as a novice in coalition building. This does not take away anything from the fact that he has led his party to an extraordinary victory in a political climate vitiated by the military. An unknown element is the attitude of King Vajiralongkorn, his courtiers, conservative politicians and pro-monarchists. So far, the King has not shown much keenness in politics. If he indicates his support for a new government, Prayuth and his supporters will not cross the red line. The monarchist-military alliance exercises institutional powers that could block the MFP from forming the next government if the King gives the nod. The military has a Brahmastra in its arsenal in the form of an unelected Senate under the military-drafted 2017 Constitution, which can veto appointments, even prime ministerial appointments, and legislation. The military has used this institution to cripple and unseat elected governments. But this time, the public mood is different, with young voters and the middle-class joining hands to demand change. Thailand is poised at a tipping point. (pr.chakravarty@gmail.com) Pinak Ranjan Chakravarty Former Secretary in MEA and a former Ambassador to Thailand; he is a founder Director of DeepStrat, a think tank and a Visiting Fellow at ORF, Delhi By Express News Service BENGALURU: Chief Minister Siddaramaiah on Wednesday attacked the Union government for discontinuing the sale of wheat and rice to states under the Open Market Sale Scheme (OMSS). He alleged that it was a conspiracy to stop the Karnataka Congress government from implementing the Anna Bhagya guarantee scheme -- 10kgs of free rice to every member of a BPL family from July 1, as promised in the run-up to the May 10 assembly polls. The Ministry of Consumer Affairs, Food and Public Distribution, in a letter to the chairman and managing director of Food Corporation of India, dated June 13, stated that the sale of wheat and rice under OMSS (Domestic) for state governments was discontinued. Union govts motive is to obstruct Anna Bhagya, says CM However, it will be continued for the northeast states, hilly states and states facing law and order situations and natural calamities at the existing rate of Rs 3,400 per quintal, it said. It has instructed FCI to sell 15 lakh MT of wheat and rice under the OMSS-D. Siddaramaiah, who read out the letter, asserted that regardless of the conspiracy, 10kgs of rice per head will be distributed. There is no problem as 5kgs per head will be procured from neighbouring states, and Karnataka Food and Civil Supplies Minister K H Muniyappa will visit Telangana on Thursday to hold negotiations with Chief Minister Chandrashekar Rao. The Central government has proved itself anti-poor and anti-Kannadiga, as it has taken a political stance and taken away the states share, Siddaramaiah said, at an emergency press conference called in connection with the Annabhagya Yojana at Shakti Bhavan. He claimed that on June 9, a letter was written to the deputy general manager of FCI, seeking the requirement of 2.28 lakh MT to distribute 10kgs of rice to each Antyodaya and BPL card holders every month. On June 12, FCI agreed to supply rice through an agreement at Rs 3,400 per quintal. But soon, the Central government had taken a political decision. FCI General Manager Harish had said that there is 7 lakh tonnes of rice stock, Siddaramaiah informed. The motive behind this was to obstruct the Anna Bhagya programme from being implemented, as the Karnataka government will become popular, he alleged. Muniyappa has already spoken to the rice producing states of Punjab, Telangana, Andhra Pradesh, Chhattisgarh and Haryana. He said that due to lack of storage facilities in Punjab, rice cannot be supplied, and that he would meet the Telangana chief minister on Thursday. Similarly, the information on rice available from the state of Chhattisgarh will be available and a clear picture will emerge by tomorrow evening, he said. Despite having sufficient stock of rice, the Centre is writing to FCI to not give it to the states on OMSS should be called anti-poor, he said. However he clarified that the state government will write to the centre again and appeal in this regard. Law and Parliamentary Affairs Minister H K Patil was also present. BENGALURU: Chief Minister Siddaramaiah on Wednesday attacked the Union government for discontinuing the sale of wheat and rice to states under the Open Market Sale Scheme (OMSS). He alleged that it was a conspiracy to stop the Karnataka Congress government from implementing the Anna Bhagya guarantee scheme -- 10kgs of free rice to every member of a BPL family from July 1, as promised in the run-up to the May 10 assembly polls. The Ministry of Consumer Affairs, Food and Public Distribution, in a letter to the chairman and managing director of Food Corporation of India, dated June 13, stated that the sale of wheat and rice under OMSS (Domestic) for state governments was discontinued. Union govts motive is to obstruct Anna Bhagya, says CM However, it will be continued for the northeast states, hilly states and states facing law and order situations and natural calamities at the existing rate of Rs 3,400 per quintal, it said. It has instructed FCI to sell 15 lakh MT of wheat and rice under the OMSS-D. googletag.cmd.push(function() {googletag.display('div-gpt-ad-8052921-2'); }); Siddaramaiah, who read out the letter, asserted that regardless of the conspiracy, 10kgs of rice per head will be distributed. There is no problem as 5kgs per head will be procured from neighbouring states, and Karnataka Food and Civil Supplies Minister K H Muniyappa will visit Telangana on Thursday to hold negotiations with Chief Minister Chandrashekar Rao. The Central government has proved itself anti-poor and anti-Kannadiga, as it has taken a political stance and taken away the states share, Siddaramaiah said, at an emergency press conference called in connection with the Annabhagya Yojana at Shakti Bhavan. He claimed that on June 9, a letter was written to the deputy general manager of FCI, seeking the requirement of 2.28 lakh MT to distribute 10kgs of rice to each Antyodaya and BPL card holders every month. On June 12, FCI agreed to supply rice through an agreement at Rs 3,400 per quintal. But soon, the Central government had taken a political decision. FCI General Manager Harish had said that there is 7 lakh tonnes of rice stock, Siddaramaiah informed. The motive behind this was to obstruct the Anna Bhagya programme from being implemented, as the Karnataka government will become popular, he alleged. Muniyappa has already spoken to the rice producing states of Punjab, Telangana, Andhra Pradesh, Chhattisgarh and Haryana. He said that due to lack of storage facilities in Punjab, rice cannot be supplied, and that he would meet the Telangana chief minister on Thursday. Similarly, the information on rice available from the state of Chhattisgarh will be available and a clear picture will emerge by tomorrow evening, he said. Despite having sufficient stock of rice, the Centre is writing to FCI to not give it to the states on OMSS should be called anti-poor, he said. However he clarified that the state government will write to the centre again and appeal in this regard. Law and Parliamentary Affairs Minister H K Patil was also present. By Express News Service KALABURAGI: AICC president Mallikarjun Kharge has condemned the ED for arresting TN Electricity Minister V Senthil Balaji in the wee hours of Wednesday. Addressing reporters here, Kharge sought to know whether Balaji would have escaped had the ED waited till Wednesday morning for his arrest. Why did the ED hurry in arresting Senthil Balaji? Perhaps, the Union Government wants to break the opposition unity by indirectly threatening the leaders of opposition parties through such arrests. We will not give in to such pressure tactics, he said. Kharge also criticised the Centre for mishandling the Manipur crisis. Had the government taken timely action, it could have prevented the large-scale violence. It is a clear case of negligence, he alleged. Kharge said that he has written to President Droupadi Murmu to speak with PM Modi and other Union ministers and direct them to provide compensation to the people affected by violence in Manipur. Kharge said Congress is making all preparations for the Assembly polls in Madhya Pradesh, Rajasthan, Chhattisgarh and Meghalaya. Congress will come to power on its own. The party will make Karnatakas five guarantees its poll plank in these states, he said. KALABURAGI: AICC president Mallikarjun Kharge has condemned the ED for arresting TN Electricity Minister V Senthil Balaji in the wee hours of Wednesday. Addressing reporters here, Kharge sought to know whether Balaji would have escaped had the ED waited till Wednesday morning for his arrest. Why did the ED hurry in arresting Senthil Balaji? Perhaps, the Union Government wants to break the opposition unity by indirectly threatening the leaders of opposition parties through such arrests. We will not give in to such pressure tactics, he said. Kharge also criticised the Centre for mishandling the Manipur crisis. Had the government taken timely action, it could have prevented the large-scale violence. It is a clear case of negligence, he alleged. Kharge said that he has written to President Droupadi Murmu to speak with PM Modi and other Union ministers and direct them to provide compensation to the people affected by violence in Manipur.googletag.cmd.push(function() {googletag.display('div-gpt-ad-8052921-2'); }); Kharge said Congress is making all preparations for the Assembly polls in Madhya Pradesh, Rajasthan, Chhattisgarh and Meghalaya. Congress will come to power on its own. The party will make Karnatakas five guarantees its poll plank in these states, he said. By PTI BENGALURU: The BJP reacted sharply to the Congress government's decision on Thursday to repeal the anti-conversion introduced by its regime in Karnataka, and dubbed the M Mallikarjun Kharge-led outfit as the "new Muslim League". Is this "Mohabbat Ki Dukaan" Mr @RahulGandhi ?" asked senior BJP leader and former Union Minister Basanagouda R Patil (Yatnal) on Twitter. Chief Minister Siddaramaiah's "Anti-Hindu agenda" is exposed, he said. Do you want Hindus to be wiped out? Conversion Mafia has influenced Siddaramaiah and his cabinet to withdraw the "Anti Conversion Law" which was introduced by BJP, he added. BJP National General Secretary C T Ravi said the "Conversion Mafia" in Karnataka "ensures that the Anti Hindu CONgress repeals the anti-conversion law brought in by the @BJP4Karnataka government." ALSO READ | Karnataka govt to repeal anti-conversion law in state, approves revision of textbooks "CONgress is the new Muslim League and it will go to any extent to hurt Hindus", Ravi alleged. The Karnataka cabinet today decided to repeal the 'anti conversion' law brought in by the previous BJP government. "The cabinet discussed the anti-conversion bill. We have approved the bill to repeal the changes that were brought in by them (the BJP government) in 2022. It will be tabled during the session starting from July 3," Law and Parliamentary Affairs Minister H K Patil told reporters after the cabinet meeting. The 'Karnataka Protection of Right to Freedom of Religion Act' (anti-conversion law) came into effect in 2022. The act provides for the protection of the right to freedom of religion and prohibition of unlawful conversion from one religion to another by misrepresentation, force, undue influence, coercion, allurement or any fraudulent means. BENGALURU: The BJP reacted sharply to the Congress government's decision on Thursday to repeal the anti-conversion introduced by its regime in Karnataka, and dubbed the M Mallikarjun Kharge-led outfit as the "new Muslim League". Is this "Mohabbat Ki Dukaan" Mr @RahulGandhi ?" asked senior BJP leader and former Union Minister Basanagouda R Patil (Yatnal) on Twitter. Chief Minister Siddaramaiah's "Anti-Hindu agenda" is exposed, he said. Do you want Hindus to be wiped out? Conversion Mafia has influenced Siddaramaiah and his cabinet to withdraw the "Anti Conversion Law" which was introduced by BJP, he added.googletag.cmd.push(function() {googletag.display('div-gpt-ad-8052921-2'); }); BJP National General Secretary C T Ravi said the "Conversion Mafia" in Karnataka "ensures that the Anti Hindu CONgress repeals the anti-conversion law brought in by the @BJP4Karnataka government." ALSO READ | Karnataka govt to repeal anti-conversion law in state, approves revision of textbooks "CONgress is the new Muslim League and it will go to any extent to hurt Hindus", Ravi alleged. The Karnataka cabinet today decided to repeal the 'anti conversion' law brought in by the previous BJP government. "The cabinet discussed the anti-conversion bill. We have approved the bill to repeal the changes that were brought in by them (the BJP government) in 2022. It will be tabled during the session starting from July 3," Law and Parliamentary Affairs Minister H K Patil told reporters after the cabinet meeting. The 'Karnataka Protection of Right to Freedom of Religion Act' (anti-conversion law) came into effect in 2022. The act provides for the protection of the right to freedom of religion and prohibition of unlawful conversion from one religion to another by misrepresentation, force, undue influence, coercion, allurement or any fraudulent means. By Express News Service MALAPPURAM: Minister for Local Self-Government M B Rajesh on Wednesday said the Centres impractical laws had impeded the state governments efforts to control the stray dog population in Kerala. The provisions in the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act and the Animal Birth Control (ABC) Rules, after their revision in 2023, have come in the way of sterilisation and immunisation of stray dogs in the state, the minister told reporters in Malappuram. The new provisions have made the project recognition certificate issued by the Animal Welfare Board of India (AWBI) mandatory for opening ABC centres. Moreover, only a veterinary doctor who has performed more than 2,000 surgeries should perform the sterilisation, say the rules, which also mandate that visuals of the sterilisation process be recorded and archived for 30 days. Pre-operative and post-operative care, along with isolation wards, facilities to store organs and incinerators have also been made prerequisites. The revised rules even ban sterilisation of dogs aged below six years, a move which has drawn criticism. Rajesh said despite having to follow some very tough rules, the state government is trying hard to carry out sterilisation and immunisation of stray dogs. Between September 1, 2022 and June 11, 2023, we vaccinated around 4,70,354 dogs, Rajesh said. Meanwhile, the government will move the High Court seeking to lift the ban imposed by the AWBI on Kudumbashree for carrying out sterilisation of stray canines. Until its ban as the implementing agency last year, Kudumbashree had sterilised around 79,426 dogs between 2017 and 2022. Rajesh said the government was considering the possibility to euthanise stray dogs by invoking Section 133 F of CrPC (It is a condition order to remove nuisance). In the wake of recent developments, including the death of a 11-year-old boy in Kannur in a stray dog attack, the government will set up ABC centres in all local body offices on a war footing using `10.36 crore allotted for the purpose. MALAPPURAM: Minister for Local Self-Government M B Rajesh on Wednesday said the Centres impractical laws had impeded the state governments efforts to control the stray dog population in Kerala. The provisions in the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act and the Animal Birth Control (ABC) Rules, after their revision in 2023, have come in the way of sterilisation and immunisation of stray dogs in the state, the minister told reporters in Malappuram. The new provisions have made the project recognition certificate issued by the Animal Welfare Board of India (AWBI) mandatory for opening ABC centres. Moreover, only a veterinary doctor who has performed more than 2,000 surgeries should perform the sterilisation, say the rules, which also mandate that visuals of the sterilisation process be recorded and archived for 30 days. Pre-operative and post-operative care, along with isolation wards, facilities to store organs and incinerators have also been made prerequisites. The revised rules even ban sterilisation of dogs aged below six years, a move which has drawn criticism.googletag.cmd.push(function() {googletag.display('div-gpt-ad-8052921-2'); }); Rajesh said despite having to follow some very tough rules, the state government is trying hard to carry out sterilisation and immunisation of stray dogs. Between September 1, 2022 and June 11, 2023, we vaccinated around 4,70,354 dogs, Rajesh said. Meanwhile, the government will move the High Court seeking to lift the ban imposed by the AWBI on Kudumbashree for carrying out sterilisation of stray canines. Until its ban as the implementing agency last year, Kudumbashree had sterilised around 79,426 dogs between 2017 and 2022. Rajesh said the government was considering the possibility to euthanise stray dogs by invoking Section 133 F of CrPC (It is a condition order to remove nuisance). In the wake of recent developments, including the death of a 11-year-old boy in Kannur in a stray dog attack, the government will set up ABC centres in all local body offices on a war footing using `10.36 crore allotted for the purpose. SV Krishna Chaitanya By Express News Service CHENNAI: A massive scam has been unearthed at the Tamil Nadu Dr J Jayalalithaa Fisheries University as ineligible candidates have given admission to undergraduate courses even as many students in the waiting list were denied admission for the academic year 2022-23. Students who scored way below the cut-off marks were given admission while the meritorious ones were sidelined. The issue came to the fore after a private complaint was lodged a fortnight back following which the university launched an internal inquiry. The state government has also ordered a parallel probe by the commissioner of fisheries. TNIE has details of at least two students who got admission despite scoring below the cut-off. The official waiting list data shows there are 28 MBC/DNC students who scored 190 to 186 marks and there are 44 BC quota students who scored 190 to 187 marks. A student (name withheld) scored 127 marks against the cut-off score of 190 for the Bachelor of Fisheries Science (BFSc) course. The university gave him admission at MGR Fisheries College and Research Institute in Thalainayeru in Nagapattinam under MBC/DNC government quota. The student is not even eligible for the BFSc (self-finance) seat, where the cut-off is 158. Similarly, another student, who scored 149 marks, was given admission for the BFSc course at MGR Fisheries College and Research Institute in Thalainayeru in Nagapattinam under BC quota. The provisional admission cards for both students were undersigned by P Jawahar, chairman of UG admission committee, who is also the Controller of Examinations (CoE). Sources allege that the accountability for such blatant irregularities must be fixed at the topmost level. CoE finalises the list only after getting approval from the vice-chancellor. However, to save themselves, a lower level staff member was suspended by the university, making it a case of an oversight, a source said. Fisheries University vice-chancellor G Sugumar didnt respond to TNIE calls. When contacted, registrar N Felix said the university has already ordered an internal inquiry to verify how many more such admissions were obtained. A Karthik, principal secretary, fisheries department, confirmed to TNIE that complaints were received about irregularities in student admissions. I have asked the commissioner of fisheries to inquire and submit a report within three weeks. We received information about two students. A senior official at the fisheries university told TNIE that both inquiries are just an eyewash. Such alleged cash-for-seats admissions have been happening for at least 3-4 years. More than 20-25 students were given admission in violation of norms at Thalainairu, Ponneri and Thoothukudi fisheries colleges. The university internal inquiry is headed by an in-charge officer, who cant carry out an impartial probe. The government should constitute an inquiry committee with board members and retired deans. CHENNAI: A massive scam has been unearthed at the Tamil Nadu Dr J Jayalalithaa Fisheries University as ineligible candidates have given admission to undergraduate courses even as many students in the waiting list were denied admission for the academic year 2022-23. Students who scored way below the cut-off marks were given admission while the meritorious ones were sidelined. The issue came to the fore after a private complaint was lodged a fortnight back following which the university launched an internal inquiry. The state government has also ordered a parallel probe by the commissioner of fisheries. TNIE has details of at least two students who got admission despite scoring below the cut-off. The official waiting list data shows there are 28 MBC/DNC students who scored 190 to 186 marks and there are 44 BC quota students who scored 190 to 187 marks.googletag.cmd.push(function() {googletag.display('div-gpt-ad-8052921-2'); }); A student (name withheld) scored 127 marks against the cut-off score of 190 for the Bachelor of Fisheries Science (BFSc) course. The university gave him admission at MGR Fisheries College and Research Institute in Thalainayeru in Nagapattinam under MBC/DNC government quota. The student is not even eligible for the BFSc (self-finance) seat, where the cut-off is 158. Similarly, another student, who scored 149 marks, was given admission for the BFSc course at MGR Fisheries College and Research Institute in Thalainayeru in Nagapattinam under BC quota. The provisional admission cards for both students were undersigned by P Jawahar, chairman of UG admission committee, who is also the Controller of Examinations (CoE). Sources allege that the accountability for such blatant irregularities must be fixed at the topmost level. CoE finalises the list only after getting approval from the vice-chancellor. However, to save themselves, a lower level staff member was suspended by the university, making it a case of an oversight, a source said. Fisheries University vice-chancellor G Sugumar didnt respond to TNIE calls. When contacted, registrar N Felix said the university has already ordered an internal inquiry to verify how many more such admissions were obtained. A Karthik, principal secretary, fisheries department, confirmed to TNIE that complaints were received about irregularities in student admissions. I have asked the commissioner of fisheries to inquire and submit a report within three weeks. We received information about two students. A senior official at the fisheries university told TNIE that both inquiries are just an eyewash. Such alleged cash-for-seats admissions have been happening for at least 3-4 years. More than 20-25 students were given admission in violation of norms at Thalainairu, Ponneri and Thoothukudi fisheries colleges. The university internal inquiry is headed by an in-charge officer, who cant carry out an impartial probe. The government should constitute an inquiry committee with board members and retired deans. By ENS & Agencies CHENNAI: Tamil Nadu Electricity Minister Senthil Balaji, who has been arrested in connection with a cash-for-jobs case, has been assigned inmate number 001440 of the Puzhal prison. He was earlier remanded to judicial custody on Wednesday. Balaji was arrested by the Enforcement Directorate (ED) on Wednesday under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA). He has been hospitalised after complaining of chest pain. The case pertains to allegations that Balaji had received bribes from various persons for appointing them as drivers and conductors when he was the transport minister in the AIADMK government, led by the late J Jayalalithaa, between 2011 and 2015. The minister, who was secured by Central Reserve Police Force, is now placed under the security of jail authorities. Jail officials took over the responsibility of his security around 10 pm last night, while paramilitary security was immediately withdrawn. After being taken into judicial custody, there have been restrictions on visiting him. Hindu Religious and Charitable Endowments minister P K Sekar Babu who tried to visit Balaji was denied permission. However, Tamil Nadu State Human Rights Commission (TNSHRC) member V Kannadasan on Thursday met the arrested state minister in the hospital and said the latter had told him he was "treated badly" by the ED officials who had arrested him on June 14. Citing his meeting with Balaji, Kannadasan stated the minister said he was "treated badly" by ED officials during his arrest. "He said he was dragged and suffered an injury in his head," Kannadasan said. He said he visited the hospital based on both reports and complaints. However, only the doctors can confirm the injuries said to have been suffered by Balaji, the state Electricity and Excise and Prohibition minister. The TNSHRC will look into the matter, he added. The opposition AIADMK took exception to Kannadasan's visit to the government hospital to meet Balaji, claiming he had spoken in favour of the ruling DMK in the past in TV debates. Meanwhile, senior AIADMK leader and former MLA, IS Inbadurai, took exception to Kannadasan's meeting with Balaji, saying he had in the past appeared in TV debates and spoken in favour of the DMK. Speaking to reporters here, he claimed the report that Kannadasan would file on the matter will be "fake." Saying that Kannadasan's appointment itself was "wrong," he said, "we will separately question that." Kannadasan's possible report is like "one judging one's own case," Inbadurai, an advocate, said. He, however, said he was not opposed to the TNSHRC intervening in the matter. (With additional inputs from PTI) CHENNAI: Tamil Nadu Electricity Minister Senthil Balaji, who has been arrested in connection with a cash-for-jobs case, has been assigned inmate number 001440 of the Puzhal prison. He was earlier remanded to judicial custody on Wednesday. Balaji was arrested by the Enforcement Directorate (ED) on Wednesday under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA). He has been hospitalised after complaining of chest pain. The case pertains to allegations that Balaji had received bribes from various persons for appointing them as drivers and conductors when he was the transport minister in the AIADMK government, led by the late J Jayalalithaa, between 2011 and 2015. googletag.cmd.push(function() {googletag.display('div-gpt-ad-8052921-2'); }); The minister, who was secured by Central Reserve Police Force, is now placed under the security of jail authorities. Jail officials took over the responsibility of his security around 10 pm last night, while paramilitary security was immediately withdrawn. After being taken into judicial custody, there have been restrictions on visiting him. Hindu Religious and Charitable Endowments minister P K Sekar Babu who tried to visit Balaji was denied permission. However, Tamil Nadu State Human Rights Commission (TNSHRC) member V Kannadasan on Thursday met the arrested state minister in the hospital and said the latter had told him he was "treated badly" by the ED officials who had arrested him on June 14. Citing his meeting with Balaji, Kannadasan stated the minister said he was "treated badly" by ED officials during his arrest. "He said he was dragged and suffered an injury in his head," Kannadasan said. He said he visited the hospital based on both reports and complaints. However, only the doctors can confirm the injuries said to have been suffered by Balaji, the state Electricity and Excise and Prohibition minister. The TNSHRC will look into the matter, he added. The opposition AIADMK took exception to Kannadasan's visit to the government hospital to meet Balaji, claiming he had spoken in favour of the ruling DMK in the past in TV debates. Meanwhile, senior AIADMK leader and former MLA, IS Inbadurai, took exception to Kannadasan's meeting with Balaji, saying he had in the past appeared in TV debates and spoken in favour of the DMK. Speaking to reporters here, he claimed the report that Kannadasan would file on the matter will be "fake." Saying that Kannadasan's appointment itself was "wrong," he said, "we will separately question that." Kannadasan's possible report is like "one judging one's own case," Inbadurai, an advocate, said. He, however, said he was not opposed to the TNSHRC intervening in the matter. (With additional inputs from PTI) R Sivakumar By Express News Service CHENNAI: Madras High Court on Wednesday allowed shifting Tamil Nadu Electricity Minister V Senthil Balaji to Kauvery Hospital for heart surgery under judicial custody. A division bench of justices J Nisha Banu and D Bharatha Chakravarthy passed the order on a habeas corpus petition filed by Meghala, wife of Senthil Balaji based on a medical report furnished by a medical team of Omandurar multi-speciality govt hospital and the ESI hospital. The doctors said Senthil was in need of immediate medical attention. The Bench also noted that the minister has already been consulting the doctors at the private hospital. However, the Enforcement Directorate (ED) opposed the move saying a fair report on his health conditions will be made by an independent team of doctors drawn from AIIMS- Delhi because the team from ESI Hospital had differed in its opinion after examining him on Wednesday. Additional Solicitor General (ASG) ARL Sundaresan, appearing for ED, said Senthil Balaji's vitals were in good condition when a general checkup was held before arresting him. However, later he complained of chest pain leading to further examination. Senthil was arrested on June 14 by officials of the Enforcement Directorate (ED) in relation to a money-laundering case. ALSO READ | Human Rights body member meets Senthil Balaji, AIADMK objects to it Instead of shifting him to the private hospital, the doctors from the hospital can be allowed to visit Omandurar multi-speciality govt hospital and treat him there, he stressed. Replying to queries of the bench, Sundaresan said that the ED case was booked in 2021 following the registration of FIRs by Chennai City police on the cash for jobs complaints. Senior counsel NR Elango, representing Senthil Balaji, submitted before the court that the minister requires a coronary artery bypass graft (CABG), a heart bypass surgery. as three blocks were diagnosed in his heart. The court shall allow him to be shifted to the Cauvery hospital for performing surgery under judicial custody, he prayed for. Elango quoted a recent judgment of the Supreme Court allowing a person held by ED to take treatment at a hospital of his own choice at his expense. ALSO READ | Dont provoke DMK, you cant withstand the repercussions, TN CM Stalin warns BJP CHENNAI: Madras High Court on Wednesday allowed shifting Tamil Nadu Electricity Minister V Senthil Balaji to Kauvery Hospital for heart surgery under judicial custody. A division bench of justices J Nisha Banu and D Bharatha Chakravarthy passed the order on a habeas corpus petition filed by Meghala, wife of Senthil Balaji based on a medical report furnished by a medical team of Omandurar multi-speciality govt hospital and the ESI hospital. The doctors said Senthil was in need of immediate medical attention. The Bench also noted that the minister has already been consulting the doctors at the private hospital.googletag.cmd.push(function() {googletag.display('div-gpt-ad-8052921-2'); }); However, the Enforcement Directorate (ED) opposed the move saying a fair report on his health conditions will be made by an independent team of doctors drawn from AIIMS- Delhi because the team from ESI Hospital had differed in its opinion after examining him on Wednesday. Additional Solicitor General (ASG) ARL Sundaresan, appearing for ED, said Senthil Balaji's vitals were in good condition when a general checkup was held before arresting him. However, later he complained of chest pain leading to further examination. Senthil was arrested on June 14 by officials of the Enforcement Directorate (ED) in relation to a money-laundering case. ALSO READ | Human Rights body member meets Senthil Balaji, AIADMK objects to it Instead of shifting him to the private hospital, the doctors from the hospital can be allowed to visit Omandurar multi-speciality govt hospital and treat him there, he stressed. Replying to queries of the bench, Sundaresan said that the ED case was booked in 2021 following the registration of FIRs by Chennai City police on the cash for jobs complaints. Senior counsel NR Elango, representing Senthil Balaji, submitted before the court that the minister requires a coronary artery bypass graft (CABG), a heart bypass surgery. as three blocks were diagnosed in his heart. The court shall allow him to be shifted to the Cauvery hospital for performing surgery under judicial custody, he prayed for. Elango quoted a recent judgment of the Supreme Court allowing a person held by ED to take treatment at a hospital of his own choice at his expense. ALSO READ | Dont provoke DMK, you cant withstand the repercussions, TN CM Stalin warns BJP By AFP KANO: The death toll from a Nigeria riverboat disaster has risen to 106 people as rescue teams continued to search for more survivors, police said on Wednesday. The boat, carrying around 250 passengers travelling from a wedding, capsized in the early hours of Monday in north-central Kwara state. The accident was the latest boat tragedy in Nigeria, where river capsizes are common due to overloading, poor safety and heavy flooding in the rainy season. "One part of the boat by the engine side collapsed where water penetrated the boat, which ultimately led to the boat capsizing," Kwara police spokesman Okasanmi Ajayi said in a statement. "All efforts to draw the attention of the villagers hosting the wedding ceremony for assistance by the persons in the boat proved abortive, leading to the deaths of about one hundred and six people." On Tuesday, 103 people had been reported dead. More than half of the victims were from one village. President Bola Ahmed Tinubu offered his condolences to the families of the victims on Wednesday, and said his government would look to improve inland water transport safety. "I am deeply saddened by the news of the tragic boat accident that claimed the lives of our people in Kwara State. That the victims were guests at a wedding ceremony made the unfortunate accident more painful," he said in a statement. The Kwara State governor's office said the victims had been returning from a wedding ceremony to Kwara's Patigi district. River travel is a popular form of transport in Nigeria, but accidents are also unfortunately common. Last month, 15 children drowned and two dozen others went missing after their overloaded boat capsized in northwest Sokoto State as they collected firewood. Almost a year earlier, another 29 children from a nearby village drowned in the same river as they were also on a trip to gather firewood for their families. During huge flooding in the rainy season last December, at least 76 people drowned when their boat sank in a swollen river in southeastern Anambra State. Nigeria's waterways authority has tried in the past to prohibit night-time sailing on rivers to prevent accidents and says overloading vessels is a crime, but crews often break regulations. KANO: The death toll from a Nigeria riverboat disaster has risen to 106 people as rescue teams continued to search for more survivors, police said on Wednesday. The boat, carrying around 250 passengers travelling from a wedding, capsized in the early hours of Monday in north-central Kwara state. The accident was the latest boat tragedy in Nigeria, where river capsizes are common due to overloading, poor safety and heavy flooding in the rainy season.googletag.cmd.push(function() {googletag.display('div-gpt-ad-8052921-2'); }); "One part of the boat by the engine side collapsed where water penetrated the boat, which ultimately led to the boat capsizing," Kwara police spokesman Okasanmi Ajayi said in a statement. "All efforts to draw the attention of the villagers hosting the wedding ceremony for assistance by the persons in the boat proved abortive, leading to the deaths of about one hundred and six people." On Tuesday, 103 people had been reported dead. More than half of the victims were from one village. President Bola Ahmed Tinubu offered his condolences to the families of the victims on Wednesday, and said his government would look to improve inland water transport safety. "I am deeply saddened by the news of the tragic boat accident that claimed the lives of our people in Kwara State. That the victims were guests at a wedding ceremony made the unfortunate accident more painful," he said in a statement. The Kwara State governor's office said the victims had been returning from a wedding ceremony to Kwara's Patigi district. River travel is a popular form of transport in Nigeria, but accidents are also unfortunately common. Last month, 15 children drowned and two dozen others went missing after their overloaded boat capsized in northwest Sokoto State as they collected firewood. Almost a year earlier, another 29 children from a nearby village drowned in the same river as they were also on a trip to gather firewood for their families. During huge flooding in the rainy season last December, at least 76 people drowned when their boat sank in a swollen river in southeastern Anambra State. Nigeria's waterways authority has tried in the past to prohibit night-time sailing on rivers to prevent accidents and says overloading vessels is a crime, but crews often break regulations. By PTI BANGKOKRecent fierce fighting between Myanmar's army and local militant groups has killed at least 26 civilians, including six children, in area east of the capital, according to reports on Wednesday by a resident, a rights group and a medical assistance group. The fighting took place in Shan State's Pekon township, a hotly contested area in the armed struggle that arose after February 2021 when the army seized power from the elected government of Aung San Suu Kyi. The takeover prompted widespread public protests, whose violent suppression by the security forces triggered an armed resistance that now spans much of the country. The recent fighting has focused on Mobye, a conglomeration of villages covering about 175 square kilometers (about 70 square miles) located about 100 kilometers (60 miles) east of the capital, Naypyitaw. The area is between the capital and an area dominated by the Karenni ethnic minority group, which also has been fighting against the military-installed government. Newly formed militia units opposed to military rule are part of a loosely organized People's Defence Force (PDF) which has allied with well-established armed ethnic minority groups such as the Karenni, the Karen and the Kachin. The ethnic groups have been fighting the central government for more than half a century, seeking greater autonomy in border regions. More than 100 soldiers marched into one of Mobye's villages on May 27, arresting about 100 residents, most of whom were released after being detained for a few days in two Buddhist monasteries. Most have since fled the area. A Mobye resident told The Associated Press on Wednesday that some villagers had hidden in their homes to avoid arrest, and were among at least 26 people killed, either shot dead in their homes or when they went out onto the street or killed by artillery strikes. Six of the dead were children, he said. The villager, who spoke on condition of anonymity for fear of reprisals, said he did not witness the killings, but that only soldiers were seen in the street when the bodies were collected for cremation. His account could not be independently confirmed, and the military government has released no recent information about the fighting there. Three local armed resistance groups last week blamed the army for the killings. Maui, the vice commander-in-chief and Secretary No.2 of the Karenni Nationalities Defence Force told the Associated Press on Wednesday that the army "recklessly shot the villagers when they marched into the village although there was no fighting there". Banyar Khun Aung, executive director of the Karenni Human Rights Group, estimated on Wednesday that more than 30 people had been killed in Mobye, almost all of them by the army, some after being arrested and some by shelling. The Free Burma Rangers, a humanitarian relief organisation that offers hands-on medical assistance to ethnic minority villagers in Myanmar's border regions, also tallied 26 dead after arriving at the scene, and said there were 20 wounded. It said on its website that villagers had found three bodies that had evidently been forced to kneel and were shot point-blank in the head. The PDF and ethnic guerrillas regularly attack military columns, bases and outposts. They are badly outgunned by the military government's forces that have been carrying out large-scale offensives in contested territory, employing artillery and air strikes as well as soldiers on the ground. Their attacks have often resulted in civilian casualties and have credibly been linked to deliberate human rights abuses. The military's attacks have displaced more than a million people, causing a humanitarian crisis. According to the Assistance Association for Political Prisoners, at least 3,659 civilians have been killed by the security forces and 23,337 people arrested since the army's 2021 takeover. The group keeps detailed tallies of arrests and casualties linked to the nation's political conflicts. BANGKOKRecent fierce fighting between Myanmar's army and local militant groups has killed at least 26 civilians, including six children, in area east of the capital, according to reports on Wednesday by a resident, a rights group and a medical assistance group. The fighting took place in Shan State's Pekon township, a hotly contested area in the armed struggle that arose after February 2021 when the army seized power from the elected government of Aung San Suu Kyi. The takeover prompted widespread public protests, whose violent suppression by the security forces triggered an armed resistance that now spans much of the country.googletag.cmd.push(function() {googletag.display('div-gpt-ad-8052921-2'); }); The recent fighting has focused on Mobye, a conglomeration of villages covering about 175 square kilometers (about 70 square miles) located about 100 kilometers (60 miles) east of the capital, Naypyitaw. The area is between the capital and an area dominated by the Karenni ethnic minority group, which also has been fighting against the military-installed government. Newly formed militia units opposed to military rule are part of a loosely organized People's Defence Force (PDF) which has allied with well-established armed ethnic minority groups such as the Karenni, the Karen and the Kachin. The ethnic groups have been fighting the central government for more than half a century, seeking greater autonomy in border regions. More than 100 soldiers marched into one of Mobye's villages on May 27, arresting about 100 residents, most of whom were released after being detained for a few days in two Buddhist monasteries. Most have since fled the area. A Mobye resident told The Associated Press on Wednesday that some villagers had hidden in their homes to avoid arrest, and were among at least 26 people killed, either shot dead in their homes or when they went out onto the street or killed by artillery strikes. Six of the dead were children, he said. The villager, who spoke on condition of anonymity for fear of reprisals, said he did not witness the killings, but that only soldiers were seen in the street when the bodies were collected for cremation. His account could not be independently confirmed, and the military government has released no recent information about the fighting there. Three local armed resistance groups last week blamed the army for the killings. Maui, the vice commander-in-chief and Secretary No.2 of the Karenni Nationalities Defence Force told the Associated Press on Wednesday that the army "recklessly shot the villagers when they marched into the village although there was no fighting there". Banyar Khun Aung, executive director of the Karenni Human Rights Group, estimated on Wednesday that more than 30 people had been killed in Mobye, almost all of them by the army, some after being arrested and some by shelling. The Free Burma Rangers, a humanitarian relief organisation that offers hands-on medical assistance to ethnic minority villagers in Myanmar's border regions, also tallied 26 dead after arriving at the scene, and said there were 20 wounded. It said on its website that villagers had found three bodies that had evidently been forced to kneel and were shot point-blank in the head. The PDF and ethnic guerrillas regularly attack military columns, bases and outposts. They are badly outgunned by the military government's forces that have been carrying out large-scale offensives in contested territory, employing artillery and air strikes as well as soldiers on the ground. Their attacks have often resulted in civilian casualties and have credibly been linked to deliberate human rights abuses. The military's attacks have displaced more than a million people, causing a humanitarian crisis. According to the Assistance Association for Political Prisoners, at least 3,659 civilians have been killed by the security forces and 23,337 people arrested since the army's 2021 takeover. The group keeps detailed tallies of arrests and casualties linked to the nation's political conflicts. WASHINGTON A key provision in the Flight 3407 aviation safety law one that mandates that all pilots have 1,500 hours of flight experience before flying a commercial passenger plane is facing its greatest challenge ever on Capitol Hill. In the Senate, an amendment that would turn 250 of those hours into classroom time for many would-be pilots appears to have the votes needed to pass the Senate Commerce Committee. However, controversy over that proposal prompted the panel to postpone its scheduled Thursday mark-up of legislation reauthorizing the Federal Aviation Administration. Flight 3407 families renew fight to preserve aviation safety measures Once again and with as much feeling as ever, the Flight 3407 families returned to Capitol Hill on Wednesday to confront the latest and perhaps the greatest threat to the aviation safety law they pushed to passage nearly 13 years ago. That postponement came a day after the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee, in a bipartisan 63-0 vote, passed an FAA reauthorization bill that allows pilot trainees to earn an additional 150 of the required flight hours in a simulator. The moves come nearly 13 years after the Families of Continental Flight 3407 pushed into law a comprehensive aviation safety measure that boosted the flight experience requirement, which had previously been 250 hours. The families lobbied Congress heavily to boost the pilot training and experience requirements after 50 of their loved ones died in a February 2009 plane crash in Clarence that claimed 50 lives and that federal investigators blamed on pilot error. Amid this weeks action on Capitol Hill, Scott Maurer one of the leading members of the families group acknowledged that the 1,500 hour rule is facing unprecedented challenges. He said the families oppose the provision in the House bill, but particularly object to the more dramatic Senate proposal. Its a poison pill, said Maurer, who lost his daughter Lorin in the 2009 crash. I mean, its not good for the American flying public. And I want to stand on the top of a mountain and shout that out. Proposed by Sen. John Thune, a South Dakota Republican, and Sen. Kyrsten Sinema, an Arizona independent, the Senate proposal threw the Commerce Committee into turmoil. Poised to consider an FAA reauthorization that left the 1,500 hour rule intact, the panels chairwoman, Sen. Maria Cantwell, abruptly postponed Thursdays mark-up, rather than giving the Thune-Sinema amendment a chance to pass. Theres an amendment to work out on safety that members werent aware of, and were trying to get people to agree on something they can accept, Cantwell, a Washington state Democrat, told Politico Pro. But safety is a paramount priority, and we just had some miscommunication last night. Thune and Sinema didnt comment on their amendment, but Thune has been the 1,500 hour rules main Capitol Hill opponent for years. He proposed a similar change in 2017, saying the 1,500 hour rule helped create a pilot shortage and adding: I think we need to find a way of addressing it. Senate Majority Leader Charles E. Schumer, a New York Democrat who was then minority leader, fended off the amendment at the time. And Schumers spokesman, Ryan Martin, said Thursday that Schumer will fight Thunes proposal yet again. Senator Schumer stands with the Flight 3407 families and the effort to protect the 1,500 hour rule which has already saved countless lives against the special interests that always seek to weaken it, Martin said in a statement. As introduced, the Thune amendment is a significant departure from the effective pilot training requirements that have kept our skies safe. We are in constant contact with the Flight 3407 families, and Senator Schumer will do everything in his power to ensure the training requirements remain strong. Schumer and the Flight 3407 families have long maintained that the 1,500 hour rule is one of the reasons why no American commercial passenger plane has suffered a crash with mass fatalities since 2009. Asked about Thunes amendment, Maurer said: This is potentially putting the American flying public at risk, going back in the direction where we came from, where we had a plane go down every two and a half years. Yet Maurer acknowledged that the Thune amendments prospects are better this time around because the House appears poised to chip away at the 1,500 hour rule, too. That has certainly made things more of a challenge, said Maurer, adding that the House committee didnt consult with the 3407 families about the proposed change until after the FAA bill had been drafted. After 50 died in Clarence, Flight 3407 families made flying safer. Airlines are still pushing back The airlines are also blaming the 1,500 hour rule for a problem that others say they themselves helped create: the pilot shortage that's contributing to chaos at the nation's airports. But the Flight 3407 families still have bipartisan allies in the House. All three local lawmakers Rep. Brian Higgins, Rep. Nick Langworthy and Rep. Claudia Tenney this week issued a statement saying the House provision weakening the 1,500 rule should be struck from the bill entirely. This is an effort of those regional carriers that oppose this to try to kill this very, very important piece of aviation policy, said Higgins, a Buffalo Democrat. Meanwhile, Langworthy, a Republican who represents some Buffalo suburbs and the Southern Tier, said: Were going to try to amend this bill and try to remove these simulator hours from that. By AFP KHARTOUM: Sudan's devastating war raged on into a third month Thursday as the reported death toll topped 2,000 and after a provincial governor was killed in the remote Darfur region. Since April 15, the regular army headed by Abdel Fattah al-Burhan has been locked in fighting with paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF) commanded by his former deputy Mohamed Hamdan Daglo. The fighting has driven 2.2 million people from their homes, including 528,000 who have fled to neighbouring countries, says the International Organization for Migration. "In our worst expectations, we didn't see this war dragging on for this long," said Mohamad al-Hassan Othman, among more than one million civilians who have fled heavy fighting in the capital Khartoum. Everything in "our life has changed," he told AFP. "We don't know whether we'll be back home or need to start a new life." The death toll has risen above 2,000, according to the Armed Conflict Location and Event Data Project's latest figures which cover fighting until June 9. In long-troubled West Darfur state, the violence claimed the life of Governor Khamis Abdullah Abakar, hours after he made remarks critical of the paramilitaries in a telephone interview with a Saudi TV channel. The United Nations said "compelling eyewitness accounts attribute this act to Arab militias and the RSF", while the Darfur Lawyers Association condemned the act of "barbarism, brutality and cruelty". Burhan accused his paramilitary foes of the "treacherous attack". The RSF denied responsibility and said it condemned Abakar's "assassination in cold blood". Sudan analyst Kholood Khair of the Khartoum-based think tank Confluence Advisory said the "heinous assassination" was meant "to silence his highlighting of genocide... in Darfur". 'Completely devastated' US and Saudi mediation efforts are at a standstill after the collapse of multiple ceasefires in the face of flagrant violations by both sides. The East African Inter-Governmental Authority on Development (IGAD) has attempted to restart discussions, announcing this week that Kenya would chair a quartet including Ethiopia, Somalia and South Sudan tasked with resolving the crisis. In a statement Thursday, the foreign ministry, loyal to Burhan, "objected to Kenya's chairmanship", alleging that Nairobi had "adopted the positions of the RSF militia, sheltered its people and offered them various forms of support". The office of Kenyan President William Ruto -- who has met both RSF and army senior officials in recent weeks -- had released a draft communique of the IGAD meeting that said quartet leaders would "arrange (a) face-to-face meeting between (Burhan and Daglo)... in one of the regional capitals." A Sudanese official told AFP on condition of anonymity because they are not authorised to speak to the media, that Burhan "will not sit at the same table" as Daglo, as fighting shows no signs of abating. A record 25 million people -- more than half the population -- are in need of aid, according to the UN, which says it has received only a fraction of needed funding. Saudi Arabia has announced an international pledging conference for next week. "We have nothing left," said another person living in the capital, Ahmed Taha. "The entire country has been completely devastated... Every inch of Sudan is a disaster area." Many of the displaced have lost loved ones as well as "all their belongings and livelihoods", said Anja Wolz of aid group Doctors Without Borders. Darfur, one of the war's main battlegrounds, was already scarred by a two-decade conflict that left hundreds of thousands dead and more than two million displaced. Daglo's RSF has its origins in the Janjaweed militias which former strongman Omar al-Bashir unleashed on ethnic minorities in the region in 2003, drawing charges of genocide, war crimes and crimes against humanity. Homes and markets have been burnt to the ground, hospitals and aid facilities looted and more than 149,000 people sent fleeing into neighbouring Chad. The Umma Party, one of Sudan's main civilian groups, said El Geneina, the capital of West Darfur state, had been turned into a "disaster zone", and urged international organisations to provide help. KHARTOUM: Sudan's devastating war raged on into a third month Thursday as the reported death toll topped 2,000 and after a provincial governor was killed in the remote Darfur region. Since April 15, the regular army headed by Abdel Fattah al-Burhan has been locked in fighting with paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF) commanded by his former deputy Mohamed Hamdan Daglo. The fighting has driven 2.2 million people from their homes, including 528,000 who have fled to neighbouring countries, says the International Organization for Migration.googletag.cmd.push(function() {googletag.display('div-gpt-ad-8052921-2'); }); "In our worst expectations, we didn't see this war dragging on for this long," said Mohamad al-Hassan Othman, among more than one million civilians who have fled heavy fighting in the capital Khartoum. Everything in "our life has changed," he told AFP. "We don't know whether we'll be back home or need to start a new life." The death toll has risen above 2,000, according to the Armed Conflict Location and Event Data Project's latest figures which cover fighting until June 9. In long-troubled West Darfur state, the violence claimed the life of Governor Khamis Abdullah Abakar, hours after he made remarks critical of the paramilitaries in a telephone interview with a Saudi TV channel. The United Nations said "compelling eyewitness accounts attribute this act to Arab militias and the RSF", while the Darfur Lawyers Association condemned the act of "barbarism, brutality and cruelty". Burhan accused his paramilitary foes of the "treacherous attack". The RSF denied responsibility and said it condemned Abakar's "assassination in cold blood". Sudan analyst Kholood Khair of the Khartoum-based think tank Confluence Advisory said the "heinous assassination" was meant "to silence his highlighting of genocide... in Darfur". 'Completely devastated' US and Saudi mediation efforts are at a standstill after the collapse of multiple ceasefires in the face of flagrant violations by both sides. The East African Inter-Governmental Authority on Development (IGAD) has attempted to restart discussions, announcing this week that Kenya would chair a quartet including Ethiopia, Somalia and South Sudan tasked with resolving the crisis. In a statement Thursday, the foreign ministry, loyal to Burhan, "objected to Kenya's chairmanship", alleging that Nairobi had "adopted the positions of the RSF militia, sheltered its people and offered them various forms of support". The office of Kenyan President William Ruto -- who has met both RSF and army senior officials in recent weeks -- had released a draft communique of the IGAD meeting that said quartet leaders would "arrange (a) face-to-face meeting between (Burhan and Daglo)... in one of the regional capitals." A Sudanese official told AFP on condition of anonymity because they are not authorised to speak to the media, that Burhan "will not sit at the same table" as Daglo, as fighting shows no signs of abating. A record 25 million people -- more than half the population -- are in need of aid, according to the UN, which says it has received only a fraction of needed funding. Saudi Arabia has announced an international pledging conference for next week. "We have nothing left," said another person living in the capital, Ahmed Taha. "The entire country has been completely devastated... Every inch of Sudan is a disaster area." Many of the displaced have lost loved ones as well as "all their belongings and livelihoods", said Anja Wolz of aid group Doctors Without Borders. Darfur, one of the war's main battlegrounds, was already scarred by a two-decade conflict that left hundreds of thousands dead and more than two million displaced. Daglo's RSF has its origins in the Janjaweed militias which former strongman Omar al-Bashir unleashed on ethnic minorities in the region in 2003, drawing charges of genocide, war crimes and crimes against humanity. Homes and markets have been burnt to the ground, hospitals and aid facilities looted and more than 149,000 people sent fleeing into neighbouring Chad. The Umma Party, one of Sudan's main civilian groups, said El Geneina, the capital of West Darfur state, had been turned into a "disaster zone", and urged international organisations to provide help. By PTI UNITED NATIONS: The UN General Assembly has adopted a draft resolution introduced by India to establish a memorial wall in the UN Headquarters to honour fallen peacekeepers. India's Permanent Representative to the UN Ambassador Ruchira Kamboj introduced the draft resolution titled 'Memorial wall for fallen United Nations peacekeepers' on Wednesday in the UN General Assembly hall. The resolution was co-sponsored by nearly 190 UN Member States and was adopted by consensus. It welcomed the initiative of Member States to "establish at a suitable and prominent place at United Nations Headquarters in New York a memorial wall to honour the memory of fallen peacekeepers, giving due consideration to the modalities involved, including the recording of the names of those who have made the supreme sacrifice." While introducing the resolution, Kamboj said the memorial wall will be a testimony to the importance that the UN bestows on peacekeeping. She said it will remind people of not only the sacrifices of the fallen but also be a "constant reminder of the cost of our decisions." The resolution was submitted by 18 countries including Bangladesh, Canada, China, Denmark, Egypt, France, India, Indonesia, Jordan, Nepal, Rwanda and the US. "Peacekeepers are not born. They are forged through the crucible of sacrifice. Their unwavering commitment and selfless acts pave the way for a world where peace must triumph over conflict," Kamboj said. The resolution stipulates that the wall be completed within three years of the text's adoption. India piloted the adoption of a Resolution in the UN General Assembly to establish a Memorial Wall for fallen Peacekeepers. The Resolution received a record 190 co-sponsorships, a testimony to faith in India's contributions and intent. Sincere thanks to all member states who Dr. S. Jaishankar (@DrSJaishankar) June 15, 2023 In 2015, the Permanent Mission of India to the UN launched a virtual memorial wall, dedicated to the Indian troops who made the supreme sacrifice while doing active service as UN peacekeepers. The initiative was a precursor to the eventual construction of the Peacekeepers Memorial Wall. India had proposed the construction of the memorial wall as an appropriate way to commemorate all the troops from UN member states who had given their lives while on duty under the Blue Flag of the United Nations. Prime Minister Narendra Modi, in his address to the Leaders' Summit on Peacekeeping hosted by then US President Barack Obama at the UN Headquarters in September 2015 during the high-level General Assembly week, paid homage to the peacekeepers who laid down their lives in defending the highest ideals of the United Nations. "It would be most fitting if the proposed memorial wall to the fallen peacekeepers is created quickly. India stands ready to contribute, including financially, to this objective," Modi had said. UNITED NATIONS: The UN General Assembly has adopted a draft resolution introduced by India to establish a memorial wall in the UN Headquarters to honour fallen peacekeepers. India's Permanent Representative to the UN Ambassador Ruchira Kamboj introduced the draft resolution titled 'Memorial wall for fallen United Nations peacekeepers' on Wednesday in the UN General Assembly hall. The resolution was co-sponsored by nearly 190 UN Member States and was adopted by consensus. It welcomed the initiative of Member States to "establish at a suitable and prominent place at United Nations Headquarters in New York a memorial wall to honour the memory of fallen peacekeepers, giving due consideration to the modalities involved, including the recording of the names of those who have made the supreme sacrifice."googletag.cmd.push(function() {googletag.display('div-gpt-ad-8052921-2'); }); While introducing the resolution, Kamboj said the memorial wall will be a testimony to the importance that the UN bestows on peacekeeping. She said it will remind people of not only the sacrifices of the fallen but also be a "constant reminder of the cost of our decisions." The resolution was submitted by 18 countries including Bangladesh, Canada, China, Denmark, Egypt, France, India, Indonesia, Jordan, Nepal, Rwanda and the US. "Peacekeepers are not born. They are forged through the crucible of sacrifice. Their unwavering commitment and selfless acts pave the way for a world where peace must triumph over conflict," Kamboj said. The resolution stipulates that the wall be completed within three years of the text's adoption. India piloted the adoption of a Resolution in the UN General Assembly to establish a Memorial Wall for fallen Peacekeepers. The Resolution received a record 190 co-sponsorships, a testimony to faith in India's contributions and intent. Sincere thanks to all member states who Dr. S. Jaishankar (@DrSJaishankar) June 15, 2023 In 2015, the Permanent Mission of India to the UN launched a virtual memorial wall, dedicated to the Indian troops who made the supreme sacrifice while doing active service as UN peacekeepers. The initiative was a precursor to the eventual construction of the Peacekeepers Memorial Wall. India had proposed the construction of the memorial wall as an appropriate way to commemorate all the troops from UN member states who had given their lives while on duty under the Blue Flag of the United Nations. Prime Minister Narendra Modi, in his address to the Leaders' Summit on Peacekeeping hosted by then US President Barack Obama at the UN Headquarters in September 2015 during the high-level General Assembly week, paid homage to the peacekeepers who laid down their lives in defending the highest ideals of the United Nations. "It would be most fitting if the proposed memorial wall to the fallen peacekeepers is created quickly. India stands ready to contribute, including financially, to this objective," Modi had said. Ecuador: Woman presumed dead starts knocking from inside coffin Babahoyo [Eduador], June 14: An Ecuadorian woman presumed dead at the age of 76 woke up five hours into her memory service and began knocking inside her coffin, reported CNN on Tuesday. Ecuador: Woman presumed dead starts knocking from inside coffin The incident was reported from the city of Babahoyo. Ecuador's health ministry said that the doctors had declared retired nurse Bella Montoya dead after a possible stroke and cardiopulmonary arrest. She did not respond to resuscitation efforts.Gilberto Barbera, the woman's son posted a video of the same on social media. He captioned the video, "I lifted the coffin, and her heart was pounding, and her left hand was hitting the coffin... We called 911 to bring her here to the hospital."People were seen waiting and supporting her as emergency personnel arrived and took the 76-year-old woman back to the hospital.According to the Ministry of Public Health, a state investigation is now underway.According to the report, the woman was admitted to the hospital on Friday for a potential stroke and cardiac arrest, and when she did not respond to resuscitation treatment, a doctor on duty ruled her dead.The video continues to show her hospital bracelets and her youngster pleading for an ambulance to appear.The woman's entire name is Bella Yolanda Montoya Castro, which corresponds to the initials "B.Y.M.C" used in a statement made by Ecuador's Health Ministry on Sunday.The health ministry's statement added that Montoya was in intensive care at the Martin Icaza Hospital in Babahoyo, where she was initially declared dead. There is no information on her current condition.The hospital did not respond to CNN's calls for comment.Later, when the man recording the video asked the name of the woman, to which someone in the room said, "Bella Yolanda."The ministry went on to claim that a national technical committee was constituted in collaboration with the Health Services Quality Assurance Agency "to initiate a medical audit to establish responsibilities for the alleged confirmation of death," CNN reported.ANI14 June 2023 Shared Recently! Increff Now Available in the Microsoft Azure Marketplace PRNewswire, Bengaluru, June 14: Increff, building incredible efficiency in inventory and supply chain management, today, announced the availability of Increff Merchandising Software in the Microsoft, an online store providing applications and services for use on Azure. Increff Now Available in the Microsoft Azure Marketplace Increff customers can now take advantage of the productive and trusted Azure cloud platform, with streamlined deployment and management.A data and technology company, Increff is helping retail brands build digitally strong, and profitable, and sustainable businesses. They are driven by the vision to provide cost-effective, quick-to-deploy, and easy-to-operate inventory management solutions that build efficiency in retailing and supply chain management. Increff constantly strives for innovation and improvement through smart, technologically advanced, cloud-hosted solutions, serving both B2B and B2C businesses. Their Warehouse Management Solution (WMS) is recognized in Gartner and Forrester reports, and their Merchandising Software was recognized in Gartner Magic Quadrant, for the third time in a row.By hosting their Merchandising Software on Microsoft Azure, Increff guarantees a robust, trusted, and secure tech foundation to all Azure cloud customers. This will help Increff expand its client base and boost revenue by offering a broad portfolio of inventory management and discount optimization solutions.Anshuman Agarwal, co-founder, and COO, Increff, said, "Through Increff's availability in the Microsoft Azure Marketplace, we bring data-driven merchandising solutions for Azure customers to optimize inventory and maximize the sales. Enabling inventory optimization, supply chain resilience, and quality experiences with big data analysis and actionable insights, we can confidently help our customers stay ahead of the competition and realize their true brand potential with demand-based merchandising."Jake Zborowski, General Manager, Microsoft Azure Platform at Microsoft Corp. said, "We're pleased to welcome Increff to the Microsoft Azure Marketplace, which gives our partners great exposure to cloud customers around the globe. Azure Marketplace offers world-class quality experiences from global trusted partners with solutions tested to work seamlessly with Azure."The Azure Marketplace is an online market for buying and selling cloud solutions certified to run on Azure. The Azure Marketplace helps connect companies seeking innovative cloud-based solutions with partners who have developed solutions that are ready to use.Backed by Premji Invest, TVS Capital, Sequoia, 021 Capital and 6 angle investors, Increff offers cutting-edge warehouse management and inventory optimization solutions for e-commerce and retail brands. They service a strong portfolio of 110+ customers globally across 10+ retail verticals including Fashion and Lifestyle, Eyewear, Home Furnishing, Personal Care and Cosmetics, Electronics, Luxury, etc. They are solving retailing challenges for global brands like Puma, adidas, Bata, Levi's, Pepe, Celio, Gap, Benetton, Tommy Hilfiger, Mango, CK, Louis Philippe, Van Heusen, Jack and Jones, Namshi, Aramex, Sephora, Amazon, etc. Increff is currently a market leader in the fashion space in India and the Middle East and has a rapidly expanding customer base in the US and Europe.(Disclaimer The above press release has been provided by PRNewswire. ANI will not be responsible in any way for the content of the same)ANI14 June 2023 Shared Recently! Amity University Punjab receives Prestigious Award for Excellence in Academics, Research, and Innovation SRV Media, New Delhi, June 14: Amity University Punjab, a leading institution dedicated to academic excellence and innovation, is proud to announce that it has been honored with the prestigious '94. Amity University Punjab receives Prestigious Award for Excellence in Academics, Research, and Innovation 3 MY FM Award for Excellence - Exemplary strength in Academics, Research, and Innovation' for the second time in run. The award was presented at a grand ceremony held at Hotel Park Plaza, where renowned My FM recognized institutions for their outstanding contributions in various fields, including education.The felicitation ceremony witnessed the presence of Bollywood actress Amisha Patel, who graced the occasion as the chief guest. The event was a celebration of the relentless pursuit of knowledge and the remarkable achievements of educational institutions across the region.Amity University Punjab, known for its commitment to providing high-quality education and fostering a culture of research and innovation, was recognized for its exceptional performance in academics, research initiatives, and innovative approaches to education.During the ceremony, Sahil Kapoor, Director, Business Development and Marketing at Amity University Punjab, accepted the honor on behalf of the university. Expressing his gratitude, Kapoor extended his heartfelt thanks to the organizers and the esteemed chief guest for acknowledging the university's relentless pursuit of excellence.At Amity institutions across the world we bring together the brightest and best faculty, scientists and students who all have one passion in common - to achieve exceptional things that will make our world a better place. This is Amity DNA.With the same philosophy, Amity University Punjab has been set up as a world-class hub of hi-end, interdisciplinary research and education in Mohali.Amity University in Mohali is the eleventh university to be established by the not-for-profit Amity Foundation. Being set up as a multi-disciplinary university, offering 90+ UG, PG and Doctoral Programs, it is proposed to be the hub of hi-end research, with extensive collaborations with top global universities to facilitate international exposure for its students and research opportunities for faculty.Amity University Punjab endeavors to emerge as a global knowledge hub, attracting and nurturing the most brilliant students who share our mission to change the world, together.(Disclaimer The above press release has been provided by SRV Media. ANI will not be responsible in any way for the content of the same)ANI14 June 2023 Shared Recently! Ishita Gupta expands presence with Isivis London & Iygieia London, marking a new milestone for the premium clothing and wellness brands ATK, New Delhi, June 14: Ishita Gupta, the visionary entrepreneur behind Isivis London and Iygieia London, is thrilled to announce the expansion of her brands, solidifying her position as a leading force in the premium clothing and wellness industries. Ishita Gupta expands presence with Isivis London & Iygieia London, marking a new milestone for the premium clothing and wellness brands With remarkable success in her existing ventures, Ishita Gupta is poised to take Isivis London and Iygieia London to new heights.The global personal hygiene market was valued at USD 508.5 billion in 2020 and is projected to reach USD 720.7 billion by 2030 registering a CAGR of 3.6 per cent from 2021 to 2030. Hygiene is a series of practices performed to preserve health. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), hygiene refers to conditions and practices that help to maintain health and prevent spread of diseases. Personal hygiene refers to maintaining body's cleanliness. Practices that are generally considered under proper hygiene include showering or bathing regularly, washing hands regularly, especially before handling food, washing hair, keeping hair short or removing hair, wearing clean clothing, brushing teeth, and cutting finger nails. Some practices are gender-specific, such as among woman during menstruation.Isivis London, Ishita Gupta's exclusive clothing line, has captivated fashion enthusiasts with its exquisite designs and commitment to inclusivity. The brand's presence, previously limited to Mayfair's Liberty, will now expand to additional prestigious retail locations both within and outside London. This strategic expansion will provide more customers with access to Isivis London's unique and trend-setting collections, empowering individuals to express their style and confidence.Iygieia London, Ishita Gupta's Fem Tech wellness brand, has gained significant recognition for its focus on personal hygiene and health. With a range of carefully curated products backed by specialists and doctors, Iygieia London has become a go-to brand for individuals seeking effective and high-quality wellness solutions. As part of the expansion plan, Iygieia London will be available in major pharmaceutical companies not only in London but also in surrounding areas. This increased accessibility ensures that more people can benefit from Iygieia London's exceptional products and maintain optimal personal hygiene."I am truly excited to announce the expansion of Isivis London and Iygieia London," said Ishita Gupta, the visionary founder of the brands. "Our mission has always been to offer unique and inclusive fashion choices through Isivis London, and to promote personal hygiene and well-being with Iygieia London. By expanding our presence, we are able to reach a wider audience, fulfilling their fashion and wellness needs while upholding the highest standards of quality and innovation."The expansion of Isivis London and Iygieia London is a testament to Ishita Gupta's unwavering dedication to providing exceptional products and experiences to her customers. By extending the reach of her brands, she aims to inspire individuals to embrace their individuality, prioritize personal hygiene, and make a bold fashion statement.Isivis London is a premium clothing brand known for its unique and inclusive designs. With a commitment to breaking boundaries and setting new fashion trends, Isivis London empowers individuals to express their style and confidence. Iygieia London is a Fem Tech wellness brand that focuses on personal hygiene and well-being. With products curated by specialists and backed by doctors, Iygieia London offers high-quality solutions for maintaining optimal personal hygiene.(Disclaimer The above press release has been provided by ATK. ANI will not be responsible in any way for the content of the same)ANI14 June 2023 Shared Recently! Ensure Oppn candidates can file nomination for Bengal panchayat polls: Calcutta HC to police Kolkata, June 14: Calcutta High Court's single-judge bench of Justice Rajasekhar Mantha, on Wednesday, directed the police to ensure that candidates from the opposition parties can submit their nominations for the forthcoming panchayat polls in the state without fear. Ensure Oppn candidates can file nomination for Bengal panchayat polls: Calcutta HC to police Justice Mantha passed this direction after hearing on a petition filed by the All India Secular Front (AISF) alleging mass scale violence over filing of nominations. Justice Mantha also directed the state police to provide all necessary assistance to the AISF candidates in filing the nomination.At the same time, he directed the superintendent of police to submit a report to the court over the violence at Minakhan over this nomination process. On Monday morning, Minakhan in North 24 Parganas district turned into virtual battlefields following clashes between the Trinamool Congress and CPI(M) activists. The CPI(M) leadership had alleged that the ruling party activists attacked its party workers.Meanwhile, the lone AISF representative in West Bengal assembly, Naushad Siddique, on Wednesday afternoon reached the state secretariat of Nabanna to meet Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee to complain about the continuing violence in his constituency of Bhangar in South 24 Parganas district over the last couple of days over the nomination process. However, he did not a chance to meet the chief minister."I had sent an email to the chief minister's office seeking her appointment on this count. But I did not get any reply to that email. So I directly came today to meet and express my apprehensions over the continuing violence and tension at Bhangar. But the chief minister could not give me time probably because of her engagements elsewhere," Siddique said.IANS15 June 2023 Shared Recently! Hollywood producer, Wrigley chewing gum heir explore takeover of assets of NSO that made Pegasus spyware Washington, June 14: An unlikely cast of characters, including a Hollywood producer and the heir to the Wrigley chewing gum fortune, are exploring a possible bid to take control of assets owned by the NSO Group, the Israeli company behind one of the worlds most sophisticated cyber-weapons, according to a media report. Hollywood producer, Wrigley chewing gum heir explore takeover of assets of NSO that made Pegasus spyware Robert Simonds, a US financier whose credits include producing several Adam Sandler films, has been engaged in talks to acquire the blacklisted spyware company's assets, according to multiple sources familiar with the matter, The Guardian reported.A firm owned by Simonds's friend William 'Beau' Wrigley - who was an heir to his family's chewing gum fortune and has since become involved in the cannabis industry - has conducted due diligence in connection to a possible NSO deal, The Guardian reported.NSO, which is closely regulated by Israel's ministry of defence, sells its spyware to government clients around the world. It has faced intense scrutiny in the US, where the Joe Biden administration in 2021 took the extraordinary step of placing the company on a blacklist after accusing it of selling software tools that "enabled foreign governments to conduct transnational repression", The Guardian reported.NSO has said it sells its spyware tool - called Pegasus - to government clients for use in fighting serious crime, like terrorism, and that it investigates credible allegations of abuse.Experts have been speculating about NSO's future since it was added to the US blacklist, which bars the transfer of US technology to the company without a special licence.NSO is also being sued by Apple and Facebook in the US because of allegations that it targeted the two companies' users. NSO has argued that its government clients - not NSO itself - controls its hacking tools, The Guardian reported.IANS15 June 2023 Shared Recently! Deve Gowda hands Rs 10,000 scholarship cheques of BJP MP Suryas NaMo Vidyanidhi program Bengaluru, June 14: Former Prime Minister and JD(S) supremo HD Deve Gowda on Wednesday handed over scholarship cheques of Rs 10,000 each to children sponsored by Bengaluru South MP and BJP Yuva Morcha president Tejasvi Surya's NaMo Vidyanidhi programme. Deve Gowda hands Rs 10,000 scholarship cheques of BJP MP Surya's NaMo Vidyanidhi program Under this programme, Surya is aiming to provide scholarships of Rs 10,000 each to about 10,000 meritorious children from the weaker sections, paid directly to the children's schools. Over 1,000 students are currently benefiting from the scholarship programme in Bengaluru South.During Surya's visit to Deve Gowda, the JD(S) supremo handed over the scholarship cheques to about 10 children, including several kids of auto-rickshaw drivers from the city."It's a pleasant experience for so many underprivileged students to receive the cheques from a person of such a high stature like Deve Gowda sir. I am grateful to him for agreeing to give away the cheques to these children. He also urged them to study well and support in nation building," Surya said after the meeting.Surya added "Deve Gowda Ji has always placed national interest as paramount in his politics."Surya's meeting was part of the BJP's Maha Jan Sampark Abhiyan, where every MP is reaching out to eminent personalities within the constituency and discussing the Narendra Modi-led Central government's achievements in the last 9 years.Surya briefed the former PM on the reforms brought in by the Centre to protect the interests of the depositors of the Sri Guru Raghavendra Cooperative Bank in NR Colony, Basavanagudi. He also spoke on the interventions by the Centre through the SWAMIH funds to complete stalled real estate projects, particularly the Mantri Serenity project on Kanakapura Road.He also discussed various aspects of the city's development. He informed the former PM about the Centre's contribution to the city, particularly the Suburban Railway project, Namma Metro construction, Ayushman Bharat scheme and the Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana."I also highlighted another initiative in Bengaluru South, where we have set up a free dialysis centre at the KSRTC Hospital in Jayanagar using the MP Local Area Development fund."IANS15 June 2023 Shared Recently! On 3rd anniversary of Galwan clash, Army officials to hold meeting in Leh New Delhi, June 15: Several military top officers will converge in Leh on the third anniversary of the Galwan clash to discuss strategies and preparedness in the sector bordering China, on Thursday, the Army officials said. On 3rd anniversary of Galwan clash, Army officials to hold meeting in Leh Notably, June 15 marks the third anniversary of the Galwan Valley clash which took place back in 2020.The meeting will be held between senior military officers of Northern Command, Northern Army Commander Lt Gen Upendra Dwivedi, 14 Corps Commander Lt Gen Rashim Bali and other top officers.The meeting will be held to discuss the preparedness of the force in the sector bordering China."Senior military officers of the Northern Command, including Northern Army Commander Lt Gen Upendra Dwivedi, 14 Corps Commander Lt Gen Rashim Bali along with other top officers to hold operational discussions in Leh tomorrow. The meeting will discuss the preparedness of the force in the sector bordering China," the Army officials said.The Indian and Chinese troops clashed at Galwan in 2020, the same year the pandemic started.In September 2022, the Indian troops and their counterparts in the Chinese People's Liberation Army (PLA) completed the disengagement process in the Gogra Heights-Hot Springs area near Patrolling Point-15 in the eastern Ladakh sector, government sources had said.Since May 2020, when the Chinese troops tried to aggressively change the status quo on LAC in eastern Ladakh, both sides have been deployed in forward positions near Patrolling Point 15, which emerged as a friction point in the wake of the Galwan clash.Delhi and Beijing reached an agreement in February 2021 to disengage from the 135-km Pangong Lake, creating buffer zones until all outstanding border issues are resolved, Sputnik, a Russian-based media agency reported earlier.Over 50,000 Indian soldiers had been stationed since 2020 at forward posts along the LAC, with advanced weapons to prevent any attempts to change the status quo unilaterally on the LAC.ANI15 June 2023 Shared Recently! The Community Action Organization of WNY has received $100,000 from the New York Department of State to start a fund to provide housing assistance to 100 low-income families and residents of Buffalos East Side. Secretary of State Robert Rodriguez announced the grant Wednesday at a press conference at the CAO office on Jewett Avenue. The fund will address housing insecurity for homeowners and renters on the East Side, Rodriguez said. Part of our mission at the Department of State is to help individuals and families get out of poverty, and through that we need to work together with our partners to accomplish that mission, Rodriguez said. And thats where community action organizations step in. The money will be disbursed by CAO of WNY as $1,000 individual grants. Eligible residents include those who have at least one source of income and earn up to 200% of the federal poverty level, which varies by family size, said Brandi Haynes, vice president of Adult Services for CAO of WNY. With apartments going to market rate or 10% above market rate, a lot of low-income families cannot afford to move or sustain themselves right now, Haynes said. The program started two weeks ago and about 10 families have gone through the application process. They should have their grant money within two weeks, she said.East Buffalo has been a historically underserved community, Rodriguez said at the press conference. He said the Covid-19 pandemic and mass shooting on May 14, 2022, at the Tops supermarket on Jefferson Avenue worsened the disparities the community faces when it comes to housing and food insecurity. At the Department of State, were thankful that we can rely on our partners and support them during those critical times to make sure that those services reach the residents in need right here in Buffalo, East Buffalo and across the state, Rodriguez said. Buffalo's housing crisis: 'Lots of evictions' and few affordable places for those struggling to make ends meet Residents are still recovering from the economic impact of Covid and cant make ends meet, the experts said. Evictions have become a problem, especially since the end of the state's Covid-related eviction moratorium, which expired January 2022. Regional housing advocates told The Buffalo News earlier this spring that housing affordability hit a crisis point last year, after a pandemic freeze on evictions ended. Median rents in the Buffalo metropolitan area jumped by more than 9%, according to real estate site Zillow. Median home listing prices jumped by more than a quarter in the last five years, to more than $200,000. Rodriguez said he believes the grants will help keep struggling residents in their homes. In addition to the fund, he said the goal is to invest $50 million in the East Side, a measure Gov. Kathy Hochul announced in June. We know how important housing is to achieving self-sufficiency and financial empowerment, Rodriguez said, and when families progress our entire state moves forward. Dharmendra Pradhan participates in launch of Gabons first agriculture SEZ New Delhi, June 15: Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan on Wednesday participated in the launch event of Gabon's first Agriculture Special Economic Zone (SEZ) project here in the national capital. Dharmendra Pradhan participates in launch of Gabon's first agriculture SEZ Speaking to ANI on the sidelines of the event, Pradhan said, "Gabon is a very good friend of our country and we have very deep relations with them. Indeed, the India-Africa relations are very old and many students from Africa come here for study".He said that Gabon currently relies on food imports but after this initiative, farmers from Odisha will go there to teach farming."At present, Africa's Gabon has to import food grains, despite having abundant cultivable land. Gabon has made an SEZ (Special Economic Zone) for the agriculture sector, in which one of our universities has become a partner," he said.Pradhan added, "Under this, farmers from Odisha will go to Gabon and teach farming of maze, banana, cereals to the people there. They will also train regarding the construction of transformers. We wil try to fulfil the ambitious target set by the Gabon government".The Union Minister further said that the initiative is in line with Prime Minister Narendra Modi's vision of 'Global South' under India's G20 presidency."This is also a part of our New Education Policy. In our education policy, the target has been set to fulfil not only the needs of the country but also of the world. Under the G20 presidency, PM Modi has talked about Global South, and India has the responsibility of poor and backward countries. In this direction, this initiative is a very good step," he added.ANI15 June 2023 Shared Recently! BSF, BGB agree on 5 infra projects along India-Bangladesh border at DG level meeting New Delhi, June 14: The border guarding forces of India and Bangladesh have agreed upon five developmental projects that will have a positive impact on the lives of the population along the India-Bangladesh border during the 53rd Border Co-ordination Conference held in Delhi on Wednesday. BSF, BGB agree on 5 infra projects along India-Bangladesh border at DG level meeting Maj Gen A K M Nazmul Hasan, Director General, Border Guard Bangladesh (DG BGB) led the Bangladesh delegation to India, to attend the 53rd Border Co-ordination Conference between the Border Security Force, India and Border Guard Bangladesh held at BSF Chhawla Camp, New Delhi from June 11 to 14, 2023.During the conference, both border guarding forces emphasize expediting and giving more momentum to developmental and infrastructure activities that will boost the trade and bilateral relations between both friendly nations.The Indian delegation was led by Sujoy Lal Thaosen, IPS, Director General, Border Security Force (DG BSF).During the conference, five developmental projects were agreed upon, enhancing the joint efforts towards progress and prosperity in the region. This decision is a significant step towards improving the overall quality of life and will serve to foster stronger bilateral trade and relations between the two countries.Furthermore, it highlights the commitment of both Prime Ministers to prioritize developmental works aimed at the welfare of the border population and the fulfilment of their aspirations.DG BSF appreciated the cooperation of BGB which paved the way for expediting the construction of a Single Row Fence and essential elements along the Indo-Bangladesh border.DG BGB assured full cooperation and mentioned that concerned battalions had been instructed to conduct joint verifications for the proposed single-row fence works. Both sides also agreed to a meeting of Nodal Officers within one month to sort out the matters related to developmental and infrastructure works.Highlighting the importance of a Coordinated Border Management Plan (CBMP) in curbing the peril of trans-border crimes like drugs smuggling, contraband items, FICN/Gold/Narcotics, both sides agreed to pursue and share real-time information and interrogation reports of traffickers (if any) and assured to remain extra vigilant to curb them in order to make the Indo-Bangladesh border crime free.On the issue of violent incidents along the border, and to ensure reducing their number, both sides agreed to work jointly and engage professionally, enhance joint patrolling, and vigilance, especially during late hours of the night to early morning, intensify public awareness programmes, sharing of real-time information and making all-out efforts to bring these criminals to justice.Both sides agreed to continue with all the bilateral engagements like games and sports, joint retreat ceremonies, goodwill visits, training exchange programmes, etc in the coming days. The exchange visits by the media houses were also duly appreciated by DG BSF as proposed by DG BGB.ANI15 June 2023 Shared Recently! PM Modi appreciates UN resolution on setting up memorial wall for fallen peacekeepers New Delhi, June 15: Prime minister Narendra Modi on Thursday expressed delight over the UN General Assembly's resolution to set up a new Memorial Wall for fallen peacekeepers. PM Modi appreciates UN resolution on setting up memorial wall for fallen peacekeepers "Delighted that the Resolution to establish a new Memorial Wall for fallen Peacekeepers, piloted by India, has been adopted in the UN General Assembly. The Resolution received a record 190 co-sponsorships. Grateful for everyone's support," he tweeted.On Wednesday, the UN General Assembly passed a resolution, "By the resolution, which was adopted without a vote, the Assembly welcomed Member States' initiative to establish - within three years of the text's adoption - a memorial wall at United Nations Headquarters in New York honouring the memory of fallen peacekeepers"."In deciding that its planning, construction, upkeep and maintenance will be funded entirely from voluntary contributions, the Assembly invited interested Member States to provide voluntary contributions to that end."It also decided to give prominence to the memorial wall by including it in the solemn ceremonies conducted on the International Day of United Nations Peacekeepers and other United Nations peacekeeping-related events," the resolution said.IANS15 June 2023 Shared Recently! Portugal joins Canadas wildfire effort Lisbon, June 15: Portugal has sent 140 Joint Operational Force (FOCON) firefighters to Canada to help the country combat its current forest fires, the Portuguese National Authority for Emergency and Civil Protection (ANEPC) said. Portugal joins Canada's wildfire effort The firefighters will intervene in Canada's province of Quebec in compliance with the Civil Protection Mechanism of the European Union (EU) and in partnership with 97 firefighters from Spain.Portugal's Minister of Internal Affairs, Jose Luis Carneiro, said on Wednesday that most of the Portuguese firefighters are highly experienced volunteers, Xinhua news agency reported.In recent days, more than 400 forest fire outbreaks have been reported in Canada.IANS15 June 2023 Shared Recently! Jordan says sheep exports to Saudi Arabia resumed Amman, June 15: Jordanian Agriculture Minister Khalid Hneifat has announced that Saudi Arabia has officially decided to lift the ban on Jordanian livestock exports. Jordan says sheep exports to Saudi Arabia resumed Hneifat noted that he values the response and direct cooperation from the Saudi side, which has a "positive" impact on the local sheep husbandry, according to a statement by the Ministry on Wednesday.He stressed the Ministry's readiness to assist Jordanian sheep breeders in this regard, Xinhua news agency reported.The ban-lifting decision came after Jordanian livestock quarantine and shipment safety procedures were deemed appropriate by a visiting Saudi Arabian technical inspection team.Earlier this year, Saudi Arabia banned sheep imports from Jordan, on the ground that there were reports of a foot and mouth disease outbreak, a severe and highly contagious infection, among cattle in the Al Dhuleil and Al Hallabat districts in Jordan.Jordan raises about one million head of sheep for export, of which more than half are usually exported to the Gulf countries, with Saudi Arabia taking the largest proportion, according to a report by Jordan's Department of Statistics.IANS15 June 2023 Shared Recently! NATO set to boost troops on high alert Brussels, June 15: NATO is set to boost the number of troops on high alert and increase ammunition production, its Secretary-General Jens Stoltenberg said. NATO set to boost troops on high alert Stoltenberg was speaking on Wednesday ahead of a two-day meeting of the alliance's Defence Ministers in Brussels on Thursday and Friday, which will include talks with around 20 of the world's leading defence companies.The Secretary-General told a press conference that NATO had new regional plans to defend allied territory, Xinhua news agency reported."I expect that Defence Ministers will review a new Defence Production Action Plan ... It aims to rapidly address shortfalls in our stocks," he added.IANS15 June 2023 Shared Recently! India, Bangladesh border guarding forces worked tirelessly to curb illegal crossing: Sujoy Lal Thaosen New Delhi, June 15: Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) Director General Sujoy Lal Thaosen on Wednesday said that border guarding forces of India and Bangladesh have worked tirelessly to ensure that illegal border crossing at the border is less. India, Bangladesh border guarding forces worked tirelessly to curb illegal crossing: Sujoy Lal Thaosen CRPF DG Sujoy Lal Thaosen who held the additional charge of DG of the Border Security Force (BSF) till Wednesday, made the remarks at a joint press conference along with Major General AKM Nazmul Hasan, Director General, Border Guard Bangladesh here in the national capital.In response to a question about immigrants, Sujoy Lal Thaosen said that the India-Bangladesh border traverses through mountains, hills, riverine and land. He stressed that the boundary passes through several villages, agricultural fields, ponds and rivers."The majority of the international border is fenced. However, we have several gaps in between and some of these the crossing over of individuals from other side to our side happens due to the pull and push factor, sometime for purpose of business, sometimes for the purpose of visiting relatives and many for smuggling activities. If you see the figure which we will be shared, the figure has significantly decreased. The pull factor from here are also much less than what it used to be before," Sujoy Lal Thaosen said."I can say that both the border guarding forces have worked tirelessly to ensure that such illegal crossing whether by through a design or inadvertently is less. And there are hundreds of cases where people have crossed over and without knowing where the zero line lies and we have sent them back. We have an excellent relationship with BGB and we have handed them over," he added.He also spoke about the steps taken to counter women and children's trafficking near the India-Bangladesh border. He noted that the border guarding forces of the two nations have an "excellent relationship" and "coordination." He said that a lot of women and children who are being trafficked have been apprehended and handed over back to their families."Both the border guarding forces have excellent relationship and coordination. We exchange information in real-time at the various levels right from BOP upwards and we also have information about some people who are indulging in this kind of activities. And I would like to also inform you that we have anti-human trafficking units in that part of the border which you mentioned and they are working in close coordination with local police and also RPF and other agencies. A lot of women and children who are being trafficked have been apprehended and restored back to their families. The exact figure can be made available to you later," Sujoy Lal Thaosen said."We are also working in close collaboration with the NGOs in that area who have the information and we did find that sometimes the children and women because of allurement and huge money which they have not seen they innocently become victims. However, during the course of the investigation and in a trial in the court I think they do get relief. But, however, once they proceed against a certain act the law has to go through its emotion," he added.Speaking about the killing incidents at the border, Sujoy Lal Thaosen said, "BSF does not discriminate amongst criminals. So, when these kinds of incidents happen, usually it is taken as a last resort when the life of a BSF personnel on duty is threatened. BSF believes in use of non-lethal weapons and it has been made mandatory and it's a policy and we vigorously follow it. However, it has been seen that in a couple of incidents, the use of force by the BSF personnel was probably more than it was necessary. So, these individuals were identified and the proceedings as per BSF Act are going on."In response to a question regarding killing incidents at the India-Bangladesh border, "No one desires that such kind of killing should happen in the bordering area. It is not the Indian nationalists and maybe the Bangladeshi. No lives to be lost like this. We should take the measures and that is our great concern. And we discussed at length how to reduce this killing incident in the bordering area.""So, we did both the DGs and at all levels we have also discussed this and we agreed that we should sometimes we have misunderstandings or misinformation about our lower level, ground level forces. So, we requested that the people or the troops working on the ground, they should be well briefed, so that they should not use this lethal weapon to kill any person. So, if we work together. I hope that this killing incident in the bordering area will be reduced," he added.Meanwhile, the border guarding forces of India and Bangladesh have agreed upon five developmental projects that will have a positive impact on the lives of the population along the India-Bangladesh border during the 53rd Border Coordination Conference held in Delhi on Wednesday, according to a BSF statement.Major Gen A K M Nazmul Hasan, Director General, Border Guard Bangladesh (DG BGB) led the Bangladesh delegation to India, to attend the 53rd Border Co-ordination Conference between the Border Security Force, India and Border Guard Bangladesh held at BSF Chhawla Camp, New Delhi from June 11 to 14.Later in the day, senior Indian Police Service (IPS) officer Nitin Agrawal took charge as the new Director General of the Border Security Force (BSF). He took charge from CRPF DG Sujoy Lal Thaosen, who had been holding the additional charge of the BSF for the last five months after the retirement of Pankaj Kumar Singh in December 2022.ANI15 June 2023 Shared Recently! Will indirectly help audit process.., says CAG after UN chief calls for establishment of watchdog to monitor AI Panaji, June 14: Comptroller and Auditor General of India, Girish Chandra Murmu on Wednesday said that the establishment of an international watchdog similar to the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) to oversee the monitoring of artificial intelligence (AI) will indirectly help the audit process. Will indirectly help audit process.., says CAG after UN chief calls for establishment of watchdog to monitor AI In an exclusive interview with ANI, Murmu said, "That will indirectly help the audit process. Basically, the Artificial Intelligence (AI) is responsible which we are looking for, then definitely it will make our audit easier and our finding will be authentic."ChatGPT's creator OpenAI said last month that a body like the IAEA could place restrictions on deployment, vet compliance with safety standards and track usage of computing power.Generative AI technology - which can perform natural language processing tasks such as answering questions, summarising text and even generating lines of code - has captivated the public since ChatGPT launched six months ago.United Nations (UN) Secretary-General Antonio Guterres expressed his support for the establishment of an international watchdog similar to the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) to oversee the monitoring of Artificial Intelligence (AI), reported Al Jazeera.The United Nations secretary-general has warned that artificial intelligence (AI) is being used to spread disinformation and hate and said that while technological advancement has been used for some good, the risks posed by AI threaten democracy and human rights.The AI can generate images and videos that can mimic people which has become a focus of concerning issues over its potential to create misinformation and deep fakes.Guterres said he supported the plan for a summit in Britain and added it should be preceded by "serious work". He said that, in the coming days, he plans to appoint a scientific advisory board of AI experts and chief scientists from UN agencies.ANI15 June 2023 Shared Recently! US looks forward to PM Modis upcoming address to Congress: Congresswoman Sheila Jackson Lee By Reena Bhardwaj, Washington, D. US looks forward to PM Modi's upcoming address to Congress: Congresswoman Sheila Jackson Lee C. [US], June 15 US Congresswoman Sheila Jackson Lee on Wednesday (local time) said the US looks forward to PM Modi's upcoming address to the US Congress."The Congress will look forward to the state address that he will make in the United States Congress. That will be both houses of Congress. That's a very important position to be in. We will be attentive," Lee said while speaking to ANI on PM Modi's upcoming US visit.The US Congresswoman said the US "looks forward to all of the solutions that we can make together. That's what we've always done with India. We've always found ways to solve our concerns together."She said there is great expectation from the "leader of one of the largest or the largest democracy to visit the oldest democracy and to renew long-standing friendship around the issues of nonviolence, around the issue of democracy and caring about our people."She further said "Nations may have many diplomatic concerns that they must discuss. But the good news is that we have the pathway to India and India has the pathway to the United States. And we know how to discuss our issues and be part of affiliation and leadership and continue to work together."Meanwhile, PM Narendra Modi recently said he is honoured to accept the invitation and looks forward to addressing a joint meeting of the US Congress on June 22."Thank you @SpeakerMcCarthy, @LeaderMcConnell, @SenSchumer, and @RepJeffries for the gracious invitation. I am honoured to accept and look forward to once again addressing a Joint Meeting of the Congress," PM Modi tweeted.The PM further wrote "We are proud of our Comprehensive Global Strategic Partnership with the US, built upon the foundation of shared democratic values, strong people-to-people ties, and an unwavering commitment to global peace and prosperity."The United States Congress recently invited Prime Minister Narendra Modi to address a joint meeting of the House of Representatives and Senate during his visit to the country on June 22, according to the statement released by US Congress.PM Modi's Second Address to a Joint Meeting of the US Congress is historic. He is the first Indian PM to do so twice.Globally, as a Head of Government, PM Modi is second only to Benjamin Netanyahu, PM of Israel, who has done it thrice.This honour bestowed on PM Modi shows the bipartisan respect and support for him in the USA.ANI15 June 2023 Shared Recently! BJP MP Tejasvi Surya meets ex-PM Deve Gowda; scholarship cheques of Rs 10k distributed Bengaluru, June 14: Bengaluru South MP Tejasvi Surya on Wednesday met former Prime Minister HD Deve Gowda as part of BJP's Maha Jan Sampark Abhiyan initiative after which Gowda handed over scholarship cheques of Rs 10,000 each to children. BJP MP Tejasvi Surya meets ex-PM Deve Gowda; scholarship cheques of Rs 10k distributed Taking to his official Twitter handle, Surya wrote, "Met Fmr PM Sri @H_D_Devegowda as part of #MahaJanSamparkAbhiyan and apprised him of work during #9YearsOfSeva and since 2019 as MP. So nice of him to hand over Rs10,000 scholarship cheques to students, including kids of auto drivers from B'luru, from our #NaMoVidyanidhi program," tweeted Surya.Surya described the former PM as a statesman who has always placed national interest as paramount in his politics.He further wrote, "Devegowda Ji, a statesman par excellence, has always placed national interest as paramount in his politics. Grateful to have got the opportunity to interact with him, seek his blessings and guidance".Gowda handed over scholarship cheques sponsored by Surya's NaMo Vidyanidhi programme.BJP MP informed that Devegowda Ji also handed over Rs 10,000 scholarship cheques to ten thousand students under 'NaMo Vidyanidhi scholarship programme'.During the meeting, Surya informed, both discussed Prime Minister Narendra Modi's Government's achievements in the last 9 years.The BJP leader further informed, that 1,000+ students have already benefited from this initiative."Under the #NaMoVidyanidhi initiative, we aim to help 10,000 kids from low-income families of Bengaluru South to pursue their education with scholarships of Rs 10,000 each, paid directly to schools/colleges. 1,000+ students have already benefited from this initiative," he tweeted.During the meeting, Suriya said that he apprised the former Prime Minister of how reforms by the Modi government helped Bengaluru."Apprised him on how reforms by Sri @narendramodi Govt helped B'luru.Reforms in Banking and Deposit insurance brought solace to depositors of Guru Raghavendra Bank. SWAMIH funds for stalled Real Estate projects helped in the completion of Mantri Serenity Apt. on Kanakapura Road," he tweeted.Devegowda served as the 11th Prime Minister of India from June 1996 to April 1997.He was also the 14th Karnataka Chief Minister from 1994 to 1996.ANI15 June 2023 Shared Recently! Richard Hyde fears the worst when he looks at the crumbling concrete stanchions that support the CSX railroad bridge spanning the Buffalo River. He believes it is only a matter of time before the deteriorating structure collapses and chemical tank cars disgorge their hazardous contents into the river, poisoning wildlife and humans who depend on the fresh water that empties into nearby Lake Erie. I think the bridge is an accident waiting to happen. Day in and day out, the chemical cars go by, said Hyde, a retired Buffalo firefighter who has spent his life beside the river in South Buffalo. Ive been trying for years to draw attention to this situation, but who would listen to me? Someone is listening. Sen. Charles E. Schumer, a New York Democrat and the Senate majority leader, has sent a letter to the administrator of the Federal Railroad Administration requesting an independent investigation of that bridge, between Katherine and Smith streets, and others used by freight trains in Buffalo. Chemical freight is carried over this bridge every day and a failure on the bridge with a train on it could lead to catastrophic environmental effects in the river and public health impacts in nearby neighborhoods, Schumer stated in his letter to FRA Administrator Amit Bose. Hyde and other residents say railroad bridges elsewhere on the East Side and in South Buffalo are deteriorating with thick layers of rust on steel stanchions, cracked and crumbling concrete encasing their foundations, and stone walls oozing water and dirt through missing mortar joints. Examples of the decay can be easily spotted at bridges over Swan, East Eagle and North Division streets. Railroads are legally required to conduct annual inspections on their bridges. But if members of the public wanted to review the copies of the inspections, their efforts would be derailed. Railroad companies are not required to release the inspection reports to the public. The FRA can request an inspection report, but with only four bridge inspection specialists on the agency staff for the entire country and more than 61,000 annual inspections conducted by railroads, FRA oversight of the bridges is cursory. FRA does not review every single bridge inspection carried out by privately owned railroads. Rather we assess the overall adequacy of railroad bridge management programs and audit bridge inspections where indicators suggest such review is warranted, said Warren Flatau, an FRA spokesman. According to the FRAs 2021 enforcement report, the most recent available to the public, the agency cited only one railroad company that year for inadequate bridge safety standards. Iowa Traction Railway Co. was assessed a civil penalty of $4,000 for a bridge violation in Iowa. A spokesman for the rail company said the violation amounted to failing to file paperwork on time. The Federal Highway Administration maintains a comprehensive public inventory of all highway bridges and their condition ratings that Americans can review online. But the public cannot get that type of information from the railroad administration, which says it does not even have a list of all railroad bridges in the nation. Concern over railroad bridge safety in Buffalo and Western New York is understandable. There are more than 50 such bridges in Buffalo and a total of 546 railroad bridges in this region, making Western New York home to the most bridges in the states 10 regions. Drawing additional attention to overall rail safety here was the Feb. 3 freight rail disaster in East Palestine, Ohio, where a Norfolk Southern freight train derailment resulted in a controlled burn of cancer-causing chemicals that sent plumes of black smoke into the community and resulted in evacuations and health concerns. Ten days later in North Buffalo, residents living adjacent to railroad tracks spotted flames coming from a Norfolk Southern train. The freight railway company denied there was a fire and suggested residents might have seen rail grinding, which causes sparks as a rail car moves over tracks. Most of the railroad bridges in Buffalo are owned by CSX. In a statement to The Buffalo News seeking comment on deteriorating bridge conditions the newspaper observed, CSX said it exceeds regulatory and legal mandates when it comes to the structural soundness of its bridges. CSX stated, Bridges throughout our network are thoroughly inspected using detailed protocols by dedicated inspectors. The track structure on the bridges is inspected and monitored periodically each week. Any issues are immediately reported and promptly addressed. The railroad did not answer questions about specific bridge conditions observed by The News. But CSX said it has provided its annual letter to New York State certifying that in 2022 all of its bridges in the state had been inspected. Are looks deceiving? When Nathan Marton, Buffalos commissioner of public works, parks and streets, was shown a video of retired firefighter Hyde rubbing a piece of driftwood against a sidewall of CSXs Buffalo River bridge, causing concrete to crumble, he said, Thats something that should be looked at and I will bring it to the attention of CSX. Concrete stanchions in the river supporting the bridge also appear to be crumbling. Vertical shafts of rebar, used to strengthen concrete, are exposed and steel pilings shielding stanchions from the rivers current are rusting or missing. Rust on steel stanchions and the undersides of bridge decks elsewhere on the East Side and in South Buffalo does not necessarily mean the structural integrity of those bridges is compromised, Marton said. A little rust is normal, but more significant rusting could be an area of concern, he said. The Association of American Railroads, an industry trade group, points out on its website that railroad bridges should not be judged by their outward appearance. Although the FRA and the freight rail industry take concerns about a railroad bridges appearance seriously, it is important to know that cosmetic appearance of a railroad bridge rarely has anything to do with its structural integrity, its website states. The association also states that it has been almost 60 years since a railroad bridge collapsed and caused a fatality. But that is of little comfort to residents who see these rusty and crumbling bridges day in and day out. The foundation of this bridge looks like it is going to fall down at any time. They need to come and fix it, said Pascha Mann, who lives several houses away from the East Eagle Street bridge. Its getting worse and Im worried because the bridge gets a lot of traffic. Western New Yorks rail mishaps have generally been limited to derailments. But two 30-ton pieces of concrete collapsed from the sidewall of a railroad bridge in Syracuse in July 2018. Later that same month, a section of a railroad bridge in Ridgefield Park, N.J., collapsed into a creek. In response to the Syracuse collapse, Schumer in 2018 called for a doubling of the FRAs railroad bridge inspection specialists to 12. The FRA requested the funding to hire more inspectors, but the money was not allocated by Congress. Since then, the number of bridge inspection specialists has dropped from six to four because of unfilled vacancies, according to the FRA. For years, Schumer, one of the most powerful politicians in Washington, has made little headway in improving railroad bridge safety as far as FRA inspections go. He cites a lack of bipartisan support for the inability to secure funding for more specialists, which he continues to push. In addition to asking the FRAs administrator to conduct a review of railroad bridges in Buffalo, Schumer said he has also asked CSX to investigate concerns raised by residents over its railroad bridges. The people of Buffalo deserve peace of mind knowing that railroad bridges in their communities are safe and structurally sound, Schumer said. Local steps Marton, who was appointed public works commissioner last November, said his engineering staff has started compiling a list of observations regarding the conditions of railroad bridges in the city. Once it is completed, he said, he will contact CSX. I know past commissioners have had contact with CSX and I am going to continue that working relationship, he said. In 2015, a law was enacted requiring the Federal Railroad Administration to provide elected and appointed officials in state and local governments with a public version of annual inspections of railroad bridges, if requested. The FRA says the information is limited to the date of the last inspection, location and length of the bridge, what feature is crossed by the bridge, railroad contact information and a general statement on the bridges condition. Marton said he intends to request the public version of the inspection on the Buffalo River bridge. A town supervisor in Monroe County who requested and received a public version of a railroad bridge inspection there described the document as a piece of crap in a Rochester Democrat and Chronicle story because the document lacked meaningful information. The FRA said the law approved by Congress directing the agency to provide public versions of annual railroad bridge inspections to state and local officials is an acknowledgement that railroad bridge inspection reports are very technical in nature and that to understand the findings an engineer would likely need to become familiar with railroad operations. Rep. Brian Higgins, a Buffalo Democrat, said the railroad bridges in Buffalo are situated in neighborhoods and that their corrosion and decay create eyesores that warrant scrutiny. Railroads and the agencies that regulate them owe it to the neighborhoods that immediately surround them to verify their safety, and just like with automobile bridges, if improvements need to be made, a corrective action plan should be implemented, Higgins said. Signature View Apartments: DDA decides to offer buyback, reconstruction options to residents New Delhi, June 14: Delhi Development Authority (DDA) on Wednesday held a meeting under the chairmanship of Lt Governor VK Saxena and announced that the authority will offer two options to the allottees/residents/owners of the 'structurally damaged' Signature View Apartments. Signature View Apartments: DDA decides to offer buyback, reconstruction options to residents DDA said that the first option offered by the authorities is the buyback of the flats by DDA and another option is the reconstruction of the flats."Understanding the difficulties faced by residents of Signature View Apartment of Mukherjee Nagar, the Authority has given approval for an effective solution to the apartment residents. Under it, DDA will offer two options to the allottees/residents/owners of the Signature View Apartments to proceed in the matter," an official statement said.Under the buyback offer, DDA will pay back the cost of capital paid by allottees along with interest plus the stamp duty, while under the reconstruction offer, it will provide newly built flats at the same place with the same specifications."One of the options is direct buyback of the flats wherein DDA will pay back the cost of capital paid by allottees along with interest plus the stamp duty paid at the time of registration. The other option is the reconstruction of the flats vide which DDA will provide newly built flats at the same place with same specifications," it added.DDA said that the facilitation amount towards rent would also be paid during the construction period till the time the offer letter is issued to all the allottees/owners.In the meeting, Authority also gave approval for the eligibility determination of 1500 families of Navjeevan Camp, Govindpuri, Kalkaji."To provide houses under in-situ Slum Rehabilitation Project, the Authority has given approval for eligibility determination of 1500 families of Navjeevan Camp, Govindpuri, Kalkaji," added the releaseDDA has constructed 3024 EWS flats at A-14, Kalkaji Extension under In-situ Slum Rehabilitation Project. Of 3024 flats, 1862 have been allotted to the eligible families of Bhoomiheen Camp, Govindpuri, Kalkaji."For allotment of remaining 1162 unallotted EWS flats at Pocket A-14 Kalkaji Extension, about 1500 families of Navjeevan Camp, Govindpuri, Kalkaji will be identified for eligibility determination," it added.In the meeting, approval was also given for the launching of Phase IV of DDA's Online First Come First Serve (FCFS) Housing scheme with the facility of booking flats of one's choice in a preferred locality and floor by paying a token booking amount, the statement mentioned."Besides, there is no conditionality of owning any plot or house in Delhi for booking these flats thereby facilitating ownership of multiple houses by members of an extended family for improved urban living. The scheme is to be launched on June 30, 2023," it said.ANI15 June 2023 Shared Recently! Chinese President Xi affirms support for Palestines full UN membership Beijing, June 14: Chinese President Xi Jinping said on Wednesday that his country supports Palestine in becoming a full member state of the United Nations. Chinese President Xi affirms support for Palestine's full UN membership Xi made the remarks during his talks with Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas in Beijing on Wednesday.The two leaders announced the establishment of a strategic partnership between China and Palestine, Xinhua news agency reported."China and Palestine are good friends and good partners who trust and support each other," Xi said, adding that China was one of the "first countries to recognise the Palestine Liberation Organization and the State of Palestine"."China has all along firmly supported the Palestinian people's just cause of restoring their legitimate national rights and worked for a comprehensive, just and durable solution of the Palestinian question at an early date," he said.The Chinese President called on both sides to take the establishment of strategic partnership as an opportunity to continue supporting each other on issues of core concern, advance cooperation in various areas, deepen partnership in jointly building the Belt and Road, speed up negotiations on the China-Palestine free trade agreement, share experiences on national governance and further the traditional friendship.Xi stressed that the Palestinian question has remained unresolved for over half a century, "causing great sufferings to the Palestinian people; justice must be done to Palestine as soon as possible"."China stands ready to play a positive role to assist Palestine in achieving internal reconciliation and promote peace talks," he said."China is willing to strengthen solidarity and cooperation with Palestine and other developing countries, enhance coordination in international and regional affairs, advance China's cooperation with Arab states, and safeguard the common interests of developing countries and international fairness and justice," Xi added.Palestinian President Abbas said that Palestine supports China's position on issues concerning its core interests and follows the one-China principle, adding that Palestine will work with China to promote the Belt and Road Initiative, strengthen bilateral cooperation and build a community with a shared future for humanity."Palestine backs the Global Security Initiative, the Global Development Initiative and the Global Civilization Initiative proposed by President Xi, and speaks highly of the China-mediated talks between Saudi Arabia and Iran," Abbas added.After their talks, the two presidents witnessed the signing of documents on bilateral economic and technological cooperation.IANS15 June 2023 Shared Recently! The time is now: US lawmaker on defence ties with India By Reena Bhardwaj, Washington DC [US], June 15: US Representative Richard McCormick stressed on having ties between the United States (US) and India economically, militarily and strategically. The time is now: US lawmaker on defence ties with India He emphasised that lawmakers whether they are Democrats or Republicans need to pay more attention to India as a "future partner going forward".On reports of the US pushing a sign a big-arms drone deal during the upcoming visit of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, he said, "I think the more we link our countries together, both strategically, economically, militarily, the better. If you look at the threats in the region, if you look at India's strategic location next to China, Pakistan, and Bangladesh, with all the problems that we have in that part of the world right now, we need a strong partner, somebody that we can link ourselves to."Media reports suggest that the Biden administration is urging India to iron out bureaucratic hurdles and take forward a long-awaited deal for U.S.-made armed drones ahead of Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi's upcoming visit to Washington.Responding to a question if the state visit to the White House on June 22 will pave the way for the purchase of up to SeaGuardian drones from defence firm General Atomics as reported by Reuters, McCormick said, "Well, I think right now we need to sort out a lot of details, the way things are right now. They have been traditionally buying from Russia. That takes a while to transition from, especially when you talk about supplying parts and getting things into. A country and then training people to be proficient in those weapons systems take a while, but I think the time is now. I think they (India)understand the importance of our partnership, especially when it comes to the economic ties that benefit from that also. But I think this is an important alliance into the future that's going to benefit this entire region and the world."Ahead of PM Narendra Modi's visit to the US, Defence Minister is going to discuss the acquisition of MQ-9 Reaper drones from the US. The acquisition of these drones is scheduled to come up for discussion during an important high-level meeting of the defence ministry on Thursday, defence sources told ANI.Modi and Biden are also expected to discuss the co-production of munitions and ground vehicles, like armoured personnel carriers, while Modi is in Washington, the Reuters report suggests said.The decision to purchase MQ-9s rests with the Indian government, and Biden administration officials emphasized the potential benefits of acquiring the drones while acknowledging India's autonomy in the matter.Experts suggest US President Joe Biden has made deepening ties with India a cornerstone of his policy to counter China's growing influence, placing special attention this year on collaboration between the world's two largest democracies on advanced military technologies, despite their lack of a formal security alliance."We need to make sure we continue to be linked to that very important part of the world with somebody who sees the world very similar to us," McCormick told ANI.Speaking about PM Modi's upcoming visit to the US, Congressman said that he thinks that everybody understands the importance of the relations between the two nations. He said that India is growing its economy in a "slow, methodical way." He also spoke about China's growing economy and noted that some of that has been done in "very bad ways"."Well, if you're talking about Prime Minister Modi coming here, I think those will be private conversations, some of them. But I think everybody understands how important that allyship is. When you talk about the most populous country in the world right next to the second most populous country in the world, which they keep on switching off a little bit late, but also the fact that China's growing its economy from about 5 trillion only 10 years ago to 18 trillion just in 10 years. Now they've done some of that in very bad ways, and they've run up a lot of debt.""But, I think India is doing it the slow, methodical way that they need to by encouraging trade with that huge consumer base, as well as somebody who can produce a lot of things that are both technologically advanced as well as just production. I think we compare with them in very good, beneficial ways to both countries having very real consequential conversations about how we stabilize that region of the world and also tie our countries together forever into the future," McCormick said.Prior to PM Modi's visit, US National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan visited India. He held a meeting with PM Modi and discussed matters of bilateral cooperation here in Delhi. The two sides also reviewed progress under India-US Initiative on Critical and Emerging Technologies (iCET) during the meeting. Sullivan also met his Indian counterpart Ajit Doval in New Delhi.Congressman Richard McCormick spoke about the consequential conversations that will take place between India and US during PM Modi's visit. He emphasised that lawmakers whether they are Democrats or Republicans need to pay more attention to India as a "future partner going forward." He talked about the importance of India and its strength of numbers, industrial base and its amount to produce things.In a sign of the continued bipartisan support in America for strong bilateral ties with India, Prime Minister Narendra Modi will address a joint session of the United States Congress during his first state visit here next week.The keenness shown by Republicans, that Modi, who has been invited by US President Joe Biden (a Democrat), address the joint address shows that both sides are interested in deepening and widening ties that India and the US currently enjoy. Asked about China being a binding factor between Republicans and Democrats, McCormick said, "I think a lot of people don't realize how important India is. I think that's why it's important for Prime Minister Modi to be here and have these consequential conversations. Anybody who's not thinking about the importance of India doesn't realize the strength of numbers, the amount of industrial base, and the amount to produce things that China produces simultaneously, but from a much more friendly venue.""Somebody, who's following the World Trade Organization rules rather than breaking them, somebody who doesn't have global dominance in mind but actually working with other countries to mutual benefit. That's the kind of partner we need. I think when you talk about Democrats and Republicans, whether you be a Democrat or Republican, I think we have to pay a lot more attention to India as a future partner going forward, especially considering China right now," he added.ANI15 June 2023 Shared Recently! Himachal CM reviews PWD project works, emphasizes ensuring high-quality construction Shimla, June 14: Himachal Pradesh Chief Minister Thakur Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu on Wednesday presided over a review meeting with the PWD officials virtually and emphasized ensuring high-quality construction in all PWD project works. Himachal CM reviews PWD project works, emphasizes ensuring high-quality construction The Chief Minister specifically instructed the department to prioritize the construction of tunnels for new road projects for the convenience of both local residents and tourists which would go a long way in saving the time and money of the commuters.He also stressed constructing ropeways in the State.Reviewing the progress of the Pradhan Mantri Gram Sadak Yojana-3, Chief Minister said, "The Detailed Project Reports (DPRs) of 45 roads with an estimated cost of Rs. 422 crores have been approved for the State. Out of these, tenders for 44 roads have already been awarded."He said that DPRs for more than 256 roads with an outlay of Rs 2,662 crore have been sent to the Union Government for approval in the second phase and these road constructions will encompass 644 kilometres using the FDR technique and 499 kilometres with a cement sub-base technique."Construction of 14 bridges in the second phase is also pending approval from the central government", he added.In order to expedite infrastructure development, the Chief Minister directed to complete the pending 173 road projects under the Pradhan Mantri Gram Sadak Yojana-1 and 17 road projects in the second phase within the current year.He said that a budgetary provision of Rs 40 crore for the Mukhyamantri Sadak Rakh Rakhav Yojana has been made this year.The Chief Minister said that under the Central Road Infrastructure Fund (CRIF), DPRs for four roads amounting to Rs 248 crore have been sent to the Government of India for approval, while the process of preparing DPRs for five additional roads was underway.He also said that after the formation of the new government in the state, under National Bank for Agriculture and Rural Development (NABARD), 62 roads with an outlay of Rs 336 crores have been sanctioned till now.He said that the State Government has sanctioned Rs 97 crore to decongest the Circular-road of Shimla city to facilitate the commuters. Additionally, Rs 4 crore has been allocated for the maintenance of roads in apple-growing areas, and Rs 6.50 crore for the Theog bypass.Thakur Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu also said that Rs 10 crore would be provided to convert the Tutikandi parking cum commercial complex into an office space, potentially relocating some government offices there."Rs 40 crore has also been allocated to construct a residential complex at Brockhurst, Shimla to provide better accommodation to the Government employees," he added.During the meeting, Public Works Department Minister, Vikramaditya Singh also emphasized ensuring quality in all departmental works and narrated various activities of the department undertaken during the last about six months.Chief Parliamentary Secretary, Sanjay Awasthi, Principal Secretary of Public Works, Onkar Chand Sharma, Principal Secretary to Chief Minister, Bharat Khera, Advisor (Infrastructure), Anil Kapil, Advisor Planning, Dr Basu Sood and senior officers of the Public Works Department were present in the meeting while Deputy Commissioners and other officers of PWD were virtually connected.ANI15 June 2023 Shared Recently! Another US state bans kids from social media without parental consent San Francisco, June 15: The US state of Texas has banned kids under age 18 from joining social media platforms without parental consent. Another US state bans kids from social media without parental consent Texas Governor Greg Abbott signed the bill, called HB 18, that requires social media platforms like Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, Snapchat and TikTok to receive explicit consent from a minor's parent or guardian before they'd be allowed to create their own accounts."A digital service provider may collect a minor's personal identifying information if the minor's parent or guardian consents in a manner that is specific, informed, and unambiguous and takes into account the minor's age and the minor's developmental and cognitive needs and capabilities," read the bill.The new bill also forces social media platforms to prevent children from seeing "harmful" content by creating new filtering systems.Last week, Louisiana passed a similar bill to require parental consent.States like Connecticut, Maryland, Minnesota, New Jersey and Ohio have also considered similar laws.Utah became the first US state to enact laws limiting how children can use social media.Republican Governor Spencer Cox signed measures in March that require parental consent before kids can sign up for social media websites.The new Utah laws also require that parents be given access to their child's accounts.IANS15 June 2023 Shared Recently! Grateful for everyones support: PM Modi after UN adopts resolution, piloted by India New Delhi, June 15: Expressing happiness after the adoption of a resolution to establish a new 'Memorial Wall' for fallen Peacekeepers which India piloted by the United Nations General Assembly, Prime Minister Narendra Modi said that he is grateful for everyone's support. Grateful for everyone's support: PM Modi after UN adopts resolution, piloted by India PM Modi tweeted, "Delighted that the Resolution to establish a new Memorial Wall for fallen Peacekeepers, piloted by India, has been adopted in the UN General Assembly. The Resolution received a record 190 co-sponsorships. Grateful for everyone's support."The passage of the resolution in the UNGA came days ahead of PM Modi's official state visit to the US and his participation in the International Yoga Day celebrations at the United Nations headquarters on June 21.Meanwhile, India's Permanent Representative to the UN Ambassador Ruchira Kamboj introduced the draft resolution titled 'Memorial wall for fallen United Nations peacekeepers' on Wednesday in the UN General Assembly Hall and it was adopted by consensus.Thanking all the member states for supporting the resolution, External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar tweeted, "Jaishankar India piloted the adoption of a Resolution in the UN General Assembly to establish a Memorial Wall for fallen Peacekeepers. The Resolution received a record 190 co-sponsorships, a testimony to faith in India's contributions and intent. Sincere thanks to all member states who co-sponsored the resolution!"She pointed out that more than 1 million men and women from 125 countries have served in 71 peacekeeping missions worldwide. Even today, over 80,000 peacekeepers serve in various conflict zones, enduring harsh conditions and risking their lives to keep the peace, according to the statement released by the UN.However, this has not been without its cost -- more than 4,200 peacekeepers have laid down their lives in the service of the blue flag, she said. These brave men and women -- who came from different parts of the world, practice different faiths and follow different cultures -- were united by the cause of peace, and their spirit of selfless sacrifice, professionalism and resolve."They made the supreme sacrifice in the pursuit of mandates that we as Member States requested them to carry out," she said, emphasizing that the memorial wall will be a constant reminder of the cost of Members' decisions.By the resolution, which was adopted without a vote, the Assembly welcomed Member States' initiative to establish -- within three years of the text's adoption -- a memorial wall at United Nations Headquarters in New York honouring the memory of fallen peacekeepers."In deciding that its planning, construction, upkeep and maintenance will be funded entirely from voluntary contributions, the Assembly invited interested Member States to provide voluntary contributions to that end. It also decided to give prominence to the memorial wall by including it in the solemn ceremonies conducted on the International Day of United Nations Peacekeepers and other United Nations peacekeeping-related events," the statement read.ANI15 June 2023 Shared Recently! Sunnyhairport: Revolutionizing the Hair Salon Industry with Innovative Techniques and Celebrity Clients VMPL, New Delhi, June 15: Celebrity Hair Stylist Sunny Redefines Hair Coloring and Styling, Making Waves in the Salon Industry. Sunnyhairport: Revolutionizing the Hair Salon Industry with Innovative Techniques and Celebrity Clients The salon industry is witnessing a significant transformation as individuals seek personalized grooming services to enhance their appearance and boost their self-confidence. In this dynamic landscape, Sunnyhairport, led by renowned hair artist Sunny, has emerged as a game-changer, revolutionizing hair coloring and styling techniques. With a client roster that includes celebrities, artists, and influencers, Sunnyhairport has established itself as a sought-after destination for trendsetting hair transformations.The demand for exceptional salon services, including haircuts, hair coloring, and styling, has led to an increased emphasis on finding the best hair salon in Delhi. Sunnyhairport, situated in the heart of Delhi, has gained recognition for its unmatched expertise and creative approach to hair artistry. One of the hallmarks of Sunnyhairport is its specialization in innovative and trendsetting hair color techniques.As the go-to unisex salon near me, it caters to the diverse grooming needs of both men and women, ensuring exceptional results for every client. Sunny, with over 18 years of experience in the hair industry, has been at the forefront of introducing unique and creative hair colors. Breaking away from traditional dark brown shades, Sunny has pioneered the use of lighter shades, revolutionizing the hair color landscape in Delhi. His ability to experiment and bring out the best in every client's hair has earned him a reputation as the best hair stylist in Delhi for females and males alike.Sunny's dedication to his craft has taken him on a global journey to gain knowledge and learn from international hair artists. He has traveled to different countries, immersing himself in their salon cultures, studying hair textures, and understanding the products and chemicals used in their techniques. By blending these international influences with Indian culture, Sunny has created something truly unique, capturing the attention of artists, actors, celebrities, and bloggers.The list of Sunny's reputed clients includes prominent names such as Esha Gupta, Bhumi Pendekar, Paradox, Astha Gill, Arushi Dutta, Mallika Dua, Dolly Singh, Tulsi Kumar, Kusha Kapila, Nikki Tamboli and RJ Karishma among others. His expertise and creative vision have earned him clients not only across India but also in countries like Canada, Australia, New Zealand, UAE, and the USA. Sunny's commitment to modern techniques ensures beautiful hair transformations without causing any damage.Sunnyhairport goes beyond providing exceptional salon services; it offers an experience that combines luxury, relaxation, and personalized attention. The salon's ambience and customer-centric approach create an inviting atmosphere for clients to unwind while receiving top-notch hair care. Sunny's team of skilled professionals ensures that each client receives customized recommendations and expert advice to achieve their desired look.Renowned for his exceptional skills and talent, the acclaimed stylist, Sunny, has recently unveiled his highly coveted hair color services, which have garnered an overwhelming demand from clients near and far. Such is the allure of his expertise that eager individuals now face a waiting period of approximately 20 to 30 days in order to secure an appointment with the maestro himself. Recognizing the need to streamline the booking process and ensure a fair allocation of slots, Sunny has implemented a nominal advance payment requirement of Rs. 2000, not only guaranteeing a confirmed reservation but also facilitating efficient scheduling for both the clients and the salon.Embracing the convenience of modern technology, Sunny's website now boasts a state-of-the-art online portal, designed with user-friendly functionality in mind. This innovative platform empowers clients to effortlessly navigate through available dates and time slots, granting them the freedom to handpick their preferred options for their highly anticipated hair color transformation. By embracing these advancements, Sunny continues to elevate the customer experience, making it more seamless, convenient, and personalized, while solidifying his position as a trailblazer in the realm of hairstyling and beauty.Not only this, Sunnyhairport School, a revered institution in the realm of hairstyling, is delighted to present an unparalleled opportunity for aspiring hairstylists through their highly esteemed Golden Graduation Hairdressing Course. This prestigious program has captured the attention and admiration of numerous individuals who harbor a profound passion for the art of hairstyling, resulting in an unprecedented surge in demand. The overwhelming interest and enthusiasm surrounding the course have led to the formation of an extensive waiting list, stretching across almost a year, as aspiring students eagerly anticipate their chance to enroll at the esteemed Sunnyhairport School.The current batch, which commenced its transformative journey in the month of January, is already well underway, with participants immersing themselves in a comprehensive curriculum curated by industry experts. As the demand for this exceptional educational experience continues to escalate, prospective students are urged to secure their reservations for the upcoming year at the earliest opportunity, ensuring they can partake in the invaluable knowledge, practical training, and mentorship that the Golden Graduation Hairdressing Course at Sunnyhairport School is renowned for. By offering this exclusive avenue for growth and learning, Sunnyhairport School reaffirms its commitment to nurturing the talents and aspirations of future hairstyling professionals, solidifying its position as a premier institution in the field.As Sunnyhairport continues to lead the way in the salon industry, its commitment to excellence remains unwavering. With a focus on continuous learning and staying up-to-date with the latest trends, Sunnyhairport strives to deliver unparalleled hair transformations that exceed clients' expectations.For those seeking the best hair salon in Delhi with competitive prices, innovative techniques, and a celebrity clientele, Sunnyhairport is the ultimate destination. Experience the artistry and expertise of Sunny and his team, and embark on a journey of hair transformation like never before. Situated in the vibrant neighborhood of Malviya Nagar, New Delhi, you will find the store.For more details visitWebsite(Disclaimer The above press release has been provided by VMPL. ANI will not be responsible in any way for the content of the same)ANI15 June 2023 Shared Recently! Well see a different Warner this time: Cummins backs Warner in battle against Broad New Delhi, June 15: Australian skipper Pat Cummins has expressed his confidence that David Warner will prevail over his long-time nemesis Stuart Broad and believes the opener will display a transformed version of himself during the 2023 Ashes, beginning at Edgbaston on Friday. 'We'll see a different Warner this time': Cummins backs Warner in battle against Broad The English seamer proved to be Warner's nemesis, dismissing the Australian opener on seven occasions in the 10 innings during the 2019 Ashes as Warner managed just 95 runs at an average of 9.5.England have selected their starting eleven for the Edgbaston Test on Wednesday with Broad got preferred over Mark Wood."I don't think there'll be any surprises. They're guys we've played a lot and Davey's (Warner) I'm sure been thinking about Broad a lot over the last four years and if he got another chance how he is going to play against him. It didn't go Davey's way last time, but I think we'll see a different Davey this time," Cummins told WA Today.Warner is assured his place in the side despite a lean run, managing just one score over 50 in 17 innings during the past year. However, he exhibited promising signs by scoring 43 runs under challenging conditions on the first day of the World Test Championship final against India at the Oval.IANS15 June 2023 Shared Recently! Neena Gupta says Hindi-Vindi brings Hindi to the forefront of NRI audience Mumbai, June 15: Actress Neena Gupta, who has a slew of releases lined up, has shared that her upcoming film 'Hindi-Vindi' will bring Hindi to the forefront of the NRI audience. The film is set around the NRIs who have left an indelible mark on the global stage. Neena Gupta says 'Hindi-Vindi' brings Hindi to the forefront of NRI audience This musical film gives a sneak peek into the intergenerational language barriers and love between a visiting grandmother and her Australian-Indian grandchild, Kabir.The film follows Kabir's transformative journey as he learns Hindi through the fusion of Western and Indian music. It stars Neena Gupta as the grandmother, Mihir Ahuja as Kabir, and Shannon K. as Rihanna.Talking about her role in the movie, Neena Gupta said "I am delighted to play a key role in the upcoming film Hindi-Vindi. Hindi is close to my heart, and this film brings Hindi to the forefront of the NRI audience. I am also looking forward to working with the young and talented filmmakers Ali, Jayant, and Aniket. They are passionate about telling interesting stories. I am excited about the shooting in Australia."The film, directed by Ali Sayed, co-written by Ali Sayed and Jay Sharma, promises an authentic portrayal of heritage and family bonds, and will be shot in Australia.Ali Sayed, director of Hindi-Vindi added "Hindi-Vindi is a story that I have been working on for the past four years, and I am incredibly excited to finally share it with the world. This film is close to me and every immigrant and will resonate with audiences worldwide. We are also proud to be working with a talented cast and crew from Australia and India, and we believe that the creative collaboration will showcase the best of both cultures."Produced by Australian film production 24Six films, India-based Shah Entertainment Media (SEM) and supported by Screen Australia, the film will release in May 2024.IANS15 June 2023 Shared Recently! TalentSprint honored as Training Partner of the Year at the PegaWorld iNspire event held in Las Vegas BusinessWire India, Hyderabad, June 15: TalentSprint, a leading global edtech company specializing in innovative and transformative programs, has been recognized as the 'Training Partner of the Year' at, the annual conference of, the low-code platform provider empowering the world's leading enterprises to Build for ChangeA held in Las Vegas recently. TalentSprint honored as Training Partner of the Year at the PegaWorld iNspire event held in Las Vegas This accolade highlights TalentSprint's exceptional contributions through its in transforming engineering college students to build robust capabilities in low-code technologies to secure a competition-proof career with the customers and partners of Pegasystems. Since its establishment in 2016, the collaborative effort between Pegasystems and TalentSprint through the has empowered over 9,000 students to embark on high-impact careers in the tech industry. This comprehensive program equips students with 300+ hours of hands-on experiential learning by qualified and certified instructors, resulting in a 95 per cent certification rate with a high-touch placement assistance yielding an 80 per cent placement rate consistently. Initially launched with two partner colleges, the program has now expanded to impact around 2000 students per year across 20 partner colleges throughout India. Judy Buchholz, Senior Vice President of global partner ecosystems, Pegasystems, said "Pega is pleased to recognize TalentSprint on their well-deserved award as the Training Partner of the Year. Deep expertise and skillset currency are critical to Pega clients and TalentSprint has invested in and delivered on programs to educate and certify job-ready young software engineers for the Pega ecosystem." Dr Santanu Paul, Founding CEO and Managing Director of TalentSprint, expressed his satisfaction with the pioneering initiative undertaken in collaboration with Pegasystems in India. He acknowledged the prestigious award as a testament to the team's dedicated efforts, unwavering pursuit of excellence, and innovative mindset. Dr Paul extended his heartfelt gratitude to all those involved, emphasizing that this recognition symbolizes their collective endeavor and relentless passion. TalentSprint's recognition as the 'Training Partner of the Year' at PegaWorld iNspire serves as a testament to their commitment to excellence, innovative teaching methodologies, and impactful collaborations. Their unswerving dedication to nurturing industry-ready talent has made a remarkable impact on the tech landscape in India, while providing students with unparalleled career prospects. As TalentSprint and Pegasystems continue to work in tandem, they aim to further enhance the transformative power of education and create a bright future for aspiring professionals in the technology sector.(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)ANI15 June 2023 Shared Recently! Two busloads of asylum-seekers from New York City were being driven up to Cheektowaga on Thursday and expected to arrive by midnight. A hotel near the Buffalo Niagara International Airport in Cheektowaga has agreed to host the 60 people and has a contract with New York City to provide housing and food for them for up to a year. The costs are to be borne by New York City. Judge suspends emergency orders barring asylum-seekers from being bused to other NY counties Afederal court ruling has suspended emergency orders from two county executives barring the transportation and housing of New York City asylum-seekers in hotels and other lodging outside the Big Apple. Erie County Legislator Frank Todaro, in whose district the hotel is located, said he learned the details at 4:45 p.m. from the County Executives Office that a hotel has reached an agreement with New York City. He said he did not wish to publicly identify the hotel in order to protect the safety and security of the hotel and its occupants. Aside from paying an attractive daily rate for the migrants who are staying at the hotel, Todaro said, the hotel is also coordinating with nearby restaurants to feed the asylum-seekers. New York City is paying an upfront fee each month to cover those food costs, Todaro said after speaking with the hotel manager. The Erie County Executives Office had confirmed the pending arrival of asylum-seekers Thursday morning after WGRZ-TV broke the news. What will incoming asylum-seekers cost Erie County? Here is what we know Based on some fact-finding by The Buffalo News, including communication with state and county officials and advocates, here are the best answers we have right now on the who is bearing what costs, why this is happening and what we still don't know. Late Tuesday afternoon, New York City made calls to elected officials in the Cheektowaga area informing them about the asylum-seekers pending arrival, said Peter Anderson, spokesman for County Executive Mark Poloncarz. County officials encouraged their NYC counterparts, who are paying for this move, to ensure that contracts were in place with the appropriate resettlement agencies like Jericho Road and Jewish Family Services to ensure a smooth transition, Anderson said in an email. Early Thursday, however, Anderson said the county was unaware of any busloads of people on the move to Erie County or hotel space under contract. That frustrated Todaro, who learned from the WGRZ story that the migrants would be staying in a hotel near the airport, where his district extends. How is the media finding out more than a legislator of the district? said Todaro, R-Lancaster. Just be transparent. Were getting bombarded with calls. No room at Vive, the Buffalo shelter that has long welcomed asylum-seekers The East Side shelter can house about 120 people at a time, but with new clients showing up daily it has been a challenge for the staff to find housing for everyone. He said he understands if there are concerns about safety and security, and would oppose anyone protesting hotel sites that shelter migrants. But he said legislators should not feel like they are in a blackout. More than 70,000 asylum-seekers have arrived in New York City since last year, and more are expected as migrants continue to arrive at the Southern border. City officials are scrambling to find housing for them and have been looking at options outside the city, including busing people to hotels in neighboring counties. Many counties outside New York City have balked at the idea of taking in the asylum-seekers, including the leaders of seven counties in Western New York who declared states of emergency to bar local hotels from accepting migrants. Erie County was the exception, and Poloncarz said that the emergency orders were likely illegal and morally repugnant. In a ruling in Westchester County, a judge agreed that it was illegal. Dr. Myron Glick, founder and CEO of Jericho Road Community Health Center, said in a statement that Jericho Road has committed to working with local, state and federal governments to care for the asylum-seekers coming to the area. We intend to do this job well. These asylum-seekers are fleeing war and horrible situations in their home countries. They are just hoping for a safe place to call home for themselves and their children, he said. It is our mission at Jericho Road to love our neighbors who are in need, whoever they are and from wherever they come. As we stand together with those who are oppressed our community, this city, will be better for it, Glick said. Republican Legislator Jim Malczewski criticized the Poloncarz administration Thursday morning, saying that it has offered little transparency on the migrant issue. He said he wants to know more about what assurances the county has that asylum-seekers sheltered here will be fully paid for by New York City. Poloncarz has previously answered questions about asylum-seekers, when directly asked about it by the media, saying that the county would not be blindsided by any incoming migrants, but would know about their arrival in advance. On Thursday, Anderson said the role of the county administration has been to encourage New York City, which is expected to pay for the transportation and housing of migrants here and ensure that contracts exist with the appropriate resettlement agencies to ease the transition. The legal transport of migrants is simply a business transaction between the City of New York and a private hotel owner, as upheld in recent court decisions, Anderson said. Malczewski, C-Elma, who put forth a resolution three weeks ago to have Poloncarz issue a state of emergency over the asylum-seekers, said it was wrong for so little information to be shared with the public and with legislators. This administration has not been transparent, he said in a statement. They have not shared with us details about how we are supposed to manage this crisis. ... New York City officials have been in touch with the County Executive, yet he shares none of that information with us. If my colleagues were serious about addressing this issue we would have met already. Malczewski is referring to the fact that his state of emergency resolution was sent to the Legislatures Government Affairs Committee, but that committee has held no meetings since September. Committee Chairman John Bargnesi, D-Town of Tonawanda, said he had no problem calling a meeting, but he has not called one since Malczewskis resolution was referred three weeks ago. Bargnesi told The Buffalo News on Thursday morning that there wasnt any more information or answers to share. He also said he wanted to avoid false information and panic in the community, but expressed no opinion about who could or should come before his committee to provide information. He pointed out that the asylum-seeker transfer is a private transaction between New York City and a private Cheektowaga hotel. Poloncarz declined to grant interviews on the topic Thursday. Malczewski said this hasnt been discussed by the Legislature because it is an uncomfortable topic for Democrats, who hold the majority. I believe our cohorts across the aisle are afraid to address the situation, he said Thursday. Its not something thats a popular topic. Its an election year, and some people might be afraid of the different views on it. He also accused Democratic legislators of repeatedly saying they dont know about plans for busing migrants to the region, yet they have declined to hold any committee meeting to try to get answers. Bargnesi said Thursday that the arrival of 60 asylum-seekers is not worth this much excitement. However, Legislature staff said plans are now in the works to hold a discussion on the issue in two to four weeks. Malczewski said he doesnt know whether more migrants will come to Erie County. Is there another batch coming tomorrow, or is there another group coming in next week? You dont know, he said. Those are the answers that Im looking for. As a legislator, as I said, I need to provide answers to the different towns in my district that I represent, and at this moment, I cant. Neev the Foundation Secured Top Positions in JEE & NEET 2023: A Testament to Commitment and Hard Work PNN, Sonipat, June 15: Neev the Foundation, a leading educational institution renowned for its commitment to excellence, is proud to announce its exceptional performance in the Joint Entrance Examination (JEE) and the National Eligibility cum Entrance Test (NEET) 2023. Neev the Foundation Secured Top Positions in JEE & NEET 2023: A Testament to Commitment and Hard Work The foundation is thrilled to celebrate the remarkable achievements of its dedicated and result-oriented faculty members, who have played a pivotal role in shaping the success of the students. With the admission season now open for 6th to 12th-grade students and passout droppers, Neev the Foundation continues to pave the way for academic excellence.Securing top positions in highly competitive exams like JEE and NEET is no small feat, and Neev the Foundation takes great pride in the accomplishments of its students. The institution's holistic approach to education, combined with the relentless efforts of its faculty members, has proven to be instrumental in achieving these remarkable results.Aspiring students and their parents are invited to seize this golden opportunity as Neev the Foundation opens its doors for admissions. The institution welcomes students from 6th to 12th grade, as well as those who are preparing to appear for competitive exams again after passing out. With its rich legacy of delivering exceptional results, offers a nurturing environment that fosters academic growth and overall development.Neev the Foundation is committed to providing students with the necessary guidance, support, and resources to excel in their academic pursuits. The institution's comprehensive curriculum, designed to meet the requirements of various boards and entrance examinations, equips students with the knowledge and skills they need to succeed. The highly qualified and experienced faculty members are dedicated to delivering quality education and helping students realize their full potential."We congratulate our hardworking and result-oriented faculty members for their relentless efforts in shaping the future of our students," said Ashish Mittal, the Branch Manager at Neev the Foundation. "Their commitment to excellence, combined with the dedication of our students, has culminated in securing top positions in the JEE and NEET 2023. We are immensely proud of their achievements and the positive impact they are making."Result FYI For NEET 2023 LakshayKathuria (700/720 AIR 208) ,KabirSaneja (690/720 AIR 820), Naman Bajaj (685/720 AIR 1261), Gursharan Singh (680/720 AIR 1589) and more with good marks in their respective exam of NEET 2023.Result FYI For JEE 2023 who secured more than 95% LakshayKathuria(99.26), KabirSaneja(98.20), Gursharan Singh(99.27), Japesh Chopra(99.69), AvichalGoyal(99.57), Kanishka Grover( 98.37), Kanishka(97.36), Aashita(96.94), Saket(96.76).Neev the Foundation prides itself on its student-centric approach, emphasizing individual attention, personalized guidance, and a supportive learning environment. The institution recognizes that every student is unique, with distinct strengths and areas of improvement. By understanding and addressing the specific needs of each student, ensures that they receive the right guidance and support to achieve their academic goals.With the admission season now underway, Neev the Foundation invites students and parents to be a part of its esteemed educational community. By joining Neev the Foundation, students gain access to a wealth of educational resources, expert faculty, and a vibrant learning environment that encourages growth and development. The institution's track record of consistently producing excellent results further validates its position as a premier destination for academic excellence.For more information about admissions, course offerings, and to explore the numerous benefits of joining Neev the Foundation, please contact us at our official social media pages. Take the first step towards a successful academic journey with Neev the Foundation and unlock your true potential.Neev the Foundation is a leading educational institution committed to nurturing young minds and empowering them to achieve academic excellence. With its focus on holistic education and comprehensive curriculum, Neev the Foundation aims to prepare students for the challenges of the future. The institution boasts a team of highly qualified faculty members who are dedicated to providing quality education and guidance to students across various grades. With a track record of outstanding results, Neev the Foundation continues to set new benchmarks in the field of education. Educational institute run By Physics Ex faculty "Bansal Classes" Mr.Pushpender Gupta. Inaugurated in year 2017 in Sonipat with a thinking to lay foundation from Junior Classes 6th,7th onwards, to build up foundation for a strong career ahead.For media inquiries, please contactPushpender Gupta (Director)+91 9999333606info@neevthefoundation.com(Disclaimer The above press release has been provided by PNN. ANI will not be responsible in any way for the content of the same)ANI15 June 2023 Shared Recently! It can come unstuck pretty quickly..,: Australias Tim Paine on Englands Bazball strategy Melbourne, June 15: Former Australian Test captain Tim Paine believes that England's aggressive strategy Bazball might swiftly backfire if they are put under a lot of strain. Australia wants to build on their previous trip to England in 2019 when they missed the opportunity to win a series there for the first time since 2001. It can come unstuck pretty quickly..,: Australia's Tim Paine on England's 'Bazball' strategy The hosts England will be aiming to avenge their 4-0 loss in the 2021-22 season. The Ashes begin on Friday at Edgbaston, with England having already named their starting XI for that first Test.Both teams will be motivated to get off to a good start as the Ashes will serve as the opening encounter of the third World Test Championship (WTC) cycle. After losing the previous Ashes series Down Under 4-0 in 2021-2022, England had to pay a price.The hosts are also charged up by the 'Bazball' revolution brought by skipper Ben Stokes and Test head coach Brendon McCullum, which has seen England win 11 of their last 13 Tests and dominate their opponents with an attacking, aggressive and positive cricket that aims for victory.Paine told the Sydney Morning Herald that if the Aussies get it right and play their best cricket, "it (Bazball) can come unstuck pretty quickly for England"."I do think Australia have got the edge. I think whilst England are playing a different brand of cricket, and they're confident about it, to me the team looks pretty similar to what we saw in Australia last year.""It will be fascinating to see how the Aussies go about it. Do you set really defensive fields because they've shown that they'll come out to score really quickly? Keep your catchers up and drop some blokes out on the fence and see if England want to park their ego, or they're going to keep trying to go hard," he said.Paine said it doesn't take much for batters to begin harbouring doubts, particularly when things don't turn out the way they had hoped."So there are some guys there that yeah, they've had a good 12 months, but the Ashes intensity and the scrutiny goes up one hundred per cent. It only takes a nick or a couple of lbws and I think some of those guys might start doubting themselves again," Paine stated.With an aggressive mindset, England has amassed impressive victories against opponents like South Africa, New Zealand, India, and Pakistan.Australia, on the other hand, is playing their customary dogged brand of cricket and is high on confidence following their massive victory over India in the WTC final.England XI for first Test Ben Duckett, Zak Crawley, Ollie Pope, Joe Root, Harry Brook, Ben Stokes (captain), Jonathan Bairstow, Moeen Ali, Stuart Broad, Ollie Robinson and James Anderson.Australia squad (first two Test matches) Pat Cummins (c), Scott Boland, Alex Carey, Cameron Green, Marcus Harris, Josh Hazlewood, Travis Head, Josh Inglis, Usman Khawaja, Marnus Labuschagne, Nathan Lyon, Mitchell Marsh, Todd Murphy, Matthew Renshaw, Steve Smith, Mitchell Starc and David Warner.ANI15 June 2023 Shared Recently! Coal mine in eastern India blights lives of indigenous residents Godda, June 15: Stopping at the village entrance to take photos of a board announcing Taljhari's Scheduled Area status, this reporter is interrupted by a suspicious voice. Who are you? What do you do?. Coal mine in eastern India blights lives of indigenous residents Martin Tudu, a resident of Taljhari, becomes a bit more comfortable as the conversation progresses, but doubts still seem to cross his mind at times. On being told about our intention to report on the coal project, he says, "My farm will also be acquired for the Rajmahal coal mine expansion. Pulses and other crops in my two bighas (0.5 hectare) of land were ruined during the police action against us."Taljhari in Boarijor block of Godda district in north-eastern Jharkhand is next to the Rajmahal Opencast Coal Project (OCP), a venture of Eastern Coalfields Limited (ECL). To ensure sufficient supply of coal to two power generation units of NTPC Limited, ECL has been trying to expand its operations by acquiring 121.40 hectares from this village for the last few years.However, opposition from the mostly indigenous residents in this part of eastern India has kept the plan on hold since 2018. During a demonstration in August 2022, some residents reportedly held ECL Chairman-cum-Managing Director (CMD) Ambika Prasad Panda and other officials hostage.In January 2023, a violent clash was also reported in Taljhari. This reporter had visited the village a week after the incident, when the villagers were particularly disinclined to speak. They were upset about what they mentioned as one-sided media coverage of the incident. It took a lot of persuasion to get them talking."ECL tried to acquire land in the Scheduled Area without obtaining permission from our gram sabha (village council). On January 16, we met MLA (member of the Jharkhand Legislative Assembly) Lobin Hembrom and demanded that the acquisition be stopped," says Manvel Hansda. According to him, no land in a Scheduled Area can be acquired by the government without concurrence from the village council.Manvel says ECL officials came to demarcate the land on January 18, but the villagers did not allow them to do so. The next day, the officials returned with police reinforcements, and there was a violent clash with the residents.Recalling the incident, Chandrashekhar Singh, in charge of the local police station in nearby Lalmatia, tells 101Reporters, "The administration is trying to get possession of the land that 22 families in Taljhari have given for coal mining in 2017, in lieu of compensation. Section 144 (which prohibits assembly of over four people at one place) was imposed, but it was violated on January 18. Stones were pelted and arrows were fired from the village the next day."A resident who spoke on the condition of anonymity said in May, "Our village head Pulice Hansda is lodged in jail. He gets bail in one case and comes out but is put back in another."Chandrashekhar says there was more than one criminal case, and bail was given only in one. Some other villagers are still in jail as well.The sense of fear prevailing in the area is quite evident at the home of Marangmoy Tudu, the mukhiya (panchayat head) of Bhodaya panchayat, which has jurisdiction over Taljhari. Her relatives reject the idea of an interview straightaway. "How can she (the mukhiya) speak on this issue? Any discussion is going to affect our relations with many people. She will not speak."Taljhari residents have written multiple letters opposing the mine expansion to the general manager of Rajmahal OCP and Godda deputy commissioner, the senior most local bureaucrat. Copies are available with 101Reporters. They also met Jharkhand Governor C.P. Radhakrishnan when he was in the area on March 23 and submitted a memorandum.According to Manvel, the villagers have sought an appointment with the President as well. "Taljhari houses 160 tribal families. Land is everything for us; it is the basis of our livelihood. If that too is taken away, we will be left with nothing," he says.The Panchayats (Extension to Scheduled Areas) Act (PESA) is not in force in Jharkhand. "Taljhari mauza (a unit of land, usually the area of a village in revenue department records) falls in the Scheduled Area. How can they acquire land without gram sabha's approval? Even those who have been displaced by mining in nearby villages have not been properly rehabilitated," the area's elected representative to the Jharkhand Legislative Assembly (MLA) Lobin Hembrom tells 101Reporters.Police officer Chandrashekhar also says all the 22 families who handed over land to ECL were ostracised. They now live in Mahagama, a town, 14 km from Taljhari."We cannot even enter our village. People have cut all ties with us. They do not want to talk to us," bemoans Gulab Tudu (28) from one of the ostracised families. "We are yet to get a plot to build a house," complains another."There is all-round mistrust. Some villagers think I am about to sell my land to ECL, while the police stationed here after the clash will not allow me to enter my own plot. What will I do," asks Sanjhla Hansda, a resident of Taljhari.Roska Murmu is more concerned about water shortage in Taljhari. "Coal mining has been happening around our village for the last six to seven years. All our water sources have dried up in the last three to four years. We have no option but to fetch water from a place located half a kilometre away," he rues.Anita Murmu, head of nearby Lohandia Bazar village panchayat, says, "Mining has affected 90 per cent of the people in our panchayat. The water level has gone down and pollution has gone up. Houses have been destroyed. When we send plans for work under the District Mineral Foundation Trust, only those from influential people are approved. Just think about this - of all the plans we put forth in 2022-23, only one was approved."The coal conundrumRajmahal is the largest opencast coal project of the ECL, a subsidiary of state-owned Coal India Limited. There are two mines in the Rajmahal project area - Rajmahal and Hura-C.Hura-C started production under the Mine Developer and Operator (MDO) model, wherein ECL will give mining work to a private firm through tenders. ECL pays the firm per tonne of coal mined.Hura-C has the capacity to generate 238,000 tonnes of coal annually, according to ECL officials. Probably by 2024, two more mines -- Simlon and Chuperbhita -- with 1.5 Million Tonne Per Annum (MTPA) capacity each, will start operations in Rajmahal area under the MDO model.Coal from Rajmahal OCP is supplied mainly to NTPC power generating stations in Farakka in West Bengal and Kahalgaon in Bihar. Together, the plants require 60,000 tonnes of coal per day, which means approximately 22 million tonnes (MT) annually.In the 2022-23 fiscal year, Rajmahal OCP produced 5.6 MT of coal. An official speaking on the condition of anonymity said the mine will break even only if the production increases to 6.5 MT per year. "There is a loss of Rs 50 to 60 crore (USD 6.1-7.3 million) in the 2022-23 fiscal. The loss in 2021-22 was Rs 150 crore (USD 18.2 million).""To make Rajmahal OCP profitable, we need to acquire 33 hectares of additional land every year in the vicinity of the place being mined. This will help us run our operations smoothly," he explains.Rajmahal OCP, which started operations in 1985, is equipped with modern machinery and has the capacity to extract 13 MT per year on its own. By employing three or four firms, it can mine up to the approved capacity of 20.93 MT per year.It has produced a maximum of 17 MT in 2017-18, but non-availability of land has hampered higher production. As per an official document, Rajmahal OCP's revised capacity is 23.80 MT per year.However, the protest in Taljhari has had a serious impact on the operational and financial position of ECL. In a letter to the shareholders in its annual report of 2021-22, ECL CMD Panda says production is likely to be lower by about 10 MT than the target every year due to the Taljhari issue."Since the production and supplies from Rajmahal area is less, company has no choice but to make alternative arrangements to supply high grade coal from Raniganj Coalfields (in West Bengal) to power sector, which otherwise can fetch much better price in the open market to alleviate the stressed financials of the company," he said in the letter.Asked about the protests, ECL's Rajmahal project general manager Ramesh Chandra Mohapatra tells 101Reporters that people have been misguided. "Now they come to talk to us. Work to acquire land and undertake deep digging for mining are going on...You know how difficult it is to acquire land in Jharkhand."According to a news report, ECL has managed to demarcate and acquire 17 acres (6.88 hectares) of land despite strong opposition. However, an official in Mohapatra's team informs that they have so far acquired 76 acres (30.76 hectares) in Taljhari but need 300 acres (121.41 hectares) more.Rajmahal OCP is currently able to mine only about two-thirds of the area it plans to mine. "If we had possession of the land, we could have extracted 13 MT of coal. We have 1,987 hectares of notified land. We have to do mining in at least 1,400 hectares. However, we are able to operate in only 980 hectares," the official says.101Reporters has filed an application under the Right To Information (RTI) Act for more details of the ECL plan. A response is awaited.Jharkhand Colliery Mazdoor Union central secretary Mistry Marandi claims the coal company management does not work in a way that instils confidence in people. "If there are four or five siblings in the family, only one will get job in exchange of land... There is mistrust among the villagers regarding their corporate social responsibility work as well."(Rahul Singh is a Jharkhand-based freelance journalist and a member of 101 Reporters, a pan-India network of grassroots reporters)IANS15 June 2023 Shared Recently! Kubbra Sait says her The Trial character is hardwired and strong Mumbai, June 15: Actress Kubbra Sait, best known for her role in the Netflix neo-noir crime thriller series 'Sacred Games', will be soon seen in the upcoming courtroom drama web series 'The Trial: Pyaar, Kanoon, Dhoka' in the role of Sana, who she described as a headstrong person. Kubbra Sait says her 'The Trial' character is 'hardwired and strong' The actress spoke about Sana, a fierce, fiery and unabashed character, and said that she "is hardwired and strong" as "she has seen the worst already and she does things that require her to be twisted".Elaborating on the same, she said "One thing that I realised while filming for this show is how women who have a consistent need to be happy and only when they're affable and sprightly, they are nice, but if they are rough on the edges and don't sugarcoat things, only then they are tough."Along with Kubbra, the show also stars Padma Shri awardee Kajol as Noyonika Sengupta, along with actors Sheeba Chaddha, Jisshu Sengupta, Alyy Khan, and Gaurav Pandey in key roles."For me and for Sana as a character, this was definitely a stereotype that we broke. Sana is hardwired and strong willed, she has seen the worst already and she does things that require her to be twisted. You know, she is that classic 'agar ghee seedhi ungli se na nikle toh ungli tedhi karni chahiye' and it's amazing to be able to play that. That person is so not me, I thought that was an incredible change for me," she added.The series is an adaptation of the 2009 American courtroom drama series 'The Good Wife' by Robert King and Michelle King, and has been directed by Suparn Varma and produced by Banijay Asia. The show will begin streaming on July 14, 2023, on Disney+ Hotstar.IANS15 June 2023 Shared Recently! My father was a perfect example of good parenting, says TV actor Reena Kapoor as she remembers her dad Mumbai, June 15: 'Ashaon Ka Savera.Dheere Dheere Se' actor Reena Kapoor remembers her father and shares some memories with him. My father was a perfect example of good parenting, says TV actor Reena Kapoor as she remembers her dad Talking about this Father's Day, Reena said, "My father is no longer in this world, so there is no preparation for this day, but yes, as long as he was with us, we would do something for him. Used to do special things. All brothers and sisters were like father's tail in the house because wherever he used to go, we used to follow him like a tail."Recalling the lessons, she learned from her father, she further said, "Papa's way of explaining things was very sweet and special. When I was in Delhi, I made new friends in college. We wanted to go to some disco, or sometimes go for a walk, my father started getting worried about how to explain to me the importance of being safe and how to handle such situations. So one day when I reached home at 1 am after hanging out with my friends, my father was waiting for me standing on the balcony and as soon as I came up, he said good night to me and went to sleep.""I felt bad, then in the morning I asked father if he didn't trust me then he said I have full trust in you dear but being a parent I'll always be worried when you are with others. After that, I started understanding things. My father was a perfect example of good parenting. Especially this was That she gets along with people of all ages. Today when people in the industry say that I am very disciplined about my work, it is only because of my father," she added.ANI15 June 2023 Shared Recently! North Korea fires 2 short-range ballistic missiles, Japan lodges protest Tokyo, June 15: North Korea fired two short-range ballistic missiles on Thursday, the first such launch in half a month, Yonhap News Agency reported. North Korea fires 2 short-range ballistic missiles, Japan lodges protest In the wake of the North Korean ballistic missiles, which fell in Japan's Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ), Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida raised an emergency alert, urging all possible measures to provide the public with speedy and adequate information.PM Kishida said Japan has lodged a protest with North Korea over the missile launch, reported Kyodo News.He tweeted, "North Korea has launched a suspected ballistic missile. More updates to follow."Kishida added, "Dedicate maximum effort to gather and analyze information, and provide the public speedy and adequate information. Ensure the safety of aircraft, vessels, and other assets. Take all possible measures for precaution, incl. readiness for contingencies."The North launched a ballistic missile toward the Sea of Japan, and the projectile had fallen into the sea off the east coast of the Korean Peninsula, said South Korea's Joint Chiefs of Staff, as per Kyodo News.Japan is on alert over a possible projectile being fired by North Korea even after the expiration of an 11-day window on Sunday designated by Pyongyang for the launch of a satellite-carrying rocket.According to Yonhap News Agency, earlier in the day, a spokesperson for the North's defence ministry issued a statement condemning what it called the "provocative and irresponsible" drills.Seoul's Joint Chiefs of Staff (JCS) said it detected the launches from the Sunan area in Pyongyang between 725 pm and 737 pm.The JCS said in a text message, "While strengthening its monitoring and vigilance against additional provocations, our military is maintaining a readiness posture in close cooperation with the United States", Yonhap reported.Yonhap News Agency disseminates news in South Korea.To commemorate the 70th anniversary of the bilateral alliance, the allies concluded the fifth and final round of the Combined Joint Live-Fire Exercise, the first of its kind in six years, on Thursday at the Seungjin Fire Training Field in Pocheon, just 25 km south of the inter-Korean border.For the exercises, more than 610 military resources were mobilised, including F-16 fighter jets and Grey Eagle drones from the US side, as well as F-35A fighters and K9 self-propelled howitzers from South Korea.According to the defence ministry of the North, the drills call for an "inevitable" response, and the allies are to blame for the rising tensions.The spokesperson was quoted by North's official Korean Central News Agency as saying in a statement, "Our army strongly denounces the provocative and irresponsible moves of the puppet military authorities escalating the military tension in the region despite its repeated warning and warns them solemnly."The official added, "Our armed forces will fully counter any form of demonstrative moves and provocation of the enemies."The most recent launch took place at the same time as the South Korean military was working to recover the remains of a failed North Korean space rocket in the Yellow Sea.According to the North's state media, on May 31, the North launched a rocket that it claimed was carrying satellites, but it crashed into the water due to the second-stage engine firing abnormally.The North launched a missile for the last time on April 13. It asserted that it had launched a brand-new Hwasong-18 intercontinental ballistic missile with solid fuel.The launch took place at the same time as the South Korean military was working to recover the remains of a failed North Korean space rocket in the Yellow Sea. According to the North's state media, on May 31, the North launched a rocket that it claimed was carrying satellites, but it crashed into the water due to the second-stage engine firing abnormally, reported Yonhap News Agency.Earlier, on May 31, a military spy satellite was launched by North Korea which crashed into the Yellow Sea owing to an engine problem. Both South Korea and Japan had issued emergency warnings advising the residents to take cover indoors if they were outside.Japan had termed North Korea's projectile a "possible ballistic missile," reported Kyodo News quoting the Japanese Defence Ministry.According to the official Korean Central News Agency (KCNA), North Korean leader Kim Jong Un directed his country's space agency to finalise preparations for the launch of Pyongyang's first military reconnaissance satellite.Japanese PM Fumio Kishida, while emphasising that Japan considers the launching of a rocket carrying a satellite equivalent to a ballistic missile test on the basis of historical precedent, warned that following through on the plan would be in violation of the UN Security Council resolutions.Sanctions have been imposed on North Korea for its weapons-related actions in accordance with United Nations resolutions.Pyongyang, which launched missiles a record 37 times last year, has continued to launch ballistic missiles this year, raising suspicions that North Korea is planning its eighth nuclear test in the near future, Kyodo News reported.ANI15 June 2023 Shared Recently! Rosemary Mair, Izzy Gaze return to New Zealand womens squad for tour to Sri Lanka Auckland, June 15: Fast bowler Rosemary Mair and wicketkeeper-batter Izzy Gaze will return to the New Zealand women's squad for the upcoming tour to Sri Lanka, which is also their first trip to the country. Rosemary Mair, Izzy Gaze return to New Zealand women's squad for tour to Sri Lanka Rosemary last featured for New Zealand against England during the Commonwealth Games last August but missed out on last year's tour to the West Indies and the visit from Bangladesh, as well as the T20 World Cup earlier this year in South Africa.Izzy, who is selected as wicketkeeping cover to Bernadine Bezuidenhout, was part of the New Zealand squad which won the ODI and T20I series' away against West Indies but missed out on selection for the Women's T20 World Cup in South Africa."We're excited to have Rosemary and Izzy back. Both players have worked hard on their respective games since their last international tours and we're looking forward to seeing how they handle the challenges that this tour will bring. They both bring their own unique strengths to the group and we hope that they'll contribute to what will hopefully be a successful tour," said head coach Ben Sawyer.With captain Sophie Devine and her veteran opening partner Suzie Bates in the squad, it also has other experienced internationals like Amelia Kerr, Lea Tahuhu and Maddy Green. Eden Carson and Fran Jonas continue alongside Amelia in a young spin group who will be well-suited to play in the dry sub-continent conditions.From the squad, only Sophie and Suzie have played in Sri Lanka previously. "This is the first time almost all of the squad will have experienced playing in Sri Lanka so it's a good opportunity for our players to develop their game in testing sub-continent conditions.""Sri Lanka will pose challenges with the unfamiliar conditions out in the middle, but also with the heat and humidity, so we will need to be able to adapt quickly both on and off the field. The group has been really fortunate to have experienced some unique conditions with the recent trips to Antigua and South Africa.""We adapted to similar heat and conditions in the West Indies, so that experience should bode well in Sri Lanka. We also have a handful of players who have played in similar sub-continent conditions in India so that experience will be valuable for us to adapt," added Sawyer.Batter Lauren Down is unavailable for the tour due to family reasons, as is allrounder Hayley Jensen who is recovering from knee surgery undertaken in April. Batter Kate Anderson who has been involved in winter training plans is also unavailable with a finger injury.Sawyer will be supported by Dean Brownlie (batting coach), Craig Howard (spin bowling coach) and Chennai Super Kings academy coach Sriram Krishnamurthy as tour coach, who will join up with the group when they arrive in Sri Lanka.The touring party departs for Sri Lanka on June 22, ahead of the first ODI against the hosts in Galle on June 27, followed by three T20Is to be played in Colombo. NZC also said women's central contract list will be announced on June 21.New Zealand squad for the Sri Lanka tour Sophie Devine (c), Suzie Bates, Bernadine Bezuidenhout, Eden Carson, Izzy Gaze, Maddy Green, Brooke Halliday, Fran Jonas, Melie Kerr, Jess Kerr, Rosemary Mair, Molly Penfold, Georgia Plimmer, Hannah Rowe, Lea TahuhuTour ScheduleJune 27 - 1st ODI, Galle International StadiumJune 30 - 2nd ODI, Galle International StadiumJuly 3 - 3rd ODI, Galle International StadiumJuly 6 - Warm-up T20 against Sri Lanka President's XI, Colombo Cricket ClubJuly 8 - 1st T20I, P Saravanamuttu Stadium, ColomboJuly 10- 2nd T20I, P Saravanamuttu Stadium, ColomboJuly 12 - 3rd T20I, P Saravanamuttu Stadium, ColomboIANS16 June 2023 Shared Recently! Makers of Jaswant Singh Khalra biopic move Bombay High Court for censor clearance Mumbai, June 15: The biopic based on the life of prominent human rights activist, Jaswant Singh Khalra has been subjected to delays owing to the clearance for the censor certificate. The makers of the film moved the Bombay High Court and asked for legal intervention. Makers of Jaswant Singh Khalra biopic move Bombay High Court for censor clearance The yet-to-be-titled film, which is directed by Honey Trehan, and headlined by actor-singer Diljit Dosanjh, has hit the roadblock and the makers have sought legal help from the court.Following Operation Blue Star, the assassination of Indira Gandhi, and the 1984 Anti-Sikh Riots, the police were empowered to detain anyone as suspected terrorists. The police were accused of killing unarmed suspects in staged shootouts, and burning thousands of dead bodies to cover up the murders.Jaswant Singh Khalra was the director of a bank in Amritsar during the militancy period in Punjab. He found the evidence of abduction, elimination and cremation of thousands of unidentified bodies by the police. They reportedly even killed 2,000 of their own officers who refused to collaborate in these extra judicial operations.It was Khalra's investigation that sparked worldwide protests and led to the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) concluding that the Punjab police had unlawfully cremated 2,097 people in the Tarn Taran district of Punjab alone. The Supreme Court of India and the National Human Rights Commission certified the validity of his data.On September 6, 1995, Khalra disappeared and a case of murder, abduction and criminal conspiracy was registered on the complaint of his wife, Paramjit Kaur.Taking strong note of the "heinous crime" committed by four police officers in "eliminating" human rights activist Jaswant Singh Khalra, active in bringing to light extrajudicial killings in the districts of Tarn Taran and Amritsar, the Punjab and Haryana Court, on October 16, 2007, changed the sentences of the four accused, former head constable Prithipal Singh and former sub-inspectors Satnam Singh, Surinder Pal Singh and Jasbir Singh from seven years to life imprisonment.An industry source shared that the makers - RSVP Movies, Abhishek Chaubey and Honey Trehan, have been waiting for censor clearance for the last six months.The source mentioned "The Jaswant Singh Khalra case is back in court, this time for a censor certificate. It will come up for hearing on July 4 and Ameet Naik will be heading the Khalra biopic legal team."The source added that RSVP applied for the censor certificate in December 2022, and it was sent ahead to the review committee. The team shared all the necessary paperwork that was requested and went about the process with complete diligence, but with no solution forthcoming from the CBFC, they finally moved the Bombay High Court."IANS16 June 2023 Shared Recently! Roads of Ayodhya will resemble Delhis iconic Rajpath in coming months: UP CM Yogi Ayodhya, June 15: Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath on Thursday presented ambitious development plans for Ayodhya with ongoing projects worth a staggering Rs 32 thousand crores and said no other city in the country could match the scale of the development initiatives undertaken in Ayodhya. Roads of Ayodhya will resemble Delhi's iconic Rajpath in coming months: UP CM Yogi CM Yogi further stated that "Ayodhya holds a special place in the hearts of millions of people, and even those who were not fortunate enough to be born here desire the opportunity. The people have a strong sense of Lord Ram's presence in their lives, and the construction of the temple will be a manifestation of their devotion and belief."The CM said that initially there would be difficulties during the development work, but to achieve the big goal, one has to face obstacles.CM Yogi expressed his vision for the roads of Ayodhya, stating that within the next four to six months, they will resemble the iconic Rajpath in Delhi. The road going from behind Hanuman Garhi near Sugriva Fort to Shri Ram Janmabhoomi is going to be a glorious path in the form of the Bhakti Path. Previously, there were no such wide roads, but now there are ongoing projects to construct Panchkosi, 14 Kosi, Chaurasikosi, new bypass, ring roads, and flyovers. The development programs of hospitals, and education centers are being expanded.He also added that the aim is to transform Ayodhya into one of the most beautiful cities in the world."Under PM Modi's leadership, Ayodhya, Mathura-Vrindavan, Prayagraj, Shravasti, Naimish Tirtha, Kashi, and Kushinagar are being developed. There is no dearth of money for development. For us, Janata Janardan and the state are families. We have stopped looting public money and sign that money is investing that money in development," CM Yogi said.One of the key milestones is the installation of Ramlala, the idol of Lord Ram, in his own temple after a wait of 500 years. This historic event is scheduled for January and will be attended by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, enhancing Ayodhya's significance on a global scale. In addition, the government has also announced plans to develop Ayodhya as a major tourist destination, with the construction of a grand Ram Temple and other infrastructural developments. The main railway station is undergoing extensive development, while railway projects in Surya Kund and Bharatkund are set to commence soon. Ayodhya is also planned to get its very own international airport, expected to be completed within this year. This is expected to boost the local economy and create employment opportunities for the people of Ayodhya.CM Yogi addressed a public meeting organized at Yogiraj Bharat ji's Taposthali Nandigram, Bharatkund on Thursday on the occasion of the completion of nine years of the Modi government. He also extended his wishes for the continued success of PM Modi's tenure, hoping that India would continue to benefit from his guidance and leadership.CM Yogi expressed that Ayodhya has become a city that every major city aspires to connect with. Ayodhya has transformed into the new Ayodhya. CM Yogi set a target of lighting 21 lakh lamps during the upcoming Deepotsav. He called for the lighting of lamps in every household of Ayodhya, in addition to the Ghats, Math-Temples, Suryakund, and Bharat Kund. The preparations for this should commence from now itself, as it sets the stage for the arrival of Lord Ram in his home next year.Further, the CM highlighted the growing reputation of India on the global stage and the improved security situation under the leadership of Prime Minister Modi. He urged the people to participate in the upcoming Yoga Mahotsav, which is scheduled for June 21.CM Yogi stated that "Under the leadership of PM Modi, New India has gained global recognition and respect. The successful leadership of PM Modi will continue to receive the blessings of the people, leading India to become the world's third-largest economy. This will raise the per capita income and enhance overall connectivity across the nation."He further emphasized the transformation of improved infrastructure in Ayodhya, made possible by the government's efforts. In the past, the city road and rail networks were poor. However, due to recent development, the journey from Gorakhpur and Lucknow to Ayodhya, which previously took five to six hours, can now be completed in just one hour.Looking ahead, the construction of the airport in Ayodhya will further enhance connectivity.After the airport is built, there will be an opportunity to refresh the memory of Tretayug. When Lord Shri Ram would have come to Ayodhya by Pushpak Viman after the victory of Lanka. Today, every resident of Ayodhya will get an opportunity to fly in the country and the world through air travel.CM Yogi recognised the need of working together with the mayor of Ayodhya. He highlighted the effectiveness of a "double engine" government, wherein the BJP government works together to ensure comprehensive development and public welfare in municipal bodies. This strategy aims to eliminate discrimination and provide basic amenities and development plans to all, from villages to cities.The CM said that Ayodhya is becoming the most prosperous city and district. He compared it to the ancient 'Tretayug' period, when Ramrajya, an ideal form of government, was accomplished. Under the leadership of PM Narendra Modi, Ayodhya today not only embodies the spirit of Ramrajya but also inspires the entire nation.He highlighted that just six years ago, there was hesitation in uttering the name of Ayodhya. However, under his government's steadfast commitment to the city's development, Ayodhya has witnessed remarkable progress and a renewed sense of pride.The CM mentioned his recent visit to Surya Kund. He recalled that when he visited there 3-4 years back, it was in a dilapidated condition. But now, it has been transformed, which now serves as a testament to the vision of Ayodhya's development.He also inquired about the current condition of Surya Kund from the people. He urged the public representatives to organize light and sound shows at 8 pm, allowing the residents to experience the mesmerizing beauty of the area. Additionally, he emphasized the importance of showcasing other sites associated with Lord Ram, such as Guptarghat, to the local community, especially women.The Chief Minister emphasized that the once-deserted areas associated with Lord Ram's legacy are now shining brightly, symbolizing the transformation of Ayodhya.He expressed his commitment to making Ayodhya the most beautiful city in the world and developing Bharatkund, similar to the success of Suryakund. The meditation place of Mahatma Bharat will be brought to life with mesmerizing light and sound displays. The pond will be beautified, and efforts will be made to rehabilitate the people residing in the vicinity.Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath expressed his gratitude for the opportunity to work during a period marked by the successful leadership of PM Modi.He emphasized the need for a development-oriented government that is committed to public welfare and preserves India's rich heritage.CM Yogi conveyed his pride in witnessing the realization of dreams under PM Modi's leadership. The construction of the grand temple of Ramlala in Ayodhya, the beautification projects in Mathura-Vrindavan, and the upcoming divine Kumbh in Prayagraj are all testaments to the progress being made.He urged everyone to cooperate in order to advance India's growth.He further said that "We all will work together on this. For a successful tenure of 9 years, every worker should go door-to-door to create light and once again in 2024, the BJP government will be formed at the centre under the leadership of PM Modi."Minister-in-charge of Ayodhya Surya Pratap Shahi, Minister of State Satish Chandra Sharma, MP Lallu Singh, Mayor Girish Pati Tripathi, District Panchayat President Roli Singh, MLAs Vedprakash Gupta, Ramchandra Yadav, Dr Amit Singh Chauhan, State President of BJYM and MLC Pranshu in the public meeting Dutt Dwivedi, MLC Hariom Pandey, Padmasen Chowdhary, former MLA Gorakhnath Baba, BJP District President Sanjeev Singh, Metropolitan President Abhishek Mishra and others were present.ANI16 June 2023 Shared Recently! Japan signs USD 2.9 million deal with UNHCR for Rohingya support Dhaka, June 15: Japan has pledged to provide approximately USD 2.9 million (JPY 391 million) to the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) to assist Rohingya refugees living in Bangladesh, Dhaka Tribune reported. Japan signs USD 2.9 million deal with UNHCR for Rohingya support The United Nations refugee agency said that a deal has been signed between Japan and Bangladesh "to ensure that crucial lifesaving support in the form of humanitarian assistance and protection is continued for the Rohingya refugees in Cox's Bazar and on Bhasan Char."UNHCR Bangladesh Representative Johannes van der Klaauw and the Ambassador of Japan to Bangladesh Iwama Kiminori signed the document from the respective sides in Dhaka, as per Dhaka Tribune."The contribution by Japan will ensure that UNHCR is able to continue delivering lifesaving assistance in Cox's Bazar in the form of shelter and non-food items such as sleeping mats, blankets and soap. The funds will allow UNHCR to repair shelters and infrastructure such as drains, bridges, pathways, stairs, retaining walls and stabilizing slopes," the UNHCR said.Johannes Van Der Klaauw said, "Support from Japan comes at a crucial time when Rohingya refugees are once again trying to rebuild their lives after Cyclone Mocha and recent fires that have ravaged various sections of the camps. This additional funding will help provide necessary shelter materials to allow us to build back better and protect refugees from further risks, notably the most vulnerable among the women and children," according to Dhaka Tribune.Dhaka Tribune is a Bangladeshi English-language daily newspaper based in the country's capital city, Dhaka.Meanwhile on Bhasan Char, the UNHCR said, Japan's contribution will support UNHCR's efforts to carry out community-led projects and improvements for refugee protection, for instance by increasing accessibility to services for persons with disabilities.Ambassador Iwama expressed his hope that the support from the government of Japan would improve the living conditions of both Rohingya and host communities."We are pleased to provide USD 2.9 million to UNHCR. We hope that this assistance will strengthen refugee protection including fire prevention through shelter construction and rehabilitation, and site maintenance and development. Japan will continue to work towards sustainable solutions including the support of the repatriation of refugees to Myanmar, and will cooperate with international organisations such as UNHCR, to improve the living conditions of refugees and host communities," said Ambassador Iwama Kiminori.The US in its "2022 Country Reports on Human Rights Practices," raised concern over human rights violations in China, Pakistan and Myanmar.In Myanmar, the report relays how the military regime continues to use violence to brutalize civilians and consolidate its control, reportedly killing more than 2,900 people and detaining more than 17,000 since the February 2021 military coup. It also dealt with genocide and crimes against humanity against Rohingya, most of whom are Muslims in Myanmar.ANI16 June 2023 Shared Recently! BOCA RATON, Fla. Before Fred Kalfon began exercising at the Grey Team veterans center a couple months ago, the 81-year-old rarely left his Florida home. Parkinson's disease, an inner ear disorder and other neurological problems, all likely caused by the Vietnam vet's exposure to the infamous defoliant Agent Orange, made it difficult for him to move. His post-traumatic stress disorder, centering on the execution of a woman who helped his platoon, was at its worst. Treatment through the federal Department of Veterans Affairs didn't work, he said. I felt stupid the way I walk around and stumble, said Kalfon, who led a medical aid unit as a first lieutenant in 1964-65. I was depressed. But after months in a veteran-specialized gym and recovery program, the retired pharmaceutical researcher and sales manager is socializing and has thrown aside his walker for a cane. He's among the latest of 700 veterans of all ages working with the Grey Team, a 7-year-old organization combining personalized workouts, camaraderie, community outings and an array of machines in a 90-day program targeted at improving physical and mental health. It's the machines, sure. It's the therapy you are taking. It's the (staff's) encouragement they are there all the time for you. They are caring. Caring makes a difference, Kalfon said. The nonprofit center, located in a converted warehouse in Boca Raton, Florida, gets its name, in part, from the brain's nickname: gray matter." Many of the vets who apply and are accepted into the free program suffered head trauma in battle or have PTSD. What we have created here is really magical, said Grey Team co-founder Cary Reichbach, 62, a physical trainer and former Army police officer. The goal, he said, is to get the vets off medications for their mental and physical ailments when possible. Even after completing the program, participants can still workout, hang out and participate in outings. With the government saying vets are 50% more likely to kill themselves than non-veterans, Reichbach is proud the center helps combat that statistic. We want to tackle the suicidal ideation before it even starts, he said. He concedes suicide prevention is easier because the center doesnt accept clients who are homeless or have uncontrolled addictions. I wish we had the funding to tackle those issues, he said. The Grey Teams program features an array of machines using infrared light, lasers and sound waves meant to relieve stress, heal mental and physical wounds and help the vets sleep without the use of pharmaceuticals. The program is run by a primary team of seven, including a medical director. Drugs are overutilized in other veteran programs, such as those in VA hospitals, often because they have a budget and they have to spend it, Reichbach said. Ohio State University psychologist Craig Bryan, a former executive director of the National Center for Veterans Studies, said the successes of the Grey Team program are not surprising given the selective participant pool. They are selecting from a subgroup with less severe problems," said Bryan, a former Air Force captain who now works with the VA. His skepticism also extends to the effectiveness of the machines. To my knowledge, theyve never been rigorously studied so its hard to know if they have any benefit at all and/or if they have side effects or cause harms, Bryan said. Exercise is a common feature of many therapies and treatments that have demonstrated efficacy for PTSD, depression and suicide risk." University researchers are collecting data that Reichbach said he believes will show his program's treatments work. Reichbachs 93-year-old father, Ed, offers hugs and back slaps to everyone entering the Grey Team lobby. Sometimes the Army vet and former university professor drops to give 10 rapid-fire pushups a demonstration to give older vets a jolt on their first visit. We have to get them in here, thats the difficult part," he said. Upstairs in the center's safe space community area, Navy vet Bill Tolle discussed his service as a meteorologist and oceanographer from 1983 to 1990. As a petty officer second-class stationed in Puerto Rico, Hawaii and Antarctica, he never experienced combat. But in 1988, Tolle witnessed a plane crash at his Antarctic base that killed two people. A year later, he sustained a back injury in a helicopter crash. The back-to-back traumas left him with PTSD. He worked as a firefighter and then a registered nurse in an inner-city emergency room. His PTSD led to alcoholism. I really wasn't familiar with what PTSD was. I always thought it was combat-related, Tolle said. For years I went untreated and it got progressively worse. He finally was diagnosed in 2016 but didn't get treatment until 2020 through a residential VA program. He then lived at the Salvation Army, which introduced him to the Grey Team. Tolle is a believer in the center's machines. My thinking was foggy, at best. A lot of short-term memory stuff. I would forget. I can now think things through, resolve things, he said. My whole cognitive function is sharper. In the centers gym, Kalfon talked about walking through Vietnam jungles still wet with Agent Orange, the herbicide sprayed by the U.S. from planes to kill the brush where enemy soldiers hid. It has been linked to veterans health problems. His health began failing about seven years ago. First, a heart attack and quintuple bypass. Then the neurological problems. His health insurance agent told him about the Grey Team and he applied, seeing it as a last hope. For about two months, Kalfon has been coming to the center three times weekly. He can now walk up stairs and has set a goal to jog 3 miles. When I can do that, he said, I think I will have accomplished everything I need. Photos: How a Florida nonprofit is helping veterans overcome PTSD Move to stop rice, wheat sale under open market scheme not taken suddenly, says Centre to Congress allegation New Delhi, June 15: With the opposition Congress hitting out at the Centre for discontinuing the sale of rice and wheat from central pool under the Open Market Sale Scheme (OMSS), thus impacting Karnataka government's Anna Bhagya Yojana for the poor, the Union Department of Food and Public Distribution on Thursday said that the decision was not taken all of a sudden. Move to stop rice, wheat sale under open market scheme not taken suddenly, says Centre to Congress' allegation In a press conference, ministry officials informed that the inter-ministerial committee meeting held on June 8 had recommended that "as there is need to maintain sufficient stocks for market intervention and control prices of wheat and rice through OMSS(D), therefore, the sale of wheat and rice under OMSS(D) for state governments may be discontinued".However, the sale of rice under OMSS(D) may be continued for north-east states, hilly states and states facing law and order situation, natural calamities, at an existing rate of Rs 3,400 per quintal, the panel had decided.Accordingly, after approval of the committee of ministers, a letter was issued to all states and Food Corporation of India (FCI) on June 13, official sources said.They added that the policy was announced by the Centre on June 13 and communicated to FCI with a copy to all states governments.The officials said that the policy formulation being a confidential exercise at the ministry level, the same was not known to the regional offices of FCI till its announcement.The FCI regional office, Karnataka had issued orders for sale of rice under OMSS (D) on June, on the requests of the state government made on June 6 and June 9.The Centre's clarification came amid the Congress alleging that discontinuing the sale of rice and wheat from the central pool under the OMSS to state governments, showed Prime Minister Narendra Modi's frustration over BJP's defeat in the recent Karnataka Assembly polls and thus the BJP-led central government was venting its ire on the state's people.The Centre, on its part, said that it has already imposed restriction for sale of wheat under OMSS(D) to states for quantity up to 10,000 metric tonnes only.Also the Centre's decision to discontinue the sale of wheat and rice under OMSS(D) is focussed on controlling food inflation in order to protect the rest of the consumers, sources said.After imposition of stock disclosure and limits and latest steps of the government has reduced the retail price of wheat by 2.06 per cent, they added.IANS16 June 2023 Shared Recently! 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. More than 100 people came to the Buffalo & Erie County Central Library to ask questions of candidates running in the Democratic primary for the Buffalo Common Council on June 6. Unfortunately, not all who want to represent those residents showed the same level of interest. While there are five contested districts on the primary ballot, multiple candidates from only one district, Ellicott, showed up and answered questions from the voters. Masten, Lovejoy, North and University candidates were unable to participate in the formal forum because their opponents were no-shows. When candidates refuse to participate in such opportunities, it is a profound loss for voters. The League of Women Voters has a long history of conducting candidate forums. We want to provide a platform for voters to learn about who will be on their ballot. Thats why we are particularly concerned about candidates who refuse to show up at forums or participate in voter guides. Candidates running for public office are applying for a job. Forums are like job interviews, and the voters are hiring. Who would hire an employee without interviewing them first? When a candidate decides not to participate, it is a lost opportunity for all voters. Declining an opportunity to discuss the issues that matter most to voters is contrary to the public interest. Research conducted on voter behavior and participation shows that not only does the public expect candidates to participate in voter education activities, it also found that voters are more likely to vote when they know who the candidates are and where they stand on the issues. When candidates choose not to participate, its the voters who are harmed. The League of Women Voters does not endorse individual candidates or political parties. Our mission is to empower voters to make informed decisions by providing information and opportunities for meaningful and respectful engagement between elected officials, those running for office and their constituents. The lifeblood of democracy is participation not only by voters showing up on Election Day, but by candidates, incumbents and challengers alike, showing up for public forums. Lori Robinson is president of the League of Women Voters, Buffalo Niagara. Digital Science, a technology company serving stakeholders across the research ecosystem, is pleased to announce that the Canadian Institutes of Health Research (CIHR) has chosen Altmetric and Dimensions from Digital Science's flagship products to support its belief that research has the power to change lives. CIHR the Government of Canada's health research investment agency, which funds world-class research across the country has signed a single-year deal to utilize Altmetric Explorer for Institutions and Dimensions Analytics (with API), which enables customers to monitor and report on the online activity surrounding research published by an institution, while also benefiting from access to the full Altmetric database. Using Digital Science's products and tools, CIHR will be able to monitor the online activity surrounding academic research, including the ability to browse by author, group or department for the institution, benchmark against peer organizations, report on the outcomes of outreach activity, and integrate the insights the data provides into evaluation and review processes at CIHR. More specifically, Dimensions and Altmetric will enable CIHR to: Use the API for Dimensions to extract publication and citation metadata of articles funded by the CIHR Extract the Altmetric score of CIHR funded publications Search the number of citations from CIHR grantees in international policy documents Understand Canada's standing among the Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) nations in related health research publications Extract all publication metadata for a subset of researchers funded by the CIHR. Many men in northern Europe over the age of 60 suffer from the so-called Viking disease, which means that the fingers lock in a bent position. Now researchers at Karolinska Institutet, together with colleagues, have used data from over 7,000 affected individuals to look for genetic risk factors for the disease. The findings, which have been published in Molecular Biology and Evolution, show that three of the strongest risk factors are inherited from Neanderthals. Up to 30 percent of men in northern Europe over 60 suffer from a condition called Dupuytren's contracture. The condition is sometimes called the Viking disease because it mainly affects individuals with northern European ancestry. The disease is significantly more common in men than women and usually begins as a lump in the palm of the hand that grows and causes one or more fingers to lock in a bent position. The condition is usually not painful, but the nodules may sometimes be tender to pressure. The researchers in the study, led by Hugo Zeberg from Karolinska Institutet and Svante Paabo from Max Planck Institute for Evolutionary Anthropology, set out to investigate whether genetic variants inherited from Neanderthals are involved in the disease. Neanderthals lived in Europe and western Asia until about 40,000 years ago, when they were replaced by modern humans. However before Neanderthals disappeared, they mixed with modern humans. As a result, between one and two percent of the genomes of people with roots outside of Africa come from Neanderthals. Since Dupuytren's contracture is rarely seen in individuals of African descent, we wondered whether gene variants from Neanderthals can partly explain why people outside of Africa are affected." Hugo Zeberg, Assistant Professor, Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, Karolinska Institutet The researchers used data from three large clinical cohorts in the US, UK, and Finland, which allowed them to compare the genomes of 7,871 sufferers and 645,880 healthy controls. They identified 61 genetic risk factors for Dupuytren's contracture. The researchers found that three of these were inherited from Neanderthals, and these included the second and third most important risk factors. The study is further evidence that the intermingling between Neanderthals and our ancestors has important consequences for the prevalence of some diseases, particularly among certain groups. "This is a case where the meeting with Neanderthals has affected who suffers from illness, although we should not exaggerate the connection between Neanderthals and Vikings", says Hugo Zeberg. The study was financed by The Swedish Research Council, The Swedish Brain Foundation, The Erik Philip-Sorensen Foundation, Petrus och Augusta Hedlunds Stiftelse, and Emil och Wera Cornells Stiftelse. Responding to rapid advances in artificial intelligence and the urgent need to define its responsible use in health and medicine, Stanford Medicine and the Stanford Institute for Human-Centered Artificial Intelligence (HAI) today announced the launch of RAISE-Health (Responsible AI for Safe and Equitable Health). This pioneering initiative seeks to address critical ethical and safety issues surrounding AI innovation and help others navigate this complex and evolving field. Co-led by Stanford School of Medicine dean Lloyd Minor, MD, and Stanford HAI co-director and computer science professor Fei-Fei Li, PhD, the new initiative will establish a go-to platform for responsible AI in health and medicine; define a structured framework for ethical standards and safeguards; and regularly convene a diverse group of multidisciplinary innovators, experts and decision makers on the topic. Both awareness of AI and skepticism about its use in health care have skyrocketed in the last 12 months. According to a recent Pew survey, a majority of Americans said they would be uncomfortable with their provider using AI in their own health care, underscoring the crossroads at which society finds itself. AI has the potential to impact every aspect of health and medicine. We have to act with urgency to ensure that this technology advances in line with the interests of everyone, from the research bench to the patient bedside and beyond." Lloyd Minor, Dean, Stanford School of Medicine Goals of the RAISE-Health initiative include enhancing clinical care outcomes through responsible integration of AI; accelerating research to solve the biggest challenges in health and medicine; and educating patients, care providers and researchers to navigate AI advances. "AI is evolving at an incredible pace; so, too, must our capacity to manage, navigate and direct its path," said Li, whose research includes a focus on ambient intelligence -; using AI to monitor and respond to human activity in homes, hospitals and other environments. "Through this initiative, we are seeking to engage our students, our faculty and the broader community to help shape the future of AI, ensuring it reflects the interests of all stakeholders -; patients, families and society at large." Building on the goals of Stanford HAI, groundbreaking Stanford faculty research and ongoing collaborations with policymakers and Silicon Valley innovators, RAISE-Health will be a trusted repository for the AI work being done at Stanford University, Stanford Medicine and well beyond -; hosting standards, tools, models, data, research and best practices. While AI offers the potential for transforming health globally, decision makers must first address AI's safety and ethical use to responsibly harness its full potential and build public trust in these systems. Chronic diseases (NCDs) are a global health epidemic and almost 80% of them occur in low- and middle-income countries. While the WHO have developed policies to combat chronic diseases, research shows that, in certain regions, they are not having the desired effect, leaving fragile health systems increasingly overwhelmed. In order to combat this, thanks to a Horizon Europe grant, Amsterdam UMC is set to lead a global consortium with the aim of developing interventions that work in practice. Consortium leader and Professor of Global Migration, Ethnicity and Health at Amsterdam UMC, Charles Agyemang notes that, "We see particularly in sub-Saharan Africa that the rates of chronic diseases are rapidly rising that, crucially, the WHO measures are not working as well as they need to. Partly because most of the data for these interventions were gathered in high-income countries. This means that the development of a new arsenal of interventions is essential." With an eye on developing targeted interventions that will make the most difference, the consortium will aim their sights on those aged between 10 and 24. Partly due to the fact that this group receives less attention in the current WHO policies and, crucially, also because of the role that this period of live plays in behavioral development. Chronic diseases are often caused by behaviors that begin early in life including eating unhealthily, not exercising enough, so for that reason we're going to target precisely this group." Charles Agyemang, Professor of Global Migration, Ethnicity and Health at Amsterdam UMC Multi-faceted approach The consortium consists of partners in France, Belgium and the United Kingdom as well as African partner universities and research institutions in both Kenya and Ghana. The goal is to develop interventions that work in three settings: secondary schools, family/faith-based settings and on social media. Professor of Public Health Nutrition at the University of Ghana, Amos Laar, who is a co-investigator notes that "combating a very complex epidemic such as NCDs will require multi-component intervention concurrently targeting its multiple risk factors, involving multiple live stages, delivered via multiple platforms, and meaningfully and sufficiently engaging with multiple stakeholders. That is exactly what project seeks to do". Across sub-Saharan Africa it is estimated, by the World Bank, that almost 50% of children are not in school and therefore it is necessary for interventions to look beyond the classroom or the dining hall. Agyemang believes that this multi-faceted approach "will increase the motivation of young people to eat healthier and be more physically active" and crucially "will increase the chance of lasting changes'' Something which, Dr Gershim Asiki, a co-investigator and Head of NCDs Unit in the African Population Health Research Centre in Kenya also emphasizes: ''the project embraces principles of co-design throughout the proposal development and implementation and a highly consultative process that will promote uptake and sustainability of the program." The UPC's Biomaterials, Biomechanics and Tissue Engineering Group (BBT) leads the international project Bio-TUNE, which aims to develop multifunctional materials with high antibacterial potential and efficient tissue integration. The consortium is made up of ten research teams from Europe, America and Asia, and is funded through the EU's Horizon 2020 program. Bone grafting is only second to blood transfusion as the most common procedure worldwide, with more than 2.2 million procedures performed each year. However, it still has limitations as it is a painful and costly process that can pose risks to the patient, such as graft rejection and disease transmission. When the procedure is not possible or bone grafting fails, alternatives such as prostheses are considered. Some of the most common prostheses replace hip and knee joints, with one million procedures performed in the US and the EU alone each year. However, 10% of prostheses end up failing mainly due to a lack of integration with the surrounding bone tissuea process known as osseointegrationand the occurrence of infections, which promote the formation of bacterial biofilms resistant to the immune system's defenses and antibiotics. Addressing these two issues is the goal of Bio-TUNE, a project led by the Biomaterials, Biomechanics and Tissue Engineering Group (BBT) of the Universitat Politecnica de Catalunya - BarcelonaTech (UPC), with researcher Carles Mas as the principal investigator. The project aims to develop multifunctional materials with high antibacterial potential and efficient tissue integration. The goal is to minimize the risks of implants, as explained by Mas, who is also a professor at the Barcelona East School of Engineering (EEBE): "Medical implants still have too high failure rates today. Bio-TUNE aims to address the two main issues in such procedures at a time by developing new materials that improve the tissue integration of implants while efficiently inhibiting bacterial adhesion to surfaces." To achieve these goals, Bio-TUNE follows a three-fold strategy: "First, we try to understand the mechanisms involved in the interaction of cells and bacteria with implant surfaces. Second, based on this knowledge, we develop strategies to control such mechanisms, by drawing inspiration from nature and natural processes that enable bone regeneration or inhibit bacterial adhesion. Finally, Bio-TUNE also aims to assess how these new strategies could translate into innovative products that have a significant impact on society, ultimately leading to higher success rates in dental and orthopedic implants, for example. This would help avoid additional surgeries and associated complications." Multidisciplinary research The Bio-TUNE project is implemented by a consortium of ten research groups, universities and institutions from Europe, Asia and South America. It brings together experts in biology, materials science and engineering, biomedicine, pharmacy, chemistry and other related disciplines. So far, sensors have been designed to monitor cellular activity and differentiate between cellular and bacterial behavior. Surfaces with nanoscale patterns and reliefs that enhance material-cell interactions have also been developed. Additionally, work has been done on the development of bactericidal agents by identifying molecules that could replace antibiotics, thus addressing the current problem of antibiotic resistance. These solutions will be implemented in coatings and multifunctional materials to simultaneously promote tissue integration and prevent germ proliferation. Bio-TUNE is funded through the EU's Horizon 2020 program as part of the Marie Skodowska-Curie RISE action, which promotes research and international collaboration while fostering research and innovation staff exchange. 23 researchers associated with the project have embarked on research visits worldwide and continue to contribute their work and knowledge to advance science. Of approximately 250,000 Americans diagnosed with acute pulmonary embolism, or PE, in emergency departments each year, most are hospitalized. But Michigan Medicine research, published in JAMA Network Open, finds that some patients with PE, a blood clot in one or more pulmonary arteries, may be hospitalized unnecessarily due to computed tomography, or CT, imaging results rather than clinical risk factors. Approximately 40% of the patients in the study had low-risk pulmonary embolism, as defined by the Pulmonary Embolism Severity Index, or PESI score. Roughly half of the low-risk patients had CT imaging features that physicians consider "concerning", and these patients fared just as well in the hospital as those whose CT scans showed no concerning findings. The results of this study are going to come as a surprise to most emergency physicians, who have been taught for years to regard large, centrally located, or "saddle", PEs as true medical emergencies." Colin Greineder, M.D., Ph.D., senior author, assistant professor of emergency medicine and pharmacology, University of Michigan Medical School "In fact, our findings suggest that CT findings alone might not confer as much risk as we thought. In our population, if the patient's pulse, rate of breathing, oxygen level and other clinical factors indicated low risk, then 'concerning' CT findings by themselves were not associated with worse clinical outcomes." Researchers assessed data from more than 800 patients at U-M Health diagnosed with acute pulmonary embolism in the adult emergency department between late 2016 and the end of 2019. Using the PESI score, patients were divided into low and high-risk groups, with the low-risk group further divided based on the presence of concerning CT findings. These included large and centrally located PEs, blood clots on both sides of the lung, evidence of strain on the heart due to the blockage and associated infarction, or death, of a region of lung tissue. Within a month of coming to the emergency department, 18% of patients with high-risk PESI scores died, whereas none of the low-risk patients with concerning CT imaging findings died. These patients also rarely required intensive care, and their lengths of stay in the hospital were no different than low-risk patients without 'concerning' CT imaging findings. Clinical outcomes were similar, but we found plenty of evidence that emergency physicians are managing these patients differently. The rate of discharge and home management was about four times lower in low risk patients with concerning CT imaging findings, and they were more likely to have bedside ultrasounds performed in the emergency department and echocardiograms while in the hospital." Colin Greineder, M.D., Ph.D., assistant professor of emergency medicine and pharmacology at University of Michigan Medical School The study also investigated how often emergency physicians activated the PE Response Team, a multi-disciplinary group designed to make rapid, shared decisions on the management of patients with intermediate and high-risk PE at U-M Health. Response team activation was almost four times more likely in low-risk patients with concerning CT imaging findings despite their low-risk PESI scores. Over the past two decades, a strong evidence base has been established to support safe outpatient management of pulmonary embolism, but adoption by emergency medicine clinicians has been slow and remains limited, says co-author Geoffrey Barnes, M.D., M.Sc., associate professor of cardiology-internal medicine at U-M Medical School. "We have tools like the Pulmonary Embolism Severity Index and biomarkers that allow for appropriate management of these patients, but they do not typically include those 'concerning' CT findings. Our report suggests that these imaging findings may be an important barrier to safe discharge." The results, researchers say, require further research and confirmation to verify that these findings are replicated in other hospital systems and patient populations. "Like other groups, we are already working to overcome other barriers to outpatient management of low-risk PE," said first author Connor O'Hare, M.D., an emergency medicine resident at U-M Health. "If our current findings are reproduced in other studies and hospital systems, then we will need effective implementation strategies to overcome the perceived risk associated with 'concerning' CT imaging findings in otherwise low-risk patients." Heavy drinking commonly begins in adolescence and is a known risk factor for the development of alcohol use disorder (AUD). Data from adult clinical trials suggest offering evidence-based medications for AUD to younger adults could promote their engagement in treatment and improve clinical outcomes. But are those medications being used when and where they are needed? In a review of claims data for youths insured by Medicated in 15 U.S. states, a team of researchers found that most youths with a diagnosis of AUD do not receive medications as part of their therapy, despite recommendations from national organizations to consider their use. The team, which was led by Scott Hadland, MD, MPH, chief of Adolescent and Young Adult Medicine at Mass General for Children, recently published their findings in the Journal of Adolescent Health. FDA-approved medications for AUD include naltrexone, acamprosate and disulfiram-;all of which have been proven effective in helping to maintain abstinence among adults with AUD. While these medications are currently approved for adults 18 and over, the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration recommends considering them for adolescents under 18 as well. To study if and how these medications were being used, the team looked at Medicaid claims data from 4.7 M youths aged 13-22 in 15 states. From that group, they identified approximately 14,000 youths who were diagnosed with an AUD during the study period (2014 to 2019) and met the criteria for inclusion. Of that group, 10,851 or 76.4% received treatment for AUD within 30 days of diagnosis. The vast majority-;nearly 98% percent-;received behavioral health services as treatment. Only 2% of youths received AUD medication on its own or in combination with behavioral health treatment. The findings point to an opportunity to improve medication access to this vulnerable populations, the researchers say. Treating addiction as early as possible is critical to preventing lifetime problems, and the failure to offer medications to young people with an alcohol problem may represent a missed opportunity. Without medications, we know that psychosocial interventions may have limited efficacy for some patients, while pharmacotherapy can clearly reduce drinking in adults with alcohol addiction." Scott E. Hadland, Study Senior Author, Massachusetts General Hospital "While these three medications are only FDA-approved for people 18 years and over, we know they effectively reduce cravings for alcohol and are associated with reductions in heavy drinking episodes in this older population," Hadland points out. "Clinical trials are urgently needed to assess the effectiveness of these AUD medicines in adolescents under 18, but even the young adults aged 18 to 22 in our study rarely received medications despite their important role in treatment." Hadland, an international leader in educating other pediatricians and general practitioners on addressing mental health and substance use in youth, believes that policymakers and clinicians have an important role to play in increasing public access to pharmacology for alcohol addiction. Potential strategies for increasing medication use, particularly for young adults for whom medications are recommended, include continuing education for practicing clinicians and stronger training on AUD screening, diagnosis and treatment in medical school and residency, the research team writes. "Medications for alcohol use disorder are underused in all ages," emphasizes Hadland, "and stronger addiction training for clinicians is needed, along with better reimbursement for drug and alcohol treatment to incentivize clinicians to provide evidence-based care." Hadland is an associate professor of Pediatrics at Harvard Medical School. Lead author Joel Earlywine is a health policy analyst at Mathematica. The study was funded by the National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA). Unprecedented - not known or done before; without parallel or precedent. Mike Pence and other MAGA supporters of Donald Trump decry the "unprecedented indictment" charges against the former president brought by our Justice Department. These deniers are obviously delusional, when we begin to enumerate the deluge of unprecedented shameless behavior of Donald Trump while he occupied the office of President of our United States. His daily disregard for the norms and guidelines of his role as president. His constant lying and denying regarding his actions and statements while carrying out his duties. What about his total contempt for our rule of law - as evidenced by his refusal to acknowledge he lost the 2020 election - followed by his organizing the January 6th coup to overturn the government? It is quite apparent he took, then hid, then lied about this taking and hiding proof top secret government documents found at his Mar-a-Lago estate in Florida. Even more unprecedented and delusional are his supporters in the misnamed Freedom Caucus group of representatives - who decry the weaponization of our Justice Department - for bringing these necessary charges against Trump. They conveniently forget that the former president continually goaded his Attorney General, Bill Barr, to file nonsensical charges against his perceived enemies in the Democratic Party. Liz Cheney, former Representative from Wyoming, and one of the few honest Republicans in Congress - expressed a solution for this situation while speaking on behalf of the January 6th Congressional Committee investigating this unprecedented attack on our democracy. She simply stated the obvious: Donald Trump must never be allowed to come near Washington D.C., our Capitol or the White House ever again! Larry Gustina Buffalo Yu Yu Htwe had never had dental problems, so she was surprised when a dentist told her she had three cavities at her first appointment in this small city in western Montana. Htwe, 38, is from Myanmar and worked as an OB-GYN there until a military coup overthrew the government in February 2021. Alongside other medical workers, she participated in a civil disobedience movement against the military, and, fearing reprisal, fled the country with her husband and young daughter. Htwe and her family spent six months in Thailand before they resettled in Missoula as refugees early last year. That move around the globe took less time than the eight months she waited to get a dental appointment after arriving in Montana. "In my country, dental care is not like it is here," said Htwe, who is now a community health worker at Partnership Health Center in Missoula. "Here we need to wait for dental care. In Myanmar, it's not like that. We can go at any time when we need a consultation or something." Refugee advocates in Montana hear stories like Htwe's often. And these stories are similar to what low-income people can contend with across the U.S. Long wait times for dental appointments, high costs, and finding dentists willing to take new Medicaid patients make access to dental care difficult. Refugees in the U.S. encounter additional challenges getting dental care because of cultural differences, and language and transportation issues, but their specific circumstances vary widely depending on where they resettle, and if the state offers dental coverage for refugees. The flow of refugees admitted to the U.S. is growing since the Biden administration set the annual cap for the fiscal year that began in October to 125,000, up from 18,000 in 2020. More than 24,000 refugees arrived between October and April, 83 of whom resettled in Montana. The state and country are on pace to welcome more refugees than last year. "It's a health equity issue when patients have an array of barriers to getting care," said Jane Grover, a dentist and the director of the Council on Access, Prevention, and Interprofessional Relations for the American Dental Association. She added that dental pain complicates a person's ability to eat, work, and do daily tasks. When oral health is suboptimal, the risk for gum and periodontal disease increases. That can then lead to other health issues like heart disease and diabetes. "Often, refugees come to us with some or very little previous dental care," said Bonnie Medlin, health and education programs coordinator for the International Rescue Committee in Missoula. Refugees spend an average of about 10 years in refugee camps before resettlement, and those camps may or may not have dental services, said Medlin. When refugees arrive in Montana, they are enrolled in the state's Medicaid program and are eligible for most medically necessary dental services like exams, teeth cleanings, and X-rays. State Medicaid programs decide the level of adult dental benefits to offer, and Montana is among 18 states, plus Washington, D.C., that provide extensive coverage. But having health coverage doesn't guarantee a person can see a dentist quickly or at all. Montana health department spokesperson Jon Ebelt said private practice dentists are not required to have a certain percentage of their patients covered by Medicaid. They can choose whether to accept Medicaid or any other insurance. A federal Refugee Medical Assistance program run by the Department of Health and Human Services provides short-term medical coverage to refugees who are not eligible for Medicaid, but only emergency dental treatments are covered. In Missoula, three private dental clinics frequently work with refugees who are on Medicaid. One is strictly a pediatric dental office, however, and the other two perform only surgical procedures. States set Medicaid reimbursement rates for dental care and Montana's rates rank above the national average. Despite this, the numbers don't always add up. "Dentists in private practice want to help and accept Medicaid patients when they can, but the margin just makes it impossible for them," said Lara Salazar, CEO of Partnership Health Center, a community health clinic based in Missoula. "We see patients regardless of their socioeconomic status, offer a sliding scale fee, and accept all insurance for the 65,000 visits we get across our clinics per year," said Salazar. PHC's dental clinics provide comprehensive and emergency dental care for adults and children and see around 975 patients a month. Most mornings 10 to 20 people line up for urgent, same-day appointments at the center's downtown clinic. Some of the patients needing urgent dental care are part of Missoula's refugee population. "People are dealing with abscesses, root canals and suddenly they're in a dental chair and things are happening. It's especially scary when they haven't been to a dentist before," said Helen Maas, a senior community health specialist who works on PHC's refugee-focused health team with Htwe. "Trying to explain how the health care system works gets very complicated," she said. Federal and state laws require providers serving Medicaid patients to offer interpretation services when needed, but Medicaid reimbursement doesn't cover all the costs, said Maas. "I know this is an issue for providers in town and a reason they are not able to accommodate everyone." Patients and providers at PHC connect with medically certified interpreters via phone and video chat. Maas said the translation service is great, but sometimes it can take up to an hour to find an appropriate interpreter for less common languages, like Dari and Pashto. According to Maas, limited transportation is an additional obstacle for refugee families and can make getting to scheduled appointments particularly hard once they start working. Another challenge is appointment wait times. New patient appointments for refugee children happen soon after arrival. But adults on Medicaid often wait up to nine months for an initial dental exam at PHC or another clinic in Missoula unless they are in acute pain that prohibits eating or causes major health concerns. "Timing depends on if providers outside of Partnership are accepting new Medicaid patients, and many are not," said Maas. To help accommodate the need, some dentists in the community donate services to refugee patients. Maas hopes to see more of this in the future. In the meantime, outcomes look promising for refugees like Htwe who needed dental care after resettlement. "When I went to my appointment, the dentist set up a long-term plan for my teeth," she said. "I've had two cleaning appointments and I now have a habit of flossing." Owlstone Medical (Owlstone), the global leader in Breath Biopsy for applications in early disease detection and precision medicine, today announced new data on the development of a screening test for the early detection of lung cancer. The results and research progress were presented in two posters at the EACR 2023 Congress, the annual meeting of the European Association for Cancer Research, held June 12-15 in Torino, Italy. The poster Proof-of-mechanism study for a diagnostic probe compound generating D5-ethanol as an on-breath reporter molecule for lung cancer Evolution phase 1 describes Owlstones efforts to establish D5-ethyl--glucuronide as a non-invasive EVOC Probe for early cancer detection. Previous work, described in the poster, has demonstrated the ability to detect D5-ethanol cleaved from the probe through the action of extracellular -glucuronidase in human cancer xenografted mice. Subsequently, Owlstone established the presence of extracellular -glucuronidase in tissue samples from human lung cancers, including at stage 1, and the ability to reliably detect D5-ethanol in human breath samples through Breath Biopsy after administration of the EVOC probe. In-human clinical trials are now underway with Phase 1a (safety assessment in healthy humans) and Phase 1b (dose optimization study in subjects with and without lung cancer) of the EVOLUTION study almost complete. Preliminary results presented show excellent safety and tolerability and demonstrate proof of mechanism through the successful measurement of D5-Ethanol levels in breath samples from lung cancer patients . The poster Using exogenous volatile organic compound (EVOC) probes to target tumour-associated aldo-keto reductase activity: a potential tool to detect lung cancer describes a complementary EVOC probe approach for the early detection of lung cancer based on aldo-keto reductase (AKR) activity, a metabolic process linked with the bodys reaction to the damaging effects of high levels of oxidative stress from cancer. This study, performed in vitro on human lung cancer cells, evaluated the expression of AKRs and demonstrated the ability to measure AKR-associated volatile reporters from cancer cells. Through the studies presented, we are now confident we have the evidence we need to proceed to Phase 2 of the EVOLUTION study. This new multisite international trial will recruit up to 150 cases and 200 controls to optimize the test protocol and to establish test performance. We are also encouraged that a number of additional promising complementary EVOC probes are in our development pipeline, further enhancing our ability to address this high clinical need area. Billy Boyle, co-founder and CEO at Owlstone Medical Lung cancer is one of the most common forms of cancer in the world with 2.21 million new cases in 2020 and is a leading cause of death (1.8 million globally in 20201), with 5-year survival at just 23.7% in the United States2. Early diagnosis can greatly improve the clinical outlook as patients diagnosed at an early stage have a 5-year survival rate of 56%, compared to just 5% for late stage3. While there are guidelines in place for the use of low dose computed tomography in the United States, uptake is less than 6%4 due to inconvenience, radiation dose, test performance, and in some cases cost. For this reason, there is an acute need for reliable and non-invasive screening solutions, and breath has emerged as a highly promising potential solution. The posters presented can be viewed here: References and further reading The number of children diagnosed with type 2 diabetes continued to rise in the year following the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic, according to research being presented Thursday at ENDO 2023, the Endocrine Society's annual meeting in Chicago, Ill. It was hypothesized that in the first year of the COVID-19 pandemic, many factors including school shutdowns causing kids to be less active, snacking more often, or eating more unhealthy foods led to increased weight gain and more cases of type 2 diabetes." Esther Bell-Sambataro, M.D., Endocrinology Fellow at Nationwide Children's Hospital in Columbus, Ohio The researchers conducted a retrospective chart review study at a tertiary children's hospital to determine the increase in the proportion of type 2 diabetes cases among all new onset diabetes patients in the second year of the pandemic. They identified youth patients (0-18 years old) who were diagnosed with new-onset type 1 diabetes (T1D) or type 2 diabetes (T2D) based on an electronic medical record (EMR) database. The cases were categorized into four years (year 1: 3/1/2018-2/28/2019, year 2: 3/1/2019-2/29/2020, year 3: 3/1/2020-2/28/2021, and year 4: 3/1/2021-2/28/2022) with years 1 and 2 being pre-pandemic and year 3 and 4 during pandemic. The yearly frequency of patients with new onset T1D from years 1 through year 4 respectively was 191, 193, 231 and 262 cases. Similarly, the yearly frequency for T2D cases was 63, 45, 109 and 130 respectively for years 1 through year 4. Among all new onset diabetes in youth, the relative proportion of T2D for year 1 was 24.8%, year 2 was 18.9%, year 3 was 32.1% and year 4 was 33.2%. The increase in the proportion of new onset diabetes patients who developed T2D from years one to four was statistically significant. The percentage of Black children across all new-onset T2D increased significantly from 31% in year one to 51.3% in year four. The researchers also observed greater BMI scores in those with T1D from years one to four. However, BMI scores at diabetes diagnosis decreased significantly among those with T2D between years two and three but spiked again between years three and four. This research shows that among all youth with new-onset diabetes, the increase in the proportion of cases with T2D has persisted beyond the first year of the COVID-19 pandemic, which suggests that the increase may not be only due to pandemic-related restrictions and lifestyle changes. "Even though we may have returned to pre-pandemic times in several aspects, the increased risk of our youth developing type 2 diabetes that started during the pandemic has persisted," Bell-Sambataro said. "The reasons for this are not completely known and need further evaluation; therefore, we must be vigilant and monitor our at-risk youth (those with genetic risk factors, obesity, less active lifestyles) and take them to see their doctors if signs of diabetes such as increased thirst and frequent urination arise. A promising emerging treatment (hypercapnia) for comatose adult cardiac arrest patients has been found to yield similar results to current treatment, in a new study published today in the prestigious medical journal New England Journal of Medicine (NEJM). Out-of-hospital cardiac arrests (OCHA) cause significant mortality and morbidity, and the study is one the largest trials ever conducted on cardiac arrest patients admitted to intensive care units (ICU). The Targeted Therapeutic Mild Hypercapnia After Resuscitated Cardiac Arrest (TAME) study showed that maintaining a slightly elevated CO 2 level (hypercapnia) for the first 24 hours after a cardiac arrest patient has been resuscitated did not improve neurological outcomes, functional outcomes, or quality of life at six months after the event, and did not impact six-month mortality. Conversely, it did not lead to worse outcomes, either. Co-lead author, Professor Alistair Nichol, Professor of Critical Care Medicine at UCD School of Medicine, Consultant at St Vincent's University Hospital and Director of the Irish Critical Care-Clinical Trials Network, leads the TAME study in Ireland - funded by the Health Research Board (HRB). Professor Nichol's doctoral thesis (with Professor of Physiology Paul McLoughlin, UCD School of Medicine, 2007) demonstrated the potential anti-inflammatory effect of hypercapnia and suggested the treatment could be used as a therapeutic intervention in critically ill patients in ICU. Subsequent observational studies in cardiac arrest patients showed that while many doctors follow guidelines and keep the CO 2 level normal, it is common to have hypercapnia. These studies further suggested hypercapnia was associated with improved outcomes, and there are many physiological reasons why this might be so, including increasing blood flow and the previously demonstrated anti-inflammatory effects.The TAME researchers also conducted an earlier smaller trial in ICU patients that suggested that hypercapnia improved outcomes, but recognized the need for a large trial to confirm this finding. Professor Nichol said: "Our study impacts clinical practice and future cardiac arrest research in a number of ways. Firstly, while we found no additional harm from targeting hypercapnia in these patients, the lack of benefit means there's no need to change practice at present. So, doctors can rest assured that patients aren't missing out if they receive standard practice. "The second is that while we are somewhat disappointed we haven't discovered a new therapy to improve outcomes for these patients, we demonstrated that these patients can tolerate hypercapnia without causing any harm. This can be important in ICU settings, as this allows doctors to less intensely ventilate patients on breathing machines, which can be helpful in some patient groups. "Thirdly, it points to a need for further trials and basic science research, as we seem to have a gap in our knowledge and theories about the role of arterial CO 2 , and how it impacts the body's responses. While hypercapnia didn't improve outcomes in this study, this is not the end of the story for carbon dioxide management in the critically ill. Relevant work is now being conducted, to discover which blood markers can determine good outcomes and allow identification of these patients earlier. We've also established a global network of OHCA hospitals and investigators which are now turning to answer the next important question in this patient group." According to HRB Chief Executive, Dr Mairead O'Driscoll said: "These results will help patients who experience cardiac arrest outside hospital as well as supporting clinical practice and decision making in ICU. Research is not just about creating new treatments - it can be as meaningful when results demonstrate that current practice is still valid. This research demonstrates the importance of collaborative approaches to funding. It also highlights and the value of HRB strategic investments in a clinical trials ecosystem which is enabling excellent, Irish-based clinicians like Professor Nichol to participate in, or to take a lead role in, large, multi-center international clinical trials." The TAME randomized controlled trial recruited 1,700 patients from 63 intensive care units in 17 countries, in a uniquely harmonized system that saw them partner with another clinical trial in Sweden. This trial was coordinated from Monash University in Melbourne Australia - funded by the National Health and Medical Research Council, Australia - and from UCD in Ireland. It was a really interesting hypothesis to test, as if it had shown positive results, the change in practice would have been free of cost, beyond those associated with change implementation. But our study provides the strongest evidence to date and indicates no benefit to changing current practice." Dr Glenn Eastwood, TAME Co-Leader, Monash University Hospitalized comatose adults resuscitated from out-of-hospital cardiac arrest of a presumed cardiac or unknown cause with sustained return of spontaneous circulation were eligible for enrolment. Some 847 patients (49.8%) were assigned to targeted mild hypercapnia and 853 (50.2%) to targeted standard care (normocapnia). The primary outcome was a favorable neurological outcome defined by a Glasgow Outcome Scale-Extended score of 5 to 8 at six months, obtained by blinded assessors. Secondary outcomes were similarly measured at six months by other relevant, validated scales. The results were published in the journal in a coordinated release with the Critical Care Reviews 2023 Meeting in Belfast. Researchers at the University of Birmingham have demonstrated that silver retains antimicrobial activity for longer when it is impregnated into 'bioactive glass', and shown for the first time how this promising combination delivers more long-lasting antimicrobial wound protection than conventional alternatives. Bioactive glasses are a unique class of synthetic biomaterials made from silicone and have been used for some years in bone grafting. Silver has long been known to prevent or reduce the growth of biofilms (communities of bacteria) in open wounds, and silver-based treatments are increasingly popular as they are effective against many antibiotic-resistant strains of bacteria. These antimicrobial properties depend on silver remaining in an ionic form so it can penetrate bacterial cell walls and disrupt their life cycle, but the silver ions or nanoparticles in wound dressings are prone to transforming to silver sulphide or silver chloride which can reduce antimicrobial activity and hinder the success of treatment. The researchers investigated the effects of bioactive glass doped with ionic silver on biofilms formed by Pseudomonas aeruginosa, a multi-drug resistant bacterium that easily forms biofilms and is a common cause of infection in chronic wounds. The study, published in the journal Biofilm, showed that specific preparation, storage and application techniques can minimize the transformation of silver ions to silver chloride and so retain antimicrobial activity. The researchers who worked on the study published in Biofilms are: microbiology researcher Dr Sarah A. Kuehne, biomaterials expert Dr Gowsihan Poologasundarampillai and multidisciplinary PhD student Sandeep Shirgill from the University of Birmingham's School of Dentistry, Dr Sara Jabbari from the School of Mathematics and Dr John Ward from Loughborough University's Department of Mathematic Sciences. The Birmingham team already has substantial experience in bioactive glass, which is currently used as a bioactive degradable graft material. In this application, the critical aspects of bioactive glass are its fibrous form which gives a 3D porous structure that is robust, packable and the diameter and density of the glass fibres to support tissue growth. The researchers are keen to meet companies that would like to collaborate or co-develop products for dental surgery or wound care. Post-doctoral researcher Dr Sam Moxon, who works with the Birmingham team, has been exploring the use of these innovative materials in dental surgery and wound care. He has just completed an Innovate UK funded program called ICURe (Innovation to Commercialisation of University Research) and the team is now looking to proceed the material towards clinical approval. Dr Moxon is speaking about this work at the UK Society for Biomaterials annual conference in Belfast on June 21st. He will also deliver a keynote at the Future Investigators in Regenerative Medicine annual conference in Spain in September, where he will cover his research from Birmingham, and the team's aspirations to develop their promising new biomaterials. Researchers from McGill University and Ontario Tech University published a new Journal of Marketing article that examines the drivers of specialty drug diffusion. The study, forthcoming in the Journal of Marketing, is titled "Scientific Evidence Production and Specialty Drug Diffusion" and is authored by Demetrios Vakratsas and Wei-Lin Wang. A notable trend in the pharmaceutical industry is the development of specialty drugs to treat complex, severe diseases, often with a limited number of patients. Of the 219 new drugs (or new active substances, NASs) that were launched in the U.S. between 2014 and 2018, 136 (62%) belonged to specialty classes. In 2017 alone, specialty drugs accounted for 32 of the 42 NASs. Specialty drugs are produced using advanced biotechnology and often fill unmet patient needs. They treat complex, critical diseases, but also come with high risks of adverse events and are extremely costly. For example, in 2018, specialty drugs accounted for 49.5% of total medicine net spending ($344 billion) in the US even though they represented only 2.2% of the 5.8 billion prescriptions. Because of high costs, their prescription is subject to prior insurance authorization, which requires documentation on the appropriateness of the treatment for the patient. Despite the proliferation of specialty drugs, little is known about the drivers of diffusion. What is the role of scientific evidence? And do marketing activities influence prescriptions by physicians, who are mainly specialists? This new study finds that clinical studies affect the diffusion of new specialty drugs through a multi-stage scientific evidence production process. The researchers propose a framework of specialty drug diffusion, which is motivated by two principles. The combination of novelty, complexity, and importance of specialty drugs necessitates that prescribing physicians must quickly develop an extensive knowledge base to make appropriate and timely evidence-based decisions. Specialty drug prescribers are predominantly specialist physicians who have the motivation, opportunity, and ability to directly source and process scientific information to make evidence-based decisions. Thus, evidence emerging from clinical studies for a specialty drug should be critical for its diffusion. The importance of scientific evidence The scientific evidence production is a process consisting of three stages: (1) unpublished clinical studies, (2) evidence published in medical journals, and (3) clinical guidelines. Because of the high potential benefits of specialty drugs and the severity of the diseases they treat, the researchers expect specialty drug prescribers to extensively source information from all scientific evidence production stages to evaluate a drug's utility or net benefit for patients. Moreover, they expect direct-to-physician marketing (personal selling and journal advertising) to have a weaker or even negligible effect given the ability of prescribing physicians to source information directly from the scientific evidence production process. Our findings support the idea that the influence of scientific evidence production on specialty drug diffusion is seen through all three stages of its production process. We also find that both journal advertising and personal selling have no significant effect on diffusion, confirming our expectations." Demetrios Vakratsas, American Marketing Association To further validate these findings, they study the diffusion of a non-specialty drug and find that in terms of scientific evidence production, only uncited publications (i.e., publications in medical journals not cited in clinical guidelines) and clinical guidelines influence prescriptions, but not unpublished clinical studies. Moreover, separate analyses by physician specialty status reveal that clinical guidelines influence only specialty physician prescribers and detailing has a significant influence only on general practitioner prescribers. "Our study offers a framework to help pharmaceutical firms evaluate returns on scientific evidence production. We underscore the need for changing the focus from published clinical results to the consideration of all three stages of the scientific evidence production process. Our implications show that focusing only on publications will lead to an underestimation of the returns on scientific evidence," says Wang. Lessons for chief marketing officers These findings suggest that scientific evidence is the dominant driving force for the diffusion of specialty drugs. This provides the following opportunities for Chief Marketing Officers: Engage physicians and patients in clinical study protocol design to produce customer-led innovation. Patient engagement may not only increase enrollment and reduce protocol amendment costs, but also increase drug relevance to the target patient population. Install processes to systematically monitor patient and physician input and assess its impact on scientific evidence production. Shifting the focus to engage with patients and physicians has the potential to optimize marketing efforts given marketing's capabilities to glean customer insights. Develop closer involvement in the production of innovation, which could lead to increased marketing influence within the firm. Pharmaceutical firms could commit to innovation and quality at the prospect of a high scientific evidence ROI for specialty drugs. This in turn will improve the quality of life for patients, enhance productivity, and minimize the burden of the disease. Not having reliable access to food has a significant relationship with metabolic syndrome, a condition that increases risk for diseases such as diabetes and heart disease, in Latinx females of reproductive age, according to a study presented Friday at ENDO 2023, the Endocrine Society's annual meeting in Chicago, Ill. Because of the significant association identified between low food security and metabolic syndrome in reproductive-aged Latinx females, there is potential to reduce cardiovascular, metabolic and reproductive adverse outcomes through improved access to food." Emily L. Ferrell, M.D., first author, University of Michigan in Ann Arbor, Mich. Ferrell noted that having reliable access to food is a basic human necessity that many take for granted. "Even in high-income countries such as the United States, some people worry daily about where their next meal will come from," she said. "Food security has been identified as a social determinant of health; meaning lower security often results in poorer health outcomes and increased health risks." Metabolic syndrome is a group of five conditions that can lead to heart disease, diabetes, stroke and other health problems. It is diagnosed when someone has three or more of the following risk factors: high blood glucose; lower levels of HDL cholesterol; high levels of triglycerides; large waist circumference; and high blood pressure. Previous studies have found the prevalence of metabolic syndrome is approximately 33% in the United States overall, with highest prevalence among Hispanics, at closer to 35%. This prevalence is increasing significantly among Hispanics, people ages 20 to 39, and women. "Few studies have examined the relationship between food security and metabolic syndrome in reproductive-aged Latina females, a group at increased risk for both metabolic syndrome and low food security," Ferrell said. This longitudinal study is called the Environmental, Leiomyoma, Latinas and Adiposity Study (ELLAS) and consists of a cohort of more than 700 reproductive-aged Latinx females. The Principal Investigator of ELLAS is Erica Marsh, M.D., M.S.C.I., Chief of Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility at the University of Michigan. Participants were 21 to 50 years old at the time of enrollment. Of 584 participants evaluated, 143 (24.2%) had metabolic syndrome. Low food security was found to be significantly associated with metabolic syndrome. Among participants with high food security, 20.7% had a diagnosis of metabolic syndrome, compared with 36.3% with low food security and 33.3% with very low food security. "By focusing efforts on improved food security through education and improved access, there is potential to improve metabolic, cardiovascular and subsequently the reproductive health of women and their offspring," Ferrell said. Cerillo, a biotechnology company at the forefront of developing advanced research platforms for the study of the microbiome, will host demonstrations of the companys new co-culture duet system at ASM Microbe 2023 from June 16-18th in Houston, Texas at booth #704. Attendees can learn more and register for live demos at: https://info.cerillo.bio/asm2023. Cerillos co-culture system will enable researchers to observe and study individual microbial populations in real-time and measure the growth of one microbial population alongside other populations. The systems porous barrier can physically isolate populations while maintaining fluidic contact, allowing researchers to mimic natural microbiome conditions and study the interactions between microorganisms. The co-culture system is also scalable since it can be read in multiple microplate readers, each wirelessly connected to the companys analytic software. This wireless feature can also help researchers capture and analyze growth data as it happens, enabling them to monitor and adjust their experiments in real-time. Until now, researchers faced the constraints of limited off-the-shelf co-culture options, demanding substantial investments of time and resources in developing custom systems for their studies. Cerillo is dedicated to liberating microbiome researchers from the constraints of conventional laboratory technologies. Our new co-culture system is a game-changer, since it is the world's first scalable, user-friendly, and cost-effective co-culture system. Eric Mayton, CEO, Cerillo. Applications Cerillos co-culture system enables researchers to: Mimic natural conditions : Microorganisms in the environment often exist in complex communities, where they interact with each other. Cerillos co-culture system allows researchers to mimic these natural conditions and study the interactions between microorganisms. : Microorganisms in the environment often exist in complex communities, where they interact with each other. Cerillos co-culture system allows researchers to mimic these natural conditions and study the interactions between microorganisms. Improve understanding of microbial interactions: Cerillos co-culture system can provide insight into how microorganisms interact with each other. For example, one microorganism may produce a compound that benefits another microorganism, or one microorganism may inhibit the growth of another. These interactions can be difficult to study in isolation. Cerillos co-culture system can provide insight into how microorganisms interact with each other. For example, one microorganism may produce a compound that benefits another microorganism, or one microorganism may inhibit the growth of another. These interactions can be difficult to study in isolation. Identify novel compounds: Our system can also be used to identify novel compounds that are produced by microorganisms. For example, one microorganism may produce a compound that is only active in the presence of another microorganism. Our system can also be used to identify novel compounds that are produced by microorganisms. For example, one microorganism may produce a compound that is only active in the presence of another microorganism. Develop new therapies: Cerillos co-culture system can be used to screen for potential therapeutics by testing the ability of a compound to inhibit the growth of a pathogenic microorganism in the presence of a beneficial microorganism. Features and benefits In a recent study on The Lancet* SSRN preprint server, researchers explored the efficacy of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) vaccines in preventing long COVID symptoms. Study: The Effectiveness of COVID-19 Vaccines to Prevent Long COVID Symptoms: Staggered Cohort Analyses of Data from the UK, Spain, and Estonia. Image credit: NiphonSubsri/Shutterstock.com *Important notice: Preprints with The Lancet publishes preliminary scientific reports that are not peer-reviewed and, therefore, should not be regarded as conclusive, guide clinical practice/health-related behavior, or treated as established information. Background COVID-19 vaccines have proven to be highly efficient in preventing severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), which causes severe illness, mortality, and transmission in communities. However, the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA)'s recent review suggests that the effectiveness of COVID-19 vaccines in preventing long-term symptoms is still unclear. Previous studies have not extensively examined the effectiveness of vaccination in preventing long-term complications in individuals with COVID-19. Studies have reported mixed results regarding the effectiveness of vaccination in reducing the risk of long COVID. While some studies have shown a decrease in risk, others have only noted reductions for specific symptoms or no overall risk reduction. About the study Health data from three European countries were used in this study, including primary care electronic health records from UK sources of Clinical Practice Research Datalink (CPRD) GOLD and CPRD AURUM, primary care records related to hospital admissions information from the Spanish Information System for Research in Primary Care (SIDIAP), and national health insurance claims from Estonia. The data was collected routinely and was de-identified. The study was conducted as a staggered cohort study in accordance with the vaccine rollout regulations in the UK, Spain, and Estonia, as the populations became eligible for their first COVID-19 vaccine dose at different times. Four study cohorts were created for each database/country, each representing a particular phase of the rollout of the national vaccination campaign. The source population for the first staggered study included all adults registered in CPRD GOLD or AURUM for a minimum of 180 days. Individuals were added to study groups based on eligibility criteria evaluated separately for each study: (1) The first cohort consisted of individuals who were 75 years old or older and had not been vaccinated against COVID-19 or had a previous COVID-19 infection at the time of enrollment. Individuals were categorized into either the vaccinated or unvaccinated group depending on whether they received their initial vaccine dose during enrollment. (2) The second cohort comprised individuals aged 75 and above, those clinically extremely vulnerable, and individuals aged 18 and above with underlying health conditions. (3) The third cohort included individuals aged 50 and above. (4) The fourth cohort included individuals aged 18 years or older. Results The first cohort involved 1,618,395 vaccinated and 1,640,371 unvaccinated people from CPRD GOLD; 5,729,915 vaccinated and 5,860,564 unvaccinated people from CPRD AURUM; 2,744,821 vaccinated and 2,588,518 unvaccinated people from SIDIAP; and 77,603 vaccinated and 302,267 unvaccinated people from CIDIVA. Staggered cohorts included 6% to 21%, 9% to 33%, 26% to 34%, and 31% to 39% of the four databases, respectively. The majority of vaccinated individuals received either ChAdOx1 or BNT162b2 vaccines, with 59%, 56%, 15%, and 6% receiving ChAdOx1 and 38%, 40%, 66%, and 74% receiving BNT162b2 from the four databases, respectively. Receiving the first COVID-19 vaccine dose was linked to a decreased likelihood of developing long COVID. The meta-analytic calibrated subdistribution hazard ratios (sHR) were 0.55 for CPRD GOLD, 0.64 for CPRD AURUM, 0.84 for SIDIAP, and 0.62 for CORIVA. Furthermore, the meta-analytic calibrated sHR was 0.66, 0.70, 0.88, and 0.62 when a definition of long COVID symptoms for 28 was used. The meta-analytic calibrated sHR for the correlation with "post-acute COVID-19" in CPRD AURUM and SIDIAP were 0.64 and 0.60, respectively. The calibrated sHR for ChAdOx1 was 0.63 in CPRD GOLD, 0.71 in CPRD AURUM, and 0.84 in SIDIAP. On the other hand, the sHR for BNT162b2 was 0.49, 0.53, 0.86, and 0.63 in CPRD GOLD, CPRD AURUM, SIDIAP, and CORIVA, respectively. Meta-analysis of multiple studies showed that the first dose of BNT162b2 had a slightly stronger preventative effect, with calibrated sHR of 0.77 in CPRD GOLD and 0.72 in CPRD AURUM. Conclusion The study shows that COVID-19 vaccines are clinically effective in preventing long COVID, which is another advantage of vaccination for young individuals. The study's results were consistent across populations and three European countries and remained robust despite using different definitions of long COVID and conducting sensitivity analyses. The study contributes significant data to evaluate the advantages and disadvantages of COVID-19 vaccines. Despite the improved understanding of the safety profile, vaccination efforts across the globe were hindered by safety concerns and the perception that younger people faced a lower risk of severe COVID-19. The researchers hope that the reported protection against long COVID will increase the vaccination rate among younger people who were previously hesitant. *Important notice: Preprints with The Lancet publishes preliminary scientific reports that are not peer-reviewed and, therefore, should not be regarded as conclusive, guide clinical practice/health-related behavior, or treated as established information. Walmarts Flipkart marketplace and PhonePe payments business in India could be $100 billion businesses buoyed by strong growth, the retailers chief financial officer said on Wednesday at an investor conference. Walmart does not break out sales of Flipkart and PhonePe but over the past few months, executives have singled out the two businesses as key drivers in meeting its target of doubling the gross merchandise volume it sells in foreign markets to $200 billion in five years. Walmarts international chief has previously called Indias 1.4 billion population a significant" opportunity for the retailer. In its most recent quarter ended April 30, Walmart said its Flipkart business generated double-digit sales growth, boosted by new shoppers in some cities and a 50% jump in ad sales. Flipkart was valued at more than $40 billion in 2022 and counts itself among Indias most valuable startups. Walmart also called PhonePes performance really impressive" after it hit an annualized payment value of $1 trillion led by the Unified Payments Interface, a highly popular method in India to make instant real-time payments. PhonePe controlled 46% share of the payments market in December, according to National Payments Corporation of India, and has 400 million registered users. In March, Walmart gave that business a boost by pouring an additional $200 million at a pre-money valuation of $12 billion, cementing its position as Indias most valuable payments startup. It is not crazy to think that both those businesses could be $100 billion businesses in the future," Walmarts Chief Financial Officer John David Rainey said. News / Local by Staff reporter ROBERT Mugabe Junior, son of late former President has been hit with fresh criminal charges of assault.In February he was dragged to court accused of malicious damage to property after he smashed his friend, Simbiso Nkatazo's vehicle.This time, Mugabe is accused of assaulting Nkatazo's relative, Robert Karimbika.Mliswa slams preferential treatment by courts following Robert Mugabe Jnrs release; claims NPA forced complainant to negotiateHe was served with summons this week and is expected in court for trial.As woes mounted on him, Mugabe was issued with an arrest warrant after he failed to show up in court.The State alleges he slapped Karimbika, accusing him of urinating on his vehicle.Court papers show that Karimbika was instead cleaning Mugabe's vehicle, having been instructed to do so by his driver. Indias exports declined 10.3 per cent year-on-year to USD 34.98 billion in May this year, the government data showed on Thursday. Imports also declined 6.6 per cent to USD 57.1 billion against USD 61.13 billion recorded in the same month last year, the data showed. Commerce Secretary Sunil Barthwal said headwinds still continue on the global trade front. The Department of Commerce and Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade are working on an exports strategy and focusing on 40 countries, Barthwal added. Non-petroleum and non-gems & jewellery exports in May 2023 were USD 26.22 Billion, compared to USD 27.30 Billion in May 2022. Non-petroleum, non-gems & jewellery (gold, silver & precious metals) imports in May 2023 were USD 35.88 Billion, compared to USD 35.29 Billion in May 2022," the commerce ministry said in a statement. Aditi Nayar, chief economist and head (research and outreach) at ICRA, said, While lower commodity prices led to a 6.6 per cent YoY contraction in merchandise imports in May 2023, some key items such as iron and steel, machine tools, machinery, electronic goods, fertilisers and pharma witnessed a YoY expansion, which led to a sequential rise in overall imports, thereby taking the merchandise trade deficit to a five-month high of $22.1 billion in that month from $15.1 billion in April 2023." She added that May typically tends to see higher imports of several items such as fertiliser, gold, fuels, etc vis-a-vis April. The available trade data for April-May 2023 suggests that the CAD is likely to widen to about $10-12 billion in Q1 FY2024 from nearly $2 billion expected in Q4 FY2023, while remaining manageable at around 1.2 per cent of GDP. (With PTI Inputs) Jettwings Airways, a new airline in the aviation sector, announced that it received the no objection certificate (NOC) on Wednesday to operate Schedule Commuter Air Transport Services in the country. The Guwahati-based airline is aiming to begin its services in October this year. Jettwings Airways plans to offer regional connectivity to passengers under the governments UDAN scheme to several destinations in the Northeast and eastern regions initially, reported PTI. Once approved for flight operations, Jettwings will be the first-ever company from the Northeast region. Jettwings Airways plans to introduce a fleet of modern aircraft, including turbofan and turbo-propelled ones, to offer premium economy services for regional travel, after receiving all necessary regulatory approvals and an Air Operator Certificate (AOC) from the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA). The airline has a vision to revolutionise regional connectivity by delivering superior service, comfort and convenience for the passengers. The Chairman and founder of Jettwings Airways, Sanjive Narain, at a press conference in Delhi, said, We believe that under the UDAN scheme, we have a unique opportunity to make a significant impact on the Northeast region by improving connectivity and creating new economic opportunities." He also mentioned that they have arranged funding of Rs 100 crore for the company and plan to gradually expand the service and make it a success. The Chairman also shared that their strength is that they understand the market and requirements of the people in the northeast region. He also explained that they will offer business class on their planes along with the premium economy where the seats will be the same as economy but better on-board services will be provided. Under Regional Connectivity Scheme (RCS), the central government has made efforts to improve air connectivity by linking regional airports which has significantly improved trade for particular regions. This has also boasted the economic growth and development of the tourism sector. Stocks to Watch June 15: The Nifty futures contract traded on the Singapore Exchange indicates a negative start to domestic equities. The contract was trading at 18,826, down 9 points or 0.05% from the previous close. Hero MotoCorp: The two-wheelr major announced the launch of its new Xtreme 160R 4V in the premium motorcycle category, at an ex-showroom price starting at Rs 1.27 lakh. Mahindra & Mahindra (M&M), Ashok Leyland: Automobile major M&M and Ashok Leyland have joined the race to acquire a significant stake in MG Motor India, a wholly-owned arm of Shanghai-headquartered SAIC Motor, investment banking sources told Business Standard. The Sajjan Jindal-led JSW group has already evinced interest to take up to 48 per cent stake in MG Motor India. Indian Oil (IOC): The company plans to set up an 80,000 tonnes sustainable aviation fuel plant with LanzaJet in Haryana, the refiners chairman said. The company is looking at an investment of about Rs 2,300 crore, S M Vaidya said on the sidelines of an industry event in New Delhi. IT stocks: JP Morgan has reiterated its negative stance on Indian information technology (IT) services and downgraded the sector to underweight, as it believes the overall demand environment for the sector still remains weak. Among stocks, it has placed Infosys, TCS, MphasiS in its negative catalyst watch. Axis Bank: US-based private equity firm Bain Capital is likely to sell a 0.7 per cent stake in Axis Bank, in the price range of Rs 964 to Rs 977.70 per share. The stake sale would be worth $267 million, CNBC-TV18 reported on Wednesday, citing sources. Real-estate: Shares of real-estate related companies are likely to be in focus after a report by CREDAI, Colliers and Liases Foras stated that housing prices in Delhi-NCR rose by 16 per cent, in January-March period on better demand and higher construction cost. As per the report, housing prices across the top eight cities rose 8 per cent year-on-year (Y-o-Y). DCW: The company informed BSE, that there has been unforeseen mechanical breakdown of CO2 gas compressor in Soda Ash Plant and this will result in lower production of Soda Ash by an estimated 6 KMT in the current quarter. Container Corporation of India (Concor): The Department of Investment and Public Asset Management (DIPAM) might seek the intervention of an inter-ministerial group and top finance ministry officials for cooperation in stake sale of the company. The govt seeks to sell stake worth Rs 12,000 crore in national transporter this fiscal as part of disinvestment target. REC: The companys board is scheduled to meet on June 24 to consider a proposal for final dividend for FY23, if any. Axis Bank: Global private equity firm Bain Capital is likely to sell a stake worth $267 million in Axis Bank through block deals on Thursday, according to reports. CDSL: Promoter BSE Ltd has sold partial stake in Central Depository Services Ltd (CDSL) through open market transactions on Wednesday. The 50th GST Council meeting will be conducted on July 11, 2023, at Vigyan Bhawan in New Delhi. The GST Council, which is headed by the Union finance minister and comprises representatives of all states and UTs, is the apex decision-making body for indirect taxes in India. The 50th meeting of the GST Council will be held on 11th July, 2023 at Vigyan Bhawan, New Delhi," the GST Council said in a tweet on Thursday. The 50th meeting of the GST Council will be held on 11th July, 2023 at Vigyan Bhawan, New Delhi. GST Council (@GST_Council) June 15, 2023 In the 50th meeting, the GST Council is likely to discuss the issue of GST on cement. Apart from this, it is also expected to take up the matter of the GST rate to be levied on online gaming. The Council is also expected to clear the operational framework of the GST appellate tribunal. The 49th GST Council meeting in February accepted the report of a panel of state ministers to set up GST Appellate Tribunals with some modifications. The tribunal will deal with tax disputes and streamline resolution. A 4-member appellate tribunal is proposed to be set up in each state to streamline and expedite the dispute resolution process with regard to goods and services tax (GST). Each state appellate tribunal would have two technical members (one officer each from the centre and states) and two judicial members. There will also be a national appellate tribunal, which would be set up in Delhi, and comprise one judicial member and one technical member. In the 49th GST Council meeting in February, the Council agreed to reduce the GST rate on pencil sharpeners from 18 per cent to 12 per cent. It also decided to reduce GST rate on liquid jaggery from 18 per cent to nil or 5 per cent, and also cut tax rate on certain tracking devices. It also rationalised the late fees on annual returns. Late fee for annual return up to 5 crore has been fixed at Rs 25 per day, subject to an maximum amount of 0.02 per cent of his turnover. For taxpayers having turnover of Rs 5 crore to Rs 20 crore, the late fee would be Rs 50 per day. Thirty-three authors, who wrote different chapters of the NCERT textbooks in 2005-07, have shot off a letter to the councils director asking their names to be removed, saying their collective effort is now in jeopardy. This comes days after the chief advisors of the original books Yogendra Yadav and Suhas Palshikar had written to the National Council for Educational Research and Training (NCERT) for the same. We have been following with growing concern, and increasing alarm, the public discussion on NCERTs unilateral attempts to modify and revise textbooks produced collaboratively by scholars from across the country. We, the undersigned, have participated in these efforts to produce the textbooks in political science. We are now given to believe that this creative collective effort is in jeopardy, the letter to NCERT director DP Saklani stated. The authors have requested the council to delete their names from the Textbook Development Committee (TDC) of the reprinted political science textbooks. The letter dated June 14 further said NCERT is now making changes to the textbooks, which include deletions of sentences and removal of some sections (even chapters), which is unacceptable. The decision of who decides what is unacceptable and what is desirable has been kept rather opaque, violating the core principles of transparency and contestation that, we believe, underlies academic knowledge production. Last week, Yadav and Palshikar had written to the NCERT, calling the changes being done in the reprinted books (last year and current year) embarrassing and mutilating, and asked for their names being dropped from the latest textbooks. However, reacting to this, the NCERT posted a statement on its website where it said since the textbooks have the councils copyright and has contributions of all the experts, dropping out the names of the chief advisors was out of question. The 33 authors, who have signed the letter, are from various central and state universities as well as independent researchers across the country including Muzaffar Assadi, dean Faculty of Arts and professor, Mysore University, Kanti Prasad Bajpai, National University, Singapore Sabyasachi Basu Ray Chaudhury, Rabindra Bharati University, Kolkata, Rajeev Bhargava, Hon Fellow, CSDS, Delhi, Dwaipayan Bhattacharya, CPS, JNU, Navnita Chadha Behera, Delhi University, Alex M George, independent researcher, Kerala; Malini Ghose, Nirantar, Center for Gender and Education; and Manish Jain, School of Education Studies, Ambedkar University, among others. This story will be updated with the versions of some of these authors once their response is received. In the letter, the authors also said political scientists, who contributed to this effort, came with multiple perspectives and had varied ideological positions. Yet we were able to work together to produce what is, by any measure, a truly remarkable set of school textbooks in political science. The pedagogic strategy that was adopted, over several months, collectively deliberated upon and agreed to, the NCERT statement read. The Manipur HSLC 2023 result has been released by the Board of Secondary Education, Manipur (BOSEM) as of today, June 15. Students who attended the Manipur board Class 10 examinations in 2023 can now access their HSLC result 2023 on the boards official website, manresults.nic.in. In order to get their BOSEM Class 10 results 2023, students must enter their roll number on the Manipur Board result portal. The Class 10 online results will be provisional, and the HSLC students will be able to obtain their official marksheets from their respective schools/ educational institutions. The Manipur board exams for Class 10 this year began on March 16 and concluded on April 3. The examination was attended by 38,127 students, comprising 8130 from government schools, 1520 from aided schools, and 28,477 from private schools. In order to pass the Manipur Board Class 10 test, students must receive at least 33 per cent overall and in each of their individual subjects. Manipur HSLC result 2023: How to check Step 1: Visit manresults.nic.in to access the Board of Secondary Education, Manipurs official website. Step 2: Select High School Leaving Certificate Examination 2023" from the list of links. Step 3: After entering the roll number on the result portal, click on the Submit" button. Step 4: The Manipur HSLC 2023 result will show up on the screen. Step 5: For reference in the future, download the Manipur Board Class 10 result 2023. The Manipur Board class 12 board exam results for 2023 were released on May 22 by the Manipur Council of Higher Secondary Education. The majority of students that registered for the Manipur class 12th board exams were from the science stream, with 24,513 students, subsequently followed by the humanities with 11,391 students and commerce with 813 students. The states top scorer in the humanities stream, Pushpa Naorem, was followed by Chungkham Damayenti and Tulshipriya Athokpam. Ria Thokchom scored 491 points in the science stream, followed by Kelina Chungkham and Patricia Kshetri. Rajbrinda Naorem took the top spot in the state for the commerce stream, closely followed by Einstein Ningombam and Waribam Debraj Singh. A native of Ahmedabad, Dev Bhatia has secured the All India Rank 18 in the recently released NEET 2023 results. It was a stringent study regimen that helped him score 715 out of 720. I put in about 7-8 hours every day on self-study to ensure thorough coverage of all crucial topics," he said. The son of a Chartered Accountant, and a Vastu Shastra specialist, his dedication to consistency and discipline, together with access to a wide range of resources and professional advice, were the key to his success. To manage stress and stay motivated during my NEET preparation, Dev followed a few strategies. Maintain a well-balanced routine with adequate rest and exercise. Break down study sessions into smaller, manageable tasks. Stay focused on the end goal, reminding oneself of the passion for the medical field and the potential to make a difference," he told News18.com. He secured 99.999068 percentile. Dev encourages aspirants to adopt a strict practice schedule to increase their chances of attaining success. Devs NEET journey was significantly aided by the sample papers and mock tests offered by Aakash BYJUS Digital. Balancing NEET preparation with school studies required effective time management. I prioritised my tasks by allocating specific hours for NEET preparation alongside regular schoolwork. I created a study schedule that accounted for both, ensuring that I devote ample time to each area," he said. Dev also credits his enthusiasm for the medical sector and his continuous commitment to his ultimate goal of serving as a constant source of encouragement during his NEET preparation. He envisions a future for himself as a neurosurgeon, as he is drawn to the intricacies of the human brain. One of my prospective career aspirations is to become a neurosurgeon. Ive always found the brain to be a fascinating organ, with all its complexities and intricacies and the way it helps the rest of the body parts coordinate with each other," he adds. Dev scored 96.8 per cent in his CBSE 12th result and 97 per cent in his 10th grade. From offering online/hybrid degree courses to making engineering education more accessible to all, opening its first international campus, what makes IIT-Madras a top-ranking institution in the country, beating other IITs and the likes of IISc year-on-year? In an interview with News18, IIT-Madras director Prof V Kamakoti speaks about the strategic and fixed goals that keep the institute ahead of others, how fuelling start-ups in core areas can help India, the challenges being faced in tech education, why the institute has not made it to the top 200 global rankings yet, identifying reasons behind student suicides on campus and how to equip them to deal with stress. Prof V Kamakoti, remains an academician, who quit his corporate job to teach at IIT-Madras. A cyber-security expert, he became the institutes director in January last year. Q. IIT-Madras has retained its position as a top-ranking institution in the country in the overall category for the fifth consecutive year and even among engineering institutes for eighth consecutive year in the NIRF rankings 2023. What is it that has kept the institute ahead of other IITs and universities such as IISc? A. It is a cohesive effort that has worked with things falling in the correct place under all five parameters of the rankings teaching-learning effectiveness, student strength, graduation outcomes, diversity, and inclusivity. This cohesiveness comes from a strategic plan that we have made each year with fixed goals and we have been aligning to this plan. Each of these goals have a contribution to these parameters. In terms of these goals, first is that we want to become more inclusive to make IIT-M accessible to all, which is one of our flagship programmes. In this context, we are opening up several hybrid courses such as BS in data science and BS in electronic systems, which we have already started. As a goal, we plan to offer three big online courses over the next five years. Q. How do online/hybrid courses work? Are these full-fledged programmes and how do they fare in terms of career prospects for those doing a degree course online? A: For an online or hybrid course to stabilise, it takes two to three years. We will shortly be starting another such programme on the sciences side. The most important help we have received from the University Grants Commission (UGC) is that it has allowed dual degree programmes where people can pursue two degrees at the same time provided that the time-tables dont clash. These are full-fledged courses with multiple exits and our faculty is involved in teaching these. Those who complete four years get a BS degree. The final exams for these courses are in the proctored mode, which means that they have to come to a centre to write the exam and cannot write it at home. Now, we have several students in these hybrid courses, for example, those who are pursuing civil or electrical engineering from another college, but are studying data science here. So, its a great combination because we need core commerce graduates with data science knowledge, we need core civil engineering people with electronic systems knowledge. This is because today for building automation and maintenance, you need different kinds of electronic systems as there are many dimensions of structural engineering. We have found in our evaluation that when we do an offline course, we get a bell curve. A bell distribution means very less people in the high and low ends with a higher number of people in the middle. Here when we see our grading system, it exactly fits a bell curve, which means that we are doing the evaluation in the right way. Q. What about the hands-on-knowledge required for online engineering courses? A: We have a commitment to take our student strength to 50,000, which means around 12,500 students that are on campus, and we target another 37,500 on the online platform across India, which currently is 22,000-23,000. For example, for hands-on-knowledge in electronics, which requires lab kind of exposure, there are kits developed at the institute that can be availed of by students for an economical cost, with which, they can do experiments at home, which too are monitored by the instructors. For those who cannot, there is equipment available at Swayam centres (opened across country by the Ministry of Education to facilitate resources, for teaching-learning online courses) which students can easily make use of. There are a lot of instructors including industry professionals guiding the students in the same. These are well-administered courses, which the institute already has experience in since we have been working on Swayam platform for almost a decade. Q. Even though IIT-M has topped the rankings at home year after year, it has not made in the top 200 of the global rankings. Is there a conscious effort to reach up the global rankings as well? A. There is no doubt that global rankings are equally important, but their parameters are very different from those in NIRF rankings. We participate in the QS World University rankings and there is a conscious effort to improve on the parameters that are under our control. A large part of the world rankings is based on perception and surveys, which we do not have a control on. But things such as publications in A-star journals and internationalisation, among others, we are consciously putting efforts to improve upon. Q. You said internationalisation. Could you elaborate on the same? A. We are almost ready to open a branch campus of IIT-Madras at Tanzania, which will be located in Zanzibar. It will be the first international campus of any IIT so far, which is likely to take off this October. We go to a place where they need us. Africa needed a big campus of this nature. Plus, their school education set up is good, so we will get students with a lot of potential. The faculty will also be from there itself. We are starting here with courses like BS in Data Science and AI; and BS in Electronic Systems and another course in marine engineering. Meanwhile, we are also getting PhD students from Tanzania to IIT-M, train them here and post them back to the home country. Both the governments have agreed and we have identified a temporary campus to start off with while we have been given a 300 acres-plus to build a permanent campus. Q. Given that the government is about to allow foreign university campuses in India, do you think these will cater to the huge demand especially since so far the draft regulations say that they will have autonomy in terms of deciding fee structure? A. Running an institution in India has its own DNA. I am sure these institutes will offer such kinds of scholarships and other such programmes. I think there is a huge demand in India for quality education, not just in engineering but other disciplines as well. There are 14.50 lakh students who appear for JEE (Mains), of which, 2.75 lakh qualify for JEE-Advanced. Of those, who clear Advanced, around 20,000 are selected for IITs, then another 50,000 get seats in the National Institute of Technology (NITs), but the remaining go to other institutions. A number of colleges in states and even self-financing institutions have come up well. So, the entry of foreign campuses will only add to the education opportunities in the country. Q. The NIRF rankings report highlighted that trained faculty in engineering such as those holding doctorates are limited to just the top 100 institutions in the country? How is this impacting engineering education and what are the reasons behind this? A. There are two aspects of research and teaching. So, for being a good teacher, I must have my fundamentals clear, but to add more to a subject like we say in Carnatic music to teach your kirtan and then have your manodharma (improved music a distinguished feature of Carnatic classical music). In simple terms, it means that there is a song per say, then it is refined into an alaap and then to swara prasthara, which is how Carnatic music is organised. Now, to just be a teacher you can just teach the kirtan part, which is fixed. But, to enthuse the student to do alaap and swara prasthara, that needs a research mindset. You need a faculty, who have done research to teach to this level. Today after finishing B. Tech, people get good jobs, but those pursuing M. Tech are few, and the number of students taking GATE (Graduate Aptitude Test in Engineering) for masters is itself decreasing. All M. Tech students are placed well. For PhD, by the time a student is 25-27 years of age, there are social and financial constraints for many, especially for female students. Then, those who do complete PhDs get good jobs outside in the industry at high pay packages and they move out while not opting for teaching jobs. Those who come back to teaching after industry experience take several years. Over the past five years, I have lost six faculty members to such industry jobs. This is the challenge being faced at present. Unless a person has gone through this rigour of PhD and to a level of creativity, you cant be a great teacher. Q. When it comes to placements and students opting for disciplines, it is mostly computer science and emerging technologies that find the most takers while core disciplines are not among the top choices anymore? How important is this a concern and what could be done about it? A. In my view, its a grave concern that not many students want to opt for core disciplines or jobs in these areas. I am really worried. Look at the number of development projects that are happening in the country, the way aviation and telecom sectors are growing. There is a need for people who understand the technology. We are doing a 5G campus trial on campus. Just yesterday, we had 5G towers set up here and there are certain aspects that are phenomenally mathematical. No AI specialist can solve that problem. To understand the spectrum, how to configure it, what are the licensing conditions, there is so much in a growing thing like 5G today that needs these field experts. But the point is that we cannot force anyone to take up a particular job, as its about perception again. Today, jobs are dictated by how is the work environment and the pay package, which certainly make computer science and AI the top choices. The salaries are enormous and one can work from anywhere in the world or from home or their kitchen. At the same time, students must look at the core disciplines, which are going to give them stable jobs. For instance, if I am pursuing an engineering course and I take up a job at a software company and there is no connection between the course and the software work that I am doing, then I will be the first to be thrown out of the company during a lay-off. So, what we are doing at IIT-Madras is that we are encouraging students for entrepreneurship to pursue an idea in their core discipline and nurture it. The pay package and ease of living versus my company and my idea, I see a paradigm shift here. So, the government and private institutions and corporates must help aid start-ups and invest Rs 30-40 lakh while take equity back, it is a high-risk, high-return thing. Of 100 such ventures, 20 will become good companies, two may become unicorns and so on. Fuelling start-ups in full core jobs is the way forward. Q. There have been a series of student suicides at IIT-M in a short span of time. Does it impact the institutes reputation? What do you think are the underlying reasons in such cases and what preventive measures are being taken by the institute for the same? A. More than reputation, I am bothered about the student and the family. When it comes to a life, it cannot be equated with anything else. Every such incident has shattered me. We are the most affected with five such suicides within six months. We have found many reasons in our mental health survey including personal, health, financial and academic. Any of the first three can lead to academic stress. We have identified independent counsellors on campus, who come from outside so that students while approaching them do not have any stigma attached. We are also getting parents to give them emotional support on a regular basis. So, happiness is a collective responsibility is what we have learnt in a nutshell. Over the past two months we are slowly stabilising and found that the efforts being made are yielding some results. We realised we have some sort of a stress situation, which requires regular conversation so we have people who are listeners on our mental health website Be Happy. Stress is not limited just to IITs, everyone has to equip students to handle it. Actor Tom Holland is busy with the promotion of his latest web series The Crowded Room, whose episodes continue to release on Apple TV+ on a weekly basis. It was during one of his promotional gigs that he opened up about his amicable bond with Andrew Garfield and Tobey Maguire. The trio shared the screen space in Marvels Spider-Man flick No Way Home and the friendship created on the film set continues to grow strong. So much so that the trio also happens to be on a group chat titled Spider-Boys. During an interaction with The Hollywood Reporter, Tom Holland shed light on the fact that the three have gone through something so unique that doesnt happen to anybody. This rare connection has not only brought them closer but all of them now deem each other as brothers. It was wonderful. Myself, Andrew, Tobey we have this amazing bond as three people who have been through something that is so unique that we really are like brothers, said Tom Holland. He added their unique group of Spider-Men continues to catch up with each other. We have a great group chat and we catch up every now and then. Its called the Spider-Boys, he added. This revelation comes just a week after Tom Holland disclosed his plans of taking a hiatus from acting for a year. Citing his intense role in The Crowded Room as the reason, the actor told Extra that the experience added a profound learning curve to his career but the show ended up breaking him mentally. The show did break me. There came a time where it sort of was like, I need to have a break, he explained. Tom Holland plays the role of Danny Sullivan, a character that draws inspiration from the 1981 non-fictional novel, The Minds of Billy Milligan. The book revolved around the real accounts of the first US man who was acquitted of his shocking crimes pleading DID (dissociative identity disorder). The Crowded Room also stars Amanda Seyfried and Emmy Rossum in lead roles. While the first three episodes were released on June 9. The remaining seven of the ten-episode series premiers weekly every Friday with the final one scheduled to stream on July 28. The Law Commission on Wednesday initiated a fresh consultation process on uniform civil code by seeking views from stakeholders, including public and recognised religious organisations, on the politically sensitive issue. Earlier, the 21st Law Commission, whose term ended in August 2018, had examined the issue and solicited the views of all stakeholders on two occasions. Subsequently, a consultation paper on Reforms of Family Law" was issued in 2018. Since more than three years have lapsed from the date of issuance of the said consultation paper, bearing in mind the relevance and importance of the subject and also the various court orders on the subject, the 22nd Law Commission of India considered it expedient to deliberate afresh over the subject," the panel said in a public notice. The 22nd Law Commission, which recently got a three-year extension, has accordingly begun examining issues related to UCC on a reference sent by the Ministry of Law and Justice in June 2016. Accordingly, the 22nd Law Commission of India decided again to solicit views and ideas of the public at large and recognised religious organisations about the Uniform Civil Code," the statement said. Those who are interested and willing can present their views within a period of 30 days from the date of notice to the Law Commission. If need be, Commission may call upon any individual or organisation for a personal hearing or discussion, it said. In its consultation paper issued on August 31, 2018, the 21st Law Commission headed by Justice B S Chauhan (retd) had said that while the diversity of Indian culture can and should be celebrated, specific groups or weaker sections of the society must not be dis-privileged" in the process. It said the Commission dealt with laws that are discriminatory rather than providing a uniform civil code which is neither necessary nor desirable at this stage". The consultation paper said most countries are now moving towards recognition of difference, and the mere existence of difference does not imply discrimination but is indicative of a robust democracy. In short, a uniform civil code means having a common law for all citizens of the country that is not based on religion. Personal laws and laws related to inheritance, adoption and succession are likely to be covered by a common code. Lets understand personal laws better: Personal laws, also known as family laws, are a set of legal provisions that govern matters related to marriage, divorce, inheritance, adoption, guardianship, maintenance, and other familial issues. These laws vary based on an individuals religious beliefs or community and are derived from religious texts, customs, and traditions. In India, personal laws have been codified into separate legislations applicable to different religious communities. For example, Hindu personal laws are governed by the Hindu Marriage Act, Hindu Succession Act, Hindu Minority and Guardianship Act, and others. Similarly, Muslim personal laws are derived from the Quran and Hadith and are governed by the Muslim Personal Law (Shariat) Application Act. There are also separate laws for Christians, Parsis, and other religious communities. MARRIAGE: Hindu Marriage Act, 1955 The Hindu Marriage Act of 1955 was introduced to protect the rights of Hindu brides and grooms. It applies to individuals who identify as Hindus, including Virashaivas, Lingayats, and followers of the Brahmo, Prarthana, or Arya Samaj movements. Additionally, the act extends its application to Buddhists, Sikhs, and Jains, according to a report in Outlook. The Hindu Marriage Act is one of the significant legislations passed as part of the Hindu Code Bills. The other acts included in this code are the Hindu Succession Act of 1956, the Hindu Minority and Guardianship Act of 1956, and the Hindu Adoptions and Maintenance Act of 1956. These acts collectively address matters related to succession, guardianship, and adoption within the Hindu community. Its important to note that the Hindu Marriage Act does not apply to Christians, Muslims, Parsis, or Jews, as their personal laws govern marriage and related matters within their respective religious communities. Indian Christian Marriage Act, 1872 Regarding the Indian Christian Marriage Act of 1872, it consolidates and amends the laws pertaining to the solemnization of marriages among Christians in India. Under the provisions of the Christian Marriage Act, specific grounds for divorce are defined. For instance, a husband can seek divorce on the grounds of adultery committed by his wife. On the other hand, the wife can seek divorce based on her conversion to another religion, as well as in cases of incestuous adultery, bigamy with adultery, marriage with another woman with adultery, rape, sodomy, or bestiality, as per the Outlook report. Parsi Marriage and Divorce Act, 1936 The Parsi Marriage and Divorce Act of 1936 governs the matrimonial relations of Parsis or Parsi Zoroastrians, as defined within the Act. This legislation specifically applies to the Parsi community and is racially significant. It allows for monogamous marriages only, prohibiting polygamy. In 2001, the law was amended to align its provisions with those of the Hindu Marriage Act. One notable amendment related to divorce, stating that an application for alimony pendent lite (temporary maintenance) or maintenance and education of minor children should be resolved within 60 days from the date of serving notice to the wife or husband, depending on the case. Muslim Marriage in India Regarding Muslim marriage law in India, it differs from the Hindu Marriage Act in that it is not codified. Instead, it is based on Muslim personal law derived from Islamic religious texts and traditions. Over time, the Parliament has passed various revisions and acts to address issues related to consent, age, divorce, inheritance, and other aspects within Muslim marriages. The Dissolution of Muslim Marriage Act was enacted in 1939 to grant Muslim wives the right to seek dissolution of their marriages on grounds such as the husbands imprisonment for seven or more years, his unknown whereabouts for four years, non-maintenance for two years, failure to fulfill marital obligations, impotency, cruelty, leprosy or venereal disease, and if the marriage occurred when the wife was under 15 years of age and was not consummated, the report says. In addition to these acts, personal laws in India encompass other legislations such as the Indian Divorce Act of 1869, the Child Marriage Restraint Act of 1929, the Foreign Marriage Act of 1969, the Kazis Act of 1880, the Indian Succession Act of 1925, and the Anand Marriage Act of 1909. These laws address various aspects of marriage, divorce, succession, and other related matters for specific religious communities or general application. INHERITANCE: Hindu Succession The Hindu Succession Act of 1956 is a significant codified law enacted by the Parliament of India to govern intestate (unwilled) property and regulate both intestate and testamentary succession under Hindu law. Sections 5-29 of the Hindu Succession Act deal with intestate succession, which involves the distribution of property when a person dies without leaving a valid will. It covers various aspects such as the concept of women as coparceners (individuals who share equally in inherited land) under Sections 6 and 7, the order of succession for male intestate individuals (Sections 8-13), the order of succession for female intestate individuals (Sections 14-16), and other relationships and their rights (such as half-blood, full-blood, and children in the womb) under Sections 17-29, as per a report by iPleaders. Part VI of the Indian Succession Act, 1925, specifically Section 57 onwards, recognizes the right of a Hindu to dispose of their property through a valid will (testamentary succession). Schedule III of the Indian Succession Act provides sections that are applicable to wills and codicils under Hindu law, subject to certain restrictions. Earlier, women in Hindu law were not treated as equals to men and did not have the same rights in property and inheritance. However, significant changes were made through the amendment of 2005 to the Hindu Succession Act, which brought about a more egalitarian approach. After the amendment, women are now treated as equals and possess the same rights as men in matters of property and inheritance. They can also become either a Karta (head of a family) or a coparcener (someone who shares equally in inherited property), which was not previously possible for them. Inheritance in Muslims Muslim law, also known as Sharia law, governs the legal framework for Muslims. Unlike some other legal systems, Muslim law does not recognize the concept of separate property. Instead, there is one unified property with general rules that apply to both male and female succession. If a Muslim individual dies without leaving a will, their property is distributed among the legal heirs after deducting expenses and liabilities. This property distribution is known as the Heritable Property. The sources of Muslim law include the Quran, Ijma (consensus of Islamic scholars), Sunna (practices and traditions of Prophet Muhammad), and Qiya (analogical reasoning). Under Muslim law, there are two schools of thought: Shia and Sunni. In Shia law, the property of the deceased person is divided per strip, which means the quantum of inheritance depends on the branch of the family and the number of people in that branch. In Sunni law, the heritable property is divided per capita, meaning each heir receives an equal share of the property. If a Muslim individual wishes to make a will regarding their separate property, they can only will one-third of the property, and the remaining two-thirds will go to the legal heirs. To will more than one-third of the property, the consent of other legal heirs is required. If the consent is not obtained and more than one-third of the property is willed, the person who received the property will only be entitled to one-third, the report explains. In Sunni law, inheritance is categorized into three groups: Sharers, Residuaries, and distant kindred. Sharers are directly entitled to a certain share of the property, followed by residuaries. If any property remains after the residuaries have taken their shares, it goes back to the sharers. Distant kindred receive the property only if there are no sharers or residuaries alive. Under Shia law, the order of succession includes heirs by consanguinity and heirs by special case. The heirs are divided into groups based on their relationship to the deceased, such as parents, children, grandparents, siblings, aunts, and uncles. The Doctrine of Aul and Radd comes into play when the total shares of the sharers exceed the heritable property. In such cases, the shares are decreased proportionately. If the share of sharers is less than the heritable property, the remaining part goes to the residuary. If there is no residuary, it passes on to distant kindred. PTI contributed to this report News / Local by Staff reporter An NHS nurse said she was left thinking "dying is better" after she was handed 10,000 in fines for breaking the Covid travel rules when dealing with a family tragedy.Nancy Gawe, 58, flew to Zimbabwe with her son in September 2021 to be with her mother after the murder of her father.She was stopped at Heathrow terminal four on the return flight, having not booked her and her son into a quarantine hotel after visiting a "red list" country.Gawe, a mental health nurse in the NHS, told a Border Force agent she believed she was flying in from an "amber list" country and had planned to quarantine herself at home.On February 15 this year - 17 months after she was stopped at the airport - Gawe was issued with two 5,000 fixed penalty notices under the government's Health Protection regulations.She did not pay the penalties and was then prosecuted, before ultimately being ordered to pay 808 by a magistrate.In a letter to the court, the single mother said she was stunned to receive letters setting out the fines she faced, she said she has lost potential evidence since the original incident due to the delay, and detailed the impact on her mental health."This particular case was never in my mind", she wrote."I was told if I have not received anything in the next 3-4 weeks, that means (it's) not going further. Honestly I was told it will be that they won't have anything to do anymore."Of evidence of her vaccinated status, Gawe said: "If I had known this case was coming, I should have kept everything in a safe place."And she added: "When I received the first letter of money, I thought dying is better."Gawe, from the Welsh town of Porth, told the court she had a negative Covid test before flying back to the UK, where she needed to attend her medical studies."Missing uni was not an option in terms of learning outcomes", she said."Knowing the profession I was going to get into, there was no chance I would risk coming back to England after testing positive."Gawe, who became a fully-fledged nurse in April last year, told the court she made the trip after her father and nephew had been murdered, in order to comfort her mother."I had to go pay my last respects and help", she said.Gawe, who told the court of money struggles, pleaded guilty to failing to possess a managed self-isolation package on arrival in England and failing to ensure a child possessed managed self-isolation package.Gawe continued to complain in her mitigation about "reassurance from police" that she would not be penalised, which she said "made me believe it's all OK"."Surprisingly after years this is proven wrong", she added. "The issue of trust is very questionable and I don't want to argue because all it does is leave me worrying."The court, sitting behind closed doors last week in the Single Justice Procedure, imposed a 653 fine plus 90 in costs and a 65 victim surcharge. Even as Prime Minister Narendra Modi prepares for his visit to the United States, the Defence Ministry granted approval on Thursday for the acquisition of Predator (MQ-9 Reaper) drones from America. The final decision on the deal will be made by the Cabinet Committee on Security (CCS), ANI reported. The deal for the Predator drones was given approval by the Defence Acquisition Council meeting today. The acquisition proposal will now have to follow a procedure after which it will have to be cleared by the Cabinet Committee on Security," ANI quoted defence sources as saying. About the Deal The DAC, as the highest authority in the Defence Ministry for acquisition decisions, plays a crucial role in approving acquisitions. However, final approval for high-value acquisitions is granted by the Cabinet Committee on Security (CCS). In this specific deal, the Indian Navy is leading the acquisition process, with the intention of acquiring 15 drones for conducting surveillance operations within its designated area of responsibility, the report said. Additionally, the Indian armed forces have plans to procure similar medium altitude and long endurance drones from domestic sources, as part of their efforts to enhance indigenous capabilities. Why Does India Need the Drones? According to an India Today report, military planners view the acquisition of Predator armed drones as a means to enhance Indias offensive capabilities. As the deal progresses, General Atomics Aeronautical Systems, the manufacturer of these drones, has partnered with Bharat Forge to produce landing gear components, subassemblies, and assemblies for remotely piloted aircraft, specifically the Predator drones. The collaboration between the two companies is expected to contribute to the development of capabilities for both sides and bolster the unmanned aircraft industry in India. This partnership is seen as a significant step in advancing the technological capabilities and expertise in the field of unmanned aerial systems, the report states. About the Drones The MQ-9B SeaGuardian is a maritime-focused drone that offers advanced capabilities for extended endurance and versatile operations. With a flight endurance of over 30 hours and the ability to operate in all weather conditions, the SeaGuardian can conduct long-range surveillance and deliver real-time situational awareness in the maritime domain, according to a report by Business Today. The drones integration into civil airspace allows for joint operations and collaboration between military forces and civil authorities, enabling effective responses in various scenarios such as humanitarian assistance, disaster relief, search and rescue, law enforcement, anti-surface warfare, anti-submarine warfare, airborne mine countermeasures, long-range strategic intelligence, over-the-horizon targeting, and anti-submarine warfare, the report adds. The Quad countries, including the United States, India, Australia, and Japan, have operated or currently operate the MQ-9B SeaGuardian. In the interview with PTI, Vivek Lall, the chief executive of General Atomics Global Corporation, emphasized the capabilities of the MQ-9B drone and its potential benefits for the Indian military. He stated that the MQ-9B would surpass any other aircraft in its category in terms of operational range, endurance, and mission versatility. According to Lall, the MQ-9B, including its variants SkyGuardian and SeaGuardian, is equipped with advanced systems that allow it to capture full-motion video in various conditions, whether its day or night. Additionally, the drones onboard systems enable it to perform detailed sensing, enhancing its ability to gather intelligence and carry out a wide range of missions. Key Features The MQ-9 Reaper drones offer a wide range of capabilities that make them highly versatile for various military operations, according to a Hindustan Times report. They are equipped to perform strike, coordination, and reconnaissance missions, particularly against time-sensitive and high-value targets. This capability makes them well-suited for irregular warfare operations that support the objectives of combatant commanders. The drones are capable of conducting intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance (ISR) missions, providing valuable real-time information and situational awareness. They can also provide close air support, assist in combat search and rescue operations, engage in precision strikes, conduct convoy and raid overwatch, assist in route clearance, aid in target development, and provide terminal air guidance, the report says. The baseline system of the MQ-9 carries the Multi-Spectral Targeting System (MTS-B), which integrates various sensors such as infrared, color and monochrome daylight TV cameras, shortwave infrared camera, laser designator, and visual sensors for precise targeting. It also includes a laser rangefinder/designator for accurately designating targets for laser-guided munitions, as well as a synthetic aperture radar for enhanced surveillance capabilities. Furthermore, the MQ-9 can carry up to eight laser-guided missiles, specifically the Air-to-Ground Missile-114 Hellfire. These missiles possess high accuracy, low collateral damage, and are effective against both armored and personnel targets. In terms of logistics, the MQ-9 can be disassembled and loaded into a single container for deployment, and it can be transported using aircraft such as the C-130 Hercules or larger platforms. This enhances its mobility and flexibility for deployment in various operational theaters, the report adds. The Tamil Nadu government on Wednesday announced the withdrawal of its general consent to the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) for conducting investigations in the state. This decision aligns Tamil Nadu with several other states not governed by the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) that have previously taken this step. The timing of this move coincided with the arrest of V Senthil Balaji, the states Electricity and Prohibition and Excise Minister, by the Enforcement Directorate, a central investigative agency, in a money laundering case. A Home Department release here said that according to a specific provision of the the Delhi Special Police Establishment Act, 1946 (Central Act XXV of 1946) the CBI has to secure prior permission from the state government concerned before going there to conduct a probe. The Tamil Nadu government has today issued orders withdrawing the general consent given to certain types of cases in 1989 and 1992 under the aforesaid rule. Accordingly, the CBI has to henceforth get the Tamil Nadu governments prior approval for conducting investigation in the state," the release said. The statement also highlighted that similar orders have already been issued by West Bengal, Rajasthan, Kerala, Mizoram, Punjab, and Telangana. What is the Provision? The Delhi Special Police Establishment Act, 1946 (Central Act XXV of 1946) is a legislation that provides the legal framework for the establishment and functioning of the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI), Indias premier investigative agency, according to a report by iPleaders. The act was enacted on 19th May 1946 and has undergone subsequent amendments over the years. The main objective of the act is to empower the central government to set up a special police force, known as the Delhi Special Police Establishment (DSPE), which is responsible for investigating specific categories of offenses that fall under the jurisdiction of the central government. The DSPE, commonly referred to as the CBI, is tasked with handling cases of corruption, economic offenses, organized crime, and other high-profile cases that have inter-state or international ramifications. Under the Delhi Special Police Establishment Act, the central government has the authority to extend the jurisdiction of the DSPE/CBI to any state or union territory with the consent of the respective state government. However, the act also contains a provision (Section 6) that requires the CBI to seek prior permission from the state government concerned before initiating any investigation within that states jurisdiction. This provision ensures cooperation and coordination between the central investigative agency and the state government. 6. Consent of State Government to exercise of powers and jurisdiction.Nothing contained in section 5 shall be deemed to enable any member of the Delhi Special Police Establishment to exercise powers and jurisdiction in any area in 2[a State, not being a Union territory or railway area], without the consent of the Government of that State," the section states, according to a report by Indian Kanoon. Hearing in Senthils Case to Continue Meanwhile, hearing on various pleas filed by V Senthil Balaji and the ED will continue at a local court in Chennai on Thursday. While Balaji, Electricity and Prohibition and Excise Minister, had sought for interim bail and a plea to be shifted to a private hospital for further treatment, the ED had prayed for his police custody. Balaji was arrested early on Wednesday under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA), in a cash-for-jobs scam allegedly involving him when he was the Transport Minister in the AIADMK government between 2011 and 2015. Balaji was arrested after a long session of questioning. A local court sent him to judicial custody till June 28. The ED had launched multi-city searches in the state on Tuesday on the premises linked to the DMKs Karur strongman as part of the probe into money laundering. What is the Case? The Supreme Court in May allowed police and ED to investigate an alleged cash-for-jobs scam against the DMK strongman. Balaji was the transport minister in the AIADMK government, led by the late J Jayalalithaa, in 2011-15. It was alleged that he received kickbacks from various persons for appointing them as drivers and conductors in the transport corporations. Three FIRs were registered against Balaji and later charge sheets were filed against him, which were pending before a special court for the trial of criminal cases connected to MPs and MLAs. The ED registered a PMLA case against Balaji and others in July 2021 and took up the investigation. PTI contributed to this report The issue is not with Muslims, but how their castes have increased over time, National Commission for Backward Classes (NCBC) chairman Hansraj Gangaram Ahir told News18 as the ruling Trinamool Congress in West Bengal has accused the BJP of communalising the situation ahead of Panchayat polls. Till 2009, there were only 66 OBC castes, including 12 of Muslims, in West Bengal, which was increased by 41, all of them being Muslim castes. From 2011 till now, more Muslim castes have been added, making it a total of 118 castes on the state OBC list, while Hindu OBC castes have remained only 61, Ahir explained to News18. There are 179 castes on the state list of OBC castes. The state government told me that the population of Hindus is 70% and that of Muslims was 27%. Why are there 118 Muslim castes and 61 Hindu castes? I feel the castes have been made wrongly. These are not there even in Mandal Commission. We have asked for these to be removed and mistakes to be corrected, Ahir said. He also said he has not come across any other state that has double the Muslim castes than Hindus ones. There is no other state with such extreme level of hoodwinking. We have raised some issues in other states too, but Bengal is an extreme case where Muslim castes are double than that of Hindus." Ahir has alleged that the West Bengal Commission for Backward Classes is not doing the right job. I asked them if I am sitting in Bengal or Bangladesh? If such loot is done against Hindus, then NCBC is there to check it. If they (Bengal commission) feel they have done the right job, then I cant say anything. I dont have faith in the commission." He further said, As a chairman of NCBC, I feel there is injustice done. The original castes of both Hindus and Muslims have suffered. For me, it isnt about politics or which state government is present there. I feel the parameters have not been kept in mind on how to add castes in OBC list, thats why the increase is lop-sided." He also questioned the role of the Cultural Research Institute (CRI), which is the scientific and technical wing of the Backward Classes Welfare Department of West Bengal. Ahir said CRI told them that they survey what jobs people are doing to decide caste status. He questioned, If a person is doing a certain job, does that mean they belong to a certain caste?" When we went to Kolkata in February, I was told many Muslims have been added to OBC list as they have converted from Hinduism. My question is even if I take this conversion on face value, were all of them OBC to begin with? On what basis were they added?" He even said when the Bengal government was asked for details of all those who have converted from Hinduism to Islam, where and when, the government had no data. They even told us one of the Muslim castes added has roots in Bangladesh. Then why was it added to the OBC list?" Ahir shirked off allegations of politics against him, saying he has been given a responsibility to fight for OBC rights and has taken an oath that he will do no politics. I am only presenting the facts that have come to light". BJP leaders, including party president JP Nadda, have accused Trinamool of favouring Muslims in the OBC list ahead of Panchayat polls. The Mamata Banerjee government had in June 2012 passed a Bill in the West Bengal Assembly to include Muslims in the OBC list, who had 17% reservation in government jobs and higher education. The demand to include Muslims in the OBC category was raised during the Left regime after the Sachar Committees recommendations, which had shown socio-economic conditions of the Muslims of West Bengal. Read more said it has so far shifted more than 94,000 persons living in eight coastal districts to temporary shelters. Of the 94,427 persons evacuated so far, nearly 46,800 were evacuated in Kutch district, followed by 10,749 in Devbhumi Dwarka, 9,942 in Jamnagar, 9,243 in Morbi, 6,822 in Rajkot, 4,864 in Junagadh, 4,379 in Porbandar and 1,605 in Gir Somnath district, a Gujarat government release said. Those who were shifted to safer places include nearly 8,900 children, 1,131 pregnant women and 4,697 elderly persons. A total of 1,521 shelter homes have been set up in these eight districts. Medical teams are visiting the shelters at regular intervals, the release informed. Cyclone Biparjoy was a name given by Bangladesh and pronounced as Biporjoy. The IMD said that before hitting the port, the very severe cyclonic storm will cross Saurashtra and Kutch and the adjoining Pakistan coasts between Mandvi and Karachi. As the cyclone Biparjoy inching closer o Gujarat coast, the Indian Coast Guard (ICG) has made all arrangements to deal with any untoward incident. Weather warnings broadcast will be done by ICG ships, aircraft and radar stations to warn all mariners. It has been ensured that all fishing boats, which are most vulnerable, are returned to their places. All oil handling agencies were also sensitized to prepare for contingencies and 15 ships are ready in multiple configuration. Heres a list of other arrangements made by ICG: 1. Helicopter operations facilities are activated especially at Okha, Jakhau and Vadinar areas for quick response in the Kutch district where cyclone landfall is expected. 2. All eight ICG stations along coast in highest state of readiness. 3. Senior DIG rank officer stationed in the Kutch district at Mundra to oversee field units first-hand. 4. Twenty-three disaster relief teams have been formed in the ICG stations for aid to civil authorities. On Thursday morning, visuals showed rough sea conditions in Gujarats Mandvi. Strong winds in the area were reported too. Several central ministers, including Amit Shah, Mansukh Mandaviya, Rajnath Singh and Nirmala Sitharaman, have been holding meetings to review preparedness for Biporjoy. Gujarat chief minister Bhupendra Patel and his Rajasthan counterpart Ashok Gehlot too are keeping a close eye on the weather-related situation. Trains in the western region have been hit too due to the inclement weather. So far 76 trains have been cancelled, 36 short-terminated and 31 short-originated. In addition, various safety and security precautions are being taken by the Western Railways for train passengers in areas under its jurisdiction. Parts of the Saurashtra-Kutch region received heavy rains accompanied by strong winds, the Met department said, adding that that cyclone will hit with maximum sustained wind speeds of 125-135 kmph gusting to 150 kmph. This will be the second cyclone to hit the state in two years after Tauktae in May 2021. A few places in Porbandar, Rajkot, Morbi, Junagadh and remaining districts of Saurashtra and North Gujarat regions are likely to receive heavy to very heavy rainfall on Thursday. The IMD has also forecast light to moderate rainfall with heavy to extremely heavy showers at isolated places over north Gujarat districts and adjoining south Rajasthan on Friday. Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel reached the State Emergency Operations Centre in Gandhinagar in the morning and held a meeting with top officials to review the situation as well as steps taken to provide relief to people, it said. Meanwhile, two most famous temples of Gujarat Dwarkadhish Temple in Devbhumi Dwarka and Somnath Temple in Gir Somnath district will remain closed on Thursday for devotees, said another release. Amid preparations for Prime Minister Narendra Modis visit to the US, the Defence Ministry on Thursday approved the deal for acquiring the Predator (MQ-9 Reaper) drones from America for which the final decision would be taken by the Cabinet Committee on Security (CCS). The deal for the Predator drones was given approval by the Defence Acquisition Council [DAC] meeting today. The acquisition proposal will now have to follow a procedure after which it will have to be cleared by the Cabinet Committee on Security," news agency ANI quoted defence sources as saying. The DAC is said to be the highest body in the Defence Ministry to take decisions on acquisitions. All high value acquisitions are given final approval by the CCS. The Indian Navy is the lead agency for the deal in which 15 drones will be going to the maritime force for surveillance operations in its area of responsibility, the ANI report said. The three services also have plans of going in for same type of medium altitude and long endurance drones from indigenous sources. The deal comes ahead of PM Modis scheduled to visit the US from June 21 to 24, during which US President Joe Biden will host him at the White House. PM Modi during his visit will become the first Indian PM to address the Joint Meeting of the US Congress for the second time. (With ANI inputs) The first meeting of National Capital Civil Service Authority, NCCSA, constituted through an ordinance by the Centre, has been convened by Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal on June 20, sources in the government said. The meeting will discuss disciplinary action against an official, they claimed. The NCCSA was formed by the Centre through an ordinance on May 19, bringing back executive control over matters related to services to its domain. It was issued close on the heels of a Supreme Court verdict on May 11, whereby the elected government in Delhi was given executive control over the services matters, including transfer and posting of bureaucrats under it. The NCCSA headed by Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal also includes Delhi chief secretary as its member and principal secretary (Home) as its member secretary. The transfer and postings of IAS officers which were earlier decided by the services department under the jurisdiction of Lieutenant Governor, will now be dealt by the NCCSA, according to the ordinance. Recently, the Ministry of Home Affairs moved 10 IAS officers of Arunachal Pradesh-Goa-Mizoram and Union Territory (AGMUT) cadre to Delhi whose postings are yet to be decided by the newly formed NCCSA. It was, however, not clear whether the NCCSA will take up the matter of posting of IAS officers in its first physical meeting, officials said. The decision of the NCCSA approved by its three members are to be sent to the Delhi LG for his nod. The LG may return the file for transfer postings to the NCCSA for reconsideration, if he is not in agreement with its recommendations, or he may take his own independent decision which will be final, as per the ordinance. Kejriwal had termed the ordinance a direct challenge to the majesty and power of Supreme Court", and asserted to contest it in the apex court when it resumed after the summer break. There are several vacancies of senior officers in Delhi government, due to a transfer of the incumbents, including secretary of urban development department, chief executive officer of Delhi Urban Shelter Improvement Board, secretary of IT department, and special commissioner of food and civil supplies department. India has been at its most peaceful in 50 years as riots have been on a steady decline. An analysis of data from the National Crime Records Bureau of riot cases registered between 1970 and 2021 showed that the rate at which riots occur in the country was at its lowest in 2021. Prof Shamika Ravi, a member of the Economic Advisory Council to the Prime Minister of India, tweeted a graph that showed a steady decline in riot-related complaints after Prime Minister Narendra Modi came to power in 2014. The graph also demonstrates that riot-related violence was at its peak in the 1980s following which it started registering a steep decline from the 1990s and through the time the first BJP-led National Democratic Alliance government was in power. Riots (violence) in India is on a steady decline. The country is most peaceful in 50 years. Heres the updated analysis using NCRB data: https://t.co/RT5ppFdW20 pic.twitter.com/ko9FpA8g21 Prof. Shamika Ravi (@ShamikaRavi) June 15, 2023 The graph shows that there was a slight uptick in riot-related cases again when the Manmohan Singh-led UPA government was in power and then a drop as Modi took charge. The data analysis of riot cases comes at a time when the opposition is hitting out at the BJP-led central government for spreading communal hatred. Ravi put out the latest data as a continuing thread from May 2019, where she had put out a graphical analysis of riots in India between 1953 and 2006. She had then said maximum riots were in 1981 at 1,10,361. This was in response to an opinion article published by The Washington Post during the 2019 Lok Sabha elections, which claimed that Indias democracy was broken as people were waiting for the results in fear. Anecdotes (however powerful) are not substitute to careful objective data analysis. And the data tell us that riots and tensions in India have been falling and very sharply from 1998 onwards. (The maximum riots were in 1981: 110361!) #KnowIndia #NewIndia she had tweeted. In the last 10 years, however, India has witnessed two major riots the Muzaffarnagar riots in Uttar Pradesh in 2013 and the riots in the national capital in 2020. In fact, there has been tension in the northeast for over a month as a result of ethnic violence in Manipur, which was triggered by a solidarity march by tribal groups protesting scheduled tribe status to Meitei community. Prime Minister Narendra Modis first state visit to the United States promises to be a power-packed and high-profile event where he will participate in at least a dozen important events, meet top American CEOs as well as some distinguished members of the US Congress. News18 had earlier reported that PM Modi will reach New York on June 21 where he will lead an International Yoga Day function at the UN Secretariat. He will later proceed that day to Washington where a private dinner with the Bidens is likely. The high point of the prime ministers trip will be his address to the US Congress for the second time after one in 2016. With this visit, PM Modi will become the first Indian prime minister to address the joint meeting of the US Congress for the second time. The excitement for PM Modis speech can be felt not just in India but also America as several US Congress members welcomed the development and Indias growth as a partner. Speaking to news agency ANI, Richard McCormick, Congressman from Georgia, said many people did not realise Indias importance. I think a lot of people dont realise how important India is. I think thats why its important for PM Modi to be here and have these consequential conversations. Anybody whos not thinking about the importance of India doesnt realise the strength of numbers, the amount of industrial base, the amount to produce things that China produces simultaneously, but from a much more friendly venue. Somebody whos following the WTO rules rather than breaking them. Thats the kind of partner we need, he said. #WATCH | US: I think a lot of people don't realize how important India is. I think that's why it's important for PM Modi to be here & have these consequential conversations. Anybody who's not thinking about the importance of India doesn't realize the strength of numbers, the pic.twitter.com/7iAyM19Yi8 ANI (@ANI) June 14, 2023 Rep Buddy Carter also took to Twitter to highlight the importance of US-India ties. [The relations] are extremely important to both countries and we are looking forward to hearing PM Modi at the joint session of Congress. We serve at the will of the people and certainly, PM Modi has served the people well. We all strive to have democracy in the world, we all need good trade relations. So we look forward with great anticipation to listening to PM Modi and look forward to building our relationship between US and India. Im excited to welcome Prime Minister Modi to our nations Capitol next week. The US - India relationship is one of the most important in the world. pic.twitter.com/xnagPAGkyQ Buddy Carter (@RepBuddyCarter) June 13, 2023 Sheila Jackson Lee, US Congresswoman, said there were expectations around the prime ministers visit, given the relationship between the worlds largest and the oldest democracies. Nations always have diplomatic concerns that they must address but the good news is we have a pathway to India and India has a pathway to the United States. We know how to discuss our issues. The Congress will look forward to the state address that he (PM Modi) will make in the US Congress. That will be both houses of Congress. Thats a very important position to be in. We will be attentive and we will look forward to all of the solutions that we can make together, she said. #WATCH | The Congress will look forward to the state address that he (PM Modi) will make in the US Congress. That will be both houses of Congress. That's a very important position to be in. We will be attentive & we will look forward to all of the solutions that we can make pic.twitter.com/Y9b8DOyD84 ANI (@ANI) June 15, 2023 A luncheon meeting with the US State department and a key diaspora event is also on the cards during the PMs visit. The PM would hence be making various speeches during his US visit, covering various aspects and highlighting the India success story and how the country has grown in terms of economy, digital payment infrastructure and recovery from the Covid-19 pandemic. Talks on defence and tech and certain key agreements are expected during the bilateral meetings. In Bengalurus Vidhana Soudha Layout near Laggere, a man was caught for stealing womens innerwear and masturbating on terrace. His entire act was was caught on a surveillance camera. Sources said that the unidentified man had been visiting the area under the pretense of searching for a rental property. It is alleged that he secretly recorded videos of women while they were taking showers. A case has been registered at the Rajagopalnagar Police Station and the authorities have initiated a manhunt to locate and apprehend the suspect. Police on Thursday told IANS that the man would enter the residences at a time when there are no men or houses of single women. He seeks access on the pretext of searching for a rented accomodation. Once inside, the accused would spend much time in the washrooms. He would also visit backyards where the clothes will be kept for washing or hung to dry. He would target womens clothes, especially inner wares and blouses, and derive sadistic pleasure," police said. One of the residents had captured a video when the accused psycho takes out a blouse from the laundry basket and makes out" with it after ensuring no one is seeing him. The video has been submitted to the police. In another case in 2022, a man was captured stealing womens undergarments from a locality in Madhya Pradeshs Gwalior. When the action got captured on CCTV, one of the residents of the Gauspura locality lodged a complaint against the unidentified man. According to the complainant, the thief pulled off the act on September 3. He stole underwear along with Rs. 500 kept in the pocket of a kurta. Surveillance camera footage appears to provide evidence of the man running off with underwear. Later, when the person got arrested, cops said the accused didnt simply barge into houses and run off with the clothes but had his own modus operandi for doing this. A 20-year-old female college student, who was allegedly sexually assaulted by a man on board a moving suburban train in Mumbai, courageously fought back her attacker and forced him to flee, police said on Thursday. The accused, a 40-year-old labourer from Kisanganj in Bihar identified as Nawaju Karim Shaikh, was arrested within four hours of the registration of an offence after the incident that took place on the Harbour Line corridor of the Central Railway on Wednesday morning, they said. He has been charged with rape. The incident drew strong reaction from the Opposition in Maharashtra with NCP leader Ajit Pawar expressing anger and demanding swift punishment for the culprit. The incident took place around 7.30 am between Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Terminus (CSMT) and Masjid railway stations, when the victim, a resident of Girgaon in Mumbai, was going to her college in Navi Mumbai to appear for her examinations, an official said. The victim was sitting alone in a ladies compartment of the Panvel-bound train when the accused entered the bogie as soon it started moving from CSMT station, he said. The accused targeted the student after finding her alone in the compartment and started harassing her sexually, but the victim retaliated and shouted for help. She resisted her attacker courageously in a bid to free herself from his clutches, he said. As the train reached Masjid station, the first stop after CSMT, the accused hurriedly got down and fled, said the official. The student then went to the next compartment and informed passengers about the incident, he said, adding a call was given on 1512 Railway Police helpline. The Government Railway Police (GRP) took cognisance of the incident and approached the student, who was made to get down at Vashi railway station and counselled by police personnel, said the official. As the student was in a state of shock, a police team went to her college and and got postponed her exam dates, he said. The victim then went to CSMT railway police station and lodged a complaint based on which a case was registered under section 376 (rape) of the Indian Penal Code (IPC).The police swung into action and formed four teams to identity and nab the accused, said the official. After analysing footage from surveillance cameras and working on technical inputs, the accused was tracked down and placed under arrest, he added. Leader of Opposition in state Assembly Ajit Pawar expressed anger over the incident and said rising incidents of crime against women was a cause of worry and puts a question mark on the functioning of the state home department. A probe should be concluded swiftly and the culprit must be punished, said the former deputy chief minister. News / Local by Staff reporter BULAWAYO motorists have ignored calls to boycott parking in the central business district (CBD) in protest against Trendy Tree Investments (TTI)'s alleged exorbitant parking fees.The Bulawayo Business Development Association (BBDA) recently called for a parking boycott with effect from Monday this week until Saturday.TTI has been hogging headlines for the wrong reasons in recent weeks over its billing system, which has also been said to be irregular.The business community has been organising the boycott for some weeks in their social media groups.In a snap survey, Southern Eye observed that the streets were replete with vehicles. Some motorists were even spotted paying or being issued receipts by TTI marshals.In an interview, Bulawayo businessman Farai Manganda said it was too soon to judge the outcome."It's still early and besides, in some specific places that are usually full like the Haefelis area there were less cars than usual," he said."I am excited at the development because our city fathers are stiff-necked and arrogant. We need to mount more pressure so that they understand that the people can't afford their bills."Manganda said council was not being sincere with residents."They created this problem to begin with because of their poor decisions. They closed Egodini and at the time they said it was temporary for renovations and construction of a mall."Now you have all those vehicles so many years later congesting the CBD and then they say TTI is there to reduce it when they created it," he said.Manganda accused council officials of lying about the situation in the CBD."The same applies to the artificial scenario that has been created along Luveve Road where we don't know if it's still a mine."Some of these people may be taking advantage of the election period so they want to confuse people. Another thing we need to have disclosed is how the TTI tender was awarded in 2021 at the height of the COVID-19 pandemic when few people had access to the information," Manganda added. Mumbai police on Thursday arrested a person called Mayur Shinde in connection with a case involving a threat to Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Sanjay Raut. He will be produced before the Mulund court shortly. According to reports, Mayur Shinde is an NCP worker from Thane and is close to the Raut family. The police have arrested five accused in the case so far. On instructions of Shinde, the other accused had threatened Raut over a phone call. Reacting to Mayur Shindes arrest in the case, BJP leader Prasad Lad demanded that Raut be arrested. On June 8, Sanjay Raut and Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) Chief Sharad Pawar received death threats over phone calls from unknown persons. ALSO READ: Sharad Pawar, Sanjay Raut Get Death Threats; Supriya Sule Seeks Shahs Intervention In an audio recording that surfaced, a man was heard issuing a death warning to Sanjay Rauts brother Sunil Raut claiming that he will shoot the Shiv Sena (UBT) leader. The unidentified caller threatened Raut that he must attend to his calls or he will shoot him. The caller also issued an ultimatum to Raut to stop his morning loudspeakers within a month failing which he would be sprayed with bullets". On June 10, Mumbai police arrested two men from the eastern suburb of Govandi in connection with the case. According to a PTI report, the accused, one of them an autorickshaw driver and another an interior designing worker, were detained on Friday itself. Preliminary investigation revealed that the duo made the threat calls to the Raut brothers under the influence of alcohol, an official said, adding that further investigation is underway. Police registered a case against the accused under section 506-II (criminal intimidation - threat to cause death or grievous hurt) and other sections of the Indian Penal Code, the official further said. As Cyclone Biparjoy made landfall in Gujarat on Thursday evening, an astronaut captured striking images of the very severe cyclonic storm from space. Clicking images from the International Space Station, United Arab Emirates (UAE) astronaut Sultan Al Neyadi showed how Biparjoy formed and looked from space. The images showed a massive cloud structure forming a cyclonic storm on the Arabian Sea. As promised in my previous video here are some pictures of the cyclone #Biparjoy forming in the Arabian Sea that I clicked over two days from the International Space Station pic.twitter.com/u7GjyfvmB9 Sultan AlNeyadi (@Astro_Alneyadi) June 14, 2023 Taking to Twitter, AlNeyadi said, here are some pictures of the cyclone Biparjoy forming in the Arabian Sea that I clicked over two days from the International Space Station." Two days back, the Astronaut had shown, through a video, how the tropical cyclone was forming over the Arabian Sea. Watch as a tropical cyclone forms over the Arabian Sea from these views I captured.The ISS provides a unique perspective on several natural phenomena, which can assist experts on Earth in weather monitoring. Stay safe, everyone! pic.twitter.com/dgr3SnAG0F Sultan AlNeyadi (@Astro_Alneyadi) June 13, 2023 Strong winds and heavy rains have lashed the parts of Gujarat as the cyclone Biparjoy approached the coast of the state and likely to make landfall between 6 pm to 8 pm. In its latest advisory, the IMD has issued red alert for Saurashtra and Kutch coasts. India Meteorological Departments director general Mrityunjay Mohapatra said that sea conditions will remain disturbed today in northeast Arabian Sea due to the severe storm. The Gujarat administration said it has so far shifted more than 94,000 people living in eight coastal districts to temporary shelters. Follow our Live Updates here Of the 94,427 people evacuated so far, nearly 46,800 were evacuated in Kutch district, followed by 10,749 in Devbhumi Dwarka, 9,942 in Jamnagar, 9,243 in Morbi, 6,822 in Rajkot, 4,864 in Junagadh, 4,379 in Porbandar and 1,605 in Gir Somnath district, a Gujarat government release said. Those who were shifted to safer places include nearly 8,900 children, 1,131 pregnant women and 4,697 elderly persons. A total of 1,521 shelter homes have been set up in these eight districts. Medical teams are visiting the shelters at regular intervals, the release informed. Cyclone Biparjoy, a name given by Bangladesh and pronounced as Biporjoy is set to make a landfall today evening near Jakhau Port in Gujarats Kutch district. The IMD said that before hitting the port, the very severe cyclonic storm will cross Saurashtra and Kutch and the adjoining Pakistan coasts between Mandvi and Karachi. On Thursday morning, visuals showed rough sea conditions in Gujarats Mandvi. Strong winds in the area were reported too. Several central ministers, including Amit Shah, Mansukh Mandaviya, Rajnath Singh and Nirmala Sitharaman, have been holding meetings to review preparedness for Biporjoy. Gujarat chief minister Bhupendra Patel and his Rajasthan counterpart Ashok Gehlot too are keeping a close eye on the weather-related situation. Manipur chief minister N Biren Singh on Thursday emphasised the urgent need for the public to refrain from obstructing security convoys on the streets. Such actions have caused significant hindrances and delays in the timely arrival of backup units, severely impacting the confrontation of militants who are targeting civilians in peripheral areas, said the CM while speaking to the media at his secretariat in Imphal. Expressing concern over the recent incident in Khamenlok, where at least nine lives were lost and numerous houses were set ablaze, the chief minister condemned the violence. He announced the initiation of combing operations in 41 hill areas and 38-39 valley areas to apprehend all those involved. As part of these operations, six improvised explosive devices (IEDs) have already been recovered, he added. The CM further assured the public that strong action would be taken against the terrorists responsible for the brutal killings in Khamenlok. Addressing the ongoing unrest, he that it is not a conflict between communities but one between the state government and illegal immigrants, as well as anti-social elements promoting violence and hatred. In this regard, he called upon the public to focus on destabilising these elements and not to succumb to spreading rumours, which have contributed to triggering further violence and eroding trust within the Manipuri community. In response to reports of certain individuals engaging in the illicit buying and selling of abandoned land, the chief minister emphasised that the government will strictly enforce the ML and LR Act of 1960. He assured the public that abandoned lands and houses of displaced people cannot be claimed by anyone, as security forces are actively guarding them. Regarding comments from CSOs based in Mizoram, Biren urged the Mizoram government to exercise control over them, stating that their involvement does not entitle them to decide the fate of Manipur. On the matter of demands for separate administration by ten MLAs, including cabinet ministers, he stated that the government is approaching the issue with a reconciliatory mindset, seeking a mutual understanding, as it is a political matter. However, he emphatically declared that Manipurs integrity would not be compromised under any circumstances. The chief minister also revealed plans to extend the curfew period from 5 am to 6 pm, allowing normal activities to resume gradually and reopen schools from June 21, if possible. The State Level Peace Committee headed by the governor has also begun consultations with its members to expedite the restoration of peace, he said assuring the public that all necessary measures are also being taken by ministers and MLAs, who are engaging in talks with various stakeholders. The CM lastly sought the support and cooperation of the public to achieve the early restoration of peace in Manipur. The press briefing was also attended by Rajya Sabha member Leishemba Sanajaoba, ministers, and MLAs. An eerie silence was witnessed in Uttarkashis Purola on Thursday amid tight security in the wake of the prohibitory orders imposed in the town before a mahapanchayat called by Hindu organisations. Although the local administration has clearly said that they will not allow anyone to organise a mahapanchayat, but the pro-Hindutva outfits are adamant to hold the gathering. In protest against the imposition of section 144, which bars assembly of people, local trade bodies called for a bandh in Uttarkashi district falls on Thursday. Police is keeping vigil on prevailing condition. Another mahapanchayat, being oraganised by the minority community in Dehradun on Sunday, was also denied permission. Drones are monitoring vehicular movement, while police teams are deployed at entry points of Dehradun. #WATCH | Police patrol streets of Purola of Uttarkashi district where Section 144 CrPC has been imposed by the district administration after the town witnessed communal tensions over an alleged attempt to abduct a minor girl last month#Uttarakhand pic.twitter.com/59jwS8lsDk ANI UP/Uttarakhand (@ANINewsUP) June 15, 2023 Communal tension has been brewing in Purola and some other towns of Uttarkashi district after two men, one of them Muslim, allegedly tried to abduct a Hindu girl on May 26. The girl was rescued and the accused sent to judicial custody. Local trade bodies and right wing Hindu outfits have run a sustained campaign against what they call were cases of love jihad" in Purola and neighbouring towns, including Barkot, Chinyalisaur and Bhatwari. Purola Sub-Divisional Magistrate Devanand Sharma said prohibitory orders banning the assembly of four or more people under Section 144 will remain in force till June 19. Bajrang Dal president Anuj Walia said steps being taken to prevent the mahapanchayat are part of a big conspiracy against Hindus. The mahapanchayat was to be held peacefully. The administration is protecting jihadis," Walia said, demanding the removal of Uttarkashi district magistrate Abhishek Rohilla and Superintendent of Police Arpan Yaduvanshi. The administration is acting under the pressure of AIMIM leader Asaduddin Owaisi," he said. Section 144 will not deter Hindu organisations from going ahead with the mahapanchayat which can be held anytime after June 19, Walia added. Among other right wing Hindu outfits that called for the mahapanchayat include the Vishwa Hindu Parishad and Devbhoomi Raksha Abhiyan. Love jihad" is a term often used by right wing activists to allege a ploy by Muslim men to lure Hindu women into marriages for religious conversion. Apart from the abduction bid reported from Purola on May 26, another failed abduction attempt of two minor sisters of Nepali origin by a man called Nawab was reported on June 8 from Arakot area of Uttarkashi district. The accused in both cases were booked under section 363 (abduction) of the IPC and the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences Act. Over 40 shops run by Muslims in Purola have not opened even a fortnight after the abduction attempt. Posters asking alleged perpetrators of love jihad" to leave the town or face consequences appeared on these shops last week. Muslim Seva Sangathan, an organisation fighting for the rights of Muslims, has also given a call for a mahapanchayat in Dehradun on June 18. Muslim bodies like the Uttarakhand Waqf Board and state Haj committee have appealed to the chief minister to take stringent action against anti-social" elements trying to derail peace in the hills and protect Muslims who have been living in Purola for generations. Plea Against Mahapanchayat in High Court Today Meanwhile, the Uttarakhand High Court will on Thursday hear a plea to prevent Hindu outfits from holding a mahapanchayat against love jihad" in Purola town. The Association for the Protection of Civil Rights moved the court on Wednesday after the Supreme Court had refused to entertain its plea against the mahapanchayat, but allowed the petitioner to approach the HC or any other authority. GURU HARGOBIND SAHIB BIRTH ANNIVERSARY: Guru Hargobind Sahib was the sixth Guru of Sikhism. He was born on June 19, 1595, in Wadali, Amritsar. He was the only child of Guru Arjan Dev and Mata Ganga. At the age of 11, he succeeded his father as Guru. He is credited for spearheading the militarisation of the Sikh community. He emphasises the need to develop a warrior spirit in the community because of the persecution from the Mughal rulers. Guru Hargobind Sahib always carried two swords, representing the philosophy of Miri-Piri". The first sword Miri represented power whereas Piri symbolised his spiritual skills. HERE ARE 10 FACTS ABOUT GURU HARGOBIND SAHIB Guru Hargobind Sahib was a skilled warrior and founded the Sikh army. He built the Akal Takht, the highest temporal seat of the Sikh faith. He released 52 Hindu kings from Mughal captivity. The sixth Guru of Sikhism established the concept of Miri-Piri, which is the unity of spiritual and temporal authority. He introduced the practice of carrying two swords, one representing spiritual authority and the other temporal power. He was a patron of the arts and sciences. He wrote a number of hymns, which are included in the Sikh holy book, the Guru Granth Sahib. He was a just and compassionate ruler. He was a great teacher and philosopher. He is considered to be one of the most important figures in Sikh history. Here are some of the ways in which Sikhs celebrate Guru Hargobind Sahibs birth anniversary: Premature ejaculation (PE) is a common sexual dysfunction that affects many men worldwide. It is characterized by the inability to control ejaculation, leading to the early release of semen during sexual activity. This condition can cause distress and frustration for both the individual and their partner. It is important that one understands the factors causing this condition, which can help in identifying the symptoms at an early stage and seeking timely treatment. Premature ejaculation is mostly linked to erectile dysfunction (ED) which is another sexual dysfunction that impact sexual performance and may lead to performance anxiety. While PE is commonly experienced by those aged 18-59, ED is more prevalent in individuals over 40. According to Pub Med, theres a strong connection between the two conditions, with 30-60% of people with ED also experiencing PE. Its important to note that ED and PE can coexist, and their association is bidirectional. This means that having one condition increases the likelihood of developing the other, says Dr Mohan Keshavamurthy, Chairman, Renal Sciences, Fortis Hospital (India) Director of Urology, Uro-Oncology, Andrology, Transplant & Robotic Surgery at Fortis Hospital, Bangalore. Premature ejaculation refers to the condition where a man ejaculates earlier than desired during sexual activity, often with minimal stimulation and before both partners are satisfied. While premature ejaculation does not directly affect male fertility, it can have implications for a couples ability to conceive due to timing and sexual satisfaction, opines Dr Kalpana Jain, Consultant, Birla Fertility & IVF. Heres an overview of the causes, symptoms, and treatment options for premature ejaculation: CAUSES Dr Jain explains the causes of Premature Ejaculation: Psychological factors Anxiety, stress, performance anxiety, depression, relationship issues, or early sexual experiences can contribute to premature ejaculation. Biological factors Certain medical conditions, such as hormonal imbalances, prostate problems, thyroid disorders, or abnormal reflex activity of the ejaculatory system, can play a role in premature ejaculation. Inherited traits There may be a genetic component to premature ejaculation, with some men being more predisposed to the condition. Symptoms Premature ejaculation is most recognized by the inability to delay ejaculation during sexual activity. Both partners may be unsatisfied if a man with PE has a recurring habit of ejaculating within a minute or two of penetration. ED, on the other hand, is characterized by trouble obtaining or keeping an erection strong enough for sexual activity. Significant distress, problems with ones self-esteem, and difficulty in relationships can all result from these symptoms, adds Dr Keshavamurthy. Effects on Male Infertility While premature ejaculation itself does not directly impact male fertility, it can indirectly affect fertility if it hinders the couples ability to time intercourse optimally. In some cases, if ejaculation occurs before penetration or very shortly afterward, it may make conception more challenging. Additionally, the emotional and psychological distress associated with premature ejaculation can contribute to sexual dysfunction and reduce overall sexual satisfaction, which may affect a couples willingness or ability to engage in regular sexual activity for conception, states Dr Jain. Treatment Options for Premature Ejaculation Treatment for Premature Ejaculation typically involves a combination of behavioural techniques, counselling, and medical interventions. Behavioral techniques Ejaculatory control and ED can be improved with behavioural strategies such as the stop-start method and the squeeze technique. Counselling could be useful for resolving psychological problems that contribute to PE and ED enhancing overall sexual satisfaction, says Dr Keshavamurthy. Psychological counselling Addressing any underlying psychological issues, such as anxiety or performance anxiety, through therapy or counselling can be beneficial. Medications In some cases, doctors may prescribe certain medications, such as selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs), which can have an effect on delaying ejaculation. Topical anaesthetics Creams or sprays containing local anaesthetics may be applied to the penis to reduce sensitivity and delay ejaculation, believes Dr Jain. Combination therapies A combination of behavioral techniques, counselling, and medication may be recommended for severe cases or when other methods have not been effective. Medical interventions When conservative treatments fail to produce satisfactory results, medical interventions may be considered. The penile implant, a surgical procedure that includes inserting an inflated or pliable device into the penis, is one such possibility. This implant allows the user to acquire and sustain an erection, giving them more control over their erection and ejaculation. While penile implant surgery is a more intrusive procedure, it can be quite beneficial for men who have not responded to previous treatments, opines Dr Keshavamurthy. It is necessary to consult a qualified healthcare professional, such as a urologist or sexual medicine specialist, to determine the most appropriate treatment for each individual. They can evaluate the specific needs and goals of the patient and guide them towards the most suitable treatment options, including behavioral techniques, medications, counseling, or surgical interventions. Planning a trip to Europe often involves exploring famous destinations that promise an unforgettable experience. However, there are numerous hidden gems, unexplored treasures that offer extraordinary experiences and a chance to explore lesser-known destinations. Whether you are a history lover, a nature lover, a foodie, or an art enthusiast, there is something for every type of traveller in Europe. Lets have a look at Europes hidden gems and provide you with tips on planning a unique visit that will leave you with pleasant memories. These unexplored places have all the charm of the famous spots but without the crowds. With scenic villages, beautiful hill towns, and waterside resorts, Europe comes with hidden destinations, away from the annoying crowds. Bohinj, Slovenia Nestled in the heart of the Julian Alps, Bohinj in Slovenia is a pure paradise that often goes unnoticed in the thick of Slovenias more popular tourist destinations. This unexplored destination offers a peaceful and breathtaking escape for nature lovers and outdoor enthusiasts. With its beautiful mountains, crystal-clear lake, and preserved landscapes, Bohinj is a retreat of natural beauty waiting to be explored. Lake Bohinj, Triglav National Park, Savica Waterfall, and Vogel Ski Resort are some of the spots that captivate the hearts of those seeking natural beauty and outdoor adventure. These spots will leave you with memories of Slovenias extraordinary beauty. Mantua, Italy Mantua is a city steeped in history, culture, and artistic grandeur. With its magnificent architecture and rich artistic heritage, Mantua offers visitors a glimpse into the Renaissance era. As a UNESCO World Heritage site, this unexplored destination rewards those who venture off the beaten path with its beauty and historical significance. Palazzo Ducale, Piazza delle Erbe, Teatro Bibiena and Ducal Palace are some of the places you should surely visit. Ronda, Spain Ronda is a beautiful town in Andalusia, Spain. Its breathtaking views and iconic Puente Nuevo bridge make it a hidden gem worth exploring. Visit the Plaza de Toros, Spains oldest bullrings, and wander through the charming old town. Mondragon Palace, the Casa del Rey Moro, and the impressive Arab Baths are some of the highlights of this place. Indulge in traditional tapas while enjoying the panoramic vistas. Sao Miguel Island, Portugal Sao Miguel Island is a beautiful destination that attracts travellers with its amazing landscapes, vibrant culture, and unique natural wonders. Also known as the Green Island, Sao Miguel offers a variety of attractions, from volcanic landscapes to beautiful lakes, hot springs, and charming coastal villages. Whether you seek adventure, relaxation, or immersion in nature, Sao Miguel Island promises an unforgettable experience. Sete Cidades, Furnas, Lagoa do Fogo, and Ponta Delgada are some of the attractive spots. Kotor, Montenegro Kotor is an unexplored gem on the Adriatic coast. The medieval old town is a maze of narrow streets, squares, and ancient buildings that offer scenic views of the bay. Explore the Cathedral of Saint Tryphon, visit the Maritime Museum, and hike up to the Fortress of San Giovanni for unforgettable experiences. Take a boat ride to the nearby Our Lady of the Rocks islet and swim in the crystal-clear waters. Liechtenstein (Between Switzerland and Austria) Liechtenstein beckons to those seeking peaceful mountain exploration. Despite its small size, it boasts a wealth of natural beauty and outdoor activities. With its beautiful landscapes, tranquil villages, and alpine trails, Liechtenstein offers a scenic escape from the madding tourist crowds. So, grab your hiking boots and skis and get ready to embark on a peaceful mountain adventure. WORLD ELDER ABUSE AWARENESS DAY 2023: Elder abuse is a pressing issue that affects millions of older adults worldwide. World Elder Abuse Awareness Day (WEAAD) is observed on June 15 every year to raise awareness and combat this problem. This significant day aims to shed light on the abuse, neglect, and exploitation experienced by older individuals. It also emphasizes the importance of promoting their well-being and dignity. By promoting awareness, empowering older individuals, and fostering collaborative action, we can work towards creating a world where every older person can age with dignity and respect, without fear of abuse. Let us unite on this day to protect the rights and well-being of our seniors and ensure they receive the care and support they deserve. Check the theme, quotes, messages, history, and significance of World Elder Abuse Awareness Day 2023 mentioned below. WORLD ELDER ABUSE AWARENESS DAY 2023: THEME Each year, World Elder Abuse Awareness Day is associated with a specific theme that focuses on various aspects of elder abuse. The theme for 2023 is Closing the Circle: Addressing Gender-Based Violence (GBV) in Older Age - Policy, Law and Evidence-based Responses." The theme underscores the intersection of gender-based violence and elder abuse, specifically focusing on the experiences of older individuals. It recognizes that older adults, particularly older women, can be vulnerable to various forms of violence, including physical, emotional, sexual, and financial abuse, as well as neglect. These forms of abuse are often influenced by social, cultural, and gender dynamics. It also emphasizes the need for policy, legal frameworks, and evidence-based responses to address and prevent elder abuse. WORLD ELDER ABUSE AWARENESS DAY: QUOTES The wiser mind mourns less for what age takes away than what it leaves behind." - William Wordsworth We have a responsibility to protect our elders from abuse and ensure that they are treated with respect and dignity." - Ted Deutch One person caring about another represents lifes greatest value. - Jim Rohn The greatest discovery of my generation is that man can alter his life simply by altering his attitude. - James Truslow Adam We must show our elders the respect and care they deserve, and work together to prevent elder abuse in all its forms." - Senator Kirsten Gillibrand WORLD ELDER ABUSE AWARENESS DAY: MESSAGES Evil has always been known to capitalize on someones weakness, and now they are in the form of elderly abusers. So, try to help them on World Elder Abuse Awareness Day. Why cant we live in harmony, especially with the elderly, who are just as harmless as our loved ones? Lets change our thinking this World Elder Abuse Awareness Day. Just because they are aged and scientifically weak, one cannot just shower them with all kinds of abuse. Lets oppose together on this World Elder Abuse Awareness Day. Respect and follow your elders since they have sacrificed so much for you. Have a good time with them over the holidays. Everyone of us has to go through the same age as any elderly so without waiting for the karma to work lets start by respecting them on World Abuse Awareness Day. WORLD ELDER ABUSE AWARENESS DAY: HISTORY The history of WEAAD dates back to the United Nations General Assemblys adoption of the International Plan of Action on Aging in 1982. This plan recognized the importance of protecting the rights and well-being of older persons and called for efforts to prevent elder abuse. However, it was not until June 15, 2006, that the United Nations officially designated this day as World Elder Abuse Awareness Day. The decision to establish WEAAD on June 15 was significant. It coincided with the official launch of the International Network for the Prevention of Elder Abuse (INPEA), an organization dedicated to raising awareness and preventing elder abuse globally. The INPEA played a crucial role in promoting the observance of WEAAD and coordinating efforts to combat elder abuse. WORLD ELDER ABUSE AWARENESS DAY: SIGNIFICANCE World Elder Abuse Awareness Day serves as a platform to encourage dialogue and action to address the issue of elder abuse. The objective is to provide education on the various forms of mistreatment endured by the older population worldwide, encompassing verbal, physical, and emotional abuse. Activities and initiatives organized on WEAAD include conferences, workshops, seminars, public awareness campaigns, and advocacy efforts. With just a few hours left for Adipurush release, the first photo of the seat dedicated to Lord Hanuman has surfaced online. In a photo coming in from Baroda, a theatre owner has picked out a seat in one of the rows of the screen that will be playing Adipurush and decked it up in the honour of Lord Hanuman. It was previously revealed that theatre owners will be setting aside one seat for Lord Hanuman as a mark of respect in every screen playing Prabhas and Kriti Sanons Adipurush. In the photo from the theatre in Baroda, a framed photo of Lord Hanuman featuring Lord Ram and Sita was seen placed on the seat while a garland was placed on it. A few petals of flowers covered the seat while a saffron shawl was placed over it. The photo has already hit the internet and is now going viral. Theatre owners decided to reserve a seat for Hanuman upon Adipurush director Om Rauts request. During a trailer event for the film in Tirupati, Raut requested films producers to reserve an empty seat in every theater where the film is screened as a gesture of honour to Lord Hanuman. This act symbolizes the reverence and acknowledgment of Lord Hanumans spiritual presence during the showcasing of the film Adipurush," he said. Following the request and the announcement that a seat would be set aide in the Lords honour, there were reports suggesting that the cost of the reserved seat would be higher than regular seats. However, the movies production company, T-Series, took to Twitter on Monday to refute these claims. There are misleading reports circulating in the media regarding #Adipurush ticket pricing. We want to clarify that there will be no differences in rates for seats next to the one reserved for Hanuman Ji! Dont fall for false information! Jai Shri Ram! , they tweeted. Adipurush releases on June 16. Besides Prabhas and Kriti Sanon, the film also stars Sunny Singh, Devdatta Nage, and Saif Ali Khan. Chris Hemsworth in an action-thriller is something we can all keep watching on loop. The Australian actor, who is best known for his portrayal of Thor in Marvel Cinematic Universe, has once again proved why he is one of the best stars when it comes to action, thanks to his new film outing Extraction 2, which is currently streaming on Netflix. Directed by Sam Hargrave, this is a sequel to the 2020 blockbuster. Extraction 2 sees Hemsworth reprise his role as Tyler Rake along with his squad Golshifteh Farahani and Adam Bessa. The film starts exactly where the first part ended. Hemsworth is retired and recovering from his injuries in a secluded destination. However, his regular life is short-lived when Idris Elba comes and hands him a task that is close to him. This is where the story delves further into Rakes personal life and backstory. But, as we know Sam Hargrave, he didnt disappoint with the action sequences in Extraction, and he has clearly stepped up his game in the sequel. The first part had a single shot 12-minute action sequence, but this part has almost a 20-minute long action scene, and it will surely keep you on the edge of your seats. Hemsworth was last seen in Thor: Love and Thunder, and this is surely quite different from what we have seen of him. He has worked hard on himself to build his body and tone it to what it was in Extraction 1. For those who enjoy fast-paced action, big guns and explosions, Hargrave has not shied away from throwing Hemsworth and his squad under the bus constantly. It is safe to state that the film is packed with action sequences to an extent where there is a stunt almost every two minutes. It is as if Hargrave decided to use action to tell a compelling story and message, which is nothing but marvelous. Speaking of the performances by Golshifteh Farahani and Adam Bessa, they complement Hemsworth in every way possible and are surely the reason why Tyler Rake looks so impressive on his missions. Besides the fast-paced action, the film also gives out a strong message of how far one can go when it comes to family. The storytelling is crisp and to the point with minimal dialogues and soft interactions between the lead characters. The film is shot beautifully across ice-clad mountains and lakes of Prague, Czech Republic. Overall, this movie is better than the first and will leave you excited for the third part. News / Local by Staff reporter THE Bulawayo City Council (BCC) says it will tighten traffic laws and raid motorists who pick and drop passengers at illegal points around the city.This was revealed in the latest council minutes. Councillors said the illegal pick-up points were creating chaos in the city.Councillor Silas Chigora said when the trading complexes were constructed, for example, Entumbane and Nkulumane, the idea was to strategically service communities."Around them, bus terminuses were also established. Effective enforcement should be done to clear all illegal pick-up points," Sigora said."Those illegal pick-up points have also (seen) residents and institutions in the CBD (central business district) complaining about noise pollution."Mayor Solomon Mguni said: "Council will engage complex owners for a way forward. If the prevailing situation at shopping malls is not dealt with, it could affect councils' efforts to establish new development corridors along Leopold Takawira Street extension."He said the Bulawayo CBD was clean during the COVID-19 lockdown period after a number of activities were decentralised to residential areas."There were fewer activities in shopping complexes like Nkulumane and Entumbane and most shops were closed," he said.Earlier this year, council launched a blitz against commuter omnibuses which use illegal pick-up points but suspended it pending consultations with the security sector.However, Bulawayo United Residents Association chairperson, Winos Dube, said for sanity to prevail on the city's roads, government should impound and suspend licences of vehicles using illegal pick-up points."They are parking and picking up people at undesignated places such as Centenary Park and they should be charged, perhaps it will act as a deterrent for them to stop operating from there," he said. Just a day ago, the Karnataka Chief Ministers Office tweeted that the makers of the Kannada film Daredevil Musthafa had approached CM Siddaramaiah to request tax exemption for the movie. Directed by Shashank Sohgal, the film promotes inter-communal harmony and is inspired by the writings of renowned author Puranchandra Tejaswi. Recognising the social message conveyed by the film, CM Siddaramaiah has granted the makers request, declaring Daredevil Musthafa as tax-free in the state. Daredevil Musthafa revolves around the life of a Muslim student studying in a college predominantly attended by Hindu students. Based on a captivating short story by Puranchandra Tejaswi, the movie explores themes of religious tolerance and unity, resonating with audiences. Its release on May 18 garnered critical acclaim for its impactful social message. Alongside seasoned performers such as Mandya Ramesh, Nagbhushan, and Poornachandra Mysore, among others, the ensemble cast of Daredevil Musthafa" includes several newcomers, including the lead actors Aditya and Shashidhar. Each character seems to have been carefully chosen by the filmmaker, as they effortlessly fit their respective roles. Despite the book on which the film is based is almost five decades old, the essence of the story remains more relevant than ever in recent times. Many reviewers praise director Shashank Sohgal for successfully translating the story onto the big screen. Some critics have hailed it as the finest book adaptation in Kannada cinema. The previous BJP government in Karnataka had granted tax exemption for the controversial film The Kashmir Files last year. The right-wing government had also arranged for special screenings of the recently released The Kerala Story just days before the assembly elections, after which the Congress took over the reins of the state. The celebrations are in full swing in the Deol house! Bollywood actor Sunny Deols son Karan is all set to tie the knot with his childhood sweetheart Drisha Acharya on June 18 in an intimate ceremony. The two reportedly got engaged on the wedding anniversary of grandparents Dharmendra and Prakash Kaur. Now, in the latest development, its being reported that Karan Deol and Drisha Acharya will be moving out from the Deol family home. A source told ETimes, Sunny teared up every time the subject of Karans post-marriage residential plans would come up, until Karan reassured his father that Drisha and he had no plans of staying on their own. She (Drisha) is very family-oriented and has always cherished family values. Sunny and his wife dote on their daughter-in-law. Drisha for all practical purposes, is already a part of the Deol family ever since she started dating Karan." Only yesterday it was reported that veteran actor Dharmendra has decided to give his grandsons pre-wedding functions a miss and will only be attending the wedding ceremony. Explaining why he took this decision, he told ETimes, Let the children have fun. If I am around, they are likely to get inhibited. I do not want them to miss out on any of the fun. Dharmendra gave his blessings to the couple and also revealed how Karan Deol had informed the family members about his decision to marry Drisha. The veteran actor revealed that Karan first told his mother Pooja Deol about it, who then told Sunny before the news finally came to him. Talking about the wedding, Dharmendra had previously said, I am very happy for Karan and Drisha. They have all my blessings. I welcome the new addition to the Deol family. While the videos of Sunny Deol, Abhay Deol and Bobby Deol having fun at Karans pre-wedding festivities are already making rounds, a new video of grooms dad Sunny Deol dancing on Morni Banke" has taken social media by storm. Dressed in black shirt and blue denim, Sunny looks happy on the occasion of his sons wedding. As per a report by India Today, Karan-Drishas Sangeet, Mehendi, and Haldi will take place between June 15 and June 17, and the couple will tie the knot on June 18. The Deol family have also planned a reception for the couple post the wedding for the industry friends to attend. While Karan Deol made his acting debut with 2019 film Pal Pal Dil Ke Paas and has also worked with uncle Abhay Deol in 2021 film Velle. Karans soon-to-be wife Drisha Acharya is a fashion designer and great-granddaughter of Bimal Roy. Varun Tej and Lavanya Tripathi embarked on a new journey on June 9 as they exchanged rings in an intimate ceremony attended by family and close friends. Soon after the event, the couple jetted off for a foreign vacation. Now, days later, in a joint post from Europe, Varun and Lavanya thanked their fans for the lovely wishes and also gave a glimpse into their holiday together. Their latest Instagram entry shows Lavanya and Varun holding hands took a walk down a street. In the image, Varun Tej is dressed in a white T-shirt and black pants, while Lavanya opted for a black-and-white ensemble. In the caption, the couple wrote, " Thanks to each and everyone for the warm wishes!" As soon as they uploaded the pictures, the comment section was filled with love and warm wishes. Niharika Konidela, sister of Varun Tej, also responded to the post using heart-eyed emoticons. Actress Shriya Saran wrote, Congratulations guys. So happy." Celebrity Pooja Javeri and many others dropped compliments for the newly engaged couple. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Varun Tej Konidela (@varunkonidela7) Last week, Varun Tej and Lavanya Tripathi shared a string of images from their engagement. The duo were seen laughing and flaunting their rings in pictures. The celebration was held at his father, Naga Babus Manikonda residence in Hyderabad, which was decorated with beautiful flowers in pastel hues. Ram Charan, Allu Arjun, Panja Vaisshnav Tej, Sai Dharam Tej and Allu Aravind were in attendance. Sharing a picture from the ceremony, Varun wrote, Found my Lav." View this post on Instagram A post shared by Varun Tej Konidela (@varunkonidela7) According to reports, Varun Tej and Lavanya Tripathi first met while working together on the 2017 film Mister. Reportedly, the couple fell in love and started dating. However, they decided to remain tight-lipped about their relationship. Later, when the two actors were filming their second movie, Antariksham 9000 KMPH, the rumours about their romance intensified. On the work front, Varun Tej will be seen opposite Manushi Chillar in an action film by Shakti Pratap Singh Hada. Lavanya Tripathi, on the other hand, made her OTT debut with the Telugu series Puli Meka. Kannada actor-director Rakshit Shettys highly anticipated film, Sapta Sagaradaache Ello, has finally announced its release dates. The film will be split into two parts, with Side A scheduled to release on September 1 and Side B set for release on October 20. This exciting news was revealed by Rakshit Shetty himself on June 6, through a post on his Twitter account. In his post, Rakshit Shetty shared the films official poster and captioned it, The first of himand the rest of him! SSE Side A - releasing on September 1st. SSE Side B - releasing on October 20th. Mark your calendar." The announcement has left fans eagerly marking their calendars in anticipation of this unique cinematic experience. Written and directed by Hemanth M. Rao, Sapta Sagaradaache Ello" features Rakshit Shetty, Pavitra Lokesh, and Achyuth Kumar in the lead roles. This romantic film also boasts a talented ensemble cast, including Rukmini Vasanth, Sharath Lohitashwa, Gopal Krishna Deshpande, Avinash, and Ramesh Indira, among others, in pivotal roles. The films music is composed by Charan Raj, while Adhvitha Gurumurthy handles the cinematography. Backed by Rakshits production house, Paramvah Studios, Sapta Sagaradaache Ello was a labor of love, with a production period spanning over 137 days. Director Hemanth M. Rao expressed his excitement about the films release, sharing on Twitter, I wrote this film 12 years ago. Its incredibly close to my heart. It has evolved a lot over time, and after all these years, I get to share this story with the rest of the world. Side A of #SSE will be out on 1st Sep & Side B of #SSE on Oct 20th. See you at the movies soon!!" The collaboration between Hemanth Rao and Rakshit Shetty in Sapta Sagaradaache Ello marks a long-awaited reunion after six years since their previous successful film, Godhi Banna Sadharna Maikattu. In a recent interview with Bangalore Times, Hemanth Rao shared insights into Rakshits character in the film, revealing that the actor initially portrays an innocent persona. However, as the story unfolds over a decade, the character undergoes a profound transformation, promising a compelling narrative for the audience. Rakshit Shetty has garnered immense popularity through his notable films such as Kirik Party, 777 Charlie, Avane Srimannarayana, and Ulidavaru Kandanthe. The talented actor-director has several exciting projects lined up, including Bachelor Party, Thugs of Malgudi, and Richard Anthony. Meanwhile, Pavitra Lokesh, known for her exceptional performances in films like Race Gurram, Red, iSmart Shankar, and Malli Malli Idi Rani Roju, is also making her mark in the industry. The actress has an impressive lineup of films, including Rampur 0 km, Telisinavaallu, and Ugravatara. Tamannaah Bhatia opened up about her thoughts on marriage in a new interview. The actress, who is dating Vijay Varma, said that marriage is a big responsibility and that one should dive into it only if they know that they are ready for it. Speaking with India Today, Tamannaah Bhatia, 33, confessed that when she began her career 18 years ago, she thought that she would last in the industry for merely eight to 10 years. She envisioned herself being married and having two children by the age of 30. However, life panned out differently and she feels like it a second birth shes had. When I started working years back it was like an actresss career span was only for 8-10 years. So I did the math and was like by the age of 30 I would have finished working, married, and would have two kids. I had not planned post-30. So, when I actually became 30 years old, I realised that I am just born, it was like a purna janam, I felt like a brand new baby," she said. Today we do things out of choice and it makes us feel a certain way and we have that choice. The generation before would always think yeh time ho gaya to yeh kar lo etc. Apart from scientifically a biological block, there is nothing really else going against you as a woman. So suddenly I have realized that my ideas then were so people friendly, they werent my ideas. I only discovered my ideas when I turned 30," she added. Talking about marriage, Tamannaah said, I feel you should get married when you want to get married. Marriage is a big responsibility. Its not a party. It takes a lot of work, and so is having a plant, having a dog, or having kids. So when you are ready for a responsibility like that which is important then you do it. Not because time or sab kar rahe hain toh karlo." On the work front, Tamannaah is seen in the newly released series Jee Karda. The series marked her debut in the webseries space. While the reviews praise her, Tamannaah sparked a controversy after she was seen performing sex scenes in the series. Vicky Kaushal and Katrina Kaif are the ultimate power couple of Bollywood. Katrina and Vicky have been shelling out major couple goals ever since they tied the knot in December 2021 and never fail to grab eyeballs every time they step outside the confines of their house. After the success of Vicky Kaushal starrer Zara Hatke Zara Bachke, it seems the actor is heading for a romantic vacation with wifey Katrina Kaif as they were spotted together at Mumbai airport in the wee hours of Thursday morning. In a video shared by popular paparazzo handle Yogen Shah, Vicky and Katrina were seen arriving at the airport in their swanky. Not only that, the lovely couple twinned in a pair of black hoodies and black lower pants. They also paired it up with sunglasses as well as Vicky donned a black cap. While its not clear where they were heading, they acknowledged the paps with a smile on their face. Just yesterday, Vicky Kaushal drove our midweek blues away by sharing an adorable photo with Katrina Kaif. The actor took to Instagram and shared a photo in which the couple are seen enjoying a twilight hour in their balcony. However, instead of watching the sunset, they are lost in each others eyes. In the photo, Katrina is seen wearing a gorgeous orange summer dress while her hair is left loose. Meanwhile, Vicky was seen wearing a light brown shirt with a pair of denim pants. The couple was seen holding hands and lost in conversation in the photo. Vicky shared the photo with a home and heart emoji. He added the song Phir Aur Kya Chahiye from his film Zara Hatke Zara Bachke. Katrina has been away from the spotlight for a while now. Although she made an airport appearance a few days ago, the actress has not been as active as she used to be in the recent months. On the work front, she was last seen in Phone Bhoot and will now appear in Merry Christmas with Vijay Sethupathi. Meanwhile, Vicky is enjoying the success of Zara Hatke Zara Bachke. The film, which also stars Sara Ali Khan, has already surpassed Rs 50 crore collection and is doing steady business. Trade expert Taran Adarsh tweeted on Wednesday, #ZaraHatkeZaraBachke will cruise past 60 cr mark today [Wed] The journey to 70 cr begins [Week 2] Fri 3.42 cr, Sat 5.76 cr, Sun 7.02 cr, Mon 2.70 cr, Tue 2.52 cr. Total: 58.77 cr. #India biz." Gone are the days when television stars were paid peanuts compared to their cinematic counterparts. In the not-too-distant past, popular TV actors could only expect a meagre income per episode, while their film counterparts commanded multi-crore. However, with the rise of film personalities, game shows, and reality TV, the landscape has dramatically transformed. As audiences swelled and television became a lucrative industry, money started pouring in, bridging the gap between television and cinema in terms of remuneration. As a result, it is not unexpected that the highest-paid TV personalities are primarily superstars who host one or more shows, such as Kapil Sharma for The Kapil Sharma Show, Kangana Ranaut for Lock Up, Amitabh Bachchan for Kaun Banega Crorepati, or Karan Johar for Koffee With Karan. As per multiple sources, these movie stars command a hefty fee of approximately INR 1 lakh or even more for each episode of their respective programs. This significant figure indicates that their earnings for a season of their television ventures can rival those of some of the highest-paid film stars. However, these profits pale in comparison to what actor Salman Khan earns for hosting the popular reality show Bigg Boss. Multiple sources last year suggested that Salman Khan earned a massive INR 1000 crore for the entire season of Bigg Boss 16. The actor made light of the number in interviews and never took it seriously. Later accounts in Siasat and Tellychakkar show that the figure was slightly overstated. Salman is reportedly charging INR 25 crore each week for the new season, or INR 12.5 crore for every episode. As a result, he is the highest-paid Indian personality on television. It is definitely unreasonable to compare Salman Khans wages for Bigg Boss to what actors make for fiction shows on television because the two genres are so different. Rupali Ganguly is now at the top. According to the Times of India, the Anupamaa star charges Rs 3 million every episode for the show. Hina Khan, Ronit Roy, and Ram Kapoor earn more than Rs 1.5 lakh every episode. Every view has a counter, every opinion can be different, and at News18, we value each one of them. To present these views and opinions to you - the reader - is not just a job, but also our duty. News18 kicks off a new series, Sticking Point, which will have prominent opinion makers from across India and the world face off on varied topics through their written words. Sticking Point will be the voice of diverse authors, as they debate on a particular subject of national and international importance, and more importantly, one that enlightens our reader. The abrogation of Article 370 finally diluted the fear of consequences. The latest administrative changes in Kashmir, Jammu and Ladakh have given ease for travellers. Chellappas long-lasting desire to have a trip to Kashmir has succeeded. He travelled the breadth and length of Jammu, Kashmir and Ladakh. Nonetheless, his desire to have ownership of a small piece of land in Kashmir is in abeyance for their respective reasons. The historic speech of Home Minister Amit Shah and the debate in Parliament still reverberate, yet, some of the Opposition parties still wish to reinstate Kashmirs special status. A clear distinction is impossible before and after the abrogation of Article 370, people may believe the media reports are biased, but a huge surge in tourist flow is an unbiased fact in Kashmir. Opinion: Kerala As Union Territory: Dont Fix Something that Aint Broke | Sticking Point India is said to be a great democracy, the largest democracy or miraculous democracy. It always underwent turbulence but still exists in its spirit. The reason for its existence is nothing but the strength and endurance level of a tested civilisation that emerged to face worldly challenges and it reassimilates closer to the universal existence and nature. Since independence, the majority has not been ready to bury the palpable mistake of partition based on religious grounds. Indeed, administrative decisions are engulfed in the shadow of religious sentiments. Knowingly or unknowingly, an uproar for injustice was silently switched on for years. The debates and discussions crossed all boundaries, and then the word secular was introduced into the preambles by the 42nd Constitutional Amendment in 1976. The critics termed the word secular as a toss for political reasons than an administrative reason. The Supreme Court bench said, Even during the absence of the word secular in the preamble, we were a secular country. India was always secular by birth in the spirit of the Constitutional framework. We debated on the same and the West, knowingly or unknowingly, did not imbibe the word secular into their dictionary with a definite substance than being separate from religion or having no religious basis. Indeed, the word secular had created confusion than clarity. Religious harmony in the country is much more important than anything else, and with all differences, we still have a developing and fast-growing economy with acceptance of all castes, creeds, and religious sentiments. It is said to be a miraculous democracy as belief systems have always flourished in this land. While returning from Kashmir to Kerala, Chellappa realised that the Central government is heavily funding the infrastructure projects in Kashmir beyond all limits and offering great facilities to the locals, the only bare minimum demand being not to indulge in activities against the nation. Chellappa had a question: Is the current administrative decorum in Kerala giving a conducive environment for progress? Does this really contribute anything to the betterment of the people of Kerala? Though Kerala stands high in social index trajectory, public health sector and literacy rate, that is not enough for the state to face todays economic challenges and sustain the progress achieved on many social fronts. Middle East migration and associated economic developments helped Kerala in its initial economic growth and visionaries like EMS Naboothripad, K Karunakaran, EK Nainar, and Achutha Menon are no longer replicated. Hence, an introspection into the current political system in Kerala has become a necessity. Indeed, critics say there are no economic activities other than the liquor and lottery business. The manufacturing and agriculture sectors are historically in a low profile. Prices of essential commodities in the state are comparatively higher with neighbouring states. Vegetables and the majority of essential commodities are being supplied by the neighbouring states. Kerala turned out to be a consumer state in all respects. The growing narcotics misuse in schools and colleges is of great concern to parents and the future of the state. The majority of students in Kerala are migrating to other states or European countries for higher studies. The educated young mind travels outside the state for employment and returns to the state in old age, leaving successors outside the state. Kerala is moving towards a retirement hub or is already one. The shortage of funds for paying salaries and pensions for state employees is common talk around the corner. The actual statistics are much more embarrassing than we could imagine. Keeping the note of recent Supreme Court judgement on the Central governments constitutional rights for declaring a union territory is a helm of affairs. Kerala is moving towards an alternative option to the current economic and political system. If Keralites benefit from such short time administrative changes, for a better infrastructure facility, lower tax, lesser commodity price, substantial cut in the vehicle registration fee, land registration fee, less diesel/petrol price, better control on home affairs, greater funding from Central government, well-planned resource allocation, efficiency in government services, more employment generation and so on, then exploring the alternative is inevitable. After all, the current destructive political influence can be eradicated and a bit more sanity in home affairs is enviable. The Central government can make any state a union territory or vice versa, based on administrative and political reasons, cultural distinction, and strategic and defence importance. Apparently, the central agencies will have a tough task in future in maintaining the law and order of the state and the judiciary will have a more complex role providing justice to the common man. Once Mahi was a French colony geographically within the boundaries of Kerala state; the Government of India integrated this small piece of land under Pondicherry for administrative purposes. Today, the people of Mahi enjoy all privileges more than the people of Kerala. Strategically, Chinas influence in Sri Lanka, the introduction of Vizhinjam port, and many other vital installations are of concern to the countrys security. The art and culture are in its low profile. The Adivasi, Dalit community are undergoing their toughest time in history. Western Ghats is an extensive region spanning six states and 142 talukas. Kerala has a greater share to act in the Gadgil Committee report which suggests that the present system of governance of the environment should be changed. If we fail to protect the Western Ghats, the source of water, rare species and biodiversity will be in danger and humanitys existence will be at stake. Keeping aside religious sentiments and political affiliation in future, Kerala must focus on the environmental front. Interstate water resource augmentation issues are more than what we can imagine. The risk associated with Mullaperiyar Dam is burning within and if a constructive action plan is not set, a catastrophic outcome can occur anytime (manmade structures can never be permanent). The demographic and geographic situation of Kerala suggests an inclusive and thoughtful administrative mechanism than a five years switchover governance for mere functionality. Indeed, Chellappa is well aware that Keralites are smart enough to take the merits and demerits of such administrative changes whilst the DNA of the average Keralite assimilates with a political connection and the state cannot function without a visible will of the people, hence Chellappa has no doubt that it is a challenge but a partial autonomy similar to Delhi would be an option for Kerala. Article 1 in the Constitution states that India, that is Bharat, shall be a Union of States. The territory of India shall consist of: The territories of the states. The union territories and any territory that may be acquired. Importantly, Dr Ambedkar stated in the Assembly that the Indian Federation is not the result of an agreement by the units. Component units have no freedom to secede from it. Kerala has, so far, not promoted dynastic politics locally except for some exemptions, and they maintain a logical decorum on political views. In recent years, major political parties misused the opportunity to serve the intellectual mind, and now the intellectual drain down remains as the biggest challenge. Categorically, political parties turned down the dynasty mode as the social media coined the tune of mass, though some political leaders wish to punch to see their successors from close blood relations. Kerala has considerable followers of the Nehruvian dynasty, and that confidence led Rahul Gandhi to contest from the Wayanad constituency due to the idea of a nation and not the idea of a union of states. Indeed, Wayanad gave him a thumping majority in parliament. Unfortunately, the North has not taken it in the right spirit as he had been compelled to request the vote under the umbrella of coalition parties and the colour of the flag in visual media played a negative image in the North and a positive image at Wayanad. The Election Commission requested the government to stop candidates contesting from multiple constituencies, but the court upheld the right of one candidate to contest from multiple constituencies. Chellappa does not consider the same as a fair deal because a newcomer loses the opportunity to participate in the political system and all at the taxpayers cost. The critics still say Rahul Gandhi should have contested the Amethi parliament constituency only, which would have given him an upper hand. Even in defeat, it would have left an opportunity for him to evolve as a warrior. The tragedy of wooing of minority or majority became a common phenomenon in Kerala, followed by all the parties from time to time, at their convenience. The cadre parties will continue to influence the people due to feeble opposition. The freebie culture in the country is promoted by all the parties beyond its merits. The right-wing partys permutation and combination succeeded in Goa, Nagaland and Assam which may not suit the voters of Kerala. The media is sometimes adopting selective silence for their existence and people are well aware of the prejudiced silence. All major parties still lack the momentum to meet the peoples aspirations. The religious polarisation is historically high, inclusiveness, secularism, federalism, and intolerance are common jargon conveniently used by politicians. Nepotism and corruption are no more secretive stock, it turns into grassroots-level phenomena and an escape is not an easy task but never impossible. It does not mean that other states are far better than Kerala. The beautiful, highly dense state looks forward to seeing visionary leaders who can plan for a hundred years ahead the optimum utilisations of finite resources, promotion of tourism with a cultural stint, employment creation, reducing intellectual drain, world-class facilities for higher studies & research and adequate infrastructure. The people are capable of performing, but the leaders need to create a platform and a conducive environment. The idea of state and union territories still recuperates with the idea of a nation. Kerala can be a role model of a union territory for a short period with partial autonomy but needs an illustrative debate by experts or through a referendum. Raveendranath is the author of the book, Sunshine Over Backwaters. His Twitter @CRaviram2022. Views expressed are personal. In Maharashtra, irked by low prices for their produce, farmers were often forced to either burn their entire crop or give it away for free. Recently, several farmers in Nashik district burnt their onion produce after failing to recover their initial investment. While the development showed the desperation of the crop growers, it came as a golden opportunity for the Telangana-based Bharat Rashtra Samithi (BRS) to enter Maharashtras political landscape. The BRS has decided to give a good price for the onion produce in Maharashtra, with the Telangana government facilitating the states traders to procure onion from Indias largest market for the vegetable in Lasalgaon. Speaking to News18, BRS state coordinator Harshwardhan Jadhav said: The Telangana government is pro-farmer. The perception being made in the Lasalgaon market that the government is purchasing the onions is not true. It is just facilitating traders to get Maharashtras onions. This is not the first time onions from Maharashtra have been imported but certainly, farmers are getting a higher price in the Telangana markets. According to Jadhav, onions of Lasalgaon market are fetching approximately Rs 2,000-Rs 2,200 per quintal in Telangana. He said this rise in price was from Rs 300-Rs 800 per quintal because of the high-volume export to Telangana. However, a few traders of the Lasalgaon market committee were not convinced. They said the current price for onion is between Rs 900 and Rs 1,200 per quintal depending on the quality of the produce. If someone is trying to portray that the prices have increased due to purchase of onions by Telangana traders then its not true. There is good demand from southern market for our onions but Telangana is not the major factor. We are exporting onions to Telangana, Karnataka, Kerala and Tamil Nadu but hike in price is due to huge demand for onions in the Bangladesh market. We request Telangana traders to come here and choose the produce and fix the rate. We are happy to sell our produce. Purchasing small quantity at higher rates is not good. These are all political gimmicks of a party that wants to establish its base in Maharashtra, said Manoj Jain, an onion trader. Jadhav, however, refuted all the allegations levelled against his party. BRS always had a pro-farmer policy, we have that track record in our state. We are not luring farmers from Maharashtra. Its a simple logic of demand and supply. In the Nanded meeting, Rao had said that if the current Maharashtra government gives the same facilities to a common man and farmers, then we dont want to enter here. But if that is not happening, then we will have to come here and do it. We are not greedy for power, we want people to get better facilities. In politics, every party wants to grow. Hence, as per the expansion plan of our party, we have entered Maharashtra, he said. K Chandrasekhar Raos BRS will inaugurate its first regional party office in Nagpur City on Thursday. The party, which wants to expand its base in Maharashtra, had conducted a mega rally in Nagpur where Rao had addressed the crowd. BRS is also in touch with NCP leader Bhagirath Bhalke from Pandharpur and as per sources, he will be inducted into the party officially. Another NCP leader from Ahemadnagar district, Ghanshyam Shelar, joined the BRS on Thursday. Last year, 25 villages in Nanded district on the border of Maharashtra and Telangana had written to the Maharashtra government that they wanted to be merged with Telangana in the absence of facilities. Tamil Nadu finance minister Thangam Tennarasu was on Thursday given additional charge of the energy portfolio, while housing minister S Muthusamy was chosen for additional charge of prohibition and excise ministry. Chief minister MK Stalin made the recommendation to governor R N Ravi a day after the holder of the ministries, V Senthil Balaji, was arrested by the ED in a cash for jobs scam. The case against 47-year-old Balaji, who is the first member of the Stalin Cabinet to be arrested by a law enforcement agency, and his aides relates to his tenure as the state transport minister in the AIADMK government during 2011-15. After his formal arrest at around 1.30 am on Wednesday, Balaji, who is the minister for electricity, prohibition and excise, complained of chest pain and was admitted to a government hospital in Chennai. He underwent a coronary angiogram and was advised bypass surgery at the earliest". TV visuals showed Balaji feeling uneasy and crying while being brought to the hospital in a stretcher. He was arrested after a long session of questioning, official sources said. A Chennai court later sent the minister to judicial custody till June 28 after which he sought permission to be shifted to a private hospital in Chennai for further treatment and also applied for interim bail. The court reserved its orders including on the EDs plea for police custody of Balaji, the DMK strongman from Karur. The ED called him the prime suspect" in the case. The arrest followed multi-city searches by the ED on Tuesday on the premises linked to Balaji in Tamil Nadu as part of the probe into money laundering. The move by the ED came after the Supreme Court issued an order on May 16 allowing investigations in the case by the police as well as the ED. CM Stalin, who had slammed the ED raids against Balaji on Tuesday as intimidation politics", met his cabinet colleague at the Tamil Nadu Government Multi Super Speciality Hospital, Omandurar Estate. Stalin, who is the DMK President, stepped up his attack on the BJP and charged the ED officials with enacting a drama" in the name of inquiry and accused them of physically and mentally troubling" Balaji. They had pressured him to the point of him suffering chest pain," Stalin alleged in a statement. The ED said after raiding the premises of Balaji and his associates on Tuesday, it issued him a summons to appear before it for questioning but he allegedly refused to sign and receive" them. It claimed Balaji shouted and yelled" at the agency officials present at his house and the agency then attempted to record his statement there in the presence of two witnesses. The agency charged the minister of being completely non-cooperative" during the proceedings and hence he was arrested around 1:30 am. It said the arrest was executed in the presence of two independent witnesses as the minister refused" to sign the arrest memo. If not arrested, Balaji could have tampered and destroyed" the evidence, the agency said. Bank statement analysis of key accused revealed that there have been cash deposits of Rs 1.34 crore in the bank accounts of prime suspect V Senthil Balaji and Rs 29.55 lakh in his wife S Meghalas account. These cash deposits are huge compared to their incomes disclosed in ITRs (income tax returns)," the ED alleged. It informed the court that the statements given by some accused/victims and witnesses clearly point out the offence of money laundering". There was neither justification nor evidence to show that the source of huge cash deposits is from his genuine income," the ED said. The allegations state that candidates who paid the money neither got appointment orders nor their money back, as promised by Balaji and the three others. The ED filed a case of money laundering in 2021 to probe these allegations and its complaint is based on three Tamil Nadu Police FIRs filed during 2018 King Harald of Norway falls over on red carpet as he meets Queen of Denmark Norways King Harald stumbles as he and Queen Sonja are received by Denmarks Queen Margrethe in Copenhagen on June 15 (via REUTERS) King Harald V of Norway took a tumble on a red carpet during a state visit to Denmark on Thursday. The 86-year-old monarch, who was walking with the aid of crutches, appeared to trip up a flight of steps as he went to greet Denmarks Queen Margrethe. He and his wife, Queen Sonja, were visiting Toldboden in the Port of Copenhagen at the beginning of their trip. Denmark's Queen Margrethe, left, embraces Norway's King Harald, right (AP) The long-serving king was quickly helped to his feet and appeared unharmed by the fall. He was pictured laughing as he went on to embrace Queen Margrethe, who was waiting for him at the top of the steps. King Harald spent time in hospital with a kidney infection last month, following a number of other hospital admissions in recent months. In December, he was admitted to hospital due to an infection and was treated with intravenous antibiotics. He was also admitted to hospital in August for three days with a fever. ! NEW ! King Harald fell today when he and Queen Sonja began their visit to Queen Margrethe in Denmark. It went well, the King is not injured and continued as normal. pic.twitter.com/rMSXKKzrko Oskar Aanmoen (@OAanmoen) June 15, 2023 He went through a successful operation to replace a heart valve in October 2020 after being admitted to hospital with breathing difficulties. Haralds duties as Norways head of state are ceremonial, and he holds no political power. He has been king for 32 years, having ascended to the throne following the death of his father, King Olav, in 1991. The war of words between Punjab Governor Banwarilal Purohit and the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) government continues, with the latest round of exchanges triggered by the Governors directive to the ruling party to provide him the agenda for the forthcoming assembly session. The two-day session of the Vidhan Sabha is set to begin on June 19. The Governor had questioned that how the AAP-led government could not provide the agenda to him. Reacting to the Governor, the Mann government said that the last session had not concluded before it was adjourned by Speaker Kultar Singh Sandhwan in March, so there was no need for any fresh permission. The Governor had asked the provisions of the Constitution for the extension of the session just three months after the Budget was passed. The government has replied that the Business Advisory Committee (BAC) is still deciding the items that will be included in the agenda. This comes after the Governor, earlier this week, had complained that Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann had not supplied him the relevant information he sought in 10 different letters. Government sources revealed that the Vidhan Sabha is likely to take up issues of the Centre holding back the rural development funds and the ordinance on transfers and postings of bureaucrats in Delhi for which the Aam Aadmi Party is seeking the support at the national level. Punjab AAP chief spokesperson Malvinder Singh Kang yesterday alleged that the Governor had refused to use words my government" during his address in the last Assembly session. Though he is the Governor of Punjab, he advocated Haryanas share in Panjab University," Kang said. Unfortunately, opposition parties and their leaders didnt raise any questions about this serious issue, he said. Kang also questioned whether the Governor, who had visited various places in the state, including border areas, had ever questioned the Centre as to why it had withheld the RDF and National Health Mission funds. V Senthil Balaji, the minister of electricity and prohibition and excise in Tamil Nadu, has often been known as controversys child. His dramatic arrest by the Enforcement Directorate comes as part of an ongoing investigation into a job racket dating back to his time as transport minister between 2011 and 2016. This move is also being seen as a significant power play after the DMK came to power in 2021. This arrest has dealt a major blow to Balajis defence until now that he had previously admitted to a compromise with the victims in the scam. But this was also interpreted as an indirect admission of guilt, strengthening the corruption and bribery allegations against him. Though a minister in the DMK, Balajis political trajectory has been interesting. He was a staunch follower of former Tamil Nadu chief minister J Jayalalithaa and her confidante VK Sasikala, and even called himself their slave. When Jayalalithaa went to jail in the disproportionate assets case, Balaji was one of the names doing the rounds for the likely stand-in chief minister. This, despite him being a lot junior to the rest of the cabinet. After Jayalalithaas death in 2016, he joined TTV Dhinakarans Amma Makkal Munnetra Kazhagam after playing a key role in the leaders electoral win in Jayalalithaas erstwhile RK Nagar seat. Despite being part of the AIADMK, Balaji is rumoured to have funded Dhinakarans entire campaign at RK Nagar; he is also known to have clandestinely planned and executed a near picture perfect victory in the prestigious seat. Balaji is also said to be responsible for the extraordinary gimmick that won Dhinakaran the seat handing over Rs 20 notes to voters with the promise of Rs 6,000 per head after the elections. Those enthusiastic voted for the AMMK but were furious to find that the promised Rs 6,000 never arrived and they would have to be satisfied with only Rs 20. In 2018, however, he made a move to the DMK. Ironically, before Balaji joined the DMK, it was MK Stalin who had campaigned against him and made several allegations of corruption and land grabbing during the 2016 election campaign. Balaji entered politics at the age of 21 and was elected as a member of the Karur Panchayat Union in 1996 and 2002. Four years later, in 2006, he emerged victorious as the MLA of Karur constituency, which he fought on an AIADMK ticket. His proximity to Jayalalithaa and Sasikala proved instrumental in propelling his career forward. He also served as the transport minister from 2011 to 2015. In 2015, Balaji faced a major setback when he was unceremoniously removed from the cabinet. Known for his strong political will, he once again contested from Aravakurichi in 2016. But following Jayalalithaas death that year, he joined the AMMK. He had a fallout with the leadership and, in December 2018, switched allegiance to join the Stalin-led DMK. He was given a party ticket in the 2019 bypoll for the Aravakurichi seat, which he won. The DMKs triumph in the 2021 elections further solidified his political standing, securing him another term as an MLA, this time from Karur. He was made a cabinet minister in May 2021, with the formation of the DMK government in Tamil Nadu with two portfolios electricity as well as prohibition and excise. These ministries marked a new phase in his political career, where he assumed responsibility for pivotal portfolios in the state administration. But it is worth noting that Balajis political journey has not been devoid of controversies. His 2021 election affidavit revealed the existence of 30 FIRs against him. Additionally, he faced allegations in the 2014 recruitment scam, where aspirants for transport department jobs accused him of accepting money but failing to provide the promised employment. The case reached the Madras High Court, which dismissed it after the complainants stated that they had reached a settlement with him. In 2021, when Tamil Nadu reeled from power cuts and load shedding, he famously made the statement that squirrels running on power lines were causing outages, earning him the moniker Anil Balaji (Anil meaning squirrel in Tamil). In the same year, the ED also began an investigation into the case and requested relevant documents. Although the high court allowed the inspection of the documents, copying them was prohibited, leading to a subsequent challenge. Allegations of corruption involving Balaji are linked to a recruitment drive conducted by the state-run Metropolitan Transport Corporation in November 2014, when he was the minister. The controversy surfaced after the corporation released five separate advertisements to fill different positions, including drivers, conductors, tradesmen and engineers. A complaint was filed in October 2015 by a person called Devasagayam, who claimed to have given Rs 2.6 lakh to a conductor named Palani in exchange for securing his sons employment in the transport corporation. It was later learnt that Devasagayams son never got the promised job, and the money he had entrusted was never returned. This complaint, however, did not implicate Balaji. Subsequently, in March 2016, another individual named Gopi lodged a similar complaint. Gopi alleged that he had paid Rs 2.4 lakh to two individuals purportedly associated with Balaji, with the expectation of obtaining a conductor position. Gopi filed a case in the Madras HC, seeking an investigation into his complaint. Initially, the HC quashed the summons but the matter eventually reached the Supreme Court, which granted the ED the authority to continue the investigation and inspect the related documents. Importantly, the court rejected Balajis application for a special investigation team to look into the matter. The court later also dismissed claims that the charges against Balaji were politically motivated, suggesting that his power and position shielded him from prosecution during his tenure. Agodas Dream Itinerary Contest: The Journey Comes to an End After weeks of anticipation and excitement, Agodas Dream Itinerary Contest has ended, leaving us with unforgettable travel dreams and inspiring stories. With multiple entries from travel enthusiasts across the country, the contest captured the imagination of wanderers, adventurers, and culture seekers alike. The sheer diversity and creativity displayed in the itineraries made sure that our jury had their work cut out for them. Today, were proud to announce Akshat Mittal, a 24-year-old from Delhi, as the winner of Agodas Dream Itinerary Contest! Akshats carefully crafted itinerary will take him on a mesmerizing journey to Bangkok, Thailand for 8 unforgettable days, courtesy Agoda. From the bustling streets of Bangkoks Chatuchak Market to the serene beauty of the floating markets, Akshats dream itinerary combines vibrant experiences and cultural immersion better than we couldve dreamed up ourselves! His itinerary is a testament to his passion for exploration and his meticulous planning skills. He flawlessly combines visits to iconic landmarks, such as the Grand Palace and Wat Arun, with making the most of Bangkoks and Pattayas vibrant nightlife and party atmosphere, and indulging in a traditional Thai cooking class. Additionally, his choice of accommodations, carefully selected through Agodas platform, show a surprising understanding of the diversity and authenticity of Thailands hospitality. On Day 1, Akshat is set to arrive at Bangkoks Suvarnabhumi Airport, collect his SIM card, and get himself situated at the Radisson Suites Bangkok Sukhumvit hotel before hitting the town for some street food and local shopping. Day 2 kicks off with Kart Racing at Easykart Bangkok, followed by a visit to Sea Life Bangkok Ocean World, and rounded up with a pub crawl through Bangkoks many, many hotspots. Day 3 is dedicated to a full day tour of Dream World Bangkok, where Akshat hopes to ride as many roller coasters as he can fit into his schedule! Day 4 is all about taking in the culture - he plans to start his day at the Damnoen Saduak Floating Market, and then make his way to the Royal Palace and the Temple of the Emerald Buddha. Day 5 is all about the water - a tour of Pattaya and Coral Island. Day 6 is dedicated to wellness - a calming cruise and a traditional Thai massage. Like all seasoned travelers, Akshat has kept his itinerary open for Day 7 - to catch up on anything he missed during the past 6 days. On Day 8, he bids adieu to Bangkok, and heads home, refreshed and rejuvenated. The jury was impressed by Akshats attention to detail, his seamless integration of local experiences, and his ability to stretch his budget creatively, maximizing the value of every rupee. His itinerary truly embodied the spirit of the contest, showcasing the joy of immersive travel and the discovery of hidden gems. However, Akshats incredible itinerary was just one shining star among a constellation of remarkable entries. The jury was captivated by the imaginative itineraries and personal narratives shared by participants. Each entry painted a vivid picture of the travelers aspirations, dreams, and desire to explore the world beyond the ordinary. The diversity of destinations and the unique perspectives showcased in the itineraries reflected the vastness of our country and the boundless spirit of adventure that resides within us all. Amongst international destinations, avid travelers also listed Dubai, Mauritius, Maldives, Sri Lanka and Nepal as other destinations they could do justice to, within a budget of Rs 2,00,000. Overall, the contest entries have given our team endless food for thought, for our own travel itineraries for years to come! As the contest drew to a close, it became clear that despite the many setbacks weve all faced these past years, our wanderlust is alive and well. Every entry was a testament to the transformative power of exploration and the enduring allure of the unknown. We extend our heartfelt gratitude to everyone who participated, for sharing their dreams and inspiring others to embark on their own remarkable journeys. Until the next adventure, happy travels! This is a Partnered Post. NASAs Hubble Space Telescope has captured an incredible picture of a distant galaxy. Known as JO206, this stunning jellyfish galaxy resides over 700 million light-years away in the constellation Aquarius. In a snapshot shared on NASAs nasahubble Instagram page, JW209 appears as a jellyfish gracefully navigating the dark void. In the caption, NASA explains JW209s spiral structure. The galaxy has a vibrant inner disk adorned with bluish and reddish spots of star formation scattered throughout its arms. Surrounding the galaxy is an outer disk of pale, dim dust that adds to its beauty. But, what truly captivates the viewer is the sight of several arms being pulled away from the disk, stretching into long, faint trails that cross the image. The scene is further accentuated by three bright stars against the dark backdrop. Jellyfish galaxies have tendrils of bright star formation resembling the aquatic animal. These tendrils form through interactions with the intra-cluster medium, drawing gas and creating unique star formation conditions. Hubble Space Telescopes observations show no major differences in star formation between the galaxys disk and its tentacles. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Hubble Space Telescope (@nasahubble) The image shared by NASA received widespread acclaim from Instagram users. The comment section overflowed with amazement and awe as viewers expressed their astonishment. Words like Stunning shot" and wow" filled the comments, accompanied by heart and heart-eye emojis, conveying admiration for the spectacular view from space. Earlier, the Hubble telescope observed another jellyfish galaxy named JW39, located 900 million light-years away in the Coma Berenices constellation. This galaxy, like others in galaxy clusters, faces a challenging environment with gravitational distortions and the presence of a hot plasma called the intra-cluster medium. These factors result in trailing tendrils of star formation. NASA and ESA (European Space Agency) have been operating the Hubble telescope to study several jellyfish galaxies over the past two years. The Hubble Space Telescope was launched in April 1990 following several decades of research. The telescope has dished out innumerable scientific observations that have revolutionized humanitys understanding of the universe. From determining the age of the universe to observing various changes in the celestial bodies, the telescope has proved to be one of the greatest scientific equipment working in space. Humanity is the beacon of hope in mankind. It shines brightly even during the darkest of times. In one such act of humanity and compassion, a man with a fear of heights defied his own limitations to rescue 25 dogs from a burning building. The incident, which took place on June 9 in Lima, Peru, has garnered widespread attention online. A video capturing the heroic act went viral on social media. The now-viral video was shared on Instagram. Despite his fear of heights, Sebastian Arias fearlessly scaled the exterior of the engulfed building in a desperate bid to save the trapped dogs inside. The footage shows Sebastian climbing the building as flames and smoke rose up around him. With unwavering determination, he carefully navigated the structure. Even risking his own safety to rescue the innocent animals. Sebastians act of heroism did not go unnoticed, as firefighters waited below with a safety net to catch the dogs he successfully rescued. The caption accompanying the video on Instagram read, This hero, Colombian Sebastian Arias, scales the outside of a burning building to rescue 25 dogs trapped inside on June 9 in Lima, Peru. Before the flames engulf the structure, the hero drops the dog down to safety, where the firemen are waiting with their safety net. The dog and hero are doing great! A total of 25 dogs were rescued that day." View this post on Instagram A post shared by Good News Movement (@goodnews_movement) Sebastians selfless act of courage has touched the hearts of people worldwide. Many people online hailed him as a hero. Others expressed their confusion as to why Sebastian had to risk his life to save the dogs. Especially since firefighters were waiting on the scene. Arent there firefighters on the scene? Im confused as to why he had to do it, a comment read. Another user wrote, Does the fire truck not have a ladder for them to use? Where are the firefighters? Glad the dog was rescued. I remember the saying that goes: Courage isnt the absence of fear but its about being afraid, even though you decide to do whatever you have to do.. thats really brave and gentle. Kindness is nothing without bravery and verbal expression, a user commented. Not all heroes wear caps," read a comment. A social media user wrote, And Im crying. Im so glad for these owners who would otherwise have lost their beloved dogs. I wish such kindness and heroism wasnt so rare but Im glad to see it does still exist. We need to celebrate Sebastian Arias Day. What do you think about this act of bravery and kindness? A powerful 7.2-magnitude earthquake struck off the Pacific island nation of Tonga on Friday, but no tsunami warning was issued, US monitoring agencies said. The earthquake struck shortly after 7:00 am (1800 GMT Thursday) at a depth of 167 kilometres (103 miles) some 290 kilometres southwest of the capital Nukualofa, the United States Geological Survey said. Gary Vite, chief meteorologist at the Tonga Meteorological Services told AFP there were no immediate reports of damage. The Pacific Tsunami Warning Centre said there was no tsunami threat, based on available information. Veisina Sangusangu, a receptionist at the Little Italy hotel in Nukualofa, said the quake lasted about 30 seconds. It was stronger than the earthquakes we usually feel. The building shook," she added. Tonga sits on the Pacific Ring of Fire", where tectonic plates often shift, frequently experiencing seismic activity. Nepal police have arrested nine Indian nationals for allegedly operating an illegal pharmacy in the countrys far-West Sudurpashchim Province, a senior police officer said on Thursday. The Indian nationals were arrested on Wednesday for operating an illegal pharmacy in Dodhara Chadani municipality of Kanchanpur district, said Bharat Raj Giri, Inspector at the District Police Office. After conducting preliminary investigations into the case, we will forward them to the Department of Health for necessary action," he said. Those arrested in the incident were identified as Sanjaya Bishwas, Kartik Sardar, Rabi Biswhas, Niwas Gaain and Niranjan Adhikari. Bhupendra Puri, Rajesh Bishwas, Santosh Sarkar and Sudhanshu Haldar were also arrested. At least 79 migrants died after their boat sank off the Peloponnese, Greeces coastguard said Wednesday, as concern mounted that the death toll could rise much higher. Some 100 people were rescued after the packed fishing boat capsized in international waters in the Ionian Sea in an operation complicated by strong winds, the coastguard said. But there were fears for scores of women and children, as most of the survivors were men, state TV ERT reported which is unusual for a migrant group of this size. A survivor told hospital doctors in the port city of Kalamata, where the rescued were taken, that he had seen a hundred children in the boats hold, ERT said. The fishing boat was 25-30 metres long. Its deck was full of people, and we assume the interior was just as full," coastguard spokesman Nikolaos Alexiou told ERT. We do not know what was in the hold but we know that several smugglers lock people up to maintain control," government spokesman Ilias Siakantaris told ERT. Siakantaris said there were reports, that could not be confirmed at present, of up to 750 people on board. The International Organization for Migration said in a tweet: We fear more lives were lost. Initial reports suggest up to 400 people were onboard." The coastguard spokesman said the search and rescue effort would continue during the night with flares fired by a C-130 military transport plane. The boats engine gave up shortly before 2300 GMT on Tuesday and the vessel capsized in the deepest waters of the Mediterranean, Siakantaris said. The boat sank in around 10 to 15 minutes, he added in a separate note to media. The survivors are mainly from Syria, Pakistan and Egypt, Alexiou said. Greeces head of state, President Katerina Sakellaropoulou, visited the port of Kalamata to confer with senior officials on the rescue and accommodation response. Three days of mourning Greece is under an interim government until June 25 elections. The office of interim prime minister Ioannis Sarmas declared three days of mourning, adding that the nations thoughts were with all the victims of ruthless smugglers who take advantage of human misfortune." European Commission head Ursula von der Leyen said she was deeply saddened by the news of the shipwreck off the Greek coast and the many reported deaths" and very concerned by the number of missing people." We must continue to work together, with member states and third countries, to prevent such tragedies," she said. The worst migrant tragedy in Greece was in June 2016 when at least 320 people were listed as dead or missing, according to AFP records going back to 1993. The IOM until Wednesday had listed 48 migrants dead and missing in the eastern Mediterranean so far this year, compared to 378 a year earlier. Passengers refused help Greek media reported that nearly 30 people have been taken to the ports hospital. The coastguard said four in a more serious condition were transferred to hospital by helicopter. The coastguard said a surveillance plane with Europes Frontex agency had spotted the boat on Tuesday afternoon, but the passengers had refused any help". It added that none on board were wearing life jackets. Authorities said it appeared the migrants had departed from Libya and were heading for Italy. The survivors were initially housed in a port warehouse, but Greeces migration ministry said they would be taken to a migrant camp near Athens. Also Wednesday, a sailing boat in distress carrying about 80 migrants off Crete was rescued by a coastguard patrol and towed to port, Greeces port police said. Along with Italy and Spain, Greece has been one of the main landing points for tens of thousands of people seeking to reach Europe from Africa and the Middle East. Another 90 people in a sailboat, more than a third of them children, were rescued near the island of Cythera over the weekend. Greece is also facing an increase of crossing attempts from Turkey on southern routes near the Cyclades islands and toward the Peloponnese peninsula, with boats hoping to avoid patrols in the northern Aegean Sea. Rescue operations are common, but last month the Greek government came under international pressure over video footage reportedly showing the forceful expulsion of migrants who were set adrift at sea. Greece and other EU member states on the southern and southeastern rim of the bloc say they are being unfairly tasked with managing arrivals of undocumented migrants. Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese said Thursday the government would block the construction of a new Russian embassy near the countrys parliament, citing threats to national security. Russia currently holds the lease for a parcel of land near Parliament House in Australias capital Canberra, where it had planned to locate a new embassy building. Albanese said that after receiving advice from intelligence agencies, new laws would be introduced to block the development on national security grounds. The government has received very clear security advice as to the risk posed by a new Russian presence so close to Parliament House," he told reporters. We are acting quickly to ensure the lease site does not become a formal diplomatic presence." The new laws, which have secured bipartisan support, do not stop Russia from having a diplomatic footprint in Australia only from building its embassy so close to the parliament. Home Affairs Minister Clare ONeil described the site as directly adjacent" to the parliamentary buildings. The principal problem with the proposed second Russian embassy in Canberra is its location," she said. The government has received clear national security advice that this would be a threat to our national security and that is why the government is acting decisively today to bring this longstanding matter to a close." Albanese said he expected some blowback from Russias diplomats in Australia, who have previously threatened to fight the case through the courts. We will await what response occurs, but we have anticipated that as well," he said. We dont expect Russia is in a position to talk about international law, given their rejection of it so consistently and so brazenly with their invasion of Ukraine." Russias embassy has previously declared that it was committed to completing the construction, despite Australias objections. - Agreement terminated - With relations between the two countries souring at the onset of Russias invasion of Ukraine, the Australian government has been scrambling to have the agreement scrapped. Russia acquired the lease to the site in 2008 through an agreement with the National Capital Authority, an agency of the federal government. It was granted building approval to construct its new embassy in 2011. The government has been forced to intervene after failing to have the lease cancelled through other legal avenues. In August last year, the government announced it was terminating the lease because Russia had broken aspects of its building approval. That argument was thrown out by the federal court last month, prompting the governments pivot to national security legislation. The bill is straightforward," ONeil said. It identifies a specific piece of land in Canberra which currently has a lease agreement between the National Capital Authority and the Russian Federation and it terminates that agreement." Chinese telecoms giants Huawei and ZTE pose a risk to the EUs security, the European Commission warned Thursday, as it announced it will no longer use services that rely on the companies. The commission considers that Huawei and ZTE represent in fact materially higher risks than other 5G suppliers," the EUs executive arm said in a statement. It added the commission will take relevant security measures so as not to procure new connectivity services that rely on equipment from those suppliers". The EUs internal market commissioner, Thierry Breton, called on the 27 member states and telecoms operators to exclude Huawei and ZTE equipment from their mobile networks. We cannot afford to maintain critical dependencies that could become a weapon against our interests. That would be too critical a vulnerability and too serious a risk to our common security," Breton said during a press conference in Brussels. Some 24 EU member states have adopted the rules or are laying down the groundwork to give national authorities powers to issue restrictions, the commission said. But Breton pointed out that only 10 members, without naming which countries, had used the rules to restrict or exclude high-risk vendors. This is too slow, and it poses a major security risk and exposes the unions collective security, since it creates a major dependency for the EU and serious vulnerabilities," he said. The move comes three years after the commission introduced strict 5G rules but they did not include an outright ban on any supplier and did not name Huawei. Thursdays announcement therefore marks a departure for the bloc and represents the EUs increasingly tougher line on China, while maintaining ties with Beijing. The United States has put pressure on Europe to exclude the companies over national security concerns and last year issued a ban on the import or sale of communications equipment from Chinese companies including Huawei and ZTE. Washington has previously expressed fears that Huawei equipment could be compromised by Chinese intelligence. Britain has also blocked Huaweis involvement in the roll-out of its 5G telecoms network. With new highways, airport expansions, increased capacity and new hotel brands entering Jamaica for the first time, Jamaica's Director of Tourism Donovan White is excited the destination is on track for record visitation, with 360,00 arrivals from Canada expected by the end of the 2023. White was in Toronto Wednesday night with rest of the Jamaica Tourist Board team, holding a cooking class for top agents and partners at Cirillo Academy. Guests created Jamaican cuisine with chefs who include Tre Sanderson, the first black Top Chef Canada winner, season 10, and a Jamaica native. "When I said thank you earlier and gave gratitude to this group, it wasn't by chance," says White, Director of Tourism, Jamaica Tourist Board. "The numbers are very good. We ended December at 256,000 from Canada, and that's having lost all winter last year. From January to May 2023, we've already received 177,000 and with our seat capacity up this summer by 20%, we'll probably do another 120,000 visitors for summer. I think that gives a good sense that the trend is extremely aggressive, and we'll have our biggest year for Canadian travel since 2016." Marco Lot, Elish Tait of ACV and Shalene Dudley, Latitude Concierge Travels. (TravelPulse Canada) There's increased frequency this summer which will help in reaching those goals, with Air Transat reinstating its flight from Halifax and Caribbean Air has added one additional flight per week between Toronto to Kingston starting July 2 (they now offer two flights a week). The country has multiple infrastructure projects on the go that will help handle that record-breaking visitation. Montego Bay airport is currently under a three phased expansion and redevelopment. Phase One was the expansion of the runway to accommodate larger aircraft as well as better fleet parking and turnaround; an overall better facilitation of movement of aircrafts. The Second Phase was done on the departure side of the airport, and White says the entire process from checkin to departure has been completed, including a new signature waiting area for what is now the Bob Marley restaurant, operated by the owners of Margaritaville and become a signature piece in the airport. "I think they'll win an award this year, it's fantastic. The flow, the aesthetics, the commercialization inside and available options for travellers coming out of Jamaica is at an all-time high." "Now we're moving to the arrival side, which is the pain point of our attack. When the work starts there will be a lot of demolishing and rebuilding, which in and of itself is a disruption and will cause some pain. But I think people will see the benefit of it long term." Part of the part of the plan is to institute eGates for Jamaican Passport Holders, which will move them through the system faster, leaving more space for visitors to move faster. But for travellers, the biggest news is changes made to Electronic C5 Form, which is now done electronically. "The new process, which I just got confirmation on yesterday, allows us to have more control. It also verifies the traveler to us. It will help to get you into a fast-track lane to get you out of the airport much faster." There's also a new piece of highway under construction from the Kingston Harbour View to Port Antonio, a toll road that White says is about 70% complete. The extension of secondary roads from Port Antonio itself, going towards St. Thomas in Eastern Jamaica includes widening to accommodate to four lanes, so that when drivers get back on the new highway, there are no bottlenecks. Bypasses will be added as well to aid in traffic congestion. Hotel brands, some new to Jamaica are also underway. Earlier this year, Tourism Minister Edward Bartlett said the destination is looking to add 15,000 more rooms over the next three to five years. Of those 15,000, there are already 3500 rooms in production, the largest one is the Princess Hotel which is building a 2000 room property in Hanover, which, for reference, is about 15 minutes from Grand Palladium. Their first 1,000 rooms are slated to open February 2024. Sandals Dunn River recently reopened, a signature property for many years. Brown says the property is affectionally referred to as "the new Jewel" and to take all of the beauty of Sandals and multiply it by 10; guests can see the beach on arrival at the front gate, with a massive wide open lobby to greet them. Riu Aquarelle is also set to open in 2024 in Falmouth, with 650 rooms. There's also Unico with 450 rooms opening in 2024 in Montego Bay and plans for approval for new a new Secrets property in St. Anne's and a Viva Wyndham in Negril. "There's quite a bit of product that is that is making inroads in Jamaica and a lot of them are new brands, brands that weren't there before. That diversity is really great for the destination." Topics From This Article to Explore A group of Indian Americans organised the first ever Hindu American Summit for political engagement at the US Capitol Hill on Wednesday. Leaders of the Hindu community from across the country gathered at the US Capitol for the summit, organised by Americans4Hindus and supported by 20 other organisations. Dr Romesh Japra, Founder and Chairman of American4Hindus said that the event was the first-ever summit held for political engagement. He further claimed that Hindu Americans are being discriminated in the US, which is why the diaspora group thought of bringing all the organizations together. #WATCH | Washington, DC: First ever Hindu-American Summit organised at US Capitol HillThis is the first-ever summit we are holding for political engagement. We've done a lot of great work in every field but politically, we are way behind. We feel that Hindu Americans are being pic.twitter.com/VgJEDV93t8 ANI (@ANI) June 15, 2023 This is the first-ever summit we are holding for political engagement. Weve done a lot of great work in every field but politically, we are way behind. We feel that Hindu Americans are being discriminated. That is why we thought it is a good idea to bring all the organizations together, California-based Japra told ANI. The purpose of this caucus is not only to ensure that there is no hate against Hinduism, to ensure that there is no bigotry and no discrimination towards (the) Hindu religion and those who practise Hindu religion, he further said. During the summit, Indian-American Congressman Shri Thanedar announced plans to form a Hindu Caucus in the US Congress that will bring like-minded lawmakers under one umbrella to ensure that there is no hate and bigotry against Hindus in the country. It is important that every person has a right to choose a religion, pray (to) a God that he or she chooses without persecution, without discrimination, without hate or for those who may choose not to pray to a God, Thanedar, who represents the 13th District of Michigan, said. #HinduCaucus! Standing ovation as @ShriThanedar announces the formation of the Congressional Hindu Caucus! This will be a caucus to promote peace and pluralism and oppose bigotry and hate. Congrats to Dr. Japra @A4HPAC, a driving force for the caucus!#HinduAmericanSummit pic.twitter.com/JOrG19Q81X Hindu American Foundation (@HinduAmerican) June 14, 2023 These are freedoms that are fundamental. These are fundamental human rights," he added. Congressional caucuses are groups of members of the US Congress that meet to pursue common legislative objectives. Caucuses are formed as Congressional Member Organisations through the US House of Representatives and governed under the chambers rules. With that thought in mind, I am pleased to work with Dr (Ramesh) Japra, I am pleased to work with Americans4Hindus to form a Hindu Caucus in the United States Congress," Thanedar said amid applause from the scores of Indian-Americans gathered at the Capitol Visitor Center here. Community leaders applauded Thanedar for taking the lead in forming the caucus, which will be open to members of both the Democratic Party and the Republican Party. Indian-Americans now plan to reach out to their local representatives to join the caucus. Everybodys welcome. This is an inclusive caucus. This is a positive caucus, not a hate caucus. We are not against anybody. We are for all the people and for improving the quality of life, opportunities for all. That is what we are going to focus on," Thanedar said. When asked about how far the caucus has progressed, Thanedar said it is at the early stages and they are inviting all members of the Congress to join. US Congressman Rich McCormick, who also attended the event, said Self-realised Hindu Americans have the power to truly select the next President of United States." (With inputs from agencies) Prime Minister Narendra Modis trip to the United States this month will be a historic and path-breaking visit, Indian Ambassador to US Taranjit Singh Sandhu said as he underscored the importance of Modis first state visit to Washington. This is indeed a historic and path-breaking visit. I use these terminologies by fully looking into them. You will see both on the substantive side and on the ceremonial side, that it will be historic," Ambassador Sandhu told ANI ahead of a much-anticipated visit. The prime minister has a high-profile and packed schedule, which includes at least a dozen important events and possible meetings with top American CEOs as well as some prominent members of the US Congress. #WATCH | Indian Ambassador to US Taranjit Singh Sandhu speaks on the upcoming state visit of PM Narendra Modi to USThis is indeed a historic and path-breaking visit. I use these terminologies by fully looking into them. You will see both on the substantive side & on the pic.twitter.com/Mer8LUWE4y ANI (@ANI) June 14, 2023 Read More: Yoga Day Event, Dinner with Bidens, Meeting CEOs, Legislators: PMs Schedule for US State Visit Explained Speaking to ANI, the Indian envoy to the US said there are five broad areas that will be clearly covered during PM MidIs trip. One of course is defence and strategic cooperation, which will be adequately reflected. Second is healthcare partnership and different aspects of that. Third will be technology and which is correlated with digital startup, innovation, all interlinked. Fourth will be environment, energy, renewables, and finally, knowledge and education," he said. Top officials from India and US have been holding key meetings ahead of PM Modis US visit. On Wednesday, External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar held talks with US National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan with a focus on preparing for Modis upcoming state visit. The top Biden administration official arrived here on Tuesday on a two-day visit for talks with NSA Ajit Doval, Jaishankar and some other senior Indian officials ahead of Modis trip. Great to meet US NSA @jakesullivan46 in South Block today morning.Our conversation focused on preparing for PM @narendramodis upcoming US visit. Also discussed global strategic developments from the perspective of our partnership. pic.twitter.com/qeAoYU5nXT Dr. S. Jaishankar (@DrSJaishankar) June 14, 2023 NSA Doval and Sullivan on Tuesday unveiled an ambitious roadmap for Indo-US collaboration in seven specific high-technology areas, including semiconductors, next-generation telecommunication, artificial intelligence and defence. Sullivan, referring to Modis visit to Washington, said both sides are looking at deliverables" to address issues that have stood in the way of maximising the full potential of cooperation between the two sides. In New Delhi, Sullivan also said that the United States is set to remove obstacles that prevent smoother trade with India in critical areas such as defence and high technology. Washington sees New Delhi as a vital partner in its efforts to push back against Chinas expanding influence worldwide, even though the two democracies differ on how to deal with Russias invasion of Ukraine. Last month, Reuters reported that the Biden administration is poised to sign off on a deal that would allow General Electric Co to produce jet engines powering Indian military aircraft in that country. Read More: US, India to Seal Groundbreaking Jet Engine Deal During PM Modis State Visit Another report said the Biden administration is pushing New Delhi to cut through its own red tape and advance a deal for dozens of U.S.-made armed drones. The report added that India has long expressed interest in buying large armed drones from the United States. However, bureaucratic stumbling blocks have hampered a hoped-for deal for SeaGuardian drones that could be worth USD 2 billion to USD 3 billion for years. (With agency inputs) The United Nations General Assembly has adopted a draft resolution piloted by India to establish a memorial wall in the UN headquarters here to honour fallen peacekeepers. The passage of the resolution in the UNGA, passed by a consensus with a record 190 co-sponsorships, came days ahead of Prime Minister Narendra Modis official state visit to the United States and his participation in the International Yoga Day celebrations at the United Nations headquarters on June 21. Indias Permanent Representative to the UN Ambassador Ruchira Kamboj introduced the draft resolution titled Memorial wall for fallen United Nations peacekeepers in the UN General Assembly Hall and it was adopted by consensus on Wednesday. Prime Minister Narendra Modi thanked the countries for supporting the initiative. Delighted that the Resolution to establish a new Memorial Wall for fallen Peacekeepers, piloted by India, has been adopted in the UN General Assembly," PM Modi said in a tweet. Delighted that the Resolution to establish a new Memorial Wall for fallen Peacekeepers, piloted by India, has been adopted in the UN General Assembly. The Resolution received a record 190 co-sponsorships. Grateful for everyone's support. Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) June 15, 2023 The Resolution received a record 190 co-sponsorships. Grateful for everyones support," he said. The resolution stipulates that the wall be completed within three years of the texts adoption. External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar also thanked all the member states who supported the resolution. India piloted the adoption of a Resolution in the UN General Assembly to establish a Memorial Wall for fallen Peacekeepers. The Resolution received a record 190 co-sponsorships, a testimony to faith in India's contributions and intent. Sincere thanks to all member states who Dr. S. Jaishankar (@DrSJaishankar) June 15, 2023 India piloted the adoption of a Resolution in the UN General Assembly to establish a Memorial Wall for fallen Peacekeepers. The Resolution received a record 190 co-sponsorships, a testimony to faith in Indias contributions and intent, Jaishankar said in a tweet. India is currently the 3rd largest contributor of uniformed personnel to UN Peacekeeping with more than 6,000 military and police personnel deployed to Abyei, the Central African Republic, Cyprus, the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Lebanon, the Middle East and Western Sahara. About 177 Indian peacekeepers have made the supreme sacrifice, the highest number by far from any troop-contributing country. (With Inputs from Shailendra Wangu) The United States and its close allies Japan and South Korea issued a joint statement Thursday to condemn" North Koreas latest missile launches. These launches are clear violations of multiple United Nations Security Council resolutions, and demonstrate the threat (that North Koreas)unlawful weapons of mass destruction and ballistic missile programs pose to the region," the statement said. North Korea fired two short-range ballistic missiles, South Koreas military said Thursday, shortly after Pyongyang warned of an inevitable" response to ongoing US-South Korea joint military drills. The trilateral statement reflected the growing thaw between Japan and South Korea a major foreign policy goal of President Joe Bidens administration as it strengthens alliances in a region tested by North Korea and expansionist China. The United States reaffirms unequivocally its ironclad security commitments to both Japan and the ROK," as South Korea is officially known, the statement said. It noted that US National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan met Thursday in Tokyo with his Japanese and South Korean counterparts to further strengthen trilateral cooperation, including through lock-step coordination in responding to the threats" from North Korea. The statement underscored that the trilateral alliances cooperation would not be shaken by provocations." At least one woman tourist died, while another was injured after they were attacked by a man on Thursday, near Neuschwanstein Castle in southern Germany. Police have arrested a suspect in connection with the crime, according to media reports. The 21-year-old woman who died in a hospital overnight was sexually assaulted by the suspect, according to a report by news agency Reuters. The deceaseds 22-year-old companion was injured when she tried to intervene and break the scuffle. A 21-year-old woman died in a hospital overnight, while her 22-year-old companion was still in hospital with serious injuries, the BR public broadcaster reported, citing a spokesperson for state prosecutors in Kempten. BR cited prosecutors as saying that the women ran into a man on a bridge with a view of the world-famous castle and that he led them onto a trail. As per the report, a scuffle ensued after the man sexually assaulted the 21-year-old. When the 22-year-old intervened, the man strangled her and threw her 50 metres into a ravine below, the report said. He then reportedly strangled the 21-year-old and pushed her in as well. The suspect was caught after a massive police operation involving 25 emergency vehicles on Wednesday afternoon and taken to a police station in nearby Fuessen, it added. (With inputs from Reuters) The Philadelphia Zoo says it is trying to figure out why a dye regularly used to identify animals killed five meerkats last week. Rachel Metz, the zoo's vice president of animal well-being, says the meerkats were exposed to an unknown toxin in the Nyanzol-D agricultural dye, which it has used for more than 30 years, NBC reports. The five meerkatssiblings named Nkosi, Lula, Nya, Kgala, and Arihad been at the zoo since February 2013, reports the Philadelphia Inquirer . Dye was used so the zoo could tell the near-identical animals apart. "The question is what is the difference that caused these animals deaths," Metz says. "Weve been implementing a robust internal and external fact-finding mission." According to animal activity logs seen by the Inquirer, Nkosi was found dead about 30 minutes after the dye was reapplied on June 1. The other meerkats started vomiting and showing other signs of acute illness minutes later. Three others had their stomachs pumped but died within 36 hours. Ari survived for more than a week but died on Monday. Metz says that the dye is used on other animals at the zoo and that there has never been an issue before. Necropsy results are pending. A zookeeper who asked to remain anonymous blamed the deaths on rushed training and high staff turnover, saying the meerkats are usually separated to make sure they don't lick dye off each other before it dries. Metz denies that the animals are separated during the process, but she says the zoo is "absolutely reexamining training policies." She says therapists are helping zoo workers deal with the deaths. "Animals die of old age or cancer or disease, but the hardest is when you dont know," she says. "We spend more time with the animals here at the zoo than we do with our families or pets at home." (Read more zoo stories.) An active-duty Marine was arrested Wednesday on federal charges in the firebombing of a Planned Parenthood clinic in California last year. Chance Brannon, 23, of San Juan Capistrano, who is stationed at Camp Pendleton, was taken into custody along with Tibet Ergul, 21, of Irvine, KTLA reports. Both are charged with using an explosive or fire to damage property affecting interstate commerce, a Justice Department release said. According to the complaint, the men threw a Molotov cocktail at the entrance to the Costa Mesa clinic early on March 13. The affidavit says two men wearing hooded sweatshirts and face masks can be seen in security video approaching the clinic around 1am. A fire erupted, which was put out by firefighters. No one was injured in the attack, but the clinic had to temporarily close. "The depraved act of launching an improvised explosive device into a public facility put lives at risk and will not be tolerated," said Donald Alway of the FBI's Los Angeles office, per KSWB. There was no immediate comment from the Marine Corps. (Read more Planned Parenthood stories.) Twenty Republicans voted with Democrats on Wednesday to block an attempt to censure California Rep. Adam Schiff. A move to table the issue passed 225-196, the Hill reports, with five Democrats and two Republicans voting present. The resolution was introduced by Florida Rep. Anna Paulina Luna, a freshman member who's an ally of Donald Trump's. It was meant to punish Schiff for supporting accusations that Trump colluded with Russia during the 2016 presidential campaign, per USA Today , and included a $16 million fine to cover half the cost of special counsel Robert Mueller's investigation into the allegations. Schiff "abused his position of authority, lied to the American people, cost American tax payers millions and brought dishonor to our chamber," Luna said Tuesday. Schiff, who's now a Democratic Senate candidate, also has been a target of Republicans for his role in the first impeachment of Trump and its investigation. In January, Republican House Speaker Kevin McCarthy prevented Schiff's return to the Intelligence Committee, which he'd chaired when Democrats ruled the House. "This is really an effort, at the end of the day, to distract from Donald Trump's legal problems, to gratify Donald Trump by going after someone they feel was his most effective adversary," Schiff told CNN on Wednesday. (An attempt to censure Schiff in 2019 also failed.) A 28-year-old woman and her mother were arrested Tuesday morning in Louisiana and accused of an odd scheme. Police say Marta Elizeth Serrano-Alvarado, 46, enrolled her adult daughter Martha Jessenia Gutierrez-Serrano in Boutte's Hahnville High School for the 2022-23 school year, passing her off as a 17-year-old by using a fraudulent passport and birth certificate, NBC News reports. The St. Charles Parish sheriff says the younger woman enrolled so she could learn English, ABC News reports. At the end of May, the school district informed police after getting a tip that the student may not be a teen but rather "in fact an adult possibly in her mid 20s," according to a press release. Gutierrez-Serrano had just arrived in the US in 2021, the sheriff said; her mother had come earlier and had an expired visa. The daughter "was in school, she minded her own business, she did her schoolwork, she caused no trouble," the sheriff said. She "wanted to become proficient in English and perhaps further her education, which I think we can all be sympathetic with. Unfortunately, whether it was her decision or her mother's decision, it's certainly bad judgment to submit a falsified document to the government." Mother and daughter both face one count of injuring public records. (It's not the first time a 20-something has snuck into high school.) Tori Bowie was excitedly anticipating becoming a mom when she died in childbirth in May , according to the US Olympic champion's longtime agent. Kimberly Holland tells NBC News she felt protective of the 32-year-old sprinter ever since signing her a decade ago, and says she and Bowie were closer than most athletes and their managers. "She was like, you know, my daughter," Holland says, and Bowie confided in her about the pregnancy and her excitement about welcoming a baby girl. "I think that that would have been one of the most luckiest babies ever, because she had so much love to give," says Holland, noting how gentle Bowie had always been with Holland's now-teenage daughter. Holland says she worried about Bowie, whose medical history includes a diagnosis of bipolar disorder and who, Holland says, had "never been a really big eater." According to her autopsy, Bowie, who was 5'9" and was eight months pregnant, weighed just 96 pounds when she died. Holland says she reminded Bowie she was eating for two and asked her if she was attending her prenatal appointments. "I started to come off, I think, a little preachy, because she started to shut me down and she was like, Miss Kim, the baby is fine,'" she says, adding that Bowie told her she didn't want to give birth in a hospital. But Holland tells CBS News that Bowie was not actively attempting to give birth at home when she died. Two weeks after their last conversation, in which Bowie was "just so happy" about becoming a mom, she was found dead. Her unborn child did not survive. (Read more childbirth stories.) After a night out, an upstate New York woman refused to get into a vehicle with her intoxicated coworker, saying she would rather walk home, a journey of between 3 and 4 miles. "She didn't get very far," USA Today reports. After walking less than a quarter of a mile in the town of Clay shortly after 10:30pm Thursday, 22-year-old Madison Faltisco was allegedly struck and killed by her coworker in what police are calling a hit-and-run. Faltisco was walking on the shoulder of a road when a vehicle driven by 23-year-old Joshua Schiano veered into her path, said Thomas Newton, a public information officer with the Onondaga County Sheriff's Office. Schiano continued driving but crashed into a pole less than a mile away, causing his car to burst into flames, Newton said. Schiano was taken to a hospital, but did not suffer serious injuries, per Syracuse.com. And though he "knew that he had hit something or someone before getting into the accident," he did not divulge that information to law enforcement, Newton said, per CNN. Indeed, it was around 5am when a person called 911 to report finding an unconscious woman along the four-lane Oswego Road, per Syracuse.com. Investigators determined Faltisco had spent a few hours visiting bars with Schiano, with whom she worked at a Clay restaurant, before refusing a ride home from him because he was drunk. Now "her family is living a nightmare, preparing to bury their beautiful daughter and sister," reads a GoFundMe page. Schiano pleaded not guilty Friday to three felonies: second-degree manslaughter, vehicular manslaughter, and leaving the scene of a fatal accident. If convicted of all three charges, he will face a maximum of 29 years in prison, per CNN. He is being held at the Onondaga County Justice Center in lieu of $500,000 bond or $250,000 cash bail, Newton said. (Read more hit and run stories.) A group of migrants who arrived by bus in downtown Los Angeles on Wednesday were sent from Texas in a move the city's mayor called a despicable stunt by a Republican governor, the AP reports. Forty-two people, including some children, were dropped off at Union Station around 4pm and were being cared for by city agencies and charitable organizations, Los Angeles City Councilmember Kevin de Leons office said. They left yesterday and it was 23 hours on the bus and they did not have a chance to eat or to have water, said Jorge Mario Cabrera of the Coalition for Humane Immigrant Rights, who spoke to several migrants. They are being fed; they're taking shelters; theyre talking to attorneys, he said. These are migrants that have been allowed by the US to enter because they have credible fears. They have not yet received asylum." Many were from Latin American countries, including Honduras and Venezuela, and one person had an immigration appointment in New York, he said. Mayor Karen Bass said she had instructed city departments to prepare to accept migrants from out of state, after GOP governors began sending asylum-seekers to Democratic states in recent months. This did not catch us off guard, nor will it intimidate us," Bass said in a statement. Los Angeles is not a city motivated by hate or fear and we absolutely will not be swayed or moved by petty politicians playing with human lives." Texas Gov. Greg Abbott said the migrants were sent to Los Angeles because California had declared itself a sanctuary for immigrants, extending protections to people living in the country illegally and allowing them to apply for some state benefits. Our border communities are on the frontlines of President Bidens border crisis, and Texas will continue providing this much-needed relief until he steps up to do his job and secure the border, Abbott said in a statement. (Read more Texas stories.) UPDATE Jun 19, 2023 6:35 PM CDT In a historic humiliation for Boris Johnson on his 59th birthday, Britain's Parliament voted overwhelmingly Monday to ratify a damning report on the "partygate" scandal. MPs voted 354 to 7 to endorse the report, though many members of the former prime minister's Conservative Party stayed away from the vote and the five-hour debate that preceded it, the BBC reports. The report found that Johnson deliberately misled lawmakers about lockdown-breaking parties at government offices during the pandemic. Johnson abruptly quit as an MP 10 days ago, avoiding the 90-day suspension the report called for, but lawmakers voted Monday for him to be stripped of the pass that grants most former MPs access to Parliament buildings, the Guardian reports. Jun 15, 2023 8:45 AM CDT Less than four years after Boris Johnson led the Conservative Party to a landslide victory, British lawmakers are preparing to vote on denying him access to the Houses of Parliament. In what Reuters calls a "damning verdict" in a report issued Thursday, a committee of lawmakers said Johnson "committed a serious contempt" by lying to the House of Commons about lockdown-breaking parties during the pandemic. The committee said Johnson's actions in the "partygate" scandal warranted a 90-day suspension from Parliamentenough to trigger a by-election. The former prime minister dodged the punishment by resigning as an MP last week after getting advance notice of the findings, the AP reports. UPDATE Jun 17, 2023 10:00 AM CDT A transgender activist who went topless during a White House Pride Month celebration last weekend, then showed it to the world via video, is now offering her mea culpa. "Today, I need to apologize," Rose Montoya said in a video posted Friday to Twitter, referencing the footage from the previous Saturday that showed her with her hands over her breasts after she'd pulled her dress down, per the Hill. "In a quick moment of fleeting and overwhelming trans joy, I decided to do something unbecoming of a guest of the president at the White House lawn celebration." After saying sorry to President Biden and her fellow citizens, Montoya added that, in the future, she'd express that trans joy "in a more effective way." She also said she and her loved ones had seen intense harassment since the video circulated, noting it had become "weaponized by vile people of the opposition." Jun 15, 2023 6:11 AM CDT The White House has marked Pride Month for the LGBTQ+ community in a variety of ways, including hosting a celebration on Saturday and prominently hanging a Pride flag from the White House itself, facing the South Lawn. Now, Fox News is taking heat for the way it described the latter. The flag, a variation on the traditional Pride flag, is called the Progress Pride Flag, adding white, pink, blue, brown, and black stripes to the standard rainbow colors. The Human Rights Campaign explains that those additions represent the transgender community, as well as people of color and those who lost their lives during the HIV/AIDS crisis in the '80s and '90s. But Fox's explanation of the flag was a little different, and incited instant backlash. A mom who wrote a children's book about dealing with the grief of losing loved ones, penned after her own husband died, is now accused of killing him and she'll be sitting in jail for the duration of her trial. Kouri Richins, 33, was denied bail during a detention hearing on Monday, in which a judge ruled that she posed a "substantial danger to the community," per ABC4 . The AP reports that Richins cried when, during court proceedings, a detective testified how they'd found her husband, Eric Richins, dead and "cold to the touch" in their Utah home on March 4, 2022. Her attorneys, meanwhile, argued that the evidence against her is iffy and circumstantial. They also noted that the prosecution's star witness, a housekeeper said to have sold Richins the fentanyl allegedly used to kill Eric Richins, isn't credible, as she has motive to lie to ease the drug charges she herself is facing. Prosecutors, however, depicted Richins as a calculated murderer who put finances in order before her spouse's death and bought the drugs to kill him. In a victim impact statement, Eric Richins' sister, Amy Richins, called her sister-in-law "desperate, greedy, and extremely manipulative." One witness prosecutors put on the stand was Jeff ODriscoll, the lead investigator in the case, who said that paramedics who first showed up at the Richins' home on the night Eric Richins died were told by Kouri Richins that she'd tried to perform CPR on her spouse, per ABC4. The paramedics said that wasn't true, per O'Driscoll, as they noted that Eric Richins started foaming at the mouth when they began CPR; that foaming would've already taken place if Kouri Richins had done so previously. ABC4 notes that O'Driscoll was also carbon-copied on an email Kouri Richins sent to authorities in Summit County three weeks before her May 8 arrest, in which she tried to "clarify" some of their inquiries. In that email, Richins addressed the "exotic vacations" she took after he husband died, an affair she claimed he'd had (though he'd also apparently suspected she was having one), her mental health, and how they didn't have financial issues as has been alleged. She ended the email with: "Happy to clarify or provide anything else you may need. I just want this over, I just want our lives back and to move on and grieve and mourn my husband without looking over my shoulder constatnly [sic] for you guys, or the idiotic Private investigator or the Richins family." Richins is next due in court on June 22. She's able to appeal the bail denial if she wishes but only has a 30-day window to do so. (Prosecutors say Richins had an eyebrow-raising online search history.) People who use Google to search for "abortion pill" and "abortion clinic near me" are instead shown advertisements for crisis pregnancy centers whose goal is to dissuade individuals from accessing abortion. Over two years, Google accepted $10.2 million from anti-abortion groups to post such advertisements alongside legitimate search results for more than 15,000 different abortion-related queries, according to a Thursday report from the nonprofit Center for Countering Digital Hate, which conducts misinformation research. It found the ads had reached hundreds of thousands of users from March 2021 to February 2023, a period that included the overturning of Roe v. Wade and state attacks on abortion rights, the Guardian reports. That's especially alarming as 68% of Google searchers can't tell the difference between an ad and a legitimate search result, per Quartz. "This is fundamentally about Google permitting extremely deceptive behavior and doing very little to actually ensure that people are informed," says CCDH CEO Imran Ahmed, per the Guardian. "Fake reproductive health clinicssometimes called Crisis Pregnancy Centersappear to offer independent advice on reproductive healthcare but are actually run by ideological anti-choice organizations who try to shame those seeking abortions," according to the report. Some 71% of CPCs identified used deceptive advertising, while 16% promoted misleading claims, including that abortion is linked to cancer, per Quartz. Google says an organization seeking to advertise to people who search for abortion services must "be certified and clearly disclose whether they do or do not offer abortions." Yet 38% of CPC websites studied did not clearly state that abortion services are not provided, per the Guardian. Google is now the top source of referrals to these centers, according to the report. A previous study by the Tech Transparency Project found more than half of search ads shown to Google accounts representing low- to moderate-income women in Phoenix in response to search terms including "I want an abortion" were for CPCsa finding experts said was likely to delay or prevent women from accessing a safe and legal abortion. (Read more Google stories.) The road to Donald Trump's federal indictment was littered with rejected advice from lawyers and aides, the Washington Post reports, citing multiple Trump aides and other insiders. The sources say the former president stubbornly turned down numerous chances to avoid criminal charges, starting when the National Archives first asked for documents to be returned in February 2021. "Hes incapable of admitting wrongdoing. He wanted to keep it, and he says, Youre not going to tell me what to do. I'm the smartest guy in the room,'" says former White House chief of staff John Kelly. Kelly and others say Trump is not inclined to grant requests from agenciesor peoplehe dislikes, and he dug in his heels as the FBI and National Archives kept pushing for the return of classified documents. The Post's sources say that one "exit ramp" was a possibility after former Florida solicitor general Chris Kise joined Trump's legal team last fall. Kise, who was paid $3 million up front, wanted to quietly negotiate a settlement with the Justice Department in which Trump would avoid criminal charges if all the documents were returned. But Trump rejected Kise's attempt to "turn the temperature" down after he listened to other lawyers who urged him to fight the investigation, the sources say. Insiders say one person who Trump did listen to was Tom Fitton, head of the conservative group Judicial Watch. They said Fitton persuaded Trump that he was legally allowed to keep the documents and should take on the Justice Department. Fitton tells the Post that he had dinner with Trump on Mondaythe day before his arraignment in Miamiand the former president is "serious and ready to fight under the law." The New York Times reports that some of the lawyers Trump hired to defend him in the documents investigation have been questioned by federal investigators and could appear as witnesses when the case goes to trial. (The notes of former Trump attorney Evan Corcoran were particularly helpful to prosecutors.) An American man has been arrested in the death of a US tourist and an assault on another near Neuschwanstein castle in southern Germany after he allegedly pushed the two women down a steep slope, authorities said Thursday. The incident near the popular tourist attraction happened on Wednesday afternoon near the Marienbruecke, a bridge over a gorge close to the castle that offers a famous view of Neuschwanstein, per the AP . The 30-year-old man met the two female tourists, ages 21 and 22, on a hiking path and lured them onto a trail that leads to a viewpoint, police said in a statement. He then physically attacked the younger woman, police said. When her companion tried to intervene, he choked her and pushed her down a steep slope. The assailant then appears to have attempted to sexually assault the 21-year-old before pushing her down the slope as well. She fell nearly 165 feet, ending up close to her friend. A mountain rescue team reached both women. The 22-year-old was responsive and taken to a hospital, police said; a helicopter carried the 21-year-old to a different hospital with serious injuries, and she died there overnight. The suspect left the scene but was arrested quickly nearby. Police said the man they arrested was American and described him as also a tourist; prosecutors said the women were fellow US citizens. The 22-year-old remained hospitalized Thursday, according to prosecutors. A judge in nearby Kempten on Thursday ordered the suspect held pending a potential indictmenta process that can take monthsand he was taken to jail. He is under investigation on suspicion of murder, attempted murder, and a sexual offense. Police said they were trying to reconstruct exactly what happened and called for any witnesses to come forward. (Read more Germany stories.) A 29-year-old Vermont man has died in prison while awaiting trial in the high-profile death of his mother . Nathan Carman was found dead in his cell at a federal prison in Keene, New Hampshire, reports WMUR . He was alone at the time, and authorities have not revealed the cause of death. Carman was accused of killing both his mother, Linda Carman, and his grandfather, John Chakalos, in a scheme to get insurance and inheritance money, reports CNN . His upcoming trial, however, was to focus only on his mother's death in 2016. Prosecutors say he arranged a fishing trip with Linda Carman off the coast of New England and killed her at sea, though he was not charged with her murder until last year. He was found drifting in a life raft eight days after they set out, per CNN, and his mother's body was never found. Authorities also accused Carman of fatally shooting his wealthy grandfather in 2013, though he had not been charged in that case. One of his attorneys tells the AP that Carman was in "good spirits" when they spoke on Wednesday. We were prepared to start picking a jury on Oct. 10," says Martin Minnella, "and we were confident we were going to win. Its just a tragedy, a tragedy. Carman's three auntsthe surviving daughters of Chakalosasked for privacy "while we process this shocking news and its impact on the tragic events surrounding the last several years. (Read more Vermont stories.) Glenda Jackson, a two-time Academy Award-winning performer who had a second career in politics as a British lawmaker before an acclaimed late-life return to stage and screen, has died at age 87. Jackson's agent Lionel Larner said she died Thursday at her home in London after a short illness. He said she had recently completed filming The Great Escaper, in which she co-starred with 90-year-old Michael Caine, the AP reports. Caine said Jackson was "one of our greatest movie actresses. I shall miss her." Born into a working-class family in Birkhenhead, England, in 1936, Jackson trained at the Royal Academy of Dramatic Art in London. She performed with the Royal Shakespeare Company, starring in the cutting-edge drama Marat/Sade. She became one of the biggest British stars of the 1960s and '70s, winning two Academy Awards, for the brooding DH Lawrence adaptation Women in Love in 1971 and the sophisticated romcom A Touch of Class in 1974. On television, Jackson took home two Emmy Awards in 1972 for her performance as Queen Elizabeth I in Elizabeth R and secured a place in British pop culture history by playing Cleopatra in a classic sketch on the Morecambe & Wise Show in 1971. "All men are fools," she proclaimed in what became a famous line, "and what makes them so is seeing beauty like what I have got." In her 50s Jackson went into politics, winning election to Parliament in 1992. A lifelong socialist, she spent 23 years as a Labor Party lawmaker, serving as a minister for transport in Prime Minister Tony Blair's first government in 1997. She came to be at odds with Blair over the 2003 invasion of Iraq and said his decision to enter the US-led war without UN authorization left her "deeply, deeply ashamed." On Thursday, Blair called her "a truly formidable woman who will be much missed." Jackson returned to acting after leaving Parliament in 2015 and had some of her most acclaimed roles, including the title character in Shakespeare's King Lear. She had her first film role in a quarter-century in the 2019 movie Elizabeth is Missing, winning a BAFTA award for her performance as a woman with Alzheimer's trying to solve a mystery. Labor Party leader Keir Starmer said Jackson's death "leaves a space in our cultural and political life that can never be filled." (Read more obituary stories.) An American couple vacationing at a luxury hotel in Mexico has been found dead in their hotel room, reports ABC News . John Heathco, 41, and Abby Lutz, 28, both from Newport Beach, California, were found in the Hotel Rancho Pescadero in Baja California Sur state. The investigation continues, but local authorities say in a statement that the cause of death was "intoxication by substance to be determined." Both were dead by the time paramedics arrived at their hotel room in the community of El Pescadero on Tuesday. The AP notes that several similar deaths in Mexico have ultimately been blamed on the accidental inhalation of carbon monoxide or other gases, thanks to leaky stoves or water heaters. The US State Department says it is aware of the deaths and is keeping tabs on the investigation. "We are shocked and saddened to hear about the passing of our beloved Abby," said the family of Lutz in a statement. "Abby had an adventurous spirit and a wonderfully kind heart." (In other tourist deaths in Mexico, tainted alcohol has been blamed.) Sorry! This content is not available in your region 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. Agencies | Manama The Daily Tribune www.newsofbahrain.com Mariam Adnan Al Ansari, Assistant Undersecretary for Projects at the Prime Minister's Office, Government Lands Investment Committee Chair, has highlighted the role of the Government Land Investment Platform in continuing to provide more opportunities for investors, to contribute development of vital sectors and achieve economic growth. The platform is in line with the goals of the comprehensive development process, spearheaded by His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa and the directives of the government, led by His Royal Highness Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa, the Crown Prince and Prime Minister. Al Ansari said that the platform has launched nine new investment opportunities in four different regions in Bahrain which are Hamala, Buri, Al Buhair, and Salman City; noting that the move aims to ensure optimal investment in government lands available for investment in various vital sectors. Al Ansari said that Bahrain Real Estate Investment Company (Edamah) has provided four agricultural investment land plots in Hamala, the first of an area of 49,717.9 square metres, and the second of 14,396.7 sqm, in addition to two plots of 10,084.7 square metres each. She added that the Ministry of Municipal Affairs and Agriculture has also offered a number of investment land plots in the agricultural and food security, including three plots in Buri, with areas of 11,916.8 sqm, 7,439.8 sqm, and 10,419.5 sqm, in addition to offering a 22,361 sqm investment land in Al Buhair, for constructing a boulevard that includes cafes, restaurants and a walkway. Al Ansari stressed the government's keenness to support all initiatives that enhance food security, in line with HM the Kings directives to develop plans and projects that preserve the environment and contribute to achieving the goals of food and water security. She said that the Eskan Bank had offered one investment land plot for the educational sector with an area of 2,694 sqm in Salman City to build a nursery. Al Ansari said that bidding for the earmarked plots can be made via the "Available Lands" section in the website of the Government Land Investment Platform through link: https://investmentland.gov.bh. She added that bidders can then select the investment property of their choice and click on the link on the page, which will transfer them to the Electronic Bidding System of the Tender Board to submit their applications. TDT | Manama The Daily Tribune www.newsofbahrain.com Under the patronage of His Royal Highness Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa, the Crown Prince and Prime Minister, His Excellency Lieutenant General Dr Shaikh Mohammed bin Abdulla Al Khalifa, Chairman of the Supreme Council of Health, attended the 14th conferring ceremony of the Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland Medical University of Bahrain (RCSI Bahrain) at its campus in Busaiteen, which witnessed the graduation of 155 medical graduates and 120 graduates from the undergraduate and postgraduate nursing programmes. Addressing the assembled attendees, RCSI President, Professor Laura Viani, expressed her gratitude and appreciation to HRH the Crown Prince and Prime Minister for his patronage of the conferring ceremony. Professor Viani congratulated the graduates on their achievements and dedication throughout the years and praised the ongoing relationship and strong ties between RCSI and the Kingdom of Bahrain. RCSI Bahrain President, Professor Sameer Otoom also took the opportunity to congratulate the graduates and extended his gratitude to the friends and family members who had supported them in their achievements and wished them continued success. RCSI Vice Chancellor/Chief Executive and Registrar, Professor Cathal Kelly, and a number of senior officials also attended the ceremony. It was a particularly special day for Dr Ahmed Qaedi, who was awarded the Medicine Overall Medal and the Professor James Finucane Prize in Medicine. Dr Manar AlMansoor won the Degree Award Marks Gold Medal, the Senior Cycle Silver Medal, the Professor David Whitford Prize in General Practice, the Professor Charlotte Kamel Prize in Psychiatry and the Professor Joe McMenamin Prize in Paediatrics. Dr Walaa Albaqali was awarded the Senior Cycle Bronze Medal and the Professor Niall O Higgins Prize in Surgery, and the Professor John Murphy Prize in Obstetrics & Gynaecology was awarded to Dr Rebecca Bulmer. Her Excellency Dr Jaleela bint AlSayed Jawad Hasan, Minister of Health, was in attendance at the School of Nursing and Midwifery and School of Postgraduate Studies & Research ceremony, where the Nursing Overall Medal was awarded to Ms Zainab Alderazi. The BSc Nursing Degree Award Gold Medal and the BSc Nursing Bronze Medal were awarded to Ms Hanan Faraj. The BSc Nursing Silver Medal was awarded to Ms Marafai Mabrook, and the Rufaida Al-Aslamia Award in Nursing was awarded to Mr Omar Almulla. Since hosting its first Conferring Ceremony in 2010, RCSI Bahrain has produced more than 3,000 graduates in medicine, nursing and postgraduate studies who are now working in 38 countries throughout the world. An American woman has been located after mysteriously vanishing for over a week while traveling in Tokyo with a friend. Kandace Schipper, 29, had last been seen in Shibuya, Japan, on June 5 according to a credit card transaction that notified her family. Her family released a statement Wednesday night saying the tourist has been found safe, according to Fox. The statement says: "We're relieved to share that we've obtained our beloved daughter, sister and cousin Kandace Schipper's location. ... continue reading , Jun 16 ( NHK ) - Japan's Defense Ministry says North Korea has launched two ballistic missiles that may have dropped in the country's exclusive economic zone, or EEZ, in the Sea of Japan. South Korea's Joint Chiefs of Staff also confirmed the launches. They say the North fired two short-range ballistic missiles eastward at around 7:30 p.m. Japanese Parliamentary Vice Defense Minister Onoda Kimi told reporters on Thursday evening that North Korea launched at least two ballistic missiles eastward from near the country's west coast at around 7:24 and 7:36 p.m. that day. She said the missiles flew about 850 and 900 kilometers and reached a maximum altitude of 50 kilometers on their 11-minute flights. She also said the missiles are believed to have fallen into Japan's EEZ about 250 kilometers off the island of Hegurajima in Ishikawa Prefecture. She added that the missiles may have flown on irregular trajectories. ...continue reading Democratic Gov. Tony Evers said Wednesday he would veto any state budget that includes a proposed $32 million, Republican-backed state funding cut aimed at eliminating University of Wisconsin System diversity, equity and inclusion efforts. As first reported by the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel, Evers reportedly told a group of reporters during a tour of a Monroe-area cheese manufacturer that any attempt to cut the Systems budget would be a ridiculous effort. To cut, at this point in time, the University of Wisconsin System when we have a $7 billion surplus is irrational, Evers reportedly said during the tour. Im hopeful that will change before the budget is passed. Evers comments came after Assembly Speaker Robin Vos, R-Rochester, said the Legislatures GOP-controlled budget committee would cut funding for the UW Systems diversity programs. Speaking to reporters late Wednesday, Vos appeared skeptical of Evers veto threat. Sometimes you can believe in something very fervently, but at the end of the day, you weigh the totality of the bill and you say, on balance, its much better ... to have it passed than not, he said. If Evers does veto the document, the Legislature wouldnt pass a new budget until around October and Evers would have to explain to voters why new money wasnt being spent, Vos said. If Evers vetoes the budget in its entirety, it would be up to the Legislature to send the governor another budget for him to sign. Republicans are just short of a supermajority in the Assembly, meaning the Legislature cannot override Evers vetoes. Evers veto threat comes just a few weeks before the states 2023-25 spending plan is slated to take effect. If Evers doesnt sign a budget by July 1, the state would continue operating using spending levels set in the previous two-year budget. Evers spokesperson Britt Cudaback didnt immediately confirm Evers reported veto threat. System spokesperson Mark Pitsch said in a statement that officials remain hopeful that the state will be an active partner in helping the UW System develop the talent Wisconsins workforce is counting on. Vos proposed cutting $32 million from the Systems budget Tuesday, an amount he estimated was what the System spends on DEI employees and programming over the two-year budget cycle. Vos called on the System to cut all DEI positions last month, claiming the offices have contributed to racial divides. Diversity offices Asked by a group of reporters why he called for cutting the $32 million for diversity offices and positions, Vos early Wednesday said, The goal is really fairly simple. Its to say that if youre at the UW System, on any one of the campuses, you should be able to be taught and you should be able to learn. It should not be indoctrination, where youre only allowed to have one point of view. And they use taxpayer dollars, which, as they tell me, we dont have enough people to be in engineering. We dont have enough folks who are teaching an awful lot of careers, Vos continued. But boy are they able to find millions of dollars to put money into a curriculum and to an ideology, because thats really what DEI is. For people on the left, it has become their new religion. The Legislatures GOP-controlled budget committee punted on taking action on the UW System budget on Tuesday after Vos said the committee would strip the DEI funding from the Systems budget. Committee co-chair Rep. Mark Born, R-Beaver Dam, didnt tell reporters Wednesday when exactly the Joint Finance Committee will take up UW System funding. If ultimately approved, the cuts would come as 10 of the Systems universities are projected to fall a combined $60 million short of the money they say they need to continue current spending. The cuts wouldnt force the System to specifically eliminate DEI but would largely erase any benefit the System might see from increased in-state undergraduate tuition, which is expected to bring in an additional $38 million. Speech survey The fight over DEI follows upheaval over free speech and diversity on System campuses. The Systems free speech survey, conducted last fall, showed the majority of students believe university officials should disinvite speakers thought to be offensive in at least some circumstances and that conservative students are more likely to hide their opinions in class than their peers of other political leanings. The survey also found that most students think instructors worked to promote discussion in the classroom. Wisconsins public technical colleges are slated to receive a proposed $9.4 million boost over the next two years, despite also having diversity goals such as facilitating discussions to dismantle systemic racism and evaluating whether its policies and practices promote equity. After months of discussion, culminating in last week's bipartisan agreement between the state's Democratic governor and GOP legislative leaders, the state Legislature on Wednesday approved an extensive bill to increase state aid to local communities across Wisconsin. The measure, which would boost state funding using a portion of the state's 5% sales tax, passed the Senate with a 21-12, with five Democrats and seven Republicans opposed. It then passed the Assembly 68-26, with five Republicans and 21 Democrats opposed. The measure will now head to Gov. Tony Evers, who will almost certainly sign it into law. The local aid bill, as well as a separate bill increasing education funding, were forged as part of the deal last week between the Legislature's GOP leaders and Evers to increase local aid, also known as shared revenue. Speaking with WTMJ-AM Wednesday morning, Evers said the final agreement is "really, really important" for Milwaukee and Milwaukee County. Evers said it's likely some Democratic lawmakers would oppose the bill, but he added, "at the end of the day, it's the right thing." "Its a win for Wisconsin and its the right thing to do," Evers added. "Everybody gave some and thats the way its supposed to work in a divided government." Democratic lawmakers pushed back against several policy items included in the extensive bill, including measures to bar local governments from putting advisory referendums before voters and another barring local health officials from closing a business for more than 30 days to help control an outbreak or epidemic. "This Frankensteins monster of a bill should be slaughtered today," Sen. Chris Larson, D-Milwaukee, said. Larson was joined by fellow Democratic Sens. Tim Carpenter and Lena Taylor, of Milwaukee, Dianne Hesselbein, of Middleton, and Kelda Roys, of Madison in opposing the bill. GOP Sens. Julian Bradley, of Franklin, Robert Cowles, of Green Bay, Rob Hutton, of Brookfield, Andre Jacque, of De Pere, Chris Kapenga, of Delafield, Steve Nass, of Whitewater, and Rob Stafsholt, of New Richmond, also voted against the bill. Jacque said in a statement he opposed the bill due in part to "backroom deals that ostensibly bail out Milwaukee after decades of fiscal mismanagement." "In the end, that was too high a price to pay for me to support this legislation," he added. The Assembly Republicans who voted against the bill are Reps. Ty Bodden, of Hilbert, Janel Brandtjen, of Menomonee Falls, Tom Michalski, of Elm Grove, Jessie Rodriguez, of Oak Creek, and Chuck Wichgers, of Muskego. Thirteen Assembly Democrats voted for the bill, with 21 opposed. The Senate and Assembly on Wednesday also passed a separate education bill, which proposes several spending boosts, including per-pupil aid increases for school choice and independent charter schools and increases to the minimum per-pupil revenue limit for school districts, from $10,000 to $11,000. The agreement last week on the two proposals was announced one day after the Legislature's top Republicans said they would remove provisions allowing Milwaukee and Milwaukee County to increase their sales taxes to fund pension debt from the local funding measure unless they reached a deal on it with Evers. The question over whether Milwaukee and Milwaukee County voters or elected officials should have final say on local sales tax increases to address mounting pension obligations became a sticking point between Assembly Speaker Robin Vos, R-Rochester, and Senate Majority Leader Devin LeMahieu, R-Oostburg The original proposal required city and county voters to approve the tax increases, something that Vos supported but Evers and LeMahieu were against, preferring to have local officials vote on any increases. Ultimately, both GOP leaders and the governor agreed to allow the city and county officials to raise local sales taxes if they approve the measures with a two-thirds majority. The revised proposal also allows Milwaukee County to increase its 0.5% sales tax by 0.4 percentage points, while Milwaukee could impose a 2% sales tax. Vos said the deal to increase per-pupil private voucher funding giving K-8 students an $1,101 increase and giving high school students nearly a $3,000 increase helped persuade him to remove the public referendum requirement in Milwaukee. To help support local governments, the state would divert 20% of the state's 5% sales tax to all local communities. Republicans have been adamant those funds must be directed to local services like police, fire and emergency services. Wisconsin's 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 state's 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. The Genoa United Methodist Church has served the community for the past 139 years but is expected to close this summer. Connie Kramer, who has been a lay minister there for the past two years, said the church is closing due to the dwindling number of people involved in it. She added the majority of the congregation is elderly, and there have been some who have passed away or moved to nursing homes or out of town. There's not a lot of people left to fill the roles in the church, and it's just time, Kramer said. Although she would like to see the church stay open, a number of factors also contributing to the closure. Financially, and it's just like every other organization, there's only a few people that step up to the plate. After COVID it never really recovered, Kramer said, adding they have had the services streamed online. We just don't have the numbers that it is viable to keep it open. According to historical information provided by a church member, the churchs roots can be traced back to 1858 when the Rev. Jacob Adriance was appointed in charge of a 300-mile circuit that included Platte, Boone, Madison, Nance and other counties. The Nebraska Conference of the Methodist Episcopal Church was organized in 1861. In the fall of 1884, the deed for the church was given and the cornerstone was laid on July 23, 1885. At that time, the building consisted of one room and a smaller addition on the east side used for a Sunday school. A parsonage was built in 1893, a metal ceiling was installed and interior painting completed in 1906. A west wing was added in 1910 and, from 1913 to 1917, lamps were replaced by electric lights, a furnace replaced the stove in that stood in the south end of the church and an organ for the piano. In 1930, a new furnace, plumbing and fixtures were added and the basement was enlarged. Oak flooring was added, the basement upgraded and a new kitchen installed in 1947. The year of 1967 saw the addition of an educational wing with more improvements completed in 1977, including new front doors, kitchen appliances, cushions for the pews and remodeling of the parsonage. A complete renovation of the sanctuary was completed in 1984, with other updates being done throughout the years. The Genoa United Methodist Church, 622 Willard Ave., will have its last service on June 25. There will be a regular service at 11 a.m. and a special program at 1 p.m. People are invited to visit with former pastors and members, and share their memories. The building itself is being offered to the city or the school. The conference that we belong to would like to see it be utilized in the community for a community service, Kramer said. Something that brings some help to the community, whether it be a museum or a day care or something on that order. As for current congregation members, the church can help those who want to continue attending a Methodist church find another church to join. Being elderly, a lot of the people don't feel like they want to drive a ways to go to church. So they may be looking for to join another church there in Genoa, she said. Over all, the response to the church closing has been sad, Kramer said. A lot of people that have gone there when they were younger or went to Sunday school or were confirmed there, she added. It's always sad to see something like that close. "God has a plan for everybody and for every church. I'm sure that things will work out." The Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) has announced the cessation of the RT200 rebate scheme and the Naira4Dollar remittance scheme, with effect from June 30. The apex bank announced the development in a circular issued on Wednesday and signed by Angela Sere-Ejembi, director, financial markets department. The Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) wishes to inform all authorized dealers and the general public of the following immediate changes to operations in the Nigerian Foreign Exchange (FX) Market: Cessation of RT200 Rebate Scheme and the Naira4Dollar Remittance Scheme, with effect from 30 June 2023, the circular reads in part. Launched last year, the Race to $200 billion in FX Repatriation (RT200FX) initiative was established to stimulate non-oil exports with a $200 billion FX income target in the next three to five years. Under the scheme, a rebate of N65 for every $1 of repatriated non-oil export proceeds is paid to exporters of semi-finished and finished goods, while exporters of unprocessed items enjoy a rebate of N25/$. On the other hand, the Naira 4 Dollar Scheme was introduced in March 2021 as an incentive for senders and recipients of international money transfers. The policy entailed the payment of N5 for every $1 received as a remittance inflow. Both policies were introduced by the CBN under the leadership of Godwin Emefiele, the suspended governor. President Bola Tinubu suspended Emefiele on June 9 and directed that he transfers his responsibilities to the deputy governor, operations directorate. Folashodun Adebisi Shonubi, the deputy governor, is expected to act as the CBN governor pending the conclusion of an investigation ordered by the president into Emefieles activities. The Department of State Services (DSS) later announced that Emefiele is currently in its custody for some investigative reasons. A member of the House of Representatives, Solomon Bob (PDP/Rivers), has criticised his colleagues for reciting what he called spiritual incantations during the election of the Speaker and the Deputy Speaker of the House on Tuesday. As the House was considering a motion of urgent public importance by the outgoing Speaker of the House, Femi Gbajabiamila, at the plenary on Wednesday, Bob raised a point of order to decry how members-elect made spiritual comments when the election was going on. The 10th National Assembly was inaugurated on Tuesday during which members-elect of the Senate and the House elected presiding officers of the respective chambers before they were sworn in. Bob said, This point of order is pursuant to Section 10 of our Constitution and Order 6, Rules 1 and 4 of our Standing Orders. Mr Speaker, I watched with dismay yesterday, the conduct of our members who were prefacing their requirement to vote with The Speaker, Tajudeen Abbas, interjected him, saying, Honourable colleague, is your point of order relevant to this particular motion or it is different? While Bob replied that it is different, the Speaker urged him to allow the lawmakers to conclude the ongoing process. Please, you may sit down. Let us first of all adopt this particular motion and then you can take your own later, he said. After Gbajabiamilas motion was taken, Bob said, I said I watched with dismay yesterday as member-after-member rose and cited what I will call religious incantations and prefacing their comments yesterday regarding voting with religious incantations. We are enjoined not to adopt any state religion, by our ConstitutionSection 10. And we as key members of the government are not allowed to espouse or encourage espousal of any religion or religious approach Abbas interjected again, saying, Honourable colleague, I will want to implore you to step down this particular issue to allow one important issue to be done and then we can revisit it. If you can kindly do me that favour, please step it down. I will call you later to re-present the issue. Another member of the House, Fred Agbedi (PDP/Bayelsa), screamed point of order, Mr Speaker, several times without Abbas recognising him to speak. Our correspondent observed that several members when called upon to declare whom they were voting for among the three speakership candidates, started by saying, In the name of the Father, of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, or Auzubillah Minashaitan Nirajeem, with some adding, Bismillah Rahmani Rahim. A member from Oyo State made his entire speech in Yoruba to declare his vote for Abbas. The suspended Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, Abdulrasheed Bawa has arrived at the facility of the Department of State Services. This is following an invitation by the service after his suspension was announced. President Bola Tinubu had suspended Bawa over what he described as weighty allegations against him. However, in a statement on Wednesday night by the service spokesperson, Peter Afunanya the time Bawa arrived was not stated. Afunanya explained that his invitation was on investigative activities concerning him. The statement read, The Department of State Services has invited Abdulrasheed Bawa, the suspended Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission. Bawa arrived a few hours ago. The invitation relates to some investigative activities concerning him. There have been several allegations against Bawa in the past. The immediate past Governor of Zamfara State, Bello Matawalle in an interview with BBC Hausa in May accused Bawa of demanding a $2m bribe from him. Also, in February the Kogi state government accused the EFCC led by Bawa of being a pawn in the hands of political opponents in a bid to satisfy certain political interests. In light of the current economic realities, the policy advisory council of President Bola Tinubu has asked the federal government to extend the validity of the old naira notes to December 31, 2024. The recommendation was made in a report, titled, Policy Advisory Council Report: National Economy Sub-committee. The council also suggested the implementation of a gradual phase-out (on a monthly basis) of the old currency notes. Extend the December 31st, 2023, deadline to December 31st, 2024 (if required), the document reads. Bring in new notes through the deposit money banks by 5% monthly and take out the old notes through the deposit money banks by the same 5% (12-18 months). In October 2022, Godwin Emefiele, the erstwhile governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), announced the plan to redesign the naira to control money supply and aid security agencies in tackling illicit financial flows. Following the unveiling of the redesigned naira notes on November 23, 2022; the deadline for the validity of the old notes was fixed for January 31, 2023. But this was later extended to February 10 amid a nationwide outburst in protest of what was described as poor implementation of the policy. On March 3, a supreme court judgement invalidated the naira redesign policy introduced by the apex bank as citizens angst spread across the country. Delivering judgment in a suit instituted by three states of the federation, a seven-member panel of the apex court held that the old N200, N500, and N1000 notes remain legal tender until December 31, 2023. About two weeks after the court ruling, the CBN complied with the directive, instructing commercial banks, in a statement, that the old N200, N500, and N1000 notes remain legal tender until December 31, 2023. In compliance with the established tradition of obedience to court orders and sustenance of the rule of law principle that characterised the government of President Muhammadu Buhari, and by extension, the operations of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), as a regulator, deposit money banks operating in Nigeria have been directed to comply with the supreme court ruling of March 3, 2023, the statement had read. Accordingly, the CBN met with the bankers committee and has directed that the old N200, N500, and N1000 banknotes remain legal tender alongside the redesigned banknotes till December 31, 2023. TINUBU KEEPING HIS PROMISES? During his presidential campaign, Tinubu explained that he had nothing against the naira redesign policy in principle. In his inaugural speech on May 29, 2023, the president promised to revisit the demonetisation policy of the CBN. He said the currency swap was too harshly applied by the apex bank. Whatever merits it had in concept, the currency swap was too harshly applied by the CBN given the number of unbanked Nigerians, Tinubu had said. The policy shall be reviewed. In the meantime, my administration will treat both currencies as legal tender. In response to the recurring incidents of floods in some parts of the country, the federal government has issued a directive to states that have not yet submitted their vulnerability status reports. These states have been instructed to submit their reports within a week. The directive was delivered to the concerned states during the National Economic Council (NEC) meeting held on Thursday. The meeting, chaired by Vice President Kashim Shettima, emphasised the importance of promptly assessing and addressing the vulnerability of these states to mitigate the impact of future flood occurrences. Briefing State House correspondents on some of their deliberations at NEC, the Kogi State Governor, Yahaya Bello, said only 15 states had complied with an initial directive to submit their report to a five man ad hoc committee on flooding constituted by the immediate past administration. He hinted that some of the victims were yet to get compensation as a result of the stalled report detailing the extent and impact of flooding in their domain. One of the issues that came up for discussion was flooding or flood disasters across the country. At the 128th NEC meeting held on October 20, 2022, the then chairman of the Nigeria Governors Forum and the former governor of Sokoto State, His Excellency Aminu Waziri Tambuwal, drew the attention of the council to the devastating effects of the 2022 floor, which affected almost all the states of the federation, which resulted in the loss of lives and livelihoods. The council resolved, as at that time, to set up a five-man ad hoc committee on flooding, comprising governors of Jigawa, Kogi, Anambra, Bayelsa, Lagos and Yobe States, and co-opted some other ministries and agencies. The terms of reference were to review the current flooding situation in the country and design a template for compensation for victims. In carrying out that particular assignment, there were limitations. One of the limitations is the delay in the non-submission of field templates by some states, only 16 states out of the total number of states affected forwarded their submissions to NEC Secretariat, up to date, and about 15 others were yet to do so. Submissions from defaulting states are awaited as we speak. Recommendations and the plight of victims of the unfortunate flood disaster across affected states of the federation could be alleviated if the much needed intervention from the federal government materialized without further delay. There is therefore a need to expedite the release of funds to affected states as recommended by designated committees constituted by the federal government to that effect. This will go a long way in addressing the needs of the victims as well as offset debts incurred by some states to assist the victims. You are aware that various agencies that are responsible for giving us early warnings and signs have been warning that this year might be worse than last year. So flooding can now be predicted to be an annual occurrence. The council resolved that all states should make a comprehensive submission by next week. Members are also to liaise with the Office of the Vice President, Office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation and all the private sector and other well spirited Nigerians to help in tackling this flooding in the country, Bello stated while interacting with the media. Cumberland County commissioners passed a resolution Wednesday in support of increased funding for community-based mental health services in the 2023-24 state budget. The resolution is the latest in a series of steps county officials have taken to lobby state lawmakers to not only provide short-term relief, but also to develop a long-term solution for the funding crisis. The county is grappling with a potential $2.5 million deficit in its mental health system budget. A shortfall in state funds combined with the increased costs of providing services is undercutting the efficiency of programs and stretching providers to their limit. The resolution calls on Gov. Josh Shapiro and the state General Assembly to commit to a long-term solution to close spending gaps and to increase the state allocation for community-based services for the next five to 10 years. The goal is to pull the mental health system back from the brink of crisis and possible collapse, Commissioner Gary Eichelberger said. All counties are facing this problem. Commissioner Jean Foschi recently attended a meeting of the mental health services committee of the County Commissioners Association of Pennsylvania. During that meeting, representatives and advocates for service providers encouraged county officials to lobby state lawmakers and to pass a resolution in support of increased funding. They told us we have to keep talking about it and to press them on the issue, Foschi said. This resolution is another good thing for us to do. If we do not do this, we will not get the money and that will be catastrophic to Cumberland County. Since early April, the county has hosted several town hall meetings to receive public input and to promote awareness of the problem. One goal has been to encourage residents to lobby state lawmakers to boost state funding to avert county budget cuts to offset the projected $2.5 million deficit. Each town hall drew a diverse crowd to talk about unaddressed needs and the impact of fiscal struggles, Mental Health Director Annie Strite said Wednesday. It was touching and challenging to hear some of the stories. Advocates for the National Alliance on Mental Illness stepped up their lobbying effort with face-to-face meetings with legislative leaders, Strite said. School districts are getting involved by way of teachers, counselors and social workers, she said. I would like to point out the all-hands, all-in effort here of trying to get this to the right decision makers, Eichelberger said. Commissioner Vince DiFlippo was cautiously optimistic. The word is starting to get out, he said. The key thing here is we have to make sure that our state legislature understands that this is not a one-year fix. It has to be a multiyear solution. Commissioners have delayed a decision on potential cuts in contracts with mental health service providers. It has been the past practice with many of the contracts to submit changes in staffing levels and programs within 60 days prior to the expiration of the contract on June 30. That 60-day grace period started on April 30. Are we facing any imminent decision here with the contracts? Eichelberger asked Strite during a finance meeting Wednesday. Not today, she said in response. We are scrutinizing these contracts very thoroughly. Were going through them to see what has changed, what is changing and asking Is this is a need or a want? If its a need we need to take a serious look at it. If its a want, then maybe we can wait to see how the governors budget shakes out. In early March, Shapiro proposed a state budget that included $20 million more in mental health funding for Pennsylvanias 67 counties. Cumberland County officials expect long negotiations among state lawmakers before a decision is reached. Meanwhile, the commissioners will have to decide sooner than later on whether there should be program cuts. Time is of the essence, Strite said. We want to be sending our contracts through. We have smaller providers who rely exclusively on funds from the county to pay their staff. Governor Hope Uzodinma of Imo State has claimed he met the State in a bad condition that could be likened to a cemetery when he assumed office in 2020. Uzodinma specifically said, When I came to Imo State, I met a moribund state, a state that was in distress. A state, I can even say, was in the cemetery; I exhumed the body. He gave the assertion on Wednesday while featuring on Channels Televisions Politics Today programme. The governor also claimed that the infrastructure deficit in the State was so huge, all the roads were not motorable, and all the hospitals were not working when entered office. Given the situation in Imo State before 2020 when I became the governor and the situation of Imo State today, 2023, three years after, a lot of things are there for people to know that there is a huge difference, he added. Tempers flared and words were exchanged between counsels of the Labour Party (LP) and the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) at the presidential election petition tribunal on Wednesday. Here are five highlights from the proceedings. LP ACCUSES INEC CHAIR OF EVADING SUBPOENA Livy Uzoukwu, lead counsel for the LP, told the court that Mahmood Yakubu, INEC chairman, had consistently avoided being served with a subpoena for the production of documents. The lawyer said he was not in possession of the subpoena but would provide a copy to the INEC lead counsel. Uzoukwu urged the INEC lawyer to ensure that the needful is done so as to continue with the proceedings the next day. TEMPERS FLARE BETWEEN LP COUNSEL, INEC LAWYER Kemi Pinero, counsel to the INEC, dismissed Uzoukwus comments, saying it was a tactic to adjourn the proceedings. Pinero said there was no conversation of a subpoena directed to the INEC chairman, adding that the commission had adequately responded to subpoenas issued by other parties and had no reason to neglect the LP. A subpoena was not refused. PDP served subpoenas and we have responded to them. It is clear that this is becoming a habit that they (LP) like to whip, its a pattern, Pinero said. Dont use INEC as a whipping boy, if they (LP) have nothing else to do they should just say it. We are not going to oppose your adjournment. This habit is showing that youre only stalling the case. Youve only called two witnesses out of the 50 witnesses you said you would call and it has been two weeks since the tribunal started. I just want to make it clear that it is not correct that the INEC chairman refused to respond to the subpoena. The chairman of INEC has no interest whatsoever. So its very unfair and uncharitable. In response, the LP lead counsel expressed shock at Pineros comments and said he consistently denigrates the petitioners counsels. Uzoukwu said the courts bailiff had noted that INEC consistently avoided service of the subpoena and that his claims were verifiable. LP CHALLENGES ELECTION IN SEVEN STATES Uzoukwu told the court that Audu Anuga, a member of LPs legal team, will tender documents challenging the election in seven states. Certified true copies (CTC) of IReV reports downloaded and certified by INEC, according to Anuga, were tendered in respect of 21 LGAs of Benue. IReV reports of eight LGAs in Gombe, 25 in Niger, 17 in Edo, 20 in Bauchi, and 21 LGAs in Kaduna were also presented. The senior advocate of Nigeria (SAN) said some CTCs of blurred IReV reports linked to unidentifiable LGAs in Kaduna were part of the evidence. Additional evidence included blurred CTCs of some documents and reports from Bayelsa state. Anuga also presented CTCs of INEC certificate of compliance for seven states but said the LP would only be tendering for six states excluding Akwa Ibom. The other states were not mentioned. Lawyers for INEC, President Bola Tinubu and Vice-President Kashim Shettima, as well as the All Progressives Congress (APC), objected to the admissibility of the documents. PDP CALLS UP WITNESS BUT POSTPONES CROSS-EXAMINATION Eyitayo Jegede, counsel for the PDP, presented three sets of reports prepared by statisticians on the electoral forms used during the last presidential election. The reports were presented by Samuel Oduntan, a statistician and witness of the PDP. Jegede said the witness would be cross-examined the next day, adding that other respondents had agreed to the arrangement. However, the respondents opposed the admission of the documents and kicked against the bid to have the reports read in open court. Tsammani thereafter fixed June 15 for further hearing of the petition INEC ASKS PDP TO SHARE DOCUMENTS Abubakar Mahmoud, lead counsel for INEC, asked the court to permit the PDP to provide soft copies of the reports tendered as evidence so as to sufficiently review them before the next hearing. On his part, Jegede prayed the court to compel INEC to provide the voter register for review. Tsammani granted both requests and asked the parties to include all respondents in the information. The Independent National Electoral Commission on Wednesday reacted to the statement by the legal team of the Labour Party and its candidate, Peter Obi suggesting that the commission has refused to respond to the subpoenas served on them. The LP and Obi in a petition marked CA/PEC/03/2023 are challenging the outcome of the presidential election wherein Bola Tinubu of the All Progressives Congress was declared the elected president by INEC. During the proceedings, the petitioners had previously stated that the electoral commission had denied them access to some sensitive documents which are germane to their pleadings. While moving the motion for adjournment of the hearing on Wednesday afternoon, counsel for the petitioners, Livy Uzoukwu SAN again complained to the Presidential Election Petition Court that despite the effort made to access documents under the commission, INEC has consistently refusedthe subpoena to produce documents. He further said that he had to draw the attention of the lead counsel for INEC, A.B Mahmoud who assured him that the commission would comply. Displeased with the statement that implied that his client was uncooperative, counsel for INEC, Kemi Pinhero SAN who conducted Wednesdays proceedings on behalf of the electoral body countered the assertion. He accused the petitioners of constantly blaming them for withholding documents from them and urged them to desist from the habit. He said, Dont use INEC as a whipping boy. He said he was unaware of any discussion Uzoukwu SAN may have had with their lead counsel, Mahmoud, to warrant the statement. It has become a habit for them to look for somebody to whip. I am not privy to any discussion he has had with A.B. Mahmoud. It cant be true that the receipt or the subpoena were refused. It has become a habit for them to blame INEC or say that INEC has refused to release documents to them. It is not correct that the office of the chairman will refuse to respond to the subpoena. The chairman of INEC has no interest whatsoever. It is unfair to INEC. If they have nothing else to do today, they should just say it. In response to the reaction, Uzoukwu maintained his stance and informed the court that his claims can easily be verified. Following the argument between the two parties, the Presidential Election Petition Court headed by Justice Haruna Tsammani advised them to calm their frayed nerves. The court thereafter adjourned the matter to June 15 for continuation of the hearing. The Lagos government has urged the Police Command to look into the alleged removal of two girls ovaries by two doctors. One of the victims is the daughter of a General Overseer of a Pentecostal Church in the Iyana Ipaja area of the state. The Lagos Domestic and Sexual Violence Agency (DSVA) has asked Commissioner of Police Idowu Owohunwa to probe the matter. In a letter, the agency said Miss Precious Ikechukwu and Miss Theresa Obam, ages 19 and 17, narrated the alleged involvement of Mrs. Blessing Adeleke. The church member allegedly took them for a surgical Egg Retrieval in River Hood Hospital, Abeokuta, and PF Hospital Surulere, Lagos, without their consent. The teenagers said Adeleke promised N80,000 compensation if they provide their menstruation to the hospital and threatened to kill them if the information is disclosed. They further alleged that they were given an injection to inject themselves for 14 days after which Mrs. Adeleke took them to PF Hospital in Surulere where the surgery of removing their eggs from their ovaries was done. Miss Precious and Miss Theresa alleged that they have been feeling severe pain in their abdomen after the surgery was done, the DVSA letter reads. It added that the claims against Adeleke constitute Unlawful Possession of Human Parts, according to Section 238 Punishable Under the Criminal Law of Lagos State, 2015. The agency requested the assistance of the police in ensuring that the case is adequately investigated and justice served. The house of representatives has rejected a motion to declare a state of emergency on factors causing young Nigerians to relocate abroad. The motion titled: Need to Declare Emigration of Young Nigerians Abroad AKA Japa Syndrome a National Emergency was sponsored by Philip Agbese, a lawmaker representing Ado/Okpokwu/Ogbadibo federal constituency of Benue state. While moving the motion, Agbese, a member of the All Progressives Congress (APC), said reports by African Polling Institute indicate that 69 percent of young Nigerians would opt to relocate abroad if they have the opportunity. He said the United Nations Department of Economic and Social Affairs reported that international emigration from Nigeria in 2020 totalled 1.7 million a substantial increase from 990,000 in 2010. The legislator said the growing statistics of young Nigerians relocating abroad portends a grave danger for the nation in many ways ranging from economic to intellectual and social aspects. The eagerness to migrate to countries that offer hope seems to have a compelling influence. Those leaving Nigeria are not just the poor but middle class who possess skills/workforce including bankers, lecturers, health care practitioners, doctors, nurses, and trained manpower, all of whom were trained in Nigeria and emigrating at a time when their services are needed to build a strong and vibrant economy in Nigeria, he said. Agbese warned that if the japa situation continues with the nations best brains and skilled personnel leaving, the country may fall into grave crisis. He, therefore, prayed the house to ask the federal government to convene a national summit with key stakeholders to effectively address the japa syndrome. Agbese also asked the house to declare a state of emergency on the factors that predispose young Nigerians to give up on Nigeria in preference for other nations. THE DEBATE Contributing to the debate, Sada Soli, a lawmaker from Katsina, opposed the motion, saying it breaches the fundamental human rights of movement as contained in the constitution. This motion as it is looks nationalistic but it contravenes the provision of the constitution. It is the liberty of a Nigerian. If he is qualified, he has all the grand rights to move anywhere he wants to source for a living, he said. The lawmaker said the motion should not be allowed to pass because it contravenes the provisions of the constitution. Similarly, Idris Wase, former deputy speaker, said any law or motion that conflicts with the provisions of the constitution is nill and void. Speaking in favour of the motion, Ahmadu Jaha from Borno said the motion is seeking to prevent Nigerians from relocating abroad but to address the factors behind their emigration. We should be mindful of the prayers of the motion before killing it. The mover of the motion is not praying that everybody should be stopped from going abroad, he said. Lets tell ourselves the truth. The factors enumerated (in the motion) are the actual factors or reasons behind people leaving this country to seek greener pastures somewhere. He added that the motion is appropriate and should be considered. In his debate, Femi Bamisile from Ekiti moved for an amendment of the motion that the word Japa should be expunged because it is a street language. It should be removed and a proper word used, he said. However, when the motion, including the amendment, was put to a voice vote by Tajudeen Abbas, speaker of the house, the nays were overwhelmed by the ayes. Speaking after plenary, Agbese said he will rework the motion and represent it before the house. He also thanked the speaker for giving lawmakers the opportunity to express their viewpoints on the matter. The Federal Government on Thursday in Abuja put Professor Lawrence Adedibu Ojerinde, his three sons, and a daughter-in-law on trial for allegedly disposing of the property of the Joint Admission and Matriculation Board (JAMB) in Ghana. The accused, who were all present in court, were docked on 17-count criminal charges by the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC). Prof Ojerinde, already arraigned twice, was docked for the third time alongside his familys six companies. In the new charge, the former JAMB registrar is accused of selling off a Federal Government property situated at House No. 4, Ahomko Drive, Achimota Phase Two, Accra, Ghana. The house was said to have been sold by Ojerinde and his sons after it was forfeited to the federal government. The fresh charge indicated that the alleged corrupt benefit conferred on Ojerinde by one Jimoh Olabisi Olatunde while he was a public officer contravened Section 26 (1) (c) and is punishable under Section 24 of the ICPC Act 2000. Arraigned alongside Ojerinde were his three sons, Olumide Abiodun Ojerinde, Adedayo Ojerinde, and Oluwaseun Adeniyi Ojerinde, as well as his daughter-in-law, Mary Funmilola Ojerinde. The familys companies also put on trial were Doyin Ogbohi Petroleum Ltd, Cheng Marbles Limited, Sapati International Schools Ltd, Trillium Learning Centres Ltd, Standout Institutes Ltd and ESLI Perfect Security Printers Ltd. Apart from the alleged unlawful sale of Federal Government property in Ghana, the former JAMB registrar was accused of using fake names to acquire companies, open bank accounts, acquire petroleum stations, and buy landed properties in Ilorin, Kwara State, while he was a public officer. The charges also indicated that his sons acted as agents to facilitate the alleged sale of the house in Ghana. The defendants all pleaded not guilty to the charges. Due to their repeated refusals to accept invitations from the anti-graft agency and the likelihood that additional charges will be brought against them, ICPC lawyer Ebenezer Adenekan Shogunle opposed the granting of bail to Ojerinde and Oluwaseun Adeniyi Ojerinde. Justice Inyang Edem Ekwo, who took the plea of the defendants, asked the ICPC lawyer if there were pending criminal charges against them and if they were admitted on bail by the courts, to which the counsel answered in the affirmative. The ICPC lawyer acknowledged that Ojerinde was going through a similar trial before the Federal High Court in Abuja and the Niger State High Court in Minna. Justice Ekwo invoked the prior bail conditions to admit the former JAMB Registrar to bail after it was established that another Federal High Court in Abuja had previously granted bail to the individual. The judge, however, admitted his three sons and daughter-in-law on bail in the sum of N20 million and for each of them one surety in like sum who must be property owners in Abuja with verified proofs of ownership. The original title documents for the properties were to be deposited with the court, the judge ruled. The defendants were instructed to leave their passports in the custody of the court registrar and were prohibited from leaving the country without the courts permission. Justice Ekwo instructed Ojerinde, who was openly crying, to get immediate medical attention for his deteriorating health so that he could stand for trial as required by law. The court subsequently fixed November 13, 14, 15, and 16 for trial, during which the ICPC is expected to call 18 witnesses to testify against the defendants. President Bola Tinubu is currently meeting former Military Head of State, General Abdulsalami Abubakar (retd.), at the Presidential Villa, Abuja. Abubakar who recently turned 81 is visiting Tinubu 48 hours after former President Goodluck Jonathan was at the Villa to brief the President on developments in Mali. Although the agenda of the meeting is not yet public, it was observed that the former military leader may have dropped by for a courtesy visit. Months ago, Abubakar chaired the National Peace Committee that brought all major candidates in the February 25 Presidential election to signed a peace accord to minimise tension during and after the polls. The immediate past governor of Rivers State, Nyesom Wike, has opened up on why he supported the election of Senator Godswill Akpabio to emerge president of the 10th senate. At a media briefing in Port Harcourt on Wednesday, Wike said he supported the former governor of Akwa Ibom to reciprocate the support he got from the lawmaker when he was running for governorship election in 2015. Wike also revealed that himself and members of the G-5 who include former governors Samuel Ortom (Benue), Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi (Enugu) Okezie Ikpeaz (Abia) and the Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde supported Akpabios election. He said, I dont believe that Akpabio will be rubber stamped. I also supported him because he equally supported me when I was running for governorship. Akpabio is a competent, qualified and educated person. He is an orator who can represent this country anywhere. What other qualifications do you want? Rivers State and the G5 Governors all supported Akpabio because we couldnt stop our support midway. A captain with the Hackensack Police Department has filed a lawsuit claiming he was retaliated against and his job placed in jeopardy after he complained about the civilian police director overstepping his authority. Capt. Francesco Aquila, 54, claims in court papers Director Raymond Guidetti violated New Jersey law by engaging in activities beyond the scope of his duties and responsibilities as a civilian director. Guidetti was hired by the city to serve as its civilian director on Aug. 15, 2022. Hes earning $195,000 a year, according to the lawsuit, filed June 6 in Superior Court of Bergen County. Three days after his hiring, Guidetti was driving an unmarked Ford Explorer equipped with police radio and emergency lights, a violation of state law and an attorney general directive, the suit says. City officials knew or should have known that a civilian police director could not be assigned an unmarked police vehicle, the suit says, calling the assignment a violation of well-settled law. Aquila says that when he complained to the departments officer-in-charge, his concerns were not taken seriously and not reported to internal affairs or the county prosecutor. In a statement on Thursday, Hackensack spokesman Nick Bond said the citys efforts to institute reforms to repair deficiencies in the police department have been met with resistance by a a small handful of disgruntled personnel. Aquilas lawsuit is at least the third filed since Guidetti was hired last summer; one of the complaints was dismissed by a judge in April, according to court records. The allegations (in the dismissed suit) were found to have been entirely unsubstantiated. The city will be quickly moving to dismiss this case as well, Bond said in an email. Aquilas lawsuit claims the citys refusal to submit Aquilas complaint to internal affairs and the Bergen County Prosecutors Office violated guidelines set by the New Jersey Office of the Attorney General. Instead of opening an internal affairs investigation and referring the matter to prosecutors, the city and department continued to bestow upon Guidetti the powers of a police chief and senior law enforcement executive/manager, the suit says. The suit alleges Guidetti confronted Aquila after he complained, and asked, When can you retire? Guidetti also allegedly told Aquila, You have to go and enjoy your pension, the suit says. The next month, three unmarked Chevrolet Tahoes equipped with police lights and radios, which had been ordered in 2021, were delivered to the department. Police Director Guidetti took one Chevrolet Tahoe for his own use in violation of the law, the suit says. Aquila complained again that issuing a vehicle to a civilian police director was a violation of state law and attorney general guidelines, but his concerns again resulted in no action against Guidetti, the suit says. In addition, Aquila claims Guidetti further violated state law and attorney general directives by directing commanders to provide him with confidential information contained in police reports. The suit also claims the city and police department ignored a 2019 attorney general directive stating county prosecutors are directly responsible for internal affairs investigations of municipal law enforcement executives regardless of the type of alleged conduct. Instead of an investigation of the director, Aquila says he found himself in hot water. On Jan. 6, Aquila received a notice from the Bergen County Prosecutors Office that he was the subject of an internal affairs complaint for allegedly neglecting his duties as a supervisor, the suit says. The complaint alleged Aquila abused overtime and extra duty details, altered his shifts and authorized others to do the same, the suit states. The neglect of duty charge was the latest in a number of adverse actions taken against Aquila, which the suit describes as a death by a thousand cuts. On May 31, the prosecutors office exonerated Aquila of the internal affairs charges, appearing to support his contention that the allegations against him were retaliatory. Plaintiff fears further retaliation from these defendants. If the same retaliatory conduct continues, plaintiff will have no other recourse but to retire, the suit says. The lawsuit alleges violations of the states whistleblower laws and age discrimination, claiming that Guidetti and other officials engaged in retaliatory conduct to try to force him into retirement. Anthony G. Attrino may be reached at tattrino@njadvancemedia.com. Follow him on Twitter @TonyAttrino. Find NJ.com on Facebook. A Bergen County man was arrested Tuesday and charged with sexually assaulting a child repeatedly in Hackensack, authorities said. Ruben Saca, 54, of Hackensack, is charged with first-degree aggravated sexual assault, second-degree sexual assault and second-degree endangering the welfare of a child. Investigators received information on March 17 that a child had been sexually assaulted in Hackensack, according to Bergen County Prosecutor Mark Musella. An investigation revealed Saca sexually assaulted the child, who was 11 years old at the time, on multiple occasions in Hackensack, Musella said in a statement. Saca was taken to the Bergen County Jail, where he remained on Thursday to await a court hearing. Court and jail records did not list an attorney for Saca Thursday morning. Anthony G. Attrino may be reached at tattrino@njadvancemedia.com. Follow him on Twitter @TonyAttrino. Find NJ.com on Facebook. A Carlisle school board member Tuesday evening announced he will again attempt to challenge U.S. Rep. Scott Perry for his seat in the 10th Congressional District. Rick Coplen will seek the Democratic nomination for U.S. Congress in the 2024 primary. During the last congressional election year in 2022, Coplen sought the Democratic nomination in that race but lost to Shamaine Daniels. Perry defeated Daniels in the general election. Coplen is an Army combat veteran and teacher of advanced studies at the U.S. Army War College and Elizabethtown College. In his announcement, he said the top important issue cited during listening sessions he has held was the defense of democracy and its ideals. Scott Perry has betrayed his sacred oath of office, conspiring to overthrow an election that Donald Trumps own Department of Homeland Security called the most secure in American history. He is constitutionally unfit for office, Coplen said. Im not just running against Scott Perry and his extremism. Im running to restore common sense, common decency, and service to the common good in public life. Coplen said Perry has consistently voted against public opinion on issues such as Social Security and Medicare, clean energy, reproductive freedom, gun safety and family financial security, while voting for cutting taxes for the wealthy. People are tired of extremism, Coplen said. People want political leaders to come together in the sensible center of the political spectrum and move America forward. We have to stop listening to the extremists and listen more closely to each other, to the great majority of us who are eager for a normal normal. Coplen said he will continue to hold listening sessions before the election and afterward if he is elected. Authorities have charged a Cumberland County teenager with murder in the shooting death of a man found in a school parking lot, prosecutors said. Police officers responded around 5 a.m. Monday to a report of an unresponsive man in a parked car at Rieck Avenue Elementary School in Millville. Police found Mark Hoffman, 20, of Millville, dead of a gunshot wound, officials said. Restricted free agent Jesper Bratt signed a long-term extension with the Devils Thursday, according Sportsnets Elliotte Friedman. The 8-year extension has a $7.875 million average annual value, which comes to $63 million in total. New Jersey could soon be on a path to phasing in universal free school lunch. The state over the next five years would gradually increase the number of K-12 students eligible for government-funded meal programs that have long assisted lower-income families, under a bill sponsored by a group of Democratic state lawmakers, including state Assembly Speaker Craig Coughlin. Ultimately, free lunch would be open to all students, regardless of their household income, starting in the 2028-29 academic year, according to the proposal (A5573). The measure took its first step forward Thursday, as the Assembly Agriculture and Food Security Committee voted 4-0. with bipartisan support, to advance it at the Statehouse in Trenton. While this plan would technically mean students without financial need would be eligible to get free food in five years, supporters say opening it up to everyone would help erase the shame that keeps some students from participating. That, they say, would lead to more children in need avoiding hunger and getting nutritious food. Universal free school lunch keeps money in the pockets of New Jersey families, and it helps overcome the stigma attached to free or reduced price school meals, said Coughlin, D-Middlesex, who has pushed several anti-hunger bills in recent years. By expanding access, we can ensure every student eats during the school day. New Jersey would join a handful of states that allow universal free lunch, including California, Colorado, Maine, Minnesota, New Mexico, and most recently Vermont. Several other states are considering similar moves despite pushback from some Republicans who say taxpayers shouldnt be on the hook for a program that could benefit non-needy families and possibly lead to tax hikes to cover the cost. The federal government has long funded free meals for U.S. students whose household income falls below 130% of the federal poverty level and reduced-price meals for those between 131% and 185% of that level, while New Jersey currently funds those from 186% to 199%. The system means eligible families either dont have to pay for the food directly or get a discount. More than 395,000 of the 1.4 million students in New Jersey received free or reduced-price breakfast and lunch between 2019 and 2020, according to federal data. There were 762,530 New Jersey residents including 192,580 children who were food insecure in 2019. Those figures include people who reported in federal surveys they worry their food supply will run out, they cannot afford a balanced meal, or they skipped meals for an entire day because they did not have enough money to buy food. That translates into 1 in 12 residents and 1 in 10 children in New Jersey who live in homes without consistent access to adequate food for everyone to live healthy, active lives, according to data from the state Department of Health. Get politics news like this right to your inbox with the N.J. Politics newsletter. Add your email below and hit "subscribe" Under the new proposal, the state would reimburse school districts for the meals the federal government doesnt fund and districts would be required to take steps to minimize or offset costs. Assemblyman Roy Freiman, D-Somerset, chairman of the food security committee, said Thursday its unclear how much the plan would ultimately cost New Jersey taxpayers each year. Still, Freiman agreed it would remove embarrassment associated with free lunch, with students no longer having to single themselves out or go hungry as the other alternative because they didnt have the meals. Assemblywoman Shanique Speight, D-Essex, another sponsor, added that children having to worry about where their next meal will come from is an unfortunate reality for families that do not meet the eligibility requirements. The bill would now need to pass the full state Senate and Assembly each of which are controlled by Democrats before Gov. Phil Murphy, a Democrat, could decide whether to sign it into law. Free school meals were open to anyone in the U.S. at the height of the coronavirus pandemic under a federal waiver program. But that came to an end last June. Some officials have called on Congress to make it permanent. In absence of that, states have been stepping in. Lawmakers and Murphy enacted a law in September that expanded the income eligibility in New Jersey, opening it to 26,000 more students. Under that legislation, students in the state from a household in with an annual income of below 200% of the federal poverty level are eligible for free or reduced-price meals, as opposed to the federal threshold of 185%. This new bill would expand it further to 250% or lower in the 2024-25 school year, 300% or lower in 2025-26, 350% or lower in 2026-27, and 400% or lower in 2027-28. All students would then be eligible beginning in 2028-29. The proposal would also make students eligible to keep getting free lunches through a summer meals program or an emergency meals distribution program. Last years expansion, which took effect this school year, was expected to cost New Jersey taxpayers about $19.2 million a year. But some say the state should act even quicker as children grapple with hunger. Two speakers lobbied lawmakers Thursday to do away with the proposed phase-in and start universal free meals next school year. The time to act is now, said Lisa Pitz, director of the advocacy group Hunger Free NJ. Children cannot learn on an empty stomach. School meals are just as important to academic success as textbooks and transportation, which we do not charge families for, Pitz added. School meals for all is the most effective, efficient, and equitable way to ensure that all children have the nutrition they need to grow and thrive. Toni Bowman, president-elect of the New Jersey School Nutrition Association, said doing this gradually would overwhelm districts with ever-changing data as they collect more applications each year. We are definitely in support of free meals for our students, but implementation is going to cause problems in our schools, Bowman said. She added that universal lunches would help fight meal debt which is when students east school meals but cant pay for them, forcing districts to face the bill. This school debt can be a teachers salary, it can cut an after-school program, it can impact sports, Bowman said. Assemblyman Alex Sauickie, R-Ocean, said he did wrestle with the legislation a little bit because of the possible price tag but ultimately voted for it. Id like to see New Jersey more affordable, to lessen the need for something like this, Sauickie said. But, he noted, housing, energy, and food costs have gone up, and the need for this is probably more than its ever been. Plus, he said, getting rid of that stigma ... is a big thing. Arlethia Brown, director of school nutrition at Camdens school district, summed her position up this way: You cant put a price on feeding children. Our journalism needs your support. Please subscribe today to NJ.com. Brent Johnson may be reached at bjohnson@njadvancemedia.com. Follow him at @johnsb01. EDITORS NOTE: Interested in the business and networking side of cannabis? NJ Cannabis Insider is hosting a cannabis business networking event on July 20 . Tickets are limited. Union Chill Cannabis Company, New Jerseys latest legal weed dispensary, opened to the public Wednesday in downtown Lambertville. This makes it the 31st recreational retail store in the state. Three men have been convicted in the brutal attack of another inmate at Essex County Jail that caused him to suffer a traumatic brain injury, Acting Essex County Prosecutor Theodore N. Stephens II said. After a two-week trial, the jury returned a guilty verdict for Byad Lockett and Darryl Watson on charges of attempted murder, aggravated assault and possession of a weapon for an unlawful purpose, prosecutors said. A third inmate, Isaad Jackson, was convicted of weapons offenses in the attack, officials said. Authorities say Lockett and Watson beat a 22-year-old inmate with a microwave and other objects including a large beverage dispenser and broom. Jackson used a mop bucket and beverage dispenser in the assault, officials said. He was also charged with attempted murder and aggravated assault, but was not convicted due to a hung jury, prosecutors said. The beating occurred on September 23, 2021, in Building 3 of Essex County Jail. Seven inmates attacked the man in the common area, punching him in the face and stomping on his head, officials said. The three defendants then began assaulting him after he was unconscious, authorities said. The assault lasted about two minutes and was captured on surveillance footage. Authorities did not comment on a motive for the attack. Sentencing is scheduled for September 6. Watson is also scheduled to be sentenced for a murder conviction on June 27. Lockett is currently serving a 12-year prison term for conspiracy to commit murder and Jackson has a pending homicide charge, the Prosecutors Office said. Thank you for relying on us to provide the local news you can trust. Please consider supporting NJ.com with a subscription. Nicolas Fernandes may be reached at nfernandes@njadvancemedia.com. Authorities have whisked convicted killer Sean M. Lannon from his New Jersey prison cell to Albuquerque, New Mexico, to face a murder charge in that city. Lannon, 49, is serving a 35-year prison sentence for killing his childhood mentor in New Jersey in 2021, and is charged in four more killings in New Mexico. He was indicted in March on 10 counts related to the killings of his ex-wife, Jennifer, and two acquaintances, Jesten Mata and Matthew Miller, in Grants, New Mexico. Hes charged in a separate jurisdiction with killing Randall Apostalon in Albuquerque. Lannon was extradited Wednesday from New Jersey State Prison in Trenton and was placed in the Bernalillo County Metropolitan Detention Center while he awaits prosecution in the Apostalon case on charges of first-degree murder and tampering with evidence. In New Mexico, Sean Lannon is accused of killing his estranged wife, Jennifer, as well as Jesten Mata (top, right), Matthew Miller (bottom, left) and Randall Apostalon. Lannon appeared in metropolitan court Thursday afternoon for his first appearance hearing in the Albuquerque killing. The district attorneys office has filed a motion seeking his pre-trial detention, Judge Nina Safier told Lannon during the brief session. She indicated a hearing would be held within five days in district court to consider that motion. Lannon is also scheduled to be arraigned next month on the Grants indictment, which includes three counts of first-degree willful and deliberate murder and seven counts of tampering with evidence. Lannon, who moved from New Jersey to the Southwest with his wife and their three kids several years ago, is accused of shooting her to death in the rented house the couple shared in January 2021. He then allegedly killed acquaintances Jesten Mata and Matthew Miller in the same Grants residence on separate occasions. Lannon is accused of storing the bodies in plastic crates, which he later moved 80 miles away to Albuquerque. Apostolon, 60, lived in Albuquerque and was known as a handyman who did odd jobs for money, according to family and friends. He allegedly agreed to haul Lannons containers to a storage facility, but when they could not find a place to keep the crates, the pair argued and Lannon bludgeoned him to death, authorities said. In March 2021, investigators say Lannon drove Apostalons truck to Albuquerque International Sunport airport, where he left it parked with all four bodies inside. A smell coming from the vehicle led police to the gruesome discovery on March 5. Mata and Miller had been dismembered. Apostalon was found in the front passenger seat covered with a tarp. He had severe trauma to his face and skull and a small sledge hammer was found under his body, according to the affidavit filed with the charges. Investigators then learned Lannon and his three kids had flown out from the airport to Philadelphia a day earlier. Back in New Jersey, Lannon left the kids with family and eventually arrived at the East Greenwich home of 66-year-old Michael Dabkowski, who had mentored Lannon and his brother through the Big Brothers/Big Sisters program in the 1980s. Lannon, who pleaded guilty to a murder charge last year in Dabkowskis death, admitted bludgeoning the victim with a hammer before stealing his wallet and car. He claimed the older man had molested him as a child and that he had gone to the home to retrieve photos of the abuse. No evidence of the abuse was ever disclosed in court. Lannon was arrested March 10, 2021, in St. Louis, apparently on his way back to New Mexico. He allegedly admitted to all five killings, offering various justifications for his actions. Apostalons brother, Mark, expressed relief that Lannon was returned to New Mexico this week. Im happy that the wheels of justice are moving forward, he said Thursday. Its been quite a while Im glad in New Jersey they gave him 35 years. He hopes Lannon will serve his sentences out West. My true hope is that he does his time here in New Mexico, because I understand that he does not want to come to New Mexico, Apostalon said. Thats my preference with this person. Our journalism needs your support. Please subscribe today to NJ.com. Matt Gray may be reached at mgray@njadvancemedia.com. As pandemic restrictions rolled back in the past year, organizations with a homebase slowly returned. But Jersey Citys Art House Productions gave up its former space at Cast Iron Lofts as a new one waited in the wings. Construction on that new location at 345 Marin Boulevard was also delayed by the pandemic. In the meantime, Art House hosted virtual programming, like their weekly drag bingo shows referenced on an episode of The Late Show with Stephen Colbert. It wasnt until late last year that the locations gallery was completed in time for Jersey City Art and Studio Tour and Art Houses Big Affordable Art Show. 180 Morgan Street Developers, the owners of The Hendrix building that houses 345 Marin Blvd., helped to prioritize work on the gallery for that purpose, said Art House Productions Executive Artistic Director Meredith Burns. Art Houses participation in JCAST and facilitation of events like the quarterly art festival JC Fridays and Snow Ball Gala have been perennial for more than 15 years. Just having facilitated the Jersey City Comedy Festival (June 7-10) and ahead of a ribbon cutting ceremony July 13 at 1 p.m., Art House has fully moved into its new space with a 99-seat black box theater, visual arts gallery, green room, and multi-use lobby. In launching a $500K fundraising campaign for their reopening, they intend to realize the aspirations they believe a group perhaps considered the citys premiere nonprofit arts organization (founded in 2001) should have. (345 Marin Blvd.) is part of a development that the city was instrumental in negotiating for a nonprofit art space many, many years ago, Burns said in an interview with The Jersey Journal last week. Art House is fortunate enough to be that nonprofit arts organization. Were in this prime location ... steps from the Grove Street PATH in Downtown Jersey City. Its now such a different ballpark with having all of these high-rise buildings having 40,000 people within like a 10-block radius and we need to make sure that were prepared to meet the demands of the high-quality programming that people are looking to see, going to pay money to go see. The fundraising campaign had a private phase in which a third of the $500K goal was raised ($170K) with commitments from 180 Morgan Street Developers, KVibe Studios, and individual philanthropists, according to Art House. Burns is aware the remaining $330K is ambitious for the Jersey City-area. There isnt a huge culture of philanthropy here, Burns said. There are some major donors and major philanthropists here who are incredibly generous to the community. But it is a tricky spot in that we have a lot of folks for whom its a bedroom community..., theyre more invested in whats happening across the river than they are necessarily here. Im hoping thats changing as the city is changing, as I think people even in the entire state are now looking to Jersey City as a leader with arts and culture especially with what happened with the municipal funding for the arts that we passed (bolstered by the city, organizing from a coalition of local arts groups that led to the passing of the Jersey City Arts and Culture Trust Fund in 2021). But change is slow. The cost of being in Jersey Citys housing landscape is at historic highs. Montclair State University Professor of History Leslie Wilson attributes that to its built-in market for regional migration due to its proximity to Manhattan and Brooklyn. There is a constant source of people willing to pay a different market rate to relocate in Jersey City, making developers a fortune, Wilson said in a past interview. Burns comes from a family whos been in Jersey City for four generations, she said. Essentially my family has been priced out. (But) to me its not a simplistic all developers are just out for the bottom line because the developers have been our most generous donors, Burns continued. Thats just the truth. They donate the most amount of money to Art House, and I think I can speak with authority ... (many of) the other arts organizations in town ... theyre their largest donors as well, so it is a tricky thing, and I do think that developers get that the city is a better place when you have arts and culture here. Burns longtime argument is that Jersey Citys brand identity is its art and culture, she said. Is it a perfect scenario right now in a changing city where some folks who have been here for decades are being priced out and theyre very frustrated by how things are going? Its not, and I wish that there was more that we can do to safeguard these artists. That is a constant conversation that I have with the city. Yall understand that when the artists are gone because they cannot afford to live here anymore, because they cant afford to be here, this city is going to be come less exciting to the people who can afford to live here? Art House is about to hit a $1 million annual operating budget for the first time, Burns said, adding that even that much is a fraction of the budgets of nonprofit art centers in New York City. Art House isnt trying to compete with those, but for Burns, it is trying to be an entity thats city- and state-conscious along those lines. Art House has been at the forefront of both professional arts and being a community space, really, since the beginning, Burns said. As weve gone on, weve gotten more professional. That just comes with getting bigger, and also having more eyes on you and needing to there are nonprofit requirements that really require us to become more professional .It needs to be professional to where you are paying people a salary and where you are giving them benefits and healthcare. Thats part of this reopening campaign is to make sure were able to accommodate top talent, because if you want people who can do both people who can straddle the community needs with the sort of business realities, then you need to be able to offer these kinds of things. Art House hopes to put $200K toward capital improvements noted on its website at arthouseproductions.org, which includes a really large-scale projector, which costs $20K, and the projector screen, Burns said. Thats the kind of stuff we need the communitys support with because thats the kind of stuff that also expands our business operations. With that we can have film screenings and lots of other revenue-creating programs. We also need to retrofit mirrors on our back wall, so we can have dance classes in our space if needed because its a flexible black box theater. Art Houses education programs suffered the most during the pandemic, Burns said. We do have programs at schools that we operate every semester but its not at the level that it once was, where they were robust programs, and so weve got to bring those back. And that requires an investment from people. Its definitely the type of endeavor and organization that requires an investment on the part of the community who want to see this continue and thrive. We cant be playing it safe and small anymore, Burns said. Here we are in this brand new and exposed space. We have a two-story venue with a huge neon signs that says Art House a giant wrap that spans like 50 feet long or something like that. Were very exposed here, and its an amazing opportunity but its also not the time to say, Okay were going to not show you what our vision is. (No), this is what 21 years in the making is. To learn more visit, www.arthouseproductions.org/pages/the-art-house-500-000-reopening-campaign. The interim superintendent of a Bergen County school district has stepped down following several recent controversies, including a conflict over displaying pride signs on school property. Kenneth Rota, the interim superintendent of the Westwood Regional School District, resigned effective immediately for personal reasons, according to a letter sent to parents on Monday. Superintendent Jill Mortimer, who was on leave, said in the letter she had returned to her job and replaced Rota. Pitman High School seniors marked a bittersweet milestone Wednesday as they gathered for their graduation ceremony, just two days after the recovery of the body of classmate who was supposed to graduate along side them. Friends, family and community members gathered on Davis Field in the Gloucester County borough to celebrate the achievements of the Class of 2023 while grieving the loss of student-athlete Victor Rodriguez. The Phillipsburg man who drowned Sunday while trying to swim across the Delaware River has ben identified by authorities. Sandoval Bustamante Ronme was pulled from the water Sunday afternoon and was pronounced dead at St. Lukes Hospital-Easton Campus, Warren County Prosecutor James Pfeiffer said. Ronme was with a large group of people on the New Jersey side of the river when he said he wanted to swim to the Pennsylvania side, Pfeiffer previously said. He made it to the middle of the river when he called out for help, went under and did not resurface, Pfeiffer said. Crews from the Phillipsburg and Easton fire departments and Pennsylvania Water Rescue Station 72 searched the water. Pfeiffer said a private boater located Ronme, who was submerged in 7 feet of water, Pfeiffer said. Pennsylvania Water Rescue removed the body and it was turned over to the Warren County medical examiner. With summer approaching, the Warren County Prosecutors Office urges the community not to attempt to swim in or across the Delaware River, Pfeiffer said in a news release. Officials have repeatedly warned people to wear to U.S. Coast Guard-approved life jacket while swimming, floating, fishing, or boating in the Delaware River, citing the rivers strong and swift current and varying depths. Our journalism needs your support. Please subscribe today to lehighvalleylive.com. EMPORIUM A female suspect has been taken into custody in a shooting in the district attorney's office in a rural central Pennsylvania county, state police said Wednesday. Troopers were called about 3 p.m. Wednesday to the Cameron County district attorney's office in Emporium, state police said. Police said the victim is believed to have sustained non-life-threatening injuries, and the shooting appears to be an isolated incident although the circumstances are being investigated. Police said a woman who left in a vehicle after the shooting was later taken into custody. No charges were immediately announced. An illegal job action that triggered a rash of canceled trains on Juneteenth 2022 after locomotive engineers failed to show up for work will cost the national union that represents them $50,000 under settlement of legal action brought by NJ Transit last year. The job action started on June 17, 2022, and spilled over into the weekend, when locomotive engineers engaged in what officials called an illegal job action by not reporting for their assignments. Without enough locomotive engineers, NJ Transit was forced to cancel nearly 300 trains, inconveniencing 75,000 passengers. The payment by the national Brotherhood of Locomotive Engineers settles part of a June 26, 2022, suit by NJ Transit last year that asked courts to fine the union for overtime and the costs for PATH, private bus carriers and NY Waterway ferries to honor NJ Transit passengers tickets when some engineers staged a sick-out. But James Brown, BLET general chairman of the union that represents NJ Transit engineers denied the union told engineers not to show up for work on Juneteenth 2022. No one from the union ever told anyone not to go to work, he said. If you polled our membership, youd find a half a dozen reasons why engineers signed off or didnt come in, from graduations to members want to observe Juneteenth, he said Our black and brown brothers and sisters have waited 150 years to be recognized and NJ Transit used it as a political tool to force an agreement and punish the engineers because they would not settle for a substandard contract, Brown said. The settlement by the national union admits no wrongdoing, but in a June 6 letter the unions National President Edward Hall wrote the union affirms that it does not condone unlawful strikes, slowdowns, or other such job actions by its affiliates. The letter said the national union will continue to urge its affiliates and their members to comply with the law and not engage in unlawful strikes, slowdowns or other such job actions. Hall criticized NJ Transit for lack of progress in negotiating a fair contract. This is a sideshow, he said of the settlement. Were focused on getting a fair contract for our members. They havent had a raise since 2019 and NJ Transit has $400 million for luxury offices, but it cant sit down at the table and settle contract for it frontline engineers. Other union rail workers had new contracts providing holiday pay for the Juneteenth holiday which the state observed on June 17 in 2022. The engineers union and NJ Transit are still negotiating a new contract, but are at odds over wages that match other regional commuter railroads, according to union officials. NJ Transit is pleased that the National BLET recognizes that Federal law prohibiting a job action must be followed and that they are committed to ensuring their membership in New Jersey follows the law moving forward, Kevin S. Corbett, NJ Transit CEO, said in a statement. We fully expect the BLET local union to realize there are serious consequences for unilaterally violating the law to the detriment of tens of thousands of New Jersey residents. The settlement was announced one day before the state observes Juneteenth on Friday. A court order bars the union from from taking similar action in the future, including for this years Juneteenth holiday, NJ Transit officials said. The engineers union maintains they are the lowest paid locomotive engineers in the New York-New Jersey region. The union has rejected offer that are patterned after what other rail unions agreed to because the offers dont account for the highly technical nature of a locomotive engineers job. The union said the pattern that should be followed is parity with what Amtrak, the Long Island Rail Road and Metro North pay engineers. Both sides are engaged ongoing mediation through the National Mediation Board in Washington. Union officials said NJ Transit has stepped up pressure to force a settlement similar to what other rail unions accepted. Off duty engineers demonstrated at NJ Transit Newark headquarters last month, criticizing the agencys willingness to spend a proposed $400 million move of corporate offices to Two Gateway Center in Newark, but not to pay wages similar to what peer commuter railroads pay engineers. NJ Transit is still pursuing claims against the General Committee of Adjustment and the local union organization involved in the illegal job action, officials said. Our journalism needs your support. Please subscribe today to NJ.com. Larry Higgs may be reached at lhiggs@njadvancemedia.com. The New Jersey Education Association is the greediest teachers union in America: When you compare it to every other state and to the nationals, its top executives earn more, by far, according to a new report. And it charges teachers the highest dues in the nation to pay for this. Thats outrageous. Teachers are getting ripped off, and nobody at New Jerseys largest teachers union will discuss it. After the events of the past few days, it looks like Donald Trump has an easy way to beat those charges stemming from his handling of classified information. He can plead insanity. Trumps behavior represents a textbook case of hoarding. The textbook in question is the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders. It recognizes hoarding as a disorder characterized by difficult in parting with or discarding possessions. Trump certainly has a hard time discarding possessions, such as all those classified documents he squirreled away. But he has no problem discarding lawyers. Perhaps he should hire a certain lawyer who hangs his shingle in Morris County. In a recent CNN town hall, Chris Christie said this about his former political allys handling of the disputed documents: He flew the boxes up to New Jersey for summer vacation. What is this, like, theyre a family member? Christie said. Seriously, Ive got to have my boxes with me. Let me ask you a question. What exactly was he doing with them? Did someone remind him hes not the president anymore? That certainly sounds nutty to me. Even nuttier is the idea of risking federal prison over mere pieces of paper. Here, Trump is caught in a classic Catch-22, as defined in the novel of that name: If youre really crazy, you will maintain that youre sane. So I suspect he wont be pleading insanity. But the prospect of sending an ex-president to the slammer because of a flap over documents has created an epidemic of whataboutism. What about Hillary Clinton? What about Joe Biden? And so on. If Trump is going to be tried for something, then he should be charged with something no one else has done. Thats attempting to mount a coup. Virtually everything Trump did in the run-up to Jan. 6, 2021, was in furtherance of an attempt to circumvent the Constitution. It clearly states that the choice of presidential electors is made by the people of the individual states. The Vice President has no role in it other than to count the ballots. When Trump tried to pressure Mike Pence into rejecting some of those ballots, that was a direct violation of the Constitutional procedures for succession. Trump tried to explain it away as a mere dispute over election results. But for those who keep an eye on this sort of thing, that maneuver was taken right out of the coup plotters playbook. We havent had a lot of them north of the Rio Grande. But coups are so common in Latin America that they follow a formula. Trump got that formula only half-right, says one former CIA analyst who spent quite a few years in Latin America. In Latin America they use the mob to show the lack of legitimacy of the government they want to overthrow, said Jose Gomez-Rivera. But then they use the military to complete the coup. As a coup plotter, Trump was a bumbling idiot, he said. To me, it looked like a frat party that got out of control, he said. They had about as much chance of succeeding as I have of swimming the English Channel. But the fact that a coup attempt is poorly plotted doesnt exonerate the plotters. It would take a jury of Trumps peers to make that determination. The feds have so far chosen not to charge Trump for his role in the events of Jan. 6. But since it was a violation of states rights, perhaps it is better tried in the state courts. That may occur in Georgia. A grand jury there is looking at The Donalds role in trying to change the outcome of the states presidential election. Dont miss the best in editorials, opinion columns and commentary from NJ.com writers. Add your email here: On Jan. 2, 2021, Trump called Georgia Secretary of State Brad Raffensperger and told him,I just want to find 11,780 votes, which is one more than we have. This came more than two weeks after the Electoral College had voted. By then, there was no constitutional way to change that vote. Was there an illegal conspiracy? The Grand Jury in the case heard from a couple of Trumps legal advisers, law professor John Eastman and former New York Mayor Rudy Giuliani. If this comes to a trial, it will be fascinating to hear just how they planned to get around the plain language of the Constitution. But its been 891 days since the Capitol riots and Trumps behavior has yet to be hashed out in court. Last year, Trump called for the termination of all rules, regulations, and articles, even those found in the Constitution so that he could be reinstated. Sounds to me like he would have a solid insanity defense in that case as well. More: Recent Paul Mulshine columns. Paul Mulshine may be reached at pmulshine@starledger.com. Follow him on Twitter @Mulshine. Find NJ.com Opinion on Facebook and on Twitter A section of I-95 that collapsed earlier this week after a tanker truck fire damaged overpasses in North Philadelphia will be filled in with glass aggregate to support a temporary roadway until permanent structures can be built, officials announced Wednesday. Starting Thursday, Pennsylvania State Police will begin escorting trucks carrying loads of the backfill material, described as a specially-designed, Pennsylvania-made glass aggregate, from Delaware County, up I-95 to the site to make sure those trucks arrive as quickly as possible, said Gov. Josh Shapiro and state transportation officials. Demolition of the overpass and roadway that was damaged in the June 11 crash will be completed Thursday, ahead of schedule, officials said at a Wednesday press conference. PennDOT hired Philadelphia-based contractor Buckley & Company to backfill the gap, pave over it, and reopen it safely and as quickly as possible, officials said. That plan was developed with state administration, engineers, and contractors, in consultation with Federal Highway Administration engineers. A completion date and cost wasnt announced. Getting I-95 repaired and reopened is our top priority and we are working our tails off, Schapiro said. Under the leadership of (Transportation) Secretary (Michael) Carroll, and with the support of our federal and local partners and the talented trades workers right here in Philadelphia, we are moving full steam ahead. The fill is 2,000 tons of lightweight recycled glass nuggets, which is being used to avoid delays due to supply chain issues by using other materials, the Associated Press reported. A live video feed of the backfill work will be set up later this week for the public to watch progress in real time, officials said. Once the backfill work is complete, traffic can return to I-95 while crews work to rebuild a permanent bridge while keeping six lanes of traffic flowing at all times. Investigators are still probing the cause of the Sunday crash that claimed the life of the truck driver, Nathan Moody, 53. AeroAggregates of North America is supplying the fill manufactured from from recycled glass bottles and jars at a production site just south of Philadelphia on the Delaware River. Our journalism needs your support. Please subscribe today to NJ.com. Larry Higgs may be reached at lhiggs@njadvancemedia.com. Gary Sanchez is making it easy for the Padres to start him day after day. The catcher - who was dumped by the Yankees and Mets, Twins and Giants - threw out threw out Guardians Will Brennan at second base Wednesday night to end the third inning. Sanchez has now thrown out three of six runner who have tried to steal against him since joining San Diego. The backstop has already tied with the other three Padres catchers who have combined to throw out three of the 46 runners who have attempted to steal against them. BUY MLB TICKETS: STUBHUB, VIVID SEATS, TICKETMASTER Defensive prowess wasnt necessarily expected when the Padres claimed Sanchez off waivers after the Mets designated him for assignment last month. But his play is suddenly reminiscent of previous All-Star seasons. I think some of the balls maybe in the dirt, in the past hes sold out to framing, Padres manager Bob Melvin told the San Diego Union Tribune. " I think thats where hes gotten some of his criticism, but I think hes found a nice balance to where he gets in a position to where he can block a ball in front of him. Hes done that and his framing numbers and throwing arm has always been there. The 30-year-old has been hot at the plate, too, blasting six home runs in 14 games with his new team. Hes been, kind of, a guy that has set the tone for us, Melvin said, per the Associated Press. Its tougher to hit home runs here, but it doesnt seem like its real tough for him right now. The Mets signed Sanchez on May 9, and after he raked for Triple-A Syracuse, they called him up to the major league roster where he had a strong debut catching Max Scherzer. In the end, things did not work out in Queens. He played three games for the Mets, going 1-of-6, driving in one run and striking out three times. Want to bet on MLB? See the best NJ Sports Betting sites Sanchez, 30, won a Silver Slugger award and was a two-time All-Star teams in his six seasons with the Yankees, but he still fell short of expectations and couldnt live down his reputation as a defensive liability. After being traded to the Twins, he batted .205/.282/.377 with 16 home runs and 61 RBI in 128 games last season, then became a free agent. Sanchez signed a minor-league deal with the San Francisco Giants in March, but was cut after posting a .164/.319/.182 slash line in Triple-A. In 13 games, he had no home runs and eight RBI in 55 at-bats. He also struck out 19 times. MORE MLB: - Seething Nationals manager (with photo evidence) rips brutal umps after blown loses game - Yankees keep searching for Plan B without you-know-who | Klapisch - Yankees Isiah Kiner-Falefa couldnt believe Mets mistakes, allowing him to steal home Thank you for relying on us to provide the journalism you can trust. Please consider supporting us with a subscription. Bridget Hyland may be reached at bhyland@njadvancemedia.com. NEW YORK Yankees outfielder Isiah Kiner-Falefa took his lead off third base with two outs in the seventh inning on Wednesday night and was stunned at what he saw. To his left, Mets third baseman Eduardo Escobar was paying him no mind, stationed nowhere near the bag. Straight ahead was left-hander Brooks Raley, a reliever with his eyes locked on the hitter as he pitched out of the full windup. IKF inched forward. His original plan taking a sizable lead was to get Escobar to move toward the base, opening more of a hole for Billy McKinney at the plate in a run-scoring opportunity. Best-case scenario was he flustered Raley enough to get the reliever to balk, or at least step off. After the first few pitches of the at-bat, it was crystal clear to IKF that the Mets were paying zero attention to him. To say he caught them napping would be an understatement. [Escobar] didnt acknowledge me, the pitcher didnt acknowledge me, they thought I was bluffing, he said. So I just trusted my instincts. BUY YANKEES TICKETS: STUBHUB, VIVID SEATS, TICKETMASTER Kiner-Falefa had never stolen home before, not when he was with the Rangers or at any point in the minor leagues. It wasnt something the Yankees workshopped leading up to Wednesdays extra-inning loss either. Inexperience with the daring play didnt stop IKF from swiping home with perfect execution. He took a huge lead and his timing was magnificent, committing and breaking for the plate just as Raley went into his windup. Raleys pitch home sailed high almost hitting McKinney in the head as IKF slid in safely, giving the Yankees a 3-1 lead. Manager Aaron Boone called it a great play. Ace Gerrit Cole was like many of the 44,121 fans in attendance, hyped to witness such an electric moment because he hadnt seen one happen in person before. Loved it, just a gutsy play, Boone said. Was able to get off there quite a bit and then took advantage of it. Kiner-Falefa deserves all the credit for his baserunning in that inning. He stole second earlier in the frame as well, advancing to third on an errant throw from rookie catcher Francisco Alvarez. Its remarkable, however, how little the Mets reacted while IKF broke for home. Its obviously a surprising play, something you dont see too often. Still, replays show that nobody on the Mets infield made any sort of lurch forward. Even in a loud atmosphere, youd think one of them would take a few steps in as they yelled to the pitcher. Escobar didnt budge. He had his hands on his knees at third. The only true acknowledgement was Alvarez changing his stance at home plate. Raley appeared to throw a normal pitch, though. It was almost as if he had absolutely no idea that IKF was coming. Want to bet on MLB? See the best NJ Sports Betting sites I couldnt believe it, Kiner-Falefa said. [They] didnt acknowledge me. Kiner-Falefa is the first Yankee to ever steal home in a Subway Series game. He joins ex-Mets Todd Hundley (1997) and Roger Cedeno (2002) as those to safely make the heroic dash in a game between these two New York City foes. Hes also the first Yankees player to steal home since Didi Gregorius on August 27, 2016. That was on a double steal. Jacoby Ellsbury is the last Yankee with a straight steal of home (on April 22, 2016). I just couldnt believe I did that in the big leagues, especially in this game, Kiner-Falefa said. Wish the result today would have been different, but that was a cool moment for myself. At the end of the day, its a tough loss. Countless missed opportunities with runners in scoring position stings. A blown lead from the bullpen doesnt feel good either. At least IKFs spark gave the Yankees something positive to build on from a frustrating one-run loss. Aaron Judge (toe) wont be back for the Red Sox series in Boston over the weekend either, so itll be more of the same from the Yankees bats unless they make a change. We need to step up in different ways, he said. I think baserunning and defense is a key to that. Our pitching did a really good job. So we just need to do everything we can, find different ways to win ballgames and little things like that help out a lot. Thank you for relying on us to provide the journalism you can trust. Please consider supporting us with a subscription. Max Goodman may be reached at mgoodman@njadvancemedia.com. Six-day (Tuesday through Sunday) print subscribers of the Watertown Daily Times are eligible for full access to NNY360, the NNY360 mobile app, and the Watertown Daily Times e-edition, all at no additional cost. If you have an existing six-day print subscription to the Watertown Daily Times, please make sure your email address on file matches your NNY360 account email. You can sign up or manage your print subscription using the options below. A press release issued Wednesday from St. Francois County Sheriff Dan Bullock stated St. Francois County Deputies were sent to a residence in the 2500 block of Highway OO south of Farmington to serve a 96-hour commitment to an individual allegedly in need of mental health services. The individual, a male who was not named in the press release, fired several shots from his residence, refusing to communicate with officers. The Missouri State Highway Patrol negotiators responded along with MSHP's SWAT unit in an attempt to bring the standoff to an end. No injuries were reported while the armed person was barricaded in the residence. The situation was brought to a successful conclusion without further incident. The lone occupant of the home was taken into custody by members of the Missouri State Highway Patrol SWAT unit at about 7:30 p.m. He was taken to a local hospital for evaluation. In the press release, Bullock said he wishes to thank the Missouri State Highway Patrol for their quick response, as well as members of the MSHP SWAT unit. Appreciation also goes out to the St. Francois County Ambulance District, Farmington Fire Department and Farmington Police Department for their assistance. BREAKING: A Press Release from St. Francois County Sheriff, Dan Bullock states St. Francois County Deputies were sent to a residence in the 2500 block of Route OO south of Farmington to serve a 96-hour Commitment to an individual in need of mental health services. The individual, a male who was not named in the press release, fired several shots from his residence refusing to communicate with officers. The Missouri State Highway Patrol negotiators responded along with the Patrol's SWAT unit in an attempt to bring the standoff to an end. At this time no injuries are reported. Watertown, NY (13601) Today Clear to partly cloudy. Areas of smoke and haze are possible, reducing visibility at times. Low 59F. Winds S at 5 to 10 mph.. Tonight Clear to partly cloudy. Areas of smoke and haze are possible, reducing visibility at times. Low 59F. Winds S at 5 to 10 mph. Felix Valle House State Historic Site will offer free, self-guided tours to commemorate Juneteenth holiday. Through interactive stations and hands-on activities, this event will bring family and friends together to learn Missouri history. Free self-guided tours and activities are open to the public and will be available Saturday and Sunday from 10 a.m.-4 p.m. at 198 Merchant St. in Ste. Genevieve. At 1 p.m. Sunday, the site will host Dr. Robert Norfolk, an acclaimed speaker with MO-TELL. Through funding from the Missouri Department of Natural Resources' Grants, Recreation and Interpretive Program and the Missouri Arts Council. Dr. Norfolk will perform a first-person interpretation titled Through the Eyes of York. York, a Black man, played a significant role in the success of the Corps of Discovery's exploration of the Louisiana Purchase. For his contributions, he earned the respect of many and is recognized and remembered as a member of the Lewis and Clark Expedition, not as an enslaved person. York was instrumental in the expansion of a nation, only to experience freedom briefly before being sold back into slavery upon returning to Anglo civilization. Preregistration for "Through the Eyes of York" is strongly encouraged and can be completed by visiting icampmo.com, selecting the Activities tab and then searching for Through the Eyes of York. Only 50 seats are available; preference will be given to those who preregister. The event is free and will be held at 200 Merchant St. Look for signage. For more information about Felix Valle's Juneteenth celebration, please contact the site at 573-883-7102 or visit the office at 200 Merchant St. Wednesday through Sunday, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. We look forward to seeing you come out and celebrate! 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. Later this month, America will mark the 54th anniversary of the Stonewall Riots in New York City. Sparked by anti-queer police harassment and violence, Stonewall birthed the modern LGBTQ rights movement and helped start a slow but fundamental shift in the way American culture views queer people. The riots broke out in response to police brutality during a raid on the Stonewall Inn, a gay bar, on June 28, 1969. As was often the case with other LGBTQ causes, a trans person Marsha P. Johnson was at the forefront of the initial pushback against police after Stonewall and during the broader civil rights movement it inspired. Like the aftermath of the Up Stairs Lounge fire here in New Orleans 50 years ago, Stonewall initially generated little in the way of media coverage. Newsrooms, like other powerful institutions, were steeped in homophobia at the time. Thankfully, attitudes in the media and many other institutions of power have slowly begun to change in the past five and a half decades. Unfortunately, America still has a long way to go. Some forms of hate particularly how trans and non-binary people are seen, treated and represented in the media are seeing an organized resurgence. Conservative legislatures across the country, including here in Louisiana, are trying to make life worse for trans people. Louisiana lawmakers in their recent session pushed an agenda that even targeted trans children. Although Gov. John Bel Edwards has promised to veto several anti-LGBTQ bills, GOP lawmakers may have the votes to override him. Society is stacked against trans and gender non-conforming people. According to the National Center for Transgender Equality, one in four trans people lost employment because of discrimination; three quarters experienced discrimination on the job. Likewise, one in five faced discrimination in housing, and one in 10 reports being evicted because of who they are. Trans people also are frequently targeted for physical violence, including rape. LGBTQ allies also have been targeted by bigots. Brands like Target and Budweiser have pulled back from even modest displays of support for trans people and the broader LGBTQ community amid criticism and threats to their staff from hate groups. Shamefully, national news outlets have too often responded to this wave of hate by treating trans peoples' existence as a political "question" to be considered or argued over. Closer to home, The Times-Picayune | The Advocate, which is also owned by Georges Media, this week published a letter to the editor that cruelly mocked Belle Adelman-Cannon, a young New Orleanian who was gender fluid and stood as an LGBTQ activist. They were tragically killed in a recent bus accident. The paper apologized to Belles family, removed the letter from its website and acknowledged it did not meet its standards. Hours later, the paper published a loving (toward Belle) but pointed (toward the paper) letter written by Belles parents. We urge you to read it. Its unfortunate that much of the media including media that ostensibly support LGBTQ rights continue to treat trans and non-cisgendered peoples' rights as a point of debate, regardless of the reasons. All of us in media must constantly remind ourselves and our readers that trans peoples right to exist and to use whatever names and pronouns they feel best represent who they are is a fundamental human right that is not up for debate. In 2022, Dawn Richard made her New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival debut with a magnetic electro-pop performance on the Congo Square Stage. In a way, it was a chance for the New Orleans-born pop artist to make up for an experience she missed out on in the early years of her career. As a young woman, because of what [Hurricane] Katrina did, I didnt get to experience New Orleans in the prime of when you would want to start experiencing it musically, Richard recently told Gambit. Around the time of Katrina and the federal levee failures, Richard was in the midst of Making the Band 3, Diddys reality show, which resulted in Richard becoming a member of Danity Kane. She ultimately spent more than a decade living on the West Coast, performing with Danity Kane and Dirty Money, a duo with Kalenna Harper that performed closely with Diddy, as well recording solo. A few years ago, Richard decided to return to New Orleans and moved back while working on New Breed, her acclaimed 2019 album. Richard has toured the country several times over, but she didnt get to experience New Orleans festivals as a young artist, she says. She also grew up watching her father, Frank Richard of the funk group Chocolate Milk, play Jazz Fest and venues all over New Orleans. I didnt get a chance to, as an artist, tour that circuit, so to be able to do that now is so big for me, because I have always loved watching it with my dad, she says. On Wednesday, Richard marked another personal milestone when she played the Toulouse Theatre: It was her first headlining show in New Orleans as a solo performer. Much of Richards recent solo work has found the pop artist reconnecting with and promoting New Orleans traditions and musical history. Her family has had a long history in Black Masking Indian culture, particularly with the Washitaw Nation, and she paid homage to the culture on New Breed. The album also included her father, Frank, and samples of Chocolate Milk. Around the albums release, Vogue followed Richard through New Orleans to learn about Carnival and Indian traditions. On her sixth solo album, 2021s Second Line: An Electro Revival, Richard turned to her mother, Debbie, and found inspiration in second line culture, mixing it with Afrofuturism, house music, soul, Chicago footwork and bounce. The album appeared on several best album lists of that year, including Rolling Stone, Pitchfork and NPR. Richard last year collaborated with multi-instrumentalist and producer Spencer Zahn on the beautiful, neo-classical album, Pigments, and she is now setting her sights on her next solo album. She gave her first tease of the next chapter last month with the new cocky, candy-coated conundrum, as she put it, Bubblegum and a self-directed music video. Bubblegum is definitely a precursor to whats to come, but its more about preparing listeners for a sound, she says. The next album, Richard says, will continue to saga of King Creole, a non-binary, half-human, half-android assassin of stereotypes that Richard introduced on Second Line. Its a continuation into the Electro Revival. Its a saga, an era, its also a genre, Richard says. People so badly want to put me into something they tend to want to put artists into this thing. And now were in this cool time where everyone is genre-bending. We have so many artists pushing the gamut. I think we have created our own sound, our own world, and the Electro Revival is that world where these albums will live. Follow Dawn Richard on Instagram, @dawnrichard, and find her music on streaming platforms and at dawnrichard.bandcamp.com. I was an 18-year-old summer intern just finishing my sixth week at The Times-Picayune when the Up Stairs Lounge fire seared horrific images of people burned alive into my consciousness on the night of June 24, 1973. Ill never forget the sights and sounds of the fire that claimed 32 lives above the corner of Chartres and Iberville streets. Or the smell of soot and burnt flesh and the emotional trauma of those who were lucky enough to escape a horrific death that evening, only to learn that some of their closest friends were not so fortunate. Sometimes, memories of that evening haunt me like it happened only yesterday. Now, 50 years later, I look back at the fires aftermath with mixed emotions. Part of me marvels at how far weve come as a society gays and lesbians can proudly celebrate who they are and marry those whom they love. Yet, trans people continue to face violence from hate groups, harassment from landlords and employers and even government-sanctioned condemnation from shameless politicians. In some ways, the hate is more mainstream now. Such thoughts were far from my mind when I covered the fire 50 years ago. I had no idea how dramatically the tragedy I was about to witness would change New Orleans. And me. As I crossed Canal Street, the smell of soot hung thick in the air. I saw droplets of blood on the sidewalk along the first block of Chartres Street. When I reached the blaze, what I saw stopped me cold. A man with much of his flesh burned off sat on the curb across from the Up Stairs Lounge. He wept and begged for help. His pain was so gut-wrenching, and I was so helpless to do anything for him, that I had to turn away. That's when I saw the Up Stairs Lounge fully engulfed in flames and smoke and a man pressed against the bars of a window, his hair and flesh nearly burned off, one arm hanging through metal bars that had prevented his escape to safety. This time I could not turn away. I stared at him, wondering who would put bars on a second-story window, and who was this man whose final, desperate moments would capture in one horrific picture the tragedy that was the Up Stairs fire? A senior reporter grabbed my arm and brought me back to the moment. My assignment now was to write a sidebar story about the scene at Charity Hospital. I dont remember how I got to Charity, nor exactly when I learned that the Up Stairs Lounge was, in the callous media parlance of the time, a bar frequented by homosexuals. Charity Hospital back then was much more accessible to the media than hospitals today. No checkpoints. No one asking for my credentials. I just walked into the ER and tried not to get noticed. The staff was far too busy trying to save lives to worry about an 18-year-old kid taking notes in a corner. I had a front-row view of tragedy and heroism. Nurses and doctors valiantly attended victim after victim, putting gauze and salve on the bodies of badly burned men who moaned in what I can only describe as haunting tones. Many of the victims wept. I remember watching a nurse gently trying to peel back the burnt skin from a man before wrapping him as he pleaded for something to deaden his pain. Some of those who managed to get out of the bar showed up, offering information about injured friends and asking about others whose fates remained unknown. I stayed in the ER for about an hour, long enough to get a mental picture that I hurriedly put into a story. Then as now, the rush to get a big story into print or on the air forces reporters to detach from the emotional immediacy of a tragic event. But, when the story involves death, especially the death of a child or multiple victims, detachment is not so easy and it costs us a piece of our humanity every time we rely on it. I was just beginning to learn that skill set in June 1973, but Ive never been able to detach from the Up Stairs fire story. Every time I smell soot, I think about the man I saw on the curb, crying in pain, or the man who was literally burned alive, pressed against the bars of that second-story window. Years later, I learned that the man in the window was the Rev. Bill Larson, the beloved pastor of the Metropolitan Community Church, which ministered to the LGBTQ community. It was also years later that I realized how profoundly the Up Stairs fire had affected the local gay community. In the immediate aftermath of the fire, the practiced indifference (or worse, the hostility) that many New Orleanians harbored towards the LGBTQ community quickly came to the fore. This was a different kind of detachment, one calculated to insulate those in power from having to acknowledge uncomfortable truths. Its message was clear: Stay in the closet. The mayor at the time, Moon Landrieu, and the City Council offered no words of consolation. Landrieu years later said that was one of his greatest regrets. The Archdiocese of New Orleans shunned the victims, refusing them Catholic funerals a stunning denial of Jesus special love of the poor and the outcast. To its credit, the archdiocese marked the 30th anniversary of the Up Stairs fire by apologizing for its failure to offer solace to victims and their loved ones. That June night, I mostly felt an incomprehensible mixture of numbness and shock. The next day, when my girlfriend nervously asked me what it was like to cover such a horrific story, I couldnt find the words. I just hugged her. And in that moment, I finally cried. My tears dried a long time ago, but the tears of those who lost loved ones in the Up Stairs fire have yet to dry. I hold out hope that, as New Orleans looks back 50 years later, sincere expressions of support and empathy will finally finally dry those tears. Former St. Tammany Parish Sheriff Jack Strain walks into the St. Tammany Parish courthouse in Covington before the start of closing arguments in his trial on eight counts of sex crimes on Monday, Nov. 8, 2021. (Staff photo by David Grunfeld, NOLA.com | The Times-Picayune | The New Orleans Advocate) With the completion of four construction projects in recent months, St. Francois County Presiding Commissioner Harold Gallaher indicated he feels confident that he along with fellow county commissioners Kary Buckley and David Kater has made good use of millions of dollars in American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funds and government grants received by the county. Funding We received $13,055,726 from ARPA and we received another $9,585,367 dollars from grants that total about $22,000,000, Gallaher said. We have spent this, we think, very well. The commission has two functions. We handle stuff on a day-to-day basis the phone calls about the holes in my road, we've got this issue going on, people driving too fast on my road, that kind of thing. But then we have to look ahead. We have to plan what's going to be needed five years from now and 10 years from now, where we are going, what the trends are now, and how that will change over time. We have to look at that. "And so, we decided to spend the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act money on surrounding nonprofits and that kind of thing. We handed that out among the county, but we primarily designated the ARPA funds to the county to get us ahead of where we're going to go. The four construction projects completed by the county include a new office for the road and bridge department and, at the county jail, the addition of a new mental health/medical wing, along with a three-bay maintenance garage. Federal prisoners The maintenance garage is really well set-up, Gallaher said. If you had a picture of the old one, you'd see how many light years we are ahead with that one now. The maintenance building is offset from the rest of the building. We did that intentionally because part of what we're doing is aiming to get federal prisoners in here, which will be at a profit. If we do that, well have to add to the building. We'll go straight out the back, and that maintenance building won't be in the way. So, we're angling ahead on that. Gallaher said another upcoming project is to remodel and update the jail kitchen. "That's also angling toward those federal prisoners that will have a different menu requirement, different things like that," he said. "So, we're looking ahead on trying to get that. Right now, with our present inmate capacity, we can probably take about 40 federal prisoners. We would like to go up to 140, so that would require a new building addition back there somewhere. At 40 [prisoners], we'll make $150,000 a year profit, something like that. I'm throwing a number out, but it's pretty close. And so we'll start making a profit on our jail at that point. According to Gallaher, Ste. Genevieve County already takes in federal prisoners at a tidy profit. They're making $10 to $11 million a year, I think, on their property, which is about the same as our sales tax income, he said. So, that's something we're looking ahead to, on that. Additional space In addition to the road and bridge office and new buildings at the county jail, Gallaher mentioned a recent addition to the countys juvenile detention center. Now, that is funded by the [24th Judicial Circuit], not by the county, he explained. [St. Francois County] pay(s) 56% of all the expenses because we're 56% of the population of that circuit. So, of all the bills that they get, we pay 56% of that. Now also, the [42nd Judicial Circuit] is moving offices this way, because we're the destination county, and we had high-quality office space here, because of the Weber Road facility and all that. We're becoming the destination county for a lot of reasons, not just people coming here shopping for the doctors and the hospital and the restaurants and the movie theater and all the different reasons you would come to Farmington and St. Francois County, but we're becoming the destination for public defenders and different people like that. They commute from Wayne County to here to get this better office and better facilities that we have, so it's that we're growing in many ways. Other improvements Gallaher noted that people moving into the new facilities are thrilled. The construction was done well and were very happy with that, he said. Now, besides the four new construction projects, we have done remodeling of three of the buildings, including the air conditioning system in the courthouse annex. We have better airflow and better air control now. "It's pretty well-regulated, you feel the air moving. We're also looking at the Weber Road facility. Out there, we had one thermostat for two or three offices. So, we've redone that and we have accurate thermostats in each office now. Space issues Gallaher brought up another challenge regarding county facilities that is proving more difficult to solve. The courthouse is getting crowded and getting more so all the time, he said. Its the one thing that we havent been successfully planning ahead for. Were thinking ahead, but we haven't got it figured out what to do about that. Gallaher believes the problem of overcrowding in the courthouse is only going to get worse because of an added burden that the state of Missouri has placed on the counties. Two or three years ago, the state told the cities that they have the right to turn all of their municipal courses over to the county, he said. The county has no say in the matter. We can't say, No, you can't do that. So, if one of our cities says, We want you to take care of our municipal court assign a judge, a prosecutor, all that and we'll send our cases over to you, and we get a cut on the fines, We have to do that. So far, Leadington is the only one doing that. But what happens when they decide to hand off the problem to us and let the county handle it? Suddenly, with four or five or six municipalities, that's another courtroom. That's a full day's schedule right there. Owl Creek Park While its not technically a construction project, Owl Creek Park formerly known as Bone Hole is another grant-funded project overseen by the county commission. We now have four miles of trail cut on that park, Gallaher said, and that's all through grant money. That'll be a paved four-mile trail, and then we have offshoots of that that'll be mulched trails. So, we have that all in progress. U.S. Fish and Wildlife is thrilled with the work going on and the beauty of the location. We want to get the City of Desloge involved with this and get them involved in the planning. So, the Owl Creek Park is moving along fine and we're doing a great job with that. Ransomware On a more practical note, Gallaher said the county is working on various ways to become more efficient in the way it conducts business, such as updating software it uses to meet the countys ever-changing needs in the safest and most secure way possible. Right now, we're concerned about the possibility of ransomware, he said. We're looking at different ways to handle that and what to do. When we bought our insurance policy, for not that much additional cost, we added coverage for that. I don't know how that'll work because it has a limit, I think, of $100,000. "Those guys start there, you know, but we're looking at ways we can hopefully circumvent that issue and get around it. It's a problem every place. Nick Jones, our IT guy, is as close as he can get to being on top of that situation. It's a concern. Personnel All-in-all, Gallaher is pleased with the countys current direction and the quality of employees it has on the payroll. We have excellent people, he said. Every department Im in charge of is led by capable people and I'm very happy with that. When I came here, the county commission was only over maintenance and road and bridge, but I added like five or six departments. We have great people working here and it takes a while to develop that. Advocates are urging Gov. John Bel Edwards to commute the death sentences of 51 Louisiana prisoners before he leaves office. Here's what you need to know: What just happened? Attorneys on Tuesday filed petitions for executive clemency on behalf of 51 condemned prisoners in Louisiana -- all but six of the death row population. Francis Abbott, executive director for the Pardon and Parole Board, said Tuesday that his staff would process the 51 petitions "in the coming weeks" for the board to review and consider for hearings. "The process from application to hearing can take up to a year and includes a thorough investigation," Abbott said by email. He said the stack of 51 new petitions is among 491 active clemency applications pending before the board. The board, whose members are appointed by the governor, could move forward without a hearing, but thats not likely to happen, said Keith Nordyke, a veteran attorney who has represented numerous prisoners before the board. I cannot imagine these guys doing it without a hearing, Nordyke said. This is not some jackleg board. This is an evidence-based board. Its probably the most transparent board in the state. A new production of August Wilsons Ma Raineys Black Bottom opening Thursday will introduce audience members to a powerful woman and bring a Charlottesville theater company closer to a cherished goal. The play, which will run through June 25 at Jefferson School African American Heritage Center, brings Charlottesville Players Guild nearer to completing the esteemed American playwrights American Century Cycle of 10 thought-provoking plays that trace the Black experience through each decade of the 20th century. The guild is on pace to complete the cycle this fall a feat that Leslie M. Scott-Jones said only 12 professional institutions and, to her knowledge, no other Black history and culture organization has achieved. Audience members will be introduced to a woman whose strong presence is felt whether shes present in a Chicago recording studio at the moment or not, said Scott-Jones, the guilds artistic director and curator of learning engagement and public programs at the Jefferson School. Ma Rainey defies the constraints of her time to hold on to her authority over her band and her life. Shes Black, shes lesbian, shes out, and she doesnt care who knows and this is in the 1920s, Scott-Jones said. She tried to protect the people she cared about. Her band members went on tour with her. If she didnt get loud about how they were treated, nobody else would. The White owners of the Chicago studio want to hurry the recording session along, but Ma wants things done her way, and shes late to arrive. And if she doesnt sign the release form, nothings going to happen. She left her place of safety, Memphis, to do this knowing shed make more money touring than doing records, Scott-Jones said. Scott-Jones said the complexities of Wilsons language inspired the cast to reach for deeper meanings, particularly when strained relationships between the sexes and outdated viewpoints arose in the script. Theres a lot going on. Its genius, Scott-Jones said. There are some really layered conversations that go on during our table readings. Approaching the play through a lens of Blackness calls on actors and audience members to be ready for a new experience. Doing theater through the Black aesthetic is a different vocabulary, Scott-Jones said. Youre not going to go to theater school to learn this. After spending years portraying characters that arent usually written as Black in plays by primarily White playwrights, actors of color embrace the Black theater aesthetic, albeit with an adjustment process. When Scott-Jones directed Wilsons Gem of the Ocean, one actor told her, I never knew I could approach work through my Blackness. This has changed the way I think about what I do, Scott-Jones said. For Black actors, theyre already acting when they walk into that door, she said. In the Black theater aesthetic, who you are is exactly what you bring to this process. Audience members also are expected to bring their genuine selves, to be open to communicating and to answer when cast members address them. Its a must, Scott-Jones said. Its call and response. Theres also a learning curve for the audience. In the Black aesthetic, you are not a voyeur. Everyone in the room is a part of things. In the African way of doing things, there is no fourth wall. The actors are going to speak to you, and you are expected to respond. All of us are creating this every night. Its the beautiful moments that, as an actor, you live for. That is part of how Black people communicate with each other. It is verbal, but it is not linguistic. Ti Ames is directing a cast that includes Ike Anderson, Greg Thompson, Jordan Sykes, Saturn Edwards, Scott-Jones, Ivan Orr, Jude Hansen, Steve Hasky, Keaira Reese and Nick Hagy. Some actors travel back and forth from Lynchburg each day to rehearse. Some are new to Wilson or to being on stage altogether. Together, they are creating a community. Ames, who served as stage manager for Fences and directed Black Mac for the guild in Charlottesville, said that Wilsons plays deal with generational trauma and how trauma begets trauma. We all come into a space with a history. It is up to us whether we let this history impact us. Audience members can follow different characters and see actions that reflect their reactions to trauma, such as whether they transform tough experiences into knowledge that can help others or project feelings of anger or failure onto people they love. He raises the stakes on every single page, they said. It is the only August Wilson play that does not take place in Pittsburgh, Ames said. The stakes are automatically so much higher, because theres no comfort of home. Part of this play that makes it so intense is that theyre in a White recording studio in Chicago, where White strangers want to get these guys in and out and get in the next group, Ames said. That is not how Ma works. Her musicians delay until she can arrive, saying, We do things when Ma says we do things, Ames said. In the absence of their physical home, they have home in each other. The audience also is part of this theater community, they said. Thats why I love directing. Its about creating this community, they said. We need every single person in this room to put on this show together. Scott-Jones said she has known Ames since the director was her then-8-year-old daughters friend; their deep love of theater and music already was evident. I remember them at 8 having a sleepover at my house with my daughter watching High School Musical until 3 in the morning, Scott-Jones said of Ames, with a chuckle. The Charlottesville Players Guild has teamed up with Early Music Access Project for a program during intermission of Saturdays performance in which the band members will play reimagined music from the repertoires of Black fiddlers once enslaved at Monticello. A post-show discussion is planned with the musicians, cast and crew, so plan to stick around after the lights go up. Tickets are $20. The house opens half an hour before each performance. Get tickets and all the details at jeffschoolheritagecenter.org. You are clearly a super-user of NUVO.net. Thats a good thing. It means you depend on independent and local news sources to keep you informed. You are a smart person. Coincidentally, independent and local news sources depend on you too. Youve read 25 articles this month and now, wed like you to be join our mission and become a NUVO Supporter. For as little as $4 a month, you can keep us alive and fighting -- and can have unlimited access to the independent news that cant be found anywhere else. About a year ago, Fiona Hamilton-Little made a donation to the Schoolhouse Thrift Shop on Rio Road. In the 1970s, Hamilton-Little and her husband attended many elegant evening parties where she wore long, hand-made Belgian dresses. One was sleeveless with blue, pink and purple flowers, another with long sleeves and "a high, silly collar. Hamilton-Little held on to the dresses for years after moving to Charlottesville. But with no plans to wear them again, she donated the dresses to the Schoolhouse Thrift Shop, hoping that someone else could make use of them. Not long after, a young woman tried on the dresses in the thrift store. They fit like they were made for her, and the woman walked out of the store having purchased the evening dresses though not before taking photos to send to Hamilton-Little. I was just so happy that there was a young person who could enjoy them, said Hamilton-Little, who has been volunteering at the Schoolhouse Thrift Shop nearly as long as it has been open. After 31 years of selling gently used clothing, books, home goods and evening dresses, the second-hand store is closing. The Schoolhouse Thrift Shops last day of business is July 15. The Schoolhouse building required extensive repairs that have compounded over the years, according to manager Finis Craft. Alongside issues involving water damage and mold, the cost of remediation became too steep for the nonprofit organization to shoulder. A lack of volunteers has also posed a challenge to the store, Craft said. The pandemic prompted volunteers to step back for health or personal reasons, making it more difficult to run the store and its annex location next door. But it is not the end of the thrift shop entirely, according to Sharon Lorish, volunteer coordinator and the thrift shops acting secretary. The nonprofit group is maintaining its 501(c)(3) status and may even come back in a different location or form, Lorish said, floating the idea of creating an online thrift shop instead. It will go dormant for a while, Lorish said. But who knows, we may be a phoenix organization and arise out of the wetness in the basement and end up somewhere else. Once the lease is up, the Schoolhouse will go back to the Church of Our Savior, which owns the building. Both Lorish and Nan Massie, another longtime volunteer at the thrift shop, said they are hoping the church will repair the building. Massie said she is currently looking into obtaining historical status for the building, which has been around since the 1890s. And long before it opened as a thrift store in 1992, it actually functioned as a schoolhouse, as well as the location for Church of Our Saviors Sunday school classes. Now a ministry of Region XV of the Episcopal Church, the Schoolhouse Thrift Shop distributes its proceeds to local charities, contributing quite a bit to them, Craft said. Without the thrift shop, those charities may be affected, said Cass Bailey, pastor at Trinity Episcopal Church and a former board member of the thrift shop. Everybody recognizes that there's going to be a loss, but there was a real health issue in keeping it open, Bailey said. Lorish recalled looking for toys as a new resident in Charlottesville so that her grandchildren could have fun at Grannys house. I found myself in a thrift shop, and Ive spent a lot of time here since, she said. Lorish has been volunteering at the store for a decade. Charlottesville is a generous, generous community, and I appreciate the support that the Schoolhouse Thrift Shop has gotten over the years, Lorish said. Craft agreed about Charlottesvilles charitability, noting the high-end quality of many of the donations. At least six times in the past six years since he started working there, individuals moving into assisted-living facilities have donated full households worth of furniture to the thrift shop. Just bring a truck to my house, everything in the house is yours, Craft recalled someone saying. Craft also recalled multiple times while working the register when he literally sold the shirt off his back to customers. Moments like those embodied what the Schoolhouse was all about, Craft said. Ive had numerous times somebody said, I really like your sweater or I really like your shirt. And Im like, Well what size are you? Craft said. If it was my size, I would pull something from the rack of the thrift shop, and then go into the fitting room and take my sweater or my shirt off. And I would sell it to them off my back. You know, that made somebody happy, Craft said. That made me happy. The president of the university that Thomas Jefferson founded will be visiting Jefferson's residence on the Fourth of July for a long-standing tradition on the mountaintop: the Monticello Naturalization Ceremony. The Thomas Jefferson Foundation, which operates Monticello, has held the event for more than 60 years. While most new U.S. citizens often take their oath of citizenship in a immigration field office, only a select few get the chance to swear that oath at the home of one of America's Founding Fathers and the author of the Declaration of Independence. Ryan, president of the University of Virginia, will be delivering a speech to the new citizens at the Fourth of July event, according to an announcement from the Jefferson Foundation. There will be root beer floats and activities for children after the ceremony. The event is free and will be livestreamed starting at 9 a.m. on July 4. Registration for the shuttle up to the mountaintop is required. A presentation of colors by Boy Scouts of America Troop 75, music from the Charlottesville Band, Charlottesville Opera and the Old Line Fife and Drum Corps and more is planned for the annual event. 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." HAMMOND A federal judge sentenced a Gary man to prison Wednesday for illegally possessing a shotgun during a 2022 domestic dispute. U.S. District Court Judge Philip P. Simon imposed a 92-month sentence on 33-year-old Michael Davis. Davis pleaded guilty last month to being a previously convicted felon in possession of a 12-gauge Rock Island Armory VRBP-100 semi-automatic shotgun Feb. 22, 2022. Davis gave up his constitutional right to make the government prove its case against him in return for a more lenient sentence than the 10 year maximum he might have faced if he had been found guilty during a jury trial. Defense attorney Gregory Mitchell has argued Davis deserved a more lenient sentence because has grew up with little guidance and has had bipolar disorder, a mental illness that causes mood swings and impulsive behavior, since age 12. A federal grand jury indicted Davis in March 2022 after Gary police arrested him following his girlfriends calls to 911 for police protection from Davis. The two had one child together and the woman was pregnant with their second child at the time they were breaking up. Officers had been at her home hours earlier when Davis attempted to kick open her front door. Davis left when confronted by police, but then returned and allegedly threatened to kill her and her unborn child. Police were rushing back to the womans home in the 700 block of Delaware in Garys Emerson neighborhood when the victim, driving in her own car, flagged down officers and said Davis was following her. Officers stopped Davis, searched his truck, and found the shotgun lying on the floor of the rear seat compartment. Davis told police he had purchased the firearm only a week earlier off the street for $800 to protect his girlfriend. Davis has prior convictions in Michigan for armed robbery, trespassing, lying, vandalism, and trespassing. He moved to Indiana where he was convicted in 2018 of unlawful possession of a firearm. He had finished serving his prison term in 2021 and was on probation when arrested last year for the current offense. His previous convictions made it illegally for him to own any firearm afterwards. CROWN POINT The Merrillville man who was charged with setting fire to the Lake County Jail was misidentified, and charges against him were dismissed on Wednesday, according to court records. Ryan Andrews, 26, had been charged with arson in connection with a June 5 fire set in the lobby of the Lake County Jail. Andrews was arrested on the arson charges in Tinley Park, Illinois on Friday. Terrance L. Craig, 40, of Gary was charged with setting the fire on Wednesday, according to court records. Charging documents stated that on Monday, Craig told officers at the Hammond Police Department that he had set the fire. A person close to the investigation said, before the charges were dismissed, that Andrews lit the fire because he was upset that he couldnt get his money out of his commissary account quickly enough, according to previous reporting from The Times. The charges were dismissed because the filing detective believes that Ryan Andrews was misidentified as the perpetrator of the crimes charged, according to a motion to dismiss filed Tuesday. A judge granted the motion Wednesday, according to court records. "Our officers acted in good faith," Sheriff Oscar Martinez Jr. said in an emailed statement. "They have shown that they continue to work cases and evaluate leads to try to uncover the most accurate representation of what has occurred during criminal incidents. Thats just how investigations work and its why our investigations are never over." Shortly before noon June 5, Craig was seen on surveillance video walking through the lobby of the jail and dousing the floor with an accelerant. The man is then seen grabbing a stacking of papers, lighting them on fire and throwing the stack on the floor, spreading the flames throughout the rest of the lobby. No one was injured in the fire. Prosecutor Bernard Carter said his office realized it had charged the wrong person and quickly dismissed the charges and re-charged the right person. Craig was charged with two counts of arson and one count of intimidation for allegedly setting fire to the lobby of the Lake County Jail. After setting the fire, Craig ran from the lobby and got into a blue SUV, the surveillance video shows. A person close to the investigation said witnesses likely confused Craig and Andrews because the two look somewhat similar and both have untreated mental illnesses. "Both Andrews and Craig shared some similar physical characteristics and both had previous contact with police for disruptive incidents," Sheriff Oscar Martinez Jr. said in an emailed statement. Martinez said in the email that Craig was included in the initial photo lineup for witnesses, but they couldn't identify him because he had lost weight since that booking photo was taken. A witness told police that before lighting the fire, the man came up to her at the front desk and acted erratically. She said he was carrying a gallon jug filled with yellow liquid and appeared to be angry at the state of Indiana, making statements about the current president, current governor of Indiana, the previous governor of Indiana, and he also yelled out black (expletive) during his rant, according to a probable-cause affidavit. A jail consultant estimated the cost of the fires damage was $6,500 to $8,500, according to the affidavit. The Lake County Sheriffs Department has not released any further information about the investigation. Gallery: Recent arrests booked into Lake County Jail Matthew Roggenkamp Ruben Vega III Jordan Picotte Rakeem Pippins Victor Odgen Matthew Moses Thomas Murray Kurt Gonzalez II Anthony Green Robert Hollis Johnny Jones Kenny Flagg Jr. Howard Geib Jr. Keith Cales Daniel Dillman Robert Allison Lavonya Banks Jacob Pritt Joshua Pritt Danny Serrano Jr. Michael Valdez Mary Powers Bryan Oparka Vishad Patel Latrice McNeil Edwin Negron Oscar Martinez Ocampo Devonte Gipson Bryne Manns Edgar Martinez Martin Cruz Jr. Bianca Dominguez Anthony Combs Jr. Cachun Combs Jr. Dameka Ali William Alms Jesse Argandona Ryan Vaughn Allan Triplett David Roper Louwon Scott Lamont Murdaugh Delvin Perkins Timothy Pettis Matthew Midkiff Christopher Lanman Christopher Hedges Misti Harbison Kenneth Babiarz Shawntina Beatty Timothy Brown Marcos Gutierrez Shannon Alelunas Gabriel Washington Keorra Wilson Jesus Salas Jr. Clarence Sistrunk Richard Vinet Jr. Sadat Wade Lavell Nylon David Pitts Robert Moore Asia Munford-Winters George Lowe Jr. Michael Malkowski Raul Mendoza Carlos Larrea Jessica Hegwood Jerome Kusbel Llewain Hardin Keith Gardenhire Yancey Gray Lorenzo Crooks Marko Duric Carlos Castillo Brandon Cramer Brayan Benavides Acevedo Erica Brooks Daniel Castaneda Jr. Cordaryl Bell William Barnes The Decay Devils preservationist group restored the historical Elgin, Joliet & Eastern Railway (EJ&E) No. 765 that's long stood sentry in Gateway Park in downtown Gary. The collective of artists, urban explorers and photographers will celebrate with a pizza party in the park Saturday. The Decay Devils, whose name is a play on daredevils that riffs off their penchant for exploring decaying buildings, will host a cleanup in the park at 4th Avenue and Broadway from 9 a.m. to 11 a.m. Saturday. It seeks volunteers for the cleanup who will be rewarded with pizza and refreshments after helping pick up litter and tidy up the park. A re-dedication ceremony for the 2-8-2 Mikado steam locomotive will take place at 11 p.m. "Normally every year we kick off in the spring with a cleanup in Gary but the timing didn't work this year," President Tyrell Anderson said. "This is our first major event of the year, our first major kickoff. We're getting back downtown and highlighting the changes to Gateway Park and that corridor. A lot of murals and other things have gone up." The group spruced up the historic locomotive, which was built by the Baldwin Locomotive Works in Philadelphia in 1929 and hauled freight throughout the Region. It long ran on the Chicago Outer Belt railroad stretching from Porter to Waukegan, Illinois. The EJ&E railroad switched to diesel engines, but U.S. Steel stepped in to give the steam-powered locomotive a second life. It dispatched it to northern Minnesota's Iron Range, where it hauled iron ore and taconite bound for Gary Works and other steel mills. It was installed as a monument at Gateway Park but has gotten decrepit and become shrouded by trees. The Decay Devils got a $60,000 grant from Legacy Foundations U.S. Steel/City of Gary Indiana Charitable Fund and the John S. and James L. Knight Foundation Donor Advised Fund that helped fund the cleanup as well as other events and programs downtown. "That train project is a monster project," Anderson said. "We're highlighting the history of it, why it's significant to the Region and how it got to the Region. We'll also be talking about what's coming ahead and get people excited." The group removed rust from the train and fabricated new metal to replace parts that rusted out. It replaced the floors in the cab that rusted through and was completely repainted. "It can't go anywhere but physically it looks nicer," he said. "We also cut down some overgrown trees so people can see it when driving past. For those who can't stop at least they can see it. But we're encouraging people to stop in the park and see it for what it is." For more information, visit decaydevils.org or find the Decay Devils on social media. INDIANAPOLIS Indiana's Legislature trampled upon the rights of young transgender patients and their parents with a new law aiming to ban them from accessing puberty blockers, hormones and gender-affirming surgeries, an attorney told a federal judge Wednesday. A federal judge in Indianapolis made no immediate ruling after hearing about 90 minutes of arguments from the Indiana attorney general's office and the American Civil Liberties Union of Indiana, which is seeking a preliminary injunction that would stop the law from taking effect July 1. The group filed its lawsuit, on behalf of four transgender patients and an Indiana doctor who provides transgender medical treatment, within hours after Republican Gov. Eric Holcomb signed the bill April 5. The lawsuit says the ban violates the U.S. Constitution's equal protection guarantees as well as federal laws regarding essential medical services, and wrongly prohibits Indiana doctors from communicating with out-of-state doctors about gender-affirming care for their patients younger than 18. Ken Falk, the ACLU of Indiana's legal director, argued that the law interferes with what major medical organizations endorse as proper treatments for young people diagnosed with "gender dysphoria," or distress caused when gender identity doesn't match a person's assigned sex. "We think this is a clear violation of parental rights," Falk told U.S. District Court Judge James Patrick Hanlon. Indiana's ban was enacted amid a national push by Republican-led legislatures to curb LGBTQ+ rights. At least 20 states have now enacted laws restricting or banning gender-affirming medical care for transgender minors after Missouri's governor signed that state's bill into law last week. Indiana's Republican-dominated Legislature approved the ban this spring after contentious hearings that primarily featured testimony from vocal opponents, with many arguing the gender-affirming care lessened the risk of depression and suicide among transgender youth. Experts say allowing children to express their gender in a way that matches their identity is beneficial. Transgender medical treatment for youths, such as puberty blockers fully reversible prescription medication has been available in the United States for more than a decade. Research suggests that transgender youth and adults are prone to stress, depression and suicidal thoughts, and the evidence is mixed on whether treatment with hormones or surgery resolves those issues. Guidelines from leading authorities on gender-affirming medical care say surgery generally should be reserved for adults, with exceptions for older teens who meet certain criteria. Bill sponsor Republican Rep. Joanna King of Middlebury said the ban would "protect our children from irreversible, harmful, life-altering procedures." A top attorney for the state told Hanlon that risks from gender-affirming treatments during puberty such as future fertility, bone strength, brain development and possible reversibility had not been adequately studied by scientists. Such factors make it within the state Legislature's authority to decide "we don't want our children to be part of this grand experiment," Indiana Solicitor General Thomas Fisher said. "This is a matter of regulatory judgment," Fisher said. Lawsuits have been filed in several states against transgender treatment bans. Federal judges have blocked enforcement of laws in Alabama and Arkansas, and Oklahoma has agreed to not enforce its ban while opponents seek a temporary court order blocking it. The Indiana law would immediately ban gender-affirming surgeries while trans youth taking medication to transition would have until Dec. 31 to stop. Doctors who violate the ban could be disciplined by the state medical licensing board. Hanlon, an appointee of former President Donald Trump, acknowledged the law was set to take effect soon but didn't specify a timing to release his decision. Hanlon in 2021 issued an order blocking an Indiana law that would have required doctors to tell women undergoing drug-induced abortions about a disputed treatment for potentially stopping the abortion process. Falk, the ACLU's attorney, said it was "vitally important" for the judge to put the law on hold as it threatens the treatment for hundreds of young people across Indiana. "People are talking about moving out of the state," Falk said after the hearing. "People are desperate to try and get care." Such comments seem a matter less of false modesty than of existential necessity, and jibe with her definition of herself: Im a pretty antisocial Socialist. The Force Set Loose Glenda Jackson was born in 1936 in the Cheshire region of Northern England, the daughter of working-class parents. (Her father was a bricklayer; her mother cleaned houses and worked in shops.) Being the oldest of four girls, she has said, instilled in her an overdeveloped sense of responsibility. She started appearing in amateur theater productions in the area when she was working behind the counter in a Boots pharmacy. Someone said to me that you should do this professionally, she recalls matter-of-factly. So I wrote to the only drama school I had ever heard of. It was a big one, the Royal Academy of Dramatic Art in London; she was accepted, with scholarships. When she began to audition professionally, she was told she could expect only character parts. She found work, usually in supporting roles, in repertory companies, which was how she met Roy Hodges, a fellow actor and stage manager, to whom she was married from 1958 to 1976. (Their son, Dan, would grow up to become a political columnist; Ms. Jackson now lives in the basement flat of the house he shares with his wife and son.) In 1963, she was invited to audition for a Royal Shakespeare Company season devoted to the Theater of Cruelty. Helming the project was the already fabled Peter Brook. Oh my God, it was an oasis in the desert, she said of her experience with Mr. Brook, describing challenges that included morphing from Christine Keeler into Jackie Kennedy, while naked in a bathtub. Those kinds of requests had never been made, not of me. It was just calling on so many things that I hadnt realized were possible in acting. A bit strong. You can add in vain, if you like. The London production of King Lear, directed by Deborah Warner, was austere, Brechtian and British, with a sly indictment of Blairism. The set was constructed of white, portable panels, and actors carried their chairs on and off the stage. Jackson delivered her opening lines with her back to the audience. The Broadway play as envisioned by the director Sam Gold, however, is lush; the set, a jewel box, with brassy, Trumpian accents. Jacksons Lear not only faces the audience but plays to us and plays with us. In the opening scene, Lear divides his kingdom among his daughters conferring them on younger strengths while we/Unburdened crawl toward death. Jackson rolls the rs in crawl, stretching the word long and louche, a purring lion, all easy, unstrained dominance that flares into spectacular explosions of rage. At 82, she does not look whittled, wizened or weathered or any one of those wheezy words we use for old bodies. She does not look diminished she looks distilled, unwrapped, the long bare branches of her body mesmerizing. Glenda is so lean, and I dont just mean that physically, the actor Elizabeth Marvel, who plays Goneril, told me. I mean that emotionally, intellectually. All the fat is burned off, and you just have this brilliant diamond core. Jackson is not the first woman to play Lear, nor does gender enter your mind as you watch her. She herself has spoken of how differences between the sexes fade with age, but her authority has always transcended any notion of gender; it has always felt like law. The first time she played Shakespeare, in 1965, one review was headlined Ophelia, Prince of Stratford. There arent a lot of actors in the world that you can cast in a part like this, who can just enter the room and bring so much power with them, Gold told me. They dont have to work or earn it, they just have it. What is the source of that power? Jackson is the smallest person on stage, but you wont notice it she arrives cascading over the language, dominating it. In this way Jackson gives us the only truly contemporary interpretation of Lear Ive ever seen, a king whose command relies not on brute might but in the ability to manipulate words. The actor playing Lear must not only embody authority but also slough it off in front of us, almost presenting the aging process brutally sped up. The ritual aspect of this transformation is of particular interest to Gold, who has directed stripped-down interpretations of Shakespeare, including Othello in 2016. Glenda is going to do something very intense, very special, very big, he said. She is going to go through something most people dont go through. Youre all invited. Glenda Jackson is going to endure this, and youre going to witness it. For most of its history, this ritual has been considered too traumatizing for the stage. Shakespeare himself worried the conclusion was too bleak; he appears to have softened it slightly a few years after the play was first put on. Still, for 150 years an adapted version, with a happy ending, was performed. In the kingdom of Lear, there is no consolation. Characters learn to see the truth only after their eyes are gouged out; they learn to love their children only as they mourn them. Lear dies of heartbreak, annihilated, his last line a howl. It is a play of such immensities of sorrow and language that it has been described as too big for the stage, a literary achievement and not a dramatic one, or even a natural phenomenon in its own right: a volcano to the essayist Charles Lamb, a hurricane to the poet Samuel Coleridge and to the critic William Hazlitt, the sea: swelling, chafing, raging, without bound, without hope, without beacon, or anchor. This is not to mention the deep, dislocating strangeness of the play itself. The improbabilities in the plot alone have kept scholars busy for close to 400 years. It is set in 800 B.C. yet all signs point to the Middle Ages. Lear and the villain, Edmund, never interact. There is an odd lack of stage directions and that superfluous subplot, the story of Gloucester, which just echoes the main action (a father betrayed by his child). About 125 people remained unaccounted for on Friday despite more than a week of search-and-rescue crews scouring the site of the partial collapse of a condo building in Surfside, Fla. The death toll has reached 22, officials said. Speaking with a lot of these family members, when theyre unaccounted for, its a really, really difficult thing because they just dont know, Gov. Ron DeSantis of Florida said. Here is what photographers at the site of the collapse saw. Bellamy Brown is running for the 54th District seat in the House of Delegates. He ran for Charlottesville City Council as an independent in 2019 but came up short. In February 2021, he was named chair of the city's Police Civilian Oversight Board. He stepped down from the role 11 months later to run for the House. Ahead of the Democratic primary on June 20, Brown sat down with The Daily Progress to discuss his plans for the district and the state. The interview has been edited for concision and clarity. Youve never held elected office before. Why run for the House instead of City Council again? So I ran for City Council in 2019. I didn't get there, but I was on the Police Civilian Oversight Board, and the oversight board has the same visibility but is probably one step down from City Council. What I observed in local government here is that the form of government itself doesn't allow for true effective change to take place. I wasn't planning on running here. But we wanted to continue the work of the oversight board because we have done good work here. We have the first oversight board in the commonwealth to have investigatory and subpoena power, and other localities look at us for that. I know the governor and the attorney general want to shut that down. And so that's what pushed me into the race. I have a background in applied politics from classes at George Washington University. I have a background in politics as a whole. And so that's what propelled me into this race. To make the distinction between elected office, all of us have held that seat or spot. Katrina is on the school board, Dave Norris as mayor and myself as the chairman of the Police Civilian Oversight Board. All of those are figurehead positions. Were no more powerful than anyone else on the board itself. So whether it's elected or not, we still held that realm of power, so to speak, and leadership to be able to get things done. And quite frankly, had I not run as an independent I would have been elected in 2019. So I'm not I'm not certain whether it's elected or not matters. I think weve all held that figurehead role, and realistically all of those roles set the agenda and you are the face for that particular body. Lets talk about your work on the board. Words that have been used to describe the board and your tenure include, "rocky," "chaotic," "impotent." And theyve had only one case. That was before I got on there, and that was part of my deal coming in, because I already knew that the board and community members did not agree with Police Chief Brackney on a lot of things. But from my training through the National Association for Civilian Oversight of Law Enforcement, we wanted to come in and build that bridge. So I looked at the landscape across the board. And what I realized was that a lot of people didn't understand what the environment was like within the Charlottesville Police Department for the officers and for the staff that were there. What I also realized is that we had a shadow government that a lot of folks didn't see, comprised of Mayor Nikuyah Walker on the city council, and then Chief Brackney covering the police department and also in City Hall. So together both of them leveraged this fear of being represented as a racist for the other members, and so they were able to utilize that to get them to acquiesce toward their particular world. That didn't sit well with me, because nobody was holding them accountable, even though we were paying taxpayer dollars. All I did was make an announcement and uncover the fact that, Hey, this is the real dynamic of CPD. My plan was to inform the public, which I knew would eventually diminish support for Police Chief Brackney, and then I can move forward with getting things out of the way. I'd spoken to leadership behind the scenes based on information that was given to me from former police officers, current police officers, community members, the whole nine. Everyone in the leadership space around local government knew that there was a significant problem there. But everybody was paralyzed in fear to do anything about it. I didn't have those same constraints because I didn't care whether you called me racist or not. I needed to get a job done. And so that's what I was focused on. When you launched your campaign you highlighted the recent rise in violent crime in Charlottesville. The most recent report shows a 5% rise last year, and that's not even including the five homicides cases this year. If you win, what can you do in the House about this very local, very real problem? For me, it's closing that loophole where you can go and buy a gun illegally and then go and sell it on the street. Im a Marine. On base, we didn't have our weapons. We had a lot of responsibility. And that same responsibility isn't out here. We're now starting to see parents being held accountable for their kids bringing guns to school. The National Institute of Health says that our brains are developing up until 24 or 25. And so I would push for an increase in that particular in that particular age range to help mitigate against those particular things. You've ran as an independent before. Do you consider yourself to be a true Democrat? One hundred percent. I went to undergrad at James Madison University with Levar Stoney who's the mayor of Richmond, and he can attest that that's the space that I have been in. When I came in, I ran as an independent to get away from the polarization and focus on getting work done. I believe that has been exemplified by the work that I did on the oversight board, getting a strong ordinance. I don't do politics. I see a problem, assess potential solutions, implement the solutions and retest to find out how things are working. That's the only way my brain operates. That's what I do. You want to avoid polarization. You dont do politics. But when youre in the House, you won't have that luxury. Youd have to do politics. That's one of the things that the Sorensen Institute for Political Leadership does well. They bring together folks across the aisle, and we still have events and we still get things done. It's not a Ron DeSantis ,where we're just blowing things up. When I say Im not about the politics, Im not about this negativity of just throwing things out there just for the sake of throwing it out. Like an AP history course that's optional. Why does that need to be in a space where we're ginning up folk to be angry over something that's optional? Those types of things are what I would call out and have called out. So that's what I'm talking about when I say the politics. Four of the countrys largest environmental organizations said they are endorsing President Bidens bid for re-election, despite anger from activists over his approval of a string of fossil fuel projects, including an enormous oil drilling plan in Alaska and a natural gas pipeline from West Virginia through Virginia. The League of Conservation Voters, the Sierra Club, the Natural Resources Defense Council and NextGen America said they were setting aside their concerns over those projects and the planet-warming emissions they will release. The endorsements are some of the earliest by major environmental groups in a presidential contest. It is also the first time the four groups have made a joint endorsement. In lining up behind the president more than 16 months before the election, some advocates said they hoped to remind Democratic voters that Mr. Biden had enacted the biggest climate legislation in U.S. history, pouring at least $370 billion into clean energy and electric vehicles. His administration has also proposed strict regulations on pollution from automobiles, trucks and power plants that are designed to slash the nations emissions to their lowest levels in decades. Christian Cooper and Amy Tan came to birding from very different paths. Cooper had found refuge in birding as a child, long before the Central Park incident that brought him to national attention. For Tan, birding was a more recent discovery, prompted by a need for an outlet away from political events. For both, birding has been a powerful source of solace and community. In a free, live discussion on Thursday, June 22, Cooper, the author of the new book Better Living Through Birding, and Tan, author of the forthcoming book The Backyard Bird Chronicles, spoke about the transcendent power of birding and the challenges and the rewards of navigating a predominantly white pastime as people of color. The conversation was hosted by Dodai Stewart, a birding enthusiast and a Metro writer for The New York Times. We also discussed how you can start birding as part of the New York Times summer birding project. Thousands of people have already signed up to learn more about birds and to help scientists collect birding data during the summer season, when fewer observations are typically submitted. Alan Burdick, an editor on the science desk at The Times, spoke with Jenna Curtis of the Cornell Lab of Ornithology about the importance of gathering this data. Plus, we heard tips from other birders. The device landed against a southern wall next to the glass door and erupted into a fire, which spread up the wall and across the ceiling above the glass door, according to the complaint, which notes that the clinic, located at 1520 Nutmeg Place in Costa Mesa, was forced to close the next morning and cancel dozens of appointments. The building sustained about $1,000 worth of damage from the fire, according to the criminal filing. The Costa Mesa Police Department and Fire Department responded and extinguished the fire, which left burn marks several feet tall, according to the document. The authorities also found liquid, broken glass and other materials that were later found to have contained gasoline near the burn marks. Nobody was injured. On March 14, Mr. Ergul texted a friend a photo of his gloved hand holding the Molotov cocktail and said that he wished he couldve recorded the combustion, according to the complaint. In early April 2022, the friend, having seen a poster issued by federal authorities seeking information, called to inform them of the message. In one of the text messages, Mr. Ergul said the Molotov cocktail went BOOM at the 1500 Blk nutmeg plaza Costa Mesa health center/Planned Parenthood clinic, according to the complaint. The episode is part of a history of violent attacks on facilities or doctors providing abortions in the United States, including several in recent years. On Dec. 31, 2021, a fire later determined to be arson completely destroyed a clinic in Knoxville, Tenn. In January, a man firebombed another clinic in Peoria, Ill., citing his former girlfriends abortion. Reached by phone, Kate Corrigan, the lawyer for Mr. Brennan, acknowledged that the charges were very serious. She added, we take them seriously and well be defending them accordingly. Mr. Erguls lawyers could not be immediately reached for comment on Wednesday afternoon. The manager of a morgue at Harvard Medical School has been charged with selling body parts from donated cadavers and allowing buyers to come to the morgue to choose which parts they wanted, federal prosecutors said on Wednesday. Prosecutors said that the manager, Cedric Lodge, 55, and his wife, Denise Lodge, 63, both of Goffstown, N.H., and three others had been indicted by a federal grand jury in Pennsylvania on charges of conspiracy and interstate transport of stolen goods. A sixth person, Jeremy Pauley, 41, of Bloomsburg, Pa., was charged separately, prosecutors said. A seventh, Candace Chapman Scott, of Little Rock, Ark., was previously indicted in Arkansas, prosecutors said. The defendants were all part of a nationwide network that bought and sold human remains stolen from Harvard Medical School and a mortuary in Little Rock where Ms. Scott worked, prosecutors said. Few painters have used color as vigorously or as variously as Bob Thompson, the remarkable, driven American artist who was born in Louisville, Ky., in 1937, and died in Rome on the brink of his 29th birthday in 1966, worn down by ill health, substance abuse and a seemingly relentless work ethic. But Thompson never doubted his talent and had a voracious appetite for culture in many forms: He consorted with New Yorks Beat poets and its free jazz musicians as well as a broad range of artists. His career lasted barely eight years, but he left behind several hundred paintings, drawings and oil studies a fabulous horde whose magnitude is still not well known. Thompsons art was fed foremost by the European painting canon. From Giotto to Manet, he appropriated, subverted and transformed their masterpieces by the simple act of recasting their figures and sometimes their landscapes into saturated colors that still are joltingly contemporary and function in ways that can feel more fully narrative, spatial, psychological, political and retinal than colors generally do. Some works are fairly true to the originals in their composition; elsewhere Thompson took liberties of all kinds. Frequent additions include large silhouettes of monstrous birds that protect, threaten or attack either physically or spiritually. Sometimes the human figures grasp the birds by their feet, holding them aloft, like trophies or weapons. Whats your favorite book no one else has heard of? Theres a biography by Victoria Glendinning I really like called Vita. Its about the life of Vita Sackville-West, an author and intellectual who was part of the Bloomsbury Group in England in the early 1900s. In addition to the subjects fascinating life among much else, she was Virginia Woolfs muse and longtime lover I always enjoy books about that era. Whats the most interesting thing you learned from a book recently? I recently finished a book called 1215: The Year of Magna Carta, by Danny Danziger and John Gillingham. What I found so fascinating was that even though the events he describes occurred more than 800 years ago, and involved very different societal customs and structures, issues of personality self-interest, pride and ego played the same role they do in major decisions today. Who writes especially well about economic issues for a general audience? Id recommend Roger Lowenstein, a journalist whos written extensively for The Wall Street Journal and other places. His book Americas Bank (which I reviewed for The Times), for example, tells the history of the creation of the Federal Reserve not always considered the most scintillating subject in a way that embraces complexity while still being deeply engaging. Which subjects do you wish more authors would write about? Our political system and government. When I went from the private to the public sector I found that, despite having been around politics for a long time, I had an enormous amount to learn about the way our political system really works. I think thats true for most people who havent been in government. There are already some terrific nonfiction books, such as Chris Whipples The Gatekeepers, that provide insight into how government and policymaking function, but we could always use more of them. And I think it would be valuable to have more fiction that gives people outside the government a better understanding of our political process in an engaging way. What book might people be surprised to find on your shelves? Im a longtime reader of thrillers and spy novels. The more international intrigue, the better. These will date me, but some of my favorites are A Coffin for Dimitrios, by Eric Ambler, and anything by the Scottish American author Helen MacInnes. Youll find more recent examples of the genre especially those by David Baldacci and Daniel Silva on my shelves, too. After a string of notable early successes, progress has slowed in Ukraines counteroffensive to retake land occupied by Russian forces. For a third straight day, Ukraine did not claim to have retaken any settlements, and independent analysts say that recent Ukrainian advances in the southeast, where Kyiv began a multipronged assault last week, are better measured in yards than miles. It is very difficult to advance, Hanna Malyar, a deputy Ukrainian defense minister, said. Ukraines forces have met fierce resistance and have suffered losses both in human casualties and in the Western tanks newly supplied to them, U.S. military officials said. But such difficulties were expected, and any verdict on the counteroffensives success is extremely premature, American and Ukrainian officials said. Military history has long shown that it is much harder to take territory than to defend it. Russian lines have also been fortified over months, and many of the Western-trained brigades have yet to engage in the fight. My colleague Andrew Kramer reported today from Blahodatne, Ukraine, one of the villages that Ukraine reclaimed in the opening days of its counteroffensive. With each step forward, its soldiers become more vulnerable, Andrew writes. They are removed from the safety of their own trenches, closer to Russian artillery, maneuvering through minefields and unprotected from airstrikes. As it expanded internationally, Shein, the rapidly growing fast fashion app, progressively cut ties to its home country, China. It moved its headquarters to Singapore and de-registered its original company in Nanjing. It set up operations in Ireland and Indiana, and hired Washington lobbyists to highlight its U.S. expansion plans as it prepares for a potential initial public offering this year. Yet the clothing retailer cant shake the focus on its ties with China. Along with other brands like the viral social app TikTok and shopping app Temu, Shein has become a target of American lawmakers in both parties. Politicians are accusing the company of making its clothes with fabric made with forced labor and calling it a tool of the Chinese Communist Party claims that Shein denies. No one should be fooled by Sheins efforts to cover its tracks, Senator Marco Rubio, Republican of Florida, wrote in a letter to other lawmakers this month. As relations between the United States and China turn increasingly rocky, some of Chinas most entrepreneurial brands have taken steps to distance themselves from their home country. They have set up new factories and headquarters outside China to serve the United States and other foreign markets, emphasized their foreign ties and scrubbed any mention of China from their corporate websites. For John Leeds, the hour-and-a-half commute to and from his job as assistant manager at Treasure Valley Cannabis Company is exhausting, but logistically unavoidable. Like nearly half of the other employees, Mr. Leeds, 39, lives in Idaho and travels along Interstate 84, past sprawling alfalfa and onion fields, to the marijuana shop just across the Oregon state line, where cannabis is legal. Its really two different worlds, Mr. Leeds said. A lot of whiplash on this issue just in a car ride up and down the highway. Every day, hundreds of customers and workers like Mr. Leeds make the pilgrimage from Idaho to Ontario, Ore., a small city nestled along the Snake River that is home to 11 dispensaries roughly one for every 1,000 residents. They can compare the aromas of various strains of marijuana and gather the staffs insights on THC levels in edibles. Lawyers for the disgraced entrepreneur Elizabeth Holmes said this week that she would be unable to afford to pay $250 each month to victims of her failed blood-testing start-up, Theranos, after leaving prison. Ms. Holmes, 39, began an 11-year, three-month prison sentence in Texas in May after she was found guilty last year of four counts of wire fraud and conspiracy for defrauding investors by misleading them about her companys technology and business dealings. Last month, a federal judge in California ordered Ms. Holmes and her former business partner, Ramesh Balwani, to pay $452 million in restitution to investors who were defrauded, including the media mogul Rupert Murdoch. Federal prosecutors asked the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of California last week to correct clerical errors in court records. One of the suggested corrections would require Ms. Holmes, as part of her restitution, to pay either $250 or at least 10 percent of her earnings, whichever is greater, each month after she is released from prison. Roughly 12 volunteers at Charlottesvilles animal shelter have been asked to stay away for the summer. Leaders at the Charlottesville Albemarle Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals say their presence causes trauma in the aftermath of a wave of protest and outcry over the treatment of volunteers and animals at the shelter. When those volunteers enter the building, we are reminded of all the things theyve said and done, and it brings back all the fresh trauma, the recently named interim executive director of the local SPCA, Sue Friedman, told The Daily Progress Tuesday. Experts were really clear that until we have a safe, welcoming, nontraumatic place, the team wont be able to move forward. So what I am asking is that these volunteers give us the summer to let us heal. The volunteers are members of a coalition of current and former employees, calling themselves CASPCA Concerns. The group declined to comment to The Daily Progress directly on the allegations. No one from the group of volunteers feels comfortable speaking out, CASPCA Concerns said in an email on Monday. They are all awaiting meetings with Sue to determine the details of the allegations. For her part, Friedman said she is ready and willing to meet with all concerned, people just need to ask. Im open. Im available. Certainly, you can sit down with anyone at any time, said Friedman. She went on to say that the dozen or so volunteers who have been asked to take a summer vacation will potentially have the opportunity to volunteer again in August. I told them [CASPCA Concerns] wed be happy to get together in mid-August and to talk through what our expectations are, Friedman said. This team persevered through a lot of controversies, and they deserve to be listened to, and they deserve to have their almost unanimous requests met. Friedman went on to say that she is working to implement many policies to help those working at the shelter. We are doing many other things that were hearing from the team that will help them feel safer emotionally as well as physically, Im sad to say, here in their own workplace. She did not provide specific instances of physical or emotional threats when asked but did hint that some volunteers should rethink their priorities. I would hope that anyone who really cares about CASPCA would think of CASPCA first and not their volunteering first. Former volunteers expressed sadness at the number of workers who have been negatively affected by the incidents over the past few months. Since I was dismissed from the shelter in March, I havent had any insight into the current events there, former volunteer dog walker Sarah Lloyd told The Daily Progress. I am sad that more valuable volunteers are being asked to leave which negatively impacts the care of the animals. Likewise, former volunteer Farise Cravens also expressed dissatisfaction the local shelters decisions of late. It it is important to note that the shelter has fired multiple volunteers who expressed concern and dedicated all of their free time to caring for the animals, Cravens told The Daily Progress. Now, I receive many emails from the current volunteer coordinator complaining that not enough people have signed up to volunteer. This is very sad to me, and I think has discouraged other volunteers too. Friedman informed the 12 volunteers about her wishes in an email to CASPCA Concerns in early June in which she expressed concern over the alleged trauma volunteers would cause. The group says Friedman is trying to run from accountability. This email seems to be an attempt to blame volunteers for the issues that the shelter is facing, rather than taking responsibility for the shelters actions and decisions that have led to this preventable strife, CASPCA Concerns said in a statement on June 8. This back-and-forth is a result of a monthslong battle at the animal shelter. In February, a Virginia Department of Agriculture inspection found repeat violations of state law at the shelter. In March, the shelters former Executive Director Angie Gunter was placed on administrative leave before being replaced by Friedman in May. Facebook posts have shown at least one adult dog standing on top of a sheet that appears soaked with urine and feces in the facilitys basement training room. The Daily Progress asked Friedman to view the basement but was denied access. I cant take you to the basement, Emily Swecker, a spokeswoman for the shelter, said, but I can tell you there are no animals there. Swecker went on to say that the shelter was still overcapacity with the number of dogs it is housing, but it is because they are required to take in the dogs from the community. Were not taking in dogs from the outside, so this is our own communitys animals, which we have to take in, Friedman said. So theyre strays or their owner surrenders them, and were just seeing a lot of those animals as strays not being reclaimed, you know, people not coming to get their animals. So when they say were overcapacity, we dont have a choice. Friedman dismissed the notion that protests and online calls for accountability were still a pressing issue. I love that were still calling this a controversy, Friedman said. I think we are way past that. Were moving forward. This is not a controversy, but I understand the CASPCA Concerns letter. McGuireWoods, an international law firm, completed an independent review conducted at the boards request after allegations first started to mount earlier this year. They issued multiple recommendations to the board, which Friedman said she expects to start implementing by mid-July. Probably July, well have some concrete things that we can work on, Friedman said. That means looking at how we do everything from how we do payroll, you know, to how we do human resources, to how we do buildings, grounds and maintenance. But most especially how we do that big, big area of animal welfare and animal care. Despite the ongoing protest against the organization and the internal shakeups, Friedman said the local SPCA is attracting new volunteers, even if some veterans arent returning. I am so excited. We had 16 new volunteers on Saturday and Saturday alone, Friedman said. We havent seen a drop off at all. Weve seen a lot of people care about animals, and we want them to trust us again if they were a little concerned during the controversy and to know that we are here for the animals too. However, donations to the shelter remain lower than normal. As with any nonprofit, and Ive spent my whole career in nonprofit. Any whiff of controversy, and people sit and they wait, said Friedman, who is the former executive director of the Jefferson School Foundation and the former president and CEO of the Alzheimers Association of Central and Western Virginia. So sure, weve seen a downturn, but again, when we make it clear, what were doing will be very, very proactive on all fronts. I applaud the board for doing that. Both Friedman and CASPCA Concerns have expressed their commitment to improving the lives of animals in the shelter. They all hope to continue to remain as volunteers and spend their free time dedicated to walking the dogs, CASPCA Concerns said of volunteers in the email to The Daily Progress. They also hope to work together with the staff to build a stronger cohesive team through enhancing communication and positive progressive improvements for all. Federal prosecutors investigating the collapse of the FTX cryptocurrency exchange said late Wednesday that, at least for now, they would withdraw several of the charges facing the companys founder, Sam Bankman-Fried. In a court filing, the prosecutors said they would proceed to a trial in October without pursuing five of the 13 charges against Mr. Bankman-Fried a set of accusations that the government added to the crypto moguls indictment in the months after he was extradited from the Bahamas in December. Among those charges was a bank fraud count, as well as an allegation that Mr. Bankman-Fried bribed a foreign government. Mr. Bankman-Fried has argued that prosecutors should not have been allowed to charge him with additional crimes after his extradition. But the withdrawal came with a major caveat: The prosecutors asked the judge overseeing the case, Lewis A. Kaplan of Federal District Court in Manhattan, to schedule a second trial in early 2024 on those five counts. The prosecutors said the delay was a procedural necessity. This week, Mr. Bankman-Fried won a ruling in the Bahamas, where FTX was based, granting him the ability to argue in court there that the Bahamian government should not consent to the additional charges. That legal dispute could take months to unfold. A union representing hundreds of Starbucks stores said this week that workers in 21 states were told by their managers not to decorate for Pride Month, the annual L.G.B.T.Q. celebration, a claim that the company said represented outlier decisions by local leaders that did not reflect corporate policy. But even in New York City neighborhoods that are almost synonymous with Pride, the traditional rainbow displays were more muted if visible at all than in years past. In Manhattan, no Pride decorations could be seen at several Starbucks stores in Chelsea and Greenwich Village, including the one just a block from the Stonewall Inn, a landmark of gay culture and history. One flag was spotted uptown at a store in Hells Kitchen. Starbucks workers in Wisconsin, Ohio and Virginia, among other states, said in interviews arranged through their union that store and district managers have been asked to either take down existing decorations, such as a flag or streamers, or told that they would not be allowed to decorate stores for Pride Month, unlike in previous years. The reasons given have varied, the workers said. One worker was told there were not enough paid hours available for the work. Another was told that decor choices needed to be standardized across regions. One partner, as Starbucks refers to employees, was told by a manager that hanging a rainbow flag might make customers uncomfortable. Others said they were told that if they hung a Pride flag the store could be asked to show equal representation for others, including the Proud Boys, the far-right hate group. Some managers also cited safety concerns. Ive been a workplace designer for the last 24 years, said the architect Arjun Kaicker. Ive seen more change in the last 24 months than in the whole of my career. Mr. Kaicker co-runs Zaha Hadid Analytics + Insights, or ZHAI, a five-person team that uses data and artificial intelligence to design workplaces. The team is part of Zaha Hadid Architects, the firm founded by the influential architect Zaha Hadid in London in 1979. The pandemic has really supercharged innovation in the workplace, Mr. Kaicker said in a recent video interview from Atlanta. Before, the majority of office buildings had a one-size-fits-all desk for everyone, and the same environment around them, the same everything, he said. Watches and Wonders Geneva proved one thing earlier this spring when it attracted 43,000 visitors, almost twice its 2022 attendance: The watch fair is back. Many in the industry had voiced doubts that such costly events were worth the investment even before the disruption of the pandemic. But opinions seem to have changed, and the rest of the 2023 calendar is dotted with the likes of Singapore Watch Week, Geneva Watch Days and the Salon Internacional Alta Relojeria in Mexico City. In Manhattan, the organizers of WatchTime New York, scheduled for Oct. 20-22 in Gotham Hall, said they expect the events longtime focus on watch lovers will attract even more visitors this year, increasing on its 2,000-person total last year. Theoretically, if youre going to Watches and Wonders as a regular person, you can see the vitrines, you can walk into the booths, but youre not going behind the scenes and sitting down with the watch president or the watchmaker, said Sara Orlando, the publisher of WatchTime, the print and online publication based in New York that has held the fair since 2015. At WatchTime New York, the brand president and executives are at the show, behind the booth, presenting to the general public. Beyonces disco-inspired Renaissance album. Amazon Primes Daisy Jones & The Six set in the rollicking landscape of Sunset Strip in 1977. Dead & Companys final tour this summer. Bell-bottoms, maximalist design and plenty of marijuana. It can seem like the 70s are everywhere again. And this includes weddings. With trends, whether its fashion or music, it always trickles down to events, said Sarah Mastriano, the owner of A Lovely Universe Events based in Red Bank, N.J. She considers the recent 70s resurgence a reaction to pandemic times when so many weddings were forced to become pared-down, or even virtual affairs. We were all locked up for so long that now couples are really emphasizing the experience of the guest, Ms. Mastriano said. If theyre going to come out of their house and almost put their health at risk to be in a big crowd, it better be interesting and fun. When Hilary Katzman, 34, and Bryan Kayne, 30, both product managers who live in Manhattan, were married on May 6, the couple tasked Ms. Mastriano with creating a love fest for their 160 guests. In 1988, a 65-year-old mans heart stopped at home. His wife and son didnt know CPR, so in desperation they grabbed a toilet plunger to get his heart going until an ambulance showed up. Later, after the man recovered at San Francisco General Hospital, his son gave the doctors there some advice: Put toilet plungers next to all of the beds in the coronary unit. The hospital didnt do that, but the idea got the doctors thinking about better ways to do CPR, or cardiopulmonary resuscitation, the conventional method for chest compressions after cardiac arrest. More than three decades later, at a meeting of emergency medical services directors this week in Hollywood, Fla., researchers presented data showing that using a plunger-like setup leads to remarkably better outcomes for reviving patients. Traditional CPR doesnt have a great track record: On average, just 7 percent of people who receive it before getting to the hospital are ultimately discharged with full brain function, according to a national registry of cardiac arrests treated by emergency medical workers in communities across the country. The description of Cadejo Blanco, directed by Justin Lerner, reads like a thriller: After her sister disappears, a young Guatemalan woman infiltrates a gang to try to find her. But there are few thrills in the film, which moves slowly and with too much ease through the world of Guatemalan gangs. Its beautifully shot and gives an authentic view of street life there, but the characters journeys are not sufficiently developed, and the resolutions feel unearned. The film kicks off in Guatemala City with Sarita (Karen Martinez) being dragged out for a night of clubbing with her free-spirited sister, Bea (Pamela Martinez), who had the ulterior motive of meeting up with her boyfriend Andres (Rudy Rodriguez). Sarita leaves the bar early, and the next morning, discovers that Bea never came home. Sarita suspects Andres, who is a gang member, so she travels to the coastal town of Puerto Barrios to befriend him and find Bea. Extraction 2, a drab, brawny sequel starring Chris Hemsworth as an Australian mercenary, offers a turgid shadow of the type of crowd-pleasing escapism that action blockbusters used to provide. The shaky foundation of the director Sam Hargraves movie is a trite script by Joe Russo: Recovering from near-fatal wounds he incurred on his previous mission, Tyler Rake (Hemsworth) wakes from a coma. He retires to a quaint cabin in the woods, a gift from his comrades Nik (Golshifteh Farahani) and Yaz (Adam Bessa). Its a quiet life, surrounded by a dog and chickens, until a mysterious man (Idris Elba) offers him a job: Ketevan (Tinatin Dalakishvili) Rakes ex-wifes sister and her two children are being held captive in a Georgian prison by their abusive mobster father (Tornike Gogrichiani). Regrouping with Yaz and Nik, Rake devises a plan to save them. Foregoing any semblance of a story after its initial setup, Extraction 2 can be separated into three distinct, noxious action sequences. The most elaborate, lasting an interminable 24 minutes, sees Rake infiltrating the facility housing the family, then fleeing with them past claustrophobic cells, through a crowd of prisoners determined to murder them all, and, finally, onto a runaway train. Shortly before Mr. de Blasio launched his campaign, the board an independent body with five members appointed by the mayor, comptroller and public advocate told Mr. de Blasio that the city could pay for salary and overtime for his security detail. But it advised him that paying for the officers travel costs would be a misuse of city resources, it said. But Mr. de Blasio did not heed the boards guidance, it said. His failure to do so was one of several issues addressed in a 47-page report by the citys Department of Investigation, which found that Mr. de Blasio misused public resources for both political and personal purposes, including having a police van and officers help move his daughter to Gracie Mansion. Jocelyn Strauber, the investigations commissioner, said in a statement that the Conflicts of Interest Boards order backed her departments report and showed that public officials including the most senior will be held accountable when they violate the rules. The board, which still has two members appointed by Mr. de Blasio, ordered the former mayor to repay the expenses borne by the city and fined him $5,000 for each out-of-state trip. Mr. de Blasios presidential campaign reported having just $1,422.76 on hand in its last filing with the Federal Election Commission, in December 2020. A political action committee associated with Mr. de Blasio, Fairness PAC, last reported having more than $32,000 in debt and less than $3,000 on hand. If you find yourself in Washington Square Park on one of these fine spring days, you might see Felix Morelo, bent low over the sidewalk, drawing. More likely, though, you will see his art. Look down, and you may find yourself standing in a good luck spot, drawn in pastel pink or blue or yellow. Or maybe a bad luck spot. Or maybe many bad luck spots. (He draws more of those when he is having a bad day.) His work, smack-dab in the center of New York Citys walkways, challenges busy residents to tempt fate, walking straight through the bad luck, or to take a moment to bask in their good fortune. Its like a practical joke, Mr. Morelo, 51, said on a recent afternoon, his hands dusty with chalk. And it is a social experiment, too. He likes to toy with people, putting the spots in high-traffic areas or right at the mouths of subway stations. Some days, Mr. Morelo fills an entire stretch of sidewalk with bad luck anemones, leaving only a small path between them. Or he may draw one huge bad luck sinkhole, right where skateboarders gather. Thank you for reading! To read this article and more, subscribe now for as little as $1.99. A 54-year-old finance executive targeted a 14-year-old girl through her Instagram account, passed her off as his daughter on trips around the country, gave her drugs and raped her in New York City hotel rooms, prosecutors with the Manhattan district attorneys office said Thursday. Prosecutors said that the executive, Michael Olson, had texted multiple other girls and that its investigation would continue. The 17 charges against him thus far stem from the experience of a single victim, who prosecutors said was found last month in a Midtown Manhattan hotel room with Mr. Olson, overdosing on cocaine and ketamine. A prosecutor, John Fuller, said that the drugs were given to the girl before and after Mr. Olson had sex with her. The overdose was not fatal. A search of an iPad that the defendant had with him that day revealed numerous other victims, Mr. Fuller said at Mr. Olsons arraignment on Thursday in New York State Supreme Court. There were hundreds of screenshots of various Instagram accounts of young, Asian teenage girls that the defendant messaged. Ms. Arfa said that each of the defendants knowingly participated in that campaign. They surveilled, they stalked, they threatened and they terrified. This is the first federal trial in the United States related to Operation Fox Hunt. The jury will have to sift through hundreds of pages of evidence, transcripts, videos and phone records as they assess whether the government proved its case. The Charges Mr. Xu and his sister-in-law testified that they were followed around suburban New Jersey, received threatening notes and were harassed online. The people pursuing them at first targeted Ms. Lius sister in Short Hills, N.J., because they did not know Mr. Xus address. Prosecutors laid out how Mr. Zhu hired Mr. McMahon in late 2016 with the help of a translation company, and then sent him instructions to do surveillance and pull records. Mr. McMahon enlisted other investigators to help him with the job, while exchanging messages with people from the company that hired him. In 2017, Chinese officials forced Mr. Xus 82-year-old father to fly in from China in a bid to learn where Mr. Xu lived and to persuade him to return to the country, prosecutors said. The officials enlisted Mr. McMahon to do surveillance during that trip in an effort to learn where Mr. Xu was living. The following year, Mr. Zheng was one of two people who left a threatening note on the front door of Mr. Xus home. Bill Goodman, a Weather Service meteorologist in Upton, explained in an interview on Thursday that the smog would not be as dense as it was last week, when New Yorks skyline nearly disappeared in a thick, orange haze. This time, he said, the smoke will be experienced as hazy skies, and the smoke at the surface should be negligible. It might be a nice red sunrise in the morning, he said. The smoke was expected to arrive late Thursday, Mr. Goodman said, with the highest concentration of smoke settling in the air above New York City early Friday morning, Mr. Goodman said. He said that the Weather Service relies on a smoke model that runs a 48-hour forecast four times a day to see where the smoke will travel and how it will disperse, in the air and near ground level. Clouds were also expected to increase late Thursday night, with wind gusts up to 25 miles per hour in the tristate area, according to the Weather Service. Last week, winds carried smoke to New York and much of the Eastern United States, blanketing the region with a haze that disrupted daily life and made the air dangerous to breathe. After a tour boat capsized in a tunnellike cavern in western New York this week, killing a man and injuring nearly a dozen others, officials said they were investigating when the boat had last been inspected. The answer, it turns out, is most likely never. The 300-foot canal in the dimly lit cavern, the Lockport Cave in Lockport, N.Y., is privately owned and is not a navigable body of water. As such, the narrow, flat-bottomed boat that was carrying 28 people on Monday operated in a regulatory limbo, officials said. As a result of the episode, Gov. Kathy Hochul directed her administration to look at all possible ways to prevent future tragedies, a spokesman said on Tuesday. The U.S. Coast Guard polices federally navigable waterways. But the governors spokesman, Matt Janiszewski, said that no state agency has jurisdiction over vessels in nonpublic, nonnavigable waterways. The revelation that no official entity was monitoring the safety of the attraction, which is about a half-hour east of Niagara Falls, emerged as The Buffalo News reported that the episode on Monday was not the first of its kind, despite what Lockport officials have said. In other words, the panel chastised her for not properly applying the law and for not treating Mr. Trump like any other criminal defendant. Other legal experts have asked if Judge Cannon has the judicial chops to handle a case of this type and magnitude. She has, after all, been a federal judge for only some two and a half years and has never tried a case involving the theft of classified documents. For example, Samuel Buell, a Duke University law professor and former federal prosecutor, said that she is a very inexperienced judge, so even if she werent favorable to Trump, she might hear a lot of stuff and think she is hearing stuff that is unusual even though its made all the time. While concerns about her judgment and ability to manage the case are understandable, Judge Cannon is not known to have said or written anything that suggests such a bias toward Republicans or blindness toward justice that would wholly disqualify her from a case involving Mr. Trump. The health and independence of our judiciary depend, in part, on judges learning from episodes like this and, in her case, showing that she will not stray from properly applying the law to Mr. Trump as she would to any other criminal defendant. History shows that Trump-appointed judges have not given him any special treatment when he has challenged the rule of law. Nearly every Trump-appointed judge (including his Supreme Court appointees) denied Mr. Trumps litigation efforts to further his falsehood that the 2020 presidential election was rigged. This same concern that Republican-appointed judges would rule in favor of a member of their own party was raised during Watergate. The prosecutors investigating the burglary and cover-up, including me, were keenly aware of the concerns that the Supreme Court, on which sat four justices appointed by President Richard Nixon, would decline to order him to produce his Oval Office tapes to the special prosecutor. The court, however, unanimously (with one judge recusing himself) ordered Nixon to do so. Before everything fell apart, Gabe Bankman-Fried believed he had a superpower that could help him deal with Washingtons many blowhards and suck-ups. He possessed, he said, a sort of X-ray vision that allowed him to see a persons true character. I spent a lot of the last year staring into the eyes of politicians, he told me in October 2022. And I dont think its a hopeless endeavor. I mean, you get a sense for who is legit. He ran Guarding Against Pandemics, known as GAP, a nonprofit aimed at safeguarding the country from future catastrophic outbreaks. Since its founding in 2020, GAP had become one of the hottest organizations in town not because politicians cared all that much about future pandemics (increasingly it seemed they didnt even care about the current one) but because they cared about money. And thanks to Gabes brother, Sam Bankman-Fried, the then-billionaire and head of the FTX cryptocurrency exchange, GAP had plenty of that. The group spent $11 million in 2021, according to tax filings. Sam Bankman-Fried dropped $27 million into Protect Our Future, a super PAC with similar stated goals. This kind of money made Gabe a big deal in Washington. Not quite a kingmaker but maybe the kingmakers financial planner. In making a case for a second term, Joe Biden has plenty of legislative accomplishments he can point to. But when you talk to Democratic voters, those rarely come up. Instead, you hear the same old concerns. For a lot of people, the elephant in the room is the Presidents age. I can tell you, at 47, Ive lost a little on my fastball, and he needs to make a case to the American people he does why hes the best man for the job. But within the Democratic party, its still very rare to hear those challenges acknowledged outloud, especially with Donald Trump on the other side. Back in 2019 There was one candidate that was seen as willing to go there and call out Bidens biggest liability, however suddenly. Are you forgetting what you said what you said just two minutes ago? I mean, I cant believe that you said two minutes ago that they had to buy in, and now, youre saying they dont have to buy youre forgetting that! You just said that. You just said that two minutes ago. You just said two minutes ago that they would have to buy in. You said, they would have to buy in. Because Barack Obamas vision was not to leave 10 million people uncovered. He wanted every single person in this country covered. My plan would do that. Your plan would not. That exchange set off a firestorm, and it was not good for Castro. Not long after the debate, Castro ended his campaign. And as Biden took over the party, Castro, once a rising star, left Washington altogether. Kennedy now has support among Democratic voters. Marianne Williamson is in the single digits, but at 9 percent, that means almost between the two of them. It would be almost 1/3 of the vote. And theyve all been iced out on the Left. Right? The President wont debate anybody. He doesnt want to consider anybody competition. Today, Julian Castro says what other Democrats wont about Biden and the 2024 primary. From The New York Times, Im Astead Herndon. This is The Run Up. and whether to explore the partys code of silence around Bidens primary alternatives and his advanced age. So I reached out to the person who stepped out of line last time to see what hes thinking this time. also because I remember the debate moment. I remember the time in which you, I think, to the surprise of some, really decided to go at Joe Biden directly to call out the Obama administration on its record on immigration, but also to make references to his age. Can you tell me about those decisions and how you were thinking about how to interact with the frontrunner in the race on the debate stage? Its been almost four years since Julian Castro took on Biden during that debate. And in that time, apart from some appearances on MSNBC, Castro has practically disappeared from national politics. julian castro Yeah. One note I never made a reference to his age. The media did that. On the debate stage, we had a disagreement about health care policy. And I said to him, because he had contradicted himself, you know, did you forget what you just said two minutes ago? And then, the media went with that immediately as, thats an attack on his age. If Id had that re and that was not something that I preplanned, that I said, oh, this is in the moment, in the heat of a debate moment, that was my reaction. And because that tapped into a media narrative about Bidens candidacy, they went with that. If I had said that about a younger candidate, it never would have been interpreted that way. astead herndon I hear that. Im saying, for you at the time, when you were saying it, you were saying you werent thinking about his age. You were trying to point out a contradiction. julian castro Thats right. Yeah. Because he had contradicted what he said about his health care policy before. And in a lot of the factchecking after that, it went both ways. But I think my version of that actually bore itself out later in the campaign where he acknowledged that something like 10 million people would not get health care coverage under his plan, which is what I said on the stage. And to me, it was about trying to be very clear with voters about where I stood and what my vision was for the country. And I would expect other candidates to do the same thing. astead herndon You would expect it. But I think one of the interesting reasons and one of the reasons I wanted to talk to you is that other candidates didnt really do that. I think part of the reason that those debates stuck out is because you were one of the few candidates to make that kind of argument to him most directly. Is there anything you wish you had done differently during that time? Is there something you wish youd done differently about your campaign? julian castro Oh, of course there are things that I wish that I had done differently. Of course I wish that moment on the debate stage had gone differently. Because thats not what I intended. The way that it was taken was not the way that I intended, and wish that it had gone differently from that. And mostly, overall, for the country, I wish that we were not in the moment that we were in, in 2019 and 2020, which is, in a lot of ways, we were dragged by Donald Trump to a point where we just had to go to this sort of lowest common denominator of not being Donald Trump. But Donald Trump is so far out there, whether its on immigration or any number of other issues, that if youre just not Donald Trump, then that doesnt say anything about how you can be positive and be progressive. I think we fell into in many ways, the Democratic Party fell and in some ways is still falling into this trap of, just dont be Donald Trump, and thats good enough. For the future of this country, and especially for the well-being of a lot of people in vulnerable communities, that is certainly not good enough for the future. And in the end, when you look at these presidential races, I think what you find is its the person that most meets the moment that is often able to take that nomination, and then ultimately win the presidency. And Joe Biden met the moment. astead herndon I mean, another way to read that maybe this is the bad-faith journalism way to read that, though is to say that thats also a way to articulate you kind of regret that the moment had to lead to someone like Joe Biden. Is that also what youre saying? julian castro Well, I mean, I wouldnt say that I regret that Joe Biden is the president at all. I mean, I think there are a lot of good things about Joe Biden as a president, and hes accomplished a lot. I mean, he has a very impressive track record on certain issues so far. I guess the best way I would say it is that fundamentally, Democrats were not looking for the aspiration. When we turned to Obama in 08, that was an aspiration. In 2020, they were so afraid of Donald Trump, and for good reason, but so afraid of Donald Trump it was such an urgency and emergency that it was just, who can beat this guy. astead herndon Yeah. It feels like that is an important segue, because what youre describing that urgency, though, is also a kind of short-term calculus. It is a calculus that is about just hinging on winning the election, and not really specific to going forward after. Do you think voters are still in that place of fear or still in that place to really put other things ahead of their aspirations? julian castro I mean, largely, theyre still in that place. Because Trump is the leading candidate on the Republican side for the nomination, and he is competitive in polling. And so every time people realize every time they think about that fear, I think they get that feeling Democrats get that feeling again. Theres that on the one hand. On the other hand, its also very clear that theres a discontent, for whatever reason, with President Biden among some Democrats. And so you have the clash of those. And right now, in that calculus, I think that the overwhelming number of Democrats and people in the middle are still at the point of saying, OK, well, I may not prefer Joe Biden as the nominee, but if hes the nominee and its a choice between him and Donald Trump, then Im going to vote for Joe Biden again. astead herndon Mm-hmm. Yeah. I mean, thats what some people have described as a kind of meh voter someone who is expressing dissatisfaction, maybe in polling or to journalists, but in the end, when faced with that core sort of binary choice, might come back to someone like Joe Biden. That was a key concept in the 2020 election, and also in the 2022 midterms. julian castro Well, and I think thats what the Biden team is banking on. The danger in that is, right now, you actually have two candidates in Trump and Biden people dont want to see the rematch. If they could avoid the rematch, they would. If they cant avoid the rematch, the danger for those of us who are Democrats is that on the one hand, you have a deflation of enthusiasm. Its going downward. And on the other hand, with Trump, for some strange, odd reason, this guy still has his legion of followers who are very enthusiastic about him getting the nomination and getting back into the White House so much so that they say the flip of what Democrats are saying. Theyre saying, I dont care as much about whether I think he can beat Joe Biden. astead herndon Yeah. julian castro I want it to be him. And thats where the danger is for Democrats is that you dont end up pulling enough people out of Detroit, of Philadelphia, of Atlanta. And so youve missed those numbers by a few tens of thousands of votes. astead herndon And those are certainly places that have flashed warning signs for Democrats, even as theyve had a good midterms. The way were talking right now does, though, bring me to something that I realized heading into this interview, looking up kind of things you have said recently, and thinking back to the last primary. I also dont know, though, genuinely, whether you are someone who is in support of Bidens reelection. Is that something that you, as a leading Democratic voice, are supporting or endorsing? julian castro Well, first, Ive pulled my hair out over the last couple of years, because Im an analyst with MSNBC. I cant endorse specific candidates. And you know how hard that is for somebody run himself astead herndon Youre like, thats my currency. julian castro Yeah, I mean, you know, I care about all of this. But of course, I think people can guess what I see. Yes, the President I think that hes going to be the nominee, is what it looks like. And if hes the nominee, then I think hes going to be in good shape versus Donald Trump. astead herndon Well, I guess Im not really asking that, though. I know the facts of what is on Biden versus Trump, and I know that you are a supportive Democrat. Im asking whether you think its right that the party has kind of coalesced around Biden so quickly, that its kind of shut off the doors to other challengers, or really has made that decision so explicitly. Thats what Im really asking. julian castro Well, I mean, I cant blame the Biden team for other people not jumping into the race. I certainly dont hold that against him. I mean, he definitely has a track record and has done a lot of positive things. I mean, theres a lot to be proud of there for Democrats. However, what I do think the DNC should consider is probably think about opening up the primary to some debates. I think that would probably benefit the party. I think it would benefit Joe Biden, and it would help ensure that theres a victory in November of 2024. Why is that? Well, number one, I believe that theres still some lingering sort of bitterness out there or lack of trust from the 2016 race, where you had a whole crowd the Bernie crowd and look, I supported Hillary Clinton, but I acknowledge that the Bernie crowd a lot of them felt that the scales were tipped against Bernie. And I dont know that thats completely ever gone away, that feeling toward the DNC. You know, Jaime Harrison, I think, is doing a fantastic job. Hes wonderful. I dont mean this to be critical of the leadership. Im just saying if I were giving advice, it would be, think about opening up some way for there to be a primary and those debates. I think itll help Joe Biden, because one of the challenges for him and his team is, hes got to show his stuff. astead herndon Mm-hmm. I mean, Im asking this partially because they have not shown that openness. We were at the DNC winter meeting, and they were making very clear that they dont see that level of showing their work as a real priority this year. And I also think that youre dealing with the kind of same numbers were looking at a lot, which is that a lot of Americans have expressed concern about reelection, and that includes a lot of Democrats. So I just want to be clear, youre saying the reason for your calls to kind of open up that process is because you think that Joe Biden should speak to that directly. julian castro Yeah, I think he should. And look, the good news for him is that theyve sort of set him up, if you will, to be the good guy here if he wanted to. He could say, hey, no, no, yall, we ought to have a debate, because I think its important for the American people to hear it. Now, I disagree with a lot of what Im hearing from RFK Jr. And I dont astead herndon Marianne Williamson. julian castro Yeah. I mean, look, theyre not going to win the nomination. And if I were voting in that primary, Id be voting for Joe Biden, among the three of them. At the same time, I think theres a reason that RFK Jr. is at 20 percent in the polls. And you add on another 8 percent with Marianne, its because of this vacuum that was created and these feelings that enough Democrats out there have or reservations about Joe Biden. And I would see a more open primary, at least a debate, as an opportunity for him to consolidate more support, and at least to avoid hard feelings from people that might really believe in those other candidates. Because hey, when youre talking about 11,000 votes in Arizona you know, 10,000 or 20,000 votes in Georgia, 100,000 votes in Wisconsin or Pennsylvania you cant afford to lose anybody. And not only that, now that you have Cornel West running with the Peoples Party, I know that hes not going to make I dont think hes going to make a huge impression on the race. But were coming to a point where you cannot afford to lose anybody else, and the last thing you need are hard feelings going into November of 2024. Thats the source of my heartburn and friendly advice to the DNC. astead herndon Mm-hmm. I mean, youre mentioning something thats really stuck with us. RFK Jr. at something like 20 percent, Marianne Williamson to your point, like, these arent numbers that really may speak to a real burgeoning candidacy, but the Democratic party that is open to alternatives. If a different type of alternative could come, if a Democratic candidate came around that was someone who was more in the party mold, is that something you could consider supporting? I guess Im asking to say, is your support for Joe Biden contingent on the fact that he is the serious option that is in this race? Or is your support for Joe Biden based on the reality that you think he should be the next Democratic nominee? julian castro Yeah. I mean, youre asking me to choose between, you know astead herndon I guess, yeah. julian castro If Michelle Obama announced tomorrow, you know, I might well support Michelle Obama, you know what I mean? I mean, we can only choose among the people that have put themselves forward. And of the people that have put themselves forward, I certainly believe that Joe Biden should be in that position more than RFK Jr. or Marianne Williamson. Again, this astead herndon Yeah, no, I guess Im talking, though, because I feel like youre in you engage in the friendly advice. Does the opening up of the primary invite OK, let me ask that a different way. Why do you think thats not happening? Why do you think there is an unwillingness to take the advice that youre giving? julian castro Well, I mean, really, youd have to ask and understand that from the folks at the DNC. Look, I think that theyre trying to do what they can to focus on and I understand it. Like, you have this existential threat in Donald Trump. And so I understand the DNC saying, hey, were going to focus all of our attention and energy and resources on making sure that we lay the groundwork so that we can beat Donald Trump or whoever the nominee is. And we dont want to get caught up in fracturing the party. They probably see opening up the primary as, like, fracturing the party. But I just have this sense that its the opposite, that people are used to the idea like, OK, if somebody has a legitimate shot in a primary, you give them their chance, like all of us did ran in 2020, and they lose. OK, then everybody unites behind the nominee. Its when people feel like the scales were tilted when they feel like it was, quote unquote, rigged, that then, you may have the resentment that leads to people staying home or voting third party or chipping away at your numbers in these very close electoral states like Arizona and Georgia and a couple of others. astead herndon You spoke to the need for an aspirational message that mobilizes people in the Atlantas and the Philadelphias and those kind of key places. Im saying, can that come with Joe Biden at the top of the Democratic ticket, whose political brand is in relationship to Donald Trump and who voters still have concerns with around age? julian castro I think thats an open question. I mean, it worked in 2020. But I think its a bigger risk in 2024. And I think its a bigger risk because you have this tendency for that energy, even if its negative partisanship energy that energy to subside. This is like the champion versus the challenger. And the challenger is usually, even in terms of political parties that are out of power theyre hungrier. We were hungry, and we were pissed off as Democrats, four years ago, at Donald Trump and wanted to get him out of office. Now, you have the presidency, and these guys are the ones out of office. And the concern is that theyre hungry, and theyre going to get out there to the polls. Ideally, you would have somebody that is inspiring people and driving enthusiasm on your side as well. I dont say that Joe Biden I dont think its fair to say that he doesnt drive any of that. I think what he has this time is the accomplishments under his belt, which are impressive a number of his accomplishments. But is it a Barack Obama? Is it a Bill Clinton? No, its not. And so youre going to have to figure out then, OK, what about the people in the middle? Is that going to make up for it? And they have clearly made a calculation. They believe, with his politics, that he can get enough of those people in the middle. Hes done a lot of good work. I mean, when you look at appointments, for instance, the most diverse appointments to the federal judiciary of any president, I think, in history, and some of the policies, but its also clear that what his team has in mind all the time are those white working-class voters in Pennsylvania, Ohio. astead herndon Thats the North Star. julian castro Yeah, yeah. And a lot of people a lot of Democrats, even if theyre more progressive than he is, would say, well, you know what? Thats the way that it has to be, because look what you got on the other side, with Donald Trump, and we cant afford that. And I think that the trick is, how do you do both of those things? And I feel like that Obama was able to do both of those things in a more balanced and more dynamic way so far. It may you know, it may change a little bit, but what it means for issues like immigration is that its always defense, that its always, eh, we dont really want to spend political capital on that, were going to keep a couple of these Trump policies in place as long as we can, thats not our deal. And so some of these most vulnerable people out there, basically, are not the focus and dont get served the way that I think they could. astead herndon I guess I got to ask something to clarify everything weve been talking about. It seems like you think that Joe Biden going head to head against Donald Trump is still a pretty good bet for Democrats. So what is your biggest concern about the current situation for 2024? Is it that Joe Biden will lose? Or is that he will win, but that win wont be able to translate into things that mean the most to the communities that you want to see who want to see change? Im trying to see what are the stakes we are talking about here, with the complications that youre identifying. julian castro The way I see it right now, and the way I think a lot of folks see it though not everybody, of course, is that if its Biden against Trump, Biden probably wins that match-up. If its Biden against somebody else, then Democrats might have a problem. And so one of my fears is that the nominee is not Trump, and then we end up losing some of these states that we won in 2020. And because that Republican president, even if theyre not Trump, will model themselves after Trump to keep that coalition together to appeal to the MAGA crowd, were going to get the same move toward authoritarianism, anti-democratic moves, attacking the most vulnerable, and so forth. These guys are just a different breed. Theyre a different crowd that want to take this country down a road, that would hurt a lot of people. astead herndon But does that urgent Im trying to match that urgency with Joe Biden. And Im trying to square what feels like an election that youre diagnosing needs a real kind of galvanizing moment, and saying, is the party set up to produce said galvanizing moment in this window? julian castro Its going to be a test of whether the negative partisanship and the fear of Trump is enough. astead herndon Youre saying, thats all it is. And so thats what this julian castro Oh, I mean, look, without maybe most plainly said, there is no Joe Biden without Donald Trump. But if youre Joe Biden and his team, in some ways, the good news is, politically, at least, that Trump looks like hes going to be the nominee. Thats where were at. I mean, I think that could change over the next year or so. And theres a long way to go, but I think thats where were at right now. I wish that the election were more about inspiration, aspiration, the kind of country that we want to be, and not just, were afraid of Donald Trump, because hes so bad. astead herndon Yeah. julian castro But right now, I think thats the primary motivator. astead herndon Youre like, I wish it was being played on different terms, but Im recognizing the terms of what this next year and a half is going to be. julian castro Thats what its going to be, yeah. I mean, I hope that along the way, that President Biden is able, as I said, to do both of those things, not just astead herndon I mean, he would say that policy-wise, that he had made some big I mean, Im not even talking about the accomplishments, but the accomplishments were specifically to inspire, right? That these would be type of things that would motivate people. I kind of hear you saying that even though that has been the effort of the White House, or at least what they would say julian castro Theres not enough theres not as much stickiness with it. astead herndon OK. Can you explain what you mean by that? julian castro Yeah, yeah. The way that I think about politicians is, when you get out there and make a speech, when you go out there and accomplish something, how much does it stick in peoples minds? And how much do they incorporate that into how they think about you and your administration? And the challenge for Biden is, it doesnt seem to stick. Everything he has accomplished the infrastructure, law, the Inflation Reduction Act, bringing us back from COVID, a much better economy than we found ourselves in early 2021 when he took over. Its just sort of a lot of it, unfortunately, I think, just sort of floats by. It doesnt stick as much. And they have to figure out a way, in his personal communication with the voters, and then also in the way the team is operating, they need to figure out a better way for it to stick more. Because what I hear out there too oftentimes, the first thing that comes to peoples mind is his age. And I think Republicans are doing a number on that through what people are seeing in their YouTube feed, their Facebook feeds. You always see these memes. You see these little videos, making fun of his age. And they need to figure out a way to push back against that, so that people focus first and foremost on his accomplishments, which are many, instead of his age. astead herndon I mean, you found out, kind of personally, how even being misunderstood around the issue of age, how seriously Democrats and Biden team personally took that. I mean, havent you been burned by said issue, you know? Im saying, like, how can they address the issue of age? It feels like a real sticking point. Because to your point, for all the accomplishments that I think the White House would rightly say that they have intentionally done over these last four years to create some sense of aspiration among the electorate, numbers are not moving. julian castro Thats why Ill tie this back into the issue of what the primary looks like and how he uses his time and his public appearances between now and November of 24. He needs to do everything that he can. And hes done a lot, but to show, hey, look, basically, age is just a number. Im able to do this and this and this, and be energetic about it. And right now, theyre doing some of that, but I dont feel like theyre doing enough. I dont sometimes I feel like the team does not recognize how much that idea has permeated regular people. Like, Im not in DC. Obviously, I travel to New York and DC, but Im in Texas now, and its amazing how much that comes up. astead herndon Yeah. julian castro Even among Democrats, with regular people. astead herndon It is interesting that were going back to the same type of arguments I think you and some other candidates were making against Biden in 2020. But now, there is so much more unity around Biden in this moment so much so, that you kind of stand out as someone who is still pushing administration on some of these issues. Why have you decided not to take that route? julian castro Well, I mean, I would say I do give credit to the Presidents team. I think theyve been able to enforce that pretty impressively. astead herndon I think its wild how well theyve been able to enforce that. Its very hard. to get any Democrats to say anything. julian castro Thats not the way that I am. Maybe I have a little bit too much of my mother in me. But it also doesnt serve us well if, in trying to champion democracy and stand up against authoritarianism, we ourselves begin to look like a party that doesnt tolerate dissent. If you want to champion democracy, then you have to role-model democracy. And thats what I fear little by little, that were falling into not doing. Thats why I said that I feel like Donald Trump has pulled us in his direction to act like hes acting, he wants to act. You cant do that. You should be respectful and disagree on issues and not make things personal. But you cant fall into the trap of thinking that every time you have an issue disagreement with a sitting president, that somehow, that thats treasonous versus the party thats a mistake. Thats what were criticizing. Thats what Democrats are criticizing the Republicans for. People are like swiveling their heads, trying to imagine how in the world can Donald Trump do all this stuff and Republicans wont even criticize him. Theyre so afraid to criticize him. And then, on the other side of that, there are people that are trying to enforce the very same dynamic with the President. I dont know. Look, Ill just say for myself, Im not going to do that. Ive never done that. astead herndon Can I ask, what did it feel like after you made those criticisms of Biden? do you think you were frozen out of administration, or you could or its affected your relationship with the Biden White House? julian castro The number of rufa red knot shore birds migrating via Delaware Bay beaches to Arctic breeding sites this spring rose to the highest level in four years, according to an independent annual survey. The count, by land and boat, tallied about 22,000 of the robin-sized birds, an encouraging sign for a shorebird that is listed as federally threatened. The surveys figures were the highest since 2019, and a sharp increase from a record low of 6,880 in 2021, according to Larry Niles, an independent biologist. He has been monitoring the migration of the rufa red knot, an Atlantic coast subspecies, on the Delaware Bay for the last quarter century. Dr. Niles attributed the healthier number to the relatively warm ocean waters that aided in the spawning of horseshoe crabs, whose eggs are a crucial food source for the birds. A week or two of gorging on the crab eggs each May allows the birds to regain weight after long-distance flights from as far away as Tierra del Fuego, Argentina, and to complete their migration, one of the longest in the avian world. The density of crab eggs on the beaches bordering New Jersey and Delaware, rose to about 10,000 per square meter during this years migration in May, Dr. Niles said, from a recent low of some 5,000. My latest release at the time was my 2015 album Breathless, and it was meant to be different and provocative. I wanted to expand the dialogue about race and race relations while simultaneously expanding my composing and performance. Approach it with the bulky history of music weighing down your expectations, and you probably wont see it as worthy, either, just as Miles Daviss In A Silent Way and Bitches Brew confounded critics who didnt hear what they expected. They concluded that what Davis was playing wasnt jazz, because it didnt sound like his previous work. A track on Breathless, See Me As I Am, grew out of this sentiment. Dont come to me or my work with preconceived notions. The reality is I have played with some of the greats, including Art Blakey, the leader of the Jazz Messengers and one of the most influential drummers of our time. I often share the stage with Herbie Hancock, who continues to redefine what jazz can be. Since 2015, Ive also played hundreds of concerts around the world with my electric band, the E-Collective. Ive written a few dozen film scores, two of which were nominated for Academy Awards. The E-Collective has released three albums, the latest being Absence, a love letter to the saxophonist and singular composer Wayne Shorter created with the Turtle Island Quartet, a string quartet. For good measure, I composed two operas, a few classical pieces and musical works for dance. If I had wanted to play it safe, I wouldnt have formed the E-Collective, and I certainly would not have added a string quartet to our latest album. But I need to grow; I need to be able to express my truth, whatever that is, in my music and performance. Thats also the goal of my ongoing residency with Lincoln Center, See Me as I Am. It can be a launching pad, a point of inspiration to allow people who have been yearning to see themselves and their culture onstage to tell their unvarnished truths. Blakey often told me and the other members of the Jazz Messengers: Dont speak above your audience, dont speak below them, either. Speak straight to them. You cant get a straighter line to the soul than with the truth. Its true that when a jazz musician decides he wants to score films or compose operas, some people either wont accept it or wont know what to make of it. But why can my worth, and who I am, be defined by some faceless cultural gatekeepers and not by me alone? And if my work does feel too unfamiliar, who else is being overlooked because of how they approach their craft? What deserves the publics attention? Who is in danger of being erased? After attempting an abortion at home, a 14-year-old girl lies dying of sepsis at the Elizabeth Institute. No one questions her treatment there; by the time she was admitted, it was too late to save her. But when Ruth Wolff, the Institutes head doctor, refuses to let a priest perform last rites because it would cause an unpeaceful death, ignorance amplified by social media turns a medical decision into a maelstrom. Soon the web is saying Wolff assaulted the priest and killed the girl. Yet it is not simply a question of tweets and misinformation. Wolff is a Jew. So far, the plot of The Doctor, Robert Ickes adaptation of the 1912 play Professor Bernhardi by Arthur Schnitzler, aligns closely with the original, except that Bernhardi is a Viennese man in 1900 and Wolff a British woman today. Yet ultimately the two works could not be more different. The production that opened on Wednesday at the Park Avenue Armory, directed by Icke and starring Juliet Stevenson, is less the exercise in Shavian moral argument that Schnitzler rather airily called a comedy than a tragic thought experiment about the failure of identity politics. The thought experiment runs like this: If everyone represents only the group they belong to, instead of an overarching humanity, and if those groups get sliced finer and finer, what hope can there be for a common language, let alone a common achievement? Wolffs medical ethics are gibberish to a person of faith, as a politicians equivocation is nonsense to her. When an online petition states that Christian patients need Christian doctors it comes close to suggesting a system in which no one can be a doctor at all and indeed, soon enough, Wolff is forced to resign. With the progress Pride flag now on display at Albany City Hall, city leaders adopted a policy on Wednesday, June 14 in anticipation of future requests to fly other flags on the building. In city halls across the United States, there are discussions about raising the Pride flag. In Sarasota, Florida, for example, city leaders unanimously voted to raise the flag, while Huntington Beach, California decided end a three-year tradition of flying the flag during Pride month. In Los Angeles, a Pride flag was displayed on a county building for the first time, and in Dallas the banner is waving for the third consecutive year. In Albany, the progress Pride flag is displayed in the window after city staff determined the flagpole couldn't accommodate a third flag. Someone added to the display: Outside City Hall, slanted chalk lines read, fly it with pride above a colorful drawing of the progress Pride flag. Similar sentiments are written in chalk at all entrances and exits of the building. The flagpole's shortcomings prompted the City Council to devise a flag policy to govern any future flag displays. At a Monday, June 12 council work session, Mayor Alex Johnson II said he would have vetoed the decision to fly the Pride flag on May 10, when Councilor Steph Newton put such a vote before colleagues. It passed 4-1, with Councilor Marilyn Smith voting no and Councilor Matilda Novak not voting. When I first ran for office, I didnt want Albany to be an activist council. I believe that on government buildings, only government flags should be flown. Anything else is inappropriate," Johnson said. Just which flags should be hoisted was then considered Wednesday, when the council voted on a flag policy mirroring one the League of Oregon Cities authored as a model. It says only council members can make a request to fly a commemorative flag. Residents who want to propose a flag must go through a city councilor of their ward or the Mayor. Proposed flags eligible for consideration are ones the city defines as being consistent with the citys mission and priorities, commemorate a specific historical event, cause, nation or group of people that the council chooses to honor. Flags electeds won't consider are religious in nature, represent a political party or advocate a particular election outcome. With five yes votes and one opposition from Novak. Only government flags should be flown on government property, Novak said. Related stories: Quality journalism doesn't happen without your help Support local news coverage and the people who report it by subscribing to the Albany Democrat-Herald. Why it Matters Under Gov. Ron DeSantis, a Republican presidential candidate, Florida has been a leader among conservative states that have passed laws restricting how gender, sexuality and race can be taught in kindergarten through 12th grade. Most recently, in April, the state extended to all grades, including high school, a ban on classroom instruction about gender identity and sexual orientation. Few organizations have had a more difficult time navigating these limitations than the College Board, whose Advanced Placement program offers 40 courses that are available across the country. A.P. Psychology includes a unit on gender and sexual orientation, which asks students to describe how sex and gender influence socialization and other aspects of development. In its Thursday statement, the board said: We dont know if the state of Florida will ban this course. To A.P. teachers in Florida, we are heartbroken by the possibility of Florida students being denied the opportunity to participate in this or any other A.P. course. The American Psychological Association said on Thursday that it supported the boards decision not to change the courses content. Background The College Boards stated refusal to revise A.P. Psychology stands in marked contrast to its response to Floridas efforts last year to influence the curriculum of A.P. African American Studies. In that case, the board initially removed or reduced concepts, such as reparations, to which conservative lawmakers objected. The College Board has since acknowledged mistakes in how it handled the Black studies class, and has said that it will revise the course yet again to better reflect how the subject is taught on college campuses. In developing the framework for A.P. African American Studies, we tried to create a course that could be available in states across the country and accurately represent a college-level course on the subject, the College Board said on Thursday. We learned that both of those objectives could not be achieved if state policies prohibit content that is essential for a college-level course. Whats Next Governor DeSantis has threatened to reconsider his states entire relationship with the College Board. In a May 19 letter to the nonprofit, the Florida Department of Education wrote, We implore you to immediately conduct a thorough review of all College Board courses. The conflict will likely continue. There are many A.P. classes whose content, as interpreted by schools and teachers, might run counter to new conservative regulations on how race, gender and sexuality are discussed in the classroom. Nine women accused Bill Cosby of sexual assault in a Nevada lawsuit on Wednesday, less than two months after the state changed its statute of limitations for civil cases involving that crime. The women said in the lawsuit that the assaults took place in Nevada between 1979 and 1992, some in Mr. Cosbys hotel suite in Las Vegas. They said that Mr. Cosby, now 85, had drugged or attempted to drug each of them before the assaults. A spokesman for Mr. Cosby, Andrew Wyatt, could not immediately be reached for comment on Wednesday night. He told NBC News that the plaintiffs in the case were motivated by addiction to massive amounts of media attention and greed. The lawsuit is the latest of several to accuse the entertainer of being a sexual predator. He was convicted of sexual assault in a Pennsylvania court in 2018 and began serving a three- to 10-year sentence. Slather up with sunscreen. Grab some flip-flops, towels and maybe a book. And make sure to check your beachs water quality. Heal the Bay, a nonprofit group based in Santa Monica, released its 33rd annual Beach Report Card yesterday, with information about how safe Californias beaches are for swimming. Taking a dip in polluted water makes you more likely to develop stomach illnesses, ear infections, rashes and more. According to the report, 95 percent of Californias beaches logged clean water-quality scores between April and October 2022, the months when were most likely to swim in the ocean. Thats on par with the annual average. Only 23 of the more than 400 beaches in the state had worrisome levels of pollution during those warmer months, the report found. Across the West Coast, we are fortunate to have beaches that are beautiful and clean most days of the year, but unfortunately there are times and conditions when the water at the beach makes folks sick, Tracy Quinn, the Heal the Bay chief executive, said in a news conference yesterday. State officials said Los Angeles nonprofits had been informed in advance of the relocation, unlike what happened before two planeloads of migrants arrived in Sacramento earlier this month with the backing of Gov. Ron DeSantis of Florida. On Wednesday, city, county and state aid was coordinated by the Los Angeles emergency operations center, and a welcome center was established in Chinatown, near Union Station. The city also offered short-term shelter, and children were given Play-Doh, Monopoly, Barbie dolls and other toys. This did not catch us off guard, the mayor of Los Angeles, Karen Bass, said on Twitter. Los Angeles is not a city motivated by hate or fear and we absolutely will not be swayed or moved by petty politicians playing with human lives. It was not immediately clear on Wednesday whether the migrants had agreed to travel to California or what they had been told about the journey west. After a migrant trip funded by Florida this month, Gov. Gavin Newsom of California suggested that Mr. DeSantis could be charged with kidnapping, saying that Florida contractors had coerced people onto planes under false pretenses. Mr. Newsoms office issued a statement accusing Texas of demonizing asylum seekers, but the Democratic governor did not blast Mr. Abbott the way he did Mr. DeSantis. Jorge-Mario Cabrera, a spokesman for the Coalition for Humane Immigrant Rights of Los Angeles, an immigrant rights organization, said the migrants were largely Central American. He said that eight children, who appeared to be between the ages of 2 and 9, were part of the group, all of them accompanied by adults. This is a dye we had successfully used for 30 years, and obviously something changed here, Ms. Metz said. Were trying to figure that out. We have a pretty robust internal and external fact-finding process were going through. An in-house necropsy, an autopsy for animals, showed signs that the deaths could have been related to an ink used to mark small animals for identification. Zoo staff members sent samples of the animals to the University of Pennsylvania School of Veterinary Medicine for further toxicology reports to confirm the cause of the deaths, but results could take weeks, said Ms. Metz. Since the meerkat deaths, the zoo has ceased using the dye on small animals like titi monkeys and lemurs, Ms. Metz said. Staff members have shifted to using other methods of identifying animals, such as tags and monitors. It is also working with the Associations of Zoos and Aquariums, a nonprofit and accrediting organization, to inform other zoos about the deaths in case they are using the same dye. The mysterious nature of the deaths has taken a toll on the zoos staff members, Ms. Metz said. Our animal care staff often spend more time with the animals at the zoo than their own families at home and their own pets, she said. There is a real bond between the staff and the animals, and obviously they are devastated by this. The Philadelphia Zoo houses animal health care facilities and participates in a number of conservation efforts, including one for golden lion tamarins. The Justice Department is expected to announce the results of an investigation into the Minneapolis Police Department on Friday, according to two people familiar with the planning, capping a multiyear examination of the long-troubled agency, whose abuses captured global attention when an officer murdered George Floyd in 2020. The report is expected to be released at a news conference with Attorney General Merrick Garland, Associate Attorney General Vanita Gupta and city officials. The contents of the report are not yet known, but people familiar with the investigation said the inquiry uncovered significant systemic problems and could lead to an agreement between the parties, known as a consent decree, overseen by a federal judge. The expected announcement was previously reported by Bloomberg Law and KSTP-TV in Minnesota. The Justice Departments Civil Rights Division has negotiated consent decrees in the past to enforce policing overhauls in Baltimore, Cleveland and Ferguson, Mo., among other cities, after similar investigations. The murder of Mr. Floyd, a Black man, by Officer Derek Chauvin in May 2020 touched off protests and civil unrest across the country and led to calls to fundamentally rethink or defund policing. Mr. Floyds death, video of which circulated widely online, brought condemnations from across the political spectrum and criminal convictions for the police officers who were involved, a relatively rare occurrence. Mr. Chauvin was convicted of murder in state court and pleaded guilty to a federal charge of violating Mr. Floyds civil rights. Three other officers at the scene that night Tou Thao, J. Alexander Kueng and Thomas Lane were also convicted of federal and state charges. A Vermont man died in jail on Thursday morning while awaiting trial on federal charges that he had lured his mother on a fishing trip, killed her and sank the boat in a scheme to inherit his familys estate, the U.S. Marshals Service said. The Marshals Service, which announced the death in a statement, did not say how the man, Nathan Carman, 29, of Vernon, Vt., had died. Mr. Carman was being held at the Cheshire County Jail in Keene, N.H., after he pleaded not guilty last year to charges of first-degree murder and fraud in the death of his mother, Linda Carman, on a fishing trip off the coast of Rhode Island in 2016. The Marshals Service said that the Keene Police Department was investigating. A police spokesman declined to comment. Maryanna Harstad was stunned and then elated when she heard that the Supreme Court had upheld a law on Thursday aimed at keeping Native American adoptees with their tribes and traditions. Adopted herself by a white family nearly two decades before the law was passed in 1978, she was worried about the effect that overturning it could have had on Native children. You always feel that youre kind of this impersonator, Ms. Harstad, 63, an enrolled member of the Leech Lake Band of the Minnesota Ojibwe and a descendant of the Blackfeet Nation of Montana, said about learning about her culture later in life. She knew very little about her heritage until she majored in American Indian Studies in college, and has since met her biological family and volunteered extensively with many Indigenous groups in Minneapolis. She is now a program director for Gichitwaa Kateri, a Native American Roman Catholic Church in Minneapolis. After three weeks of wrenching testimony, the prosecution and the defense delivered closing arguments on Thursday in the first phase of the federal trial of the man charged with carrying out the deadliest antisemitic attack in the countrys history. Robert Bowers, 50, the man charged in the October 2018 killing of 11 worshipers at a Pittsburgh synagogue, faces the possibility of a death sentence if convicted. The phase of the trial that concluded on Thursday in federal court here was to determine whether Mr. Bowers was guilty, and the outcome of this stage of the proceedings has not been in significant doubt. The defense conceded in both its opening statement and closing argument that there is no dispute that Mr. Bowers planned and carried out the massacre, though his lawyers did argue that the motivation for his actions may not satisfy the elements of some of the 63 federal charges. The question at the heart of the case has long been whether Mr. Bowers, whose charges include 11 counts of killing people because of their religion, would be sentenced to death. If the jury finds him guilty, the penalty he should face will be argued before the jury over the next several weeks. The News U.S. Customs and Border Protection has removed its chief medical officer from his position after an 8-year-old girl died in the agencys custody last month. The medical officer, David Tarantino Jr., has been temporarily reassigned, according to a Homeland Security official who was not authorized to speak publicly about the matter. Image David Tarantino Jr. was removed as the chief medical officer of U.S. Customs and Border Protection. Why It Matters: The agency is changing its medical leadership. Dr. Tarantino is the first C.B.P. employee whom the agency has publicly acknowledged faced action in the internal investigation into the girls death. The child had been seen by medical professionals 11 times while she was in custody before she was taken to a hospital where she died. Dr. Tarantino could not be immediately reached for comment. A measure that attempts to ease hospital staffing shortages and improve working conditions is halfway through the Oregon Legislature after nurses, unions and hospitals worked on a compromise for months. The legislation cleared the Oregon House on a 48-9 vote on Wednesday, June 14. House Bill 2697 was easily the most complex of a three-bill package intended to deal with staffing shortages, which were made worse by the coronavirus pandemic. According to a survey last year by the Oregon Center for Nursing, which focuses on workforce issues, 68% of those who responded specified physical and mental exhaustion largely because of too many patients and not enough staff. For the first time in any state, the Oregon legislation writes into law specified ratios of nurses to patients in 12 types of hospital units. For example, in the emergency room, nurses are limited to an average of four patients per 12-hour shift and a single nurse cannot have more than five patients. It also ends the buddy system, under which a nurse yields patients to another nurse who already has assigned patients. Oregon already has such ratios, which are determined by nurse staffing committees of managers and workers set up under previous laws. This legislation creates new staffing committees within hospitals, one for service and maintenance workers, the other for professionals and technicians other than nurses. Rep. Rob Nosse, a Democrat from Portland who leads the House health care panel, said major credit for the legislation goes to those who negotiated it despite initial differences. Ultimately, I believe it will provide for better patient care and working conditions, said Nosse, also the bills floor manager. A lot of compromises were made on both sides by the hospitals and the various unions that represent the workers to get to consensus. "Now its our job to see their work through and pass this bill. I am optimistic that passage will bring about better staffing retention in our health care workforce and better patient care. The ratios within the legislation do not apply to psychiatric units, including the Oregon State Hospital, where staffing committees must draw up their own plans. Oregons smaller hospitals known as Type A and B for their Medicaid reimbursement status can apply for two-year waivers from the Oregon Health Authority. All of the 32 hospitals are outside the three Portland metro counties. The legislation also sets thresholds for hospital violations of required meal breaks and rest periods, which will be enforced by the state Bureau of Labor and Industries. If the number of violations exceeds six during shifts in any rolling 30-day period, the hospital must pay the worker $200 for a missed break. There is a 60-day time limit for violations to be reported. Oregon Health Authority will have to write rules for three topics meal breaks and rest periods, nurse-patient ratios in the emergency room, and the investigation process for complaints and is empowered to levy penalties starting June 1, 2025. This should make the law work better for all sides, including the Oregon Health Authority, Nosse said. The judge overseeing former President Donald J. Trumps indictment on charges of illegally retaining national defense information issued an order on Thursday instructing any lawyer who wants to take part in the case to start the process of obtaining a security clearance to handle classified material by early next week. The brief order by the federal judge, Aileen M. Cannon, instructed the lawyers to reach out to the Litigation Security Group at the Justice Department by Tuesday to expedite the process for getting a clearance. Neither of the lawyers who appeared with Mr. Trump at his arraignment in Miami on Tuesday Todd Blanche and Christopher M. Kise have active security clearances, but both have been in touch with the Justice Department about getting them, a person familiar with the matter said. Mr. Blanche, a former federal prosecutor, used to have one, and a member of Mr. Kises law firm has one now, the person said. That member will be assisting in Mr. Trumps case. Any lawyer representing Mr. Trump and he is still considering candidates is going to need an active clearance because he has been accused of illegally taking 31 documents with him when he left office, many of which were classified as top secret, one of the countrys most sensitive security designations. Where this court once stood firm, he wrote, today it wilts. In November, when the Supreme Court heard arguments in the Indian Child Welfare Act case, Justice Gorsuch questioned lawyers for the challengers vigorously, with flashes of anger and frustration. Thats simply not true, he said to one. To another, who had argued that there were sound reasons for doubting the wisdom of the law, he said, the policy arguments might be better addressed across the street, referring to Congress. His concurring opinion on Thursday recounted in ugly detail the cruel mistreatment of Native American children over the centuries. In all its many forms, the dissolution of the Indian family has had devastating effects on children and parents alike, he wrote. It has also presented an existential threat to the continued vitality of tribes something many federal and state officials over the years saw as a feature, not as a flaw. He concluded his opinion on a hopeful note. The law upheld by the court, he wrote, vindicated at least three promises: the right of Indian parents to raise their families as they please; the right of Indian children to grow in their culture; and the right of Indian communities to resist fading into the twilight of history. Twice in recent months, allies of former President Donald J. Trump have used violent language to criticize the criminal charges brought against him, calling for vengeance and encouraging Mr. Trumps supporters to respond to the indictments as though they were acts of war. Both times first in April in Manhattan and then on Tuesday in Miami police and civic leaders raised concerns that the angry rhetoric could lead to violent protests when Mr. Trump appeared in court. Both times, in both cities, the crowds that actually showed up for Mr. Trump were relatively tame and fairly small. But just because the aggressive words did not result in aggressive actions hardly meant they were not corrosive to the fabric or the practice of democracy, scholars of political violence said. They did, however, note that after the cataclysmic events of Jan. 6, 2021, many Trump supporters have become more reluctant to act on statements by Mr. Trumps allies suggesting that a second American Revolution might be coming or calling for civil war. The Supreme Court on Thursday upheld a 1978 law aimed at keeping Native American adoptees with their tribes and traditions, handing a victory to tribes that had argued that a blow to the law would upend the basic principles that have allowed them to govern themselves for years. Justice Amy Coney Barrett, writing for the majority, affirmed the power of Congress to make laws about Native American tribes and child welfare. But the ruling did not resolve the question of whether the law, the Indian Child Welfare Act, discriminated against non-Native families based on race. The vote was 7 to 2, with Justices Clarence Thomas and Samuel A. Alito Jr. dissenting. The case pitted a white foster couple from Texas against five tribes and the Interior Department as they battled over the adoption of a Native American child. Under the act, preference is given to Native families, a policy that the couple said violated equal protection principles because it hinges on placement based on race. On a recent flight to Chicago, Allison Levy said she was white-knuckling the armrest as the plane rumbled and shook for brief periods of time. Ms. Levy, 47, who lives in Arlington, Va., started to take deep breaths and tried to reassure herself: Its like a bumpy road its not a big deal. But, she added, if I knew the person next to me, Id definitely grip their thigh. Airplane turbulence, which is usually caused by large changes in airflow in the Earths upper atmosphere, is generally a minor nuisance. But this year alone, there have been multiple instances of severe turbulence on flights that have led to dozens of passenger injuries. And scientists have warned that we may have bumpier flights in the years ahead because of elevated carbon dioxide emissions that are warming the atmosphere, which can alter the speed and direction of the wind. The emaciated survivors of a doomsday cult in Kenya that the authorities say ordered its followers to starve themselves to death held hands and leaned on each other as they staggered into a courtroom on Thursday to face charges of trying to kill themselves. The 65 cult members have been refusing to eat their meals at a rescue center where they are being cared for prompting the authorities to charge them with attempted suicide, a crime under Kenyan law, and adding a further twist to a case that has shocked the East African nation. The followers of Paul Nthenge Mackenzie, an evangelical pastor who the authorities say told members of his church to starve their children and themselves to death in order to meet Jesus, appeared at the Shanzu Law Courts in the port city of Mombasa, carrying their few belongings and bags. Some of them, looking gaunt and weak, fell asleep during the proceedings. The killing of a powerful governor in Darfur, in western Sudan, has heightened worries that fighting between the countrys warring military factions is pushing a region blighted by genocide two decades ago into a new ethnic civil war. Since April, Sudans military has been battling the Rapid Support Forces, a well-armed paramilitary group that until recently was part of the national armed forces. The fighting has razed parts of the capital, Khartoum, and also engulfed Darfur. Peace talks led by American and Saudi diplomats have failed to broker a durable cease-fire. With no end in sight to the fierce national conflict, the killing on Wednesday of Khamis Abdullah Abakar, the governor of West Darfur, one of the five states that make up the region, threatened to further ignite a tinderbox territory that has a history of catastrophic ethnic conflict. The United Nations mission to Sudan said in a statement that compelling eyewitness accounts attribute this act to Arab militias and the Rapid Support Forces. After months of impassioned protest by Olympic wrestlers that drew national attention in India, the police on Thursday filed charges of sexual harassment and intimidation against a powerful ruling-party politician and former chief of Indias wrestling federation. The wrestlers have accused the politician, Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh, of harassing at least seven young women, including a minor, over the course of a decade, starting in 2012. Charges against him also include assault and stalking, and if convicted he could face up to five years in prison. Mr. Singh has denied the accusations against him. The government announced a committee in January to investigate the claims, but months of inaction followed a reflection, protesters say, of Mr. Singhs political connections as a member of Parliament from the governing Bharatiya Janata Party, or B.J.P. North Korea launched two short-range ballistic missiles off its east coast on Thursday, its first missile test in two months, as the United States and South Korean militaries conducted a joint live-fire exercise near the inter-Korean border. The missiles were launched from the Sunan district of Pyongyang, the North Korean capital, the South Korean military said. The military said it was analyzing the data from the test to learn more about the missiles. Hirokazu Matsuno, a Japanese government spokesman, told reporters that at least two ballistic missiles had landed within Japans exclusive economic zone between 7:30 p.m. and 8 p.m., calling the missile firing an outrage which accelerates provocations against the international community. He said that Japan did not take any action to shoot down the missiles. Thursdays test was the first by the North since it test-launched a solid-fuel intercontinental ballistic missile for the first time on April 13. Thailands Election Commission has announced that it will investigate Pita Limjaroenrat, the front-runner in the May general election, to determine whether he violated election rules that would disqualify him from becoming the countrys next prime minister. The investigation, announced last week, is centered on Mr. Pitas shares of iTV, a company that used to be a news broadcaster but is now focused on advertising. Mr. Pita, 42, said he inherited the shares from his father. Thai law prohibits parliamentary candidates from owning media shares. Thailands Election Commission said it needs 60 days to certify the results of the vote, after which the House of Representatives and the military-appointed Senate are expected to jointly vote for the prime minister in August. But a month after Thai voters delivered a stinging rebuke to the military junta and handed Mr. Pitas Move Forward Party a decisive victory, his fate as an elected leader remained unclear. Heres what to know about the investigation. Birthday best wishes rarely come freighted with so much significance. But when it is Russias embattled president, Vladimir V. Putin, flattering his Chinese counterpart, Xi Jinping, even seemingly small gestures send a message to the world, not least to their Western rivals. Mr. Putin sent Mr. Xi a congratulatory telegram when the Chinese leader turned 70 on Thursday, wishing his dear friend good health, happiness and success, further cementing the image of a personal bond between the two authoritarian leaders. It is difficult to overestimate the effort that you have made over many years to strengthen our comprehensive partnership and the strategic interaction between our countries, Mr. Putin wrote. The close relationship between the two leaders and their nations has been fundamental to Russias economic survival since it invaded Ukraine nearly 16 months ago. But it risks growing fraught over the long term, as Russia becomes increasingly reliant on China, while China takes a more measured approach to Moscow and seeks to win back some European support. Boris Johnson deliberately misled British lawmakers over lockdown-breaking parties in Downing Street during the coronavirus pandemic, a powerful committee concluded on Thursday, releasing publicly the findings that prompted Mr. Johnsons angry resignation from Parliament last week. The 108-page document, produced by the House of Commons privileges committee, offered a damning verdict on Mr. Johnsons honesty and integrity, concluding that his conduct in misleading lawmakers who questioned him, including about his publicly documented violations of lockdown policy, was deliberate and that he had committed a serious contempt of the House. The contempt was all the more serious because it was committed by the prime minister, the most senior member of the government, the report concluded. There is no precedent for a prime minister having been found to have deliberately misled the House. In addition, it said, He misled the House on an issue of the greatest importance to the House and to the public, and did so repeatedly. Had he remained a lawmaker, the punishment recommended by the committee would have been a 90-day ban from Parliament, one of the most severe options it could have suggested. The report also recommended that the former prime ministers parliamentary pass should be revoked, preventing him from visiting Parliament as he would normally be entitled to do. An angry, aggrieved former leader attacks the institutions he once led for accusing him of flouting the rules and lying about it. His allies whip up supporters against what they call a witch hunt. A country watches nervously, worried that this flamboyant, norm-busting figure could cause lasting damage. There are obvious parallels in the political tempests convulsing Britain and the United States, but also stark differences: Former President Donald J. Trump faces federal criminal charges while Boris Johnson was judged to be deceitful about attending parties. And yet, Britains Conservative Party has regularly stood up to Mr. Johnson while the Republican Party is still mostly in thrall to Mr. Trump. Conservative lawmakers in Britain form the majority on a committee that found Mr. Johnson, a former prime minister, had deliberately misled Parliament over lockdown-breaking parties in Downing Street during the coronavirus pandemic. Mr. Johnsons conduct, they said, would have warranted a 90-day suspension from the House of Commons had he not preemptively resigned his seat in protest last week. On Monday, the House of Commons will vote on whether to accept or reject the committees findings. The government said it would not pressure Tory lawmakers to vote one way or the other. That sets up a potential repudiation of Mr. Johnson by his party that could go far beyond the token number of Republican lawmakers in the House of Representatives who voted to impeach Mr. Trump in 2019 and 2021. Glenda Jackson, the two-time Oscar winner who renounced a successful film and stage career in her 50s to become a member of the British Parliament, then returned to the stage at 80 as the title character in King Lear, died on Thursday at her home in Blackheath, London. She was 87. Her death was confirmed by Lionel Larner, her longtime agent, who said it came after a brief illness and only weeks after she had finished filming a new movie alongside Michael Caine. On both stage and screen, Ms. Jackson demonstrated that passion, pain, humor, anger, affection and much else were within her range. I like to take risks, she told The New York Times in 1971, and I want those risks to be larger than the confines of a structure thats simply meant to entertain. By then she had won both acclaim and notoriety for performances in which she had bared herself, physically as well as emotionally, notably as a ferocious Charlotte Corday in Peter Brooks production of Peter Weisss Marat/Sade and as Tchaikovskys tormented wife in Ken Russells film The Music Lovers. The grim search by Greek authorities for migrants after the countrys deadliest shipwreck in years moved into a second day on Thursday, though the prospects of finding survivors was slim and hundreds were feared to be missing after their fishing ship capsized about 50 miles off the coast. The authorities said late on Thursday that they had detained nine Egyptian nationals on criminal charges in connection with the episode, including membership of a criminal organization, provoking a shipwreck, the illegal transfer of migrants and the use of violence in connection with the episode. The nine were among 104 people rescued on Wednesday. Scores of bodies were recovered from the sea, after their vessel foundered in the Mediterranean Sea, off the southern coast of Greece, five days after setting sail from Libya bound for Italy. As several vessels helped gather the bodies from the sea, the Greek Shipping Ministry lowered the number of confirmed deaths by one, to 78, on Thursday morning after a count at the port of Kalamata, but the full toll is believed to be much higher. Pope Francis will be discharged from the hospital on Friday, according to the Vatican, nine days after the 86-year-old pontiff underwent abdominal surgery for a hernia, an unexpected operation that raised concerns about his health. The Vatican described his recovery from the surgery as regular, and photographs it released showed the pope appearing in good health at the hospital, Policlinico A. Gemelli, in Rome. On Thursday, Francis met with the hospitals medical team and administrators in a sign of gratitude, the Vatican said in a statement. Using a wheelchair, he also visited young patients in the pediatric cancer and child neurosurgery ward to thank them for the numerous letters, drawings and messages they had sent the pontiff during his stay. Pope Francis experienced first hand the pain they and their mothers and fathers feel every day, the Vatican spokesman Matteo Bruni said in a statement. At the first whistle of an incoming shell, the soldiers in a newly liberated but desolate Ukrainian village dived into the weeds on a roadside on Thursday and lay face down as explosions erupted. Is everybody alive? one yelled when it was over. They were. The soldiers sprang back up and kept running, passing the wafting smoke from explosions. After months of preparation and bolstered by hundreds of Western-donated tanks, armored vehicles and howitzers, Kyiv has notched small successes in the first week and a half of a counteroffensive to drive Russian forces from southern Ukraine. In fierce fighting on the plains, the military said it had broken through a first line of Russian defenses and reclaimed seven villages. The fruits of their labor could be seen on a visit with the Ukrainian military to one of those villages, Blahodatne, on Thursday as well as the daunting challenges that lie ahead. The head of the United Nations nuclear watchdog said on Thursday that an embattled nuclear plant in southern Ukraine had enough water in a cooling pond to ensure the plants safety, at least for now, after a dam disaster raised concerns about the water supply. Rafael Mariano Grossi, the director general of the U.N. International Atomic Energy Agency, visited the Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Power Plant after the Nova Kakhovka dam was destroyed last week, draining a reservoir that is a key source of water used to cool the plants reactors. In a series of video clips posted on Twitter shortly after his visit on Thursday, Mr. Grossi could be seen standing in front of the cooling pond. One of the most serious consequences of the destruction of the Nova Kakhovka dam has been the decrease in the level of water which is needed to cool the nuclear power plant behind me, he said, adding: With the water that is here the plant can be kept safe for some time. No dish says its party time quite like this bo ssam from the chef David Chang. While the recipe requires some time, the actual preparation is remarkably straightforward: Simply dry brine the pork with salt and granulated sugar, and then toss it in the fridge. In the time it takes the meat to cook until it falls apart, make the ginger-scallion and ssam sauces, the rice, the lettuce leaves and whatever else youd like. Recipe: Momofukus Bo Ssam A ramen shop in Yunlin, Taiwan is giving the phrase exotic food a whole new meaning with its latest dish, a ramen bowl containing an uncut, unpeeled frog. Frog Frog Frog Ramen (), the latest item on the menu of Taiwanese ramen shop Yuan Ramen () recently went viral on social media because of a certain ingredient a large, unpeeled frog perched atop the bowl of noodles. The Yulin-based shop only recently posted photos of the bizarre dish, asking fans to suggest names for it on Facebook. It also announced that the frog ramen would be available on Tuesday and Wednesday nights, in very limited quantities, for the price of NT$250 (US$8) per bowl. But if you only want to come in and take pictures of the frog ramen, you can do that for just NT$100 ($3.20). The owner of Yuan Ramen told Taiwan News that they were inspired by the isopod ramen that went viral on social media last month. Since eating frogs is quite common around Yunlin, they decided to make their own eye-catching ramen, but with a local twist. Apparently, some people were actually brave enough to try the frog ramen and actually liked it, but the shop will make the decision whether or not to make it a permanent item on the menu after getting more feedback. On Facebook, Yuan Ramen revealed that its Frog Frog Frog Ramen consists of the shops classic fish soup base, classic ramen noodles, clams, and an uncut, unpeeled 200g frog, sprinkled with green onions. For more bizarre types of ramen, check out these miso ramen dishes served with a slice of cake and a cone of soft-serve ice cream. Erica Swerdlow Summit Strategy Group, a public affairs, corporate reputation and ESG consulting firm, brings on Erica Swerdlow as a managing director to lead client development and growth initiatives. Most recently CEO at Tilis Group, Swerdlow was previously CEO of Stagwell-owned Wye Communications (now KWT Global). She has also served as an executive VP at Burson-Marsteller (now BCW) and Porter Novelli, and founded EBS PublicRelations. She has launched and sold her own company, grown other firms from start-up stage and led business development operations for large, public companies, said Summit founder & CEO Michael Law. She will be an essential partner to me as Summit navigates the next stage of our growth. Blair Taylor, Maura Hogan Seven Letter hires Blair Taylor as a managing director and Maura Hogan as a senior director. Taylor, who will work in the agencys Washington office, was most recently communications director for former Sen. Richard Shelby of Alabama and the Senate Appropriations Committee, regularly shepherding Senate Republican communicators through policy messaging battles. Hogan, who will be based in Seven Letters Boston office, was most recently a senior VP at BCWs Direct Impact unit, where she specialized in corporate reputation, executive visibility, public affairs and ESG/sustainability. She has also been an assistant VP for global marketing and corporate communications at State Street Corporation, as well as serving in several positions at the US Department of State, including digital communications advisor to Secretary of State John F. Kerry. With Blair and Maura joining the firm, we are deepening an already impressive bench, expanding our corporate communications practice and broadening our expertise in public affairs, said Seven Letter founding partner Trevor Francis. Stacey Doherty Core BTS, a digital transformation consulting firm, names Stacey Doherty as senior VP of marketing. Doherty most recently led strategic branding and marketing initiatives at IT services and consulting company ConvergeOne. She has also served as a regional marketing leader at BDO and senior manager, strategic marketing at Deloitte. At Core BTS, Doherty will lead a team with responsibility for go-to-market strategy execution, demand generation, product marketing, public relations, partner marketing, and brand development and advocacy. "Stacey's industry background and experience guiding brands through market expansion makes her uniquely qualified to lead Core BTS through its next phase of growth," said Core BTS chief executive officer Kevin Thimjon. Riverside Co. Wants Vaccination PR Wed., Jul. 19, 2023 Riverside County, which is home to 2.4M southern Californians, is looking for a firm to develop a public health campaign that emphasizes the importance of getting COVID-19 and flu vaccinations. 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. Irish Rail has apologised to a pensioner who had to stand and eventually sit on the floor of a train to and from Dublin. The pensioner who wishes to remain anonymous had gone to Dublin to undergo a medical procedure on his face. He was unable to get a seat when he boarded the train in Tullamore along with his Carer. On his way back from Dublin following his hospital visit his face was heavily bandaged. However, once again he could find no seat and ended up sitting on the floor of the train between carriages. He had to get up and down when people were passing. Councillor Declan Harvey said he was furious over the matter and said it was a very poor indictment on Irish Rail and those able bodied who didn't offer him their seat. A spokesperson for Irish Rail has said, ''firstly I would like to apologise to this customer for any distress caused.There was an onboard customer service officer on the service from Tullamore to Dublin and they would have been very happy to help this person to find his seat. On the return journey the service did not have an onboard customer service officer, but this service did not have many bookings and there would have been ample seats available.'' Cllr Harvey said there didn't seem to be any CSO (Customer Services Officer) around to help him. ''Irish Rail shouldn't be selling tickets if the train is booked out, or they should at least inform people the train is booked and they may have to stand. Other than that they should put on extra carriages. My biggest concern is, it is a health and safety matter, nowhere else are you allowed to have overcrowding. That man had to stand the whole way down and his face all bandaged up. Some of the staff should have seen this man and put him into priority seating or someone could have at least offered him a seat,'' fumed Cllr Harvey. ''Irish Rail need extra carriages at busier times of the day. They should advertise that all the seats are sold and there is standing room only. I have been on to Irish Rail to express our concerns. I have also been in touch with the Minister's office and I will inform Deputy Barry Cowen of the situation,''he added. CISTERCIAN College Roscrea has announced the appointment of Mr Colm Maloney to be President of the College with effect from August 1st 2023. Mr Maloney is currently Head of Boarding at Kilkenny College, a post he has held since 2019. (Kilkenny College is a mixed school with a roll of 970 pupils of whom 470 are boarders). He is chair of the Association of Boarding Schools Ireland (ABSI) and was previously a teacher and housemaster at Clongowes Wood College. Previously he had a successful career in industry. He has served on the finance committees both at Clongowes and Kilkenny. He is a member of the Leinster Schools Rugby Committee. Originally from Kilcullen, Co Kildare, Mr Maloney was educated at Clongowes Wood College and at St Marys College, Strawberry Hill, London whence he graduated in history and management (hons.) Announcing Mr Maloneys appointment, the chairperson of the CCR Board of Management, Mr Kevin Keegan, said: We are delighted that Colm Maloney is coming to lead the college. He brings with him an excellent reputation and a breadth and depth of experience in education leadership, particularly in relation to boarding schools, where the highest standards of teaching, care and safeguarding have to apply at all times. Mr Maloneys appointment followed an exhaustive search and competitive interview process. He succeeds Gavin Clark who has been appointed as Principal of Westbourne College, Singapore. Kevin Keegan added: Colm Maloney joins CCR at an exciting juncture in our history. Enrolments are strong, from day boarding to 5- and 7-day boarding. The colleges range of academic options, sporting facilities and extra-curricular activities continues to expand and develop. Colm Maloney said: Along with my wife, Helen, my son Colm and my daughters Moya, Bridget and Aoife, I am really delighted to be joining Cistercian College Roscrea, a place with a rich tradition. I am honoured to be appointed as its president. I know that I will be joining and leading a great team that continues to grow the college, cementing its place as one of Irelands premier schools. I am looking forward to bringing to CCR my many wide experiences in education, boarding and the commercial world. I will be a custodian of the deep Cistercian tradition which has served so many past-pupils, families and friends for almost 120 years. I look forward to building relationships and working closely with the Principal Gerry Grealish, teachers, housemasters and all staff, current students, parents, past-pupils, the community and the Board of Management over the coming months and years as we embark on a new chapter of Cistercian Colleges history, growing the College for generations to come. Cistercian College Roscrea was founded by the Cistercian monks of the Strict Observance (OCSO) at Mount Saint Joseph Abbey in 1905 and is located on the Abbeys 600-acre campus on the Tipperary-Offaly border. It is now administered by a Board of Management under the patronage of the Abbot and Community of Mount Saint Joseph. It has a current enrolment of 250 boys. A PROTEST was held in Roscrea this week over plans to accommodate refugees fleeing the war in Ukraine in the former Sacred Heart Convent site in Roscrea. Organisers of the protest thanked the people of Roscrea who showed up at the protest and said their main objective was to highlight the people of Roscrea's concerns about the plans and to highlight that Roscrea's resources are under pressure and cannot sustain more numbers regardless of the nationality of the people coming in. Gillian Dunne invited Ukrainian families and all asylum seekers in Roscrea to attend and have their voices heard as regards issues with resources, jobs opportunities etc. Various people spoke including Gillian Dunne, Peter Madden and Linn Sadauskaite. Also in attendance was John McGhee, who accompanied Gillian to speak with security personnel at the convent. Last week the Tribune reported that construction work to prepare the site, which has been partly dormant since 1999 when it closed after 157 years of providing education, began last month amid local speculation about what the landmark building will be used for. Local Independent County Councillor, Shane Lee, told the Tribune that he is urging the owner of the former Sacred Heart Convent and Secondary School and Minister for Integration, Roderick OGorman, to meet and engage publicly with local people to clarify the plans for the building before any decisions on its future use are made. Cllr Lee said it is understood that an application has been lodged seeking to provide accommodation in the building for up to 400 Ukrainian people, who are fleeing the Russian invasion of their country. "Basically, the people of Roscrea are being kept in the dark", Cllr Lee said. "Not informing people of their plans has resulted in a backlash from many people, with rumours spreading that a second Direct Provision Centre could be located in the premises. One already exists in Roscrea. "The town is also home to a large number of non-nationals currently employed in local industries and businesses and residing in accommodation across the town", he said. "Services in Roscrea are already under severe pressure. Accessing GP and medical services as well as securing school places are some of the key concerns that local people have raised with me. "The people of Roscrea are kind-hearted and generous, however I am satisfied that Roscrea is already overburdened and not capable of taking in upwards of 400 additional people as it cannot provide for their needs. "Had those who made this decision conducted proper research they would have immediately ascertained that fact. Local people are angry with the secrecy around plans for the former Sacred Heart Convent and Secondary School. They feel that they have a right to know what is happening in their hometown", Cllr Lee said. Stress Applied On 15 Months A Flaring Speech By CM Stalin, Kindling For BJP Chennai oi-Oneindia English Desk In the inauguration function of Kalaignar Centenary Super Speciality Hospital, Chief Minister Mr. M.K. Stalin has kindled BJP regarding its commitment towards starting the construction works of AIIMS hospital in Tamil Nadu. He compared both works saying that AIIMs construction was announced in 2015 and till 2023 no initiative was taken. On the other hand construction works of Kalaignar Centenary hospital was completed within 15 months of its announcement. Located in Guindy, Chennai the Kalaignar Centenary Super Speciality Hospital was inaugurated today by Chief Minister Mr M.K. Stalin along with the medical staff. While delivering his speech in the function he kindled BJP regarding the AIIMs construction. In his speech, he also mentioned that Karunanidhi means king. Hence it is only right to name the hospital located on the premises of Kings Institute in Guindy as Karunanidhi. Karunanidhi was a person who lived as a king and kind maker throughout his life. The construction work of the hospital was completed within 15 months. Repeatedly I am saying we have completed the construction work within 15 months said the Chief Minister. CM said that it is a commendable achievement for the state. After announcing AIIMs construction in 2015, no major steps have been taken so far other than the one brick which was laid as foundation stone. Compared to the situation of AIIMs Madurai, the construction of Kalaignar Centenary hospital was completed within 15 months of laying the foundation stone. People know to differentiate leaders who sincerely formulate policies for the welfare of the people from the leaders who announce insincere policies for deceiving people. On 7th May 2021, DMK government assumed power. On 3rd June coinciding with the 97th birth anniversary of former Chief Minister Karunanidhi, DMK government released 6 important notifications. One among them is the construction of a super speciality hospital at a cost of 250 crores with 500 beds facility. For the hospital construction 4.89 acres of land was chosen in the premises of Kings Institute in Guindy, Chennai. The 500 beds facility was upgraded to a 1000 beds facility. The foundation stone was laid on 21st March 2022 and by June 2023 the entire construction was over within a time frame of 15 months. The hospital was constructed on 4.89 acres with 3 buildings, 6 floors and an area of 51,429 sq.m. The Chief Minister said that it is a world class hospital with disabled friendly infrastructure, 10 lifts and canteens etc. This occasion had been graced by Minister of Public works Mr. E.V. Velu, Minister of Health and family welfare Mr. Ma. Subramanian and many other dignitaries. For Breaking News and Instant Updates Allow Notifications Story first published: Thursday, June 15, 2023, 21:49 [IST] OPINION: Will White House Checkmate China? Feature lekhaka-Jagdish N Singh US President Joe Biden has been so furious with Russian President Vladimir Putin for his invasion of Ukraine that he has branded the latter a "killer". But the same Biden has not uttered a single word to condemn a much bigger army build-up -- by China alongside the Indian Himalayas. The other day, while in Singapore to attend the Shangri-La Dialogue, United States Defence Secretary Lloyd Austin sought a meeting with Chinese Defence Minister General Li Shangfu. Beijing snubbed him. Will this snub strain US-China relations? Knowledgeable sources say Beijing seems to argue that there was nothing unusual about its refusal to meet Secretary Austin. General Li became Chinese Defence Minister in March this year. Prior to that, the US had imposed sanctions on him for his alleged involvement in the Chinese procurement of the Russian advanced fighter jets and missile defence systems. Washington ought to have lifted those sanctions before it asked for a conversation with him in Singapore. Washington is highly unlikely to buy any such argument. It seems to assess Beijing's denial to Secretary Austin has been related to its well-established pattern of behaviour -- that is, to advance its military prowess secretly and not interact with any US (or other foreign) officials who might expose the nature of communist China's functioning on this front. Washington is aware that China's military has advanced from a peasant-based infantry army in 1979 to a world-class military. Today, China's navy is the world's largest by raw numbers. Beijing is planning a fourfold increase in nuclear warheads to 1,500 by 2035. It is constructing hundreds of new silos capable of launching long-range ballistic missiles, potentially targeting the US and its far-flung nuclear forces. OPINION: Optimism In US-China Ties Distant The Pentagon is of the assessment that China remains the USA's "No. 1 long-term geostrategic security challenge." China's actions are moving it down the path toward confrontation and potential conflict first with its neighbours and then with the United States. China has also forged close ties with governments in Africa, Latin America, and Central and Southeast Asia. As such there is a near consensus across the US strategic spectrum to checkmate China militarily. Secretary Austin has been aware of "an alarming increase in the number of unsafe aerial intercepts and confrontations at sea by PLA aircraft and vessels" in the East China and the South China Seas. Chairman of the US Joint Chiefs of Staff Mark Milley has ordered his staff to gather information about every interaction between the US military and its Chinese counterpart in the South China Sea and beyond. Today, the US military's focus is on modernization and readiness. It is having a network of partners and allies for integrated deterrence. The US carries out Freedom of Navigation Operations (FONOPs) in the South China Sea from time to time. The FONOPs began during the Barack H. Obama administration. They increased during the the Donald J. Trump administration. Washington is also strengthening its alliances across the Asia-Pacific region, sending additional forces and firepower to places like Guam and the Philippines, and reinforcing military ties with Australia, Japan and South Korea. Pertinently, the US Defence budget for the fiscal year 2024 is $880 billion. This aims to support modernization efforts, such as fielding new fighters and bombers, recapitalizing the ballistic submarine fleet, building long-range fires and strike capabilities and improving resilience of space capabilities. The budget aims to counter China's military expansion in the Pacific region. The US maintains a strong lead in aircraft carriers, nuclear-powered submarines, and larger ships. It has a more than 10 to 1 advantage over China in the number of nuclear warheads and the weapons to deliver them. It would, however, be very hard to say how determined the current presidency in the United States is to checkmate communist China. The sources say the White House's 'Indo-Pacific Technique' document (February 11, 2022) shifted the Quad towards from "world well being safety" to "driving supply-chain cooperation, joint expertise deployments and advancing widespread expertise ideas." The Indo-Pacific technique paper stated, "Our goal is to not change the PRC [People's Republic of China] but to form the strategic atmosphere wherein it operates..." The White House does not take cognisance of the threat China poses to India. It has so far not branded China's actions against India since 2020 as "aggression." The White House is very critical of Russia's strikes in Ukraine. US President Joe Biden has been so furious with Russian President Vladimir Putin for his invasion of Ukraine that he has branded the latter a "killer". But the same Biden has not uttered a single word to condemn a much bigger army build-up -- by China alongside the Indian Himalayas. (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. For Breaking News and Instant Updates Allow Notifications Story first published: Thursday, June 15, 2023, 12:59 [IST] Babbar Ali rapes Dalit woman, forces her to convert to Islam to get married Consensual Sex Not Rape if Promise of Marriage is Broken: Orissa HC 80-Year-Old Woman Raped By Youth In Odisha India pti-Prakash KL In a shocking incident, an 80-year-old woman was allegedly raped by a man 50 years younger than her. The incident occurred in Kendrapara district, the cops said. The young man raped the elderly woman after offering her to give a lift on his two-wheeler in a village in Kendrapara district on Wednesday evening, according to a report in PTI. The octogenarian woman was waiting at Kahuna Chhack for a bus to visit her daughters house when a young man offered her a lift. The accused took the woman to an isolated place at Madanpur and sexually assaulted her. The old woman is hospitalized with severe injuries to her private parts at the Community Health Center (CHC) in Rajnagar, said medical officer Asutosh Barik. Senior police officers rushed to the hospital and recorded her statement. We have formed a team to track down the accused. Sandhyarani Beuria, the Sub- Divisional Police Officer (SDPO), Pattamundai, said that they are examining nearby CCTV footage to nab the accused. In a similar incident in March, a mason had reportedly raped a pregnant woman while his wife recorded the act. It was reported in the Nabarangpur district. The couple had shared the clip of the rape on social media in order to take revenge against the survivor's husband over a dispute. "The exact nature of their dispute is not known yet, but we are looking into the matter," The Times Of India quoted the inspector in-charge of the local police station as saying. After Row Over Ad, Shinde, Fadnavis Share Stage, Talk About Strong Bond India pti-PTI Maharashtra Chief Minister Eknath Shinde and his deputy Devendra Fadnavis on Thursday travelled in a helicopter together for an event here as they reaffirmed their commitment to take forward their alliance and spoke about their strong bond after a controversial advertisement. A war of words had started between the Shiv Sena and the BJP over a newspaper advertisement that projected Shinde as being more popular in the state than his deputy Fadnavis. The full-page advertisement, which also had a picture of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, appeared in major newspapers in the state on Tuesday, citing a "survey" that showed Shinde was ahead of Fadnavis in popularity, fuelling talks about a possible rift among the two allies whose government will complete one year in office on June 30. It did not have the pictures of either Fadnavis or Shiv Sena founder late Bal Thackeray. After not attending any official functions together for two days since the row over advertisement broke out, Shinde and Fadnavis on Thursday shared the stage during an event in Palghar district. Both the leaders landed together in a helicopter for the event, 'Shasan Aplya Dari (government at your doorstep). Shinde said the alliance between the two parties was neither for selfish motives nor for power, but for ideology. "This government works on the ideology of Balasaheb Thackeray, Atal Bihari Vajpayee, Pramod Mahajan, Gopinath Munde and now under the leadership of PM Modi," the CM said. He said attempts were made last year to create hurdles in the Sena-BJP alliance, "wut we overcame it and the alliance emerged stronger following which a government that people wished for was formed. Irrespective of what anyone says, there will be no rift between us as this government follows one ideology, Shinde said. "The friendship between me and Fadnavis is not new...it is 15-20 years old. The bond between us is strong, which will not break. Some call it a 'jodi of Jai-Veeru (famous characters from film 'Sholay)..., he said. Referring to the advertisement, he said his government is the preferred choice of people and "I am happy that in the survey 84 per cent people favoured PM Modi for the countrys top post." "We are not in the race for chair or power. Neither Devendra, nor I have any greed. As earlier, we are activists and will remain so even tomorrow. Power has not gone to our head and we are still remain grounded. Our government works on field and does not operate in work-from-home or Facebook live mode," he added. Shinde said during the erstwhile Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA) government, development had come to a standstill, but his administration has now removed all speed-breakers coming in way of progress. "In the last one year, we have taken all decisions aimed at the welfare and progress of people belonging to all sections. Ours is government is pro-people and it is getting support from all quarters," Shinde said. Speaking on the occasion, deputy CM Fadnavis said the Sena-BJP government was development oriented. "The state saw a change in power one year ago. As against the previous government, which worked from home, the present dispensation comes to your doorstep. Looking at the development works being carried out at fast pace by this government, the opponents are suffering from stomach ache," he said. On travelling together in a helicopter for the event, he said, Both of us have been together since the last 25 years and in the last one year our bond has become stronger. No one needs to bother about our journey. We were together yesterday, are together today and will remain so tomorrow, he said. Fadnavis sought to downplay the controversy generated by the newspaper advertisement. "Because of one advertisement or some comments by anyone there will be no rift in the government. It is not the previous government where each leader caught hold of others neck over who will speak first, the deputy CM said. The two leaders travelled together in one chopper but came to the venue in separate cars from the helipad. Fadnavis said the Shiv Sena and the BJP were in an alliance for 25 years and would remain together in future as well. Shinde said his government has removed all speed-breakers coming in the way of infrastructure projects. "In the last one year, we have taken all decisions aimed at the welfare and progress of people belonging to all sections. Ours is government is pro-people and it is getting support from all quarters," Shinde said. A day after the advertisement became a talking point, another ad on the states ruling alliance appeared in Marathi dailies on Wednesday featuring leaders like Shiv Sena founder Bal Thackeray and Fadnavis. Defence Ministry To Take Up Deal To Acquire MQ-9 Reaper Armed Drones From US Today India oi-Madhuri Adnal Ahead of Prime Minister Narendra Modi's upcoming trip to the United States, Ministry of Defence officials said on Thursday that the Defence Acquisition Council meeting led by Defence Minister Rajnath Singh will take up the deal for acquiring MQ-9B Reaper armed drones from the US during a meeting at 10 am. "Top Defence ministry and military brass will attend the meeting. Other 'Made in India' defence deals also on the agenda of the meeting," the official was quoted by ANI as saying. Ahead of PM Modi's upcoming visit to the US, the eagerly anticipated procurement of 30 MQ-9B Predator armed drones, valued at over $3 billion, is highly awaited. According to sources quoted by the Times of India, the acquisition of these drones holds great importance as the Indian government intends to bolster its surveillance capabilities along the China border and in the Indian Ocean region. According to defence sources, the acquisition of MQ-9 drones is set to be discussed during an important high-level meeting. Initially, there were plans to reduce the number of drones from 30 to 18 or even fewer, ANI reported. Defence Deals On Anvil: 'BrahMos' For Vietnam, 'Prachand' For Argentina However, the latest information suggests that India is likely to proceed with the original plan of acquiring 30 drones, with 10 allocated to each of the three services. The Indian Navy has spearheaded the efforts to acquire these drones and has been actively engaged in the process. Furthermore, all three branches of the Indian armed forces have expressed their intentions to procure similar medium-altitude and long-endurance drones from domestic sources, showcasing their wider commitment to enhancing their drone capabilities. During recent discussions, US Representative Richard McCormick highlighted the significance of nurturing economic, military, and strategic ties between the United States (US) and India. He stressed the importance of bipartisan support, emphasizing that India should be regarded as a significant "future partner" across various domains by both Democratic and Republican lawmakers. For Breaking News and Instant Updates Allow Notifications Story first published: Thursday, June 15, 2023, 11:11 [IST] Manipur: Security Forces Clash With Mob In Imphal, Houses Set On Fire India pti-PTI At least two abandoned houses were set on fire by a mob here on Thursday afternoon a day after an attack in the Khamenlok area left nine people dead and injured ten others, officials said. Security forces which tried to quell the mob used force and fired tear gas shells at the mob at New Checkon in Imphal, they added. No casualty was reported in the arson as the houses that were torched were abandoned. The occupants had left after the ethnic violence started in the northeastern state early last month. The incident happened as the army and Assam Rifles intensified their area domination operations in the aftermath of the recent spurt in violence in the strife-torn state of Manipur. Army and Assam Rifles columns intensified patrolling, taking down barriers wherever they had been created. An Army tweet said, Enhanced Area Domination Operations by Army and Assam Rifles are being undertaken in the aftermath of the recent spurt in violence. The social media post by the Spear Corps of the Indian Army, whose operational area Manipur falls, said the domination of fringe areas and higher reaches underway by long duration self-contained columns was being enforced. The security forces redoubled their efforts in the wake of an attack on a Kuki village in the Khamenlok area bordering Imphal East and Kangpoki districts in the early hours of Wednesday, where 9 people died and 10 more were injured in a gunbattle which ensued between the miscreants who attacked the village and villagers. Later on Wednesday evening, other miscreants set on fire the official quarters of woman Manipur minister Nemcha Kipgen in the Lamphel area in Imphal West district. Firefighters reached the spot and doused the flames before the blaze could spread to the neighbourhood. More than 100 people have lost their lives in the ethnic violence between Meitei and Kuki community people in Manipur that broke out a month ago. The state has imposed a curfew on 11 districts and banned the internet in a bid to stop the spread of rumours in the state. Clashes first broke out on May 3 after a 'Tribal Solidarity March' was organised in the hill districts to protest against the Meitei community's demand for Scheduled Tribe (ST) status. Meiteis account for about 53 per cent of Manipur's population and live mostly in the Imphal Valley. Tribals - Nagas and Kukis - constitute another 40 per cent of the population and reside in the hill districts. KCR to go all guns blazing and launch BRS programmes in various states after Christmas No Alliance With MVA In Maha: Telangana CM KCR India pti-PTI Telangana Chief Minister K Chandrasekhar Rao on Thursday said his Bharat Rashtra Samithi will not enter into an alliance with the opposition Maha Vikas Aghadi in Maharashtra and asserted his party will fight every seat in the state in the civic, Assembly and general elections. He also spoke on the Law Commission seeking the views of religious bodies on the Uniform Civil Code and accused the ruling dispensation in the country of ''bringing dharma gurus into politics''. Addressing a press conference after inaugurating his party's office, the first in Maharashtra, on Wardha Road here, he said polls must be held using ballot papers instead of electronic voting machines (EVMs). Queried on whether his party would forge an alliance with the MVA, comprising the Shiv Sena (UBT), Congress and the Nationalist Congress Party, he said, ''We have seen so many fronts, United Front, National Front but these were not adequate. Hence, we are preparing the BRS agenda.'' ''Any party which agrees with the BRS agenda for structural change can come with us,'' he said, adding the BRS was not thinking of any alliance as ''we will not need an alliance at all''. Asked about the alleged misuse of Central agencies like the Enforcement Directorate and Income Tax department, Rao said political parties are a pillar of democracy and must not be harassed in such a way. BRS will be the agent of ''qualitative change'' in the country and its expansion plans will involve Uttar Pradesh, Chhattisgarh, Punjab and Haryana after Maharashtra, he said. The country's economy was in a bad shape under the present (Narendra Modi) dispensation and every section of society was unhappy, he claimed. In order to catch up with the world, the country needs to make ''some structural change in respect of Constitution, judiciary, economic reforms, social reforms, electoral reforms, administrative governance system'', the Telanagana CM said. Queried on talk about a Uniform Civil Code in the country, he said, ''From where they (Central government) are bringing dharma gurus into politics? Dharma gurus must run mutts and do puja. They (ruling dispensation) are doing hungama by infiltrating into this.'' The Law Commission on Wednesday initiated a fresh consultation process on the UCC by seeking views from stakeholders including public and recognised religious organisations. On being asked about whether the BRS was the B-team of the BJP, the Telangana CM said such talk does not bother him. ''It has now become a fashion in the country to call a party which is coming forward successfully as B, A or C team. Let them say whatever they want to, our work will be for the benefit of the people,'' he claimed. Rath Yatra 2023: Tickets For Darshan of Lord Jagannath In Puri temple On June 19 India oi-PTI A total 7000 tickets will be sold by the Shree Jagannath Temple Administration (SJTA) for a 'darshan' of the sibling deities on June 19, an official said on Thursday. A special ritual 'Nabajouban Darshan' will be held at the 12th century shrine on the day, which will mark the end of the 15-day 'Anabasar' (quarantine period) after the 'Snana Jatra'. The Shree Jagannath Temple Administration (SJTA) said that devotees who buy the Rs 100 tickets can see the deities between 8 am to 9 am on June 19, after the 'Netro Ustav' ritual at the shrine. 'Paramanik Darshan' (paid darshan) ticket holders will be allowed to enter the temple through the Dakshin Dwara (south gate), SJTA chief administrator Ranjan Kumar Das told reporters here on Thursday. Rath Yatra In Puri In Odisha: CM Patnaik For Smooth Conduct Of Rituals The temple doors will be closed after 11 am on that day for preparations of the famed Ratha Jatra to be held the next day, an official said. Special arrangements are being made for 'Nabajouban Darshan' of the deities, who were out of bounds for the devotees since the 'Snana Jatra' (bathing ritual), which fell on June 4 this year, Das said. Puri superintendent of police Kanwar Vishal Singh said 70 platoons (on platoon has 30 personnel) of the police force will be deployed for the smooth conduct of 'Nabajouban Darshan' of the deities. For Breaking News and Instant Updates Allow Notifications Story first published: Thursday, June 15, 2023, 15:17 [IST] Why Nitish Kumar Was Not Keen On Naming Opposition Bloc As INDIA? Security Breach During Nitish Kumar's Morning Walk; Biker Apprehended India oi-Madhuri Adnal In a major security breach, two bike-borne men were detained by the Patna police on Thursday after they entered into Bihar chief minister Nitish Kumar's convoy during his morning walk at Anne Marg. The incident took place while the Chief Minister was walking from his residence to Circular Housing on Circular Road. According to eyewitnesses, an unidentified motorcyclist managed to breach the security cordon and entered Circular Road, directly intersecting the path of Nitish Kumar's morning walk. In response to the breach, the Chief Minister swiftly moved from the road to the sidewalk, ensuring his personal safety. The security personnel promptly apprehended the motorcyclist involved in the incident. Nitish Kumar Ally Quits As Minister Following the event, the commandant of the Special Security Group (SSG) and the Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP) of Patna were summoned to the Chief Minister's residence. Meanwhile, investigations are underway and the CCTV footage of the area is being scanned. For Breaking News and Instant Updates Allow Notifications Story first published: Thursday, June 15, 2023, 14:30 [IST] Who Is Sanjay Mishra, The ED Chief Known For Sending 15 Big Politicians To Jail? Senthil Balaji Reveals Names Of ED Officials Who Assaulted Him: Human Rights Commission Member India oi-Prakash KL Tamil Nadu Minister Senthil Balaji has revealed the names of the Enforcement Directorate (ED) officials who assaulted him, Tamil Nadu State Human Rights Commission (TNSHRC) member V Kannadasan said on Wednesday. The TNSHRC member met the minister, who was arrested by the ED on Wednesday, in the Omandurar government medical hospital in Chennai today, according to a report in Hindustan Times. Balaji told Kannadasan that the officials from the ED pushed him and dragged him due to which he got wounds on his head and ear. "I couldn't see the wounds because he was lying down, and he couldn't speak much because of his chest pain. But I have investigated him, and he has given me the names of officials who he said assaulted him," said Kannadasan. However, only the doctors can confirm about the injuries said to have been suffered by Balaji. The TNSHRC member said that the commission will take a decision on the issue on Friday. Meanwhile, senior AIADMK leader and former MLA IS Inbadurai took exception to Kannadasan's meeting with Balaji, saying he had in the past appeared in TV debates and spoken in favour of the DMK. The AIADMK leader claimed the report that Kannadasan would file on the matter will be "fake." Saying that Kannadasan's appointment itself was "wrong," he said "we will separately question that." Kannadasan's possible report is like "one judging one's own case," Inbadurai, an advocate, said. However, the former MLA said he was not opposed to the TNSHRC intervening in the matter, PTI reported. Balaji, TN Electricity and Prohibition and Excise Minister, was arrested on Wednesday by the ED under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA) in a cash for jobs scam against him when he was the Transport minister in the earlier AIADMK cabinet led by the late J Jayalalithaa. The action came months after the Supreme Court allowed a police and ED probe into an alleged cash for jobs scam against him. A court on Wednesday sent him to judicial custody till June 28. Three Years On, Impasse In India-China Border Talks Still Continues India oi-Sanjeev Nayak Though three long years have elapsed since the Galwan attack occurred on this day in 2020, India and China still stand almost at the same position where it had all began, despite hectic negotiations. As many as 20 Indian Army personnel laid down their lives in the violent clashes with Chinese troops along the Line of Actual Control (LAC) in Ladakh. In what is possibly the worst incident between the two countries in decades, the clashes came amidst a "de-escalation" process in the Galwan area. Indian Army officer Colonel Bikkumalla Santosh Babu MVC, who was the commanding officer of 16 Bihar Regiment at the time, was among the bravehearts who were killed in action during the skirmishes. Born on 13 February 1983, Col Babu qas the first Indian Armed Forces commissioned officer since 1967 and among the first Indian soldiers to have been killed in action against Chinese People's Liberation Army (PLA) since 1975. He was posthumously decorated with India's second-highest wartime gallantry award, Maha Vir Chakra (MVC). Despite numerous talks at different levels to disengage along the LAC, the stalemate still continues between the two neighbours. Readouts from both sides following the 27th Meeting of the Working Mechanism for Consultation and Coordination on India-China Border Affairs (WMCC) held on May 31 showed no significant headway in the talks moving at a snail's pace. In a statement, the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) said, "The two sides reviewed the situation along the LAC in the Western Sector of India-China border areas and discussed proposals for disengagement in remaining areas in a frank and open manner." Both sides have agreed to hold the next round of high-level military talks at an early date for restoration of peace and tranquility in the border areas. "Restoration of peace and tranquillity will create conditions for normalising bilateral relations," it added. India, China Defence Ministers set to hold bilateral talks, first since Galwan incident However, the statement from the Chinese side made no mention of restoration of peace and normalising relations. Beijing has sought to delink the border from the rest of the relationship and called on India to put it in "the proper place", a stand India has rejected describing current ties as "abnormal". China has also appeared to drag its feet in the slow-moving negotiations to disengage in the two remaining friction areas. Stating that the reasons behind this deadlock are not far to seek, observers feel three aspects of Chinese machinations are clear. First, the Chinese expansionist policy is unlikely to change and it will keep on looking for opportunities to occupy the areas claimed by it. Its 'superpower' ambitions will not allow itself to be looked at as "weaker or compromising" side in front of the world. Moreover, typical Chinese character of duplicity would continue, hence agreements have no value. Lastly, China is not interested in the resolution of the border issue as the unsettled border provides opportunities for it to acquire territories through the 'salami' tactics. In view of these factors, the observers see no major progress in the matter in near future and opine that the parleys have hit a dead-end now. For Breaking News and Instant Updates Allow Notifications Story first published: Thursday, June 15, 2023, 10:46 [IST] Zelenskyy Aide Dials NSA Doval Amid Russia's Signals of Enhancing Ties with Pakistan India oi-Madhuri Adnal In response to Moscow's indications of strengthening its relations with India's arch-rival Pakistan, New Delhi too employed a subtle diplomatic move. Prime Minister Narendra Modi's National Security Advisor, Ajit Doval, recently held a phone conversation with Andriy Yermak, the top aide of Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy. This development suggests India's strategic response amidst the evolving geopolitical dynamics in the region. In a statement, Ukrainian president Volodymyr Zelenskyy's office said that Yermak, in his phone conversation with Doval, discussed preparations for a 'Global Peace Summit' besides pitching for consolidation of global support for the Ukrainian peace plan. The phone conversation came over three weeks after Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Zelenskyy held talks on the sidelines of the G7 summit in Hiroshima. In the meeting, Modi had conveyed to the Ukrainian President that India will do everything possible to find a solution to the Ukraine conflict. "The main topic of the conversation was the implementation of the Ukrainian peace formula, in particular, the consolidation of international support for the Ukrainian peace plan and the possibility of India joining the implementation of its individual points," the statement issued on Wednesday said. "In this context, the parties discussed preparations for the Global Peace Summit. Andriy Yermak emphasised the need to involve the widest possible range of countries, including the Global South, in this event," it said. It said the recent events have once again proved that the Ukrainian peace formula is more relevant than ever for both Ukraine and the whole world. NSA Doval to send strong message to UK on Khalistani extremism "We are actively working with partners to prepare the Global Summit on the implementation of the formula. We expect India to take part in it," the head of the presidential office noted. The statement said Yermak briefed Doval in detail on the current situation on the "frontline" as well as on "Russia's ongoing missile and drone" attacks against Ukrainian cities and civilians. It claimed Yermak discussed with Doval coordination for the "implementation of the agreements reached by Volodymyr Zelenskyy following the talks with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi during his participation in the G7 Summit." Yermak also raised the blowing up of the Kakhovka Dam on the Dnipro river last week and called on India to join the international community in its efforts to eliminate the consequences of this "man-made disaster", the statement said. "This is one of the largest modern crimes of ecocide. The aggressor has caused an unprecedented man-made, environmental and humanitarian disaster," it said. For Breaking News and Instant Updates Allow Notifications Story first published: Thursday, June 15, 2023, 11:21 [IST] Beauty of the Night Sky: Stars Could Become Invisible In 20 Years Due To This Reason Baby Without Sperm Or Egg? Scientists Develop Synthetic Embryos Using Stem Cells International oi-Prakash KL In a major development that has stunned the medical field, a team of researchers in the USA and UK have, for the first time, created synthetic human embryos using stem cells. These model embryos offer valuable insights into the effects of genetic disorders and the biological factors contributing to repeated miscarriages, scientists say. The artificial embryos lack a functioning heart or brain, but they consist of cells responsible for forming the placenta, yolk sac, and embryo. Currently, there are no immediate plans to use these synthetic embryos in clinical settings, and it is against the law to implant them into a patient's womb. It remains uncertain whether these structures possess the ability to progress further in development beyond the initial stages. However, this research is yet to be published in a journal and the research was first reported by The Guardian. "We can create human embryo-like models by the reprogramming of [embryonic stem] cells," Aljazeera quoted Professor Magdalena Zernicka-Goetz, of the University of Cambridge and the California Institute of Technology, as saying in an address on Wednesday at the International Society for Stem Cell Research annual meeting in Boston. It also raises legal and ethical questions, even as many countries currently lack regulations looking at the creation and manipulation of synthetic embryos. "Unlike human embryos arising from in vitro fertilisation (IVF), where there is an established legal framework, there are currently no clear regulations governing stem cell-derived models of human embryos. There is an urgent need for regulations to provide a framework for the creation and use of stem cell-derived models of human embryos," CNN reported James Briscoe, associate research director at the Francis Crick Institute, saying in a statement. Zernicka-Goetz and her research team, alongside a competing team in Israel, had previously documented the generation of model embryo-like structures using mouse stem cells. These "embryoids" exhibited the early formations of a brain, heart, and intestinal tract after approximately eight days of growth. The embryo-like structures were grown from single human embryonic stem cells, Zernicka-Goetz stated and that was coaxed to develop into three distinct tissue layers. She also pointed out that the structures were first to have germ cells that would go on to develop into egg and sperm. "I just wish to stress that they are not human embryos," Zernicka-Goetz said. She continued, "They are embryo models, but they are very exciting because they are very looking similar to human embryos and very important path towards discovery of why so many pregnancies fail, as the majority of the pregnancies fail around the time of the development at which we build these embryo-like structures." As per her knowledge, it was the first time a human model embryo had been created with three tissue layers. Currently, the synthetic model human embryos are limited to laboratory test tubes. Implanting them into a womb would be deemed illegal, and previous attempts using stem cells from mice and monkeys in animal research have demonstrated their inability to survive. This outcome is likely attributed to the incomplete replication of pregnancy conditions, indicating that researchers have yet to fully comprehend the intricacies involved. Zernicka-Goetz claims that the aim of her research wasn't to create life but to prevent its loss. "We know remarkably little about this step in human development, but it is a time where many pregnancies are lost, especially in an IVF setting," Roger Sturmey, senior research fellow in maternal and fetal health at the University of Manchester in the UK, said in a statement. "Currently, we can say that these 'synthetic embryos' share a number of features with blastocysts, but it is important to recognise that the way that synthetic embryos are formed is different to what happens when a normal embryo forms a blastocyst," he added. Sturmey claims that much work needs to be done to determine the similarities and differences between synthetic embryos and embryos that form from "the union of an egg and a sperm." For Breaking News and Instant Updates Allow Notifications Story first published: Thursday, June 15, 2023, 21:18 [IST] Hyderabad Woman Killed in London: Murder Suspect Was Likely A Drug Addict International oi-Madhuri Adnal UK Police on Thursday said it arrested 23-year-old man in the case related to a 27-year-old Indian girl from Hyderabad, Kontham Tejaswini who was stabbed to death at a residential property in Neeld Crescent, Wembley in London. It was the third arrest in the case. The incident occurred at a residential property on Neeld Crescent in Wembley, where Tejaswini was fatally stabbed. According to reports, Tejaswini was a young professional from the Hayathnagar area of Hyderabad. According to her father's statement to a local TV channel, Tejaswini had initially traveled to London three years ago to pursue her Master's degree. According to the Hyderabad police, the Brazilian suspect involved in the case is believed to be a drug addict who allegedly attempted to extort money from Tejaswini. Tragically, when she refused to comply, he resorted to stabbing her. Tejaswini's cousin, identified as Vijay, stated that the suspect had recently moved into the shared accommodation where Tejaswini resided with her friends, less than a week prior to the incident. Vijay expressed bewilderment over the motive behind the attack, as Tejaswini had minimal interaction with the Brazilian man. Hyderabad Woman Killed By Brazilian Man In London Police wanted to trace Keven Antonio Lourenco De Morais after the victim was fatally stabbed. Authorities were alerted to the incident shortly before 10 am on Tuesday (June 13), prompting a police response. A 28-year-old woman, who had also been stabbed at the scene, received medical treatment at a hospital. Thankfully, her injuries are not considered life-threatening. On Tuesday evening, the police arrested De Morais in Harrow, located in northwest London. This arrest followed the detention of two other individuals prior to the Brazilian national. The Metropolitan Police in London had earlier urged the public to be on the lookout for Keven Antonio Lourenco De Morais, a 23-year-old from Wembley, as he was wanted for questioning regarding the murder. ''Individuals who come across De Morais or possess knowledge about his whereabouts were advised to contact emergency services by dialing 999,''the Met Police said. In addition to Tejaswini, another woman, aged 28, was also subjected to the attack and subsequently transported to the hospital due to stab wounds. Fortunately, the Metropolitan Police confirmed that her injuries were assessed as non-life-threatening. Following the tragic incident, the victim's uncle has made an appeal to the government, urging them to facilitate the necessary arrangements for repatriating her body from the UK to Hyderabad. For Breaking News and Instant Updates Allow Notifications Story first published: Thursday, June 15, 2023, 15:03 [IST] Khalistan Sympathiser Avtar Singh Khanda Dies in UK Hospital International oi-Madhuri Adnal UK-based chief of the Khalistan Liberation Force (KLF), Avtar Singh Khanda, who was the mastermind behind the violent incident at the Indian High Commission in London on March 19, has passed away at Sandwell Hospital in Birmingham. The cause of his death is currently unknown, and the medical report is awaited. Khanda, also known as Ranjodh Singh, was a political asylum seeker in the UK and played a significant role in radicalising Sikh youth in support of the separatist movement for Khalistan. His father was a former KLF terrorist who was killed by security forces in 1991, and his mother was related to another KLF terrorist, Gurjant Singh Budhsingwala, who had strong links to the Pakistani deep state. According to reports, Khanda's supporters are eager for the medical report to indicate poisoning, as they intend to declare him a martyr and blame Indian security agencies for his alleged murder. Pro-Khalistan Slogans Raised At Golden Temple On Operation Blue Star Anniversary However, it is worth noting that Khanda had been battling blood cancer and had been admitted to the Sandwell and West Birmingham Hospital about two weeks prior to his demise. Khanda, along with three other separatists, had been identified by the National Investigating Agency (NIA) as the main culprits behind the dishonoring of the Indian flag during the protest at the London High Commission on March 19. Despite prior alerts by the Indian High Commission to the UK intelligence agency MI-5 about the anticipated violence, the UK Police's action against the protestors was conspicuous. Recommended Video Avtar Singh Khanda: Khalistani leader and Amritpal Singhs aide dies in UK | Oneindia News Like other sympathisers of Khalistani separatism, Khanda entered the UK using the well-established method of a student visa and swiftly became associated with the separatist movement prevalent in key gurudwaras in the country. These gurudwaras are managed by Khalistani supporters and are utilised to gather funds for terrorism under the pretext of human rights violations against the Sikh community in India. The core UK establishment has long been indifferent to Sikh separatist activities, despite Indian intelligence agencies repeatedly highlighting Khanda's violent tendencies on three separate occasions prior to March 19, 2023. NIA Announces Rs 10 Lakh Bounty On Pro-Khalistan Leader Kashmir Singh Galwaddi Khanda used to propagate anti-India sentiments and make derogatory remarks about Indians on the UK-based pro-Khalistani KTV channel, alongside Jagjeet Singh Jeeta, until it was shut down by UK Ofcom in April 2022 following protests by the Indian community in Britain. Khanda, along with others such as Paramjeet Singh Pamma, Joga Singh, Kuldip Singh Chaheru, Gursharan Singh, and others, has been involved in various protests outside the Indian High Commission in London in the past. For Breaking News and Instant Updates Allow Notifications Story first published: Thursday, June 15, 2023, 11:50 [IST] Ready For Narco Test If Vinesh Phogat, Bajrang Punia Take It Too: WFI Chief UWW Condemns Detention Of Wrestlers, Threatens To Ban WFI If Polls Not Held On Time Wrestlers Call Off Protest, Say Fight Against WFI Chief Will Be Just A Legal Battle Now Thousands Protest in Poland Demanding Liberalized Abortion Law After Death Of Pregnant Woman International oi-PTI Poles demanding a liberalisation of the abortion law protested in Warsaw and other Polish cities on Wednesday after a woman who was five months pregnant died of sepsis, the latest such death since a tightening of Poland's abortion law. The protesters vented their fury against the ruling party, Law and Justice, or PiS, over several deaths in maternity wards in the past couple of years. The cases involved hospitals that refused to terminate pregnancies due to the presence of a fetal heartbeat even when the women were in grave danger. "PiS kills," said a sign at the protest in Warsaw, where hundreds gathered around a monument to the Renaissance astronomer Nicolaus Copernicus. "Mom, I am afraid for my future," said another. The 33-year-old woman died last month in the John Paul II hospital in Nowy Targ in southern Poland. It is a hospital in a deeply conservative region of the mostly Catholic nation. The hospital contains relics of the late Polish pope and Polish media have reported that it never performs abortions on principle. Poland Passes Contentious Bill To Examine Russian Influence The woman, Dorota Lalik, arrived there after her waters broke and was told to lie with her legs up, as the medics hoped her fluids would be reconstituted. She developed sepsis and died three days later on May 24. Under the current law, women have the right to abortion only in cases of rape or incest or if there is a threat to their life or health. Government authorities have stressed this week that the law was, therefore, not the cause of the woman's death. They stressed that women have a right to a legal abortion in such cases and that the hospital violated her right to a legal abortion. "Such perinatal deaths also took place in the times of the Civic Platform," Prime Minister Mateusz Morawiecki said on Wednesday, referring to the centrist opposition party that held power before his right-wing party took over in 2015. Even before Morawiecki's Law and Justice party took power, Poland's abortion law was among the most restrictive in Europe. Women's rights advocates argue that the current law and the overall conservative climate have had a chilling effect. They say doctors are putting women's lives at risk as they prioritise saving fetuses over women, either for ideological reasons or fearing legal consequences for themselves. The government and anti-abortions groups accuse the pro-choice side of politicising the tragedies unfairly. Several women have now died after the constitutional court ruled in 2020 that women could no longer terminate pregnancies in cases of severe fetal deformities. Critics of the current laws also argue that another problem is doctors refusing to perform abortions on grounds of their moral conscience. Poland asks Germany to send Patriot missiles to Ukraine The liberal Gazeta Wyborcza daily wrote on Wednesday that the so-called conscience clause was being used not only by individual doctors, but even by entire health care facilities, including the one where Lalik died. "The institution of the conscience clause, since it leads to death, must be abolished," the paper argued. A left-wing lawmaker called for parliament to stand and observe a moment of silence Tuesday in honour of the deceased woman. Lawmakers belonging to the right-wing ruling party did not stand. For Breaking News and Instant Updates Allow Notifications Story first published: Thursday, June 15, 2023, 9:47 [IST] UNGA Adopts Resolution Introduced By India; PM Modi Thanks Countries International oi-PTI The UN General Assembly has adopted a draft resolution introduced by India to establish a memorial wall in the UN Headquarters to honour fallen peacekeepers. India's Permanent Representative to the UN Ambassador Ruchira Kamboj introduced the draft resolution titled 'Memorial wall for fallen United Nations peacekeepers' on Wednesday in the UN General Assembly hall. The resolution was co-sponsored by nearly 190 UN Member States and was adopted by consensus. It welcomed the initiative of Member States to "establish at a suitable and prominent place at United Nations Headquarters in New York a memorial wall to honour the memory of fallen peacekeepers, giving due consideration to the modalities involved, including the recording of the names of those who have made the supreme sacrifice.'' While introducing the resolution, Kamboj said the memorial wall will be a testimony to the importance that the UN bestows on peacekeeping. India's G20 plan for the world, global south is promising: UNGA President She said it will remind people of not only the sacrifices of the fallen but also be a ''constant reminder of the cost of our decisions." The resolution was submitted by 18 countries including Bangladesh, Canada, China, Denmark, Egypt, France, India, Indonesia, Jordan, Nepal, Rwanda and the US. ''Peacekeepers are not born. They are forged through the crucible of sacrifice. Their unwavering commitment and selfless acts pave the way for a world where peace must triumph over conflict," Kamboj said. The resolution stipulates that the wall be completed within three years of the text's adoption. In 2015, the Permanent Mission of India to the UN launched a virtual memorial wall, dedicated to the Indian troops who made the supreme sacrifice while doing active service as UN peacekeepers. The initiative was a precursor to the eventual construction of the Peacekeepers Memorial Wall. India had proposed the construction of the memorial wall as an appropriate way to commemorate all the troops from UN member states who had given their lives while on duty under the Blue Flag of the United Nations. Prime Minister Narendra Modi, in his address to the Leaders' Summit on Peacekeeping hosted by then US President Barack Obama at the UN Headquarters in September 2015 during the high-level General Assembly week, paid homage to the peacekeepers who laid down their lives in defending the highest ideals of the United Nations. "It would be most fitting if the proposed memorial wall to the fallen peacekeepers is created quickly. India stands ready to contribute, including financially, to this objective," Modi had said. India abstains on UNGA resolution calling for Russia to pay reparations to Ukraine PM Modi Thanks Countries Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday and thanked the countries that supported the initiative. The resolution passed in the UNGA received a record 190 co-sponsorships, he said. Delighted that the Resolution to establish a new Memorial Wall for fallen Peacekeepers, piloted by India, has been adopted in the UN General Assembly. The Resolution received a record 190 co-sponsorships. Grateful for everyone's support. Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) June 15, 2023 ''Delighted that the Resolution to establish a new Memorial Wall for fallen Peacekeepers, piloted by India, has been adopted in the UN General Assembly,'' the prime minister wrote on Twitter. ''The Resolution received a record 190 co-sponsorships. Grateful for everyone's support,'' he said. For Breaking News and Instant Updates Allow Notifications Story first published: Thursday, June 15, 2023, 10:15 [IST] 2008-2023 One News Page Ltd. All rights reserved. One News is a registered trademark of One News Page Ltd. The family behind one of Melbournes best-loved gourmet grocers is giving you the night off cooking, thanks to its new wine bar. Russian soldier Ruslan Anitin was one of the last fighters alive in his unit on the front lines of Bakhmut after Ukrainian drones.. Upworthy 15 Jun 2023 Germany's center-left government wants to lower the voting age for nationwide elections from 18 to 16. Many young people support the idea, but the majority of the population has expressed skepticism. Leaders from several African countries visited Poland ahead of separate talks with Volodymyr Zelenskyy and Vladimir Putin. Meanwhile, NATO defense ministers vowed to continue supporting Ukraine. Follow DW for more. Prime Minister-designate Petteri Orpo announced that he struck a deal with other right-wing parties. His incoming government will include the far-right Finns Party. The countrys first national security strategy is an attempt to set priorities, especially since Russias invasion of Ukraine, but hard commitments were short in supply. Oneindia 17 Jul 2023 In major help to Ukraines fight against Russia, the United States has decided to allow European countries to train Ukrainians on.. Rumble 18 Jul 2023 Yesterday, Ukrainian Bayraktar was shot down in the area near Geroiskoye on the Kherson front..Under the wing of the drone, we can.. The war in Ukraine is stirring debate in one of Europe's last neutral states. Switzerland is certainly not looking to scrap neutrality, its just not sure what it actually means. Donald Trump pleads not guilty in a historic federal indictment. The 2024 presidential candidates react. Ukraines counteroffensive heats up. On Friday, June 16 at 9:00 a.m. ET, join Washington Post associate editor Jonathan Capehart for First Look for analysis from congressional investigations reporter Jacqueline Alemany followed by a roundtable discussion with opinions columnists Megan McArdle and Jennifer Rubin about the weeks big stories. President Bidens 2015 trip to Ukraine came just three days before Hunter Biden and his business partners attended a holiday hosted by the then-vice president. A Russian missile struck the southern Ukrainian port city of Odesa early Wednesday, killing at least three people and injuring 13 others. Ukraines military said the attack involved four Kalibr cruise missiles. Regional authorities said a missile struck a warehouse where the three people were killed and that the Russian... Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg met with US President Joe Biden at the White House on Tuesday (13 June 2023) to prepare for next months NATO Summit in Vilnius. The Secretary General thanked President Biden for his leadership and the U.S.s commitment to NATO in the most dangerous security situation in a generation.... The Ukrainian blonde had the smell of trouble. She had perched herself, along with her mute friend, in a restaurant across from the famed South Melbourne Market. On arriving at the modish, glorious bit of real estate known as Tipsy Village, a Polish establishment famed for accented French cuisine, she shrieked: Why do you... Karachi: Around 62,000 people have been evacuated to safer places in Pakistan's southern Sindh province ahead of Cyclone Biparjoy's expected landfall on Thursday. Biparjoy, currently a very severe cyclonic storm, is inching closer to India and Pakistan, prompting authorities to take preventive measures to minimise the damage it may cause to life and property. It is expected to make landfall between Keti Bandar Port in Sindh's Thatta district and Kutch district in India. A resident living near Manora said that the effects of the cyclone were already visible in areas along the beaches as strong tides had forced shops to close and cut off roads due to heavy flooding. Sindh Information Minister Sharjeel Memon told the media that some 62,000 people had been evacuated from places which are near the coastline areas of Sindh. Evacuations have taken place in Thatta, Keti Bundar, Sujawal, Badin, Umerkot, Tharparkar, Shaheed Benazirabad, Tando Muhammad Khan, Tando Allahyar and Sanghar until now, Memon said. He said those evacuated had been moved to government schools, colleges and government offices with solid walls, roofs and stocked with plenty of food, water and medical aid. He said in many areas of Thatta, Keti Bandar and Sujawal some families were not ready to evacuate and had to be removed forcibly. There are also people who had voluntarily moved to safer locations, he added. The Pakistan Meteorological Department (PDM) has said that Cyclone Biparjoy will make landfall on Thursday afternoon or evening and will bring heavy rainfall and windstorms with it and urban cities like Karachi and Hyderabad could face heavy flooding. The latest alert issued by the PMD said the cyclone was at a distance of about 310 kilometres south of Karachi, 300 kilometres south-southwest of Thatta and 240 kilometres south-southwest of Keti Bandar. Maximum sustained surface winds are 150-160 km/hour, gusts 180 km/hour around the system centre and sea conditions being phenomenal around the system centre with maximum wave height [of] 30 feet, the alert said. The government has also, as a precaution, carried out some evacuations in Balochistan province's Hub and Lasbela districts and in the port city of Gwadar. Energy Minister Khurram Dastgir also alerted citizens about a temporary decline in RLNG-based (Re-Gasified Liquefied Natural Gas-based) electricity generation and temporary increase in load-shedding due to the cyclone disrupting RLNG shipping to Pakistan. The energy minister said shipping to the Port Qasim RLNG terminals was stopped which also caused the suspension of gas to K-Electric, Bahadur Shah and Bikki Power Plants. The minister warned that the cyclone could affect the power transmission system in the coastal areas of Karachi and other parts of Sindh. Chairman of the National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA), Lt-Gen Inam Haider Malik said Biparjoy was following the path that had been predicted by the PMD. "Biparjoy is going northeast and it seems it will take a hard right even further to the east which means it will go past the megacity of Karachi, he said. In Karachi, also a spokesperson for the Defence Housing Authority said that some 2,000 residents living in Seaview and Darakshan housing areas near the Seaview beach had voluntarily moved to other safer places. The government has been issuing alerts to citizens to stay away from coastal areas, beaches and creeks. Fishing activities have been suspended and all ports in the region have been shut. Caution has to be exercised until the risk is over, Malik added. Defence Housing Authority (DHA) Spokesperson Farrukh Rizvi said there could be more evacuations if the situation worsens and the need arises and added that all restaurants and recreation parks along the sea view and DHA coastline had been closed. The DHA in alerts has said that rising high tides pose an imminent threat to Karachi. The police have also blocked all roads with containers leading to beach areas like Hawkesbay, Manora and Sandspit. The Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) said that Karachi's Jinnah International Airport was operational but in case of bad weather, safety measures are taken at the airport as per the set SOPs. Keeping the pilots continuously informed about the wind speed and the weather is a routine matter, an official said. In unusual circumstances, pilots decide on the nearest suitable destination for take-off or landing by considering the terrain and weather conditions, the CAA added. Cyclone Phet was the last major cyclone to hit Pakistan's coastal areas in 2010. It killed 15 people in Sindh and Makran coastal areas and left thousands of people homeless. As Cyclone Biparjoy barrels towards the Kutch coast in Gujarat, the government has said they have so far evacuated nearly 37,800 people living near the sea in eight districts of the Gujarat state. The powerful cyclone will make landfall near Jakhau port on the evening of June 15, according to India Meteorological Department (IMD). Fishing activities have been suspended till June 16, ports are shut and ships are anchored as the sea turned turbulent and weather became inclement with extremely heavy rainfall and strong winds in the region due to the approaching cyclone This article originally appeared at TomDispatch.com. To receive TomDispatch in your inbox three times a week, click here. Living on a Smoke-Bomb of a Planet September 11th, Climate-Change-Style By Tom Engelhardt As it turns out, it's never too late. I mention that only because last week, at nearly 79, I managed to visit Mars for the first time. You know, the red planet, or rather "" so it seemed to me "" the orange planet. And take my word for it, it was eerie as hell. There was no sun, just a strange orange haze of a kind I had never seen before as I walked the streets of that world (well-masked) on my way to a doctor's appointment. Oh, wait, maybe I'm a little mixed up. Maybe I wasn't on Mars. The strangeness of it all (and perhaps my age) might have left me just a bit confused. My best hunch now, as I try to put recent events in perspective, is that I wasn't in life as I'd previously known it. Somehow "" just a guess "" that afternoon I might have become a character in a science-fiction novel. As a matter of fact, I had only recently finished rereading Walter M. Miller,Jr.'s sci-fi classic A Canticle for Leibowitz, last visited in 1961 at age 17. It's about a world ravaged by humanity (using nukes, as a matter of fact) and, so many years later, still barely in recovery mode. I must admit that the streets I was traversing certainly looked like they existed on just such a planet. After all, the ambience had a distinctly end-of-the-world (at least as I'd known it) feel to it. Oh, wait! I checked the news online and it turns out that it was neither Mars, nor a sci-fi novel. It was simply my very own city, New York, engulfed in smoke you could smell, taste, and see, vast clouds of it blown south from Canada where more than 400 wildfires were then burning in an utterly out of control, historically unprecedented fashion across much of that country "" as, in fact, all too many of them still are. That massive cloud of smoke swamped my city's streets and enveloped its most famous buildings, bridges, and statues in a horrifying mist. That day, New York, where I was born and have lived much of my life, reportedly had the worst, most polluted air of any major city on the planet "" Philadelphia would take our place the very next day "" including an air quality index that hit a previously unimaginable 484. That day, my city was headline-making in a way not seen since September 11, 2001. In fact, you might think of that Wednesday as the climate-change version of 9/11, a terror (or at least terrorizing) attack of the first order. Put another way, it should have been a signal to us all that we "" New Yorkers included "" now live on a new, significantly more dangerous planet, and that June 7th may someday be remembered locally as a preview of a horror show for the ages. Unfortunately, you can count on one thing: it's barely the beginning. On an overheating planet where humanity has yet to bring its release of greenhouse gasses from the burning of coal, oil, and natural gas under any sort of reasonable control, where summer sea ice is almost certain to be a thing of the past in a fast-heating Arctic, where sea levels are rising ominously and fires, storms, and droughts are growing more severe by the year, there's so much worse to come. In my youth, of course, a Canada that hadn't even made it to summer when the heat hit record levels and fires began burning out of control from Alberta in the west to Nova Scotia and Quebec in the east would have been unimaginable. I doubt even Walter M. Miller, Jr., could have dreamed up such a future, no less that, as of a week ago, 1,400% of the normal acreage of that country, or more than 8.7 million acres, had already burned (with so much more undoubtedly still to come); nor that Canada, seemingly caught unprepared, without faintly enough firefighters, despite recent all-too-flammable summers "" having, in fact, to import them from around the world to help bring those blazes under some sort of control "" would be in flames. And yet, for that country, experiencing its fiercest fire season ever, one thing seems guaranteed: that's only the beginning. After all, United Nations climate experts are now suggesting that, by the end of this century, if climate change isn't brought under control, the intensity of global wildfires could rise by another 57%. So, be prepared, New Yorkers, orange is undoubtedly the color of our future and we haven't seen anything like the last of such smoke bombs. Oh, and that June evening, once I was home again, I turned on the NBC nightly news, which not surprisingly led with the Canadian fires and the smoke disaster in New York in a big-time way "" and, hey, in their reporting, no one even bothered to mention climate change. The words went unused. My best guess: maybe they were all on Mars. Been There, Done That In fact, you could indeed think of that June 7th smoke-out as the 2023 climate-change equivalent of September 11, 2001. Whoops! Maybe that's a far too ominous comparison and I'll tell you why. On September 11, 2001, at the World Trade Center in New York, the Pentagon in Washington, and aboard four hijacked jets, almost 3,000 people died. That was indeed a first-class nightmare, possibly the worst terrorist attack in history. And the U.S. responded by launching a set of invasions, occupations, and conflicts that came to be known as "the global war on terror." In every sense, however, it actually turned out to be a global war of terror, a 20-plus-year disaster of losing conflicts that involved the killing of staggering numbers of people. The latest estimate from the invaluable Costs of War Project is: almost a million direct deaths and possibly 3.7 million indirect ones. Take that in for a moment. And think about this: in the United States, there hasn't been the slightest penalty for any of that. Just ask yourself: Was the president who so disastrously invaded Afghanistan and then Iraq, while he and his top officials lied through their teeth to the American people, penalized in any way? Yes, I do mean that fellow out in Texas who's become known for his portrait painting in his old age and who, relatively recently, confused his decision to invade Iraq with Vladimir Putin's to invade Ukraine. Next Page 1 | 2 (Note: You can view every article as one long page if you sign up as an Advocate Member, or higher). Progressive Content Not Found Sometimes, authors delete their progressive content after publishing. To see if the progressive content was renamed or re-published, please click here. Lithuanian officials continue to support initiatives and take political steps that worsen the situation in the European region and lead to deterioration of relations with neighboring states. Such official steps and statements influence not only international relations but also impact local population. Growing queues at the Belarusian border are exemplary in this regard. Thus, it has become known that nearly 2,000 trucks piled up at the exit from Lithuania to Belarus. Some time ago Lithuania unilaterally terminated cooperation with the Belarusian customs and border agencies on the smooth operation of the border. According to latest data, drivers wait 3-4 days for the opportunity to cross the border. 61 hours' waiting was predicted for truck drivers at the Medininkai border crossing, 47 hours - at the Raigard border control point. Meanwhile, in al?ininkai - 43 hours, and in Lavorisk--s, where there is no waiting area for drivers, the situation is the best - 13 hours. The situation is complicated pretty much all the time. The points themselves are not suitable for such large flows. The road infrastructure is suffering, and the roadsides are heavily littered with rubbish. Residents and tourists in Druskininkai experience inconvenience and shame. Mountains of garbage and damaged roadsides spoil the image of the resort. Truck drivers are also in need of utilities as the town's population suffers. According to Diana Sinkevi?i?t---Greze, chief specialist of the Druskininkai Municipality, "there are two ambulances. If they go out to help drivers, then community members and guests have to wait for life-saving assistance. Traffic safety suffers. Road workers say they don't have time to pick up trash, clear roadsides and rest areas." In addition to previous steps, Lithuania tightens control over excisable goods if they are exported to third countries through the territory of Belarus or Russia. Tougher measures took effect from June 5, the press service of the Lithuanian customs reported. Customs requires additional evidence that the goods will not be sold on Belarusian or Russian territory, that they will not be reloaded. Also, customs officers require evidence that the services of persons who are subject to sanctions are not used. If customs considers that there is not enough evidence, the goods will not be released from the territory of the European Union. Thus, long queues are mainly caused by political decisions. Customs checks now take a lot of time due to international matters, sanctions, etc. This is the main reason why such traffic jams occur. Paradoxically, Lithuanian business as well as citizens face threats not from abroad but from Lithuanian government. A new report from the University of Maryland, somewhat misleadingly reported on here, draws on a database of 3,023 "radicalized offenders" or committers of "extremist crimes." The database, specifically "contains deidentified individual-level information on the backgrounds, attributes, and radicalization processes of over 3,200 violent and non-violent extremists who adhere to far-right, far-left, Islamist, or single-issue ideologies in the United States covering 1948-2021." I take this database to be of no value in determining what percentage of mass shooters, for example, hold any "extremist" ideology, because every single person in the database does hold at least one. But it can tell us, for example, that of those who hold any such ideology and have plotted "mass casualties" "" that is, plotted to kill four or more people "" a small number have been "far left," three times that many have been "Islamist," and almost twice that many have been "far right." We also learn that from 1990 to 2022 some 25% of those who plotted mass-casualty crimes in the United States (outside of wars, of course) were past or current members of the U.S. military. The producers of the report note that this is "more than three times that of military service in the general adult population, which is estimated at 8 percent." That figure (25%) is lower than the figure of 32% "" and earlier 36% "" that I have derived from a different database. One reason is that I've looked only at males aged 18 to 59, since that covers most mass shooters and allows a less dramatic comparison to 14.76% of the general population of that sex and age who have been in the military. I've also looked only at those who killed four or more people, not those who only plotted doing so. But whether a military background is over twice as common or over three times as common in mass killers as in the general population, the difference is significant, and almost certainly not a mere correlation. We are talking, after all, about training in mass killing being a factor in mass killing. It would be very difficult to find a stronger example of a likely causal factor. The report mentioned above is the first on this topic in any U.S. media outlet in many years. It's found in Task & Purpose. It begins: "Military service 'is the single strongest individual-level predictor' if someone will carry out or plan to carry out a mass casualty event, researchers have found." I'm pretty sure this is a misleading claim. What the University of Maryland report claims is that of the people in the database of extremist criminals, military so-called service is the single strongest individual-level predictor of whether someone plotted to kill at least four people. I can't know what this tells me about the general population without knowing how many people commit mass murder without an "extremist ideology" and how many of them have been in the military. It's possible that holding a far right ideology is a stronger predictor than a military background. It's almost certain that being male is a stronger predictor than a military background. But what we do know "" what is not misleading "" is that among the people in the database, it matters less whether they've had mental health issues, whether they've been a member of an isolated clique, whether they are a lone offender, whether they have a criminal history prior to "radicalization," what their age is, whether they are married, whether they have kids, whether they have advanced education, whether they have stable employment, or whether they have a history of substance abuse. It matters more "" in determining the likelihood that they are a plotter of a mass casualty crime rather than some lesser crime "" whether they have been in the U.S. military. But here's the really interesting part, the report's recommendations: "As our previous research on the link between extremism and the U.S. military shows, service members and veterans are not more likely to radicalize to the point of violence than members of the general population. However, this research brief illustrates that when service members and veterans do radicalize, they are more likely to plan for, or commit, mass casualty crimes, thus having an outsized impact on public safety." In other words, veterans and members of the U.S. military are more likely to be mass shooters, not because they are more likely to adopt an "extremist ideology" "" the whole point of the database "" but for some other reason. I'm guessing it's having been trained and conditioned to engage in mass shooting, and having been praised for it. In any case, the recommendation one would expect to follow the above sentences would be to keep people out of the military. Keeping people out of "far right" groups, and maybe some other groups too, might be helpful as well, but those are not conclusions that come out of this report. Much less would one expect the report to recommend merely keeping extremists out of the military or military members out of extremism, since we've seen no evidence for the relevance of that, and it's pointlessly narrow anyway. But, wouldn't you know it, this is what comes next: "These types of crimes are more likely to draw significant attention, negatively impacting the public's trust in the military, while also harming the reputation of veterans and making it harder for the DoD to maintain a cohesive force and recruit the next generation of service members. Based on this research, START and We the Veterans recommend that DoD work in concert with elected representatives, the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA), Veteran Service Organizations (VSOs), and community partners to implement a public health informed strategy to address extremism in the ranks." Not only is the recommendation to keep members of the military out of extremism, but its "task and purpose" is public relations for the military, not the priorities of public safety. Clearly this recommendation is not data driven, but a result of an utter inability to draw the obvious conclusion, namely that people should be kept out of the military. Not only is the public relations justification shameful, but it's also pointless, as the same impact can be had "" and is being had "" by media outlets simply ignoring such information altogether. Why worry that mass shooters being disproportionately veterans makes the military look bad if I and the University of Maryland and Task & Purpose are the only three entities to have ever mentioned it out loud? Needless to say, statistically, virtually all veterans are not mass shooters. But that can hardly be the reason for not a single news article ever mentioning that mass shooters are over twice (or three times) as likely to be veterans as the general population. After all, statistically, virtually all males, mentally ill people, domestic abusers, Nazi-sympathizers, loners, and gun-purchasers are also not mass-shooters. Yet articles on those topics proliferate like NRA campaign bribes. There seem to me to be two key reasons that a sane communications system would not censor this topic. First, our public dollars and elected officials are training and conditioning huge numbers of people to kill, sending them abroad to kill, thanking them for the "service," praising and rewarding them for killing, and then some of them are killing where it is not acceptable. This is not a chance correlation, but a factor with a clear connection. Second, by devoting so much of our government to organized killing, and even allowing the military to train in schools, and to develop video games and Hollywood movies, we've created a culture in which people imagine that militarism is praiseworthy, that violence solves problems, and that revenge is one of the highest values. Virtually every mass shooter has used military weaponry. Most of those whose dress we are aware of dressed as if in the military. Those who've left behind writings that have been made public have tended to write as if they were taking part in a war. So, while it might surprise many people to find out how many mass shooters are veterans of the military, it might be hard to find mass shooters (actual veterans or not) who did not themselves think they were soldiers. We've developed a culture dedicated to praising and glorifying participation in war. It need not even be a conscious decision, but a journalist convinced that militarism is laudable would assume it was irrelevant to a report on a mass shooter and, in addition, assume that it was distasteful to mention that the man was a veteran. That sort of widespread self-censorship is the only possible explanation for the whiting out of this story. The phenomenon of shutting down this story does not exactly require a "motive," and I would like to recommend to reporters on mass shootings that they, too, devote a bit less energy to the often meaningless hunt for "a motive," and a tad more to considering whether the fact that a shooter lived and breathed in an institution dedicated to mass shooting might be relevant. ORLANDO, Florida.-(Press Release)-- YogaMix, Orlando's premier yoga studio, dedicated to keeping yoga fun, vibrant, and accessible, is excited to announce its International Yoga Day celebration on June 21st with free classes and prizes. International Yoga Day takes place every year to bring increased awareness to the many benefits of yoga, from increased fitness and flexibility to mindfulness, mental health, and confidence. YogaMix has 5 quick and easy ways to A 1-year-old Oregon male wolf was struck and killed by a vehicle Tuesday morning on Oregon 138, about 30 miles north of Crater Lake. The gray wolf, known as OR 143, had lost its wariness of people and did not have normal wolf behaviors, said Meghan Dugan, a spokesperson for the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife. The Oregon Driver and Motor Vehicle Services was hacked two weeks ago, and officials determined four days ago that the breach extended to most Oregonians driver license or ID records. State officials blamed an international network for the attack. READ MORE: Massive hack of Oregon DMV system puts estimated 3.5 million driver license and ID card info at risk, officials say On Thursday, DMV officials offered guidance to people who might be affected: Under federal law, you have the right to receive, at your request, a free copy of your credit report every 12 months from each of the three consumer credit reporting companies. A credit report can provide information about those who have received your credit history. You may request a free credit report online at www.annualcreditreport.com or by telephone at 1-877-322-8228. When you receive your credit reports, check for any transactions or accounts that you do not recognize. If you see anything you do not understand, call the telephone number listed on the credit report or visit the Federal Trade Commissions Web site on identity theft at http://www.consumer.gov/idtheft/. Additionally, you may wish to ask each of the three credit monitoring agencies to freeze your credit files. Equifax: equifax.com/personal/credit-report-services or 1-800-685-1111; Experian: experian.com/help or 1-888-397-3742; TransUnion: transunion.com/credit-help or 1-888-909-8872. For additional information, the agency suggests emailing AskODOT@odot.oregon.gov. -- Noelle Crombie; ncrombie@oregonian.com; 503-276-7184; @noellecrombie Our journalism needs your support. Please become a subscriber today at OregonLive.com/subscribe Level 3 (go now) evacuations in The Dalles have been lowered to Level 2 (get ready), and the 150-acre fire that sparked Wednesday is now 40% contained, officials said Thursday. Given the history of the destructive powers of wildfires, what took place in The Dalles the past two days could have been worse. Even so, the toll is obvious to those who continue to battle it: Three primary structures destroyed one brick-and-mortar home and two mobile homes. Additionally, one mobile home, one outbuilding, and two pump houses suffered damage from the fire. The event began around 5:15 p.m. Wednesday when authorities received a report of a fire near Viewpoint Road and East 2nd Street, setting in motion a series of alerts. Resident and staff at the Oregon Veterans Home in The Dalles were told Wednesday to shelter in place because of the fire, the Wasco County Sheriffs Office has reported. Fire engines surrounded the structure to protect the building, the sheriffs office reported. A picture of the fire Wednesday. Crews from the following agencies responded: Mid-Columbia Fire and Rescue, Dufur Fire, Wamic Fire, Hood River Task Force, Dallesport Fire, Petersburg Rangeland Fire Protection Association and Oregon Department of Forestry. Additionally, officials deployed several firefighting airplanes carrying water. The fire is in an area east of Fifteen Mile Road from East 2nd Street to Eightmile Road. Fire trucks and crews are in place to protect buildings along Fifteen Mile Road. A Level 2 alert is in place for the View Point Mobile Park, as well as in an area stretching from the intersection of Eightmile Road and Fifteen Mile Road to the intersection of Emerson Loop Road and Company Hollow Road, north from East 2nd Street east to the intersection of Old Moody Road and Company Hollow Road. A Red Cross Shelter is established at Gateway Church, 1111 Dry Hollow Road for affected residents. Tom Hallman Jr 503-221-8224; thallman@oregonian.com; @thallmanjr Our journalism needs your support. Please become a subscriber today at OregonLive.com/subscribe Federal auditors have flagged problems in the Oregon Health Authoritys oversight of mental health grants, including the potential misappropriation of more than half a million dollars. Their review, obtained by the Capital Chronicle in a public records request, shows the agency has failed to adequately inform a federally-mandated advisory council where money for programs to help Oregons most vulnerable in communities across the state has gone. The grant program run by the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration, known as SAMHSA, provides a prime funding source for Oregons behavioral health and addiction services, giving the state $13 million in the last two years. The report found that the lack of oversight resulted in the health authority improperly awarding more than $570,000 in federal dollars toward the expansion and remodeling of a residential youth facility in Eugene. Using the money for major building improvements isnt allowed under the federal mental health grant program, auditors said in their preliminary findings. In interviews with the Capital Chronicle, council members said the findings in the federal review reflect a lack of communication between the state health authority and volunteers on the council over review of projects proposed by the health authority. OHA needs to step up and do what theyre required to do, said Allyson Linfoot, a member of the authoritys advisory council. SAMHSA needs to hold OHA accountable for making sure those things do happen. Usually, the work of the advisory council and the health authority in dispersing federal grants for mental health is an obscure part of state government and Oregons complex behavioral health system. But the program pumps out millions in grants each year to mental health providers in every corner of Oregon. The money goes toward different mental health programs, including crisis programs and early intervention programs to treat youth and young adults 12 to 25 years old. Those programs have helped thousands of people access community mental health services in outpatient clinics who are uninsured or underinsured. States apply for the money, and the federal Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration doles out the grants. State agencies, working with advisory councils, award the money to different groups, usually nonprofit organizations and other providers that run social service and treatment programs. But the Oregon Health Authority failed to follow the rules in numerous areas, federal auditors said in an eight-page report. Audit findings The audit found three main problems with the health authoritys handling of the grants in an eight-page summary in March. They include: Members of the advisory council did not have the opportunity to review the states application for mental health block grants. During the pandemic, the Oregon Health Authority, which provides administrative support for the council, did not hold council meetings for two years, despite members requesting them. Federal officials called the states failure to hold meetings ineffective in their report. The health authority signed off on an agreement to dedicate $574,228 towards the remodeling of a psychiatric residential treatment facility in Eugene for children and youth run by the nonprofit Looking Glass Community Services. Funding construction or major facility improvements with the grants is not allowed. Financial records obtained by the Capital Chronicle through a public records request show money was used to remodel bathrooms and put in new fire sprinklers, new windows, a security system, add other equipment and make other improvements. Looking Glass also spent the grant money to train staff to allow the facility to serve up to 20 youth instead of 12, an approved use of the money. In an email, Oregon Health Authority spokesman Tim Heider said the agency is awaiting a final determination from the federal agency on whether the use of the money was allowable. Heider said authority staff made the decision to fund the remodeling during the pandemic as many residential care facilities reduced capacity. OHA has been transparent and forthright with SAMHSA and has provided all related documentation, Heider said. Looking Glass will reimburse the state if necessary, Heider said. Looking Glass officials didnt respond to emails and calls for comment. In their report, federal officials said the states funding of the facility will get a more detailed examination and review. Council members weigh in For council members, those findings are a symptom of a wider problem. Kevin Fitts, a longtime mental health advocate and member of the volunteer council, told the Capital Chronicle hes alarmed by the findings. How many checkpoints does this process have and how many people who have been educated and understand this process didnt do their job? Fitts said. The checks and balances have failed here. Fitts said hes concerned the review may only show part of the problem not the full picture. There may be an awful lot of other issues around compliance and misappropriation we dont know about because we havent had an audit of that, Fitts said. Fitts said the health authority needs to do a better job of keeping the council informed and showing it the records necessary to review expenditures of grant money. Linfoot, another council member, agrees. For years, she said, the health authority treated the councils work as a rubber stamp, rather than a process to get meaningful input. The council, which has volunteers with full-time jobs, routinely didnt get grant applications or documents with enough time to look them over, Linfoot said. Weve complained about that for a very, very long time, Linfoot said. That was frustrating from that point of not being able to really have our voice heard and do things that we would hope would make services better for people. She also said shes surprised the health authority granted money to the construction project. That was shocking that somebody didnt say, Hey, were not supposed to do that, Linfoot said. Heider, the OHA spokesman, said the agency has worked closely with the advisory council to address issues the federal agency flagged. We understand and acknowledge their disappointment, Heider said in an email. Weve discussed these concerns. Regular meetings have resumed, and we are continuing to work toward our shared goal to provide the best available system of care and to improve the mental and behavioral health of all Oregonians. The Oregon Health Authoritys behavioral health director, Ebony Clarke, who started in February, notified the federal agency that the state intends to take a variety of steps to make the council and agencys oversight more transparent. The state plans to conduct exit interviews with council members who leave, educate new members, and provide more communication and information to the council. I am committed to preventing future pauses or interruptions in the planning councils activities, Clarke wrote in a March 16 letter. -- Ben Botkin, Oregon Capital Chronicle The Oregon Capital Chronicle, founded in 2021, is a nonprofit news organization that focuses on Oregon state government, politics and policy. The Oregon Health Authority on Thursday said it fully supports an employee who was threatened with contempt by a Washington County Circuit judge who concluded the woman had lied repeatedly under oath and interfered with the courts oversight of people in diversion programs, according to an internal memo. Ebony Clarke, who serves as director of Behavioral Health Services at the public health agency, wrote the memo to alcohol and drug screening specialists and organizations providing treatment to people in mandated substance-abuse treatment as part of impaired-driving cases. Republicans returned to the Oregon Senate on Thursday, ending a six-week walkout that had brought work at the Legislature to a halt. In a major boon for Republicans, Democrats agreed to significant concessions, including key changes to controversial reproductive health care and gun control bills in order to convince the conservative senators to end the longest walkout in state history. Lawmakers now must rush to pass hundreds of bills that have piled up in the Senate, as well as the the state government budget, before the legislative session ends June 25. Senate Republicans and Independents stood firm as the last line of defense for parental rights and the rule of law, Senate Republican Leader Tim Knopp, R-Bend, said in a statement. I am incredibly proud of their steadfast determination to give their constituents a long-overdue seat at the table. Negotiations to end the walkout intensified last week, with talks centering around the sweeping reproductive health care bill that was central to the Republicans boycott. Democrats agreed to several significant changes to the bill to convince Republicans to return. A version of House Bill 2002 that passed the House last month would have codified into law the right of minors younger than 15 to receive an abortion without parental consent or notification. An amendment published Thursday would strike that provision but allow minors under 15 to obtain an abortion when health care providers agree that involving a parent or guardian wouldnt be in the childs best interest, including to protect the child from abuse or neglect. The amendment would also remove language expanding abortion and contraception access on college campuses and in rural parts of the state. However, the bill as amended would still codify in state law the right to reproductive health care and require insurance providers to cover some gender-affirming care procedures such as facial hair removal two top priorities for Democrats this session. As part of the compromise, the Senate Rules committee approved the amendments Thursday afternoon before the full Senate passed the amended bill. The bill still has to go back to the House for final approval. Republicans announced Thursday that Democrats had also agreed to kill Senate Joint Resolution 33, a proposed constitutional amendment guaranteeing the right to same-sex marriage, abortion and gender-affirming care. The Senate voted Thursday to send the resolution back to the Committee on Rules. In addition, Democrats agreed to scrap proposals in their sweeping gun control legislation that would have increased the age to purchase most guns from 18 to 21 and allowed cities or counties to bar people licensed to carry a concealed handgun from doing so in public buildings and on adjacent grounds. House Bill 2005 still contains a provision that would prohibit the sale and possession of ghost guns that cant be traced. The amended bill passed the Senate on Thursday and must now go back to the House for final approval. Democrats are also scrapping Senate Bill 348, which would have put some of the key provisions from Measure 114 into statute. Measure 114, the gun safety bill that voters narrowly approved in November, is currently tied up in court. Both sides tried Thursday to paint the compromise as a win for their caucus. Todays agreement is a win for the people of Oregon. Democrats did our jobs and kept our promises to Oregonians. We protected our shared Oregon priorities and values, including defending the rights we had under Roe v. Wade, rescuing urgent, bipartisan priorities, and sustaining the overwhelmingly voter-approved consequences for walkouts, said Senate Majority Leader Kate Lieber, D-Portland, in a statement. Now, were going to finish the work. Along with the concessions on the reproductive and gun bills, Republicans touted other key wins, saying Democrats had agreed to prioritize a bill exempting farming, ranching and timber property from the Oregon Estate Tax and another bill giving the House impeachment power of statewide elected officials and the Senate the power to try impeachments. Democrats also support the bipartisan impeachment bill. Today is a victory for Oregonians parental rights and law-abiding gun owners. After months of being promised a bipartisan session, Democrats chose to prioritize a partisan and extreme agenda, said House Republican Leader Vikki Breese-Iverson, R-Prineville, in a statement. Republicans held the line and were able to amend the worst parts of House Bill 2002 and the Democrats Omnibus Gun Bill, House Bill 2005. Democrats said the agreement would also allow them to hold a vote on House Bill 2757, which would provide funding for 9-8-8, the national suicide prevention hotline. Lawmakers will also prioritize a bipartisan bill allowing police and first responders to distribute Naloxone, the lifesaving opioid overdose reversal drug. Im encouraged that we were able to come to an agreement that will allow us to finish the important work Oregonians sent us here to accomplish, Senate President Rob Wagner, D-Lake Oswego, said in a statement. We have achieved major bipartisan victories already this session, and I expect that to continue now that we have returned to the floor. Bills had piled up on the Senate floor while committees and lawmakers in the House continued to pass bills and budgets. This week, the Joint Committee on Ways and Means advanced a climate change bill that would shore up Oregons capacity to spend federal funds from the 2022 Inflation Reduction Act. This month, House Democrats announced a $10.2 billion allocation for public education. But those and other proposals had been held up by the Republican walkout until Thursday. On Thursday, bills finally started moving quickly through the Senate, with lawmakers passing several dozen during the floor session. Five Republicans were present on the Senate floor Thursday morning, giving Democrats the quorum necessary to hold votes and conduct business for the first time since May 2. Along with Knopp, the Republicans were: Dick Anderson of Lincoln City, Lynn Findley of Vale, Bill Hansell of Athena and David Brock Smith of Port Orford. Wagner declared a quorum is present and banged the gavel near 11:10 a.m. Knopp took the microphone and said Republicans had sought bipartisanship and compromise with Democrats during intense discussions to end the protest. After heavily criticizing Wagner for more than a month, Knopp credited Democrats for striking a deal. We have received that from your side and we just want to let you know that we want to finish the session out in an extraordinarily bipartisan way, Knopp said. Conservative senators began boycotting May 3. The walkout had threatened to kill hundreds of bills and derail top priorities for Gov. Tina Kotek, including plans to accelerate home building, boost the reading skills of young children and fix the states public defense crisis. The protest by Republicans may have come at a cost. Nine Republicans and Sen. Brian Boquist, I-Dallas, have apparently disqualified themselves from reelection for boycotting the Senate chamber under a new law approved by a majority of Oregon voters last year. However, Knopp and others have said they plan to launch a legal challenge against Measure 113, which disqualifies lawmakers who receive 10 unexcused absences from serving their next term. In addition to Boquist, the senators with more than nine unexcused absences are: Knopp, Findley, Hansell, Daniel Bonham of The Dalles, Cedric Hayden of Fall Creek, Dennis Linthicum of Klamath Falls, Art Robinson of Cave Junction, Kim Thatcher of Keizer and Suzanne Weber of Tillamook. Wagner announced June 1 that boycotting senators would face fines of $325 per day. He will waive those fines as part of the deal, but has no plans to excuse the absences sustained by Republicans during the walkout. Bonham, Boquist, Hayden, Linthicum, Robinson, Thatcher and Weber were absent from the Senate floor Thursday. Bonham told The Oregonian/OregonLive that Democrats negotiated in good faith, but he isnt satisfied with the amendments to the abortion and gun control proposals. He didnt want to participate in any votes on House Bill 2002 and 2005, he said. In particular, Bonham is concerned with the amendment to House Bill 2002 allowing health care providers not to seek parental consent for young minors obtaining an abortion in cases of neglect, which he said is too broad. I gave up my political career for something, and it was to take a stand on that particular bill, Bonham said. Democratic Reps. Khanh Pham of Portland and David Gomberg of Otis had introduced a proposal Wednesday to bring Oregons quorum rules in line with the vast majority of states by requiring a simple majority of lawmakers to conduct business. Wagner told reporters Thursday the bill probably didnt have a path forward this session, despite broad support among Democratic legislators. Grant Stringer; gstringer@oregonian.com; @Stringerjourno Jamie Goldberg; jgoldberg@oregonian.com; 503-221-8228; @jamiebgoldberg Our journalism needs your support. Please become a subscriber today at OregonLive.com/subscribe 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 Mississippi police officer who officials say shot an 11-year-old in late May has been suspended without pay. Indianola Board of Aldermen member Ruben Woods confirmed that the decision to discipline Sgt. Greg Capers for severely injuring Aderrien Murry was made during a board meeting Monday night in a 4-1 vote. The action does not equate to termination. Capers has not been charged in the incident. According to a lawsuit filed last month against the city, Capers, Police Chief Ronald Sampson and five additional police department employees by the minors mother, Nakala Murry, the child sustained a collapsed lung, lacerated liver and fractured ribs from the gunshot wound sustained during a domestic call in May. The suit alleges that Capers shot Murry after arriving at Murrys home that evening after responding to a 911 call from her son because the father of one of Murrys children arrived at her residence unannounced around 4 a.m. Murray feared for the safety of her and her children. When Capers arrived, the suit alleges that he approached the front door with his firearm drawn. He immediately instructed everyone to exit the house. As Aderrien came down the hallway into the living room area, Capers shot him. The child spent four days at the University of Mississippi Medical Center, where he was given a chest tube and placed on oxygen. The injuries endured by all plaintiffs could have been avoided if the defendant wouldve acquired adequate training on how to provide proper assistance and care, the lawsuit states. The suit accuses Sampson, Capers and the employees of negligence, using excessive force, reckless endangerment, civil assault and battery, failure in hiring to monitor, train, supervise and discipline or take necessary corrective action on the officer involved and reckless disregard for the rights and safety of those inside the residence. Nakala Murry is seeking at least $5 million in damages. Speaking with the Associated Press, Michael Carr, an attorney for Capers, described the meeting as closed-door and unnoticed. He stated that neither him or his client were informed that it was taking place. This is very disturbing to Sgt. Capers, the attorney told the outlet. He should have been allowed due process. They have no evidence Sgt. Capers intentionally shot this young man, which he didnt. Everything that happened was a total and complete accident, he said, adding that body cam footage would prove Capers version of the story is accurate. A communications supervisor for the police department responded no comment when asked if officials planned on releasing body cam footage associated with the incident. The investigation is being handled by the Bureau of Investigation and releasing the footage would be on their timeframe, the supervisor said. During an interview with Good Morning America two weeks ago, 11-year-old Murry said he came out of his bedroom with his hands up, ran across a corner of his house and just got shot, which he said felt like a big punch in the chest. He then ran to his mom and started to bleed from the mouth. His mother then began applying pressure to the childs chest. I laid him on the ground and applied pressure to where he was shot at to make sure he didnt go to sleep, she said. I just prayed. I just did what I knew. Relaying a message for the officer, the child said he wants Capers to come forward about what he did to him that night. I want you to be terminated, the child said. When asked about his plans for the future, the 11-year-old said that hed previously wanted to be a police officer but has changed his mind since the incident. He now wants to become a doctor. Gov. Tina Kotek deployed state resources and personnel to two wildfires burning in Umatilla County this week, invoking the Emergency Conflagration Act for the first time this wildfire season. The two fast-moving wildfires began midday Tuesday, fueled by dry conditions and wind gusts up to 30 miles per hour, state officials said. No injuries have been reported and the causes of both fires are under investigation, according to the Oregon State Fire Marshal. Firefighters, resources and personnel from the state fire marshals office, the state forestry department and Multnomah, Clackamas, Marion, Lane, Linn and Yamhill counties are all responding to the fires, according to a statement Wednesday from the governors office. We are focused on keeping families and properties safe, Kotek is quoted saying in the statement. As wildfire season is now upon us, I urge Oregonians to be prepared. The Umatilla County Sheriffs Office issued Level 3 Go Now! evacuation orders for residents living near the 15,000-acre Hat Rock fire, which appeared about 11 a.m. Tuesday on U.S. 730 near Oregon 37, approximately 9 miles northeast of Hermiston. Firefighters said the brush fire spread quickly through grass and sagebrush, traveling northeast and reaching the border with Washington by nightfall, the state fire marshal said Wednesday. The Mount Hebron fire was reported Tuesday about 2 p.m. northeast of Pendleton near Oregon 11, about 30 miles southeast of Hermiston. Pendleton firefighters had the 600-acre brush fire almost entirely contained by nightfall. Some area residents evacuated and several structures were destroyed by the blaze, state officials said. -- Catalina Gaitan, cgaitan@oregonian.com, @catalingaitan_ Our journalism needs your support. Please become a subscriber today at OregonLive.com/subscribe. China Mobile has split contracts for two 5G networks worth a combined CNY7.8 billion ($1.1 billion) between five vendors, with Huawei taking the lions share. The first network will comprise around 63,800 base stations operating within the 2.6GHz to 4.9GHz bands, while the second will see 23,141 sites deployed using the 700MHz band as part of a joint deployment with China Broadnet. In March 2023, China Mobile confirmed plans to launch 260,000 5G base stations this year, taking its total to 1.6 million. C114.net reported that Huawei won contracts worth around CNY4.1 billion to deploy more than half of the total base stations around 45,000, or 52% of the total - between 2023 and 2024. The remainder will be split between ZTE, Ericsson, Datang Mobile and Nokia; the news outlet estimated the respective values (and proportions) of these vendors contracts as being CNY2.1 billion (27%), CNY630 million (8.2%), CNY550 million (7.1%) and CNY400 million (5.2%). Huawei will be relieved to take such a large share of this new contract given its renewed focus on its home market. The US has placed sanctions on many Chinese firms, but Huawei in particular has been targeted by a sustained campaign that has seen numerous developed markets shun the vendor to the extent of ripping previously installed Huawei equipment out of their 5G networks. The Gender Observatory of the feminist magazine Alas Tensas (OGAT) published the names of two of the most recent femicide victims in Cuba, after completing the fact-checking processes. They were Maria Cristina Rodriguez Rodriguez and Milsa, murdered in Santiago de Cuba and Granma, respectively. The first was a 43-year-old woman who resided in the Santiago community of Songo la Maya. She had been reported missing 72 hours earlier and her body was found on June 2, in a river, with signs of rape, according to the independent Cubanet media, citing an "expert examination" and verified by OGAT. The femicide of Rodriguez Rodriguez raised to at least eight those that occurred last May in Cuba, according to independent observatories. Milsa, 46, a resident of Mabay, Granma, was killed by her husband, the father of the youngest of her two sons. On Facebook, journalist Alberto Arego reported this violent event, which was later confirmed. Community sources said that it happened in front of several people, according to OGAT. The event took place on June 2, five days before the femicide of Anisleysi Rodriguez, 34, in Cerro La Habana. The latter, which brought to 38 the number of deaths from VAW on the island so far in 2023, was reported by OGAT and the Yo Si Te Creo (I Believe You) platform in Cuba, while verifications of the other two events were being completed. With the death of Milsa and Anisleysi Rodriguez, three events of this nature have been recorded in June by the independent observatories. Thus far, February, with nine victims, was the month in which the most femicides were verified in 2023. May is now the second month, with eight confirmed. In January, seven were confirmed; in April, six; and in March, five. Of the 38 femicides recorded by independent observatories in Cuba through June 12, six were verified in the last week. In addition, two failed attempts have been reported so far this year. As Yo Si Te Creo noted in a Facebook post, there has been a 50% increase in cases from 2022, when 36 were verified, to 2023 (38 in less than six months). Miguel Diaz-Canel, however, only made public reference to the problem last April, when there had already been 23 femicides. At the time, the president announced on his Twitter account that there would be "zero tolerance" for Violence Against Women. On June 8, when the number of femicides in Cuba was already 35, the regime's Federation of Cuban Women (FMC) presented the Observatory of Cuba on Gender Equality, which Diaz Canel described as "an essential tool, which will allow us to continue advancing in the protection of women." However, the presentation made no reference to the alarming increase in deaths as a result of machista violence on the island. Feminicide was referred to as "intentional gender-based homicide." The Cuban authorities insist on refusing to classify the deaths of these women as femicides, seeking to evade their responsibility in the matter, and putting the causes down to, above all, cultural and educational reasons. The FMC's Cuban Observatory on Gender Equality comes three years after the organization itself presented its National Program for the Advancement of Women, which it offered as an initiative to confront sexist violence. On the launch of this state observatory, the feminist magazine Alas Tensas said it hopes that it will use the right terms to refer to the murders of women constituting VAW, and that its creation will not serve only the regime's interest, burnishing its image. "If the FMC is presenting the Cuba Observatory on Gender Equality today, it is because feminist activists, independent observatories and civil society organizations have pushed for this to happen," Alas Tensas said on Twitter. Thanks to the work of independent feminist groups, in December 2022 Cuba was included, for the first time, in its report called the Latin American Map of Femicides, due to the increase of this problem on the island and the lack of concrete public policies to deal with it. "We expect this official observatory to offer up-to-date figures, responsible analysis and a gender perspective. Putting an emphasis on prevention and redress, and using the right terms for gender-based crimes: femicide," Alas Tensas tweeted. One of the main demands of Cuban activists has been the inclusion of femicides in the Criminal Code, in addition to the approval of a comprehensive caw against gender violence, but neither has been undertaken by a regime that claims to defend women. Tripoli, Libya (PANA) - Controversy continues to rage in Libya since the announcement in Bouznika, Morocco, of a consensus between members of the 6+6 Joint Commission of the House of Representatives (Parliament) and the High Council of State on the electoral laws for the parliamentary and presidential elections Port Louis, Mauritius (PANA ) The governments of the United Kingdom and United States of America should mark the 50th anniversary of the forced displacement of the Chagossian Indigenous people from their homeland by announcing they will provide full reparations, Human Rights Watch (HRW) said on Thursday Ouagadougou, Burkina Faso (PANA) - Islamist armed groups in Burkina Faso have killed scores of civilians, looted and burned property, and forced thousands to flee in attacks across the country since late 2022, Human Rights Watch (HRW) said on Thursday Khartoum, Sudan (PANA) - The UN mission in the Sudan issued a statement here Wednesday strongly condemning the killing of a Darfur governor, describing it as "this heinous act" New York, US (PANA) - The UN Secretary-General, Antonio Guterres, said on Wednesday he was horrified at the news of dozens more deaths in the Mediterranean after an overloaded boat reportedly capsized and sank off the coast of Greece Photo: (Photo : SERGEI SUPINSKY/AFP via Getty Images) In a significant development, the Department of Justice announced on Wednesday that two men, including an active-duty Marine, have been arrested and face federal charges in connection with the firebombing of a Planned Parenthood clinic in Costa Mesa, California, back in March 2022. Chance Brannon, a 23-year-old Marine stationed at Camp Pendleton, and Tibet Ergul, a 21-year-old resident of Orange County, are accused of using a Molotov cocktail to set the clinic ablaze, causing damage to the property. Special agents from the FBI and the Naval Criminal Investigative Service arrested Brannon and Ergul earlier today without incident. According to ABC News, both individuals are charged with the use of an explosive or fire to damage real property affecting interstate commerce, as stated in the federal complaint. Investigation and Identification of Suspects The attack occurred in the early hours of March 13, 2022, when the defendants allegedly ignited and threw a Molotov cocktail at the clinic's front door. Fortunately, no one was injured during the incident, but the clinic had to temporarily suspend its operations. Security footage captured the two suspects wearing hooded sweatshirts and face masks, prompting an FBI investigation and a reward of up to $25,000 for information leading to their identification and capture. The breakthrough in the case came when a witness contacted the FBI on April 3, providing crucial information that identified Ergul and Brannon as the culprits. The witness, a high school friend of the suspects, claimed that Ergul had sent text messages admitting his involvement in the attack, accompanied by photographs of the Molotov cocktail used in the crime. Cell phone data also placed Brannon in the vicinity of the Planned Parenthood clinic on the night of the incident, according to the complaint. Read Also: Neighbor Bravely Saved 8-Year-Old Girl from "Extremely Rare" Fox Attack Disturbing Trend of Attacks on Reproductive Health Facilities If convicted, Brannon and Ergul face a maximum penalty of 20 years in federal prison for using an explosive or fire to damage real property affecting interstate commerce. U.S. Attorney Martin Estrada emphasized the seriousness of the attack, acknowledging the critical healthcare services provided by the targeted facility and expressing gratitude that no physical harm occurred. Estrada condemned the defendants' violent actions as entirely unacceptable. The defendants made their first court appearance today, although it remains unclear whether they have legal representation at this time. The Marine Corps, to which Brannon belongs, has refrained from commenting on ongoing legal matters. The firebombing at the Costa Mesa clinic adds to the distressing trend of attacks on reproductive health service facilities across the country. Planned Parenthood, in a statement to ABC Los Angeles station KABC, voiced its concern over such incidents, stating that they have become increasingly prevalent and emphasizing the need for immediate action. As the investigation continues, the FBI and the Naval Criminal Investigative Service are diligently working to gather additional evidence regarding the Costa Mesa incident and any potential connections to other similar attacks. Disclaimer: The information presented in this article is based on publicly available sources and may not represent the complete details of the ongoing investigation or subsequent legal proceedings. Related Article: Active US Marine Charged With Second-Degree Murder After Allegedly Stabbing Pregnant Wife to Death Photo: (Photo : Maddie Meyer/Getty Images) Cedric Lodge, Harvard Medical School's former morgue manager, was charged with selling stolen body parts donated by families. The former morgue manager at Harvard Medical School is facing federal charges for allegedly stealing, selling, and shipping human body parts, leaving the renowned institution embroiled in a shocking controversy. The alleged scheme involves the unauthorized trade of body parts that were generously donated by families for medical education and research purposes. Harvard Medical School's Shocking Betrayal of Trust According to NBC News, in a startling turn of events, Cedric Lodge, 55, has been indicted on federal charges related to the illegal trafficking of human body parts. The accusations state that Lodge stole dissected portions of donated cadavers, including heads, brains, skin, bones, and other human remains, without the knowledge or permission of the school. The stolen remains were then allegedly transported to his residence in New Hampshire. The indictment further reveals that Lodge conspired with his wife, Denise Lodge, 63, and others, including Katrina Maclean, 44, and Joshua Taylor, 46, to sell the pilfered body parts to interested buyers. Maclean, the owner of Kat's Creepy Creations store in Peabody, Massachusetts, is accused of being involved in the distribution of the stolen body parts. This grievous betrayal not only tarnished the reputation of Harvard Medical School but also infringed upon the trust of families who selflessly donated the remains of their loved ones for the advancement of medical science and education. The charges filed against Lodge, his wife, Maclean, and Taylor include conspiracy and interstate transport of stolen goods. According to federal prosecutors, the illicit activities occurred from 2018 through early March 2023, during which the accused individuals allegedly communicated with buyers through phone calls and social media. According to CBS, in Concord, New Hampshire, both the Lodges appeared in federal court, while MacLean faced charges of transporting stolen goods in Boston, resulting in her release by the judge due to the non-violent nature of the offense. Meanwhile, two additional individuals, Mathew Lampi and Jeremy Pauley, were charged in the investigation, while Candace Chapman Scott from Little Rock, Arkansas, had previously been indicted for similar allegations of stealing and selling body parts from a mortuary and crematorium. Read Also: Florida Woman Charged With Manslaughter: Troubled History of Harassing Children Emerges Harvard's Response and Moving Forward Harvard University officials expressed profound dismay upon learning of the disturbing allegations. CNN reported that in a letter addressed to the community, Harvard Medical School deans George Daley and Edward Hundert acknowledged the betrayal of trust suffered by both the institution and the families who generously willed their bodies to advance medical education and research. They added, "We are so very sorry for the pain this news will cause for our anatomical donors' families and loved ones." Harvard has pledged to work closely with federal authorities to identify the affected donated bodies and reach out to their families. The university has also appointed an external panel to conduct a thorough evaluation of its anatomical donor program and morgue policies. The objective of this assessment is to provide constructive feedback and recommendations to enhance security and ensure the integrity of the program and the invaluable whole-body donations it receives. As the legal process unfolds, the case serves as a sobering reminder of the ethical responsibilities that come with handling donated human remains. The alleged actions of a few individuals have deeply impacted the reputation of Harvard Medical School and have caused anguish to the families of the deceased, who expected their loved ones' remains to be treated with the utmost respect. The alleged scheme represents a severe breach of trust and undermines the ethical principles central to medical education and research. Harvard University, committed to rectifying this deeply distressing situation, has initiated measures to support the affected families and reassess its protocols to prevent such an egregious betrayal in the future. Related Article: 19-Year-Old Tanishq Mathew Abraham Makes History as Youngest Ph.D. Graduate in Biomedical Engineering This service applies to you if your subscription has not yet expired on our old site. You will have continued access until your subscription expires; then you will need to purchase an ongoing subscription through our new system. Please contact the Parsons Sun office at (620) 421-2000 if you have any questions A new item has gone up on the website of the Interpreter Foundation: Conference Talks: Notes from Stephen H. Webb, which was presented on behalf of the then recently deceased Stephen H. Webb at the 2016 Second Interpreter Science & Mormonism Symposium: Body, Brain, Mind, and Spirit on Saturday, 12 March 2016: Science and Mormonism have nearly always been on very friendly terms, with Church members sharing the deep conviction that, as expressed by former scientist and apostle Elder James E. Talmage, within the gospel of Jesus Christ there is room and place for every truth thus far learned by man, or yet to be made known. Subsequent Presidents and General Authorities of the Church have advanced similar views about the ultimate compatibility of religious and scientific truths and, with notably few exceptions, have maintained markedly positive attitudes toward both the methods and conclusions of mainstream science and the advance of modern technology. *** If I were at home instead of nearly five thousand miles away, I would make every effort to attend this: 2023 Religious Freedom Annual Review: Religious Communities: Worshipping, Serving, and Learning Together (Thursday, 15 June 2023). *** We spent a fair amount of today in Herefordshire pronounced with four syllables, not merely three, as something like HARE-eh-ferd-shur and one of the stories that Peter Fagg told us was about Mary Field Garner, who was born at Stanley Hill, Herefordshire, on 1 February 1836. At her birth, King William IV the third son of King George III, against whom the American colonists had rebelled was still on the throne. Princess Victoria would not become Queen Victoria for nearly another year and a half. Martin Van Buren had just been elected president of the United States. The Civil War was still roughly a quarter of a century in the future, and the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints was not quite six years old. Marys parents joined the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and emigrated to America when Mary was five years old. They settled in Nauvoo, Illinois. She was eight years of age when Joseph and Hyrum Smith were assassinated in Carthage, Illinois, and, as she later recorded Mother took us children to view the bodies after they were prepared for burial. She never forgot it. Mary Field Garner lived to be 107 years old. It is said that she didnt need glasses even at the end, that her mind was sharp and quick, that she possessed a good sense of humor, and that she had required a physicians care only once in her life before her final illness. When she died on 20 July 1943, Heber J. Grant was approaching the end of his time as president of the Church, Franklin Delano Roosevelt was in the last period of his administration as president of the United States, light was beginning to appear at the end of the dark tunnel of World War Two, and the Church Historians office pronounced her The Last Leaf because she was the last living person to have personally known the Prophet Joseph Smith. Here is a testimony that she bore near the end of her life: It is said I am the only living witness to have actually seen and known the prophet Joseph Smith, and I want to bear my testimony to the world and especially to every Latter-Day Saint to the truthfulness of the Gospel as revealed through the Prophet Joseph, that Jesus Christ is the Savior of mankind, that Joseph Smith was a true and living prophet of God, that he was divinely called of God to establish his true Gospel on this earth in the last dispensation. That he was a true and faithful leader of the Saints and that the principles he advocated were true and correct beyond a doubt, that he lived the Gospel as he taught it to his people, that he did seal his testimony with his blood, that I was in Nauvoo at the time of the martyrdom and I did see their bodies returned to Nauvoo to be prepared for burial, that I did view the bodies before they were buried. That Brigham Young and all the other presidents of our Church have been true prophets of God who were divinely called to lead and teach this people as they should be taught. I am glad my parents embraced the Gospel in England and came to Zion. I am thankful that I was permitted to live in this last dispensation when the Gospel was restored to the earth by the prophet Joseph Smith and of being many, many times in his presence. There is no doubt in my mind of the truthfulness of the Gospel and it is my desire to live the Gospel to the best of my ability for the rest of my life, that I may be found worthy to again associate with my family and the other righteous Saints. (For this account, I have drawn from The Last Leaf: Mary Field Garner.. One of the places of interest that we visited today was the so-called Herefordshire Beacon, one of the Malvern Hills. A good, concise treatment of it, and of its importance for Wilford Woodruff, as well as for Brigham Young and Willard Richards, can be found with photographs on the website of the Ensign Peak Foundation.) *** I know that some of you perpetually hunger for the exhilaration of infuriating material from the Christopher Hitchens Memorial How Religion Poisons Everything File. And Im here to help. Consider, for example, these horrors: Posted from Cheltenham, Gloucestershire, England Does God Micromanage Every Intent?; God Judges Assyria; Israel Judged in Isaiah 6; Predestined Crucifixion; Acts 13:48: Ordained to Eternal Life; Catholic Church & Gods Providence The late Steve Hays (1959-2020) was a Calvinist (and anti-Catholic) apologist, who was very active on his blog, called Triablogue . His 819-page self-published book, Biblical Calvinism has graciously been made available for free. On 9 September 2006, Hays was extraordinarily charitable towards me (seeing that almost all anti-Catholics have treated me like Vlad the Impaler). He wrote then: ***** Psalm 33:10-11, 15 The Lord brings the counsel of the nations to nothing; he frustrates the plans of the peoples. 11 The counsel of the Lord stands forever, the plans of his heart to all generations. 15 he who fashions the hearts of them all and observes all their deeds. [p. 26] Proverbs 19:21 Many are the plans in the mind of a man, but it is the purpose of the Lord that will stand. [p. 27] These are statements of Gods sovereignty and providence. We have no disagreement with it, of course. A Calvinist like Hays sees this as antithetical to human free will choices (which is the purpose he produces it). Its not. As I have already shown in several examples in my previous two installments, God works around sinful human choices (allowed in His permissive will) and is able to work out His perfect will in the long run. All of the relevant biblical data has to be considered and harmonized. Proverbs 21:1 The kings heart is a stream of water in the hand of the Lord; he turns it wherever he will. [p. 28] [cf. Prov 20:24] First of all, the nature of proverbial literature is that it states general truths, which can admit of exceptions. If the Calvinist wishes to assert that God directs the hearts and minds and will of every ruler and political leader to do whatever He wants them to do, in every minute particular, then they have a huge problem, since it would follow that evil leaders were always directed by God to do His will right along with the good rulers. Thus, Lenin, Stalin, Mao, Hitler, Nero, Attila the Hun, Pol Pot, the wicked rulers of the Assyrians and Babylonians, Caligula, Diocletian, and all the other myriads of evil rulers only did what God wanted (in effect, forced) them to do. That cant be because Gods perfect will never includes intrinsically evil ends. These wicked rulers acted of their own free will, just as the Pharaoh of Moses time did (Pharaoh . . . hardened his heart: Ex 8:15; cf. 8:19, 32; 9:7, 34-35). The Bible then states that God hardened his heart (see Reply #1), but it was because Pharaoh already had done so in his free will, and God in His providence gave him up to it (cf. Romans 1). His actions, then, cannot be chalked up to foreordained decrees of God (so that he could not have possibly acted otherwise). When Moses and Aaron said Let my people go to Pharaoh (Ex 5:1), he could have said okay. His response was not foreordained or predetermined. The Bible says several times after this first encounter that God hardened his heart, but note that in the end, Pharaoh did let the Israelites go; therefore, the entire scenario involved his free will to do as he wished: Exodus 12:31-32 And he summoned Moses and Aaron by night, and said, Rise up, go forth from among my people, both you and the people of Israel; and go, serve the LORD, as you have said. [32] Take your flocks and your herds, as you have said, and be gone; and bless me also! Then, as we all know, Pharaoh changed his mind again, and pursued the Hebrews, until his army was drowned in the sea: Exodus 14:5-8 When the king of Egypt was told that the people had fled, the mind of Pharaoh and his servants was changed toward the people, and they said, What is this we have done, that we have let Israel go from serving us? [6] So he made ready his chariot and took his army with him, [7] and took six hundred picked chariots and all the other chariots of Egypt with officers over all of them. [8] And the LORD hardened the heart of Pharaoh king of Egypt and he pursued the people of Israel as they went forth defiantly. Its always the same dynamic, as I have repeatedly shown in this series. Man makes up his mind to do evil, then it is said non-literally that God in His providence and use of evil to bring about good, hardened him; or He allows Satan to afflict Job for a time, etc. The Calvinist interpretation doesnt fly. It dies the death of a thousand cuts. God in His providence eventually defeats tremendous evil but sometimes it takes centuries. We defeated Hitler and Hirohito in World War II (after having allowed, in our stupidity and naivete, Hitler to build up his military), but Stalins and Maos evils continued. Once that crisis passed, human beings decided to start murdering preborn children by the hundreds of millions: far more deaths than occurred in the World War (God hasnt yet caused that extreme wickedness to cease). So the more things change, the more they stay the same. Isaiah 14:24-27 The Lord of hosts has sworn: As I have planned, so shall it be, and as I have purposed, so shall it stand, 25 that I will break the Assyrian in my land, and on my mountains trample him underfoot; and his yoke shall depart from them, and his burden from their shoulder. 26 This is the purpose that is purposed concerning the whole earth, and this is the hand that is stretched out over all the nations. 27 For the Lord of hosts has purposed, and who will annul it? His hand is stretched out, and who will turn it back? [p. 29] God promised to defeat and judge nations who came against His chosen people, Israel. For example: Zephaniah 2:13 And he will stretch out his hand against the north, and destroy Assyria; and he will make Nineveh a desolation, a dry waste like the desert. And thats exactly what happened. As always, God incorporated free human choices. Assyria was an empire from the 14th century to the 7th century BC. In the late 7th century BC, it was conquered by a coalition of the Babylonians and Medes. Nineveh was the largest city in the world for about fifty years (with 100-120,000 population) until it was sacked in 612 BC. The Assyrians had their chance to repent and reform themselves, with the preaching of the prophet Jonah in Nineveh in the 8th century BC. They did for a time (at least in Nineveh), but must have descended back into wickedness and their notorious cruelty towards enemies, leading to their God-ordained judgment. John 12:39-40 Therefore they could not believe. For again Isaiah said, 40 He has blinded their eyes and hardened their heart, lest they see with their eyes, and understand with their heart, and turn, and I would heal them. [pp. 33-34] Here is the Old Testament passage cited: Isaiah 6:9-10 And he said, Go, and say to this people: `Hear and hear, but do not understand; see and see, but do not perceive. [10] Make the heart of this people fat, and their ears heavy, and shut their eyes; lest they see with their eyes, and hear with their ears, and understand with their hearts, and turn and be healed. The prophet Isaiah (c. 740- c. 681 BC) lived during the reign of King Hezekiah. Encyclopedia Britannica (Hezekiah) states that the dates of his reign are often given as about 715 to about 686 BC. New Bible Dictionary (Hezekiah: p. 524) states that at the beginning of Hezekiahs reign, the religious life of the nation had been contaminated by heathen influences . . . superstition, idolatry, and spiritual blindness . . . On page 121, Hays wrote: Reformed theological method is based less on snappy one-liners than tracing out the flow of argument or narrative arc in larger blocks of Scripture, and he gave Isaiah chapters 40-48 as an example. Very well, then. If we are to better understand what God wanted to communicate in Isaiah 6:9-10, that was cited in John 12:39-40, we need to understand the situation in Israel, as described by Isaiah in chapters 1-5, that led God to proclaim what he did through Isaiah, in a pungent, sarcastic way: Isaiah 1:4 Ah, sinful nation, a people laden with iniquity, offspring of evildoers, sons who deal corruptly! They have forsaken the LORD, they have despised the Holy One of Israel, they are utterly estranged. Isaiah 1:7, 9 Your country lies desolate, your cities are burned with fire; in your very presence aliens devour your land; it is desolate, as overthrown by aliens. . . . If the LORD of hosts had not left us a few survivors, we should have been like Sodom, and become like Gomorrah. Isaiah 1:13, 15 Bring no more vain offerings; incense is an abomination to me. New moon and sabbath and the calling of assemblies I cannot endure iniquity and solemn assembly. . . . When you spread forth your hands, I will hide my eyes from you; even though you make many prayers, I will not listen; your hands are full of blood. Isaiah 1:21, 25 How the faithful city has become a harlot, she that was full of justice! Righteousness lodged in her, but now murderers. . . . I will turn my hand against you and will smelt away your dross as with lye and remove all your alloy. Isaiah 2:8 Their land is filled with idols; they bow down to the work of their hands, to what their own fingers have made. Isaiah 3:8-9 For Jerusalem has stumbled, and Judah has fallen; because their speech and their deeds are against the LORD, defying his glorious presence. [9] Their partiality witnesses against them; they proclaim their sin like Sodom, they do not hide it. Woe to them! For they have brought evil upon themselves. Isaiah 5:12, 20, 24-25 . . . they do not regard the deeds of the LORD, or see the work of his hands. . . . [20] Woe to those who call evil good and good evil, who put darkness for light and light for darkness, . . . [24] . . . they have rejected the law of the LORD of hosts, and have despised the word of the Holy One of Israel. [25] Therefore the anger of the LORD was kindled against his people, and he stretched out his hand against them and smote them, . . . All of that and more sets the stage for Isaiah 6 and the words under consideration. Again, Israel caused its own judgment to come about. The text explicitly explains this. They brought evil upon themselves (Is 3:9), and as a result, the Bible states, Therefore the anger of the LORD was kindled against his people . . . God didnt cause this to happen or ordain it. He allowed it to happen and judged the wicked (even among His chosen people) when it did. If the Calvinist take were correct, on the other hand, Isaiah 5:25 would have to read something like, Therefore the LORD preordained the sin of His people and made them as wicked as Sodom, so that his anger was kindled against them. With all due respect, thats not the God of the Bible that I have studied for 45 years, but rather, a capricious God Who acts in irrational, senseless, and unjust ways. Acts 2:23 this Jesus, delivered up according to the definite plan and foreknowledge of God, you crucified and killed by the hands of lawless men. [p. 34] Acts 4:28 to do whatever your hand and your plan had predestined to take place. [p. 35] Acts 4:27 reads: for truly in this city there were gathered together against thy holy servant Jesus, whom thou didst anoint, both Herod and Pontius Pilate, with the Gentiles and the peoples of Israel, Jacob Arminius (1560-1609), the Dutch Protestant theologian, from whose name Arminianism derives, wrote about these two passages: Let us see now what can be proved from these passages. The passage in Acts 2:23, teaches, not that God willed that the Jews should slay Christ, but, that he was delivered by the determinate counsel and foreknowledge of God into the power of those who wished to slay him. Nothing more can be inferred from Acts 4:28. For God predetermined to deliver His own Son into the hands of his enemies, that He might suffer from them that which God had laid upon him, and which the Jews, of their own wickedness and hatred against Christ, had determined to inflict upon him. God, indeed, determined before that death should be inflicted on Christ by them; but in what character did God consider them when He determined before that this should be done by them? In that character, surely, which they had at the time when they inflicted death upon Christ, that is, in the character of sworn enemies of Christ, of obstinate enemies and contemners of God and the truth; who could be led to repentance by no admonitions, prayers, threats or miracles; who wished to inflict every evil on Christ, if they could only obtain the power over him, which they had often sought in vain. It is evident, then, that there was here no other action of God in this case than that He delivered His own Son into their hands, and permitted them to do their pleasure in reference to him, . . . But there appears here no action of God by which they were impelled or moved to will and to do what they willed and did; but He used those who wished, of their own malice and envy, to put Christ to death, in a mode, which, He knew, would conduce to His own glory and the salvation of men. (Allegation 3, from Works, Vol. 3 [1853], 387-388) Acts 13:48 And when the Gentiles heard this, they began rejoicing and glorifying the word of the Lord, and as many as were appointed to eternal life believed. [p. 35] John Wesley exegeted this text as follows: As many as were ordained to eternal life St. Luke does not say fore ordained. He is not speaking of what was done from eternity, but of what was then done, through the preaching of the Gospel. He is describing that ordination, and that only, which was at the very time of hearing it. During this sermon those believed, says the apostle, to whom God then gave power to believe. It is as if he had said, They believed, whose hearts the Lord opened; as he expresses it in a clearly parallel place, speaking of the same kind of ordination, Acts 16:14, &c [The Lord opened her heart to give heed to what was said by Paul]. It is observable, the original word is not once used in Scripture to express eternal predestination of any kind [Strongs word #5021: tasso]. The sum is, all those and those only, who were now ordained, now believed. Not that God rejected the rest: it was his will that they also should have been saved: but they thrust salvation from them. Nor were they who then believed constrained to believe. But grace was then first copiously offered them. And they did not thrust it away, so that a great multitude even of Gentiles were converted. In a word, the expression properly implies, a present operation of Divine grace working faith in the hearers. (Explanatory Notes Upon the New Testament, 5th ed., 1788, 398-399; bracketed additions my own) Acts 17:26 And he made from one man every nation of mankind to live on all the face of the earth, having determined allotted periods and the boundaries of their dwelling place [p. 35] This is part of Gods providence, which the Catholic Church accepts as enthusiastically as any Protestant, and I dare say, any Calvinist, too. Calvinists dont own the notions of providence and predestination. St. Thomas Aquinas wrote about providence in the 13th century, contending that the regulation of all things to an end (ratio ordinis rerum in finem) exists from all eternity (see Summa Theologica, I, 22, 1) and that every human being is adapted to an end through Gods providence (S.th. I, 22, 2). The First Vatican Council in 1870 taught: Everything that God has brought into being he protects and governs by his providence, which reaches from one end of the earth to the other and orders all things well. (Dogmatic Constitution on the Catholic Faith, Ch. 1: On God the Creator of All Things, 4; cites the deuterocanonical Wisdom of Solomon 8:1 in support: She reaches mightily from one end of the earth to the other, and she orders all things well.) The Catholic Encyclopedia has a magnificent article, Divine Providence, dated 1911. I cite about half of the section entitled, The testimony of Scripture: Anyone who thinks that the Catholic Church doesnt believe in Gods providence ought to read this section (and the entire article) three times. *** 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: Portrait of John Calvin by Titian (1490-1576) [public domain / Wikimedia Commons] *** Summary: This is one of my many (often point-by-point) replies to the Exegetical Considerations section (pp. 20-186) of Steve Hays Biblical Calvinism book. The African Science Academy (ASA) has held its 6th graduation ceremony, with 40 young women drawn across Africa graduating with various certificates in science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) fields. The girls-only Advanced Level school for math and science founded by African Gifted Foundation is a boarding school for young women from across the continent with outstanding mathematical and science potential. The young women, in just one year, completed the globally respected Cambridge International A Levels in Mathematics, Further Mathematics and Physics. They were also provided with robotics and computer science programmes alongside their A-Levels to prepare them for careers in engineering, science, computing and more. Magnificent representation of diversity Speaking during the ceremony as guest speaker, award-winning businesswoman and activist Dr. Yvonne Thompson CBE urged the graduates - who were drawn from 12 countries across the continent including Ghana, South Africa, Nigeria and Togo - to seize the opportunity provided them by ASA to lead the continents transformation. You are the magnificent representation of Africas rich diversity, and as you commence your journey you have shown that you have the thirst for life, for knowledge, for progress, innovation and being able to conquer all obstacles the world to come will inevitably throw at you, she told the graduates. Epitome of dedication, persistence, courage Dr. Thompson further reminded the graduates that as they weave their path to the top, they should always be guided by the fact that they carry with them the wisdom of Ghana, the resilience of Rwanda, the resourcefulness of Uganda, the heart of Burundi, the rhythm of Zimbabwe, the warmth of Togo, the strength of Nigeria, the spirit of Cameroon, the richness of Tanzania and the pride of Kenya. Know that you stand before us as the epitome of dedication, persistence and courage. And, together, you are a great force of nature, she stated. Biggest class ever Dr. Tom Ilube CBE, the founder of ASA, said the 2023 class is the biggest the Academy has ever had in its six-year existence. Describing them as the first of the Academys ambitious future expansion plans, he said: Now it is your time to leave us and go off to achieve amazing things. It is a wonderful time, actually, to go out and make your mark. It is a time of extreme technological change. There is so much going on in the world of technology, which will influence everything. In the near-future, Dr. Ilube said, the Academy hopes to commence building a campus as part of a long-term plan to allow for the enrolment of more students. Privilege to witness this collective brilliance The Headteacher, Ms. Gifty Ghansah, spoke fondly of the graduates in her remarks, saying: In a world where science, engineering and mathematics play an increasingly critical role, it is truly a privilege to witness the collective brilliance of these young minds. She said through sheer grit and determination, the all-women graduates demonstrated that they are future leaders of the STEM world. They have proven that gender is no barrier to success, and their achievements are a testament to their intelligence, passion and unwavering belief in their abilities, Ms. Ghansah reiterated. The beacon of hope On her part, the deputy head prefect, Praise Kudzai Machengere who hails from Zimbabwe, praised Dr. Ilube for believing in them and illuminating the paths of their countless dreams. Ms. Machengere on behalf of her colleagues also thanked Ms. Ghansah for her love, leadership, and unwavering support throughout their journey. You have been a guiding light, providing us with strength when we needed it and moments of laughter and celebration when we least expected it, she said. Awards The schools management gave out several awards during the ceremony; including Best Student in A-level Further Mathematics and Overall Best Student in Academics, which were picked up by Merveille Solim Sama of Togo. Below is the full list of awardees: Category Name 1 Best student in A-level Mathematics Esther Aku Beni 2 Best student in A-level Further Mathematics Merveille Solim Sama 3 Best student in A-level Physics Joyce Christiane Zebaze Temkeng 4 Overall best student in Academics Merveille Solim Sama 5 Outstanding Development Award Gladys Ayebea Ashong 6 All Round Student of the year award Praise Kudzai Machengere 7 Most disciplined student of the year award Sarah Nana Efua Serwaa Paintsil 8 ASA resilience award Favour Amourzang Fri Fon 9 ASA ambassador award Ruth Arhin 10 Exceptional Dedication: Theresa Ajube/ Chioma Stella Opara Award for the Embodiment of ASA values 11 Excellence Merveille Solim Sama 12 Integrity Ruth Arhin 13 Diversity Ode Prisca Pamela Ishimwe/Georgette Akou Edzodzinam Zuouglo 14 Caring Community Eva Mensah 15 Ambition Agatha Suzie S. Youyou 16 Empowerment Christiane Joyce Temkeng Zebaze 17 Innovation Favour A. Fri Fon/ Suzzie Youyou/ Monica Moses 18 Creativity Doris Fosu 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 former Secretary of the Inter-Ministerial Committee on Illegal Mining (IMCIM), Charles Bissue has stated that he is not in hiding and remains within the jurisdiction of Ghana. He has also expressed his intention to visit the Office of the Special Prosecutor to provide the necessary information as requested. The Office of the Special Prosecutor had declared Mr. Bissue wanted after he failed to respond to an invitation to appear and answer questions related to an ongoing investigation into suspected corruption within the dissolved IMCIM. In an interview with Citi FM, Bissue expressed his disappointment with the situation, stating that he is currently in the Western region of Ghana and on his way to Accra. He stated, "It is rather unfortunate, it has gotten to this. I'm within the jurisdiction, I'm in the country, in the Western region. As we speak, I'm making my way to Accra. The Special Prosecutor and I were in court a couple of weeks ago, and he wrote that he wanted to meet me on another matter. I told them I had an emergency at home, but they declined it and asked me to attend on a certain date which I couldn't. Further to that, all we heard was an arrest warrant for me." Mr. Bissue emphasized his respect for the law and mentioned that he has already provided relevant information to the Bureau of National Investigations (BNI), Criminal Investigations Department (CID), and National Security. He assured that he has no intention of evading the authorities and questioned why he has been declared wanted when he has not committed any crime. "I'm not above the law, I have always abided by the law. Already I have been to the BNI, not as a suspect, to provide information. I have been to the CID office, and sometimes I go in there to do some documentation for them. I have been with the National Security, and I don't think I will run away. I'm not a fugitive for my photos to be advertised out there. I will go to the Special Prosecutor's Office and provide the information required of me. I know I'm innocent, I haven't committed any crime. I haven't done anything wrong, I haven't sold any excavators," Mr. Bissue affirmed. Source: graphiconline.com Disclaimer : Opinions expressed here are those of the writers and do not reflect those of Peacefmonline.com. Peacefmonline.com accepts no responsibility legal or otherwise for their accuracy of content. Please report any inappropriate content to us, and we will evaluate it as a matter of priority. Featured Video An Appeals Court Judge has advocated for support for security-sector institutions to enable them to discharge their mandate effectively. Justice Afia Serwaa Asare Botwe who made the call, asserted that when state institutions are entrusted with responsibilities, businesses and people expect them to deliver on their mandate. She emphasised that institutions that usually receive reported cybercrime incidents are met with challenges in obtaining reliable evidence and the appropriate logistics to aid effective remedial measures. This, she stressed, results in delays in investigations, leaving elements of unsolved cases. Justice Asare Botwe maintained that the myriad of logistical challenges faced by some critical state institutions hinders timely remedial interventions against cyber criminals and adversely affect their ability to deliver. According to her, the conversation on minimising cybercrime activities in Ghana especially can only commence with the provision of robust logistical and sustainable funding support from the state and international partners. Justice Asare Botwe was delivering remarks on behalf of the Director General of the Cyber Security Authority (CSA), Dr. Albert Antwi-Boasiako at the Public Consultation on the Second Additional Protocol to the Convention on Cybercrime on Enhanced Co-operation and Disclosure of Electronic Evidence in Accra. In attendance were Mrs Mavis Amoa, the Director of Legislative Drafting, Office of the Attorney-General and Ministry of Justice, members of the Joint Cybersecurity Committee, representatives, and experts from the Council of Europe. The event, which was held under the auspices of the Council of Europe and the Cyber Security Authority is part of preparatory measures for the Government of Ghana to sign the Second Additional Protocol to the Convention on Cybercrime on Enhanced Co-operation and Disclosure of Electronic Evidence. The Second Additional Protocol was formally approved on November 17, 2021, and opened for signature by the Parties to the Convention on Cybercrime on May 12, 2022. Ghana ratified the Convention on Cybercrime on December 3, 2018, and entered into force on April 1, 2019. The Second Additional Protocol contains important new provisions to further enhance cooperation and disclosure of electronic evidence to support countries in effectively tackling cybercrime and other crimes involving electronic evidence. To this end, Justice Asare Botwe stressed that the ripple effect of cyber activities and its borderless nature tend to garner international attention hence the call for cooperation among state institutions and countries at large. A representative of the Serbian Cybercrime Convention Committee, Branko Stamenkovic remarked that as a member of the Budapest Convention on the Global Action on Cybercrime, Ghana has been a true ally when it comes to protecting its citizens, economy, and political systems. According to him, Ghanas continued commitment to expanding its criminal justice capacities can easily be witnessed by the numerous activities the country has participated in since 2016 with the assistance of the Global Action on Cybercrime, Extended (GLACY+), a joint project of the Council of Europe and European. In September 2022, the Government of Ghana requested the support of the GLACY+Project to initiate a dialogue on the Second Additional Protocol as part of the national consultation required to sign the Protocol. Ghana has been a long-time partner of the GLACY+ project, with numerous activities regarding legislation and capacity building conducted in cooperation with national authorities. 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, MP, has reiterated Governments commitment to add value to Ghanas mineral resources, particularly the green minerals. He said under no circumstances will Ghana export its lithium and other green minerals in their raw state. The Minister made this known at the Bloomberg New Economy Africa Conference, held in Marrakesh, Morocco from 13th to 14th June, 2023. The Conference brings together leaders from the private and public sectors to discuss the worlds most pressing issues and evaluate potential solutions in the context of local and regional priorities. This years conference put the spotlight on Africas green minerals. Speaking at a panel discussion on building value from the energy transition, the Minister said the surest way to benefit from these green minerals, in view of the green energy transition, is to ensure value addition. According to Mr. Jinapor, one of the reasons why Africa has not benefit from its several years of mining is the over concentration on the export of raw minerals. To be able to benefit from the green minerals, therefore, we must make a conscious effort to move away from the export of raw materials to value addition. Ghana is endowed with several green minerals including lithium, graphite, Chrome, Zinc, Copper, Cobalt and Nickel. Lithium, in particular, have been found in high grade in the Central Region. According to experts, the global lithium industry at the mining stage is about 11 billion US Dollars. But the value of the industry at the highest end, which is battery production is estimated at 7 trillion US Dollars. But the processes from mining to battery production are very capital intensive. Currently, China is the only country doing end to end retention of the full value from mining to battery production. Mr. Jinapor said even though we may not be able to retain the full value chain from mining to battery production in the country at this stage, Government is committed to ensure that as much as possible, a significant proportion of the value chain is retained in Ghana. We intend to end the practice of not adding value to our mineral resources. We are beginning by establishing the appropriate policy and legal framework for Ghana to significantly benefit from the new paradigm of green energy, the Minister said. He disclosed that a policy for the exploitation, management and utilisation of the countrys green minerals is currently before Cabinet for its consideration. He said the overall object of the policy, is to ensure that the people of Ghana benefit from these minerals through value addition, local content and local participation. The Minister expressed optimism that Cabinet will soon approve the policy to pave way for the exploitation of our lithium resources. Lithium is the main mineral used in the production of lithium-ion batteries, alongside bauxite, manganese and other green minerals. Ghana has been mining bauxite and manganese for several years but is yet to exploit her lithium resources. Source: Peacefmonline.com/Ghana Disclaimer : Opinions expressed here are those of the writers and do not reflect those of Peacefmonline.com. Peacefmonline.com accepts no responsibility legal or otherwise for their accuracy of content. Please report any inappropriate content to us, and we will evaluate it as a matter of priority. Featured Video Professor Stephen Kwaku Asare popularly known as Kwaku Azar, a Fellow at the Centre for Democratic Development (CDD-Ghana) has expressed strong disapproval of the Supreme Court's decision that declared the election of Assin North's Member of Parliament, James Gyakye Quayson, null and void and called for his name to be expunged from parliament. Professor Azar labeled the judgment as one of the worst he has seen in Ghanaian legal history. During an interview on Citi TV on June 14, 2023, Kwaku Azar criticized the Supreme Court's decision, highlighting numerous errors in the case. He expressed astonishment at what he perceived as the court's misinterpretation of the Constitution, disregard for statutory provisions, and insertion of timelines where none existed. Of all the Ghanaian cases I have seen, this one stands out as almost the worst, because when you read the case, there is a plethora of errors. From misinterpreting the Constitution to shredding statues to inserting timelines where there are no timelines. Its almost as if the court decided we are going to remove this guy [Quayson] for whatever reason. And we dont care how many laws we break or how many rules we violate. We are going to do it anyway, Kwaku Azar lamented. He further elaborated on his disagreement with the court's reasoning, particularly regarding the concept of allegiance and citizenship. He stated that owing allegiance to a country can be rooted in various reasons, not solely tied to citizenship. Its almost like me saying that allegiance and citizenship are inexplicably tied, so when the president swears the oath of allegiance, hes swearing the oath of citizenship. That is completely bizarre. I have never heard such strange reasoning, he added. The State had on February 12, last year, charged James Gyakye Quayson with five counts being; deceit of a public officer, forgery of a passport, knowingly making a false statutory declaration, perjury, and false declaration. As the trial continued on July 2022, his lawyers led by Lawyer Tsatsu Tsikata questioned the competency of the Prosecutions First Witness, Richard Takyi-Mensah, a teacher and his subsequent tendering of his witness statements. But, his objection was overruled by the trial Judge Justice Mary Maame Ekue Yanzu on grounds that the witness was competent and duly admitted the witness statements and paragraphs. Dissatisfied with the High Courts ruling, Mr. Quayson and his lawyers filed a motion at the Supreme Court seeking to quash the decision of the trial judge and order of Prohibition against the judge. 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 Atik Mohammed has kicked against the call for the National Media Commission to be vested with more power to regulate media activities in the country. The National Media Commission (NMC), responsible for monitoring and censoring media contents, is seen to be less proactive as the media, primarily radio and television, is flooded with indecent and offensive publications and materials. Its become the stock-in-trade of some media stations to show money-doubling, ritual or fetish, X-rated contents among others which offend the media laws and ethical standards of the media. This has ignited discussions about the need or otherwise for the authority of the National Media Commission to be extended beyond the remit they currently operate within. But the former General Secretary of the People's National Convention (PNC), Atik Mohammed, argues that giving the NMC more power or reviewing the laws to let it have some kind of extreme authority may result in stifling of free speech. He noted that though he condemns indecent media contents, making the NMC have almost an absolute power may lead to media tyranny on the part of the Commission. Theres a thin line between an empowered NMC and an overbearing NMC. And that line is so thin that we can easily cross it to make the NMC that we want to become powerful . . . it could become something that undermines free expression, he said on Peace FM's 'Kokrokoo' morning show. To Atik, there is nothing wrong with the existing laws, thus what is expected of the NMC is for them to be efficient. In the meantime, lets insist more on efficiency, on effectiveness because the NMC are many times not proactive, he stressed. He also appealed to the media station owners to help the NMC by instituting some internal mechanisms and strict saction regime that deter media practitioners from misconducting themselves. 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 has called on the National Media Commission to up their game in censoring media contents. The Governance Lecturer at the Central University, speaking to Nana Yaw Kesseh on Peace FM's morning show "Kokrokoo", bemoaned the influx of inappropriate contents on radio and television. He expressed disgust that some media stations entertain persons claiming to double money for the public, persons who use vulgar language in their presentations and programmes showing ritualism among other indecent contents. Dr. Benjamin Otchere-Ankrah asked the National Media Commission to utilize the existing laws and execute their mandate effectively to check the excesses in the media. He kicked against the call for the Commission to be given more power to supervise the media saying what the Commission needs isn't absolute power but to work effectively. "National Media Commission, apply the authority you have now. Don't seek for more power but just put the power you currently have into good use...Absolute power will corrupt you", he appealed to the Commission. 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 lecturer at the Central University, has sounded a stern warning to the Ghana Tertiary Education Commission (GTEC). Speaking on Peace FM's 'Kokrokoo' programme, Dr. Benjamin Otchere-Ankrah warned GTEC, the regulatory body ensuring the implementation of approved regulations and national standards and norms with respect to tertiary education institutions, to advise itself about how they are treating teacher-trainee institutions in the country. Dr. Otchere-Ankrah didn't mention the specific problem he has with GTEC, however, sent them a message saying let me serve this notice of warning to Ghana Tertiary Education Commission, be careful about how you are treating teacher-trainee colleges. I will come at you and I will go after you. Ghana Tertiary Education Commission (GTEC) is an amalgamation of the National Council for Tertiary Education (NCTE) and the National Accreditation Board (NAB) which merged under the new Education Regulatory Bodies Act, 2020 (Act 1023).For the performance of the functions of the Commission, the Commission is to regulate tertiary education with a view to promote efficient and effective administration and accreditation of tertiary education institutions and principles of the provision of consistent quality of service by tertiary education institutions among others. 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 latest 'TikTok stars' in Ghana, 'Godpapa the Greatest and his wife 'Empress Lupita God Muzaria' are to go for a psychiatric medical assessment, a Tema District Magistrate Court has ordered. With their real names being Daniel Chayah alias 'Godpapa the Greatest' and his wife, Jocelyn Charyah alias 'Empress Lupita God Muzaria, the TikTok stars have been accused of murdering their two children. Graphic Online's Benjamin Xornam Glover reports that the Tema Magistrate Court, presided over by Benedicta Antwi gave the order for psychiatric medical assessment on Thursday (June 15, 2023) when they appeared in court. The court also referred the TikTok stars to Legal Aid for the services of a lawyer since they appeared in court without one. This was after the court had enquired if they had a lawyer. They will reappear in court on June 26, 2023. Read also: Tiktok stars 'Godpapa The Greatest' and wife 'Empress Lupita' remanded The Ghanaian sensational TikTok stars, Daniel Chayah alias Godpapa The Greatest, and his wife Jocelyn Chayah alias Empress Lupita, remanded remanded into police custody by the TDC Magistrate Court over the death of their two children, when they were first arraigned. They are said to have killed two of their three children. The police picked up the couple and arraigned them at the TDC Magistrate Court on Wednesday [May 31, 2023]. Tiktok sensation The couple, suspected to be mentally ill and needing medical assistance are suspected to have killed two of their three children and buried them. The third boy, the youngest, reportedly fled the home. He has narrated some of his experiences in his parents care before he left home. The couple recently became a sensation on social media - TikTok - with the names Godpapa The Greatest and Empress Lupita. In one media interview, they said they sacrificed one of the children because they believed he was possessed by an evil spirit and that when he grows up, he would have engaged in criminal activities. The couple had been narrating and sharing their home experiences on social media before the police arrested them. Source: graphiconline.com Disclaimer : Opinions expressed here are those of the writers and do not reflect those of Peacefmonline.com. Peacefmonline.com accepts no responsibility legal or otherwise for their accuracy of content. Please report any inappropriate content to us, and we will evaluate it as a matter of priority. Featured Video Dr Gideon Boako, Spokesperson and Economic Advisor to the Vice President has described as "laughable" some allegations attributed to former presidential spokesperson, Mr. Kwabena Agyei Agyepong. According to him, it is no fault of Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia if he has a large following who yearn for him to become the party's flagbearer for the 2024 general elections. Speaking on Okay FM's Ade Akye Abia programme, he touted the credentials of Dr Bawumia, who he believes, has played his cards well to attract his current support base. Distasteful Conduct By CEOs Kwabena Agyepong, who is aspiring to be the NPP's Presidential candidate in next year's general elections, claimed some party members are being coerced to follow the Vice President to campaign. He also condemned the open endorsement of flagbearer hopefuls by some civil servants; especially Chief Executive Officers of State agencies. The aspirant found it distasteful for a person appointed into civil office to publicly declare support for a particular candidate. "We cannot overly politicize this country to the detriment of the development of our country, Ghana," he cautioned. Though Kwabena Agyepong declined to mention specific names, it is on record that the Chief Executive Officer of the National Lottery Authority (NLA), Sammy Awuku, weeks ago picked nomination forms on behalf of Vice President of the Republic, Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia, who is contesting the flagbearership of the NPP. This act by Sammy Awuku is seen to be his endorsement for Dr. Bawumia to lead the New Patriotic Party into the 2024 elections. Unnecessary Divisions To Kwabena Agyapong, these conduct breed unnecessary divisions within the party. " . . it is not healthy for the party," he stated, adding "it's not possible that you have a Chief of Staff who is the anchorman at the Presidency. He holds the stick, the enforcer, that is the role of the Chief of Staff and you can have all these CEOs being roled out openly endorsing one candidate". "This creates apathy and dissent that, if care is not taken and the election doesn't go well, some people might misbehave," he stressed. Hybrid Candidate But jumping to the defence of his boss, Dr Gideon Boako pointed out that Dr Bawumia is a hybrid candidate who has endeared himself to not only NPP activists and sympathisers, but the entire populace; hence this genuine show of love to the Vice President. Watch Video Below Source: Isaac Kwame Owusu/Peacefmonline/[email protected] 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 for Dome Kwabenya Constituency, Sarah Adwoa Safo, has commenced groundwork for seeking re-election in the upcoming New Patriotic Party parliamentary primaries. This development comes despite her supposed dip in popularity among her constituents following her persistent absence from parliament after the 2020 election. Speaking in an interview with Rainbow Radio, Seth Osei Kissi, the Chief of Staff to the MP, revealed that Adwoa Safo has started consultations with various stakeholders ahead of the upcoming internal contest. He stated that the MP has already met with the youth and women organizers in the constituency and will soon meet with the organizers, secretaries, and leaders to inform them of her intention to run again. Kissi claimed that her meetings so far have been positive and that the delegates have declared a 'No Adwoa Safo, No Vote' campaign. Her Chief of Staff further revealed the reasons behind the MP's absence from the country during crucial times when her party needed her to vote on bills. Describing her absence as unintentional, Kissi revealed that Adwoa Safo "was pregnant and had to travel to give birth, but unfortunately, she lost the child during childbirth. At the same time, her first son became ill and almost lost his ability to walk. These were devastating stories, but she remained steadfast and strong throughout. These were the reasons why she was gone for so long. She had no plans to leave the district or her job for that long. Her absence was due to the circumstances at the time." Adwoa Safo's absence from parliament sparked controversies and led to calls for her removal from the house by some constituents and members of her party. The Parliament's Privileges Committee conducted a hearing on a petition seeking her removal, but they were unable to reach a decision as she failed to make an appearance at the committee. In June 2020, Adwoa Safo, who is now serving a third term, defeated Aaron Mike Ocquaye Junior in a closely contested NPP parliamentary ticket race for Dome Kwabenya. She won by a difference of ten votes, receiving 487 out of the total votes cast, and went on to win in the general election. The upcoming NPP contest will see the two candidates compete once again for the party's ticket. Source: ghanaweb.com Disclaimer : Opinions expressed here are those of the writers and do not reflect those of Peacefmonline.com. Peacefmonline.com accepts no responsibility legal or otherwise for their accuracy of content. Please report any inappropriate content to us, and we will evaluate it as a matter of priority. Featured Video Former Central Regional Minister, Kwamena Duncan says Vice President Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia is the best man to lead Ghana as President. He touted Dr. Bawumia to have the strongest trait and character to bring about major transformation and development in the lives of the Ghanaian citizenry and the New Patriotic Party. According to him, "Bawumia has been excellent. First as a Running Mate, he was all over the place...consistent, the energy he brought on board from 2008 up until 2016 that resulted in our victory...It's a different story under this Vice Presidency". He continued; "His demeanor, the way he interacts and relates with people and his humility alone is unfathomable. His upbringing, I wonder, I thought that if people may be directed to go and have this experience of his upbringing, it will help." Kwamena Duncan made these comments while discussing the upcoming NPP presidential primaries on Peace FM's "Kokrokoo" morning show. He urged the party delegates to elect the Vice President who he believes is the right man for Ghana. "His strongest trait and character, his attribute is that, for seven years now or into the seventh year; we haven't never heard anything of corruption about him...This is the person you give the nation to to lead", he stated. He also stressed; "You will never hear Bawumia make any provocative statements. That is a leader!" 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 Ghanaian artist Camidoh has released his highly anticipated new mixtape, LITA. LITA is available now worldwide on all DSPs via: https://crux-global.lnk.to/LITA Bursting with soulful melodies, heartfelt lyrics, and a captivating blend of genres, the LITA mixtape solidifies Camidoh's position as one of the most exciting acts in the contemporary African music scene. LITA, an acronym for "Love is the Answer," offers listeners an immersive experience that delves deep into the complexities of love, growth, and personal discovery. With his soul-stirring vocals and infectious rhythms, Camidoh effortlessly takes his audience on an emotional journey, connecting with them on a profound level. From the very first notes of the opening track, "PTSD," Camidoh's mesmerizing voice sweeps listeners off their feet. The poignant lyrics and rich instrumentals set the stage for an intimate exploration of love's myriad facets. Throughout the mixtape, Camidoh skillfully infuses soul, R&B, and Afrobeats elements, crafting a sound that is uniquely his own. LITA showcases Camidoh's ability to artfully express his emotions through music. Tracks such as "Sugarcane" and "Brown Skin Girl" featuring Stonebwoy bring infectious energy and upbeat rhythms, making them irresistible dancefloor anthems. However, it is Camidoh's introspective and vulnerable tracks that truly shine on the mixtape. Songs like "Decisions," "Dance With You," and "Available" delve into themes of resilience, determination, and the power of human connection. Camidoh's heartfelt storytelling resonates deeply with fans, who find solace and inspiration in his lyrics. The release of the LITA mixtape not only showcases Camidoh's exceptional talent but also signifies his growth as an artist. With each project, he continues to push the boundaries of Ghanaian music, fearlessly experimenting with diverse sounds and genres. His authenticity and dedication to his craft shine through, captivating audiences far and wide. Moreover, LITA also features an impressive lineup of collaborations, with Camidoh joining forces with both established artists, such as Manifest, Stonebwoy, King Promise, Mayorkun and more. EMBEDE CODE SPOTIFY: EMBEDE CODE APPLE MUSIC: EMBEDE CODE AUDIOMACK: EMBEDE CODE BOOMPLAY: https://www.boomplay.com/share/album/71019091CONNECT WITH CAMIDOHInstagram: @camidohTwitter: @CamidohFacebook: CamidohYouTube: Camidoh 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 An Allentown man called 911 and admitted shooting his wife and another man in an attack Tuesday night at a Whitehall Township park that left his spouse dead and the man wounded, prosecutors said. Rami Abouloh, 41, of Allentown, was arrested at his city home and charged with homicide, attempted homicide and two counts of aggravated assault, court records show. Abouloh is being held in Lehigh County Jail without bail. Police were called for gunfire and two people on the ground at 6:53 p.m. Tuesday at West Catasauqua Park in Whitehall township Officers found a wounded woman and man, and both were taken to Lehigh Valley Hospital-Cedar Crest. The woman, later identified as Patricia White, was pronounced dead at 7:26 p.m., court records say. An autopsy is planned Thursday for White, 35, but Coroner Daniel Buglio said Wednesday he ruled the death a homicide. The other person was treated for wounds to his chest and arm, police said. At 7:13 p.m., Abouloh called 911 and told the dispatcher his wife was with the man in the park and he shot them, records say. Abouloh wanted police to come to his Allentown home in the 100 block of East Hamilton Street, where he had the gun he used in a cabinet, records say. Minutes later, Allentown police arrived at the home, and officers saw Abouloh walk out to the front porch while he was still on the phone with a 911 operator. Abouloh was arrested and told police, Thats what happens when you cheat, court records say. Police said they found Aboulohs three children inside the home, as well as a black and silver semi-automatic firearm and a magazine inside a closet. Reach the National Domestic Violence Hotline at 1-800-799-SAFE (7233), chat with their advocates here or text LOVEIS to 22522. Sarah Cassi may be reached at scassi@lehighvalleylive.com. By Brian Niemietz, New York Daily News (TNS) NEW YORK U.S. Army Pvt. Cole Bridges attempted to help the Islamic State group kill U.S. soldiers abroad and offered advice on attacking New York City. Cole Bridges attempted to orchestrate a murderous ambush on his fellow soldiers in service of ISIS and its violent ideology, U.S. Attorney Damian Williams said in a statement Wednesday. Bridges traitorous conduct was a betrayal of his comrades and his country. The 22-year-old former soldier from Ohio pleaded guilty Wednesday to plotting to aid Americas enemies. Prosecutors praised the FBI and the U.S. Army for their help in subverting Bridges malign intent. He will be sentenced on Nov. 22. Cole Bridges. (U.S. Attorney's Office/TNS)TNS Bridges joined the Army in 2019, according to prosecutors, who said he was assigned as a cavalry scout in the Third Infantry Division based in Fort Stewart, Georgia. It was around that time he began consuming jihadist propaganda online. Prosecutors said Bridges participated in supporting ISIS on social media. Roughly a year later, he began communicating with an FBI agent posing as an ISIS ally with contacts in the Middle East. During these communications, Bridges expressed his frustration with the U.S. military and his desire to aid ISIS, prosecutors said. Bridges then provided training and guidance to purported ISIS fighters who were planning attacks, including advice about potential targets in New York City. He is also accused of attempting to provide ISIS with sections of a U.S. Army training manual and offering guidance regarding military combat tactics. That included volunteering instructions on how to fortify buildings to repel U.S. offensives and using explosives to ambush American soldiers. Bridges, who also used the last name Gonzales, seemed to become emboldened as time passed. In January 2021, Bridges provided [his contact] with a video of himself in his U.S. Army body armor standing in front of a flag often used by ISIS fighters and making a gesture symbolic of support for ISIS, prosecutors said. He faces a 20-year sentence for attempting to provide material support to ISIS and another 20 years for scheming to kill American military personnel. More: The owner of the shuttered Guinness brewery in Baltimore County had considered keeping production of the popular Baltimore Blonde in Maryland but said Wednesday the beer will be brewed in New York. Diageo, the beverage company that owns Guinness, one of the beer markets most recognizable names, announced in April that it would shut down its beer production plant in Relay this month. The plant, which closed Friday, is on the site of Guinness Open Gate Brewery, where a taproom, a 270-seat restaurant and a smaller innovation brewery all of which employ about 100 people will remain open. Diageo, which also owns such liquor brands as Johnnie Walker, Tanqueray, Baileys and Smirnoff, said Wednesday that it selected FX Matt Brewing Co. in New York as its new supplier of Baltimore Blonde, with production to start in October. Diageo invited four brewers to submit proposals, including one in Maryland that the company did not identify. Only one brewer, FX Matt, submitted a bid and that proposal met Diageos needs. Diageo invited four brewers to submit their proposals, including one in Maryland. Only one brewer submitted a bid: FX Matt Brewing Company, whose response aligned with the companys business needs. FX Matt, known for its Saranac beer line and its Utica Club lager, which it says was the first beer sold after Prohibition ended in 1933, said last month that it is acquiring Flying Dog Brewery, based in Frederick, and taking over Flying Dog beer production by August. The Flying Dog announcement came amid continuing consolidation in the industry. Just over a week ago, Baltimore-based DuClaw Brewing Co. was bought by River Horse Brewing Co., based in Ewing, New Jersey, becoming the latest Maryland craft brewery to be acquired by an out-of-state brewery. After conducting a due diligence process, which also considered options to keep production of Baltimore Blonde in the state, the supplier that best met the business case and production timeline was FX Matt Brewing Company in New York, a Diageo spokesperson said in an email Wednesday. Diageo had said 97 workers would be laid off at the Baltimore County plant. The Diageo spokesperson said the company has enough Blonde in inventory to cover the market until production starts at the new supplier. The Guinness Open Gate Brewery will continue to brew a variety of experimental beers in a 10-barrel innovation brewery on the ground floor of the visitor center. The facilitys innovation brewing and hospitality operations are not changing in any capacity we are open and continue to welcome visitors to our taproom, the Diageo spokesperson said. The Relay plant had been Guinness first brewing operation in the United States since the 1950s. The facility on site of a former Seagrams bottling plant was hailed as a key economic engine for the area. Diageo opened Guinness Open Gate in August 2018, a $90 million project on a 62-acre property it had acquired in 2001 as part of its purchase of Seagram. Until 2015, Diageo had used the longtime manufacturing plant for bottling and aging Captain Morgan rum products. The property previously had been home to Maryland Distilling Co. after Prohibition, then was used to produce several brands over the decades, including Lord Calvert Whisky. Lorraine Mirabella of the Baltimore Sun wrote this story. 2023 Baltimore Sun. Visit baltimoresun.com. Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC. More: Swift City Beer? Petition seeks temporary change from Iron City ahead of singers Pittsburgh concerts Pa. company No. 1 producing craft brewery in U.S. How many slices of Lebanon bologna does it take to build a 150-foot sandwich? Some folks are going to find out this summer when Visit Lebanon Valley and local businesses will join forces to attempt to make what they say will be the worlds largest Lebanon bologna sandwich. The sandwich will be built 5-7 p.m. Tuesday, July 25, at the Lebanon Area Fair. Visit Lebanon Valley said the sandwich build also will be a fundraiser to fight hunger with Lebanon County Christian Ministries. The bologna will come from Seltzers Smokehouse Meats. The bread will be from Chef Brian Peffley from the Lebanon County Career and Technology Center. People attending the fair will have the opportunity to get a slice of the sandwich along with toppings that will be provided. In advance of the event, people are asked to help take a bit out of hunger by sponsoring one-foot bites of the sandwich. Each sponsorship is $100 and will go to Lebanon County Christian Ministries. A 150-food sandwich could generate up to $15,000. READ MORE Amur leopard cubs at Pittsburgh Zoo now have names and will be visible to visitors soon. The witches are back: New Lego Hocus Pocus set features the Sanderson sisters cottage. Editors note: This story has been updated to include comments from David and Diana Rosenfield, the owners of Wrap Your Baby. A federal safety agency issued a warning today about baby tents and baby carrier slings sold online. The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission said the CCATTO brand baby tents do not comply with mandatory safety standards for infant sleep products and Girasol Rainbow Love Sling Wraps do not meet federal safety standards for occupant retention. The commission said people should not use either product. The tents create an unsafe environment for babies, the commission said, because they are not supported by free-standing legs and the tent includes a banned infant pillow. The packaging and tent, the commission said, do not contain required information and labeling. The CPSC said the seller of the tent, LA.INNO Direct of China, has not responded to CPSCs request for a recall. The tents were sold on Amazon for $30 in recent years. The slings, the commission said were sold online at WrapYourBaby.com in multiple models and sizes for between $120 and $165. The commission said the slings do not meet requirements for structural integrity and occupant retention. The commission said the importer, Baby Earthling of Mountainair, New Mexico, has refused to issue an acceptable recall. David and Diana Rosenfield, owners of Wrap Your Baby, said in a statement sent by email to PennLive that the commissions warning is inaccurate. Our products have all been tested and passed testing with independent accredited laboratories. In almost 30 years of Girasol selling sling carriers, we are not aware of a single safety-related complaint. No falls. No injuries. We agreed to voluntarily recall the product and provide enhanced warnings and instructions to correct the minor technical issues. ... Girasol Woven Wrap sling carriers are safe and have been safely used by thousands of parents, including ourselves, for the past 30 years. READ MORE Do not use this brand of infant lounger because babies may suffocate, safety agency says. Recalled Rock n Play sleepers still sold on Facebook Marketplace after 100 infant deaths, safety agency says. One person died and another was injured when the roof of an old school in Blairsville, Indiana County collapsed Wednesday afternoon. The two men were working on the roof around noon, assessing to prepare for demolition, when the collapse happened. The two plunged three stories down to the basement, according to accounts from WTAE and the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette. One of the men was trapped inside, which prompted a police officer and firefighters to venture in and began to remove debris to get him out. Once he was out, he was flown to UPMC Presbyterian, where he later died, according to a statement from Blairsville police Chief Louis Sacco. The other man was able to crawl from the building and was helped by people at a nearby home. He was taken by ambulance to Forbes Hospital in Monroeville and is in stable condition, according to reports. Borough officials were also called to the scene along with a structural engineer. They are assessing the structural integrity of the building at this time, Police Chief Louis Sacco told WTAE. Blairsville Mayor Ronald Evanko said the building was built in the 1890s and initially served as the boroughs first high school. Were an old town, were almost 200 years old and some of our buildings are starting to deteriorate, Mr. Evanko told the Post-Gazette. Read More: The victim of a shooting on Wednesday in Cameron County, Pa., has been identified as the district attorney. State police said District Attorney Paul Malizia was shot at his law office in Emporium around 3 p.m. on June 14 by a woman, who has now been charged. WASHINGTON The Army is proud to announce the members of its inaugural Womens Initiatives Team. The Womens Initiatives Team, composed of representatives from across the Army, will advocate for Army policy, program, and resource changes to set conditions for success in womens recruitment, retention, readiness, health, well-being, empowerment, and advancement across the Total Army. The Army Womens Initiatives Team formalizes and sustains the momentum of enabling women soldiers and civilians to contribute to the Armys mission, said Yvette Bourcicot, Principal Deputy, Assistant Secretary of the Army (Manpower and Reserve Affairs). The application pool for the inaugural year was incredibly strong, a testament to the extraordinary talent within the Total Army. During the call for membership, which closed on January 31, 2023, 834 applications were received from the Total Army (44% Active, 7% Guard, 12% Reserve, 37% Civilian). The selection of 30 General Body members was very competitive with a selection rate of 3.5% amongst applicants. The overwhelming number of applications shows the tremendous support that Army leaders, soldiers, and civilians have for advancing the mission of the Womens Initiatives Team, said Dr. Agnes Schaefer, Assistant Secretary of the Army (Manpower and Reserve Affairs). The Womens Initiatives Team reports to and receives direction from the Assistant Secretary of the Army (Manpower and Reserve Affairs), who provides overarching governance, support, and assistance in meeting the Teams goals and objectives. The General Body is led by tri-chairsone member of the senior executive service, one general officer, and one nominative sergeant major, who approve the Womens Initiatives Team recommendations for ASA(M&RA) consideration. Their term is two years, but can be extended. The application window for the Amy Womens Initiatives Team will reopen in the summer of 2024 to fill any vacant positions. The goal is to hold the first General Body meeting in August 2023 to develop the inaugural agenda. Information regarding the first meeting will be sent to General Body members directly. Please contact the Womens Initiatives Team Secretariat with any questions, concerns, or suggestions you may have at: usarmy.pentagon.hqda-asa-mra.mbx.army-wit-executive-secretariat@army.mil. It was shocking when Gangsta Boo, a pioneering female artist and former Three 6 Mafia protege, was found dead at her home in Memphis back in January. She was just 43-years-old after all. Now we know what killed her. According to Fox13 in Memphis, the beloved rapper, who real name was Lola Mitchell, died of a suspected drug overdose. The station reported that an autopsy showed that Mitchell had fentanyl, cocaine and alcohol in her system at the time of her death. Boo became affiliated with the powerhouse Memphis group on the Hypnotize Minds label at the age of 14 when she recorded Cheefa Da Reefa, in 1994. Gangsta Boo left Three 6 Mafia around 2002. Boos first solo album, Enquiring Minds, reached the 15th spot on Billboards Top R&B/Hip Hop charts and was 46th on the Billboard 200 in 1998. MONTOURSVILLE The nations three major airlines need to understand what rural America needs to thrive and not pull the carpet out from under the tarmac as was done in Williamsport. The was the pointed message that Frank Pellegrino, chairman of the Williamsport Municipal Airport, gave to members of the state Transportation Commission on Wednesday. Air service should be offered to small-town America and not controlled by the big three airlines American, Delta and United to leave communities such as Williamsport in the dark and forcing people to travel hours to catch a flight, he said. Pellegrino remarks came after commission members and local officials toured the virtually empty $17 million Williamsport Regional Airport terminal in Montoursville. The Williamsport Regional Airport Authority heavily promoted the Charlotte service and the first flight Tuesday took off amid fanfare that included a water-cannon salute. (Williamsport Regional Airport Authority / Whitney Hart) The airport has been without commercial service since American Airlines pulled out Sept. 30, 2021. The airport authority over the past decade through nearly $50 million in projects including the new terminal have removed the excuses airlines had for not serving this market, he said. Everything is here to make it work, we just need an airline, said Mark Murawski, the retired Lycoming County transportation planner who continues to work on a part-time basis. Pellegrino believes the annual economic impact of the airport is far more than the $60 million estimated in a 2018 study. There are two major health care providers, nine colleges, major industries, more than 40,000 small businesses and the headquarters of Little League International in the airports service area that besides Lycoming consists of Union, Snyder, Columbia, Sullivan, Montour, Northumberland, Bradford, Tioga and Clinton counties, he pointed out. Commercial air service is the foundation for economic growth for the northcentral Pennsylvania region, Pennsylvania College of Technology President Michael J. Reed said. Deserting this airport has and will affect this regions economy, Pellegrino said. Our rural communities deserve much better than this, he said. American pulling out after all the improvements was a blow below the belt to our communities, he said. The loss of service was not due to low usage or demand but on poor execution by American, COVID-19 and other issues such as pilot and equipment shortages. Passengers were forced out of the market by bad departure times and connection issues in Philadelphia, he said. American knew exactly what it did to the Williamsport market and admitted it, he claimed. In response, American issued this statement: Regional flying across the industry has been dramatically reduced due to a regional captain shortage created by rapid post-pandemic hiring and growth at all major carriers. As a result, American has the equivalent of more than 100 regional aircraft unable to fly due to the lack of regional captains. We have been and will continue to be aggressive in tackling the regional constraints to return to higher levels of utilization. American was the first to increase pay at its three wholly owned regional carriers, the spokesperson noted. Its always difficult to decide to end service to a market and there are always several factors to consider, including customer demand, alternative access for local residents and industry constraints like the regional captain shortage, the statement concluded. Efforts to attract commercial air service to Williamsport continues on several fronts. The authoritys executive director Richard Howell missed the event because he was in Milwaukee meeting with representatives of major airlines. Discussions are in progress with a carrier to provide less than daily service to a leisure destination, Pellegrino said. The airport is the leader of a new advocacy coalition known as Restoring Essential Service to Our Rural Economies (RESTORE). It is working with Congress and the Biden administration to promote changes in the 2023 FAA Reauthorization Bill to better support rural and small community airports. In particular it is urging Congress to reopen the Essential Air Service Act (EAS) for a five-year window for airports like Williamsport that currently are ineligible. Williamsport, which had had commercial air service since 1954, was dropped from the EAS program in 2012 for not having the need for it like it does now. More: Pa. man scammed out of $40K by someone claiming to be country singer Woman admits role in organization that scammed Pa. banks It happens that I was raised in Cuba as the son of a commodities shipping manager. My father was bilingual, having grown up in Colombia and Mexico, where my grandparents were educational missionaries. Dad made use of his skills in the U.S. Navy as a linguist and cryptanalyst during the War. I was friends in 6th grade with Marc Anderson. His dad, Howard (Andy), also a Navy veteran, operated gas stations around Havana. Our families were some of the last Americans to flee in summer 1960 after Castro began expropriating U.S. businesses. My father finally left in September with only the clothes on his back. He bought a one-way ticket to Dominican Republic to avoid undue suspicion. We were horrified to hear six months later that Andy was executed by a firing squad. Years later, my father divulged that he and some fellow Navy veterans had made a clandestine attempt across the Florida Straits to rescue Andy. Castro accused Andy as a CIA spy. I suspect that both he and my father did indeed serve as eyes-and-ears for the United States. Mr. Trump, you put other heroes like these in mortal danger by recklessly strewing national security records all over your beach house. How could you? Duncan MacLean M.D. (Retired), Lebanon Pa. The Canada Border Services Agency says it has confiscated more than 6,300 kilograms of methamphetamine in British Columbia over the last six months, including the largest ever single seizure of the drug. A CBSA patch is seen on an officer in Calgary, Alta., Thursday, Aug. 1, 2019. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Jeff McIntosh An evacuation order has been lifted for the community of Tumbler Ridge, B.C., nine days after more than 2,000 residents were forced out by an encroaching wildfire. The West Kiskatinaw River wildfire (G70645) in the District of Tumbler Ridge, B.C., is shown in this handout image provided by the BC Wildfire Service, Thursday, June 8, 2023. THE CANADIAN PRESS/HO, BC Wildfire Service *MANDATORY CREDIT* (TTCO) - Tiep theo loat bai Lo dien 5 ngan hang cho vay sai nguyen tac, TTC cong bo Ket luan cua Thanh tra Chinh phu ve truong hop ngan hang B. Theo o, ngan hang nay a co loat sai pham nhu cho khach hang vay khi am von chu so huu, khong co tai san bao am... Houston Firefighter Scott Dulaney Extinguishes the Opposition in Event #31 of 2023 WSOP June 14, 2023 Dominic Clementson Live Reporter An explosive final table which lasted only three hours, ended when Scott Dulaney bested long-time chip leader Sridhar Sangannagari in a brief heads-up battle. Dulaney pocketed $194,155 for first place and of course, a coveted WSOP gold bracelet. The Fireman from Houston, Texas was a popular winner, with an enthusiastic rail which grew larger and more vociferous, the closer he got to the bracelet. As with so many events at the 2023 World Series of Poker, Event#31: $600 Mixed No-Limit Hold'em/Pot-Limit Omaha Deepstack was a record-breaker with a large turnout of 2,758 entries, which generated a prize pool of $1,406,580. Event #31 Final Table Results Place Player Country Prize 1st Scott Dulaney United States $194,155 2nd Sridhar Sangannagari United States $120,004 3rd Willie Smith United States $89,551 4th Bjorn Gravlien Norway $67,359 5th Zachary Vankeuren United States $51,072 6th Charles Combs United States $39,037 7th Michael Holtz United States $30,081 8th Barny Boatman United Kingdom $23,371 9th Keith Krumwiede United States $18,308 Dulaney started the day sixth in chips and stayed afloat until action reached the final nine, where he sat seventh in chips. The final table was dominated at the start by Sangannagar. The Goldman Sachs Vice President tore through the table, claiming the scalps of Zachary Vankeuren and stalwart British pro Barny Boatman along the way. He held the chip until it was heads up but by that time there wasnt much in it and Dulaney overcame him in short order. 2023 World Series of Poker Hub Bookmark this page! All you need to know about the 2023 WSOP is here. Click here Winners Reaction It was an emotional scene as the final hand ended, as Dulaney ran to the rail to embrace his wife his rail celebrating wildly. When the dust had settled, Dulaney summed up his feelings. Im really excited, kinda reeling at the moment, Dulaney said afterward. But I knew it was gonna happen and I plan on winning multiple Omaha bracelets this week, this year. I think all the best Omaha players in the world come from Houston and Im trying to prove it this summer. On the subject of his favorite card being a nine, Dulaney explained, Basically, its one of the lowest pairs you want to get involved in big Omaha pots with, but Ill take the lowest of the low if Ive got to. Im a come from the bottom type of guy. Everybody in Houston knows thats my hand and Im a Houston player through and through. Asked what aspects of firefighting helped his poker skills, Dulaneys response was unequivocal: All of them. I take aggressive firefighting tactics and apply them to the poker table. Ive always done that and now its paying off. As far as celebrations go, Dulaney said, Im gonna go spend some time with my kids because theyre upstairs and I havent seen them. But the perpetual poker player in him couldnt resist adding, I may jump in another tournament if I can tonight. If I can get in that Omaha still, Im probably going to late reg for that, to be honest with you. Final Day Action Barny Boatman The final day got underway with 112 players. That number was thinned down extremely quickly, with the three-table redraw taking place before the days second break. A mere two hours later, the tournament was down to nine players. The main beneficiary during that period was Boatman. With 24 combatants remaining, Boatman was sitting on a miserly stack of 900,000. By the time the event reached its final table, he had torn through the field to sit second in chips with a mighty 12,500,000. Also on display was Boatmans customary wit. When one player mistook him for the late David "Devilfish" Ulliott, Boatman quipped, I was better-looking than him when he was alive. Unfortunately, his run good ran out when his Jacks couldnt hold against ace-deuce. Boatman fell to Sangannagari early on in the final table action, and the Goldman Sach Vice President looked sure to take it down before Dulaney got on an unstoppable roll. Sangannagari knocked out fellow American Vankeuren in fourth and looked destined to claim the bracelet with half the chips in play. But Dulaney was not to be denied and when he knocked out Willie Smith, the stacks had got a lot closer. He doubled through Sangannagari shortly afterward and a few hands later had him all in and covered. Dulaney claimed his victory in a hand of pot-limit Omaha. Having worn a cap throughout, displaying his favorite card in the deck, it seemed inevitable that the final river of the tournament would come a nine. Scott Dulaney and friends. That ends the PokerNews coverage of this event but you can keep up with all the other World Series of Poker news over at the 2023 WSOP hub. Follow live updates from the 2023 WSOP here! Sharelines Houston firefighter Scott Dulaney topped a 2,758-entry field to win #WSOP2023 Event 31 for $194,155. PokerStars Summer Festival Kicks Off in a Big Way; $658K Awarded Through First 17 Events June 15, 2023 Brandon Bloom Contributor The PokerStars Summer Festival is underway with two months of action-packed poker and casino festivities for PokerStars US players in New Jersey, Michigan, and Pennsylvania running through the end of July. Among the headlining festivities is Summer Stacks a fantastic poker tournament series for low to mid-stakes players with buy-ins ranging from $10 to $100 from June 9 to June 26. With 100 events on each of the PokerStars NJ-MI and PokerStars PA networks and $2.75 million in total guaranteed prize pools, there are plenty of offerings for players from those states to join in on the fun. Through the first 17 events on PokerStars PA and the first 17 events on PokerStars NJ/MI, there have been over 13,000 total entrants across the opening 34 total events. With $574K in guaranteed prize money in those tournaments, that amounts been smashed with $658K up for grabs in those early events. Heres a look at some of the series' highlights so far. Summer Stacks in Full Swing Summer Stacks Event #12: $30 NLHE [Progressive KO, Sunday Warm Up] had $5K GTD in PA and $7.5K GTD in NJ/MI. Both those amounts were smashed, with 380 entrants forming a $10,374 prize pool in PA for more than double the guarantee, while a 479-entrant field generated a $13,076.70 prize pool on the NJ/MI platform. HuddyHeff2020 took the lions share in PA for $742 plus $1,348.98 in bounties, and whynot138 took the top prize in the NJ/MI version for $907.33 plus $1,300.33 in bounties. One of the first highly anticipated events of the series was Summer Stacks Event #13: $100 NLHE [Sunday Special Sunglasses Event], featuring an $80K guarantee in NJ/MI and a $70K guarantee in PA. The NJ/MI platform saw a whopping 910 entrants flock to the virtual felt to generate a prize pool of $83,538 paid out to the top 127 places. Soular861 finished atop the standings following a three-way deal to earn $11,114.22. The PA version had a small overlay with 684 entrants fighting for a piece of the $70,000 prize pool paid to the top 95 places. jchambs26 claimed the top prize of $11,026.33 following a heads-up deal. Assorted Early Summer Stacks Winners Date Platform Event Entrants Prize Pool Winner Prize 9-Jun PokerStars MI-NJ 01: $20 NLHE [Mini Nightly Summer], $6K GTD 531 $9,664.20 "GForce78NJ" $1,708.94 9-Jun PokerStars PA 01: $20 NLHE [Mini Nightly Summer], $4K GTD 371 $6,752.20 "sbmcz1497' $1,229.95 9-Jun PokerStars MI-NJ 02: $50 NLHE [Nightly Grant], $12.5K GTD 346 $15,743 "cncly1314" $2,906.49 9-Jun PokerStars PA 02: $50 NLHE [Nightly Grant], $10K GTD 302 $13,741 "jreid106" $2,605.28 10-Jun PokerStars MI-NJ 07: $50 NLHE [Nightly Grant], $12.5K GTD 270 $12,500 "Coolriver84" $2,191.66 10-Jun PokerStars PA 07: $50 NLHE [Nightly Grant], $10K GTD 196 $10,000 "ValueBluffRiver" $1,986.63 10-Jun PokerStars MI-NJ 08: $50 NLHE [Nightly Grant PKO], $10K GTD 287 $13,058.50 "FotoVoltaics" $2,807.05 10-Jun PokerStars PA 08: $50 NLHE [Nightly Grant PKO], $8.5K GTD 285 $12,967.50 "Mike_Larkin" $2,371.32 11-Jun PokerStars MI-NJ 12: $30 NLHE [Sunday Warm Up PKO], $7.5K GTD 479 $13,076.70 "whynot138" $2,207.66 11-Jun PokerStars PA 12: $30 NLHE [Sunday Warm Up PKO], $7.5K GTD 380 $10,374 "HuddyHeff2020" $2,090.98 12-Jun PokerStars MI-NJ 13: $100 NLHE [Sunday Special], $80K GTD 910 $83,538 "Soular861" $11,114.22 12-Jun PokerStars PA 13: $100 NLHE [Sunday Special], $70K GTD 684 $70,000 "jchambs26" $11,026.33 With events running through June 26, theres still time to get in on the excitement with hundreds of thousands of dollars in guaranteed prize pools on the way. Additionally, players can win exclusive merchandise as a trophy in select events, including the Main Event. The $100 Main Events will be two-day tournaments starting on June 25th, with a $100,000 guarantee in Pennsylvania and a $125,000 guarantee in the merged market of Michigan and New Jersey. Upcoming Summer Stacks Series Highlights Date Time Platform Event 18-Jun 18:00 ET PokerStars MI-NJ $100 NLHE Deepstack Special, $65K Gtd 18-Jun 18:00 ET PokerStars PA $100 NLHE Deepstack Special, $65K Gtd 25-Jun 18:00 ET PokerStars MI-NJ $100 NLHE Main Event, $125K Gtd 25-Jun 18:00 ET PokerStars PA $100 NLHE Main Event, $100K Gtd 25-Jun 18:30 ET PokerStars MI-NJ $30 NLHE Mini Main Event, $30K Gtd 25-Jun 18:30 ET PokerStars PA $30 NLHE Mini Main Event, $25K Gtd 25-Jun 20:00 ET PokerStars MI-NJ $50 NLHE Turbo Main Second Chance, $40K Gtd 25-Jun 20:00 ET PokerStars PA $50 NLHE Turbo Main Second Chance, $35K Gtd Bonus Bonanza & More Bonus Bonanza runs June 13-19 and will offer 100,000 free spins to players in Michigan, 100,000 free spins to players in Pennsylvania, and 10,000 free spins to those in New Jersey. All you need to do to grab a piece of the promo is opt in and wager at least $10 on slots during the week to complete the challenge. The number of bonus spins awarded to each player at the end of the week depends on how many players complete the challenge. Head over to PokerStars blog for updates with more information on additional Summer Festival events and chances to win some epic prizes in the coming weeks. Sharelines The @PokerStarsUSA Summer Festival is underway in MI/NJ & PA and runs through July 31. Josh Arieh, who has three of his six World Series of Poker bracelets in Omaha events, as well as six other WSOP Omaha final tables, is at it again. From the moment he sat down in Event #34: $1,500 Pot-Limit Omaha at Horseshoe and Paris Las Vegas, he began accumulating chips until his stack dwarfed most if not all of those in the field, and it now stands at 1,196,000. Arieh's Omaha skills are unquestionable, of course, but fortune seemed to favor him today, also. One particular hand that helped Arieh on his way to the top of the chip leaderboard was an improbable one. Josh Arieh had a short stack at risk holding J-J-7-8 with spades, and the opponent had almost the same hand, J-J-T-8 with hearts. Arieh looked at his opponent and said, "Good game, buddy," then flopped a flush draw, turned a spade, and it left his opponent drawing dead. End of Day 1 Top 10 Chip Counts Rank Player Country Chip Count Big Blinds 1 Josh Arieh United States 1,196,000 120 2 Matthew Parry United States 1,102,000 110 3 Eric Fields United States 1,015,000 102 4 Taehyung Kim South Korea 951,000 95 5 Robert Mizrachi United States 829,000 83 6 Steve Foutty United States 803,000 80 7 Todd Hatch United States 779,000 78 8 Daniel Grassi United States 714,000 71 9 Anson Tsang Hong Kong 708,000 71 10 Joe Firova United States 694,000 69 Other notables to bag on Day 1 include Matthew Parry (1,102,000), Eric Fields (1,015,000), Steve Foutty (803,000), Todd Hatch (779,000), Anson Tsang (708,000), Daniel Negreanu (446,000), Ronald Keijzer (407,000), and Tommy Le (73,000). A field of 1,355 generated a $1,808,925 prize pool, with first place receiving $298,192 and the coveted WSOP bracelet. The 98 players who bagged chips on Day 1 are each guaranteed $3,002. Day 2 stars at 10:00 a.m. local time. Ten levels will be played with 15-minute breaks after every two levels, and a 60-minute dinner break after Level 23 (approximately 4:30 p.m.). Play resumes at Level 18 with blinds of 5,000/10,000 and a 10,000 big blind ante. Stay tuned to PokerNews, as this 2023 World Series of Poker tournament provides more four-card action on Day 2. Facebook Twitter Pinterest Email Print President Biden has recognized the actions of private sector ticketing and travel companies to eliminate hidden junk fees and provide millions of customers with transparent pricing. Junk fees, which are hidden, surprise fees that companies sneak onto customer bills, are a pervasive problem in industries across the economy. The President has been calling on federal agencies, Congress, and private companies to take action to address these fees and provide consumers with honest, transparent pricing. Today, the President announced actions by several companies in response to that call. Representatives from Live Nation, SeatGeek, xBk, Airbnb, the Pablo Center at the Confluence, TickPick, DICE, and the Newport Festivals Foundation joined the President to discuss their commitment to end surprise fees by fully disclosing fees to consumers upfront, according to a fact sheet provided to PoliticusUSA by the White House. These companies service millions of consumers each year, all of whom will receive a better shopping experience without surprise fees imposed at check-out. The companies that are making new commitments will improve the purchasing experience for tens of millions of customers annually. For example, Live Nation is committing to roll out an upfront all-in pricing experience in September showing just one clear, total price for more than 30 million fans who attend shows at the more than 200 Live Nation-owned venues and festivals across the country. Additional commitments include SeatGeek, xBk, Airbnb, the Pablo Center at the Confluence, TickPick, DICE, and the Newport Festivals Foundation. The Administration has also taken a number of administrative actions to address junk fees in every sector of the economy, including the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB), the Federal Trade Commission (FTC), the Department of Transportation (DOT), and the Federal Communications Commission (FCC). Todays voluntary actions demonstrate that companies both big and small recognize the importance of providing consumers with honest, up-front all-in pricing, rather than tricking them with surprise fees at the end of checkout. It is also just a first step towards addressing junk fees in the economy. The President continues to call on Congress to pass legislation that mandates up-front all-in pricing for all ticket sellers, bans surprise resort fees, eliminates early termination fees charged by cable, internet, and cellphone companies, and bans family seating fees. When searching for government grants to support your business, you must be aware of fraudulent websites and services that falsely claim access to government grant information. The team at business.gov.au has issued a strong cautionary message to entrepreneurs and business owners regarding the search for government grants. They stress the importance of exercising caution and diligence throughout the process to avoid falling victim to fraudulent websites and services that falsely claim to provide access to government grant information. Reiterating the fact that all available state, territory, and federal government grant information can be accessed free of charge, authorities emphasise the need to remain vigilant and steer clear of websites that attempt to charge fees for grant-related services. Genuine government grants are awarded solely on the basis of merit, ensuring that recipients are chosen based on the quality and viability of their proposals. Engaging in financial transactions or seeking special access cannot influence the outcome of grant awards, reinforcing the importance of understanding the legitimate process. Experts recommend exercising caution when encountering websites that exhibit official-looking images, government logos, or deceptive web addresses. Such precautions help individuals avoid falling victim to deceptive platforms. Verifying the authenticity of a government website is as simple as checking for the .gov.au extension in the URL. This ensures that users are accessing information from official government sources, providing a reliable and secure platform. Business.gov.au serves as a trustworthy and comprehensive resource for businesses seeking government grant information. It offers entrepreneurs access to detailed and up-to-date information on grants, funding opportunities, and support programs that align with their specific needs. The grants finder tool, a standout feature of business.gov.au, streamlines the search process by presenting a wide range of grants, funding options, and support programs from various government entities. By utilising the grants finder tool, businesses can explore and identify relevant opportunities conveniently, allowing them to focus their efforts on securing the support necessary for their growth and success. Staying informed, utilizing official government sources, and leveraging the grants finder tool can empower businesses to secure legitimate grants, funding, and support programs If youre doing business in Australia, this guided search will help you find grants, funding and support programs from across the government. Keep up to date with our stories on LinkedIn, Twitter, Facebook and Instagram. Susan See and her husband, James, own and operate two Nothing Bundt Cake franchises one in Aiken and the other in Evans, Georgia. A former attorney, See spoke to the Rotary Club of Aiken on Monday at Newberry Hall about what it takes to a successful entrepreneur. Ive tried to narrow it down to three areas that I found were very important to me, she said. First off, youve got to surround yourself with like-minded people. Theyve got to believe that you can do it, and theyll guide you to do it. The group, in Sees opinion, should include a lawyer and a good, good CPA (certified public accountant), she told the Rotarians, along with a great family and great friends, who encourage you, who love you and who remain positive, even if you have a meltdown. No. 2, according to See, is to find a business that you are passionate about, that you believe in with your whole heart and soul. For anyone who decides to go the franchise route, it is important to select a good one that works, one that really trains you and will give you the resources that you need, See said. The reason people choose a franchise is that it already should be a successful model. Theyve already figured it all out for you, and youve just got to follow it. Ive seen owners who do not follow it and, unfortunately, it hasnt worked out as well. Sees third recommendation was to pray, pray and then pray some more. She added that she and her husband have no doubt in their minds that Nothing Bundt Cakes was a career option that God sent to us. Aikens Nothing Bundt Cakes is in the Shoppes at Whiskey. There are more than 500 Nothing Bundt Cakes bakeries in this country and Canada, See said. A Clearwater post office will be temporarily relocated after a Tuesday morning fire. The post office at 4425 Jefferson Davis Highway will be temporarily housed in another building until further notice due to a fire in its current location, according to a media release from the United States Postal Service. The post office will be relocated for the safety of customers and employees, the release said. The fire occurred around 4 a.m. Tuesday at the post office located at strip mall in Clearwater, according to Corey Ray, public information officer for the Charlotte Field Office of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives. Ray said the ATF and the U.S. Postal Inspections Service are helping local agencies investigate the fire. Retail and P.O. services for the Clearwater Post Office will be available at the Bath Post Office at 3880 Road, Bath, during business hours. Services will be available Monday through Friday from 9:30 a.m. to noon and 1 p.m. to 4:30 p.m. On Saturday, services will be provided from 8:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. Services will not be available on Sunday. A photo ID is needed for customers to pick up P.O. Box mail. For more information, call 800-ASK-USPS (1-800-275-8777). The Aiken Poets will hold its regular monthly meeting today at the AnShu Restaurant in Woodside Village from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. New members are welcome. For more information, call Roger Brock at 803-646-2141 or Joan Lacombe at 803-507-7020. Read moreToday's events for July 20 COLUMBIA Spc. Jayson Reed Haven, a South Aiken High School graduate, was laid to rest Thursday afternoon at Fort Jackson National Cemetery. Haven, 20, died at Camp Buehring, Kuwait, as the result of a non-combat vehicle rollover accident while serving in the South Carolina Army National Guard. The accident is still under investigation. S.C. Gov. Henry McMaster ordered flags at state buildings to be flown at half-staff Thursday in tribute to Haven. Haven's father, Jeff Haven, summed him up as a brilliant, funny, loyal and gentle son. A machine gunner, Haven was assigned to Bravo Company, 1st Battalion, 118th Infantry Regiment, 218th Maneuver Enhancement Brigade, South Carolina Army National Guard. He was deployed with Task Force Rattler in 2022 in support of U.S. Operation Spartan Shield in southwest Asia. Luna Ledbetter, who was Haven's best friend, joined the military with Haven in high school and planned to leave the military at the same time as him. He was a very kind and caring person. Very soft on the inside, stubborn on the outside, Ledbetter said. He would do anything for his friends. Army Spc. Jonathan Cristofoletti, who was in the same squad as Haven, said he was very kind and cared for everyone besides himself. He was a great dude. He was a smart kid. He always had big goals, always, Christofoletti said. He loved his games. He loved his books. He just loved the people around him. Christofoletti said Haven was very opinionated and would always challenge his friends, and even his superiors, for the better. Any word that came out of your mouth, he would challenge you, Christofoletti said. It didnt matter who it was. I could tell this man was smarter than me just from talking with him. Staff Sgt. Paul Leavens knew Haven through the Army and gave advice to him as he joined the military and attended college at USC. He was super opinionated but not to a fault, Leavens said. He was a fantastic soldier, and I wish I had 100 like him. Leavens said Haven was unique and had a great plan for how he was going to get to where he wanted to be thanks to the military. He did the best he could, Leavens said. For him to get taken, being born after 9/11 and dying in that war in more or less a training accident is what hurts me. The Aiken Design Review Board has asked for a judge to reconsider an order denying the board's motion asking to be dismissed from the Project Pascalis lawsuit. Andrew Lindemann and Jim Holly, attorneys for the board, filed a motion to reconsider under Rule 59(e) of the South Carolina Rules of Civil Procedure Monday in the Aiken County Court of Common Pleas. Plaintiffs David Blake, Luis Rinaldini, Dick Dewar, Jenne Stoker, B.B. McGhee, the Historic Aiken Foundation, the Green Boundary Foundation and the South Carolina Public Interest Foundation filed the lawsuit against the Design Review Board, city of Aiken, City Attorney Gary Smith and the Aiken Municipal Development Commission July 5, 2022. Andrew Gowder, Mike Rose and Jim Carpenter represent the plaintiffs. Lindemann and Holly represent the Design Review Board. Daniel Plyler and Rachel Lee represent the city. Clarke McCants III and Clarke McCants IV represent Smith. David Morrison represents the Municipal Development Commission. Lindemann and Holly filed two motions asking the court to dismiss the board from the suit. They filed the first motion to dismiss Aug. 29, 2022 and the second after the plaintiffs filed an amended complaint Feb. 27 March 14. Judge William Keesley said in a footnote in his order denying the motions to dismiss that the motions were substantially similar except the second motion argues plaintiffs attorneys didn't have the consent of the parties or a judge to file the amended complaint. Keesley added Lindemann and Holly withdrew their objection to the amended complaint and says the first motion to dismiss was argued March 1 as if it addressed the amended complaint. In both motions to dismiss, Lindemann and Holly argued the Design Review Board should be dismissed pursuant to Rules 12(b)(1) and (6) of the South Carolina Rules of Civil Procedure. A motion to dismiss pursuant to Rule 12(b)(1) argues that the court does not have subject-matter jurisdiction to hear the case. Subject-matter jurisdiction is the requirement that the court have the power to decide an issue in controversy. Lindemann and Holly argued the court does not have subject-matter jurisdiction because the plaintiffs and their attorneys should have appealed the Design Review Board's March 1, 2022 conditional approval for the demolition of the Hotel Aiken rather than seek a declaratory judgment that the conditional approval was improper. A motion to dismiss pursuant to Rule 12(b)(6) SCRCP argues that facts made in a claim do not give rise to a cause of action. Specifically, Lindemann and Holly argued that the fourth cause of action in the 111-page amended complaint for attorney's fees should be dismissed because state law, S.C. Code Ann. 15-77-300, provides when plaintiffs can recover attorney's fees in lawsuits against governmental defendants but does not create a separate cause of action allowing plaintiffs to do so. In both motions, Lindemann and Holly asked in the alternative if the motion wasn't dismissed for a more definitive statement as to how the Design Review Board violated the South Carolina Freedom of Information Act. Keesley issued an order denying the motions to dismiss but granting the alternative motion June 1. "Because of the strict standards applicable to motions to dismiss at the pleadings stage, the Rule 12(b) motions are respectfully denied," Keesley wrote. He added he agrees attorney's fees and costs don't need to be a separate cause of action but said he does not see a reason to dismiss the claim at this stage of the case. Two members of Congress representing South Carolina are looking to help America's burgeoning elder population. U.S. Sen. Lindsey Graham, R-S.C., and U.S. Rep. Nancy Mace, R-Charleston and Hilton Head, along with U.S. Sens. Kirsten Gillibrand, D-N.Y., and Dick Durbin, D-Ill., introduced Wednesday the Protecting Older Americans Act, which would prevent the enforcement of arbitration clauses when an employee alleges age discrimination. Some employers include a clause in employment contracts requiring an employee to submit any potential dispute to binding arbitration as a condition of employment and these clauses are known as arbitration clauses. Graham said he supports arbitration as a means for resolving disputes, the idea of employees signing away their legal rights in employment contracts, and other situations where there is an imbalance of power, is unacceptable. "Age discrimination is real, and I believe people should have access to courtrooms in such situations," Graham said at a news conference. Mace said justice, fairness and accountability should extend to everyone, regardless of age. "The Protecting Older Americans Act is a crucial step towards ensuring older Americans are not denied their right to seek justice and hold perpetrators of age discrimination accountable," Mace said. "Invalidating forced arbitration clauses is essential in allowing victims to have their day in court and fostering transparency in addressing age-related injustices. We must stand together to protect the rights and dignity of our older citizens." The bill has been endorsed by the AARP, Lift Our Voices, American Association for Justice, National Employment Law Project, Lifespan of Greater Rochester, Hamilton-Madison House, VNS Health, Brookdale Center for Healthy Aging Hunter College, Encore Community Services and Association on Aging in New York. The South Carolina Court of Appeals has denied a North Augusta mans petition for a rehearing in a Freedom of Information Act case brought against the city of North Augusta, its mayor and Council. After careful consideration of the petition for rehearing, the Court is unable to discover that any material fact or principle of law has been either overlooked or disregarded, and hence, there is no basis for granting a rehearing, the June 1 filing reads. Attorneys for North Augustan H. Perry Holcomb filed the petition for rehearing on May 4, two weeks after the appeals court reversed an October 2019 ruling that favored Holcomb. That earlier ruling, delivered by Circuit Court Judge Clifton Newman, had determined the city of North Augusta was in the wrong when its city council made changes mid-meeting to a list of capital sales tax-funded projects that were then voted on that same evening. Included in those changes was the addition of half a million dollars in sales tax funding for the controversial New Savannah Bluff Lock and Dam. Arguments throughout the case have hinged on what exactly constituted the agenda for the meeting in question, which was held May 7, 2018. Holcomb has maintained that the document posted to the city website as Agenda 050718 Complete was the actual agenda for that nights city council meeting. The city has maintained that Holcomb and, later, Judge Newman conflated the meetings agenda with the additional background materials the city also published ahead of the meeting, which included the list of projects to be funded by the sales tax. The city has maintained the actual agenda was the document labeled simply Agenda 050718. Holcomb reasonably believed the Complete agenda was the one to review, the petition for rehearing states. Read: petition for rehearing Attorneys for North Augustan H. Perry Holcomb filed for a rehearing of Holcomb's Freedom of Information Act case against the city of North Aug Holcomb, in that petition, contended the appeals court overlooked or misunderstood the labeling of the agenda posted to the citys website and argued that a plain understanding of the term agenda would require the document to be considered as the agenda not as supplemental materials and so not open to last-minute changes in light of the FOIA. What could be plainer as to the nature of a document than the title page of that document? the petition asked. What is a member of the public supposed to believe when he or she reads that the document is the Regular Agenda of May 7, 2018 of the City Council meeting? It is Petitioners (Holcombs) contention that there is nothing plainer than the title of a document to indicate what it is and contends to be, in this case, an agenda, the petition continued. But in reversing Judge Newmans ruling, the appeals court had decided that Holcombs interpretation of the term agenda was incorrect and that if we were to adopt the respondents position, we would be effectively holding that the City was required to pin all thirty-six pages of the longer document with all of the supplemental information to its bulletin board. Further, the appeals court determined that after-the-fact evaluations such as the one conducted here would discourage public bodies from providing supplemental information, according to the opinion from appellate judges Paula H. Thomas, Stephanie P. McDonald and Black A. Hewitt. It can be difficult to predict importance beforehand, and the public often has varying opinions about what is important, the opinion reads. According to the opinion, "a prudent public body would no doubt err on the side of not providing background information before meetings so it could avoid any threat of litigation, but that would thwart rather than forward FOIAs purpose." For Holcomb, its the opposite: The petition for rehearing had alleged that the appellate courts reversal of Judge Newmans ruling leaves the City free to continue to conduct secret government activity, thwarting FOIAs essential purpose of protecting the public from such secret activity. Professor Marc Chardin from the French Institute of Scientific Research presents his joint project on theoretical mathematics with Vietnamese lecturer Tran Quang Hoa at an award ceremony in Paris, France, June 13, 2023. Photo by VNA Two Vietnamese researchers have been bestowed with a scientific cooperation award in recognition of their contributions to cooperation projects with France. Tran Quang Hoa, a lecturer at the Hue University of Education, and Hoang Thi Giang from the Vietnam Agricultural Genetics Institute were honored by the French Academy of Sciences and the French Ministry of Higher Education and Research. Hoa's joint project with Professor Marc Chardin, an expert at the French Institute of Scientific Research and a lecturer at the Sorbonne University, refers to studies of theoretical mathematics while the joint project of Giang and Professor Stephane Jouannic of the French Institute for Development Research focuses on finding genes and genetic characteristics of high-quality rice varieties which are adaptive to climate change. The Vietnamese researchers could not attend the ceremony on Tuesday and their French partners received the awards on their behalf. In an interview with the Vietnam New Agency's correspondents in Paris, Chardin expressed his pleasure to receive the award, saying that it allows him to continue nurturing cooperation with the research group of the Hue University as well as other universities in Vietnam. According to Francis-Andre Wollman, Vice President in charge of international cooperation of the French Academy of Sciences, the study related to rice genes is highly appreciated not only for the effective collaboration between his academy and the Vietnam Agricultural Genetics Institute in the field of research and training but also has practical values, adding that it will be the foundation for exploring rice varieties that are able to withstand heat, drought and floods and effectively promote Vietnam's rice resources. COLUMBIA Over the next few months, major changes will be coming to the states bail bond system after the South Carolina Legislature passed a reform bill June 14. The legislation would make it progressively harder for defendants charged with repeat violent crimes to post bond and be released from jail. It would allow solicitors to seek a sentence of up to five years for those who are convicted of committing a violent crime while out on bond for a previous alleged violent crime. It also gives the South Carolina Law Enforcement the responsibility to set rules for the now unregulated GPS ankle monitoring industry. It puts another tool in the tool basket for the solicitors, said Sen. Gerald Malloy, a Darlington Democrat who led the bill through House and Senate negotiations. Hopefully well get crime rates going down and people are safer. The Senate passed the bill unanimously, but it faced some opposition in House where it passed 89-16 with some Democrats and a Republican dissenting over concerns the legislation may undermine the presumption of innocence. Bond reform has been among the highest priorities for law enforcement, Gov. Henry McMaster and the Legislatures Republican leadership who have repeatedly emphasized it is necessary to close the revolving door a phrase they use to refer to violent offenders being arrested and released back into the community. Yet, the governor expressed his deep displeasure June 14 the Legislature did not pass expanded penalties for illegal gun possession, an issue he's frequently linked with bond reform. The General Assembly did not close the revolving door for criminals," McMaster said in a statement after the bond bill passed. It seems a little disingenuous to celebrate with or congratulate the General Assembly knowing that they could have helped law enforcement take illegal guns out of the hands of career repeat criminals before they left town for the year, he said. McMaster intends to sign the bond reform bill, spokesman Brandon Charochak confirmed. The push for bond reform has been fueled by a string of tragic anecdotes in which those out on bond for violent offenses allegedly commit murders or rapes. There are few statistics to show the extent of the problem. The House passed its version of the bill March 1, and the Senate passed its own the version April 12. The biggest pinch point between the two sides was the five-year penalty for being convicted of a violent crime while on bond for a previous alleged violent crime, said Sen. Greg Hembree, a Little River Republican who was the architect of the Senate version. The Senate cut the provision from the House bill because they worried it would infringe on the rights of those who are found not guilty of the initial charge and thus should never have been on bond in the first place. The governor made clear that he wanted the extra five-year penalty included. In the compromise bill, solicitors must seek a new charge and potentially proceed through a second jury trial to seek up to an additional five years. Hembree and Malloy said those due process safeguards were enough to assuage their concerns. In a fiery speech against the bill, House Minority Leader Todd Rutherford, D-Columbia, said the legislation makes punishment hinge on charges, which are often dropped, rather than convictions and could incentivize law enforcement to file trumped up charges to keep someone in jail. All it takes for all of our freedom to disappear is the word of one officer, Rutherford said. He also blasted provisions of the legislation that make it progressively harder and eventually more expensive for those accused of violent crimes to post bond. What you all did was make it so the rich get the privilege of being able to get out, he said. The compromise bill requires defendants who are charged with a third violent crime while out on bond for two previous and unrelated alleged violent crimes to pay the full amount of bail in cash without using a bondsman, virtually eliminating it as an option for all but the wealthiest. Supporters of the legislation point out very few defendants are charged with three unrelated violent crimes while on bond and argue that even those who are eventually found not guilty are required to obey their bond conditions. The bill also included provisions that give SLED regulatory authority over the GPS ankle monitoring industry, mandate all monitoring companies seek certification from SLED and require monitoring companies to report bond violations to the authorities within two hours. Law enforcement had warned that the current regulatory vacuum allowed some unscrupulous monitoring companies to not keep track of defendants, fail to report bond violations, keep law enforcement in the dark and put victims safety at risk. The Legislature sent two other public safety bills to the governor June 14. The first would expand the states first responder death benefit program to include EMS personnel, firefighters and coroners. Families of first responders who died in the line of duty would receive $75,000 or, if the death was the result of unlawful or intentional acts, $150,000. The bill applies retroactively from May of this year, so the family of an Irmo firefighter killed battling a Columbia apartment fire May 26 will be eligible. The second bill makes attacking electrical or telecommunications utility equipment punishable by up to 25 years in prison. It comes in response to a series of attacks in January on North Carolinas grid that caused power outages. Both passed unanimously in the House and the Senate. Moncks Corner, SC (29461) Today Scattered thunderstorms during the evening. Partly cloudy skies after midnight. Gusty winds and small hail are possible. Low 74F. Winds SW at 5 to 10 mph. Chance of rain 50%.. Tonight Scattered thunderstorms during the evening. Partly cloudy skies after midnight. Gusty winds and small hail are possible. Low 74F. Winds SW at 5 to 10 mph. Chance of rain 50%. The Holy City's lone nonstop air service to the City of Angels will be grounded for five months this fall and winter. JetBlue Airways will temporarily suspend the daily transcontinental flights between Charleston and Los Angeles from Oct. 29 until March 31, 2024, a company spokesman said June 15. "As we assess demand and look to enhance schedules throughout our network, we will suspend our (nonstop) service between Charleston and Los Angeles" later this year and early next year, JetBlue said in a statement. "During this time, JetBlue customers can still travel between these cities with a connection." Charleston International Airport liaison Gary Edwards said the pause has little to do with the level of passengers, which he said remains healthy, and is more about the industry's struggle to get new planes after the COVID-19 pandemic. Because of the delays, Edwards said JetBlue is moving some of its aircraft to other routes until the backlog is cleared. JetBlue did not address the aircraft delivery issue in its statement. The New York-based carrier first launched flights between CHS and LAX in December 2020, just as COVID vaccinations were being introduced. While the airline hasn't always operated the route on a daily basis, its passenger load remains strong, Edwards said. "It's been doing between 150 and 180 passengers a day each way," he noted. "They have done well and grown the market." Edwards emphasized the airline is "committed" to resuming the service. "They are basically taking a Christmas and first-quarter break," he said. JetBlue is currently flying the route six days a week through June and then daily the rest of the summer before trimming back service to four or five times a week after Labor Day until the hiatus. Charleston airport CEO Elliott Summey lamented the decision, especially for business travelers who use LAX as a jumping off point for flights to Asia. "I'm glad it's not about passenger performance," Summey said. "When they do come back, hopefully they will have the equipment they need to keep the route going." The move will leave the Lowcountry without a cross-country nonstop connection between the Lowcountry and Los Angeles, an element often touted by airport and tourism officials as key to Charleston's growing prominence on national and international levels. Breeze Airways initially announced last year it would offer a similar nonstop flight, but by the time the route launched, the carrier decided to add a connection via a circuitous path through the Northeast. The airline scuttled the route earlier this year. Charleston, SC (29403) Today Mostly cloudy with scattered thunderstorms mainly during the evening. Low 78F. Winds SW at 10 to 15 mph. Chance of rain 50%.. Tonight Mostly cloudy with scattered thunderstorms mainly during the evening. Low 78F. Winds SW at 10 to 15 mph. Chance of rain 50%. COLUMBIA A judge denied a motion to dismiss former Lexington-Richland School District Five board member Ken Loveless' libel lawsuit against a current board member in a virtual hearing June 15. Loveless filed the suit against Kevin Scully in March 2022, while he still served on the board and before Scully was elected. He alleged that Scully defamed him through Facebook posts, including ones calling Loveless "Crooked Ken" and an "unethical hypocrite and a liar." It was the first of two such lawsuits filed by Loveless that March. He also sued Leslie Ann Stiles, the administrator of a Facebook page about the school district, accusing her of not removing certain comments critical of Loveless made by others. Although Judge Clifton Newman turned down the dismissal motion in the lawsuit against Scully on June 15, in December a different judge dismissed the lawsuit against Stiles, calling it "irreparably flawed as a matter of law." However, in the lawsuit against Scully, Newman said a "legitimate dispute" exists between the two parties. Scully's lawyer Drew Radeker argued in the June 15 hearing that Loveless' suit hadn't presented any evidence that the former board member suffered any damages from Scully's comments, and said all of the suit's complaints are "about an issue of public concern," as Loveless was a public official. During the hearing, Desa Ballard, Loveless' lawyer, said her client had become a "pariah in his community" because of Scully's statements, which she called "false" and "malicious." She said Loveless was particularly offended about a claim that Loveless "goes after women." "He hired me, for God's sake," Ballard said. Loveless lost his reelection campaign to the Lexington-Richland Five school board in November 2022 in a razor-thin race. Scully won his seat on the board in the same election cycle, though the two men were not running against each other. Since his defeat, Loveless has become part of two new lawsuits relating to his one term on the board, including a federal suit he filed in May, which alleges that several former school board members were a part of a conspiracy to violate Loveless' free speech. In February, he was sued in state court by a former Lexington-Richland Five superintendent, who alleged in a countersuit that Loveless, two other current and former board members, the school district and its accounting firm conspired to defame him. A month later, a three-member panel of the State Ethics Commission found that Loveless violated South Carolina ethics law three times while serving on the school board, ruling that he failed to recuse himself from board discussions about matters which he had an economic interest in. Loveless has since appealed that ruling. COLUMBIA The Richland Two school district's Board of Trustees announced three finalists in its search for the district's next superintendent June 14. Thirty-nine people from 20 states applied for the job atop the 28,500-student district during a nationwide search led by a Nebraska-based search firm, according to a statement from district spokeswoman Ishmael Tate. The three finalists are Nia Campbell, chief academic officer of Aurora Public Schools in Aurora, Colorado; Benjamin Henry, regional superintendent of Polk County Schools in Polk County, Florida; and Kim Moore, assistant superintendent of career and innovative programs in the Pasco County School District in Pasco County, Florida. They were selected by the board during a closed-door meeting June 12. After that meeting, board chair Lindsay Agostini said she thought the board was on track for its goal of having a new leader hired by the beginning of July. The three final candidates will visit Columbia for a day between June 20-22 for interviews by panels made up of district parents, students, teachers, administrators and business and community leaders, and a closed-door interview by the board of trustees, the statement said. The board is scheduled to make its final selection June 23 and announce it June 27. All three of the final candidates to lead the northeast Richland district hold doctoral degrees in educational leadership, according to the statement. None of them currently serve in a school district's top leadership position. Campbell currently oversees 53 school sites in Aurora, including 38,000 students, as well as the district's Division of Equity in Learning, according to the district's statement. Before starting in Colorado, she worked as an assistant superintendent for secondary programs in The School Board of Highlands County in South Central Florida. Earlier in her career, she worked as a high school math teacher, assistant principal, and principal, Richland Two said. Campbell attended Wagner College in New York as an undergraduate, before earning a master's degree from National Louis University in Chicago and her doctorate from California-based Argosy University. Henry oversees 29 schools in Polk County, where he also started his career as a special education teacher, according to the Richland Two statement. He has two decades of experience as a "public school educator," including time as a principal, as well as a South Carolina connection his mother grew up in the Palmetto State as a sharecropper's daughter, Richland Two said. Henry attended Alabama State University. Moore leads her Florida district's workforce development programs, its technical college, STEM-oriented K-12 schools and its diversity, equity and inclusion initiative. Before starting a career in education, she served in the U.S. Army as a Chemical Corps Officer. She specialized in nuclear, biological and chemical weapons. She also worked as a assistant for negotiations in the Secretary of Defense's office in the Pentagon, according to Richland Two's statement. After retiring from the Army, she's worked as a teacher, principal, director and assistant superintendent. She attended Widener University in Pennsylvania as an undergraduate, and has a master's degree from Central Michigan University and a doctorate from Nova Southeastern University in Florida. Richland Two's superintendent's seat opened up in January, when the district's former leader, Baron Davis, resigned suddenly after the school board discussed his contract for hours behind closed doors. While Davis and the board have not spoken publicly about his resignation or the reasons behind it, Davis was awarded $615,000 from a settlement agreement that also included a non-disparagement agreement. Since Davis' departure, Chief Instructional Officer Nancy Gregory has led the district as interim superintendent. GREENVILLE The Bon Secours St. Francis health system will pay a $36.5 million settlement after allegations that the nonprofit health care provider made illegal payments to doctors based on how many referrals they made. The settlement, announced June 15 by the U.S. Attorneys Office for South Carolina, resolves a whistleblower complaint alleging the payments violated multiple federal laws, including the False Claims Act. The complaint, which was brought by a doctor in 2018, claimed that the provider caused the submission of false claims to Medicare and to Tricare, the health care program for U.S. military service members. The False Claims Act allows whistleblowers to proceed with a case if the government declines to take the lead in litigating such allegations, as it did in the St. Francis case. Erica Blake, spokesperson for St. Francis parent company Bon Secours Mercy Health, acknowledged the settlement in a statement but disputed the claims, saying the payment scheme hasnt been in place for five years. Blake did not give a specific date of when that practice was stopped but said it was prior to the filing of the initial whistleblower complaint. The alleged false claims stemmed from an illegal payment system between St. Francis and Piedmont Orthopaedic Associates, in which the POAs compensation was linked to the volume or value of referrals to St. Francis. The U.S. Attorneys Office said those payments violated both the Stark law and the anti-kickback statute. Those laws make it illegal to lie to the government for purposes of payment and allow compensation for the whistleblower or relator who brings the illegal activity to the governments attention. We really appreciate the bravery of the relator who came forward and brought to both our and the governments attention the fraud that was taking place," Bill Nettles, who represented the doctor and is a former U.S. Attorney for South Carolina, told The Post and Courier. "Despite the Department of Justice declination, we remained steadfast, and believed in the validity and strength of our case," said Nettles, who represented the whistleblower along with attorneys Fran Trapp and Bryan Vroon. "Maintaining the cost of health care is a step toward helping everyone in this country receive affordable health care." As part of the settlement, the whistleblower and their attorneys will receive about $10.2 million of the final amount. The remainder will go to the federal government. The director of the National Load Dispatch Center was suspended starting Wednesday pending an investigation regarding widespread power outages in northern Vietnam. Director Nguyen Duc Ninh was suspended per a decision signed by general director of Vietnam Electricity (EVN) Tran Dinh Nhan. The National Load Dispatch Center is the operating unit for the distribution of electricity and is tasked with making sure the power system remains safe and stable. The center is also responsible for operating power plants and regulating reservoirs. The Ministry of Industry and Trade has launched an investigation on EVN starting June 10 regarding its power supply and management from January 2021 to June 2023. The investigation was launched as instructed by Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh. Industry minister Nguyen Hong Dien has requested an inspection on the supply of fuels for power plants, the operation of power systems, the distribution of electricity and the utilization of renewable energy, among other issues. Since earlier this month, Hanoi and other northern Vietnam localities have been suffering from frequent power outages. Average power demand throughout the country reached around 820 million kWh a day in May, an increase of over 20% from April. In the capital alone, average power demand in May was over 75.4 million kWh, a 22.5% increase from April. By June 8, average power demand in the city reached over 85.6 million kWh. Hydropower, one of two main power sources for northern Vietnam, is in decline due to droughts leading to dry reservoirs. Certain thermal power plants also faced issues due to being operated at high capacity. The industry ministry said northern Vietnam would lack 30.9-50.8 million kWh a day, and faces risks of energy shortage at nearly every hour of the day. FLORENCE - A new $100 million behavioral health hospital and crisis intervention service is just the beginning of how South Carolina addresses a growing need in mental health, Gov. Henry McMaster and state officials said. Medical University of South Carolina, McLeod Health and the state Department of Health and Human Services are leading a public-private collaboration that should serve as a model that can be replicated in other areas of the state, said HHS Director Robby Kerr. "The Pee Dee is the perfect spot to serve as a model in South Carolina that we can replicate in other areas of the state," he said. The new facility in Florence would have 63 psychiatric beds, including 23 that would transfer from McLeod Behavioral Health Center in Darlington; a 20-bed Crisis Stabilization Unit to provide short-term intensive treatment, including four beds for adolescents; plus outpatient and telepsychiatry services and a rapid access center for walk-in assessments. The City of Florence is also providing $5 million to the effort. A red-bricked facility in downtown that is owned by MUSC, which served as the backdrop to the event June 15, would be torn down and the gleaming new "hub" hospital that replaces it would be open in about two years after construction begins in 2024, said MUSC President David Cole. The area around it already has behavioral health clinics and services so "this is ideal for this facility," Cole said as he surveyed the surrounding neighborhood. McMaster set in motion an overhaul when he declared in his State of the State address in 2022 "a mental health crisis exists in South Carolina, especially among our young people" and directed Kerr and his department to look into it. After they found inadequate resources in schools and a fragmented system for crisis services, the legislature appropriated $65 million to address it and a state taskforce took up the cause. The facility in the Pee Dee is among the first fruits of that effort, along with increasing school mental health counselors by 66 percent and offering $35 million for hospitals to create their own mental health crisis units. It began in the Pee Dee because the Florence area was especially bereft, with one mental health bed for every 7,000 people, compared to one for 2,600 for the rest of the state. The region "has one of the biggest gaps in behavioral health care in the state," said Speaker of the House Murrell Smith, R-Sumter. While McLeod has been providing services in the area for nearly four decades, "23 beds can't meet the needs of this community," said President and CEO Donna Isgett. The new collaboration is also due to the work of the late Sen. Hugh K. Leatherman, who represented the area for decades and was a champion for improving mental health, several speakers noted. "This was his idea, and this was his creation," Smith said. It also begins to address a real lack of Crisis Stabilization Units in South Carolina, with the only full-time facility in Charleston, and that unit operating at half-capacity. The Department of Mental Health is working with a Spartanburg coalition to create a crisis diversion program for children and adolescents that can find them services without having to go to an Emergency Room. Other efforts have focused on creating facilities in Columbia and Greenville, but those have yet to come to fruition. Mental health needs were increasing in South Carolina and nationally even before the pandemic, particularly in kids, but those skyrocketed during and afterward. According to the American Psychological Association, 79 percent of its members have seen increases in anxiety and two out of three saw increases in depression; six out of 10 of those providers say they can no longer take new patients. Nonprofit Mental Health America says there are 50 million adults in the U.S. with mental illness, including 862,000 in South Carolina or 21.7 percent of the state's adult population. Nearly half of high school students nationally felt persistently sad or hopeless in 2021, including six out of 10 girls and seven out of 10 LGBTQ students, according to the Youth Risk Behavior Survey by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. One out of 10 girls and 20 percent of LGBTQ students attempted suicide, the survey found. The state is facing a "tsunami of anxiety and depression" among its youth, Cole said, and many families have already felt the lack of access to good mental health services. "Now is the time for us to come together to change that dynamic," he said. Mental health issues affect one in five in the state, said Isgett of McLeod Health. "Look around the table and you'll see them," she said. The new facility was funded through the General Assembly and by an increased match in federal funding that HHS received during the pandemic, Kerr said. Future projects would need to come through the General Assembly again, he said. "We'll run with as much money as we can and do as much good as we can," Kerr said. But it is not just beds and facilities the state also has a shortage of providers, Cole said. Every day, there are 15-20 more people in the Emergency Department at MUSC than can be cared for in its units. "There aren't enough people to meet the acute need," Cole said. Francis Marion University in Florence, which is part of the collaboration, already has a psychiatric nurse practitioner program but will begin a Doctor of Psychology degree program in January 2024 that should help add to the workforce, said Anna Todd, vice president of communications. Kingstree, SC (29556) Today Partly cloudy early with increasing clouds overnight. A stray shower or thunderstorm is possible. Low 72F. Winds WSW at 5 to 10 mph.. Tonight Partly cloudy early with increasing clouds overnight. A stray shower or thunderstorm is possible. Low 72F. Winds WSW at 5 to 10 mph. Mount Pleasant, SC (29464) Today Scattered thunderstorms early, then mainly cloudy after midnight. Low 79F. Winds SW at 10 to 15 mph. Chance of rain 50%.. Tonight Scattered thunderstorms early, then mainly cloudy after midnight. Low 79F. Winds SW at 10 to 15 mph. Chance of rain 50%. CONWAY Jennifer Sahr, the woman who gave birth to Baby Boy Horry and left the child in the woods, will go to prison for her role in the newborn's death. Sahr, now 35 years old and living in Florida with a husband and two children, was sentenced to 10 years in prison on June 15, but that sentence was suspended to four years and she must pay $1,700 in restitution. The sentence by Circuit Court Judge Paul Burch came after Sahr entered an Alford plea at a September 2022 hearing. In an Alford plea, defendants maintain their innocence but admit that the prosecution's evidence would likely result in a guilty verdict if brought to trial. Sahr faced up to 30 years in prison after waiving her constitutional right to a jury trial and agreeing to be sentenced by Burch. Im probably going to do something with this case that none of you like, Burch said shortly before he ruled. This side is not going to like it and the mercy side over here is not going to like it. Im going to state again what I said at the previous hearing. The most important issue in this whole deal is those two children. Baby Boy Horrys father Ronald Woodham III, who told the court in September that his world stopped spinning when he learned he was the infants dad, again addressed the court. She could have dropped him off at a fire station, hospital, whatever the case may be, Woodham said. Sentencing in the case where authorities at the onset could not determine the parents of the newborn who was found off S.C. 544 in 2008 and later named Baby Boy Horry was delayed during the September hearing by Burch, who requested a pre-sentence investigation. Local authorities investigated the cold case for over a decade before announcing that scientific evidence provided them with a new lead, resulting in the March 2020 arrest of Sahr by federal marshals in the North Myrtle Beach area. The State Law Enforcement Division confirmed at the time that Sahr was the boy's biological mother and agents had identified her from a supplied DNA sample. During the September hearing, it was revealed that in December 2008, when Sahr was named Jennifer Rickel and a student at Coastal Carolina University, utility workers found a box in a wooded area off the highway. Inside they found a tote bag containing the body of the infant child. The state argued the infant was alive when he was born while Sahrs defense said there is no clear evidence to make such a confirmation. Sahr, who was escorted out of the Conway courtroom by the Horry County Sheriffs Office to start her sentence, also addressed the court. I am very sorry, Sahr said. Baby Boy Horry is buried at Hillcrest Cemetery near Coastal Carolina University where a headstone was erected in his honor. For years, Horry County Coroner Robert Edge held a memorial service for the infant. Tourists at Bai Chay beach in Ha Long in northern Vietnam on June 11, 2023. Photo by VnExpress/Le Tan Popular beach tourist cities such as Ha Long, Da Nang, Phan Thiet and Sam Son are expected to be overrun by holiday crowds this summer as hotel occupancy rates have already reached over 80%. Data from travel platform Mustgo, which partners with 2,000 hotels across the country, shows hotel occupancy rates in Sam Son in the north central province of Thanh Hoa have reached 90% on weekends. Pham Lan, a tourist from Hanoi who arrived in Sam Son beach last weekend, said the beach was "overcrowded." Sam Son, around 160 kilometers from Hanoi, has become a frequently-visited destination during the summer holiday in recent years, with accommodation and tourism services flourishing. Sam Son beach in north central Vietnam is flooded with tourists June 2023. Photo by Pham Lan Around four hours from Sam Son, Ha Long City, home to beautiful beaches and a UNESCO heritage bay, received 100,000 visitors last week, up 20% from the previous week. Beaches in Van Don, Co To and Mong Cai were also crowded. Authorities in Ha Long recently stepped up efforts to clean up its beaches after many foreign tourists complained about trash. Booking data from Hanoi-based Top One Travel company shows that Ha Long, Sam Son or Cat Ba Island are the favorite beach destinations this summer. The number of tourists booking tours to the three destinations account for 30% of the companys summer total. In the central region, Da Nang, which is hosting a month-long international fireworks festival, remains the top choice this summer. The occupancy rate of three-to-four-star hotels reached 80%, with prices surging by 30%, according to Mustgo data. Online travel agency Booking.com recently also revealed Da Nang was the most searched destination among domestic travelers this summer, followed by Phu Quoc and Nha Trang, based on an analysis of check-in dates between July 1 and August 31. Quy Nhon is also a favorite summer choice with occupancy rates ranging from 40% to 60%. Down south, Phan Thiet, home to beach tourism hubs like Mui Ne and Phu Quy Island, has witnessed a travel boom this summer after the Dau Giay Phan Thiet Expressway opened to traffic in late April, cutting travel time from HCMC to Phan Thiet to around two hours. Many hotels in Phan Thiet are almost fully booked at the weekends. Phu Quoc off the southern coast is no longer as popular as last summer due to unfavorable weather and rough seas. The two-to-three-star hotel segment there has recorded an occupancy rate of about 35-40% while the four-five-star segment has reached about 30%. Since the beginning of June, Phu Quoc has continuously experienced sudden rainfall. This year travel businesses have reported declining revenues due to low travel demand, triggered by a gloomy economic outlook. The top travel concerns of Vietnamese travelers this summer are the weather and prices, according to a survey of 500 Vietnamese by Milieu Insight, a consumer research firm focusing on Southeast Asia. Goose Creek, SC (29445) Today Thunderstorms during the evening will give way to mostly cloudy skies after midnight. Low 77F. Winds SW at 5 to 10 mph. Chance of rain 100%.. Tonight Thunderstorms during the evening will give way to mostly cloudy skies after midnight. Low 77F. Winds SW at 5 to 10 mph. Chance of rain 100%. HARTSVILLE The largest grant in Hartsvilles history is expected to push the city forward. Hartsville received $8.5 million from the South Carolina Infrastructure Investment Program with an additional $500,000 supplied by the city and matched by the program. The city also supplied $1 million, bringing the total to $10 million. The money will be used to upgrade the wastewater treatment plant and build a new water tank. We can ensure the growth of the city for decades to come, that's the main impact, City Manager Daniel Moore said. Upgrades to the plant and construction of a new water tank are large-scale projects. Some of the upgrades and construction are once-in-a-career opportunities, Moore said. Despite the scale, Hartsvilles grant-funded projects must be completed by 2026. We dont see them as challenges, we see them as opportunities, said Michelle Byers Brown, the city's director of tourism and communications. The citys water treatment plant processes local sewer and that of McBee and other small towns and communities around Hartsville. Like landfills or paper cups, wastewater treatment plants can only reach a certain capacity before they begin to overflow or malfunction. Several million additional gallons of capacity will be available upon the completion of the project. More capacity means more space for residential and commercial newcomers in the city. Large businesses in the area could choose to expand or the city could take on more industry, thanks to the increase in capacity, Moore said. Hartsvilles iconic egg-shaped water tower has been operating for more than 80 years and has earned its retirement, Moore said. A new tank will ensure that water remains clean and drinkable in the city. Sewer and infrastructure and water, those things are so critical to anything, Moore said. When they go bad, bad things happen. Just over 200 towns, cities and counties statewide were awarded grants of varying amounts to help upgrade or build new infrastructure. Areas that received grants will put their projects up for bid in the coming months to find contractors and engineers suitable for the work they need done. Most of the work the grants will fund is specialized, Moore said, so there will likely be competition in securing a bid. Hartsville doesnt have to worry about that. The city is fully funding the engineering cost. So instead of having to put it out for a bid, we can select an engineer, Moore said. The ability to skip the bidding process also allows the city to bypass the approval process required for engineers. If grant recipients use grant money to hire an engineer, the engineer must be approved by the Rural Infrastructure Authority, the sponsor of the grant. Avoiding that process means Hartsville is about six months ahead of other grant recipients, Moore said. Stepping out ahead will give the city more room to meet the 2026 project completion deadline. Hartsville has other upgrades and grant applications planned. Upgrading the Piratesville Splash Pad and streetscaping downtowns Sixth Street are part of the citys goals for the next few years. Everything's intentional, Brown said. Intentional to build community. Hartsvilles engineer for the grant-funded projects must be selected by June 2024 and all projects must be complete by 2026. More grant applications and revitalization efforts are already in the works. FLORENCE A behavioral health hub in Florence is expected to improve the mental health of Pee Dee residents, provide jobs for Francis Marion University graduates, ease the burdens of finding treatment for probate courts and reduce crime, officials said June 15. The state, the city of Florence, Medical University of South Carolina, McLeod Health and Francis Marion University announced June 15 plans to bring a first-of-its-kind behavioral health hub to the city of Florence. The behavioral health facility will provide access to patients across the Pee Dee. The facility will provide triage, crisis stabilization, telehealth, outpatient and inpatient services to the historically underserved Pee Dee. This type of collaborative effort is the only way to transform the delivery of behavioral health services into a continuum of care that improves efficiency and access to these vital services, South Carolina Department of Health and Human Service Director Robby Kerr said. The state will provide up to $100 million in staff funds and the city of Florence will provide $5 million for the project. Florence is considered the first municipality in the state to directly invest municipal funds in a behavioral health facility. The city will stagger its funds over four years. The new facility will create 250 jobs in Florence. A lot of times, people miss the factor of mental health, Florence Mayor Teresa Myers Ervin said. If we can make sure that our citizens are mentally stable it helps them with every aspect of life. Health care workers from McLeod Health, MUSC and HopeHealth in Florence will work collaboratively to treat patients at the new facility. Treating individuals at the new facility will reduce the number of beds needed for psychiatric patients at the local hospitals. "There will be more opportunities to serve because we're freeing up space that you normally wouldn't have," State Rep. Terry Alexander of Florence said. FMU's contribution Francis Marion Universitys newly-approved doctorate of psychology degree will help provide practitioners needed in the field, said University President Fred Carter. The university will also help prepare psychiatric mental health nurse practitioners. "This becomes a terrific employment location," Carter said. "Two weeks ago, the Commission on Higher Education gave us authority to move ahead with a doctorate in clinical and school psychology. We will begin that program in January. So many of those doctoral prepared psychologists could conceivably end up working at this facility as well." The facility also will help university and high school students who are struggling with mental health issues, Carter said. "Right now, you don't know what to do with them," Carter said. "There is an acute shortage of psychiatrists in this state. Now, there will be a facility that will be able to take those young men and women. They can talk to them and evaluate them and determine whether or not additional treatment is either inpatient or outpatient is needed." The late Sen. Hugh Leatherman played a big role in the plans to upgrade mental health services in the state. Carter said. In the last two years of his life, Leatherman focused on the need to properly fund mental health, Carter said. The state wasn't doing enough to improve the mental health of South Carolina residents. "The last week of his life," Carter said, "he asked to talk to some leadership around the state and they came in and they talked to him. Over and over again, he asked for a commitment from those leaders, including the governor and including the speaker and Sen. (Thomas) Alexander, the president of the Senate, to commit to doing something in the next two years toward enhancing the mental health facilities that we would build and the behavioral health treatment that we would provide the citizens." Leatherman's wife, Jean echoed Carter's statements. This will bring hope that we can help families find solutions so that their futures can be brighter, she said. This was Hughs last wish. Help for law, courts A Florence-based behavioral health center also will help law enforcement and the probate court system. The number of mental health cases in the probate court has increase dramatically over the last decade, Florence County Probate Judge Jesse Cartrette Jr. said. Mental health issues have not been addressed quickly and promptly, Cartrette said. The center will alleviate the wait and provide prompt treatment. We jockey with 45 other counties to get our patients on a waiting list for beds in Columbia, Cartrette said. They either have to go back home in the less volatile cases where they can wait, or go sit in a county jail until a bed becomes available. Immediate treatment at the center will allow those with mental health issues to become or continue to be productive members of society, he said. Cartrette also said treatment of mental health and substance abuse issues should reduce crime in the Pee Dee. "I've always said since long before I was a judge if we properly address mental health we will reduce the crime rate and make our entire community safer," he said. Florence Police Chief Allen Heidler said the department transports a large number of mental health patients to facilities throughout the state. The number of transports has tripled in the past 10 years, he said. Officers transporting mental health patients could be doing other duties if a behavioral health center was available in Florence, Heidler said. "A facility like this here will be addressing those issues that we are having to transport for," he said. The facility will contain 16 adult and four adolescent beds for crisis services, 63 beds in an inpatient psychiatric unit and a rapid access center to assist walk-in patients. Many criminals also are suffering from a mental health or substance abuse crisis, Heidler said. "There are very few crimes that are committed that don't have some level of substance abuse or drug involvement with them," the chief said. Addressing those issues should reduce crime, he added. Post and Courier Pee Dee Managing Editor Chris Day contributed to this report. Donald Trump will hold his next South Carolina campaign rally in Pickens, the most pro-Trump pocket of the state, where the former president will act as the main event for the city's Independence Day celebration. The July 1 event, first announced by the city of Pickens, will be Trump's second visit to South Carolina since launching his 2024 White House bid. The campaign stop will put the former president in the friendliest political territory he can find in South Carolina, in the northwest corner of the Upstate. While Trump won South Carolina in both 2016 and 2020, his margin of victory was the greatest in Pickens County. In 2016, Trump clobbered Democrat Hillary Clinton there by 53 points. In 2020, voters in Pickens County again overwhelmingly picked Trump, where returns show he trounced Democrat Joe Biden by 51 points. The campaign backdrop a small, city-sanctioned July Fourth celebration along the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains will be a departure from Trump's large, stadium-style rallies. But due to its geographic location, the event could easily pull supporters from neighboring Southern states. Pickens is a border county where it touches neighboring North Carolina and is about a one-hour drive from the northeastern part of Georgia. According to a schedule of the day's events, Trump is set to address the crowd at 1 p.m. and the gates for the Main Street event will open at 9 a.m. Tickets are free and available online on a first-come, first-served basis. It is part of the city's "Independence Day Spectacular," which will wrap up at 9 p.m. and feature a fireworks show starting at dusk. A news release from the Trump campaign is also teasing unnamed "special guests" and state lawmakers who will deliver remarks at 11:30 a.m. Longtime Trump ally, U.S. Sen. Lindsey Graham, R-S.C., lives in nearby Seneca. A Graham spokesman confirmed to The Post and Courier that Graham is "expected to attend" and will likely speak, but they are awaiting a full schedule. Trump has also personally invited the Rushingbrook Childrens Choir in Greenville to perform. The choir became an internet sensation when a video of the group singing the national anthem in the U.S. Capitol only to be interrupted and cut off by police mid-performance spread across social media. When Trump returns in July, it will have been exactly 22 weeks since his last appearance in the early primary state, which is often seen as a must-win state for presidential candidates. The "First in the South" primary state votes third in the Republican presidential nominating calendar. Since that Jan. 28 event at the S.C. Statehouse, Trump has maintained a strong double-digit polling lead in the Palmetto State despite being embroiled in unprecedented legal troubles for a presidential candidate. Last month, a Manhattan grand jury found Trump liable for sexually abusing advice columnist E. Jean Carroll in 1996, awarding her $5 million. This week, Trump pleaded not guilty to 37 federal charges that accuse him of mishandling classified documents he kept in his possession after leaving office and then obstructing the governments efforts to reclaim them. It is the first time a former U.S. president has ever faced federal charges. SPARTANBURG The lawsuit over a 12-story-tall pole used to fly a large Confederate battle flag seen by thousands of interstate motorists daily is getting closer to a day in court. The complaint by a local Sons of Confederate Veterans chapter over Spartanburg County's order to remove the flagpole near where Interstate 85 and Interstate 85 Business converge, first filed in November, has a June 27 court date, according to online records. The 30-foot-by-50-foot Confederate flag, the size of the footprint of a small three-bedroom home, has remained flying along the interstate while the lawsuit drags on because of the Spartanburg County Board of Zoning Appeals' voted 5-3 in January that the county's violation notice should not have been issued. Some Spartanburg County government leaders say they fear the giant Confederate flag has become a symbol of racial division across the country and could hurt tourism and business recruitment. The Sons of Confederate Veterans argued in the lawsuit the county violated its free speech rights by requiring a land use permit that was not required when the pole was first built a year ago. The county cited a 1999 zoning law banning flagpoles that have no accompanying uses, such as a home or a business, and has asked for dismissal of the lawsuit. According to the complaint, the local Sons of Confederate Veterans chapter asked the county on three separate occasions if building permits were required to construct a flagpole and was told no permit was required. The only permit issued by the county was one for electrical work at the site, according to the lawsuit. A permit from the Federal Aviation Administration was secured to clear the height of the flagpole, the lawsuit states. In a separate lawsuit, the county has sued the Board of Zoning Appeals over its decision that kept the flag flying. When the 120-foot flag pole was constructed in July on a vacant four-acre site owned by the Sons of Confederate Veterans Camp #68, the county's building code office did not require a permit since it was not classified as a structure, according to the lawsuit. The group told the county in September about its intention to fly a Confederate flag and they raised the large banner in late October. Soon after, the Spartanburg County Planning Department told the group that a land use permit was needed for the flag pole. The Sons of Confederate Veterans filed the lawsuit in November. The complaint requests the court to declare placing of a flagpole on the camp's property does not change the use of the property and prevent the county from requiring a land use permit. The Sons of Confederate Veterans "desired to exercise its right to free speech by placing a large flagpole upon the property that would be visible," according to the complaint. About 80,400 cars a day pass Interstate 85 at that location, the lawsuit states. Spartanburg County Councilman Monier Abusaft said June 12 he gets questions from visitors about the Confederate flag seen on I-85. "It comes up a lot," Abusaft said. "As a government official, I can't discriminate on a message based on content. As an elected official this is only about their land use. We have a land use ordinance and they are in violation of it. These people are looking for special treatment." Saigon weekend: what to do and where to go Don't miss the diverse offerings this weekend in Saigon: art exhibitions, French movie screenings, music night, Malaysian buffets, sustainable gastronomy, and Sunday brunch. Exhibition "Neverwhere" "Neverwhere" at Galerie Quynh is an exhibition featuring visionary artists Nadege David, Cian Duggan, Sandrine Llouquet, Ngo Dinh Bao Chau, Trong Gia Nguyen, and Vo Tran Chau. "Neverwhere" exhibition poster. Photo courtesy of Galerie Quynh The exhibition invites one to explore the intersection of art, science, and spirituality, delve into the mysteries of the universe and parallel realities that have fascinated artists and scientists throughout history. "Neverwhere" pushes the boundaries of perception, drawing inspiration from quantum mechanics, string theory, and avant-garde art movements. The exhibition's title is inspired by Neil Gaiman's novel, evoking an unseen world called "London Below" that exists beneath the sewers, where extraordinary destinies unfold. It sparks our imagination with the notion of a physical space yet to exist in time. Galerie Quynh is at 118 Nguyen Van Thu Street, Da Kao Ward, District 1. The exhibition is open to the public from June 13 to August 5, welcoming visitors from Tuesday to Saturday between 10 a.m. and 7 p.m. French movie "Un divan a Tunis" (Arab Blues) French cinema rendez-vous is a new weekly event introducing the richness and diversity of French cinema by screening a variety of very different films. Screenings are held by French Cinema Rendez-vous and Institut francais de HCMV. This week's movie is "Arab Blues", a comedy following Selma, a spirited and educated young woman. After completing her psychology degree in Paris, Selma embarks on a life-changing decision to return to her homeland and settle in the vibrant streets of Tunis. She embodies modernity, dynamism, independence, and intelligence. But her homecoming does not go as planned when she faces unexpected challenges and harsh realities. "Un divan a Tunis" movie poster. Photo courtesy of French Cinema Rendez-vous The film takes us on Selma's journey as she navigates through complex situations, questioning her initial expectations. "Un divan a Tunis" will be shown at DCine Cinema, 6 Mac Dinh Chi Street, District 1, Ho Chi Minh City, on June 17 at 7 p.m. Tickets cost VND60,000 ($2.55) per person. French musician "The Rodeo" Experience a night of French Pop music infused with a baroque twist - subtle, charismatic, and wild by joining The Rodeo, an artist known for her self-portrait compositions. "The Rodeo" poster. Photo courtesy of Institut francais de HCMV Hailing from a French-Vietnamese background, the artist, also known as Dorothee (Hannequin), returned to Ho Chi Minh City as part of the VILLA SAIGON residency program in the spring of 2023. She embarks on a musical exploration, intertwining traditional and French pop music. Her music show will take place on June 16, at 8 p.m, at IDECAF theater stage, 31 Thai Van Lung Street, Ben Nghe Ward, District 1. Tickets are available starting from VND 150,000 ($6.38). Malaysian food & culture week Malaysian Food & Cultural Week takes place from June 15 to 17 at the Food ConneXion restaurant. Joining the event are two culinary experts Chef Haslan and Chef Hamdan from Pullman Kuala Lumpur City Center. Chef Haslan, with over 10 years of experience in the professional culinary arts, specializes in Asian cuisines. He has represented Malaysia on more than 15 occasions, showcasing Malaysian food and participating in culinary competitions and events at both hotel and country levels. Chef Hamdan brings his expertise in Malaysian cuisine, ensuring consistent taste that meets the highest standards. Chef Haslan and Chef Hamdan take charge of crafting the culinary delights for the Malaysian Food & Culture Week. Photo courtesy of Pullman Saigon Center Diners can choose the International Lunch Buffet, priced at VND670,000 ($28.49) per adult and VND350,000 ($14.88) per child (6-11 years old), featuring an array of dishes complemented by soft drinks, tea, and coffee. Visitors can also join the Seafood Dinner Buffet, available at VND1,300,000 ($55.27) per adult and VND550,000 ($23.38) per child (6-11 years old), where free-flow soft drinks are also included. The event is hosted at Food ConneXion on Level 3 of the Pullman Saigon Center, 148 Tran Hung Dao Street, District 1. Malaysian flavor's dinner buffet Celebrating the 50th anniversary of Malaysia-Vietnam diplomatic relations is the "Malaysia Madani Week" in Ho Chi Minh City, organized by the Consulate General of Malaysia. A highlight of the event is the "Malaysian Flavor's Dinner Buffet'' at Sofitel Saigon Plaza. Chicken satay is a popular Malaysian street food delicacy. Photo courtesy of Sofitel Saigon Plaza Diners can indulge in a culinary journey with a buffet of local dishes prepared by chefs from Sofitel Kuala Lumpur Damansara. Experience the rich flavors of Malaysian cuisine, including chicken and beef satay, beef rendang (braised beef), and gulai kambing (braised lamb and potato). Immerse yourself in the Malaysian ambiance while enjoying traditional dance performances by the Perak State from Malaysia. The event runs from June 13 to June 16, from 6 p.m. to 10 p.m., at Mezz Restaurant in Sofitel Saigon Plaza. The price is VND950,000 ($40.41) per person. Malaysia Business Chamber Vietnam's members & partners receive a 20% discount, while Accor Plus members enjoy 25% off food and 15% off beverages. Sofitel Saigon Plaza is at 17 Le Duan, Ben Nghe Ward, District 1. Sustainable gastronomy week Mai House Saigon Hotel offers an international sustainable gastronomy week featuring a farm to table menu, crafted by Executive Chef Lam Quoc Huy. Diners can indulge in flavors with locally-sourced ingredients. A main course featuring pan-seared sea bass fillet, served with roasted Da Lat vegetables at Mai House Saigon Hotel. Photo courtesy of Mai House Saigon Hotel The menu starts with caprese salad, combining mozzarella cheese, organic vegetables from Da Lat, tomatoes, and Arugula lettuce drizzled with balsamic glaze. It is followed by pan-seared sea bass served with tomato salsa and roasted vegetables from Da Lat as the main course. The menu finishes with a Shiso jelly dessert complemented by homemade yogurt, black sesame, and a touch of lemon. The event is available from June 12 to 18, at C'est La Vie Restaurant on the 2nd Floor of Mai House Saigon Hotel at 157 Nam Ky Khoi Nghia Street, Vo Thi Sau Ward, District 3. The price is VND550,000 ($23.40) per person, inclusive of a signature tea. Vibin' Sunday brunch Mua Craft Sake Taproom offers a Sunday brunch event this Sunday, where diners can savor the flavors of the smoked BBQ grill with rich sauce, a seafood platter, lobster sandwiches, and tacos. Visitors can also quench the thirst with the signature Sake Sangria and spicy Bloody Mary. A diverse selection of BBQ meat and seafood flavors Mua Craft Sake Taproom. Photo courtesy of Mua Craft Sake Coming to this "Vibin' Sunday brunch", visitors can dance to live music from a DJ and band. The event features activities for the whole family, including a creative mini-game called "Creative Your Tacos" where children can enjoy ice cream cones and showcase their artistic skills through painting and coloring. The event will take place on June 18, from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m., at Mua Craft Sake Taproom at 7 Le Ngo Cat Street, Vo Thi Sau Ward, District 3. The free-flow sake and beverage package is available for VND495,000 ($21.06). PR-Inside.com: 2023-06-15 21:01:14 Press Information Published by ACCESSWIRE News Network 888.952.4446 e-mail http://www.accesswire.com # 976 Words ACCESSWIRE News Network888.952.4446 DALLAS, TX / ACCESSWIRE / June 15, 2023 / Executives in the real estate industry came together at the Information Management Network's (IMN) ESG and Decarbonizing Real Estate Forum to explore strategies that could help them meet Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) criteria for their interior spaces. In addition, the forum allowed these influential decision-makers to learn about new solutions and processes that can be used to meet sustainability requirements and reduce carbon emissions. ActivePure, the global leader in air and surface purification technology, was the gold sponsor at the event. In addition, Chief Medical and Science Advisor Deborah Birx, M.D. and Chief Commercial Officer Amy Carenza were featured presenters.Birx and Carenza's presentation, Decarbonization Without Compromise: How to Achieve Energy Goals AND Optimize Occupant Health & Safety, highlighted the emphasis placed on real estate leaders and how 21st-century technologies play a role in reducing carbon emissions and improving safety in the built environment.Real estate leaders and building owners are eager to devise strategies to improve environmentally friendly practices. Given the imperative to reduce carbon emissions, Dr. Birx and Carenza's presentation focused on strategies that could improve sustainability while optimizing indoor air quality - an issue that became increasingly important during the pandemic. The presentation aimed to help real estate leaders understand the intersection of the two and their role in businesses, people and the planet."We did not just have a single public health emergency declaration. We had a national emergency declaration and several other declarations. In general, as these are removed, they will impact businesses, employees and individuals in communities," said Birx. "There were specific liability protections during the first three years that are going away with the removal of these emergencies." As the public health emergency ends, Birx expressed her worry over decreased access to free testing, the decrease of effective tools to treat those at risk for severe disease with the loss of monoclonal antibodies, the lack of a durable vaccine to protect against reinfection and waning protection to severe disease will affect work environments and survivals. As more organizations transition back to in-person and hybrid work models, businesses and commercial real estate tenants are still in high-risk COVID-19 transmission zones. During the presentation, Birx highlighted one of the most significant risks being the infection of high-risk employees from asymptomatic employees and customers who are unaware of their status and the potential for medium and long COVID leading to work disabilities.To address air changes and indoor air quality (IAQ), the White House released official guidance and the Clean Air in Buildings Challenge, which recommends utilizing HVAC units to increase ventilation with six plus air changes an hour. While this can improve IAQ, it also forces real estate owners to accept a significant energy tradeoff when attempting to reach sustainability goals. Property owners must review their original strategies and see how they can fulfill their commitment to environmental policies."Historically, the only mechanism available to manage indoor air pollution was to ventilate. However, the more outdoor air you are bringing into your spaces, the greater the energy load is demanded for those spaces," said Carenza. "We do not have the capacity in our grid for everybody to double or triple what they are doing, so you immediately have an infrastructure problem." Instead, the presentation directed attendees to look at the third guideline as a priority solution - air cleaning. 21st-century technologies, like ActivePure, provide another option to handle the purification of indoor air, eliminating a significant load factor from the HVAC system.ActivePure's patented technology recreates the sun's naturally occurring photolysis process to purify outdoor air - indoors. The advanced photocatalysis process creates unique ActivePure molecules that actively neutralize surface and airborne pathogens, mold, bacteria and fungi. Independent laboratory testing has proven the technology to be over 99% effective.ActivePure Technology has been installed in commercial real estate properties worldwide, helping some of the largest names in the industry address their commitment to the environment, safe spaces and air quality for their tenants. Working alongside Fortune 500 companies, the company has created installation plans that have proven the technology's efficacy while requiring significantly less energy than increased air exchanges through traditional HVAC methods.IMN is a network with divisions focused on facilitating educational events and networking opportunities for those interested in structured finance, investment management and real estate. In addition to covering decarbonization efforts across real estate, the forum was designed to help attendees use the importance of ESG and how real estate professionals can apply their learnings in real estate valuations, ratings and cost-savings.For more information about the ESG and Decarbonizing Real Estate Forum, visit www.events.IMN.org To learn more about ActivePure, visit www.ActivePure.com ###ABOUT ACTIVEPUREActivePure is a global leader in sustainable, active, continuous surface and air disinfection systems for healthcare and educational institutions, commercial and public facilities, hospitality and residential applications. Patented ActivePure Technology has been proven in independent university and laboratory testing to control and neutralize indoor contaminants effectively. It is the only product in its class recognized by the Space Foundation as Certified Space Technology and inducted into the Space Foundation Hall of Fame. In 2022, ActivePure was named on the Inc. 5000 list of most successful and fastest-growing private companies in America. In addition, the ActivePure Medical Guardian is registered and cleared as an FDA Class II Medical Device. ActivePure Technology was developed for use in space exploration and has since evolved for use in commercial and consumer products used to reduce exposure to pathogens, including RNA and DNA viruses, bacteria and molds, by up to 99.9% in the air and on surfaces. ActivePure is privately held and began business as Electrolux USA in 1924. For more information, please visit ActivePure.com or call 888-217-4316.MEDIA CONTACT:Jo Trizila, TrizCom PR, on behalf of ActivePureEmail: Jo@ TrizCom.com Office: 972-247-1369 % PR-Inside.com: 2023-06-15 07:45:27 Press Information Published by ACCESSWIRE News Network 888.952.4446 e-mail http://www.accesswire.com # 742 Words ACCESSWIRE News Network888.952.4446 Did you lose money on investments in adidas? If so, please visit adidas AG Shareholder Class Action Lawsuit or contact Peter Allocco at (212) 951-2030 or pallocco@ bernlieb.com to discuss your rights.NEW YORK, NY / ACCESSWIRE / June 15, 2023 / Bernstein Liebhard LLP, a nationally acclaimed investor rights law firm, reminds investors of the deadline to file a lead plaintiff motion in a securities class action lawsuit that has been filed on behalf of investors who purchased or acquired the securities of adidas AG ("adidas", "Adidas" or the "Company") (OTCQX:ADDDF)(OTCQX:ADDYY) between May 3, 2018 and February 21, 2023, inclusive (the "Class Period"). The lawsuit was filed in the United States District Court for the District of Oregon and alleges violations of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934.If you wish to serve as lead plaintiff, you must move the Court no later than June 27, 2023. A lead plaintiff is a representative party acting on behalf of other class members in directing the litigation. Your ability to share in any recovery doesn't require that you serve as lead plaintiff. If you choose to take no action, you may remain an absent class member.Plaintiff alleges that Defendants made materially false and misleading statements throughout the Class Period. Specifically, Plaintiff alleges that Defendants failed to disclose that: (1) in addition to other misconduct, Kanye West made anti-Semitic comments in front of adidas staff, and even suggested naming an album after Adolf Hitler; (2) adidas was aware of his behavior, and failed to warn investors that it was aware of that behavior, and had considered ending the Partnership as a result of it; (3) adidas failed to take meaningful precautionary measures to limit negative financial exposure if the Partnership were to end as a result of West's behavior; and (4) adidas overstated the risk mitigation measures it took with regard to Yeezy shoes in the event that it terminated the Partnership.On November 27, 2022, The Wall Street Journal released an article entitled "Adidas Top Executives Discussed Risk of Staffs 'Direct Exposure' to Kanye West Years Ago." The article discussed tensions behind the scenes as a result of West berating adidas staff and engaging in other misconduct, and also revealed that West made anti-Semitic comments in front of adidas staff, including his desire to name an album after Adolf Hitler.On this news, ADDYY fell $2.02 per ADR, or 3.13%, to close at $62.34 on November 28, 2022. ADDDF fell $0.81 per ADR to close at $126.44 on November 28, 2022.Then, on February 9, 2023, adidas warned that it could shift from a profit to a loss if it should fail to sell its inventory of Yeezy shoes, following its termination of the Partnership. Specifically, it said that it expected sales to fall at a high single-digit rate in currency-neutral terms because of the "significant adverse impact of not selling the existing stock" of Yeezy products. Failure to sell the stock of Yeezy's (valued at 1.2 billion euros) would accordingly lower Company revenue by 1.2 billion euros (or about $1.29 billion), and operating profit by 500 million euros." On this news, ADDYY fell $7.40, or 8.96%, to close at $75.16 on February 9, 2023. ADDDF fell $21.83, or 13.22%, to close at $143.23 on February 9, 2023.Then, on February 21, 2023, S&P Global announced that it was downgrading adidas to "A-/A-2' From A-1' On Deteriorating Credit Metrics; Outlook Negative." On this news, ADDYY fell $3.56, or 4.62%, to close at $73.59 on February 21, 2023, and ADDDF fell $4.85, or 3.17%.If you purchased or acquired adidas securities, and/or would like to discuss your legal rights and options please visit adidas AG Shareholder Class Action Lawsuit or contact Peter Allocco at (212) 951-2030 or pallocco@ bernlieb.com Since 1993, Bernstein Liebhard LLP has recovered over $3.5 billion for its clients. In addition to representing individual investors, the Firm has been retained by some of the largest public and private pension funds in the country to monitor their assets and pursue litigation on their behalf. As a result of its success litigating hundreds of lawsuits and class actions, the Firm has been named to The National Law Journal's "Plaintiffs' Hot List" thirteen times and listed in The Legal 500 for ten consecutive years.ATTORNEY ADVERTISING. 2023 Bernstein Liebhard LLP. The law firm responsible for this advertisement is Bernstein Liebhard LLP, 10 East 40th Street, New York, New York 10016, (212) 779-1414. Prior results do not guarantee or predict a similar outcome with respect to any future matter.Contact Information:Peter AlloccoBernstein Liebhard LLP(212) 951-2030pallocco@ bernlieb.com SOURCE: Bernstein Liebhard LLP PR-Inside.com: 2023-06-15 18:47:37 Press Information Published by ACCESSWIRE News Network 888.952.4446 e-mail http://www.accesswire.com # 986 Words ACCESSWIRE News Network888.952.4446 NORTHAMPTON, MA / ACCESSWIRE / June 15, 2023 / VMwareYoung woman taking notes while learning from homeIf your business is struggling to find people with the right digital skills, you are not alone. At the launch of the European Year of Skills 2023 - an initiative focused on promoting upskilling and reskilling for individuals to support company innovation and competitiveness - the European Commission told us that 77% of EU organizations report difficulties in finding workers with the necessary skills.The Commission also confirmed what many businesses have known for some time: four in 10 adults in Europe lack basic digital competence, including a third of people currently in employment. The number with advanced digital skills (just 26% of adults between 16 and 74) is even more troubling.There is no doubt that digital is revolutionizing societies, businesses and economies, yet we have a skills gap that threatens to hold us back. Strong technological abilities are now, more than ever, key to an individual's success in the workplace, as well as to economic growth and societal development.This isn't just a European problem. The OECD reports that the cost, relevance and quality of training has led to low take-up in countries everywhere. Barriers to lifelong learning and limited investment are slowing down efforts to close the gap. That's why the Commission's efforts to break down those barriers are very welcome, as is its goal that by 2030 80% of EU adults have basic digital skills and 20 million will be employed as ICT specialists.But it is also important that the tech industry steps up and engages with the issue. Tech companies should be partnering with local governments and educational institutions to encourage more people to take advantage of digital training and upskilling opportunities. After all, this is our area of expertise, and we have a good idea of what skills are needed now-and what will be needed in the future.Our goals for 2030At VMware, our commitment to closing the skills gap-and making digital transformation more accessible for all-is encapsulated in our 2030 Agenda, a program for building a more sustainable, equitable and secure future. Our commitment to equity is about creating a future that is accessible, inclusive and just for everyone and closing the digital skills gap is a key part of it.Our goal is to help more than 15 million people around the world acquire the digital skills they need by 2030. We believe that public-private partnerships are essential to democratizing access to digital skills, and to achieving this at scale. Through these partnerships we can improve skills in key areas such as cloud computing, application modernization, data center virtualization, end-user computing, networking and security-all essential for mastering important technologies like cloud, mobile, IoT and AI.As part of our role in closing the skills gap, we have developed specific programs for people already in work or looking for work (VMware Learning), and for students at upper-secondary schools, community colleges, technical colleges and universities (VMware IT Academy).VMware LearningAs part of the VMware Learning program, we help individuals acquire IT skills through our VMware Authorized Training Center (VATC) partners. The collaboration between these partners and government entities enables us to provide the latest training, resources and upskilling opportunities so that individuals and their employers get the cloud-smart skills they need.Together we have designed courses and programs to help people succeed in today's workplace and to achieve industry-recognised VMware certifications. Our learning partners provide essential language support, local schedules and local instructors to boost success rates.For example, we have developed a program with the continuing-education specialists at ExperTeach in Frankfurt, Germany. ExperTeach offers VMware authorized training courses which align to our certifications. Examples include VMware Certified Professional - Data Center Virtualization 2023 (VCP-DCV)' which validates candidate skills with a VMware vSphere infrastructure that can accelerate the transformation to cloud computing and VMware Certified Professional - VMware Cloud 2023 (VCP-VMC)' which validates a person's ability to connect and migrate to a VMware Cloud solution.We have supported ExperTeach to ensure it is certified by Germany's Accreditation and Licensing Ordinance on Employment Promotion (AZAV). This is of great importance as AZAV approval means that students can be eligible for funding from the Federal Employment Agency and, for jobseekers, AZAV can reimburse the full cost of the VMware training course. As a result of the financial subsidies this new government program provides, ExpertTeach can help even more people gain VMware certifications, improving their employability and increasing the competitiveness of the companies they work for.Similarly, in France, we have established VATC partners like Atlas, a state-authorized skills operator (OPCO) that supports vocational training. Because Atlas works with more than 100,000 companies including micro-enterprises and SMEs, we can extend our reach and ensure more businesses develop in-house cloud and virtualization skills they need to succeed in the digital economy.VMware IT AcademyWe operate VMware IT Academy across EMEA and worldwide, collaborating with government agencies, industry partners, educational institutions and community organizations. Together we provide students with high-quality learning certification opportunities and hands-on lab experiences with VMware technologies. VMware provides free curriculum and materials, with the goal of helping students understand VMware technology and jump-start their software careers.In 2022, through VMware IT Academy, we worked with 608 academies in Europe and contributed more than 25 million in kind to European education. It's all about a collaborative, learn-anywhere environment to help more students start their learning journey, build on foundational skills and earn industry-recognized certifications. We're creating a pipeline of diverse talent and potential leaders who will address the digital talent shortage, leading to positive change around the world.As part of this program, we have made an official pledge to give all EU-accredited academic institutions, research centers and non-profits access to our academic resources and to make a direct contribution to reduce the digital skills gap in Europe.More than certificationsIt really is time to bridge the gap between good intentions and decisive action. We know that companies look for the PR-Inside.com: 2023-06-15 02:08:01 Press Information Published by ACCESSWIRE News Network 888.952.4446 e-mail http://www.accesswire.com # 767 Words ACCESSWIRE News Network888.952.4446 RADNOR, PA / ACCESSWIRE / June 14, 2023 / The law firm of Kessler Topaz Meltzer & Check, LLP ( www.ktmc.com) informs investors that a securities class action lawsuit has been filed against Charles River Laboratories International, Inc. ("Charles River")(NYSE:CRL). The action charges Charles River with violations of the federal securities laws, including omissions and fraudulent misrepresentations relating to the company's business, operations, and prospects. As a result of Charles River's materially misleading statements and omissions to the public, Charles River's investors have suffered significant losses.CLICK HERE TO SUBMIT YOUR CHARLES RIVER LOSSES. YOU CAN ALSO CLICK ON THE FOLLOWING LINK OR COPY AND PASTE IN YOUR BROWSER: https://www.ktmc.com/new-cases/charles-river-laboratories-international-inc?utm_source=PR&utm_medium=link&utm_campaign=crl&mktm=r LEAD PLAINTIFF DEADLINE: JULY 18, 2023CLASS PERIOD: MAY 5, 2020 THROUGH FEBRUARY 21, 2023CONTACT AN ATTORNEY TO DISCUSS YOUR RIGHTS:Jonathan Naji, Esq. at (484) 270-1453 or via email at info@ ktmc.com Kessler Topaz is one of the world's foremost advocates in protecting the public against corporate fraud and other wrongdoing. Our securities fraud litigators are regularly recognized as leaders in the field individually and our firm is both feared and respected among the defense bar and the insurance bar. We are proud to have recovered billions of dollars for our clients and the classes of shareholders we represent.CHARLES RIVER'S ALLEGED MISCONDUCTCharles River is a full-service, non-clinical global drug development partner with a mission to create healthier lives. The company has three reporting segments: Research Models and Services, Discovery and Safety Assessment, and Manufacturing Solutions. The Discovery and Safety Assessment segment accounts for approximately 60% of the company's total revenue and offers, among other things, safety assessment studies required for regulatory submission of therapeutic solutions.On February 22, 2023, Charles River revealed that the company had received a subpoena from the U.S. Department of Justice relating to an ongoing investigation in conjunction with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service into the supply chain and illegal importation of non-human primates for research. On the same day, during an earnings call with investors, James C. Foster, the company's CEO, stated that the "investigation in current [non-human primate] supply situation will result in study delays in our Safety Assessment business." He further stated that the investigation into the Cambodian non-human primate chain would reduce the annual revenue forecast by approximately 200 basis points to 400 basis points.Following this news, the price of Charles River shares declined by $24.51 per share, or approximately 10.06%, from $243.60 per share to close at $219.09 on February 22, 2023.WHAT CAN I DO?Charles River investors may, no later than July 18, 2023, move the Court to serve as lead plaintiff for the class, through Kessler Topaz Meltzer & Check, LLP or other counsel, or may choose to do nothing and remain an absent class member. Kessler Topaz Meltzer & Check, LLP encourages Charles River investors who have suffered significant losses to contact the firm directly to acquire more information. The class action complaint against Charles River, captioned Coleman v. Charles River Laboratories International, Inc., et al, Case No. 23-cv-11132, is filed in the United States District Court for the District of Massachusetts before the Honorable Denise Jefferson Casper.CLICK HERE TO SIGN UP FOR THE CASEWHO CAN BE A LEAD PLAINTIFF?A lead plaintiff is a representative party who acts on behalf of all class members in directing the litigation. The lead plaintiff is usually the investor or small group of investors who have the largest financial interest and who are also adequate and typical of the proposed class of investors. The lead plaintiff selects counsel to represent the lead plaintiff and the class and these attorneys, if approved by the court, are lead or class counsel. Your ability to share in any recovery is not affected by the decision of whether or not to serve as a lead plaintiff.ABOUT KESSLER TOPAZ MELTZER & CHECK, LLPKessler Topaz Meltzer & Check, LLP prosecutes class actions in state and federal courts throughout the country and around the world. The firm has developed a global reputation for excellence and has recovered billions of dollars for victims of fraud and other corporate misconduct. All of our work is driven by a common goal: to protect investors, consumers, employees and others from fraud, abuse, misconduct and negligence by businesses and fiduciaries. The complaint in this action was not filed by Kessler Topaz Meltzer & Check, LLP. For more information about Kessler Topaz Meltzer & Check, LLP, please visit www.ktmc.com CONTACT:Kessler Topaz Meltzer & Check, LLPJonathan Naji, Esq.280 King of Prussia RoadRadnor, PA 19087(484) 270-1453info@ ktmc.com SOURCE: Kessler Topaz Meltzer & Check, LLP PR-Inside.com: 2023-06-15 07:45:47 Press Information Published by ACCESSWIRE News Network 888.952.4446 e-mail http://www.accesswire.com # 575 Words ACCESSWIRE News Network888.952.4446 Did you lose money on investments in Charles River? If so, please visit Charles River Laboratories International, Inc. Shareholder Class Action Lawsuit or contact Peter Allocco at (212) 951-2030 or pallocco@ bernlieb.com to discuss your rights.NEW YORK, NY / ACCESSWIRE / June 15, 2023 / Bernstein Liebhard LLP, a nationally acclaimed investor rights law firm, reminds investors of the deadline to file a lead plaintiff motion in a securities class action lawsuit that has been filed on behalf of investors who purchased or acquired the securities of Charles River Laboratories International, Inc. ("Charles River" or the "Company") (NYSE:CRL) between May 5, 2020 and February 21, 2023, inclusive (the "Class Period"). The lawsuit was filed in the United States District Court for the District of Massachusetts and alleges violations of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 against the Company and certain of its officers (the "Complaint").If you wish to serve as lead plaintiff, you must move the Court no later than July 18, 2023. A lead plaintiff is a representative party acting on behalf of other class members in directing the litigation. Your ability to share in any recovery doesn't require that you serve as lead plaintiff. If you choose to take no action, you may remain an absent class member.Plaintiff alleges that Defendants made materially false and misleading statements throughout the Class Period. Specifically, Defendants failed to disclose to investors that: (1) Charles River had engaged in illegal activity with respect to its importation of non-human primates for research; (2) as a result, Charles River was at a heightened risk of criminal and regulatory investigation by, inter alia, the U.S. Department of Justice; and (3) as a result, Charles River would be forced to suspend shipments of primates from Cambodia.On February 22, 2023, before the market opened, Charles River revealed that it had received a subpoena from the U.S. Department of Justice ("DOJ") relating to an ongoing investigation in conjunction with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service ("USFWS") into the supply chain and illegal importation of non-human primates for research. The Company noted that it was voluntarily suspending shipments of primates from Cambodia, which would negatively impact its earnings for the year and would reduce revenue growth by 200 basis points to 400 basis points.On this news, Charles River's stock price fell $24.51, or 10%, to close at $219.09 per share on February 22, 2023.If you purchased or acquired Charles River securities, and/or would like to discuss your legal rights and options please visit Charles River Laboratories International, Inc. Shareholder Class Action Lawsuit or contact Peter Allocco at (212) 951-2030 or pallocco@ bernlieb.com Since 1993, Bernstein Liebhard LLP has recovered over $3.5 billion for its clients. In addition to representing individual investors, the Firm has been retained by some of the largest public and private pension funds in the country to monitor their assets and pursue litigation on their behalf. As a result of its success litigating hundreds of lawsuits and class actions, the Firm has been named to The National Law Journal's "Plaintiffs' Hot List" thirteen times and listed in The Legal 500 for ten consecutive years.ATTORNEY ADVERTISING. 2023 Bernstein Liebhard LLP. The law firm responsible for this advertisement is Bernstein Liebhard LLP, 10 East 40th Street, New York, New York 10016, (212) 779-1414. Prior results do not guarantee or predict a similar outcome with respect to any future matter.Contact Information:Peter AlloccoBernstein Liebhard LLP(212) 951-2030pallocco@ bernlieb.com SOURCE: Bernstein Liebhard LLP PR-Inside.com: 2023-06-15 20:15:26 Press Information Published by ACCESSWIRE News Network 888.952.4446 e-mail http://www.accesswire.com # 460 Words ACCESSWIRE News Network888.952.4446 This replaces and corrects photos in the release that was disseminated June 14, 2023. The photos in this release have been updated.Credit Union Members and teammembers provided support to Children's Hospital Los Angeles through event participation and in-branch fundraising activities.TUSTIN, CA / ACCESSWIRE / June 15, 2023 / SchoolsFirst Federal Credit Union, the largest credit union serving school employees and their families, today announced that the Credit Union raised more than $12,000 for Children's Hospital Los Angeles (CHLA) through participation at the CHLA Walk & Play L.A. 2023 annual fundraising event, and through a fundraising campaign held in the Credit Union's branch locations in Los Angeles, Riverside and San Bernardino counties. Overall, $12,439 was raised, surpassing SchoolsFirst FCU's fundraising goal for this year.28 SchoolsFirst FCU teammembers participated in the CHLA Walk & Play event at the Santa Monica Pier on May 20, 2023.Twenty-eight SchoolsFirst FCU teammembers participated in the CHLA Walk & Play LA event on May 20, held at the Santa Monica Pier. Walk & Play L.A is designed to help CHLA raise critical funds to support its mission of creating hope and building healthier futures for children. SchoolsFirst FCU was the highest corporate fundraiser for the Walk & Play L.A. event, raising over $6,000.The other half the funds were raised through the Miracle Butterfly Icon Campaign. The campaign was held in SchoolsFirst FCU branch locations in Los Angeles and Inland Empire from April 24 through May 20, 2023. When SchoolsFirst FCU Members donated $1 or more to the cause, their names were written on a paper butterfly icon and displayed in the branch. All donations directly benefitted CHLA.SchoolsFirst FCU Members who donated $1 or more to CHLA got the opportunity to write their name on a paper butterfly icon that was displayed at participating branches."SchoolsFirst FCU has a long-standing commitment to support Children's Miracle Network Hospitals (CMNH), the charity of choice for credit unions," said Kevin Martin, Executive Vice President of Strategic Integration and Member Experience at SchoolsFirst FCU. "We are proud to support CHLA which plays a critical role in providing life-saving care to children and their families." About SchoolsFirst Federal Credit Union:SchoolsFirst Federal Credit Union is the fifth largest credit union in the country. Serving school employees and their families, the organization is dedicated to providing World-Class Personal Service and improving the financial lives of its Members. Today they serve more than 1.3 million Members with a full range of financial products and services. SchoolsFirst FCU was founded in 1934, when 126 school employees pooled $1,200 and established a Member-owned cooperative to help improve each other's lives. In 2022, the Credit Union reported nearly $28 billion in assets and remains the largest credit union in California. For more information about SchoolsFirst Federal Credit Union, visit schoolsfirstfcu.org MEDIA CONTACT:Ann Bouchardann@ bouchardcommunications.com Mobile: 916-521-7440SOURCE: SchoolsFirst Federal Credit Union PR-Inside.com: 2023-06-15 12:00:41 Press Information Published by ACCESSWIRE News Network 888.952.4446 e-mail http://www.accesswire.com # 329 Words ACCESSWIRE News Network888.952.4446 LOS ANGELES, CA / ACCESSWIRE / June 15, 2023 / The Schall Law Firm, a national shareholder rights litigation firm, reminds investors of a class action lawsuit against Charles River Laboratories International, Inc. ("Charles River" or "the Company") (NYSE:CRL) for violations of 10(b) and 20(a) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 and Rule 10b-5 promulgated thereunder by the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission.Investors who purchased the Company's securities between May 5, 2020 and February 21, 2023, inclusive (the "Class Period"), are encouraged to contact the firm before July 18, 2023.If you are a shareholder who suffered a loss, click here to participate.We also encourage you to contact Brian Schall of the Schall Law Firm, 2049 Century Park East, Suite 2460, Los Angeles, CA 90067, at 310-301-3335, to discuss your rights free of charge. You can also reach us through the firm's website at www.schallfirm.com , or by email at bschall@ schallfirm.com The class, in this case, has not yet been certified, and until certification occurs, you are not represented by an attorney. If you choose to take no action, you can remain an absent class member.According to the Complaint, the Company made false and misleading statements to the market. Charles River illegally imported non-human primates for research purposes. The Company was at risk of investigations by the DOJ among other agencies. The Company was forced to suspend importation of primates from Cambodia. Based on these facts, the Company's public statements were false and materially misleading throughout the class period. When the market learned the truth about Charles River, investors suffered damages.Join the case to recover your losses.The Schall Law Firm represents investors around the world and specializes in securities class action lawsuits and shareholder rights litigation.This press release may be considered Attorney Advertising in some jurisdictions under the applicable law and rules of ethics.CONTACT:The Schall Law FirmBrian Schall, Esq.310-301-3335info@ schallfirm.com SOURCE: The Schall Law Firm PR-Inside.com: 2023-06-15 15:01:57 Press Information Published by ACCESSWIRE News Network 888.952.4446 e-mail http://www.accesswire.com # 485 Words ACCESSWIRE News Network888.952.4446 $0 Deductible Hail Repair - Auto Hail Repair Done Right. Paintless Dent Repair for Hail Damage.LEWISVILLE, TX / ACCESSWIRE / June 15, 2023 / Dillon Hail Repair is thrilled to announce the grand opening of its state-of-the-art facility in Lewisville, Texas. Specializing in Paintless Dent Repair (PDR) for automobiles, Dillon Hail Repair has established itself as a trusted name in the industry. With an unwavering commitment to excellence, the company is excited to bring its top-notch services to the Lewisville community.Paintless Dent Repair by Dillon Hail Repair$0 Deductible Hail Repair - Auto Hail Repair Done Right. Dillon Hail Repair takes pride in its ability to restore vehicles to their original condition with precision and efficiency. The skilled technicians at Dillon Hail Repair possess extensive knowledge and expertise in PDR, utilizing cutting-edge techniques and tools to seamlessly remove dents caused by hailstorms. With years of experience and a proven track record, the company has garnered a loyal customer base who is consistently impressed with the quality of its work."We are delighted to open our new location in Lewisville, Texas," said Samuel Dillon, the CEO of Dillon Hail Repair. "Our mission is to provide exceptional PDR services while delivering an outstanding customer experience. Our team of highly trained technicians, combined with our dedication to customer satisfaction, sets us apart in the industry. We are eager to serve the DFW community and become their go-to destination for all auto hail repair needs." Dillon Hail Repair takes pride in its exceptional company culture, fostering an environment where employees are valued and encouraged to reach their full potential. With a commitment to ongoing training and development, Dillon Hail Repair ensures that its technicians stay at the forefront of industry trends and advancements. By employing some of the best technicians from all over the world, the company brings a wealth of expertise and global perspectives to its operations.The new facility in Lewisville, Texas is equipped with the latest technology and tools to provide efficient and high-quality PDR services. From small dings to extensive hail damage, Dillon Hail Repair offers comprehensive solutions tailored to meet the unique needs of each vehicle. By employing a meticulous approach and employing industry-leading techniques, the company consistently achieves outstanding results.About:Dillon Hail Repair is a leading auto hail repair company specializing in Paintless Dent Repair (PDR) / Hail Damage Repair. With a focus on delivering exceptional results and an unparalleled customer experience, the company has built a reputation for excellence in the industry. Dillon Hail Repair's team of highly skilled technicians, along with its commitment to cutting-edge techniques and tools, ensures that every vehicle is restored to its pre-hail condition with precision and efficiency. With its new location in Lewisville, Texas, Dillon Hail Repair is poised to serve the local community and become the go-to destination for auto hail repair needs.Contact InformationSamuel DillonCEOsam@ dillonhailrepair.com (972) 559-0555SOURCE: Dillon Hail Repair PR-Inside.com: 2023-06-15 13:00:38 Press Information Published by ACCESSWIRE News Network 888.952.4446 e-mail http://www.accesswire.com # 957 Words ACCESSWIRE News Network888.952.4446 CRANBROOK, BC / ACCESSWIRE / June 15, 2023 / Eagle Plains Resources Ltd. (TSXV:EPL) ("EPL" or "Eagle Plains") is pleased to report that diamond drilling activity is underway at the Vulcan Project, located 30km west of Kimberley, BC. The planned program will include a minimum of 3,000m (9,842') of diamond drilling in 4-5 holes at the Hilo & West Basin Zones, following up on encouraging results obtained during 2022 drilling (details following).Vulcan consists of 12,400ha located 30km west of the world-class Sullivan sedimentary exhalative ("sedex") critical metals deposit near Kimberley, BC and is accessible by an extensive network of well-maintained forest service roads. Encouraging results from the 2022 drill program were announced previously by Eagle Plains (see news releases December 7th, 2022 and January 18, 2023). Initial observations of core lithologies, mineralogy, alteration and mineralization from VU22004 suggest proximity to a sedex-type vent source near the trace of drill-hole VU22004. The 2023 program is designed to extend the mineralized horizons by completing systematic step-out drilling that will include testing of a prominent off-hole borehole electromagnetic ("BHEM") anomaly delineated in late 2022. Drilling is expected to further define stratabound Pb-Zn-Ag mineralization and vector towards a suspected source vent complex such as that found at the now-depleted Sullivan deposit. Eagle Plains management cautions that past results or discoveries on proximate land are not necessarily indicative of the results that may be achieved on the Vulcan property.View 2023 Vulcan drill plan map here2022 Drilling Highlights:Drillhole VU22004 intersected primary bedded sulphides (sphalerite-galena), as well as textures, mineral assemblages, garnets and alteration (tourmalinite, sericite) - all indicative of proximity to an exhalative (sedex) sourceBHEM outlined a strong conductivity anomaly along strike to the south-southeast of VU22004 at depths consistent with the mineralized intervalPreviously reported analytical results for VU22004 include:11.55m @ 0.46% Zn, 0.02% Pb, 21.48 ppm Cd, 90.65 ppm Sn (545.50-557.05m), including1.50m @1.72% Zn, 68.83 ppm Cd, 32.09 ppm Sn (554.58-556.08m), including0.22m @ 6.46% Zn, 259.00 ppm Cd, 39.10 ppm Sn (554.58-554.80m), and0.18m @ 3.16% Zn, 126.50 ppm Cd, 26.80 ppm Sn (555.53-555.71mManagement of Eagle Plains considers the Vulcan project to hold excellent potential for the presence of sedex zinc/lead/silver mineralization. Rocks underlying Vulcan are within the same sedimentary sequence and host occurrences, with mineralization and alteration styles similar to those observed at and adjacent to Sullivan. The Main (Hilo 3) mineral occurrence at Vulcan returned trench samples up to 1.6 % combined lead-zinc over 1.5 metres from rocks near the Lower-Middle Aldridge contact ("LMC"), the same time-stratigraphic horizon associated with the Sullivan deposit.Tim Termuende, P.Geo, President and CEO of Eagle Plains commented recently on the Vulcan program: "We are excited to see drilling resume at this important critical metals project. The target we are testing is world-class in scope and results to date have been extremely encouraging, suggesting the presence of a mineralized sedex vent system at Vulcan. To date, our geologists have observed many of the important hallmarks of the nearby Sullivan deposit, giving us confidence that the upcoming program will provide critical information toward the potential discovery of the source of mineralization intersected by drilling in late 2022".The Sullivan mine was discovered in 1892 and is one of the largest sedex deposits in the world. Over its 100+ year lifetime, Sullivan contained a total of 160 million tonnes of ore averaging 6.5% lead, 5.6% zinc and 67 g/t silver, resulting in 298 million ounces of silver, 18.5 billion pounds of lead, 17.5 billion pounds of zinc and significant quantities of associated metals, collectively worth over $40B at current metal prices.Vulcan Project HistorySullivan-style mineralization was first reported in the mid-1950s at Vulcan. During the 1970s and 1980s, Texas Gulf Sulphur and later Cominco completed extensive geophysical work and drilled shallow holes to test for continuous mineralization in areas of the property. Drill testing occurred in the Hilo area during the early 1990s by Ascot Resources. In 1991 a five-hole, 1003m drill program was completed, with three holes totaling 1535m completed in 1992.Since acquiring the initial claims on the property in 2002, Eagle Plains has completed an extensive compilation of all existing data, followed in 2006 by a 125 line-km helicopter-borne time-domain geophysical survey flown at 200m spacing. Additional claims were added to the property position as they became available through staking. Systematic geochemical, geological and geophysical programs were conducted by Eagle Plains and its partners from 2011-2019.In June 2020, Eagle Plains completed a two-hole, 977m drill program to test the LMC along an existing road cut in an area of elevated soil geochemistry and anomalous geophysical features (magnetometer, induced polarization and magneto-telluric). The LMC contact was successfully intercepted in Hole VU20002 with significant alteration suggesting proximity to a hydrothermal source, though no economic mineralization was encountered.In 2022, Eagle Plains completed a 537 line-km helicopter-borne high-resolution aeromagnetic survey. Geophysics was followed-up with a 3-hole, 1700m diamond drilling program. Hole VU22004 identified sedex-style mineralization at the West Basin zone deeper in the stratigraphic package than historically tested. Analytical results from VU22004 defined the best intercept on the property to date. Results from this program have been used to re-interpret the stratigraphic sequence at the Hilo and West Basin Zones and have identified target stratigraphy considered to hold high potential to host economic mineralization.Qualified PersonsThe current program will be conducted under the direct supervision by K. Bates, P.Geo; Exploration Manager of Eagle Plains. Terralogic Exploration Inc. of Cranbrook, BC will provide overall project support. New Age Drilling Solutions has been contracted to complete diamond drilling activities and Bighorn Helicopters of Cranbrook, BC will be providing helicopter support.Charles C. Downie, P.Geo., a "qualified person" for the purposes of National Instrument 43-101 - Standards of Disclosure for Mineral Projects and a director of Eagle Plains, has reviewed and approved the scientific and technical disclosure in this news release.About Eagle Plains Resou PR-Inside.com: 2023-06-15 18:01:07 Press Information Published by ACCESSWIRE News Network 888.952.4446 e-mail http://www.accesswire.com # 587 Words ACCESSWIRE News Network888.952.4446 NORTHAMPTON, MA / ACCESSWIRE / June 15, 2023 / Edison InternationalRepresentatives of Edison International and Southern California Edison worked with Whitney High School faculty to surprise Max Peng with a $50,000 Edison ScholarshipEnergized by EdisonBy Casey Wian ENERGIZED by Edison WriterWhen Max Peng, a senior at Whitney High School in Cerritos, California, was a child making frequent trips from Southern California to his ancestral agricultural village in Hualien, Taiwan, he noticed something about his grandparents' rice paddies. They needed a lot of water, a resource he knew was becoming scarce. He also learned in school that growing rice this way produces large amounts of greenhouse gases.So, Max vowed to do something about it."I'm really interested in biology and its intersections with technology and society," Peng said. "After college, I hope to work in research and help develop ways to grow rice that reduce water waste and greenhouse gas emissions." Peng plans to study environmental science and computer science at Harvard this fall and work toward "creating the foods of the future" after college.In a surprise ceremony during a recent Whitney High artificial intelligence class, Maria Rigatti, Edison International executive vice president and chief financial officer, presented Peng with a $50,000 Edison scholarship, awarded to 30 outstanding students each year who have a financial need and plan to pursue a college degree in STEM (science, technology, engineering or math) subjects."These kids who get these scholarships, they are going to be the future. They study STEM," Rigatti said. "It's what our business is built on, it's what California is built on and it's the best thing that we can do." An Edison Scholarship "means the world to me," Peng said. "It really helps propel me to the finish line in terms of being able to afford college and continuing to make a positive impact on my community." Valerie Diaz, Peng's guidance counselor at Whitney High, said helping others is second nature to Peng, whether it be a younger student preparing for a science competition or working with teachers in the classroom."Max has always been a really caring student. He does things he is genuinely passionate about, not just so it can be on his resume. I think that's what sets him apart," Diaz said."I'm very happy for my son," said Maggie Peng, Max's mother. "I appreciate that he had the chance to show that he is very hard-working. I feel lucky!"So does Max. As he was awarded the scholarship in front of classmates, teachers and faculty, he made it a point to thank his family, who he says have always supported his academic pursuits."They've been with me all the way, and I hope to be able to help them in the future as well." Edison International, the parent company of Southern California Edison, is one of the largest corporate philanthropic contributors in Southern California. The Edison Scholars Program is funded entirely by Edison International shareholders.SCE will host a reception to celebrate Peng and all the 2023 Edison Scholars at the company's Rosemead headquarters on May 5. To learn more about Peng and the Edison Scholars, visit the Edison Scholars 2023 Spotlight Page.PHOTO CREDIT: ERNESTO SANCHEZVIDEO CREDIT: JOSEPH FOULK AND ERNESTO SANCHEZView additional multimedia and more ESG storytelling from Edison International on 3 blmedia.com Contact Info:Spokesperson: Edison InternationalWebsite: https://www.3blmedia.com/profiles/edison-international Email: info@3 blmedia.com SOURCE: Edison International Malaysia seeks Interpol help to track US comedian over MH370 joke Badges are displayed during the sixth annual remembrance event for the missing Malaysia Airlines flight MH370 in Putrajaya, Malaysia, March 7, 2020. Photo by Reuters/Lim Huey Teng Malaysian police said they asked Interpol on Wednesday to help track down a U.S. comedian after her joke about the disappearance of Malaysia Airlines flight MH370 sparked fury and even an apology from Singapore. Jocelyn Chia told the joke during a set at the Comedy Cellar in New York City, reportedly in April, as she riffed on the historically testy relationship between Malaysia and Singapore, where she was raised. MH370 went missing in March 2014, and is one of Malaysia's deadliest aviation incidents, with all 239 people on board presumed dead. Such was the outrage over Chia's joke that Malaysian police began an investigation under incitement and offensive online content laws. On Tuesday Malaysia's police chief Acryl Sani Abdullah Sani said they would ask Interpol to help locate her, according to Malaysian news agency Bernama. The head of police in the southern state of Johor said in a statement that a request had been filed on Wednesday. Kamarul Zaman Mamat said they were seeking "further information regarding the suspect to assist in investigations." Chia is being probed under public mischief laws that carry a jail term of up to two years, as well as communications legislation under which offenders face up to a year in prison. Malaysia and Singapore were briefly one state after the end of British colonial rule, but they separated in 1965. Chia, who has roots in Singapore, said in her routine that the city-state had since become a "first-world country" and that Malaysian "airplanes cannot fly." "Malaysian Airlines going missing not funny, huh," she continued. "Some jokes don't land." It caused an uproar on social media, followed by condemnations by top Malaysian officials including the foreign minister. "I am appalled by her horrendous statements," Singapore's foreign minister Vivian Balakrishnan tweeted last week. "We treasure our ties with family and friends in Malaysia, and are sorry for the offense and hurt caused to all Malaysians." Chia, however, has stood by her joke despite the intense backlash. The U.S.-born former lawyer told CNN that she had performed that set "more than a hundred times" for more than a year without problems. "I do stand by my joke but with some caveat -- I stand by it in its entirety, when viewed in a comedy club," she told the broadcaster in comments published Sunday. She added, however: "Upon reflection I do see that having this as a clip that gets viewed out of a comedy club context was risky." Chia was defiant even after Malaysia's move to involve the international police body, tweeting: "Would love to see the face of the Interpol officer who received this request." PR-Inside.com: 2023-06-15 19:01:08 Press Information Published by ACCESSWIRE News Network 888.952.4446 e-mail http://www.accesswire.com # 381 Words ACCESSWIRE News Network888.952.4446 CANTON, OH / ACCESSWIRE / June 15, 2023 / equivant is excited to announce the appointment of Stuart Rosove, a leader with 25 years of tech industry experience, as its new General Manager. Rosove's expertise spans from private consulting to working with startups and large public companies in various industries, including the Justice industry.equivant As a leader focused on customer success and support, he has dedicated his career to providing high-impact and productivity-enhancing user-friendly products. Rosove is excited about the opportunity at equivant to leverage the decades of expertise in court process, workflow, and automation among the staff to simplify and modernize justice systems."I was fascinated by the opportunity at equivant because we have the most knowledgeable, experienced staff in the industry. I say that with conviction because I have worked with competitors and private equity companies looking to acquire competitors. Our team's unmatched knowledge is translating into incredible products that address the everyday challenges within our court systems and simplify the justice journey along the way. My vision is to further leverage the deep and broad knowledge of the equivant team to deliver and support the most intuitive and user-friendly court solutions that boost efficiency while simplifying the justice journey," said Stuart Rosove.Decades of Leadership in Technology and JusticeRosove was instrumental in introducing Online Dispute Resolution tools to the justice market. Additionally, he spent time as a business development executive providing technology solutions to courts, tribunals, and mediation firms worldwide. As part of his international work, Rosove also delivered keynote addresses at court automation and legal tech conferences in New Zealand, Australia, Korea, Singapore, and Canada.A subject matter expert in enterprise-level court and case management software, Rosove recognizes the mission-critical nature of equivant's solutions and their impact on citizens' and public servants' lives every day.About equivantequivant delivers innovative solutions to simplify justice, boost efficiency, streamline processes, and improve communication in courts and justice agencies. Over a span of four decades, equivant's deep domain knowledge and modern technologies developed by expert practitioners have supported more than 350+ justice agency customers internationally in serving their communities efficiently, effectively, and equitably.For more information on equivant case management and public-facing software solutions, please visit www.equivant.com Contact InformationBrendan HughesDirector, Marketing, equivant(800) 406-4333SOURCE: equivant PR-Inside.com: 2023-06-15 11:00:18 Press Information Published by ACCESSWIRE News Network 888.952.4446 e-mail http://www.accesswire.com # 1000 Words ACCESSWIRE News Network888.952.4446 FDC3 is now widely adopted as a cross-industry interoperability standard and it's experiencing a major investment from the ecosystem at largeLONDON, UK / ACCESSWIRE / June 15, 2023 / The Fintech Open Source Foundation (FINOS), the financial services umbrella of the Linux Foundation, today announced during its Member Meeting in London the general availability of the FDC3 2.0 Conformance Program and the new class of FDC3-compatible Desktop Agents, bringing the total to nine software products across FDC3 1.2 and 2.0.The FDC3 1.2 Conformance Program, completely open source and developed with the support of Scott Logic, was originally announced together with the first FDC3 1.2 certified desktop agents interop.io (formerly Finsemble and Tick 42's Glue42 Enterprise, which merged earlier this month) and FINOS' own open source FDC3 Sail in December 2022.Announced today are three further FDC3 1.2 certified desktop agents, Connectifi and OpenFin, as well as the first FDC3 2.0-compatible certifications for interop.io The full list of adopters and FDC3 Certified Desktop Agents can be found here and anyone can apply for certification here.Strength to StrengthThe announcement comes as the global FDC3 usage is accelerating as a truly open protocol for cross-firm interoperability, across application and container vendors, a large internal and external adoption from sell-side firms, and a growing participation from buy-side firms.Adopters are increasingly keen to show their support for the standard as shown in the FDC3 Community and nowhere has this been more apparent than at the recent FINOS Interoperability & RegTech hackathon in New York, which brought together almost 100 participants globally. During this event, seven out of the 11 produced open source projects were related to FDC3, including three of the top five winners.Last but not least, this announcement follows a recent spike of venture investments and M&A activity in the FDC3 ecosystem, which is poised to accelerate adoption and contribution even further. Connectifi (FDC3 1.2 Certified) announced last week its Seed funding round to bring the FDC3 standard to the cloud, OpenFin (FDC3 1.2 Certified) received $35M in Series D funding, and lastly two of the leading interoperability vendors Finsemble and Glue42 (FDC3 1.2 and 2.0 certified) recently announced their merger into interop.io Why FDC3 Conformance Is ImportantFDC3 (Financial Desktop Connectivity and Collaboration Consortium) compatible Desktop Agents are crucial due to their role in facilitating seamless interoperability between finance-related applications on a desktop and across the firewall, allowing its users to manage information overload (traders often have multiple different screens) and work faster by standardizing a way to exchange data between applications (avoid copy-pasting and mis-keying errors). FDC3 provides a way to integrate different vendors, programming languages, platforms and release-schedules, and replaces the frequent finance problem of bilateral agreements between applications with common standards for key pieces of financial context data.Previously, writing apps for FDC3 that work across all desktop agents has been difficult, with different vendors having subtly different approaches to implementing the FDC3 standard. The FDC3 Conformance Project was designed to change that, and provides a standardized set of tests that all certified desktop agents must pass."As FDC3 is used in more and more mission critical context to connect production workflows across sell-side and buy-side, it became clear that FINOS had a fundamental role to play to assure consumers a neutral verification of compatibility to the standard," said Gabriele Columbro, Executive Director of FINOS and General Manager of The Linux Foundation Europe. "By providing a fully open source, maintainers-blessed way to certify vendor products against the open standard, we will remove a fundamental friction for adopters providing them with the peace of mind of a truly "write once, run everywhere" approach for their applications." Thanks to the contributions of longstanding contributor and FINOS Silver Member Scott Logic and through the efforts of the FDC3 community, FINOS now has a full open source test suite for vendors to transparently self-assess compatibility with both FDC3 1.2 and 2.0."As more and more financial organizations use common open source tools, it's vital that there are well-defined standards in place to support interoperability," said Colin Eberhardt, Chief Technology Officer of Scott Logic. "With our extensive experience in FDC3, Scott Logic was ideally placed to lead the development of the FDC3 Conformance Framework. Our engineers worked closely with the working group, maintainers and commercial vendors to create an extensive suite of automation tests." After self-assessment, all platforms offering FDC3 compatible interfaces are highly recommended to undertake the formal certification process to be listed as an official FDC3 Certified Desktop Agent. In order to foster standard adoption, the certification is currently free-of-charge until October 2023.Community Reaction"Symphony believes the future is about open, secure networks. Desktop interoperability and standardization are critical to this future," said Brad Levy, CEO of Symphony. "By ensuring proper certification and conformance testing of the FDC3 standard, FINOS can enable widespread, uniform adoption for strengthened desktop interoperability and standardization - a critical area for this future." "We're thrilled to bring together Glue42 and Finsemble to become interop.io , a new brand with acontinued focus on interoperability and commitment to FDC3 and FDC3 workflows," said interop.io CEO Leslie Spiro. "The Conformance Program and our certification will continue to beprioritized as we take on new clients and interoperability projects with our clients." "FINOS conformance testing and certification for FDC3 is a critical function that only an institution like FINOS can provide," said Nick Kolba, Co-Creator of FDC3 and CEO of Connectifi. "Especially as providers move into new patterns of delivering FDC3, the conformance tests have provided an essential North Star for keeping the standard and the developer experience consistent." What to look forward toIn addition to the upcoming FDC3 2.1 version of the standard, coming later in the year will be two new training courses (updated for FDC3 2.0) to replace Linux Foundation's FDC3 1.2 training course, as well as a new FDC3 Practitioner Certification to be added to the Linux Foundation's vendor-neutral certification catalog.If you would like a PR-Inside.com: 2023-06-15 08:00:54 Press Information Published by ACCESSWIRE News Network 888.952.4446 e-mail http://www.accesswire.com # 975 Words ACCESSWIRE News Network888.952.4446 LONDON, UK / ACCESSWIRE / June 15, 2023 / Horizonte Minerals Plc (AIM:HZM)(TSX:HZM) ("Horizonte" or the "Company"),the nickel company developing two tier 1 assets in Brazil, is pleased to present the second pictorial update showing construction progress at the Company's Araguaia Nickel Project.Link to pictorial update: https://horizonteminerals.com/news/en_20230615-pictorial-update.pdf For further information, visit www.horizonteminerals.com or contact:Horizonte Minerals plcJeremy Martin (CEO)Simon Retter (CFO)Patrick Chambers (Head of IR)info@ horizonteminerals.com +44 (0) 203 356 2901Peel Hunt LLP (Nominated Adviser & Joint Broker)Ross AllisterDavid McKeown+44 (0)20 7418 8900BMO (Joint Broker)Thomas RiderPascal Lussier DuquetteAndrew Cameron+44 (0) 20 7236 1010Tavistock (Financial PR)Emily MossCath Drummond+44 (0) 20 7920 3150ABOUT HORIZONTE MINERALSHorizonte Minerals plc (AIM & TSX: HZM) is developing two 100%-owned, Tier 1 projects in Para state, Brazil, the Araguaia Nickel Project and the Vermelho Nickel-Cobalt Project. Both projects are large scale, high-grade, low-cost, low-carbon and scalable. Araguaia is under construction with first metal scheduled for early 2024. When fully ramped up, with Line 1 and Line 2, it is forecast to produce 29,000 tonnes of nickel per year. Vermelho is at feasibility study stage and is expected to produce 24,000 tonnes of nickel and 1,250 tonnes of cobalt to supply the EV battery market. Horizonte's combined production profile of over 60,000 tonnes of nickel per year positions the Company as a globally significant nickel producer. Horizonte's top three shareholders are La Mancha Investments S.a r.l., Glencore plc and Orion Resource Partners LLP.CAUTIONARY STATEMENT REGARDING FORWARD-LOOKING INFORMATIONExcept for statements of historical fact relating to the Company, certain information contained in this press release constitutes "forward-looking information" under Canadian securities legislation. Forward-looking information includes, but is not limited to, the ability of the Company to complete any planned acquisition of equipment, statements with respect to the potential of the Company's current or future property mineral projects; the ability of the Company to complete a positive feasibility study regarding the second RKEF line at Araguaia on time, or at all, the ability of the Company to complete a positive feasibility study regarding the Vermelho Project on time, or at all, the success of exploration and mining activities; cost and timing of future exploration, production and development; the costs and timing for delivery of the equipment to be purchased, the estimation of mineral resources and reserves and the ability of the Company to achieve its goals in respect of growing its mineral resources; the realization of mineral resource and reserve estimates and achieving production in accordance with the Company's potential production profile or at all. Generally, forward-looking information can be identified by the use of forward-looking terminology such as "plans", "expects" or "does not expect", "is expected", "budget", "scheduled", "estimates", "forecasts", "intends", "anticipates" or "does not anticipate", or "believes", or variations of such words and phrases or statements that certain actions, events or results "may", "could", "would", "might" or "will be taken", "occur" or "be achieved". Forward-looking information is based on the reasonable assumptions, estimates, analysis and opinions of management made in light of its experience and its perception of trends, current conditions and expected developments, as well as other factors that management believes to be relevant and reasonable in the circumstances at the date that such statements are made, and are inherently subject to known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors that may cause the actual results, level of activity, performance or achievements of the Company to be materially different from those expressed or implied by such forward-looking information, including but not limited to risks related to: the inability of the Company to complete any planned acquisition of equipment on time or at all, the ability of the Company to complete a positive feasibility study regarding the implementation of a second RKEF line at Araguaia on the timeline contemplated or at all, the ability of the Company to complete a positive feasibility study regarding the Vermelho Project on the timeline contemplated or at all, exploration and mining risks, competition from competitors with greater capital; the Company's lack of experience with respect to development-stage mining operations; fluctuations in metal prices; uninsured risks; environmental and other regulatory requirements; exploration, mining and other licences; the Company's future payment obligations; potential disputes with respect to the Company's title to, and the area of, its mining concessions; the Company's dependence on its ability to obtain sufficient financing in the future; the Company's dependence on its relationships with third parties; the Company's joint ventures; the potential of currency fluctuations and political or economic instability in countries in which the Company operates; currency exchange fluctuations; the Company's ability to manage its growth effectively; the trading market for the ordinary shares of the Company; uncertainty with respect to the Company's plans to continue to develop its operations and new projects; the Company's dependence on key personnel; possible conflicts of interest of directors and officers of the Company, and various risks associated with the legal and regulatory framework within which the Company operates, together with the risks identified and disclosed in the Company's disclosure record available on the Company's profile on SEDAR at www.sedar.com , including without limitation, the annual information form of the Company for the year ended December 31, 2022, and the Araguaia and Vermelho Technical Reports available on the Company's website https://horizonteminerals.com/ . Although management of the Company has attempted to identify important factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those contained in forward-looking information, there may be other factors that cause results not to be as anticipated, estimated or intended. There can be no assurance that such statements will prove to be accurate, as actual results and future events could dif PR-Inside.com: 2023-06-15 23:31:22 Press Information Published by ACCESSWIRE News Network 888.952.4446 e-mail http://www.accesswire.com # 955 Words ACCESSWIRE News Network888.952.4446 NORTHAMPTON, MA / ACCESSWIRE / June 15, 2023 / Global CitizenAyra Starr and Joe Dwet File join the performer lineup alongside Lenny Kravitz, Billie Eilish, H.E.R., Jon Batiste, FINNEAS and MosimannRemy Buisine, Common, Padma Lakshmi, and Berla Mundi join John Boyega, Connie Britton, Cyril Dion, Sabrina Dhowre Elba, Danai Gurira, Diane Kruger, Aissa Maiga, Norman Reedus and Michelle YeohLandmark event to call on world leaders and the private sector to confront the climate crisis and give the world's developing nations access to the financing they urgently needTune in around the world on YouTube, TikTok, Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, the Amazon Music channel on Twitch, Apple Music & the Apple TV app, Brut, iHeartRadio, 9Now, France Televisions, CSTAR, Evil Geniuses Creator Collective, Mediacorp, Reuters, SABC, TimesLIVE, TNT, Veeps, globalcitizen.org and the Global Citizen appJoin the movement and take action on the Global Citizen AppWHO: Performers Ayra Starr and Joe Dwet File, and presenters Remy Buisine, Common, Padma Lakshmi, and Berla Mundi have joined the lineup for Power Our Planet: Live in Paris'. The landmark event from Global Citizen, the world's leading international advocacy organization on a mission to end extreme poverty NOW, will gather the world's leading artists, young climate activists and world leaders at the historic Champ de Mars, before a live audience of 20,000, to call for systemic change and climate justice. Viewers around the world can participate during the broadcast by downloading the Global Citizen app and taking action.WHAT: Under the high patronage of Mr. Emmanuel Macron, President of the French Republic, Power Our Planet: Live in Paris' will rally global leaders attending the New Financial Pact Summit, chaired by President Macron. The Power Our Planet campaign, which is co-chaired by Prime Minister Mia Mottley of Barbados, is calling for a seismic shift in the way the world's financial systems work to give the world's poor and developing nations access to the financing they urgently need to quicken their transition to clean energy, strengthen their resilience against natural disasters, and address their most urgent needs. Power Our Planet: Live in Paris' event is hosted in partnership with the City of Paris, and is produced by Live Nation.Power Our Planet: Live in Paris' will also feature unforgettable performances from Lenny Kravitz, Billie Eilish, H.E.R. and Jon Batiste, as well as special guests FINNEAS and Mosimann.Power Our Planet: Live in Paris' will also feature appearances by John Boyega, Connie Britton, Sabrina Dhowre Elba, Cyril Dion, Danai Gurira, Diane Kruger, Aissa Maiga, Norman Reedus and Michelle Yeoh and the world's leading youth climate activists, including Xiye Bastida, Camille Etienne, Jerome Foster, Brianna Fruean, Helena Gualinga, and Mitzi Jonelle Tan.WHEN: Thursday, June 22, 8:00pm CEST/ 2:00pm ESTWHERE: Champ de Mars, Paris, FranceHOW TO WATCH: Power Our Planet: Live in Paris' will be broadcast and streamed to the world on YouTube, TikTok, Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, the Amazon Music channel on Twitch, Apple Music & the Apple TV app, iHeartRadio, 9Now in Australia, France Televisions, CSTAR and Brut in France, Evil Geniuses Creator Collective Twitch Channels, Mediacorp in Singapore, Reuters, SABC and TimesLIVE in South Africa, TNT in Latin America and the Caribbean, Veeps, globalcitizen.org and the Global Citizen app from 8:00pm CEST on Thursday, June 22, 2023.ADDITIONAL DETAILS:Global Citizen's Power Our Planet campaign is galvanizing millions of people around the world to take action, raise their voices and demand urgent changes from governments, multilateral development banks, and major corporations, including:Keep Promises Already Made: Deliver the outstanding $16.7 billion of the committed $100 billion in climate financing for lower-income countries; transfer $100 billion in IMF Special Drawing Rights from wealthy countries to poor countries; increase foreign aid budgets; and enact global carbon emissions taxes.Free Up Funding: Make up to $1 trillion in financing available to countries in need through policy reforms at the World Bank and other multilateral development banks; and include natural disaster and pandemic clauses in loans to poorer nations.Transition to Clean Energy: Corporations should commit to join the United Nations' Race-to-Zero by setting science-based targets; publish time-bound action plans for climate transitions; and make transformative investments for a lower-carbon transition in emerging economies.An alliance of world leaders representing both Global North and Global South countries has joined the Power Our Planet campaign alongside Global Citizen and Prime Minister of Barbados Mia Mottley, including supporters Emmanuel Macron, President of France; Julius Maada Bio, President of Sierra Leone; Pedro Sanchez, Prime Minister of Spain; Jose Ramos-Horta, President of Timor Leste; Biman Prasad, Deputy Prime Minister of Fiji, the Government of Ghana, the Government of Namibia, the Government of Zambia, and the Alliance of Small Island States (AOSIS).Power Our Planet's coalition of supporters also includes leading activists, philanthropic foundations, nonprofit organizations, and private sector leaders, including Dr. Rajiv Shah, President, Rockefeller Foundation; Mark Malloch Brown, President, Open Society Foundations; Benedict Oramah, President of AfreximBank; Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, Director-General of the World Health Organization; Seth Berkley, CEO of Gavi; Kate Higgins, CEO, Cooperation Canada; Jennifer Jones, President of Rotary International; Ban Ki-Moon, Former Secretary-General of the United Nations; Eloise Todd, Executive Director & Co-Founder, Pandemic Action Network; and Ineza Umuhoza Grace, Co-Founder of the Loss and Damage Youth Coalition and 2023 Global Citizen Prize winner.The Power Our Planet campaign and the Power Our Planet: Live in Paris' event is hosted in partnership with the City of Paris, is produced by Live Nation, and supported by Cisco and Citi, as well as Afrexim Bank, Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, Open Society Foundations, The Rockefeller Foundation, and the Seadream Family Foundation. A series of thought leadership events focused on driving action from the private sector is being supported by Cisco PR-Inside.com: 2023-06-15 22:00:46 Press Information Published by ACCESSWIRE News Network 888.952.4446 e-mail http://www.accesswire.com # 427 Words ACCESSWIRE News Network888.952.4446 KANSAS CITY, MO / ACCESSWIRE / June 15, 2023 / Dr. Irfan Handoo, a leading expert in psychiatry and renowned provider of transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) and IV ketamine treatments, is excited to announce the relocation of his clinic to a new state-of-the-art facility. The clinic has recently signed a lease and will move into a spacious 4,000-square-foot location at 7011 West 121st Street, Suite 105, Overland Park, KS 66209, on Monday, June 19.This move marks a significant milestone for Dr. Handoo and his team as they continue their commitment to providing exceptional care and expanding access to cutting-edge treatments for patients struggling with mental health conditions. The new facility offers an environment designed to foster comfort and healing, providing a welcoming space for patients seeking TMS and IV ketamine treatments."We are thrilled to announce our upcoming move to Overland Park," said Dr. Handoo. "This new clinic will allow us to serve our patients better, providing them with a modern and compassionate environment where they can continue to receive the high standards of care they have come to expect from us. Our goal is to create a nurturing space that complements the innovative treatments we offer, enabling our patients to find relief and improve their overall well-being." Deep TMS therapy, a noninvasive procedure that uses magnetic fields to stimulate targeted areas of the brain, has shown promising results in the treatment of treatment-resistant depression. IV ketamine treatments have also emerged as a breakthrough therapy for individuals who have not found relief from traditional treatments. Dr. Handoo's expertise in administering these treatments, coupled with the new facility's advanced capabilities, ensures that patients will receive the highest quality care in a comfortable and modern setting.The new location boasts ample space for treatment rooms, cutting-edge equipment, and a welcoming reception area. Dr. Handoo and his team have meticulously designed the clinic to provide a serene and supportive atmosphere where patients can feel at ease throughout their treatment journey. The move to Overland Park represents a significant investment in the community and reaffirms Dr. Handoo's commitment to improving mental health care in the region.Patients seeking Deep TMS and IV ketamine treatments can schedule appointments at the new location starting Monday, June 19. Dr. Handoo and his team look forward to welcoming both existing and new patients to experience the enhanced care and comfort provided by the new clinic.For more information about Dr. Irfan Handoo and his practice, please visit https://drhandoo.com/ or contact 816-441-9875.Contact InformationDr. Irfan Handooirfan@ drhandoo.com 816-441-9875SOURCE: Irfan Handoo, MD, Board-Certified Psychiatrist PR-Inside.com: 2023-06-15 18:47:37 Press Information Published by ACCESSWIRE News Network 888.952.4446 e-mail http://www.accesswire.com # 1022 Words ACCESSWIRE News Network888.952.4446 NORTHAMPTON, MA / ACCESSWIRE / June 15, 2023 / Principal Financial GroupOriginally published on principal.com The first time Katlyn Malone saw the Iowa State University campus was in the fall of 2015 when she and her family drove from Indianapolis to Ames for the freshman's move-in day. "It was a family event," says Malone, a Leadership Development Program (LDP) associate with Principal. "We rented a truck, and my mom, dad, and little brother all came." Malone kept a brave face-but she was anxious. She knew no one and was the first in her family to attend college. "When they left, I realized I'm an adult. I didn't know when they would be back to see me," she says.No matter: Malone dug in, putting her talents to good use and navigating the challenge with the same traits she's used all her life: endless curiosity and boundless energy.Focused on function and enthusiastic about growthMalone remembers when her dad gave her a build-your-own-computer kit; she was about 7 or 8 and it was her first inkling that engineering might be in her future. "He and I would work together," she says. "It started that journey into STEM for me." So, too, did her foray into her school's robotics team; they won competitions in just their first year. "When I built something and it worked-when it clicked-that was the most exciting feeling ever," she says.Computer engineering, with its mix of electrical know-how and software programming, checked all the boxes, and Iowa State offered a highly ranked program.1 But the transition after her family dropped her off-"campus was so beautiful and I felt good about my choice"-was, in her words, "a lot." Take the first-year intro chemistry class with 300 students. "My graduating class was 24, and it was challenging to learn how to navigate that, how to talk to a professor, how to study, who to study with," she says.Entering engineering as a woman and a woman of color was also hard. "I didn't see many females that looked like me and didn't really find my support group and peers until I was a senior," Malone says.By then, she was set to graduate with a double degree in computer engineering and management information systems. "I thought I wanted to be a software developer," Malone says. "But then my junior year I took business classes and realized there was often miscommunication between tech and business, even though those areas service each other. What if I could be someone who could serve as a liaison between the two so they can function and grow?"Marketing is fun - and so is leadership.Malone had internships from her freshman year on; in 2019 she landed one at Principal, where a leader encouraged Malone to meet other teams and see how that connection between tech and business worked in practice. After graduation, she entered the Principal LDP, a three-year commitment with six- to nine-month rotations around the business."I've gotten to work in spaces I would have never thought to get into," Malone says. The most fun and most surprising? Marketing. "I have no background in it, but tech is so wrapped around marketing. It opened my eyes." Malone flexed her leadership muscles-and found a new spark-during a rotation in Mexico where she was an agile scrum leader for a team of 12. "We had teams that had some disconnect and had to get them to work together to overcome their stuck points. To not only understand the tech but to be a people leader, I really enjoyed that," she says. "I realized my career at Principal isn't going to be limited to one area. It's going to be thoughtful. There are areas and leaders willing to work with me to help figure out what I want. I'm tech driven but people passionate." How do you affect change?Malone opted to stay in the Des Moines area immediately post-graduation, surrounded by a core group of friends from college. Last year, however, she moved back to Indianapolis; her dad had died, and her family was still in the city. "When I left for school, part of me felt like I was abandoning them when they were struggling-I'm one of the pillars of my family," Malone says.And she feels obligated to try to affect change in her hometown. "I come from a community with a lot of challenges; it's impoverished, it's a food desert, and schools need help. But it's shaped who I am, and I want the best for the people here," she says. "How can I better my community? I have an education and work for a company that offers a number of resources, so how do I take what I've learned and bring it back to them?"She's not sure what shape those efforts will take, and no matter what, she wants to move back to Des Moines in a few years-this time, with her mom. It's rare to know what career might be a good fit when you're in elementary school, but Malone-who just finished an MBA with a focus in information systems and leadership to boot-really did. "To finally figure things out-I love that feeling," Malone says. "To be able to create something that works is exciting." 1Iowa State UniversityInsurance products and plan administrative services provided through Principal Life Insurance Company, a member of the Principal Financial Group, Des Moines, IA 50392. 2023 Principal Financial Services, Inc. Principal, Principal Financial Group, and Principal and the logomark design are registered trademarks of Principal Financial Services, Inc., a Principal Financial Group company, in the United States and are trademarks and service marks of Principal Financial Services, Inc., in various countries around the world.2921921-062023View additional multimedia and more ESG storytelling from Principal Financial Group on 3 blmedia.com Contact Info:Spokesperson: Principal Financial GroupWebsite: https://www.3blmedia.com/profiles/principal-financial-group Email: info@3 blmedia.com SOURCE: Principal Financial Group PR-Inside.com: 2023-06-15 15:15:51 Press Information Published by ACCESSWIRE News Network 888.952.4446 e-mail http://www.accesswire.com # 510 Words ACCESSWIRE News Network888.952.4446 CLEVELAND, UT / ACCESSWIRE / June 15, 2023 / KeyBank recently commemorated the one-year anniversary of its American Fork branch - the company's first new branch in the Western half of the U.S. in more than a decade. The celebration included a networking event with the branch's business clients and the American Fork Chamber of Commerce, as well as a $10,000 donation to the Five.12 Foundation."We've had a great first year in American Fork," said Drew Yergensen, KeyBank Utah market president and commercial banking leader. "We have really enjoyed meeting and working more closely with our new neighbors, clients and community partners, and we look forward to strengthening those relationships even further in the coming years." The American Fork branch highlights KeyBank's state-of-the-art financial wellness center model, which is staffed with financial wellness consultants rather than a traditional teller line. All transactions are completed at desks, where consultants also conduct comprehensive financial wellness reviews and discussions. Clients can also meet with specialists in mortgage, investments, business banking and more at the location.The branch features digital video screens and a client hospitality space that also serves as an area for financial seminars and group presentations with clients and the public, as well as a drive-up teller line, ATM and complimentary parking. In addition to helping individuals and families achieve their financial goals, the branch also serves clients seeking to develop and grow businesses in the area."We are here to help the community of American Fork with all of their banking and small business needs," said Jason Scorup, KeyBank American Fork branch manager. "We also take pride in the positive impact we've had by giving back to community partners like the Five.12 Foundation, and we look forward to building even more community partnerships in and around American Fork." Based in Alpine, Utah, the Five.12 Foundation organizes and distributes weekend food bags to students in need at four American Fork elementary schools, including Greenwood, Forbes, Barratt and Shelley.The full-service branch is located at 717 West Main in American Fork, directly off of the 278 exit from I-15.CONTACT:Laura Suter | Regional Communications Manager | 206.343.6953 | laura_suter@ keybank.com ABOUT KEYBANKKeyCorp'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 at 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 is Member FDIC.###View additional multimedia and more ESG storytelling from KeyBank on 3 blmedia.com Contact Info:Spokesperson: KeyBankWebsite: https://www.3blmedia.com/profiles/keybank Email: info@3 blmedia.com SOURCE: KeyBank PR-Inside.com: 2023-06-16 00:00:35 Press Information Published by ACCESSWIRE News Network 888.952.4446 e-mail http://www.accesswire.com # 437 Words ACCESSWIRE News Network888.952.4446 As Google continues to enhance its ranking algorithm, these core updates have significant implications for businesses aiming to achieve high organic search rankings.AUCKLAND, NEW ZEALAND / ACCESSWIRE / June 15, 2023 / According to Zib Digital, the leading digital marketing agency in Auckland, Google performs an average of nine to 10 algorithm updates per day, with core updates being the most impactful. These updates occur every two to three months and their purpose is to improve the quality and relevance of Google's search results by reshuffling the rankings of indexed web pages.Zib DigitalZib DigitalEach core update brings adjustments to the formula by which Google ranks web pages. Zib Digital explains this means web pages previously ranking high for their target keywords may experience a decline while those ranking low may see an improvement. Minor updates, affecting a smaller number of web pages, also contribute to enhancing search results quality.Core updates have a significant impact on SEO. Efforts made to optimise a website for Google may be nullified following a core update, as the ranking algorithm undergoes changes. A core update can eliminate the positive impact of previously targeted ranking signals, resulting in a decline in search rankings. In some cases, Zib Digital says core updates can even lead to penalties, such as the Panda update, which penalised websites with thin content.The leaders in SEO Auckland-wide explain core updates not only affect search rankings but also modify the appearance of Google's search engine results pages (SERPs). These updates involve adding, removing or modifying alternative listings in SERPs, including People Also Ask (PAA) listings, featured snippets and Knowledge Graph panels.As the premier leading SEO company in Auckland, Zib Digital understands the challenges businesses face due to core updates. Their team of 140+ experts specialises in SEO and digital marketing strategies designed to navigate these changes and drive online success. With their comprehensive approach and industry knowledge, Zib Digital helps businesses maximise their online presence and effectively reach their target audience.For businesses in Auckland seeking sustainable online growth, partnering with a reliable and knowledgeable digital marketing agency is essential. Zib Digital offers a range of services including SEO, pay-per-click advertising, social media and email marketing, tailored to meet the unique needs of each client.To discuss effective digital marketing in Auckland, contact Zib Digital.About Zib DigitalZib Digital is a leading digital marketing agency in Australia and New Zealand, providing innovative strategies and solutions for online growth. With their expertise and commitment to delivering results, Zib Digital is here to help businesses achieve their online goals through clever digital marketing.Contact InformationZib DigitalManager(03) 8685 9290SOURCE: Zib Digital PR-Inside.com: 2023-06-15 17:00:45 Press Information Published by ACCESSWIRE News Network 888.952.4446 e-mail http://www.accesswire.com # 352 Words ACCESSWIRE News Network888.952.4446 Rugged's work for an up-and-coming online food marketplace wins them gold in the Brand Identity category for the second consecutive Broderson Awards put on by Maine Ad + Design.PORTLAND, ME / ACCESSWIRE / June 15, 2023 / Rugged Agency, a small branding and creative studio, won gold across four of the 28 categories at the Broderson Awards. Rugged tied for the most gold medals won by a single agency at this year's event, but it's perhaps most notable that this is the second consecutive Broderson award ceremony where Rugged won gold in the Brand Identity category. In 2021, they won this distinction for their work with Brookline, Massachusetts-based Far Out Ice Cream, and on Thursday, they repeated their success with the brand work they developed for the online food purveyor Foraged Market. Rugged went on to also win bronze in the same category this year for their work with Farmington, Maine-based cannabis dispensary Caniba.Broderson Awards The Broderson Awards is a bi-annual event held by Maine Ad + Design (MADE) to recognize Maine agencies and professionals for exhibiting dedication in their creative endeavors. MADE received submissions from across Maine's best creative teams, including nationally-recognized agencies and major brands like L.L.Bean, who also took home an award on Thursday. When asked why she thinks Rugged has seen continuous success in the Brand Identity category despite their small size, Rugged's Creative Director, Sam Tiscia, had this to say, "Everyone's voice is heard in the studio. Whether you're a project manager or a creative, we're tactfully outspoken with each other when it comes to challenging ideas and pushing work further. Design can be delicate and feedback can often feel subjective, but for us, it's never about opinions-it's always about strategy." Rugged's other awards included gold in Illustration for their work with Foraged Market, gold in Outdoor Advertising for their work with Far Out Ice Cream, and gold in Social Media Campaigns for their work with Almond Cow.You can see the full list of winners in this article by the Portland Press Herald.Contact InformationPip KolmarDirector of Operations207-284-3886SOURCE: Rugged Agency PR-Inside.com: 2023-06-15 01:31:11 Press Information Published by ACCESSWIRE News Network 888.952.4446 e-mail http://www.accesswire.com # 440 Words ACCESSWIRE News Network888.952.4446 Credit Union Members and teammembers provided support to Children's Hospital Los Angeles through event participation and in-branch fundraising activitiesTUSTIN, CA / ACCESSWIRE / June 14, 2023 / SchoolsFirst Federal Credit Union, the largest credit union serving school employees and their families, today announced that the Credit Union raised more than $12,000 for Children's Hospital Los Angeles (CHLA) through participation at the CHLA Walk & Play L.A. 2023 annual fundraising event, and through a fundraising campaign held in the Credit Union's branch locations in Los Angeles, Riverside and San Bernardino counties. Overall, $12,439 was raised, surpassing SchoolsFirst FCU's fundraising goal for this year.Twenty-eight SchoolsFirst FCU teammembers participated in the CHLA Walk & Play event at the Santa Monica Pier on May 20, 2023. Twenty-eight SchoolsFirst FCU teammembers participated in the CHLA Walk & Play LA event on May 20, held at the Santa Monica Pier. Walk & Play L.A is designed to help CHLA raise critical funds to support its mission of creating hope and building healthier futures for children. SchoolsFirst FCU was the highest corporate fundraiser for the Walk & Play L.A. event, raising over $6,000.The other half the funds were raised through the Miracle Butterfly Icon Campaign. The campaign was held in SchoolsFirst FCU branch locations in Los Angeles and Inland Empire from April 24 through May 20. When SchoolsFirst FCU Members donated $1 or more to the cause, their names were written on a paper butterfly icon and displayed in the branch. All donations directly benefited CHLA.SchoolsFirst FCU Members who donated $1 or more to CHLA got the opportunity to write their name on a paper butterfly icon that was displayed at participating branches. "SchoolsFirst FCU has a long-standing commitment to support Children's Miracle Network Hospitals (CMNH), the charity of choice for credit unions," said Kevin Martin, Executive Vice President of Strategic Integration and Member Experience at SchoolsFirst FCU. "We are proud to support CHLA which plays a critical role in providing life-saving care to children and their families." # # #About SchoolsFirst Federal Credit Union:SchoolsFirst Federal Credit Union is the fifth largest credit union in the country. Serving school employees and their families, the organization is dedicated to providing World-Class Personal Service and improving the financial lives of its Members. Today they serve more than 1.3 million Members with a full range of financial products and services. SchoolsFirst FCU was founded in 1934, when 126 school employees pooled $1,200 and established a Member-owned cooperative to help improve each other's lives. In 2022, the Credit Union reported nearly $28 billion in assets and remains the largest credit union in California. For more information about SchoolsFirst Federal Credit Union, visit schoolsfirstfcu.org MEDIA CONTACT:Ann Bouchardann@ bouchardcommunications.com 916-521-7400SOURCE: SchoolsFirst Federal Credit Union ELKO A pickup truck burned Wednesday afternoon along the side of the highway on Lamoille Summit. Elko County Fire Protection District was called to the blaze on the Spring Creek side of the summit. The truck, parked next to the southbound lanes, was fully engulfed in flames when firefighters arrived. Nevada State Police, Nevada Department of Transportation and the Elko County Sheriffs Department had State Route 227 closed temporarily in both directions due to firefighting operations and limited visibility due to smoke. There were no injuries but the truck was a total loss. PR-Inside.com: 2023-06-15 23:00:28 Press Information Published by ACCESSWIRE News Network 888.952.4446 e-mail http://www.accesswire.com # 323 Words ACCESSWIRE News Network888.952.4446 NEW YORK, NY / ACCESSWIRE / June 15, 2023 / Weiss Law is investigating possible breaches of fiduciary duty and other violations of law by the board of directors of Life Storage, Inc. ("Life Storage" or the "Company") (NYSE:LSI), in connection with the proposed acquisition of the Company by Extra Space Storage Inc. (NYSE:EXR) ("Extra Space"). Under the terms of the merger agreement, the Company's shareholders will receive 0.8950 shares of Extra Space common stock for each shareof Life Storage common stock owned, representing implied per-share consideration of $128.28 based upon Extra Space's June 14, 2023 closing price of $143.32. Upon completion of the transaction, Extra Space shareholders will own 65% of the combined company, while Life Storage shareholders will only own 35%. The transaction is valued at approximately $47 billion.If you own Life Storage shares and wish to discuss this investigation or have any questions concerning this notice or your rights or interests, visit our website:Or please contact:Joshua Rubin, Esq.Weiss Law305 Broadway, 7th FloorNew York, NY 10007(212) 682-3025(888) 593-4771stockinfo@ weisslawllp.com Weiss Law is investigating whether (i) Life Storage's board of directors acted in the best interests of Company shareholders in agreeing to the proposed transaction, (ii) the per share merger consideration adequately compensates Life Storage's shareholders, and (iii) all information regarding the sales process and valuation of the transaction will be fully and fairly disclosed.Weiss Law has litigated hundreds of stockholder class and derivative actions for violations of corporate and fiduciary duties. We have recovered over a billion dollars for defrauded clients and obtained important corporate governance relief in many of these cases. If you have information or would like legal advice concerning possible corporate wrongdoing (including insider trading, waste of corporate assets, accounting fraud, or materially misleading information), consumer fraud (including false advertising, defective products, or other deceptive business practices), or anti-trust violations, please email us at stockinfo@ weisslawllp.com SOURCE: Weiss Law PR-Inside.com: 2023-06-15 13:30:55 Press Information Published by ACCESSWIRE News Network 888.952.4446 e-mail http://www.accesswire.com # 946 Words ACCESSWIRE News Network888.952.4446 VANCOUVER, BC / ACCESSWIRE / June 15, 2023 / Skeena Resources Limited (TSX:SKE)(NYSE:SKE) ("Skeena" or the "Company") announces that Justice Fisher of the Court of Appeal for British Columbia has granted the Company's application for leave to appeal from the decision of the Supreme Court of British Columbia, which dismissed the Company's appeal from the February 7, 2022 decision of the Chief Gold Commissioner. The Chief Gold Commissioner had concluded that Richard Mill, and not Skeena, owns the mineral rights to materials contained in the Albino Lake Storage Facility at Eskay Creek.The decision allows Skeena's appeal to proceed. The court decided that Skeena's appeal raises legal issues of sufficient merit to warrant review by the Court of Appeal, and that the proper interpretation of the relevant legislation will be important to the resource extraction industry and other stakeholders.No date has been set for the hearing of Skeena's appeal. The Company will provide updates when more is known.The material contained in the Albino Lake Storage Facility is not part of the Company's Resource or Reserve Statements for Eskay Creek nor has it been included in any studies, including the September 2022 Feasibility Study for the Eskay Creek Project.About SkeenaSkeena Resources Limited is a Canadian mining exploration and development company focused on revitalizing the past-producing Eskay Creek gold-silver mine located in Tahltan Territory in the Golden Triangle of northwest British Columbia, Canada. The Company released a Feasibility Study for Eskay Creek in September 2022 which highlights an after-tax NPV5% of C$1.4B, 50% IRR, and a 1-year payback at US$1,700/oz Au and US$19/oz Ag.On behalf of the Board of Directors of Skeena Resources Limited,Walter ColesExecutive ChairmanRandy ReichertPresident & CEOContact InformationInvestor Inquiries: info@ skeenaresources.com Office Phone: +1 604 684 8725Company Website: www.skeenaresources.com Qualified PersonsIn accordance with National Instrument 43-101 Standards of Disclosure for Mineral Projects, Paul Geddes, P.Geo., Senior Vice President, Exploration & Resource Development, is the Qualified Person for the Company and has prepared, validated, and approved the technical and scientific content of this news release. The Company strictly adheres to CIM Best Practices Guidelines in conducting, documenting, and reporting the exploration activities on its projects.Cautionary note regarding forward-looking statementsCertain statements and information contained or incorporated by reference in this press release constitute "forward-looking information" and "forward-looking statements" within the meaning of applicable Canadian and United States securities legislation (collectively, "forward-looking statements"). These statements relate to future events or our future performance. The use of words such as "anticipates", "believes", "proposes", "contemplates", "generates", "targets", "is projected", "is planned", "considers", "estimates", "expects", "is expected", "potential" and similar expressions, or statements that certain actions, events or results "may", "might", "will", "could", or "would" be taken, achieved, or occur, may identify forward-looking statements. All statements other than statements of historical fact are forward-looking statements. Specific forward-looking statements contained herein include, but are not limited to, statements regarding the results of the Feasibility Study, processing capacity of the mine, anticipated mine life, probable reserves, estimated project capital and operating costs, sustaining costs, results of test work and studies, planned environmental assessments, the future price of metals, metal concentrate, and future exploration and development. Such forward-looking statements are based on material factors and/or assumptions which include, but are not limited to, the estimation of mineral resources and reserves, the realization of resource and reserve estimates, metal prices, taxation, the estimation, timing and amount of future exploration and development, capital and operating costs, the availability of financing, the receipt of regulatory approvals, environmental risks, title disputes and the assumptions set forth herein and in the Company's MD&A for the year ended December 31, 2022, its most recently filed interim MD&A, and the Company's Annual Information Form ("AIF") dated March 22, 2023. Such forward-looking statements represent the Company's management expectations, estimates and projections regarding future events or circumstances on the date the statements are made, and are necessarily based on several estimates and assumptions that, while considered reasonable by the Company as of the date hereof, are not guarantees of future performance. Actual events and results may differ materially from those described herein, and are subject to significant operational, business, economic, and regulatory risks and uncertainties. The risks and uncertainties that may affect the forward-looking statements in this news release include, among others: the inherent risks involved in exploration and development of mineral properties, including permitting and other government approvals; changes in economic conditions, including changes in the price of gold and other key variables; changes in mine plans and other factors, including accidents, equipment breakdown, bad weather and other project execution delays, many of which are beyond the control of the Company; environmental risks and unanticipated reclamation expenses; and other risk factors identified in the Company's MD&A for the year ended December 31, 2022, its most recently filed interim MD&A, the AIF dated March 22, 2023, the Company's short form base shelf prospectus dated January 31, 2023, and in the Company's other periodic filings with securities and regulatory authorities in Canada and the United States that are available on SEDAR at www.sedar.com or on EDGAR at www.sec.gov Readers should not place undue reliance on such forward-looking statements. Any forward-looking statement speaks only as of the date on which it is made and the Company does not undertake any obligations to update and/or revise any forward-looking statements except as required by applicable securities laws.SOURCE: Skeena Resources Limited PR-Inside.com: 2023-06-15 07:45:33 Press Information Published by ACCESSWIRE News Network 888.952.4446 e-mail http://www.accesswire.com # 625 Words ACCESSWIRE News Network888.952.4446 Did you lose money on investments in Spirit AeroSystems? If so, please visit Spirit AeroSystems Holdings, Inc. Shareholder Class Action Lawsuit or contact Peter Allocco at (212) 951-2030 or pallocco@ bernlieb.com to discuss your rights.NEW YORK, NY / ACCESSWIRE / June 15, 2023 / Bernstein Liebhard LLP, a nationally acclaimed investor rights law firm, reminds investors of the deadline to file a lead plaintiff motion in a securities class action lawsuit that has been filed on behalf of investors who purchased or acquired the securities of Spirit AeroSystems Holdings, Inc. ("Spirit" or the "Company") (NYSE:SPR) between April 8, 2020 and April 13, 2023, inclusive (the "Class Period"). The lawsuit was filed in the United States District Court for the Southern District of New York and alleges violations of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934.If you wish to serve as lead plaintiff, you must move the Court no later than July 3, 2023. A lead plaintiff is a representative party acting on behalf of other class members in directing the litigation. Your ability to share in any recovery doesn't require that you serve as lead plaintiff. If you choose to take no action, you may remain an absent class member.Plaintiff alleges that Defendants made materially false and misleading statements throughout the Class Period. Specifically, Plaintiff alleges that Defendants failed to disclose that: (1) Spirit lacked effective production quality controls; (2) as a result, Spirit incorrectly installed fittings designed to join the aft fuselage to the vertical tail for some Boeing 737 Max airplanes that Spirit sent to Boeing; (3) as a result, Spirit would have to develop an inspection and repair procedure for the affected fuselages; and (4) the foregoing would negatively impact Spirit's financial results.On April 13, 2023, after the market closed, Boeing announced that it would halt deliveries of its 737 MAX aircraft due to a supplier quality problem. According to an article by Barron's, Boeing issued a statement stating that "the issue will likely affect a significant number of undelivered 737 MAX airplanes." The same day, Bloomberg identified Spirit as the supplier of the faulty part. Several media outlets reported the details of the quality problem. An article by Reuters reported that "[t]he problem involves the installation of two fittings that join the aft fuselage made by Spirit to the vertical tail, which were not attached correctly to the structure of the fuselage before it was sent to Boeing." Reuters also reported that "Spirit said it is working to develop an inspection and repair for the affected fuselages" and that "the problem is believed to date back to 2019."On this news, Spirit's stock price fell $7.38, or 20.7%, to close at $28.22 per share on April 14, 2023.If you purchased or acquired Spirit securities, and/or would like to discuss your legal rights and options please visit Spirit AeroSystems Holdings, Inc. Shareholder Class Action Lawsuit or contact Peter Allocco at (212) 951-2030 or pallocco@ bernlieb.com Since 1993, Bernstein Liebhard LLP has recovered over $3.5 billion for its clients. In addition to representing individual investors, the Firm has been retained by some of the largest public and private pension funds in the country to monitor their assets and pursue litigation on their behalf. As a result of its success litigating hundreds of lawsuits and class actions, the Firm has been named to The National Law Journal's "Plaintiffs' Hot List" thirteen times and listed in The Legal 500 for ten consecutive years.ATTORNEY ADVERTISING. 2023 Bernstein Liebhard LLP. The law firm responsible for this advertisement is Bernstein Liebhard LLP, 10 East 40th Street, New York, New York 10016, (212) 779-1414. Prior results do not guarantee or predict a similar outcome with respect to any future matter.Contact Information:Peter AlloccoBernstein Liebhard LLP(212) 951-2030pallocco@ bernlieb.com SOURCE: Bernstein Liebhard LLP PR-Inside.com: 2023-06-15 09:05:34 Press Information Published by ACCESSWIRE News Network 888.952.4446 e-mail http://www.accesswire.com # 818 Words ACCESSWIRE News Network888.952.4446 BUCHAREST, ROMANIA / ACCESSWIRE / June 15, 2023 / The RWI Token project is an ambitious endeavor that aims to bridge the gap between the real world and the Metaverse. With a vision of developing large-scale investments in both realms, the project seeks to create a global presence by constructing smart villages and cities with unique themes in major cities worldwide. These real-world developments will have exact replicas in the Metaverse, offering an immersive and interconnected experience.The team at RWI Token is committed to realizing these real-life projects and their reflections in the Metaverse, ensuring maximum benefits for all RWI Token holders. Through the acquisition of properties in the Metaverse, individuals will gain ownership of corresponding properties in the real world, such as apartments or houses, mirroring their specifications. This presents opportunities for rental income and passive earnings. RWI Token SRL will provide property administration services upon request, streamlining the management process.Additionally, the project introduces fractional ownership, allowing multiple individuals to collectively own a share of a property. This innovative approach expands access to real estate investments, enabling more people to generate passive income in the real world. RWI Token SRL will also extend its administration services to these fractional properties, ensuring smooth operations.By merging the virtual and physical realms, the RWI Token project opens up a new frontier of possibilities for investors, offering a seamless and interconnected ecosystem. Through the project's endeavors, participants can enjoy the benefits of both worlds, unlocking the potential of the Metaverse and real-world investments while maximizing returns for RWI Token holders.RWI NFT and tokenThe RWI Token project introduces a unique token and NFT system that intertwines the real world with the Metaverse. With a goal to expand globally and create smart villages and cities with thematic designs in major cities worldwide, the project offers a crossover experience that connects physical investments with their digital reflections.As part of the RWI Token team's commitment to real-life development projects and their Metaverse reflections, the project aims to maximize royalties for the benefit of all RWI Token holders. In the Metaverse, individuals have the opportunity to purchase real estate that is mirrored 1-to-1 in the real world. For example, acquiring a property in the Metaverse grants ownership of an equivalent apartment or house in the real world, complete with specifications. This ownership enables the option to rent out the property and generate passive income. RWI Token SRL will provide on-demand administration services for these properties.Furthermore, the project introduces fractional ownership, allowing multiple individuals to collectively own a portion of an apartment, chalet, or house. This fractional ownership model expands accessibility to real estate investments, enabling more people to generate passive income in the real world. RWI Token SRL will offer administration services for these fractional properties upon request.To ensure transparency and accountability, the RWI Token project will provide comprehensive information to token holders. Each land acquisition and property deed will be translated into English and made available on the website. This allows token holders to have full visibility and choose from various development projects associated with the acquired lands and their Metaverse reflections. Additionally, real-time video cameras will be accessible on the website, providing a live view of the construction progress in the real world.By providing these features and maintaining transparency, the RWI Token project aims to empower token holders with control over their purchases and instill trust in the project's execution. The project strives to deliver on its promises and create a seamless integration between the real world and the Metaverse, offering unique opportunities for investment and growth.Mission and vision by RWIThe RWI Token project aims to develop large-scale projects in the Metaverse and the real world over the next 6-8 years. These projects include the creation of a smart city with diverse apartment types and luxury penthouses, each having a 1-to-1 reflection in the Metaverse. The smart city will also feature outlet spaces and a food court for rent or sale.Tenants in the smart city will be required to conduct their activities within the virtual realm, ensuring the vitality of the Metaverse. This symbiotic relationship creates lucrative opportunities for all participants, especially token holders. The benefits received will be proportional to the percentage of RWI Tokens owned, including profits from Metaverse real estate sales, rental income, NFT value appreciation, and engagement with the project's associated game.Participants can enjoy these benefits without risking their coins or engaging in volatile trading. Simply holding RWI Tokens in their wallets grants access to these opportunities.The Venice Istanbul Outlet example serves as a conceptual illustration. The project aims to establish a thriving ecosystem that seamlessly integrates the Metaverse and the real world, offering unprecedented growth and prosperity.Join to RWI communityWebsiteFacebookRedditGithubYouTubeTelegramInstagramTwitterMedia Contact:-Email: office@ rwitoken.com Contact CEO - Claudiu NeduCOO/CTO - Alexandru FilipSOURCE: R.W.I. PR-Inside.com: 2023-06-15 15:01:46 Press Information Published by ACCESSWIRE News Network 888.952.4446 e-mail http://www.accesswire.com # 998 Words ACCESSWIRE News Network888.952.4446 AUSTIN, TX / ACCESSWIRE / June 15, 2023 / SmallCapVoice.com Inc. ("SCV") announces the availability of a new interview with Robert Rico, CEO of Luminar Media Group, Inc. (OTC PINK:LRGR), to discuss the company's three main subsidiaries. The interview also features Tomy D. Boiangin, global director for LRGR and a true savant of all things Royale De Monte Carlo Vodka, one of those three wholly owned subsidiaries.Tomy discussed the history and future of this iconic product, and how their team has been able to stay ahead of the competition through innovation and dedication to quality. Tomy is a passionate leader who has dedicated himself to upholding the values of Royale De Monte Carlo Vodka, and he's excited to share his expertise with the SmallCapVoice audience.When describing Royale De Monte Carlo Vodka, Boiangin exudes his passion for the product, "We have a trending next-generation spirit that we're using nanotechnology for its distillation of nine times. Now, what that does is it changes the texture of the liquid, and it literally makes it thinner than water, taking all the impurities out of it during its distillation. When you look at it, it's completely clear and odorless. Then we filter it seven times via champagne limestone, giving it an exotic finish at the end that you only feel on the side of your cheeks. What does this do? It takes all of the impurities out of the water, and it just goes straight to the point as vodka should!Boiangin continued, "The presentation of the product is splendid. It catches your eye even from a distance. It's got wonderful colors, even in a dark setting, and it just screams ultra-premium at you. Because of the technology that we adhere to with the product, the recipe, which is a fifth-generation master distillers' recipe, and then the new age nanotechnology, it just changes everything about it. It makes it truly something that's remarkable for consumers to experience." Earlier this year, the company announced an impressive expansion in distribution channels and launched its own AI-powered store locator application, which is designed to enhance in-store sales and boost revenue. Now customers will be able to quickly locate their premium product in their area.Robert Rico explains the corporate structure in the interview, "Luminar Media Group is a Delaware corporation with three wholly owned subsidiaries. The first one is our IP and Trademark holding named Brand Vault. The purpose of this company is to safeguard the name and likeness of Royale De Monte Carlo and our trademark slogan, the world's most prestigious vodka. Then we have our second wholly owned subsidiary, Attache Wine and Spirits, whose duties are to import our unique ultra-premium product, Royale De Monte Carlo Vodka, from our distiller in the world-famous region of France, Cognac. Finally, our third wholly-owned subsidiary is Prestigious Distributors, a Florida-licensed wine and spirit distributor with hundreds of active accounts that includes liquor stores, nightclubs, events, restaurants, and hotels. So, we sell ultra-premium vodka through our own distributor, Prestigious, here in Florida and abroad. We will deal with third-party distributors in New York and other regions of the US and internationally as well.To hear the full interview with SCV, visit: https://www.smallcapvoice.com/interview-luminar-media-group-lrgr/ About Royale de Monte CarloRoyale de Monte Carlo headquartered in Miami, Florida, is an ultra-premium, icy cool, and deliciously smooth vodka sure to give long lasting euphoric pleasure to any palate it graces. Created and produced by fifth generation master distillers located in the heart of the world- famous Cognac region of France, Royale de Monte Carlo was voted as the "World's Most Prestigious Vodka". https://royaledemontecarlo.com/ INSTAGRAM: @royaledemontecarlovodkaFacebook: https://fb.com/royaledemontecarlovodka Twitter: https://twitter.com/montecarlovodka About SmallCapVoice.com SmallCapVoice.com , Inc. is a recognized corporate investor relations firm, with clients nationwide, known for its ability to help emerging growth companies, small cap and micro-cap stocks build a following among retail and institutional investors. SmallCapVoice.com utilizes its stock newsletter to feature its daily stock picks, podcasts, as well as its clients' financial news releases. SmallCapVoice.com also offers individual investors all the tools they need to make informed decisions about the stocks in which they are interested. Tools like stock charts, stock alerts, and Company Information Sheets can assist with investing in stocks that are traded on the OTCMarkets. To learn more about SmallCapVoice.com and its services, please visit https://www.smallcapvoice.com/small-cap-stock-otc-investor-relations-financial-public-relations/ Socialize with SmallCapVoice and their clients at:Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/SmallCapVoice/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/smallcapvoice Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/smallcapvoice/ Forward-Looking StatementsThis news release contains forward-looking statements about our business, or financial condition and prospects, that reflect our assumptions and beliefs based on information currently available. The Company can give no assurance that the expectations indicated by such forward-looking statements will be realized. There may be other risks and circumstances that we are unable to predict. When used in this news release, words such as "believes," "expects," "intends," "plans," "anticipates," "estimates" and similar expressions are intended to identify forward-looking statements, although there may be certain forward-looking statements not accompanied by such expressions. Investors should not place undue reliance on these forward- looking statements, which speak only as of the date of this press release. The company's actual results could differ materially from those anticipated in these forward-looking statements as a result of a variety of factors, including risks discussed in the company's periodic reports that are filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission and available on its website ( www.sec.gov) . All forward-looking statements attributable to the Company or to persons acting on its behalf are expressly qualified in their entirety by these factors other than as required under the securities laws. The Company does not assume a duty to update these forward-looking statements.Investors should refer to the risk factors disclosure outlined in our periodic repo PR-Inside.com: 2023-06-15 15:02:02 Press Information Published by ACCESSWIRE News Network 888.952.4446 e-mail http://www.accesswire.com # 740 Words ACCESSWIRE News Network888.952.4446 State Grid, ICBC, and Haier are listed as the top three; 72 Chinese brands are valued at more than 100 billion RMBNEW YORK, NY / ACCESSWIRE / June 15, 2023 / On June 15, 2023, in Beijing, World Brand Lab unveiled the 20th edition of "China's 500 Most Valuable Brands" list, with State Grid topping the list at a value of 626.87 billion RMB. The top five spots also included the ICBC, Haier, PetroChina, and China Life. Esteemed experts from prestigious institutions like Harvard, Yale, Oxford, Stanford, and UC Berkeley attended the World Brand Summit, where they discussed 'Global Branding in the Age of AI and Web 3.0: Pushing the Boundaries' and showcased the report's analysis of financial data, brand strength, and consumer behavior, highlighting China's top brands.Top 10 of 'China's 500 Most Valuable Brands of 2023' (Billion RMB)Top 10 of "China's 500 Most Valuable Brands of 2023" (Billion RMB) In 2023, China's 500 Most Valuable Brands achieved a total worth of 34,331.18 billion RMB, representing a significant 10.84% increase from the preceding year. Dr. Steve Woolgar, Chairman of the Academic Committee of the World Brand Lab, commended the swift progress of Chinese brands such as State Grid, Haier, China Life, Sinochem Group, China Resources, China Southern Power Grid, China Huadian Corporation, Wuliangye, Tsingtao Brewery, Beidahuang Group, XCMG, Tongwei, Bosideng, Feihe, Power Dekor, Hengli, DoubleStar, JOMOO, and GCL as they continue to spread their influence worldwide. The 20th edition of the report highlights the remarkable 1289.08% surge in the average value of the top 500 brands, reaching over 68.66 billion RMB. Furthermore, 72 Chinese brands have a value exceeding 100 billion RMB.This year's "China's 500 Most Valuable Brands" list features brands from a diverse array of 25 industries, spanning food and beverage, light industry, construction materials, media, and textiles and apparel. The food and beverage sector dominates the list with 83 brands, representing 16.60% of the total. In measuring brand loyalty, the World Brand Lab utilized iTrust Rating's brand database and SuperFinance's ESG database to gauge brand leadership. Additionally, Carboncare International's measurements of branded companies' carbon emissions were incorporated to introduce a "carbon score" label. This underscores that companies or industries with low ESG scores or a lack of environmental and climate-friendly initiatives have comparatively lower brand value, as exemplified by the tobacco industry.Based on research by the World Brand Lab, a region's competitive strength is linked to its comparative advantages, with brand benefits serving as a catalyst for growth and development. Brands signify regional progress, driving economic advancement and local brand emergence. Beijing clinches the top spot in this year's "China's 500 Most Valuable Brands" report with 87 brands, attributed to the strong profitability of central enterprises headquartered there. Guangdong and Shandong follow closely behind with 84 and 45 brands, respectively. Of the 500 brands listed, 437 hold national influence (87.40%), and 63 have global influence, indicating a slight increase compared to last year.Dr. Elie Ofek, from Harvard Business School, emphasizes AI's transformative potential in rebranding and highlights that entrepreneurs must explore how intelligent technologies reshape brand management. AI goes beyond efficiency and can shape brand identity, fostering customer relationships. Establishing a framework to identify AI's roles in brand management is vital for success across industries.Dr. Jennifer Aaker from Stanford believes AI should deepen meaning, not just generate short-term happiness. Essential questions include human values, trust-building AI, and what it means to be human. Dr. David A. Aaker from UC Berkeley recognizes AI's role in marketing, emphasizing personalized interactions with stakeholders and the need for expertise in data-driven software.Dr. Ravi Dhar, from Yale School of Management, notes the impact of the metaverse on brand strategy. Brands can build trust through user experiences and influencers, while creating immersive virtual experiences and offering virtual goods. As AI tools like ChatGPT grow, brands must address the challenge of disinformation, considering effective responses to avoid negative consequences.Dr. Haisen Ding, CEO of World Executive Group, believes that AI and Web 3.0 will disrupt global brand building. This era offers equal innovation chances for Chinese and foreign brands. Using AI, companies can revolutionize marketing by analyzing data, predicting consumer behavior, and personalizing messaging.World Brand Lab is an internationally recognized brand value research institute that is wholly owned by World Executive Group, a leading digital business and strategy consulting firm. The institute was co-founded by Nobel Laureate Robert Mundell, who served as its first chairman. Its research is widely used to evaluate intangible assets during mergers and acquisitions.Contact InformationJason WangSenior Brand Analyst212-208-1429SOURCE: World Brand Lab PR-Inside.com: 2023-06-15 19:52:40 Press Information Published by ACCESSWIRE News Network 888.952.4446 e-mail http://www.accesswire.com # 426 Words ACCESSWIRE News Network888.952.4446 WASHINGTON, DC / ACCESSWIRE / June 15, 2023 / The World Environment Center announced today that President & CEO Glenn Prickett will step down in September to take a new role the Gulf of Maine Research Institute."I am immensely proud of what we have accomplished together at WEC," said Prickett. "While I am sad to leave the staff team, I am confident that the organization will continue to drive positive change in the world of business and sustainability." Since Prickett joined WEC in 2019, even during the global pandemic, the organization bolstered the climate and sustainability initiatives of its global member companies and built the capacity of small entrepreneurs in the green and blue economies in Latin America, Africa, and the Middle East. WEC awarded its annual Gold Medal Award for Corporate Achievement in Sustainable Development to Ford Motor Company, Microsoft, AB InBev, and Jacobs.WEC's Board of Directors, under the leadership of Chair Emilio Tenuta, Ecolab's Chief Sustainability Officer, and Vice Chair Eunice Heath, CRH's Chief Sustainability Officer, has formed a search committee to select the next CEO of WEC."We are grateful for Glenn's service and dedication to WEC," said Tenuta. "He built the team and put the organization on a path to real impact at a challenging time. We look forward to selecting a talented leader to continue the work and lead WEC to even greater impact." Prickett will serve as WEC's CEO through the end of August. He will support the WEC board as they search for the next CEO and work closely with WEC's staff, members, and partners to ensure the health and forward momentum of the organization's programs after his departure.In September, Prickett and his family will move to Portland, Maine where he will be CEO of the Gulf of Maine Research Institute (GMRI), a non-governmental organization that develops collaborative solutions to global ocean challenges."I am excited to take on a new challenge with GMRI," said Prickett. "The Gulf of Maine is a rapidly warming ocean ecosystem, and GMRI's work to find effective solutions for climate change and sustainable development has much to offer the world. I know the WEC team will drive our mission forward with unwavering dedication. I look forward to seeing WEC's growth and impact in the years ahead.Contact:Smitha KonduriPress@ wec.org View additional multimedia and more ESG storytelling from World Environment Center on 3 blmedia.com Contact Info:Spokesperson: World Environment CenterWebsite: https://www.3blmedia.com/profiles/world-environment-center Email: info@3 blmedia.com SOURCE: World Environment Center The Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission (NUPRC) said it approved the lifting of petroleum products by ExxonMobil at Bonny Terminal, Rivers State. The NUPRC Chief Executive, Gbenga Komolafe, disclosed this in a statement on Wednesday. The Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA) had written to the Nigerian military alleging the illegal lifting of petroleum products by ExxonMobil at Bonny Terminal, Rivers State. According to the letter dated 8 June and addressed to the Chief of Defence Staff, Lucky Irabor, the agency claimed that an illegal petroleum lifting operation was taking place at the Bonny River terminal. The letter, signed by the agencys Chief Executive, Farouk Ahmed, claimed that ExxonMobil was lifting Butane at the terminal with the vessel marked Barumk Gas without the authorisation or participation of the agency responsible for regulating operations at the terminal. Necessary clearance obtained In its reaction, Mr Komolafe said ExxonMobil applied and obtained necessary clearance from NUPRC to lift 12,600 metric tonnes of Butane aboard a vessel named Barumk Gas on May 26, 2023. He explained that the operation was legitimate and in line with the commissions statutory mandate as the technical and commercial regulator of the upstream petroleum sector in Nigeria, as stipulated by law. Our attention has been drawn to some publications in the media between June 12 and 13, 2023, alleging the illegal lifting of Butane at the Bonny River Offshore Terminal (BRT) by ExxonMobil. The publications quote a sister regulatory agency, the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA), as the source of the allegation, the statement said. Mr Komolafe added that being the regulator statutorily entrusted with the technical and commercial regulation of the upstream sector in Nigeria, it has become necessary for the Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission (NUPRC) to state the actual position regarding the transaction referred to. It is important to state that ExxonMobil formally applied to NUPRC for approval of its operations as an integrated operation, in line with Sections 8(d) and 318 of the Petroleum Industry Act, 2021. Following a careful evaluation of the request, NUPRC approved accordingly, the statement said. Consequently, he said ExxonMobil applied and obtained necessary clearance from NUPRC to lift 12,600 metric tonnes of Butane aboard a vessel named Barumk Gas on May 26, 2023. Barumk Gas berthed at the loading jetty at BRT on June 7, 2023. Loading operation commenced and ended on June 8, 2023, after which an official of NUPRC on site (at the BRT) issued a Certificate of Quantity and Quality (CoQ), as statutorily required for the fulfilment of requirements of accurate hydrocarbon accounting, reporting and ability of the vessel to sail to its delivery destination. This is in line with global best practice, the statement said. NUPRC wishes to state categorically that the said operation was legitimate and in line with the Commissions statutory mandate as the technical and commercial regulator of the petroleum upstream sector in Nigeria, as stipulated by law. The commission said it is unaware of any illegality in the said transaction, and none was committed by either ExxonMobil Nigeria and its affiliates or the NUPRC as an agency of government. It would be recalled that the 9th senate set up an ad hoc committee to investigate oil lifting, theft and the impact on petroleum production and revenues on the heels of the growing spate of crude oil theft in the upstream petroleum sector. Following the conclusion of its investigation and presentation of its findings on the floor of the Senate on November 7, 2022, the committee of the Whole passed far-reaching resolutions, amongst which was the need for streamlining operations of MDAs at the crude oil export terminals in Nigeria, it said. Mr Komolafe said: In line with section 7(ee) of the Petroleum Industry Act, 2021, the Senate resolved that the Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission (NUPRC) should assume full regulatory oversight of all existing crude oil export terminals. He explained that the president sought the opinion of the then Attorney General and Minister of Justice, who, after a review, concurred with the Senate resolution and reaffirmed that the said resolution was in line with the letter and spirit of the PIA, 2021, which seeks to promote ease of doing 0business and investments and enhance the transparency of hydrocarbon accounting. Subsequently, he said the former president, Muhammadu Buhari, approved the senate resolution and explicitly directed immediate compliance with the resolution, insisting that NUPRC is the sole and only regulatory entity to regulate and monitor activities of all existing crude oil export terminals in Nigeria, in line with the relevant section of the PIA, 2021. The directive was sent to all relevant MDAs and stakeholders for compliance. Arising from the above, the NUPRC also notified industry operators and relevant stakeholders of the Presidential directive and its readiness to assume full regulatory oversight immediately. We wish to assure industry players of regulatory certainty and the commitment of NUPRC to discharging its responsibilities towards enhancing the ease of doing business, facilitating investments, stability and predictability in the Nigerian upstream petroleum industry, the statement said. READ ALSO: ExxonMobil appoints new vice chairperson for Mobil Producing Nigeria Meanwhile, responding to the allegation in a message to PREMIUM TIMES Monday morning, a spokesperson for ExxonMobil said the Nigerian National Petroleum Company (NNPC)/Mobil Producing Nigeria Unlimited (MPN) Joint entire are carried out in full compliance with the law. My response to your inquiry is that all operations of the NNPC/MPN Joint entire are carried out in full compliance with the law, Oge Udeagha, the media and communications manager for ExxonMobil affiliate companies in Nigeria, said. Share this: Twitter Facebook WhatsApp Telegram LinkedIn Email Print Experts have raised concerns about accountability and economic implications of the Nigerian Senates approval of an increase in the federal governments borrowing limit from the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN). The Senate on 27 May made changes to a law, permitting the federal government to obtain additional funds from the Central Bank of Nigeria. The legislature, in an emergency session, adopted changes that will permit an increase in its overdraft at the CBN. Some economists argued that the increase in the limit is a necessary monetary intervention, adding that it is important to improve revenue generation. Others, however, expressed doubts about the governments ability to adhere to the limit and maintain fiscal discipline. The Law Under Section 38 of the CBN Act, the apex bank is granted the authority to borrow from.the apex bank but such overdraft should not surpass five percent of the governments revenue from the previous year. (1) Notwithstanding the provisions of section 34 (d) of this Act, the Bank Advances may grant temporary advances to the Federal Government in respect of temporary deficiency of budget revenue at such rate of interest as the Bank may determine, Section 38 of the CBN Act says. The total amount of such advances outstanding shall not at any time exceed five percent of the previous years actual revenue of the Federal Government. (2) All Advances made pursuant to this section shall be repaid (a) as soon as possible and shall, in any event, be repayable by the end of the Federal Government financial year in which they are granted and if such advances remain unpaid at the end of the year, the power of the Bank to grant such further advances in any subsequent year shall not be exercisable, unless the outstanding advances have been repaid. With the revised law, the overdraft limit will be raised from 5 percent to 15 percent of the previous years revenue. Concerns Many Nigerians have raised concerns about the decision, with many expressing fear that it may have significant implications for the countrys economy and debt profile. Tope Fasua, an economist, argued that the increased borrowing capacity will not significantly affect monetary policy, noting that it as an additional monetary intervention by the central bank. Mr Fasua noted that Nigeria has not borrowed beyond its threshold when compared to other nations, adding that there is urgent need to focus on revenue generation and leverage on the countrys balance sheet for development. He said: It will not have a lot of negative impact on monetary policy because the matter of ways and means is just a small subset of what the central bank does, which is different from monetary policy. The truth is that every country leans on its central bank, especially in times of global downturns. 5 percent seems small given our past experiences and the experiences of other countries. So I support the increase given that it is an extra monetary intervention of the central bank. Also, it needs to be noted that indeed Nigeria is not overborrowing, contrary to all the current hoopla around borrowings. However, we should get very serious with driving revenues so that we get the right perspective of where our borrowings should be. 36 percent of debt to GDP is really low in the comity of nations and shows that we havent engaged our imagination on how to leverage our balance sheet for real development. We dont have a revenue or debt or expenditure problem. We have a thinking problem, he said. Muda Yusuf, Director of the Centre for the Promotion of Private Enterprise, said the increased limit may not have a significant impact on the economy. However, he raised concerns about the governments ability to adhere to the set limit and maintain discipline. It (the new limit) is not going to have any significant impact because before now what is in practice is between 30 to 50 percent of actual revenue. There is already a very wide variance in terms of the violation of the Act so, if we are moving it from 5 percent to 15 percent, that is not anything that can cause any major macroeconomic problem, he said. If the government can stick to that limit (and I am sure it is going to be very difficult) then it will be ok, that will be better than setting a limit that you dont have the discipline to stay within the limit, he said. Mr. Yusuf warned against the practice of expending funds without proper appropriation and then seeking approval retroactively, describing it as a messy situation. READ ALSO: But Kelvin Emmanuel, Chief Executive Officer of Dairy Hills, argued that the National Assemblys decision to amend sections 38(2) without conducting proper oversight functions, including audits, hearings, and investigations, indicates a lack of understanding of their responsibilities. He emphasised the importance of accountability and thorough examination of the impact on monetary policy. I will recommend that the new president declines assent to the amendment, he said. Way and Means The Nigerian government has in recent years relied on advances from the CBN to shore up deficit amid dwindling revenue. Before the expiration of his tenure, former president Muhammadu Buhari requested the Senate to approve the securitization of the CBNs N22.7 trillion debt by converting it to a 40-year bond. According to details from the Debt Management Office, the securitised loan will bring the countrys total debt stock to N77 trillion. Mr. Emmanuel argued that the way the Nigerian Senate approved the securitization plan without an audit of the expenditure sets a negative precedent that could encourage future executive misconduct, disregarding the provisions of the CBN Act. According to him, the loans had no impact on GDP growth, the unemployment rate is projected to rise to 40.6 percent in 2023, and per capita income has dropped nearly 50 percent in the past 8 years. The failure and refusal of the Senate to do its constitutional role of providing oversight on these issues is an opening for continual executive rascality that has seen debt servicing to budget ratio rise to 29 percent, and is directly responsible for the currency devaluation we have seen (because when you issue notes your foreign reserves cannot back, it causes depreciation, and corresponding devaluation to match), he argued. But in his reaction, Mr Fasua noted that the restructuring reclassified transactions on CBNs balance sheet from being a mere overdraft to an asset, a category of bonds that the Central Bank is holding. That way the CBN balance sheet is looking better, meaning that Nigeria will be able to leverage that balance sheet more. In other words, (it can) borrow if it has to because now when lenders look at the balance sheet, it is looking dodgy that N22.7 trillion hanging on the balance sheet, he said. Share this: Twitter Facebook WhatsApp Telegram LinkedIn Email Print It was a day of merriment for the people of Daddere, a community in Obi Local Government of Nasarawa State when the construction of a modern health care facility commenced in 2020. However, their expectations were only fulfilled three years later as the health facility remains locked upon completion despite its huge financial investment. During a visit by the reporter to the project site in April, residents expressed displeasure with the closure. Peter Abraham, a community resident, said he fears the Primary Health Care Centre (PHC) might be abandoned and never opened for us. The project was completed and commissioned last year but is still locked, if care is not taken, they wont come back to open it for operation, and it may remain like this. Other residents told UDEME how challenging it is to access primary health care whenever needed. For instance, in 2021, no fewer than three persons died from a cholera outbreak in Obi and Awe LGAs of the state. Daddere, a community in Obi LGA where the case was confirmed, has been facing health-related challenges, a resident told UDEME. The project In 2020, the senator representing Nasarawa South, Tanko Al-makura, initiated a N40 million project to construct a hospital in Daddere. The project was under the Lower Benue River Basin Development Authority (BCDA) supervision. In 2022, the lawmaker also budgeted another N50 million for the finishing and equipping of a newly constructed PHC in Daddere Town, Obi LGA of Nasarawa state. Meanwhile, UDEME, a social accountability project of the Center for Journalism Innovation and Development (CJID), reached out to the office of the Account-General of the Federation to inquire about cash backing for the project. The Account-Generals office confirmed that funds budgeted for Zonal Intervention Projects (ZIPs) in 2020, 2021 and 2022 had been released to the agencies tasked with implementing the respective projects. The community has two PHCs, and residents said they would have preferred the government to assist with equipping the existing ones with material and human resources. Inside Daddere PHC project When UDEME visited the community in April, the project was found to be completed but locked. UDEME also discovered that the N90 million project has no provision for fencing. Peter Abraham, a resident, blamed the lack of good governance for the closure. Im really not satisfied with this work because we have two PHCs, and the worst one is the hospital is still locked and they said it has been commissioned. We are not happy with this. A female resident, who asked for anonymity for fear of being tracked, said the hospital remained locked due to a lack of accountability by the government. Were suffering a lack of good and proper healthcare in Daddere; why will it be commissioned and never used. She recalled how health officials wrongly handled a case in the currently existing PHC centre in the community. Some time ago, an incompetent health worker caused damage to a patient that resulted in the loss of her child and her womb, she said. She was referring to Rukaya Abubakar, a 25-year-old resident of the Daddere community. UDEME tracked her to speak more about the incident. READ ALSO: Still pained by her loss, she narrated how she lost her womb and baby during child labour in January 2023. I lost my baby and my womb due to poor personnel when I fell into labour in January; I was given injections which caused me pains. After I was given four injections that caused the life of my baby and my womb, I was later referred to Dahatu Araf Specialist, Lafia. I lost my baby and my womb after the doctor confirmed to me that the injections had caused me damage in my womb which I will not give birth again, Mrs Rukaya Abubakar said. We dont need new PHC A community leader, Yakubu Dan Gwandara, said the community doesnt need the hospital facility, adding that Daddere has two existing PHCs. He noted that the senator didnt conduct a needs assessment before starting the project. We dont need another PHC, and we already have two functioning PHCs; we only need competent personnel. I am speaking on behalf of my community. We dont have a good police station and only two policemen here. We have security issues with Fulani herdsmen; water is another issue too; why doesnt he consult the community, he said. More reactions UDEME reach out to Danjuma Joseph, media aide to Mr Al-makura. Mr Joseph said the project had been completed and executed. My boss has completed and executed his task; the keys to the facility have been handed over to the state primary health care agency. The project is equipped with the necessary equipment for use; we have also commissioned and handed over to the state government for operation, he said. UDEME reached out to BCDA, the agency in charge of the project, to ask questions about the non-usage of the completed project. The Director of National Planning Intergovernmental and Community Relations, Sadiq Abdullahi, said The agencys job is to advise and monitor if what is stipulated in the budget is being carried out and executed. We only advise on how the project can be carried out and executed, which is what we did in the case of the Daddare project. The project has been completed and executed. I dont have a say on why the facility remains closed, Mr Abdullahi said. Meanwhile, the state healthcare agency spokesperson, Almustapha Hussaini, said the lawmaker has commissioned and handed the facility to the agency for use. The facility has been commissioned, and all the keys handed over to us. However, we want to assure you that the facility will be put into use as soon as the inaugurations are over. The facility has over 90% of equipment put in place by the lawmaker, Mr Hussaini said. Share this: Twitter Facebook WhatsApp Telegram LinkedIn Email Print In January, Richard Trumka Jr., a U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commissioner appointed by President Biden, set off a firestorm by saying the agency was weighing a ban on natural gas stoves due to health hazards. Trumka told Bloomberg News the popular gas stove appliance was a hidden hazard and suggested the agency could ban them. Any option is on the table to regulate them. Products that cant be made safe can be banned. The purported concern is that gas stoves cause indoor pollution and asthma, though there is little evidence to support such claims. The Environmental Protection Agency and California Air Resources Board refute them. A ban on gas cooking appliances would remove an affordable and preferred technology used in 60 percent of Nevada homes and 76 percent of restaurants nationally. The idea of banning gas stoves led to furious blowback from both Congressional Republicans and Democrats and a strong consumer backlash. Biden insisted he didnt want to ban gas stoves, but his actions are to the contrary. Climate crusaders do want to ban them and progressive cities are doing it. Berkeley, Calif. (2019), San Francisco (2020) and New York City (2021) have banned gas stoves and other gas appliances in new buildings. The Biden administration is supporting the anti-gas appliance cause. It filed an amicus brief with the Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals supporting Berkeleys gas ban. On April 17, the court ruled unanimously Berkeleys ban was illegal. The gas stove controversy is only one part of a campaign against consumer appliances to secure the fossil-fuel-free- future that Biden imagines for us sometime in the 2030s. Like stoves, gas furnaces are under attack. A proposed Energy Department furnace regulation disproportionately burdens gas models relative to electric ones. While natural gas is less than one-third as expensive as electricity on a per unit energy basis, the only gas furnaces likely to survive under the final rule will be more expensive and harder to install. For washing machines, the Energy Department is expected to again ratchet down the allowable levels of energy and water. The current standards have led to complaints from consumers that washers dont sufficiently clean cloths. Appliance technicians report more costly repairs because of these regulations. To keep pace with its washing machine crusade, the Energy Department on May 5 proposed more stringent energy and water-efficiency requirements for dishwashers even though current regulations are already causing problems for consumers. It now takes at least two hours to do a load of dishes, twice as long as it did in pre-standards models. The department acknowledges its regulations lead to consumer dissatisfaction, specifically a negative impact on cleaning performance. The newly proposed rule may make dishwashers even worse. A new Energy Department efficiency standard for central air conditioners took effect on Jan. 1. It has raised the cost of a new system by up to $1,000, according to installers. Thats an expensive regulatory boost, particularly for air conditioning, a proven lifesaver. The EPA proposed its own ban on the most affordable remaining air-conditioner models on grounds they are insufficiently climate friendly. In 2025, expect an additional price jump when their new rule takes effect. Beginning in July, it will no longer be legal to manufacture, import or sell incandescent light bulbs. Last summer, the Biden administration reversed a Trump-era reprieve for incandescent bulbs, despite their clear preference from consumers. Newer LED bulbs will be required by an onerous Energy Department efficiency regulation. While improving, LEDs cost more than incandescents, dont work well with most dimmers, and cast a light that many consumers consider unpleasant. Bidens Green New Deal warriors are engaged in a crusade to impose their values on the lifestyles of everyone else and deny individuals choices. With certitude that we must be coerced into altruism, Biden would force Americans to buy electric cars, stoves and lots more. The suspended chairperson of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), Abdulrasheed Bawa, has submitted himself for interrogation by Nigerias secret police, the State Security Service (SSS). This followed an earlier invitation of Mr Bawa by the SSS a few hours after President Bola Tinubu suspended him on Wednesday. The invitation relates to some investigative activities concerning him, Peter Afunanya, the Public Relations Officer of SSS, said in a statement. The SSS statement, which was tweeted via the agencys Twitter handle at 10.48 pm on Wednesday, said Mr Bawa arrived for interrogation a few hours ago. Mr Bawa presumably honoured the invitation at the SSS headquarters in Abuja from where Mr Afunaya issued his statement on Wednesday. DSS INVITES MR ABDULRASHEED BAWA, SUSPENDED EFCC CHAIRMAN The Department of State Services (DSS) has invited Mr Abdulrasheed Bawa, the suspended Chairman of Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC). Bawa arrived a few hours ago. Department of State Services (DSS) (@OfficialDSSNG) June 14, 2023 It came about two weeks after a confrontation between SSS and EFCC over their shared building in Lagos. SSS operatives blocked EFCC staff members from resuming work in the building in the hours-long stand-off on 30 May. It took the directive of President Tinubu, who was barely a day old as president, for SSS operatives to allow EFCC staff to access the building. Earlier on Wednesday, the office of the Secretary to the Government of Federation (SGF) had said in a statement signed by Willie Bassey, Director of Information, said the EFCC boss suspension resulted from weighty allegations of abuse of office levelled against him. Without giving details of the allegations against Mr Bawa, the statement said the anti-graft official needed to step aside to allow for proper investigation into his conduct while in office. According to the statement, Mr Bawa has been directed to immediately hand over the affairs of his office to the Director, Operations in the Commission, who will oversee the affairs of the office of the Chairman of the Commission pending the conclusion of the investigation. The specific allegations that Mr Bawa is being investigated cannot be confirmed yet. Last month, the immediate-past governor of Zamfara State, Bello Matawalle, accused Mr Bawa of demanding $2 million as a bribe from him. But the EFCC denied Mr Matawalles allegation. The anti-corruption agency in May revealed that Mr Matawalle was being investigated by it for a N70 billion fraud. Leadership succession at the EFCC since its inception in 2003 has always been steeped in controversies. In 2021, Mr Bawa took the helm at the commission under similar circumstances after his predecessor, Ibrahim Magu, was suspended from office by then-President Muhammadu Buhari, over allegations of corruption. Mr Bawa became the second major appointee of former President Muhammadu Buhari to be suspended by Mr Tinubu. Read SSS full statement on Mr Bawas detention below DSS INVITES MR ABDULRASHEED BAWA, SUSPENDED EFCC CHAIRMAN The Department of State Services (DSS) has invited Mr Abdulrasheed Bawa, the suspended Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC). Bawa arrived a few hours ago. The invitation relates to some investigative activities concerning him. Peter Afunanya Ph.D, fsi Public Relations Officer Department of State Services National Headquarters Abuja 14th June, 2023 Share this: Twitter Facebook WhatsApp Telegram LinkedIn Email Print Nigeria and Indias anti-narcotic agencies have signed a memorandum of understanding to block the pipeline of illicit drug flow. Femi Babafemi, spokesperson of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), described the MoU as historic in a statement on Wednesday. Tough time awaits traffickers of illicit drugs between Nigeria and India with a historic signing of a Memorandum of Understanding between the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency, NDLEA and the Narcotics Control Bureau of India in Abuja on Wednesday 14th June 2023, the statement reads. Chairman/ Chief Executive Officer of NDLEA, Brig. Gen. Mohamed Buba Marwa (Retd), who signed the MoU on behalf of Nigerias premier anti-narcotics Agency said the move represents a robust partnership in the effort to exterminate incidences of drug abuse and illicit drug trafficking in the two countries. The partnership, Mr Marwa said, will significantly impact efforts to prevent illicit trafficking in narcotic drugs, psychotropic substances, precursor chemicals, and related matters between the two countries. According to the agencys boss, This bold step taken by the two agencies is an affirmation of our foresight and commitment to the task of ensuring the safety of our citizens and the global community at large. Todays development constitutes a fundamental step towards positioning the two countries, India and Nigeria, at the forefront of confronting and dismantling transnational drug trafficking networks with brazen capabilities of outmanoeuvring legitimate drug law enforcement. With our understanding of the changing dynamics of the illicit drug problems, locally and globally, every major organisation around the world working assiduously to curb the menace knows that working with partners greatly helps in addressing the trafficking and abuse of narcotic and psychotropic substances. He reiterated that the governments of both countries remain committed to eradicating the problem posed by illicit substances, notably synthetic opioids and Amphetamine Type Stimulants (ATS), which pose a potent threat to its citizens. In his remarks, the Indian High Commissioner to Nigeria and Head of the Indian delegation, Shri Balasubramanian, who signed on behalf of his country, said drug trafficking has an enormous negative impact on global financial and political systems, adding that proceeds of drug trafficking are often directed towards terrorism financing. The Indian envoy observed that drug trafficking does not only affect the health of the individual that consumes it but equally the economy of the country as well as national security. Share this: Twitter Facebook WhatsApp Telegram LinkedIn Email Print The Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA) on Wednesday said petroleum marketers will from July this year start the importation of petroleum products into the country. The agencys Chief Executive, Farouk Ahmed, disclosed this while addressing journalists shortly after a meeting with oil marketers on Wednesday. The importing market is already open. We have to follow the regulations so we roll out very user-friendly policies. Some of them (marketers) have already started putting their applications in place because we dont want to create a gap, Mr Ahmed said. We are processing licenses. Already, three oil marketers will from July this year start importing petroleum products into the country. So these are some of the very interesting things that we have received. The NMDPRA boss, who didnt specify the identity of the marketers expected to begin importing petrol into the country, noted that the agency is fast-tracking the process of issuing oil marketers licenses to import. Again, we are interacting a lot every day with Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL) to ensure that the market is already well supplied and that there is no gap in importation, he said. He said NNPCL was the sole importer of petroleum motor spirit (PMS) in the past. But with the advent of the removal of subsidy on that product, Mr Ahmed said it is necessary to open the way to other interested parties that want to import so long as they meet the requirements and the regulations of the Petroleum Industry Act (PIA). The Authority held a meeting today with oil marketing companies to raise awareness of the requirements of the PIA regarding the full deregulation and importation of petroleum. The first thing we get priority is transparency in which we will conduct the business of the importation of premium motor spirit (PMS) both by the major marketing companies, Major Oil Marketers Association of Nigeria (MOMAN), and Depots and Petroleum Products Marketers Association of Nigeria (DAPPMAN), as well as the NNPCL, he said. He explained that NNPCL had agreed to reduce its petrol import volume to give room for other players in the industry and any marketer licensed to import petroleum products must comply with set guidelines. Then at the same time, well look at the flexibility and ease of doing business for it, to enable them to import with ease, he added. New Model Mr Ahmed said NNPCL is going to be drawing down on their importation from being the sole importer to bringing in about 30 40 per cent maximum in line with the provision of the Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (FCCPC) regulation which says that nobody should exceed 40 per cent of the market share. We also deliberated on some concerns in terms of the provision of foreign exchange for them to import, he said. The official emphasised the urgent need for product standardization to prevent situations where consumers might be cheated by the importation of off-spec products into the country. We also discuss the issue of the quality of product importation and the source locations. Quality is a very important aspect as well. So we deliberated on how to control and ensure that all the products imported into the country or distributed locally meet the requirements so that the consumer is not negatively affected, he said. Mr Ahmed revealed that the oil marketers also reached an agreement to enhance cooperation with security agencies to facilitate the seamless supply and distribution of petroleum products across the country. He added that the issue of pricing of petroleum was discussed with the oil marketers and it was agreed that there will not be capping of prices to allow the forces of demand and supply to determine prices. We all agreed that as much as the market is deregulated and theres no price capping by NMDPRA, we also believe that well take responsibility by ensuring that the prices would be reflective of the market. Down so far, cost plus the cost of importation and the profit margin and of course all other logistical costs that would also be taken into account before they impose their prices across the country, he added. He said during the meeting, the oil marketers understand that prices will not be the same all across the country because of local transportation and logistics. For example, he said the price in Lagos being the main receiving location for imports will not be the same as the prices in Ibadan or Sokoto or Maiduguri because the local transportation costs will be added to the price. So it is similar to what we had in the past where we had the bridging or rather equalisation. Also, we had the matrix which spells out the cost of moving a truck from one location to another and it was built into the price. So there is no equalisation or bridging fund. So its a reflection of the accurate cost. So after all of that was done we also agreed finally to say that we should have a small team to look at some critical aspect of the PIA that warrants only those with refinery or those with international trade experience are allowed to import, he said. Subsidy Removal President Bola Tinubu had, in his inaugural address on 29 May, announced the removal of fuel subsidy. The stance he had also maintained in his campaign as a candidate during the election. Following the announcement, the NNPCL directed its outlets nationwide to sell fuel between N480 and N570 per litre, an almost 200 per cent increase from the initial price below N200. The hike immediately triggered an increase in transportation fares and prices of goods and services by various percentages. Last Monday, the Nigerian Labour Congress (NLC) and the Trade Union Congress (TUC) said they would no longer proceed with the nationwide strike planned for Wednesday. The decision came after a meeting between the federal government and the labour unions at the Presidential Villa, Abuja. The Nigerian government has repeatedly said the subsidy on petrol was unsustainable due to the amount spent. Over N4 trillion was used to subsidise petrol last year, more than the government spent on education and healthcare combined. This year, the immediate past government of Muhammadu Buhari only provided budgetary allocation for petrol subsidy until 30 June after saying it would leave the incoming administration to make a final decision on the matter. However, critics of the fuel subsidy removal argue that it will further weaken the purchasing power of Nigerians and impoverish more citizens in a country where almost half of the population is poor. Share this: Twitter Facebook WhatsApp Telegram LinkedIn Email Print The Speaker of the House of Representatives, Tajudeen Abbas, has appointed Musa Krishi, the former chief press secretary to former Speaker Femi Gbajabiamila, as his special adviser on media and publicity. Mr Krishis appointment was announced in the speakers statement on Thursday. The newly appointed spokesperson served as the CPS to Mr Gbajabiamila from 2019 to 2023. The former speaker, who resigned on Wednesday to take up his role as chief of staff to President Bola Tinubu, played a leading role in the emergence of Mr Abbas as speaker. Critics accused Mr Gbajabiamila of imposing the Kaduna lawmaker on the House. Mr Krishi, a graduate of Mass Communication from the famous Kaduna Polytechnic, joined Daily Trust as the Best Graduating Student of Mass Communication in 2012 as part of the newspapers policy. Between 2014 and 2015, he served as the Assistant Political Editor at the Daily Trust and became a senior correspondent. The new media aide, who hails from Nasarawa State, also holds a Postgraduate Diploma in Mass Communication from the Bayero University, Kano (BUK). Meanwhile, Mr Abbas appointed Jerry Uhuo as his special adviser on policy and strategy. The appointments take effect from 15 June. Share this: Twitter Facebook WhatsApp Telegram LinkedIn Email Print Justice Inyang Ekwo of the Federal High Court, Abuja, on Thursday (June 15, 2023,) again suspended the planned arraignment of a former Minister of Aviation, Stella Oduah and others on alleged N7.9 billion fraud charges, citing security reasons. According to the judge, the court will not continue with the trial until it is certain and satisfied that the security and safety of the persons involved in the trial is assured. At the last adjourned date, Justice Ekwo had complained about receiving private messages regarding the case from persons whose identities he did not disclose, while warning them to desist from intruding on his privacy. At todays proceeding, at which Mrs Oduah was present, Justice Ekwo voiced his anger that the prosecution failed to fish out the culprits. I want you to find out who that character is, arrest him and bring him to court on the next date. I am not going to go on with this trial until I am certain and satisfied that the security and safety of all the persons involved in the trial is assured, he said. Justice Ekwo produced a publication wherein his life was severely threatened over his involvement in the trial. He urged the EFCC to fish out the culprits and bring them before the court, even as he ordered the Deputy Chief Registrar of the Court to liaise with the Corporate Affairs Commission to obtain the identities of the promoters of the offending publication. Before the case was adjourned, counsel to the seventh defendant intimated the court of a letter wherein he informed the court that his client, Crystal Television, had entered into a plea bargain with the EFCC and already paid One Hundred Million, (N100, 000, 000.00) as part-payment for compounding the offence contained in the charge. READ ALSO: Part of the letter reads: Sequel to our letter dated 22nd May 2023, on the above matter, we hereby forward, under the covering of this letter, a Zenith Bank Managers Cheque (Bank draft) Nos. 00009061, 00009063, 00009065, 00009066, 00009068, 00009070, 00009071, 00009072 and 00009073, all dated May 2023, in the sum of N100, 000,000.00(One Hundred Million Naira) only as part payment for compounding of offenses contained in the above charge. The letter further stated that, Pursuant to all previous payments and the one referred to herein, our client has the sum of N280, 000,000.00 balance payment and the same shall be paid as soon as possible. The judge however adjourned the matter till July 17, 2023 for the CAC to report on the owners of the organisation, and the EFCC to fish out the culprits. Mrs Oduah this week completed her term as senator representing Anambra North. She represented the District between 2015 and this year. Share this: Twitter Facebook WhatsApp Telegram LinkedIn Email Print On Friday, no fewer than 13 editors will stand election for various positions at the 2023 national biennial convention of the Nigeria Guild of Editors (NGE) holding in Owerri, the Imo State capital. The list of contestants includes Eze Anaba of Vanguard Newspaper and Bolaji Adebiyi of Western Post, who are both contesting for the post of guild president. The Secretary of the 2023 National Biennial Convention Election Committee, Felix Nwadioha, told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) that 13 of the 24 positions were being contested. According to him, the positions include the offices of the president, the secretary-general, the social secretary and standing committees (East and West), among others. There will be no election for the vice president in the North and West because they are being returned unopposed. But election will hold for the vice president in the East; the others are unopposed, Mr Nwadioha, a former Enugu Zonal Manager of NAN, said. He disclosed that the NGE Constitution provides two-year tenure for all the positions. He urged the candidates to abide by the rules provided in the constitution and the screening and electoral committee guidelines. READ ALSO: We are also asking them as agenda setters to set the pace for the politicians to emulate how elections should be conducted. They should preach what they teach and not to emulate what they learnt from those they preach against, Mr Nwadioha said. NAN reports that the theme for the conference is Post 2023 Election: Promoting Professionalism for Enhancement of Democracy and Good Governance. (NAN) Share this: Twitter Facebook WhatsApp Telegram LinkedIn Email Print The family of Nnamdi Kanu, leader of the outlawed Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), has dismissed two of the IPOB leaders lawyers. Kanunta Kanu, a younger brother to the IPOB leader, announced this in a post via his verified Twitter handle on Thursday. The affected lawyers are Ifeanyi Ejiofor, Mr Kanus lead counsel, and Mike Ozekhome, a Senior Advocate of Nigeria. I hereby formally notify @MikeozekhomeSAN and @IfeanyiEjiofor that their services are no longer required in Mazi Nnamdi Kanus case pending before the Supreme Court of Nigeria and all (cases) concerning him, Kanunta posted on the microblogging platform. A dismissal note was attached to the tweet. In the note, Kanunta indicated that the familys grouse followed Mr Ozekhomes alleged refusal to see Mr Kanu at the State Security Service (SSS) facility, since 11 May, despite the IPOB leaders several requests. He also accused Mr Ozekhome of stopping medical doctors sent by the family from carrying out a medical examination on the IPOB leader on 5 June at the SSS facility where he is being detained. He added that the lawyer stopped the doctors from carrying out the medical examination even though Mr Kanu had, on 2 June, informed him and Mr Ejiofor about the doctors visit. It was Mr Kanu who directed the lawyers to inform his family to arrange the doctors visit, he said. For these obvious reasons and many more, Prof Mike Ozekhome SAN and Barr. Ifeanyi Ejiofor are hereby sacked as Mazi Nnamdi Kanus counsels, he said. The Kanu family do appreciate your time and efforts so far. Please, handover the legal documents asap, Kanunta added. The lawyers were yet to react to the development at the time of filing this report. 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 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 SSS. But the government refused to release the IPOB leader, insisting that he (Kanu) could be unavailable in subsequent court proceedings 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. Mr Kanu, on 3 November, through Mr Ozekkome, filed an appeal against the court ruling stopping him from being freed. The court has yet to deliver a ruling on the appeal. Since then, Messrs Ejiofor and Ozekkome have been leading the legal battles to release the IPOB leader. IPOB is a group 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 Ahead of its 26th convocation ceremony, the Lagos State University (LASU), Ojo, has announced Aminat Yusuf as the best-graduating student with a cumulative Grade Point Average (CGPA) of 5.0 in its 40 years history. The university said Ms Yusuf from the Faculty of Law will be rewarded with N500,000 cash prize. The Vice Chancellor of LASU, Ibiyemi Olatunji-Bello, who disclosed this in her address at a pre-convocation press briefing on Wednesday, said the ceremony would feature those who graduated during the 2020/2021 and 2021/2022 academic sessions. Mrs Olatunji-Bello noted that the university would graduate 10,183, of which 282 students obtained First Class in different fields. She explained that while Ms Yusuf tops the first-class graduates for the 2021/2022 academic session, Feyisayo Lopez from the Department of Physiology, College of Medicine emerged as the best for the 2020/2021 session with a 4.91 CGPA. Convocation details The VC said apart from other activities lined up for the event, the convocation lecture titled, The Impact of Digitalisation on Higher Education in the Digital Age, will be delivered by the Executive Secretary, Tertiary Education Trust Fund (TETFund), Sonny Echono, on Tuesday, 20 June. Mrs Olatunji-Bello also disclosed that the Executive Secretary would chair the convocation lecture, National Universities Commission (NUC), Abubakar Rasheed, and that the award of diplomas, first degrees, postgraduate diplomas and masters degrees will hold on 21 June. She further noted in the statement that apart from the 121 postgraduate students, who will be awarded doctorate degrees, the university will confer honorary doctorate degrees and an appreciation award on eight eminent Nigerians who have made contributions to the development of LASU and the nation at large. The honorary awardees include the former governor, Babatunde Fashola; wife of the state governor, Ibijoke Sanwo-Olu; and Saheed Elegushi, Oba of Ikate land in Lagos. Others are the former Speaker of the House of Representatives, Femi Gbajabiamila; former Governor of Ekiti State, Kayode Fayemi; Suleiman Ashade, Daniel Olukoya and Victoria Orelope-Adefulire. She added that the Senate of the University has also conferred the title of Distinguished Professor on two respected and accomplished academics in the university. The professors are Dapo Asaju of the Department of Religious and Peace Studies and Babajide Elemo of the Department of Biochemistry. Academic development Highlighting some of the universitys achievements in the last 12 months, Mrs Olatunji-Bello said the university was ranked the best State University in Nigeria by the AD Scientific Index in 2022 and also secured 96 per cent full accreditation in the 2022 NUCs accreditation exercise. She said: This is a fulfilment of the first strategic goal of this administration, which is to ensure that all academic and professional programmes are and remain accredited by the relevant bodies. We also secured accreditation for professional programmes being offered in the University from relevant accreditation bodies. Of note is the re-accreditation of our Accounting programme by the Institute of Chartered Accountants of Nigeria (ICAN). She added that LASU secured and sustained collaborations with top institutions, including the University of Dundee, United Kingdom; Hindustan Institute of Technology and Science, India; Michael Imodu Institute of Labour and Strategic Studies (MINILS), Ilorin; Delta State University; Lagos Chamber of Commerce and Industry, amongst others. Share this: Twitter Facebook WhatsApp Telegram LinkedIn Email Print Nigerian President, Bola Tinubu, has said that his administration will focus on five key areas, namely security, economy, job creation, agriculture and infrastructure to develop the country. The president stated this Thursday while inaugurating the National Economic Council (NEC) that is expected to work as the economic policy advisory body of his administration. The event took place at the council chambers of the Presidential Villa, Abuja. The council is made of the countrys 36 governor who were all in attendance. Other members of the body are the Governor of Central Bank of Nigeria, Minister of Finance, Secretary to the Government of the Federation and other government officials and agencies whose duties hinge on the economy He said he will run an administration that will be impartial and will govern according to the constitution and the rule of law. The president vowed to defend the nation from terrorism and all forms of criminality as well as promoting economic growth and development. We will prominently feature women and youths in all our activities and to take proactive steps such as championing a credit culture to discourage corruption while strengthening the effectiveness and efficiency of various anti-corruption agencies, he said. Mr Tinubu told the NEC that now is the time to truly harness the nations potentials for development. We must harness the growth potentials of Nigeria and bring about serious development in order to move us from a potential nation to a pragmatic economic development in a rapid manner. he said. The president also told the members of NEC that he is happy with the support being extended to his administration so far by Nigerians. There are expectations from NEC as a veritable source of articulating policies and programmes that are people oriented. I cannot over emphasize that. It is also reassuring to note that the populace, members of this country are behind us. They want reforms and they want it quickly, to have a meaningful impact in their lives, the president said. Mr Tinubu called on the governors to work in unity with the central government and local councils under them to achieve maximum impact. We have enormous challenges facing us. It is you and I. We have all the 36 governors as stakeholders and you have the flexibility of using the local governments to rapidly develop the infrastructure within the local government areas. Collaboration is not a crime, please let us do so, he said. The NEC is a statutory body established by a provision of the constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, with a mandate to advise the president on the economic affairs of the country. It is headed by the vice president. Share this: Twitter Facebook WhatsApp Telegram LinkedIn Email Print On Thursday, the Presidential Election Petition Court in Abuja admitted over 18,000 polling unit results sheets as exhibits in Peter Obis petition challenging President Bola Tinubus victory. A data analyst subpoenaed to testify as Mr Obis fourth witness said the about 18,000 result sheets obtained from INECs IReV were blurred. Mr Obi, the Labour Partys presidential candidate in the 25 February presidential election, is contesting INECs declaration of Mr Tinubu of the All Progressives Congress (APC) as winner of the race, on various grounds. The candidate, who came third in the polls, accused Nigerias electoral commission, INEC, of rigging the election in favour of Mr Tinubu. At the resumed hearing of the case on Thursday, Mr Obis lawyer, Onyechi Ikpeazu, called the petitioners first expert witness, Eric Uwadiagwu, who conducted a data analysis concerning the results of the disputed election. Mr Uwadiagwu, a professor of mathematics at the Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka, Anambra State, appeared in court on subpoena to testify as a petitioners witness. Led by Mr Ikpeazu, a Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN), Mr Uwadiagwu adopted his witness statement on oath as his evidence-in-chief. He confirmed carrying out data analysis on the results of the presidential election obtained from the IReV portal. The portal is an online platform where photographic copies of polling unit results are meant to be promptly uploaded immediately after the public announcement of results at the polling units. It was an innovation deployed for Nigerias general election for the first time in February to boost the transparency of the election process. Failure of INEC to keep to its promise to promptly upload the results in most of the polling units across the country during the election in February had triggered an outcry from the camp of the opposition candidates. Mr Obi and the candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Atiku Abubakar, who is similarly challenging the outcome of the election, said in their separate petitions that INECs failure to upload the results as prescribed in the guidelines for the election was enough grounds to cancel the entire election and organise a fresh one. READ ALSO: The reports of Mr Uwadiagwus data analysis of the results from Rivers and Benue states were admitted and marked as exhibits. One of the reports said results from over 18,000 polling stations contained in four boxes were blurred. Mr Uwadiagwu, Mr Obis fourth witness, could not be cross-examined by the respondents lawyers due to the late service of his witness statement by Mr Ikpeazu. INECs lawyer, Abubakar Mahmoud, a SAN, contested the late service of Mr Uwadiagwus witness statement on him. We were supposed to be served with the witness statement 48 hours ahead of todays hearing, Mr Mahmoud said. Also, Mr Tinubus lawyer, Wole Olanipekun and APCs counsel, Lateef Fagbemi, both SANs, complained of the lateness in serving them with Mr Uwadiagwus sworn statement. They equally registered their opposition to the tendering of Mr Uwadiagwus reports of the data analysis. INEC Chairmans address at Chatham House admitted in evidence The court admitted a video clip of INEC Chairman Mahmood Yakubu addressing the Chatham House in London. The video was tendered by Lummie Edeveie, a journalist at Arise Television. Mr Edevie was the fifth witness in Mr Obis suit. In the video played in court, Mr Yakubu addressed the audience at the Chatham House in January 2023 about the electoral umpires preparedness for ensuring the electoral integrity of the general election. Specifically, Mr Yakubu spoke about the deployment of the Bimodal Voter Accreditation System (BVAS) and INEC IReV portal, which he assured would ensure the credibility of the polls. For want of time, Messrs Mahmoud, Olanipekun and Fagbemi could not cross-examine the two witnesses Mr Uwadiagwu and Edeveie. The five-member court panel chaired by Haruna Tsammani adjourned further proceedings until Friday for the cross-examination of the two witnesses. Share this: Twitter Facebook WhatsApp Telegram LinkedIn Email Print Press Release June 15, 2023 Villar calls support for the PH food and beverage industry Sen. Cynthia Villar exhorted everyone to work together and support the country's Food and Beverage Industry. During the Opening Ceremony of the 17th Manila Food and Beverage Expo 2023 held at the World Trade Center in Pasay City, she also urged backing to the agricultural sector to further promote our local produce. At present, she said the food and beverage industry has become highly diversified, covering a wide spectrum of manufacturing practices. This includes small-scale, traditional, family-run operations that are highly labor-intensive to large-scale, capital-intensive enterprises employing advanced mechanized industrial processes. "Numerous food industries rely on local agriculture, produce, or fishing, while others rely on imports to meet their production needs," related the chairperson of the Senate agriculture and food committee. The food system, she said, operates as a complex network interconnecting farmers with various industries. "This network covers not only the farmers themselves but also extends to include manufacturers of farm equipment and chemicals, as well as firms that provide services to agribusinesses, such as logistics and financial services," also said Villar. She noted that the food system incorporates the food marketing industries responsible for bridging the gap between farms and consumers. These industries consist of food and fiber processors, wholesalers, retailers, and foodservice establishments. According to the veteran lawmaker, the Covid-19 pandemic has reminded us of the significance of supporting the agricultural sector, as our local farmers play a vital role to ensure food security during times of crisis. "Since the reopening of the economy in 2022, the Food and Beverage industry has been gradually recovering. In fact, the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) reported that business registrations hit a 10-year-high in 2022, with restaurants and mobile food services activities coming in as the second-highest number of new business registrations last year," related the senator. As the industry is one of the pillars of the economy, she said a lot of sectors are coming out to support business owners engaged in food service. She guaranteed the government has always been supportive of the food and beverage industry, as well as the agricultural sector. However, despite this backing, our farmers remain to be the poorest in our society. "That is why I made it my goal to uplift the lives of the farmers, address the needs of our agricultural sector and promote food security in every legislation I write," related the senator. Villar, nanawagan ng suporta sa PH food at beverage industry Hinimok ni Sen. Cynthia Villar na magtulungan at suportahan ang Food at Beverage Industry ng bansa. Sa Opening Ceremony ng 17th Manila Food and Beverage Expo 2023 sa World Trade Center, Pasay City, nanawagan din siya na suportahan ang agricultural sector upang higit na isulong ang ating mga lokal na produkto Sa ngayon, naging highly diversified ang ating food at beverage industry na saklaw na ang manufacturing practices. Kanilang dito ang small-scale, traditional, family-run operations na highly labor-intensive hanggang large-scale, capital-intensive enterprises na gumagamit ng advanced mechanized industrial processes. "Numerous food industries rely on local agriculture, produce, or fishing, while others rely on imports to meet their production needs," pahayag ng chairperson ng Senate agriculture and food committee. Nag-operate bilang complex network na konektado sa mga magsasaka na may iba't ibang industriya ang ating food system. "This network covers not only the farmers themselves but also extends to include manufacturers of farm equipment and chemicals, as well as firms that provide services to agribusinesses, such as logistics and financial services," sabi pa ni Villar. "The food system incorporates the food marketing industries responsible for bridging the gap between farms and consumers," dagdag pa niya. Kabilang sa mga industriyang ito ang food at fiber processors, wholesalers, retailers, at foodservice establishments. Ayon sa mambabatas, tinagubilinan tayo ng Covid-19 pandemic na mahalaga ang suporta sa agricultural sector dahil sa importateng papel ng magsasaka sa panahon ng krisis. "Since the reopening of the economy in 2022, the Food and Beverage industry has been gradually recovering. In fact, the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) reported that business registrations hit a 10-year-high in 2022, with restaurants and mobile food services activities coming in as the second-highest number of new business registrations last year," sabi pa ng senador. "As the industry is one of the pillars of the economy, a lot of sectors are coming out to support business owners engaged in food service." Tiniyak niya na laging nakasuporta ang pamahalaan sa food at beverage industry pati na rin ang agricultural sector. Sa Kabila nito, nsnanatili ang mga magsasaka sa pinakamahirap ns sektor. "That is why I made it my goal to uplift the lives of the farmers, address the needs of our agricultural sector and promote food security in every legislation I write," ani senador. A motion seeking to declare as a national emergency the migration of young Nigerians to other countries, popularly called Japa, has been rejected by the House of Representatives. The motion was moved by Philip Agbese (APC, Benue) during plenary on Thursday. Moving the motion, Mr Agbese, a first-timer, presented gloomy statistics of the mass migration of Nigerians to different countries around the world. He said, Nigerians leaving Nigeria and securing permanent residence in the United Kingdom, the USA, and Canada portends a grave danger for our nation. Mr Agbese noted that the migration of Nigerians, popularly referred to as Japa on social media, negatively impacts the economic and social well-being of the nation. Those leaving Nigeria are not just the poor but middle class who possess skills. They include bankers, lecturers, health care practitioners, doctors, and nursestrained manpower, all of whom were trained in Nigeria and emigrating at a time when their services are needed to build a strong and vibrant economy in Nigeria, Mr Agbese said in his motion. He, therefore, prayed that the House should urge the federal government to convene a national summit with key stakeholders to effectively address the japa syndrome. READ ALSO: He also prayed that the House should declare a state of emergency on the factors predisposing young Nigerians to give up on Nigeria in preference for other nations. Speaking against the motion, Sada Soli (APC, Katsina), said the call is against the principles of the 1999 constitution as amended, noting that freedom of movement is guaranteed by the constitution. He argued that the motion should not even be allowed on the floor of the House because it offends the Constitution. This motion as it is, looks nationalistic but it contravenes the provision of the constitution. It is the liberty of a Nigerian if he is qualified, he is normal, has all the grand rights of movement anywhere he wants and sources for a living. The constitution of Nigeria allows even dual citizenship talkless of moving somewhere to earn a living, he said. However, Ahmed Jaha (APC, Borno), who supported the motion, said the motion is not called for restriction but to tackle the factors encouraging migration. The mover of the is not praying that everybody should be stopped from going abroad, but he is advising. Lets tell ourselves the truth. The factors enumerated that is the actual factors or reason behind people leaving this country to seek greener pastures somewhere, Mr Jaha said. Despite Mr Jahas intervention, the members still rejected the motion when the speaker, Tajudeen Abbas, put it to vote. Meanwhile, the House has adjourned till 4 July. Share this: Twitter Facebook WhatsApp Telegram LinkedIn Email Print In the last two weeks, Nigerian armed forces have eliminated 42 bandits, terrorists and other criminals in various operations in the North-central and North-west regions. The Director of Defence Media Operations, Musa Danmadami, disclosed this on Thursday in Abuja at the bi-weekly news conference on the armed forces operations. Mr Danmadami, a major general, said that the troops apprehended 13 suspects in the Irekpeni community along Lokoja-Kabba-Okene Road in Kogi State. He said the troops recovered a mobile phone containing the numbers of four suspected ISWAP terrorists on the watch list of security agencies. He added that seven kidnappers, informants and collaborators were apprehended in Nasarawa Eggon Local Government Area of Nasarawa State following a tip-off. He said troops arrested 86 suspected criminals and rescued nine kidnapped civilians across the two zones. In North-west, Mr Danmadami said the troops of Operations Hadarin Daji and other operations eliminated 38 bandits, apprehended 10 and rescued 24 kidnapped civilians. READ ALSO: He said the troops also recovered 20 AK47 rifles, 92 rounds of 7.62mm NATO, 894 rounds of 7.62mm special, 2 PKT guns, 28 AK47 magazines, eight rounds of 9mm ammunition, 83 rounds of 7.62 x 54mm special, five dane guns, and three IEDs. Other items include 19 motorcycles, 10 mobile phones, three boafeng radios and 34 cattle. Equally, between June 2 and June 6, the air component had conducted air interdiction operation at a terrorist leaders enclave in Zurmi Local Government Area of Zamfara observed with terrorist activities. Accordingly, the target was attacked with rockets neutralising several terrorists. Also, on June 4, similar operation was carried within Batsari, Danmusa and Jibia Local Government Areas of Katsina State and Shinkafi Local Government Area of Zamfara following intel on terrorists converging at these locations. Consequently, the target areas were engaged with rockets with several terrorists neutralised in the air strikes, he added. (NAN) Share this: Twitter Facebook WhatsApp Telegram LinkedIn Email Print The National Agency for Food and Drugs Administration and Control (NAFDAC), Nigerias regulatory agency for foods and drugs, on Wednesday sealed the premises of Sacra Multi-Links Limited, where the popular herbal product- Baba Aisha Herbal Medicine, is produced. NAFDAC said its decision was in response to recent complaints about the factory. The regulatory agencys action followed an investigative report published on Saturday by DUBAWA and PREMIUM TIMES which exposed the danger in the concoction sold to millions of Nigerians. The investigation sheds light on the content, safety and regulatory framework guiding the production and sale of the herbal product many Nigerians consume. After a five-month-long probe, DUBAWA and PREMIUM TIMES found that the product carries two invalid NAFDAC registration numbers and is a huge safety risk to users. Extensive laboratory analysis also indicates that continuous consumption of the concoction could lead to acute kidney, lung and liver injuries. The investigation placed NAFDAC in the spotlight as public members questioned how the producer got his initial registration done without meeting basic requirements, among other infractions. The investigation also revealed that the herbal concoction is being produced in a residential building against the dictates of the Good Manufacturing Practice (GMP) prescribed by NAFDAC. NAFDAC on Wednesday informed these newspapers it had launched a probe into the findings. NAFDACs operation The operation led by Umar Sulaiman, the Team leader (Federal Task Force), Investigative and Enforcement, NAFDAC, was first reported by some media platforms. The operation was carried out within the premises of Sacra Multi-Links Limited in Tafa, a town along the Kaduna-Abuja expressway. Although PREMIUM TIMES and DUBAWA were not part of the operation, the agencys Public Relations Officer (PRO), Abubakar Jimoh, confirmed the development. Mr Sulaiman said the operation was conducted following recent complaints about the factory. We went into action after investigations, and had the factory raided. The factory is called Sacra Multilink Ltd., owned by Dr Salisu Sani, Nawagini Baban Aisha, who sells herbal medicine. We are all here for one purpose and that is to safeguard the health of the nation. Upon our arrival here, we found a lot of violations of Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP), production of herbal medicine with expired licence. We also witnessed an illegal production of some of the products which have not been registered with NAFDAC, along with poor hygiene practices and that is why we took this step. We are going to seal this place and arrest any responsible officer here, he said. Fraudulent registration Mr Sulaimans comments confirmed the findings in the report, which revealed that the outlook of the building and its residential status already fall short of the dictates of the GMP. The team leader also noted that although the producer got registration for one of his products in 2018, the registration has since expired. Instead of renewing, Baba Aisha keeps using it for other products he is producing in the building. He had gone ahead to produce other products, placing the same approved number for a particular product on other products. This is not right, it is not in best practices, Mr Sulaiman said. READ ALSO: PREMIUM TIMES investigation shows that the registration referred to here was shady as the producer did not fulfil basic requirements. NAFDAC is yet to respond to allegations of possible internal connivance in the registration process. He added that despite the agencys efforts to get Baba Aisha to operate at an approved standard, the producer always returns to his harmful production ways. Alluding to this newspapers report, Mr Sulaiman said some renovation works noticed at the factory were as a result of an expose by investigative journalist Kemi Busari. Factory sealed; items confiscated The Kaduna State Coordinator of NAFDAC, Nasiru Mato, explained that Baba Aisha has since 2018 failed to fill out compliance papers that would have qualified him for renewal. He added that the fact that the factory doesnt conform with the dictates of GMP and other complaints informed the decision of the commission to seal his factory. So, under this condition, we had no option but to seal the entire premises, and evacuate all related equipment and facilities used for production. GMP is a criteria for product registration, it must meet laid down standards, Mr Mato said. Daily Nigeria reports some of the equipment moved away from the factory, include; one HD injection polythene (25kg) and one HDPE polythene (25kg). The team also took away sacks with labels, Hana big box scale, speakers used in advertising the products, a workmaster heat gun, and packaging bottles. Other items are three pieces of portrait photographs, three copies of a sales book, two packets of receipt booklet and four burning kettles. Share this: Twitter Facebook WhatsApp Telegram LinkedIn Email Print Former interim National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Bisi Akande, has said President Bola Tinubu is expected to rejig the governing All Progressives Congress (APC). Mr Akande, an ally of Mr Tinubu, stated this on Thursday while addressing State House Correspondents after visiting the president at the Presidential Villa, Abuja. People will expect the rejigging of our party, the APC and the re-establishment of good governance in Nigeria. And it should go on record that the APC brings good governance to Nigeria, Mr Akande, who was governor of Osun State, said. The elder statesman said he visited Mr Tinubu to see how he lives. I am a village man from Osun State. Now that the president is in the city, I think I should see how he lives. When I got to his house, they said he is in the office, and I decided to come and say hello to him. I see that he can be very busy. I asked him when they will create a Camp David in Nigeria where presidents would rest. I met him. We joke, chat and pray for Nigeria, he said. Asked if he offered advice to the president, Mr Akande said, Its not yet time for advice. We are watching him do good. Nigerians are happy. By the time we hear any complaint, the time will be ripe enough for giving president advice. READ ALSO: Aregbesola calls for unity among APC members in Osun On the critical decisions Mr Tinubu had taken since he assumed office on 29 May, the former Osun governor said, Oh! I merely watch the perception of the country, very excellent. People are happy with him. And that is why I boldly come during day time, he added. Messrs Tinubu and Akande have been close political associates. Both won the governorship elections in Osun and Lagos states 1999 on the platform of the Alliance for Democracy (AD). Although Mr Akande served one term from 1999 to 2003, Mr Tinubu served two terms, ending in 2007. The two politicians were also in the Action Congress (AC), which later became the Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN), and the former Osun governor was the partys national chairman. Mr Akande became the interim chairman of the APC when the ACN and other opposition parties merged to form the ruling party in 2013. Share this: Twitter Facebook WhatsApp Telegram LinkedIn Email Print A representative of the chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Mahmood Yakubu, on Thursday, appeared on a subpoena to tender electoral documents in the case filed by Atiku Abubakar to challenge the outcome of the 25 February presidential election. The witness tendered tons of electoral documents before the Presidential Election Petition Court in Abuja, which is conducting a hearing on the case. The documents were used in the conduct of the 25 February presidential election. Atiku, the presidential candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), had, through a subpoena, sought Mr Yakubus appearance before the court regarding his petition challenging President Bola Tinubus victory in the February election. But at the resumed hearing of the suit on Thursday, Mr Yakubu, a professor, delegated Moronkeji Tairu to honour the subpoena on his behalf. Ms Tairu, a deputy director in charge of certification and complaint at INEC headquarters in Abuja, tendered electoral documents both in soft and hard copies before the court. Led in evidence by Atikus lawyer, Chris Uche, a Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN), Ms Tairu tendered a series of results from the presidential election for the 36 states of Nigeria and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT). Also, she presented a copy of the final declaration of results for the presidential election, which heralded Mr Tinubus victory on 1 March. The witness further tendered certified true copies of the Bimodal Voters Accreditation System (BVAS) machines report of the polls in Rivers and 36 other states, including the FCT. Ms Tairu equally tendered BVAS machines data report of voters accreditation on the day of the presidential election across all the states of the federation. Finally, she presented Form EC9, which contained Mr Tinubus biodata. Six flash drives in a white envelope containing electoral documents from Nigerias six geopolitical zones were tendered. But Mr Uche informed the court that the INEC boss representative only tendered four of the eleven documents he requested from the electoral body. He told the court that Mr Yakubu was yet to present the voter register used in the presidential election. The lawyer reiterated that Atiku paid N6.7 million as fees to INEC to certify electoral documents. INEC lawyer, Abubakar Mahmoud, did not object to the admissibility of the documents. However, Mr Tinubus lawyer, Wole Olanipekun, and APCs lawyer, Lateef Fagbemi, objected to the admissibility of the documents. They did not cross-examine Ms Tairu but said reasons for their objection would be adduced at the close of arguments in the suit. The court adjourned further hearing in the suit until Friday. Ms Tairu brings Atikus total number of witnesses to 22. Share this: Twitter Facebook WhatsApp Telegram LinkedIn Email Print The newly-elected President of the Senate, Godswill Akpabio, has said Nigerians will see a different National Assembly to debate issues robustly to improve their lives. Mr Akpabio disclosed this in an interview with State House Correspondents on Thursday after he paid a courtesy visit to President Bola Tinubu at the Aso villa, Abuja. Nigerians should expect robust debates and decisions that will improve the lives of Nigerians. They should expect robust legislative debates. They should expect us to focus on Nigeria, and they should expect us to help the president to make decisions that will help improve the lot of Nigerians as well as decisions that will ensure total empowerment of Nigerians, he said. He also said the National Assembly is ready to work with the executive arm of government to better the lives of Nigerians. The president has already started; ours is to back and support his actions for the betterment of the country. So, the parliament, on resumption, will also lend our voice to what we have seen so far. He has taken the right steps. The stock market is rising, and a lot of people are very excited with the steps he has taken so far. There is renewed hope not just in terms of the economy but in terms of the stability of the country, and it will affect all facets of life, including security. So, I applaud him, and we welcome the development so far. As a Senate of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, ours is to back him with the necessary legislation and also to bring to the foremost of the things that are happening in our various constituencies through motions and observations so that the government can take more actions since we are closer to the grassroots. Above all, they want improvement in the economy. They want to see palliatives, and they want to see everything about the wellbeing of Nigerians to be taken more seriously, Mr Akpabio stated. The senate president emphasised that the primary focus of the government is about the security and welfare of the lives of the people, adding that the legislators, together with the other arms of government, are poised to do so. Mr Akpabio, a former governor of Akwa Ibom State, was elected as the president of the 10th Senate on Tuesday. He defeated Abdulaziz Yari, a former governor of Zamfara State, to emerge as the winner. He was the anointed candidate of Mr Tinubu and the All Progressives Congress (APC). Share this: Twitter Facebook WhatsApp Telegram LinkedIn Email Print The National Agency for Food and Drugs Administration and Control (NAFDAC), Nigerias regulatory body for food and drugs, has confirmed the arrest and detention of the producer of Baba Aisha herbal medicine, Salisu Sani. Mr Sanis detention was confirmed on Thursday evening by NAFDACs Director of Investigation and Enforcement, Francis Ononiwu, while appearing as a panellist on a Twitter space organised by PREMIUM TIMES and Dubawa to appraise the details of the newspapers report. The development followed an investigation by DUBAWA and PREMIUM TIMES on the product sold to millions of Nigerians, which has now been found to be deadly. Mr Ononiwu said Mr Sani was arrested and detained by the police when he visited the agencys office in Abuja following the raid conducted on his companys premises earlier conducted on Wednesday by NAFDAC and the arrest of two of his workers. How Sani was arrested Mr Sani was said to have visited the agencys headquarters in Abuja accompanied by a lawyer whose identity was not disclosed by NAFDAC. Mr Ononiwu stated that two other persons were arrested when the agencys Task Force team raided the premises where the herbal concoction was being produced on Wednesday. He explained that several products carrying fake or expired products were confiscated in the factory that was raided by operatives of the Investigative and Enforcement unit led by Umar Sulaiman. Mr Ononiwu said that upon the arrival of Mr Sani at the NAFDACs office, officials of the organisation searched his vehicle and found several unregistered products. Also confirming the development, Dadi Nantim, the special adviser to the Director-General of the NAFDAC, Moji Adeyeye, a professor of Pharmaceutics and Drug Product Evaluation, said proper investigation would be conducted. We collaborate with the police (to effect the arrest). We dont have a detention facility, Mr Nantim added. Background The investigation, published on Saturday, 10 June, sheds light on the content, safety and regulatory framework guiding the production and sale of the herbal product many Nigerians consume. After a five-month-long probe, DUBAWA and PREMIUM TIMES found that the product, which carries two invalid NAFDAC registration numbers, is a huge safety risk to users. Extensive laboratory analysis also indicates that continuous consumption of the concoction could lead to acute kidney, lung and liver injuries. The investigation placed NAFDAC in the spotlight as members of the public questioned how the producer got his initial registration done without meeting basic requirements, among other infractions. The investigation also revealed that the herbal concoction is being produced in a residential building against the dictates of the Good Manufacturing Practice (GMP) prescribed by NAFDAC. NAFDAC on Wednesday informed these newspapers it had launched a probe into our findings and promised to keep us informed once concluded. Share this: Twitter Facebook WhatsApp Telegram LinkedIn Email Print what Mr Sall and his cohorts are doing in Senegal is antithetical and I stand with the people of Senegal in solidarity, yet I call for rational protests. Importantly, President Sall should take the feedback from the streets, stop the persecution of Sonko, and let democracy flourish beyond the frontiers of Dakar. Senegal has been on fire because President Macky Salls regime is taking democracy for granted. Now the Internet has been shutdown, largely because Mr Sall wants to stop the young people from access to the social media, as a measure to stop the current violence led by young people and women. It is crazy that a government, in this age, would contemplate muzzling freedoms, including the right to free speech, by restricting the use of social technology. Any country that calls itself a democracy and yet shuts down instrumentalities of freedom is joking because this is a travesty. Such action imperils democracy. At the heart of Senegals current turmoil is the folly of Salls regime to behead the candidature of Ousmane Sonko, a fantastic tax administrator and author of books. Born in 1974 and having being the youngest candidate for Senegals presidency in the 2019 election, Sonko is the current face of Senegals desire for a more robust democracy. Sonko was arrested on the basis of the trumped up charges of rape and death threats that he allegedly visited on Adji Raby Sarr, who worked at a massage spa that Sonko regularly visited during the COVID-19 lockdown. The allegation turned out to be untrue, even by the reckoning of the courts. Not a single person testified to the genuineness of the allegation, except the person who is being used by Mr Sall (or is it Saul?) to implicate Sonko, and who could not prove the validity of her hypothesis. Even the claim by Sarr that shes pregnant was refuted after examination. There is a groundswell of opinion that Sarr has been induced financially by the Sall government to achieve its aim of getting Sonko disqualified from running, because it is taken for granted that if Sonko runs again for the presidency, he would win this time. It is trite that the burden of proof of an allegation is on the person alleging. In the absence of any scintilla of evidence, the court could not legitimately convict Sonko. However, in a strange, odious scenario, reminiscent of judicial recklessness and tyranny, the court in Senegal, evidently under the manipulation of the executive branch, convicted Sonko ostensibly for corrupting the youth, whatever that means. This is still ridiculous. The Sall regime in Dakar is orchestrating infamies just to stop Sonko, Senegals most popular politician, who was elected in January as the Mayor of Ziguinchor (one of the epicentres of the protests), from contesting in next years election. Yet, to the people of Senegal, Sonko represents their own version of Patrice Lumumba, Salvador Allende and Fidel Castro. Sonko is listed in the minds of the man on the street in the 14 regions of Senegal As roape.net captured it, The final verdict acquitted Sonko of the charges of rape and death threats, but sentenced him to two years imprisonment for corruption of youth, a charge that had not previously been brought, and which came as a surprise to everyone, including Sonkos lawyers. This conviction comes on top of another recent one for defamation, which apparently renders Sonko ineligible to run in the forthcoming elections. The Sall regime in Dakar is orchestrating infamies just to stop Sonko, Senegals most popular politician, who was elected in January as the Mayor of Ziguinchor (one of the epicentres of the protests), from contesting in next years election. Yet, to the people of Senegal, Sonko represents their own version of Patrice Lumumba, Salvador Allende and Fidel Castro. Sonko is listed in the minds of the man on the street in the 14 regions of Senegal as one capable of upturning the neo-colonial and perfidious regime of Mr Sall. The protests have resulted in terrible, somewhat irredeemable consequences. The archives and some facilities of Cheikh Anta Diop University have been destroyed by protesters. It sucks and rankles that protesters cannot also use their senses. Destroying treasures while protesting smacks of unwisdom and is highly condemnable. Sadly, such destructions have always attended protests across Africa. It happened in South Africas Province of North-West during the struggles for the removal of the erstwhile Premier, Supra Mahumapelo, from 2018 to 2019. The wanton destruction of properties was also the snag and a major blight on the popular 2020 EndSARS protest in Nigeria. Ten years ago, the Mayor of the Malian historic city of Timbuktu, Haile Ousmani Cisse, told The Guardian of London, how retreating Islamist insurgents destroyed some of Timbuktus treasures. Cisse described the insurgents torching of historical manuscripts as a devastating blow to world heritage. President Sall must take responsibility for this infamy. His regime should allow Senegals democracy to flourish by permitting the defining matrices of fairness, transparency and the Rule of Law to sprout in all the nooks and crannies of the Republic of Senegal. This tactic of muzzling the opposition is outdated. Alassane Ouattarra tried it in Cote dIvoire but it didnt work. Anyone familiar with the history of West Africa, especially the strides of Mansa Kanka Musa centuries ago, will agree that any nihilism directed at the treasures of Timbuktu is an attack on the African civilisation. This is precisely what the unreasonable ones among the protesters in Dakar have done at the University named after one of Africas most informed historians. Yet, President Sall must take responsibility for this infamy. His regime should allow Senegals democracy to flourish by permitting the defining matrices of fairness, transparency and the Rule of Law to sprout in all the nooks and crannies of the Republic of Senegal. This tactic of muzzling the opposition is outdated. Alassane Ouattarra tried it in Cote dIvoire but it didnt work. In 2015, when the African Public Relations Association (APRA) hosted its 26th annual conference at the new African Union Building in Addis Ababa, at the plenary session of the APRA conference, I told the Kenyan diplomat and then Deputy Chairperson of the AU Commission, HE Erastus Mwencha, that many African leaders are taking democracy for granted and the AU should stop the recurrence of military coups in Africa by telling heads of its supposedly democratic governments to stop dishonouring democracy. Interestingly, Senegal is one of the few African countries that never experienced military coup or extremities in authoritarianism. Senegals founding president, the poet and writer, Leopold Sedar Senghor, became the first African president to resign voluntarily in 1981, paving the way for the ascendancy of the lanky Abdou Diof. Senegal has had fantastic democratic transitions. However, what Mr Sall and his cohorts are doing in Senegal is antithetical and I stand with the people of Senegal in solidarity, yet I call for rational protests. Importantly, President Sall should take the feedback from the streets, stop the persecution of Sonko, and let democracy flourish beyond the frontiers of Dakar. Omoniyi Ibietan is the Head of Media Relations Management at the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC). Share this: Twitter Facebook WhatsApp Telegram LinkedIn Email Print Every person is human first before any ideological diversity or identity comes in. These might be core to the definitions of human orientations, but it does not leave out the humanity in everyone. You can stay at the high towers of your religious fundamentalism or any form of hegemony; whatever values you attach to human lives will never erase the fact that they are human. Hence, all human rights and privileges must be enjoyed by all humans, even if they are gay, lesbian, queer, hunchbacks, women, albinos, or villagers. As stated in the preceding part of this piece, culture changes as perceptions evolve or get replaced over the years, and, as such, African conceptualisation of things cannot outgrow change. While new ideologies and understanding emerge, society, through its old cultures and traditions, is expected to resist these changes and criticise them on the basis of norms. Hence, two resistances are in place in the instance of marginal identities: the societal normative resistance; and the resistance of the minorities that form the marginal identities. However, during conflicts involving resistance, actions, and reactions, societys overwhelming support often prevails over the will of minorities, which further highlights the issue of marginalisation. How has society reacted to new ideas and convictions, such as the consciousness for repositioning and redefining women; the freedom of LGBTQI+ persons; equality and detribalisation movements; halting of modern slavery and pawns; the right perceptions about people with disability, people with albinism, hunchbacks, and children; the inclusion of secluded women; the redefinition of the place and duties of the youth, and other discourses on marginal identities? While these aim to reduce the concentration of orthodox perspectives, certain factors have fueled societal resistance, forming rationalities and justifications. Socioeconomic disparity is one of the fuels that keep the fires of marginalisation burning. This is because the high concentration of opportunities and developments among a particular group at the detriment of others, results in domination. African rural dwellers are mostly poor people, and since about half of the continents population are rural dwellers, it is obvious that the continents poverty rate may only worsen. The concentration of development elsewhere reduces changes in development in other places. In addition, deprivation of socioeconomic development among some ethnic groups through tribal preferences for people of ones ethnicity is the core definition of racial marginalisation. This deprivation goes to the root causes of slaves, pawns, refugees, stateless and displaced persons. It highlights the silence among suppressed women and those who would love to be out of seclusion. The presence of socioeconomic disparity can never allow the continent to gravitate towards closing the gaps between the mainstream and the minorities; therefore, a crisis is bound to persist as everyone aims for survival. Sexuality in Africa is sacred and has more collective relevance than personal benefits. While the continent does not deter individuals from sexual exploration, the act is often coated with secrecy and reverence. Society has grown to be watchdogs for sexual impunities, and examples can be drawn from among the Akan people of Ghana, the Hausa and Yoruba of Nigeria, the Kaguru and Nyakyusa of Tanzania, the Kamba and Kikuyu people of Kenya, and almost all parts of the continent. Because of this, sacredness generates norms and values around sex, which goes to the root of sexuality. Africa is sexually binary, as reflected in the cultures, the gods, and the institutions around each African society. LGBTQI+ is seen as anti-traditional social norms, and societys resistance is framed as culturally contradictory. While popular statements support this disposition, some have pointed out that there have been cases of persons who can be classified as part of the LGBTQI+ community, like King Mwanga II of Buganda, and concepts that demonstrate the societal consciousness of the community. Some have argued that the fact that King Mwanga II showed no resistance to his gay orientation means that African society, at some level, can adapt to the realities of the community. Individuals are gaining the courage to publicly proclaim their sexual identities. The collective sacred perspectives of sex and sexuality have also conditioned womens relationship with men and their freedom of expression in African societies. The ritualisation mentality often shows in the understanding of people with disabilities. Several of them, especially those who are psychiatrically and psychologically disturbed, are believed to always be conversing with some djinn, anjonu, or evil spirits. Their states of mind are thought to increase their ritual value and make them scarce in the nebulous markets. More scarce ritually objectified humans are the albinos and hunchbacks, who are accorded more significant spiritual peculiarity. Furthermore, there is a growing awkward attribution of spiritual relevance and status to certain African individuals, as the continent tilts toward spiritual symbolism. The conception is that the spiritual status of some people gives them particular ritual proficiency, making that class of people vulnerable and bringing Africa to negative light. Taking humans as ritual objects increases the rate of crime, violence, and killings. Women, pregnant women, people with disabilities, children, twins, hunchbacks, and others have become the most sought-after ritual materials in African societies. As a result, ritualisation should not be seen as some nonsensical belief but as meaningful violence that should have no iota of possibility of hiding under ignorance. Values are often placed carelessly. Nigeria, Uganda, Tanzania, Zimbabwe, Mozambique, Namibia, Malu, Liberia, and others are examples of countries where the ritualisation of humans has become an issue. Children and youths are kidnapped for ritual viability and proficiency in giving strength. One 80-year-old Mrs Chidi and a 39-year-old Reymond Rejoice kidnapped three children in Anambra for rituals, resulting in the battering and breaking of their arms in 2019. In Ivory Coast, there was a report of the kidnapping of 21 children for rituals, with many of them found dead between December 2014 and 27 January, 2015. The case is not better for women, as from January 2018 to December 2021, it was reported that about 150 girls and women were killed in the Niger Delta. In Ogota, ten girls were victims of ritual killing in January 2022. Women are seen to be special in Africa, and their body parts are often offered higher prices in the human parts market. Their fluids, menstrual wastes, private parts, virginity, and others are attractive elements for these ritual killers. Stealing, selling, and ritualising menstrual pads and waste has been a major issue for a while, and, at a young age, women are often taught how to keep those treasures from public view and the accessibility of others. It was reported that, at a point, people were ready to pay as much as R20,000 to R60,000 for stolen menstrual pads. In August 2020, a lady claimed that her boyfriend, Gbemisola Olufusi, a Yahoo Boy, stole her pads for a ritual at a pastors place in Ondo town, Nigeria. Womens bodies are found with mutilated breasts around Africa, and concerns are not channelled to the right corners. Who knows the number of women in seclusion who have been secretly and violently abused and killed? This is why when discussions on the freedom of women and the relaxation of conservative social norms around their status are raised, it is not just to attack the ego of some prejudicial males but to salvage millions of them from physical and psychological damage. The ritualisation mentality often shows in the understanding of people with disabilities. Several of them, especially those who are psychiatrically and psychologically disturbed, are believed to always be conversing with some djinn, anjonu, or evil spirits. Their states of mind are thought to increase their ritual value and make them scarce in the nebulous markets. More scarce ritually objectified humans are the albinos and hunchbacks, who are accorded more significant spiritual peculiarity. Albinos is a spirit, and the hunch of a hunchback is of immeasurable value, so they think. One Ifeoma Angela Igwe was killed and got her hunch mutilated in 2011; Adeoye Dowo became a victim in the hands of a hunch-sourcing girlfriend and three other men; and the reports of ritualisation of hunchbacks in the Ashanti regions Bibiani town of Ghana leave little to desire. Ritual relevance is a rationalisation of the marginalisation of the classes above. There is a de-secularisation interpretation of modernity and development in Africa. While importing new culture and identity is seen as an expansion of developmental positivity in several other places, some of these changes are interpreted as the degeneration of cultures and social values that a doomsday could visit. It does not make barbarians out of Africans, as every society often has overriding sentiments reflected in their social values. the patriarchal nature of African societies underscores the institutional antagonism experienced in the continent. Often, a societally instilled domineering orientation pushes women down the ladder of social order. It subjects them to gender violence, apathy, discrimination, and several untold hardships. There could be patriarchal societies without necessarily putting women through inhuman treatment. The epistemological understanding of the continent dwells so much on the duality of nature and reality spiritual and physical. Therefore, the consequentialist perception of Africa is married solidly with spiritualism, among other things. From this perspective, secularised positions and developments are de-secularised as degeneration and underdevelopment. It explains the reinforcement behind the recalcitrance in holding on to marginalising ideologies. Hence, without conceptualising spiritual understanding, issues around LGBTQI+, women, children, and others cannot be understood and addressed. Also, the patriarchal nature of African societies underscores the institutional antagonism experienced in the continent. Often, a societally instilled domineering orientation pushes women down the ladder of social order. It subjects them to gender violence, apathy, discrimination, and several untold hardships. There could be patriarchal societies without necessarily putting women through inhuman treatment. However, when there is a backing of religious fundamentalism that stretches the distance between the two genders and puts one too far above the other, the extremes of patriarchy become overbearing. This is the case of societies that subject women to compulsory seclusions. In cases where it is the honest view and conviction of a woman to be in seclusion, it must be allowed, but African societies must look out for willingness in the social conditioning of women. This would be after attempting to expose these women to alternatives and leave them to choose the lives they want for themselves. Do not impose the veils on her if she does not want it! She is not a lesser human to anyone! Mind you, aggressive cultural diffusion of these values that stop the marginalisation of LGBTQI+ persons cannot be achieved without considering all the conceptualisations stated above. It means there can only be gradual injections of these values from critical perspectives that reenact social habits and norms. The film industry, media houses, social agencies, and opinion leaders are pivotal in stopping the incessant killing of innocents and inhuman treatment. To ensure social consciousness and awareness of diversity and marginal identities, one must go from the grassroots and stop the top-to-bottom approach. Every person is human first before any ideological diversity or identity comes in. These might be core to the definitions of human orientations, but it does not leave out the humanity in everyone. You can stay at the high towers of your religious fundamentalism or any form of hegemony; whatever values you attach to human lives will never erase the fact that they are human. Hence, all human rights and privileges must be enjoyed by all humans, even if they are gay, lesbian, queer, hunchbacks, women, albinos, or villagers. African governments and institutions must raise efforts towards enforcement of the laws that are dead in their letters. People with albinism, hunchbacks, women, and other identities are not sacrificial lambs for aspirational mobility; they are humans and should be treated as such. 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 2 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 Security is the bedrock of a prosperous and democratic society. Therefore, Tinubus administration should make it a fundamental responsibility to protect the lives and property of Nigerian citizens by mobilising the countrys national security, military and law enforcement assets to protect all Nigerians from danger and from the fear of danger. On Monday, 29 May, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and Vice President Kashim Shettima both took oaths of office in a smooth, peaceful, momentous and historic transition at the Eagle Square, Abuja. The ceremony marked the end of eight years of President Muhammadu Buharis administration and the beginning of the Tinubu administration. As expected for President Tinubu, beyond realising a lifetime ambition of leading the most populous nation in Africa, he has left no one in doubts that he worked round the clock, built people and navigated his way to Nigerias highest political office. We should recall that in the early days of the contest, the former Lagos governor and pro-democracy activist, told Nigerians that becoming Nigerias leader had been his lifelong ambition. Without ambiguity, one of the challenges waiting for the president, which many Nigerians will be demanding answers sooner than later, is the security situation in the country. Despite tremendous efforts by security agencies and the outgone administration of President Muhammadu Buhari to contain insecurity, the country is still confronted by a series of security challenges ranging from violent crimes to communal conflicts and insurgency. All regions of the country are affected to varying degrees by these security concerns from insurgency in the North-East, banditry in the North-West and North-Central, and oil theft in the Niger Delta, to calls for secession in the South-East. Despite these challenges, there is no denying the fact that the administration of former President Buhari performed creditably in the fight against insecurity since taking over the reins of power in 2015. At the inception of his administration, the nations security situation was greatly challenged by the activities of violent non-state actors with Boko Haram, which was holding territories in the country. Today, the situation has tremendously improved. Buhari made remarkable progress in the fight against insurgents, militants, oil thieves, kidnappers and other criminal elements in the country. now that the fanfare of President Tinubus inauguration is over, all eyes are on him to work the talk of his campaigns, especially as it concerns national security. The president in fully aware of the situation as is reflected in his inauguration address, where he said: Security shall be the top priority of our administration because neither prosperity nor justice can prevail amidst insecurity and violence. To effectively tackle this menace, we shall reform both our security DOCTRINE and its ARCHITECTURE. Also, the Buhari administration transformed the Armed Forces by boosting their fighting capacity, through the provision of platforms, training, operations, manpower, remuneration and medical services. These are in addition to the maintenance efficiency, accommodation and expansion of these forces. The improvements in these areas have collectively enhanced the militarys capacity to effectively carry out its constitutional mandate. However, now that the fanfare of President Tinubus inauguration is over, all eyes are on him to work the talk of his campaigns, especially as it concerns national security. The president in fully aware of the situation as is reflected in his inauguration address, where he said: Security shall be the top priority of our administration because neither prosperity nor justice can prevail amidst insecurity and violence. To effectively tackle this menace, we shall reform both our security DOCTRINE and its ARCHITECTURE. We shall invest more in our security personnel, and this means more than an increase in number. We shall provide better training, equipment, pay and firepower. In a show of determination to build on the legacies of Buhari, Tinubu met with the Chief of Defence and service chiefs a few days after his inauguration, during which he charged them to work together in order to strengthen the fight against insecurity. He also asked them to develop a blueprint to deal with the issue of crude oil theft. Also, the president has undertaken a tour of the new Office of National Security Adviser and facilities at the National Counter Terrorism Centre (NCTC) in Abuja, where he tasked security and intelligence agencies in the country on the importance of sharing information and intelligence among themselves, and warning that the hoarding of such resources could be counterproductive in the fight against terrorism. President Tinubu, while noting the efforts demonstrated in countering terrorism and the state-of-the-art facilities at the two facilities, highlighted the importance of backing such efforts with knowledge. According to him, his administration had recognised that in order to achieve economic revival, prosperity, and development, security should be of optimum priority. Over all, Tinubu has the onerous task of building on the impressive legacies of President Buhari in the area of security through increased budgetary allocation, acquisition of more platforms for Nigerian Army, Navy, Air Force and other security agencies. Overall, President Tinubus approach to insecurity should combine both militaristic and human security approaches anchored on a vibrant economy and strong national integration. He should consider adopting non-kinetic measures, such as making education and skills acquisition compulsory for that class of citizens considered as recruitment materials by subversive elements. One very important and decisive decision that Nigerians and indeed the world wait on President Tinubu to take, is the rejigging of the security architecture. It must be noted here that national security is not an all-comers affair. President Tinubu should, therefore, take his time and stabilise his administration before appointing the Chief of Defence Staff, service chiefs and other appointments in the security sector. This is one area that he must move slowly in, so as not to fritter the gains made by the Buhari administration. He must also appoint a National Security Adviser and Minister of Defence who will earn the respect of service chiefs and members of the intelligence community, in order to avert a situation where they will work at cross purposes. Overall, President Tinubus approach to insecurity should combine both militaristic and human security approaches anchored on a vibrant economy and strong national integration. He should consider adopting non-kinetic measures, such as making education and skills acquisition compulsory for that class of citizens considered as recruitment materials by subversive elements. Fortunately, President Tinubu understands the nexus between economic prosperity and security. He clearly pointed this out during his visits to the National Counter Terrorism Centre (NCTC), where he said: If we as Nigerians are looking for economic revival, prosperity and development, then we have to give priority to security. In the same vein, the Vice President, Kashim Shettima was a wartime governor who was a boot on the ground in Borno State in the height of Boko Haram insurgency in the North-East. Consequently, they must collaborate and come up with economic policies that will lift Nigerians out of poverty. This will contribute in no small measure in the fight against insecurity in the country. Tinubu must prioritise national security by strengthening the security agencies, investing in intelligence gathering, and collaborating with neighbouring countries to combat transnational crime. His manifestos proposal on security was the most robust and elaborate of all the candidates. Hence, most Nigerians are optimistic that with the right security architecture coordination and political leadership, we will overcome the security nightmares posed by banditry, terrorism by Boko Haram/ISWAP, secessionist agitations, etc. Security is the bedrock of a prosperous and democratic society. Therefore, Tinubus administration should make it a fundamental responsibility to protect the lives and property of Nigerian citizens by mobilising the countrys national security, military and law enforcement assets to protect all Nigerians from danger and from the fear of danger. The road has been long and tough. But so far, the new president has demonstrated a strong will, toughness and commitment that can only lead to success. May he succeed! Jibrin Baba Ndace, a journalist, wrote from Abuja. Share this: Twitter Facebook WhatsApp Telegram LinkedIn Email Print Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh (R) and Minister of Foreign Affairs of the United Arab Emirates (UAE) Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed Al Nahyan. (Photo: VNA) The PM spoke highly of delegation exchanges between Vietnam and the UAE in the recent past, especially the visit to the UAE by Vice President Vo Thi Anh Xuan last May, which reaped significant outcomes. Host and guest shared the view that the bilateral friendship and cooperation have made progress in various spheres like politics-diplomacy, economy, trade, investment, tourism and energy. PM Pham Minh Chinh suggested that on the occasion of the 30th anniversary of the bilateral diplomatic ties, the two sides further coordinate and support each other at regional and international forums, especially within the United Nations (UN), and coordinate in organising cultural and sport exchanges, including Vietnamese Culture Day in the UAE, contributing to raising mutual understanding between peoples of the two countries. The leader stressed that with great potential for economic and trade cooperation, the two sides should complete negotiations for the Vietnam-UAE Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA) as soon as possible. He also asked the UAE to help Vietnam in developing Halal food production and services, and build cooperation mechanisms in Halal certification in Vietnam, helping increase the two-way trade. The PM also emphasised that Vietnam encourages UAE enterprises and investment funds to invest and transfer technologies in the areas of mutual concern like logistics, real estate, infrastructure and innovation. Hailing the UAEs position as a financial centre and its successes in economic restructuring and scientific-technological development, Chinh suggested the country share its experience and assist Vietnam in building an international financial centre, connecting innovation networks, energy transition, environmental protection and natural resources management. Vietnam welcomes the UAE to host the 28th United Nations Climate Change Conference (COP28), and stands ready to cooperate with the country for the success of the event. For his part, the UAE diplomat affirmed that high-ranking leaders of his country always consider Vietnam an important partner in Asia-Pacific. UAE investors and businesses highly value investment opportunities and environment in Vietnam, and want to enhance and advance cooperation with the country in trade and investment, particularly in renewable energy, he said. The official noted that signing the CEPA is the UAEs top priority in cooperation with Vietnam in order to create breakthroughs in economic and investment collaboration. Apart from trade and investment, the two countries should forge cooperation in other important fields such as renewable energy, climate change response, sustainable development, environmental protection and people-to-people exchange, he said. Lauding contributions by Vietnamese guest workers to the UAEs development, the minister expressed his hope that the two countries will strengthen cooperation to bring more Vietnamese skilled labourers to the UAE in the time ahead. He pledged to closely coordinate with Vietnam in implementing cooperation proposals effectively, especially in the areas mentioned by the PM./. It should be restricted to only students in any of the STEM courses, rather than making it an all-comers affair. Also, as it was in the Gowon era, and for wider coverage, beneficiaries of bursary should be excluded and universities must start charging tuition and betting on outstanding STEM students and innovators The financial threshold for the students loans should also be adjusted from applicants/families earning less than N500,000 yearly to those earning N720,000 or less. Within minutes of the release of the video of President Bola Tinubu signing the students loan bill into law, it was trending on Twitter, as was the name of Chief of Staff Femi Gbajabiamila, who sponsored the bill in his former life as Speaker of the House of Representatives. Apart from the Nigeria Maritime University, which was charging N81,500 per semester in 2019 the highest in a federal university, the average tuition is about N45,000. State universities charge between N60,000 and N120,000, while polytechnics and colleges of education charge less, of course, but only slightly less than federal universities. Strangely, the word, tuition, does not exist in the bills of public universities. In the make-believe world of officialdom, tuition is free, in the sort of way that salvation is free, but the message is delivered at a cost. Universities still charge under sundry headings like acceptance fees, departmental charges, course registration, result verification and so on, but shy away from calling it tuition. Private universities are in a class of their own. A number of them charge fees almost comparable to those in schools in neighbouring countries, particularly Ghana a favourite destination of middle-class Nigerian families. But the bulk of higher education students in fact, about 90%, according to the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) are in public schools. Out of the 110 private higher institutions, only about two or three, particularly Covenant and Afe Babalola universities, are able to fill their quota. The rest are struggling. If public institutions of higher learning are charging about N90,000 per session, a fraction of what even those below middle class pay for their children in private secondary schools (increasingly the place of choice for Nigerians across income levels), it would seem rather awkward, if not ridiculous, that theyre unwilling to pay more for higher education. In an article in ThisDay on 23 September, 2022, former pro-chancellor of Ambrose Alli University, Lawson A. Omokhodion, said he believed that a typical public university could survive on tuition fees of N250,000 per session, whereas universities currently receive only about one-third of that as fees. How, therefore, can students loans be justified under this unsustainable cost structure? I think it can, but not at the scale contemplated by the new law. And certainly not within the existing structure of the public university system. With a few exceptions, the public university system is no longer fit for purpose. The system is retrograde, stifling and underperforming. Pouring resources into the system as it currently is, whether directly or indirectly through infusion of students loans, is throwing good money after bad. Im aware that long-established systems are difficult to dismantle. But the present economic difficulties make it foolish to turn a blind eye to structural changes for temporary political benefits. A number of private universities are glorified secondary schools. On top of the pie sits the Tertiary Education Trust Fund (TETFund), a federal bureaucracy that struggles to find its left from its right. Except the system is fixed and quickly the students loan would at best be a waste or at worst an enabler for producing more garbage. Nigeria has 49 federal universities, 59 state government-owned universities and 110 private universities. The first two categories are underperforming and overwhelmed. Its difficult to say exactly how much of it is a funding or management problem. For example, federal allocations to Nigerias top 10 federal universities in 2023 range from N25.84 billion to Ahmadu Bello University, to N22.37 billion to the University of Lagos; and from N19.28 billion to the University of Ibadan to N14.31 billion to the Federal University of Technology, Owerri. Yet, the bulk of these sums can hardly cover overheads, a malaise that tends to highlight corruption and the sheer lack of imagination. A number of private universities are glorified secondary schools. On top of the pie sits the Tertiary Education Trust Fund (TETFund), a federal bureaucracy that struggles to find its left from its right. Except the system is fixed and quickly the students loan would at best be a waste or at worst an enabler for producing more garbage. Students loan is not new in Nigeria, and it is quite different from bursary, which is still provided by a number of states for their indigenes, and it is not repayable. Some states even provide scholarships for students in specific areas of need. The students loan board was set up by General Yakubu Gowons government in 1974, to provide loans to students repayable over 20 years of graduation. At the time, the loans were disbursed to students through the universities. Beneficiaries of state or Federal Government bursaries were excluded from the loans, which targeted the poorest of the poor. But then there were only six Federal Government universities then, with an estimated total student population in 1970/71 of about 16,000. In 1993, the military promulgated a decree to establish the Nigeria Education Bank and eight years later the university autonomy bill was passed, which was supposed to unleash the creative capacity of the schools, but sadly this has not been the case. The state of our universities reminds me of what Israeli Prime Minister, Benjamin Netanyahu, once told university administrators at a time when he had to tackle Israels backwardness and unleash its innovative and creative spirit. Even though I have the utmost respect for the study of humanities, he said, If I had to share government shekel between Tibetan poetry and microelectronics, I would have no hesitation putting the money in the latter. Nigerias institutions of higher learning, especially public universities, have lost their way, led astray by the military, politicians, and sadly, university administrators, too. For a start, the federal university system has to be dismantled and reduced to only two or three per zone, at least one of which should be devoted to STEM, the study of science, technology, engineering and mathematics. The banks board should be leaner. I honestly do not know what the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) and the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) and the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) are doing there, whereas the National Association of Nigerian Students is excluded. It doesnt make sense. The rest can be taken up by either state governments, who wish to do so and can afford it or may reorganise into autonomous units for teaching special skills. Its only after such a restructuring that students loans can make any significant long-term impact. And the loan cannot and should not be for all courses, as is contemplated in the current law. It should be restricted to only students in any of the STEM courses, rather than making it an all-comers affair. Also, as it was in the Gowon era, and for wider coverage, beneficiaries of bursary should be excluded and universities must start charging tuition and betting on outstanding STEM students and innovators. The financial threshold for the students loans should also be adjusted from applicants/families earning less than N500,000 yearly to those earning N720,000 or less. Over time, schools with a demonstrable capacity to attract higher endowments could get less than others. I find it difficult to understand the rationale for having branches of the Education Bank in all 36 states of the country, as proposed by the law, if the loans will be disbursed through the schools to the students. With a strong ICT backbone, the country does not need more than two branches of the bank at this time. Boards of the numerous parastatals, MDAs and commissions are some of the major public sector waste pipes. We dont need another 12-member board with all the costs attached to compound our misery. I understand the temptation among politicians to milk every opportunity, including this one. The branches would yet be fresh dumping grounds for incompetents dispatched by politicians, either to fill quotas or to settle IOUs. The danger in multiplying branches, however, is that they would also multiply bureaucracy, inefficiency and sooner than later, we might be spending funds set aside for students loans to service overheads. The banks board should be leaner. I honestly do not know what the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) and the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) and the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) are doing there, whereas the National Association of Nigerian Students is excluded. It doesnt make sense. The law is a good start but needs to be saved from the surrounding ruins to be useful to students and serviceable to the schools. Azu Ishiekwene is Editor-in-Chief of LEADERSHIP. Share this: Twitter Facebook WhatsApp Telegram LinkedIn Email Print Vietnamese National Assembly Chairman Vuong Dinh Hue (R) and President of Cote dIvoires National Assembly Adama Bictogo. (Photo: VNA) This is the highest-level delegation and Bictogo is the first President of the Cote dIvoire NA to visit Vietnam in 48 years, Hue said during their talks in Hanoi on June 14 right after an official welcome ceremony held for the guest. Bictogo conveyed the regards of Cote dIvoire President Alassane Ouattara to NA Chairman Vuong Dinh Hue and other high-ranking leaders of Vietnam. He said over the past decade, Cote dIvoire's GDP has been growing by over 7% annually. To reduce its poverty rate to 16% by 2030, the country is continuing with reform and opening its door for global integration. According to the leader, Cote dIvoire has become one of the top 10 growing economies in Africa, with over 80% of its cashew nuts and 70% of cotton fiber exported to Vietnam. The country has also imported 40% of its rice and 45% of other goods such as machinery and motorcycles from Vietnam. The guest proposed the two legislatures play a driving role in further leveraging advantages in various areas, including agriculture. Vietnamese businesses could set up cashew processing factories in Cote dIvoire, facilitate the training of Vietnamese experts to support Cote dIvoire in rice cultivation and mechanisation of water rice cultivation. Meanwhile, Cote dIvoire could import mechanical products from Vietnam, he said. Bictogo called for Vietnams assistance in vocational training for Cote dIvoire young people, particularly in information technology, mechanical engineering and electronics. He suggested both sides create favourable conditions for businesspeople and citizens to conveniently travel between the two countries through direct flights. Agreeing with Bictogos proposals, NA Chairman Vuong Dinh Hue affirmed that Vietnam is ready to act as a bridge for Cote dIvoires goods to penetrate the ASEAN and Asian markets, work closely with the African country to enhance the import of cashew nuts, cotton and cocoa, particularly by developing value chain cooperation in cashew cultivation, processing and export. Efforts will be made to strengthen trade promotion and investment, and connections between associations and enterprises via visits and exchanges. Cote dIvoire should expand the imports of products of Vietnams strength such as seafood, fertilizers, apparel, footwear, household appliances, construction materials, electronics and machinery, he said. Vietnam is ready to offer all possible support for Cote dIvoire enterprises to do business in the country and vice versa, Hue said, adding that to achieve this, cooperation in the banking sector is needed. He urged Cote dIvoire to promptly respond to the draft Memorandum of Understanding on economic and trade cooperation and designate responsible authorities for the bilateral trade agreement with Vietnam. He also asked for active negotiations toward the signing of cooperation documents, thus creating a legal framework for economic, trade and investment activities. Both sides should continue discussing to explore cooperation opportunities, the Vietnamese leader said, adding that as agriculture is a priority area via South-South cooperation mechanism, they could coordinate to seek third-party support. On this occasion, NA Chairman Vuong Dinh Hue thanked Cote dIvoire for creating favourable conditions for the Vietnamese community and recognising the activities of the Vietnamese Association living there. The host and guest agreed to establish legal frameworks that pave the way for new collaboration areas. NA Chairman Vuong Dinh Hue proposed both sides facilitate exchanges between leaders, agencies and deputies of the two parliaments to share professional experience; monitor the effective implementation of international conventions and agreements signed by the two governments; support and boost connectivity and coordination between enterprises, as well as provide all possible assistance for businesses and citizens to do business stably in each nation. On regional and global issues of shared concern, he suggested Cote dIvoire support ASEAN and Vietnam's stance on ensuring security, safety and freedom of navigation and overflight in the East Sea, as well as settling disputes through peaceful means in line with international law, especially the 1982 United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS). Vietnam always attaches importance to cooperation with Africa, he said, suggesting both sides continue working closely together within the International Organisation of La Francophonie (OIF) and other multilateral mechanisms such as the United Nations and the Non-Aligned Movement. The two legislatures should continue upholding close coordination mechanisms at multilateral forums such as the Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU) and the Parliamentary Assembly of La Francophonie (APF), Hue said. The host took this occasion to invite the Cote dIvoire legislature to send a delegation to the ninth Global Conference of Young Parliamentarians which is hosted by the Vietnamese NA in Hanoi in September. Bictogo also invited NA Chairman Vuong Dinh Hue to pay an official visit to Cote dIvoire soon and the invitation was accepted with pleasure. Following the talks, the two leaders signed a MoU on cooperation between the two NAs and met the press to inform the outcomes of their talks. At the press conference, Bictogo said for Cote d'Ivoire, Vietnam is an important partner and the "key" to enhancing its relations with ASEAN. Cote d'Ivoire is ready to serve as a bridge to help Vietnam strengthen its relations with the West African region in particular and Africa as a whole. Both sides demonstrated their determination to make every effort to make the two NAs one of the models for cooperation between the Vietnamese legislature and African countries, thus making positive contributions to their friendly cooperation. The same day, the Cote d'Ivoire delegation paid floral tribute to fallen combatants at the monument dedicated to heroic martyrs on Bac Son street of Hanoi and visited the Stilt House of Uncle Ho in the President Ho Chi Minh relic site. In the evening, NA Chairman Vuong Dinh Hue is scheduled to host a banquet in honour of Bictogo and his entourage./. The event took place at the highest inhabited point in Romania - the Omu Hut, at an altitude of 2507m ; It is the first and largest mountain expedition in the world to bring together such a large number of medical professionals; BUCHAREST, Romania, June 14, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- MedLife, the leader of the private medical services market in Romania, organised on Saturday, June 10, the largest medical expedition to Omu Peak setting a GUINNESS WORLD RECORDS title for the "Largest human image of a human chromosome". Nearly 800 doctors, nurses, psychologists, pharmacists and other medical and support staff formed on the top of the mountain the largest human image of a human chromosome in the colors of the Romanian national flag. GUINNESS WORLD RECORDS title set by a Romanian medical company GUINNESS WORLD RECORDS title set by a Romanian medical company GUINNESS WORLD RECORDS title set by a Romanian medical company "On the cliff of Omu Peak, near the oldest stone hut in Romania, at an altitude of over 2500 m, our colleagues wrote history. It turned out that no dream is too big for us, and an amazing number of medical professionals believed in it, all volunteered for it. We overcame the weather challenges, we overcame physical limitations and together we broke a world record.", said Nicolae Marcu, Director of Health and Operations at MedLife. The safety of all participants has been a top priority for the organisers. Therefore, a group of 40 professional guides, experienced people who have coordinated countless national and international expeditions, led by David Neacsu, the mountaineer who led the first all-Romanian expedition to Everest in 2003, accompanied the participants of the medical expedition to Omu Peak. Among the other famous names who accompanied the expedition were Horia Colibasanu and Marius Gane, perhaps the most successful Romanian climbers to reach peaks above 8000 m. Despite the erratic weather, 756 medical and support personnel reached the summit. Guinness World Records representative, Pravin Patel, who climbed the route to Omu Peak, confirmed the record for the largest image of a human chromosome. The previous record was set in 2019 and belonged to a group of 415 people from India. "I am grateful to have been part of this officially amazing experience. There are a number of conditions that need to be met for this record and you have succeeded in breaking the original record by creating the largest human image of a human chromosome," said Pravin Patel, Guinness World Records representative, when presenting the certificate. Photo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2101973/MedLife_SA_1.jpg Photo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2101974/MedLife_SA_2.jpg Photo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2101975/MedLife_SA_3.jpg SOURCE MedLife SA The leading Spanish frozen yoghurt company llaollao continues to grow in Asia , its second most important market after Spain with Singapore, Malaysia and Indonesia leading the way, three of its most important international markets. The company is stepping up its presence in Singapore , where it has stores in key locations such as Changi International Airport. llaollao also recently celebrated the milestone of surpassing 320 points of sale worldwide. SINGAPORE, June 15, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- llaollao, the leading Spanish frozen yoghurt company with an international presence, has reached a new milestone: more than 320 stores worldwide. The company arrived in Asia in 2013 after it opened its first franchise in Singapore. Since then, Asia has become its second most important market after Spain thanks to its more than 150 stores throughout the region. llaollao Singapore (PRNewsfoto/llaollao) The success of this Spanish brand lies not only in its exquisite taste, but also its commitment to quality and authenticity. Using only carefully selected premium quality natural ingredients, llaollao has created a delicious and healthy frozen yoghurt that captures the essence of Spanish gastronomy. Singapore is one of the key markets for llaollao as it was the site of the company's first store in Asia back in 2013. Llaollao's frozen yoghurt has enjoyed a positive reception in Singapore since its arrival due to its flavour and its healthy nutritional characteristics, which are highly valued by local consumers. This has also raised awareness of the product in other neighbouring countries. llaollao has 12 stores in key locations such as Changi International Airport and the Tampines 1 and Income At Raffles shopping malls. The company has a strategic partner in the country which allows it to grow in a solid and stable manner. "The locations we have in Singapore are highly strategic and are obviously chosen based on consumer traffic, which is why 90% of the stores are in shopping malls," explained Pedro Espinosa, CEO of llaollao. llaollao's presence in Singapore facilitated its expansion to Malaysia, where the frozen yoghurt company has enjoyed outstanding growth. It has increased the number of stores by 55.7% since 2022 and recently marked the opening of its 100th store in the country. It also plans to further strengthen its presence in this country and aims to reach 130 stores by the end of 2023. llaollao has continued to develop its growth, its products and its positioning in other Asian countries such as Indonesia, where the Spanish brand has grown by 76.9% since 2022 and is close to doubling its presence, and the Philippines, where it has 21 stores throughout the archipelago and has achieved growth of 61.5% since 2022. "Asia has become the second most important market for llaollao, not only because of our presence in terms of points of sale (in Malaysia we will be opening our 100th store in the coming weeks and we expect to reach 130 stores by 2023) but also because we have positioned ourselves as a leisure option in itself thanks to the quality of our product, our brand spirit and llaollao's ability to adapt to each market with its different culture and habits," Espinosa added. llaollao has already sold more than 100 million tubs around the world and has more than 320 points of sale worldwide. In relation to its internationalisation plans outside Asia, the brand also recently notched up important milestones such as its arrival in Oceania and South America, where it will soon be opening in Bolivia. What is llaollao? llaollao is the leading frozen yoghurt sale and manufacturing brand in the sector. Pioneers for the development of the frozen yoghurt concept in Spain, since we started out in 2009 we have based our success on three pillars: quality, commitment and innovation. Each llaollao tub is made using premium milk and yoghurt. The result is a natural, healthy, gluten-free probiotic frozen yoghurt with a unique texture and taste. And all with outstanding customer service and full commitment to our consumers, who we always listen to in order to offer products that are not only the best but also the most innovative. All this has led to us opening more than 300 points of sale worldwide, with more than 130 in Spain and over 190 more all over the world. Photo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2100059/llaollao_Singapore.jpg SOURCE llaollao From November 5-7, Signature will bring HR professionals together to learn from a variety of keynote speakers, network, and prepare for the unknowns of the future. TORONTO, June 15, 2023 /PRNewswire/ - Signature, the premier HR industry event from global HR research and advisory firm McLean & Company, has announced key details about this year's speakers and conference agenda. The three-day event has been created for C-suite and VP-level executives, directors, and managers of HR seeking to build a flourishing organizational culture amid the new standard hybrid reality. Signature attendees can look forward to a future-focused agenda and more than 15 keynotes at this years conference in Orlando, Florida from November 5-7, 2023. (CNW Group/McLean & Company) With the key theme for the 2023 event being "The Future of HR," conference attendees can look forward to 15 highly anticipated keynotes and six rapid-fire sessions, alongside several CHRO panel discussions and peer-to-peer roundtables that will focus on creating workplaces where everyone thrives both presently and in the unknown future. "The keynote speaker lineup this year is dynamic and diverse, with an intentional focus on supplying Signature attendees with actionable, future-focused tips and insights from HR leaders and experts who are educating about and sharing their lived experiences in the ever-evolving world of HR," says Jennifer Rozon, president of McLean & Company. Each session at Signature 2023 has been designed to support the resolution of current and future obstacles HR is facing, including challenges in creating psychologically safe and inclusive workplaces, the role of ChatGPT and generative AI (artificial intelligence) in HR functions, employee engagement and retention, and more. In alignment with these topics, McLean & Company has announced the initial list of keynote speakers for this year's conference, outlined below: Brian Dickens, Chief Human Resources Officer at University of Tennessee System (UT), will tackle a host of important and relevant HR themes in his keynote Creating an Environment Where Employee Voices Are Heard for Increased Retention, Diversity of Thought, & Long-Term Job Satisfaction. Sinead Bovell, Future of Work Expert, will approach the broad and critical evolution of the way we work in her keynote aptly titled The Future of Work. Dr. Robyn Hanley-Dafoe, an expert on resilience and workplace wellness, will touch on one of the most important elements of any successful HR team in a talk on Everyday Resiliency in Ever-Changing Times. Peter Sursi, Senior Executive, Finance Modernization at the FBI, will share his personal and professional experiences around culture in Creating a Culture of Connection. Terri Lewis, Chief People Officer at One Call, will reframe what can feel like the uphill culture battle to an achievable, realistic endeavor in her keynote Mission Possible: Transforming Culture in 365 Days. Jessica Palatka, Chief Human Capital Officer at the US Department of Commerce, will address a trending and timely HR theme in her keynote Addressing Workforce Hiring Challenges. Bhavna Dave, Chief People and Culture Officer at Schellman Compliance LLC, will cover One Size Does Not Fit All through a DEI (diversity, equity, and inclusion) lens. Nichole Thompson, Chief People Officer at FLS Transportation Services, will dive into the highly anticipated topic The Future of Work: How Employee Experience Should Evolve in 2023 and Beyond. Annette Martinez, Retired Senior Vice President at State Farm, will offer her unique insights in Reflecting on the Role of HR: Insights from the Former SVP of State Farm. Maureen Cahill, Managing Partner at McLean & Company, will kick off the event with The Future of HR: Preparing for the Unpredictable, discussing the variety of knowns and unknowns HR leaders can expect in the years to come and how best to prepare for them. Kelly Berte, Director of HR Research and Advisory Services at McLean & Company, will use her research-backed insights to empower HR professionals in Keeping Up With...the Employee Value Proposition. LynnAnn Brewer, Director of HR Research and Advisory Services at McLean & Company, will moderate the CHRO panel discussion, Preparing for the Future of HR. Additional keynote and session themes include Enabling Flow State to Positively Impact Wellbeing Leveraging Employee Lifecycle Data to Increase Engagement Building Culture for Performance and Retention Transitioning from Big Corporate to Startup Psychological Safety Myth-Busting Creating a Culture of Belonging ChatGPT and AI in Talent Strategy and more. HR professionals interested in attending can register for Signature 2023 on McLean & Company's dedicated event page. Early bird tickets are available until August 1, 2023. Media interested in attending Signature 2023 or joining McLean & Company's Media Insiders program to get exclusive access to new industry research and trends insights can contact [email protected]. About McLean & Company Through data-driven insights and proven best-practice methodologies, McLean & Company offers comprehensive resources and full-service assessments, action plans, and training to position organizations to meet today's needs and prepare for the future. McLean & Company is a division of Info-Tech Research Group. SOURCE McLean & Company Former Securian Financial Services Advisors Join Capitol Financial Solutions, A Group Affiliated with Royal Alliance PHOENIX, June 15, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Advisor Group, one of the nation's largest networks of independent wealth management firms, announced that John Amendola, Eric S. Owen, Michael Pugh and Steve Tanner have joined Capitol Financial Solutions, one of the largest groups affiliated with Royal Alliance. The four former Securian Financial Services advisors from Virginia and North Carolina, bring $410 million in client assets to the Advisor Group network. "Our decision to partner with Capitol Financial Solutions was driven by our focus on providing the best possible service experience for our clients," said Steve Tanner. "Capitol Financial Solutions has access to industry-leading software, powerful in-house marketing and practice management support, and a strong, compatible culture. We were also impressed by their substantial scale and resources." Robert Turner, President & CEO of Capitol Financial Solutions, welcomed the new advisors to his firm and said, "As soon as I met this group, I quickly knew they were the type of advisors we want in our firm. From the very beginning, it was clear this team focused on what would be best for their clients. We knew our unique service model would add efficiencies and allow them to spend more time building client relationships. Add in Advisor Group's innovative technology and support, and we had the exact combination they were looking for to grow their business." Veteran financial advisors have served clients' needs for decades John Amendola is based in the Raleigh area and focuses on business development, client relationship management, investment advisory and financial planning, with an emphasis on tax reduction. His breadth of expertise comes from over 20 years of financial industry experience working with successful individuals, entrepreneurs and companies throughout North Carolina . is based in the area and focuses on business development, client relationship management, investment advisory and financial planning, with an emphasis on tax reduction. His breadth of expertise comes from over 20 years of financial industry experience working with successful individuals, entrepreneurs and companies throughout . Eric Owen is a Virginia -based, 22-year industry veteran, who focuses on helping clients define and address the issues that can cause financial stress during their lifetimes or for the legacies they create. He specializes in wealth management, risk management, employee benefits and business succession strategies. is a -based, 22-year industry veteran, who focuses on helping clients define and address the issues that can cause financial stress during their lifetimes or for the legacies they create. He specializes in wealth management, risk management, employee benefits and business succession strategies. Michael Pugh helps clients in Virginia define, plan for and achieve their financial independence. Since 1999, he has worked with individuals and private businesses, as well as their owners and executives, on retirement and distribution planning, estate planning, social security and long-term care, business succession, investment management and employee benefits. He also provides personal and business insurance analysis. helps clients in define, plan for and achieve their financial independence. Since 1999, he has worked with individuals and private businesses, as well as their owners and executives, on retirement and distribution planning, estate planning, social security and long-term care, business succession, investment management and employee benefits. He also provides personal and business insurance analysis. Steve Tanner has been helping clients in Virginia meet their financial goals for more than 26 years. He is committed to working with clients who wish to build wealth, as they create enduring legacies for their families, businesses and communities. Tanner strives to create financial independence for his clients by building strong, long-term relationships through dedicated service. "It's my pleasure to welcome John, Eric, Michael and Steve to the firm," said Greg Cornick, Advisor Group's President, Advice & Wealth Management. "In our discussions, they cited Advisor Group's commitment to servicing clients, as well as our organizational efficiency and operational talent, as reasons for making the move. We look forward to providing them with all the technology, tools and resources they need to succeed. I congratulate Robert and his team at Capitol Financial Solutions, as they continue to grow their firm as a wealth management powerhouse in the mid-Atlantic region." About Advisor Group Advisor Group, Inc., a portfolio company of Reverence Capital Partners, is the nation's largest network of independent wealth management firms, serving approximately 10,000 financial professionals. The firm is mission-driven to support the strategic role that financial professionals can play in the lives of their clients. Cultivating a spirit of entrepreneurship and independence, Advisor Group champions the enduring value of financial professionals. For more information visit https://www.advisorgroup.com . Securities and investment advisory services are offered through the firms: FSC Securities Corporation, Royal Alliance Associates, Inc., SagePoint Financial, Inc., Triad Advisors, LLC, Infinex Investments, Inc., and Woodbury Financial Services, Inc., broker-dealers, registered investment advisers, and members of FINRA and SIPC. Securities are offered through Securities America, Inc., American Portfolios Financial Services, Inc., and Ladenburg Thalmann & Co., broker-dealers and member of FINRA and SIPC. Advisory services are offered through Arbor Point Advisors, LLC, American Portfolios Advisors, Inc., Ladenburg Thalmann Asset Management, Inc., Securities America Advisors, Inc., and Triad Hybrid Solutions, LLC, registered investment advisers. Advisory programs offered by FSC Securities Corporation, Royal Alliance Associates, Inc., SagePoint Financial, Inc., Securities America Advisors, Inc., Triad Advisors, LLC., and Woodbury Financial Services, Inc., are sponsored by VISION2020 Wealth Management Corp., an affiliated registered investment adviser. About Royal Alliance Associates Royal Alliance Associates, Inc. is part of one of the nation's largest independent financial advisor networks and a Registered Investment Advisor, member FINRA and SIPC. Royal Alliance is supported by Advisor Group, one of the largest truly independent broker-dealer networks in the industry. The firm has more than 3,600 affiliated independent financial advisors and is headquartered in Jersey City. Royal Alliance was founded in 1969 and employs a client driven approach focused on meeting the unique demands of businesses and individuals. For more information visit http://www.royalalliance.com. About Capitol Financial Solutions Capitol Financial Solutions is a financial planning firm that has focused on working with business owners, entrepreneurs, and professionals for more than 50 years. A Super-OSJ affiliated with Royal Alliance Associates, the firm has nearly $2.3 billion in total client assets, over 50 independent advisors and more than 30 support associates. At Capitol Financial Solutions, financial advisors have an opportunity to make a difference in their clients' lives by providing independent and objective financial guidance and support. The firm has the tools and resources in place to help financial advisors and representatives grow and enhance their practices. For more information visit https://www.capfs.com. Media Inquiries Joseph Kuo / Lorene Yue Haven Tower Group [email protected] or [email protected] 424 317 4851 or 424 317 4854 SOURCE Advisor Group CHICAGO, June 15, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- The global Agricultural Lighting Market is projected to grow from USD 11.8 billion in 2023 to USD 21.4 billion by 2028; it is expected to grow at a CAGR of 12.5% from 2023 to 2028 according to a new report by MarketsandMarkets. The key factors fueling the growth of this market include rising population along with increasing government funding and support to promote agricultural lighting across the globe, growing demand for food owing to the continuously increasing population. Download PDF Brochure: https://www.marketsandmarkets.com/pdfdownloadNew.asp?id=219756486 Browse in-depth TOC on "Agricultural Lighting Market" 150 Tables 70 Figures 300 Pages Agricultural Lighting Market Report Scope: Report Coverage Details Market Revenue in 2023 $11.8 billion Estimated Value by 2028 $21.4 billion Growth Rate Poised to grow at a CAGR of 12.5% Market Size Available for 20192028 Forecast Period 20232028 Forecast Units Value (USD Million/Billion) Report Coverage Revenue Forecast, Competitive Landscape, Growth Factors, and Trends Segments Covered By Light Source, Application, Offering, Installation Type, Wattage Type, Sales Channel and Region Geographies Covered North America, Europe, Asia Pacific, and Rest of World Key Market Challenge Effective integration of different components and technologies used in CEA facilities Key Market Opportunities Year-round crop production, irrespective of weather conditions Key Market Drivers Extensive deployment of LED fixtures in controlled agricultural environment The software segment to witness highest growth rate during the forecast period. Modern lighting solutions incorporate intelligent control systems that utilize software to optimize lighting operations. These systems encompass a range of features, such as automated scheduling, occupancy sensing, daylight harvesting, and energy management. Implementing these software-driven functionalities necessitates additional efforts in terms of programming, customization, and integration with the lighting hardware. The extensive scope of software in lighting solutions is rooted in the objective of delivering intelligent control, user-friendly interfaces, data analysis capabilities, integration with building systems, remote management, firmware updates, and interoperability with other platforms. It enhances the flexibility, efficiency, and functionality of lighting solutions. The HID light source segment grew at a significant growth rate during the forecast period. HID lighting systems are available in various wattages, allowing for flexibility in meeting the lighting requirements of different crop types and sizes. They can provide wide coverage, effectively illuminating larger areas within agricultural facilities. The scope of HID light sources in lighting systems encompasses their use in a wide range of applications, compatibility with lighting controls, energy efficiency considerations, retrofitting possibilities, compliance with standards, and the diversity of lamp options available. These factors make HID light source grow at a significant growth rate during the forecast period. The online/e-commerce sales channel grew at the highest CAGR during the forecast period. Online or e-commerce sales channels have experienced significant growth in the agricultural lighting industry, owing to the wide product selection range, convenience and accessibility to each buyer, product specificartion and information available remotely, the ability to compare between similar products for efficient buying. It helps to compare prices, compare reviews of products by other buyers. All these factors tend to increase the market for online sales channel in the coming years. The below 50W wattage type segment to hold largest market share during the forecast period. Agricultural applications often require lower-wattage lighting solutions due to the nature of the crops being grown. Many types of plants, especially leafy greens, herbs, and young seedlings, have lower light intensity requirements. The below 50W segment offers sufficient light output for these crops without excessive energy consumption or heat generation. Lower-wattage lighting systems are generally more energy-efficient, leading to cost savings and electricity consumption. The livestock application segment to hold the largest market share in 2023. The livestock industry, including poultry, swine, and cattle, is typically larger in scale compared to horticulture and aquaculture. The demand for lighting solutions in livestock operations is significant, as lighting plays a crucial role in maintaining animal welfare, productivity, and overall management. The sheer size of the livestock industry contributes to the larger market share of livestock lighting. Inquiry Before Buying: https://www.marketsandmarkets.com/Enquiry_Before_BuyingNew.asp?id=219756486 Asia Pacific region to hold the largest share of the agricultural lighting market in 2028. The Asia Pacific region boasts some of the world's largest agricultural economies, encompassing countries like China, India, Japan, and Southeast Asian nations. These countries have robust agricultural sectors that significantly contribute to their overall economies. The region's extensive agricultural operations, both in size and scale, generate substantial demand for agricultural lighting solutions, leading to a significant market share. Moreover, the Asia Pacific region cultivates a wide variety of crops, including rice, wheat, fruits, vegetables, tea, coffee, spices, and more. Each crop has specific lighting requirements crucial for its optimal growth and productivity. As a result, there is a high demand for agricultural lighting solutions to cater to the diverse lighting needs of the various crops cultivated throughout the region. Signify (Netherlands), OSRAM (Germany), Gavita (Netherlands), Valoya (Finland), California Lightworks (US), Helliospectra AB (Sweden), LumiGrow Inc. (US), Hortilux Schreder (Netherlands), Eye Hortilux (US), Signify Holding (Netherlands), ams-OSRAM GmbH (Germany), Gavita International B.V. (Netherlands), Valoya (Finland), California LightWorks (US), DeLaval (Sweden), CBM Lighting (Canada), Heliospectra AB (Sweden), Hortilux Schreder (Netherlands) are the key players in the global agricultural lighting companies. These players increasingly undertake product launches and development strategies, expansions, partnerships, contracts, and acquisitions to increase their market share. Get 10% Free Customization on this Report: https://www.marketsandmarkets.com/requestCustomizationNew.asp?id=219756486 Browse Adjacent Market: Semiconductor and Electronics Market Research Reports &Consulting Related Reports: Grow Lights Market by Offering (Hardware, Software, Services), Watt, Spectrum, Cultivated Plant, Lighting Type, Light Source, Installation Type, Sales Channel, Application (Greenhouse, Indoor Farm, Vertical Farm) and Region - Global Forecast to 2028 Horticulture Lighting Market by Technology (Fluorescent, HID and LED), Application (Greenhouses, Vertical Farms, Indoor Farms), Cultivation, Lighting Type, Offering, Installation and Region (2022-2027) Smart Greenhouse Market by Type (Hydroponics and Non-Hydroponics), Covering Material Type (Polyethylene, Polycarbonate, and Others), Offering (Hardware and Software & Services), Component, Cultivation, End User, Region - Global Forecast to 2025 Vertical Farming Market by Growth Mechanism (Hydroponics, Aeroponics, Aquaponics), Structure (Building-based vertical farm and Shipping container-based vertical farm), Crop Type, Offering, & Region - Global Forecast to 2026 Plasma Lighting Market by Component (Lightron, Waveguide, and Cavity Resonator), Application (Roadways, Streets, and Tunnels Industrial, and Horticulture), Wattage (300W, 700W, and 1,000W), and Geography - Global Forecast to 2024 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. 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Contact: Mr. Aashish Mehra MarketsandMarkets INC. 630 Dundee Road Suite 430 Northbrook, IL 60062 USA: +1-888-600-6441 Email: [email protected] Visit Our Web Site: https://www.marketsandmarkets.com/ Research Insight: https://www.marketsandmarkets.com/ResearchInsight/agriculture-lighting-market.asp Content Source: https://www.marketsandmarkets.com/PressReleases/agriculture-lighting.asp Logo: https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/660509/MarketsandMarkets_Logo.jpg SOURCE MarketsandMarkets BEIJING, June 15, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- The Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank (AIIB) welcomes the review announced by Canadian Deputy Prime Minister and AIIB Governor, Ms. Chrystia Freeland, into the baseless allegations made by Mr. Bob Pickard, AIIB's former Director General of Communications, following the announcement of his resignation yesterday. Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank (AIIB) Ludger Schuknecht, Vice President and Corporate Secretary, said, "We welcome this review and will be cooperating fully. Transparency is essential to the trust of our 106 Members, our multilateral peers, our development partners, our community of civil society organizations, and the citizens we serve." Over the last 24 hours, Senior Management has been working closely with the AIIB Board of Directors to develop a response that demonstrates transparency, maintains trust in the Bank's multilateral character, and aligns with the Bank's high standards of governance. In addition to cooperating with its Canadian counterparts, AIIB will also be conducting its own internal review of the circumstances surrounding the resignation of Bob Pickard and the allegations he has made. This management review will be led by the General Counsel, Alberto Ninio. In the sidelines of the Board Retreat today, the AIIB Board of Directors met informally with Management and agreed to establish a group of Directors to which Management will report. The review will be conducted in line with the Bank's governance frameworks and policies, including the Code of Conduct for Bank Personnel , the Staff Regulations , the Policy on Public Information and the Policy on Personal Data Privacy . Sir Danny Alexander, Vice President for Policy and Strategy, said, "Our Bank is extremely diverse. Our staff consists of 65 different nationalities, and our global membership now stands at 106. Our Bank is multilateral in spirit, character and practice. Our robust multilateral governance system and international leadership and staff ensures this. With a membership as diverse as AIIB's, a governance framework that incentives consensus building has been a cornerstone of our success to date and in the future." About AIIB The Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank (AIIB) is a multilateral development bank whose mission is financing the Infrastructure for Tomorrowinfrastructure with sustainability at its core. We began operations in Beijing in January 2016 and have since grown to 106 approved members worldwide. We are capitalized at USD100 billion and Triple-A-rated by the major international credit rating agencies. Collaborating with partners, AIIB meets clients' needs by unlocking new capital and investing in infrastructure that is green, technology-enabled and promotes regional connectivity. SOURCE Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank (AIIB) LAVAL, QC, June 15, 2023 /PRNewswire/ - Alimentation Couche-Tard Inc. ("Couche-Tard" or the "Corporation") (TSX: ATD) announced today that it will host its 2023 Analyst and Investor Conference on Wednesday, October 11, 2023 in Phoenix, Arizona at 8:00 A.M. (MST) (11:00 A.M. EDT). The presentations, which are expected to last approximately four hours, will be followed by store visits and feature Brian Hannasch, President and Chief Executive Officer, and other members of Couche-Tard's executive leadership team. The presentations will provide an in-depth overview of the Corporation as well as set forth key growth initiatives and outline a new multi-year strategic plan. A question and answer session, during which members of the investment community known to the Corporation can ask questions to the management team, will follow the presentations. A webcast will be available to financial analysts, investors, media and any individuals interested in viewing the hybrid event by visiting the Events & presentations page of Couche-Tard's corporate website. Supplemental materials will be available the morning of the event. What: 2023 Analyst and Investor Conference When: 8 a.m. MST (11 a.m. EDT) on Wednesday, October 11, 2023 Where: Phoenix, Arizona or webcast on the Events & presentations page of Couche-Tard's corporate website How: In-person (advanced registration is required using the Registration Link) and live online video webcast (link to be provided closer to the event) A recording of the event will be provided on the Events & Presentations page of Couche-Tard's corporate website following the conclusion of the event. About Alimentation Couche-Tard Inc. Couche-Tard is a global leader in convenience and mobility, operating in 24 countries and territories, with more than 14,300 stores, of which approximately 10,900 offer road transportation fuel. With its well-known Couche-Tard and Circle K banners, it is one of the largest independent convenience store operators in the United States and it is a leader in the convenience store industry and road transportation fuel retail in Canada, Scandinavia, the Baltics, as well as in Ireland. It also has an important presence in Poland and Hong Kong Special Administrative Region of People's Republic of China. Approximately 122,000 people are employed throughout its network. For more information on Alimentation Couche-Tard Inc., or to consult its audited annual Consolidated Financial Statements, unaudited interim condensed consolidated financial statements and Management Discussion and Analysis, please visit: https://corpo.couche-tard.com Forward-Looking Statements Certain statements in this press release may constitute forward looking statements within the meaning of securities legislation, including those with respect to the potential transaction. Positive or negative verbs such as "believe", "can", "shall", "intend", "expect", "estimate", "assume" and other related expressions are used to identify such statements. Such statements are based upon the current beliefs and expectations of Couche-Tard and are subject to significant risks and uncertainties outside of Couche-Tard's control. Couche-Tard would like to point out that, by their very nature, forward-looking statements involve risks and uncertainties such that its results, or the measures it adopts, could differ materially from those indicated in or underlying these statements, or could have an impact on the degree of realization of a particular projection. Unless otherwise required by applicable securities laws, Couche-Tard disclaims any intention or obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise. The forward-looking information in this release is based on information available as of the date of the release. SOURCE Alimentation Couche-Tard Inc. Customers will be able to utilize the Databricks Lakehouse with the Alteryx Analytics Cloud Platform to drive decisions that increase productivity and lower total cost of ownership (TCO) IRVINE, Calif., June 15, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Alteryx, Inc. (NYSE: AYX), the Analytics Cloud Platform company, today launched new technical capabilities to enable customers to leverage the power of the Databricks Lakehouse Platform with Alteryx Analytics Cloud. These capabilities build on Alteryx's portfolio of innovations, which includes Alteryx AiDIN, and Databricks' large language models (LLM) like the recent Dolly, that make analytics, machine learning, and generative AI more accessible so every user across the enterprise can drive decisions that contribute to positive business outcomes. "We're excited to expand our partnership with Alteryx to deliver more ways for everyone to use data and AI to drive important business outcomes," said Roger Murff, VP of technology partners at Databricks. "The Alteryx Analytics Cloud Platform will make it easier for our joint customers to prep and transform data in the Databricks Lakehouse Platform and accelerate high-value analytics and AI/ML initiatives." The Alteryx Analytics Cloud Platform integration with Databricks offers one cloud-native data stack that opens the door for more non-technical users to use Alteryx's no-code building blocks to access the data they need and build a workflow to prep, blend, transform, and analyze data in the Databricks Lakehouse. It empowers organizations to: Make smarter business decisions that drive innovation and lower TCO by enabling employees to work with data how they prefer and harness the AI-powered features of Alteryx's cloud portfolio with Databricks' Lakehouse architecture, including support for Delta tables. Increase productivity and operational efficiencies by reducing the amount of time employees spend preparing and curating data with Alteryx's pushdown processing in Databricks Spark. Centralize and govern access to data across environments with Alteryx Analytics Cloud support for Databricks Unity Catalog, enabling more employees to participate in the decision intelligence process. "One of the biggest challenges with public health data systems is finding the right tools to invest in that can meet us where we are - in both skills and infrastructure - and help us transition to new methods and flexible and scalable environments," said Francoise Pickart, senior epidemiologist at Washington State Department of Health. "With the full power of the Alteryx Analytics Cloud Platform now being made available on Databricks, we look forward to seeing how these capabilities will continue to help advance our mission to protect and improve the health of all people in Washington state." "Data is a team sport, and now business and technical users have a way to collaborate more effectively to contribute to high-value data goals," said Alteryx's Adam Wilson, senior vice president and general manager, Alteryx Analytics Cloud. "These joint capabilities from Alteryx and Databricks enable organizations to build an enterprise-wide culture of data literacy and automate analytics at a massive scale." Learn more about the Alteryx and Databricks partnership at the Databricks Data + AI Summit from June 26-29 in San Francisco, and try Alteryx today. About Alteryx Alteryx (NYSE: AYX) powers analytics for all with the award-winning Alteryx Analytics Cloud Platform. With Alteryx, enterprises can make intelligent decisions across their organizations with automated, AI-driven insights. More than 8,300 customers globally rely on Alteryx to democratize analytics across use cases and deliver high-impact business outcomes. To learn more, visit www.alteryx.com. Alteryx is a registered trademark of Alteryx, Inc. All other product and brand names may be trademarks or registered trademarks of their respective owners. SOURCE Alteryx, Inc. LINCOLN, Neb., June 15, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Ameritas has announced the launch of the Pooled Employer Plan (PEP), now available on Ameritas' flexible retirement plan platform. PEPs allow unrelated companies or organizations (adopting employers) to band together and garner the purchasing power that currently eludes many hardworking business owners. Ameritas, whose history managing pooled plan arrangements spans more than 20 years, will serve as the recordkeeper, with TRG Fiduciary Services serving as the pooled plan provider. LeafHouse Financial, a discretionary investment manager with deep expertise in the retirement industry, will act as the plan 3(38) investment fiduciary, using their proprietary technology to select, evaluate and monitor investments. Charles Schwab Trust Bank will serve as directed trustee. Ameritas has announced the launch of the Pooled Employer Plan, available on Ameritas' retirement plan platform. Tweet this The 2019 Setting Up Every Community for Retirement (SECURE) Act allowed for the creation of PEPs in 2021. Prior to the act, businesses were only able to join under a multiple employer plan requiring certain commonality. "PEPs pave the way for Ameritas to help the lifeblood of our communitiessmall business and local organizations. They can offer a competitive retirement plan to their employees, helping them achieve financial security and overall wellness. Every U.S. worker deserves the chance to save for a dignified retirement. We're a leader in establishing and growing multiple employer plans and pooled employer plans, and now we have one of our own. Our PEP gives small and mid-size businesses and organizations the opportunity to establish a retirement plan with more ease and alleviates those common roadblocks that cause resistance toward sponsoring a plan," said Jim Kais, executive vice president of retirement plans for Ameritas. "Plan sponsors will now have a viable solution that reduces costs, lessens administrative burdens, and most of all, minimizes financial and legal risk." "What's great about the new pooled employer plan from Ameritas is that both specialist advisors and generalist financial professionals can grow their practice while streamlining administration. And with our flexible platform and managed account options, financial professionals can satisfy varying investment appetites and offer personalized plans," added Scott Holechek, Ameritas institutional sales leader and pooled employer plan thought leader. For more information about the Ameritas Pooled Employer Plan here. About Ameritas Ameritas is a marketing name for Ameritas Mutual Holding Company and its affiliated subsidiary companies, including Ameritas Life Insurance Corp. and Ameritas Life Insurance Corp. of New York. Founded in 1887, Ameritas offers a wide range of insurance and financial products and services to individuals, families and businesses. These products and services include life insurance; annuities; individual disability income insurance; group dental, vision and hearing care insurance; and retirement plans. For more information, visit ameritas.com. About Charles Schwab Trust Bank Charles Schwab Trust Bank, Member FDIC, is a subsidiary of the Charles Schwab Corporation, and provides trust, custody and deposit products and services to employee benefit plans. Investment products are not insured by FDIC or any other type of deposit insurance; are not deposits or other obligations of, and are not guaranteed by Charles Schwab Trust Bank or any of its affiliates; and involve investment risks, including possible loss of principal invested. Contact: Derek Rayment, Sr. Media Relations Specialist Ameritas Life Insurance Corp. Phone: 402-467-7850 [email protected] SOURCE Ameritas Five $10,000 grants awarded to schools to advance the massage therapy profession SCOTTSDALE, Ariz. and EVANSTON, Ill., June 15, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- The American Massage Therapy Association (AMTA), today announced the winners from the second round of massage school grants funded by Massage Envy to support the future of the massage therapy profession. AMTA is the largest non-profit, professional association serving massage therapists, massage students and massage schools. Massage Envy is the nation's No. 1 provider of massage in the U.S. collectively across its franchise network and a national leader in skincare. Five $10,000 grants, funded by Massage Envy, will be awarded to the following schools to help institutions attract, train and graduate future generations of highly qualified massage therapists: Lincoln Technical Institute Albuquerque School of Healing Arts Indiana State University Indiana Wellness College ASIS Massage Institute "As an industry leader in massage therapy, we know the profound impact massage therapists can have on their clients and are proud to provide funding in support of training future massage industry professionals," said Beth Stiller, Massage Envy CEO. "Congratulations to this round of AMTA grant winners." Massage Envy does not sponsor or administer the grant program, and Massage Envy is not affiliated with and does not endorse any massage school, including those receiving the grants. About Massage Envy Massage Envy, based in Scottsdale, Arizona, is a national franchisor and does not independently own or operate any of the Massage Envy franchised locations nationwide. The Massage Envy franchise network, through its franchise locations, is the leading provider of massage services. Founded in 2002, Massage Envy has approximately 1,100 franchise locations in 49 states that have together delivered more than 200 million massages and skin care services. For more information, visit www.massageenvy.com or follow us on Instagram, Twitter and Facebook at @MassageEnvy. About The American Massage Therapy Association The American Massage Therapy Association, the most trusted name in massage therapy, is the largest non-profit, professional association serving massage therapists, massage students and massage schools. The association is directed by volunteer leadership and fosters ongoing, direct member-involvement through its 51 chapters. AMTA works to advance the profession through ethics and standards, the promotion of fair and consistent licensing of massage therapists in all states, and public education on the benefits of massage. To find a qualified massage therapist in your area, please visit AMTA's Massage Therapist Locator Service. SOURCE Massage Envy Participants at the conference take a group photo (Photo: VNA) The event is a great opportunity for Belgian investors in the development of seaports in Vietnam, a country owning a coastline of over 3,200km, and aims to prepare for the Minister-President of the Government of Flanders Jan Jambons visit to Vietnam in September. Speaking at the event, Jambon said that Vietnam and Flanders have many similarities, including their strength in seaports. However, he pointed out that there remains plenty of room for the two sides to expand their trade partnership, adding that the two sides should grasp new opportunities from the EU-Vietnam Free Trade Agreement (EVFTA) to promote their sustainable development. He added that with the strength in digitalization and multimodal transport, Belgium can support Vietnam in optimizing the development and operation of seaports to seize opportunities and overcome challenges in the rapidly digitalization era. For his part, Vietnamese Ambassador Nguyen Van Thao said that with its geographical advantages and strategic location in the international maritime network, Vietnam pays great attention to developing the seaport system and logistic centres. He called on Belgian businesses to strengthen cooperation with Vietnam in this field for mutual benefit. At the event, Belgian and Vietnamese businesses shared experience and knowledge on opportunities in seaport and logistics sector in Vietnam, as well as challenges in the field./. The "Global Anti-Drone Market Size By Defense Type (Detection & Disruption Systems, Detection Systems), By End-User, (Military & Defense, Commercial, Government), By Geographic Scope & Forecast, 2023-2030" report has been published by Verified Market Research. The report provides an in-depth analysis of the global Anti-Drone Market, including its growth prospects, market trends, and market challenges. JERSEY CITY, N.J., June 15, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- The Global Anti-Drone Market is projected to grow at a CAGR of 38.8% from 2021 to 2028, according to a new report published by Verified Market Research. The report reveals that the market was valued at USD 0.53 Billion in 2020 and is expected to reach USD 7.59 Billion by the end of the forecast period. Download PDF Brochure: https://www.verifiedmarketresearch.com/download-sample?rid=6395 Browse in-depth TOC on "Anti-Drone Market" 202 - Pages 126 Tables 37 Figures Global Anti-Drone Market to Witness Significant Growth Driven by Increasing Security Threats from Unmanned Aerial Vehicles The global anti-drone market is poised to experience substantial growth in the coming years, propelled by the escalating threat posed by unauthorized drones and unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs). These drones have the potential to deploy explosives, smuggle contraband, and gather sensitive intelligence, leading to a rise in illicit incidents worldwide. To counter this emerging threat, anti-drone systems are being extensively utilized to detect and intercept unauthorized UAVs in various critical areas, including airports, large public spaces, military installations, and more. Detecting rogue drones employs a range of methods, and the global anti-drone market is projected to witness momentous growth due to the increasing prevalence of illicit activities involving drones. Furthermore, ongoing research and development efforts aimed at enhancing defense systems are expected to drive the expansion of the market. Concerns over potential security threats from unauthorized aircraft systems are fueling growth across both civilian and military sectors. The market's growth is further propelled by the rising global terrorism, which provides significant momentum. The increasing incidents of security violations by unauthorized unmanned aerial vehicles are predicted to bolster the global anti-drone market. Additionally, the surge in the adoption of unmanned aerial vehicles, driven by reduced prices, stimulates market growth. Public safety departments and commercial establishments worldwide are recognizing the need for anti-drone systems to address the growing security needs, thereby driving the demand for anti-drone solutions. Prominent players in the global anti-drone market are actively engaged in continuous research and development efforts to develop advanced solutions capable of countering simultaneous threats from multiple aircraft systems. These key manufacturers include SRC, Inc., Raytheon Technologies Corp., Lockheed Martin Corp., Leonardo S.p.a, Thales Group, Blighter Surveillance Systems Ltd., Israel Aerospace Industries Ltd., Rafael Advanced Defense Systems Ltd., Drone Shield Ltd., Liteye Systems, Inc. Financial statements, product benchmarking, SWOT analysis, and key development strategies are some of the vital components shaping the competitive landscape of the anti-drone market. These market players are dedicated to providing innovative and effective anti-drone solutions to cater to the growing security challenges posed by unauthorized drones. Among the market segments, the military and defense sector is expected to dominate the majority market share. This can be attributed to the sudden increase in the deployment of unmanned aerial vehicles for smuggling and border trespassing, coupled with intensifying research and development activities. Furthermore, the Asia-Pacific region is anticipated to capture a significant market share due to the surge in government expenditure on the enhancement of aerospace and defense infrastructure. The global anti-drone market is poised for substantial growth, driven by the increasing security threats and the need to counter unauthorized drones and unmanned aerial vehicles. With key players investing in research and development to deliver advanced solutions, the market is expected to witness significant advancements in technology and improved security measures. Based on the research, Verified Market Research has segmented the global Anti-Drone Market into Defense Type, End-User, And Geography. Anti-Drone Market, by Defense Type Detection & Disruption Systems Detection Systems Anti-Drone Market, by End-User Military & Defense Commercial Government Others Anti-Drone Market, by Geography North America U.S Canada Mexico Europe Germany France U.K Rest of Europe Asia Pacific China Japan India Rest of Asia Pacific ROW Middle East & Africa & Latin America Browse Related Reports: UAV Drones Market By Type (Fixed Wing, Rotary Wing), By Application (Military & Defense, Civil & Commercial), By Component (Camera, Battery), By Geography, And Forecast Drone Software Market By Architecture (Open source, Closed source), By Offering (App-based software, Desktop software), By Application (Control & Data Capture, Image Processing), By Platform (Commercial, Military), By Geography, And Forecast Drones Market By Solution (Platform, Infrastructure), By Type (Fixed-Wings, Multirotor), By End-User (Medical and Healthcare, Retails), By Geography, And Forecast Drone Telematics Market By Product (Long Range, Medium Range, Short Range), By Application (Military And Defense, Electronic Product, Utilities, Other), By Geography, And Forecast 5 Leading Military Antenna Manufacturers protecting borders by detecting warning terminologies Visualize Anti-Drone Market using Verified Market Intelligence -: Verified Market Intelligence is our BI Enabled Platform for narrative storytelling in this market. VMI offers in-depth forecasted trends and accurate Insights on over 20,000+ emerging & niche markets, helping you make critical revenue-impacting decisions for a brilliant future. VMI provides a holistic overview and global competitive landscape with respect to Region, Country, Segment, and Key players of your market. Present your Market Report & findings with an inbuilt presentation feature saving over 70% of your time and resources for Investor, Sales & Marketing, R&D, and Product Development pitches. VMI enables data delivery In Excel and Interactive PDF formats with over 15+ Key Market Indicators for your market. About Us Verified Market Research is a leading Global Research and Consulting firm servicing over 5000+ customers. Verified Market Research provides advanced analytical research solutions while offering information-enriched research studies. We offer insight into strategic and growth analyses, Data necessary to achieve corporate goals and critical revenue decisions. Our 250 Analysts and SMEs offer a high level of expertise in data collection and governance use industrial techniques to collect and analyze data on more than 15,000 high impact and niche markets. Our analysts are trained to combine modern data collection techniques, superior research methodology, expertise and years of collective experience to produce informative and accurate research. We study 14+ categories from Semiconductors & Electronics, Chemicals, Advanced Materials, Aerospace & Defense, Energy & Power, Healthcare, Pharmaceuticals, Automotive & Transportation, Information & Communication Technology, Software & Services, Information Security, Mining, Minerals & Metals, Building & Construction, Agriculture industry and Medical Devices from over 100 countries. Contact Us Mr. Edwyne Fernandes Verified Market Research US: +1 (650)-781-4080 US Toll Free: +1 (800)-782-1768 Email: [email protected] Web: https://www.verifiedmarketresearch.com/ Follow Us: LinkedIn | Twitter Logo: https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2015407/VMR_Logo.jpg SOURCE Verified Market Research CHANDLER, Ariz., June 15, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- The winners of this year's Arizona PBS Writing Contest, sponsored by Primavera Online School, a tuition-free, public charter school for grades K-12, have been announced. The children's writing contest, which was open to all elementary school students across Arizona, asked students to imagine what the future of school might be like by writing and/or illustrating a fiction or nonfiction story. The prizes, supplied by StrongMind, included a Lenovo ThinkPad, POGO pass and 3D drawing pen, in addition to savings bonds and scholarship money. "We are so pleased to partner with Arizona PBS and sponsor this year's writing contest that asked students to imagine what the future of school might look like," said Jessica Pagoulatos, Executive Director at Primavera Online. "As one of the first in Arizona to enter the online space, we at Primavera like to think of our school as being at the forefront of what school will be like in the future." An award ceremony honoring the winners was held on Saturday, June 10, 2023, at The Walter Cronkite School of Journalism and Mass Communication. The ceremony included a presentation of prizes to the winners to reward their accomplishments. At this celebration, they also had a reading from local author, Phoebe Fox, as well as a "create a new character" workshop. Please join Primavera in congratulating the winners and thanking all the K-5 students who participated. To read the winners' stories, visit www.azpbs.org/writing-contest-winners-2023/. Kindergarten: 1st Pharaoh J. 2nd DeRay S. 3rd Zara N. First Grade: 1st Elle F. 2nd Liberty S. 3rd Mia N. Second Grade: 1st Maedini P. 2nd Eli K. 3rd Jeremiah A. Third Grade: 1st Elizabeth B. 2nd Lavender W. 3rd Kieran H. Fourth Grade: 1st Lyric S. 2nd Diana D. 3rd Giselle D. Fifth Grade: 1st Natalie R. 2nd Ella E. 3rd Giselle B. Families who are interested in Primavera Online School can now enroll their student(s) in grades K-12 for the 2023-24 school year at PrimaveraOnline.com. For more information, contact: Anita Torres 480.397.0605 [email protected] ABOUT PRIMAVERA ONLINE SCHOOL Primavera Online School is a tuition-free, public charter school providing Arizona students in grades K-12 with a rigorous, award-winning curriculum and personalized attention from highly qualified instructors. Primavera Online is Cognia accredited. Visit www.primaveraonline.com for more. SOURCE Primavera Online Leading virtual real estate platform partners with global risk intelligence company to prevent fraud AUSTIN, Texas, June 15, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Cheaters beware: the world's top virtual real estate metaverse ATLAS: EARTH is leveraging global risk intelligence company SHIELD 's AI-powered Device Intelligence technology to proactively identify and expel fraudulent users from its platform. SHIELD is the world's leading risk intelligence company that helps global organizations such as inDrive, Alibaba, Mobile Premier League (MPL), TrueMoney, and Maya stop fraud, build trust, and drive growth. The partnership ensures a fair playing field for ATLAS: EARTH's 1.5 million U.S. players across Android and iOS, while also setting a benchmark for trust and safety in the metaverse. Establishing fair play and transparency for all will build user trust around the long-term sustainability of the metaverse platform. "SHIELD's Device Intelligence, the first fraud prevention Unity plugin, is a gamechanger for the industry," said ATLAS: EARTH CEO Sami Khan. "By leveraging this cutting-edge technology, we can confidently ban cheaters without affecting legitimate users, building user trust in the ample opportunities that the metaverse offers." Cheating has been a perennial problem for the gaming industry, with cheaters easily able to create new fake accounts even when their old ones are banned. ATLAS: EARTH requires players to be physically present at real world locations in order to purchase their virtual equivalents and earn rewards. This made it susceptible to GPS spoofers notoriously prevalent on location-based platforms. As the ATLAS team continued to introduce new layers of gameplay and the platform's user base exploded to 300,000 monthly players and counting, the need to address potential fraud became apparent. That's where SHIELD comes in. Through the company's Device Intelligence solution, the platform now enjoys protection with technological sophistication only seen in highly regulated fintech and banking apps. "Taking a zero-tolerance approach to cheating and fraud will be critical for the long-term success of metaverse platforms," said SHIELD CEO Justin Lie. "We are proud to be bolstering trust in ATLAS: EARTH and protecting its virtual world even as it continues to scale and grow." SHIELD's technology directly addresses the root of most fraud and fake accounts, and serves as ATLAS: EARTH's first line of defense against cheaters. The solution ensures the real-time identification of any use of tools and techniques associated with cheating. It will also pinpoint the physical devices associated with cheating and fake accounts even if cheaters try to change device parameters or perform factory resets. The Device Intelligence solution does not require personally identifiable information, maintaining users' privacy without compromising on safety. About ATLAS: EARTH ATLAS: EARTH is a mobile-first game that allows players to build real value in the virtual world. In the ATLAS: EARTH metaverse, properties are mapped 1:1 over the real world and pay virtual rent that can actually be cashed out. Through its patented Atlas Merchant Platform (AMP), ATLAS: EARTH partners with beloved brands to reward players for spending money in-store or online. Committed to helping people make supplemental income via experiences they enjoy, ATLAS: EARTH believes in an ownership economy where new technology benefits all. To learn more, visit www.atlasearth.com . Follow us on Facebook , Instagram and Tiktok and YouTube for the latest news. About SHIELD SHIELD is the world's leading risk intelligence company that helps global organizations such as inDrive, Alibaba, Mobile Premier League (MPL), TrueMoney, and Maya stop fraud, build trust, and drive growth. We combine AI and explainable machine-learning algorithms to help all online businesses stay ahead of new and unknown fraud. With offices in San Francisco, Miami, London, Berlin, Jakarta, Bengaluru, Beijing, Singapore, we are rapidly achieving our mission to enable trust for the world. For more information, visit shield.com . SOURCE Atlas Reality Chief Foreign Correspondent for The Sunday Times and I Am Malala Co-Author will advocate for the right to education for crisis-affected children with the UN's global fund for education in emergencies. NEW YORK, June 15, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Education Cannot Wait (ECW), the UN global fund for education in emergencies, named Christina Lamb as its newest 'ECW Global Champion'. The Chief Foreign Correspondent for The Sunday Times and best-selling co-author of I Am Malala will help advance ECW's advocacy worldwide, leverage her vast networks to support resource mobilization efforts, and work with global strategic partners to increase visibility for the pressing challenges facing the more than 222 million crisis-impacted girls and boys worldwide who urgently need quality education. "I have been lucky enough to work with girls like Malala who have risked their lives to be able to go to school, or Nujeen Mustafa from Aleppo who fights for the rights of disabled child refugees. I will do everything to raise my own voice. - Christina Lamb. As one of the world's preeminent journalists, Lamb has covered everything from wars in Afghanistan, Iraq and Syria to repression and human rights abuses in Eritrea and Zimbabwe. She has authored ten books, including I Am Malala, The Girl from Aleppo and Our Bodies, Their Battlefield. "Christina is a global force for good in the world. Her honest and passionate storytelling about the real-life trials and tribulations facing girls like Malala and Nujeen Mustafa is an inspiration to us all. As an ECW global champion, Christina will continue to advocate for increased resources to support the right to education for crisis-impacted children worldwide," said Yasmine Sherif, Executive Director of Education Cannot Wait. "This appointment means everything to me. As a journalist covering conflict and crisis round the world for more than three decades and a mum the toll on children is always the most heartbreaking. Over and over, I have seen children forced to flee their homes, live in crowded camps or underground shelters, or watch loved ones die in front of them, yet at the same time, show remarkable resilience," Lamb said. Lamb joins key global leaders, including UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres, in supporting ECW's 222 Million Dreams Campaign which kicked off last year and seeks to mobilize at least $1.5 billion to deliver on ECW's four-year strategic plan. "It is clear to me that nothing makes more of a difference than education, and we must do all we can for the more than 222 million crisis-affected girls and boys who are missing out on schooling in the world's toughest contexts," Lamb said. Photo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2102444/Education_Cannot_Wait_2.jpg Logo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/1656121/Education_Cannot_Wait_Logo.jpg SOURCE Education Cannot Wait Guest savings of up to 15% ATLANTA, June 15, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Axle , the leading universal API for insurance data, is pleased to announce a partnership with Getaround (NYSE: GETR), the world's first connected carsharing marketplace. The collaboration will enable Getaround guests to bring their own insurance to the platform, providing them more flexible protection options and control of their carsharing experience. Additionally, this provides Getaround with a new risk management alternative that lowers costs and drives satisfaction. The Axle partnership, and the new approaches to risk management that it creates, enables a cost savings of up to 15% for eligible guests while improving the customer experience. Axle empowers Getaround to instantly verify insurance, providing a seamless experience and better pricing for its guests Tweet this "We are thrilled to partner with Getaround , a pioneer in the car-sharing industry and a leader in bringing cutting edge technology to its Guests and Hosts," said Armaan Sikand, Co-founder and COO of Axle. "Axle empowers Getaround to instantly verify insurance and reduce operational risk, while providing better pricing and a seamless experience for its guests. This partnership with Getaround brings Axle a step closer to our mission of making insurance data more accessible to parallel industries." Ruth Yankoupe, Vice President of Customer Experience at Getaround, added, "Integrating Axle into Getaround's industry-leading, digital carsharing marketplace is the latest example of how Getaround is driving innovation in the category and putting the customer first with increased platform trust, affordability and satisfaction. Getaround is committed to providing our hosts and guests with the best possible experience, working with partners like Axle is one way we are continuing to improve the customer experience - offering flexibility in choice." About Axle Axle is "Plaid for insurance" - a universal API for insurance data. With Axle, companies can instantly verify insurance and monitor ongoing coverage, helping them reduce operational cost while creating a frictionless experience for users. Axle is backed by leading investors including Y Combinator and Gradient Ventures, Google's AI-focused venture fund, and angels from industry leaders like Plaid and Cox Automotive. For more information, please visit https://axle.insure . About Getaround Offering a 100% digital experience, Getaround (NYSE: GETR) makes sharing cars and trucks simple through its proprietary cloud and in-car Connect technology. The company empowers consumers to shift away from car ownership through instant and convenient access to desirable, affordable, and safe cars from entrepreneurial hosts. Getaround's on-demand technology enables a contactless experience no waiting in line at a car rental facility, manually completing paperwork, or meeting anyone to collect or drop off car keys. Getaround's mission is to utilize its peer-to-peer marketplace to help solve some of the most pressing challenges facing the world today, including environmental sustainability and access to economic opportunity. Launched in 2011, Getaround is available today in more than 1,000 cities across the United States and Europe. For more information, please visit https://www.getaround.com/ . SOURCE Axle MANAMA, Bahrain, June 15, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- The Kingdom of Bahrain has granted the first five Golden Licenses to projects presented by Citi, Eagle Hills Diyar W.L.L, Infracorp, Saudi Telecommunication Company (stc), and Whampoa Group. With a collective investment of upwards of USD 1.4 billion into Bahrain, the greenfield projects and expansions are expected to create more than 1,400 job opportunities within the next three years in support of the Kingdom's Economic Recovery Plan goals. The licenses were presented at the headquarters of each company to Michel Sawaya, Bahrain CEO for Citi; Dr. Maher Al Shaer, Managing Director of Eagle Hills Diyar W.L.L.; Majed AlKhan, CEO of Infracorp; Nezar Banabeela, Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of stc Bahrain; and Shawn Chan, Group CEO of Whampoa Group. and a virtual signing event was organised for Singapore-based Whampoa Group. The Golden License will enhance Bahrain's competitiveness for investment, and economic growth, and encourage the digital transformation of Bahrain's economy. The Golden License targets local and international companies by providing a set of advantages and facilities for investment projects. Companies eligible to obtain the Golden License must create more than 500 local jobs or make an investment of over USD 50 million in their first years in the Kingdom while contributing to strengthening the Kingdom's overall development. In recognition of the Golden licenses' launch, HE Abdulla Adel Fakhro, Minister of Industry and Commerce, said, "The Golden License is a pivotal step towards successfully achieving the objectives of Bahrain's Economic Recovery Plan, which aims to attract $2.5 billion in foreign investment by the end of 2023." The Minister of Industry and Commerce added, "Bahrain possesses an attractive and flexible investment environment in addition to its advanced legislative system, which contributes to making this country one of the best investment destinations globally. HE Khalid Humaidan, Chief Executive at the (Bahrain EDB), said, "The Golden License is a successful public-private partnership that has created bespoke solutions for investors and start-up companies. It has provided them with fast-tracked approvals and several features and facilities that have enabled them to secure a global footprint from Bahrain." The Chief Executive added, "New investment projects are expected to create over 1,400 new job opportunities across Bahrain's financial services, tourism, and ICT sectors, cementing Bahrain's position on an international playing field." A number of senior officials also attended the ceremonies. About Bahrain Economic Development Board The Bahrain Economic Development Board (Bahrain EDB) is an investment promotion agency with overall responsibility for attracting investment into the Kingdom and supporting initiatives that enhance the investment climate. The Bahrain EDB works with the government and both current and prospective investors, to ensure that Bahrain's investment climate is attractive, to communicate the key strengths, and to identify where opportunities exist for further economic growth through investment. The Bahrain EDB focuses on several economic sectors that capitalise on Bahrain's competitive advantages and provide significant investment opportunities. These sectors include financial services, manufacturing, logistics, ICT and tourism. For more information on the Bahrain EDB visit www.bahrainedb.com SOURCE Bahrain Economic Development Board Boeing, Business Roundtable, Colgate-Palmolive, Novartis and Walgreens join the council to contribute corporate expertise and leadership to solving America's literacy challenge WASHINGTON, June 15, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- The Barbara Bush Foundation is pleased to announce its 2023 Corporate Advisory Council membership roster, which includes the addition of five new national leaders in the private sector. The Corporate Advisory Council convenes corporate leaders from across the United States, leveraging their business expertise and networks to expand corporate engagement in literacy issues and serve as key advisors. The Council was relaunched in 2022, with AT&T, Bessemer Trust, ConocoPhillips, Dollar General, Humana, Intel and Vertical Bridge serving as founding members. The most recent additions to the Council are Boeing, Business Roundtable, Colgate-Palmolive, Novartis and Walgreens. "It is so encouraging to see increasing engagement from the private sector in solving our country's literacy challenge, which is directly linked to economic growth, workforce readiness, healthier communities and national security," said British A. Robinson, president and CEO of the Barbara Bush Foundation. "We're pleased to welcome these new members to the Corporate Advisory Council, and we look forward to working alongside them to improve outcomes for individuals, communities and businesses nationwide." Council members representing the five new participating organizations shared their views on the importance of corporate engagement in adult literacy and education initiatives. "We understand the critical role literacy plays in empowering individuals to achieve their full potential, both inside and outside the workforce," said Cheri Carter, vice president of Boeing Global Engagement. "Through our innovative partnerships with community organizations specializing in education equity, we are working to promote academic success at all levels and build pathways for people to achieve economic stability. We are proud to join the Barbara Bush Foundation's Corporate Advisory Council and look forward to the meaningful impact we will create together." "Literacy has the power to open doors to expanded economic opportunity for millions of Americans across the country," said Dane Linn, senior vice president of corporate initiatives at Business Roundtable. "That is why the Foundation's work to close the literacy gap is so important, and I am honored to serve as a Council member to help advance its mission." "When we talk about promoting literacy, we are really underscoring the importance of providing people with tools to better process information and make educated decisions for their families," said Dr. Gillian Barclay, vice president global public health and scientific affairs, Colgate-Palmolive Company. "Colgate strategically partners to reach underserved populations where they are born, live, work, learn, and play, providing products and information that support optimal health and well-being in more than 100 countries. We are delighted to be a part of the Barbara Bush Foundation's Corporate Advisory Council and to join the organization in reaching out to families with services that can exponentially enhance their lives." "From the environment to our health, our world is increasingly interconnected and interdependent, and literacy is one of the most fundamental means of engagement to enable personal, professional and collective advancement," said Kileken ole-MoiYoi, executive director of strategy at Novartis. "Indeed, innovation and access to medicines is at the core of the Novartis purpose, but without literacy, navigating the health system can be a challenge that results in inequitable health outcomes. The work of the Barbara Bush Foundation aligns with the Novartis US Foundation's efforts to address social determinants of health and other root causes of health care inequities. I am delighted to serve on the Barbara Bush Foundation's Corporate Advisory Council with other like-minded leaders to help empower our communities to be their own purveyors of progress." "Literacy unlocks the potential for someone to own their healthcare journey," said Alethia Jackson, senior vice president of ESG and chief DEI officer, Walgreens Boots Alliance. "From gaining foundational knowledge to advocating for themselves or their loved ones, literacy empowers one's ability to make informed healthcare decisions. I'm honored to work with the Barbara Bush Foundation to harness this potential and help others live more joyful lives through better health." About the Barbara Bush Foundation for Family Literacy: The Barbara Bush Foundation for Family Literacy has been the nation's leading advocate for family literacy for more than three decades. Established by former First Lady Barbara Bush in 1989, the Foundation is a public charity dedicated to creating a stronger, more equitable America in which everyone can read, write and comprehend in order to navigate the world with dignity. To learn more, visit www.BarbaraBush.org. SOURCE Barbara Bush Foundation for Family Literacy The company is the fastest growing brand in immune supplements and is focused on category expansion as they reinvent the medicine cabinet with propolis. LOS ANGELES, June 15, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Beekeeper's Naturals announced today the closing of a $14M funding round, co-led by Devonshire Investors (the private investment firm affiliated with FMR LLC, the parent company of Fidelity Investments) and CAVU Consumer Partners, with participation from Vibrant Ventures and Muse Capital. This follows Beekeeper's Naturals' 2020 Series B led by CAVU Consumer Partners. This investment comes on the heels of Beekeeper's triple digit YOY growth and retail expansion, increasing from 5,000 to over 18,000 locations in the U.S and Canada in 2022. This capital will continue to fuel the company's rapid growth in retail and online, while expanding their innovation pipeline. Most recently the brand's hero product, Propolis Throat Spray, secured the #1 rank in the Cold & Flu category on Amazon and has become the fastest growing brand in the Immune Support Category at mass retail. "Devonshire's investment will help support Beekeeper's Naturals in taking another major step in revolutionizing the medicine cabinet and building the most impactful health care brand in the world," said Founder, Carly Stein Kremer. "We will continue to invest in brand marketing and product development, as we focus on retail expansion into 2024." Beekeeper's continues to bridge the gap between healthcare and wellness, working with a medical advisory board and creating products based on published science and clinical trials. With nearly 2M bottles of the brand's Propolis Throat Spray sold, Beekeeper's remains a cult favorite for immune support, with celebrity investors including Cameron Diaz, Nas, and Lily Collins. "We are thrilled to be supporting Beekeeper's Naturals as they accelerate their growth at retail and online," said Suzanne Agnello, who led the investment for Devonshire Investors. "The company's propolis and beehive-based products have broad application and are helping reinvent the OTC medicine aisle. We see significant opportunity for the brand to continue its rapid expansion." "Beekeeper's Naturals answers the call of modern consumers who demand cleaner, better-for-you and efficacious alternatives to traditional OTC products," said Jared Jacobs, Partner at CAVU Consumer Partners and Beekeeper's Naturals Board member. "We are proud to partner with Carly and Daniel, along with the strong team they have assembled, to reimagine the medicine aisle and help build one of the leading, trusted, natural health & wellness brands." Media Contact: [email protected] About Beekeeper's Naturals: Founded by Carly Stein Kremer in 2017, Beekeeper's Naturals is a leader in the health and wellness category, creating clean, effective products powered by propolis and backed by science. Using unique remedies from the beehive, the beekeeper-led team is committed to providing the cleanest, most powerful solutions to modern health issues including chronic stress, poor sleep, digestive issues and scratchy throats. Unlike competitors, they apply scientific rigor to their product development and commit to third-party pesticide testing to ensure they're creating natural remedies that actually deliver. They're also a brand on a mission, prioritizing People, Plant, and Propolis. By working exclusively with sustainable small-scale apiaries, partnering with leading bee research institutions, and prioritizing pesticide-free hive health above all else, Beekeeper's Naturals works to raise awareness and create a better environment for our world's most important pollinatorsthe bees. @ beekeepers_naturals . SOURCE Beekeeper's Naturals Phase II study for BC 007 in the indication Long COVID to start in June BERLIN, June 15, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Berlin Cures, a biotechnology company specialized in neutralizing functional autoantibodies (fAABs), is pleased to announce the appointment of its new Chief Executive Officer (CEO), Dr. Oliver von Stein. He assumes the role with immediate effect and will work closely with Berlin Cures' co-founder Dr. Johannes Muller, who will hand over his CEO duties to drive the company's research activities as the new Chief Science Officer (CSO). Dr. Muller, an accomplished physician, researcher, and innovator, has been instrumental in the development of BC 007. "We are excited to welcome Dr. Oliver von Stein as our new CEO to drive the next phase of innovation and growth at Berlin Cures," said Rainer Bohm, Chairman of the Board of Directors. "We aspire to establish ourselves as a leading global force in the neutralization of functional autoantibodies (fAABs). With over two decades of unwavering dedication to functional autoantibody research, we have successfully identified a biotechnology capable of effectively neutralizing fAABs. Our extensive research findings indicate that this platform technology holds immense potential in significantly alleviating or even curing a spectrum of diseases associated with fAABs, including Long COVID Syndrome (LCS), heart failure, and numerous others. By tackling the root cause, Berlin Cures emerges as one of the pioneering entities committed to addressing this critical issue." Berlin Cures has received regulatory approvals to start a European multicenter Phase II clinical trial in the indication Long COVID with the molecule BC 007 and will begin the trial this June. With this important milestone in the development of BC 007 Berlin Cures will be able to obtain clinically meaningful and robust results on efficacy and tolerability of BC 007 with patients suffering from Long COVID. Initial results are expected in early 2024. Dr. Oliver von Stein said: "I'm truly honored to be joining the esteemed team at Berlin Cures during this pivotal moment. As we embark on the Phase II study with BC 007 against Long COVID, the company is poised to enter a new phase of growth. Together, we will work towards achieving significant milestones in our mission to provide relief and cure for millions of patients afflicted by fAABs." Dr. von Stein, the founder of InDex Pharmaceuticals, brings a wealth of expertise in the field of biotechnology with more than two decades of experience in driving scientific research and clinical development of nucleic-based drugs. He successfully oversaw the market success and out-licensing of several nucleic-based drugs and diagnostics. Prior to joining Berlin Cures, he held various leadership positions at AstraZeneca, OWKIN and other pharma companies, and served as COO at Silence Therapeutics. He completed his PhD in Molecular Biology at the Karlsruhe Institute of Technology. Dr. Johannes Mueller added: "I am very pleased to welcome Dr. Oliver von Stein to Berlin Cures. With his experience, we will have the leadership for the set goal of being able to include further indications with our BC 007 molecule in our treatment strategy for BC 007. I myself will be relieved by his commitment, which will give me the opportunity to shed more light on the scientific aspects related to the new therapeutic indications." Rainer Bohm concluded: "On behalf of the whole board, I want to thank Dr. Johannes Muller for his tremendous work over the last decades not only at Berlin Cures. As a leading expert in his field, his achievements have profoundly enriched scientific knowledge and his commitment to improving human health and alleviating suffering has been truly transformative. With his visionary leadership, he will further drive the highly important research activities at Berlin Cures in his capacity as CSO." About Berlin Cures: The Berlin Cures team has dedicated over two decades to the research of functional autoantibodies (fAABs) and has successfully identified a molecule capable of effectively neutralizing these. Promising preclinical results have been observed for BC 007. It was found effective in fAAB-positive healthy volunteers during the Phase I study and in heart failure patients in a Phase IIa trial. Its potential against Long COVID is indicated by lab data generated using sera from Long COVID patients, and four case studies. By potentially tackling the root cause of fAAB-associated diseases, this platform biotechnology signifies a pioneering approach in therapeutics. By tackling the root cause with this unique biotechnology, Berlin Cures emerges as one of the pioneering entities committed to addressing this critical issue at its core. Starting in June 2023, Berlin Cures is absolving a Phase II clinical trial with BC 007 in the indication Long COVID, an acute and escalating global health problem, to obtain meaningful and robust results on efficacy and tolerability of BC 007 with patients suffering from Long COVID. - Picture is available at AP Images (http://www.apimages.com) - Contact: FGS Global E-Mail: [email protected] Tel: +41 79 905 1429 SOURCE Berlin Cures Highly decorated patient engagement solutions leader earns 10 accolades from global creative competition CINCINNATI, June 15, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- PatientPoint today announced that its leading patient engagement content has received its first-ever honors from the Telly Awards, the world's largest honor for video and television across all screens. PatientPoint health content earned a total of 10 honorsone gold, five silver and four bronzein the 44th Annual Telly Awards. PatientPoint Wins Inaugural Telly Awards! PatientPoint health education content earning 2023 Telly Awards spanned animated and live action styles across multiple specialties. An animated vignette on overactive bladder earned a Telly Gold Award while educational segments on bipolar disorder and caregiver tips earned Telly Bronze Awards. PatientPoint's live-action production house PatientPoint Studios received several Silver and Bronze Telly Awards for creative documenting real stories from cancer survivors and those who defy the odds of conditions such as blindness to live their best lives every day. PatientPoint creative competed among nearly 13,000 entriesa Telly recordoriginating from both top global brands as well as small, independent production houses. As a Telly Award winner, PatientPoint joins some of the world's most recognizable brands including Netflix, the National Geographic Society and Paramountan accomplishment reinforcing its creative dominance not only in healthcare but also among content across industries. "PatientPoint's first-ever Telly Awards reinforce our strength in innovative storytelling that resonates with patients and providers and mark a new creative frontier for the organization where our content shines in new, diverse ways alongside the world's best work," said PatientPoint Executive Vice President of Content and Creative Kate Merz. "Most importantly, this recognition drives us to continue to do what we do bestcreate content that makes every doctor-patient engagement better." PatientPoint 44th Annual Telly Awards: Gold: Silver: Bronze: About PatientPoint PatientPoint is the patient engagement platform for every point of care. Our innovative, tech-enabled solutions create more effective doctor-patient interactions and deliver high value for patients, providers and healthcare sponsors. Through our nearly 140k unique healthcare provider relationships, PatientPoint's solutions impact roughly 750 million patient visits each year, further advancing our mission of making every doctor-patient engagement better. Learn more at patientpoint.com. SOURCE PatientPoint Delegates at the Vietnamese stall (Photo: VNA) The annual summit aims to bring together communities within the startup ecosystems across Asia and Berlin, support economic connections between the sides and helps link Berlin startups with valuable Asian markets and ecosystems. This years summit highlights cooperation opportunities in AI, transport-logistics, energy transformation, and green technology. Ten startups chosen to join in summit are expected to introduce breakthrough ideas and solutions. Speaking at the event, Ms. Nguyen Mai Phuong, Second Secretary and Head of the economic affairs department of the Vietnamese Embassy in Germany, said the global green technology revolution is important for Vietnam to increase understanding on areas that the Southeast Asian nation has a chance to collaborate. According to her, in his opening remarks, the Berlin mayor has mentioned Vietnam as a key partner of the city in particular and the European country in general. She also said that within the framework of AsiaBerlin Summit, the Vietnamese Embassy held the event "Embassy Day", introducing the Vietnamese culture and cuisine, which have received positive feedback from international friends./. CHICAGO, June 15, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- The biosimilars industry is poised for significant growth and innovation in the near future. Biosimilars, which are highly similar and interchangeable versions of approved biologic drugs, offer several advantages such as increased patient access to affordable treatments, cost savings for healthcare systems, and enhanced competition in the pharmaceutical market. With the expiration of patents on several high-revenue biologic drugs, the biosimilars market is expected to expand rapidly as more companies enter the space. Advances in manufacturing technologies, analytical techniques, and regulatory frameworks will drive the development and commercialization of a broader range of biosimilars across therapeutic areas. This increased competition will further drive down prices, making life-saving biologic treatments more accessible to patients worldwide. Additionally, collaborations between biosimilar manufacturers, healthcare providers, and regulatory authorities will help build confidence in the safety, efficacy, and quality of biosimilars, fostering their widespread adoption. As the biosimilars industry matures, it will not only reshape the pharmaceutical landscape but also play a pivotal role in addressing the growing healthcare demands and improving patient outcomes on a global scale. Biosimilars Market in terms of revenue was estimated to be worth $29.4 billion in 2023 and is poised to reach $66.9 billion by 2028, growing at a CAGR of 17.8% from 2023 to 2028 according to a new report by MarketsandMarkets. Major factors driving the market growth at significant CAGR are rising incidence of chronic diseases and increasing demand of biosimilars. Furthermore, increased number of approvals and investment in research and development of biosimilars is likely to upsurge the market growth in coming years. Download an Illustrative overview: https://www.marketsandmarkets.com/pdfdownloadNew.asp?id=40 Browse in-depth TOC on "Biosimilars Market" 216 - Tables 49 - Figures 306 - Pages Biosimilars Market Scope: Report Coverage Details Market Revenue in 2023 $29.4 billion Estimated Value by 2028 $66.9 billion Growth Rate Poised to grow at a CAGR of 17.8% Market Size Available for 2021-2028 Forecast Period 20232028 Forecast Units Value (USD Billion) Report Coverage Revenue Forecast, Competitive Landscape, Growth Factors, and Trends Segments Covered Drug Class, Indication and Region Geographies Covered North America, Europe, Asia Pacific, Latin America, and Middle East & Africa Report Highlights Updated financial information / product portfolio of players Key Market Opportunities Emerging markets Key Market Drivers Launch of novel biosimilars Monoclonal Antibodies accounted for the largest share of the drug class segment in the biosimilars market in 2022. Based on the drug class, the biosimilars market is segmented into monoclonal antibodies, insulin, granulocyte colony-stimulating factor, erythropoietin, recombinant human growth hormone, etanercept, follitropin, teriparatide, interferons, anticoagulants and other drug class. The monoclonal antibodies product segment accounted for the largest share. It is expected to dominate the market throughout the forecast period. Declining of the monoclonal antibodies biosimilars owing to increased competition is likely to have positive impact on the market growth. Rising prevalence of cancer is also one of the major factor increasing demand of mabs is boosting growth of the segment. The oncology segment accounted for the largest share of the indication segment in the biosimilars market in 2022. Based on the indication, the biosimilars market is segmented into oncology, inflammatory and autoimmune diseases; chronic diseases, blood disorders; growth hormone deficiency; infectious diseases and other indications. Oncology accounted for the largest share of the market in 2022. Rising incidence of cancer coupled with increased demand for the cost effective biosimilars is driving the segmental growth. Furthermore, increased research and huge number of products under clinical trials is further expected to project growth at faster pace. Asia Pacific is likely to grow at the highest growth rate during the forecast period. Based on the region, the global biosimilars market is segmented into North America, Europe, the Asia Pacific, Latin America, and the Middle East & Africa. Europe is the largest regional segment followed by Asia Pacific. The Asia Pacific region is estimated to grow at the highest CAGR in the biosimilars market during the forecast period. The emergence of new players the market, increased approvals for biosimilars in the region and loss of patent exclusitivity are some of the major factors propelling the market in Asia Pacific region. Request Sample Pages: https://www.marketsandmarkets.com/requestsampleNew.asp?id=40 Biosimilars Market Dynamics: Drivers: Increasing demand for biosimilars Launch of novel biosimilars Rising geriatric population and chronic disease incidence Abbreviated regulatory approval process and interchangeability Restraints: Complexities in manufacturing Opportunities: Emerging markets Patent expiries of blockbuster biologics and research into new indications Challenges: High competition and regulatory challenges Key Market Players: Some of the prominent players in the biosimilars market are Novartis AG (Switzerland), Pfizer, Inc. (US), Dr. Reddy's Laboratories Ltd. (India), Amgen, Inc. (US), Eli Lilly and Company (US), and among others. Get 10% Free Customization on this Report: https://www.marketsandmarkets.com/requestCustomizationNew.asp?id=40 Recent Developments: In January 2023 , Amgen Inc. launched AMJEVITA (adalimumab-atto), a biosimilar to Humira (adalimumab) in United States , Amgen Inc. launched AMJEVITA (adalimumab-atto), a biosimilar to Humira (adalimumab) in In October 2022 , Biocon and Yoshindo Inc., entered into an agreement for commercializing Biocons pipeline products ustekinumab and bDenosumab in Japan Biosimilars Market Advantages: Increased Access to Affordable Treatment: Biosimilars provide a more cost-effective alternative to expensive biologic drugs. By offering comparable efficacy and safety profiles at a lower price, biosimilars expand patient access to essential treatments. This is particularly significant in the case of chronic diseases where biologics play a vital role but may be financially burdensome for patients and healthcare systems. Cost Savings for Healthcare Systems: The introduction of biosimilars creates competition in the pharmaceutical market, leading to reduced prices for both biosimilars and reference biologics. This drives down healthcare costs and allows for more efficient allocation of resources within healthcare systems. The cost savings generated by biosimilars can be redirected towards improving access to other medical interventions or expanding healthcare services. Market Competition and Innovation: Biosimilars foster competition among pharmaceutical companies, encouraging innovation and the development of new therapeutic options. As more manufacturers enter the biosimilars market, it stimulates research and development efforts to improve manufacturing processes, enhance product quality, and explore novel therapeutic applications. This competition ultimately benefits patients by expanding treatment options and promoting continuous advancements in biologic therapies. Regulatory Framework and Quality Standards: The biosimilars market is supported by robust regulatory frameworks that ensure the safety, efficacy, and quality of these products. Stringent regulations guide the development, manufacturing, and approval processes of biosimilars, ensuring they meet rigorous standards and are comparable to reference biologics. This provides healthcare professionals and patients with confidence in the reliability and performance of biosimilars. Healthcare Sustainability and Patient Outcomes: The increasing adoption of biosimilars contributes to the long-term sustainability of healthcare systems. By reducing the financial burden associated with expensive biologic drugs, biosimilars enable healthcare providers to allocate resources more efficiently, ensuring that patients have access to vital treatments. This, in turn, can lead to improved patient outcomes, better disease management, and enhanced overall healthcare effectiveness. The biosimilars market's advantages, including increased access to affordable treatment, cost savings, market competition and innovation, robust regulatory frameworks, and improved healthcare sustainability, make it a promising sector that can address unmet medical needs and drive positive change in healthcare systems globally. Biosimilars Market Report Highlights: Key conferences, and events 2022-2023, key stakeholders & buying criteria, pipeline analysis and trends/ disruptions impacting customer business are added in the market overview chapter. The new edition of the report provides updated financial information till 2022 (depending on availability) for each listed company in a graphical representation. This would help in the easy analysis of the present status of profiled companies in terms of their financial strength, profitability, key revenue-generating region/country, and business segment focus in terms of the highest revenue-generating segment. Impact of the recession has also been added in the new addition of the report. Recent developments are helpful to understand market trends and growth strategies adopted by players in the market. Tracking product portfolios of prominent market players helps to analyze the major services in the biosimilars market. The new edition of the report provides an updated service portfolio of the companies profiled in the report. Market evaluation framework, market share analysis, and competitive leadership mapping have been added in the competitive landscape chapter of the report. The competitive leadership mapping has been updated considering recent developments in the company evaluation matrix. Related Reports: Proteomics Market - Global Forecasts to 2028 Biologics Safety Testing Market - Global Forecasts to 2027 Protein Expression Market - Global Forecasts to 2027 Protein Characterization Market - Global Forecasts to 2026 Pen Needles 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/biosimilars-market.asp Visit Our Website: https://www.marketsandmarkets.com/ Content Source: https://www.marketsandmarkets.com/PressReleases/global-biosimilars-product-market-worth-19.4-billion-by-2014.asp Logo: https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/660509/MarketsandMarkets_Logo.jpg SOURCE MarketsandMarkets CHICAGO, June 15, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Birchwood Healthcare Partners, a distinguished player in the American seniors healthcare industry, is delighted to announce a significant milestone: the successful conclusion of initial fundraising for the 5V+ Seniors Healthcare Fund. This accomplishment validates the robustness of Birchwood's strategic vision and operational proficiency. Birchwood extends its gratitude to the esteemed investors for their confidence in the 5V+ Seniors Healthcare Fund and its sponsorship. Established in 2014, Birchwood is one of the few fully-integrated and diversified investment firms in the U.S. targeting the intersection of operations and real estate for the rapidly growing seniors healthcare demographic. "Birchwood sees an unparalleled opportunity in the fragmented and misaligned seniors healthcare industry in today's market." Tweet this The 5V+ Seniors Healthcare Fund provides investors with comprehensive exposure to four key verticals of seniors healthcare: Senior Housing, Healthcare Services, Transitional & Long-Term Care, and Active Adult. Demographic trends project a significant increase in the 65+ and 85+ population groups from 2020-2030, and Birchwood's fund is poised to meet the escalating demand and innovation in these segments. Birchwood sees an unparalleled opportunity in the fragmented and misaligned seniors healthcare industry in today's market. As government financial assistance programs worth over $272B wind down and capital providers prioritize quality, distressed assets will emerge, highlighting the need for experienced management. With a leadership team that has successfully completed over $1B in transactions, Birchwood is prepared to capitalize on this opportunity. We are committed to delivering exceptional clinical outcomes for residents and families while generating strong investor returns. Given attractive acquisition pricing, the current moment is an ideal time to deploy capital into the seniors healthcare market. Birchwood is thrilled to report significant progress in its investment pipeline. With proven expertise and strategic positioning, Birchwood's leaders are confident in their ability to seize this opportunity and create value in the seniors healthcare industry. For more information about the 5V+ Seniors Healthcare Fund or to explore potential partnerships, please contact our Senior Vice President of Investor Relations, Bill Brennan, at [email protected]. Company Website: https://birchwoodhcp.com/ Fund Website: https://birchwoodhcp.com/our-fund/ Together, let's shape the future of seniors healthcare! About Birchwood Healthcare Partners Birchwood Healthcare Partners is a leading healthcare fund management company, focused on investing in innovative healthcare solutions for seniors and delivering excellent risk and return profiles to investors. Through the 5V+ Seniors Healthcare Fund, Birchwood is committed to transforming healthcare delivery for seniors by providing them with quality care and improved access to healthcare services while providing investors with holistic and diversified access to one of the largest and fastest growing segments of the American economy. SOURCE Birchwood Healthcare Partners Hosted by Fidelity, Publicis Groupe, and Merck, this groundbreaking salute to the champions of DEI will be held at the Rainbow Room at Rockefeller Center in New York City NEW YORK, June 15, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- BLACK ENTERPRISE, the No. 1 Black digital media brand, will host its inaugural Chief Diversity Summit & Honors Wednesday, June 28, at the spectacular Rainbow Room at Rockefeller Center in New York City. This groundbreaking event will recognize outstanding corporate leaders who champion diversity, equity, and inclusion, as well as present a forum for robust discussion and debate on the status of the recruitment, retention, and elevation of Black talent and expansion of business diversity. Fidelity Investments, Publicis Groupe, and Merck present the event. "Our Chief Diversity Officer Summit & Honors represents an unprecedented gathering of men and women driving the DEI agenda at the top, serving as the perfect setting to celebrate the achievements, leadership, and advocacy of best-in-class executives and companies in their promotion of diverse representation from the executive suite to the boardroom as well as the creation of unfettered access to opportunity for all," says BLACK ENTERPRISE CEO Earl" Butch" Graves, Jr. "We remain committed to the advancement of diversity, equity, and inclusion," said Wendy John, Global Head of Diversity & Inclusion at Fidelity Investments. "This space evolves quickly, yet the work continues to be significant and impactful for our teams, customers, and communities. Staying in conversation with industry leaders and advocates is a key way to promote ongoing learning and identify solutions for the future." One of the event's highlights: BLACK ENTERPRISE will honor the foremost diversity-focused professionals and companies across select categories. The award recipients are being saluted in the following categories: Black Enterprise CDO Changemaker Award Outstanding chief diversity officers who have demonstrated an unmatched track record for advancing diversity best practices across all corporate levels and applied their influence among top leadership to drive DEI as a business imperative. Michelle Gadsden-Williams, Managing Director & Global Head of Diversity, Equity & Inclusion, BlackRock Cynthia Bowman, Global Head of Diversity & Inclusion and Corporate Social Responsibility, Bank of America Joy Fitzgerald, Senior Vice President and Chief Diversity, Equity & Inclusion Officer, UnitedHealth Group, Inc. Black Enterprise Lifetime Diversity Crusader Award Unwavering, vocal advocates and tireless change agents who have driven the progression of measurable workforce and supplier diversity increases across major companies and vigorous promotion of equal access to career, management, and business opportunities for all. James H. Lowry, President & Founder, James H. Lowry & Associates and Senior Advisor, Boston Consulting Group Sandra Phillips Rogers, Senior Vice President, Corporate Resources, General Counsel and Chief Legal Officer, Toyota Motor North America Corporate DEI Champion Corporations with an unyielding commitment to diverse representation within its workforce, senior management, corporate governance, supply chain, and philanthropic efforts. Citing DEI as a business imperative and driver for business innovation and global competitiveness, senior leadership is actively engaged in developing and enhancing a corporate culture that values and promotes inclusion within and outside the entire organization. JPMorgan Chase Walmart In addition to the event's awards ceremony, our event will hold a series of panels on the current state of corporate DEI. Speakers will also explore the value of CEO engagement in developing and implementing diversity best practices. SOURCE BLACK ENTERPRISE Investments in Diverse-led Funds Result in Capital Deployed to Over 1,000 Companies Across the U.S. NEW YORK, June 15, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Bank of America today announced that it has committed more than $500 million in equity investments to minority- and women-led funds, more than doubling its initial $200 million commitment. The bank has committed equity to more than 150 funds, which to date have invested in over 1,000 companies that span 40 states. These companies are led by 1,500 diverse entrepreneurs and employ over 21,000 people. "We work across our company to address critical needs in our communities, including the lack of access to capital that diverse business owners face as they start or grow their businesses," said Tram Nguyen, Global Head of Strategic and Sustainable Investments at Bank of America. "We want to empower the talented fund managers who keenly understand how to identify and support those business owners. Each time we support a minority- or women-led fund, they in turn support diverse entrepreneurs, which ultimately helps us toward achieving our goal to advance racial equality and economic opportunity." Not only are fund managers breaking down barriers themselves, but they are also investing in companies looking to catalyze change. As a graduate of a Historically Black College and University (HBCU), Nasir Qadree founded Zeal to provide overlooked founders with the resources they need to scale towards their next stage of growth. This includes being an early investor in Esusu, now one of the few Black-owned unicorns, which provides tools to help immigrants and minorities to provide rent reporting and data solutions for credit building. Chingona Ventures, led by General Partner Samara Hernandez, was the only active fund in the Midwest started and led by a Latina at the time of Bank of America's investment. The fund targets founders with unique backgrounds creating businesses in markets that are often overlooked, like Papaya, a bilingual STEM tutoring organization to close the educational gap for underserved students. Bank of America continues to innovate and expand the capital and resources entrepreneurs and small business owners of all backgrounds need to help fuel economic growth in their communities. More on Bank of America's work in supporting diverse funds and entrepreneurs can be found here. Bank of America Bank of America is one of the world's leading financial institutions, serving individual consumers, small and middle-market businesses and large corporations with a full range of banking, investing, asset management and other financial and risk management products and services. The company provides unmatched convenience in the United States, serving approximately 68 million consumer and small business clients with approximately 3,900 retail financial centers, approximately 15,000 ATMs and award-winning digital banking with approximately 56 million verified digital users. Bank of America is a global leader in wealth management, corporate and investment banking and trading across a broad range of asset classes, serving corporations, governments, institutions and individuals around the world. Bank of America offers industry-leading support to approximately 3 million small business households through a suite of innovative, easy-to-use online products and services. The company serves clients through operations across the United States, its territories and more than 35 countries. Bank of America Corporation stock (NYSE: BAC) is listed on the New York Stock Exchange. For more Bank of America news, including dividend announcements and other important information, visit the Bank of America newsroom and register for news email alerts. Reporters may contact: Anu Ahluwalia, Bank of America Phone: 1.646.855.3375 [email protected] SOURCE Bank of America Corporation Nord Anglia school shortlisted for prestigious World's Best School Prize for Innovation LONDON, June 15, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Nord Anglia Education today announced that the British Vietnamese International School, Ho Chi Minh City (BVIS HCMC) has been named in the Top 10 shortlist for the prestigious World's Best Schools Prize for Innovation. The five World's Best School Prizes, founded last year by T4 Education in collaboration with Accenture, American Express, Yayasan Hasanah, and the Lemann Foundation, are often cited as the world's most prestigious education prizes. The global prize recognises schools 'breaking from tradition to beat challenges and accelerate progress to improve education, through "leapfrog" innovation', with the winner announced in October. BVIS HCMC's shortlisting is thanks to its pioneering bilingual phonics programme, which teaches Vietnamese and English using an approach called 'Learn One, Know Two'. Only available at BVIS HCMC, this unique bilingual programme helps students learn to read in both languages and switch seamlessly between them, creating a foundation to progress to their IGCSE and A-Level exams. As part of the programme, the school has also established a community partner project this year where Year 5 students visit a local school to help students improve their reading comprehension. Simon Higham, Principal of the British Vietnamese International School, Ho Chi Minh City, said: "We're proud of our students, colleagues, and wider school community for becoming a Top 10 school for innovation worldwide. Being shortlisted acknowledges over 10 years of hard work, commitment, and passion to develop our educational offering, which celebrates the difference bilingualism brings children. We believe bilingualism helps develop confident, independent, and happy global citizens who have a sense of belonging towards their national culture, heritage, traditions, and language." Shaun Williams, Regional Managing Director of Nord Anglia's Southeast Asia, Middle East and India region, said: "BVIS HCMC's curricular innovation in bilingualism is just one example of how the school regularly goes above and beyond for its students and larger community, proving why it's one of the leading international schools in Vietnam." Vikas Pota, Founder of T4 Education and the World's Best School Prizes, said: "The schools shortlisted for the World's Best School Prizes, no matter where they can be found or what they teach, all have one thing in common. They all have a strong school culture. Their leaders know how to attract and motivate exceptional educators, inspire change, and build excellent teaching and learning environments. "I must congratulate the British Vietnamese International School, Ho Chi Minh City on being named in the Top 10 shortlist for the World's Best School Prizes 2023. Schools across the globe will learn from the story of this trailblazing Vietnamese institution and the culture it has cultivated." BVIS HCMC is part of Nord Anglia Education's family of 80+ premium schools in 33 countries around the world, and it teaches around 1,200 students. The school celebrates exceptional academic results each year, with 58% A*-A grades in A-Levels in the 2021-22 school year. The school's IGCSE students also achieved 57% A*-A grades in the same year. Graduates are accepted to top 100 universities around the world, with offers for the Class of 2023 including New York University, University of Southern California, University of Toronto, University of Sydney, Cardiff University, and more. Media enquiries David Bates Communications Manager [email protected] +44 7787 135223 About Nord Anglia Education As a leading premium international schools organisation, we are shaping a generation of creative and resilient global citizens who graduate from our schools with everything they need for success, whatever they choose to be or do in life. Our strong academic foundations combine world-class teaching and curricula with innovative technology and facilities, creating learning experiences like no other. Inside and outside of the classroom, we inspire our students to achieve more than they ever thought possible. No two children learn the same way, which is why our schools around the world personalise learning to what works best for every student. Inspired by our high-quality teachers, our students achieve outstanding academic results and go on to study at the world's top universities. To learn more or apply for a place for your child, go to nordangliaeducation.com. Logo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/1503193/3645357/Nord_Anglia_Education_Logo.jpg SOURCE Nord Anglia Education NEW YORK, June 15, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Brixmor Property Group Inc. (NYSE: BRX) today announced that it will release its 2023 second quarter earnings on Monday, July 31, 2023 after the market close. Brixmor will host a teleconference on Tuesday, August 1, 2023 at 10:00 AM ET. Event: Brixmor Property Group's Second Quarter Earnings Results When: 10:00 AM ET, Tuesday, August 1, 2023 Live Webcast: Brixmor 2Q 2023 Earnings Call under the Investors tab at https://www.brixmor.com Dial #: 1.877.704.4453 (International: 1.201.389.0920) A replay of the webcast will be available on the Brixmor website at https://www.brixmor.com. A replay of the call can be accessed until midnight ET on Tuesday, August 15, 2023 by dialing 1.844.512.2921 (International: 1.412.317.6671); Passcode: 13738796. Connect With Brixmor For additional information, please visit https://www.brixmor.com; Follow Brixmor on: LinkedIn at https://www.linkedin.com/company/brixmor Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/Brixmor Instagram at https://www.instagram.com/brixmorpropertygroup YouTube at https://www.youtube.com/user/Brixmor ABOUT BRIXMOR PROPERTY GROUP Brixmor (NYSE: BRX) is a real estate investment trust (REIT) that owns and operates a high-quality, national portfolio of open-air shopping centers. Its 367 retail centers comprise approximately 65 million square feet of prime retail space in established trade areas. The Company strives to own and operate shopping centers that reflect Brixmor's vision "to be the center of the communities we serve" and are home to a diverse mix of thriving national, regional and local retailers. Brixmor is a proud real estate partner to over 5,000 retailers including The TJX Companies, The Kroger Co., Publix Super Markets and Ross Stores. Brixmor announces material information to its investors in SEC filings and press releases and on public conference calls, webcasts and the "Investors" page of its website at https://www.brixmor.com. The Company also uses social media to communicate with its investors and the public, and the information Brixmor posts on social media may be deemed material information. Therefore, Brixmor encourages investors and others interested in the Company to review the information that it posts on its website and on its social media channels. SAFE HARBOR LANGUAGE This press release may contain 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 statements include, but are not limited to, statements related to our expectations regarding the performance of our business, our financial results, our liquidity and capital resources, and other non-historical statements. You can identify these forward-looking statements by the use of words such as "outlook," "believes," "expects," "potential," "continues," "may," "will," "should," "seeks," "projects," "predicts," "intends," "plans," "estimates," "anticipates," or the negative version of these words or other comparable words. Such forward-looking statements are subject to various risks and uncertainties. Accordingly, there are or will be important factors that could cause actual outcomes or results to differ materially from those indicated in these statements. We believe these factors include but are not limited to those described under the section entitled "Risk Factors" in our Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2022 and in this report, as such factors may be updated from time to time in our periodic filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission (the "SEC"), which are accessible on the SEC's website at https://www.sec.gov. These factors include (1) changes in national, regional, and local economies, due to global events such as international military conflicts, international trade disputes, a foreign debt crisis, foreign currency volatility, or due to domestic issues, such as government policies and regulations, tariffs, energy prices, market dynamics, general economic contractions, rising interest rates, inflation, unemployment, or limited growth in consumer income or spending; (2) local real estate market conditions, including an oversupply of space in, or a reduction in demand for, properties similar to those in our Portfolio (defined hereafter); (3) competition from other available properties and e-commerce; (4) disruption and/or consolidation in the retail sector, the financial stability of our tenants, and the overall financial condition of large retailing companies, including their ability to pay rent and/or expense reimbursements that are due to us; (5) in the case of percentage rents, the sales volumes of our tenants; (6) increases in property operating expenses, including common area expenses, utilities, insurance, and real estate taxes, which are relatively inflexible and generally do not decrease if revenue or occupancy decrease; (7) increases in the costs to repair, renovate, and re-lease space; (8) earthquakes, wildfires, tornadoes, hurricanes, damage from rising sea levels due to climate change, other natural disasters, epidemics and/or pandemics, civil unrest, terrorist acts, or acts of war, any of which may result in uninsured or underinsured losses; and (9) changes in laws and governmental regulations, including those governing usage, zoning, the environment, and taxes. These factors should not be construed as exhaustive and should be read in conjunction with the other cautionary statements that are included in this report and in our other periodic filings. The forward-looking statements speak only as of the date of this report, and we expressly disclaim any obligation or undertaking to publicly update or review any forward-looking statement, whether as a result of new information, future developments, or otherwise, except to the extent otherwise required by law. SOURCE Brixmor Property Group Inc. LOS ANGELES, June 15, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- The CALIFORNIA ASSOCIATION OF REALTORS (C.A.R.) today issued the following statement regarding the 2023-24 state budget passed by the California Legislature: The CALIFORNIA ASSOCIATION OF REALTORS is disappointed that the legislature failed to prioritize critical funding for housing and the California Dream for All down payment assistance program, championed and envisioned by Senate President pro Tempore Toni Atkins as part of the 2023-24 state budget. Countless studies demonstrate that homeownership opens the door to true economic security, better health and educational outcomes and is critical to building intergenerational wealth. The California Dream for All program is a huge step forward in closing the homeownership and wealth gaps that exist in our state. This innovative down payment assistance program for working Californians who are first-time homebuyers allows the state to invest alongside them by providing up to a 20 percent down payment. While this is a challenging budget year for California, the program allows the state to recoup its investment, plus receive a share of the home's appreciation when the new homeowner sells or refinances. The fact that an initial funding round was fully committed in just 11 days of the program's launch clearly illustrates the demand and desire for working Californians to become homeowners. California REALTORS continue to applaud Senate President Pro Tem Toni Atkins for her foresight to envision the program. There is still an opportunity for Gov. Gavin Newsom and California lawmakers to work together in the coming weeks as final elements of the state budget are negotiated to prioritize this critical investment in working Californians that will pay dividends for the state and its residents. Leading the way in California real estate for more than 110 years, the CALIFORNIA ASSOCIATION OF REALTORS (www.car.org) is one of the largest state trade organizations in the United States with more than 200,000 members dedicated to the advancement of professionalism in real estate. C.A.R. is headquartered in Los Angeles. SOURCE CALIFORNIA ASSOCIATION OF REALTORS (C.A.R.) The leading risk management and insurance solution provider believes its investment in talent amidst industry consolidation has contributed to its unprecedented growth ENGLEWOOD, Colo., June 15, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- CCIG, a leader in risk management and insurance solutions for business and individual clients nationwide, has added more than 40 new professionals to its ranks, deepening its focus on talent growth and culture development, which has contributed heavily to the company's double-digit growth. CCIG believes its investment in hiring the right talent and its focus on championing the good work of community organizations has contributed to its double-digit growth. For the past two years, many independent insurance brokerages have been acquired by national firms that consolidate operations to maximize profitability but CCIG has chosen to invest in and strengthen its own independent organization by growing its staff of new professionals. CCIG is using this employee growth to broaden employee opportunities and add support for new and existing clients, including the additional 500 new clients CCIG has added since 2022. As a result of these efforts, CCIG was recently named as one of Denver's Best Places to Work by The Denver Post for the seventh time. "With accelerating mergers and acquisitions activity in the insurance space, top talent gets lost in the shuffle, and this ultimately impacts clients," said CCIG Chief Operating Officer JB Richardson. "At CCIG, we're playing offense by making a vigorous and concerted effort to bring first-rate talent to CCIG. At CCIG, our employees can accelerate their personal growth and better serve our clients in our vibrant, people-focused culture." Richardson said that CCIG has the capabilities, technology, and expertise of a national brokerage while providing their clients with local support. "Top performers are taking note," he said. "Some of these services include an industry-leading safety and analytics team and a deeply experienced claims advocacy team." CCIG's newest team members include a who's who of sales, insurance, claims and employee benefits professionals. In May 2023, CCIG received the Independent Insurance Agents and Brokers of America's Best Practices Award for the ninth year in a row, illustrating its steadfast commitment to its team and clients. More than 30,000 insurance brokerages nationwide compete for the honor, but only 150 receive the prestigious designation as a Best Practices brokerage. Winners must perform well in employee engagement, customer relations, growth, and overall performance. "CCIG was built with culture being central to our success and velocity," said CCIG founder and CEO Brook Mahoney. "The future of our business is captured in the knowledge, innovation, and passion our team brings to the table every day. That's why we are committed to preserving our independence to benefit our staff and our clients." One of the pillars of CCIG's culture is championing the good work of community organizations. The company's "Give For Good" initiative is an employee-driven, year-round effort to serve the communities where our team members live and work. CCIG engages with clients and partners on collaborative community outreach efforts. The organizations CCIG supports include the Denver Rescue Mission, Project Angel Heart, Big Brothers Big Sisters of Colorado, Colorado Pet Pantry, and A Precious Child. With a wide range of initiatives, CCIG ensures that every employee has an opportunity to participate in meaningful volunteer activities. CCIG provides full-time employees with paid time off every year to contribute their time and energy to projects near and dear to them. To learn more about CCIG's team and culture, visit https://thinkccig.com/. About CCIG Since 1985, CCIG is a fiercely independent, rapidly growing insurance brokerage, delivering risk management and insurance solutions to their clients. They represent clients nationally and have offices in Denver, CO and Austin, TX. Living up to their "curious broker" philosophy, their Advisors are relentlessly focused on understanding the needs and evolving landscape within their respective industry verticals. CCIG has an award-winning culture, being named Max Performer of the Year and a "Best Practices" Insurance Broker by The Independent Insurance Agents and Brokers of America. CCIG lives by the acronym of RISE: Relationships, Innovation, Strategy, Excellence, and this is the foundation on which all decisions are made. MEDIA CONTACT: Heather Ripley Ripley PR (865) 977-1973 [email protected]com SOURCE CCIG Organizing Victory is Seventh in N.C. in 2023 CHARLOTTE, N.C., June 15, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Workers in the manufacturing distribution unit at the American Red Cross facility in Charlotte have unanimously voted to join Teamsters Local 71. "Congratulations to the Red Cross manufacturing distribution technicians in Charlotte on their organizing victory," said Willie Ford, President of Local 71. "We are pleased to welcome these new members to Local 71 and we look forward to helping them secure the workplace protections they deserve." "Across the nation, we're seeing a surge in organizing victories amongst Red Cross workers," said Jason Lopes, Teamsters Health Care Director. "These workers want a voice in the workplace, access to high-quality health insurance, and guaranteed raises and they know that joining the Teamsters is how to get it. We couldn't be more excited to have another cohort of Red Cross workers join the Teamsters and we look forward to organizing more." In voting the join the Teamsters, these workers will join more than 1,700 other Red Cross workers represented by the Teamsters and immediately be covered by a National Master Agreement between Teamsters and the American Red Cross. "I voted to join the Teamsters so I could have a voice and feel more secure with my job," said Patricia Adams, manufacturing distribution technician at Red Cross in Charlotte. "I am excited to now have the protections of a strong union contract." Teamsters Local 71 represents 3,100 workers in North Carolina and South Carolina. For more information, visit teamsterslocal71.com. Contact: Matt McQuaid, (202) 624-6877 [email protected] SOURCE Teamsters Local 71 CHICAGO, June 15, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- The Commercial security system market is expected to reach USD 343.7 billion by 2028 from USD 236.3 billion in 2023, at a CAGR of 7.8% during the 20232028 period according to a new report by MarketsandMarkets. The rise in government and stakeholder funding for smart city development and city surveillance solutions is a major opportunity for the commercial security system market. Cyber threats to commercial security systems pose significant risks. Download PDF Brochure: https://www.marketsandmarkets.com/pdfdownloadNew.asp?id=234307144 Browse in-depth TOC on "Commercial Security System Market" 140 Tables 60 Figures 210 Pages Commercial Security System Market Report Scope: Report Coverage Details Market Revenue in 2023 $236.3 billion Estimated Value by 2028 $343.7 billion Growth Rate Poised to grow at a CAGR of 7.8% Market Size Available for 20192028 Forecast Period 20232028 Forecast Units Value (USD Million/Billion) Report Coverage Revenue Forecast, Competitive Landscape, Growth Factors, and Trends Segments Covered By Hardware, Software, Services, Vertical and Region Geographies Covered North America, Europe, Asia Pacific, and Rest of World Key Market Challenge Integrating user interfaces with fire protection systems enhances monitoring and control Key Market Opportunities Artificial intelligence (AI) and Machine learning offer intelligent insights for proactive security measures Key Market Drivers Expanding construction industry has increased the utilization of Commercial security system The commercial security system market is in the growth phase at present and is highly competitive, with the presence of multiple established giant players. Currently, companies offer a wide range of commercial security systems, such as fire protection systems, video surveillance, access control systems, intruder alarms, and entrance control systems. North America is likely to contribute significantly to the growth of the commercial security system industry. Similarly, Asia Pacific is expected to be the fastest-growing market given the escalating security expenditure for the protection of critical infrastructure across the region, boosting the demand for advanced commercial security systems. Video surveillance system segment is expected to grow at highest CAGR of the commercial security hardware market during the forecast period. The affordability of video surveillance has been enhanced with the increased adoption of IP cameras, leading to minimized installation expenses. Furthermore, the utilization of high-definition IP cameras has brought about significant advancements, offering a wide range of improved functionalities, from basic to advanced analytics, enhanced performance, and increased features. As a result, the video surveillance market has experienced growth, providing better capabilities at a reduced cost. A video surveillance system is a security solution designed to monitor and record activity in a specific area. It consists of a network of cameras, monitors, and recorders that collaborate to capture and store video footage. These systems serve various purposes, including crime prevention, employee monitoring, and traffic surveillance. The cameras in a video surveillance system can be analog or digital, and they can be equipped with features like high-definition resolution, night vision, and motion detection. Security system integration services are expected to account for the highest market share of the commercial security system market during the forecast period. Security system integration services are designed to seamlessly conduct system integration services including security access control integration, CCTV, burglar and fire alarms, voice and data systems, and more. These services are provided by security systems integrators who design, install, and manage solutions to protect people, data, and property. Some of the best security system integration service providers include BSS, Securitas Technology, and IST Online. These companies offer reliable and competent security system integration services to protect businesses of all types and sizes. By using security system integration services, businesses can ensure the safety and security of their premises, employees, and customers. Security system integration services include the proper installation of smart locks, controllers and readers, emergency security systems, and monitoring devices such as TVs and PDAs. Security system integration includes enabling all such devices to connect with each other and giving communicational signals, which indicate signs according to the situation. Various communication technologies used in security systems include NFC, ZigBee, Bluetooth Smart, and Wiegand 32 bit. Security system integration services include integrating such technologies with other security technologies such as access control systems and intruder alarm management systems. Inquiry Before Buying: https://www.marketsandmarkets.com/Enquiry_Before_BuyingNew.asp?id=234307144 North America is holding the largest market share of the commercial security system market by 2028. The demand for commercial security systems in North America has been driven by factors such as increasing concerns about safety and security, the need for advanced surveillance and monitoring solutions, and the rising focus on protecting assets, data, and infrastructure. Businesses in North America have recognized the importance of investing in robust security systems to safeguard their premises, employees, and valuable resources. Commercial security systems in the region encompass a wide range of solutions, including access control systems, video surveillance systems, intrusion detection systems, alarm systems, and integrated security management platforms. Advancements in technology have led to the development of sophisticated commercial security systems that offer enhanced features such as facial recognition, remote monitoring capabilities, intelligent video analytics, and cloud-based solutions. These advanced systems provide businesses with greater control, situational awareness, and proactive security measures to prevent and respond to potential threats effectively. Key Players The report profiles key players in commercial security systems companies such as Johnson Controls (US), Hangzhou Hikvision Digital Technology Co., Ltd (China), Carrier (US), Honeywell International Inc. (US), Robert Bosch GmbH (Bosch Sicherheitssysteme GmbH) (Germany), Dahua Technology Inc. (China), dormakaba Group (Switzerland), ADT (US), Axis Communication AB. (Sweden), SECOM. CO. LTD, (Japan), ASSA ABLOY(Sweden), Siemens (Germany), Halma plc (US), Hochiki Corporation (Japan), Teledyne FLIR LLC(US), Allegion plc (Ireland), Nice S.p.A. (US), Alarm.com (Canada), Motorola Solutions, Inc. (Avigilon)(Canada), Dallmeier electronic (Germany), Securitas Technology (Canada), Gunnebo AB (Sweden), Control4 (US), Viking Group Inc. (US), Norden (UK), Vivint Inc (US). Get 10% Free Customization on this Report: https://www.marketsandmarkets.com/requestCustomizationNew.asp?id=234307144 Browse Adjacent Market: Semiconductor and Electronics Market Research Reports &Consulting Related Reports: Building Automation System Market by Offering (Facility Management Systems, Security & Access Controls, Fire Protection Systems, BEM Software, BAS Services), Communication Technology (Wireless, Wired), Application and Region - Global Forecast to 2027 Video Surveillance Market by Offering (Hardware (Camera, Storage Device, Monitor), Software (Video Analytics, VMS), Service (VSaaS)), System (IP, Analog, Hybrid), Vertical and Geography (North America, Europe, APAC, RoW) - Global Forecast to 2027 Security Solutions Market by Offering (Products (Fire Protection, Video Surveillance, Access Control) and Services (System Integration, Remote Monitoring, Fire Protection, VSaaS, ACaaS)), Vertical, and Geography - Global Forecast to 2024 VSaaS Market by Type (Hosted, Managed, and Hybrid), Vertical (Commercial, Infrastructure, Residential, Public Facilities, Military & Defense, and Industrial) and Geography (North America, APAC, Europe, Rest of the World) - Global Forecast to 2027 Mobile Video Surveillance Market by Offering (Hardware, Software, Service), Application (Railways, Buses, Transport Vehicles, Police Vehicles, Drones), Vertical (Law Enforcement, Transportation, Industrial) and Geography - Global Forecast to 2027 About MarketsandMarkets MarketsandMarkets is a blue ocean alternative in growth consulting and program management, leveraging a man-machine offering to drive supernormal growth for progressive organizations in the B2B space. We have the widest lens on emerging technologies, making us proficient in co-creating supernormal growth for clients. The B2B economy is witnessing the emergence of $25 trillion of new revenue streams that are substituting existing revenue streams in this decade alone. We work with clients on growth programs, helping them monetize this $25 trillion opportunity through our service lines - TAM Expansion, Go-to-Market (GTM) Strategy to Execution, Market Share Gain, Account Enablement, and Thought Leadership Marketing. Built on the 'GIVE Growth' principle, we work with several Forbes Global 2000 B2B companies - helping them stay relevant in a disruptive ecosystem. Our insights and strategies are molded by our industry experts, cutting-edge AI-powered Market Intelligence Cloud, and years of research. 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Contact: Mr. Aashish Mehra MarketsandMarkets INC. 630 Dundee Road Suite 430 Northbrook, IL 60062 USA: +1-888-600-6441 Email: [email protected] Visit Our Web Site: https://www.marketsandmarkets.com/ Research Insight: https://www.marketsandmarkets.com/ResearchInsight/commercial-security-system-market.asp Content Source: https://www.marketsandmarkets.com/PressReleases/commercial-security-system.asp Logo: https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/660509/MarketsandMarkets_Logo.jpg SOURCE MarketsandMarkets PM Pham Minh Chinh (fourth from right) presents the State Presidents decision to bestow the title of Hero of the Peoples Armed Forces upon the offices of police for drug crime investigation of Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh City, and Lang Son province at the programme on June 14. (Photo: VNA) The event, organised by the Ministry of Public Security and the Vietnam Television, honoured the role models in the drug crime combat and respond to the Action Month for Drug Prevention and Control in June. The Government leader expressed his gratitude to the officers who have made tireless efforts, surmounted difficulties, and braved dangers to fight against drug crimes, including those laying down their lives or getting injured in the fight. Many of them have been granted noble awards by the Party and State, including the 140 role models commended at the programme. Stressing the must for taking drug crimes as an enemy of development and a common enemy of all, he said that to enhance drug prevention and control, direct leadership from all-level Party committees, consistent management from all-level administrations, and active engagement by the entire political system and all people, with the public security force being the core, are required. He asked ministries, central agencies, and localities to boost leadership over the fight, promote their leaders role and sense of responsibility towards the task, continue overhauling legal documents to provide a complete and all-round legal basis for drug prevention and control, and commend well-performing collectives and individuals in a timely manner. PM Pham Minh Chinh pointed out the need to boost communications and education about the harm of drugs in the community, especially among the youth and students; ramp up the crackdown on hotspots and trans-provincial and transnational trafficking rings, particularly along land border, at sea and border gates, by air, and via postal services, in the spirit of preventing drug crimes early, from afar, and from their sources; have a good grasp of the drug crime and addict situation to apply suitable rehabilitation measures; and upgrade infrastructure and improve the quality of rehabilitation activities and post-rehabilitation management. He also underscored the importance of families attention to and care for their children so as to protect them from drugs. The PM expressed his belief that with the entire countrys strong efforts and determination and the international communitys close cooperation and effective assistance, the scourge of drugs will be eradicated and a drug-free community a reality in the near future. Addressing the programme, Deputy Minister of Public Security Lt. Gen. Nguyen Duy Ngoc highlighted the successes in the drug crime combat and attributed those achievements to the enormous and unsung contributions by anti-drug forces, ministries, sectors, localities, and the public, especially officers of the public security, army, and customs forces. He said the 139 outstanding collections and individuals honoured at the programme represent thousands of those nationwide joining hands in the fight. This was also an occasion to show the Party, State, and Governments recognition of their attainments and offer encouragement to have more exemplars. On behalf of Party and State leaders, PM Pham Minh Chinh presented the State Presidents decision to bestow the title of Hero of the Peoples Armed Forces upon the offices of police for drug crime investigation at the departments of public security of Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh City, and Lang Son province. PM Pham Minh Chinh and Minister of Public Security Gen. To Lam presented rewards to 75 exemplars representing the 139 role models in the drug fight./. NEW YORK, June 15, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Concern Worldwide reached 1.5 million people in Pakistan in the year following catastrophic flooding between June and October 2022 that left 33 million people affected, destroying millions of homes, crops, livelihoods, families, and communities. Concern has been working in Pakistan since 2001 and has a significant presence in the country including the provinces of Sindh, Punjab and Balochistan. Immediately following the flooding, the Concern team and local partners mobilized with disaster management authorities to scale up their emergency response. To support the flood-affected communities, Concern focused on a multi-sector response addressing health and nutrition, water, sanitation and hygiene (WASH) and livelihoods. Part of this response included renovating 7 health facilities in Sindh province, installing 500 hand pumps, providing cereal and vegetable seeds to 400 farmers, and training 400 individuals on market-based trade and entrepreneurship development. Despite the humanitarian support, approximately 10.5 million people from 43 districts in vulnerable provinces of Pakistan are facing acute food insecurity. Pakistan is susceptible to natural disasters, including floods, heat waves, earthquakes, and droughts. Flooding is a major risk in Pakistan due to its location in the floodplain and the annual heavy monsoon rains. Similar to the 2010 floods in Pakistan, which were one of the worst in the country's history, the 2022 floods have taken hundreds of lives and displaced millions of people in all four provinces of the country. Concern is providing support for those forcibly displaced from their home with multi-purpose cash assistance and shelter kits. Ranking among the top ten countries severely hit by climate change-induced disasters, with the impending landfall of Cyclone Biparjoy in Sindh, Concern's teams are pre-positioning and preparing for a humanitarian response. CONNECT WITH US If you would like to speak to a team member or organize media interviews, please contact us using the details below. Media Contact: Candance Patel-Taylor, Vice President of Communications at [email protected] or 212-557-8000. SOURCE Concern Worldwide US Including donations made through this program, the James M. Cox Foundation has awarded more than $95 million to environmental and conservation causes since 2011 ATLANTA, June 15, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- A selection of Cox employees who actively participated in Cox's 2023 Chairman's Challenge campaign worked with the James M. Cox Foundation to award more than $50,000 in grants to their preferred environmental nonprofit. Cox Enterprises/The Chairman's Challenge The Chairman's Challenge program is a key part of Cox's commitment to empowering employees to leave the world in better shape for the next generation. Chairman Emeritus Jim Kennedy started the program in 2012 to recognize those who lead and contribute substantially to our Cox Conserves goals. Today, Chairman and CEO Alex Taylor leads this effort. For the 2023 Chairman's Challenge, Cox Enterprises asked its employees to help the company reach its goal to be water neutral by 2034. "Today's winners are the perfect example of how together we can make an impact on our planet," said Taylor. "Ensuring a world with clean, available, protected water is one of the greatest things we can do. I'm proud of the many at Cox who took part in this year's challenge. They've helped make a huge impact for both our communities and environment." "Cox's dedication to sustainability is unmatched, and their employees' enthusiasm for supporting environmental work is truly admirable," said Juliet Cohen, executive director of the Chattahoochee Riverkeeper, one of the grant recipient organizations. "The Chairman's Challenge has provided impactful funding for so many nonprofit organizations, including Chattahoochee Riverkeeper. We appreciate the company's commitment to the planet and especially its employees' advocacy and volunteer actions to see that commitment through." This year's winners are listed below. Cox Communications Shobhit Srivastava : Lead Product Manager, Georgia , $15,000 grant to Sustainable Harvest International Lead Product Manager, , grant to Sustainable Harvest International Matthew Sanstra: Sr. Manager, Fulfillment Enablement, Oklahoma , $2,500 grant to Sustainable Tulsa Inc. Cox Automotive Justin Atherton: Client Performance Consultant, Florida , $15,000 grant to Florida Native Plant Society, Inc. Client Performance Consultant, , grant to Florida Native Plant Society, Inc. Dimple Patadia: Sales Strategy & Enablement Sr Manager, Georgia , $2,500 grant to Chattahoochee Riverkeeper Cox Enterprises Shaun Kelly : Maintenance Technician II, Virginia , $15,000 grant to Heal the Bay Maintenance Technician II, , grant to Heal the Bay Denise Luders: Family Office Human Resources Manager, Georgia , $2,500 grant to World Wildlife Fund Thousands of Cox employees accepted the challenge to become "Water Warriors." Overall, more than 3,000 employees participated in this year's Chairman's Challenge, taking nearly 8,000 actions that saved more than 300,000 gallons of water. Diving deeper into the numbers, more than 1,300 employees calculated their water footprint. "Chairman's Challenge was an incredible chance to try and give back to my state and community," said Cox Automotive employee Justin Atherton, who chose Florida Native Plant Society, Inc. to receive a $15,000 grant. "I love engaging with others to speak on behalf of our environment and the importance of protecting it for future generations." About Cox Enterprises Cox Enterprises is dedicated to empowering people to build a better future for the next generation. Cox is a leader in the broadband, automotive and media industries, while strategically investing in emerging technologies driving the future of cleantech, health care, and public sector services. Its major operating subsidiaries are Cox Communications and Cox Automotive, which includes brands like Autotrader and Kelley Blue Book. Headquartered in Atlanta, Georgia, Cox is a global company with $22 billion in annual revenues and a proud 125-year history. To learn more about Cox and its commitment to its people, planet and communities, visit coxenterprises.com. SOURCE Cox Enterprises Helen Woodward Animal Center Pledges $35,000 and Seeks Community Match RANCHO SANTA FE, Calif., June 15, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- It has been nearly a year-and-a-half since the war began in Ukraine and Helen Woodward Animal Center, along with supporters and friends, helped raise over $356,000 to assist with orphan and displaced pets in need. Now, news of destruction of the Nova Kakhovka dam has dealt an additional heartbreaking blow. The resulting massive flooding has forced thousands of people and animals to flee their homes, necessitating the evacuation of local shelters throughout the Kherson region. Helen Woodward Animal Center is pledging another $35,000 to support flood relief efforts and is asking the community to match the amount. Ukrainian Flood Rescue Workers help stranded dog. (Photo credit - Happy Paw/UAnimals) Ukrainian Flood Rescue Workers help stranded cat. (Photo credit - Happy Paw/UAnimals) Ukrainian Flood Rescue Workers help stranded dog. (Photo credit - Happy Paw/UAnimals) In February of 2022, Russia began a full-scale invasion of Ukraine in an escalation of the Russo-Ukrainian War that began in 2014. The largest conventional military attack on a sovereign state in Europe since World War II, millions of Ukrainian citizens fled their homes with only their most precious possessions, including their beloved pets. Over the past year-and-a-half, pets have been lost in the scramble to escape the war-torn country; food, money, and warmth have been in desperate short supply; and Ukrainian shelters have faced destruction, violence and the killing of shelter volunteers who have stayed behind to care for orphan pets. True to its mission of people helping animals and animals helping people, last year, Helen Woodward Animal Center pledged $50,000 to the Ukrainian animal welfare efforts with a heartfelt plea to local animal-lovers to match the pledge. Famous Center friends like Academy Award winning actress Diane Keaton and social media-famous kitten Smush shared Helen Woodward Animal Center's campaign on social media with millions of followers and the donations began coming in an inspiring show of support. In a remarkedly short period of time, the animal-loving community had donated over $350,000, including the Center's original gift. Helen Woodward Animal Center facilitated the transfer of these funds to both Ukrainian refugee pet owners, as well as shelters-in-need within Ukraine through both Tallinn City Government Chief Specialist Hellika Landsmann from the Estonia Animal Welfare Society and General Secretary TOZ Danuta Mikusz-Oslislo from the Polish Society for The Protection of Animals. Working closely with UAnimals, a non-profit Ukrainian animal rights organization, the funding has provided food, medical supplies, blankets, kennels, and other crucial needs, in addition to a lifesaving transfer van that has transported orphan pets out of war-torn areas. Only a month ago, Center donor and friend KayBella Cares assisted the Center in supplying a second lifesaving transport van to these efforts. Tragically, on June 1st, video footage showed a massive breach to the Nova Kakhovka dam. Although it is currently unclear when or how the dam was first damaged, the result has been devastating with the dam deemed "fully destroyed." Agricultural land and dozens of villages and towns were quickly flooded with thousands of people from both sides of the river forced to evacuate from their homes. Environmental concerns are even graver, especially surrounding the potential affects flooding may have on a nearby nuclear power station at Zaporizhzhia. "Despite the on-going war, good-news emails and photos of rescues being done, sent from our friends in Ukraine over the past year, have been encouraging," stated Helen Woodward Animal Center VP of Development Renee Resko. "Unfortunately, last week, we received desperate news about the flooding. Homes and shelters are underwater and flooded roads are making rescue trips extremely difficult if not impossible. The photos of orphan animals clinging to the sides of buildings are devastating. We knew we had to do something." For this reason, Helen Woodward Animal Center is pledging another $35,000 to assist with the relief efforts. Center President and CEO Mike Arms hopes that the community will once again come forward to make a difference. "I want to make sure that donors understand that 100% of everything received is sent directly to support the Ukrainian animal crisis," explained Arms. "The Center even covers the cost of bank fees charged in the wiring of funds so that animal-lovers donating can rest assured that their money is being utilized to ensure the rescue of pets in need." Funds raised will directly support the Ukrainian Animal Rescue Group, Happy Paw, the organization leading the effort to create temporary shelters for animals evacuated from flooded shelters. Supplies such as food, medications, and vaccines lost in the flood will also be replenished. To help or for more information head to animalcenter.org/UkraineFloodRelief. You can also call 858-756-4117, or visit Helen Woodward Animal Center at 6461 El Apajo Road in Rancho Santa Fe. About Helen Woodward Animal Center Helen Woodward Animal Center is a private, non-profit organization where "people help animals and animals help people." Founded in 1972 in Rancho Santa Fe, Calif., the Center provides services for more than 90,000 people and more than 10,000 animals annually through adoptions, educational and therapeutic programs both onsite and throughout the community. Helen Woodward Animal Center is also the creator of the International Home 4 the Holidays pet adoption drive, the International Remember Me Thursday campaign and The Business of Saving Lives Workshops, teaching the business of saving lives to animal welfare leaders from around the world. For more information, go to: www.animalcenter.org. SOURCE Helen Woodward Animal Center FAIRFAX, Va., June 15, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Tlingit Haida Tribal Business Corporation | KIRA (THTBC) announced today that David Sullivan has been named Senior Vice President of Business Development. Reporting to the CEO, Sullivan will be responsible for supporting strategic growth efforts and developing collaborative relationships with THTBC's customers and partners to best achieve their mission objectives. He will also lead THTBC's business development, capture, and proposal teams. Sullivan brings over 23 years of senior experience in business development and the government contracting industry, having supported Northrop Grumman, ManTech, the former URS, and most recently, BAE Systems. He also co-owned a business development consulting company for 14 years, supporting the growth of government contractors ranging from 8(a) to Fortune 100 companies. Across his career, Sullivan has established himself as a seasoned business development and capture management executive with a proven track record in pursuing and winning awards. "THTBC is experiencing an exciting phase of growth across existing and emerging business lines" Richard Rinehart, CEO Tweet this "THTBC is experiencing an exciting phase of growth across existing and emerging business lines," said Richard Rinehart, CEO. "As we continue to deliver innovative solutions to our customers, we are also focused on further strengthening our leadership team to support us through this next phase. Sullivan brings extensive experience in executive leadership roles and has driven transformative growth across his career. We could not be more thrilled to welcome him to our growing leadership team!" "I am honored to have the opportunity to be part of the team at THTBC! The organization has been a trusted federal contractor for more than 35 years and has also been the awardee of many prestigious industry awards over the years. Their dedication to excellence and commitment to their employees sets them apart, and I could not be more excited to work with the team at THTBC and support their growth," said Sullivan. Sullivan holds a M.A. in Political Management from George Washington University, a B.A. in Political Science and International Studies from Randolph-Macon College, and completed executive programs in market strategy and capture strategy at the University of Chicago Booth School of Business. Prior to his career in business development, Sullivan worked in the U.S. Senate and managed Government Relations for a division of Bell Atlantic (now Verizon). His first day with THTBC was April 17. About Tlingit Haida Tribal Business Corporation Tlingit Haida Tribal Business Corporation | KIRA (THTBC) is a Tribally-owned family of SBA 8(a), HUBZone, SDB, and other small businesses wholly owned by one of the largest tribes in Alaska. THTBC has been supporting DoD, DHS, DOS, NASA, DOE and other Federal customers for over 35 years. Through its 30+ subsidiaries, THTBC offers extensive capabilities to its Federal and prime customers in Infrastructure, Facilities Maintenance, Logistics, and Transportation, Information Technology, Engineering & Professional Services, Training, and Aviation Repair & Maintenance. The organization is ISO 9001 certified, approved in over 85 NAICS codes, and operates in 30+ locations globally. Learn more about THTBC by visiting www.thtbc.com. Media Contact Paula Arevalo [email protected] 410-707-6817 SOURCE Tlingit Haida Tribal Business Corporation/KIRA The company is building infrastructure for social knowledge aggregation SAN JUAN, Puerto Rico, June 15, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Decentralized infrastructure provider Intuition has raised $4 million in a seed round fundraise led by Superscrypt. The raise comes as Intuition approaches the public launch of its protocol and first applications later this year. Intuition's Seed Round Investors Intuition lets users create attestations about any subject, storing the information in such a way that it's easily navigable, queryable, and leveraged by other applications. Intuition's founder, Ethereum veteran Billy Luedtke, explains that the protocol was created to capture the wisdom of crowds about everything, while making that wisdom available and open to everyone. "Today, determining truth to make informed decisions is a complex and difficult task," says Jacob Ko, Partner at Superscrypt. According to Ko, "Information is largely concentrated in big tech platforms, search and curation algorithms are opaque, and identity and reputation standards are too fragmented to provide strong signals. Intuition's approach of incentivizing crowdsourced knowledge and opinions from users in a globally inclusive and decentralized way will fuel better understanding of any person, ID or topic. It has the potential to change the way we disseminate, consume and understand information and we're excited to back a team with deep experience working on data interoperability and digital identity." Other participants in the round include Shima Capital, Avon Ventures, WW Ventures, Matrixport Ventures, Polygon Ventures, and ConsenSys, along with several other VC, DAO, and angel investors. This round follows a fundraise last November co-led by Andrew Keys, founder of DARMA Capital, and Joseph Lubin, co-founder of Ethereum and founder of ConsenSys. Whereas decentralized identity has largely focused on high sensitivity credentials, like KYC and the identities of people, Intuition facilitates robust decentralized identity that pertains to all things. "Nearly everything can and should have decentralized identifiers (DIDs)," Luedtke explains. "Whether that's a person, pseudonym, web3 product, organization, or even a news article." According to Luedtke, "We presently rely on a fundamentally flawed system of siloed, centralized platforms such as Yelp, LinkedIn, and Twitter to inform our intuition about the world around us. These platforms shape our perception with fragmented, incomplete, and occasionally misleading information." As a protocol, Intuition doesn't take a view on whether something is true or false, but instead captures and shows what people are saying about a thing. By allowing people to freely share their opinions about any subject, and verifiably attaching that data to DIDs in an open knowledge graph, Luedtke hopes to improve the reputation and identity data that we societally have access to regarding the things we're interacting with every day. "Our digital identities form the bedrock of a flourishing data-driven economy and society. However, the vast reservoir of digital knowledge on the internet still exists in a disparate and incomplete state. For a future free from these fractured conditions, we require purpose-built infrastructure that fosters the creation and seamless access to consolidated, trustworthy, and permissionless information. Anchored by an exceptional team, Intuition harnesses web3 primitives to align ownership and incentives, driving forward this transformative vision. I am thrilled to support their journey towards this exciting future," said Alex Lin, Head of Research and Investor at Shima Capital. Intuition's protocol and middleware allow developers to easily integrate the company's attestations and knowledge graph into their own applications. Intuition will initially launch with a knowledge graph explorer built atop the protocol, and will directly display human-readable data regarding wallet addresses inside popular web wallets. For more on Intuition visit intuition.systems . About Intuition Intuition provides decentralized infrastructure, developer tools, and applications enabling the creation of an open, flexible knowledge graph enhancing the quality and availability of social knowledge. Intuition was founded in 2022 by Ethereum veteran Billy Luedtke and is backed by Superscrypt, Shima Capital, Polygon Ventures, ConsenSys, Andrew Keys, and Joseph Lubin along with several other VC, DAO, and angel investors. https://intuition.systems/ About Superscrypt Superscrypt is an early stage crypto-native VC whose mission is to onboard the next wave of builders and users into the web3 space. We invest in category-defining web3 teams, and partner with them to scale their business. Our focus is on infrastructure and emerging use cases; including wallets, identity and credentials, developer tools, data indexing and search, scaling and privacy. Superscrypt is made up of founders who have decades of building and scaling technology businesses, and we leverage this experience to help our teams with GTM, product, technology, tokenomics, strategy and community building. https://www.superscrypt.xyz/ About Shima Capital Shima Capital is a leading early stage VC firm, founded by Yida Gao in 2021, investing in disruptive blockchain companies. The fund is deeply focused on taking a hands-on approach and working closely with its portfolio companies to provide the most sweat equity per dollar invested. As teams in web3 push the frontier of innovation, Shima helps hire talent, build community, amplify narratives, and foster the acceleration of technical research and development. Shima is composed of seasoned investors, accomplished operators, and former founders who align on a mission to support all-star teams with building and scaling generational companies. For more https://shima.capital/ SOURCE Intuition Systems Deepchecks is the emerging standard to make machine learning safe and predictable from research to production TEL AVIV, Israel, June 15, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Today Deepchecks announced the general availability of its solution for continuous machine learning validation and $14 million in seed funding led by Alpha Wave Ventures with participation from Hetz Ventures and Grove Ventures. Machine learning is taking the world by storm, creating a tremendous amount of value. The market is expected to grow from $26 billion in 2023 to $226 billion in 2030 at a CAGR of 36%. But only half of machine learning models make it to production , and the ones that do often end up being over time and budget or failing in spectacular ways . In other words, most machine learning models could use some improvement. Machine learning is transitioning from long research projects to something organizations expect to regularly deploy to production in software-like development cycles. It took classical software development decades to establish processes and tools to help deliver projects on time and to quality. It took ChatGPT just two months to reach 100 million users. But machine learning has more moving parts and is more opaque, which makes it less safe and predictable in comparison. The way to move machine learning forward is to apply testing and validation, drawing on lessons learned from software. Deepchecks helps practitioners, developers and other stakeholders go beyond MLOps and gain visibility and confidence every step of the way: from development to deployment and operation in production. "It makes little sense to deploy and monitor software that has not been thoroughly and systematically tested first. Yet, this is what happens today with machine learning applications. Deepchecks brings a new approach to MLOps, improving models by adding validation to every step of the machine learning lifecycle" said Deepchecks co-founder and CEO Philip Tannor. "Deepchecks introduces a community-driven MLOps framework that enables people from data scientists and developers to C-level executives to have a clear picture of how machine learning applications behave from research to production", said Deepchecks co-founder and CTO Shir Chorev. Tannor and Chorev co-founded Deepchecks three years ago. They were listed in the Forbes 30 under 30 list and have known and worked with each other since they were 18. From the IDF's Talpiot program to the elite 8200 intelligence unit, they picked up machine learning and got real-world exposure, earning distinctions along the way. They started Deepchecks as a "traditional" MLOps solution, but quickly realized that the way to cater to data scientists and developers at scale, is with an offering that has open source at its core. Deepchecks offers an open source solution that lets users reuse and tailor components to holistically test machine learning models and datasets. These components were developed leveraging years of collective expertise and have been battle-tested in production. The solution also includes monitoring and root cause analysis for production environments as well as a comprehensive UI. Deepchecks has over 500K downloads and is used at the likes of AWS, Booking.com, and Wix, as well as in highly regulated industries such as finance and healthcare. The enterprise version includes additional collaboration and security features. "Quality assurance is often assigned to people who are in the beginning of their careers. In machine learning, however, it's often the most senior, highest paid person in the room who is tasked with this. That's because as opposed to other domains QA has not yet been systematized for machine learning, so it remains a dark art. Deepchecks is here to address this, moving machine learning and businesses forward," said Yuval Rozio, Director of Alpha Wave Ventures. About Deepchecks Deepchecks is a rapidly growing next-gen MLOps vendor that is set on becoming the de facto standard to make machine learning safe and predictable from research to production. Headquartered in Israel and the US, Deepchecks is funded by world-renowned investors such as Alpha Wave Global, Hetz Ventures and Grove Ventures. For more information, visit deepchecks.com or get started with Deepchecks' open source solution at https://github.com/deepchecks/deepchecks SOURCE Deepchecks Returning for 2023, Defender Service Awards honors U.S., D.C., Puerto Rico and Canadian organizations with a customized Defender 130 vehicle, along with monetary prizes to further empower their efforts and Canadian organizations with a customized Defender 130 vehicle, along with monetary prizes to further empower their efforts Six Award Categories include: Veteran's & Civil Servant Outreach; Community Services; Search, Rescue & Emergency Support Services; Outdoor Accessibility & Education; Animal, Wildlife & Marine Mammal Welfare; and Defender Service Honorees, 2021 & 2022 Finalists Beginning June 15, 2023 , and ending July 21, 2023 , Defender Service Awards will accept video nominations from worthy organizations aligning with one of the six categories , and ending , Defender Service Awards will accept video nominations from worthy organizations aligning with one of the six categories To enter, organizations must submit a video and be U.S. 501(c)(3) 1 / Canadian registered charity whose efforts fall within one of the six categories outlined in the program / Canadian registered charity whose efforts fall within one of the six categories outlined in the program CHASE, the presenting sponsor, will donate $5,000 to each of the 30 category finalists. Category sponsors, including Hearts & Science, PELICAN, OUTSIDE Interactive, Inc., ei3 and ANIMAL PLANET will donate $25,000 to their respective category winners New for 2023 Defender Service Awards, Warner Bros. Discovery joins as a Premier Sponsor, donating $2,500 to each of the 30 category finalists For information and rules2 on the Defender Service Awards presented by CHASE please visit www.landroverusa.com / www.landrover.ca MAHWAH, N.J., June 15, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- DEFENDER vehicles are proudly recognized across the globe for their legacy of supporting humanitarian-based charities. Continuing this legacy, Defender today announced the return of the third annual 'Defender Service Awards' presented by CHASE. The Defender Service Awards recognize U.S., D.C., Puerto Rican non-profits, and Canadian charitable organizations that are making a positive impact on their local communities. Defender Service Awards 2023 Organizations are encouraged to submit videos on how a new Defender 130 vehicle would support their respective mission across six contest categories: Veteran's & Civil Servant Outreach Award Presented by Hearts & Science; Community Services Award Presented by ei3; Search, Rescue & Emergency Support Services Award Presented by PELICAN; Outdoor Accessibility & Education Awards Presented by OUTSIDE Interactive, Inc.; Animal, Wildlife & Marine Mammal Welfare Award Presented by ANIMAL PLANET. Recognizing the incredible work of past Defender Service Awards finalists, a new category, The Defender Service Honorees, 2021 & 2022 Finalists, has been added to give these worthy organizations a second chance to win a custom Defender 130. Corporate partners have joined this initiative to provide further support for the respective organizations across the different categories. CHASE, as presenting sponsor, will donate $5,000 to each of the five finalists per category, for a total of $150,000 across 30 finalists. As a Premier Sponsor, Warner Bros. Discovery will contribute $75,000, awarding $2,500 to each of the 30 category finalists. Category sponsors include OUTSIDE Interactive, Inc., ei3, PELICAN, Hearts & Science and ANIMAL PLANET. Each category sponsor will also donate $25,000 to its respective category winner. Each of the winning organizations across the categories will be empowered to further their mission with the receipt of a fully customized Defender 130 vehicle. Featuring three rows of seating for up to eight people, along with 88.9 cubic feet (2,516 litres) of load capacity, the Defender 130 vehicle is fully capable of assisting these organizations with their mission of service. The winners will collaborate with the Defender team to fully outfit their vehicle with Defender accessories required for their organization's needs, along with a custom exterior vehicle wrap. Joe Eberhardt, President and CEO, Jaguar Land Rover North America: "The 'Defender Service Awards' are a beloved initiative that we are proud to bring back for a third year. Celebrating the organizations that make a difference in our communities speaks to the core of the Defender brand that it is most powerful when it's on a mission to help others." Peter Muriungi, CEO, CHASE Auto: "The Defender Service Awards showcase the power of community organizations and the people who dedicate their time and energy to making the world better. We are proud to expand our support this year and excited to learn more about the organizations that apply." Entrants can nominate organizations or organizations can nominate themselves by filling out the entry form and submitting an up to three-minute video that details the organization's mission, how it addresses a need in their community and how a Defender 130 vehicle will help to further their efforts. Submissions are open from June 15, 2023, through July 21, 2023, followed by a judging period by a panel of qualified judges. The finalists' videos will be posted on Land RoverUSA.com and www.landrover.ca for public voting beginning in September, and winners will be announced in the fall 2023. Previous winners of last year's 'Defender Service Awards' include Sauvetage Benevole Outaouais - Ottawa Volunteer Search and Rescue for the Pelican Search and Rescue Award; Patriot Service Dogs for the dentsu x Veterans Outreach Award; Appalachian Bear Rescue for the KONG Animal Welfare Award; Mercy Chefs for the ei3 Community Services Award; and Green Lake Association for the OUTSIDE Interactive, Inc. Environmental and Conservation Award. Each winning organization was awarded with a Defender 130 vehicle to further their efforts within their respective communities. A total of $300,000 was distributed across category finalists and winning organizations. The Defender family of models, 90, 110, 130 continue to expand and evolve to suit the many uses by their owners. New for 2024, the Defender 130 Outbound has been curated for those who enjoy the outdoor adventure lifestyle, with seating for 5, enhanced cargo area and off-road oriented accessories. A new 130 V8 model provides a premium engine with additional power and torque while still offering 8 seats across three rows. The Defender County Pack is now offered for the Defender 110 and brings paint, accessory and decal variations and a new Aluminum wheel selection, the combination of which taps the rich heritage and style of Defender vehicles. For information on the 'Defender Service Awards' presented by CHASE, please visit LandRoverUSA.com or www.landrover.ca. 1.ABBREVIATED RULES. NO PURCHASE OR PAYMENT NECESSARY TO ENTER OR WIN. Begins on 06/15/23 and ends on 10/04/23. TO ENTER MUST BE 18 YEARS OR OLDER IN THE 50 UNITED STATES AND D.C., PUERTO RICO, OR CANADA, AN ELIGIBLE CHARITABLE ORGANIZATION, AND HAVE AT LEAST ONE DIRECTOR THAT IS 18 YEARS OR OLDER RESIDING IN THE 50 UNITED STATES AND D.C., PUERTO RICO, OR CANADA. Contest is void where prohibited by law. Contest subject to the complete Official Rules. Visit www.landroverusa.com/experiences/events-and-sponsorships/defender-service-awards/index.html or https://www.landrover.ca/en/experiences/sponsorship/defender-service-awards/index.html for Official Rules and prize descriptions. Sponsor: Jaguar Land Rover North America, LLC, 100 Jaguar Land Rover Way, Mahwah, NJ 07495. 2.Information and rules on the 'Defender Service Awards' presented by Chase can be found here and Canadian rules here Note to Editors: Information about Land Rover North America products is available to consumers at www.landroverusa.com or www.landrover.ca. Visit us.media.landrover.com for news releases, high-resolution photographs and broadcast quality video footage. Additional media updates are available on Facebook (LandRoverUSA) and Twitter (@interactivelr). About Land Rover Since 1948 Land Rover has been manufacturing authentic 4x4s that represent true 'breadth of capability' across the model range. Defender, Discovery, Discovery Sport, Range Rover, Range Rover Sport, Range Rover Velar and Range Rover Evoque each define the world's SUV sectors, with 80 per cent of this model range exported to over 100 countries. Important notice Jaguar Land Rover is constantly seeking ways to improve the specification, design and production of its vehicles, parts and accessories and alterations take place continually. Whilst every effort is made to produce up-to-date literature, this document should not be regarded as an infallible guide to current specifications or availability, nor does it constitute an offer for the sale of any particular vehicle, part or accessory. About Chase Chase is the U.S. consumer and commercial banking business of JPMorgan Chase & Co. (NYSE: JPM),a leading financial services firm based in the United States with assets of $3.7 trillion and operations worldwide. Chase serves nearly 80 million consumers and 5.7 million small businesses, with a broad range of financial services, including personal banking, credit cards, mortgages, auto financing, investment advice, small business loans and payment processing. Customers can choose how and where they want to bank: More than 4,700 branches in 48 states and the District of Columbia, more than 15,000 ATMs, mobile, online and by phone. For more information, go to chase.com. SOURCE Jaguar Land Rover CHICAGO, June 15, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- The digital pathology industry is poised for remarkable growth and transformation in the near future. With advancements in technology and the increasing demand for efficient and accurate diagnostic solutions, digital pathology is set to revolutionize healthcare systems worldwide. The integration of artificial intelligence and machine learning algorithms with digital pathology platforms will enable pathologists to analyze and interpret large volumes of digital slides more efficiently, leading to faster and more accurate diagnoses. Moreover, the widespread adoption of telepathology will facilitate remote consultations and second opinions, bridging the gap between experts and underserved areas. This digital revolution in pathology will not only enhance patient care by enabling faster diagnosis and personalized treatment plans but also streamline pathology workflows, reduce costs, and facilitate data-driven research for improved clinical outcomes. Digital Pathology Market in terms of revenue was estimated to be worth $0.9 billion in 2023 and is poised to reach $1.8 billion by 2028, growing at a CAGR of 13.6% from 2023 to 2028 according to a new report by MarketsandMarkets. The digital pathology market is mainly driven by factors such as the growing applications of digital pathology in drug development and companion diagnostics, growing awareness of early cancer diagnosis in emerging economies, and recommendations for cancer screening. On the other hand, the high costs of digital pathology systems are expected to restrain market growth to a certain extent. Download an Illustrative overview: https://www.marketsandmarkets.com/pdfdownloadNew.asp?id=844 Browse in-depth TOC on "Digital Pathology Market" 248 - Tables 48 - Figures 274 - Pages Digital Pathology Market Scope: Report Coverage Details Market Revenue in 2023 $0.9 billion Estimated Value by 2028 $1.8 billion Growth Rate Poised to grow at a CAGR of 13.6% Market Size Available for 2021-2028 Forecast Period 20232028 Forecast Units Value (USD Billion) Report Coverage Revenue Forecast, Competitive Landscape, Growth Factors, and Trends Segments Covered By Product, Type, Application, and User & Region Geographies Covered North America, Europe, Asia Pacific, Latin America, and Middle East & Africa Report Highlights Updated financial information / product portfolio of players Key Market Opportunities Introduction of affordable scanners for private pathology practices Key Market Drivers Increasing adoption of digital pathology to enhance lab efficiency The human pathology segment has accounted for the largest market share during the forecast period. Based on type, the digital pathology market is segmented into human pathology and veterinary pathology. The human pathology segment accounted for the largest share of 66.5% of digital pathology type market in 2022. The growing awareness of early cancer diagnosis in emerging economies, and increasing collaborations among academic research institutes, universities, and pathology laboratories drives the growth of the human pathology segment in the digital pathology market. The scanners segment accounted for the largest share of 44.9% of the global digital pathology market Basesd on product, the global digital pathology market is segmented into scanners, software, and storage systems. The scanners segment accounted for the largest share of 44.9% of the global digital pathology market in 2022. The large share of this segment can be attributed to the restrictions implemented in many countries owing to the COVID-19 outbreak are also expected to increase the installation of scanners to promote the remote viewing of tests by pathologists. Drug discovery was the largest application segment of the digital pathology market. Based on application, the digital pathology market is segmented into drug discovery, disease diagnosis, and training & education. In 2022, drug discovery was the largest application segment of the digital pathology market. The growth in the rising number of preclinical & clinical studies, high throughput screening and imaging, and increasing use of toxicology testing for illicit drugs are the major factors responsible for the large share of the drug discovery application segment. North America accounted for the largest share of the Digital Pathology market In 2022, North America accounted for the largest share and highest growth rate of the digital pathology market in 2022. The highest growth rate of the market can be attributed to the rising prevalence of cancer, growing geriatric population, and the presence of well-developed healthcare infrastructure in the region are expected to drive the growth of the market in North America. Request Sample Pages: https://www.marketsandmarkets.com/requestsampleNew.asp?id=844 Digital Pathology Market Dynamics: Drivers: Increasing adoption of digital pathology to enhance lab efficiency Rising incidence of cancer Growing applications of digital pathology in drug development and companion diagnostics Growing awareness of early cancer diagnosis in emerging economies Recommendations for cancer screening Restraints: High cost of digital pathology systems Opportunities: Introduction of affordable scanners for private pathology practices Growing demand for personalized medicine High growth opportunities in emerging economies Challenges: Shortage of trained pathologists Key Market Players: The Digital Pathology Market is highly consolidated. Some of the major players operating in this market include Danaher Corporation (US), Koninklijke Philips N.V. (Netherlands), KONFOONG BIOTECH INTERNATIONAL CO., F. Hoffmann-La Roche Ltd. (Switzerland), XIFIN, Inc. (US), Apollo Enterprise Imaging (US), Huron Digital Pathology (Canada), Hologic, Inc. (US), Kanteron Systems (Spain), Corista (US), Objective Pathology Services Limited (Canada), Aiforia (Finland), Glencoe Software, Inc. (US), Motic Digital Pathology (US), OptraSCAN (US), Sectra AB (Sweden), Mikroscan Technologies, Inc. (US), Indica Labs Inc. (US), 3DHISTECH (Hungary), Akoya Biosciences, Inc. (US), Fujifilm Holdings Corporation (Japan), Paige AI, Inc. (US), Proscia Inc. (US), LTD. (China), PathAI (US), and Hamamatsu Photonics K.K. (Japan). Get 10% Free Customization on this Report: https://www.marketsandmarkets.com/requestCustomizationNew.asp?id=844 Recent Developments: In 2022, Danaher Corporation partnered with Indica Labs to deliver compatible digital pathology workflow solutions by maintaining file compatibility between Leica Biosystems Aperio GT 450 family of scanners with Indica Labs Halo family of software solutions. to deliver compatible digital pathology workflow solutions by maintaining file compatibility between Leica Biosystems Aperio GT 450 family of scanners with family of software solutions. In 2022, Hamamatsu received US FDA 510(k) clearance for the NanoZoomer S360MD Slide scanner system for primary diagnostic use. In 2022, F. Hoffmann-LA roche ltd. Launched the VENTANA DP 600 slide scanner for digital pathology, enhancing patient care with precision diagnostics. In 2021, Koninklijke Philips launched the next-generation digital pathology solution, which features a comprehensive and scalable suite of software tools and capabilities in digital pathology. Digital Pathology Market Advantages: Improved Efficiency: Digital pathology eliminates the need for physical slides and enables the digitization of tissue samples. This streamlines the entire pathology workflow, reducing the time and effort required for slide preparation, transportation, and storage. Pathologists can access digital slides instantly, enabling faster diagnosis and treatment decisions. Enhanced Collaboration: Digital pathology enables seamless collaboration among pathologists, regardless of their geographical locations. It allows for easy sharing of digital slides, facilitating second opinions, consultations, and multidisciplinary discussions. This collaborative approach can lead to more accurate diagnoses and improved patient outcomes. Cost Savings: Digital pathology reduces costs associated with slide preparation, storage, and transportation. It eliminates the need for physical slide archiving, freeing up valuable laboratory space. Additionally, remote consultations and telepathology services minimize the need for physical travel, reducing expenses and increasing accessibility to expert opinions. Data Management and Analysis: Digital pathology platforms offer robust data management capabilities, allowing pathologists to store, organize, and analyze large volumes of digital slides and associated clinical data. Advanced image analysis algorithms and machine learning techniques can assist pathologists in detecting patterns, identifying biomarkers, and predicting patient outcomes, contributing to personalized medicine and research advancements. Education and Training: Digital pathology provides valuable educational opportunities for pathologists in training. They can access a vast repository of digital slides for learning purposes, participate in virtual case discussions, and gain exposure to a wider range of pathologies. This technology-driven approach enhances the learning experience and helps in standardizing diagnostic practices. Overall, the digital pathology market offers numerous advantages, including improved efficiency, enhanced collaboration, cost savings, advanced data analysis capabilities, and educational opportunities. These advantages have the potential to revolutionize pathology practices and significantly improve patient care in the future. Digital Pathology Market Report Highlights: UPDATED MARKET OVERVIEW: The current edition of the report consists of an updated market overview, along with the updated market assessment across all segments from 2021 to 2028. Also, it includes value chain analysis, Porter's five forces analysis, average selling price trends of key players, regulatory analysis, key conferences, and events in 2022-2023, key stakeholders and buying criteria, and trade analysis have been provided in the market overview chapter. UPDATED COMPETITIVE LANDSCAPE CHAPTER: The competitive landscape chapter has been updated with the company evaluation quadrant and company evaluation quadrant for start-ups/SMEs. The competitive landscape also includes the revenue share analysis of the top players, market share analysis, competitive benchmarking, and company footprint of the global market. UPDATED COMPANY PROFILES: The new edition of the report includes profiles for Danaher Corporation (US), Hologic, Inc. (US), Akoya Biosciences, Inc. (US), and Fujifilm Holdings Corporation ( Japan ). UPDATED FINANCIAL INFORMATION/PRODUCT PORTFOLIOS OF PLAYERS: The new edition of the report provides updated financial information in the context of the digital pathology market until 2022 for each listed company in a graphical representation in a single diagram (instead of multiple tables). This will easily help analyze the present status of profiled companies in terms of their financial strength, key revenue-generating country/region, business segment focus in terms of the highest revenue-generating segment, and investments in R&D activities. UPDATED MARKET DEVELOPMENTS OF PROFILED PLAYERS: Recent developments are important to understand the market trend and growth strategies adopted by players in the global digital pathology market space. The current edition of this report provides updated developments of profiled players from January 2019 to February 2023 , indicating a continuation of the previous version. Product launches, mergers, and acquisitions are the principal growth strategies adopted by market players in this period. ADDITION OF RECESSION IMPACT: The current edition of the report consists of the impact of the recession on the digital pathology market. A section on the impact of the recession on all regional markets, such as North America , Asia Pacific , Europe , Latin America , and Middle East & Africa have been included. Related Reports: Dental Digital X-ray Market - Global Forecasts to 2027 X-Ray Detectors Market - Global Forecasts to 2027 Tissue Diagnostics Market - Global Forecasts to 2027 Digital X-Ray Market - Global Forecasts to 2026 Anatomic Pathology 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. 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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/digital-pathology-market.asp Visit Our Website: https://www.marketsandmarkets.com/ Content Source: https://www.marketsandmarkets.com/PressReleases/pathology.asp Logo: https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/660509/MarketsandMarkets_Logo.jpg SOURCE MarketsandMarkets LOS ANGELES, June 15, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- As travel opens up and touring iconic European locations remains a high priority for travelers, EagleRider, the world's leading motorcycle rental and subscription company answers the demand by announcing the expansion of its exclusive membership program, Club EagleRider, to Germany, Italy, France, the United Kingdom, and Spain. This expansion marks a significant milestone for EagleRider as it brings its premier motorcycle travel experience to avid riders across Europe. "Starting at $29 dollars, euros or pounds per month, residents in these five countries can access 12 - 120 rental credits per year at more than 100 worldwide locations, including several across Europe, the UK, and other global riding destinations," said Shawn Fechter, Senior VP of Marketing for EagleRider. "Members can use their credits each month, or save them for up to 18 months, allowing them to ride longer or choose models that require more credits. Members can access thousands of bikes and receive invitations to exclusive club events and motorcycle tours, with an opportunity to earn an additional rental credit for each friend or fellow rider you refer." From the historical ruins of Rome, Italy, to the beautiful coast of Southern Spain, Club EagleRider members can redeem their credits at any of their 60 plus international locations for a diverse fleet of brand-new motorcycle models and perks. Members can choose from a variety of bikes including Harley-Davidsons, BMW, Yamaha, Honda, Royal Enfield, Ducati, Kawasaki, and more. "Expanding Club EagleRider into Germany, Italy, France, the United Kingdom, and Spain is an exciting step for us," said Karsten Summers, CEO of EagleRider. "We are dedicated to creating exceptional experiences for riders worldwide, and this expansion allows us to connect with even more passionate riders across Europe and offer them the same riding experiences our US and Canadian Members have been enjoying since we launched Club EagleRider in 2016." Club EagleRider is a great way for riders to explore their home countries and regions, or to explore the rest of the world with an added level of value, service, and VIP experience. Club EagleRider Rental Credits are now accepted at more than 100 worldwide locations. For a complete list of locations, or to learn more about Club EagleRider, visit Club EagleRider. About EagleRider EagleRider pioneered the motorcycle rental and tour business in 1992. Since then, the brand has become synonymous with motorcycle adventure worldwide. The company offers multi-brand rentals, guided and self-guided tours. EagleRider continues to expand its reach globally with the world's first motorcycle rental subscription, Club EagleRider, and their very popular Share platform, EagleShare, which allows private motorcycle owners the opportunity to rent their own motorcycles out while not being used. EagleRider is the exclusive U.S. provider of rentals and tours for the Harley-Davidson Motor Company. Media Contact: Shawn Fechter +1 310 291 6547 [email protected] SOURCE EagleRider Chinese President Xi Jinping holds a welcoming ceremony for Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas in the Northern Hall of the Great Hall of the People prior to their talks in Beijing, capital of China, June 14, 2023. Xi held talks with Abbas in Beijing on Wednesday. (Xinhua/Huang Jingwen) BEIJING, June 14 (Xinhua) -- Chinese President Xi Jinping held talks with Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas in Beijing on Wednesday. The two leaders announced the establishment of a strategic partnership between China and Palestine. Xi said China and Palestine are good friends and good partners who trust and support each other. He said China was one of the first countries to recognize the Palestine Liberation Organization and the State of Palestine. China has all along firmly supported the Palestinian people's just cause of restoring their legitimate national rights and worked for a comprehensive, just and durable solution of the Palestinian question at an early date, Xi said. China supports Palestine in becoming a full member state of the United Nations, will continue to speak up for Palestine and champion justice on multilateral occasions, and will provide assistance as best as it can to help ease humanitarian difficulties and reconstruction in Palestine, Xi said. He called on both sides to take the establishment of strategic partnership as an opportunity to continue supporting each other on issues of core concern, advance cooperation in various areas, deepen partnership in jointly building the Belt and Road, speed up negotiations on the China-Palestine free trade agreement, share experiences on national governance and further the traditional friendship. Xi put forward a three-point proposal for the settlement of the Palestinian question. Xi stressed that the Palestinian question has remained unresolved for over half a century, causing great sufferings to the Palestinian people; justice must be done to Palestine as soon as possible. First, the fundamental solution lies in the establishment of an independent state of Palestine that enjoys full sovereignty on the basis of the 1967 borders and with east Jerusalem as its capital, he said. Second, Palestine's economic and livelihood needs should be met, and the international community needs to step up development assistance and humanitarian aid to Palestine, he said. Third, it is important to keep to the right direction of peace talks. The historical status quo of the holy sites in Jerusalem should be respected, and excessive and provocative words and actions should be avoided. A large-scale, more authoritative and more influential international peace conference should be convened so as to create conditions for the resumption of peace talks and contribute tangible efforts to help Palestine and Israel live in peace, he said. "China stands ready to play a positive role to assist Palestine in achieving internal reconciliation and promote peace talks," Xi said. Xi said China is willing to strengthen solidarity and cooperation with Palestine and other developing countries, enhance coordination in international and regional affairs, advance China's cooperation with Arab states, and safeguard the common interests of developing countries and international fairness and justice. On behalf of the Palestinian people, Abbas thanked China for its long-term strong support and selfless assistance for the Palestinian people's just cause of restoring their legitimate national rights, calling China a trustworthy friend and partner. Abbas said Palestine supports China's position on issues concerning its core interests and follows the one-China principle, adding that Palestine will work with China to promote the Belt and Road Initiative, strengthen bilateral cooperation and build a community with a shared future for humanity. Palestine backs the Global Security Initiative, the Global Development Initiative and the Global Civilization Initiative proposed by President Xi, and speaks highly of the China-mediated talks between Saudi Arabia and Iran, Abbas said. He thanked China for putting forward a number of initiatives on an early and just settlement of the Palestinian question. The Palestinian side believes in China's wisdom and just position and expects China to play a greater role in promoting intra-Palestinian reconciliation and realizing peace in the Middle East. After their talks, the two presidents witnessed the signing of documents on bilateral economic and technological cooperation. Prior to the talks, Xi held a welcoming ceremony for Abbas in the Northern Hall of the Great Hall of the People. Chinese President Xi Jinping holds talks with Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing, capital of China, June 14, 2023. (Xinhua/Yin Bogu) Chinese President Xi Jinping holds a welcoming ceremony for Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas in the Northern Hall of the Great Hall of the People prior to their talks in Beijing, capital of China, June 14, 2023. Xi held talks with Abbas in Beijing on Wednesday. (Xinhua/Zhang Ling) Chinese President Xi Jinping holds a welcoming ceremony for Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas in the Northern Hall of the Great Hall of the People prior to their talks in Beijing, capital of China, June 14, 2023. Xi held talks with Abbas in Beijing on Wednesday. (Xinhua/Huang Jingwen) Chinese President Xi Jinping holds a welcoming ceremony for Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas in the Northern Hall of the Great Hall of the People prior to their talks in Beijing, capital of China, June 14, 2023. Xi held talks with Abbas in Beijing on Wednesday. (Xinhua/Yin Bogu) Editor: Zhang Zhou Philanthropy-backed impact fund pioneers unique financing model to help 156 public school campuses in 19 states access affordable facilities - directing $250M in savings back into classrooms NEW YORK, June 15, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Equitable Facilities Fund (EFF), a nonprofit social impact fund, today announced it crossed the billion-dollar threshold in low-cost loans to high-performing public charter schools. Since its launch in 2017, EFF has successfully closed four bond issuances totaling over $800 million in proceeds backed by the fund's 'A' credit rating from S&P Global Ratings. EFF's philanthropy-backed investment model provides the most affordable financing option, regardless of market conditions, for public charter schools, which receive significantly less funding than traditional school districts. The model has also generated $250 million in savings that are invested back into schools. Within EFF portfolio schools, 90% of students outperform their district peers, 80% identify as people of color and 70% qualify as economically disadvantaged. The financing model has helped 156 public school campuses in 19 states access affordable facilities that have been used to purchase previously leased facilities, refinance existing debt, construct new buildings and undertake improvements at existing facilities. "Reaching this milestone demonstrates the unprecedented scale and measurable success of the sustainable model we built to help our nation's highest-performing public charter schools access equitable funding," said Anand Kesavan, founder and chief executive officer of the Equitable Facilities Fund. "In just six years, the fund has supported more than 150 school campuses serving 75,000 students and forecasts rapid growth to meet the community need in the coming years as it seeks to achieve equity self-sustainability." To date, EFF has raised over $350 million in grants from 17 funders. Contributions are leveraged with low-cost debt issued to more than 70 municipal bond investors, including JPMorgan, Goldman, UBS, Vanguard, Wilmington Trust, and Alliance Bernstein, among others. For every dollar donated, EFF makes at least $6 of affordable loans to schools. Over time, loan proceeds are repaid and then loaned out again to new school borrowers, allowing the impact of a one-time gift to last in perpetuity. EFF is supported by the Walton Family Foundation's Building Equity Initiative (BEI), an unprecedented effort to make it easier and more affordable for public charter schools to access equitable, affordable facilities funding. "I'm proud of EFF's work to change charter school financing," said Jim Walton, Walton Family Foundation trustee. "As this work continues to grow, I'm excited to see more schools and communities benefit from this fund." "The Equitable Facilities Fund allows charter schools to put more resources where they belong: in the classroom with students," said Alice Walton. "With EFF, it feels like you are working with an advocate who understands the impact of your schools and believes in your mission," says Farnaz Golshani-Flechner, superintendent of Environmental Charter Schools in Los Angeles. ECS was supported by a $30 million EFF loan to acquire, renovate and refinance existing facilities. "The lower cost financing has allowed us to continue our model of education in a meaningful way." EFF plans to harness the strength of this national investment platform to launch several state-based funds. This includes the Texas Facilities Fund (TFF), a $250-million initiative seeded with philanthropy from regional foundations and launched in November of 2022. TFF offers low-cost facility financing to early-phase public charter school operators that demonstrate tremendous potential. The EFF team intends to establish localized funds in at least four other states over the next three to four years. In 2021 and 2022, EFF was named Environmental Finance's Impact Project/Investment of the Year - Education. About Equitable Facilities Fund Equitable Facilities Fund is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit social impact fund created to provide low-cost facility loans that allow high-performing public charter schools to maximize the resources they dedicate to students. High-quality public charter schools promote bright futures for children across America, and EFF believes these schools should borrow under terms comparable to traditional public school districts. EFF administers an 'A' rated revolving loan fund, which recapitalizes using funds from Equitable School Revolving Fund's bond issuances, to offer high-credit, long-term, scalable bond investment opportunities. To learn more, visit www.eqfund.org or email Mike McGregor at [email protected]. SOURCE Equitable Facilities Fund Company Has Gifted More Than 63,000 Free Exergen Home Model Thermometers to Date and Professional Model Thermometers to 300+ Nursing Schools for Their Skills Labs Urges All Nursing Schools to Accept Donation WATERTOWN, Mass., June 15, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Exergen Corporation, manufacturer of the only thermometer whose accuracy has been proven in more than 100 peer-reviewed, published clinical studies, is promoting its Exergen Nursing School Thermometer Gifting Program that gives every accredited U.S. school of nursing one free Exergen Home TemporalScanner for each student in its nursing program. Exergen Corporation, maker of the #1 preferred thermometer by doctors, nurses, and pediatricians, is also giving nursing schools a select number of professional TemporalScanner models for use in their hands-on skills labs. There are no requirements or prerequisites. The first of its kind program kicked off earlier this year and since then has given more than 63,000 nursing students a free temporal artery home model and more than 360 nursing schools professional models for their skills labs. The response from the nursing schools and nursing students who received thermometers has been overwhelming, with schools voicing gratitude and excitement for the donation. Francesco Pompei, Ph.D., CEO of Exergen, says his company created the program to help ensure that all nursing students had the chance to learn firsthand the importance of accurate temperature taking and have the only tool that would enable them to do so. "Exergen has long been committed to supporting the healthcare professionals and especially nurses who safeguard and care for us. We believe it is our responsibility to arm them with the only thermometer proven to give an accurate reading each time it's used, which is why we created this program," says Dr. Pompei. Exergen SVP Dr. Marybeth Pompei, a former RN, added, "All nurses need to be able to take an accurate temperature and that starts with having an accurate thermometer at home for themselves, their families, and their friends. We urge every nursing school in the country to participate in this program." For all accredited nursing schools who would like to receive a free Exergen TemporalScanner home model for each of their students, along with several professional models for their skills labs, visit Exergen Nursing School Thermometer Gifting Program. ABOUT EXERGEN CORPORATION Exergen invented, manufactures, and markets two series of the TemporalScanner thermometer: a professional version for hospitals and clinics, and a consumer version sold in major retailers nationwide. More than three billion temperatures are taken each year with TemporalScanners. Used in thousands of hospitals and clinics across the country as well as in millions of homes, TemporalScanners are the #1 preference of pediatricians, nurses, and parents. The Exergen TemporalScanner's accuracy is supported by more than 100 peer-reviewed published clinical studies covering all ages from preterm infants to geriatrics and all care areas from hospitals to homes. Exergen has also long been a leader in nursing. For nearly 20 years, it has been part of the nursing profession's educational curriculum. Published textbooks from 2005 to present include Exergen thermometers and have set nurse training standards, relied upon in thousands of nursing programs nationwide. For additional information, visit www.exergen.com . SOURCE Exergen Subsurface Imaging Innovator Expands Global Reach and Reduces Utility Strike Risks for Critical UK Rail Project LONDON and Palo Alto, Calif., June 15, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Exodigo, a non-intrusive subsurface imaging leader, today announced its expansion into the UK market and a successful initial project with Colas Rail, one of the largest UK civil engineering firms. Appointing Trevor Moore as UK Director to build its team and lead relationships with engineering, transportation and infrastructure leaders, Exodigo will spearhead transformational change in the UK. Exodigo team onsite in Birmingham Exodigo team onsite in Birmingham "Colas Rail leads the way to a more sustainable future through infrastructure projects that contribute to the respect of communities and the planet. We are excited to continue to work with Exodigo to deliver these major projects safer and more efficiently to cities all over the globe as we expand our partnership," said Frederic Priest, Business Development Manager, Colas Rail. With over 25 years of experience at top UK surveying firms, Moore most recently served as Associate Director at Murphy Geospatial. "Redesigns and service strikes as a result of incomplete or inaccurate subsurface mapping continue to cause costly delays to critical UK projects and create avoidable safety risks. Exodigo can mitigate many of these problems by providing comprehensive information about the underground landscape," said Moore. With the ability to comprehensively map underground assets such as powerlines, pipes, bedrock and groundwater, Exodigo gives UK leaders a better way to assess underground infrastructure risks for critical capital projects. Building on successes across large capital projects in the United States and Israel, Exodigo recently proved its value for the UK market with Colas Rail. "At Colas Rail, we pride ourselves on embracing disruptive and innovative technology. We consider ourselves changemakers, and we are extremely impressed with Exodigo's revolutionary subsurface imaging capabilities. We look forward to employing Exodigo's technology in our current and future capital projects to ensure safe and timely project delivery," said Alejandro Moreno, Business Development Director Urban & New Business of Colas Rail Ltd. Supporting the Birmingham Midland Metro Extension Project, Colas Rail used Exodigo's technology to scan and map a project in Birmingham for part of a light rail expansion that will connect to the Curzon Street HS2 (High Speed Rail 2) Station. The Colas Rail team was encountering uncharted services that were not noted on any existing surveys or records, but was able to detect over 280 below ground utility lines (including 51 previously unknown lines) with Exodigo providing invaluable data that reduced redesigns and delays. "Excavating around buried services is one of our biggest risks, and the stat plans provided by statutory undertakers are in large part inaccurate. Exodigo's surveys provide us with much more reliable data that can then be used to select safer excavation techniques around known services," said Hamish Falconer, Project Manager on the rail extension for Colas Rail. About Exodigo Exodigo is the new gold standard for non-intrusive discovery. Its subsurface mapping solutions combine advanced sensors, 3D imaging, and AI technologies to provide a clear picture of the underground. Headquartered in Tel Aviv and the San Francisco Bay Area, the team brings unparalleled experience in AI and signal processing from elite Israeli intelligence units and is backed by top industry partners. Learn more at www.exodigo.com. Media Contact: Erica Camilo Connexa Communications for Exodigo +1.610.639.5644 [email protected] SOURCE Exodigo New Diplexers Bridge the Gap in Frequency Management IRVINE, Calif., June 15, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Fairview Microwave, an Infinite Electronics brand and a leading provider of on-demand RF, microwave and millimeter-wave components, has announced the launch of a new series of diplexers. The products offer simultaneous transmission and reception of signals on different frequency bands. They are designed to cater to a wide spectrum of end-user applications, including UHF/VHF, cable TV, FM and data transmission. Fairview's new diplexers are ideal for UHF/VHF, cable TV, FM, data transmission and other applications. Engineered with a 75-ohm impedance and F-type connectorized designs, these diplexers offer exceptional performance across various low-pass and high-pass frequency bands. They come equipped with several unique features. They deliver outstanding insertion loss and VSWR performances for efficient signal transmission and reception. The pass bands of the diplexers cover a diverse array of application frequency ranges, such as MSO applications, FM bands, UHF/VHF bands and satellite TV bands. The F-type female connectorized designs offer easy and secure connections, and their high out-of-band rejections significantly enhance their performance. "With the immediate availability and superior performance of our new diplexers, we are giving our customers a significant competitive edge in their respective markets. At Fairview, our mission has always been to exceed our customers' expectations, and with these diplexers, we believe we have done just that," said Steven Pong, Product Line Manager. Fairview's new diplexers are in stock and available for same-day shipping. For inquiries, call +1-949-261-1920. About Fairview Microwave: A leading supplier of on-demand RF and microwave products since 1992, Fairview Microwave offers immediate delivery of RF components including attenuators, adapters, coaxial cable assemblies, connectors, terminations and much more. All products are shipped same-day from the company's ISO 9001:2015-certified production facilities in Lewisville, Texas. Fairview Microwave 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 Electronics is a Warburg Pincus portfolio company. Press Contact: Peter McNeil Fairview Microwave 17792 Fitch Irvine, Calif. 92614 (978) 682-6936 SOURCE Fairview Microwave Inc. PROVO, Utah, June 15, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Lodging Dynamics Hospitality Group (Lodging Dynamics), a leading hotel management company, today announced the appointment of Michael McLaws as its Vice President of Finance. With an impressive background in finance and accounting within the premium-brand hospitality sector, Michael brings a wealth of expertise and a deep understanding of the industry. Michael McLaws, Vice President of Finance, Lodging Dynamics Hospitality Group Throughout his career, Michael has held key positions at renowned organizations such as Hilton Hotels and Resorts, Marriott International, H&M Short Line Railroad, and other notable hospitality management companies. Michael is accomplished in optimizing financial control systems and building solid teams to achieve demanding financial targets. He is also known for synthesizing financial data from diverse sources to provide more dynamic information with greater clarity. "We are thrilled to welcome Michael to our growing team of hospitality experts," stated Jamie Caraher, President and CEO of Lodging Dynamics. "A few years ago, we launched an initiative to upgrade our tech stack, financial systems, and services to deliver best-in-class financial reporting. Michael's appointment represents the next step in providing the best possible services for our owners and portfolio of hotels," concluded Caraher. Michael expressed his enthusiasm about joining Lodging Dynamics, commenting, "I am excited about the quality of the hotel portfolio and the upward direction Lodging Dynamics is moving and grateful to be part of the team working toward the Company's vision to establish itself as a leader in third-party management. Michael earned a BBA in Finance and Accounting from Boise State University and attended the University of Nebraska, Lincoln. About Lodging Dynamics Hospitality Group Based in Provo, Utah, Lodging Dynamics Hospitality Group is a nationally recognized, award-winning operator of premium-brand, select service, and extended-stay hotels and one of a few third-party operators approved by Marriott and Hilton. Founded in 1991 after developing the first Marriott franchise in Utah, Lodging Dynamics continues its long history by providing award-winning operating services for hotels throughout the continental United States and Hawaii. The Company has managed hotels in the Marriott, Hilton, Hyatt, and IHG premium-brand families. For more information, visit www.lodgingdynamics.com. SOURCE Lodging Dynamics Hospitality Group LEUVEN, Belgium and STRASBOURG, France and PHILADELPHIA, June 15, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Flamingo Therapeutics ("Flamingo") today announced that it has been awarded a research grant of 1.7 million by Flanders Innovation & Entrepreneurship (VLAIO). The award represents the funding at 60% of a 2.9 million project. Funding from the grant will be used to advance Flamingo's RNA-targeting oncology portfolio, including translational research for its lead clinical program, danvatirsen in Phase II in head and neck squamous cell carcinoma, and preclinical work on its long non-coding RNA (LncRNA) program targeting MALAT-1. "We are thrilled to be recognized by VLAIO as a company who is innovating and disrupting the oncology landscape with our RNA-targeting approach," said Floor Stam, Head of Corporate Development and Operations. "This award provides further validation of our approach in creating a meaningful pipeline of programs that target undruggable transcription factors and non-coding RNA, such as STAT3 and MALAT-1. We thank VLAIO for their partnership and collaboration in helping us build a leading oncology company based on RNA therapeutics." Danvatirsen is an antisense oligonucleotide (ASO) that selectively targets STAT3 and has shown clinical activity in two Phase II clinical studies. Danvatirsen binds to STAT3 mRNA, inducing breakdown of the transcript. Currently, danvatirsen is planned to continue Phase 2 clinical development for head and neck squamous cell carcinoma to advance the program through key clinical milestones and data readouts. Flamingo is also advancing FTX-001, Flamingo's most advanced long non-coding RNA (LncRNA) program which targets MALAT-1, through readiness for Phase 1 in solid tumors. LncRNAs are a large and untapped class of disease-causing targets within the "dark matter" of the human genome. Receipt of this funding follows the merger between Flamingo and Dynacure, announced in March 2023. About VLAIO Flanders Innovation & Entrepreneurship (Agentschap Innoveren & Ondernemen - VLAIO) is a Flemish Government agency that stimulates and supports R&D activities by innovative entrepreneurs and companies. More information: https://www.vlaio.be/en About Flamingo Therapeutics Flamingo is pioneering RNA-targeted therapies for oncology with state-of-the art chemistries and a clinical-stage pipeline targeting undruggable transcription factors and splice variants. Flamingo has an alliance with Ionis Pharmaceuticals and is supported by well-known biotechnology investors including Andera Partners, Bpifrance Large Venture, Bpifrance through its FABS and Fonds Biotherapies Innovantes et Maladies Rares funds, Eurazeo - Kurma Partners, Perceptive Advisors, PMV, Pontifax, Sphera, funds managed by Tekla Capital Management LLC and VIB. Flamingo is initiating a Phase II trial 'PEMDA-HN' evaluating the STAT3 targeting agent danvatirsen, in combination with pembrolizumab, in patients with head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC). For more information on Flamingo, please visit: https://flamingotx.com https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT05814666?term=pemda&draw=2&rank=1. Please engage with us on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/flamingo-therapeutics . Flamingo Media and Investor Contact: Amy Conrad Juniper Point (858) 366-3243 [email protected] SOURCE Flamingo Therapeutics QUANTRON and Goldstone Technologies Limited (GTL) form a joint venture to build a unique transaction platform with various digital solutions for meeting the needs of zero-emission fleets Their new AI-driven mobility solution to be presented at the Greentech Festival from 15th to 16th June in Berlin The targeted market for fleet management up to 2032 is estimated to be around 70 billion US dollars BERLIN, June 15, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- The clean tech company Quantron AG, a specialist in sustainable passenger and goods transport, is presenting a new line of business at the Greentech Festival from 15th to 16th June in Berlin. Indo-German cooperation between QUANTRON and GTL From left: Michael Perschke, CEO Quantron AG, and Pavan Chavali, Managing Director GTL (PRNewsfoto/Quantron AG) Together with Goldstone Technologies (GTL), a leading Indian company for business intelligence, data and analytics, Quantron AG from Augsburg is entering into a joint venture known under the name ROQIT. The aim of the joint venture is to develop a digital transaction platform that will serve as the digital backbone of Quantron-as-a-Service (QaaS) in the future. In addition, AI-driven software solutions will be developed for the rapidly ramping up zero-emission fleet management market, that can be used independently of the manufacturer. Minister of State Dr. Florian Herrmann, Head of the Bavarian State Chancellery, sees great opportunities with AI in the mobility sector: "Mobility of the future will only become a reality through the broad application of AI. It is only through AI-based efficiency and optimization solutions that we will be able to implement zero-emissions solutions globally. With the High-Tech Agenda, the Free State of Bavaria is investing a total of 5.5 billion Euros in future fields such as AI, quantum technology or CleanTech. In this way, we are creating a unique ecosystem; the best conditions for the forward-looking joint venture between QUANTRON and Goldstone Technologies and for the broad roll-out of AI in the mobility sector." The joint venture will operate from Augsburg and Hyderabad, India. A US facility is to follow by the third quarter of 2023 in order to address the global market for zero-emission solutions. Jayesh Ranjan, Principal Secretary of the Industries & Commerce (I&C) and Information Technology (IT) Departments of the Telangana government, stated: "This joint venture between Goldstone Technologies and Quantron AG is a testament to the global potential of Hyderabad's IT industry and the state's commitment to sustainable growth. We are confident that this collaboration will lead to the development of innovative zero-emission solutions that will address the growing demand for clean and efficient transportation in India and around the world. The collaboration between GTL and Quantron AG is an excellent example of how international cooperation can lead to innovative solutions that address global challenges." The integrated platform will consist of five digital pillars, namely fleet management, insurance-as-a-service, hydrogen economy, greenhouse gas accounting (GHG quotas) and data insights. The software offers a fleet overview dashboard, driver management, journey information, geo-fencing, charging or refuelling infrastructure management, smart navigator, carbon credit tracking, roadside assistance, reporting module and a mobile driver app. No other active digital solution offers a greater range of services and transparency. "The factors that distinguish this Digital Platform are that it is Partner Agnostic, Modular and OEM Independent. Data Insights, which is a crucial pillar, is estimated to reach a global market value of $71 Bn (INR 5.9 Lakh Crores) by 2032. Our contribution to this partnership will be to help customers drive impactful change through data-backed analytics to enhance their business through BI and Analytics Full Stack capabilities and Service Offerings", according to Pavan Chavali, Managing Director of GTL. The joint venture of GTL and QUANTRON can already offer AI-supported solutions for fleet management for ensuring vehicle fleets can be operated more sustainably and efficiently. The demand for software-based efficiency and optimisation solutions is particularly noticeable in Europe, USA, India and Middle East. The first customers of the joint venture are QUANTRON AG and ETO Motors from Hyderabad, India. Michael Perschke, CEO of Quantron AG: "We are looking forward to this Partnership with GTL in a bid to address the Fleet Management markets which is projected to exceed $70 Billion by 2032, combined with the Hydrogen Economy markets that anticipates over $320 Billion in global investments by 2030. The Indian ecosystem also present a huge opportunity in this area, which would provide us the necessary expertise to make inroads into the global marketplace." Images are available in both high and low resolutions here: Press releases from Quantron AG (https://www.quantron.net/en/q-news/press-releases/) Quantron AG Quantron AG is a platform provider and specialist in sustainable mobility for people and goods; in particular, for trucks, buses and vans with all-electric drive trains and H 2 fuel cell technology. As a high-tech spin-off of the renowned Haller GmbH, the Augsburg/Bavaria-based company combines more than 140 years of commercial vehicle experience with the very latest e-mobility know-how, and positions itself globally as a partner to existing OEMs. With the Quantron-as-a-Service Ecosystem (QaaS), QUANTRON offers an overall concept that includes all facets of the mobility value-added chain: QUANTRON INSIDE includes a wide range of new vehicles as well as conversions for existing and used vehicles from diesel to battery and hydrogen-electric drives with the highly innovative QUANTRON INSIDE technology. With a Europe-wide network of 700 service partners,QUANTRON CUSTOMER SOLUTIONS guarantees digital and physical after-sales solutions along with a range of services for maintenance, repairs and spare parts, telematics and in-cloud solutions for remote diagnosis and fleet management. Customers receive individual advice on, among other things, tailored charging and tank solutions, rental, financing and leasing offers. Training courses and workshops are also offered in the QUANTRON Academy. In future, QUANTRON ENERGY & POWER STATIONS will realise the production of green hydrogen and electricity as a platform. To this end, Quantron AG has teamed up with a number of strong global partners. At the same time, this Clean Transportation Alliance is also an important building block for supplying vehicles with the required green charging and H2 tank infrastructure. QUANTRON stands for the core values RELIABLE, ENERGETIC, BRAVE . The team of experts at the innovation driver for e-mobility is making a significant contribution to sustainable, environmentally friendly passenger and freight transport. Visit Quantron AG on our social media channels on LinkedIn and YouTube . More informationen available at www.quantron.net Goldstone Technologies Limited Goldstone Technologies Limited (GTL) is a specialist Full-Stack Business Intelligence, Data Analytics and IT Services Consulting firm. While we are very good at integrating and consolidating data to produce insights and building/managing/optimising Cloud Infrastructure, applications and platforms, we pride ourselves on how we help our customers use data and technology to make a difference. In addition to the focused Client Solutions we offer, the market specific Industry Solutions and the Software Platforms we recommend, we also offer a host of Strategic Services to drive improved planning, reduced costs and greater adoption and utilisation, enabling clients to greatly reduce their time to value. Our focus is on the value our clients get from our solutions, not just the solutions themselves. Photo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2102971/Indo_German_cooperation_QUANTRON_GTL.jpg Logo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/1867778/Quantron_Logo.jpg SOURCE Quantron AG Capt Cees Van Dooren appointed Global Airlines A380 Project Manager. appointed Global Airlines A380 Project Manager. Van Dooren advising Global on a range of key strategic matters including A380 acquisitions and maintenance planning. LONDON, June 15, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Global Airlines, the world's newest long-haul airline, has announced the appointment of Cees Van Dooren as its A380 Project Manager, to advise on all strategic matters related to the aircraft. Captain Cees was one of the first ever pilots to be employed by Emirates, joining the Dubai based carrier in 1987. He enjoyed 25 years in the flightdeck with the company. Cees Van Dooren As well as having detailed knowledge of the Emirates product and aircraft, Cees's contributions extended beyond his role as a pilot. He also trained and developed many of today's A380 pilots. His extensive knowledge of the aircraft's systems, performance, and operational procedures enabled him to impart valuable insights to aspiring aviators, nurturing their skills and ensuring the highest standards of proficiency. At Global, Cees has been advising CEO James Asquith for the last 18 months and was instrumental in identifying the first aircraft to join the fleet. He will now continue to advise the CEO and the airlines Executive Committee on a range of matters including future aircraft acquisitions, crew recruitment and training facilities, as well as preparing its current fleet for expected operations from Spring 2024. James Asquith, the Founder and CEO of Global Airlines, said, "As we continue to grow our team of aviation experts, we are delighted to welcome Captain Cees van Dooren to the Global Airlines family." "Cees' in-depth knowledge of the industry and the aircraft specifically will be invaluable to me and the wider team, as we not only add to our existing fleet but as we continue to develop our plans to deliver the best product in the sky for our customers." Cees Van Dooren said, "I am honoured to be asked by James and Global Airlines to help redefine the role the A380 can play in the sky." "The airline, like the A380, has a really exciting future and I am confident that when passengers see our plans and our product they will choose Global." Global Airlines plans to use its fleet of owned A380 aircraft to reinvigorate the flying experience, courtesy of the unrivalled spaciousness offered by the super jumbo. The airline is now in advanced discussions to acquire three more A380 aircraft and is expected to announce more hires and a crew recruitment drive in the weeks ahead. Global Airlines is now focused on working closely with the relevant authorities and partners in preparation for inaugural flights in the Spring of 2024. About Global Airlines Global Airlines was launched in 2023 with an aspiration to offer passengers the best way to fly. The airline is a wholly owned subsidiary of Holiday Swap and headquartered in London, United Kingdom. The airline is led by CEO James Asquith and backed by aviation experts and investors around the world. The airline has commenced an aircraft acquisition programme with one A380 secured and more to follow in the summer of 2023. The inaugural transatlantic flights are expected in the Spring of 2024. About Cees Van Dooren Cees van Dooren, an accomplished aviator, began his aviation career in 1966 as an Electronic Aircraft Engineer. He later pursued his passion for flying, working diligently to fund his flight training in New Zealand. Cees held various aviation roles, including Chief Pilot for Lake Eildon Airlines in Australia. He served as an Executive Pilot in London, flying a Piper Navajo, and became a First Officer for Laker Airways, flying BAC 1-11s and Airbus A-300-B4. In 1987, Cees joined Emirates Airlines as a First Officer and made significant contributions during his 25-year tenure. He rose to the positions of Captain and Chief Training Captain Airbus, introducing Low Visibility Procedures CAT 3B, became Head of Standards, test pilot, and introduced the "train the trainer" programme. After his career at Emirates Airlines, he joined Airbus Industries in Seoul, South Korea, training and evaluating Korean Air Pilots in the A380 Simulator for 5 years. Photo: https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2103003/Cees_Van_Dooren.jpg SOURCE Global Airlines $5,000 grants will improve students' ProStart experience with updated curriculum, supplies, and educational opportunities WASHINGTON, June 15, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Forty high schools from 24 states will receive $5,000 grants from the Rachael Ray Foundation to build up their National Restaurant Association Educational Foundation ProStart culinary arts and restaurant management programs. Since creating these awards, the Rachael Ray Foundation has provided 113 high school grants, totaling $950,000. Forty high schools from 24 states receive $5,000 grants from the Rachael Ray Foundation for their culinary arts programs Tweet this Nearly 165,000 high school students at 1,850 schools are currently part of ProStart, which features hands-on and traditional instruction providing students real-life foodservice experience and skills. The ProStart curriculum combines culinary arts and business education with special industry speakers, class mentors, tours of local culinary facilities, and student competitions to help students learn fundamental skills in the restaurant and hospitality industry. The grants from the Rachael Ray Foundation ProStart Grow Grant Program will help educators build the tools to teach their students career-building skills using the ProStart curriculum. The schools can use their Grow Grant funds to make classroom upgrades or purchase new equipment and resources. The NRAEF expects that the grants will benefit more than 3,500 students and 53 educators in the 2023-2024 school year. "The daily investment that ProStart educators make in their classroom as they teach and mentor the next generation of culinary and restaurant management leaders is extraordinary," said Rachael Ray. "We are optimistic that these grants will give teachers some fresh opportunities to capture the imagination of their students and teach them why our industry is a place where they can build a career." This is the fourth round of ProStart Grow Grants awarded by the Rachael Ray Foundation. Past grant recipients have used their funds to purchase needed supplies and new curriculum components, upgrade their class kitchens, and provide students with hands-on educational experiences. "Rachael Ray Foundation ProStart Grow Grants make a huge difference to so many of our ProStart classrooms funding equipment, supplies, and unique experiences to teach students the fundamentals of culinary arts and restaurant management," said Rob Gifford, president of the National Restaurant Association Educational Foundation. "We are grateful for the partnership of the Rachael Ray Foundation in helping ProStart educators provide the best classroom possible for each of their students." Nearly 165,000 high school students at 1,850 schools are currently part of ProStart, which features hands-on and traditional instruction providing students real-life foodservice experience and skills. The ProStart curriculum combines culinary arts and business education with special industry speakers, class mentors, tours of local culinary facilities, and student competitions to help students learn fundamental skills in the restaurant and hospitality industry. ProStart students emerge with training and certifications to join the restaurant and foodservice workforce. The following schools will receive 2023 Rachael Ray Foundation ProStart Grow Grants: Alpharetta High School Alpharetta, Georgia Florence High School Florence, South Dakota Franklin Towne Charter High School Philadelphia, Pennsylvania Fulton Schools College and Career Academy Union City, Georgia Garinger High School Charlotte, North Carolina Hagerty High School Oviedo, Florida John Marshal High School Rochester, Minnesota Lake Forest High School Felton, Delaware Laramie High School Laramie, Wyoming Lincoln High School Lincoln, Rhode Island New Horizons Regional Education Centers Newport News, Virginia NRHEG Public Schools New Richland, Minnesota Ocean Springs High School Ocean Springs, Mississippi Ohio Valley CTC West Union, Ohio Old Colony Regional Vocational Technical High School Rochester, Massachusetts Opelika High School Opelika, Alabama Osseo-Fairchild High School Osseo, Wisconsin Otsego Northern Catskill BOCES Grand George, New York Owatonna High School Owatonna, Minnesota Pepin Academies Tampa, Florida Questar III Robert H. Gibson Technical School Troy, New York Rapid City Central High School Rapid City, South Dakota Raton High School Raton, New Mexico Ridgeview High School Orange Park, Florida Saddle Brook High School Saddle Brook, New Jersey Sherman High School Sherman, Texas Sherman Indian High School Riverside, California Staples-Motley High School Staples, Minnesota Summit High School Frisco, Colorado Treasure Coast High School Port St. Lucie, Florida Tuscaloosa Career & Technology Academy Tuscaloosa, Alabama Vernon High School Vernon, Florida Wakefield High School Raleigh, North Carolina Warren Technical School Chamblee, Georgia Washington Career and Technical Education Center Washington, Louisiana Washington Park High School Racine, Wisconsin Western Technology Center Burns Flat, Oklahoma Wilbur Cross High School New Haven, Connecticut Wisconsin Lutheran High School Milwaukee, Wisconsin Wythe County Technology Center Wytheville, Virginia About the National Restaurant Association Educational Foundation (NRAEF): As the supporting philanthropic foundation of the National Restaurant Association, the NRAEF's charitable mission includes enhancing the industry's training and education, career development, and community engagement efforts. The NRAEF and its programs work to Attract, Empower, and Advance today's and tomorrow's restaurant and foodservice workforce. NRAEF programs include: ProStart a high-school career and technical education program; Restaurant Ready/HOPES Partnering with community based organizations to provide people with skills training and job opportunities; Military helping military servicemen and women transition their skills to restaurant and foodservice careers; Scholarships financial assistance for students pursuing restaurant, foodservice and hospitality degrees; and the Restaurant & Hospitality Leadership Center (RHLC) accredited apprenticeship programs designed to build the careers of service professionals. For more information on the NRAEF, visit ChooseRestaurants.org . Click here for the National Restaurant Association Educational Foundation's 2022 Annual Impact Report. About The Rachael Ray Foundation: The Rachael Ray Foundation (RRF) is a private foundation that is fully funded by the proceeds from the sale of Rachael Ray Nutrish. RRF was launched by Rachael in 2016 to better support the causes she cares for most such as helping animals in need. Additionally, RRF works with organizations that support the mission of Yum-o!, Rachael's 501c3, in order to bolster and amplify their efforts through additional funding. Yum-o! empowers kids and their families to develop healthy relationships with food and cooking. It also teaches families to cook, feeds hungry kids, and funds cooking education, among other initiatives. SOURCE National Restaurant Association Educational Foundation WASHINGTON, June 15, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Four graduating high school seniors have been selected by the Council of the Great City Schools (CGCS) to receive the 2023 CGCS-Bernard Harris Math and Science Scholarship. The students were chosen from several hundred applicants in big-city school districts across the nation for their exceptional academic ability and achievement, leadership qualities, and community involvement. Now in its fifth year, the scholarship was created by former NASA astronaut Dr. Bernard A. Harris, Jr., the first African American to walk in space, to encourage and assist promising students of diverse backgrounds who plan to pursue science, technology, engineering, or math (STEM) studies after high school. The awards were given to two African American and two Hispanic seniors from high schools in three of the 78 urban school districts represented by the Council. "It is an honor for me to invest in the lives of our nation's next generation of STEM leaders through this scholarship," said Harris. "Each of these young men and women have demonstrated intelligence, leadership, and determination, and I look forward to seeing how the next steps in their educational journeys unfold." Each scholar will receive $5,000 for continued education in a STEM-related field. This year's award winners are: Zion Duplechain , who attended Energy Institute High School in Houston, TX , who attended Energy Institute High School in Fabiana Mastantuono , who attended Lake Nona High School in Orlando, FL , who attended Lake Nona High School in Emmanuel Vasquez , who attended Sam Houston Math , Science and Technology Center in Houston, TX , who attended , Science and Technology Center in Reauna Walker, who attended East Technical High School in Cleveland, OH In the fall, Duplechain plans to attend Columbia University to major in electrical engineering. Mastantuono will pursue a degree in biomedical engineering at the University of Florida. Vasquez plans to study electrical engineering at Texas A&M University, and Walker will major in biology at Morgan State University. "One of the most worthy and impactful investments which one can make is in a young person's education, and we greatly appreciate Dr. Harris' generosity," said Council Executive Director Ray Hart. "We also thank the educators in urban school districts who have contributed to the development of these distinguished students, and we wish each of them a bright future." Administration of the scholarship program, including the application process, pre-selection, and presentation of awards, is provided by CGCS. Dr. Harris makes the final selection of recipients. About The Council of the Great City Schools The Council of the Great City Schools is the only national organization exclusively representing the needs of urban public schools. Composed of 78 large city school districts, its mission is to promote the cause of urban schools and to advocate for inner-city students through legislation, research and media relations. The organization also provides a network for school districts sharing common problems to exchange information, and to collectively address new challenges as they emerge to deliver the best possible education for urban youth. www.cgcs.org About The Harris Institute The Harris Institute is a 501 (c) (3), non-profit organization founded by former NASA Astronaut Dr. Bernard A. Harris, Jr., to serve socially and economically disadvantaged communities locally and across the nation striving to reach the most underserved populations in the areas of Education, Health, and Wealth. The institute supports programs that empower individuals, in particular minorities and economically and/ or socially disadvantaged, to recognize their potential and pursue their dreams. The education mission of The Harris Institute is to enable youth to develop and achieve their full potential through the support of social, recreational and educational programs. The Harris Institute believes students can be prepared now for the careers of the future through a structured education program and the use of positive role models. More than 50,000 students have participated and benefited from THI programs. www.theharrisinstitute.org. CONTACT: Tonya Harris [email protected] SOURCE Council of the Great City Schools This photo taken on June 14, 2023 shows a sea of flowers in Miaodou Village of Zhili Town, Huzhou City, east China's Zhejiang Province. Located beside the Taihu Lake, the Zhili Town of Huzhou City has made every effort to promote the construction of a beautiful countryside on the south bank of Taihu Lake after the implementation of Green Rural Revival Program in Zhejiang Province. At present, Zhili Town has achieved full coverage of beautiful countryside construction in 34 administrative villages, creating a beautiful countryside landscape along the south bank of Taihu Lake. (Xinhua/Xu Yu) Tourists take photos beside a sea of flowers in Miaodou Village of Zhili Town, Huzhou City, east China's Zhejiang Province, June 14, 2023. Located beside the Taihu Lake, the Zhili Town of Huzhou City has made every effort to promote the construction of a beautiful countryside on the south bank of Taihu Lake after the implementation of Green Rural Revival Program in Zhejiang Province. At present, Zhili Town has achieved full coverage of beautiful countryside construction in 34 administrative villages, creating a beautiful countryside landscape along the south bank of Taihu Lake. (Xinhua/Xu Yu) This aerial photo taken on June 14, 2023 shows the scenery of Miaodou Village in Zhili Town, Huzhou City, east China's Zhejiang Province. Located beside the Taihu Lake, the Zhili Town of Huzhou City has made every effort to promote the construction of a beautiful countryside on the south bank of Taihu Lake after the implementation of Green Rural Revival Program in Zhejiang Province. At present, Zhili Town has achieved full coverage of beautiful countryside construction in 34 administrative villages, creating a beautiful countryside landscape along the south bank of Taihu Lake. (Xinhua/Xu Yu) This aerial photo taken on June 14, 2023 shows the scenery of Wupu Village in Zhili Town, Huzhou City, east China's Zhejiang Province. Located beside the Taihu Lake, the Zhili Town of Huzhou City has made every effort to promote the construction of a beautiful countryside on the south bank of Taihu Lake after the implementation of Green Rural Revival Program in Zhejiang Province. At present, Zhili Town has achieved full coverage of beautiful countryside construction in 34 administrative villages, creating a beautiful countryside landscape along the south bank of Taihu Lake. (Xinhua/Xu Yu) This aerial photo taken on June 14, 2023 shows the scenery of Yigao Village in Zhili Town, Huzhou City, east China's Zhejiang Province. Located beside the Taihu Lake, the Zhili Town of Huzhou City has made every effort to promote the construction of a beautiful countryside on the south bank of Taihu Lake after the implementation of Green Rural Revival Program in Zhejiang Province. At present, Zhili Town has achieved full coverage of beautiful countryside construction in 34 administrative villages, creating a beautiful countryside landscape along the south bank of Taihu Lake. (Xinhua/Xu Yu) A tourist wearing traditional Chinese costume poses for photos in Yigao Village of Zhili Town, Huzhou City, east China's Zhejiang Province, June 14, 2023. Located beside the Taihu Lake, the Zhili Town of Huzhou City has made every effort to promote the construction of a beautiful countryside on the south bank of Taihu Lake after the implementation of Green Rural Revival Program in Zhejiang Province. At present, Zhili Town has achieved full coverage of beautiful countryside construction in 34 administrative villages, creating a beautiful countryside landscape along the south bank of Taihu Lake. (Xinhua/Xu Yu) Tourists enjoy themselves beside a homestay in Miaodou Village of Zhili Town, Huzhou City, east China's Zhejiang Province, June 14, 2023. Located beside the Taihu Lake, the Zhili Town of Huzhou City has made every effort to promote the construction of a beautiful countryside on the south bank of Taihu Lake after the implementation of Green Rural Revival Program in Zhejiang Province. At present, Zhili Town has achieved full coverage of beautiful countryside construction in 34 administrative villages, creating a beautiful countryside landscape along the south bank of Taihu Lake. (Xinhua/Xu Yu) People rehearse Chinese opera in Yigao Village of Zhili Town, Huzhou City, east China's Zhejiang Province, June 14, 2023. Located beside the Taihu Lake, the Zhili Town of Huzhou City has made every effort to promote the construction of a beautiful countryside on the south bank of Taihu Lake after the implementation of Green Rural Revival Program in Zhejiang Province. At present, Zhili Town has achieved full coverage of beautiful countryside construction in 34 administrative villages, creating a beautiful countryside landscape along the south bank of Taihu Lake. (Xinhua/Xu Yu) Editor: Zhang Zhou VIENNA, Va., June 15, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- FSi Strategies, a leading provider of Managed IT Services and Professional IT Services, is excited to announce that the company has received the Microsoft designation of Solutions Partner for Security. FSi Strategies - About Us Microsoft recognizes Solutions Partners with six different designations: Business Applications; Data and AI (Azure); Digital and App Innovation (Azure); Infrastructure (Azure); Security; and Modern Work. FSi Strategies has already been designated as a Solutions Partner for Modern Work. These designations identify and recognize a Microsoft Partner's technical capabilities and experience in each area. With over two decades of experience in helping clients modernize their technology and managing IT, FSi Strategies is already well-positioned to leverage technology in order to enable their clients to succeed. "This designation is a testament to our company's commitment to not only helping clients leverage technology to succeed in the modern workplace, but doing so securely in a time when organizations are facing new challenges and threats to security," said Redha Morsli, CEO of FSi Strategies. FSi Strategies is thrilled to have earned designations for Modern Work and Security, and the company is actively pursuing other Microsoft designations as well. These designations demonstrate that FSi is among the most qualified and capable companies helping clients operate in the modern workplace. About FSi: FSi Strategies is a customer-centric Microsoft Partner providing Microsoft Managed IT and Professional Services with over 20 years of experience. As Microsoft Cloud experts, we provide strategic enterprise class Modern Workplace IT solutions that engage your employees and accelerate productivity and collaboration while optimizing your environment securely. We engage with your team to modernize your environment and ensure you are strategically leveraging modern work technologies, Microsoft Teams, and Teams Rooms. Learn more at www.fsistrategies.com . SOURCE FSi Strategies Company will train over 100,000 U.S. and allied sailors globally FALLS CHURCH, Va., June 15, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- General Dynamics Information Technology (GDIT), a business unit of General Dynamics (NYSE:GD), announced today that it was awarded a $383 million training support services contract by the Naval Surface Warfare Center Dahlgren Division in Virginia. The contract, awarded on behalf of Surface Combat Systems Training Command (SCSTC), has a one-year base period and four option years. GDIT, a business unit of General Dynamics (NYSE:GD), announced today that it was awarded a $383 million training support services contract by the Naval Surface Warfare Center Dahlgren Division in Virginia. (PRNewsfoto/General Dynamics Information Technology) SCSTC provides the Navy and its allies with highly trained warfighters to maintain, operate, and tactically employ surface combat systems across the spectrum of operations. Over the life of the contract, GDIT will train more than 100,000 U.S. and allied sailors in classroom and simulation settings ashore and aboard Navy warships around the globe. Specifically, the company will provide instructor support, curriculum development, training aids and program management services. "For over 30 years, we have supported a wide range of Navy training activities," said Brian Sheridan, GDIT's senior vice president for Defense. "We are looking forward to continuing to provide the Navy with modern training services to strengthen its overall fleet operations and warfighting readiness." The contract expands the company's training support services portfolio across the Department of Defense. In April, GDIT was awarded a $1.7 billion Flight School Training Support Services contract to support the U.S. Army. The company's experience with delivering modern training environments spans live, virtual and constructive solutions and multi-domain operations training. General Dynamics is a global aerospace and defense company that offers a broad portfolio of products and services in business aviation; ship construction and repair; land combat vehicles, weapons systems and munitions; and technology products and services. General Dynamics employs more than 100,000 people worldwide and generated $39.4 billion in revenue in 2022. More information about General Dynamics Information Technology is available at www.gdit.com. More information about General Dynamics is available at www.gd.com. SOURCE General Dynamics Information Technology BERLIN, June 15, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- (GTAI) - Europe's largest economy is backing the initiative to optimize conditions for fledgling companies throughout the European Union and Iceland. Germany's startups commissioner, Anna Christmann, has announced that Germany is becoming a member of the Europe Startup Nation Alliance (ESNA). She made her statement today at the Viva Technology Conference in Paris, France. The German Ministry for Economic Affairs and Climate Action has charged the international economic promotion agency Germany Trade & Invest (GTAI) with representing the country in the new body. "We're enormous happy to be taking on this new responsibility," says GTAI CEO Robert Hermann. "Germany perennially ranks among the best startup environments in the world and is at the top of the Eurozone. Berlin and Munich, in particular, are known around the globe as premium locations for innovative young firms. But one of our national strengths remains our central position within the EU. We look forward to working with all our friends and partners for the mutual benefit of startups throughout the bloc." ESNA, which was two years in the making, establishes common standards for startups on everything from market entry to access to stock options and financing to establishing digital-first interactions with authorities. "The German government is very serious about making Germany an even more attractive location for startups," says GTAI Director of Trend- & Innovation Scouting Philipp Kovener. "By becoming a member of ESNA, GTAI continues to strengthen Germanys role within the European startup ecosystem and also contributes to integrate the European startup ecosystem even further." Germany Trade & Invest (GTAI) is the German government's international business promotion agency. It helps international companies establish subsidiaries in Germany and German companies do business abroad. It also generally promotes Germany as a business location. Contact: Jefferson Chase Senior Press Manager Germany Trade & Invest Friedrichstrasse 60 10117 Berlin. [email protected] +49 1796873724 For any questions regarding ESNA, please contact Philipp Kovener ([email protected]). SOURCE Germany Trade & Invest DUBLIN, June 15, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- The "Aviation Crew Management Market Share, Size, Trends, Industry Analysis Report, By Solution, By Application, By Region, Segment Forecast, 2023-2032" report has been added to ResearchAndMarkets.com's offering. The global aviation crew management market size is expected to reach USD 3.98 billion by 2032 The rising adoption of advanced technology such as AI in crew management solutions is boosting the growth of the market over the forecast period. Artificial intelligence technology is used in aviation ground operations including real-time assistance programs and air traffic control. Artificial intelligence (AI) is assisting in the advancement of predictive maintenance and air-controlling traffic operations in the aviation sector. Automated baggage check-in, face recognition, customer support, and aircraft fuel efficiency are just a few of the systems and services that are integrated using artificial intelligence in the airline industry. These AI-based functions are utilized in the aviation sector to lessen the labor-intensive nature of employee tasks and guarantee the efficient execution of specific processes. Automation has enhanced customer satisfaction and allowed for more efficient management of general systems which has boosted the demand for aviation crew management. Furthermore, the increasing adoption of handheld devices such as computers, tablets, and cellphones for aviation crew management is the major factor supporting the market to grow rapidly. This growth can be attributed to the usage of tablets by cabin crew to undertake routine jobs like meal distribution and efficient passenger management without the need for laborious and time-consuming document procedures. Also, computer-compatible aviation crew management systems capabilities include crew scheduling, real-time crew tracking, and substantial data storage. Additionally, the system is cost-effective because it can be implemented on existing machines. Therefore, the demand for crew management in aviation is rising as well as advanced technology is supporting the growth of the market. Additionally, mobile crew programs that provide advantages such as two-way communication, ease, and geolocation services are supported by smartphones. For instance, in October 2022, AIEGS AI Private Limited announced the release of its brand-new smartphone application AIEGS for cabin crew. It is designed to put cutting-edge privacy technology at smartphone users' fingers. The "Artificial Intelligence E-Privacy Genius System," also known as AIEGS, is making electronic privacy the new norm. Also, in February 2022, Honeywell released an app for the pilots to increase crew connection and enhance fuel efficiency. Insights and suggestions regarding flight efficiency will be made possible with its proprietary "Honeywell Forge Pilot Connect app" & "Honeywell Forge Flight Efficiency". Thus, the rising automation such as the adoption of AI and cloud-based technology as well as the development of mobile applications for aviation crew management are driving the growth of the market. Aviation Crew Management Market Report Highlights The services segment is anticipated to grow at a higher CAGR over the forecast period. The growing number of local and regional airport service providers in an established and emerging region is credited with this rise. The planning segment accounted for majority of the global revenue share due to rising air traffic and a commitment to ensuring constant operation flow Asia-Pacific is expected to grow higher CAGR over the projected timeframe. The region's increasing air passenger volume as well as the expanding use of crew management systems by smaller are anticipated to fuel market expansion. is expected to grow higher CAGR over the projected timeframe. The region's increasing air passenger volume as well as the expanding use of crew management systems by smaller are anticipated to fuel market expansion. The global players include ARCOS, AIMS, Advanced Optimization, CAE Inc., Lufthansa Systems, LAMINAAR Aviation InfoTech., Maureva Ltd., Sheorey Digital Systems, & United Technologies Corporation Aviation Crew Management Market Dynamics Drivers and Opportunities Increase in air travel and growing airline fleets Increased demand for flight safety Restraints and Challenges Limited Investment Porter's Five Forces Analysis PESTLE Analysis Aviation Crew Management Industry trends Value Chain Analysis COVID-19 Impact Analysis Company Profiles ARCOS LLC AIMS Inc. Advanced Optimization System Inc. CAE Inc. Hexaware Technologies Limited Intelisys Aviation Systems Inc. IBS Software Services Pvt. Ltd. Jepessen Inc. Lufthansa Systems GmbH & Co. KG LAMINAAR Aviation InfoTech Pte. Ltd. Maureva Ltd. NAVBLUE OSM Aviation Group PDC A/S Sabre GLBL Inc. Sheorey Digital Systems Pvt. Ltd. S.A. Blue One Management N.V. United Technologies Corporation Aviation Crew Management market report based on solution, application, and region: Aviation Crew Management, Solution Outlook (Revenue - USD Billion, 2019 - 2032) Hardware Software On-Cloud Server Based Services Aviation Crew Management, Application Outlook (Revenue - USD Billion, 2019 - 2032) Planning Training Tracking Crew Operation Others Aviation Crew Management, Regional Outlook (Revenue - USD Billion, 2019 - 2032) North America U.S. Canada Europe Germany UK France Italy Spain Russia Netherlands Asia Pacific China India Japan South Korea Indonesia Malaysia Latin America Argentina Brazil Mexico Middle East & Africa & UAE Saudi Arabia Israel South Africa For more information about this report visit https://www.researchandmarkets.com/r/9l2map 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 A BCG Survey of More Than 200 CMOs Reveals That CMOs Around the World Are Optimistic About Generative AI's Ability to Enhance Productivity and Create Competitive Advantage 70% of Respondents Said That Their Organizations Are Using GenAI Half of Respondents See GenAI as a Tool for Launching New Products and Business Models BOSTON, June 15, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- "CMOs are redefining the baselines for speed, efficiency, customization, and quality for a wide range of marketing tasks with generative AI, and they see opportunities for it to future-proof their business," said Jessica Apotheker, Boston Consulting Group (BCG) global CMO. A new BCG report has found that most CMOs are already seeing positive results, with 93% reporting positive or very positive improvements in how they organize their work and 91% reporting a positive or very positive impact on their efficiency. The report, titled How CMOs Are Succeeding with Generative AI, is based on a cross-sector survey, conducted in 2023, of more than 200 CMOs across Asia, Europe, and North America. "The last big disruption to marketing was the transition to digital consumer journeys in the early 2000s. Today, however, the disruptive power of generative AI is changing the role of marketers and marketing itself," said Apotheker, a report coauthor. BCG research indicates that CMOs are overwhelmingly optimistic and confident about the power of generative AI (GenAI) to enhance productivity and create competitive advantage. When asked to select the words that best describe their feelings about GenAI, CMOs chose optimism (74%), confidence (71%), and curiosity (63%). Just 35% selected the word worry, and 11% selected anxiety. Some 70% of respondents said their organizations already implement GenAI to address a wide range of marketing challenges, and another 19% said that their organizations are testing it. The greatest focus area is personalization, with roughly two-thirds (67%) pursuing efforts there, followed by insight generation (51%) and content creation (49%). The CMOs expressed overwhelming confidence that GenAI can make a wide range of operational tasks faster, less risky, and more efficient. It can also reduce the time employees spend on tedious tasks, freeing them to spend more time on value-added work. Most of the CMOs surveyed feel that Gen AI will future-proof their business, with 84% reporting that they plan to launch new products and business modes enabled by GenAI technology. Half of the CMOs see GenAI as a tool that will enable them to accomplish both simultaneously. Most CMOs surveyed (81%) believe that regulation of generative AI is necessary, and 77% believe that their company will be subject to regulations within the next two years. A vast majority of CMOs(94%) report that their organizations have implemented responsible AI programs to mitigate the numerous risks of unmanaged AI, including proprietary data leaks, copyright infringement, biased outputs, sophisticated fraud, and shadow AI, a situation that arises when people use external tools without proper guidance and supervision. The speed at which companies derive benefits from GenAI tools can quickly create haves and have-nots in an industry, meaning that inaction is not an option. The report outlines four recommendations for CMOs to gain a competitive edge: Start experimenting. Senior leaders must experience the potential of this technology firsthand by diving in and exploring its capabilities. CMOs should also encourage their teams to identify valuable applications, experiment with models, and start building transformative use cases. Senior leaders must experience the potential of this technology firsthand by diving in and exploring its capabilities. CMOs should also encourage their teams to identify valuable applications, experiment with models, and start building transformative use cases. Seek game-changing outcomes. CMOs should identify and prioritize use cases and become a source of competitive advantage through GenAI. CMOs should identify and prioritize use cases and become a source of competitive advantage through GenAI. Establish an enterprise-wide model. They should create an architecture and a working model that consider employees' personal identity. They should create an architecture and a working model that consider employees' personal identity. Implement responsible AI guidelines. An organization's responsible AI programs should focus in part on navigating significant ethical, legal, and technological aspects of GenAI. "It is now a given that GenAI will drive disruption and innovation for CMOs. We have entered a generational change in marketing," said Nicolas De Bellefonds, global leader of AI and Software at BCG X, BCG's tech build and design unit, and a coauthor of the research. "Agility, innovation, and responsibility will set apart the CMOs who embrace GenAI successfullyand they will gain significant competitive advantage over those who don't." Download the publication here: https://www.bcg.com/publications/2023/generative-ai-in-marketing Media Contact: Eric Gregoire +1 617 850 3783 [email protected] About Boston Consulting Group Boston Consulting Group partners with leaders in business and society to tackle their most important challenges and capture their greatest opportunities. BCG was the pioneer in business strategy when it was founded in 1963. Today, we work closely with clients to embrace a transformational approach aimed at benefiting all stakeholdersempowering organizations to grow, build sustainable competitive advantage, and drive positive societal impact. Our diverse, global teams bring deep industry and functional expertise and a range of perspectives that question the status quo and spark change. BCG delivers solutions through leading-edge management consulting, technology and design, and corporate and digital ventures. We work in a uniquely collaborative model across the firm and throughout all levels of the client organization, fueled by the goal of helping our clients thrive and enabling them to make the world a better place. SOURCE Boston Consulting Group (BCG) DUBLIN, June 14, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- The "Security Inks Market Type - Global Forecast to 2027" report has been added to ResearchAndMarkets.com's offering. The security inks market is projected to grow from USD 3.2 billion in 2022 to USD 3.9 billion by 2027, at a CAGR of 4.1% between 2022 and 2027. The security ink market is witnessing growth due to the high circulation of currency and the need for anti-counterfeit technologies. There has been an increase in the circulation of fake notes, visas, and passports in recent years. Offset is estimated to be the largest printing method segment of the security inks market. The offset printing method segment, also called as offset lithographic printing is estimated to have the largest share of the security inks market and is expected to expand its market share during the forecast period, in terms of value. Offset printing is the most popular and widely used printing method with high and consistent image quality. Offset printing finds its applications in government document printing, cheques, brand protection, asset management, and the generation of tickets and event pass. Asia Pacific is forecasted to be the fastest-growing security ink market during the forecast period. Asia Pacific region is estimated to witness remarkable growth due to the extensive implementation of advanced security printing technology in countries such as China, India, and Japan. Also, governments of Asia Pacific countries are taking measures to prevent the misuse of fake currency, terror funding, and counterfeit passports. The demand is attributed to the rise in business, import-export, and new industry setups. Security labels is the fastest-growing end-use application in the security inks market. Market Dynamics Drivers Need for Security Inks for Consumer Safety Increasing Occurrences of Forgery and Counterfeiting Practices Growth in Banking & Financial Sector Restraints Growth in Digitization Opportunities Rise in Number of Identity Thefts Challenges Stringent Environmental Regulations in North American and European Countries Companies Mentioned Chroma Inks Usa Chromatic Technologies Inc. Dainichiseika Color & Chemicals Mfg. Co. Ltd. Dic Corporation (Sun Chemical) Flint Group Fujifilm Holdings America Corporation Gans Ink & Supply & Supply Gleitsmann Security Inks GmbH Ink Tec Inc. Kao Chimigraf Si. Kao Collins Corporation Marabu GmbH & Co. KG Petrel Shriram Veritech Solutions Pvt. Ltd. Sicpa Holding SA Siegwerk Druckfarben AG & Co. KGaA T&K Toka Corporation Toyo Ink Sc Holdings Co. Ltd. Wikoff Color Corporation Yip's Chemical Holdings Limited For more information about this report visit https://www.researchandmarkets.com/r/uoca99 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: 646-607-1904 Fax (outside U.S.): +353-1-481-1716 Logo: https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/539438/Research_and_Markets_Logo.jpg SOURCE Research and Markets NEW YORK, June 15, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Sixty years after its original debut on broadcast TV, the groundbreaking wildlife show Mutual of Omaha's Wild Kingdom will return to NBC this fall with an original new series produced by Hearst Media Production Group (HMPG) in an exclusive partnership with Mutual of Omaha. Wildlife ecologist Dr. Rae Wynn-Grant joins Peter Gros on "Mutual of Omahas Wild Kingdom Protecting The Wild," an original new series produced by Hearst Media Production Group, in an exclusive partnership with Mutual of Omaha, coming to NBC this fall. Peter Gros hosts "Mutual of Omahas Wild Kingdom Protecting The Wild," an original new series produced by Hearst Media Production Group, in an exclusive partnership with Mutual of Omaha, coming to NBC this fall. Mutual of Omaha's Wild Kingdom Protecting the Wild premieres Saturday, October 7 on NBC's "The More You Know" programming block, marking an historic return of Wild Kingdom to the network after more than 30 years. The educational/informational series will also be available on NBC.com and NBC VOD. "This is a well-known, enduring franchise that's literally part of television history," said Frank Biancuzzo, HMPG president. "Together with Mutual of Omaha and NBC, we're looking forward to creating new and memorable wildlife adventures." Mutual of Omaha's Wild Kingdom Protecting The Wild will be hosted by veteran wildlife expert and former host of the original Wild Kingdom series, Peter Gros, who has more than 30 years of field experience with wildlife and endangered species. Gros first appeared on Wild Kingdom in 1985 as co-host with Jim Fowler, who succeeded legendary zoologist and show founder Marlin Perkins. He'll be joined by wildlife ecologist Dr. Rae Wynn-Grant, a National Geographic Explorer and research faculty member at the University of California Santa Barbara. "With its premiere in 1963, Wild Kingdom pioneered the nature adventure genre, setting the standard for today's wildlife programming," said Jennifer Wulf, vice president, brand marketing for Mutual of Omaha. "Through our partnership with HMPG, we are excited to remain at the forefront of compelling wildlife conservation efforts and success stories." HMPG is a leader in the wildlife programming genre, including Wildlife Nation, hosted by Jeff Corwin; Earth Odyssey, hosted by Dylan Dreyer; Wild Child, hosted by Sheinelle Jones; and Oh Baby!, hosted by Janai Norman. HMPG's growing library of digital offerings includes The Jack Hanna Channel on leading streaming platforms. Overall, HMPG's current program portfolio comprises more than 30 original series and hundreds of hours of original content annually on leading broadcast networks and station groups and on connected TV and streaming platforms. It has a library of more than 4,000 hours of programming and its content can be found in 97 countries. HMPG was recently honored with 86 national Telly Awards and named Telly "Company of the Year," recognized as a standout for equity and inclusion programming. About Mutual of Omaha's Wild Kingdom Since its network television premiere in 1963, Mutual of Omaha's Wild Kingdom has been one of the most loved and respected wildlife programs in television history. Mutual of Omaha's Wild Kingdom Protecting the Wild will celebrate stories of conservation success, including the great work of caring, compassionate experts and how they are making a positive impact on the Wild Kingdom. For more information about Mutual of Omaha's Wild Kingdom, visit WildKingdom.com. About Mutual of Omaha Founded in 1909, Mutual of Omaha is a highly rated, Fortune 500 organization offering a variety of insurance and financial products for individuals, businesses and groups throughout the United States. As a mutual company, Mutual of Omaha is owned by its policyholders and committed to providing outstanding service to its customers. For more information about Mutual of Omaha, visit www.mutualofomaha.com. About Hearst Media Production Group Hearst Media Production Group (HMPG), a business unit of Hearst Television, is an independent producer and distributor of original programming for TV stations, broadcast and cable networks and streaming services. HMPG produces hundreds of hours of programming annually across linear, streaming, digital and social media platforms for domestic and international distribution in nearly 100 countries. Its popular shows include the Emmy Award-winning educational/informational (E/I) programming blocks airing weekends nationwide including "Weekend Adventure," on ABC stations; "CBS Dream Team," on the CBS Network; "The More You Know," on the NBC Network; "One Magnificent Morning," on The CW Network; "Mi Telemundo" on the Telemundo Network and "Go Time" on independent stations. HMPG also produces and/or distributes a diverse slate of other programming and content including Matter of Fact with Soledad O'Brien, America's #1 nationally syndicated public affairs news magazine; Consumer Reports TV, and the company's dedicated FAST channels Xplore, The Jack Hanna Channel and Rovr Pets, available on some of the most popular smart TVs and streaming platforms. HMPG has offices in New York, Los Angeles, Washington, D.C. and Charlotte. HMPG is represented by United Talent Agency. SOURCE Hearst Media Production Group RICHMOND, Va., June 15, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- The Hilb Group today announced that it has appointed Aida Sukys as Chief Financial Officer. In this position, Sukys will serve on the senior executive team and lead the financial initiatives of the company. Reporting directly to Hilb Group Chief Executive Officer Ricky Spiro, Sukys will play a key role, with oversight for the Finance and Accounting functions, including leading the strategy and implementation for investment, budget, financial regulatory, and related activities. Aida Sukys, Chief Financial Officer, Hilb Group "I am excited to join a company with such a strong record of growth, as well as the potential for even greater successes ahead," Sukys said. "I look forward not only to building on the business and operational results, but also to continuing the culture of innovation for the future." "Aida represents a terrific addition to our senior leadership team," stated Spiro. "Her deep industry knowledge and insight will be invaluable to our financial operations as well as our overall vision, as we continue our strategic focus on sustainable growth, maximum value, and optimal service and offerings for those who depend upon us." "We are pleased to welcome Aida to Hilb Group," Chief Operating Officer Jason Angus said. "Her experience in the financial arena and her entrepreneurial background will be critical as we continue to drive growth and innovation." Prior to joining Hilb Group, Sukys spent more than 25 years in senior financial roles with Willis Towers Watson as Global Head of Financial Operations and Chief Financial Officer of Corporate Risk and Broking, as well as Chief Financial Officer of the North America Region. Most recently, she served as Chief Financial Officer of Washington, D.C.-based Interos, an Artificial Intelligence technology company focused on supply chain solutions. She earned her bachelor's degree in Finance from Northeastern University and her Master of Business Administration from George Washington University. About Hilb Group: The Hilb Group is a leading property and casualty and employee benefits insurance brokerage and advisory firm headquartered in Richmond, Virginia. Hilb Group is a portfolio company of The Carlyle Group, a global investment firm. Hilb Group seeks to grow through strategic acquisitions and by leveraging its resources and expertise to drive organic growth in its acquired agencies. The company has completed more than 150 acquisitions with over 125 offices in 27 states. Hilb Group is rated as one of the Fastest Growing Brokers by Business Insurance, a Top P/C Agency by Insurance Journal, and one of America's Fastest Growing Private Companies in the Inc. 5000. For more information on Hilb Group's growth as well as career opportunities, please visit our website at http://hilbgroup.com. Media Contact: Peter Lobred 804.548.4629 [email protected] SOURCE The Hilb Group, LLC 100-acre site on Holcim's Alpena property will be company's largest solar array in the Midwest property will be company's largest solar array in the Midwest Large-scale renewable energy solution and other green energy initiatives will self-generate 75 percent of the Alpena plant's electric power needs CHICAGO, June 15, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Holcim US today announced a milestone clean energy investment in northeast Michigan with a new partnership to bring the company's largest solar project in the Midwest to its cement plant in Alpena. When combined with existing renewable energy efforts, the solar initiative will help the plant self-generate 75 percent of its electric power needs with green energyan important step toward fulfilling Holcim's pledge to power all of its US operations with 100 percent renewable energy by 2030. "The solar project on 100 acres of Holcim's Alpena property is another powerful example of the investment we are willing to make to address sustainability with urgency," said Atl Martinez, Vice President, Procurement at Holcim. "With new initiatives launching across the US, Holcim's momentum to transform our operations, lower our carbon footprint and reach net-zero has never been greater." The announcement follows the recent opening of an innovative tire-derived fuel (TDF) facility at the Alpena plant. Holcim launched the $7.4 million initiative to safely and cleanly convert 22,000 tons of tires per year into energy to help fuel the plant. Built with support from the State of Michigan, the facility will allow the plant to sustainably reduce its reliance on fossil fuels and other natural resources, while diverting tires from landfills and streams. On the horizon, the plant is planning upgrades to its dock used to barge materials on the Great Lakes. Funded in part through the U.S. Department of Transportation's Maritime Administration's Small Shipyard Grant Program with the City of Alpena, the dock improvements will accommodate larger vessels, which will lead to fewer trips to transport goods and a reduction in CO 2 emissions from Lakes transportation. "As Holcim is showing in Alpena, the path to net-zero carbon emissions requires a blend of proactive solutions," said Michael Nixon, Senior Vice President, Manufacturing at Chicago-based Holcim US. "Whether it's using alternative fuels or implementing renewable energy from solar power, we are committed to reducing our reliance on fossil fuelsa goal that will benefit the environment as a whole and the Alpena community we have called home for more than 115 years." The solar project's 25 MW solar array will be optimized for maximum energy yield with fixed-tilt high-performance bifacial solar panels that generate power on both the front and back sides. NorthStar Clean Energy will implement the solar solution, which is anticipated to reduce the plant's CO 2 emissions by approximately 25,000 tons annually and produce over 30 percent of its current energy demand. Holcim is expected to receive approximately 35,000 MWh of clean power from the project per year under a Solar Equipment Service Contract with a minimum term of 20 years. "We're proud to tap into the power of solar to help drive Holcim US' 100 percent renewable energy goal," said Brian Hartmann, President of NorthStar Clean Energy. "Holcim US joins a growing roster of sustainability leaders who've chosen NorthStar Clean Energy to decarbonize their operations and help power the nation's clean energy transformation." Construction of the renewable energy system will begin this year. Commercial operations are expected to begin in December 2024. Renewable energy plays a key role in Holcim's efforts to reduce carbon emissions. In late 2022, Holcim entered into its first virtual power purchase agreement (VPPA) with the Electric Reliability Council of Texas (ERCOT). Holcim has also expanded its renewable portfolio to include a co-located 33 MW solar array with a 40 MWh battery storage system in Colorado, 4.5 MW of wind generation from three wind turbines in Ohio, as well as an additional 20 MW from in Maryland and Arkansas. Last week, the company announced its participation in the New York Value of Distributed Energy Resources (VDER) program . About Holcim US Holcim is a global leader in innovative and sustainable building solutions. Driven by its purpose to build progress for people and the planet, its 60,000 employees are on a mission to decarbonize building, while improving living standards for all. The company empowers its customers across all regions to build better with less, with its broad range of low-carbon and circular solutions, from ECOPact to ECOPlanet . With its innovative systems, from Elevate's roofing to PRB's insulation, Holcim makes buildings more sustainable in use, driving energy efficiency and green retrofitting. With sustainability at the core of its strategy, Holcim is becoming a net-zero company with 1.5C targets validated by SBTi. In the United States, Holcim US includes nearly 350 sites in 43 states and employs 7,000 people. Our customers rely on us to help them design and build better communities with innovative solutions that deliver structural integrity and eco-efficiency. To learn more, visit holcim.us . Contact Lynn Safranek Holcim [email protected] Jaylon Brinkley Pierpont Communications [email protected] SOURCE Holcim BEIJING, June 14 (Xinhua) -- The Forum on Global Human Rights Governance, themed "Equality, Cooperation and Development: The 30th Anniversary of the Vienna Declaration and Programme of Action and Global Human Rights Governance," opened in Beijing Wednesday. Jointly hosted by the Information Office of the State Council, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, and the China International Development Cooperation Agency, the forum attracted over 300 participants from nearly 100 countries and international organizations, including United Nations (UN) agencies. In a congratulatory letter to the forum, Chinese President Xi Jinping said that China stands for safeguarding human rights with security, advocates for promoting human rights with development, and stands for advancing human rights with cooperation in the spirit of mutual respect and equality. Xi's letter was read out at the forum's opening ceremony by Li Shulei, a member of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee and head of the Publicity Department of the CPC Central Committee. Li himself delivered a keynote speech. Addressing the opening ceremony of the forum, Fu Hua, president of Xinhua News Agency, noted that human rights are an achievement of humanity and a symbol of progress. Respect for and protection of human rights is a basic principle of modern civilization, and the unwavering goal of the CPC. HIGHLIGHTING INTERNATIONAL COOPERATION This photo taken on June 14, 2023 shows the opening ceremony of the Forum on Global Human Rights Governance in Beijing, capital of China. The Forum on Global Human Rights Governance opened in Beijing on Wednesday. (Xinhua/Li Xin) In his congratulatory letter, Xi said that China is ready to work with the rest of the world to act on the principles enshrined in the Vienna Declaration and Programme of Action, push for greater fairness, justice, reason, and inclusiveness in global human rights governance, and promote the development of a human community with a shared future. The advancement of global human rights causes can only be realized with the combined efforts of all members of the international society. Many participants have emphasized this point when sharing opinions at the forum. "We should spare no effort to ensure that the people of the world are the main actor, promoter, and beneficiary of the cause of human rights," said Saint Cyr Mazangue, commissioner for international cooperation from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Central African Republic. He added that major countries must take responsibility in this regard. In terms of international human rights cooperation, many participants underlined the role of the UN and its principles regarding human rights. Liu Xinsheng, a human rights expert with the UN Human Rights Council Advisory Committee, said in his speech that abiding by the purposes and principles of the UN Charter is of paramount importance in global human rights management. He added that developing countries should be given more support to be involved in global governance and explore paths to promote democracy and the rule of law to advance the healthy development of global human rights governance. ACKNOWLEDGING CHINA'S OUTLOOK Participants communicate with each other during the Forum on Global Human Rights Governance in Beijing, capital of China, June 14, 2023. The Forum on Global Human Rights Governance opened in Beijing on Wednesday. (Xinhua/Li Xin) At the forum, many experts acknowledged China's outlook on respecting and protecting human rights, noting it can provide new insight into the solution to global human rights challenges. Robert Lawrence Kuhn, chairman of the Kuhn Foundation, noted in his speech that China's outlook on human rights is manifested in the manner Chinese people participate in national governance, particularly the whole-process people's democracy. The CPC's call is to expand the orderly political participation of the people, to strengthen the protection of human rights and the rule of law, and to ensure that the people enjoy extensive rights and freedoms in accordance with the law, said Kuhn, adding that enhancing whole-process people's democracy enhances human rights. In addition, participants also discussed China's view on human rights reflected in its diplomacy, particularly in the Global Development Initiative (GDI) and the Global Security Initiative (GSI). In his speech, renowned Zambian scholar Fredrick Mutesa discussed the relationship between the GDI and the rights to development. He hailed the implementation of the GDI as another vivid example of China's endeavor to promote the development of a human community with a shared future. Speaking of the GSI, Crispin Kaheru, Commissioner of the Uganda Human Rights Commission, said it seeks to promote dialogue over confrontation and partnerships over alliances, but, more importantly, it seeks to encourage win-win situations over zero-sum game settlements. "China is not only proposing the way but also sharing its experiences," he added. HUMAN RIGHTS IN DIGITAL AGE Participants listen to a speech during the Forum on Global Human Rights Governance in Beijing, capital of China, June 14, 2023. The Forum on Global Human Rights Governance opened in Beijing on Wednesday. (Xinhua/Li Xin) At the forum, participants also paid attention to the new opportunities and challenges brought by rapidly developing digital technology to global human rights governance. Shi Anbin, professor of the School of Journalism and Communication of Tsinghua University, noted in the critical period of digital governance, countries in the Global South should continue the South-South cooperation, deepen international technological exchanges and cooperation, and stimulate internal innovations. Besides posing challenges, digital technology also empowered countries to advance human rights in many aspects. Maria Francesca Staiano, a coordinator with the China Research Center of the School of Law and Social Sciences of Argentina's La Plata National University, introduced in her speech how Argentina utilized digital technology to improve education for the people and alleviate poverty. She expressed hope that China will engage in increasing cooperation with countries in Latin America and the Caribbean in fields including digital technology to make new contributions to the UN Sustainable Development Goal. Editor: Zhang Zhou Home Care Services Funding For Holocaust Survivors Will Increase An Additional $105.2 Million For A Total Of $888.9 Million; Outcomes For These Negotiations Also Include Expanded One-Time Payments Per Year Through 2027, Impacting More Than 128,000 Holocaust Survivors Worldwide. NEW YORK, June 15, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Today, the Conference on Jewish Material Claims Against Germany (Claims Conference), announced the outcomes of their negotiations with the German Federal Ministry of Finance on behalf of Holocaust survivors living globally resulting in approximately $1.4 billion in direct compensation and social welfare services for survivors. Outcomes of these negotiations, include nearly $105.2 million in additional funding for home care programs to address survivors' increased needs. Additionally, a one-time payment per year to recipients of the Hardship Fund will continue to be paid until 2027. This is impacting more than 128,000 Holocaust survivors globally. Greg Schneider, Executive Vice President of the Claims Conference said, "Every year these negotiations become more and more critical as this last generation of Holocaust survivors age and their needs increase. Being able to ensure direct payments to survivors in addition to the expansions to the social welfare services we are able to fund is essential in making sure every Holocaust survivor is taken care of for as long as it is required, addressing each individual need." The continuation of the additional one-time payment to Hardship Fund recipients carries tremendous historical relevance. Originally established to be a one-time payment, negotiations during the COVID-19 lockdowns resulted in three supplemental payments for eligible Holocaust survivors. This year, Germany again has agreed to continue this payment, which was set to end in December 2023, through 2027. The survivors receiving these payments largely include Jews from the former Soviet Union who were not in camps or ghettos and are not eligible for pension programs. These survivors fled the EinsatzgruppenNazi mobile killing units charged with murdering entire Jewish communities. More than 1 million Jews were killed by these units, which operated largely by shooting hundreds and thousands of Jews at a time and burying them in mass pits. For those who were able to flee and survive, they are some of the poorest in the survivor community; the loss of time, family, property and life cannot be made whole. By expanding payments to these survivors, the German government is acknowledging that this suffering is still being felt deeply, both emotionally and financially. While symbolic, these payments provide financial relief for many aging Jewish Holocaust survivors living around the world. Ambassador Stuart Eizenstat, Special Negotiator for the Claims Conference Negotiations Delegation said, "I am inspired that, as shown by the extraordinary results we have achieved this year, so many decades after the end of World War II, far from waning, the German government and its people continue to feel a deep responsibility to provide additional care to Holocaust survivors. It has been nearly 80 years since the liberation of Auschwitz and the need to negotiate for survivor care and compensation is more urgent than ever. Every negotiation is a near-last opportunity to ensure survivors of the Holocaust are receiving some measure of justice and a chance at the dignity that was taken from them in their youth. It will never be enough until the last survivor has taken their last breath." Home care services are provided through the Claims Conference's network of more than 300 social welfare agency partners across 83 countries. In addition to delivering in-home services, social welfare agencies engage directly with Holocaust survivors, ensuring their individual needs are met from food packages to medical needs to transportation to appointments and socialization. These are all critically important to this last generation of Holocaust survivors who are finding their needs more costly in their waning years. Holocaust education funding also saw growth in this year's negotiations. As this last generation of Holocaust survivors wane, the testimony and lessons they have to share must be remembered. It is essential that survivors know their legacy will be carried forward by the generations that come behind them. To this end, the German government and Claims Conference have been in long-term discussions to ensure that the lessons of the Holocaust will not be lost as we transition from first-hand memories and lived experiences into history. Recent global Holocaust Knowledge and Awareness Surveys indicate that knowledge of the Holocaust is fading. While surveys in the U.S., Canada, Austria, France, the U.K. and The Netherlands show a decline in knowledge of key facts about the Holocaust across all populations, they also indicate a strong desire to keep Holocaust education in schools so that something like the Holocaust does not happen again. One of the goals from the ongoing negotiations with the German government is to improve funding for education programs that will ensure future generations have access to cutting-edge, innovative Holocaust education programs. Specific outcomes from these negotiations include: Home Care Services: In 2024, $888.9 million will be provided for home care services, including an additional $105.2 million in funding to address survivors' increased needs. In 2024, million will be provided for home care services, including an additional in funding to address survivors' increased needs. Hardship Fund : More than 128,000 Holocaust survivors will receive a one-time payment under the Hardship Fund, which has been negotiated for 2024 through 2027. The amount for each of the additional years was set at 1,250 per person for 2024, 1,300 for 2025, 1,350 for 2026 and 1,400 for 2027. : More than 128,000 Holocaust survivors will receive a one-time payment under the Hardship Fund, which has been negotiated for 2024 through 2027. The amount for each of the additional years was set at 1,250 per person for 2024, 1,300 for 2025, 1,350 for 2026 and 1,400 for 2027. Holocaust Education: Funding for Holocaust education has been extended for two more years and increased each year by 3 million. The newly negotiated funding amounts are 38 million for 2026 and 41 million for 2027. Funding for Holocaust education has been extended for two more years and increased each year by 3 million. The newly negotiated funding amounts are 38 million for 2026 and 41 million for 2027. Total compensation: The total amount of direct compensation for survivors, including one-time payments and monthly pensions, is projected to be $535 million for 2024. About the Claims Conference: The Conference on Jewish Material Claims Against Germany (Claims Conference), a nonprofit organization with offices in New York, Israel and Germany, secures material compensation for Holocaust survivors around the world. Founded in 1951 by representatives of 23 major international Jewish organizations, the Claims Conference negotiates for and disburses funds to individuals and organizations and seeks the return of Jewish property stolen during the Holocaust. As a result of negotiations with the Claims Conference since 1952, the German government has paid more than $90 billion in indemnification to individuals for suffering and losses resulting from persecution by the Nazis. In 2023, the Claims Conference will distribute approximately $562 million in compensation to over 200,000 survivors in 83 countries and allocate over $750 million in grants to over 300 social service agencies worldwide that provide vital services for Holocaust survivors, such as home care, food and medicine. For more information, please visit: www.claimscon.org SOURCE Claims Conference Don't miss this opportunity to connect with other individuals and families living with LCA INDIANAPOLIS, June 15, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Hope in Focus, a nonprofit dedicated to finding treatments and cures for blindness caused by rare inherited retinal diseases, presents its 2023 LCA Family Conference from June 23-24 at the Omni Severin Hotel Indianapolis. Please see hopeinfocus.org for details. The conference offers an extraordinary opportunity to engage in a robust and interactive exchange of knowledge, ideas, and viewpoints, while making new connections in the Leber congenital amaurosis (LCA) and rare inherited retinal disease (IRD) community. LCA is a rare inherited retinal disease characterized by severe vision loss at birth. While some children are born with little or no vision, others may have significant vision loss in the first few years of life, stable vision for a period of time, and then eventually complete vision loss as the retina deteriorates into total blindness. "It has been too long since we last gathered in person as an LCA community," said Laura Manfre, Hope in Focus co-founder, and board member of the Foundation Fighting Blindness. "I am very much looking forward to this year's conference, where individuals living with LCA and their families can share their experiences and learn about advances in research. Just as important, is the opportunity this conference presents for researchers, clinicians, and regulatory and industry members of our IRD space to hear first hand what it's like to live with vision loss and to hear what questions and concerns we have. There aren't enough opportunities for all sides of our rare disease ecosystem to come together and learn from one another, and I'm very happy Hope in Focus is able to make this possible with our conference." The LCA Family Conference brings together families and researchers from across the United States and beyond. Attendees will learn the latest advances in research, deepen their understanding of the roles various organizations play in developing treatments, and gain insight into ways an active patient community can support and accelerate treatment. Shannon Boye, the founder of Atsena Therapeutics, Wiley Chambers from the Office of Specialty Medicine Division of Ophthalmology at the Federal Drug Administration and many other researchers will be among the speakers. Research panels will be led by Hope in Focus partner, Foundation Fighting Blindness. Visit hopeinfocus.org for a full list of speakers and an agenda . "The conference is an opportunity for the LCA community to learn about the latest research taking place and engage in purposeful and impactful conversations," said Hope in Focus Director of Outreach and Development Courtney Coates. "The more we empower our community, the better we can accelerate treatments. It's a chance for parents and caregivers to walk away with new knowledge, friendships and hope." Hope in Focus knows that travel can be expensive, so for those who may need some financial assistance to attend, please contact us to see how we can help. The LCA Family Conference is made possible with the support of our generous sponsors including Spark Therapeutics , Foundation Fighting Blindness , Atsena Therapeutics , Kiora Pharmaceuticals , Janssen , and MeiraGTx . If you would like to support the LCA Family Conference Travel Assistance Fund, please visit our website at www.hopeinfocus.org and click on the green "Donate" button. When making your gift you can designate "LCA Family Conference Support." All proceeds will directly benefit families in need to attend the conference. About Hope In Focus Hope in Focus, formerly known as Sofia Sees Hope, was founded in 2014 by Laura Manfre and Charles Priebe, whose daughter Sofia has LCA. This rare genetic retinal condition is characterized by blindness or severe vision loss at birth that leads to total blindness. The mission of Hope in Focus is to transform the lives of those affected by blindness caused by rare inherited retinal disease. The nonprofit organization generates awareness, raises funds for research, and provides outreach, support, and education to those affected by LCA and other rare retinal diseases. CONTACT: Courtney Coates Director of Outreach and Development [email protected] 860-266-6062 SOURCE Hope in Focus Progressive Grocer magazine honors Lee for her leadership in shopper insights, digital marketing and e-commerce arenas AUSTIN, Minn., June 15, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Hormel Foods Corporation (NYSE: HRL), a Fortune 500 global branded food company, today announced that Leslie Lee, vice president of digital experience, was named one of the 2023 Top Women in Grocery (TWIG) by Progressive Grocer magazine. Hormel Foods Corporation, a Fortune 500 global branded food company, is pleased to announce that Leslie Lee, vice president of digital experience, was named one of the 2023 Top Women in Grocery by Progressive Grocer magazine. Under Lee's leadership, Hormel Foods has made significant investments in its omnichannel approach. She has succeeded in combining customer and consumer insights with the latest technology to deliver an outstanding experience across all sales touchpoints. Lee has been able to advance the company in key initiatives, including creating an inhouse search-strategy team and a digital content-syndication process, and her efforts led Hormel Foods to set a record for online sales in 2022. "I'm incredibly honored," said Lee. "One of the most rewarding aspects of my career has been to work alongside women who are trailblazers in the field to figure out what is next for the industry. These women are innovators, and we all push each other to new heights every day. I am sincerely humbled to be part of this year's class chosen by Progressive Grocer." A graduate of Howard University and the University of Texas Austin's McCombs School of Business, Lee is highly lauded at Hormel Foods for her dedication to growing talent and being an invaluable mentor to many young team members. She is driven to build a culture of inclusion. "This honor is well deserved and is a testament to the great work that Leslie has accomplished during her career not only for our company, but for the entire industry as well," said Deanna Brady, executive vice president of Retail, Hormel Foods, and a 2022 TWIG award winner. "Leslie is an inspirational leader, and we congratulate her on this award." The Progressive Grocer Top Women in Grocery program recognizes the integral role women play across all segments of the North American retail food and grocery industries. Now in its 17th year, the award is the food industry's longest running and most prestigious program recognizing and celebrating the accomplishments and contributions of women at all levels of the industry. 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 http://csr.hormelfoods.com/. Contact: Media Relations Hormel Foods 507-434-6352 [email protected] SOURCE Hormel Foods Corporation LOUISVILLE, Colo., June 15, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- IdentiFlight has been accepted in March 2023 by the Grand-East Region authorities in France as effective in reducing the mortality rates of the red kite in French wind farms. It is the first time that French authorities have validated an automated system as a sufficient measure to reduce the risk of bird collisions. A collection of video clips of the IdentiFlight bird detection system for wind farms. For use in any media outlet with attribution to IdentiFlight. Please visit IdentiFlight.com for more information. The IdentiFlight system blends artificial intelligence with high-precision cameras to detect specific bird species and helps minimize collision threats with rotating wind turbine blades. IdentiFlight units can detect and identify multiple protected bird species, including the red kite. "This acceptance provides our clients, especially those in France, with reassurance that the IdentiFlight system is both effective and reliable," said Don Mills, President, and Chief Operating officer of IdentiFlight. "It is proof positive that IdentiFlight can help protect nature in a renewable world." IdentiFlight's partnership with Boralex and Ecosphere was beneficial during the validation process for the system. The multi-year study highlighted the residual impact on bird populations near wind farms. The success of the IdentiFlight system reducing mortality rates supports both French and EU regulations that work to minimize threats to protected bird species. "Within Boralex, we are convinced that it is possible to conciliate the development of wind energy and the protection of biodiversity by implementing innovative solutions. Investing in automatic protection systems is a virtuous approach, both for the protection of biodiversity and for the production of low-carbon and sustainable energy, and is fully in line with our Corporate Social Responsibility approach. Furthermore, it contributes to the energy transition of the territories and therefore to the objectives of carbon neutrality by 2050 in France," stated Emilie Doute, Boralex Environment Director. Ecosphere, went on to say, "We believe that innovative mitigation measures are part of the future for renewable energies. However, the implementation of these innovations needs to be tested and their efficiency must be proven. Consistent projects, like IdentiFlight's multi-year study in France, are needed to ensure validation and to develop improvements." About IdentiFlight IdentiFlight markets, delivers, and operates machine vision and AI technology for avian species detection and is a product of Boulder Imaging. In an operating windfarm, IdentiFlight contributes to bird conservation by helping protect eagles from collisions with rotating wind turbine blades. The system provides informed curtailment to specific turbines to reduce energy loss. In wind project development, IdentiFlight helps in permitting sites by accurately quantifying bird activity at prospective sites. The IdentiFlight system has completed multi-year, independent validation and is now being deployed at projects across the U.S. and globally. To learn more about IdentiFlight, please visit https://www.identiflight.com/. About Boralex Boralex has been providing affordable renewable energy accessible to everyone for over 30 years. As a leader in the Canadian market and France's largest independent producer of onshore wind power, Boralex also has facilities in the United States and development projects in the United Kingdom. Over the past five years, the installed capacity has more than doubled to over 3 GW. The company is developing a portfolio of over 6 GW in wind, solar projects, and storage projects, guided by its values and corporate social responsibility (CSR) approach. Through profitable and sustainable growth, Boralex is actively participating in the fight against global warming. For more information, visit boralex.com or sedar.com. Follow us on Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, and Instagram About Ecosphere Ecosphere is an independent engineering and consultancy firm. Rigour and dialog are the firm's main values, with the belief to strengthen the consideration of biodiversity. Employing 200 scientists, agronomists, GIS and computing specialists in 15 offices - Ecosphere provides assessment, survey expertise for biodiversity, ecological restoration, environmental engineering, biodiversity policy, and consultancy to public and private companies, marine and urban ecology, nature conservation, and applied research. Currently renewable energy represents half of the annual turnover. SOURCE IdentiFlight National leaders in the hemp industry to speak; visitors can tour hemp fields WINFRED, S.D., June 15, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- What: Horizon Hemp Seeds (Willow Lake, SD) and Complete Hemp Processing (Winfred, SD) announce 3 Days of Industrial Hemp Events open to the public with preregistration. This will be an opportunity to tour the first hemp fiber processing facility in South Dakota Tweet this When & Where: Aug. 3 Field Day Horizon Hemp Seeds (22 varieties to see), Aug. 3rd at 18118 424th Ave., Clark, SD 57225 from 10:00 a.m. until 1:00 p.m. Lunch served at noon to preregistered guests. Registration link: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/industrial-hemp-field-day-tickets-643817313917 (22 varieties to see), at 18118 424th Ave., 57225 from Lunch served at noon to preregistered guests. Registration link: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/industrial-hemp-field-day-tickets-643817313917 Aug. 4 - 5 Open House and Conference Aug. 4th from 1:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m. and Aug. 5th from 8:30 a.m. until noon , at Complete Hemp Processing, 530 N. Main St., Winfred, SD 57076 Registration link: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/642512812117 Who: Horizon Hemp Seeds (exhibiting 22 varietals) / Complete Hemp Processing Cost: FREE and Open to the Public ($50 for hempcrete workshop) For more information visit: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/642512812117 WINFRED, SD- Three days of South Dakota industrial hemp events will highlight the rapidly growing industrial hemp industry both in South Dakota and in the United States. Events August 3-5, 2023 at Horizon Hemp Seeds (Willow Lake, SD) and Complete Hemp Processing (Winfred, SD) will demonstrate the supply chain of the expanding industrial hemp industry in South Dakota from the seed to product, including a demonstration of hemp's use in building materials. "This will be an opportunity to tour the first hemp fiber processing facility in South Dakota; to hear from three successful South Dakota hemp farmers; to tour hemp fields and to learn about hemp building materials," said Ken Meyer, Vice-President, at Winfred, SD-based Complete Hemp Processing. Events are free and open to the public with online registration. Speaking at the conference will be leading hemp industry experts from South Dakota, North Dakota, Nebraska, California, Colorado, Tennessee, Utah, and Pennsylvania. The event will also feature live music and catered food available for purchase. Events begin on Aug. 3 with a Field Day at Horizon Hemp Seeds in Clark, SD, with 22 varietals on display. Registration link: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/industrial-hemp-field-day-tickets-643817313917 August 4-5, a two-day Conference and Open House at Complete Hemp Processing in Winfred, SD will include presentations on oil seeds, farm equipment, building materials, genetics, regenerative farming and more. A two-day hemp building workshop will allow visitors to see hemp building materials in action. Registration link: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/642512812117 South Dakota Leads the Way in Hemp According to the USDA-NASS Hemp Acreage and Production 2022 Survey, South Dakota last growing season planted 2,800 acres of industrial hemp and was the number one state for number of harvested acres of industrial hemp with 2,550 acres harvested. Preliminary data indicates that South Dakota in the current 2023 grow season will plant even more acres of industrial hemp than last year as a significant number of South Dakota farmers see good profit potential in adding industrial hemp as another cash row crop into their rotation with corn and soybeans. Infrastructure for processing industrial hemp fiber is keeping pace with South Dakota's hemp farmers and is one of the success stories celebrated by the hemp events scheduled for August 3rd to August 5th. Complete Hemp Processing is opening its hemp fiber processing facility in Winfred, South Dakota and Dakota Hemp, LLC in Wakonda, South Dakota is opening a second hemp fiber processing facility by year end. In front of all this progress of farmers growing hemp and processors coming on board has been Horizon Hemp Seeds, providing an in-state resource for purchasing hemp seed varieties that grow well in South Dakota. These events will showcase the progress of South Dakota's hemp industry. The media is welcome to attend and cover these events. Preregistration is encouraged. About Complete Hemp Processing: A.H. Meyer & Sons, Inc. (doing business as Complete Hemp Processing) is a 4th generation family-owned business with over 90 years of experience in the Agricultural Industry. In the early 1930's A.H. Meyer immigrated from Switzerland and began learning the beekeeping trade. The company is proud to still be in the beekeeping service industry -- serving beekeepers across the United States with a Beeswax Rendering Facility and a Honey Packing Facility. The company's heritage of ingenuity and willingness to develop new ideas is what led the company to build a decortication facility for processing industrial hemp fiber -- supporting the industrial hemp farmers in the South Dakota agricultural community. https://www.completehempprocessing.com About Horizon Hemp Seeds: Through hard work, partnership, and innovation, Horizon Hemp Seeds is dedicated to providing a reliably consistent certified seed product. Their team is comprised of experienced leaders whose roots are in sales, agribusiness, the seed industry, farming, and grower relations. With their team of agricultural industry leaders you can be assured they are committed to providing their clients with quality certified hemp seed and service. https://www.horizonhempseeds.com For more information contact: Ken Meyer 1-605-291-9083, [email protected] SOURCE Complete Hemp Processing Increase in the adoption of machine vision lenses in various industries across the globe and the growing research and developments in industrial machine vision systems are anticipated to drive the growth of the global industrial machine vision lenses market during the forecast period. The Asia-Pacific region is projected to hold the majority of market share by 2032. PORTLAND, Ore., June 15, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Allied Market Research has recently published a report, titled, "Global Industrial Machine Vision Lenses Market by Type (C-Mount, CS-Mount, F-Mount, S-Mount, and Others), Camera (Line Scan Camera and Area Scan Camera), Application (Measurement and Identification), End User (Automotive, Electronics & Semiconductor, Pharmaceutical & Chemical, Logistics, Agriculture, Food Industries, and Others), and Region (North America, Europe, Asia-Pacific, and LAMEA): Opportunity Analysis and Industry Forecast, 2023-2032". According to the report, the global industrial machine vision lenses market generated $7.1 billion in 2022, and is anticipated to generate $19.9 billion by 2032, witnessing a CAGR of 11.4% from 2023 to 2032. Request PDF Brochure: https://www.alliedmarketresearch.com/request-sample/75149 Prime Determinants of Growth An increase in the demand for quality control and inspection in the manufacturing industry is the factor expected to drive the growth of the global industrial machine vision lenses market in the forecast period from 2023 to 2032. However, the absence of skilled professionals to handle machine vision systems may hamper the industrial machine vision lens market growth in the coming future. On the contrary, the growing applications and rising investments by industry players in the research and development of advanced machine vision systems are expected to offer remunerative opportunities for the expansion of the industrial machine vision lenses market during the forecast period. Report Coverage & Details: Report Coverage Details Forecast Period 20232032 Base Year 2022 Market Size in 2022 $7.1 billion Market Size in 2032 $19.9 billion CAGR 11.4 % No. of Pages in Report 320 Segments covered Type, Camera, Application, End User, and Region Drivers Rise in need for enhanced production, reduced errors, and better product quality in various manufacturing processes Increase in adoption of quality control and inspection in manufacturing industries Opportunities Rise in application areas Growing investments in research and development Restraints Lack of skilled professionals to operate machine vision systems COVID-19 Scenario The outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic has had a positive impact on the growth of the global industrial machine vision lenses market. The global outbreak boosted the adoption of remote work and collaborated workforces in manufacturing industries due to lockdowns imposed in various countries across the globe. The industrial machine vision lenses market growth was fueled due to rising demand for machine vision lenses to enable remote operations during the pandemic period. Moreover, the demand for machine vision lenses in the healthcare sector for various medical equipment and devices increased significantly, thus boosting the market growth. Type: C-mount Sub-segment to Hold Highest Share by 2032 The C-mount sub-segment of the global industrial machine vision lenses market accounted for the majority of the share in 2022. The prominent growth of the sub-segment is mainly because C-mount-type industrial machine vision lenses are greatly used owing to their compatibility and versatility with numerous camera systems. Besides, they help produce high-quality photographs at a faster rate. Camera: Area Scan Camera Sub-segment to Hold Majority of Market Share by 2032 The area scan camera sub-segment was valued for the highest market share in 2022. The significant growth of the area scan camera sub-segment is mainly because it is extensively used in machine vision systems to capture static images of a whole scene or a particular area. Besides, area scan cameras are extremely important in industrial inspection and quality control procedures. Procure Complete Report (320 Pages PDF with Insights, Charts, Tables, and Figures) @ https://bit.ly/3Ntha8e Application: Identification Sub-segment to be the Most Dominant During the Forecast Period The identification sub-segment accounted for the highest market share in 2022 and is expected to grow at a highest CAGR of 11.6% during the forecast period. The high demand for machine vision technology for conducting identification processes in various industries such as pharmaceuticals, logistics, manufacturing, automotive, and more is the major factor predicted to boost the sub-segment's growth by 2032. Besides, the growing use of industrial machine vision lenses in quality control and inspection processes is boosting the growth of the sub-segment. End User: Electronics & Semiconductor Sub-segment to Hold Majority of Market Share by 2032 The electronics & semiconductor sub-segment of the industrial machine vision lenses market accounted for the highest share in 2022 and is expected to grow at the highest CAGR of 12.9% during the forecast period. The increasing demand for industrial machine vision lenses for use in the electrical and semiconductor industries in various processes such as inspection, quality assurance, and process automation are the factors projected to fuel the growth of the sub-segment over the forecast period. Region: Asia-Pacific Market to Grab Highest Share by 2032 The industrial machine vision lenses market in the Asia-Pacific region is predicted to hold the highest market share over the forecast period. This growth is mainly owing to the rising adoption of robots and ML, AI, and big data in various industries in countries such as Japan, China, and South Korea, which is driving the demand for industrial machine vision lenses. In addition, growing development and application of machine vision systems in countries such as Japan, China, and Indonesia in the region are other factors expected to boost the demand for industrial machine vision lenses during the forecast period. Leading Players in the Industrial Machine Vision Lenses Market: Schneider Fujifilm Computar (CBC Group) Nikon Myutron Inc Kenko Tokina Co Moritex Kowa Lenses Ricoh VST The report provides a detailed analysis of the key players of the global industrial machine vision lenses market. These players have adopted different strategies, such as new product launches, collaborations, expansion, joint ventures, agreements, and others to increase their market share and maintain their dominance in different regions. The report is valuable in highlighting business performance, operating segments, product portfolio, and strategic moves of market players to showcase the competitive scenario. Want to Access the Statistical Data and Graphs, Key Players' Strategies: https://www.alliedmarketresearch.com/industrial-machine-vision-lenses-market/purchase-options Key Benefits For Stakeholders: This report provides a quantitative analysis of the market segments, current trends, estimations, and dynamics of the industrial machine vision lenses market analysis and industrial machine vision lenses market outlook from 2021 to 2031 to identify the prevailing market opportunity. 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 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 industrial machine vision lenses market trends, key players, market segments, application areas, and market growth strategies. Industrial Machine Vision Lenses Market Key Segments: By Type C-Mount CS-Mount F-Mount S-Mount Others By Camera Line Scan Camera Area Scan Camera By Application Measurement Identification By End User Automotive Electronics and Semiconductor Pharmaceutical and Chemical Logistices Agriculture Food industries Others By Region North America (U.S., Canada , Mexico ) (U.S., , ) Europe (UK, Germany , France , Rest of Europe ) (UK, , , Rest of ) Asia-Pacific ( China , Japan , India , South Korea , Rest of Asia-Pacific ) ( , , , , Rest of ) LAMEA ( Latin America , Middle East , Africa ) Trending Reports in Semiconductor Industry (Book Now with 10% Discount): Healthcare Machine Vision System Market was valued at $617.40 million in 2021 and is projected to reach $4.5 billion by 2031, growing at a CAGR of 22.4% from 2022 to 2031 Machine Vision System Market size was valued at $29.7 billion in 2019, and is projected to reach $74.9 billion by 2027, registering a CAGR of 11.3% from 2020 to 2027 Organic CMOS Image Sensor Market size was valued at $1.19 billion in 2020, and is projected to reach $2.87 billion by 2028, registering a CAGR of 12.4% from 2021 to 2028 Digital Movie Cameras Market was valued at $7.2 billion in 2021, and is projected to reach $11 billion by 2031, growing at a CAGR of 4.5% from 2022 to 2031 About Us Allied Market Research (AMR) is a full-service market research and business-consulting wing of Allied Analytics LLP based in Portland, Oregon. Allied Market Research provides global enterprises as well as medium and small businesses with unmatched quality of "Market Research Reports" and "Business Intelligence Solutions." AMR has a targeted view to provide business insights and consulting to assist its clients to make strategic business decisions and achieve sustainable growth in their respective market domain. 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 USA/Canada (Toll Free): +1-800-792-5285, +1-503-894-6022 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/reports-store/semiconductor-and-electronics Logo: https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/636519/Allied_Market_Research_Logo.jpg SOURCE Allied Market Research Latest addition continues to expand and broaden firm's existing leadership pipeline HOUSTON, June 15, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Greg Baker, CEO/President, of JD Martin is pleased to announce Kelly Johns has joined the company as Regional Vice President for the Houston Region, effective June 15, 2023. "Kelly has a deep understanding of how our customer needs, distributors and manufacturers all fit together" said Matt Garavaglia, EVP of Texas and Oklahoma. "His background means he understands how to present solutions that create real value for our customers. His sales leadership made him a great choice to lead the Houston Market." JD Martin Names Kelly Johns RVP of Houston Region continuing to expand firm's existing leadership pipeline Tweet this Kelly Johns, JD Martin - RVP of Houston Region (PRNewsfoto/JD Martin Co.) Kelly Johns said, "I'm honored for the opportunity to continue to develop my career at JD Martin." Johns added, "I really look forward to working with the entire JDM team, our world-class manufacturers and distributors. It is exciting to be part of such a great company and to be able to use my previous electrical distribution and contractor experience to help lead our successful efforts in the Houston area." As a Texas native, Johns has developed a strong reputation and service background in the electrical market. He brings a solid leadership and a sales focused approach that was developed from his deep experience while employed in electrical distribution, contractor and manufacturer roles. Johns earned a B.A. from Texas Christian University. During his college career, Kelly was a student athlete and pitched for the Horned Frogs for four years. ABOUT JD MARTIN: JD Martin Company is an electrical manufacturers' representative agency that sells and markets premier lines of electrical products to OEM and MRO contractors, and end-user markets through wholesale distribution. For more than 68 years, we have supported industries such as oil & gas, mining, steel, waste water treatment, wind power generation and commercial construction. We offer impactful solutions and sell electrical products, through qualified electrical distributor channels, in over 16 states in territories that include Texas, New Mexico, Colorado, Wyoming, Montana, Oklahoma, Louisiana, Mississippi, Alabama, Florida, Georgia, The Carolinas, Virginia, Kentucky and Tennessee. To learn more about JD Martin click here. Contact: Greg Baker CEO/President [email protected] SOURCE JD Martin Co. BEDMINSTER, N.J., June 15, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Jubilant Therapeutics Inc., a clinical stage biopharmaceutical company advancing small molecule precision therapeutics to address unmet medical needs in oncology and autoimmune diseases, today announced the appointment of Nadir Patel as an independent director on the Company's Board of Directors. "Nadir Patel has had a distinguished career advising corporate executives in private industry and representing Canada in foreign affairs," said Hari S Bhartia, Chairman, Jubilant Therapeutics Inc. "His broad experience in strategic planning, finance, human resources and other disciplines will be invaluable as Jubilant Therapeutics Inc. continues to develop as a company and advances its differentiated drug pipeline in preclinical and clinical development." Nadir Patel is a senior strategic advisor at global law firm Norton Rose Fulbright Canada LLP, managing director at Fairfax Consulting Services and strategic advisor to the President of Huron University at Western. Prior to his current roles, Nadir held several senior government positions over a notable career in Canada's public service. Most recently, he served as Canada's High Commissioner for the Republic of India, with concurrent accreditation as Canada's Ambassador to Nepal and Ambassador to the Kingdom of Bhutan until 2021. He also previously served as Assistant Deputy Minister and Chief Financial Officer for Canada's Department of Foreign Affairs, Trade and Development and as Canada's Consul General in Shanghai. He currently serves on the board of directors of Canadian Tire Corporation where he also chairs the audit committee, as well as board Chairman at Canadian Tire Jumpstart Charities. Nadir Patel holds a joint MBA from New York University's Stern School of Business, London School of Economics and Political Science, and HEC (Paris) School of Management. About Jubilant Therapeutics Inc. Jubilant Therapeutics Inc. is a clinical stage biopharmaceutical company developing precision oral medicines with enhanced therapeutic index to address unmet medical needs in oncology and autoimmune diseases for genetically defined patients. Its advanced structure-based discovery engine, TIBEO (Therapeutic Index and Brain Exposure Optimization), has been validated through successful partnerships including with Blueprint Medicines for a brain penetrant EGFR Exon-20 program. The Company's pipeline consists of a first in class dual coREST modifier, JBI-802, currently in a Phase I/II clinical trial in multiple tumors, a novel brain-penetrant modulator of PRMT5 for which an IND has been accepted, brain penetrant and gut restrictive PDL1 inhibitors, as well as PAD4 inhibitors for oncology and inflammatory indications. The Company is headquartered in Bedminster, New Jersey and guided by globally renowned scientific advisors. For more please visit: www.jubilanttx.com Twitter @JubilantTx, LinkedIn Logo: https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/1064788/Jubilant_Therapeutics_Logo.jpg SOURCE Jubilant Therapeutics Inc. MediaVillage Education Foundation joins OAAA + The Weather Company, an IBM Business, as sponsor of the coveted cross-industry event during Cannes Lions Festival of Creativity CANNES, France, June 15, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Now in its 16th year, "juliethompsoninc's Thursday VIP Dinner Club at Cannes" welcomes MediaVillage Education Foundation as its media partner during the Cannes Lions International Festival of Creativity. OAAA (Out of Home Advertising Association of America) + The Weather Company, an IBM Business, are presenting sponsors of the annual invite-only fete on Thursday, June 22 at the famous La Paillote de Gaston Gastounette. "MediaVillage is proud to partner with Julie Thompson on such a legacy event," said media ecologist Jack Myers, founder of MediaVillage. "Julie's curated, cross-industry gathering is the premier place to bring attention to our nonprofit organization and meet the who's who of young creatives, C-suite publishers, marketers, startup founders, OOH leaders, top trade associations, and media + social platform leaders. We are dedicated to advancing a culture of learning and diversity in the advertising-supported media community. There is no better opportunity to make connections to spread our mission." "juliethompsoninc's Thursday VIP Dinner Club at Cannes" is taking place at one of the best seafood restaurants on the French Riviera that has a casual beach-vibe, ala Club 55 Saint Tropez. The cross-industry evening features a gastronomic buffet, ultra-luxe Komos Tequila tastings, and table by table sommelier-guided tastings of fine rose by Michelle Oberg, where she will be explaining how weather and wine and the unique terrior of France, connect. "It's a thrill to have MediaVillage as a media partner at Cannes, especially as the festival is about making connections between people and ideas and celebrating creativity just as Jack's Education Foundation is an educational hub dedicated to learning for everyone in our industry. This is about connecting MediaVillage to all the parts of the industry and what his nonprofit is about," said Thompson. "I always try to keep creativity and connection at the core. Weather is a great influencer of consumer behavior as is out of home advertising. It's a match made in heaven." Thompson is known as a catalyst, connector, and strategist, who brings her early years in communications and marketing at agencies such as Fallon and Leo Burnett, to the table in organizing this event. This includes as a driver of business-building initiatives for tech and media companies such as Yahoo!, PopSugar, Tumblr, Turner Broadcasting, TED, ShareThis, TINGS Magazine and Madwood Studios. "Julie knows people from every corner of the industry and that is one of the many reasons why we are returning sponsors," added Anna Bager, president, and CEO of OAAA. "This year I am really excited to partner with Jack and MediaVillage, and The Weather Company, whose CMO Randi Stipes, also serves on the OAAA Brand Council." To learn about The Weather Company's presence at Cannes, visit https://info.weather.com/Cannes_2023.html and follow on social with #WeatherAtCannes. To learn about OAAA activities during Cannes, go to https://oaaa.swoogo.com/cannes-lions-2023. Stay tuned for MediaVillage content at Cannes, including post coverage at www.MediaVillage.org by Myers, Raquelle Zuzarte and Jeff Minsky. This includes MediaVillage hosting The FQ opening Cannes panel with brand and agency side experts on "The Power of Creativity as AI, NFTs and the Metaverse Transform Advertising." This conversation will be available on demand at the MediaVillage Knowledge Exchange and www.TheFQInSites.com. To follow MediaVillage on social, visit LinkedIn, Twitter, Facebook; hashtag #MediaVillageCannes or at www.aboutmediavillage.com. About MediaVillage Education Foundation: MediaVillage Education Foundation is a 501c3 nonprofit organization dedicated to advancing a culture of learning and diversity in the advertising-supported media industry. Supported by corporate investment, MediaVillage underwrites market intelligence for team preparation, investments in advanced B2B marketing technology, and professional development for talent acquisition and retention. MediaVillage Knowledge Exchange is an open-access platform offering free and accessible on-demand online learning and a free self-publishing platform for thought leadership. Visit www.aboutmediavillage.com for more information. Follow MediaVillage Education Foundation at LinkedIn, Twitter, Facebook. Media Contact: Diane Stefani [email protected] SOURCE MediaVillage HOUSTON, June 15, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- KBR (NYSE: KBR) announced today it has been awarded a feasibility study contract by Southern Rock Energy Partners to support the development of a first-of-its-kind refinery in Cushing, Oklahoma. Southern Rock's proposed 250,000bpd refinery will be powered by solar, wind, waste heat and geothermal energy and consume hydrogen and oxygen as a fuel source, making it a truly cutting-edge refinery with the goal of becoming net zero carbon, and the first truly green refinery in the United States. Under the terms of the contract, KBR will provide expert consulting services, including a feasibility study in the formative stages of the project, and key technical information for the individual process units. KBR will focus on incorporating best practices into the design that will reduce emissions of greenhouse gases (GHG) with the potential for future reduction of GHG for a sustainable operation. "KBR is pleased to support Southern Rock Energy Partners to reach their sustainability goals through our consulting capabilities," said Jay Ibrahim, KBR President, Sustainable Technology Solutions. "This win is indicative of KBR's strategic commitment to supporting our customers through the energy transition." KBR was recently recognized for its deep commitment to sustainability with a AAA designation in MSCI's 2023 ESG Ratings and a spot on USA Today's 2023 list of America's Climate Leaders. About KBR We deliver science, technology and engineering solutions to governments and companies around the world. KBR employs approximately 32,000 people performing diverse, complex and mission-critical roles in 33 countries. KBR is proud to work with its customers across the globe to provide technology, value-added services, and long-term operations and maintenance services to ensure consistent delivery with predictable results. At KBR, We Deliver. Visit www.kbr.com Forward Looking Statements The statements in this press release that are not historical statements, including statements regarding the company's contract with Southern Rock Energy Partners, are forward-looking statements within the meaning of the federal securities laws. These statements are subject to numerous risks, uncertainties and assumptions, many of which are beyond the company's control, that could cause actual results to differ materially from the results expressed or implied by the statements. These risks, uncertainties and assumptions include, but are not limited to, those set forth in the company's most recently filed Annual Report on Form 10-K, any subsequent Form 10-Qs and 8-Ks and other U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission filings, which discuss some of the important risks, uncertainties and assumptions that the company has identified that may affect its business, results of operations and financial condition. Due to such risks, uncertainties and assumptions, you are cautioned not to place undue reliance on such forward-looking statements, which speak only as of the date hereof. Except as required by law, the company undertakes no obligation to revise or update publicly any forward-looking statements for any reason. SOURCE KBR, Inc. BEIJING, June 14 (Xinhua) -- Honduran President Iris Xiomara Castro Sarmiento made a historic state visit to China less than three months after the two countries forged diplomatic ties. Prior to her talks on Monday with Chinese President Xi Jinping, Xi held a welcome ceremony for her at the square outside the Great Hall of the People, where the Honduran president, delighted, made a hand heart to a group of frisky children greeting her. Over the past weeks, both sides have been proactive and practical to deliver on their diplomatic commitments with a sense of urgency. The bilateral relationship has got off to a good and speedy start and enjoys great dynamism and promise. In March, Honduras signed with China a joint communique on establishing diplomatic ties, becoming the latest in a string of Central American countries to sever so-called "diplomatic ties" with China's Taiwan region. In early June, China inaugurated its embassy in the Honduran capital of Tegucigalpa, and Honduras has also opened its embassy in Beijing. The historic visit is of special significance. It opens a new chapter in the annals of the China-Honduras relationship, as both sides continue to deepen their political mutual trust and further tap potential for their highly complementary economies. The fast growing bilateral relationship is expected to expand the scale of bilateral trade, increase local employment, and enhance people's welfare in Honduras's largely agricultural economy. Customs statistics indicated that in the first four months of this year, China's trade with Honduras logged a total value of 3.893 billion yuan (some 543.4 million U.S. dollars), up 22.9 percent year on year, with imports increasing by 229.5 percent. During his talks with Castro on Monday, Xi said China will promote the early introduction of Honduran specialty products to the Chinese market, and is willing to start the negotiation process for a free trade agreement at an early date. On the same day, Chinese customs announced the approval of the import of Whiteleg shrimp from Honduras. Coming up, more are expected to hit the Chinese market, including bananas, melons, coffee, cigars and beef, from this major coffee bean grower and cigar exporter in Central America. Now local farmers and businessmen are eyeing greater market opportunities and upgraded processing techniques with advanced machinery from China. They are also upbeat about the sixth China International Import Expo scheduled for November in Shanghai. Notably, the two sides also signed a document on cooperation under the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI), a major milestone for boosting bilateral cooperation. They also agreed to cooperate in areas such as quality inspection, trade, agriculture, technology, culture and education. Both countries have also voiced staunch support for each other regarding their respective core interests. Honduras will act faithfully on the one-China principle, the primary prerequisite and political foundation for the establishment of diplomatic ties and the development of bilateral relations. China pledged firm support for Honduras in choosing its own development path suited to its national conditions. Meanwhile, Honduras shares with China such common values of humanity as peace, development, fairness, justice, democracy and freedom, and honors the concept of building a community with a shared future for mankind. Experts believe their ties will also exert a radial effect on the continuous deepening of China-Latin America relations in the new era and have an important bearing on the promotion of democracy in international relations. Their mutual trust also comes from ever increasing understanding between both peoples. For many Hondurans, China is not just a new friend from afar, but a friend quite different from how the biased Western media have portrayed. Now with direct ties, many say they get to see and experience a real, fascinating China in person. Last month, a delegation comprising around 30 media professionals from Honduran radios, televisions, newspapers and social media platforms visited Shanghai, Guizhou, Chongqing, Zhejiang, Jiangsu, and other Chinese localities. And during her state visit this week, Castro said Honduras will send young students to Shanghai for study. Pledging to be good friends and partners that enjoy mutual respect, equality, mutual benefits and common development, China and Honduras will reap dividends from the sound and steady progress in their bilateral ties. Editor: WJH Healthcare marketing and PR agency's milestone anniversary punctuated with impressive accolades. STAMFORD, Conn., June 15, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- KNB Communications has been smashing the status quo in healthcare and health technology communications since its founding a quarter of a century ago. In 1998, thoughtful, strategic, and inspired storytelling looked very different, as did the healthcare and health tech landscape. Back then, social media, smart phones, and influencers weren't part of any communications strategy. Telehealth was barely an emerging concept, health equity was merely aspirational, and artificial intelligence wasn't much more than a fascinating movie plot. Now, these tools and initiatives are the floor, not the ceiling and KNB has thrived by staying ahead of each evolution. "KNB Communications was founded with the goal of helping healthcare and health tech companies tell their story to their stakeholders. They were doing important work life changing and even lifesaving work but they didn't always understand how to promote it and communicate it effectively," noted the agency's president and managing partner, Chintan Shah. "This is still true today, and while the 'how' has greatly changed, the 'why' remains the same: The team at KNB is steadfastly committed to revolutionizing healthcare." "If there's one industry where disruption should be welcomed it's healthcare." Tweet this Mr. Shah isn't the only one to take notice of the agency's dedication to breaking through boundaries. Since its inception, KNB Communications has collected an impressive number of accolades for its creative and strategic work, including eHealthcare Leadership Awards, Muse Creative Awards, and HITMC Medigy Awards. Most recently, KNB Communications was selected as one of 2023's "Top 10 healthcare marketing companies" by the editors at Healthcare Business Review. It's little wonder over 250 healthcare companies have partnered with the agency over the decades, including startups, businesses on the Fortune 100 list, not-for-profit organizations, publicly traded companies, academic research institutions, and private equity groups investing in healthcare tech. Shah credits the company's success and longevity to an unwavering commitment to its mission: To provide the most creative and expert healthcare, life sciences, and technology marketing and communications services. "If there's one industry where disruption should be welcomed it's healthcare," he confirmed. "And over the past 25 years, the team at KNB Communications has consistently conceived new, imaginative, and paradigm-shifting campaigns that resonate with target audiences, and more importantly, drive results." Mr. Shah went on to note that in the highly competitive agency world, growth and survival often come down to two things: transformation and talent. "It's not enough to chase trends, a successful agency must set them," he added. "And to do that, you need to have a top-notch team of dynamic and captivating storytellers who are equal parts creative, nimble, and strategic. That's been our recipe for success since 1998." As for the next 25 years, Shah explained the agency has ambitious goals and expects to double its annual revenue, client list, and of course its team by 2025. About KNB Communications: Headquartered in Stamford, Connecticut, KNB Communications is an award-winning public relations and marketing agency specializing in the healthcare AI, life sciences, medical devices, and dental and health technology domains. The medical marketing and PR firm is widely recognized for developing creative, strategic, and impactful integrated campaigns. The KNB team is made up of media relations, social media, email marketing, content, website, digital marketing, and video experts. Contact: Amy Roberts Email: [email protected] Phone: 435-659-1164 SOURCE KNB Communications NOT FOR DISTRIBUTION IN OR INTO OR TO ANY PERSON LOCATED OR RESIDENT IN THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA, ITS TERRITORIES AND POSSESSIONS (INCLUDING PUERTO RICO, THE U.S. VIRGIN ISLANDS, GUAM, AMERICAN SAMOA, WAKE ISLAND AND THE NORTHERN MARIANA ISLANDS), ANY STATE OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA OR THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA (THE UNITED STATES) OR TO ANY U.S. PERSON OR IN OR INTO ANY OTHER JURISDICTION WHERE IT IS UNLAWFUL TO RELEASE, PUBLISH OR DISTRIBUTE THIS ANNOUNCEMENT (SEE "OFFER AND DISTRIBUTION RESTRICTIONS" BELOW). HELSINKI, June 15, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Kojamo plc (the Company) announces today invitations to holders of its outstanding Notes to tender their Notes for purchase by the Company for cash in an aggregate nominal amount of up to the Maximum Acceptance Amount (as defined below) (each, an Offer and together, the Offers). The Offers are being made on the terms and subject to the conditions contained in the tender offer memorandum dated 15 June 2023 (the Tender Offer Memorandum) prepared by the Company, and are subject to the offer restrictions set out below and as more fully described in the Tender Offer Memorandum. Copies of the Tender Offer Memorandum are (subject to distribution restrictions) available from the Tender Agent as set out below. Capitalised terms used in this announcement but not defined have the meanings given to them in the Tender Offer Memorandum. Summary of the Offers Description of the Notes ISIN Outstanding Nominal Amount Reference Rate Purchase Spread Maximum Acceptance Amount EUR500,000,000 1.500 per cent. Notes due 2024 XS1628004779 EUR500,000,000 2024 Notes Interpolated Mid-Swap Rate 140 bps EUR 150,000,000 in aggregate nominal amount of the Notes, such amount being subject to the right of the Company to increase or decrease it in its sole discretion EUR500,000,000 1.625 per cent. Notes due 2025 XS1785356251 EUR500,000,000 2025 Notes Interpolated Mid-Swap Rate 270 bps Rationale for the Offers The purpose of the Offers is to pro-actively manage the Company's upcoming debt maturities. Purchase Prices In respect of each Series, the Company will pay for Notes of the relevant Series accepted by it for purchase pursuant to the relevant Offer, a price (in respect of each Series, the Purchase Price) to be determined at or around 1:00 p.m. (CEST) (the Pricing Time) on or around 22 June 2023 (subject to the right of the Company to amend such date in its sole discretion and without prior notice to Noteholders) (the Pricing Date) in the manner described in the Tender Offer Memorandum by reference to: a) in the case of the 2024 Notes, the annualised sum (such sum, the 2024 Notes Purchase Yield) of a purchase spread of 140 basis points (the 2024 Notes Purchase Spread) and the 2024 Notes Interpolated Mid-Swap Rate; and b) in the case of the 2025 Notes, the annualised sum (such sum, the 2025 Notes Purchase Yield and together with the 2024 Notes Purchase Yield, the Purchase Yields and each a Purchase Yield) of a purchase spread of 270 basis points (the 2025 Notes Purchase Spread and, together with the 2024 Notes Purchase Spread, the Purchase Spreads and each a Purchase Spread) and the 2025 Notes Interpolated Mid-Swap Rate. Each Purchase Price will be determined by the Company, after consultation with the Dealer Managers, in accordance with market convention and expressed as a percentage of the principal amount of the Notes of the relevant Series (and rounded to the nearest 0.001 per cent. with 0.0005 per cent. being rounded upwards) and is intended to reflect a yield to maturity of the relevant Series on the Settlement Date based on the relevant Purchase Yield. Specifically, each Purchase Price will equal (a) the value of all remaining payments of principal and interest on the relevant Series up to and including the scheduled maturity date of such Series, discounted to the Settlement Date at a discount rate equal to the relevant Purchase Yield, minus (b) Accrued Interest in respect of the Notes of the relevant such Series. Accrued interest The Company will also pay accrued and unpaid interest (an Accrued Interest Payment) from (and including): (a) in the case of the 2024 Notes, 19 June 2023 (being the immediately preceding interest payment date for the 2024 Notes); and (b) in the case of the 2025 Notes, 7 March 2023 (being the immediately preceding interest payment date for the 2025 Notes), in each case, to (but excluding) the Settlement Date in respect of any Notes accepted for purchase by the Company pursuant to the Offers. Maximum Acceptance Amount The Company proposes to accept Notes for purchase up to a maximum aggregate nominal amount of EUR 150,000,000 (the Maximum Acceptance Amount) on the terms and subject to the conditions contained in the Tender Offer Memorandum (although the Company reserves the right, in its sole and absolute discretion and for any reason, to increase or decrease the Maximum Acceptance Amount). For the avoidance of doubt, the Company will determine the allocation of funds between each Series in its sole discretion, and may purchase considerably less (or none) of one Series than of the other Series. If the aggregate nominal amount of the Tendered Notes is greater than the Maximum Acceptance Amount, (subject to the right of the Company, in its sole discretion, to accept less than or more than such amount for purchase pursuant to the Offers), the Company may accept Notes for purchase on a pro rata basis. Tender instructions and offer conditions In order to participate in, and be eligible to receive an amount equal to the relevant Purchase Price and relevant Accrued Interest Payment pursuant to, the relevant Offer, Noteholders must validly tender their Notes by delivering, or arranging to have delivered on their behalf, a valid Tender Instruction that is received by the Tender Agent by 5:00 p.m. (CEST) on 21 June 2023 (the Expiration Deadline). Tender Instructions will be irrevocable except in the limited circumstances described in the Tender Offer Memorandum. Noteholders are advised to check with any bank, securities broker or other intermediary through which they hold Notes when such intermediary would need to receive instructions from a Noteholder in order for that Noteholder to be able to participate in, or (in the limited circumstances in which revocation is permitted) revoke their instruction to participate in, an Offer by the deadlines specified in the Tender Offer Memorandum. The deadlines set by any such intermediary and each Clearing System for the submission and withdrawal of Tender Instructions will be earlier than the relevant deadlines specified in the Tender Offer Memorandum. Tender Instructions must be submitted in respect of a nominal amount of Notes of no less than EUR 100,000, being the minimum denomination of the Notes, and may, in each case, be submitted in integral multiples of EUR 1,000 above EUR 100,000. Tender Instructions which relate to a nominal amount of Notes of less than the minimum denomination of the Notes will be rejected. Indicative timetable for the Offers Events Times (CEST) and dates Commencement of the Offers 15 June 2023. Expiration Deadline 5:00 p.m. on 21 June 2023. Announcement of Indicative Results of the Offers As soon as reasonably practicable after the Expiration Deadline. Pricing At or around 1:00 p.m. on 22 June 2023 (the Pricing Time). Announcement of results of the Offer As soon as reasonably practicable after the Pricing Time. Expected Settlement Date 27 June 2023 The above times and dates are subject to the right of the Company to, extend, re-open, amend and/or terminate either Offer (subject to applicable law and as provided in the Tender Offer Memorandum). Noteholders are advised to read carefully the Tender Offer Memorandum for full details of, and information on the procedures for, participating in the Offers. The Dealer Managers Nordea Bank Abp c/o Nordea Danmark, filial af Nordea Bank Abp Grnjordsvej 10 DK-2300 Copenhagen S Denmark Telephone: +45 6161 2996 Attention: Nordea Liability Management Group Email: [email protected] OP Corporate Bank plc Gebhardinaukio 1 FI-00510 Helsinki Finland Attention: Liability Management Email: [email protected] The Tender Agent Kroll Issuer Services Limited The Shard 32 London Bridge Street London SE1 9SG United Kingdom Telephone: +44 20 7704 0880 Attention: Arlind Bytyqi Email: [email protected] Website: https://deals.is.kroll.com/kojamo DISCLAIMER This announcement must be read in conjunction with the Tender Offer Memorandum. This announcement and the Tender Offer Memorandum contain important information which should be read carefully before any decision is made with respect to the Offers. If any Noteholder is in any doubt as to the contents of the Tender Offer Memorandum or the action it should take, it is recommended to seek its own financial and legal advice, including in respect of any tax consequences, immediately from its broker, bank manager, solicitor, accountant or other independent financial or legal adviser. Any individual or company whose Notes are held on its behalf by a broker, dealer, bank, custodian, trust company or other nominee must contact such entity if it wishes to tender such Notes pursuant to the Offers. None of the Company, the Dealer Managers or the Tender Agent or any of their respective directors, employees or affiliates makes any recommendation whether Noteholders should tender Notes pursuant to the Offers. OFFER AND DISTRIBUTION RESTRICTIONS The distribution of this announcement and/or the Tender Offer Memorandum in certain jurisdictions may be restricted by law. Persons into whose possession this announcement and/or the Tender Offer Memorandum come(s) are required by each of the Company, the Dealer Managers and the Tender Agent to inform themselves about, and to observe, any such restrictions. Nothing in this announcement nor the Tender Offer Memorandum constitutes an offer to buy or a solicitation of an offer to sell the Notes (and tenders of Notes in the Offers will not be accepted from any Noteholders) in any circumstances in which such offer or solicitation is unlawful. In those jurisdictions where the securities, blue sky or other laws require the Offers to be made by a licensed broker or dealer and either of the Dealer Managers or any of their respective affiliates is such a licensed broker or dealer in any such jurisdiction, such Offer shall be deemed to be made by such Dealer Manager or such affiliate, as the case may be, on behalf of the Company in such jurisdiction. United States The Offers are not being made, and will not be made, directly or indirectly in or into, or by use of the mails of, or by any means or instrumentality of interstate or foreign commerce of or of any facilities of a national securities exchange of, the United States or to any U.S. Person (as defined in Regulation S of the United States Securities Act of 1933, as amended (each, a U.S. Person)). This includes, but is not limited to, facsimile transmission, electronic mail, telex, telephone, the internet and other forms of electronic communication. Notes may not be tendered in the Offers by any such use, means, instrumentality or facility from or within the United States or by persons located or resident in the United States or by, or by any person acting for the account or benefit of, a U.S. Person. Accordingly, copies of this announcement, the Tender Offer Memorandum and any other documents or materials relating to the Offers are not being, and must not be, directly or indirectly mailed or otherwise transmitted, distributed or forwarded (including, without limitation, by custodians, nominees or trustees) in or into the United States or to any persons located or resident in the United States or to any U.S. Person. Any purported tender of Notes in an Offer resulting directly or indirectly from a violation of these restrictions will be invalid and any purported tender of Notes made by, or by any person acting for the account or benefit of, a U.S. Person or by a person located in the United States or any agent, fiduciary or other intermediary acting on a non-discretionary basis for a principal giving instructions from within the United States will be invalid and will not be accepted. Each Noteholder participating in the Offers will represent that it is not a U.S. Person, it is not located in the United States and is not participating in an Offer from the United States, or it is acting on a non-discretionary basis for a principal located outside the United States that is not giving an order to participate in an Offer from the United States and is not a U.S. Person. For the purposes of this and the above two paragraphs, United States means the United States of America, its territories and possessions (including Puerto Rico, the U.S. Virgin Islands, Guam, American Samoa, Wake Island and the Northern Mariana Islands), any state of the United States of America and the District of Columbia. Italy None of the Offers, this announcement, the Tender Offer Memorandum 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 the Republic of Italy (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. Accordingly, Noteholders or beneficial owners of the Notes that are located in Italy can tender Notes for purchase pursuant to the Offers through authorised persons (such as investment firms, banks or financial intermediaries permitted to conduct such activities in Italy in accordance with the Financial Services Act, CONSOB Regulation No. 20307 of 15 February 2018, as amended, and Legislative Decree No. 385 of 1 September 1993, as amended) and in compliance with any other applicable laws and regulations and with any requirements imposed by CONSOB, the Bank of Italy 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 or the Offers. United Kingdom The communication of this announcement, the Tender Offer Memorandum and any other documents or materials relating to the Offers are not being made and such documents and/or materials have not been approved by an authorised person for the purposes of section 21 of the Financial Services and Markets Act 2000 (FSMA). Accordingly, this announcement, the Tender Offer Memorandum and such documents and/or materials are not being distributed to, and must not be passed on to, persons in the United Kingdom other than (i) 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 Financial Promotion Order)), (ii) to those persons falling within Article 43(2) of the Financial Promotion Order, or (iii) to any other persons to whom it may otherwise lawfully be made under the Financial Promotion Order. France The Offers are not being made, directly or indirectly, to the public in the Republic of France (France). This announcement, the Tender Offer Memorandum and any other offering material relating to the Tender Offer may be distributed in France only to qualified investors as defined in Article 2(e) of Regulation (EU) 2017/1129, as amended. None of this announcement, the Tender Offer Memorandum, or any other such offering material has been or will be submitted for clearance to, or approved by, the Autorite des marches financiers. For more information, please contact Erik Hjelt, CFO, Kojamo plc, tel. +358 20 508 3225 Niina Saarto, Director, Treasury & Investor Relations, Kojamo plc, tel. +358 20 508 3283 Kojamo is Finland's largest private residential real estate company and one of the biggest investors in Finland. Our mission is to create better urban housing. Lumo offers environmentally friendly housing and services for the city dweller who appreciates quality and effortlessness. We actively develop the value of our investment properties by developing new properties and our existing property portfolio. We want to be the property market frontrunner and the number one choice for our customers. Kojamo's shares are listed on the official list of Nasdaq Helsinki. For more information, please visit https://kojamo.fi/en/ SOURCE Kojamo Oyj NEW YORK, June 15, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- La Roche-Posay, the dermatologist-loved skincare brand that was named the fastest growing skincare brand of 2022, is thrilled to announce the 3rd-annual Pride in Dermatology event benefiting OutCare Health, The Trevor Project, and Homeward NYC. La Roche-Posay originally launched its partnership with OutCare in 2021 to create a training program to help improve LGBTQ+ affirming care in provider practices and patient interactions. The OutCare training program educates dermatologists on how to communicate with LGBTQ+ patients and care for them with increased sensitivity and affirmation. The Trevor Project provides crucial crisis and suicide prevention services for LGBTQ+ young people, conducts important research that brings knowledge and clinical implications to the field of suicide research, and helps allies and educators understand the needs of LGBTQ+ young people. Homeward NYC provides housing and wraparound services that help empower homeless young mothers and LGBTQ+ young people. By helping to obtain housing first, LGBTQ+ people can find the stability necessary to address trauma and build the skills they need. "La Roche-Posay has been an incredible partner in our mission to improve LGBTQ+ healthcare access and support. Their past contributions have played vital roles in accelerating our growth and enhancing our programming. We are grateful for their generosity and commitment to making differences in the lives of LGBTQ+ people," says Dustin Nowaskie, MD, Founder and President of OutCare Health. "With this donation, we are excited to take our newly announced initiatives, such as our care navigation solutions, to the next level. This continued collaboration will enable us to provide even more comprehensive and inclusive support to our communities. Together with La Roche-Posay, we are making strides towards a future where every LGBTQ+ person has equitable access to quality healthcare." "Homeward NYC provides LGBTQ-affirming supportive housing (affordable housing with onsite support) and has a mixed-age site that is a transitional family shelter for homeless young mothers and their children and affordable housing for homeless seniors. Our third LGBTQ site opens this fall. The communities we serve have shared intersecting traumashomelessness, discrimination, family or interpersonal violence, and mental health and substance use disorders," says Jeannette K. Ruffins, Chief Executive Officer at Homeward NYC. "We know that a future starts with having a place to live. At each housing site, Homeward NYC provides onsite case management, behavioral health care, group activities, and skills-building and empowerment programs. This provides young adults with a place to heal and gain the independent living skills to live life forward. We would like to thank La Roche-Posay for their very generous continued support and thank Tyler Steele for including us in the third annual Pride in Dermatology event." "Through this partnership, we are excited to expand the capacity of our trained crisis counselors who support LGBTQ young people every day via our 24/7 crisis phone, text, and chat lines," said Bret Koch (he/him), Corporate Partnerships Manager for The Trevor Project. "We are incredibly grateful for the support of La Roche-Posay as a partner in our lifesaving mission to protect the lives of LGBTQ young people and for helping send a powerful message this Pride that they should be proud of who they are and deserve love, affirmation, and support." LGBTQ+ people are members of every community and make up an approximate 7.2% of the population, according to a recent Gallop poll 1. This is more than double the percentage that Gallop originally measured a decade ago. The LGBTQ+ community continues to experience barriers to healthcare due to stigma and discrimination, financial insecurity, lack of healthcare insurance, and higher rates of physical and mental health conditions as well as suicidality. It is important to recognize that these issues disproportionately affect LGBTQ+ subgroups, particularly transgender women of color. "Supporting DEI issues for all communities is an important core value for La Roche-Posay. We are honored and proud to offer a platform that entertains, educates, and provides awareness not only to the dermatology community, but also to these non-profit organizations who are doing such important work for the LGBTQ+ community," says Tyler Steele, Vice President, Medical & Media Relations at La Roche-Posay. Studies have shown 2 a critical lack of LGBTQ+ affirmation among providers across the country that contributes to stigmatization and discrimination against LGBTQ+ individuals. When patients are uncomfortable or do not feel safe talking to providers, they are less likely to seek healthcare, which can exacerbate pre-existing conditions or allow new or developing issues to take hold. "With an increase in diversity in medicine, it is our responsibility to represent the patients we treat. Having LGBTQ+ providers decrease stigma and increases access for patients who otherwise would not seek care," says board-certified dermatologist Dr. Karan Lal. "When patients come to see me, they have a sense of comfort knowing that I am well versed in the healthcare issues of the LGBTQ+ community." This year's Pride In Dermatology event will be held at The Gramercy Theater in New York City on June 15th, and will feature a special performance by Global Superstar and Grammy, Emmy, and Tony Award-winner Vanessa Williams, a comedy set by comedian Judy Gold, and a special DJ set by Cazwell. The event is open to dermatology health care providers who identify as a friend, family, ally, or member of the LGBTQ+ community. Suggested donations will go towards supporting LGBTQ+ nonprofits OutCare, The Trevor Project, and Homeward NYC. ABOUT LA ROCHE-POSAY Recommended by 90,000 dermatologists worldwide[1], La Roche-Posay's mission is to offer life-changing dermatological skincare. La Roche-Posay offers a unique range of daily skincare developed for every skin type to address various skin concerns and complement prescription treatments. At the center of the brand is the exclusive selenium-rich La Roche-Posay Thermal Spring Water, a core ingredient in its skincare formulas known for its soothing and antioxidant properties that is sourced from its Thermal Center in France, the first Dermatology Center in Europe. The products are developed using a strict safety and formulation charter with a minimal number of ingredients and are formulated at optimal concentrations. Additionally, La Roche-Posay products undergo stringent clinical testing for efficacy and safety with over 750+ studies and 25 years of extensive research, even on sensitive skin. For additional information about La Roche-Posay, visit www.laroche-posay.us and follow La Roche-Posay USA on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter @LaRochePosayUSA ABOUT THE TREVOR PROJECT The Trevor Project is the leading organization working to end LGBTQ youth suicide in the U.S. and beyond. The nonprofit operates several programs to help prevent and respond to the public health crisis of LGBTQ youth suicide, including 24/7 free crisis services, research, advocacy, education, and peer support. To learn more, visit thetrevorproject.org. ABOUT HOMEWARD NYC At Homeward NYC. LGBTQ+ young adults with a history of trauma gain access to affordable housing in a supportive setting where they collaborate as active participants in their own care, goal-setting and achievement. To learn more, visit homeward.nyc . ABOUT OUTCARE OutCare is a leading nonprofit organization dedicated to promoting health equity for LGBTQ+ communities worldwide. OutCare's mission is to empower LGBTQ+ people with comprehensive information, resources, support, and education, including an affirming healthcare provider directory, mentorship, training, research, community building, support groups, webinar series, blogs, and much more. OutCare's vision is to create a world where every LGBTQ+ person has access to quality healthcare and feels empowered to live their healthiest, most authentic life. To learn more about how to sign up as a provider on the platform or seek LGBTQ+ affirming care from doctors, visit outcarehealth.org . 1 https://news.gallup.com/poll/329708/lgbt-identification-rises-latest-estimate.aspx 2 https://www.outcarehealth.org/research/ SOURCE La Roche-Posay As the California Grassroots Democracy Coalition, 140+ Grassroots Groups Unite to Expand and Diversify State Electorate SACRAMENTO, Calif., June 15, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Hundreds of community leaders, advocates, and organizers representing labor, faith-based, Black, AAPI, Latinx, women and youth organizations held a rally for increased voting rights at the state Capitol today, as part of the launch of the California Grassroots Democracy Coalition . Representing millions of Californians, the coalition is embarking on a multi-year campaign to expand the electorate to better reflect the state's diversity. According to the Public Policy Institute of California , 82 percent of California's adults are eligible to vote, but only 64 percent are registered to do so. As a result, elections in California tend to exclude younger, lower income, less educated and renting residents. Leveraging its voter engagement expertise with communities traditionally ignored by mainstream political campaigns, the California Grassroots Democracy Coalition will promote legislation that expands the electorate, builds up civic education, voter registration, and turnout in underrepresented communities. "For decades, grassroots organizations like ours have worked year-round, mobilizing voters, organizing immigrant communities, providing legal services, running advocacy campaigns, and building multi-racial, multi-issue coalitions," said Stanette Dixon, Volunteer Coordinator from Congregations Organized for Prophetic Engagement . "We are coming together to advance a new vision for California's democracy and dismantle racist barriers to civic participation that marginalize BIPOC, naturalized citizens, young, low-income, and low English proficiency voters." Amy Hamblin, Policy Advisor for NextGen Policy affirmed that voting rights and democracy reform are critical to unlocking progress on affordable healthcare, housing, higher education, criminal justice reform, and climate action. "I've served as an international election observer and I know by international standards, the US is an outlier as far as putting the burden on the individual to register to vote. Most advanced democracies put the burden on the government to make sure eligible individuals are registered to vote. There's no reason that voter registration should be an impediment to someone exercising their constitutional right to vote." Vu Nguyen, from the California Healthy Nail Salon Collaborative , spoke of organizing the nail salon community and the power of helping California's most disinvested communities have a political voice. "Our democracy is only as strong as the people who can participate in it. The more barriers that eligible voters face on their way to the ballot box, the worse off we all are." Nguyen described nail salons, grocery stores, manufacturing floors, and farm fields as spaces where people feel less empowered and where pro-democracy reforms and community responsive policymaking could make the most difference. Representing the labor community, Luis Aleman from the Orange County Voter Information Project , spoke of unions and the importance of giving workers a voice in the workplace. "Voting gives citizens a voice in our democracy and a say in the conditions of our society. Right now, the 4.7 million eligible unregistered voters in California cannot make their voices heard. We must register every one of our unregistered neighbors to finally give power of the people in all of our communities." Gun Violence Prevention leader Julius Thibodeaux, Executive Director for Movement 4 Life , spoke of his lived experience as a person who was formerly incarcerated and the importance of investing in the development, health and well being of youth in American urban centers. "In 2020, California voters restored voting rights for more than 50,000 people who are no longer incarcerated. But that's only the first part of the step: now the work begins to get folks informed, registered, and returning to the ballot box every fall and spring election." This year, the Coalition sponsored SB-846, a bill that provides a path to 100% voter registration, in line with similar legislation passed in Alaska, Delaware, DC, Colorado, New Mexico, Massachusetts, Minnesota, Nevada, Oregon and Washington. Co-written by Senators Caroline Menjivar and Monique Limon, the two-year bill seeks to include 4.7 million eligible unregistered voters who are disproportionately Asian American, Black, and Latinx citizens, in upcoming elections by automating their eligibility at the DMV. Members of the press who are interested in speaking with coalition members or supporters of the bill can reach out to [email protected] The California Grassroots Democracy Coalition comprises 140+ grassroots organizations and is dedicated to helping California's most vulnerable communities become empowered through pro-democracy reforms. The organizations include a wide range of backgrounds including, but not limited to: criminal justice reform, immigrant rights, language access, low-income communities, environmental justice, religious, labor unions, etc. SOURCE The California Grassroots Democracy Coalition FRISCO, Texas, June 15, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Levarte Travel, a leading host agency dedicated to lifting up professionals in travel, is delighted to recognize and celebrate its top 10 sales producers of 2022. As a company that places a strong emphasis on fostering an environment of growth and success, Levarte Travel takes great pride in acknowledging the outstanding achievements of its rising stars. The announcement was made at the agency's second annual retreat, hosted in Riviera Maya, Mexico. Lori Speers, CEO and founder of Levarte Travel, expressed her admiration and gratitude for the accomplishments of the top advisors. Speers stated, "We are incredibly proud of our members who have thrived in the supportive environment that our agency has worked hard to create. Their passion, resourcefulness, knowledge and love of travel have earned them this achievement, and we look forward to seeing what they do in the future." Levarte Travel's commitment to providing exceptional resources, forging partnerships with industry associations and suppliers and offering a supportive community have been pivotal in cultivating a culture of achievement. The agency believes in fostering an environment that empowers travel business owners to excel and reach new heights. And as Levarte Travel continues to earn top accolades from respected industry partners, it remains committed to lifting up professionals and providing them with the tools they need to thrive. The agency looks forward to celebrating the achievements of its rising stars and supporting them as they continue to shape the future of the travel industry. To learn more about Levarte Travel, visit www.levartetravel.com. About Levarte Travel Levarte Travel provides resources for travel enthusiasts to turn their passion into a thriving business. Led by travel industry veteran and CEO Lori Speers, Levarte Travel enables independent advisors to achieve financial freedom, explore the world through fun and unique experiences, and create unforgettable memories for clients. Levarte Travel offers those who want financial freedom the ability to travel the world while running their own business. CONTACT: Nicole Boyd [email protected] 972-259-0298 SOURCE Levarte Travel Results published in European Journal of Nuclear Medicine and Molecular Imaging demonstrate the adjunct value of quantification for florbetaben BERLIN, June 15, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Life Molecular Imaging (LMI) is pleased to announce the publication of a significant retrospective analysis utilizing the amyloid positron emission tomography (PET) tracer, NeuraCeq (florbetaben18F). The study's findings demonstrate the robust and homogeneous performance of quantitative methods, employing both CE marked software and other widely available processing tools. These quantitative methods provide comparable results to visual assessments of NeuraCeq (florbetaben18F) PET scans. Importantly, excellent diagnostic efficacy was demonstrated when compared to histopathology assessment, with a mean sensitivity of 96.1% and specificity of 96.9% across all software packages. As a result of these compelling findings, an updated label for NeuraCeq was approved for use of PET scan quantification as an adjunct to visual assessment in the European Union (EU) and the United Kingdom (UK). The Committee for Medicinal Products for Human Use (CHMP) considered the use of approved CE marked software for quantitation appropriate to provide supplemental information when the reading physician requires further assistance in guiding the image assessment. In response to this update, LMI has provided amended educational materials in major EU markets, which include an additional module on the use of NeuraCeq PET quantification as an adjunct to visual assessment. Dr. Ludger Dinkelborg, CEO of Life Molecular Imaging, expressed the significance of these findings by stating, "Anti-amyloid therapies are on the horizon and highlight the importance of an early and accurate diagnosis in Alzheimer's disease (AD). Amyloid PET has played a pivotal role in the recent positive study outcomes for new AD drugs such as lecanemab and donanemab, by selectively including patients with confirmed amyloid pathology in the brain. The ability to quantify the amyloid burden opens up exciting avenues for the future. We are excited to have the adjunct use of quantification now included in our EU and UK labels." Dr. Andrew Stephens, M.D., Ph.D., Chief Medical Officer at Life Molecular Imaging, also shared his enthusiasm, stating, "We are highly encouraged by the very homogeneous and robust data provided by all 15 quantification methods in this study. We are excited to offer updated educational materials in EU markets as part of our dedicated NeuraCeq reader training program." For further details regarding the published work, please visit https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s00259-023-06279-0 About Neuraceq (florbetaben 18F) Indication Neuraceq is a radiopharmaceutical indicated for Positron Emission Tomography (PET) imaging of beta amyloid neuritic plaque density in the brains of adult patients with cognitive impairment who are being evaluated for Alzheimer's disease (AD) and other causes of cognitive impairment. Neuraceq should be used in conjunction with a clinical evaluation. A negative Neuraceq scan indicates sparse to no plaques, which is not consistent with a diagnosis of AD. Neuraceq is for diagnostic use only. Limitations of Use A positive Neuraceq scan does not independently establish a diagnosis of AD or other cognitive disorder, since neuritic plaque deposition in grey matter may be present in asymptomatic elderly and some neurodegenerative dementias (AD, Lewy body dementia, Parkinson's disease dementia). scan does not independently establish a diagnosis of AD or other cognitive disorder, since neuritic plaque deposition in grey matter may be present in asymptomatic elderly and some neurodegenerative dementias (AD, Lewy body dementia, Parkinson's disease dementia). The efficacy of florbetaben (18F) for predicting development of AD or monitoring response to therapy has not been established. Some scans may be difficult to interpret due to image noise, atrophy with a thinned cortical ribbon, or image blurs, which could lead to interpretation errors. Increased uptake has been identified in extracerebral structures such as face, scalp and bone in some cases. Residual activity in the midsagittal sinus can be sometimes observed. Important Safety Information Risk for Image Interpretation and Other Errors Neuraceq images should only be interpreted by readers trained in the interpretation of PET images with florbetaben (18F). A negative scan indicates sparse or no density of cortical -amyloid plaques. A positive scan indicates moderate to frequent density. Image interpretation errors in the estimation of brain -amyloid neuritic plaque density, including false negatives and false positives, have been observed. Radiation Risk Exposure to ionising radiation is linked with cancer induction and a potential for development of hereditary defects. As the effective dose is about 5.8 mSv when the maximum recommended activity of 300 MBq of florbetaben (18F) is administered, these adverse reactions are expected to occur with a low probability. Common Adverse Reactions The overall safety profile of Neuraceq is based on data from 1,295 administrations of Neuraceq to 1,077 subjects and 12 subjects who received vehicle. Repeat dosing in yearly intervals showed that there was no difference in safety profile after first, second or third dosing. Common adverse reactions include injection site pain and injection/ application site erythema. For more information please visit: https://www.ema.europa.eu/en/medicines/human/EPAR/neuraceq About Life Molecular Imaging (LMI) Life Molecular Imaging (LMI, formerly Piramal Imaging) was formed in 2012 with the acquisition of the molecular imaging research and development portfolio of Bayer Pharma AG. It is now part of the Alliance Medical Group (a member of the Life Healthcare Group) offering an integrated business including research and development laboratories, a network of cyclotrons, radiopharmacies and imaging facilities. By developing novel PET tracers for molecular imaging, LMI is focusing on a key field of modern medicine. The organization strives to be a leader in the Molecular Imaging field by developing innovative products that improve early detection and characterization of chronic and life-threatening diseases, leading to better therapeutic outcomes and improved quality of life. Please visit https://life-mi.com. About Life Healthcare Group Life Healthcare is a global people-centered, diversified healthcare organization listed on the Johannesburg Stock Exchange. Life Healthcare has over 38 years' experience in the South African private healthcare sector, and currently operates 66 healthcare facilities in southern Africa. Services include acute hospital care, acute physical rehabilitation, acute mental healthcare, renal dialysis, and wellness, occupational health, primary health and emergency medical services. The Group owns Alliance Medical Group, the leading independent provider of medical imaging services (MRI, CT and PET scans) within Europe, operating internationally across 10 countries. Life Molecular Imaging, a division of Alliance is an integrated pharmaceutical business that includes research and development laboratories, access to a network of cyclotrons and radio-pharmacies and imaging facilities, with Life Radiopharma being Alliance's distributor of radiopharmaceuticals to diagnose many types of diseases. Visit https://www.lifehealthcare.co.za/ For media queries Brittany Hahn | Marketing Communications Manager | Life Molecular Imaging Tel: +1.484.735.2840 | [email protected] SOURCE Life Molecular Imaging VANCOUVER, BC, June 15, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Lithium South Development Corporation (the "Company") (TSX-V: LIS) (OTCQB: LISMF) (Frankfurt: OGPQ) is providing an update on the recently completed exploration program and status of the updated Mineral Resource Estimate that is currently underway for the Hombre Muerto North Lithium Project (HMN Li Project) in Salta Province, Argentina. All core samples have been submitted to GeoSystems Analysis Inc. (GSA), in Tucson, Arizona for porosity analysis. Initial results have been received and all remaining results are anticipated by mid-July. Shortly thereafter, the resource update process will be completed by the brine resource specialist team of Groundwater Insight, Inc. (Halifax Canada), and Aqua Insight Inc., led by Qualified Person, Dr. Mark King. Work by GSA will determine the bulk density, total porosity, and specific yield (or drainable porosity) of each sample. Specific yield is the ratio of the volume of water a rock or soil will yield by gravity drainage to the bulk volume of the rock or soil. This value is used as a fractional multiplier, to estimate the volume of brine that could potentially drain from a geologic material. In other words, specific yield data for each lithological unit is one of the key parameters (along with lithium grade) used to estimate lithium brine resources. Initial results from 18 core samples indicate that the brine within the Alba Sabrina units is potentially drainable, with specific yields ranging from 8.9% to 38.6%. This first set of samples represents partial results for the upper and lower sedimentary units, and one result for the brecciated quartzite. Similar specific yield results are expected from the remaining Alba Sabrina and Natalia Maria samples based on lithological observations. In comparison, Tramo specific yield results previously reported in the 2018 Mineral Resource Estimate (September 7, 2018) ranged from 2.6% to 24.6%. Average specific yield based on a limited re-interpretation of Tramo lithologies (as part of the development of a basin-wide geological model) is as follows: Interlayered clastic sediments: 9.0% Interbedded halite and sediments: 10.0% Conglomerate: 8.7% Results for 62 core samples from the recent exploration program are still outstanding. It is anticipated that disaggregated results will require adjustment, and that some samples may not be testable, due to the unconsolidated nature of the material. Results will be reviewed in parallel with lithological observations and photographs and anomalously high specific yield results related to unconsolidated samples may be adjusted to account for handling of loose materials. Groundwater Insight Inc. is currently preparing the updated Mineral Resource Estimate for the Alba Sabrina, Natalia Maria, and Tramo properties. The geological model is complete and analytical results from GSA are the last piece of information required to finalize the Resource Estimate. Geological Setting Recently completed drilling on the Alba Sabrina and Natalia Maria properties intersected diverse lithological units in each project area, highlighting the regional variability of salar deposits within Salar del Hombre Muerto. The geology on each property is distinct, and also distinct from the Tramo property, which was the focus of the 2018 maiden Resource Estimate. Alba Sabrina encompasses a channel in the northwest sector of Salar del Hombre Muerto, formed by the Tincalayu Peninsula. This semi-isolated salar channel is clastic-dominated, with no halite intersected by drilling. In this channel, the bottom of the salar basin is demarcated by unaltered, low permeability quartzite. This unit is overlain by up to 150 m of altered, fractured to brecciated quartzite with high secondary porosity. The overlying clastic salar units range from coarse grained sands to interlayered clays. These units range from unconsolidated to compact and consolidated. A basalt layer separates the upper and lower sedimentary packages on the eastern side of Alba Sabrina and extends into the central part of the channel. The basalt is characterized by multiple flows with highly vesicular, amygdaloidal, and massive horizons and minor to pervasive fracturing. It is considered to correlate with basalts on the adjacent Tincalayu Peninsula, but has undergone downward displacement, followed by deposition of overlying salar materials. The Natalia Maria property represents a halite-dominated area of Salar del Hombre Muerto, on the eastern margin of Tincalayu Peninsula. Lithology intersected during drilling includes an upper 50 m package of interlayered sediments that correlate to the shallow sedimentary deposits observed at Alba Sabrina and Tramo. A crystalline halite with occasional sandy halite or medium to coarse grained sand layers occurs below 50 m and grades to massive halite at approximately 200 m. This unit was not encountered at the Tramo property further to the east, and its full extent is not known. Tramo is in the clastic-dominated northeastern zone of the Salar del Hombre Muerto. Tramo lithology is a combination of the other Project areas with an upper interlayered clastic sediment unit and an interbedded halite and sediment sequence. The eastern half of the property also hosts a lower polymictic conglomerate. Additional third-party drilling results were also used to inform the geological model developed for the salar basin. About Lithium South Lithium South is focused on developing the Hombre Muerto North Lithium Project (HMN Li Project) on the Hombre Muerto Salar, a major lithium-producing salar in Argentina. The salar is currently undergoing significant lithium project development by Korean giant POSCO, and the newly announced Allkem/Livent combination. Billions of dollars are planned to be invested in the area to build out lithium production on one of the best salars in the Lithium Triangle. Lithium South is in an excellent position to participate in this significant area development. The technical and scientific information in this press release was reviewed and approved by Dr. Mark King, a Qualified Person under National Instrument 43-101. Dr. King participated in the preparation of this news release. On behalf of the Board of Directors Adrian F. C. Hobkirk President and Chief Executive Officer Investors / Shareholders call 855-415-8100 [email protected] Website: www.lithiumsouth.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. The TSX Venture Exchange has not reviewed the content of this news release and therefore does not accept responsibility or liability for the adequacy or accuracy of the contents of this news release. This news release contains certain "forward-looking statements" within the meaning of Section 21E of the United States Securities and Exchange Act of 1934, as amended. Except for statements of historical fact relating to the Company, certain information contained herein constitutes forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements are based upon 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 which could cause actual results to differ materially from those projected in the forward-looking statements. The reader is cautioned not to place undue reliance on forward-looking statements. We seek safe harbor. Logo: https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/1815015/4088556/Lithium_South_Development_Corporation_Logo.jpg SOURCE Lithium South Development Corporation The Australian activewear brand has implemented the NewStore Omnichannel Platform in more than 100 stores across Australia and New Zealand BOSTON and BRISBANE, Australia, June 15, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- NewStore , a modular, mobile-first omnichannel cloud platform for retail brands worldwide, today announced it is now powering the in-store shopping experience for Lorna Jane . By rolling out the NewStore platform across its 107 stores, the Australia-based activewear brand has taken a significant step towards enhancing its omnichannel operations and creating a truly seamless and unified customer experience. "NewStore is a critical component of our digital transformation strategy and the most forward-thinking, innovative retail platform available today," said Peter Clarke, Chief Technology Officer, Lorna Jane. "We were able to rip and replace our old system and roll out NewStore across two countries and more than one hundred locations with a cutover of just one day, which is a remarkable achievement that demonstrates the platform's robustness and scalability." Lorna Jane was founded in 1989 by fitness instructor Lorna Jane Clarkson, who pioneered the activewear category. The brand's mission is to inspire customers to live a life they love through active living, and it does this by offering a line of high-quality products so shoppers can "buy better, not more." Sustainability is at the core of Lorna Jane's DNA, and its eco-friendly mindset extends well beyond its clothing. In fact, one of the reasons the brand decided to partner with NewStore is that both organizations believe the future of retail will be paperless and cashless. By running its retail business on iOS, Lorna Jane is further minimizing the impact of its environmental footprint. "Since going live on NewStore, the feedback from our store teams has been overwhelmingly positive. The platform is so intuitive and easy to use that our associates have been able to master it almost overnight," added Lorna Jane Clarkson, Chief Creative Officer and Founder, Lorna Jane. "On top of that, the mobility of NewStore has allowed us to rethink the layout of our stores. We can now remove our traditional cash wraps, creating a dedicated space for fulfilling online orders in-store and modernizing the overall look and feel of our physical brand." Equipped with just an iPhone or iPad, Lorna Jane's associates can now serve customers anywhere on the store floor. This is because NewStore was built on mobile from day one. Additionally, the platform has a microservices, API-first architecture, which allows it to seamlessly integrate with Lorna Jane's ecommerce platform and enterprise resource planning solution. As a result, all customer, inventory, and order data is available in real-time on the store associates' devices, enabling omnichannel capabilities such as mobile checkout, inventory lookup, store fulfillment, buy online pickup in-store (BOPIS), and buy online return in-store (BORIS). "The Australian retail market is at the forefront of the retail industry's evolution, and Lorna Jane is a great example of how brands in this region are doubling down on omnichannel," said Stephan Schambach, Founder and CEO, NewStore. "The success they have seen in such a short amount of time is a testament to our shared vision, and we will build on the foundation we have laid by further optimizing the shopping experience for both store associates and customers." To learn more about the NewStore Omnichannel Platform, and to request a demo, visit: https://www.newstore.com/ About NewStore NewStore provides Omnichannel-as-a-Service for retail brands worldwide that want to accelerate their digital transformation. Built with MACH principles, NewStore allows brands to easily deliver amazing shopping experiences that store associates and consumers love. Its mobile-first, modular cloud platform includes POS, order management, clienteling, inventory, and native consumer apps. NewStore customers such as Burton, Faherty Brand, G-Star RAW, Marine Layer, Roots Canada, Scotch & Soda, UNTUCKit, and Vince benefit from the most complete, global omnichannel retail solution available now supercharged with Tap to Pay on iPhone. The company is backed by General Catalyst, Activant Capital, and Salesforce Ventures. Learn more at www.newstore.com About Lorna Jane Lorna Jane is an Australia-based retail brand founded in 1989 by fitness instructor Lorna Jane Clarkson, one of the first pioneers of the activewear category. The brand's mission is to to inspire its customers to live the life they love, through Active Living . With a passion for fashion and fitness, Lorna Jane inspires women worldwide to embrace their unique journey towards health and wellness. Its collection of stylish and functional activewear is designed to support women in every step of their active lifestyle, ensuring comfort, confidence, and performance. Crafted with premium fabrics and innovative designs, Lorna Jane offers a range of trendy and versatile apparel that seamlessly transitions from gym sessions to everyday adventures. Join the Lorna Jane movement and experience the perfect blend of fashion, fitness, and empowerment. SOURCE NewStore, Inc. BATON ROUGE, La., June 15, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- On June 9, Governor John Bel Edwards signed into law Louisiana House Bill 103, bipartisan legislation that makes Louisiana the 22nd state to guarantee a standalone personal finance course for high school students. Advocates, including the Next Gen Personal Finance Mission 2030 Fund, applaud the effort. Louisiana joins West Virginia, Indiana, Minnesota and Connecticut in passing laws in 2023 that will guarantee personal finance courses for future high school graduates. "In a world where your credit score means more than your character in some cases, financial literacy is more important now than ever before," said Representative Nicky Muscarello, author of HB 103. "In 2023, Louisiana was the second least financially literate state in America. We had to address the problem. This legislation will change lives for our students." "In 2023, Louisiana was the second least financially literate state in America. We had to address the problem." Tweet this Research shows that high school personal finance courses positively impact student debt decisions and credit scores, help graduates avoid predatory lenders, increase savings rates among teachers, and generate positive spillover effects on parents. "As I have traveled the state, financial literacy has been a major topic of concern across all walks of life," said Dr. Cade Brumley, Louisiana State Superintendent of Education. "This was priority legislation for us and I was thankful to support Representative Muscarello in ushering it across the finish line." Louisiana will require students graduating high school in the 2026-27 school year to take a one-unit personal finance course. The financial literacy course will be worked into the existing graduation pathway, acting as a replacement for a math course or an elective. "So many people have put so much into making this a reality, finally," said Blaine Grimes of the Louisiana Jump$tart Coalition. "Our founding President, Ken Uffman, spent his adult life walking the halls of the Louisiana State Capital for this day. I'm sure he is smiling down on us and promoting financial literacy in Heaven." The NGPF Mission 2030 Fund, a nonprofit that advocates for this policy in all states, was a supporter of the bill and provided technical support. "We're excited to see Louisiana join the growing number of states that have recognized the importance of financial education in helping students prepare for the real world," said Tim Ranzetta, Co-Founder of Next Gen Personal Finance. "With 119 sponsors, a unanimous vote from the House and a 35-2 vote in the Senate, Louisiana continues the trend of incredible bipartisan support for this policy." Next Gen Personal Finance: Next Gen Personal Finance is a national nonprofit committed to guaranteeing that all high school students receive a personal finance course. NGPF has become the "one-stop shop" for over 80,000 educators who use NGPF's free, engaging personal finance curriculum to empower their students with skills to thrive in the future and free teacher professional development to build confidence and content expertise. NGPF has been recognized by Common Sense Education as a "Top Website for Teachers to Find Lesson Plans." NGPF Mission 2030 Fund: The Mission 2030 Fund is a nonprofit affiliated with Next Gen Personal Finance and focused on advocating for financial education in state legislatures. Media Contact: Christian Sherrill NGPF Mission 2030 Fund [email protected] SOURCE Next Gen Personal Finance ARLINGTON, Va., June 15, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Lovelytics (or the "Company"), a leading data engineering and business intelligence consultancy, announced today a strategic investment from Databricks Ventures and Interlock Equity ("Interlock"), a Los Angeles-based private equity firm. This investment will accelerate the growth of Lovelytics' team and expand its technical offerings related to enterprise data environment creation, AI and LLMs, business intelligence, data science, and cloud infrastructure. Databricks Ventures and Interlock Equity Invest in the Future with Lovelytics. Tweet this Databricks Ventures and Interlock Equity Invest in the Future with Lovelytics. Founded in 2017, Lovelytics provides strategy, data engineering and technology implementation services that enable global enterprises to optimize the management, governance and utilization of organizational data. Through partnerships with technology solution providers Databricks, Tableau and Alteryx, among others, Lovelytics helps businesses better manage and use structured and unstructured datasets to develop data-based intelligence. "This investment marks a significant milestone in our journey. I am proud to have both Interlock Equity and Databricks Ventures believing and investing in our team, mission, and vision. It's an affirmation of our hard work and dedication, helping us fuel continued growth, and reaffirming our commitment to our team, customers, services, and partners," said Scott Love, founder and CEO of Lovelytics. The investment from Databricks Ventures in Lovelytics marks their first investment in a consulting implementation partner. Lovelytics, an official partner of Databricks since 2021, has made significant investments in hiring, solution development, and marketing in the ecosystem. Kori O'Brien, SVP of Partnerships at Databricks shared, "Partners play an essential role in enabling our customers to derive value from data and AI and we are thrilled to build on our partnership with Lovelytics through this investment. The Lovelytics team is best-in-class and has been a driving force in helping organizations adopt the Databricks Lakehouse. We look forward to continued collaboration across all areas of our business." Lovelytics will continue investing in initiatives to build its team, bolster diversity, equity, and inclusion, and strengthen training programs. Additionally, the firm will deepen its expertise across key sectors and broaden its client-tailored services offerings and solutions. "Lovelytics is well positioned to capitalize on growing demand for data management solutions and consulting services. They play a critical role in enabling organizations to optimize the use of exponentially growing datasets to drive actionable intelligence that results in measurable improvements in performance. And they do that with an employee-driven culture that attracts top industry talent," said Stefan Jensen, Managing Director of Interlock. Neil Huse, former president and CEO of Clarity Insights and an Interlock Operating Partner, added, "Lovelytics has established itself as a thought leader in data and analytics consulting. The numerous recognitions by their technology partners and reputation among clients and employees alike are a testament to the talented team and strong culture that Lovelytics represents. We look forward to building on this foundation while adding more capabilities like AI and machine learning." Scott Love concluded, "We are eager to celebrate this milestone. The last six years were the trail leading to the mountain base. Now, with the right team, supportive investment partners, and our customers, we're ready to ascend further. We look forward to reaching new heights with companies around the globe." Scott Love and Lovelytics' leadership team retained significant ownership and will continue to lead the business. Canaccord Genuity advised Lovelytics in the transaction. About Lovelytics Headquartered in Arlington, Virginia, Lovelytics is a leading data, analytics, and AI consulting firm, providing data advisory, enterprise data environment design and implementations, data science and machine learning, generative AI, data visualization, and training services to organizations across the world. For more information visit https://lovelytics.com/ . About Databricks Ventures Databricks Ventures is the strategic investment arm of Databricks, Inc. Databricks Ventures invests in innovative companies that align with our view of the future for data, analytics and AI; and are committed to extending the lakehouse ecosystem or using the lakehouse architecture to create the next generation of data and AI-powered companies. About Interlock Equity Interlock Equity is a private equity firm focused on partnering with leadership teams of knowledge-based businesses. Founded in 2021 and headquartered in Los Angeles, Interlock invests in North America-based companies in the lower middle market. The firm is focused exclusively on partnering with founders of people-based businesses providing mission-critical B2B and healthcare services. For more information visit www.interlockequity.com . SOURCE Lovelytics Stop the violence in Manipur! We are deeply concerned about the continuing ethnic violence in Manipur between the Meitei community and the tribal Kuki and Zo communities. We demand an immediate halt to this violence that is causing a large-scale disruption of lives, livelihoods and properties and unleashing even more terror among people. The immediate trigger to this violence was an April 2023 Manipur High Court order advising the state government to grant the Meitei community (members of which now have either OBC or in some cases SC status) the status of Scheduled Tribe. Thereby, the Meitei community would have access to land that is currently reserved for tribal communities. Several spates of violence broke out throughout the month of May leading to a civil war situation given that both the groups were armed, leading to a complete breakdown of law and order. What we have witnessed since then has been unprecedented brutality and widespread atrocities against the civilians, by security forces, the police and the armed groups. Manipur is burning today in very large part due to the divisive politics played by the BJP and its Governments at the Centre and State. And on them lies the onus to stop this ongoing civil war before more lives are lost. The violence is affecting men, women and children, over 50,000 people in more than 300 refugee camps and lakhs displaced. Indeed, the situation has been grim since January this year when the BJP state government began efforts to remove illegal immigrants from reserve forest areas who according to them have been settling in Manipur since the 1970s. The state government began an eviction drive in the districts of Churachandpur, Kangpokpi and Tengnoupal, declaring tribal forest dwellers as encroachers. Characteristic of its modus operandi across the country, the BJP is once again exacerbating the age-old ethnic tensions between communities for its own political gain. Clearly, the role of BJP lies in using force and coercion to entrench its foothold in the state. Pretending to be an ally to both the communities, it is only widening the chasm of historical tensions between them without any effort till date to facilitate a dialogue towards resolution. Both the central and the state governments are weaponsing the constitutional provisions to destroy concepts of democratic dialogue, federalism and safeguarding of human rights. In the present scenario, the worst of the violence against the Kukis has been perpetuated by armed Meitei majoritarian groups like Arambai Tenggol and Meitei Leepun, accompanied by genocidal hate-speech and supremacist displays of impunity. Of these, the first is a revivalist group drawing Meiteis to return to Sanamahi traditions; while the latter is clearly of a Hindu supremacist orientation. Chief Minister Biren Singh is closely associated with these groups. Both groups vilify the Kuki community as illegal outsiders and narco terrorists. The Chief of Meitei Leepun, in a press interview, did not hesitate to state publicly that Kukis in areas disputed by Meiteis would be wiped out. He also termed the Kuki community to be illegal, outsiders; not part of the family; not indigenous to Manipur and tenants in Manipur. Earlier the Chief Minister himself had termed a Kuki human rights activist Myanmarese; a nod to the propaganda that the Meitei community faces a demographic threat from refugees fleeing unrest in Myanmar. Since these refugees are from tribal groups that live in Manipur as well, Meitei majoritarian groups whip up the bogey of swelling tribal numbers overtaking the Meitei majority. This language that dehumanises a minority community as illegal was used by the Union Home Minister Amit Shah and the Assam Chief Minister during the Assam NRC exercise. Now the same language has spread to another state in the North East, with the BJP fanning the flames of hatred, violence and xenophobic frenzy. It is noted that Kuki armed groups solicited votes for the BJP in the 2022 Assembly elections, and seven of the ten Kuki MLAs in the Manipur Assembly are from BJP. Propaganda by Kuki groups also takes a leaf from the BJP book and, invoking precedents where Kuki leaders have collaborated with Indian state interests, brand the Meiteis as anti-India. Reports suggest that the overwhelming majority of those killed in the ongoing violence are from the Kuki community. Reportedly over 200 Kuki churches have been burned, along with schools, granaries and homes. It is tragic that the age-old strategic use of rumours, called fake news today, to instigate conflicts within communities, continues to make women most vulnerable. Reportedly, such fake news by the majoritarian Meitei groups of the rape of Meitei women by Kukis became the pretext for the alleged lynchings and rapes of Kuki-Zo women. There are news reports about frenzied mobs chanting rape her, torture her while attacking women that urgently need to be verified. As we demand an immediate halt to this continuing orgy of violence, there is a need, as soon as the violence ceases, for independent, non-partisan civil society members to visit the survivors and the bereaved; make attempts to verify reports of killings and rapes; and offer solidarity and all possible support to those traumatised by the loss of loved ones, homes and churches. As concerned citizens from across the country, we demand that: The Prime Minister must speak up and take accountability of the current situation in Manipur. A court-monitored tribunal must be formed to establish facts, and prepare the ground for justice and healing of the gaping wound that separates communities of Manipur to mitigate the divisiveness and hatred being engineered. A fast track court be set up for all cases of sexual violence by state and non-state actors, as recommended by the Verma commission that personnel guilty of sexual offences in conflict areas should be tried under ordinary criminal law. Provision of relief by the government to those forced to flee and guarantee their safe return to their villages; rebuild their homes and lives. Provision of ex-gratia compensation to those who lost loved ones, suffered injuries and loss of home, grain, livestock and so on. This process of return, rehabilitation and compensation should be overseen by a panel of retired judges who know the region closely, perhaps appointed by the High Court or Supreme Court. Endorsed by Annie Raja, National Federation for Indian Women. Kavita Srivastava, Peoples Union of Civil Liberties. Anuradha Banerji and Vani Subramanian, Saheli Womens Resource Centre. Kavita Krishnan, Feminist, Delhi. Ranjana Padhi, Author and Feminist Activist, Odisha. Nandini Rao, Feminist Activist, Delhi. Prime Minister Denys Shmyhal has discussed with the Director of the European Department at the International Monetary Fund (IMF) Alfred Kammer the issues of Ukraine recovery and raising additional funds from partners. "I thanked the Fund's team for their fruitful work on the first review of the extended fund facility of $15.6 billion. And also for appreciating Ukraine's progress. We expect that the agreement reached at the staff level will be approved by the IMF Board of Directors as soon as possible. This will allow Ukraine to receive the next $900 million," Shmyhal wrote on his Telegram channel. Two scientific poster presentations at EASL 2023 will detail findings of Mallinckrodt's latest research providing insight into the therapeutic effect of TERLIVAZ from baseline, and the clinical management of adults with HRS with rapid reduction in kidney function1 DUBLIN, June 15, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Mallinckrodt plc (NYSE American: MNK), a global specialty pharmaceutical company, today announced that two scientific posters detailing Mallinckrodt's latest research findings on the clinical outcomes of treatment with TERLIVAZ (terlipressin) for injection and clinical management criteria for adult patients with hepatorenal syndrome (HRS) will be presented at the European Association for the Study of the Liver (EASL) Congress 2023 in Vienna, Austria, taking place June 21-24, 2023. Both posters will be presented on June 24, 2023, 9:00 a.m. 5:00 p.m. CEST / 3:00 a.m. 11:00 a.m. EDT. TERLIVAZ is the first and only FDA-approved product indicated to improve kidney function in adults with hepatorenal syndrome (HRS) with rapid reduction in kidney function,1 an acute and life-threatening condition requiring hospitalization.2 Please see Limitation of Use and Important Safety Information, including Boxed Warning, below. R. Todd Frederick, MD, Department of Transplant, California Pacific Medical Center, will present findings from a retrospective analysis of the CONFIRM Phase III trial. The CONFIRM trial is the largest-ever prospective, randomized clinical trial of terlipressin compared to placebo in patients with HRS type 1 (HRS-1). The study evaluated if the application of updated 2015 International Club of Ascites (ICA) diagnostic criteria for HRS- acute kidney injury (HRS-AKI), which recommends earlier treatment at lower serum creatinine (SCr) levels, has the potential for better clinical outcomes.3 Additionally, results from a pooled analysis from three North American placebo-controlled Phase III trials (OT-0401, REVERSE, CONFIRM) of terlipressin in patients with HRS-1 will be presented by Prof. Kevin Moore, BSc, PhD, UCL Institute of Liver and Digestive Health, Royal Free Hospital, University College London. This analysis provides insight into the efficacy of terlipressin in patient subgroups based on their precipitating factors (PFs) leading to HRS, and the associated impact on HRS reversal and clinical outcomes.4 Additional information on these studies can be found below. "We look forward to sharing data on the real-world impact of TERLIVAZ through the lens of patients with precipitating factors, as well as the potential impact that applying the updated diagnostic criteria can have on improving the timely diagnosis of HRS patients and earlier treatment with available therapies, such as TERLIVAZ.3,4" said Khurram Jamil, Vice President, Hepatology, Clinical Development & Critical Care. "These findings not only help to support the use of TERLIVAZ for appropriate patients with HRS, but also have important implications for how the medical community approaches the diagnosis and clinical management of this critical condition." These studies are sponsored by Mallinckrodt Pharmaceuticals and include: Poster 1139: Earlier diagnosis of hepatorenal syndrome-acute kidney injury with updated guidelines review of the CONFIRM trial3 Presenter: R. Todd Frederick , MD, Department of Transplant, California Pacific Medical Center, San Francisco, Calif. R. , MD, Department of Transplant, California Pacific Medical Center, Poster Session: Cirrhosis and its Complications: Portal Hypertension Cirrhosis and its Complications: Portal Hypertension Session Date and Time: Saturday, June 24, 2023 ; 9:00 a.m. 5:00 p.m. CEST / 3:00 a.m. 11:00 a.m. EDT Poster 22: The effect of precipitating factors for hepatorenal syndrome on response to terlipressin treatment: A subgroup analysis of a pooled North American database4 Presenter: Kevin Moore, BSc , PhD, UCL Institute of Liver and Digestive Health, Royal Free Hospital, University College London, London, UK , PhD, UCL Institute of Liver and Digestive Health, Royal Free Hospital, University College London, Poster Session: Cirrhosis and its Complications: Portal Hypertension Cirrhosis and its Complications: Portal Hypertension Session Date and Time: Saturday, June 24, 2023 ; 9:00 a.m. 5:00 p.m. CEST / 3:00 a.m. 11:00 a.m. EDT INDICATION AND LIMITATION OF USE TERLIVAZ is indicated to improve kidney function in adults with hepatorenal syndrome with rapid reduction in kidney function. Patients with a serum creatinine >5 mg/dL are unlikely to experience benefit. IMPORTANT SAFETY INFORMATION WARNING: SERIOUS OR FATAL RESPIRATORY FAILURE TERLIVAZ may cause serious or fatal respiratory failure. Patients with volume overload or with acute-on-chronic liver failure (ACLF) Grade 3 are at increased risk. Assess oxygenation saturation (e.g., SpO 2 ) before initiating TERLIVAZ. Do not initiate TERLIVAZ in patients experiencing hypoxia (e.g., SpO 2 <90%) until oxygenation levels improve. Monitor patients for hypoxia using continuous pulse oximetry during treatment and discontinue TERLIVAZ if SpO 2 decreases below 90%. Contraindications TERLIVAZ is contraindicated: In patients experiencing hypoxia or worsening respiratory symptoms. In patients with ongoing coronary, peripheral, or mesenteric ischemia. Warnings and Precautions Serious or Fatal Respiratory Failure: Obtain baseline oxygen saturation and do not initiate TERLIVAZ in hypoxic patients. Monitor patients for changes in respiratory status using continuous pulse oximetry and regular clinical assessments. Discontinue TERLIVAZ in patients experiencing hypoxia or increased respiratory symptoms. Manage intravascular volume overload by reducing or discontinuing the administration of albumin and/or other fluids and through judicious use of diuretics. Temporarily interrupt, reduce, or discontinue TERLIVAZ treatment until patient volume status improves. Avoid use in patients with ACLF Grade 3 because they are at significant risk for respiratory failure. Ineligibility for Liver Transplant: TERLIVAZ-related adverse reactions (respiratory failure, ischemia) may make a patient ineligible for liver transplantation, if listed. For patients with high prioritization for liver transplantation (e.g., MELD 35), the benefits of TERLIVAZ may not outweigh its risks. TERLIVAZ-related adverse reactions (respiratory failure, ischemia) may make a patient ineligible for liver transplantation, if listed. For patients with high prioritization for liver transplantation (e.g., MELD 35), the benefits of TERLIVAZ may not outweigh its risks. Ischemic Events: TERLIVAZ may cause cardiac, cerebrovascular, peripheral, or mesenteric ischemia. Avoid use of TERLIVAZ in patients with a history of severe cardiovascular conditions or cerebrovascular or ischemic disease. Discontinue TERLIVAZ in patients who experience signs or symptoms suggestive of ischemic adverse reactions. TERLIVAZ may cause cardiac, cerebrovascular, peripheral, or mesenteric ischemia. Avoid use of TERLIVAZ in patients with a history of severe cardiovascular conditions or cerebrovascular or ischemic disease. Discontinue TERLIVAZ in patients who experience signs or symptoms suggestive of ischemic adverse reactions. Embryo-Fetal Toxicity: TERLIVAZ may cause fetal harm when administered to a pregnant woman. If TERLIVAZ is used during pregnancy, the patient should be informed of the potential risk to the fetus. Adverse Reactions The most common adverse reactions (10%) include abdominal pain, nausea, respiratory failure, diarrhea, and dyspnea. Please click here to see full Prescribing Information, including Boxed Warning. About Hepatorenal Syndrome (HRS) Hepatorenal syndrome (HRS) involving rapid reduction in kidney function1 is an acute and life-threatening condition that occurs in people with advanced liver disease.2 HRS is classified into two distinct types a rapidly progressive type that leads to acute renal failure where patients are typically hospitalized for their care and a more chronic type that progresses over weeks to months.2 HRS involving rapid reduction in kidney function1 is estimated to affect between 30,000 and 40,000 Americans annually.5,6 If left untreated, HRS with rapid reduction in kidney function1 has a median survival time of approximately two weeks and greater than 80 percent mortality within three months.7 ABOUT MALLINCKRODT Mallinckrodt is a global business consisting of multiple wholly owned subsidiaries that develop, manufacture, market and distribute specialty pharmaceutical products and therapies. The company's Specialty Brands reportable segment's areas of focus include autoimmune and rare diseases in specialty areas like neurology, rheumatology, hepatology, nephrology, pulmonology, ophthalmology, and oncology; immunotherapy and neonatal respiratory critical care therapies; analgesics; cultured skin substitutes and gastrointestinal products. Its Specialty Generics reportable segment includes specialty generic drugs and active pharmaceutical ingredients. To learn more about Mallinckrodt, visit www.mallinckrodt.com. Mallinckrodt uses its website as a channel of distribution of important company information, such as press releases, investor presentations and other financial information. It also uses its website to expedite public access to time-critical information regarding the company in advance of or in lieu of distributing a press release or a filing with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) disclosing the same information. Therefore, investors should look to the Investor Relations page of the website for important and time-critical information. Visitors to the website can also register to receive automatic e-mail and other notifications alerting them when new information is made available on the Investor Relations page of the website. CAUTIONARY STATEMENTS RELATED TO FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS This release contains forward-looking statements, including with regard to TERLIVAZ and its potential impact on patients. The statements are based on assumptions about many important factors, including the following, which could cause actual results to differ materially from those in the forward-looking statements: satisfaction of regulatory and other requirements; actions of regulatory bodies and other governmental authorities; changes in laws and regulations; issues with product quality, manufacturing or supply, or patient safety issues; and other risks identified and described in more detail in the "Risk Factors" section of Mallinckrodt's most recent Annual Report on Form 10-K and other filings with the SEC, all of which are available on its website. The forward-looking statements made herein speak only as of the date hereof and Mallinckrodt does not assume any obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statement, whether as a result of new information, future events and developments or otherwise, except as required by law. CONTACT Media Inquiries Heather Guzzi Senior Vice President, Green Room Communications 973-524-4112 [email protected] Investor Relations Daniel J. Speciale Global Corporate Controller & Chief Investor Relations Officer 314-654-3638 [email protected] Derek Belz Vice President, Investor Relations 314-654-3950 [email protected] Mallinckrodt, the "M" brand mark and the Mallinckrodt Pharmaceuticals logo are trademarks of a Mallinckrodt company. Other brands are trademarks of a Mallinckrodt company or their respective owners. 2023 Mallinckrodt. US-2300304 06/23 References 1 TERLIVAZ (terlipressin) for injection. [Prescribing Information]. Mallinckrodt Hospital Products Inc. 2 National Organization for Rare Disorders. Hepatorenal Syndrome. Available at: https://rarediseases.org/rare-diseases/hepatorenal-syndrome/. Accessed March 28, 2023. 3 Frederick RT, Wong F, Vargas HE, Pappas SC, Jamil K. Earlier diagnosis of hepatorenal syndrome-acute kidney injury with updated guidelines review of the CONFIRM trial. Abstract to be presented at the European Association for the Study of the Liver (EASL) 2023 Liver Congress. June 2023. 4 Moore K, Zafar Z, Pyrsopoulos NT, Jamil K. The effect of precipitating factors for hepatorenal syndrome on response to terlipressin treatment: A subgroup analysis of a pooled North American database. Abstract to be presented at the European Association for the Study of the Liver (EASL) 2023 Liver Congress. June 2023. 5 C Pant, B S Jani, M Desai, A Deshpande, Prashant Pandya, Ryan Taylor, R Gilroy, M OIyaee. Hepatorenal [DA1] syndrome in hospitalized patients with chronic liver disease: results from the Nationwide Inpatient Sample 2002-2012. J of Investig Med. 2016; 64:33-38. 6 United States Census Bureau: Quick Facts. Available at: https://www.census.gov/quickfacts/fact/table/US/PST045218. Accessed May 3, 2023. 7 Flamm, S.L., Brown, K., Wadei, H.M., et al. The Current Management of Hepatorenal SyndromeAcute Kidney Injury in the United States and the Potential of Terlipressin. Liver Transpl. 2021;27:1191-1202. https://doi.org/10.1002/lt.26072. SOURCE Mallinckrodt plc Better claims that InterCure, with which it was to merge, damaged Better's assets and thwarted the merger deal. Better is seeking to compel InterCure to complete the merger and/or to pay a compensation of up to $35 million. TEL AVIV, Israel , June 14, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Medical cannabis company Better is suing InterCure for $35 million. A lawsuit has been filed against InterCure and its management, adding to a series of lawsuits recently filed against the company's conduct. According to Better, the lawsuit stems from InterCure's alleged attempts to push competitors like Better and other cannabis companies out of the market. Better claims that InterCure has a history of misrepresenting facts to acquisition companies for the purpose of merging and abusing its power in the deal. Better also claims that InterCure has the bad faith of engaging in predatory activities that drain the financial reserves of the acquisition targets. The lawsuit addresses the actions taken by InterCure's executives during the negotiations with Better, allegedly including making false representations, exerting pressure to transfer commercial materials, damaging production capabilities and harming the company's customers, assets, and means. Better is asking the court for a number of remedies outlined in its lawsuit, as compensation for InterCure's damages to Better during negotiations. For further details and the full lawsuit: Ariel Hoffert Minkovsky Media [email protected] +972549109313 SOURCE Cann Pharmaceuticals Ltd. TSURUOKA, Japan, June 15, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Metagen Therapeutics (President & CEO: Taku Nakahara), a company focusing on drug discovery and development based on intestinal microbiome-based therapeutics for various diseases, has completed its Series A funding in 2 rounds, raising a total of 1.7 billion yen. Sparx Asset Management, Nippon Venture Capital, Mizuho Capital and SMBC Venture Capital have joined the 1st round investors of JIC Venture Growth Investments, a type of sovereign wealth fund in Japan, JAFCO, Japan's largest venture capital company, Fast Track Initiative and Keio Innovation Initiative. With the closing of the 2nd round, Metagen Therapeutics has raised a total amount of 1.93 billion yen since its inception. Purpose of Financing There has been a growing movement to utilize intestinal bacteria in the medical field in recent years. In countries such as Australia and USA, "Fecal Microbiota Transplantation (FMT)" has been implemented as a medical procedure, and in April 2023, U.S. FDA approved the world's first stool-derived oral formulation for a microbiome drug. With the latest financing, Metagen Therapeutics aims to achieve 3 goals. The construction and operation of an intestinal microbiota bank, research and development of Microbiota Drug Discovery Programs, and the social implementation of FMT. By establishing an intestinal microbiota bank in Japan we will be able to connect patients and donors, which in turn will support and promote the social implementation of FMT, and from there help develop internationally competitive microbiome drugs that originates from Japan. Use of Funds 1. Development and operation of the intestinal microbiota bank Development of registration system for intestinal microbiota donor candidates Operation of intestinal microbiota bank (in accordance with institutional guidelines) Donor recruitment/online interview, donor eligibility evaluation, intake of stool donations, manufacturing/assessment/storage of intestinal microbiota solution Establishing process regarding preparation and quality control for intestinal microbiota solution 2. Promotion of basic and clinical research for clinical application of FMT (such as joint research related to immune checkpoint inhibitors) 3. Research and development of intestinal microbiota drug discovery program (including probiotics) Message from investors Sparks Asset Management Co., Ltd. Mr. Mitsuhiro Ito, Next Generation Growth Investment Division FMT therapy has recently been studied mainly overseas, and its social implementation is awaited in Japan as a new treatment method for various diseases including ulcerative colitis. We hope that Metagen Therapeutics, with its abundant intestinal microbiota data accumulated through years of clinical research and advanced bioinformatics technology, will lead the promotion of microbiome medicine and drug discovery and serve as gospel for many patients. Nippon Venture Capital Co. Ms. Yuko Kitaoka and Ms. Sayuri Okamoto, Investment Division It is with great pleasure to be here with Metagen Therapeutics, which is engaged in the research and development of innovative medical and pharmaceutical products such as the social implementation of FMT and microbiome drug discovery, as well as with its many investors. We are very much looking forward to seeing the excellent team led by Mr. Nakahara make a significant contribution to further develop microbiome science and the practical application of new medical and pharmaceutical products. Mizuho Capital Co.,Ltd. Mr. Keisuke Omori, Investment Manager Metagen Therapeutics is a bio-venture company with Japan's leading research and development capabilities in intestinal microbiota transplantation and microbiome drug discovery. With the increasing number of regulatory approvals for microbiome drugs overseas, we expect to see the creation of innovative medicine and pharmaceutical products based on microbiome science originating from Japan. We, together with our excellent management team led by President Nakahara, CMO Ishikawa, and CSO Terauchi, will continue to support this company with all our resources. SMBC Venture Capital. Mr. Masakazu Komahashi, Investment Sales Dept. Microbiomes are believed to be involved in various diseases other than inflammatory bowel disease, and the development of therapies is attracting worldwide attention. It is a new modality, and we expect to face many challenges in its implementation in society, but with the science and enthusiasm of the Metagen Therapeutics team, I believe we will be able to overcome these challenges. As a leading company in microbiome therapy development, we look forward to bringing therapies to patients as soon as possible. Message from Taku Nakahara, President and CEO, Metagen Therapeutics June 15th marks the final close of our Series A funding round, raising a total of 1.7 billion yen. We are very grateful for the deep trust and support of our top-tier investors, including FTI, JAFCO, and KII, who have supported us since the Seed and Pre-A rounds, JIC-VGI, who participated in the Series A First Close in April, and SPARX, NVCC, Mizuho Capital, and SMBC Venture Capital, who joined us at this final close. This funding will provide a powerful boost to expand the impact of microbiome medicine and drug discovery from Japan to the rest of the world, working to fulfill our mission of "Living up to the hopes of patients through microbiome science". Intestinal microbiome therapy is entering a new phase globally, with the approval of stool-derived oral formulations in the United States. We are determined not to miss this trend and renew our strong determination to bring advanced treatments to patients in Japan as soon as possible. What is a microbiome? A microbiome refers to the community of bacteria present throughout the human body including the intestines, skin and mouth. There are known to be approximately 40 trillion* bacterial cells in the human intestine, and in recent years, it has become evident to have significant impact on human health. * Sender, R., Fuchs, S. & Milo, R. Revised Estimates for the Number of Human and Bacteria Cells in the Body. PLoS Biol. 14, e1002533 (2016) What is FMT? FMT refers to the transplantation of intestinal microbiota from the stool of healthy individuals into the intestines of patients using a colonoscope. This is a medical technology and procedure that improves the imbalance of the microbiota, or dysbiosis. Clinical research began in 2014, and Juntendo University has accumulated a track record of FMT in more than 200 patients** with ulcerative colitis, publishing research papers and case studies internationally in a number of top journals. What is the Intestinal Microbiota Bank? The intestinal microbiota bank is a system that recruits and screens potential intestinal microbiota donors, prepares intestinal microflora solution to be transplanted into patients when performing FMT, and delivers solutions to medical institutions. The intestinal microbiota bank also serves as a foundation for research and development of pharmaceuticals using intestinal bacteria. About Metagen Therapeutics Metagen Therapeutics (MGTx) is a biotech startup founded by researchers of Juntendo University, Keio University and Tokyo Institute of Technology in 2020 with the mission of "Living up to the hopes of patients through microbiome science". MGTx has been accelerating its drug discovery and development work on intestinal microbiome-based therapeutics for various diseases such as cancer, ulcerative colitis, and Parkinson's disease. It aims for social impact through medical care and drug discovery. For more information, go to https://www.metagentx.com or follow us on LinkedIn at https://www.linkedin.com/company/metagentx/. For press inquiries or investor inquiries, please email: [email protected] Company Profile Company name: Metagen Therapeutics Inc. (MGTx) Head office location: 246-2 Minakami, Kakuganji, Tsuruoka City, Yamagata Prefecture Tokyo Office: Toranomon Hills Business Tower 15th Floor, 1-17-1 Toranomon, Minato-ku, Tokyo Representative: Taku Nakahara, President and CEO Date of establishment: January 17, 2020 Company description: Drug discovery and medical business through microbiota therapeutics SOURCE Metagen Therapeutics Inc. American Association of Nurse Practitioners Responds to Latest From American Medical Association House of Delegates AUSTIN, Texas, June 15, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Today, the American Association of Nurse Practitioners (AANP) issued the following statement concerning the American Medical Association's (AMA's) call for nurse practitioners (NPs) and other advanced practice registered nurses (APRNs) to be jointly regulated by boards of medicine and boards of nursing. The AMA has once again dusted off its old protectionist playbook and demonstrated its commitment to put profit and powerplays ahead of patients and their access to high-quality health care. The only appropriate regulatory entities to oversee nursing licensure and practice are state boards of nursing Tweet this During its recent House of Delegates meeting, the AMA reaffirmed multiple outdated policies that make it harder for patients to access qualified health care providers and called for the unnecessary and harmful joint regulation of NPs and other APRNs by boards of medicine and nursing. NPs practice advanced nursing, not medicine. Boards of medicine lack the requisite nursing experience and expertise to regulate nurses. "The only appropriate regulatory entities to oversee nursing licensure and practice are state boards of nursing," said AANP Chief Executive Officer Jon Fanning, MS, CAE, CNED. "Not only is the model proposed by the AMA flawed, but it has also been soundly rejected by 46 states and the District of Columbia. In the handful of states where NP practice is regulated outside the exclusive oversight of the board of nursing, the restrictive involvement of the board of medicine directly contributes to health care access challenges, resulting in continued low health care rankings, geographic disparities in care and unnecessary regulatory cost in these states." Today, there are more than 355,000 NPs practicing across the United States, strengthening health care access and delivery in nearly every community in the country and every health care setting including clinics, hospitals, Veterans Affairs and Indian Health Care facilities, emergency rooms, urgent care sites, private physician or NP practices (both managed and owned by NPs), nursing homes, schools, colleges, retail clinics, public health departments, nurse-managed clinics, homeless clinics and home health. "While the AMA continues its efforts and tactics designed to limit patient access to the health care provider of their choice, AANP and its members remain steadfast in our efforts to ensure that every patient gains equitable access to the health care they need, when and where they need it," said AANP President-Elect Stephen Ferrara, DNP. "Overwhelmingly, the American public supports policies that give them direct access to the health care provider who they choose." Unfortunately, the AMA's tactics are not new. AANP will continue to fight for patients. AANP calls on the AMA to stop the rhetoric and resolutions that undermine patient choice, access and truly coordinated care. The AMA's ongoing fearmongering and physician-protectionist resolutions are negatively impacting the health of our nation. It's time the AMA retires its dated tactics and put patients first. The evidence is clear: NPs provide safe, high-quality care, and states where NPs are prevented from providing care at the top of their education and skill consistently rank among the poorest on health outcomes, access to primary care and geographic disparities in care. For decades, AANP has stood with and for patients, advocating for improved access to care and the removal of artificial, outdated barriers to care. Once again, we invite the AMA to join us. The American Association of Nurse Practitioners (AANP) is the largest professional membership organization for nurse practitioners (NPs) of all specialties. It represents the interests of the more than 355,000 licensed NPs in the U.S. AANP provides legislative leadership at the local, state and national levels, advancing health policy; promoting excellence in practice, education and research; and establishing standards that best serve NPs' patients and other health care consumers. As The Voice of the Nurse Practitioner, AANP represents the interests of NPs as providers of high-quality, cost-effective, comprehensive, patient-centered health care. To locate an NP in your community, visit npfinder.com . For more information about NPs, visit aanp.org . SOURCE American Association of Nurse Practitioners Grant will bring reliable, high-speed service to the Native Village of Tyonek PALMER, Alaska, June 15, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- MTA, Alaska's best choice for technology and communications products, has been awarded a grant in the amount of $12.6 million as part of the fourth round of the U.S. Department of Agriculture's (USDA) Rural Utility Service ReConnect grant program. The investment will help MTA deploy 41 miles of fiber-to-the-premises network to the Tyonek Alaska Native Village Statistical Area, bringing secure and reliable service capable of 100/100 Mbps to the community - a 1000% increase in speed compared to currently available service in the area. In addition to making high-speed internet affordable by participating in the Federal Communications Commission's (FCC) Lifeline and Affordable Connectivity Programs, MTA will also provide free workshops to inform community members about available assistance plans. "We are proud to receive this grant and empower the people and businesses of the Native Village of Tyonek with strong and secure broadband service," said Michael Burke, CEO of MTA. "Since MTA began 70 years ago, it has never stopped making new connections both within our community and to others, and we're working to make the term 'digital divide' a thing of the past." The grant was announced as part of $714 million in grants and loans that the USDA is providing to connect thousands of rural residents, farmers and business owners in 19 states to reliable, affordable high-speed internet. The ReConnect program offers loans and grants to cover the costs needed to provide broadband service to eligible rural areas. For more information, visit www.mtasolutions.com. About Matanuska Telecom Association Established in 1953, as a 100 percent Alaskan-owned and operated telecom cooperative, MTA is Alaska's best choice for technology and communications products. As a key player in the economy of Southcentral and Interior Alaska, MTA provides business technology solutions to empower member-owners and patrons to live a connected life. Today, MTA remains as one of the largest telecommunication co-ops in the United States and proudly employs more than 400 Alaskans. For more information, visit https://www.mtasolutions.com/ or connect with MTA on Facebook. Media Contacts Fearey for MTA [email protected], 206.838.9212 SOURCE MTA Meeting to Be Held on Wednesday, June 28th at 9:00 AM MDT CALGARY, AB, June 15, 2023 /PRNewswire/ - Nanalysis Scientific Corp. ("the Company", TSXV: NSCI, OTCQX: NSCIF, FRA: 1N1), a leader in portable NMR machines and MRI technology for industrial and research applications, announces that the Annual General Meeting (AGM) will take place on Wednesday June 28, 2023, at 9 AM MDT at Bay 1, 4600 5th Street NE, Calgary, Alberta, T2E 7C3. Following the formal part of the meeting, Sean Krakiwsky, President and Chief Executive Officer of the Corporation, will provide a corporate presentation. The Company strongly encourages all shareholders to vote by proxy or by voting instruction rather than attend the meeting in person. All shareholders and proxyholders are encouraged to view the meeting in real time via preferred video conference: https://zoom.us/j/91860423336 or dial in via phone (international dial-in numbers found at https://zoom.us/u/aNcVqmLSU, Conference ID: 918 6042 3336). Shareholders will not be able to vote through the teleconference line or video link. We kindly ask that all attendees remain muted until the Q&A session and to follow instructions provided on the call to avoid interruption. About Nanalysis Scientific Corp. (TSXV: NSCI, OTCQX: NSCIF, FRA: 1N1) Nanalysis' business is what we term "MRI and NMR for industry". The Company develops and manufactures portable Nuclear Magnetic Resonance (NMR) spectrometers or analyzers for laboratory and industrial markets. The NMReady-60 was the first full-feature portable NMR spectrometer in a single compact enclosure requiring no liquid helium or any other cryogens. The company has followed-up that initial offering with new products and continues to have a strong innovation pipeline. In 2020 Nanalysis announced the launch of its 100MHz device, the most powerful and most advanced compact NMR device ever brought to market. Nanalysis' devices are used in many industries (oil and gas, chemical, mining, pharma, biotech, flavor and fragrances, agrochemicals, law enforcement, and more) as well as numerous government and university research labs around the world. The Company continues to exploit new global market opportunities independently and with partners. In 2022 the Company acquired K'(Prime) Technologies Inc. (K'Prime), a North American sales and service company which provides sales services for scientific instrumentation for pharma, food, chemical and oil & gas customers, as well as imaging systems for security applications. K'Prime's service organization provides airport and commercial security installation and maintenance solutions across North America. Additionally in 2022, the Company acquired a 43% ownership in Quad Systems AG ("Quad Systems"), a Zurich-based Nuclear Magnetic Resonance (NMR) company focused on high-field NMR for pharmaceutical and other vertical markets. Notice regarding Forward Looking Statements and Legal Disclaimer This news release contains certain "forward-looking statements" within the meaning of such statements under applicable securities law. Forward-looking statements are frequently characterized by words such as "anticipates", "plan", "continue", "expect", "project", "intend", "believe", "anticipate", "estimate", "may", "will", "potential", "proposed", "positioned" and other similar words, or statements that certain events or conditions "may" or "will" occur. These statements are only predictions. Various assumptions were used in drawing the conclusions or making the projections contained in the forward-looking statements throughout this news release. Forward-looking statements are based on the opinions and estimates of management at the date the statements are made and are subject to a variety of risks and uncertainties and other factors that could cause actual events or results to differ materially from those projected in the forward-looking statements. The Company is under no obligation, and 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 expressly required by applicable law. Neither TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release. SOURCE Nanalysis Scientific Corp. WASHINGTON, June 15, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Following is a statement from Eileen O'Reilly, president of the National Press Club, and Gil Klein, president of the National Press Club Journalism Institute, regarding recent reports an Oklahoma journalist has been forced to leave his community out of fear for his safety following threats of violence by local officials. The reports that journalist Chris Willingham of the McCurtain Gazette-News fled his community following the newspaper's publication in April of an audio recording in which local officials made statements threatening its journalists. "All journalists should be able to do their jobs without fearing for their physical safety. We are outraged by reports that a journalist for the McCurtain County Gazette-News has been forced to leave his community following violent threats against him by local officials. "Violent threats against journalists by the elected officials they report on have no place in our democratic society. We condemn this in the strongest possible terms. We urge state and federal officials to expedite their investigations into this situation and look forward to seeing any officials who made violent threats to be fully held accountable." Founded in 1908, the National Press Club is the world's leading professional organization for journalists. The Club has 3,000 members representing nearly every major news organization and is a leading voice for press freedom in the United States and around the world. The National Press Club Journalism Institute promotes an engaged, global citizenry through an independent and free press and equips journalists with the skills and standards to inform the public in ways that inspire a more representative democracy. The NPCJI is the nonprofit affiliate of the National Press Club. Contact: Bill McCarren, 202-662-7534 for The National Press Club. SOURCE National Press Club Speakers explored the challenges that can lead to increased cancer incidence or mortality and possible policy solutions to address access and quality issues, including the use of NCCN Guidelines to establish an equitable standard of care. WASHINGTON, June 15, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Today, the National Comprehensive Cancer Network (NCCN)an alliance of leading cancer centersconvened a policy summit to examine how geography impacts cancer outcomes. NCCN Chief Executive Officer, Robert W. Carlson, MD, opened the event with a focus on equity. "NCCN's work is guided by the idea that where you live should not impact whether you live." - Robert W. Carlson, MD Tweet this Congressman Brian Higgins (NY-26), Co-Chair of the Cancer Caucus in the U.S. House of Representatives, speaks during NCCN Oncology Policy Summit in Washington, D.C. Visit NCCN.org/summits for more. "NCCN's work is guided by the idea that where you live should not impact whether you live," said Dr. Carlson. "NCCN Guidelines are one free resource to make sure everyone, everywhere, has access to cancer care based on the latest evidence and expert consensus. They can be used as guardrails to standardize treatmentpreventing under or overtreatmentwhile still enabling freedom for personalized care." Advocates, providers, lawmakers, and others shared diverse perspectives on how location, policies, culture, and built environment can all impact cancer incidences and outcomes. "Broadly, 'built environment' refers to all human-made surroundings, and includes various cancer-relevant factors, such as: reliable internet access; accessible high-quality cancer care and public transportation; level and continuous sidewalks; nearby parks and recreational facilities, nutritious foods, and tree-cover; clean air and water; and safe and supportive housing and neighborhoods," explained panel member Jesse John Plascak, PhD, MPH, Assistant Professor, Division of Cancer Prevention & Control, The Ohio State University Comprehensive Cancer Center James Cancer Hospital and Solove Research Institute. "Investing in improving the built environment translates to better health outcomes, including cancer." The program featured a fireside chat with Congressman Brian Higgins (NY-26), who shared an overview of the policy landscape and a look at how different regions can be better served. "Early detection is our best protection against cancer of all types, but many Americans, especially those living in underserved communities, lack access to regular screenings which puts them at a greater risk," said Congressman Higgins. "As Co-Chair of the Cancer Caucus in the U.S. House of Representatives, I am committed to advancing efforts that address equity in cancer care, improve access to routine screenings, and increase funding leading to breakthroughs and advancements in treatments. Together, we can reach the communities in greatest need and achieve the goals set forth by President Biden's Cancer Moonshot to end cancer as we know it." Elisa Rodriguez, PhD, MS, Vice President & Associate Director of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI) at Roswell Park Comprehensive Cancer Center, provided the keynote address. "Our nation's cancer centers are uniquely positioned to address cancer health disparities and inequity in access to cancer services," noted Dr. Rodriguez, who also serves as Director of the Community Engagement Resource for Roswell Park and is a Member of the NCCN DEI Directors Forum. "The populations and regions we serve are diverse in many waysthey are rural, urban, and suburban, and the people living in these distinct geographic regions reflect every dimension of humanity and need. Our experiences at Roswell Park can serve as a model for how cancer centers can enlist partners in their work to enhance infrastructure and develop effective strategies to address the cancer burden, increasing access to cancer care for all patients." There was a focus on the rural/urban divide throughout the summit, with speakers identifying how various regions can face very different challenges which require thoughtful solutions. They noted that cancer incidence rates tend to be higher in urban areas, but mortality rates are higher in rural communities. In urban areas, there may be more environmental and behavioral stressors contributing to cancer incidences, such as less access to safe places for physical activity or affordable fruits and vegetables. In rural areas, there are numerous barriers to accessing medical care providersparticularly specialistsincluding staffing shortages and transportation concerns. "Access to innovative oncology treatments and clinical trials for patientsregardless of where they livehas long been a challenge in oncology and clinical development," said Sara Kulwicki, MS, Associate Vice President, Clinical Development-Oncology Clinical Design, Delivery & Analytics, Lilly. "In addition to barriers that exist for all patients, those in rural areas face increased obstacles to receiving optimal care. We must continue educating, advocating, and deploying solutions that remove financial, transportation, and other barriers, bringing care closer to patients." "A substantial number of rural patients often prefer or need to receive cancer care locally, yet many community hospitals are too under-resourced to offer the continuum of comprehensive and supportive cancer services included in evidence-based standards of care," agreed Mary Charlton, PhD, Associate Professor, Department of Epidemiology, The University of Iowa, and Director Iowa Cancer Registry. "In order to provide quality care across varying locales, we must develop a multi-faceted, collaborative cancer network approach that extends the resources and expertise from larger cancer centers out to rural hospitals and providers. This must be done in a way that capitalizes on everyone's strengths while fostering trust and engagement between providers. This strategy has worked well in states like Kentucky and Kansas, and our research aims to develop a rigorous implementation strategy to adapt these network approaches throughout rural America." The speakers offered many insights on leveraging technology to serve more patients. They acknowledged the massive expansion in telehealth was one positive thing to come from the Covid-19 pandemic. However, panel members pointed out that there is still more work to be done to harness technology effectively and equitably. Speakers also spotlighted how interpersonal interactions play an outsized role in finding solutions for the many challenges that prevent rural patients from getting high-quality care. "The key to delivering specialized cancer care to rural patients is to make that care accessible through a multifaceted approach, collaborating with community oncologists and primary care providers with bidirectional trust and communication," commented Ursa Brown-Glaberman, MD, Associate Professor, Hematology/Oncology, Medical Director, Clinical Research Office, University of New Mexico Cancer Comprehensive (UNM CCC). "While issues of policy, technology and geography are important, we can't forget that a community's culture must be considered and understood when working to increase access to cancer screenings and treatments," agreed Keith Argenbright, MD, Director, Moncrief Cancer Institute, UT Southwestern Harold C. Simmons Comprehensive Cancer Center. "We must always keep in mind the cultural differences that make our targeted populations unique and work to create policies and partnerships that are embraced by those communities." Alma McCormick, BS in Health and Human Performance, Health and Wellness, Executive Director, Messengers for Health, Crow Nation, and Member, PCORI Advisory Panel on Patient Engagement, shared stories of successful community-based participatory research addressing the cancer needs among Crow Indian people. She had a suggestion for one way to gain trust in marginalized communities: "Do what you say you are going to do." She continued: "Go to where the people are and let them know you care." International radiation oncology head and neck expert Waleed Mourad, MD, Professor of Radiation Oncology, Medical Director, Morehead Cancer Center at The University of Kentucky is doing exactly that on a global scale. Dr Mourad is both the Radiation Oncology physician founder of sub-Saharan Cameroon Oncology Cancer Center and the current medical director of an academic rural practice in Appalachia. He discussed the A to Z challenges of ground up establishment of a cancer treatment facility as well as ongoing challenges in prevention, screening, diagnosis, treatment, and surveillance in both settings. "Working toward the World Cancer Day goal to 'Close the Care Gap' takes a village," said Dr. Mourad. "With the increased globalization of society, we are all citizens of the world. I cannot underscore enough how important it is to address and mitigate care gaps by delivering culturally-appropriate, team-oriented, competent care." Panelists Mei Wa Kwong, JD, Executive Director, Center for Connected Health Policy; Janette Merrill, MS Ed, Senior Director of Policy Programs, American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO); and Joette Walters, MSN, MBA, RN, Chief Executive Officer, Tuba City Regional Health Care Corporation, Navajo Nation, also made key contributions to the program. The panel discussions were moderated by Clifford Goodman, PhD, and closing remarks were provided by NCCN Chief Operating Officer Gary Weyhmuller, MBA, SPHR. The next NCCN policy summit is coming up on September 12, 2023, with a focus on measuring and addressing health-related social needs in cancer. The event will include the launch of a high-impact screening tool to help healthcare providers meet patient needs and provide better care. Visit NCCN.org/summits to learn more and register. About the National Comprehensive Cancer Network The National Comprehensive Cancer Network (NCCN) is a not-for-profit alliance of leading cancer centers devoted to patient care, research, and education. NCCN is dedicated to improving and facilitating quality, effective, equitable, and accessible cancer care so all patients can live better lives. The NCCN Clinical Practice Guidelines in Oncology (NCCN Guidelines) provide transparent, evidence-based, expert consensus recommendations for cancer treatment, prevention, and supportive services; they are the recognized standard for clinical direction and policy in cancer management and the most thorough and frequently-updated clinical practice guidelines available in any area of medicine. The NCCN Guidelines for Patients provide expert cancer treatment information to inform and empower patients and caregivers, through support from the NCCN Foundation. NCCN also advances continuing education, global initiatives, policy, and research collaboration and publication in oncology. Visit NCCN.org for more information. Media Contact: Rachel Darwin 267-622-6624 [email protected] SOURCE National Comprehensive Cancer Network The latest "Missing Pieces" report, now in its seventh edition, shows that nearly 45% of women and underrepresented racial and ethnic groups held board seats in 2022, up from 38% in 2020 Still, the pace of change remains inconsistent and uneven across demographics NEW YORK and WASHINGTON, June 15, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- More than ever before, the corporate directors of America's largest and most prominent public companies are likely to reflect an array of gender, racial and ethnic diversity. But while the boardroom is starting to reflect a broader range of lived experiences, the rate of change has room for improvement. Today, in collaboration with Deloitte, the Alliance for Board Diversity (ABD) released the seventh edition of "Missing Pieces." This comprehensive biennial report examines and chronicles the representation of women and individuals from underrepresented racial and ethnic groups on the boards of Fortune 500 companies. The report's latest edition analyzed data from 2020 2022 and highlights trends around some aspects of board diversity across Fortune-ranked companies, the disparities between these boards and the U.S. demographic population and variations in boardroom diversity across industries. These insights highlight the progress and serve to inform and highlight the need for a more diverse board composition. Alliance for Board Diversity Women and underrepresented racial and ethnic groups make gradual strides in the boardroom The findings from this year's report show that although more than half of Fortune 500 board seats are still held by White men (55.3%), women and individuals from underrepresented racial and ethnic groups have recorded gradual increases. In 2022, women held more than 30% of Fortune 500 board seats, up from 26.5% in 2020. African American/Black women saw a 47% increase, gaining 86 board seats since 2020. Asian/Pacific Islander women gained 24 seats and saw an increase of 27%. Hispanic women/Latinas saw an increase of 23.7%, totaling 14 seats. Underrepresented racial and ethnic groups continued to make strides in the boardroom as well, increasing the number of board seats in the Fortune 500 from 17.5% in 2020 to 22.2% in 2022. In particular, the percentage of African American/Black board members grew from 8.7% to 11.9%; Asian/Pacific Islander board members grew from 4.6% to 5.4%; and Hispanic/Latino(a) board members grew slightly from 4.1% to 4.7%. Even though all groups have seen growth in board representation over the last decade, no Fortune 500 company board fully represents the demographic population in the United States. The Fortune 100 slightly leads the Fortune 500 in representation The report also reveals trends specific to Fortune 100 companies. Looking at data changes between 2020 and 2022, the levels of diverse representation are slightly higher in the Fortune 100 than in the broader Fortune 500, with 46.5% of board seats held by individuals who are women and/or from underrepresented racial and ethnic groups (versus 44.7% in the Fortune 500). While representation is greater in the Fortune 100, the rate of change is, however, much slower. For example, over the last decade, the share of women and individuals from underrepresented racial and ethnic groups on boards increased by only 44.9% for the Fortune 100 compared to 67% for the Fortune 500. Additional report findings More than half of the Fortune 500 boards now have 40% of their seats held by White women and individuals from underrepresented racial and ethnic groups. Between 2020 and 2022, an additional 81 companies moved into this group, for a total of 281 companies. Currently, just four companies have boards where less than 10% of directors are White women and/or individuals from underrepresented racial and ethnic groups. Across industries, gender diversity on boards was highest for consumer businesses (32%). In terms of racial and ethnic diversity, life sciences and health care leads in representation (25%). The power and utilities sector has the highest percentage of African American/Black directors; the technology sector has the highest rate of Asian/Pacific Islander directors; and the energy and chemicals sector had the highest percentage representation of Hispanic/Latino(a) board members. For the Fortune 100, women from underrepresented racial and ethnic groups saw significant increases, gaining board seats. The largest percentage gain in seats between 2020 and 2022 was Hispanic/Latina board members, with 45.5% growth. African American/Black women saw a growth of 38.1%, and Asian/Pacific Islander women saw a growth of 23.5%. These are significantly larger percentage increases than the three groups saw from 2018 to 2020. Fifty-three companies in the Fortune 500 now have greater than 60% of their board seats filled by women and individuals from underrepresented racial and ethnic groups, the highest level to date. When compared to the current estimates of the U.S. census populations, only 16 companies have boards with 50% or more women. Only 13 companies have 18% or greater Hispanic/Latino(a) representation. Two hundred and four companies have 13% or greater representation of African American/Black board members. Two hundred and eleven companies have 6% or greater Asian/Pacific Islander representation. Key quotations "The findings from this year's report show gradual steps in the right direction, but at this pace, U.S. top corporate boards might not represent the nation's population until 2060. Board diversity and inclusion isn't only the right thing to do; it is a business imperative that builds broad stakeholder trust that ultimately can lead to better business outcomes." Carey Oven, national managing partner, Center for Board Effectiveness, Deloitte LLP "Hispanic/Latino(a) board representation has remained relatively flat since 2004. By 2060, the Hispanic population will be almost 30% of the nation's population, yet fewer than 5% of corporate board positions are held by Hispanics, which makes us the community with the largest disparity of board representation compared to our population and economic influence. This lack of representation is a missed opportunity for companies to drive greater innovation and business growth for an influential global economic force as we are the fifth largest economy in the world. The Hispanic Association on Corporate Responsibility (HACR) will continue to urge companies to make greater progress on Hispanic board representation and Hispanic inclusion overall in Corporate America." Cid Wilson, chair, Alliance for Board Diversity and president and CEO, HACR "Boards are taking on a more active role in helping organizations navigate uncertainty and shifts in the economy and the global workforce. Increased digitization, new and emerging roles, shifting demographics, and high CEO turnover has put more demand on governance across industries and sectors. Diversified Search Group recognizes the significant opportunity to influence board diversity and inclusive leadership for better preparedness, decision-making, and performance now and in the future." Aileen K. Alexander, CEO, Diversified Search Group "Over the past few years, we've seen increased pressure on corporate boards to create a boardroom that is reflective of the gender, racial and ethnic diversity that exists in society more broadly. While we're pleased to see growth, we are also reminded of the importance of creating a welcoming environment for these diverse voices to be heard and received. This report is a reminder of the change we can create when we collectively commit to equity and ensuring all individuals regardless of race, ethnicity, or gender have a seat at the table." Kwasi Mitchell, chief purpose and DEI officer, Deloitte US "Despite the increased focus on board diversity in recent years, it is concerning to see that less than half of the Fortune 500 boards have 6% or greater representation of Asian and Pacific Islanders (APIs). The underrepresentation of APIs on Fortune 500 boards is an issue of equity and innovation. Corporate America should make it a priority to fill open board seats with qualified and diverse individuals, to benefit not only underrepresented communities but also ensure the sustainability of all businesses." Linda Akutagawa, president and CEO, LEAP (Leadership Education for Asian Pacifics) "Women continue to lead the growth of board diversity, and this was a banner year for that momentum. Still, while crossing the critical mass threshold of 30% women on corporate boards is meaningful progress, we have a way to go until boards truly represent the population and the people they serve." Lorraine Hariton, president and CEO, Catalyst "The Executive Leadership Council is encouraged by the significant increase in board seats held by African American/Black members from 2020 to 2022. The national focus on social and racial justice in 2020 likely played an important role in this growth, but now we must continue to hold onto this progress. The threat of company restructurings and layoffs is impacting corporate diversity efforts, so we must remind companies about the importance and business case for DE&I, especially regarding boards." Michael C. Hyter, president and CEO, The Executive Leadership Council The Alliance for Board Diversity's leadership participation in this press release is solely for educational purposes based on their individual knowledge of the subject, and the views expressed by them are solely their own. To read the full "Missing Pieces" report, please visit https://www.deloitte.com/missingpieces. Research Methodology The "Missing Pieces," seventh edition report uses a census methodology and is based on companies listed on Fortune 500 for 2022. The Fortune 500 list is updated annually and ranks companies based on total revenue. The report counts and provides a measurement for the representation of racially and ethnically underrepresented groups and women on the boards of Fortune 100 and 500 companies. Our analyses allow for comparable statistics that aren't based on a discrete list of identical companies from year to year but on the Fortune-listed companies in the given years for which the census was conducted given that the companies on the list change over time. Due to gaps in data availability, the analysis covers 92% of the Fortune 100 (n = 92) and 95.4% of the Fortune 500 (n = 477). About Deloitte Deloitte provides industry-leading audit, consulting, tax and advisory services to many of the world's most admired brands, including nearly 90% of the Fortune 500 and more than 7,000 private companies. Our people come together for the greater good and work across the industry sectors that drive and shape today's marketplace delivering measurable and lasting results that help reinforce public trust in our capital markets, inspire clients to see challenges as opportunities to transform and thrive, and help lead the way toward a stronger economy and a healthier society. Deloitte is proud to be part of the largest global professional services network serving our clients in the markets that are most important to them. Building on more than 175 years of service, our network of member firms spans more than 150 countries and territories. Learn how Deloitte's approximately 415,000 people worldwide connect for impact at www.deloitte.com. Deloitte's Center for Board Effectiveness helps directors deliver value to the organizations they serve through a portfolio of high-quality, innovative experiences throughout their tenure as board members. Whether an individual is aspiring to board participation or has extensive board experience, the Center's programs enable them to contribute effectively and provide focus in the areas of governance and audit, strategy, risk, innovation, compensation, and succession. To learn more, please click here. About the Alliance for Board Diversity Founded in 2004, the Alliance for Board Diversity (ABD) is a collaboration of four leadership organizations: Catalyst, The Executive Leadership Council (ELC), the Hispanic Association on Corporate Responsibility (HACR) and LEAP (Leadership Education for Asian Pacifics). Diversified Search, an executive search firm, is a founding partner of the alliance and serves as an adviser and facilitator. The ABD's mission is to enhance shareholder value in Fortune 500 companies by promoting the inclusion of women and minorities on corporate boards. About Catalyst Catalyst is a global nonprofit supported by many of the world's most powerful CEOs and leading companies to help build workplaces that work for women. Founded in 1962, Catalyst drives change with preeminent thought leadership, actionable solutions and a galvanized community of multinational corporations to accelerate and advance women into leadership because progress for women is progress for everyone. For more information, please visit https://www.catalyst.org. About Diversified Search Group Purpose. Progress. Performance. Diversified Search Group is the largest woman-founded and woman-led executive search firm in the U.S., and for nearly five decades, has been driven by purpose, progress, and performance. Consistently recognized by Forbes as one of the nation's top retained executive search firms, Diversified Search Group is an industry leader in recruiting diverse, inclusive, and transformational leadership for clients. The firm is deliberately different in its approach and is comprised of a combination of specialty practices with deep industry expertise, that together harness their collective resources to identify new leaders to meet the needs of our changing world: Diversified Search, Alta Associates, BioQuest, Koya Partners, Grant Cooper, Storbeck Search, and Yardstick Management. Headquartered in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, Diversified Search Group operates in over a dozen offices nationwide and offers global services as the exclusive U.S. partner of AltoPartners, the international alliance of independent executive search firms. For more information, visit diversifiedsearchgroup.com. About The Executive Leadership Council The Executive Leadership Council, an independent non-profit 501(c)(3) corporation founded in 1986, is the preeminent membership organization committed to increasing the number of global Black executives in C-Suites, on corporate boards, and in global enterprises. Comprising more than 800 current and former Black CEOs, senior executives, and board directors at Fortune 1000 and Global 500 companies, and entrepreneurs at top-tier firms, its members work to build an inclusive business leadership pipeline that empowers global Black leaders to make impactful contributions to the marketplace and the global communities they serve. For more information, please visit www.elcinfo.com. About HACR Founded in 1986, the Hispanic Association on Corporate Responsibility (HACR) is the nation's leading corporate advocacy organization representing 14 national Hispanic organizations in the United States and Puerto Rico. Its mission is to advance the inclusion of Hispanics in Corporate America in the areas of Employment, Procurement, Philanthropy, and Governance. Through HACR's corporate leadership advancement programs, Symposium best-practice conferences, research initiatives, and public communications, HACR is illuminating The Power of Hispanic Inclusion throughout Corporate America. For more information, please visit hacr.org About LEAP Founded in 1982, LEAP (Leadership Education for Asian Pacifics) is a national, nonprofit organization, with a mission to achieve full participation and equality for Asian and Pacific Islanders (APIs) through leadership, empowerment, and policy. LEAP is the only Asian and Pacific Islander organization dedicated to cultivating a robust pipeline of leaders by encouraging individuals to assume leadership positions at work and in the community, and ultimately, to become role models for future leaders. LEAP is also a founding partner of Alliance for Board Diversity (ABD). For more information, please visit leap.org. Deloitte refers to one or more of Deloitte Touche Tohmatsu Limited, a U.K. private company limited by guarantee ("DTTL"), its network of member firms, and their related entities. DTTL and each of its member firms are legally separate and independent entities. DTTL (also referred to as "Deloitte Global") does not provide services to clients. In the United States, Deloitte refers to one or more of the U.S. member firms of DTTL, their related entities that operate using the "Deloitte" name in the United States and their respective affiliates. Certain services may not be available to attest clients under the rules and regulations of public accounting. Please see www.deloitte.com/about to learn more about our global network of member firms. SOURCE Deloitte The Headache & Migraine Policy Forum to present a new data analysis at the American Headache Society's 65th Annual Scientific Meeting. AUSTIN, Texas, June 15, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Prescription medication rejections by payers were associated with higher emergency department use for migraine, new data analysis from the Symphony Health database and The Headache & Migraine Policy Forum found. The data analysis, which will be presented at the American Headache Society's 65th Annual Scientific Meeting on Saturday, suggests that the connection is especially pronounced among communities of color. "These findings reveal multiple levels of racial and ethnic disparities in migraine care in the US. Black and Hispanic patients were by far the most likely to have prescribed migraine medications rejected by payers which was associated with significantly higher rates of ED use for migraine. This failure to adequately care for patients of color is unacceptable and needs to be remedied," stated study co-author, Dawn C Buse, Clinical Professor of Neurology at Albert Einstein College of Medicine in Bronx, NY. The newly released data analysis suggests that migraine prescription medication rejection rates and migraine-related emergency department use are correlated. Racial and ethnic disparities also deeply impact both rates of medication rejection and rates of emergency department use for migraine. Key findings from patients with two or more migraine prescription medication rejections within the three-year study window: African American/Black patients had the highest rates of prescription migraine medication rejection rates followed by Hispanic patients, Asian patients than white patients. When compared to white patients, African American/Black patients were 23.5% more likely to have one or more emergency department visit for migraine. African American/Black patients with two or more migraine prescription claim rejections were 23.5% more likely than white patients with two or more migraine prescription claim rejections to have one or more emergency department visits for migraine. "Using the ED for migraine care is a red flag that treatment is not optimized. Rates of denials for coverage of prescribed acute and preventive migraine therapies were associated with greater rates of at least one visit to the ED for migraine for all participants, with the greatest burden on Black and Hispanic patients," stated study co-author, Richard B Lipton, MD, Professor of Neurology at Albert Einstein College of Medicine in Bronx, NY. These findings provide insights into challenges with obtaining medications prescribed for migraine including higher emergency department use for migraine and the disparities and access problems that are faced especially by people of color. Policymakers and health care providers should use these findings to fill gaps in care for people living with migraine. "These new data confirm that people living with migraine are disproportionately high users of the emergency department for migraine, a direct effect of the lack of adequate access to care and treatment by insurers. It is even more troubling to learn that this problem is exacerbated within communities of color," said HMPF Executive Director Lindsay Videnieks. "Insurers must provide better coverage of prescribed preventative and acute forms of treatment to keep costs down for patients and the healthcare system and prevent further pain and suffering to patients." Data were compiled and analyzed by Symphony Health for three observation years. The analysis included claims data from 2019 through 2021 for over 2.1 million people diagnosed and treated for migraine. About HMPF The Headache & Migraine Policy Forum is a 501 c 4 that works to advance public policies and practices that promote accelerated innovation and improved treatments for headache and migraine patients. SOURCE The Headache & Migraine Policy Forum Prospects for reducing tariffs for the transportation of Ukrainian agricultural products by rail were discussed by Agrarian Ministries of Ukraine and Moldova Mykola Solsky and Vladimir Bolya during an online meeting on Thursday. According to the Ministry of Agrarian Policy and Food press service, the Moldovan side announced the completion of the formation of proposals for new tariffs, depending on the guaranteed volume of transportation of Ukrainian agricultural products. Bolya said Moldova is interested in increasing the volume of traffic by reducing road transport and significantly increasing traffic on the Moldovan railway. "This is in the interests of both countries: the Moldovan railway and market participants," Bolya said. The Moldovan agrarian department's press service said the parties, in preparation for the new agricultural marketing year, discussed measures to streamline the movement of Ukrainian agricultural products through customs checkpoints. "In the Republic of Moldova, work is underway to transfer transit [of Ukrainian agricultural products] from the road network to the railway network, which will reduce logistics costs, allow coordinating transit planning and reduce transportation time," the Moldovan side said. The bilateral meeting was attended by representatives of the leadership of the railway and customs authorities of the two countries. The regular meeting of the negotiation process will be held next week. It is expected that Ukraine will be transferred to study the proposals of the Moldovan side. NewsWhip announces a new "Interest Quadrant", giving communications and media professionals a precise, real-time map of the people and brands involved in any story spreading on social media. DUBLIN and NEW YORK, June 15, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- NewsWhip, the leader in predictive media intelligence, today announced the launch of the Interest Quadrant a live map of the people and brands involved in any news event, showing precisely the media interest and public engagement each person or brand is receiving. This marks the first time that such a live, real-time visualization has been made available to PR and media professionals. "A GPS for navigating complex public issues" Tweet this The Interest Quadrant provides a precise, real-time map of the top people and brands involved in any story. The new visualization uses state-of-the-art natural language processing to identify the key people and brands driving any story, then uses NewsWhip's precision, real-time data to track public and media interest in each of those drivers. Zach Silber, head of insights and analytics, Subject Matter+Kivvit, hailed the new feature as "a GPS for how to navigate complex public issues" and said it would provide "a map for brands to compare themselves against their peers - and their aspirational peers." The Interest Quadrant provides : Complete understanding of the drivers of any news event, as it unfolds Easy identification of "white space opportunities" attracting disproportionate public interest, and less media interest A comparative map for brands to see their performance against the competition "We're excited to bring the interest quadrant to our users, and expand on our suite of real-time insights," said Dervilla Mullan, CPO, NewsWhip. "For the first time, comms professionals will be able to automatically unpack the individuals and brands that are most associated with any topic or narrative, plot the media and public interest in real time, and commit to decisions based on that information." This update marks another step in NewsWhip's ongoing mission to help comms professionals understand and predict the digital media ecosystem, and comes in the wake of a $13M funding round in February. About NewsWhip NewsWhip ( www.newswhip.com ) is the only real-time media monitoring platform that predicts the stories and topics that will matter in the hours ahead, giving communications professionals the clarity they need for quick and confident decisions. Using NewsWhip, they can predict the news, unpack crises and issues, and better understand which stories are engaging audiences on a global and local scale. SOURCE NewsWhip VANCOUVER, BC, June 15, 2023 /PRNewswire/ - NexGen Energy Ltd. ("NexGen" or the "Company") (TSX: NXE) (NYSE: NXE) (ASX: NXG) is pleased to announce the signing of an Impact Benefit Agreement ("IBA" or the "Agreement") with the Metis Nation Saskatchewan Northern Region 2 ("MN-S NR2") and the Metis Nation Saskatchewan ("MN-S"), covering all phases of the Rook I Project ("Rook I" or the "Project"), which hosts the 100% owned Arrow uranium deposit. The signing of an IBA with the MN-S follows the signing of Benefit Agreements with each of the Clearwater River Dene Nation ("CRDN"), Birch Narrows Dene Nation ("BNDN"), and Buffalo River Dene Nation ("BRDN"). These four Nations collectively represent the First Nation and Metis communities for which the Saskatchewan Ministry of Environment assigned procedural aspects of the Duty to Consult for the Project to NexGen, and which have been identified by NexGen as the primary Indigenous Nations for consultation in consideration of the federal requirements of the Canadian Nuclear Safety Commission ("CNSC"). NexGen signs an historic IBA with the MN-S NR2 and the MNS. The Project is located within an area to which the MN-S NR2, as represented by the MN-S, assert constitutionally protected Aboriginal rights and interests, including Metis title, over certain lands and resources ("Rights"). The IBA defines the environmental, cultural, economic, employment, and other benefits to be provided to the MN-S NR2 and the MN-S by NexGen in respect of the Project, and to confirm the consent and support of the MN-S NR2 and the MN-S for the Project throughout its complete lifecycle, including reclamation. The Agreement was negotiated and developed out of a Study Agreement that was signed in 2019 between NexGen, the MN-S NR2, and the MN-S. The Study Agreement formalized engagement with the MN-S NR2 to identify potential impacts to Aboriginal rights and socio-economic interests and identify potential avoidance and accommodation measures in relation to the Project, whilst acknowledging the duty to consult remains with the Crown. Further, the Study Agreement provided the MN-S NR2 and the MN-S support to negotiate the IBA. Note, the IBA does not define or amend, recognize, affirm, abrogate, derogate from, or deny the existence of, or in any way limit any Rights of the MN-S NR2 and the MN-S, but rather is entered into in recognition of such Rights. Leigh Curyer, Chief Executive Officer of NexGen, commented: "The signing of this agreement is a testament to the trust and respect that has been established between NexGen, the MN-S NR2 and the MN-S to work in partnership with the mutual objective of responsibly developing the Rook I Project. I would like to acknowledge and thank Leonard Montgrand, his board and the entire MN-S engagement team for their diligence and commitment toward finalizing this industry-leading Agreement alongside NexGen for the benefit of their membership. "This is a significant moment in the Project's history. Signing the fourth community and final Benefit Agreement to ensure sustainable generational impact through positive social, economic, and transparent environmental outcomes that will extend well beyond mine-dependent opportunities for all communities in the Local Priority Area, the Province of Saskatchewan, and Canada. I am extremely proud of the dedication and commitment of the NexGen organization and all four communities to collaboratively design and implement a new industry-leading approach and structure to genuine consultation and engagement. The template of which, we are offering to share Canada-wide to other communities and organizations collaborating on the successful development and implementation of projects." Leonard Montgrand, Regional Director of MN-S Northern Region II commented: "This agreement is a milestone in the history of the Metis Nation. It not only recognizes the Metis as a rights-holding people with strong ancestral connections to the land, but also provides a mechanism for continuous engagement on a breadth of important topics, including environmental and social concerns, human resources, and support for Metis businesses. After a century of our lands being developed without consideration of our people, it was important to come together as one Region and one Nation to change the status quo and become a partner in the development of the Rook I Project. NexGen's commitments in the IBA will set a new standard for how industry recognizes Metis rights and engages with the Metis Nation." Glen McCallum, President of the Metis Nation-Saskatchewan commented: "I wish to congratulate Northern Region II and NexGen for all the work involved in resolving the IBA, a landmark agreement for the entire Metis Nation and an excellent example of what can be achieved when we work together. Over the past five years, the Metis Nation-Saskatchewan has had a string of transformative accomplishments many thought impossible, and to this list we are proud to add the IBA with NexGen. It is our understanding this will be, by far, the largest Metis impact and benefit agreement in Canadian history. Under the IBA, the Rook I Project will respect our large, vibrant Metis community and our rights and interests over the land, while providing much-needed resources and opportunities to Northern Region II. It will leave a substantial legacy that can continue after the mine has closed and the lands have been restored." About NexGen NexGen Energy is a Canadian company focused on delivering clean energy fuel for the future. The Company's flagship Rook I Project is being optimally developed into the largest low cost producing uranium mine globally, incorporating the most elite standards in environmental and social governance. The Rook I Project is supported by a NI 43-101 compliant Feasibility Study which outlines the elite environmental performance and industry leading economics. NexGen is led by a team of experienced uranium and mining industry professionals with expertise across the entire mining life cycle, including exploration, financing, project engineering and construction, operations and closure. NexGen is leveraging its proven experience to deliver a Project that leads the entire mining industry socially, technically and environmentally. The Project and prospective portfolio in northern Saskatchewan will provide generational long-term economic, environmental, and social benefits for Saskatchewan, Canada, and the world. NexGen is listed on the Toronto Stock Exchange, the New York Stock Exchange under the ticker symbol "NXE" and on the Australian Securities Exchange under the ticker symbol "NXG" providing access to global investors to participate in NexGen's mission of solving three major global challenges in decarbonization, energy security and access to power. The Company is headquartered in Vancouver, British Columbia, with its primary operations office in Saskatoon, Saskatchewan. Technical Disclosure All technical information in this news release has been reviewed and approved by Kevin Small, NexGen's Senior Vice President, Engineering and Operations, a qualified person under National Instrument 43-101. A technical report in respect of the FS is filed on SEDAR (www.sedar.com) and EDGAR (www.sec.gov/edgar.shtml) and is available for review on NexGen Energy's website (www.nexgenenergy.ca). Cautionary Note to U.S. Investors This news release includes Mineral Reserves and Mineral Resources classification terms that comply with reporting standards in Canada and the Mineral Reserves and the Mineral Resources estimates are made in accordance with NI 43-101. NI 43-101 is a rule developed by the Canadian Securities Administrators that establishes standards for all public disclosure an issuer makes of scientific and technical information concerning mineral projects. These standards differ from the requirements of the Securities and Exchange Commission ("SEC") set by the SEC's rules that are applicable to domestic United States reporting companies. Consequently, Mineral Reserves and Mineral Resources information included in this news release is not comparable to similar information that would generally be disclosed by domestic U.S. reporting companies subject to the reporting and disclosure requirements of the SEC Accordingly, information concerning mineral deposits set forth herein may not be comparable with information made public by companies that report in accordance with U.S. standards. Forward-Looking Information The information contained herein contains "forward-looking statements" within the meaning of applicable United States securities laws and regulations and "forward-looking information" within the meaning of applicable Canadian securities legislation. "Forward-looking information" includes, but is not limited to, statements with respect to mineral reserve and mineral resource estimates, the 2021 Arrow Deposit, Rook I Project and estimates of uranium production, grade and long-term average uranium prices, anticipated effects of completed drill results on the Rook I Project, planned work programs, completion of further site investigations and engineering work to support basic engineering of the project and expected outcomes. Generally, but not always, forward-looking information and statements can be identified by the use of words such as "plans", "expects", "is expected", "budget", "scheduled", "estimates", "forecasts", "intends", "anticipates", or "believes" or the negative connotation thereof or variations of such words and phrases or state that certain actions, events or results "may", "could", "would", "might" or "will be taken", "occur" or "be achieved" or the negative connotation thereof. Statements relating to "mineral resources" are deemed to be forward-looking information, as they involve the implied assessment that, based on certain estimates and assumptions, the mineral resources described can be profitably produced in the future. Forward-looking information and statements are based on the then current expectations, beliefs, assumptions, estimates and forecasts about NexGen's business and the industry and markets in which it operates. Forward-looking information and statements are made based upon numerous assumptions, including among others, that the mineral reserve and resources estimates and the key assumptions and parameters on which such estimates are based are as set out in this news release and the technical report for the property , the results of planned exploration activities are as anticipated, the price and market supply of uranium, the cost of planned exploration activities, that financing will be available if and when needed and on reasonable terms, that third party contractors, equipment, supplies and governmental and other approvals required to conduct NexGen's planned exploration activities will be available on reasonable terms and in a timely manner and that general business and economic conditions will not change in a material adverse manner. Although the assumptions made by the Company in providing forward looking information or making forward looking statements are considered reasonable by management at the time, there can be no assurance that such assumptions will prove to be accurate in the future. Forward-looking information and statements also involve known and unknown risks and uncertainties and other factors, which may cause actual results, performances and achievements of NexGen to differ materially from any projections of results, performances and achievements of NexGen expressed or implied by such forward-looking information or statements, including, among others, the existence of negative operating cash flow and dependence on third party financing, uncertainty of the availability of additional financing, the risk that pending assay results will not confirm previously announced preliminary results, conclusions of economic valuations, the risk that actual results of exploration activities will be different than anticipated, the cost of labour, equipment or materials will increase more than expected, that the future price of uranium will decline or otherwise not rise to an economic level, the appeal of alternate sources of energy to uranium-produced energy, that the Canadian dollar will strengthen against the U.S. dollar, that mineral resources and reserves are not as estimated, that actual costs or actual results of reclamation activities are greater than expected, that changes in project parameters and plans continue to be refined and may result in increased costs, of unexpected variations in mineral resources and reserves, grade or recovery rates or other risks generally associated with mining, unanticipated delays in obtaining governmental, regulatory or First Nations approvals, risks related to First Nations title and consultation, reliance upon key management and other personnel, deficiencies in the Company's title to its properties, uninsurable risks, failure to manage conflicts of interest, failure to obtain or maintain required permits and licences, risks related to changes in laws, regulations, policy and public perception, as well as those factors or other risks as more fully described in NexGen's Annual Information Form dated February 24, 2023 filed with the securities commissions of all of the provinces of Canada except Quebec and in NexGen's 40-F filed with the United States Securities and Exchange Commission, which are available on SEDAR at www.sedar.com and Edgar at www.sec.gov. Although the Company has attempted to identify important factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those contained in the forward-looking information or statements or implied by forward-looking information or statements, there may be other factors that cause results not to be as anticipated, estimated or intended. Readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on forward-looking information or statements due to the inherent uncertainty thereof. There can be no assurance that forward-looking information and statements will prove to be accurate, as actual results and future events could differ materially from those anticipated, estimated or intended. Accordingly, readers should not place undue reliance on forward-looking statements or information. The Company undertakes no obligation to update or reissue forward-looking information as a result of new information or events except as required by applicable securities laws. SOURCE NexGen Energy Ltd. Two Minnesota high schools will spend a year building rat rod go-karts with the new NorthStar engine under the watchful eye of celebrity mentors Richard Petty and Billy Lane BURNSVILLE, Minn., June 15, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Northern Tool + Equipment will celebrate the upcoming release of its all new NorthStar line of engines by announcing an exciting build-off in front of thousands of people at the Minnesota Street Rod Association Back to the 50's event on June 23rd. Two Minnesota high schools will spend the next year constructing rat rod go-karts using 740cc NorthStar EFI engines under the watchful eye of mentors Richard Petty, a NASCAR legend, and celebrity motorcycle builder Billy Lane. The build-off is part of Northern Tool + Equipment's Tools for the Trades program. Minnesota Street Rod Association's Back to the 50s Weekend "Tools for the Trades is a great program, and it's important for kids to know they have career options. This country will always need tradespeople to make and manufacture things," said Petty. "The team at Petty's Garage and I are excited to meet the students and help them with this build-off." The schools will each receive a new, cutting-edge NorthStar EFI engine. Later this year, multiple sizes of the engine, from 180cc to 825cc, including two new engines at 300cc and 420cc, will be used in NorthStar products and available for purchase at Northern Tool. Each school's career and technical education program will also receive a donation of professional-grade tools and equipment, including air compressors and air-powered tools donated by Ingersoll Rand . "Ingersoll Rand is excited to support these students with the opportunity to learn valuable skills by providing access to the same quality equipment used by professionals across the skilled trades," added Kate Hartman, marketing leader at Ingersoll Rand. Northern Tool created Tools for the Trades to help address the skilled trades labor gap by providing schools, students and instructors with the proper equipment to grow trades learning options and the experiences to fuel interest in the trades for the next generation. The schools selected for this build-off, Minneapolis North and Lakeville North, will be able to provide students with invaluable hands-on experience through the project. The finished carts will also be custom pinstriped by renowned pinstriper Cliff Anderson, Jr, and the eight-month process will be featured on social media with progress narration by celebrity YouTuber Dylan McCool . "We're passionate about supporting and fueling the curiosity of the next generation of tradespeople," said Northern Tool + Equipment Co-owner Wade Kotula. "This is an exciting project because it will teach real-world skills while also exposing students to the wealth of knowledge our mentors possess, and they get to start and end it all at an amazing event in MSRA's Back to the 50's Weekend." Finished carts will then be unveiled at the 50th Anniversary of Back to the 50's in 2024 and will be raced at Lane's Sons of Speed classic motorcycle racing series. "It's a thrill and an honor to be involved in teaching students these skills," said Lane. "There are a lot of good ways to make a living, and this effort by Northern Tool + Equipment to expose students to the trades at a young age is critical." About Northern Tool + Equipment: Northern Tool + Equipment is a family-owned company serving both DIYers and trades professionals tackling the tough projects. A leading supplier of more than 100,000 high-quality tools and equipment for over 40 years, the company's highly-trained team has an immense breadth of knowledge to help customers in-person at more than 130 retail stores, online and over the phone through their fully-staffed contact center. From helping customers get the right tool for the job to assisting with parts and repairs that keep tools running at peak performance, customer service is at the foundation of Northern Tool's mission. With a passion for serving their communities and helping to fill the trades labor shortage, the company's Tools for the Trades program donates high-quality tools directly into school classrooms, helping teachers show students the value of working in the trades. Learn more about Northern Tool + Equipment at www.NorthernTool.com and stay connected through social media: Facebook ( @northerntool ), Instagram ( @northern_tool ), Twitter ( @northerntool ), YouTube and Pinterest . Media Contact: Holly Steffl Phone Number: 612.351.8312 Email: [email protected] Website: northerntool.com SOURCE Northern Tool + Equipment Numinus has submitted a Clinical Trial Application (CTA) to Health Canada to enable MDMA-assisted therapy Experiential Opportunities for practitioners as part of an investigational Phase 1 clinical trial. If approved, Numinus intends to make the Experiential Opportunity available to practitioners as part of its psychedelic-assisted therapy education and training program. If the CTA is approved, MAPS will provide Numinus with permission to use its protocol as part of this Experiential Opportunity, the first such permission granted by MAPS. VANCOUVER, BC, June 15, 2023 /PRNewswire/ - Numinus Wellness Inc. ("Numinus"), (TSX: NUMI) (OTCQX: NUMIF), a mental health care company advancing innovative treatments and evidence-based investigational psychedelic-assisted therapies, announced a partnership with the Multidisciplinary Association for Psychedelic Studies (MAPS), to support psychedelic experiential opportunities for practitioners as part of a clinical study. If the Clinical Trial Application (CTA) submitted to Health Canada is approved, the MDMA-assisted therapy experiential opportunity would be available only through Numinus. The CTA has been submitted by Numinus through its wholly-owned subsidiary Numinus Wellness Research Inc. If approved by Health Canada, the clinical trial would enable practitioners interested in MDMA-assisted therapy the ability to experience and observe MDMA sessions to further their understanding of psychedelic-assisted therapy. The Numinus-sponsored clinical trial would use clinical MDMA produced by Optimi, a Canadian-based drug manufacturer and formulator licensed by Health Canada to produce and supply psychedelic substances for clinical trials. "If the trial protocol is approved, Numinus would be best positioned to provide training with our experiential opportunities," said Payton Nyquvest, Founder and CEO . "Practitioners who complete our MDMA-assisted therapy education program, or have already completed previous MDMA-assisted therapy programs and are qualified to enroll in our Practical Applications course, would be able to apply to participate in the experiential clinical trial enabling them to observe, deliver, and receive the therapeutic protocol as part of their training experience." The clinical trial, formally titled A Phase 1, Open-Label, Single-Arm Study to Evaluate MDMA Experiential Training in Healthy Volunteers and Expand Knowledge and Qualifications of Therapists Planning to Conduct MDMA-Assisted Therapy (NUMT1), would initially be conducted at Numinus' clinics in Vancouver, if approved. The trial may be expanded to include additional Numinus clinic locations in the future. Mr. Nyquvest continued: "With a shared vision and commitment to driving greater understanding and accessibility to MDMA-assisted therapies, we believe this new offering is a gateway to greater collaboration with MAPS in the months ahead." Rick Doblin, Founder and President of MAPS added: "Our 37-year journey to medicalize the therapeutic use of psychedelics has never been closer to a reality, and we're thrilled to have Numinus as a partner in this work. Experiential training is an important element of a practitioner's training in many therapeutic modalities, and through this carefully controlled clinical trial, Numinus is supporting our shared goal of providing training to practitioners who may one day deliver psychedelic-assisted therapy to individuals who need it." If approved by Health Canada, the NUMT1 clinical trial protocol would enable each trial participant to participate in both experiential and observational roles, receiving investigational MDMA-assisted therapy, as well as observing another participant receiving the therapy under the supervision and guidance of an experienced and trained therapy provider. Numinus intends to draw on volunteers for the clinical trial through practitioners who have expressed interest through the Company's practitioner training program and those practitioners who have previously completed the MAPS protocol training and meet the qualifications to enroll in our MDMA-Practical Applications course. Practitioners interested in learning more about the investigational MDMA-assisted therapy experiential training clinical trial can find more information at www.numinus.com/mapspartnership. Numinus already provides several psychedelic-assisted therapy training courses for practitioners. For more information on training options, please see www.numinus.com/our-training-selection/. MDMA-assisted therapy has not been approved by any regulatory agency. The safety and efficacy of MDMA-assisted therapy have not been established for the treatment of PTSD. About Numinus Numinus Wellness (TSX: NUMI) helps people to heal and be well through the development and delivery of innovative mental health care and access to safe, evidence-based psychedelic-assisted therapies. The Numinus model - including psychedelic production, research and clinic care - is at the forefront of a transformation aimed at healing rather than managing symptoms for depression, anxiety, trauma, pain and substance use. At Numinus, we are leading the integration of psychedelic-assisted therapies into mainstream clinical practice and building the foundation for a healthier society. Learn more at www.numinus.com and follow us on LinkedIn, Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram. Forward-looking statements Statements and other information contained in this press release about anticipated future events constitute forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements are often, but not always, identified by the use of words such as "seek", "anticipate", "believe", "plan", "estimate", "expect" and "intend" and statements that an event "may", "will", "should", "could" or "might" occur or other similar expressions. Forward-looking statements are subject to risks and uncertainties and other factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those contained in the forward-looking statements, including approval of MDMA-assisted therapy for any indication or at all; restrictions that may be placed on use of MDMA by regulatory authorities; safety and efficacy of MDMA-assisted therapy; acceptance, uptake and commercialization of MDMA-assisted therapy; approval of the clinical trial by Health Canada or the FDA, as applicable; availability of suitable subjects for the trial; the effect, if any, of having obtained certification on any particular trainee or such trainee's business or profile; and other risks that are set forth in our annual information form dated December 12, 2022 and available on SEDAR at www.sedar.com. Forward-looking statements are based on estimates and opinions of management at the date the statements are made. Numinus does not undertake any obligation to update forward-looking statements even if circumstances or management's estimates or opinions should change except as required by applicable laws. Investors should not place undue reliance on forward-looking statements. SOURCE Numinus Wellness Inc. 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 15, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- As per The Business Research Company's Oil Storage Global Market Report 2023, the global oil storage market size will grow from $9.4 billion in 2022 to $9.8 billion in 2023 at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of more than 4%. The oil storage market size is then expected to grow to $11.9 billion in 2027 at a CAGR of more than 4%. Going forward, government support, rising urbanization, growing petrochemical industry, increasing consumption of crude oil products will drive the growth. The global oil storage market is segmented - 1) By Product Design: Open Top Tank, Fixed Roof Tank, Floating Roof Tank, Other Designs 2) By Type: Crude Oil, Gasoline, Aviation Fuel, Naphtha, Diesel, Kerosene, Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG) 3) By Materials: Steel, Carbon Steel, Fiberglass Reinforced Plastic (FRP), Other Materials The top opportunities in the oil storage market segmented by product design will arise in the fixed roof tank segment, which will gain $1.2 billion of global annual sales by 2027. Learn More On The Oil Storage Market Report https://www.thebusinessresearchcompany.com/report/oil-storage-global-market-report The global oil storage market is highly fragmented, with a large number of small players in the market. The top ten competitors in the market made up to 3.51% of the total market in 2022. NOV Inc. was the largest competitor with 0.92% of the market, followed by Chemie Tech, Shawcor Ltd., CST Industries, PermianLide (Permian Tank), McDermott International Ltd., Snyder Industries, Toyo Kanetsu KK, Superior Tank Co., Inc. and Ishii Iron Works Co. Ltd. Oil storage market companies are focusing on product innovations and developing new product solutions to strengthen their position in the market. For example, in September 2022, Axiom Equipment Group, a Canada-based Industrial equipment supplier, launched the Megatank fuel storage tank with 1000L, 2000L, and 3000L capacity options. Built double-walled with bi-directional forklift pockets and lifting brackets, a removable inner tank, an extra-large compartment area, and the ability to dispense fuel to three pieces of equipment simultaneously, the Megatank will help reduce the risks of downtime while becoming more cost-efficient operationally. Request A Free Sample Of The Oil Storage Market Report https://www.thebusinessresearchcompany.com/sample.aspx?id=6694&type=smp According to the oil storage market analysis, North America was the largest region in the oil storage market and was worth $3 billion in 2022. The oil storage market size will gain the most in USA at $779.2 million. The oil storage system market in North America is supported by the high crude oil demand, large oil and gas production activities and high demand for storage capacities. For example, crude oil production in Mexico is forecasted to grow by 10% from 1,740 barrels per day (bpd) in 2020 to 1,920bpd in 2023. View More Similar Market Reports: Oil Downstream Products Global Market Report 2023 https://www.thebusinessresearchcompany.com/report/oil-downstream-products-global-market-report Oil Accumulator Global Market Report 2023 https://www.thebusinessresearchcompany.com/report/oil-accumulator-global-market-report Oil And Gas Supporting Activities Global Market Report 2023 https://www.thebusinessresearchcompany.com/report/oil-and-gas-supporting-activities-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: [email protected] 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 SOURCE The Business Research Company SHANGHAI, June 15, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- The 10th All China-International Tube & Pipe Industry Trade Fair (Tube China), co-organized by Messe Dusseldorf (Shanghai) Co., Ltd., Metallurgical Council of China Council for the Promotion of International Trade, and Metallurgical Center for International Exchange and Cooperation opened with grandeur at Shanghai New International Expo Center on 14th June, ushering the show's tenth spectacular appearance in Shanghai. As one of the leading exhibition brands of Dusseldorf's global series of tube exhibitions, Tube China will inherit the advantages of internationalization, maximize the resources and channels of Messe Dusseldorf group's global network. With a focus on the Chinese market and extending its influence in Asia, Tube China serves as a multi-functional exhibition and trade platform for participants to develop business, consolidate contacts and explore advanced technology in China. Gathering 332 brand suppliers to build a one-stop procurement platform Tube China, a professional tube and pipe industry event radiating all over Asia, will build an exhibition, trade and communication platform for the entire tube and pipe industry, including its upstream and downstream participants to promote more business and cooperation opportunities. The total exhibition area at Tube China 2023 is nearly 20,000 square meters. In order to cater the need of increasing exhibitors, the organizers have specially added outdoor halls W4-1 and W4-2, in addition to Hall W4. Tube China 2023 have brought together 332 brands from 14 countries and regions including Germany, Switzerland, North America, Italy, Austria, France, Japan, South Korea and many more, to showcase their new products and technologies. The exhibits cover the complete industrial supply chain of the tube and pipe industry, including raw materials, tube and pipe processing equipment, pipe bending, tube and pipe forming technology, tube and pipe cutting and heat treatment processes, welded pipes, stainless steel pipes, and tube and pipe fittings of various specifications and models, to build a one-stop procurement platform for industry enterprises to purchase and place orders. Materials and tube and pipe fittings, Strong demand for high-end products Benefiting from the economic recovery and policy incentives, areas such as infrastructure, public transportation, and new energy will create new demand and opportunities for the tube & pipe industry. At present, China's steel pipe production capacity has accounted for 60% of the world's production capacity. Due to intensified competition among ordinary steel pipes and low-end products, a greater number of steel companies have turned their attention to more lucrative high-end products, especially products like seamless pipes and stainless-steel pipes. As the vane of the tube and pipe industry, Tube China 2023 has gathered domestic and foreign brand suppliers specialized in various specifications of seamless steel pipes, welded pipes, and several patented materials. Lots of new products are displayed during the show time. Such as Sanicro 35 Austenitic Stainless-Steel Alloy from Alleima; Ferrite Stainless Welded Low Finned Tube from NEOTISS, which is used in MSR HE of nuclear industry; High Frequency Longitudinal Seam Welding Steel Pipe (HFW) from Huludao Steel Pipe; as well as HFW pipe from Changfeng Steel Pipe. Pipe processing equipment move into green, intelligent, and innovative mode Wafios, a well-known company in the industry, will present its new intelligent finishing solution - CNC pipe bender RBV25 R-KSB. This product has several breakthrough technical advantages. It can achieve the highest precision with the largest body rigidity and head bending range, it works faster and maximizes energy efficiency, with great levels of flexibility in various application environments. New products like the WT Series Online Profile Laser Welding Machine from DGE LASER, and the Automatic Pipes Strapping Machine from SINOAUDE Tech showcase the smart tube processing technology. Boilers and induction heat treatment equipment also have plenty of new products on display: INDUCTOTHERM INDUSTRIES brings their new product CFI8 high-frequency welding machine; WELDAC high-frequency welding machine of EFD Induction; Industrial furnaces from Handuk R-FECO are also one of the highlights of this exhibition. Moreover, in the pipe cutting segment, well-known international enterprises will bring their innovative technical equipment, innovative products of pipe cutting processing equipment and saw blade tool materials, including RSA, Stark Tools, Kinkelder, Contor.SY, Lindemann, Zhejiang Jinyun Hanli Saws Co., Ltd, Chenlong, JLH and more. China International Steel Tube & Pipe Summit, knowledge and inspirations from industry gurus Tube China is not only a professional one-stop business platform, but also an ideal place to publish cutting-edge technologies, share industry development trends, and learn advanced case studies. In order to facilitate the demand of information exchange of domestic and overseas industry followers, the organizer of Tube China, in conjunction with China Iron and Steel Association, China Steel Pipe Association, and ITA-International Tube Association, will hold the "China International Steel Tube & Pipe Summit" concurrently with Tube China 2023. Tube China 2023 will continue to uphold the concept of "Based on the Chinese market. Gathering global business opportunities" to create a professional one-stop platform for local and foreign business exchanges. During the 3-day exhibition period, exhibitors and buyers can explore business opportunities face to face, it will certainly be a fruitful journey. Join China's leading exhibition. The 10th International Tube & Pipe Industry Trade Fair (Tube China) is waiting for you in Shanghai in June. For more details of the exhibition, please visit the official website of Tube China: www.tubechina.net. SOURCE Tube China VIENNA, June 15, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- The OPEC Fund for International Development (the OPEC Fund) is hosting its second Development Forum on Tuesday June 20, 2023 in Vienna, Austria, featuring the heads of the African Development Bank, Akinwumi Adesina, the Agence Francaise de Developpement, Remy Rioux, the Islamic Development Bank Group, Muhammad Al Jasser and OPEC Fund Director-General, Abdulhamid Alkhalifa in an opening conversation on the future of development finance. OPEC Fund, Vienna (Building) Dr. Abdulhamid Alkhalifa, OPEC Fund Director-General Addressing global development challenges under the over-arching theme "Driving Resilience & Equity", forum discussions will focus on opportunities to better finance sustainable development and secure transformational impact. Other topical issues on the agenda include sustainable food systems, innovative climate solutions and partnerships and policies that prioritize people and planet. The keynote address will be delivered by Frannie Leautier, CEO of the pan-African firm SouthBridge Investments. OPEC Fund Director-General Alkhalifa said: "The global challenges we are facing today such as the urgent food security crisis, the deepening threats of climate change and a looming debt crisis require strong partnerships and collective action. With the OPEC Fund Development Forum we are demonstrating that we are committed to addressing these challenges head-on in concert with partner countries and institutions. Together we can unlock models of collaboration and drive positive impact for the future." The OPEC Fund Development Forum brings together government leaders, ministers, heads of institutions, representatives from multilateral development banks, international organizations and private sector stakeholders. With a focus on transformative development models, regional collaboration and inclusiveness, the forum seeks to forge new pathways towards sustainable development. Some highlights of the Development Forum program include: "Towards a Transformative Development Model": The discussion will explore innovative approaches to address the scarcity of development capital, policy restrictions and the need to mobilize financial support for sustainable projects. Panelists will engage in conversations on leveraging resources and implementing strategies that foster inclusive, sustainable, and scalable solutions. "Regional Collaboration as a Catalyst for Scalable Solutions": The session will emphasize the power of collaboration, highlight successful development initiatives and the importance of replicating or upscaling. Participants will identify shared objectives, pool resources and expertise, and explore ways to effectively address complex challenges through regional cooperation. "Implementing Policies and Partnerships that Prioritize People and Planet": The closing conversation will focus on empowering women, young people, and entrepreneurs while strengthening legal and policy frameworks, especially those that ensure inclusive access to finance which help underserved groups break through systemic barriers that hinder progress towards sustainable development. In addition, the forum will feature spotlight sessions on selected topics, providing a deeper understanding of the challenges and opportunities in critical areas and highlighting the need for innovative solutions and collaborative action. Confirmed speakers for the OPEC Fund Development Forum 2023 also include Lotay Tshering, Prime Minister of Bhutan; Mohammed Al-Jadaan, Minister of Finance, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia; Sherry Rehman, Minister for Climate Change and Environmental Coordination, Pakistan; Rania Al-Mashat, Minister of International Cooperation, Egypt; Admassu Tadesse, President Emeritus and Group Managing Director, The Eastern and Southern African Trade and Development Bank (TDB); Vafaev Shukhrat, Director General of Uzbekistan's Agency for Strategic Reforms; Mahmoud Mohieldin, United Nations Special Envoy on Financing the 2030 Development Agenda; Dima Al-Khatib, Director, United Nations Office for South-South Cooperation (UNOSSC), and Gernot Wagner, author and climate economist at Columbia Business School, New York. For a full list of speakers and a detailed program, please visit the official OPEC Fund Development Forum 2023 website. About the OPEC Fund The OPEC Fund for International Development (the OPEC Fund) is the only globally mandated development institution that provides financing from member countries to non-member countries exclusively. The organization works in cooperation with developing country partners and the international development community to stimulate economic growth and social progress in low- and middle-income countries around the world. The OPEC Fund was established in 1976 with a distinct purpose: to drive development, strengthen communities and empower people. Our work is people-centered, focusing on financing projects that meet essential needs, such as food, energy, infrastructure, employment (particularly relating to MSMEs), clean water and sanitation, healthcare and education. To date, the OPEC Fund has committed more than US$24 billion to development projects in over 125 countries with an estimated total project cost of US$190 billion. The OPEC Fund is rated AA+/Outlook Stable by Fitch and AA, Outlook Positive by S&P. Our vision is a world where sustainable development is a reality for all. Contact: Basak Pamir T+43151564174 [email protected] Photo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2101918/OPEC_Fund_1.jpg Photo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2101919/OPEC_Fund_2.jpg Logo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/1987099/OPEC_Fund_logo.jpg SOURCE OPEC Fund for International Development GUANGZHOU, China, June 15, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- June 14th 2023 is the one-year anniversary of the Overall Plan for Promoting Comprehensive Cooperation among Guangdong, Hong Kong and Macao by Further Deepening Opening-up in Nansha District of Guangzhou issued by the State Council, which granted Nansha a significant mission of building a major strategic platform with a global perspective that is based in the Greater Bay Area and in collaboration with Hong Kong and Macao. Over the past year, policies and strategies have been transformed into actual projects, and the blueprint of the Nansha Plan has taken shape, according to Nansha District People's Government . Rows and rows of shelves are stacked with large carton boxes and bags, which are filled with coffee beans from Brazil, Ethiopia, and other countries. This is Jointek Global, a global fine food complex located in Nansha, Guangzhou, with a total construction area of 350,000 square meters. The imported coffee is transited here and then sold to the mainland. Being well connected by water is Nansha's unique location advantage. Only a ten-minute drive away from the Jointek Global Logistics Park, Nansha Port is the main port area of Guangzhou Port, the fifth largest port in the world, with over 150 international liner routes to more than 300 ports in over 100 countries and regions around the world. In recent years, especially in the past year since the implementation of the Nansha Plan, Nansha has made progress and achievements in many aspects, such as enhancing its function as an international shipping hub, helping enterprises to go global, and building a new platform for international exchanges, with the focus on the construction of a high-level gateway for opening up. Currently, it is the peak season for importing durians from Thailand. In the first five months of this year, more than 5,700 units of durian have made it to the domestic market through Nansha Port. With the country's largest port-side cold storage warehouse in use, Nansha Port has become the largest durian import port on the mainland. Tian Min, Deputy Director of Nansha District Bureau of Commerce, said that it takes only four days for fresh durians to arrive at Nansha Port from the Laem Chabang port in Thailand and only 1.5 hours to unload from the wharf and ship to the largest wholesale fruit market in South China. Song Xiaoming, Deputy General Manager of Guangzhou Port Group, said that the service capacity of the port cluster has been continuously improved. The sea-rail intermodal transportation business of Nansha Port has been put into regular operation. China-Europe Railway Express and Central Asia Railway Express also depart from Nansha Port South Railway Station, reaching Kazakhstan and other countries. Supported by the "world's factory," Nansha is accelerating the construction of a comprehensive service base for Chinese enterprises to go global, aiming to better connect with the world. At present, the base has attracted nearly 100 professional service agencies to settle in and provide one-stop comprehensive services covering law, finance, taxation, and intellectual property rights to help enterprises go global. The further alignment of rules and mechanisms and the increasing number of new platforms for international engagement in Nansha have promoted its openness and renewal. Nansha has held major events, such as the roundtable meeting between the National Development and Reform Commission of China (NDRC) and U.S. multinational enterprises in China, the Asia Youth Leaders Forum 2023, and the 9th Guangzhou Annual Investment Conference, Nansha Session, expanding its circle of friends. "The current Nansha is transforming from only the geographical center of the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area into a regional transport center and a functional hub," said Lu Yixian, Secretary of the CPC Nansha District Committee, "Nansha is the pearl on the crown of the GBA. It is laying the foundation for promoting industrial innovation and realizing achievements." SOURCE Nansha District People's Government of Guangzhou City FAIRFAX, Va. , June 15, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Paisano's Pizza, a beloved Italian restaurant institution in the Virginia, Maryland, and DC region, is thrilled to announce its 25th anniversary. Under the same family ownership since inception, Paisano's Pizza has remained committed to providing exceptional food and service to its loyal customers as it has grown to 40 locations in the DMV. The owner, Fouad Qretim, expresses his gratitude to the community for their unwavering support, saying, "We are proud to celebrate our 25th anniversary. We owe our success to the incredible people of Virginia, Maryland, and DC, who have embraced us as their go-to pizza place. It's an honor to serve you all, and we are thankful for your loyalty and support throughout the years." To commemorate this milestone, Paisano's Pizza is excited to offer a special promotion to its valued customers. For one week, from June 15th to June 19th, customers can enjoy a fantastic 25% off their orders as a token of appreciation. This discount serves as a heartfelt "thank you" to all the patrons who have made Paisano's Pizza a local favorite for a quarter of a century. In addition to celebrating their 25th anniversary, Paisano's Pizza is also delighted to announce a new partnership with Seasons Pizza, as they embark on an exciting journey to expand their presence across the East Coast. Fouad Qretim shares his vision for the future, stating, "We are thrilled to join forces with Seasons Pizza and take Paisano's Pizza to new heights. This partnership represents an incredible opportunity to share our delicious pizza with even more people, spreading the flavors and joy that have made us the go-to pizza delivery." As Paisano's Pizza looks to the future, they remain committed to their core values of exceptional quality, warm customer service, and community engagement. The 25th anniversary is not only a celebration of their past accomplishments but also a stepping stone toward an even brighter future for this cherished local chain. About Paisano's Pizza: Paisano's Pizza is a local chain born and bred in the Virginia, DC, and Maryland area. Since its founding in Fairfax, VA, in 1998, Paisano's Pizza has remained under the same family ownership, delivering delicious pizza and exceptional service to its loyal customers. With a commitment to quality and community, Paisano's Pizza has become a beloved local brand. For more information, please visit www.paisanos.com . SOURCE Paisano's Pizza NEW ORLEANS, June 14, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Following Pastor Rick Warren's appeal from the floor of the Southern Baptist Convention (SBC) Annual Meeting in New Orleans yesterday, shortly after the results of the vote were announced this morning he gave his response and fielded questions from credentialed press at a 75-minute Media Availability, that resembled a "Master Class" in SBC history, polity and hermeneutics. Having challenged more than 12,000 voting Messengers to overturn a ruling to disfellowship the Church he pastored for 43 years the tallied ballots were not in Saddleback's favor. The final count totaled 9,437 "Yes" in support of the Executive Committee ruling and 1,212 "No" to overturn it in support of Saddleback Church, signifying majority opinion of Convention attendees feel that the Church "is not in friendly cooperation with the SBC." Streamed live and available now at www.SBCStand.com, Warren opened his press statement by saying, "We received more votes than I anticipated in New Orleans. We have said since last February that we didn't expect to win. We made this effort to push a conversation that's been stagnant for years." Further addressing the reasons he chose to defend the Church he founded, Warren explained, "I wanted to speak up for the millions of Southern Baptist women whose spiritual gifts, leadership gifts and talents are being wasted." The best-selling author of The Purpose Driven Life and Coordinator of the global Finishing the Task coalition, acknowledged that the decisions made at the Annual Meeting only represent those who attend, and asked the media and his denominational peers to keep certain things in mind about yesterday's vote: It wasn't unanimous . "To think that all Southern Baptists will now adhere to a single vote at an annual meeting, as if that is a fiat on the role of women, is nonsense. Baptists are far more independent than that." . "To think that Southern Baptists will now adhere to a single vote at an annual meeting, as if that is a fiat on the role of women, is nonsense. Baptists are far more independent than that." The Convention is aging. "The average Southern Baptist is 56 years old and the average age of a Convention attender is higher than that. These are good people, but they're aging. The next generation of Southern Baptists are not here to vote. They couldn't care less about Roberts Rules of Order, arcane procedures or political infighting. Change will happen at some point. Truth inevitably triumphs over tradition, but it takes time." "The average Southern Baptist is 56 years old and the average age of a Convention attender is higher than that. These are good people, but they're aging. The next generation of Southern Baptists are not here to vote. They couldn't care less about Roberts Rules of Order, arcane procedures or political infighting. Change will happen at some point. Truth inevitably triumphs over tradition, but it takes time." Not everyone is able to attend. In reference to the 16,000 SBC pastors who responded to a letter Warren sent them a week ago, he said, "The number one response received was, 'I wish I could be there.' I understand why they couldn't. If you're in a single staff church or a church planter, it's difficult to leave with no one to care for it, or to afford travel across the country just for a national business meeting that has little impact on your ministry." In reference to the 16,000 SBC pastors who responded to a letter Warren sent them a week ago, he said, "The number one response received was, 'I wish I could be there.' I understand why they couldn't. If you're in a single staff church or a church planter, it's difficult to leave with no one to care for it, or to afford travel across the country just for a national business meeting that has little impact on your ministry." It's important to remember why the voters are called Messengers, not Delegates. "They only represent themselves. They cannot and do not represent every voice in their own church. Messenger resolutions and votes only represent those Messengers." Questions from the press yielded thoughtful and thorough answers from Warren, who expanded on the results of the three-year study of Scripture which ultimately changed his mind about women in ministry. Admitting regret that he didn't seek a deeper understanding sooner, he referenced passages that he believes support the Great Commission ministry of women and noted that the singular word "pastor" cannot be found in any English translation of the New Testament. Warren shared that his greatest frustration about the two years following the initial complaint against Saddleback Church, was closed door meetings to which he was never invited to express the logical, theological and exegesis of Scripture that explain his perspective. While opponents were given ample opportunity to make their case against the Southern California Church, Warren never received responses to his emails and phone calls to the Executive Committee. "This is not the end of the debate," Warren concluded. "But my love for frightened pastors and frustrated women in our churches demanded that I not just slink off in silence. I knew I'd lose friends. I knew it would be a very unpopular position to take in our denomination which has been overwhelmingly complementarian. But I could not sit by while others claimed that you can't hold to the inerrancy of Scripture and support women in ministry." Yesterday's ballot at the 2023 Annual Meeting of the SBC was the first time in history for the Messengers to vote on whether to disfellowship a church from the Convention. To learn more about the nature and background of Rick Warren's appeal, its implications and the reasons he is advocating for renewal, revitalization and revival within the SBC, visit SBCStand.com . About Pastor Rick Warren Rick Warren is the founding Pastor of Saddleback Church in Southern California, which grew to more than 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. MEDIA CONTACT A. Larry Ross, [email protected] SOURCE Pastor Rick Warren President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy called the Ukraine Recovery Conference, which will be held in London next week, "significant." "This will be a significant event, very representative, which will unite both political and business efforts to restore our country and normal life for our people," he said in a video message on Wednesday. "The key Ukrainian principle is simple and fair, namely: no ruins will be left in Ukraine. We will rebuild everything, restore everything, and we know exactly what steps need to be taken in what timeframe and with what forces to defeat Russian aggression and rebuild our country," he said. "When the ruins disappear, it is not just the aggressor who loses, but the idea of aggression itself. And it will happen. Every day, in preparation for this London conference, we hold long and thorough preparatory meetings," the president said. "All the necessary state institutions are involved, at different levels. And we are doing everything to ensure that the appropriate level of international agreements is prepared for our vision, the Ukrainian vision, which is, as always, meaningful," he said. DUBLIN, June 15, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- The "PEComa - Epidemiology Forecast - 2032" report has been added to ResearchAndMarkets.com's offering. This report delivers an in-depth understanding of the PEComa, historical and forecasted epidemiology in the United States, EU4 (Germany, Spain, Italy, and France) and the United Kingdom, and Japan. PEComa Epidemiology As the market is derived using a patient-based model, the PEComa epidemiology chapter in the report provides historical as well as forecasted epidemiology segmented by total incident cases of PEComa, PEComa cases by Gender, Stage, Clinical Presentation, and Age in the 7MM covering the United States, EU4 countries (Germany, France, Italy, and Spain) and the United Kingdom, and Japan from 2019 to 2032. The total number of incident cases of PEComa in the United States was around 250 cases in 2022 and is projected to increase during the forecast period (2023-2032). was around 250 cases in 2022 and is projected to increase during the forecast period (2023-2032). The United States contributed to the largest incident population of PEComa, acquiring ~64% of the 7MM in 2022. Whereas EU4 and the UK, and Japan accounted for around 28% and 8% of the total population share, respectively, in 2022. contributed to the largest incident population of PEComa, acquiring ~64% of the 7MM in 2022. Whereas EU4 and the UK, and accounted for around 28% and 8% of the total population share, respectively, in 2022. Among the EU4 countries, Germany accounted for the largest number of PEComa cases, followed by France , whereas Spain accounted for the lowest number of cases in 2022. accounted for the largest number of PEComa cases, followed by , whereas accounted for the lowest number of cases in 2022. According to the publisher estimates, there were more patients in the benign stage as compared to the malignant PEComa in the United States in 2022. The incidence is projected to increase during the forecast period. in 2022. The incidence is projected to increase during the forecast period. In the 7MM, approximately 70% of the patient share is attributed to females, whereas only 30% of males suffer from PEComa. KOL Views To keep up with current trends, we take KOLs and SMEs' opinions working in the domain through primary research to fill the data gaps and validate our secondary research. Industry Experts contacted for insights on PEComa evolving diagnostic landscape, include Medical/scientific writers, Medical Oncologists, and Professors, Department of Medical Oncology, Strasbourg-Europe Cancer Institute, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, and others. This analysts connected with 50+ KOLs to gather insights; however, interviews were conducted with 15+ KOLs in the 7MM. Centers such as MD Anderson Cancer Center, Texas from UT Southwestern Medical Center in Dallas, Cancer Research UK Barts Centre in London, MD Anderson Cancer Center, etc., were contacted. Their opinion helps understand and validate current diagnostic patterns. Key Highlights: The total number of incident cases of PEComa in the United States was around 250 cases in 2022 and is projected to increase during the forecast period (2023-2032). was around 250 cases in 2022 and is projected to increase during the forecast period (2023-2032). The United States contributed to the largest incident population of PEComa, acquiring ~64% of the 7MM in 2022. Whereas EU4 and the UK, and Japan accounted for around 28% and 8% of the total population share, respectively, in 2022. contributed to the largest incident population of PEComa, acquiring ~64% of the 7MM in 2022. Whereas EU4 and the UK, and accounted for around 28% and 8% of the total population share, respectively, in 2022. Aadi Bioscience's FYARRO is the only approved therapy for PEComa. PEComa Report Insights Patient Population Patient population by gender, stage, and age Country-wise Epidemiology Distribution PEComa Report Key Strengths Ten Years Forecast The 7MM Coverage PEComa Epidemiology Segmentation PEComa Report Assessment Epidemiology Segmentation Current Diagnostic Practices Epidemiology Insights: What are the disease risk, burdens, and unmet needs of PEComa? What will be the growth opportunities across the 7MM with respect to the patient population pertaining to PEComa? What is the historical and forecasted PEComa patient pool in the United States , EU4 ( Germany , France , Italy , and Spain ), the United Kingdom , and Japan ? , EU4 ( , , , and ), the , and ? Which type of molecular alterations associated with PEComas contributes the most in patients affected with PEComa? What is the contribution of benign and malignant cases in total incident cases PEComa? Key Topics Covered: 1. Key Insights 2. Report Introduction 3. Executive Summary 4. Key Events 5. Epidemiology Forecast Methodology 6. PEComa Epidemiology Overview at a Glance in the 7MM 6.1. Patient Share (%) of PEComa in 2022 6.2. Patient Share (%) of PEComa in 2032 7. Disease Background and Overview 7.1. Introduction 7.1.1. Subtypes of PEComas 7.1.2. Signs and symptoms 7.1.3. Causes 7.1.4. Risk assessment 7.1.5. Pathomorphology 7.2. Diagnosis 7.2.1. Immunohistochemistry 7.3. Differential Diagnosis 8. Epidemiology and Patient Population 8.1. Key Findings 8.2. Assumption and Rationale 8.3. Total Incident Cases of PEComa in the 7MM 8.4. US 8.4.1. Total Incident Cases of PEComa in the US 8.4.2. PEComa Cases by Gender in the US 8.4.3. PEComa Cases by Stage in the US 8.4.4. PEComa Cases by Clinical Presentation in the US 8.4.5. PEComa Cases by Age in the US 8.5. EU4 and the UK 8.6. Japan 9. Appendix For more information about this report visit https://www.researchandmarkets.com/r/s50tqk 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 Industry-Leading Infrared Sauna Franchise Marks Milestone with First Territory Sell-Out TAMPA, Fla., June 15, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Perspire Sauna Studio , one of the fastest-growing sauna franchise brands specializing in full-spectrum infrared (IR) and red-light therapy (RLT), is continuing to pick up steam in the Sunshine State, as evidenced by two consecutive multi-unit agreements they've secured for 13 total franchise locations in the Tampa Bay area. With these deals, the brand marked its first sell-out of licenses for a territory. Jason Sluka and Pete Kapinos are responsible for the first and larger of those multi-unit agreements, having signed for 10 studios that they plan to introduce across St. Petersburg, Naples, Fort Myers, Brandon, and Wesley Chapel. Both are deeply invested in the site-selection process at this time, but bring with them extensive entrepreneurial experience in the franchise and independent marketplace, which they hope will play to their favor in securing the right real estate. "Jason and I have always shared a passion for health and wellness in our respective business endeavors, and strive to positively impact the lifestyle and wellbeing of the communities we service," said Kapinos. "The preemptive health capabilities offered by Perspire Sauna Studio, coupled with its approachable business model, are what make the brand's franchise opportunity so appealing and will help us further support the unique health journeys of Tampa-area locals." Mike Polikretis signed for 3 additional studios as part of a separate multi-unit deal in the area. After having spent 14 years working in the residential mortgage field, he found a passion for the healing powers and benefits of the infrared sauna experience and set out to find a brand that would let him share that passion with fellow residents of the Greater Tampa area. He plans to introduce the Perspire Sauna Studio concept to Bradenton, Parrish, and Palmetto, Florida. "The mental and physical energy boost I experienced after undergoing my first infrared sauna treatment was like nothing I'd ever experienced in the past," Polikretis shared. "There was a near-instantaneous understanding that this was a concept that could revitalize and heal countless men and women. And once I got a clear understanding of the industry's trajectory, it was enough to convince me that Perspire Sauna Studio was my calling." Both agreements come on the heels of the franchise's continued expansion in nearby Sarasota; a market whose existing Perspire location has already topped the charts as one of the most successful studios in the entire country. Giving Sluka Kapinos, and Polikretis hopeful expectations for the public reception their studios will receive. Perspire Sauna Studio is currently seeking single-unit and multi-unit franchisees interested in new career opportunities or those looking to diversify their current portfolios. To learn more about the brand's franchising opportunities, visit https://franchise.perspiresaunastudio.com/ . About Perspire Sauna Studio: Perspire Sauna Studio is the fastest-growing infrared sauna and red-light therapy franchise in the U.S. The science-based, technology-driven, wellness company provides guests a modern-day experience to a centuries-old practice through elevated infrared (IR) sauna and red-light therapy (RLT). It is within this transformative session that they invite guests to ignite the wellness within. Established in 2010 by Founder & CEO Lee Braun, Perspire's goal is to expand to major markets throughout the U.S. to further instill its vision of making infrared sauna accessible to all. The company has awarded over 100 franchise agreements, with 40 open studios and an additional 20 under development. Based in Southern California, Perspire Sauna Studio currently offers franchise opportunities to qualifying entrepreneurs. For more information, please visit www.perspiresaunastudio.com , and follow the brand on social media @perspiresaunastudio. For franchising information, please contact [email protected] . Media Contact: Conner Gossel, Fishman Public Relations, [email protected] or 937-545-9812 SOURCE Perspire Sauna Studio ATLANTA, June 15, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- WHO: Chastain Horse Park, 4371 Powers Ferry Road, NW, Atlanta. A 501(c) (3) organization WHAT: Completion Phase 1, $9 Million Expansion. Estimated Phase 2 Completion: Q3 2024 WHY: IN SUPPORT OF EXPANSION OF CHASTAIN HORSE PARK'S PREMIERE ACCREDITED THERAPEUTIC RIDING PROGRAM Chastain Horse Park completed the first phase of its $9 Million expansion-- a new barn for one of only two remaining urban horse parks in the U.S. Atlanta skyline and Chastain Park golf course and pool surround it. Chastain Horse Park (CHP) has completed its first phase of a $9 Million expansion on time and on budget. This phase of construction includes a new Community Barn supporting CHP's Boarder Program complete with a covered practice arena. Phase Two will commence in July with construction of a Therapeutic Horsemanship Center which includes clinical and educational spaces and an additional covered arena. Completion of the plan is expected in (Q3), 2024. Executive Director Trish Gross said, "We look forward to this next phase and the completion of the THC which is critical to expansion of our nationally recognized Therapeutic Riding Program. We are grateful to our key partners, architects T.S. Adams Studio, Macallan Construction, and Grovestreet Partners who have gone above and beyond in making this phase of the project successful. We are also excited to welcome Georgia Home Theater, Landplus Landscape Architecture, and Michael Jackson Landscape Company to the project." The new facility will enable CHP to expand the breadth and depth of impact of their therapeutic programming throughout all of metro Atlanta and beyond. The program focuses on serving children, teens, and adults with physical cognitive and emotional disabilities as well as underserved and at-risk individuals, all in partnership with horses. CHP remains one of only two urban horse parks in the U.S. Also, it is Premiere Accredited by the Professional Association of Therapeutic Horsemanship (PATH), International. Mayor Andre Dickens recently praised the expansion, the result of a successful "Healing Through Horses" capital campaign. He said the initiative " can expand the impact on our community. We want to help close the gap. Of 41 zip codes in Atlanta, Chastain Horse Park serves 32. That means Chastain is city wide. Where we live should not be a barrier to the quality of life you can have and have access to." Facility rental, boarding program, and riding lessons partially contribute to subsidies necessary for programming. Scholarship supporters include Boehringer Ingelheim's BI Cares Foundation (animal and human pharmaceuticals), Molly Blank Foundation, Junior League, RISE Scholarship Foundation, and individuals. Ann Lally: 404-906-4487; [email protected] Trish Gross: 206.850-5686; [email protected] SOURCE Chastain Horse Park David Paton brings decades of experience in consumer product innovations that are complementary to PHILTER's R&D and product development initiatives SAN DIEGO, June 15, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Philter Labs (PHILTER), the leader in secondhand smoke elimination technologies, announces that David Paton, the former Head of Global Open Innovation at British American Tobacco (BAT), has joined PHILTER as the company's Chief Innovation Officer. Mr. Paton became a member of the PHILTER Science & Strategic Advisory Board (SSAB) in September 2022. As the company's CIO, he will play a key role working with the company's Cofounder and CTO, John Grimm to advance the company's next generation technologies. During his time at British American Tobacco, David served in several senior innovation roles, including Head of Product Development for tobacco heating products, Head of Global Discovery, and the Head of Global Open Innovation. David has extensive experience in product strategy, product development, and new-to-world innovations gained from his career at BAT and previously Kimberly-Clark. He has led high performing global teams that created value through delivering consumer-loved products across the tobacco, nicotine and personal care industries. "From the moment I saw the latest technological developments at PHILTER, I immediately recognised how the company will materially change the way consumers smoke and vape, making it less risky for everyone. PHILTER has undoubtedly created game-changing technology that will change the cannabis and nicotine consumption landscape." Former Head of BAT Global Open Innovation joins Philter Labs Tweet this PHILTER holds nine granted utility patents and has filed over a dozen additional patents for advanced technologies that miniaturize the filtration footprint. These patents enable PHILTER technology to be ubiquitous within any vaping device and any form factor for combustibles. PHILTER CEO Christos Nicolaidis added, "We were very excited when David Paton joined our Science and Strategic Advisory Board, and thrilled that he will be joining PHILTER as the company's Chief Innovations Officer. His role will be key to shoring up more of our IP and helping the company reach its innovation goals. David will also support product development to launch the industry's first vaping/smoking device for organic substrates with PHILTER patented filtration to eradicate secondhand smoke." Earlier this month, PHILTER announced the investment of $1M (AUD) from a strategic investor that is tied to Australia's leading retailer of smoke shops, convenient stores, and other retail stores throughout Australia. About PHILTER The PHILTER mission is to positively impact society by pioneering and implementing technologies that eradicate secondhand smoke at the source. The company's technologies eliminate the harmful particulate matter in secondhand smoke caused by the consumption of cannabis or nicotine. PHILTER tackles the health, social, and environmental concerns tied to secondhand smoke by integrating innovative technologies across the smoking and vaping industries. These technologies aim to eradicate secondhand smoke, contributing to a healthier world. Additional Information available at www.philtertech.com Media Contact [email protected] Investor Relations Contact Andrew Curry [email protected] SOURCE Philter Labs Inc NEW YORK, June 15, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Pomerantz LLP announces that a class action lawsuit has been filed against First Horizon Corporation ("FHN") (NYSE: FHN), The Toronto-Dominion Bank and its subsidiaries, including wholly owned subsidiary TD Bank US Holding Company (collectively, "TD Bank" and, together with FHN, the "Companies"), and certain officers. The class action, filed in the United States District Court for the District of New Jersey, and docketed under 23-cv-03024, is on behalf of a class consisting of all persons and entities other than Defendants that purchased or otherwise acquired FHN securities between February 28, 2022 and May 3, 2023, both dates inclusive (the "Class Period"), to recover damages from the Defendants for their violations of the federal securities laws under Sections 10(b) and 20(a) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 and Rule 10b-5 promulgated thereunder, as detailed below. If you are a shareholder who purchased or otherwise acquired FHN securities during the Class Period, you have until July 21, 2023 to ask the Court to appoint you as Lead Plaintiff for the class. A copy of the Complaint can be obtained at www.pomerantzlaw.com. To discuss this action, contact Robert S. Willoughby at [email protected] or 888.476.6529 (or 888.4-POMLAW), toll-free, Ext. 7980. Those who inquire by e-mail are encouraged to include their mailing address, telephone number, and the number of shares purchased. [Click here for information about joining the class action] FHN is a bank holding company headquartered in Memphis, Tennessee that, as of December 31, 2022, had consolidated assets of $79 billion. FHN provides consumer and commercial banking, wealth management, mortgage lending and other financial services primarily through its principal subsidiary, First Horizon Bank. As of December 31, 2022, FHN operated 414 banking centers in twelve states. TD Bank is a Canadian financial institution with U.S. headquarters in New Jersey. As of October 31, 2022, TD Bank had $1.9 trillion in assets. Since 2004, TD Bank has expanded its retail banking presence in the U.S. through acquisitions of regional banks. On February 28, 2022, FHN and TD Bank jointly announced that TD Bank had agreed to acquire FHN for $25.00 per share in cash ("Transaction"), which represented a 37% premium to FHN's share price from its close on the prior trading day. With respect to the timeline for closing the Transaction, a joint press release ("Feb 2022 Press Release") issued by TD Bank and FHN on February 28, 2022, announcing the deal explained that the "transaction is expected to close in the first quarter of TD's 2023 fiscal year, and is subject to customary closing conditions, including approvals from First Horizon's shareholders and U.S. and Canadian regulatory authorities." The Feb 2022 Press Release further advised that (i) if "the transaction does not close prior to November 27, 2022 [i.e., within 9 months], First Horizon shareholders will receive, at closing, an additional US$0.65 per share on an annualized basis for the period from November 27, 2022 through the day immediately prior to the closing," and (ii) "[t]he transaction will terminate, unless otherwise extended, if it does not close by February 27, 2023." On a conference call to discuss the Transaction held on February 28, 2022, an analyst observed that "there's a lot of sensitivity around regulatory approval process for M&A in the U.S.," and then asked TD Bank's senior management about their "comfort level on getting deal closing done" within the timeline announced. The Complaint alleges that, throughout the Class Period, Defendants made materially false and misleading statements and omissions concerning the risks to regulatory approval of the Transaction posed by TD Bank's materially deficient anti-money laundering ("AML") policies and procedures, which caused Plaintiff and other Class members to suffer significant losses when these undisclosed regulatory risks materialized and caused the market value of FHN's securities to decline precipitously. On August 25, 2022, on TD Bank's Q3 2022 earnings call, TD Bank's Group President and Chief Executive Officer ("CEO"), Defendant Bharat B. Masrani ("Masrani"), reiterated that he expected the Transaction "to close in the first fiscal quarter of 2023." When asked about any risks that may delay the Transaction from closing, Defendant Masrani responded, "[o]ur deal continues to progress in the normal course, there is nothing out there to suggest that, that is different this time around." Defendant Masrani was not the only TD Bank executive to reassure analysts concerning the timeline for closing the Transaction. On September 14, 2022, at the Barclays Global Financial Services Conference, when asked for an update on the timeline for the Transaction, Defendant Leo Salom ("Salom"), Group Head, U.S. Retail, TD Bank Group and President and CEO, TD Bank, advised that "[w]e do expect to close the transaction at the end of the fiscal first quarter. And we're tracking well against that." Defendant Salom then added: "[O]n August 18th we had the public hearing, the OCC, the Fed hosted. That is the normal part of the application process. But to your point, I'm sure there's going to be a lot of questions about how confident are we? We're extremely confident. We believe this transaction does not represent any financial stability or competitive consolidation risk. We've already announced that we will protect all the front-line staff, we will be retaining all the retail and commercial bankers. Likewise, we won't be closing any stores. So, if you look at the strength of the application, we're quite excited about getting this done in short order. Based on the repeated reassurances provided by Defendants Masrani and Salom that there were no regulatory risks that could delay the closing of the Transaction, FHN shareholders had no reason to believe that TD Bank was concealing any regulatory risks that could derail the Transaction. Unbeknownst to FHN shareholders, however, (i) TD Bank had materially deficient policies and procedures for detecting and reporting suspected money laundering, (ii) regulators at the Office of the Comptroller of the Currency ("OCC") and the Federal Reserve were refusing to approve the Transaction because of TD Bank's materially deficient AML policies and procedures, and (iii) TD Bank's materially deficient AML policies and procedures thus constituted a concealed regulatory risk to the closing of the Transaction. TD Bank's public statements concerning its risk management practices in general, and AML compliance in particular, gave no indication that TD Bank's AML policies and procedures were materially deficient. To the contrary, an investor presentation made available by TD Bank to FHN shareholders on Schedule 14A on February 28, 2022, advised that TD Bank has "a disciplined risk culture." That "disciplined risk culture" was documented in part in TD Bank's Code of Conduct and Ethics for Employees and Directors ("TD Bank Code"), which was filed on Form 6-K with the SEC on February 7, 2022. With respect to AML compliance, the TD Bank Code stated: TD is committed to taking all reasonable and appropriate steps to detect and deter persons engaged in money laundering from utilizing TD products or services to do so. Making the proceeds of criminal activity appear as if they came from legitimate sources is a criminal offence, and so is knowingly failing to report transactions or activities where it is suspected they relate to money laundering. We must not knowingly initiate or be party to money laundering and must promptly report suspected money laundering situations in accordance with the TD Bank Group Enterprise Anti-Money Laundering and Anti-Terrorist Financing Policy and the escalation procedures established for our business or region. Subsequently, in March 2022, TD Bank published its "TD Bank Statement on Anti-Money Laundering, Anti-Terrorist Financing and Sanctions" ("AML Statement"), which represented that TD Bank's commitment to detect and deter persons engaged in money laundering was formalized through "the establishment of an enterprise-wide Anti-Money Laundering/Anti-Terrorist Financing (AML/ATF) and Sanctions risk and compliance management program (Global AML Program) that is designed to detect and report suspected money laundering and terrorist financing and activity prohibited by sanctions." The AML Statement further represented that among the requirements of the Global AML Program were (i) "ongoing monitoring to detect and report suspicious transactions or activities," (ii) "regulatory reporting of prescribed transactions," and (iii) "independent testing of control effectiveness." The first inkling that regulatory issues may derail approval of the Transaction surfaced on TD Bank's Q4 2022 earnings call on December 1, 2022. Defendant Masrani advised that TD Bank was "planning to close the [Transaction] in the first half of fiscal 2023 subject to customary closing conditions, including approvals from U.S. and Canadian regulatory authorities." After observing that Defendant Masrani had previously guided on the Q3 2022 earnings call that the Transaction would close in Q1 2023, and that the timing had now slipped to the first half of 2023, an analyst inquired "[w]hat's prompting the delayed expectation of closing?" Defendant Masrani responded, "so we don't control the timing of all the regulatory approvals, but we are confident that we will get closing within the time line that we've put out." When the analyst pressed for specifics"are they taking a closer look at anything? Are you anticipating having to make any adjustments to your product going up or your schedule in advance of the close?"Defendant Masrani advised, "No, I'm not aware of anything of the sort you're mentioning." Yet, just over two months later, on February 9, 2023, the Companies issued a joint press release ("Feb 2023 Press Release") announcing that they had mutually agreed to extend the deadline to close the Transaction from February 27, 2023, to May 27, 2023. The Feb 2023 Press Release further stated that "[c]ustomary closing conditions, including approvals from regulatory authorities in the U.S. and Canada, are required to close the transaction." The generic disclosure, however, was insufficient to alert FHN shareholders to the existence of regulatory risks since it failed to disclose the specific risk that TD Bank's materially deficient AML policies and procedures were posing to regulatory approval of the Transaction. On March 1, 2023, in its 2022 Form 10-K, FHN advised that (i) receipt of regulatory approval of the Transaction was taking longer than originally anticipated, (ii) TD Bank had recently informed FHN that TD Bank did not expect to receive the necessary regulatory approvals in time to close the Transaction by a new deadline of May 27, 2023, and (iii) TD Bank had initiated discussions with FHN regarding a potential further extension of the new May 27, 2023 deadline. The 2022 Form 10-K also noted that "TD cannot provide a new projected closing date at this time." On this news, FHN's stock price fell $2.63 per share, or 10.62%, to close at $22.14 per share on May 1, 2023. On May 3, 2023, according to a Capital Forum report being circulated among traders, Defendant Masrani had a meeting with officials of the OCC concerning the Transaction on March 9, 2023, that was also attended by TD Bank's outside counsel. On this news, FHN's stock price fell $1.14 per share, or 7.04%, to close at $15.05 per share on May 3, 2023. On May 4, 2023, before the markets opened, TD Bank and FHN announced that they had mutually agreed to terminate the Transaction because TD Bank "does not have a timetable for regulatory approvals to be obtained for reasons unrelated to First Horizon," and "there is uncertainty as to when and if these regulatory approvals can be obtained." TD Bank and FHN, however, failed to disclose that TD Bank's materially deficient AML policies and procedures had derailed regulatory approval of the Transaction. Upon news of the termination of the Transaction, FHN's stock price fell $4.99 per share, or 33.16%, to close at $10.06 per share on May 4, 2023. The concealed regulatory risk that derailed the Transaction was finally revealed on May 8, 2023, when The Wall Street Journal (the "WSJ") published an article citing sources alleging that TD Bank's "handling of suspicious customer transactions was behind regulators' refusal to bless" the Transaction, and that the Transaction was terminated because regulators were unwilling "to give TD a clean bill of health on its anti-money laundering practices." The article's sources alleged that "regulators' concerns stemmed from the way TD handled unusual transactions in recent years, and the speed at which some of them were brought to the attention of U.S. authorities." According to the WSJ, in "recent years," TD Bank had only "flagged 28 customer transactions" as suspicious. For these reasons, the OCC and the Federal Reserve refused to approve the Transaction within the necessary time frames. Pomerantz LLP, with offices in New York, Chicago, Los Angeles, London, Paris, and Tel Aviv, is acknowledged as one of the premier firms in the areas of corporate, securities, and antitrust class litigation. Founded by the late Abraham L. Pomerantz, known as the dean of the class action bar, Pomerantz pioneered the field of securities class actions. Today, more than 85 years later, Pomerantz continues in the tradition he established, fighting for the rights of the victims of securities fraud, breaches of fiduciary duty, and corporate misconduct. The Firm has recovered billions of dollars in damages awards on behalf of class members. See www.pomlaw.com. CONTACT: Robert S. Willoughby Pomerantz LLP [email protected] 888-476-6529 ext. 7980 SOURCE Pomerantz LLP SAN DIEGO, June 15, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Today, PrecisePK, a global leader in Bayesian Model-Informed Precision Dosing (MIPD) software, proudly announces its partnership with Hospital Universitari Mutua Terrassa, marking a significant milestone as their first Spanish customer. This collaboration solidifies PrecisePK's position as a preferred provider of therapeutic drug monitoring (TDM) solutions for vancomycin AUC dosing and many other therapeutic areas, enabling hospitals to deliver the highest level of patient care. "PrecisePK has not only helped decentralize our clinical pharmacokinetics services but also improved our clinical decisions and workflow efficiency at the patient bedside. It has allowed us to expand our portfolio of pharmacokinetic services, positioning us as a reference pharmacy service in Spain." Genis Castells, PharmD, an experienced hospital pharmacist leading TDM at Hospital Universitari Mutua Terrassa, expressed his satisfaction with the partnership. Hospital pharmacy is one of the hospital's critical areas of focus that has been significantly enhanced by adopting PrecisePK's cutting-edge Bayesian MIPD software. PrecisePK and Hospital Universitari Mutua Terrassa advance clinical pharmacokinetics in Spain with Bayesian dosing. Tweet this By replacing outdated and limited software with PrecisePK's comprehensive dosing solutions, Hospital Universitari Mutua Terrassa has experienced a remarkable transformation in its dosing practices. The user-friendly interface and advanced features of PrecisePK's software have empowered healthcare professionals to make informed decisions based on patient-specific factors, optimizing medication dosages and improving patient outcomes. The Bayesian dosing method also allows for one randomized level blood draw instead of timing for the trough to occur. Patients' predictive serum level graph, dosage history, and serum drug level are all visible on one dashboard, assisting pharmacists with defining the best strategy to reach therapeutic targets. "We are delighted to partner with Hospital Universitari Mutua Terrassa and contribute to their mission of delivering exceptional patient care," says Katherine Ninh, Operations and Accounts Manager at PrecisePK. "Our innovative Bayesian MIPD software allows for updated PK/PD research studies to be accurately applied at the bedside. We aim to establish a new standard of care in Spain, ensuring patient safety through personalized dosing." Spain is recognized as one of the European Union countries at the forefront of therapeutic drug monitoring. The collaboration between PrecisePK and Hospital Universitari Mutua Terrassa exemplifies the country's commitment to advancing the field of precision medicine and sets a precedent for other healthcare institutions to follow. About PrecisePK PrecisePK is a leading global provider of therapeutic drug monitoring software for Bayesian model-informed precision dosing. By leveraging real-time bedside assistance in drug dosing, therapeutic analytics, local populations model, AKI predictor , and other resources, the software is designed to streamline the work necessary to achieve individualized treatment and safeguard patient care, at the point of care. In addition to its robust vancomycin AUC software, PrecisePK offers a wide array of drug modules that aid in the workflow of infectious diseases as well as several other therapeutic areas including neurology, oncology, cardiology, and pulmonology. Visit PrecisePK's website for a free trial. About Universitari Mutua Terrassa Hospital Mutua Terrassa University Hospital is the university center for the University of Barcelona and is among the 8 largest hospitals in Catalonia. The hospital is part of the Integral Sanitary System of Public Use of Catalonia (SISCAT). It has an agreement with CatSalut , the Catalan health service of the Catalan government, to provide healthcare services to social security users in the region of Terrassa. Their healthcare services are a benchmark not only in the region but also among other hospitals in specialties ranging from neurosurgery and thoracic surgery to cardiac hemodynamics. With a wide range of specialties including clinical pharmacology , the hospital provides high-quality healthcare services to the Terrassa region and contributes to advancing medical research and education. Media Contact Vivian Liu Business Development Specialist [email protected] SOURCE PrecisePK Co-CEO Brett Goldberg Participated in Ensuing White House Roundtable NEW YORK, June 15, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- TickPick, LLC , the transparent ticket marketplace that is transforming the event ticketing industry, today was recognized for its longstanding commitment to all-in prices in President Biden's remarks about junk fees. TickPick co-founder and co-CEO Brett Goldberg, participated in an ensuing White House roundtable on junk fees alongside President Biden and National Economic Director Lael Brainard. Goldberg was accompanied by executives from ticketing companies, as well as prominent travel companies, such as Airbnb, to discuss the topic of all-in pricing. As the industry leader in offering true all-in pricing, Brett shared more about the history of TickPick and how they were founded on the basis of providing consumers the best possible user experience in purchasing tickets while ensuring full price transparency ensuring the first price you see is the price you pay. "When we founded TickPick in 2011, we recognized the need to provide consumers with the utmost transparency," Goldberg said. "We set the standard for all-in pricing, and it's encouraging to see small steps being taken across the industry towards that vision. But legislation is still required to ensure every ticket to a live event includes true all-in pricing. We will continue to lead advocacy efforts on all-in pricing, putting our customer experience first and challenging the industry to improve. I appreciate the White House's leadership on this issue and President Biden's recognition of TickPick as an innovator in the ticketing space." About TickPick: No Fees. More Savings. Among the fastest growing technology companies, TickPick is reshaping the ticket marketplace industry, putting money back in the wallets of live event-goers. Since our inception, we have saved our customers over $100 million in service fees alone. TickPick's BestPrice Guarantee backs up our promise to deliver better prices than their competition. For more information, visit tickpick.com . MEDIA CONTACT: Jon Gluskin Branded 847-308-1314 [email protected] SOURCE TickPick, LLC QINGDAO, China, June 15, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- As the 18th Cultural and Natural Heritage Day approaches, a "Walking into Licang District to Perceive Intangible Cultural Heritages" theme activity was held in Licang District, Qingdao, Shandong Province. On June 9th, 21 overseas students of the International Education College of Qingdao University from Russia, Pakistan and other countries visited the Cultural Center of Licang District to explore the unique Chinese traditional culture by learning and experiencing intangible cultural heritage items such as smoked painting, embroidery, and papercutting. SOURCE Licang District Convergence Media Center STOCKHOLM, June 15, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- RaySearch Laboratories AB (publ) is pleased to announce an agreement with the Chinese radiation therapy machine manufacturer Shinva. Shinva has placed an order for 15 RayPlan* systems which they will sell to customers in China. RaySearch has over a number of years been delivering RayStation to Shinva, which Shinva has sold together with their linear accelerators in China. The new order of 15 RayPlan systems that Shinva now has purchased will be sold in the same way. Gery Zhao, General Manager, Shinva, says: "I am delighted about our cooperation with RaySearch and am confident that this partnership will pave the way for success in the Chinese market. At Shinva, we are committed to taking advantage of the new market opportunities in the upcoming year." Johan Lof, founder and CEO, RaySearch, says: "This order from Shinva is indicative of the strong position that Shinva has in the Chinese market. We appreciate the partnership with Shinva and that they, and their customers in China, choose RayPlan as their treatment planning system. The Chinese market has great potential for the future, and we look forward to a continued strong collaboration with Shinva." The order value is approximately MSEK 10.5, excluding service contract. For more information, please contact: Johan Lof, founder and CEO, RaySearch Laboratories AB (publ) Telephone: +46 (0) 8 510 530 00 [email protected] The following files are available for download: https://mb.cision.com/Main/1102/3787210/2130916.pdf RaySearch Press Release June 15, 2023 https://news.cision.com/raysearch-laboratories/i/pr-2023-1200x620-shinva-,c3190301 PR 2023 1200x620 Shinva- SOURCE RaySearch Laboratories Combination of Rocla and Jungheinrich automated guided vehicle (AGV) portfolios in the North American market within existing AGV joint venture Rocrich to offer best-in-class AGV solutions that cover all major customer use cases Joint venture to further expand local capacities to offer even stronger support to customers and partners across North America HOUSTON, June 15, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- German intralogistics pioneer Jungheinrich and Mitsubishi Logisnext Americas (Logisnext), a leading North American provider and manufacturer of material handling and innovative automation and fleet solutions, today announced the pending launch of Rocrich AGV Solutions (Rocrich). The joint venture will build on their existing partnership and will offer proven mobile automation solutions for warehouses and production facilities in North America. Both partners will hold equal shares in the company which will be headquartered in Houston, Texas with additional operations in Marengo, Illinois. Rocrich: Bringing Rocla and Jungheinrich AGVs together in North America Logisnext and Jungheinrich have already been collaborating in a long-standing and proven partnership for over 15 years in North America, including a joint venture company offering Jungheinrich AGV solutions MCJ Supply Chain Solutions LLC (MCJ). In order to capture a significant portion of the projected growth in the North American material handling automation market, Rocrich will combine the AGV portfolios of Logisnext's Rocla brand and that of Jungheinrich within the existing MCJ joint venture. This will provide customers and business partners with a single source for product and service solutions from both brands. Rocla and Jungheinrich have long-term industry expertise, with each having over 40 years of experience offering reliable mobile automation and robotics solutions for state-of-the-art warehouses. As one entity responsible for Rocla and Jungheinrich AGV portfolios, Rocrich will streamline processes and offer a single point of contact for customers and business partners as well as a strong service offering across North America. Comprehensive portfolio covers all major customer use cases in the North American market With the combined offering, the product and service portfolios of Jungheinrich and Rocla will enable Rocrich to cover all major customer use cases from standard to special purpose AGVs and automated forklifts. This offering for the North American market will build on Rocla's and Jungheinrich's global industry-leading knowledge in the area of AGVs that has been continuously developed over the last decades. Rocrich will build on these solutions with more products and services in the future. Strengthening of local capacities backed by largest North American dealer network To become an even stronger partner for the market, Rocrich will grow the North American organization and further strengthen its local capacities. As part of this strategy, it will expand its capabilities in the areas of sales, commissioning, installation and aftersales. At the same time, the joint venture will leverage the knowledge from Jungheinrich's and Rocla's in-depth expertise to further enhance its existing customer support and experience in the region. Partnering with more than 570 Logisnext dealer locations across North America, Rocrich will offer the industry's best service promise with leading local and regional coverage. The extensive dealer network is present throughout the U.S. and provides additional coverage in Canada and Mexico. The industry-leading support offering will include aftersales services such as 24/7 helpdesk support, a quick local response to inquiries as well as planned and unplanned maintenance, among other items. Brian Spradlin, currently President of MCJ with over 15 years of experience in the automation field, will continue his role in the expanded joint venture and serve as President of Rocrich. "We are truly excited to announce Rocrich and to bring together the automation product portfolios of Rocla and Jungheinrich in the North American market," said Brian Spradlin. "The combination will enable us to provide our customers and partners with fast and easy access to an industry-leading offering and position us for future market opportunities. We will combine the best people and products in the industry to scale our business. Our ambition is to become one of the leading players in the market and to shape the future of our industry." The launch of Rocrich commercial operations is subject to the receipt of various regulatory authority approvals. The parties expect to complete these activities and commence commercial operations in the third quarter of 2023. About Mitsubishi Logisnext Americas Mitsubishi Logisnext Americas Inc. and its group companies have helped customers Move The World Forward for more than 100 years. A technology-driven manufacturer, Mitsubishi Logisnext Americas offers scalable solutions from material handling to automation and extensive fleet support. Headquartered in Houston, Texas, its complete portfolio of advanced solutions spans across five leading brands Mitsubishi forklift trucks, Cat lift trucks, Rocla AGV Solutions, UniCarriers Forklifts and Jungheinrich warehouse and automation products. All products are backed by an extensive dealer network offering industry-leading customer service and product support. For more information, visit www.LogisnextAmericas.com. About Jungheinrich For 70 years, Jungheinrich has been driving the development of innovative and sustainable material handling products and solutions as one of the world's leading intralogistics solution providers. As a pioneer in its sector, the Hamburg-based family-owned company is committed to shaping the warehouse of the future. In fiscal 2022, Jungheinrich generated sales of 4.76 billion euros with some 20,000 employees. Its global network comprises 11 production sites as well as service and sales companies in 42 countries. The share is listed on the MDAX. SOURCE Mitsubishi Logisnext Americas - Houston Ukraine and Poland are jointly developing concrete content for the NATO summit in Vilnius, within the framework of the event, all Russian assumptions that allegedly someone in the Alliance is still afraid of Russia should be defeated, President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy said following a telephone conversation with Polish leader Andrzej Duda. "I have just spoken with President of Poland Andrzej Duda - an hour-long conversation, primarily on security issues. The current situation on the battlefield, weapons for our military, and ammunition. I thanked him for the fulfillment of previous defense agreements," Zelenskyy said in an evening video message. According to him, in the conversation, considerable attention was paid to long-term security and peace guarantees, and not only for Ukraine. At the same time, Poland, as Zelenskyy noted, quite realistically perceives the need for Ukraine's membership in NATO. "And this is an objective need. We are jointly developing a concrete content for the NATO Summit in Vilnius. This is exactly the moment when Russian assumptions that someone in NATO is still afraid of Russia must be completely shattered. Such assumptions fuel Russia's aggressive ambitions. We must and can neutralize them. We thank Poland for its support for Ukraine and the real strengthening of NATO," the president said. DETROIT, June 15, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Samaritas is hosting a dynamic panel discussion to explore the best ways to keep refugees safe upon arrival to the United States. In observance of World Refugee Day, this event will feature some of the country's top experts at 11 a.m. on Tues., June 20. Pre-registration at samaritas.co/RefugeeRoundtable for this free event is required. Young undocumented refugees between the ages of eight and 18 without a vetted legal guardian are vulnerable to exploitation. Human Trafficking can be a frightening way for them to survive since they dont speak the language and have a limited understanding of the culture. Its why Samaritas is looking for people to serve as mentors and foster parents for this vulnerable group. Mariam, a seven-year-old refugee from Afghanistan who suffered complete hearing loss, received a new cochlear implant with the help of Samaritas and its volunteers. Caring community and business partners like this are always needed to help refugees thrive in a safe community. "The recent activity at the Southern Border has re-energized the immigration policy debate and our country's responsibility to help these desperate people, many of whom are women and children, running from really dangerous situations," said Mihaela Mitrofan, Director of New American Programs for Samaritas. "We have the expertise and infrastructure in place to care for these people, but it's getting tough to service this growing population without additional financial support from our communities." Helping refugees thrive in communities throughout Michigan can have a positive economic and cultural impact on local communities. According to the office of Global Michigan, 84,000+ Michiganders are employed by Latino and Asian-owned businesses; $11.6 billion in sales and receipts are generated by Latino and Asian-owned businesses, and $544 million in state tax revenue is generated by Arab Americans each year. New worldwide conflicts and climate events are spurring influxes of new refugees fleeing to the United States for safety. Samaritas has been at the forefront of this work for nearly 100 years and is now determining the best course of action for Michigan's newest refugees from Ukraine and Central America. A donation can help Samaritas care for all the refugees seeking safety. Just visit samaritas.org/donate to help. Emmy-winning journalist Cynthia Canty will lead the 2023 Refugee Roundtable discussion to address myths, issues around exploitation, and why refugees and other immigrants are good for Michigan. Demetrius Starling of MDHHS and Ben Cabanaw of Global Michigan & the Michigan Department of Labor, will offer updates about oversight programs to help young minors and other refugees. Visit samaritas.co/RefugeeRoundtable to register. Samaritas will also celebrate the creativity of the young refugees in its care with an online art show titled "Colorful Journeys /Viajes de Colores." The 2023 collection will be unveiled online at Samaritas.org/youthartshow during World Refugee Awareness Week. Keep up with Samaritas New American programs at Samaritas.org/NewAmericans. SOURCE Samaritas SALINAS, Calif., June 15, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Save the Whales , a California-based nonprofit dedicated to the preservation of the ocean and its inhabitants, is commemorating the life and legacy of co-founder and president Maris Sidenstecker I. She passed away peacefully at home following a long battle with cancer. She was 87. Sidenstecker I and her daughter, Maris Sidenstecker II, co-founded Save the Whales in 1977. They began selling T-shirts at community fairs in Los Angeles to spread awareness about commercial whaling and threats to whale populations. Over the years they expanded their operations, launching a hands-on traveling educational program for schools, informing the public on whale and conservation concerns, and organizing beach cleanups and other community activities. A driving force in the field of marine conservation, Sidenstecker I dedicated her career to spearheading numerous impactful initiatives, including: Preventing the detonation of 269 underwater "Ship Shock" explosives off the coast of California , which posed a dire threat to endangered whales and the potential of 10,000+ marine animal casualties. , which posed a dire threat to endangered whales and the potential of 10,000+ marine animal casualties. Stopping the expansion of salt mining into Baja California's San Ignacio Lagoon, which holds the distinction of being the sole remaining untouched sanctuary where gray whales give birth. San Ignacio Lagoon, which holds the distinction of being the sole remaining untouched sanctuary where gray whales give birth. Establishing Whales on Wheels (WOW), an innovative program taught by marine biologists that has reached more than 340,000 students to date. Reflecting on her mother, Sidenstecker II shared, "She was a single working mom, and we spent our free time educating others about whales. We are a small organization, and proof that a few people can make a difference. My mother would be proud of that legacy." Guided by her mother's vision and her own passion for marine life, Sidenstecker II remains dedicated to advancing Save the Whales' conservation efforts in her role as executive director. The organization is steadfast in its mission to educate future generations and to address emerging concerns surrounding offshore wind development. To learn more about Sidenstecker I's legacy, click here. About Save the Whales: Save the Whales exists to preserve and protect the ocean and its inhabitants. Through education efforts aimed at empowering children and members of the public, Save the Whales aims to protect marine mammals and the fragile ocean environment, working with local, state and federal agencies to inspire change. For more information, visit savethewhales.org. SOURCE Save the Whales DENVER, June 15, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- What started out as a need to monitor DUI offenders continually for alcohol consumption, resulted in the invention of SCRAM Continuous Alcohol Monitoring (SCRAM CAM) in 2003. Now in 2023, SCRAM Systems is marking 20 years of serving courts and agencies as they assist clients to abide by court orders of sobriety. By harnessing the power of innovative transdermal monitoring technology, SCRAM CAM has revolutionized the way alcohol consumption is monitored, eliminating the need for active testing and deterring clients from drinking around testing schedules. In the words of a recent SCRAM CAM client, "My life completely changed. Cravings diminished and relationships with my close ones flourished. I want to continue being sober." Throughout this milestone year, as SCRAM Systems marks 20 years since the launch of the first SCRAM CAM unit in 2003, the company proudly reflects on its mission to promote abstinence and support long-term sobriety. SCRAM Systems is proud to look back at some of the significant milestones of the first 20 years of SCRAM CAM: 2003: The Michigan Department of Corrections recognized the efficacy of SCRAM CAM and became SCRAM Systems' first direct customer. That same year, House Arrest Services out of Michigan became the first SCRAM Systems Authorized Service Provider. The Michigan Department of Corrections recognized the efficacy of SCRAM CAM and became SCRAM Systems' first direct customer. That same year, House Arrest Services out of became the first SCRAM Systems Authorized Service Provider. 2008: The device underwent a transformation, transitioning from a two-sided design to a sleeker, lighter, and more comfortable one-sided configuration, enhancing user experience. The device underwent a transformation, transitioning from a two-sided design to a sleeker, lighter, and more comfortable one-sided configuration, enhancing user experience. 2010: The 3 rd generation of SCRAM CAM was now dual-purpose with the addition of house arrest functionality. The 3 generation of SCRAM CAM was now dual-purpose with the addition of house arrest functionality. 2013: SCRAM Systems expanded its range of electronic monitoring products to meet diverse customer and client needs, prompting the rebranding from SCRAM (Secure Continuous Remote Alcohol Monitor) to SCRAM CAM. SCRAM Systems expanded its range of electronic monitoring products to meet diverse customer and client needs, prompting the rebranding from SCRAM (Secure Continuous Remote Alcohol Monitor) to SCRAM CAM. 2020: SCRAM CAM was rolled out in England and the Netherlands for those accused of alcohol-related offenses, giving SCRAM Systems a global presence. SCRAM CAM was rolled out in and for those accused of alcohol-related offenses, giving SCRAM Systems a global presence. 2023: The first ever continuous alcohol monitoring requirement law went into effect in Colorado as CO-SB55. The remarkable success of SCRAM CAM is evident in the astounding statistics that underline its impact in courts, communities, and the lives of clients: With approximately 55,000 clients currently being monitored by SCRAM Systems various technologies, over half are monitored with SCRAM CAMthat's over 26,000 clients monitored by SCRAM CAM every day. Over 950,000 total clients have been monitored with SCRAM CAM. With a single bracelet administering 48 tests a day, SCRAM CAM has taken over 4.7 billion alcohol readings. Clients wear the device for an average of 109 days, equating to over 103 million monitored days. 99.1% of the days clients are monitored with SCRAM CAM are Sober Days, a 24-hour period with no confirmed drinking or attempts to tamper with the device. As SCRAM Systems celebrates this momentous occasion, the company extends its heartfelt gratitude to its 450+ dedicated Services Providers, agencies, and the countless courts, jurisdictions, and community corrections departments they serve. Most importantly, SCRAM Systems celebrates the almost one million clients who have embarked on the path to sobriety with SCRAM CAM. About SCRAM Systems SCRAM Systems is a leading provider of electronic monitoring and software solutions for the criminal justice industry. The company offers full spectrum of client monitoring technologies that includes ignition interlock systems, continuous transdermal alcohol monitoring, remote breath/portable alcohol monitoring, GPS, standalone RF/house arrest technology, web-based reporting and communications tools, software solutions, and ISO-certified monitoring services and support. SCRAM Systems employs approximately 800 staff, 130,000 end-customers, three main company sites (Raleigh/Durham, NC; Cincinnati, OH; and Littleton, CO), and a blossoming international presence. Our mission: Changing lives, reuniting families, and making communities safer though advanced technology and world-class service. Visit SCRAM Systems at www.scramsystems.com or on social media via LinkedIn, Facebook, and Twitter. Contact: Lisa Chavez (303) 483-0505 [email protected] SOURCE SCRAM Systems CANBERRA, Australia, June 15, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Seeing Machines, an advanced computer vision technology company that designs AI-powered systems to improve transport safety, is excited to announce that it will be attending InCabin, held this year in Brussels from 20 22 June. Seeing Machines' Chief Science and Innovation Officer, Professor Mike Lenne, will be representing the company in Brussels and is due to speak on the theme of "Driver engagement and take-over readiness." Professor Lenne will discuss how auto manufacturers currently face a choice between adopting either camera-based driver monitoring systems (DMS) or hands-on-the wheel sensors in their vehicle designs, a situation which is likely to change as governments and regulators increasingly recognise the value that camera-based sensing brings to improving driver safety. The talk will also examine the state of research on camera-based driver monitoring, making the case that technologies which monitor a driver's ocular movements are more effective at ensuring safety than other approaches. The capabilities of camera-based driver monitoring are continually evolving, ensuring that it will represent the pinnacle of interior-sensing and safety for years to come. Seeing Machines, which is based in Canberra and listed on the UK stock market, recently carried out a nationally representative poll looking at the attitudes of UK consumers towards DMS, rapidly becoming mandatory for carmakers to install around the world to enhance safety and underpin hands-free, or assisted driving features. The results showed that 70% of consumers believe in-vehicle DMS can improve road safety and help reduce accidents caused by distracted or fatigued drivers, although 72% still have little to no knowledge of this new technology. "The results indicate that most consumers are willing to try out a technology with clear benefits for driver safety" said Paul McGlone CEO of Seeing Machines. "Nonetheless, the survey shows that there is much work still to be done by carmakers, suppliers and policy makers in educating the public as to the benefits of advanced driver monitoring systems. By attending InCabin, we want to help raise awareness across our stakeholders of a technology that is set to become an unavoidable legal requirement in the decade ahead and ultimately to ensure that more people around the world get home safely." InCabin is the world's leading event for interior intelligence specialists, being attended by a range of engineers, experts and thought leaders from across the auto industry. The conference is the best place to learn about the latest developments in the field of driver and occupant monitoring systems. Seeing Machines is happy to meet with and answer questions from the media. For further information, please contact: About Seeing Machines (AIM: SEE), a global company founded in 2000 and headquartered in Australia, is an industry leader in vision-based monitoring technology that enable machines to see, understand and assist people. Seeing Machines is revolutionizing global transport safety. Its technology portfolio of AI algorithms, embedded processing and optics, power products that need to deliver reliable real-time understanding of vehicle operators. The technology spans the critical measurement of where a driver is looking, through to classification of their cognitive state as it applies to accident risk. Reliable "driver state" measurement is the end-goal of Driver Monitoring Systems (DMS) technology. Seeing Machines develops DMS technology to drive safety for Automotive, Commercial Fleet, Off-road and Aviation. The company has offices in Australia, USA, Europe and Asia, and supplies technology solutions and services to industry leaders in each market vertical. www.seeingmachines.com Logo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/1247670/Seeing_Machines_Logo_Logo.jpg SOURCE Seeing Machines Limited GRAND RAPIDS, Mich., June 15, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Service Express, a global leader in data center and managed infrastructure solutions, has named Kim Randers Chief People Officer. Randers brings over 20 years of experience leading and driving organizational transformation. In this role, he will focus on developing and evolving the company's talent strategy, employee experience and Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI) efforts. Kim Randers, Chief People Officer, Service Express Randers joined Service Express as Human Resources Director in 2021. In this role, he focused on integrating employees and processes from mergers and acquisitions, leading talent management, HR operations and learning and development. "Kim is a results-oriented leader who has spent over two decades transforming HR teams and adding value to entire organizations," said Ron Alvesteffer, President & CEO of Service Express. "Kim's previous experience working with HR leadership in North America, EMEA and APAC makes him a valuable part of our executive team. I'm confident Kim's leadership will support Service Express in the next phase of our company growth." Before joining Service Express, Randers held leadership positions at First Data, now Fiserv, and FLEETCOR, where he was responsible for all HR activities across multiple geographies. "I feel very privileged and honored to step into this position and am grateful for the opportunity to join such a talented executive team," said Randers. "I look forward to growing into this role and being a part of the next evolution of our people-powered culture." Randers received a master's in psychology from the University of Copenhagen and a master's in organizational development from the University of Bedford. About Service Express Service Express is an industry-leading data center solutions provider specializing in global multivendor maintenance and managed infrastructure solutions. Companies around the globe trust Service Express to deliver reliable end-to-end support. Service Express' flagship technology, ExpressConnect, helps IT teams automate support with monitoring, ticketing, integrations and account management. For more information, visit serviceexpress.com . Photo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2102437/Service_Express_welcome_Kim_Randers_CPO.jpg SOURCE Service Express MILWAUKEE, June 15, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Ademi LLP is investigating NexTier (NYSE: NEX) for possible breaches of fiduciary duty and other violations of law in its transaction with Patterson-UTI. Click here to learn how to join the action https://www.ademilaw.com/case/nextier-oilfield-solutions-inc or call Guri Ademi toll-free at 866-264-3995. There is no cost or obligation to you. NexTier public stockholders are expected to receive only 0.7520 shares of Patterson-UTI common stock for each share of NexTier common stock owned. Upon closing of the transaction, Patterson-UTI shareholders will own approximately 55% and NexTier shareholders will own approximately 45% of the combined company on a fully diluted basis. The combined company will have an enterprise value of approximately $5.4 billion. The transaction agreement unreasonably limits competing bids for NexTier by imposing a significant penalty if NexTier accepts a superior bid. NexTier insiders will receive substantial benefits as part of change of control arrangements. We are investigating the conduct of NexTier's board of directors, and whether they are (i) fulfilling their fiduciary duties to all shareholders, and (ii) obtaining a fair and reasonable price for NexTier. If you own NexTier common stock and wish to obtain additional information, please contact Guri Ademi either at [email protected] or toll-free: 866-264-3995, or https://www.ademilaw.com/case/nextier-oilfield-solutions-inc. We specialize in shareholder litigation involving buyouts, mergers, and individual shareholder rights throughout the country. For more information, please feel free to call us. Attorney advertising. Prior results do not guarantee similar outcomes. Contacts Ademi LLP Guri Ademi Toll Free: (866) 264-3995 Fax: (414) 482-8001 SOURCE Ademi LLP NEW YORK, June 15, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Pomerantz LLP is investigating claims on behalf of investors of adidas AG ("adidas" or the "Company") (OTCMKT: ADDYY). Such investors are advised to contact Robert S. Willoughby at [email protected] or 888-476-6529, ext. 7980. The investigation concerns whether adidas 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] In the fall of 2022, musical artist Kanye West, Adidas's design partner for the Company's popular Yeezy shoe, made a series of overtly anti-Semitic and racially offensive remarks in public. On October 25, 2022, following mounting public pressure, Adidas canceled its partnership with West. Then, on November 27, 2022, The Wall Street Journal published an article entitled "Adidas Top Executives Discussed Risks of Staff's 'Direct Exposure' to Kanye West Years Ago." The article revealed that Adidas's leadership, including Chief Executive Officer Kasper Rrsted, had discussed the risk of the Company continuing a relationship with West as early 2018, citing the artist's often erratic and controversial behavior. On this news, Adidas's American depositary receipt (ADDYY) ("ADRs") fell $2.20 per ADR, or 3.13%, to close at $62.34 per ADR on November 28, 2022. Then, on February 9, 2023, Adidas warned that the Company could shift from a profit to a loss if it failed to sell its inventory of Yeezy shoes following the termination of its partnership with West. Specifically, the Company stated that it expected sales to fall at a high single-digit rate in currency-neutral terms because of the "significant adverse impact of not selling the existing stock" of Yeezy products. Failure to sell the stock of Yeezy's (valued at 1.2 billion euros) would accordingly lower Company revenue by 1.2 billion euros (or about $1.29 billion), and operating profit by 500 million euros." On this news, Adidas's ADR price fell $7.4 per ADR, or 8.96%, to close at $75.16 per ADR on February 9, 2023. Finally, on February 21, 2023, S&P Global announced that it was downgrading Adidas to "'A-/A-2' From 'A-1' On Deteriorating Credit Metrics; Outlook Negative." S&P largely attributed the downgraded to the financial impact of the termination of Adidas's partnership with West. On this news, Adidas's ADR price fell $3.56 per ADR, or 4.62%, to close at $73.59 per ADR on February 21, 2023. Pomerantz LLP, with offices in New York, Chicago, Los Angeles, London, Paris, and Tel Aviv, is acknowledged as one of the premier firms in the areas of corporate, securities, and antitrust class litigation. Founded by the late Abraham L. Pomerantz, known as the dean of the class action bar, Pomerantz pioneered the field of securities class actions. Today, more than 85 years later, Pomerantz continues in the tradition he established, fighting for the rights of the victims of securities fraud, breaches of fiduciary duty, and corporate misconduct. The Firm has recovered billions of dollars in damages awards on behalf of class members. See www.pomlaw.com. CONTACT: Robert S. Willoughby Pomerantz LLP [email protected] 888-476-6529 ext. 7980 SOURCE Pomerantz LLP NEW YORK, June 15, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Pomerantz LLP is investigating claims on behalf of investors of Comerica Incorporated ("Comerica" or the "Company") (NYSE: CMA). Such investors are advised to contact Robert S. Willoughby at [email protected] or 888-476-6529, ext. 7980. The investigation concerns whether Comerica 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 29, 2023, citing a review of "internal documents," American Banker reported that "Comerica Bank officials privately acknowledged significant compliance failures in their operation of a Treasury Department program that provides federal benefits on prepaid cards to millions of unbanked Americans[.]" American Banker stated that "[a] Comerica executive said the Dallas bank faced a 'serious contract violation' for allowing fraud disputes and data on Direct Express and cardholders to be handled out of a vendor's office in Lahore, Pakistan[.]" On this news, Comerica's stock fell $1.40 per share, or 3.59% to close at $37.59 per share on May 30, 2023. Pomerantz LLP, with offices in New York, Chicago, Los Angeles, London, Paris, and Tel Aviv, is acknowledged as one of the premier firms in the areas of corporate, securities, and antitrust class litigation. Founded by the late Abraham L. Pomerantz, known as the dean of the class action bar, Pomerantz pioneered the field of securities class actions. Today, more than 85 years later, Pomerantz continues in the tradition he established, fighting for the rights of the victims of securities fraud, breaches of fiduciary duty, and corporate misconduct. The Firm has recovered billions of dollars in damages awards on behalf of class members. See www.pomlaw.com. CONTACT: Robert S. Willoughby Pomerantz LLP [email protected] 888-476-6529 ext. 7980 SOURCE Pomerantz LLP NEW YORK, June 15, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Pomerantz LLP is investigating claims on behalf of investors of JinkoSolar Holding Co., Ltd. ("JinkoSolar" or the "Company") (NYSE: JKS). Such investors are advised to contact Robert S. Willoughby at [email protected] or 888-476-6529, ext. 7980. The investigation concerns whether JinkoSolar 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 8, 2023, federal agents executed a search warrant at JinkoSolar's solar panel manufacturing plant in Jacksonville, Florida. Federal authorities did not disclose the specific reason for the search warrant. On this news, JinkoSolar's stock price fell $3.91 per share, or 8.25%, to close at $43.47 per share on May 9, 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. CONTACT: Robert S. Willoughby Pomerantz LLP [email protected] 888-476-6529 ext. 7980 SOURCE Pomerantz LLP NEW YORK, June 15, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- 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 [email protected] 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, Teleperformance's 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 "Colombia's 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, Teleperformance's 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 Company's 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, Teleperformance's 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. CONTACT: Robert S. Willoughby Pomerantz LLP [email protected] 888-476-6529 ext. 7980 SOURCE Pomerantz LLP Head of the President's Office of Ukraine Andriy Yermak discussed with National Security Adviser to the Prime Minister of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland Timothy Barrow the situation at the front and the needs of the Ukrainian army on Wednesday, the presidential press service reports. "Andriy Yermak informed the interlocutor about the current situation on the battlefield, the actions of the Ukrainian defense forces and possible plans of the Russian occupiers. He also spoke about the needs of the Ukrainian army for equipment, weapons and ammunition in the context of preparing for the next meeting of the Contact Group on Ukraine's Defense in the Ramstein format," the report notes. The Head of the President's Office expressed gratitude to the British people and the UK government for their unprecedented support for Ukraine. Pursuant to the agreements reached during the meetings between President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and Prime Minister Rishi Sunak, the parties discussed a number of issues of further close cooperation in the defense sector. New executive role designed to accelerate company's growth in CPG and retail Stratton's tech and advertising sales leadership ideal for expanding Shipt's business initiatives & driving growth with partners BIRMINGHAM, Ala., June 15, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Shipt, a retail tech company known for connecting people to high-quality delivery, announced Katie Stratton has been appointed the company's first Chief Growth Officer. Stratton, who will report to Shipt CEO Kamau Witherspoon, will guide the company as it matures into its next strategic, growth-focused phase. Stratton will oversee the new Shipt Growth team, which includes business development, business capabilities, consumer packaged goods (CPG), partner success, innovation, and site merchandising and catalog operations. Katie Stratton headshot "I'm thrilled to be joining Shipt at a key time in the company's growth," said Stratton. "Shipt's business is known for connecting consumers with exceptional service and extending that same exceptional service to retail and CPG partners. I am excited to accelerate growth with and for our partners, expand our offerings, and drive innovation across the company." Stratton has nearly two decades of experience at the intersection of business development, partner management, advertising technology and marketing. She joins Shipt from Meta where she spent 11 years in a variety of CPG & retail leadership roles including five years as their head of U.S. restaurant sales. In her most recent position at Meta, she oversaw sales & strategy for the Facebook and Instagram national sales team that achieved substantial growth. Before Meta, she began her career in the creative agency world managing auto advertising at Saatchi & Saatchi, then leading global business for both Unilever and Cadillac at Bartle Bogle Hegarty. "Welcoming Katie to Shipt isn't just about having a growth team, it's about being a growth company," said Shipt CEO Kamau Witherspoon. "Katie's deep experience and strategic mindset will help us reach the next level. There is a large addressable market that Shipt is ideally-suited to serve, and Katie will lead efforts to ambitiously and deliberately pursue opportunities to be even more of a growth engine for our partners." Stratton is a founding board member of Rutgers Business School's Center for Women in Business. She and her husband, Aaron, live in New Jersey and are proud parents to a six-year-old son and four-year-old girl/boy twins. About Shipt Shipt is a retail tech company that connects people to reliable, high-quality delivery with a personal touch. Through the power of technology, Shipt connects customers to the things they want from the stores they love, workers to new earning opportunities, and retail businesses to more satisfied customers. Headquartered in Birmingham, Alabama, Shipt brings people the flexible solutions they need with the above-and-beyond service they expect. Shipt is an independently operated subsidiary of Target Corp. and available in more than 5,000 U.S. cities. For more information, please visit Shipt's Newsroom. SOURCE Shipt Company will continue to offer other widely used standards for fast, flexible charging solutions MCLEAN, Va., June 15, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- SK Signet, a leading global provider of electric vehicle (EV) charging solutions, announced today that it is adding North American Charging Standard (NACS) connection capabilities to the product design of its ultra-fast chargers. SK Signet has started development of chargers that meet NACS standards and expects to release a compliant product in 2023. The new option of NACS connections on SK Signet chargers will enhance accessibility for more EV owners. Tweet this Attendees get an up-close look at an ultra-fast EV charger at the June opening of an SK Signet manufacturing plant in Plano, Texas. At full capacity, the facility will be able to produce more than 10,000 ultra-fast EV chargers a year. SK Signet is a top global manufacturer of electric vehicle (EV) chargers and a leader in fast and ultra-fast charging, boasting the first UL-certified ultra-fast charger (350 kW) in the U.S. Earlier this month, the company opened its first U.S. manufacturing center in Plano, Texas, with the capacity to make more than 10,000 ultra-fast chargers a year. SK Signet will continue to provide customers with the option of other widely used standards for EV charger connections, including the Combined Charging System (CCS), CHAdeMO and Megawatt Charging System (MCS) standards. SK Signet charging solutions support more than 40 EV models offered in North America. EV owners with vehicles designed for NACS, previously known as the Tesla charging connector, already are using SK Signet chargers by adding adapters to existing connectors. The new option of NACS connections on SK Signet chargers will enhance accessibility for these EV owners. "Americans are moving to EVs in record numbers, but the market is still evolving to create a seamless charging experience for EV owners," said SK Signet CEO Jung Ho Shin. "SK Signet is committed to providing flexible charging solutions that make it easier and faster for EV owners to recharge their vehicles regardless of the model they choose to drive." SK Signet supplies its chargers to a broad range of customers, including charge point operators, companies with large EV fleets, and traditional gas stations and convenience stores adding EV charging to their offerings. The option for NACS, CCS, CHAdeMO and MCS connectors will be offered to customers on SK Signet's full line-up of chargers made at the Texas plant. SK Signet has started pilot production of its 350 kW charger at the Texas facility. Later this year, SK Signet will also start production of the V2 charger with a maximum output of 400 kW hours enough power to charge an EV up to 80% in less than 15 minutes. SK Signet's existing ultra-fast chargers typically have two connectors attached to one charger, both of which are either CCS (Combined Charging System) or one CCS while the other CHAdeMO. In future models, NACS couplers can also be installed upon customer request. With this implementation, a single charger will be able to simultaneously charge EVs using NACS and CCS standards, enabling a more efficient operation of charging stations. "SK Signet is working closely with our customers and other business partners to develop new solutions that meet the wide range of needs for EV owners in the U.S." said Seung-June Oh, President of SK Signet America. "SK Signet will continue to expand charging options for EVs, including those with NACS standards, to support the build-out of a robust U.S. charging network." SK Signet is based in South Korea with U.S. headquarters in McLean, Virginia. SK Signet joined the SK family of companies through an acquisition by SK Inc., the strategic investment arm of SK Group, in April 2021. About SK SK Group, South Korea's second-largest conglomerate, is a collection of global industry-leading companies driving innovations in energy, advanced materials, biopharmaceuticals and digital business. Based in Seoul, SK invests in building sustainable businesses around the world with a shared commitment to reducing global greenhouse gas emissions. SK companies combined have $139 billion in global annual revenue and employ more than 100,000 people worldwide. SK companies are investing billions of dollars in expanding their U.S. presence with business operations or partnerships in electric vehicle (EV) batteries and charging technology, hydrogen energy and fuel cells, pharmaceutical manufacturing and development, and semiconductors. For more information on SK Group, visit sk.com. For more information on SK Signet, visit sksignet.us. SOURCE SK Signet OSLO, Norway, June 14, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- The President of AmCham South China returned from Oslo where he participated in what may be the most important business meeting since the creation of the United Nations. The UN Global Compact (UNGC), Oslo Business for Peace Foundation (BFP), UN Development Program (UNDP), Principles for Responsible Investment (PRI), and the International Chamber of Commerce (ICC) invited Dr. Harley Seyedin, Winner of the 2017 Oslo Business for Peace Award together with Elon Musk, Durreen Shahnaz and Murad Al-Katib, to join a small group of 50 international leaders. These leaders included Deputy Minister of Norway for Foreign Affairs Bjrg Sandkjr, Assistant Secretary-General of the United Nations Global Compact (UNGC) Sanda Ojiambo, Chair of International Chamber of Commerce (ICC) Maria Garza, and Business for Peace Foundation Chairman, Per L. Saxegaard at the UN Business Arena (UNBA) Stakeholder Engagement Meeting. The high-level meeting, held at the scenic Soria Moria Hotel in Oslo, was successfully completed on June 5, 2023. The newly formed UN Business Arena truly represents a vital platform for collaboration and innovation, with the ability to bring together a diverse group of stakeholders to tackle the world's most pressing challenges. The UN Business Arena is a global platform co-created through strategic partnerships between the Oslo Business for Peace Foundation (BFP), International Chamber of Commerce (ICC), UN Global Compact (UNGC), United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), and Principles for Responsible Investment (PRI). UN Business Arena will hold its inaugural event in 2024. Upon the conclusion of the meetings, Henrik Friis de Magalhaes e Meneses, Head of Secretariat of UN Business Arena said, "We are thrilled to announce the successful completion of the High-Level Meeting of the UN Business Arena, where global leaders came together to ignite collaborative action and determine the thematic focus for the UN Business Arena ahead of its inaugural event in 2024." De Magalhaes e Meneses said the newly formed UN organization desires to be a passionate advocate for a better world. "We believe in the power of collaboration, innovation, and collective action to drive transformative change for peace and sustainable development. Our community is made up of diverse individuals, including businesses, governments, and civil society organizations, who share a common vision: to create a more equitable, resilient, and sustainable future. Together, we are redefining the role of the private sector in shaping the global agenda. Through our unique approach, we facilitate open business diplomacy, advocate for responsible investment, promote sustainable energy solutions, champion sustainable food systems, and foster peace and dialogue. We believe that by aligning the interests and expertise of diverse stakeholders, we can create a more equitable, resilient, and sustainable world. Connect with us to stay updated on our initiatives, engage in meaningful discussions, and collaborate on transformative projects. Let's build a better world together," de Magalhaes e Meneses added. As a former Oslo Business for Peace Award winner, Dr. Harley Seyedin reported on the decisions of his breakout group on energy conversation and climate change. His group proposed a plan to be promoted jointly by all stakeholders as a unified approach by all countries to achieve carbon neutrality by 2050. At the meeting Dr. Seyedin presented the views of many individuals he had solicited prior to the meeting. An Award Committee of Nobel Laureates in peace and economics selects the Oslo Business for Peace Award recipients. The task of appointing a new member to the Award committee has been given to former Swedish prime minister Goran Persson, former Norwegian prime minister Kjell Magne Bondevik, and the former director of the Peace Research Institute Oslo (PRIO) Kristian Berg Harpviken. The discussions were inspiring, shedding light on the crucial role of the private sector in creating positive change. Dr. Seyedin said that with the support of the UN system and the private sector, the UN Business Arena will provide a great impetus for transformative changes and will serve as a crucial platform for multilateral exchanges. This collaboration will contribute to the cause of sustainability and peace. About the American Chamber of Commerce in South China The American Chamber of Commerce in South China (AmCham South China) is a non-partisan, non-profit organization dedicated to facilitating bilateral trade between the United States and the People's Republic of China. Accredited in 1995 by the US Chamber of Commerce in Washington DC, AmCham South China represents more than 2,300 corporate and individual members, is governed by a fully-independent Board of Governors elected from its membership, and provides dynamic, on-the-ground support for American and international companies doing business in South China. Over the past decade, AmCham South China has hosted on average each year more than 10,000 business executives and government leaders from around the world at its briefings, seminars, committee meetings and social gatherings. All AmChams in China are independently governed and represent member companies in their respective regions. SOURCE American Chamber of Commerce in South China Huntsville, Alabama cosmetic dentist Sonya L Wintzell, DMD Selected as a NewBeauty Top Doctor HUNTSVILLE, Ala., June 15, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- NewBeauty is thrilled to announce that Huntsville, Alabama cosmetic dentist, Sonya L Wintzell, DMD has been selected as a 2023 NewBeauty Top Doctor. Dr. Wintzell has made significant contributions to cosmetic dentistry and offers a range of services for the perfect smile, including veneers, aligners, cosmetic bonding and whitening. With more than 20 years of experience in the field, Dr. Wintzell is a highly respected expert in cosmetic dentistry. Her work prioritizes the patient experience, building relationships and smiles that will last for years to come. NewBeauty's Top Doctor program features only the most trusted and highly regarded aesthetic experts in the industry. As a leading beauty authority, NewBeauty is committed to providing readers with accurate information from board-certified aesthetic experts. This partnership with Dr. Wintzell highlights her outstanding work and dedication to patient safety, core values of the NewBeauty brand. NewBeauty has always been a leading resource for those seeking expert advice on their beauty and wellness journey. We are honored to have Dr. Wintzell as a NewBeauty Top Doctor and look forward to continuing to work together to provide readers with the most up-to-date and accurate information in the field of cosmetic dentistry. ABOUT NEWBEAUTY TOP DOCTORS: As the beauty authority, NewBeauty magazine advises readers to make educated decisions when it comes to the treatments they receive and the board-certified doctors who perform them. NewBeauty's Top Doctors are vetted and properly certified to perform the cosmetic treatments they offer and represent an exclusive group of the nation's best plastic surgeons, facial plastic surgeons, dermatologists, oculoplastic surgeons and cosmetic dentists. For more information on NewBeauty, visit newbeauty.com. Contact Information: [email protected] SOURCE NewBeauty Seegene announces strategic partnership with Springer Nature to expand OneSystem Business Seegene and Springer Nature to jointly launch global assay development project Springer Nature expresses active support for Seegene's vision to promote participation across global scientific community SEOUL, South Korea, June 15, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Seegene Inc. (KQ096530), a leading South Korean company providing a total solution for PCR molecular diagnostics, announced today that it has signed a strategic partnership agreement with Springer Nature to expand its OneSystem Business. Springer Nature is a world-leading research, educational and professional publisher committed to playing a part in accelerating solutions to the world's urgent challenges. The company publishes over 400,000 articles across 3,000 journals along with 13,000 books each year, including the world's leading multidisciplinary scientific journal, Nature. The OneSystem Business aims to provide Seegene's unique syndromic quantitative PCR technology and know-how to scientists worldwide, enabling them to develop a variety of customized products addressing local needs. The goal of the OneSystem Business is to create a world free from all diseases, including cancer and infectious diseases, not limited to humans but all organisms. As part of the OneSystem Business initiative, Seegene has recently signed partnership agreements with leading diagnostic companies in Israel and Spain. The strategic partnership with Springer Nature reflects a shared vision of bringing scientists together to find innovative solutions. With the active support of Springer Nature, Seegene's OneSystem Business will have an even greater impact on communities around the world. Springer Nature will introduce the OneSystem Business initiative to the global scientific community, where scientists and experts from around the world can participate in new assay development through Seegene's collaborative network. Beginning in H2 of 2023, as the first step of collaboration for the OneSystem Business, Seegene and Springer Nature will launch the OneSystem Project. This project aims to initially develop 20 syndromic PCR assays with scientists around the world. Springer Nature will solicit and evaluate potential participants for the PCR reagent development project from the global community of scientists and experts, with plans to begin assay development the following year. In the long term, Seegene and Springer Nature plan to build an enhanced project proposal system for the assay development project. Seegene aims to significantly increase the number of assays that are able to be developed to hundreds and thousands assays a year. However, a typical PCR molecular diagnostic company can independently develop only a few syndromic assays annually. "The partnership with Springer Nature, a highly respected leader in the scientific community, will allow us to build a network where global scientists and experts can actively participate in developing assays. By developing assays across all fields, Seegene will set the stage to make syndromic quantitative PCR tests more accessible to the public," said Dr. Jong-Yoon Chun, CEO of Seegene. "We believe in Seegene's mission to create a world free of disease by sharing state-of-the-art technology with the global scientific community. We are excited to be a part of this open innovation initiative and are looking forward to enabling scientists from different fields to participate in the development of PCR assays that can have a real impact on global health," said Richard Hughes, Vice President, Publishing, Nature & Impact Solutions of Springer Nature. SOURCE Seegene Inc. SINGAPORE, June 15, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- SquareX , led by serial cybersecurity entrepreneur Vivek Ramachandran , is developing a browser-based cyber security product to safeguard consumers online. In May 2023, SquareX secured a seed round of USD 6M from Sequoia Capital South East Asia and is now preparing to launch the product globally. SquareX Unveils USD 25,000 Bug Bounty Program, Inviting Global Hackers to Push the Limits, Test, and Strengthen its Security Product In recent years, Americans have suffered significant financial losses due to online scams and hacks. As technology continues to advance and the digital landscape expands, cybercrime is expected to rise both in the United States and worldwide. However, the traditional cybersecurity products dominating the market, such as antivirus software, anti-malware tools, and VPN solutions, have seen minimal innovation in addressing the evolving threats. Moreover, they often hinder consumer productivity by blocking access to files, websites and resources, causing fear and prompting users to uninstall them, leaving users even more vulnerable to attacks. Recognizing the need for a fresh and effective approach to restore consumer confidence in online safety, SquareX is committed to challenging the status quo of traditional cybersecurity products by engineering a solution from the ground-up, purpose-built to tackle the current generation of threats. Unlike traditional security companies, which wait for hackers to find and report security bugs to them, SquareX is taking an unconventional step by announcing a Bug Bounty program before the product's official launch. This program invites hackers, security researchers, and the wider community to test and uncover potential security vulnerabilities, demonstrating SquareX's dedication to real-world battle testing. The Bug Bounty program will span over six weeks, from Thursday, 15 June 2023 to Thursday, 27 July 2023. During this period, bug bounty hunters are encouraged to help, battle-test and harden the product. As an incentive, SquareX is offering rewards totalling up to $25,000 for successfully discovered and reported vulnerabilities. "SquareX has a strong culture of research and hacking, with multiple team members having previously discovered security vulnerabilities and having disclosed them at top security conferences" stated Vivek Ramachandran, Founder of SquareX. "We invite the global hacker community to participate in this Bug Bounty program, and help us discover vulnerabilities. I hope in doing so, we will be able to launch a world-class cybersecurity product that consumers can use and be fearless online." By opening its product to be rigorously tested by hackers worldwide, SquareX aims to establish trust, a pivotal factor in winning customer confidence over to embrace their solution. Hopefully, this will encourage other consumer focussed companies to follow suit. About the Bug Bounty Program: The Bug Bounty Program will kick off on Thursday, 15 June 2023 and run for a period of six weeks, ending on Thursday, 27 July 2023. Interested participants can find detailed information, including guidelines, scope, and rules, on Bug Bounty Program webpage: https://malware.rip/ About SquareX: SquareX is a Singapore-based start-up founded by Vivek Ramachandran, a renowned cyber security professional and serial entrepreneur. With a vision to make consumers fearless online, SquareX is developing a browser-based security solution for consumers. This solution aims to provide users with control, freedom, and security while browsing the web. The company recently raised $6 million in a seed round led by Sequoia Capital South East Asia, enabling them to accelerate the development of their revolutionary security solution. With a contrarian view towards consumer security, SquareX aims to empower individuals to be safe and productive online SquareX Social: LinkedIn Twitter SOURCE SquareX HOLMDEL, N.J., June 15, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- STOPit Solutions, a leading provider of safety and reporting solutions, commends the State of Texas for passing of Alyssa's Law, a significant step towards enhancing school safety and protecting students. We stand in full support of the efforts made by Texas lawmakers, including State Representative Shawn Thierry, to prioritize the safety of our students and educators. Alyssa's Law, named in honor of Alyssa Alhadeff, a victim of the tragic Parkland shooting, recognizes the urgent need for effective emergency response measures within our schools. By mandating the installation of silent panic alert systems in all Texas classrooms, Alyssa's Law ensures that school staff have immediate access to emergency assistance at the touch of a button. This vital legislation empowers individuals to quickly and discreetly communicate with first responders, saving crucial seconds that can make a significant difference in emergency situations. STOPit Solutions is committed to supporting schools and districts across Texas in their implementation of Alyssa's Law. Our Silent Panic Alert System provides a powerful and user-friendly solution that seamlessly integrates with existing safety protocols. It enables real-time communication, accurate location tracking, and streamlined emergency response coordination, ultimately enhancing the safety and well-being of students and staff. We commend the State of Texas for taking another proactive step towards creating safer learning environments. At STOPit Solutions, we remain dedicated to providing innovative technologies and comprehensive support to help schools and districts across the country strengthen their safety measures. About STOPit Solutions: STOPit Solutions is a leading provider of safety and reporting solutions for schools, organizations, and communities including over 300 K12 districts in Texas. Our comprehensive suite of tools, including the Silent Panic Alert System, empowers individuals to report concerns, incidents, or emergencies quickly and anonymously. We are committed to making a positive impact on school safety and fostering secure environments where students and staff can thrive. SOURCE STOPit Solutions Family-owned, international self-storage company expands existing Missouri footprint KANSAS CITY, Mo., June 15, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- StorageMart, a leading international self-storage company, is pleased to announce its strategic expansion into the thriving Kansas City metro area with the addition of two innovative storage facilities. With the recent acquisition of Summit Self Storage located on NE Rice Road in Lee's Summit and NE Davidson Road in Kansas City, StorageMart has solidified its position in Missouri, further enhancing its robust footprint in the region. These developments add an impressive total of 112,266 net rentable square feet, comprising a combined 796 storage units, including both standard and climate-controlled options. Both facilities boast a diverse range of storage unit sizes, catering to the needs of customers. From compact 5x5 units suitable for personal mementos and seasonal items to spacious 10x30 units capable of accommodating larger furniture and commercial inventory, StorageMart offers versatile storage solutions to meet every requirement. Additionally, the inclusion of convenient drive-up units ensures hassle-free access for customers seeking seamless loading and unloading experiences. StorageMart is pleased to announce its expansion into the Kansas City metro area. Tweet this Alex Burnam, Global Director of Acquisitions at StorageMart, expressed great enthusiasm for this venture, stating, "This acquisition presents a multitude of exciting possibilities. We are dedicated to empowering our valued customers with enhanced accessibility and an expanded array of options that align seamlessly with their storage requirements. As a family-owned company, StorageMart values the trust and confidence our customers place in us, and we are committed to maintaining our industry-leading standards of service excellence." About StorageMart: Dedicated to providing clean, well-lit storage units, and friendly customer service, StorageMart is the largest family operated self-storage company in the world and has been led by the Burnam family for four generations. Through the "Store it Forward" charitable giving program, StorageMart gives back to the many communities it calls home. Find out more at https://www.storage-mart.com. Contact: Sarah Little 573.449.0091 [email protected] SOURCE StorageMart MONTREAL, June 15, 2023 /PRNewswire/ - Strategic Resources Inc. (TSXV: SR) (the "Company" or "Strategic") announces that Simon Wandke has joined Strategic Resources as the Company works on its funding package for the BlackRock project. As Senior Advisor, Mr. Wandke will provide guidance on the strategic direction to the future expansion of the BlackRock Project as the iron and steel industry transitions towards Green Steel opportunities. Most recently, Mr. Wandke was Executive Vice President and Chief Executive Officer of ArcelorMittal Mining, the world's leading steel company with the fifth largest iron ore business globally. During his tenure, Mr. Wandke played a key role in helping to drive the mining division forward to the next stage of its development as one of the largest global producers of iron ore, coking coal and other minerals. Mr. Wandke has over 40 years' experience in the mining and minerals industry, holding senior management, strategy and commercial positions internationally with a particular focus on the development of greenfield and brownfield projects, designing and implementing major change and effective commercial strategies, strategic marketing, risk management and ESG. Sean Cleary, Chairman & CEO commented: "The BlackRock Project sets the stage for Strategic Resources to become a significant supplier of important critical minerals and high purity iron products for the steel and foundry industries. The BlackRock Project is closely linked with government onshoring strategies, critical minerals supply including battery metals and steel production, as well as the movement to significantly reduce GHG emissions. Simon Wandke has invested much of his career into understanding and managing important strategic issues across the iron, steel and ferroalloys industries with demonstrated success and accordingly, his input and guidance into the future of the BlackRock Project and other corporate opportunities for Strategic Resources will be of great value to all stakeholders." Simon Wandke commented: "The Company has significant commercial alternatives worth pursuing and I believe that my experience and track record are well suited to advising Strategic Resources at this pivotal phase as it develops the BlackRock Project into a commercial success." About Strategic Resources Strategic Resources Inc. (TSXV:SR) is a critical mineral exploration and development company focused on high-purity iron and vanadium projects in Canada and Finland. The Company is developing its flagship BlackRock Project, which is a fully permitted and ready to construct mine, concentrator and metallurgical facility located at a seaport in Quebec with full access to the St. Lawrence Seaway. The Company's Head Office is in Montreal, Quebec. Further details are available on the Company's website at https://strategic-res.com/. To follow future news releases, please sign up at https://strategic-res.com/contact/. Follow us on: Twitter or Linkedin. STRATEGIC RESOURCES INC. Signed: "Sean Cleary" Sean Cleary, CEO & Chairman 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 Regarding Forward-Looking Information Certain statements and information herein, including all statements that are not historical facts, contain forward-looking statements and forward-looking information within the meaning of applicable securities laws. Such forward-looking statements or information include but are not limited to statements or information with respect to future development of the BlackRock Project. Often, but not always, forward-looking statements or information can be identified by the use of words such as "will" or "projected" or variations of those words or statements that certain actions, events or results "will", "could", "are proposed to", "are planned to", "are expected to" or "are anticipated to" be taken, occur or be achieved. Although management of the Company believes that the assumptions made and the expectations represented by all forward-looking statements or information are reasonable, there can be no assurance that a forward-looking statement or information herein will prove to be accurate. Forward-looking statements and information by their nature are based on assumptions and involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors which may cause the Company's actual results, performance or achievements, or industry results, to be materially different from any future results, performance or achievements expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements or information. These factors include, but are not limited to: risks associated with the business of the Company; business and economic conditions in the mining industry generally; the supply and demand for labour and other project inputs; changes in commodity prices; changes in interest and currency exchange rates; risks relating to inaccurate geological and engineering assumptions (including with respect to the tonnage, grade and recoverability of reserves and resources); risks relating to unanticipated operational difficulties (including failure of equipment or processes to operate in accordance with specifications or expectations, cost escalation, unavailability of materials and equipment, government action or delays in the receipt of government approvals, industrial disturbances or other job action, and unanticipated events related to health, safety and environmental matters); risks relating to adverse weather conditions; political risk and social unrest; changes in general economic conditions or conditions in the financial markets; and other risk factors as detailed from time to time in the Company's continuous disclosure documents filed with Canadian securities administrators. Strategic does not undertake to update any forward-looking information, except in accordance with applicable securities laws. SOURCE Strategic Resources Inc. The collaboration with Mexican American artist Ricardo Gonzalez honors the spirit of community and sense of belonging found working at Taco Bell restaurants IRVINE, Calif., June 15, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Taco Bell is known for its unexpected menu mashups, like Doritos Locos Tacos and the Grilled Cheese Burrito, but team members are the secret ingredient that drives the company from the kitchen and beyond. Today, Taco Bell announced it is collaborating with Brooklyn-based artist Ricardo Gonzalez, known as " It's a Living ," to introduce exclusive team member gear paying homage to the brand's people-oriented culture. Taco Bell is collaborating with Brooklyn-based artist Ricardo Gonzalez, known as Its a Living, to introduce exclusive team member gear paying homage to the brands people-oriented culture. The streetwear-inspired collection includes a commemorative shirt and hat with the saying family is everything." The streetwear-inspired collection includes a commemorative shirt and hat with the saying "family is everything," displayed across both items, expressing the people-first values the brand holds. Earlier this month, Taco Bell team members across the country received the items alongside a note from Taco Bell CEO Mark King, encouraging team members to show their brand spirit by wearing the ensemble with pride. "Spending time with restaurant team members over the years, I've found the one thing that stands out the most is the huge sense of pride and community," said Kelly McCulloch, Global Chief People & Transformation Officer, Taco Bell. "Each restaurant creates its own authentic culture, and yet there is still a sense of connection and belonging to the larger Taco Bell brand. This is what makes our restaurant experience truly special." Taco Bell's people are central to the brand's identity that's why the company has made it a priority to invest in partnerships and cultural currency that evoke a sense of pride among team members who are truly the face of the brand. The choice to join forces with "It's a Living" was an easy one both Gonzalez and Taco Bell share similar people-first values, which made him a natural fit for this partnership. With roots in Durango, Mexico, Gonzalez is a designer and graphic artist whose signature script style can be seen in large-scale murals all over the world. "It's a Living" is the name of Gonzalez's studio, brand, and personal philosophy. His love for artistic expression started at a young age as an adolescent in Durango, and after years of hard work, that passion has led him to landing collaborations with top brands across the globe. "This collaboration is an exciting one for me as I have long been a fan of the brand," said Gonzalez. "I admire Taco Bell's commitment to its people and dedication to creating a positive impact through culture that's what my work is all about." The "It's a Living" partnership marks the second installment in an ongoing annual series of team member-driven collaborations. In 2022, Taco Bell partnered with Los Angeles-based streetwear brand Born X Raised on another merchandise collection for team members in honor of the brand's 60th anniversary. "I am energized and excited about partnering with yet another inspiring artist at the intersection of culture and style," said Taylor Montgomery, Chief Marketing Officer, US, Taco Bell. "A community can often be found in the most unlikely places, and that's what this collab is all about recognizing the incredible community in our restaurants responsible for making the Taco Bell experience a unique one." Looking ahead to 2024 and beyond, Taco Bell will continue to seek out partnerships that celebrate differences, champion its people and reflect the brand's roots in culture. About Taco Bell Corp. For more information about Taco Bell, visit our website at www.TacoBell.com , our Newsroom at www.TacoBell.com/news or www.TacoBell.com/popular-links . You can also stay up to date on all things Taco Bell by following us on LinkedIn , TikTok , Taco Bell's Twitter , Taco Bell News' Twitter , Instagram , Facebook , and subscribing to our YouTube channel. Delani Marchigiani Edelman [email protected] Jacqueline Cisneros Taco Bell Corp. [email protected] SOURCE Taco Bell Corp. Ambassador of Ukraine to South Africa does not believe that Putin will come to BRICS summit Ukrainian Ambassador to the Republic of South Africa Liubov Abravitova doubts that Russian President Vladimir Putin, whose arrest warrant was issued by the International Criminal Court (ICC), will attend the BRICS summit (Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa). "Russia is playing a very provocative role. They claim that Putin will come under any circumstances. And the Russian Federation will do this in order to put pressure on South Africa until the last moment. I personally do not believe that Putin will come. But society is actively discussing this and calling mainly for Putin to be arrested if he nevertheless decides to come," the ambassador said in an exclusive interview with Interfax-Ukraine. Abravitova noted that "South Africa is in a serious puzzle," and now the country is studying what the consequences could be if Putin does come. Since the Republic of South Africa remains a member of the International Criminal Court, despite the fact that there were statements in the ruling party about its intention to withdraw from the ICC. In addition, the ambassador recalled that the country already had a precedent in 2016 with former Sudanese President Omar al-Bashir, whom South Africa refused to arrest, despite the fact that the ICC issued an arrest warrant. At the same time, Abravitova stressed that now, at the level of rumors and news in the media, the possibility of transferring the BRICS summit to China, where China and South Africa could jointly lead the event, is being discussed. "Officially, this has not yet been commented on. At the same time, such questions are openly put to the President. That is, we know that there is a debate about this," she said. The Ambassador explained that the summit is of great importance, and this year the possibility of expanding the BRICS membership by more than 9 countries is being considered. "This is Egypt, and Saudi Arabia, Turkey, and Indonesia, there were also talks about Mexico. Which gives reason to many to think that Putin will still consider the possibility of his physical visit, wherever this summit takes place. But let's hope not," she said. Abravitova also confirmed that the South African Foreign Ministry had indeed issued a statement that all summit participants would be guaranteed diplomatic immunity during the event. However, as the ambassador emphasized, this cannot in any way neutralize the ICC warrant. "That is, domestic law cannot prevail over international one. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs commented that this is a normal procedure, and during any event involving high officials, everyone is guaranteed immunity. That is, this is a routine, and in no way, according to them, is it a separate decision regarding Putin. That is, everyone is guaranteed immunity, but the issue of Putin is considered in a separate plane," the ambassador said. The 15th BRICS summit is to be held in Johannesburg (South Africa) from August 22 to August 24, 2023. Ruling Broadens Federal Government Test to Determine Workers' Employment Status WASHINGTON, June 15, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Teamsters General President Sean M. O'Brien issued the following statement regarding the ruling from the National Labor Relations Board (NLRB) on The Atlanta Opera, Inc., which revives an Obama-era rule that makes it easier for workers to organize and join unions: "The Teamsters Union is pleased that the NLRB has taken a critical step in putting power back into the hands of workers and reversing an egregious rule that made it easier for corporations to misclassify hardworking men and women. "When workers are misclassified as 'independent contractors,' they are deprived of the opportunity to secure the higher wages, better benefits, strong workplace protections, and job security that comes with a union contract. "While most only associate misclassification with so-called 'gig' workers who work for ridesharing apps like Uber and Lyft, workers in nearly every industry have been under attack by corrupt employers and politicians that want to strip them of their employee status and the legal protections that follow. "While we are glad to see the NLRB return power to workers, let us not forget that this should have never been the law of the land. Misclassification of employment status is the latest tool that employers have deployed in their fight against workers. "The new ruling from the NLRB makes it more difficult for employers to deceptively misclassify workers and avoid paying employee-related expenses, like unemployment insurance, workers' compensation, and Social Security. "The Teamsters remain committed to helping workers across the country raise their voices and get their fair share. We look forward to continuing to fight alongside pro-worker officials at the NLRB, Department of Labor, in Congress, and in state legislatures to protect workers' rights." 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: Matt McQuaid, (202) 624-6877 [email protected] SOURCE International Brotherhood of Teamsters New PSA celebrates the hopeful side of what is possible when people are nourished, encouraging audiences to join the movement to end hunger NEW YORK, June 15, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Feeding America and the Ad Council, in partnership with fluent360, today launched a new fully-integrated PSA campaign designed to inspire conversation about and drive passion for the issue of ending hunger in the United States. "The Full Effect" highlights the impact of food on people's lives and was developed to show when people are fed, futures are nourished, and individuals go from living, to truly thriving. Through short vignettes, the PSA shows the everyday joy of a child receiving a science fair award, and thriving as a working mom, to the bigger life achievements celebrating a graduation with family. Full Effect :30 | Ending Hunger THE AD COUNCIL AND FEEDING AMERICA'S NEW PSA SHOWS WHAT'S POSSIBLE IN A WORLD WITHOUT FOOD INSECURITY Experience the full interactive Multichannel News Release here: https://www.multivu.com/players/English/9094554-ad-council-feeding-america-new-psa-food-insecurity/ According to recent data from the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), nearly 34 million people lived in food insecure households in 2021. In that same period, more than 9 million children lived in a food insecure household. While the rates of food insecurity declined in 2021, including among Black and Latino individuals, there remains a wide racial disparity in its impact Black individuals were almost three times more likely, while Latino individuals were 2.5 times more likely, to face hunger than their white counterparts. To address this critical issue, the Ad Council and Feeding America partnered with fluent360 on this effort to raise awareness and inspire people to take action in the nation-wide movement to end hunger. Directed by Dan Addelson, the new PSA highlights the impact of food on people's lives and how a meal goes beyond solely nourishing our bodies. The PSA asks the public to join the movement to end hunger at FeedingAmerica.org/ActNow by donating, volunteering, or advocating. WATCH THE PSA HERE: https://youtu.be/U0KHz0x_H6U "When you're fed, you're fueled to take on any challenge and are set up to thrive," said Heidi Arthur, Chief Campaign Development Officer at the Ad Council. "With this powerful new creative, we're rallying individuals and communities to join the movement to end hunger in America. By taking action and raising awareness, we have the power to make a real difference in the lives of people impacted by food insecurity." "There is still work to be done to ensure that the 34 million people in the United States who face hunger receive the food they need to thrive," said Jennifer Polk, Chief Marketing & Digital Experience Officer for Feeding America. "These new PSAs will help us share stories of how access to nutritious food is essential for each of us to reach our full potential and reminds us that we can all help to create positive change in our communities to ensure that no one goes hungry in America." "Food insecurity is one of the most devastating issues facing Americans and specifically people of color, who are sadly over indexing at an alarming rate. And this includes households with children," said Danielle Austen, Founder and CEO of fluent360. "As not only marketers, but advocates for the multicultural community, partnering with Feeding America and the Ad Council was mission driven and aligned with our own values." Developed by fluent360, a multicultural agency with deep expertise across African American, US Hispanic, Asian American, and LGBTQ+ audiences, the new campaign platform and strategy is designed to reach a total market audience and was driven by insights from Black and Latino audiences. The fully integrated national campaign includes broadcast, online video, radio, print, digital banners, and out-of-home (OOH) assets, all in English and Spanish. The campaign was tested through qualitative and quantitative research among individuals from various backgrounds and communities, including people who have lived experiences with food insecurity. All PSA materials drive audiences to FeedingAmerica.org/ActNow in English and FeedingAmerica.org/HazTuParte in Spanish where they can learn more about the issue and find ways to support neighbors facing hunger in their communities. The campaign will also feature co-created custom content produced by NBCUniversal. The NBCUniversal PSAs will benefit from generous guaranteed donated media support across NBCUniversal properties. Feeding America's work has made a significant impact in the fight against hunger in America. In 2021 alone, more than 53 million people relied on the charitable food system for assistance and the Feeding America network of food banks distributed over 5.5 billion meals to people in need. According to tracking research provided by The Harris Poll, the partnership between the Ad Council and Feeding America, which began in 2008 to raise awareness of the issue, has yielded significant results. The organizations have driven a 33% increase in the percentage of individuals who intend to act with Feeding America to help people experiencing food insecurity. The organizations have also seen a dramatic increase in the proportion of individuals who say they took action in the past year to help people facing hunger, from 3% in 2008 to 29% in 2022. To watch "The Full Effect" and join the movement to end hunger in America, visit FeedingAmerica.org/ActNow. About the Ad Council The Ad Council convenes creative storytellers to educate, unite and uplift audiences by opening hearts, inspiring action and accelerating change around the most pressing issues in America. Since the non-profit's founding, the organization and its partners in advertising, media, marketing and tech have been behind some of the country's most iconic and impactful campaigns Smokey Bear, A Mind Is a Terrible Thing to Waste, Love Has No Labels, Tear the Paper Ceiling and many more. With a current focus on mental health, racial justice, gun violence and other critical issues, the Ad Council's national campaigns encompass advertising and media content, ground game and community efforts, trusted messenger and influencer engagement, among other innovative strategies to move the needle on the most important issues of the day. To learn more or get involved, visit AdCouncil.org, join the Ad Council's communities on Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn and Twitter, and view campaign creative on YouTube. About Feeding America Feeding America is the largest hunger-relief organization in the United States. As a network of more than 200 food banks, 21 statewide food bank associations, and over 60,000 agency partners, including food pantries and meal programs, we helped provide 5.2 billion meals to tens of millions of people in need last year. Feeding America also supports programs that prevent food waste and improve food security among the people we serve; brings attention to the social and systemic barriers that contribute to food insecurity in our nation; and advocates for legislation that protects people from going hungry. Visit www.feedingamerica.org, find us on Facebook or follow us on Twitter. About fluent360 fluent360 is the fastest growing agency leader shaping the multicultural marketing industry. Equal parts integrated marketing agency and cultural hub, we specialize in giving brands a resonating voice to effectively speak to various cultural segments both ethnic and identity followings. As a multi-talented, multicultural agency, we offer a full spectrum of integrated marketing communications services from our Chicago, Nashville, and New York City offices. SOURCE The Ad Council ABU DHABI, UAE, June 15, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- The Department of Health Abu Dhabi (DoH), the regulator of the healthcare sector in the Emirate, signed a Declaration of Collaboration with Mass General Brigham's International Center for Genetic Disease (iCGD). The agreement signed is intended to advance life sciences across three strategic pillars including clinical and translational research, capacity building and technology transfer and commercialisation. Leveraging the Emirate's advanced genomics capabilities, the agreement seeks to expand research into the domain of genomic medicine and prioritised global genetic diseases in areas such as rare diseases, oncology, neurology, as well as cardiovascular and metabolic diseases. The collaboration aims to enhance access to innovative solutions and treatments for patients in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) and beyond. DoH with iCGD In the presence of H.E. Mansoor Al Mansoori, Chairman of the Department of Health Abu Dhabi and Dr. Alireza Haghighi, Founding Director of the International Center for Genetic Disease, the Declaration of Collaboration was signed by Dr. Asma Ibrahim Al Mannaei, Executive Director of Research and Innovation Centre at the Department of Health Abu Dhabi and by Dr. Paul Anderson, Interim Chief Academic Officer of Mass General Brigham on behalf of iCGD and Mass General Brigham. Dr. Asma Ibrahim Al Mannaei said: "Our collaboration with iCGD reaffirms our deep commitment to improving people's lives in the UAE and beyond. By leveraging the Emirate's advanced infrastructure, we seek to boost clinical research and advance gene therapy to improve healthcare outcomes today and for generations to come. Abu Dhabi continues to set the stage for a future driven by innovation and technology, reinforcing its position as a leading destination for healthcare and life science." The research collaboration will focus on analysing whole genome sequencing data of the Emirati Genome Programme the world's largest genomics programme and on translational studies to develop novel therapies such as gene therapies and other effective interventions. Both parties will also explore opportunities to establish joint laboratories and genetic screening programmes in Abu Dhabi to support the discovery of genomic solutions that address international health challenges and needs. Dr. Paul Anderson, Interim Chief Academic Officer of Mass General Brigham, commented: "Mass General Brigham is at the global forefront of scientific innovation and medical progress. Genomic medicine is a pivotal focus for us, serving to translate ground-breaking scientific advances into actionable diagnostics and treatments. Through our research collaboration with the Abu Dhabi Department of Health we intend to leverage our collective knowledge, experience, and expertise to further advance biomedical science and enhance public health. Our iCGD provides an excellent platform to achieve this goal." Reflecting on this collaboration, Dr. Alireza Haghighi, Founding Director of the iCGD, stated: "We anticipate that the collaboration between the Mass General Brigham iCGD and the Abu Dhabi DoH will lead to improvements in clinical diagnosis and more effective disease prevention and management strategies. We are truly excited about the potential of this collaboration to advance medical science and believe that our combined impact will resonate beyond the UAE's borders, benefiting medical science globally". To learn more, visit: https://www.doh.gov.ae/en/Abu-Dhabi-a-regional-life-science-hub About Department of Health Abu Dhabi (DoH): The DoH is the regulatory body of the Healthcare Sector at the Emirate of Abu Dhabi and ensures excellence in healthcare for the community by monitoring the health status of the population. DoH defines the strategy for the health system, monitors and analyses the health status of the population and performance of the system. In addition, DoH shapes the regulatory framework for the health system, inspects against regulations, enforces standards, and encourages adoption of world-class best practices and performance targets by all healthcare service providers in the Emirate. DoH also drives programmes to increase awareness and adoption of healthy living standards among the residents of the Emirate of Abu Dhabi in addition to regulating scope of services, premiums and reimbursement rates of the health system. For further information on DOH, visit https://www.doh.gov.ae/ and follow on Twitter, Instagram, Facebook, LinkedIn and YouTube. Media Contact: Rania El Kebbe, 00971551038650, [email protected] Photo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2102161/The_Department_of_Health_Abu_Dhabi.jpg SOURCE The Department of Health - Abu Dhabi The IIA's flagship global conference will cover emerging topics impacting the profession LAKE MARY, Fla., June 15, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- The Institute of Internal Auditors (IIA) - the internal audit profession's leader in standards, certifications, education, research, and technical guidance worldwide will host its annual International Conference from July 10-12 in Amsterdam, Netherlands, along with a virtual attendee option. The conference will set the stage for leaders in the profession to share new and forward-looking ideas and leading practices for pursuing excellence in internal audit. The IIA's International Conference is designed to prepare audit professionals to embrace new technologies and implement new techniques to combat the constantly evolving risk landscape. This year's program reflects the growing role that internal auditors are being asked to play within organizations and explores new and emerging risks and opportunities. "The International Conference is the premier global internal audit event of the year," said IIA President and CEO Anthony J. Pugliese, CIA, CPA, CGMA, CITP. "This highly-anticipated gathering of the profession's leaders provides a unique opportunity to share global and regional perspectives and better understand how the latest business developments impact our profession. The International Conference is the place for leaders to discuss the rapid emergence and adoption of ChatGPT, the impacts of bank and crypto failures, and gain clarity on how our profession can help businesses navigate the rapidly-evolving risk environment." Conference Highlights Global futurist Rohit Talwar, Chief Executive Officer of Fast Future, will deliver the opening keynote, focusing on how internal audit can evolve to face challenges that will define its effectiveness in the coming years. Pugliese and outgoing Chairman of The IIA's Global Board, Benito Ybarra, CIA, CISA, CFE, CCEP, will deliver a keynote on the current state of the internal audit profession, exploring topics like digital disruption and cybersecurity, previewing the latest global research, and spotlighting The IIA's advocacy work and efforts to evolve global internal audit standards. The conference covers subject matter divided into eight unique learning streams, with each featuring sessions on different emerging issues in internal audit led by globally recognized thought leaders: Chief Audit Executive Opportunities & Challenges: covers the opportunities and challenges specific to heads of internal audit teams. covers the opportunities and challenges specific to heads of internal audit teams. Human Capital & Social : covers global perspectives into DEI, biases, and culture opportunities. : covers global perspectives into DEI, biases, and culture opportunities. Digital & IT Innovation : covers robotic process automation (RPA) solutions, auditing biases in artificial intelligence and blockchain, and digital surveillance. : covers robotic process automation (RPA) solutions, auditing biases in artificial intelligence and blockchain, and digital surveillance. Fraud & Crime : covers emerging risks such as anti-money laundering (AML), ransomware, and fraud red flags. : covers emerging risks such as anti-money laundering (AML), ransomware, and red flags. Environmental Impact & Considerations : covers global trends in ESG and how to audit environmental impacts. : covers global trends in ESG and how to audit environmental impacts. Governance & Leadership : covers global viewpoints on board & audit committee relationships, corporate culture, and ethics. : covers global viewpoints on board & audit committee relationships, corporate culture, and ethics. Risk Management : covers how to discover fatal errors, managing risks, and arriving at quality decisions. : covers how to discover fatal errors, managing risks, and arriving at quality decisions. Internal Audit Methodologies: covers the methodology and policy trends in internal audit, including business resilience and agility in audit. Attendees will also be offered a pre-conference workshop that will provide high-level information on how best to prepare for all three parts of the Certified Internal Auditor (CIA) exam. Media representatives are invited to attend the International Conference in person or virtually. About The Institute of Internal Auditors The Institute of Internal Auditors (IIA) is an international professional association that serves more than 230,000 global members and has awarded more than 185,000 Certified Internal Auditor (CIA) certifications worldwide. Established in 1941, The IIA is recognized throughout the world as the internal audit profession's leader in standards, certifications, education, research, and technical guidance. For more information, visit theiia.org. SOURCE The Institute of Internal Auditors LOS ANGELES, June 15, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Glancy Prongay & Murray LLP ("GPM") announces that investors with substantial losses have opportunity to lead the securities fraud class action lawsuit against Teleperformance SE ("Teleperformance" or the "Company") (OTC: TLPFY). Class Period: July 29, 2020 November 9, 2022 Lead Plaintiff Deadline: June 20, 2023 If you wish to serve as lead plaintiff of the Teleperformance lawsuit, you can submit your contact information at www.glancylaw.com/cases/Teleperformance-SE/. You can also contact Charles H. Linehan, of GPM at 310-201-9150, Toll-Free at 888-773-9224, or via email at [email protected] to learn more about your rights. 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, Teleperformance's stock price fell $7.75, or 4.6%, to close at $160.94 per ADR on August 5, 2022, thereby injuring investors. Then, on November 9, 2022, Time reported that "Colombia's 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, Teleperformance's stock price fell $24.55, or 18.6%, to close at $107.77 per ADR on November 10, 2022. Then, 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 Company's 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, Teleperformance's stock price fell $6.87, or 5.7%, over three days to close at $112.82 per ADR on March 24, 2023, thereby injuring investors further. The complaint filed alleges that, throughout the Class Period, Defendants failed to disclose to investors: (1) that Teleperformance's growth in Core Services had been achieved, in part, by requiring its content moderators to engage in inappropriate, traumatic, abusive, and potentially criminal activities; (2) that certain Teleperformance social content moderators had been trained with materials which included illicit images of child sexual exploitation; (3) that contraband images had been included in Teleperformance Daily Required Reading reports for its content moderation staff; (4) that Teleperformance had failed to safeguard child sexual abuse material and had potentially violated strict rules governing the handling of such materials, including rules relating to the National Center for Missing & Exploited Children; (5) that Teleperformance had failed to provide adequate training or emotional and psychological support to content moderators exposed to egregious materials, including those exposed to extreme graphic violence and sexual images; (6) that Teleperformance had imposed unreasonable time and performance targets that compounded the occupational trauma suffered by its content moderators; (7) that Teleperformance had failed to implement or maintain the working conditions represented to investors, including by subjecting the Company's content moderation workers to widespread occupational trauma without psychological support, and with paltry pay, punitive salary deductions, extensive surveillance, and aggressive union-busting tactics; (8) that, as a result, Teleperformance was subject to a material, undisclosed risk of legal, regulatory, business, and reputational harm if the truth regarding the Company's content moderation services, treatment of its content moderation workers, and handling of contraband materials was ever publicly revealed; and (9) as a result, Defendants' positive statements about the Company's business, operations, and prospects were materially misleading and/or lacked a reasonable basis at all relevant times. Follow us for updates on LinkedIn, Twitter, or Facebook. To be a member of the class action you need not take any action at this time; you may retain counsel of your choice or take no action and remain an absent member of the class action. If you wish to learn more about this class action, or if you have any questions concerning this announcement or your rights or interests with respect to the pending class action lawsuit, please contact Charles Linehan, Esquire, of GPM, 1925 Century Park East, Suite 2100, Los Angeles, California 90067 at 310-201-9150, Toll-Free at 888-773-9224, by email to [email protected], or visit our website at www.glancylaw.com. If you inquire by email please include your mailing address, telephone number and number of shares purchased. This press release may be considered Attorney Advertising in some jurisdictions under the applicable law and ethical rules. SOURCE Glancy Prongay & Murray LLP MUNICH, June 15, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Leading global solar solution provider Hongrun Topsola Green Energy Co., Ltd. ("Topsola," 002062) is exhibiting its latest photovoltaic products and renewable energy solutions, including the Obsidian, Phoenix-N, Phoenix-P, and SolBalcony system, at the 2023 Intersolar Europe Conference (Intersolar 2023) held from June 14 to 16 in Munich, Germany. TOPSOLA Intersolar is the largest and most influential professional trade show for the global solar industry and the top platform for industry leaders and experts to explore new innovations, market trends, and connect with partners and clients. Topsola's booth (C4-111) features its latest products and solutions designed for a wide range of application scenarios. "Topsola is very pleased to join Intersolar 2023, it's also our first international appearance since we fully upgraded and elevated the brand. We are adopting a customized strategy for the European market to bring unique products that meet the local demands, such as our balcony system (both suspension and tiled) that are very easy to install for households," said Markus Lu, vice president of Topsola. A highlight of Topsola's exhibition at Intersolar 2023 is the high-end Obsidian module series, a N-Type module that features an all-black design, the 420W dual-glass module has the advantages of high conversion efficiency, high reliability, and durability, as well as lower LID, while the 425W single-glass module has higher power output and maximum module efficiency of 21.8 percent. The SolBalcony, with a maximum power output of 420W, can be easily applied for various scenarios and households of different sizes. It has a module efficiency of 21 percent and a temperature coefficient of -0.24 percent, while delivering a maximum continuous output power of 350W. Topsola is also presenting its classic TOPCon modules, including Phoenix-N (585W+), which has high conversion efficiency and excellent lower irradiance performance, and Phoenix-P Perc 210 (680W), which has higher power efficiency and up to 21.89 percent module efficiency. "Topsola is committed to promoting the sustainable development of the global green energy industry and contributing to building a zero-carbon society with a greener future, looking ahead, we will continue to achieve R&D breakthroughs and bring advanced, reliable, safe and high-quality products and services to our clients worldwide," said Lu. Topsola will also take part in the Intersolar South America exhibition later in the year, which will take place between August 29 and 31 in Sao Paulo, Brazil. About Topsola Founded in 2002, Topsola, a subsidiary of Hongrun Construction Group Co., Ltd., leverages the technical strengths of Shanghai Jiao Tong University to become a well-known brand in the international market with excelling technologies and product quality. Topsola is investing over USD 15 billion to build its own industrial park to build up 10GW high-efficiency module smart factory and 10GW photovoltaic cell project. For more information, please visit www.topsola.com. Photo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2101826/TOPSOLA.jpg SOURCE TOPSOLA The annual awards program recognizes innovation in the global supply chain technology and logistics industry. BOSTON, June 15, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- TraceLink Inc., the leading digital network platform company enabling end-to-end product orchestration by connecting more than 290,000 healthcare and life sciences entities through its B2N Integrate-Once network, today announced that Product Availability Intelligence has been selected as the "Predictive Analytics Solution of the Year" in the annual SupplyTech Breakthrough Awards program conducted by SupplyTech Breakthrough, a leading independent market intelligence organization that evaluates and recognizes standout technology companies, products, and services in the supply chain technology and logistics industry around the globe. TraceLink's Product Availability Intelligence wins "Predictive Analytics Solution" at SupplyTech Breakthrough Awards. Tweet this SupplyTech Breakthrough Product Availability Intelligence leverages the collective intelligence of the world's largest network of 300,000 life sciences and healthcare supply chain entities to predict the potential existence, length, and intensity of drug shortages long before any existing industry data source. By applying artificial intelligence and machine learning to billions of rows of interoperable data on the TraceLink network, Product Availability Intelligence enables revolutionary visibility and intelligence into the finished medicines supply chain while preserving data confidentiality and customer identity. Created through direct collaboration with supply chain leaders, the solution provides an early warning of critical medicine shortages up to 90 days in advance of current industry information sources with greater than 80% accuracy, which allows organizations to take mitigating action and safeguard patient access to medicines. "Drug shortages have a significant impact on patient health. We're honored to receive this recognition from SupplyTech Breakthrough as we leverage our deep industry expertise and the collective intelligence of TraceLink's unique digital network platform to ensure that patients are getting the medication they need when they need it," said Shabbir Dahod, President and CEO, TraceLink. Product Availability Intelligence enables hospitals and pharmacies to identify alternate drugs at an affordable price before a shortage occurs, prevents expensive labor overhead and chaos, and encourages hospital dispensers and pharmacies to work with wholesale distributors and drug manufacturers to secure adequate supply or acquire an additional supply of alternative drugs to ensure patient care. One Director of Procurement at a large pharmacy noted, "In the past, 'fear-buying' was the normal mode of operation. However, now, this team has actual market data to help drive inventory decisions." With respect to how significant the impact has been, Bharath Sundararaman, General Manager of Intelligent Supply Network, said: "We're proud to say that since the beginning of 2023, we were able to protect 40,000+ patients from hundreds of drug shortages by providing an early warning of drug shortages up to 90 days in advance with high accuracyoutperforming all existing industry benchmarks." The mission of the annual SupplyTech Breakthrough Awards program is to conduct the industry's most comprehensive analysis and evaluation of the top technology companies, solutions, and products in the supply chain and logistics industry today. This year's program attracted more than 1,400 nominations from over 15 different countries throughout the world. "Product Availability Intelligence from TraceLink is addressing the critical issue of drug shortages in pharmacies and doing so in remarkable fashion. Saving lives through the supply chain easily makes PAI our 'Predictive Analytics Solution of The Year,'" said Bryan Vaughn, Managing Director of SupplyTech Breakthrough Awards. "The healthcare industry has been battling drug shortages for over a decade. Though there are many root causes, lack of supply chain visibility is a big contributor and can devastate patients who rely on certain medications and treatments. TraceLink is leading the life sciences industry with a transformational logistics solution that better serves patients." About TraceLink TraceLink is the pharmaceutical and life sciences industry's leading provider of supply chain digitalization through end-to-end product orchestration on the Opus digital network platform. With more than 290,000 network members, Opus connects people, processes, systems, and enterprises into a collective information network for intelligent business execution. TraceLink serialization, track-and-trace, global compliance, and real-time supply chain collaboration solutions empower customers to Integrate Once, Interoperate with Everyone, achieve massive scalability, maintain continuous compliance, and ensure supply. TraceLink customers serialize more than one billion units per month across 15,000 connections. About SupplyTech Breakthrough Part of the Tech Breakthrough organization, a leading global provider of market intelligence and recognition platforms for technology innovation and leadership, the SupplyTech Breakthrough Awards program is devoted to honoring innovation and market disruption in supply chain and logistics technologies, services, companies and products around the world. The annual SupplyTech Breakthrough Awards provide public recognition for the achievements of SupplyTech companies and products in categories including inventory management, supply chain visibility, transportation management, material handling, IoT, robotics, and more. For more information visit SupplyTechBreakthrough.com. SOURCE TraceLink CAPE CORAL, Fla., June 15, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Effective June 15, 2023 Coherent Digital LLC is the new owner of Accessible Archives Inc. Coherent Digital LLC has retained Unlimited Priorities LLC to manage the transition of the content and technology in much the same way as Unlimited Priorities has managed Accessible Archives for the last decades with full transparency and no disruption for the customers. "Accessible Archives boasts landmark digital collections in history, including notable collections in African American and women's history and country-wide county histories," said Stephen Rhind-Tutt, President and CEO of Coherent Digital. "The acquisition will add twenty-four new collections to Coherent Digital's History Commons, bringing expanded expertise in American social, economic, and political history. These will become an integral part of the History Commons platform, opening fresh avenues for historical research." Iris L. Hanney, President of Unlimited Priorities, said, "Coherent Digital's acquisition of Accessible Archives will allow for a powerful merger of high-quality XML TEI-lite encoded text and a cutting-edge user interface. Relationships with existing partners that provide free services, such as COUNTER, MARC Records, Discovery, and document preservation, will continue as we manage a smooth transition. As always, customer service is our number-one priority." Accessible Archives has been an established and respected publisher of primary sources, used by hundreds of institutions across North America. Accessible Archives' collections, comprised of diverse 18th, 19th, and early 20th century American history primary source content, includes newspapers, periodicals, and booksAfrican American Newspapers, American County Histories, Women's Suffrage, America and World War I, the Civil War, Colonial Era newspapers, Frank Leslie's Weekly, Godey's Lady's Book, Politics and Protest, and more. These collections continue to support the diversity, equity, and inclusion curriculum. The addition of Accessible Archives to History Commons brings to libraries and researchers millions of pages of unique historical content, cross-searchable on the unified, state-of-the-art History Commons research platform. About Coherent Digital, LLC Coherent Digital was founded in 2019 by industry veterans including Stephen Rhind-Tutt, Toby Green, Eileen Lawrence, Pete Ciuffetti, and others. Our mission is to find important content and make it useful. Through Coherent, information is saved, uniquely tagged, stabilized, and made discoverable. Coherent Digital publishes collections on its Commons platforms: Policy Commons, Africa Commons, History Commons, South Asia Commons, Mindscape Commons, and Canada Commons. About Accessible Archives, Inc. Accessible Archives employs a team of digital technology and conversion specialists to deliver vast quantities of archived historical information, previously only available in microform, hard copy, or image-only formats. Our databases, containing diverse primary source materials such as leading books, newspapers, and periodicals, reflect a broad range of perspectives across 18th-, 19th-, and early 20th-century America. About Unlimited Priorities LLC Unlimited Priorities LLC utilizes its highly skilled group of professionals to provide a variety of support services to small and medium-sized companies in the information industry. The Archival Initiatives Division (AID) offers practical consultative services to libraries, historical societies, and associations. AID provides advice and assistance in archival content selection, rights ownership, project management, workflow analysis, production, distribution of converted content and interaction with commercial entities. By coordinating a library's project requirements with commercial firms' interests, Unlimited Priorities creates an atmosphere of mutual cooperation while organizing a successful process at a reasonable cost. Unlimited Priorities has created a Frequently Asked Questions on the Accessible Archives Website. For more information, please contact: Iris L. Hanney, President Unlimited Priorities LLC 239-549-2384 [email protected] SOURCE Unlimited Priorities LLC NEW YORK, June 15, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- The global urban air mobility market size is estimated to grow by USD 5,280.25 million from 2022 to 2027, according to Technavio. The market is estimated to grow at a CAGR of 27.5% during the forecast period. North America is estimated to contribute to 48% of the growth of the global market during the forecast period. The growth in the region can be attributed to factors such as the growth of e-retailing, the focus on segment-specific service offerings, and the adoption of the premium delivery service model. Online purchases which are usually delivered to customers' doorsteps drive the demand for last-mile delivery services. Purchases delivered using last-mile delivery services are increasingly preferred to physical shopping by many consumers due to the convenience and time-saving benefits. A massive disruption in supply chains led to consumers spending less time in offline stores and more time in online stores. Thus, impacting the growth of the market in focus positively. For Comprehensive details on the market size of the historic period(2017 to 2021) and forecast period (2023-2027) - View Sample report Technavio has announced its latest market research report titled Global Urban Air Mobility Market 2023-2027 Urban Air Mobility Market - Vendor Landscape The urban air mobility market is fragmented; the vendors are competing with competitors and are trying to get a greater market share. The market is growing, and the chances of new entrants cannot be overlooked. The major vendors have well-established economies of scale and market presence and generally rely on positioning technological advances, and the price of the products -The report provides a full list of key vendors, their strategies, and the latest developments. Buy Now Urban Air Mobility Market - Market Dynamics Major Drivers & Challenges- The increasing use of eVTOL aircraft in military applications, the need for efficient logistics and last-mile delivery modes, and the increasing need for green energy and noise-free aircraft are notably driving the market growth. Urban air mobility is growingly seen as a future option for affordable, rapid, and sustainable travel, addressing both congestion and environmental issues faced by modern cities. Advances in technology encourage more than 120 startups and aerospace companies to develop urban air mobility vehicles known as eVTOLs (electric vertical take-off and landing vehicles). They all envision the potential of Urban air mobility in the future. The electric vertical take-off and landing (eVTOL) aircraft have multiple benefits in the military because of their freedom to operate from anywhere, options to fly manually or autonomously, reduced noise levels, and elimination of the need for runways. Hence, the above-mentioned factors will boost the growth of the global urban air mobility (UAM) market during the forecast period. Limitations of existing battery technology are a major challenge that may impede market growth during the forecast period. The electrification of cars was successful, due to the focus on increasing affordability and making them more compact, whereas a flight requires a tremendous amount of energy. Achieving it is difficult due to the technological limitations of the battery industry. In an aircraft, the main concern is not cost or volume but weight. There is a need to increase the storage capacity of the battery without increasing the weight of the aircraft. And to design an eVTOL aircraft with commercial payload-range characteristics, a battery needs to have a minimal energy density of 500Wh/kg, whereas most commercial batteries can only deliver 30%-50% of this. Hence, limitations like the weight and need for more advanced technologies may hamper the growth of the market during the forecast period. Key Trends- The major trend in the urban air mobility (UAM) market is the growing adoption of technological advances. Large packages or goods need to be collected directly by the customer and not outside homes because of their high value. This poses a challenge for delivery services companies. Hence, delivery providers provide their customers with web and mobile-based last-mile delivery management applications to manage the delivery schedule of large or heavy cargo or packages. These applications allow options like the real-time management of package delivery and electronic rescheduling and alert the customer in the case of delays due to inclement weather or traffic issues through email, electronic messages, or voice calls. Therefore, technological advances are expected to positively influence the growth of the (UAM) market during the forecast period. Technavio has identified key trends, drivers, and challenges in the market, which will help clients improve their strategies to stay ahead of their competitors. - View Sample Report Company Profiles The urban air mobility market report includes information on the product launches, sustainability, and prospects of leading vendors including Airbus SE, Archer Aviation Inc., Bartini Inc., EHang Holdings Ltd., Embraer SA, Geely Auto Group, Honeywell International Inc., Joby Aviation Inc., Kitty Hawk Corp., Lilium GmbH, Lockheed Martin Corp., Moller International, Moog Inc., Raytheon Technologies Corp., The Boeing Co., Volocopter GmbH, Wingcopter GmbH, Wisk Aero LLC, Workhorse Group Inc., and Textron Inc. Urban Air Mobility Market - Competitive Analysis The report includes competitive analysis, a proprietary tool to analyze and evaluate the position of companies based on their industry position score and market performance score. The competitive scenario categorizes companies based on various performance indicators. Some of the factors considered include the financial performance of companies over the past few years, growth strategies, product innovations, new product launches, investments, and growth in market share, among others. Urban Air Mobility Market - Market Segmentation Technavio has segmented the market based on type (autonomous and piloted), application (delivery and passenger mobility), and geography (North America, Europe, APAC, Middle East and Africa, and South America). The market share growth of the autonomous segment will be significant for the market growth during the forecast period. Autonomous urban air mobility refers to the use of unmanned aerial vehicles or drones for transportation in urban environments, aiming to provide cities with a safe, efficient, and sustainable air transportation option by reducing traffic congestion and increasing mobility. The concept of self-driving/autonomous urban air mobility is still in its early stages of development. Its widespread adoption depends on overcoming the technical and regulatory hurdles. However, the market for autonomous aircraft is anticipated to grow, creating opportunities for investors and benefiting a variety of sectors along the way. Gain instant access to 17,000+ market research reports. Technavio's SUBSCRIPTION platform Related Reports: The mobility demand market size should rise by USD 198.21 billion from 2022 to 2026 at a CAGR of 17.35%. Furthermore, this report extensively covers market segmentations by Type (Ride-hailing, Car rental, and Car sharing) and Geography (APAC, North America, Europe, South America, and MEA). The growing interest in self-driving vehicles is notably driving the mobility demand market growth. The micro-mobility market size is expected to increase to USD 118.38 billion from 2021 to 2026, at a CAGR of 31.14%. Furthermore, this report extensively covers micro mobility market segmentation by type (docked and dockless) and geography (APAC, Europe, North America, Middle East and Africa, and South America). One of the key factors driving the global micro mobility industry growth is increasing traffic congestion. Urban Air Mobility Market Scope Report Coverage Details Base year 2022 Historic period 2017-2021 Forecast period 2023-2027 Growth momentum & CAGR Accelerate at a CAGR of 27.5% Market growth 2023-2027 USD 5,280.25 million Market structure Fragmented YoY growth 2022-2023 (%) 23.78 Regional analysis North America, Europe, APAC, Middle East and Africa, and South America Performing market contribution North America at 48% Key countries US, China, Germany, UK, and France Competitive landscape Leading Vendors, Market Positioning of Vendors, Competitive Strategies, and Industry Risks Key companies profiled Airbus SE, Archer Aviation Inc., Bartini Inc., EHang Holdings Ltd., Embraer SA, Geely Auto Group, Honeywell International Inc., Joby Aviation Inc., Kitty Hawk Corp., Lilium GmbH, Lockheed Martin Corp., Moller International, Moog Inc., Raytheon Technologies Corp., The Boeing Co., Volocopter GmbH, Wingcopter GmbH, Wisk Aero LLC, Workhorse Group Inc., and Textron Inc. Market dynamics Parent market analysis, Market growth inducers and obstacles, Fast-growing and slow-growing segment analysis, COVID-19 impact and recovery analysis and future consumer dynamics, Market condition analysis for forecast period. Customization purview If our report has not included the data that you are looking for, you can reach out to our analysts and get segments customized. Table of Contents 1 Executive Summary 1.1 Market overview Exhibit 01: Executive Summary Chart on Market Overview Exhibit 02: Executive Summary Data Table on Market Overview Exhibit 03: Executive Summary Chart on Global Market Characteristics Exhibit 04: Executive Summary Chart on Market by Geography Exhibit 05: Executive Summary Chart on Market Segmentation by Type Exhibit 06: Executive Summary Chart on Market Segmentation by Application Exhibit 07: Executive Summary Chart on Incremental Growth Exhibit 08: Executive Summary Data Table on Incremental Growth Exhibit 09: Executive Summary Chart on Vendor Market Positioning 2 Market Landscape 2.1 Market ecosystem Exhibit 10: Parent market Exhibit 11: Market Characteristics 3 Market Sizing 3.1 Market definition Exhibit 12: Offerings of vendors included in the market definition 3.2 Market segment analysis Exhibit 13: Market segments 3.3 Market size 2022 3.4 Market outlook: Forecast for 2022-2027 Exhibit 14: Chart on Global - Market size and forecast 2022-2027 ($ million) Exhibit 15: Data Table on Global - Market size and forecast 2022-2027 ($ million) Exhibit 16: Chart on Global Market: Year-over-year growth 2022-2027 (%) Exhibit 17: Data Table on Global Market: Year-over-year growth 2022-2027 (%) 4 Historic Market Size 4.1 Global urban air mobility market 2017 - 2021 Exhibit 18: Historic Market Size Data Table on Global urban air mobility market 2017 - 2021 ($ million) 4.2 Type Segment Analysis 2017 - 2021 Exhibit 19: Historic Market Size Type Segment 2017 - 2021 ($ million) 4.3 Application Segment Analysis 2017 - 2021 Exhibit 20: Historic Market Size Application Segment 2017 - 2021 ($ million) 4.4 Geography Segment Analysis 2017 - 2021 Exhibit 21: Historic Market Size Geography Segment 2017 - 2021 ($ million) 4.5 Country Segment Analysis 2017 - 2021 Exhibit 22: Historic Market Size Country Segment 2017 - 2021 ($ million) 5 Five Forces Analysis 5.1 Five forces summary Exhibit 23: Five forces analysis - Comparison between 2022 and 2027 5.2 Bargaining power of buyers Exhibit 24: Chart on Bargaining power of buyers Impact of key factors 2022 and 2027 5.3 Bargaining power of suppliers Exhibit 25: Bargaining power of suppliers Impact of key factors in 2022 and 2027 5.4 Threat of new entrants Exhibit 26: Threat of new entrants Impact of key factors in 2022 and 2027 5.5 Threat of substitutes Exhibit 27: Threat of substitutes Impact of key factors in 2022 and 2027 5.6 Threat of rivalry Exhibit 28: Threat of rivalry Impact of key factors in 2022 and 2027 5.7 Market condition Exhibit 29: Chart on Market condition - Five forces 2022 and 2027 6 Market Segmentation by Type 6.1 Market segments Exhibit 30: Chart on Type - Market share 2022-2027 (%) Exhibit 31: Data Table on Type - Market share 2022-2027 (%) 6.2 Comparison by Type Exhibit 32: Chart on Comparison by Type Exhibit 33: Data Table on Comparison by Type 6.3 Autonomous - Market size and forecast 2022-2027 Exhibit 34: Chart on Autonomous - Market size and forecast 2022-2027 ($ million) Exhibit 35: Data Table on Autonomous - Market size and forecast 2022-2027 ($ million) Exhibit 36: Chart on Autonomous - Year-over-year growth 2022-2027 (%) Exhibit 37: Data Table on Autonomous - Year-over-year growth 2022-2027 (%) 6.4 Piloted - Market size and forecast 2022-2027 Exhibit 38: Chart on Piloted - Market size and forecast 2022-2027 ($ million) Exhibit 39: Data Table on Piloted - Market size and forecast 2022-2027 ($ million) Exhibit 40: Chart on Piloted - Year-over-year growth 2022-2027 (%) Exhibit 41: Data Table on Piloted - Year-over-year growth 2022-2027 (%) 6.5 Market opportunity by Type Exhibit 42: Market opportunity by Type ($ million) 7 Market Segmentation by Application 7.1 Market segments Exhibit 43: Chart on Application - Market share 2022-2027 (%) Exhibit 44: Data Table on Application - Market share 2022-2027 (%) 7.2 Comparison by Application Exhibit 45: Chart on Comparison by Application Exhibit 46: Data Table on Comparison by Application 7.3 Delivery - Market size and forecast 2022-2027 Exhibit 47: Chart on Delivery - Market size and forecast 2022-2027 ($ million) Exhibit 48: Data Table on Delivery - Market size and forecast 2022-2027 ($ million) Exhibit 49: Chart on Delivery - Year-over-year growth 2022-2027 (%) Exhibit 50: Data Table on Delivery - Year-over-year growth 2022-2027 (%) 7.4 Passenger mobility - Market size and forecast 2022-2027 Exhibit 51: Chart on Passenger mobility - Market size and forecast 2022-2027 ($ million) Exhibit 52: Data Table on Passenger mobility - Market size and forecast 2022-2027 ($ million) Exhibit 53: Chart on Passenger mobility - Year-over-year growth 2022-2027 (%) Exhibit 54: Data Table on Passenger mobility - Year-over-year growth 2022-2027 (%) 7.5 Market opportunity by Application Exhibit 55: Market opportunity by Application ($ million) 8 Customer Landscape 8.1 Customer landscape overview Exhibit 56: Analysis of price sensitivity, lifecycle, customer purchase basket, adoption rates, and purchase criteria 9 Geographic Landscape 9.1 Geographic segmentation Exhibit 57: Chart on Market share by geography 2022-2027 (%) Exhibit 58: Data Table on Market share by geography 2022-2027 (%) 9.2 Geographic comparison Exhibit 59: Chart on Geographic comparison Exhibit 60: Data Table on Geographic comparison 9.3 North America - Market size and forecast 2022-2027 - Market size and forecast 2022-2027 Exhibit 61: Chart on North America - Market size and forecast 2022-2027 ($ million) - Market size and forecast 2022-2027 ($ million) Exhibit 62: Data Table on North America - Market size and forecast 2022-2027 ($ million) - Market size and forecast 2022-2027 ($ million) Exhibit 63: Chart on North America - Year-over-year growth 2022-2027 (%) - Year-over-year growth 2022-2027 (%) Exhibit 64: Data Table on North America - Year-over-year growth 2022-2027 (%) 9.4 Europe - Market size and forecast 2022-2027 - Market size and forecast 2022-2027 Exhibit 65: Chart on Europe - Market size and forecast 2022-2027 ($ million) - Market size and forecast 2022-2027 ($ million) Exhibit 66: Data Table on Europe - Market size and forecast 2022-2027 ($ million) - Market size and forecast 2022-2027 ($ million) Exhibit 67: Chart on Europe - Year-over-year growth 2022-2027 (%) - Year-over-year growth 2022-2027 (%) Exhibit 68: Data Table on Europe - Year-over-year growth 2022-2027 (%) 9.5 APAC - Market size and forecast 2022-2027 Exhibit 69: Chart on APAC - Market size and forecast 2022-2027 ($ million) Exhibit 70: Data Table on APAC - Market size and forecast 2022-2027 ($ million) Exhibit 71: Chart on APAC - Year-over-year growth 2022-2027 (%) Exhibit 72: Data Table on APAC - Year-over-year growth 2022-2027 (%) 9.6 Middle East and Africa - Market size and forecast 2022-2027 and - Market size and forecast 2022-2027 Exhibit 73: Chart on Middle East and Africa - Market size and forecast 2022-2027 ($ million) and - Market size and forecast 2022-2027 ($ million) Exhibit 74: Data Table on Middle East and Africa - Market size and forecast 2022-2027 ($ million) and - Market size and forecast 2022-2027 ($ million) Exhibit 75: Chart on Middle East and Africa - Year-over-year growth 2022-2027 (%) and - Year-over-year growth 2022-2027 (%) Exhibit 76: Data Table on Middle East and Africa - Year-over-year growth 2022-2027 (%) 9.7 South America - Market size and forecast 2022-2027 - Market size and forecast 2022-2027 Exhibit 77: Chart on South America - Market size and forecast 2022-2027 ($ million) - Market size and forecast 2022-2027 ($ million) Exhibit 78: Data Table on South America - Market size and forecast 2022-2027 ($ million) - Market size and forecast 2022-2027 ($ million) Exhibit 79: Chart on South America - Year-over-year growth 2022-2027 (%) - Year-over-year growth 2022-2027 (%) Exhibit 80: Data Table on South America - Year-over-year growth 2022-2027 (%) 9.8 US - Market size and forecast 2022-2027 Exhibit 81: Chart on US - Market size and forecast 2022-2027 ($ million) Exhibit 82: Data Table on US - Market size and forecast 2022-2027 ($ million) Exhibit 83: Chart on US - Year-over-year growth 2022-2027 (%) Exhibit 84: Data Table on US - Year-over-year growth 2022-2027 (%) 9.9 China - Market size and forecast 2022-2027 - Market size and forecast 2022-2027 Exhibit 85: Chart on China - Market size and forecast 2022-2027 ($ million) - Market size and forecast 2022-2027 ($ million) Exhibit 86: Data Table on China - Market size and forecast 2022-2027 ($ million) - Market size and forecast 2022-2027 ($ million) Exhibit 87: Chart on China - Year-over-year growth 2022-2027 (%) - Year-over-year growth 2022-2027 (%) Exhibit 88: Data Table on China - Year-over-year growth 2022-2027 (%) 9.10 Germany - Market size and forecast 2022-2027 - Market size and forecast 2022-2027 Exhibit 89: Chart on Germany - Market size and forecast 2022-2027 ($ million) - Market size and forecast 2022-2027 ($ million) Exhibit 90: Data Table on Germany - Market size and forecast 2022-2027 ($ million) - Market size and forecast 2022-2027 ($ million) Exhibit 91: Chart on Germany - Year-over-year growth 2022-2027 (%) - Year-over-year growth 2022-2027 (%) Exhibit 92: Data Table on Germany - Year-over-year growth 2022-2027 (%) 9.11 UK - Market size and forecast 2022-2027 Exhibit 93: Chart on UK - Market size and forecast 2022-2027 ($ million) Exhibit 94: Data Table on UK - Market size and forecast 2022-2027 ($ million) Exhibit 95: Chart on UK - Year-over-year growth 2022-2027 (%) Exhibit 96: Data Table on UK - Year-over-year growth 2022-2027 (%) 9.12 France - Market size and forecast 2022-2027 - Market size and forecast 2022-2027 Exhibit 97: Chart on France - Market size and forecast 2022-2027 ($ million) - Market size and forecast 2022-2027 ($ million) Exhibit 98: Data Table on France - Market size and forecast 2022-2027 ($ million) - Market size and forecast 2022-2027 ($ million) Exhibit 99: Chart on France - Year-over-year growth 2022-2027 (%) - Year-over-year growth 2022-2027 (%) Exhibit 100: Data Table on France - Year-over-year growth 2022-2027 (%) 9.13 Market opportunity by geography Exhibit 101: Market opportunity by geography ($ million) 10 Drivers, Challenges, and Trends 10.1 Market drivers 10.2 Market challenges 10.3 Impact of drivers and challenges Exhibit 102: Impact of drivers and challenges in 2022 and 2027 10.4 Market trends 11 Vendor Landscape 11.1 Overview 11.2 Vendor landscape Exhibit 103: Overview on Criticality of inputs and Factors of differentiation 11.3 Landscape disruption Exhibit 104: Overview on factors of disruption 11.4 Industry risks Exhibit 105: Impact of key risks on business 12 Vendor Analysis 12.1 Vendors covered Exhibit 106: Vendors covered 12.2 Market positioning of vendors Exhibit 107: Matrix on vendor position and classification 12.3 Airbus SE Exhibit 108: Airbus SE - Overview Exhibit 109: Airbus SE - Business segments Exhibit 110: Airbus SE - Key news Exhibit 111: Airbus SE - Key offerings Exhibit 112: Airbus SE - Segment focus 12.4 Archer Aviation Inc. Exhibit 113: Archer Aviation Inc. - Overview Exhibit 114: Archer Aviation Inc. - Product / Service Exhibit 115: Archer Aviation Inc. - Key offerings 12.5 EHang Holdings Ltd. Exhibit 116: EHang Holdings Ltd. - Overview Exhibit 117: EHang Holdings Ltd. - Product / Service Exhibit 118: EHang Holdings Ltd. - Key news Exhibit 119: EHang Holdings Ltd. - Key offerings 12.6 Embraer SA Exhibit 120: Embraer SA - Overview Exhibit 121: Embraer SA - Business segments Exhibit 122: Embraer SA - Key offerings Exhibit 123: Embraer SA - Segment focus 12.7 Geely Auto Group Exhibit 124: Geely Auto Group - Overview Exhibit 125: Geely Auto Group - Product / Service Exhibit 126: Geely Auto Group - Key offerings 12.8 Honeywell International Inc. Exhibit 127: Honeywell International Inc. - Overview Exhibit 128: Honeywell International Inc. - Business segments Exhibit 129: Honeywell International Inc. - Key news Exhibit 130: Honeywell International Inc. - Key offerings Exhibit 131: Honeywell International Inc. - Segment focus 12.9 Joby Aviation Inc. Exhibit 132: Joby Aviation Inc. - Overview Exhibit 133: Joby Aviation Inc. - Product / Service Exhibit 134: Joby Aviation Inc. - Key offerings 12.10 Kitty Hawk Corp. Exhibit 135: Kitty Hawk Corp. - Overview Exhibit 136: Kitty Hawk Corp. - Product / Service Exhibit 137: Kitty Hawk Corp. - Key offerings 12.11 Lilium GmbH Exhibit 138: Lilium GmbH - Overview Exhibit 139: Lilium GmbH - Product / Service Exhibit 140: Lilium GmbH - Key offerings 12.12 Lockheed Martin Corp. Exhibit 141: Lockheed Martin Corp. - Overview Exhibit 142: Lockheed Martin Corp. - Business segments Exhibit 143: Lockheed Martin Corp. - Key news Exhibit 144: Lockheed Martin Corp. - Key offerings Exhibit 145: Lockheed Martin Corp. - Segment focus 12.13 Textron Inc. Exhibit 146: Textron Inc. - Overview Exhibit 147: Textron Inc. - Business segments Exhibit 148: Textron Inc. - Key news Exhibit 149: Textron Inc. - Key offerings Exhibit 150: Textron Inc. - Segment focus 12.14 Volocopter GmbH Exhibit 151: Volocopter GmbH - Overview Exhibit 152: Volocopter GmbH - Product / Service Exhibit 153: Volocopter GmbH - Key offerings 12.15 Wingcopter GmbH Exhibit 154: Wingcopter GmbH - Overview Exhibit 155: Wingcopter GmbH - Product / Service Exhibit 156: Wingcopter GmbH - Key offerings 12.16 Wisk Aero LLC Exhibit 157: Wisk Aero LLC - Overview Exhibit 158: Wisk Aero LLC - Product / Service Exhibit 159: Wisk Aero LLC - Key offerings 12.17 Workhorse Group Inc. Exhibit 160: Workhorse Group Inc. - Overview Exhibit 161: Workhorse Group Inc. - Product / Service Exhibit 162: Workhorse Group Inc. - Key offerings 13 Appendix 13.1 Scope of the report 13.2 Inclusions and exclusions checklist Exhibit 163: Inclusions checklist Exhibit 164: Exclusions checklist 13.3 Currency conversion rates for US$ Exhibit 165: Currency conversion rates for US$ 13.4 Research methodology Exhibit 166: Research methodology Exhibit 167: Validation techniques employed for market sizing Exhibit 168: Information sources 13.5 List of abbreviations Exhibit 169: List of abbreviations About Us Technavio is a leading global technology research and advisory company. Their research and analysis focus on emerging market trends and provide actionable insights to help businesses identify market opportunities and develop effective strategies to optimize their market positions. With over 500 specialized analysts, Technavio's report library consists of more than 17,000 reports and counting, covering 800 technologies, spanning 50 countries. Their client base consists of enterprises of all sizes, including more than 100 Fortune 500 companies. This growing client base relies on Technavio's comprehensive coverage, extensive research, and actionable market insights to identify opportunities in existing and potential markets and assess their competitive positions within changing market scenarios. Contact Technavio Research Jesse Maida Media & Marketing Executive US: +1 844 364 1100 UK: +44 203 893 3200 Email: [email protected] Website: www.technavio.com/ SOURCE Technavio DETROIT, June 15, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Vehya, a dedicated marketplace platform for Electric Vehicle Supply Equipment (EVSE), is partnering with DTE Energy, offering energy company customers the ability to have an electric vehicle (EV) charger installed, serviced, and financed on their monthly electric bill. Vehya partners with DTE Energy Through the partnership between DTE and Vehya, customers were able to finance the entire cost of an installation, which included the EV charger, panel upgrade, and any other necessary items. Vehya offered the required software, service providers, and hardware to support DTE's goal of removing barriers to EV adoption by offering programs that address customer pain points, such as reducing the complexity and upfront costs for customers seeking to have an EV charger installed at their home. Vehya's easy to use marketplace begins with a brief questionnaire about their home, followed by a hardware selection offered by several top EV charger companies. DTE's customers can choose their preferred installation dates and are given an instant assessment of the estimated cost. A built-in, easy to understand financing solution allows individuals to see monthly payment options and choose from 1-, 3-, 5-, and 10-year terms that is then reflected on their monthly DTE bill. They are then assigned Vehya-certified service providers who are licensed electricians and experienced in EV charger installation. "We've noticed that the biggest hurdle for EV adoption is the price of equipment and installation. However, we are seeing real-time increases in adoption rates when people can simply finance the equipment, upgrades, and installation," said Will McCoy, CEO of Vehya. Vehya's partnership with a major energy company like DTE shows that utilities can, in fact, finance the entire cost of a product as well as the installation services if given the right mix of features. This signals that financing can remove the barrier of entry for many people who do not have the funds required for the upfront cost of installing an EV charger. "We issued an RFP and evaluated a dozen companies and Vehya was by far the most advanced platform of those that applied. We found them to be a great solution, tackling many of the issues we faced around delivering installation services and financing of EV chargers. DTE is committed to the electric vehicle future and grid resiliency, and we see Vehya as a partner to get there," relates Brett Steudle, DTE Energy, Manager EV Programs. Traditionally, energy companies have been hesitant about implementing marketplaces due to the complexities of being a highly regulated, public-facing entity. Vehya's marketplace, however, presents a unique opportunity for energy companies to finance EV charger installations, utilize local union and non-union electricians, and help people transition to EVs. Forward-thinking partnerships like DTE and Vehya can enable more energy companies to accelerate EV adoption in an equitable way with a turnkey solution for customers. For more information on Vehya's platform, please visit www.vehya.com. SOURCE Vehya Director General of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) Rafael Grossi has begun a visit to the temporarily occupied Zaporizhia NPP, Energoatom reported on its Telegram channel on Thursday. As reported, Energy Minister Herman Haluschenko said on Wednesday that Grossi's visit to ZNPP on June 14 was postponed for security reasons, and this issue will be resolved in the coming days, taking into account the situation regarding military operations. SAN DIEGO, June 15, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Veterans Exploring Treatment Solutions (VETS), a nonprofit organization focused on ENDING veteran suicide through psychedelic-assisted therapy, co-founders Marcus and Amber Capone joined Rep. Dan Crenshaw (TX-02) for a press conference on the bipartisan bill proposing funding for psychedelic research for military service members. Marcus and Amber Capone, VETS, speaking at the press conference SPEAKERS AND ATTENDEES: Rep. Dan Crenshaw, Marcus Capone and Amber Capone of VETS, Jonathan Lubecky, Donald Franklin of Special Operations Association of America, Marcus Luttrell, and Reps. Morgan Luttrell (TX-08), and Jack Bergman (MI-01). This research is critical for providing access to life-saving care for our servicemembers, and VETS is proud to support this bipartisan effort in recognizing that more action is required to stop the suicide epidemic. Congressman Dan Crenshaw first introduced this bipartisan bill, titled the "Douglas 'Mike' Day Psychedelic Therapy to Save Lives Act of 2023," honoring a former Navy SEAL and Silver Star recipient who died in March. The bill would create a $75 million federal grant program to support research into the therapeutic potential of psychedelics in aiding military servicemembers with qualifying health conditions. "We understand firsthand the struggles that many United States veterans and servicemembers face," Capone said. "Through our direct work with veterans, we know what psychedelic therapies can be crucial in overcoming service-related challenges for the hundreds of veterans who have accessed our resources. All service members will become veterans. Those experiencing issues like PTSD, TBI, depression, and moral injury should not wait years until they leave service to get help. Including veterans in psychedelic research is critical in winning the fight to end veteran suicide." As a nonprofit organization that supports veterans in accessing psychedelic-assisted therapies, VETS recognizes the critical importance of psychedelic research in evaluating all viable treatments for military service members, including active duty service members. There is objective real world evidence that supports the promise of these therapies, as seen in the hundreds of veterans that have gone through the VETS program. The trial substances presented in this billpsilocybin, ibogaine, MDMA, and 5MeODMThave already shown incredible promise in research for trauma-related disorders. More research is still critically needed, and VETS commends the efforts of these 12 sponsors to recognize that need. A broad, bipartisan coalition of representatives supporting the bill, ranging from Navy SEALs like Reps. Luttrell (TX-08), Zinke (MT-01), and Van Orden (WI-03), to Rep. Matt Gaetz (FL-01), to Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (NY-14). For more information on VETS' advocacy efforts, visit www.vetsolutions.org or follow VETS on Instagram , LinkedIn , Facebook , or Twitter . Contact: Pace Public Relations 724-825-3484 [email protected] SOURCE Veterans Exploring Treatment Solutions HOUSTON, June 15, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Westlawn Group, LLC ("Westlawn") is pleased to announce the formation of Ellipsis U.S. Onshore Holdings, LLC ("Ellipsis"). Headquartered in Dallas, Texas, Ellipsis is a private energy company formed to pursue the acquisition and development of large, producing oil and natural gas assets in the United States. The Ellipsis management team is led by managing directors Matt Gentry and Adam Howard. Prior to the formation of Ellipsis, Matt and Adam founded Permian Basin focused Monadnock Resources. Ellipsis completed its first deal with the acquisition of assets located in the Delaware Basin of Texas and New Mexico from North Hudson Resource Partners' affiliates Fortuna Resources III, LLC and SRR Rockies Holdings, LLC. Ellipsis acquired non-operated oil and gas properties with current production of more than 4,500 boe/d (2-stream) with significant operational upside associated with approximately 250 gross remaining locations. ABOUT ELLIPSIS U.S. ONSHORE Formed in 2023, Ellipsis is a Dallas-based private energy company focused on the acquisition and development of large, producing oil and gas assets in the United States. Ellipsis' initial strategy will be focused on acquiring non-operated working interests, as well as mineral and royalty interests, via acquisitions throughout the major onshore U.S. basins. Ellipsis strives to be flexible and creative with deal structure, including partnering with existing operators and sponsors to provide capital and liquidity solutions. Additionally, Ellipsis can participate alongside others in the evaluation and acquisition of new opportunities. www.ellipsis.us ABOUT WESTLAWN GROUP Founded in 2021, Westlawn is a private investment firm based in Houston, TX focused on long-term investment in the global oil and gas industry. Westlawn acquires operated and non-operated interests in producing, development and exploration assets, as well as technologies that improve production. Westlawn is focused on investments across the United States (Lower 48, Gulf of Mexico and Alaska), as well as in Latin America, the Caribbeans and the Middle East. www.westlawn.com For questions or inquiries, please contact [email protected] SOURCE Westlawn Group WHAM LAUNCHES #3NOT30 CAMPAIGN TO CALL FOR ACCELERATING AND INVESTING IN THE HEALTH OF WOMEN IN THE NEXT THREE YEARS Women's Health Access Matters (WHAM) Announces a Commemoration in Washington D.C., Featuring Hon. Barbara Mikulski, Hon. Connie Morella, Dr. Vivian Pinn, and Current Legislators Supporting Greater Inclusion of Women in Research and Clinical Trials WASHINGTON, June 15, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Speaker Emerita Nancy Pelosi kicked off a celebration of the 30th Anniversary of the NIH Revitalization Act of 1993 to acknowledge the contributions of the extraordinary leaders who spearheaded the successful legislation thirty years ago which established the inclusion of women in clinical trials and research. The celebration was hosted by WHAM (Women's Health Access Matters) and featured a private luncheon and roundtable dialogue in Washington D.C. Hon. Barbara Mikulski, Nancy Pelosi, Connie Morella, and Jan Schakowsky with WHAM CEO & Founder join forces to honor 30th anniversary of the NIH Revitalization Act, which ensured the inclusion of women and minorities in clinical trials and advance the 3Not30 Initiative to ensure meaningful progress to improve the health of women within three years. The Hon. Barbara Mikulski, Hon. Connie Morella, and Dr. Vivian Pinn, as well as leaders of today, Dr. Janine Clayton and current members of Congress, who support accelerating women's health research and investment, participated in a panel discussion which featured highlights of the past contributions of these incredible leaders. This was followed by a roundtable discussion with twenty of WHAM's partners and thought leaders to develop and steer an action plan for the future, implementing change in #3Not30 years. Speaker Pelosi noted that women's health has been understudied and underrepresented, and the efforts of Mikulski, Morella and Pinn set us on the right path, but there is still much work to be done. "While the Revitalization Act was a step forward for sex-based equity in health research, there has not been enough progress since this momentous event," said WHAM Founder and CEO Carolee Lee. "For decades, women's health has suffered as a result of under-investment in research. Women have also been forced to leave the workforce early to manage their own health or serve as caregivers for their loved ones. This is an economic issue that impacts everyone, and we can't afford to ignore it. We cannot wait another thirty years." Video tributes were played from Sen. Patty Murray; Sen. Amy Klobuchar; Rep. Barbara Lee; Sen. Lisa Murkowski; Sen. Dick Durbin; Sen. Tammy Duckworth; Rep. Judy Chu; Rep. Katherine Clark; and Sen. Shelley Moore Capito, who all applauded the work of Sen. Barbara Mikulski; Rep. Connie Morella and Dr. Vivian Pinn and emphatically declared their support for WHAM and accelerating research and equality. WHAM commissioned the RAND Corporation to conduct a series of studies that examine the impact of accelerating sex and gender-based health research on women, their families, and the economy. The WHAM Report found that only 4.5 percent of coronary artery research, 7 percent of autoimmune rheumatoid arthritis research, 12 percent of Alzheimer's research, and 15 percent of lung cancer research are allocated to projects focused specifically on women. Adding just $350 million in funding across these four disease areas, brain, heart, cancer, and autoimmune, that differentially and disproportionately impact women, would generate nearly $14 billion in economic returns that benefit everyone. WHAM's #3Not30 campaign is a year-long effort to increase awareness about women's health research and drive change with the goal of accelerating investment in sex-based research in the next three years. The campaign is the first of a series of activities WHAM is spearheading in recognition of the 30th Anniversary of the National Institutes of Health (NIH) Revitalization Act of 1993, a law which established guidelines that women and minorities should be included in all clinical trials and research which are funded by the NIH. WHAM has hosted virtual and in-person dialogues throughout the year to explore what's changed since this landmark legislation, what hasn't, and how to ensure women's health research receives the funding and support it deserves. The Roundtable Dialogue in Washington D.C. was co-moderated by Dr. Maria Freire, former President and Executive Director of FNIH, and Ash Shehata, National Sector Leader Healthcare & Life Science at KPMG. They were joined by business leaders, investors, advocates, economists and academics to discuss how WHAM's economic data can be used across sectors to accelerate research and investment in the health of women in #3Not30. The goal is to develop an action plan for the next three years, not thirty, which will accelerate women's health research and investment. The twenty leaders represent different sectors of the ecosystem and contributed their vision of how their company, institution, or platform can create impactful and sustainable change. The roundtable featured: Michael Annichine , CEO, Magee-Womens Research Institute; , CEO, Magee-Womens Research Institute; Tom Cassels , President and CEO, Rock Health; , President and CEO, Rock Health; Dr. Janine Clayton , Director, NIH Office of Research on Women's Health; , Director, NIH Office of Research on Women's Health; Esther Dyson , Executive Founder, Wellville; , Executive Founder, Wellville; Jessica Federer , Managing Partner, Supernode Ventures; , Managing Partner, Supernode Ventures; Laurie Fenton Ambrose , Cofounder, President and CEO, GO2 for Lung Cancer; , Cofounder, President and CEO, GO2 for Lung Cancer; Dr. Lori Frank , Senior Vice President for Research, New York Academy of Medicine; , Senior Vice President for Research, New York Academy of Medicine; Dr. Elizabeth Garner , Chief Scientific Officer, Ferring Pharmaceuticals; President, American Medical Women's Association; , Chief Scientific Officer, Ferring Pharmaceuticals; President, American Medical Women's Association; Dr. Julie Gerberding , President and CEO, FNIH; , President and CEO, FNIH; Stacy Haller , President and CEO, BrightFocus Foundation ; , President and CEO, BrightFocus Foundation ; Marsha Henderson , former Associate Commissioner for Women's Health, FDA; , former Associate Commissioner for Women's Health, FDA; Dr. Hadine Joffe , Executive Director, The Connors Center for Women's Health and Gender Biology at Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School ; , Executive Director, The Connors Center for Women's Health and Gender Biology at Brigham and Women's Hospital, ; Sasha Kelemen , Head of Women and Family Health Investment Banking, SVB Securities , Head of Women and Family Health Investment Banking, SVB Securities Sheila Mikhail , Cofounder and Advisor, Asklepios BioPharmaceutical, Inc. (AskBio); , Cofounder and Advisor, Asklepios BioPharmaceutical, Inc. (AskBio); Melissa Gong Mitchell , Executive Director, Global Coalition on Aging; , Executive Director, Global Coalition on Aging; Dr. Erica Ollmann Saphire , President, CEO and Professor, La Jolla Institute for Immunology; , President, CEO and Professor, La Jolla Institute for Immunology; Dr. Stacey Rosen , Senior Vice President of Women's Health, Katz Institute for Women's Health, Northwell Health; , Senior Vice President of Women's Health, Katz Institute for Women's Health, Northwell Health; Dr. Ellen Sigal , Chairperson and Founder, Friends of Cancer Research; , Chairperson and Founder, Friends of Cancer Research; Ramita Tandon , Chief Clinical Trials Officer, Walgreens "For thirty years, investment in women's health research has lagged, which has resulted in poor health and economic outcomes for women, families, and the nation," said Lee. "This is the reality despite the fact that women are 52 percent of the population, make up 50 percent of the workforce, control 60 percent of personal wealth, are responsible for 85 percent of consumer spending, and make 80 percent of health care decisions. Let's seize this moment and use it as an opportunity to equitably fund the study of diseases that so clearly disproportionately and differently impact women. If we can achieve this as a country, we all stand to gain." To stay informed about future WHAM #3Not30 activities, please sign up for WHAM's newsletter here . And follow WHAM throughout the year on Instagram , LinkedIn , and Twitter to stay updated the #3Not30 campaign and the latest in women's health research. About WHAM (Women's Health Access Matters) Women's health is an economic issue we can't afford to ignore. WHAM works to increase awareness of and funding for women's health research and investment by accelerating scientific discovery in women's health in four primary disease verticals autoimmune disease, brain health, cancer, and heart health. The WHAM Report quantifies the economic opportunity for investing in women's health, looking across diseases that impact women differently and differentially, including coronary artery disease, rheumatoid arthritis, and Alzheimer's disease. Learn more at www.thewhamreport.org and www.whamnow.org . SOURCE WHAM PRAGUE, June 15, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Czechoslovak Media, s.r.o. today announces the launch of Wired Czech Republic and Slovakia. The new edition of Wired is set to launch later this year, under a licensing agreement between Czechoslovak Media, s.r.o. and Conde Nast. Wired Czech Republic and Slovakia will bring cutting-edge technology journalism and a bold global vision to the Czech and Slovak market. The role of Wired Czech Republic and Slovakia is to connect the present with the future and to bring its audience the information and ideas that they need to make sense of a world in constant and rapid transformation. Wired Czech Republic and Slovakia will be published by Czechoslovak Media, s.r.o. The company is jointly owned and led by two tech enthusiasts, Michal Kucera, a journalist and media manager, and Zbynek Drab, an entrepreneur and investor. "Our region is full of exceptionally talented people and remarkable companies. The goal of the Czech and Slovak edition of Wired is to bring a global vision, foster connections between the most dynamic local people and the ever-changing international technology scene and have a positive impact on our region," said the CEO and publisher of Wired Czech Republic and Slovakia, Michal Kucera. Wired Czech Republic and Slovakia's team will be based in Prague, Czech Republic. The editorial team will be announced in the coming months. Stay tuned for the launch of wired.cz. Follow @wiredcz on Twitter, Instagram, Facebook and LinkedIn Register at www.wired.cz Wired Czech Republic and Slovakia will be published under a license agreement between Conde Nast and Czechoslovak Media, s.r.o. Conde Nast's media licensing business publishes editions of the global media company's iconic brands with local partners around the world. Media Contacts Michal Kucera +420 776 303 844 [email protected]com SOURCE Wired Czech Republic and Slovakia Volunteers of the Ukrainian Red Cross Society (URCS) continue to help residents of Kherson region affected by flooding as a result of the Russian occupiers blowing up the Kakhovka hydroelectric power plant. "We continue to provide assistance to the population in Kherson region, which is suffering from flooding. Volunteers of the Ukrainian Red Cross Society help people affected by the destruction of the Kakhovka hydroelectric power plant and the flooding of Kherson region. Food kits, drinking water, sleeping kits - these are all the essentials that our volunteers deliver to hard-to-reach places and pass them on to the population," the URCS said on Facebook. Volunteers handed over 217 sleeping sets to evacuees from the village of Inhulets. In addition, rapid response units of the URCS are constantly evacuating people with limited mobility to places of temporary accommodation for evacuees on the territory of Ukraine. Ukrainian forces advance up to 3 km in Mala Tokmachka area, up to 7 km south of Velyka Novosilka over week - General Staff Ukrainian forces are making progress in the Zaporizhia direction, in a week they managed to advance up to 3 km in the Mala Tokmachka area and up to 7 km south of Velyka Novosilka, Brigadier General Oleksiy Hromov, Deputy Head of the Main Operational Directorate of the General Staff of the Armed Forces of Ukraine, has said. "The defense forces in the Zaporizhia direction continue to clear Ukrainian cities and towns from the invaders. Over the past week, our troops have advanced into the enemy depths up to 3 km near the settlement of Mala Tokmachka and up to 7 km in the area of the settlement south of Velyka Novosilka," Hromov said at a briefing on Thursday. He noted that in total, Ukrainian forces liberated seven settlements in Donetsk and Zaporizhia regions. "More than 100 square kilometers of Ukrainian territory have been taken under control," the Armed Forces of Ukraine reported. 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 Geneva, June 15 : The number of people displaced by war, persecution, violence and human rights abuses stood at a record 108.4 million by the end of 2022, up 19.1 million on a year earlier and the biggest ever increase, the UN refugee agency said. In its annual report titled "Global Trends in Forced Displacement 2022," the UN Office of the High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) on Wednesday said that the upward trajectory in global forced displacement showed no sign of slowing in 2023 as the eruption of conflict in Sudan triggered new outflows, pushing the global total to an estimated 110 million by May. According to the report, of the global total, 35.3 million were refugees, who crossed an international border to find safety, Xinhua news agency reported. The number of refugees from Ukraine soared from 27,300 at the end of 2021 to 5.7 million at the end of 2022 -- representing the fastest outflow of refugees anywhere since World War II. At the end of 2022, an estimated 4.4 million people worldwide were stateless or of undetermined nationality, two per cent more than at the end of 2021, the report showed. Whether measured by economic means or population ratios, the world's low and middle-income countries host the most displaced people. The 46 least-developed countries account for less than 1.3 per cent of the global GDP, yet they hosted more than 20 per cent of all refugees. "People around the world continue to show extraordinary hospitality for refugees as they extend protection and help to those in need, but much more international support and more equitable responsibility sharing is required, especially with those countries that are hosting most of the world's displaced," UN High Commissioner for Refugees Filippo Grandi said. "Above all, much more must be done to end conflict and remove obstacles so that refugees have the viable option to return home voluntarily, safely and with dignity," he added. The latest UNHCR report was launched six months ahead of the second Global Refugee Forum, a major gathering in Geneva, Switzerland. Ankara, June 15 : Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan has said that Turkey will only admit Sweden's NATO bid in the upcoming Vilnius Summit in July if the latter takes concrete steps to prevent anti-Turkey "terror" activities in the country. "The fact that Sweden has some expectations (for NATO membership) does not mean that we will fulfill these expectations... Sweden has to do its part so that we comply with its expectations," the semi-official Anadolu Agency quoted Erdogan as saying on Wednesday. The Turkish President noted that there were anti-Turkish protests in Sweden even when he was meeting with visiting NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg in Istanbul on issues of Sweden's joining the alliance earlier this month, Xinhua news agency reported. "While Stoltenberg was expressing (his opinion about Sweden's joining), unfortunately, the terrorists were rallying in the streets in Sweden," Erdogan said. His remarks came as the Turkish, Swedish and Finnish officials held the fourth joint mechanism meeting to discuss fulfilling Turkey's conditions for approving Sweden's accession to NATO on Wednesday in Turkey's capital Ankara. Sweden and Finland applied to join NATO last year but faced objections from Turkey on the grounds that the two countries harbour members of the outlawed Kurdistan Workers Party (PKK) and the Gulen movement. TArkiye eventually lifted its objection to Finland earlier this year after it took "concrete steps" against such organisations, and the country went on to become the organisation's 31st member in April. But Ankara maintains its veto of Sweden. Aybak : , June 15 (IANS) Two miners were killed and 35 others fainted due to gas suffocation in a coalmine in Dara-e-Suf Bala district of Afghanistan's northern Samangan province two days ago, district chief Mohammad Nasim Khyber Shakan said. "The gruesome incident took place yesterday evening due to the emission of carbon monoxide gas in a coalmine," Khybar Shakan told Xinhua news agency on Wednesday. All the fainted miners have been taken to a hospital, the official said, adding they are recovering, Xinhua news agency reported. This is the second incident of its kind since Saturday in Afghanistan. In a similar incident, a coalminer lost his life and another went unconscious due to gas suffocation in a coalmine in Samangan's neighbouring Baghlan province on June 10, police said. Non-standard mining, poor equipment and unskilled workers to extract the underground treasures, often claim the lives of miners in Afghanistan, according to Afghans. Athens, June 15 : The death toll has risen to 59 following the capsizing of a fishing boat carrying refugees and migrants off southwestern Greece, Greek national broadcaster ERT reported, citing local authorities. A total of 104 passengers have been rescued, while a search and rescue operation was underway to locate a yet unclear number of missing, according to the report released on Wednesday. The incident happened in international waters, 47 nautical miles off the coast of Pylos town during nighttime between Tuesday and Wednesday, and survivors told authorities the fishing boat had sailed off from Tobruk in Libya and was heading for Italy, ERT reported. The Hellenic Coast Guard said in an earlier press statement that none of the passengers were wearing a life jacket and Greek authorities were alerted by Italian authorities about the incident, Xinhua news agency reported. The nationalities of victims and survivors have not been identified yet. Greek President Katerina Sakellaropoulou will travel to the nearby city of Kalamata, where the rescued are being transferred, her office said. On Tuesday evening, in a separate incident south of Crete island, Greek authorities rescued 80 migrants and refugees who were on board a sailing boat, Greek national news agency AMNA reported on Wednesday. Greece has been at the forefront of the refugee and migrant influx since 2015 and hundreds have perished in the Aegean Sea in the past eight years. The European Parliament called on NATO allies to invite Ukraine to membership in the alliance, and the "accession process will start after the war is over and be finalised as soon as possible." The corresponding resolution was voted on Thursday in Strasbourg within the plenary session of the European Parliament, 425 in favor, 38 against, with 42 abstentions. "MEPs call on NATO allies to honour their commitment to Ukraine and pave the way for Kyiv to be invited to join the defence alliance. We expect that the accession process will start after the war is over and be finalised as soon as possible," the resolution notes. "Until full membership is achieved, the EU and its member states, together with NATO allies and like-minded partners, must work closely with Ukraine to develop a temporary framework for security guarantees, which is to be implemented immediately after the war. Parliament emphasises that Ukraine's integration in both NATO and the EU would enhance regional and global security and strengthen the bonds between Ukraine and the Euro-Atlantic community," the document says. "MEPs condemn in the strongest possible terms Russia's destruction of the Kakhovka dam on 6 June, which constitutes a war crime and has caused extensive flooding and created an environmental disaster as well as ecocide in Ukraine. All those responsible for war crimes, including the destruction of the dam, will be held accountable in line with international law," the resolution notes. "Parliament calls for a comprehensive and adequate EU recovery package for Ukraine, which should focus on the countrys immediate, medium- and long-term relief, reconstruction and recovery. They look forward to the European Commission's upcoming proposed review of the current Multiannual Financial Framework and the proposed Rebuild Ukraine Facility, which will cover financing for Ukrainian reconstruction needs in the coming years," the document says. MEPs highlight the importance of linking the reconstruction of Ukraine with its EU accession preparations and ongoing domestic reforms, while stressing that rebuilding damaged infrastructure and industrial capacity should take place in accordance with the "build back better" principle and the European Green Deal. The European Parliament also expressed hope that negotiations with Ukraine on EU accession could start this year. Ankara, June 15 : At least 41 members of the Syrian Kurdish People's Protection Units (YPG) were killed by Turkish forces in retaliation for YPG's harassing fires, Turkey's Defence Ministry said. Turkish security forces "neutralised" 41 YPG members in Syria's Tal Rifat and Manbij regions, bringing the total number of "neutralised" YPG members to 53 since Sunday, the Ministry said on Wednesday in a statement. Turkish authorities often use the term "neutralised" to imply that "terrorists" are killed, wounded, or captured in security operations. The Defence Ministry said on Sunday that the YPG carried out simultaneous mortar and rocket harassment fires on the Operation Euphrates Shield zone of the Turkish army in northern Syria, as well as the Oncupinar police border posts in the southern Turkish province of Kilis, Xinhua news agency reported. The Turkish army has been attacking the YPG posts in retaliation since the weekend. The army launched Operation Euphrates Shield in 2016 in northern Syria as part of the efforts to create a YPG-free zone along its border in the neighbouring country. Turkey sees the YPG group as the Syrian branch of the outlawed Kurdistan Workers' Party (PKK). The PKK, listed as a terrorist organisation by Turkey, the US and the EU, has been rebelling against the Turkish government for more than 30 years. United Nations, June 15 : UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres has called for efforts to curb online hate and invest in social cohesion. "Hate is a danger to everyone -- and so fighting it must be a job for everyone. We must collectively strengthen our defences," the top UN official told the Security Council meeting on "the Values of Human Fraternity in Promoting and Sustaining Peace" on Wednesday "We must reign in the hate that is spreading online," said Guterres. The UN Chief underscored that hate "fuels humanity's worst impulses," noting that it is a catalyst for polarisation and radicalisation, and a conduit for atrocity crimes, Xinhua news agency reported. "It is also a result of these crimes, contributing to horrific cycles of violence that can churn for decades. It greases the wheels of violence, frays the social fabric, and corrodes the pillars of stability. It is, in short, often the bloody heart of conflict," Guterres said. "And as part of Our Common Agenda, we are working on a Global Digital Compact for an open, free, inclusive, and secure digital future for all, firmly anchored in human rights and non-discrimination," he added. The Secretary-General called for efforts to "move toward evermore multi-ethnic and multi-religious societies" and "invest in social cohesion". "We need to ensure that every community feels respected in their unique identity while feeling valued as an integral part of society as a whole. We need to recognise diversity as a richness of all societies -- not a threat," he said. Guterres added that hate takes root in the soil of ignorance and fear. "But when we enrich the soil of knowledge with facts, science and historical accuracy, hatred cannot spread like a deadly weed." "That means ensuring quality education for everyone, everywhere, including women and girls. It means supporting education systems that instill respect for science and celebrate humanity in all its diversity. And it means a surge in education financing, peacebuilding and global solidarity," the Secretary-General said. Khartoum, June 15 : Civilian death toll has climbed to 958 in the armed clashes between the Sudanese Armed Forces and the Rapid Support Forces across the country, the Sudanese Doctors' Union said. The number of civilian injuries has risen to 4,746, the non-governmental organisation said on Wednesday in a statement. More than 1.9 million people have been displaced since the conflict began on April 15, fleeing to safer locations inside and outside Sudan, the United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) said in its latest update on Tuesday. Meanwhile, 1.4 million were internally displaced within Sudan as of June 6, and nearly 4,60,000 people, including refugees, asylum seekers and returnees, have crossed into neighbouring countries as of June 8, it added, citing the UN Refugee Agency as quoted by Xinhua news agency report. The countries the Sudanese have crossed into include the Central African Republic, Chad, Egypt, Ethiopia and South Sudan, according to OCHA. Tunis, June 15 : Tunisian President Kais Saied said Tunisia will not be a guardian of Europe's borders in preventing the flow of illegal immigrants as the country will only guard its own borders, according to a statement released by the presidency. "There are criminal networks that traffic in human beings in the countries of origin or in countries of destination in Europe," Saied said on Wednesday during a phone call with President of the European Council Charles Michel. "Security solutions alone are not enough to eliminate the scourge," he added, calling for a new collective approach mainly by eliminating the root causes. The Tunisian President reiterated that an international meeting must be held with the participation of all countries concerned with the issue, Xinhua news agency reported. Saied and Michel also discussed a number of other issues of common interest such as bilateral cooperation and Tunisia's negotiations with the International Monetary Fund. Located in the central Mediterranean, Tunisia is one of the most popular transit points for illegal immigration to Europe. Although Tunisian authorities have adopted rigorous measures to tackle the problem, the number of illegal immigrants from Tunisia to Italy has been on the rise. Ramallah, June 15 : Palestinian Prime Minister Mohammed Ishtaye has called for immediate international action to protect the two-state solution from "Israel's sabotage". He made the remarks at a meeting with European Union Special Representative for the Middle East Peace Process Sven Koopmans in the West Bank city of Ramallah, according to a statement by the Prime Minister's office released on Wednesday. "There is an urgent need to move immediately to protect the two-state solution at a time when the Israeli government is working to push the Palestinian Authority to collapse and destroy the possibility of establishing a Palestinian state," Ishtaye was quoted by the statement as saying. He accused the government under Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu of sabotaging the two-state solution "by promoting Israeli settlements, seizing land and continuing incursions into cities, and controlling crossings and natural resources". Koopmans, for his part, briefed Ishtaye on his efforts to revive the Arab Peace Initiative as a basis for a permanent solution involving various international parties, Xinhua news agency reported. The Arab Peace Initiative was launched in 2002 after it was formulated by Saudi Arabia and adopted by the Arab League. It stipulates normalising relations with Israel after its withdrawal from the Arab and Palestinian lands it occupied in 1967. Ishtaye praised "the constructive" efforts led by EU foreign policy chief Josep Borrell to revive the stalled peace process. "The EU and Palestine stand together for peace and justice toward ending the occupation and establishing an independent Palestinian state on the 1967 borders, with Jerusalem as its capital and the right of return for Palestinian refugees," he said. Koopmans also met with other senior Palestinian officials in the West Bank, including Secretary General of the Palestine Liberation Organization Executive Committee Hussein Al-Sheikh. On Tuesday, the Palestinian Prime Minister called on Europe to take "serious measures ... to ban the shipment of the Israeli settlement's products to the markets of the European countries". The Palestinians want to establish an independent state alongside Israel on all the Palestinian lands Israel occupied in 1967. The last rounds of peace negotiations between Palestinians and Israelis started in 2013 but broke down in 2014. Aden : , June 15 (IANS) The Yemeni government has announced that it agreed to attend a new round of UN-sponsored talks with Houthi rebels on exchange of prisoners, including individuals abducted by Houthis. "The main objective of the upcoming talks" starting Friday in Jordan's capital Amman "would be to determine the fate of forcibly abducted individuals, such as the prominent politician Mohammed Qahtan, as well as other detainees," Yahya Kazman, chief of the negotiation committee of the internationally-recognised Yemeni government, said in a brief press statement on Wednesday. Earlier this month, the Yemeni government had rejected participation in future prisoner exchange negotiations with the Houthi rebels, citing the rebels' refusal to disclose the location of Qahtan and their denial of visitation rights to his family, Xinhua news agency reported. Qahtan, a prominent Yemeni politician of the Muslim Brotherhood-affiliated Islah party, was abducted by the Houthis eight years ago in the capital Sanaa. The Houthis have remained unresponsive to repeated appeals from the United Nations, local and international human rights groups, as well as the politician's family for access to Qahtan, according to the government. UN-sponsored negotiations between the Yemeni government and Houthi rebels in March successfully led to the release of nearly 900 prisoners in April, marking the second largest prisoner exchange between the warring sides since a civil war broke out more than eight years ago. High-profile figures, including Nasser Mansour Hadi, the brother of former Yemeni President Abd-Rabbu Mansour Hadi, and Mahmoud Al Subeihi, the country's former Defence Minister, were among those who were freed. Yemen has been embroiled in the devastating civil war since 2014, with the Houthi rebels fighting against the internationally-recognised government and a Saudi Arabia-led coalition allied with the government. Beirut, June 15 : Lebanese Parliament Speaker Nabih Berri has called for a national dialogue to facilitate the election of a new President after the parliament failed for the 12th time to pick a head of state. "The election of a new President will only be achieved through a consensus by adopting the path of dialogue within the framework of the Lebanese constitution and in a way that would preserve partnerships among different political parties," The Lebanese parliament on Wednesday failed to elect a new President during its 12th session in the presidential race between Sleiman Frangieh, leader of the Marada Movement, supported by the two Shia parties Hezbollah and Amal Movement, and Jihad Azour, a former Finance Minister, backed by the country's two biggest Christian parties, the Free Patriotic Movement and the Lebanese forces. Neither of the two candidates obtained a two-thirds majority or a total of 86 votes during the first voting, while the second round was not held because of a lack of quorum, Xinhua news agency reported. Lebanon failed to elect a President since October 2022 when the term of former President Michel Aoun ended. Lebanon has been suffering from an unprecedented financial crisis. The country urgently needs to elect a President and form a new cabinet to implement the necessary reforms and put the country on the path of recovery. Amman, June 15 : Jordanian Agriculture Minister Khalid Hneifat has announced that Saudi Arabia has officially decided to lift the ban on Jordanian livestock exports. Hneifat noted that he values the response and direct cooperation from the Saudi side, which has a "positive" impact on the local sheep husbandry, according to a statement by the Ministry on Wednesday. He stressed the Ministry's readiness to assist Jordanian sheep breeders in this regard, Xinhua news agency reported. The ban-lifting decision came after Jordanian livestock quarantine and shipment safety procedures were deemed appropriate by a visiting Saudi Arabian technical inspection team. Earlier this year, Saudi Arabia banned sheep imports from Jordan, on the ground that there were reports of a foot and mouth disease outbreak, a severe and highly contagious infection, among cattle in the Al Dhuleil and Al Hallabat districts in Jordan. Jordan raises about one million head of sheep for export, of which more than half are usually exported to the Gulf countries, with Saudi Arabia taking the largest proportion, according to a report by Jordan's Department of Statistics. Prayagraj, June 15 : In a major development, the Allahabad High Court has restrained Al-Jazeera from releasing its documentary film 'India....Who lit the Fuse?' in India during the pendency of a public interest litigation. The court ordered the Indian government to ensure the film is not broadcast until its contents are examined by authorities, and necessary certification is obtained. The petition was filed by social activist Sudhir Kumar, who argued the film portrayed a negative and distorted version of facts with the intent of creating disharmony among religious communities. The court set July 6 as the next date of hearing in the case. The court also directed the Central government to take appropriate measures to ensure that the film is not allowed to be telecast/broadcast unless its contents are examined by the authorities, duly constituted in law for the purpose, and necessary certification/authorisation is obtained from the competent authority. The court directed the Central government, state government and Al-Jazeera media networks to file their reply in the case by July 6. The bench comprising Justice Ashwani Kumar Mishra and Justice Ashutosh Srivastava passed the order in connection with a PIL filed by Sudhir Kumar, a social activist. According to the petitioner, he said that he had learnt from print and social media reports that the film portrays the Muslim minority of India living with a sense of fear and presents a disruptive narrative creating a sense of public hatred, which is far from the reality. The counsel for the petitioner pleaded, "The film negatively portrays the political functionaries of the Indian state and projects them as acting detrimental to the interest of minorities. The film purposefully seeks to create a rift between India's largest religious communities through its disruptive narrative and create a sense of public hatred. The film proposes to publicise distorted version of facts with intent to create disharmony among the citizens of the country who belong to different religions denominations." The petitioner also relied on various social media posts commenting upon the film on its pre-release (preview) in some other countries. The petitioner also raised the apprehension that the telecast of the film in question without adhering to the constitutional and statutory safeguards may result in injuring the public order and thereby the sovereignty and integrity of India. The court after hearing the petitioner's counsel and P.K. Giri, Additional Advocate General for the state government, observed, "Considering the seriousness of allegations made in the writ, which are likely to have far reaching consequences, the petition does require consideration. We are conscious of the fact that the freedom of speech and expression as also the right of broadcast is a fundamental right but it remains subject to the reasonable restrictions imposed by Article 19(2) of the Constitution of India." "Considering the evil consequences that are likely to occur on the telecast/broadcast of film in question of its telecast/broadcast, we are of the view that the broadcast/telecast of the film in question be deferred pending consideration of the cause in the present petition. No irreparable injury would otherwise be caused to the fifth respondent if the telecast/broadcast of the film is allowed after required scrutiny of the issues raised in the present petition," the court added. The court then observed, "We restrain the fifth respondent from telecasting/broadcasting/releasing the film "India....Who lit the Fuse?" till the issues raised in the present petition are adjudicated after notice to the fifth respondent. We also direct the Central government and the authorities constituted under it, particularly respondent no. 2 to take appropriate measures warranted in law to ensure that the film is not allowed to be telecast/broadcast unless its contents are examined by the authorities, duly constituted in law for the purpose, and necessary certification/authorisation is obtained from the competent authority." The court further directed, "The authorities of the Union and the state government are directed to act in aid of above directions and thereby secure social harmony and protect the security and interest of the Indian state." Jerusalem, June 15 : Israeli opposition leaders have announced that they had suspended the negotiations on settling a controversial judicial overhaul spearheaded by Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. Yair Lapid, Opposition leader in the Israeli parliament and chairman of the centrist Yesh Atid party, and Benny Gantz, Chairman of the centre-right National Unity party, said on Wednesday at a joint press conference that the talks were put on hold until the parliament's Judicial Selection Committee reconvenes. The committee that picks the country's judges was now one person short to reconvene, after the parliament appointed an opposition lawmaker to one of the two vacancies in the committee, but failed to fill the second slot, because Netanyahu's coalition could not agree on a candidate who had broad support within the coalition. The result highlighted divisions within Netanyahu's far-right coalition, which holds 64 seats in the 120-seat parliament, Xinhua news agency reported. "No committee, no talks," Lapid said at the press conference. Meanwhile, Netanyahu accused the opposition of attempting "to blow up the dialogue". The compromise talks, sponsored by President Isaac Herzog, have been taking place over the past few weeks with little progress in sight. The talks aim to find a mutually agreed-upon version of Netanyahu's controversial plan to overhaul the judicial system, which his opponents say undermines the rule of law. The plan has triggered nationwide protests, as tens of thousands have been holding weekly rallies against the plan across the country since January. Ambassador of Ukraine to South Africa speak about role of South Africa in peace plan African leaders will bring to in Kyiv on June 16 Ambassador of Ukraine to the Republic of South Africa Liubov Abravitova said that South Africa at the last moment joined the peace plan of the leaders of African countries, who intend to visit Kyiv on June 16 to discuss this initiative. South Africa was not in this initiative until the last moment. They had already caught the last ride when the initiative was already prepared. This was preceded by a number of events and serious criticism from both partner countries and within society regarding the pro-Russian position. South Africa uses this platform to show its impartiality and willingness to talk to both sides. But we immediately said, our president noted and the minister that we are ready to talk to everyone. And, in fact, we will do it, the ambassador said in an exclusive interview with Interfax-Ukraine. According to Abravitova, it is expected that the African delegation that will arrive in Ukraine will include the leaders of the Comoros (which now heads the African Union), Uganda, Congo-Brazzaville and Senegal. It is also possible that there will be a president of Egypt. This is the first visit of the President of the Republic of South Africa in many years. And this will be the first visit of the President of Zambia to Ukraine, the Ambassador to South Africa noted. According to the diplomat, the issue of food security will be one of the key issues during the visit of African leaders to Ukraine. In addition, the Ambassador noted that during his recent tour of African countries, Minister of Foreign Affairs of Ukraine Dmytro Kuleba was received not only by the foreign ministers, but also by the presidents of each of these countries. This means that Africa finally realizes the importance of Ukraine for it, Abravitova said. At the same time, she noted that after the full-scale invasion of the Russian Federation, of course, the number of South Africans supporting Ukraine has increased. This means that society, business, public organizations create pressure inside the country, which encourages the government to at least start a dialogue with Ukraine. And now this results in a visit of African leaders, which will be made on the 16th to Ukraine, and then to Russia. In other countries, I think, the situation is basically the same, there is a transformation, the Ambassador of Ukraine explained. In his turn, Ugandan President Yoweri Museveni wrote on Twitter on June 14 that he had tested positive for coronavirus, so he would not be able to join the delegation. He will be replaced by former Ugandan Prime Minister Ruhakana Rugunda. According to him, six African presidents from the Comoros, Egypt, South Africa, Senegal, Congo-Brazzaville and Zambia were supposed to arrive in Poland on June 15 to travel by train to Kyiv. As reported, on May 16, South African President Cyril Ramaphosa said that both Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and Russian President Vladimir Putin agreed to host a group of African leaders to discuss a potential "peace plan." South Africa said it "wants to remain impartial" and prefers dialogue to end the war in Ukraine. It is expected that African leaders will offer Ukraine to agree to start peace talks with Russia, even if Russian troops remain on its territory. The initiative is led by Senegalese President Macky Sall. Beirut, June 15 : Lebanon insists on returning Syrian refugees to their homeland, Social Affairs Minister Hector Hajjar said. "In Brussels, behind the scenes of all the meetings dealing with the issue of displaced Syrians, the Europeans are clinging to their position rejecting the return of the Syrians to their country," Hajjar tweeted on Wednesday. He was questioning the purpose of the ongoing Seventh Brussels Conference held by the European Union on finding political solutions to the Syrian crisis. "It is their duty to secure aid, but we will only be satisfied if the displaced return to their homeland," the Lebanese Minister noted. On Tuesday, the Lebanese cabinet affirmed its final position that the displaced Syrians must return to their country safely and dignifiedly in line with international resolutions, Xinhua news agency reported. The cabinet also announced that a Lebanese ministerial delegation would visit Syria soon to discuss the return of refugees with Syrian authorities. Lebanon aims to secure a safe return for Syrian refugees to their homeland as the country's internal security and economic situation can no longer support their stay. Lebanese Foreign Minister Abdallah Bou Habib previously said there are about two million Syrian refugees in Lebanon, and the figure threatens to disrupt the structure of Lebanese society. Agra, June 15 : Half a dozen tributaries of river Yamuna in Agra district, have died without a drop of water. These rivers need to be dredged and desilted ahead of the monsoon season, so that the vast rural hinterland bordering Rajasthan can revive its agriculture and recharge underground reserves. Activists in the Taj city have launched a campaign to rejuvenate these rain-fed tributaries of the Yamuna basin. According to them, the streams flowing down from Rajasthan hills have dried up, reducing the whole area into a vast wasteland. Crops have been hit and there is an acute shortage of water supply in the villages. The deserted capital of Mughal emperor Akbar, Fatehpur Sikri, suffers from water shortage, and the process of desertification towards Agra has been accelerated. The Terah Mori dam along the ridge of Fatehpur Sikri lies parched without a drop of water. Similarly, other streams like Parvati, Utangan, Kivad, Vaan Ganga, that enter Agra district from Rajasthan side, have dried up, adversely affecting agricultural operations in the area. All these streams originate in the Karauli and Sawai- Madhopur districts of Rajasthan, meander around Bharatpur and Dholpur districts before entering Agra. Green activists Anil Sharma, Rajiv Saxena, Aslam Salim, Shiromani Singh, representing the civil society of Agra have demanded urgent talks between Rajasthan and Uttar Pradesh Irrigation Department officials to work out a time- bound framework for drawing up a mechanism for sharing water of these rivers. Anil Sharma accused the Rajasthan government of stopping all the water by building barrages and bunds on these rivers. "Not a drop was being discharged in these rivers for the villages in Agra district. This was clearly against the spirit of federalism. The water table in the whole region had gone down perilously low by hundreds of feet and conventional crops had been badly hit," Sharma said. The Agra Civil Society members have interacted with the Chairperson of the Agra District Board, Manju Bhadauria, who has promised to take up the matter at the highest level. They have demanded a water sharing agreement between the two neighbouring states. The members said the rain water that accumulates in the "bandnis" needs to be restored by building a dam on the Utangan river. The Rajasthan government has built the Chiksana, Vakola and Khatua dams. If the river system is revived, there will be enough water in Fatehabad, Kheragarh and Shamshabad blocks of Agra. In fact water can reach the Taj Ganj area in Agra city. Experts say inter-state river water agreements need to be revisited to ensure that downstream cities receive an equitable and reliable share of water from inter-state river basins. These agreements can help prevent conflicts over water. They can also ensure that water is used sustainably and the developmental activities are compatible with the needs of other states. Activist Sharma said, "This agreement can also protect local ecosystems, improve water quality and also guarantee that the precious resource of water is available for future generations." Canberra, June 15 : In an alleged war crimes case, Ben Roberts-Smith, a former soldier who is Australia's most-decorated, on Wednesday said he will not apologise, adding that he was innocent and is proud of his actions in Afghanistan. These were the former soldier's first remarks after he lost a defamation case on June 1 against three newspapers -- The Age, The Sydney Morning Herald, The Canberra Times -- which reported claims that he had murdered unarmed prisoners and civilians while serving in Afghanistan between 2009-2012, reports the BBC. The newspapers' allegations that Roberts-Smith was actually a war criminal, a liar and a bully were "substantially true", Federal Court Judge Anthony Besanko had said in his civil case ruling. The case is the first time an Australian court has assessed accusations of war crimes by the country's forces. Speaking to Nine News on Wednesday, Roberts-Smith said he will consider filing an appeal, adding that "it's a terrible outcome and it's the incorrect outcome". Speaking as he returned to Australia for the first time since the judgement was delivered, he also said he would not apologise to those affected by his alleged crimes. "We haven't done anything wrong, so we won't be making any apologies," the BBC quoted the 44-year-old as saying to Nine News. Roberts-Smith, who left the defence force in 2013, has not been charged over any of the claims in a criminal court. He had spent the days leading up to the civil court ruling in Bali. Before Kabul's fall to the Taliban in August 2021, Australia maintained an operation of around 400 soldiers in Afghanistan San Francisco, June 15 : Samsung Electronics has announced that the 'Irregular Heart Rhythm Notification' (IHRN) feature on the Samsung Health Monitor app will soon be available in 13 markets starting this summer. The IHRN feature, combined with the app's Electrocardiogram (ECG) monitoring, helps Galaxy Watch users better understand their heart health by detecting heart rhythms suggestive of atrial fibrillation (AFib), the company said in a blogpost on Wednesday. This new feature has been approved by the Korean Ministry of Food and Drug Safety (MFDS) last week, following the recent clearance by the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA). "It will also be introduced in Argentina, Azerbaijan, Costa Rica, Dominican Republic, Ecuador, Georgia, Guatemala, Hong Kong, Indonesia, Panama, UAE, as well as Korea and the US, taking the total to 13 markets," it added. The IHRN feature monitors for irregular heart rhythms in the background in addition to the on-demand ECG tracking and alerts the user of suspected AFib activity. "Cardiovascular disease remains one of the main causes of death around the world, and we're committed to empowering our users to stay informed about their heart health by providing monitoring tools," said Hon Pak, Vice President and Head of Digital Health Team, MXABusiness at Samsung Electronics. Samsung Brings Irregular Heart Rhythm Notification to Galaxy Watch in 13 Markets https://t.co/RAFFhTZfs5 Samsung Electronics (@Samsung) June 15, 2023 Together with the existing Heart Rate monitor, users can also get deeper insights into their cardiovascular health. "The Irregular Heart Rhythm Notification feature will first be available on the upcoming Galaxy Watch devices later this year, as part of the new One UI 5 Watch and later expanded to previous editions," the company said. -- Syndicated from IANS Dharamsala, June 15 : As US Secretary of State Antony Blinken embarks on a visit to China this weekend, the Tibetan exile administration places hopes on history and it also urges him to push for a Tibet-China dialogue in Beijing. With China showing no compromise and as the Dalai Lama ages, the Tibetan administration, based in this north Indian hill station in Himachal Pradesh, is looking to history as His Holiness plans for the future. Strongly advocating the cause, vocal activist for Tibet Richard Gere's advocacy International Campaign for Tibet has called on Blinken to substantively raise the Tibetan issue with Chinese leaders, including by pushing them to resume dialogue with the envoys of 87-year-old Dalai Lama -- the globally recognisable face of Tibet. The State Department announced on Wednesday that Blinken will visit the China and the UK from June 16-21. Blinken's last attempt to visit China was derailed by an alleged Chinese spy balloon. Under the Tibetan Policy Act, the Secretary is obligated to act on US support for Tibet, which the Chinese government has illegally occupied for over 60 years. Blinken's visit coincides with Wednesday's concluded high-level visit of the USAID, led by Deputy Administrator for Policy and Programming Isobel Coleman, to this hill station after holding parleys with the Central Tibetan Administration, or CTA, leadership comprising Penpa Tsering, who was elected democratically in 2021 as the second-ever leader, or sikyong, of the government-in-exile. His Holiness the 14th Dalai Lama also had an audience with the USAID delegation. Since 2012, the USAID has intensified its partnership with the CTA to help deliver essential services to Tibetan communities in India and Nepal. Despite being scattered across the globe, Tibetans, under the guidance of His Holiness, have perfected, advanced, and importantly preserved their democracy over the decades. A joint letter to Blinken by 42 nongovernmental organisations that report on and advocate for human rights in China, Hong Kong, Tibet, and Xinjiang says at a time when the Chinese government is committing widespread and grave human rights violations both inside and outside China, "it is crucial for you to use the opportunity of your visit to inform your counterparts that the US intends to work alongside other concerned governments to seek accountability for Chinese government abuses". The Dalai Lama, who along with many of his supporters fled the Himalayan homeland and took refuge in India when Chinese troops moved in and took control of Lhasa in 1959, views himself as a simple Buddhist monk. He believes in "middle-way" approach, meaning greater autonomy for Tibet rather than outright independence. In March CTA President Tsering testified virtually at the US Congressional-Executive Commission on China's hearing, highlighting small and large-scale repression that is deliberately intended to annihilate the foundation of Tibetan culture and national identity. At the hearing, US Special Coordinator for Tibetan Issues Uzra Zeya has also delivered a video message raising concerns over China's continued repressions inside Tibet, such as the enforcement of colonial-style boarding school system and involuntary mass DNA collection campaigns endangering the unique Tibetan identity. Zeya in May 2022 had an audience with the Dalai Lama at his official residence in McLeodganj. His Holiness said despite China's efforts, it has failed to change Tibetan mind. The American people have also long expressed consistent, bipartisan support for Tibetans and the Dalai Lama. Researchers and Tibet watchers believe Secretary Blinken during his visit must raise the need to resume dialogue between envoys of the Dalai Lama and the Chinese government. These talks have been deadlocked since 2010 due to the lack of political will on the part of the Chinese leadership. The length of time since the previous round of negotiations and the Dalai LamaaAs advancing age underscore the need for a concrete initiative by the US while His Holiness is active and can help ensure a peaceful resolution to the Tibet-China conflict, says the International Campaign for Tibet. During his trip, Secretary Blinken could also take up other issues related to Tibet. Just recently, Blinken told Freedom House, which this year ranked Tibet the least-free country on earth alongside South Sudan and Syria, that the State Department was "concerned by reports of the spread of mass DNA collection to Tibet as an additional form of control and surveillance over the Tibetan population". According to the International Campaign for Tibet, Blinken should raise those concerns with Chinese leaders during his trip. In addition, Blinken should reiterate and follow up on the United States' position on the issue of the reincarnation of Tibetan Buddhist leaders, especially the US policy that only the current Dalai Lama and Tibetan Buddhists have the authority to decide on his succession. Blinken should also elevate the need to end China's forced isolation of Tibet and also include Tibetan political prisoners on his agenda and call for their release during his discussions in Beijing. According to the vision paper aSecuring Tibet's Future' released by the CTA in April Tibetans face an existential threat to their culture and identity due to the repressive genocidal policies of China. "Even though the Kashag (Cabinet) wishes to resume contact with the Chinese government, it depends on whether the Chinese leadership has the political will to resolve the conflict," it says. "If the Chinese side sincerely proposes dialogue to find a lasting solution to the conflict, we stand ready to respond. Until such a solution is found, we will meticulously examine the situation inside Tibet and point out the wrong policies that need to be stopped or rectified." The recognition of Tibet as an independent nation, as proven by historians, is a prerequisite for according leverage and value to the "middle-way policy". "Therefore, it is important to accept the fact that Tibet is currently an occupied nation. It is important for all stakeholders to recognise Tibetans not just as mere victims of the PRC but as partners in bringing about positive changes in China," says the vision paper. In the 1990s, the Dalai Lama, who devolved all his political and administrative responsibilities to the democratically-elected leadership in 2011, reached out to the Tibetan people to decide on the future course of the Tibetan movement. (Vishal Gulati can be contacted at gulatiians@gmail.com) Seoul, June 15 : North Korean leader Kim Jong-un has sent a letter to Chinese President Xi Jinping on the latter's 70th birthday, saying that Beijing's national power has "remarkably" strengthened under his leadership, Pyongyang's state media reported on Thursday. In the message, Kim said that Beijing has "built a comprehensively well-off society" and that its "national power and international position remarkably strengthened" under Xi's "energetic" leadership, according to North's official Korean Central News Agency (KCNA). "The message expressed belief that the struggle for the prosperity of China will surely emerge victorious as there are the leadership of Xi Jinping and the Chinese party and people rallied around the Party Central Committee with him as its core," Yonhap News Agency quoted the KCNA as saying. Kim also said he is pleased to see Xi's achievements and wished him more success in his "important and responsible work" in leading China. The North Korean leader sent a flower basket to Xi, which the North Korean ambassador to China delivered to the deputy head of the International Liaison Department of the Chinese Communist Party on Tuesday, according to the KCNA. The message came as the North has been seeking to strengthen ties with China, its traditional ally and economic benefactor, amid global sanctions on its nuclear and missile programs, and stalled denuclearisation talks with the US. Last October, Kim also sent a letter to Russian President Vladimir Putin on his 70th birthday, lauding his leadership and expressing hope for bilateral ties between their countries to further develop. Washington, June 15 : After he cancelled his initial visit to Beijing earlier this year due to a Chinese spy balloon transiting the US, Secretary of State Antony Blinken will embark on a fresh visit to the Asian giant this weekend amid thawed bilateral ties. Blinken will be the first Biden administration official to travel to China and also the first since 2019, reports CNN. Confirming the visit, Assistant Secretary of State for East Asian and Pacific Affairs Daniel Kritenbrink said on Wednesday that the two nations came "to the shared conclusion that now is the right time to engage at this level". Kritenbrink said he would not expect "a long list of deliverables" to come out of the visit, but described it as "a really critical series of engagements that we'll have in Beijing at a crucial time in the relationship that we again hope will, at a minimum, reduce the risk of miscalculation so that we do not veer into potential conflict". He said the agenda would focus on three main goals: establishing communication channels "that are open and empowered to discuss important challenges, address misperceptions and prevent miscalculation"; discussing US concerns "on a range of issues" as well as on "a host of regional and global security matters"; and "exploring potential cooperation on transnational challenges when it is in our interest in areas such as climate and global macroeconomic stability". In recent months, there have been a number of engagements between US and Chinese officials, including National Security Adviser Jake Sullivan and Kritenbrink himself "I think there's a realisation on both sides that it is important to have these channels of communication," CNN quoted the Assistant Secretary as saying. In a statement also on Wednesday, State Department spokesperson Matthew Miller said that Blinken would meet "senior PRC officials" while in Beijing, adding that "we expect a series of visits in both directions in the period ahead" following the Secretary of State's visit. But neither Kritenbrink or Miller did not say if Blinken would meet Chinese President Xi Jinping. Prior to the public announcement of the trip, Blinken spoke on the phone with Chinese Foreign Minister Qin Gang. China's Foreign Ministry said Qin used that call to stress "that the US needs to respect China's concerns, stop interfering in China's internal affairs, and stop undermining China's sovereignty, security and development interests in the name of competition". Los Angeles, June 15 : Actor Bill Cosby faces a new sexual assault lawsuit, this one in the state of Nevada. A case in the name of nine women was filed in the US District Court for Nevada, alleging that the disgraced actor and comedian exercised his "enormous power, fame and prestige" to isolate and sexually assault the individuals named in the case, reports 'Variety'. As per NBC News, a group of the women will speak in an interview on 'NBC News Daily'. Pam Joy Abeyta, Lili Bernard, Rebecca Cooper, Janice Dickinson, Linda Kirkpatrick, Janice Baker Kinney, Angela Leslie, Lise-Lotte Lublin and Heidi Thomas are named in the case. Cosby was convicted of a criminal sexual assault charge in Pennsylvania in April 2018. However, in 2021, the actor was released from prison after spending nearly three years behind bars; the conviction was overturned by the state Supreme Court. The actor, now 85 years old, has discussed plans for a comedy tour. In a statement to 'Variety', Cosby's spokesperson, Andrew Wyatt, confirms the new lawsuit and opposes the claims detailed in it. Cosby has continued to deny similar allegations levied against him over the years. "It's interesting that these 'Look Back Windows' are formulating only in those states (New Jersey, New York, Los Angeles and Nevada) where many of Mr. Cosby's alleged accusers reside. It makes all Americans ask the question, 'Who's funding these alleged accusers and who's funding these lawmakers?'" Wyatt wrote. The statement further read, "Mr. Cosby is a Citizen of [the] United States, but these judges and lawmakers are consistently allowing these civil suits to flood their dockets a" knowing that these women are not fighting for victims a" but for their addiction to massive amounts of media attention and greed. From this day forward, we will not continue to allow these women to parade various accounts of an alleged allegation against MrCosby anymore without vetting them in the court of public opinion and inside of the courtroom". More than 60 women have made public statements accusing Cosby of varying degrees of sexual misconduct. Karachi, June 15 : As the very severe cyclonic storm Biparjoy is set to make landfall in Pakistan and India on Thursday, authorities in Sindh province are "prepared for the worst", with tens of thousands of people being evacuated to safer areas. The Pakistan Meteorological Department's (PMD) latest advisory released on Wednesday night showed that Biparjoy had moved north-eastwards during the past six hours, reports Dawn news. Late on Wednesday night, the cyclone lay at about 310 km south of Karachi, 300 km south-southwest of Thatta and 240 km south-southwest of Keti Bandar. The cyclone is likely to reduce its strength after hitting the land, but the PMD has asked fishermen not to venture into the open sea until Saturday. Addressing reporters, Climate Change Minister Sherry Rehman warned that both thunder and rainstorms were expected to occur, which could cause substantial damage, Dawn news reported. She urged people, especially in Karachi, to refrain from dabbling in "disaster tourism" and going to the beach to witness the storm and called on them to cooperate with authorities. The Minister also informed that 75 relief camps had been set up to accommodate those who were evacuated, and most of them were places with stable roofs, such as schools and colleges. Driven by winds of around 100 to 120 km per hour and a huge cloud mass spanning over 200 to 300 km over the sea, Biparjoy is projected to make landfall between Keti Bandar in Sindh and India's Gujarat's coast on Thursday evening, posing multiple threats to the coastal areas in the two countries. Keti Bandar, one of the most impoverished towns of Sindh, is likely to face the cyclone's brunt and is officially stated to be completely evacuated. Several low-lying settlements in Thatta and Sujawal, most of which were already evacuated, witnessed high-tide flooding, with rising seawater levels reported fishing villages of Karachi's Ibrahim Hyderi and Badin. According to the Sindh Chief Minister House, 67,367 people have been evacuated from the three vulnerable districts of Thatta, Sujawal and Badin, where 39 relief camps have been set up. Meanwhile, the army is continuing its rescue and relief operations, evacuating scores of people in the coastal areas. "Over 82 per cent of the vulnerable population has been shifted to safe locations. Nine relief camps have been set up in Thatta and 14 in Sujawal and Badin. Troops are on high alert for the next 72 hours and the evacuation process will be completed tonight," Dawn news quoted the army's media wing as saying late Wednesday. Thiruvananthapuram, June 15 : T.K. Rejeesh, a prisoner housed at the Kannur Jail, was taken into custody by the Karnataka Police after they got information that he was behind a gun smuggling racket, said officials on Thursday. Rejeesh is a convicted prisoner in the murder of former CPI(M) leader T.P. Chandrasekheran. Known as the TP case, Chandrasekheran was brutally murdered by a group of attackers near his house in Kozhikode in 2012. He had left the party in 2008 and formed his own party, the Revolutionary Marxist Party. Eleven people, including three local CPI(M) leaders, were sentenced to life imprisonment in connection with the killing, and Rejeesh is one of them now serving a jail term. The present case registered by the Karnataka Police pertains to the arrest of two Kerala men, who were found in possession of guns, which they were taking to Kerala. It was on further questioning that the name of Rejeesh cropped up and the probe police team was surprised as Rejeesh was controlling things from the high security Kannur Ajail. The Karnataka Police have taken Rejeesh into custody and will now interrogate him for more information in the gun smuggling case. Ukrainian personnel of Russian-occupied Zaporizhia NPP cannot independently carry out the transfer of block No. 5 to a cold shutdown, but there is some information that the so-called "plant management" from Rosatom will allow this, President of the state-owned enterprise Energoatom Petro Kotin has saod. "The ZNPP employees can theoretically initiate the switching of power unit No. 5 to a cold shutdown, but physically they cannot do it, because the situation is controlled by the rashists. The cold shutdown is the safest state of operation of the power unit under any conditions," Kotin told reporters during a visit to one of the nuclear power plants on Wednesday. He also called the decision of the State Nuclear Regulatory Commission of June 8, 2023 to transfer the last of the six ZNPP power units, which is in a hot shutdown, to a cold one, logical after the decrease in the level of Kakhovka reservoir due to the explosion of Kakhovka HPP and the loss of the ability to feed ZNPP cooling pond. According to him, there is also hope that the IAEA mission and directly Head of the agency Rafael Grossi will be able to convince the occupiers to ensure the transition of the unit to a cold shutdown. Regarding the issue of steam production for technological processes, which unit No. 5 will stop producing after being transferred to the cold shutdown, the president of Energoatom said: "Some radioactive waste processes take this steam, but there is an absolute minimum amount of this substance, so you can stop it and do not talk about the steam at all." Kotin said restoring the previously decommissioned start-up-reserve boiler house, from which steam could be taken if all units were stopped, "this is many months of work." "At Zaporizhia NPP, this boiler house was decommissioned a long time ago, as no one could have imagined that all six power units of the NPP itself, as well as four power units of the TPP, which is located nearby, could be stopped," the company's head said. Energy Minister Herman Haluschenko, for his part, said the situation with the undermining of Kakhovka hydroelectric power plant and the decrease in the level of Kakhovka reservoir would be critical for ZNPP if the plant were operating. "Grossi is aware of this problem with non-cold shutdown. I hope he will be there and will be able to influence accordingly. But now it is not critical. Now I have a more important question: how will we launch it after the de-occupation. We will have to look for deciding how to provide cooling. This is another difficult challenge," the minister said. According to Chairman of the State Inspector for Nuclear and Radiation Safety of Ukraine Oleh Korikov's statement at a briefing at the Media Center in Kyiv, a 1,000 MW power unit consumes 10-15 million cubic meters of water per year. Chennai, June 15 : The Tenkasi police have been put on alert after a Dalit youth was hacked to death at Sengottai municipal complex building. Even though the two accused belonging to a Most Backward Community (MBC) were arrested on Wednesday itself, the possibility of retaliation is not being ruled out. Rajesh (27) of a Dalit community was working as a temporary employee at Sengottai municipality. Eye witnesses said that two bike-borne youths reached the municipality complex building and waited for Rajesh on Wednesday. As soon as he arrived, they two hacked him to death using sickles they were carrying. The killers, Mari (21) and Manthiramoorthi (26) were arrested even as they were trying to surrender before the Ambasamudram police. Rajesh's kin staged a blockade on the Kollam-Thirumangalam road and police had to disperse them. Tenkasi police are, however, on high alert as the possibility of the killing of Rajesh escalating into a caste war cannot be ruled out. In 2021, after the Stalin government came to power, there were back to back killings in Tirunelveli and Madurai districts. State Director General of Police, C. Sylendra Babu had to camp in Madurai and bring the situation under control. While police are not expecting such a situation in Tenkasi, it is on alert at the possibility of retaliation by the relatives and caste members of the deceased. Chennai, June 15 : Three youths were killed when a shared auto they were travelling in collided with a Tamil Nadu State Transport Corporation (TNSTC) bus in Tamil Nadu's Tiruppattur in the wee hours on Thursday. The deceased were identified as A. Karthik (21), A. Aravind (18) and V. Sarathi (18). The youths hailed from Chandrapuram village near Tiruppatur town and were travelling to Krishnagiri some 20 km away from Kandali to attend a funeral, police said. Nine people from the village were going to attend the funeral at Krishnagiri in the auto when the bus coming from the opposite direction hit their vehicle. Karthik and Sarathi died on the spot while Aravindan breathed his last at the Government Medical College hospital, Dharmapuri. The bodies of the victims were sent to Dharmapuri taluk hospital for post-mortem. Six persons were injured including two from the bus. New Delhi, June 15 : Congress on Thursday paid tributes to 20 soldiers, who died in Galwan Valley clash in 2020, and slammed the BJP-led Centre for not maintaining the status quo ante at the Line of Actual Control (LAC) and also said that Prime Minister Narendra Modi's "clean chit" to China was a body blow to national security. In a tweet, Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge said, "A greatful nation pays heartfelt tributes to the supreme sacrifice made by 20 bravehearts in the Galwan valley, three years ago. Modi government is responsible for not maintaining the status quo ante at the LAC. We have lost possession of 26 Patrolling Points (PP) out of 65." Lashing out at the Centre, Kharge, who is also the Leader of Opposition in the Rajya Sabha, said, "We have attempted to raise this issue several times in the Parliament, but the Modi government wants to keep fellow Indians in the dark. Modi ji's 'clean chit' to China on Galwan is responsible for China achieving its nefarious designs. This is a body blow to our National Security and Territorial Integrity. "Modi government's 'Laal Aankh' (red eye) has become blurred, on which it is wearing tinted Chinese glasses! As a responsible opposition, our job is to keep the country united against the Chinese expansionist policy and to show the mirror of truth to the Modi government," the Congress leader added. At least 20 Indian soldiers died in the Galwan Valley clash in 2020. The Congress has been criticising the government for not holding debate over the China issue in Parliament and has also slammed the Prime Minister for giving "clean chit" to China in June 2020. Chennai, June 15 : The Chennai sessions court principal judge, S. Alli will on Thursday hear the case on the bail application of arrested Tamil Nadu Electricity, Prohibition and Excise minister, Senthil Balaji. Balaji was sent to judicial custody for a period of two weeks till June 28 by the District & & Sessions Court. The Enforcement Directorate (ED) has also filed an application before the court for taking the minister in custody for further interrogation. The ED Deputy Director, Karthik Desari who is the investigating officer had filed petition in the court for taking Senthil Balaji into their custody for further questioning. The court will also hear another application for shifting the minister from the Omandurar government hospital to Kaveri multi-specialty hospital. New Delhi, June 15 : A day after the Law Commission sought suggestions of public and recognised religious organisations on the Uniform Civil Code (UCC), Congress on Thursday termed it Modi Government's "desperation for a legitimate justification of its continuing agenda of polarization and diversion from its glaring failures". In a statement, Congress general secretary Jairam Ramesh said that the 22nd Law Commission of India notified its intention to examine the UCC. This was being done, on a reference sent by the Ministry of Law & Justice. "It is strange that the Law Commission is seeking a fresh reference when in its press release it acknowledges that its predecessor, the 21st Law Commission had published a consultation paper on the subject in August 2018," Ramesh said. He also said that no reasons are given for why the subject is being revisited except for vague references to "the relevance and the importance of the subject and also the various court orders". The real reason is that the 21st Law Commission, after carrying out a detailed and comprehensive review of the subject, observed that it is "neither necessary nor desirable at this stage" to have a Uniform Civil Code. "This latest attempt represents the Modi Government's desperation for a legitimate justification of its continuing agenda of polarization and diversion from its glaring failures," Ramesh said hitting back at the government. He highlighted that the 21st Law Commission in para 1.15 of its 182-page 'Consultation Paper on Reform of Family Law' submitted on August 31, 2018 said, "While diversity of Indian culture can and should be celebrated, specific groups, or weaker sections of society must not be dis-privileged in the process. Resolution of this conflict does not mean abolition of all differences. "This Commission has therefore dealt with laws that are discriminatory rather than providing a uniform civil code which is neither necessary nor desirable at this stage. Most countries are now moving towards recognition of difference and the mere existence of difference does not imply discrimination, but is indicative of a robust democracy." Ramesh said that the Law Commission has produced an enviable body of work over the decades on numerous issues of national importance. "It should be mindful of that legacy and remember that the interests of the nation are distinct from the political ambitions of the BJP," he added. His remarks come a day after the Law Commission published a notice soliciting views and ideas of the public at large and recognised religious organisations about the UCC. San Francisco, June 15 : The US state of Texas has banned kids under age 18 from joining social media platforms without parental consent. Texas Governor Greg Abbott signed the bill, called HB 18, that requires social media platforms like Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, Snapchat and TikTok to receive explicit consent from a minor's parent or guardian before they'd be allowed to create their own accounts. "A digital service provider may collect a minor's personal identifying information if the minor's parent or guardian consents in a manner that is specific, informed, and unambiguous and takes into account the minor's age and the minor's developmental and cognitive needs and capabilities," read the bill. The new bill also forces social media platforms to prevent children from seeing "harmful" content by creating new filtering systems. Last week, Louisiana passed a similar bill to require parental consent. States like Connecticut, Maryland, Minnesota, New Jersey and Ohio have also considered similar laws. Utah became the first US state to enact laws limiting how children can use social media. Republican Governor Spencer Cox signed measures in March that require parental consent before kids can sign up for social media websites. The new Utah laws also require that parents be given access to their child's accounts. Hyderabad, June 15 : Telangana Director of Public Health and Family Welfare G Srinivasa Rao has said that if Chief Minister K. Chandrasekhar Rao asks him to contest Assembly election from Kothagudem constituency, he was ready to obey his orders. The official, however, denied that he had applied for voluntary retirement. He clarified in a statement on Thursday that he has not given any application under Voluntary Retirement Scheme (VRS). Srinivasa Rao said there was no truth in reports in a section of the media that he had applied for VRS. "I will inform the media about whatever decision I take," he said. He maintained that he is currently working to strengthen the healthcare system as per the direction of Chief Minister KCR. The director of public health also stated that he was trying his best to serve the people of Kothagudem. He said that if the chief minister asks him to contest for MLA from Kothagudem constituency, he would follow his direction. In November last year, Srinivasa Rao triggered a row by touching the feet of Chief Minister KCR. He later defended his action saying he will do this 100 times. The official stated that KCR is like his father who is leading Telangana on the path of progress and that it is his good fortune that he got an opportunity to touch his feet. On November 15, the top most official of the health department was seen touching the chief minister's feet not once but twice during an event at the latter's official residence. The video clip of the same went viral. The occasion was the launch of eight new government medical colleges by the chief minister. The official's action drew flak from various quarters. Opposition parties and netizens called it an act of sycophancy. Miami, June 15 : Duane Owen, who was sentenced to death for the raping and murdering two women in 1984 in Florida's Palm Beach County, will be executed on Thursday after the US Supreme Court turned down his appeal to halt the capital punishment. Owen is scheduled to receive a lethal injection at 6 p.m. at the Florida State Prison in Starke. His execution will be the fourth in Florida this year, after a three year pause triggered by the Covid-19 pandemic. The 62-year-old was convicted in 1986 for the bludgeoning death of Georgianna Worden at her Boca Raton home in May 1984, reports The Florida Times-Union. Worden, who was a 38-year-old executive secretary and mother of two, was murdered while her children slept nearby. In the same year, he also received the death penalty in the stabbing death of 14-year-old Karen Slattery, whom he had killedin March 1984 while she babysat two children in Delray Beach. Both Boca Raton and Delray Beach are in Palm Beach County. Meanwhile, Governor Ron DeSantis, a 2024 Republican presidential hopeful, signed the death warrant in Worden's case only. Owen is one of the longest-held inmates on death row in Florida. Currently, there are 293 people on Florida's death row. Besides his death sentences, Owen had also received six life sentences. New York, June 15 : An Indian-American doctor, accused of deliberately driving his Tesla off a cliff with his wife and children inside the vehicle, has been barred from practicing medicine by regulators in California, media reports said. Dharmesh Patel, a 41-year-old radiologist at Providence Holy Cross Medical Center in Los Angeles, was charged with attempted first-degree murder and child abuse in February to which he pleaded not guilty. The Medical Board of California moved a motion this week in the court to bar Patel from practicing medicine, especially if he were released on bail, The Mercury News reported. Medical regulators argued in court filings that the move is necessary because Patel represented "an alarming danger to the publica in light of an "impairment of cognitive abilities needed to safely practice medicine". In their arguments, regulators cited statements made by Patel's wife to an emergency worker after she was rescued. She told him that Patel "did it on purpose". "He's depressed. He's a doctor. He said he was going to drive off the cliff. He purposely drove off," Patel's wife told the rescuer. "Public protection therefore requires that the defendant be prohibited from practicing medicine throughout the pendency" of his criminal case, the medical board's motion said. The request was approved by San Mateo County Superior Court Judge Rachel Holt at a hearing on June 12, The Mercury News reported. Patel's car was travelling south on State Route 1 on January 2 when it went over a 250-foot cliff at Devil's Slide, south of the Tom Lantos Tunnels, and flipped and landed on its wheels near the water's edge. Firefighters had to cut the vehicle to pull Patel's two children -- a seven-year-old girl and a four-year-old boy -- from the vehicle. Denying that he intentionally drove his car off the cliff, Patel told investigators that the sensor on his Model Y electric car indicated it had low tire pressure as he was driving his wife and two children on the Pacific Coast Highway on January 2 this year. He further told the investigators that he was trying to stop to check the tires when the vehicle tumbled down the cliff overlooking the ocean, court documents released last month said. On his mental health, Patel told investigators that he was "not really depressed", as accused by his wife. He told them that he "just felt down because times were bad in the world, the war and the drugs", according to an affidavit in support of his arrest. When investigators specifically asked if he was suicidal, Patel said "you know, not like a plan, not usually". He added that his wife had been "irritated" just before the crash because she didn't want to stop by his brother's house in Montara. He also told officers he was not on any medication or under the influence of drugs or alcohol at the time of the crash. According to witnesses, the Tesla didn't show signs of slowing down before it plummeted off the cliff and the police report also does not indicate a malfunction. San Mateo District Attorney Steve Wagstaffe said in January the Tesla was not in self-driving mode when it plunged into the rocky beachside bluff. If convicted of murder charges, Patel could be imprisoned for life. Islamabad, June 15 : The former Director General of Pakistan's Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI), Lt Gen (retd) Faiz Hameed is not under arrest, a media report said citing sources. Some social media reports on Wednesday suggested that the former spy chief has been put under house arrest in his hometown Chakwal and is being probed in connection with the May 9 attacks, The News reported. The News contacted three different sources to ascertain the veracity of the social media reports. All three sources rejected these reports and insisted that Gen Faiz had not been arrested, with one of them saying he has met the former spymaster in the last few days. Gen Faiz has been the focus of discussion both in the media and politics because of the controversies surrounding his role during his days in the ISI, initially as DGC and later as DG ISI. These controversies followed him even after his retirement. Many in politics and media allege that he has been one of the closest advisers of Imran Khan after his removal from the Prime Minister's Office, The News reported. Some allege that Gen Faiz has also been advising Imran even during the recent months. There are also speculations about the Faiz-Imran connection behind the May 9 attacks. These reports, however, remained unverified, The News reported. A case of alleged assets beyond means against former Gen Faiz was, however, referred to the National Accountability Bureau (NAB) before the arrival of the incumbent NAB chief. The reference was returned by the Bureau. The News had reported in March this year that the NAB Rawalpindi office had received a file, containing complete details of Gen Faiz's income tax record and a two-page complaint signed by some unknown locals from Chakwal for initiation of an inquiry against the former ISI chief. These sources said that the NAB Rawalpindi DG considered the file and after consultation with the-then chairman, the case was returned with the direction that a formal request be made to the Bureau by the concerned authorities. Interior Minister Rana Sanaullah had also said a few months back that the investigation agencies are conducting an inquiry against Gen Faiz and any progress about it will be shared with the media. Sanaullah did not disclose which government investigation agency was conducting the inquiry against Gen Faiz. He also did not specify what was being probed against the former ISI DG. Rana Sanaullah, however, said: "Only the institution can conduct General Faiz's court martial." He added that the General Headquarters holds the military trial, not the Interior Ministry, The News reported. On Monday, June 19, at 12.00, the Interfax-Ukraine news agency's press center will host a discussion on the topic "Dynamics of changes in public sentiment during war." Participants include: Executive Director of the Kyiv International Institute of Sociology (KIIS) Anton Hrushetsky; political expert Kostiantyn Matviyenko; political scientist, co-founder of the National Platform for Sustainability and Cohesion Oleh Sahakyan (8/5a Reitarska Street). The broadcast will be available on the YouTube channel of Interfax-Ukraine. Admission of journalists requires registration on the spot. Athens, June 15 : The Greek government has announced a three-day period of national mourning for the 79 victims of a shipwreck which occurred in international waters off the country's southwestern coast. Authorities have retrieved the bodies of 79 refugees after a fishing boat carrying an unknown number of passengers sank 47 nautical miles off Pylos town, Xinhua quoted Greek national news agency AMNA as saying. "Everyone's thoughts are with all the victims of the ruthless traffickers who take advantage of human misery," said caretaker Prime Minister Ioannis Sarmas. A total of 104 passengers have now been rescued, Nikolaos Alexiou, spokesperson for the maritime affairs and insular policy ministry told Greek national broadcaster ERT. A search and rescue operation to locate other passengers will continue during the night, he added. "We cannot give a number of passengers with certainty, but it was very large... My colleagues found an overloaded boat," he said. However, he did not confirm estimates that there were 400-700 passengers on board, which survivors gave to ERT and other media. They said the fishing boat which sank during night-time between Tuesday and Wednesday had been on the way from Libya to Italy. The incident happened in the area with the deepest waters across the Mediterranean Sea, and none of the survivors was wearing a lifejacket, according to Alexiou. Greek President Katerina Sakellaropoulou has travelled to the nearby city of Kalamata, where survivors are being taken. The President expressed deep sorrow over the tragedy, calling for "coordination of EU member states to safeguard the lives and safety of migrants and refugees". Meanwhile, European Council President Charles Michel said the accident was a "heartbreaking reminder we must put an end to the unscrupulous business of smugglers". EU leaders will address the issue at the European Council on June 29-30, he said on Twitter. "We must continue to work together, with Member States and 3rd countries, to prevent such tragedies," European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen said. So far this year, 72,778 refugees have arrived in Europe from the south, including 71,136 arrivals by sea to Italy, Greece, Spain, Cyprus and Malta, according to the UN Refugee Agency (UNHCR). At least 1,037 people have died or been reported missing in the region since the start of 2023, according to UNHCR. Thiruvananthapuram, June 15 : In an open letter to Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Kerala Pradesh Congress Committee (KPCC) president K.Sudhakaran on Thursday expressed deep concern over the distressing situation faced by the Christian community in various parts of Uttar Pradesh. Sudhakaran pointed out that the letter was based on a fact-finding report submitted by Anil Thomas, which sheds light on the challenges and injustices endured by these individuals. "A significant number of people, particularly those hailing from Kerala, have been falsely accused of offences related to illegal religious conversion in Uttar Pradesh. These individuals are those who have dedicated themselves to social service and charitable work, have established reputable institutions such as hospitals, schools, and colleges that operate on a non-profit basis, serving the local population," reads his letter. The report also highlights the unfortunate circumstances faced by these institutions and their members since the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) assumed power in Uttar Pradesh. "Instances of harassment, extortion, malicious legal actions, physical attacks, and vandalism have become alarmingly frequent. Radical elements associated with Sangh Parivar organisations are attempting to gain control and ownership of these institutions, including churches and related structures. Local leaders affiliated with these organisations are allegedly using their political influence to intimidate the vulnerable Christian minority community," points out Sudhakaran. Thomas, a top Congress leader, prepared the report after visiting two of the five Christian pastors from Kerala who have been unjustly imprisoned in Uttar Pradesh. His report points out that the UP police registered a First Information Reports (FIRs) against these pastors based on complaints from Sangh Parivar leaders and these FIRs were lodged without valid complaints from the aggrieved individuals or their relatives, as required by the Uttar Pradesh Prohibition of Unlawful Conversion of Religion Act, 2021. Sudhakaran has urged the Prime Minister Modi, to ensure the protection and well-being of the Christian community in Uttar Pradesh and emphasised on the need to address the unjust arrests, false charges, and misuse of laws, which are causing immense hardship and suffering for innocent individuals. Kochi, June 15 : A day after a Kerala court issued summons to the Lakeshore Hospital and its eight doctors over alleged illegal organ transplantation, the hospital on Thursday reiterated its full cooperation and compliance with the ongoing probe to ensure that all facts are revealed through a "thorough and impartial" examination. S. Ganapathy, a doctor from Kollam, had filed a complaint based on a newspaper article about an organ transplant carried out in 2009 from a brain dead 21-year-old who had met with a very serious accident. The recipient was a foreign national. Following the court's intervention, the hospital in a statement said that the authorities have ordered an investigation to determine the validity of the complaint made by a private individual in the incident that happened around 13 years ago. In 2009, when the incident occurred, the only registered body in Kerala promoting cadaver organ donation was the Society for Organ Retrieval & Transplantation (SORT). The hospital pledged its wholehearted cooperation with the investigation and stated that all what they did then was in compliance with the Transplantation of Human Organs Act (THO). "All investigations were conducted in the presence of two witnesses, and written consent for organ retrieval was obtained from the patient's mother. The hospital authorities sought assistance from SORT, Kochi, and acted under their written advice in retrieving cadaveric organs," reads the statement. The hospital asserted that during the incident, they strictly followed medical procedures, organ donation laws, and human rights laws. It regretted the circulation of false information about the hospital which has been providing exemplary emergency care services for over 20 years, and their ultimate goal is to ensure that all patients receive the best possible treatment. San Francisco, June 15 : US-based high-tech speaker and audio technology company Sonos has announced to cut seven per cent of its workforce or roughly 130 employees, amid challenging economic conditions. The company also said that it will reduce its real estate footprint and re-evaluate certain programme spend. "Decisions regarding the elimination of positions are subject to local law and consultation requirements in certain countries. The company also committed to further reducing its real estate footprint and re-evaluating certain programme spend," Sonos said in a filing with the US Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) on Wednesday. Moreover, the company stated that it will incur about $11 to $14 million of restructuring and related charges, of which $9 to $11 million is related to employee severance and benefits costs. The company also expects to incur substantially all of the restructuring and related charges in the third quarter of fiscal 2023. As of October 2022, the company employed 1,844 people, reports CNBC. In 2020, the company had reduced its headcount by 12 per cent in response to the rapidly spreading Covid pandemic. Meanwhile, a court in the US has ordered Google to pay $32.5 million to Sonos, for infringing on the company's smart speaker patent. The verdict by a San Francisco jury found that Google's smart speakers and media players infringed on one of two Sonos patents, reports The Verge, citing the court filing. Jurors said that Google should pay $2.30 for each of the more than 14 million devices sold. New Delhi, June 15 : Designed for urban Indians, a limited-edition Bira91XCrocs Classic Unisex Clog embraces brings together India's top creative minds to celebrate the spirit of creativity. Crocs, Inc., a leader in innovative and casual footwear, is set to launch this exciting, colourful and exclusive collaboration with the Bira91 Merch store on June 17, marking the brand's second collaboration in India. This playful association reinforces Crocs' practice of joining hands with distinctive brands and individuals to celebrate creativity and self-expression. The partnership feeds into the ethos of both brands by inspiring creators to let their imagination run free. Adorned with lively, colourful outlines of Bira91's iconic monkey mascot in its signature colours and set off against a black undertone, the Bira91XCrocs Classic Unisex Clog is inspired by India's youthful energy and fun-loving spirit in mind. Adding elements of personalisation to the clog design, Jibbitz charms are crafted based upon Bira 91's unique symbols, including its widely recognised monkey mascot, its iconic '91' icon representing India's country code and other Bira91 merch store elements. Each pair of Classic Clog will be pre-fitted with six Jibbitz charms. Additionally, as part of the launch, Crocs has joined forces with India's top creative minds for an exciting teaser video. Celebrating the free spirit of the creator community, the video features popular musician, MadStarBose, whose multi-genre hip-hop and bass beats form the background score. Adding to the creative canvas is artist Nori Norbhu's lively illustrations. Also tapping into the rhythm is dancer and choreographer Divya Easwaran, who is joined by popular Indian Hip hop dancer Ben's steps. The artists featured were chosen by Crocs for their individual styles and unique contribution to India's cultural and creative scene. Sumit Dhingra, Vice President and General Manager, Crocs India and SEA talking about the India-exclusive collaboration, said, "At Crocs, every collaboration encourages a spirit of individuality and authenticity. With our second collaboration in India, we wish to contribute to India's creative community with an unique design based upon India's unique and playful personality by working with notable culture creators. The Bira91XCrocs collaboration embodies Bira91's vibrancy and reflects Crocs' commitment to self-expression." Ankur Jain, Founder, and CEO at Bira 91, said, "We are delighted to announce our collaboration with Crocs, a renowned global brand, that shares our brand ethos of being creative, playful, and colourful. With the limited-edition Bira91XCrocs Classic Unisex Clogs, we aim to combine the best of both worlds, and provide consumers with an experience transcends boundaries. At Bira 91, we envision ourselves as a lifestyle brand and have been building a dynamic portfolio of products at the Bira 91 Merch Store. This partnership with Crocs takes us a step closer towards that goal." The product can be pre-booked through a raffle on crocs.in and Bira91 merch store starting on June 15. The Bira 91 X Crocs collaboration will be available on the Crocs official web store beginning June 17. The Bira91 X Crocs Classic Unisex Clogs will be available for sale at Rs 5,995 at select Crocs stores, Superkicks.in, www.crocs.com, Bira91 Merch store and vegnonveg.com. (IANSlife can be contacted at ianslife@ians.in) San Francisco, June 15 : Google has introduced a new 'virtual try-on for apparel' tool which uses generative artificial intelligence (AI) to show users clothes on a wide selection of real models and also provide them the option to select different body types. "Thanks to our new virtual try-on tool on Search, you can see whether a piece is right for you before you buy it," the tech giant said in a blogpost on Wednesday. "Our new generative AI model can take just one clothing image and accurately reflect how it would drape, fold, cling, stretch and form wrinkles and shadows on a diverse set of real models in various poses." Users can select people ranging in sizes XXS-4XL representing different skin tones, body shapes, ethnicities and hair types. Image Source: IANS News The US shoppers can now virtually try on women's tops from brands across Google, including Anthropologie, Everlane, H&M and LOFT. To access the feature, users can tap products with the "Try On" badge on Search and select the model that resonates most with them. Bring the fitting room to your home with our new virtual try-on feature, powered by generative AI, and new filters to find exactly what youre looking for. Learn more. https://t.co/2ptiJKQ6qK Google (@Google) June 14, 2023 The tech giant also announced that US shoppers can now refine products using inputs like colour, style and pattern, thanks to machine learning and new visual matching algorithms. "And unlike shopping in a store, you're not limited to one retailer: You'll see options from stores across the web. You can find this feature, available for tops to start, right within product listings," it added. -- Syndicated from IANS Lucknow, June 15 : Uttar Pradesh forest officials have asked their counterparts in Madhya Pradesh to share inputs from the radio collars attached to the two cheetahs who were reportedly moving towards Lalitpur on Wednesday. The two cheetahs, who strayed out from the Kuno National Park (KNP), are now reportedly returning to the terrains of Madhya Pradesh. "Our staff have been asked to stay alert. Though the latest input stated the cheetahs are reverting, the alert status will remain in place until it is certain that the two large cats are returning to MP," said Mamata Sanjeev Dubey, the chief of the forest force who is also heading the UP forest department. As the news of the cheetahs moving towards UP broke, a virtual meeting of forest officials from several states was held. The UP officials reportedly sought the GPS and radio collar inputs to track the animals' inputs. For now, however, the department has been directed to only track and monitor the cheetahs if they cross into the UP side. Any further decision regarding the matter will be taken by the Cheetah Project Steering Committee. Officials also said UP does not have a cheetah-friendly terrain as the animal needs large grassland to prey and the place they are heading to has a forest. "Feral dogs also pose a threat to the cheetahs," a senior forest official said. Cheetah reintroduction in India is an attempt to introduce a small population of Southeast African cheetahs in India, more than 70 years after the native sub-species became extinct here. It may be noted that this was the second time when cheetahs strayed out of KNP. Earlier, a male cheetah, named Oban/Pawan, was tranquilised, and brought back to the park when it was about to cross over to a forest in Uttar Pradesh. Godda : , June 15 (IANS/ 101 Reporters) Stopping at the village entrance to take photos of a board announcing Taljhari's Scheduled Area status, this reporter is interrupted by a suspicious voice. "Who are you? What do you do?" Martin Tudu, a resident of Taljhari, becomes a bit more comfortable as the conversation progresses, but doubts still seem to cross his mind at times. On being told about our intention to report on the coal project, he says, "My farm will also be acquired for the Rajmahal coal mine expansion. Pulses and other crops in my two bighas (0.5 hectare) of land were ruined during the police action against us." Taljhari in Boarijor block of Godda district in north-eastern Jharkhand is next to the Rajmahal Opencast Coal Project (OCP), a venture of Eastern Coalfields Limited (ECL). To ensure sufficient supply of coal to two power generation units of NTPC Limited, ECL has been trying to expand its operations by acquiring 121.40 hectares from this village for the last few years. However, opposition from the mostly indigenous residents in this part of eastern India has kept the plan on hold since 2018. During a demonstration in August 2022, some residents reportedly held ECL Chairman-cum-Managing Director (CMD) Ambika Prasad Panda and other officials hostage. In January 2023, a violent clash was also reported in Taljhari. This reporter had visited the village a week after the incident, when the villagers were particularly disinclined to speak. They were upset about what they mentioned as one-sided media coverage of the incident. It took a lot of persuasion to get them talking. "ECL tried to acquire land in the Scheduled Area without obtaining permission from our gram sabha (village council). On January 16, we met MLA (member of the Jharkhand Legislative Assembly) Lobin Hembrom and demanded that the acquisition be stopped," says Manvel Hansda. According to him, no land in a Scheduled Area can be acquired by the government without concurrence from the village council. Manvel says ECL officials came to demarcate the land on January 18, but the villagers did not allow them to do so. The next day, the officials returned with police reinforcements, and there was a violent clash with the residents. Recalling the incident, Chandrashekhar Singh, in charge of the local police station in nearby Lalmatia, tells 101Reporters, "The administration is trying to get possession of the land that 22 families in Taljhari have given for coal mining in 2017, in lieu of compensation. Section 144 (which prohibits assembly of over four people at one place) was imposed, but it was violated on January 18. Stones were pelted and arrows were fired from the village the next day." A resident who spoke on the condition of anonymity said in May, "Our village head Pulice Hansda is lodged in jail. He gets bail in one case and comes out but is put back in another." Chandrashekhar says there was more than one criminal case, and bail was given only in one. Some other villagers are still in jail as well. The sense of fear prevailing in the area is quite evident at the home of Marangmoy Tudu, the mukhiya (panchayat head) of Bhodaya panchayat, which has jurisdiction over Taljhari. Her relatives reject the idea of an interview straightaway. "How can she (the mukhiya) speak on this issue? Any discussion is going to affect our relations with many people. She will not speak." Taljhari residents have written multiple letters opposing the mine expansion to the general manager of Rajmahal OCP and Godda deputy commissioner, the senior most local bureaucrat. Copies are available with 101Reporters. They also met Jharkhand Governor C.P. Radhakrishnan when he was in the area on March 23 and submitted a memorandum. According to Manvel, the villagers have sought an appointment with the President as well. "Taljhari houses 160 tribal families. Land is everything for us; it is the basis of our livelihood. If that too is taken away, we will be left with nothing," he says. The Panchayats (Extension to Scheduled Areas) Act (PESA) is not in force in Jharkhand. "Taljhari mauza (a unit of land, usually the area of a village in revenue department records) falls in the Scheduled Area. How can they acquire land without gram sabha's approval? Even those who have been displaced by mining in nearby villages have not been properly rehabilitated," the area's elected representative to the Jharkhand Legislative Assembly (MLA) Lobin Hembrom tells 101Reporters. Police officer Chandrashekhar also says all the 22 families who handed over land to ECL were ostracised. They now live in Mahagama, a town, 14 km from Taljhari. "We cannot even enter our village. People have cut all ties with us. They do not want to talk to us," bemoans Gulab Tudu (28) from one of the ostracised families. "We are yet to get a plot to build a house," complains another. "There is all-round mistrust. Some villagers think I am about to sell my land to ECL, while the police stationed here after the clash will not allow me to enter my own plot. What will I do," asks Sanjhla Hansda, a resident of Taljhari. Roska Murmu is more concerned about water shortage in Taljhari. "Coal mining has been happening around our village for the last six to seven years. All our water sources have dried up in the last three to four years. We have no option but to fetch water from a place located half a kilometre away," he rues. Anita Murmu, head of nearby Lohandia Bazar village panchayat, says, "Mining has affected 90 per cent of the people in our panchayat. The water level has gone down and pollution has gone up. Houses have been destroyed. When we send plans for work under the District Mineral Foundation Trust, only those from influential people are approved. Just think about this - of all the plans we put forth in 2022-23, only one was approved." The coal conundrum Rajmahal is the largest opencast coal project of the ECL, a subsidiary of state-owned Coal India Limited. There are two mines in the Rajmahal project area - Rajmahal and Hura-C. Hura-C started production under the Mine Developer and Operator (MDO) model, wherein ECL will give mining work to a private firm through tenders. ECL pays the firm per tonne of coal mined. Hura-C has the capacity to generate 238,000 tonnes of coal annually, according to ECL officials. Probably by 2024, two more mines -- Simlon and Chuperbhita -- with 1.5 Million Tonne Per Annum (MTPA) capacity each, will start operations in Rajmahal area under the MDO model. Coal from Rajmahal OCP is supplied mainly to NTPC power generating stations in Farakka in West Bengal and Kahalgaon in Bihar. Together, the plants require 60,000 tonnes of coal per day, which means approximately 22 million tonnes (MT) annually. In the 2022-23 fiscal year, Rajmahal OCP produced 5.6 MT of coal. An official speaking on the condition of anonymity said the mine will break even only if the production increases to 6.5 MT per year. "There is a loss of Rs 50 to 60 crore (USD 6.1-7.3 million) in the 2022-23 fiscal. The loss in 2021-22 was Rs 150 crore (USD 18.2 million)." "To make Rajmahal OCP profitable, we need to acquire 33 hectares of additional land every year in the vicinity of the place being mined. This will help us run our operations smoothly," he explains. Rajmahal OCP, which started operations in 1985, is equipped with modern machinery and has the capacity to extract 13 MT per year on its own. By employing three or four firms, it can mine up to the approved capacity of 20.93 MT per year. It has produced a maximum of 17 MT in 2017-18, but non-availability of land has hampered higher production. As per an official document, Rajmahal OCP's revised capacity is 23.80 MT per year. However, the protest in Taljhari has had a serious impact on the operational and financial position of ECL. In a letter to the shareholders in its annual report of 2021-22, ECL CMD Panda says production is likely to be lower by about 10 MT than the target every year due to the Taljhari issue. "Since the production and supplies from Rajmahal area is less, company has no choice but to make alternative arrangements to supply high grade coal from Raniganj Coalfields (in West Bengal) to power sector, which otherwise can fetch much better price in the open market to alleviate the stressed financials of the company," he said in the letter. Asked about the protests, ECL's Rajmahal project general manager Ramesh Chandra Mohapatra tells 101Reporters that people have been misguided. "Now they come to talk to us. Work to acquire land and undertake deep digging for mining are going on...You know how difficult it is to acquire land in Jharkhand." According to a news report, ECL has managed to demarcate and acquire 17 acres (6.88 hectares) of land despite strong opposition. However, an official in Mohapatra's team informs that they have so far acquired 76 acres (30.76 hectares) in Taljhari but need 300 acres (121.41 hectares) more. Rajmahal OCP is currently able to mine only about two-thirds of the area it plans to mine. "If we had possession of the land, we could have extracted 13 MT of coal. We have 1,987 hectares of notified land. We have to do mining in at least 1,400 hectares. However, we are able to operate in only 980 hectares," the official says. 101Reporters has filed an application under the Right To Information (RTI) Act for more details of the ECL plan. A response is awaited. Jharkhand Colliery Mazdoor Union central secretary Mistry Marandi claims the coal company management does not work in a way that instils confidence in people. "If there are four or five siblings in the family, only one will get job in exchange of land... There is mistrust among the villagers regarding their corporate social responsibility work as well." (Rahul Singh is a Jharkhand-based freelance journalist and a member of 101 Reporters, a pan-India network of grassroots reporters) Karachi, June 15 : Pakistan is on the highest alert for disaster management, response, rescue and evacuation measures as the very severe cyclonic storm Biparjoy is set to make landfall on Thursday evening. Authorities have remained on high alert since the past 24 hours as emergency evacuation of thousands of families gains pace. Biparjoy is showing some sings of slowing down in pace and also took an expected curve, moving away from the country's Sindh province's provincial capital Karachi. However, the expected areas to get the first hit of the landfall are Keti Bandar, Badin and Thatta. According to the Pakistan Meteorological Department's (PMD), the expected time for the cyclone landfall along with the wind speed also loosing some pace as it has fallen from 170 km per hour to about 120 to 140 kms per hour. "Cyclone Biparjoy has slowed down but core remains intense. It will not make a landfall before nightfall now," said Climate Change Minister Sherry Rehman. "The cyclone was expected to landfall between Keti Bandar and India's Gujarat by evening," the PMD said. As per the latest update, the cyclone is about 210 km from Karachi, at least 225 km south of Thatta and about 145 km South-southwest of Keti Bandar. Pakistan Army, Rangers and rescue authorities have evacuated over 200,000 people so far. Rehman said that at least 72,000 people have been evacuated in the last 72 hours, adding that there is a possibility of another cyclone during July as well. "The widespread wind-dust/thunderstorm and heavy rain was likely in Sindh's Thatta, Sujawal, Badin, Tharparkar, Mirpurkhas and Umerkot districts from June 15 to 17," a PMD alert said. "Sea conditions along Sindh coast may get very rough/high and rough/very rough along Balochistan coast." While authorities remain on tenterhooks as it braces to witness the landfall of Biparjoy, the estimates of the intensity of the cyclone remains unpredictable and unstable. "Directions of the cyclone were changing every hour. Its landfall period is variable and has moved further between June 15-16. We have at least 17 stations monitoring it," said Rehman. "Biparjoy was the most monitored storm in the world right now." Moreover, amid looming threat of the cyclone, heavy rainfall forecast, flight operations at Karachi, Hyderabad, Nawabshah, Sukkur have been directed to be suspended, if the air pressure crosses the threshold of 30 nautical knots. London, June 15 : A 23 year-old man was charged on Thursday for stabbing Indian student Tejaswini Kontham to death and attempting murder on a second woman in north west London. Keven Antonio Lourenco De Morais, of Neeld Crescent, Wembley, was remanded in custody to appear at Uxbridge Magistrates Court that same day, the Metropolitan Police said. The charges follow police being called to a residential address in Neeld Crescent, Wembley on Tuesday to reports of a stabbing. Officers attended along with the London Ambulance Service and found 27-year-old Tejaswini and another woman, aged 28, suffering from knife injuries. Tejaswini, who had gone to London for higher studies from Hyderabad, died on the scene. The other woman was taken to a hospital with stab injuries "that were later assessed as not life-threatening". Police said that the two other people arrested in connection with the investigation have been released with no further action. "I recognise the significant concern this incident has caused in the community and I would like to reassure the public that a dedicated team of detectives are working to establish what happened," Detective Chief Inspector Linda Bradley had said earlier. Tejaswini had completed her Masters two months ago and was planning to return home. She was sharing a flat in Neeld Crescent with three others including the Brazilian, who had recently moved in. Tejaswini's family has appealed to the Centre, and the Telangana government to help in bringing her mortal remains home. The leadership of the Ukrainian Red Cross Society (URCS) and representatives of the Kherson regional military administration discussed the urgent needs of residents in the flood zone in the region after the Kakhovka hydroelectric power plant was blown up by Russian invaders. According to the URCS official Facebook page, at a meeting on Wednesday, they focused on the importance of strengthening anti-epidemiological measures, including informing the population about the prevention of infectious diseases, as well as the observance of individual and food hygiene in the territory affected by the destruction of the Kakhovka HPP. "A separate issue was the expansion of the coverage area for the activities of the mobile medical teams of the Ukrainian Red Cross Society," the URCS said in a statement. Mobile medical teams of the URCS go to the most remote settlements, where access to medical services is limited, and provide the necessary medical assistance to residents. Bengaluru, June 15 : The Karnataka Examinations Authority (KEA) released the result for the Common Entrance Test (KCET) 2023 on Thursday with 2,03,381 students securing eligibility for Engineering and Technology courses. Releasing the results in a press meet, Dr M.C. Sudhakar, the Higher Education Minister said that 2,44,345 candidates appeared for the test out of the 2,61,610 candidates who had applied. As many as 1,14,565 boys and 1,29,780 girls appeared for the exams conducted at 592 centres across the state. According to the merit list prepared for different courses, 1,64,187 candidates for B.Sc. (Agri) (Farm Science); 1,66,756 candidates for Veterinary; 1,66,746 candidates for Naturopathy & Yoga; 2,06,191 candidates for B.Pharma and 2,06,340 candidates for Pharm-D courses have attained eligibility. A total of 1,66,808 candidates have got eligibility for B.Sc. (Nursing) for which the CET was conducted for the first time based on the guidelines of INC and directions of the government. The results have also been published on KEA Website http://kea.kar.nic.in and candidates can browse and download the subject-wise evaluation reports from the above websites. The Minister said that the assessment of performance has been done based on the revised key answers (prepared by subject experts) hosted on the KEA website. The detailed breakup of eligible rank holders belonging to various categories has also been announced. The rankings for students who have written supplementary exams will be given after the announcement of the results. It has been informed that if the result is withheld/not announced for want of 2nd PUE/ 12th standard marks card/proof of date of birth of any candidate, such candidates have to submit the photocopy of the said document to KEA through email (keauthority-ka@nic) or fax or in person. Thereafter, KEA will publish the result of such candidates. It has also been clarified that awarding of rank does not confirm the right of a candidate to select the seat until the original documents are verified., In the event of any applicants ranking not appeared in the ranking list, the candidate can search for his/her name in the search list. In the case of CBSE candidates, they may forward their marks sheet to KEA through e-mail following which spot rank will be announced. For admission to Medical / Dental courses and ISM & Homeopathy (except Naturopathy and Yoga) courses, UGNEET-2023 ranking will be considered and for Architecture course NATA scores will be considered. Hence, further updates about this will be published on the KEA website after the announcement of NEET / NATA results. Minister Sudhakar said that there is confusion about fees for engineering courses and the decision taken by the prior government to increase the fees by 10 per cent will remain unaltered. Sudhakar stated that a total of 1.1 lakh seats are available for engineering courses for the current year and out of which 53,248 seats will be allotted under the government quota. He added, 25,171 seats will be available through COMED-K and 33,463 seats will be available under the management quota. To facilitate candidates who have passed Class 12 from CBSE, CISCE, 10+2, IGCSE, other boards and candidates who have passed Karnataka 2nd PUC / 12th standard before 2023, the KEAA has provided the last opportunity. They need to enter their marks before 5.00 p.m. on June 17 by using the KEA link https://cetonline.Karnataka.gov.in/marksentry2023/forms/login.aspx and enter marks scored in Physics, Chemistry, Maths, Biology and English subjects, the official release stated. Umashankar, ACS, Department of higher education, S.Ramya, ED, KEA were present. Panaji, June 15 : The opposition parties in Goa on Thursday boycotted the keynote address of Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla over 'Viksit Bharat 2047: Role of Elected Representatives' in the Assembly. Speaking to media persons, the Leader of the Opposition Yuri Alemao said that the ruling party should not take opposition for granted. "We disassociated ourselves from attending this function because MLAs were not taken into confidence. It is a democratic process. Opposition plays an important role and we cannot be taken for granted," Alemao said. He said that Congress leader Rahul Gandhi was also treated the same way and disqualified after the High Court judgment. "No justice was given to him. Within a day, he was disqualified. This is a dictatorship. We condemn this... and hence we boycotted," he said. He alleged that BJP is trying to stifle the voice of opposition and keep on curtailing the assembly sessions. AAP MLA Venzy Viegas said that they boycotted because the government failed to give justice to wrestlers and for churches that are burnt in Manipur. "We also boycotted because assurances given by ministers have never been fulfilled," he said. Venzy Viegas, during the candle light protests in South Goa had demanded action against Wrestling Federation of India (WFI) President Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh, who has been accused of sexually harassing young grapplers, including a minor. There are seven opposition MLAs in the 40-member Assembly, consisting three of Congress, two of AAP, one each of Goa Forward and Revolutionary Goans Party. Islamabad, June 15 : Amid the growing global rivalry between the US and China, Pakistan's Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, Hina Rabbani Khar, has said that her country is not interested in picking sides between the two powers since it has always been on good terms with both, media reports said. Instead, Khar told a news outlet that Islamabad is apprehensive about the fallout of an all-out rupture between the US and China, The News reported. In such an instance, Pakistan would face an unfavourable strategic choice. "We are highly threatened by this notion of splitting the world into two blocs," Khar said, The News reported. She added that the country is very much concerned about this decoupling or anything that splits the world further. "We have a history of being in a close, collaborative mode with the US. We have no intention of leaving that. Pakistan also has the reality of being in a close, collaborative mode with China, and until China suddenly came to everyone's threat perception, that was always the case," she said. Front-line states closely watch Pakistan in the contest for strategic influence in Asia. Over the years, as Washington's cooperation with India has increased, Pakistan has gotten closer to China - especially after the latter's investment in the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC). However, Washington is still a significant military partner for Pakistan, while Beijing has recently pledged to deepen economic investment and military cooperation with the country, The News reported. In April this year, Khar had made headlines when the Washington Post leaked records - termed 'Discord Leaks' - of a discussion between her and Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif surfaced. As per the leaked documents, Khar said that Pakistan should avoid appeasing the West and that its desire to maintain a strategic partnership with the US would sacrifice the full benefits of its original strategic partnership with the long-term friendly nation China, The News reported. Godda : , June 15 (IANS/ 101 Reporters) Eastern Coalfields Limited (ECL), an undertaking of the government, has been facing opposition over its Rajmahal Opencast Coal Project (OCP) in Godda district of Jharkhand for the last six years. At the centre of the protest is Taljhari, where farmers see their lands as their only sources of livelihood. Production at Rajmahal OCP has been badly affected due to the protests and the company is facing immense pressure to supply more coal to the power stations of NTPC Limited. Lack of production has also impacted ECL's finances. The protest reached its peak in the second half of January this year when the ECL management and Godda district administration faced strong resistance from the villagers despite heavy police presence. The residents claim their village falls in the Scheduled Area, but ECL has a different point of view. "We acquire land under the Coal Bearing Areas (CBA) Act. How does the PESA apply here," asks Ramesh Chandra Mohapatra, General Manager of Rajmahal project of Eastern Coalfields Limited (ECL). Delayed implementation of the Panchayats (Extension to Scheduled Areas) Act (PESA), 1996, in Jharkhand is working against the indigenous residents of Taljhari, where ECL has been trying to acquire land to expand its mining operations. Being a Scheduled Area due to its indigenous-majority population, Taljhari should have come under PESA, which bestows absolute powers upon gram sabhas (village councils) on several administrative matters, including land acquisition. However, since PESA is still not being implemented in Jharkhand, 27 years after the law was passed by India's Parliament, residents cannot access the benefits of the law. In March 2023, the government informed the state legislative assembly that the process to implement the law would be completed soon. "Twenty-seven years have passed since the enactment of PESA. Yet, consecutive governments in Jharkhand have not attempted to frame rules for its implementation. Had the act been in place, gram sabha's approval would have been mandatory for all kinds of land acquisition - be it for central, state or corporate projects," tribal rights activist Dayamani Barla tells 101Reporters. She claims the scope of land acquisition would have reduced by at least 50 per cent and that people in Taljhari would not have been struggling the way they do if PESA was in force. Social activist Emil Walter Kandulna, who had approached the Jharkhand High Court in 2021 seeking implementation of PESA, agrees. Asked about the delays, Kandulna tells 101Reporters that the state government "fears losing control over mining activities once PESA comes into force." However, even PESA provisions are ambiguous when it comes to mining. The act stipulates that "prior recommendation of the gram sabha or panchayats at the appropriate level shall be made mandatory for grant of concession for the exploitation of minor minerals by auction." But there are no clear provisions regarding major minerals such as coal anywhere in the PESA gazette notification. That is why ECL official Mohapatra says the Coal Bearing Areas (Acquisition and Development) Act, 1957, takes precedence when it comes to acquiring land for mining. The CBA Act does not seek prior and informed consent of the project-affected communities or individuals. It imposes the government's will. Under Section 4(1), the Central government can take the first step for land acquisition by declaring its intention through an official notification in the government gazette. Once the declaration is published, the government will have absolute rights over those lands. Even if the acquisitions were for other development projects of the government, the laws would have been of no help to the residents of Taljhari. The Land Acquisition, Rehabilitation and Resettlement (LARR) Act, 2013, which is activated in such cases, calls for the consent of 80 per cent owners for land acquisition for private projects. For public-private partnership projects, it is 70 per cent. However, for government projects, no such consent is required. So, are there no specific laws to regulate outside interference in indigenous-majority areas? There are. Provisions of PESA have been embedded in the Panchayati Raj (village self-governance) system in the Scheduled Areas of Jharkhand. But they are vague and improperly implemented. In contrast, the provisions of the CBA Act give total power to coal ventures to acquire land. Even the LARR Act is a powerful tool. Therefore, irrespective of the rules and regulations offering protection to tribals or Scheduled Areas, other well-grounded laws supersede them. Ground realities The authorities at present are trying to complete all formalities in Taljhari in accordance with the special powers applicable in Scheduled Areas under the Fifth Schedule of the Indian Constitution, which makes it mandatory to get clearances from the village council. A meeting of the council was organised in Taljhari on May 2, 2023 to prepare genealogies of residents to confirm land ownerships. "Land will be acquired in a legal manner. We are preparing a genetic table to complete the formalities," says Mahagama sub-divisional officer Sourav Kumar Bhuvaniya, without divulging whether gram sabha's approval was mandatory for land acquisition. He admits that a law and order problem exists in Taljhari, which the administration is trying to address. "We will complete the process as per the best method available under the law," Bhuvaniya asserts. On being asked whether the gram sabha procedure for land acquisition was completed, the senior most local bureaucrat, Godda deputy commissioner Jishan Qamar, did not respond. Genealogy preparation has hit a rough patch. Many villagers complain about mistakes. "This exercise was taken up several times, after issuing notices to the gram sabha. But the villagers simply do not cooperate," says an official, speaking on the condition of anonymity. Residents fear that cooperating with any procedure related to land acquisition can put them in harm's way. They think the authorities will produce a document suggesting that the gram sabha has approved the project, and then they will not have any legal standing to take their case forward. For the same reason, the villagers had in 2018 passed a gram sabha resolution not to provide land for coal mining and had sent a copy to the district administration. According to Lakhan Lal Mahto, general secretary of United Coal Workers' Union, affiliated to the All India Trade Union Congress, coal mining activities in Scheduled Areas have been relatively low in Jharkhand so far. "The conflict situation in Godda district is due to the entry of the coal company into the Scheduled Area." ECL had set a target of rehabilitating Taljhari villagers for its mining project expansion in 2021-22 but had failed. To scale up its operations and generate more revenue to offset back-to-back losses, the company is working on a strategy of operationalising discontinued/abandoned mines through a revenue-sharing model and offering more mines to private firms under the Mine Developer and Operator model. ECL is trying to acquire land by offering jobs, land to build houses and compensation to Taljhari residents. An official with the Rajmahal project said that 22 people from 22 families that gave land for coal mining have received government jobs and the process of appointment is going on, while some people are also working on contract basis. For every two acres (0.8 hectares) of land provided, ECL employs a member of that family. In addition, five decimals (0.0202 hectares) of land will be given for building a house. For houses located on the acquired land, compensation will be paid according to a schedule of rates by the Central Public Works Department. For agricultural lands, compensation is as per the registry rate of the village, a minimum rate set by the government for a piece of land. But instead of compensation, residents want rules that can block land acquisition sans consent. That will require an answer to the complex question - what is stronger in law, the CBA Act or the special provisions for Scheduled Areas? Taljhari residents' struggle to stay put will continue till this question is answered. (Rahul Singh is a Jharkhand-based freelance journalist and a member of 101 Reporters, a pan-India network of grassroots reporters) New Delhi, June 15 : Congress General Secretary Priyanka Gandhi Vadra on Thursday said the situation in violence-hit Manipur was distressing and slammed the BJP-led Centre, saying it was not taking immediate measures to ensure safety of people. In a tweet, Priyanka Gandhi said, "The situation in Manipur is very distressing, and it is deeply disheartening to see that the Central government is not taking immediate measures to ensure the safety of the people of Manipur and the restoration of peace." Her remarks came after the reports of fresh violence in the northeastern state, which has been on boil since May 3 this year. Over 100 people have died and thousands have been displaced and forced to live in over 349 relief camps in the state. On Wednesday, in a fresh incident of violence, assailants burnt the official residence of Manipur's Industry Minister Nemcha Kipgen in the Lamphel area in Imphal West district. Kipgen, the lone woman minister in the state, was not at home when the attackers burnt down her official bungalow. At least 11 people were killed and 23 others injured after suspected militants attacked the Khamelock village in Imphal East district late on Tuesday night. Officials said the death toll is likely to increase as several of the injured are said to be critical. New Delhi, June 15 : The Aam Aadmi Party on Thursday launched another attack on Prime Minister Narendra Modi, accusing him of sheltering his "friends". It said that the PM often says AAP is giving freebies to people, but what about the freebies the PM gave to his friends? "It is up to the public to decide whether giving welfare schemes to the people of the country is a 'freebie' or if the loans waived off by PM Modi for big industrialists are freebies. It is on record that PM Modi has forgiven his friends much more money than the amount spent on free electricity, water, and bus travel," said Health Minister Saurabh Bhardwaj. He said that if the opposition parties do not fight unitedly, it may also happen that there will not be any further elections. "If Modi becomes PM again, BJP people will dismantle the Constitution and claim that as long as Modi is alive, he will be the PM," Bhardwaj said. Bhardwaj added that the Indian National Congress was facing leadership issues. "Not only is there a leadership crisis in the Congress, but there is also a crisis of ideas. Its connection with the people has ended. The oldest party in the country has started stealing ideas and manifestos from the newest party in the country (AAP). The word 'Guarantee' has also been copied from us," he said. He said the Congress copied the ideas of the AAP everywhere, be it in Himachal Pradesh or Rajasthan. The Congress opposed the AAP's free bus rides for women, but now they have implemented the scheme in Karnataka and Himachal. Priyanka Kakkar, AAP spokesperson, said that to fulfil their poll promises, the Congress in Karnataka was diverting funds from other projects. The AAP said that in 2015 and 2020, the Congress couldn't secure a single seat. The AAP won't contest elections in Rajasthan and Madhya Pradesh if the Congress assures it that it won't contest elections in Delhi and Punjab. Mumbai, June 15 : After two days of anxiety over sharing advertising space in the media, Maharashtra Chief Minister Eknath Shinde and Deputy Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis on Thursday 'shared' a helicopter ride. The duo hopped into the same chopper for a function in Palghar and even returned in the same way this afternoon to Mumbai, said officials. The helicopter took off from Mumbai, dropped them at Palghar, barely 30-minutes flight, they landed and attended a government event and then returned by the same chopper a few hours later. This was in stark contrast to the past two days after the ruling Shiv Sena's 'ad-blitzkrieg' that created many heartburns in the ally Bharatiya Janata Party. For a couple of days, an apparently peeved Fadnavis even avoided sharing the dais with the CM for certain events, though the official reason cited was he suffered from an ear infection. Today, things were quite hunky-dory, the duo sat beside each other, smiling, exchanging notes and jokes, and even praising each other, and the political situation was turning normal. "Our friendship with Fadnavis is very old. It's like 'Jay-Veeru' or 'Dharam-Veer', a strong 'Fevicol Bond' and will never snap. He has done a lot for the state and we shall continue working together," said Shinde. "We have been working with Shinde for the past 25 years. The (Shiv Sena-BJP) alliance government is in power now, and will continue working together even tomorrow. One stray advertisement or statement does not affect our relations," declared Fadnavis. BJP MP Kapil M. Patil said that the Shiv Sena-BJP alliance is like the LIC - for this life and even after life. Both Shinde-Fadnavis also took the opportunity to take potshots at the previous Maha Vikas Aghadi CM Uddhav Thackeray, saying they were a 'hands-on regime' and not a 'Facebook live' government. Imphal, June 15 : As ethnic violence continues in Manipur for a month and a half now, 15 organisations of various communities have submitted a memorandum to the United Nations and various international agencies seeking their help to end the ongoing crisis in the northeastern state. The Manipur-based 15 organisations, in their joint memorandum, called for urgent attention on the issue of hunger, poverty, militarisation, partisan role of the central security forces, and violation of the ground rules of tripartite Suspension of Operation (SoO) agreement by the Kuki militants. They submitted the memorandum to the Secretary General, United Nations, International Committee of the Red Cross, Geneva, Under Secretary-General, Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR), UN Civil Society Section, Amnesty International and ICRC, India Chapter and United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime, Asia. A spokesman of the All Manipur United Clubs' Organisation (AMUCO), one of the 15 organisations, said that they underscored the breach of inter-community ties and peace in Manipur and in the northeastern region due to the evident involvement of foreign Chin-Kuki-Mizo (Myanmarese) mercenaries in inciting ethnic violence in Manipur. Unbiased international attention and intervention is the need of the hour in accordance with the established International Humanitarian Laws, he claimed. The memorandum drew the attention of the UN and other bodies to the issues of human rights violations and the blockade of Imphal-Dimapur National Highway, which is the lifeline of Manipur, by the Kuki militant groups and their supporting organisations. The AMUCO spokesman said that the issue of drug cartels and its ever-expanding financing network in the social and political life of the northeast region and India-Myanmar borderland has been placed before the UN. Cross-border insidious economic activities like human trafficking, poppy cultivation, deforestation, illegal immigration, ecological issues, and space politics complicated the state's situation, the memorandum said. "The democratic participation of Nagas, Meiteis, Kukis and Pangals (Manipur Muslims) in the independent constitutional and modern state making process in Manipur has been highlighted to acquaint the UN with the fraternal political history of Manipur," the memorandum said. It stresses on the inter-connected topography of Manipur as it apprises the international community to know that the small Manipur Valley is home to nearly 60 per cent of state's population which warrants for envisioning of a democratic and just land laws. Highlighting the issue of demography and geo-politics, the memorandum cites the issue of the influx of foreigners, inability on the part of the Centre to implement National Register of Citizens (NRC) and Zo exclusive greater homeland territorial project as among the key concerns that is to prove inimical to ethnic harmony, integrity, and peace in Manipur. The memorandum urged to ensure, act responsibly and to provide adequate security measures in vulnerable and sensitive areas so that the communities displaced can return to their original settlement areas. Besides the AMUCO, the 15 organisations include the Committee on Human Rights (COHR), National Research Centre (NRC), Porei Leimarol Meirapaibi Apunba Lup Manipur (PLMPAM), Indigenous People's Forum (IPF), All Manipur Women's Voluntary Association (AMAWOVA), Irabot Foundation Manipur (IFM), Manipur Students' Federation (MSF), All Manipur Ethnical Socio Cultural Organisation (AMESCO), and the All Manipur Meitei Pangal Clubs Organisation (AMMPCO). Kolkata, June 15 : An All India Secular Front (AISF) candidate, Mohammad Mohiuddin Molla, was shot dead on Thursday in West Bengal's South 24 Parganas district when he arrived at the block development office to file his nomination for the Panchayat polls, an official said. This was the second death on the same day over nomination-related violence. Earlier on Tuesday, CPI-M activist Mansur Ali was killed in cross-firing at Chopra in West Bengal's North Dinajpur district. This is the third death over nominations in West Bengal since the polling dates were announced on June 8. On June 9, a Congress worker, Phoolchand Sheikh, was killed at Khargram in Murshidabad district. On Thursday afternoon, Molla was shot dead within the premises of the block development office at Bhangar-II block. He died on the spot. Following the incident, severe clashes broke out throughout the area between the Trinamool Congress and the AISF supporters. There was severe brick-batting and crude bombs were hurled one after another, turning the entire area into a virtual battlefield. Naushad Siddique, the lone AISF representative in the West Bengal assembly, alleged that the police contingent present there "did not react" while the ruling party activists attacked the AISF candidate and those associated with him. West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee has, however, denied the allegations. New Delhi, June 15 : The police in China are keeping up their harassment of prominent rights lawyers, putting pressure on recently-evicted Wang Quanzhang and his family, slapping a travel ban on Li Heping and his family, while denying rights attorney Xie Yang a phone call with his ailing father, a media report said. A police officer from the Beijing suburb of Changping pushed his way into the Wang family home on Wednesday, refusing to show ID and demanding to read the couple's lease agreement, according to a video clip posted by Wang's wife Li Wenzu on Twitter, RFA reported. The renewed harassment is the latest in a slew of "stability maintenance" actions by Beijing police and other Chinese officials, who have targeted the families of prominent rights attorneys and other activists, who were previously jailed in a 2015 crackdown on rights lawyers and public interest law firms, the report said. Meanwhile, the family of Li Heping is now banned from leaving China, after their landlord smashed a window at their rented apartment in a bid to get them to leave last month, RFA reported. The police at Chengdu's international airport prevented the family from boarding a flight to Thailand last week, as Li and his wife Wang Qiaoling are considered to be "danger to national security". And a court in the central city of Changsha recently denied detained rights lawyer Xie Yang a video meeting with his ailing 90-year-old father, who is terminally ill with Covid-19, RFA reported. The innovative rehabilitation centre for wounded Ukrainian soldiers has opened in the Dnipro region under the umbrella of the RECOVERY national network. This is the fifth rehabilitation centre of the RECOVERY project being implemented by Victor and Olena Pinchuk. Created on the site of a state medical institution, this centre will provide quality and free rehabilitation care to more than 1,700 Ukrainian defenders every year. Rehabilitation centres of the RECOVERY national network are already operating in Vinnytsia, Dnipro, Kyiv, and Odesa. This year, 10 from the 12 RECOVERY centres will open across Ukraine, enabling soldiers from different regions to have rehabilitation closer to home, near their families. The centre in the Dnipro region has 20 full-featured double wards with 40 beds, bathrooms and amenities in line with inclusion standards, as well as physical rehabilitation and physiotherapy facilities. The wards have multifunctional electric beds and furniture to ensure comfort for the low-mobility patients. The innovative equipment and a multidisciplinary rehabilitation team will help military patients recover effectively to the highest international rehabilitation standards. The simulators and rehabilitation facilities of the centre cover the entire spectrum of functional disorders, including those caused by mine injuries, and help restore walking, as well as lost functions of the upper and lower limbs at a high technological level. "The equipment is designed to improve the rehabilitation of our patients, make it easier, and encourage them to recover. They are very excited, everything is computerised, in the form of a game, everything is new. At the same time, we have good results: joints are well developed, and we help patients restore normal walking gait and return our defenders back to a healthy life. Each device is one-of-a-kind and can be used to treat different injuries," said Anna Oleksenko, head of the medical rehabilitation department at the RECOVERY Centre. The RECOVERY project's mission is to help our wounded soldiers and develop the rehabilitation sector in Ukraine. This includes building a national network of rehabilitation centres for severely wounded soldiers, running international training programmes for rehabilitation specialists, providing sophisticated prosthetic care to soldiers abroad where this is not possible to do it in the country, and ensuring quality rehabilitation of soldiers in private partner clinics. Now all Ukrainians are striving to contribute to the victory. We have many frontlines, with our main line being where our defenders are fighting for our independence. The medical and humanitarian effort is another important frontline where medics are also fighting in their trenches. My wife Olena and I have decided that rehabilitation is a focus areas for us, and we want to work consistently on the recovery of our heroes and heroines that's why we launched the RECOVERY project. Thanks to its geographical location and advanced medicine, Dnipro has become the fundamental and strategic medical hub in the wartime. More than 1,700 heroes and heroines will be able to undergo rehabilitation at the RECOVERY centre every year. It is an inclusive facility made in line with all international standards, so that our military can have high-quality rehabilitation in case of injury," said RECOVERY project founder Victor Pinchuk. Among the first patients of the RECOVERY rehabilitation centre in Dnipropetrovsk Region are wounded Ukrainian heroes and heroines who have the opportunity to have quality rehabilitation using the centre's state-of-the-art equipment. "This is truly a very high level. I have been here for rehabilitation for some time now, and Id like to say that there is a result. I notice progress after every exercise and treatment. The doctors are very attentive and professional, which also contributes greatly to the recovery," revealed a RECOVERY Centre's patient. Four new innovative rehabilitation centres for wounded soldiers of the RECOVERY national network in Vinnytsia, Kyiv, Odesa and Dnipro are already helping soldiers recover from their injuries, using the latest technologies and equipment. In 2023, the national network will launch ten RECOVERY innovative rehabilitation centre on sites of state hospitals in Vinnytsia, Dnipropetrovsk (two centres), Kyiv, Lviv, Odesa (two centres), Rivne, Khmelnytsky, and Cherkasy Oblasts. Every year more than 11,000 patients will be able to benefit from the rehabilitation assistance at RECOVERY centres. Photos from the opening of the Recovery centre in Dnipro region: New Delhi, June 15 : India's exports fell 10.3 per cent year-on-year basis to $34.98 billion in May this year, according to commerce ministry data released on Thursday. Imports also slid 6.6 per cent to $57.1 billion against $61.13 billion during the corresponding period of last year. As a result, the trade deficit rose to a five-month high of $22.1 billion. India has been consistently witnessing trade deficit for many years now. It occurs mainly due to high demand for crude oil, gold and electronic goods, which form a main chunk of India's import basket. Also the country's domestic manufacturing sector has failed to compete globally, which has led to a growing dependence on imported goods. Commerce secretary Sunil Barthwal said that headwinds still continue on the global trade front. He further informed that an exports strategy focussing on 40 countries is being worked upon by both the departments of commerce and promotion for industry and internal trade. Chennai, June 15 : The Madras High Court on Thursday allowed arrested Tamil Nadu Minister Senthil Balaji to be shifted to a private hospital from a government multi-specialty hospital where he is in judicial custody. The Minister and his family had moved the court to shift him to Kaveri hospital from the present Omandarur government hospital. A division bench of Justices Nisha Banu and Bharat Chakravarthy also considered the medical report of the minister from the government multi-specialty hospital. It, however, allowed the Enforcement Directorate to examine the minister using an expert medical board on his complaint about a heart ailment. Balaji, who held the portfolios of Electricity, Excise, and Prohibition, was arrested early on Wednesday by the Enforcement Directorate. The arrest had created ripples in Tamil Nadu with the DMK leadership including Chief Minister M.K. Stalin strongly condemning the arrest and directly challenging the BJP government at the centre. The division bench said that the case would again be heard on June 22. Chennai, June 15 : The Tamil Nadu Health Department has commenced counselling for students who have not cleared the National Eligibility Cum Entrance Test (NEET), the results of which were announced a couple of days before. State Health Minister Ma Subramanian, in a statement, said that of the 1.44 lakh students who have appeared for the NEET in Tamil Nadu, 54 per cent have cleared the exam and his department have collated the details of 65,823 students who have not cleared the examination. Counsellors from helpline '104' and 'TeleMANAS 14416' will reach out to the students who need counselling, he said, adding that the counsellors will speak to the students through helplines and if necessary to the parents of these students. Counsellors have started speaking to students who have taken the NEET since May and had managed to speak to 54,374 students. The minister said that of these 54,374 students to whom the counsellors have reached out to, 177 were high risk. "These 177 students were struggling with their mental health and counsellors are regularly speaking to them. District level counsellors have visited their homes to address their concerns." The minister also said that Tamil Nadu continues to strongly oppose NEET and added that the state government had opposed the proposed move of the Medical Counselling Committee (MCC) to hold common counselling. Ma Subramanian said that the NEET would gravely affect the 7.5 per cent reservation in medical admissions for students from government schools and marginalised backgrounds. Meanwhile, the Health Minister lauded J. Prabanjan from Tamil Nadu who topped the NEET rank list. The minister also congratulated three other students who have reached the first ten positions in the NEET at the all India level. Kolkata, June 15 : The Calcutta High Court on Thursday has reserved its order on the review petition filed by the West Bengal State Election Commission against an earlier order by a division bench regarding deployment of central armed forces in seven sensitive districts during the forthcoming panchayat polls. During the prolonged hearing in the matter by a division bench of Chief Justice T.S. Sivagnanam and Justice Hiranmay Bhattacharya, the Chief Justice expressed ire over the lack of necessary security arrangements resulting in continuing clashes and violence in different pockets in West Bengal during the nomination phase. At one point of time, he even warned of passing an order for deployment of central armed forces throughout the state for the rural civic body polls. He expressed ire when counsel of the commission informed the court that the commission is yet to identify the sensitive booths in the state. The state government's counsel and Trinamool Congress Lok Sabha member Kalyan Bandopadhyay urged the court not to pass any order that will benefit some political parties. "We have arranged for police from other states. We have requested the state governments of Bihar, Jharkhand, Odisha, Punjab and Tamil Nadu to send their forces to the state for the panchayat polls. There is no guarantee that deployment of central forces will be enough to infuse confidence in people," Bandopadhyay said. Chief Justice Sivagnanam also advised the counsel of the state government and the commission that if they are not satisfied with the earlier order on deployment of central armed forces, they have the right to approach a higher court on this count. "You have the scope for appearing at a higher court. But if you create a situation so that my order is not implemented I cannot just remain silent. Section 144 has been implemented at different places. The police should strictly enforce that," he said. Finally, after hearing all sides, the division bench reserved its order. --IANS src/vd A A New Delhi, June 15 : Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann on Thursday urged Union Housing and Development Minister Hardeep Puri to include SAS Nagar (Mohali) in the Smart City project for its inclusive development. The Chief Minister, who called on Puri here, underscored the need to develop Mohali as Smart City. He apprised the Union Minister that Mohali is part of tri-city comprising Chandigarh, Mohali and Panchkula due to which this city holds immense significance. Mann said most of the departments of the state government have their head offices in this city due to which it is imperative to give further fillip to its growth and it is the need of hour to include this city in the Smart City Project for further holistic and planned growth. Mohali and its adjoining municipal committees like Zirakpur, Kharar, Derabassi, and Kurali have witnessed immense growth with the international airport and the presence of educational institutes, townships and industries. Mann said the area needs special funding to support planned growth and infrastructure development. Flagging another issue, the Chief Minister requested the restoration of the same ratio of funds under AMRUT 2.0 as was earlier in AMRUT 1. He said under AMRUT 1.0. the Centre and the state share was 50:50 for towns in one lakh to 10 lakh population category whereas under AMRUT 2.0, the Centre and the state share has been revised to 33:67 for the towns under the same population category, adding for million-plus cities like Ludhiana and Amritsar, the ratio was 33:67 (the Centre and the state share) and under AMRUT 2.0, it is 75:25. Mann said as these towns are rapidly expanding they need continuous infrastructure development for which the old share ratio must be restored. Mumbai, June 15 : Continuing its probe into the death threats to Shiv Sena (UBT) MP Sanjay Raut and his MLA brother Sunil Raut, the Mumbai Police made a fifth arrest of a political activist here on Thursday. He has been identified as Mayur Shinde -- reportedly close to the Raut brothers -- and has been remanded to police custody till Monday. Shinde has posted photos and videos with Sunil Raut also, though the motives behind the death threat calls are not clear yet. After lodging the FIR at Kanjurmarg Police Station, the police nabbed four persons last week, followed by Shinde's arrest on Thursday, five days after the Raut brothers got the telephonic death threats. Bharatiya Janata Party MLA Nitesh N. Rane took to social media to highlight Shinde's arrest and alleged that it was trumped up to spoil the reputation of Deputy Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis. "This is Mayur Shinde who has apparently been arrested by Mumbai Police for giving death threats to Shree 420 and his brother Mini 420! The call recording that was played in the media was between Sunil Raut and his own Mayur Shinde! Golmaal Gang!" said Rane, son of Union MSME Minister Narayan Rane. After the telephonic call threatening to spray the siblings with bullets after a month, Sanjay Raut had urged the state government to take the threats seriously and order a probe. The Opposition Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA) allies Shiv Sena(UBT), Congress and Nationalist Congress Party had slammed the state government for failing to take cognisance of such threats, though Fadnavis had said the police are investigating the matter and the guilty would not be spared. Chandigarh, June 15 : Former Haryana Chief Minister Bhupinder Hooda on Thursday said the state government is forcibly giving solar pump connections to 20,000 farmers who applied for 10 BHP electric tubewell connections. "Giving solar pumps has led to widespread anger among farmers as they are not effective in many areas. Farmers will remain deprived of irrigation, especially in winter. Not only this, the government has also imposed a condition on farmers to adopt micro-irrigation system in areas with groundwater below 30 metres, which is completely illegal," the Congress leader said. "We, along with farmers, demand instead of imposing new rules on the farmers, they should be given options," he said. The Leader of Opposition said 40,000 farmers have deposited the entire amount for the connection with the government. "There are so many more farmers who have applied for the connection, but from the very first day, the government is making excuses." Hooda reminded the BJP-JJP government that during the Congress stint 1.74 lakh tubewell connections were given to farmers without any waiting period. He said the government has no moral right to talk about groundwater conservation as the government had closed the Dadupur Nalvi canal, spread across 125 villages of Yamunanagar, Ambala and Kurukshetra districts. "Not only this the Congress during its tenure encouraged the farmers to do drip irrigation for groundwater conservation. To encourage them, they were given subsidy of up to 100 per cent on drip irrigation, but now the farmers are not getting the benefit of the scheme," he added. Hooda said the policies of the government have always been against the farmers and the common man and that is why the government "doesn't want to give any kind of relief to them". "The Congress government had waived the electricity bills of Rs 1,600 crore of the farmers and the common man. Along with this, farmers' loans of Rs 2,136 crore were waived off, but the present government has never given a single paisa relief to any section," he pointed out. London, June 15 : Even as the UK government attempts to prepare for new pandemics, the country's scientists have warned about a new 'deadly virus' that kills nearly every second patient. The government's Science, Innovation and Technology Committee was informed of a "highly likely" arrival of Crimean-Congo haemorrhagic fever (CCHF) due to climate change, the Mirror reported. According to the World Health Organisation (WHO), CCHF has a mortality rate of up to 40 per cent and is difficult to prevent or treat as it spreads by ticks or animal tissue. It is also on the WHO's list of "priority" diseases, and it's found in eastern Europe and now France. The scientists noted that CCHF infections may not be picked up by doctors in the NHS, as previously they hadn't been expected, the scientists informed the Committee. Prof James Wood, head of veterinary medicine at Cambridge University, told the committee that it was "highly likely" that CCHF would reach the UK at some point but it is difficult to know which viruses will arrive and when, the report said. "We don't know what is going to arrive until it does. "Some tick-borne infections, so Crimean-Congo haemorrhagic fever, are highly likely to spread in the UK through our ticks at some point," he was quoted as saying. Further, the scientists noted that warmer weather in the UK will also pave the way for other diseases including Rift Valley fever, which has a severe strain that is deadly for humans, Zika, and abreakbone' fever. There was a "slow march north" of diseases, Professor Bryan Charleston, Director of the Pirbright Institute, was quoted as saying. According to Professor Sir Peter Horby, Director of the Pandemic Sciences Institute at Oxford University, climate change was mixing up the map of where to find certain illnesses. "Dengue, which is classically a South American, South East Asian disease and is hyperendemic in those countries (has) spread North, you're now seeing transmission in the Mediterranean,"he said. Los Angeles, June 15 : Actor Kevin Spacey is feeling optimistic about making a career comeback if he's cleared of the sexual assault allegations brought against him in London. In a recent interview, the House of Cards alum said that he has people interested in working with him, reports Deadline. "I know that there are people right now who are ready to hire me the moment I am cleared of these charges in London. The second that happens, they're ready to move forward," Spacey told ZEITmagazin. Space also said that "it's a time in which a lot of people are very afraid that if they support me, they will be cancelled." As per Deadline, the actor made an appearance in court last month via video where it was confirmed that the trial would begin on June 28. Spacey had previously pleaded not guilty to 12 charges relating to alleged offences against four men, which are said to have taken place between 2001 and 2013. Last July, Spacey denied five of those charges relating to four counts of sexual assault and one allegation to engage in a sexual activity without consent. In January, the actor denied seven additional offence charges. Deadline further states that Spacey is hoping that the trial goes in the same direction as the Anthony Rapp case in which he accused the American Beauty actor of sexual misconduct. "The moment scrutiny is applied, these things fall apart," Spacey told ZEITmagazin. "That's what happened in the Rapp trial, and that's what will happen in this case." Spacey was found not liable in the $40M lawsuit. A higher power magnification image shows the structure and density of SARS-CoV-2 virions (red) produced by human airway epithelia. (Photo: Ehre Lab, UNC School of Medicine) Image Source: IANS News New York, June 15 : The SARS-CoV-2 virus, which caused the deadly Covid-19 pandemic, first infected three scientists working at China's infamous Wuhan Institute of Virology (WIV), according to a new report that strengthens the theory of a lab-leak. "Patients zero" included Ben Hu, Ping Yu and Yan Zhu -- the scientists working on the controversial "gain-of-function" research on SARS-like viruses at the WIV, according to an investigation published on the Substack newsletter Public and Racket. It was previously noted that some WIV scientists had developed Covid-19-like illnesses in November 2019, but their identities were not known. "Ben Hu is essentially the next Shi Zhengli," Alina Chan, a molecular biologist at the Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard, was quoted as saying. Shi is popularly known as "the bat woman of China," and led the gain-of-function research at the WIV. "Hu was her star pupil. He had been making chimeric SARS-like viruses and testing these in humanised mice. If I had to guess who would be doing this risky virus research and most at risk of getting accidentally infected, it would be him," Chan added. Together, Hu and Yu researched the novel lineage of SARS-like viruses from which SARS-CoV-2 hails. According to Jamie Metzl, a former member of the World Health Organisation's expert advisory committee on human genome editing: "It's a game changer if it can be proven that Hu got sick with Covid-19 before anyone else." "That would be the 'smoking gun'. Hu was the lead hands-on researcher in Shi's lab," Metzl was quoted as saying. Meanwhile, the role of WIV in the origin of Covid is also "becoming clear", a report said. "It has become increasingly clear that the Wuhan Institute of Virology was involved in the creation, promulgation, and cover-up of the Covid-19 pandemic," the Times UK quoted an anonymous US State Department investigator as saying. In May, former Chinese CDC head Dr George Fu Gao, said that the theory that Covid-19 is the result of a lab-leak should not be discounted. Gao directed China's CDC when Covid first emerged in Wuhan. "You can always suspect anything. That's science. Don't rule out anything," Gao was quoted as saying in an interview for the BBC Radio 4 podcast 'Fever: The Hunt for Covid's Origin'. China has since the beginning dismissed any suggestion the disease may have originated in a Wuhan laboratory. More than two years after the pandemic that has infected over 763 million and claimed more than 6.9 million lives globally, the origins of Covid-19 remain unclear. BAKU, Azerbaijan, June 15. Minister of Economy of Azerbaijan Mikayil Jabbarov at the meeting with Minister of Industry and New Technologies of Tajikistan Sherali Kabir pointed out the special importance that Azerbaijan attaches to the development of bilateral relations, Trend reports. The visits of the presidents of states and the meetings held at a high level give impetus to the transition to a qualitatively new level of partnership and the sustainable development of mutually beneficial cooperation. Thus, the meetings held within the framework of the state visit of President of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev to Tajikistan in April of this year, as well as the signed documents, contributed to the expansion of cooperation. The meeting provided information on Azerbaijan's long-term strategic initiatives, regional and global energy projects, as well as ongoing investment projects. The possibilities of potential cooperation were discussed, including in the development of the aluminum industry, providing methodological and practical support to relevant structures of Tajikistan for the creation and operation of industrial parks. The sides expressed confidence that the Middle Corridor project being implemented in the transport and communication areas, in which both Azerbaijan and Tajikistan are interested, will play a special role in the development of regional cooperation. Kabir noted that trade and economic cooperation between Tajikistan and Azerbaijan is developing steadily. The minister also said that Tajikistan is interested in Azerbaijan's experience in creating industrial parks. The Tajik delegation visited the Sumgayit Chemical Industrial Park during the visit. The guests were informed about the industrial parks being created in Azerbaijan in accordance with the industrialization policy, favorable conditions created for entrepreneurs, modern infrastructure, preferential mechanisms and services used for residents. Los Angeles, June 15 : After his childhood was stolen from him by two years of sexual abuse, Carlos Santana eventually found forgiveness. The legendary guitarist, 75, recently opened up about the ways in which he was able to make peace with his situation, years down the line, reports People magazine. "My son and I were talking about this yesterday, how acceptance and forgiveness are really spiritual," he said. "I learned to look at everyone who ever went out of their way to hurt me, demean me or make me feel like less, like they're 5 or 6 years old, and I'm able to look at them with understanding and compassion." As per People, Santana, whose experiences will be chronicled in the upcoming documentary 'Carlos', which will premiere on June 17 at the Tribeca Film Festival, first went public with his abuse during an interview with 'Rolling Stone' in 2000. He said that he was abused "almost every day" between the ages of 10 and 12 by a man who'd cross the border into Mexico and bring him toys and gifts; he told 'The Guardian' in 2014 the man was an American tourist who'd befriended his parents. Now, the musician says he's able to see the situation from a new perspective, one that allows him grant his abuser grace. "For example, this person who abused me sexually, instead of sending him to hell forever, I visualised him like a child, and behind him there was a lot of light," he said. "So I can send him to the light or send him to hell knowing that if I send him to hell, I'm going to go with him. But if I send him to the light, then I'm going to go with him also. There's this saying, 'Hurt people hurt people.' It's my pain. It did happen to me. But if you open your hands, and you let it go, then you don't feel that anymore." New Delhi, June 15 : The Delhi Police on Thursday filed a charge sheet running over 1,000 pages with statements of around 200 witnesses in the alleged sexual harassment case against outgoing Wrestling Federation of India (WFI) chief Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh. Supriya Ramesh New Delhi, June 15 (IANS) The Delhi Police on Thursday filed a charge sheet running over 1,000 pages with statements of around 200 witnesses in the alleged sexual harassment case against outgoing Wrestling Federation of India (WFI) chief Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh. Besides filing the charge sheet before Chief Metropolitan Magistrate Mahima Rai of the Rouse Avenue Courts, the Delhi Police also approached the Patiala House Courts seeking cancellation of an FIR by a 'minor' wrestler accusing Brij Bhushan of sexual harassment. The 550-page report filed by the police said that no corroborative evidence was found to support the allegations levelled in the FIR. The charge sheet mentions Brij Bhushan as an accused for offences under Sections 354 (Assault or criminal force to woman with intent to outrage her modesty), 354A (making sexually coloured remarks), and 354D (stalking) of the Indian Penal Code (IPC). In the charge sheet, former WFI Assistant Secretary Vinod Tomar, who is also an accused in the case, has been charged with offences under Sections 109 (offer a bribe), 354, 354A, and 506 (criminal intimidation) of the IPC. The charges against Brij Bhushan under various sections of the IPC raise questions about whether the accused will be apprehended. In the the FIR registered at the Connaught Place police station on April 21, it was alleged by six prominent adult grapplers that Singh allegedly attempted to coerce one athlete into sexual acts by offering to provide her with "supplements", invited another wrestler to his bed and hugged her, as well as assaulted and inappropriately touched other athletes. Let's look at the quantum of sentence the outgoing WFI chief might face if proven guilty of the charges levelled against him. Under Section 354A of the IPC, the punishment is up to three years or fine; for Section 354D, it is up to five years and fine, while for Section 354, the punishment is up to five years and fine. Legal experts said that Sections 354 and 354A are non-bailable, while Section 354D is bailable. Supreme Court lawyer Vineet Jindal said that a charge sheet is filed in the court only if the investigating officer finds sufficient evidence during probe, with request to take cognizance of the offences under which the FIR was lodged. "No arrest will be made now as the accused has already joined the investigation and is cooperating with the probe. Moreover, the offences under which arrest of the accused is demanded are prescribed punishments with sentence of not more than seven years. "In the Arnesh Kumar judgement passed by the Supreme Court, the top court had specifically directed that arrest of the accused be avoided where the punishment is not more than seven years," said Jindal, adding that statements of the complaintant is generally sufficient to file a charge sheet under Section 354 of the IPC. In the Arnesh Kumar vs. State of Bihar case, as per Section 41A of the CrPC and various judgments by the apex court, it was said that arrest of an accused is not obligatory if the maximum punishment prescribed for the offence is less than seven years of imprisonment. According to Supreme Court lawyer Rudra Vikram Singh, as the charge sheet has been filed against Singh, he will have to now take bail from the concerned Magistrate. "There is no obstacle getting bail after a charge sheet has been filed under Section 354. Trial will commence after framing of charges by the court," said Singh. When asked if Singh can be arrested in the case now, Ajay Chaudhary, a Delhi-based lawyer, said that the power to arrest is different from the need to arrest. It is for the police to see whether to arrest an accused or it can file a charge sheet without arrest. The court can't direct to arrest any accused during investigation, Chaudhary said. "No one is above the law in the society. Every person, regardless of how powerful he may be, has to face the rigour of law. Also, there is presumption of innocence in favour of the accused until he is convicted by the court of law," said Gurmeet Nehra, legal scholar and member, Supreme Court Bar Association. New Delhi, June 15 : An IndiGo aircraft on Thursday encountered a tail strike while attempting to land at Ahmedabad airport. The flight was en route from Bengaluru to Ahmedabad when the incident occurred. Fortunately, the aircraft landed safely. "IndiGo flight 6E-6595, operating from Bengaluru to Ahmedabad experienced a tail strike while landing in Ahmedabad. The aircraft was declared grounded at Ahmedabad airport for necessary assessment and repairs. The incident is under investigation by relevant authorities," IndiGo said in a statement. Earlier on Tuesday, an IndiGo flight faced challenging weather conditions while attempting to land at Mumbai Airport. The adverse effects of the cyclonic storm "Biparjoy" led to the flight, 6E-2441 from Lucknow-Mumbai, aborting its landing. As a result, the aircraft was redirected to Udaipur, where it encountered further difficulties during landing. Despite encountering unfavourable conditions, the flight made a hard landing in Udaipur after two unsuccessful attempts to touch down at Mumbai Airport. New Delhi, June 15 : With maximum wind speed reaching up to 150 km per hour, the landfall process of the very severe cyclonic storm "Biparjoy" has started at the coastal districts of Gujarat's Saurashtra and Kutch on Thursday evening, the IMD said. "Cyclone Warning for Saurashtra & Kutch Coasts: Red Message.VSCS Bparjoy at 6:30 p.m. today near lat 22.95N and lon 68.2E about 50km SW of Jakhau Port (Gujarat),110km NW of Devbhumi Dwarka, Landfall process has commenced," the India Meteorological Department said in a tweet. Meanwhile, as the landfall process commenced, the Border Security Force (BSF) deployed along the coastal areas has stepped forward to assist the villagers of the area. In these crucial moments, the BSF camps have turned into shelters for villagers seeking refuge from the impending storm. Approximately 150 villagers from Thumri and Walawarivand have taken shelter in the BSF camps. Kochi, June 15 : Days after the Crime Branch police named him as the second accused in a cheating case, State Congress President K. Sudhakaran on Thursday filed an anticipatory bail plea in Kerala High Court. The complaint against Sudhakaran was that a person called Anoop had given Rs 25 lakh to the now jailed fake antique dealer, Monson Mavunkal at his Kochi office in 2018. When the money was being handed over, Sudhakaran was also present and he took Rs 10 lakh, promising to give the person a favour. The Crime Branch named Sudhakaran as the second accused and asked him to appear before the probe team on Wednesday. However, he said that he will be unable to do so and instead will appear before them on June 23. The Crime Branch then issued a fresh notice asking him to come that day. In his anticipatory bail plea filed through his counsel Mathew Kuzhalnaden, a first time Congress legislator, the top Congress Lok Sabha member from Kannur said this is nothing but a politically motivated case as in the first complaint of the complainant, his name was not there and it was after a long time, that his name was included. "I have done no wrong at all and I have not taken money from anyone and this is now being done to lower my dignity," said his petition. In September 2021, Mavunkal hogged the headlines after a person who was allegedly cheated to the tune of Rs 10 crore by Mavunkal, approached Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan which eventually led to Mavunkal's arrest. Mavunkal used to bring several VIPs to his palatial residence, a part of which was converted into a museum to store his 'precious' antiques, which he claimed included the "staff of Moses" and "two of the 30 silver coins that were taken by Judas to cheat Jesus Christ". The police said that he also displayed a throne said to be used by Tipu Sultan, as well as a huge collection of old Qurans, Bibles (Old Testament and New Testament), and old handwritten copies of the Bhagavad Gita. The first case surfaced, after pictures of the now retired state police chief Loknath Behra and serving additional director general of police Manoj Abraham visiting the "museum" of Mavunkal at Kochi went viral. As the matter went before the court, it asked how these top police officials never thought of how a museum like this can function as the rules are very clear. It also sought to know why the police set up a daily beat box at his house and the museum. Sudhakaran had then admitted that he had visited Mavunkal to get advice on a health issue that he was facing. Mavunkal, since his arrest, continues to be in judicial custody. A few days back, while being taken to the court, Mavunkal gave a clean chit to Sudhakaran. Gurugram, June 15 : Haryana AAP president and Rajya Sabha MP Sushil Gupta on Thursday targeted the Manohar Lal Khattar-led state government over the proposed rally of Union Home Minister Amit Shah in Sirsa on June 18. Addressing a press conference here, Gupta said that the BJP government is scared. "Earlier Amit Shah's rally in Gohana was a flop because people did not turn up. Now the BJP rally has been fixed in Sirsa on June 18, that too should not be a flop, so the Khattar government has given notice to the AAP workers, farmers and sarpanches to be placed under house arrest by sitting in the Sub Divisional Magistrate (SDM) court." The MP said that in the last nine years, the Khattar government did nothing in the state. The result of this was that wherever Khattar went, he had to face the anger of the public. "The Khattar government has issued an order regarding Amit Shah's rally on June 18, in which FIR would be lodged against AAP workers, farmers and sarpanches if they disturb the peace. Notice has already been given to AAP workers in Sirsa," Gupta said. He asked Khattar, can the people of the state not ask questions to their elected Chief Minister and Home Minister? "The Khattar government is misusing the law. Unfortunately, Aam Aadmi Party workers, farmers and sarpanches are being intimidated, threatened and cases are being filed against them." "The BJP and the JJP contested elections by abusing each other and later entered into a "Thugbandhan" and duped the people of the state. The present government has neither given good schools nor hospitals in the state and the state is number one in corruption, unemployment and crime," he added. Kolkata, June 15 : The process of filing nominations for the July 8 panchayat elections in West Bengal ended on Thursday with three deaths reported on the last day. The three deaths include one CPI(M) candidate at Chopra in North Dinajpur, one All India Secular Front (AISF) candidate, and one Trinamool Congress nominee at Bhangar in South 24 Parganas district. In total, four persons have died in nomination-related violence since the process started on June 9. On the very first day, a Congress activist was shot dead at Khargram in Murshidabad district. Following the rising incidents of violence, a division bench of the Calcutta High Court on Thursday ordered deployment of central armed forces throughout the state for the rural civic body polls. Meanwhile, the National Commission for Scheduled Castes (NCSC) has sought a detailed report from the State Election Commission (SEC) on the violence during the nomination filing phase. According to NCSC vice-chairman Arun Halder, if the SEC fails to send the report, State Election Commissioner Rajiva Sinha will be summoned to Delhi. On Thursday afternoon, Basisrhat in North 24 Parganas district turned violent following clashes between Trinamool Congress and BJP supporters after 11 saffron camp candidates reached the local block development office to submit their nominations. Similar incidents of violence were reported from other parts of the state such as Bankura, Hooghly and Dinhata in Cooch Behar. New Delhi, June 15 : Delhi Police intends to submit an additional charge sheet in the female wrestlers' sexual harassment case due to pending forensic reports for digital evidence, including photos, videos, and audio, a senior police official said, on condition of anonymity. The official clarified that the charge sheet filed initially is not the final report and any new information obtained by the investigators will be included in the supplementary charge sheet(s). However, the officer said that the filing of an additional charge sheet depends upon the report and ongoing probe. "The forensic reports for the digital evidence are still awaited from the laboratories, and their findings may be incorporated into the supplementary chargesheet," he said. Citing the charge sheet, the official said that the two accused individuals have cooperated with the investigation and have joined the proceedings. "No further evidence or information was obtained from them, and there is no indication of them attempting to flee. Their addresses have been verified to ensure their presence during the legal proceedings," he said. Delhi Police on Thursday filed in court its charge sheet running 1,082 pages in the alleged sexual harassment case against Wrestling Federation of India (WFI) chief Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh. Police has filed the charge sheet before Chief Metropolitan Magistrate Mahima Rai of Rouse Avenue Courts for the offences under Sections 354 (Assault or criminal force to woman with intent to outrage her modesty), 354A (making sexually coloured remarks), and 354D (stalking) of Indian Penal Code (IPC) against accused Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh. Offences under Sections 109 (abetment of any offence, if the act abetted is committed in consequence, and where no express provision is made for its punishment), 354, 354A, 506 (criminal intimidation) of the IPC have been against WFI's former Assistant Secretary Vinod Tomar. Sources said that the charge sheet contains statements of around 200 witnesses. The court has posted the matter for hearing next on June 22. Mumbai, June 15 : Actor Varun Sharma, whose debut film 'Fukrey' recently clocked 10 years of its release, started his film career as a production runner and he is thankful for the experience as it proved to be a learning curve for him, broadening his horizons about the modus operandi of the film industry. The actor told IANS: "I was studying in college in Chandigarh and I had joined a production company where I was a runner. Every experience counts. Being on a film set, you learn a lot. You realise there are many people who are working towards the same goal and how teamwork is of utmost importance. I learned that if I do my bit as an actor, come on time, learn my lines and be sincere towards my craft then that makes the lives of others far simpler." The actor holds his character of Choocha from 'Fukrey' close to heart. 'Fukrey', which has over the years gained a cult following, is returning with its third part on December 1, 2023. The actor shared: "Choocha is indeed one of the most loved characters in the franchise and it's all thanks to the 'Fukrey' fans who made it possible for us to come back with a third instalment. To be accepted by the audience is the biggest achievement for any actor and Choocha gave me that. It gave me the love that I have today, and I think everything that I have achieved in my past 10 years is because of that character." A film franchise always comes with monumental expectations of the fans for the upcoming part but the actor doesn't feel the pressure. He told IANS: "There is no pressure but there's this responsibility towards my audience to deliver more than what they are expecting and making them happy and content, because it has given me a lot and everything that I have today is because of Choocha and my fans." On a closing note, the actor said that it's a great time for artistes with streaming, television and theatricals taking the content ecosystem forward. "It is a wonderful time to be a part of cinema. With films from the south garnering a pan India audience, it has opened up doors for actors who want to be part of cinema in all languages. The opportunities for actors today are many. There are films as well as web shows. Today, the story is King," he concluded. Bhopal, June 15 : Personnel attacks by political leaders have became a common affair in the era of 'hate politics', and they are likely to intensify further in poll-bound Madhya Pradesh. Some politicians in Madhya Pradesh, including some senior leaders, have been making personal attacks against each other without showing any leniency for their political rivals. But at times their personal attacks have turned out to be 'derogatory' and even 'abusive', which also landed them in trouble. For instance, senior Congress leader and former minister Raja Pateria was arrested for his "if the Constitution is to be saved, be ready to kill Modi" remark made in December last year. Pateria spent three months in jail before he was granted bail in March this year. Even some Congress leaders had condemned the remark. Now, another senior leader and former state Congress chief, Arun Yadav, has triggered a controversy by referring to the late father of Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday. Stating that the "wind is blowing in Congress' favour", Yadav made a reference to the late father of the Prime Minister while claiming that no matter who visits the state, the momentum is in his party's favour as Madhya Pradesh goes to the polls. Senior leaders of the BJP, including Chief Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan and state BJP chief V.D. Sharma, have slammed Yadav for his remarks, saying that "he (Yadav) has shown the real face of the Congress". Union minister Jyotiraditya Scindia, who was Yadav's party colleague until March 2020, has also condemned the statement. Scindia posted a message on social media to express his anguish over Yadav's remarks, saying, "The use of derogatory language for the late father of PM Modi shows the fury of the MP Congress. History is witness to the fact that Congress forgets its dignity when it is faced with impending defeat. We cannot stoop down to your level to respond to this statement. The public will answer you." The Congress, however, has maintained silence over Yadav's remarks. Instead, a Congress leader has even claimed that personal attacks will be made to give befitting reply to BJP leaders, who often make derogatory remarks against the Nehru-Gandhi family and veteran leaders like Kamal Nath and Digvijaya Singh. "Before teaching manners to the Congress, the BJP leaders should look at themselves. Home Minister Narottam Mishra makes derogatory remarks against our leaders Rahul Gandhi, Kamal Nath and Digvijaya Singh every morning... Why doesn't the BJP teach him manners," the Congress leader said. He also claimed that the state Congress unit has prepared itself to give befitting reply to the BJP in the run-up to the elections. "A special wing of party leaders will be tasked with launching personal attacks against the BJP leaders," he claimed. BAKU, Azerbaijan, June 15. The US is concerned about the situation on the Azerbaijani-Armenian border, State Department Spokesman Matthew Miller said during a briefing, Trend reports. "We remain concerned about the situation and we continue to urge the two parties to work together to bridge the remaining differences. Speaking broadly, we do believe that an agreement is still within reach and we look forward to convening the two parties to move forward," he said. On June 15, 2023, at 08:45 (GMT +4), as a result of opening fire from the territory of Armenia, a serviceman of the State Border Service of Azerbaijan Elshan Rustamov, who served at the Lachin border checkpoint, was injured. The Armenian armed forces' firing point was suppressed by return fire, the combat situation is under the control of Azerbaijani units. The injured soldier was given first aid, and his life is out of danger. New Delhi, June 15 : IAF Deputy Chief, Air Marshal Ashutosh Dixit on Thursday checked and flew the indigenous Light Combat Aircraft 'Tejas' Trainer-01, which is still under trial. The IAF is presently operating the LCA Tejas Mk 1 fighter and has a pending order of 83 aircraft. Air Marshal Dixit, a keen experimental test pilot himself, flew the Series Production Trainer-01, which is undergoing final developmental test sorties, to get a firsthand feel of its capabilities. He visited the Tejas Division of the National Flight Test Centre, Aeronautical Development Agency, and Hindustan Aeronautics Ltd (HAL) to assess the progress of the indigenous combat aircraft projects. During his visit, Air Marshal Dixit, who has been driving the Atmanirbhar Bharat efforts of the Indian Air Force towards self-reliance in the development and manufacture of combat aircraft, was briefed by the HAL team on the production status of trainer aircraft and the plan for deliveries of the LCA Mk 1A. He will also visit the Light Combat Helicopter (LCH) 'Prachand' production line to assess the production status of the homegrown combat helicopter. The delivery of 10 LCH limited series production aircraft for the IAF is nearing completion and series production is likely to commence shortly to meet the order of 145 series production LCH for the IAF and Indian Army, an IAF official added. Guwahati, June 15 : A Manipuri youth body in Assam has claimed that the ruling Mizoram National Front (MNF), which is led by Chief Minister Zoramthanga, is attempting to split Manipur by helping the Kukis, who are engaged in violence amid clashes between groups that are causing bloodshed in the state of Manipur. The youth body also alleged that the Mizoram Chief Minister is trying to disrupt the peace initiatives in Manipur. The All Assam Manipuri Youths' Association (AAMYA) said that Mizoram is secretly backing the demand for a separate administration for the Kuki-Zo people in Manipur to split the state. "Many illegal Kuki migrants from Myanmar entered Manipur through Mizoram, which provided shelter to them. Not all Kukis participate in violence, but one group is in control of the rest due to MNF's backing," Kshetrimayam Kundal Singha, the chief advisor for AAMYA, claimed on Thursday. However, he also said that just 25 per cent of Kukis in Manipur are involved in violence, and the majority of them are undocumented immigrants. Singha also claimed that MNF was punished by former Prime Minister Indira Gandhi for plotting against India. "They want a separate land, which won't be possible," Singha said. The AAMYA leader also accused Zoramthanga of disrupting the peace initiatives in ethnic violence-hit Manipur. The AAMYA had earlier issued a statement warning Mizoram of a harsh lesson if it continues to embrace the idea of a separate administration for the Kuki-Zo people in Manipur. The youth body wrote in the statement, "AAMYA appeals to the ruling Mizo National Front to withdraw within three days, w.e.f. 14/06/2023, their support for a separate administration for the Kuki-Zo people in Manipur or else AAMYA will be bound to launch some serious moves very soon that will make the whole of Mizoram study its topography seriously like never before." The AAMYA said that they were grateful to Mizoram for providing food to the Churachandpur region of Manipur for humanitarian reasons, but that the MNF-led administration needs to act as a peacemaker and cease encouraging the Kukis to attack Meiteis. "AAMYA appeals to Mizoram to play the role of an effective peace-broker, rather than a mischievous guardian of Kukis instigating bloodshed and chaos," the statement read. "Kukis by nature are ambitious and cruel and believe in brute actions. Their demand for a separate administration is a part of the 'Kukiland' agenda to stay separate from India in the long run," the statement added. Ahmedabad, June 15 : Four persons who were allegedly duped in a loan fraud case attempted suicide inside the court of Justice Nirzar Desai of the Gujarat High Court during the hearing of the anticipatory bail applications filed by the three individuals accused in the case. The victims are currently stable after being provided immediate medical treatment. The alleged victims, identified as Shaileshbhai Ishwarbhai Panchal (52), his wife Jayshreeben Panchal (50), Manojbhai Vaishnav (41) and Hardikbhai Amaratbhai Patel (24), consumed phenyl from a bottle after the court granted anticipatory bail to the accused. The Panchals, who hail from Nikol, and Vaishnav and Patel from Chandkheda and Ghatlodia, respectively, claimed to be victims of a fraudulent scheme perpetrated by the Khadia branch of the Colour Merchant Co-operative Bank. According to them, a sum of Rs 1 crore had been deposited in Jayshreeben Panchal's account which was subsequently siphoned off to various other accounts without her knowledge or authorisation. On Thursday, the accused, charged with fraud and deception, were provided interim relief as the court granted them protection from immediate arrest. The decision triggered drastic actions by the alleged victims, who were quickly transported to the emergency ward of the Sola Civil Hospital for treatment. Abhishek Panchal, the son of the Panchal couple, was also present in the courtroom when the incident occurred. After the unsettling scene, Justice Desai promptly adjourned the day's proceedings and discharged the post-lunch cause list board. A team from the Sola police station has recorded the statements of the four individuals involved. Patna, June 15 : As people across India are waiting for the monsoon to get some relief from heat waves, a village in Bihar's Siwan district on Thursday was inundated when a canal embankment collapsed and officials blamed rats for the incident. The incident occurred at Khaspur village under Naviganj police station in the district. When villagers investigated the matter, they saw the water was flowing out of the Gandak canal as some parts of its embankment had collapsed. When the matter reached the Water Resources Development Department, officials, instead of taking the responsibility for ill maintenance, blamed rats for "nibbling away" the embankment. "We have learnt that an embankment collapsed at Khaspur village. During investigation, it appeared that rats or foxes may have nibbled the clay underneath the embankment. We are putting clay in the affected area. Repair process is on," Gandak Canal Project SDO Brajesh Kumar Singh said. He said that water entered into the agricultural field and the villagers are safe. Rats are blamed for a range of incidents, spanning erosion or collapse of embankments to pilferage of liquor, and even theft. When liquor was banned in 2016-17, around 10,000 litres of seized liquor in Malkhanas of Patna and Kaimur was found missing and the SPs of the districts blamed rats for consuming the liquor. In March 2019, a diamond was found missing from a jewellery shop in Boring Road, Patna. When a police team scanned the CCTV cameras in the shop, it appeared that rats were instrumental behind taking off the diamond worth Rs 21,000. In July 2022, an embankment of the Gandal canal was damaged in Vaishali, and officials then too blamed rats for it. Kolkata, June 15 : West Bengal State Election Commissioner Rajiva Sinha informed mediapersons late on Thursday evening that the poll panel will abide by the order of the Calcutta High Court on deployment of central armed forces throughout the state for the panchayat elections scheduled on July 8. "The State Election Commission will follow all the directions of the Calcutta High Court," Sinha told mediapersons, hours after a division bench of Chief Justice T.S. Sivagnanam and Justice Hiranamay Bhattacharya directed the poll panel to seek assistance of central forces from the Union Home Ministry. However, despite the assurance from Sinha, political observers are not quite sure as to whether the state government will approach the Supreme Court challenging the high court's order. Meanwhile, West Bengal Governor C.V. Ananda Bose told mediapersons on Thursday evening that under no circumstances violence should be allowed on the polling date. "This is the time for action, and not words. Just have patience and see what happens. As of now, all I can say is that concrete steps will be taken to ensure free and fair polls," he said. However, the leader of opposition in West Bengal Assembly, Suvendu Adhikari, has accused the Governor of reacting too late in the matter. Trinamool Congress spokesman Kunal Ghosh, on his part, claimed that with or without central forces, a landslide victory is inevitable for the Trinamool in the forthcoming panchayat polls. New Delhi, June 15 : The Enforcement Directorate (ED) said on Thursday that it has arrested Basant Bansal and Pankaj Bansal, key managerial persons of Gurugram-based realty company M3M Group, in connection with a bribery case involving a judge. Both of them were presented before the designated PMLA court in Panchkula, Haryana, which remanded them to five-day ED custody. The ED initiated the investigation based on an FIR registered by the Anti-Corruption Bureau (ACB) in Panchkula. According to the FIR, reliable information was received that Sudhir Parmer, who was serving as a special judge for CBI and ED cases in Panchkula at the time, showed favoritism towards the accused individuals. The accused persons were identified as Roop Kumar Bansal and his brother Basant Bansal, the owners of M3M Group, and Lalit Goyal, the owner of IREO Group. Sudhir Parmar allegedly extended undue advantages to them for favourable treatment in the criminal cases related to the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA) and other CBI cases pending against them in his court. The FIR also mentioned instances of grave misconduct, abuse of official position, and the demand/acceptance of undue advantage or bribes from the accused persons in cases pending in Parmar's court. The ED gathered incriminating evidence, such as bank statements and a money trail, regarding the allegations mentioned in the FIR before making the arrests. New Delhi, June 15 : Bilateral trade of India with Africa grew by 9.26 per cent in 2022-23, reaching almost $100 billion, Commerce Minister Piyush Goyal said while addressing the CII-EXIM Bank conclave on "India-Africa Partnership". Goyal expressed confidence in achieving the goal of doubling bilateral trade to $200 billion by 2030. "Blessed with demographic dividend, India-Africa partnership can drive the global progress in this century," the minister said further. Goyal said that the exports and imports were approximately balanced with exports being $51.2 billion and imports being $46.65 billion in 2022-23. The minister said that 27 least developed countries of Africa benefit from the duty-free tariff preference on non-reciprocal basis already and free trade agreements (FTAs), and comprehensive economic partnership agreement (CEPA) can be explored with other African countries as well. Patna, June 15 : A Sub Inspector of Police of Bihar's Begusarai district brutally assaulted a village 'chowkidar' (watchman) and put him in the lock up for allegedly drinking liquor on duty, officials said on Thursday. Begusari's Superintendent of Police Yogendra Kumar has suspended both police personnel. The incident occurred at Bhakhri police station in the district on Wednesday evening. Chowkidar Nand Kishore Paswan was on duty in Bhakhri Bazar area when SI Rajiv Kumar reached there and alleged that he had consumed liquor on duty. Rajiv Kumar beat him and took to the police station and put him behind bars. "When we learnt about the incident, we constituted a team headed by a DSP rank officer to investigate the incident. During the probe, both of them were found guilty and accordingly suspended from the immediate effect. We have also written higher authority for further action against them," the SP said. Rajiv Kumar was involved in slapping a trader in Bakhri Bazar a couple of days ago as well. Following the incident, the fellow chowkidars came in support of Paswan and requested the SP to lift his suspension. -- Except for the title, this story has not been edited by Prokerala team and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed Seoul, June 16 : North Korea fired two short-range ballistic missiles toward the East Sea on Thursday, Seoul's military said, in apparent protest over a recent series of massive South Korea-US live-fire drills that ended this week. Shortly before the launch, a spokesperson for the North's defence ministry issued a statement denouncing what it called the "provocative and irresponsible" drills, Yonhap news agency reported. Seoul's Joint Chiefs of Staff (JCS) said it detected the launches from the Sunan area in Pyongyang between 7:25 p.m. and 7:37 p.m., and the missiles flew some 780 km each before splashing into the water. "The intelligence authorities of South Korea and the United States are conducting a comprehensive assessment regarding (the missiles') specifics and the possibility of additional provocations," the JCS said in a text message to reporters. The JCS urged the North to immediately stop such missile launches, calling them "acts of significant provocation" that not only undermine peace and stability on the Korean Peninsula, but also in the international community. "In close coordination with the US, our military will maintain a firm readiness posture based on its capabilities to respond overwhelmingly to any provocations," it said. The allies ended the fifth and last round of the Combined Joint Live-Fire Exercise, the first of its kind in six years, at the Seungjin Fire Training Field in Pocheon, just 25 km south of the inter-Korean border, on Thursday to mark the 70th anniversary of the bilateral alliance. More than 610 military assets were mobilised for the drills, including F-35A fighters and K9 self-propelled howitzers from the South Korean side, and F-16 fighter jets and Gray Eagle drones from the US side. The North's defence ministry accused the allies of escalating tensions, saying the drills warrant its "inevitable" response. "Our army strongly denounces the provocative and irresponsible moves of the puppet military authorities escalating the military tension in the region despite its repeated warnings and warns them solemnly," the spokesperson said in the statement carried by the North's official Korean Central News Agency. "Our armed forces will fully counter any form of demonstrative moves and provocation of the enemies," the official added. The latest launch also came as the South Korean military has been conducting an operation to salvage the wreckage of an ill-fated North Korean space rocket in the Yellow Sea. On May 31, the North fired what it claimed to be a satellite-carrying rocket, but it crashed into the sea due to the abnormal starting of the second-stage engine, according to the North's state media. The North last conducted a missile launch on April 13. It claimed to have fired a new solid-fuel Hwasong-18 intercontinental ballistic missile. Meanwhile, top nuclear envoys from South Korea, the US and Japan had phone talks to discuss ways to deal with the North's provocation, according to Seoul's foreign ministry. In the talks, Seoul's chief nuclear negotiator, Kim Gunn, and his US and Japanese counterparts, Sung Kim and Takehiro Funakoshi, respectively, denounced Pyongyang's missile launch as a violation of United Nations Security Council resolutions, and a threat to global peace and security. They also agreed to take strong counteractions against North Korea's provocations based on their strong security alliance. Washington, June 16 : The top national security advisers of the US, South Korea, and Japan condemned North Korea's missile launches on Thursday, calling them "clear violations" of multiple United Nations Security Council resolutions. They also vowed stepped up efforts to promote peace and stability in the Indo-Pacific region, Yonhap news agency reported, citing a joint statement released by the White House. "The United States, Japan, and the Republic of Korea condemn today's DPRK missile launches," said the released statement, referring to South Korea by its official name. "These launches are clear violations of multiple United Nations Security Council resolutions, and demonstrate the threat the DPRK's unlawful weapons of mass destruction and ballistic missile programs pose to the region, international peace and security, and the global non-proliferation regime," it added. DPRK stands for the Democratic People's Republic of Korea, the North's official name. The joint condemnation came hours after Pyongyang fired two short-range ballistic missiles, following its failed attempt to launch what it claimed to be a military reconnaissance satellite on May 31. The security advisers stressed the need "for all countries to fully implement DPRK-related UN Security Council resolutions that are intended to prohibit the DPRK from acquiring the technologies and materials needed to carry out these destabilising launches." "The United States reaffirms unequivocally its ironclad security commitments to both Japan and the ROK," they added. The joint statement came as US National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan met with his South Korean and Japanese counterparts -- Cho Tae-yong and Takeo Akiba, respectively -- in Tokyo for trilateral talks that largely focused on the threat posed by North Korea. Pyongyang said it will try again to launch a space launch vehicle carrying its first military spy satellite. The country is prohibited from acquiring or using any ballistic missile technology, including space launch vehicles, under UN Security Council resolutions. The national security advisers urged North Korea to engage in diplomacy, saying trilateral cooperation between South Korea, Japan and the US will "not be shaken by provocations". Later, a state department spokesperson echoed criticism of North Korea's latest missile provocation. "They demonstrate the threat the DPRK's unlawful weapons of mass destruction and ballistic missile programs pose to the region, to international peace and security and to the global nonproliferation regime," department spokesperson Matthew Miller told a daily press briefing. In a related move, the US imposed sanctions on two China-based North Korean nationals earlier in the day for working to procure materials and funds for North Korea's illegal weapons development programmes. -- Except for the title, this story has not been edited by Prokerala team and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed BAKU, Azerbaijan, June 15. The EU has been and will be completely transparent about its activities for peace in the South Caucasus, Trend reports via the tweet of EU Special Representative for the South Caucasus Toivo Klaar. "We will continue to work for the benefit of the peoples," he said. The EU has been closely following the developments in the region, in particular the normalization process of Azerbaijan-Armenia relations. Klaar visited Azerbaijan earlier in June to hold a number of high-level discussions on relevant geopolitical matters. Back in May, Klaar said the EU welcomed the talks of the Foreign Ministers of Azerbaijan and Armenia in the US. He said the EU welcomed the 'constant contacts between the Foreign Ministers of Armenia and Azerbaijan during the four-day talks', adding that progress can only be achieved through dialogue. The trilateral meeting of Azerbaijani Minister of Foreign Affairs Jeyhun Bayramov, Armenian Foreign Minister Ararat Mirzoyan and US Secretary of State Antony Blinken took place on May 1 in the US. After that, a bilateral meeting of the Foreign Ministers of the two countries was held at the George P. Shultz National Foreign Affairs Training Center. The talks continued on May 2 and 3 in a bilateral format and the final round of negotiations took place on May 4. Washington, June 16 : The US has imposed sanctions on two North Korean nationals based in China for assisting North Korea's "illegal" weapons development programmes, Secretary of State Antony Blinken said. The move came hours after Pyongyang fired two short-range ballistic missiles on Thursday, resuming its missile "provocation" after a brief pause, Yonhap news agency reported. "Today, the United States is designating two Beijing-based Democratic People's Republic of Korea (DPRK) nationals connected to the DPRK's weapons of mass destruction (WMD) procurement," Blinken said in a released statement, referring to North Korea by its official name. "The DPRK's development of its missile programmes directly threatens regional and international security, and the United States will continue to take action to curtail activities in support of those programs," he added. North Korea has launched some 80 ballistic missiles since the start of last year in what the state department has repeatedly called "blatant violation" of multiple United Nations Security Council resolutions. Pyongyang fired two short-range ballistic missiles on Thursday (Korea time), about two weeks after its botched attempt to launch what it claimed to be a military spy satellite on May 31. Those designated Thursday include Choe Chol-min, who, according to the state department, has worked with North Korean officials and Chinese nationals to "procure materials used in the production of DPRK missiles". "He has also supported Second Academy of Natural Sciences (SANS) representatives to facilitate the importation of over a thousand DPRK workers into the PRC to unlawfully generate income abroad for the DPRK regime," the released statement said. The department also designated his wife, Choe Un-jung, who is officially assigned to the North Korean embassy in Beijing. "Choe Un-jung is being designated for being a North Korean person who has engaged in commercial activity that generates revenue for the Government of North Korea or the Workers' Party of Korea," said Blinken. As a leader in the digital marketing space, 10PM Curfew continues to redefine online brand promotion with the unveiling of the iconic handle, @Makeup. This new addition expands their existing impressive lineup, which already includes @Girls, @Style, and @Hypeblvd. Capitalizing on the power and credibility of these prominent handles, 10PM Curfew offers an exciting platform for brands to boost their visibility and reach. By partnering their clients' messages with these renowned handles, they help businesses achieve instant recognition from millions of engaged followers and beyond. 10PM Curfew's unique approach extends beyond leveraging iconic handles. The company also fosters strategic partnerships with top influencers to generate unique and engaging user content. This content, when utilized as ads, effectively guides users to the brands desired landing pages, enhancing overall marketing effectiveness. The company sets itself apart with a data-driven strategy that tests hundreds of creative variations using media spend. This rigorous testing process identifies the best performing creative ads, ensuring that brands not only gain visibility but also drive revenue and scale. With the inclusion of @Makeup in its repertoire, 10PM Curfew reinforces its commitment to driving innovative digital marketing strategies. It's not just about coupling brands with popular handles; it's about maximizing the effectiveness of each campaign with influencer partnerships and data-backed creative strategies. About 10PM Curfew: 10PM Curfew is a front-runner in the digital marketing industry, offering innovative strategies that enhance brand visibility and credibility on social media. Their services include integrating verified handles, influencer partnerships, and a data-backed approach to ad creatives to drive revenue and scale. When I think about the last year at Thomas James Homes, I cant help but see an impressive magnitude of positive change, says Mr. Mead. Tommy has placed us on the right track; my job going forward is to continue our important mission." Thomas James Homes (TJH), the largest replacement homebuilder in the country, today announces James Meads appointment to Chief Executive Officer. Co-founder Tommy Beadel, TJHs CEO since the company's inception in 2006, will continue as Co-Chairman of the Board of Directors, and will support Mr. Mead as he transitions into his new role. As CEO, Mr. Mead will focus on corporate strategy and execution, as he leads the company through the evolution of its business model as the premier replacement home builder in the countrys best markets. Bringing over 25 years of C-suite experience in public companies and management responsibility across nearly every sector of real estate, Mr. Mead joined TJH in March 2021 as Chief Financial Officer, and has been instrumental in the companys success. In his time at TJH, Mr. Mead has been a driving force behind operating process innovation, the acceleration of technology development, and the development of value creation strategies in addition to building a strong financial foundation. Mr. Mead demonstrated exceptional leadership throughout the organization, allowing the replacement homebuilder to re-envision its business plan while honoring TJHs core pillars. When I think about the last year at Thomas James Homes, I cant help but see an impressive magnitude of positive change, says Mr. Mead. Tommy has placed us on the right track; my job going forward is to continue our important mission. Leading a quality and values-driven organization like Thomas James Homes means something to me and our team is positioned for success. Tommys values of family, community and innovation have been pillars of the company, and that will not change under my leadership. In the companys 16 years, TJH has proven that its business model to build replacement housing in the most desired communities in the country at scale meets the discerning wants and needs of its clients, and provides an underpinning of financial success through a team of the best professionals in the industry; relationships and partnerships based on honesty and trust; and a product created to align with the values which are the foundational elements of why Mr. Beadel started TJH have been the key. Working in partnership together, Mr. Mead and Mr. Beadel have driven a renewed focus on process, organization, and execution for the company, leading TJH into its new chapter. In Jamies time at Thomas James Homes, he has positively impacted every part of the business. His experience and demonstration of leadership throughout the organization has allowed us to re-envision the way we run the company, says Mr. Beadel. Over the past 12 months I have worked tirelessly to personally assemble a leadership team that can move Thomas James Homes into the next evolution of the companys life; build a business that is a proven success, create a name thats recognized for award-winning home design, and prove there is a larger market for what we provide. Im thrilled to see what our next chapter looks like under Jamies leadership, and have nothing but confidence for this exciting new era of Thomas James Homes. Additional organizational changes effective immediately include Steve Kalmbachs promotion to President and Chief Operating Officer. Mr. Kalmbach joined TJH in April of 2022, coming from an over 20-year distinguished career at Pulte Homes. Over the course of the last year, Mr. Kalmbach has professionalized operations and simplified TJHs business model, developing clear direction and accountabilities while creating an organization for success. Further, Bill Welsh has been promoted to Chief Financial Officer. Mr. Welsh joined TJH in January as Chief Accounting Officer coming from Shake Shack, a multibillion-dollar public company. Mr. Welsh has been immediately impactful by bringing in institutional processes, creating a discipline in accounting, and hiring best in class talent to fill key open positions. This strategic new chapter follows TJHs recent debut of its Private Client Group, developed in an effort to support the companys BUILD by TJH solution across its core markets: Southern California, Northern California, the Pacific Northwest, Colorado, and Arizona. With a commitment to unlock access to the coolest neighborhoods, one new home at a time, the well-established company is putting a stronger emphasis on its BUILD offering, which enables homeowners to unlock the value and potential of their existing home by rebuilding a new, larger one in its placeall with the confidence of TJHs pricing and on-time delivery guarantees. About Thomas James Homes: Headquartered in Aliso Viejo, California, Thomas James Homes (TJH) is the leading single-lot replacement homebuilder unlocking invaluable access to new homes in the coolest neighborhoods. TJH has more than 500 homes in production across Southern California, Northern California, the Pacific Northwest, Colorado, and Arizona. Delivering design-driven homes in communities within major metro areas where new construction is rare and in demand, TJHs customer-centric solutions include options to build a new home on an existing homesite, personalize a pre-construction home, or buy a completed home curated by in-house design experts. Committed to long-term trade partnerships and recognized by the National Association of Home Builders for its award-winning agent program, TJH exists to help everyone in its marketplace thrive. Thomas James Homes is owned by Funds managed by Oaktree Capital Management, L.P. To learn more visit tjh.com. MCP has been a long-term partner of Minnesotas 911 program, and we are honored to have been selected as the firm to guide this transformation. The Minnesota Department of Information Technology Services and the Department of Public Safety Emergency Communication Networks (ECN) division are revisiting their statewide public-safety communications strategy with the help of consulting and managed services firm Mission Critical Partners (MCP). The state began transitioning to Next Generation 911 (NG911) service by implementing a statewide emergency services Internet Protocol network (ESInet) in 2011. Under the new contract, MCP will provide guidance over the next year regarding the most effective and efficient path toward implementing a modern, innovative NG911 system from technical, operational, and financial perspectives. MCP subject-matter experts specifically will assess the following: How best to transition from the current 911 system to the NG911 system. Current and future costs for transitioning to a fully functioning NG911 system. How best to recover those costs while ensuring that the cost-recovery model is equitable for all NG911 system users and aligns with revenue generated by the statewide 911 service fee. Governance related to the NG911 transition. This project will support the Department of Public Safety ECN Division as it transitions to the NG911 system. This major transformation impacts our first responders communication capabilities across Minnesota, not only from a strategic planning standpoint but also from a budgetary perspective, said Dana Wahlberg, director of the Department of Public Safety ECN Division. Minnesotas NG911 migration also will have implications for each of the states emergency communications centers (ECCs) also known as public safety answering points (PSAPs) or 911 centers pertaining to cybersecurity, geographic information systems (GIS), and backup dispatch capabilities. The goal is to ensure that each ECC possesses the infrastructure required for the NG911 migration. MCP subject-matter experts will leverage the firms in-house data integration solutions: Store and analyze critical data regarding each emergency communications center (ECC)s technology and communications infrastructure. Serve as the foundation for a statewide migration plan outlining a timeline and short- and long-term funding requirements. Integrate with Salesforce, a cloud-based customer-relationship-management software platform utilized by state agencies. A final component of the project will be to assess the feasibility of new, modern communication technologies for the Allied Radio Matrix for Emergency Response (ARMER) system. ARMER is the statewide Project 25 (P25)-compliant, 800 megahertz (MHz), trunked radio system that was implemented in 2004. Working alongside the Department of Transportation, MCP will develop a statewide strategy to achieve Minnesotas statewide communication interoperability plan goals while also assessing the pros and cons of new technology regarding cost savings, improved capabilities, and security. Finally, MCP will make implementation recommendations based on a cost-benefit analysis. MCP has been a long-term partner of Minnesotas 911 program, and we are honored to have been selected as the firm to guide this transformation, said Darrin Reilly, MCP president and chief executive officer. Our firm is uniquely qualified for a comprehensive initiative that leverages our capabilities in NG911 planning and implementation, wireless and broadband, as well as cybersecurity and data integration. About Mission Critical Partners (MCP) Mission Critical Partners (MCP) is a leading provider of data-integration, consulting, network, and cybersecurity solutions specializing in transforming mission-critical communications networks into integrated ecosystems that improve outcomes in the public safety, justice, healthcare, transportation, and utility markets. Our comprehensive experience and vendor-agnostic approach helps us develop modernized solutions for our clients to maximize value and create optimal efficiency while mitigating risk. Additional information and career opportunities are available at http://www.MissionCriticalPartners.com Vitreoretinal Consultants of NY (VRC) has just announced that Dr. Pamela Ann Weber of Island Retina, an award-winning retina specialist and surgeon, has joined their retina practice. Dr. Weber is a member of the National Registers Whos Who, a Castle Connolly Top Doctor and a Newsday Top Doctor. As a physician in-step with VRC's mission to provide the highest-quality retinal care to patients, Dr. Weber expressed her enthusiasm in joining the team. Its a privilege to help patients who need specialized, sight-saving services, said Dr. Weber. Vitreoretinal Consultants of NY is well-known in the retinal community for their patient-centered approach to fighting retinal diseases, and I look forward to working alongside a team of nationally-recognized providers. Michael Wiley, CEO at VRC, said: Were thrilled to have Dr. Weber join our practice. With her impressive background, exceptional clinical skills, and compassionate approach to patient interactions, shes the perfect addition to our practice, where we remain focused on providing excellent, accessible care. Dr. Weber has attended some of the most renowned medical institutions in the country. After graduating from McGill University in Montreal, Dr. Weber then continued her education at Columbia University College of Physicians & Surgeons. She completed her Post-Doctoral training as a Resident in Ophthalmology at the New York Eye and Ear Infirmary, NY. She then completed her Fellowship in Vitreoretinal Disease & Surgery at Schepens Eye Institute, Mass Eye and Ear Infirmary, and Harvard University in Boston. In addition to serving patients, Dr. Weber has also been involved in pivotal research throughout her career, including international studies for diabetes, AIDS and macular degeneration. She has traveled around the country and abroad giving lectures. Dr. Weber has a special interest in retinopathy of prematurity and has participated in National Eye Institute funded multicenter studies including ETROP (Early Treatment of Retinopathy) and STOP-ROP (Supplemental Therapeutic Oxygen for Prethreshold Retinopathy of Prematurity). She served on the Executive Committee and the Outcomes Committee for STOP-ROP. From VRCs retina centers in Shirley and Commack, Dr. Weber uses the latest equipment to diagnose and treat retinal disorders, including, age-related macular degeneration (AMD), diabetic retinopathy, retinal vein and artery occlusions, retinal tears and detachments, and more. Patients can schedule appointments Monday through Friday from 9 am to 5 pm. If you have any questions or would like to make an appointment with Dr. Weber, please call (631) 486-6672 (Commack) or (631) 924-4300 (Shirley). About Vitreoretinal Consultants of New York Vitreoretinal Consultants of NY is the premier retinal care destination for patients across Long Island, Queens, NYC, and beyond. Founded in 1981, their team of nationally-recognized retina specialists and surgeons have established themselves as distinguished physicians, compassionate providers, and key thought leaders in the retina care community. Individuals looking to learn more about VRCs state-of-the-art retina services and/or the participation requirements for various clinical trials are invited to call Kristen D'Amore at 516-466-0390. In an effort to make relevant clinical trials more accessible to patients, the Hemophilia Federation of America (HFA) has launched a clinical trial finder website. The trial finder, powered by Citeline Connect, links directly from the HFA website. Globally, more than 400,000 people have hemophilia and other bleeding disorders. As there is no cure for these diseases, patients and caregivers seek reliable information on treatments in development. With the HFA trial finder, visitors can search across all clinical trials, regardless of sponsor. Searches can be filtered by condition including various types of hemophilia, hepatitis, factor vii deficiency, platelet disorder and Von Willebrand disease study status, study phase, age and sex of participant. Visitors also can search by keyword or geographic location. Search results show study details: the name of the drug, dates of the study, the requirements, known as eligibility or inclusion/exclusion criteria, the studys focus, the protocol summary, and trial locations. Clinical trial sponsors and patient advocacy groups rely on Citeline Connect to streamline journeys into clinical trials with solutions made for patients, with patients. Built on a globally compliant data analytics platform, Citeline Connects end-to-end digital engagement experiences and multichannel recruitment programs prevent patient drop-off and reduce the burden of enrollment for all stakeholders. "Citeline Connect is honored to support HFA in its mission to provide patient-centered tools and resources around clinical trials for families impacted by rare bleeding disorders," said David Laky, Global Head of Clinical and Regulatory at Citeline. "The new HFA trial finder website simplifies how their community members can discover and learn about clinical research as a care option, and represents an incremental step closer to bringing breakthrough medicines to patients." Patients and families have asked for a way to easily search for clinical trials, and Hemophilia Federation of America is excited to offer this new resource that will empower patients and their families to search for available clinical trials and work with their care team to determine eligibility, said Dan Kelsey, President and CEO of HFA. For more information, visit https://trials.hemophiliafed.org/search-results. For more information on Citeline Connect, visit https://pages.pharmaintelligence.informa.com/Partner-Connect-100-Sponsor. About Citeline Citeline, a Norstella company, powers a full suite of complementary business intelligence offerings to meet the evolving needs of life science professionals to accelerate the connection of treatments to patients and patients to treatments. These patient-focused solutions and services deliver and analyze data used to drive clinical, commercial, and regulatory-related decisions and create real-world opportunities for growth. Citelines global teams of analysts, journalists and consultants keep their fingers on the pulse of the pharmaceutical, biomedical and medtech industries, covering it all with expert insights: key diseases, clinical trials, drug R&D and approvals, market forecasts and more. For more information on one of the worlds most trusted health science partners, visit Citeline. About the Hemophilia Federation of America Hemophilia Federation of America is a patient education, services and advocacy organization serving the rare bleeding disorders community. HFA focuses on the bleeding disorders patient and caregiver community. More than 50 member organizations across the country utilize HFAs collaborative federation to strengthen community support and awareness, develop effective local organizations, and implement valuable programs. ### "Northrop Realty is committed to making a positive impact in the communities we serve, and we believe that everyone should have access to safe and stable housing and nutritious food," said Carla Northrop, CEO of Northrop Realty. Northrop Realty, a leading real estate brokerage firm in the mid-Atlantic region, has announced the launch of Northrop Realty CARES, a community service and philanthropy campaign aimed at addressing housing instability, food insecurity, and promoting diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI). The mission of Northrop Realty CARES is to provide support and resources to local communities so that everyone has access to safe and stable housing, nutritious food, and equitable opportunities. It is a commitment to working with nonprofit organizations, such as the United Way, to ensure housing stability and access to healthy food for individuals and families facing adversity. This initiative involves the active participation of Northrop Realty employees and agents who generously volunteer their time and resources to support these crucial causes. By joining forces with reputable nonprofits, Northrop Realty CARES strives to make a tangible difference in the lives of those in need. "Northrop Realty is committed to making a positive impact in the communities we serve, and we believe that everyone should have access to safe and stable housing and nutritious food," said Carla Northrop, CEO of Northrop Realty. "It is in our DNA to prioritize social responsibility and contribute to the well-being of our communities. That is why we are launching Northrop Realty CARES, our philanthropic initiative to help make a positive difference in the lives of individuals and families facing these challenges." According to the U.S. Department of Agriculture, more than 34 million people, including 9 million children, in the United States struggle to afford basic needs, such as food. Food insecurity is defined as a household-level economic and social condition of limited or uncertain access to adequate food. We recognize the challenges many individuals and families face today and how they disproportionately affect marginalized communities. With a firm belief in equitable access to these basic needs, we are committed to making a difference and ensuring that no one is left behind, said Jay Riley, Chief Administrative Officer at Northrop Realty. By centering DEI principles throughout our initiative, we are excited to help create a safe and welcoming environment and ensure that programs and services are accessible and inclusive to everyone. Northrop Realty understands that it has a role to play in helping to address these challenges. By launching Northrop Realty CARES, the company is focused on the well-being of its communities and demonstrates its commitment to being a responsible corporate citizen. Northrop Realty CARES reflects the company's core values and is a testament to our dedication to corporate social responsibility, said Northrop. About Northrop Realty Northrop Realty is a full-service brokerage representing buyers and sellers of residential real estate in Maryland, Delaware, Washington, D.C., Virginia, Pennsylvania, and North Carolina. As one of the mid-Atlantic premier brokerages, Northrop Realty is comprised of more than 325+ licensed real estate professionals and over 60 employees, operating 17 brick-and-mortar office locations in Annapolis, Baltimore, Clarksville, Columbia, Ellicott City, Fallston, Frederick, Lutherville-Timonium, Phoenix, Sykesville, Maryland, and Bethany Beach, Fenwick Island, Millsboro, Lewes-Rehoboth, and Newark, Delaware, and Oak Island North Carolina. Since 2000, Northrop Realty's iconic brand and continued success are a result of its best-in-class technology, training, leadership, marketing, and robust network. As a subsidiary of Home Services of America and Forbes Global Properties, Northrop Realty is proud to rank as the No. 1 specialty brokerage in the nation by RealTrends in 2019 based on closed sales volume. (http://www.northroprealty.com) The Horizon Diner, a retro-style, roadside diner has been sold according to Diner Bob Gillis, Bielat Santore & Company, Allenhurst, NJ., the sales agent for the transaction. Located at 32 East Bay Avenue, a gateway road to & from Long Beach Island, the diner is positioned to cater to customers from both the island and the mainland. The location produces year-round consistent business as well as an explosion of business in the summer months. The Diner sits directly off Rt. 9 and Rt. 72 in the heart of the Manahawkin business district. Having had the Diner under contract twice, during and post Covid without closing, Mr. Gillis turned to successful real estate investor and entrepreneur, Anil Bansal to finally get the job done. Mr. Bansal is the president and owner of First National Realty Management, Lyndhurst, NJ. He owns and manages multiple commercial properties throughout the state. In this case the plan was to lease the restaurant to an experienced operator and take advantage of the extraordinary location. Operated absentee for the past ten years, the Horizon was in need of a refresh and an energized, creative operator. Mr. Bansal was fortunate to connect with Diego Sanchez, a successful restaurateur who recently relocated from Austin, Texas back to New Jersey. An accomplished chef and restaurant owner, Mr. Sanchez actually appeared on the Food Network series Chopped and Beat Bobby Flay. Starting his career as a line cook at the Galaxy Diner in Rahway, he enrolled in and graduated from the Art Institute of New York City, Culinary School. The rest is history as Diego has been a chef, manager, and owner of fine restaurants from New York City to Austin Texas to Miami Beach, Florida. Now back in New Jersey, Diegos unique talents will surely take the Horizon Diner, under the new name, 39 Degrees North, to unimagined heights. Mr. Sanchez has made a seamless transition with the diner, remaining open as he makes modest renovations. Landscaping, exterior lighting, painting and cosmetic changes to the dining rooms have already begun. The hours have been expanded to 7:00a.m. to 9:00p.m. seven days a week. Expect a creative new menu to incorporate classic breakfast and American comfort foods with the new operators creative dishes inspired by his vast culinary experience. Looks like the start of another great New Jersey Diner success story. Bielat Santore & Company, a real estate firm specializing in food & beverage related businesses and real estate, has spent more time in recent years on the New Jersey Diner marketplace through the efforts of one of its experienced sales agents, Diner Bob Gillis. Currently Mr. Gillis has several Diners and Breakfast & Lunch Cafes listed for sale Give Him A Call!!! About Bielat Santore & Company Bielat Santore & Company is an established commercial real estate firm. The companys expertise lies chiefly within the restaurant and hospitality industry, specializing in the sale of restaurants and other food and beverage real estate businesses. Since 1978, the principals of Bielat Santore & Company, Barry Bielat and Richard Santore, have sold more restaurants and similar type properties in New Jersey than any other real estate company. Furthermore, the firm has secured in excess of $500,000,000 in financing to facilitate these transactions. Visit the companys website, http://www.123bsc.com for the latest in new listings, property searches, available land, market data, financing trends, RSS feeds, press releases and more. City of Novato joins the California Purchasing Group by Bidnet Direct The City of Novato invites all potential vendors to register online. The City of Novato announced it has joined the California Purchasing Group and will be publishing and distributing upcoming bid opportunities on the system. Bidnet Directs California Purchasing Group connects over 50 participating agencies from across California. The purchasing group provides a transparent bid process through which the bid is available to all vendors at the same time. The City of Novato invites all potential vendors to register online at http://www.bidnetdirect.com/california/cityofnovato. The City of Novato joined the purchasing group in April 2023. The City of Novato will utilize the system to streamline their purchasing process including bid distribution, bid management, and vendor relations. The California Purchasing Group is a single, online location for managing sourcing information and activities and provides 60 local government agencies the tools needed to have a transparent bid process while minimizing costs and saving time. "The California Purchasing Group allows us to establish and maintain a system of transparency for not only the agency but the vendors who would like to do business with us. All the information we have regarding the bid, addenda, and awards, along with Q&As is available to all with just one click of the mouse. By fostering a more transparent environment, it allows for more public participation and collaboration and holds our agency accountable for all that we do during the bid process, stated Petr Skala, Associate Engineer of the City of Novato. As a participating agency of the California Purchasing Group, it allows the City of Novato to expand their vendor pool and enhance vendor competition without increasing distribution costs. To be added to the existing list of vendors on the California Purchasing Group, any suppliers looking to do business with the City of Novato can register online: http://www.bidnetdirect.com/california/cityofnovato. The City of Novato encourages all interested bidders to register today. Registered vendors can access open bids, related documents, and files, additional addendum, and available award information from all participating agencies. In addition, the California Purchasing Group offers a value-added service to notify vendors of new bids targeted to their business, including all addenda and advance notification of expiring term contracts. With one click, the City of Novato can now see how many vendors match a specific opportunity, how many have downloaded documents, responded and more. The City of Novato also has its own, branded page on the public side of the California Purchasing Group in which taxpayers can view all closed bids and any awarded information. Vendors may register on the California Purchasing Group: http://www.bidnetdirect.com/california/cityofnovato. Bidnet Directs vendor support team is available to answer any questions regarding the registration process or the bid system at 800-835-4603 option 2. Other local California government agencies looking to switch from a manual bid process, please contact the California Purchasing Group for a demonstration of the no-cost sourcing solution. About the City of Novato: Novato is a city in Marin County, California, in the North Bay region of the Bay Area. At the 2020 census, Novato had a population of 53,225. About Bidnet Direct: Bidnet Direct, powered by mdf commerce, is a sourcing solution of regional purchasing groups available at no cost to local government agencies throughout the country. Bidnet Direct runs regional purchasing groups, including the California Purchasing Group, across all 50 states that are used by over 1,600 local governments. To learn more and have your government agency gain better transparency and efficiency in purchasing, please visit https://www.bidnetdirect.com/buyers CPA is working to address the significant challenges load-serving entities are facing in procuring short-term resource adequacy that supports power reliability, said Ted Bardacke, CPAs Chief Executive Officer. Clean Power Alliance (CPA), the fourth largest electricity provider in California, has launched its 2023 Clean Energy and Reliability Request for Offers (RFO). The RFO solicits competitive proposals to better allow CPA to meet its various energy portfolio needs, while also complying with California Public Utilities Commission (CPUC) Procurement Orders and Resource Adequacy (RA) requirements. Relative to CPAs prior RFOs, this solicitation has expanded product categories and now includes RA-only and existing thermal energy resources with preferences for those that are transitioning to cleaner operations. CPA has also implemented changes to its RFO eligibility requirements such as expanding term limits, allowing proposers to submit bundled offers, and a fast-track process for negotiations. CPA is working to address the significant challenges load-serving entities are facing in procuring short-term resource adequacy that supports power reliability, said Ted Bardacke, CPAs Chief Executive Officer. Were seeking the benefits of increased long-term procurement to fulfill a larger portion of our renewable energy portfolio needs and best provide for the energy reliability needs of our customers. CPA has traditionally focused its RFOs on meeting various California compliance requirements. However, CPA is currently on track to meet or exceed its long-term contracting compliance requirements over the next several years. As a result, this RFO seeks to fill a larger portion of CPAs energy portfolio needs with long-term contracts that reduce the need for CPA to procure energy in the more expensive short-term market. Long-term contracts provide CPA a viable avenue to help stabilize customer bill costs. Among the expanded procurement options CPA has included in this RFO are the following: 1) Counterparties may propose contract terms of 10 to 20 years within most product categories, compared to the typical 15-year terms requested in previous RFOs 2) Allowing bids for Resource Adequacy only contracts, whereas previously CPA considered only projects that paired Resource Adequacy with energy 3) Consideration for bundled offers, meaning proposers can submit a portfolio for resources from multiple projects at a lower price, as opposed to individual offers for each resource offered 4) An option to request fast-track status for projects with unique circumstances such as very near-term online dates. To review CPAs Clean Energy and Reliability RFO click here. A webinar to inform about the RFO process will take place on June 20, 2023, at 11 a.m. (PST). Offers are due July 19, 2023. Proposers must register on the RFO website to receive RFO documents and participate in the webinar. About Clean Power Alliance Founded in 2017, Clean Power Alliance is the locally operated not-for-profit electricity provider for 30 cities across Los Angeles County and Ventura County, as well as the unincorporated areas of both counties. CPA is the fourth largest electricity provider in California and has the most customers receiving 100% renewable energy in the nation. CPA serves approximately three million people via one million customer accounts, providing clean renewable energy at competitive rates. To view CPAs 2022 Impact Report, click here. For complete information regarding CPA visit http://www.cleanpoweralliance.org. Media Contact: Joseph Cabral Clean Power Alliance jcabral@cleanpoweralliance.org 213-442-8109 BAKU, Azerbaijan, June 15. Armenian armed forces have subjected to fire the checkpoint in Azerbaijan's Lachin, border serviceman was injured, Trend reports, citing an informed source. Early this morning the Armenian armed forces opened fire in the direction of the Lachin checkpoint, using a machine gun. The shelling came from an Armenian post opposite, just at the moment of the daily ceremony of raising the national flag of Azerbaijan. An Azerbaijani border soldier was wounded by enemy fire. His condition is assessed as stable and all necessary medical care is provided. At present, the situation is under the control of Azerbaijani army units, after the shelling the Armenian military has left its post. This blatant incident is an open manifestation of terrorism and aggression by Armenia. It has not caused problems for the functioning of the Lachin border checkpoint, and Azerbaijan has enough resources to protect it. But, it is obvious, that the uninterrupted operation of the border post seriously disturbs the enemy. Additional information will be provided further. The Bible is the most exciting book in the world! Yet how many times have you watched restless children squirm their way through a 30-40-minute Bible lesson with very little chance for movement and probably very little retention? I decided to come up with something better. Author Donna Syme PhD provides youth ministry leaders with refreshing instructions to create impactful, bible-based children's messages in Will They Follow?: A Leader's Guide to Reaching Today's Children ($16.49, paperback, 9781662866791; $7.99, e-book, 9781662866807). Syme penned a well-thought-out book that describes how to create a Sunday morning program that young Christians will look forward to attending. This book thoroughly explains how to make the narratives of the Bible come alive and provides real-life anecdotal stories that are age-appropriate and enjoyable to read. Syme aims to inspire teachers to do more than just teach Bible lessons. Instead, she provides the knowledge to create a program that fulfills Christs final command to make disciples. This book is ideal encouragement for both new and experienced youth ministry leaders and Sunday school teachers allowing all readers to reexamine what God has called them to do. When asked what inspired the author to write this book, Syme said, The Bible is the most exciting book in the world! Yet how many times have you watched restless children squirm their way through a 30-40-minute Bible lesson with very little chance for movement and probably very little retention? I decided to come up with something better. Donna Syme holds a bachelors degree in elementary and special education from the University of Delaware. She also impressively holds a masters degree in education from Widener University and a Ph.D. in Philosophy of Christian Education from Newburgh Seminary. Symes teaching career spans over four decades and includes teaching elementary and special education both in public and Christian schools. She has led intervention teams, mentored new teachers, and supervised student teachers. Symes ministry at church has involved teaching elementary students, directing children and teen choirs, playing the piano and organ, serving as a small group leader for children, teens, and adults, leading teaching seminars, and serving as Coordinator of Childrens Ministries. She is married to Robert Syme, and they are the proud parents of two adult children (both living outside of the U.S.) and grandparents of one granddaughter. Syme and her husband travel often, especially to Taiwan to visit their son, and to the Netherlands to visit their daughter and her family. They also enjoy travelling via their travel trailer to visit various places around the United States. ### Xulon Press, a division of Salem Media Group, is the worlds largest Christian self-publisher, with more than 15,000 titles published to date. Will They Follow?: A Leader's Guide to Reaching Today's Children is available online through xulonpress.com/bookstore, amazon.com, and barnesandnoble.com. We learned that our business could not only generate money for the sake of justice, but the business itself could be conducted in an intentionally transformative way - Cody Lorance, Co-CEO of Endiro Coffee The 2023 Mindful Awards Program, an independent recognition platform highlighting conscious companies and products that mindfully make waves in the ever-expanding world of consumer-packaged goods, today announced that Endiro Coffee, a fully integrated tree-to-cup coffee company, has been selected as the winner of the Coffee Product of the Year award. Endiros Bukalasi coffee is medium bodied with tastes of fruit. The nutty, sweet earthy coffee also has a floral and herbal finish. There are no added artificial flavors and it is produced and sourced at the village level in Uganda by mostly women farmers where Endiro employs fully organic and regenerative agricultural practices. Cody Lorance and Gloria Katusiime have grown Endiro from a single cafe in Kampala, Uganda to over 17 branches in three countries. In 2015, they began working directly with Ugandan coffee farmers to produce sustainably and ethically sourced coffee. By 2017, they had a network of over 2,000 farmers. Endiro mentors and equips their farmers, forging genuine relationships and the coffee is exported around the world. The company has achieved B-Corp Certification and focuses on every point of the coffee value chain to work for the business as transformation within communities. Even at the cafe level, each manager is mentored to engage their local community through a wide variety of projects and local partnerships that help families in need. Endiro doesn't just produce quality delicious coffee, their whole business model is transformative when it comes to justice and development causes. Congratulations on winning the Coffee Product of the Year award, said Travis Grant, Managing Director, Mindful Awards. Their coffee is sourced with the highest ethical standards and their contextualized community engagement strategies help promote positive social transformation in every city they find themselves in. This is true holistic transformation. The mission of the Mindful Awards program is to honor conscious CPG companies and products that offer transparency to consumers, pay workers fair wages, ensure sustainable business practices, use recycled or recyclable materials, and create healthier products using natural or organic ingredients. This years program attracted more than 1650 nominations from companies all over the world. All nominations are evaluated by an independent panel of experts within the consumer-packaged goods industry. The winning products and companies have been selected based on a variety of criteria, ranging from Impact, Credibility, Health, Transparency and more. Farmers who were living on less than a dollar per day, now have exceeded the Ugandan median income through coffee. We learned that our business could not only generate money for the sake of justice, but the business itself could be conducted in an intentionally transformative way. Coffee has the potential to be used to bring positive change around the world, said Cody Lorance, Co-CEO of Endiro Coffee. This Mindful Award is validation for the work done by our farmers in Uganda and our roastery team in the US. We are so grateful that our vision to be a company that addresses child vulnerability and advances justice, peace, liberty and dignity through the utilization of coffee is being recognized. #### About Mindful Awards The Mindful Awards organization is devoted to honoring mindful companies in the consumer-packaged goods industry that are setting the foundation for our future. The Mindful Awards are devoted to providing a forum for public recognition around the achievements in categories Food, Beverage and Snacks, Supplements, and Leadership. Mindful Awards goal is to further expand recognition of mindful companies. For more information visit MindfulAwards.com. About Endiro Coffee Endiro Coffee was founded in 2011 in Kampala, Uganda. It is a tree-to-cup coffee company which grows coffee in Uganda, operates cafes in Uganda and the USA, and roasts for wholesales out of Aurora, Illinois. As a Certified B Corp, Endiro is committed to producing coffee in ways that are free from exploitation of people or the environment. Endiros vision is to end child vulnerability globally through coffee. More information, including wholesale applications, can be found at endirocoffee.com Our meetings serve a vital role in making sure that all stakeholders are working together to speed up the delivery of treatments to our families." - Jamshid Arjomand, PhD, chief science officer The FSHD Societys 30th annual International Research Congress (IRC) opened today in Milan Italy. The meeting gathers researchers, clinicians, patients and families, advocacy leaders, industry scientists, and regulators from around the world to focus on facioscapulohumeral muscular dystrophy (FSHD). FSHD is a rare, hereditary muscle-weakening condition that affects an estimated one million men, women, and children worldwide. It is marked by life-long, progressive loss of muscle function and causes significant pain, fatigue, and disability. There is currently no medication to slow or halt the progression of symptoms. Held this year on June 15-16, the IRC covers a broad span of research including the genetics, epigenetics, pathobiology, novel drug targets, outcome measures and clinical trials. The Society has funded research leading to the discovery of the genetic mechanism of FSHD, identification of therapeutic targets, and validation of clinical trial outcome measures. The Society also played a key role in launching the now 21-center international FSHD Clinical Trial Research Network, providing infrastructure for several ongoing clinical trials. This year, the Society is holding a special session on pediatric FSHD. Most FSHD researchers and companies have focused on adult patients, even though the majority of people begin to manifest symptoms in childhood or adolescence. We want to highlight research progress and gaps in our understanding of FSHD in children, says Jamshid Arjomand, PhD, chief science officer of the FSHD Society. Its likely that future treatments will be most effective when given early in the course of the disease, so we need to be proactive to make sure the research is there to ensure that children will have access to treatments. On the day preceding the IRC, the FSHD Society is hosting its annual Industry Collaborative Workshop for biopharmaceutical companies. The workshop will review the current state of trial readiness, including genetic testing, imaging markers, and clinical outcomes to seek alignment around approaches to addressing critical gaps. The IRC will be followed on June 17-18 by the World FSHD Alliances annual summit, a meeting of FSHD patient advocacy groups from 25 countries. With the prospect of new treatments coming on the market over the next few years, the alliance focuses on developing country-by-country strategies to ensure that patients everywhere will have access to these treatments. Our meetings serve a vital role in making sure that all stakeholders are working together to speed up the delivery of treatments to our families, said Arjomand. About the FSHD Society The FSHD Society is the worlds largest research-focused patient organization for facioscapulohumeral muscular dystrophy (FSHD), one of the most prevalent forms of muscular dystrophy. The Society has catalyzed major advancements and is accelerating the development of treatments and a cure to end the pain, disability, and suffering endured by one million people worldwide who live with FSHD. The FSHD Society has transformed the landscape for FSHD research and is committed to making sure that no one faces this disease alone. The Society offers a community of support, news, and information through its website at https://www.fshsociety.org. GR0, a leading digital marketing agency, is proud to announce that they have been honored with two more Comparably awards: Best Leadership Teams and Best Career Growth. These accolades signify not only the remarkable accomplishments of GR0's leadership, but also the collective efforts of each employee who has fostered a prosperous and fulfilling career within the organization. Comparably (now a ZoomInfo company) is a leading workplace culture and corporate brand reputation platform with over 20 million anonymous employee ratings on 70,000 companies. With the most comprehensive data on large and SMB organizations in nearly 20 different workplace categories based on gender, ethnicity, age, experience, industry, location, education it is one of the most used SaaS platforms for employer branding and a trusted third party site for workplace culture and compensation. This set of Comparably Awards is based on sentiment feedback provided by current employees who anonymously rated the job their leadership team is doing and how they feel about their professional development opportunities during a 12-month look-back period (May 15, 2022 through May 15, 2023). The Best Leadership Teams award acknowledges the exemplary guidance and strategic vision demonstrated by GR0's leadership. Through their expertise, dedication, and ability to inspire, the leadership team has steered the company towards continuous growth, innovation, and industry excellence. The Best Career Growth award recognizes GR0's dedication to fostering the career development of its employees. By providing robust training programs, mentorship opportunities, and a collaborative work culture, GR0 empowers its team members to enhance their skills, expand their knowledge, and progress within the company. This award underscores GR0's commitment to nurturing long-term careers and enabling professional advancement. We are thrilled and honored to receive the awards for Best Leadership Teams and Best Career Growth," said Kevin Miller, CEO and co-founder of GR0. "This recognition is a testament to the hard work, dedication, and talent of our exceptional team. It is their relentless pursuit of excellence and commitment to innovation that has driven our success and allowed us to make a significant impact in our industry. We are deeply grateful to our clients and partners for their continued trust and support. GR0's recognition with the Best Leadership Teams and Best Career Growth awards solidifies their position as a trailblazer in the digital marketing industry. These awards add to their already impressive resume of recognitions which include being an honoree to the inaugural 2022 FORTUNE Best Workplaces in Advertising and Marketing and Inc.s Inaugural Power Partner Awards List. ### About GR0: Headquartered in Los Angeles, California, GR0 is an award-winning digital marketing agency. Originally formed to focus exclusively on igniting organic growth for D2C and B2B startups and established brands through Search Engine Optimization (SEO), GR0 now offers a wide range of marketing services, including Google Ads, Email & SMS, Affiliate, Influencer, and Paid Social. GR0's mission is to demystify online marketing for brands, allowing them to realize their full potential by using a highly technical, best-in-class approach that delivers value and experience to consumers while increasing engagement and sales for brands For more information, please visit: https://gr0.com/ "We are on a mission to make some serious change for the underserved youth in our community. Cardone, who started his own national nonprofit foundation to help youths in the communities reach their fullest potential, had invited the SLAM students to his 10X Headquarters in Aventura where they were served lunch and attended a mentoring workshop. It is a pleasure to provide these financial literacy workshops to young adults, said Sheri Hamilton, Chairwoman of the Grant Cardone Foundation. SLAM has done an amazing job of making their specialized curriculum available to at-risk youth. That is precisely the mission of the Grant Cardone Foundation: To bring financial education to those who would not otherwise have it. We are on a mission to make some serious change for the underserved youth in our community. During the workshop, Cardone focused on teaching the students important skills such as goal setting, entrepreneurship, professional attitude, and investing in themselves. Each student in attendance was also given a copy of his bestselling book, The 10X Rule. Cardone, a Miami resident, started his foundation in 2017. It came as a result of Cardone losing his father at age 10. He holds about one youth workshop every two months. Cardone said growing up without a father figure in his life affected him in many ways, including emotionally, socially and academically so he has made it his mission to help young adults, who may need life and career guidance just as he once did. To learn more about the Grant Cardone Foundation, visit https://grantcardonefoundation.com/. About Grant Cardone: Grant Cardone is an American author, sales trainer, real estate investor, and motivational speaker. He wrote seven books: Sell To Survive, The Closer's Survival Guide, If You're Not First, You're Last, The 10X Rule, Sell or Be Sold, The Millionaire Booklet, and Be Obsessed or Be Average. Grant showed off his sales and marketing process when he was featured in Discovery Channel's Undercover Billionaire, Season 2. About The Grant Cardone Foundation: The Grant Cardone Foundation is an international non-profit organization invested in helping youth in our communities reach their full potential. Entrepreneur and best-selling author, Grant Cardone, created the foundation as a result of experiencing the traumatic loss of his father when he was only ten years old. Growing up without a father figure in his life affected him emotionally, socially, and academically. So he has made it his mission to help young adults who may need life and career guidance, just as he once did. The foundation partners with community organizations, municipal agencies, corporations, and other non-profit entities to help deliver energy and educational resources to kids in need. About SLAM Academy: The SLAM Foundation is a non-profit educational organization supporting the expansion of K-12 tuition-free, public charter schools in underrepresented communities nationwide. GRAMMY-winning international superstar, entrepreneur and education advocate, Armando Christian Perez (Pitbull) opened the first SLAM school in Miami in 2012. We currently serve almost 7,000 students across 14 schools in Florida, Nevada, Georgia and Arizona. SLAM schools are accredited by COGNIA under the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools (SACS-CASI) division. [Hood] Advantage students have worked hard to achieve academic success, and I am pleased to help them continue their education by establishing this fund to assist in alleviating textbook costs," states Cynthia Shafer Campbell 69 Hood College is proud to announce the establishment of a new endowed fund gifted by Cynthia Shafer Campbell 69, which aims to help students enrolled in the Hood Advantage Program with the costs of their textbooks. Incoming first-year students who qualify for the Hood Advantage Program and enroll at Hood will receive a book stipend to offset costs during their first semester. The fund will begin issuing stipends in the fall of 2024. I am excited to support Hood College students through the Hood Advantage Program, said Campbell. I was most fortunate that my scholarships covered the entire cost of tuition, but not textbooks, which were expensive. According to the Education Data Initiative, in 2022, the average college student spent $1,226 on books and supplies each academic year, with students spending $105.37 per textbook each semester. Following the announcement of the Hood Advantage Program in January, Campbell felt compelled to support Hood Advantage students by tackling these costs. [Hood] Advantage students have worked hard to achieve academic success, and I am pleased to help them continue their education by establishing this fund to assist in alleviating textbook costs. When we discussed the creation of the Hood Advantage program, we knew that it would be well received by students and parents, said Bill Brown, vice president for enrollment management. We are particularly delighted that the Hood community is supporting it in such a significant way. Contributions from loyal alumni and friends make a Hood education possible, said Nancy Gillece, vice president for institutional advancement. We know there are educational expenses beyond tuition. Thanks to Cynthia, students in the Hood Advantage Program will have the tools necessary to excel. The fund is open to receiving additional contributions. Those interested in supporting the fund should contact Director of Leadership Giving Emily VanderWoude at vanderwoude@hood.edu. About Hood College Hood College is an independent, liberal arts college, offering more than 30 bachelors degrees, four pre-professional programs, 19 masters degree programs, two doctorates and 13 post-baccalaureate certificates. Located in historic Frederick, near Washington, D.C., Baltimore and the I-270 technology corridor, Hood gives students access to countless internships and research opportunities. Red Comet Logo Red Comet beats the odds. Students from urban, rural, public, and private schools succeed regardless of race, gender, ethnicity, and socioeconomic factors. Red Comet partners closely with schools to ensure all students have equitable access to curriculum and technology, said Ms. Ganeshan For the year 2023, Inc. magazine chose Red Comets President & CEO, Ms. Sapna Ganeshan, as part of their most awaited Mays collective edition on Inspiring Leaders. The list offers a glimpse of leaders from various companies directly or indirectly involved in this business world. Red Comet beats the odds. Students from urban, rural, public, and private schools succeed regardless of race, gender, ethnicity, and socioeconomic factors. Red Comet partners closely with schools to ensure all students have equitable access to curriculum and technology. Here, the curriculum is inclusive of gender and various cultures and traditions. The curriculum showcases womens and minorities contributions to literature, arts, math, and technology where possible. Students become more interested in learning when they can relate to the subject. When pupils are engaged, learning is deeper, and retention is higher, said Ms. Ganeshan on what makes Red Comet a leader in the education technology sector. Inc. Magazine reported that the Red Comet team is redefining what learning will look like in the foreseeable future. On the effects of the pandemic on digital learning, Ms. Ganeshan said: In response to COVID lockdowns and mandated virtual classes, the field of online learning saw a major backlash. Despite their greatest efforts, many students had a negative experience because nobody was prepared for this. While student engagement fell, learning loss reached a historical high. The gap between those who succeed and those who fail grew wider. COVID exacerbated the variations in student outcomes by race and ethnicity. By harnessing exciting cutting-edge technology, Red Comet is reversing this negativity by making digital learning a viable and enticing option. To read the complete article, visit For 2023, Inc. magazine chose Red Comets President & CEO, Ms. Sapna Ganeshan, as part of their most awaited Mays collective edition on Inspiring Leaders. The list offers a glimpse of leaders from various companies directly or indirectly involved in this business world. Red Comet beats the odds. Students from urban, rural, public, and private schools succeed regardless of race, gender, ethnicity, and socioeconomic factors. Red Comet partners closely with schools to ensure all students have equitable access to curriculum and technology. Here, the curriculum is inclusive of gender and various cultures and traditions. The curriculum showcases womens and minorities contributions to literature, arts, math, and technology where possible. Students become more interested in learning when they can relate to the subject. When pupils are engaged, learning is deeper, and retention is higher, said Ms. Ganeshan on what makes Red Comet a leader in the education technology sector. Inc. Magazine reported that the Red Comet team is redefining what learning will look like in the foreseeable future. On the effects of the pandemic on digital learning, Ms. Ganeshan said: In response to COVID lockdowns and mandated virtual classes, the field of online learning saw a major backlash. Despite their greatest efforts, many students had a negative experience because nobody was prepared for this. While student engagement fell, learning loss reached a historical high. The gap between those who succeed and those who fail grew wider. COVID exacerbated the variations in student outcomes by race and ethnicity. By harnessing exciting cutting-edge technology, Red Comet is reversing this negativity by making digital learning a viable and enticing option. To read the complete article, visit https://theincmagazine.com/sapna-ganeshan-creating-a-signicant-difference-in-education-with-red-comet/. About Red Comet: Red Comet is an education technology company using cutting-edge technology to offer customized digital solutions for K-12 online learning. Red Comet is globally accredited by Cognia and offers over 300 credit-bearing K-12 core and elective courses aligned with state standards. The company provides a broad digital curriculum, varied assessments, and virtual learning models for the K-12 market by maximizing technologys potential for creating immersive and meaningful learning experiences. For more information on Red Comet, visit Red Comet (http://www.redcomet.org) National Fatherhood Initiative Logo "24:7 Dad is immensely valuable. It increases participants knowledge of what it means to be a responsible father, and dads leave the program feeling like a more equipped parent," said David Cozart, Chief Visionary Officer for the Commonwealth Center for Fathers and Families. 24:7 Dad, the flagship fatherhood program of National Fatherhood Initiative, has achieved a new milestone: 20 years of educating thousands of fathers across the U.S. to be involved, responsible, and committed dads 24 hours a day, seven days a week. This achievement is recognized as the nation prepares to celebrate Fathers Day on Sunday, June 18. Twenty years ago, National Fatherhood Initiative created 24:7 Dada fatherhood curriculum based on research that shows fathers are essential to the emotional, physical, and social development of their children, said Christopher Brown, President of National Fatherhood Initiative. We are proud of the program's lasting impact on fathers, children, and families. As our work to build capacity in human service organizations to serve fathers continues, 24:7 Dad is vital to helping fathers develop positive fathering skills. 24:7 Dad is an evidence-based fatherhood program used by hundreds of organizations across the U.S. to improve the knowledge, behavior, and skills of diverse dads. The program is built on the basis that fathers can be nurturers, and nurturing is a learned skill for men. Throughout the program, men examine their fatherhood history, learn the five characteristics of a 24:7 Dad, and learn other essential behaviors such as working with mom and proper child discipline to help them be the best dads possible. Since 2003, National Fatherhood Initiative has trained more than 6,200 individuals to facilitate 24:7 Dad. Now in its third edition, NFI has improved 24:7 Dad using based on independent academic evaluations and suggestions made by facilitators in the field and fathers who have participated in it. Its flexible design allows the program to be delivered in various settings, including group and one-on-one sessions, in-person and virtually. Two versions of the program are available: 24:7 Dad A.M. and 24:7 Dad P.M. 24:7 Dad A.M. covers basic fathering skills and topics, while 24:7 Dad P.M. covers deeper fathering skills and topics. 24:7 Dad is at the top of a short list of curricula that the Commonwealth Center for Fathers and Families recommends to organizations seeking to seed and sustain fatherhood services in Kentucky, said David Cozart, Chief Visionary Officer for the Commonwealth Center for Fathers and Families. The agility of 24:7 Dad makes it ideal for use in a variety of settings, among a diverse population of fathers. It increases participants knowledge of what it means to be a responsible father, and dads leave the program feeling like a more equipped parent. National Fatherhood Initiative comes alongside human service organizations and practitioners with a strengths-based approach to father engagement training, evidence-based and evidence-informed fatherhood programs, and other educational materials to help them be more father-inclusive. In addition to developing parent education skills, fathers who participate in the organizations 24:7 Dad program encourage other dads to take care of themselves so they can care for and be there for their children. Healthy father involvement is associated with better outcomes on nearly every measure of child well-being. Skills taught in 24:7 Dad, such as building resiliency, developing pro-fathering attitudes, and knowing where to get support, can reduce the risk of child maltreatment. Independent research shows that the program increases pro-fathering knowledge, attitudes, and skills, and reduces the risk of child abuse and neglect. For more information on National Fatherhood Initiative and the 24:7 Dad program, visit http://www.fatherhood.org. ### About National Fatherhood Initiative National Fatherhood Initiative (NFI) was founded in 1994 to reverse our nations destructive trend toward father absence. Today, nearly 20 million American children live in homes where their biological fathers do not live. Yet, the fact remains that millions of families interact with human-service organizations every year that are primarily mother-focused. Therefore, NFIs mission is to increase father involvement by equipping human service organizations and communities with the father engagement training, programs, and resources they need to be father-inclusive. Our vision is that all human service organizations and communities are proactively father-inclusive so that every child has an involved, responsible, and committed father. Accordingly, we accomplish our mission by: Educating all Americans, especially fathers, through social media, earned media, research, and free resources. Equipping organizations and communities with fatherhood programs and resources through training, planning, and technical assistance services. Engaging and assisting organizations and communities in mobilizing at the micro- and macro-level to increase fathers' involvement in childrens lives. For more information on NFI, visit http://www.fatherhood.org. The New Smyrna Beach Area will be celebrating Americas independence with family-friendly festivities beginning the weekend before the holiday and extending through Tuesday, July Fourth. Options range from large events with fireworks to live music at intimate venues, and include: New Smyrna Beachs Fourth of July Celebration Riverside Park 105 South Riverside Drive, New Smyrna Beach Tuesday, July 4th from 9 a.m. 9:30 p.m. Activities throughout the day including a free family fishing tournament until 1 p.m.; hot dog cookout; food trucks; free concerts by the MaxQ Band and Cactus Jack and the Cadillacs; fireworks at 9:15 p.m. Fourth of July Weekend Festival First Turn, Port Orange 5218 South Ridgewood Avenue Friday, July 1 Tuesday, July 4 17 bands on three stages, multiple food vendors, live music, classic car show and childrens zone. Tickets start at $25 Gates open daily at 10:30 a.m. Independence Day Music Festival Flagler Avenue, New Smyrna Beach Thursday, June 29 Tuesday, July 4 Free music festival highlighting many music genres. Forty free shows at various locations along Flagler Avenue. Some locations are 21 years old and up. Ice Cream Beach 5K Flagler Ave Boardwalk Beach Saturday, July 1, 8 a.m. Get your holiday weekend started off on the right foot with a 5k race on the beautiful beaches of New Smyrna. Ice cream samples will be given out to all finishers. Registration starts at $25. Third Annual Reed, White and Blue Celebration Outriggers Tiki Bar and Grille, 300 Boat Yard Street, New Smyrna Beach Tuesday, July 4th Games, activities, cookout-style buffet, live music and more. Buffet dinner starting at 5 p.m., $40 for adults and $20 for children. Crimson House, Red, Wine and Blues Party 219 N. Orange Street, New Smyrna Beach Monday, July 3rd from 6:30 9:30 p.m. Sundown Smokehouse BBQ will be providing food and the Smokin Torpedos will be performing. There will also be additional live music performances and celebrations throughout the area over the holiday weekend. Visitors and locals should note that it is against the law to set off personal fireworks on the beaches of New Smyrna Beach. Officials recommend viewing fireworks at one of the events highlighted above. The New Smyrna Beach Area offers a wide array of accommodations ranging from charming bed and breakfast inns to family-size condominium units and oceanfront homes. Visit https://visitnsbfl.com to start planning your Fourth of July festivities today. About the New Smyrna Beach Area The New Smyrna Beach area includes the communities of New Smyrna Beach, Edgewater, Oak Hill, Osteen and Port Orange in east Central Florida. New Smyrna Beach is an eclectic mix of old and new; of subtle sophistication and bohemian soul that is as real as Florida gets. It occupies a notable place in history as the second oldest city in Florida, site of the largest single attempt at British colonization in the new world. The citys barrier island is recognized worldwide for its incredible surf with Surfer magazine recently touting it one of the Best Surf Towns in America and National Geographic magazine including it in its Worlds Top 20 Surf Towns. Natural attractions include 17 miles of sandy beaches from Ponce de Leon Inlet to Canaveral National Seashore and North Americas most diverse estuary the Indian River Lagoon. Two distinct downtowns along Flagler Avenue and Canal Street and connected via the Waterfront Loop welcome visitors with independent restaurants, unique shops, artisanal coffee shops and art galleries. For more information, please visit http://www.VisitNSBfl.com or call 386-428-1600. Follow @NewSmyrnaBeach1 on Twitter, Facebook.com/VisitNewSmyrnaBeach or @visitnewsmyrnabeach on Instagram for the latest news. Download the free New Smyrna Beach Mobile App for iPhone and Android to receive this information on-the-go. ### Consumers have made clear that speed matters, with 97% calling faster delivery an important factor in their online purchasing decisions. As a result, retailers are prioritizing how to meet consumer expectations around faster delivery in order to differentiate competitively. According to a new study by leading e-commerce parcel carrier OnTrac, 72% of large online retailers plan to invest in two-day delivery over the next two years. While the majority of retailers named faster delivery as their primary strategy to stay ahead of the competition, the study reveals that retailers also view meeting consumer expectations around speed as one of their greatest challenges. As such, retailers are increasingly seeking solutions like carrier diversification in order to get items to their customers faster. OnTrac commissioned the study with Hanover Research to survey 150 C-Suite, VP, and director level supply chain professionals at large retailers about the challenges they are currently facing, how they plan to respond, and areas in which they plan to invest. The research, including takeaways and recommendations for e-commerce retailers, is outlined in OnTrac's whitepaper. Key insights from the study include: Faster delivery is retailers primary differentiating strategy: Seventy-two percent of retailers plan to invest in two-day delivery over the next two years. In the short-term, nearly two-thirds (60%) plan to offer two-day shipping as their standard delivery commitment during the 2023 peak season, up 11% from 2022. Eighty-nine percent of retailers are using alternative carriers: Initially fueled by the pandemic, retailers continue to rely heavily on alternative carriers today, citing faster delivery (66%) and cost savings (36%) as the top reasons for using alternative carriers. The carrier diversity trend is expected to keep pace, with 53% of retailers indicating they will use alternative carriers in the next 12 months. National carriers are implementing surcharges and rate increases: Sixty-eight percent of top online retailers experienced an off-schedule price increase on top of general rate increases in the last 12 months. To compensate for higher shipping costs, 87% of retailers have opted for slower shipping, despite consumers clear demands for faster delivery, putting them at an increased competitive disadvantage and risk of losing customers. Ninety-eight percent of retailers are already using buy online, pick up in-store (BOPIS) and click and collect: Despite its growth, retailers are still grappling with significant challenges created by BOPIS. Retailers surveyed expressed numerous concerns largely stemming from the physical stores themselves, including operational and staff challenges (55%), fulfillment struggles due to high volume (51%), and lack of store availability (51%). As we move into the post-pandemic era, retailers must take proactive measures to meet consumer expectations and drive growth, or else lose business and fall behind, said Josh Dinneen, Chief Commercial Officer of OnTrac. This study provides actionable recommendations to help retailers build supply chains that create competitive advantage through faster home delivery, greater flexibility, and cost savings. For more information or to schedule an interview, please contact Manu Aggarwal at mediarelations@ontrac.com. ### To stay up-to-date on OnTracs latest news, follow us on LinkedIn and Twitter. About OnTrac OnTrac is the carrier of choice for last-mile e-commerce deliveries that helps retailers and shippers build a competitive advantage through faster delivery times, lower costs, coast-to-coast coverage, and reliable on-time performance. Transactions that placed LaserShip and OnTrac under shared ownership in 2021 brought together two complementary operating footprints across the United States to reach approximately 80% of the population in 31 states and Washington, D.C. and enhance retailers ability to meet growing demand in the consumer e-commerce delivery market. With more than 65 years of experience, OnTrac has evolved into a critical part of the e-commerce infrastructure and is trusted by leading retailers and shippers that desire reduced transit times and increased flexibility within their supply chains. For more information, visit http://www.ontrac.com. Details added, first published at 10:07 BAKU, Azerbaijan, June 15. The serviceman of the State Border Service of Azerbaijan, who was wounded as a result of the shelling of the Lachin border checkpoint from the territory of Armenia, received first aid, his life is no longer in danger, Trend reports via the State Border Service. The enemy's firing point was suppressed by return fire, the combat situation is under the control of Azerbaijani units. "The wounded serviceman received first aid, there is no threat to his life. The entire responsibility for this provocation lies with the leadership of Armenia", the State Border Service said. When in vitro diagnostic (IVD) manufacturers develop new assays on their instruments, they need to perform reproducibility studies, typically with a minimum of two external lab partners, in order to demonstrate the robustness and reliability of a test and to demonstrate that the test can be reliably performed by other laboratories using the same or similar equipment and methods. Register for this webinar to learn the key capabilities IVD manufacturers should seek when choosing a trusted lab partner. Join Greg Baschkopf, Sr. Director IVD Services and Innovation, Quest Diagnostics; and Neelam Dhiman, PhD, Director of Science, Molecular Infectious Diseases, Quest esoteric facility at Lewisville, TX; Clinical Associate Professor, Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Texas A&M University, for the live webinar on Friday, June 30, 2023, at 11am EDT (4pm BST/UK). For more information, or to register for this event, visit Reproducibility Studies: Key Questions for IVD Manufacturers When Selecting a Lab Testing Partner. ABOUT XTALKS Xtalks, powered by Honeycomb Worldwide Inc., is a leading provider of educational webinars to the global life science, food and medical device community. Every year, thousands of industry practitioners (from life science, food and medical device companies, private & academic research institutions, healthcare centers, etc.) turn to Xtalks for access to quality content. Xtalks helps Life Science professionals stay current with industry developments, trends and regulations. Xtalks webinars also provide perspectives on key issues from top industry thought leaders and service providers. To learn more about Xtalks visit http://xtalks.com For information about hosting a webinar visit http://xtalks.com/why-host-a-webinar/ Contact: Vera Kovacevic Tel: +1 (416) 977-6555 x371 Email: vkovacevic@xtalks.com Roqad, whose cookieless identity resolution allows companies to reach their audiences with precision, procured a significant investment from Decathlon Capital Partners to support its impressive growth initiatives. Headquartered in Palo Alto, California, Roqad will use the capital to support growth in customer deployment capacity in both the U.S. and EMEA, while also continuing to invest in expanding its product roadmap development. Details of the revenue-based financing were not disclosed. Carsten Frien, Chief Executive Officer and Co-Founder of Roqad, said the companys innovative data solution bridges the gap between changing industry dynamics. As the use of third-party cookies and IDFAs decline, our portfolio of identity solutions is positioned to help our clients painlessly transition into the new frontier of first-party cookies, universal IDs, publisher IDs, IDFVs, and CTV IDs, Frien said. Bartek Bogacki, Chief Technology Officer and Co-Founder, said Roqad can provide geographic coverage for over 80 percent of the online populationincluding the European Union. It can be challenging to access a graph that covers all the geographies you need, which is why our identity solutions make sure our clients no longer have to deal with inaccessible markets, Bogacki said. Roqad was not required to give up any equity, ownership, or control of the company in exchange for the growth capital, and will repay the investment through future revenues. Matthew Hoffman, Vice President of Decathlon Capital Partners, said Roqad has a solid platform for continued success. We were impressed with Roqads answers to its clients' problems, Hoffman said. Roqads dedication to privacy compliance, making all markets accessible for its clients, and its preparation for the future make it clear that Roqad is well-positioned to continue its growth trajectory. About Roqad Roqad is an identity solution made to fully support clients global, privacy-compliant requirements. Roqad provides clients with access to over 80 percent of online addressable users and is prepared to help its clients through the post-third-party cookie landscape. Additionally, the solution was built with privacy by design principles in mind, meaning its clients do not have to worry about privacy compliance issues. Learn more at https://www.roq.ad. About Decathlon Capital Partners Decathlon Capital Partners provides growth capital for companies seeking alternatives to traditional equity investment. Through the use of highly customized revenue-based financing solutions, Decathlon provides long-term growth capital without the dilution, loss of control and operational overhead that often comes with equity-based funding. With offices in Palo Alto and Park City, Decathlon is the largest revenue-based funding investor in the U.S. and is active across a wide range of sectors. Learn more at http://www.decathloncapital.com. We are excited for this years SkillsUSA partnership and having the opportunity to interact with this motivated and inspiring group of young people The U.S. Air Force, an official partner of SkillsUSA, will provide support for SkillsUSAs National Leadership & Skills Conference including sponsorship and participation in a community service project on Friday, June 23 at the Georgia World Congress Center in Atlanta. They will also provide support to SkillsUSA TECHSPO, as well as general mission support. During the community service project, 550 SkillsUSA students will apply their skills to serve the Atlanta community by participating in the SkillsUSA Build Skills Do Good Complete the Cycle project. The student participants will work in teams to construct childrens bicycles which will then be presented to local children. Registrants for the community service project have also been challenged to collect up to 1,000 new pairs of socks to be donated to CHRIS 180, a local Atlanta organization. CHRIS 180 helps children, young adults and families who have experienced trauma to help change the direction of their lives to become more productive, self-sufficient members of the community through mental health counseling, training and by providing safe housing and skill building. We sincerely thank the U.S. Air Force for supporting the community service effort in Atlanta as part of the SkillsUSA National Leadership & Skills Conference, said Chelle Travis, executive director at SkillsUSA. This annual project is exciting for members as they demonstrate their skills and their commitment to serving others. It will be wonderful to watch these excited children as they receive their new bicycles. The Air Force is an organization like none other, made up of diverse Airmen from the active, Guard, Reserve, and civilians serving full time or part time, in or out of uniform. We are excited for this years SkillsUSA partnership and having the opportunity to interact with this motivated and inspiring group of young people, said Lara Stott, HQE senior advisor for Air Force Recruiting Service Marketing Department. About the United States Air Force The mission of the United States Air Force is to fly, fight and win airpower anytime, anywhere. For 2023, Air Force Recruiting Service is hiring nearly 26,000 new Airmen into one of over 130 enlisted career opportunities. Additionally, our total force partners, the Air Force Reserve and Air National Guard are collectively hiring nearly 21,000 part-time Airmen. The Air Force recruits to retain, so we recruit the best and brightest candidates possible, then provide them with tough, highly technical training that gives them the right skills to sustain the combat capability of Americas Air Force. For more information about Air Force benefits and opportunities, go to http://www.airforce.com. About SkillsUSA SkillsUSA is Americas proud champion of the skilled trades. Its a student-led partnership of education and industry thats building the skilled workforce our nation depends on with graduates who are career ready, day one. Representing nearly 380,000 career and technical education students and teachers, SkillsUSA chapters thrive in middle schools, high schools and college/postsecondary institutions nationwide. SkillsUSAs mission empowers students to become skilled professionals, career-ready leaders, and responsible community members. That mission is accomplished through the SkillsUSA Framework of Personal Skills, Workplace Skills and Technical Skills Grounded in Academics, which is integrated into classroom curriculum. Through Framework instruction, students develop the character-shaping leadership skills teamwork, communication, professionalism and more that successful careers and lives demand. At the same time, students hone their high-level technical skills against current industry standards in more than 130 skilled trade areas, from 3-D Animation to Welding. The result? Focused, confident and highly skilled graduates who are ready to work, ready to lead and ready to make a difference in our schools, workplaces and communities. A vital solution to the skills gap, where more in-demand skilled trades positions are available than qualified professionals to fill them, SkillsUSA has served over 14 million difference-making members since 1965. To learn more, visit http://www.skillsusa.org. Early in the morning on June 15, the Armenian armed forces opened fire from a machine gun in the direction of the Lachin border checkpoint of Azerbaijan, Azernews reports citing Caliber. It was noted that the shelling was carried out from the Armenian post located in the opposite direction, exactly at the time of the daily ceremony of raising the state flag of Azerbaijan. As a result of enemy fire, a serviceman of the State Border Service of Azerbaijan was wounded. His condition is assessed as stable, and all necessary medical assistance is being provided. At the moment, the situation is under the control of our units. After the shelling, the Armenian military groups left their post. This egregious incident is an open manifestation of Armenian terrorism and aggression. However, such crimes did not create problems for the functioning of the Lachin border control point, and Azerbaijan has enough resources to protect it. But it is obvious that the uninterrupted operation of the border checkpoint seriously worries the enemy. Additional information will be given. BAKU, Azerbaijan, June 15. Armenia's recent military provocation [as a result of which a serviceman of the State Border Service of Azerbaijan has been wounded on border checkpoint on the Lachin-Khankendi road on June 15], along with aggression against the sovereignty and territorial integrity of Azerbaijan, is aimed at obstructing the successful operation of the checkpoint on the Azerbaijani side, Azerbaijan's Foreign Ministry told Trend. According to the ministry, this provocation is also aimed at obstructing the safe, free and unhindered passage of Armenian residents, as well as the traffic along the Lachin-Khankendi road "Such military provocations by Armenia will be decisively suppressed, and the attempts of the Armenian side to prevent the reintegration of the Armenian residents of Azerbaijan into our society will fail," the ministry said. In order to prevent the transportation of manpower, ammunition, mines, as well as other military equipment from Armenia for illegal Armenian armed groups on the territory of Azerbaijan (which weren't withdrawn contrary to the trilateral statement signed by Azerbaijani, Armenian and Russian leaders following the 2020 Second Karabakh War), and as an adequate response to the unilateral establishment of a checkpoint by Armenia on the border with Azerbaijan on April 22 at the entrance to the Lachin-Khankendi road contrary to the trilateral statement of November 10, 2020, on April 23 at 12:00 (GMT+4), the units of the State Border Service of the Republic of Azerbaijan set up a border checkpoint in its sovereign territories, on the border with Armenia, at the beginning of the Lachin-Khankendi road. In Journeying in China, authors from diverse international backgrounds explore the history, culture, and unique wonders of China. The contributors include students, educators, a wildlife conservationist, a wine expert, and a martial arts instructor, among many others. Salma Ibrahim, a professor at Sichuan International University, edited the book and is also a featured contributor. Ibrahim spoke with PW about connecting with the essayists, compiling the collection, and about her own relationship with the vibrant and diverse nation. What can you share about the origins of Journeying in China? What made you set out to create this project? The project was initiated to create a collection of anecdotes from foreigners who have worked and lived in China. The motivation behind this project could be to provide a diverse and comprehensive perspective on the experiences of individuals from different countries who have encountered life in China. By sharing their stories, the book aims to offer readers a nuanced understanding of China through the eyes of foreigners. What can you share about your own relationship with China? What continues to interest and inspire you as you travel in China yourself? China is a vast and diverse country with a rich history, culture, and a rapidly evolving society. Many travelers and researchers are drawn to China due to its unique blend of ancient traditions and modern developments. China's economic growth, technological advancements, and global influence are also subjects of great interest. Exploring China allows one to witness the interplay between tradition and innovation, experience diverse landscapes, taste regional cuisines, and engage with its hospitable people. Tell me about the contributing authors and how you first connected with them? How does each essay enhance the work as a whole? The contributing authors of Journeying in China are individuals from various countries, including the U.S., the U.K., Germany, Syria, and others. I got connected with these authors through personal networks, academic collaborations, or by reaching out to individuals with experience living and working in China. Each essay in the book enhances the work as a whole by providing a unique perspective on China. The diverse backgrounds and nationalities of the authors allow for a broader representation of experiences and viewpoints. This variety enriches the readers' understanding of China, as they get to explore different cultural lenses through which China is perceived. How did you go about thematically organizing the collection? I grouped the essays based on common topics, experiences, or themes such as cultural adaptation and culture shock, language learning and barriers, daily life experiences, professional challenges, intercultural interactions, personal growth, and reflections on China's history and future. This thematic structure would help create a cohesive narrative and facilitate readers' exploration of specific aspects of life in China. By organizing the collection thematically, it becomes easier for readers to navigate and understand the diverse range of experiences shared by the contributors. What are some interesting and perhaps surprising things readers will learn about China from reading this book? Through the anecdotes and observations of the contributing authors, readers may learn about the cultural nuances, societal norms, and everyday interactions in China. The book provides insights into the challenges and rewards of living and working in a foreign country, as well as sheds light on the aspirations and dreams of those who choose to embark on such journeys. Readers might also gain a deeper understanding of the complexity and diversity of China, going beyond common stereotypes and preconceptions. Reading Journeying in China can offer readers a multifaceted, nuanced perspective and various interesting and surprising insights about China. Some examples might include: - The diversity and complexity of Chinese culture, as experienced and interpreted by foreigners. - The challenges and rewards of adapting to a new language and cultural environment. - The stark contrasts between rural and urban areas in China. - Unique customs, traditions, and etiquette in different regions of China. - The fast-paced economic development and technological advancements in Chinese society. - Personal anecdotes about Chinese hospitality, generosity, and kindness. - The impact of China's history, including its dynasties, revolutions, and political changes, on its modern society. What do you hope readers take away from reading Journeying in China? Journeying in China aims at broadening readers' perspectives, fostering cross-cultural understanding, and encouraging dialogue. The book may inspire readers to explore China, engage with its people, and appreciate the richness of its culture. By sharing the experiences and reflections of individuals from different countries, the book may also promote empathy, dispel stereotypes, and encourage readers to embrace diversity. Ultimately, the hope might be for readers to develop a deeper appreciation for the interconnectedness of our global community and to approach cross-cultural encounters with curiosity and respect. I hope that readers will gain a deeper understanding and appreciation for China through the diverse perspectives shared in Journeying in China. The book aims to promote cross-cultural understanding, challenge stereotypes, and offer a nuanced portrayal of the country. By delving into the experiences, aspirations, and observations of the contributors, readers may develop a more comprehensive and empathetic view of China and its people. Robert Gottlieb, the legendary Knopf editor-in-chief and one of the most eminent literary editors in publishing history, died of natural causes on Wednesday in Manhattan. He was 92 years old. After graduating from Columbia University in 1952and spending two years at Cambridge UniversityGottlieb joined Simon & Schuster in 1955, rising to editor-in-chief in just 10 years. Gottlieb then joined Knopf in 1968 as president and editor-in-chief, where he succeeded Alfred A. Knopf, who founded the company in 1915, to become only the second head of house in the venerable publisher's history. Gottlieb would run Knopf until 1987 when, in a move that shocked the book and magazine publishing worlds, he left to become editor of the New Yorker. He worked at the magazine until 1992, when he returned to edit at Knopf. In a statement, Reagan Arthur, Knopf executive v-p and publisher, said it would be hard to name an editor who had a more lasting and profound impact on American letters than Gottlieb. "Bob was a consummate editor and also, as his aptly titled memoir put it, an avid reader, with an endless appetite for stories and voices that led him to champion authors of astonishing talent across multiple genres," Arthur said. "He had a vision not just for what worked on the page, but what worked in the marketplace, and as editor-in-chief of Alfred A. Knopf, he led our imprint to new heights of literary and commercial success. Bob loved language and he loved books, and countless writers and readers are the richer for it. He had a vision not just for what worked on the page, but what worked in the marketplace, and as editor-in-chief of Alfred A. Knopf, he led our imprint to new heights of literary and commercial success. Gottlieb's list of authors is reads like a who's who of English-language literature, including Ray Bradbury, John Cheever, Michael Crichton, Nora Ephron, Joseph Heller, John le Carre, Doris Lessing, Robert Massie, Toni Morrison, Salman Rushdie, and Barbara Tuchman. His longest working relationship, Knopf officials said, was with Robert Caro, whose first book, The Power Broker, the acclaimed and award-winning biography of Robert Moses, was edited by Gottlieb and published by Knopf in 1974. I have never encountered a publisher or editor with a greater understanding of what a writer was trying to doand how to help him do it," Caro said in a statement. "From the day 52 years ago that we first looked at my pages together, Bob understood what I was trying to do and made it possible for me to take the time, and do the work, I needed to do. People talk to me about some of the triumphant moments Bob and I shared, but today I remember other moments, tough ones, and I remember how Bob was always, always, for half a century, there for me. He was a great friend, and today I mourn my friend with all my heart. Gottlieb also edited the first four volumes of Caros biography of Lyndon Johnson, with a final volume still in the works, and his 2019 book, Working. A documentary about Gottlieb and Caro's famous collaboration, Turn Every Page, directed by Bobs daughter Lizzie Gottlieb, was released last year. In a remembrance essay, New Yorker editor David Remnick recalled how. S. I. Newhouse, whose family owned both Knopf and The New Yorker, decided to shake things up by replacing the magazine's longtime, legendary editor William Shawn, with Gottlieb. "This caused a moment of pain and tumult at the magazine. Even though Gottlieb had edited books by many of its writers, nearly everyone on the staff signed a letter addressed to him, dated January 13, 1987, expressing 'sadness and outrage over the manner in which a new editor has been imposed upon us,' and urging him to 'withdraw your acceptance of the post that has been offered to you.' Gottlieb politely declined to decline the job," Remnick writes. "Although he certainly published an enormous number of distinguished pieces of writing in The New Yorkerincluding John Cheevers diaries, Ian Fraziers 'Great Plains,' and Janet Malcolms 'The Journalist and the Murderer'his boldest contribution may have been walking through the door in the first place." In a lengthy April 10, 1972 PW article, Gottlieb talked at length about a number of topics in the publishing business, including his thoughts on the author-editor relationship. "Some writers may want and need a strong psychic relationship with an editor. They want their editor to be a father or a mother, and/or a psychoanalyst, banker, friend, lover, etc. Others not only dont want and need all that but cant bear it and want a very calm professional relationship at arm's length," he explained. "On the one hand, you have to be a litmus paper or a chameleon. [An editor] must be able to give whatever it is thats needed. On the other hand, you have to have a great deal of strength and authority. Otherwise youre useless, because the writer cant believe someone who doesnt believe himself." One "unbreakable rule" of editing, Gottlieb offered: "keep your hands off a book you don't really like," he said. "Because the editorial impulse has always got to be to help the book become more and better of what it is already rather than change it into something it isn't." In a 2016 PW interview on the publication of his memoir Avid Reader: A Life, which PW praised as a "canny, exuberant" book that "conveys the enormous energy and creativity of American publishing," Gottlieb was invited to play the famous six-word memoir game. The words he chose to sum up his life and work: "The avid reader got it done." This article has been updated with further information. BAKU, Azerbaijan, June 15. The Ministry of National Defense of Turkiye has congratulated Azerbaijani people on the occasion of June 15 - National Salvation Day, Trend reports, referring to the tweet of Turkish Defense Ministry. "We congratulate Azerbaijan on the National Salvation Day, we welcome our Azerbaijani brothers. Long live Azerbaijan!" the ministry said. National Salvation Day of Azerbaijanis is an official holiday in Azerbaijan that is celebrated on June 15th, in accordance with the June 27, 1997, dated decree of the National Assembly of Azerbaijan. June 15th has been celebrated as an official holiday since 1998. Ukraine may soon launch a counteroffensive against Russian forces entrenched in its east and south. The West has provided substantial military assistance for it and appears committed to providing support for the long haul. The West is likely to assist Ukraine with reconstruction on a scale that could rival the postWorld War II Marshall Plan. Deterring Russian aggression in Europe and securing Ukraine are important, even vital, Western interests. This is underlined by the huge scale of Western support to Ukraine. Russia's naked aggression, including shocking atrocities, has hardened Western determination to confront it. Arguably, the West has become more unified than at any time since the end of the Cold War three decades ago. Russia's circumstances are less sanguine. Fighting this summer is likely to put Ukrainian forces in a stronger position. Even though many Russians back the war, large numbers of the better educated are fleeing. Battlefield casualties and declining living standards may erode confidence in Kremlin leadership, as they did in the 1980s when the USSR lost a smaller and more-distant war in Afghanistan. Russia's naked aggression, including shocking atrocities, has hardened Western determination to confront it. Share on Twitter On multiple occasions, China has warned Russia not to go nuclear in Ukraine. Furthermore, China seems not to be supplying Russia with substantial lethal weaponry. Vladimir Putin's and his ex-KGB cohort's grip on powervisibly challenged by hardliners such as Yevgeny Prigozhincould be weakening. Russian leaders likely worry about the risks of military humiliation in Ukraine, which could lead to the loss of its largest East Slavic neighbor. Putin could be obsessed by such anxiety. In this context, we consider three ways Ukraine's counteroffensive might end and their implications for the future. Ukrainian forces score great success. They punch through key Russian fortifications, retake most occupied territory, and sever Russia's land bridge from the Donbas along the Azov Sea coast down to Crimea. Major parts of Russia's fighting force break, are captured, or retreat. Ukrainian forces put the Kerch Strait rail and road bridges out of action. Fearing Ukraine's ground-based air defenses, Russia's air force may continue to stay mostly on the sidelines. Relying on combinations of modern technologies, including uncrewed surface vehicles, Ukraine could blockade and barrage Crimea, penning in Russia's Black Sea Fleet. Risks of Russian nuclear use might rise if Ukrainian forces appeared to be preparing for a frontal assault on Crimea. Troop-to-task analyses and current fighting conditions, taken together, suggest that Ukrainian forces could prevail. Russian forces may be unable to conduct close air-to-ground support for operations larger than small tactical units. Earlier this year, Russia's brigade-sized mechanized and armor attack against Vuheledar suffered catastrophic losses. Any major Russian attempt to take back even modest amounts of previously occupied territories would likely fail. Were Russia's air force to suffer substantial losses, this could weaken the defense of Moscow or other Russian strategic assets. Ukrainian forces appear not to be using Western arms to attack targets in Russia. But with their own weapons they are increasing indirect and direct fire strikes against headquarters and logistical sites, transportation nodes, and troop formations in Russia. Even early in the war, a Ukrainian Neptune missile sank the Moskva, Russia's Black Sea flagship. Ukrainian forces score partial success. They penetrate selected Russian fortifications and retake some occupied territory, but not enough to sever the land bridge to Crimea. Russia maintains control of the Kerch Strait bridges. Augmented by additional albeit poorly trained draftees, Russian forces stabilize the front. Ukrainian forces culminate short of regaining most occupied territory. Ukrainian forces' communications and weapons delivery systems are impaired by Russian electronic warfare, causing Ukrainian forces to lose situational awareness and effective command and control. Ukrainian logistics, adequate for static defensive operations, prove unable to support large numbers of advancing heavy units. Ukrainian forces are blunted. Like the recent Russian offensive, the Ukrainian counteroffensive stalls, taking little or no territory. Command and control of a major combined-arms offensive might be beyond what Ukraine can accomplish. Not since WWII has any country conducted a corps-level offensive against a major power. While a Ukrainian counteroffensive might accomplish little, it would be unlikely to lose much ground. Russian forces, badly damaged from a year-and-a-half of devastating losses, lack the ability to push Ukrainian forces back to the lines they held in July 2022, before the Ukrainian seizure of most of the Kharkiv region or the city of Kherson on the west bank of the Dnipro River. If the Kremlin deemed conditions adequate and risks acceptable, Russia could commit its largely intact air force and take a heavy toll on Ukrainian command centers and armored forces. This may be more likely if Ukraine is seen to run short of ground-based air defense ammunition or if Russia's air force manages to decimate Ukraine's older combat air fleet. There is a risk that Russian air and missile forces could suppress large parts of Ukraine's air defenses. They might prove less adept at supporting forces in broad mechanized offensive operations than in protecting static defenses. What might happen in the aftermath of the three scenarios? Armistice. In all cases, an armistice or truce of some kind might result. No Ukrainian government could stay in power if it negotiated a political settlement that formally ceded to Russia control of any Ukrainian territory, including Crimea. The outcomes of the counteroffensive and any future fighting may influence bargaining positions for armistice arrangements. Follow-on fighting. Especially if Russia continued to occupy some Ukrainian land or was expelled from most of Ukraine but built up significant forces in Russia across the border, a simmering conflict could ensue. This happened in the Donbas after battle lines stabilized in 2014. Armed drones and artillery duels might keep tensions alive without offensive operations which risked many soldiers' lives. Ukraine could also mount an insurgency against any Russian occupying forces. These options may be more likely in the latter two scenarios than the first. Further military support. In all cases, NATO allies are likely to maintain robust military support for Ukraine. It might be greater to the extent Ukraine is seen as effectively using military assistance and achieving battlefield results, or to the extent that Russian forces or Kremlin political will to wage war are weakening. The allies may continue to strengthen and train Ukraine's forces, including in combined arms operations involving F-16s and in larger-scale operations. A challenge for Ukraine's Western supporters could be to maintain unity of effort should the counteroffensive be less successful than hoped (the last two scenarios). NATO and security guarantees. NATO membership for Ukraine might at some point be more likely if it defeated Russia's forces or they withdraw. Prior to such actionwhich could be uncertain even if the United States backed itthe United States might seek to develop a bilateral security relationship with Ukraine somewhat akin to those with other non-treaty allies, such as Israel or Taiwan. A bilateral guarantee of the type in the 1953 Mutual Defense Treaty with South Korea or the 1960 Security Treaty with Japan might be possible. But Ukraine's centrality to European security makes its joining NATO militarily more sensible. Prior to the current war, U.S. military ties with Ukraine were less intensive than with those countries. This might be changing in light of Ukraine's inspiring performance in the war and its critical role in challenging Russia's military aggression and helping to protect European security. NATO force presence. Allies benefit from Article 5 in the NATO Treaty, which considers that an attack on one ally is an attack on all allies. The alliance is buttressing this guarantee by moving more forces into its eastern flank. Any security guarantees, whether bilateral or NATO, may need to be coupled with a militarily significant presence in Ukraine after an armistice or cease-fire. A revitalized U.S. Army V Corps, including an armored division in Ukraine and air wings in Eastern Europe, might be necessary for guarantees to be credible. No Ukrainian government could stay in power if it negotiated a political settlement that formally ceded to Russia control of any Ukrainian territory, including Crimea. Share on Twitter Nuclear. If Russia were to use nuclear weapons in Ukraine or continue to threaten their use, eastern allies might seek enhanced NATO nuclear protection. Poland or others could even seek deployment of U.S. tactical nuclear bombs (B-61s) and associated delivery air systems, akin to those present in five other European allies. Another possibility could be fielding of a new U.S. nuclear-armed intermediate-range sea-launched cruise missile or land-based missile. The latter was the U.S. and NATO response in the 1980s when the USSR secretly deployed SS-20 land-based ballistic missiles against Europe. Reconstruction. In all cases, the West will surely support large-scale reconstruction in Ukraine. In the event of the first scenariogreat success by Ukrainian forcesUkraine and the international community would likely need soon to start implementing reconstruction. This could be according to Ukraine's plan or plans being devised multinationally. Rapid action would boost morale and signal that Ukraine's supporters plan to sustain a longer-term commitment, Early battlefield success could accelerate pressure for reconstruction aid but also create new potential targets for Russian attacks. In the event of the latter two scenarios, reconstruction planning would continue but some projects would begin prior to the end of active fighting. This is already happening. Beyond military outcomes, the level and nature of reconstruction assistance may vary. It could depend on Ukrainian reforms and the extent to which a simmering conflict threatened the viability of some reconstruction projects. To reduce the latter risks, Ukraine could disperse or otherwise make projects less vulnerable to drone attacks. Solar energy, in which Ukraine is investing, offers an example of dispersed and thus more resilient energy sourcing. Neutralizing threats from mines and unexploded ordnance, especially in eastern and southern Ukraine, may merit early Westernsupport, especially if Ukraine's forces make timely progress. The West may also help support the return of perhaps millions of refugees and medical assistance for the treatment of wounds and posttraumatic stress among fighters and others in Ukraine. William Courtney is an adjunct senior fellow, Terrence K. Kelly is a principal mathematician, Howard J. Shatz is a senior economist, and Gian Gentile is the associate director of RAND Arroyo Center at the nonprofit, nonpartisan RAND Corporation. This commentary originally appeared on RealClearDefense on June 14, 2023. Commentary gives RAND researchers a platform to convey insights based on their professional expertise and often on their peer-reviewed research and analysis. BAKU, Azerbaijan, June 15. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Azerbaijan calls on the international community to strongly condemn this provocation by the Armenian side and warn Armenia against aggressive actions that threaten peace and stability in the region, Trend reports citing the ministry. This military provocation of Armenia, which could not accept the free movement of Armenian residents through the checkpoint, is a vivid example of the fact that Armenia is not interested in establishing relations with Azerbaijan, as well as in the peace process. Such military provocations of Armenia will be resolutely suppressed, and the attempts of the Armenian side to hinder the process of reintegration of the Armenian residents of Azerbaijan into our society will fail," the ministry said. The war in Ukraine has brought the Wagner Group, Russia's largest private military company, or PMC, out of the shadows. Before the February 2022 invasion, it operated mostly covertly in Ukraine, Africa, and Syria. Its leader, Yevgeny Prigozhin, even denied the group's existence and his role until last fall. Today, with 50,000 men in Wagner uniformsup tenfold since before the warPrigozhin throws his weight around, making threats to withdraw his mercenaries and publicly excoriating Russia's military leadership. But Wagner isn't alone. The war in Ukraine has also led to the expansion of other PMCsand the founding of new ones. This explosion of what are essentially private armies is not only shaping the battlefield in Ukraine; it could have devastating impacts long after this conflict ends. Moscow's desire for additional fighters in Ukraine has created a breeding ground for Russian PMC development. The Wagner Group met the need by recruiting on billboards, at schools, on PornHub, and in prisons. The organization has grown into a major component of Russia-aligned forces, and its importance to Russia's war effort may be best exemplified by a legal change earlier this year. In March, a law prohibiting the discrediting or scrutiny of the Russian Armed Forces was expanded to include mercenaries and volunteers. The first offense carries a $650 fine for individuals ($6,500 for organizations). Repeat offenses carry a maximum sentence of 15 years in prison. The explosion of what are essentially private armies is not only shaping the battlefield in Ukraine; it could have devastating impacts long after this conflict ends. Share on Twitter All this has spurred the development of new Russian PMCs. Armen Sarkisyan, recently appointed as administrator for prisons in Russian-occupied territories of Ukraine, reportedly plans to use his position to develop a PMC utilizing the Wagner Group's prison recruitment model. In Kherson, near Crimea, a former Wagner commander is reportedly involved in establishing a PMC called Convoy. Gazprom, a major Russian oil company, has multiple PMCs. Early this year it formed Gazpromneft Security reportedly to protect oil and gas production and storage sites, particularly in the Arctic. It may also be seeking the favor of Russian President Vladimir Putin by creating other nonstate armed forces he can rely on. Other recently unveiled Gazprom units, like Potok, have been fighting in Ukraine with Russia's forces. Ramzan Kadyrov, the notorious warlord who Putin put in charge of the republic of Chechnya, already uses the region's security forces as his private paramilitary, even though they technically are part of the Russian National Guard. He has expressed interest in building his own PMC as well. We can say confidently that Wagner has shown its mettle in military terms and drawn a line under discussions about whether or not such private military companies are needed, Kadyrov wrote in a post on Telegram. Some assert that Moscow is encouraging the creation of additional PMCs as a way to dilute Prigozhin's influence, or to supplant the Wagner Group entirely. Pitting competing groups against one another matches Putin's divide-and-rule political management style. Prigozhin's ongoing public feuds with the Russian Defense Ministry might also be prompting a desire in the Kremlin to gain more control over its sources of soldiers-for-hire. This may have been the reason behind the creation of the recently U.S.-sanctioned Russian PMC, Patriot, which is associated with Russian Defense Minister Sergei Shoigu and competes with Wagner. PMCs have another advantage as far as Putin is concerned: their casualties aren't counted among the official war dead, which might help maintain domestic support ( PDF ) for the war. For instance, the U.S. estimates 10,000 fighters from the Wagner Group have died in Ukraine since December while Prigozhin has stated 20,000 Wagner employees have died fighting in Bakhmut. Neither such figures are reflected in official military death tolls. The proliferation of PMCs could stoke dangerous rivalries as these groups vie for political and material support from Moscow. Groups stationed around Bakhmut already started fighting among themselves, including disparaging one another and competing for recruits. Functioning outside the traditional military chain of command, PMCs might also leave Russia in the lurch, or even actively undermine its national security. A potential case in point is the recent accusation that Russian forces intentionally fired on Wagner mercenaries, according to a video of a Russian military commander who was captured by Wagner. In the video, the commander states that he gave the orders due to his personal dislike for the Wagner Group, though the Russian Defense Ministry (MOD) has yet to comment on the video and claim. If true, this threatens to pit Russia's military against Russia's largest mercenary group as Ukraine launches its long-awaited counteroffensive against Russia. Recently Shoigu signed a decree that calls on volunteer private military organizations to sign contracts with the Russian MOD to help increase the government's control over these PMCs while offering incentives such as providing PMCs with legal status. Prigozhin stated that Wagner would not do so, which could further escalate tensions between Wagner and the MOD as Prigozhin seeks to guard his group's independence. The Ukraine war is likely to be a catalyst for bloodshed elsewhere in the world at the hands of Russian PMCs. Share on Twitter The growing number of competitors also may push more Russian PMCs to pursue profitable contracts beyond Ukraine. Wagner and others have already engaged in operations in Africa, Asia, Europe and South America. And they sow misery wherever they go. During operations in Africa, Syria, and Ukraine, Wagner personnel have committed mass executions, rape, child abductions, and torture. PMCs could cause the security situation in those places to further deteriorate in other ways, too. They often import fighters from various countries. With the right connections in a country, they could recruit incarcerated violent offenders or former members of armed groups and criminal organizations, unleashing these actors back on the population. The Ukraine war is likely to be a catalyst for bloodshed elsewhere in the world at the hands of Russian PMCs. Moscow is likely to continue relying on Wagner and other PMCs because they supply low-cost and low-footprint forces. The results could be catastrophic for civilian populations where Russian PMCs do business. Ryan Bauer is a senior defense analyst at the nonprofit, nonpartisan RAND Corporation. Erik E. Mueller is a defense analyst at RAND. This commentary originally appeared on The Moscow Times on June 14, 2023. Commentary gives RAND researchers a platform to convey insights based on their professional expertise and often on their peer-reviewed research and analysis. One Platform is NBCUs audience-first approach to modern media and its proprietary technology stack, designed to remove the complexity of traditional media buying to help advertisers reach their preferred audiences at scale across linear and digital.The partnership will integrate Wells Fargo credit cards anywhere NBCUniversal Checkout exists within NBCUniversal properties, providing exclusive benefits for Wells Fargo credit cardholders who purchase products within the One Platform commerce marketplace. Over the course of the partnership, Wells Fargo will also sponsor premium NBCUniversal content kicking off with Bravos Project Runway, where fans can shop hair care products and the fashion designers looks directly from the show all season long using NBCUniversals Must ShopTV ad innovation.Wells Fargo credit cardholders will also be able to gain early access to deals on NBC TODAY's Jill's Steals and Deals, 24 hours before each live segment. Leading with Hispanic Heritage Month in September and continuing through Pride Month in June 2024, the partnership will create shoppable opportunities for diverse business owners who are pitching Shark Tank on CNBC. Together, NBCUniversal and Wells Fargo are using commerce to drive awareness and support for diverse entrepreneurs throughout the year.For years, NBCUniversal and Wells Fargo have been working in parallel paths to create the best commerce experience for consumers, said NBCUniversal Advertising & Partnerships global chief marketing officer Josh Feldman. This partnership brings together two industries with one vision. And were thrilled to continue our strides in blending premium content with innovative commerce in partnership with Wells Fargo, helping fans everywhere leverage the unique benefits only NBCUniversals One Platform c an offer.As we continue to invest in delivering a best-in-class payments experience for our customers, we are excited to expand our commerce solutions through high-value partnerships like NBCUniversal, added Krista Phillips, EVP, head of consumer credit cards and marketing, Wells Fargo . Thoughtfully developing partnerships is a key component of our business strategy, and we look forward to delivering more simplicity and value to our customers through this new offering. Find a great selection of commercial real estate, manufactured homes, timeshares and more for Sale Buy real estate. Find a great selection of commercial real estate, manufactured homes, timeshares and more for Sale in US and Canada. Search Real Estate Rebecca Romijn says her Star Trek: Strange New Worlds spaceship officer Una Chin-Riley, who has been arrested for undergoing illegal body modifications to appear human, shares some traits with Mystique, the iconic shape-shifting mutant she played in the X-Men film franchise. ADVERTISEMENT "There are some similarities between those characters," Romijn told reporters in a recent Zoom interview. "I've been drawn to these characters that have things that they have been hiding, things that they may feel shameful about and make a decision to stop hiding and to start living authentically." Set in the 23rd century, a decade before the events of Star Trek: The Original Series, Strange New Worlds is a Star Trek: Discovery spinoff that follows the intergalactic adventures of Capt. Christopher Pike and his crew on the USS Enterprise. Una is his right hand woman, known affectionately as No. 1. Playing supporting roles in the series are Ethan Peck, Celia Rose Gooding and Jess Bush as younger versions of franchise legacy characters Spock, Nyota Uhura and Christine Chapel respectively. The show's 10-episode second season premieres on Paramount+ Thursday. Romijn, who is the daughter of an immigrant from the Netherlands and an English as a Second Language teacher, connected to Una because she is of the Illyrian race and does not naturally fit in with her human and Vulcan shipmates. "My father is an immigrant, my husband (Jerry O'Connell) is also first-generation American. His father's an immigrant. I'm a first-generation actress. I didn't have anybody holding my hand to get into this industry," she said. 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! "I didn't come from money. I came from a pretty humble background. I'm just figuring it out and pulling myself up and pounding the pavement," she added. "A lot of Star Trek stories are immigrant stories and I relate to that." Season 2 sees Pike leaving Spock in charge of the Enterprise while he goes to support Una in her legal battle after she violates Starfleet policy by changing her appearance. "There are several big courtroom episodes within the Trek world in which humanity is put on trial and this is one of those," Romijn said. "It was a real honor to get to play it out. It was a good one to sink my teeth into. It was a really special episode." The relationship between Pike and No. 1 is one of the most important in the show. "The dialogue is pretty much what we are given on the page, but the performances gain the real specificity from the friendship Rebecca and I have built on and off the screen," Mount said. "We are pretty much the same age. We have pretty much the same sense of humor and we have the same sensibility about these two characters. We believe that they've been great friends all the way back to the academy days," he added. "Those little conversations you can have in fleshing out the relationship, they can have a tremendous effect on the realization of material." Pike also shows tremendous faith in Spock by allowing his science officer to take the helm of the Enterprise while he is off defending Una. Spock makes some questionable choices, but manages to bring the ship back in one piece. "Pike is supremely confident in his crew," Mount said. "Particularly with Spock, he sees a potential first officer in the making with some rough edges," he added. "He sees him as a responsibility and an opportunity, in a way. He has absolute faith in Spock's abilities." Pike couldn't have anticipated what would happen when Spock was briefly in command. "I was hoping for a scene in Episode 2 where it's just Pike and Spock and Pike says, 'You what?' But we didn't quite have room for that," Mount laughed. That's not to say Pike doesn't get plenty of lighthearted moments where he exudes positive dad vibes, however. "I remember learning this lesson on Hell on Wheels after the first season," mount said. "It's really easy to become a little too deliberate with these things and, after a while, driving at 100 mph starts to feel very boring," he said. "Having your hand on the hot stove, eventually your nerve endings burn out, so you've got to know when to let off the pressure." Mount said the foundation of his acting training was "in clown in the European sense," but has been surprised to get mostly dramatic or action roles throughout his career. "So, it's been really, really, really fun to spread my wings comedically and take advantage of the fun that we are having on the show. It's really important to keep an actor's interest throughout an entire season of television and our writers really understand that." Mount wanted to explore Pike as a younger version of the leader Jeffrey Hunt would eventually play in the original iteration of Star Trek in the 1960s, but he did not want to do an impression of the late actor. "I figured out that [Pike] probably had good parents. He definitely had good teachers. He struggles with faith. He struggles with his own self-confidence," Mount said. "And he has learned life is about the journey, not the destination. You don't climb the mountain to get to the top, you do it for the experience of every step." Strange New Worlds has been renewed for a third season. 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! Photos by Kenda Lenseigne BILL ALEXANDER'S CREATION MAKES A WHOLE LOT OF SENSE FOR THE WOODS Im starting this article with some assertions feel free to shoot me down here, as theres a lot of personal opinion interjected within these few lines. First, the vast majority, lets say 95 percent, of shots on big game east of the Mississippi (and a lot of those in the west) are taken at less than 300 yards. Second, most hunters dont practice nearly as much as theyd like to, or should, due to a combination of factors such as range availability, time, and, lets be honest here, lighting off a couple hundred rounds of hard-kicking big game rounds in the afternoon just isnt much fun. Third, theres a commonly accepted maxim that its necessary for a bullet to deliver 1,000 foot-pounds of energy to a deer-sized animal in order to ensure its humane dispatch. Why not 950 ft-lbs or 1,086, and who came up with this arbitrary number in the first place? Some gun writer up against a deadline probably pulled it out of his ass, and it stuck. The firearms press must also take a large portion of the blame for the hype and hoopla surrounding the launch of the various short and ultra mags, cartridges that address the needs of a microscopic fraction of the hunting community and yet received gallons of ink. No doubt, some poor saps were gulled into believing that if they could just push that 200-grain bullet a couple hundred feet per second faster, it would make up for their shooting like old people f*ck. If we do actually accept the above three assertions, then why, other than for sake of pig-headed tradition, do we head afield each fall with calibers that were designed to kill a horse at a mile? Its kinda like using a monster truck as a grocery getter. If we plug the 1K at 300 model into a ballistic calculator, then wed probably arrive at a solution thats lighter to carry, easier on the shoulder (and therefore more likely to promote both practice and good marksmanship), cheaper, and just as effective. I havent worn a uniform in long time, but I do recall there being a lot of validity to the military doctrine of training with the same equipment you use for realsies. If youre carrying a 300 RUM to drop whitetails, then theres a better-than-even chance that youll either skip practicing altogether, curtail it in order to avoid burning up your barrels throat three bucks a pop, or else substitute another rifle and cartridge for this essential duty. Id go so far as to lay cash money that the main reason hunters miss isnt due to any deficiency of their equipment; its because at the moment of truth they dont know their gear half as well as they should. And the only way to gain that familiarity is to train. Now, Ill come clean here. The most memorable shot Ive taken while hunting was on a flat-out, running hog at around 200 yards, offhand with a .50 BMG. Ive also chased jackrabbits at night with the same caliber. I like shooting the big bores, and theres nothing quite like whacking steel at over a mile with something that starts with a 3 and ends with an 8. But for something thatll be carried for miles through the woods and called upon to put meat on the table, I might sacrifice a little horsepower. Theres a round that checks all the above boxes: mild-recoiling, fun to shoot, accurate, sufficiently powerful and, thanks to the advent of steel-cased ammo, cheap to practice with. Until recently, its only been adopted by AR-15 owners, but at 23 cents a round 80 cents a round in a post-pandemic world, theres no reason why anyone who wants to hunt with a bolt gun cant take advantage of it, too. .308 Win (right), 6.5 Grendel (left) There are currently two manufacturers building micro-length, bolt-action rifles around the 6.5 Grendel cartridge, namely CZ and Howa. Zastava briefly flirted with idea, but then changed distributors and now no longer offers it in the U.S. Its a pity, as they provided a lower cost, if rougher, alternative to the other two. Hailing from Japan, Howa rifles are once again being marketed under their own brand after years of masquerading as Weatherby and Smith & Wesson products. Theyre essentially an upgraded M700 and offer a better trigger and extractor than their Ilion counterparts. For anyone who wants to build their own semi-custom rifle, theyre available as barreled actions, and the aftermarket is slowly adding options with regards to stocks. Howas version of their micro action Grendel, all dressed up in a chassis. The Czech firm of CZ makes a micro-length Mauser 98 action, previously only available chambered in .223 Rem, 7.6239, and .22 Hornet, but in 2017 theyve added a 6.5 Grendel factory version. Back when I first started flirting with the Grendel as a serious cartridge, the only way to lay hands on one was to start with an action and then build out from there, which is as satisfying as it is expensive. Before signing checks, it was worth figuring out just what the goal was for this new venture. This was to be a rifle that was capable of ringing steel at 1,000 yards, could drop deer, hogs, coyotes, and black bear out our 300-yard maximum, and would allow for lots and lots of practice in field conditions. It was to be lightweight (having humped many 15-pound precision rifles around, theyre way more fun to shoot than they are to carry), but here we run into a conflict between barrel weight and the ability of pencil-thin barrels to hold a group, once a practice session gets underway. A good trigger would be non-negotiable, as would a stock that was impervious to the elements while not feeling like it was made out of recycled grocery bags. Proof Research was enlisted to address the barrel heating problem, and their 18-inch carbon-fiberwrapped tube was screwed onto a CZ 527 action that started out life mated to an x39 steel pipe. CZ sends their bolt guns out into the world with one of the best factory triggers available, once you take the trouble to set them up. With its low gas volume, the Grendel is easy to suppress the Proof barrel comes threaded 5/8-28 for a variety of cans. While we toyed with the idea of adding a Rifle Basix unit to the buildsheet, after twiddling some adjustment screws we got a 3-pound, creep-free, single-stage break that brought a smile to everyones face. Pressing the trigger blade forward activates the set trigger and drops the poundage. If you take it to extremes you can wind up with a hilarious 4-ounce pull, but we wouldnt recommend it for a hunting situation. Our barreled action was mated to an HS Precision stock, but as their barrel channel arrives cut for a varmint, rather than bull, profile, we had to open it up slightly. Using an aluminum bedding block gives repeatable accuracy from the get-go, but giving in to our OCD side we also skim bedded it with epoxy, most of which oozed out during installation due to the preexisting tight fit. The stock itself is a blend of traditional and tactical styling, with a wider fore end than typically found on a deer rifle and ambi palm swells that work well if you favor laying your firing thumb along the strong-side of the pistol grip. Rather annoyingly, CZ elects to cut the top of the 527 receiver for 16mm rings, severely limiting your choices when it comes to scope mounting, as almost all the available options are either high or medium height. Fortunately, by using a set of standard low rings in conjunction with a DIP Inc. 20MOA base, you can add a little versatility in terms of ring placement and scope choice, as almost any optic in the safe will then have the 40 minutes of elevation adjustment needed to reach the 1,000-yard mark. We teamed the tiny bolty with a Leupold VX-R 2-733 scope, in keeping with its diminutive stature. With a 250-yard zero, bullets never drop or rise beyond 5 inches from the point of aim out to 300 yards, and the BDCs hash marks correspond within 0.5 MOA of the actual impact at 300, 400, and 500 yards. Due to its origins as a gas gun cartridge, the 6.5 Grendel has a somewhat conservative pressure limit of 50,000 psi, necessary to avoid the problem of sheared AR-15 bolt lugs, and exacerbated by the requirement of removing material from the bolt face in order to accommodate a fatter case head. Despite this, its one of the most efficient rounds out there, burning less than 30 grains of powder to launch a 123-grain bullet at around 2,500 fps. Due to the mini Mausers stronger action, its possible to wring out another 125 fps through judicious hand loading, but thats beyond the scope of this article and should be attempted only by those with a thorough understanding of the risks involved. That comparatively diminutive powder charge, along with a low bore/case diameter ratio is the main reason for the Grendels stellar barrel life 5,000 rounds of sub-MOA group sizes isnt uncommon in an AR. We suspect, given that no one will be doing mag dumps with a bolt gun, that our 527 will easily surpass that number. Micro Mauser bolt next to a M98 original. Sticking to commercially available ammo, the shooter isnt short of choices. We used Hornadys loadings with both the 123-grain A-Max and SST bullets, and the accuracy results were both around 1 MOA. Although the SST has a reputation for varmint bullet performance when shot at velocities associated with a .260 Rem or 6.5 Swede, at the speeds generated from the milder Grendel, it should have no problem holding together and punching through both sides of a deer at up to our maximum range. Wed like to see Barnes offer their 100-grain TTSX bullet as a factory load, as penetration and expansion are both excellent with this devastating little pill, which should still open up all the way out to 400 yards. For now, only the 120-grain TSX is available in factory ammo though it, along with Noslers 130-grain Accubond, give good results on game. Having waded through the turgid prose above, you might conclude that were pretty enamored with this little bolt gun. Youd be right. Its the one that gets pulled out of the safe when theres a spare hour in the schedule, thrown in the ATV rack and taken to the range behind the house. Because its now well into its second, 1,000-round case of ammo, its the rifle thatll be taken on the majority of our hunts this fall, as theres no question about where it hits at various ranges and positions I know, rather than guess at, what I can hit and how big of a target must be presented for a one-shot kill. Howa and CZ both make owning a 6.5 Grendel way easier than it used to be. Off-the-rack versions are readily available and in the case of the Czech offerings, feature some of the nicest walnut stocks of any production guns just in case you want to go the whole traditional, blued steel and walnut route. With luck, we might just start a movement for easy-to-use calibers and get Savage, Remington, and Ruger on board. And, of course, theres absolutely nothing wrong with swapping out the upper on your 5.56 AR, should you prefer hunting with a semi auto. Whatever you choose, well bet that your practical marksmanship improves, as will your chances of punching a tag this year. Title changed: Details added: first version posted on 12:04 BAKU, Azerbaijan, June 15. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Azerbaijan has strongly condemned military provocation of the Armenian Armed Forces in the direction of checkpoint on the Lachin-Khankendi road, as a result of which a serviceman of the State Border Service of Azerbaijan (Elshan Rustamov) has been injured on June 15, Trend reports citing the ministry. "This military provocation of Armenia, along with aggression against the sovereignty and territorial integrity of Azerbaijan, is aimed at obstructing the successful operation of the checkpoint on the Azerbaijani side, the safe, free and unhindered passage of Armenian residents, as well as the movement along the Lachin-Khankendi road," the ministry said. According to the ministry, this provocation of Armenia, which could not accept the free movement of Armenian residents through the checkpoint, is a vivid example of the fact that Armenia is not interested in establishing relations with Azerbaijan, as well as in the peace process. Such military provocations of Armenia will be resolutely suppressed, and the attempts of the Armenian side to hinder the process of reintegration of the Armenian residents of Azerbaijan into the country's society will fail, the ministry noted. In order to prevent the transportation of manpower, ammunition, mines, as well as other military equipment from Armenia for illegal Armenian armed groups on the territory of Azerbaijan (which weren't withdrawn contrary to the trilateral statement signed by Azerbaijani, Armenian and Russian leaders following the 2020 Second Karabakh War), and as an adequate response to the unilateral establishment of a checkpoint by Armenia on the border with Azerbaijan on April 22 at the entrance to the Lachin-Khankendi road contrary to the trilateral statement of November 10, 2020, on April 23 at 12:00 (GMT+4), the units of the State Border Service of the Republic of Azerbaijan set up a border checkpoint in its sovereign territories, on the border with Armenia, at the beginning of the Lachin-Khankendi road. Copyright 2023 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed without permission. The S&P BSE Smallcap index hit a record high 31,396.64, gaining nearly 1 per cent on the BSE in intra-day trade on June 7 after a strong rally in railway, auto and hospitals stocks. In the process, the index surpassed its previous high of 31,304.44, touched on January 18, 2022. In the past one month, the S&P BSE Smallcap index has outperformed the market surging by 6.6 per cent, as compared to 5.9 per cent rise in the S&P BSE Midcap index and 1.9 per cent gain in the S&P BSE Sensex. Despite this run, experts see more legs to the rally in the small-caps amid favourable economic conditions in India, which they believe will see incremental foreign flows coming to India instead of China, which in turn will rekindle the interest of retail investors in the markets, and especially in the mid-and small-caps. "I see a minimum 15 - 20 per cent upside in the small-caps over the medium-to-long term. "Markets expect a status quo on rates from major central banks, especially the US Fed and the Reserve Bank of India (RBI). "This will see more flows come into the emerging markets, including India. "Investors have started to look at India more positively as compared to China now," said AK Prabhakar, head of research at IDBI Capital. About 53 stocks from the small-cap index hit a new 52-week high in trade on Wednesday. Some of the prominent stocks that hit their respective all-time high during the intra-day deals include Aurionpro Solutions, Bharat Dynamics, Centum Electronics, Cigniti Technologies, Data Patterns (India), Dreamfolks Services, Fusion Microfinance, IOX Exchange, KDDL, Mahindra CIE Automotive, Safari Industries and Syngene International. With the Nifty sustaining over 18,000 levels post the sharp rally, the activity in the broader market has also picked up in the past couple of months, analysts said, which is not surprising at all. While it might be difficult to call out the bottom and start of a new rally in broader markets at this stage, Gaurav Dua, senior vice-president, head of capital market strategy & investments at Sharekhan by BNP Paribas suggests investors can accumulate or invest gradually in stocks of good quality mid-and small-cap companies now, and the returns could be quite handsome over the next two years. G Chokkalingam, founder and head of research at Equinomics Research Private Limited, too, expects the smallcap index to jump around 8 10 per cent from the current levels in the next few months. Forecast of a normal monsoon in India and expected record food grain output in the current crop year has added to the optimism. "Debt ceiling issue resolution and expectation of peaking out of rate cycle with just another 25 to 50 basis point (bps) rate hike by the US Fed and the RBI and avoiding recession, too, have contributed to the optimism in Indian equities in the last few weeks," he said. As a strategy, those at Credit Suisse Wealth Management, for instance, suggest investors use any market correction to buy stocks and expect sustained FPI buying to lead to further upside in the markets going ahead. They, however, remain cautious on the information technology (IT) sector, while recommending booking some profits in the cement sector on rallies. We continue to believe India is a buy on dip structural opportunity and may provide a good diversification benefit when growth is faltering in other large economies. "India tends to trade at a higher valuation when commodity prices ease. "Currently, the growth worries and the base effect are favoring Indias macroeconomic recovery. "On the other hand, the earnings season reflects our view of better margins supporting earnings momentum, wrote Jitendra Gohil - Director, Global Investment Management at Credit Suisse Wealth Management India in a recent coauthored note with Premal Kamdar. Details added: first version posted on 12:48 BAKU, Azerbaijan, June 15. Armenian Armed Forces opened fire from their positions with firearms of various calibers at the servicemen of the State Border Service of Azerbaijan at the border checkpoint in the Lachin district on June 15, at about 08:00 (GMT +4), the press service of the Prosecutor General's Office of the Republic of Azerbaijan told Trend. As a result, a serviceman of the State Border Service, ensign Elshan Rustamov received bullet wounds. Employees of the Investigation Department of the Prosecutor General's Office, the Criminalistics Department and the Gubadli Military Prosecutor's Office are conducting an inspection of the scene and other necessary investigative actions. The Investigation Department of the Prosecutor General's Office opened a criminal case on the fact under Articles 29,120.2.1, 29,120.2.3, 29,120.2.4 and 29,120.2.11, 29,120.2.12 (terror attack with an attempted murder by a group of persons in a generally dangerous way of a person in the performance of official duty due to ethnic hatred), 214.2.1. 214.2.3 and 214.2.4 (terrorism with the use of firearms, causing grave consequences and committed by a group of persons by prior conspiracy), a preliminary investigation is carried out. Rustamov was hospitalized, his condition is currently stable. Detailed information about the details of the incident will be provided after the inspection of the scene and other investigative actions. In order to prevent the transportation of manpower, ammunition, mines, as well as other military equipment from Armenia for illegal Armenian armed groups on the territory of Azerbaijan (which weren't withdrawn contrary to the trilateral statement signed by Azerbaijani, Armenian and Russian leaders following the 2020 Second Karabakh War), and as an adequate response to the unilateral establishment of a checkpoint by Armenia on the border with Azerbaijan on April 22 at the entrance to the Lachin-Khankendi road contrary to the trilateral statement of November 10, 2020, on April 23 at 12:00 (GMT+4), the units of the State Border Service of the Republic of Azerbaijan set up a border checkpoint in its sovereign territories, on the border with Armenia, at the beginning of the Lachin-Khankendi road. A group of lenders to educational technology (edtech) giant Byjus has told the firm that theyre open to negotiations with the company to resolve litigation and other disputes, according to people familiar with the matter. Photograph: Kind courtesy, Byju's However, they have told Byjus that they will not engage in the firms proposal for one-on-one meetings, according to sources. Byjus recently filed a suit against US-based investment management firm Redwood to challenge the acceleration of the $1.2-billion Term Loan B (TLB) facility, and disqualify the lender for its predatory tactics. Byjus also skipped an interest payment of about $40 million on the loan. The lenders want Byjus to send a draft amendment proposal to the group, according to people familiar with the matter. This happened after the firm cancelled a meeting that had been scheduled for Monday with creditors. According to sources, Byjus wants to do one-on-one meetings with lenders instead of having a group talk to influence them individually and split the group of ad hoc lenders. However, the lenders want to have a collective discussion to comply with an agreement that mandates collaborative efforts during negotiations. Byjus declined to comment about the negotiations with lenders. However, according to a source close to the company, Byjus has already started having one-on-one interactions with lenders and had discussions with a couple of them, according to a source close to the company. It has plans to have more such calls with other lenders in the next few days. The development about lenders telling Byjus that they are open to negotiations but will not engage in the firms proposal for one-on-one meetings was first reported by Bloomberg. Earlier Byjus reached out to a group of lenders after it skipped an interest payment on its loan. According to Bloomberg, the company scheduled a call with lenders on Monday to discuss an amendment proposal. Details of the proposal were expected to be shared ahead of the call. A group of ad hoc lenders, who collectively own more than 85 per cent of Byjus term loans amounting to $1.2 billion, said the recent lawsuit filed by the edtech firm in the Supreme Court of the State of New York County lacks merit. Byjus meritless lawsuit against its term loan lenders is simply an effort to avoid complying with its obligations, including making contractually required payments, said lenders in a statement. They said the lender group, comprising 21 global institutional investors, sought to work constructively with the company over the past nine months to cure its numerous defaults and would continue to do so in good faith. In the New York Supreme Court, the edtech firm recently argued that contrary to the conditions of the loan facility, Redwood purchased a significant portion of the loan while primarily trading in distressed debt. Given that legal proceedings are now on in both Delaware and New York, the entire TLB is disputed, the company said in a statement. TLB is a term loan by institutional investors with the prime goal of maximising their long-term returns. The Bengaluru-headquartered companys US entity Byjus Alpha was recently sued in Delaware by an agent of lenders to whom the company owes $1.2 billion. The lawsuit was filed by GLAS Trust Company and investor Timothy R Pohl against Byjus Alpha, Tangible Play (Osmo), and Riju Raveendran. The two companies being sued are units of Think and Learn Private, an edtech firm founded by Byju Raveendran. The lenders have reportedly accused the companys entity, which has no employees, of hiding $500 million as part of a battle between the creditors and the edtech firm. The allegation was made during a court hearing last month in Delaware, where Alpha faces a lawsuit over who should control the firm. The lenders claim that because of a default earlier this year, they have the right to put their representative, Timothy R Pohl, in charge. Byjus Alpha borrowed $1.2 billion, and the lenders received significant pledges of collateral to protect their loans. As a result of repeated and ongoing breaches of the credit agreement, GLAS, as collateral agent under loan documents and at the direction of the required lenders, has exercised remedies, which resulted in 100 per cent of Byjus Alphas equity being transferred to its name, alleged the lenders in the petition filed in the Court of Chancery of the State of Delaware and reviewed by Business Standard. The document is dated May 23, 2023. The state with the most people has displaced the state with the largest economy in terms of investor additions. Uttar Pradesh (UP) added 126,000 new investors in April, reveals National Stock Exchange (NSE) disclosures. This is higher than Maharashtras 118,000. Maharashtra, which is home to Indias financial capital of Mumbai, has traditionally been the biggest source of investors. UP, which has traditionally had a relatively limited equity culture, though a higher population, grabbed the top spot in February and has now been at higher levels for three months in a row, according to exchange data. Maharashtras 126-million population is around half of UPs 240 million, shows projections for 2023. Maharashtras pre-pandemic economy was estimated at Rs 25.7 trillion in 2018-19, compared to Rs 15.8 trillion for UP. Satish Menon, executive director, Geojit Financial Services, said that a combination of low base and spreading equity culture is likely to see more investors coming in from outside traditional places like Maharashtra or Gujarat. A smaller set of investors leaves space for higher growth rates, and stock-market investing is likely to keep spreading across the country, according to him. The other states will catch up, he said. The NSE data shows new investor additions at 800,000 in April 2023. This is the lowest since November 2020. The Securities and Exchange Board of India (Sebi) data shows 1.6 million new accounts for the month. The difference could be because the exchange captures unique investor registrations, and does not count the same investor again if he/she has more than one account. The stock exchange did not reply to an email seeking additional data. Depository data suggested another 2.1 million accounts opened in May 2023, suggesting that the declining trend may have reversed in May. The market has been near its all-time high in May. The S&P BSE Sensex closed at 62,622.24 in May. The all-time high for the benchmark index was 63,583.07, which it hit in December 2022. An analysis of cash-market turnover from Sebi shows that Mumbai still accounts for 64 per cent of the value of shares changing hands on the NSE. This is followed by Ahmedabad at about 14 per cent. Rajkot accounts for another 3.1 per cent. The brokerage industry is expected to see limited revenue growth in 2023-24 (FY24), according to a March 2023 Indian brokerage Industry research report from ICICIdirect, authored by research analysts Kajal Gandhi, Vishal Narnolia, and Pravin Mule. share of pure broking income has been sliding in the overall pie. Further, according to CareEdge, revenue growth for the broking industry is expected to moderate to 10 per cent in 2022-23 to Rs 28,00030,000 crore and be flat in FY24E, with consolidation in the industry benefiting some traditional brokers, it said. Consolidation in UP involving a large traditional broking house expanding its footprint in the North may be driving some of the numbers, according to an industry expert. At an aggregate level, moderation in client accretion, tightening of regulations, and higher compliance cost are seen leading to a gradual consolidation in the industry. "Such anticipated consolidation in the industry is seen as beneficial for existing players, especially incumbents. "They are well placed with diversified sources of revenue streams, added the ICICIdirect report. At the end of the day, Stalin expressing solidarity with an arrested colleague is one thing, especially if he too felt that the minister had been wronged, but for him to retain the person in office sets a bad precedent, which would not go unnoticed by voters, points out N Sathiya Moorthy. IMAGE: Tamil Nadu Electricity Minister V Senthil Balaji breaks down as Enforcement Directorate officials take him into custody in connection with an alleged money laundering case in Chennai, June 14, 2023. Photograph: ANI Photo The jail journey of Tamil Nadu's Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam Minister V Senthil Bajali is ironical. The Enforcement Directorate has arrested him for alleged corruption when he was an All India Anna DMK minister in the state and was originally charged by another AIADMK government. His present boss and DMK Chief Minister M K Stalin, then Leader of the Opposition, wanted him arrested and penalised -- but is now defending him to the hilt. Yet, there is no way anyone can do much about it as the ED has drawn its power this time from the Supreme Court -- and lower courts will look askance if they jump the gun without substantive supporting material that may just not be available to them at this stage. Whatever legal and political issues it may have flagged elsewhere in the country and even in the state's echelons, at the street-level in Tamil Nadu, it is not even about corruption, arrest and hospitalisation as Senthil Balaji pleaded 'chest pain' and was found to be harbouring three blocks in the heart. It was confirmed by two government(s) medical teams -- one of them supposedly representing the ED -- have confirmed that the minister required coronary bypass surgery. Instead, the street concern, if any, is about Stalin's 'Mr Clean' image thus far, taking a beating. Despite the Opposition AIADMK-Bharatiya Janata Party's continued attempts to sully his image, Stalin has held his head above water, if not high. But by visiting a colleague arrested for alleged corruption, even in hospital, and also his implied refusal to drop him until proven guilty by the courts and the overnight withdrawal of 'standing consent' for the Central Bureau of Investigation to investigate cases, on the lines of some of the other Opposition-ruled states, have all caused eyebrows to rise. Whether it will have consequences for next year's Lok Sabha polls, which is what both sides are playing at, remains to be seen, however. In connection with the hospitalisation, it is not known how authorities at the Government Hospital in Omandurar, Chennai -- where the ED admitted Senthil Balaji after he complained of chest-pain -- allowed their VIP patient to be disturbed by a drove of visitors, starting with the CM, all at one go. Yet, in an earlier incident of the kind, when then AIADMK chief minister J Jayalalithaa visited another VIP patient in a private hospital and the super-speciality doctor in the room asked her to leave her footwear outside, as is the norm and routine, the management gave him the boot instead. At 47, Senthil Balaji is still on record the minister for electricity and excise in the Stalin government. Both ministries are inherently controversial in their own ways, as both are ridden with possibilities for high-end corruption and equal failures in implementation and enforcement. Their work also has grassroots-level reach, hence are ridden with constant operational complaints of every kind. For this reason alone, they are also the most unlikely of departments to be given to the common care of a single minister, however efficient. Jaya started with Senthil Balaji in the twin ministries for a time, and Stalin followed up on the same path after the other man had crossed over to the DMK, possibly seeking much-needed 'political cover'. This is despite the fact that for nine long years, Prime Minister Narendra D Modi has been carrying out similar experiments at the Centre, with mixed results at best. For instance, the gruesome Odisha triple train accident brought out how Minister of State Ashwini Vaishnav was shouldering the ministries of railways, communication and also electronics and information technology -- each one of them a behemoth by itself. IMAGE: Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M K Stalin meets state Minister V Senthil Balaji at the Government Hospital in Omandurar, Chennai, June 14, 2023. Photograph: ANI Photo But all parallels should end there. The ED case against Senthil Balaji should not be confused with the recent IT raids on him and those associated with him. They are separate cases and run on a parallel track -- and possibly owes to BJP state President K Annamalai's charge that government-owned monopoly retail liquor shops under TASMAC, across the state, were collecting Rs 10 per bottle under the table, to be passed on to the higher-ups. The social media presumption was that it went to fund the ruling DMK, too, in some way or the other. The ED arrest instead flows from an earlier corruption charge when Senthil Balaji (A-1) was transport minister under Jayalalithaa. His secretary Shanmugam (A-4) was alleged to have collected money for the appointment of conductors and mechanics in the state's nine transport corporations, and had allegedly sent out messages, that too from the minister's official e-mail account. When some of those in Shanmugam's e-mails moved the Madras high court saying they had bribed but were cheated, the court ordered investigations by the state police. In the campaign for the 2016 assembly polls which the AIADMK won before Jaya's death in December that year, Stalin cited the pending case and demanded action against Senthil Balaji. It is now anybody's guess if Annamalai, while purportedly talking about 'Jayalalithaa's corruption' in a newspaper interview earlier this week also implied such possibilities being exposed if and when the incumbent minister was properly interrogated. Of course, it would have to be in addition to Senthil Balaji possibly implicating his current boss and his family -- as hoped for by state BJP social media activists in particular. The legal safety valve, if at all any, for Senthil Balaji may be is if he could prove to the satisfaction of the court that he was not in the habit of using or watching his e-mail account, and his secretary had misused and abused it. Can he then escape vicarious liability postulated under section 13 (b), or any other provision of the Prevention of Corruption Act, is the question then for the courts to answer. The hollowness of their legal counsel showed when Shanmugam struck a deal with some of those who had moved the high court, and together they filed a 'quash petition', declaring that the bribe money was returned and there was no further complaint. IMAGE: Income-tax teams at V Senthil Balaji's home in Chennai, May 26, 2023. Photograph: ANI/Twitter That was only months after the Stalin government came to power in May 2021. The state police did not contest the 'deal' and the high court disposed off the case, quashing the pending proceedings. It was then that another aggrieved party moved the Supreme Court, challenging the high court's quash order. In September last, the apex court quashed the high court's quash order, restored the investigation by the state police under the Prevention of Corruption Act and asked it to report progress. It also ordered the ED to revive the investigations based on a reference to money-laundering made in the original charge-sheet of the state police -- but otherwise stalled by the high court. As may be recalled, the ED started the probe, but the state police stalled. In the course of further hearing in the matter, the Supreme Court ticked off the police and said it would not hesitate to appoint a supervisory group to follow up on the investigations. In all this, the Supreme Court found prima facie evidence in the form of admission of guilt by A-4 Shanmugam in his joint quash petition before the high court. The Supreme Court also pointed out that the Prevention of Corruption Act did not condone such deals for courts to quash investigations under the Act. So, what is the charge of 'political vendetta' being hurled at the BJP's Modi-Shah duo at the Centre, by the DMK and its allies and other friendly parties at the national level? One, the political atmosphere has been so vitiated by endless inquiries and arrests of the kind over the past nine years of the Modi government that the charge sticks very easily. It sticks even more when the ED, IT or the CBI do not see through those cases in the courts, to arrive at a reasonable conclusion, particularly conviction. The possible reason (mostly administrative) is that the central agencies are fixing who all they can in the first round. They can leisurely move on to the trial stage when they have time on their hand. As events turn out, as long as the accused get bail, however interim from a court of law, he too is not too worried for or is interested in an early trial. Some of them may even be happy for the trial never to be taken up in their lifetime, and for obvious reasons. If someone says that 'arrest-and-forget' is the political strategy that the BJP Centre has been employing to embarrass Opposition parties and harass those thus personally affected -- including families and friends -- they may not be entirely wrong. It also gets the party brownie points in politico-electoral terms, especially in matters of fighting corruption, its major agenda-point for the victorious elections way back in 2014. Clearly, the BJP and the DMK have pulled off their gloves for the first time since Stalin came to power and drew a distinctive line between Centre-state administrative cooperation on the one hand, and political rivalry, deriving from inherent ideological differences, on the other. IMAGE: Kuppusawmy Annamalai, president of the Bharatiya Janata Party's Tamil Nadu unit, addresses the media in Chennai, April 14, 2023, about the 'DMK Files', levelling corruption charges against state ministers. Photograph: ANI Photo This also owes to the BJP's overwhelming desire, both by the state and central leaderships, to assert itself and its Hindutva agenda in the Dravidian electoral bastion, the only socio-political space that they have not been able to bust even remotely across the country. If they cannot do it now, when the charismatic Jaya and wily Karunanidhi are dead and gone, and the likes of Stalin and the AIADMK's EPS are seen only as one-election wonders by the BJP especially, the ruling party at the Centre may not have another chance on hand. Or, so goes their perceptions, plans and plots. 'Muddying the good name' of leaders, whether friend or foe, whether Jayalalithaa or Senthil Balaji, helps. Or, so goes the argument. Why then Senthil Balaji? As may be recalled, after Annamalai charged the minister with large-scale corruption last year (as different from his 'DMK files' recently), Balaji did not lose time when the controversy over the former's high-end Rafale wrist-watch became the talking point some months ago. Some BJP leaders too believe that Balaji was the source of those watch-rumours' (possibly backed by facts) as the Rafale cost was/is put at between Rs 3.5 lakh and Rs 5 lakh (Rs 350,000 to Rs 500,000). Truth be acknowledged, Annamalai's much-delayed and equally promised explanation about the source of funding, etc, for purchasing the Rafale watch, did not convince many. It raised more questions -- all of them uncomfortable. Some DMK sources want to know if the raid was also an attempt to teach other DMK critics of the BJP a lesson and push them into a silent mode in the year-long run-up to the Lok Sabha polls. Or, if someone expected details of the Rafale watch deal too in Balaji's personal files? In the coming days, too, the DMK, through the habeas corpus petition filed by Balaji's wife Megala, would continue to seek expanding the scope of the Enforcement Directorate investigations and court cases, by questioning the procedure adopted during their raids and arrest. Before a high court bench hearing the petition, Balaji's lawyers have argued that neither the family, nor the assembly speaker, was informed of the arrest in time and in the format prescribed under the law. The ED has contested it, but it seems as unconvincing as Balaji's defence otherwise. Incidentally, this is the first time in such cases involving Opposition leaders across the country that any petitioner has sought to shift the blame from the political leadership to (individual) central officials, these from the ED, for now. The message may sound one of intimidation, but it is also one of caution: 'Play (only) by the rule-book or you may have to pay, another way, another time, also under the law.' About the accompanying question as to the propriety of the ED violating the state government secretariat's precinct and raiding the minister's office inside without prior intimation and permission, at least a part of the blame, if any, should lie with state government officials. As is known, at no point during the secretariat raid did anyone in his official capacity (or, even otherwise) protest and challenge the ED officials nor were they shown the door to come back after obtaining the required permission letter. Yet, another question, which could be basic, is about the ED getting into investigating the 'corruption case' against Balaji and others, without talking anymore about the money-laundering charge against him. Even the arrests seem to have been effected not under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA), but under the Prevention of Corruption Act. The question is if the PMLA provides for the same. If so, what does the Supreme Court want the state police to do in relation to the corruption part of the 2014 case, especially if the ED is already seized of the matter. It could well mean that even the involvement of the CBI, if directed to take over the corruption case, may become superfluous as they may only be duplicating the ED's work. For now, the ED had summoned a sessions judge to the hospital, and he had ordered a 15-day judicial custody for Balaji, implying that he would be out of reach for the investigators. Officials of the state government's Puzhal prison, off Chennai, took control of the minister's hospital ward. The ED has since moved the court seeking his custody for them for interrogation, especially in reference to statement already made by other accused and witnesses. Compared to all these, the state government and the DMK too should ask themselves if their sudden bar on the CBI to investigate cases without specific permission -- something that Jaya too had done in her time as CM -- would and could apply to those ordered by the Supreme Court, or the high court, if it came to that. At the end of the day, Stalin expressing solidarity with an arrested colleague is one thing, especially if he too felt that the minister had been wronged, but for him to retain the person in office sets a bad precedent, which would not go unnoticed by voters even in the last hamlet in the state. Likewise, the decision to withdraw general consent for the CBI too has sent out a message that the ruling party may have something to hide. It is so even if it would have otherwise meant that the BJP-ruled Centre might be using its investigating agencies, here too, to harass individual leaders and embarrass the ruling party and its allies too, possibly, that too in an election year. But will it have enough meat in it to offset the BJP's Hindutva image in the Dravidian heartland is what might end up deciding the 2014 elections in Tamil Nadu with its 39 seats and Puducherry as its loner. N Sathiya Moorthy, veteran journalist and author, is a Chennai-based policy analyst and political commentator. 'We have to be prepared on the borders to withstand Chinese expansionist designs.' IMAGE: Northern Army Commander Lieutenant General Upendra Dwivedi reviews the operational situation in the Ladakh sector. Photograph: ANI Photo Three years have passed since Chinese troops attacked Indian soldiers in the Galwan Valley on the night of June 15-16, 2020 and killed 20 Indian troops in cold blood. Three years and more have passed since the People's Liberation Army's incursion into eastern Ladakh. Multiple rounds of discussions have taken place between Indian and Chinese army officers and diplomats, but the Chinese refuse to withdraw to its pre-April 2020 positions in eastern Ladakh. "The Chinese strategy of nibbling away or salami slicing is a peacetime tactic of taking advantage without fighting a war. "It is part of China's expansionist or revanchist policies. We have to ensure that this nibbling is denied by locating people as far forward as possible. Any attempt to expand territory must be fought vigorously," says Lieutenant General Rakesh Sharma, retired, former commander of the Fire and Fury Corps based in Leh. The Fire and Fury Corps guards the border in Kargil, Siachen and Eastern Ladakh, which includes both the Pakistan and China frontiers. "It also conveys the message that if China wants to expand further, it will have to fight a war," General Sharma tells Rediff.com's Archana Masih in the first of a two-part interview. Three years later, do we have a better understanding of what the Chinese aims and intentions are in Eastern Ladakh? It is imperative to see the overall Chinese motivations. There is an attempt by the Chinese hierarchy to aggressively push the issues of sovereignty, territorial integrity and nationalism within their country. Therefore, they are attempting to resolve territorial issues in their favour in the best possible way. India's growth trajectory and geostrategic location poses a risk to China. China is excessively dependent on the Indian Ocean Region. The Indian peninsula juts 2,000 kilometres into the Indian Ocean which has made India a geopolitical challenger to China. China wants to try and contain India or deny India the possibility of rising to its potential. Therefore, the settlement of the border is not in the Chinese mindset. China wants to keep India under pressure. IMAGE: Indian and Chinese troops and tanks disengage from the banks of the Pangong Tso lake area in eastern Ladakh in February 2021. Despite several rounds of talks between Indian and Chinese army officers, the PLA refuses to withdraw from the Depsang Plain and Demchok. Photograph: ANI Photo In such a long almost 3,500 kms border, why do you think China chose the Eastern Ladakh front for a stand-off with India which has gone on for more than three years? In view of India's growth trajectory, China probably felt that it could resolve the most problematic part of the entire border, Eastern Ladakh, in one stroke. Hence, the entire Aksai Chin region, as it is close to the perceived Line of Actual Control was put under test by the Chinese. They undertook an operation which obviously had been planned over a period of time to address Eastern Ladakh starting from Raki Nala to Demchok and attempted to reach their claim line according to the November 7, 1959 line. [The LAC proposed by then Chinese premier Zhou Enlai in a letter to then prime minister Jawaharlal Nehru dated November 7, 1959. India has never accepted this line.] According to what has appeared in the press after the 18th round of military talks, the Chinese are demanding another buffer of 15-20 kilometres and are attempting to push the buffer down to Burtse which is an ITBP post -- and that lies on the November 7, 1959 line. That is one region where the Chinese have not reached the November 7, 1959 line because they are in a bottleneck in that area close to the Depsang Bulge. All other areas -- except, of course, the area of Pangong Tso [and Burtse area] -- they have willy-nilly approximately, reached what they perceive as the November 7, 1959 line. In Pangong Tso, the November 7, 1959 line would come to Finger 3 or Finger 4 for China, but since the Indian Army carried out an operation on 29/30 August 2020 and occupied the Kailash range, the Chinese had to relent and move back to Finger 8. On these two significant points there is some discrepancy into what the Chinese are seeking. The Kailash range has become a kind of buffer and no side is occupying it. China has attempted to reach its perceived line, even though the November 7, 1959 line was an arbitrary line and had no legal standing or history. China wants to reiterate this line because it wants to push a hard stance on territorial integrity and sovereignty to its people. China has undertaken mammoth infrastructure development, deployed forces and changed the demographic pattern along the Line of Actual Control. It has conducted military exercises, constructed helipads, airfields, built habitat and villages -- all these are to create a threat across the Line of Actual Control. This is in accordance with President Xi Jinping's of-repeated promise to transform the PLA into a 'Wall of Steel' across its territorial frontage. The PLA's actions in Sinkiang facing Eastern Ladakh and in Tibet is China's way of stating that they have created a 'Wall of Steel' to defend their sovereignty and territorial integrity which also poses a permanent threat to India. India has to hold onto its side with an equal, firm footing and adequate force. IMAGE: In this combo picture, the Border Roads Organisation has connected Kilima and Niraq in Ladakh by launching a 160 feet Bailey Bridge on the Nimu-Padam-Darcha road. This has connected the people of Zanskar with Leh and Kargil. Photographs: ANI Photo How should India respond to the building of infrastructure, military exercises and creation of this intended 'Wall of Steel'? The Chinese strategy of nibbling away or salami slicing or chewing away territory is a peacetime way of taking advantage without fighting a war. It has been colloquially called gray zone warfare. The Chinese have tried this in RakuLa in Sikkim and Yangtse in Arunachal Pradesh. It was their attempt at nibbling, but was denied to them by our troops. It is part of China's expansionist or revanchist policies. We have to ensure that this nibbling is denied by locating people as far forward as possible. Any attempt to expand territory must be fought vigorously. In peacetime, we have to be right there at those locations so that the PLA cannot use its infrastructure to nibble or swallow our territory. It should not be permitted in any manner whatsoever and that is what is meant by peacetime denial. It also conveys the message that if China wants to expand further, they will have to fight a war. They cannot indulge in quiet nibbling as they had done earlier in 2020. Secondly, in view of the deployment of PLA troops in closer proximity, the military exercises conducted and the infrastructure that has been built -- airfields, blast pens etc -- the Indian armed forces have to be prepared. The situation can escalate any time and we have to have a defensive layout and also maintain reserves to deny them their objective. We have to be vigilant to any escalation that may ensue, in case their peacetime manoeuvring or peacetime nibbling is denied. In both situations we have to be prepared on the borders to withstand Chinese expansionist designs. Feature Presentation: Aslam Hunani/Rediff.com Three persons were shot dead and several others were injured as violence and arson marked the conclusion of nomination filing for the three-tier West Bengal panchayat polls slated next month. IMAGE: Security personnel fire teargas shells amid violence in Bhangar during the filing of nominations for West Bengal Panchayat elections, in Kolkata on June 15, 2023. Photograph: ANI Photo Two persons were killed at Bhangore in South 24 Parganas district, around 30 km from Kolkata, while another youth was gunned down by miscreants at Chopra in Uttar Dinajpur district, around 50 Km from Siliguri, in the northern part of the state, police said. Several incidents of clashes were reported from different parts of the state as the police had a harrowing time controlling the situation. State Election Commissioner (SEC) Rajiva Sinha declined to comment on the incident, stating that he is yet to receive a report. The violence triggered a political slugfest between the opposition Communist party of India-Marxist, the Congress and the Bharatiya Janata Party -- and the ruling Trinamool Congress, with Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee accusing the opposition of trying to malign the state by orchestrating the violence. She denied any involvement of her party workers in the incidents of violence, stating that the TMC has instructed its members to allow all candidates to file their nominations. "In around 74,000 booths, some incidents have occurred in only two or three. Our party workers are not involved in those incidents," Banerjee said. Pointing out that violence during panchayat polls is not new, citing a similar situation in 2003 when 36 people were killed during the Left regime, she said, "Rural polls are so localised that even three or four members from a same family are contesting elections." "Opposition parties are trying to create disturbances by orchestrating violence while filing nominations. They are doing it to tarnish the state's image. If they (the opposition) think they will unleash one-sided violence, then people will give a befitting reply," she said. Banerjee also referred to the 2013 panchayat polls in the state, when it was held under the supervision of central forces, but couldn't help stop the bloodshed as '49 people were killed'. Speaking of the ongoing violence in Bhangore, Banerjee blamed the Indian Secular Front (ISF) for it without naming the party. "For the last two days, a political party which uses religion to polarise people has unleashed a reign of terror in Bhangore, assaulting our party workers and ransacking several vehicles. There has been some retaliation from our end, too, yesterday," she said. Governor C V Ananda Bose expressed shock and concern over the killing of three people and incidents of attacks on the media. 'Shocked to hear that death toll in pre-election (violence) in Bengal is increasing. It is revolting that the media is also under attack by the hooligans. Victory in elections should depend on the count of votes not the count of dead bodies,' Bose said in a statement released by Raj Bhavan on Thursday night. 'Goons, hooligans, musclemen, the lumpen and crash elements... shall not be allowed to rule the roost. When the fourth estate is under attack it means democracy is under attack... This game of Saitan should end, will end. The beginning of the end will be in West Bengal,' the statement quoted Bose as saying. Bose urged 'all concerned to come together and stand united to put down the forces of disruption and uphold the dignity of the common man and the sanctity of free and fair elections, abjuring violence and ensuring an era of peace'. He said violence has no place in democratic elections and people have the right to peace and harmony. 'Bengal is committed to protecting the right of the common man for freedom and peace in society, at the time when elections to the local bodies are about to take place. Miscreants and those who flaunt muscle power will be brought to book and shown their due place behind the bars. Bengal is going to witness a new era of peaceful elections to the local bodies,' he said. Referring to the Calcutta high court's orders directing all concerned in unequivocal terms, to do their duty and to discharge their obligations as per the Constitution of India, Bose said that the court's verdict will be implemented in letter and spirit. "Under no circumstances will mobocracy be permitted to throttle democracy. On behalf of the people of West Bengal, I entreat all political parties, opinion leaders and all stakeholders to stand united to defend democracy at any cost," he said. The state's three-tier panchayat election encompassing a significant electorate of approximately 5.67 crores, will exercise their franchise to choose representatives for nearly 75,000 seats in zilla parishads, panchayat samiti and gram panchayats. As per the figures available till Wednesday, the TMC, which was behind the opposition in filing nominations in the first few days, had filed nominations in nearly 50,000 seats, whereas the BJP had covered around 46,000 seats, and the CPI-M and the Congress had covered 38,000 and 11,000 seats respectively. CPI-M state secretary Md Salim said candidates of the Left Front and the Congress were attacked in Chopra when they and their supporters were going to file nominations. "The TMC has unleashed a reign of terror with tacit support from SEC and state police. This is shameful in a democracy," senior CPI-M leader Sujan Chakraborty said. The ISF, too, slammed the TMC for having 'no regard for the democratic process in the state'. "Since the beginning of the filing of nominations, TMC goons have resorted to violence to stop our candidates from reaching nomination centres," ISF leader and Bhangore MLA Naushad Siddique said. BJP state spokesperson Samik Bhattacharya said, "The SEC is working like a frontal organisation of the TMC. The TMC wants to turn this panchayat election into a farce, just like 2018." In the 2018 rural polls, the TMC won 90 per cent of the panchayat seats in the state and all 22 Zilla Parishads. These elections were marred by widespread violence and malpractices, with the opposition alleging they were prevented from filing nominations in many seats across the state. State Congress president Adhir Ranjan Chowdhury said the people of West Bengal can cast their votes only if central forces are deployed. Scenes from Gujarat before cyclone Biparjoy makes landfall. IMAGE: People arrive at a shelter in Naliya. All photographs: Francis Mascarenhas/Reuters IMAGE: People arrive at a shelter with all their belongings. IMAGE: People wait to board a bus during an evacuation in Jakhau. IMAGE: A man carries a child from a truck in Jakhau. IMAGE: People in a bus during evacuation as a police officer does a headcount in Jakhau. IMAGE: A family leaves a village on a pickup truck in Jakhau. IMAGE: Children look out of a window of a shelter after they were evacuated from their homes in Naliya. IMAGE: People feed dogs that have been left behind when everyone was evacuated from Jakhau port. IMAGE: A drone view shows dark clouds over Mandvi beach before the arrival of the cyclone. IMAGE: People watch as waves hit Mandvi beach. Photographs curated by Manisha Kotian/Rediff.com Feature Presentation: Ashish Narsale/Rediff.com A 23-year-old man was on Thursday charged with the murder of Indian student Tejaswini Kontham and the attempted murder of her friend at a residential address in Wembley, north London. IMAGE: Tejaswini Kontham. Photograph: Courtesy, Metropolitan Police/ANI on Twitter The metropolitan police said Keven Antonio Lourenco De Morais, previously referred to as a Brazilian national, has been remanded in police custody to appear at Uxbridge Magistrates Court in London. Two other people, one man and a woman, arrested in connection with the murder investigation at the crime scene have now been released with no further action. "Keven Antonio Lourenco De Morais, 23, of Neeld Crescent, Wembley was charged on Thursday, 15 June with the murder of Tejaswini Kontham and the attempted murder of a second woman, the met police said in a statement. On Tuesday, met police officers attended a flat in Neeld Crescent, Wembley, along with the London Ambulance Service and found Tejaswini and another woman, aged 28, suffering from knife injuries. "Despite the efforts of emergency services, Tejaswini sadly died at the scene. Her family has been informed, the police said. It led to a manhunt for prime murder suspect De Morais, who was later arrested in the Harrow area of north London. The second victim of the knife attack has been named locally as Akhila, also from India who remains in hospital but is said to be out of danger. The Indian National Student Association (INSA) UK issued a statement to say that she remains in a state of shock following the attack, which claimed the life of her friend. "On behalf of Indian students in the UK, we convey our sincere condolences to her family and friends and pray that her soul rests in peace, INSA UK said in a statement with reference to Tejaswini. "Our thoughts for Akhila also for her speedy recovery from this shock. We are hopeful that justice will be delivered for the affected families. We will do everything possible to ease some of their family members' pain. We are in touch with the authorities and will support the repatriation process, it said. According to INSA UK, Tejaswini -- whose full name is Tejaswini Kontham Reddy -- had recently graduated from the University of Greenwich in south London and went on to secure her post-study work visa. She moved to the flat in Wembley recently after securing a job in north London. Sources at the Indian high commission in London expressed their sadness at the tragic news and said the mission will support the families with consular assistance required. Tejaswini's father told a news channel in India on Wednesday that she had gone to London three years ago and had completed her MS course there. She came to Hyderabad in August last year and returned to London the next month. She was supposed to fly down here in May this year, he said. "We were planning to conduct her marriage. She said she will return after the alliance is finalised. She had resigned from her temporary job and said she will come back after working for another month," he said. The victim's uncle requested the government to make necessary arrangements to bring her body from the UK to Hyderabad. As Cyclone Biparjoy made landfall near Jakhau Port in Gujarat on Thursday evening, the armed forces asserted operational readiness for relief and rescue work that would follow. IMAGE: Army prepares for relief and rescue operations in Gujarat on Thursday. Photograph: ANI Photo Apart from 15 teams of the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) and 12 teams of State Disaster Response Force (SDRF), personnel of the Army, Navy, Air Force, Indian Coast Guard and Border Security Force (BSF) are deployed for relief and rescue operations, officials said. The Army has deployed 27 relief columns across Gujarat -- at Bhuj, Jamnagar, Gandhidham, Dhrangadhra as well as forward locations at Naliya, Dwarka and Mandvi, defence PRO N Manish said. The IAF has kept one helicopter on standby each at Vadodara, Ahmedabad and Delhi. The Indian Navy has positioned 10-15 teams each consisting of five people of diverse and good swimmers at Okha, Porbandar and Bakasura for rescue and relief, Manish said. Eight Indian Coast Guard stations in Gujarat have been kept in the highest states of readiness with 15 ships and seven aircraft for at search and rescue operations. In addition, 23 disaster relief teams have been positioned, the PRO said. The BSF has mobilised requisite resources for rescue operations and established coordination with civil administration for support to local population, with about 50 villagers of Gunao village located close to Jakhau coast shifted to its outpost, it said. 'IAF assets in operational readiness for relief and rescue operations that would follow the landfall of Cyclone Biparjoy. IAF is committed to assisting fellow citizens to tackle contingencies that arise due to the cyclone,' the IAF tweeted earlier in the day. Authorities have evacuated around one lakh people living in vulnerable areas in coastal districts of Gujarat. The IMD said the cyclone would bring extremely heavy rainfall and cause 'astronomical tides' with a storm surge of two to three metres that could inundate low-lying areas in Kutch, Devbhumi Dwarka, Porbandar, Jamnagar and Morbi districts during landfall. The South Western Air Command of the IAF, in a series of tweets earlier in the day, shared its plan to handle the impact of the cyclone. 'Indian Air Force is ready to face Cyclone Biparjoy. IAF has set up Disaster Management Cell at Air HQ, Command HQ and Local Air Force Stations in affected areas. Sufficient Air assets like transport aircraft and helicopters are on standby to mitigate any contingency,' it said. 'Cyclone Biparjoy meetings with the chief minister of Gujarat and chief secretary held to take stock of the situation. IAF Quick Reaction Teams, Medical Assistance Teams and Garud Commandos are also on standby to provide succour to the local populace,' it also tweeted. The IAF's South Western Air Command further said in a tweet that it was closely working with the Gujarat government and the civil administration of Kutch and Saurashtra regions. 'Field Kitchen with adequate provisions set up to provide meals to the needy. IAF is closely monitoring the progress of Cyclone Biparjoy,' it said. The Calcutta high court Thursday directed the State Election Commission (SEC) to requisition and deploy central forces across West Bengal for the panchayat elections in the state within 48 hours. IMAGE: View of a car set ablaze during a clash between supporters of Indian Secular Front (ISF) and Trinamool Congress (TMC) in Bhangore area ahead of the upcoming panchayat poll, in South 24 Parganas, on Thursday, June 15, 2023. Photograph: PTI Photo The court noted that no appreciable steps have been taken ever since an order was passed by it on June 13 to deploy central forces in sensitive areas for the poll process. A division bench presided by Chief Justice T S Sivagnanam directed the SEC to requisition the deployment of central forces for all the districts in the state which was rocked by violence over filing of nominations for the July 8 panchayat elections. The court asked the SEC to comply with the direction within 48 hours. Noting that till date no effective steps have been taken to identify sensitive areas from the law and order point of view and in light of the SEC's submission that it may take a couple of days more to do so, the court said, "Waiting any longer will cause more damage to the situation and will not aid in protecting the purity of the election process." The bench, also comprising Justice Uday Kumar, directed the central government to deploy the required number of central forces and that the cost of it will be borne by the Union government and no part of it will be charged to the state. The court had on June 13 directed requisition and deployment of central forces forthwith in the areas and districts declared sensitive by the SEC. The SEC was directed to thereafter review the assessment plan submitted by the state and wherever there is inadequacy of the state police force, paramilitary force will be deployed. Opposition politicians, including Bharatiya Janata Party leader Suvendu Adhikari and Congress MP Adhir Ranjan Chowdhury, had petitioned the court for deployment of central forces for ensuring peaceful elections, claiming that the state had witnessed large-scale violence during municipal elections in 2022 and Kolkata Municipal Corporation elections in 2021. They had also prayed for an extension of the last date of nomination claiming that the time given was not adequate. The court had left it to the SEC to consider the prayer. The last date of nomination, as per the poll schedule notified by the SEC, was Thursday. The bench on Thursday directed that 'Shiksha Bandhus' and voluntary resource persons under the School Education department, who the SEC has declared to be eligible to contest the panchayat election by notification on June 14, be given time for filing nomination till June 16. The court directed the SEC to issue a circular that all officers assigned on election duty will display their identity cards prominently and would produce the same to any authority or observer on being asked to. Earlier during the day, SEC counsel Jayanta Mitra submitted before the court that the commission has held meetings with the state's chief secretary and the DGP for the purpose of not only identifying the sensitive areas but also assessing the number of personnel that would be required so that requisition could be made to the Centre. Opposition parties have been alleging that the ruling Trinamool Congress supporters resorted to violence to prevent their candidates from filing nomination papers. Appearing for the state, senior advocate Kalyan Banerjee, however, submitted that more opposition candidates filed nominations for the three-tier panchayat polls than those of the ruling party till Wednesday. He said that in panchayat samitis, 23,486 nominations were filed, out of which 17,120 are by the opposition candidates. In zilla parishads, 2,877 nomination papers have been filed, out of which 2,463 are by the opposition, he stated. Banerjee submitted that around 1,37,000 nominations have been filed for the village panchayats, out of which 94,124 are by the opposition. He stated that the figures bring out the correct position in the state, claiming that nomination filing was going on peacefully in most places of the state. He submitted that the police have taken steps and made arrests in places where violence has taken place. Banerjee submitted that apart from the West Bengal police, forces have been requisitioned from Odisha, Jharkhand, Bihar, Punjab and Tamil Nadu. Ahead of Cyclone Biparjoy's landfall on Thursday, the ministry of defence said that all armed forces including the Army, the Navy, the Air Force and Indian Coast Guard have made necessary preparation to provide assistance to the local people of Gujarat. IMAGE: Indian Army soldiers stand before leaving for Kandla port to carry out an evacuation operation ahead of the landfall of the cyclonic storm Biparjoy, in Bhuj on June 13, 2023. Photograph: PTI Photo "In consonance with its firm resolve to mitigate the hardships felt by the population in times of natural disaster all armed forces that is the Army, Navy, Air Force and Indian Coast Guard have prepared themselves to provide assistance to the locals in view of Cyclone Biparjoy in Gujarat", Wing Commander N Manish, Defence PRO and Spokesperson MoD, Gujarat said. He further said that in view of the fierce cyclonic storm in Gujarat, the Indian Army has deployed more than 27 relief columns across the state. "The Indian Army has deployed more than 27 relief columns across Gujarat at Bhuj, Jamnagar, Gandhidam as well as at the forward locations of Mandvi and Dwarka. Army authorities have also jointly started relief operations along with civil administration as well as with the NDRF teams", the MoD spokesperson said. Indian Army officials also attended a meeting chaired by the Chief Minister of Gujarat Bhupendra Patel and pledged total support in these times of crisis, he added. "The Indian Air Force has kept one N 32 aircraft on standby at Vadodara. Chetak helicopters as per requirement on standby at Ahmedabad and one C 130J transport aircraft on standby at Delhi. In addition, Garud commandos are also kept on standby at Jamnagar, Bhuj and Naria. Indian Navy has positioned about 10 to 15 teams, each consisting of five people of divers and good swimmers at various places for rescue and relief. More teams will be positioned as per requirement", the Wing Commander said. Further speaking about the cyclone preparations, he said, "Community kitchens and medical teams of the Indian Navy have been set up at Okha and Porbandar for providing food and relief materials to the affected people. All eight Coast Guard stations in Gujarat have been kept in the highest state of readiness with 15 ships and seven aircraft in search and rescue roles. In addition, 23 disaster regime teams with 29 Gemini boats, 50 OBMs, about a thousand life jackets and 200 lifebuoy boys have been positioned." The MoD spokesperson added that the Coast Guard's Marine Pollution Response Team is also geared up for meeting any unlikely situation. "The Indian Coast Guard units are continuously interacting with the local populace, stakeholders, mariners, and oil handling agencies to ensure the safety of men and property in coastal areas. Weather and cyclone advisories are being given continuously", he added. Biparjoy is expected to make landfall near the Jakhau coast, Gujarat in the evening and will traverse all along the Rann of Kutch up to Rajasthan. BAKU, Azerbaijan, June 15. We have relations, which are the relations between the brothers, President of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev said in his press statement following an expanded meeting with Prime Minister of Pakistan Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif, Trend reports. The Azerbaijani leader said that contacts with the Prime Minister of Pakistan have a regular character, adding there were two meetings last year on the sidelines of the international events. Im grateful to Prime Minister that he accepted my invitation and pays an official visit to our country, the head of state added. The Karnataka cabinet on Thursday decided to repeal the anti-conversion law brought in by the previous Bharatiya Janata Party government. IMAGE: Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah addresses a press conference after the state cabinet meeting at Vidhan Soudha in Bengaluru. Photograph: ANI Photo The government will introduce a bill in this regard in the upcoming legislature session, which starts on July 3. "The Cabinet discussed the anti-conversion bill. We have approved the bill to repeal the changes that were brought in by them (BJP government) in 2022. It will be tabled during the session starting from July 3," Law and Parliamentary Affairs Minister H K Patil told reporters after the Cabinet meeting. The Karnataka Protection of Right to Freedom of Religion Act (anti-conversion law) came into effect in 2022, despite opposition from Congress. The act provides for the protection of the right to freedom of religion and prohibition of unlawful conversion from one religion to another by misrepresentation, force, undue influence, coercion, allurement or by any fraudulent means. It proposed imprisonment from three to five years with a fine of Rs 25,000, while for violation of provisions with respect to minors, women, SC/ST, the offenders will face imprisonment from three to 10 years and a fine of not less than Rs 50,000. The act also makes provisions for the accused to pay up to Rs 5 lakh as compensation to those who were made to convert, and with regards to cases of mass conversion, there shall be a 3 to 10-year jail term and a fine of up to Rs 1 lakh. It also states that any marriage that has happened for the sole purpose of unlawful conversion or vice-versa by the man of one religion with the woman of another, either by converting himself before or after marriage or by converting the woman before or after marriage, shall be declared as null and void by the family court. Wherever the family court is not established, the court having jurisdiction can try such a case, on a petition presented by either party thereto against the other party of the marriage. The offence under this act is non-bailable and cognisable. The act mandates that persons who wish to convert to another faith shall give a declaration in a prescribed format at least 30 days in advance to the district magistrate or the additional district magistrate specially authorised by the district magistrate in this regard of his residing district or place of birth within the state. Also, the religious converter who performs the conversion shall give 30 days advance notice in a format, to the district magistrate or the additional district magistrate. Piloting the bill in the Assembly, the then Home Minister Araga Jnanendra had said the person who wishes to convert will lose the religion of his or her origin and the facilities or benefits attached with it, including reservations; however, one is likely to receive the benefits entitled to, in the religion, he or she converts to. In a major security lapse, two motorcyclists on Thursday came dangerously close to Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar who was having an early morning stroll on a street adjoining his residence. IMAGE: Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar. Photograph: PTI Photo This was confirmed by Patna Senior Superintendent of Police Rajiv Mishra, who held a press conference nearly 12 hours after the incident took place at 6.40 am on the Desh Ratna Marg. "The motorcyclists, whose identity is being withheld since they could be minors, have been detained for questioning. They were intercepted at the spot by the VVIP's entourage," he said. Senior officials had remained tight-lipped all through the day even as a section of the media came up with unverified accounts, even claiming that the septuagenarian CM 'jumped onto the footpath' to save himself from being knocked down. The SSP did not comment on these versions but said, "So far, the interrogation suggests that the duo belongs to Masaurhi on the outskirts of the city and has been involved in petty crimes." "At around 5.40 am today, they indulged in a chain-snatching incident at Shri Krishna Puri locality of the city. Another accomplice was with them who got down from the motorcycle with the stolen item," he said. "The motorcyclists were wary of being caught and thought it would be safe to zip through the VVIP area which has thin traffic. They sped past a couple of police barricades that came their way before losing balance when the VVIP's security intercepted them," said the SSP. Their mobile phones have been seized and were being examined along with the CCTV footage of the entire route they had covered. Searches were being conducted at their homes and the third accomplice, who has also been identified, was being traced. Replying to a query, the SSP said, "It is a major security lapse for which accountability will be fixed and appropriate action will be taken. However, right now our top priority is to put in place a system that prevents recurrence of such incidents." 'Till the time the chief minister continues to have command over the state forces, we don't think that gives any hope of peace coming back to Manipur.' Amid reports that a delegation of several Bharatiya Janata Party MLAs in Manipur along with representatives from civil society organisations have sought an audience with Prime Minister Narendra D Modi comes the disturbing news on Wednesday, June 14, 2023, of a militant attack in Khamenlok village -- bordering the Meitei-dominated Imphal East district and the tribal majority Kangpokpi district -- that has reportedly led to nine deaths. Amid the turmoil in the north east state, riven by violence since May 3, a BJP MLA from the hills, who is also a minister in the N Biren Singh government, tells Prasanna D Zore/Rediff.com that the situation in Manipur is very delicate and could explode anytime. The minister spoke on condition that he would not be identified in this interview. About the meeting with the prime minister, he says, "While efforts are being made to meet the prime minister, we haven't got any appointment yet. I alone don't take any decision. I am yet to discuss this with other MLAs (from the Manipur hills) and other stakeholders. It will be our collective decision." Why is Manipur continuing to see more violence? The violence has been continuing since May 3. According to my information, Arambai Tengol radicals attacked Khamenlok village and fired indiscriminately. Reports of fierce fighting are coming to us from our local people (this is contrary to media reports which state that Kuki militants were involved in the attack on a village in Khamenlok). The situation is very serious, very delicate. It can burst out anytime. There are reports of Kuki militants preparing to attack villages dominated by the Meiteis. What do you have to say about such reports? I'm staying out from there (Manipur). It (reports of Kuki militants preparing to attack Meiteis) is twisted news. The Arambai Tengol radicals have been attacking our villages and churches. There are also reports of some groups of Kuki youth defending themselves with arms while defending their houses and families and children. There is a huge presence of Central Armed Police Forces as well as state police. Why are these forces unable to maintain law and order in Manipur? You should ask these questions to the state's chief minister (N Biren Singh). Why are you asking me? Union Home Minister Amit A Shah was in Manipur in the last week of May and early June; he appealed for peace, met representatives of both sides, yet peace is not holding in the state. Why? I gave my advice (to Amit Shah); I told him for peace to prevail, Manipur must go under President's rule or there should be a suspension of the state assembly. Instead, he announced a peace committee. What's wrong with the formation of a peace committee to bring back normalcy in Manipur? How can this peace committee stem violence when it is dominated only by one side (the Meiteis) and has the chief minister as one of its members? There has to be a powerful third party (in this peace committee) which can hold sway over both sides. None of the cabinet ministers or the chief minister should be a part of such a peace committee. IMAGE: Army and Assam Rifles personnel stand guard in the Torbung area of Churachandpur, May 6, 2023. Photograph: ANI Photo Do the hill people believe that a peace committee in Manipur that has the chief minister as one of its members will not provide any solution? We need more of civil society organisations which will have some influence over both the sides (the Kukis and the Meiteis). Till the time the chief minister continues to have command over the state forces, we don't think that gives any hope of peace coming back to Manipur. Till the time he has control over the unified command (of the state police and CAPF) one cannot sincerely expect peace to prevail in Manipur. Only if he (Manipur Chief Minister N Biren Singh) were to cease control over the unified command, the paramilitary forces will be able to contain violence in the state. There have even been reports of confrontations between the paramilitary forces and the state police. Are you saying that N Biren Singh is not allowing the CAPF to control the situation? His presence will always act as an obstacle for the central forces to work independently or take necessary measures to contain the violence. While the state police is openly supporting Arambai Tengol (a radical Meitei group), 80 per cent of Meiteis doesn't want war. All the educated and well-settled Meiteis are good people. It is radical groups like Meitei Leepun and Arambai Tengol, which are responsible for the mayhem in the state. Till the time these people are dealt with an iron hand, there is no chance of peace in Manipur. Though I am from the hills, I am not saying that I support the hill people, I am a minister, but the fact remains that tribals don't descend down the valley to attack the Meiteis; it is the radicals who attack Kuki villages in the border areas adjoining the valley and hills. When the radicals attack the hill people, the hill people (the Kukis) have to do whatever they have to do to defend them. But they spread lies in the media that Kuki militants are attacking the Meiteis. It is concerning and I just want you to know that I'm really taking it seriously and attending carefully to it." -- BRSU Superintendent Randi Lowe Quote Casey Darrow, co-owner of Green Mountain Orchard in Putney, shows Vermont State Sen. Wendy Harrison, D-Windham District, some of the damaged apple crop. Local legislators organized a meeting earlier this month to discuss the frost damage from May. Details added: first version posted on 13:15 BAKU, Azerbaijan, June 15. The health condition of the Azerbaijani serviceman of the State Border Service of Azerbaijan Elshan Rustamov injured as a result of Armenia's provocation on June 15, 2023 at 08:45 (GMT +4) has been revealed, the press service of the Prosecutor General's Office of Azerbaijan told Trend. He has been sent to a military hospital, his condition is currently stable. Rustamov, who was serving at the border checkpoint on the Lachin-Khankendi road, was injured as a result of opening fire by Armenian Armed Forces from the territory of Armenia. The Armenian Armed Forces' firing point was suppressed by return fire, the combat situation is under the control of Azerbaijani units. In order to prevent the transportation of manpower, ammunition, mines, as well as other military equipment from Armenia for illegal Armenian armed groups on the territory of Azerbaijan (which weren't withdrawn contrary to the trilateral statement signed by Azerbaijani, Armenian and Russian leaders following the 2020 second Karabakh war), and as an adequate response to the unilateral establishment of a checkpoint by Armenia on the border with Azerbaijan on April 22 at the entrance to the Lachin-Khankendi road contrary to the trilateral statement of November 10, 2020, on April 23 at 12:00 (GMT+4), the units of the State Border Service of the Republic of Azerbaijan set up a border checkpoint in its sovereign territories, on the border with Armenia, at the beginning of the Lachin-Khankendi road. BAKU, Azerbaijan, June 15. Azerbaijan always supports and will continue to support Pakistan on the issue of Kashmir, President of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev said in his press statement following an expanded meeting with Prime Minister of Pakistan Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif, Trend reports. And in all international organizations we demonstrate this support and solidarity. And mutual support of course unites our countries and our peoples even more, the head of state emphasized. details added, first published at 13:54 BAKU, Azerbaijan, June 15. Azerbaijani Ombudsperson Sabina Aliyeva issued a statement on opening fire in the direction of a checkpoint on the Lachin-Khankendi road by the Armenian Armed Forces on June 15, as a result of which a serviceman of the State Border Service of Azerbaijan Elshan Rustamov has been wounded, Trend reports. The shelling of the Lachin state border checkpoint from the territory of Armenia on June 15, 2023, at 08:45 (GMT+4), as a result of which a serviceman of the State Border Service of Azerbaijan who was serving there was wounded, is another clear proof that Armenia is not interested in peace. The Lachin border checkpoint, established on April 23, 2023, on the Azerbaijani-Armenian border on the Hakari River in the Lachin district, ensures the safe passage of Armenian residents living in the Karabakh region of Azerbaijan and the passage of vehicles. The shelling of this border checkpoint used for humanitarian purposes should be considered as an encroachment on the peace process in the region and the territorial integrity of Azerbaijan, as well as a threat to the life and health of servicemen performing their official duties there and the civilian population using this checkpoint. As the Commissioner for Human Rights (Ombudsperson) of the Republic of Azerbaijan, I strongly condemn this military provocation, which is a gross violation of and humanitarian international law, and call on international organizations, Ombudsman institutions and national human rights organizations working in the field of human rights to show a firm position regarding the prevention of such actions by Armenia, which pose a threat to peace and development in the region," she said. Why youre reading this: Alia Bhatt is rumoured to be playing the role of mythological character Sita in the upcoming film Ramayana. The speculation fueled further when she met with the Dangal director at his office in Mumbai last week. Now, as Alia jetted off to Brazil for an event, she reacted to being called 'Sita', which many took as a positive development as far as the casting rumours are concerned. 3 things you need to know Nitesh Tiwari is rumored to headline a big budget film based on Ramayana. The movie is rumoured to have cast Ranbir Singh as Ram, Alia Bhatt as Sita and Yash as Ravana. A source revealed that the film is expected to go on floors by the end of the year. Alia Bhatt reacts getting called Sita Alia was spotted at the Mumbai airport on Wednesday night as the actress flew off to Brazil for the Netflix Tudum event. At the airport terminal, the actress was addressed as Sita mam by the paparazzi. After a few seconds of confusion, Alia realised what they were talking about and covered her face in embarrassment. She later posed for the cameras before entering the airport. Alia's Cute Reaction On being Called Sita Mam.she will play Sita opposite Ranbir Kapoor's Ram in Ramayana. #Ramayan #Aliabhatt #Ranbirkapoor pic.twitter.com/IPJMMfI61t Crazy 4 Bollywood (@crazy4bolly) June 15, 2023 Nitesh Tiwaris Ramayana, if comes to fruition, will be one of the biggest films to come out of India. It is allegedly supported by one of the most renowned visual effects firms in the world and is putting together one of the largest casts to ever appear on an Indian screen. According to reports, the films production is expected to begin by the end of the year. (Alia Bhatt is rumoured to star in Nitesh Tiwaris Ramayana | Image: Alia Bhatt/Instagram) Alia Bhatt's work front On the work front, Alia Bhatt will be seen in Rocky Aur Rani Ki Prem Kahani alongside Ranveer Singh. She will also feature in Heart of Stone, marking her Hollywood debut. It will be released on OTT later this year. The actress also has Farhan Akhtars Jee Le Zara in her kitty. India signed MoUs with four countries - Armenia, Sierra Leone, Suriname and Antigua and Barbuda - on sharing INDIA STACK, a digital solutions implemented at population scale during the third meeting of the 'G20 Digital Economy Working Group (DEWG)' that concluded here on Wednesday. The agenda of the three-day meeting included the Global DPI (Digital Public Infrastructure) Summit and Global DPI Exhibition as the side events and closed-door meetings among the G20 delegates, invited countries and IOs on the priority areas, a statement said. More than 250 delegates attended the meeting in-person, of whom there were around 150 foreign delegates from 50 countries. More than 2,000 people attended it virtually. India signed memoranda of understanding (MoU) with Armenia, Sierra Leone, Suriname and Antigua and Barbuda on sharing INDIA STACK. The summit provided a global platform to discuss sector agnostic (foundational) and sectoral DPIs that inter-alia involved leadership, policy and practitioner-level insightful, thought-provoking and future-shaping discussions among overall 60 global experts on DPIs, it said. These experts participated in 10 important sessions - 'Overview of Digital Public Infrastructure', 'Digital Identities for empowering people', 'Digital Payments and Financial Inclusion', 'DPI for Judicial Systems and Regulations', 'Digital Document Exchange for efficient service delivery', 'Public Key Infrastructure (PKI) for DPI', 'Digital Education and Skilling', 'DPI for Digital Health and Climate Action', 'Digital Agriculture Ecosystem', and 'Building the Global DPI Ecosystem'. By providing the global platform on DPI to digital decision-makers from 50 Countries and multiple international organisations, India took the lead and further strengthened its role of acting as a strong bridge between Global North (G20 members) and Global South (Developing and LMIC countries). The exhibition showcased 14 experience zones comprising successfully-implemented DPIs related to Digital Identity, Fast Payment, DigiLocker, Soil Health Card, E-National Agriculture Market, Unified Mobile App for New-Age Governance, Open Network for Digital Commerce, seamless travel experience at airport, language translation, learning solution, tele-medical consultation, and Digital India Journey. It was visited by the delegates attending the summit and G20 DEWG meeting. Residents of Pune comprising also visited the exhibition. The closed-door meeting of G20 DEWG began with the participation of 77 foreign delegates from G20 members, nine guest countries, five international organisations and two regional organisations. The discussion under the Indian Presidency was led by Sushil Pal, Co-Chair G20 DEWG, the statement said. During the meeting, discussions were held on DPI and the concept of 'One Future Alliance and One Future Fund' for DPI, enabling principles for good DPI, and recognition of the need for financing opportunities for DPI in Low and Middle Income Countries (LMIC). Thereafter, digital skilling, upskilling and reskilling, capacity building and awareness, building a mutual recognition framework for digital skills and information sharing were discussed. Why youre reading this: Iran is trying to mend its relationship with its oldest Arab foe. Last week, Irans Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei publically acknowledged normalizing ties with Egypt. Egypt is the most populous Arab country. The desire to make amends comes after Omans Sultan Haitham bin Tariq's visit to both nations, last month. According to local media reports, it has been seen as an attempt to broker a reconciliation. 3 things you need to know: Iran has been trying to patch its relationship with its oldest Arab enemy. Iranian-Egyptian ties went a downward spiral in the 1940s-50s, from which the two nations have never emerged. Ayatollah Ali Khamenei recently tweeted, We welcome Egypts interest in restoring relations." Cooperation between the two countries is of significance since the two share the Strait of Hormuz. What did Iran's Supreme leader say? In a series of tweets posted on Khameneis Twitter account after his meeting with the Sultan of Oman, the Supreme Leader of Iran wrote, "We believe the expansion of Iran-Oman relations in all fields is to the benefit of both sides. Increased cooperation between the two countries is of significance since the two share the Strait of Hormuz, which is a very important waterway." In a separate tweet, Khamenei added, "We welcome #Egypts interest in restoring relations with the Islamic Republic of #Iran, and we have no problem in this regard." We believe the expansion of Iran-Oman relations in all fields is to the benefit of both sides. Increased cooperation between the two countries is of significance since the two share the Strait of #Hormuz, which is a very important waterway. Khamenei.ir (@khamenei_ir) May 29, 2023 We welcome #Egypts interest in restoring relations with the Islamic Republic of #Iran, and we have no problem in this regard. Khamenei.ir (@khamenei_ir) May 29, 2023 Khamenei's comments come after Saudi Arabia normalised ties with Iran after nearly eight years of a diplomatic freeze. According to local media outlets, Iran reopened its embassy and consulate in Saudi Arabia last week. What is the feud between Iran and Egypt? In 1939, Princess Fawzia of Egypt tied the knot with Irans Crown Prince Mohammad Reza Pahlavi. It was the first royal wedding of its stature to have been filmed in the Middle East. The wedding had interlocked the two of the Middle Easts most prominent nations in a strategic alliance. At that time, thousands had attended the event at Cairos Abdeen Palace. The wedding also showcased the two nations civilizations. Princess Fawzia was the eldest sister of King Farouk I, Egypts last monarch, and was just 17 years old when she married Pahlavi, who two years later, ascended to the throne and became Shah of Iran. However, Fawzia appealed for divorce in 1945, and the divorce was recognized by Tehran in 1948. Forty years after the wedding, Pahlavi was overthrown in an Islamic revolution which was the turning point of Iranian relations with Arab states. This feud is known as the longest between Iran and an Arab country in modern times. And it remains to be seen if this dispute can end any time soon. U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken presents Mech Dara with the TIP Report Hero award at the release of the 2023 Trafficking in Persons Report at the State Department in Washington. Cambodian journalist Mech Dara was presented with an award by the U.S. State Department on Thursday for his reporting about the prevalence of cyber-scam slavery compounds in his country. Dara was one of eight journalists, activists and community leaders presented with a Hero Award by Secretary of State Antony Blinken at a morning ceremony at the State Department in Washington to mark the release of the 2023 U.S. Trafficking in Persons report. A former reporter with The Cambodia Daily, Phnom Penh Post and Voice of Democracy, Dara led coverage of Cambodias scam-compound problem, with locals and foreigners alike being forced to work under threat of violence as the perpetrators of online scams targeting people across the world. Daras reporting on compounds in Phnom Penh and the coastal casino town of Sihanoukville led Cambodian authorities, who initially denied the existence of the compounds, to acknowledge the problem and launch periodic raids on buildings housing the operations. The compounds are typically run by Chinese crime syndicates with alleged ties to local Cambodian authorities, but one report by Al Jazeera even linked government senator Kok An and Hun To, the nephew of Prime Minister Hun Sen, to some of the operations. Cambodias cyber-scam slavery problem has since been covered by news outlets around the world, including Al Jazeeras 101 East, The Los Angeles Times, The Guardian, BBC, ABC Australia and Vice. Cindy Dyer, the U.S. ambassador-at-large for the office to monitor and combat trafficking in persons, praised Daras extensive reporting for uncovering the issue and bringing it to international attention. The award, she said, recognized his courageous reporting on human trafficking for the purpose of forced criminality in Cambodia, which led to greater public awareness of, and improvement within, the Cambodian governments anti-trafficking response. Trafficking in persons The 2023 U.S. Trafficking in Persons report says forced criminality in cyber scam operations has become a multi-billion industry since the pandemic, as weak economies and travel restrictions have made vulnerable people more susceptible to being tricked into slavery. Rather than fulfilling their advertised employment promises, many of these companies began forcing the recruits to run internet scams directed at international targets and subjecting them to a wide range of abuses and violations, the report says, noting it is becoming a global problem, particularly in remote areas and border towns. Among other methods, it says, compound owners enslave their victims through withheld travel and identity documentation, imposition of arbitrary debt; restricted access to food, water, medicine, communication, and movement; and threats, beatings, and electric shocks, and force them to carry out the scams. Each year the report also places countries around the world into one of three tiers measuring their governments efforts to combat human trafficking. Cambodia this year once again placed in the lowest tier, alongside China, Myanmar, Russia and North Korea, among others. In Southeast Asia, the only better performer this year was Vietnam, which was upgraded from Tier 3 to the Tier 2 watchlist, alongside countries like Brunei, Malaysia, El Salvador, and South Africa. Among the 30 Tier 1 countries which the report notes does not mean that a country has no human trafficking problem but rather that a government has made efforts to address the problem are France, the United States, Seychelles, Colombia and Cyprus. The only Asian designees in the top tier are Taiwan, Singapore and the Philippines. South Korea, Laos and Hong Kong fall in Tier 2. The Uyghur issue does not align with Palestine's interests, an expert says. Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas, rear left, and China's President Xi Jinping applaud as Palestinian Foreign Minister Riyad Al-Maliki, and Chinese Foreign Minister Qin Gang, attend a signing ceremony in Beijing, June 14, 2023. During his visit this week to China, President Abbas voiced support for Chinas policies in the far western region of Xinjiang, where the United Nations has found credible patterns of torture and ill treatment against the mostly Muslim Uyghurs living there. During his visit this week to China, Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas voiced support for Chinas policies in the far western region of Xinjiang, where the United Nations has found credible patterns of torture and ill treatment against the mostly Muslim Uyghurs living there. A joint statement issued shortly after Abbas met with Chinese President Xi Jinping on Wednesday declared that Xinjiang-related issues are not human rights issues at all, but anti-violent terrorism, de-radicalization and anti-separatism. Palestine firmly opposes interference in China's internal affairs under the pretext of Xinjiang-related issues, it read. The statement also declared the Palestinian Authoritys support for China in regards to Taiwan and Hong Kong, recognizing Xis government as the only legal government representing the whole of China. Abbas is on a four-day trip to discuss Chinas potential role in peace talks between Israel and the Palestinians, who live in territories occupied by Israel, which has imposed many restrictions on the movement and activities of the mostly Muslim Palestinians. Prioritizing national interests Although Palestinians would have reasons to support the Uyghurs, siding with China benefits Palestinians national interests, said Erkin Ekrem, an associate professor of China foreign policy at Hacettepe University in Turkey. The Palestinian Authority is becoming more dependent on China and is in need of Chinese funds, technology and support on the international stage, he said. The Uyghur issue does not align with Palestine's interests, Ekren said. Therefore, the primary concern here is the national interest of Palestine. The benefits they can gain from China outweigh the gains of supporting the Uyghurs, said Ekrem. In this kind of situation, the Uyghur issue, despite the fact that the Uyghurs are Muslims, is not a priority for them. Qelbinur Sidik, a China's ethnic Uzbek minority who was forced to teach Chinese in detention facilities for Uyghur detainees, right, joined by author Gulbahar Haitiwaji, who wrote a book about her experience of being held in re-education camps for more than two years, holds up images as she testifies during a special House committee hearing dedicated to countering China, in March 23, 2023, in Washington. In a comprehensive report released in August, the Office of the U.N. High Commissioner for Human Rights, found that Chinas arbitrary detentions against Uyghur and other minorities in Xinjiang may constitute international crimes, in particular crimes against humanity. Credit: Carolyn Kaster/AP Ekrem noted that previous Palestinian leaders, including Yasser Arafat, expressed support for Chinas Uyghur policies. The Abbas and Xis joint declaration comes amid a growing body of evidence documenting the detention of up to 1.8 million Uyghurs and others in re-education camps, torture, sexual abuse and forced labor. In a comprehensive report released in August, the Office of the U.N. High Commissioner for Human Rights, found that Chinas arbitrary detentions against Uyghur and other minorities in Xinjiang may constitute international crimes, in particular crimes against humanity. Yet a number of Muslim-majority countries have not criticized Chinas policies in the Xinjiang Uyghur Autonomous Region or have openly supported them so as not to alienate or upset Beijing, experts say. Countering U.S. sway China, meanwhile, has been drawing Arab countries closer to itself to counter U.S. influence in the Middle East, experts say. Regarding Beijings role in brokering a peace deal between Israel and Palestine, China is trying to show itself to be a reliable partner in tackling regional issues, Giorgio Cafiero, CEO and founder of Washington-based Gulf State Analytics, told RFA. If the Chinese are able to make some progress on this issue, that would do a lot to send a message to regional actors about the benefits of working with Beijing instead of Washington when it comes to sensitive diplomatic files in the region, said Cafiero. He said that Palestine sees itself as disadvantaged in its conflicts with Israel and would trust China more than the United States a strong supporter of Israel as a facilitator in peace talks. I'm sure that Uyghurs will be disappointed by this statement from Abbas, but the Palestinian leadership has to be pragmatic about how it engages with foreign governments, he said. At the end of the day, China is very important to Abbas, and his priority, being on good terms with China and improving his relationship with Beijing, involves him saying things that many Uyghurs do not like. Translated by Mamatjan Juma. Edited by Eugene Whong and Malcolm Foster. The worlds two most populous countries are in a deadlock over media visas. Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Chinese President Xi Jinping shake hands with leaders at the BRICS summit in Goa, India, Oct. 16, 2016. In a slow-motion blow-up that has been underway since March, a diplomatic row between China and India over journalist visas has prompted each side to minimize the others media presence in their territories. China claims to have just one journalist left in India due to bureaucratic obstacles. This month, it instructed the Press Trust of Indias Beijing-based reporter to leave the country, Bloomberg reported earlier this week. The situation means that the worlds two most populous nations, each with 1.3 billion people and sharing a more than 3,440-kilometer border, have hardly any of their own journalists in the other country. The Indian side has refused to review and approve Chinese journalists applications for stationing in India and limited the period of validity of visas held by Chinese journalists in India to only three months or even one month, Wang Weibin, a foreign ministry spokesman, said in a regular press conference on Monday. As a result, the number of Chinese journalists stationed in India has plummeted from 14 to just one, he said. As we speak, the Indian side still has not agreed to renew the visa of the last Chinese journalist in the country. For Indian media outlets, four have been stationed in China in recent years and one is still working and living normally in China, he said. Points to strained ties The Times of India reported that New Delhi had rejected two visa renewals from journalists with Xinhua and China Central Television This will be the first time ever that India has no journalists based in Beijing, Aadil Brar, a Ministry of Foreign Affairs Taiwan Fellow and a columnist on China for The Print India, told RFAs Tibetan service. Weve never seen a scenario quite like this and this tells you how difficult relations between India and China are right now, he added. A settlement near Sela pass in Tawang district of India's Arunachal Pradesh in April 2, 2023. Freshly laid roads, bridges, upgraded military camps, and new civilian infrastructure dot the Himalayan route to the Indian frontier village of Zemithang, which China renamed last month to press its claim to the area in the far northeastern Indian state of Arunachal Pradesh, almost all of which Beijing insists falls under its sovereignty as "South Tibet. Credit: Arun Sankar/AFP Writing in The Print, Aadil Brar said, The issue of access to journalists was always tipped in favor of Beijing. Chinese state-backed and semi-independent news outlets such as CGTN and Phoenix TV continue to operate from India with locally hired staff. With this, China will not have a single Indian journalist reporting from the country, down from four, Brar said. The other three journalists from Hindustan Times, The Hindu, and Prasar Bharati were either asked to leave the country or their visa renewal applications were denied. No precedent Brar noted that even during the Sino-Indian war of 1962, when the two countries clashed violently in two remote Himalayan border regions, Indian journalists were able to operate in Beijing. Kanwal Sibal, former foreign secretary of India, told RFAs Tibetan service that he did not expect any imminent breakthrough in relations that have been steadily eroding since renewed border clashes in 2020 in the Galwan Valley a disputed section of their shared Himalayan border. Im not sure what will happen at the G20 summit, held in New Delhi on Sept. 9-10, he said. Lets see if Xi Jinping comes, Sibal said. If theres no dialogue between the two sides then it will be a disaster for both sides, [but] there cant be a dialogue unless Xi Jinping comes. The journalists that have been forced to leave wont be going back anytime soon so that makes it difficult for Indians to learn about whats going on in Beijing and similarly for Beijing to find out whats going on in Delhi, said Brar. In a sign that China is not going to budge, on May 31 foreign ministry spokesperson Mao Ning warned, As we speak, the Indian side still has not renewed the visa of the last Chinese journalist in the country. The number of Chinese journalists stationed in India is about to drop to zero. Edited by Malcolm Foster. Intercepted phone calls and information from interrogations may have tipped off the military. A destroyed camp belongs to the PDF in Myaung Township of the Sagaing Region, May 28, 2023 following its raid two days earlier by junta forces. Junta troops have raided 14 camps belonging to anti-regime Peoples Defense Force militia in Myanmars Sagaing and Magway regions over the past two weeks, killing 15 people, including women, militia officers said. The military likely carried out some of the attacks after intercepting phone calls between rebels or gleaning information from the interrogation of captured PDF members, according to a former military officer who joined the countrys anti-junta Civil Disobedience Movement following the February 2021 military coup detat. A junta force of about 80 soldiers raided a PDF camp in Sagaing on June 7, killing and burning four anti-regime fighters and two civilians in Monywa townships Yae Kan Su village, an acting battalion commander of Monywa district PDFs Battalion 27 told Radio Free Asia on condition of anonymity. When we gathered about 200 people and went back into the village, we found the pieces of the burned bodies that the junta soldiers had left, he said. We found the blood and flesh of the victims. The four fighters killed by the junta troops were between the ages of 17 and 20, including two girls. The Sagaing region has been an anti-junta stronghold and cradle of resistance to the countrys brutal military rule since the coup. PDF fighters escaped a raid on their camp near the town of Ayadaw in Sagaing on May 28, but their cook a 40-year-old woman was captured, killed and burned, according to a Ayadaw township PDF soldier who refused to be named for security reasons. The military council troops of about 40 or 50 soldiers raided the camp, he said. They burned down a hut, a car and four motorcycles. RFA called junta spokesman Maj. Gen. Zaw Min Tun regarding the claims that military troops killed and burned the fighters and civilians, but his phone rang unanswered. Phone calls tracked The camps are often unexpectedly raided after the military intercepts telephone conversations, said Kaung Thu Win, a former military captain now with the Civil Disobedience Movement. We should only talk briefly if we need to use the phone. We should be cautious of security information in our conversation, he said. The same goes with walkie-talkies, he said. The junta has appointed people who understand ethnic languages when they intercept the telecommunications of the revolutionary forces. The raids wont seriously damage the anti-regime fight, political analyst Than Soe Naing said. Just as the anti-junta forces attack the military, collect their information and capture their supporters and informers, there are some pro-junta informers and supporters, he said. The National Unity Governments Ministry of Defense said in a statement Monday that there were 500 armed clashes in four regions and states, including Sagaing and Magway, last month, with 41 resistance soldiers killed and 113 injured. Translated by Myo Min Aung. Edited by Matt Reed and Malcolm Foster. A 60-year-old woman died in the flames of her home. The remains of Thar Zin village, where about 700 homes were burned down by junta troops on June 15, 2023. A woman was burned to death in her home when junta troops raided her village in Myanmars northern Sagaing region, residents told RFA Thursday. The 60-year-old was unable to flee when soldiers torched around 700 houses in Sagaing townships Thar Zin village on Tuesday, they said. Troops captured residents of Thar Zin and nearby villages in a series of raids this week, although it was unclear whether they were being used as human shields or suspected of aiding anti-junta militia. Some 25 people were arrested in Thar Zin village, and more were arrested in other villages, said a local who didnt want to be named for safety reasons. So far, about 40 people have been arrested and all were taken along with the military column. No one has been released. The local said nearly three quarters of Thar Zins buildings had been burned down, leaving more than 3,000 people homeless. After Tuesdays raid on Thar Zin, residents said troops torched 10 houses in Aing Dan Ma village the following day and burned homes in Pauk Ma on Thursday. The burned shells of homes in Thar Zin village seen in an aerial photograph taken on June 15, 2023. Credit: Citizen journalist On June 6, junta Deputy Information Minister Major Gen. Zaw Min Tun told RFA that junta troops do not set fire to civilians homes. RFA called the juntas Sagaing region spokesperson, Aye Hlaing, Thursday but nobody answered. More than 53,800 homes have been burned down by junta troops and affiliated militias since the Feb. 1, 2021 coup, according to independent research group Data for Myanmar. A total of 765,200 people have been forced to flee their homes in Sagaing region due to fighting and arson attacks since the coup, according to a United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (UNOCHA) report on Tuesday. Translated by RFA Burmese. Edited by Mike Firn. Targeted attacks in Afghanistan's northeastern Badakhshan Province have left residents fearful of leaving their homes and the Taliban scrambling to maintain its authority as the Islamic State-Khorasan (IS-K) extremist group makes clear that it has not gone away. The region, once a bastion of resistance to the Taliban, has suffered four attacks targeting Taliban security and government officials claimed by IS-K in just over a year. Two occurred in the provincial capital, Faizabad, last week: the assassination of Deputy Governor Nisar Ahmad Ahmadi in a car bombing on June 6, and a gruesome explosion at his funeral attended by hundreds of locals and several Taliban officials at the Nabawi Mosque two days later. At least 19 attendees were killed, including the Taliban's former police chief of northern Baghlan Province, Safiullah Samim, and more than 30 were injured in the mosque attack, which shocked residents and was seen by observers as a "new level" of violence in the region. "This kind of situation has not been seen in Faizabad in the past 20 years, we have not experienced anything like it," local resident Mahmud Ghafuri told RFE/RL's Radio Azadi. "We are afraid that the same type of explosion could go off at another mosque at any minute. We are very worried." Urban Warfare Reaches Badakhshan After its foundation in Afghanistan in 2015, the IS-K controlled territory in the country's north and east as part of its broader aim of territorial expansion and the formation of a caliphate extending throughout South Asia. But under fire from Afghan and Western forces, as well as the Taliban, the IS-K began withdrawing from its territorial strongholds in 2019 and embarked on a new strategy of urban warfare. As the Taliban strengthened its hold on the country and advanced on the capital before seizing power, the IS-K carried out one of its most high-profile attacks -- the killing of 170 Afghan civilians and 13 members of the U.S. military at Kabul's international airport in August 2021 as Western forces pulled out of Afghanistan. Since the Taliban took power that month, the IS-K has targeted Taliban officials, foreign nationals and embassies, Afghanistan's Shi'ite Hazara community, and others it considers incompatible with its own extremist interpretation of Islam. It has also launched cross-border attacks into Uzbekistan and Tajikistan from Afghanistan's north. "In an earlier phase, IS-K was interested in taking territory and expanding geographical control, however, the group has now transitioned into a strategy of guerrilla warfare and urban terrorism for the time being," Lucas Webber, co-founder and editor of MilitantWire.com, said in written comments. "IS-K's targeting has simplified since the previous government was overthrown and international forces left, leaving the Taliban [and its allies] as the sole armed enemy in Afghanistan." In April 2022, Faizabad entered the spotlight with the killing of Abdul Fattah, who headed the Taliban's mining department in Badakhshan, and the December assassination of the province's police chief, Abdulhaq Abu Omar. The IS-K claimed responsibility for both bombings. The Taliban has claimed success in eliminating IS-K cells around the country, and the decline of IS-K "attacks and propaganda output seems to indicate that the organization has been degraded to some extent" compared to its early years, according to Webber. "Several prominent leadership figures have been killed in recent months and the IS-K's internal communications show concern over infiltration of IS-K's online networks and militant cells by the Taliban and foreign intelligence services," he added. But in a report this month on "The Growing Threat Of The Islamic State In Afghanistan And South Asia," the U.S. Institute of Peace says that the IS-K has shown itself to be flexible in its "ambitions, operations, and ties with other militant groups." "This flexibility has made it resilient in the face of setbacks both to the Islamic State as a whole and within Afghanistan and Pakistan," the report said. "Since the Taliban takeover in August 2021, [the IS-K] remains a potent force despite hundreds of members having been arrested or killed by the Taliban." The UN Security Council, in a report published on June 1 regarding the situation in Afghanistan, said that the Taliban was failing to combat terrorism on Afghan soil as agreed in the U.S.-Taliban pact signed in 2020. Noting that "a range of terrorist groups have greater freedom of maneuver" in Afghanistan under Taliban rule, the Security Council said that while the Taliban had "sought to reduce the profile of these groups and has conducted operations against [the IS-K], in general the Taliban has not delivered on the counterterrorism provisions." The Security Council said the number of IS-K militants in Afghanistan was "estimated to range from 4,000 to 6,000," including family members. It added that IS-K fighters included Afghans as well as citizens of Pakistan, Iran, Azerbaijan, Turkey, Russia, the Central Asian countries, and a small number of Arab fighters from Syria who traveled to Afghanistan in the past year. Fertile Recruiting Ground The recent attacks in Badakhshan have made clear that the region is a focal point for the IS-K and led to concerns by locals that the Taliban's counterterrorism efforts in an area where it is still working to impose its full authority are insufficient. The Taliban army's chief of staff, Fasihuddin Fitrat, condemned the attacks and called on people to inform security officials about any suspicious activities to help counter the threat posed by IS-K. Whether the region can be considered a haven for IS-K activities is questionable, but it does offer the group a geographically strategic place to launch operations not only in Afghanistan but in restive areas of neighboring Tajikistan and Pakistan as well. From Afghanistan's north the IS-K "can easily spread to other sides of the border," Arif Sahar, a London-based counterterrorism expert, told RFE/RL's Radio Azadi. And this, he said, can send a "dangerous signal to Central Asia because these countries are very good centers to boost fundamental Islamic ideologies" like that of the IS-K. Badakhshan has also emerged as a potentially ripe hub to flip and recruit fighters from militant groups allied with the Afghan Taliban and based in the region, including the Islamic Movement of Uzbekistan, Al-Qaeda, the Turkistan Islamic Party, and the Tehrik-e Taliban Pakistan (TTP), also known as the Pakistani Taliban. Ted Callahan, a security adviser formerly based in Badakhshan, says support for the Islamic State extremist group, the parent of the IS-K, was prominent as far back as 2014 "among the foreign fighters who had been displaced by a massive military offensive in Pakistan and made their way up north." At that time, Callahan told RFE/RL in written comments, the Taliban was "able to brutally suppress any overt displays of affiliation with IS, like raising the IS flag." But Callahan suggests that the IS-K may have made inroads in Badakhshan. "Maybe the Taliban has alienated the population so much that some Badakhshanis are willing to join IS-K; or maybe some of the curious foreign fighters have thrown off the Taliban's shackles and become full-fledged supporters." The TTP, which has waged a yearslong insurgency against Islamabad, is an avowed ally of the Taliban in Kabul and is considered to be an enemy of the IS-K. But it previously expressed loyalty to the IS-K and continues to be a source of IS-K recruits. With the Taliban currently engaged in an effort to remove TTP members from southeastern areas bordering Pakistan, which is keen to eliminate the group's safe havens in Afghanistan, it leaves open the possibility that some could migrate north and join the IS-K. "[The IS-K] has a history of attracting TTP fighters and has historically been comparatively less hostile to TTP than the Afghan Taliban," Webber said. "It is possible that IS-K sees TTP as more hard-line and riper for recruitment." Disputed Territory While not discounting IS-K's claim of responsibility for last week's attacks, Callahan also notes that the group "is usually only too happy to claim credit." Some in Badakhshan, Callahan says, believe that while the December assassination of police chief Omar was carried out by the IS-K, the most recent attacks that killed Ahmadi and Samim could be the result of internal Taliban disputes. All three of the Taliban officials were ethnic Tajiks, the predominate group in Badakhshan, Callahan notes. The Taliban, a mostly Pashtun group whose political base is in southern Afghanistan, recruited ethnic Tajik and Uzbek fighters in the country's north during its insurgency from 2001-2021. "The narrative among certain Badakhshani Tajiks is that senior Tajik Taliban officials are being targeted by a segment of the Pashtun Taliban, although the evidence that IS-K conducted the three separate attacks seems hard to refute," Callahan said. Ahmadi and Samim were from the same town, suggesting the possibility of a local dispute for influence even among Tajik Taliban members. Other Afghanistan observers have commented about divisions among Badakhshan's Taliban over control of the region's mining wealth, smuggling, and support of foreign fighters, while mentioning that Omar and Ahmadi were "on the same side" and opposed current provincial Governor Amanuddin Mansur and his predecessor Fitrat, who now heads the Taliban army. "It does seem like an unusually large number of senior Tajik Taliban officials are dying in northern Afghanistan," Callahan said, adding that the governor of the northern Balkh Province was also killed in March. "But whether it's just IS-K-driven attrition, intra-Taliban feuds, or something else is hard to discern." Locals who spoke to Radio Azadi appeared to be little concerned about who was responsible for the attacks -- they just want them to stop. "There is still fear in the city and people cannot go to the mosque for prayers and the shops are closed," said Samiullah Mubariz, a resident of Faizabad. BAKU, Azerbaijan, June 15. Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan has congratulated Azerbaijani people on the occasion of June 15 - National Salvation Day, Trend reports, referring to the tweet of Turkish FM. "Today is the Day of National Salvation of Azerbaijan, and the anniversary of the "Shusha Declaration", which further strengthens the union between us. Congratulations! Both in sorrow and joy, we are together with our Azerbaijani brothers. We are one nation, two states," he said. National Salvation Day of Azerbaijanis is an official holiday in Azerbaijan that is celebrated on June 15th, in accordance with the June 27, 1997, dated decree of the National Assembly of Azerbaijan. June 15th has been celebrated as an official holiday since 1998. Yevgeny Prigozhin, who led the Russian private Wagner mercenary group's aborted mutiny last month, has appeared in a video purportedly filmed in Belarus welcoming his fighters and saying they would be headed to Africa as the company was halting its involvement in Russia's war with Ukraine for the foreseeable future. In the dimly lit video, posted by his press people on Telegram on July 19, Prigozhin is shown in front of a large number of armed men, greeting them "on the land of Belarus." Since the Wagner leader was last seen pulling away in a vehicle in the Russian city of Rostov-on-Don on June 24, his whereabouts have been a mystery as rumors swirled about the man cast as a traitor by President Vladimir Putin, once a close friend of Prigozhin. What Wagner would do next with its thousands of soldiers was also a question mark. "You have done a lot for Russia. What is happening now on the front line [in Ukraine] is a shame we do not need to take part in. We need to wait until the moment when we are able to fully express ourselves," Prigozhin says in the video, the date of which remains unknown, adding that "the decision was made that we will stay here in Belarus for some time. "During that time, we will turn, and I am fully confident about that, the Belarusian Army into the second-best army in the world, and if need be, protect them.... We must get trained further...and then head to a new destination, to Africa, and then, probably, we will get back to the special military operation [in Ukraine] when we are sure that we will not be forced to shame ourselves and our experience," Prigozhin says. The fate of Wagner troops has been unclear since Prigozhin led a short-lived mutiny on June 23-24, the biggest threat to Putins 23 years in power. The authoritarian ruler of Belarus and Putin's close ally, Alyaksandr Lukashenka, was reportedly involved in talks to end the mutiny by agreeing with Prigozhin and Putin to host the Wagner troops, and their leader, in Belarus. Days after Lukashenkas statement, a tent camp began to appear in the eastern village of Tsel, a former garrison for members of a Belarusian missile brigade. An analysis of satellite images by Schemes (Skhemy), an investigative project run by RFE/RL, estimates there are at least 485 vehicles near the tent camp in total. The images from Planet Labs show almost all the equipment is located near warehouse-like buildings, as well as the parking lot of the military camp. No heavy military equipment can be seen. The Belaruski Hayun Telegram channel that monitors the movement of military equipment on the territory of Belarus said it had registered at least six columns of military vehicles and equipment with Wagner and Russian national flags in the countrys eastern region of Mahilyou since July 11. In the Wagner video released on July 19, Dmitry Utkin, a former Russian military officer known for his ultranationalist stance, is also shown. "It is not the end; it is just a beginning. It is our new phase. It is the beginning of the biggest work in the world that will be performed very soon," Utkin, who chose the name for the Wagner Group and has been one of its commanders, says, ending his statement in English by adding, "Welcome to hell!" Wagner troops played a key role in Russias invasion of Ukraine, helping take main parts of the town of Bakhmut after nearly 10 months of intense fighting. Prigozhin said earlier that he lost 20,000 men during the Bakhmut operation. With reporting by RFE/RL's Belarusian Service On June 12, 20-year-old Chechen native Selima Ismailova was arrested at Moscow's Vnukovo Airport as she was preparing to leave the country, fleeing what she has described as years of violent abuse at the hands of her relatives. The next day, Moscow authorities sent Ismailova back to Chechnya against her will. She has not been heard from since. The Muslim-majority Chechnya region is controlled by Kremlin-installed strongman Ramzan Kadyrov, who has promoted a socially conservative form of Islam and has been accused of rampant human rights abuses including torture, abductions, and extrajudicial killings. Women in the region have long complained that the Kadyrov government turns a blind eye to so-called "honor" crimes and prevents victims from receiving assistance. The Arrest "Selima was accompanied by her lawyers, Narek Akopyan and Anastasia Tyunyayeva," said Sofia Rusova, an activist with the Center for the Defense of Domestic Violence Victims, a Russian legal-aid NGO. "At the airport they learned there was an arrest warrant, although initially the police at Vnukovo didn't know the details and were waiting for papers from Chechnya. After the lawyers made demands and a three-hour wait, the documents arrived." According to the Chechen warrant, a relative of Ismailova's filed a complaint on April 3 alleging that Ismailova stole 85,000 rubles ($1,000) from her. The papers also alleged that Ismailova had ignored repeated summonses to appear before police since the complaint was filed, Rusova said. However, Ismailova was living in Chechnya at the time and said she had no idea an investigation had been opened. "Experience has shown that vulnerable people from the North Caucasus often learn about dubious cases against them when they are trying to leave Russia," Rusova said. On June 14, defense lawyer Tyunyayeva told the Russian-language media outlet Dozhd that Ismailova's lawyer in Chechnya reported that his client was not brought to police to give a statement after she returned to the region on June 13. He believes this means she was immediately handed over to her relatives, Tyunyayeva added. 'I Will Find You' When Ismailova was 12 years old, she moved to Germany with her parents, her four brothers, and her sister. A person who knew the family there, and who asked that his identity be withheld for fear of repercussions, said the parents often fought among themselves and subjected the children to violence. At one point, Ismailova filed a complaint to the local child-protection agency, but she later withdrew it -- after being threatened by her parents, the person said. After she turned 18, the age of majority in Germany, in the summer of 2021, Ismailova's parents sent her to live with her paternal grandmother in the Chechen town of Achkhoi-Martan. Ismailova told rights activists in Chechnya that she had been led to believe the move was only for the summer, but after she arrived she learned it was permanent. Her father allegedly beat her as he laid down the new rules. RFE/RL was unable to contact any of Ismailova's relatives for comment for this story. Later, her father regularly returned to Chechnya and beat and verbally abused her, Ismailova told activists. He allegedly threatened to put her "in a wheelchair" and even to kill her outright. And he claimed to have connections with local police who would make sure that no one ever found out about her death, the activists said she told them. Ismailova handed over to rights activists audio messages that she said were from her father. The rights group SK SOS posted the text on Telegram on June 12. "I will break your arms and legs," the man's voice says in Chechen in one of the messages. "You know I will.... This time I promise you, I will not forgive you. You can hide anywhere in Russia that you like -- I will find you. Whether you listen or not, you will do what I say under blows from the rod." In another message, the man reminds Ismailova that she "is not in Germany anymore," warning that no one will protect her in Chechnya. 'Deathly Afraid' Fearing her father's next visit to the region, Ismailova turned to rights activists in January. It was difficult for her to reach out because she speaks only Chechen and German. "Communicating through online translators is a problem," said Svetlana Anokhina, founder of the Marem human rights group in the North Caucasus. "It can lead to misunderstandings and frighten the victim. But I was able to learn that Selima was deathly afraid of her father. Sometimes she wrote several times a day, asking that she be given shelter immediately. Other times, she seemed to be calmly waiting." "I think the moments of panic were connected with the audio messages from her father or other threats from her relatives that he would be coming soon," Anokhina said. Soon the Center for the Defense of Domestic Violence Victims was able to place her in a secret apartment and help her prepare the necessary documents to leave the country and file for asylum abroad. Anokhina said Ismailova refused to communicate with any Chechens for fear they would tip off her relatives. Anokhina noted there have been numerous instances of women in similar situations being returned to their relatives in the North Caucasus, mentioning Elina Ukhmanova and Aminat Lorsanova. In those cases, rights activists had to help the victims escape more than once. "There have been many cases like that," she said. "Apparently the entire region is vigilantly on the lookout for such women.... It has become sort of a national sport. But there have been cases of women successfully getting out of that circle on the second or third try." Although police across Russia have long handed over people like Ismailova to the Chechen authorities despite serious accusations of human rights abuses in the repressive region, the practice has become even more routine since Moscow's massive invasion of Ukraine in February 2022. Since then, Russian law enforcement has ceased even making the appearance of considering the rights of victims, says Aleksandra Miroshnikova of SK SOS. Oleg Orlov, co-chairman of the banned Memorial human rights group, agrees, saying Kadyrov's influence in Russian politics has grown noticeably since the invasion, which he has supported vocally and by recruiting troops. Miroshnikova adds that it is very difficult for activists to follow up on the cases of people who are sent back to Chechnya. Often, information is only made available if there is a large public outcry that compels the authorities to demonstrate that the person is still alive, usually by releasing a video. In such videos, the victim -- apparently under duress -- appeals to activists to end their involvement in the matter. In February, for instance, a gay Chechen man named Idris Arsamikov, who was sent back to Chechnya from Moscow and was missing for more than a day, released a video saying that he'd returned to Chechnya voluntarily, that he planned to go serve in the war in Ukraine, and that he wanted activists to leave him and his family alone. SK SOS, which had been providing help to Arsamikov -- who was being forcibly "treated" for his homosexuality in a dubious "rehabilitation center" -- since 2018, has not heard from him since. "Rights organizations are prepared to send lawyers to Chechnya," Miroshnikova said. "But after they are sent back to the region, clients are usually completely cut off from the outside world and, under duress, reject all assistance. Lawyers are not even allowed to speak with them." Written by Robert Coalson based on reporting by RFE/RL's Caucasus.Realities The U.S. Central Intelligence Agency reportedly warned Ukraine not to sabotage the Nord Stream undersea gas pipelines last year after receiving a tip from the Netherlands intelligence agency that a plot was under way. The reports by several European and U.S. media outlets deepen the mystery of the Baltic Sea pipeline, which was mostly destroyed in September in explosions that remain under investigation. In the aftermath of the blasts, Western officials blamed Russia for the September 26 incident, which all but destroyed the twin pipelines at a spot just east of a Danish island called Bornholm. The explosions were discovered as residual gas in the pipelines bubbled up to the surface. The Ukrainian government has repeatedly denied responsibility for the attack. The pipelines were built by Russia to deliver Russian gas directly to Germany and Europe while bypassing Ukraine, Poland, and other nations that had hostile ties with Moscow. While the first pipeline was operational, the second had yet to receive final approval from German regulators. The United States had warned for years that the pipelines were a security risk for Germany and other European nations as they would make the countries beholden to Russian energy exports. In the months that followed the blasts, the mystery over who was responsible deepened, with a spate of reports by European media organizations that focused on a yacht called the Andromeda that had been rented at a German port by a group of people, some of whom showed Bulgarian passports. German investigators reportedly found traces of explosives on the Andromeda, which had been reported in Bornholm prior to the explosions. Other reports focused on the presence of a Greek-flagged tanker that had been seen drifting around the site of the blasts and later continued on to a Russian port. Last month, the German newspaper Die Zeit and The Wall Street Journal reported that German police raided an apartment in the eastern German city of Frankfurt an der Oder, investigating a woman whose former boyfriend was a Ukrainian soldier. According to the reports, the soldier was among the crew members on the Andromeda prior to the blasts. On June 13, Dutch public broadcaster NOS, along with German newspaper Die Ziet and public broadcaster ARD, reported that in June a year earlier, the main Dutch intelligence agency received a tip that a secret plot by Ukrainian operatives was under way to target the pipelines. The Dutch agency forwarded the tip to the CIA, which then warned Ukrainian officials not to carry out the effort. That reporting was later corroborated by The New York Times and The Wall Street Journal, citing unnamed U.S. officials. U.S. officials were reportedly told by Ukrainian counterparts that the plot had been aborted. Then, in September, the explosions took place. The Wall Street Journal also reported that German investigators were examining evidence that suggested the sabotage team had used Poland as a conduit or base for carrying out the attack. A top adviser to Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy, Mykhaylo Podolyak, called the latest reporting "endless anonymous sources [that are] artificially fueling the disinformation campaign about Ukraine's alleged involvement in the destruction of the Nord Stream." It "should be viewed as a deliberate campaign to undermine Ukraine's credibility, reputation, and voice in the global arena," Podolyak said in a post on Twitter on June 13. U.S. and European media have said the group that carried out of the attack may have done so without the knowledge of Zelenskiy or other top officials. Czech President Petr Pavel says NATO's July summit in Vilnius, Lithuania, should offer Ukraine "clear language" about its future membership in the military alliance once the conflict with Russia is over. In an interview with RFE/RL on June 14, the former head of the Czech military said Ukraine's membership in NATO and the European Union would be the best way to keep Moscow's "aggressive policies at bay." Pavel also commented on Ukraine's recent counteroffensive against Russian forces in the eastern part of the country. Czech President Petr Pavel said security services should monitor Russians living in the West, calling it "simply the cost" of the Kremlin's war against Ukraine, but a spokeswoman for the president clarified that he did not mean creating internment camps or any type of persecution. Speaking in a wide ranging interview with RFE/RLs Ukrainian Service on June 14, Pavel said that while he has empathy for Russians outside the country who face hardships over Moscow's decision to launch a full-scale invasion of Ukraine in February 2022 -- a decision they may not support -- "when there is an ongoing war, the security measures related to Russian nationals should be stricter than in normal times." Hundreds of thousands of Russians have fled the country since the start of the conflict, many looking to avoid a military mobilization. "So, all Russians living in Western countries should be monitored much more than in the past because they are citizens of a nation that leads an aggressive war.... That's simply the cost of war," he said. WATCH: Pavel speaks with RFE/RL's Natalie Sedletska on June 14 in Prague. Pavel noted that in World War II, Japanese descendants living in the United States were under "a strict monitoring regime as well." After RFE/RL reached out to Pavel's office for a clarification of what the "strict monitoring regime" would look like, a spokeswoman said a significant majority in Russia support President Vladimir Putin, the aggression against Ukraine, and even attacks on civilian targets. "Given those circumstances, it would be an utter failure of our own security services and a threat to the security of our own citizens if these [security] services did not pay heightened attention to the Russian community living in our country," Pavel spokeswoman Marketa Rehakova said in an e-mailed response. She added that this refers not to each individual but "those presenting risk factors." The reference to Japanese citizens in the United States during World War II "was made in the context that restrictive measures toward citizens of hostile countries is not something new and has been applied in the past even though in a harsher way." The president did not say that it should be followed now and in no way did he mean "internment or any type of persecution," she said. Internment camps, which were surrounded by barbed wire and guarded by U.S. soldiers, were established during World War II by President Franklin D. Roosevelt for people of Japanese descent. About 120,000 people -- the majority of whom were American citizens -- were affected by the move, which the U.S. government has since apologized for and paid reparations of more than $1.6 billion. In the interview with RFE/RL, Pavel, a former senior NATO official, said he expects to hear strong language about long-term support for Ukraine during the military alliance's summit next month along with an acknowledgement of the importance of having Ukraine as a member. The Czech president, whose role is largely ceremonial, said the support expressed for Ukraine when NATO leaders gather on July 11-12 in Vilnius, Lithuania -- with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy expected to be present -- will highlight the significance of the event. "What I expect is really strong language when it comes to long-term support of Ukraine. I see a number of countries agreeing on a long-term plan of support to Ukraine that will not be based on one-off contributions but on a carefully planned long-term procedure," Pavel said during the interview at the Prague headquarters of the U.S. government-funded broadcaster. When President Vladimir Putin launched his full-scale invasion of Ukraine in February 2022, Russian officials said one of his justifications was concern Ukraine was moving toward joining the military alliance. While post-Soviet countries such as Ukraine and Georgia have sought for decades to distance themselves from Moscow, all they received were vague promises that fell far short of a pledge of accession. That has all changed with the war in Ukraine, and Zelenskiy has pressed NATO over membership, saying recently his country is "ready to join" and the alliance must make a decision about Ukrainian membership at the summit. Pavel, whose country joined NATO in March 1999, said that while the accession process cannot start when a country is still at war, he would welcome "clear language" about future membership once the war is over. "I strongly believe that all the leaders will understand that having Ukraine on board -- both in NATO and EU -- is probably the only guarantee [of] how to ensure stability in this region, how to make both NATO and EU stronger, and how to keep Russia and its aggressive policies at bay," he said. He said he has heard two scenarios about how NATO will proceed on the question of Ukrainian membership. One is to use guarantees like those provided to Finland between the initial move to accession and its ratification in April. Another would be akin to the security guarantees that NATO offers Israel, he said, predicting that the end result probably will depend on how much countries will be willing to commit. "If we just put on paper what we already are doing for Ukraine and make it a kind of a guarantee, including the long-term plan, it sounds like a guarantee to me," he said. As a chairman of the NATO Military Committee, Pavel visited Ukraine at least three times and observed the progress the Ukrainian military was making. That progress has only sped up since the war began in February 2022, he said. He said that if it were a member of the alliance today, the Ukrainian military would be "without any doubt the most experienced military in NATO." He said that in technical and procedural terms, the Ukrainian military will very soon will be ready for NATO membership. Pavel added, however, that there is a disadvantage to having such diverse equipment now in its arsenal, and when the war ends there will have to be a "stabilization and unification of equipment." But he called this "a technical issue" that is overshadowed by the determination of Ukrainian soldiers. Asked to assess the first days of Ukraine's counteroffensive, Pavel said he would call it "shaping operations," as he believes the "true counteroffensive" has not yet begun. Shifting to Ukraine's EU membership aspirations, Pavel noted that he has already said he sees Ukraine as a future member and would link membership to postwar reconstruction. The accession period for any aspirant country requires the candidate to meet successive goals that can be used within the reconstruction process, he said. The Czech Republic has already started a conversation on how it can offer its expertise and resources in terms of reconstruction, and Pavel says the earlier the projects start the better for both sides. Asked about concerns that China would play an outsized role in the reconstruction of Ukraine, he said he suspects China will be more active during that phase than it was in trying to use its influence on Russia to prevent the war. "We will have to keep an eye on such an effort because it is clear that China will not do it from humanitarian reasons, but simply to get influence and control." He said he regretted that China didn't take a more active role from the very beginning -- on one hand, discouraging Russia from continuing aggression, while one the other, using its weight to come up with viable peace proposals. "China didn't take that chance. I believe that China is behaving in their own interest," he said. "They are using this conflictto get a stronger position globally." With reporting by Natalie Sedletska of RFE/RL's Ukrainian Service and Tony Wesolowsky Czech President Petr Pavel says that Russian civilians living in Western countries should be monitored by security services. Speaking to RFE/RL's Natalie Sedletska on June 14 in Prague, he said, "when World War II started, [the] Japanese population living in the United States was under a strict monitoring regime as well." Read more about the interview here. For over 20 years, the Imam Ali's Popular Student Relief Society has worked on combating poverty and helping vulnerable children in Iran. But the charity, which has over 10,000 volunteers across Iran, has come under mounting pressure from the authorities in recent years. In 2021, an Iranian court ordered the independent NGO be dissolved, a ruling that was upheld by an appeals court last year. In July 2021, the charity's founder, Sharmin Meymandinejad, was arrested and charged with insulting Iran's leaders. He was kept in detention for months, during which he alleges he was tortured. In an interview with RFE/RL's Radio Farda, Meymandinejad, who recently fled Iran, said the clerical establishment saw his grassroots organization as a threat. He said his organization's interpretation of Islam clashed with what he called the intolerant and violent version promoted by the authorities. "Our path was different than the one taken by the establishment, our reading of the religion was an attempt to promote self-sacrifice, mercy, and altruism," said the 53-year-old, who now resides in the United States with his wife and three children. "But the reading promoted by the establishment is based on violence, which the authorities claim comes from above, they even say from God," he added. The crackdown on the charity, which is widely known as the Imam Ali's Society, came after years of state pressure and a smear campaign by hard-liners, who have branded the organization a cult, Meymandinejad said. One of the NGO's biggest critics has been the ultra-hard-line daily Kayhan, whose editor in chief was appointed by Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. "We didn't want to challenge the establishment. We were doing social work based on real [Islamic] principles," said Meymandinejad. "They saw that a [nongovernmental] group was doing the work [of the government] and that comparisons could be made," he said. The Imam Ali's Society has been credited with helping alleviate poverty and aiding marginalized Iranians. In comparison, large state charities with extensive funds are often seen as corrupt and ineffective. The Imam Ali's Society, one of the largest NGOs in the Islamic republic, was launched in 1999 by a group of students led by Meymandinejad at Tehran's Sharif University of Technology. The organization originally focused on poverty alleviation but has since expanded its activities to include providing education, medical care, and social and cultural events for vulnerable children and campaigning against the death penalty for offenders who committed crimes as minors. The group has been credited with saving around 50 minors on death row. Rights groups criticized the 2021 court order to disband the Imam's Ali Society as an assault on independent NGOs and said the ruling had been "made in apparent coordination with Iran's abusive intelligence and security apparatus." It is unclear if the charity is still active or has been dissolved. The original court order was issued following a complaint by the Interior Ministry, which said the Imam Ali's Society had "deviated" from its mission. As evidence, the court cited the group's "questioning of Islamic rulings," including the principle of qisas, or retributive justice, as well as "promoting falsehood by publishing statements against the Islamic republic of Iran." The move came amid a wider crackdown on civil society and dissent. Scores of activists, lawyers, and journalists have been arrested in recent years. The Oslo-based Iran Human Rights reported last year that two other NGOs, including the Society For the Protection of Children, have also come under pressure by the authorities. 'I Broke' In his interview with Radio Farda, Meymandinejad also accused the authorities of sending children from poor Iranian families to fight in the war in Syria, where Iran's powerful Islamic Revolutionary Guards Corps (IRGC) deployed military advisers and fighters to prop up the regime of President Bashar al-Assad. Meymandinejad also accused the authorities of using minors to help crush nationwide antiestablishment protests that erupted in September. Photos appeared on social media in October that purportedly showed children and adolescent boys wearing uniforms and holding batons. They appeared to be wearing the uniforms of the Basij paramilitary forces, a branch of the IRGC. Members and supporters of the Imam Ali's Society said the authorities had recruited children from impoverished families to help "suppress" the street protests. In exchange, the minors received a "few bags of food," the charity said. The Imam Ali's Society was among several groups that warned that the use of child soldiers was against international law. Meymandinejad said he will continue to hold Iran's clerical establishment accountable for its actions even from exile. He said state pressure and the alleged torture he suffered during his time in detention forced him to leave his homeland. "I was weak, I wasn't strong like [prominent jailed rights activist] Narges Mohammadi. I was concerned that my children will pay the price for my activities," he said. "After four months of torture I broke and signed whatever they wanted. I broke because of my children," he added. The Moscow City Court has canceled a five-year prison sentence handed in October to noted protest artist Pavel Krisevich over a so-called suicide performance in which he fired blanks from a pistol in Moscow's Red Square. The court also ruled on June 15 that Krisevich must stay in pretrial detention for at least two months while his case is sent to prosecutors for a new investigation. Prosecutors have insisted that the case must be reinvestigated as the original hooliganism charge lacked what they called "an ideological motive." Krisevich was arrested in June last year on Moscow's Red Square and charged with hooliganism after he fired two blanks into the air while shouting: "There will be shots before the Kremlin's curtain." He then held the gun to his head and fired another blank. Krisevich's girlfriend, Anastasia Mikhailova, said at the time that the goal of the protest performance was to support political prisoners in Russia. Declaring that his protest was aimed at "state intimidation," Krisevich described the performance as "a kill shot" -- an expression used by hired assassins in Russia's criminal underworld to describe a gunshot to the head of a victim to ensure they are dead. "The state labels protests as crimes," Krisevich's statement said. "It forces us to think that we are criminals in our cells and chats. But what is it without state intimidation? Clearly, it is an empty space." Krisevich, who is originally from Russia's second largest city, St. Petersburg, has been jailed in the past over his protests in the Russian capital. In November 2021, he was sentenced to 15 days in jail for a protest in front of the Federal Security Services headquarters in Moscow in which he was staged a mock crucifixion of himself over burning files. He said that protest symbolized criminal cases against Russian citizens. In addition to jail time, he also was expelled from the university in Moscow he was attending. In May 2022, Krisevich was sentenced to 10 days in jail for taking part in an action to support political prisoners in Russia by displaying their paintings in central Moscow. UN nuclear chief Rafael Grossi said the situation at the Zaporizhzhya nuclear power plant in Ukraine following the destruction of the Kakhovka dam is "serious" but said measures are being taken to stabilize the situation. Grossi, the head of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), arrived on June 15 at the Russia-occupied nuclear power plant as the head of an inspection mission amid growing concerns about the safety of Europe's largest nuclear station. The breach of the downstream dam last week reduced the supply of water that the plant uses to keep its reactors from overheating. Grossi's arrival, which was postponed by a day due to security concerns, was announced by Ukraine's nuclear energy company, Enerhoatom, on Telegram on June 15. Until a few hours ago I was not sure whether I would be able to come here and visit the plant," Grossi said, describing the trip as "extremely difficult" but "important." He said he was able to see the plant's cooling pond and "there was sufficient water" but also said he wanted the world to be "aware of the danger" that there could be a "major accident." After the inspection was over, Grossi's convoy had to halt briefly because of gunfire, but the convoy was not in immediate danger, a spokesman for the IAEA told Reuters. The agency had no further information about the incident. Renat Karchaa, an adviser to the head of Russias nuclear power plant operator, Rosenergoatom, accused Ukraine of opening fire on the convoy, according to TASS. The report said no one was hurt and the convoy returned safely to the Ukrainian-held city of Zaporizhzhya. Grossi, who held talks with President Volodymyr Zelenskiy in Kyiv on June 13, has voiced concerns that the Russian-controlled nuclear plant was facing "a relatively dangerous situation" from both the dam burst and the start of Ukraines counteroffensive against invading Russian troops. His arrival was announced hours after Russia launched another wave of air strikes on Zaporizhzhya's neighboring Dnipropetrovsk region that hit two industrial facilities in the city of Kryviy Rih, causing substantial damage and wounding one person. Authorities declared an air-raid alert across Ukraine overnight that was lifted around 5 a.m. local time on June 15. Live Briefing: Russia's Invasion Of Ukraine RFE/RL's Live Briefing gives you all of the latest developments on Russia's full-scale invasion, Kyiv's counteroffensive, Western military aid, global reaction, and the plight of civilians. For all of RFE/RL's coverage of the war in Ukraine, click here. "A 38-year-old man was wounded. He is hospitalized in stable condition," Dnipropetrovsk Governor Serhiy Lysak said on Telegram. Lysak said the strikes caused significant damage at the two facilities. It was the third day in a row that Russia targeted the region. In the first such attack this month, 12 people were killed and 13 others, including three children, were wounded on June 13 by a Russian missile strike on a five-story apartment building in Kryviy Rih, the hometown of Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy. Ukraine's air defense said on June 15 it had destroyed all 20 Iranian-made drones launched at Dnipropetrovsk, but three out of four Russian cruise missiles could not be intercepted and hit factories in Kryviy Rih. Russia has stepped up its air attacks on Ukraine in recent weeks as Kyiv prepared to launch its long-awaited counteroffensive to reclaim territory occupied by Russian forces. Zelenskiy last week acknowledged the operation was under way, with Moscow responding by ratcheting up its strikes with cruise missiles and drones targeting major cities across the country. WATCH: A Russian cruise missile attack killed at least three people and injured 13 others in Ukraine's southern port city of Odesa. The strike destroyed civilian infrastructure, including a residential complex and a food warehouse. On the battlefield, fighting continued in and around Bakhmut, the city in the eastern Donetsk region that has been for months the scene of fierce battles. The General Staff of Ukraine's Armed Forces said in its morning report on June 15 that 49 close combat battles took place in Bakhmut and nearby Avdiyivka and Maryinka over the past 24 hours. While information about the progress of Ukraine's counteroffensive remained scarce, NATO Secretary-General Jens Stoltenberg said on June 15 that the military aid that NATO members have given Ukraine is showing its impact on the battlefield. "The support NATO allies have been giving Ukraine now for many, many months actually makes a difference on the battlefield," Stoltenberg told reporters in Brussels ahead of a two-day meeting of the bloc's defense ministers that is also going to be attended by Ukrainian Defense Minister Oleksiy Reznikov. With reporting by Reuters and AP President of the Republic of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev and Prime Minister of the Islamic Republic of Pakistan Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif have held an expanded meeting. Addressing the meeting, President of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev said: Dear, Mr. Prime Minister, my dear brother and dear guests, welcome to Azerbaijan. We are very glad to host you in our country. Thank you for accepting my invitation. I am sure that the visit will strengthen brotherly relations between our countries - relations based on partnership, friendship and brotherhood. We just discussed with the Prime Minister a broad agenda of our bilateral relations, once again reconfirmed our strong support to sovereignty and territorial integrity of our countries. I expressed gratitude to Mr. Prime Minister for supporting Azerbaijans territorial integrity during the times of occupation, during the Second Karabakh War and after we restored our territorial integrity. Once again, we reconfirmed our strong support to Pakistan on the issue of Kashmir, and we openly support and will continue to do it in all international institutions. We discussed broadly today important issues of our trade and economic cooperation, energy, transportation, defense industry. Now in this format, we will continue our discussions. I am sure that as a result of the visit we will elaborate a new program of cooperation in different areas, which will strengthen our partnership even more. Mr. Prime Minister, welcome once again. x x x Prime Minister of Pakistan Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif said: - Thank you, my brother President Ilham Aliyev. It is a great honor to meet with you again. Those seated here are our brothers and sisters. Let me say this first, my brother Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif told me yesterday that you would be going to Baku, so please convey my sincere greetings to my brother President Aliyev. He said, Shehbaz, Baku will make a great impression on you. Mr. President, your city has not just impressed me, it has made a deep impression. What I have seen since last night reflects your vision, your leadership and your dynamic efforts to build your country over the years. Without being afraid of contradiction, I can say that I can compare what I have seen in Baku so far. You can compare this city with any most developed and beautiful city in the world. And there is no exaggeration here. One of the issues I intended to table here was that I wanted to ask you to send the best landscapers to Pakistan. The landscape here is beautiful, believe me, I was impressed. President Ilham Aliyev: Thank you. Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif: Today I visited the grave of your genius father. I must say that his soul must be very happy because of the great work you have done. I congratulate you. I think that my visit to Baku is very important. I believe that when I return to Islamabad, I will have learned a lot from the steps of such a leader in the field of public service. My dear brother, Mr. President, we are two fraternal countries. Our relations are based on mutual trust, respect and utmost sincerity. You have always supported the Kashmir issue and stood by Pakistan. x x x President Ilham Aliyev thanked for the greetings, and asked the Prime Minister to pass on his greetings to Nawaz Sharif. BAKU, Azerbaijan, June 15. Relations between Azerbaijan and Pakistan are relations which are based on mutual history, culture, traditions, religion, solidarity and mutual support, President of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev said in his press statement following an expanded meeting with Prime Minister of Pakistan Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif, Trend reports. We are very grateful to Pakistan for support to Azerbaijan during the times of occupation and during the 44 days of Patriotic War of 2020. Pakistan is the country which did not establish diplomatic relations with Armenia because of occupation. And this is a really position of brothers. We are very grateful for that, the head of state noted. Eight-year-old Halima was devastated to learn that after overcoming numerous obstacles to her education under Taliban rule, her path to learning had been blocked with the closure of her private school. "We all went home crying," she told RFE/RLs Radio Azadi of the day she and her fellow students learned that their classes in Afghanistan's southern Kandahar Province had been terminated. "Our schools were closed first by the coronavirus [pandemic], then there was fighting, and now they have been shut again," she said. "We just want to study." The rural classroom where she studied was a lifeline for learning basic mathematics, Afghan languages, science, and Islamic studies despite the ruling Taliban's efforts to restrict girls' and women's access to education. But on April 16, classes ended when the hardline Islamist authorities announced that the school, among Afghanistan's thousands of Community-Based Education (CBE) centers, would be closed following unspecified "complaints from locals." Unrest and poverty in Kandahar and neighboring Helmand Province made the two regions a focal point for the development of CBE centers over the past three decades, with funding coming primarily from Western donors via the United Nations and international nongovernmental organizations. Countrywide, more than 500,000 Afghan children currently attend CBE centers, which were established in cooperation with the communities in which they were based and are often held in private homes, mosques, or large tents. Aid groups pay teachers' salaries, provide educational materials, and offer the same curriculum taught in Afghan state schools. The centers, typically made up of a single classroom catering for up to 50 students, half of them girls, also filled an education void in remote areas where there were no state schools. But since mid-April, nearly 1,600 CBE centers in Kandahar Province have been closed, depriving 50,000 students of an education. Similar numbers have been recorded in neighboring Helmand Province in a nationwide trend. 'It's Heartbreaking' The termination of classes at Halima's school and others like it appears to show that the narrow window for learning in remote areas is being closed as the Taliban looks to impose full control over how children are educated. Munir Ahmad, who ran a literacy class inside his mudbrick home in Dand, a rural district in Kandahar Province, said he was forced to close his doors to students in April. "It is heartbreaking to lose these classes because they serve children in remote areas where there are no other education opportunities," he told Radio Azadi. The Taliban, approaching two years in power, has not commented on whether it has ordered the school closures. But aid workers, rights campaigners, and education experts suggest that the hardline group is trying to ensure that young students receive an Islamic education even though the CBE centers follow the state model. This, in turn, has led to concerns that the Taliban either intends to permanently shut down the schools or use them as venues to spread its extremist worldview and ideology. "It is alarming," said Heather Barr, associate director of the women's rights division at Human Rights Watch. "The Taliban will likely change these schools in a way that is harmful to students, particularly girls." Education has been a main target of the Taliban's extremist policies since it seized power in August 2021 and took steps to root out secular education. Teenage girls were promptly banned from attending school despite the Taliban's promises to the international community, which has listed the Taliban's stance on girls' and women's education as a key obstacle to officially recognizing its government. 'Jihadi Madrasahs' Since taking power, the Taliban has consistently enforced strict gender segregation and replaced professional educators with clerics. Last year, Taliban supreme leader Mullah Haibatullah Akhundzada appointed key loyalists Mawlawi Habibullah Agha and Nida Mohmmad Nadim to lead the education and higher education ministries, respectively. The two have diligently worked to expand the ban on womens education and attempted to turn schools into a tool for indoctrination by tweaking the curriculum, critics say. In some cases, modern schools have been converted into madrasahs. In December, the Taliban upped the ante by prohibiting women from receiving a university education. And in the latest move, a Taliban official said this month that its government had established "jihadi madrasahs" in at least five provinces. Many Islamist militant groups, including the Taliban, emerged from such religious schools in Afghanistan and neighboring Pakistan in the 1980s. Wazhma Tokhi, an Afghan human rights activist with a particular focus on women's rights and education in Afghanistan, suggests that the recent school closures can be seen as another example of the groups determination to root out secular education. "They want to turn the schools into madrasahs," Tokhi said. The UN agency for children, UNICEF, which funds many CBE centers, says it is now holding discussions with the Taliban over "timelines and practicalities" for possibly handing them over to Afghan NGOs, many of which receive outside funding and have some protection from the Taliban. Tokhi sees disastrous consequences if the Taliban assumes direct control over CBE centers. "Our future is destroyed," she said. Roughly a week into counteroffensive that Kyiv hopes will turn the tide of the nearly 16-month Russian invasion, Ukrainian forces continue to grind forward, claiming to have recaptured at least six villages along the southern and southeastern sections of the 1,000-kilometer front line. Russia, meanwhile, has reportedly pushed back in at least one location, and the two sides are engaging in heavy artillery battles and close-quarter tank combat in several places. Deep Russian defenses -- trenches, minefields -- have inflicted serious damage on some Ukrainian units and slowed their progress. So whos winning? For military experts, intelligence officers, historians, and other observers, its way too early to make a definitive assessment that Ukraines counteroffensive has been a resounding success -- or a decisive failure. Up to now, Ukraine has already outperformed all expectations, first thwarting a Russian effort to seize Kyiv in the first weeks of the invasion and then conducting blitz counteroffensives in the Kharkiv and Kherson regions late last year. And now Ukraines forces are fortified by billions of dollars worth of Western weaponry -- tanks, artillery, armored vehicles, drones, missiles -- and bolstered by months of training in NATO warfare and Western battlefield tactics. For Ukraines Western backers, the hope is Kyiv can punch through Russian defenses and achieve a decisive victory -- of some sort. Still, military doctrine holds that an attacking force is nearly always at a disadvantage to a defending force; it is generally more difficult to recapture or seize territory than it is to defend it. For some observers, whether the fighting happening now even constitutes the main thrust of Ukraines offensive is an open question. The gains the Ukrainians have achieved, you cannot speak about them [in terms of] relative success or failure. Its too early, said Pentti Forsstrom, a retired Finnish lieutenant colonel who also served as Finlands defense attache in Moscow. I have the feeling we havent seen the real offensive yet, he told RFE/RL. Yes, they are fighting in many places, but to my mind, not with the full capacity. Ukraine hasnt committed their heavier brigades yet. Heres how things look on the battlefield so far, based on open-source reporting, posts by Russian military bloggers, official Russian statements, and Ukrainian statements. What's Happened So Far? After months of signaling, Ukraines forces began their new offensive effort last week. The exact date of the beginning is unclear; U.S. officials have said D-Day was June 4. Russia's Defense Ministry, meanwhile, said on June 5 that new Ukrainian operations were under way, reporting a "large-scale offensive on five sectors of the front in the southern Donetsk area." The first detailed reports of full-scale combat emerged on June 8, from Russian military bloggers and defense officials, with new clashes reported in at least three regions. Defense Minister Sergei Shoigu said on June 8 that Russian forces had beaten back a Ukrainian attack near Novodaryivka, in the Zaporizhzhya region just west of the Donetsk region line, and in nearby Velyka Novosilka, which involved one of several newly constituted, Western-trained units, the 47th Separate Mechanized Brigade. Shoigu claimed up to 1,500 troops and 150 tanks and armored vehicles were involved in the fight, a claim that could not be corroborated. In the following days, Ukrainian officials began pointing to offensive operations in several locations. During a June 10 news conference with the visiting Canadian prime minister, Justin Trudeau, Zelenskiy stated outright that a counteroffensive was under way. "Counteroffensive and defensive actions are taking place in Ukraine, but I will not say in detail what stage they are at," he said. The Ukrainian generals are all in a positive mood, he told Trudeau. Pass that on to Putin. In recent days, Ukraine has claimed to have recaptured at least six villages, claims partially corroborated by both Ukrainian sources and Russian military bloggers, some of whom have close ties with military or intelligence units. The captured settlements are primarily straddling the Mokriy Yaly River, south of Velyka Novosilka, a Donetsk region town to close to the administrative border with the Zaporizhzhya region. At least one Western military expert said Velyka Novosilka was currently the main focus -- the center of gravity -- of Ukrainian operations. "Both defensive and offensive fierce fighting is ongoing in the east and south of our nation," General Valery Zaluzhniy, commander in chief of Ukraines armed forces said in a post to Telegram on June 13. At a briefing two days later, Brigadier General Oleksiy Hromov said that Ukraine had regained control of over 100 square kilometers of territory in its counteroffensive. "We are ready to continue fighting to liberate our territory even with our bare hands," he told reporters in Kyiv. During a visit to the White House on June 13, NATO secretary-general, meanwhile, said the Ukrainians were making advances. This is still early days but what we all know is the more land the Ukrainians are able to liberate, the stronger their hand will be at the negotiation table and the more likely it is that President Putin will understand that he will never win this battle, never win the war of aggression on the battlefield, Jens Stoltenberg said. What About Russia? Since seizing large parts of the Kherson and Zaporizhzhya regions in the early weeks of the February 2022 invasion, Russia has been building a network of defensive lines across large parts of the region: trenches, concrete firing posts, minefields, anti-tank fences. Daunting defensive lines have also been reported in the eastern Kharkiv region near the administrative border with the Luhansk region, and also around the city of Bakhmut, which has been largely obliterated and all but captured by Russia after a 10-month campaign in the area. Live Briefing: Russia's Invasion Of Ukraine RFE/RL's Live Briefing gives you all of the latest developments on Russia's full-scale invasion, Kyiv's counteroffensive, Western military aid, global reaction, and the plight of civilians. For all of RFE/RL's coverage of the war in Ukraine, click here. Russian fortifications are the most extensive defensive works in Europe since World War II, according to a report published on June 9 by the Center for Strategic and International Studies, a Washington think tank. Russia has also replenished the ranks of its units, frontline or otherwise, with some of the estimated 300,000 reservists called up in a major mobilization decreed by President Vladimir Putin in September. For that reason alone, military experts have predicted that Ukraine would have an exceedingly difficult time breaching Russian lines, particularly if one of the goals was to push south toward the Sea of Azov in a bid to rupture the land bridge that allows Russian overland access to the occupied Crimean Peninsula. The defense system itself is built quite skillfully, said Major Maksym Zhoryn, the commander of Ukraines Third Separate Assault Brigade, whose unit is battling to take positions around Bakhmut and reportedly has already taken some higher ground positions. Theyre trying to do it in accordance with military science, by chapter and verse, he told Current Time. Russian troops are trying to hold on to [their defensive positions]. Unfortunately, at the moment I cant say that there are positions that are being completely abandoned. The enemy is trying to hold on to all its positions, trying to fight. This slows our advance, but doesnt stop it, he said. Russia plans to fight linear defense battles from trench lines, exploiting obstacle belts, falling back on deeper defensive positions when pressed, said Ben Barry, a retired British brigadier general, now a senior fellow for land warfare at the International Institute for Strategic Studies. Id comment that if Ukraine can rapidly break through a defensive belt it could get behind the Russian defenses and unpick them, he told RFE/RL. Around the Zaporizhzhya region city of Tokmak, Ukrainian forces have reported serious defensive lines that, complemented with Russian artillery and attack helicopters, have made advances slow going. Moreover, Ukrainian forces have yet to hit the main, even more formidable lines some 10-15 kilometers further to the south. Russias Defense Ministry also claimed that its forces had captured or destroyed NATO-supplied weaponry, including Leopard tanks from Germany and Bradley infantry vehicles from the United States. Video published on Telegram showed several disabled vehicles not far from the village of Orikhiv, west of Velyka Novosilka. Some unconfirmed tallies said up to 17 Bradleys and at least three Leopards had been damaged. Meeting with a group of prominent Russian military bloggers on June 13, Putin claimed Ukrainian losses were approaching a level that could be described as catastrophic." "We have 10 times fewer losses than those of the armed forces of Ukraine, he asserted. But Putin and other Russian officials have made many exaggerated claims about the war in Ukraine. And while Russias military and sympathetic bloggers boasted about destroying NATO equipment -- Germanys Leopard is considered one of the most advanced tanks in the world -- Western observers doubted that the loss of several pieces of equipment, with or without commensurate casualties, should be considered a failure. Russia may have suffered a substantial propaganda defeat as well this week. A prominent Russian military blogger reported that Major-General Sergei Goryachev, chief of staff of the 36th Combined Arms Army, was killed on June 12 by a Ukrainian missile in the Zaporizhzhya region. The report, which was later deleted, has not been independently confirmed. But if it is verified, he would be at least the fifth Russian general to have been killed since the start of the invasion -- providing Ukraine fodder for bragging. In another unconfirmed incident, a unit of Russias 20th Combined Arms Army mustering near the village of Kreminna, in the eastern Luhansk region, awaiting the arrival of another general were hit on June 14 in a strike from a Ukrainian HIMARS unit. Russian military bloggers, including one with links to the Defense Ministry, said an unknown number of troops were killed. HIMARS, a U.S.-supplied multiple rocket launcher that can be equipped with high-precision rockets, has been used repeatedly by Ukrainian forces to target Russian weapons depots and bases. Fog Of War. War Of Fog. The biggest question about the counteroffensive at this point is whether Ukraine will be able to breach Russian defenses in one or more places along the front line, considered one of the most complicated and dangerous procedures any military can perform. The extent of a success will be determined by how much progress is made on the other side of the breach, Jack Watling, a senior research fellow at the Royal Armed Services Institute in London, said in a note. If a breach can be achieved, then the critical question will be how many units Ukraine has in reserve to surge forward and exploit the success. If operations are currently methodical, once a breach in the line occurs, speed will be of the essence, he wrote. Another major question is whether Ukraines ongoing operations really do constitute the main effort, or whether, as some experts suspect, they are probing or shaping operations, aimed at locating weak points in the defenses. The Ukrainians are looking for the weak points, where the Russians are at their weakest, said Forsstrom, who is now a senior researcher in the Russian research group at Finlands National Defense University. The crucial decision is if its about reconnaissance, intelligence, where they can find the Russians at their weakest, so they cant organize a counteroffensive, he told RFE/RL. They are now seeking the crucial points where the Russians might not have the capacity to make a counterattack. There is a big difference between starting an offensive, and the main attack or main effort of the operation. The offensive has clearly started, but not I think the main attack, Ben Hodges, a retired U.S. Army lieutenant general who commanded U.S. forces in Europe, said in an article. When we see large, armored formations join the assault, then I think well know the main attack has really begun. The assessment that Ukraine had yet to commit in full to the offensive was echoed by Yevgeny Prigozhin, the Russian businessman and bombastic founder of the private mercenary company Wagner Group. I can say one thing, that any offensive must be evaluated, and its results, after the enemy's offensive potential has been exhausted. As far as I understand, Ukraine's offensive potential is far, far from exhausted, he said in a post published by his companys press service. And thereforedont count your chickens before they hatch. RFE/RLs Ukrainian Service contributed to this report BAKU, Azerbaijan, June 15. For almost 30 years Azerbaijan was involved in the negotiations with Armenia, which did not produce any result. Only our military might and the spirit of Azerbaijani soldiers restored our territorial integrity, President of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev said in his press statement following an expanded meeting with Prime Minister of Pakistan Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif, Trend reports. So, we restored it not because of negotiations or not because of some mediators. On the contrary, negotiations and mediation efforts only left to freezing the situation. But we did not agree with that. We restored our territorial integrity and liberated our lands on the battlefield sacrificing the lives of 3,000 our sons, the head of state underlined. HUGO BOSS AG (HUGSF.PK), a German fashion company, said on Thursday that it aims to touch its previous mid-term sales target of 4 billion euros already this year, two years ahead of plan. Further, the company has raised its guidance for 2025. This reflects ongoing strong surge in brand momentum as well as additional efficiency gains to be realized in operations. HUGO BOSS now projects revenue of around 5 billion euros by 2025. This represents a strong compound average growth rate of 11 percent compared with the 3.7 billion euros of fiscal 2022. EBIT is now projected to grow to a level of at least 600 million euros by 2025 against its previous outlook of around 480 million euros. Consequently, the Group now targets an EBIT margin of at least 12 percent by 2025 against its previous guidance of around 12 percent. For comments and feedback contact: editorial@rttnews.com Business News Business inventories in the U.S. saw a modest rebound in the month of April, the Commerce Department revealed in a report released on Thursday. The report said inventories rose by 0.2 percent in April after slipping by a downwardly revised 0.2 percent in March. Economists had expected business inventories to edge up by 0.2 percent compared to the 0.1 percent dip originally reported for the previous month. "Business inventories rose in April, while revisions to prior months' data reflect significantly smaller declines in inventory levels," said Matthew Martin, U.S. Economist at Oxford Economics. "However, mounting headwinds from slowing wage gains and falling excess savings will slow appetites in the second half of the year," he added. "As such, we continue to foresee a downturn in stocks over the balance of the year and for inventories to pose a drag on GDP growth in 2023." The modest rebound in business inventories came as manufacturing inventories climbed by 0.5 percent in April after falling by 0.8 percent in March. Retail inventories also inched up by 0.1 percent in April after rising by 0.4 percent in March, while wholesale inventories edged down by 0.1 percent in April after slipping by 0.2 percent in March. The report also showed business sales crept up by 0.1 percent in April after tumbling by 1.5 percent in the previous month. Wholesale sales rose by 0.2 percent in April after plunging by 2.7 percent in March, while retail sales rose by 0.4 percent in April after slumping by 1.1 percent in March. On the other hand, manufacturing sales slid by 0.4 percent in April after falling by 0.6 percent in the previous month. With inventories and sales both showing modest moves, the business inventories/sales ratio was unchanged from the previous month at 1.40. For comments and feedback contact: editorial@rttnews.com Economic News What parts of the world are seeing the best (and worst) economic performances lately? Click here to check out our Econ Scorecard and find out! See up-to-the-moment rankings for the best and worst performers in GDP, unemployment rate, inflation and much more. Experience the Abundance of Space, Tech-Savvy Infotainment, Comfort Hyundai Exter connected car Hyundai Exter connected car offers a host of features designed to enhance your driving experience. It brings together advanced connectivity and infotainment options, a spacious cabin, top-notch safety and convenience features. And with this, the small car stands out from the competition. Hyundai Exter is equipped with a 20.32 cm (8) HD touchscreen that provides a seamless interface for accessing various infotainment options. The 10.67 cm (4.2) colour TFT Multi-Information Display (MID) keeps you informed about essential vehicle data. Tranquility on Wheels: Embrace Serenity with Hyundai Exters Cabin Ambiance The cars connectivity capabilities are further elevated with Hyundai Bluelink, which offers an impressive 60 connected features. You can enjoy over-the-air (OTA) updates for infotainment and map updates, ensuring that your system is always up to date. The in-built navigation system provides hassle-free guidance to your destination. Additionally, smartphone connectivity via Android Auto and Apple CarPlay allows you to seamlessly integrate your mobile devices into the cars infotainment system. The Hyundai Exter takes voice commands to a whole new level. With over 90 embedded voice commands, it sets a new benchmark in the segment. It also introduces H2C (Home to Car) voice commands through Alexa, supporting both Hindi and English languages. The vehicles multi-language user interface support, including 10 regional and 2 international languages, caters to a wide range of users. Adding to the overall experience, the car offers seven ambient sounds of nature, allowing you to create a serene atmosphere inside the cabin. A Universe of Space: Uncover the Interior Brilliance of the Hyundai Exter When it comes to cabin space and comfort, the Hyundai Exter excels. With a generous wheelbase of 2,450 mm and a height of 1,631 mm, this vehicle offers ample space for both driver and passengers. The semi-leatherette upholstery, featuring EXTER branding, adds a touch of luxury to the interior. The cars design ensures easy ingress and egress, thanks to its optimized seat height and floor level. Moreover, the Exter provides exceptional headroom, knee room, legroom, shoulder room, and rear seating space, ensuring that all occupants can enjoy a comfortable ride. The large DLO (Day-Light Opening) and rear window glass contribute to excellent visibility, creating an airy and open feel inside the cabin. Safety, Convenience, and Beyond: Hyundai Exters Premium Offerings Exter offers over-the-air (OTA) updates for infotainment and map systems, ensuring that you always have the latest software enhancements. Hyundai Bluelink provides a comprehensive suite of services, including safety and security features, remote services, location-based services, vehicle diagnostics, and voice assistance. Convenience features like cruise control make long drives more relaxing, while the seatbelt reminder display ensures that safety is always a priority. The low loading height and rear transverse height for loading and unloading cargo make it easy to transport your belongings. BAKU, Azerbaijan, June 15. Pakistan is the country, which did not establish diplomatic relations with Armenia because of occupation. And this is really a position of brothers, President of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev said in his press statement following an expanded meeting with Prime Minister of Pakistan Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif, Trend reports. The head of state informed the Prime Minister about ongoing negotiations between Azerbaijan and Armenia on a peace agreement. Prospects to sign this agreement are here. Armenia just needs to demonstrate a political will and put on paper what they have already officially announced that Karabakh is Azerbaijan, the Azerbaijani leader added. As compared to the current range of TVS motorcycles, the new cruiser appears to have a relatively sober profile It is known that TVS is working on a new flagship bike. The middleweight segment has registered strong growth and has significant future potential. This makes a strong case for TVS to expand its portfolio and introduce new premium products. There are various options that can be considered for middleweight segment. It could be a roadster, scrambler, ADV, etc. However, the patent filed by TVS reveals the typical design of a cruiser. Based on whether it is below or above 500cc, the new TVS cruiser will go up against Royal Enfield Meteor 350 or Super Meteor 650. TVS new cruiser bike styling and features TVS new cruiser has a neo-retro profile. It has the old school, laidback look and feel, quite different from the current range of TVS motorcycles. Some of the key highlights include a round headlamp, USD front forks, a large engine, curvy fuel tank and a single exhaust pipe. Users can expect comfortable rides with features such as the wide, swept-back handlebar and forward-set foot pegs. For the new cruiser, it is possible that TVS could use the expertise of British brand Norton Motorcycles. TVS had acquired Norton Motorcycles in 2020. The deal was valued at around Rs 153 crore. In April 2022, TVS announced investments worth 100 million (more than Rs 1,000 crore) in Norton Motorcycles. With such massive investments, it will be safe to assume that TVS is planning something big. There could be a plan to aggressively target global markets with the new generation of TVS motorcycles. TVS new cruiser performance, specs Although TVS new cruiser can be seen with a large, wide-bodied engine, it is not certain if its a single-cylinder or twin-cylinder unit. If displacement is around 650cc to 700cc, theres a likelihood of a twin-cylinder motor. TVS-owned Norton Motorcycles has several big bikes powered by parallel twin motor. Royal Enfield Super Meteor 650 also utilizes a parallel-twin setup. The 648cc engine churns out 47 PS of max power and 52.3 Nm of peak torque. It is mated to a 6-speed gearbox. At rear, TVS cruiser is expected to get dual rear shock absorbers. It will be interesting to see what kind of aural experiences the new TVS cruiser comes up with. Surely, TVS will be looking to create something unique and exhilarating. In terms of launch timelines, theres no clarity at this point of time. However, it is likely that TVS will be looking to launch the cruiser as soon as possible. TVS is also working on other new products. For example, multiple new electric two-wheelers will be launched in the next 12 to 13 months. These will be in the 5kW to 25kW category. TVS will also launch a naked streetfighter version of the existing bestseller Apache RR310. BAKU, Azerbaijan, June 15. Armenia is doing everything possible to close the Lachin checkpoint border, Advisor to the Academy of Public Administration under the President of the Republic of Azerbaijan, Chairman of the Baku Club of Political Scientists Zaur Mammadov told Trend in the interview. He answered the questions about the provocation committed today in the Lachin checkpoint on the border with Armenia, a blow to the peace process, and what purpose the Armenians pursued by shelling this post. "Today's provocation of Armenia, during which the state border checkpoint in the Lachin district was shelled, indicates that it was planned in advance by the Armenian army. Because there has already been information about this in the diplomatic missions of many foreign countries," Mammadov said. The US Ambassador, who is in Armenia, informed the Americans present there that they should not go in the direction of the Lachin district. And today the Armenian army carried out such a provocation," he said. A full video interview with political scientist Zaur Mammadov: An American citizen living in the Baja California community of San Quintin was severely beaten, along with his wife, on Saturday after he tried to stop a crime in progress near his house, the Baja California Attorney Generals Office reported. Ron Hoff and Cristina Montes Monjo were being treated on Tuesday at separate hospitals in Ensenada for injuries sustained near their residence in the outskirts of this farming and fishing community located about 180 miles south of the border. News of the incident has resounded across the expatriate community. Since moving to Baja California in 2003, Hoff, a 54-year-old freelance web designer and Long Beach native, has become known through his discussion board, www.talkbaja.com and website, www.bajagringo.com. He has written lovingly about Baja California, praising the kindness and warmth of its residents. Advertisement This is a guy who really walks the talk as far as helping people down there, said Doug Means, owner and administrator of another discussion board, www.bajanomad.com, whose members have been intensely following the developments in the case. Thats why there are so many people who are very involved. Three suspects were in custody in connection with the incident: Jesus Humberto Aguirre Montes, 24, Jose Luis Quintero Montes, 24, and Edgar Gerardo Quintero Montes, 21. They face charges of attempted murder and car theft, aggravated by gang activity. The incident took place Saturday afternoon in a sparsely settled area on the outskirts of San Quintin near the Pacific Ocean known as La Chorera. According to the report, the incident began when Hoff approached the suspects as they were dismantling a vehicle. Hoff has not been able to talk about the incident. But Cristina Montes told his daughter, Christine Hoff, that Hoff had heard some noise at a neighbors unoccupied house, and drove down to investigate. Watching from her window, Cristina Montes saw the beating and called for help, then went to help her husband after the assailants drove off. But the suspects, who had driven away in Hoffs SUV, returned and grabbed Montes as she tried to flee, hit her with a rock, and pulled her into the vehicle, the daughter said. Inside the vehicle, one of them tried to cut her throat, but only was able to inflict a surface wound. At one point, they threw her out of the vehicle and fled. The suspects were captured a couple of hours after the incident following a chase in the neighborhood known as Colonia Benito Juarez, according to the Baja California Attorney Generals Office. Its not something that only happens in Mexico, this could have happened anywhere, Christine Hoff said. The next time hell be more careful to see what happens across the street, hell probably check with a neighbor and maybe take his dog, she said. She praised the quick actions of authorities in catching the suspects. Hoff has been collaborating in an abalone farm being set up in La Chorera as an informal advisor to the project, said Reyes Guerrero Sandoval, the companys owner. When the incident occurred, neighbors in the fishing community trailed and helped chase down the assailants, Guerrero said. In a 2008 column, Hoff wrote about his love for Baja California. The countless examples of generosity and hospitality to me are part of the very essence that makes Mexico the number one-travel destination for the USA, he wrote. The Baja California peninsula is my home and where I hope to spend the rest of my life, God willing. Means said Hoff has no insurance coverage for his treatment at the private hospital, and friends and family members are trying to raise funds. Montes is being treated at a public hospital in Ensenada and was expected to be released today, Christine Hoff said. Hoff was undergoing surgery for a broken jaw, his daughter said. Both are recuperating in a miraculous way, she said. BAKU, Azerbaijan, June 15. We also agreed that we will work hard to enhance our mutual trade. And the step towards that we'll be signing of a MoU to start working on that and to work on the list of items, which will be included into the list of preferential trade between our countries, President of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev said in his press statement following an expanded meeting with Prime Minister of Pakistan Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif, Trend reports. The head of state noted that there are great opportunities in the area of energy whether its fossil fuel projects or projects related to renewable sources of energy. BAKU, Azerbaijan, June 15. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Turkiye congratulated Azerbaijan on June 15 - National Salvation Day and on the second anniversary of the signing of the Shusha Declaration, Trend reports. "Congratulations on the anniversary of the Shusha Declaration signed on this day two years ago and consolidating our allied relations and the Day of National Salvation of Azerbaijan! Our solidarity with Azerbaijan, with which we are united in heart and united in sorrow and joy, will be eternal," the ministry said on Twitter. National Salvation Day of Azerbaijanis is an official holiday in Azerbaijan that is celebrated on June 15, in accordance with the June 27, 1997, dated decree of the National Assembly of Azerbaijan. June 15 has been celebrated as an official holiday since 1998. The Shusha Declaration on allied relations between Azerbaijan and Turkiye was signed in the city of Shusha on June 15, 2021. Plate tectonics is a fundamental factor in the sustained habitability of Earth, but its time of onset is unknown, with ages ranging from the Hadean to Proterozoic eon. University of Rochesters Dr. John Tarduno and colleagues examined plate tectonics from a time 3.9 billion years ago, when they believe the first traces of life appeared on Earth. But they found that mobile plate tectonics was not occurring during this time. Instead, they discovered, Earth was releasing heat through what is known as a stagnant lid regime. Plate tectonics allows heat from Earths interior to escape to the surface, forming continents and other geological features necessary for life to emerge. Accordingly, there has been the assumption that plate tectonics is necessary for life. But the new research casts doubt on that assumption. Ideally, the presence or absence of a mobile lithosphere can be tested using paleomagnetism, but even the best preserved oldest rocks on Earth have experienced metamorphism, and this places severe restrictions on the type of magnetic carriers that might retain primary signals, Dr. Tarduno and co-authors explained. Single-crystal paleointensity, whereby single mineral crystals that contain magnetic inclusions capable of recording the ancient field are studied, provides an approach to see through this metamorphism. The only known detrital crystals that can be accurately dated, and that are able to provide constraints on lithospheric mobility spanning the multi-hundred-million-year timescales that typify plate-tectonic cycles, are detrital zircons bearing primary magnetic inclusions. Zircons are tiny crystals containing magnetic particles that can lock in the magnetization of Earth at the time the zircons were formed. By dating the zircons, geoscientists can construct a timeline tracing the development of Earths magnetic field. The strength and direction of Earths magnetic field change depending on latitude. For example, the current magnetic field is strongest at the poles and weakest at the equator. Armed with information about zircons magnetic properties, scientists can infer the relative latitudes at which the zircons formed. That is, if the efficiency of the geodynamo is constant and the intensity of the field is changing over a period, the latitude at which the zircons formed must also be changing. But Dr. Tardunos team discovered the opposite: the zircons they studied from South Africa indicated that during the period from about 3.9 to 3.4 billion years ago, the strength of the magnetic field did not change, which means the latitudes did not change either. Because plate tectonics includes changes in latitudes of various land masses, plate tectonic motions likely werent occurring during this time and there must have been another way Earth was removing heat. Further reinforcing their findings, the authors found the same patterns in zircons they studied from Western Australia. We arent saying the zircons formed on the same continent, but it looks like they formed at the same unchanging latitude, which strengthens our argument that there wasnt plate tectonic motion occurring at this time, Dr. Tarduno said. The findings appear this week in the journal Nature. _____ J.A. Tarduno et al. Hadaean to Palaeoarchaean stagnant-lid tectonics revealed by zircon magnetism. Nature 618, 531-536; doi: 10.1038/s41586-023-06024-5 BAKU, Azerbaijan, June 15. Footage has appeared clearly showing opening fire at the Lachin border checkpoint from Armenia, Trend reports. On June 15, 2023, at 08:45 (GMT +4), as a result of opening fire from the territory of Armenia, a serviceman of the State Border Service of Azerbaijan Elshan Rustamov, who served at the Lachin border checkpoint, was injured. The Armenian armed forces' firing point was suppressed by return fire, the combat situation is under the control of Azerbaijani units. The injured soldier was given first aid, and his life is out of danger. The first image of the structures that power human cilia -- the tiny, hairlike projections that line our airways -- has been produced by a team involving UCL researchers and could lead to much-needed treatments for people with rare cilial diseases. The study, published in Nature, combined advanced microscopy and artificial intelligence techniques to create a detailed snapshot of the structure of human cilia. These are the microscopic projections on the cells that line our lungs, ears and sinuses and beat rhythmically to keep the lungs clear from mucus and bacteria. People who inherit the rare condition primary ciliary dyskinesia (PCD) have defective cilia that can't effectively remove debris from the airways, and so suffer from breathing difficulties and chronic lung infections. For the first time, the scientists visualised the molecular 'nano-machinery' that causes cilia to beat, visible as identical structures dotted every 96 nanometres along the cilia length. These structures come together to form the axoneme. In healthy airways, this complex structure is tightly controlled, with molecules precisely arranged to make cilia beat in a rhythmic, wave-like motion, around a million times a day. In people with PCD, the team found that cilia don't beat correctly because key elements of the axoneme structure are missing, caused by genetic mutations. This new information could lead to new medicines that target these defects, making cilia beat properly. Study co-author, Professor Hannah Mitchison (UCL Great Ormond Street Institute of Child Health), said: "Treatments for PCD currently work to clear people's airways and prevent infection. Our findings offer the possibility of molecular medicines to precisely target tiny defects in the axoneme and make cilia beat as they should. "Molecular medicines are showing promise for other rare diseases, and COVID-19 research has unlocked new ways to deliver these drugs directly to the lung. If we can combine these advances with our new findings, my hope is that we'll bring molecular medicines to people with PCD within the next 5 to 10 years." The team's research could also prove useful for infertility, as sperm cells rely on a similar axoneme structure in their tails to propel themselves forward. advertisement The research team was a global collaboration, with scientists based across the UK, US, Netherlands, China and Egypt. "It can be difficult to study rare diseases like PCD, because patients are spread thinly across the world. In the UK, we think around 9,000 families may be affected by PCD," said Professor Mitchison. "Our study was made possible by a fantastic international collaboration between clinical scientists, biologists and members of the rare disease community willing to take part in our research." In addition to human cilia, the team examined the axoneme structure of a single-celled alga called Chlamydomonas reinhardtii, which uses two tail-like projections on its surface to swim. Despite being separated by more than 1 billion years of evolution, the alga's tails shared structural similarities with the human airway cilia, highlighting the importance of the axoneme throughout evolution. This study involved collaborators at Harvard Medical School, Alexandria University, University of Leicester, Amsterdam University Medical Centers, Guy's and St Thomas' NHS Foundation Trust and Imperial College London. At UCL, the study was supported by NIHR Great Ormond Street Hospital Biomedical Research Centre, the Ministry of Higher Education in Egypt and a MRC UCL Confidence in Concept grant. Despite some of the most successful international vaccination campaigns in history, the poliovirus continues to circulate around the world, posing a threat of neurological damage and even paralysis to anyone who is not vaccinated. While the original polio strains, called wildtype, have largely been eliminated, new strains can develop from the oral polio vaccine (OPV), which is the one most used in the developing world. Oral vaccines use live, weakened virus that occasionally mutates to an active form, leading to outbreaks even in countries believed to have eliminated polio. Scientists at UCSF and the UK's National Institute of Biological Standards and Control (NIBSC) have developed two novel oral polio vaccines (nOPVs) to bolster the World Health Organization's most recent push to finally eradicate polio, which began two years ago using the first nOPV developed by the same team. These are the first new polio vaccines in 50 years. Like the first nOPV, the two newest nOPVs, which were described in Nature on June 14, are made from weakened poliovirus that has been genetically engineered to reduce reversion to dangerous forms of the virus. The development of these new vaccines was led jointly by Raul Andino, PhD, UCSF professor of microbiology and immunology, and Andrew Macadam, PhD, a virologist at NIBSC. "With such variation in vaccination within and between countries, poliovirus has persisted into the 21st century, with sometimes tragic consequences," said Andino, co-senior author of the paper along with Macadam. "We've designed these new vaccines using lessons learned from many years of fighting polio and believe they will help eliminate the disease once and for all." The evolving battle against polio Polio is insidious: it is usually asymptomatic, but can cause severe disability, paralysis or death in about one in every hundred children. It spreads via fecal or oral particles, so it is particularly problematic in regions with poor sanitation. In the first half of the 20th century, polio outbreaks routinely rolled through the US, leading to a race to develop vaccines. advertisement The first effective polio vaccines emerged in the 1950s, kicking off massive campaigns to immunize every person, with an emphasis on children. The inactivated polio vaccine (IPV), made of dead poliovirus, was given via injection, while the oral polio vaccine (OPV), made of weakened poliovirus, was given on a sugar cube or in a candy. Today, IPV is the vaccine of choice in countries with robust healthcare, and OPV -- the cheaper, easier-to-administer option -- is used otherwise. In populations where everyone is immunized early in life, it doesn't matter whether they receive IPV or OPV, although these vaccines act in different ways in the environment. People vaccinated with IPV can still get infected with any polio that happens to be circulating. They will not get sick, but they can silently transmit the virus to the unvaccinated. People vaccinated with OPV can't silently transmit circulating polio in this way, but they can shed the weakened virus they were inoculated with and spread it to the unvaccinated. If the weakened virus mutates, it can become pathogenic polio once more. In populations with unvaccinated children -- whether due to refusal to vaccinate, natural disaster, or war -- such vaccine-derived polio can spread widely, causing severe disease in the unlucky few. While the original, or "wildtype," poliovirus has only been recently detected in Afghanistan and Pakistan, vaccine-derived polio has been detected in countries as far flung as Syria, the Democratic Republic of Congo, and the U.S. In fact, there have been more cases of vaccine-derived polio than wildtype in recent years, creating an urgency to counter this new source of polio. In 2017, Andino and his colleagues discovered how OPV reverts to its harmful form: a single mutation restores the virus's capacity to migrate from the human gut and into the nervous system. Within a few years, the group had devised a trio of mutations that make such genetic reversion much less likely and packaged it into a new vaccine. That vaccine, nOPV2, earned the WHO's first-ever emergency use listing for a vaccine in 2020 and was quickly manufactured and distributed. advertisement "Over 600 million doses were delivered to more than 28 countries, and in ten instances it stopped ongoing outbreaks of vaccine-derived polio," said Andino. "It gave us a lot more confidence that this actually was working as anticipated." Covering all the bases with polio eradication Despite its effectiveness, nOPV2 only protects against one of three strains of polio, and cases of polio have recently emerged in Israel, which is heavily vaccinated, as well as in pockets of the US where people refuse to vaccinate their kids. Even where there are no polio cases in hospitals, polio continues to be detected in wastewater in major cities. There may be 99% fewer polio cases today than there were 30 years ago, but the last 1% has proven hard to snuff out. "If there's polio anywhere, it will come back where there are gaps in vaccination," Andino said. The latest work from Andino's group takes the solution they crafted for nOPV2 -- the three mutations that usually prevent the vaccine from becoming dangerous over time -- and engineers it into the other two types of OPV. The resulting vaccines, nOPV1 and nOPV3, effectively prevented polio in animal models. All three are much safer than the original OPVs, which can occasionally cause paralysis in those who get the vaccine, although this is rare (on the order of one case per two million children vaccinated). The two new vaccines are currently being tested in clinical trials to ensure that they are both effective and do not revert to dangerous forms in humans. Andino is hopeful they will be incorporated into bivalent or trivalent combinations with nOPV2. Children of the future will be equally protected from polio for life, and perhaps the world will someday experience decades in which zero polio is detected. "The perception that polio is gone is a dangerous one," said Andino. "For instance, just in India, 500,000 children are born each week, an enormous number of susceptible people. We now have what we need to protect them." Many men in northern Europe over the age of 60 suffer from the so-called Viking disease, which means that the fingers lock in a bent position. Now researchers at Karolinska Institutet, together with colleagues, have used data from over 7,000 affected individuals to look for genetic risk factors for the disease. The findings, which have been published in Molecular Biology and Evolution, show that three of the strongest risk factors are inherited from Neanderthals. Up to 30 percent of men in northern Europe over 60 suffer from a condition called Dupuytren's contracture. The condition is sometimes called the Viking disease because it mainly affects individuals with northern European ancestry. The disease is significantly more common in men than women and usually begins as a lump in the palm of the hand that grows and causes one or more fingers to lock in a bent position. The condition is usually not painful, but the nodules may sometimes be tender to pressure. The researchers in the study, led by Hugo Zeberg from Karolinska Institutet and Svante Paabo from Max Planck Institute for Evolutionary Anthropology, set out to investigate whether genetic variants inherited from Neanderthals are involved in the disease. Neanderthals lived in Europe and western Asia until about 40,000 years ago, when they were replaced by modern humans. However before Neanderthals disappeared, they mixed with modern humans. As a result, between one and two percent of the genomes of people with roots outside of Africa come from Neanderthals. "Since Dupuytren's contracture is rarely seen in individuals of African descent, we wondered whether gene variants from Neanderthals can partly explain why people outside of Africa are affected," says Hugo Zeberg, assistant professor at the department of Physiology and Pharmacology, Karolinska Institutet. The researchers used data from three large clinical cohorts in the US, UK, and Finland, which allowed them to compare the genomes of 7,871 sufferers and 645,880 healthy controls. They identified 61 genetic risk factors for Dupuytren's contracture. The researchers found that three of these were inherited from Neanderthals, and these included the second and third most important risk factors. The study is further evidence that the intermingling between Neanderthals and our ancestors has important consequences for the prevalence of some diseases, particularly among certain groups. "This is a case where the meeting with Neanderthals has affected who suffers from illness, although we should not exaggerate the connection between Neanderthals and Vikings," says Hugo Zeberg. The study was financed by The Swedish Research Council, The Swedish Brain Foundation, The Erik Philip-Sorensen Foundation, Petrus och Augusta Hedlunds Stiftelse, and Emil och Wera Cornells Stiftelse. A team of researchers from Syracuse University and Texas A&M University have applied a machine learning model to explore where and to what extent human activities are contributing to the hydrogeochemical changes, such as increases in salinity and alkalinity in U.S. rivers. The group used data from 226 river monitoring sites across the U.S. and built two machine learning models to predict monthly salinity and alkalinity levels at each site. From protecting biodiversity to ensuring the safety of drinking water, the biochemical makeup of rivers and streams around the United States is critical for human and environmental welfare. Studies have found that human activity and urbanization are driving salinization (increased salt content) of freshwater sources across the country. In excess, salinity can make water undrinkable, increase the cost of treating water, and harm freshwater fish and wildlife. Along with the rise in salinity has also been an increase in alkalinity over time, and past research suggests that salinization may enhance alkalinization. But unlike excess salinity, alkalinization can have a positive impact on the environment due to its ability to neutralize water acidity and absorb carbon dioxide in the Earth's atmosphere -- a key component to combating climate change. Therefore, understanding the processes at play which are affecting salinity and alkalinity have important environmental and health implications. A team of researchers from Syracuse University and Texas A&M University have applied a machine learning model to explore where and to what extent human activities are contributing to the hydrogeochemical changes, such as increases in salinity and alkalinity in U.S. rivers. The group used data from 226 river monitoring sites across the U.S. and built two machine learning models to predict monthly salinity and alkalinity levels at each site. These sites were selected because long-term continuous water quality measurements have been recorded for at least 30 years. From urban to rural settings, the model explored a diverse range of watersheds, which are areas where all flowing surface water converges to a single point, such as a river or lake. It evaluated 32 watershed factors ranging from hydrology, climate, geology, soil chemistry, land use and land cover to pinpoint the factors contributing to rising salinity and alkalinity. The team's models determined human activities as major contributors to the salinity of U.S. rivers, while rising alkalinity was mainly attributed more to natural processes than human activities. The team, which included Syracuse University researchers Tao Wen, assistant professor in the College of Arts and Sciences' Department of Earth and Environmental Sciences (EES), Beibei E, a graduate student in EES, Charles T. Driscoll, University Professor of Environmental Systems and Distinguished Professor in the College of Engineering and Computer Science, and Texas A&M assistant professor Shuang Zhang, recently had their findings published in the journal Science of the Total Environment. What's Driving Salinization and Alkalinization? The results from the group's sodium prediction model, which detected human activities such as the application of road salt as major contributions to the salinity of U.S. rivers, were consistent with previous studies. This model specifically revealed population density and impervious surface percentage (artificial surfaces such as roads) as the two most important contributors to higher salt content in U.S. rivers. advertisement According to Wen, the accuracy of the salinity model provided an important proof of concept for the research team. "In regard to causes of salinity in rivers, the results from our machine learning model matched those of previous studies which focused on field observation, lab work and statistical analysis," says Wen. "This proved that our approach was working." With the salinity results confirming the accuracy of the team's model, they then turned their attention to alkalinity. Their model identified natural processes as predominantly contributing to variation in river alkalinity, a contrast to previous research that identified human activities as the main contributor to alkalinization (Kaushal et al., 2018). They found that that local climatic and hydrogeological conditions including runoff, sediment, soil pH and moisture, were features most affecting river alkalinity. Critical to the Carbon Cycle Their findings have important environmental and climate implications as alkalinity in rivers forms a vital link in the carbon cycle. Consider the movement of carbon during a rainstorm. When it rains, carbon dioxide from the atmosphere combines with water to form carbonic acid. When the carbonic acid reaches the ground and comes into contact with certain rocks, it triggers a chemical reaction which extracts gaseous carbon dioxide from the atmosphere and transports it to the ocean via land water systems like lakes and rivers. Known as rock weathering, this natural process continuously erodes away rocks and sequesters atmospheric CO2 over millions of years. It is also a key regulator of greenhouse gases that contribute to global warming. "Rock weathering is the primary source of alkalinity in natural waters and is one of the main ways to bring down carbon dioxide in air," says Wen. Think of it as a feedback loop: when there is too much carbon dioxide in the atmosphere, temperatures increase leading to enhanced rock weathering. With more rock being dissolved into watersheds due to enhanced rock weathering, alkalinity rises and in turn brings down carbon dioxide. advertisement "Alkalinity is a critical component of the carbon cycle," says Wen. "While we found that natural processes are the primary drivers of alkalinization, these natural factors can still be changed by humans. We can alter the alkalinity level in rivers by changing the natural parameters, so we need to invest more to restore the natural conditions of watersheds and tackle global warming and climate changes to deal with alkalinization in U.S. rivers." The results from the team's study can help inform future research about enhanced rock weathering efforts -- where rocks are ground up and spread across fields. By distributing rock dust across large areas, it increases the amount of contact between rain and rock, which enhances carbon removal from the atmosphere. Wen says the team's model can help answer questions about the evolution of natural conditions in different regions -- an important step needed to implement enhanced rock weathering more effectively. The work was funded through a $460,000 National Science Foundation grant awarded to Wen. BAKU, Azerbaijan, June 15. Political consultations were held between the Ministries of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Azerbaijan and the Republic of Uzbekistan, Trend reports via the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Azerbaijan. According to the ministry, the delegation was headed by Deputy Foreign Minister Khalaf Khalafov from the Azerbaijani side, and from the Uzbek side by his colleague Bobur Usmanov. At the meeting, it was noted that the personal contacts of the heads of state of both countries, based on brotherhood and friendship, played a special role in the development of relations between Azerbaijan and Uzbekistan in an ascending line and further strengthening of the strategic partnership. Besides, the current state of relations between the two countries was considered, the possibilities of expanding cooperation in the political, socio-economic, humanitarian and other fields of mutual interest were discussed. An exchange of views took place on the current development and prospects for trade and economic relations. The importance of the activities of the Joint Intergovernmental Commission between Azerbaijan and Uzbekistan in terms of the development of economic ties was noted. Khalafov informed about the new realities that have developed in the region after the 2020 second Karabakh war, restoration and construction work carried out in the territories liberated from the Armenian occupation. He noted the high appreciation of the initiative of the President of the Republic of Uzbekistan Shovkat Mirziyoyev to build a school building in the liberated Fuzuli district. The deputy foreign minister also told about the efforts of Azerbaijan aimed at ensuring the dignified return of former IDPs to their native lands, sustainable stability and security in the region. Usmanov noted the positive dynamics of bilateral relations built on the basis of centuries-old sincere friendship and brotherhood and stressed that important successes have been achieved over the past year in the direction of further developing relations in various areas of cooperation. He stressed Uzbekistan's continued support for the territorial integrity of Azerbaijan. At the meeting, an exchange of views took place on cooperation between Azerbaijan and Uzbekistan within the framework of international organizations, as well as on regional and international issues of mutual interest. The importance of the mechanism of political consultations between the Ministries of Foreign Affairs of the two countries, as well as the continuation of mutual visits and meetings, was emphasized. Previously, Usmanov held meeting with Azerbaijani Foreign Minister Jeyhun Bayramov. BAKU, Azerbaijan, June 15. Pakistan has always supported the territorial integrity of Azerbaijan. We have always unequivocally supported Azerbaijans right over Karabakh, said Prime Minister of Pakistan Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif in his press statement following an expanded meeting with President of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev, Trend reports. Pakistan is one of a handful of countries that has not established diplomatic relations with Armenia, and this is our moral obligation. If you send us a message after signing the peace agreement with Armenia, we can reconsider this matter. We unequivocally support Azerbaijan in this issue as well, the PM added. BAKU, Azerbaijan, June 15. Baku and Islamabad have full mutual understanding on how to move forward, President of the Republic of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev said, while making a joint press statement with Prime Minister of Pakistan Shehbaz Sharif, Trend reports. Statement by President Ilham Aliyev Statement by President Ilham Aliyev - Dear Mr. Prime Minister, my dear brother. Ladies and gentlemen, welcome to Azerbaijan. I`m very glad to host my dear brother, Prime Minister of Pakistan, in our country. We have relations, which are relations between the brothers. Our contacts with the Prime Minister they have a regular character. We met last year twice on the sidelines of the international events. I`m grateful to the Prime Minister that he accepted my invitation to pay an official visit to our country. Relations between our countries are relations, which are based on mutual history, culture, traditions, religion, solidarity and mutual support. We are very grateful to Pakistan for support to Azerbaijan during the times of occupation and during the 44 days of Patriotic War of 2020. Pakistan is the country, which did not establish diplomatic relations with Armenia because of occupation. And this is a real position of brothers. We are very grateful for that. Today, I informed Mr. Prime Minister about ongoing negotiations between Azerbaijan and Armenia on a peace agreement and the prospects to sign this agreement I think are here. Armenia just needs to demonstrate a political will and to put on paper what they have already officially announced that Karabakh is Azerbaijan. Azerbaijan always supports and will continue to support Pakistan on the issue of Kashmir. We demonstrate this support and solidarity in all international organizations. Of course, mutual support unites our countries and our peoples even more. People of Azerbaijan know very well, who was with us during the times of 44 days war - it was Turkiye and Pakistan, which expressed a strong political support to us. Today, we discussed a broad range of issues of our bilateral agenda as well as regional development and regional security issues. We have full mutual understanding on how to move forward. We agreed that soon several delegations from Azerbaijan will visit Pakistan. One on trade and investment mission, another on issues related to energy cooperation, and the third will address the issues of cooperation in the defense industry. We also agreed that we will work hard to enhance our mutual trade. The step towards that will be the signing of a MoU to start working on that and to work on the list of items, which will be included into the list of preferential trade between our countries. Great opportunities in the area of energy whether its fossil fuel projects or projects related to renewable sources of energy. We also agreed today that we will increase the number of flights between our cities, including flight between the capitals. So, that was a very good result of today's meeting. We see big potential in the area of education. Now we have 750 students from Pakistan studying in our universities, and just to illustrate how rapidly this process goes, I just want to say that last year there were only 100. And we hope to host more our young brothers from Pakistan. And Azerbaijanis also studied in Pakistan they today in different areas already contribute to our development. We also discussed cooperation in the area of defense and defense industry. As I already said we agreed to increase the number of joint military exercises we had in the past. There is a need for that. Because the situation in the world is changing, instability areas are growing. Therefore, strong military capacity is a guarantee for independence and territorial integrity. For almost 30 years Azerbaijan was involved in the negotiations with Armenia, which did not produce any result. Only our military might and the spirit of Azerbaijani soldiers restored our territorial integrity. So, we restored it not because of negotiations or not because of some mediators. On the contrary, negotiations and mediation efforts only left to freezing the situation. But we did not agree with that. We restored our territorial integrity and liberated our lands on the battlefield sacrificing the lives of 3,000 our sons. So, we know how international law works selectively. How resolutions of the United Nations Security Council are not being implemented. We both know that. And the guarantee for your independence, territorial integrity, security and wellbeing of your people is your economic, political and military capability. So, on all these issues we have full mutual understanding. Pakistan and Azerbaijan are countries, which always stand shoulder to shoulder. And also an important factor is that our peoples - they share the same views as the leaders. You can see in many parts of Baku Pakistani flags. They have been installed here during the times of the Second Karabakh War. And they are still here, despite the fact that the war ended two and a half years ago. So, this is the really attitude of the people, and we see the same from our brothers from Pakistan. Mr. Prime Minister, once again, I'd like to express gratitude for visiting us. I always enjoy meeting with you and discussing our bilateral agenda. I also want to congratulate the people of Pakistan with such a great leader as Prime Minister Sharif - the person with a great vision, experience, knowledge and commitment to the development of the country, strengthening its independence. And under your leadership, I'm sure the brotherly people of Pakistan will achieve even more heights, even more successes and more achievements. I wish you and your people prosperity, happiness and peace. Thank you. Dr. Brian Ahmedani. A folder of information about MI Mind. Dr. Cathrine Frank. Dr. Brian Ahmedani. Fausto Fernandez poses in front of some of his paintings which are part of the LAGL exhibit at Commerce Pointe. Carol Bueno, an artist and member of LAGL, talks with visitors who came to see an exhibit of LAGL's work at Commerce Pointe. Linda Tafolla, Curator of the Commerce Pointe Gallery George Martinez, left, and Andrew Freemire, a Battle Creek-based artist, stand together in front of a painting by Martines titled "Selena." Xenia Rose Schafer, a member of LAGL, works on a mural created by her and fellow LAGL members that is located in front of Torti Taco in downtown Battle Creek. Los Artistas of the Great Lakes stand together in front of a mural located in front of Torti Taco that they all painted. Standing from left to right: Fausto Fernandez, Xenia Rose Schafer, Coco Sweezy, George Martinez and Carol Bueno. Mali: au moins trois blesses dans l'accident d'un helicoptere onusien Au moins trois occupants d'un helicoptere de la mission de l'ONU au Mali (Minusma) ont ete blesses jeudi quand l'appareil s'est couche apres son atterrissage a Gao (nord), a indique une porte-parole de la Minusma. L'helicoptere, avec 10 passagers et quatre membres d'equipage a son bord, a ete renverse par le vent fort vers 15H30 (locales et GMT) alors qu'il venait de se poser et roulait sur la piste voisine de la base onusienne, a-t-elle dit. Il arrivait de la ville de Kidal (nord). Les blesses ont ete evacues vers un hopital, a dit la porte-parole. Les distances considerables et le delabrement ou l'inexistence des routes conjugues a l'insecurite forcent la Minusma a un certain nombre de deplacements aeriens. Ceux-ci se heurtent cependant aux restrictions imposees par la junte au pouvoir au survol du territoire. La Minusma deploie quelque 12.000 soldats et 1.600 policiers au Mali, pays confronte depuis 2012 a l'expansion jihadiste et a une profonde crise multiforme. Prime Minister of the Islamic Republic of Pakistan Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif, who is on an official visit to the Republic of Azerbaijan, has visited the Alley of Martyrs. The Pakistani Prime Minister laid a wreath at the Eternal Flame monument. The Prime Minister was informed of the history of the Alley of Martyrs, and construction and redevelopment works in the city. BAKU, Azerbaijan, June 15. As many as 1,200 people are planned to be employed at the enterprises (in food, industrial, creative, educational, tourism, textile and other areas) which will be built to support the employment of residents of Azerbaijan's Lachin city, Trend reports. At present, 260 residents of Lachin city have been involved in trainings and hired. Appropriate vacancies are offered to those moving to Lachin and applying for a job. The city residents Iskandar Najafov and his son Emil Najafov have been provided with highly paid jobs. Besides, the appeals of Gunduz Takhmazov and his family members were considered, and vacancies were offered to them. At the same time, Gunduz Tahmazov asked to be given another job, since the proposed one does not correspond to his state of health, and measures are also being taken in this regard. Thus, all necessary measures are being taken to provide jobs for residents returning to Lachin city. To date, 44 families have returned to the city liberated from Armenian occupation following the 2020 second Karabakh war. BAKU, Azerbaijan, June 15. According to the action plan approved by Azerbaijans Defense Minister, Colonel General Zakir Hasanov, a series of events were held on the occasion of 15 June - the National Salvation Day in the Army Corps, formations, military units and special educational institutions under the Ministry of Defense, the Ministry told Trend. The military personnel visited Heydar Aliyev centers, museums, and monuments. The films on the glorious life and activities of the National Leader were shown, conferences, "round tables", various cultural and mass events were organized. At the events, the memory of National Leader of the Azerbaijani people Heydar Aliyev, and Shehids (Martyrs), who sacrificed their lives for the sovereignty and territorial integrity of Azerbaijan, was honored with observing a minute of silence. The National Anthem of the Republic of Azerbaijan was performed. Speakers at the events highlighted the work done in the country after the return of the National Leader to power for the second time, the successful continuation of his policy by President of the Republic of Azerbaijan, the Supreme Commander-in-Chief Ilham Aliyev as well as about the historical significance of the glorious victory gained in the Patriotic War. The event also featured colorful concert programs with the participation of the teams of the Army Ideological and Cultural Center named after Hazi Aslanov, the Ideological and Cultural Center of the Ganja Garrison as well as art figures. In the end, a group of military personnel who excelled in combat training were presented with honorary diplomas. BAKU, Azerbaijan, June 15. The Armenian side fired at the military personnel of the State Border Service serving at the Lachin border check point today, a a result, an Azerbaijani border serviceman was injured, Trend reports. On June 15, 2023, at 08:45 (GMT +4), as a result of opening fire from the territory of Armenia, a serviceman of the State Border Service of Azerbaijan Elshan Rustamov, who served at the Lachin border checkpoint, was injured. The Armenian armed forces' firing point was suppressed by return fire, the combat situation is under the control of Azerbaijani units. The injured soldier was given first aid, and his life is out of danger. BAKU, Azerbaijan, June 15. Distinguished Visitors Day was held as part of the "Anatolian Phoenix-2023" International Search and Rescue Exercises, conducted in Konya, Turkiye, Trend reports citing Azerbaijani Defense Ministry. First, visitors were presented with the exercises progress, objectives of the assigned tasks and statistical information on their fulfillment, as well as a short video dedicated to the international exercises. Following the official part of the event, at the training base the visitors watched the practical performance of various episodes by the participants of the "Anatolian Phoenix-2023" International Search and Rescue Exercises. It should be noted that military personnel of the Azerbaijan Air Force, Naval Forces and Special Forces represented Azerbaijan in the international exercises and showed high professionalism. Then the "Solo Turk" and "Turkish Stars" aviation groups of the Turkish Air Force carried out demonstration flights in accordance with the plan of the Distinguished Visitors Day. In the end, a photo was taken. BAKU, Azerbaijan, June 15. The implementation of the Zangazur Corridor will unite the Turkic world through land transport, Azerbaijani parliament MP Vugar Bayramov said, Trend reports. "The first state visit of Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan to Azerbaijan is one of the factors testifying to the high level of strategic relations between the two countries. Azerbaijan and Turkiye are not only brotherly states, but also support each other in the implementation of regional projects," the deputy said. According to him, one of the most important projects not only for the South Caucasus, but also for the Turkic world as a whole is he Zangazur Corridor. "Turkiye and Azerbaijan are carrying out systematic activities regarding the Zangazur Corridor. The achievement of a general agreement on the restoration of railway communication between Azerbaijan and Armenia indicates that the possibility of implementing the Zangazur Corridor is quite high," Bayramov said. He thinks that the joint activities of brotherly Azerbaijan and Turkiye, which are strategic allies, can make it possible to restore communications in the region and launch the Zangazur Corridor in a shorter time. Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan and members of the new Turkish government visited Azerbaijan on June 13. BAKU, Azerbaijan, June 15. The agreement on the construction of the railway section between Rasht and Astara will open a new chapter in the development of the North-South Transport Corridor, Minister of Transport and Urban Development of Iran, Mehrdad Bazrpash said, Trend reports. He made the remark during a panel discussion at the St. Petersburg International Economic Forum. "Over the past two years, we have taken a series of measures to develop the North-South Corridor, and the signing of the agreement for the Rasht-Astara section has been the most constructive decision. This step will open a new chapter in the development of this corridor," he said. The agreement on the construction of this railway section between Rasht and Astara, which passes through Azerbaijan, was signed on May 17 in the presence of the Presidents of Russia and Iran, Vladimir Putin and Ebrahim Raisi. According to the agreement, the construction of this railway will cost the Russian side 1.6 billion euros. The railway is planned to be put in operation within 48 months. The Rasht-Astara line will be approximately 170 km long. It is needed to connect the landlocked sections of the North-South International Transport Corridor, which will enhance the economic efficiency of the Trans-Caspian route. The railway line is expected to be built with the participation of Moscow and Tehran, while the Astara (Iranian city) - Astara (Azerbaijani city) line will involve Moscow, Tehran, and Baku. 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. BAKU, Azerbaijan, June 15. Pakistan and Azerbaijan will sign an agreement today on supplies of liquified natural gas (LNG), a source familiar with the matter told Trend. Pakistani Cabinet's Economic Coordination Committee (ECC) granted approval to a framework agreement between for the import of liquefied natural gas. The agreement will be carried out by Pakistan LNG Ltd (PLL), a state-owned company, through government-to-government trading. In order to ensure adequate LNG supply, the ECC directed the Ministry of Petroleum to assess Pakistan's LNG requirements on a rolling basis, with at least three months' advance notice. The initial duration of the agreement will be one year, with the possibility of a one-year extension. Under this agreement, Azerbaijans state oil company SOCAR will provide one LNG cargo per month, with an offer made 45 days prior to the relevant delivery window. Each cargo offer will have a specified validity period, during which PLL can accept or reject the offer. The pricing of LNG will be denominated in US dollars and offered by SOCAR to PLL. Follow the author on Twitter: @Lyaman_Zeyn An investigation into potential fraud at WANdisco has been extended, the embattled big data specialist confirmed on Thursday. The AIM-listed group said the Financial Conduct Authority had widened the time period of its probe to commence on 1 May 2021, the date on which a senior sales employee at the heart of the investigation started working at the company. WANdisco said the regulator had taken the decision after receiving FRP Advisorys independent investigation into the alleged fraud. The UK firm stunned markets in March when it said a "significant, sophisticated and potentially fraudulent irregularities" had been discovered, all of which related to orders and bookings made by one senior employee. It meant that full-year revenues should have been $9.7m instead of the $24m it posted in January, while bookings should have been $11.4m and not $127m. Management requested that trading in its shares be suspended, and brought in FRP to carry out an independent investigation. Only days previously, the firm had been reportedly considering a potential listing in New York. India achieved an all-time high in exports of seafood, both in terms of volume and value (both dollar and rupee), by shipping 17,35,286 million tonnes of seafood worth Rs 63,969.14 crore during 2022-23 despite several challenges in its major export markets like the US. According to the Commerce Ministry data, during 2022-23, the export improved in quantity terms by 26.73 percent, in rupee terms by 11.08 percent, and in dollar terms by 4.31 percent. In 2021-22, India had exported 13,69,264 million tonnes of seafood worth Rs 57,586.48 crore. Frozen shrimp remained the major export item in terms of both quantity and value while the US and China turned out to be the major importers of India's seafood. Frozen shrimp, which earned Rs 43,135.58 crore, retained its position as the most significant item in the basket of seafood exports, accounting for a share of 40.98 per cent in quantity and 67.72 per cent of the total dollar earnings. Shrimp exports during the period increased by 1.01 per cent in rupee value. The overall export of frozen shrimps during 2022-23 was pegged at 7,11,099 million tonnes. The US, the largest market, imported (2,75,662 million tonnes) of frozen shrimp, followed by China (1,45,743 million tonnes), the European Union (95,377 million tonnes), South East Asia (65,466 million tonnes), Japan (40,975 million tonnes), and the Middle East (31,647 million tonnes). Frozen fish, the second largest exported item, fetched Rs 5,503.18 crore, accounting for 21.24 per cent in quantity and 8.49 per cent in dollar earnings. This year, the export of frozen fish has increased by 62.65 per cent, 58.51 per cent, and 45.73 per cent in quantity, rupee and dollar value terms, respectively. As for overseas markets, the US continued to be the major importer of Indian seafood in value terms with an import worth $2,632.08 million, accounting for a share of 32.52 per cent in terms of dollar value. Exports to the US declined by 21.94 per cent in dollar terms due to sluggish demand. Frozen shrimp continued to be the principal item exported to the US with a share of 92.70 per cent in dollar terms. China emerged as the second largest seafood export destination from India in terms of quantity and dollar both with an import of 4,05,547 million tonnes worth $1,508.43 million, accounting for 23.37 per cent share in quantity and 18.64 per cent in dollar terms. Exports to China market grew by 51.90 per cent in quantity, 32.02 per cent in rupee value and 28.37 per cent in dollar value. The Earth experienced its third-warmest May in nearly two centuries, federal officials announced Thursday, compounding record-setting months tracked earlier this year and contributing to what is likely to be one of the top-10 hottest years on record. The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) on Thursday said global land and sea temperatures were 0.97 degrees Celsius warmer than the 20th century average, with ocean readings topping the chart for the hottest of any May since 1850. Average temperatures have risen steadily in recent decades as human-induced greenhouse gas emissions continue to climb. The ten warmest years in the climate record have all occurred since 2010, and prolonged heatwaves the deadliest form of extreme weather are expected to only become more common as the planet warms. Federal scientists said there is a near-certain chance 2023 closes as one of the top-10 hottest years ever recorded, and there is an 89% chance the year finishes in the top five. Between January and the end of May, New York, the entire East Coast and parts of the central region of the country have experienced significantly warmer-than-usual conditions, with Florida reaching its record warmest for the span, according to the NOAA. Temperatures from January to May averaged 45.2 degrees Fahrenheit, which was 1.9 degrees Fahrenheit above average, said Rocky Bilotta, an NOAA climatologist, during a phone call with reporters. This ranked as the 18th warmest year to date period on record. Drought monitors currently indicate around one-quarter of the contiguous U.S. is in a state of drought, a 6% rise from figures observed at the end of May, said Bilotta. The World Meteorological Association earlier this year warned global temperatures would likely spike over the next five years as an El Nino climate pattern, marked by above-average sea surface temperatures, took hold alongside rising emissions. A warming El Nino is expected to develop in the coming months and this will combine with human-induced climate change to push global temperatures into uncharted territory, said WMO Secretary-General Petteri Taalas. This will have far-reaching repercussions for health, food security, water management and the environment. We need to be prepared. Average global temperatures have already raised at least 1.1 degrees Celsius since the mid-19th century and are approaching 1.2 degrees Celsius. A recent U.N. report found the planet is currently on pace to warm between 2.1 to 2.9 degrees by the end of the century. RELATED COVERAGE: Staten Island and climate change The citys juvenile detention centers are using classrooms as jail cells nearly every day as staff struggle with an increase in violence, according to a Gothamist report. It is so common now that detainees are fighting with each other, employees told the outlet they have no choice but to lock the kids in classrooms with a staffer; often into the early morning. Sometimes youth sleep on chairs lined in a row. Nine current and former staffers, educators and former detainees who spoke to Gothamist all described the same practice. An employee at one of the detention centers described kids being confined to classrooms as a security measure every day from 5 a.m. until 11 p.m. with at most a sheet and a box of cards if they are lucky enough. Horizon Juvenile Detention Center ( Google Maps) The same source described to Gothamist a detainment lasting from around 3 p.m. to midnight without a meal or bathroom break. Two juvenile facilities in New York City house around 200 individuals between the ages of 12 and 21 while they await sentencing. Theres one in Brooklyn and one in the Bronx. There are around 20 classrooms at both locations. The centers are run by the Administration for Childrens Services (ACS), which according to the outlet did not respond to questions. An educator at Crossroads claimed the practice began this school year. BAKU, Azerbaijan, June 15. Overall, $110 million worth of various currencies were exchanged at the Currency and Gold Exchange Center in Iran under the NIMA exchange rate, on June 14, 2023, Trend reports. Meanwhile, a total of $164 million worth of foreign currency was put up for sale at the center under the NIMA rate on the mentioned day. The Currency and Gold Exchange Center was launched operating in Iran on February 21, 2023, in order to prevent the sharp increase in the price of foreign currencies on the black market. The Central Bank of Iran (CBI) created the NIMA system in 2018 for exporters to sell a portion of their export earnings to banks to eliminate the shortage of foreign currency in the country for various reasons (sanctions, economic situation, etc.). In this system, exporters who earned more than 1 million euros from export a year must sell a portion of their export earnings to banks at the NIMA rate. Later, banks used to sell foreign currency to importers for the import of several products at this rate. The Central Bank of Iran has not imposed rules on exporters that earned from exporting less than 1 million euros a year. Those with total exports of 1-3 million euros per year are required to offer 50 percent of their received foreign exchange from the government through the NIMA system. The traders with annual exports of 3 to 10 million euros are obliged to offer 70 percent. Those with exports of above 10 million euros per year must offer 90 percent of the received foreign exchange at NIMA. There are four exchange rates in Iran: - The official exchange rate, where $1 equals 42,000 Iranian rials and 1 euro equals 45,595 rials. In Iran, the official exchange rate is used for the import of some essential products. - SANA system is a system introduced by the Central Bank of Iran to the currency exchange offices, where the price of 1 euro is 449,001 rials, and the price of $1 is 413,593 rials. - NIMA is a system intended for the sale of a certain percentage of the foreign currency gained from export. The price of 1 euro in this system is 408,183 rials, and the price of $1 is 375,994 rials. - The black market, where, $1 is worth about 485,000-488,000 rials, while 1 euro is worth about 527,000-530,000 rials. --- Follow the author on Twitter:@BaghishovElnur STATEN ISLAND, N.Y. Police arrested two suspects in a robbery where a 17-year-old boy allegedly was kicked in the head in Greenridge. Anthony Greco, 43, of the 300 block of Arthur Kill Road in Great Kills, and a 15-year-old boy were apprehended on Wednesday shortly after 7 p.m. in connection with the incident that allegedly occurred on Tuesday at about 6 p.m. in the vicinity of Arthur Kill Road and Token Street, according to a statement from the NYPDs Deputy Commissioner of Public Information. Greco was charged by police with robbery, according to the statement. Information about Grecos attorney is not yet available in public records and the NYPD does not identify minors accused of crimes. POLICE SEEK THE PUBLICS HELP Earlier on Wednesday, the NYPD asked for the publics help to located two individuals sought in the incident and a white van. Police released photos of the individuals sought for questioning. Police previously said that two males approached the 17-year-old boy who was walking at that location. One of the individuals allegedly punched the 17-year-old boy and held him down while another individual kicked him in the head. The individuals then repeatedly punched the victim before using force to remove the victims cell phone and keys, according to the police statement. The individuals then fled in an unknown direction in a white van, the police statement said. The victim, whose injuries included lacerations on his head, was transported in stable condition to Staten Island University Hospital in Princes Bay. Although badly beaten, he is expected to survive, according to a source with knowledge of the investigation. SOURCE DETAILS ALLEGED BEATDOWN The individuals sought for questioning allegedly hopped out of the van when they saw the victim walking on the street. The adult man allegedly punched the victim and held him down while the teen individual allegedly kicked the victim in the head. Authorities are looking into whether the victim and the teen suspect knew each other and had some type of prior incident that sparked the assault on Tuesday, the source said. RELATED COVERAGE: Recent Staten Island news >> Ex-cop from Staten Island, Justin Volpe, released early from prison for brutal assault of Abner Louima >> NYPD: Brooklyn woman allegedly tried to set fire at precinct stationhouse on Staten Island >> NYPD seeks tips in alleged assault at carnival outside Staten Island Mall >> Staten Island woman, 45, charged in NYC fatal shooting that started as minor family dispute >> Lawsuit: Family suffered shock, horror after hand of buried mom was found in S.I. woods >> FDNY fights 2-alarm fire at popular restaurant on Staten Island; 1 firefighter taken to hospital; strip mall damaged >> Man, 42, accused of attempted murder in stabbing on South Shore of Staten Island >> Details emerge about fake-gun scare at Tottenville High School on Staten Island Two Americans found dead inside their hotel room in Mexico on Tuesday have been identified, according to media reports. The victims were John Heathco, 41, and Abby Lutz, 22, the Baja California Sur Attorney Generals Office told ABC News. Lutz was from Newport Beach, California, said the news outlet. The cause of death was intoxication by substance to be determined, ABC News reported. The pair had been dead for at least 10 hours. The victims were staying at Hotel Rancho Pescadero, said ABC News, which is listed as a luxury hotel and a Hyatt property. There were no signs of violence on their bodies, the attorney generals office told ABC News in a statement. Police and paramedics who arrived at the scene Tuesday around 9 p.m. observed the two Americans had no vital signs, said the report. The investigation remains ongoing, according to the attorney general. They may have literally tried to sugarcoat it, but a drug syndicate was caught attempting to smuggle methamphetamine in shipments of maple syrup and canola oil from Canada to Australia and New Zealand, the Associated Press reported. Over the course of five months, authorities from the three nations collaborated on busting the sticky scheme allegedly worth billions of dollars, the report said. Authorities said they found six tons in four separate shipments of liquid meth hidden in 180 bottles of canola oil (766 gallons) headed to Australia. Meanwhile, police said the group hid more than three-quarters of a ton of meth in a shipment of maple syrup which was intercepted at the New Zealand border, according to the report. Authorities in New Zealand and Australia announced at least a dozen arrests with more expected to come, while Canadian authorities said the case is still under investigation, the report went on to say. A 25-year-old woman has been arrested for allegedly stabbing a mother who was with her young daughter earlier this week in Brooklyn. Lequasiah Lawrence, who police said is experiencing homelessness, has been charged with attempted murder and assault following the stabbing of a 34-year-old mother Monday afternoon, according to the NYPD. Lawrence allegedly set her sights on the mother after witnessing the woman yelling at her 3-year-old daughter, a bystander told the New York Post. Lawrence then pulled out a knife and allegedly stabbed the victim in the chest and multiple times in both legs. I didnt provoke her, the mother told The Post. I dont know this person. I dont want her to stab my daughter. I can handle myself. Its real crazy. All I saw was she was going for my daughter and I had to step in. STATEN ISLAND, N.Y. The New York City area received a much needed break from the smoke from the Canadian wildfires this week but we have not seen the last of their effects, according to forecasts. While wildfires are still burning in numerous parts of Canada, the conditions that combined to make an orange haze settle over Staten Island last week are unlikely to line up again, at least in the short term, the Advance/SILive.com previously reported. At the peak of the wildfire smoke in the city, the Air Quality Index (AQI) rating reached the 484 mark the highest measure on the scale since the 1960s, according to the Environmental Protection Agency. Theres going to be more smoke working its way down from Canada in the next couple of days but the greatest density right now is forecasted to be over the Midwest [region], said Alex Lamers, warning coordination meteorologist at the National Weather Service. The meteorologist said there is still a small chance of smoke in the New York City area heading into Friday, but right now forecasts show more dense and more widespread smoke further west of New York. As we get closer to the weekend there be might some smoke but not as intense as we saw last week. Forecasters have previously said small changes in wind direction can have an impact on where the smoke will ultimately go. Lamers advised there still might be periodic decreases in air quality this weekend but it is unlikely to reach the levels seen last week. The deteriorated conditions were caused by smoke from some 250 wildfires in Canada over the past several days. The smoke traveled through the atmosphere, bringing particulate matter a mixture of solid and liquid pollutants down the East Coast of the United States. The citys Department of Health and Mental Hygiene offered the following tips to protect vulnerable residents: STATEN ISLAND, N.Y. -- Three maintenance workers at one of the boroughs bus depots repeatedly left their posts early but continued to rake in overtime pay, according to a new investigation. On Wednesday, the Office of the MTA Inspector General announced the results of a recent investigation uncovering repeated overtime abuse by three workers and failure to adequately supervise employees by two supervisors at the Yukon Bus Depot in New Springville. The three bus maintainers, all of whom had worked in their current positions for over a decade, regularly left the depot during their overtime shifts last summer, often times driving home early and in some cases asking others to clock them out. The Bus Maintainers committed overtime abuse, submitted false time records, and received pay for overtime hours that they did not work in violation of the MTA All Agency Code of Ethics 9.01 and NYC Transit Rules 2(b), 5(a), 6(b), and 8(a), according to the report. Throughout the investigation, the bus maintainers routinely left the depot for anywhere from two to six hours at a time during their eight-hour overtime shifts. Two of three would return to the depot towards the end of their shifts to clock out, while the third, who lived further away, would have another employee clock out for him and return his ID card the next day. One of the bus maintainers was surveilled on 12 days and found to have left early during all 12. Another was surveilled for 13 days, also leaving early on each and every one. On one occasion, a bus maintainer was observed in their houses driveway working on their Mercedes Benz during the middle of an overtime shift, later returning to the depot in said vehicle to clock-out. Additionally, two supervisors who were responsible for overseeing the overtime-abusing bus maintainers were found to be unaware of their employees early departures, thus failing to fulfill their duties of adequately supervising their employees. The line supervisors failed to properly supervise the bus maintainers. Despite claiming to require notification if an employee leaves the depot, the line supervisors did not know that the bus maintainers had been leaving the depot during overtime repeatedly for months, according to the report. The three bus maintainers and two supervisors have been disciplined by the MTA for their actions, according to MTA officials. All five employees were suspended without pay pending a hearing, with both supervisors being suspended an additional 20 days without pay following the conclusion of their respective hearings. Two of the three bus maintainers are no longer with the MTA, with the remaining employee able to return to work once theyve returned their fraudulent overtime payments. Overtime abuse is not tolerated at New York City Transit. We hold employees to the highest standard, those who claim fraudulent overtime are disciplined appropriately, and we continue to improve accountability, said MTA spokesperson Michael Cortez. MORE MTA NEWS MTA to pilot 5 free NYC bus routes, with 1 on Staten Island, as part of state budget deal MTA bus-mounted camera program expanded to ticket double-parkers, bike lane blockers, more MTA now allowing e-bikes on buses, subways, commuter rails MTA removes free Wi-Fi from all NYC buses, citing low usage NYC mass transit riders, heres how to recover items lost on MTA buses and subways STATEN ISLAND, N.Y. Sharks will take over your TV for four weeks this July during National Geographics eleventh annual SharkFest. The must-see summer event starts on Sunday, July 2, featuring cutting-edge technology and industry-leading experts. SharkFest is sure to entertain, with fours week of shark programming to showcase the science, power and beauty of these underwater creatures all available on National Geographic, Nat Geo WILD, Nat Geo Mundo, Disney+ and Hulu. If you are cord-cutter you can watch SharkFest on fuboTV, which is currently offering a free trial. WATCH SHARKFEST ON FUBOTV There will be four weeks of shark programming, as SharkFest will explore the waters across the nation in Massachusetts, Florida, Hawaii, New York, South Carolina, and around the world in Australia, the Bahamas, Canada, Indonesia, South Africa, the United Kingdom and more for a global underwater adventure. Disney+ and Hulu will stream every SharkFest premiere as they roll out over the course of the month-long, jaw-dropping programming event. The Nat Geo TV app and ABC app will have a SharkFest collection page that will feature episodes from previous years of SharkFest. Get Disney+ with Hulu Meanwhile, Disney Channel will make waves with kid-centric shark content from Saturday, July 8, through Sunday, July 9. Disney XD will feature 10 hours of shark-themed content from Monday, July 3, through Friday, July 7, and DisneyNOW will have shark-themed content on its homepage all month long through August. In addition to its annual television event, National Geographic funds scientists and storytellers from around the world to protect sharks and their ocean home. You can join National Geographic Society in protecting our ocean at natgeo.com/ocean. Heres a look at the full schedule of new programming for SharkFest first premiering on National Geographic, Disney+, and Hulu. Dates are subject to change, and episodes are typically available on other platforms, including Nat Geo WILD and ESPN2, later in the month. Sign up for Hulu here. Sunday, July 2 8 p.m. Bull Shark Bandits Shark biologists Dr. Johan Gustafson and Dr. Mariel Familiar Lopez investigate rising reports of bull sharks stealing from fishermen in Weipa, northern Australia. Could this methodical and radical shift in behavior provide new evidence of shark intelligence? To find out, the team deploys groundbreaking experiments and technology, including a new prototype diving cage. 9 p.m. Shark Eat Shark Around the world, reports of shark-on-shark attacks are on the rise. Now, off South Africas dramatic southern coast, a new hotspot has emerged a bay where white sharks hunt other sharks. In a groundbreaking investigation, Enrico Gennari and Lacey Williams lead a team of experts into the deep to capture conclusive evidence of SHARKS EATING SHARKS! 10 p.m. Saved From A Shark The scientific community is divided as to whether dolphins or whales will deliberately save a person from a shark attack. But the people who have lived through these terrifying encounters dont doubt what happened. Monday, July 3 8 p.m. When Sharks Attack 360 (six-episode series), with new episodes on each night through July 11. An international team hunts for clues as its investigates why sharks bite humans. The experts unravel the surprising threads that link these incidents. As the evidence mounts, they analyze data in a cutting-edge VFX shark lab to understand in forensic detail why sharks attack. 9 p.m. Return Of The White Shark Hundreds of great white sharks have recently appeared on the doorstep of one of Americas most popular tourist destinations, hunting in ways never documented before. To understand why the sharks are here and what this means for Cape Cod, a team of scientists are studying this new phenomenon to try to keep people safe. Are the sharks changing the natural ecosystem or restoring it? 10 p.m. Bull Shark Vs. Hammerhead In Florida, a rare event between top ocean predators was captured on video: bull sharks attacking a great hammerhead. Shark experts launch an investigation pinning one against the other. They put experiments to the test to see what happens when these top predators come head-to-head. Wednesday, July 5 9 p.m. Shark Below Zero White sharks have been spotted across Canada as far north as the coast of Newfoundland. After the first suspected white shark attack in Canada for over 150 years, experts Greg Skomal, Heather Bowlby, Megan Winton and Warren Joyce investigate what drives white sharks journey to the northernmost limit of their range. 10 p.m. Sharkano: Hawaii To find out why sharks are drawn to Hawaiis volcanoes, biologists Dr. Mike Heithaus and Dr. Frances Farabaugh free dive with one of the most dangerous sharks: the tiger shark. Thursday, July 6 9 p.m. When Sharks Attack...And Why, eight-episode series, with new episodes each night through July 12. From Americas coastlines to exotic beaches around the world, shark attacks are becoming more unpredictable. Many of these attacks occur suddenly, in large numbers and in unexpected locations puzzling locals and scientists alike. Experts investigate these mysterious incidents to discover what is affecting some of natures most feared fish. 10 p.m. Sharks Vs. Dolphins: Bahamas Battleground In the Bahamas, more than 30% of dolphins have shark-bite scars. With a never-before-seen non-toxic gel bite pad and life-sized dolphin decoy, Dr. Mike Heithaus and Dr. Valeria Paz collect bite impressions from three shark species that might be the predators. Bites from bull sharks, tiger sharks and great hammerheads up to 14 feet long are compared to scars photographed on dolphins. SHARK WEEK Discovery Channels Shark Week will also be airing next mont, typically running for eight days. The official dates for Shark Week this year have yet to be announced, though there is speculation it will begin on Tuesday, July 11, and wrap up on Tuesday, July 18. This year, actor Jason Momoa will host the week-long shark extravaganza, serving as the master of ceremonies. Momoa is the second person to host the beloved event, following Dwayne The Rock Johnson, who served in the same position during Shark Week 2022. He will be the prelude to new thrilling specials throughout the week, guiding millions across the world through exciting, shark-filled adventures. If you cant wait for programming to start next month, take a swim through the best of Shark Week for the most impressive breaches, biggest discoveries, and jaw-some moments from Shark Week 2022, Discovery suggested. Like last year, Shark Week will also have shows on its streaming platform discoveryplus.com, which you can find on a variety of platforms and devices, including those from Amazon, Apple, Google, Microsoft, Roku and Samsung. FOLLOW ANNALISE KNUDSON ON FACEBOOK AND TWITTER. 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! An official welcome ceremony has today been held for Prime Minister of the Islamic Republic of Pakistan Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif, who is on an official visit to Azerbaijan, Azernews reports. A guard of honor was arranged for the Pakistani Prime Minister in the square decorated with the national flags of the two countries. President of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev welcomed Prime Minister of Pakistan Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif. The chief of the guard of honor reported to the Prime Minister of Pakistan. Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif saluted the Azerbaijani soldiers. President Ilham Aliyev and Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif reviewed the guard of honor. The national anthems of the Islamic Republic of Pakistan and the Republic of Azerbaijan were played. The delegation of Azerbaijan was introduced to the Prime Minister of Pakistan, while the delegation of Pakistan was introduced to the President of Azerbaijan. The guard of honor marched in front of President Ilham Aliyev and Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif to the accompaniment of a military march. President Ilham Aliyev and Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif posed for official photos. ASTANA, Kazakhstan, June 15. Today,Italy is one of the TOP-10 investors in the economy of Kazakhstan, Marco Alberti, Ambassador of Italy in Kazakhstan, told Trend on the sidelines of the Astana International Forum (AIF 2023) held in Kazakhstan's capital on June 8-9. "We have around 250 companies with the Italian capital in Kazakhstan, and we believe that there is a great potential to develop our bilateral relations at various levels," he said. Ambassador Alberti also noted that Italy is also the first importer of Kazakh goods. "Italy wants to increase its presence on the Kazakh market, as well as transform our bilateral cooperation from the privileged relations that we have into strategic partnership. The most promising field are, energy, first of all, and not only traditional energy, but also green energy, agribusiness, and also new sectors, like creative industries and more strategic activities on the transformation of goods, and not only. Some of those 250 companies that are already present in Kazakhstan are also engaged in transport and logistics sectors. Hence, we also seek to explore and deepen partnership with Kazakhstan in this regard, considering the possibilities of new corridors opening up via the country," the ambassador added. As the Italian ambassador pointed out, the Astana International Forum is exactly the right platform to discuss the global issues of the day and also consider new business opportunities that Kazakhstan offers. "Italy is here to support Kazakhstan's foreign policy in terms of opening up the dialogue at the international level," Alberti added. BARBARA FRANCES (BARB) KELLY January 24, 1968-December 14, 2022 Barbara Kelly, one of Australias most creative and wide-ranging linguists, who died in late December, was perhaps the most optimistic and resilient person I have known a unique individual, courageous, original, funny and out-of-the-box. She was a true intellectual, and every conversation with her was like seeing the world through a different prism. She suffered major health problems throughout her life, colorectal cancer before she turned 40 and heart failure at 52 she was revived by a new friend via CPR in the middle of a party in another friends backyard. But she danced past every bullet and kept running, wild, into the wind of life. She had brushed with death so many times that her family and friends had come to think she was indestructible. Barb was a struggletown kid from Gippsland and later from Frankston. Her upbringing, as the youngest of a large sibling set whose oldest, Mark, differed enough in age to be both her big brother and her godfather, was a classic Victorian Irish Catholic story. Her mother Margaret, who had worked in the railways but also briefly at The Age, was nearly 43 when she gave birth to her, had been told that it would endanger her own life to continue the pregnancy, but carried it through anyway. Barb came early, at 31 weeks, and spent the first two months of her life in a humidicrib at Royal Childrens Hospital just a stones throw from where she would end up working at the University of Melbourne. Like Barb, her mum suffered many health problems and, ironically, died far too early at 54, the same age as Barb when she passed. Coupled with the bankruptcy of her father Basils auto parts business in Frankston soon after, this left the teenage Barb looking after the household through tough times. Already apparent, despite her always-fragile health, was her love of sport, especially netball, and her ability to juggle caring for others with her own studies and the love of reading she got from her mum. Her brother, Tony, and some friends clubbed together to buy her a bookshelf at 14 and hit the Melbourne bookshops for second-hand books to fill it, from Joseph Conrad to Mills & Boon; shed read them all in a couple of months. Save Log in , register or subscribe to save articles for later. Save articles for later Add articles to your saved list and come back to them any time. Got it Normal text size Larger text size Very large text size Welcome back to Yours.Sincerely. This week, thousands of letter writers and online commenters expressed their views on the proposed Voice to parliament and explained why they would be voting No, or Yes. Illustration: John Shakespeare Credit: Can the referendum be postponed? As support for the No case in the Indigenous Voice referendum solidifies, does Anthony Albanese wonder if he should have gone about the issue differently? Hundreds of readers responded to this question, posed by columnist Shaun Carney. Loading Alexander Peron I admire the guts shown by the PM in moving to establish the referendum. I also admire his nerve in allowing the people of Australia to make up their own minds as to how they will vote; its early days. If the referendum sinks, it will not be the fault of the PM, it will be the will of the people. MWD We cant postpone the referendum to Labors second term. Imagine how much more damage Dutton and co will have done to goodwill by then. I despair for this country, really I do. Advertisement Andrew Macintosh, Cromer If those who believe in a fair go for First Nations people dont get behind the Yes vote, its vale the Voice. Illustration: John Shakespeare Credit: John Shakespeare Do we not alter the Constitution? This weeks Resolve Political Monitor highlighted the grave danger of defeat for the prime minister and Yes campaigners unless they take drastic action to save their cause, wrote chief political correspondent David Crowe. Readers told us where they stand. Andy There will be no referendum, not with the current question. Time to withdraw. Nixon There is absolutely no reason to alter the Constitution to improve the lives of disadvantaged Indigenous people. This is just the emotionally driven con job being promulgated by the Yes campaign. Loading Advertisement supernova Vote Yes. The Voice will absolutely make a difference. ha If pro-Voice advocates really believe the line of joining a conversation, then they need a reminder that a conversation is much more than one voice overriding all others. What began with such noble intent has failed to articulate and, more importantly, failed to listen. Stag Man Why do we need a Voice? Governments already have the power to effect change if they have the will. Looks like tokenism to me. Mr Greengrass Please, vote Yes. It will make Australia a better place. The Wise Old Bird Until its explained in full and thoroughly understood by the layperson, I will be voting with a big question mark. Peter Campbell, Potts Point As a privileged descendent of a not so fabulous First Fleeter I dont need to wade through an abundance of explanations as to why this should happen. To me, the Voice is an article of faith and long overdue. Illustration: Matt Golding Credit: Advertisement Is the Voice debate dragged down by partisan politics? Federal politics reporter Paul Sakkal wrote that campaigners against the Voice referendum were copying Donald Trump by weaponising misinformation, as Voice backers implored Australians to keep faith in the reconciliation push. Loading Barry Ffrench, Cronulla The referendum on the Voice is really about two voices one, the representative voice for our First Nations people and, secondly, Australias moral and political voice on the world stage. Surely if as a nation we decide that our Indigenous people should remain mute, then so must the whole Australian nation remain silent when it comes to international human rights and social justice conversations. The choice is that stark. The responsibility that important. The Yes vote that significant. Philip Jirman, Wallabi Point It seems to me that the logical sequence would be the Voice, then Treaty part of which would/could include the notion of removing the Voice. Jill Napier, Phegans Bay The No campaigners are effectively saying an advisory group drawn from less than 4 per cent of the population advising only on matters affecting this less than 4 per cent will somehow disrupt harmony in Australia. Am I missing something? rh100 It could be that misinformation is out there because the government has not provided any detail on the Voice. Advertisement The final moments of two police officers and a neighbour who were gunned down before they could attempt to stop their attackers during the 2022 Wieambilla shootings have been revealed in a pre-inquest hearing. State Coroner Terry Ryan on Thursday opened the first hearing into the shooting, now deemed a religiously motivated terrorist attack, and will investigate how Nathaniel, Gareth and Stacey Train gunned down three people on December 12. On their secluded property near Tara, about 3 hours west of Brisbane, the Trains shot constables Rachel McCrow, 29, and Matthew Arnold, 26, after police had responded with their colleagues to a welfare check for Nathaniel, who had been missing from NSW. According to the National Statistics Committee, Kyrgyzstan exported 598.305 kg of gold to Switzerland in April, Trend reports. The data for January to March indicated that 645.255 kg were delivered to Switzerland during those months. Overall, from January to April, the export of precious metals to Switzerland increased to 1,243.285 kg, showing a 90% growth. The total value of the gold sold to Switzerland in the four-month period is estimated at $78,223,900, averaging $62.9 per gram or $1,956.9 per ounce, which closely aligns with the gold price on the London Stock Exchange. In total, Kyrgyzstan exported 1,411.168 kg of gold from January to April, generating a total revenue of $87,922,749. The breakdown of exports includes 167.882 kg to China (Hong Kong) valued at $9,698,859, averaging $1,796.9 per ounce. The majority, accounting for 88% of the total volume, was exported to Switzerland, amounting to 1,243.285 kg. An application for judicial review has been lodged against West Australian Fisheries Minister Don Punch over the state governments controversial demersal fishing restrictions. Supreme Court documents obtained by this masthead show the application is in relation to changes to the West Coast Demersal Scalefish Resource, which have effectively halved the total allowable catch per boat. chief executive Dr Andrew Rowland, Lake Kununurra Barramundi Stocking Group president Dylan Hearty and Fisheries Minister Don Punch at the Lake Kununurra community barramundi release in 2021. Credit: Zach Relph A drastic extension of the two-month demersal closure for recreational fishers between Kalbarri and Augusta was first floated back in August, with the government settling on a six-month ban in December. Under the sweeping changes, aimed at boosting the recovery of demersal scalefish species including dhufish and pink snapper, a boat limit of four demersal scalefish now applies for recreational fishers, as well as gear restrictions, the removal of size limits and a quota system for charter operators. Oxford: Scott Morrison says Chinese President Xi Jinping must be regarded as a serious figure who means exactly what he says, as he warned Beijing could be encouraged to seize Taiwan if the West does not strongly support Ukraine and start to reverse a fading belief in liberal values. The former prime minister used a speech to Britains Oxford Union, one of the worlds most prestigious debating chambers, to express concern that digital echo chambers and so-called cancel culture have fuelled enthusiasm for society to disown past transgressions without appreciating reasons for success. Scott Morrison meets with President Xi Jinping during the G20 in Osaka in 2019. Credit: Adam Taylor He told the democratic world it must be careful how it judges those responsible for abhorrent practices of the past, warning that the enemies of freedom will welcome an appetite for self-loathing with open arms. Morrison, in the United Kingdom for an event to mark the 40th anniversary of the International Democrat Union, an alliance of centre-right political parties, said the like-minded nations would need true believers in the fight for peace, freedom and respect for human dignity, arguing that China would be buoyed in its quest to seize Taiwan if the Wests support for Ukraine was to dry up. Sydneys developers have never been huge fans of providing affordable housing but now the state government has dangled some pretty irresistible enticements to help change their minds. Big developers are to be given stronger incentives to build higher, denser housing developments that override local environment plans under the governments first major reform to help solve Sydneys housing affordability crisis. According to the Heralds Sydney editor Michael Koziol, large developments over $75 million containing at least 15 per cent of affordable housing that is, homes typically offered at 20-25 per cent below the market rate for 15 years, often managed by not-for-profits will attract provisions allowing a 30 per cent floor space bonus and a height bonus of 30 per cent above what is permitted under the controls set by corresponding local council environment plans. Premier Chris Minns has also asked government departments and agencies to identify surplus public land to be redeveloped into housing and will set a 30 per cent target for social and affordable housing in any development on that land. Singapore: The head of Islamic State in South-East Asia has been killed by government forces in the Philippines in a key blow in the fight against violent extremism in the region. Abu Zacharia was the leader of Daulah Islamiyah-Maute, which laid siege to the city of Marawi in 2017. Abu Zacharia was shot dead by soldiers after resisting arrest and throwing a grenade during a raid on the southern island of Mindanao, the Armed Forces of the Philippines announced. Also known as Faharudin Hadji Benito Satar, he was the leader of Islamic State in the Philippines where it is known as the Daulah Islamiyah-Maute terrorist group and was the so-called emir (commander) of IS in South-East Asia, according to Philippine authorities. Abu Zacharia was killed in an operation on Wednesday in Marawi, which still bears the scars of a five-month-long siege by IS-affiliated militants and a battle with Philippine forces in which 1200 people died, hundreds of thousands were displaced, and the city was destroyed. Gong Ziji was sceptical when he heard Halle Bailey had been cast as Ariel in The Little Mermaid. Gong, like many Chinese fans of the film, found it jarred with his childhood memories of the Disney princess. The 21-year-old from Chongqing in south-western China has a collection of more than 40 Ariel dolls. All of them have red hair and white skin. But he wept when he heard Bailey, a black R&B singer from Atlanta, Georgia, sing Part of Your World, the epic hit track that straddles Ariels identities: mermaid and human. Little Mermaid collector Gong Ziji. I burst into tears immediately when I heard her singing. As a big fan of The Little Mermaid, I was not satisfied with the casting at the beginning but was completely convinced she was a perfect fit for the role, Gong said. This song encourages people to change and discover the real you, it moved me a lot. Berlin: An American man has been arrested over the death of an American tourist and an assault on another near Neuschwanstein castle in southern Germany after he allegedly pushed the two women down a steep slope. The incident near the popular tourist attraction happened on Wednesday afternoon near the Marienbruecke, a bridge over a gorge close to the castle that offers a famous view of Neuschwanstein. People watch the Neuschwanstein castle, in Schwangau, Germany. Credit: AP The 30-year-old man met the two female tourists, ages 21 and 22, on a hiking path and lured them onto a trail that leads to a viewpoint, police said in a statement. The younger of the two women was attacked by the suspect, said police spokesman Holger Stabik. The older one tried to rush to her aid, was then choked by the suspect and subsequently pushed down a slope. BAKU, Azerbaijan, June 15. The UN Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), in collaboration with the Association of Women Farmers of Uzbekistan and the Tashkent State Agrarian University, has organized training sessions to develop beekeeping skills for rural residents in Uzbekistan's Kasansay and Yangikurgan districts of Namangan region, as well as the Markhamat district of Andijan region, Trend reports. These training events are part of the "Joint Prosperity through Cooperation in Border Regions of Kyrgyzstan and Uzbekistan" project. According to the project team, enhancing the potential of beekeepers will contribute to increased productivity and income for residents in the project areas, while also providing potential opportunities for collaboration in border regions. The training sessions took place on June 14-15 in Namangan, and further sessions are scheduled for June 17 in Andijan. Approximately 100 participants, selected from socially vulnerable segments of the population in the project areas, attended the training. During the FAO-organized beekeeping training, participants gained basic knowledge in beekeeping practices and learned about modern approaches to bee breeding. These skills will enable them to expand their apiaries and increase their income in the future. Overall, FAO has been actively involved in the development of beekeeping in Uzbekistan. For instance, within another FAO project, "Supporting Sustainable Development of Beekeeping," implemented in Uzbekistan from 2019 to 2021, an Innovative Information Exchange System for beekeepers was created. This mobile application provides users with real-time access to all the necessary educational and statistical information for beekeeping activities. By Catherine Sas, K.C. Special to The Post Today, June 14, 2023, Minister of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC), the Honorable Sean Fraser, did something truly honorable for international students in Canada who have been victims of immigration fraud by unscrupulous representatives - he introduced a policy directing immigration officers and Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) officers to grant a temporary resident permit to students who have actually studied in Canada and were clearly unaware of the improper actions of their representatives. Many news stories over the past months have reported about approximately 700 international students who learned, only after they have completed their studies and applied for permanent residence (PR) in Canada, that their initial study permits were issued based upon fraudulent acceptance letters from an educational institution provided to them by their immigration consultant. Several stories also highlighted that many students were being issued removal orders and being deported from Canada for misrepresentation. (For our other blogs about misrepresentation in the Canadian immigration process please see this link: https://canadian-visa-lawyer.com/?s=misrepresentation) Make no mistake, misrepresentation is a serious problem in Canadas immigration program and the penalties for either direct or indirect misrepresentation are harsh - a person must depart Canada and face a five-year ban from applying to return to Canada. Please note the distinction - it is a ban from applying to return to Canada - and not just returning to Canada. For persons from countries who require visas to come to Canada, the misrepresentation penalty can extend for much longer than five years as immigration officers take dishonesty in our immigration program extremely seriously and often wont grant visas to those persons who seek to return to Canada after five years. The life of an international student is not an easy one. In addition to being separated from their families and adapting to a new country and culture and sometimes a new language, the cost of their studies in Canada is generally three times that of which Canadian students pay. This puts considerable pressure on themselves and their families to afford them the opportunity to gain a Canadian education and ultimately Canadian permanent residence. The relief that Minister Fraser is providing to these students who have genuinely pursued their post secondary education in Canada is to confirm that they will not be deported from Canada and will be able to obtain a temporary resident permit (TRP) allowing them to remain lawfully in Canada and also obtain work permits while their status is reviewed. What is a TRP? A TRP is a discretionary permit that an officer can grant that overcomes an inadmissibility, such as coming to Canada on a fraudulent document to allow them to remain in Canada with valid status. It is a powerful tool in an IRCC or CBSA officers arsenal to overcome situations of injustice or hardship adversely affecting a foreign national in Canada. International students contribute much to Canada both in the cultural fabric of our communities and their contribution to the economy both during and after completing their studies. They have the opportunity to become familiar with the Canadian way of life while at the same time obtaining their education which enhances their ability to better integrate into the workforce upon graduation. Minister Frasers announcement today recognizes the value that international students bring to Canada and addresses the injustice that these students are facing through no fault of their own. Thank you Minister Fraser for doing the right thing for our international students! For the full announcement see: https://www.canada.ca/en/immigration-refugees-citizenship/news/2023/06/statement-from-minister-fraser-concerning-reports-of-international-student-fraud.html Catherine Sas, K.C. has over 30 years of legal experience. She provides a full range of immigration services and is a leading immigration practitioner (Lexpert, Whos Who Legal, Best Lawyers in Canada). Go to canadian-visa-lawyer.com or email [email protected]. BAKU, Azerbaijan, June 15. There is seriousness on the part of both Iran and the US to restore the agreement on Iran's nuclear program, Omani Foreign Minister Sayyid Badr Al Busaidi said, Trend reports. The minister noted that positive conditions have been created for the restoration of the deal. Al Busaidi added that Oman offered to help both sides. "Muscat believes that Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei has a strong will to reach an agreement. If the opposite side shows mutual goodwill, Iran is ready to go forward," he said. In January 2016, JCPOA was launched between Iran and the P5+1 group (US, Russia, China, UK, France, and Germany) in connection with Iran's nuclear program. In May 2018, the US announced its withdrawal from the deal and imposed sanctions on Iran in November of the same year. To preserve the agreements reached as part of the JCPOA, the European signatories of the deal started in January 2019 that a financial mechanism for maintaining trade with Iran called INSTEX was formed. On May 8, 2019, Iran announced that it had ceased fulfilling its commitments regarding the sale of over 300 kilograms of uranium, as stated in the deal, basing its decision on the other signatories that have not fulfilled their obligations. On July 7, Iran announced that it will not be fulfilling its commitments regarding the enrichment of uranium at 3.67 percent and the reconstruction of the Arak Heavy Water Reactor Facility as stated in the deal. Iran announced that it will enrich uranium using next-generation centrifuges and will not mix it with the enriched uranium residues as part of the third step of reducing commitments in JCPOA on Sept.5. On Nov. 5, 2019, Iran announced that it took the fourth step in connection with reducing its commitments to the nuclear agreement. So, uranium gas is being pumped to the centrifuges at the Fordow Fuel Enrichment Plant. On Jan.2020, Iran took the last fifth step in reducing the number of its commitments within JCPOA. On May 8, 2018, the US announced its withdrawal from the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA) between Iran and the 5+1 group (Russia, China, the UK, France, the US, and Germany), and imposed new sanctions against Iran as of November 2018. Over the past period, the sanctions affected Iranian oil exports, more than 700 banks, companies, and individuals. The sanctions have resulted in the freezing of Iranian assets abroad. --- Follow the author on Twitter:@BaghishovElnur BAKU, Azerbaijan, June 15. Germany's newly published national security strategy has blamed Iran for blocking of a nuclear arms deal with world powers, Trend reports. The strategy, consisting of a 76-page document, emphasizes that Iran's regional activities and its conventional missile program are contributing to heightened tensions. The document highlights Iran's human rights violations and its ongoing pursuit of nuclear ambitions, including the production of highly enriched fissile material. The report, approved by Chancellor Olaf Scholz's cabinet, also states that Iran has obstructed efforts to revive the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action, the 2015 agreement that aimed to curb Iran's nuclear activities in exchange for lifted sanctions. Since the US withdrew from the deal in 2018, Iran has openly exceeded the agreed-upon limits, such as enriching uranium to a level deemed inconsistent with civilian purposes by Western powers. The German security blueprint further expresses concern that Iran's missile program and regional policies are escalating tensions and may contribute to increased proliferation in the region. Earlier, Mohammad Eslami, Vice President of Iran and Chief of the Atomic Energy Organization of Iran (AEOI), said that enrichment of uranium to 60-percent level in Iran is in the direction of the implementation of the strategic step plan adopted by the Iranian parliament. The vice president stressed that this decision of the Iranian parliament is implemented by the Atomic Energy Organization of Iran. Uranium enrichment to 60 percent is used for various uses, including production of radioisotopes, detectors, etc. I nsurer Legal & General has named Banco Santanders European regional head, Antonio Simoes, as its new chief executive to replace longstanding boss Sir Nigel Wilson when he retires. Mr Simoes will take up the post on January 1, with Sir Nigel remaining as chief executive until then and working on a smooth handover. L&G said the appointment follows a rigorous, global hunt for a successor after Sir Nigel announced his plans to retire in January this year, having headed up the group since 2012. Sir John Kingman, chairman of L&G, said: Antonio brings a formidable leadership track record at the most senior level of financial services, working across complex, global organisations. In an excellent field, his energy, ambition and clarity of strategic thinking stood out, alongside his strong belief in the positive role that business should play in society. In his current role, Mr Simoes heads up Spanish bank Santanders businesses in the UK, Spain, Portugal and Poland, working across retail and commercial banking, corporate and investment banking, wealth management and insurance. He has held the post since September 2020. This is a critical time for our industry, clients and customers, with emerging technologies, changing societal dynamics and wider economic forces presenting new challenges and opportunities that require all of us to adapt and evolve Before joining Santander, he worked at HSBC for 13 years, including as chief executive of UK and Europe and latterly chief executive of global private banking. He is a former McKinsey & Company partner. Mr Simoes said he is taking over at L&G for an important next chapter. He said: This is a critical time for our industry, clients and customers, with emerging technologies, changing societal dynamics and wider economic forces presenting new challenges and opportunities that require all of us to adapt and evolve. Mr Simoes will be paid a salary of 1.2 million in his role at L&G and the group said his first pay review will take place in 2025. He will be eligible for an annual bonus up to a potential 2.4 million and long-term incentive share awards worth a maximum 3.5 million each year, depending on performance. L&G is one of the UKs biggest institutional investors, with assets under management of more than 1.2 trillion. Set up in 1836, it is valued on the stock market at around 15.6 billion. A payments firm thought to be worth up to 1 billion has confirmed plans to float on Londons stock market, a day after the UKs first major initial public offering (IPO) was abandoned after coming up against cautious investors. CAB Payments said it planned to list its shares on the London Stock Exchange amid confidence in the UK as the home for innovative and growing global businesses. The London-based firm, which offers cross-border payments to businesses in emerging markets, said the listing was expected to occur in July. It is expected to be valued at between 800 million and 1 billion, according to specialist media outlet Mergermarket. Londons languishing stock market was dealt a blow on Wednesday after We Soda said it was ditching its IPO, just a week after it was announced. Bringing CAB Payments to the public market underscores our confidence in the business and its value-generation potential, as well as our confidence in the UK as the home for innovative and growing global businesses The worlds largest producer of natural soda ash said it faced extreme investor caution which meant it failed to reach a valuation it was happy with. Chief executive Alasdair Warren indicated that the firm could look to markets in the US instead. It comes after Cambridge-based chipmaker Arm decided earlier this year to pursue a US-only stock market listing, despite lobbying from the Prime Minister for it to stay on UK shores. But CAB Payments said it was confident in the UK and was pleased with the interest it had seen from investors so far. Ann Cairns, chair of the business, said: Bringing CAB Payments to the public market underscores our confidence in the business and its value-generation potential, as well as our confidence in the UK as the home for innovative and growing global businesses, and cements CAB Payments as a preferred payments and forex partner for blue-chip companies transacting in emerging markets. In the future, it expects its shares to qualify for inclusion in the FTSE indices. The company and its advisers insist that this was a well run business that had its flotation plans unfairly scuppered by Londons extreme investor caution. Strong words indeed. They say that the valuations being offered them by the City were 35% below their own expectations, a discount that was simply too big to swallow. But ask around the City and some different views emerge. There are mutterings about the 11 banks on the syndicate, which they say points to a lack of faith in the offering. There were also concerns that much of the $800million being raised would be used to fund a $500 million dividend. As one City figure put it, a raise of that size should be setting up for clear long-term growth, not an immediate pay out to people already on the register appetite for this was lacking. Nevertheless whatever the legitimate quibbles, an about-face on this scale is not a good look for London given the recent decisions by the likes of ARM and CRH to snub London in favour of New York. The big picture problem remains. Global confidence in UK capital markets remains low. We have seen it in the debt market where gilt yields have spiked in recent days. Now we are seeing it in the equity markets. Until that fundamental issue is resolved, hopes of a major revival of IPO activity will turn to, well ashes. BAKU, Azerbaijan, June 15. Iran and the US officials have had indirect talks recently, with mediation of such countries as Oman. After Iran announced in 2020 that it would not fulfill any of its obligations stipulated in the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA), it would be safe to say that Iran's nuclear program has reached a knot and no common ground has been found to unravel this knot. After the withdrawal of the US from the JCPOA in 2018, the Iranian side has repeatedly stated that no discussions with the US have been held, and will not be held if the US does not return to this plan. But for several months now, Iran and the US have been discussing the issue of exchanging prisoners. Just recently Omani Foreign Minister Sayyid Badr Al Busaidi said that currently, Iran and the US are very close to an agreement on the exchange of prisoners. It is estimated that there are only some technical issues left. Both sides have a framework and timetable for carrying out the prisoner exchange. The exchange of prisoners could be an unlikely option to bring both the US and Iran closer to the most important matter - the nuclear program issue.The data shows that the US has 4 prisoners in Iran, and Iran has more than 10 prisoners in the US. In the discussions between Iran and the US with the help of mediators, Iran is mainly trying to achieve the abolition of sanctions imposed by the US and Western countries, the removal of its funds frozen in foreign countries, and the abolition of the restriction on the export of crude oil. In return, the US and Western countries want Iran not to acquire an atomic bomb, to keep its nuclear program under control, and to reduce the level of uranium enrichment. On May 8, 2018, the US announced its withdrawal from the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA) between Iran and the 5+1 group (Russia, China, the UK, France, the US, and Germany), and imposed new sanctions against Iran as of November 2018. Over the past period, the sanctions affected Iranian oil exports, more than 700 banks, companies, and individuals. The sanctions have resulted in the freezing of Iran's assets abroad. Recently, Iranian media made a report about the unblocking of $24 billion of Iran's frozen assets abroad. Of that, more than $10 billion is expected to be unblocked in Iraq, while $7 billion is in South Korea. Also, an agreement was reached that the Central Bank of Iran can receive more than $6.7 billion from the reserve asset (SDR) in the IMF. According to the information obtained by the International Atomic Energy Agency, Iran has increased the amount of highly enriched uranium by 27 percent in the last three months, and currently the country's enriched uranium reserves are 4,745 kilograms. This is 15 times more than the amount of uranium allowed for Iran in the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA). In January 2016, JCPOA was launched between Iran and the P5+1 group (US, Russia, China, UK, France, and Germany) in connection with Iran's nuclear program. In May 2018, the US announced its withdrawal from the deal and imposed sanctions on Iran in November of the same year. To preserve the agreements reached as part of the JCPOA, the European signatories of the deal started in January 2019 that a financial mechanism for maintaining trade with Iran called INSTEX was formed. On May 8, 2019, Iran announced that it had ceased fulfilling its commitments regarding the sale of over 300 kilograms of uranium, as stated in the deal, basing its decision on the other signatories that have not fulfilled their obligations. On July 7, Iran announced that it will not be fulfilling its commitments regarding the enrichment of uranium at 3.67 percent and the reconstruction of the Arak Heavy Water Reactor Facility as stated in the deal. Iran announced that it will enrich uranium using next-generation centrifuges and will not mix it with the enriched uranium residues as part of the third step of reducing commitments in JCPOA on Sept.5. On Nov. 5, 2019, Iran announced that it took the fourth step in connection with reducing its commitments to the nuclear agreement. So, uranium gas is being pumped to the centrifuges at the Fordow Fuel Enrichment Plant. On Jan.2020, Iran took the last fifth step in reducing the number of its commitments within JCPOA. N early 5 billion over its original budget (its kissing upwards of 19 billion), four very long rainy years late, and seemingly still in its beta phase, the Elizabeth line is nevertheless something of a wonder to behold even for those of us who have to use it every day. Its now more than a year old and has become part of London life. In fact, these days I make a point of saying that I dont go anywhere in London unless I can get there by the Elizabethan line. Its a lie of course, as it doesnt go to Chelsea, or indeed Old Trafford. But it goes to Paddington (where I live), Finsbury Square (where I work), and Terminal 5 (where one day I would like to retire), which isnt bad at all. Its clean. Its grand, without being ostentatious. Its pretty efficient (unless youre trying to get to West Ealing, that is, which Im starting to think is simply a phantom station, just randomly drawn on the map to annoy people). And it feels both Japanese and Swiss, with a bit of strident Germanic integrity thrown in for good measure (ie it works). The trains themselves are largely well designed, their salient inner workings occluded, like a washing machine or a phone. After all, no one needs to know how the future works we just want to enjoy it. The seats are too hard, the strap-hangers seem to all be in completely the wrong place (too near the centre of the train, so I bump my head on them as I walk down the carriage), but they feel modern. And everyone likes modern. Its a vision of the future from the past. Most of Londons Underground stations have low ceilings and congested space; most Lizzy stations are so big you almost expect to see a Trafalgar Square-type plinth sitting sagaciously on the platform. Consequently, while we are pungently opinionated about the Underground, we seem to love the Lizzy, as it displays a grand optimism, unafraid to make an extravagant statement. The trains are lighter than most trains at 319 tonnes, putting them among the best in their class for energy efficiency. Using LED lighting across the line is also 62 per cent more energy efficient than standard light fittings. Transport for London are even starting to brag that in little over a decade the line could actually be carbon-negative. Like Sadiq Khan, I used it on the day it opened. He said he was so excited, like that little boy on Christmas Eve, waiting for Santa. And I knew what he meant. Mark Dewhirst, a senior engineer at TfL, said: Its more than a Tube. Its a mode. I especially like the way that one end of the train stops at Tottenham Court Road, while the other brushes the top of Dean Street, meaning you dont have to make up your mind where youre going before you leave home. Of course, its not perfect, and some of the walkways that connect you with the existing Underground system are so long and convoluted that it sometimes feels as though they built the tunnels but forgot to tell the trains. There is one tunnel in particular in the Tottenham Court Road station that is so long it feels like the spurious underground link between Terminal 2 and Terminal 3. Perhaps the most important thing about the line is that it looks as though its been designed with the end consumer in mind, which is not as obvious a motive as you might think. Julian Robinson is the former head of architecture on the Lizzy line, and he wishes that London could be a bit more civic in its public architecture. We need to get back to thinking long term. But why on earth doesnt the wi-fi work like it should? When Crossrail was first announced, we were promised an all-singing, all-dancing digital thoroughfare. Its a high-frequency hybrid urban-suburban rail service, honestly! a thoroughly modern form of transportation that would take connectivity to new heights, meaning we could use our new Tube as a place to work, watch films, or simply text our friends to tell them that: OMG, this is awesome! the train was so quick we were actually going to be early! No, really. Im here. Shall I order for you? Boris Johnson, then the mayor of this fair city, even called it transformative. One newspaper called it a megalopolis of engineering when it opened, an alternative universe, and they werent wrong. The line sprinkles real estate fairy dust everywhere it goes, said the critic Rowan Moore. Its certainly been a boon for London, giving the city a sense of the possible just as Khans almost surreal traffic strategy thickens the gloom around its future (can it be long before he asks firefighters to use bicycles instead of fire engines?). Its almost an immersive exhibition, one of those where the public move about swiftly, worried someone might ask them a question. Around seven or eight years ago, when I still worked in Hanover Square, in the wilds of Gallery Glut Mayfair, some snazzy PR people from TfL invited a bunch of us in the area to don wibble-wobble hard hats, hi-vis shields and Timberlands, and venture underground to see what they had been up to since they started beavering away. We were potential customers, see, and these technocrat Wombles wanted to know what we thought of it all. And we thought it looked pretty good. In fact, it looked so good because it looked finished. And when we asked why they werent opening and what was stopping them, the answer was simple: The tech wont talk to each other. When I asked one of TfLs breezy little PRs how many people were working on the project, instead of saying about half which is what I would have said he said: Seventy-five thousand, and theyre all Polish. Which no doubt meant that on June 24, 2016, they probably all scarpered back to their homeland, leaving the tech to fend for itself. And when we were finally, off, in the spring of last year, and the first trains spluttered into life, I have to say I loved it. Not only was the Lizzy line quick, and not only was it so fast that you could travel from Paddington to Liverpool Street in less time than it does when youre playing Monopoly, but it looked so cool. Genuinely cool. And European. It certainly didnt scream Leave. There are sharp angles, sinuous curves, and a genuine sense of theatre. It is, unlike most other parts of the London Underground, cinematic. For a while my favourite Elizabethan sensation was strolling down the escalator at the top of Dean Street, late on a Friday night after an old-school Soho libation and standing in one of the cavernous underpasses and imagining I had just walked onto the set of a Wim Wenders film, or an Ultravox video. All I needed was a vintage belted raincoat with a high upturned collar, a large grey fedora, and a vape in the shape of an imported Marlboro Light. And maybe a Penguin Modern Classic shoved in my back pocket. And then, three minutes into my reverie, the bloody train would arrive. Ta-dah! But instead of jumping on the train and being able to open YouTube and look for Midge Ure singing Vienna, my phone would brandish that irritating Nein sign that tells you that your wi-fi is kaput. Sometimes the wi-fi feels positively Elizabethan. So why is that? Why is the future still unconnected? There was an announcement last year from the Mayors office saying that soon the entire Underground system was going to get sexy, super-dooper 6G internet, but each time I travel on the Elizabeth line I still feel as though Im somehow living in the past. Maybe not the period of heavy brocade, stockings, and tight-fitting doublets, but definitely the time of clamshells and Kaiser Chiefs. So why doesnt it work? TfL say its a work in progress, but I waited for Godot once and he didnt turn up. B ritish politics feels like a prank gone wrong. Boris Johnson wanted to be like Churchill, but hes now more like the young attention-seeking tearaway Mizzy constantly pushing the boundaries to shock, enrage and stay in the limelight. Many of us are dismayed at the political soap-opera engulfing government once again while the country feels as broken as the lifts at Brixton Tube station. I think it was right for Rishi Sunak to finally push back at Johnson a bit like Scrappy Doo yapping at Big Dog but evidence of a backbone. But there must be a sea-change in how our politicians conduct themselves, and if theres one good thing to emerge out of this wreckage its the Privileges Committee. The magnificent seven consist of four Tories, two Labour and one SNP MP, and led by the formidable Harriet Harman they have worked hard, stayed focused and withstood abuse, shamefully whipped up by Johnson and his allies. Many of you may accuse me of bias as Harman is my former boss (I do think shes done a great job btw) but Conservative grandee Sir Bernard Jenkin is a figure Ive often clashed with on shows like Question Time over the Governments record and Brexit. Were hardly besties but I take my hat off to his calm, forensic inquisition of Johnson when he gave evidence to the Committee. Select Committee hearings can often be a frustrating series of missed open goals from politicians who are either grandstanding or not well briefed not this one. Every member had done their homework and kept questions business-like, within scope and to the point. The committee is a creature of Parliament, not the Government, and the fact that it has done a serious job has reminded us that what is said in the chamber is significant and has consequences. Thats really important. Parliament has always seen heated debates particularly at PMQs where truth is often spun to suit a narrative, but in recent years weve reached a new low which collided with the Johnson era. Weve seen increasingly irrational behaviour at the despatch box, fabrication, and blatant lies all of which has been aided by a weak Speaker and protected by an arcane, ridiculous rule which forbids any member from calling another a liar. So as Brent Central MP Dawn Butler found out, you could be thrown out of the chamber for calling the PM a liar but they could carry on and face no sanction. Until now. I hope and believe all this will change behaviour. The privileges committee has restored much-needed integrity in British politics and sent a powerful signal to all our parliamentarians that what you say on the record in the House does matter, and you cant get away with porkies. Regardless of how much you love Peppa Pig. I cant get enough of Sarah Jessica Parker Fans of Sex And The City are blessed of late. Not only are we thrilled at the return of its rather right-on but impeccably styled sequel And Just Like That, which will feature (scream) the stroppy return of Kim Cattrall, who played Samantha Jones, but we now learn that Sarah Jessica Parker (Carrie Bradshaw) is to hit the West End next year (more screaming). I adore SJP. She was iconic on the small screen as Carrie. It will be fascinating to see how she performs in the moment of a live theatre performance. She will star alongside husband Matthew Broderick in the play Plaza Suite. Many TV actors have gone on to shine on the stage like Jodie Comer in Prima Facie. But to be honest, it wont matter. She has such a loyal fan base of menopausal women and gay men; it will feel like a massive hen night out but for a second wedding. S ir Keir Starmer has led tributes to veteran actress and former Labour politician Glenda Jackson saying she leaves a space in our cultural and political life that can never be filled. Jackson died peacefully after a brief illness at the age of 87, her agent confirmed on Thursday. The double Oscar-winner gave up acting for politics and served as Labour MP for Hampstead and Highgate for 23 years. Labour leader Sir Keir paid tribute saying: I was very sad to hear of Glenda Jacksons passing. She leaves a space in our cultural and political life that can never be filled. She played many roles with great distinction, passion and commitment. From award-winning actor to campaigner and activist to Labour MP and government minister, Glenda Jackson was always fighting for human rights and social justice. As a fellow north London MP, I know how much she was loved and respected by her constituents. Sir Keir also evoked her famous appearance on Morecambe and Wise as Cleopatra, with a play on her line, All men are fools, and what makes them so is having beauty like what I have got. He said: Of course no tribute to Glenda could fail to mention her role as Cleopatra in that most famous and loved of all the Morecambe and Wise sketches. We will never see talent like what she has got again. Labour deputy leader Angela Rayner described Jackson as an inspirational woman to so many of us in the party. She tweeted: An acclaimed actress, a formidable politician and an inspirational woman to so many of us in the Labour Party. My thoughts are with her family, friends and many others who loved her. Meanwhile Tulip Siddiq, who sits in Jacksons former seat, said her predecessor mentored her when she was growing up and made a real impression. She mentored me when I was growing up because she was my MP when I was growing up in my teenage years and she mentored a lot of young women in our constituency, the Labour MP for Hampstead and Kilburn told BBC Radio Fours World At One programme. She made a real impression on me as a young woman then, and also because throughout her career, she was so independent and just did what was right by her, her conscience and her constituents, even when it meant defying the Labour whips. Broadcaster Gyles Brandreth, who was Conservative MP for the City of Chester from 1992 to 1997, said he treasures his unlikely friendship with the gifted, caring and special Jackson. A wonderful actress, a committed politician, a remarkable human being we became MPs on the same day in 1992 & I treasure our unlikely friendship, he tweeted. She was such a gifted, caring & special person who came into the world to make a difference and did. RIP the unique Glenda Jackson. Former Downing Street communications chief Alastair Campbell said he felt Jackson at times found the transition to politics harder than she expected but had a great life well lived. Mr Campbell, who worked with Labour prime minister Sir Tony Blair, under whom Jackson was a minister for transport from 1997 to 1999, tweeted: Sad to hear that Glenda Jackson has died. One of the finest actresses of our lifetime, our local MP and for a time minister in (Tony Blair) government. I sometimes felt she found the transition to politics harder than she expected. But a great life well lived and a major contribution on so many fronts. Labour MP and shadow culture secretary Lucy Powell, who used to work for and alongside Jackson, has recalled the incredibly kind politicians cutting humour and general disdain at most things. This is very sad news. In my early twenties I worked for Glenda, a decade later our MPs offices were next door, Ms Powell tweeted. She was always incredibly kind & supportive to me. I will also remember her cutting humour, general disdain at most things, all while smoking! Similarly, Sir Chris Bryant paid tribute to Jacksons versatility and voice. Its not just that she had those amazing chiselled cheekbones which served her well in many, many movies, its the quality of the work and the variety, the Labour MP told BBC Radio 4s World At One programme. Her voice could go from gravel to caramel in three seconds and you could hear it sometimes in the chamber of the House of Commons. She always complained that the Commons was just like acting but the lighting was terrible and it was under-rehearsed. P hoebe Waller-Bridge has said Indiana Jones should not be revived with anyone other than Harrison Ford as she feels he helped create a perfect moment in cinematic history. The Fleabag actress, 37, stars as the globe-trotting archaeologists goddaughter, Helena Shaw, in the fifth and final instalment in the franchise, Indiana Jones And The Dial Of Destiny. The film sees Ford return as Indiana Jones more than 40 years after his first stint in Raiders Of The Lost Ark in 1981. Asked if she thinks the series could be revived without Ford, at the Los Angeles premiere of the film on Wednesday, she told the PA news agency: I dont think it should be. I think he is Indiana Jones and I think Indiana Jones is him. Whatever magic chemistry happened between that script and Steven Spielberg and Harrison Ford is a perfect moment in cinematic history. James Mangold has directed the latest instalment while Spielberg was at the helm of the first four films. Waller-Bridge added that she feels Mangold has done the most beautiful job of bringing the series to an end. It was wonderful to be by Harrisons side prodding him and poking him and being annoying as Helena all the way through the movie. It was incredible, she said. Waller-Bridge first found her feet at the Edinburgh Fringe Festival where she debuted her hit series Fleabag as a one-woman show in 2013. After it won the Fringe First Award, it was adapted into a BBC sitcom which won a host of Bafta, Emmy and Golden Globe awards. The actress admitted being at the premiere did feel quite Edinburgh, with the streets being packed and the barricades surrounding the area. Reflecting on her career trajectory, she said: Every moment is a pinch-me moment. I kind of disassociate. Its when you leave these things that you go home and youre like, What the hell just happened? But I love all these people so much. I love every single person involved in the film. We had such a good time. I honestly had the time of my life making this film, I loved it so much. So its just so nice to be with everyone to celebrate it. The film also stars Mads Mikkelsen as villain Jurgen Voller and Toby Jones as Basil Shaw, an ally of Jones. Asked why he feels the series has resonated so deeply with fans, Jones told PA: Who isnt into adventure? Who isnt into being led through an adventure by a funny, ironic, brave, handsome, courageous figure who isnt into that? And it seems to shift tone in a way that people love. That something thats very interesting about it is how its supposed to be comic and be serious at the same time. Indiana Jones And The Dial Of Destiny arrives in UK cinemas on June 28. Review at a glance T here is an irony, is there not, in the show that has spent the past 12 years endlessly inventing ways in which the techpocalypse might eventually manifest itself becoming the first show to be rendered obsolete by the techpocalypse. While out and about promoting the sixth season of his anthology series, Charlie Brooker has more than once said that the perpetually evolving threat of AI and suchlike or maybe more significantly, everybody now perpetually droning on about the evolving threat of AI and suchlike has forced him to rethink what Black Mirror is. And, aside from a first episode (titled Joan Is Awful) that feels like what AI would dream up if you asked AI to write an episode of Black Mirror, he has done just this: pivoting in the remaining four episodes to a kind of pulp-y sci fi horror instead. The problem is that once you strip an episode of Black Mirror, past or present, of its future tech gimmickry, you are not left with very much else. Its rather like swapping out WayStar RoyCo for a mid level management consultancy agency. And at least then you would still have the zingy insults. Before, two types of people populated each and every Black Mirror episode. Type one: brainwashed, ultra-normo automotons who dont watch enough Christopher Nolan films/listen to enough Radiohead albums/read enough Guardian op-eds to realise they are sleepwalking into some kind of Orwellian nightmare. Type two: emotionless corporo-sociopaths or sometimes just big computers who would slaughter a village of toddlers if it meant raising their stock price even half a penny. Annie Murphy in Joan is Awful / Nick Wall/Netflix Now, though, thats been stripped back to basically just good or evil. Everyone we meet feels one dimensional and underdrawn. In Mazey Day, we get some paparazzi peeps who make the Princess Di guys look like Greta Thunberg (one of them shouts You f**king whore at a Black woman he is trying to get a reaction shot out of). In Demon 79, an oily Tory MP in the seventies talks in Im only joking, love Bullingdon Club-isms and quotes Enoch Powells rivers of blood speech. In Loch Henry, theres a small town Scottish barman who greets his returning childhood friend by jeering, Are ya gonna tell me ya pronouns? and I thought ya were in London, studying woke film theory!, then making a joke to his mixed raced girlfriend about diversity hiring. And so on and so forth. You end up feeling a bit sorry for the numerous quite-big-name actors who signed on to this CV-enhancing little show. Paapa Essiedu is an absolute hoot, but Aaron Paul, Rob Delaney, Kate Mara, Josh Hartnett, Michael Cera and many, many others are pretty forgettable in stories that move very slowly before, inevitably, ending very badly for everyone involved, every single time. It all just feels like a series that has said all it ever needed to say, and should stop now. Unless they end with one last hurrah in which a show about how the march of technology is going to kill us all one day ends up one day being killed by the march of technology. Black Mirror Season 6 will air on Netflix from June 15 Review at a glance T heres a Twilight reboot in the works, dark, bawdy and brilliant only this time, its drenched in mango lassi and served with a side of frantic Asian mum. Count Abdulla, ITVXs latest horror-filled comedy series, is gory, punchy but difficult to really sink your teeth into. When hes bitten by a halal-hunting vampire while waiting for the bus, British-Pakistani Muslim doctor Abdulla Khan transforms into one of their kind. Only, deadlocked, as it were, between a conservative Muslim mother and his wayward friends, he is barely able to get the best of both worlds. One moment Abdulla is the classic Asian mummys boy, and in the next breath hes a backsliding, blasphemous Muslim: Jesus Christ! Over six episodes, we watch the twenty-something bumble through a series of cultural faux-pas getting hideously drunk, choosing Halloween over Eid and watching porn in the breakroom. Yet, there are darker forces at play that threaten Abdulla and his community. From the off, something isnt quite right. We witness a young man leaving the mosque in a dimly-lit, subdued setting a hint that someone is in for a rather nasty surprise. Besides islamophobia, theres also a dominatrix vampire out on the hunt for fresh victims. Shes tried the Jewish, Buddhists and Christians but apparently halal virgin blood tastes the best. Yes, its on the nose, but this Bollywood-slash-Bram Stoker tinged humour gives the show an authenticity that you rarely see on TV. With lines like youre pale enough to be on top of the arranged marriage market, there will be the usual moans that the series feeds off tired old tropes. Grow up! is what I would say to that. The incredible cast, including Nina Wadia, Jaime Winsone and Arian Nik, inject some fresh blood into the classic gothic tale. And the tremendously zippy script written by Kaamil Shah is packed with hilarious moments that constantly update the vampire lore serving as both a parody and surprisingly realistic picture of the Muslim experience. Speaking as a young British Muslim myself, here is a TV series that actually gets our community for what it is. A big bloody shot of UK modern Muslim life shoved right in your arm. Jaime Winstone as Kathy / ITV Admittedly theres nothing all that new when it comes to Muslim storylines the clash between an overbearing mother and a group of unscrupulous friends, a love triangle, arranged marriages, secrets, lies and the fall-out from them. You can find that in a Citizen Khan episode. What sets Count Abdulla apart from other comedies of its kind is Nik, and his unrivalled performance as Abdulla. Despite his cocky charisma and newly minted vampire identity, he is oddly relatable, so much so youll find yourself backing him and the blood sucking community. But equally fascinatingly, it shows us what Christian mythology looks like through the lens of Islam. The smouldering, vampy seductress, Kathy, who is by far the funniest character, is played by a wonderfully haughty Winstone, smothered in leopard print and clutching a cigarette holder in one garishly gloved hand (vaping hasnt made it to the vamp world yet). Ay Mate! Its dickheads like you dragging good vampires through the dirt, she crows, hamming it up to the nines. The scene in which she turns Abdulla into a vampire is simply impossible to forget. Enraged by his trashy halloween costume, she accidentally goes in too deep and in a panic hastily stuffs a tampon into his open wound. Oops, better watch the fangs Kath! Grotesqueries abound, but though the series is undoubtedly very blood-thirsty, after three episodes, it still doesnt quite drive you batty. Abdulla, will you ever learn your lesson? Pining for the girl will get you nowhere and eating your mums garlic naan wont do you much good either. Still, ITVXs horror-comedy offers some light relief and in addition to the usual enjoyable conventions of its genre a dynamic social commentary on race, religion and community cohesion. As Abdullas life gets progressively more and more wild, will his new Nosferatu identity take him even further away from God? He ultimately must decide whether he is on the side of the NHS, Allah or the immortal bloodsuckers. Count Abdulla will air on ITVX from June 15 T wo teenage boys have been charged with the murder of a 16-year-old who died after being attacked at a house party. A 15-year-old from Dorset and a 16-year-old from Wiltshire have been charged with murdering Mikey Roynon and possessing an offensive weapon. Mikey, from Kingswood in Bristol, died from a single stab wound at a property in Eastfield Avenue in the Weston area of Bath at about 11pm on Saturday. Avon and Somerset Police said the defendants, who remain in police custody, would appear before Bristol Youth Court on Thursday morning. The charges come after a magistrate granted officers more time to question the pair. Detective Inspector Mark Newbury, the senior investigating officer, said: This is a significant development in our investigation and in our quest to achieve justice for Mikey. His family have been informed and specialist family liaison officers continue to support them. They have been at the forefront of our minds as weve carried out the inquiries which have resulted in these charges. The investigation is ongoing and there is still a lot of work for us to do. The cordon has now been reduced but officers are likely to remain at the property for the next few days. The support of the local community has been invaluable and Id once again like to thank them for their patience and understanding. A man started a fire near to the gates of Buckingham Palace in a warped bid for an audience with King Charles III, a court has heard. Christian Gheorghe, 31, set a pile of cardboard ablaze with a cigarette lighter before being bundled to the ground by Royal police officers. The fire was quickly extinguished by police and firefighters, but still caused around 300 of damage to the charred wall, Southwark crown court heard. Prosecutor Tom Broomfield said Gheorghe told officers he wanted to see King Charles and said amongst other things I am the Lord. In his police interview, Gheorghe was asked why he went to Buckingham Palace and replied: God must save the King. I was thinking the King is coming, and he would ask me what I am doing. Maybe he is waiting. Asked why he had started the fire, Gheorghe said: I wanted to speak to the King and then go on my way. I didnt want to hurt anyone. Christian Gheorghe, 31, set a pile of cardboard ablaze with a cigarette lighter before being bundled to the ground by Royal police officers / Twitter Gheorghe, who is homeless, said he had been drinking cider and whisky before being ejected from a pub. I thought the King would give me my property, he added. The court heard Gheorghe, who was born in Romania, suffers from a mental disorder with persistent delusions, and he had made three trips to Buckingham Palace prior to his arrest in a bid to speak to the King. He has been held in a secure hospital since the incident, on December 20 last year, and appeared in court for sentencing via videolink on Thursday. Passing sentence, Judge Peter Rook imposed an order that he be detained in hospital for continued mental health treatment. It appears that you were under a delusion that you owned a large amount of property throughout the world and you needed to speak with the King, he said. You thought that by lighting that fire you would attract his attention and he would come and speak with you. King Charles III was not at home in Buckingham Palace at the time, and was instead hosting a pre-Christmas dinner for members of his family at Windsor Castle. Footage of the incident was posted on social media shortly after the fire broke out, showing flames next to a wall with the iconic Royal residence in the background. A police officer is seen bringing the man suspected of starting the fire to the ground in order to arrest him. Officers in the Royal and Specialist Protection unit noticed a fire between the north and centre gates of Buckingham Palace, said Mr Broomfield. They made their way to where the fire was and saw Mr Gheorghe backing away from the fire. He said the fire was put out by an officer with a extinguisher from his car. Gheorghe, of no fixed address, pleaded guilty to arson. He will only be released from the hospital once doctors believe he is safe to go free again. A new report has called on Mayor Sadiq Khan and the Met Police to take tougher action on driving under the influence of drugs. The report, authored by Conservative London Assembly Member Keith Prince, says that drug driving tests should be made as routine as breathalyser tests. Mr Prince points out that drug driving is a growing problem, having risen from 1,087 recorded instances in 2015 to 3,197 in 2022. The crime also saw a spike in 2020, when some 4,286 such offences were logged - unlike most crimes which fell that year due to the Covid lockdowns. Among other recommendations, the report says Mr Khan should address how he will specifically target and tackle first time offenders for drug driving as part of his action plan to reduce road deaths. Mr Prince, who represents Havering and Redbridge on the Assembly, said: Drug driving kills people and ruins lives. It is very alarming to see drugs playing a greater role in car crashes than alcohol, and we must take action now to stop this appalling crime. My report sets out an action plan for the Mayor and the Met Police to get a grip of this issue, which has not been given the attention it deserves. I am calling for a significant expansion of drug-driving tests, so they are as routine as breathalysers, and for more training and equipment to be provided to frontline officers to facilitate this. We also need to track this issue more closely with better data and carry out more awareness campaign work targeting drug driving specifically. We must tackle this issue now before more people lose their lives, and I urge Sadiq Khan to accept these recommendations. A spokesman for Mr Khan responded: The Mayor is committed to tackling road safety in the capital through his Vision Zero Action Plan which is working to eliminate all deaths and serious injuries from road collisions in London by 2041. Sadiqs record investment in the police is helping to fund the Mets specialist Roads and Transport Policing Command, in partnership with TfL, to ensure that all journeys across our citys transport network are safe. The Mayor fully supports the police to take the action needed against those endangering others on Londons roads either through drink or drugs. A protest outside Parliament is being organised to call for the release of WikiLeaks founder Julian Assange. Campaigners and supporters will march through central London on June 24 as Assange faces extradition to the United States, where he fears being imprisoned for the rest of his life. He has been held in Londons high-security Belmarsh Prison for over four years as he fights extradition. Among the speakers at the Parliament Square event will be Assanges wife, Stella, alongside a sculpture called Anything To Say, which features life-sized bronze figures of whistleblowers Edward Snowden, Assange and Chelsea Manning, each standing on their own individual chair. Adjacent to them is an empty chair, representing the general population, encouraging everyone to stand up instead of sit like the others. The sculpture has been displayed in Germany, Switzerland, France, Italy, Belgium, Serbia, and Australia. Author and broadcaster Charles Glass conceived the idea, and it was brought to life by Italian artist Davide Dormino, who said: As an artist, I feel I have a duty to defend freedom of speech and the right to know. That is why I have created an empty chair, which allows us to stand taller and raise ourselves. It changes our perspective and prompts us to look beyond what we are shown and what is hidden. BAKU, Azerbaijan, June 14. External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar met delegates from France, Bangladesh and from the United Kingdom in a closed-door meeting on Monday. The closed-door meeting was held on the sidelines G20 Development Ministers' Meeting in Varanasi. Jaishankar met Bangladesh Foreign Minister AK Abdul Momen, Minister of State Development UK Andrew Mitchell and France Minister of State Development Chrysoula Zacharopoulou. Earlier in the day, EAM Jaishankar extended greetings to Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov and the people of Russia on the occasion of the country's National Day. Jaishankar also said that India looks forward to continued cooperation under the Special and Privileged Strategic Partnership between the two countries. "Warm Greetings to FM Sergey Lavrov and the Government and people of the Russian Federation on their National Day. Look forward to our continued cooperation under our Special and Privileged Strategic Partnership," Jaishankar said in a tweet. Jaishankar had met Lavrov during the BRICS Foreign Ministers' meeting in South Africa's Cape Town earlier this month and discussed topical issues of the bilateral agenda, as well as international and regional problems. The two ministers had also praised the dynamism of collaboration in the most significant sectors of the strategic partnership between India and Russia. On Monday, Jaishankar also welcomed delegates at the venue for the G20 Development Ministers' Meeting in Uttar Pradesh's Varanasi. The event began on Sunday and will continue till June 13. Jaishankar will chair the G20 Development Ministers' Meeting scheduled between June 11-13 and a total of 200 delegates are expected to attend the meeting C ity of London Police have released unbelievable CCTV footage showing the moment a bag was swiped from an unassuming restaurant patron as they warn of thieves across the capital. The footage shows a man at a restaurant in the Bloomgberg Arcade, near Mansion House, who appears to be talking on the phone. He uses his foot to slowly drag a persons rucksack toward himself while they unknowingly talked with another patron. The victim was sitting on a stool at a table, appearing to eat a meal while talking with another person sitting across from them. They had placed the bag next to the stool on the ground. The offender then in plain sight, picked up the bag, while still holding a phone to his ear, and walked away. Christopher Antoine, 44, of no fixed address, pleaded guilty at the Old Bailey on May 31 to 18 bag thefts over a 10-month period between June 2022 and March 2023. The total loss to victims was around 23,000, City of London Police told the Standard. He was sentenced to an 18-month community order, 200 hours of community service and a drug referral order. City of London Police released the footage with this warning: This CCTV footage might seem unbelievable, but it was a real crime in the city. Bag thieves will use any opportunity to steal your belongings. If youre out tonight, know where your bag is at all times, and if you see anyone acting suspiciously, contact the police. Central London is known to be a hotspot for thieves looking to swipe phones, bags and expensive jewellery. Some pubs in the West End have reported up to ten thefts a month, according to Time Out. Meanwhile a mobile phone is reported stolen in London every six minutes, shocking official figures revealed. A staggering 90,864 phones - equating to almost 250 a day - were stolen across the capital last year, according to stats provided to the BBC by police. A total of 6,109 watches were reported stolen last year alone at a value of 139 million. Police urge Londoners to be vigilent in crowded places and to be aware of their surroundings. A former Metropolitan Police officer has admitted using the stolen bank cards of dead people to go shopping. Muhammed Mustafa Darr, 37, acquired the credit and debit card details of deceased people when police had been called out to a sudden death. He used stolen money to acquire goods or money transfers for himself or others and to sell on goods obtained fraudulently, between December 2019 and August 2019. Appearing in the dock at Southwark crown court, Darr pleaded guilty to two counts of misconduct in public office. He also admitted abusing his position as a PC between June 2019 and September 2020 to access police computer databases to search for information on yourself and otherswithout a legitimate policing purpose. Darr, who is no longer a serving police officer, denies misconduct over an allegation he stole a laptop and a bag from a Mercedes that had been stopped by police over suspected drink driving in June 2020. He also denies perverting the course of justice between March and June 2020 by allegedly interfering in a live police investigation. According to the charge, Darr is accused of using his access as a police constable to look up the progress of a police investigation which had a link to Asif Mushtaq, and then spoke to Ali Ikram and Asif Mushtaq, advising Asif Mushtaq to conceal or destroy evidence linking him to the investigation. Darr, who lives in Walthamstow, was set free on bail until a five-day trial on the charges he denies, set to start on July 29, 2024. The former officer, who was part of the Mets North Area Basic Command Unit, pleaded guilty to two counts of misconduct in public office and denies misconduct in public office and perverting the course of justice. D ouble child killer Colin Pitchfork can be released from prison subject to conditions, the Parole Board has said. Pitchfork was jailed for life in 1988 after raping and strangling two 15-year-olds, Lynda Mann and Dawn Ashworth, in Leicestershire in 1983 and 1986. He was given a minimum term of 30 years, later reduced to 28 years due to progress he had made in prison, and was released in September 2021. But Pitchfork was back behind bars two months later after breaching the licence conditions of his release. The Parole Board said the decision to recall Pitchfork to custody was flawed and made on the basis of some of the allegations not being proved and upon some incorrect information. The panel said Pitchforks behaviour for almost all his time in prison has not caused any concern and it was no longer necessary for Pitchfork to remain confined for the protection of the public. The Parole Board said Pitchfork could be released subject to several conditions. They include to comply with requirements to live at a designated address, to be of good behaviour, surrender his passport, attend supervision appointments and disclose any developing relationships. He must also submit to enhanced supervision including GPS tagging and a specified curfew, and comply with an unspecified exclusion zone to avoid contact with victims, women and children. Alberto Costa, MP for South Leicestershire, said he was deeply disappointed by the decision and said he thought Pitchfork still presented a very real danger to the public. He wrote on Twitter: Deeply disappointed that the Parole Board have decided to release the convicted child killer Colin Pitchfork. I would like to reassure constituents that I will be writing to the Justice Secretary to ask that he seek an immediate and urgent review. It is simply unthinkable that a man who committed such egregious crimes should ever be released, and I will be asking the Government to challenge this decision in the strongest possible terms. It is quite clear to many, not only in South Leicestershire, but the country that this man still presents a very real danger to the public and I will do all I can to challenge this decision. My thoughts remain with the families of Lynda and Dawn at this most difficult time. Following the decision that Pitchfork can be released, a spokesperson for the Parole Board said: A panel of the Parole Board, including two judges, has today directed the re-release of Colin Pitchfork following his recall to custody in November 2021. Having considered all of the evidence, during a hearing observed by the victims and the local Member of Parliament, the panel found that Mr Pitchforks recall to custody was flawed and not supported by the evidence. Separately, the panel found that the prisoners continued detention was no longer necessary for the protection of the public. Parole reviews are undertaken thoroughly and with extreme care. Protecting the public is our number one priority, however our sole focus in law is risk, not punishment, and must be based on evidence. This case is eligible for reconsideration if any party thinks the decision is irrational or unfair. A Ministry of Justice source said: Pitchfork was recalled to prison less than two years ago for concerning behaviour. That the parole board think hes now safe for release is extremely worrying. This will do nothing for public confidence and will only strengthen calls for reform. Downing Street declined to pre-empt the Lord Chancellors consideration of the Parole Boards decision to allow Pitchforks release from prison. A No 10 spokesman said: The Prime Ministers thoughts and sympathies remain with the families of Lynda Mann and Dawn Ashworth. In terms of the process though, Colin Pitchfork wont be released immediately. The decision is provisional for 21 days to give the Lord Chancellor an opportunity to apply for reconsideration and he will of course be looking at that very carefully. Im not going to pre-empt that process. But speaking broadly, public protection is of course the Governments number one priority. A Ministry of Justice spokesperson said: This will be a very upsetting decision for the families of Lynda Mann and Dawn Ashworth and our heartfelt sympathies remain with them. Pitchfork will remain in prison while the Lord Chancellor looks extremely carefully at whether to ask the Parole Board to reconsider its decision. Our number one priority is public protection which is why we are reforming the parole system and introducing a ministerial check to keep the most dangerous offenders behind bars. A childrens cancer consultant asked hospital bosses to draft in the military to build a temporary unit because he was so concerned about the safety of Glasgows newly built flagship hospital, an inquiry has heard. Dermot Murphy, a consultant paediatric oncologist, told the Scottish Hospitals Inquiry on Thursday that he suggested the drastic action after concerns were raised over a series of contamination incidents on the Schiehallion unit at the Queen Elizabeth University Hospital campus. But he said the idea was not seriously considered and when the children were moved to a different ward, problems persisted. Mr Murphy, who works at the unit based in the Royal Hospital for Children at the Govan campus, said: I did suggest to managerial colleagues they could very quickly and easily build, get the military in and build something on the QE site, but something completely separate from the physical infrastructure of either the childrens hospital or adult hospital. He said he could understand why it was not taken forward, but added: The underlying reason for that suggestion was because I had a concern that the whole of the infrastructure of the QE site was going to be replicated, or would replicate the problems we were having on (wards) 2a and 2b. So by moving from 2a and 2b to another unit, either within the childrens hospital or within the adult hospital, wouldnt necessarily solve the problem. I think when we went to 6a that proved to be the case. Alastair Duncan KC, the inquiry counsel, said evidence submitted to the inquiry was that the build time was thought to be considerable and that it could be 12 weeks. But Mr Murphy told him: My recollection was it was not even seriously considered. So there was no discussion about delivery time. The inquiry was launched in the wake of deaths linked to infections at the Queen Elizabeth hospital, including that of 10-year-old Milly Main. The inquiry, before Lord Brodie, is also examining problems that led to the delay in the opening of the new Royal Hospital for Children and Young People in Edinburgh. The childrens hospital in Glasgow opened in 2015 and formed part of the 840 million Queen Elizabeth University Hospital campus, replacing a facility at Yorkhill. Mr Murphy told the inquiry that the longer the unit was in the building the more problems staff encountered, and concerns started to rise. You became very aware that things werent working as well as they should; doors were sticking, sinks were blocking, and those kinds of things that wouldnt necessarily make you jump to think thats a cause of infection in children, he said. You would see that our children were getting unusual infections, but you wouldnt necessarily have merged those two things together at that point. The day before they were set to move into ward 2a, Hepa air filters had not been in place, and Mr Murphy said that was bizarre for a paediatric transplant centre. Its like taking delivery of a car and theres no tyres on, he told the inquiry. If youve got one thing thats so fundamental, like no Hepa filters being in place, and then the taps start to not work or the doors dont close, or theres fungus growing behind walls, then you start to think: Well is this, the Hepa filters not being in, just a great description of how this hospital was built?' I think most people, if you were asking them 'would you build Europe's biggest hospital next to a sewage works?' would say 'well, that's a bit of a silly idea' The filters had to be flown over from Ireland so they could be installed, and Mr Murphy told the inquiry they were not what staff would have liked. There were things that we had in Yorkhill that we were promised would be present in the new unit that arent present and thats a shame, he said. The new hospital was built next to sewage works, and the inquiry has been told of the impact of that on patients and staff. Mr Murphy said they would have preferred to have been on another site, with part of that reason being the smell. We were told before we moved across that there would be remedial works to the sewage works so that although it was currently smelly, it wouldnt be smelly for the new childrens hospital or the whole new campus, he said. This is not only Scotlands biggest hospital, this is one of the biggest hospitals in western Europe. I think most people, if you were asking them would you build Europes biggest hospital next to a sewage works? would say well, thats a bit of a silly idea. There had been a hospital on the site before the new build, but he said: I think to have continued something unpleasant just because its been going for 100 years, that is not necessarily a great idea. The inquiry heard the impact of the smell is around comfort and not risk of infection. He said: For families who come to a supra-regional cancer centre for the first time, theyre anxious, theyre nervous, and they need to be able to trust the professionals in front of them. If the first thing theyre presented with is the smell of sewage as they get out of their car, then thats not a great start, but its surmountable, but its not a great start. The inquiry continues. A vile predator who raped four lone women walking home from bars in Shoreditch has been found guilty after DNA linked him to the string of attacks. Clement Omoregbee, 37, was convicted on Wednesday of attacking and raping the four women between February 2019 and December 2020. He targeted them once they were making their journeys home after visiting bars in the Shoreditch area. The survivors, who did not know each other, all suffered extreme memory loss after the rapes. Police believe he may have used party drug GHB/GBL to knock his victims out before committing the sexual assaults. He was also found guilty of stealing their phones, bank cards and jewellery. Detectives were successful in obtaining DNA that matched with Omoregbee. The same DNA was then linked to two other rapes in the same area. Police said two of the women were not initially supportive of an investigation but following this update they were re-contacted and engaged with detectives. A fourth victim was discovered after detectives researching Omoregbees behaviour and interrogating police systems traced a woman who had attended the Havens, a specialist centre in London for people who have been raped or sexually assaulted. Specialist detectives gained her support to send off her forensic samples which also returned a positive DNA hit relating to Omoregbee. DC Steve Halfhide, from the Complex Investigation Team, said: Clement Omoregbee is a vile predator who targeted lone women in the night-time economy. He has no place in society and is a danger to women. Omoregbees violent and disturbing actions have had life-changing impacts on the women he attacked. The victim-survivors have been incredibly strong throughout this lengthy process. I am pleased they have today seen justice. It was important to them all to help protect women of London from any further attacks by this man. He added: The investigation teams commitment to this case has been incredible, they have all worked incredibly hard and have really been behind this case from the beginning putting in hours and hours of work and overcoming many challenges. I would urge anyone who has been a victim of rape or sexual assault to come forward and report what happened to police. We will support you and take you seriously. Omoregbee, of Charlton Lane, Greenwich, was found guilty following a five-week trial at Wood Green Crown Court on Wednesday, 14 June. Before the trial, Omoregbee pleaded guilty to six counts of fraud and theft for stealing the victim-survivors phones, jewellery and bank cards and making purchases after hed carried out the rapes. He will be sentenced on September 29. T he Princess of Wales was left in stitches by a burping baby, while another clung to her arm as she met mothers to promote the work of wonderful and valuable health visitors. Kate chatted to the group of women, who cradled their babies in their laps, and quizzed them about the support they received at a children and family centre in Nuneaton, Warwickshire. She also met privately with families who needed extra support from health visitors, dancing for one youngster and singing Twinkle Twinkle Little Star for the child. The princess, who has made promoting the early years development of children a major part of her public work, also met health visitors taking part in a field study that aims to improve the assessment of babies. During her meeting with the mothers, nine-month-old Talia Saliba-Kerr grabbed the princesss hand and hung on for a few minutes and, a little later in the conversation, grabbed hold of the royal guest again. Her mother Mischa Kerr, from Nuneaton, who has three other children, quipped afterwards: I was very surprised she tried to eat the princess. I think its great she came down to see everyone, its important everyone knows what resources are available and what health visitors do. Kate said well done you and everyone laughed when 10-week-old Raphael Pickering gave a large burp. Brogan Goodwin, from Nuneaton, later joked about what she would tell her son about his social mishap: Im going to wait until his 18th birthday and then drop it when hes really cocky. Kates Royal Foundation Centre for Early Childhood has provided a 50,000 grant for the study to trial and evaluate the Alarm Distress Baby Scale (ADBB) model, a system the princess saw in practice during a 2022 visit to Denmark that assesses how a baby interacts with its environment. She told the health visitors she had travelled to Nuneaton: not only to hear about this new ADBB programme which Im really excited about but to say thank you for the amazing job you do and to really celebrate and highlight this critical role. Its such a wonderful and valuable role that you all play to the future of our whole society Following her trip to Denmark, Kate and her centre for early childhood worked closely with the Institute of Health Visiting to explore the potential for implementing ADBB in the UK, and the trial programme is now being run in partnership with the institute and the University of Oxford. During the meeting with health visitors, one professional who has just completed her training in ADBB said the course had blown my mind. Kate, who went on a brief walkabout when she first arrived to meet local school children, also praised the innovative project describing it as a wonderful pathway to supporting parents. Under the ADBB model a babys eye contact, facial expressions, vocalisation and activity levels are studied to help health professionals and families better understand the ways they express their feelings, and to support parents with bonding. It can also be used to recognise early signs of psychological distress, enabling specialist support to be accessed as soon as it is needed. The 10-month-long trial is running through the South Warwickshire NHS Foundation Trust and the Humber Teaching NHS Foundation. A Wembley school where pupils speak 31 different languages has been shortlisted for a $50,000 (39,500) Worlds Best School prize. Barham primary school was in the top 10 for community collaboration in recognition of the work it does to foster strong relationships with parents despite its diverse population. Five schools around the world will be named winners of the prizes across five categories including community collaboration, environmental action, innovation, overcoming adversity and supporting healthy lives with each sharing a portion of the $250,000 (197,500) prize pot. A spokesman for the prizes said: With 930 pupils, well above the national average, and 31 different languages within the student population, as well as various religious beliefs, the school is also in an area of social housing estates and intersecting community groups exposing students to various societal issues such as gangs, grooming, radicalisation, drugs, poverty, and hunger. Barham primary school in Wembley / ES He said that despite this, headteacher Karen Giles has been unwavering in her dedication to the school community. She has fostered strong relationships with parents and is always going above and beyond to create an inclusive and aspirational environment, making her a singular force in driving positive change, the spokesman added. Ms Giles and her team help parents to learn English in a bid to boost the success of students. The school also works with community groups that represent immigrants to reduce marginalisation and create a sense of belonging, the spokesman said. The prizes were founded last year by T4 Education in collaboration with Accenture, American Express, Yayasan Hasanah and the Lemann Foundation. They aim to share the best practices of the top schools and to celebrate schools in the wake of Covid-19. Vikas Pota, founder of T4 Education and the Worlds Best School Prizes, said: Schools across the globe will learn from the story of this trailblazing London institution and the culture it has cultivated. A British Airways stewardess delayed passengers by five hours after mistakingly activating an emergency slide moments before a translantic flight was set to take off. Passengers on board a flight from Heathrow to Austin, Texas on Sunday were left sitting on the tarmac after emergency services rushed to the scene, The Sun reports. The blunder cost the airline 50,000, according to reports, and left at least one passenger traumatised. The activation meant passengers had to board another plane and a new emergency slide be found for the orginal Airbus 350 jet. Engineers had to lift the rubber slide from the tarmac as the plane was towed back to the stand. The new stewardess was reportedly on her first job when she opened the emergency door in error. She has been stood down from duties and told to return to training, according to The Sun. Dr. Sridevi Rao said she was on board and was left traumatised. I was in the very back row by the door when it flew open as we were moving towards the runway, she wrote on Twitter. It was so loud and scary as the cabin depressurized and the slide inflated. British Airways told the Standard: The aircraft returned to stand and customers disembarked normally. We arranged a replacement aircraft for them to continue their journey the same day and apologised for the inconvenience caused. Affected customers were given refreshment vouchers to use in the airport while waiting for the new flight. The affected aircraft returned to operations once our engineers approved it as safe to fly. It comes just months after a similar incident unfolded on board a flight due for take-off to Lagos, Nigeria. As the plane left Heathrow in January, the flight was forced to stop after the emergency slide opened. Pictures on social media showed the BA aircraft stationery with a fire engine and other emergency vehicles surrounding it. Loading.... Rufus Norris has announced he is to quit British theatres top job leaving as artistic director and chief executive of the National Theatre in 2025 and describing his stint in charge as the most challenging time in our history. The director, who steered the Southbank institution through the Covid crisis, brought stars including Chiwetel Ejiofor, Olivia Colman, Anne-Marie Duff and Cate Blanchett to its stage after taking over in 2015. Announcing a new season of shows that include Michael Sheen playing the left-wing icon and founding father of the NHS Aneurin Bevan and David Oyelowo in the title role of Coriolanus, he told reporters on Thursday that he would step down in spring 2025. He said his time in charge had seen 10 Culture Secretaries come and five Prime Ministers come and go as well as the impact of Brexit and the pandemic. Its a blessed relief to see how we are emerging intact after what has been no doubt the most challenging time in our history, he added. Norris said his successor or successors would be identified by the end of the year and it was imperative that the search is wide and inclusive. He added that he would have no direct input into who his successor would be and our job is to make sure the board has a wide choice, has a difficult choice. Norris said his time had seen a commitment to new writing and young talent and that it had also seen the theatre moving the dial on the issue of historic underrepresentation. He said the climate crisis had become a key focus for the theatre and committed it to convening the largest ever meeting of directors and artistic directors from across the British Isles to see how the industry can become more environmentally friendly. He added he was setting up a pan-London scheme to work with other theatres including the Young Vic and Royal Court to make the capital a leading light in making the industry carbon neutral with a fleet of electric vehicles to transport props and costumes. Nye, billed as a Welsh fantasia, will be directed by Norris and run from next February and chart the life of the former Welsh coalminer who founded the NHS in post-war Britain. He said the show would examine the centrality of the NHS to British life. Also announced is an adaptation of The House of Bernarda Alba, described as a new play inspired by the original work of Spanish playwright Federico Garcia Lorca with Harriet Walter in the title role as the ruthless matriarch who dominates family life. Lindsay Duncan will star on stage in a revival of Dodie Smiths 1960s play Dear Octopus described as a tender and touching portrayal of a family on the eve of World War Two. PJ Harvey is working on an adaptation of the Charles Dickens epic Our Mutual Friend, contributing songs to the play with music based on the writers final complete novel, while Clint Dyer and Roy Williams have written Death of England: Closing Time the final instalment of their trilogy of state of the nation plays. Doctor Who star Jo Martin and Hayley Squires will in a play about a family dealing with the closure of their business and is described as a thought provoking drama that explores family dynamics, race, colonialism and cancel culture. Norris told todays press conference he supported the policy of levelling up but not at the expense of London. Asked about the decision to make the ENO leave the capital or lose its Arts Council England (ACE) funding, he said: What I dont agree with is that involves diminishing support for the global city of arts. He added: What London contributes to our economy and creative status in the world is enormous and outweighs the small amount of money we are talking about. Speaking to mark six months since the crowd crush in which Rebecca Ikumelo, 33, and security worker Gaby Hutchinson, 23, were fatally injured, the mayor said the music venues future was a secondary issue, compared with the police investigation into what happened on the night. The Met has launched a corporate manslaughter probe. I think its important for us to remember that two people lost their lives, said Mr Khan. A third person is still critically ill and in hospital. And there are still questions that demand answering about what did or didnt happen that night at Brixton Academy. What I would do is amplify the appeal made by the families for anybody who was there on the night who may have recorded something on their phones, to send that information to the police. There is a separate discussion about the future of the Brixton Academy and that venue. I think thats a secondary issue. The first issue is to make sure the questions that we have about the event six months ago are answered. Asked whether that meant the venue might never reopen, he said: I think its premature to make that assessment. Im somebody who in the past has been to great gigs at the academy, [and] seen great musicians perform there. I live in south London, so it's the nearest live music venue to me. What we need to do is make sure we have these questions answered, because what we dont want is lessons not to be learnt. But also what we dont want is those who run the venue, those who were responsible on the night, to be able to continue to have events when there are still questions to be answered. The crush occurred on 15 December 2022, when concertgoers - many of them thought to be ticketless - tried to force their way into a sold-out gig by Nigerian Afrobeats artist Asake. The venues licence was suspended by Lambeth councillors. The Met Police is urging the council to permanently close it, but an online petition to save the academy has surpassed 113,000 signatures. The scene outside Brixton O2 Academy, the day after the crush in December 2022. / James Manning/PA Wire Brixton Academy's operator, the Academy Music Group, which hopes the venue can reopen despite the Met's opposition, has previously said it was "devastated" about the deaths and that it had "engaged collaboratively" with both Lambeth Council and the Metropolitan Police since the crush. The Met has revealed a criminal investigation is being conducted involving a range of potential allegations including corporate manslaughter, criminal negligence manslaughter, unlawful act manslaughter and health and safety at work offences along with violent disorder and assault. BAKU, Azerbaijan, June 15. Indian infrastructure firms are looking at an annual investment of USD 130-176 billion in Africa for infrastructure development, Afcons Managing Director S Paramasivan said on Wednesday. Addressing the 18th CII-EXIM Bank Conclave on India-Africa Growth Partnership, Paramasivan pointed out that there is a funding deficit to the tune of USD 60-160 billion on infrastructure development in Africa, and there is scope for further investment in multiple areas. "Most of us failed to notice, last one decade practically Africa had consistently had an investment of an average of $80 billion per year, which I rate as very very significant," he noted. He pointed out that nearly 47 per cent of investments in infrastructure happened between South and East Africa, while about 44 per cent of investments were in East and West Africa. About eight per cent of investments were done in Central Africa, he added. "If you look at sectoral distribution (of investments), energy comes on the top. Next comes transport and infrastructure. The third (position) is for water infrastructure and others. That is how investment patterns happened during the past decade," Paramasivan said. Going forward, what we (Indian firms) are looking at is an annual investment requirement of anything between $130-176 billion, he stated. About the huge requirement for infrastructure development in Africa, he informed that the global average is 944 km of roads per thousand square kilometres against the African existence of 204 km per thousand square kilometres. "Due to this poor transport infrastructure, the cost of logistics goes up by 50 per cent to 175 per cent, making the products less cost competitive in the marketplace," he stated. About railways in Africa, he said that there is only 84,000 km of railway lines for nearly 30 million square kilometres (in Africa). The average container movement is less than 20 as compared to 30 in other parts of the world, he highlighted. Indian EXIM bank contributed USD 11 billion during the last few years and several companies from India contributed to the growth of infrastructure in Africa. "There are political risks in some countries (in Africa). The government and policy changes. There is an increased government debt level due to COVID restrictions. There are debt restructuring and related areas. There are institutional challenges in some countries in terms of PPP (public-private partnership) and other related projects," Paramasivan said. About the transformation of infrastructure in Africa, he suggested that apart from conventional multi-level funding, there is a need to look at alternative business models like the receivable purchase model and barter system. Tunji Lawson, Executive Director and CFO, LandAfrique (Nigeria) said, "Africa is the most under-served region from an infra perspective. Two-thirds of people are without access to energy. It is also the continent with infra that is least resistant to the issue of climate change". He opined that the infrastructure gap will continue to grow as Africa's population is growing faster and urbanisation is continuing at a rapid speed. M ayor Sadiq Khan graced the Womens Prize for Fiction ceremony last night, where Barbara Kingsolver won the 30,000 prize for her novel, Demon Copperhead. But the Mayor didnt seem very well-briefed on the matter at hand. When The Londoner asked him about some of the women novelists he has read recently, he struggled, naming Jacqueline Crooks and Elif Shafak before drawing blanks. Other than that Ive read Alistair Campbells book, hes not a woman, said Khan. Again, hes not a woman but I love Richard Osman, Khan continued, before adding We all like a bit of E.L. James, dont we? On that note, Id better go. As he scarpered, The Londoner was left with an image of the Mayor reading Fifty Shades of Grey. Stanley Tucci (L) and Felicity Blunt attend the Women's Prize For Fiction 2023 winner ceremony at Bedford Square Gardens on June 14, 2023 in London, England. Pic credit: Dave Benett / Hoda Davaine/Dave Benett/Getty Images Among the guests were presenter Vick Hope and literary agent Felicity Blunt with actor husband Stanley Tucci, who is also her client for his books. Is she nicer to Tucci than other authors, we asked? I actually think I was meaner, because one is meaner to ones husband, said Blunt. Tory mayoral hopefuls support for Trump Tory mayoral hopeful Susan Hall and Donald Trump / City Hall / AP Photo/Alex Brandon Susan Hall, who is in the last three to be Tory candidate for mayor, has some controversial views. Shes been a Donald Trump fan, encouraging him to wipe the smile off Mayor Sadiq Khans face by winning the 2020 US election. The mayor and the then president were in a feud. Hall has been criticised for saying the black community has problems with crime. She also called anti-racism protesters who were out in Brixton worrying, and liked a tweet that labelled a picture of Met police officers taking the knee embarrassing. We contacted Hall to ask if she regrets backing Trump now that hes in legal trouble, but got no reply. Chancellor out at Spitting Image Al Murray (C) attends the press night performance of "Idiots Assemble: Spitting Image The Musical" at the Phoenix Theatre on June 14, 2023 in London, England. / Dave Benett The Spitting Image musical opened at the West Ends Phoenix Theatre last night, prompting co-creator Al Murray to get up close with puppets of the Pope and Kim Kardashian. In the audience was Chancellor Jeremy Hunt, who got a relatively easy ride. His boss Rishi Sunak was mocked in a head boys outfit, and the Tory peerage row got a skewering. Alastair Campbell went too, and was treated to some jibes about his ex-boss Tony Blairs record on Iraq. Blackadder return off the cards Tony Robinson attends the Park Theatre 10th Anniversary party on May 7, 2023 in London, England. / Dave Benett Blackadder star Tony Robinson is marking 40 years of the hit sitcom, but says there will be no reunion. It would look like a rather desperate group of middle-aged men, he says. Hes made a show about the sitcoms lost pilot, which airs on Gold tonight. John Cleese is doing another series of Fawlty Towers, which Robinson hopes will totally reinvent the original. Bowie producer defends music studio Legendary David Bowie producer Tony Visconti is trying to save a Brixton music studio just up the road from where Bowie himself was born. Brixton Hill Studios, where many cult bands have practiced and recorded, say they are at risk of closure after their rent went up by 32,000 a year and the landlord decided to leave negotiations. Visconti has called for the wonderful site to be saved. S usan Hall, who is in the last three to be Tory candidate for mayor, has some controversial views. Shes been a Donald Trump fan, encouraging him to wipe the smile off Mayor Sadiq Khans face by winning the 2020 US election. When UKIPs Suzanne Evans tweeted her agreement, Hall replied: we agree on most things. The mayor and the then president had a long running feud in which Khan called Trump ignorant. Hall has been criticised for saying the black community has problems with crime in City Hall last year. Problems with crime within the Black community is something I have brought up constantly because we need to assist those communities; the problem is, the minute we do we are accused of being racist or as near as damn being racist she said. At the time, Emmanuelle Andrews, of pressure group Liberty, told the Independent: It is no wonder that communities of colour have less trust in the police when people in power feel they can openly express such offensive attitudes. Hall also called anti-racism protesters who were out in Brixton worrying in a tweet, and liked another tweet that labelled a picture of Met police officers taking the knee as embarrassing. On Tuesday, we wrote how Hall had previously had a swipe at reality TV star Gemma Collins, calling her a stupid fat blonde woman. OMG this fat woman Gemma is ghastly, really ghastly, Hall tweeted, however watching her squeal may be funny. Hall was shortlisted by the Conservative party lsat weekend as one of the final three candidates who could face Sadiq Khan in the next London mayoral election. She will go up against Daniel Korski, a former political advisor, and Mozammel Hossain, a barrister, in the fight to be the official Tory candidate. We contacted Hall to ask if she regrets backing Trump now that hes in legal trouble, but got no reply. T he Privileges Committee was tasked with considering whether Boris Johnson misled Parliament over his partygate claims, but who are its members? Made up of seven MPs, four of the committees members are from the Conservative Party, while two are from Labour and one is from the SNP. The chair of the committee must always be from the official opposition, with Labours Harriet Harman unanimously elected to the role in June 2022. Here are the seven members: Harriet Harman KC Ms Harman, 72, is the Labour MP for Camberwell and Peckham. An MP since 1982, she served as secretary of state for social security and minister for women under Tony Blair. She has also had terms as solicitor general for England and Wales, and leader of the House of Commons. As chair of the committee, Ms Harman has been repeatedly targeted for criticism by Mr Johnson. In his response to the committees report, the former Prime Minister accused her of holding prejudicial views. Similarly, Sir Jacob Rees-Mogg accused her of not being the right person to lead the inquiry because she had publicly tweeted her criticisms and her disbelief in Boris Johnson. Sir Bernard Jenkin Sir Bernard, 64, is the Conservative MP for Harwich and North Essex. He is a longstanding Eurosceptic, supporting Brexit in the 2017 referendum. An MP since 1992, his role in the committee has caused him to come under fire from Mr Johnson and his supporters. Mr Johnson said that one of the committees arguments was so threadbare that it belonged in one of Bernard Jenkins nudist colonies. The former Prime Minister has urged Mr Jenkin to resign over an allegation that he broke lockdown rules at a 2020 drinks party in Parliament. Allan Dorans Mr Dorans, 67, the Scottish National Party MP for Ayr, Carrick and Cumnock. A former police officer and teacher, he was part of the 2019 intake. The committee had considered whether it should have recommended expelling Mr Johnson from the Commons. During discussion of the reports final findings, Mr Dorans, along with Labours Yvonne Fovargue, backed recommending that Mr Johnson be expelled from the Commons. However, the amendment was opposed by the committees Conservative members. Yvonne Fovargue Ms Fovargue, 66, is the Labour MP for Makerfield, Manchester, and has been an MP since May 2010. She was the CEO of St Helens Citizens Advice Bureau for 20 years before becoming an MP.A member of the Unite trade union, she has previously been a shadow education minister. Alberto Costa Mr Costa, 51, is the Conservative MP for South Leicestershire. An MP since 2015, he was born to Italian parents in Scotland. Before entering politics he had a career as a solicitor, and worked at the Treasurys solicitors department. He opposed Brexit prior to the 2016 referendum. Sir Charles Walker Sir Charles, 55, is the Conservative MP for Broxbourne, and has been an MP since 2005. In February 2022, he announced that he would be stepping down at the next general election, saying that politics had become a pretty toxic environment. He was the fifth Tory MP to call for Liz Truss to resign, later saying of her Government that he had had enough of talentless people. Andy Carter Mr Carter, 49, is the Conservative MP for Warrington South, a marginal constituency. Part of the 2019 intake, he had a career in radio before entering politics. In May 2023, he announced that he would be standing down as an MP at the next election. T he Privileges Committee has branded Boris Johnson the first prime minister to have lied to the Commons. Here is a look at some of the questions that remain as the saga continues and the potential implications for those involved. What happens next? As expected, the Privileges Committee has found Boris Johnson misled Parliament over lockdown parties at No 10, with the cross-party panel saying it would have recommended a 90-day suspension from the House of Commons if he had not resigned. If Mr Johnson had remained in Parliament, the recommended sanctions would have had to be approved by a vote of MPs. Commons Leader Penny Mordaunt has confirmed MPs are scheduled to debate the Privileges Committees findings on Monday June 19 the same date as Mr Johnsons 59th birthday and this will be followed by an expected free vote, which means members are free to choose not to vote along party lines. There could also be further ramifications from the committees conclusion that Mr Johnsons attacks on the fairness of the committees procedures amounted to a serious further contempt. The report said his criticisms, which were echoed in part by some Tory MPs, were vitriolic and amounted to an attack on our democratic institutions. How does the recommended sanction compare with those previously handed to other MPs? The most recent comparable example is that of SNP MP Margaret Ferrier, who MPs recently voted to suspend from the Commons for 30 days for breaching Covid lockdown rules. To find an MP who was suspended for longer you have to go back to May 2021 when Rob Roberts an independent initially elected as a Conservative received a six-week ban for sexual misconduct. Former Labour MP Keith Vaz was handed a six-month suspension in 2019, the longest in modern times, after he was found to have expressed a willingness to buy cocaine for others during an encounter with male prostitutes. Other MPs receiving long suspensions include Democratic Union Party MP Ian Paisley Jr, who was suspended for 30 days in 2018 for failing to declare holidays paid for by the Sri Lankan government. Teresa Gorman, then a Conservative MP, was suspended for four weeks in March 2000 for not declaring interests. Which former MPs have had their pass granting access to Parliament removed? The Privileges Committee has recommended that Boris Johnson should not retain a pass granting him access to Parliament. In normal circumstances, the pass is given to former MPs but there have been examples in recent times when findings of misconduct have led to the privilege being removed. The most high-profile case in recent times is that of former Commons speaker John Bercow. He was banned from holding a pass after an investigation found him guilty of bullying in 2022. Ex-Labour MP Chris Williamson had his pass suspended last year after concerns were raised over his work for Press TV in Iran. What does the committees findings mean for Boris Johnsons political future? It would usually be reasonable to assume that any politician criticised in such damning terms would be forced to retreat from frontline politics for good. But Mr Johnsons abrasive push-back against the committee shows he is determined to remain a prominent figure. He retains significant influence over the Conservative Party, particularly among the grassroots, and his allies in Parliament may follow him in trying to undermine the committee and its findings. But the brutality of the committees condemnation raises questions over whether former parliamentary allies will, or indeed can afford to, stick with him. There has been talk of Mr Johnson making a swift return but currently there appears little appetite among the Tory ranks for this to happen. But the often cited warning not to write Mr Johnson off will be repeated, with some supporters no doubt hoping he will be viewed as a martyr to be rallied behind. When will the by-election in Mr Johnsons vacated seat take place? The Government on Wednesday formally confirmed a by-election in Uxbridge and South Ruislip. It will take place between 21 and 27 days from the writ being issued by Chief Whip Simon Hart, meaning it will be held between July 13 and 21. Mr Johnson won the seat in 2019 with 52.6% of the vote, beating Labour candidate Ali Milani by 7,000 votes. A by-election in Selby and Ainsty was also confirmed yesterday after the resignation of Boris Johnson ally Nigel Adams, meaning the Government looks set to face two by-elections on the same day. What factors could influence the outcome? The circumstances in which the seat became vacant has led many to conclude the Conservatives are likely to lose the by-election. Realistically, polling on the Governments popularity pointed to the Tories being at serious risk of losing the seat anyway. But controversy over the mayor of London Sadiq Khans push to extend the capitals ultra-low emission zone (Ulez) to outer London areas including Hillingdon, which covers the vacant seat, could play a part. The Conservative campaign in the constituency is expected to frame the by-election as a referendum on Ulez, which has been met with strong local opposition. Tory Party chairman Greg Hands has already campaigned in the area on the issue. A Conservative candidate is yet to be announced but the Labour candidate, Camden councillor Danny Beales, has sought to play down Ulez as the dominant issue. He said: Local people dont view this as a binary issue. The Conservatives may want to run a single-issue campaign here but I dont think that will wash with voters. What are the implications of the committees findings for Rishi Sunak? The Prime Ministers war of words with Mr Johnson over his honours list brought simmering tensions between two into full public view. As things stand, Mr Sunak has seen Mr Johnson, the most disruptive influence in his party, leave Parliament under a dark cloud. But there are significant problems ahead for a Prime Minister facing numerous policy challenges and the potential continuation of internal party strife. With two by-elections confirmed and a third on the horizon, Mr Sunak faces a potentially damaging test of voter opinion. Heavy defeats could ferment concerns among Tory MPs that Mr Sunak is not making required progress, particularly in the context of recent bad news on the economy. While there may be some relief among ministers that Mr Johnson has departed the parliamentary fray, there will be lingering concerns that the Conservative brand has been irredeemably damaged by his conduct. If this is the case, Mr Sunak now has limited time to make significant progress towards shaking off negative public perceptions. When will the third by-election take place? The resignation announcement by staunch Boris Johnson ally Nadine Dorries was expected to enable the Conservatives to attempt to limit potential political damage by dealing with three by-elections on one day. However, the former Cabinet minister has said she will not resign until she gets more information on why she was denied a peerage. She has submitted a formal request for information to the House of Lords Appointments Commission in a bid to secure all her personal data. However, it is understood that this right of access does not apply to data processed for the honours system. Therefore, a third by-election in Ms Dorries Mid Bedfordshire seat could be some way off. She remains an MP and is free to make her views known in Parliament. A woman whose husband died with Covid-19 said she feels empty following the publication of a report that found Boris Johnson deliberately misled Parliament with his partygate denials. The Privileges Committee said Mr Johnson is the first former prime minister to have lied to the Commons, adding that the offences merited a 90-day suspension, which would have paved the way for a by-election if he had not quit in anticipation. The Covid-19 Bereaved Families for Justice (CBFFJ) UK campaign group said Mr Johnson should never be allowed to stand for any form of public office again. One member of the group, Fran Hall from Buckinghamshire, said there was no happiness at the reports findings, adding that Mr Johnson is a disgraced former prime minister, which she said was now plain and evident to see. The 62-year-olds husband, Steve Mead, died three weeks after the couple were married in 2020. She told the PA news agency: There are so many people who are just traumatised by whats happened to them and the people they love. They will never recover and there will be no justice. Theyve just got to live with the knowledge that they have been absolutely let down by the people that were in charge of ensuring that we were kept safe, and we werent. It will always sting but we had the worst possible prime minister at the worst possible time and he was surrounded by people that enabled him to continue to lie to everyone. I feel empty, really. Ms Hall said she was one of five members from CBFFJ who were invited to Downing Street to meet the then-prime minister in September 2021. Ms Hall said: We knew at that point that he was not telling us the truth when he looked at us and said that he was doing everything he could to prevent other people having to go through what wed been through. We knew that he was lying and its now apparent that hes lied to Parliament and to the whole country. This is another grim reminder that whilst families like mine were saying goodbye to our loved ones over Zoom, the same prime minister that failed us so badly in the first place was breaking his own rules so he could have a party On what the response should be to the findings, Ms Hall said: I dont think he should be seen in public in the role of a former prime minister. Hes a disgraced former prime minister and that is now plain and evident. David Garfinkel, spokesperson for CBFFJ, said Mr Johnson had shown no remorse and instead lied to our faces. Mr Garfinkel said: This is another grim reminder that whilst families like mine were saying goodbye to our loved ones over Zoom, the same prime minister that failed us so badly in the first place was breaking his own rules so he could have a party and a laugh. Johnson has shown no remorse. Instead he lied to our faces when he told us that hed done all he could to protect our loved ones. He lied again when he said the rules hadnt been broken in Number 10, and hes lied ever since when hes denied it again and again. Its an utter tragedy that Johnson was in charge when the pandemic struck and he should never be allowed to stand for any form of public office again. His fall from grace must serve as a lesson to other politicians to act with honesty and to serve the public as a whole that is the only positive that can come from this. C hancellor Jeremy Hunt and former prime minister David Cameron are among those who will give evidence to the UK Covid-19 Inquiry next week. Englands chief medical officer Sir Chris Whitty and former chief scientific adviser Sir Patrick Vallance are also on the witness list for the week beginning June 19, alongside former chancellor George Osborne. Module 1 of the inquiry is currently looking at the UKs preparations for a pandemic, including whether officials were too focused on the idea that the next pandemic would be flu. The inquiry, which is being chaired by Baroness Heather Hallett, will hear Module 1 evidence for six weeks until July 20. Further witnesses next week include former chief medical officer Dame Sally Davies, former minister for Government policy Sir Oliver Letwin and current deputy prime minister Oliver Dowden. Sir Chris Wormald, permanent secretary of the Department of Health and Social Care, will also give evidence. A solicitor representing campaign group Covid-19 Bereaved Families for Justice UK at the inquiry said they have grave concerns around how limited the time might be to question slick politicians who could escape accountability. Elkan Abrahamson, head of major inquests and inquiries at Broudie Jackson Canter, said: While we understand the need to progress the inquiry swiftly, the length of time given to crucial testimony from senior government ministers is alarming. Politicians are well equipped to fend off critical questions and it takes time to pierce their armour. We have grave concerns that the time limits will allow the slick politicians to escape accountability for their actions which had such tragic consequences. Meanwhile, on the third day of the long-awaited inquiry, David Heymann, professor of infectious disease epidemiology at London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine (LSHTM) added to calls for the UK to rejoin the European Unions 88.6 billion Horizon science research programme. Horizon Europe is a collaboration involving Europes leading research institutes and technology companies. The Government negotiated membership of the programme in the Brexit withdrawal agreement but the EU went back on the deal after disputes emerged over the Northern Ireland Protocol. In a report submitted to the inquiry, Prof Heymann, who was an expert adviser for the World Health Organisation (WHO) during the Sars epidemic in 2003, recommended that funding for Covid-19 research should continue so questions can be answered about the UKs pandemic strategy, as well as about the long-term outcomes of the disease. He said that by joining the Horizon research programme, in which the UK had been a leader, additional funding would also become available to supplement this research. He said: The UK, in fact, has contributed much information to (scientific) literature because of their excellent research capacity. S cotlands First Minister has accused Boris Johnson of betraying the people of the UK after the release of a report which found he knowingly misled MPs over partygate. The former prime minister committed repeated contempts of Parliament, according to the Privileges Committees findings which were released on Thursday. The panel of MPs recommended a 90-day suspension from the Commons for Mr Johnson had he not stood down a conclusion the ex-PM described as deranged. Humza Yousaf sought to use the committees findings as ammunition to attack the Scottish Conservatives during First Ministers Questions on Thursday, while Tory leader Douglas Ross was pressing him on the delayed project to dual the A9. Mr Yousaf said: This is desperate stuff from Douglas Ross, who is trying to dodge, no doubt deflect of course, from the serious scandal his party is engulfed (in). With Boris Johnson not just lying to the House of Commons, but betraying the people of this country and of the UK. When they couldnt visit a loved one, when they couldnt attend funerals of loved ones, Boris Johnson was breaking the rules and having parties in Number 10. Douglas Ross can try to deflect, he can try to dodge, but of course nobody in this country can forget that Douglas Ross backed Boris Johnson to the very hilt. Mr Ross was criticised for his shifting position on the former prime minister, after he was one of the first senior members of the party to call for him to quit in the wake of the partygate scandal breaking, before rescinding those calls after the Russian invasion of Ukraine, citing the need for a unified response to the crisis. He eventually voted against Mr Johnson in a confidence vote last June, which precipitated his leaving office the following month. V eteran actress and former politician Glenda Jackson has died peacefully after a brief illness at the age of 87, her agent has confirmed. The screen star and former Labour MP for Hampstead and Highgate won the Oscar for best actress in 1970 for Women In Love and again three years later for A Touch Of Class although opted not to attend the ceremony on either occasion. Her agent, Lionel Larner, said: Glenda Jackson, two-time Academy Award-winning actress and politician, died peacefully at her home in Blackheath, London, this morning after a brief illness, with her family at her side. She recently completed filming The Great Escaper in which she co-starred with Michael Caine. Despite her successful career, which also included two Emmy Awards and a Tony, Jackson previously said she never had any interest in the social and glamorous aspects of the industry. The double Oscar-winner gave up acting for politics more than a quarter of a century ago and served as a Labour MP for 23 years. Tulip Siddiq, Labour MP for Hampstead and Kilburn, which was Jacksons constituency from 2010 to 2015 after she previously held the old seat of Hampstead and Highgate from 1992 to 2010, paid tribute to her predecessor as a very supportive mentor and formidable politician. She tweeted: Devastated to hear that my predecessor Glenda Jackson has died. A formidable politician, an amazing actress and a very supportive mentor to me. Hampstead and Kilburn will miss you Glenda. Meanwhile, a spokesman for Prime Minister Rishi Sunak said: Obviously thats extremely sad news and obviously his thoughts will be with her friends and family at this time, but Im sure we will have more to say. Jackson was elected as the Labour MP for Hampstead and Highgate in 1992, and served as a junior transport minister from 1997 to 1999 during Sir Tony Blairs government. Diane Abbott, who became a Labour MP in 1987, paid tribute to Jackson on Twitter. Tagging Jacksons son, Mail on Sunday columnist Dan Hodges, she wrote: Very sad to hear of the death of Glenda Jackson. I served alongside her in Parliament for many years. She was a kind and extremely principled woman. Jackson stood down as an MP at the 2015 general election and returned to acting. She won a Bafta for best actress for her 2019 role in Elizabeth Is Missing, which followed the story of a woman suffering from dementia. Jackson recently finished filming The Great Escaper alongside fellow double Oscar-winner Sir Michael Caine, with whom she last acted 48 years ago in The Romantic Englishwoman. Their new film tells the story, inspired by true events, of a Second World War veteran who escaped from his care home in Hove, East Sussex, to attend a commemoration of the 70th anniversary of the D-Day landings in France. Jackson said she only started acting after failing her school certificate, leaving her with no option but to start working at the age of 16. She previously told the Times magazine of her childhood on the Wirral: Listen, I come from a family where if you didnt work, you didnt eat. That was the class structure. After joining a friend at the YMCA amateur dramatics society while she was working at her local Boots store, she went on to study at the Royal Academy of Dramatic Art (Rada). She also played Egyptian queen Cleopatra in 1971 for an episode of The Morecambe & Wise Show with comedy duo Eric Morecambe and Ernie Wise. Speaking to the Radio Times about working with the late pair, whose popular show consisted of a mixture of sketches and stand-up comedy, Jackson said: Oh, I loved working with them. I found it extremely difficult to restrain my laughter when we were doing Cleopatra. Jackson also recalled her experience of working with late theatre director Peter Brook on a 1967 production of Marat/Sade, describing him as a genius. She also once said she would probably turn down a damehood if she were to be offered one, because what does it actually mean? T he Government must urgently ban a breed of dog bred to kill, a Conservative former minister has said. Senior Tory MP Sir John Hayes said there was no debate needed that the American Bully XL must be banned, following a spate of attacks involving the breed in recent years. The American Bully XL is closely related to the banned Pit Bull Terrier breed, but is not subject to any legal restrictions itself. Sir John, the MP for South Holland and the Deepings, told the Commons: Regretfully, the subject of dangerous dogs is salient again. Deep regrets of the most tragic events. He added: Just last month, a 37-year-old man was killed in Greater Manchester. Jonathan Hogg died in hospital after suffering serious injuries when he was attacked by a dog in Leigh. We need an urgent statement from the Government, not to debate this matter but simply to confirm that this bad breed, bred to kill, should be banned Sir John went on: A 17-month-old, Bella-Rae Birch, killed last year. Just before that, a 10-year-old, Jack Lis. They were all killed by this so-called Bully Dog, the American XL Bully Dog. We need an urgent statement from the Government, not to debate this matter but simply to confirm that this bad breed, bred to kill, should be banned. Commons Leader Penny Mordaunt replied: I think many people would be surprised to hear the volume of such attacks that do take place, and there has been a spate of them recently that have been incredibly shocking, and the result of owners not being able to control those animals. It is a very serious matter. I know the Secretary of State (Therese Coffey) is aware of these matters. As the next questions to her are not until July 6, I shall write on his behalf and make sure that the Secretary of State has heard it today. There are currently four banned breeds of dog in the UK, the Pit Bull Terrier, Japanese Tosa, Dogo Argentino and Fila Brasileiro. A Defra spokesperson said: These are deeply tragic incidents, and our sympathies remain with all the families impacted. We take the issue of dangerous dogs and fatal dog attacks seriously and are making sure enforcement measures are fully utilised. These measures range from Community Protection Notices that can be served for low-level anti-social behaviour to offences under the Dangerous Dogs Act where serious offences can see people put in prison for up to 14 years, disqualified from ownership or their dog euthanised if they allow it to become dangerously out of control. S cotlands First Minister has said he does not believe there has been collusion between the police and media during the investigation into the SNPs finances. Humza Yousaf was speaking after one of his backbench MSPs had accused the press of making a big play of the arrest of former first minister Nicola Sturgeon. She was questioned by officers from Police Scotland on Sunday as part of Operation Branchform, which is looking into what has happened to money raised by the party for a second independence referendum. Ms Sturgeon was released without charge, pending further investigation, on Sunday evening. SNP MSP James Dornan claimed the police and the media seem to have some kind of collusion about making sure that the media are in attendance when the slightest thing happens. Police Scotland has denied the accusation, with a spokesman for the force saying: Any suggestion that the media were informed in advance of an arrest is untrue. Asked about Mr Dornans comments by journalists at Holyrood on Thursday, Mr Yousaf said: I dont believe that. He said he would not comment further on a live investigation. With reports having suggested Mr Yousaf told SNP MSPs to quit the party if they do not back his decision to refrain from suspending Ms Sturgeon following her arrest, he added: Ive made it clear to the MSPs, and they are all united behind the fact that if you are advancing the cause of independence then we want you to be part of the group. Mr Yousaf said he has not spoken to Ms Sturgeon since she was arrested, with the former first minister having released a statement afterwards in which she insisted beyond doubt that she is innocent of any wrongdoing. She became the third high-profile SNP politician to be arrested in connection with alleged irregularities in the partys finances after complaints were raised almost two years ago. Peter Murrell, who is the SNPs former chief executive and Ms Sturgeons husband, plus then SNP treasurer Colin Beattie have both also been arrested and questioned by police, before both being released without charge pending further investigation. BAKU, Azerbaijan, June 15. Union Minister of Education and Skill Development and Entrepreneurship, Dharmendra Pradhan, on Wednesday flagged off Gabon's first AgriSEZ project from New Delhi, according to the statement released by the Education Ministry. In the first phase of the programme, 30 farmers and 20 B.Sc./M.Sc. Agri and B.Tech/M. Tech Engineering students from the Gajapati district, will be travelling together as agri-technical and technical consultants for the agriculture SEZ which is being developed under this project. Speaking on the occasion, Pradhan said, "From Gajapati to Gabon, from Cheetahs to Climate Change, the India-Africa relationship is going from strength to strength, said Shri Dharmendra Pradhan." "Today's launch will add a new chapter to that relationship," he added. He also expressed confidence that the establishment of an Agriculture and Food Processing Special Economic Zone in Gabon will be a significant milestone towards enhancing food security and self-sufficiency in the country. Speaking on the India-Africa relationship, he said under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, the relations between India and Africa have gone from strength to strength, recording more than 35 high-level visits from India and more than 100 similar ones from Africa. "Anti-colonial solidarity, diasporic goodwill, and the principle of 'South-South' cooperation, among others, are also playing a significant role in strengthening the partnership between India and the African continent, he added. He said development partnership is a key pillar in India's African policy. Being a trusted partner in the journey of socio-economic development, India has extended concessional loans of over USD 12.3 billion to Africa and USD 700 mn of grant assistance with development projects in various sectors, an official statement quoted the Union minister as saying. On India's G20 Presidency, he said it is very unique as it has enabled India to amplify the voice and concerns of the Global South and developing countries, scripting another chapter in strengthening India- Africa relations. He said Gabon and other African countries have a lot to learn from India's development journey and recent initiatives like the Aspirational Districts Program. He also spoke about India-Africa's long-standing relations in the areas of education and skill development. R ishi Sunak faces bitter Tory infighting erupting in public when MPs vote on whether to approve a damning report which found Boris Johnson committed "repeated contempts" of Parliament. Commons Leader Penny Mordaunt confirmed that the Privileges Committee's findings will be debated on Monday, June 19 - the same date as Mr Johnson's 59th birthday. MPs are expected to have a free vote, which is likely to expose rifts between Conservative MPs who back the former prime minister and those who want to see him being sanctioned. Blue-on-blue sniping has already begun, with arch-Johnson loyalist Nadine Dorries calling for Tories who vote against the former prime minister to be kicked out of the party. But Douglas Ross, the Scottish Conservative leader, has said he will support the recommendations of the Privileges Committee "because we as a Parliament asked them to do this job". The Privileges Committee report published today found he committed repeated contempts of Parliament by deliberately misleading MPs with his partygate denials before being complicit in a campaign of abuse and intimidation, a cross-party investigation found on Thursday. Branding him the first former prime minister to have ever lied to the Commons, the Privileges Committee recommended a 90-day suspension which would have paved the way for a by-election if he had not quit in anticipation. His resignation means he will escape that punishment but the committee recommended that he should not receive the pass granting access to Parliament which is normally given to former MPs. The former Conservative leader hit out at what he called a deranged conclusion, accusing the Tory-majority group of MPs led by Labour veteran Harriet Harman, who he has repeatedly sought to disparage, of lying. Mr Johnson called the committee beneath contempt and claimed its 14-month investigation had delivered what is intended to be the final knife-thrust in a protracted political assassination. They found the former prime minister had committed a serious contempt for deliberately misleading MPs by insisting all rules had been followed in Downing Street despite lockdown-breaching parties. The MPs had provisionally agreed a suspension long enough to potentially trigger a by-election before Mr Johnson resigned in protest at the findings, attacking the committee as a kangaroo court. But they said he committed further contempts by undermining the democratic processes of the Commons and being complicit in the campaign of abuse and attempted intimidation of the committee. J unior doctors are preparing to strike every month until next spring, medics have said. The British Medical Association (BMA) said it will ballot training doctors next week to extend its strike mandate. Junior doctors said they will also consider co-ordinated action with consultants, who are also currently being balloted over the possibility of strike action. If members vote to continue strikes, junior doctors will take to picket lines for three days a month, every month, until March 2024, the PA news agency has learned. The move would represent a significant escalation in the dispute with the Government over pay. But if the Government continue to act in bad faith, as they have repeatedly in the past, we are preparing for further strike action and actually are making preparations to re-ballot our members to extend our strike mandate Junior doctors across England are currently on strike for 72 hours. It is the third round of strikes by training medics in the current dispute, with past walkouts taking place in March and April. It comes as hundreds of junior doctors staged a rally outside the NHS ConfedExpo conference in Manchester, where Health Secretary Steve Barclay is set to speak later on Thursday. Medics chanted: What do we want? Fair pay. When do we want it? Now. Chants of cuts dont pay the bills were also heard. In an interview with PA, Dr Vivek Trivedi, co-chairman of the BMA Junior Doctors Committee, said: We have said that we are prepared to take three days of action every month for the rest of our mandate if we need to but thats the key thing, if we need to and we didnt actually even need to take strike in the first place. We only took action because we were ignored by the Government. And even now, Mr Barclay well, it actually seems to be Mr Sunak who is actually pulling the strings has the ability to get these strikes called off. All we need to know is that hes serious, hes willing to put a credible offer on the table that we can use to negotiate with. And going forwards, if were happy to have an open, honest conversation, then we dont need to ever go on strike again. But if the Government continue to act in bad faith, as they have repeatedly in the past, we are preparing for further strike action and actually are making preparations to re-ballot our members to extend our strike mandate. Dr Trivedi added: Our mandate expires on August 19 and we will be re-balloting from June 19, which is next Monday up until the end of August. There is remarkable understanding from patients and the public on picket lines that if we... if we don't turn this trend around, waiting lists will only go up and people who are in hospital receiving urgent care will get worse care slower That will take us through to February/March 2024 and we would re-ballot at that point if we needed to. The key emphasis on if we need to, which we dont if the Government meets us. Asked if junior doctors will consider striking alongside consultant colleagues, Dr Emma Runswick, deputy chairwoman of the BMA council, told PA: Patient safety is top of our agenda so I cant see a world where it would be simultaneous, but will it co-ordinated? The answer has to be yes. The question is, How do we get the Government to shift their position? which is so unreasonable at the moment. And if it takes co-ordination of action to do that then thats what well do. Dr Runswick said co-ordinated action could include consecutive strikes from juniors and consultants, with junior doctors taking action before or after any potential consultant walkout. She said: There is remarkable understanding from patients and the public on picket lines that if we if we dont turn this trend around, waiting lists will only go up and people who are in hospital receiving urgent care will get worse care slower. So I think there is widespread understanding of the importance of this dispute. Many key NHS figures ducked out of the NHSs annual meeting to manage the strikes fallout. NHS England boss Amanda Pritchard said the strike is a serious risk to patient safety and industrial action creates risk and upheaval. She said tens of thousands of appointments will be affected. Speaking before leaving the conference to co-ordinate the strike response from the London office, she told delegates on Wednesday: We must prioritise the management of what is a serious business continuity incident and therefore a serious risk to patient safety. So while the NHS will of course expertly manage the incident to the best of our ability, I know we all hope for a resolution soon She added: As much as we learn from managing each action every time it happens, it creates risk and upheaval and distracts from our priorities, particularly elective recovery. Over half a million appointments have already had to be rescheduled. Many of those people will have been waiting months. Its likely well see tens of thousands more affected this week. So while the NHS will of course expertly manage the incident to the best of our ability, I know we all hope for a resolution soon. Asked about Ms Pritchards comments, Dr Trivedi told PA: Im happy to have a chat with her and explore with those risks that she thinks that exist there. Looking at the evidence from the first and second round of strikes is that patient safety was maintained and wasnt put at risk. So I dont think theres anything to suggest that, from the information that Ive seen, that that has changed with our third round of action. Matthew Taylor, chief executive of the NHS Confederation, said: The suggestion that junior doctors could strike regularly over consecutive days every month for a year or more will be extremely worrying to healthcare leaders. We know health services are already struggling with severe staff shortages in many areas, and with the NHS carrying over 120,000 vacancies, further industrial action will very likely leave one of the Prime Minister's key missions, that of reducing waiting lists, at risk If further industrial action is also co-ordinated with strikes by consultant doctors, should they announce they have a mandate, then patient safety will be put at further risk. We know health services are already struggling with severe staff shortages in many areas, and with the NHS carrying over 120,000 vacancies, further industrial action will very likely leave one of the Prime Ministers key missions, that of reducing waiting lists, at risk. Healthcare leaders and their staff have moved mountains and made great strides in bringing down waiting lists, especially for those patients waiting the longest. However, a drawn out and protracted series of doctors strikes over the next 12 months and beyond risks this progress being severely eroded, and NHS leaders must not be blamed if targets are missed. P olice have arrested Just Stop Oil protesters on the day new legislation came into force giving officers greater power to disperse crowds. Several individuals were handcuffed at a slow march protest near Vauxhall Bridge in central London, after officers read out the updated Section 12 of the Public Order act, which came into effect on Thursday. Around 30 environmental activists moved from Vauxhall Bridge Road, around the A202 roundabout and towards the Albert Embankment in Vauxhall, south London. Changes to the Public Order Act allow police officers to make arrests where disruption to the public is more than minor. One Just Stop Oil activist said police were moving faster today, as a result of the new legislation. Canon Peter Lippiett, 76, said the length of time that protesters were allowed to remain in the road had become shorter. Mr Lippiett said: The section 12 is making an enormous impact. Its legal to walk in the streets but the new section 12 has been applied disorganisedly and haphazardly. Police are making faster intervention and I think its because of this act. Another protester, 48, who gave his name as Mark, said: Police are moving faster today, thats what we think. We dont know exactly what the impact will be yet, but it seems it is easier to disperse us with this definition of minor disruption. Motorists shouted at the march as they progressed slowly through the Vauxhall Bridge tunnel towards South Lambeth Road. Cries of Get a job and imbeciles could be heard, as drivers honked horns loudly during the march. An ambulance was among the vehicles slowed behind the protest walk. Protester Chris, 53, said: People are very concerned about the changes in law and how difficult it is getting to protest legally, because all we do is non-violent protests, but it is getting harder to do so. And Frances, 20, said: Its totally unjust. Its our fundamental human right to protest under the human rights act. Were not harming anyone. She added: Until they bring in the death penalty, well keep going until the Government stops this death pact with the oil and gas industries. Police at the scene confirmed arrests had been made under the updated Section 12 legislation, but emphasised the particular conditions of each arrest varied between individuals. Protesters at the march thanked the officers for facilitating the event. Some 156 slow march protests have taken place in London since April 2023, according to the Home Office. The average length of time taken between a protest starting and activists being moved out of the road was between 13 and 19 minutes, the Metropolitan Police said in May. The report last week found that the then-prime minister repeatedly violated the law with his Partygate denials and that if he had not resigned as an MP he should have been expelled from the Commons for 90 days. Mr Johnson and other Conservative members, including current PM Rishi Sunak, were fined by police for breaking lockdown restrictions - including hosting parties and gatherings. The motion to uphold the committees findings was easily passed 354 to 7 with a number of Tories and Johnson loyalists abstaining. No vote was recorded for 225 MPs. We conclude that, when he told the House and this Committee that the rules and guidance were being complied with, his own knowledge was such that he deliberately misled the House and this committee, the report read. Mr Johnson, who stepped down as MP for Uxbridge and South Ruislip after being given advance notice, said it was a deranged conclusion. The report was composed by a group of MPs and is expected to find that Mr Johnson deliberately misled MPs with his assurances that lockdown rules were followed in Downing Street Mr Johnson previously attacked the seven-person committee, which is chaired by veteran Labour MP Harriet Harman but has a Conservative majority, as a kangaroo court. What is the Privileges Committee? The Privileges Committee is a cross-party House of Commons body that investigates matters that may prevent or hinder the work of Parliament. Its responsibilities include examining instances of MPs being accused of breaking rules. It is there to consider specific matters relating to privileges referred by the House. The committee has been looking into whether Mr Johnson misled MPs about what he knew about parties held in Downing Street during Covid lockdowns. The committee was established in its current form in 2013. It was once merged with the committee on standards but they have since been split. Who is the chair? Labour grandee Harriet Harman is chair of the Privileges Committee. In Parliament since 1982, she is the longest-standing female MP and a former Cabinet minister. Ms Harman, due to stand down at the next general election, has long been an outspoken advocate for equality in politics and a strong feminist. She has served in numerous government roles and senior positions in Labour under a succession of leaders, and also served as deputy leader. What about other members? Sir Bernard Jenkin is another veteran MP. A Conservative, he has been in Parliament since 1992. A veteran Tory Eurosceptic and chairman of the powerful Liaison Committee, he was a critic of Mr Johnsons handling of the Chris Pincher affair and is an often vocal contributor from the backbenches. Sir Charles Walker, another member of the committee, is standing down at the next election. Another independently minded Conservative backbencher, he made headlines last year for his emotional criticism of the chaos that engulfed the final days of the Truss administration. The rest of the committee is made up of Conservative MPs Andy Carter and Alberto Costa, as well as Labours Yvonne Fovargue and the SNPs Allan Dorans. Boris Johnson: Downing Street Partygate 1 / 10 Boris Johnson: Downing Street Partygate Boris Johnson at a gathering in 10 Downing Street for the departure of a special adviser, which was released with the publication of Sues Gray report PA Media Former British Prime Minister Boris Johnson is seen on his morning run on 15 June 2023 Getty Images Boris Johnson ahead of his evidence to the Privileges Committee PA Wire Then-PM Boris Johnson attends a gathering celebrating his birthday in which cake and alcohol was provided in the Cabinet Room at 10 Downing Street during the pandemic (Cabinet Office/PA) PA Media A video grab from footage broadcast by the UK Parliaments Parliamentary Recording Unit (PRU) shows former British Prime Minister Boris Johnson looking at photographs of himself in Downing Street on June 19, 2020, as he attends a Parliamentary Privileges Committee hearing PRU/AFP via Getty Images Boris Johnson (left) at a leaving gathering for two officials, involving 15-20 people, in 10 Downing Street, London, when rules were in force for the prevention of the spread of Covid, which was released in the Committee of Privileges report PA Boris Johnson (right) at a gathering celebrating his birthday - in which cake and alcohol was provided - in the Cabinet Room at 10 Downing Street, London, when rules were in force for the prevention of the spread of Covid, which was released in the Committee of Privileges report PA Britains then outgoing prime minister Boris Johnson (L) and his wife Carrie come out as Johnson prepares to deliver his final speech outside 10 Downing Street in central London, before heading to Balmoral to tender his resignation. Johnson announced his resignation as an MP on June 9, 2023, accusing a parliamentary probe into the Partygate scandal of driving him out. Johnson, 58, said he was stepping down with immediate effect triggering an immediate by-election in his marginal seat, which heaps political pressure on his successor Rishi Sunak AFP via Getty Images What powers does the committee have? The powers of the committee are limited to issuing a report for the Commons for MPs to consider. In its findings, it can conclude that an individual has been found to have committed a contempt in misleading the House, and it can recommend imposing sanctions ranging from an oral or written apology to suspension or even expulsion from the Commons. But it is up to MPs to decide whether to accept the findings of the report and to follow through with any penalty. Parties have usually not told their MPs which way to vote on reports from the Privileges Committee. As Mr Johnson has already resigned as an MP, it is not yet clear what penalty the committee will recommend. F ormer home secretary Dame Priti Patel says she fears the Government could be overpromising with its stop the boats policy. The senior Conservative MP suggested ministers need to go further in their overhaul of the immigration system to deter Channel crossings, including by ensuring the Rwanda removal scheme is operating. Dame Priti also said it is not good enough for her successor Suella Braverman to say more Britons should be trained to be fruit pickers to plug demand and lower immigration, adding farmers should be helped to bring in technology to do the job. More than 8,300 people have crossed the English Channel in small boats this year. The number who made the crossing in 2022 reached a record 45,755, prompting Prime Minister Rishi Sunak to make tackling small boat crossings a priority for his Government this year. The Illegal Migration Bill is currently making its way through Parliament and it aims to prevent people from claiming asylum in the UK if they arrive through unauthorised means. The Government also hopes the changes will ensure detained people are promptly removed, either to their home country or a third country such as Rwanda, although the latter policy has been stalled by legal challenges. Speaking during a Commons debate on migration, Dame Priti said it is right the UK increases the efficiency and fairness of the immigration system to better protect and support those in need of asylum while also deterring illegal entry into our country. She said: We need to break the business model of the people smugglers, the Government is seeking to do that and it is hard work, there is no one single solution to this. But Im very worried that the Government may be overpromising with just stop the boats when clearly you just cant stop the boats, there are so many other things that need doing such as offshore processing, bringing the Rwanda scheme to light, life sentences for people smugglers, making it harder for migrants who make these dangerous crossings, but also to stop the repeat and endless last-minute claims that go through our courts, the appeals systems in particular. Dame Priti said her 2021 New Plan for Immigration tried to do a lot of that, adding: I hope the Government will continue to pursue those policies. Dame Priti earlier expressed concerns about the approach to the labour market. She said: I was in government for just over three years and I was a lone voice in calling for a labour market strategy, specifically to support the points-based immigration system. It is obvious you need a labour market strategy, this would have sat with the Treasury at the time, the Treasury simply did not do this work and I do just want to pay credit to the current Chancellor (Jeremy Hunt) who has also picked this point up because we desperately need it. Without that were going to continue to have labour market shortages and all the problems that colleagues have spoken about. We also need to strengthen skills and Im afraid its just not good enough for the Government to say lets just train more fruit pickers, people dont want to pick fruit, thats a statement of the obvious now. And as a Government that invests a lot in technology why are we not giving farmers capital allowances to actually help them bring in technology to start picking fruit and vegetables in the way that many of our competitors do as well? Mr Sunak has promised to abolish the backlog of around 92,000 asylum claims by the end of 2023, but Ms Braverman told MPs on Wednesday that the target will not be met at the current pace Closing the debate, immigration minister Robert Jenrick said: I am confident that we will be able to eliminate the legacy backlog over the course of this year. And we put in place a number of further measures recently. He added: We are spending a great deal of money on things like hotels, primarily, to be honest to assist young men who have been in a place of safety like France, to come to the United Kingdom to continue their lives here. Those resources could be used far better upstream to support people in and around conflict zones whether thats through international organisations like the UNHCR or otherwise. Outside of Parliament, Mr Sunak acknowledged there is lots of work to do to reduce asylum claim numbers as he joined immigration enforcement officers on a raid in north west London. Mr Sunak said the raids are an important strand of our work, to stop the boats and tackle illegal migration, noting resources have been increased for immigration enforcement. He added: But were not complacent. Theres lots of work to do, which is why its so important that we pass our Bill through Parliament, our Stop The Boats Bill, which will mean that if you come here illegally, you will not be able to stay. We will be able to detain you and then swiftly remove you. Ms Braverman also met French interior minister Gerald Darmanin in London. The pair discussed UK-French co-ordination on topics including joint work tackling illegal migration and stopping the boats in the Channel. P rime Minister Rishi Sunak said there is lots of work to do to reduce asylum claim numbers as he joined immigration enforcement officers on a raid. Mr Sunak wore heavy boots and a stab vest as he joined officers on the raid in Brent, north west London, early on Thursday morning. It comes after he promised to abolish the backlog of around 92,000 asylum claims by the end of 2023. However, Home Secretary Suella Braverman told MPs on Wednesday that the target will not be met at the current pace. Asked after the raid about Ms Bravermans comments, Mr Sunak said: It was good to be out this morning with our immigration enforcement team and seeing first-hand their work to tackle illegal working. Thats an important strand of our work, to stop the boats and tackle illegal migration. And thats because the criminal gangs use a business model that tempts people here with the offer of black market work. Its not right, which is why weve increased resources for immigration enforcement. Weve increased the number of raids like the one I was on this morning by 50% and weve doubled the number of arrests. He added: But were not complacent. Theres lots of work to do, which is why its so important that we pass our Bill through Parliament, our Stop The Boats Bill, which will mean that if you come here illegally, you will not be able to stay. We will be able to detain you and then swiftly remove you. Not long after Mr Sunak returned from the raid, Ms Braverman met French interior minister Gerald Darmanin in London. The pair discussed UK-French co-ordination on topics including joint work tackling illegal migration and stopping the boats in the Channel. A fter Boris Johnsons resignation as prime minister, he joined the list of those who can receive up to 115,000 a year to assist with post-leadership life. This is known the Public Duty Costs Allowance and is in addition to the salary he earned as an MP. However, he resigned as an MP on Friday after seeing the Privileges Committee report that included findings that he deliberately misled Parliament over the Partygate scandal. Now, as a result of the reports findings, he could be denied a parliamentary pass, something that is usually available to any former MP. Nonetheless, Mr Johnson will still be eligible for a number of former MP benefits, as well as some that are exclusive to former prime ministers. So what happens when MPs resign, do they have to give notice and how much money do they get? Heres everything you need to know. What happens when an MP resigns? Members are no longer entitled to their salary of 84,144. An MP who was in the Cabinet would have earned 71,090 on top of this. Do MPs have to give notice? Members who wish to resign their seat must be appointed to one of two offices of the Crown: these are the Crown Steward and Bailiff of the Chiltern Hundreds and the Crown Steward and Bailiff of the Manor of Northstead. There are several ways by which a members seat may be vacated during the lifetime of a Parliament: A member wishing to resign will be appointed to one of two offices of the Crown mentioned above. A member may die. A member may be subject to a successful recall petition under the terms of the Recall of MPs Act 2015. A member may be expelled by a resolution of the House. A member may be disqualified by becoming a member of the House of Lords. A member may be disqualified by being sentenced to be imprisoned or detained indefinitely for more than a year in the United Kingdom, Isle of Man, the Channel Islands or the Republic of Ireland; or if they are convicted of treason. A member may under certain circumstances be disqualified for bankruptcy. A member may accept one of a number of offices that are incompatible with membership of the House of Commons. What payout do they get? Under the Ministerial and Other Pensions and Salaries Act 1991 those resigning from office are entitled to a one-off payment of 25 per cent of the annual salary they were paid when holding that office. This includes ministers, the opposition leader, whips and the Speaker. One minister who left Boris Johnsons government last year vowed to hand over her severance to charity. Michelle Donelan, who quit as education secretary after less than two days in the role in July 2022, said she would give away her payout of nearly 17,000. In response to a tweet that pointed out she was entitled to 16,876.25, she said: If this is the case I shall be donating it in full to a local charity. The investigation into Mr Johnson found that he deliberately misled Parliament by denying that lockdown rules were broken in No 10. The committee said: We conclude that when he told the House and this Committee that the rules and guidance were being complied with, his own knowledge was such that he deliberately misled the House and this committee. In response, Mr Johnson said in a statement: The committee now says that I deliberately misled the House, and at the moment I spoke I was consciously concealing from the House my knowledge of illicit events. This is rubbish. It is a lie. In order to reach this deranged conclusion, the committee is obliged to say a series of things that are patently absurd, or contradicted by the facts. Alongside Mr Johnson, who was prime minister at the time, a number of other MPs were found to have broken lockdown rules. Which MPs broke lockdown rules? Boris Johnson Boris Johnson was found to have committed serious, serious contempt / AP During the pandemic, while Mr Johnson was prime minister, he hosted a number of parties at Downing Street despite lockdowns being in place. Mr Johnson resigned as an MP on Friday (June 9) after reading the Privilege Committees findings, calling them rubbish and deranged. Rishi Sunak Prime Minister Rishi Sunak was fined for attending a gathering. / Danny Lawson/PA Wire Prime Minister Rishi Sunak was fined for attending Mr Johnsons birthday party during lockdown, when he was Chancellor. At the time, he said: I paid the FPN notice straight away and I am extremely and sincerely sorry for the hurt and the anger that this has caused so many people. Matt Hancock Matt Hancock admitted to breaking social distancing guidelines / Steve Reigate/Daily Express/PA Media In June 2021, former Health Secretary Matt Hancock admitted to breaking social distancing guidelines when details of an affair with aide Gina Coladangelo emerged. He later resigned as Health Secretary amid calls for Mr Johnson to fire him. At the time, Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer tweeted: Matt Hancock is right to resign. But Boris Johnson should have sacked him. Gavin Williamson Gavin Williams reportedly threw a party / Getty Images Gavin Williamson, former Education Secretary, reportedly threw a party for Department of Education staff in December 2020, according to Sue Grays report. Margaret Ferrier Margaret Ferrier has been suspended (Jane Barlow/PA) / Jane Barlow/PA Archive Margaret Ferrier, MP for Rutherglen and Hamilton West, travelled by train to Westminster to take part in a debate while suffering from Covid symptoms in September 2020. She then travelled back to Scotland by train after receiving a positive test result. Ms Ferrier has been suspended from the House of Commons for 30 days, risking a byelection should 10 per cent of her constituents sign a recall petition. Which government staff broke lockdown rules? A number of government staff also broke lockdown rules, including Mr Johnsons former chief adviser Dominic Cummings and former press secretary Allegra Stratton. Dominic Cummings Dominic Cummings was criticised for driving to Barnard Castle / Kirsty OConnor/PA Wire In 2020, Mr Cummings came under fire for reportedly breaking lockdown rules for driving to Barnard Castle to test his eyesight before driving back to London. Allegra Stratton Allegra Stratton resigned as an adviser / Dominic Lipinski/PA Wire Ms Stratton resigned from her position as Mr Johnsons adviser after a video of her joking about a Downing Street party at a mock press conference emerged. Neil Ferguson Professor Neil Ferguson of Imperial College London / Parliament TV/PA Archive Professor Neil Ferguson quit as a government adviser after he received visits from his girlfriend. In a statement, Prof Ferguson said: I accept I made an error of judgement and took the wrong course of action. B aroness Heather Hallett has hit headlines recently, as the Covid inquiry chairwoman. The baroness is leading the inquiry into the UKs response to the Covid pandemic, amid the continuing furore around the Partygate scandal. Baroness Hallett recently opened the inquiry telling the British people that they deserve a thorough investigation into their government, what went into - and what went wrong - with planning for the pandemic, and what the consequences were. Following the recent row over former prime minister Boris Johnsons WhatsApp messages, Baroness Hallett reiterated it was up to her to decide what evidence is relevant or potentially relevant. This follows the Governments judicial review, in which she ordered the Cabinet Office to hand over Mr Johnsons unredacted WhatsApp messages, diary entries, and other documents. Mr Johnson has since agreed to hand over the material. Who is Baroness Hallett? Heather Carol Hallett, aged 73, is a former Court of Appeal judge. According to the government website, in 1998, she became the first woman to chair the Bar Council, the lead representative body for barristers in England and Wales. After becoming a presiding judge, she was then promoted to the Court of Appeal in 2005. In 2013, she was appointed vice president of the Court of Appeal Criminal Division. In 2015, she was appointed by the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland to conduct a review into On the Runs. This examined more than 200 people who were told they were no longer wanted for paramilitary crimes committed before the 1998 Good Friday Agreement. In April 2019, she became the chair of the Security Vetting Appeals Panel. Later that year, she was appointed to conduct individual fatality investigations assigned to her. While, in December 2021, former prime minister Boris Johnson appointed Baroness Hallett as chair of the inquiry into the Covid-19 pandemic. Whats the latest from the Covid inquiry? There have been arguments over transparency in recent weeks, as the inquiry revealed that WhatsApp messages from senior Foreign Office figures had been redacted. It was also revealed that security experts will be asked to switch on Mr Johnsons old phone to search material from 2020, the height of the Covid pandemic. Earlier this month, Prime Minister Rishi Sunak announced that the Government is taking its own Covid inquiry to court to avoid having to disclose material it considers unambiguously irrelevant. Some have said that this is a cowardly cover-up, and one of Mr Sunaks own ministers has even said that the judicial review is likely to fail. When does the Covid inquiry end? Baroness Hallett, has confirmed she aims to conclude public hearings by summer 2026. T he Kings connection to the Fairbridge farm schools where British children suffered physical and sexual abuse is in the spotlight again after administrators for his charity informed survivors they would receive a tiny portion of the compensation pay-out they were promised. Here, the PA news agency looks at the connection of Charles and his charity, the Princes Trust, to the organisation which sent hundreds of thousands of British children to its colonies where they experienced physical and sexual abuse: What is the Kings connection to Fairbridge? The Princes Trust became legally liable for Fairbridge after it took over the charity and absorbed all of its assets in 2012. Also inherited were what the trusts chief executive described as literally millions and millions and millions of documents held in the archive at Liverpool University which detailed the mistreatment and abuse of children at the Fairbridge farm schools. In 2013, the trust dissolved Fairbridge as an independent entity, but it continued to have a Fairbridge representative on its board. At the second London hearing of the Independent Inquiry into Child Sexual Abuse (IICSA) in 2017, the trusts chief executive Dame Martina Milburn said they had not known about abuse at the farm schools. Former child migrant David Hill, author of two books about Fairbridge, responded to Dame Martinas comments by accusing the Princes Trust of trying to cover its backside by denying knowledge of serious abuse at the Fairbridge institutions when it had been in possession of the files for the past six years. When and why did the Princes Trust pledge to pay compensation to Fairbridge survivors? When the Australian government completed its own inquiry into child sexual abuse at institutions (the Royal Commission into Institutional Responses to Child Sexual Abuse), it listed Fairbridge as an offending body that should pay redress to victims. The Princes Trust, as the successor institution to Fairbridge, announced in May 2020 it would provide funds to Fairbridge to pay victims. It then created a separate legal entity called Fairbridge Restored to do so but put the company into administration and tasked lawyers from Grant Thornton UK LLP with the job of paying compensation. That compensation has not been paid and Fairbridge Restored/the Princes Trust has failed to sign up to Australias National Redress Scheme. How much compensation were survivors told they will get? In November 2022, the High Court of Justice determined a reasonable amount to each claimant was 204,000 (380,000 Australian dollars). In May 2023, administrators wrote to 277 claimants to say they will only receive about 1% of that figure which would work out about 1,000-2,000 each due to insufficient monies. The letter said: For the avoidance of doubt, I would like to highlight that the amount that will be paid will be a small proportion of each admitted claim. This is because there are insufficient monies to pay all admitted claims in full, so every creditor with an admitted claim will receive the same small percentage of their claim. Our current estimate is that it may be in the order of around 1%. For illustrative purposes, if the dividend were to be 1% and for example, your admitted claim was 100,000 Australian dollars, you would receive a distribution of 1,000 Australian dollars (paid in British pounds sterling). What was Fairbridge? Fairbridge was the brainchild of Kingsley Fairbridge, a child of Empire who as early as the 1900s was advocating sending children from Englands orphan and waif class to the colonies to take up land as white settlers. Between 1912 and 1980, Fairbridge sent around 130,000 British children to farm schools in Australia, New Zealand, Canada and Zimbabwe (then Rhodesia). Ten thousand children were sent to Australia alone. Few of the children were actually orphans and most parents did not understand they were giving up their children forever when they joined the scheme due to financial desperation. In 1912 the first Fairbridge Farm School opened in Australia in Pinjarra, 50 miles south of Western Australias capital Perth and many more would follow throughout Britains colonies and former colonies. The plan was to turn boys into farmers and girls into farmers wives. By 1934 the plan had the backing of the future King Edward VIII (then the Prince of Wales) who donated 1,000 to Fairbridge, declaring: This is not charity. It is an imperial investment. When and why did the Home Office blacklist the farm schools? By the 1950s the number of children being signed up to the scheme was declining due to opposition from social workers. A number of damaging reports also surfaced, the most scathing of which saw Fairbridges farm schools in both Molong, 180 miles west of Sydney, and Western Australia backlisted by the Home Office. The report was suppressed by Fairbridge, which was made to reform in order to keep receiving funding from the British Government which it did with the One Parent Scheme, which allowed one parent to follow their children to Australia. For the previous 50 years, Fairbridge went to great lengths to permanently separate British child migrants from their parents in the UK. Why did Britain export its children? The idea of the child migrant scheme was to solve the problem of the number of children who were born into poverty in the UK while populating the Empire with good, white stock. The belief among Britains ruling classes at the time was that children from poor or broken families needed to be rescued. It was thought taking children away from financially disadvantaged families was the only way to ensure they did not become destitute themselves. In the 1930s, promotional publicity in newspapers declared children from the lower classes were a burden and a menace to society that could be converted (in)to valuable assets in Australia. How old were the children deported by Britain to its colonies? Children were as young as four but the typical number was eight or nine. What percentage of the children were sexually abused? At Fairbridge Farm School in Molong, more than 60% of survivors were found to have suffered sexual abuse as children. In 2015, survivors won landmark compensation of 24 million Australian dollars (12.8 million) in the New South Wales Supreme Court for the abuse they suffered as children by the state and federal governments. BAKU, Azerbaijan, June 15. Turkish National Defense Minister Yasar Gler met with NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg, Trend reports. The meeting took place at the Alliance's headquarters in Brussels, where a meeting of NATO defense ministers was held. Issues of defense and security were discussed at the meeting. During the meeting, Yasar Guler conveyed to Stoltenberg the position of Turkey on topical issues. N orthern Ireland Secretary Chris Heaton-Harris has been accused of sabre-rattling by Sinn Fein vice president Michelle ONeill over his decision to ask civil servants to look at options for raising public revenue. Mr Heaton-Harris has written to Stormont permanent secretaries this week asking for information about revenue-raising measures such as domestic water charges, drug prescription charges and tuition fees, which he says will improve the sustainability of Northern Irelands public finances. DUP leader Sir Jeffrey Donaldson also questioned the move, and said if it was designed to put pressure on his party to return to Stormont, it would not work. Party leaders held the latest in a series of meetings with the head of the Northern Ireland Civil Service Jayne Brady on Thursday amid the ongoing Stormont stalemate. The DUP is blocking the devolved institutions in Belfast in a protest against post-Brexit trading arrangements and the party has insisted it will not return to Stormont until it secures further legislative assurances from the UK Government around sovereignty and trade. It is sabre-rattling by the Secretary of State. What the Secretary of State should be prioritising is actually the restoration of the Executive Senior civil servants are currently running public services in the region 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. Speaking after the meeting, Ms ONeill said Mr Heaton-Harriss intervention earlier this week had not been expected. She said: There was discussion around the Secretary of States approach which even took the civil service by surprise. He brought that to the medias attention before he had even written to the head of the civil service. It is sabre-rattling by the Secretary of State. What the Secretary of State should be prioritising is actually the restoration of the Executive. Ms ONeill added: What is the plan for getting the Executive up and running? What is he doing to ensure that happens instead of playing fast and loose with the public who are already paying for water through their rates? Sir Jeffrey said he did not believe Mr Heaton-Harriss move was particularly helpful. He added: If it was designed to put pressure on the DUP, that is simply not going to work. We are engaged with the Government on the issues related to the Northern Ireland Protocol, those conversations are and will continue. But we do need to address the issue of public services and that falls squarely at the feet of the Secretary of State, he has responsibility, along with those of us who are in Westminster, to make the case to the Treasury to address the current pressures on our public services. Instead of looking at the scenarios he is suggesting to examine in more detail, I think our priority now is the funding formula for Northern Ireland. I think there is a general and broad acceptance that that funding formula simply isnt working for Northern Ireland. It is not based on the needs of Northern Ireland and our public services and that needs to change. What we need is a financial package which allows us to rebuild public services, allows us to move forward Alliance Party MLA Andrew Muir said there needed to be a financial package to help public services in the region. He added: I think that people in Northern Ireland and businesses and communities are really suffering from the cost-of-living crisis, the last thing they need is additional charges heaped upon them. What we need is a financial package which allows us to rebuild public services, allows us to move forward. UUP MLA Steve Aiken said the information requested by the Secretary of State had already been prepared by the Finance Committee at Stormont. He said: The information is already there. There is work to be done but the information is already there. I find it strange that he had to ask that question. F ormer prime minister David Cameron and his then chancellor George Osborne will give evidence about how prepared the country was for a pandemic to the UK Covid-19 Inquiry next week. Deputy prime minister Oliver Dowden and current chancellor Jeremy Hunt are also on the witness list for the week beginning June 19, alongside chief medical officer Sir Chris Whitty and former chief scientific adviser Sir Patrick Vallance. The inquiry, which launched its public hearings on Tuesday, is split into six areas - with the first looking at whether the UK was adequately prepared for the pandemic before 2020. On Wednesday the Department of Health accepted pandemic restrictions caused profound loneliness, pain and anguish telling the panel it would not argue it got everything right in its response. Fiona Scolding KC, a lawyer representing the department, said the Government was often faced with a choice between hugely unpalatable options and decisions were finely balanced. She asked the inquiry to bear in mind the context in which the department was making policy decisions, which she accepted with the benefit of hindsight may have been different. Ms Scolding told Wednesdays hearing: The department recognises the strength of feeling among some that certain of the decisions made by us were wrong. For example, some people feel lockdown should have been introduced earlier and for longer; others hold an opposite and contrary view. What the department was often faced with was a choice between a series of hugely unpalatable options, all of which were certain to have negative impacts on the citizens of the United Kingdom in one way or another. Decisions were often extremely finely balanced. Contrary decisions could rationally have been made, resulting in a very different set of outcomes. The department will not seek, during the course of this inquiry, to say that it did everything right, or that it would necessarily have made the same decisions today in 2023 with the benefit of hindsight. It comes after lead lawyer to the inquiry Hugo Keith KC suggested a Government preoccupation with planning for departure from the EU may have crowded out the work needed to respond to the health emergency that claimed over 225,000 lives. Links were again drawn between Brexit and the pandemic on Wednesday, with a lawyer for the Welsh Government suggesting the UKs pandemic influenza review was paused in 2018 because of withdrawal preparations. Interim reports are scheduled to be published before public hearings conclude by summer 2026. D ouble Oscar-winning actress and former Labour MP Glenda Jackson has died aged 87 after a brief illness at her home in Blackheath, south-east London, her agent said on Thursday. In a statement, her agent Lionel Larner said: Glenda Jackson, two-time Academy Award-winning actress and politician, died peacefully at her home in Blackheath, London this morning after a brief illness with her family at her side. She recently completed filming The Great Escaper in which she co-starred with Michael Caine. Jackson won the Oscar for Best Actress twice for Women In Love in 1970 and A Touch Of Class in 1973 as part of the so-called acting Triple Crown - she also won three Emmy Awards and a Tony Award across her distinguished career. In the midst of her showbiz career Jackson took a hiatus from acting to focus on politics. Glenda Jacksons role in Ken Russells Women In Love earned her her first Academy Award / Handout In 1992 she was elected as the Labour MP for Hampstead and Highgate and served as a junior transport minister from 1997 to 1999 during Sir Tony Blairs government. Sir Keir Starmer said: I was very sad to hear of Glenda Jacksons passing. She leaves a space in our cultural and political life that can never be filled. She played many roles with great distinction, passion and commitment. From award-winning actor to campaigner and activist to Labour MP and government minister, Glenda Jackson was always fighting for human rights and social justice. As a fellow north London MP, I know how much she was loved and respected by her constituents. The Labour leader also evoked her famous appearance on Morecambe and Wise as Cleopatra, with a play on her line, All men are fools, and what makes them so is having beauty like what I have got. He said: Of course no tribute to Glenda could fail to mention her role as Cleopatra in that most famous and loved of all the Morecambe and Wise sketches. We will never see talent like what she has got again. Glenda Jackson dressed as Cleopatra, with British comedians Eric Morecambe (right) and Ernie Wise / Getty Images Diane Abbott, who became a Labour MP in 1987, five years before Jackson was elected, has said she was kind and extremely principled. Tagging Jacksons son, Mail on Sunday columnist Dan Hodges, Ms Abbott tweeted: Very sad to hear of the death of Glenda Jackson. I served alongside her in Parliament for many years. She was a kind and extremely principled woman. Former Downing Street communications chief Alastair Campbell has said Jackson found the transition to politics harder than she expected but had a great life well lived. Mr Campbell, who worked with Labour prime minister Sir Tony Blair, under whom Jackson was a minister for transport from 1997 to 1999, tweeted: Sad to hear that Glenda Jackson has died. One of the finest actresses of our lifetime, our local MP and for a time minister in (Tony Blair) government. I sometimes felt she found the transition to politics harder than she expected. But a great life well lived and a major contribution on so many fronts. Labour MP Tulip Siddiq tweeted: Devastated to hear that my predecessor Glenda Jackson has died. A formidable politician, an amazing actress and a very supportive mentor to me. Hampstead and Kilburn will miss you Glenda. Rishi Sunaks thoughts are with Jacksons friends and family, Downing Street said. The Prime Ministers spokesman said: Obviously thats extremely sad news and obviously his thoughts will be with her friends and family at this time, but Im sure we will have more to say. Jackson stood down as an MP at the 2015 general election and returned to acting, both on the stage and in front of the camera. She won a Bafta for best actress in 2019 for her role in Elizabeth Is Missing, which followed the story of a woman suffering from dementia. Glenda Jackson - In pictures 1 / 24 Glenda Jackson - In pictures Glenda Jackson accepts the Natasha Richardson Award for Best Actress in partnership with Christian Louboutin from Cate Blanchett attends the London Evening Standard Theatre Awards 2017 at the Theatre Royal, Drury Lane Dave Benett Women In Love (1969) Handout A Touch of Class (1973) with Gweorge Segal Handout Glenda Jackson, Labour Transport Minister in 1997 Evening Standard Sunday Bloody Sunday UNITED ARTISTS Glenda Jackson with her mother Joan Jackson, her husband Roy Hodges, her son Dan Hodges, and the Oscar which she won for her role as Gudrun in Women in Love in 1971 Getty Images Eric Morecambe and Ernie Wise rehearsing with British actress Glenda Jackson for a sketch on their television show Julius Caesar in 1971 Getty Images Director Charles Jarrott giving notes to actresses Vanessa Redgrave (centre) and Glenda Jackson, on the set of the film Mary Queen of Scots at Shepperton Studios in 1971 Getty Images Glenda Jackson holding the Oscar which she won for her role as Gudrun in Women in Love in 1971 Getty Images Glenda Jackson holding her Academy Award for Best Actress, for her role in the 1973 film A Touch of Class Getty Images Austrian actor Helmut Berger and British actress Glenda Jackson posing during the 29th Cannes Film Festival in Cannes, France in 1976 AFP via Getty Images Glenda Jackson, US actress Faye Dunaway and Austrian actor Helmut Berger during the Cannes Film Festival in 1976 AFP via Getty Images Glenda Jackson in costume for the title role in Phedra at the Old Vic in 1984 Getty Images Olivier Awards 2017 PA Archive The Critics Circle Theatre 2017 Dave Benett London Evening Standard Theatre Awards 2017 Dave Benett Glenda Jackson, winner of the award for Best Performance by an Actress in a Leading Role in a Play for Edward Albees Three Tall Women in 2018 Getty Images for Tony Awards Glenda Jackson and Ruth Wilson attend The 2019 Met Gala Celebrating Camp: Notes on Fashion at Metropolitan Museum of Art in 2019 Getty Images for The Met Museum/ Paying tribute, Labour MP Karl Turner tweeted: I am so very sorry to hear this news. When I was elected in 2010 my office was opposite Glenda in 1 Parliament Street. Glenda was always very supportive to me and provided great advice on occasion. True socialist. Jackson had just finishing filming The Great Escaper alongside fellow double Oscar-winner Sir Michael Caine, who she had last acted with 48 years ago in The Romantic Englishwoman. Their new film tells a story, inspired by true events, of a Second World War veteran who escaped his care home in Hove, East Sussex, to attend a commemoration of the 70th anniversary of the D-Day landings in France. Jackson said she only started acting after she failed her school certificate, leaving her with no option but to start working at the age of 16.After joining a friend at the YMCA amateur dramatics society while she was working at her local Boots store, she went on to study at Royal Academy of Dramatic Art (Rada). Loading.... She also played Egyptian queen Cleopatra in 1971 for an episode of The Morecambe & Wise Show with comedy duo Eric Morecambe and Ernie Wise. T he last portrait by renowned Austrian artist Gustav Klimt before his death is expected to sell for up to 65 million at auction later this month. Dame Mit Facher (Lady With A Fan), described as a technical tour de force, will be offered in Sothebys marquee modern and contemporary evening auction in London on June 27. The painting was created when Klimt was in his artistic prime, and at a moment when the formality of his earlier commissioned work gave way to a new expressivity. The artist died unexpectedly in 1918 at the age of 55. Klimt started work on Lady With A Fan in 1917, by which time he was among the most celebrated portraitists in Europe, receiving commissions at prices far higher than his contemporaries. However, this was a rare work painted entirely in the pursuit of his own interests and demonstrates a freedom and spontaneity that reflects Klimts joy in painting, experts said. Unlike traditional vertical portrait paintings, Lady With A Fan returns to the square format that Klimt used for his avant-garde landscapes earlier in the century, giving this painting a uniquely modern edge. The painters fascination with Chinese and Japanese art and culture also shines through in the depiction of the silken kimono worn by the subject. Helena Newman, chairman of Sothebys Europe and worldwide head of impressionist and modern art, said the painting was full of boundary-pushing experimentation. Dame Mit Facher (Lady With A Fan) is the last portrait Gustav Klimt created before his untimely death, when still in his artistic prime and producing some of his most accomplished and experimental works, she said. Many of those works, certainly the portraits for which he is best known, were commissions. (Lady With A Fan) is something completely different - a technical tour de force, full of boundary-pushing experimentation, as well as a heartfelt ode to absolute beauty This, though, is something completely different a technical tour de force, full of boundary-pushing experimentation, as well as a heartfelt ode to absolute beauty. The painting was acquired shortly after Klimts death by Viennese industrialist Erwin Boohler, whose family was close friends and patrons of both Klimt and fellow painter Egon Schiele. The exhibition at Sothebys New Bond Street galleries later this month will see three major portraits by the artist on view simultaneously in the capital for the first time. Lady With A Fan will be displayed alongside Hermine Gallia, of 1904, and Adele Bloch Bauer II, of 1912, which are currently on view in the National Gallerys After Impressionism show. Sothebys Modern and Contemporary evening auction on June 27 will also include a strong grouping of portraits by leading artists such as Alberto Giacometti, Edvard Munch, Leonor Fini, Elizabeth Peyton and Kerry James Marshall. A ll frozen food of animal origin is to be immediately recalled from Iceland stores in Ireland, the food safety authority has ordered. The Food Safety Authority of Ireland (FSAI) served a notice on Metron Stores Limited trading as Iceland Ireland for an immediate withdrawal of all frozen food of animal origin which has been imported into Ireland since March 3. Iceland has also been directed to recall all implicated products from consumers. Anyone who has purchased frozen food of animal origin from an Iceland store since March is being advised not to consume it. This includes not just meat-based products like chicken, beef and fish but also any food products that contain ingredients that come from an animal, such eggs and dairy products. The FSAI said the enforcement action is due to a number of breaches of food legislation and an ongoing investigation. Reasons given for serving the notice include inadequate traceability of imported frozen food and a number of incidents of non-compliance with import control legislation. Dr Pamela Byrne, the CEO of FSAI, said discussions have taken place with the company surrounding very serious breaches of food law. She said: To date, while we have no reports of any illness associated with implicated products from Iceland Ireland stores, in the absence of the company providing valid and correct traceability documentation as required by the law, we have to take a precautionary approach to best protect consumers, as we cannot be fully confident of the traceability and safety of these imported frozen foods of animal origin. She added: It is the legal responsibility of any food business importing food into Ireland to make the correct import declarations for the food they are importing. All food businesses must also have full traceability information on the food they are importing, producing, distributing and selling. Due to these breaches of food legislation and in the interest of consumer protection, this action has been taken. The FSAI further states that some frozen food of animal origin has been imported into Ireland without pre-notification and completion of entry declarations and health certificates since March 3. The action is part of an ongoing investigation following identification of undeclared frozen food of animal origin with no accompanying documentation for goods being imported by Metron Stores Limited trading as Iceland Ireland into Ireland. This has led to the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine detaining consignments and issuing an import control notice to return the products to Britain or to destroy them. Officials at Dublin Port continue to assess the detained consignments to determine compliance with legal requirements and import controls. T here are concerns that the Manston migration centre could once again become overwhelmed, according to a report by the immigration watchdog. David Neal, the independent chief inspector of borders and immigration, said the centre risked becoming overcrowded if sufficient onward accommodation is not available. In a statement, Mr Neal said: While plans for housing on barges and ex-military sites have been announced, the capacity of these facilities will be limited. Worryingly, I have received no clear answer from senior officials or ministers as to where the tens of thousands of migrants expected this year will be accommodated. Find out below what the Manston immigration centre is and why its facing these issues. What is the centre? The Manston immigration centre opened in February 2022, to process migrants who arrived in the UK on small boats. The Home Office intended to hold the migrants at the centre for up to five days while they underwent security checks. The migrants would then be moved into accommodation, usually hotels. Migrants who did not pass security checks would be moved to immigration detention centres. Around 700 migrants were moved to the Manston centre following a petrol bomb attack on another such venue in Dover. Clandestine channel threat commander Dan OMahoney said opening the centre was a recognition of the fact that the facilities that we had on the docks site down in Dover were not sufficient to deal with the volumes we thought we were going to experience this year. He also said: The aim was to run a site that had between 1,000 and 1,600 people passing through it every day, and that all of those checks would be completed in under 24 hours. For a large part of this year, that is exactly how it was operating, and you will have seen that. Where is Manston migrant centre? The Manston immigration centre is on the former Defence Fire Training and Development Centre site, next to Manston International Airport. Manston is a village in Kent, south-east England. It is north-west of Ramsgate, south of Margate, and about 20 miles north of Dover. What are the problems with Manston? Conservative MP Roger Gale has said there were around 4,000 migrants at the centre, which he described as being overwhelmed. Some migrants are having to spend longer at the centre due to a lack of accommodation. Mr OMahoney said: As the year went on, it became increasingly difficult to move people off the site, and we have had to increase the capacity of the site and then, necessarily, the length of time that people have been on the site, because we have not been able to move them out into asylum accommodation as quickly as we would have wanted to. PA news agency analysis of government figures shows that 7,961 people arrived in the UK after crossing the Channel in September. Last autumn, the UK Health Security Agency warned that accommodation settings should be considered high-risk for infectious diseases. The Home Office suspected that a mans death at the centre in November could have been caused by a diptheria infection. A government watchdog has also warned the Home Office that the centre is failing to make sure vulnerable children are being identified and helped, and that there is a lack of adequate leadership. What did Home Secretary Suella Braverman say about migrants? The Home Secretary Suella Braverman has been criticised for the language she used to describe migrants. In the House of Commons on Monday, Ms Braverman said: The British people deserve to know which party is serious about stopping the invasion on our southern coast and which party is not. Lets stop pretending they are all refugees in distress. Her comments were criticised by Mr Jenrick, who told Sky News: In a job like mine, you have to choose your words very carefully. And I would never demonise people coming to this country in pursuit of a better life. I understand and appreciate our obligation to refugees. Labours shadow home secretary Yvette Cooper said: "No home secretary who was serious about public safety or national security would use highly inflammatory language on the day after a dangerous petrol bomb attack on a Dover initial processing centre." S arah, Duchess of York has said she and Diana, Princess of Wales loved each other with all our hearts and said they talked incessantly about charity. Sarah, speaking on the third episode of her Tea Talks podcast on Thursday, also spoke about the close relationship she has with her daughters Princess Eugenie and Princess Beatrice. The duchess, who is known to her now-three grandchildren as GG, said she had the family over at the weekend and they had an incredible time. Eugenie and husband Jack Brooksbank welcomed Ernest George Ronnie Brooksbank on May 30. Sarah has three grandchildren Ernest, who the duchess revealed is known as Ernie, Eugenies eldest son August and Beatrices daughter Sienna as well as a step-grandson, Wolfie Beatrices stepson. Speaking about Diana, Sarah said: Diana and I, we definitely talked incessantly about charity. We, both of us, we loved to give. So she was very similar to me. She never understood how brilliant she was really, you know, and together we both didnt. And I used to hug her but she wouldnt understand. And her mother and my mother were at school together. And they were best friends. And Diana was my fourth cousin, and you know its just extraordinary that we were brought together. And we loved each other with all our hearts and she made me laugh more than any other single person Ive ever met in my life. Sarah said there is nobody like her (Diana) in the world because she had that ability to give her entire heart because she didnt give her entire heart to herself. Reflecting on Dianas charity work, Sarah said: Diana and I talked about when she did HIV/Aids, when she started really highlighting it. And everyone said No, you mustnt go and touch them. And she said Why? I know what its like to be ostracised. I know what its like to be left in the corner of a room. And thats what she did. And I know that feeling too, when people dont wish to talk to you because bad Fergie sells papers. Theyve already judged you and youre left alone. Sarah said she was inspired by Diana, who she refers to as Dutch, when she began her royal life. I remember when I first became a princess with Dutch, and I watched her work a room, and I just copied her. I mirrored her, how she did it, because she was just incredible. Sarah added: She just immediately went in with her heart, full heart, full energy, and she left everything outside the door. Meanwhile, Sarah talked about the fun weekend she had with her grandchildren. So my grandchildren had the most incredible weekend, she said. I was very lucky. I had everybody in. I had Edo and Beatrice and Jack and Eugenie and August and new Ernest. Well, Ernie. She said her granddaughter Sienna is just a completely independent fabulous joy. And she has a relationship with Beatrice the same relationship I have, which is only mummy, mummy is mummy. And no one else does, just mummy. And I still have that with Beatrice and shes 34. And I wrote to her this morning, I said, Beatrice, the relationship you have with Sienna is the same relationship I have with you, she said. Sarah added: Beatrice and Eugenie both want their mummy, which is kind of nice. Were a tripod. The podcast, Tea Talks with the Duchess and Sarah, features Sarah Thomson, the founder of childrens newspaper First News. The duchess hinted that Kylie Minogue would be a future guest on the podcast. A woman who was among three Brits killed when a diving boat burst into flames in the Red Sea off Egypt has been named as Christina Quinn. The 58-year-old was on a medium-sized scuba diving boat called Hurricane, which went up in flames off the resort town of Marsa Alam on Sunday. Ms Quinn was chief executive of St Lukes hospice Plymouth, where she has been remembered as vibrant and engaging. Her grieving family said in a statement released through the hospice: It is with great sadness that we confirm the tragic death of Christina Quinn in Egypt. She was a sister, daughter, wife, aunty, friend, and rock to many. She will be missed beyond words. Plumes of smoke erupt from a yacht on fire in Marsa Alam, Egypt, June 11 / via REUTERS Ms Quinn took up her role as chief executive at St Lukes in May this year following a long and impactful career with the NHS, most recently as director of NHS South West Leadership Academy. Charles Hackett, chairman of St Lukes trustees, said: Christina was incredibly passionate about St Lukes and its place at the heart of the community it serves, and we are devastated to lose her warmth, wisdom and leadership. Before her recent appointment, Christina had served for six years in a voluntary capacity as chair of St Lukes board, working closely with the senior management team and her fellow trustees and earning their respect, trust and appreciation. With her vibrant and engaging personality and her down to earth, caring nature, as CEO she was quickly building strong and meaningful relationships both inside and outside the organisation. We will miss Christina enormously and our hearts go out to her family and close friends at this tragic time. A spokesman for Scuba Travel confirmed the deaths of the three Britons and said in a statement to Sky News: It is with great regret that we, as tour operator, with heavy hearts, must accept that three of our much-valued dive guests, perished in the tragic incident. Our sincere and heartfelt condolences go out to their families and friends at this very sad time. The three passengers were among 15 qualified diving enthusiasts who were on a weeks stay on board the Hurricane when the fire broke out at around 8.30am local time (6.30am UK time). The statement added: At the time the fire broke out, 12 divers were participating in a briefing on board, while those missing had apparently decided not to dive that morning. A nearby craft was used to evacuate 12 divers, and the 14 crew members also had to abandon ship after trying to reach the missing guests, according to Scuba Travel. Egyptian authorities had earlier said that following an initial examination of the vessel it was found that an electrical short circuit in the boats engine room sparked the blaze. Egypts Red Sea resorts harbour some of the countrys most renowned beach destinations and are popular with European holidaymakers. It has cemented its reputation as a dive destination with easy access to coral reefs from shores, and dive sites offering diverse marine life. We strongly condemn the military provocation of the armed forces of Armenia against the Lachin state border checkpoint on June 15, resulting in the injury of the serviceman of the State Border Service, Azerbaijan`s Ministry of Foreign Affairs said in a statement, Azernews reports. This military provocation, in addition to constituting aggression against the sovereignty and territorial integrity of Azerbaijan, aims at hindering the successful operation of the border checkpoint by Azerbaijan, the safe, free and unimpeded passage of Armenian residents, as well as the movement in the Lachin road. This military provocation by Armenia, which cannot digest the free movement of Armenian residents from the checkpoint without any difficulties, is a clear example of Armenia's lack of interest in building relations with Azerbaijan, as well as in the peace process. These military provocations by Armenia will be resolutely prevented, and its attempts to prevent the reintegration of the Armenian residents of Azerbaijan into our society will fail. We call on the international community to strongly condemn this provocation by Armenia and to deter it from aggressive acts that threaten peace and stability in the region, the ministry added. Police in Kenya opened fire on protesters in clashes that left at least 12 people wounded Wednesday as the opposition organized demonstrations calling for the government of President William Ruto to lower the cost of living. T he King has presented a new flag to the mounted cavalry who will escort him to the first official birthday parade of his reign this weekend. Charles was joined by the Princess Royal, who is the Royal Colonel of The Blues and Royals, for a special ceremony of prayers and blessings in the Buckingham Palace Quadrangle in which the flag was consecrated and officially became the new sovereigns standard. The Kings Cypher and Crown now appears on the new ceremonial standard which is made of silk damask, with gold thread embroidery and fringe. It will be used for the first time in a public parade during Saturdays Trooping the Colour in which The Blues and Royals will have a starring role. Charles told representatives of the regiment that the standard represents a personal bond between The Blues and Royals and the sovereign which has lasted since before the Restoration in 1661. He described it as the golden thread which connects you to your illustrious past, adding: The battle honours displayed upon it, along with your uniforms and medals that are so visible in your ceremonial role, are a further demonstration of your proven track record as battle-hardened mounted and dismounted soldiers with recent operational experience. Indeed, I know that some of you are currently deployed on duty with the United Nations peacekeeping force in Cyprus. Such history pays homage to your dual role and that, of course, is the fundamental principle which makes state ceremonial and public duties so special and credible to a most grateful nation. In these difficult times for our country, as we continue to face an array of threats in many different forms, both domestically and internationally, it is all the more important to preserve such standards of excellence and achievement. There were 35 service personnel and 27 military working horses who were on parade for the event, which only takes place every decade. The Blues and Royals were last presented with their standard by Queen Elizabeth II in May 2014. A fanfare performed by four state trumpeters of the Band of the Household Cavalry in golden coats marked Charless arrival for Thursdays ceremony. He also received a royal salute from The Blues and Royals. Another salute was offered as the regiment paraded past Charles as they left Buckingham Palace at the end of the ceremony. On Saturday, the regiment will provide a mounted sovereigns escort for Charles from Buckingham Palace to Horse Guards Parade. Major Peter Ireland, 47, of Thirsk, North Yorkshire, said it was an incredibly special moment for him to receive the standard from Charles on behalf of the regiment during Thursdays event. He said: To receive this new standard from His Majesty, in the presence of our Colonel, The Princess Royal, and knowing that in two days time we will be carrying it in the sovereigns escort in front of them both on the first Kings birthday parade for 70 years is incredibly special. Charles will be on horseback when he joins Saturdays birthday parade, which will be the first time the reigning monarch has ridden at Trooping the Colour since 1986 when Queen Elizabeth II last rode. Charles will take the salute as Colonel in Chief of the seven regiments of the Household Division during the event on Horse Guards Parade. This year, the Welsh Guards Colour will be trooped at The Kings birthday parade. Earlier on Thursday, Charles attended a thanksgiving service marking the 650th anniversary of the Anglo-Portuguese alliance, the oldest diplomatic alliance in the world still in force. Portugals President Marcelo Rebelo de Sousa watched as readings and a psalm, both in English and Portuguese, along with music by composers of both nations were played during the celebration at The Queens Chapel in central London. More than 300 activities and projects, involving 210 institutions, have been organised in both countries as part of the project. The alliance, which is based on the perpetual friendship between the two countries, was first formalised with the signing of the Treaty of Tagilde on July 10 1372. An original copy of the treaty, committing the nations to peace, friendship and alliance, was displayed at the chapel. During the service, Maria Joao Rodrigues de Araujo, who has been the driving force behind the Portugal-UK 650 events, said the aim over recent years has been to celebrate our shared history, writing new chapters of friendship and co-operation. She added: We have undertaken scholarly research on the alliance and promoted the founding values enshrined in article one of the treaty of 1373: peace, friendship, truth, faithfulness, constancy, sincerity, kindness, and solidarity. Stating that more than 300 activities and projects had been organised in both countries and reached millions of people, she added: We hope these long-term legacy projects and collaborations will help to cement the bonds of friendship between the citizens of both our nations, ensuring that the Anglo-Portuguese Alliance, the oldest alliance still in existence, continues to thrive. Foreign Secretary James Cleverly had earlier stated the relationship between the UK and Portugal says something special about how we see the world and how our people get along. He added: We are now building on those solid foundations to deliver security and prosperity for our countries, progress towards net zero, and support to Ukraine. A British family that moved to Australia eight years ago has been told they have to return to the UK because the parents are too old for permanent residency. Glenn, a plasterer, and Sheena Tunnicliff, the manager of a travel agency, and their two daughters have spent AUD$80,000 on visas and legal advice to stay in Perth since moving from East Sussex in 2015. But they have not obtained permanent residency in Australia because they say the immigration rules kept changing, according to 9 News. The Tunnicliffs moved to Perth on a family visa because Mrs Tunnicliffss job as a travel agent manager was in demand at the time. Then the family were able to stay longer under Mr Tunnicliffs work visa because his job as a plasterer is on the Governments list of needed skills. But the company which sponsored his visa is about to wind up and theres no other way for the family to get a permanent visa, 9 News reports. Now, Glenn, 57, and Sheena, 50, are too old to apply for permanent residency because the age limit is 45, leaving them with no option but to return to England by August 4. We dont want to go back to the UK - weve made a life here, Mrs Tunnicliff told 9 News. Now we are over that magic figure of 45 there is no route to PR for us. Australia classes us as too old. We are the ones with the experience and training. The family is calling for the rules to change to allow more people who have moved to Australia to permanently live there, even if they are over the age of 45. One of their daughters is able to stay in Perth working as nurse on her own visa, but Mr and Mrs Tunnicliff and their youngest daughter will have to return. We never came here to go home, Mr Tunnicliff told 9 News. The Department of Home Affairs told 9news.com.au they dont comment on individual cases. In April Australias government proposed overhauling its immigration system to speed up getting highly skilled workers into the country and smoothening the path to permanent residency. The federal Labor government said the current system used to select skilled migrants - the points test - will be modified to identify people with the correct skill sets the Australian economy needs going forward. Our migration system ... is broken. It is failing our businesses, it is failing migrants themselves. And most importantly, it is failing Australians. That cannot continue, Home Affairs Minister Clare ONeil said at the time. Prime Minister Rishi Sunak has praised Australias points-based immigration system as he is put under pressure to curb net migration in the UK. Figures released in November show net immigration was 500,000 for the year to June 2022 in Britain. A n American tourist has been arrested over the death of a US tourist and an assault on another near Neuschwanstein castle in southern Germany, after he allegedly pushed the two women down a steep cliff. The incident near the popular tourist attraction happened on Wednesday afternoon near the Marienbruecke, a bridge over a gorge close to the castle that offers a famous view of Neuschwanstein. The 30-year-old man met the two female tourists, ages 21 and 22, on a hiking path and lured them onto a trail that leads to a viewpoint, police said in a statement. The younger of the two women was attacked by the suspect, said police spokesman Holger Stabik. The older one tried to rush to her aid, was then choked by the suspect and subsequently pushed down a slope. The assailant then appears to have attempted to sexually assault the 21-year-old before pushing her down the slope as well. She fell nearly 50 metres (165 feet), ending up close to her friend. A mountain rescue team reached both women. The 22-year-old was responsive and taken to a hospital, police said. A helicopter carried the 21-year-old with serious injuries to a different hospital, and she died there overnight. The suspect left the scene but was quickly arrested nearby. Bystander video posted online showed police leading away a handcuffed man in a T-shirt, jeans and a baseball cap. Eric Abneri, a recent business graduate from the University of Pittsburgh who took the video, said the man appeared to have scratches across his face. He did not say a single word. He didnt open his mouth; he didnt mumble, Mr Abneri told The Associated Press. He just walked with the police and that was it. Mr Abneri said he and friends reached the scenic overlook as a helicopter arrived and they saw rescuers lower themselves down to the victims. Im honestly absolutely stunned someone is still alive from this. It is like falling from the top of an absolute cliff, he said. Mr Abneri described it as a very, very difficult rescue because of those cliffs and because the helicopter came mere feet above the tree line at the top of the hill. They did an unbelievable job, he said. Police said the man they arrested was American and described him as also a tourist. Prosecutors said the women were fellow US citizens. The 22-year-old remained hospitalised Thursday, according to prosecutors. Authorities didnt identify either the suspect or the victims or give any further details. Police said a judge in nearby Kempten on Thursday ordered the suspect held pending a potential indictment - a process that can take months - and he was taken to jail. He is under investigation on suspicion of murder, attempted murder and a sexual offence. Police said they and prosecutors were focusing on trying to reconstruct exactly what happened and called for any witnesses to come forward. Neuschwanstein, located in southern Bavaria close to Austrias border, is one of Germanys most popular tourist attractions. It is the most famous of the castles built by King Ludwig II of Bavaria in the 19th century. Construction started in 1869 but was never completed. Ludwig died in 1886. N ine survivors from a migrant boat that sank off the Greek coast on Wednesday have been arrested - as hundreds are feared dead in the tragedy. At least 78 people died when the overloaded fishing vessel flipped and capsized in international waters south-west of Greece early on Wednesday. Authorities rescued 104 people but hundreds are feared missing, with some witnesses saying up to 750 people were aboard, and reports the boat could have contained as many as 100 children. The ships captain was among nine survivors arrested on Thursday on suspicion of smuggling, according to news agency AFP. It came as hope faded for the hundreds of missing passengers and attention turned to Greeces failure to act before the overcrowded ship capsized. Those arrested are Egyptian nationals, according to AFP. Rescue ships on Friday continued to search for hundreds of migrants after the overcrowded boat capsized as it travelled from Libya to Italy, though chances of finding more survivors are feared minimal. It is estimated up to 750 were on board the boat that went down in the Mediterranean Sea. So far, 104 have been rescued. Authorities fear that many more may have been trapped below deck. Survivors told the BBC up to 100 children may have been on board. The chances of finding (more survivors) are minimal, retired Greek coast guard Admiral Nikos Spanos told state-run ERT television. Kassem Abu Zeed caught the first flight from Germany to Greece after hearing that his wife and brother-in-law were on board the trawler. The last time we spoke was eight days ago, and she told me that she was getting ready to get on the boat, Abu Zeed told the Associated Press. Survivors of the boat disaster / AFP via Getty Images He said she had paid $5,000 to smugglers and then we all know what happened. Mr Abu Zeed, a 34-year-old Syrian refugee living in Hamburg, said Esra Aoun, 21, and her 19-year-old brother, Abdullah, risked the dangerous crossing from Libya to Italy in a battered trawler after they failed to find a legal way to join him in Germany. A huge search-and-rescue operation involving a dozen ships and three aircraft has found no survivors since its initial phase early on Wednesday. None of the survivors were women. Authorities fear that hundreds of people, including many women and children, were trapped below deck when the overcrowded trawler capsized in the night in deep waters about 45 miles offshore. The UN migration agency, known as IOM, estimated that the vessel was carrying 700 to 750 people, including at least 40 children, based on interviews with survivors. That could make the sinking one of the deadliest ever recorded in the central Mediterranean. Erasmia Roumana, head of a United Nations refugee agency delegation, said the survivors were in shock. They want to get in touch with their families to tell them they are OK, and they keep asking about the missing. Many have friends and relatives unaccounted for, she said. In other developments, nine survivors were arrested on suspicion of belonging to the smuggling ring that arranged the voyage, the coast guard said. State-run ERT TV said the suspects were all Egyptian nationals. Greece declared three days of mourning, and a Supreme Court prosecutor ordered an investigation. Greek authorities said the vessel appeared to be sailing normally until shortly before it sank and that the ship declined repeated offers of rescue. But a network of activists said they received repeated distress calls from the vessel during the same time. Authorities fear that hundreds of people, including many women and children, were trapped below deck when the overcrowded trawler capsized / HELLENIC COASTGUARD/AFP via Gett The Greek coast guard said it was notified of the boats presence late on Tuesday morning and observed by helicopter that it was sailing on a steady course at 6pm. A little later, Greek search-and-rescue officials reached someone on the boat by satellite phone, who repeatedly said that passengers needed food and water but wanted to continue sailing to Italy. Merchant ships delivered supplies and observed the vessel until early Wednesday morning, when the satellite phone user reported a problem with the engine. About 40 minutes later, according to the coast guard statement, the migrant vessel suddenly began to rock violently and then sank. Coast guard experts believe the boat may have run out of fuel or experienced engine trouble, with movement of passengers causing it to list and ultimately capsize. Alarm Phone, a network of activists that provides a hotline for migrants in trouble, said the problems began much earlier in the day. The network said it was contacted by people on the vessel asking for help shortly after 3pm. They said they cannot survive the night. Around 6.20pm, Alarm Phone wrote, migrants reported the vessel was not moving and that the captain had abandoned the ship on a small boat. The two accounts could not immediately be reconciled. Experts said maritime law would have required Greek authorities to attempt a rescue if the boat was unsafe, regardless of whether passengers requested it. Search and rescue is not a two-way contract. You dont need consent, retired Italian coast guard Admiral Vittorio Alessandro said. An aerial photograph of the vessel before it sank released by Greek authorities showed people crammed on the deck. Most were not wearing life jackets. Eight of the survivors have been questioned by coast guard investigators. The bodies of the dead migrants were moved to a morgue outside Athens, where DNA samples and facial photographs will be taken to start the identification process. K ing Harald V of Norway took a tumble on a red carpet during a state visit to Denmark on Thursday. The 86-year-old monarch, who was walking with the aid of crutches, appeared to trip up a flight of steps as he went to greet Denmarks Queen Margrethe. He and his wife, Queen Sonja, were visiting Toldboden in the Port of Copenhagen at the beginning of their trip. Denmark's Queen Margrethe, left, embraces Norway's King Harald, right / AP The long-serving king was quickly helped to his feet and appeared unharmed by the fall. He was pictured laughing as he went on to embrace Queen Margrethe, who was waiting for him at the top of the steps. King Harald spent time in hospital with a kidney infection last month, following a number of other hospital admissions in recent months. In December, he was admitted to hospital due to an infection and was treated with intravenous antibiotics. He was also admitted to hospital in August for three days with a fever. He went through a successful operation to replace a heart valve in October 2020 after being admitted to hospital with breathing difficulties. Haralds duties as Norways head of state are ceremonial, and he holds no political power. He has been king for 32 years, having ascended to the throne following the death of his father, King Olav, in 1991. A popular bus route to Hel in Poland is having its route number changed from 666 to 669 after long-running complaints by religious conservatives. Route 666 to the sandy beaches of the resort town of Hel has become a popular running joke, especially among tourists. But some religious conservatives in the country claim the route is spreading Satanism. In the Bible 666 is identified as the number of the beast and the decision for the route to be given 666 is down to the towns name of Hel. However following the complaints, bus company PKS Gdynia announced: We are turning the last 6 upside down! The firms designer Marcin Szwaczyk told the trojmiasto.pl news website the number 669 was less controversial. While the association between 666 and the word hell may be lost on some Poles - as the Polish word for it is pieklo - a number of social media users in the country have condemned the coming change, which the bus company says is set to take place on 24 June. It was a worldwide advert, Krzysztof Nadolski wrote. I have often read about route 666 to Hel on foreign websites or Facebook groups. I am convinced there were tourists who would have probably arrived faster by train, but for fun they took bus route 666. Over the past few years, religious conservatives from one Polish group have complained that bus company PKS Gdynia is spreading Satanism. Route 666 usually runs in the summer along the Baltic Sea coast. U kraine has seized back more than 38 square miles of territory in its counter-offensive against Vladimir Putins forces, a senior Ukrainian military commander said on Thursday. We are ready to continue fighting to liberate our territory even with our bare hands, Brigadier-General Oleksii Hromov told a media briefing. He confirmed that in the early stages of the offensive, which Ukraine said had begun last week, seven settlements had been liberated in the eastern region of Donetsk and in the southern region of Zaporizhzhia. The army has advanced by to 3 km (1.8 miles) near the village of Mala Tokmachka in the Zaporizhzhia sector and by up to 7 km (4.3 miles) near a village south of Velyka Novosilka in the Donetsk sector, military officials said. The claims are similar to reports from US military experts. Russia, which began its full-scale invasion of Ukraine in February 2022, has not officially acknowledged the Ukrainian advances. Each side says the other has suffered heavy losses since the counter-offensive started, and Moscow and Kyiv rarely comment on their own losses. Meanwhile, the United States, Britain, the Netherlands and Denmark announced that they will partner to send air defence equipment including hundreds of missiles to Ukraine to help it fight Russian forces. Delivery of the equipment has already begun and should be complete within several weeks, the joint statement provided by the British government said, ahead of a meeting of the US-led Ukraine Defence Contact Group in Brussels. The UKs Defence Secretary Ben Wallace stressed: Working with our international partners we are able to provide vital air defence equipment, which will help Ukraine support offensive operations and protect critical national infrastructure. The Ministry of Defence added that hundreds of short and medium range air defence systems would be bought using the fund. Delivery of the equipment has already begun and in expected to be complete within weeks, it added. The package is made up largely of Soviet-era missiles which are being supplied to Ukraine for offensive operations and protect critical national infrastructure. V olodymyr Zelensky vowed on Thursday to rebuild everything destroyed in Ukraine by Vladimir Putins war ahead of a recovery summit in London. He told how his government was engaged in detailed planning for the Ukraine Recovery Conference in the UK capital. Not only today, but throughout the week, we have been preparing very substantively for the Ukraine Recovery Conference to be held in London next week, he said in his overnight address. This will be a significant event, very representative, which will unite both political and business efforts to restore our country and normal life for our people. The key Ukrainian principle is simple and fair, namely: no ruins will be left in Ukraine. We will rebuild everything, restore everything, and we know exactly what steps need to be taken in what timeframe and with what forces to defeat Russian aggression and rebuild our country. When the ruins disappear, it is not just the aggressor who loses, but the idea of aggression itself. And it will happen. He explained further: Every day, in preparation for this London conference, we hold long and thorough preparatory meetings - all the necessary state institutions are involved, at different levels. And we are doing everything to ensure that the appropriate level of international agreements is prepared for our vision, the Ukrainian vision, which is, as always, meaningful. Many eastern Ukrainian towns, villages and cities, including Mariupol and Bakhmut, were largely destroyed by Russian missile, drone and artillery strikes, killing thousands of civilians. Numerous attacks have also been launched on the capital Kyiv, on other cities as far west as Lviv, as well as on key civilian infrastructure such as electricity power plants and water networks during Putins war launched in February 2022. The conference, being held next Wednesday and Thurday, aims to mobilise international support for Ukraines economic and social stabilisation and recovery from the effects of war, including through emergency assistance for immediate needs and financing private sector participation in the reconstruction process. In further destruction in Ukraine, Russian missiles hit two industrial facilities in the central Ukrainian city Kryvyi Rih in the early hours of Thursday, city mayor Oleksandr Vilkul said, with a drone attack also reported in Odesa. Mr Vilkul said three rockets hit two industrial enterprises that had nothing to do with the military, injuring one 38-year-old man. One car was damaged with debris of missiles downed by air defenses. The destruction is significant, he wrote on Telegram messaging app. In the southern port city of Odesa, authorities said air defences on Thursday downed all 18 Russian drones that approached the region. Authorities in Russia-controlled Crimea also reported a drone attack, saying they had downed nine Ukrainian drones. A cafetiere is the ideal midpoint if you're looking to spice up your coffee making habits without going all out with a new coffee machine. Taking just a few moments more than instant coffee requires, a great cafetiere transports your morning routine into something that feels a little more romantic with barely any extra effort. What are the benefits of a cafetiere? A cafetiere doesn't take up half as much space as a coffee machine and it's far simpler to clean. If you're not entirely sure what's what when it comes to coffee beans or how to grind them, this alternate option is a great way of learning the ropes before fully investing in something more expensive. A cafetiere is also great for those with really limited counter space as it's small enough to be hidden away in a cupboard until the caffeine cravings kick in. Quick and consistent, you're free to branch out with your coffee habits to sample a whole new world of ground coffee like never before. While most cafetieres have a very similar design (a brewing chamber with a plunger on top), they vary hugely in style and capacity. More expensive models tend to be double insulated, which keeps your coffee hotter for longer and, as you might expect, the larger the brewing chamber, the more cups youll be able to pour before brewing a new batch. We've rounded up all of the best cafetieres below Le Creuset Stoneware Cafetiere French Press Amazon You might think of casserole dishes before you think of cafetieres when it comes to Le Creuset but the brands signature colourful homeware extends to the drinkable parts of your meals, too. This vibrant French press comes in a range of different shades varying from terracotta red through to deep teal and bamboo green. With its sturdy enamelled stoneware design, its a piece youll only ever need to invest in once. Use it for ground coffee or loose tea leaves. Buy now 51.45 , Amazon {{#hasItems}} Price comparison {{/hasItems}} {{#items}} {{ merchant }} {{ price }} Buy now {{/items}} {{#hasItems}} {{/hasItems}} Georg Jensen Bernadotte Stainless Steel Coffee Press John Lewis Georg Jensens Bernadotte Stainless Steel Coffee Press is for the coffee aficionados who want to pour their daily mug(s) with the same level of stylish flair that continues through the rest of their day. This sleek cafetiere deserves a place of pride on your kitchen counter - partially because of how frequently youll be using it but also because of its classy look. Adding a touch of Art Deco to the table every time youve got guests around, this cafetiere is crafted from mirror-polished stainless steel and is double-walled to keep your coffee warmer for longer. Buy now 125 , John Lewis {{#hasItems}} Price comparison {{/hasItems}} {{#items}} {{ merchant }} {{ price }} Buy now {{/items}} {{#hasItems}} {{/hasItems}} Stelton Theo French Press Amazon This Stelton Theo French Press comes in a matte black colour with a dash of wooden chic at the top: perfect for incorporating a little Scandinavian charm into your Monday mornings. Its rustic design and sturdy nature adds a calming touch to your coffee making rituals and its 0.8 litre size means youll squeeze out a few cups of coffee before having to refill it. Bonus points for its thicker exterior which helps to keep your coffee at the right temperature, too. Buy now 84.15 , Coffee Friend {{#hasItems}} Price comparison {{/hasItems}} {{#items}} {{ merchant }} {{ price }} Buy now {{/items}} {{#hasItems}} {{/hasItems}} Bodum Chambord French press coffee maker Bodum The Chambord is the original and best French press coffee maker, according to Bodum. With an impressive size that makes eight mugs of coffee per fill and an interesting history to match, its the sort of cafetiere that youll enjoy for both its looks and personality. The Chambord brand dates back to the pre-war period when this type of coffee first came to popularity and its shape and style hasnt changed much since. If youre all about keeping things traditional, this is the cafetiere to opt for. Buy now 42.95 , Bodum {{#hasItems}} Price comparison {{/hasItems}} {{#items}} {{ merchant }} {{ price }} Buy now {{/items}} {{#hasItems}} {{/hasItems}} ALESSI Bark 8-Cup Press Filter Coffee Maker Harrods With a scribbled, matte metal exterior, its fair to say this cafetiere is a little more creative than many others. With its unique design and aesthetic appeal, its a cafetiere that deserves a little extra love rather than pouring a mug and shoving it back in the cupboard. Its perforated stainless steel wrapping paves the way for a spacious internal container, which holds 720ml of coffee (or around eight small cups or five larger ones). Buy now 115 , Amazon {{#hasItems}} Price comparison {{/hasItems}} {{#items}} {{ merchant }} {{ price }} Buy now {{/items}} {{#hasItems}} {{/hasItems}} Eva Solo Nordic Kitchen Tea Cafetiere John Lewis The Eva Solo Kitchen Cafetiere isnt specifically designed for coffee but for tea, making it one of the most unusual cafetieres around - but beneficial if you live in a house filled with both coffee and tea drinkers. Incorporating Nordic design with a slightly oversized look, it features a unique valve system that gives you control over the strength of your tea and a double-walled design to keep the tea hotter for longer. Buy now 99.95 , John Lewis {{#hasItems}} Price comparison {{/hasItems}} {{#items}} {{ merchant }} {{ price }} Buy now {{/items}} {{#hasItems}} {{/hasItems}} Tom Dixon Brew cafetiere Matches Tom Dixon homeware comes with a little extra style than your average steelware haul and the Brew stainless-steel cafetiere is no exception. One of the classiest French presses around with the brands signature unique design elements included, this stainless steel cafetiere is one to display at the front of the cupboard. While many stainless steel cafetieres can struggle to keep the heat away from the handle, the smart design of this particular model ensures youll never hesitate to pick it up and pour out another cup. Buy now 185 , MatchesFashion {{#hasItems}} Price comparison {{/hasItems}} {{#items}} {{ merchant }} {{ price }} Buy now {{/items}} {{#hasItems}} {{/hasItems}} Habitat Double Walled 8 Cup Cafetiere Argos Habitats Double Walled 8 Cup Cafetiere is one of the most budget friendly options around and brings together everything you need for a quick and easy process at home. A large cafetiere thatll easily pour out eight cups, it offers a modern twist on a classic style with a sleek, stainless steel exterior. If youve struggled to get to grips with glass cafetieres, this metal version might just be what youre after. Buy now 22.50 , Argos {{#hasItems}} Price comparison {{/hasItems}} {{#items}} {{ merchant }} {{ price }} Buy now {{/items}} {{#hasItems}} {{/hasItems}} ProCook Glass Cafetiere with Softgrip Handle ProCook ProCooks Glass Cafetiere with Softgrip Handle does exactly what it says on the tin. This affordable cafetiere is perfect for everyday essentials with a 1.5 litre size that ensures a mug of coffee is never more than a few seconds away. A no-nonsense option with a softgrip comfortable handle, it features a classic design thats stood the test of time and promises endless delicious mugs of coffee. Buy now 22 , ProCook {{#hasItems}} Price comparison {{/hasItems}} {{#items}} {{ merchant }} {{ price }} Buy now {{/items}} {{#hasItems}} {{/hasItems}} Heemburg French Press Amazon Heemburgs French Press is a world away from many offerings available with a neutrally coloured design that seems to instantly calm you down no matter how much caffeine youve already washed down. One of the most beautifully designed cafetieres, its the epitome of Swedish class. The best thing about this cafetiere? Its ability to keep liquid inside piping hot for hours on end, while its exterior remains suitably cool. Its rubber trim also helps to trap coffee grinds ensuring a smoother cup. Buy now 42.41 , Amazon {{#hasItems}} Price comparison {{/hasItems}} {{#items}} {{ merchant }} {{ price }} Buy now {{/items}} {{#hasItems}} {{/hasItems}} T he symbiotic relationship between fashion and tech continues to intrigue. Amidst the search for a more sustainable approach to our shopping habits, many creators have turned to tech to improve their production chain. The results have sparked innovation to the nth degree. Cue 3D printing, a technique toyed with by tech-savvy designers, which has marked a notable shift in how we make things. 3D printing is the process of constructing three-dimensional solid objects by laying down multiple thin layers of a material in succession. Rather than segments being cut from a block of material to create an item, 3D printing champions an additive process, meaning less fabric is wasted. Dutch fashion designer Iris van Herpen catapulted the use of 3D printing into the fashion sphere back in 2010, when she first designed her Crystallization 3D printed top. Since then, the designers futuristic garments have been sported on the red carpet by the likes of Lady Gaga, Beyonce and Bjork. Following in van Herpens tech-forward footsteps, the accessories market quickly caught up. 3D laser cutting and digital manufacturing techniques started to permeate the high fashion market, with price tags to match. Givenchy experimented with 3D printed sunglasses, while emerging Berlin-based brand 44 LABEL GROUP incorporated 3D printed elements into its sneaker collection. While the extravagance of 3D production often comes at a higher cost, there are a handful of more affordable 3D printed buys to consider. From cute, quirky rings to snakelike chokers, your jewellery arsenal can be easily elevated with a space age piece that wont cost the earth literally. Even homeware has willingly fallen prey to the grip of 3D printing. Vases boasting strong graphic accents and textural finishes are the perfect extra-terrestrial touch to any interior space. Keen to discover more about 3D printing? Weve rounded up the most tempting tech-inspired pieces on the market. A court in Iran has given a prominent actress a suspended two-year prison sentence for failing to wear the compulsory hijab headscarf in public, local media reported on Wednesday. A drian Dunbar is set to return to ITV detective drama Ridley. The actor, 64, will revisit his role as retired detective-turned-police consultant Alex Ridley in a second series, while The Falls Bronagh Waugh will reprise the character of his former protegee, DI Carol Farman, who is now in charge of investigations. The series is written and created by Paul Matthew Thompson, one of the lead writers of ITV detective drama Vera, and co-created by Jonathan Fisher, whose previous projects include Blood, Hollington Drive and Penance. Dunbar said: There can be no greater endorsement of hard work and talent than the recommission of a series and to that end, we have to thank ITV and the British public for taking to Ridley in such numbers. We shall certainly work just as hard to keep the standard we have set and I look forward to developing Ridley as a character over the next four episodes. The TV star is best known as Superintendent Ted Hastings in the BBCs police corruption drama Line Of Duty. The first series of Ridley introduced viewers to the charismatic former DI, who retired from the police after years of dedicated service having lost his wife and daughter in a devastating arson attack on their family home. In the next instalment, Ridley returns to solve more crimes in four two-hour films written by Thompson with Julia Gilbert and Michael Bhim each writing an episode. Fisher and Thompson will also both act as executive producers alongside Ingrid Goodwin while Juliet Charlesworth returns to produce series two. We shall certainly work just as hard to keep the standard we have set and I look forward to developing Ridley as a character over the next four episodes Thompson said: Thrilled to be working with Jonathan Fisher and West Road Pictures again to bring Ridley back to our screens. Adrian Dunbars brilliant portrayal struck a chord with ITV viewers, and I cant wait to share what happens next, as the singing detective settles into his new role of Copelton Police Consultant. Ridleys unique and idiosyncratic approach to crime-solving will once more be at the forefront of each feature-length investigation. His animated partnership with DI Carol Farman will be tested, as together they set out to solve some dark and unsettling crimes. Drama commissioner Huw Kennair Jones will oversee production of the series on behalf of ITV. Jones added: We cant wait to welcome Adrian back to ITV as we return to the beautiful Lancashire countryside for four brand new cases for Ridley and the team to investigate. And were looking forward to working with West Road Pictures and Paul Matthew Thompson on what promises to be another great series. The new series will begin shooting across northern England in autumn 2023. S tories about a Coronation Street star printed by the Mirrors publisher were a complete violation of his privacy and bore all the hallmarks of unlawful information gathering, a High Court trial has been told. Michael Turner, 58, who has played Kevin Webster in the Manchester-based soap since 1983, alleges that titles run by Mirror Group Newspapers (MGN) published highly private details about his life after targeting him with unlawful activity for some 20 years. The actor, known professionally as Michael Le Vell, is among a number of individuals suing MGN publisher of the Daily and Sunday Mirror and the Sunday People for compensation over claims its journalists were linked to phone hacking, so-called blagging or gaining information by deception and the use of private investigators for unlawful activities. MGN denies Mr Turners claim, arguing there is no evidence of voicemail interception or unlawful information gathering relating to him. The actors lawyers previously told the court he was accused by fellow Coronation Street cast members of being a mole amid alleged phone hacking by journalists due to his position as a trade union representative. Mr Turners legal team said he became extremely paranoid and blamed people close to him for stories which were public, even abandoning his local pub as a result. At a hearing in London on Thursday, Mr Turners barrister outlined his case against the publisher, with the actor due to enter the witness box next week. David Sherborne told the court MGN titles published highly private details about Mr Turners life, including in stories about a burglary at his home and over his 2011 arrest for suspected rape, which he was cleared of. The barrister said the soap actors claims date from 1991 to 2011, adding: During that entire period he was not only acting in the programme himself but he was also friendly outside work with a number of Coronation Street actors who were also of interest to the defendants newspapers. We say that the claimant was targeted with unlawful information gathering activity in the run up to the article In written arguments, Mr Sherborne said payment records show Mr Turner and his associates were subjected to very large amounts of unlawful information gathering (UIG) and the actor experienced unusual telephone and media-related activity which is consistent, now in hindsight but at the time unsuspected, with the unauthorised accessing of his voicemails and other UIG. He said Mr Turners private information appeared in newspapers for which there was no legitimate explanation as to how it had been obtained but at the time he wrongly suspected those close to him. In court, Mr Sherborne said Mr Turner, who attended Thursdays hearing, complained about 28 articles published by MGN titles, including instances where quotes are attributed to a Street source, friends or a pal. This includes an October 1996 Sunday Mirror piece headlined Street stars safe house about the actor moving after a burglary at his home, the court was told. Mr Sherborne said the story contains highly private details about the burglary that occurred at Mr Turners family home and the financial assistance he received from the niece to buy a new house. He added: We say that the claimant was targeted with unlawful information gathering activity in the run up to the article. A February 1999 column headlined Mikes baby break in the Mirror plainly contains information about how he is set to become a father for the second time, Mr Sherborne told the court. Mr Sherborne said there was a bare denial that information in the story came from unlawful activity but said Mr Turner claimed in a witness statement he feels there was a complete violation of his privacy. An October 2011 story covered Mr Turners arrest on suspicion of a sexual offence, something he was acquitted of, and quoted a pal commenting on what the actor had allegedly said, the court was told. Mr Sherborne said the actor explains in his witness statement that the story related to an incredibly difficult time in his life and he asked who had leaked this information. Mr Turner said it was incredibly upsetting and he was blaming every Tom, Dick and Harry, Mr Sherborne said. The barrister added: We say it bears all the hallmarks of unlawful information gathering. Richard Munden, representing MGN, said Mr Turners case is particularly weak, saying some articles in the claim were before phone hacking started or when it had significantly dropped off. In written arguments, the publishers lawyers said call data evidence relating to the case is a wholly inadequate basis on which to seek an inference of (voicemail interception) of the claimant. Mr Turners case is one of four representative claims being heard at the High Court in London, alongside similar claims brought by the Duke of Sussex, Hollyoaks actress Nikki Sanderson and Fiona Wightman the ex-wife of comedian Paul Whitehouse. The trial before Mr Justice Fancourt is due to resume on Monday and conclude at the end of the month, with a ruling expected at a later date. A n Arizona woman has recounted the story of how she was embroiled in a kidnapping scam in which AI was used to spoof the voice of her daughter. Jennifer DeStefano described the ordeal during a Senate Judiciary Committee hearing in the US. On January 20, DeStefano received a call claiming her 15-year-old daughter Briana had been kidnapped. A $1 million (790,000) ransom was demanded for her safe return. Mom, these bad men have me, help me, help me! DeStefano heard her daughter say, sobbing and crying, before the line was taken up by a threatening and vulgar man. Listen here, I have your daughter. If you call anybody, if you call the police, Im going to pump her stomach so full of drugs and have my way with her. Im going to drop her in Mexico and youll never see your daughter again, the man reportedly said. DeStefano says the kidnapper demanded $1 million, before dropping that demand down to $50,000 (39,500) in cash. After the police were called by another local mother, DeStefano was informed this was a known scam, but she was still convinced the situation was real. [I was told] 911 is very familiar with an AI scam where they can use someones voice, DeStefano said. But I didnt process that. It wasnt just her voice, it was her cries, it was her sobs that are unique to her. The supposed kidnappers wanted her to get $50,000 in cash and ride in a car, with a bag over her head, to deliver the ransom. However, the scam was revealed when DeStefanos husband was able to check on their daughter Briana in person, as the pair were on a ski trip at the time. How prevalent are AI scams? In a follow-up statement, MIT professor Aleksander Madry said the newest wave of generative AI is poised to fundamentally transform our collective sense-making AI enables the creation of content that is not only extremely realistic but also persuasive, even though it may be false. He says such deceptive content is frighteningly easy to deploy at scale thanks to the latest AI technologies. The Senate Judiciary Committee hearings goal was to detail some of the dangerous knock-on effects of the profliferation of AI technology, with a view to arguing for swift regulation. Generated images can also twist public understanding of political figures and events. Videos and images have already been digitally altered to compromise public officials. Fake content is now cheaper, easier, and more convincing because of the growth of AI tools, said Alexandra Givens, CEO of the Center for Democracy & Technology, during the hearing. On June 5, the FBI released a public service announcement warning US citizens about the prevalence of scams using deep-fake pornographic videos and images to extort people. The FBI urges the public to exercise caution when posting or direct messaging personal photos, videos, and identifying information on social media, dating apps, and other online sites. Although seemingly innocuous when posted or shared, the images and videos can provide malicious actors an abundant supply of content to exploit for criminal activity, the statement reads. These scams and malicious uses of AI are by no means limited to the US. Research on AI voice scams conducted by security software company McAfee was published in May. Its report estimates one in 12 people in the UK have already experienced an AI voice scam. This was based on a survey of more than 7,000 people across the world, including 1,009 in the UK. A mazon is facing serious questions about both user privacy and how it deals with customers accused of wrongdoing after a user found their account cancelled in the face of a bogus racism complaint from a delivery driver. Brandon Jackson, an engineer at Microsoft, wrote a post on Medium explaining that his Amazon account was briefly suspended last month after a delivery driver reported him for racial abuse heard via his smart doorbell in Baltimore, Maryland. This caused serious issues for the control of his smart home devices, as his Alexa-powered Amazon Echos instantly stopped working without an active account attached. Jackson subsequently discovered that nobody was home at the time the incident occured, and that the driver in question was wearing headphones in the footage captured by his device. I reviewed the footage and confirmed that no such comments had been made, he wrote. Instead, the Eufy doorbell had issued an automated response: Excuse me, can I help you? The driver, who was walking away and wearing headphones, must have misinterpreted the message. Nevertheless, by the following day, my Amazon account was locked, and all my Echo devices were logged out. Jackson writes that he only discovered the reasons for his account suspension when he dialled a number in a support email alerting him to the news. When I connected with the executive, they asked if I knew why my account had been locked, he wrote. When I answered I was unsure, their tone turned somewhat accusatory. I was told that the driver who had delivered my package reported receiving racist remarks from my Ring doorbell (its actually a Eufy, but Ill let it slide). Fortunately, in Jacksons case, he was able to prove his innocence via multiple cameras recording everything that happens on my property. It still took Amazon six days to reinstate his account, and there was no confirmation or apology when it happened. Serious questions The whole report raises some unanswered questions. Firstly, as mentioned by Jackson above, the smart doorbell isnt made by Amazon, but by the Chinese company Eufy. In other words, this doesnt appear to be a case of another possible Ring privacy breach , but that Amazon simply took the delivery drivers complaint as objective truth and acted accordingly. Secondly, as Jackson was only able to reinstate his account with video proof provided by his cameras, how would Amazon treat a customer without such evidence? What right of appeal would a wrongfully accused customer have? We reached out to Amazon on both points, but received a statement that addresses neither. We work hard to provide customers with a great experience while also ensuring drivers who deliver Amazon packages feel safe, Amazon spokesperson Simone Griffin told The Standard. In this case, we learned through our investigation that the customer did not act inappropriately, and were working directly with the customer to resolve their concerns while also looking at ways to prevent a similar situation from happening again. For Jackson, this experience has made him rethink his relationship with Amazon. While he believes the driver made an honest mistake, he says that the companys response was overkill when a simple delivery restriction would have been more measured. After nearly a decade of loyalty, Ive been given a harsh reminder that a misunderstanding can lead to such drastic measures, he wrote. It seems more reasonable to handle such issues in a more compartmentalised way, rather than a blanket shutdown of all services. S cientists say they have created synthetic human embryos without the need for eggs or sperm in a potentially major advance. It is currently unclear whether the model embryos have the potential to continue maturing beyond the earliest stages of development, but experts believe they may help in the study of illnesses, genetic disorders or recurrent miscarriage. The work falls outside current UK legislation and raises ethical and legal issues. Prof Magdalena Zernicka-Goetz, of the University of Cambridge and the California Institute of Technology, described the work on Wednesday at the International Society for Stem Cell Researchs annual meeting in Boston, the Guardian reported. Currently people are having to use embryos that are donated for research, which are left over after in vitro fertilisation (IVF). These are quite rare and hard to get, so if you could use the stem cells to model those early stages of human development, then maybe you could get a lot of information without having to resort to using embryos that have been created by fertilisation We can create human embryo-like models by the reprogramming of (embryonic stem) cells, she told the meeting. Professor Robin Lovell-Badge, head of the laboratory of stem cell biology and developmental genetics at the Francis Crick Institute, told BBC Radio 4s Today programme on Thursday that the aim of the research was to try and model early human development. If you want to understand really what is going on as embryos develop normally, or when things go wrong earlier leading to miscarriage or some congenital disorders for example, then currently people are having to use embryos that are donated for research, which are left over after in vitro fertilisation (IVF), he said. These are quite rare and hard to get, so if you could use the stem cells to model those early stages of human development, then maybe you could get a lot of information without having to resort to using embryos that have been created by fertilisation. He said it was unclear yet whether the models could identify reasons for miscarriage and spoke about the ethical and regulatory considerations. What youre trying to do is model early human development, he said. So these structures that have been made so far are clearly not perfect models of human development, because they dont go that far. However, the whole intention is to devise ways of making them more and more perfect models. And of course, then the closer you get to a human embryo, then you have to start (thinking) well, whats the difference between a normal human embryo and one of these models? And so should they be governed by the same rules that are used to govern research with human embryos or not? So thats the big sort of regulatory issue at the moment and a sort of ethical issue. Recently scientists developed methods to keep IVF embryos alive in a dish for 14 days, and these findings confirm that the technology is now available to mimic the first 14 days of development outside the womb Dr Ildem Akerman, associate professor in functional genomics at the University of Birmingham, said that in theory, these cells also have the potential to develop into an embryo. She added: This report suggests that there is now proof that human embryonic stem cells can potentially become embryos We understand from the report that the scientists generated optimal conditions for the embryo to pass through the first 14 days of development and, in fact, become an embryo. Recently scientists developed methods to keep IVF embryos alive in a dish for 14 days, and these findings confirm that the technology is now available to mimic the first 14 days of development outside the womb. She said the work has significant implications and will provide scientists with a model to investigate the events that occur during the initial 14 days of life. She added: Up until now, we have only been able to observe such processes in animal models like zebrafish and mice. Having this knowledge can be immensely valuable for regenerative medicine, where scientists aim to generate different cell types from stem cells (such as pancreatic beta cells for people living with type 1 diabetes). It can give us valuable insights into genetic disorders. Additionally, it can contribute to the advancement of IVF technologies. She said that although the scientists had referred to synthetic embryos, these cell clusters are not truly synthetic in the sense that they are created from scratch. She said: Instead, they are derived from living stem cells that originate from an embryo. Essentially, what scientists do is cultivate a single stem cell and encourage its growth into an organised group of cells that, in theory, possess the potential to develop into an implantable embryo. Professor Roger Sturmey, a senior research fellow in maternal and foetal health at the University of Manchester, said there is still much work to do to determine the similarities and differences between synthetic embryos and embryos that form from the union of an egg and a sperm. He said the new work has not yet been fully appraised by the scientific community, but it does offer exciting prospects to answer these questions and may provide an important tool to study early development while reducing the reliance on human embryos for such research. The research has not yet been published in a scientific journal or peer-reviewed. The cancellation of Travis Scott's highly anticipated Utopia album launch concert in Egypt has become a trending topic among the rapper's fan-base in the country and around the world, sparking conflicting rumours and speculation. Anti-graft prosecutors to be trained by FBI in special investigative techniques, methods. Chief prosecutor of Romania's National Anti-Corruption Directorate (DNA) Marius Voineag has welcomed legal attache of the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) with the US Embassy in Bucharest Monika A. Wasiewicz at the DNA main offices, told Agerpres. According to a DNA press statement, talks focused on the continuation and expansion of co-operation between the two organisations. "For the DNA to fulfill its mission of combating high-level corruption, a central point of the managerial vision is the efficient use of the organisation's resources in order to achieve its performance potential. In achieving this objective, the FBI will help DNA with professional training programmes forthe use of special investigation techniques and methods, as well as innovative technologies," says DNA. In criminal investigations, the two organisations will continue to support each other in international judicial cooperation, in accordance with the provisions of the Treaty between the Government of the United States of America and the Government of Romania on Mutual Legal Assistance in Criminal Matters, signed in Washington on May 26, 1999 . During the meeting, Voineag said that corruption affects the development of Romanian society in the economic, social and political areas, which can lead, among other things, to a decrease of public trust in democracy and to moving away from European and NATO values. Migration will likely increase for demographic, economic, climatic, and geopolitical reasons, and origin, destination, and transit countries should plan for it to optimise its benefits and minimise its costs, writes Mahmoud Mohieldin Migration presents both diverse opportunities and great challenges. It can help economies to improve or cause governments to fall. Policymakers have to decide whether to turn it into a tool for economic development and the fight against poverty or let it remain a source of tension, attrition, brain drain and squandered opportunities. Last month, the World Bank released its World Development Report entitled Migrants, Refugees and Societies. The updated facts and figures on migrants in this are particularly useful, with these being defined as people who live outside their country of nationality, whether they moved in search of better economic opportunities or were displaced across borders by conflict or persecution (refugees). The report says that there are around 184 million migrants in the world today, or about 2.3 per cent of the worlds population, of whom 37 million are refugees. About 43 per cent of migrants live in low- and middle-income countries. More and more countries defy the conventional classification of migrant exporter versus migrant host countries. Demographic changes and the effects of climate change and geopolitical conflicts have combined to make migration an increasingly complex phenomenon. Today, many countries, regardless of their wealth, are both migrant exporters and hosts at the same time. Though modern political and economic analysis brings new ideas and paradigms to bear on the question of migration, the drivers of migration are as old as the hills. People have been on the move from one place to another since the dawn of history and before the birth of borders. The classical writers gave considerable thought to the phenomenon and, indeed, wrote poetry on it, enumerating its causes and benefits. The eighth-century Arab Muslim renowned scholar and the great Imam Al-Shafei is noted for a verse that lists five reasons for leaving ones native land, for example, including release from distress and the search for a better livelihood, knowledge, moral edification, and illustrious company. Some motives may outweigh others, but generally economic reasons are the main driving force of migration and the source of attraction of destination countries. In 2020, more than 84 per cent of migrants settled in a country that was wealthier than their own. Regarding demographics, one of the main drivers of migration, I have previously discussed this in relation to development and progress, noting how, in the countries of the South, longer life expectancy rates and population growth have given rise to a higher ratio of young people to old. The demographics in the countries of the North are heading in the opposite direction: a shrinking population and a larger ratio of elderly people. The World Bank report cites Italy as a case in point. Its population, which currently stands at around 59 million, is expected to shrink to 32 million by the end of this century. People over 65 will increase from 24 to 38 per cent of the population. By contrast, the population of Nigeria is expected to rise from 213 million to 791 million by the end of the century, making it the second most populous country in the world after India. Statistically, communicating vessels mechanisms may offer a solution to such demographic problems, making it possible to balance population shortages and surpluses. But political, economic, social and cultural considerations tell us that this is not as easy as it might sound. Yet, even so legal and well-organised migration can undoubtedly help to remedy demographic imbalances and help both migrant origin and migrant destination nations to provide essential services to their public and meet their economic needs. This is a subject that has not received its due share of recognition in the countries of the North. At the same time, optimising the benefit of the population resources of the countries of the South requires huge investments in human capital, and, above all, in education, skills and capacity building, and healthcare. Climate change is the second major driver of migration, as its adverse impacts on economic activity and life in general have precipitated a phenomenon known as climate migration. The World Bank Report says that about 40 per cent of the worlds population 3.5 billion people live in places highly exposed to the impacts of climate change: water shortages, drought, heat stresses, sea level rise, and extreme events such as floods and tropical cyclones. Climate impacts are threatening the habitability of entire regions in places as diverse as the Sahel, low-lying Bangladesh, and the Mekong Delta. In some Small Island Developing States, these impacts are forcing leaders to contemplate planned relocations. In her book Nomad Century: How Climate Migration Will Reshape Our World, UK writer Gaia Vince vividly demonstrates how environmental deterioration due to climate change will increase forced migration from the warming countries in Asia, Africa and Latin America, and warns the countries of the North that they had better prepare for unprecedented influxes of climate refugees unless they take the necessary steps now to radically reduce climate-damaging emissions. An integrated and collaborative international approach is of the essence in order to marshal the necessary resources and investments for climate mitigation and adaptation action. This includes compensation for climate-related damage. It should also be borne in mind that climate action projects should be designed in a framework that integrates them with the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). This, in turn, entails developing migration policies for both migrant origin and destination countries. The third major driver of migration is the spread of conflict, civil strife, violence, terrorism and persecution in tandem with mounting geopolitical tensions. Forced displacements due to conflict i.e. refugees have more than doubled during the past decade, according to the World Bank Report. Many people have said that they have seen nothing like the current waves of conflict-related migration since the end of World War II. According to the report, refugees make up 20 per cent of the total number of migrants. We should note however that the majority of impacted population by conflicts are internally displaced in their home countries. Those who manage to flee abroad tend to seek refuge in countries close to their homelands. Children account for around 41 per cent of the total number of refugees in the world. In a previous article, I discussed how the average length of refugee stays in their host countries has risen to more than 17 years, which necessitates addressing a broader range of interrelated concerns, from urgent to mid-term humanitarian relief and services to longer-term development, security and other basic needs. The World Bank Report provides a framework for handling migration that it calls the Match and Motive Matrix. This relies on a fusion of labour market economics with international law. The labour economics side focuses on the right fit between the migrants skills, qualifications and other socioeconomic attributes and the needs of the destination country. Obviously, the better the match, the greater the benefit for the economy of the destination country, for the migrant in terms of income and related benefits, and for the country of origin through remittances. As noted above, the motives for migrating vary, from the desire for better work opportunities and living standards to security and safety concerns due to outbreaks of violence or different types of persecution in the original homeland. These, in turn, raise the question of the destination countries obligations under international law, such as the need to offer protection and support under the UN Refugee Convention or for victims of racism and other forms of discrimination. The report incorporates both dimensions Match and Motive into a framework that helps policymakers to identify priorities and procedures, whether in the country of origin, the destination country, or the transit countries depending on the length of the migrants stay there, which could end up being quite long depending upon the destination countrys restrictions. It underscores the need to understand the different types of migration and how these relate to the Match and Motive Matrix in order to optimise potential benefits while minimising losses in the event of a weak fit on the labour economics side the equation. For simplicitys sake, I have distinguished between four cases: The first case is when migrants have the skills and attributes that the destination country needs, while their motives for migrating are relatively easy to deal with. In this case, the benefits of migration outweigh the costs. An example might be the migration of Indian engineers to Silicon Valley in the US. In a second case, migrants may lack the skills needed in the destination country, while the motives for migration are more complicated. In this case, the costs of migration outweigh the benefits. An example would be poorly skilled migrants at the southern US border. A third case is when highly skilled refugees are forced to migrate due to conditions in their homeland and whose skills are in demand in the destination country. The World Bank Report cites the examples of Syrian entrepreneurs in Turkey and doctors from Venezuela. In this case, the destination countries need to take special measures in order to benefit from their skills, such as providing security and legal protection. A fourth case is when refugees are fleeing for their lives and not legally allowed to work. This is the worst-case scenario and applies, for example, to unaccompanied refugee minors in Africa or the victims of brutal wide scale cleansing like the Rohingya who were forced to flee from Myanmar. In this case, humanitarian and security considerations outweigh all others. Dealing with migration requires a fact-based approach, a high degree of flexibility, and rational dialogue as free as possible from politicisation and the associated ills of demagoguery and political opportunism that often capitalise on racist and xenophobic currents in society. For countries to benefit from the movement of people and minimise the costs, policymakers must objectively analyse the types of movement they are dealing with in order to devise the most sensible and mutually beneficial policies possible in the light of the economic, political, social and humanitarian situation. Migration in all its forms and patterns will likely to increase due to the above-mentioned economic, demographic and climatic factors as well as geopolitical conflicts. It would be wise for origin, destination, and transit countries to start planning and working together in comprehensive and integrated ways, taking advantage of such tools as the Match and Motive Matrix, in order to prepare for the inevitable. Burying the heads in the sand is a recipe for dire consequences. * This article appeared in Arabic in Wednesdays edition of Asharq Al-Awsat. * A version of this article appears in print in the 18 May, 2023 edition of Al-Ahram Weekly Search Keywords: Short link: Ciolacu to Hunor: I'm sorry that three men couldn't stay a team in government. Prime Minister-designate Marcel Ciolacu on Thursday in Parliament told Hungarian Democratic Union of Romania (UDMR) national leader Kelemen Hunor that he was sorry that "three statesmen failed to reach common ground to allow them to stay a governing team," but he was convinced that the Social Democratic Party (PSD), the National Liberal Party (PNL) and UDMR will collaborate in Parliament, told Agerpres. "I am sorry, Mr Kelemen Hunor, that we, three statesmen, failed to reach common ground to allow us to stay a governing team. I am firmly convinced that in the future we will manage to remain a team in Parliament for important laws. It happened before in history when the Social Democratic Party and UDMR, when there was an avalanche on us, we found balance. I am firmly convinced that we will find it in the future, this time together with PSD and PNL." He added that he is ready to collaborate institutionally with the Save Romania Union (USR), to find middle ground. "If the USR group calls me, I will come, without the media, without announcements, without being used for political ends. All the reforms in the National Recovery and Resilience Plan (PNRR) have to be followed and implemented. If we lose this train as well, it is the last train, not mine and yours, I wish good health for me and you keep doing politics, it's Romania's last train (...) You are in the Opposition, we are in power together with PNL trying to find middle ground, where we all have an interest," Ciolacu told USR leaders during the speech in Parliament. He warned PSD and PNL that there will be "very big attacks" on the ruling coalition, because "no one likes this large and consistent majority". Gov't rotation/Iohannis to PM Ciolacu: There are many problems that need solving. President Klaus Iohannis told Prime Minister Marcel Ciolacu on Thursday that there are many problems in Romania that need solving, told Agerpres. Also, the head of state told the ministers to try and solve these problems. "Mr. Prime Minister Ciolacu, you were part of the team, you led the Chamber of Deputies and worked in a real team in the leadership of the coalition. I am confident that in this new position and with this team that took the oath today, you will continue the work started by the governing coalition a year and a half ago. There are many problems to be solved, we must not live with the impression that everything has been solved and now things will go easier, no, since we well know that it is getting harder and harder. We still have half a year in front of us in which we can solve a lot of things, after which we will enter a super election year which in itself is already very challenging for our society. We will have four rows of elections and at the same time the country must be governed responsibly and with good results. I wish you, prime minister, deputy prime ministers, ministers, ladies and gentlemen, not to lose sight of what you swore for. The most important thing is to work to solve the problems of Romania and the Romanians, and only after that the problems related to political formations," said Iohannis, on the occasion of the swearing-in ceremony of the new Government, held at the Cotroceni Palace. He wished the members of the Ciolacu Government a good mandate, with results. Rescuers have handled 1,577 emergencies, provided medical assistance to over 1,300 people and sent 32 RO-ALERT warning messages in the last 24 hours. "Rescuers have managed 1,577 emergency situations, with the most numerous missions being carried out in the Bucharest-Ilfov area and in Cluj, Arges, Mures, Galati, Dolj and Arad counties. A share of 85% of the total interventions consisted of medical assistance by SMURD crews, with 1,338 people in difficulty receiving help," a press release issued by the Inspectorate General for Emergency Situations (IGSU) sent to AGERPRES on Thursday informs. During the reporting period, at the national level, the operational teams acted to locate and extinguish the 55 fires recorded nationwide and promptly managed 173 missions for the protection of communities. "Also, in the last 24 hours, 32 messages warning the population have been sent through the RO-ALERT system, including 31 messages about the presence of dangerous animals (bears), in the counties of Alba (1), Arges (2), Bistrita-Nasaud (1), Brasov (10), Buzau (3), Covasna (3), Dolj (1), Harghita (4), Mures (1), Prahova (4) and Sibiu (1)," the quoted source showed. At the same time, the firefighters are supporting the authorities at the border areas and, implicitly, the Ukrainian citizens coming to Romania. On Thursday, in order to manage the influx of people who entered Romania at the border with Ukraine and the Republic of Moldova, the IGSU engaged 143 firefighters and 91 technical means. "The military firefighters remain mobilized, 24 hours a day, for the operational management of emergency situations and the provision of specialized medical first aid to people in need," the IGSU mentioned. Information on how to behave in case of an emergency event can be obtained by accessing the national emergency preparedness platform https://fiipregatit.ro and from the Department for Emergency Situations (DSU) mobile app, which can be downloaded for free from the App Store and Google Play. AGERPRES The National Institute of Public Health (INSP) informed that, in the week of June 5-11, 37pct of COVID-19 cases were registered in Bucharest and in the counties of Timis, Iasi, Prahova and Dambovita. In the reporting period, 963 new cases of people infected with SARS-CoV-2 were registered and 24 deaths were reported in patients with COVID-19. According to the weekly surveillance report, 53.1pct of the confirmed cases were registered in people who did not get vaccinated against COVID. Among the vaccinated who got sick, 53.3pct were either immediately after vaccination or more than six months after the last dose. According to the quoted source, 54.6pct of all deaths were registered in the counties of Iasi, Bihor, Buzau, Caras-Severin and Dolj, and 72.7pct were among people not vaccinated against COVID. Since the beginning of the pandemic until now, 86.6pct of all deaths were in people over 60, and 54.7pct in men. Among the people who died, 93.8pct had at least one associated comorbidity. AGERPRES The Chamber of Deputies and the Senate will convene in a joint meeting on Thursday for the vote of investiture of the Government proposed by Prime Minister-designate Marcel Ciolacu. The meeting starts at 12.00. According to the programme, Prime Minister-designate Marcel Ciolacu will present the government programme and the list of the Government. There will be debates followed by a vote on the request for Parliament's confidence in the Programme and the whole list of the Government. On Wednesday, the ministers proposed in Ciolacu's Cabinet were heard in Parliament's special committees, all of them receiving a positive opinion. In order for the Government to be sworn in, at least 233 MPs must be present at the meeting and at least 233 votes in favour are needed. The Government is supported by the Social Democratic Party (PSD) and the National Liberal Party (PNL) Parliament members and national minority Parliament members, who number 291, a comfortable majority. the Alliance for Romanians' Union (AUR) and the Save Romania Union (USR) have announced that they will vote against. It remains to be seen whether or not the Hungarian Democratic Union (UDMR) MPs will support the Government in the vote. According to the Constitution and the rules of the joint sessions of Parliament, the programme and the list of the Government are debated by the Chamber of Deputies and the Senate in a joint session. Parliament gives confidence to the Government by a majority vote of the Deputies and Senators. Voting is secret. The opinion of the committees at the hearing of the proposed ministers is consultative. The decision of Parliament granting the vote of confidence shall be signed by the Speaker of the Chamber of Deputies and the President of the Senate and shall be submitted to the President of Romania for the appointment of the Government. The Prime Minister, the ministers and the other members of the Government shall individually be sworn in before the President of Romania, and the Government as a whole and each individual member shall exercise their mandate from the date of swearing in. The list of members of the Government led by Marcel Ciolacu is: * Prime Minister - Marcel Ciolacu; * Deputy Prime Minister - Marian Neacsu (proposed by PSD); * Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Internal Affairs - Catalin Predoiu (proposed by PNL); * Minister of Finance - Marcel Bolos (proposed by PNL); * Minister of Transport and Infrastructure - Sorin Grindeanu (proposed by PSD); * Minister for Family, Youth and Equal Opportunities - Gabriela Firea (proposed by PSD); * Minister of Justice - Alina Gorghiu (proposed by PNL); * Minister of National Defence - Angel Tilvar (proposed by PSD); * Minister of Education - Ligia Deca (proposed by PNL); * Minister of Culture - Raluca Turcan (proposed by PNL). * Minister of Foreign Affairs - Luminita Odobescu (proposed by PNL); * Minister of Economy, Entrepreneurship and Tourism - Radu Oprea (proposed by PSD); * Minister of Investment and European Projects - Adrian Caciu (proposed by PSD); * Minister of Development - Adrian Vestea (proposed by PNL); * Minister of Health - Alexandru Rafila (proposed by PSD); * Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development - Florin Barbu (proposed by PSD); * Minister of Energy - Sebastian Burduja (proposed by PNL); * Minister of Labour and Social Solidarity - Marius Budai (proposed by PSD); * Minister of Research, Innovation and Digitisation - Ivan Bogdan-Gruia (proposed by PSD); * Minister for the Environment - Mircea Fechet (proposed by PNL). AGERPRES Prime Minister-designate Marcel Ciolacu said on Thursday that Romania will maintain its position against the "illegal invasion triggered by the criminal regime of Vladimir Putin" and will continue to provide all the necessary resources for Moldova to cope with Russian threats. "Regarding the war in Ukraine, Romania will maintain its position against the illegal invasion launched by the criminal regime of Vladimir Putin. We will continue to offer all our support, we will become an even more active actor in international organisations and we will seek to become a central pillar in the reconstruction of Ukraine," Ciolacu said at the Parliament House. In a speech to lawmakers, he highlighted the foreign policy guidelines of the incoming government, mentioning to the point the USA, Moldova, Japan, and South Korea. In the relationship with the United States, Ciolacu says that Romania has to make additional efforts to fulfill the requirements of Visa Waiver, so that in 2025 Romanians may stand a real chance of travelling to the USA without a visa. "Another central objective in the relationship with the United States will be to support the adoption as soon as possible of the specific legislation regarding the security of the Black Sea, so that Romania's projects in the Black Sea may enjoy American support." Regarding the relationship with Moldova, Ciolacu mentioned support for the accession to the EU and support for the neighbouring country to cope with Russia's threats. "In the neighbourhood policy, we will pay special attention to our brothers across the Prut. Romania will fully support the accession process of the Moldova to the European Union. We will continue to provide all the necessary resources for the pro-European administration and the people of the Republic of Moldova to cope with Russian threats. Romania is and will remain the guarantor of the European integration of Moldova, of its security and stability." In addition, Ciolacu believes that Romania should open up to the world, recalling the strategic partnerships with South Korea and Japan, the close ties with Israel and Turkey, which "prove that we can have true friends in other parts of the world." "Let me be very clear: Romania's place is in the European Union and NATO! Since 2004, we have been protected by the largest military alliance in the world. Since 2007, the European Union has provided us with over 50 billion euros, money that allowed Romania to grow. If other leaders have alternative to develop Romania, let them step forward. Let them tell the Romanians what their solutions are. Otherwise, through lies, yelling and manipulation, you cannot develop a country. You can just bury it! You know well that hatred and division are beyond me. I'm here to build for Romanians! It's time for Romania to stand up with respect and dignity!" concluded Ciolacu. AGERPRES Prime Minister Marcel Ciolacu and his team of ministers arrive at the Victoria Palace. Prime Minister Marcel Ciolacu and his team of ministers have arrived at the Victoria Palace, where the first meeting of the newly voted Government will take place, told Agerpres. Prime Minister Ciolacu was the first to walk down the hall of honour of the Government, decorated with the flags of Romania and the European Union, followed by the members of his cabinet. The meeting will start at 7.00 pm. Swimming: Paul Georgescu crosses Strait of Gibraltar. Sportsman Paul Georgescu swam across the Strait of Gibraltar, one of the most difficult in the world, becoming the first Romanian to perform this feat without a protective suit, according to a press release sent to AGERPRES. Gibraltar was the fifth strait in the Ocean's Seven project crossed by swimming by Paul Georgescu after Catalina Strait Los Angeles, Molokai Strait Hawaii, English Channel and the Nordic Channel. His project also includes Tsuguru Strait-Japan and Cooks Straits-New Zealand. To date, only 22 swimmers from around the world have managed to cross these 7 straits, considered the most difficult and dangerous ones, told Agerpres. Born in Bucharest on December 8, 1978, Paul Georgescu was a polo player, and currently he tests the limits of his own body by swimming in open and frozen waters. In recent years he has achieved several performances such as: the fastest Romanian to cross the English Channel without a wetsuit (with a record time of 13h 34'), holder of the "Triple Crown" title (English Channel - 54 km, Catalina Channel, USA - 35 km and Manhattan Island, USA - 48.5 km), the first Romanian who covered the distance of 1 mile in frozen water (3.2 degrees Celsius), world champion in Ice Swimming (500 m), winning the first medal for Romania at such a competition, participating in the first relay from Romania that swam across the English Channel, swimming the distance of one mile in the frozen waters of the Polar Circle (Antarctica), in 22 minutes and 44 seconds (water temperature 0.1 degrees Celsius) and the first Romanian in the history of the World Open Water Swimming Association to win the most important title of open water swimming - Man of the Year 2021. Authorities at the Nadlac II Border Crossing Point have denied the entry of two trailer trucks loaded with waste being brought from Hungary for Romanian companies, as they were found not to comply with the legal conditions for entry into our country. The trailer trucks were driven by Romanian drivers who, according to the accompanying documents, were carrying waste paper and cardboard packaging. "As there were suspicions about the legality of the transport in question, the border guards requested authorised support from representatives of the Arad County Commissariat of the National Environmental Guard. Thus, following the checks carried out, it was found that the trucks were loaded with 44,860 kg of waste, consisting of paper and cardboard packaging, for which the drivers did not present the necessary documentation required by law for the import of these products," Arad Border Police informed on Thursday. The authorities have ordered the waste to be returned to the consignors in Hungary. AGERPRES 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: After a 22-year reign as the bestselling beer in America, Bud Light slipped to No. 2 in the month of May. The drop in sales was part of the fallout after the Anheuser-Busch InBev brand partnered with transgender influencer Dylan Mulvaney in April. People who were offended by the brand marketing the beer with a transgender person began an informal boycott. The brand took further heat when its vice president of marketing, Alissa Gordon Heinerscheid, attempted to explain the move by saying, Bud Light has been kind of a brand of fratty, kind of out-of-touch humor that she hoped to change by reaching out to Mulvaney. Also contributing to Bud Lights slide has been a rapid increase in popularity of Modelo Especial beer, which overtook Bud Light in May. Modelo Especials sales have been rising for months, but have increased particularly since the Bud Light controversy began. What sometimes does get lost is the fact that, year-to-date, Bud Light is still the No. 1 ranked beer in America on all fronts. Bud Light still has the edge when it comes to sheer volume sales year-to-date and the month of May, said Dave Williams, vice president of analytics and insight at Bump Williams Consulting, which analyzes the alcoholic beverage industry. Since the controversy began, Bud Light sales have been down from about 25% to about 30% each week compared with the same week the year before, Williams said. Modelo Especial sales have been up around 9% for each week of the year. If the trend continues, Modelo will replace Bud Light as the top selling beer in America by the years end, he said. In some cities including Chicago, LGBTQ groups have called for a counter-protest against Anheuser-Busch products, arguing that the companys CEO, Michel Doukeris, offered only weak support of Mulvaney. In an earnings call to investors, Doukeris twice said that a can of Bud Light with Mulvaneys face on it, which was given to Mulvaney in honor of 365 days of girlhood, is not a formal campaign or advertisement. Jerry Dallape, owner of Deans Liquor in Collinsville, said he saw no difference in Bud Light sales for the first couple of weeks of the controversy. But for the last few weeks, the drop in Bud Light sales has been notable. This past week we had the (International) Horseradish Festival and we saw probably a quarter of the sales we usually do, he said. The festival was held June 2 and 3 in Collinsville. With inventory left over from the festival, he said he ordered only about half the amount of Bud Light last week that he usually does. Meanwhile, Mexican beers such as Modelo and Corona are selling particularly well. And so are other Anheuser-Busch products. Bud Select is still selling. Budweiser is selling about the same as it did. But Bud Light isnt selling, and I know why. Youd think people wouldnt buy the other products, but they do. Its funny to me, he said. Modelo Especial is brewed and distributed in the United States by Constellation Brands. In the rest of the world, it is owned by Anheuser-Busch InBev. According to published reports, grocery, convenience store and liquor store sales of Bud Light fell 23% to $297.3 million in May, or 7.3% of all beer sales in those stores. Modelo Especial sales in those locations jumped 15% to $333.1 million for the month, totaling 8.4% of U.S. retail beer sales for the month. Anheuser-Busch stock closed at $56.67 Wednesday, up 1.89%. The stock has dropped 15% since partnering with Mulvaney on April 1. Ian Froeb Follow Ian Froeb Close Get email notifications on {{subject}} daily! Your notification has been saved. There was a problem saving your notification. {{description}} Email notifications are only sent once a day, and only if there are new matching items. Save Manage followed notifications Close Followed notifications Please log in to use this feature Log In Don't have an account? Sign Up Today Where to begin at Shays Creole Smokehouse, where both the barbecue and the gumbo clamor for your attention and is that a Reuben sandwich tucked into the bottom corner of the menu? Well, finding Shays is a good place to start. The restaurant is located at the Old Millstream Inn on St. Charles historic Main Street. If the street-level entrance is closed, take the exterior stairs down to the inns lovely, shaded patio with a view of the imposing Schlafly Bankside brewpub and the stream trickling alongside it. Study the menu on one of the patio tables, then head inside the inns dim basement bar to place your order. Weather permitting be generous in how you interpret that phrase return to the patio to wait for your food. Owner, chef and pitmaster Shay Landry opened Shays in April. His background in the restaurant industry is extensive inside and outside the kitchen. He took a job at Ruby Tuesdays while in college and over the next 10 years worked his way up from grill cook to kitchen manager, general manager and, finally, training manager, helping open new locations. From there, Shay took other corporate restaurant gigs and opened his own (since closed) restaurant, OShays Pub, in the Grove in Forest Park Southeast. More recently, he joined the Pappys Smokehouse team for several years, including stints as pitmaster and assistant manager at its Valley Park spinoff, Dalies Smokehouse. Landry operates Shays as an independent business based at the Old Millstream Inn. His wife, Stacie, worked at the inn for a decade, so he already knew its owner, Troy Gongwer. One day, he approached Gongwer with the idea for something special, a smokehouse of his own. Gongwer told him this was a great idea. On my final visit here, sitting on the patio on a balmy June afternoon, the aforementioned Reuben collapsing in my hands under the weight of thinly sliced pastrami piled high, I came to the same conclusion. This is a great idea for Shays and the Old Millstream Inn specifically, and it follows other smart restaurant-bar arrangements that have allowed such talented chefs as Melanie Meyer (Tiny Chef at the Silver Ballroom in Bevo Mill) and Tommy Andrew (Nomad at the Tamm Avenue Bar in Dogtown) the opportunity to thrive. Far from a menu outlier, Shays Reuben showcases Landrys barbecue acumen. The pastrami that towers precariously with its garnishes of Swiss cheese, sauerkraut and Thousand Island dressing between slices of marble rye bread has been cured and smoked in-house. By itself, it is one of the four meats that forms the core of Shays barbecue selection. Thin slices make the pastramis bark more of a peppery accent than a gnarled feature, but the meat is zippy with brine and bright, ticklish spice. Pulled pork, pulled chicken and brisket round out the barbecue menu, which Landry prepares in an Ole Hickory smoker with cherry as his go-to wood. Pork butt smoked for 18 hours yields smoky and exceptionally tender pulled pork not at all a given for this dish with bits of sweet, charry meat turning up exactly when you want them. Landry also slices his brisket thin, which results in slices that are tender without the fatty lusciousness of the traditional Texas-style. The meat does show a fine balance of its natural flavor with smoke, pepper and a hint of sweetness a style the menu calls a Texas-St. Louis hybrid. (In typical barbecue-restaurant fashion, the meats are available as sandwiches or platters. Most of the sides are also of the expected variety: crisp fries; creamy mac and cheese; tangy, sweet, meaty beans.) Landry also makes use of brisket in Shays chili, a moderately spicy concoction thick with beans as well as the small, firm pieces of meat and playfully topped with Fritos and cheese. Even more intriguingly, the brisket also appears in Shays etouffee, where it acts as a bass note counterposing plump, sweet shrimp in a rich tomato-cream sauce over rice. Even when the menu doesnt literally bring them together, Shays fusion of barbecue and Creole fare feels seamless. Landrys father is a native of Lake Charles, Louisiana, and Landry told me he himself has been making gumbo since he was 10 years old. At Shays, Landry prides himself on fresh stock and golden dark roux as the gumbos base, with teasing notes of cayenne, black pepper and onion powder, all of it supporting the hearty assembly of chicken, crawfish and andouille. The Creole menu, or Cajun and Creole Goods, to use the exact terminology, is compact, with red beans and rice with andouille the only dish I have yet to mention. Still, in its own way its as smart a gambit as Shays partnership with the Old Millstream Inn. The barbecue boom might have peaked last decade, but a restaurant with a talented chef and a fresh approach to familiar fare is always on trend. Rating Recommended The Post-Dispatch evaluates restaurants on the following scale, lowest to highest: Not Recommended, Recommended, Highly Recommended, Essential. The rating reflects how the restaurant succeeds on its own terms and how it meets a diner's good-faith expectations of quality food and hospitality regardless of cuisine, location or cost. How much Pulled pork sandwich $12.75 Reuben sandwich $13.50 Shrimp-brisket etouffee $15.50 Sliced brisket dinner $17.25 Where Shays Creole Smokehouse at the Old Millstream Inn, 912 South Main Street, St. Charles More info 314-852-2803; shayscreolesmokehouse.business.site Menu Barbecue and Creole fare Hours 11 a.m.-8 p.m. Thursday-Friday, noon-8 p.m. Saturday, noon-4 p.m. Sunday (will close early if sold out; closed Monday-Wednesday) When Dead and Company among the last remaining vestiges of the Grateful Deads long, strange trip played Hollywood Casino Amphitheatre last week, the concert was advertised as The Final Tour. But it didnt feel like a valedictory. There were the usual trappings: a seemingly endless traffic jam, the pre-concert parking-lot scene, a sellout crowd, fans young and old (some of the young ones there just to see John Mayer), oceans of tie-dye, free-form dancing, vibes aplenty and the occasional fan whod reached their lysergic limit. And then there was the band itself, checking off some of the requisite Dead and Company musical touches: acknowledgment of the locals (name-checking St. Louis in Big River and Black-Throated Wind, a cover of native son Chuck Berrys Johnny B. Goode); Grateful Dead classics (Dark Star, "Eyes of the World, Fire on the Mountain, etc.); a long bathroom break (Drums/Space); and Mayer once again astonishing the nonbelievers by proving that he has really no kidding! become a legitimate part of the Deads legacy. It all seemed of a piece with the bands previous concerts here. Nothing was said from the stage to acknowledge that this would indeed be the last time. But it was sometime during the encore a stately yet soaring cover of Bob Dylans Knockin on Heavens Door and the final bows that followed that reality began to set in. That long, strange trip at least this part of it is coming to an end. As it turns out, Dead and Company are not alone in saying goodbye this year. In the coming weeks and months, St. Louis will see finale performances by the likes of Aerosmith, Foreigner, Kenny Loggins, Kiss, Explosions in the Sky, 50 Cent, Morris Day and Candlebox. There are currently no local dates, but this year, final bows will also be taken by Skinny Puppy, Parliament-Funkadelic, the B-52s, Gladys Knight and Ted Nugent. In recent times, St. Louis has seen farewell shows from, among others, the Judds at Chaifetz Arena in February (that is, Wynonna paying tribute to her late mother), Buddy Guy at the Factory in March and Elton John at Enterprise Center in March 2022 which we only mention here to show how these last hurrahs can go. His Farewell Yellow Brick Road Tour first played Enterprise Center in October of 2018. Sometimes its hard to let go. And lets face it: Nobodys under oath here. So if a band says Its over and later reconsiders, whos going to tell them they cant? Elton, after all, first said hed had enough back in 1977. The Who hung it up in 1982 but most recently played St. Louis in October. The Doobie Brothers also retired in 1982 but brought their 50th-anniversary tour here in 2021. The Smashing Pumpkins said goodbye in 2000 but just released a new album. Motley Crue first quit in 2014; the Go-Gos in 2010; Judas Priest in 2011. Theyre all still with us. Kiss is a farewell tour repeat offender. So is Cher. So is Ozzy Osbourne, as well as Black Sabbath. Maybe we can blame it on Frank Sinatra, who first retired in 1971, only to announce Ol Blue Eyes Is Back two years later. The question youve got to ask yourself is: Is it worth the often hefty asking price to see these artists one more time? Actually, heres another: Will it really be the last time? Probably. Well, maybe. Well see. Goodbye for now Here is a brief guide to the farewell tours headed our way. Foreigner The Historic Farwell Tour with Loverboy After 45 years, Foreigner has one original member, Mick Jones. In fact, its been that way for a couple of decades. How Urgent do you find it to see the band again? (7 p.m. July 19; Hollywood Casino Amphitheatre, 14141 Riverport Drive, Maryland Heights; $22-$399; livenation.com) 50 Cent Final Lap Tour with Busta Rhymes, Jeremih The tour is meant to celebrate the 20th anniversary of 50s debut album, Get Rich or Die Tryin. The Final Lap title might not be worth a dime. (7 p.m. July 25; Hollywood Casino Amphitheatre, 14141 Riverport Drive, Maryland Heights; $39-$249; livenation.com) Candlebox The Long Goodbye Tour with Rubikon The band is ready to leave the road Far Behind. (8 p.m. Aug. 13; Delmar Hall, 6133 Delmar Boulevard; $35-$40; ticketmaster.com) Kenny Loggins This Is It! His Final Tour 2023 Hes gotta cut loose Footloose! one more time. (7 p.m. Aug. 17; Family Arena, 2002 Arena Parkway, St. Charles; $40-$297; ticketmaster.com) Explosions in the Sky The End Tour The post-rock instrumental outfits first tour since 2019 will also be its last. Maybe. The band is light on details as to exactly what The End means, but for now, were treating these Explosions with caution. (8 p.m. Sept. 21; the Pageant, 6161 Delmar Boulevard; $30-$35; ticketmaster.com) Aerosmith Peace Out: The Farewell Tour with the Black Crowes After five decades together, can they still walk that way? (7 p.m. Oct. 26; Enterprise Center, 1401 Clark Avenue; $56.95-$496.95; ticketmaster.com) Kiss End of the Road World Tour Just one last Kiss? (7:30 p.m. Oct. 25; Enterprise Center, 1401 Clark Avenue; $36.50-$179.50; ticketmaster.com) WEDNESDAY, June 14, 2023 (HealthDay News) -- COVID-19 boosters may be offered this fall, but first scientists need to determine what strains to target and who should receive the shots. Advisers to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration are slated to meet Thursday to discuss plans for fall, a decision with a deadline because drugmakers will need to have the time to manufacture the shots, NBC News reported. The process is similar to deciding on an annual flu vaccine. FDA scientists said redesigned boosters should target at least one variant of XBB, according to briefing documents published Monday. XBB strains have been spreading since last fall and are related to an omicron subvariant. "These data suggest that an updated strain composition of COVID-19 vaccines to more closely match currently circulating omicron sublineages is warranted for the 2023-2024 vaccination campaign," the scientists write. As the virus has changed, vaccines have evolved, from a shot in December 2020 that targeted the original virus to FDA-approved shots last fall that targeted the original COVID-19 strain as well as the omicron subvariants BA.4 and BA.5. The World Health Organization and the European Medicines Agency have both said a booster should target an XBB subvariant. XBB.1.5 is the dominant strain now circulating, with 40 percent of new cases having this strain, according to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. About 18 percent of new cases have XBB.1.16 and 12.5 percent have XBB.1.9.1. Current boosters provide some protection against XBB.1.5, but not as much as for BA.4 and BA.5. It would make sense if the COVID-19 boosters were offered to everyone in the fall, Ofer Levy, M.D., director of the Precision Vaccines Program at Boston Children's Hospital, told NBC News. "In my mind, it seems like a logical framework," said Levy, a member of the FDA advisory committee who will be involved in Thursday's meeting. "It will boost your antibody response and it probably affects your T cells as well, in a positive way." THURSDAY, June 15, 2023 (HealthDay News) -- Could high-quality child care for young children translate into better grades in math and science? Yes, says new research that found children with caregivers who provided both warmth and mental stimulation go on to do better in science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) in high school. Our results suggest that caregiving quality in early childhood can build a strong foundation for a trajectory of STEM success, said study author Andres Bustamante, of the University of California, Irvine. Investing in quality child care and early childhood education could help remedy the underrepresentation of racially and ethnically diverse populations in STEM fields. While quality caregiving was already associated with better school readiness for young children from low-income families, fewer studies have looked at its impact on performance in STEM subjects in high school. In this study, the researchers examined data from 979 families who participated in the National Institute of Child Health and Human Development Study of Early Child Care and Youth Development, from the time of the childs birth in 1991 until 2006. Trained observers visited the daycare and preschools of all the children who were enrolled for 10 or more hours per week when the children were 6, 15, 24, 36 and 54 months old. The investigators rated the extent to which the caregivers provided a warm and supportive environment, responding to childrens interests and emotions, and the amount of cognitive stimulation they provided. This was assessed through language caregivers used, asking questions to probe the childrens thinking, and providing feedback to help build childrens understanding of concepts. Then the researchers looked at how these kids did in STEM subjects in elementary and high school, examining scores on the math and reasoning standardized tests for grades three to five. They also looked at high school standardized test scores and the students most advanced completed science and math courses, as well as their grade point average in science and math courses. The team found that both cognitive stimulation and better caregiver sensitivity in child care predicted greater STEM achievement in late elementary school. This then predicted greater STEM achievement in high school at age 15. This sensitive and responsive caregiving in early childhood was a stronger predictor of high school STEM performance for children from low-income families than it was for those for kids from higher income families. The findings were published June 15 in the journal Developmental Psychology. Our hypothesis was that cognitive stimulation would be more strongly related to STEM outcomes because those kinds of interactions provide the foundation for exploration and inquiry, which are key in STEM learning, Bustamante explained in a news release from the American Psychological Association. However, what we saw was that the caregiver sensitivity and responsiveness was just as predictive of later STEM outcomes, highlighting the importance of childrens social emotional development and settings that support cognitive and social emotional skills, he added. Together, these results highlight caregiver cognitive stimulation and sensitivity and responsiveness in early childhood as an area for investment to strengthen the STEM pipeline, particularly for children from low-income households, Bustamante said. More information The Indiana University School of Medicine has more on positive caregiving. SOURCE: American Psychological Association, news release, June 15, 2023 Joe Holleman 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 Endorsements for Democratic U.S. Senate candidate Lucas Kunce are getting even closer to the home of his main opponent so far, St. Louis County Prosecuting Attorney Wesley Bell. On Thursday, the Kunce camp noted that its candidate has secured the backing of St. Louis County Councilwoman Rita Heard Days, D-1st District. In a press release, Days said, "I have met many candidates, but I rarely meet someone who shares Lucas Kunce's tenacity, authenticity and dedication." Both Kunce and Bell, along with Columbia activist December Harmon, are set to meet in the August 2024 primary. The winner will all but certainly face incumbent GOP U.S. Sen. Josh Hawley in the November general election. Days' endorsement comes on the heels Kunce announcing other nods he has picked up from a variety of St. Louis area political figures including retired U.S. Rep. William "Bill" Clay Sr. and St. Louis Aldermanic President Megan Green. Also, Days' blessing on the Kunce effort underscores her position as the continuing opposition to the current St. Louis County administration. Days has at times been at odds with County Executive Sam Page, as well as with Page's main council comrade, Lisa Clancy, D-3rd District. In 2021, Days won a court fight that stemmed from an effort led by Clancy to prevent Days from taking over as the council's chair. Bell's campaign, officially dubbed "Bell For Missouri," has yet to release any endorsements, though it has filed its initial paperwork with the Federal Election Commission. A statement of organization filed June 7 lists Caroline C. Miller of Webster Groves as its campaign manager. Miller declined to talk with the Post-Dispatch and referred calls to GPS Impact, a consulting group headed by longtime political operative Roy Temple. A spokesperson for GPS said Miller was occupied with setting up the campaign and was unavailable for comment. The first quarterly report of campaign finances from Bell, as well as other candidates for U.S. Congress are due on July 15, covering the quarter that will end on June 30. As to the growing list of endorsements, Kunce earlier this week announced that along with Clay, Green and numerous organized labor groups, he also has been endorsed by two St. Louis aldermen, Rasheen Aldridge of Old North St. Louis and Shameem Clark Hubbard of the West End; two state representatives, Chantelle Nickson-Clark, D-Florissant, and Kimberly-Ann Collins, D-St. Louis; and Florissant Mayor Tim Lowery. Kunce, who lives in Independence, first sought a U.S. Senate seat in 2022. He lost the Democratic primary to Trudy Busch Valentine, who then went on to lose to Attorney General Eric Schmitt in the general election. Lucas Kunce boasts endorsements from prominent St. Louis politicians for his Senate run Democratic U.S. Senate candidate gets backing from former U.S. Rep. William Clay Sr., aldermanic President Megan Green and Florissant Mayor Tim Lowery State AFL-CIO reaffirms its endorsement of Lucas Kunce in 2024 US Senate race Candidacy of St. Louis County Prosecutor Wesley Bell dashed initial notion that Kunce would remain relatively unopposed in 2024 Democratic primary. Holleman: Veteran political operatives weigh in on Bell-Kunce Senate matchup Democratic political advisers view Wesley Bell US Senate candidacy in varying ways, with one hinting Bell is looking ahead to possible run at Cori Bush. Holleman: Kunce secures major labor endorsement in Missouri race for US Senate Missouri AFL-CIO support looms larger, coming on same day St. Louis County Prosecuting Attorney Wesley Bell Jr. joins Democratic primary race in August 2024 St. Louis County prosecutor announces US Senate run Wesley Bell joins Lucas Kunce in the August 2024 Democratic primary. The nominee will face U.S. Sen. Josh Hawley. Missouri Democrat Lucas Kunce filling coffers for second US Senate run Kunces camp says candidate set state record for funds raised, $350K, in first week of campaign. Kunce wants to face Republican U.S. Sen. Josh Hawley in 2024 JEFFERSON CITY About 1 in 5 Missouri school districts have accepted an offer to install an app designed to protect students and school employees during an active shooter event. The Missouri Department of Public Safety said Wednesday that 114 districts and charter schools representing 652 school buildings in the state have launched or are preparing to launch the alert system purchased by Gov. Mike Parsons administration earlier this year. The app by Texas-based Raptor Technologies already had been in use by six other school districts, meaning a total of 707 schools are equipped with the mobile phone-based system. Public Safety spokesman Mike OConnell said some schools were already using similar alert systems provided by other companies, meaning the number of districts covered may be larger. Were encouraged by the initial response. This is an important tool that is being made available to school districts at no cost. When it comes to school safety and emergency response, every second counts, OConnell said. The use of the app comes as St. Louis school and police officials received high marks for their response to an active shooter in October 2022 at Central Visual and Performing Arts High School and Collegiate School of Medicine and Biosciences in St. Louis, which resulted in the death of a CVPA student and a teacher. Rapid response times allowed police to be on the scene and kill the shooter within 14 minutes of the first alert going out. The push to get the app comes as mass killings have skyrocketed this year, averaging about one per week, according to an analysis by the Associated Press and USA Today. The app, which will cost the state up to $3.4 million, is seen as an alternative to a statewide crackdown on the availability of firearms, which has run into roadblocks in the Republican-controlled Legislature. A push this year to enact red flag laws and other limits on gun ownership, including barring minors from openly carrying weapons on St. Louis streets, went nowhere during the spring legislative session. Instead, the governor, also a Republican, has pushed for the app and for more than $50 million to help schools fortify their campuses to make it harder for a shooter to penetrate. The money will help school districts upgrade safety features in their buildings, ranging from door locks, bleeding control kits and automatic external defibrillators. We want all students across Missouri to have the opportunity to learn in safe and secure schools, Parson said when he unveiled the free app in May. In addition to calling 911, the app also notifies a separate network of first responders that a shooting or armed intrusion has occurred at a specific location, enabling the nearest law enforcement officer to get to the scene as quickly as possible. OConnell said schools that contact Raptor by June 30 will be able to put the system in place for the start of the new school term in the fall. Districts that sign up by Sept. 11 will be able to launch in November. We will continue to advance school safety and the ability to quickly respond to threats to Missouris students and educators, Parson added. In its bid, Raptor said it is a trusted school safety partner to more than 37,000 schools nationwide, including some that have been the scenes of mass killings. With state lawmakers unlikely to impose stricter firearms laws, a new nonprofit, Sensible Missouri, hopes to launch a petition drive to put a question on the 2024 statewide ballot that would allow Missouri counties, and also the city of St. Louis, to enact gun restrictions tougher than those in state law. ST. LOUIS The deaths of two babies born prematurely after an assault on their mother earlier this year in north St. Louis have been ruled as homicides. Authorities say the suspect, a 15-year-old boy, assaulted his then-pregnant 23-year-old sister on March 15 in the 4800 block of Fountain Avenue, in the city's Fountain Park neighborhood, causing her to give birth prematurely eight days later. One of the babies, Armethus Jones, died 15 hours after he was born, and the other, Bernice Jones, survived two days. The 15-year-old was charged with domestic assault and sent to juvenile court on the day of the assault. He remains in custody pending additional charges. The deaths of the two babies were ruled homicides because of complication of extreme prematurity, according to the medical examiners investigation. The boy is not named because he is in juvenile court. Antony Blinken will on Sunday make the first trip to Beijing by a top US diplomat in nearly five years of strained ties between the world's largest economies. Here are some of the key issues affecting relations between China and the United States: Surveillance Threat The United States and China spend vast sums on surveillance, with both sides regularly accusing each other of foul play. The US secretary of state's visit to Beijing had been scheduled to take place in February but was called off when a suspected Chinese surveillance balloon was spotted in US airspace, prompting Washington to shoot it down. China denied the balloon was being used for spying, branding Washington's reaction an excessive use of force. Last week, a White House official said China has been operating an intelligence unit in Cuba for years and upgraded it in 2019. Washington has repeatedly said Beijing represents the broadest cybersecurity threat to the US government and private sector. The United States has gone on the offensive on Chinese-developed technology in recent years, with telecoms behemoth Huawei coming under US sanctions and some lawmakers calling for an outright ban on TikTok over data security fears. Tech Wars The US Department of Commerce has blocked dozens of Chinese companies from acquiring American technology. Beijing, in turn, accuses Washington of seeking to unfairly suppress Chinese tech companies and thwart its economic rise. In May, the United States lashed out against China for restricting sales of chips from American giant Micron, the latest move in a feud between the two powers on semiconductors. Washington had last year imposed sweeping restrictions of its own on China's access to high-end chips. Taiwan And The Pacific Beijing and Washington's competition for influence in the Pacific has picked up speed in recent months, with China growing increasingly angered by what it sees as a US bid to thwart its might. The most obvious flashpoint is self-ruled Taiwan, which China claims as its own territory and has vowed to reclaim one day. While the United States does not recognise Taiwan's claim to sovereignty, it has maintained long-standing defence ties with Taipei. Tensions hit fever pitch in August 2022, when then-US House speaker Nancy Pelosi visited Taiwan, prompting China to kick off its biggest-ever military drills around the island. China again staged massive exercises in April this year following a meeting in the United States between Taiwanese leader Tsai Ing-wen and House Speaker Kevin McCarthy. Chinese and American forces have also had a series of close encounters in the disputed South China Sea. Beijing claims sovereignty over almost the entire waterway, ignoring an international ruling that its assertion has no legal basis. Further eastwards, China and the United States are battling for influence over Pacific island states, with Washington forging a landmark security pact with Papua New Guinea this week to win "unimpeded" access to military bases there. Beijing signed a secret security pact with Solomon Islands in 2022 and a state-backed company has since won a contract to develop a key port there. Ukraine And Russia China claims it is a neutral party in the Ukraine conflict and has sought to play a role as a mediator in the war. But its strategic partnership with Russia, and its refusal to condemn Moscow's invasion, have sparked condemnation from Western allies of Ukraine. Western countries criticised a proposal issued by Beijing in February to end the war, saying it could in fact enable Moscow to hold much of the territory it has seized. On the economic front, China is Russia's largest trading partner, with trade between the two giants soaring in May to $20.5 billion, a level not seen since the invasion, according to data from Beijing. Human ights The US government and lawmakers in a number of other Western countries have labelled China's treatment of the Uyghur minority in the far-western region of Xinjiang "genocide", a charge Beijing vehemently denies. Rights groups say at least one million people, mostly members of Muslim minorities, have been incarcerated in the region and face widespread abuses, including forced sterilisation of women and coerced labour. China says it is running vocational training centres designed to counter extremism. The United States has pledged since June 2022 to enforce the landmark Uyghur Forced Labor Prevention Act, which bans most imports from Xinjiang. China's curbs on freedom of assembly and the press in semi-autonomous Hong Kong have also strained ties. Search Keywords: Short link: ST. LOUIS A Georgia man was charged Thursday in the July 2022 death of a 21-year-old man outside a fish and chicken restaurant. Darius T. Griffin, 32, of Lawrenceville, Georgia, was charged with first-degree murder and armed criminal action in the death of Vernell Julion. Court documents said surveillance video from Pop's Fish & Chicken Market in the 1100 block of North Kingshighway Boulevard showed a man peeking around the corner of the building multiple times, looking for something. When Julion walked into the camera's view, the man behind the building chased Julion around trash dumpsters and eventually shot him with an AK-style pistol multiple times, according to court documents. Authorities later identified Griffin as the shooter. He was indicted in federal court in September with being a felon in possession of ammunition. LADUE When Margaret Gilleo placed a small sign in her Ladue yard opposing the first Persian Gulf War 33 years ago, she didnt expect that her modest act of protest would end up scoring a Constitutional victory for free speech and change her life. But the saga of Gilleos sign is now taught in law and journalism classes after her lawsuit over Ladues attempt to bar it went all the way to the U.S. Supreme Court. She even met her husband along the way. In the 1994 Supreme Court case, City of Ladue v. Gilleo, justices unanimously held that yard signs amounted to a distinct and important form of speech. Though she was a principled woman, Gilleo maintained that it was Ladue that wouldnt back down. The city ended up owing close to $500,000 in legal bills after its final court loss. I only filed it once, Gilleo told reporters outside the U.S. Supreme Court after her attorneys and those for Ladue argued their case in February 1994. Ladue kept appealing it. The city brought it all this way. I wanted to express my views on the Gulf War in my own yard by means of one small sign and thats what I did, she added. Margaret Gilleo died at her home in Ladue on Thursday, June 8. She was 84. She was born in St. Louis on Jan. 23, 1939, to Francis Joseph Pfeffer and Ruth Gander Pfeffer. She attended Villa Duchesne and Maryville College and taught music here before moving to New Jersey with her family. In the 1980s, she went back to school and earned an MBA from Columbia University in New York, where she worked for a time in finance. She returned to St. Louis in 1989 and later earned a masters degree in theology from the Aquinas Institute and taught religion and ethics most recently at Fontbonne University before she retired. Gilleo was active in environmental causes and was a member of the Sierra Club and a supporter of the Great Rivers Environmental Law Center. In the 1960s, she opposed the Vietnam War and supported anti-war senator Eugene McCarthy in his bid for the 1968 Democratic Party nomination for president. She was always kind of rooting for a cause, said her daughter, Lyle Seddon. It was that same anti-war stance that prompted her in December 1990 to place a 24- by 36-inch sign in her yard with the words: Say No to War in the Persian Gulf, Call Congress Now. It disappeared. She put up another one. It was knocked to the ground. She reported it to the Ladue Police, who told her such signs were not allowed unless she got a permit from the city. So she applied for one, but the Ladue City Council denied her petition for a variance. The American Civil Liberties Union took up her case and Gilleo sued in St. Louis federal court and won. She then put an 8.5- by 11-inch sign in the second story window of her home stating, For Peace in the Gulf. But Ladue passed a new ordinance with a general prohibition on signs that werent real estate for sale signs. Ladues longtime mayor at the time, Edith Spink, said the ordinance was needed to protect affluent Ladue from clutter. I think aesthetics are extremely important, Spink testified in federal court. Gilleo won in federal appeals court and Ladue asked for its case to be heard by the U.S. Supreme Court. To the surprise of Gilleos lawyer, it agreed to hear the case. My jaw dropped, Gerry Greiman, whose firm represented Gilleo on behalf of the ACLU, said when a Post-Dispatch reporter informed him 30 years ago that the high court would hear the case. Greiman, now a Spencer Fane attorney, said he and Gilleo remained lifelong friends after the case. She moved out of the house where the case began about a year ago, and Greiman said she invited him and others over for photographs in the front yard before the move. They posed with the original sign, which she still had. While some people may have developed a mistaken image of Gilleo as a rabble-rouser, Greiman said she was a delight and a dutiful citizen. Her sign went directly to the heart of what the First Amendment is all about, he said. She stayed active in public life, running for the Democratic Party nomination for the Missouris Second Congressional District in 1994, attending anti-war rallies for the second Iraq War and writing frequent letters to the editor published in the Post-Dispatch. Gilleo is survived by three children and her husband. In lieu of flowers, donations are welcomed to St. Louis Classical Guitar and Catholic Relief Services. ST. LOUIS COUNTY The Rockwood School District is trying to stop efforts to unionize a group of therapists who work in preschools. In February, the Missouri branch of the National Education Association filed a petition to organize the therapists. Rockwood officials objected, saying the positions differ in qualifications, skills and training and are overseen by different supervisors. Last month, a state mediation board ruled in favor of the union, saying it could represent physical therapists, occupational therapists, assistive techs and behavior specialists at Rockwoods early childhood centers. Rockwood filed a complaint this week in St. Louis County circuit court asking a judge to overturn the boards decision, saying it was unsupported by competent and substantial evidence and the decision is arbitrary and unreasonable. In the complaint, Rockwood also objected to the mediation boards decision to schedule an online vote of staff members on June 19-21. A Rockwood spokeswoman provided a statement that says negotiations with current unionized employees, and benefits for those employees, could also apply to the preschool therapists. The district works to ensure our most valuable asset Rockwood employees are informed and given fair and consistent treatment as well as outstanding benefits. We currently negotiate with five different employee groups and through those agreements, concessions are routinely carried over to other appropriate groups to ensure all employees benefit in an equitable manner, the statement reads. But belonging to a union means contracts are enforceable by the courts and cannot be changed through school board policies, said Mark Jones, spokesman for the Missouri NEA. The benefit for educators is they have a way of bringing concerns to the table and they have to be talked about, Jones said. It doesnt mean theyll get the perfect solution, but if someones violating the contract, theres a way to discuss that. The unionization effort in Rockwood comes amid worsening teacher and staff shortages across Missouri. The shortages have created tension between school districts struggling to retain staff and teachers who expect better working conditions, Jones said. Educators are realizing that they have more power when they work together and they have the ability to make a positive impact in their own lives and the lives of their students, Jones said. Teacher contracts affect the learning environment for students. Earlier this month, the state board of education suspended the license of a Hazelwood teacher for breaking her contract when she resigned for financial reasons early in the 2022-2023 school year. That move could backfire for school districts desperate to recruit more teachers, Jones said. Its insane to me they can threaten your professional license over something that has nothing to do with your job performance, Jones said. Licenses should only be threatened by some sort of malpractice. Its like a hostage situation; work for us and well make it so you cant work for anyone else. In the Webster Groves School District, unionized teachers will vote in August on whether to engage in collective bargaining. While unions in larger districts across Missouri have collective bargaining, some do not have formal representation in contract negotiations. Several teachers have spoken out at recent school board meetings, citing what they say is a lack of support from administrators. A statement Wednesday from the Webster Groves district said, Regardless of whether we continue with our existing procedures, which have proven successful, or explore new avenues such as collective bargaining, we will always work with our teachers and staff to support them in their professional growth and well-being. We have full confidence that we will maintain a positive and collaborative approach in our ongoing work for all employees to ensure student success. JEFFERSON CITY Motorists who tucked away their fuel receipts over the last year will soon be eligible for another refund from the state of Missouri. Starting July 1, drivers may submit receipt information to earn 5 cents back on every gallon of fuel purchased between July 1, 2022, and June 30. For someone who filled up a 12-gallon tank every week for a year, they would see about $30 this year not a windfall, but annual rebates are poised to grow as the tax increases into 2025. This year, to receive a rebate for the fiscal year ending June 30, forms must be completed and submitted to the Department of Revenue by Oct. 2. Its the second round of refunds administered by the state since legislators approved an increase to the fuel tax in 2021 with a loophole allowing motorists to reclaim money paid. Lawmakers phased in the 12.5-cent increase over five years, which will bring the total state fuel tax to 29.5 cents per gallon by July 2025. The law requires taxpayers looking to claw back new taxes paid to retain their receipts for three years. They must fill out a Form 4923-H. The state is able to process claims electronically through an online portal linked to on a state website. The form asks for a vehicle identification number for each taxpayer vehicle, and information on each transaction, including date, seller name, seller address, and number of gallons purchased. The form asks taxpayers to add up the total number of gallons purchased by vehicle and to calculate the amount paid that is eligible for a refund. A motorist must calculate their refund amount by multiplying the total number of gallons purchased by .05. Filling out the forms is a hassle the vast majority of motorists either didnt bother with or werent aware of for the fiscal year that ended June 30, 2022, when they were eligible to get back 2.5 cents for every gallon. Following the end of that fiscal year, motorists were only refunded $434,000 of an estimated $82 million generated by the fuel tax increase, according to the Department of Revenue. The department said it had paid out refunds to 15,590 entities over the last year, including an estimated 15,170 individuals and 418 business entities. Funds generated are split between state and local governments, with the state receiving 73% of funds from the fuel tax while cities receive 15% and counties receive 12%. Funds go to road projects. Patrick McKenna, chief of MoDOT, had been on the defense this past legislative session as lawmakers criticized a lawsuit the Highways and Transportation Commission filed in December 2021 in a dispute over whether the commission could increase pay outside the scope of the lawmaker-approved state budget. Lawmakers expressed frustration with raises approved by the highway commission in the wake of lawmakers politically controversial votes to increase the fuel tax, but the roads chief said earlier this year that 80% of turnover at the department had been related to compensation. Politicians such as state Sen. Bill Eigel, who has said he is running for governor, could use the gas tax issue to criticize Lt. Gov. Mike Kehoe, the former state highways commissioner who is also running for governor. Kehoe, like current Gov. Mike Parson, had supported an increase to the fuel tax even as a segment of Republicans had opposed it. Legislation Eigel filed to repeal future fuel tax increases did not advance this year. While the Missouri retail average for a gallon of regular unleaded gasoline reached $4.70 in June last year, prices have leveled off since, declining to less than $3.29 as of this month, according to an analysis by the national gasoline price-tracking website Gas Buddy. As taxes are going up, lawmakers this year also approved roughly $1.4 billion in general revenue for upgrading and expanding Interstate 70 to three lanes in each direction. ST. LOUIS Circuit Attorney Gabe Gore is looking to increase pay rates for much of his staff by 10% or more as he works to rebuild an office hollowed out under his predecessor. A pay bill given initial approval by the Board of Aldermens budget committee Wednesday calls for bumping the pay range for entry-level attorneys to $52,500-$80,300 from $47,700-$73,000, and for larger bumps for some of the more experienced prosecutors. Clerks, paralegals, investigators and secretaries would also see their pay rates climb. The bill, sponsored by Alderwoman Cara Spencer, of Marine Villa, would also give Gore authority to pay up to 10% more than maximum pay rates for positions that are proven to be extremely hard to fill. Gov. Mike Parson appointed Gore late last month to replace a resigning Kimberly M. Gardner and fix an office in crisis after years of dysfunction. Gore started the job with about a third of the prosecutors Gardner had when she took office in 2017, and a fraction of the experience. And hes been tasked with getting through cases that have been repeatedly delayed due to understaffing, a backlog built up during the COVID-19 pandemic, and thousands of charges submitted by police that havent been reviewed. He said in a recent interview with the Post-Dispatch that growing staff would be a top priority, along with fostering relationships with the community and regional leaders. And in an interview after Wednesdays committee hearing, he indicated he wanted his offices salaries to be more competitive with the St. Louis Countys prosecutors office. Thats a good comparator for us, he said. St. Louis County starts its prosecutors at $61,880, county spokesman Chris King said. As St. Louis struggles with homicides, carjackings, thefts and other serious crimes, its easy to dismiss expired temporary car registration tags as a minor issue. But theres something infuriating about watching people roll all over St. Louis with highly visible paper signs on their cars that, in essence, announce how long theyve been breaking the law years, sometimes. And then watching the citys understaffed police do nothing. Its more than just the aggravation that comes from being among the vast majority of St. Louisans who follow the rules, register their cars and pay the sales taxes on them. Its also another of the many too many signals that lawbreakers have nothing to worry about in this city. A self-described old man from south St. Louis finally had enough recently. The anonymous citizen ripped a 2021 tag off a car hed come across and sent photos of it to several Post-Dispatch staffers, including columnist Joe Holleman. As Holleman notes, the mans rebellion almost certainly constitutes some kind of minor crime in itself, so were not going to sing his praises. But he has opened a discussion worth having. The expired tag issue is in part caused by an antiquated process of taxing car purchases in Missouri. The temporary tags are issued at the time of sale, with the expectation that the new owner will follow up by registering the car and paying the sales taxes within 30 days. If they dont, they are in violation and pretty obviously so, since the expiration date is displayed so prominently. Those cars with tags from last January or last year or 2020 have been breaking the law all that time. The city says some of those drivers have been stopped and ticketed, but thats certainly not a common sight downtown. The current total in unpaid sales taxes statewide is estimated at almost $60 million. But the cost to St. Louis psyche may be even greater from this and other reminders of how easy it is for people to thumb their noses at the law. In downtown and other parts of the city, drivers often view speed limits, stop signs and red lights as optional. Its common to see and hear cars screeching on and around Washington Avenue day and night; its rare to ever see one with flashing lights behind it. The culprit is pretty clearly the understaffing of police. As the Post-Dispatchs Jacob Barker and Josh Renaud reported earlier this year, traffic stops have plummeted in St. Louis, with only about half the total in 2021 (45,154 stops) as 2009 (85,622), with corresponding reductions in tickets issued and arrests made. On the other side of those statistics is an alarming jump in traffic deaths, which stood at 39 in 2009 but have been around 80 per year in the past few years. Could the cause and effect of less police engagement with drivers be more obvious? It may be more difficult to draw straight lines between St. Louis current laissez-faire approach to traffic and the scourge of the more violent crimes that plague the city. But the tire-screeching, stop-sign-running, expired-for-years-tags melee on city streets definitely creates a sense of lawlessness that, at some level, would seem likely to make dangerous criminals more brazen. And why not? They know theres little chance theyll get caught with a routine traffic stop in a city that, at least in some neighborhoods, doesnt seem to do that anymore. To the extent that the problem is simply not enough police officers to attend to non-violent lawbreakers, the solution is obvious, if not easy to do: the city needs more cops. Lots more. In addition to the almost 100 police positions Mayor Tishaura Jones cut upon taking office in 2021, the department right now is about 250 officers short of its authorized strength. There is no more pressing priority than getting those positions filled both to confront violent crime and to return St. Louis traffic to something less like the Wild West without the horses. Holleman: Frustrated vehicle vigilante in St. Louis rips expired temporary tag from car "I'm an old man but got a big thrill like a kid opening Christmas presents when I ripped that tag off the car," he said. "I've wanted to do it for a long time but never had the chance." In politics, promises are a dime a dozen. They come and go with the ebb and flow of electoral cycles. But there is something uniquely distressing about the breaking of a promise that carries with it the hope of a struggling community. This is the case with North St. Louis and the undelivered $37 million business grant program, a promise yet to see the light of day. Two years ago, the city embarked on an ambitious plan to distribute nearly half a billion dollars in federal pandemic aid. Among these initiatives was the grant program for the cash-strapped North Side: a lifeline thrown to a community grappling with a crumbling economy and the severe effects of the pandemic. Two years on, and not a single dollar from this fund has found its way to the intended beneficiaries. The reason? A tangle of bureaucratic squabbling, corruption ties, and questionable decisions that have left the grant program in a state of suspended animation. The promise of help was made, but to this day, it remains nothing more than empty words. Alderman Shane Cohn of Dutchtown, at the Tuesday Board of Aldermen meeting, called out this failing while also making a plea for South Side neighborhoods grappling with similar struggles. It is painfully clear that my colleagues are not familiar with the disinvestment that has occurred in southeast city, Cohn told the board. I have gunfire in front of my house every week right now. Alderwoman Shameem Clark Hubbard countered that there was nothing preventing creation of a separate program for the South Side, but that peeling off funds from the current program would be unfair to North Side residents who have endured generations of racially motivated disinvestment. We committed to them, she said. We should continue to commit to them. As the debate over the allocation of funds raged on, the irony wasnt lost on anyone present: The very communities the funds were intended for continued to gasp for economic breath. The bill Hubbard advanced Tuesday aims to set the program right, a noble effort. Yet, the need for such a bill is a stark reminder of the unfulfilled promise, and the very real consequences it has on the businesses and residents of North St. Louis. Each day the aid remains undelivered, businesses close, families struggle, and communities teeter on the brink of collapse. The disagreement between Cohn and Hubbard is, at best, a distraction from the larger issue at hand the failure to deliver on a promise that could revive the declining North Side communities. While the need for aid in struggling South Side neighborhoods is undeniable, the focus must remain on making good on the assurances given. The city of St. Louis is a tale of stark contrast, divided along the line of Delmar Boulevard. The citys thriving neighborhoods, all located in the citys central and southern parts, sharply juxtaposed against the struggling and long-neglected north, a divide thats widened by every unfulfilled promise. The grant program was a chance to bridge this gap, but its delayed action only serves to deepen the chasm. This debacle is more than a bureaucratic blunder. It is a reflection of a city government that has seemingly lost sight of its commitment to its most vulnerable residents. The cost of this neglect is borne by the residents and businesses of North St. Louis, whose hopes for a better tomorrow hang on a promise made but not kept. Its past time for decisive action. The aid must be delivered to those it was intended for. The back-and-forths, the diversions, and the political power plays have to stop. The livelihoods of thousands of residents are at stake. This is not a game to be played; its a promise to be fulfilled. Alderman Cohn is right about one thing: St. Louis, as a city, has a duty to support its citizens, to see that every resident, whether from the north or the south, is treated with equal regard and given an equal share of the opportunities. These promised funds for North St. Louis are a way to boost an area that has been left out for far too long as funds, investments, and the attention of City Hall have for decades poured into South St. Louis and the central corridor. The tale of two St. Louises can only end when the city government decides to honor its commitments, when it chooses to bridge the divide rather than widen it. In order for this city to have two equal halves, the north must be lifted up. Or both sides will meet at the bottom. The story of the city isnt just in the promises it makes, but in the promises it keeps. Only in doing so will the promise of the city and its potential revitalization actually be fulfilled. Antonio French is a Post-Dispatch columnist and Editorial Board member. TORONTO, ON / ACCESSWIRE / June 15, 2023 / 01 Communique Laboratory Inc. (the "Company") (TSX-V:ONE)(OTCQB: OONEF), one of the first-to-market, enterprise level cybersecurity providers for the quantum computing era, is pleased to report the Company's second quarter fiscal 2023 results, which ended April 30, 2023. Andrew Cheung, CEO of the Company, commented, "Cybercrime continues to peak and the rapid development in quantum computing intensifies the existing cybersecurity threats by potentially rendering current encryption systems obsolete. I feel confident that IronCAP" will accomplish the task of providing protection against bad actors using Quantum Computers. To this end, just yesterday we released what we believe to be the world's first commercially available quantum-safe enterprise level email security product - IronCAP X" v.2.0," Andrew Cheung continued, "Now that the major portion of our development efforts have been completed, going forward our efforts will be focused on integrating applications and feature enhancements for our partners. This allows us the ability to reduce our operating expenses. As we move forward, we will continue to monitor our operating expenses keeping them in line with our recurring revenue." Operational Highlights: On June 6 th our quantum-safe blockchain endpoints protection patent has been officially issued in the US. The US patent # is 11,669,833 and can be found on the USPTO site. our quantum-safe blockchain endpoints protection patent has been officially issued in the US. The US patent # is 11,669,833 and can be found on the USPTO site. We have received a notice of allowance for our Japanese patent application #2020-534978 about the IronCAP Modern McEliece code-based post-quantum cryptography technology. The official patent issuance is in the process. Earlier in fiscal 2023 the completion of the integration of IronCAP" into one of the Company's partners' military-grade Hardware Security Modules ("HSM') made post quantum cryptography functionality seamless. Joint-marketing activities are now in process with the first being the Company's participation at the RSA Conference held in San Francisco between April 24 th to 27 th . As part of our partner's PQC Palooza event we together promoted post-quantum cryptography to enterprise customers. The event results were very encouraging with expectations of new partnerships to come. to 27 . As part of our partner's PQC Palooza event we together promoted post-quantum cryptography to enterprise customers. The event results were very encouraging with expectations of new partnerships to come. On June 14 th announced the release of IronCAP X" v2.0, which we believe to be the world's first commercially available quantum-safe end-to-end email security product for enterprises of all sizes. announced the release of IronCAP X" v2.0, which we believe to be the world's first commercially available quantum-safe end-to-end email security product for enterprises of all sizes. Global partners have been signed and integration efforts have begun with the goal to capitalize on the quantum-readiness transformation market embraced by enterprises of all sizes internationally. Financial Highlights: Revenue for the second quarter was $127,782 (2022 - $357,594) a $229,812 decrease. During the second quarter 2022 one time development fees were received for enhancements to the Company's remote access product as well as a proof-of-concept project for injecting quantum-safety into the Solana blockchain. The remote access enhancements contributed to an increase in subscriber revenue for 2023, year over year, from the Company's remote access business which is marketed on a subscription fee basis with recurring royalties. The loss for the second quarter was $187,292 (2022 - $82,879). The adjusted loss, which excludes stock-based compensation and depreciation which are non-cash expenses, for the second quarter was $123,091 (2022 - $40,315). The Company completed the quarter with $436,188 of cash and a GIC. Cash operating expenses which exclude stock-based compensation and depreciation were $240,239 (2022 - $374,430) a reduction of $134,191 primarily the result of: Completion of a number of R&D projects which included enhancements to the Company's remote access product, integration of IronCAP" into the Company's partners' HSM, and the integration of IronCAP TM into existing public blockchains has contributed to the reduction in development expenses for fiscal 2023. Contributing factors to the lower selling, general and administrative expenses included costs incurred in fiscal 2022 for non-recurring legal expenses pertaining to the prosecution of patent applications including the patent received in fiscal 2023 as well as investor relations campaigns that were completed in fiscal 2022. As a result, the Company has been able to reduce cash operating expenses with a goal to keep them in line with the ongoing recurring revenue. Conference Call Reminder and Information: 01 Communique will host a live teleconference allowing for questions and answers later today at 10:00AM EST (June 15, 2023) to discuss the Company's results as well as providing an update on the business prospects for IronCAP" and IronCAP X". Browser (please cut-and-paste the following link into your browser): https://us02web.zoom.us/j/83272630612?pwd=UUdOcVNLOVpiZE56NVNNZHUrdlFmUT09 Passcode: ironcap23 Dial-in: Within Canada (647) 374-4685 or (647) 558-0588 Within the USA (646) 558 8656 or (669) 900-9128 Webinar ID when prompted is 832 7263 0612 Passcode: 286832739 About 01 Communique Established in 1992, 01 Communique (TSX-V:ONE)(OTCQB: OONEF) has always been at the forefront of technology. The Company's cyber security business unit focuses on post-quantum cybersecurity with the development of its IronCAP" product line. IronCAP"'s technologies are patent-protected in the U.S.A. by its patents #11,271,715 and #11,669,833. The Company's remote access business unit provides its customers with a suite of secure remote access services and products under its I'm InTouch and I'm OnCall product offerings. The remote access offerings are protected in the U.S.A. by its patents #6,928,479 / #6,938,076 / #8,234,701; in Canada by its patents #2,309,398 / #2,524,039 and in Japan by its patent #4,875,094. For more information, visit the Company's web site at www.ironcap.ca and www.01com.com. Cautionary Note Regarding Forward-looking Statements. Certain statements in this news release may constitute "forward-looking" statements which involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors which may cause the actual results, performance or achievements of the Company, or industry results, to be materially different from any future results, performance or achievements expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements. When used in this news release, such statements use such words as "may", "will", "expect", "believe", "plan", "intend", "are confident" and other similar terminology. Such statements include statements regarding the commercial success of IronCAP X", the future of quantum computers and their impact on the Company's product offering, the functionality of the Company's products and the intended product lines for the Company's technology and the potential licensing of the Company's technology. These statements reflect current expectations regarding future events and operating performance and speak only as of the date of this news release. Forward-looking statements involve significant risks and uncertainties, should not be read as guarantees of future performance or results, and will not necessarily be accurate indications of whether or not such results will be achieved. A number of factors could cause actual results to differ materially from the results discussed in the forward-looking statements, including, but not limited to, the factors discussed under "Risk and Uncertainties" in the Company's Management`s Discussion and Analysis document filed on SEDAR. Although the forward-looking statements contained in this news release are based upon what management of the Company believes are reasonable assumptions, the Company cannot assure investors that actual results will be consistent with these forward-looking statements. These forward-looking statements are made as of the date of this news release, and the Company assumes no obligation to update or revise them to reflect new events or circumstances. Neither TSX Venture Exchange ("TSX-V") 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. INVESTOR CONTACT: Brian Stringer Chief Financial Officer 01 Communique (905) 795-2888 x204 [email protected] 01 Communique Laboratory Inc. SELECTED FINANCIAL INFORMATION Consolidated Statements of Financial Position Unaudited As at April 30, 2023 and October 31, 2022 30-Apr-23 31-Oct-22 Assets Current assets Cash and cash equivalents $ 316,188 $ 487,179 Guaranteed investment certificate 120,000 150,000 Accounts receivable 153,110 316,270 Prepaid expenses and other assets 50,291 64,131 639,589 1,017,580 Plant and equipment 63,871 90,911 Investment 1,500 1,500 Total assets $ 704,960 $ 1,109,991 Liabilities and Shareholders' Deficit Current liabilities Accounts payable $ 136,930 $ 272,784 Deferred revenue 6,262 5,487 Lease liability 43,332 46,349 Canadian emergency business loan 40,000 - 226,524 364,620 Non-current liabilities Lease liability - 20,517 Canadian emergency business loan - 40,000 Total liabilities 226,524 385,137 Shareholders' deficit Share capital 44,282,090 44,214,590 Contributed surplus 6,204,232 6,083,350 Warrants 16,875 16,875 Deficit (50,024,761 ) (49,589,961 ) 478,436 724,854 Total liabilities and shareholders' deficit $ 704,960 $ 1,109,991 01 Communique Laboratory Inc. SELECTED FINANCIAL INFORMATION Consolidated Statements of Operations and Comprehensive Income Unaudited For the 3 and 6 month periods ended April 30, 2023 and 2022 three months ended six months ended 30-Apr-23 30-Apr-22 30-Apr-23 30-Apr-22 Revenue $ 127,782 $ 357,594 $ 234,585 $ 546,625 Expenses: Selling, general and administrative 186,128 226,782 385,353 428,284 Research and development 118,312 190,212 265,995 365,761 Withholding taxes 12,395 22,734 22,645 41,123 316,835 439,728 673,993 835,168 Loss before other income and expense (189,053 ) (82,134 ) (439,408 ) (288,543 ) Interest income 2,698 459 6,342 645 Interest expense (937 ) (1,204 ) (1,734 ) (2,622 ) Loss for the period and comprehensive loss $ (187,292 ) $ (82,879 ) $ (434,800 ) $ (290,520 ) Loss per common share Basic $ (0.00 ) $ (0.00 ) $ (0.00 ) $ (0.00 ) Diluted $ (0.00 ) $ (0.00 ) $ (0.00 ) $ (0.00 ) Weighted average number of common shares Basic 96,101,646 94,451,221 96,101,646 92,788,400 Diluted 96,101,646 94,451,221 96,101,646 92,788,400 01 Communique Laboratory Inc. SELECTED FINANCIAL INFORMATION Consolidated Statements of Cash FlowsUnaudited For the 3 and 6 month periods ended April 30, 2023 and 2022 three months ended six months ended 30-Apr-23 30-Apr-22 30-Apr-23 30-Apr-22 Cash provided by (used in): Operating activities: Loss and comprehensive loss for the period $ (187,292 ) $ (82,879 ) $ (434,800 ) $ (290,520 ) Adjustments to reconcile loss for the period to net cash flows from operating activities: Depreciation of property and equipment 2,410 1,639 4,932 4,025 Amortization of right-of-use asset 11,219 11,219 22,438 22,438 Stock-based compensation expense 61,791 40,925 120,882 87,825 Change in non-cash working capital (23,402 ) 45,412 41,921 69,442 (135,274 ) 16,316 (244,627 ) (106,790 ) Financing activities: Proceeds from private placement - - 67,500 - Lease payments made (11,918 ) (11,015 ) (23,524 ) (21,587 ) (11,918 ) (11,015 ) 43,976 (21,587 ) Investing activities: Proceeds from guaranteed investment certificate - - 30,000 - Investment - (1,500 ) - (1,500 ) Purchase of property and equipment (340 ) (15,672 ) (340 ) (15,672 ) (340 ) (17,172 ) 29,670 (17,172 ) Decrease in cash (147,532 ) (11,871 ) (170,991 ) (145,549 ) Cash, beginning of period 463,720 861,246 487,179 994,924 Cash, end of period $ 316,188 $ 849,375 $ 316,188 $ 849,375 SOURCE: 01 Communique Laboratory, Inc. View source version on accesswire.com: NORTHAMPTON, MA / ACCESSWIRE / June 15, 2023 / 3M Originally published on 3M News Center Pride Month is a global celebration dedicated to honor the progress made in the fight for equality in the LGBTQI+ community. It serves as a platform to promote visibility, advocacy, acceptance and the ongoing pursuit of social justice for all sexual orientations and gender identities. To celebrate June as Pride Month, 3M locations around the world recently raised the LGBTQ+ Pride flag. Raising the Pride flag is one of the ways of showing 3M's commitment to promoting an inclusive working environment for our employees. This year 3M is a sponsor of the march and parade during the Twin Cities Pride Festival, June 23-25 in Minneapolis. On Sunday, June 25, the march and parade will start at 3rd Street and Hennepin Avenue in Minneapolis and proceed to Loring Park. "3M Pride has really elevated its presence this year," said Jaipal Sachdev, the chair of 3M's Pride Employee Resource Network who is based in the UK. "It's such a privilege to be the first 3M Pride leader to be based outside of the U.S. It helps us to focus Pride on our international chapters as well. We are growing and it's the best feeling in the world." 3M has a long-standing commitment to being an Equal Opportunity Employer, offering a respectful work environment free from discrimination and harassment, and promoting individuals based on their merits, regardless of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, pregnancy, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, marital status, citizen status, status with regards to public assistance, compensation disclosure or discussion, or any other protected classification. For the last eleven years, 3M has scored 100% on the Corporate Equality Index. 3M's Pride Employee Resource Network began meeting 35 years ago and today has expanded to 85 chapters around the world. The 3M Pride network continues to provide support a community where LGBTQI+ employees are seen and celebrated for who they are. View additional multimedia and more ESG storytelling from 3M on 3blmedia.com. Contact Info: Spokesperson: 3M Website: https://www.3blmedia.com/profiles/3m Email: [email protected] SOURCE: 3M View source version on accesswire.com: NORTHAMPTON, MA / ACCESSWIRE / June 15, 2023 / Edison International Representatives of Edison International and Southern California Edison worked with Whitney High School faculty to surprise Max Peng with a $50,000 Edison Scholarship Energized by Edison By Casey Wian ENERGIZED by Edison Writer When Max Peng, a senior at Whitney High School in Cerritos, California, was a child making frequent trips from Southern California to his ancestral agricultural village in Hualien, Taiwan, he noticed something about his grandparents' rice paddies. They needed a lot of water, a resource he knew was becoming scarce. He also learned in school that growing rice this way produces large amounts of greenhouse gases. So, Max vowed to do something about it. "I'm really interested in biology and its intersections with technology and society," Peng said. "After college, I hope to work in research and help develop ways to grow rice that reduce water waste and greenhouse gas emissions." Peng plans to study environmental science and computer science at Harvard this fall and work toward "creating the foods of the future" after college. In a surprise ceremony during a recent Whitney High artificial intelligence class, Maria Rigatti, Edison International executive vice president and chief financial officer, presented Peng with a $50,000 Edison scholarship, awarded to 30 outstanding students each year who have a financial need and plan to pursue a college degree in STEM (science, technology, engineering or math) subjects. "These kids who get these scholarships, they are going to be the future. They study STEM," Rigatti said. "It's what our business is built on, it's what California is built on and it's the best thing that we can do." An Edison Scholarship "means the world to me," Peng said. "It really helps propel me to the finish line in terms of being able to afford college and continuing to make a positive impact on my community." Valerie Diaz, Peng's guidance counselor at Whitney High, said helping others is second nature to Peng, whether it be a younger student preparing for a science competition or working with teachers in the classroom. "Max has always been a really caring student. He does things he is genuinely passionate about, not just so it can be on his resume. I think that's what sets him apart," Diaz said. "I'm very happy for my son," said Maggie Peng, Max's mother. "I appreciate that he had the chance to show that he is very hard-working. I feel lucky!" So does Max. As he was awarded the scholarship in front of classmates, teachers and faculty, he made it a point to thank his family, who he says have always supported his academic pursuits. "They've been with me all the way, and I hope to be able to help them in the future as well." Edison International, the parent company of Southern California Edison, is one of the largest corporate philanthropic contributors in Southern California. The Edison Scholars Program is funded entirely by Edison International shareholders. SCE will host a reception to celebrate Peng and all the 2023 Edison Scholars at the company's Rosemead headquarters on May 5. To learn more about Peng and the Edison Scholars, visit the Edison Scholars 2023 Spotlight Page. PHOTO CREDIT: ERNESTO SANCHEZ VIDEO CREDIT: JOSEPH FOULK AND ERNESTO SANCHEZ View additional multimedia and more ESG storytelling from Edison International on 3blmedia.com. Contact Info: Spokesperson: Edison International Website: https://www.3blmedia.com/profiles/edison-international Email: [email protected] SOURCE: Edison International View source version on accesswire.com: The United Nations Refugees Agency (UNHCR) is organizing a run and expo in Cairo - among other activities - on 23 June to mark World Refugee Day. According to the UNCHR, "A World Refugee Day Run and Exhibition will be held on Friday 23 June at Le Lac Du Caire near The National Museum of Egyptian Civilization in south Cairo. The event will start at 6:45am. The run, free-of charge, starts at 7:15am sharp. Be ready to run 8km (5 Laps, 1.6km per lap), according to the UNCHR. Registration for the run is mandatory through this link. Google maps : https://goo.gl/maps/4HuivTDkfADivWbQ6 Meanwhile, various refugees will be selling and showcasing their products and handicrafts at the expo. The run is organized as part of PROSPECTS, a partnership led by the Government of the Netherlands, which brings together the UNHCR, the International Finance Corporation (IFC), the International Labour Organization (ILO) and the UN Children's Fund (UNICEF). World Refugee Day is commemorated annually by the UN on 20 June. This year World Refugee Day comes as the UNHCR faces a new challenge involving an increasing number of Sudanese refugees escaping Sudan to neighbouring countries, including Egypt. According to the UNHCRs latest official numbers in May 2023, the number of refugees in Egypt who are registered with the UN is 294,000 - refugees and asylum-seekers - who mostly live in urban centres in the Greater Cairo area and in the North Coast. Syrian refugees top the number of UNHCR-registered refugees in Egypt. Last Friday, the UNHCR said 210,000 Sudanese have entered Egypt via Argeen and Qustul border crossings with Sudan since the start of the conflict. Search Keywords: Short link: PALO ALTO, CA / ACCESSWIRE / June 15, 2023 / Research by the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) shows that climate change will impact two-fifths of the global population. The damning report puts water shortages at the heart of the climate crisis, establishing a direct correlation between water availability, population growth, and the resulting strain on food supplies. The crisis is already here. Much of the Southwestern United States faces an impending water shortage, as two primary water reservoirs on the Colorado River near catastrophic lows. Water Allocation is a Complex Challenge Water allocation, especially concerning the Colorado River, is the archetypal wicked problem requiring a multi-stakeholder solution. Policymakers must reduce water consumption across the seven states that rely on the Colorado River. This requires redistributing water rights between the states, across water districts, and among individual rights holders. However, fair allocation of rights to the water supply is a complex undertaking with far-reaching legal, hydrological, and economic consequences. Despite states, policymakers, and users acknowledging that the Colorado River is overexploited, reaching a mutually satisfactory resolution has been challenging - so consensus and change remain elusive. Further complicating this is the attitude of humans toward water rights and the region's historical rights hierarchy. States and users with the most senior' water rights have the strongest legal standing, with many junior' rights holders (including large Southwestern cities) forced to make deep cuts. Any top-down amendment would invite lengthy and expensive lawsuits, and time is short. The Biden administration recently brokered an agreement to reduce consumption by 13% in California, Arizona, and Nevada. However, this is only a stopgap to temporarily stave off the worst ecological and economic disasters. While these cuts (and the recent wet winter) should keep the Colorado River flowing for the next few years, they do not permanently fix the broken system of misallocated and overallocated water rights. The agreement applies through 2026, after which stakeholders must return to the drawing board. Market Design Offers an Innovative Solution A permanent solution must address and harmonize several components, including economic policy, the public narrative, and deep-tech science breakthroughs to add water back to the system. Any proposal that fails to adequately satisfy all stakeholders could expose the Biden administration to preventable lawsuits. Market design, a specialized branch of economics that designs policies and algorithms to solve large-scale problems, offers the most feasible solution to this dilemma. Rather than risk lawsuits by disrupting existing hierarchies, market design creates new opportunities and incentivizes stakeholders instead. This approach addresses the problem by creating new opportunities for voluntary trades. It carefully designs rights, specifying rules that define how and when they can be traded while protecting public interests. Auctionomics Is at the Forefront of Market Design At the heart of this innovative approach is Auctionomics , an agile team headed by two of the top industry experts in the world - Paul Milgrom and Silvia Console Battilana. Paul won a Nobel Prize in Economics in 2020 for advancing market design and developing new auction formats. His 30-year-old theory enables mobile phone users across the globe to stream movies on the go today. Italian-born Silvia, who is also CEO and co-founder of Auctionomics holds a Ph.D. and is one of few women leaders in a male-dominated industry. Silvia's journey began as a PhD student at Stanford, with a series of academic and departmental successes that paved the way for her to lead Auctonomics towards designing high-stake projects such as redesigning the entire Colombian gas market. Today, she is a recognized expert in the allocation of scarce resources and has been invited to speak as a young global leader at the WEF (World Economic Forum) New York HQ for UN week. Apart from co-authoring editorial pieces on the World Economic Forum (WEF) blog with Paul and DCVC's managing partner, Zachary Bogue, she has also been named a WEF Young Global Leader' and European Young Leader', with lectures delivered at prestigious universities including Berkeley, Harvard, and Caltech. From L - R: Paul Milgrom, Zachary Bogue, Silvia Console Battilana Auctionomics wants to explore its full potential by applying its proprietary theories and practices to complex, multi-stakeholder allocation problems on behalf of public bodies and government organizations. The organization's prior experience designing incentive auctions puts it in a prime position to lead this effort. Furthermore, its partnership with DCVC (a climate change-focused deep-tech Silicon Valley VC firm) provides access to cutting-edge technologies crucial for analytics. While groups like the UN and the World Economic Forum (WEF) are key to catalyzing concerted action, market design creates solutions that leverage the strengths of these international organizations, tech companies, and investors to allocate scarce resources to areas of greatest need. Creating an Efficient and Fair Water Market Earlier this year, Paul co-hosted a conference at Stanford University attended by a group of economists, lawyers, and water experts. The group developed a proposal for a novel policy to fix the Colorado River crisis: the U.S. should redefine and buy back existing water rights, just as it did for misallocated rights to radio airwaves . Auctionomics led the development of the FCC's Broadband Incentive Auction, converting TV licenses to new valuable uses. The current issues with water rights are similar to those of the radio spectrum, where existing rights holders with solid legal standing were hesitant to change the status quo, despite the clear misallocation of resources. However, Auctionomics successfully addressed the problem with its innovative auction design, facilitating next-generation telecommunications and raising $19.8 billion while safeguarding existing broadcasters. The Colorado River proposal aims to address deficiencies in the current water rights allocation system. The existing system hinders mutually beneficial trades between users and prohibits water banking - a means to enable farmers or cities manage current water use more efficiently, leaving more in reservoirs for future dry periods. While there are historical reasons for these limitations - the uses of river water are diverse, interconnected, and poorly measured. Modifying them can result in severe consequences in a system that guarantees inefficiency and overconsumption. However, the same model employed to redistribute broadband spectrum can incentivize water rights holders to use their water more efficiently. Auctionomics aims to adapt this model to the Colorado River with practical steps involving a hydrological survey, voluntary redefinition of water rights, and purchasing enough new rights from willing sellers to meet the necessary reductions in total consumption. These new rights incentivize users to conserve water, driving advancements in novel technologies that track water usage and minimize consumption. The partnership with DCVC deepens Auctionomics' access to the tech tools necessary to support this market and deliver its promise of fairness and efficiency. Solving the Colorado River crisis won't be easy. However, the success in managing our airwaves provides a model for water rights that can improve efficiency, protect current users, and eliminate overconsumption before it's too late. Media Contact Veronica Cortez +1 (650) 740-9859 [email protected] SOURCE: Auctionomics View source version on accesswire.com: VANCOUVER, BC / ACCESSWIRE / June 15, 2023 / Galaxy Ventures Inc. (TSXV:GXY.P) ("Galaxy" or the "Company") announces that, on June 13, 2023, Galaxy and HerdWhistle Technologies Inc. ("HWT") mutually terminated the letter of intent between the parties dated March 8, 2023, as amended March 31, 2023 regarding a proposed qualifying transaction of Galaxy to acquire all of the issued and outstanding securities of HWT (the "Transaction"). No penalties or fees were paid by Galaxy or HWT. The parties mutually determined that the conditions precedent to completion of the Transaction could not be satisfied. The Company is concurrently applying to the TSX Venture Exchange for a resumption in trading of its common shares and management will re-commence its search for a qualifying business transaction. Contact Information Galaxy Ventures Inc. Andrew Thomson CEO, Director Tel: 604-417-2999 Email: [email protected] The TSX Venture Exchange has in no way passed on the merits of the proposed transaction and has neither approved or disapproved the contents of this press 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. FORWARD LOOKING INFORMATION This press release may contain forward-looking statements. By their nature, forward-looking statements involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors which may cause 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. Investors are cautioned against attributing undue certainty to forward-looking statements. THE FORWARD-LOOKING INFORMATION CONTAINED IN THIS PRESS RELEASE REPRESENTS THE EXPECTATIONS OF MANAGEMENT OF THE COMPANY 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. WHILE THE ISSUER MAY ELECT TO, IT DOES NOT UNDERTAKE TO UPDATE THIS INFORMATION AT ANY PARTICULAR TIME EXCEPT AS REQUIRED IN ACCORDANCE WITH APPLICABLE LAWS. SOURCE: Galaxy Ventures Inc. View source version on accesswire.com: Gemina to present achievement of another significant technical milestone. VANCOUVER, BC / ACCESSWIRE / June 15, 2023 / Gemina Laboratories Ltd. (CSE:GLAB)(FRA:8I7), a specialist in fast, affordable, and accurate diagnostic tests, is pleased to announce the company's attendance at the American Association of Clinical Chemistry ("AACC") Annual Scientific Meeting & Clinical Lab Expo running from Sunday, July 23rd, 2023 to Thursday, July 27th, 2023 in Anaheim, California. Gemina will be participating in the AACC poster session running from 9:30 am to 5:00 pm on Tuesday, July 25th and Wednesday, July 26th, during which we will announce another major milestone achieved with the Gemina Bridge protein immobilization chemistry on the lateral flow assay format. Attendees at the conference who wish to speak with the Gemina team in person, should come to the Gemina poster between 1:30 pm and 2:30 pm on the Tuesday and Wednesday. The e-poster and audio narration will also be available online through the AACC Digital Platform from Tuesday, July 25th for Digital Pass Select attendees and from Friday, July 28th for in-person attendees. In parallel with the poster presentation the poster will also be available on the Gemina Website for non attendees of AACC. On Behalf of the Board of Directors Brian Firth CEO Gemina Laboratories Ltd. About Gemina Laboratories Ltd. Gemina Labs is a biosensor and diagnostic company with a transformative, patented, proprietary chemistry that powers next-generation testing platforms for a wide range of pathogens that affect human health and wellness. Our technology drives testing platforms that are fast, affordable and accurate, and easily self-administered. Our development pipeline includes platforms for the rapid testing of COVID-19, influenza and other viruses. Additional information on the Company can be found at www.geminalabs.com. Neither the Canadian Securities Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the Canadian Securities Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this Release. Forward Looking Statements This news release includes forward-looking information and statements, which may include, but are not limited to, information and statements regarding or inferring the future business, operations, financial performance, prospects, and other plans, intentions, expectations, estimates, and beliefs of the Company. Such statements include statements regarding the anticipated terms of any proposed transaction or engagement. Information and statements which are not purely historical fact are forward-looking statements. Forward-looking information and statements involve and are subject to assumptions and known and unknown risks, uncertainties, and other factors which may cause actual events, results, performance, or achievements of the Company to be materially different from future events, results, performance, and achievements expressed or implied by forward-looking information and statements herein. Although the Company believes that any forward-looking information and statements herein are reasonable, in light of the use of assumptions and the significant risks and uncertainties inherent in such information and statements, there can be no assurance that any such forward-looking information and statements will prove to be accurate, and accordingly readers are advised to rely on their own evaluation of such risks and uncertainties and should not place undue reliance upon such forward-looking information and statements. Furthermore, the Company is presently unable to fully quantify the impact that the Covid-19 pandemic will have on its operations and recognizes that certain eventualities may affect planned or assumed performance moving forward. As such, any forward-looking information and statements herein are made as of the date hereof, and except as required by applicable laws, the Company assumes no obligation and disclaims any intention to update or revise any forward-looking information and statements herein or to update the reasons that actual events or results could or do differ from those projected in any forward looking information and statements herein, whether as a result of new information, future events or results, or otherwise, except as required by applicable laws. For more information regrading the Company, please contact: Gemina Laboratories Ltd Brian Firth, Chief Executive Officer Email: [email protected] SOURCE: Gemina Laboratories Ltd. View source version on accesswire.com: By Shanti Pless, Senior Building Energy Research Engineer, National Renewable Energy Laboratory Nationwide, it is increasingly difficult for families to find affordable housing opportunities. Once considered an issue isolated to major cities such as New York and San Francisco, the problem has become widespread, with Freddie Mac estimating that the nation is short 3.8 million housing units, a deficit that doubled from 2012 to 2019. As the housing supply struggles to keep up with demand, prices and rents soar. Kit Switch Founders Armelle Coutant and Candice Delamarre stand next to their modular kitchen units. Image courtesy of Kit Switch This shortage is driven by a variety of factors amplified by the pandemic, but also predating it. Income inequality, construction material costs, and complex building development regulations all contribute to the lack of affordable housing options. Housing and construction costs in major cities have hit record highs, including an outrageous example in San Francisco where the cost of a public restroom hit $1.7 million. Not only is the construction of new buildings expensive, it also carries a large carbon footprint. Annually, building construction accounts for 2.3 GT of greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, driven by raw material processing and building operations. Construction also accounts for a significant amount of waste generation, water consumption, and harmful air emissions. The climate crisis requires immediate, scalable action to reduce GHG emissions. However, if these efforts add to the cost of homes, the affordable housing crisis will further expand. Thus, the U.S. is faced with the paradox of having to lower the cost of buildings while simultaneously reducing their emissions. Furthermore, these homes cannot be built in a way that sacrifices their quality, risking the dignity of their residents. Recently, modular construction has emerged as a major opportunity to tackle this challenge. Modular construction allows a building to be manufactured off-site in prefabricated sections. These modules are then transported to the project site, where they are assembled in place of conventional construction methods. The resulting benefits include a smaller environmental footprint, shorter construction time, and lower costs. Modular projects allow for faster development because all aspects of construction do not have to occur in the same location and can thus happen separately, in parallel. These prefabricated components can then be assembled and combined, a much more efficient process. Companies like Pre Framing Corp are able to construct building walls in this manner, a process which they claim allows for development to be expedited by a factor of ten. These various prefabricated solutions can be combined to let the time savings accumulate. Prefabricated components can also be developed with a reduced carbon footprint in mind. Companies like Blokable are able to cut GHG emissions from multi-family housing development by 60%. They achieve this by fully electrifying the modular components, incorporating energy recovery ventilation, and utilizing energy-efficient design features. Modular designs are not limited to new building construction; they can convert existing buildings into new residences. Some existing non-residential buildings may simply require the addition of interior features to become habitable. Companies like Kit Switch offer modular kitchens, which can be installed into existing buildings as part of the process of repurposing commercial properties for residential purposes. By avoiding the construction of new buildings, these strategies reduce cost, emissions, and time required. Prefabricated solutions offer an affordable, sustainable mean of combating the housing crisis, without sacrificing quality. Future residents should not expect to live in substandard conditions. As we aggressively look to meet our housing challenges, we must keep in mind that families will be calling these buildings home, and we must ensure they're as good, if not better, than other, traditional options. And with the excellent technologies and strategies emerging today, this is becoming an exciting reality. View additional multimedia and more ESG storytelling from Wells Fargo on 3blmedia.com. Contact Info: Spokesperson: Wells Fargo Website: https://www.3blmedia.com/profiles/wells-fargo Email: [email protected] SOURCE: Wells Fargo View source version on accesswire.com: NOT FOR DISTRIBUTION TO UNITED STATES NEWSWIRE SERVICES OR FOR DISSEMINATION IN THE UNITED STATES VANCOUVER, BC / ACCESSWIRE / June 15, 2023 / NextGen Food Robotics Corp. (the "Company" or "NextGen") (NEO:NGRB); (OTC PINK:NGRBF); (Frankfurt:O83) is pleased to announce it has closed its previously announced non-brokered private placement financing (the "Offering") of units (each, a "Unit") of the Company through the issuance of 3,515,000 Units at a price of $0.31 per Unit, for gross proceeds of $1,089,650. Each Unit is comprised of one common share (a "Share") and one half of one purchase warrant (each whole warrant, a "Warrant"). Each Warrant is exercisable into one (1) Share (a "Warrant Share") at a price of $0.40 for a period of 12 months from the date of issuance. In connection with the Offering, the Company paid a cash fee of $64,439 and issued a total of 207,050 non-transferable finder warrants (each, a "Finder Warrant") to certain finders. Each Finder Warrant entitles the holder thereof to purchase one Share at a price of $0.40 for a period of 12 months from the date of issuance. Paul Rivas, CEO of NextGen, commented: "We would like to thank all of our investors for believing in us as we continue to expand and build upon our success." The Company plans to allocate the net proceeds from the Offering towards capital expenditures, business development, marketing, and general working capital. All securities issued in connection with the Offering will be subject to a four-month and one-day statutory hold period in accordance with applicable securities laws. The securities to be issued pursuant to the Offering have not been and will not be registered under the U.S. Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the "1933 Act"), or under any state securities laws, and may not be offered or sold, directly or indirectly, or delivered within the United States or to, or for the account or benefit of, U.S. persons (as defined in Regulation S under the 1933 Act) absent registration or an applicable exemption from the registration requirements. This news release does not constitute an offer to sell or a solicitation to buy such securities in the United States. About NextGen Food Robotics Nextgen Food Robotics is an automated robotic food co-packer and manufacturer that uses technology to modernize its food manufacturing processes. Additionally, Nextgen is developing the "Lily app", which is an AI-powered food application. For investor inquiries or further information, please contact: Paul Rivas, Chief Executive Officer 1 (236) 471-1357 [email protected] Cautionary Note on Forward-Looking Information This press release contains certain forward-looking statements within the meaning of applicable securities laws with respect to the Company. These forward-looking statements generally are identified by words such as "believe," "project," "expect," "anticipate," "estimate," "intend," "strategy," "future," "opportunity," "plan," "may," "should," "will," "would," and similar expressions and in this news release include statements respecting: the Offering and the intended use of proceeds from the Offering. Although the Company believes that the expectations and assumptions on which such forward-looking statements and information are based are reasonable, undue reliance should not be placed on the forward-looking statements and information because the Company can give no assurance that they will prove to be correct. Since forward-looking statements and information address future events and conditions, by their very nature they involve inherent risks and uncertainties. Many factors could cause actual future events to differ materially from the forward-looking statements in this press release. The forward-looking statements included in this news release are expressly qualified by this cautionary statement. The forward-looking statements and information contained in this news release are made as of the date hereof and the Company undertakes no obligation to update publicly or revise any forward-looking statements or information, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, unless so required by applicable laws. Neither the NEO Exchange nor its Market Regulator (as that term is defined in policies of the NEO Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this news release. SOURCE: NextGen Food Robotics Corp. View source version on accesswire.com: Amid a changing workforce landscape, Open Mundo, an immersive learning platform, allows employers to offer employees the opportunity to master a new language while meeting both personal and business goals MIAMI, FL / ACCESSWIRE / June 15, 2023 / Open English, a global leader in live online English classes with over 2 million students served in 25 countries, is expanding its offering of live tutoring in additional languages. With more than 15 years of experience, Open English has become a key employee benefit to over 10,000 companies across the world whose employees are learning English with the platform. Open English With the launch of Open Mundo, students now have the opportunity to take live online classes that are available 24/7 with native-speaking teachers in French, Italian, Spanish and Portuguese. With many businesses struggling to retain top talent, a robust and strategic benefits package is key to ensuring an organization's success, making Open Mundo an optimal solution for businesses in search of unique benefits for its employees. The COVID-19 pandemic radically shifted the employment and corporate benefits landscape, businesses have increased the benefits they're offering employees by an average of 22% compared to 2019 and a one-size-fits-all approach no longer works when it comes to benefits for employees. Open Mundo allows employers to differentiate its benefits packages and remain competitive in acquiring and retaining top talent, while employees get the opportunity to improve both their personal and professional lives by gaining a new skill at little or no cost to them. "If employers add Open Mundo as a voluntary benefit option, they're opening the door to new opportunities for its employees while improving their lives in the process," explained Andres Moreno, Founder and CEO of Open English. "Our goal with Open Mundo is to provide the same experience that we've given to over two million Open English students: learning something that will last and benefit them for a lifetime." To learn more about Open English, please visit https://investors.openenglish.com. For more details on Open Mundo, please visit https://www.openenglish.com/open-mundo. About Open English Open English is a leading English-learning platform in the Latin American and U.S. Hispanic markets, providing live, online instruction to over 2 million enrolled students to date. The company is disrupting the brick-and-mortar language-learning market with a proprietary technology platform that offers unlimited, 24/7 access to live classes with native-speaking teachers. Open Education, Open English's parent company, offers customized learning solutions for businesses (Open English for Business), children (Open English Junior), and digital skills development (NextU). Open English has also expanded its business with Open Mundo, a new online language learning platform that offers French, Italian, Spanish and Portuguese live classes. The company is headquartered in Miami, FL with offices in Mexico City, Bogota, Buenos Aires, Istanbul, Bangalore and So Paulo. To learn more about Open English, visit OpenEnglish.com. About Open Mundo Open Mundo is an immersive language learning platform that offers live online classes in French,Spanish, Italian and Portuguese with native-speaking teachers. Based on the experience, trajectory and educational quality of Open English, it launched in Latin America in 2022 with the aim of expanding language teaching beyond English. Contact Information Thais Oliveira VP, Brand Marketing [email protected] SOURCE: Open English View source version on accesswire.com: Highlights 0.60% Ni, 0.39% Cu, 0.50 g/t Pd, and 0.11 g/t Pt over 31.86m in PN-23-035, including 1.18 % Ni, 0.8 % Cu, 1.14 g/t Pd, and 0.28 g/t Pt over 8.82m 0.71% Ni, 0.37% Cu, and 0.85 g/t Pd over 10.05m in PN-23-033, including 1.25 % Ni, 0.36 % Cu, 1.41 g/t Pd, and 0.12 g/t Pt over 2.95m 0.49% Ni, 0.13% Cu, and 0.46 g/t Pd over 8.08m in PN-23-034A, including TORONTO, ON / ACCESSWIRE / June 15, 2023 / Power Nickel Inc. (the "Company" or "Power Nickel") (TSXV:PNPN), (OTCBB:PNPNF), (Frankfurt:IVVI) is pleased to announce the latest results from drill holes PN-23-029 to 035. These eight (8) holes (Table 1) were drilled to test distal targets east (PN-23-030/-031) and west (PN-23-029) of the Main Nisk deposit as well as to expand on high-grade intersections at Nisk Main (PN-23-032, -033, -034/034A, and -035; Figures 1-3). Table 1: Significant results for PN-23-029 to PN-23-035. UTM NAD83, Zone 18N. True widths are estimated to be 70% of the Interval Length. *Hole abandoned due to technical issues, re-drilled as PN-23-031A see NR from May 10th **Hole abandoned due to technical issues, re-drilled as PN-23-034A Commented Power Nickel CEO Terry Lynch, "Another strong result from our Nisk main deposit, these holes will be valuable additions to the resource calculation. This concludes an amazing drill season for us at Nisk. We are very excited now to get the drill results from over 15,000 metres of drilling incorporated into our much anticipated inaugural NI 43-101 mineral resource estimate which we expect to deliver in late Q3. As you read this release, we are readying the Geodes for the Ambient Noise Tomography program. This program will be conducted to assist in the identification of the next prime targets for our Nisk Project (as released earlier this year). Preliminary surveys will be conducted over our core ore zones at Nisk Main where there is a wealth of scientific data. This will enable us to correlate this exciting, advanced technology to reveal what we hope will be the identification of the next Nickel PGM Pods at Nisk." Next steps at Nisk include deploying the Ambient Noise Tomography program, completing the analysis of the recent Airborne MAG/EM survey, readying the drilling team for the July start of the funded 15,000 metre drill program, receipt of the metallurgical studies report and the publication of the inaugural NI 43-101 mineral resource estimate at Nisk. Figure 1 - Long section view of Nisk Main Zone showing DDH PN-23-032 through -035. Figure 2 - Vertical cross section showing DDH PN-23-033. Figure 3 - Vertical cross section showing DDH PN-23-035 As part of its review of management and board performance a grant of 1,600,000 options has been approved according to the Company option plan. Strike price is at $.25. Options vest upon grant and expire five years from date of grant. About the Nisk Project The Nisk Project is in the southern portion of the Eeyo Istchee James Bay territory, Qubec, the site of several mining projects improving infrastructure (Figure 4). Figure 4 - Location of the Nisk Project with respect to the current infrastructure available in the area. Power Nickel completed the acquisition of its option to acquire up to 80% of the Nisk Project from Critical Elements Lithium Corp. (CRE: TSXV). The Nisk Project comprises a large land position (20 kilometres of strike length) with numerous high-grade Nickel intercepts (Figure 5 & 6) from completed drill programs. Figure 5 - Pathway highlighting mineralized intercepts of the Main Nisk Deposit. Figure 6 - Overhead view highlighting significant mineralized intercepts of the Main Nisk Deposit. In addition to a successful campaign to extend and expand the resources at Nisk Main, Power Nickel has successfully tested extensions both east and west of the main zone in what could be whole new pods of mineralization. Perhaps most critical was the announcement on May 10th where Power Nickel stepped out 5 km from the main Nisk resource (Figure 7) intercepting 1 Oz/Tonne Combined Platinum and Palladium over 7.75 Metres in Wildcat hole PN-23-031A. Figure 7 - Location of the Wildcat Target relative to the main Nisk deposit. The existing resource estimates at the Nisk project are of historic nature and the Company's geology team has not completed sufficient work to confirm a NI 43-101 compliant mineral resource. Therefore, caution is appropriate since these historic estimates cannot, and should not be relied on. For merely informational purposes see Table 2. Table a2: Historical Resource Estimate figures for respective confidence categories at the NISK-1 deposit, After RSW Inc 2009: Resource Estimate for the NISK-1 Deposit, Lac Levac Property, Nemiscau, Quebec. The information regarding the NISK-1 deposit was derived from the technical report titled "Resource Estimate for the NISK-1 Deposit, Lac Levac Property, Nemiscau, Quebec" dated December 2009. The key assumptions, parameters and methods used to prepare the mineral resource estimates described above are set out in the technical report. Power Nickel expects to take the results from the historic drilling programs, its initial program in late 2021, the current drill program and a new metallurgical study and prepare a new 43-101 which we would expect to deliver in Q3 2023. Power Nickel posts its drilling information and azimuths on www.PowerNickel.com to enable independent modeling of the ore body. QAQC and SAMPLING GeoVector Management Inc is the Consulting Company retained to oversee the drilling program, which includes core logging and sampling of the drill core. All samples were submitted to and analyzed at ALS Global ("ALS") and Actlabs, independent commercial laboratories located in Val-d'Or, Quebec and Ancaster, Ontario for both the sample preparation and assaying. ALS and Actlabs are commercial laboratories independent of Power Nickel with no interest in the Nisk Project. ALS and Actlabs are ISO 9001 and 17025 certified and accredited laboratories. Samples submitted through ALS are run through thePREP-31 package where samples are crushed to 70% less than 2mm, riffle split off 250g, plus pulverize split to better than 85% passing 75 microns.Following this,samples are analysed using ME-ICP61a (33 element Suite; 0.4g sample; Intermediate Level Four Acid Digestion) and PGM-ICP27 (Pt, Pd, and Au; 30g fire assay and ICP-AES Finish) methods. ALS also undertake their own internal coarse and pulp duplicate analysis to ensure proper sample preparation and equipment calibration. At Actlabs, samples are prepared using code RX1 whereby samples are dried, crushed ( GeoVector's QAQC program includes regular insertion of CRM standards, duplicates, and blanks into the sample stream with a stringent review of all results. The results presented in the current Press Release are complete. QAQC and data validation was performed on these holes and no material errors were observed. Qualified Person Eric Hebert, P. Geo, Ph.D. from GeoVector Management Inc, and consultant to Power Nickel, is the independent qualified person who has reviewed and approved the technical disclosure contained in this news release. About Power Nickel Inc. Power Nickel is a Canadian junior exploration company focusing on developing the High Grade Nisk project into Canada's first Carbon Neutral Nickel mine. On February 1, 2021, Power Nickel (then called Chilean Metals) completed the acquisition of its option to acquire up to 80% of the Nisk project from Critical Elements Lithium Corp. (CRE: TSXV) The NISK property comprises a large land position (20 kilometres of strike length) with numerous high-grade intercepts. Power Nickel is focused on expanding the historical high-grade nickel-copper PGE mineralization with a series of drill programs designed to test the initial Nisk discovery zone and to explore the land package for adjacent potential Nickel deposits.[1] In addition to the Nisk project Power Nickel owns significant land packages in British Colombia and Chile. Power Nickel is expected to reorganize these assets in a related public vehicle through a plan of arrangement. Power Nickel announced on June 8th, 2021, that an agreement has been made to complete the 100% acquisition of its Golden Ivan project in the heart of the Golden Triangle. The Golden Triangle has reported mineral resources (past production and current resources) in total of 130 million ounces of gold, 800 million ounces of silver and 40 billion pounds of copper (Resource World). This property hosts two known mineral showings (gold ore and magee), and a portion of the past-producing Silverado mine, which was reportedly exploited between 1921 and 1939. [1] The resource estimates at Nisk are historical in nature and the Company's geology team has not completed sufficient work to confirm an NI 43-101 mineral resource. Mineral resource information is derived from the technical report titled "Resource Estimate for the NISK-1 Deposit, Lac Levac Property, Nemiscau, Quebec" dated December 2009. The key assumptions, parameters, and methods used to prepare the mineral resource estimates are set out in the technical report. This report, prepared by RSW Inc in 2009, can be found on the SEDAR website. These mineral showings are described to be Polymetallic veins that contain quantities of silver, lead, zinc, plus/minus gold, and plus/minus copper. Power Nickel is also 100-per-cent owner of five properties comprising over 50,000 acres strategically located in the prolific iron-oxide-copper-gold belt of northern Chile. It also owns a 3-per-cent NSR royalty interest on any future production from the Copaquire copper-molybdenum deposit, that was sold to a subsidiary of Teck Resources Inc. Under the terms of the sale agreement, Teck has the right to acquire one-third of the 3-per-cent NSR for $3 million at any time. The Copaquire property borders Teck's producing Quebrada Blanca copper mine in Chile's first region. For further information on Power Nickel Inc., please contact: Mr. Terry Lynch, CEO 647-448-8044 [email protected] For further information, readers are encouraged to contact: Power Nickel Inc. The Canadian Venture Building 82 Richmond St East, Suite 202 Toronto, ON SOURCE: Power Nickel Inc. View source version on accesswire.com: NORTHAMPTON, MA / ACCESSWIRE / June 15, 2023 / This Men's Health Week, Alkermes is shining a light on some of the unique health risks that may affect men related to mental health and excessive alcohol consumption. Drinking alcohol excessively may lead to significant risks to men's health. Those risks increase with the amount of alcohol consumed. Men are less likely to have received mental health treatment than women in the past year. We encourage you to learn why men are less likely to seek help. Knowing why can help raise awareness, reduce stigmas, and encourage men to seek treatment. View additional multimedia and more ESG storytelling from Alkermes on 3blmedia.com. Contact Info: Spokesperson: Alkermes Website: https://www.3blmedia.com/profiles/alkermes Email: [email protected] SOURCE: Alkermes View source version on accesswire.com: VANCOUVER, BC / ACCESSWIRE / June 15, 2023 / Skeena Resources Limited (TSX:SKE)(NYSE:SKE) ("Skeena" or the "Company") announces that Justice Fisher of the Court of Appeal for British Columbia has granted the Company's application for leave to appeal from the decision of the Supreme Court of British Columbia, which dismissed the Company's appeal from the February 7, 2022 decision of the Chief Gold Commissioner. The Chief Gold Commissioner had concluded that Richard Mill, and not Skeena, owns the mineral rights to materials contained in the Albino Lake Storage Facility at Eskay Creek. The decision allows Skeena's appeal to proceed. The court decided that Skeena's appeal raises legal issues of sufficient merit to warrant review by the Court of Appeal, and that the proper interpretation of the relevant legislation will be important to the resource extraction industry and other stakeholders. No date has been set for the hearing of Skeena's appeal. The Company will provide updates when more is known. The material contained in the Albino Lake Storage Facility is not part of the Company's Resource or Reserve Statements for Eskay Creek nor has it been included in any studies, including the September 2022 Feasibility Study for the Eskay Creek Project. About Skeena Skeena Resources Limited is a Canadian mining exploration and development company focused on revitalizing the past-producing Eskay Creek gold-silver mine located in Tahltan Territory in the Golden Triangle of northwest British Columbia, Canada. The Company released a Feasibility Study for Eskay Creek in September 2022 which highlights an after-tax NPV5% of C$1.4B, 50% IRR, and a 1-year payback at US$1,700/oz Au and US$19/oz Ag. On behalf of the Board of Directors of Skeena Resources Limited, Walter Coles Executive Chairman Randy Reichert President & CEO Contact Information Investor Inquiries: [email protected] Office Phone: +1 604 684 8725 Company Website: www.skeenaresources.com Qualified Persons In accordance with National Instrument 43-101 Standards of Disclosure for Mineral Projects, Paul Geddes, P.Geo., Senior Vice President, Exploration & Resource Development, is the Qualified Person for the Company and has prepared, validated, and approved the technical and scientific content of this news release. The Company strictly adheres to CIM Best Practices Guidelines in conducting, documenting, and reporting the exploration activities on its projects. Cautionary note regarding forward-looking statements Certain statements and information contained or incorporated by reference in this press release constitute "forward-looking information" and "forward-looking statements" within the meaning of applicable Canadian and United States securities legislation (collectively, "forward-looking statements"). These statements relate to future events or our future performance. The use of words such as "anticipates", "believes", "proposes", "contemplates", "generates", "targets", "is projected", "is planned", "considers", "estimates", "expects", "is expected", "potential" and similar expressions, or statements that certain actions, events or results "may", "might", "will", "could", or "would" be taken, achieved, or occur, may identify forward-looking statements. All statements other than statements of historical fact are forward-looking statements. Specific forward-looking statements contained herein include, but are not limited to, statements regarding the results of the Feasibility Study, processing capacity of the mine, anticipated mine life, probable reserves, estimated project capital and operating costs, sustaining costs, results of test work and studies, planned environmental assessments, the future price of metals, metal concentrate, and future exploration and development. Such forward-looking statements are based on material factors and/or assumptions which include, but are not limited to, the estimation of mineral resources and reserves, the realization of resource and reserve estimates, metal prices, taxation, the estimation, timing and amount of future exploration and development, capital and operating costs, the availability of financing, the receipt of regulatory approvals, environmental risks, title disputes and the assumptions set forth herein and in the Company's MD&A for the year ended December 31, 2022, its most recently filed interim MD&A, and the Company's Annual Information Form ("AIF") dated March 22, 2023. Such forward-looking statements represent the Company's management expectations, estimates and projections regarding future events or circumstances on the date the statements are made, and are necessarily based on several estimates and assumptions that, while considered reasonable by the Company as of the date hereof, are not guarantees of future performance. Actual events and results may differ materially from those described herein, and are subject to significant operational, business, economic, and regulatory risks and uncertainties. The risks and uncertainties that may affect the forward-looking statements in this news release include, among others: the inherent risks involved in exploration and development of mineral properties, including permitting and other government approvals; changes in economic conditions, including changes in the price of gold and other key variables; changes in mine plans and other factors, including accidents, equipment breakdown, bad weather and other project execution delays, many of which are beyond the control of the Company; environmental risks and unanticipated reclamation expenses; and other risk factors identified in the Company's MD&A for the year ended December 31, 2022, its most recently filed interim MD&A, the AIF dated March 22, 2023, the Company's short form base shelf prospectus dated January 31, 2023, and in the Company's other periodic filings with securities and regulatory authorities in Canada and the United States that are available on SEDAR at www.sedar.com or on EDGAR at www.sec.gov. Readers should not place undue reliance on such forward-looking statements. Any forward-looking statement speaks only as of the date on which it is made and the Company does not undertake any obligations to update and/or revise any forward-looking statements except as required by applicable securities laws. SOURCE: Skeena Resources Limited View source version on accesswire.com: NORTHAMPTON, MA / ACCESSWIRE / June 15, 2023 / Get to know Abiman Rajadurai, an esteemed member of McDonald's Legal Department and Vice Chair of McDonald's Asia Pacific Middle East Network (APMEN). Abiman joined McDonald's in 2017 believing its size would enable him to effect major change. Now, he considers himself "truly blessed" for the opportunity to work cross-functionally with people throughout the McDonald's system on a daily basis. "I love how we all work together to make the customer experience the best it can be," he says. The Journey to a Job at McDonald's Abiman was born in India and emigrated with his family to the United States at age 2. As a kid, his family moved around the Midwest a few times before settling in Michigan. "I think moving so much made me much more social and adaptable to change," Abiman explains. As it happens, Abiman was a big fan of legal television dramas growing up. "I wanted to be a lawyer back when I was 5 or 6 years old," he laughs. After college - where he met his now wife - Abiman did end up enrolling in law school, where he discovered his passion for employment law during a summer internship. "I enjoyed how much employment law touches on peoples' issues, and how you can see the impact of your work right away," he says. In 2014, Abiman interviewed for a role on his current team but didn't get the job. He enjoyed the process and hoped he would have another opportunity down the road. In 2017, Abiman unexpectedly received an email from Rafael Medina, an attorney who had met him during the 2014 process, asking if he was still interested in joining McDonald's global labor and employment team. The answer was an unequivocal "yes." Since joining McDonald's, Abiman has ascended to the role of General Counsel for McDonald's Operating Company (McOpCo) - the company-owned restaurants in the United States. Every day, his north star is helping ensure McDonald's guests receive a fabulous customer experience when they interact with our restaurants. "In order to give customers the best experience, we have to give employees the best experience," he says. "After all, they're the touch point for McDonald's billions served." Making a Difference Beyond McDonald's Abiman's passions extend beyond his legal work impacting McDonald's business. During his first year at McDonald's, Abiman joined McDonald's Asia Pacific Middle East Network (APMEN). By 2019, he'd been named Co-Chair for the McDonald's Headquarters (MHQ) chapter, and in December 2022, he was appointed Vice Chair for the global APMEN network. "I take my role with APMEN very seriously," Abiman says. "I know I and our members find support and inspiration in the network, and it's important to me that everyone feels included." Abiman is also active on the legal department's Pro Bono Committee as well as its Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Committee, and sits on the boards of local nonprofits. "I'm passionate about giving people chances and opportunities that they might otherwise not get," he says. One thing he loves and appreciates is that, "everyone has a McDonald's story." "I vividly remember being so excited to get my Chicken McNuggets growing up," he says. "It's so cool to be here 30+ years later and create those same moments and opportunities for other people around the world." View original content here View additional multimedia and more ESG storytelling from McDonald's Corporation on 3blmedia.com. Contact Info: Spokesperson: McDonald's Corporation Website: https://www.3blmedia.com/profiles/mcdonalds-corporation Email: [email protected] SOURCE: McDonald's Corporation View source version on accesswire.com: Some 7,091,272 people have been examined, free of charge, since the launch of the presidential initiative for the early detection and treatment of chronic diseases and nephropathy, Egypts Ministry of Health and Population announced on Thursday. Launched in September 2021, this initiative falls under the broader 100 Million Health campaign. It aims to provide early diagnosis and treatment for chronic diseases and high-quality health services to all citizens over 40 years of age, according to the ministrys spokesman Hossam Abdel-Ghaffar. The initiative also targets young people aged 18 and above who have a medical history with chronic diseases. The initiative offers tests to measure blood pressure, random and cumulative blood sugar levels, blood lipids, kidney tests, and body mass index in 3,601 primary care units nationwide, said Abdel-Ghffar. Follow-ups are provided based on test results. Patients diagnosed with chronic kidney disease are referred to hospitals to receive the necessary treatment free of charge, he added. Abdel-Ghaffar emphasized that medical teams at primary care units have been trained to use the "early detection device for kidney damage." He urged citizens who suffer from chronic diseases, such as hypertension and diabetes, to visit healthcare units and check their health status for free. According to 2020 figures by the World Health Organization, kidney diseases have caused 21,087 deaths in Egypt, accounting for 3.93 percent of the total number worldwide. Search Keywords: Short link: Valiant Energy Solutions, formerly BantamWesson, a leading energy solutions provider, announced the launch of a new website. WATERBURY, CT / ACCESSWIRE / June 15, 2023 / Valiant Energy Solutions, formerly BantamWesson, a leading energy solutions provider, announced the launch of a new website. This digital destination will enhance and elevate the customer experience by providing a dynamic resource to enable Connecticut-based homeowners and operations professionals to make informed decisions when researching and procuring energy-efficient solutions for their homes or organizations. The website launch is one of the many facets of a sophisticated brand transformation that began last year as BantamWesson transitioned to Valiant Energy Solutions. The new website will also integrate with the company's recently developed and upgraded digital infrastructure, including Salesforce, a best-in-class customer relationship management tool. "We want to give our customers the information they need to make smart choices about their next service or installation. A big part of that is educating them on the importance of energy efficiency, our capabilities and our project experience," said William Otis, president and chief executive officer. "This new, easy-to-understand website will facilitate this understanding, ultimately encouraging them to work with us." About Valiant Energy Solutions Formerly BantamWesson, Valiant Energy Solutions is an energy solutions provider that enables homeowners and organizations to achieve significant energy and cost savings. The commitment to our customers and clients is our highest priority. Over the last decade, we have notably diversified and offer a broad array of energy and services solutions for residential and commercial applications. We will provide you with best-in-class, total energy solutions you can trust. To learn more, please visit https://www.valiantenergy.com/. # # # Contact Information Tina Allen Chief Marketing Officer [email protected] Related Files Valiant Energy Solutions Launches New Website.pdf SOURCE: Valiant Energy Solutions View source version on accesswire.com: State Grid, ICBC, and Haier are listed as the top three; 72 Chinese brands are valued at more than 100 billion RMB NEW YORK, NY / ACCESSWIRE / June 15, 2023 / On June 15, 2023, in Beijing, World Brand Lab unveiled the 20th edition of "China's 500 Most Valuable Brands" list, with State Grid topping the list at a value of 626.87 billion RMB. The top five spots also included the ICBC, Haier, PetroChina, and China Life. Esteemed experts from prestigious institutions like Harvard, Yale, Oxford, Stanford, and UC Berkeley attended the World Brand Summit, where they discussed 'Global Branding in the Age of AI and Web 3.0: Pushing the Boundaries' and showcased the report's analysis of financial data, brand strength, and consumer behavior, highlighting China's top brands. Top 10 of 'China's 500 Most Valuable Brands of 2023' (Billion RMB) Top 10 of "China's 500 Most Valuable Brands of 2023" (Billion RMB) In 2023, China's 500 Most Valuable Brands achieved a total worth of 34,331.18 billion RMB, representing a significant 10.84% increase from the preceding year. Dr. Steve Woolgar, Chairman of the Academic Committee of the World Brand Lab, commended the swift progress of Chinese brands such as State Grid, Haier, China Life, Sinochem Group, China Resources, China Southern Power Grid, China Huadian Corporation, Wuliangye, Tsingtao Brewery, Beidahuang Group, XCMG, Tongwei, Bosideng, Feihe, Power Dekor, Hengli, DoubleStar, JOMOO, and GCL as they continue to spread their influence worldwide. The 20th edition of the report highlights the remarkable 1289.08% surge in the average value of the top 500 brands, reaching over 68.66 billion RMB. Furthermore, 72 Chinese brands have a value exceeding 100 billion RMB. This year's "China's 500 Most Valuable Brands" list features brands from a diverse array of 25 industries, spanning food and beverage, light industry, construction materials, media, and textiles and apparel. The food and beverage sector dominates the list with 83 brands, representing 16.60% of the total. In measuring brand loyalty, the World Brand Lab utilized iTrust Rating's brand database and SuperFinance's ESG database to gauge brand leadership. Additionally, Carboncare International's measurements of branded companies' carbon emissions were incorporated to introduce a "carbon score" label. This underscores that companies or industries with low ESG scores or a lack of environmental and climate-friendly initiatives have comparatively lower brand value, as exemplified by the tobacco industry. Based on research by the World Brand Lab, a region's competitive strength is linked to its comparative advantages, with brand benefits serving as a catalyst for growth and development. Brands signify regional progress, driving economic advancement and local brand emergence. Beijing clinches the top spot in this year's "China's 500 Most Valuable Brands" report with 87 brands, attributed to the strong profitability of central enterprises headquartered there. Guangdong and Shandong follow closely behind with 84 and 45 brands, respectively. Of the 500 brands listed, 437 hold national influence (87.40%), and 63 have global influence, indicating a slight increase compared to last year. Dr. Elie Ofek, from Harvard Business School, emphasizes AI's transformative potential in rebranding and highlights that entrepreneurs must explore how intelligent technologies reshape brand management. AI goes beyond efficiency and can shape brand identity, fostering customer relationships. Establishing a framework to identify AI's roles in brand management is vital for success across industries. Dr. Jennifer Aaker from Stanford believes AI should deepen meaning, not just generate short-term happiness. Essential questions include human values, trust-building AI, and what it means to be human. Dr. David A. Aaker from UC Berkeley recognizes AI's role in marketing, emphasizing personalized interactions with stakeholders and the need for expertise in data-driven software. Dr. Ravi Dhar, from Yale School of Management, notes the impact of the metaverse on brand strategy. Brands can build trust through user experiences and influencers, while creating immersive virtual experiences and offering virtual goods. As AI tools like ChatGPT grow, brands must address the challenge of disinformation, considering effective responses to avoid negative consequences. Dr. Haisen Ding, CEO of World Executive Group, believes that AI and Web 3.0 will disrupt global brand building. This era offers equal innovation chances for Chinese and foreign brands. Using AI, companies can revolutionize marketing by analyzing data, predicting consumer behavior, and personalizing messaging. World Brand Lab is an internationally recognized brand value research institute that is wholly owned by World Executive Group, a leading digital business and strategy consulting firm. The institute was co-founded by Nobel Laureate Robert Mundell, who served as its first chairman. Its research is widely used to evaluate intangible assets during mergers and acquisitions. Contact Information Jason Wang Senior Brand Analyst [email protected] 212-208-1429 SOURCE: World Brand Lab View source version on accesswire.com: NORTH YORK, ON / ACCESSWIRE / June 15, 2023 / ZTEST Electronics Inc. ("ZTEST" or the "Company") (CSE - "ZTE") is pleased to announce that it has appointed Mr. Derrick Strickland to the Board of Directors, sitting as an independent director, subject to regulatory approval. Steve Smith, CEO of the Company stated "On behalf of the Board of Directors, I would like to welcome Derrick to the board. Derrick's public company experience will be a valuable asset to the Company." Mr. Strickland, P. Geo, MBA, is an experienced leader, founder, director, CEO, and Vice President to over 20 publicly traded companies. He has extensive experience in the areas of corporate governance, current regulatory regimes, compliance, and disclosure matters (NI 43-101). Mr. Strickland has over 35 years of involvement in all aspects of the exploration industry, actively working as a geological and corporate advisor. Mr. Strickland's extensive network and industry engagement has seen him elected as a past director of both the Prospectors & Developers Association of Canada (PDAC) and the Association for Mineral Exploration B.C. (AME). Mr. Strickland was appointed to fill the vacancy created by the resignation of Mr. Zachery Dingsdale. Mr. Dingsdale resigned so that he may focus his efforts on other professional duties. The Board of Directors and management thank Mr. Dingsdale for his valuable assistance, while serving on the Board, and wish him and his family all the best in the future. About ZTEST Electronics Inc. ZTEST Electronics Inc., through its wholly owned subsidiary Permatech Electronics Corp. ("Permatech"), offers Electronic Manufacturing Services (EMS) to a wide range of customers. Permatech's offering includes Materials Management, Printed Circuit Board (PCB) Assembly, Testing and Design services. Permatech operates from a 20,000 square foot, ISO 9001:2015 certified facility in North York, Ontario, Canada. The company serves customers in the Medical, Power, Computer, Telecommunications, Wireless, Industrial and Consumer Electronics markets requiring high quality, quick-turnaround, small and medium size production runs. For more information contact: Steve Smith, CEO (604) 837-3751 email: [email protected] The CSE has neither approved nor disapproved the contents of this press release. The CSE does not accept responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release. FORWARD LOOKING STATEMENTS:This press release contains forward-looking statements, which relate to future events or future performance and reflect management's current expectations and assumptions. Such forward-looking statements reflect management's current beliefs and are based on assumptions made by and information currently available to the Company. Investors are cautioned that these forward-looking statements are neither promises nor guarantees and are subject to risks and uncertainties that may cause future results to differ materially from those expected. These forward-looking statements are made as of the date hereof and, except as required under applicable securities legislation, the Company does not assume any obligation to update or revise them to reflect new events or circumstances. All of the forward-looking statements made in this press release are qualified by these cautionary statements and by those made in our filings with SEDAR in Canada (available at www.sedar.com). SOURCE: ZTEST Electronics Inc. View source version on accesswire.com: TORONTO--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- In an important act of solidarity, delegates to CUPE Ontarios annual convention voted unanimously to support Toronto residents struggling with skyrocketing rents: they passed a resolution directing their union to make a financial contribution to a tenants group that is coordinating a rent strike against unreasonable rent increases in their buildings. In response, CUPE Ontario has made contributions of $5000 each to Thorncliffe Park Tenant Rent Strike Fund and to York South-Weston Tenant Union. Both groups are coordinating rent strikes in protest against above-guideline hikes in rent. In the middle of an affordability crisis, giant corporate landlords are jacking up rents and pricing people out of their homes, said CUPE Ontario President Fred Hahn. But those same despicable moves have created a network of amazing activists ordinary people who have been pushed too far by corporate greed and who are saying enough is enough. CUPE Ontario members support these tenant unions and their courageous and important organizing. And were proud to support their strike actions. Rent strikes continue at both 33 King Street in York South-Weston and at 71, 75 and 79 Thorncliffe Park Drive. The emergency resolution was proposed by a CUPE Ontario member who is one of the affected tenants in Thorncliffe Park. The impact of unfair rate hikes hurts the very people that Toronto relies on people who work for the city, who work in social services, education, universities, hospitals and long-term care, said Hahn. Many organizing in these tenant unions are CUPE members, but our unions solidarity extends to everyone and every group struggling for the right to a decent job, a decent living, and a decent home. The rent strikes are a product of grassroots community organizing and are part of a determined response to unfair rent increases, and tenants coming together to form unions to protest has clear parallels with union organizing. Tenants are talking to each other, to their neighbours, and building the solidarity that enables them to take collective action like these rent strikes. Its the model we recognize in the labour movement, and we will do what we can to support it, including encouraging other unions through the OFL to make donations and support these strikes. said Hahn. We know we have to work together, and that when people work together to build power, we can make change, said Hahn. We applaud community organizers like Chiara Padovani, Khalil Aldroubi, and Tricia-Ann Israel, and everyone organizing in both these tenant unions. They are taking direct action in the face of the rampant greed. Financial donations are the beginning of the solidarity work that CUPE Ontario will provide to these tenant strikes. The union is connecting tenant organizers with local leaders and is planning to take part in the tenants march planned for early July. CUPE Ontario encourages support for striking tenants through donations to York-South Weston Tenant Union and Thorncliffe Park Tenants Rent Strike Fund. :pc/cope491 View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20230615287639/en/ Mary Unan, CUPE Communications, 647-390-9839, [email protected] Source: CUPE LONDON--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- Cymulate, an award-winning leader in exposure management and security validation, today announced that the company will host a session at the Infosecurity Europe Conference titled, Lessons learned from 1.7 million hours of Security Validation in one year, presented by Michael Shaw, Lead Security Engineer with Cymulate. In this session, we will discuss the top 10 attacks launched by our customers and whether the security teams were focused on the right attacks to protect against from a priority perspective. We will also share some disturbing insights: why are the older exploits (over two years old) not being mitigated but still used in the wild? We will also talk through innovative ways to assess exposures, check attack path viability, and validate security control efficacy. WHO: Michael Shaw, Lead Security Engineer at Cymulate WHAT: Presentation on Lessons learned from 1.7 million hours of Security Validation in one year. Attendees will: Find out what we discovered from 1.7 million hours of assessments over 12 months Hear real-life customer testing trends and which real-world breaches are tested the most Understand the current state of legacy vulnerability patching and how to validate the efficacy of patches and controls Learn about gaps in security testing and what the trends tell us Discover how Cymulate safely uses threat actor attack techniques and automation to validate security controls WHEN: Wednesday, June 21st at 10:40 a.m. BST (25-minute presentation) WHERE: Infosecurity Europe Conference, ExCeL London, One Western Gateway, Royal Victoria Dock, London E16 1XL MEDIA: To connect with Cymulate at the Infosecurity Europe Conference, visit their booth at #T20. If you are looking for expert commentary for any upcoming stories, please reach out to Matter Communications at [email protected]. View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20230615330548/en/ Matter Communications [email protected] Source: Cymulate Dremios new Text-to-SQL, Autonomous Semantic Layer and Vector Lakehouse Capabilities bring global leaders like Maersk ease and precision with data analysis SANTA CLARA, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- Dremio, the easy and open data lakehouse, today announced the integration of cutting-edge generative AI capabilities into its platform. Text-to-SQL is now available; an Autonomous Semantic Layer and Vector Lakehouse Capabilities are coming soon. These enhancements further solidify Dremio's commitment to empowering organizations with innovative tools for data exploration, analysis, and discovery. Dremio is ensuring easy self-service analyticswith data warehouse functionality and data lake flexibilityacross customer cloud and on-premises data. Mark Sear, director of data at Maersk, expressed his enthusiasm for these innovative additions to Dremio, stating, Maersks data team is embracing the transformative power of generative AI to enhance our capabilities. By leveraging this cutting-edge technology, Maersk empowers its talented professionals to navigate the complexities of data analysis with unparalleled ease and precision. The new generative AI capabilities include: Text-to-SQL Experience Dremio introduces an intuitive and seamless Text-to-SQL experience, allowing users to effortlessly convert natural language queries into SQL directly within the user interface. The Text-to-SQL translation is based on a semantic understanding of metadata and data, resulting in the industrys most accurate SQL generation. In addition to Text-to-SQL, which is available today, automatic correction of SQL queries is coming soon to further increase SQL development velocity. Autonomous Semantic Layer (Coming Soon) Dremio's upcoming Autonomous Semantic Layer is poised to revolutionize data discovery and documentation. By leveraging generative AI, Dremio automatically learns the intricate details of users' data, and then produces descriptions of datasets, columns and relationships, eliminating the need for manual cataloging. Additionally, the platform autonomously learns workloads and creates reflections to accelerate data processing, providing users with an AI-powered semantic layer for unparalleled data insights. Vector Lakehouse Capabilities (Coming Soon) Dremio continues to push the boundaries of data analytics with its upcoming Vector Lakehouse Capabilities. By seamlessly integrating these capabilities into the lakehouse, Dremio will enable users to store and search vector embeddings. This provides the foundation for users to build machine learning applications such as semantic search, recommendation systems, and anomaly detectionall within the Dremio platform. Dremio's commitment to leveraging generative AI to enhance its platform showcases the company's dedication to empowering users with advanced data exploration and analysis tools. The Text-to-SQL Experience, Autonomous Semantic Layer and Vector Lakehouse Capabilities collectively solidify Dremio's position as an industry leader in data analytics innovation. Dremio empowers the worlds leading organizations with advanced data capabilities, and today we take another significant leap forward. By integrating generative AI capabilities into our platform, we are accelerating data workflows and eliminating much of the manual work involved in SQL development, data catalog creation and curation, and more. In addition, by delivering vector database capabilities directly in the lakehouse, we will enable companies to build AI-powered applications without creating additional data silos in the organization. Generative AI will transform data engineering, data science and analytics over the coming years, and we are excited to provide our users with the industrys most powerful tools to uncover the true potential of their data, said Tomer Shiran, founder and CPO of Dremio. About Dremio Dremio is the easy and open data lakehouse, providing self-service analytics with data warehouse functionality and data lake flexibility across all of your data. Use Dremio's lightning-fast SQL query service and any other processing engine on the same data. Dremio increases agility with a revolutionary data-as-code approach that enables Git-like data experimentation, version control, and governance. In addition, Dremio eliminates data silos by enabling queries across data lakes, databases, and data warehouses, and by simplifying ingestion into the lakehouse. Dremio's fully managed service helps organizations get started with analytics in minutes, and automatically optimizes data for every workload. As the original creator of Apache Arrow and committed to Arrow and Icebergs community-driven standards, Dremio is on a mission to reinvent SQL for data lakes and meet customers where they are on their lakehouse journey. Hundreds of global enterprises like JPMorgan Chase, Microsoft, Regeneron, and Allianz Global Investors use Dremio to deliver self-service analytics on the data lakehouse. Founded in 2015, Dremio is headquartered in Santa Clara. CNBC recognized Dremio as a Top Startup for the Enterprise and Deloitte named Dremio to its 2022 Technology Fast 500. To learn more, follow the company on GitHub, LinkedIn, Twitter, and Facebook, or visit www.dremio.com. View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20230615645452/en/ Elise Woodard [email protected] Source: Dremio Confirmed focus on its successful wholesale go-to-market model in Europe, for existing and future capacity PARIS--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- Regulatory News: Eutelsat Communications (Euronext Paris: ETL) has reached an agreement to sell its European broadband retail activities to an experienced private operator. The activities to be disposed of by Eutelsat include the affiliate Bigblu Operations Ltd and the other European retail activities in the UK, Ireland, France, Germany, Italy, Spain, Portugal, Poland, Hungary, and Greece. The disposal comes in the wake of the considerable success of Eutelsats wholesale go-to-market model to distribute its satellite broadband capacity over Europe, underpinned by major wholesale deals signed with Orange (France), TIM (Italy), Hispasat (Spain) and Swisscom (Switzerland) for the capacity in their respective markets on the Eutelsat KONNECT satellite. The private operator will also become a wholesale distributor in existing markets. This strategy will be further bolstered by the entry into service of KONNECT VHTS expected in the second half of 2023, with 230 beams over Europe and MENA, representing a Ka capacity of 500 Gbps, adaptable according to demand and specific needs in each country. Firm commitments have already been secured for part of this incremental capacity by important European telecom operators, (e.g., Orange, TIM or Swisscom), confirming the ability of KONNECT VHTS to provide a compelling and competitive solution for broadband to under-served regions of Europe. About Eutelsat Communications Founded in 1977, Eutelsat Communications is one of the world's leading satellite operators. With a global fleet of 34 satellites and associated ground infrastructure, Eutelsat enables clients across Video, Data, Government, Fixed and Mobile Broadband markets to communicate effectively to their customers, irrespective of their location. Around 7,000 television channels operated by leading media groups are broadcast by Eutelsat to one billion viewers equipped for DTH reception or connected to terrestrial networks. Committed to promoting all facets of sustainable development across its business activities, Eutelsat leverages its in-orbit resources to help bridge the digital divide while maintaining a safe and uncluttered space environment. As an attractive and socially responsible employer, Eutelsat assembles 1,200 men and women from 50 countries who are dedicated to delivering the highest quality of service. For more about Eutelsat please visit www.eutelsat.com View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20230615894887/en/ Medias Anita Baltagi Tel.: +33 1 53 98 47 47 [email protected] Daphne Joseph-Gabriel Tel.: +33 1 53 98 47 47 [email protected] Baptiste Romeuf Tel.: +33 6 63 80 87 54 [email protected] Investors Thomas Cardiel Tel.: +33 6 99 07 86 47 [email protected] Hugo Laurens-Berge [email protected] Christine Lopez Tel.: +33 1 53 98 47 02 [email protected] Source: Eutelsat Communications With 70+ exhibitors including Microsoft Flight Simulator, X-Plane, Gleim Aviation, Thrustmaster, FLYING Magazine, and more, FlightSimExpo is North Americas biggest home flight simulation gathering. HOUSTON--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- Over 2,000 attendees are expected to participate in FlightSimExpo, one of the worlds largest dedicated flight simulation events. Held across two locations near Houstons Hobby Airport on June 23-25, FlightSimExpo offers flight simulation fans the chance to interact with developers, try out the latest hardware and software, and meet fellow enthusiasts. FlightSimExpo is open to the public and welcomes flight simmers, pilots, and enthusiasts of all ages and experience levels. The event is designed to inspire the next generation of pilots and showcase better tools and training techniques for those pursuing flight training. The show is open to anyone, not just pilots, says event organizer Evan Reiter, himself an airline pilot who used simulation throughout his initial training. That said, those thinking of flying recreationally or professionally will have plenty to gain by better leveraging technology like this throughout their flight training. The event kicks off on Friday, June 23 at the DoubleTree Houston Hobby with a series of product announcements and reveals from flight simulations biggest developers. On Saturday and Sunday, the event shifts to the Lone Star Flight Museum, a 15-minute drive from the DoubleTree and Hobby Airport. Nestled amongst warbirds, fighter jets, and drones, attendees will find hands-on exhibits where they can try the latest in flight simulation software and hardware. Speaker rooms will feature how-to seminars and educational discussions throughout the weekend, and event tours and getting started presentations will be available to help newcomers find their wings. Event details and registration information are available at www.flightsimexpo.com. In-person registration options start at $50. For those traveling to Houston, discounts are available on airfare, hotels, rental cars, and parking. Cant make it to Houston? Online registration is available for just $15 and provides full access to livestreams from the event. About FlightSimExpo FlightSimExpo is organized by Flight Simulation Association, a community-driven organization of developers, simmers, and real-world pilots working to make it easier to get started in home flight simulation. Join the community today to access resources, learning content, webinars, and discounts on top add-ons and simulation hardware. View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20230615798942/en/ Phillip Coyle Phone: +1 833-437-3976 Email: [email protected] Source: FlightSimExpo NEW YORK--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- Forever Cheese, an importer of artisan cheese and accompaniments from Italy, Spain, Portugal, and Croatia, announces the kick-off of its 25th anniversary celebration with the unveiling of a new logo. Since 1998, the company has been at the forefront of bringing pivotal products to the market, including Drunken Goat, Genuine Fulvi Pecorino Romano, Mitica Marcona Almonds, and Mitica Fig and Date Cakes. Co-founders Michele Buster and Pierluigi Sini created Forever Cheese in 1998 and began expanding its assortment and sourcing capabilities across Italy and then Spain. In the years since, Forever Cheese has become a key player in the specialty foods industry, offering cheese from the Mediterranean region as well as accompaniments like nuts, honeys, jams, and charcuterie. Buster and Sinis close relationships with producers and the company focus on education were integral to their early and continued success. "Our producers are the backbone of the business and they have supported what we do from the very beginning. We are so appreciative of these partnerships and our growth together. It means so much to see them succeed," says Buster. Tyler Hawes joined Forever Cheese as CEO at the end of 2021 and has been driving growth across the organization including the January 2023 acquisition of W.A. Imports, an importer, manufacturer, and distributor of the finest Japanese and Pacific Rim ingredients. Like Forever Cheese, W.A. Imports carries some of the most unique and sought after products in their categories. This acquisition brought together two incredible companies and several owned brands to one organization. Forever Cheese has recently unveiled a new logo as part of their 25th anniversary celebrations. The new look, as seen in the logo, website, and other media platforms, conveys Forever Cheese's mission to discover, import, and celebrate the best cheeses and specialty foods from its family of producers. According to Tyler Hawes, CEO of Forever Cheese, the company's vision for its next phase of growth is to bring unique cheeses and specialty foods to a wider audience, inspiring interest and appreciation for the diversity of flavors and cultures that our products represent. Forever Cheese will host various 25th anniversary events this spring and summer, inviting its supplier and customer partners to join them in celebrating this important milestone. To learn more about Forever Cheese, visit their website at forevercheese.com. Forever Cheese and Mitica products are available at specialty food stores and cheese shops throughout the U.S. About Forever Cheese: Forever Cheese, importers of artisan cheese and accompaniments from Italy, Spain, Portugal, and Croatia, was founded over two decades ago. Driven by a passion for exceptional foods, the Company has grown into an industry leader, with its products in many grocery stores, restaurants, and specialty food shops nationwide. With a focus on authenticity and intentional sourcing, Forever Cheese seeks out the best of the Mediterranean and prioritizes telling the stories of their family of producers. The Company is headquartered in New York, NY with a warehouse location in Secaucus, NJ. Facebook: www.facebook.com/forevercheeseco Instagram: @forevercheeseco View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20230614253623/en/ Chelsea Bryant [email protected] (718) 777-0772 Source: Forever Cheese DALLAS--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- Generational Equity, a leading mergers and acquisitions advisor for privately held businesses, is pleased to announce the sale of its client Emaan Medical Supply, Inc. (dba, Red Oak Medical Supply) to a Private Investor. The transaction closed March 13, 2023. Founded in 1997, Red Oak Medical Supply (ROMS), located in Houston, Texas, is one of the leading medical supply retailers in Houston. Specializing in Pediatric, Adult, and Bariatric medical equipment and products, ROMS knowledgeable staff has helped thousands of clients in need of support and guidance to purchase the best healthcare product that suits their needs. The Company offers services to make the buying experience convenient and hassle-free. With more than 10,000 unique items in stock, ROMS is truly a one-stop-shop for all medical supplies in Houston. ROMS carries top name brand healthcare products known for their reliability, durability, and comfort, such as Pride Mobility, Golden Technologies, Medline, Invacare, Drive Medical, Innogen, Resmed, Respironics, Nova, Convatec, Hollister, Prevail, Tena, OxyGo, BSN Medical, Jobst, Sigvaris, FLA Orthopedics, and many more. The ROMS staff has up-to-date information on products and trends in the health care industry and are able to educate and demonstrate the use and functionality of the products carried. Generational Equity Executive Managing Director of M&A Central Region, Michael Goss, and his team led by Senior Vice President, M&A, Andre Farahmandi, with the support of Vice President, M&A, Jacob Mangalath successfully closed the deal. Senior Managing Director, Doug Morrow, established the initial relationship with ROMS. "It was a pleasure working with the seller and buyer as both have similar values, said Farahmandi. He added, These shared values will allow the Company to continue providing quality products and stellar customer service, while also working to grow and continue finding additional value they can bring to the Company, customers, employees, and suppliers. About Generational Equity Generational Equity, Generational Capital Markets (member FINRA/SIPC), Generational Wealth Advisors, Generational Consulting Group, and DealForce are part of the Generational Group, which is headquartered in Dallas and is one of the leading M&A advisory firms in North America. With more than 350 professionals located throughout 16 offices in North America, the companies help business owners release the wealth of their business by providing growth consulting, merger, acquisition, and wealth management services. The Generational suite of advisory services includes strategic and tactical growth consulting, exit planning education, business valuation, value enhancement strategies, M&A services, and wealth management. The M&A Advisor named Generational Equity Investment Banking Firm of the Year three years in a row, Valuation Firm of the Year in 2020, and North American Investment Bank of the Year in 2022 as well as Consulting Firm of the Year. The Global M&A Network named Generational USA Investment Bank of the Year in 2023. For more information visit https://www.genequityco.com/ or the Generational Equity press room. View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20230615088239/en/ For more information: Carl Doerksen 972-342-0968 [email protected] Source: Generational Equity Egypt has significantly empowered youths on all fronts in society since 2016, said the Youth Committee Rapporteur Ahmed Fathy during the Social Axis session at the National Dialogue on Thursday. During discussions on youth empowerment and promoting entrepreneurship, Fathy noted that President Abdel-Fattah El-Sisi designated 2019 as the Year of Youth as a key step to empower young people. President El-Sisi also directed the formation of the National Youth Conference and the National Training Academy (NTA) to train youth cadres in all fields, he noted. The government also formed The Coordination's Committee of Party's Youth Leaders and Politicians (CPYP) to train youth political cadres, he said. The CPYP has played an important role in enabling young people run for Parliament, Fathy stressed. For his part, Zaky El-Kady, the rapporteurs assistant, stressed that the dialogue presents an opportunity to create a permanent and sustainable national political mechanism based on diversity and differences. El-Kady said he toured villages, universities, and cities to identify youth proposals ahead of the National Dialogue. Diversity in society Senator Ahmed Diab, who is also the President of the Egyptian Professional Clubs Association, argued for the need to pro-actively implement the law-mandated five percent quota for people with disabilities in education and employment toward better integration in society. People with disabilities are symbols for determination and therefore it is necessary to actively implement the five percent law, Diab stated. Encouraging entrepreneurship Islam Abu Leila, the representative of the Constitution Party at the National Dialogue, argued the importance of solving market problems and filling other market shortages through youth entrepreneurship. According to Abu Leila, the main challenges facing entrepreneurs include difficulty in securing initial funds to start projects, bureaucratic red tape, and shortages in skilled labour. In order to face these challenges Abu Leila proposed easing procedures for loans directed to SMEs, exempting these companies from taxes for five years, in addition to establishing centres for training and qualifying potential employees. Meanwhile, Professor of Economics and Political Science Ahmed El-Sayed said entrepreneurship levels in Egypt are half global avarages. To raise these levels, El-Sayed argued the government needs to improve the business and investment environments. Search Keywords: Short link: HAYDEN, Idaho--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- Tractor Beverage Company, one of North America's fastest-growing beverage brands and the only certified organic, non-GMO total beverage solution for foodservice, is delighted to announce the appointment of Gus Rios as Senior Vice President of Marketing. Rios brings a wealth of experience and expertise to the company, including recent roles at Coca-Cola and PepsiCo. His addition to the Tractor Beverage team is positioned to drive substantial growth and solidify the company's market leader position. This press release features multimedia. View the full release here: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20230615254089/en/ Gus Rios Joins Tractor Beverage Company as Senior Vice President of Marketing (Photo: Business Wire) Rios's appointment as Senior Vice President of Marketing will enhance Tractor Beverage Companys marketing capabilities and strengthen its competitive advantage. With his vast industry experience and proven track record in developing and activating consumer-first strategies, Gus will continue to build a deeply resonant brand across all of Tractors customer channels, said Justin Herber, Chief Brand Officer for Tractor Beverage. His combination of curiosity and empathy promises to deliver resonant consumer experiences that drive results and connect to consumers that are looking for something more at the beverage station. A multi-discipline marketer with over 15 years of experience in brand management, shopper, foodservice, innovation, and new business marketing, Rios has demonstrated exceptional leadership and strategic thinking throughout his career. Notably, Rios held senior marketing positions at Coca-Cola and PepsiCo, where he played integral roles in developing and executing successful marketing campaigns that measurably elevated the brands and drove revenue growth. "I am thrilled to contribute to the continued success of this exceptional brand," said Gus Rios. "I have witnessed firsthand the transformative power of marketing and innovation and am captivated by Tractors origin story, family-first mantra, and dedication to changing the beverage industry for good. As Senior Vice President of Marketing at Tractor Beverage Company, Rios will leverage his vast experience and knowledge to lead and oversee all aspects of the company's marketing initiatives. His expertise will encompass brand strategy, advertising, and customer engagement, ensuring that Tractor Beverage remains at the forefront of the ever-evolving foodservice beverage market. An avid outdoor enthusiast and ardent photographer, Gus lives with his wife and two children in Dallas, Texas. About Tractor Beverage Company: Tractor Beverage Company is revolutionizing the beverage station as the only certified organic, non-GMO beverage solution for foodservice. Farmer-founded and employee-owned, Tractor is on a mission to create a cleaner, healthier planet, one drink at a time. Proudly served in over 5,000 locations across all 50 states, Tractor's handcrafted drinks feature clean ingredients that deliver on taste, functionality, and experience, without any of the bad stuff. Tractor is the first beverage brand to track and disclose impact data about its ingredients through the Organic Impact Tracker, quantifying the benefit of sourcing organic versus conventional ingredients. The company was included on the 2022 Inc. 5000 list of America's fastest-growing private companies and on Fast Company's 2021 list of the world's most innovative companies. drinktractor.com View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20230615254089/en/ Nicole Bouffard Phone: 802.881.5917 Email: [email protected] Source: Tractor Beverage Company COEUR D'ALENE, Idaho--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- Hecla Mining Company (NYSE:HL) today announced that Casa Berardi plans to restart operations on June 15th following the partial lifting of Quebecs ban on access to the road to the mine. The Company expects to resume normal production rates in the next few days as work crews are recalled. Stockpiled lower-grade ore will be fed to the mill until underground and surface mining resumes. The impact of the suspension and restart on Casa Berardis production and cost guidance will be updated in the second quarter earnings release. ABOUT HECLA Founded in 1891, Hecla Mining Company (NYSE: HL) is the largest silver producer in the United States. In addition to operating mines in Alaska, Idaho, and Quebec, Canada, the Company is developing a mine in the Yukon, Canada, and owns a number of exploration and pre-development projects in world-class silver and gold mining districts throughout North America. View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20230615263087/en/ Anvita M. Patil, Vice President Investor Relations and Treasurer Cheryl Turner, Communications Coordinator 800-HECLA91 (800-432-5291) Investor Relations Email: [email protected] Website: www.hecla.com Source: Hecla Mining Company - After successful beta testing, innovative platform opened to industry - 10+ carriers and vendors have signed up as participating members PARIS--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- i3forum, a leading industry association focused on driving global collaboration and innovation within the international communications sector, is proud to announce the launch of its Numbering Plan Community Platform. After completing successful user trials over many months, recruiting 10+ participating carrier and vendor members along the way, i3forum is now inviting the industry at large to join the collaborative initiative and share best practices and insights on Numbering Plans. Numbering plans are vital in telecommunications as they provide a standardized framework for addressing, routing, and identifying communications within and across networks. Many of the industrys shortcomings are rooted in the imperfect knowledge of Numbering Plans. At no given time is there a single source that has granular, up-to-date, operationally relevant knowledge of the Numbering Plan for each country or market. And whatever knowledge anyone does have, it almost always differs from the knowledge of other industry partners or sources. Updates and changes also take too long to propagate with authoritative sources and information is often unclear or inaccessible. This has created multiple issues, ranging from fraud, disputes, and under-optimization of routing and pricing to unintentionally enabling unwanted and illegal communications. To fix these issues, weve created a platform to be the place to go to exchange numbering plan updates and collaborate with experts from around the world. Were launching something extremely innovative that has never been done before: a Numbering Plan community where experts across the industry can exchange information and key insights into numbering plan interpretations, sources (both authoritative and non-authoritative), commercial applications, fraud trends, and more, said Philippe Millet, Founder and Chair of i3forum and chair of the Numbering Workgroup. The platform is not a central database capturing global numbering plans. It complements what vendors are doing in terms of building reference databases. Monthly calls are also held by the Numbering Workgroup for the community to engage with one another and openly talk about issues or share timely, accurate numbering plan data and expertise with industry peers. Participation leads to shared industry views on critical issues and the exchange of important numbering plan updates and data. Addressing the problems we face requires a collaborative approach with regular review and adaptation of numbering plans to overcome these challenges and support the efficient and optimal functioning of telecommunications. Traditional members include both professionals directly managing their companys global numbering plan and those applying it to their respective business functions (e.g., routing, pricing, billing, fraud prevention, and market management). The Numbering Plan Community is a collaborative space to exchange valuable numbering plan insights with the industry. We can easily share our own numbering plan expertise and in turn, get timely news & updates from our peers. These fresh insights can help us to better optimize our A-Z offers to the benefit of our business and our customers," said Jamie Fisher, Destination and Carrier Account Manager at Telstra. The news follows a string of i3forum announcements, including the launch of the One Consortium initiative to restore trust in international communications, pledge to develop a fraud KPI tool for its Insights platform, and an MoU signed with GSC to create new SMS fraud guidelines. Strengthen your companys global numbering plan while contributing to a more consistent, uniform industry view. Join the community today! About i3forum The i3forum is a non-profit industry body focused on driving global collaboration and innovation across the international communications ecosystem through an open and inclusive model. The i3forum and its community develop practical recommendations, tools, solutions, and policies to help understand consumer behavior, leverage technology, adapt to regulatory requirements, and foster trust in international communications. For more information, visit www.i3forum.org. View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20230615069759/en/ Media Jason McGee-Abe 26FIVE Global Lab [email protected] +44 7970 237682 Source: i3forum NEEDHAM, Mass.--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- A general lack of readiness has contributed to a precipitous increase in software supply chain attacks, and every organization building software is a potential target. Consequently, every organization must be diligent to avoid being the next victim of a high-profile breach. To help raise awareness of software supply chain security and inform organizations about what they can be doing to protect their software supply chain, International Data Corporation (IDC) has recently published a series of reports on the topic. Software supply chain security aims to secure the components and activities that go into developing and deploying an application, such as people, processes, dependencies, and tools. Software supply chain security differs from traditional application security, which focuses on tools, technologies, and automated processes used to identify, fix, and protect software against vulnerabilities that could impact the application at run-time. Most organizations are unaware of their exposure and are inadequately protected, leaving them prone to supply chain attacks. In a recent DevSecOps survey, IDC found that less than 30% of respondents identified a vulnerable software supply chain as one of their top security gaps or exposures, and 23% indicated that they experienced some form of software supply chain breach, a 241% increase from the prior year. Bad actors now recognize that the software supply chain is a soft target. They are becoming more sophisticated in hiding from detection, growing more patient and subtle, and taking time to learn about the environment before attacking. These adversaries could be nation-states or rogue hackers with criminal or malicious intent. They will try to target a company, either directly or as collateral damage, via its application software supply chain. Over the past several years, numerous software supply chain breaches have occurred. Some well-known breaches include SolarWinds, Codecov, Kaseya, PyTorch, Applied Materials, and the recent 3CX business phone system attack. While these were all software supply chain attacks, the bad actors all used disparate techniques to attack the supply chain. One of the biggest hurdles in securing the software supply chain is recognizing and identifying all the means of exploitation. "There has been an exponential increase in software supply chain breaches in recent years as malicious actors recognize that the software supply chain provides access to proprietary source code, build processes, or other automated update mechanisms, making it easy to infect DevOps pipelines and applications as well as the ability to move laterally across an organization to access customer data," said Jim Mercer, research vice president, DevOps and DevSecOps, IDC. "This growing threat of software supply chain attacks should compel organizations to examine their application software supply chains and do what they must to harden them to avoid being breached." The rise in attacks on the software supply chain is also compelling the U.S. Federal Government to use its purchasing power to raise security standards through actions such as the May 2021 Executive Order 14028 and the March 2023 National Cybersecurity Strategy. These governmental actions have created a flurry of activity around building and tracking software bill of materials or SBOMs. "The SBOM has been all the rage since the Executive Order, but both quantitative and qualitative data suggest that organizations are struggling with implementing the practices and tools necessary to make the use of SBOMs actionable, helping to secure their software supply chains," said Katie Norton, senior research analyst, DevOps and DevSecOps practices at IDC. "However, an ecosystem of frameworks, projects, and tools is forming to help organizations establish a strategy surrounding SBOMs that can set them up for success when the next Log4J or government regulation comes around." To help organizations to better understand the importance of software supply chain security, and how best to implement it, IDC has recently published several reports: Operationalizing SBOMs to Secure Your Software Supply Chain (Doc #US50137723) This research presents the challenges around operationalizing the software bill of materials (SBOM) that organizations face and are impeding broader adoption. Future of Digital Innovation and DevSecOps: Understanding and Securing the Attack Vectors of the Modern Software Supply Chain (Doc #US50485623) This research examines the various dimensions of the software supply chain that organizations need to be aware of and provides some guidance on tools and configurations that can help. IDC Market Glance: Software Supply Chain Security, 2Q23 (Doc #US50831623) This IDC Market Glance looks at the emerging software supply chain security market landscape and provides a high-level and illustrative graphical overview of the market, laying out the key segments and subsegments and identifying vendors that offer solutions/capabilities in each and can help educate organizations on new and emerging technologies for securing the software supply chain. About IDC International Data Corporation (IDC) is the premier global provider of market intelligence, advisory services, and events for the information technology, telecommunications, and consumer technology markets. With more than 1,300 analysts worldwide, IDC offers global, regional, and local expertise on technology, IT benchmarking and sourcing, and industry opportunities and trends in over 110 countries. IDC's analysis and insight helps IT professionals, business executives, and the investment community to make fact-based technology decisions and to achieve their key business objectives. Founded in 1964, IDC is a wholly owned subsidiary of International Data Group (IDG), the world's leading tech media, data, and marketing services company. To learn more about IDC, please visit www.idc.com. Follow IDC on Twitter at @IDC and LinkedIn. Subscribe to the IDC Blog for industry news and insights. View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20230615060561/en/ Michael Shirer 508-935-4200 [email protected] Source: International Data Corporation SEOUL, South Korea--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- INFINIQ, a prominent AI data specialist, has unveiled its technique to address the challenges faced by customers in the AI development. Through customer surveys, INFINIQ has identified that dataset quality verification remains one of the most difficult aspects for customers. This press release features multimedia. View the full release here: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20230613421315/en/ INFINIQ at AVT Expo Europe 2023 (Photo: INFINIQ) Recognizing the importance of high-quality datasets in AI model training, companies dedicate significant time and cost in data labeling. However, they still need a reliable method to confirm the quality of the resulting dataset. To tackle this issue, INFINIQ offers a range of dataset quality analytics reports designed to validate the quality of dataset. These reports provide valuable insights into the performance of deep neural networks (DNN) by comparing the ground truth data with the DNN results. Key metrics, such as Intersection over Union (IoU), precision, recall, and F1 score, can be derived at the class or scene level, enabling customers to assess DNN performance effectively. At the 2023 Autonomous Vehicles Technology Expo in Europe, INFINIQ showcased its dataset quality analytics report and received an overwhelmingly positive response, demonstrating the industry's demand for reliable dataset evaluation solutions. INFINIQ has also captured customer attention through its web-based tool, which facilitates faster and easier sensor-fusion and 3D segmentation annotation. The tool significantly enhances the accuracy and efficiency of annotation processes which is crucial for the development of autonomous driving technology. As a leading data anonymization solution provider in Korea, INFINIQ has showcased a real-time, large-scale data anonymization solution. Through the demonstration of blurring and replacing visitors' faces and vehicle license plates at the expo, INFINIQ recognized the growing need for diverse applications of image/video data containing personal information and captured the interest from the European customers. About INFINIQ INFINIQ is quickly becoming one of the key AI data companies in the world to produce high-quality dataset. As the ISO27001 and ISO27701 certified company, it has a global car OEM and Tier 1 companies as trusted partners and has completed over 2,000 projects for more than 110 customers. View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20230613421315/en/ INFINIQ +82-70-4048-3690 [email protected] Source: INFINIQ TORONTO--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- Jack Nathan Medical Corp. (TSXV: JNH, OTCQB: JNHMF) (Jack Nathan Health, JNH or the Company) is pleased to announce the signing of a secured convertible debenture (the Debenture) in the principal amount of C$8,000,000 (the Transaction) with Wal-Mart Canada Corp. (Wal-Mart). This Transaction further supports JNHs national expansion strategy, providing an important catalyst for rapid growth. Commenting on the Transaction, Dr. Glenn Copeland, Chief Executive Officer and Chief Medical Officer of the Company, stated: We are greatly appreciative of the support that Walmart Canada has shown us throughout the many years. This new investment changes the entire complexion and growth strategy of our Company. With Walmart as our committed partner, we are capable of growing more clinics at an accelerated rate. This commitment allows us to gain access to many more Canadians across the country for all of their medical needs including family practice, urgent care and specialty services all under their respective provincial health plans. We are most grateful to the leadership of Walmart for showing their faith and confidence in us. Sam Hamam, Senior Director of Licenses for Wal-Mart, said: Were excited to be working with Jack Nathan Health to expand medical clinics to more Wal-Mart stores in Canada. Wal-Mart is committed to making healthcare and wellness more accessible in the communities we serve, and helping our customers live better, every day. Terms of the Debenture Advance and Use of Proceeds The Debenture provides for one advance in the principal amount of C$8,000,000, which advance shall occur on Closing (as defined below). The proceeds from the Debenture are to be used for the operations of Jack Nathan Health that are operated in collaboration with Wal-Mart, including for the opening of up to 25 new clinics and Quebec infrastructure. Interest and Maturity The Debenture shall bear interest at the rate of 9% per annum from the date of issuance (the Closing), payable quarterly until the earlier of the Maturity Date (as defined below) or the date of full conversion of the Debenture. Subject to earlier conversion, the Debenture will mature on the date that is three (3) years from the date of issuance (the Maturity Date). Conversion The principal amount outstanding under the Debenture (the Principal) shall be convertible, at the option of Wal-Mart, into units of the Company (each, a Unit) at a price of C$0.105 per Unit. Such Principal will be so convertible by Wal-Mart in whole or part, at any time and from time to time prior to the Maturity Date. Each Unit shall consist of one (1) common share in the capital of the Company (each, a Common Share) and one (1) Common Share purchase warrant of the Company (each, a Warrant), with each Warrant entitling the holder to purchase one (1) Common Share at an exercise price of C$0.105 until the date that is three (3) years following the date of issue of such Warrant. Board Nomination Rights and Board Observers Upon Closing, Wal-Mart shall have the right, but not the obligation, to appoint one (1) individual to the board of directors of the Company (the Board). Wal-Mart has indicated that it does not currently intend to exercise this right. Upon any conversion of the Debenture, Wal-Mart shall be entitled, but not obligated, to appoint up to three (3) individuals to the Board for so long as it holds 30% or greater of the outstanding Common Shares. Wal-Marts Board nomination rights shall decrease to two (2) individuals if it holds greater than 20% but less than 30% of the outstanding Common Shares and one (1) individual if it holds greater than 10% but less than 20% of the outstanding Common Shares. In addition to its Board nomination rights Wal-Mart will be entitled (but not obligated) to appoint two (2) non-voting Board observers. Closing The TSX Venture Exchange has conditionally accepted the Transaction. Closing of the Transaction remains subject to approval by shareholders of the Company and the satisfaction of certain customary conditions precedent, including the final acceptance of the TSX Venture Exchange. The threshold required for shareholder approval is a majority of the votes cast with respect to the Transaction at a meeting of shareholders must be in favour of the Transaction. In this regard, the Company has called a shareholders meeting for July 19, 2023. Shareholders of the Company will be asked to approve the Transaction at that shareholders meeting. All directors and executive officers of JNH representing approximately 24.87% of the outstanding Common Shares have entered into customary voting support agreements and will vote their Common Shares in favour of the Transaction. About Jack Nathan Medical Corp. Jack Nathan Medical Corp., operating as Jack Nathan Health, is one of Canadas largest healthcare networks. Jack Nathan Health is an innovative healthcare company that is improving access for millions of patients by co-locating physician and ancillary medical services conveniently located inside Walmart stores. Jack Nathan Health provides an exceptional level of patient care, made possible through patient-centric physicians, a variety of medical services, technology, and programs, designed to put patients first. Our mission is to provide everyone access to the finest quality retail medical centres, with both in-clinic physicians and digital telemedicine, so you and your loved ones can "Live Your Best Life". Jack Nathan Health was established in 2006 and continues to expand its international footprint, delivering exceptional, state-of-the-art, turn-key medical centres. In Canada, the Company has 75 clinics in Walmart locations in British Columbia, Alberta, Saskatchewan, Manitoba, Ontario, and Quebec. 18 clinics, 3 Rehab and 5 MedSpa are corporate owned and operated. In Mexico, the Company has 131 corporate owned and operated clinics in Walmart locations and 4 clinics inside Walmart Distribution Centres servicing Walmart Associates For more information, visit www.jacknathanhealth.com or www.sedar.com. Neither the TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as defined in policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release. Certain statements contained in this press release constitute "forward-looking information" as such term is defined in applicable Canadian securities legislation. The words "may", "would", "could", "should", "potential", "will", "seek", "intend", "plan", "anticipate", "believe, estimate", "expect" and similar expressions as they relate to the Company are intended to identify forward-looking information. All statements other than statements of historical fact may be forward-looking information. Forward-looking information contained in this press release includes, without limitation, statements with respect to the completion of the Transaction, expected benefits of the Transaction, the Companys growth strategy, and the Companys plans to grow more clinics at an accelerated rate. Such statements reflect the Company's current views and intentions with respect to future events, and current information available to it, and are subject to certain risks, uncertainties, and assumptions. Many factors could cause the actual results, performance or achievements that may be expressed or implied by such forward-looking information to vary from those described herein should one or more of these risks or uncertainties materialize. Such factors include but are not limited to: risks associated with the requirement to obtain shareholder and TSX Venture Exchange approvals for the Transaction; changes in economic conditions or financial markets; increases in costs; litigation; legislative and other judicial, regulatory, political, and competitive developments; the economic and business impact of operational difficulties. This list is not exhaustive of the factors that may affect forward-looking information. These and other factors should be considered carefully, and readers should not place undue reliance on such forward-looking information. Should any factor affect the Company in an unexpected manner or should assumptions underlying the forward-looking information prove incorrect, the actual results or events may differ materially from the results or events predicted. Any such forward-looking information is expressly qualified in its entirety by this cautionary statement. Moreover, the Company does not assume responsibility for the accuracy or completeness of such forward-looking information. The forward-looking information included in this press release is made as of the date of this press release and the Company undertakes no obligation to publicly update or revise any forward- looking information, other than as required by applicable law. View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20230615369118/en/ Jack Nathan Medical Corp., Mike Marchelletta, Vice Chairman, [email protected] Source: Jack Nathan Medical Corp. OTTAWA, Ontario--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- In response to the federal governments release of its Sustainable Jobs Plan legislation (Bill C-50), Marty Warren, National Director of the United Steelworkers union (USW), made the following statement: Overall, there is a lot for workers to celebrate in the governments new Sustainable Jobs Plan outlined in this bill, but too many questions still need to be answered before any Mission Accomplished banners can be raised. Its clear this legislation would not have been possible without the influence of the NDP through its Supply and Confidence Agreement with the government. Its our hope that this collaborative process continues in support of amendments that will strengthen the plan to create and maintain good, sustainable, union jobs, as well as the supports needed for negatively affected workers. USW members are encouraged to see a commitment to create good, high-quality jobs in low-carbon industries, as well as creating and supporting existing jobs in comparatively low-carbon sectors, including for industrial workers. Still, this legislation fails to outline the comprehensive industrial strategy the USW and other unions have been calling for, and that workers need. This includes investments in clean technologies, commitments to bring offshored manufacturing jobs back to Canada, requirements to use products manufactured or sourced in Canada in domestic government infrastructure projects and a strategy for the international promotion and export of products produced in Canada with some of the lowest emissions and highest employment standards in the world, such as Canadian steel, aluminum, cement, lumber and critical minerals. The legislation addresses some of the obvious issues around departmental co-ordination that could complicate the effective implementation of a genuine jobs plan, but some questions still remain. A seat at the head of the proposed partnership council for organized labour, equal to that of industry, is encouraging. More clarity is still needed, however, on how the proposed secretariat will be governed and how exactly it will be empowered to enforce the co-ordination of the various affected government departments. In particular, since the structures in this bill fall under the Natural Resources department, we need to see more clarity on how supports and economic intervention will be accessed through other relevant departments. Specifically we need an assurance of access to and incorporation of adequate labour market analysis as well as the ability to create targeted workforce policies including training, retraining and pension bridging, though Employment and Social Development Canada (ESDC). Much of this will come in subsequent regulations and funding announcements, but given the governments record of ignoring similar bodies, such as Canadas Net-Zero Advisory Body, our union remains concerned about how this legislation will be implemented and how much influence the council and its chairs will have over future government actions. The USW, along with other labour unions, will remain vigilant to make sure the stated goals and specific policy proposals are met. We must ensure that this goes beyond a decent framework and truly results in the creation and maintenance of good, family-supporting union jobs in a sustainable economy where we protect the water we drink and the air we breathe. View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20230615494827/en/ For more information: Marty Warren, USW National Director, 416-544-5951 George Soule, USW Communications, 306-531-9112, [email protected] Source: United Steelworkers The plumbing manufacturer welcomed members of its award-winning Ambassador Program to its global headquarters for a two-day immersive event, featuring hands-on training, installation competitions, product ideation and more CLEVELAND--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- Oatey Co., a leading manufacturer in the plumbing industry since 1916, hosted its third annual Ambassador Fest plumbing influencer event last week in Cleveland, Ohio. A key perk of its award-winning social media Ambassador Program, Ambassador Fest is two-day immersive event for Oatey Ambassadors, focused on providing Ambassadors with robust training and hands-on experiences to enhance and expand their skills as tradespeople and digital content creators. This press release features multimedia. View the full release here: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20230615724957/en/ Oatey Co. recently welcomed members of its award-winning Ambassador Program to its global headquarters for a two-day immersive event, featuring hands-on training, installation competitions, product ideation and more . (Photo: Oatey) This years Ambassador Fest attendees included Evan Berns, Colin Luttrell, Nick Parlet, Jeff Keller, Nick Meritt, Justin Noftle, Jesharelah (Shay) Lorette, Danielle Browne, Thomas Young, Robert Broccolo, and Germaine Nelson, collectively representing a diverse range of plumbing and building expertise from across North America. Ambassador Fest, which took place June 8-9 at the Oatey University training facility, featured opportunities for participants to learn about Oateys company and products, as well as to share their perspectives and insights from the field. Among the training experiences provided were solvent welding training, an in-depth product expo with Oatey product managers, and tours of Oateys manufacturing and distribution facilities. Ambassadors also participated in product feedback discussions, a product ideation competition and the first-ever Ambassador Olympics event, a hands-on application competition. At a meet-and-greet at the companys headquarters, Ambassadors were spotlighted in a panel discussion and enjoyed networking conversations with Oatey associates. The Ambassadors also helped cheer the Cleveland Guardians to victory on Thursday evening. Colin Luttrell, sole proprietor of ColinThePlumberLLC in Rochester, N.Y., joined Oateys Ambassador Program in January after following other Ambassadors on social media for years. During his first-ever visit to Cleveland, he says he was blown away by the Ambassador Fest experience. Oateys Ambassador Fest is a once in a lifetime trip, said Luttrell. After watching all these wonderful people online for years, being able to meet them in person and experience Oatey University first-hand was something Ill never forget. I cant say enough about the Oatey staff their passion for what they do is what makes it so awesome. In contrast, this was the third Ambassador Fest for Danielle Browne, a 17-year industry veteran from St. Johns, Newfoundland, Canada, better known as Twig or the littlest plumber within the plumbing social media community. According to Browne, who was a member of Oateys inaugural class of Ambassadors, this years event the most robust and engaging yet. I have been honored to attend Ambassador Fest every year since 2021, and each year I learn more, build more meaningful connections and leave more inspired than ever about my craft. Ive never encountered a brand more committed than Oatey to supporting the trades, and I am so grateful for the opportunity to represent them as an Ambassador. For the Oatey team, the feeling is mutual. It was our privilege to host our Ambassadors in Cleveland for Ambassador Fest, said Katherine Lehtinen, Senior Vice President, Brand and Digital Marketing at Oatey. Oatey is committed to supporting our end users and the skilled trades, and it is our hope that Ambassador Fest and our overall Ambassador Program help our Ambassadors continue to grow, advance and find opportunities, just as they help us to do so. For additional information about Oateys Ambassador Program, visit oatey.com. ABOUT OATEY CO. Since 1916, Oatey has provided reliable, high-quality products for the residential and commercial plumbing industries, with a commitment to delivering quality, building trust and improving lives. Today, Oatey operates a comprehensive manufacturing and distribution network to supply thousands of products for professional builders, contractors, engineers and do-it-yourself consumers around the world. Oatey is based in Cleveland, Ohio, and has locations in the United States, Canada, Mexico and China. For more information, visit www.oatey.com, call (800) 321-9532 or follow Oatey on Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn or Instagram. View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20230615724957/en/ John OReilly Greenhouse Digital + PR [email protected] 815.469.9100 Source: Oatey Co. Pottery Barn Teens Dorm Collection is a One-Stop-Shop for College and Dorm Essentials SAN FRANCISCO--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- Pottery Barn Teen, a portfolio brand of Williams-Sonoma, Inc. (NYSE: WSM), the worlds largest digital-first, design-led and sustainable home retailer, announced today the launch of the brands largest dorm collection to date. Building on the brands life stage design expertise, Pottery Barn Teen offers more ways than ever to prepare for college with a new assortment that features dorm bedding, bath, storage, and decorating essentials. Customers can shop the new dorm collection online, in-store and on the Pottery Barn Teen mobile app. Pottery Barn Teens most robust dorm collection yet features must-have items, including twin XL bedding, quick dry towels, laundry bags, no-nails decor, study essentials and storage solutions. Pottery Barn Teen takes the guesswork out of college shopping by providing a comprehensive checklist of dorm-approved favorites. To see the checklist, visit https://www.pbteen.com/pages/pbdorm/college-checklist.html. Pottery Barn Teens dorm assortment features a range of aesthetic styles, including a new romantic, vintage-inspired collaboration of floral dorm bedding and decor with beloved fashion brand, LoveShackFancy. Our new dorm collection brings together style, quality and the functionality needed for dorm living. We considered every detail of the room to offer a complete decorating solution crafted with high-quality materials and a focus on sustainability that the Pottery Barn brands are known for, said Jennifer Kellor, President, Pottery Barn Teen. We are proud to offer our customers more convenient shopping with our new mobile app and expanded ship-to-store functionality. Pottery Barn Teen also offers a seamless Ship-to-Store option for convenient pickup at any of the Williams-Sonoma, Inc. brand retail locations nationwide, including Pottery Barn, Pottery Barn Kids, Pottery Barn Teen, Williams Sonoma, and West Elm. Instead of shipping to a home address, customers can choose to have their order shipped to the store location closest to their college campus just in time for move-in day. To learn more about Pottery Barn Teens dorm assortment, visit www.pbteen.com/shop/dorm. Join the conversation on social media with @potterybarnteen and @potterybarndorm. ABOUT POTTERY BARN TEEN Introduced in 2003, Pottery Barn Teen offers home furnishings and solutions to create spaces that reflect who teens are and how they live. Available online and in stores globally, Pottery Barn Teen brings the best in quality design with a focus on eco-friendly and sustainable materials that have a low impact on the environment. Pottery Barn Dorm, launched in 2010, is Pottery Barn Teens offering of dorm furniture and essentials with the same quality and commitment to style. Pottery Barn Teen is a member of Williams-Sonoma, Inc. (NYSE: WSM) and participates in The Key Rewards, a free-to-join loyalty program that offers members exclusive benefits across the family of brands. WSM PR View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20230615137427/en/ Molly Terrell Public Relations, Pottery Barn Teen [email protected] Lauren Sanchez Public Relations, Pottery Barn Teen [email protected] Source: Pottery Barn PEARL RIVER, N.Y.--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- RK Pharma Inc, a vertically integrated pharmaceutical company today announced the successful completion of the acquisition of VGYAAN Pharmaceuticals LLC. The acquisition of VGYAAN Pharmaceuticals aligns strongly with our growth strategy that will deliver substantial value for our company, customers, and strategic partners, said Dr. Ravishanker Kovi, founder & Executive Chairman of RK Pharma. With this acquisition, RK Pharma will gain an exciting product portfolio, meaningful partnerships with strategic partners, and a proven team with an impressive track record. We are thrilled to be part of RK Pharma, said Nailesh A. Bhatt, CEO and Founder of VGYAAN Pharmaceuticals. With RK Pharmas robust capabilities in complex product development, state-of-the-art manufacturing capabilities of APIs and finished dosages, vertical integration, and large global footprint, we will continue on our mission of bringing clinically critical therapies to market to serve patients. Dr. George R. Thomas, CEO of RK Pharma said, We look forward to Nailesh Bhatt and Nimisha Bhatt continuing with us at VGYAAN Pharmaceuticals as CEO and COO respectively, as we build on VGYAAN Pharmaceuticals patient-focused platform of products and strategic partnerships. In the world where drug shortages and supply chain disruptions have become frequent and more common, we feel strongly that our joining hands with RK Pharma will enable us to bring high quality drugs with a dependable supply chain to market, added Nimisha Bhatt, COO and Co-Founder of VGYAAN Pharmaceuticals. This acquisition follows RK Pharmas recent announcement of an investment of up to $200 million from PAG, a leading global investment firm. Terms of the deal have not been disclosed. Sheppard, Mullin, Richter and Hampton LLP acted as legal counsel to RK Pharma Inc., and Blank Rome LLP acted as legal counsel to VGYAAN Pharmaceuticals LLC. About RK Pharma RK Pharma Inc is a privately held US based vertically integrated pharmaceutical company. We focus on the development, manufacturing, and sale of high quality and affordable generic pharmaceutical products worldwide. RK Pharma Inc. has a unique position in integrated development, manufacturing, and regulatory capabilities, with a focus on products with formulation challenges and first generic opportunities. For more information, visit www.rkpharmainc.com About VGYAAN Pharmaceuticals VGYAAN Pharmaceuticals LLC is a privately held pharmaceutical company headquartered in Skillman, NJ, USA focused on developing and commercializing clinically critical therapies across a variety of dosage forms and therapeutic categories. The company was formed as a direct result of long-term collaborations with key industry stakeholders from across the value chain and has generated significant value for patients and partners in a short-span of time. For more information, visit www.vgyaan.com View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20230615327714/en/ [email protected] or [email protected] Source: RK Pharma Inc Namibia said on Thursday it would auction off dozens of crocodiles and deliver more permits to hunt the big reptiles, whose growing population is leading to more attacks on people. Environment Minister Pohamba Shifeta told AFP the move comes as crocodile numbers in parts of the southern African country have grown to a point where they are no longer sustainable. "We have targeted different areas where the crocodile population exceeds the carrying capacity and moving onto the shore where they start to attack people," Shifeta said. The ministry had on Wednesday said in a statement that 40 crocodiles would be captured from rivers in the northeastern, wildlife-rich regions of Kavango and Zambezi -- and auctioned off. The government said they would be sold to anyone who could prove they have suitable habitats for the crocodiles, and who have proper export papers. "We are also looking at where the human attacks take place in conservancies and will increase their trophy quota, we might double it," said Shifeta. The decision was based on a study of the reptile population after an increase in reports of crocodiles wading into inhabited areas, Shifeta said. The ministry has since 2019 paid more than 2.3 million Namibian dollars ($125,000) in compensation to families affected by crocodile attacks, some of which were fatal, it said. The sum included 14 payouts for injuries to people, as well as compensation for the loss of livestock. Bidding for the crocodiles is set to begin on July 17 and sales will be repeated periodically to control population numbers. Search Keywords: Short link: JACKSONVILLE, Fla.--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- Rayonier Advanced Materials Inc. (NYSE: RYAM, the Company), a global leader in the production of high-purity cellulose specialty products, hosted a groundbreaking ceremony at its new second-generation Bioethanol plant located in Tartas, Les Landes France, on Thursday, June 15, 2023. The plants construction commenced in January 2023. This event was attended by prominent individuals and RYAMs executive leadership team members, including President and CEO, De Lyle Bloomquist. RYAM, a pioneer in biomaterials technology, will further leverage the value in its wood-based feedstock (without competing with food) to produce second-generation (2G) bioethanol, an eco-friendly fuel with a ninety percent smaller carbon footprint than fossil fuel-based gasoline. By fulfilling the clean and renewable energy requirements of petrochemical companies in the European market, RYAM's bioethanol is expected to contribute significantly to reducing carbon emissions. With the successful development of second-generation bioethanol products, RYAM is taking an important step toward achieving our BioFuture and promoting a more sustainable world, said De Lyle Bloomquist, President and CEO of RYAM. The strong demand for this innovative, renewable biofuel provides another example of how we can leverage our existing plants and knowledge of cellulose chemistry to provide innovative, biobased solutions. RYAMs new bioethanol plant will capture residual sugars from existing biomaterials refinement processes and convert those sugars into 2G bioethanol. This project will enhance the circularity of the Tartas plants operation, resulting in a significant portion of RYAMs primary raw material (sustainably sourced trees) being utilized towards higher-value commercial end uses. Second-generation bioethanol is about more than just introducing a new product pipeline. 2G bioethanol represents RYAMs largest investment to date towards its more sustainable BioFuture, said Christian Ribeyrolle, Head of Biomaterials at RYAM. In collaboration with our customer, our 2G bioethanol provides a green biofuel alternative for Europes gasoline market and helps combat climate change by eliminating approximately 25,000 tons of CO2 emissions annually. Designed to produce up to 21 million liters of bioethanol, the new facility is scheduled to begin commercial operation during the first half of 2024. The plant has received certification from ISCC EU, conforming with the Renewable Energy Directive (RED II). RYAM has entered a long-term off-take (sales) agreement with a large international petrochemicals company to purchase the 2G bioethanol and financed a significant portion of its investment with low-cost green loans. About RYAM RYAM is a global leader in cellulose-based technologies, including high-purity cellulose specialties, a natural polymer commonly found in filters, food, pharmaceuticals, and other industrial applications. The Company also manufactures products for paper and packaging markets. With manufacturing operations in the U.S., Canada, and France, RYAM employs approximately 2,500 people and generated an estimated $1.7 billion in revenues in 2022. More information is available at www.RYAM.com. Forward-Looking Statements Certain statements in this document regarding anticipated financial, business, legal or other outcomes, including business and market conditions, outlook and other similar statements relating to Rayonier Advanced Materials or future or expected events, developments or financial or operational performance or results, are "forward-looking statements" made pursuant to the safe harbor provisions of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 and other federal securities laws. These forward-looking statements are identified by the use of words such as "may," "will," "should," "expect," "estimate," "believe," "intend," "anticipate," and other similar language. However, the absence of these or similar words or expressions does not mean that a statement is not forward-looking. While we believe these forward-looking statements are reasonable when made, forward-looking statements are not guarantees of future performance or events, and undue reliance should not be placed on these statements. Although we believe the expectations reflected in any forward-looking statements are based on reasonable assumptions, we can give no assurance that these expectations will be attained. It is possible that actual results may differ materially from those indicated by these forward-looking statements due to a variety of risks and uncertainties. Other important factors that could cause actual results or events to differ materially from those expressed in forward-looking statements that may have been made in this document are described or will be described in our filings with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission, including our Annual Report on Form 10-K and Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q. Rayonier Advanced Materials assumes no obligation to update these statements except as is required by law. View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20230615650907/en/ Media Ryan Houck, 904-357-9134 Investors Mickey Walsh, 904-357-9162 Source: Rayonier Advanced Materials Inc. Mayor Francis X. Suarez announced his candidacy to run for president. Suarez, the citys 43rd and first Miami-born mayor, declared his plans this morning in an interview on Good Morning America. MIAMI--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- Suarez, who just completed his term as president for the U.S. Conference of Mayors, was first overwhelmingly elected as mayor in 2017 winning 86% of the vote. In 2021, he was re-elected to a second term with a mandate of 79%. This press release features multimedia. View the full release here: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20230615636610/en/ Francis X. Suarez, Mayor of Miami, is running for President.(Photo: Business Wire) During his term, Miami's tax rate went to a historical low and has the lowest homicide per capita since 1964. Previously, Mayor Suarez has credited the success of Miamis low homicide rate by boosting the citys police force. In Miami we chose to increase funding for our police, while other cities defunded them, Suarez said. Recently the Miami area was cited with the lowest unemployment rate in the nation at 1.7%. In 2022, Miami was named number one in wage and salary growth in the country. Suarez touts Miamis method to its economic success, saying, Our Miami model advances a conservative economic approach that lifts up the least, the last and the lost. And understands that freedom thrives when everyone has an opportunity to succeed. Under Suarez the City of Miami has never been in better financial health. Last month, Miami saw its credit rating upgraded, saving Miami residents hundreds of thousands of dollars. It is that type of success Suarez believes will resonate with voters, saying, We need a leader with a record of real results, not just rhetoric who believes with all his heart in the American dream-who wants to share it with everyone regardless of race, region or complexion. View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20230615636610/en/ Soledad Cedro-305-439-0950 [email protected] Source: SUAREZ FOR PRESIDENT, INC Company sends quantum-encrypted data through 1,032-kilometer fiber-optic network at more than 10,000 times previous speed record. As a result, Terra Quantum sets world records in both data transmission speed (key rate) and data transmission distance. Approach utilizes conventional hardware, showcasing potential for unprecedented global long-distance end-to-end security. This new approach makes it possible to affordably use quantum-secure data transmissions across global networks without requiring specialized equipment. Markus Pflitsch, Founder and CEO of Terra Quantum. ZURICH & MUNICH--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- Researchers with Terra Quantum, a leader in quantum technologies, have set a world record for securing long-distance communications with quantum encryption, paving the way to offering enterprises with an affordable, unprecedently secure way to send data over existing fiber-optic networks. This press release features multimedia. View the full release here: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20230615710544/en/ With a transmission rate of 34 bits per second over 1,032 kilometers, Terra Quantum achieves significantly higher QKD rates (i.e. secured data transmission speed) at longer distances than all previous approaches. (Graphic: Business Wire) Terra Quantum successfully sent quantum-secure communication on optical-fiber cables over 1,032 kilometers at significantly higher data transmission rates (key rate) than the previous record (previously: 0.0034 bits per second; now: 34 bits per second) (arXiv Paper). The experiment validates Terra Quantums novel approach to long-range quantum-secure communications, utilizing similar infrastructure to that is used in todays existing telecommunication networks. The approach was first brought forward by Terra Quantum in 2021 and has recently been published and thereby confirmed, in the peer-reviewed journal Nature: Scientific reports. A global quantum-secure communication network is within reach. Our achievement marks a milestone, which research teams around the globe have been trying to reach over the past years, says Markus Pflitsch, Founder and CEO of Terra Quantum. Terra Quantums approach makes global quantum-secure data transmission scalable without specialized quantum equipment. This is the start of the highest level of cybersecurity. The world record achieved by Terra Quantum builds on a new theory of Quantum Key Distribution (QKD) encryption that lifts previous constraints on distance and data transmission rates in quantum-secure communication. Other approaches require deployment of specialized quantum transmission hardware along the used fiber, i.e., quantum amplifiers, or use special purpose fiber to reach longer distances of QKD encryption. On the contrary, Terra Quantum has formulated and validated an approach that utilizes conventional optical-fiber and optical amplifiers. Similar hardware is already employed in todays communication infrastructure. Users of the technology only require quantum encryption and decoding hardware on site at the sender and receiver. On this basis, Terra Quantum achieves significantly higher QKD rates (i.e. secured data transmission speed) at longer distances than all previous approaches with a transmission rate of 34 bits per second over 1,032 kilometers. The latest experiment by scientists from the University of Science and Technology of China, the Jinan Institute of Quantum Technology, and the Shanghai Institute of Microsystem and Information Technology achieved a 1,002 kilometers distance with a rate of 0.0034 bits per second (see Figure 1). The introduction of long-range QKD promises unconditional security of data communication, making unauthorized interception of transmitted data physically impossible. It has widespread commercial and governmental application, across banking, state and scientific institutions, and consumer technology. Application technology could shield governmental bodies from foreign intelligence services, help companies to defend against corporate espionage, or support banks in securing customers financial transactions. Technical Deep Dive Among the different approaches to QKD in global research, Twin-Field QKD (TFQKD) has proven to be the most effective for long distances as it overcomes the exponential decrease of secret communication rates with channel length due to signal losses and decay (the key rate border after which an exponential decay starts is often referred to as the PirandolaLaurenzaOttavianiBanch bound). Although it has been understood as the most effective among the QKD techniques, previous approaches utilizing TFQKD were unfeasible for global scalability. As these approaches used single-photon states, the strength of the transmission signal was too low to be amplified by optical repeaters. As a consequence, they relied on quantum repeaters or trusted nodes as amplification components along the lines of transmission which led to drawbacks in the security and transmission rates of the encrypted signal. Terra Quantums approach uses multi-photon states, increasing the strength of the optical signal to a degree in which it is amplifiable by conventional optical repeaters, allowing for higher transmission rates and distances, as well as an increased level of security. # # # About Terra Quantum Terra Quantum Group is a leading quantum technology company based in Germany and Switzerland. It provides "Quantum as a Service (QaaS) in three core areas, the first one being "Quantum Algorithms as a Service". Here, customers are provided access to an extensive library of algorithms, such as hybrid quantum optimization and hybrid quantum neural networks, which can be used for solving complex logistics problems or pattern recognition, among other things. Terra Quantum also develops new quantum algorithms for its customers or adapts existing algorithms to their specific needs. Secondly, through "Quantum Computing as a Service", Terra Quantum offers its customers access to its proprietary high-performance simulated quantum processing units (QPU), the quantum ecosystems physical QPUs, while also developing native QPUs. The third division is "Quantum Security as a Service," through which Terra Quantum offers its unique solutions for secure quantum and post-quantum communications worldwide. Visit us on LinkedIn and our website. View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20230615710544/en/ Victoria Jodl Global Head of Communications E-Mail: [email protected] Phone: +41 79 8131588 Source: Terra Quantum Hires New Chief Marketing Officer and Promotes Two from Within to Co-Executive Vice Presidents NEW YORK--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- The Dave Cantin Group (DCG), a leading financial advisory company known for specializing in automotive dealership mergers & acquisitions, announced today that it is further expanding its buy/sell services to motorcycle (Harley-Davidson), recreational vehicle (RV), powersport, and heavy truck (semis) dealerships. DCG annually advises on over $1 billion in gross transaction volume. Each of these sectors is being fueled by specific trends driving steady growth with strong margins, making these dealerships attractive acquisition targets for larger public and private dealership groups. Consolidation in the broader automotive industry is expected to continue and in order to maintain strong growth, larger groups are looking outside traditional automotive dealerships and in to adjacent sectors. Now is the opportune time for DCG to capitalize on our leading market position in the automotive dealership industry by furthering our services to other sectors and territories, said Dave Cantin, Executive Chairman and CEO of DCG. We believe our expanded services will help us better serve our top clients as they look to achieve growth through acquisitions of dealerships in sectors adjacent to their core automotive business. DCG has been active across the dealership landscape with notable transactions that include the sale of Bruce Rossmeyers Daytona Harley-Davidson to Ed Morse Automotive Group; the sale of the Murrays Freightliner Western Star to Berman Truck Group; and the sale of Longhorn RV to Fun Town RV Tyler. DCG New Hire and Promotions To support the companys evolution into automotive-adjacent sectors, DCG also announced today the hiring of its first Chief Marketing Officer and promotion of two executives to co-Executive Vice President of North American Sales for DCG. Brian Gordon joins the Dave Cantin Group as Chief Marketing Officer. He will be responsible for leading the companys marketing and communications with a focus on developing strategies to fuel core business growth and penetrate the new sectors. Gordon has more than 25 years of experience across branding, media, advertising, digital, PR and experiential marketing. Prior to joining DCG, Gordon held various executive-level roles including CMO of a multi-billion-dollar wholesale distributor, and CEO of two leading marketing agencies where he worked with global brands including American Express, Anheuser-Busch, Delta Airlines, Diageo, ESPN, General Motors, Hilton, Mercedes-Benz, Microsoft, Motorola, and Sony. Brian Traugott promoted to Executive Vice President. He previously served as Vice President of Operations for DCG and prior to joining the company, Traugott led the marketing and buy/sell processes for General Motors Northeast Region. Tony Karabon promoted to Executive Vice President. He previously served as a Managing Director for DCG and prior to joining the company, was general counsel for multiple auto groups including RFJ Auto Partners (a top 25 dealer group), and The Boucher Group (a top 100 dealer group). Before entering the automotive industry, Karabon practiced corporate, real estate, and transactional law. Together, Traugott and Karabon will lead DCGs expanded North American sales operations. "Promoting two executives from our current team is an important part of our growth strategy, said DCG President and COO Brian Brown. Their industry expertise, company knowledge, and proven track record make them the perfect candidates to lead our expanded sales operations as we move into this next chapter of our business. About The Dave Cantin Group The Dave Cantin Group (DCG) is a leading financial advisory company serving North American dealers across a broad cross-section of dealership-related services. It caters to specific financial, transactional, and advisory needs of its clients on the buy and sell side of the M&A process. Through its media division, DCG produces the #1 downloaded automotive podcast, Dealer News Today. The company's nonprofit partner, DCG Giving, funds child and adolescent cancer research and treatment in communities nationwide through its support of the Childrens Oncology Group. For more information, please visit www.davecantingroup.com. View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20230615322463/en/ Nick Mitsis Percepture [email protected] Source: The Dave Cantin Group 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. TORONTO--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- The Westaim Corporation (Westaim or the Company) (TSXV: WED) has announced that it has entered into an automatic share purchase plan (the ASPP) with Stifel Nicolaus Canada Inc. (Stifel) in order to facilitate repurchases of its common shares (the Shares) under its previously announced normal course issuer bid (NCIB). On September 26, 2022, the Company announced that it had received approval from the TSX Venture Exchange (the Exchange or TSXV) to make a normal course issuer bid, pursuant to which, during the 12-month period commencing October 1, 2022 and ending September 30, 2023, Westaim may purchase for cancellation up to 11,005,494 Shares in total, representing approximately 10% of Westaims then public float of Shares. As at the date hereof, the Company has repurchased 2,394,600 Shares under the NCIB. Under the ASPP, Stifel, on behalf of Westaim, may repurchase Shares under the NCIB at times when the Company would ordinarily not be permitted to do so, due to blackout periods where the Company is in possession of material undisclosed information. Purchases will be made by Stifel, on behalf of Westaim, based on the parameters prescribed by the TSXV, applicable securities laws, and the terms of the ASPP. The ASPP has been approved by the Exchange and will be in place until September 30, 2023 (the balance of the term of the NCIB). The board of directors of the Company (the "Board") believes that the recent market prices of the Shares do not properly reflect the underlying value of such Shares. As a result, depending upon future price movements and other factors, the Board believes that the purchase of the Shares would be a desirable use of corporate funds in the best interests of the Company and its shareholders. Furthermore, the purchases are expected to benefit all persons who continue to hold Shares by increasing their equity interest in the Company when such repurchased Shares are cancelled. About Westaim Westaim is a Canadian investment company specializing in providing long-term capital to businesses operating primarily within the global financial services industry. The Company invests, directly and indirectly, through acquisitions, joint ventures and other arrangements, with the objective of providing its shareholders with capital appreciation and real wealth preservation. Westaims strategy is to pursue investment opportunities with a focus towards the financial services industry and grow shareholder value over the long term. Westaims investments include significant interests in Skyward Specialty, Arena Investors and Arena FINCOs. Skyward Specialty, the HIIG Partnership, Arena FINCOs and Arena Investors are defined in the notes to Westaims audited consolidated financial statements for its fiscal year ended December 31, 2022 and related managements discussion and analysis. Westaim's common shares are listed on the TSXV under the trading symbol WED. Cautionary Note and Forward-Looking Statements This news release contains certain statements and information that may constitute forward-looking information within the meaning of applicable Canadian securities laws. All statements in this news release, other than statements of historical facts, including statements regarding future estimates, plans, objectives, timing, assumptions or expectations of future performance, including the statement that the Company will complete the purchases of the Shares pursuant to the NCIB and that the purchases made pursuant to the NCIB are expected to benefit all persons who continue to hold Shares by increasing their equity interest in the Company when such repurchased Shares are cancelled are forward-looking statements and contain forward-looking information. Generally, forward-looking statements and information can be identified by the use of forward-looking terminology such as "intends" or "anticipates", or variations of such words and phrases or statements that certain actions, events or results "may", "could", "should", "would" or "occur". Forward-looking statements are based on certain material assumptions and analysis made by the Company and the opinions and estimates of management as of the date of this news release, including that the Company will be able to complete the purchases of the Shares pursuant to the NCIB and that the purchases made pursuant to the NCIB will benefit all persons who continue to hold Shares by increasing their equity interest in the Company when such repurchased Shares are cancelled. These forward-looking 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 the Company to be materially different from those expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements or forward-looking information. Important factors that may cause actual results to vary, include, without limitation, that the Company will not be able to complete the purchases of the Shares pursuant to the NCIB and that the purchases made pursuant to the NCIB will not benefit all persons who continue to hold Shares. Although management of the Company has attempted to identify important factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those contained in forward-looking statements or forward-looking information, there may be other factors that cause results not to be as anticipated, estimated or intended. There can be no assurance that such statements will prove to be accurate, as actual results and future events could differ materially from those anticipated in such statements. Accordingly, readers should not place undue reliance on forward-looking statements and forward-looking information. Readers are cautioned that reliance on such information may not be appropriate for other purposes. Additional information regarding risks and uncertainties relating to the Company's business are contained under the heading Risk Factors in its annual information form for its fiscal year ended December 31, 2022 filed on the Companys profile on SEDAR at www.sedar.com. The Company does not undertake to update any forward-looking statement, forward-looking information or financial out-look that are incorporated by reference herein, except in accordance with applicable securities laws. Neither the TSXV 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. View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20230615130708/en/ For more information, contact: J. Cameron MacDonald, President and Chief Executive Officer or Robert T. Kittel, Chief Operating Officer The Westaim Corporation [email protected] (416) 969-3333 Source: The Westaim Corporation Reflects Companys Ongoing Transformation into a Diversified Energy and Solutions Provider Company will begin trading under new name and ticker symbol WKC, effective June 16, 2023 MIAMI--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- World Fuel Services Corporation (NYSE:INT) (Company) today announced it has changed its corporate name to World Kinect Corporation. The Companys shareholders approved the name change during todays Annual Meeting. The Company will begin trading under its new name and ticker symbol (NYSE: WKC) effective tomorrow, June 16, 2023. This change is intended to better reflect the Companys ongoing transformation into a more resilient, diversified energy and solutions provider. As the energy transition unfolds, this name change reflects our commitment to continue evolving alongside our customers. We will support their core energy requirements, while also meeting their growing energy transition needs with an expanding portfolio of products and services, empowering them to navigate their sustainability journeys most successfully. For nearly 40 years we have been dedicated to providing a comprehensive and reliable supply of energy, logistics and finance solutions for aviation, marine and land-based customers worldwide, said Michael J. Kasbar, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer. Through our relationships with more than 150,000 customers globally, we are uniquely positioned to understand their operational requirements and provide innovative products, services and digital solutions to meet their evolving needs. Our new name, World Kinect, represents our role as a bridge, connecting our customers to the resources, expertise and support they need to successfully navigate their energy transition journeys. Company executives will ring the New York Stock Exchange closing bell today to celebrate this occasion. The Company will discuss this name change and broader corporate strategy at a forthcoming Investor Day event. Further details will be provided shortly. About World Kinect Corporation Headquartered in Miami, Florida, World Kinect Corporation is a leading global energy management company, offering a broad suite of energy advisory, management and fulfillment services, digital and other technology solutions, as well as sustainability products and services across the energy product spectrum. In addition to our core energy offerings to customers in the transportation sector, we have expanded our product and service offerings to include energy advisory services, sustainability and renewable energy solutions, as well as supply fulfillment for natural gas and power. We continue to focus on advancing the energy transition to lower carbon alternatives through expanding our portfolio of energy solutions and providing customers with greater access to sustainably sourced energy. For more information, visit corp.worldkinect.com View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20230614389089/en/ Ira M. Birns Executive Vice President & Chief Financial Officer Elsa Ballard Vice President of Investor Relations [email protected] Source: World Kinect Corporation Australian electric and gas company, AGL Energy announced Thursday, in a bid to switch towards green energy, that it had signed a three-year deal with energy giant BP (NYSE: BP) with a goal of providing easier access to electric vehicle charging points for users in New South Wales. As part of the agreement, the company and BP Pulse, the electric vehicle charging division of the London-based organization, will provide customers in New South Wales with preferential charging prices and access to high-speed chargers when they enroll in AGL's established 'Electric Vehicle at-home program'. AGL released a statement that the partnership with BP Pulse to develop products and services for accessible charging points would help to reduce range anxiety, which is a common fear among EV drivers. BP said the agreement is in line with its strategy to roll out its network of 600 BP Pulse EV charging points across Australia by 2025. "As we transition to a low-carbon future, this agreement will empower our customers with innovative, sustainable and cost-effective EV charging solutions," AGL Chief Customer Officer Jo Egan said. "I think the partnership could be good for AGL by promoting its EV program but I think the financial impact will really only be felt at the margins," Morgans Financial equity research analyst Max Vickerson said. Shares of BP are up 0.61% in morning trading on Thursday. By Michael Elkins | [email protected] CAVA Group, Inc. (CAVA), the category-defining Mediterranean fast-casual restaurant brand that brings heart, health, and humanity to food, today announced the pricing of its initial public offering of 14,444,444 shares of its common stock at a price to the public of $22.00 per share. CAVA granted the underwriters in the offering a 30-day option to purchase up to an additional 2,166,666 shares of common stock at the initial public offering price, less underwriting discounts and commissions. The shares are expected to begin trading on the New York Stock Exchange on June 15, 2023 under the symbol CAVA. The offering is expected to close on June 20, 2023, subject to customary closing conditions. CAVA intends to use the net proceeds from the offering to fund future new restaurant openings, with any remaining proceeds for general corporate purposes, which may include the repayment of its delayed draw term loans used to finance construction and capital expenditures in respect of its new production facility in Verona, Virginia. J.P. Morgan and Jefferies are acting as joint lead book-running managers of the offering, and J.P. Morgan, Jefferies, and Citigroup are acting as representatives of the underwriters for the offering. Citigroup and Morgan Stanley are acting as joint bookrunners for the offering. Piper Sandler, Baird, Stifel, and William Blair are also acting as joint bookrunners for the offering. Capital One Securities, Blaylock Van, LLC, and Drexel Hamilton are acting as co-managers for the offering. A registration statement on Form S-1 relating to the offering has been filed with, and declared effective by, the Securities and Exchange Commission (the SEC) on June 14, 2023. Copies of the registration statement can be accessed through the SECs website at www.sec.gov. This press release does not constitute an offer to sell or the solicitation of an offer to buy any securities, and shall not constitute an offer, solicitation, or sale in any state or jurisdiction in which such offer, solicitation, or sale would be unlawful prior to registration or qualification under the securities laws of that state or jurisdiction. Any offers, solicitations or offers to buy, or any sales of securities will be made in accordance with the registration requirements of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended. The offering is being made only by means of a prospectus. Copies of the prospectus related to the offering, when available, may be obtained from: J.P. Morgan Securities LLC, c/o Broadridge Financial Solutions, 1155 Long Island Avenue, Edgewood, NY 11717, by telephone at (866) 803-9204, or by email at [email protected]; Jefferies LLC, Attn: Equity Syndicate Prospectus Department, 520 Madison Avenue, New York, NY 10022, by telephone at (877) 821-7388, or by email at [email protected]; or Citigroup Global Markets Inc., Attn: Broadridge Financial Solutions, 1155 Long Island Avenue, Edgewood, NY, 11717, or by telephone at 800-831-9146. Forward Looking Statements This press release contains forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements include all statements that are not historical facts. The words believe, may, will, estimate, continue, anticipate, intend, expect and similar expressions are intended to identify forward-looking statements. These forward-looking statements include any statements regarding the commencement of trading of CAVAs common stock on the New York Stock Exchange. These forward-looking statements, including statements regarding the closing of the offering, are subject to a number of risks, uncertainties and assumptions, including those described under Risk Factors under CAVAs registration statement relating to the offering. Except as required by law, CAVA has no obligation to update any of these forward-looking statements to conform these statements to actual results or revised expectations. About CAVA CAVA is the category-defining Mediterranean fast-casual restaurant brand, bringing together healthful food and bold, satisfying flavors at scale. Rooted in our rich Mediterranean heritage, we bring a timeless approach to modern wellness through our authentic cuisine and vibrant brand experience. Guided by our mission, we believe food is a unifier for a more diverse and inclusive world for our guests, team members, and our grower and rancher partners, where all are welcome at our table. We believe that consumers should not have to choose between taste and health our innovative cuisine appeals to a wide variety of preferences, satisfying the modern consumers desires for flavorful, craveable, and nutritious food without compromise. View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20230614298815/en/ Investor Relations Contact: Matt Milanovich, VP, FP&A and Investor Relations (202) 984-2558 [email protected] Source: CAVA Group, Inc. Coterra Energy Inc. (NYSE: CTRA) today announced the retirement of two Executive Officers of the Company, effective September 30, 2023. Scott C. Schroeder, Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer (CFO), will be retiring after a nearly 28-year career at Cabot Oil & Gas Corporation and Coterra Energy Inc. Christopher H. Clason, Senior Vice President and Chief Human Resources Officer (CHRO), will also be retiring after nearly five years with the organization and a career that has spanned over 25 years in executive leadership. Their roles have been filled with external candidates who are detailed later in this release. Mr. Schroeder joined Cabot Oil & Gas Corporation in 1995, became an officer in 1997 and has spent the last 22-plus years serving as its, and most recently Coterras, Chief Financial Officer. Tom Jorden, Chairman, Chief Executive Officer and President, shared, Scott has had a tremendous career and his tenure has set a standard of excellence in both the CFO role and in thoughtful strategic leadership. His many years of leadership at Cabot and his energy in building Coterra have laid a foundation upon which the success of Coterra will be built. We wish Scott well in his upcoming retirement and express our deep gratitude for his years of service at Cabot and Coterra. Mr. Schroeder will serve as Senior Advisor until his retirement date. Mr. Clason has served as CHRO his entire tenure at the Company. Jorden stated, Chris has been a close confidant and an instrumental leader on the Executive Team. Coterra, at its heart, is an enterprise based upon talent, culture, and collaboration. Chris has been a true business partner in launching Coterra and ensuring that our talent and culture will position Coterra to be successful for decades to come. Mr. Clason will also be a Senior Advisor until his retirement date. Jorden added, It has been a true pleasure to serve in leadership with Scott and Chris. I will miss them and wish them all the best. Shane E. Young has been appointed to the role of Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer. Mr. Young has an extensive background in upstream energy having worked both in investment banking and as a CFO for nearly the last decade, most recently at Talos Energy. Mr. Young holds an MBA from Dartmouth College and a BBA in Finance from the University of Texas at Austin. Andrea M. Alexander has been appointed to the role of Senior Vice President and Chief Human Resources Officer. Ms. Alexander is a proven Human Resources leader with a history of building effective organizations and leading high-performing teams. She brings a wealth of experience from extensive corporate and consulting leadership. Ms. Alexander has an undergraduate degree in economics from the University of Pennsylvanias Wharton School of Business and an MBA from the Harvard Business School. I am excited for Shane and Andrea to join the Coterra Executive Team, said Jorden. Each brings a unique background and style that fits Coterra and will help them immediately contribute to Coterras success. My confidence in the future of Coterra is emboldened by the growing strength of our team. About Coterra Energy Coterra is a premier exploration and production company based in Houston, Texas with focused operations in the Permian Basin, Marcellus Shale, and Anadarko Basin. We strive to be a leading energy producer, delivering sustainable returns through the efficient and responsible development of our diversified asset base. Learn more about us at www.coterra.com. View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20230615072170/en/ Investor Contact Daniel Guffey - Vice President of Finance, Planning & Analysis and Investor Relations 281.589.4875 Hannah Stuckey - Investor Relations Manager 281.589.4983 Source: Coterra Energy Inc. Invisible Urban Charging (IUC) announced today that it has partnered with global leader in project development and management JLL (NYSE: JLL) to roll out and service large-scale banks of electric vehicle (EV) chargers worldwide. Under the terms of the partnership, JLL will serve as IUCs exclusive Project Management partner, providing a global installation capability through JLLs network of electrical contractors, logistics, and signage partners, with all chargers connected to IUCs proprietary core software platform to deploy and provide maintenance for large numbers of EV charger banks at heavily trafficked sites. To meet the growing need for better EV charging infrastructure, you need partners able to deliver globally with excellence and JLL has a proven track record of doing just that, said Nigel Broomhall, Co-Founder and Chief Executive Officer of IUC. We are also exceptionally proud that JLL understands the vision for IUCs platform and approach that can help the world continue its path to electrification. Together, we will build on our success domestically and roll out large-scale deployments of chargers worldwide. We are excited to partner with IUC to provide end-to-end solutions that will transform the spaces where people live and work by leveraging our global expertise and industry-leading technologies, said Ken Demske, National Director, Multi-Site, Project and Development Services at JLL. This partnership allows both companies to harness their combined power to work toward their shared goal of expanding the EV footprint worldwide and shaping a more sustainable future. The global partnership builds on several successful high-density deployments of EV chargers throughout the United States. Together, IUC and JLL have successfully deployed banks of chargers in Florida, Arizona, Illinois, and Georgia. Globally, JLL operates in 80 counties with 300 offices, which provides the necessary local presence to deliver logistical support and services at scale. In addition to partnering with JLL on deployment, IUC is also leveraging JLLs research and sustainability teams to provide timely intelligence on opportunity sourcing based on local need, regulatory standards, and current and expected capacity. By partnering with major property owners, IUC and JLL facilitate on-site EV charging at scale, helping meet the estimated demand for nearly 7 million chargers in the United States and Europe by 2030. Over the next 12-18 months, IUC plans to deploy more than 80,000 EV chargers across the United States and Europe. The National Bank of Kyrgyzstan proposes to temporarily cancel certain norms of the resolution on the rules for making money transfers. The document has been submitted for public discussion, Azernews reports, citing 24.kg. The National Bank recalled that last year, in order to stabilize the situation in the domestic foreign exchange market and minimize adverse consequences due to the geopolitical situation on a global scale, restrictions were introduced on receiving money transfers. According to them, it was possible to receive money either in the currency of the sending country, or in the national one. It is proposed to temporarily cancel these norms in connection with the stabilization of the situation in the domestic foreign exchange market and a sufficient supply of U.S. dollars in cash at the cash desks of commercial banks. The National Bank proposes to allow money transfers to be issued on the territory of Kyrgyzstan in the currency in which they are sent, regardless of the country of origin. In addition, the National Bank of the Kyrgyz Republic considers it possible to allow the withdrawal / cancellation of a money transfer made through the international money transfer system from the territory of Kyrgyzstan in the currency in which it was sent. At the same time, taking into account the unstable geopolitical situation on a global scale, in case of signs of an outflow of foreign currency from the country due to speculative actions of unscrupulous citizens, the National Bank will make an appropriate decision to protect the domestic foreign exchange market, the National Bank said. Almost one million people have fled their homes in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo so far this year, the International Organization for Migration (IOM) said on Thursday. "A surge in attacks on civilians by non-state armed groups has newly displaced close to one million people in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) since January," the IOM said in a statement. In total an estimated 6.1 million people are internally displaced in the DRC, a 17 percent increase from October 2022, it added. "As the conflict intensifies, the humanitarian situation continues to deteriorate, and millions are facing acute food insecurity as well as other critical needs," the UN agency said. Since the beginning of the year armed attacks against civilians in the eastern Kivu and Ituri regions have resulted in loss of life, massive population displacements and growing instability, the organisation stressed. "Across the country, over 26 million people need humanitarian aid" from a population of around 100 million, the IOM said. In the early hours of Monday, at least 46 people, half of them children, were killed in a militia attack on a camp for displaced people in Ituri province, security analysts and a local community leader said. That attack was blamed on the CODECO militia, or Cooperative for the Development of the Congo, which claims to protect the Lendu community from rival ethnic group, the Hema. This tragedy also "resulted in the renewed displacement of over 7,800 people from the site, destruction of shelter and personal belongings," the IOM said. "IOM strongly condemns this heinous violation of international humanitarian law and recalls that attacks against civilians may constitute war crimes," it added. On Thursday the International Criminal Court in The Hague announced it will examine allegations of war crimes by armed groups in the Democratic Republic of Congo's volatile east, after Kinshasa made a new formal referral to the tribunal. Kinshasa has accused the M23 rebel group of attacks in the DRC's mineral-rich North Kivu province, and says Rwanda is backing the Tutsi-led militia. Kigali denies any involvement in the violence. The DRC referred the situation to the Hague-based ICC in 2004, but has now made a second referral asking that it launch an investigation into the latest alleged crimes, ICC prosecutor Karim Khan said. Armed groups have plagued much of the eastern DRC for three decades, a legacy of regional wars that flared in the 1990s and 2000s. Search Keywords: Short link: Northern Oil and Gas, Inc. (NYSE: NOG) (the Company or NOG) today announced that it has entered into a definitive agreement to acquire a 33.33% undivided stake in the Novo Assets in partnership with Earthstone Energy, Inc. for a purchase price, net to NOG, of $500.0 million in cash, subject to customary closing adjustments. The Acquired Assets are primarily located in Eddy County, New Mexico and eastern Culberson County, Texas and include approximately 5,600 net acres, 29.2 net producing wells, 7.2 net wells-in-process and 59.9 low-breakeven net undeveloped locations. NOGs net working interest in the Acquired Assets will be approximately 29%, with an average gross NRI of 77%. The Eddy County assets represent approximately 80% of the allocated value of the transaction. Approximately 98% of the Culberson County allocated value is tied to current production and wells-in-process. Upon closing and transition of services, the operator of substantially all the assets will be Earthstone, with NOG participating in development pursuant to cooperation and joint operating agreements entered into in connection with the acquisition. Additionally, Earthstone and NOG have formed an area of mutual interest for further consolidation of assets. Recent production on the Acquired Assets was approximately 13,000 Boe per day (2-stream, 54% oil). For the second half of 2023, NOG expects average production of approximately 11,500 Boe per day (2-stream, 53% oil) and approximately $20 million of capital expenditures. Long term, NOG expects Earthstone to turn in line an average of approximately 6 - 7 wells annually net to NOG, which should sustain production at approximately 10,000 Boe per day (2-stream, excluding NGLs), with consistent oil cuts as a percentage of the total. The effective date for the transaction is May 1, 2023, and NOG expects to close the transaction in August 2023. As part of the transaction, NOG has placed a $37.5 million deposit in escrow prior to closing. The obligations of the parties to complete the transactions contemplated by the acquisition agreement are subject to the satisfaction or waiver of customary closing conditions. MANAGEMENT COMMENTS Novo is NOGs largest transaction to date and is among the most accretive, with significant high-quality, long-dated inventory, commented Nick OGrady, NOGs Chief Executive Officer. We are excited to work alongside our partners at Earthstone developing these assets for the next decade and believe this transaction will drive higher per share profits, free cash flow and shareholder returns for our investors, both immediately and over the long term. With Novo, we continue to showcase NOGs unique capabilities and access to large, bespoke opportunities, commented Adam Dirlam, NOGs President. Our returns-focused strategy, combined with our scaled data advantage, has fundamentally changed the types of transactions we can pursue. Our reputation as an aligned and balanced partner is affording us participation in the highest quality areas and asset classes with respected operators. ADVISORS Truist Securities is serving as financial advisor to Earthstone and NOG for the acquisition. Kirkland & Ellis LLP is serving as legal advisor to Earthstone and NOG. RBC Richardson Barr is serving as financial advisor to Novo. Vinson & Elkins LLP is serving as legal counsel to EnCap and Novo. Delta Airlines passenger jets are pictured outside the newly completed 1.3 million-square foot $4 billion Delta Airlines Terminal C at LaGuardia Airport in the Queens borough of New York City, New York, U.S., June 1, 2022. REUTERS/Mike Segar (Reuters) -Delta Air Lines said on Thursday it would pay a quarterly dividend, resuming a payout that the carrier had suspended in March 2020 during the COVID-19 pandemic. The dividend, of $0.10 per share, will be paid on Aug. 7 to shareholders of record as of the close of business July 17, the U.S. airline said. In December, Southwest Airlines became the first major U.S. airline to reinstate its quarterly dividend, more than two years after suspending it in the wake of the pandemic. The resumption of Delta's payout reflects its progress on its three-year financial plan, the airline said, including more than $10 billion of debt repayment over the last two years. The move comes as Delta forecast that strong summer travel demand will result in higher-than-expected profit for the quarter through June. As a condition of receiving $54 billion government assistance during the COVID-19 pandemic, airlines were prohibited from paying dividends or repurchasing stock. Those restrictions expired last fall. Delta Air Lines received $11.9 billion in U.S. assistance. In March 2020, Delta paid a $0.4025 share dividend, which was its 27th consecutive dividend at the time. (Reporting by Aishwarya Nair in Bengaluru and David Shepardson in Washington; Editing by Savio D'Souza and Alexander Smith) Paid press release content from Evertise Financial. The StreetInsider.com news staff was not involved in its creation. New York, NY, US, June 15, 2023 Spar & Bernstein, a leading law firm with over 50 years of experience in personal injury cases, is proud to announce a groundbreaking settlement achieved on behalf of the victims of a devastating bus accident in New York. With their expertise and dedication, the legal team at Spar & Bernstein, led by attorneys Bradford H. Bernstein, Dana M. Whitfield, and Kenneth Zweig, successfully obtained compensation that will help the victims rebuild their lives after this tragic incident. The bus accident, which occurred in the heart of New York, resulted in severe injuries and emotional distress for numerous passengers, drivers, and pedestrians. Recognizing the need for justice and fair compensation, Spar & Bernsteins Bus Accident Lawyers swiftly took action on behalf of their clients, meticulously researching the case, filing necessary documentation, and effectively representing them before insurance companies and the court. The victims of this bus accident deserve justice and fair compensation for the physical, emotional, and financial toll they have endured, said Bradford H. Bernstein, lead attorney on the case. We are committed to fighting for their rights and ensuring they receive the support they need to rebuild their lives. As experienced personal injury lawyers, Spar & Bernstein has a long-standing track record of successfully securing substantial client settlements. With their unparalleled expertise in bus accident cases, they have recovered over $100 million in compensation for personal injury clients, making them a trusted choice for individuals seeking legal representation. When it comes to cases such as these, there are important legal considerations for bus accidents that victims and their families need to be aware of. Spar & Bernsteins legal team possesses in-depth knowledge of the intricacies involved in these cases and can guide victims through the legal process, ensuring their rights are protected. Whether you were a passenger on the bus, a driver involved in the accident, or a pedestrian affected by the collision, Spar & Bernstein is equipped to provide the assistance you need. Our priority is to provide comprehensive legal support to the victims of bus accidents, emphasized Dana M. Whitfield, a dedicated attorney at Spar & Bernstein. We understand the physical and emotional hardships they face and are committed to securing the best possible outcome for each client. By leveraging their extensive experience and robust legal strategies, Spar & Bernsteins legal team effectively navigated the complexities of the legal system to secure a landmark settlement for the victims of this bus accident. The compensation obtained will assist the victims in covering medical expenses, rehabilitation costs, lost wages, and other damages incurred as a result of the accident. We are extremely proud of this landmark settlement, which reflects our unwavering dedication to obtaining justice for our clients, stated Kenneth Zweig, an accomplished attorney at Spar & Bernstein. It underscores our commitment to fighting for the rights of those affected by bus accidents and holding accountable those responsible for their suffering. The Law Offices of Spar & Bernstein continue to offer their services to those in need of legal representation for bus accidents or any personal injury case. Their knowledgeable team is well-versed in the legal complexities surrounding these incidents and is committed to advocating for the rights of their clients. For more information about Spar & Bernstein and their services, visit their website at www.lawsb.com or contact their office at (800) 529-5465 About Spar & Bernstein: Spar & Bernstein is a renowned law firm based in New York City, dedicated to providing exceptional legal representation in personal injury cases. With over 50 years of experience, their skilled attorneys have successfully recovered compensation exceeding $100 million for their clients. Whether it is a bus accident, workplace injury, medical malpractice, or any other personal injury matter, Spar & Bernsteins legal team is committed to fighting for justice and fair compensation. Media details: Organization: Law Offices of Spar & Bernstein Name: Brad Bernstein Email: [email protected] Phone: 800-529-5465 Website: https://www.lawsb.com/ Address: 225 Broadway 5th floor, New York, NY 10007, USA English Premier League giant Manchester United plc (NYSE: MANU) is negotiating to grant exclusivity to Qatar Sheikh Jassim bin Hamad al-Thani's consortium, Reuters reported Thursday. The publication revealed that sources told them members of the Glazer family, which own minority stakes in the club and control it due to a dual-class share structure, would cash out as part of the proposed deal to sell itself for over $6 billion. MANU shares are up more than 8%, above the $25 per share mark at the time of writing. The Qatari consortium and British billionaire Jim Ratcliffe's INEOS have both submitted bids for the club, but Reuters stated that the Glazers currently view the Qatari bid more favorably. The INEOS proposal would see the Glazers keep some interest in Manchester United. In an exclusivity period, Manchester United wouldn't be allowed to negotiate with any other bidder during the period, although Reuters are unaware how long the period would last. The publication also stated that its sources said the situation remained fluid and a new bid from Ratcliffe could stop Sheikh Jassim from securing exclusivity. By Sam Boughedda By Victoria Waldersee BERLIN (Reuters) -Tesla will hire fewer temporary workers at its plant outside Berlin than it did in its ramp-up phase and refrain from Saturday shifts, but it is still on track to achieve its production targets, the company said on Thursday. The comments followed a report by Business Insider earlier on Thursday that Tesla's goal of producing 6,000 cars a week at the plant, up from the 5,000-milestone reached in March, was on hold. Tesla this year has aggressively cut vehicle prices in many countries and is resorting to the traditional automakers' tactic of offering incentives to clear inventory, analysts have said, with demand hit by economic headwinds even as its production rises and competition mounts. The electric carmaker maker has offered discounts of up to 3,490 euros ($3,842) for a China-made Model 3 and 3,660 euros ($4,029) for a Berlin-made Model Y, according to Tesla Info's list of global inventory. Tesla CEO Elon Musk told shareholders last month that the company would try advertising for the first time, in a move seen by analysts as a means to drum up demand. French President Emmanuel Macron will meet Musk on Friday, the second time in just over a month, to promote France as a possible site for a second Tesla factory in Europe. (Reporting by Victoria WalderseeEditing by Miranda Murray and Mark Potter) EDMONTON, Alberta, June 15, 2023 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Levi Ryl, a 27 year-old farmer and power engineer based in Athabasca, AB, saw one million dollars deposited into his account earlier this morning. Alberta's newest millionaire is the winner of the 2023 Servus Big Share contest by Servus Credit Union. Ryl is a certified power engineer at the local mill. He is also the proud owner of a hay, greenfeed and grain farm in east Athabasca. His love of being outdoors and staying busy has led him to pursue both vocations. "With farming, I get to see the fruits of my labour right in front of me," says Ryl. Despite admitting to being on "cloud nine" upon receiving the good news about winning the contest, Ryl is taking a level-headed approach to spending the one million dollars. He will be exploring options for debt management and investment. "Winning the Servus Big Share contest puts me years ahead of where I thought I would be, financially." Growing up in Sherwood Park, Ryl often heard his parentswho are also Servus membersdiscuss financial literacy. To Ryl, financial fitness means "being wise with your money." Alberta's newest millionaire is excited about being able to grow his farm and take on more opportunities rather than keeping things status quo. "I look forward to making my money work for me," says Ryl. Servus Big Share is Servus's annual savings contest aimed at encouraging Albertans to save money and ultimately adopt healthy financial habits. Coming back for the fifth time, this year, the contest inspired Servus members to save a total of $583M, improving their overall financial fitness. "The contest is a reflection of Servus's deeply rooted value of sharing," says Ian Burns, Servus's President & CEO. "As a credit union, when we profit, our member-owners profit. We are thrilled to be able to transform the financial fitness of one lucky member again this year." Servus Big Share is one way through which Servus shares its profit with members. In 2022, Servus also paid over $60 million to members via its Profit Share program, which enabled every Servus member to receive a percentage of profits by way of cash and dividends. Since starting the Profit Share program in 2009, Servus has returned more than $700 million to Albertans. ABOUT SERVUS CREDIT UNION Servus Credit Union provides a full line of secure financial services with more than 100 branches in 59 communities throughout Alberta. The financial institution offers online, mobile and telephone banking. Founded more than 80 years ago, Servus's noble purpose is to help members reimagine their financial fitness so that they feel good about their money. For more information about Servus, call 1.877.378.8728 or visit servus.ca. MEDIA INQUIRIESServus Credit Union[email protected](825) 402-0740 A photo accompanying this announcement is available at https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/57b5df2c-c80b-4be0-bff5-d0f9d76144c0 2023 Servus Big Share contest winner Levi Ryl, a resident of Athabasca, AB, is the winner of the 2023 Servus Big Share contest. Source: Servus Credit Union Bruske: Workers, unions, industry, and governments must work together on climate change OTTAWA, June 15, 2023 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Canada's unions applaud the emphasis on workers and the inclusion of key labour priorities in the federal governments Canadian Sustainable Jobs Act announced today. The Act, which emerged as a result of the New Democrat and Liberals Supply and Confidence Agreement, presents an unprecedented opportunity to foster collaboration among workers, their unions, industry, and governments to strengthen our economy as we tackle climate change. With the mounting impacts of climate change, such as devastating wildfires and extreme storms, Canadians are witnessing firsthand the urgent need for action. The Sustainable Jobs Act represents a significant step in recognizing the importance of good work as we fight climate change, said Bea Bruske, President of the Canadian Labour Congress. By prioritizing workers and incorporating many of our key concerns, this legislation presents an opportunity to establish a model of collaboration that places workers, their unions, industry, and governments on the same path towards a sustainable and resilient economy. Canada's unions call for collective efforts to achieve our climate ambitions while creating and protecting good, unionized jobs in a low-carbon economy, with pathways into these jobs for women, Indigenous and racialized workers, and other equity-seeking groups. The Sustainable Jobs Partnership Council will play a key role in shaping policies and decisions; workers must have a sufficient voice at the table. We will advocate for their meaningful inclusion and equal representation. To build a sustainable economy, workers must have a clear say in the decision-making process. Their future, as well as their families and communities, should be at the heart of Canada's plans, said Bruske. Workers' voices and activism have been instrumental in pushing this government to act on climate, and without continued engagement and collaboration, Canada wont meet its climate goals. Canadas unions will continue to push Canada to meet its international commitments for a Just Transition, with investments in supports for those whose work is affected by climate change. We will press for investments to create new jobs, comprehensive training initiatives, upskilling and reskilling, skills recognition, Employment Insurance (EI), mental health support, family support, pension bridging, relocation assistance, and other essential measures. Canada's unions also call for clear, unambiguous commitments to the central role of Employment and Social Development Canada (ESDC) in delivering programs for workers. Bruske said, The Sustainable Jobs Act signals a crucial milestone in our fight against climate change and the protection of workers' interests. Canada's unions stand committed to working alongside all stakeholders to ensure effective implementation towards a sustainable and equitable future for all. To arrange an interview, please contact:CLC Media Relations[email protected]613-526-7426 Source: Canadian Labour Congress AS Harju Elekter Group has decided, by agreement between the parties, to terminate the contract with Harju Elekter Oys Managing Director Jan Osa on 30 June 2023. Jan Osa joined Harju Elekter as an engineer in 1994. Throughout his career, he has served as a Project Manager, Sales Department Manager, and Sales Director. For four years prior to becoming the Managing Director of the Finnish subsidiary, Jan Osa held the position of Managing Director at Harju Elekter Elektrotehnika. Harju Elekter expresses its gratitude to Jan Osa for his dedicated contributions to the company and extends its best wishes for his future endeavours. Starting from 1 July 2023, the responsibilities of the Interim Managing Director will be assumed by Anne Penttila, the company's Chief Financial Officer. Anne Penttila has obtained masters degree in accounting from Oulu University and bachelor's degree in business management from both the Oulu Regional University of Applied Sciences and the University of Coventry in England. Prior to joining Harju Elekter, she worked as a country accountant and controller at Ahlstrom Konsernipalvelut Oy and Venator P&A Finland Oy. Anne Penttila joined Harju Elekter in 2018 as the Chief Financial Officer and has also been responsible for the HR and ICT functions. Anne Penttila is owning 4000 shares of Harju Elekter. Harju Elekter has initiated the search for a new Managing Director for Harju Elekter Oy. Harju Elekter is an international industrial group with extensive experience in providing future proof solutions for electrical power distribution. We engineer, manufacture, and install electrification solutions for utilities, industries, infrastructure, public and commercial buildings. The entities of Harju Elekter Group in Estonia, Finland, Sweden, and Lithuania employ around 900 people, and the Groups revenue in the first quarter of 2023 was 45.3 million euros. Tiit Atso Chairman of the Management Board +372 674 7400 New York, NY, June 15, 2023 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Chopin, the family-run Polish vodka brand that catalyzed the luxury vodka phenomenon in 1993, is proud to introduce Bartenders Choice, a 119.5 proof, or 59.8% ABV, rye vodka, to their portfolio. The new expression just won the Chilled 100 Bartender Seal of Approval for 2023 from Chilled Magazine, a coveted award ranked and reviewed by experienced bartenders in the field. This product was inspired by bartenders and mixologists in search of a way to make spirit-forward cocktails and hedge against vodka dilution in the glass that happens when you add ice or other mixers. Due to its high proof, Bartender's Choice vodka offers an even fuller flavor profile, resulting in a pronounced presence when used in cocktails. This makes it an ideal addition for both professional and amateur bartenders looking to enhance their bar offerings. I am on a mission to change the general perception that vodka is a tasteless, odorless spirit to a spirit that should be sipped and savored, says Tad Dorda, Founder and CEO of Chopin Vodka. We created Bartenders Choice to further that exact mission, ensuring that the flavor from ingredient-forward vodkas doesnt become diluted in your glass. We want vodka to take a front seat in cocktails, not get lost in the mix. Small-batch and hand-crafted, just like Chopins entire portfolio, Bartenders Choice is a bold and straightforward variation of Chopins award-winning rye vodka and is made from three simple ingredients: rye, water, and yeast, which results in a nose that is smoky, herbaceous and mineral forward, a flavor profile that is expressive and robust with layers of piquant black pepper, mountain ash, and a hit of sloe berry as well as a long finish with bitter-sweet notes of almond, apricot, and raisin. Chopin distilled the expression at their distillery in Krzesk, Poland in their copper still dating back to 1896. Like all their other offerings, they use only the freshest ingredients sourced from within 20 miles of the distillery, grown without chemicals or pesticides. Chopin Founder and CEO Tad Dorda worked closely with Chopins master distiller Waldemar Durakiewicz, a legend in the industry who has been with the Chopin team since 1978, to perfect the Bartender's Choice formula. Vodka is more commonly made with a 40% ABV (80 proof). When mixing it in a cocktail or pouring it over ice, it becomes closer to 20% ABV (40 proof), losing its flavor and potency. High-proof vodka is typically made to be 50% ABV (100 proof) as some states in the U.S. have regulations requiring vodka to be less than 60% ABV (120 proof). Chopin designed Bartenders Choice to be the most prominent as possible at 59.8% ABV (119.5 proof). The Bartenders Choice bottle features a more informal design approach to the brand's elevated aesthetic. The label features the product name in Tad Dorda's handwriting, nodding to the approachable nature and bartender usage of this particular vodka. It can be purchased for $34.99 MSRP online at chopinvodka.com and will be available at various retailers and leading bars throughout the country soon. About Chopin Chopin is the worlds first super-premium vodka. The Polish brand, which is family-owned and run, debuted in 1993 and catalyzed the luxury vodka phenomenon. Chopin founder and CEO, Tad Dorda, takes a unique farm-to-bottle approach working with farmers within a 20-mile radius from their distillery in Poland to grow potatoes, wheat, and rye. Chopins mission is the same as it was when the brand launched almost 30 years ago: to shift the conversation around vodka from being a tasteless, colorless, odorless mixer synonymous with nightlife to an original Polish spirit thats meant to be savored, appreciated, collected, and discussed. The brands vodka lineup currently includes Chopin Potato, Chopin Wheat, Chopin Rye, Chopin Family Reserve, Vera Wang x Chopin, and Chopin Rye Organic. Attachments Ivy Schneider Chopin [email protected] Source: Chopin Dallas, June 15, 2023 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Dickeys Barbecue Pit is starting the summer off right by treating their loyal, catering customers with a Catering Contest! Beginning June 15th and running through the end of December 2023, Dickeys catering guests can cool down with some backyard barbecue by entering weekly and monthly drawings for cash back! Here are the contest details: All Dickeys catering guests have to do is submit their valid catering receipts online at Dickeys.com for a chance to win cash back. The receipts may be submitted upon payment/purchase and are eligible through their event date. The barbecue brand will then hold a weekly drawing for up to $100 cash back, as well as a monthly drawing for up to $5,000 cash back to one lucky guest. Additionally, all receipt submissions will receive a BOGO combo coupon and 50 Reward points. It doesnt stop there! Guests can upload a photo of their receipt and receive a second entry to win, as well as completing a Dickeys catering survey to receive a third entry to win. At Dickeys we strongly value our loyal catering guests. Therefore, we are very excited about this giving back, guest appreciation Catering Contest, said Laura Rea Dickey, CEO of Dickeys Barbecue Restaurants, Inc. We look forward to continuing to share our delicious Texas-style barbecue with barbecue enthusiasts all summer long. Eligible catering may be purchased directly from Dickeys in-store, online at dickeys.com, Dickeys APP or through the catering hotline (866-BARBECUE). You may enter the contest and review the complete rules and regulations directly by visiting the official Rules and Regulations page HERE on dickeys.com starting June 15th. To learn more, follow Dickeys Barbecue Pit on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter. Download the Dickeys Barbecue Pit app from the Apple App Store or Google Play. To learn more about Dickeys Virtual Concepts follow: Wing Boss on Facebook, Instagram and Tik Tok, Trailer Birds on Facebook, Instagram and Tik Tok and Big Deal Burger on Facebook, Instagram and Tik Tok About Dickeys Barbecue Restaurants, Inc. Dickey's Barbecue Restaurants, Inc., the worlds largest barbecue concept, was founded in 1941 by the Dickey family. For the past 80 years, Dickeys Barbecue Pit has served millions of guests in 44 states Legit. Texas. Barbecue. At Dickeys, all our barbecued meats are smoked onsite in a hickory wood burning pit. Dickeys proudly believes theres no shortcut to true barbecue and its why our name isnt BBQ. The Dallas-based, family-run barbecue franchise offers eight slow-smoked meats and 12 wholesome sides with 'No B.S. (Bad Stuff)' included. Dickeys Barbecue has 550 locations across the United States and eight other countries. Dickeys was named to Newsweeks 2022 Americas Favorite Restaurant Chains list and USA Today 2021 readers choice awards. Dickeys won first place on Fast Casuals Top 100 Movers and Shakers list, been named a Top 500 Franchise by Entrepreneur and named to Hospitality Technologys Industry Heroes list. Led by CEO Laura Rea Dickey, who was named among the countrys 50 most influential women in foodservice in Nations Restaurant News, was recognized by Fast Casuals Top 100 Movers and Shakers list and honored by Dallas Business Journal. Dickey's Barbecue Pit has also been recognized by Fox News, Forbes Magazine, Franchise Times, The Dallas Morning News, The Wall Street Journal, People Magazine and QSR Magazine. Dickeys Barbecue is part of Dickeys Restaurant Brands which has more than 700 restaurants nationwide including brands Wing Boss, Trailer Birds, Big Deal Burger and bbqathome.com. DRB is led by CEO Roland Dickey Jr. For more information, visit www.dickeys.com. # # # Attachment Shannon Santos Dickey's Barbecue Pit [email protected] Source: Dickeys Barbecue Restaurants A Palestinian was killed and a house was demolished Thursday in an Israeli army assault on the northern West Bank city of Nablus, WAFA reported citing medical and local sources. The Palestinian health ministry said in a statement that Khalil Yahya Anis, 20, was "killed by live occupation (Israeli) bullets in the head in Nablus". An official at Nablus' Al Najah hospital told AFP that two others were injured in the overnight clashes that erupted when Israeli forces entered the city to demolish the home of an alleged attacker. An AFP journalist saw a group of young men surveying the damage to the apartment after dawn on Thursday. Twisted metal and piles of rubble littered the floor, and a gaping hole was left in a wall. A local Palestinian security official, who did not want to be named, confirmed that Anis was a fighter, though he did not say with which group he was affiliated. Witnesses told AFP that the army had demolished the flat of Osama Taweel, a prominent member of the Lions' Den militant group. Israel regularly carries out demolitions of Palestinian homes in the occupied West Bank, and the new far-right government has made settlement building one of its top priorities. Since the start of the year, at least 159 Palestinians, 21 Israelis, a Ukrainian and an Italian have been killed in violence linked to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, according to an AFP tally compiled from official sources. The figures include combatants as well as civilians and, on the Israeli side, three members of the Arab minority. Israel has occupied the West Bank since 1967. Search Keywords: Short link: CRANBURY, N.J., June 15, 2023 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- dvm360, the No. 1 multimedia platform in the veterinary industry, is thrilled to announce the winners of the third annual Veterinary Heroes recognition program. Inductees will be honored on Thursday, August 24, 2023, in conjunction with a Fetch dvm360 conference in Kansas City, Missouri. The Veterinary Heroes Program sponsored by PetSmart (corporate sponsor), as well as Blue Buffalo Natural, Nocita, TruCan and Trufel, Think Anesthesia, MedVet, Mount Laurel Animal Hospital, and Nextmune (category sponsors) celebrates the achievements of outstanding veterinary professionals who have worked to push the field forward and make a difference in animal care. As a fellow veterinarian and master of ceremonies Im honored to congratulate all of the winners of the third annual Veterinary Heroes award program, said Adam Christman, DVM, MBA, chief veterinary officer at dvm360 and the Fetch dvm360, Atlantic Coast Veterinary Conference, and Directions in Veterinary Medicine live events. It is truly an honor to be a part of an incredibly hardworking, essential profession that goes above and beyond the call of duty for animals. The 2023 Veterinary Heroes winners are: Civic Leader (community service) Niccole Bruno, DVM blendvet Client Service Representative Roberta Trollinger Boca Midtowne Animal Hospital Credentialed Veterinary Technician Chimene S. Peterson, RVT Iowa State University Lloyd Veterinary Medical Center Dentistry Curt R. Coffman, DVM, DAVDC Arizona Veterinary Dental Specialists Dermatology Danny W. Scott, DVM, DACVD Cornell University College of Veterinary Medicine (retired) Emergency Medicine Mariana A. Pardo, BVSc, MV, DACVECC Critical Care Veterinarian Consulting Feline Medicine Nicole Martell-Moran, DVM, MPH, DABVP (Feline) Feline Medical Center General Practitioner Ryane E. Englar, DVM, DABVP (Canine and Feline Practice) University of Arizona College of Veterinary Medicine Internal Medicine Cara Steele, DVM, DACVIM (SAIM) Nexus Veterinary Specialists Nutrition Laura Gaylord, DVM, DACVIM (Nutrition) Whole Pet Provisions, PLLC Oncology Erika L. Krick, VMD, DACVIM (Oncology) Mount Laurel Animal Hospital Practice Management Malik Mitchell Heart + Paw Callowhill Rising Star (veterinary student) Nia Powell North Carolina State University College of Veterinary Medicine Surgery David Dycus, DVM, MS, CCRP, DACVS-SA Nexus Veterinary Bone & Joint Center/Ortho Vet Consulting Veterinary Paraprofessional (non-credentialed support staff) Thomas W. Maupin, Veterinary Assistant MedVet Dallas For more information and to register for the event, click here. About dvm360The leading media-content provider in the veterinary market, dvm360 has been in operation for more than 50 years. It provides readers with top-of-the-line digital and print content that focuses on every aspect of a veterinary professionals life. In addition, dvm360 hosts continuing education (CE) conferences that provide a 360-degree educational engagement experience for veterinary professionals. These conferences include several Fetch dvm360 conferences and the Atlantic Coast Veterinary Conference, CE events that have been a staple in the veterinary community for decades. Dvm360 is a brand of MJH Life Sciences, the largest privately held, independent, full-service medical media company in North America. MJH Life Sciences is dedicated to delivering trusted health care news across multiple channels. Media Contact Lauren Garafola908-458-2530[email protected] A photo accompanying this announcement is available at https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/f6eb6b12-261c-4b0d-81d1-97f0604bbc51 dvm360 announces winners of third annual Veterinary Heroes program Inductees will be honored on Thursday, August 24, 2023, in conjunction with a Fetch dvm360 conference in Kansas City, Missouri. Source: dvm360 MINNEAPOLIS, June 15, 2023 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- via IBN -- Electronic Servitor Publication Network Inc. (OTCQB: XESP) announces a new Channel Partner with the addition of IBN (Investor Brand Network), a multifaceted financial news and publishing company for private and public entities. This arrangement expands the XESP Channel Partner Program (announced in an April 2023 press release), allowing digital and traditional agencies focused on providing market-specific content and digital strategies to offer XESPs powered by the Digital Engagement Engine as a co-branded service to their customers. This value-add approach gives customers additional growth-focused services from their current trusted point of contactIBN. We are excited to partner with an experienced industry leader that has built trust and deep relationships over the last 17 years with both public companies and those looking to go public, stated Peter Hager, CEO of Electronic Servitor Publication Network. Michael McCarthy, IBNs pioneering CEO, delivers unparalleled value for their clients through continuous innovation and world-class execution in helping companies build their audiences and reach throughout the world! XESP and IBN have previously announced the signing of mutual definitive service agreements between the parties, and the addition of the Channel Partner Program is a natural progression in XESPs expansion into a multiple vertical service provider. About Electronic Servitor Publication Network Electronic Servitor Publication Network Inc. (OTCQB: XESP) is a digital engagement company providing growth for B2B companies through its digital activation and engagement solutions. XESPs Managed Service is powered by a sophisticated tech stackthe Digital Engagement Engine. XESPs technology provides intelligent interaction management, dynamic content provisioning, and a logic-driven workflow that creates relevant digital experiences that accelerate an audience from awareness to activationdriving growth. About IBN IBN consists of financial brands introduced to the investment public over the course of 17+ years. With IBN, we have amassed a collective audience of millions of social media followers. These distinctive investor brands aim to fulfill the unique needs of a growing base of client-partners. IBN will continue to expand our branded network of highly influential properties, leveraging the knowledge and energy of specialized teams of experts to serve our increasingly diversified list of clients. Through our Dynamic Brand Portfolio (DBP), IBN provides: (1) access to a network of wire solutions via InvestorWire to reach all target markets, industries and demographics in the most effective manner possible; (2) article and editorial syndication to 5,000+ news outlets; (3) Press Release Enhancement to ensure maximum impact; (4) full-scale distribution to a growing social media audience; (5) a full array of corporate communications solutions; and (6) total news coverage solutions. For more information, please visit https://www.InvestorBrandNetwork.com. Forward-Looking Statements This release contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended. All forward-looking statements are inherently uncertain as they are based on current expectations and assumptions concerning future events or future performance of the company. Readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on these forward-looking statements, which are only predictions and speak only as of the date hereof. In evaluating such statements, prospective investors should review carefully various risks and uncertainties identified in this release and matters set in the company's SEC filings. These risks and uncertainties could cause the company's actual results to differ materially from those indicated in the forward-looking statements. Corporate Communications IBN Los Angeles, California www.InvestorBrandNetwork.com 310.299.1717 Office [email protected] Source: Electronic Servitor Publication Network Inc. HOUSTON, June 14, 2023 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- The Emerson Firm, PLLC (Emerson) a law firm based in Houston, TX announces an investigation of the data breach at Enzo Biochem, Inc. (Enzo). This investigation relates to the theft of sensitive personal identifiable information (PII) of 2.47 million patients. On May 30, 2023, Enzo notified 2.47 million patients that the company experienced a data breach after an unauthorized party accessed sensitive consumer data entrusted to the company. According to Enzo, they determined that information stored on their servers may have been subject to unauthorized access on April 6, 2023. Enzo determined that the information exposed in the data breach includes: names, addresses, Social Security numbers, drivers license numbers, financial information, medical information and health insurance information. Emerson is a law firm specializing in results, integrity, and personal service. Emerson represents consumers throughout the nation and has significant class action experience with proven results. Emerson lawyers have devoted their practice to complex commercial litigation for more than forty years and have recovered over one billion dollars for consumers in class actions throughout the United States. IMPORTANT: If you believe that you were affected by the Enzo data breach AND you received a Notice letter from Enzo, please contact us immediately to protect your rights. It makes no difference what state you reside in. Contact plaintiffs counsel via e-mail to John G. Emerson at [email protected] and see additional information on our website at https://eclassactions.com/enzo-biochem-data-breach-3033/ Source: Emerson Firm, PLLC SALT LAKE CITY, June 15, 2023 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- The Certified Commercial Investment Member (CCIM) Excellence Awards recently named Jared DeVroom, Senior SBA Loan Officer at Mountain America Credit Union, the 2023 Community Lender of the Year in Utah. Dale Fisher, senior commercial real estate loan officer at Mountain America was also a finalist in the Community Lender of the Year category. A Media Snippet accompanying this announcement is available by clicking on the image or link below: The annual CCIM Excellence Awards honor Utah commercial real estate professionals who exemplify the highest degree of business excellence. To become a CCIM, a designee must complete a rigorous program of advanced coursework and training in financial and market analysis, as well as demonstrate extensive experience in the commercial real estate industry. The Excellence Awards event recognizes individuals from 16 different industry categories. Jared consistently exceeds expectations due to his commitment to guiding our members forward through the lending process and providing them with the financial products and services they need to achieve their business dreams, said Michael Griffiths, vice president of business lending at Mountain America. As a credit union we provide the same services any other financial institution can with the added benefit of being member-owned which means our members best interests drive everything we do. In fiscal year 2022, which ended September 30, 2022, Mountain Americas small business lending team created 139 new small-business loans totaling more than $100 million. Small business loans benefit not only the small business, but also play an important role in creating more jobs, encouraging people to stay in the community, increasing revenue and strengthening the local economy. I take great pride in working with small business owners in Utah to assist them in growing their businesses, creating new jobs and strengthening our economy, DeVroom said. I realize that an award like this is the result of the dedication of our entire small business team and their unwavering commitment to serving our members and helping them define and achieve their business dreams. To apply for a small-business loan or to talk to a loan specialist, visit https://www.macu.com/business/loans. 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. Contact: [email protected], macu.com/newsroom Source: Mountain America Credit Union DENVER, UNITED STATES, June 15, 2023 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- FFST, a cutting-edge amalgamation of social media, group-purchasing, and e-commerce, has recently unveiled its globalization strategy. The company envisages setting up operational centers and employing localized strategies in nations such as Japan and Korea, proffering unprecedented growth opportunities to a global customer base. FFST's multifaceted model synergizes four key functions: social messaging, group-purchasing e-commerce, sharing economy, and new media advertising. The new media advertising component empowers users with full ownership and profit rights over their actions. By watching video ads, users reap dividends; the platform channels 70% of the ad revenue to recruit user traffic for shared benefits, heightening brand awareness and encouraging universal participationcasting each user as a stakeholder. In group-purchasing e-commerce sector, FFST consistently integrates highly approved products, offering high-value goods at cost-effective prices to its users. With the sharing economy blueprint, every user becomes a promoter, relishing the benefits generated by promotion, with the incentive reaching up to 85% of the user's profit. The social messaging module interlinks users worldwide, redefining the relationship between users, merchants, the platform, and promoters. Everyone may don multiple hats and, via the social module, build a personal brand image, accumulate an audience, and cultivate a fanbase. In the e-commerce sector, FFST is split into three working regions: Exercises, ZoneA, and ZoneB, each with varying pricing and yields. Users can unlock different profit levels based on their membership tiers. Whether you're a user or a promoter, FFST offers suitable incentives to facilitate revenue generation. Technologically, FFST relies on an ever-evolving robust technical architecture, high-latency framework, top-notch services, and localized operating strategies. The company aims to offer a new toolkit that provides potent revenue-generating tools and a vast community for all its users. With constant feedback and iterative upgrades, FFST can meet user needs with increasing precision. FFST's inception was driven by a mission to empower those confined to their homes to generate income. Regardless of their employment status, individuals can work freely anywhere, anytime, using a smartphone or a computer. For advertisers, FFST's massive, precise traffic pool offers an exceptional platform for brand promotion, global community establishment, and product distribution. For users, the new media section of FFST offers an avenue for revenue generation, redefining the relationship between advertisers and users, allowing the latter to truly benefit from their user behavior. In terms of payment, FFST respects user privacy and places great emphasis on payment security. The platform has incorporated cryptocurrency payments, simplifying online transactions without the need for registration, and just a wallet. This approach significantly reduces the complexity of cross-border payments, minimizes transaction fees, and significantly eases the process for users. FFST reveals that in response to the escalating user demand, future platform enhancements will be focused on AI, SocialFi, and Web3.0, with considerable tech investment. Simultaneously, a comprehensive user ecosystem will be built to provide an unmatched user experience. The aim is to deeply excavate user value, genuinely return the platform's profits to the users, and construct a new generation of new media social group-purchasing e-commerce platform for the Web3.0 era. About FFST GROUP INC. Spearheaded and operated by FFST GROUP INC, FFST is a part of an advertising conglomerate that encompasses product planning, design development, product promotion, assisting businesses in inventory consumption, brand operation, e-commerce sales, and enhancing global brand operation management capabilities. The company boasts an experienced team of designers Mary Taylor FFST GROUP INC mary at ffst.com Source: FFST Garching / Munich, June 15, 2023 ITM Isotope Technologies Munich SE (ITM), a leading radiopharmaceutical biotech company, today announced that it will host a multidisciplinary symposium titled, Investing in the Future of Theranostics: Aligning Supply to Clinical Need, at the Society of Nuclear Medicine and Molecular Imaging (SNMMI) Therapeutics Conference, held from June 24-27 in Chicago, Illinois, USA. The symposium will take place on June 25, from 6:30 pm to 7:30 pm CST in McCormick Place, Lakeside Center, Room E450b. Moderated by Roger Estafanos, U.S. General Manager at ITM, the panel will feature three expert speakers spanning different disciplines within the field: Harshad Kulkarni, MD, Chief Medical Advisor at Bold Advanced Medical Future (BAMF) Health; Neil Quigley, M.Sc., Global Product Manager at ITM; and Ram Mullur, M.Sc., MB, Vice President of Canadian Nuclear Laboratories. Particularly as the demand for radiopharmaceuticals continues to grow, we value the opportunity to bring together and share this panels expertise and unique insights into the clinical, scientific, and production aspects of theranostics, commented Steffen Schuster, CEO of ITM. We look forward to facilitating important discussions through our event at the SNMMI, a conference that brings together leading nuclear medicine specialists under the shared goal of improving care and outcomes for patients worldwide. Symposium & Speaker Details:The symposium will examine the current landscape and promising future of theranostics from three distinct but equally important vantage points: that of the clinician, the radiochemist, and the manufacturer. Understanding the interdependencies of these stakeholders will help ensure the value of this critical modality for patients now and well into the future. Chair: Mr. Roger Estafanos, U.S. General Manager of ITM, Princeton, New JerseyMr. Estafanos is experienced in both the radiopharmaceutical and pharmaceutical industries and was one of the first leaders of the US division of Advanced Accelerator Applications (AAA), a Novartis company. The Clinical Perspective: Current and Future Utilization of Theranostics Dr. Harshad Kulkarni reviews BAMFs advanced technology and precision medicine platform, the importance of lutetium and gallium in current practice, his experience with the actinium-225 and insights to the future of the theranostic landscape. Dr. Kulkarni is Chief Medical Advisor of BAMF Healths flagship facility in Grand Rapids and previously served as attending physician in charge of Radiomolecular Theranostics in the Theranostics Center for Molecular Radiotherapy and Precision Oncology at Zentralklinik Bad Berka, Germany. The Radiochemical Perspective: Synergy Between Lutetium-177 & Actinium-225Mr. Neil Quigley discusses the current mass scale availability of lutetium-177, potential promises and challenges of actinium-225 production routes, and addresses the actinium-225 decay chain with an emphasis on dose contribution. Mr. Quigley, M.Sc. is Global Product Manager at ITM, Munich and the 2022 recipient of the George-von-Hevesy Prize awarded by the German Society of Nuclear Medicine for outstanding work in the field of radiochemistry. The Technology Perspective: Commercial Availability of Actinium-225Mr. Ram Mullur examines various aspects of actinium-225 ranging from its current annual global production to the growing demand for its research and clinical use, challenges related to the scale-up of production to meet industry needs, and CNLs role in its development. Mr. Mullur, M.Sc., MBA is V.P. of Canadian Nuclear Laboratories, an accomplished executive with more than 25 years of broad industry experience and currently focused on further developing CNLs actinium-225 program. About Targeted Radionuclide TherapyTargeted Radionuclide Therapy is an emerging class of cancer therapeutics, which seeks to deliver radiation directly to the tumor while minimizing radiation exposure to normal tissue. Targeted radiopharmaceuticals are created by linking a therapeutic radioisotope to a targeting molecule (e.g., peptide, antibody, small molecule) that can precisely recognize tumor cells and bind to tumor-specific characteristics, like receptors on the tumor cell surface. As a result, the radioisotope accumulates at the tumor site and decays, releasing a small amount of ionizing radiation, with the goal of destroying tumor tissue. The precise localization enables targeted treatment with potentially minimal impact to healthy surrounding tissue. ITM Isotope Technologies Munich SEITM, a leading radiopharmaceutical biotech company, is dedicated to providing a new generation of radiomolecular precision therapeutics and diagnostics for hard-to-treat tumors. We aim to meet the needs of cancer patients, clinicians and our partners through excellence in development, production and global supply. With improved patient benefit as the driving principle for all we do, ITM advances a broad precision oncology pipeline, including two phase III studies, combining the companys high-quality radioisotopes with a range of targeting molecules. By leveraging our nearly two decades of pioneering radiopharma expertise, central industry position and established global network, ITM strives to provide patients with more effective targeted treatment to improve clinical outcome and quality of life. www.itm-radiopharma.com ITM Contact Corporate Communications Julia Hofmann / Svenja Gartner Phone: +49 89 329 8986 1500 Email: [email protected] Investor RelationsBen OrzelekPhone: +49 89 329 8986 1009Email: [email protected] Attachment Source: ITM Isotope Technologies Munich SE VANCOUVER, British Columbia, June 15, 2023 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Orezone Gold Corporation (TSX: ORE, OTCQX: ORZCF) (the Company or Orezone) reports that all resolutions at the Companys annual general meeting of shareholders held on June 15, 2023 were approved by shareholders with 59.22% of the total issued and outstanding shares voted. Michael Halvorson, Chairman of Orezone stated "On behalf of the Company and the board I would like to welcome Mr. Quinlan as a board member. Mr. Quinlan is an independent nominee of Resource Capital Fund VII L.P. and has over 25 years of experience in the capital markets and mining industries. Mr. Quinlan replaces Mr. Axcell who did not stand for re-election at the AGM. The Company would like to thank Mr. Axcell for his many contributions and guidance during his tenure as a board member. As Chair of the Company's Project Steering Committee, Mr. Axcell greatly assisted the Company during the development and construction of the Bombore mine including operations readiness preparations". Results of Voting The results of voting are noted below. For additional details on the resolutions, please see the Management Information Circular of the Company dated May 12, 2023. 1. To fix the number of directors at eight: For % For Against % Against 212,678,864 99.79% 451,525 0.21% 2. To elect directors of the Company: Nominee For % For Against % Against Joseph Conway 169,242,669 81.61% 38,143,505 18.39% Patrick Downey 201,927,271 97.37% 5,458,903 2.63% Robert Doyle 206,287,286 99.47% 1,098,888 0.53% Michael Halvorson 206,360,637 99.51% 1,025,537 0.49% Kate Harcourt 207,239,472 99.93% 146,702 0.07% Marco LoCascio 207,233,272 99.93% 152,902 0.07% Charles Oliver 207,262,072 99.94% 124,102 0.06% Matthew Quinlan 207,259,410 99.94% 126,764 0.06% 3. To appoint Deloitte LLP as auditors for the fiscal year ending December 31, 2023, and to authorize the directors to fix their remuneration: For % For Withhold % Withold 213,083,416 99.98% 46,975 0.02% About Orezone Gold Corporation Orezone Gold Corporation (TSX: ORE OTCQX: ORZCF) is a Canadian mining company operating the open pit Bombore Gold Mine in Burkina Faso. Orezone is focusing on mining and processing the Phase I near surface free-dig oxides at a planned annual throughput of 5.7 million tonnes. The Company believes that Bombore has a significant underlying sulphide resource to support a substantially larger Phase II expansion. The Company has recently completed a resource definition drill program, and plans to issue an updated mineral resource, reserve and life of mine plan, as part of this Phase II expansion. It is expected that the pending study will be completed in Q3-2023 to be followed by a production decision. Orezone is led by an experienced team focused on social responsibility and sustainability with a proven track record in project construction and operations, financings, capital markets and M&A. The technical report for the 2019 Feasibility Study on the Bombore Project entitled NI 43-101 Technical Report (Amended) Feasibility Study of the Bombore Gold Project is available on SEDAR under the Companys profile at www.sedar.com. Patrick DowneyPresident and Chief Executive Officer Vanessa PickeringManager, Investor Relations Tel: 1 778 945 8977 / Toll Free: 1 888 673 0663[email protected] / www.orezone.com For further information please contact Orezone at +1 (778) 945-8977 or visit the Companys website at www.orezone.com. The Toronto Stock Exchange neither approves nor disapproves the information contained in this news release. Source: Orezone Gold Corporation Post's American Sentinel College of Nursing & Health Sciences granted $1 million to support aspiring nurse educators WATERBURY, Conn., June 15, 2023 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- To help combat the nation's nursing shortage, Post Universitys American Sentinel College of Nursing & Health Sciences received a $1 million Nurse Faculty Loan Program (NFLP) grant from the Health Resources and Services Administration . The NFLP seeks to increase the number of advanced nursing degreed faculty in Connecticut and nationwide by helping alleviate financial barriers for nursing students interested in a career in nursing education. This significant grant will provide the university with resources to offer financial assistance to aspiring nurse educators. By offering the NFLP program to graduate students, Post University is able to help nursing schools meet the need for faculty members, said Posts American Sentinel College of Nursing & Health Sciences Dean Kimberly Nerud, PhD, RN. The NFLP program provides students a viable path to becoming a nurse educator by preparing them academically for the positions and by the financial support during the program. American Sentinel, which merged with Post University in 2021, was a prior recipient of NFLP grants. In the past year, American Sentinel had nearly 100 students use the funding to support their degrees in Master of Science Nursing Nursing Education Specialization or Doctor of Nursing Practice - Educational Leadership Specialization. With the 2023 NFLP funding, which becomes effective on July 1, the University expects to enroll 100 new future nurse faculty members in the two graduate nursing programs for the upcoming academic year. The availability of NFLP funding has been helpful in attracting potential students to the University and to future careers in education, explained Dr. Nerud. The NFLP funds are available to accredited nursing schools to establish student loan funds and provide loans to qualified students enrolled in advanced education nursing degree programs who are committed to becoming nurse faculty. In exchange for four years of full-time nurse faculty employment in an accredited school of nursing, the program cancels up to 85% of the original student loan amount, including accrued interest. Qualified students enrolled in the Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) with a specialization in educational leadership or the Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) program with a specialization in nursing education at American Sentinel College of Nursing & Health Sciences at Post are eligible to apply for the NFLP. This award comes at a critical time as the nation faces a projected shortfall of 610,000 registered nurses by 2027 . In Connecticut alone, the state currently has a ratio of 9.52 nurses per 1,000 population , highlighting the significant nursing shortage. According to the American Association of Colleges of Nursing (AACN), faculty shortages are the primary reason for not accepting all qualified applicants in most nursing schools. Fortunately, grants like this enable institutions to better invest in current and future nursing faculty, incentivizing students to pursue careers in nurse education. This, in turn, contributes to the alleviation of the nursing shortage and the improvement of healthcare delivery. The American Sentinel College of Nursing & Health Sciences at Post University offers a number of advanced online nursing degrees, health management degrees, digital credentials, certificates and more. To learn more about Posts American Sentinel College, visit https://post.edu/academics/american-sentinel-college-of-nursing/ . To learn more about Posts NFLP and to apply for financial support, email [email protected] . # # # About Post University Based in Waterbury, Connecticut, since 1890, Post University is known for its innovation and focus on providing every online and on-campus student an educational experience with personalized support. Among the first in the nation and the first in Connecticut to offer full degrees online, Post University offers more than 55 areas of study. Respected for its Honors Program and role in military online education for over 45 years, the University is licensed by the State of Connecticut through the Office of Higher Education and is institutionally accredited by the New England Commission of Higher Education. AUSTIN, Texas, June 15, 2023 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- On a mission to turn the bottled water industry right side up, Richards Rainwater announces a brand refresh with bold new packaging designed to stand out, just like their hometown of ATX. Richards Rainwater has been the nations leader in capturing and bottling pure rainwater for decades, dedicated to sourcing and sharing the most renewable drinking water with the nation. The new look reinvigorates this endeavor, featuring the most spectacular element of the water cycle - the rainbow. This iconic natural phenomenon represents the vibrancy and vitality that comes from a renewing rainstorm and symbolizes the optimism Richards Rainwater has for our world. Our planet is facing a water scarcity crisis. Efficiently capturing and purifying rain for drinking water is a true solution that is net positive and is better for the environment than drinking from other water sources. said Taylor ONeil, CEO of Richards Rainwater. At Richards Rainwater, we have perfected that process, pioneering technology to access the skys infinite water supply and were scaling that system to hydrate change across the globe. We needed branding as bold as that mission, that makes you want to be part of the change. To accomplish this goal, Richards Rainwater tapped the experts at Bex Brands, challenging the team to create an inspiring new feel that also reflected the brands Austin roots which give permission to be unapologetically distinct and provocative. Richards Rainwater pushed us to develop a refreshed brand look that made you want to grab a bottle or can of rainwater, take a sip and toast your neighbor to a better way to enjoy water, said Jeremy Dahl, Partner at Bex Brands. The vibrant new look provokes the feeling you get from seeing a rainbow, the renewal, energy and zeal for life. It is a rallying cry, designed to unite the community and make you want to be part of changing the world one drink at a time. The new design on the outside of the packaging brings to life the passion Richards Rainwater has always put into the water inside the package. While some in the water industry have begun prioritizing sustainable packaging, Richards Rainwater prioritizes the water you drink. Using proprietary technology to tap the clouds and the skys infinite water supply, Richards Rainwater captures water from the most renewable source of water on earth in a net positive process. By bottling the rain with a closed loop system, Richards Rainwater is able to deliver more of the water collected into the drinking water system than any alternative process. Sourced from the purest point in natures water cycle, the rainwater is naturally clean, 100x cleaner in fact than the strictest standards for bottled water and is purified with zero chemicals. Richards packages this pure rainwater in infinitely recyclable glass and aluminum. Enjoyed sparkling or still, the Richards Rainwater is so refreshing you can taste the difference. Join Richards Rainwater in hydrating change and toast to a water that addresses quality, conservation and water scarcity through the power of rainwater. Purchase Richards Rainwater online at richardsrainwater.com at Whole Foods Market locations nationwide, select locations of H-E-B, Kroger, Natural Grocers and Sprouts Farmers Market as well as many independent grocers across the country. Our 100 percent pure rainwater is also featured on the menu at nearly 1,000 premier restaurants, bars, hotels and coffee shops in the Southeast. Find a location near you on our store locator. Follow us on Instagram, Facebook and LinkedIn. Media InquiriesSarah Karger[email protected] About Richards RainwaterFrom cloud to bottle, Richard's Rainwater produces the worlds most renewable bottled water. Richard's Rainwater was the first and remains the only nationally distributed bottled still and sparkling rainwater in the U.S. Its founder, Richard Heinichen, started a quest to find cleaner, better-tasting water for his family ranch near Austin in 1994. His dream has grown into a movement to build a network of decentralized rainwater collection sites spread across the country in partnership with existing local breweries and beverage manufacturers rehydrating change within the bottled water industry. The rain is caught clean from the sky before it touches the ground, eliminating the need to use harsh chemicals such as fluoride, chlorine, and ammonia. It's bottled fresh from the only renewable water source, stored in 100% recyclable packaging, and distributed the shortest distance possible from cloud to consumer, revolutionizing the way the bottled water industry has traditionally captured, purified, and distributed water to thirsty customers. You can purchase Richards Rainwater online at richardsrainwater.com at Whole Foods Market locations nationwide, select locations of H-E-B, Kroger, Natural Grocers and Sprouts Farmers Market as well as many independent grocers across the country. Our 100 percent pure rainwater is also featured on the menu at nearly 1,000 premier restaurants, bars, hotels and coffee shops in the Southeast. Find a location near you on our store locator. Follow us on Instagram, Twitter, Facebook and LinkedIn. A photo accompanying this announcement is available at https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/52c6db65-2cdb-407d-943b-0658a41e6c38 Richard's Rainwater Releases Bold New Look and Vibe The bold new packaging from Richard's Rainwater is designed to stand out, just like their hometown of ATX. The new design on the outside of the packaging brings to life the passion Richards Rainwater has always put into the water inside the package. While some in the water industry have begun prioritizing sustainable packaging, Richards Rainwater prioritizes the water you drink. Join us as we Sip the Sky and hydrate change. Source: Richard's Rainwater, Inc. ANN ARBOR, Mich., June 15, 2023 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Washtenaw Community College (WCC) will host a record number of more than 5,000 members from five national trades organizations this summer for training to advance their skills. WCCs partnerships with skilled trades groups have been growing for decades and upcoming visits will result in a projected $20 million economic impact to Washtenaw County and the City of Ann Arbor, according to Destination Ann Arbor. Approximately 175 members of the United Union of Roofers, Waterproofers and Allied Workers have kicked off the summer of training this week. Train the Trainer events at WCC will continue in July, with 120 members of the Operational Plasterers and Cement Masons International Association; 700 members of the International Association of Bridge, Structural, Ornamental and Reinforcing Iron Workers Union; and 600-800 members of the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers - National Electrical Contractors Association. Training will conclude in mid-August with an estimated 3,600 members of the United Association of Plumbers and Pipefitters converging on campus. Destination Ann Arbor will host its annual UA block party in downtown Ann Arbor on Main Street between Liberty and William streets from 6-10 p.m. Monday, August 14. Washtenaw Community College is proud to be the home base where these national trade organizations come to advance their skills. The work they do on buildings where we live, work and play keeps all of us safe, and WCC is committed to helping educate and provide state-of-the-art skills training, said WCC President Dr. Rose B. Bellanca. Union trainers typically spend a week on campus enrolled in classroom credit classes and hands-on laboratory instructional training to stay up to date on their skills and technological developments within their industries. Trainers then return home to train their members based all over the country. Destination Ann Arbor the county's destination marketing organization shared that this summer's trade union visits will result in an estimated $20 million economic impact on the region. We appreciate our partnership with Washtenaw Community College and the entire hospitality community to welcome these national trade organizations to the Ann Arbor region. WCC is a world class institution that provides the most dedicated staff, cutting edge technology, and training space to help further the education of this important workforce, said Destination Ann Arbor President and CEO Sarah Miller. United Union of Roofers, Waterproofers and Allied WorkersJune 12-16175 attendees Operational Plasterers and Cement Masons International AssociationJuly 10-14120 attendees International Association of Bridge, Structural, Ornamental and Reinforcing Iron Workers UnionJuly 17-21700 attendees International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers - National Electrical Contractors AssociationJuly 31-August 4600-800 attendees United Association of Plumbers and PipefittersAugust 12-183,600+ attendees About Washtenaw Community College Washtenaw Community College (WCC), Ann Arbor, Michigan, educates students through a wide range of associate and certificate programs in areas such as health care, business, STEM and advanced transportation and mobility. WCC offers accelerated and online programs and is ranked the number one community college in Michigan by Intelligent.com and Schools.com. The college also works through community, business and union partnerships to develop highly specialized training programs to meet the regions workforce talent needs. For more information about Washtenaw Community College, visit www.wccnet.edu. MEDIA CONTACT Fran LeFort, 734-677-5295 A photo accompanying this announcement is available at https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/79617a5d-8a79-418e-a012-1610e2787588 Skilled Trades at WCC Washtenaw Community College will host more than 5,000 skilled trades members this summer for advanced skills training. Photo credit: J.D. Scott Source: Washtenaw Community College Saudi Arabia's foreign minister is expected to visit Tehran on Saturday, Iranian media reported, as the two Middle Eastern powerhouses move to cement their recent landmark rapprochement after a seven-year rupture. "The foreign minister of Saudi Arabia, Faisal bin Farhan, will travel to Tehran on Saturday, June 17, to meet with officials of the Islamic Republic of Iran," Tasnim news agency said on Thursday. The visit has not been officially announced by either Tehran or Riyadh. Citing unnamed "sources", Tasnim said the Saudi embassy in Tehran, which has been shut since 2016, may reopen during Prince Faisal's visit. Saudi Arabia severed relations with Iran in 2016 after its embassy in Tehran and consulate in the northwestern city of Mashhad were attacked during protests over Riyadh's execution of Shia cleric Nimr al-Nimr. Since then, the two rival powers, which have maintained an enmity since the 1979 Islamic revolution in Iran, have opposed each other on regional issues, sometimes supporting rival camps such as in Syria, Lebanon or Yemen. In March, Iran and Saudi Arabia agreed to restart their respective embassies and work towards resuming ties in a Chinese-brokered deal that has shifted regional relations. Riyadh has since reconnected with Syria, an ally of Tehran, and has intensified its peace efforts in Yemen, where it leads a military coalition supporting the Yemeni government against the Iran-backed Huthi rebels. Iran has also been engaged in Omani-mediated talks with the United States on Tehran's nuclear activity. The Saudi foreign minister and his Iranian counterpart, Hossein Amir-Abdollahian, met in Beijing in April, where they both vowed to promote regional security and stability. The same month, a Saudi delegation visited Iran to discuss reopening its diplomatic missions, Riyadh's foreign ministry said at the time. Iran in early June reopened its long-shut embassy in Riyadh. Search Keywords: Short link: Vancouver, British Columbia--(Newsfile Corp. - June 15, 2023) - ACME Lithium Inc. (CSE: ACME) (OTCQX: ACLHF) (the "Company", or "ACME") is pleased to announce that President and CEO Steve Hanson will be presenting as part of a panel for "Lithium Project Insights: US and South America" at the Fastmarkets Lithium Supply and Battery Raw Materials Conference on June 20th, 2023, at 2:00 PM in Las Vegas, Nevada. ACME will also be exhibiting at the conference from June 20th to 22nd and meeting with potential strategic partners, industry members and investors. The Fastmarkets Lithium Supply and Battery Raw Materials Conference, a three-day event, is the largest global forum for lithium and battery raw materials, with keynote speakers and attendees from the world's top producers, to end users as well as participants along the entire supply chain. Fastmarkets is the most trusted cross-commodity price reporting agency (PRA) in the agriculture, forest products, metals and mining, and energy transition markets. Link to Lithium Supply and Battery Raw Materials 2023 event ACME Lithium recently announced that it had successfully completed drilling, construction, and development of a Dissolved Mineral Resource Exploration (DMRE) test well TW-1 as part of the Phase 2 drill program at its Clayton Valley, Nevada lithium brine project. The well is being prepared for the commencement of a pumping test from which hydraulic properties and brine chemistry of the Lower Gravel Unit will be assessed. About ACME Lithium Inc. Led by an experienced team, ACME Lithium is a mineral exploration Company focused on acquiring, exploring, and developing battery metal projects in partnership with leading technology and commodity companies. ACME has acquired or is under option to acquire a 100-per-cent interest in projects located in Clayton Valley and Fish Lake Valley, Esmeralda County Nevada, at Shatford, Birse, and Cat-Euclid Lakes in southeastern Manitoba, and at Bailey Lake in northern Saskatchewan. On behalf of the Board of Directors Steve Hanson Chief Executive Officer, President and Director Telephone: (604) 564-9045 [email protected] For Investor Inquiries: Anthony Simone Simone Capital Telephone: (416) 881-5154 [email protected] Neither the CSE nor its regulations service providers accept responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this news release. This news release may contain forward-looking information within the meaning of applicable securities laws ("forward-looking statements"). Forward-looking statements are statements that are not historical facts and are generally, but not always, identified by the words "expects," "plans," "anticipates," "believes," "intends," "estimates," "projects," "potential" and similar expressions, or that events or conditions "will," "would," "may," "could" or "should" occur and in this news release include but are not limited to the attributes of, timing for and expected benefits to be derived from exploration, drilling or development at ACME's project properties. Information inferred from the interpretation of drilling, sampling and other technical results may also be deemed to be forward-looking statements, as it constitutes a prediction of what might be found to be present when and if a project is actually developed. ACME's project location adjacent to or nearby lithium projects does not guarantee exploration success or that mineral resources or reserves will be defined on ACME's properties. Exploration, development, and activities conducted by regional companies provide assistance and additional data for exploration work being completed by ACME. These forward-looking statements are subject to a variety of risks and uncertainties which could cause actual events or results to differ materially from those reflected in the forward-looking statements, including, without limitation: risks related to fluctuations in metal prices; uncertainties related to raising sufficient financing to fund the planned work in a timely manner and on acceptable terms; changes in planned work resulting from weather, logistical, technical or other factors; the possibility that results of work will not fulfill expectations and realize the perceived potential of the Company's properties; risk of accidents, equipment breakdowns and labour disputes or other unanticipated difficulties or interruptions; the possibility of cost overruns or unanticipated expenses in the work program; the risk of environmental contamination or damage resulting from the Company's operations and other risks and uncertainties. Any forward-looking statement speaks only as of the date it is made and, except as may be required by applicable securities laws, the Company disclaims any intent or obligation to update any forward-looking statement, whether as a result of new information, future events or results or otherwise. To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/170039 Lead, South Dakota--(Newsfile Corp. - June 15, 2023) - Dakota Gold Corp. (NYSE American: DC) ("Dakota Gold" or the "Company") is pleased to report positive drill intercepts from four additional drill holes at its Richmond Hill Gold Project ("Richmond Hill"). All four holes were drilled as part of Dakota Gold's metallurgical testing/validation drill program at Richmond Hill, which continues to both confirm and extend mineralization at the Twin Tunnels Breccia Pipe, Turnaround Breccia Pipe and Cleveland Zones. Drill Hole Highlights (See Table 1): RH23C-031 at Turnaround Breccia Pipe returned 0.047 oz/ton Au over 224.8 feet (1.61 grams/tonne over 68.5 meters) and 0.065 oz/ton Au over 55.0 feet (2.23 grams/tonne over 16.8 meters). RH23C-034 at Twin Tunnels Breccia Pipe returned 0.045 oz/ton Au over 113.8 feet (1.54 grams/tonne over 34.7 meters) and 0.021 oz/ton Au over 349.5 feet (0.72 grams/tonne over 106.5 meters). RH23C-037 at the Cleveland Zone returned 0.067 oz/ton Au over 81.5 feet (2.30 grams/tonne over 24.8 meters). The latest drill results from the metallurgical test program generally exceed grade and intercept thickness expectations, and demonstrate the potential of the six breccia pipes known to exist at Richmond Hill, all of which remain largely untested. While the spring and early summer drill programs have been concentrated on validation and metallurgical test work, the drilling has also extended the mineralization, particularly to depth. In late July, the focus at Richmond Hill will return to exploration drilling, armed with an ever-increasing understanding of the broader mineralization system. The Richmond Hill drill programs are on-schedule to produce a compliant S-K 1300 Resource in the first Quarter of 2024. This will incorporate 880 historical drill holes with the current drill results. Gerald Aberle, Chief Operating Officer of Dakota Gold, said, "The drilling at Richmond Hill continues to validate and extend the mineralization characterized by historical drill programs and subsequent resource estimates. We are very pleased with our drill results and the overall execution of the program. Drill productivity has substantially exceeded expectations, which has resulted in a unit cost approximately 30% below budget, all of which has been accomplished with zero reportable safety or environmental incidents. These accomplishments are a testament to the capability and commitment of our experienced team." Exploration Update: Dakota gold continues to receive assay results from its metallurgical/historical drilling validation program at Richmond Hill. Drill results continue to confirm and expand the historical drilling that was completed by LAC Minerals USA LLC. The Company has now received assays for the Twin Tunnels Breccia Pipe, Turnaround Breccia Pipe, and Cleveland Zone areas at Richmond Hill. RH23C-031 encountered mineralized breccia and Tertiary altered Precambrian greenstone at the Turnaround Breccia Pipe. The upper intercepts in RH23C-031 which contained Cambrian Deadwood clasts and blocks, indicated a collapse breccia at Turnaround. The lower portions of the drill hole contained Tertiary altered greenstone and breccia with greenstone clasts. RH23C-034 was drilled at the Twin Tunnels Breccia Pipe and was drilled at a shallower angle than RH23C-014 (see April 13, 2023, press release). The drill hole encountered Tertiary breccias with Precambrian greenstone clasts and Tertiary altered Precambrian phyllites. Drill holes RH23C-037 and RH23C-038 were drilled at the Cleveland Zone area located east of the Turnaround Breccia Pipe. The gold mineralization encountered in these holes is hosted in Precambrian phyllites with Tertiary fractures, Tertiary intrusive dikes, and breccias adjacent to the Tertiary dikes. Table 1. RH23C-031, RH23C-034, RH23C-037 and RH23C-038 Drill Results (Imperial / Metric Units) Hole # From To Depth Interval* Gold From To Depth Interval* Gold Mineral Type ft ft ft ft oz/ton m m m m g/t RH23C-031 95.0 319.8 66.8 224.8 0.047 29.0 97.5 20.4 68.5 1.61 Tert 380.0 435.0 261.2 55.0 0.065 115.8 132.6 79.6 16.8 2.23 Bx 555.0 599.8 372.9 44.8 0.059 169.2 182.8 113.7 13.7 2.02 Bx 865.0 890.0 509.8 25.0 0.035 263.7 271.3 155.4 7.6 1.20 Tert 980.0 995.0 559.1 15.0 0.030 298.7 303.3 170.4 4.6 1.03 Tert 1145.0 1160.0 636.4 15.0 0.026 349.0 353.6 194.0 4.6 0.89 Bx 1235.0 1255.0 685.7 20.0 0.021 376.4 382.5 209.0 6.1 0.72 Bx 1376.0 1410.7 781.5 32.7 0.016 419.4 430.0 238.2 10.6 0.55 Bx 1621.2 1645.0 909.3 23.8 0.018 494.1 501.4 277.2 7.3 0.62 Bx RH23C-034 144.7 192.2 84.5 47.5 0.024 44.1 58.6 25.8 14.5 0.82 Bx 222.2 336.0 125.9 113.8 0.045 67.7 102.4 38.4 34.7 1.54 Bx 359.7 375.3 194.6 15.6 0.053 109.6 114.4 59.3 4.8 1.82 Bx 446.0 501.3 221.5 55.3 0.037 135.9 152.8 67.5 16.9 1.27 Bx 516.2 559.7 251.0 43.8 0.021 157.3 170.6 76.5 13.3 0.72 Bx 570.0 672.4 270.9 102.4 0.019 173.7 204.9 82.6 31.2 0.65 Bx 683.5 1033.0 307.2 349.5 0.021 208.3 314.9 93.6 106.5 0.72 Bx 1082.6 1098.0 549.4 15.4 0.026 330.0 334.7 167.5 4.7 0.89 Tert 1190.0 1295.0 616.1 105.0 0.019 362.7 394.7 187.8 32.0 0.65 Tert 1321.6 1336.5 725.3 14.9 0.018 402.8 407.4 221.1 4.5 0.62 Tert RH23C-037 146.7 155.0 99.8 8.3 0.038 44.7 47.2 30.4 2.5 1.30 Tert 292.0 300.5 179.4 8.5 0.081 89.0 91.6 54.7 2.6 2.78 Tert 515.0 528.7 283.1 13.7 0.031 157.0 161.1 86.3 4.2 1.06 Tert 592.4 673.9 327.2 81.5 0.067 180.6 205.4 99.7 24.8 2.30 Tert 845.3 854.3 479.5 9.0 0.039 257.6 260.4 146.2 2.7 1.34 Bx 877.8 887.3 498.0 9.5 0.042 267.6 270.4 151.8 2.9 1.44 Tert RH23C-038 35.0 65.7 22.3 30.7 0.028 10.7 20.0 6.8 9.4 0.96 Bx 131.0 146.3 74.2 15.3 0.035 39.9 44.6 22.6 4.7 1.20 Tert 172.0 183.3 96.2 11.3 0.030 52.4 55.9 29.3 3.4 1.03 Tert 210.3 230.0 115.3 19.7 0.024 64.1 70.1 35.1 6.0 0.82 Tert 250.5 275.5 135.7 25.0 0.032 76.4 84.0 41.4 7.6 1.10 Tert 661.1 676.6 346.0 15.5 0.047 201.5 206.2 105.5 4.7 1.61 Tert 688.0 699.1 357.6 11.1 0.020 209.7 213.1 109.0 3.4 0.69 Tert *True thickness is unknown. Abbreviations in the table include ounces per ton ("oz/ton"); grams per tonne ("g/t"); feet ("ft"); meter ("m"); Tertiary ("Tert"); and Breccia (Bx). Figure 1. Plan View of Dakota Gold Corp. Richmond Hill Drill Holes with Highlighted Gold Intercepts. To view an enhanced version of Figure 1, please visit: https://images.newsfilecorp.com/files/8218/170074_be6a21c0b4110bfd_002full.jpg Figure 2. Cross Section View of Richmond Hill Drill Hole RH23C-031. To view an enhanced version of Figure 2, please visit: https://images.newsfilecorp.com/files/8218/170074_be6a21c0b4110bfd_003full.jpg Figure 3. Cross Section View of Richmond Hill Drill Hole RH23C-034. To view an enhanced version of Figure 3, please visit: https://images.newsfilecorp.com/files/8218/170074_be6a21c0b4110bfd_004full.jpg Figure 4. Cross Section View of Richmond Hill Drill Hole RH23C-037. To view an enhanced version of Figure 4, please visit: https://images.newsfilecorp.com/files/8218/170074_be6a21c0b4110bfd_005full.jpg Figure 5. Cross Section View of Richmond Hill Drill Hole RH23C-038. To view an enhanced version of Figure 5, please visit: https://images.newsfilecorp.com/files/8218/170074_be6a21c0b4110bfd_006full.jpg The Company currently has four drills operating on its properties in the Homestake District of South Dakota, with two drills operating at the Maitland Gold Project ("Maitland") and two drills operating at Richmond Hill. The Maitland drills are targeting Homestake-hosted and Tertiary gold mineralization and the Richmond Hill drills are targeting Tertiary breccias and replacement mineralization. Richmond Hill is located 2.3 miles west of Maitland and 1.5 miles north of Coeur Mining, Inc.'s Wharf Mine. The Wharf Mine produced 79,768 ounces at 0.021 oz/ton gold in 2022. About Dakota Gold Corp. Dakota Gold (NYSE American: DC) is a South Dakota-based responsible gold exploration and development company with a specific focus on revitalizing the Homestake District in Lead, South Dakota. Dakota Gold has high-caliber gold mineral properties covering over 46 thousand acres surrounding the historic Homestake Mine. The Dakota Gold team is focused on new gold discoveries and opportunities that build on the legacy of the Homestake District and its 145 years of gold mining history. Subscribe to Dakota Gold's e-mail list at www.dakotagoldcorp.com to receive the latest news and other Company updates. Shareholder and Investor Inquiries For more information, please contact: Jonathan Awde, President and Chief Executive Officer Tel: +1 604-761-5251 Email: [email protected] Qualified Person and S-K 1300 Disclosure James M. Berry, a Registered Member of SME and Vice President of Exploration of Dakota Gold Corp., is the Company's designated qualified person for this news release as defined in Subpart 1300 - Disclosure by Registrants Engaged in Mining Operations of Regulation S-K and has reviewed and approved its scientific and technical content. The ranges of potential tonnage and grade (or quality) disclosed above in respect of the Richmond Hill Gold Project are conceptual in nature and could change as the proposed exploration activities are completed. There has been insufficient exploration of the Richmond Hill Gold Project to allow for an estimate of a mineral resource and it is uncertain if further exploration will result in the estimation of a mineral resource. The disclosure above in respect of the Richmond Hill Gold Project therefore does not represent, and should not be construed to be, an estimate of a mineral resource or mineral reserve. Quality Assurance/Quality Control consists of regular insertion of certified reference materials, duplicate samples, and blanks into the sample stream. Check samples will be submitted to an umpire laboratory as the drill program progresses. Assay results are reviewed, and discrepancies are investigated prior to incorporation into the Company database. Samples are submitted to the ALS Geochemistry sample preparation facility in Winnipeg, Manitoba. Gold and multi-element analyses are performed at the ALS Geochemistry laboratory in Vancouver, British Columbia. ALS Minerals is an ISO/IEC 17025:2017 accredited lab. Forward-Looking Statements This communication contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended. These forward-looking statements are based on assumptions and expectations that may not be realized and are inherently subject to numerous risks and uncertainties, which could cause actual results to differ materially from these statements. These risks and uncertainties include, among others, the execution and timing of our planned exploration activities, our use and evaluation of historic data, our ability to achieve our strategic goals, the state of the economy and financial markets generally and the effect on our industry, and the market for our common stock. The foregoing list is not exhaustive. For additional information regarding factors that may cause actual results to differ materially from those indicated in our forward-looking statements, we refer you to the risk factors included in Item 1A of the Company's Annual Report on Form 10-KT for the nine-month transition period ended December 31, 2022, as amended, as updated by annual, quarterly and other reports and documents that we file with the SEC. We caution investors not to place undue reliance on the forward-looking statements contained in this communication. These statements speak only as of the date of this communication, and we undertake no obligation to update or revise these statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, except as may be required by law. We do not give any assurance that we will achieve our expectations. To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/170074 Surrey, British Columbia--(Newsfile Corp. - June 15, 2023) - Desert Gold Ventures Inc.(TSXV: DAU) (FSE: QXR2) (OTCQB: DAUGF) (the "Company") is pleased to announce the appointment of Mr. Doug Engdahl to its board of directors. Mr. Engdahl is a professional geologist and the President & CEO of Axiom Group. He received his B.Sc. from the University of Saskatchewan in Geological Sciences and a Citation Program in Applied Geostatistics with Clayton Deutsch from the University of Alberta. He is a Professional Geoscientist registered with the Association of Professional Engineers and Geoscientists of Saskatchewan (APEGS) and Engineers & Geoscientists British Columbia. Mr. Engdahl has over 20 years of experience managing various companies with over 15 years of geological experience in both junior and major exploration and mining sectors across North America and in Africa. His extensive mineral exploration experience has been focused on data compilation and interpretation, drill target generation and drill program management, as well as resource and mine modeling with focus on structural geology and resource calculations. He is also a certified practicing member of the Saskatchewan Mine Rescue program. Outside of the geological world he has 7 years as a Gold Seal Volunteer Firefighter and First Responder with the Warman Fire Department. Desert Gold's CEO, Jared Scharf, commented, "We are delighted to welcome Mr. Engdahl to our board as an independent director. Doug's technical background, work history in Africa and considerable capital markets experience are welcome additions to our board's existing skillset and composition. I look forward to working alongside Mr. Engdahl to advance the development of our Senegal Mali Shear Zone Project." In connection with his appointment and pursuant to the Company's stock option plan, Desert Gold issued 600,000 incentive stock options to Mr. Engdahl exercisable at CAD $0.07 and carry a 5 year term from the date of issuance. On Behalf of the Board "Jared Scharf" ___________________________ Jared Scharf President & CEO About Desert Gold Ventures Inc. Desert Gold Ventures Inc. is a gold exploration and development company which controls the 440 km2 SMSZ Project in Western Mali containing Measured and Indicated Mineral Resources of 8.47 million tonnes grading 1.14 g/t gold totaling 310,300 ounces and Inferred Mineral Resources of 20.7 million tonnes grading 1.16 g/t gold totaling 769,200 ounces. For further information please visit www.SEDAR.com under the company's profile. Website: www.desertgold.ca Regional Map of Desert Gold's SMSZ Project To view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit: https://images.newsfilecorp.com/files/4954/170078_4d1ca6fa44bbcb1f_003full.jpg Contact Jared Scharf, President, CEO and Director Email: [email protected] This news release contains forward-looking statements respecting the Company's ability to successfully complete the Offering. These forward-looking statements entail various risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from those reflected in these forward-looking statements. Such statements are based on current expectations, are subject to a number of uncertainties and risks, and actual results may differ materially from those contained in such statements, including the inability of the Company to successfully complete the Offering. These uncertainties and risks include, but are not limited to, the strength of the capital markets, the price of gold; operational, funding, and liquidity risks; the degree to which mineral resource estimates are reflective of actual mineral resources; and the degree to which factors which would make a mineral deposit commercially viable are present; the risks and hazards associated with mining operations. Risks and uncertainties about the Company's business are more fully discussed in the company's disclosure materials filed with the securities regulatory authorities in Canada and available at www.sedar.com and readers are urged to read these materials. The Company assumes no obligation to update any forward-looking statement or to update the reasons why actual results could differ from such statements unless required by law. Neither the TSX Venture Exchange nor its regulation services provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release. This news release does not constitute an offer to sell or a solicitation of an offer to buy the securities described herein in the United States. The securities described herein have not been and will not be registered under the united states securities act of 1933, as amended, and may not be offered or sold in the united states or to the account or benefit of a U.S. person absent an exemption from the registration requirements of such act. To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/170078 During the meeting held in Washington DC, Guatemalan entrepreneurs and key members of the United States Congress established closer relations to promote economic cooperation between both nations. Toluca, Mexico--(Newsfile Corp. - June 15, 2023) - The Chamber of Industry of Guatemala met with US senators and members of the House of Representatives at the Generating Renewed Opportunities for Wealth-Creation (Grow Forum 2023) with the aim of attracting investments to the Central American country in order to generate employment and reduce irregular migration in the region. Grow Forum 2023 To view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit: https://images.newsfilecorp.com/files/8199/170173_1deefa28245d0995_001full.jpg Ral Rocha Cantu, who serves as the Consul of Guatemala in the State of Mexico, mentioned that he had the honor of being part of this forum led by Manuel Espino, which brought together representatives from the US Congress and the Guatemalan industry to work towards shared objectives. These objectives include promoting nearshoring (bringing production closer to the consumer territory) and curbing irregular migration. The event took place on Capitol Hill in Washington DC. Among the topics discussed were promoting economic cooperation between the two nations and addressing the issue of irregular migration through Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) from the United States to Guatemala. "Grateful for the opportunity to meet with Vicente Gonzalez Jr, congressman from Texas, and design strategies on how the Port of Matamoros can contribute to economic benefits for both the United States and Mexico. We also discussed the most efficient ways on how the current energy channels can expand in the region," added Rocha Cantu. Other issues analyzed at the Grown Forum 2023 included "improving living conditions in Latin America by strengthening its business communities to minimize irregular migration," mentioned the Consul of Guatemala in the State of Mexico. Grow Forum 2023 During the Grow 2023 Forum, Guatemalan entrepreneurs recognized the importance of creating jobs so that all young people can join the workforce. The Grow 2023 Forum, which translates to "Generating Opportunities for Wealth-Creation" in English, is the first of its kind between both countries and was considered a success as it managed to increase interest in trade and investment with Guatemala, as well as the interest of political leaders in these topics. The forum was attended by business leaders from Guatemala and important representatives from the Senate and the House of Representatives, including senators Bill Cassidy (Louisiana), Vicente Gonzalez (Texas), Robert B. Aderholt (Alabama), among others, and the participation of political leaders from the United States was also bipartisan, with members from both the Democratic and Republican parties attending. Company Name: Consulado Honorario de Guatemala en el Estado de Mexico Person Name: Raul Rocha Cantu Email: [email protected] City: Toluca Country: Mexico To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/170173 Featuring Critical Metals Day on June 20, 2023 Vancouver, British Columbia--(Newsfile Corp. - June 15, 2023) - Ridgeline Minerals Corp. (TSXV: RDG) (OTCQB: RDGMF) is pleased to announce that it will be participating in THE Mining Investment Event of the North, June 19-21, 2023, (THE Event) at the Fairmont Chateau Frontenac and Voltigeurs de Quebec Armoury in Quebec City, Canada. Chad Peters will be presenting at 3:20 pm ET on June 21st. Management from Ridgeline Minerals Corp. will also be holding one-on-one investor meetings throughout the three-day conference. Interested parties should contact Jennifer Choi at [email protected] to inquire about registering to attend. Information regarding THE Event including investor registration details, a list of participating companies, panelists and keynote speakers and a preliminary agenda can be found here https://vidconferences.com/conferences-events/tier-1-mining-conference/. About Ridgeline Minerals Corp. Ridgeline Minerals is a discovery focused precious and base metal explorer with a proven management team and a 192 km2 exploration portfolio across five projects in Nevada and Idaho, USA. More information about Ridgeline can be found at www.RidgelineMinerals.com. THE Mining Investment Event of the North is Canadas only tier 1 Global Mining Investment Conference and hosted annually in Quebec City, Canada. THE Event is invitation only and is independently sponsored by the Government of Quebec, and financial and mining communities at large. THE Event is designed to specifically facilitate privately arranged meetings between mining companies, international investors, and various mining government authorities. THE Event is committed to promoting sustainability in the mining industry through education and innovation through unique Student Sponsorships, She-Co Initiatives, highlighting ESG and equality issues and by providing a platform for some of most influential thought leaders in the sector. The agenda, brochure, participating companies, speakers & panelists, initiatives and registration applications for issuers and investors may be found here: https://vidconferences.com/conferences-events/tier-1-mining-conference/. Interested parties please contact Jennifer Choi, [email protected] Joanne Jobin Principal & Founder IR.INC & VID Media Incorporated [email protected] Jennifer Choi Vice President, Operations IR.INC & VID Media Incorporated [email protected] Brhett Booker Associate VID Media Incorporated [email protected] Facebook|Instagram|Twitter|LinkedIn|YouTube Vancouver, British Columbia--(Newsfile Corp. - June 15, 2023) - Westmount Minerals Corp.(CSE: WMC)("Westmount" or the "Company")is pleased to announce the closing of its non-brokered, private placement financing of $250,000 priced at $0.05 per Unit. 5,000,000 Share Units have been issued, with each Unit consisting of one common share and one share purchase warrant. Each warrant is exercisable into one common share for a period of 24 months at an exercise price of $0.075 for the first year and $0.10 for the second year. Finders' fees of $11,125 and Finders' warrants of 222,500 have been paid. Each Finders' warrant is exercisable into one common share for a period of 24 months at an exercise price of $.075 per share. The shares are subject to a four month hold period which expires in October 2023. Proceeds from the financing shall be used for exploration activities on Westmount's Ontario lithium and critical minerals projects as well as working capital and general corporate activities. About Westmount Minerals Corp. Westmount is focused on mineral exploration in the Americas and is well positioned in the emerging world-class critical minerals district of NW Ontario. The 3,486 hectares, Kaba lithium property, is located in the Georgia Lake, lithium-pegmatite region in close proximity to Rock Tech Lithium Inc. Multiple pegmatite showings have been documented and mapped on the Property by the Ontario Geological Survey. Additionally, Westmount can earn a 100% interest in the 5,002-hectare lithium-pegmatite bearing, Otatakan and Pilot East Lithium properties located near Ear Falls, Ontario. The properties are just south of Green Technologies' expanding Root deposit. The Company has advanced the Douay East gold property located within the greater Abitibi Greenstone Belt region in Quebec to the drill-ready stage. On Behalf of the Board of Directors David Tafel Chief Executive Officer and Director For further information, please contact: David Tafel Chief Executive Officer and Director (604) 683-1991 Neither the Canadian Securities Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the CSE) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release. Forward-Looking Statements: This news release includes certain forward-looking statements and forward-looking information (collectively, "forward-looking statements") within the meaning of applicable Canadian securities legislation. All statements, other than statements of historical fact, included herein including, without limitation, statements regarding future capital expenditures, anticipated content, commencement, and cost of exploration programs in respect of the Company's projects and mineral properties, anticipated exploration program results from exploration activities, resources and/or reserves on the Company's projects and mineral properties, and the anticipated business plans and timing of future activities of the Company, are forward-looking 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 forward-looking statements in this news release, the Company has applied several material assumptions, including without limitation, that market fundamentals will result in sustained precious and base metals demand and prices, the receipt of any necessary permits, licenses and regulatory approvals in connection with the future exploration of the Company's properties, that the COVID-19 global pandemic will not affect the ability of the Company to conduct future exploration of the Company's properties, the availability of financing on suitable terms, and the Company's ability to comply with environmental, health and safety laws. Forward-looking statements involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors which may cause the actual results, performance or achievements of the Company to differ materially from any future results, performance or achievements expressed or implied by the forward-looking 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 Company's option to acquire the Douay East Project, the proposed expenditures for exploration work thereon, the ability of the Company to obtain sufficient financing to fund its business activities and plans, delays in obtaining governmental and regulatory approvals (including of the Canadian Securities Exchange), permits or financing, changes in laws, regulations and policies affecting mining operations, risks relating to epidemics or pandemics such as COVID-19, including the impact of COVID-19 on the Company's business, financial condition and results of operations, the Company's limited operating history, currency fluctuations, title disputes or claims, environmental issues and liabilities, as well as those factors discussed under the heading "Risk Factors" in the Company's prospectus dated February 14, 2022, and other filings of the Company with the Canadian Securities Authorities, copies of which can be found under the Company's profile on the SEDAR website at www.sedar.com. Readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on forward-looking statements. The Company undertakes no obligation to update any of the forward-looking statements in this news release except as otherwise required by law. To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/170192 Toronto, Ontario--(Newsfile Corp. - June 15, 2023) - York Harbour Metals Inc. (TSXV: YORK) (OTC Pink: YORKF) (FSE: 5DE0) (the "Company" or "York"), confirms its board of directors (the "Board") has unanimously approved a previously announced spin-out (the "Spin-Out") and has now entered into an arrangement agreement (the "Arrangement Agreement") with York's wholly-owned subsidiary, Phoenix Gold Resources (Holdings ) Ltd. ("SpinCo"), pursuant to which 100% of its non-core assets, the Plumas and Eldorado Properties (collectively known as the "Phoenix Gold Project"), will be spun-out to shareholders of the "Company" ("Shareholders") by way of a share capital reorganization effected through a statutory plan of arrangement (the "Arrangement") pursuant to the Business Corporations Act (British Columbia). Under the Arrangement, York will distribute all the issued and outstanding common shares of SpinCo (each, a "SpinCo Share") to the Shareholders. Once the Arrangement becomes effective, York Shareholders will ultimately own shares of York and a reporting issuer. SpinCo will focus on the development of the Phoenix Gold Project, and York will continue to focus on the development of the York Harbour Copper-Zinc-Silver Project and the Bottom Brook Rare Earth Elements Project, both located in western Newfoundland and Labrador, Canada. The Arrangement Agreement Under the Arrangement, current Shareholders will receive SpinCo Shares by way of a share exchange, pursuant to which each existing common share of York will be exchanged for one new common share of York (each, a "New Company Share") and 0.2 of a SpinCo Share. Holders of options and warrants of York will not be entitled to New Company Shares nor SpinCo Shares. The reorganization will be effected pursuant to the arrangement provisions of the Business Corporations Act (British Columbia) and must be approved by the Supreme Court of British Columbia (the "Court") and by the affirmative vote of 2/3 of the Shareholders at a shareholder's meeting to be held on July 26, 2023 (the "Meeting"). Upon receipt of approval from the Shareholders and the Court, the Board will determine an effective date to complete the Arrangement. The Company expects that the Arrangement will increase Shareholder value by allowing capital markets to ascribe value to the Phoenix Gold Project independently of the York Harbour Copper-Zinc-Silver Project and the Bottom Brook Rare Earth Elements Project held by the Company. The Spin-Out will provide new and existing Shareholders more flexibility as to their specific investment strategy and risk profile. The Company believes that having a separately funded early-exploration business will accelerate the development of the Phoenix Gold Project. Conditions to Closing Completion of the Arrangement is subject to several conditions, including the following: Shareholder approval at the Meeting; Court approval; and TSX Venture Exchange (the "TSXV") approval. On June 13, 2023, the TSXV conditionally accepted the terms of the Arrangement, subject to standard conditions including Court and Shareholder approval. Upon completion of the Arrangement, it is intended that SpinCo will be managed by Andrew Lee, as President and Chief Executive Officer; and Sean Choi as Chief Financial Officer. SpinCo's board of directors will consist of Andrew Lee, Roger Baer, and J. Douglas Blanchflower. Changes and additions to the management team and board will be made as needed as the Phoenix Gold Project progresses. Additional details of the Spin-Out transaction will be included in an information circular to be mailed to Shareholders. The Spin-Out is expected to close on or about a date to be determined after the Meeting, subject to the satisfaction of all necessary approvals and conditions. About York Harbour Metals York Harbour Metals Inc. (TSXV: YORK) (OTC Pink: YORKF) (FSE: 5DE0) is an exploration and development company focused on two high-grade projects in Newfoundland and Labrador. The York Harbour Copper-Zinc-Silver Project is located approximately 27 km from Corner Brook in Newfoundland and Labrador. The Company intends to continue drilling the 11 known mineralized zones and explore new massive sulphide targets. Recently, the Company announced the acquisition of a high-grade Rare Earth Elements ("REE") project also located in Newfoundland and Labrador. The Bottom Brook Critical Metals Project, covering 15,150 hectares, is located next to the Trans Canada Highway and is just 27 km from the deep-water port at Turf Point. York Harbour intends to actively identify diamond drill targets through property-wide prospecting, focused soil sampling, and geological mapping. A substantial drill program is scheduled for this year. For further details on York Harbour Metals, please reach out via email to [email protected] or call +1-778-302-2257. You may also visit the Company's website at www.yorkharbourmetals.com for past news releases, media interviews and opinion-editorial pieces by management. On Behalf of The Board of Directors, "Signed" Bruce Durham CEO, President, and Director Telephone: 778-302-2257 | Email: [email protected] Website: www.yorkharbourmetals.com 1518 - 800 Pender Street W, Vancouver, BC, Canada V6C 2V6 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. Cautionary Statement Regarding Forward-Looking Information This news release may contain "forward-looking information" and "forward-looking statements" within the meaning of applicable Canadian securities legislation. All information contained herein that is not historical in nature may constitute forward-looking information. Forward-looking statements herein include but are not limited to statements relating to the prospects for development of the Company's mineral properties, and are necessarily based upon a number of assumptions that, while considered reasonable by management, are inherently subject to business, market and economic risks, uncertainties and contingencies that may cause actual results, performance or achievements to be materially different from those expressed or implied by forward looking statements. Except as required by law, the Company disclaims any obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statements. Readers are cautioned not to put undue reliance on these forward-looking statements. To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/170129 RIVERDALE, Iowa (PRWEB) June 15, 2023 Allied Instrumentation (AI) continues to expand their portfolio of premium brands with the addition of AMETEK LMS' Magnetrol and Orion brands of innovative level, flow, and volume control products for the processing industry. The Magnetrol and Orion brands of level and flow control products will be exclusive to AI territories in the states of Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Western Kentucky, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, North Dakota, a portion of South Dakota, and Wisconsin. Allied Instrumentation, a fast-growing process instrumentation solutions company, represents best-in-class brands serving refining and specialty chemicals, food and beverage, power, natural gas, and bio-fuel industries to name a few. "We are thrilled to announce that Allied Instrumentation now represents the Magnetrol and Orion brands. This partnership not only fills a gap in our product offering but also complements our existing portfolio, allowing us to better serve our customers' needs," said Kevin Scheibler, President of Allied Instrumentation. About Allied Instrumentation Established in 2021 as a sister company to Allied Valve Inc., Allied Instrumentation combines Great Lakes Process Controls, JMI Instrument Company, Control Tech, Power Specialties Inc., and Promac Inc. together under one company. AI recognizes our customers' needs for better support in instrumentation, safety, and heat tracing solutions and is proud to offer customers access to a robust portfolio of market-leading product lines. Our instrumentation focused sales specialists collectively have 800+ years of industry experience and an average tenure of 20+ years. About AMETEK LMS' Magnetrol and Orion Brands AMETEK LMS is a market leader in level and flow instrumentation and a preferred partner for operational efficiency, safety, and performance. Products are designed to the highest standards of excellence, ensuring remarkable reliability, intelligent functionality and value that far exceeds whole-life costs. Magnetrol and Orion's expansive product lines provide the versatility and adaptability needed to meet control challenges, reduce operating costs and improve productivity. Read the full story at https://www.prweb.com/releases/2023/6/prweb19394622.htm Paid press release content from The Financial Capital. The StreetInsider.com news staff was not involved in its creation. The newly-designed website establishes the importance of space planning in optimizing functionality and workflow within a commercial environment. Interiors Fitout Industry, a leading provider of comprehensive solutions in the commercial interior design space, is thrilled to announce the launch of their brand-new website. This user-friendly platform is designed to enhance accessibility and provide a seamless experience for clients seeking top-notch services in commercial interior design, lighting solutions, renovation, and space planning. The newly launched website is a reflection of Interiors Fitout Industry's commitment to innovation, customer satisfaction, and staying at the forefront of the industry. With a fresh and modern interface, the website offers a wide range of features and resources tailored to meet the unique needs of businesses across various sectors. Visitors to the website will be greeted by an engaging homepage that showcases the company's expertise and highlights their diverse portfolio of successful projects. The intuitive navigation ensures effortless browsing, allowing users to easily explore the various services provided by Interiors Fitout Industry. One of the key features of the new website is the dedicated section for commercial interior designers. Here, clients can gain insights into the company's talented design team, their creative process, and view examples of their exceptional work. From concept development to project execution, Interiors Fitout Industry's designers possess the expertise to transform any commercial design space into a visually stunning and functional environment. Additionally, the website provides a comprehensive section on lighting solutions, where clients can discover the latest trends and innovations in commercial lighting. Interiors Fitout Industry's team of experts offers tailored lighting designs that enhance productivity, create ambiance, and optimize energy efficiency for businesses of all sizes. Renovation services are also prominently featured on the new website, allowing clients to explore the possibilities of revitalizing their commercial spaces. Interiors Fitout Industry's renovation experts collaborate closely with clients to understand their unique requirements and deliver transformative solutions that breathe new life into outdated interiors. Furthermore, the website highlights the importance of space planning in optimizing functionality and workflow within commercial environments. Interiors Fitout Industry offers meticulous space planning services that maximize the use of available space, ensuring an efficient and ergonomic layout that supports productivity and enhances the overall user experience. "We are delighted to unveil our new website, which is designed to be a valuable resource for businesses seeking top-notch corporate interior design, lighting, renovation, and space planning services," said John Smith, CEO of Interiors Fitout Industry. "With its modern design and user-friendly interface, our website represents our commitment to excellence and our dedication to meeting the unique needs of our clients." Interiors Fitout Industry's new website is now live and can be accessed at https://interiorsfitoutindustry.com. For more information about their services or to schedule a consultation, please visit the website or contact their team directly via phone at 0178782162 or email at [email protected] About Interiors Fitout Industry: Interiors Fitout Industry is a renowned provider of comprehensive solutions in the commercial interior design space. With a team of talented designers, lighting experts, and renovation specialists, the company is committed to delivering exceptional services that transform commercial spaces into functional, visually appealing environments. From concept development to project execution, Interiors Fitout Industry strives to exceed client expectations and create impactful experiences for businesses across various industries. Contact Info: Name: Benjamin Email: Send Email Organization: Interiors Fit Out Industry Phone: 0178782162 Website: https://interiorsfitoutindustry.com/ Release ID: 89100000 If you detect any issues, problems, or errors in this press release content, kindly contact [email protected] to notify us. We will respond and rectify the situation in the next 8 hours. Turkey has escalated drone attacks on Kurdish-held regions of north and northeast Syria this week, killing 16 people including one civilian in a single day, a war monitor said Thursday. The strikes mostly targeted Kurdish-held Tal Rifaat and Manbij in the country's north near the Turkish border, areas Ankara has repeatedly threatened to attack. "Turkey has significantly escalated its drone strikes since the start of the week," with 16 killed on Wednesday alone, said Rami Abdel Rahman, who heads the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights war monitor. The Turkish defence ministry meanwhile said its forces had "destroyed terrorist targets" and "neutralised 16 terrorists", referring to Kurdish-led fighters. Four fighters from the Kurdish-led Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) were killed when "a Turkish drone targeted a military vehicle" in Hasakeh province, which is run by a semi-autonomous Kurdish administration, the Britain-based Observatory said. The US-backed SDF is the Kurdish administration's de facto army, and its fighters spearheaded the battle against the Islamic State group in Syria, driving it from its last stronghold in the country in 2019. Turkish drone strikes in northern Syria's Aleppo province killed six fighters from the Manbij Military Council, which is affiliated with the SDF, according to a statement from the council. Four were killed as they were trying to transport children who were wounded in a ground attack to hospital, the Observatory said. One civilian working for the Kurdish administration was also killed in a strike in the Manbij area, added the Observatory, which relies on a wide network of sources on the ground in Syria. In the mostly Kurdish-held Tal Rifaat enclave, five Syrian soldiers died following "a Turkish drone strike on a regime military position", according to the war monitor. The enclave has Turkish-controlled areas to its north and regime-held territory to its south. Syrian state media did not immediately report the incident. Ankara has launched successive military offensives in Syria, most of them targeting Kurdish militants that Ankara links to a group waging a decades-long insurgency against the Turkish state. Turkey stepped up deadly drone strikes in Kurdish-controlled parts of Syria after a July 2022 summit with Iran and Russia failed to provide Ankara with a green-light for a fresh offensive, mainly on Tal Rifaat and Manbij, Kurdish officials and the Observatory said at the time. Since Syria's war erupted in 2011 with the brutal repression of peaceful protests, the conflict -- which has drawn in foreign powers and global jihadists -- has killed more than 500,000 people and displaced millions. Search Keywords: Short link: LAVAL, QC , June 15, 2023 /PRNewswire/ - Alimentation Couche-Tard Inc. ("Couche-Tard" or the "Corporation") (TSX: ATD) announced today that it will host its 2023 Analyst and Investor Conference on Wednesday, October 11, 2023 in Phoenix, Arizona at 8:00 A.M. (MST) ( 11:00 A.M. EDT ). The presentations, which are expected to last approximately four hours, will be followed by store visits and feature Brian Hannasch , President and Chief Executive Officer, and other members of Couche-Tard's executive leadership team. The presentations will provide an in-depth overview of the Corporation as well as set forth key growth initiatives and outline a new multi-year strategic plan. A question and answer session, during which members of the investment community known to the Corporation can ask questions to the management team, will follow the presentations. A webcast will be available to financial analysts, investors, media and any individuals interested in viewing the hybrid event by visiting the Events & presentations page of Couche-Tard's corporate website. Supplemental materials will be available the morning of the event. What: 2023 Analyst and Investor Conference When: 8 a.m. MST ( 11 a.m. EDT ) on Wednesday, October 11, 2023 Where: Phoenix, Arizona or webcast on the Events & presentations page of Couche-Tard's corporate website How: In-person (advanced registration is required using the Registration Link) and live online video webcast (link to be provided closer to the event) A recording of the event will be provided on the Events & Presentations page of Couche-Tard's corporate website following the conclusion of the event. About Alimentation Couche-Tard Inc. Couche-Tard is a global leader in convenience and mobility, operating in 24 countries and territories, with more than 14,300 stores, of which approximately 10,900 offer road transportation fuel. With its well-known Couche-Tard and Circle K banners, it is one of the largest independent convenience store operators in the United States and it is a leader in the convenience store industry and road transportation fuel retail in Canada , Scandinavia, the Baltics, as well as in Ireland . It also has an important presence in Poland and Hong Kong Special Administrative Region of People's Republic of China . Approximately 122,000 people are employed throughout its network. For more information on Alimentation Couche-Tard Inc., or to consult its audited annual Consolidated Financial Statements, unaudited interim condensed consolidated financial statements and Management Discussion and Analysis, please visit: https://corpo.couche-tard.com Forward-Looking Statements Certain statements in this press release may constitute forward looking statements within the meaning of securities legislation, including those with respect to the potential transaction. Positive or negative verbs such as "believe", "can", "shall", "intend", "expect", "estimate", "assume" and other related expressions are used to identify such statements. Such statements are based upon the current beliefs and expectations of Couche-Tard and are subject to significant risks and uncertainties outside of Couche-Tard's control. Couche-Tard would like to point out that, by their very nature, forward-looking statements involve risks and uncertainties such that its results, or the measures it adopts, could differ materially from those indicated in or underlying these statements, or could have an impact on the degree of realization of a particular projection. Unless otherwise required by applicable securities laws, Couche-Tard disclaims any intention or obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise. The forward-looking information in this release is based on information available as of the date of the release. View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/alimentation-couche-tard-to-host-2023-analyst-and-investor-conference-on-october-11th-301852391.html SOURCE Alimentation Couche-Tard Inc. Five $10,000 grants awarded to schools to advance the massage therapy profession SCOTTSDALE, Ariz. and EVANSTON, Ill. , June 15, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- The American Massage Therapy Association (AMTA), today announced the winners from the second round of massage school grants funded by Massage Envy to support the future of the massage therapy profession. AMTA is the largest non-profit, professional association serving massage therapists, massage students and massage schools. Massage Envy is the nation's No. 1 provider of massage in the U.S. collectively across its franchise network and a national leader in skincare. Five $10,000 grants, funded by Massage Envy, will be awarded to the following schools to help institutions attract, train and graduate future generations of highly qualified massage therapists: Lincoln Technical Institute Albuquerque School of Healing Arts Indiana State University Indiana Wellness College ASIS Massage Institute "As an industry leader in massage therapy, we know the profound impact massage therapists can have on their clients and are proud to provide funding in support of training future massage industry professionals," said Beth Stiller , Massage Envy CEO. "Congratulations to this round of AMTA grant winners." Massage Envy does not sponsor or administer the grant program, and Massage Envy is not affiliated with and does not endorse any massage school, including those receiving the grants. About Massage Envy Massage Envy, based in Scottsdale, Arizona , is a national franchisor and does not independently own or operate any of the Massage Envy franchised locations nationwide. The Massage Envy franchise network, through its franchise locations, is the leading provider of massage services. Founded in 2002, Massage Envy has approximately 1,100 franchise locations in 49 states that have together delivered more than 200 million massages and skin care services. For more information, visit www.massageenvy.com or follow us on Instagram, Twitter and Facebook at @MassageEnvy. About The American Massage Therapy Association The American Massage Therapy Association, the most trusted name in massage therapy, is the largest non-profit, professional association serving massage therapists, massage students and massage schools. The association is directed by volunteer leadership and fosters ongoing, direct member-involvement through its 51 chapters. AMTA works to advance the profession through ethics and standards, the promotion of fair and consistent licensing of massage therapists in all states, and public education on the benefits of massage. To find a qualified massage therapist in your area, please visit AMTA's Massage Therapist Locator Service. View original content:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/amta-announces-massage-school-grant-winners-funded-by-massage-envy-301852144.html SOURCE Massage Envy Host and Producer Melinda Esquibel Discusses Details of Case BELEN, N.M. , June 15, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Tara Leigh Calico disappeared on September 20, 1988 at age 19 near her home in Belen, New Mexico . She was a promising college sophomore and up until 10 years ago her case was believed to be a kidnapping and received extensive media coverage on 48 hours, A Current Affair,Unsolved Mysteries, America's Most Wanted, and The Oprah Winfrey Show. On Tuesday, June 13th , the Valencia County Sheriff's office held a press conference regarding "substantial progress made in Tara Calico's investigation," yet they did not release any new information. They did state that "they have enlisted the help of the FBI and together they have leveraged their collective resources to further the investigation." The sheriff believes that there is "sufficient information to submit this investigation to the district attorney's office for review of potential charges." The sheriff also goes on to say that the "identity and specifics of the persons of interest are sealed by the court and will remain so until a court orders otherwise." Melinda Esquibel , who is a Filmmaker and Podcast Host and Producer of "Vanished: The Tara Calico Investigation" on Patreon, is pleased to finally see forward movement in Tara's case. "I believe that Tara's case has been a huge misjustice within the Valencia County Sheriff's Office and hope that now the right people are working this case so justice can be served," says Ms. Esquibel . However Ms. Esquibel , who has spent over ten years actively investigating this case with a team of professional investigators, is frustrated that important leads she has turned over to the authorities have never been followed up on. Ms. Esquibel is one of the only people who has actually looked at every document, sticky note, interview and police report before 2011, expresses that she has concerns about the direction of the Valencia County Sheriff's Office investigation. When District Attorney Barabara Romo won the election, Ms. Esquibel called her office twice and left messages asking for a meeting with her to discuss her county and New Mexico's most famous case. Ms. Esquibel also wanted to help authorities with the numerous assets her team uncovered to connect the dots since the DA and new Sheriff had no knowledge of the connections between the big families and coverup that has taken place over the years. Ms. Esquibel's calls were never returned. She was able to meet with Sheriff Vigil , but the sheriff declined Ms. Esquibel's assistance. As always, Ms. Esquibel will continue to work to make sure the truth comes out. For more information regarding this case, you can visit taracalico.com To request interviews, please contact: Becky Melvin 904-228-5241 [email protected] View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/break-in-tara-calico-case-important-leads-in-35-year-old-case-being-overlooked-301851321.html Laser Projection by Cinionic now available on 35,000 screens across 25 countries KORTRIJK, Belgium , June 15, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Cinionic , a Barco company and global leader in laser cinema technology, celebrates its fifth anniversary and milestone in its ongoing mission to advance the theatrical experience worldwide. The footprint for Laser Projection by Cinionic has accelerated in recent years with major theater circuits including AMC, National Amusements , Cinepolis, Cineplex, Cinemark, and B&B Theatres, among many others, announcing plans for large-scale upgrades to laser. Today, over 35,000 screens across 25 countries and counting are powered by Laser Projection by Cinionic as the demand for the next generation of cinema technology increases around the world. Driving rapid growth for Cinionic is a series of preferred partnerships that includes three of the top four theater chains in North America : AMC, Cinemark, and Cineplex. In the past year, Cinionic announced that Japan's TOHO Cinemas, India's PVR INOX Cinemas, CJ4Dplex's SCREENX, Major Cineplex Thailand, and Malco Theatres joined long-time partners such as Cinemark, Kinepolis, and Santikos in making the switch to laser projection. Cinionic made history as the first to offer an all-laser portfolio, pointing to the technology's increased operational efficiency, better onscreen performance, and reduced environmental impact over its xenon predecessors. Since then, the company has fulfilled its promise of a laser for every screen, introducing new models of both its award-winning Barco Series 4 family of projectors and innovative Laser Light Upgrades. The breakthrough Laser Light Upgrades solution, which enables cinemas to retrofit legacy Series 2 xenon projectors with laser, has gained traction as a sustainable option for theaters looking to upgrade their cinemas without the cost of a full equipment overhaul. In 2023, Cinionic broke a record with commitments for over 3,000 Laser Light Upgrade solutions from theaters around the world. The union of sustainability and enhanced experiences is a significant draw for Cinionic's growing list of laser customers. Laser Projection by Cinionic delivers exceptional images onscreen through improved resource-efficiency and minimized carbon footprint, providing cinema experiences that are better for moviegoers, theater operators, and the environment. This year, Cinionic and Barco doubled down on sustainability, setting ambitious goals for 2023 that include reduction of their operational carbon footprint by 35%, reduction of the energy footprint of their products by 25%, and increased advocacy of the Barco eco-label for environmental standards in cinema technology. "Globally, moviegoers have shown their commitment to the theatrical experience weekend after weekend," says Wim Buyens , CEO, Cinionic. "Audiences today are very demanding and expect more of everything, making exhibitors strive to deliver the next level of the cinema experience. Cinionic takes it as our responsibility to enable this for theaters and moviegoers. Laser projection by Cinionic is the clear choice for exhibitors looking to draw audiences, achieve sustainability goals, and upgrade their infrastructure for future success." Cinionic is the official projection provider for CineEurope 2023, June 19-22 at the CCIB in Barcelona . About Cinionic Cinionic, a Barco company, was founded in 2018 with a commitment to creating a new visual standard and moving the cinema industry forward. Cinionic's future-ready enhanced services and technology solutions provide compelling cinema experiences. The company's world-class technology portfolio includes award-winning laser projectors, HDR, integrated media servers, and premium cinema experiences, among other innovations. With more than 100,000 projectors installed globally, Cinionic is trusted by more than 200 exhibitors to help capture audiences journey and keep them coming back for more. Cinionic has offices in Belgium , United States , Mexico , Australia , and Hong Kong . Visit www.cinionic.com for more information. Media Contact [email protected] View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/cinionic-drives-a-cinematic-revolution-marks-five-years-as-leaders-in-laser-projection-301852368.html SOURCE Cinionic CHICAGO , June 15, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- CNA today announced the appointment of Dan Franzetti to a newly created position of Chief Administrative Officer, reporting to Dino Robusto . In this role, Franzetti will have oversight for a broad set of enterprise strategic functions including the global claims and legal organizations, compliance, government relations and a number of corporate services functions. "The addition of a Chief Administrative Officer is an important next step in the evolution of CNA's executive leadership team, and I am confident that Dan will bring the same level of impactful leadership as he did in his role as Global Head of Claims at CNA." Robusto said. "Dan's breadth of expertise built across a career spanning three decades in the P&C industry, positions him perfectly for the CAO role and he will contribute meaningfully to the continued success of CNA." Franzetti joined CNA as Global Head of Claims in April 2020 after three decades of broad expertise in global claims in the P&C industry. He served as the Chief Operating Officer and Chief Claims Officer for QBE North America prior to CNA, which was preceded by a 20-year career with Zurich . Franzetti earned his Bachelors of Arts degree from Colgate University, a Masters of Business Administration from Rutgers University-Newark, and a J.D. from New York Law School. About CNA CNA is one of the largest U.S. commercial property and casualty insurance companies. CNA provides a broad range of standard and specialized property and casualty insurance products and services for businesses and professionals in the U.S. , Canada and Europe , backed by more than 120 years of experience and approximately $45 billion of invested assets. For more information, please visit CNA at www.cna.com . Follow CNA (NYSE: CNA) on: Twitter | LinkedIn | YouTube Media Contact Jenny Vaupel 847-224-2464 [email protected]com View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/cna-announces-dan-franzetti-as-chief-administrative-officer-301852572.html SOURCE CNA Including donations made through this program, the James M. Cox Foundation has awarded more than $95 million to environmental and conservation causes since 2011 ATLANTA , June 15, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- A selection of Cox employees who actively participated in Cox's 2023 Chairman's Challenge campaign worked with the James M. Cox Foundation to award more than $50,000 in grants to their preferred environmental nonprofit. The Chairman's Challenge program is a key part of Cox's commitment to empowering employees to leave the world in better shape for the next generation. Chairman Emeritus Jim Kennedy started the program in 2012 to recognize those who lead and contribute substantially to our Cox Conserves goals. Today, Chairman and CEO Alex Taylor leads this effort. For the 2023 Chairman's Challenge, Cox Enterprises asked its employees to help the company reach its goal to be water neutral by 2034. "Today's winners are the perfect example of how together we can make an impact on our planet," said Taylor. "Ensuring a world with clean, available, protected water is one of the greatest things we can do. I'm proud of the many at Cox who took part in this year's challenge. They've helped make a huge impact for both our communities and environment." "Cox's dedication to sustainability is unmatched, and their employees' enthusiasm for supporting environmental work is truly admirable," said Juliet Cohen , executive director of the Chattahoochee Riverkeeper, one of the grant recipient organizations. "The Chairman's Challenge has provided impactful funding for so many nonprofit organizations, including Chattahoochee Riverkeeper. We appreciate the company's commitment to the planet and especially its employees' advocacy and volunteer actions to see that commitment through." This year's winners are listed below. Cox Communications Shobhit Srivastava : Lead Product Manager, Georgia , $15,000 grant to Sustainable Harvest International Lead Product Manager, , grant to Matthew Sanstra: Sr. Manager, Fulfillment Enablement, Oklahoma , $2,500 grant to Sustainable Tulsa Inc. Cox Automotive Justin Atherton: Client Performance Consultant, Florida , $15,000 grant to Florida Native Plant Society, Inc. Client Performance Consultant, , grant to Dimple Patadia: Sales Strategy & Enablement Sr Manager, Georgia , $2,500 grant to Chattahoochee Riverkeeper Cox Enterprises Shaun Kelly : Maintenance Technician II, Virginia , $15,000 grant to Heal the Bay Maintenance Technician II, , grant to Heal the Bay Denise Luders: Family Office Human Resources Manager, Georgia , $2,500 grant to World Wildlife Fund Thousands of Cox employees accepted the challenge to become "Water Warriors." Overall, more than 3,000 employees participated in this year's Chairman's Challenge, taking nearly 8,000 actions that saved more than 300,000 gallons of water. Diving deeper into the numbers, more than 1,300 employees calculated their water footprint. "Chairman's Challenge was an incredible chance to try and give back to my state and community," said Cox Automotive employee Justin Atherton , who chose Florida Native Plant Society, Inc. to receive a $15,000 grant. "I love engaging with others to speak on behalf of our environment and the importance of protecting it for future generations." About Cox Enterprises Cox Enterprises is dedicated to empowering people to build a better future for the next generation. Cox is a leader in the broadband, automotive and media industries, while strategically investing in emerging technologies driving the future of cleantech, health care, and public sector services. Its major operating subsidiaries are Cox Communications and Cox Automotive, which includes brands like Autotrader and Kelley Blue Book. Headquartered in Atlanta, Georgia , Cox is a global company with $22 billion in annual revenues and a proud 125-year history. To learn more about Cox and its commitment to its people, planet and communities, visit coxenterprises.com. View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/cox-enterprises-announces-2023-chairmans-challenge-winners-301852585.html SOURCE Cox Enterprises Helen Woodward Animal Center Pledges $35,000 and Seeks Community Match RANCHO SANTA FE, Calif. , June 15, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- It has been nearly a year-and-a-half since the war began in Ukraine and Helen Woodward Animal Center, along with supporters and friends, helped raise over $356,000 to assist with orphan and displaced pets in need. Now, news of destruction of the Nova Kakhovka dam has dealt an additional heartbreaking blow. The resulting massive flooding has forced thousands of people and animals to flee their homes, necessitating the evacuation of local shelters throughout the Kherson region. Helen Woodward Animal Center is pledging another $35,000 to support flood relief efforts and is asking the community to match the amount. In February of 2022, Russia began a full-scale invasion of Ukraine in an escalation of the Russo-Ukrainian War that began in 2014. The largest conventional military attack on a sovereign state in Europe since World War II, millions of Ukrainian citizens fled their homes with only their most precious possessions, including their beloved pets. Over the past year-and-a-half, pets have been lost in the scramble to escape the war-torn country; food, money, and warmth have been in desperate short supply; and Ukrainian shelters have faced destruction, violence and the killing of shelter volunteers who have stayed behind to care for orphan pets. True to its mission of people helping animals and animals helping people, last year, Helen Woodward Animal Center pledged $50,000 to the Ukrainian animal welfare efforts with a heartfelt plea to local animal-lovers to match the pledge. Famous Center friends like Academy Award winning actress Diane Keaton and social media-famous kitten Smush shared Helen Woodward Animal Center's campaign on social media with millions of followers and the donations began coming in an inspiring show of support. In a remarkedly short period of time, the animal-loving community had donated over $350,000 , including the Center's original gift. Helen Woodward Animal Center facilitated the transfer of these funds to both Ukrainian refugee pet owners, as well as shelters-in-need within Ukraine through both Tallinn City Government Chief Specialist Hellika Landsmann from the Estonia Animal Welfare Society and General Secretary TOZ Danuta Mikusz-Oslislo from the Polish Society for The Protection of Animals. Working closely with UAnimals, a non-profit Ukrainian animal rights organization, the funding has provided food, medical supplies, blankets, kennels, and other crucial needs, in addition to a lifesaving transfer van that has transported orphan pets out of war-torn areas. Only a month ago, Center donor and friend KayBella Cares assisted the Center in supplying a second lifesaving transport van to these efforts. Tragically, on June 1 st, video footage showed a massive breach to the Nova Kakhovka dam. Although it is currently unclear when or how the dam was first damaged, the result has been devastating with the dam deemed "fully destroyed." Agricultural land and dozens of villages and towns were quickly flooded with thousands of people from both sides of the river forced to evacuate from their homes. Environmental concerns are even graver, especially surrounding the potential affects flooding may have on a nearby nuclear power station at Zaporizhzhia. "Despite the on-going war, good-news emails and photos of rescues being done, sent from our friends in Ukraine over the past year, have been encouraging," stated Helen Woodward Animal Center VP of Development Renee Resko . "Unfortunately, last week, we received desperate news about the flooding. Homes and shelters are underwater and flooded roads are making rescue trips extremely difficult if not impossible. The photos of orphan animals clinging to the sides of buildings are devastating. We knew we had to do something." For this reason, Helen Woodward Animal Center is pledging another $35,000 to assist with the relief efforts. Center President and CEO Mike Arms hopes that the community will once again come forward to make a difference. "I want to make sure that donors understand that 100% of everything received is sent directly to support the Ukrainian animal crisis," explained Arms. "The Center even covers the cost of bank fees charged in the wiring of funds so that animal-lovers donating can rest assured that their money is being utilized to ensure the rescue of pets in need." Funds raised will directly support the Ukrainian Animal Rescue Group, Happy Paw , the organization leading the effort to create temporary shelters for animals evacuated from flooded shelters. Supplies such as food, medications, and vaccines lost in the flood will also be replenished. To help or for more information head to animalcenter.org/UkraineFloodRelief. You can also call 858-756-4117, or visit Helen Woodward Animal Center at 6461 El Apajo Road in Rancho Santa Fe . About Helen Woodward Animal Center Helen Woodward Animal Center is a private, non-profit organization where "people help animals and animals help people." Founded in 1972 in Rancho Santa Fe, Calif. , the Center provides services for more than 90,000 people and more than 10,000 animals annually through adoptions, educational and therapeutic programs both onsite and throughout the community. Helen Woodward Animal Center is also the creator of the International Home 4 the Holidays pet adoption drive, the International Remember Me Thursday campaign and The Business of Saving Lives Workshops, teaching the business of saving lives to animal welfare leaders from around the world. For more information, go to: www.animalcenter.org. View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/dam-destruction-leaves-ukrainian-animal-rescue-groups-in-crisis-301852158.html SOURCE Helen Woodward Animal Center Access to Quality Anesthesia Care Increased for Delaware Patients ROSEMONT, Ill. , June 15, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- (AANA)- Delaware patients now have increased access to safe, affordable anesthesia care. The state is the latest to opt out from federal regulations that require physician supervision of Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetists (CRNAs). In a letter to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services, Delaware Gov. John Carney wrote, "I attest that I have consulted with the Delaware Board of Nursing and Board of Medicine about issues related to access to and the quality of anesthesia services in Delaware . I have concluded that it is in the best interests of Delaware citizens to opt-out of the current physician supervision requirement, as provided in the federal regulations, and that the opt-out is consistent with Delaware law. This letter constitutes my formal notification of the State of Delaware opt-out." The American Association of Nurse Anesthesiology (AANA) reports that the governors of 24 states and Guam have exercised such exemptions for either full or partial opt-out. " Gov. Carney's action ensures Delaware's patients have access to value-based, high-quality care and optimizes healthcare teams by removing barriers and allowing healthcare facilities to maximize their workforce," said Marshall Colbert , CRNA, president of Delaware Association of Nurse Anesthetists (DANA). "Through this action Delaware recognizes that CRNAs are qualified to make decisions regarding all aspects of anesthesia care based on their education, licensure, and certification." "AANA and the DANA applaud Gov. Carney for recognizing the important role CRNAs have in delivery of safe anesthesia care in Delaware ," said AANA President Angela Mund , DNP, CRNA. "Increased demand, limited resources, and a state with a diverse population, both urban and rural, dictate that a system capable of meeting the needs of Delaware residents be maintained. By signing the opt-out letter, this has been achieved." CRNAs provide all aspects of superior anesthesia throughout Delaware . Nationally, CRNAs safely administer more than 50 million anesthetics to patients each year working in every setting in which anesthesia is delivered. CRNAs are the primary providers of anesthesia care in rural settings, enabling facilities in these medically underserved areas to offer obstetrical, surgical, pain management, and trauma stabilization services. CRNAs have full practice authority in the Army, Navy, and Air Force and are the predominant provider of anesthesia on forward surgical teams and in combat support hospitals. As advanced practice registered nurses, CRNAs are members of one of the most trusted professions according to Gallup. View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/delaware-opts-out-of-physician-supervision-of-crnas-301852470.html SOURCE American Association of Nurse Anesthesiology IBT, IAM, AFA-CWA Support Proposal to End Union Busting at Passenger Carrier NEW YORK , June 15, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Today Delta Air Lines workers and their union allies attended the company's annual shareholder meeting in Manhattan to demand Delta management commit to International Labor Organization (ILO) standards on freedom of association and neutrality in union organizing campaigns. There are 45,000 Delta employees actively organizing to join unions. Mechanics and related workers are organizing to join the International Brotherhood of Teamsters; ramp, cargo, and tower workers are seeking to join the International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers ( IAM ); and Delta flight attendants are organizing for representation with the Association of Flight Attendants ( AFA-CWA ). "Delta Air Lines needs to stop acting like a schoolyard bully and give its workers the respect that they deserve," said Teamsters General President Sean M. O'Brien . "This means no longer forcing mechanics to sit through anti-union propaganda meetings full of lies and cheap scare tactics. Every other major passenger carrier has a freedom of association policy for its workforce. It's past time this company got with the program." "Workers are very accustomed to Delta management saying they respect their employees' rights and then spending millions of dollars to interfere with those rights," stated Sara Nelson , President of the Association of Flight Attendants-CWA. "But now their true position is on the record for the world to see. Delta pushed hard to stop a policy that would simply echo the basic rights of workers enshrined in international labor law. They aren't just on record opposing U.S. labor law - they are telling the world, as a worldwide airline - that their position with their own employees is that there is no freedom or respect for individuals at Delta. The workers at Delta won't let the corporate leaders who come and go with their millions define who the airline really is. The workers are organizing to make sure their airline operates with open arms to the world and respect for everyone in it." "Our request to the Delta shareholders is simple," said IAM Air Transport Territory General Vice President Richie Johnsen . "We respectfully ask Delta to commit to International Labour Organization standards on the freedom of association and neutrality in union organizing campaigns. The IAM has witnessed Delta Air Lines using resources to engage in anti-union activity to discourage employees from joining together. Delta workers have been subject to constant union-busting propaganda, management surveillance of union activities, and the unjust targeting and discipline of pro-union workers. Delta employees, who are responsible for the airline's huge profits, deserve industry-leading wages and benefits to match the high-quality customer service provided. Delta shareholders should do the right thing by passing this proposal to give employees the freedom to determine their own future." Institutional Shareholder Services, the largest proxy advisory firm in the world, advised Delta shareholders to vote in favor of the proposal, which was filed by long-term investors at the company. Freedom of Association policies are in place at the other largest commercial carriers in the U.S. Southwest Airlines, United Airlines, and American Airlines. Delta Air Lines management has threatened employees with termination for union activities and continues to host an anti-union website and distribute literature that threatens workers that are seeking to organize. Delta also spent approximately $38 million to oppose a flight attendant union campaign in 2010. Its anti-union activities have caused brand damage, including broad media coverage of a 2019 anti-union flier that told employees to spend money on video games instead of union dues. 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 acebook.com/teamsters. The International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers is one of North America's largest and most diverse industrial trade unions, representing approximately 600,000 active and retired members in the aerospace, defense, airlines, railroad, transit, healthcare, automotive, and other industries. Visit us at goIAM.org . The Association of Flight Attendants is the flight attendant union. Focused 100 percent on flight attendant issues, AFA has been the leader in advancing the flight attendant profession for over 75 years. Serving as the voice for flight attendants in the workplace, in the aviation industry, in the media and on Capitol Hill, AFA has transformed the flight attendant profession by raising wages, benefits and working conditions. Nearly 50,000 Flight Attendants come together to form AFA, part of the 700,000-member strong Communications Workers of America (CWA), AFL-CIO. Visit us at www.afacwa.org . Contact: Jonathan Battaglia , IAM (202) 579-3212 [email protected] Matt McQuaid , IBT (202) 624-6877 [email protected] Taylor Garland , AFA-CWA (202) 550-5520 [email protected] View original content:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/delta-workers-call-for-free-and-fair-union-elections-at-shareholder-meeting-301851292.html SOURCE International Brotherhood of Teamsters; Association of Flight Attendants; International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers New report finds 85% of forcibly displaced families are unable to afford enough food to meet their daily nutrition needs 25% of families are responding to increased financial pressures by taking their children out of school; 19% have sent their children to work Significant numbers of families in Afghanistan and Niger 12% and 7%, respectively reported using child marriage as a coping mechanism for decreased income SEATTLE , June 15, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Global humanitarian organization World Vision warns in a new report that hunger and violence levels experienced by refugee and displaced children around the world are continuing to increase, while funding fails to keep pace. In the lead-up to World Refugee Day (recognized annually on June 20 ) the child-focused organization's annual survey of refugee and displaced families reveals sharp increases in these two metrics, even compared to 2021 data during the COVID-19 pandemic. "The needs of children in places like Syria , Niger , DRC and Afghanistan are now greater than they have been in years, but there is not enough funding in place to respond," said Amanda Rives , senior director of disaster management with World Vision. "Today millions of children are struggling to exist in refugee camps. Too many are being forced to marry or work in order to survive. They are hungry. They don't get to go to school. They don't get to have a childhood. And the world is forgetting about them." The report "Invisible and forgotten: Displaced children hungrier and at more risk than ever" reveals that parents are extremely worried about the risks of violence faced by their children. "We have surveyed forcibly displaced people for three years in a row, and more families than ever [41%, up from 30% in 2022] are telling us now that their children are at increased risk of violence," Rives explains. In addition, hunger and lack of options are forcing them to take their children out of school and send them to work or into child marriage. Overall, nearly a third of households have a child out of school and only 11% of households are able to fully meet education expenses, down from 31% in 2022. The number of families who are borrowing from others in order to afford basic necessities like food has doubled from 2022, and 82% of families are reducing the quality and quantity of their meals to cope with lower incomes. "Children living in displacement camps are over two times more likely to be forced to work when compared to those who live in other locations," noted Rives. "We are extremely concerned about the especially high rates of child marriage in Afghanistan and Niger . Many families there have no access to income or food. They are being given an unimaginable choice: either allow your children to die from starvation, or sell one child into marriage so that they can eat and the dowry will enable you to feed the rest of your family." Most refugee families surveyed by World Vision said that they have dreams of supporting their families and rebuilding their countries. However, with so many malnourished children out of school, and with the lack of funding for increasing needs, the future for too many is bleak, even if they are one day able to return home. "There is enough money and resources in the world," Rives said. "Hunger levels, along with child labor and child marriage figures, should not be increasing." "The numbers of refugees and displaced families in the world today can be overwhelming," she continued, "but it's important to remember that refugees can be agents of their own future. If they receive the help that they need now, they can survive, rebuild their communities and thrive. Refugees and displaced families need prioritized funding now. They deserve the means to provide for their families. Their children deserve a childhood. They deserve dignity, and they deserve to be remembered." About World Vision World Vision is a Christian humanitarian organization dedicated to working with children, families and their communities worldwide to reach their full potential by tackling the causes of poverty and injustice. World Vision serves all people, regardless of religion, race, ethnicity or gender. For more information, please visit worldvision.org or follow on Twitter @WorldVisionUSA. Report available at http://wvi.org/world-refugee-day/invisible-and-forgotten. The survey was conducted between March and April 2023 in 18 countries Afghanistan , Brazil , Burkina Faso , Colombia , the Democratic Republic of Congo , Ecuador , El Salvador , Ethiopia , Guatemala , Honduras , Jordan , Mali , Nicaragua , Niger , Peru , South Sudan , Uganda , and Venezuela . The survey used a mix of sampling methodologies (random, purposive, and convenience sampling) covering 847 households across all 18 countries, with an average household size of six. Please see the report annexes for full methodology. Key Survey Findings: Significant numbers of families in Afghanistan and Niger 12% and 7%, respectively reported using child marriage as a coping mechanism for decreased income. and 12% and 7%, respectively reported using child marriage as a coping mechanism for decreased income. Afghanistan also had much higher rates of child labour (47% compared to 19% overall) and keeping children home from school (46% compared to 25% overall) compared to the other countries in our sample. also had much higher rates of child labour (47% compared to 19% overall) and keeping children home from school (46% compared to 25% overall) compared to the other countries in our sample. Children who live in displacement camps were 2.2 times more likely to be working than those who lived in other locations. Overall, almost a third (30%) of households have a child out of school. Only 11% of households are able to fully meet education expenses, down from 31% in 2022 (19% decrease). An increasing number of families (41%) are concerned their children are at risk of violence (up from 30% in 2022). 25% of families are responding to increased financial pressures by keeping their children home from school and 19% have sent their children to work. The rate of families unable to educate their children was highest in Ethiopia (53%), Burkina Faso (52%) and Afghanistan (43%). (53%), (52%) and (43%). In 2023, the number of respondents who reported borrowing from others in order to afford basic necessities doubled, rising to 69% (from 34% in 2022). 85% of forcibly displaced families are unable to afford enough food to meet their daily nutrition needs. 82% of households have been forced to reduce the quantity and quality of their meals to cope with lower incomes. View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/for-third-year-running-hunger-and-risk-levels-increase-for-refugee-children-worldwide-warns-world-vision-301852418.html At least 79 migrants died after their fishing boat sank off the Peloponnese, Greece's coastguard said Wednesday, as fears mounted that the death toll could rise much higher. Some 100 people were rescued after the boat capsized in international waters in the Ionian Sea in an operation complicated by strong winds, the coastguard said. Coastguard spokesman Nikolaos Alexiou told state TV ERT the search and rescue effort would continue during the night with flares fired by a C-130 military transport plane. The boat "capsized and sank" early Wednesday in a location that is "among the deepest in the Mediterranean," he said. A migration ministry source told AFP that according to the coastguard there could have been "hundreds" of people on the boat. "We fear there will be a very large number of missing persons," the official said. The coastguard spokesman said "exact numbers cannot be safely given" on those aboard, but the boat was "overloaded." "The fishing boat was 25-30 metres long. Its deck was full of people, and we assume the interior was just as full," he told ERT. The survivors are mainly from Syria, Pakistan and Egypt, Alexiou said. The International Organization for Migration (IOM) acknowledged fears of a large number of missing people, noting in a tweet: "We fear more lives were lost. Initial reports suggest up to 400 people were onboard." Greece's head of state, President Katerina Sakellaropoulou, visited the port of Kalamata to confer with senior officials on the rescue and accommodation response. European Commission head Ursula von der Leyen said she was "deeply saddened by the news of the shipwreck off the Greek coast and the many reported deaths" and "very concerned by the number of missing people." "We must continue to work together, with member states and third countries, to prevent such tragedies," she said. The worst migrant tragedy in Greece was in June 2016 when at least 320 people were listed as dead or missing, according to AFP records going back to 1993. The IOM until Wednesday had listed 48 migrants dead and missing in the eastern Mediterranean so far this year, compared to 378 a year earlier. Along with coastguard patrol boats and a navy frigate, the rescue operation included a helicopter as well as seven other boats that were in the area. Passengers 'refused help' Greek media reported that nearly 30 people have been taken to the port's hospital. The coastguard said four in a more serious condition were transferred to hospital by helicopter. The coastguard said a surveillance plane with Europe's Frontex agency had spotted the boat on Tuesday afternoon, but the passengers had "refused any help". It added that none on board were wearing life jackets. Authorities said it appeared the migrants had departed from Libya and were heading for Italy. The migration ministry would begin looking for accommodation for those rescued once they are processed by the coastguard to determine gender and nationality, an official said. Television footage showed emergency tents being set up at Kalamata. Also Wednesday, a sailing boat in distress carrying about 80 migrants off Crete was rescued by a coastguard patrol and towed to port, Greece's port police said. Along with Italy and Spain, Greece has been one of the main landing points for tens of thousands of people seeking to reach Europe from Africa and the Middle East. Another 90 people in a sailboat, more than a third of them children, were rescued near the island of Cythera over the weekend. Greece is also facing an increase of crossing attempts from Turkey on southern routes near the Cyclades islands and toward the Peloponnese peninsula, with boats hoping to avoid patrols in the northern Aegean Sea. Rescue operations are common, but last month the Greek government came under international pressure over video footage reportedly showing the forceful expulsion of migrants who were set adrift at sea. Greece and other EU member states on the southern and southeastern rim of the bloc say they are being unfairly tasked with managing arrivals of undocumented migrants. Search Keywords: Short link: Capt Cees Van Dooren appointed Global Airlines A380 Project Manager. appointed A380 Project Manager. Van Dooren advising Global on a range of key strategic matters including A380 acquisitions and maintenance planning. LONDON , June 15, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Global Airlines, the world's newest long-haul airline, has announced the appointment of Cees Van Dooren as its A380 Project Manager, to advise on all strategic matters related to the aircraft. Captain Cees was one of the first ever pilots to be employed by Emirates, joining the Dubai based carrier in 1987. He enjoyed 25 years in the flightdeck with the company. As well as having detailed knowledge of the Emirates product and aircraft, Cees's contributions extended beyond his role as a pilot. He also trained and developed many of today's A380 pilots. His extensive knowledge of the aircraft's systems, performance, and operational procedures enabled him to impart valuable insights to aspiring aviators, nurturing their skills and ensuring the highest standards of proficiency. At Global, Cees has been advising CEO James Asquith for the last 18 months and was instrumental in identifying the first aircraft to join the fleet. He will now continue to advise the CEO and the airlines Executive Committee on a range of matters including future aircraft acquisitions, crew recruitment and training facilities, as well as preparing its current fleet for expected operations from Spring 2024. James Asquith , the Founder and CEO of Global Airlines, said, "As we continue to grow our team of aviation experts, we are delighted to welcome Captain Cees van Dooren to the Global Airlines family." "Cees' in-depth knowledge of the industry and the aircraft specifically will be invaluable to me and the wider team, as we not only add to our existing fleet but as we continue to develop our plans to deliver the best product in the sky for our customers." Cees Van Dooren said, "I am honoured to be asked by James and Global Airlines to help redefine the role the A380 can play in the sky." "The airline, like the A380, has a really exciting future and I am confident that when passengers see our plans and our product they will choose Global." Global Airlines plans to use its fleet of owned A380 aircraft to reinvigorate the flying experience, courtesy of the unrivalled spaciousness offered by the super jumbo. The airline is now in advanced discussions to acquire three more A380 aircraft and is expected to announce more hires and a crew recruitment drive in the weeks ahead. Global Airlines is now focused on working closely with the relevant authorities and partners in preparation for inaugural flights in the Spring of 2024. About Global Airlines Global Airlines was launched in 2023 with an aspiration to offer passengers the best way to fly. The airline is a wholly owned subsidiary of Holiday Swap and headquartered in London , United Kingdom. The airline is led by CEO James Asquith and backed by aviation experts and investors around the world. The airline has commenced an aircraft acquisition programme with one A380 secured and more to follow in the summer of 2023. The inaugural transatlantic flights are expected in the Spring of 2024. About Cees Van Dooren Cees van Dooren , an accomplished aviator, began his aviation career in 1966 as an Electronic Aircraft Engineer. He later pursued his passion for flying, working diligently to fund his flight training in New Zealand . Cees held various aviation roles, including Chief Pilot for Lake Eildon Airlines in Australia . He served as an Executive Pilot in London , flying a Piper Navajo , and became a First Officer for Laker Airways, flying BAC 1-11s and Airbus A-300-B4. In 1987, Cees joined Emirates Airlines as a First Officer and made significant contributions during his 25-year tenure. He rose to the positions of Captain and Chief Training Captain Airbus, introducing Low Visibility Procedures CAT 3B, became Head of Standards, test pilot, and introduced the "train the trainer" programme. After his career at Emirates Airlines, he joined Airbus Industries in Seoul, South Korea , training and evaluating Korean Air Pilots in the A380 Simulator for 5 years. Photo: https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2103003/Cees_Van_Dooren.jpg View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/former-emirates-captain-cees-van-dooren-becomes-latest-global-airlines-hire-301852077.html SOURCE Global Airlines WASHINGTON , June 15, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Four graduating high school seniors have been selected by the Council of the Great City Schools (CGCS) to receive the 2023 CGCS-Bernard Harris Math and Science Scholarship. The students were chosen from several hundred applicants in big-city school districts across the nation for their exceptional academic ability and achievement, leadership qualities, and community involvement. Now in its fifth year, the scholarship was created by former NASA astronaut Dr. Bernard A. Harris , Jr., the first African American to walk in space, to encourage and assist promising students of diverse backgrounds who plan to pursue science, technology, engineering, or math (STEM) studies after high school. The awards were given to two African American and two Hispanic seniors from high schools in three of the 78 urban school districts represented by the Council. "It is an honor for me to invest in the lives of our nation's next generation of STEM leaders through this scholarship," said Harris. "Each of these young men and women have demonstrated intelligence, leadership, and determination, and I look forward to seeing how the next steps in their educational journeys unfold." Each scholar will receive $5,000 for continued education in a STEM-related field. This year's award winners are: Zion Duplechain , who attended Energy Institute High School in Houston, TX , who attended in Fabiana Mastantuono , who attended Lake Nona High School in Orlando, FL , who attended in Emmanuel Vasquez , who attended Sam Houston Math , Science and Technology Center in Houston, TX , who attended , Science and Technology Center in Reauna Walker, who attended East Technical High School in Cleveland, OH In the fall, Duplechain plans to attend Columbia University to major in electrical engineering. Mastantuono will pursue a degree in biomedical engineering at the University of Florida. Vasquez plans to study electrical engineering at Texas A&M University, and Walker will major in biology at Morgan State University. "One of the most worthy and impactful investments which one can make is in a young person's education, and we greatly appreciate Dr. Harris' generosity," said Council Executive Director Ray Hart . "We also thank the educators in urban school districts who have contributed to the development of these distinguished students, and we wish each of them a bright future." Administration of the scholarship program, including the application process, pre-selection, and presentation of awards, is provided by CGCS. Dr. Harris makes the final selection of recipients. About The Council of the Great City Schools The Council of the Great City Schools is the only national organization exclusively representing the needs of urban public schools. Composed of 78 large city school districts, its mission is to promote the cause of urban schools and to advocate for inner-city students through legislation, research and media relations. The organization also provides a network for school districts sharing common problems to exchange information, and to collectively address new challenges as they emerge to deliver the best possible education for urban youth. www.cgcs.org About The Harris Institute The Harris Institute is a 501 (c) (3), non-profit organization founded by former NASA Astronaut Dr. Bernard A. Harris , Jr., to serve socially and economically disadvantaged communities locally and across the nation striving to reach the most underserved populations in the areas of Education, Health, and Wealth. The institute supports programs that empower individuals, in particular minorities and economically and/ or socially disadvantaged, to recognize their potential and pursue their dreams. The education mission of The Harris Institute is to enable youth to develop and achieve their full potential through the support of social, recreational and educational programs. The Harris Institute believes students can be prepared now for the careers of the future through a structured education program and the use of positive role models. More than 50,000 students have participated and benefited from THI programs. www.theharrisinstitute.org. CONTACT: Tonya Harris [email protected] View original content:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/four-urban-students-named-2023-math-and-science-scholars-301852468.html SOURCE Council of the Great City Schools TORONTO , June 15, 2023 /PRNewswire/ - Superior Gold Inc. ("Superior" or the "Company") (TSXV: SGI) (OTCQX: SUPGF) today announced that leading independent proxy advisory firms, Institutional Shareholder Services Inc. ("ISS") and Glass, Lewis & Co., LLC ("Glass Lewis"), have both recommended that Company shareholders vote FOR the resolution approving the acquisition of the Company by Catalyst Metals Limited ("Catalyst") (ASX: CYL) by way of a plan of arrangement in accordance with the Business Corporations Act ( Ontario ) (the "Arrangement") at the Company's Special meeting to be held on June 26, 2023 . Under the terms of the Arrangement, each holder of Superior common shares will receive 0.3571 of an ordinary share in the capital of Catalyst for each Superior Share held. The Consideration represents an approximate 62% premium over the closing price of the Superior Shares on the TSX Venture Exchange (the "TSXV") on February 22, 2023 and an approximate 52.0% premium over Superior volume weighted average share price ("VWAP") over the 20 trading days prior to February 22, 2023 each of Catalyst and Superior on the ASX and TSXV, respectively. Following the completion of the Arrangement, Catalyst will maintain its primary listing on the ASX under the symbol "CYL", and Superior will be delisted from the TSXV. ISS and Glass Lewis are a leading independent corporate governance analysis and proxy advisory firms that provide proxy voting recommendations to institutional shareholders. The independent recommendations of each of ISS and Glass Lewis are intended to assist their shareholder subscribers in making choices regarding proxy voting decisions. ISS and Glass Lewis made their respective independent recommendations after carefully reviewing the facts regarding the Arrangement and benefits to Company shareholders. Welcoming the favourable recommendations of the Arrangement, Chris Jordaan , President and Chief Executive Officer of Superior commented: "We are pleased that both ISS and Glass Lewis have endorsed this transaction and encourage all Company shareholders to vote FOR the Arrangement in advance of the voting cut off on June 21, 2023 ." The Superior board of directors (the "Board") encourages Superior shareholders ("Shareholders") to carefully read the information sent to them and to vote their Superior common shares (the "Common Shares") FOR the Arrangement. Shareholders are urged to vote as soon as possible and well in advance of the proxy submission deadline on June 21, 2023 at 5:00 p.m. (Eastern Time) (or a business day which is at least 48 hours before any adjournment or postponement of the Meeting). For voting assistance, please contact Carson Proxy Advisors at 1-800-530-5189 toll free in North America or 416-751-2066 local (collect outside of North America ) or by email at [email protected]. About Superior Superior is a Canadian-based gold producer that owns 100% of the Plutonic Gold Operations located in Western Australia . The Plutonic Gold Operations include the Plutonic underground gold mine and central mill, numerous open-pit projects, and an interest in the Bryah Basin joint venture. Forward Looking Information This news release contains "forward-looking information" within the meaning of applicable securities laws that are intended to be covered by the safe harbours created by those laws. "Forward-looking information" includes statements that use forward-looking terminology such as "may", "will", "expect", "anticipate", "believe", "continue", "potential" or the negative thereof or other variations thereof or comparable terminology. Forward-looking information includes, but is not limited to, statements and information relating to: (i) the Arrangement; (ii) compliance with covenants by Superior and Catalyst pursuant to the Arrangement Agreement; (iii) the anticipated benefits of the Arrangement for Superior and Shareholders; (iv) the ability for the Superior and Catalyst to obtain the required regulatory approvals, as applicable; (v) statements relating to the business and futures activities of, and developments related, to Superior and Catalyst after the date of the Circular; (vi) strategic vision of Catalyst and expectations regarding the synergies between the Superior mineral projects, the mineral projects of Catalyst and Vango; (vii) potential outcomes of the Vango litigation; (viii) commodity prices; (ix) stock exchange delisting and timing thereof; and * risks related to Superior remaining independent. By identifying such information in this manner, the Company is alerting the reader that such information is subject to known and unknown risks, uncertainties, and other factors that may cause the actual results, level of activity, performance, or achievements of the Company to be materially different from those expressed or implied by such forward-looking information. Forward-looking information is not a guarantee of future performance and is based upon a number of estimates and assumptions of management at the date the statements are made, including but not limited to, assumptions about the Company's future business objectives, goals, and capabilities, the regulatory framework applicable to the Company and its operations, and the Company's financial resources. Furthermore, such forward-looking information involves a variety of known and unknown risks and uncertainties, including, but not limited to, risks and uncertainties related to, (i) the failure of the Superior and Catalyst to obtain the required regulatory, Shareholder and/or Court approvals or to otherwise satisfy the conditions to the completion of the Arrangement in a timely manner; (ii) significant transaction costs or unknown liabilities; (iii) failure to realize the expected benefits of the Arrangement; (iv) general economic conditions; and (v) other risks and uncertainties identified under the heading "Risk Factors" in the Company Circular. Failure to obtain any required regulatory, Shareholder and/or Court approvals, or failure to otherwise satisfy the conditions to the completion of the Arrangement or to complete the Arrangement, may result in the Arrangement not being completed on the proposed terms, or at all. If the Arrangement is not completed, and Superior continues as a publicly-traded entity, there are risks that the announcement of the Arrangement and the dedication of substantial resources of Superior to the completion of the Arrangement could have an impact on its business and strategic relationships, operating results and activities in general, and could have a material adverse effect on its current and future operations, financial condition and prospects. Furthermore, pursuant to the terms of the Arrangement Agreement, Superior may, in certain circumstances, be required to pay a termination amount of C$2 million to the Catalyst, the result of which could have an adverse effect on its financial position. The Company cautions that there can be no assurance that forward-looking information will prove to be accurate, as actual results and future events could differ materially from those anticipated in such information. Accordingly, investors should not place undue reliance on forward-looking information as no assurance can be given that any of the events anticipated by the forward-looking information will transpire or occur, and if any of them do so, what benefits the Company will derive therefrom. Except as required by law, the Company does not assume any obligation to release publicly any revisions to forward-looking information contained in this news release to reflect events or circumstances after the date hereof. Neither the TSXV nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSXV) accept responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release. View original content:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/leading-independent-proxy-advisory-firms-iss-and-glass-lewis-both-recommend-superior-gold-shareholders-vote-for-the-plan-of-arrangement-with-catalyst-metals-301852387.html SOURCE Superior Gold Inc. Levy Konigsberg has filed 116 mesothelioma cases against J&J's new consumer health spin-off, Kenvue (NYSE: KVUE) NEW YORK , June 15, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Levy Konigsberg, a leading national law firm representing victims of corporate misconduct, has sued J&J's new consumer health spin-off, Kenvue, in 116 Johnson's Baby Powder mesothelioma cases. Kenvue was initially listed in May in the New York Stock Exchange (KVUE) as part of an initial public offering (IPO) at a $22 per share price. The stock price has since risen to over $25 per share, giving the new consumer health company a market cap of over 48 billion. Kenvue owns the Johnson's Baby product lines, which include well-known products such as Johnson's Baby Powder and Johnson's Baby Shampoo. Kenvue's predecessor company, Johnson & Johnson Consumer, Inc., announced on May 19, 2020 , that it would stop selling talc-based baby powder (and switch to a corn starch) in the United States and Canada. This announcement came after the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) confirmed the presence of asbestos in Johnson's Baby Powder in October 2019 . A Middlesex County, New Jersey court recently denied J&J's motion to dismiss Kenvue as a newly-added party in cases filed in the long-running J&J talc powder litigation. J&J argued that Kenvue is not liable as a successor to J&J's baby powder business. J&J also argued that a bankruptcy proceeding filed by J&J's subsidiary, Legacy Talc Litigation (LTL) Management LLC prevented the newly filed talc baby powder cases against Kenvue from proceeding. In denying the motion to dismiss, the Honorable Anna Viscomi allowed discovery of the claims against Kenvue, as well as two other J&J units (Janssen and J&J Holdco), to go forward. In the Order, Judge Viscomi stated: "This has nothing to do with [the] LTL [bankruptcy] but all to do with the presently operating restructured companies, all of which are New Jersey Corporations A full record must be developed based on appropriate discovery as to the successor liability issues." J&J's spin-off of Kenvue, as the company now responsible for consumer health products including the Johnson's Baby product line, is the latest corporate transaction relating to J&J's baby powder business. In October 2021 , Johnson & Johnson Consumer, Inc. (JJCI), was split into two companies, with the talc liabilities directed to LTL. In a matter of days, LTL then filed for bankruptcy, resulting in a stay of tens of thousands of lawsuits previously filed against J&J and its subsidiary JJCI. The U.S. Court of Appeals for the Third Circuit dismissed the LTL bankruptcy in January 2023 , finding that the case was filed in bad faith, but J&J directed LTL to re-file the bankruptcy just two hours after the first bankruptcy was dismissed. With J&J's shell subsidiary LTL currently in bankruptcy again, pre-trial activities in state court lawsuits are continuing against J&J and, now Kenvue, because those parties themselves did not file for bankruptcy. According to a Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) filing by Kenvue, J&J (and not LTL) has agreed to indemnify Kenvue for any talc-related liabilities. Attorney Jerome Block of Levy Konigsberg stated: "J&J's abuse of the bankruptcy system to delay jury trials for cancer victims must end. J&J cannot avoid jury trials through bad faith bankruptcies or corporate spin-offs. Kenvue is now profiting from the Johnson's Baby Powder business and is liable, along with Johnson & Johnson, under well-established New Jersey law." J&J's attempt to use the bankruptcy system with a corporate maneuver known as the "Texas Two Step" has been widely criticized and the subject of U.S. Senate hearing. Levy Konigsberg LLP has been representing victims of mesothelioma in civil lawsuits since 1985. The firm represents more than 100 women and men diagnosed with asbestos-related cancers as the result of exposure to Johnson's Baby Powder . Media Contact: Jerome H. Block [email protected]com View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/levy-konigsberg-sues-kenvue-in-116-mesothelioma-johnsons-baby-powder-lawsuits-301852500.html SOURCE Levy Konigsberg Deal includes Liberty Seguros Businesses in Ireland , Northern Ireland , Portugal and Spain BOSTON , June 15, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Liberty Mutual Insurance and Generali Group announced today that they have signed a definitive agreement for Generali to acquire Liberty Seguros, S.A. Liberty Mutual's personal lines and small commercial insurance business headquartered in Madrid. The transaction includes Liberty Seguros operations in Ireland , Northern Ireland , Portugal and Spain . Liberty Mutual's other European operations (Liberty Specialty Markets, Liberty Mutual Reinsurance, Liberty Mutual Surety, Liberty IT and Hughes Insurance) are not included in this transaction and will continue to operate in their respective markets. The total price for the transaction is 2.3 billion ( $2.5 billion USD ), subject to customary closing adjustments. "Our dedicated Liberty Seguros employees have done a tremendous job serving our customers, brokers, agents, partners and communities -- building a highly respected and profitable business. They will be a strong addition to Generali, a leading global insurer with a strategic and adept business model," said Liberty Mutual President and Chief Executive Officer Tim Sweeney . "This decision further helps Liberty Mutual sharpen our operational focus to deliver exceptional value across our channels, products and markets. We're grateful to our employees for their many years of hard work and are confident in their future success with Generali." Liberty Seguros is Liberty Mutual's largest operation outside of the U.S. with premiums of 1.2 billion in 2022, nearly 1,700 employees and branches throughout the Western European market. With a leading direct business in Spain , 5,600 intermediaries across the countries, and over 20 partners, Liberty Seguros has a portfolio offering modular, flexible insurance solutions for non-life and life risk products. Generali is one of the largest global insurance and asset management providers with a presence in over 50 countries and a total premium income of 81.5 billion in 2022. With 82,000 employees serving 68 million customers, Generali has a leading position in Europe and a growing presence in Asia and Latin America . BofA Securities acted as financial advisor and Skadden, Arps, Slate, Meagher & Flom LLP provided legal advice to Liberty Mutual in the transaction. About Liberty Mutual Insurance At Liberty Mutual, we believe progress happens when people and businesses feel secure. By providing protection for the unexpected and delivering it with care, we help people embrace today and confidently pursue tomorrow. In business since 1912, and headquartered in Boston , today we are the fifth largest global property and casualty insurer based on 2022 gross written premium. We also rank 86 on the Fortune 100 list of largest corporations in the US based on 2022 revenue. As of December 31, 2022 , we had $50 billion in annual consolidated revenue. We employ over 50,000 people in 29 countries and economies around the world. We offer a wide range of insurance products and services, including personal automobile, homeowners, specialty lines, reinsurance, commercial multiple-peril, workers compensation, commercial automobile, general liability, surety, and commercial property. For more information, visit www.libertymutualinsurance.com. Contact: Liberty Mutual Media Relations [email protected] View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/liberty-mutual-insurance-announces-sale-of-personal-and-small-commercial-operations-in-western-europe-to-generali-group-301852079.html SOURCE Liberty Mutual Insurance JACKSONVILLE, Fla. and LOUISVILLE, Ky. , June 15, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Marcone, North America's largest distributor of appliance repair, HVAC, plumbing, commercial kitchen and pool/spa parts and equipment today announced it has added two new warehouses, one in Jacksonville and one in Louisville , to enable further growth of its rapidly growing franchise. The 100,000-square-foot warehouse in Jacksonville and 40,000-square-foot warehouse in Louisville will create at least 50 new jobs and help Marcone do more of what it does best: serve customers efficiently and effectively via a best-in-class user experience that combines local expertise with leading-edge digital ordering and fulfillment capabilities. Marcone has tripled in size over the last two years by adding HVAC, plumbing, commercial kitchen and pool/spa to the growing list of parts and equipment that it distributes. Both of the new state-of-the-art facilities in Jacksonville and Louisville will enable customers to obtain products from top manufacturers and search Marcone's extensive catalog, inclusive of appliance parts. "The expansion of parts and equipment that are accessible through the Jacksonville and Louisville Distribution Centers is a boon to customers who rely on Marcone for speed and accuracy," said Avichal Jain , Chief Executive Officer. "Now, we have the ability to service more customers with a broader set of products needed for home repairs and in most cases deliver orders within a day." To showcase the impact of the two new warehouses, consider that previously, Marcone shipped all plumbing parts from Glen Mills, Pennsylvania . Adding these additional distribution hubs significantly increases the number of plumbing service providers who can obtain the same quick and efficient delivery that other Marcone customers enjoy. More than 99% of orders placed by 5 p.m. are shipped the same day, with 93% next-day and 100% two-day across the United States . Previously, the Louisville center had been a 100,000-square-foot home to 60,000 appliance, HVAC and commercial kitchen SKUs. With an additional 6,000 plumbing SKUs, Marcone opened a second, 40,000-square-foot building at the same location. Together, Marcone now has 140,000 square feet in Louisville alone and both buildings utilize smart technology to assist workers in navigating the warehouse so they can complete orders efficiently. The Jacksonville location is operational and is expanding quickly. At scale, the facility will process >100,000 appliance, plumbing, and commercial kitchen SKUs. The facility is expected to lead to the creation of dozens of new jobs in the area. As is the case in Louisville , smart technology will be optimized so that orders are processed quickly and accurately. The opening of two new warehouses reflects Marcone's swift and ongoing growth. While it started as a distributor of appliance parts, Marcone has transitioned into a whole-home provider after expanding into the HVAC, plumbing, commercial kitchen and pool/spa markets. Today, the company boasts $2 billion in annual sales with more than 2,000 employees at nearly 200 locations nationwide. "Marcone moved into industries that needed technology-driven repair part distribution," Jain added. "We are proud to be able to provide such a high level of service and now, as evidenced in Jacksonville and Louisville , a wide variety of products as well." About Marcone Marcone is an authorized distributor for major brands such as Whirlpool, Electrolux, General Electric, Maytag, Bosch, Samsung, L-G and many more. Through its vast distribution network, Marcone and its subsidiaries supply the largest inventory of original replacement parts in the country for household appliances, HVAC and plumbing systems and more. Marcone exports globally and operates a comprehensive training institute offering quality business and technical training. Headquartered in St. Louis , Marcone operates 200 facilities and serves approximately 43,000 technician customers. For more information, visit www.marcone.com. Media Contact: Mary Jo Hann Munch Supply LLC Office: 815.207.6515 Cell: 847.833.5223 [email protected] View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/marcone-adds-140-000-square-foot-of-new-distribution-center-capacity-in-jacksonville-and-louisville-to-better-support-servicers-through-access-to-its-full-catalog-of-products-301851561.html SOURCE Marcone TROY, Mich. , June 15, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- The Detroit Free Press Community Choice Awards program recently announced Mendelson Kornblum Orthopedics Spine and Pain Specialists as one of the top three best orthopedic practices in metro Detroit . "It's an honor to be recognized and celebrated as one of the best area orthopedic practices. This achievement reflects our dedication to providing our patients with the highest quality health care," states Dan Cresco , Chief Executive Officer at Synergy Health Partners and Mendelson Kornblum Orthopedics Spine and Pain Specialists. This Community Choice award guide is an excellent resource for discovering the best businesses and organizations in the Detroit area. Winning or placing among the top three finalists in the Community's Choice Awards is a prestigious achievement that reflects a company's excellence in its respective industry. The winners and finalists are published online and publicized to the community, serving as a trusted resource for people searching for the best places to eat, shop, receive services, and more. Mendelson Kornblum Orthopedics Spine and Pain Specialists is the premier synergistic healthcare partner of patients, physicians, and the communities we serve in Southeast Michigan . We provide comprehensive diagnostics and innovative solutions helping patients with musculoskeletal conditions. Committed to our patients in all aspects, we are the only area orthopedic practice recognized for offering non-opioid surgical options. We are proud to be affiliated with the best hospitals in Michigan and named as leaders in the field of orthopedics, spine care, and pain management. For more information, visit www.mendelsonortho.com and www.youtube.com/mendelsonortho . Media Contacts: (313) 351-5077 [email protected] View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/mendelson-kornblum-orthopedics-spine-and-pain-specialists-ranks-best-in-practice-with-detroit-free-press-community-choice-award-301852275.html SOURCE Mendelson Kornblum Orthopedics Spine and Pain Specialists Record-breaking participation highlights school's annual Water Safety Month campaign TROY, Mich. , June 15, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Kicking off the summer swim season and reinforcing its dedication to water safety, Goldfish Swim School , the leading swim school franchise in North America , is "o-FISH-ally" rounding out its most successful Safer Swimmer Pledge campaign to date. Goldfish Swim School's Third Annual Safer Swimmer Pledge , a commitment to following five golden rules of water safety, motivated a record 16,760 families throughout North America to commit to becoming safer swimmers ahead of the summer swimming season, which typically sees more drownings than any other time of year. "Each year, the Safer Swimmer Pledge continues to grow, which speaks volumes about families' unwavering commitment to water safety," said Chris McCuiston, CEO and co-founder of Goldfish Swim School. "Drowning is the second-leading cause of unintentional injury death among kids ages 5-14 and the leading cause for children ages 1-4. Along with local Goldfish families and safer swimmer advocates, we are dedicated to advocating for drowning prevention and creating safer summers for all families." Throughout May, National Water Safety Month, Goldfish Swim School rewarded safer swimmers with "fin-tastic" prizes , including a year of free swim lessons given away weekly and a $5K Beach Getaway grand prize awarded to the Kaur family in Glen Oaks , New York . Goldfish Swim School - Milford in Massachusetts brought in the most pledges across all schools , with more than 1,400 pledges taken, and will be awarded a VIP pool party celebration with Olympian and Water Safety Advocate Cullen Jones later this year. Milford Safer Swimmer Champion and team member Jennifer Cruz was also awarded a prize of $2,023 for obtaining the highest number of individual pledges of all employees nationwide. Her accomplishment highlights the commitment of the entire system, including school owners, team members and enrolled members, to raise awareness of water safety. The campaign's "Biggest Wavemaker" is Blessing Williams , a young swimmer at Goldfish Swim School - Cleveland East Side . The "Biggest Wavemakers Challenge'' encouraged Goldfish swimmers to be ambassadors for water safety and get their friends, classmates and communities to take the Safer Swimmer Pledge. The effort won Williams a "fin-tastic" pool party and a year of free swim lessons to continue her water safety journey. Additionally, to further encourage pledge-takers, Goldfish Swim School ambassadors and Olympic gold medalists Cullen Jones and Ryan Murphy joined forces to amplify the campaign in May, with Jones visiting schools in Kansas City and Chicago , and Murphy making a visit to the Aliso Viejo, California school , emphasizing the significance of water safety to future swimmers. Further demonstrating its commitment to water safety, Goldfish Swim School Franchising donated $16,760 $1 for each pledge to the USA Swimming Foundation to help provide access to swim lessons for underserved children across the United States . Additionally, Speedo USA again joined forces with Goldfish Swim School, providing a promo code with each pledge taken for 25% off purchases, with 10% of that purchase going to the Foundation. In Canada, Goldfish Swim School partnered with Big Brothers Big Sisters of Grand Erie, Halton and Hamilton to promote water safety and access to swim lessons in these communities. To sustain the momentum and raise further awareness about water safety and drowning prevention, Goldfish Swim School locations across North America will participate in the 14th Annual World's Largest Swimming Lesson on June 22 , partnering with water safety advocates across the globe to continue making a splash for water safety this summer. More information on water safety is available on the Goldfish Swim School website at https://www.goldfishswimschool.com/ . About Goldfish Swim School Founded in 2006 by husband-and-wife team Chris and Jenny McCuiston , Troy, Michigan -based Goldfish Swim School provides swim lessons and water safety instruction to infants and children aged 4 months to 12 years. Classes are led by specially trained instructors in a safe, child-friendly environment using a research-based philosophy called The Science of SwimPlay. Since opening its first franchised location in 2009, the brand has grown to more than 140 schools in over 30 states, with an additional 150-plus in development. Goldfish is ranked No. 69 overall in Entrepreneur's 2023 Franchise 500 and has been recognized as the No. 1 franchise for teaching children's swimming lessons for seven consecutive years, was named to Franchise Times' Top 500 for 2022 and is rated as a Top Franchise by Franchise Business Review for 2023. Goldfish Swim School is currently in the process of expanding franchise opportunities throughout North America . For information on franchising, go to www.goldfishswimschool.com/franchising-opportunities . Media Contact: Heyli Lopez 214-379-700 [email protected] View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/nearly-17-000-families-commit-to-water-safety-this-summer-with-goldfish-swim-schools-safer-swimmer-pledge-301852329.html SOURCE Goldfish Swim School Cisco, Siemens, and Verizon Business Lead Sessions on Why Sales Execution Technology is Instrumental to Creating and Closing Pipeline SEATTLE , June 15, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Outreach , the leading AI-powered sales execution platform helping revenue organizations create and close more pipeline, today announced the full agenda for its flagship event, Unleash. Outreach Unleash 2023 will be hosted in-person in Seattle, Wash. from October 3-5, 2023 . There are more than 30 million B2B sales reps around the world and our mission is to empower them all The must-attend event for sales teams will bring together 1,800+ attendees to discover what's next from Outreach, join breakout sessions with customers, and hear from New York Times Bestselling author and self-publishing phenom, Mel Robbins , and Founder & CEO of Change Enthusiasm Global, Cassandra Worthy . "There are more than 30 million B2B sales reps around the world and our mission is to empower them all to operate at their maximum potential," said Manny Medina , CEO and co-founder of Outreach. "At Unleash 2023, not only will we demonstrate how the AI-powered Outreach Sales Execution Platform unlocks success for salespeople and their organization, but how they can operate with a mindset of abundance to create and close more pipeline." At Outreach Unleash, attendees will be able to engage with Outreach experts, connect with peers, and learn how to take their organization's sales team to the next level with the best sales technology in the industry. Outreach will announce its latest platform innovations to unlock seller productivity and will demonstrate its newest artificial intelligence capabilities. With the richest workflows in the industry, Outreach Sales Execution Intelligence captures 33+ million sales execution signals weekly, uses 3+ billion signals to train Outreach machine learning models, and surfaces 20+ million deal health insights every week. Attendees will hear from: Outreach CEO Manny Medina , CPO Prasad Raje , and GTM President David Ruggiero , CPO , and GTM President Outreach Customers including, Cisco, CommScope RUCKUS, Grammarly, NewtonX, Snowflake, VelocityEHS , Verizon Business , and more , , and more Keynote speakers Mel Robbins , Cassandra Worthy , and Scot Gardner SVP of sales and marketing at Siemens , , and SVP of sales and marketing at Siemens Farah Bernier , Global People Strategy & Central Executive Operations Leader at a leading tech company on how to advance DEI on a global scale, Outreach People and Culture Executive Pamela Mattsson on how to intentionally champion women and people of color in sales, and other leaders discussing Diversity, Culture, and Empathy , Global People Strategy & Central Executive Operations Leader at a leading tech company on how to advance DEI on a global scale, Outreach People and Culture Executive on how to intentionally champion women and people of color in sales, and other leaders discussing Diversity, Culture, and Empathy Nick Cegelski & Armand Farrokh , the founders of 30 Minutes to President's Club as they host a live podcast episode in front of an audience & , the founders of 30 Minutes to as they host a live podcast episode in front of an audience Influencers Lauren Bailey , CEO and Founder of #GirlsClub, Tito Bohrt , CEO of Altisales, and more on how to unleash your personal power and win impeccably , CEO and Founder of #GirlsClub, , CEO of Altisales, and more on how to unleash your personal power and win impeccably Industry Experts like Matt Belitsky of Brex on the future of artificial intelligence in sales and several conversations on how sales teams can use generative AI of on the future of artificial intelligence in sales and several conversations on how sales teams can use generative AI Sellers themselves including Akio Aida of Grammarly on how to unlock enterprise sales success While On-Site, Attendees can: Learn about the vast partner ecosystem and meet with sponsors Demandbase , LeanData, Regie.ai, Seismic, Sendoso, 6sense, Corporate Visions , and others , LeanData, Regie.ai, Seismic, Sendoso, 6sense, , and others Take expert-led product training classes designed to help you optimize your program for the biggest impact Receive 1:1 demos of the Outreach Sales Execution Platform on the show floor Attend the Women In Sales Leadership Summit hosted at Unleash where women sellers will gain the necessary tools, access, experiences, and opportunities to rise up through the ranks of the sales organization Mingle with sales peers and Outreach customers at the welcome reception and night out to connect + celebrate Outreach will also recognize outstanding sales achievements by customers and partners through its Nucleo Awards. Register and learn more here . About Outreach Outreach is the leading AI-powered sales execution platform that unlocks seller productivity to help sales teams efficiently create and close more pipeline. From prospecting to deal management to forecasting, our platform leverages automation and artificial intelligence to help revenue leaders increase efficiency and effectiveness of all go-to-market activities and personnel across the revenue cycle. Outreach is the only company to offer sales engagement, revenue intelligence, and revenue operations functionalities in a unified platform. More than 6,000 companies, including Zoom, Siemens, Okta, DocuSign, and McKesson depend on Outreach to power their revenue organizations. Outreach is a privately held company based in Seattle, Washington , with offices worldwide. To learn more, please visit www.outreach.io . View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/outreach-reveals-line-up-for-unleash-2023-the-must-attend-event-for-b2b-salespeople-301852336.html SOURCE Outreach NEW ORLEANS , June 14, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Following Pastor Rick Warren's appeal from the floor of the Southern Baptist Convention (SBC) Annual Meeting in New Orleans yesterday, shortly after the results of the vote were announced this morning he gave his response and fielded questions from credentialed press at a 75-minute Media Availability, that resembled a " Master Class " in SBC history, polity and hermeneutics. Having challenged more than 12,000 voting Messengers to overturn a ruling to disfellowship the Church he pastored for 43 years the tallied ballots were not in Saddleback's favor. The final count totaled 9,437 "Yes" in support of the Executive Committee ruling and 1,212 "No" to overturn it in support of Saddleback Church, signifying majority opinion of Convention attendees feel that the Church "is not in friendly cooperation with the SBC." Streamed live and available now at www.SBCStand.com, Warren opened his press statement by saying, "We received more votes than I anticipated in New Orleans . We have said since last February that we didn't expect to win. We made this effort to push a conversation that's been stagnant for years." Further addressing the reasons he chose to defend the Church he founded, Warren explained, "I wanted to speak up for the millions of Southern Baptist women whose spiritual gifts, leadership gifts and talents are being wasted." The best-selling author of The Purpose Driven Life and Coordinator of the global Finishing the Task coalition, acknowledged that the decisions made at the Annual Meeting only represent those who attend, and asked the media and his denominational peers to keep certain things in mind about yesterday's vote: It wasn't unanimous . "To think that all Southern Baptists will now adhere to a single vote at an annual meeting, as if that is a fiat on the role of women, is nonsense. Baptists are far more independent than that." . "To think that Southern Baptists will now adhere to a single vote at an annual meeting, as if that is a fiat on the role of women, is nonsense. Baptists are far more independent than that." The Convention is aging. "The average Southern Baptist is 56 years old and the average age of a Convention attender is higher than that. These are good people, but they're aging. The next generation of Southern Baptists are not here to vote. They couldn't care less about Roberts Rules of Order, arcane procedures or political infighting. Change will happen at some point. Truth inevitably triumphs over tradition, but it takes time." "The average Southern Baptist is 56 years old and the average age of a Convention attender is higher than that. These are good people, but they're aging. The next generation of Southern Baptists are not here to vote. They couldn't care less about Roberts Rules of Order, arcane procedures or political infighting. Change will happen at some point. Truth inevitably triumphs over tradition, but it takes time." Not everyone is able to attend. In reference to the 16,000 SBC pastors who responded to a letter Warren sent them a week ago, he said, "The number one response received was, 'I wish I could be there.' I understand why they couldn't. If you're in a single staff church or a church planter, it's difficult to leave with no one to care for it, or to afford travel across the country just for a national business meeting that has little impact on your ministry." In reference to the 16,000 SBC pastors who responded to a letter Warren sent them a week ago, he said, "The number one response received was, 'I wish I could be there.' I understand why they couldn't. If you're in a single staff church or a church planter, it's difficult to leave with no one to care for it, or to afford travel across the country just for a national business meeting that has little impact on your ministry." It's important to remember why the voters are called Messengers, not Delegates. "They only represent themselves. They cannot and do not represent every voice in their own church. Messenger resolutions and votes only represent those Messengers." Questions from the press yielded thoughtful and thorough answers from Warren, who expanded on the results of the three-year study of Scripture which ultimately changed his mind about women in ministry. Admitting regret that he didn't seek a deeper understanding sooner, he referenced passages that he believes support the Great Commission ministry of women and noted that the singular word "pastor" cannot be found in any English translation of the New Testament. Warren shared that his greatest frustration about the two years following the initial complaint against Saddleback Church, was closed door meetings to which he was never invited to express the logical, theological and exegesis of Scripture that explain his perspective. While opponents were given ample opportunity to make their case against the Southern California Church, Warren never received responses to his emails and phone calls to the Executive Committee. "This is not the end of the debate," Warren concluded. "But my love for frightened pastors and frustrated women in our churches demanded that I not just slink off in silence. I knew I'd lose friends. I knew it would be a very unpopular position to take in our denomination which has been overwhelmingly complementarian. But I could not sit by while others claimed that you can't hold to the inerrancy of Scripture and support women in ministry." Yesterday's ballot at the 2023 Annual Meeting of the SBC was the first time in history for the Messengers to vote on whether to disfellowship a church from the Convention. To learn more about the nature and background of Rick Warren's appeal, its implications and the reasons he is advocating for renewal, revitalization and revival within the SBC, visit SBCStand.com . About Pastor Rick Warren Rick Warren is the founding Pastor of Saddleback Church in Southern California , which grew to more than 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 . MEDIA CONTACT A. Larry Ross , [email protected] View original content:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/pastor-rick-warren-responds-to-sbc-messengers-vote-to-uphold-the-disfellowship-of-saddleback-church-says-truth-inevitably-triumphs-over-tradition-but-it-takes-time-301851413.html Spain, which is about to assume the European Union's rotating presidency, said on Thursday it hoped to finish the bloc's migration policy reform by the end of the year. EU governments, under pressure to reduce migrant arrivals, last week agreed on steps to fast-track the return of migrants to their countries of origin or transit countries deemed "safe". 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. "I hope we can seal this deal on migration and asylum, which is so important for all European member states," Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez said as he unveiled Spain's s priorities for its EU presidency, which begins on July 1. "But there remains a very important element, which is regulations for crisis management, on which we are already working on." he added. The proposal agreed to last week calls 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 bloc's 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. Spain will hold an early general election on July 23, just three weeks after it takes over the rotating six-month EU presidency from Sweden. Sanchez called the snap polls after his Socialist party and their junior coalition partners, far-left Podemos, were routed in regional and municipal elections on May 28. Polls suggest the early elections could lead to a return of the conservative Popular Party to power. Sanchez said a change in government would not affect Spain's presidency since it has been prepared in cooperation with "all institutional, social and political actors". Search Keywords: Short link: ATLANTA, June 15, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- WHO: Chastain Horse Park , 4371 Powers Ferry Road, NW , Atlanta . A 501(c) (3) organization WHAT: Completion Phase 1, $9 Million Expansion. Estimated Phase 2 Completion: Q3 2024 WHY: IN SUPPORT OF EXPANSION OF CHASTAIN HORSE PARK'S PREMIERE ACCREDITED THERAPEUTIC RIDING PROGRAM Chastain Horse Park (CHP) has completed its first phase of a $9 Million expansion on time and on budget. This phase of construction includes a new Community Barn supporting CHP's Boarder Program complete with a covered practice arena. Phase Two will commence in July with construction of a Therapeutic Horsemanship Center which includes clinical and educational spaces and an additional covered arena. Completion of the plan is expected in (Q3), 2024. Executive Director Trish Gross said, "We look forward to this next phase and the completion of the THC which is critical to expansion of our nationally recognized Therapeutic Riding Program. We are grateful to our key partners, architects T.S. Adams Studio , Macallan Construction, and Grovestreet Partners who have gone above and beyond in making this phase of the project successful. We are also excited to welcome Georgia Home Theater, Landplus Landscape Architecture, and Michael Jackson Landscape Company to the project." The new facility will enable CHP to expand the breadth and depth of impact of their therapeutic programming throughout all of metro Atlanta and beyond. The program focuses on serving children, teens, and adults with physical cognitive and emotional disabilities as well as underserved and at-risk individuals, all in partnership with horses. CHP remains one of only two urban horse parks in the U.S. Also, it is Premiere Accredited by the Professional Association of Therapeutic Horsemanship (PATH), International. Mayor Andre Dickens recently praised the expansion, the result of a successful "Healing Through Horses" capital campaign. He said the initiative " can expand the impact on our community. We want to help close the gap. Of 41 zip codes in Atlanta , Chastain Horse Park serves 32. That means Chastain is city wide. Where we live should not be a barrier to the quality of life you can have and have access to." Facility rental, boarding program, and riding lessons partially contribute to subsidies necessary for programming. Scholarship supporters include Boehringer Ingelheim's BI Cares Foundation (animal and human pharmaceuticals), Molly Blank Foundation, Junior League, RISE Scholarship Foundation, and individuals. Ann Lally : 404-906-4487; [email protected] Trish Gross : 206.850-5686; [email protected] View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/phase-one-of-atlantas-chastain-horse-park-9-million-expansion-completed-june-15-2023-301852007.html MINNEAPOLIS , June 15, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Target Corporation (NYSE: TGT) today announced voting results from its 2023 Annual Meeting of Shareholders held on June 14, 2023 ("Annual Meeting"). Shareholders elected 12 members of the board of directors, ratified the appointment of Target's independent registered public accounting firm, approved the advisory "Say on Pay" management proposal, approved "1 Year" for the advised frequency of Target's Say on Pay votes, and rejected one shareholder proposal. The Carideo Group, the independent Inspector of Election, has certified all voting results for the Annual Meeting. The final tabulation indicates that 410,847,268 million shares were voted, representing approximately 89.0 percent of Target's outstanding shares. The final tabulation of votes for each proposal is as follows. Voting percentages are rounded to the nearest tenth of a percent and may not foot due to rounding. 1. Shareholders elected each of the following board nominees for a one-year term: Nominee Percent For Percent Against David P. Abney 98.7 1.3 Douglas M. Baker , Jr. 96.5 3.5 George S. Barrett 96.3 3.7 Gail K. Boudreaux 98.9 1.1 Brian C. Cornell 94.7 5.3 Robert L. Edwards 98.3 1.7 Donald R. Knauss 97.6 2.4 Christine A. Leahy 96.9 3.1 Monica C. Lozano 95.8 4.2 Grace Puma 99.0 1.0 Derica W. Rice 97.5 2.5 Dmitri L. Stockton 97.6 2.4 2. Shareholders ratified the appointment of Ernst & Young LLP as Target's independent registered accounting firm for fiscal 2023: Percent For 96.1 Against 3.7 Abstain 0.2 3. Shareholders approved, on an advisory basis, Target's executive compensation ("Say on Pay"): Percent For 94.1 Against 5.9 4. Shareholders approved, on an advisory basis, "1 Year" for the frequency of Target's Say on Pay votes: Percent 1 Year 98.5 2 Years 0.2 3 Years 1.2 5. Shareholders did not approve a shareholder proposal to adopt a policy for an independent chairman: Percent For 32.1 Against 66.6 Abstain 1.3 About Target Minneapolis -based Target Corporation (NYSE: TGT) serves guests at nearly 2,000 stores and at Target.com, with the purpose of helping all families discover the joy of everyday life. Since 1946, Target has given 5% of its profit to communities, which today equals millions of dollars a week. Additional company information can be found by visiting the corporate website and press center. View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/target-announces-voting-results-from-2023-annual-meeting-of-shareholders-301852411.html SOURCE Target Corporation Drivers and Dispatchers Demand Amazon Bargain over Working Conditions PALMDALE, Calif. , June 15, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Amazon delivery drivers and dispatchers went on strike today to demand the e-commerce giant stop its unfair labor practices and bargain with the Teamsters Union to address low pay and dangerous working conditions. This is the first strike by Amazon drivers in the U.S. "We know Amazon's massive profits are only possible thanks to our labor," said Jesus Gutierrez , an Amazon driver. "We will not stand by while Amazon breaks the law. We are holding Amazon accountable for our safety on the job." Delivery drivers and dispatchers at Amazon's Delivery Service Partner (DSP), Battle-Tested Strategies (BTS), organized a union with Teamsters Local 396 in Los Angeles in April. Shortly thereafter, the workers also negotiated and ratified a union contract with BTS, the first agreement covering workers in Amazon's massive delivery network. Despite the absolute control it wields over BTS and workers' terms and conditions of employment, Amazon has refused to recognize and honor the union contract. Instead, Amazon has engaged in dozens of unfair labor practices in violation of federal labor law. "Amazon has no respect for the rule of law, the health of its workers, or the livelihood of their families," said Randy Korgan , Director of the Teamsters Amazon Division. "Workers are on strike today because the only thing this corporate criminal cares about is profits. We are sending a message to Amazon that violating worker rights will no longer be business as usual." "Amazon is attacking these 84 Teamsters and the whole community of Palmdale with its exploitative practices," said Victor Mineros , Secretary-Treasurer of Local 396. "This community deserves good jobs, and we are all on the picket line today to fight for them." Amazon drivers organized with the Teamsters over concerns for their safety in extreme temperatures, which regularly exceed 100 degrees Fahrenheit during Palmdale summers. Their union contract guarantees the rights of workers to drive safe equipment and refuse unsafe deliveries. Due to the total control that Amazon exerts over its DSPs, making the contract's protections a reality will require an overhaul of Amazon's exploitative labor practices. "The back of an Amazon van feels like an oven in the summer," said Cecilia Porter , an Amazon Teamster driver. "I've felt dizzy and dehydrated, but if I take a break, I'll get a call asking why I'm behind on deliveries. We are protecting ourselves and saying our safety comes first." "We are on the picket line today to demand the pay and safety standards that we deserve. We work hard for a multibillion-dollar corporation. We should be able to provide food and clothes for our kids," said Raj Singh , another Amazon Teamster driver. 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: Adan Alvarez , (323) 404-5939 [email protected] Kara Deniz , (202) 497-6610 [email protected] View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/teamsters-at-amazon-walk-out-in-historic-unfair-labor-practice-strike-301852216.html SOURCE International Brotherhood of Teamsters New PSA celebrates the hopeful side of what is possible when people are nourished, encouraging audiences to join the movement to end hunger NEW YORK , June 15, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Feeding America and the Ad Council, in partnership with fluent360, today launched a new fully-integrated PSA campaign designed to inspire conversation about and drive passion for the issue of ending hunger in the United States . "The Full Effect" highlights the impact of food on people's lives and was developed to show when people are fed, futures are nourished, and individuals go from living, to truly thriving. Through short vignettes, the PSA shows the everyday joy of a child receiving a science fair award, and thriving as a working mom, to the bigger life achievements celebrating a graduation with family. Experience the full interactive Multichannel News Release here: https://www.multivu.com/players/English/9094554-ad-council-feeding-america-new-psa-food-insecurity/ According to recent data from the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), nearly 34 million people lived in food insecure households in 2021. In that same period, more than 9 million children lived in a food insecure household. While the rates of food insecurity declined in 2021, including among Black and Latino individuals, there remains a wide racial disparity in its impact Black individuals were almost three times more likely, while Latino individuals were 2.5 times more likely, to face hunger than their white counterparts. To address this critical issue, the Ad Council and Feeding America partnered with fluent360 on this effort to raise awareness and inspire people to take action in the nation-wide movement to end hunger. Directed by Dan Addelson , the new PSA highlights the impact of food on people's lives and how a meal goes beyond solely nourishing our bodies. The PSA asks the public to join the movement to end hunger at FeedingAmerica.org/ActNow by donating, volunteering, or advocating. WATCH THE PSA HERE: https://youtu.be/U0KHz0x_H6U "When you're fed, you're fueled to take on any challenge and are set up to thrive," said Heidi Arthur , Chief Campaign Development Officer at the Ad Council. "With this powerful new creative, we're rallying individuals and communities to join the movement to end hunger in America. By taking action and raising awareness, we have the power to make a real difference in the lives of people impacted by food insecurity." "There is still work to be done to ensure that the 34 million people in the United States who face hunger receive the food they need to thrive," said Jennifer Polk , Chief Marketing & Digital Experience Officer for Feeding America. "These new PSAs will help us share stories of how access to nutritious food is essential for each of us to reach our full potential and reminds us that we can all help to create positive change in our communities to ensure that no one goes hungry in America." "Food insecurity is one of the most devastating issues facing Americans and specifically people of color, who are sadly over indexing at an alarming rate. And this includes households with children," said Danielle Austen , Founder and CEO of fluent360. "As not only marketers, but advocates for the multicultural community, partnering with Feeding America and the Ad Council was mission driven and aligned with our own values." Developed by fluent360, a multicultural agency with deep expertise across African American, US Hispanic, Asian American, and LGBTQ+ audiences, the new campaign platform and strategy is designed to reach a total market audience and was driven by insights from Black and Latino audiences. The fully integrated national campaign includes broadcast, online video, radio, print, digital banners, and out-of-home (OOH) assets, all in English and Spanish. The campaign was tested through qualitative and quantitative research among individuals from various backgrounds and communities, including people who have lived experiences with food insecurity. All PSA materials drive audiences to FeedingAmerica.org/ActNow in English and FeedingAmerica.org/HazTuParte in Spanish where they can learn more about the issue and find ways to support neighbors facing hunger in their communities. The campaign will also feature co-created custom content produced by NBCUniversal. The NBCUniversal PSAs will benefit from generous guaranteed donated media support across NBCUniversal properties. Feeding America's work has made a significant impact in the fight against hunger in America. In 2021 alone, more than 53 million people relied on the charitable food system for assistance and the Feeding America network of food banks distributed over 5.5 billion meals to people in need. According to tracking research provided by The Harris Poll, the partnership between the Ad Council and Feeding America, which began in 2008 to raise awareness of the issue, has yielded significant results. The organizations have driven a 33% increase in the percentage of individuals who intend to act with Feeding America to help people experiencing food insecurity. The organizations have also seen a dramatic increase in the proportion of individuals who say they took action in the past year to help people facing hunger, from 3% in 2008 to 29% in 2022. To watch "The Full Effect" and join the movement to end hunger in America, visit FeedingAmerica.org/ActNow. About the Ad Council The Ad Council convenes creative storytellers to educate, unite and uplift audiences by opening hearts, inspiring action and accelerating change around the most pressing issues in America. Since the non-profit's founding, the organization and its partners in advertising, media, marketing and tech have been behind some of the country's most iconic and impactful campaigns Smokey Bear , A Mind Is a Terrible Thing to Waste, Love Has No Labels, Tear the Paper Ceiling and many more. With a current focus on mental health, racial justice, gun violence and other critical issues, the Ad Council's national campaigns encompass advertising and media content, ground game and community efforts, trusted messenger and influencer engagement, among other innovative strategies to move the needle on the most important issues of the day. To learn more or get involved, visit AdCouncil.org, join the Ad Council's communities on Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn and Twitter, and view campaign creative on YouTube. About Feeding America Feeding America is the largest hunger-relief organization in the United States . As a network of more than 200 food banks, 21 statewide food bank associations, and over 60,000 agency partners, including food pantries and meal programs, we helped provide 5.2 billion meals to tens of millions of people in need last year. Feeding America also supports programs that prevent food waste and improve food security among the people we serve; brings attention to the social and systemic barriers that contribute to food insecurity in our nation; and advocates for legislation that protects people from going hungry. Visit www.feedingamerica.org, find us on Facebook or follow us on Twitter. About fluent360 fluent360 is the fastest growing agency leader shaping the multicultural marketing industry. Equal parts integrated marketing agency and cultural hub, we specialize in giving brands a resonating voice to effectively speak to various cultural segments both ethnic and identity followings. As a multi-talented, multicultural agency, we offer a full spectrum of integrated marketing communications services from our Chicago , Nashville , and New York City offices. View original content:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/the-ad-council-and-feeding-americas-new-psa-shows-whats-possible-in-a-world-without-food-insecurity-301851932.html SOURCE The Ad Council FREDERICK, Md. , June 15, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Today, Theradaptive, a biopharmaceutical company breaking new ground in targeted regenerative therapeutics, announces that it has closed a $26 million Series A funding round to advance development of its targeted regenerative therapeutics. Theradaptive has closed a $26 million Series A funding round to advance development of its targeted therapeutics. The funds will enable the company to continue its work to meet regulatory requirements and scale up Good Manufacturing Practices in preparation for first-in-human clinical trials later this year. Investment will also support the expansion of the Theradaptive platform beyond orthopedics to additional indications such as oncology and dental. The round brings Theradaptive's total funding to over $50 million . The company has previously been awarded non-dilutive grant funding from the Department of Defense, as well as the Maryland Stem Cell Research Fund. Theradaptive's founder conceived of the technology after witnessing extremity injuries that resulted in delayed amputations among servicemembers. His subsequent research into bone and tissue regeneration at MIT focused on addressing the limitations associated with existing regenerative medicine approaches such as achieving anatomically precise outcomes and ultra-persistent local delivery of therapeutics. Theradaptive was subsequently spun out from that work. The company's proprietary protein-engineering platform produces targeted therapeutics that can be used to coat implants, devices, and injectable carriers to achieve hyper-local delivery over long time periods exceeding weeks to months. With this technology, the FDA has granted an unprecedented three breakthrough medical device designations to Theradaptive for its various spinal indications, allowing it to work on an accelerated review schedule to get its breakthrough treatments to patients as quickly as possible and showing the FDA's recognition of the need for more precise and targeted therapeutics. Dr. David Stewart , VP of Operations at Theradaptive, said, 'We're delighted that our investors recognize the potential of the Theradaptive platform across indications, from cancer to orthopedics. Support from our partners is essential to continue our work to make existing biologics more precise, persistent, and localized, and thus safer and more effective. Our mission is to offer new treatment possibilities to patients who currently have few options, and this funding will help us achieve this.' 'Theradaptive's platform is exciting because it has the potential to improve therapeutics in a wide variety of indications' said John Greenbaum , SVP of Regulatory & Clinical Affairs at Theradaptive. He continued, 'With the world's population aging, the company's spinal repair product will be more important than ever, and new programs at the company based on the same protein engineering platform will also address the $300 billion oncology market. We're looking forward to taking our operations to the next level, scaling up manufacturing, preparing for clinical trials in the US, and continuing to push the boundaries of what is possible in regenerative medicine and targeted therapeutics more broadly.' About Theradaptive Founded in 2016 and headquartered in Maryland , U.S. , Theradaptive is a venture-backed biopharmaceutical and medical device company with the goal of leveraging its therapeutic delivery platform to deliver biologics where they are needed in the body with high local precision and high persistence to address unmet medical needs. Theradaptive's innovative platform is enabling the development of new therapeutics in spine, orthopedics, and soft tissue repair as well as targeted immuno-oncology. Media Contact: Serena Lertora [email protected] View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/theradaptive-closes-26-million-series-a-investment-round-301852005.html SOURCE Theradaptive WASHINGTON , June 15, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Universities Space Research Association, a nonprofit organization chartered to advance space science and technology, announced the promotion of Tonya Taylor Stephens to Vice President, Human Resources and Chief Human Resources Officer. In this role, Ms. Stephens will oversee all aspects of the human resources function including talent acquisition, employee development, performance management, learning and development, and diversity and inclusion initiatives. Collaborating with the executive team, she will develop and implement HR strategies, support professional growth of employees, and further strengthen USRA's position as a leading employer of choice. Dr. Jeffrey A . Isaacson, USRA President and CEO, stated, "Tonya's strategic vision, coupled with her impressive background and leadership skills, will be instrumental in supporting USRA's growth and enhancing a positive and inclusive work environment. We are confident that, under her leadership, the HR function will continue to thrive at USRA." With over 20 years of experience in the field of Human Resources, Ms. Stephens brings a wealth of expertise and a proven track record of success to her new position. She joined USRA in 2017, and since that time, she has managed and mentored USRA's HR Business Partners and led HR operations, staffing, and recruiting. In 2019, Ms. Stephens also served as interim HR lead. Prior to joining USRA, she played a pivotal role in driving change at various organizations. She served as Managing Director, Human Resources, at the American Diabetes Association where she was an agent for change responsible for conflict resolution, performance management, and managing a staff of HR managers supporting over 75 offices nationwide. Before that, she served as an Assistant Vice President at Science Applications International Corporation (SAIC). Preceding that, she was a Senior Member of the Professional Staff at Computer Sciences Corporation. Tonya holds a Master of Science in Human Resources from American University, and a Bachelor of Science in Psychology and Business Management from the University of Maryland, College Park . She also completed the Executive Leadership Program at the McDonough School of Business at Georgetown University. About USRA Founded in 1969, under the auspices of the National Academy of Sciences at the request of the U.S. Government, the Universities Space Research Association (USRA) is a nonprofit corporation chartered to advance space-related science, technology, and engineering. USRA operates scientific institutes and facilities and conducts other major research and educational programs. USRA engages the university community and employs in-house scientific leadership, innovative research and development, and project management expertise. More information about USRA is available at www.usra.edu. 2023 Universities Space Research Association 425 3rd Street SW , Suite 950, Washington DC , 20024 Contact: Suraiya Farukhi [email protected] 443-812-6945 View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/usra-announces-appointment-of-new-vice-president-human-resources-301852285.html SOURCE Universities Space Research Association The acquisition enables XDTI to leverage and scale its implementation, support, product, and technology teams. BOSTON , June 15, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- XDimensional Technologies, Inc. (XDTI), a leading insurance technology provider backed by Serent Capital, announced today its acquisition of Shelton, CT -based insurance software firm I-Engineering. The combined talent, experience, and products of the organizations will enable both organizations to deliver more value to existing and new customers while increasing the strength of their implementation, support, product, and technology teams. XDTI will bring the companies together to serve the market. XDimensional Technologies Acquires I-Engineering The companies offer complementary products and services that address the needs of retail agencies, wholesalers, MGAs, program administrators, and carriers. With the acquisition, XDTI will be able to enhance its capabilities to address the growing MGA space. "We are excited to become part of the XDTI organization and see this as a tremendous opportunity for our team, our customers, and the industry overall. Combining both companies will provide a broad range of products and services with strong support to Retailers, MGAs, MGUs, Program Administrators, and Wholesalers nationwide," stated Naval Kapoor, Founder, Chairman & CEO of I-Engineering. "This acquisition enables us to offer a more robust portfolio of insurance solutions to offer the market," said Lani Cathey , CEO of XDTI. "Adding the product suite from I-Engineering, along with their talented team, allows us to grow the combined company and better serve our customer base of over 400 entities focused on the insurance sector." Sherman & Company advised I-Engineering on the transaction. Lincoln International served as the sole financial advisor to Serent Capital and XDTI in its acquisition of I-Engineering. About I-Engineering, Inc. Since 1999, I-Engineering has led the industry in customized P&C solutions that simplify how MGAs, Wholesalers, Program Administrators, and Carriers do business. Their comprehensive platform enhances productivity and speed to market. I-Engineering's advanced technology suite includes ALIS - an all-encompassing agency management system, PUMAA a powerful modern point-of-sale underwriting platform, ACE-HUB - a bi-directional translator that exchanges data between agents and carriers who directly rate for a single or multiple markets, SPIDER an exchange between wholesalers and admitted markets. SkySource is a cost-effective backend office service and an extensive collection of seamless third-party integrations. At I-Engineering, we provide innovative solutions to modernize your office, coupled with unmatched service and support. I-Engineering is a proud member of many P&C insurance organizations, including Target Markets, WSIA, CIWA, FSLA, PIA, and TSLA. To learn more, visit i-engineering.com. About XDimensional Technologies XDimensional Technologies, Inc. (XDTI) develops and markets the Nexsure Insurance Platform, a single, comprehensive platform that supports all players in insurance distribution, including retail agencies, wholesalers, agency networks, program administrators, MGAs, and carriers, without creating the need to evaluate new technologies as a business grows and evolves. Learn more at xdti.com. Follow XDTI on LinkedIn, Twitter, and Facebook. About Serent Capital Serent Capital invests in growing businesses that have developed compelling solutions that address their customers' needs. As those businesses grow and evolve, the opportunities and challenges that they face change with them. At Serent Capital, principals have firsthand experience capturing those opportunities and navigating these difficulties through their experiences as CEOs, strategic advisors, and board members to successful, growing businesses. By bringing its expertise and capital to bear, Serent seeks to help growing businesses thrive. For more information on Serent Capital, visit www.serentcapital.com. Media Contact: Beth Bartlick VP, Marketing XDimensional Technologies 860-212-5799 [email protected] View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/xdimensional-technologies-acquires-i-engineering-301851440.html SOURCE XDimensional Technologies, Inc. SENSITIVE MATERIAL. THIS IMAGE MAY OFFEND OR DISTURB Police secures the area at the crash scene near Carberry, Manitoba, Canada June 15, 2023 in this still image obtained from a social media video. PortageOnline/Mike Blume/via REUTERS By David Ljunggren OTTAWA (Reuters) -At least 15 people were killed in the Canadian prairie province of Manitoba on Thursday after a semi-trailer truck hit a small bus that was carrying a group of mainly elderly people, police said. The crash is one of the most lethal road accidents in recent Canadian history. The crash occurred at the junction of two major roads near the town of Carberry in southwestern Manitoba, 170 km (105 miles) west of Winnipeg. The bus passengers had been on their way to a casino in Carberry, CBC News reported, citing a casino spokesperson. "We've been able to establish that at least 15 people have been confirmed deceased as a result of this collision," said Assistant Commissioner Rob Hill, who commands the Manitoba Royal Canadian Mounted Police. Hill told a televised news conference that "sadly, this is a day in Manitoba and across Canada that will be remembered as one of tragedy and incredible sadness." The bus had been carrying about 25 people, most of them elderly, he said. Ten other people were being treated in hospital. Police said the drivers of both vehicles were alive, and declined to say who might have been responsible for the crash. Media reports initially identified the vehicle as a van rather than a bus. They said it was operated by Handi-Transit, which transports the elderly and those with disabilities. The Canadian Broadcasting Corporation showed a still photo of a white minivan-sized vehicle that had been burned out. It also showed a picture of a blue truck with a smashed-in front. Wheelchairs and crumpled walkers remained near tarpaulins covering bodies at the site, the Winnipeg Free Press said. In a tweet, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau said he sent his "deepest condolences to those who lost loved ones today, and I'm keeping the injured in my thoughts. I cannot imagine the pain those affected are feeling," he said. "My heart breaks hearing the news of the tragic accident near Carberry," Manitoba Premier Heather Stefanson said on Twitter. In neighboring Saskatchewan, 16 people died in April 2018 after a truck hit a bus transporting a junior hockey team on a rural road. The truck driver was sentenced to eight years in prison in 2019. The worst traffic accident in Canadian history occurred in 1997 when a bus carrying seniors plunged into a ravine in the province of Quebec, killing 44 people. (Reporting by David Ljunggren in OttawaAdditional reporting by Ismail Shakil in Ottawa and Nia Williams in British Columbia;Editing by Sandra Maler, Matthew Lewis and Grant McCool) FILE PHOTO: Chinese and Malaysian tourists take photographs of the Sydney Opera House from a viewing area located on Sydney Harbour, Australia, October 4, 2016. Picture taken October 4, 2016. REUTERS/David Gray By Stella Qiu SYDNEY (Reuters) -In 2018 Paul Wang left his home in Beijing to start a new life in Australia, investing A$1 million ($680,000) in a food processing business in the hopes of qualifying for permanent residency under the country's investment visa scheme. Five years on, his hopes for his family of three remain on hold as the government has put the controversial "Golden Visa" programme on the back burner, causing processing times to blow out, leaving wealthy migrants like Wang in limbo. "We were not expecting it would take this long," said Wang, 44. "And our life is a mess because of that. We simply cannot plan ahead with all of the uncertainty." When Australia introduced the Business Innovation and Investment Programme (BIIP) in 2012, the hope was that wealthy business owners, investors and entrepreneurs would boost the economy by bringing in capital and driving innovation. The results, though, have been underwhelming. A government review published in March found BIIP migrants contributed less to the economy than the average Australian, as the cohort, despite their wealth, tended to be older and earned lower incomes through capital returns on passive investments. The review estimated the lifetime economic contribution of BIIP holders at A$600,000, less than half the $1.6 million of Australians. After coming to power 13 months ago, Australia's Labor government shifted priority to easing shortages of critical skilled workers. Partly as a result, most BIIP permanent visas are taking nearly three years to process, up from a previous average around 12 months, and in addition to an investment cycle of four to five years. Wang has been waiting 21 months. Similar investment visa schemes have been scrapped in Canada, Britain and Singapore as governments conclude they do not create jobs and could be a means to park speculative money. Every category of Australian visas experienced a backlog during COVID-19. As the pandemic has eased, the government has cut processing times overall, but the wait for more than 3,000 BIIP holders and their families - many Chinese - has only lengthened. 'PEOPLE WON'T SYMPATHISE' Fifty or more BIIP holders, mostly Chinese, held a rally on Friday outside of Australian Broadcasting Corp office in Sydney, a rarity as Chinese migrants largely avoid public dissent. They demanded the government speed up their permanent residency applications. Asked about the visa delays, the Department of Home Affairs said in an emailed statement the government would process all visas in line with priority and planning levels, declining to comment on the complaints from BIIP holders. It said a new migration strategy would be released later this year, which would include "radically reshaping" the BIIP programme. The delays have raised concern that the government might scrap the BIIP programme, said Tony Le Nevez, managing director at residence and citizenship planners Henley & Partners Australia, whose clients have invested at least A$5 million each in the country. "I just don't think the investor programme is on their radar at the moment - they might overhaul it down the track. In the meantime, I think they might just keep a small window open. The government plans to shrink its BIIP allocation from 5,000 visas last financial year to 1,900 this year - less than 20% of the level of earlier years. BIIP holders say they are curtailing business investment given the uncertainty, postponing life decisions and in some cases selling properties in Australia. Some say they must hold on to loss-making businesses to keep their visa prospects alive, missing out on investments with greater returns. "The forever wait means that even if I'm running my business at a loss, I cannot just close shop and move on," said Tan, a Chinese investor who owns a furniture shop in Melbourne and asked to be identified only by his surname due to privacy concerns. He has been waiting for 33 months. Wang, who gave up on plans last year to buy more land for his factory because of the uncertainty of his visa status, said he was prepared to offload his assets in Australia and move to the United States for his daughter's education next year. "I know a lot of people won't sympathise with us - we're a small group of people," Wang said. "But we're not being treated fairly." ($1=1.4691 Australian dollars) (Reporting by Stella Qiu; Editing by Praveen Menon and William Mallard) DUBAI (Reuters) - Bahrain granted its first "golden licences" offering special benefits to five companies that have made large-scale investment projects in the small state totalling more than $1.4 billion, it said on Thursday. The licences, granted to Citi, Eagle Hills Diyar W.L.L, Infracorp, Saudi Telecommunication Company and Whampoa Group, give those companies a set of advantages such as fast-tracked approvals, a statement said. Projects that qualified for the qualified licence created more than 500 local jobs or pledged to invest more than $50 million during their first five years in Bahrain, the economic development board said in the statement. The move is part of an economic recovery plan launched by the oil-producing state in October 2021 to boost growth and job creation. "The Golden Licence will enhance Bahrain's competitiveness for investment, and economic growth, and encourage the digital transformation of Bahrain's economy," the statement said. Bahrain's golden licence is on offer to local and foreign businesses and benefits include prioritised allocation of land, infrastructure and services, easier access to government services and support from government development funds, the Gulf state said when announcing the scheme in April. Bahrain's much larger Gulf neighbours the United Arab Emirates and Saudi Arabia have in recent years been making economic and legal reforms as regional competition for talent and investment heats up. Bahrain, home to the U.S. Navy's Fifth Fleet, has been one of the most indebted states in the Gulf and was bailed out in 2018 by wealthy neighbours with an aid package of $10 billion tied to reforms aimed at attaining fiscal balance by 2024. Bahrain has been helped by higher oil prices and real gross domestic product grew 4.9% in 2022, its fastest rate since 2013. Non-oil GDP growth was 6.2% in 2022, above the 5% target the recovery plan had set for the year. (Reporting by Lisa Barrington; Writing by Andrew Mills and Alaa Swilam; Editing by Nick Macfie) Sudan's devastating war raged on into a third month Thursday as the reported death toll topped 2,000 and after a provincial governor was killed in the remote Darfur region. The army headed by Abdel Fattah al-Burhan has since April 15 fought the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF) commanded by his former deputy Mohamed Hamdan Daglo. The fighting has driven 2.2 million people from their homes, including 528,000 who have fled to neighbouring countries, says the International Organization for Migration. "In our worst expectations, we didn't see this war dragging on for this long," said one Sudanese citizen, Mohamad al-Hassan Othman, who has fled his home in Khartoum. Everything in "our life has changed," he told AFP. "We don't know whether we'll be back home or need to start a new life." The death toll has risen above 2,000, according to the Armed Conflict Location and Event Data Project's latest figures which cover fighting until June 9. In long-troubled West Darfur, the violence claimed the life of Governor Khamis Abdullah Abakar, hours after he made remarks critical of the paramilitaries in a telephone interview with a Saudi TV channel. The United Nations said "compelling eyewitness accounts attribute this act to Arab militias and the RSF", while the Darfur Lawyers Association condemned the act of "barbarism, brutality and cruelty". Burhan accused his paramilitary enemies of the "treacherous attack", while the RSF denied responsibility and for its part said it condemned Abakar's "assassination in cold blood". It said he was killed after being "abducted" from RSF protection, which "the governor had requested". Sudan analyst Kholood Khair of the Khartoum-based think tank Confluence Advisory said in a tweet that the "heinous assassination" was meant "to silence his highlighting of genocide... in Darfur". Khair added that it was unclear "what the red lines are anymore" and urged for international "action to protect the people of Darfur and elsewhere". 'Completely devastated' US and Saudi mediation efforts are at a standstill after the collapse of multiple ceasefires in the face of flagrant violations by both sides. "We have been suffering and suffering and suffering the scourge of this war for two months," said a Khartoum resident, Soha Abdulrahman. A record 25 million people -- more than half the population -- are in need of aid, according to the UN, which says it has received only a fraction of needed funding. Saudi Arabia has announced an international pledging conference for next week. "We have nothing left," said another person living in the capital, Ahmed Taha. "The entire country has been completely devastated. "Everywhere you look, you'll see where bombs have fallen and bullets have struck. Every inch of Sudan is a disaster area." Many of the displaced have lost loved ones as well as "all their belongings and livelihoods", said Anja Wolz of aid group Doctors Without Borders. The group, which runs mobile clinics for the displaced in Madani, 200 kilometres (120 miles) southeast of Khartoum, noted a "worrying increase" in people escaping the capital. 'Disaster zone' Darfur, one of the war's main battlegrounds, was already scarred by a two-decade conflict that left hundreds of thousands dead and more than two million displaced. Daglo's RSF have their origins in the Janjaweed militias which former strongman Omar al-Bashir unleashed on ethnic minorities in the region in 2003, drawing charges of genocide, war crimes and crimes against humanity. Homes and markets have been burnt to the ground, hospitals and aid facilities looted and more than 149,000 people sent fleeing into neighbouring Chad. The Umma Party, one of Sudan's main civilian groups, said El Geneina, the capital of West Darfur state, had been turned into a "disaster zone", and urged international organisations to provide help. The Darfur Lawyers Association reported that, in El Geneina, "cross-border militias supported by the RSF" had carried out "massacres and ethnic cleansing". Search Keywords: Short link: FILE PHOTO: Actor and comedian Bill Cosby is seen in this booking photo released by Montgomery County Correctional Facility, Maryland U.S., September 25, 2018. Courtesy Montgomery County Correctional Facility/Handout via REUTERS/File Photo By Joseph Ax (Reuters) - Nine women have filed a lawsuit in Nevada accusing comedian Bill Cosby of sexual assault, the latest in a long series of misconduct allegations against the once-beloved entertainer. The alleged assaults took place between 1979 and 1992 in various locations in Nevada, including in Cosby's backstage dressing room and his Las Vegas hotel suite, according to the lawsuit, which was filed on Wednesday in federal court in Nevada. The complaint arrived just weeks after the state enacted a "lookback" law eliminating a two-year window for sexual assault victims to bring civil claims, following the lead of several other states. More than 60 women have leveled accusations stretching back decades against Cosby, who was once known as "America's Dad" for his role in the 1980s television comedy "The Cosby Show." Now 85, Cosby was the first celebrity to be convicted in the #MeToo era, when a Pennsylvania jury found him guilty in 2018 of sexually assaulting Andrea Constand, an employee at his alma mater Temple University in Philadelphia, in 2004. He spent three years in a Pennsylvania prison before the state's Supreme Court threw out his case in 2021, ruling that he should not have faced charges after striking a non-prosecution deal with a previous district attorney years earlier. In a statement, Cosby's spokesperson, Andrew Wyatt, criticized "lookback" laws and said his accusers "are not fighting for victims - but for their addiction to massive amounts of media attention and greed." The Nevada lawsuit accuses Cosby of drugging each victim with drinks or pills before assaulting them, a pattern that matches allegations from other women, including Constand. Cosby faces other legal claims as well. A former Playboy model sued him this month, alleging he assaulted her in 1969. The plaintiff is taking advantage of a California law that lifted the statute of limitations on such claims. Lili Bernard, one of the plaintiffs in Nevada, has separately sued Cosby in New Jersey for an alleged assault in 1990 under a similar law. Last year, a California jury found that Cosby sexually assaulted teenager Judy Huth at the Playboy Mansion in 1975 and ordered him to pay her $500,000. (Reporting by Joseph Ax; editing by Jonathan Oatis) FILE PHOTO: Smoke rises behind tree belt area above the town of Shebekino following reported shelling in the course of Russia-Ukraine conflict as seen from Belgorod, Russia, June 7, 2023. REUTERS/Maxim Shemetov/File Photo (Reuters) - Chechen fighters have been deployed in Russia's Belgorod region bordering Ukraine to prevent attacks from "Ukrainian sabotage groups", Chechnya ruler Ramzan Kadyrov said on Thursday. Belgorod region has in the past month reported a series of cross-border incursions from pro-Ukraine Russian partisan groups calling themselves opponents of President Vladimir Putin. Kadyrov, a Putin ally who leads the Russian region of Chechnya, said that fighters from the "Zapad-Akhmat" battalion had been deployed near the border village of Nekhoteevka and a checkpoint in Graivoron district, the site of a cross-border attack in May. "Residents of the territories adjacent to the border with Ukraine can rest easy ... Whoever encroaches on our borders will receive a lightning response," Kadyrov said in a post on Telegram messaging app. Ukraine denies involvement in the cross-border attacks, casting them as a direct consequence of Russia's February 2022 invasion. (Reporting by Reuters; editing by Grant McCool) By Krystal Hu (Reuters) - Defense startup Mach Industries has raised $5.7 million in a seed round led by Sequoia Capital, the first-ever defense tech investment in the venture capital giant's history, the two companies said. Sequoia's funding of a technology that aims to use hydrogen creation on the battlefield signals the latest interest from Silicon Valley investors in backing technologies that bolster U.S. national security and working with the Department of Defense. "There is a technology transition happening, and recent events like the war in Ukraine have highlighted the gap in current defense systems," Shaun Maguire, a partner at Sequoia who co-led the deal with partner Stephanie Zhan, told Reuters via email. "There is a major modernization effort underway to advance the U.S. defense technology and build a new generation of military systems." Founded by MIT dropout and Thiel Fellow Ethan Thornton in 2022, Mach Industries focuses on building a hardware solution using field-sourced hydrogen creation and combustion techniques. It is working to develop a weapon system that uses the chemical reaction of oxygen and hydrogen to create a powerful explosion that could fuel unmanned aerial vehicles and aerial protection devices. Headquartered in Austin, Texas, Mach said the funding will be used for product development, hiring talent, and expanding facilities. We've built out facilities in Boston and Austin and are now moving towards production. We are looking to have deployed systems within the next year, Thornton said in a phone interview with Reuters, adding that the company already works with the Pentagon on research. The defense tech market is expected to surge to $184.7 billion by 2027, driven by the U.S. governments growing demand for innovative technologies to meet its national security goals, according to research from PitchBook. Silicon Valley investors have for a while been reluctant to invest in defense technology, due to profitability and reputation concerns over how the technology will be used. However, growing recognition of the importance of defense technology in protecting national security has prompted venture capital firms including Andreessen Horowitz and Founders Fund to become vocal about funding defense technology startups, including Anduril and Palantir. In 2022, venture capital firms invested $34.3 billion in defense technology startups, doubling the amount of investment in 2019, PitchBook data shows. Sequoia Capital, which just announced it has cut ties with its China and India investment franchise to focus on investing in tech startups in the U.S. and Europe, is looking to back founders working on broader defense applications. "The future of defense technology will be shaped by many of the advancements were seeing today in artificial intelligence, autonomous systems, and space-based capabilities, among other areas," said Sequoia's Maguire. (Reporting by Krystal Hu in San Francisco; Editing by Leslie Adler and Jonathan Oatis) FILE PHOTO: National Coalition chair Petteri Orpo speaks during a news conference at the Parliament House in Helsinki, Finland on Thursday, 27th April, 2023. Lehtikuva/Heikki Saukkomaa via REUTERS/File Photo By Essi Lehto HELSINKI (Reuters) - Finland's conservative National Coalition (NCP), winner of April's parliamentary election, has reached agreement to form a majority government with the eurosceptic, anti-immigration Finns Party and two smaller groups, its leader said on Thursday. "All issues have been resolved and the papers are ready," said NCP leader Petteri Orpo, a fiscal conservative set to become Finland's next prime minister, referring to the government program. By getting the NCP, the nationalist Finns, minority-language Swedish People's Party and the Christian Democrats to agree on a common platform, Orpo shifts Finnish politics to the right and sends left-wing Prime Minister Sanna Marin into opposition. During 11-week talks over how to govern Finland during the coming four years the Finns and the Swedish People's Party had struggled to agree on immigration, climate policy and public finances, but reached a compromise in the end. Orpo's government is expected to curb the fiscal deficit by cutting unemployment and welfare benefits, and to tighten immigration and loosen environmental commitments. Each policy area was subject to tough negotiations, however it was not immediately clear how strong each measure would be. Orpo has wanted to cut taxes and sell off stakes in some government-controlled companies, and said his government's policy programme would be presented on Friday. He declined to elaborate on any details. The NCP won 48 seats in the April 2 election, ahead of the Finns with 46, while outgoing Prime Minister Marin's Social Democrats came third with 43 elected members of the 200-seat parliament. To secure a majority, Orpo included the Swedish People's Party, which holds nine seats, and the Christian Democrats with five, bringing the total support to 108. (Reporting by Essi Lehto; editing by Niklas Pollard) The logo of Engie is seen during the company's annual general shareholders meeting in Paris, France, April 26, 2023. REUTERS/Sarah Meyssonnier/File Photo PARIS (Reuters) - French power company Engie said on Thursday it is launching a new brand called Vianeo which will form part of its push into the potentially fast-growing sector of building charging points for electric cars. Engie said the Vianeo brand would be rolled out to an initial 1,000 charging points already in operation throughout France, and that by 2025, Engie hoped to have 11,000 extra Vianeo electric charging points in France. France has been catching up with other European nations in its goal to become a hub for the electric vehicle industry, as many governments around the world look to wean people off older combustion engines to protect the environment. French President Emmanuel Macron is set to meet Tesla CEO Elon Musk on Friday, partly to promote France as a possible site for one of the electric vehicle (EV) maker's factories. Carmakers say that in return for the hundreds of billions of dollars they are spending on electrification, Britain and the European Union should focus on building infrastructure to encourage more people to buy electric vehicles and give them the confidence they can find somewhere affordable to recharge. (Reporting by Sudip Kar-Gupta; Editing by Kim Coghill) Protesters hold a banner during a demonstration in front of the parliament building, following a deadly migrant shipwreck off Greece, in Athens, Greece, June 14, 2023. The banner reads: "They made the Mediterranean a sea of the dead. The system of poverty By Lefteris Papadimas and Karolina Tagaris KALAMATA, Greece (Reuters) -As Greece confronts its worst sea disaster in years, questions are mounting about how potentially hundreds of migrants drowned even as their vessel was being shadowed by the Greek coastguard. At least 78 people died when the fishing vessel flipped and capsized in international waters south-west of Greece early on Wednesday. Authorities rescued 104 people but hundreds are feared missing, with some witnesses saying up to 750 people were aboard. According to timelines from authorities and activists, the Greek coastguard was alerted to the presence of the vessel 47 nautical miles (87 km) south west of Greece at around 0800 GMT on June 13. It capsized at around 2300 GMT that day. Exactly what happened in the intervening 15 hours remains unclear. A migrant charity says a person they were in contact with on the boat said it was in distress, but Greek authorities say it repeatedly refused offers of help. Following are some details from the accounts so far: LEAVING LIBYA Two Greek sources familiar with police inquiries say that, based on accounts from about 30 survivors, the ageing fishing vessel left Tobruk, in Libya, early on June 10. Passengers paid $4,500 for passage to Italy, the two Greek sources said. Based on some accounts, there were about 20 women and children among the passengers. They booked their voyage on social media, according to a maritime ministry official. Traffickers had promised ample room on the vessel, but once passengers arrived at the scheduled departure point and saw it was overcrowded it was impossible to turn back, those sources said. Over the next few days at sea the boat developed "two or three" mechanical faults, which were fixed by a crew of between 8-10 people. Progress was slow. "If people reacted the traffickers would shout and threaten to stop giving them water," one of the sources said, citing accounts of survivors. Passengers were also adamant about getting to Italy, which borders visa-free EU member states permitting safe passage, rather than Greece, circled by Balkan states that are taking an increasingly tough line on migration, they said. MIXED MESSAGES Advocacy group Alarm Phone, which operates a trans-European network supporting rescue operations, said it received its first call from the boat just after 1200 GMT on June 13 to say the vessel was in distress. The person they communicated with said "they cannot survive the night". Greek authorities had also established contact with the vessel. But in repeated communication with the boat, from 1330 to 1800 GMT Greek authorities say people on the vessel told them they wanted to sail to Italy and wanted no assistance from Greece. Aerial photos of the vessel taken by the Greek coastguard hours before the tragedy unfolded showed a vessel crammed with people on its exposed decks. Some had their hands outstretched. Greek officials say they were faced with a dilemma on what to do with a vessel that had repeatedly declined offers of assistance, worried that even the slightest shift could unbalance the boat. "You cannot carry out a violent diversion on such a vessel with so many people on board, without them wanting to, without any sort of cooperation," said Nikos Alexiou, a spokesperson for Greece's coastguard. Under EU law, determining whether a vessel is in distress is based on a number of factors, including the state of the vessel, the number of people on board, weather conditions and availability of safety, navigation and communication equipment. Adriana Tidona, researcher on migration at Amnesty International, said the organisation was deeply concerned at lack of clarity from Greece over the incident. "The Greek government had specific responsibilities toward every passenger on the vessel, which was clearly in distress," Tidona said. When the boat reported engine failure and stalled, a coastguard vessel shadowing them came closer. In just under 25 minutes, coastguard witnesses saw the boat tilt sharply right to left. In 10 to 15 minutes, the boat was gone. The precise number of victims might never be known. The waters in which the boat sank are some of the deepest in the Mediterranean, where depths can exceed 5 km. (Reporting By Karolina Tagaris, Michele Kambas and Lefteris Papadimas; writing by Michele Kambas, editing by Alex Richardson) International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) Director General Rafael Grossi stands next to an armoured car during his trip to Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Power Plant, amid Russia's attack on Ukraine, in an unknown location in Ukraine June 15, 2023. Press service of (Reuters) -The head of the U.N. atomic energy agency said on Thursday that ensuring water for cooling was a priority of his visit to the Russian-controlled Zaporizhzhia nuclear plant in Ukraine, adding that the station could operate safely for "some time". Rafael Grossi of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), was inspecting the state of Europe's largest nuclear plant following last week's breach in the Kakhovka dam downstream on the Dnipro River. "What is essential for the safety of this plant is that the water that you see behind me stays at that level," Grossi said in two tweets issued from near the station, including next to a pond that supplies water for cooling. "With the water that is here the plant can be kept safe for some time. The plant is going to be working to replenish the water so that safety functions can continue normally." Grossi said the visit, his third to the plant in southern Ukraine since Russian forces occupied it in the first days of their February 2022 invasion, had gathered "a good amount of information for an assessment". Russia and Ukraine have repeatedly accused each other of shelling near the plant, endangering its safe operation. The station's six reactors are now in shutdown. An IAEA spokesman said that gunfire briefly halted Grossi's convoy as it headed back to Ukrainian-held territory following the visit, but the delegation was in no immediate danger. A Russian energy industry official was earlier cited by Tass news agency as accusing Ukraine of opening fire at the convoy. FIGHTING COMPLICATES SECURITY Earlier in the day, Grossi said it was unrealistic to expect Moscow and Kyiv to sign a document on the site's security while fighting raged nearby. The Kakhovka reservoir was normally used to refill the cooling pond adjacent to the plant, but cannot do so now because of its falling water level following the breach, officials say. Instead, the pond, which is separated from the reservoir, can be replenished using deep underground wells, they say. Grossi was earlier quoted by Russian news agencies as saying the situation at the site was "serious" but that the level of cooling water was sufficient. He also said that IAEA inspectors would remain at the site. "We have a political agreement which was formulated at the (United Nations) Security Council. Reaching a written agreement would be unrealistic at this stage because, as we know, there are no peace or ceasefire negotiations between the parties," TASS quoted Grossi as saying. Grossi's trip was delayed by a day for security reasons amid heavy fighting. Russian forces captured both the nuclear plant and the Kakhovka hydroelectric dam shortly after President Vladimir Putin sent them into Ukraine on Feb. 24, 2022. Grossi has repeatedly called for an end to fighting in the vicinity of the facility to avoid any catastrophic accidents. Power lines have been repeatedly cut. There are diesel generators at the plant, which also has alternative water sources. (Reporting by Reuters, Writing by Gareth Jones; writing by Ron Popeski; Editing by Angus MacSwan and Grant McCool) FILE PHOTO: A pallbearer holds a portrait of former Italian Prime Minister Silvio Berlusconi while walking in front of the coffin during his state funeral at the Duomo Cathedral, in Milan, Italy June 14, 2023. REUTERS/Yara Nardi/File Photo By Emilio Parodi MILAN (Reuters) - Italy's cabinet on Thursday approved a justice reform aimed at strengthening the rights of defendants, measures long advocated by former Prime Minister Silvio Berlusconi who died this week after years of legal battles with prosecutors. The bill, which Giorgia Meloni's rightist government dedicated to Berlusconi, curbs the use of wiretaps, complicates procedures for ordering arrests and scraps the crime of abuse of office, among a raft of steps to clip the wings of prosecutors. It is the latest in a stream of attempts by recent governments to overhaul Italy's notoriously slow and inefficient justice system. The bill will now go to parliament for discussion and approval. Some judges and prosecutors say it will make it harder to investigate crimes and convict criminals. The government insists it will curb prosecutors' abuses and speed up procedures. A key point is the abolition of the crime of abuse of office, which Justice Minister Carlo Nordio has called an "evanescent" offence that deters elected officials from making decisions and clogs up judicial proceedings. Other corruption offences remain on the books. A draft of the reform seen by Reuters cites data showing that in 2021, 4,745 people were investigated for abuse of office, while there were only 18 convictions. Protecting people from arrest is another centre-piece of the legislation. Judges will no longer be able to order the arrest of suspects without first questioning them, unless it can be demonstrated that a surprise element is needed for a successful outcome of the investigation. In addition, arrest warrants must in future be signed by a panel of three judges instead of just one, as is now the case. The reform also toughens the rules on wiretapping, a hotly debated issue in Italy, by curbing the use in trials of tapped conversations involving people not under direct investigation. The right of prosecutors to appeal against acquittals - an extremely common occurrence in Italy - is also curtailed for a series of less serious crimes. Giuseppe Santalucia, the president of Italy's association of magistrates, said the cancellation of abuse of office would create "an unjustifiable gap in criminal law protection". Having three judges decide on arrest orders will create organisational problems due to a shortage of personnel, he added, while preventing prosecutors from appealing acquittals probably ran counter to the constitution. Such objections were dismissed on Thursday by Deputy Justice Minister Francesco Paolo Sisto, who told newspaper Corriere della Sera the reform would "unblock the country" and should be seen as a posthumous gift to Berlusconi. "It is right to dedicate this reform to him, because it is in line with his values," he said. (Editing by Gavin Jones and Nick Macfie) Migrants who were rescued at open sea off Greece along with other migrants, after their boat capsized, are seen inside a warehouse, used as shelter, at the port of Kalamata, Greece, June 15, 2023. Angelos Tzortzinis/Pool via REUTERS By Angelo Amante ROME (Reuters) - The shipwreck that killed at least 79 people in international waters off Greece happened in search and rescue waters under Greek responsibility, Italy's interior minister said on Thursday. "The event occurred, and was confined within, the Greek search and rescue area, under the specific responsibility of that country", Minister Matteo Piantedosi told Italy's SkyTG24 TV channel. "But that does not mean that Greece is to blame, it is just circumscribing specific areas of responsibility," he added. A Greek coast guard spokesperson said the migrants on the fishing boat that capsized in international waters about 50 miles (80 km) from the southern coastal town of Pylos wanted to go to Italy and had refused Greek assistance. The Italian right-wing government, which takes a hard line against illegal immigration, in March toughened jail terms for human smugglers after a migrant shipwreck in the southern Calabria region that claimed at least 94 lives. "This is a huge tragedy that motivates us even more on the path we have taken. We strongly believe that the most appropriate way to tackle this is to stop the human smugglers," Piantedosi said, referring to departures from North Africa. "We can only do it together with Europe and the international community," he added. (Reporting by Angelo Amante; Editing by Alvise Armellini and Frances Kerry) Egypt has released $31.8 billion worth of goods from customs between January and May 2023 as the government moves forward with policies to end backlogs of imported commodities at ports, according to Minister of Finance Mohamed Maait. Maait released this data in a brief presentation during President Abdel-Fattah El-Sisi's inauguration of the Tahya Misr Multipurpose Maritime terminal in Alexandria on Thursday. The total value of released goods from January-May 2023 is 15.65 percent lower compared to the $37.7 billion recorded in the same period last year. In May, Egypt released $7.3 billion worth of goods from ports, including goods valued at $ 5.3 billion that arrived during the month. Still, $5.5 billion worth of goods awaits release in ports, whose value is slightly lower than the $5.8 billion figure recorded in April 2023 but markedly lower than the $7.3 billion figure in May 2022. Last year, Egypt struggled to release goods from ports as importers faced difficulties fulfilling the conditions set by the letters of credit mandated system amid shortages of US dollars in the market. The governments scrapping of the letter of credit mandate facilitated a smoother release of billions of dollars worth of goods from customs in ports. However, persistent foreign currency deficits have impeded the prompt release of imports from ports to end backlogs. *Development of the value of goods backlog at Egyptian ports. Search Keywords: Short link: FILE PHOTO: SpaceX, Twitter and Tesla CEO Elon Musk looks on as he attends a roundtable during the 6th edition of the "Choose France" Summit at the Chateau de Versailles, outside Paris, France on May 15, 2023. Ludovic Marin/Pool via REUTERS/File Photo ROME (Reuters) - Italy's Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni met with Tesla CEO Elon Musk in Rome later on Thursday, a government source said, after holding brief talks with Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani in the morning. Talks between Meloni and Musk focused on the low birth rate in Italy, the issue of deregulation in the European Union and the risks related to the use of artificial intelligence, the source said. Another official said the meeting with Meloni was part of a "European tour" by the Tesla chief, who will also meet French President Emmanuel Macron on Friday. Macron said he would promote France to Musk as a possible site for one of the electric vehicle (EV) maker's factories as well as tech regulation. A spokesman for Tesla did not immediately reply to a request for comment. Earlier on Thursday, Musk and Tajani held a discussion on the automotive and aerospace sectors, the minister said in a tweet. "Ready to collaborate on the challenges of our time such as cybersecurity," Tajani added. (Reporting by Angelo Amante, Giuseppe Fonte and Giulio Piovaccari; editing by Federico Maccioni and Jonathan Oatis) Japan's Prime Minister Fumio Kishida delivers his policy speech during the first day of an ordinary session at the lower house of parliament in Tokyo, Japan January 23, 2023. REUTERS/Kim Kyung-Hoon/File Photo TOKYO (Reuters) - Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida said on Thursday he would not dissolve parliament in the coming days, following weeks of speculation that he might do so to call a snap election in the hopes of solidifying his power within the ruling party. Talk of a dissolution surfaced a few weeks ago as Kishida's support ratings rose in the days after his hosting of the Group of Seven (G7) summit in Hiroshima, his home base. The speculation intensified as the opposition looked set to submit a no-confidence vote against the government, potentially handing Kishida a reason to dissolve the lower house and call a snap election. "I am not thinking about dissolving parliament during the current session of the Diet," Kishida told reporters at the prime minister's office. The current session ends on June 21. Asked about the opposition's possible no-confidence motion, Kishida said he had instructed officials of his Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) to vote against it. Any such vote would mainly be symbolic given the LDP's parliamentary majority. While some LDP lawmakers had been in favour of an early election given the tailwind of a surging stock market and a fragmented and weak opposition, risks have also arisen in recent days. Criticism has grown over national identification card issues and furore over a party thrown by Kishida's son - his former political secretary - at the prime minister's official residence. Both situations prompted some ruling party policymakers to call for caution about an election soon. An election for parliament's lower house is not due until 2025, but Kishida faces a party leadership race next year. The main opposition Constitutional Democratic Party of Japan is preparing to submit a vote of no-confidence opposing a bill to boost Japan's defence capabilities. The defence legislation is expected to come to a vote in the upper house of parliament on Friday. (Reporting by Elaine Lies, Kaori Kaneko, Mariko Katsumura and Chang-Ran Kim; Editing by Tom Hogue, Gerry Doyle and Hugh Lawson) FILE PHOTO: The Toyota logo is seen at its booth during a media day for the Auto Shanghai show in Shanghai, China April 19, 2021. REUTERS/Aly Song/File Photo TOKYO (Reuters) -Japan raised support for the production of storage batteries to up to $2.2 billion, the government said, pledging nearly $1 billion in new subsidies for Toyota and other manufacturers as part of a push towards greater economic supply chain security. The move shows Tokyo is confident about ramping up battery production support after the United States and Japan struck a deal on electric vehicle (EV) battery minerals in March that is key to giving Japanese automakers wider access to a new $7,500 U.S. EV tax credit. "As the international competition for storage batteries is intensifying, competition for capital investment is also becoming more intense," Minister of Economy, Trade and Industry Yasutoshi Nishimura told reporters. Elsewhere, European Union leaders agreed earlier this year they should allow targeted support to ensure Europe's future as a manufacturing base for green tech products and counter U.S. and Chinese competition. Toyota this week laid out a sweeping plan for new technology and a radical redesign of factories, sending the clearest signal yet of its intention to capture a larger share of the fast-growing market for battery EVs, where it has been far outsold by rivals such as Tesla. The government will support Toyota for up to 117.8 billion yen ($841 million) in subsidies for its investment in EV battery production, Nishimura said, adding he hoped it would strengthen Japan's storage battery supply chain. There were no further details about the investment that Toyota could provide beyond those already disclosed by the ministry, a company spokesperson said. The ministry said mass production of the batteries by Toyota was expected to start in stages from October 2026 onwards. SUPPLY CHAIN SECURITY The support comes as Japan and other U.S. allies increasingly look to secure supply chains away from China, which is a major player in EV batteries. Japan has designated batteries for energy storage, including car batteries, as important under an economic security law. The support for Toyota amounts to just over a third of about 330 billion yen in investment including for solid-state and lithium iron phosphate battery development with an annual production capacity of 25 gigawatt hours (GWh), METI said. Part of that subsidy will be provided to three companies with which Toyota is working on battery development, including Toyota Industries. The investment will bring annual production capacity in Japan to 45 GWh, Nishimura said, adding the government seeks to achieve domestic output capacity of 150 GWh by 2030. Japan's No.2 automaker Honda Motor and battery maker GS Yuasa in April announced the building of a new plant that would target at least 20 GWh, for which the government would give up to 158.7 billion yen in subsidies. It had announced 184.6 billion yen in support for storage battery-related proposals at that time. Friday's announcement of 127.6 billion yen in subsidies brought the total so far to 312.2 billion yen. ($1 = 141.0300 yen) (Reporting by David Dolan and Daniel Leussink; Editing by Hugh Lawson, Sonali Paul and David Evans) Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida speaks during a news conference at the prime minister's office in Tokyo, Japan June 13, 2023. Rodrigo Reyes Marin/Pool via REUTERS/FILE PHOTO By Takaya Yamaguchi TOKYO (Reuters) -Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida's administration will pledge to boost childcare spending and focus on sustaining wage hikes in its mid-year economic policy roadmap, a final draft seen by Reuters showed on Thursday. The blueprint, expected to be approved by cabinet on Friday, comes amid speculation Kishida could dissolve parliament and call a snap election later this year. Kishida told reporters on Thursday he was not thinking of dissolving parliament during the current Diet session that closes this month, ending weeks of speculation he could do so as early as Friday. The roadmap will also say the government will use non-tax revenues to fund an increase in defence spending, so that tax hikes could wait until "2025 or later", the draft showed. That would be later than Kishida's initial plan to raise taxes in 2024. On Kishida's flagship policy to increase Japan's declining birth rate, the blueprint will pledge to expand payouts to families with children and increase subsidies for medical costs in the next three years, the draft showed. The blueprint, however, will make no mention of how the spending measures will be funded, saying only the government will reach the decision after "taking a closer look at what specific measures would be taken", according to the draft. Aside from an increase in childcare spending, the roadmap will stress the need to ensure wages will keep rising and give households more purchasing power. Specifically, the government will pledge to offer tax breaks to small firms that hike pay and raise the average minimum wage, the draft showed. The roadmap underscores the administration's hope to put a decisive end to Japan's entrenched deflationary mindset that had kept companies and households from raising pay and spending. After years of massive spending to cushion the blow from the COVID pandemic, Japan is saddled with debt more than twice the size of its $4 trillion economy - the worst among advanced nations. The roadmap's focus on spending underscores the challenge Japan faces in fixing its tattered finances, and runs counter to calls by the International Monetary Fund (IMF) to shift to more targeted spending directed to low-income households. At present, Japan aims to achieve a primary budget surplus, which excludes new bond sales and debt-servicing costs, by the fiscal year ending in March 2026. For the second straight year, however, the roadmap will make no mention of a timeframe for balancing the budget, the draft showed. ($1 = 139.9000 yen) (Reporting by Takaya Yamaguchi, additional reporting by Tetsushi Kajimoto; Writing by Leika Kihara; Editing by Emelia Sithole-Matarise and Alex Richardson) FILE PHOTO: Internally displaced Ethiopians queue to receive food aid in the Higlo camp for people displaced by drought in the town of Gode, Somali Region, Ethiopia, April 26, 2022. Picture taken April 26, 2022. REUTERS/Tiksa Negeri/File Photo (This June 15 story has been corrected to say 7,000 tonnes, not 860 kg, in paragraph 5) By Giulia Paravicini NAIROBI (Reuters) - Regional and federal government officials as well as Eritrean soldiers were involved in the theft of food aid in northern Ethiopia's Tigray region, the head of an investigation by the Tigrayan authorities said on Thursday. The U.N. World Food Programme and the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) paused food distribution last month in war-scarred Tigray because they said significant amounts of aid had been stolen. The two agencies then suspended food aid across all of Ethiopia last week for the same reason. An internal humanitarian memo said USAID believes food has been diverted to Ethiopian military units as part of a scheme orchestrated by federal and regional government entities. More than 20 million people need food assistance in Africa's second most populous nation, largely due to the Horn of Africa's worst drought in decades and a two-year civil war in Tigray that ended in a truce last November. General Fiseha Kidanu, the head of peace and security in Tigray's interim regional administration, told Tigrai TV on Wednesday that the investigation he leads had confirmed the theft of more than 7,000 tonnes of wheat and 215,000 litres of food oil. Investigators have identified 186 suspects involved in the scheme and detained seven, he said, without naming any. Spokespeople for the Ethiopian and Eritrean governments did not immediately respond to requests for comment. Ethiopia's government has said it is investigating the allegations made by USAID and WFP but said their decisions to cut aid would escalate the country's humanitarian crisis. Ethiopia's army has denied its forces benefited from any stolen food aid. Eritrean forces fought alongside Ethiopia's army in the Tigray conflict, which killed tens of thousands of people and left hundreds of thousands facing famine-like conditions. (Reporting by Giulia Paravicini; Editing by Aaron Ross and Alex Richardson) FILE PHOTO: Mexico's President Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador gestures as he speaks during a press conference, at the National Palace in Mexico City, Mexico June 5, 2023. REUTERS/Henry Romero/File Photo By Cassandra Garrison MEXICO CITY (Reuters) -Mexican farmers on Thursday ended a protest at an airport in the northern state of Sinaloa and agreed to meet with the local governor after Mexican President Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador said he would not negotiate with the demonstrators. Baltazar Valdez, president of the United Farm Workers of Sinaloa, said the hundreds of farmers who have protested at the international airport in the city of Culiacan since Tuesday decided to leave to avoid angering airport users. "We can't go on because we'll lose the sympathy of civil society, and for us that's very important," Valdez said. He added that a delegation would meet with Ruben Rocha, the governor of Sinaloa, which is a major corn-producing state. Producers have urged Mexico's government to guarantee prices for corn, wheat and sorghum to counteract a fall in international prices, and since Tuesday have protested at highways, government offices and the Culiacan airport, where dozens of flights were canceled. Mexican President Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador said earlier on Thursday he would not negotiate with farmers demanding guaranteed prices for grains, but said he was supportive of small farmers. "Most people realize that we're helping the producers and the most needy, and we want to support food self-sufficiency," he told his daily news conference. He accused the protesting farmers of being backed by his opponents in what he described as a "vulgar" display of publicity. "We're not going to give in, even if they have the airport ... our government does not allow blackmail," he said. Valdez said many agriculture workers initially supported Lopez Obrador, but no longer believed the president was protecting their interests. "He is not interested in protecting agriculture ... we are producers and we all contribute to food self-sufficiency," he said. (Reporting by Daina Beth Solomon and Cassandra Garrison; additional reporting by Sarah Morland Editing by Frances Kerry and Barbara Lewis) By Daniel Wiessner (Reuters) - New York's top state court on Thursday endorsed a broad application of a law prohibiting convicted sex offenders on parole from being within 1,000 feet of schools, rejecting challenges in two lawsuits by men convicted of sex crimes. In a 4-3 ruling, the New York Court of Appeals said the law can be applied to sex offenders convicted prior to 2005, when state lawmakers made several amendments broadening its scope. The court in a separate, unanimous decision held that the law applies to sex offenders aged 18 or younger when they committed their crimes and designated "youthful offenders," even when it prevents them from attending school. The state law bars any person "serving a sentence" for various sex crimes from coming within 1,000 feet of school grounds and childcare facilities. Offenders who violate the law can be imprisoned or have their parole extended. The U.S. Constitution generally bars states from applying criminal laws retroactively. Danny Rivera, convicted of rape and murder in 1986 and paroled in 2019, claimed that applying New York's law to his conviction severely limited where he could live and work. The court said on Thursday the law was valid because it merely sets conditions for parole rather than criminalizing conduct that was previously legal. The dissenting judges said that because the law can result in lengthy periods of incarceration, it improperly punishes conduct that was lawful before the 2005 amendments. A lawyer for Rivera did not immediately respond to a request for comment. In the second case, a sex offender identified as E.S. argued that the school grounds law thwarted the goal of New York's "youthful offender" status, which is to shield them from many of the consequences of adult criminal convictions. E.S. was convicted of attempted rape when he was 18. The court said barring young offenders from school grounds may be severe, but was in line with the law's purpose of protecting children from sex offenders who are determined to pose the most risk. (Reporting by Daniel Wiessner in Albany, New York, Editing by Alexia Garamfalvi and Richard Chang) FILE PHOTO: Qatar's Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad al-Thani attends the Arab League Summit in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, May 19, 2023. Bandar Algaloud/Courtesy of Saudi Royal Court/Handout via REUTERS/File Photo By Ahmed Rasheed BAGHDAD (Reuters) -Qatar's Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad al-Thani arrived in Baghdad on Thursday on an official visit to discuss regional political matters and enhance bilateral relations, the government said in a statement. Qatar's Emir is visiting Baghdad on an invitation by the Iraqi Prime Minister Mohammed al-Sudani, said a government spokesman, Basim al-Awadi. During the emir's visit, Iraq and Qatar signed memorandums of understanding (MOUs) with Qatar's private companies in the fields of energy, electricity and construction, said a statement from the prime minister office. Several memorandums of cooperation in the energy sector were signed, including agreements related to crude oil, liquefied gas supply to Iraq, the establishment of a joint oil company and the construction of an oil refinery, the statement said. Two memorandums of cooperation on investment part were inked with the Qatari Investment Holding Company, focusing on the development of new cities and the construction and enhancement of hotels, according to the statement. UrbaCon Trading & Contracting and Elegancia Healthcare Companies were among the Qatari private firms that signed agreements on Iraq's health sector investment opportunities. Qatar is interested in having a major investment role in a $17 billion road and rail project to link Asia and Europe, said the government spokesman Basim al-Awadi. Iraq launched a mega-project last month to link a major commodities port on its southern coast by rail and roads to the border with Turkey, in a move designed to transform the country's economy after decades of war and crisis. Qatar is a partner in TotalEnergies' TTEF.PA $27 billion energy cluster of energy projects in Iraq, with a 25% stake. Iraq's Basra Oil Company holds a 30% share in the project with the remainder with TotalEnergies. (Reporting by Ahmed Rasheed; Editing by Hugh Lawson, Jonathan Oatis and David Gregorio) FILE PHOTO: A Russian-registered Antonov 124 aircraft, operated by cargo carrier Volga-Dnepr, is parked over a year after Canada closed its airspace to Russian aircraft in response to the Russia's invasion of Ukraine, at Toronto Pearson International Airp OTTAWA (Reuters) - Russia's Foreign Ministry said on Thursday that it had summoned a Canadian diplomat in Moscow in protest over the confiscation of an Antonov plane in Toronto, and warned that Russian-Canadian relations were on the "verge of being severed." Canada on Saturday ordered the seizure of a Russian-registered Antonov-124 cargo plane at Toronto's airport, its first such asset seizure aimed at putting pressure on Moscow over the Ukraine invasion. Russia told Brian Ebel, the deputy head of Canada's embassy in Moscow, that it viewed the plane seizure as "cynical theft," according to a statement from the foreign ministry. Canada's "Russophobic policy will entail the most serious repercussions for Russian-Canadian relations, which are on the verge of being severed through the fault of the Trudeau administration," the Russian ministry's statement said. A spokesperson for the Canadian foreign ministry acknowledged Moscow's concerns, and reiterated Ottawa's "unwavering" support for Ukrainians. "We have been explicitly clear. Those who have enabled, supported and profited from Russia's war in Ukraine will be held accountable," the spokesperson said in an emailed statement. Canada announced the aircraft seizure while Prime Minister Justin Trudeau was in Kyiv, where he announced $500 million in new military aid for Ukraine. NATO member Canada, which has one of the world's largest Ukrainian diasporas, is among the most vocal backers of Ukraine and has imposed sanctions on hundreds of Russian officials and companies as well as wide-scale trade bans. (Reporting by Ismail Shakil in Ottawa; Editing by Mark Potter, Alexandra Hudson) The icy crust at the south pole of Saturn's moon Enceladus, composed as a mosaic from images captured in 2009 by NASA's Cassini spacecraft, with geysers spraying plumes of ice crystals into space from the moon's inner ocean, which, according to a study p By Steve Gorman (Reuters) - High concentrations of phosphorus, an essential element for all biological processes on Earth, have been detected in ice crystals spewed from the interior ocean of Saturn's moon Enceladus, adding to its potential to harbor life, researchers reported on Wednesday. The discovery was based on data collected by NASA's Cassini spacecraft, the first to orbit Saturn, during its 13-year landmark exploration of the gaseous giant planet, its rings and its moons from 2004 to 2017. The findings were published by a German-led international team of scientists in the journal Nature and announced by NASA's Jet Propulsion Laboratory (JPL) outside of Los Angeles, which designed and built the Cassini probe. The same team previously confirmed that Enceladus' ice grains contain a rich assortment of minerals and complex organic compounds, including the ingredients for amino acids, associated with life as scientists know it. But phosphorus, the least abundant of six chemical elements considered necessary to all living things - the others are carbon, oxygen, hydrogen, nitrogen and sulphur - was still missing from the equation until now. "It's the first time this essential element has been discovered in an ocean beyond Earth," the study's lead author, Frank Postberg, a planetary scientist at the Free University in Berlin, said in a JPL press release. Phosphorus is fundamental to the structure of DNA and a vital part of cell membranes and energy-carrying molecules existing in all forms of life on Earth. The latest study stems from measurements taken by Cassini as it flew through salt-rich ice grains ejected into space from geysers erupting from the subsurface ocean beneath Enceladus' frozen crust at its south pole. The spacecraft gathered its data during passes through a plume of ice crystals itself, and through the same material that feeds Saturn's faint "E" ring with icy particles outside the planet's brighter main rings. The interior ocean discovered by Cassini has made Enceladus - about one-seventh the size of Earth's moon and the sixth largest among Saturn's 146 known natural satellites - a prime candidate in the search for places in our solar system beyond Earth that are habitable, if only to microbes. Another is Jupiter's larger moon Europa, which also is believed to harbor a global ocean of liquid water beneath its icy surface. One notable aspect of the latest Enceladus discovery was geochemical modeling by the study's co-authors in Europe and Japan showing that phosphorus exists in concentrations at least 100 times that of Earth's oceans, bound water-soluble forms of phosphate compounds. "This key ingredient could be abundant enough to potentially support life in Enceladus' ocean," said co-investigator Christopher Glein, a planetary scientist at Southwest Research Institute in San Antonio, Texas. "This is a stunning discovery for astrobiology." Still, scientists stressed that the presence of phosphorus, complex organic compounds, water and other fundamental building blocks of life are evidence only that a place such as Enceladus is potentially habitable, not that is inhabited. Life, either past or present, has not been confirmed anywhere beyond Earth. "Whether life could have originated in Enceladus' ocean remains an open question," Glein said. (Reporting by Steve Gorman in Los Angeles; Editing by Lisa Shumaker) Egypt has great potential to become a hub for the sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) industry in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region, according to representatives of US companies participating in the Sustainable Aviation Fuel Workshop. The US Commercial Service of the US Department of Commerce and the US embassy in Cairo organized the event that took place on Thursday. On the sidelines of the event, Minister Counsellor of Commercial Affairs Keith Kirkham stressed to Ahram Online that demand for SAF is currently outstripping supply, affirming that such disparity between supply and demand will continue over the medium term and beyond. Egypt has the potential to become a producer of SAF and supply the MENA region and the globe with this high-demand product. Developing a proper infrastructure as well as applying regulatory framework is necessary, Kirkham said. During the event, Kirkham said that US companies are currently exploring several avenues to cooperate with the Egyptian side in the field of SAF production, stressing that these companies are willing to establish partnerships in this respect with both private and public sectors in Egypt. Meanwhile, Director of Fuel and Emission at EgyptAir Ahmed Mattar told Ahram Online that Egypt is qualified to be a hub of SAF production in Africa and the region, especially since SAF production accords with the countrys 2030 vision. Mattar added that the private sector has the potential to support Egypts efforts in this regard through financial and technical assistance, thus accelerating climate action in the continent and region. Egypt has climate action-related commitments to fulfil by the start of 2025. As a state-owned company, EgyptAir has to fulfil the commitment to using two percent of SAF for all its flights. Otherwise, there will be a penalty that will certainly be more expensive than SAF cost itself. SAF is the future of aviation locally, regionally and globally, explained Mattar to Ahram Online. In November 2022, EgyptAir operated its first SAF-run commercial flight from Paris Charles de Gaulle Airport to Sharm El-Sheikh, as part of its strategy to cut carbon emissions. In his speech, the Regional Head of Global Sustainability Policy and Partnerships at Boeing International, Mohamed Al-Ghailani, noted that the aviation industry is responsible for only 12 percent of global emissions. Al-Ghailani also stated that the aviation industrys contribution to emissions might rise if aircrafts worldwide fail to shift to using SAF. Speaking of numbers, he said that using SAF will help airline companies meet the future expected growth of the aviation industry. In this respect, Al-Ghailani explained that the number of passengers is expected to grow from 4.5 billion to 10 billion by 2030 and that goods exchanged through aviation are projected to rise to 9 trillion, up from 7 trillion. Jobs in the aviation sector will increase to 180 million, up from 87.7 million, he added. Al-Ghailani also stressed that the Egyptian market has the potential that helps it become a producer of SAF, especially in light of the countrys efforts to honour its commitments to sustainability through 2025 and 2030. The attendees praised Egypts efforts during COP27 which the country hosted in Sharm El-Sheikh in November 2022. They highlighted Egypts initiative to create the Loss and Damage Fund, which should provide the required financial assistance to developing and least-developing countries grappling with the severe impacts of climate change. Search Keywords: Short link: FILE PHOTO: Shoppers leave a Bed Bath & Beyond store, after the company declared bankruptcy, in Danvers, Massachusetts, U.S., April 24, 2023. REUTERS/Brian Snyder/File Photo (Reuters) - Bed Bath & Beyond's lender Sixth Street Partners is considering bidding for at least some of the bankrupt retailer's assets, the Wall Street Journal reported on Thursday, citing a court hearing. Sixth Street is planning to use more than $500 million of its debt in the company to bid, the report said, citing the investment firm's lawyer in a bankruptcy-court hearing on Wednesday. If other offers for Bed Bath & Beyond's assets come up less than what Sixth Street considers satisfactory, the lender plans to bid in the form of debt forgiveness, the report added, citing people with knowledge of the matter. Bed Bath & Beyond, Sixth Street and the lender's lawyer David Hillman did not immediately respond to Reuters' requests for comment. Sixth Street, which loaned Bed Bath & Beyond $375 million in 2022 amid the home goods chain's struggle to stem steep losses and sales declines, has replaced JPMorgan Chase as the company's senior lender, the report said, thus securing rights to bid using its debt holdings. Sixth Street could seek to acquire Bed Bath & Beyond's baby gear chain Buybuy Baby or all of the company's assets out of bankruptcy, the report added. Bed Bath earlier this week reached a deal with Overstock.com where the online retailer would buy some of its assets, including intellectual property, business data, rights to mobile applications, for $21.5 million. (Reporting by Deborah Sophia in Bengaluru; Editing by Maju Samuel) FILE PHOTO: The logo of Stellantis is seen on a company's building in Velizy-Villacoublay near Paris, France, February 23, 2022. REUTERS/Gonzalo Fuentes By Gilles Guillaume PARIS (Reuters) - The world's No.3 carmaker Stellantis will unveil its first European-made affordable electric car in mid-October, the new Citroen e-C3, as it gears up to counter the arrival of lower-cost Chinese brands in the European market. Electric vehicles (EVs) are more expensive than their fossil-fuel counterparts and European carmakers plan cheaper models encouraged by government subsidies. France, for example, plans a subsidy for EVs produced in Europe as they would have a lower carbon footprint than imported models and a social leasing program offering EVs for around 100 euros ($108) per month to poorer households. That EV subsidy should be unveiled in October for cars to be delivered in 2024, a government source told Reuters. The need for more affordable European models has been driven by Chinese EV brands, which are seen as a threat to European carmakers as they can offer cheaper models. So far, Chinese carmakers have focused on larger EVs, but are expected to bring smaller, cheaper models to Europe as they expand their presence. On the French market the most affordable electric models available today are the Chinese-made Renault Dacia Spring and the electric Renault Twingo, which are priced at 21,000 euros ($22,806) and 25,000 euros respectively. The Twingo will cease production mid-2024. The new e-C3, a city car larger than these two models, is a timely addition to the market as it will sell for under 25,000 euros, Citroen CEO Thierry Koskas told journalists. "Today there is no equivalent on the market," he said, adding the car "could be a good candidate (...) to respond to the government's request to provide social leasing." Built on Stellantis' "smart car" architecture introduced in India and Latin America, the vehicle will be assembled in Slovakia and will launch early in 2024, Koskas said. The e-C3's battery will provide a range of 300 km (186 miles) and will likely be made in China, according to three sources familiar with the matter. As the battery represents a substantial part of an EV's value, Stellantis is hoping for an exemption to the rules to qualify for a French government subsidy, one of the sources said. The proposed scheme is aimed at vehicles assembled in Europe, on the grounds that their manufacturing produces less CO2. The fact that an important part of the Citroen car will be made in China raises a question mark over whether it can be covered by the subsidies. Stellantis declined to comment. ($1 = 0.9233 euros) ($1 = 0.9208 euros) (reporting by Gilles Guillaume, writing by Nick Carey; Editing by Sharon Singleton) FILE PHOTO: A Meta logo is seen at the Viva Technology conference dedicated to innovation and startups at Porte de Versailles exhibition center in Paris, France, June 14, 2023. REUTERS/Gonzalo Fuentes (Reuters) - Meta Platforms said on Thursday subsidies from Big Tech should be the last option for European Union telecoms operators trying to get U.S. companies to foot some of their network cost. Deutsche Telekom, Orange, Telefonica and other operators have lobbied for two decades for U.S. tech giants to contribute to 5G and broadband roll-out, saying they create a huge part of the region's internet traffic. The European Commission launched a consultation early this year on whether tech giants should bear some of the costs of Europe's telecoms network. Companies such as Meta have said such a move would not solve the telcos' financial problems and ignores hefty investments by tech companies. Telcos that receive subsidies should also face strong regulatory oversight, including a process to ensure the funds are only used for network investment, Meta said in a response to the European Commission's exploratory consultation on network fee. A majority of European Union countries have also rejected the push to levy a network fee on Big Tech, sources told Reuters earlier this month. The European Commission did not immediately respond to a Reuters request for comment. Meta said "the Commission should first require a demonstration by any telco seeking subsidies that it has first engaged with CAPs (content application providers) in good faith to reach technical, non-subsidy solutions". It added any subsidies be awarded by a tender to ensure availability to all network operators, not just the large players. "Incumbent operators receiving the functional equivalent of government bailouts should have additional restrictions imposed on them such as elimination of executive bonuses, caps on compensation, freezes on dividends," it said. (Reporting by Akash Sriram in Bengaluru; Editing by Krishna Chandra Eluri) (Reuters) - Officials from Afghanistan's Taliban administration travelled to Norway this week for meetings with civil society and diplomats at a peace forum, the Norwegian foreign minister said on Thursday. The visit took place amidst a severe humanitarian crisis in Afghanistan following 20 years of war and as many countries have pulled back on aid after orders from the Taliban that stopped many Afghan female humanitarian staff from working. "Norway invited three civil servant-level individuals working for the Afghan de facto authorities in Kabul to this year's Oslo Forum. They met Afghan civil society and representatives from other countries to discuss the situation in Afghanistan," Norwegian Foreign Minister Anniken Huitfeldt told Reuters. The two-day meeting near Oslo is an annual summit on conflict and peace diplomacy that ended Wednesday. The Taliban administration has not been formally recognised by any foreign government since taking over the country in 2021 as foreign troops withdrew. A U.N. official said the United Nation's Secretary General's Special Representative to Afghansitan Roza Otunbayeva attended the closed door meeting. Though some senior Taliban leaders are normally prevented from leaving the country due to U.N. travel bans, other officials are able to travel or receive exemptions to do so and have held meetings with officials abroad including in Qatar, Pakistan and the United Arab Emirates. In 2022, the Taliban's acting Foreign Minister Amir Khan Muttaqi attended a meeting in Oslo. "Isolating Afghanistan now will be unfortunate, both for the Afghan people and for the international community. It could worsen the situation in Afghanistan, and it could let ... groups such as the ISKP get a stronger foothold in the country. This would also pose a security risk for Europe," Huitfeldt said, referring to Islamic State. A spokesperson for the Taliban-run foreign ministry did not respond to request for comment. Afghan broadcaster Tolo News reported officials from the foreign, defence and interior ministries had travelled to Norway. (Reporting by Charlotte Greenfield in Islamabad and Gwladys Fouche in Oslo, Editing by Angus MacSwan) FILE PHOTO: Neuschwanstein Castle, one of the most popular destinations in Europe, was built by King Ludwig II of Bavaria in 1869. REUTERS/Michael Dalder BERLIN (Reuters) -One of two female tourists attacked by an American man near the world-famous Neuschwanstein Castle in southern Germany has died, German police said on Thursday. A 21-year-old woman, who had to be taken to a hospital by helicopter, died overnight from serious injuries she sustained, while her 22-year-old companion was still in hospital, local police said in a statement. A suspect has been arrested, police said. According to police the women encountered a 30-year-old American tourist on a trail near the Marienbruecke bridge, which is popular for its view of the castle, who brought them to a hidden trail leading to a viewpoint. The man then attacked the 21-year-old, said police, and when the 22-year-old intervened, the man choked her and pushed her down a steep slope. "According to the current state of knowledge, an attempted sexual offence to the detriment of the 21-year-old must be assumed," said police in a statement in English. The 21-year-old was also pushed down the slope, where she came to rest after falling nearly 50 metres, they added. The suspect was arrested shortly afterwards, following a large police operation on Wednesday afternoon, they added. Criminal police have taken over the investigation into attempted murder and murder, as well as a sexual offence, with the current focus on reconstructing exactly how the incident took place, police said. Neuschwanstein Castle, about 105 km (65 miles) south-west of Munich, is one of the most popular destinations in Europe. According the castle's website, about 1.4 million people visit the castle annually, and in the summer months the castle counts more than 6,000 visitors on average daily. State prosecutors did not immediately reply to a request for comment. (Writing by Miranda Murray; Editing by Madeline Chambers, Conor Humphries and Alex Richardson) FILE PHOTO: General view of the U.S. Capitol during morning hours, in Washington, U.S., March 30, 2023. REUTERS/Tom Brenner/File Photo By Patricia Zengerle WASHINGTON (Reuters) - Republican and Democratic members of the U.S. Congress introduced legislation on Thursday that would make it easier for Ukraine to fund its fight against Russian invaders by using seized and frozen Russian assets. The U.S. Congress has approved more than $100 billion in military, humanitarian and economic aid for Ukraine since Russia invaded in February 2022. While leaders of both parties insist U.S. support for the Kyiv government remains strong, some members of Congress have questioned how long that level of aid can continue amid calls to clamp down on government spending. The bill's sponsors said their intention is to ensure Moscow pays for damage caused by the invasion, not U.S. taxpayers. "Over a year into Russias full-scale war against Ukraine, more than $300 billion in Russian sovereign assets remain frozen globally," said Senator Jim Risch, the top Republican on the Senate Foreign Relations Committee and a sponsor of the bill. "Given Russias brutality and continued war crimes against the Ukrainian people, it is only right that Russian government funds in the United States be seized and repurposed to help Ukraine rebuild its country," he said. Among other things, the Rebuilding Economic Prosperity and Opportunity (REPO) for Ukrainians Act introduced in the Senate and House of Representatives would give the U.S. president the authority to confiscate Russian assets frozen in the United States and transfer them to help Ukraine. It also would bar the release of funds to sanctioned Russian entities until Russia withdraws from Ukraine and agrees to provide compensation for harm caused by the war. The bill's other Republican sponsors include Representative Michael McCaul, chairman of the House Foreign Affairs Committee and Representatives Joe Wilson, Thomas Kean and Brian Fitzpatrick. Democratic sponsors include Senator Sheldon Whitehouse and Representative Marcy Kaptur, a co-chair of the Congressional Ukraine Caucus, as well as Representatives Steve Cohen and Mike Quigley. (Reporting by Patricia Zengerle, Editing by William Maclean) By Lisa Barrington and Maya Gebeily DUBAI (Reuters) - The United Arab Emirates in the coming days will lift a temporary restriction on issuing visas to Lebanese nationals due to security concerns, a UAE official told Reuters on Thursday. "Temporary restrictions are in place in response to security concerns. Temporary restrictions continuously undergo review and are subject to be lifted for specific categories of visas in the coming days," the UAE official said, without giving further details. Lebanese citizens have been reporting in recent weeks that visas for Lebanese outside the UAE were not being granted. Two travel agents in Lebanon told Reuters they were unable to request visas for Lebanese nationals to the UAE through the usual online system, but said they had not received any new instructions or changes to entry requirements. One of the agents said that in previous cases when the UAE had suspended visas, the decision was reflected in a technical ban on requesting visas with no formal instructions, as is happening now. A helpline for Dubai's General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs on Thursday said Lebanese outside of the UAE would temporarily not be granted visas on the instruction of the Interior Ministry. The Lebanese Ministry of Foreign Affairs did not comment. (Reporting by Lisa Barrington and Maya Gebeily; Editing by Leslie Adler) By Max Hunder and Olena Harmash HRUSHIVKA, Ukraine (Reuters) - Tetyana Tarasevych remembers how life got better in Ukraine's southeast nearly 70 years ago after the vast Kakhovka water reservoir was built near her home in the village of Hrushivka. As the vast reservoir has lost around three-quarters of its volume since the destruction of the Kakhovka dam last week, she is now using glass jars to catch rainwater. Her village in the Dnipropetrovsk region faces an acute water crisis that has left hundreds of thousands of Ukrainians without normal access to drinking water across a swathe of the south, according to President Volodymyr Zelenskiy. "When the reservoir appeared, we started to live it up. We piped drinking water to the main streets... and now look. Only tears," the 80-year-old Tarasevych told Reuters. Water taps were turned off for many of the village's residents last week. Those who had water storage pools rushed to fill them up. "(I have) four cubic metres. It's enough for a month, but not to wash or anything like that," said 70-year-old Oleksandr. Only 15% of residents still have water running from their taps: others have to rely on water brought in by the authorities. The local administration delivered 2,160 bottles of drinking water for residents on Wednesday, municipal head Serhiy Marenenko said. But more than 7,500 people live there. Before the dam was built in 1956, Tarasevych was resettled from a nearby village that was fully submerged by the reservoir. After being under water for decades, the land where the village stood has now just resurfaced due to the receding water. The water level has fallen five to six metres after the dam's destruction and nearly 30,000 people have lost access to centralised water supply, according to Yevhen Sytnychenko, head of the wider Kryvyi Rih district which comprises three towns and over 16 villages. Across the country the problem is much bigger. 'IT WILL NOT RETURN' The Kakhovka reservoir provided water to the wider population, farmers and industrial enterprises as well as to the Zaporizhzhia nuclear power plant. It also supplied a vital water canal to occupied Crimea which was seized by Russia in 2014. Ukraine's military intelligence agency has accused Russia of deliberately blowing up the Kakhovka dam to halt Kyiv's long-expected counter-offensive. Russia has said Ukraine carried out the attack on the dam. Environment Minister Ruslan Strilets said Ukraine had already lost about 18 cubic kilometres of the water since the dam's destruction unleashed catastrophic flooding in the southwest. "This is about a third of all the water of the Dnipro cascade. There is no water in the reservoir, and it will not return there for a very long time," he said in a statement. The Ukrainian government rushed to set up alternative water supplies and limit potential health hazards from contaminated water. The government has channelled 2.5 billion hryvnias ($68.36 million) to ensure water supply to the south. The measures included sending water purifiers, water carrying vehicles, setting up specialised centres to distribute bottled water and also to construct a new pipeline that can pump 300,000 cubic meters of water per day. However, the construction of the 87-km water pipeline would be a complex project and could take months to complete, analysts said. In the meantime, mayors in affected towns have urged residents, who have already survived months of missile attacks and electricity blackouts during the cold winter months, to go one extra mile and save water. Oleksandr Vilkul, mayor of Kriviy Rih, Zelenskiy's hometown, said the city was relying for now on water reserves that had been built up, but that they could run out quickly. "The first option is that we do not save and after a month 70% of the city remains without water," Vilkul said. "The second option is to save and gain time to carry out the necessary work. There are no other options. It is very important for everyone to reduce water consumption by 40%." (Reporting by Max Hunder and Olena Harmash; Editing by Tom Balmforth and Nick Macfie) GENEVA (Reuters) -A group of U.N. experts said on Thursday they had written to Moscow raising concerns about the use of torture by Russian military forces on Ukrainian civilians and prisoners of war. The U.N. experts said in a statement the torture included electric shocks, hoodings and mock executions and had been carried out to extract intelligence, force confessions or in response to alleged support for Ukraine's forces. It had resulted in damage to internal organs, cracked bones and fractures, strokes and psychological traumas, they said. A spokesperson for Russia's diplomatic mission in Geneva did not immediately respond to a request for comment. Moscow has previously denied torturing or mistreating prisoners of war and says it does not deliberately target civilians in Ukraine. While torture allegations have previously been levelled against both sides in the 15-month conflict, the team of U.N. independent experts said Russian forces' methods may be "state-endorsed". The consistency and methods of alleged torture suggested "a level of coordination, planning and organisation, as well as the direct authorisation, deliberate policy or official tolerance from superior authorities", according to U.N. Special Rapporteur on Torture Alice Jill Edwards, who sent the letter on 12 June alongside several other independent experts. "Obeying a superior order or policy direction cannot be invoked as justification for torture, and any individual involved should be promptly investigated and prosecuted by independent authorities," she said. Under the U.N. system, a government has 60 days to give a formal response. (Reporting by Emma Farge; Editing by Alex Richardson, Alexandra Hudson) President Abdel-Fattah El-Sisi discussed on Thursday further collaboration between Egypt and the French global shipping company CMA CGM following the inauguration of Tahya Misr multipurpose maritime terminal in Alexandria, which is run and managed by the French company. According to the Egyptian Presidency, President El-Sisi commended the strong historical cooperation between Egypt and France, affirming that the collaboration with the French company contributes to enhancing the management of Alexandria Port, especially in terms of establishing logistic zones to increase its capacity. This further strengthens Egypt's position as a global logistics and trade centre, thereby supporting trade, export, and import activities, he added. For his part, CEO of CMA CGM Rodolphe Saade extended congratulations on the inauguration of the Tahya Misr terminal, praising the business climate in Egypt and expressing the company's eagerness to promote cooperation with the Egyptian side in port management. Saade also highlighted the company's intention to expand its operations to include logistic zones and additional stations in other ports alongside the Alexandria Port. Minister of Transportation Kamel El-Wazir attended the meeting. The Tahya Misr multipurpose maritime terminal is expected to function as the heart of the logistical station established behind the Alexandria port, with an annual capacity of 12-15 million tons of goods. President El-Sisi also witnessed the raising of the Egyptian flag on the ship Wadi El-Molouk (The Valley of Kings), the newest and largest vessel to join Egypt's commercial fleet. Search Keywords: Short link: FILE PHOTO: Former FTX Chief Executive Sam Bankman-Fried, who faces fraud charges over the collapse of the bankrupt cryptocurrency exchange, leaves the Manhattan federal court in New York City, U.S. March 30, 2023. REUTERS/Andrew Kelly/File Photo By Luc Cohen NEW YORK (Reuters) -A U.S. judge on Thursday granted a request from prosecutors to try some of their charges against Sam Bankman-Fried in a second trial next year separate from his scheduled Oct. 2 trial over the collapse of now-bankrupt cryptocurrency exchange FTX. Bankman-Fried, 31, will be tried on March 11, 2024, on five counts, including bank fraud and bribing Chinese officials, that federal prosecutors in Manhattan brought after he was extradited from the Bahamas in December, U.S. District Judge Lewis Kaplan said in a written order. FTX was based in the Caribbean nation. The onetime billionaire has pleaded not guilty to 13 fraud and conspiracy charges. An initial eight-count indictment filed in December accused him of stealing billions of dollars from FTX customers to plug losses at his Alameda Research hedge fund, lying to investors and lenders, and violating U.S. campaign finance laws. Bankman-Fried has acknowledged inadequate risk management at FTX, but has denied stealing funds. He had asked Kaplan to dismiss the five post-extradition charges, along with the campaign finance charge, because the Bahamas did not consent to them. Alternatively, he suggested they be tried separately. Prosecutors on Wednesday said they would support a separate trial for the post-extradition charges because it was not clear when the Bahamas would grant its consent, as is required under an extradition treaty between the two countries. The campaign finance charge will still be part of Bankman-Fried's Oct. 2 trial, according to Kaplan's order. Spokespeople for Bankman-Fried and the U.S. Attorney's office in Manhattan declined to comment on Kaplan's order. In a hearing earlier on Thursday in Manhattan federal court, Kaplan appeared skeptical of Bankman-Fried's push to dismiss the charges, saying the former crypto star may lack standing to invoke the extradition treaty. "You have a major problem," Kaplan told Mark Cohen, one of Bankman-Fried's lawyers. "Whatever the Bahamas' complaints about the United States may or may not be, the question is whether your client has any right to raise them." Separately, Kaplan denied Bankman-Fried's request to force prosecutors to review some of FTX's files. Bankman-Fried had wanted a declaration that FTX's current leadership was part of the "prosecution team," which would compel the company to turn over documents for his defense. (Reporting by Abinaya Vijayaraghavan in Bengaluru and by Luc Cohen in New York; editing by Jason Neely, Elaine Hardcastle, Leslie Adler and Deepa Babington) FORM 6 K SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION Washington, D.C. 20549 Report on Foreign Issuer Pursuant to Rule 13a 16 or 15d 16 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 For the Month of June 2023 Gilat Satellite Networks Ltd. (Translation of Registrants Name into English) Gilat House, Yegia Kapayim Street Daniv Park, Kiryat Arye, Petah Tikva, Israel (Address of Principal Corporate Offices) Indicate by check mark whether the registrant files or will file annual reports under cover Form 20-F or Form 40-F. Form 20-F Form 40-F Indicate by check mark whether the registrant by furnishing the information contained in this form is also thereby furnishing the information to the Commission pursuant to Rule 12g3-2(b) under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934. Yes No If Yes is marked, indicate below the file number assigned to the registrant in connection with Rule 12g3-2(b): N/A Attached hereto is Registrants press release dated June 15, 2023, announcing that Gilat Satellite Networks reports the Resolutions adopted at Annual General Meeting of Shareholders. Signature Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the Registrant has duly caused this Report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized. Gilat Satellite Networks Ltd. (Registrant) Dated June 15, 2023 By: /s/ Doron Kerbel Doron Kerbel General Counsel & Company Secretary Page 2 of 3 GILAT SATELLITE NETWORKS LTD. Gilat House 21 Yegia Kapayim St. Kiryat Arye Petah Tikva 4913020, Israel ____________________ RESOLUTIONS ADOPTED AT THE REGISTRANTS ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING OF SHAREHOLDERS HELD ON JUNE 15, 2023 At the Annual General Meeting of Shareholders of Gilat Satellite Networks Ltd. (the Company) held at the Companys offices at 21 Yegia Kapayim St., Petach Tikva, Israel, on Thursday, June 15th, 2023 (the Meeting), all proposed resolutions were adopted, as follows: 1. to re-elect four members of the Board of Directors and elect one new member of the Board of Directors to serve until the Companys next annual general meeting of shareholders and until their successors have been duly elected and qualified; 2. to re-elect Mr. Elyezer Shkedy to serve as an external director for an additional three-year term; 3. subject to their election pursuant to Items No. 1 or 2, to approve a grant of options to Ms. Dafna Sharir, Mr. Aylon (Lonny) Rafaeli, Mr. Elyezer Shkedy and Mr. Amir Ofek, as described in the Proxy Statement; 4. subject to his election pursuant to Item No. 1, to approve the terms of service and compensation of Mr. Amiram Boehm, the Chairman of the Board of Directors of the Company, as described in the Proxy Statement; 5. to approve a separation grant and a special bonus to Mr. Isaac Angel, the retiring Chairman of the Board of Directors; 6. to approve a grant of options to Mr. Adi Sfadia, the Companys Chief Executive Officer; 7. to amend the Companys Compensation Policy for Executive Officers and Directors as described in the Proxy Statement; and 8. to ratify and approve the reappointment and compensation of Kost Forer Gabbay & Kasierer, a member of Ernst & Young Global, as our independent registered public accountants for the fiscal year ending December 31, 2023, and for such additional period until the next annual general meeting of shareholders. Page 3 of 3 The U.S. Army is wrapping up its capstone series of exercises this week in Africa, where troops have fanned out for drills involving numerous partner nations grappling with expanding insurgencies at home. African Lion 23, which concludes Friday, has involved 17 countries and more than 8,000 troops, who have been training across northern and western Africa for more than a month. The effort comes as terrorist-attack numbers soar in places like the Sahel, which has emerged as a global epicenter for terror. Our partners are very concerned about the security situation, said Col. Matthew Kopp, director of the U.S. Army Southern European Task Force, Africas security cooperation directorate. Kopp said during his conversations with African counterparts at the exercise, there has been a sense of urgency when it comes to dealing with a threat that has proliferated in recent years. They are investing a significant amount of time and treasure into this (counterterrorism fight), Kopp said of the U.S.s western Africa partners. African Lion, U.S. Africa Commands largest exercise on the continent, has operated out of training camps in northern and western Africa, with Morocco as a primary host. Participating countries from western Africa such as Chad, Niger and Nigeria have been at the forefront of the fight against various militant groups, ranging from Islamic State and al-Qaida affiliates to the Nigerian homegrown group Boko Haram. The Army said the tactics worked on during African Lion are designed to help militaries deal with any number of potential threats, from countering insurgencies to dealing with environmental disasters. During the exercise, the U.S. brought significant firepower with it. The Vicenza, Italy-based 173rd Airborne Brigade, reconnaissance Marines, and major weapons like High Mobility Artillery Rocket Systems, Abrams tanks, F-16 fighters and B-52 bombers all factored into events. The Sahel, which includes countries across Africas vast Sahara region, accounted for 43% of global terrorism deaths in 2022, according to the Global Terrorism Index. That situation raises thorny questions for the U.S., including whether large-scale training initiatives like African Lion and smaller ongoing training efforts happening year-round are making a difference. Analysts are debating the U.S. approach. Despite two decades of counterterrorism efforts, terrorist groups have expanded in Africa, attacks have increased and some of the militaries the U.S. has partnered with have been involved in coups. This recent spike of extremist violence in the region is in line with longer-term trends, as terrorism rates increased more than 2,000 percent in the Sahel over the past 15 years, regional expert Alexander Noyes wrote in a recent analysis for the Hoover Institution think tank. Some critics say the U.S. hasnt found the right balance between lending military support and finding ways to improve the quality of fragile governments that are vulnerable to the kind of insurgencies that have taken root in the Sahel. Noyes said the United States should shift its security policy away from the delivery of tactical weapons and toward a governance-first policy focused more on institution building and strengthening civilian control of the regions militaries. Despite some recent first steps in the right direction, the U.S. model of military assistance in the Sahel often continues to default to tactical-level training and equipping of unprofessional and often predatory security forces, which frequently makes things worse, Noyes said. Kopp, however, says institution building, human rights priorities and a focus on matters such as civilian control of armed forces already are embedded into the training the Army carries out in Africa. As we are training with our partners, we bring our values to the table. So, its not just our professional military, it is our values, Kopp said. We integrate rule of law and human rights into everything we do. (Tribune News Service) In honor of the U.S. Army's 248th birthday, guests affiliated with the branch will get free admission this weekend for Pearl Harbor Historic Sites. There also will be a special 4 p.m. USS Arizona Memorial boat program on the "free pass days." While Pearl Harbor National Memorial is free to all visitors, certain historic sites and services at Pearl Harbor are maintained and supported by nonprofits that charge fees to support their operations. On Saturday and Sunday, active-duty Army soldiers, retirees, dependents and veterans will be able to visit the Battleship Missouri Memorial and Pearl Harbor Aviation Museum on Ford Island, and the Pacific Fleet Submarine Museum at Pearl Harbor National Memorial free of charge. They also will get free access to the self-guided audio tours and the Pearl Harbor Virtual Reality Experience from Pacific Historic Parks for free. Pacific Historic Parks operates the museum store on the grounds of the Pearl Harbor National Memorial and provides the only official tours of the national memorial with three new multimedia self-guided tours narrated by actress Jamie Lee Curtis that normally cost $7.99. The new Virtual Reality Theater tours normally start at $5.99 and allow visitors to witness the attack on Pearl Harbor and explore the USS Arizona before and after the Dec. 7, 1941, attack. The program is time and capacity dependent and will be capped at 145 visitors total, first come, first served. A valid military ID must be presented at the ticket and information booth at the Pearl Harbor Visitors Center or on-site at each of the historic sites. For additional questions, email PEARL_Info@nps.gov. (c)2023 The Honolulu Star-Advertiser Visit www.staradvertiser.com Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC. A German Shepherd fell off a cliff in Ecola State Park at Cannon Beach, Ore., on Wednesday. Members of U.S. Coast Guard Air Station Astoria came to the rescue. The dog fell 300 feet and was injured in a secluded area of the beach that could only be reached by rappelling down the cliff or by air. TALLINN, Estonia In times of crisis or combat, a military chaplain can be a grounding force for sailors and Marines, reorienting them to who they are and helping them recognize that they have the training to go on with the mission. Its the sense of reconnecting with their identity, of reconnecting with what they know to be certain, know to be true in the situation, said U.S. Navy Capt. Brian Weigelt, the chaplain for U.S. Naval Forces Europe-Africa/U.S. 6th Fleet. A traumatic event often will challenge what we think is true. Weigelt and 18 other NATO chaplains participating in the annual U.S.-led maritime exercise BALTOPS, which ends Friday, have been testing that ability to help service members across the alliance. Officials say the effort is recognition that overall readiness requires spiritual strength. The U.S. Navy increasingly is relying on chaplains as it seeks to address the mental and emotional toll that the work environment takes on its personnel. In 2021, the service announced it would assign a chaplain to every destroyer in the fleet. It has since started deploying more chaplains on ships as part of suicide prevention efforts. Steady-state operations at sea are taxing, Weigelt said. Its a grueling life even in the best of times. Over the past two weeks, priests, pastors and other religious leaders have met with crew members of other ships and nations to become familiar with their needs. The visits create an opportunity to build the trust required to care for service members in crisis or combat, Weigelt said. They also offer the training needed so chaplains can ensure sailors and Marines receive the support they need across religious and service affiliations, and language and cultural barriers, the Navy said in a statement Tuesday. For example, chaplains may be called on to help in a crisis, such as a suicide or man overboard situation. Last year, the training included flying a Belgian chaplain to a British ship in order to tend to sailors during a simulated mass casualty, he said. Chaplains also planned to gather participants from across the ranks for focus groups designed to start conversations about the trauma associated with the simulated scenarios in the exercise. Participants will be challenged to think and talk about how they may respond, Weigelt said. Realistic training is essential for preparation for what we could possibly be called upon to do, he said. So injecting as much realism into the scenario as possible is essential. Chaplains also are building connections with commanding officers, who often rely on their emotional and mental support, said Cmdr. Hans Sundsbo, the chief chaplain for the Norwegian navy. That care includes advising on religious and spiritual aspects, in ethical issues and in care for the personnel, Sundsbo said Tuesday. He has worked with American, German, Finnish, Belgian and Italian chaplains and jointly conducted services on the USS Mount Whitney and a German ship. The ability to be a support in times of crises often lies in the integration at steady state, Sundsbo said. BALTOPS gives us the ability to practice together and learn from each others competence. The German government said on Thursday it would allocate 1.05 billion euros to help the refugee crisis in Syria and the region, Azernews reports, citing Al Arabiya. It would be a fatal mistake to forget the Syrian crisis now, Germanys Development Minister Svenja Schulze said at a conference on Syria in Brussels. Germanys Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development said it supports steps taken by Turkey, Lebanon, Jordan, which have accepted 5.6 million Syrian refugees. Egyptian Salma Sorour joined the renowned Suisse Romande Orchestra in Geneve in first violin section, becoming the youngest member ever of the prestigious orchestra. The 20-year-old prodigy passed multiple tests before being accepted as first violin tutti. Announcing the news on social media, Sorour wrote: "Im 20 years old, by far the youngest in the orchestra, so wish me luck! This is one the greatest things I have achieved in my life." She also thanked the musicians and professors who supported her in her journey and during her audition in Geneve, including Mido El-Shwekh and Medhat Abdel-Salam. Born in 2003, Sorour comes from a musical family: her mother teaches the nay (oriental flute) at the Institute of Arabic Music and her father plays the same instrument at the Cairo Opera. Both her brother Amir and her sister Mirna are also violinists and graduates of the Cairo Conservatory. Sorour's music education started with professor Marlise Yonshkan at the Cairo Conservatory. In 2011, aged 8, she took part in a music competition for young talents organized by Maestro Ahmed El-Saedi, winning first prize. In 2012, aged 9, she was the first Egyptian musician to take part in the Nutckracker Competition - an International Television Contest for Young Musicians, winning 4th place. She then won the first prize at the music competition organized by the Egyptian culture ministry (2016) and Nicolas Latif strings competition (2017). Her first solo performance with the Cairo Symphony Orchestra took place when she was only 12 years old. The young talent continued to perform regularily with numerous ensembles in Egypt, including with the Bibliotheca Alexandrina Orchestra. She gave concerts at the Russian Culture Center and the American University in Cairo. In 2018, the violinist performed with the Cairo Symphony during their tour in Germany; in concerts held at the Konzerthaus Berlin (Berlin's renowned Concert Hall); and Nikolaisaal Potsdam (a concert hall in Potsdam). In 2021, she participated in the Pharaohs Golden Parade, playing a solo piece composed by Hesham Nazih, accompanied by the Egyptian United Philharmonic Orchestra under the baton of Nader Abbassi. Today, Sorour's repertoire includes numerous challenging works, Violin Concerto by Tchaikovsky, Weiniawski Concerto no.1, Paganini's Concerto no. 1, Introduction and Rondo Capriciosso by Camille Saint-Saens, among others. She participated in a master class with Professor Victor Tretyakov (Berlin, 2019) and with professor Vadim Gluzman in the Erben Music Festival in Munich (2022). The Orchestre de la Suisse Romande (OSR) is one of the most prestigious orchestras in Europe. Founded in 1918, the OSR is based in Geneva's Victoria Hall. With more than 110 musicians, the OSR gives subscription concerts in Geneva and Lausanne; symphonic programs for the City of Geneva; and the annual United Nations Day concert. The OSR also accompanies operatic performances at the Grand Theatre of Geneva. Search Keywords: Short link: (Tribune News Service) The littoral combat ship Charleston returned to Naval Base San Diego Wednesday following a deployment that lasted for an unusually long time because the ship used rotating crews. Charleston had been gone for 26 months when it arrived in San Diego Bay, which is home to 15 littoral combat ships. The Navy described the tour as a single deployment. But it was composed of separate, long tours carried out by different teams who alternately sailed the vessel, mostly in the Indo-Pacific. The service is now beginning to shift to using single crews to operate some of these warships, which are lightly-armed vessels that can help perform marine security and humanitarian relief. The Navy said that Charleston did conduct some mine countermeasure training while on deployment, and that it was the first commissioned U.S. Navy ship to visit the port of Manila, Philippines, in four years. Less than three weeks after Charleston left San Diego in 2021, an unmanned aerial vehicle crashed into the ship while it was underway in the Pacific, according to the Navy. The UAV, a MQ-8B Fire Scout, ended up in the ocean and wasn't recovered, authorities said. 2023 The San Diego Union-Tribune. Visit sandiegouniontribune.com. Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC. U.S. Army Air Forces Staff Sgt. Ralph D. Kolb, 19, of McGehee, Ark., who was killed during World War II, has been laid to rest in his hometown. Kolb was buried with full military honors at McGehee Cemetery in Southeastern Arkansas on Wednesday, nearly 80 years after his death. Kolb was assigned to the 343rd Bombardment Squadron (Heavy), 98th Bombardment Group (Heavy), 9th Air Force as a radio operator on a B-24 Liberator bomber. On Aug. 1, 1943, his bomber was hit by anti-aircraft fire and crashed in Ploesti, Romania. The remains of service members were buried in a local cemetery. Kolbs remains were accounted for on Sept. 14, 2022. As part of the identification process, scientists from the Defense POW/MIA Accounting Agency (DPAA) used anthropological analysis, as well as circumstantial evidence. Additionally, scientists from the Armed Forces Medical Examiner System used mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) and Y chromosome DNA (Y-STR) analysis. For Staff Sgt. Kolbs nephew, Harold Kolb Jr., it was welcomed news that his uncle was finally accounted for. Its great to finally have him home where he belongs, Harold Kolb Jr. said. At the funeral service, eight soldiers from 66th Forward Support Company, 3rd Battalion, 13th Field Artillery Regiment, 75th Field Artillery Brigade, Fort Sill, Okla., performed as pallbearers, rifle team, bugler and flag team. Kolbs awards included the Distinguished Flying Cross, Air Medal with 1 Oak Leaf Cluster and the Purple Heart. According to the DPAA, there are still over 81,000 American Soldiers missing in action from WWII and other conflicts, including three airmen from Kolbs bomber. Afghanistan, March 28, 2010: An elderly man talks with Staff Sgt. Ryan Ledet, of Company B, 2nd Battalion, 508th Parachute Infantry Regiment, and Canadian soldiers in the village of Jeleran in the Arghandab valley of southern Afghanistans Kandahar province. Villagers told U.S. troops they are grateful for the increased security, but many remained unwilling to return to their villages, which they abandoned during fighting the previous summer, because they were afraid of the Taliban. Fort Liberty didnt get much of a honeymoon. The former Fort Bragg, N.C., renamed from a Confederate to a concept on June 2, was quickly assailed by Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis and former Vice President Mike Pence, who pledged to reverse the name change if elected president. Fort Bragg, they claim, is an illustrious name tossed aside by the forces of political correctness. DeSantis and Pence are engaged in a particularly craven culture war attack, seeking controversy and headlines both men are trying to revive flagging campaigns for the presidency. Confederate Gen. Braxton Bragg was singularly unsuited to have one of the U.S. Armys largest bases named in his honor. Bragg chose sedition and secession, of course, but earned not even battlefield honor with the rebel army. An inveterately argumentative and tactically inept martinet, he was hated by his officers and men. There were attempts to frag him even when he was a junior officer in the Mexican-American War. Bragg was belatedly relieved of command in 1863, having lost most of the battles he fought. Fort Bragg was due for a name change from the moment it was established in 1918. But the 82nd Airborne Division, U.S. Special Operations Command, and the numerous other storied units at Fort Liberty deserve better than a home named after an anodyne idea. Luckily, the U.S. Army has a uniquely suitable candidate: Master Sgt. Changiz Lahidji. Changiz Lahidji came to America from his native Iran at 24, speaking little English but eager to fight for his adopted country. After becoming the Armys first Muslim Green Beret, he went on to serve more time on a Special Forces A-Team 24 years than any other soldier. Fighting in every American war since Vietnam, Lahidji was like Forrest Gump or, as his friends told him, Woody Allens Zelig: turning up around the world at seemingly every historic moment. His career was a true-life Hollywood movie. While still just a corporal, Lahidji was infiltrated solo into his native Iran to gather intelligence for the failed Operation Eagle Claw, the Tehran Embassy hostage rescue mission. He invaded Granada, trained mujahideen to fight the Soviets in Afghanistan, monitored the cease-fire in Darfur, and was, by his own reckoning, 50 feet away from the eponymous helicopter crash during the Black Hawk Down battle in Mogadishu, Somalia, in 1993. As a soldier and later a security contractor, Lahidji deployed repeatedly to Iraq and Afghanistan. He is regarded as a legend in the special operations and military intelligence communities. The U.S. military is in the midst of an unprecedented recruiting crisis. The Army, now shrinking involuntarily, is particularly guilty of failing to tell its story to Americas youth. Liberty wont get it done (particularly in an institution that, by necessity, puts regular and sometimes severe limits on the liberty of its members). But Changiz Lahidji has a singular, and singularly American, story to tell. An immigrant who spent his first years in America pumping gas, Lahidji overcame bigotry in the barracks, survived countless combat missions and high-risk training evolutions, and became one of the senior noncommissioned officers who are the backbone of the U.S. military. The American Dream may be both trite and growing harder to attain, but Changiz Lahidji embodies it. His life and exploits deserve far greater publicity, and association with the U.S. Armys public narrative. That Lahidji is still alive and able to tell his story only adds weight and urgency to the case. As the current chief of staff of the U.S. Army, Gen. James McConville, has put it, People are the Army. The Army has always named its installations (and many of its premier weapons systems) after victorious generals and heroic soldiers. Fort Liberty is an unwelcome break from this tradition. Good riddance to Fort Bragg and to the other Confederate-coded installations now being belatedly renamed. No U.S. bases should be named after men who rebelled against their own country. But Fort Liberty is a meaningless substitute. The men and women of Americas most elite Army units deserve to call Fort Lahidji home. Gil Barndollar is a senior fellow at Defense Priorities. He served as a U.S. Marine infantry officer from 2009 to 2016. The Air Force is investigating a bomb threat that emptied wing headquarters and the base exchange Thursday morning at Yokota Air Base, the airlift hub in western Tokyo. The 374th Airlift Wing sent a bomb threat, all clear email notice to the base community shortly before 1 p.m., about two hours after ordering evacuations for several buildings on the base, which also serves as headquarters for 5th Air Force and U.S. Forces Japan. Security Forces completed sweeps of the affected areas and declared them safe to resume normal operations, the wing said in a statement Thursday afternoon. The incident is under investigation, base spokesman 1st Lt. Danny Rangel told Stars and Stripes via text message. The 374th Security Forces Squadron initially ordered evacuations at wing headquarters, the Enlisted Club, a residential tower and several other buildings. Several dozen people, including service members and American and Japanese civilian employees, gathered a short distance from the evacuated buildings. I was just driving and a friend was walking outside saying everyone in the area I was going to was evacuated due to some sort of threat at the e-club, Air Force spouse Rylan Matosky told Stars and Stripes via Facebook Messenger on Thursday. Security forces later ordered an evacuation of the Yokota Community Center, where the Army and Air Force Exchange Service and base commissary are housed, along with other retailers and a food court. Evacuees there were directed to a rally point near the base flight line. Yokotas main gate and a gate used for deliveries and by outside contractors, both along busy Route 16, were closed, along with base streets near the affected sites. We have a real world incident and we are asking our base community to follow instructions from security personnel, Rangel told Stars and Stripes via text message just after 11 a.m. In their afternoon statement, Yokota officials said all affected gates and roads had reopened for regular traffic. No injuries were reported as a result of this incident, the statement said. Yokota Air Base members are advised to continue to follow the directions of security personnel and remain vigilant for suspicious activity and to report incidents to [security forces]. Stars and Stripes reporter Kelly Agee contributed to this report. India has cleared the purchase of 30 armed drones from the U.S. its first to boost its sea and land defenses as tensions with neighboring China and Pakistan persist, according to people with knowledge of the matter. The decision to clear the acquisition of the MQ-9B Predator drones was made by India's Defense Acquisition Council on Thursday. It comes ahead of Prime Minister Narendra Modi's visit to the U.S. next week, where the two sides are also expected to agree to jointly manufacture jet engines in the South Asian nation. Modi's government is in the midst of a 10-year, $250 billion military modernization effort. The purchase will put India in an elite club of some three dozen countries using combat-capable drones. The acquisition agreement with the San Diego-based General Atomics had been mired in bureaucratic red-tape for years. Thursday's decision will be followed by comprehensive discussions on the pricing of the drones and other details, including the expected timelines, the people said. India's Defense Ministry didn't immediately respond to a request seeking comment. Vivek Lall, the chief executive of General Atomics, declined to comment. India is emerging as a strategic defense partner for Washington, especially as it seeks to counter increasing Chinese influence in the Indo-Pacific. The U.S. is also seeking closer military cooperation with New Delhi to wean it away from its dependence on Russian military hardware as Moscow's assault on Ukraine enters its second year. New Delhi hired two drones from the U.S. when the current round of border tensions first flared with Beijing in the summer of 2020, but the platforms came without the weapons and were used only for surveillance and reconnaissance. The MQ-9B drones can fly for about 48 hours and carry a payload of about 3,748 pounds. They will give India's navy the ability to better monitor Chinese warships in the southern Indian Ocean, and equip the air force and army to engage targets along the disputed India-Pakistan border in the Himalayas. Renowned Egyptian theatre director, actor and academic Saad Ardash was born on 16 June 1924 in Damietta. He lived a rich creative life in Egypt and died on 13 June 2008 in the US. Ardash studied at the Theatre Institute in Cairo, graduating in 1950. Later on, he worked as a professor at the High Institute of Theatrical Arts. He also studied law at Ain Shams University, graduating in 1955. Following his theatre passion, Ardash applied for a scholarship to continue his education in Italy. He obtained his PhD from the Theatre Academy in Rome (1961). The early 1960s were active in introducing new art forms to the Egyptian audiences and developing the cultural scene. Known as the Golden Age of modern Egypt, this time helped Ardash create numerous projects that benefited from his studies in Italy. He brought many ideas on acting and directing from the West to Egypt, reforming the approaches to the art of stage in his home country. Years later, in his articles, Ardash often analysed the conditions of the Egyptian theatre prior to the mid-1950s, pointing to the productions being mainly commercially driven and responding to the tastes and expectations of the foreign audience. It was Ardash who greatly contributed to shaking that status quo and reframing the theatre in his own country. Not only did his research tackle the art of playwrighting, directing, and acting, but it also extended to theories on the scenography, costume design, lighting, etc. In the sector of playwriting, Ardash promoted the importance of texts that would deal with the socially relevant issues. On the other hand, Ardash was particularly inspired by German Bertolt Brecht and the absurd theatre as formulated by names such as Euegene Ionesco and Samuel Beckett. Strongly influenced by the European experimentation in theatre, upon his return to Egypt, Ardash founded a Pocket Theatre (Geib Theatre) in 1962, a company which presented avant garde works, introducing Ionesco and Beckett to the Egyptian audiences for the first time. Later on, the theatre was renamed El-Taliaa (Avant Garde Theatre). Revolutionary at heart, Ardash used the Western formats to meander within the social and political contexts on the Egyptian stages, while encouraging his students to discover the new language. When reaching out to the Egyptian texts, he presented them in a revised and often experimental format. Ardash played an important role in founding the Cairo International Festival for Experimental Theatre in 1986, and held the position of its president in the festival's first edition. In theatre circles, Ardash is considered one of the most important academics and directors of his generation. Many young directors and actors consider him as a father of modern Egyptian theatre. As a director, Ardash worked on many Egyptian stages, including the National Theatre, with numerous well-known actors. His portfolio includes more than 30 plays besides dozens of smaller projects implemented with his students at the Theatre Academy. To the general public, Ardash was known through his work as an actor. He appeared in more than 120 films and television series. The notable titles include The Other Face (1987), Motawie and Bahiya (1982) and Men Don't Marry Beauties (1965). The late artist won many awards and honours, including the Science and Arts Medal in 1967 and the State Appreciation Award from the Supreme Council of Culture. Ardash passed away after a long struggle with illness. Search Keywords: Short link: Lawyers for families affected by a Navy fuel spill in Hawaii want to question the admiral in charge of U.S. Pacific Fleet, according to recent federal court filings. The number of people suing the U.S. government over the November 2021 spill at Red Hill Bulk Fuel Storage Facility doubled with this weeks filing, which alleged new details. Its the fourth updated complaint since the original was filed in September. Their attorneys also moved to stop the government from shielding Adm. Samuel Paparo, who was nominated Tuesday to become the next chief of naval operations, from being deposed in the case. The federal lawsuit springs from a leak of aviation fuel into three wells providing water to homes of mostly military families on and near Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam. About 93,000 people were drawing from contaminated water for bathing, drinking and meal preparation; many of them complained of illness and were evacuated to temporary housing. Paparo took responsibility publicly as the scope of the spill began to unfold, according to the plaintiffs motion filed May 30 in federal court in Honolulu. A hearing is scheduled for Wednesday, according to the online court docket. All organizations within this response report directly to me and I am accountable for this fix, the plaintiffs filing quotes Paparo as saying Dec. 21, 2021. The admiral played a hands-on role during the jet fuel affair and should be deposed, the plaintiffs motion states. There is no reason under law or logic to prevent Plaintiffs from finding out the essential facts that only Admiral Paparo knows. The Governments motion must be denied, the motion states. The governments May 22 motion to quash Paparos deposition cites case law to argue that deposing a high-ranking official like Admiral Paparo is permissible under only the most extraordinary circumstances. The plaintiffs cannot show sufficient circumstances and, besides, the government argues, it has already admitted the relevant facts. The plaintiffs amended complaint filed Tuesday adds another 187 names to their suit, doubling the number to more than 350, according to a news release from Erin Powers, a spokesman for Just Well Law of Austin, Texas. Their lawyers also allege the Navy only recently revealed a PFAS spill in 2019 at Red Hill, adding to another in November when 1,100 gallons of firefighting foam containing PFAS also spilled at the site. Addressing the 2019 incident, the amended complaint states: Although the spill of these dangerous forever chemicals contaminated the soil, the government did not inform regulators nor warn residents. Even today, it denies any obligation to do so. PFAS, a so-called forever chemical that persists in the environment, may cause a higher risk of some cancers and lead to higher cholesterol levels and lower vaccine response in children, among other problems, according to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. The lawsuit seeks unspecified damages for past and future medical expenses, loss of property, emotional distress, loss of earning potential, loss of income, loss of life expectancy and other losses. Trial in the case is scheduled for March. Families moving to their next duty stations this year are unlikely to be reimbursed for the cost of moving their pets, according to a Marine Corps news release. Money to pay that expense is wending its way through Washingtons bureaucratic pipeline. Buried in the National Defense Authorization Act for fiscal year 2023 is a provision to permit the military to reimburse service members pet relocation costs up to $550 within the U.S. and a maximum of $4,000 outside the continental United States. The Marine Corps released a statement June 9 to manage expectations prior to the start of this years peak moving season. The program wont take effect until January, according to the statement. I think it's great that the Marine Corps released something on an official platform, Liz Hensel, founder of Leave No Paws Behind USA, told Stars and Stripes by phone Wednesday. Because it just shows that we are moving forward in the right direction. The group assists military families with resources and pet transportation costs to and from overseas. "I've been advocating for this change for the last four years, Hensel said. "Sen. Cory Booker (D-N.J.) said, Yes, let's do something about this, and then we were able to make this legislative change." The Marine Corps release laid out the process for getting the pet entitlement into the Department of Defense Joint Travel Regulations. It must first be approved by the Services' Military Advisory Panel members, Service Principals, and then finally by the Chairman of the Per Diem, Travel, and Transportation Allowance Committee, the release said. The reimbursement is at the final approval level, a Department of Defense spokeswoman said Wednesday. She could not say when the approval process would be completed. The item is pending Per Diem Travel and Transportation Allowance Committee Chair approval, Jade Fulce told Stars and Stripes by email. The Joint Travel Regulations were last updated June 1 but included no information about pet reimbursement. We're still waiting on the Joint Travel Regulations to kind of tie up the verbiage and then release it in that publication because none of the rest of the services can do anything with the reimbursement until it's in the Joint Travel Regulations, Hensel said. The Defense Department has denied a recent report that its planning to help Japan and Taiwan exchange real-time data from reconnaissance drones. The Financial Times reported June 9 that the United States would tie four MQ-9 drones Taiwan plans to purchase into the same system the Pentagon shares with the Japan Self-Defense Forces. The report cited four unidentified people familiar with the project. But representatives for the U.S. Department of Defense, the Japanese Ministry of Defense and Taiwans Ministry of National Defense have denied the claim. The DOD is not currently planning to facilitate MQ-9 data sharing between Taiwan and Japan, DOD spokesman Lt. Col. Martin Meiners told Stars and Stripes by email Wednesday. Japanese Defense Minister Yasukazu Hamada made a similar denial when asked at a June 9 news conference in Tokyo about sharing drone data. There is no fact that we are considering the plan you pointed out, he said. Taiwans Ministry of National Defense tweeted June 8 that it has no knowledge of the plan. Taiwan agreed to purchase four MQ-9B SeaGuardian surveillance drones from the U.S. for $555 million, with the first to be delivered in 2025, Taiwanese media reported in August. The SeaGuardian is the naval version of General Atomics MQ-9A Reaper with a specialized focus on maritime surveillance and increased endurance, while sacrificing maximum speed, altitude and payload capacity. Any sort of intelligence sharing with Taiwan is a good thing, especially after the U.S. and its allies subjected the Taiwanese miliary to more than 40 years of near-isolation, according to Grant Newsham, a senior researcher with the Japan Forum for Strategic Studies in Tokyo. Data-sharing would be a step toward a common operating picture important for military operations, he told Stars and Stripes by email Tuesday. The Japanese have had next to nothing to do with Taiwan on the military front, Newsham said. So, for this 'linkage' to happen would be unprecedented. Stars and Stripes reporter Hana Kusumoto contributed to this report. Ukraines much-anticipated counteroffensive is shaping up to be a long, bloody fight rather than a sign that victory is on the horizon, the United States top military officials said Thursday. Ukraines fight is not some easy sprint to the finish line, Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin said after high-level talks at NATO headquarters in Brussels. Austin and Joint Chiefs Chairman Gen. Mark Milley led a meeting of the Ukraine Defense Contact group, which involves dozens of allies and partners that are part of the effort to arm and equip Ukraines military. The meeting coincides with a gathering of NATO defense ministers, who also are in Brussels to finalize new defense plans for the trans-Atlantic defense pact ahead of a July summit of heads of state in Lithuania. Following discussions, Austin said numerous European allies as well as Canada had pledged more support for Ukraine during the Thursday talks. The gathering comes during the early stages of Ukraines counteroffensive against Russia. So far, U.S. and NATO officials have said there are signs of initial gains by Ukraines military. But Austin and Milley downplayed any notion that Ukraine was poised for a rapid push through Russian defensive lines. Ukraine has begun their attack, and they are making steady progress, Milley said. This is a very difficult fight. It's a very violent fight. And it will likely take a considerable amount of time and (come) at a high cost. Pictures of U.S. and German armored vehicles destroyed in the fighting since the counteroffensive began have garnered significant attention on social media outlets. Austin described such losses as inevitable given the scale of fighting but also not all that consequential. I think the Russians have shown us that same five vehicles, about a thousand times from 10 different angles, Austin said. But quite frankly, the Ukrainians still have a lot of combat capability. Since the start of the Russia-Ukraine war last year, the U.S. has given more than $40 billion in military aid to Kyiv. On Tuesday, Washington announced yet another round, including more Stryker and Bradley armored vehicles, which were fast-tracked for delivery. The $325 million package also sends more missile systems, including national advanced surface-to-air missile systems, or NASAMS, and high mobility artillery rocket systems, known as HIMARS. Meanwhile, the Ukraine contract group also discussed plans for an F-16 pilot training initiative to be led by the Netherlands and Denmark. Still, its unclear when the fighters would be ready for entry into the war. Beyond arms deliveries, the effort to bolster Ukrainian forces also has resulted in a large multinational training push on a wide mix of weapons. Since February 2022, some 60,000 Ukrainian troops have been trained by allies in dozens of countries, Milley said. Following Thursdays talks on Ukraine, Austin and his NATO counterparts will turn their attention to bolstering the alliances own defenses against Russia. Among the initiatives under review is one that would enhance NATO positions on the eastern flank with new regional plans. The strategy, which calls for some 300,000 troops able to operate at higher levels of combat readiness, is expected to be finalized in time for final approval at NATOs summit in July. Other initiatives include a push by NATO Secretary-General Jens Stoltenberg to get stronger defense spending commitments from member states. While allies are supposed to dedicate 2% of gross domestic product to their respective militaries, most members fall well short of that benchmark. Sen. James E. Risch, the top Republican on the Foreign Relations Committee, is halting a $735 million U.S. arms sale to Hungary as punishment for the countrys refusal to approve NATO membership for Sweden, a rare move aimed at pressuring Budapest into greenlighting the military alliances expansion ahead of a major summit next month. In a statement to The Washington Post, Risch (Idaho) said Hungary must allow Sweden into NATO if it wants the arms package, which includes 24 HIMARS rocket launcher batteries, and more than 100 rockets and pods along with associated parts and support. The decision to slam the brakes on new arms sales to Budapest demonstrates the growing anger toward Hungary by NATO backers like Risch, who rarely holds up arms sales to countries in any part of the world. For some time now, I have directly expressed my concerns to the Hungarian government regarding its refusal to move forward a vote for Sweden to join NATO, he said. The fact that it is now June and still not done, I decided that the sale of new U.S. military equipment to Hungary will be on hold, he added. All significant arms sales require the chair and ranking members of the Senate and House foreign affairs committees to give clearance and approval before the sale is publicly noticed by the State Department. Rischs objection prevents the State Department from being able to move forward in the sales process. A State Department spokesperson declined to comment on the matter, saying the department does not comment on pending arms sales. A spokesman for the Hungarian government did not respond to a request for comment. Rischs maneuvering comes as NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg visited the White House on Tuesday in an effort to coordinate strategies for the NATO summit this summer in Lithuania, where President Biden and Stoltenberg hope to announce progress on Swedens bid to join the military alliance. Sweden and Finlands decision to apply for NATO membership has been widely viewed as a blow to Russian President Vladimir Putin, who justified his invasion of Ukraine by underscoring the threat the military alliance poses to his country. U.S. officials say Putin did not anticipate the West would hold together in support of Ukraine as it has, but they worry that the decision by Hungary and Turkey to delay ratification for Swedens bid, which requires the support of all of the alliances existing members, risks exposing it as divided and ineffective. The U.S. ambassador to Hungary, David Pressman, said The United States will continue to work tirelessly towards closer collaboration with our ally. However, we have real concerns about strategic decisions Hungary is making - and those concerns are shared broadly. Relations between the United States and Hungary have become increasingly combative in recent months, as Budapest delays and complicates the Western response to Russias war in Ukraine. As a veto-wielding member of both NATO and the 27-member European Union, Hungary holds outsize international influence. Prime Minister Viktor Orban has blocked European defense funding for Ukraine, stymied sanctions packages and deepened energy ties to Russia, leading to accusations that Budapest is working as Putins Trojan horse. Hungarys continued blocking of Swedens NATO membership bid has caused exasperation among allies. Speaking in Qatar last month, Orban said relations between Hungary and Sweden must improve before Stockholms bid for membership is improved. Washington has also expressed alarm over Budapests willingness to expand and deepen ties with Moscow, taking a harder line in April when the U.S. Treasury imposed sanctions on officials at the Hungary-based International Investment Bank, an unusual move against an entity linked to an ally. At the time, Pressman, the U.S. ambassador, expressed exasperation that the Hungarian government had dismissed the concerns of the United States government regarding the bank that Washington said was being used as a base for Russian espionage. Orban struck a more conciliatory tone following the public censure describing the United States as a friend and ally. Rischs move against the Orban government stands in contrast to the embrace the far-right prime minister has received from some U.S. conservatives, in particular, those who hosted him at last years Conservative Political Action Conference. At the event, Orban received loud applause as he designated liberals as a common enemy. They hate me and slander me and my country, as they hate you and slander you for the America you stand for, he said. Hungary has not publicly announced its request to purchase HIMARS, but Hungarian newspaper Szabad Europa reported in January that Budapest was mulling a purchase, citing defense ministry officials. The rocket systems, credited with elevating Ukraines ability to thwart Russias advance, are already in possession or on order for many of the countries on NATOs eastern flank. Poland took its first delivery of M142 HIMARS last month and is aiming to buy around 500 more. Morris reported from Berlin. According to Statistics Korea on Thursday, 6,054 Vietnamese women married Korean men in 2016, compared to 5,838 Chinese. They accounted for 27.9 percent of mixed marriages, up from 20.9 percent in 2014. But the proportion of Chinese women, often ethnic Koreans, fell from 38.6 percent in 2008 to 26.9 percent. Vietnamese women made up the biggest proportion of foreign brides in Korea last year, overtaking Chinese women for the first time. The trend is apparently helped by the popularity of K-pop and Korean soaps in Southeast Asia. "Favorable impressions of Korea lead to Vietnamese women applying for jobs in Korean companies and coming to study in Korea," Statistics Korea said. A staffer at Lotte Mart, which has 13 stores in Vietnam, said, "Vietnamese women in their 20s and 30s buy Korean products they see in the soaps. We sell more Korean food products in Vietnam than in China." Samsung, LG and other Korean businesses that have moved manufacture to Vietnam are contributing to the positive views Vietnamese have of the country. Samsung now makes 40 percent of its total smartphone output in Vietnam and employs 100,000 people there. "A lot of our Vietnamese staff want to learn Korean and experience Korean culture," a Samsung staffer said. "Korean is as popular as English and has almost become a second language here." Twenty universities in Vietnam have Korean language departments, and 120,000 Korean expats, the biggest number in Southeast Asia, serve as bridges connecting the two countries. Marriage brokers say the strong Confucian tradition in Vietnam make women popular among Korean men. One marriage broker here said, "These days, eight or nine out of every 10 phone calls we get ask about Vietnamese brides. Vietnamese women are popular because they're hard-working and willing to support their parents-in-law." Choi Yun-jeong at the Korean Women's Development Institute said, "Strengthened regulations since 2010 have led to a decline in international marriages, but the number of Vietnamese brides is increasing." Vietnamese wives of Koreans often introduce family members or relatives to other Korean men. Meanwhile, increasing working opportunities and the improving Chinese economy make Korea less attractive for women there. "There used to be a lot of ethnic Korean women from China who married Korean men to gain employment, but recently the visa requirements have been relaxed, so there are opportunities to work here even if they don't get married," said Lee Duk-ryong at the Justice Ministry. One staffer at a marriage brokerage firm said the mail-order bride market in China is "dead" because of the rapid growth of the economy. NEW YORK A grand jury has indicted a man who put an agitated New York City subway rider in a fatal chokehold, prosecutors confirmed Thursday. Daniel Penny was initially charged with manslaughter last month in the May 1 death of Jordan Neely, a former Michael Jackson impersonator who struggled in recent years with homelessness and mental illness. A spokesperson for Manhattan District Attorney Alvin Bragg confirmed the grand jury voted to indict, adding the specific charges will be unveiled at a scheduled June 28 arraignment. Penny had initially been charged with manslaughter in the second degree, which carries a maximum sentence of 15 years in prison, but a grand jury's approval of charges was needed for the case to continue. Neely was shouting at passengers and begging for money when Penny, a Marine veteran, pinned him to the floor of the moving subway car with the help of two other riders. Penny then held Neely in a chokehold that lasted more than three minutes until his body went limp. Penny has said he was protecting himself and other passengers, claiming Neely shouted "I'm gonna' kill you" and that he was "ready to die" or go to jail for life. "He was yelling in their faces saying these threats," Penny said in a video released by his attorneys this week. "I just couldn't sit still." A freelance journalist who recorded Neely struggling to free himself, then lapsing into unconsciousness, said he was acting aggressively and frightening people but hadn't assaulted anyone. Neely was Black. Penny is white. Neely's death prompted protests by many who saw it as an example of racial injustice, setting off a debate about vigilantism and public safety in New York City. Several commentators, including Rev. Al Sharpton, compared the chokehold death to the Bernhard Goetz case in 1984, in which a white gunman shot four Black men on a subway train. Others have rallied around Penny, including several of the Republican candidates for president. A fund set up to pay for Penny's legal defense has raised more than $2.8 million, according to his lawyers. The attorneys, Steven Raiser and Thomas Keniff, said they were confident that a trial jury would find Penny's actions on the train justified. "While we respect the decision of the grand jury to move this case forward to trial, it should be noted that the standard of proof in a grand jury is very low and there has been no finding of wrongdoing," they said. In a statement, attorneys for the Neely family Donte Mills and Lennon Edwards said the grand jury's decisions "tells our city and our nation that 'no one is above the law' no matter how much money they raise, no matter what affiliations they claim, and no matter what distorted stories they tell." Neely, 30, had been arrested multiple times and had recently pleaded guilty to assaulting a 67-year-old woman leaving a subway station in 2021. Penny, 24, was released on $100,000 bond following a May 12 court appearance. In a statement on Wednesday, New York City Mayor Eric Adams said the indictment would allow for justice to move forward. "I appreciate DA Bragg conducting a thorough investigation into the death of Jordan Neely," he said. "Like I said when the DA first brought charges, I have the utmost faith in the judicial process, and now that the Grand Jury has indicted Daniel Penny, a trial and justice can move forward." NEW YORK (Tribune News Service) U.S. Army Pvt. Cole Bridges attempted to help the Islamic State group murder U.S. soldiers abroad and offered advice on attacking New York City. "Cole Bridges attempted to orchestrate a murderous ambush on his fellow soldiers in service of ISIS and its violent ideology," U.S. Attorney Damian Williams said in a statement Wednesday. "Bridges' traitorous conduct was a betrayal of his comrades and his country." The 22-year-old former soldier from Ohio pleaded guilty Wednesday to plotting to aid America's enemies. Prosecutors praised the FBI and the U.S. Army for their help in subverting Bridges' "malign intent." He will be sentenced on Nov. 22. Bridges joined the Army in 2019, according to prosecutors, who said he was assigned as a cavalry scout in the Third Infantry Division based in Fort Stewart, Georgia. It was around that time he began consuming jihadist propaganda online. Prosecutors said Bridges participated in supporting ISIS on social media. Roughly a year later, he began communicating with an FBI agent posing as an ISIS ally with contacts in the Middle East. "During these communications, Bridges expressed his frustration with the U.S. military and his desire to aid ISIS," prosecutors said. "Bridges then provided training and guidance to purported ISIS fighters who were planning attacks, including advice about potential targets in New York City." The turncoat is also accused of attempting to provide ISIS with sections of a U.S. Army training manual and offering guidance regarding military combat tactics. That included volunteering instructions on how to fortify buildings to repel U.S. offensives and using explosives to ambush American soldiers. Bridges, who also used the last name Gonzales, seemed to become emboldened as time passed. "In January 2021, Bridges provided [his contact] with a video of himself in his U.S. Army body armor standing in front of a flag often used by ISIS fighters and making a gesture symbolic of support for ISIS," prosecutors said. Bridges followed that video with a second tape featuring him narrating a propaganda ad supporting violence against U.S. troops. He faces a 20-year sentence for attempting to provide material support to ISIS and another 20 years for scheming to murder American military personnel. 2023 New York Daily News. Visit at nydailynews.com. Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC. Pakistan and Azerbaijan have agreed to enhance their bilateral trade and promote cooperation in different areas including energy and defence. This came at a meeting between Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and President of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev in Baku today. Later, addressing a joint news conference, the President of Azerbaijan said an MOU will be signed for promotion of trade. A list of preferential trade items will also be prepared. He said several delegations from Azerbaijan will soon visit Pakistan. He said one delegation will discuss the promotion of trade and investment, the second will deliberate on energy cooperation while the third will be related to the defence cooperation. Ilham Aliyev said we have agreed to increase the number of flights between the capitals of the two countries. He said we see a big potential in the area of education. He hoped to see more students from Pakistan studying in educational institutes of Azerbaijan. He noted that the Azeri youth who studied from Pakistan are greatly contributing in our development Ilham Aliyev said that both the sides have also discussed cooperation in defence and agreed to enhance the number of military exercises. He said a strong military capability is a guarantor for independence and territorial integrity. The President of Azerbaijan said both the countries have always stood shoulder to shoulder with each other. He said our peoples shares the same views as the leaders. In his remarks on the occasion, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif said there is complete unanimity of views between the two sides on all bilateral and multilateral issues. He said Pakistan and Azerbaijan are two brotherly countries and this relationship is based on mutual trust, respect and sincerity of purpose. The Prime Minister said our relations that are strong from ages do not reflect its density through their trade and investment portfolio, exchange of visits and cooperation in other areas. He said there is a desire on both sides to bolster this relationship. He said there is great scope of cooperation between the two countries in the field of energy and petroleum products. He said Pakistan has a great potential in solar energy and said we look forward to cooperation in this realm. The Prime Minister was appreciative of Azerbaijan for extending the facilitation to enhance rice imports from Pakistan. He said we also welcome Azeri airline to start its operations between Baku and Islamabad. He assured that Pakistan would work closely with Azerbaijan to achieve the targets set for cooperation in different areas. Shehbaz Sharif said Azerbaijan has always been a staunch supporter of the Kashmiri brothers and sisters who have been braving Indian atrocities and terrorism over the last several decades. He said Pakistan is also committed to the cause of territorial integrity of Azerbaijan. He said the forces of Azerbaijan have bravely fought for the rights of Azerbaijan. Daedone is the founder of sex-centric wellness company OneTaste - which has been described as an orgasmic meditation group. A woman accused of running an orgasm cult disguised as a wellness company has been released on $1 million (921,000) bond. Nicole Daedone pleaded not guilty to allegations that she coerced and groomed people into undesired sex and underpaid work for more than a decade. Daedone is the founder of sex-centric wellness company OneTaste - which has been described as an orgasmic meditation group. She appeared in a federal courthouse in New York City on Tuesday but declined to make a public statement. She was released on a $1 million bond secured by her mother, her mothers partner, and a former OneTaste colleague who put up his $2 million property in Northern California as collateral. However, as Daedone walked free, federal Magistrate Judge Lois Bloom warned her that officials would be keeping an eye on her. You are under a microscope, Bloom told the 56-year-old defendant. You should consider youre being watched. Federal prosecutors have said Daedone and OneTastes former head of sales Rachel Cherwitz ran the business like a cult and preyed on vulnerable people with sexual trauma. The duo allegedly drew in members by promising to cure their sexual dysfunction but then forced them into debt and subjected them to economic, emotional, and psychological abuse. Daedone and Cherwitz also allegedly used surveillance, indoctrination, and intimidation to get their victims to work for free and have sex with clients and investors. Prosecutors said the pair forced members to live in communal homes and demanded they engage in uncomfortable or repulsive sex acts as a requirement to secure freedom and enlightenment. Meanwhile, according to the indictment, OneTaste didnt pay promised wages and commissions to members who later became employed by the company. Daedone and Cherwitz have been charged with forced labor conspiracy for the alleged scheme, which ran for 14 years until the business was shut down in 2018 following an FBI investigation. If convicted, they could face 20 years in prison each. However, Daedones defence lawyer Julia Gatto denied all allegations against her client outside the courtoom. Nicole Daedone is a ceiling-shattering feminist entrepreneur who built and grew a company like no other supporting and embracing female sexuality, female worth and female empowerment, Gatto said. The idea that this woman at this company engaged in forced labour is as far from the truth and reality as one can comprehend. Clare Redmond (24) is accused of assaulting the woman and leaving her with facial injuries in the incident. A young woman accused of scratching another womans face with her fingernails and punching her in an attack in a post office has pleaded not guilty to assault. Clare Redmond (24) is accused of assaulting the woman and leaving her with facial injuries in the incident. Ms Redmond, of Forestwood Avenue, Santry, is charged with assault causing harm to the woman in the post office in SuperValu, Ballymun Road, last November 10. She is also charged with another assault on a woman at Forestwood Avenue in Santry on February 10 last year. Clare Redmond When the cases came before Judge Ciaran Liddy at Dublin District Court, her solicitor Evan Moore said Ms Redmond was pleading not guilty to the charges and seeking a date for hearing. The judge adjourned the cases for a date for the non-jury trial to be set. Previously, the court heard it was alleged Ms Redmond assaulted a 25-year-old woman by scratching her face with her nails and pulling her down to the floor by the hair. She allegedly punched her and struck her to the face with her knee. The alleged victim suffered scratches and bruises to her face, the court heard. In an earlier incident at Forestwood Avenue on February 10 last year, it was alleged the accused approached a 35-year-old woman from behind and pulled her to the ground. A struggle ensued and the alleged victim suffered a sore back and neck, the court heard. A finger and knee were also bruised and her cheek was grazed. North Korea on Tuesday blew up the inter-Korean liaison office in Kaesong, just three days after leader Kim Jong-un's sister Kim Yo-jong had warned that the "useless" office would be demolished. According to the Unification Ministry, the North blew up the office at around 2:50 p.m. in an explosion that could be heard for miles around as smoke drifted over the border town. The official [North] Korean Central News Agency shortly afterward reported that the regime "completely ruined" the office after cutting off all the communication lines between the two Koreas. Cheong Wa Dae convened an emergency meeting of top security officials a couple of hours after the demolition. Only a day earlier, President Moon Jae-in had pleaded with North Korea to return to the dialogue table, ironically in an address marking the 20th anniversary of the historic inter-Korean summit between former South Korean President Kim Dae-jung and then North Korean leader Kim Jong-il in Pyongyang on June 15, 2000. Neil Hunter (55) was snared by a so-called paedophile hunter group This is the Co Antrim farmer who told a decoy posing as a 15-year-old boy to put on his mother's underwear to meet him before being snared by a so-called paedophile hunter group. Larne man Neil Hunter (55) was handed a four-month jail sentence at Antrim Magistrates Court, sitting in Ballymena, on Tuesday over three charges including attempting to meet a child following grooming. However, he was spared going to prison when District Judge Francis Rafferty suspended the sentence for two years. Sentencing Hunter and also imposing a five-year Sexual Offences Prevention Order, the judge told him he had failed to recognise that your actions were child sexual abuse. Lets be clear, thats precisely what they are and the fact that you are in a degree of denial about your behaviour gives me concern that a probation order is of little import, said Mr Rafferty. At an earlier hearing Hunter, from McCareys Loanen in Larne, admitted attempting to meet a child following sexual grooming and attempting to engage a child in sexual communication. He also admitted possessing extreme pornography on dates between April 23 and 30, last year. A prosecuting lawyer told the court that on April 30 last year, a man from a so-called paedophile hunter group told police how he had been exchanging messages with Hunter over the course of the preceding week. Posing as a 15-year-old boy called Lee, the decoy told Hunter his age and the defendant told him thats fine and the messages quickly became sexual with the defendant sending sexually explicit images. The court was also told Hunter asked to meet the boy and encouraged him to wear his mothers underwear when they met. Hunter also detailed the sexual acts he would perform on him when they met and there was an arrangement for them to meet at Larne train station on April 30. At around 8pm that day, Hunter pulled his car into the car park and was confronted by the decoy who recorded the incident and broadcast it online but Hunter drove off. The Public Prosecution Service lawyer said the decoy gave all the materials, footage and his phone to the police but in the meantime, Hunter himself also made a report to police himself that he was at the train station when he was approached by an unknown male who said that he was making a citizens arrest as he was meeting a 15-year-old boy for sex. Officers seized his phone as well and when all the devices were examined, the evidence gathered corroborated the account provided by the witness. Hunters phone was also found to contain three pornography images of an extreme nature but when he was questioned, he claimed that as a farmer the images had been sent to him as a joke. He also denied having any sexual interest in children and said he didnt intend anything sexual to take place when he met Lee. Defence counsel Neil Moore said father-of-two Hunter had a clear record. He added he had health difficulties which meant he couldnt work on the family farm and that lead to him going online more and more, resulting in the wholly bizarre offences. In addition to the suspended jail sentence and Sexual Offences Prevention Order, Mr Rafferty also ordered Hunter to sign the police sex offenders register. Gardai are questioning a man following the discovery of a womans body at a house in Co Dublin. The womans body was found in the kitchen of the property in Raheny, Dublin 5 in the early hours of this morning. Nicola is joined by Matt Horne, a former Deputy Director of the National Crime Agency in the UK who has spent his career chasing down large criminal organisations and their money. Criminals are always looking for weakness in people, organisations and particularly in systems where they can launder their dirty cash and wash it into the legitimate economy. But how can businesses and individuals safeguard themselves from being used by drug dealers, terrorists and criminal organisations making millions from the misery of others? Nicola is joined by Matt Horne, a former Deputy Director of the National Crime Agency in the UK who has spent his career chasing down large criminal organisations and their money. He is set to be a key speaker at the cluesoftware.com webinar to be held on June 20th but talks to Nicola in advance of the conference about tackling the dark underworld of money laundering and illicit finances. Crime World Podcast can be found on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Google Podcasts and Soundcloud. MORE EPISODES Aaron Keating was stabbed twice with a knife at around 7pm in broad daylight Gardai have issued an appeal for people who may have recorded footage of yesterdays fatal stabbing in West Dublin to pass it onto them and not share it on social media. Gardai in Blanchardstown are continuing to investigate the fatal assault that occurred on Main Street, Ongar, in which Aaron Keating was stabbed twice with a knife at around 7pm in broad daylight. A 17-year-old boy was arrested after he handed himself in to Blanchardstown garda station in the company of his mother. Sources say the entire incident was caught on CCTV and gardai are following a definite line of inquiry. Gardai said this morning that a post mortem on the deceased has been conducted but that the results will not be released for operational reasons. Gardai are continuing to appeal for any persons with information in relation to this incident to come forward and any road users with video footage (including dash cam) are asked to make this available to them, they said. Gardai are aware that members of the public may have recorded footage of this incident and request that this footage is provided to Gardai and not to share it on social media. Mr Keating, who was aged in his 40s, stood dazed for a few seconds after being stabbed but then collapsed to the ground as locals rushed to assist him. He was taken to Connolly Hospital in Blanchardstown, where he was later pronounced dead. Sources said that there had been very little hope that Mr Keating would survive the knife attack. He was a vulnerable person who had engaged with homeless services and other supports in recent years. Despite his issues, he was described by locals sources as very popular in the Ongar community. Friends of Mr Keating held a vigil in his memory in Ongar village yesterday evening, with those attending leaving floral tributes at the scene. He has been described as a very well known member of the community, who was a daily feature of life in the village, according to one local. Aaron Keating It is understood that just before the stabbing, Mr Keating had been in a verbal altercation with a number of juvenile male youths on Main Street, who had told him to move on. Sources say Mr Keating moved a short distance away but when he crossed the road he is believed to have shouted something at the group of male youths. This was just before a teenager, who is understood to have been topless, approached him and stabbed him twice. The teenager, from Dunboyne, Co Meath, then fled and ran down a nearby laneway. The murder was witnessed by a number of people, including families, on the busy street. A garda spokesman yesterday said in a statement that the male juvenile teenager had been arrested on suspicion of murder and is being detained under Section 4 of the Criminal Justice Act 1984. A decision to release or charge the boy must be made by this morning. Gardai said that the investigation remains ongoing and an incident room has been established at Blanchardstown garda station under the direction of a senior investigating officer. A family liaison officer has been appointed to the family of the deceased man. Investigating Gardai are continuing to appeal to any persons who were in the vicinity of Main Street, Ongar the evening of Tuesday 13th June, 2023 between 6.30p.m. and 7p.m. to contact them at Blanchardstown Garda station on 01 666 7000, the Garda Confidential Line on 1800 666 111, or any Garda station. I woke up in the middle of the night, I thought it was near 2am. The flashing lights came through the curtains, I looked out and saw there was the garda van and the ambulance. Gardai examine the scene where a woman was found in a house on the Kilbarrack Road, Raheny. Picture Colin Keegan, Collins Dublin The body of the woman is removed from a house in Raheny A woman cried loudly and neighbours stood ashen-faced in their gardens in a quiet north Dublin suburb as they watched the body of a woman being removed from a house and placed into a silver ambulance. Sometime after 1am this morning, detectives believe the woman aged in her 40s was fatally stabbed in a house on the Kilbarrack Road, Raheny. It is believed the attack took place in the kitchen of the house and the woman died a short time later. The scene at Kilbarrack Road, Raheny Gardai have arrested a man (50s), known to her who was detained at a local garda station under Section 4 of the Criminal Justice Act 1984 Two children are understood to have been in the house at the time. We are in total shock, completely numb. I really thought it was a fire, said one local man. Garda at the scene in Raheny I woke up in the middle of the night, I thought it was near 2am. The flashing lights came through the curtains, I looked out and saw there was the garda van and the ambulance. I couldnt sleep after that, my wife said the gardai were out. We are just in complete shock. I really am, the man added. I grew up here, I went to school across the road. Its always been really quiet on that street. The whole area is quiet. I really believed it was a fire, I have never come across anything like this. Also struggling to deal with the situation was Kerry Cannon (40), who works in a nearby restaurant that faces the crime scene. I cant focus today. Its just so shocking. Im in total shock. I have kids in the local school, I just cannot believe it, Ms Cannon said, her eyes welling up as she struggled to speak. Gardai examine the scene where a woman was found in a house on the Kilbarrack Road, Raheny. Picture Colin Keegan, Collins Dublin Outside in the sunshine, a woman was crying loudly on the path, being comforted by a member of the public. Traffic slowed to a standstill on the Kilbarrack road. "Whats after happening? motorists asked from their car windows. Jordan Carey (30) was out walking his dogs and saw the crying woman. Taken aback by news of the death in his neighbourhood, Mr Carey said: I just came up the road, this is very shocking news to hear and my thoughts are with the victims family. All our thoughts are, he said. The scene at Kilbarrack Road, Raheny Another local, Mark Higgins (38), had stopped to buy some groceries. Its disgusting to hear what happened. Horrible to see that, terrible, he said. Another neighbour who lives just a couple of houses away from the crime scene, but did not want to be named, stood smoking a cigarette in clear disbelief. It happened last night. I know nothing other than I would see them walking up and down the road, he commented. House front Fianna Fail councillor Daryl Barron, who is local to Kilbarrack, said it was disturbing news. It is very concerning, a young woman has lost her life and its extremely distressing, he said. It is a very distressing time for neighbours and people in a community which has been quite quiet in recent years and hasnt had anything like this happening in recent times. My thoughts and prayers are with the family, and we can only wait and see the outcome of the investigation, Mr Bannon added. Gardai and paramedics were at the scene within minutes and the injured man was initially given emergency treatment at the scene. The incident occurred on Tuesday evening in the Ongar area of Dublin (PA) A man is in critical condition after a stabbing in Cork city centre. The man suffered suspected stab injuries after an incident on the Grand Parade, just metres from one of Cork's busiest city centre shopping areas. Gardai and paramedics were at the scene within minutes and the injured man was initially given emergency treatment at the scene. He was then rushed by ambulance to a Cork hospital where he is expected to undergo emergency surgery. The man is believed to have suffered critical injuries to his chest and is now fighting for his life. Gardai immediately sealed off the area pending a full forensic examination of the scene. It is understood the incident occurred shortly after 7pm. Areas along the Grand Parade were very busy with revellers and people heading home from work at the time. It is understood a number of people witnessed the aftermath of the incident involved. A Garda source said CCTV security camera footage is now expected to play a crucial role in their investigation as the area is dominated by restaurants, cafes and retail premises, most of which are equipped with security cameras. The attack occurred less than 300 metres from the Bridewell and Anglesea Street Garda Stations. It is the third stabbing incident in Cork and Kerry in a matter of weeks after young men suffered slash-type injuries in a separate and unrelated attacks in north Kerry and west Cork. The knife attack on vulnerable man Aaron Keating was caught on CCTV Locals place flowers in Ongar Village at a vigil in memory of Aaron Keating. Photo: Colin Keegan A 17-year-old boy who was being questioned last night about a stab murder was arrested after he handed himself in to Blanchardstown garda station in the company of his mother. It is understood that the victim, Aaron Keating, was stabbed twice with a knife in an incident which happened on Main Street in Ongar, west Dublin, at around 7pm on Tuesday in broad daylight. Sources say the entire incident was caught on CCTV and gardai are following a definite line of inquiry. Mr Keating, who was aged in his 40s, stood dazed for a few seconds after being stabbed but then collapsed to the ground as locals rushed to assist him. He was taken to Connolly Hospital in Blanchardstown, where he was later pronounced dead. Sources said that there had been very little hope that Mr Keating would survive the knife attack. He was a vulnerable person who had engaged with homeless services and other supports in recent years. Locals place flowers in Ongar Village at a vigil in memory of Aaron Keating. Photo: Colin Keegan Despite his issues, he was described by locals sources as very popular in the Ongar community. Friends of Mr Keating held a vigil in his memory in Ongar village yesterday evening, with those attending leaving floral tributes at the scene. He has been described as a very well known member of the community, who was a daily feature of life in the village, according to one local. It is understood that just before the stabbing, Mr Keating had been in a verbal altercation with a number of juvenile male youths on Main Street, who had told him to move on. Sources say Mr Keating moved a short distance away but when he crossed the road he is believed to have shouted something at the group of male youths. This was just before a teenager, who is understood to have been topless, approached him and stabbed him twice. The teenager, from Dunboyne, Co Meath, then fled and ran down a nearby laneway. The murder was witnessed by a number of people, including families, on the busy street Floral tributes on Main Street, Ongar, where Aaron Keating was fatally stabbed. Photo: Colin Keegan A garda spokesman yesterday said in a statement that the male juvenile teenager had been arrested on suspicion of murder and is being detained under Section 4 of the Criminal Justice Act 1984. A decision to release or charge the boy must be made by this morning. Gardai said that the investigation remains ongoing and an incident room has been established at Blanchardstown garda station under the direction of a senior investigating officer. A family liaison officer has been appointed to the family of the deceased man. Yesterday, gardai continued to appeal for any persons with information in relation to this incident to come forward, and any road user with video footage, including dash-cam footage, is asked to make this available to them. A spokesperson said: Investigating gardai are appealing to any persons who were in the vicinity of Main Street, Ongar on Tuesday June 13 between 6.30pm and 7pm to contact them at Blanchardstown garda station on 01 666 7000, the Garda Confidential Line on 1800 666 111, or any garda station. Emergency services were alerted to the property in Raheny after 1am following reports of a violent assault Gardai at the scene on Kilbarrack Road, Raheny, Dublin where the body of a woman was dead this morning Photo: Colin Keegan, Collins Dublin Detectives believe a woman was stabbed to death by a man known to her in a row at a house in north Dublin overnight. It is understood two children were in the home at the time but they were not physically harmed. Emergency services were alerted to the property in Raheny after 1am following reports of a violent assault. When gardai arrived, they discovered the woman, aged in her 40s, in the kitchen of the house with suspected stab wounds. She was pronounced dead a short time later. The scene at Kilbarrack Road, Raheny The scene on Kilbarrack Road was sealed-off and an examination is being conducted by the Garda Technical Bureau. A man, aged in his 50s, was arrested at the house on suspicion of murder. The suspect is known to the victim and is currently being detained at a local garda station under Section 4 of the Criminal Justice Act 1984. Gardai have this morning been conducting door-to-door inquiries in the area as part of the investigation. They are not looking for anyone else in relation to the murder. Scene in Raheny, Dublin 5. Photo: Avril Kinsella A Garda spokesman said the woman's body remained at the property and that the Office of the State Pathologist had been notified. An incident room has been established and a senior investigating officer appointed to oversee the inquiry. Fianna Fail councillor Daryl Barron, who is local to Kilbarrack, said it was disturbing news. It is very concerning, a young woman has lost her life and its extremely distressing, he said. It is a very distressing time for neighbours and people in a community which has been quite quiet in recent years and hasnt had anything like this happening in recent times. My thoughts and prayers are with the family, and we can only wait and see the outcome of the investigation. During the 90s, the Amsterdam criminal struck up a close working relationship with the Dapper Don when they were both based in Amsterdam Prosecutors in the Netherlands have demanded a nine-year prison sentence for Mink Kok, the Dutch criminal pal of Christy Dapper Don Kinahan. The 61-year-old so called boss of the cocaine world is suspected of involvement in the transport of cocaine, including 400 kilos that arrived in the port of Antwerp in 2020 and was later found in a German supermarket between a batch of bananas. The convicted drug trafficker and gun runner, one of the most infamous gangland criminals in Dutch history, is currently detained on suspicion of cocaine trafficking in the detention centre in Nieuwegein. During the 90s, the Amsterdam criminal struck up a close working relationship with Christy Kinahan Snr when they were both based in Amsterdam. It is believed the pair worked together to import millions of euro worth of cocaine and ecstasy into Ireland and the UK. On Tuesday, the Public Prosecution Service demanded a nine-year prison sentence for Kok at a court in Rotterdam. Kok's son-in-law, named only as Najim Z is also accused by the Public Prosecution Service of being behind the importation from South America of two batches of 750 and 840 kilos of cocaine. These were intercepted in 2021 in the ports of Antwerp and Rotterdam. Najim Z (42) was sentenced on Tuesday for those two coke shipments in a separate case. He was handed down an eight-year prison sentence minus time spent in pre-detention and a detention period in Lebanon. However, prosecutors have demanded another 12 years in prison against him two weeks ago in the case which is completely separate from that of Koks. According to the judice officials, evidence against Kok stems from intercepted Sky ECC messages. Justice official say they can prove that there was intensive contact between Sky phones that are attributed to Z and Mink Kok, who were both arrested in Lebanon at the end of March 2022. There was no Sky telephone found with Kok when he was arrested, but detectives say that the investigation against Kok started after he admitted to a TV programme that he used Sky telephones to communicate with others. His lawyer Mark Teurlings previously denied that Kok was the user of the two Sky phones attributed to him. In the messages we clearly read that the user of the telephone would be in the Netherlands, even in Amsterdam, Teurlings has been quoted as saying. So the user could never have been Kok because he was in Lebanon at the time. Various media have referred to Najim Z based on various judicial or police sources as a leader in Ridouan Taghi's network. Dutch-Moroccan Taghi is regarded as one of Europes biggest drugs traffickers and is a key associate of the Kinahan Cartel. He was one of a number of high-profile criminals who were guests at Daniel Kinahans wedding in Dubai in 2017. Along with a number of his associates, Taghi is currently facing multiple charges ranging from assassinations, attempted killings and murder plots. Lawyers for Z have previously contested that their client should be considered as the financial man in Taghi's drug network, as the Public Prosecutor believes. The court will rule on June 27. The dogs handlers discovered six surfboards contained a total of 50kg (110lb) of cocaine when the suspicious shipping was examined on May 23. The cocaine was concealed in the boards An international surfboard gang that had been smuggling cocaine from South America into Europe has been wiped out by cops in Uruguay. Traffickers had been hiding the drugs inside surfboards but were busted after sniffer dogs alerted officers to the presence of cocaine. The dogs handlers discovered six surfboards contained a total of 50kg (110lb) of cocaine when the suspicious shipping was examined on May 23. Officers said the boards were uncharacteristically heavy and when they passed them through a scanner, they spotted hidden packages inside. A photo supplied by Uruguays interior ministry shows white powder spilling from one of the boards after it had been cut open. Police allowed one surfboard to be air-freighted to Italy in order to track down those receiving it The cocaine was concealed in the boards Three Italian citizens were later arrested in an operation involving counter-narcotics police in Spain, Portugal and Italy. Police believe the Italians entered Uruguay across the land border with Brazil before travelling on to Argentina after posting the surfboards. Two Italian nationals were arrested by police in Portugal as they went to pick up the cocaine-filled surfboard which police had allowed through. A third Italian citizen, who police believe dispatched the drugs from Uruguay to Europe, was detained in Italy. The Uruguayan prosecutors office said that the transatlantic operation was a model of international co-operation. It has been reported that drug traffickers are increasingly using Uruguay, which borders Argentina and Brazil, to ship drugs from drug-producing parts of South America to Europe. It has become a major transit point for cocaine from Colombia and Peru in recent years but the countrys interior minister has insisted that they are fully committed to the fight against drug-trafficking. He said controls at the countrys ports and border crossings are key to disrupting drug shipments. It has also been reported locally that this is not first time smugglers have been caught attempting to smuggle cocaine internationally concealed in surfboards. After cutting into a surfboard to investigate scanned images, large amounts of cocaine powder were found. But asked how, he only added, "We're consulting with a relevant agency." The government has promised to somehow hold the North accountable. "The North's unilateral blowup of the liaison office is very shocking," a Unification Ministry official said Wednesday. "We'll take them to account for damages in a proper way." Losses could mount to over W1 trillion if the regime also destroys other structures in the industrial park or the aging chalet resort and other buildings in Mt. Kumgang. The inter-Korean liaison office in Kaesong that the North blew up Tuesday cost South Korea W70.7 billion, to say nothing of the adjacent building for the Kaesong Industrial Complex, whose windows were shattered in the blast (US$1=W1,214). North Korea's recent histrionics come at a massive cost, not to the regime but to South Korean taxpayers. The two Koreas did in fact work out a compensation provision when they drafted an agreement as a follow-up to the historic inter-Korean summit in Pyongyang in 2000. It stipulates that the two sides will "protect invested assets from the other side in each region according to law" and "to make quick, sufficient and effective compensation" if they are expropriated. The Kaesong Industrial Park agreement also stipulates that the North takes responsibility for any damage to South Korean assets. But even if the South Korean government pushed for it, North Korea has no money and is likely to ignore it. One alternative is demonstrated by the parents of Otto Warmbier, the American student who was beaten to death in a North Korean jail. The Warmbiers are personally trying to track down overseas assets squirreled away by North Korean leader Kim Jong-un based on a U.S. court ruling. In a suit for damages in 2018, the U.S. court awarded the Warmbiers US$501.14 million from the North Korean regime. That in theory allows the Warmbiers to seize any assets Kim may have in the U.S. The blowup of the liaison office was "an illegal act that forfeited the South Korean government's assets and violated its property rights," independent lawmaker Yoon Sang-hyun said. "We should immediately demand compensation and restoration of the destroyed property." United Future Party lawmaker Thae Young-ho said, "We should also start a legal struggle to freeze and seize North Korea's overseas assets" if South Korea's property rights are violated. "Theoretically, South Korea can file a lawsuit with domestic and foreign courts against North Korea for the demolition," one political observer said. But the current government is unlikely to do that since it would mean a complete U-turn in its policy of appeasement at all costs. That only leaves the option of private South Korean businesses that have suffered any damage suing the North. The men, who have Irish accents, pretend that they need help, stating that their bank cards dont work in the UK North Yorkshire Police have issued a warning about two Irish men who have been carrying out an ATM scam in Harrogate and Thirsk. According to police, they have been recently receiving reports of a new in person scam that has been taking place in the area over the last few days. In each incident, a young person has been approached in broad daylight on the streets by two men. The men, who have Irish accents, pretend that they need help, stating that their bank cards dont work in the UK, police revealed. They request that money is withdrawn from an ATM by the victim and handed to them. The victim is assured any money given will be refunded via a transfer to the victims account. No such transfer is made and the money is stolen, leaving the victim out of pocket. While no threats are made, the circumstances of the approach left the victims feeling intimidated, police added. Police advise that if you are approached in this way, politely refuse to help, and try to move away. Only when it is safe to do so, please report the approach to the Police, noting any details, especially any vehicle details on 101, option 1. If you see this happening, and it is safe to do so, please call 999. Passengers on board claimed the flight attendant announced that they were destined for Palestine multiple times in both Italian and English. A Ryanair flight attendant reportedly announced that passengers were arriving in "occupied Palestine" during a recent flight to Tel Aviv Passengers on a recent Ryanair flight bound for Israel were shocked after a flight attendant repeatedly described their final destination as Palestine. Israeli passengers on board the flight - which flew from Bologna, Italy to Tel Aviv last Saturday - claimed the flight attendant announced that they were destined for Palestine multiple times in both Italian and English. Approximately half an hour before the plane touched down in Ben Gurion Airport, the Ryanair cabin crew member reportedly announced over the intercom that they were approaching Palestine, according to World Israel News. Some passengers told local media that they asked the attendant to apologise for the remarks or correct herself. We didnt [buy tickets] on the airline to deal with anti-Zionist opinions [from flight staff], one furious flyer said. All we wanted was [an announcement] that Tel Aviv is in Israel. World Israel News reported that the flight attendant in question was not wearing a name tag, making it difficult for passengers to identify her if they wished to file a complaint. One traveller reportedly attempted to take a photo of the air hostess but was warned that she would be arrested if she left her seat to try and capture a clear image. Meanwhile, Ryanair has stressed that the incident was an innocent mistake made by a junior crew member. A junior crew member on this flight from Bologna to Tel Aviv (10 June) made a routine descent PA mistakenly saying Palestine instead of Tel Aviv, a spokesperson told sundayworld.com. This was an innocent mistake with no intent and was immediately corrected and apologised for by the senior crew member on board. The incident has garnered mix reactions online, with many pro-Palestine supporters favouring the Ryanair attendants stance, while others criticised the airline for promoting antisemitism and called for a boycott. One person tweeted: Oh @Ryanair this is why we love you so. @RyanairPress do NOT apologise. Ireland stands with Palestine #FromTheRiverToTheSea. Another wrote Thank you Ryanair for doing the right thing and for calling the state with its original name - Palestine! Avi Abraham Benlolo, CEO of The Abraham Global Peace Initiative, said: We are sickened by @Ryanair staff that announced they were landing in "Palestine" instead of Israel. Can you imagine this happening on approach to any other country. Its nothing short of #Antisemitic and deserves an apology. While another social media user added: Please DO fly @Ryanair! The Irish continue their famous solidarity with Palestine. Not a huge deal, but still a nice gesture. And it gets Zionists upset, so that's cool. Jackie Goodall, executive director of the Ireland Israel Alliance, said: It is wholly unacceptable that on a flight from Italy to Tel Aviv, a member of Ryanair staff would repeatedly broadcast their own political ideology over the facts by stating that the flight in question was landing in Palestine, rather than in Israel. The Ireland Israel Alliance believes that such a view is not Ryanair policy, and we will request that they make an unreserved apology statement to this effect and to address the employee in question". He was chatting to my bar manager for about 20 minutes upstairs before everyone else came in A Dublin bar manager has revealed how absolute gent Morgan Freeman took time to shake hands and pose for photos during a visit to the capital. The US actor was in town as honorary MC of The Delta Blues Project - a collaboration between the RTE Concert Orchestra and US-based Irish jazz impresario David O'Rourke. The Oscar-winner then surprised and delighted customers and staff alike when he popped into the The Bridge 1859 pub, in south Dublin earlier this week. 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 Managing director Noel Anderson, told Lunchtime Live how Freeman had gone to Roly's Bistro for his dinner, when they got a call. "[They said] 'We've a very unusual request here: you probably never heard of this drink, it's a premium American vodka'. "My operations manager said, 'I'll stop you there, it's Tito's - and we have it here'. "We were able to send it in to Roly's and then they were able to help us back there because he drinks Tito's and soda with a garlic-infused olive. "Needless to say we didn't have any of them, so they returned the favour. "He was an absolute gent, hung around for a good while. "He was chatting to my bar manager for about 20 minutes upstairs before everyone else came in, sharp as a tack," he added. Mr Anderson said the actor took time to shake hands and take photos. "We put it up on our channels there and I was chatting to the social media staff... they said they've never seen a reaction like it," he said. "I love his movies as well. "He shook customer's hands outside and was chatting to people and took pictures - he was a real gentleman. "He was flying out then the next morning at 6am on his private jet," he added. U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken is traveling to China on Friday, a trip that was rescheduled from February after a suspected Chinese spy balloon flew through U.S. airspace. But expectations are low that Blinken's trip will reset the two countries' fraught relationship. Blinken is the first secretary of state to visit Beijing since 2018. "While in Beijing, Secretary Blinken will meet with senior PRC officials where he will discuss the importance of maintaining open lines of communication to responsibly manage the U.S.-PRC relationship. He will also raise bilateral issues of concern, global and regional matters, and potential cooperation on shared transnational challenges," the State Department said on Wednesday, referencing the People's Republic of China. In a tweet, Blinken said he and Qin "discussed ongoing efforts to maintain open channels of communication as well as bilateral and global issues." In Beijing, Chinese officials asked the United States to stop what they said was Washington's undermining of China's security and development interests, but added the two countries can manage differences and promote cooperation. Chinese Ministry of Foreign Affairs spokesperson Wang Wenbin said during a Wednesday briefing that the Beijing government hopes the U.S. will "take concrete actions" to "work with China to effectively manage differences, promote exchanges and cooperation, [and] stabilize the relationship from further deterioration." Senior U.S. officials said topics high on the agenda during Blinken's meetings in Beijing June 18-19 include regional security, counternarcotics, climate change, global macroeconomic stability, Americans wrongfully detained in China, as well as exchanges between American and Chinese people. Bill Gates, Microsoft Corp's co-founder, is set to meet Chinese President Xi Jinping on Friday during his visit to China, two people with knowledge of the matter said. The meeting will mark Xi's first meeting with a foreign private entrepreneur in recent years. The people said the encounter may be a one-on-one meeting. A third source confirmed they would meet, without providing details. The sources did not say what the two might discuss. Gates tweeted on Wednesday that he had landed in Beijing for the first time since 2019 and that he would meet with partners who had been working on global health and development challenges with the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation. The foundation and China's State Council Information Office, which handles media queries on behalf of the Chinese government, did not immediately respond to Reuters requests for comment. 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. Women from Vietnam, Thailand and Cambodia who married lonely Korean bachelors are breathing new life into the countryside's outdoor markets. An abundance of tropical fruit, vegetables and spices from the mail-order brides' home countries now spill out into the narrow lanes, and are advertised in Southeast Asian languages or English. One 53-year-old butcher said, "Only elderly people used to come to my store and I was getting worried I might have to close down, but now the foreign women will ensure that I can stay open for another eight or nine years." The butcher put up welcome signs in different languages at his store. "Around 90 percent of younger customers in our market are foreign women, so I put up the signs three years ago to make them feel more at home." Auburn, N.Y. - A missing Central New York teen has been found in Moravia, police said. Ethan Zirbel was last seen Tuesday leaving from 202 Franklin St., Auburn police said in a news release. He was found Thursday, police said. Police had released information about Ethans disappearance and stated that he may have stayed in the Cayuga County area on Tuesday. Police did not release any other information about how he was located. Staff writer Rylee Kirk covers breaking news, crime and public safety. Have a tip, story idea, photo, question or comment? Reach her at 315-396-5961, on Twitter @kirk_rylee, or rkirk@syracuse.com. Update, 12:20 pm.: The man is in custody, Keller said. Update, 12:05 p.m.: The lockout at Smith Road Elementary School has been lifted, Keller said. Original article North Syracuse, N.Y. Smith Road Elementary School is in a lockout after a police presence in the area on Thursday for a suicidal man. Police responded to 6134 Smith Road in Cicero after a 45-year-old man trashed his house and set his car on fire, said Trooper Jack Keller, a spokesperson for the State Police. The man set fire to a car around 8:32 a.m. and it was fully involved, according to Onondaga County 911 dispatches from firefighters arriving at the scene. Fire trucks were seen on Eastman Road near Zappala Excavating. The man is believed to have fled to the wooded area behind his house, Keller said. State troopers and other police were seen on Smith Road. The Onondaga County Sheriffs Department Helicopter, Air1, is circling the area. Smith Road Elementary School is on lockout as a precaution, Keller said. The school has about 575 students. This is a developing story and will be updated as more information becomes available. A vehicle was set on fire at Zappala Excavating in North Syracuse, according to 911 dispatch reports, June 15, 2023. (Darian Stevenson | dstevenson@syracuse.com) Staff writer Rylee Kirk covers breaking news, crime and public safety. Have a tip, story idea, photo, question or comment? Reach her at 315-396-5961, on Twitter @kirk_rylee, or rkirk@syracuse.com. Cicero, N.Y. A man who caused an elementary school in Cicero to be locked down Thursday doused his home with gasoline and set fire to his truck before fleeing police. That kicked off a three-hour search by police officers and a sheriffs helicopter before the man was captured. The 45-year-old man told his mother he was wanted by bad guys and was going to burn his home and truck while inside, according to a statement his mother made to State Police. When his mom went to his home, she could smell gas and the windows of his vehicles were smashed out, she told troopers. Troopers said the house at 6134 Smith Road was doused in gasoline. State police started the intensive search for him which included the Onondaga County Sheriffs Office helicopter circling over the area. Smith Road Elementary School at 5959 Smith Road was placed in lockout. The school is less than three-quarters of a mile from the mans home. The vehicle was found about two miles from his home, police said in court documents. They searched for him for about three hours. He was eventually taken into custody and the lockout at the school lifted, said Trooper Jack Keller, a spokesperson for State Police. He was found at the Anchorage Marina in the town of Sullivan, police said. Thats about 10 miles from his home. Officers found three guns in the mans home, they said in court documents. Due to guns being in the home and the closeness of the mans home to the school police described him as an imminent threat against the community in court documents. Police applied for an Extreme Risk Protection Order against him, which would prevent him from purchasing guns. State Supreme Court Judge Robert Antonacci approved the temporary order Thursday afternoon. The man was taken to the Comprehensive Psychiatric Emergency Program, CPEP, said Keller. The criminal investigation is still ongoing, he said. Staff writer Rylee Kirk covers breaking news, crime and public safety. Have a tip, story idea, photo, question or comment? Reach her at 315-396-5961, on Twitter @kirk_rylee, or rkirk@syracuse.com. Editors note: Syracuse.com staff writer Fernando Alba contributed to this report. Clay, N.Y. Madison Faltisco was fiercely independent, generous and hard-working but she would want to be remembered as the life of the party, her mom said. Maddie was a bright light, said Priscilla Allen, Faltiscos mom. She was outgoing. She was fun. Faltisco, 22, was walking on the shoulder of Oswego Road last Thursday when she was hit by a car driven by 23-year-old Joshua Schiano, authorities said. Faltisco had refused a ride from Schiano -- a co-worker she was hanging out with that night -- because she was worried about him driving after drinking, Onondaga County District Attorney William Fitzpatrick said. Faltisco was not found until seven hours later when a 911 caller reported finding a woman along the road. She was declared dead at the scene. Faltiscos mom on Wednesday talked about her daughter with Syracuse.com | The Post-Standard. Faltiscos family and friends will gather for calling hours and funeral services later today. While Faltisco loved to have fun, she was very responsible, her mom said. Since she was just 12 years old she wanted to be independent and out on her own, Allen said. Her mom would tell her she still had to wait a few more years. As a kid, Faltisco loved to put on a show and never shied away from the limelight. She grew up dancing and loved that she could get all dressed up and perform. She was going to be able to dress every bit of the part, that meant getting her hair done and her makeup done, Allen said. That was a huge influence to Madison. When she was a little older and a student at the Institute of Technology at Syracuse Central, a high school in Syracuse, she translated her passion to being on camera. She briefly followed the footsteps of her grandfather Roderic Groat, known as Rod Wood, a longtime anchor at WSYR-TV, and studied media at school. A clip of Faltisco reading the news has been on the Syracuse City School District website for a while, her mom said. Several clips of her are still up on the ITC youtube channel. After high school, she was ready to go out on her own and start to make her way in the world. She was briefly enrolled at Onondaga Community College but didnt graduate, instead, she found a new passion. Madison began waitressing and fell in love with it, her mom said. It was a way for her to stay on her feet, feel productive and get to interact with people, her mom said. Faltisco also loved the financial freedom waitressing gave her, Allen said. Before she died Faltisco was working at Smokey Bones, a restaurant in Clay. She made enough money to get her own apartment in Liverpool, her own car and live the fun lifestyle she loved, her mom said. A friend of Faltiscos said she loved getting her nails and done and going to the mall. Although she loved to treat herself to a good time and a good meal, she showed love through generosity, her mother said. Allen said that she recently drove her daughter to an appointment downtown because her car wasnt working and Faltisco insisted on buying her mom lunch -- no matter how many times she refused -- to show her appreciation. She would often pick up the tab when going out with friends and family and took a lot of pride in it, Allen said. Allen said that her daughter, who was nicknamed Maddie Baddie, would probably like to be remembered as the life of the party who drew everyone to her, but her mom said she will remember her generous spirit. Services for Faltisco are being held Thursday. Calling hours are 4 to 6:30 p.m. at Sears Middleton Mathewson Funeral Home, 209 N. Main St., North Syracuse, followed by a funeral service. *** Faltiscos obituary GoFundMe organized by Faltiscos family *** Schiano, the man accused of driving into Faltisco, has been charged with manslaughter and leaving the scene of a fatal accident. He is currently being held in the Onondaga County Justice Center jail on $500,000 bail. A memorial on Oswego Road in Clay on Monday, June 12, 2023 left in memory of Madison Faltisco, 22, of Liverpool, who was killed by a hit and run driver. (Rick Moriarty |rmoriarty@syracuse.com) Madison Faltisco, 22, was killed by a hit-and-run driver in Clay on Thursday, June 8, 2023, deputies said. More on syracuse.com Woman was killed in hit-and-run by driver she wouldnt take ride from because he was drinking, DA says Man charged with manslaughter in hit-and-run that killed woman in Clay Woman hit by car in Clay who died wasnt found for hours after driver fled scene, DA says Staff writer Anne Hayes covers breaking news, crime and public safety. Have a tip, a story idea, a question or a comment? You can reach her at ahayes@syracuse.com. New Yorks legal weed market added 36 licensed retailers and subtracted a prominent industry regulator at a Thursday meeting of the Cannabis Control Board. During the 90-minute meeting held in Buffalo, board members, marijuana growers and State Assembly Majority Leader Crystal Peoples-Stokes also discussed extraordinary difficulties farmers are facing, and the possibility of establishing farmers markets for cultivators. We really need to make sure that we are structuring this in a way that helps the farmers, said board member Jennifer Gilbert Jenkins. After Office of Cannabis Management officials wrapped up a presentation about progress the agency is making in growing the states legal industry, Jenkins asked them about a proposal OCM announced last month to allow conditional cultivators to sell their products at farmers markets. Sign up for the NY Cannabis Insider Newsletter Enter your email address to get exclusive reporting on NY's cannabis market delivered to your inbox: Jenkins and other board members noted that they had expected to take a vote on the matter, but that the item had been removed from the meeting agenda at the last minute. For context, OCM Director of Policy John Kagia said during a Cannabis Association of New York meeting last month that the agency will allow conditional growers and Conditional Adult-Use Retail Dispensaries (CAURDs) to team up and sell products at a location other than the retailers shop. On Thursday, Kagia, OCM Chief Equity Officer Damian Fagon and OCM General Counsel Linda Baldwin said legal questions led them to delay putting the matter up for a vote. I would love to be able to say well be able to resolve this within a week but at this time, that would be difficult, Baldwin said. Were still grappling with a number of issues, but we do understand the concerns. CCB Chair Tremaine Wright also noted possible legal complications with some aspects of the farmers market proposal, but also said its important that regulators find a way to allow the markets sooner rather than later. While board members and OCM staff acknowledged the perilous situation faced by licensed weed growers staring down the prospect of planting another harvest without having earned revenue from last years crop, Majority Leader Peoples-Stokes had some harsh words for cultivators who have complained. Addressing meeting attendees in her home district of Buffalo, Peoples-Stokes urged patience among licensed growers, but suggested that cultivators complaining about the pace of New Yorks legal weed rollout arent running sustainable businesses. If you think this is going to happen in two years and it hasnt, then youre not ready for this as a sustainable business, Peoples-Stokes said. There are people in California who will come and pay you for your license right now; and they will not whine about what theyve been through to get to where they are, Peoples-Stokes said. They will take it from right there and make it happen. However, during the meetings public comment period, multiple people noted the existential crises many growers currently face, and urged OCM and CCB to approve farmers markets as soon as possible. Joann Kudrewicz, CEO of Ravens View Genetics and chair of CANYs Cultivation Committee, praised OCM for their growers showcase proposal, and said its become a point of hope among weed farmers. You heard our challenges, you came up with a solution, you ignited a spark of hope among our community, Kudrewicz said. We see a light at the end of this short tunnel with the growers showcase model, so we can reap the revenue and benefits of our labor from 2022. McDaniel out At the end of Thursdays CCB meeting, board member and DASNY CEO Reuben McDaniel announced his resignation from the board. The announcement came a couple weeks after a tense meeting at which CAURD licensees sharply criticized McDaniel. It has been a tremendous honor to serve on this board, and I thank Gov. Hochul for the opportunity to serve New York State in this manner, McDaniel said. Gov. Kathy Hochul appointed McDaniel to the CCB in September 2021, but his dual roles at both DASNY and the control board have prompted criticism among industry stakeholders, since DASNY is in charge of a huge chunk of the marketplace rollout, but its motivations are very different than those of the OCM an agency McDaniel also oversaw as a CCB board member. In May, CANY penned an open letter calling it a conflict of interest for the Executive Director of DASNY to hold a seat on the Cannabis Control Board given the direct business involvement of DASNY with the CAURD program. On Thursday, McDaniel did not address his reasoning for leaving the board, and drew praise from CCB Chair Wright for his work up to this point. We look forward to continuing to work with you so that we can roll out this social equity fund, Wright said. Industry progress At the top of the meeting, board members approved CAURD licenses for 36 new businesses that list included, for the first time, companies from the Finger Lakes. A federal judge had barred the CCB from issuing CAURD licenses to prospective dispensaries in the Finger Lakes region as part of a lawsuit, but the State of New York settled that dispute last month, which ended the injunction. As a result, the CCB approved 28 licenses at the Thursday meeting to businesses located in areas that had been restricted due to the lawsuit, including seven in the Finger Lakes. In a presentation on OCMs progress in growing the states legal adult-use market, Kagia told CCB members that legal shops sold $7.3 million worth of products in May, a 10% increase from the previous month. He also noted that sales figures show 51% of purchases were for flower (and 15% of total sales were prerolls), 28% were vapes and concentrates and 21% were edibles, beverages and tinctures. This is just the beginning, Kagia said. New York Cannabis Control Board member Reuben McDaniel has resigned from his position following growing criticism over his alleged conflict of interest serving both on the board and as president of the Dormitory Authority of the State of New York. The resignation was announced at Thursdays CCB meeting. It has been a tremendous honor to serve on this board, and I thank Gov. Hochul for the opportunity to serve New York State in this manner, McDaniel said at the end of the 90-minute meeting. Sign up for the NY Cannabis Insider Newsletter Enter your email address to get exclusive reporting on NY's cannabis market delivered to your inbox: The governors vision to make New York State a leader in cannabis social equity is a real vision, and I look forward to seeing it become a reality. McDaniel did not mention his reason for leaving the board, and was thanked for his service after his short speech by CCB Chairwoman Tremaine Wright. Thank you for being a part of the work that were celebrating throughout all of these openings, Wright said. We look forward to continuing to work with you so that we can roll out this social equity fund. We have a lot of people relying on it. It is a heavy lift. Were glad that youre a part of it and that youve been leading the way with it. Former Gov. Andrew Cuomo recommended McDaniel to head DASNY in 2019, and Gov. Kathy Hochul appointed him to the five-member CCB in September 2021. The dual roles have prompted growing concern among industry stakeholders: DASNY is an integral component of the marketplace rollout, but its motivations are inherently different than those of the Office of Cannabis Management an agency McDaniel also oversaw as a CCB board member. During its infancy, the OCM developed its equity-focused Conditional Adult-Use Retail Dispensary program while operating out of DASNYs offices, said OCMs former director of communications, Freeman Klopott, at a NY Cannabis Insider conference in May. As a result, DASNY has played an outsized role in getting the CAURD program off the ground. It was charged with finding a fund manager to raise $150 million from private investors for CAURD infrastructure and loans, finding and securing real estate for retailers, and identifying a financial institution to bank the sector. Yet, as problems grew within the CAURD program licensees unable to secure real estate, a lack of funding for the $150 million, no banking found much of the blame has fallen upon DASNY and McDaniel. In May, the states largest cannabis trade group the Cannabis Association of New York called it a conflict of interest for the Executive Director of DASNY to hold a seat on the Cannabis Control Board given the direct business involvement of DASNY with the CAURD program. At a recent meeting at the CUNY School of Law, the DASNY president faced an angry crowd of licensed retailers calling for transparency and accountability from his agency. One CAURD licensee, Carson Grant, refused to shake McDaniels hand after delivering a passionate speech later telling NY Cannabis Insider he believed McDaniel was purposely lying on stage. McDaniel came to DASNY after working in the financial services industry, most recently at Raymond James. Before that, he founded an investment advisory firm RM Capital Management and spent more than a decade as president and CEO of Jackson Securities, LLC, in Atlanta. He will continue to serve as DASNYs president, and DASNY will continue to play the same role in developing the states cannabis marketplace. Baldwinsville, N.Y. Forty years ago this month, the famed Budweiser Clydesdales came to Central New York to celebrate the grand opening of the Anheuser-Busch brewery just outside of Baldwinsville. On June 23, the 8-horse hitch (and their Dalmatian companion) will return to mark the 40th anniversary of what has long been the largest brewery in New York state. The horse team takes its Ride through Bville starting at 2 p.m. June 23. According to a Facebook post from the Greater Baldwinsville Chamber of Commerce, the team will start at St. Marys Church at 47 Syracuse St., then proceed across the bridge over the Seneca River and up Oswego Street to First Presbyterian Church. The Clydesdales will also likely make some beer deliveries along the way. The Clydesdale team has made previous appearances in Baldwinsville and at the brewery, most recently in 2017 and 2018. The brewery off Route 31 in the Radisson business park near Baldwinsville is one of 12 operated by Anheuser-Busch InBev breweries in the United States. It opened in 1976 as a Schlitz brewery. Anheuser-Busch bought in the early 1980s, and after a brief shutdown for renovations reopened it in 1983. In 2008, Anheuser-Busch was taken over by InBev, a Belgium-based global beer conglomerate, creating the new company, Anheuser-Busch InBev. It is the largest beer company in the world. The company has roughly 600 employees in the Baldwinsville brewery. The Baldwinsville brewery makes about 75 different beverages, totaling around 6 million barrels per year (the equivalent of 82 million cases). It is larger than the next two big New York state breweries, Genesee in Rochester and F.X. Matt (Saranac) in Utica. As recently as 2021, about 60 percent of the brewerys total output was Budweiser, Bud Light, Busch, Michelob Ultra and other classic A-B lagers. Another 10 percent were craft beers under brands purchased by A-B, and the remaining 30 percent includes flavored alcohol beverages, seltzers and other non-beer drinks. It continues to branch into more hard seltzers and other specialty products. More on beer and brewing in Upstate New York: One of the most unusual breweries in the Finger Lakes is opening a second pub location The Yard in Manlius: Come for the beer. Stay for the food. Check out the shops Uticas F.X. Matt moves into top tier of craft brewers with purchase of Marylands Flying Dog Don Cazentre writes for NYup.com, syracuse.com and The Post-Standard. Reach him at dcazentre@nyup.com, or follow him at NYup.com, on Twitter or Facebook. Syracuse, N.Y. The Central New York Community Foundation has new online tools available to help people explore racial inequities in the region. The foundations CNY Vitals website now includes data related to civic participation, education, wealth accumulation, well-being, employment and income, all analyzed by race. The goal is to help people understand disparities among different racial groups, the foundation said. There is something fundamental about being and feeling seen, Frank Ridzi, vice president of community investment at the Community Foundation, said in a news release. Without an understanding of how and why local residents experience life differently across racial and ethnic populations, decisions on governmental policies, funding and institutional practices could be made that impact their well-being without the full picture. Using interactive visualizations, CNY Vitals tracks data points and monitors trends on issues related to the economy, housing, health, demographics, poverty and education in Onondaga, Madison, Cayuga, Cortland and Oswego counties, according to the foundation. The statistics come from sources including the Census Bureau, U.S. Department of Labor and New York State Education Department. Foundation leaders want the new racial equity measures to spark discussions among community members, leaders and groups. The organization wants to target resources and investments to help break down structural racism that leads to disparities. The new racial equity data is also available on CNY Vitals Pro, a more in-depth site designed for grants writers, researchers and other professionals. The new data can be found online at www.cnyvitals.org. Contact Kevin Tampone anytime: Email | Twitter | Facebook | 315-282-8598 A new town inspection of the Candlewood Suites in Salina found the hotel is complying with a court order that prohibits the temporary housing of migrants at the property. Salina Town Supervisor Nick Paro said the town conducted the inspection Wednesday after receiving reports about groups of people being dropped off by SUVs at the hotel late Tuesday night. Some guests at the extended-stay hotel also alleged that the hotel turned off its fire suppression system, Paro said. Paro said the inspectors found a large group of construction workers arrived at the hotel to work on the construction of a storage facility next to Candlewood Suites on South Bay Road. The hotels fire suppression system was also functioning. He said the hotels lawyer told a town attorney that it would continue to comply with a temporary restraining order issued by a judge in Onondaga County that bans the hotel from housing asylum-seekers. Im satisfied with the information we have right now, Paro told syracuse.com | The Post-Standard. As far as we know, these are just employees working at the storage facility next door. Lawyers for Candlewood Suites and Salina are due to appear June 26 in state Supreme Court in Onondaga County to argue whether the restraining order should continue and whether the town has the right to ban the hotel from housing asylum-seekers. The lawsuit filed by Salina argues the hotel is not zoned to house people for more than short-term stays. New York City had planned to transfer about 200 asylum-seekers to the Salina hotel last month in a move to help relieve overcrowded shelters in the city. The city would have paid for housing, food, security and other social services for at least four months. Last week, New York City sued Onondaga County and more than 30 other counties in Upstate New York that issued emergency orders to block hotels and shelters from housing those seeking asylum. The city claimed the counties including six in Central New York had no legal authority to block the transfer of migrants to hotels and shelters in other parts of the state. Read more on the Candlewood Suites hotel Salina looks into whether hotel is housing asylum-seekers in violation of court order New York City sues Central New York counties over migrant bans A nurse, parents and the sick fight to stay in a rundown hotel. Its better than being homeless Onondaga County judge issues 2 temporary orders blocking hotel from housing migrants Central NY hotel management sent long-term residents scrambling to make room for migrant contracts Onondaga County sues New York City to keep migrants out of Salina hotel Central NY hotel expecting busload of migrants has been kicking out long-term residents NYC to send first bus of migrants to Onondaga County, town official says Sheriff wont enforce order to stop migrants coming to Onondaga County Ryan McMahon issues emergency order banning migrant transfer to Onondaga County Got a tip, comment or story idea? Contact Mark Weiner anytime by: Email | Twitter | Facebook | 571-970-3751 Salina, N.Y. Town of Salina officials on Wednesday started looking into whether the Candlewood Suites hotel has broken court orders that barred the hotel from letting asylum-seekers stay there. A state Supreme Court judge in Syracuse ordered in May that the hotel could not accept any asylum-seekers coming from New York City. The orders halted New York City officials plans to relocate migrants upstate. Residents at the hotel said they saw groups of people being dropped off by SUVs at the hotel late Tuesday night. Well over 30 people arrived and hotel staff quickly rushed them into rooms, Nicole Sinda, a resident at the hotel, told syracuse.com | The Post-Standard. Reports from other residents led town officials to look into whether the hotel is now housing asylum-seekers, Salina Town Supervisor Nick Paro said Wednesday. The town sent code enforcement officials to the hotel to verify whether it broke the court orders, Paro said. Specifically, they looked into reports of asylum-seekers staying in the hotel and whether fire suppression systems were being shut down, he said. Weve heard the rumors from some of the people staying at the hotel, but the town at this point has not been able to confirm whether there are migrants there, Paro said. At this time we have not been able to find they have been in violation of any of our codes or the restraining order. Paro said hotel staff have not been forthcoming and would not outright confirm or deny if migrants were at the hotel when asked Wednesday. Onondaga County officials are also looking into the reports, county spokesperson Justin Sayles said. New York City on June 7 sued more than 30 upstate counties, including Onondaga, over emergency orders issued to block hotels and shelters from housing asylum seekers. The lawsuit seeks to void the orders. Read more on the Candlewood Suites hotel A nurse, parents and the sick fight to stay in a rundown hotel. Its better than being homeless Onondaga County judge issues 2 temporary orders blocking hotel from housing migrants Central NY hotel management sent long-term residents scrambling to make room for migrant contracts Onondaga County sues New York City to keep migrants out of Salina hotel Central NY hotel expecting busload of migrants has been kicking out long-term residents NYC to send first bus of migrants to Onondaga County, town official says Sheriff wont enforce order to stop migrants coming to Onondaga County Ryan McMahon issues emergency order banning migrant transfer to Onondaga County Staff writer Fernando Alba covers breaking news, crime and public safety. Have a tip, story idea, question or comment? Reach him: Email | Twitter or at 315-690-6950. President Yoon Suk-yeol on Wednesday had lunch with the families of victims of North Korea's abduction campaign in the Korean War and the 1970s and 80s. The issue of the abductions and what exactly happened to the victims was pushed on the back burner by previous governments in their doomed bids for rapprochement with the North Korean regime. But Japan and the U.S., whose citizens were also kidnaped, have been more steadfast in their pursuit of the matter and have even made some small progress in negotiations with the North. Yoon "expressed his intention to solve abduction-related issues, which have been pushed aside for fear that they might pose an obstacle to inter-Korean relations," a presidential official said. FORT JOHNSON, La. (AP) A U.S. Army base in western Louisiana was renamed Tuesday to honor Sgt. William Henry Johnson, a Black hero of World War I from Upstate New York who received the Medal of Honor nearly a century later. Fort Johnson had previously been named after a Confederate commander, Leonidas Polk. The renaming is part of the U.S. militarys efforts to address historic racial injustice work that included changing the names of nine Army posts that commemorated Confederate officers. Fire Onboard Tanker Berthed at Jurong Port Tank Terminals, Singapore The Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore was informed at that there was a fire onboard a tanker berthed at Jurong Port Tank Terminals 1. The Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore (MPA) was informed at that there was a fire onboard a tanker berthed at Jurong Port Tank Terminals (JPTT). 2. Smoke was observed on the forward part of the tanker. 3. Singapore Civil Defence Force marine and land-based firefighting forces, MPA patrol craft, and JPTTs emergency response unit were deployed to put out the fire and ensure navigational safety. 4. As a precautionary measure, operations at the adjacent berths have stopped and a nearby vessel at the berth has been shifted to the anchorage. 5. The fire was extinguished at about 0925 hours, and the tankers crew are all safe and accounted for. There is no damage to the tanks and berths at JPTT. 6. Port operations and vessel traffic in the vicinity are not affected. German Chancellor Olaf Scholz attends a press conference on June 14, 2023, to present the German government's national security strategy for the country. The German government said Russia is the greatest security threat for the foreseeable future and advocated a balanced approach to China as it unveiled its first comprehensive national security strategy Wednesday. The strategy was part of an effort to address what Germany views as growing military, economic and social risks to the country. Germanys biggest opposition party criticized the governments position as anemic. Chancellor Olaf Scholz said the new strategy, which his three-party governing coalition pledged to draw up when it took office at the end of 2021, had gained added importance since Russia attacked Ukraine almost 16 months ago. The war in Ukraine has heightened anxiety in Germany about the preparedness of its own armed forces, prompting Scholz to announce a turning point on military spending. Russias invasion of Ukraine in Feburary 2022 demonstrated what many of our neighbors in Eastern Europe have warned us about that Europe is vulnerable, German Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock told reporters at a news conference in Berlin also attended by Scholz and other top officials. A 76-page document outlining the strategy states that todays Russia is, for the foreseeable future, the greatest threat to peace and security in the Euro-Atlantic area. It also warns that some countries are trying to reshape the existing international order according to their view of systematic rivalry, an oblique reference to the threats of disinformation, cyberattacks and economic pressure from major powers such as China. The document makes several references to security threats posed by climate change. These include a heightened risk of famine, disease and conflict around the globe, as well as extreme weather events and damage to critical infrastructure in Germany. It sets out Berlins general approach, but doesnt go deep into details including the strategys potential foreign policy consequences. Officials plan to draw up more specifics at a later stage. The German government is also preparing a specific strategy on China. Scholz declined to say when it would be published. Well be ready when were ready, but soon, he told reporters. The document released Wednesday came out a week before the German government sits down for high-level talks with senior Chinese officials in Berlin that are expected to touch on numerous sensitive issues. Germany has traditionally hesitated to antagonize Beijing due to the importance of China as a market for German exports and a source of key commodities. Still, the document underlined Berlins view that China is a partner, competitor and systemic rival, noting that elements of rivalry and competition have increased in recent years; at the same time, China remains a partner without which many of the most pressing global challenges cant be solved. Asked what practical implications the new strategy would have, Baerbock said the government will look closely at areas where Germany is most vulnerable due to its dependence on China. She said they include raw materials and components for the energy, telecommunications and medical sectors, for which Germany is actively trying to diversify its sources. Scholz noted a recent declaration by leaders of the Group of Seven major economies calling for a de-risking rather than a decoupling from China. Creating new supply chains for crucial commodities can take decades, he said. Trans-Atlantic relations with the United States have reached a new quality and level with President (Joe) Biden that we couldnt wish to be better, the chancellor added. This is of greatest important for security in Europe and our security. The government said it will also produce a strategy to increase Germanys ability to counter hybrid threats, which would entail strengthening the analytical capacities of its intelligence services. However, the idea of creating a National Security Council, akin to those in the United States and Britain, was shelved. The government also resisted calls for Germanys military spending to go above the NATO-wide goal of 2% of gross domestic product. Opposition leader Friedrich Merz said the new security strategy was anemic in terms of substance, strategically irrelevant, without operational consequences and had been drawn up without consultation with Germanys allies. It has no value, no substance, no significance. It is a big disappointment, he said. Another top opposition politician, Alexander Dobrindt, complained that the strategy had the wrong priorities. Just as an example, it contains the word climate 71 times and the word China six times, he said. Sign up for our weekly newsletter to get more English-language news coverage from EL PAIS USA Edition PetroTal updates on AIDECOBAP illegal river blockade in Peru PetroTal announces update to the AIDECOBAP illegal river blockade in Peru Calgary, AB and Houston, TX - June 9, 2023-PetroTal Corp. ("PetroTal" or the "Company") (TSX: TAL, AIM: PTAL and OTCQX: PTALF) announces the following updates related to the illegal river blockade. Illegal River Blockade Update As of June 8, 2023, The Indigenous Association for Development and Conservation of Bajo Puinahua ("AIDECOBAP") seized and are holding two oil transport convoys. The first is an empty Brazilian convoy, with a crew of six and a total capacity of 70,000 barrels of oil that was traveling to the Bretana field. The second was a Peruvian convoy which contained approximately 40,000 barrels of oil and was destined for the Iquitos refinery. It has a crew of eight Peruvian nationals, none of whom are PetroTal employees. The Company does not own or operate either convoy, both of which are being held near the town of 7 de Junio. During the hostile takeover of the convoys, a Navy sailor was injured in the head with a spear requiring minor medical attention. The Peruvian navy has been activated and will remain nearby to monitor the integrity of the vessels and health of the crew. AIDECOBAP continues to prevent the transit of ships in the Puinahua channel with a group of approximately sixty people and ten boats. The residents of Bretana have expressed their strong opposition to the blockade of the river system which has halted PetroTal's operations. On June 8, 2023, The Presidency of the Council of Ministers ("PCM") and the Ministry of Energy and Mines held a meeting with AIDECOBAP to better understand their claims and reasons for engagement. PetroTal was also invited to this meeting and a de-escalation plan has been actioned which is a positive step towards reaching resolution. The Company has, and always will, strive for full alignment between all working table and social fund members to achieve the social fund's objectives. PetroTal is working with all parties to help the Government of Peru generate a rapid, peaceful, and safe resolution to the blockade. The Company's 2023 oil production forecast included planned downtime and a 5% social downtime contingency in its 2023 guidance to allow for social disruption. 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. Mastercard is partnering with Bankiom, a UAE-based lifestyle banking app, to introduce digital payment cards across the UAE, Saudi Arabia, Bahrain, Kuwait, and Oman. This partnership marks a significant stride in Mastercard's ongoing commitment to advancing digitalisation in the payments landscape throughout the region. As we move into a more digital world, building productive synergies with multi-market, agile fintech partners such as Bankiom is crucial. The GCC alone has one of the worlds highest rates of internet penetration at 98% of the regions population. Our partnership will help us leverage our innovative payment solutions to drive digital and financial inclusion across the region, said Amnah Ajmal, Executive Vice President Market Development, EEMEA, Mastercard. Digital bank Bankiom is a building a digital bank for that moment in your life where you want to live life to the max, and were calling it PuraVida. Think of it as a subscription to the good life. Our mission is to spread happiness through financial services; so partnering with Mastercard, especially with their Priceless brand, was a no brainer for us. We both share the same mission and we both share the same passion to deliver amazing, memorable life experiences for our customers, said Danny Abla, Founder of Bankiom. Launched in March 2022, Bankiom has more than 30,000 verified users and is growing at 20% per week, with a target to hit 1 million within three years. Bankiom, through PuraVida and in collaboration with Mastercard, is tapping into the evolving needs of a vibrant, tech-savvy generation and empowering them to live life to the fullest.-- TradeArabia News Service As I wandered down one of the aisles of a large food store, filled with displays of well-bagged lettuce, succulent steaks, shiny fruit and finely bottled beverages, the tumultuous but ultimately happy story of Lesly, Soleiny, Tien and Cristin, the four children of the Huitoto ethnic group who disappeared in the Colombian jungle, burst into my memory. The four little ones have given us all a lesson in life and endurance. The story captivated the entire world and now questions abound as to how they managed to survive amid impenetrable forest and heavy rain, surrounded by all manner of creatures, especially insects. That they were found, after 40 days, by search teams made up of Colombian special forces and indigenous trackers, has been described as a miracle. But perhaps what really happens to those of us who live in the often-pernicious comfort of cities is that we do not understand a lot of things. We do not know how to live, or survive. Alex Tufino, an indigenous member of the Ticuna ethnic group, gave an interview in which he provided some keys to understand what took place, far from the conventional hubbub. We dont view it as fear or danger, but as respect. Every centimeter of the jungle has a spirituality that you cant avoid, Tufino added that, as children, indigenous people learn skills such as which fruits to eat or, for example, how to follow monkeys that leave food behind them as they move through the forest. He even suggested that the children were not exactly lost in the jungle. They had been separated from their family, but they were in their own ecosystem and the jungle, far from threatening them, saved them. Because they knew how to find food, shelter, a way to carry on. For those of us all too accustomed to living among window displays, chirping electronic devices and department stores full of everything we need and even more that we dont, this might sound strange, fanciful even. But the jungle, like other ecosystems, is what it is: they dont swallow you up, they arent intent on killing you, they dont attack you and neither do they want you to drown in their entrails. They are simply what they are, they flourish and they encourage the torrent of life, even when they themselves have suffered the brutal blow of the unleashed human animal, who gives no quarter and exercises minimal ethics when it comes to exploiting their resources. Indigenous people are not good, per se. They are also predators, but they are much more cautious and intelligent. They read the jungle, with impressive wisdom. For them, the land is not a piece of dust and rock; it is the territory where their ancestors, deities, and spirits live. It is alive and for that reason, they resist being removed from it when a hydrocarbon or mining company arrives. Among the Awajun of the Peruvian jungle, to cite one example, Nugkui is a feminine spirit that lives under the earth, from where it protects plants and human beings. A photograph provided by the Colombian military on the day the four children were rescued. Fuerzas Militares de Colombia (EFE) For many indigenous groups, rivers and lakes are sacred and those who drown in them do not really die, but go to a world under the water from where they can communicate in dreams. The Huitoto themselves, who also live in Peru, consider the sloth bear and other animals sacred, and when the Covid-19 pandemic broke out, they appealed to them for protection, as well as to the plants that, for them, are like human beings. Hence the grandparents of the rescued children said that the jungle spirits helped them. From the balcony of our comfortable existence, we do not understand that common sense, that way of seeing and feeling the forests, the rivers, the world, and the skies. We suffer from a certain ignorance, as Rufino stated. It is as if urban civilization, despite providing so many benefits and facilities, has severely hindered us when it comes to dealing with nature. And so it is with our own nature, so incapable of understanding world views that differ from ours, valid and perhaps more useful than those we have predominantly implemented on our planet. Because while these indigenous children are now famous, heroic, in Colombia the killing of indigenous leaders has become infamous (42 were killed in 2022 alone), as both blind greed and armed violence attack them mercilessly. The childrens father, Manuel Ranoque, had been threatened by FARC dissidents and forced to flee his home, prompting the fateful flight in which his wife was killed, so this trance, this ray of happiness amid everything, is merely a hopeful respite for indigenous communities that face several threats every day. These children lived in the department of Caqueta, a Colombian region that has for years been a battlefield, a land of extortion and cruelty. They are a symbol that life goes on, beyond all fear. Lesly, the 13-year-old girl who, according to her account, led the group and protected her siblings, including an infant who turned one in the jungle, deserves special mention. Even in this unusual and terrible episode, the women are caregivers; they provide hope, they resist and persist, they do not give up. They suffered during the Colombian armed conflict, and even today they have to endure violence in the jungle and in the cities. But they have weathered the storm. The Discovery Channel airs a well-known reality program called Naked and Afraid, in which people from various countries are released naked in the wilderness for periods of 21, 40 or even 60 days. They suffer the unspeakable in order to find food, water, and shelter. But as well as having the option of tapping out of the challenge whenever they wish and being returned to their normal lives, if they get ill or there is an accident there are personnel nearby who tend to them in emergencies. In other words: in urban society, in order to live through such an experience, one must imagine it, organize it, foresee it, and have assurances in place. In the indigenous world the premise of Naked and Afraid is usually the norm, and in countless places there is literally no salvation for illnesses that are easily treatable in a city. The indigenous people, in short, are almost always surviving, often with no doctors nearby, and stripped of protection amid the elements of existence. But at the same time, they are happy to live among the forests that they love and respect; they do not compete to see who is the best; and every day they can see and feel the indecipherable light of the sky, the unfathomable flow of the waters, or the poignant song of hundreds of animals. These children have opened our eyes to this again, through their innocence. Although perhaps there will be no lack of those who want to turn them into stars, of the kind that shine not in the Amazon but on pompous red carpets. Ramiro Escobar la Cruz is a professor at the Pontifical Catholic University of Peru and a journalist who contributes to EL PAIS America Futura. Sign up for our weekly newsletter to get more English-language news coverage from EL PAIS USA Edition Foxbat BHPian Join Date: May 2009 Location: NYC / Lucknow Posts: 582 Thanked: 3,191 Times Re: A visit to two aircraft carriers, a space shuttle, a nuclear submarine and an airliner at once p USS Growler (SSG-577) was an early attempt by the U.S. Navy to field a cruise missile submarine that would provide a nuclear deterrent using its second series of cruise missiles. Built to deliver the Regulus I cruise missile, Growler was the second and final submarine of the Grayback class, fourth ship of the United States Navy to be named after the growler. Since Regulus I and Regulus II programs had problems, Growler and Grayback were the only two submarines built in this class as instead, the U.S. Navy veered its nuclear deterrence efforts into submarine launched ballistic missiles (SLBMs)the Polaris missile program. What makes Growler and her sister unusual was her nuclear armament, deployed on a conventional diesel-electric submarine. Her mission was to provide nuclear deterrent capability off the Pacific coast of the Soviet Union during peak years of the Cold War, from 1958 to 1964. Additionally, special forces missions were deployed from its torpedo tubes and nuclear hangar. The SSM-N-8A Regulus or the Regulus I was a United States Navy-developed ship-and-submarine-launched, nuclear-capable turbojet-powered second generation cruise missile, deployed from 1955 to 1964. The USS Growler was one of the first submarines armed with nuclear weapons and it had to surface to launch its nuclear missiles. The cramped interiors of the submarine not much different from a WW2 sub. The Concorde is a product of Anglo-French cooperation. When the Concorde entered Air France and British Airways transatlantic service in 1976, it was the only operational supersonic passenger transport in the world. With a crew of nine, the Concorde could fly at 1,350 mph (2,150 kph) at an altitude of 60,000 ft (18,181 m), high enough for its 100 passengers to see the curvature of the earth. This aircraft, serial no. 100-010 (G-BOAD), first flew on August 25, 1976. Concordes crossed the Atlantic Ocean in under three hours, or less than half the time of any other jetliner flying that route even today. Protests from environmentalists prevented its supersonic use over the United States and limited airport operation. A crash upon takeoff in July 2000 grounded the fleet until 2001. The Concorde flew VIP passengers until 2003, when both airlines retired their fleets from service. This airplane is on loan from British Airways. Rolls-Royce/Snecma Olympus 593 Engine Very generous leg space. The windows are very tiny, the guide mentioned originally it was planned to have no windows in the aircraft. A rather tiny bathroom. Three man cockpit (two pilots + Flight Engineer) before the introduction of glass cockpits. All Business class seating configuration is pretty crowded by today's standards. The former USS Growler first opened at the Intrepid Museum in 1989 and is the only American guided missile submarine open to the public. Growler offers museum visitors a firsthand look at life aboard a submarine and a close-up inspection of the once "top-secret" missile command center. Access is available to the various compartments as they were used during operations.USS Growler (SSG-577) was an early attempt by the U.S. Navy to field a cruise missile submarine that would provide a nuclear deterrent using its second series of cruise missiles. Built to deliver the Regulus I cruise missile, Growler was the second and final submarine of the Grayback class, fourth ship of the United States Navy to be named after the growler. Since Regulus I and Regulus II programs had problems, Growler and Grayback were the only two submarines built in this class as instead, the U.S. Navy veered its nuclear deterrence efforts into submarine launched ballistic missiles (SLBMs)the Polaris missile program.What makes Growler and her sister unusual was her nuclear armament, deployed on a conventional diesel-electric submarine. Her mission was to provide nuclear deterrent capability off the Pacific coast of the Soviet Union during peak years of the Cold War, from 1958 to 1964. Additionally, special forces missions were deployed from its torpedo tubes and nuclear hangar.The SSM-N-8A Regulus or the Regulus I was a United States Navy-developed ship-and-submarine-launched, nuclear-capable turbojet-powered second generation cruise missile, deployed from 1955 to 1964.The USS Growler was one of the first submarines armed with nuclear weapons and it had to surface to launch its nuclear missiles.The cramped interiors of the submarine not much different from a WW2 sub.The Concorde is a product of Anglo-French cooperation. When the Concorde entered Air France and British Airways transatlantic service in 1976, it was the only operational supersonic passenger transport in the world. With a crew of nine, the Concorde could fly at 1,350 mph (2,150 kph) at an altitude of 60,000 ft (18,181 m), high enough for its 100 passengers to see the curvature of the earth.This aircraft, serial no. 100-010 (G-BOAD), first flew on August 25, 1976. Concordes crossed the Atlantic Ocean in under three hours, or less than half the time of any other jetliner flying that route even today. Protests from environmentalists prevented its supersonic use over the United States and limited airport operation. A crash upon takeoff in July 2000 grounded the fleet until 2001. The Concorde flew VIP passengers until 2003, when both airlines retired their fleets from service. This airplane is on loan from British Airways.Rolls-Royce/Snecma Olympus 593 EngineVery generous leg space.The windows are very tiny, the guide mentioned originally it was planned to have no windows in the aircraft.A rather tiny bathroom.Three man cockpit (two pilots + Flight Engineer) before the introduction of glass cockpits.All Business class seating configuration is pretty crowded by today's standards. Nearly two years after it was first announced, a Hey Disney voice assistant that works alongside Alexa is finally being released for stateside Echo users. Already available in (and formerly exclusive to) select Disney Resort hotels, the Hey Disney assistant is now available to all Echo users in the U.S., although youll need to pony up for the privilege. You can snag Hey Disney now for $5.99 a year from the Alexa Skills store, or if youre an Amazon Kids+ subscriber, the custom voice assistant comes included in your subscription. Built for Disney by Amazon, Hey Disney is the first generally available Alexa Custom Assistant (or ACA), which allows for custom-built, Alexa-powered assistants with their own voices and wake words. In the Hey Disney case, the custom voice is the Disney Magical Companion, who can offer magical responses to queries about the weather, timers, alarms, and other standard Alexa functions. The Disney Magical Companion is also a master of all things Disney, including Disney trivia, stories, characters, and interactive storytelling, Amazon says. For example, you can say Hey Disney, tell me a story to hear tales from the worlds of The Lion King, Frozen, Moana, and more. You can ask the Hey Disney assistant to activate a Soundscape with sounds from Star Wars, Frozon, Guardians of the Galaxy, and other Disney movies. Amazon You can also ask Disney to play Trivia, which triggers a quiz with more than 300 questions geared toward Disney superfans. Other Hey Disney options include Soundscapes, which can transform your room with sounds and music from Disney movies such as Star Wars, Frozen, Guardians of the Galaxy, and Coco. You can set Soundscapes to last anywhere from 15 minutes to two hours. You can even get weekly messages from favorite Disney characters (Hey Disney, do I have any messages?) as well as ask to go on adventures with the likes of Mickey Mouse and Pluto, Goofy and Donald, Tiana, C-3PO and R2-D2, and The Muppets. Hey Disney will work on most Echo devices, save for the Echo Show 15, the first-gen Echo, Echo Auto, Fire tablets, Fire TV devices, and on-the-go Echo devices. Hey Disney was first announced during Amazons 2021 hardware event, and subsequently became available in hotel rooms at select Disney Resorts. Amazon initially said that Hey Disney would become generally available in 2022, but the release got pushed back until now. Why it matters: A new analysis of NASA's Cassini space mission data confirms that Saturn's moon Enceladus harbors all six fundamental substances that we know are necessary for life. The results suggest other similar moons in the outer solar system could also be habitable. Recently published findings confirm that the sub-surface ocean of Enceladus contains plenty of phosphorus, the last critical life ingredient scientists had yet to detect on the Saturn moon. The discovery significantly raises the prospect of finding life in the solar system beyond Earth. All life on Earth depends on six essential elements: carbon, hydrogen, nitrogen, oxygen, sulfur, and phosphorus. Phosphorus was, until now, the only one researchers had never detected beyond Earth. Samples from Saturn's sixth-largest moon confirm that all six elements are present. The samples come from one of Saturn's rings, primarily containing water ice spewed from geyser-like volcanoes in the liquid ocean deep beneath the moon's icy surface. Before NASA's Cassini mission ended in 2017, it gathered samples from the ring, but prior examination detected little to no phosphorous. However, research using a new geochemical model suggests phosphorous is abundant on Enceladus, with concentrations at least 100 times higher than in Earth's oceans. The findings suggest that other worlds beyond the CO2 snowline the point in the outer solar system beyond which the sun's rays no longer melt carbon dioxide, and it freezes into ice could be as habitable as Enceladus. These include Pluto and Neptune's moon Triton. Freie Universitat Berlin planetary scientist Frank Postberg told Motherboard that such environments could support life despite being too far from the sun to receive sufficient sunlight. Life-essential heat could come from hydrothermal vents, which ae abundant in Earth's deepest oceans. NASA detected a massive water eruption from Enceladus using the James Webb Telescope late last month. The plume spread over 6,000 miles around 20 times the moon's diameter. Further observations from the telescope will likely uncover more information about Enceladus. However, the recent discovery of phosphorous emerged from new data science techniques applied to old data. Similarly, new modeling applied to 37-year-old data from NASA's Voyager 2 mission revealed the possibility of sub-surface oceans on some moons orbiting Uranus, including Titania, Oberon, Ariel, and Umbriel. Why it matters: The CHIPs Act and other US sanctions designed to restrict domestic Chinese semiconductor development have complicated business for companies that already have operations in mainland China. New reports indicate the US government is beginning to concede that decoupling tech industries from China is easier said than done. According to the Wall Street Journal, a US Commerce Department official recently said the government will continue allowing certain chip makers to expand their operations in China. The act could weaken US efforts to restrain its economic rival's growth in the chip industry. Over the last year or so, US sanctions have curbed the export of essential semiconductor manufacturing tools to China to stop the country from becoming dominant in that sector. The US also convinced the Netherlands and Japan to follow its lead. This has had measurably damaging effects on Chinese tech revenue and the pace of semiconductor development in Chinese fabs. Perhaps the most significant move from the US is the CHIPS Act, which it passed last year to increase funding for American chipmaking efforts. The financial backing the legislation promises is attractive to chip industry leaders like Samsung and TSMC but comes with conditions limiting their investments in China a lucrative and growing tech market. Last month, the CEO of Nvidia said the sanctions have indirectly harmed American companies that partially rely on Chinese consumers. Such market realities likely pushed the US to grant certain companies like Samsung and TSMC temporary exemptions from the CHIPS Act's requirements. The US can't ignore those dominant industry players, and they've already spent billions on Chinese plants. The exemptions were planned to last until October, but attendees of an industry event last week told WSJ that Alan Estevez, undersecretary of commerce for industry and security, announced their indefinite extension. Unsurprisingly, China has harshly criticized the CHIPs Act and sanctions, calling them outdated Cold War mentality, and accusing the US of disrupting the global tech supply chain. Many believe that China's ban on chips from American company Micron is a retaliatory response. Chinese media also expressed dissatisfaction with TSMC's deal to build a fab in Arizona, which will start manufacturing 4nm chips in 2024. However, expenses may cause the company to charge more for chips from that factory, and the company's notorious work culture is making hiring in Arizona difficult, with some suggesting a culture clash between the Taiwanese company and American workers. While many American workers are restricted by the amount of paid time off they are permitted to take under company policy, there's another reason why vacation deprivation is at a 10-year high. According to recent research conducted by Expedia, 63% of employees aren't using up all of their vacation entitlements compared to 45% in 2022, because of the cost of living crisis. While American workers are entitled to up to 12 weeks of unpaid time off, there is no federal law that stipulates that workers should get a mandatory allocation of paid days off. The U.S. as a whole still lags behind its European counterparts when it comes to vacation time. The European Union has legislation in place that mandates all employees are entitled to four weeks of paid vacation, separate to any paid public holidays which are determined on a country by country basis. In the UK, almost everyone classified as a worker (including agency workers, those with irregular hours and employees on zero-hours contracts) qualifies for statutory leave entitlement of 5.6 weeks of paid leave or 28 days per year. A new direction While American organizations have traditionally offered minimal paid time off (PTO), tech companies have paved the way for PTO as a tangible workplace perk, and unlimited paid time off has become commonplace even if staff don't always avail of it. Streaming platform Netflix was one of the first companies to offer its employees unlimited vacation days, bringing in its policy in 2013. On its company website, the organization says it wants all staff to live a "culture of freedom and responsibility" and asks them to simply "act in Netflix's best interests" when it comes to taking time off. Similar to Netflix, streaming platform Roku has implemented an unlimited vacation day policy for salaried employees as part of its commitment to fostering work-life balance. It says: "For salaried employees, we don't track vacation. Instead, you can take what you think is appropriate, as long as you get your job done and don't impact the team's work." And while several tech companies have started to scale back workplace benefits and a perkcession of sorts has meant an end to on-site baristas, meals and snacks, and laundry services, Microsoft has joined the ranks as one of the latest companies to offer unlimited vacation days to its employees. "How, when, and where we do our jobs has dramatically changed," Kathleen Hogan, Microsoft's chief people officer, explained to staff in an internal memo. "And as we've transformed, modernizing our vacation policy to a more flexible model was a natural next step." Why vacations are so important Even if sipping cocktails poolside isn't in your budget, availing of paid time off is essential for your mental and physical health and wellbeing. The World Health Organization (WHO) and International Labour Organization (ILO) have estimated that long working hours led to 745,000 deaths from stroke and coronary heart disease in 2016, up 29% from 2000. In a joint report, it was also established that in 2016, 398,000 people died from stroke and 347,000 from heart disease as a result of having worked at least 55 hours a week. Between 2000 and 2016, the number of deaths from heart disease due to working long hours increased by 42%, and from stroke by 19%. This was particularly prevalent with men. Those who don't take time off also have to grapple with burnout, a dip in productivity and a subsequent lack of morale when it comes to their employer. This is especially common post-pandemic due to the rise of at-home working. In fact, since the start of the pandemic, 89% of employees say their work-life balance has worsened and in a separate study by the WHO, it was found that burnout can manifest itself as feelings of exhaustion, negative feelings towards work, and a reduction in productivity. A hot potato: If there's one area that's a real hot-button topic, it's the right-to-repair movement, especially in Massachusetts, where the Biden administration has told car manufacturers not to comply with a state law that allows independent repair shops and owners the ability to service and fix their own vehicles. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) wrote in a letter (via Vice) that it has significant safety concerns with a Massachusetts law titled Chapter 93K, aka the Data Access Law. Signed by NHTSA assistant chief counsel Kerry Kolodziej, the letter is addressed to the chief counsel of 22 auto manufacturers, including Ford, GM, Hyundai, BMW, Kia, Toyota, and Honda. It states that the right-to-repair law conflicts with the Safety Act. The NHTSA's main objection is with the Data Access Law allowing access to a vehicle's telematics, used to send commands wirelessly. The agency says this could allow manipulation of systems on a vehicle, including critical functions such as steering, acceleration, and braking, as well as equipment such as airbags and electronic stability control. It claims that a malicious actor in the US or abroad could utilize this access to hijack multiple vehicles concurrently, possibly causing crashes, injuries, or deaths. Back in 2020, Massachusetts voters approved an amendment (by 75%) to a right-to-repair law passed in 2013 that required automakers to make parts and diagnostic tools available to independent auto shops and car owners. The amendment, which took into account the number of cars that require wireless diagnostic tools, allows vehicle owners and independent mechanics to access vehicle data for repairs by opening up telematics, starting with vehicle model year 2022. Vehicle manufacturers protested the law and the Alliance for Automotive Innovation sued Massachusetts in 2021 to try and stop it. The NHTSA said in a testimony that it supported the car companies, and that the amendment could increase the risk of cybersecurity attacks and threaten public safety. "Given the serious safety risks posed by the Data Access Law, taking action to open remote access to vehicles' telematics units in accordance with that law, which requires communication pathways to vehicle control systems, would conflict with your obligations under the [National Highway Traffic] Safety Act," Kolodziej wrote in the letter. Vice notes that the Biden administration has repeatedly said it supports consumer rights such as the right to repair, while the FTC said it was unable to prove that allowing repair access to a vehicle made it less safe, a conclusion that cybersecurity experts agree with. Update: The Massachusetts Right to Repair Coalition has released a statement in response to the NHTSA letter, calling it the latest stalling tactic by auto manufacturers. A hot potato: Concerns over the sort of material AI can generate could be a problem for those behind the systems if new legislation is passed exempting artificial intelligence from Section 230. The bill would hold the likes of OpenAI and Google responsible for problematic, AI-generated content along with those who create it. Republican senator Josh Hawley and his Democrat counterpart Richard Blumenthal introduced the No Section 230 Immunity for AI Act. As the name suggests, the bipartisan legislation, if passed, would ensure AI companies cannot benefit from Section 230 protections, making them liable for false and possibly defamatory content created by LLMs and other generative AI. "AI companies should be forced to take responsibility for business decisions as they're developing products without any Section 230 legal shield," said Blumenthal. One of the areas highlighted in the press release is deepfakes. Being able to digitally edit someone's image to make them appear in compromising or sexually explicit pictures/videos has been around for years. But advancements in AI have made deepfakes look more convincing than ever. The FBI recently issued a warning over the increasing number of sextortionists creating explicit deepfakes from people's social media images. Section 230 of the Communications Decency Act, passed in 1996, says that an "interactive computer service" can't be held liable for third-party content as it isn't the publisher of that material. It means that barring a few exceptions, companies behind social media platforms like Facebook and Twitter, as well as search engines and forums, can't be sued for user-generated content. "We can't make the same mistakes with generative AI as we did with Big Tech on Section 230," said Senator Hawley. "When these new technologies harm innocent people, the companies must be held accountable. Victims deserve their day in court and this bipartisan proposal will make that a reality." The No Section 230 Immunity for AI Act would amend Section 230 by adding a clause that strips immunity from AI companies in civil claims or criminal prosecutions involving the use or provision of generative AI. It would also allow Americans harmed by generative AI models to sue AI companies in federal or state court. "AI companies should be forced to take responsibility for business decisions as they're developing products without any Section 230 legal shield," said Blumenthal. "This legislation is the first step in our effort to write the rules of AI and establish safeguards as we enter this new era. AI platform accountability is a key principle of a framework for regulation that targets risk and protects the public." At the start of 2020, President Biden said he wanted to make Facebook liable for users' content by revoking Section 230. A Google lawyer later claimed the internet would become a "horror show" without it. He'll be happy that Section 230 still around and has managed to fight off legal attempts to narrow its scope: the supreme court recently declined to hear a bid to sue Reddit over child porn on the platform. Internet companies can't always hide behind Section 230, though, as Google found out after refusing to remove links that falsely claimed a man was a pedophile. There's a long way to go before the bill could become law, of course. There have been repeated calls for governments to introduce AI regulation, even from OpenAI boss Sam Altman, but losing Section 230 protections would have monumental consequences for AI companies. In the last decade, human mobility in Latin America and the Caribbean has grown increasingly complex. Several countries went from being population expellers to net receivers, as migrants leave their homelands to seek better job opportunities. On Tuesday, the Economic Commission for Latin America and the Caribbean published a report revealing that migration has had a positive impact on Gross Domestic Product (GDP) in some areas. This is due to migrant labor contributions and their concentration in economically productive regions. According to the report presented in Santiago, Chile, as part of a regional seminar that examined the contribution of international migration to sustainable development in Latin America and the Caribbean, the migrant labor force drives 13.4% of Chiles GDP growth. In less than a decade, the GDP contribution generated by foreign labor quadrupled. During the same period, their contribution to the national economy nearly tripled. Moreover, the migrant labor force grew at an annual rate of over 20%, which is more than ten times the growth rate of the Chilean labor force. Chile has become a popular destination for immigrants from other parts of South America. The number of foreign nationals in the country has skyrocketed over the years, increasing six-fold since 1992. Job-related migration has grown exponentially in the last decade: in 2009 there were 115,000 migrants in the Chilean labor market, a number that had doubled by 2013 and reached 550,000 in 2017. Migrants accounted for 6.5% of the labor force in 2017, rising from a mere 1.6% in 2009, and is estimated to be even higher today. Furthermore, migrant workers performing domestic and care duties aid local women in fulfilling their workplace responsibilities. Human capital The study also found that immigrant populations often bring professional qualifications that can raise a countrys standards. In Mexico, a scant 15% of the population over 25 has completed a bachelors degree or other studies after high school. Meanwhile, 35% of immigrants from the United States have higher education. Latin Americans have a significantly higher proportion, with 41%, while those from other regions of the world have the highest levels at 60%. A Nicaraguan migrant worker at a construction site near Santa Teresa beach in Costa Rica. Mauricio Morales Thus, immigrants occupy a significant number of high-ranking positions, including directorships, managerial roles, and CEO positions. These demographics far outpace the representation of Mexican nationals in similar occupations, according to the study. Perus largest immigrant group hails from Venezuela, representing 84.4% of the foreigners in the country. ECLAC says its still too early to determine this groups contribution to sustainable development in Peru, as their migration there is recent. However, the data indicates that 40% have received some level of higher education, especially in the fields of health and education. But the challenges faced by this cohort are significant: vulnerable legal status, unfavorable working conditions, and difficulty in certifying skills and educational degrees. Population rejuvenation The ECLAC study suggests that migrant populations both mitigate population aging and boost birth rates. In Chile, migration accounted for over 33% of population growth between 2010 and 2020, serving to replenish the ranks of the countrys youth. Between 2002 and 2017, immigration accounted for 45% of the growth in the Chilean population aged 20-39. Immigrants have also helped offset the negative effects of a decline in the under-20 population through their own offspring. In 2017, migration also contributed to 11% of the countrys natural population growth, a figure that has increased in recent years thanks to the inbound migration surge in 2018 and 2019. Its clear that the arrival of immigrants in the last two decades has helped remedy intergenerational demographic imbalances caused by population aging and a drop in birth rates below replacement levels, concluded the ECLAC study. The seminar in Chile aimed to highlight the social, economic, and cultural benefits of international migration while promoting a more explicit recognition of migrant rights, including the human right to be treated equally and with respect. Sign up for our weekly newsletter to get more English-language news coverage from EL PAIS USA Edition In context: Google rushed the Bard AI service to market trying to steal the thunder from Microsoft's ChatGPT integration in Bing. But the Mountain View company's model isn't exactly ready for end users, while Europe is still waiting for a proper privacy assessment before greenlighting Google's venture in the local market. Right now, users can query Bard's chatting AI in the US, UK and many other nations around the world. Europe, however, is an entirely different matter, as the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) provides additional privacy and data protection measures that big tech companies like Google tend to endure rather than enthusiastically comply with. According to Graham Doyle, Deputy Commissioner of Ireland's Data Protection Commission (DPC), Google has recently informed the organization of its intention to launch Bard in the EU as soon as this week. But Mountain View still has to provide "any detailed briefing," a proper data protection impact assessment (DPIA) or any other "supporting documentation." DPIAs are a requirement of the GDPR regulation, and the DPC is responsible for upholding privacy rights for European citizens, so the DPC can very much tell Google to bring its chatting AI elsewhere any time it wants. The agency asked Mountain View to urgently provide the required documentation, raising a number of "additional data protection questions" for the company to answer. As a matter of fact, Google will not launch Bard in Europe this week or anytime soon, really, until the doubts raised by the DPC and other data protection agencies are answered in full. Google said that the company wants to make Bard more widely available "including in the European Union," but it wants to do so "responsibly" after engaging with experts, regulators and policymakers. Meanwhile, Google employees have called out the Bard AI as a lying, useless and cringe-worthy service, revealing how the company decided to "responsibly" launch the new product despite the low-quality, or even life-threatening information provided to users by the chatbot. Google is now trying to launch its lying, useless and dangerous chatbot in Europe, but things could soon become extremely risky for the company's entire business in one of the richest markets in the world. EU's antitrust authorities have officially accused Mountain View of engaging in monopolistic practices, and they could eventually force the company to drastically change its operating structure. Europe is also proposing stricter rules against "rough" AI algorithms, so worst-case scenario Bard could very much be dead on arrival on this side of the Atlantic. What just happened? In an effort to end broadband bill shock for customers, the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) is introducing new rules that would require internet service providers (ISPs) to include details about the actual price of their service and information about data caps and performance. However, in a filing with the FCC earlier this month, Comcast expressed its reservations about the new rules, and argued that implementing the proposed labels will impose "significant administrative burdens" on the company and add "unnecessary complexity" to its operations. The letter complains that itemizing the additional charges and government taxes would require separate labels and force the company to create 251 such labels to comply with the new rules. Comcast also claimed that it would have to generate a number of new notices periodically due to changes in state and local fees every year, but the exact number was redacted from the public posting. The letter, signed by Comcast's VP of regulatory affairs, Jordan Goldstein, also noted that Comcast wasn't the only internet service provider complaining about the changes. As noted by the company, five major cable and telecom industry trade groups also petitioned the agency to cancel its new labeling policy before it goes into effect. To further its argument against the proposed changes, Comcast also claimed that the existing rules actually benefit consumers by helping ISPs streamline the labeling process. As reported by Ars Technica, the new broadband labels were passed by the U.S. Congress in 2021 before the FCC approved them in November 2022. They will, however, only go into effect after a federal Office of Management and Budget (OMB) review due to requirements in the US Paperwork Reduction Act. Once they are approved by the OMB, medium and large ISPs will be required to comply with the new rules within six months, while smaller providers with 100,000 or fewer subscribers will get a full year to get in line. The new pricing information requirements are similar to what the FCC had introduced in 2016 before they were nixed by former FCC Chairman, Ajit Pai. If the new rules come into effect, home broadband providers will have to clearly mention a number of details upfront, including the base pricing, monthly data allowance, overage charges (if any), equipment fees, other monthly fees (if any), one-time fees, and early termination fees for those on contract. The labels should also include information on speed, latency, packet loss, and network management practices. Gaming on Linux has long been considered one of the most difficult things to do until the addition of Steam Client. As the service progresses, new updates are being released to make the experience better for Linux gamers. Steam Client Update for Linux Users Gives Them the Ability to Enable Hardware Acceleration According to the story by 9to5Linux, recently, Valve has released a new update for its Steam Client, which is said to make the service more stable. This update has long been awaited by Linux gamers as it now allows them to access a feature that would improve their gaming experience. The new Steam Client stable update would give players the ability to enable system hardware acceleration. This would result in improved gameplay as players would be able to maximize the specs they're packing. Aside from hardware acceleration, the Steam Client update comes with modern design elements upgrades to make certain things look better. This includes upgrades to the dialogues, menus, fonts, and even colors. Linux Steam Client Users will be on Par with Windows Users After the New Update Steam Client users will also be getting richer notifications as well as in-game overlay overhaul. On top of that, players would also be getting an updated screenshot manager, new pinning and notes functionalities, and even a Settings dialog that was completely revamped for added efficiency and easy access. The addition of the hardware acceleration enablement would place Linux Steam Client users on par with the Windows version. Players are expected to notice some notable changes when they enable hardware acceleration. To enable it, players would first have to go to their Settings and click on Interface. After that, they'll be able to spot an option that lets them accelerate their hardware. Valve Released a Warning Regarding Hardware Acceleration Enabling for NVIDIA Systems Once enabled, players are expected to experience snappier animations, scrolling, and even a UI that's reportedly more responsive overall. However, Valve released a warning about enabling hardware acceleration for specific GPUs. Players are being warned that when hardware acceleration is enabled for NVIDIA GPUs, there would be a risk of an X11 crash happening. It was also noted that by default, hardware acceleration would automatically be disabled for NVIDIA systems. Valve also notes that players might experience DPI scaling not working correctly when they disable their hardware acceleration. Regarding Linux users, the new Steam Client stable update would add a brand new Compatibility tab in Settings. Read Also: Sony Cloud Streaming Undergoes Testing for Supported PS5 Titles New Update Makes It Easier for Players to Make Changes in the SteamPlay/Proton Settings This would reportedly make it easier for players to make changes in the SteamPlay/Proton settings while improving Flatpak apps support when listing or even adding certain non-Steam shortcuts. Players will also be able to add the -forcedesktopscaling command line switch in order to override the window scaling factor. Linux gamers or basically those interested to learn more about the Steam Client update for Linux can check out more information on the official release notes of the new update. The release notes reportedly detail exactly what gamers are to expect. Fans can also check the general Steam for Linux page to access discussions, news, guides, and more. Related Article: Xbox Games 2023 is Adding Speedrunning Platformer 'Neon White' Along With Other Indie Titles 2023 TECHTIMES.com All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission. Realme, unlike other companies like Apple, continuously puts out new devices, specifically smartphones. Now, due to a Geekbench listing, it is currently being expected that the Realme Narzo 60 5G would be launching. Realme Could Launch the Narzo 60 5G Smartphone with Model Number RMX3750 The company is no stranger to budget smartphones, with different models being launched every once in a while that don't break the budget. Now, it seems like the company is getting ready for the launch of another smartphone under its Realme brand. According to the story by 91 Mobiles, what makes this significant is that the Realme Narzo 60 is said to be a "rebadged" Realme 11, according to different reports. Fans can learn more about the device and how the upcoming phone could offer between 64 GB and 128 GB internal storage. It was noted that the device was spotted under the model number RMX3750, with reports saying that the device could be a rebadged version of the Realme 11. The report by 91 Mobiles notes that Realme could be already working on the Narzo 60 series but remains quiet about this. Geekbench Listing Reveals More Details About the RMX 3750 As also noted by Gizmo China, the device was spotted on Geekbench under the model name RMX3750, revealing that it had a 714 single-core score and an 1868 multi-core score. The upload date of the listing was on June 14, 2023, and it revealed some other details about the upcoming device. One of the notable details was that the device could run on the Android 13 operating system and come with a k6833v1_64_k419 motherboard. With regards to its CPU, it could be running on the ARM MT6833 as seen on the listing. As also spotted by My Smart Price, the device has the RMX3750 model number, which coincides with the reports of other publications. It was also highlighted that the k6833v1_64_k419 chipset is a MediaTek model. The Realme Narzo 60 5G is Expected to be an Octa-Core Device The device would reportedly come with an octa-core chipset with two main cores. The first two of its main cores would be the 2.2 GHz cores while the remaining six would be efficiency cores that run at 2.0 GHz. The device is also expected to come with a 6.43-inch FHD+ AMOLED display along with a 90 Hz refresh rate. The TENAA listing also showed that the device could have a flat display along with a circular rear camera setup. Read Also: Weibo Rumors Claim OPPO Find N3 Will Have Wireless Charging Support Realme Narzo 60 5G 3C Certification Reveals How the Device is Powered by a 5,000 mAh Battery As per its 3C certification, the device would be powered by a 5,000 mAh battery unit and would be capable of supporting 18W charging. Although reports are saying that the Realme Narzo 60 5G would just be a rebadged version of the Realme 11 5G, this has not yet been confirmed. Although the Realme 11 5G has not yet been launched in India, other models of the series like the Realme 11 Pro and Realme 11 Pro+ have already been released in the country. As per a May article by Smart Prix, it was revealed that the full Realme 11 series had already been launched in China. Related Article: iPhone 15 Models Will Have 48 MP Camera, New Rumor Claims 2023 TECHTIMES.com All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission. Twitter is facing a lawsuit for allegedly violating the copyright of songwriters by using their music on the platform without permission for approximately 1,700 songs. Music labels are seeking up to $150,000 for every piece of work infringed. (Photo : SEBASTIEN BOZON/AFP via Getty Images) The twitter's logo is pictured on screen reflected by mirrors in Mulhouse, eastern France on May 30, 2023. Facing Copyright Infringement Lawsuit The National Music Publishers' Association filed a lawsuit against Twitter, accusing the company of violating the copyrights of songwriters. According to a report from Reuters, Twitter used 1,700 songs on its platform without permission, making the company the only major social media platform that does not pay music rights to holders for licenses to their work. The organization is seeking a court declaration that Twitter admittedly infringed on the songs and seeking up to $150,000 for every song. Overall, it is seeking damages of more than $250 million. This was filed in federal court in Nashville consisting of 17 music publishers, including Sony Music and Universal Music Publishing Group. NMPA President David Israelite stated that Twitter has completely refused to license millions of songs on its service despite being the largest social media platform. Twitter was accused by the companies for doing "unlawful conduct enriches them at publishers' and their songwriters' expense." As per the lawsuit, deep cuts to the company's legal and trust-and-safety have gotten worst since Musk took control last October. Through this manner, Deadline reported that Twitter encourages user infringement which increases engagement and ad revenues while giving an unfair advantage over companies that pay for music licenses. Other Companies' Compliance Music companies have long complained that platforms on the internet have gotten so much money for using their work. In comparison to Twitter, Bloomberg reported that YouTube, Facebook, Snap, and Tiktok have all agreements that collectively play the industry billions of dollars annually. After years of fighting with other social media platforms over the fair use of their work, music labels have settled with other big companies related to what Twitter is facing right now. For instance, Alphabet's YouTube paid $6 billion to the music industry in the previous 12 months. Meanwhile, Meta paid hundreds of millions of dollars every year for music rights, allowing users of their platforms like Facebook and Instagram to use music in their reels and videos. For YouTube, licensing music was a bigger priority as they offer full-length songs. Also Read: Linda Yaccarino Gives 'Twitter 2.0' New Branding on Her Memo to Employees While Facebook and TikTok host also a lot of videos set to music, Twitter has long been built around text which may be the main reason why they are not complying with the music companies. Aside from this, Musk has been also preoccupied with other matters since he acquired the company. Twitter has been facing a lot of setbacks like mass layoffs, gaining reassurance from their advertisers who recently stopped working with the company, and hiring a new chief executive officer as Musk's replacement. Related Article: Twitter Faces Ban Threats in India, Nigeria, and Turkey, Ex-CEO Jack Dorsey Claims 2023 TECHTIMES.com All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission. One of the largest social media platforms of the company, Twitter, is now facing an eviction notice from a judge after it sided with the landlord in the platform's Colorado office. This adds to the increasing complaints against Twitter regarding unpaid rent in its offices in different locations, with the most significant being its San Fransisco headquarters. Massive changes are now underway on Twitter with its change of leadership and the start of its new CEO, but the new executive is faced with many problems present in the company, including rent. Twitter is Getting Evicted from its Boulder, Colorado Office (Photo : Alan Carrera from Pixabay) The Denver Business Journal has reported that Twitter has recently faced a complaint from a landlord in Boulder, Colorado, after paying to pay its rent on a property where its office is. Twitter missed as much as three months of payment to the landlord and has prompted a lawsuit that would kick them out of the property. Twitter was unable to pay as much as $75,000 to the land owner, and this is a significant sum for the famed private company, also known for its notorious missed payments for other offices. According to Engadget, Twitter does not make out traditional rent payments but entered into a credit agreement with the land owner of as much as $968,000 back in 2020. Twitter's credit ran out a few months back and has not been able to supplement the agreed-upon price for the rental. Read Also: The new Twitter CEO says that Elon Musk's passion in promoting "unfiltered free speech" should spread on social media space. Unpaid Rent? Colorado Judge is Not Having It The judge assigned to the case sided with the landlord in getting Twitter evicted from the property and was already issued a notice to vacate it, giving the social media until the end of July to comply. Furthermore, there were reports of other bills in Colorado that Twitter was unable to pay, with as much as $100,000 owed to a cleaning company. Twitter's Rent Problems One of the earliest complaints against Twitter was around the time that Elon Musk was settling in the company as its CEO and owner, and this is with its San Fransisco HQ location's rental payment issues. At first, reports were swirling in that Twitter was behind on its payments made out to their landlord, being a massive case against the platform. It was followed by another rent issue with its London office, with a lawsuit hanging over the social media's name for skipping the agreed-upon terms for their rent on the property. The company owed Crown Estate, a known company whose massive portfolio includes as many as 241 properties in Central London, with the case brought to the city's highest court. Twitter 2.0 is on its way to seeing a brighter tomorrow, as promised by its new CEO Linda Yaccarino, who is now working to improve the company. However, it is now seeing an eviction notice over at its Colorado office for its failure to pay a significant amount on the property they use, a seemingly bad start for the new executive. Related Article: Twitter Faces Ban Threats in India, Nigeria, and Turkey, Ex-CEO Jack Dorsey Claims 2023 TECHTIMES.com All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission. A relay module is an electrical component. Various industries use this circuit board that houses one or more electric switches or relays in different circuits and electrical projects. Relay boards are important to commercial, residential, and industrial project units due to their functionality. With the technological advancements and other factors affecting contemporary people's lives, relay companies began to manufacture and design top-quality products. Readers seeking more information regarding relay boards will find relevant information in this article. They will also discover the in-demand and leading manufacturers. These industry players deliver the optimal custom specifications for all their customers' relay needs. What Is a Relay and Its Purpose? A relay is an electrically operated switch. This electromagnetic device includes a set of contact terminals. Moreover, a relay consists of sets of input terminals for multiple and single control signals. Different industries use a relay switch to control circuits via an independent low-power signal. This situation also happens when one signal must control several circuits, as seen in warehouses and factories. Furthermore, relays come in various kinds. Solid state relays have solid-state electronic components. These parts do not have any moving elements compared to electromechanical relays, which heighten long-term usage reliability. Unlike electromechanical relays, solid state relays switch more often and are faster and more silent. They are used in passenger cars, trucks, buses, agricultural and specialty vehicles, and construction machinery. Depending on application and design, electromechanical relays are usable with DC or AC currents. They can handle huge amounts of current. Electromechanical relays can control high-powered circuits with low-power signals. They are also used for detecting faults on distribution and transmission lines. These relays are helpful in battery or circuit isolation. Other relays are the SPDT relay or Single Pole Double Throw relay and the DPDT relay or Double Pole Double Throw relay. Control systems commonly use SPDT relays. It can switch one circuit off or on or between two different circuits. In practical situations, SPDT relays are useful for controlling a motor by switching the power supply off or on. Users can also use this relay type to switch between two lighting circuits. On the other hand, a DPDT switch includes two pairs of switching positions. It lets the relay control two independent or separate circuits as they operate independently. Similar to SPDT switches, DPDT relays are for control systems. They facilitate the management of multiple devices or switching between multiple circuits. For example, DPDT switches control two motors. Users can perform this step by switching the power supply off or on for each motor separately. Other relay types include IoT relays, wi-fi relays, and home automation relays. Meanwhile, relay modules or relay boards are circuit boards that come in many different sizes and shapes. Most of them are rectangular, with 2, 4, 8, or 16 relays mounted. Relay boards include other parts besides the relay unit. These components include protection diodes, LEDs, resistors, transistors, and other parts. Relay boards may have one or many relays on them and other components to deliver protection and isolation. Practical Application of Relay Modules Various industries use relay modules. In the following information, readers will discover more about these circuit boards' use cases in practical situations: 1. Power distribution Electricity's flow is controllable by relay boards. The units of electrical equipment can isolate faulty circuits. Additionally, relay modules prevent damage to power equipment and heating, ventilation, and air conditioning or HVAC systems like electric fans, air conditioners, heaters, etc. 2. Home automation Smart homes use relay boards to control home appliances and fixtures, such as lights, when switching them off and on. The circuit boards are also used for controlling the room temperature and opening and closing doors and windows. 3. Robotics Users of relay modules can control the movement of a robot's different parts, including its arms and legs. Plus, they can control the motors and actuators' movements with the electronic device. 4. Automotive sector In the car industry, relay modules play an important and useful role. They help control the different parts of a vehicle, such as its motor, sensor, and lights. 5. Industrial automation Industrial settings use relay modules to manage current loads and high voltage. Other industrial automation applications of these circuit boards include controlling the motors, pumps, and other significant equipment in warehouses and factories. Relay modules are electronic devices that are important components of electrical and electronic circuits. These five scenarios show how important they are in real-life scenarios. Best Relay Modules 1. Fuji Electric Fuji Electric Company Limited is a Japanese electrical equipment provider. It started in the business of manufacturing powerful solutions in 1923. Fuji Electric has satisfied customers worldwide as a manufacturer of many technological and industrial products. Moreover, this relay board maker is committed to satisfying its clients' demands via its many indication, controlling, and sensor devices. Fuji Electric offers various types of relays, including microcontroller relays, time delay relays, and so forth. Clients recommend this firm's products due to the following advantages: a. Expertise in producing various equipment For 100 years, Fuji Electric has offered high-quality relay modules and other types of electrical equipment. It also manufactures flowmeters, motors, inverters, and gas analyzers. Pressure transmitters, generators, pumps, controllers, and integrated circuits are Fuji Electric's other products that help clients worldwide. b. Eco-friendly campaign Fuji Electric is among the world's hallmarks of innovation in environmental and energy technology. This industrial relay manufacturer addresses ecological and social problems while continuously pursuing movements for Japan to achieve economic growth. Additionally, Fuji Electric works to help its international clients achieve a sustainable and responsible society via business and energy. Its management policies and corporate philosophy coincide with the global society's aims. Fuji Electric also delivers renewable energy solutions. It promotes automation, energy conservation, and power stabilization. 2. Numato Lab Numato Systems Private Limited, or Numato Lab, is a top maker of relay boards and a market leader today. As a relay controller maker, Numato Lab opened for business in 2011. Since then, it has strongly emphasized quality in all its offerings. Numato Lab's main concentration areas are data acquisition systems, accelerated automation, and computing. This Bluetooth relay provider also focuses on Field Programmable Gate Array or FPGA-based systems. Numato Lab's customers include individual users, academic institutions, Original Design Manufacturers or ODMs, and Original Equipment Manufacturers or OEMs. They enjoy cutting-edge solutions delivered by Numato Lab. Satisfied clients recommend this company for offering the following benefits: a. Supports many application programming interfaces or API calls One of Numato Lab's advantages over its rivals is its ability to give clients many choices. Among these options are Python C and Java. Plus, customers can benefit from LabView, Perl, Visual Basic, and many others. Numato Lab ensures that its customers can work with the programming languages they feel most comfortable with. Moreover, this USB relay manufacturer believes flexibility is important in delivering top-quality products and services. As a leading wireless relay maker, Numato Lab is committed to meeting its clients' unique needs. Numato Lab lets its customers accelerate their development processes and streamline their workflows by offering support for several programming languages. Thus, clients gain a competitive edge in their particular sectors. b. Powerful and user-friendly solutions Numato Lab designs relay boards to be easily added to any product or project. This electric switch manufacturer uses materials and follows processes that enable it to offer its clients the best services and products. Numato Lab's data acquisition and automation systems are durable and reliable. Moreover, this firm's developers build accelerated computing and FPGA offerings that deliver unmatched performance. c. Highest-quality products Numato Lab is dedicated to providing customers with premium-quality solutions that meet the highest-quality benchmarks and surpass client expectations. This electrical switch manufacturer uses only the highest-quality parts and materials for its products like Power-Over-Ethernet relay. Hence, customers can feel assured that their orders are efficient and dependable. d. Customized solutions Numato Lab's team works closely with clients in designing and developing General-Purpose Input/Output or GPIO modules. Their reliable relay modules that ensure optimal performance meet clients' particular requirements. Numato Lab believes quality is the key to keeping long-lasting customer ties. Hence, this maker of premium-quality Ethernet relays has gone above and beyond to ensure its offerings meet stringent quality standards. e. Top-notch customer service and fast delivery Numato Lab is committed to delivering first-rate client service. Its experts are always ready to help customers with their issues or inquiries. Furthermore, Numato Lab understands that it can succeed as an electric switch manufacturer if it understands client satisfaction well. Thus, this Modbus relay maker does its best to offer the highest level of customer support. Numato Lab also assures its clients that their orders are processed and shipped in five business days, regardless of the customers' location, as Numato Lab highlights the significance of timely solutions delivery. 3. ABB ABB Limited is a Zurich, Switzerland-headquartered relay board maker. This Swedish-Swiss multinational corporation opened for business in the year 1988. ABB has been among the world's electrical equipment manufacturing leaders for over three decades. It has also been a Fortune 500 firm for more than 20 years. ABB's clients are based worldwide. This relay manufacturer has been a trusted brand because of the following advantages it delivers: a. Decades-long expertise ABB has satisfied its global customers with its prime experience and innovation expertise. As a preferred device and electrical component brand, this company is a leader in technological product development. b. Advanced relay product features ABB has established a solid foundation in digitalization and automation. This advantage means that its relay offerings consist of high-quality modern parts. Hence, ABB's various clients have trusted this company for a long time. They include the world's largest business organizations and individual households. c. Safe products ABB's relay boards safeguard network assets versus life-threatening events, such as fire and electrical short-circuit incidents. They offer continuity for power consumers. d. Aligned with international standards ABB's relays and relay boards are aligned with global benchmarks. These premium-quality electrical switches and equipment passed strict quality assurance evaluations. Furthermore, ABB offers its customers legitimacy with its list of patents and certifications. These advantages give contemporary scope and multifunctionality protections. 4. ComatReleco ComatReleco is among the world's major suppliers of high-quality relay modules and all types of contractors. This Worb, Switzerland-headquartered company has one of the broadest offering portfolios. ComatReleco delivers customized solutions to its clients. Among the advantages of choosing ComatReleco include the following: a. Continuous product development ComatReleco is committed to maintaining its relay products' superior qualities. Its team is engaged with non-stop investment in research and development. Moreover, ComatReleco continuously performs consistent innovation as it engages with the latest technologies. b. Wide product portfolio ComatReleco offers many relay types. This electric switch manufacturer's core competencies include contractors, monitoring, industrial, and time relays. ComatReleco installs its offerings based on the newest semiconductor technologies. Besides the latest machinery, this company also uses conventional electromechanical designs for its products. c. Global and multi-industry client base Since 1970, ComatReleco has been a supplier of contractors and relays. It has many patents and certifications proving the company's dependability and legitimacy. Thus, clients based worldwide have trusted ComatReleco for over 50 years. These customers are in the transportation and rail segments. ComatReleco also serves clients in the building installation and industrial automation sectors. Other industries served include residential, commercial, and more. ComatReleco's country organization or distributors represent it on every continent worldwide. 5. Schrack Technik Schrack Technik is a leading Austrian technology company. It specializes in products and solutions for information technology, power and electrical equipment, and data distribution. This Vienna-headquartered firm also manufactures network and data systems for different industries. Schrack Technik's business priorities are power safety, network technology, optimization, and data security. It has been in the technology and electrical business since 1920. Satisfied customers recommend this component supplier and data and energy technology provider. It is due to the following benefits this company offers: a. High-quality and assorted product line Schrack Technik delivers various offerings for economical, convenient, and secure power distribution and energy use. It manufactures premium-quality relays. They include voltage monitoring relays that involve types like 12V relays and 24V relays. Additionally, companies needing high or low-current relays can depend on Schrack Technik because among its product lines are current-monitoring switches. b. Environmentally conscious Schrack Technik engages in activities that efficiently use energy and resources. This relay manufacturer avoids environmental damage in its operations. c. Customer-centric services Schrack Technik offers the best customer service. This relay board maker's team ensures clients are at the center of everything they do. Moreover, its responsive personnel records its customers' needs and requests and continuously comes up with new innovative ideas. Schrack Technik is focused on its corporate social responsibility as well. This company has achieved a strong market presence in Central Europe by establishing subsidiaries. Fuji Electric, Numato Lab, ABB, ComatReleco, and Schrack Technik are today's five best providers of relay module solutions. They have a track record of producing highly versatile electric switches and boards that clients worldwide have benefited from and appreciated. These five firms are also lauded for their continuous innovation efforts. They transform relays from the traditional types with electromagnets to contemporary ones, including programmable relays invented using advanced operating principles. 2023 TECHTIMES.com All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission. In a groundbreaking study, scientists at the University of Birmingham may have just achieved significant breakthroughs in wound care. Their research reveals the potential of using bioactive glass impregnated with silver to treat chronic wounds, offering a more effective and longer-lasting antimicrobial solution than traditional alternatives. Bioactive Glass for Wounds Bioactive glass, a special type of synthetic biomaterial derived from silicone, has already found utility in bone grafting procedures. The team of researchers sought to explore its potential for addressing chronic wounds. For years, silver has been recognized for its ability to inhibit the growth of bacteria in open wounds. Silver-based treatments have gained popularity due to their effectiveness against antibiotic-resistant strains. However, maintaining silver's antimicrobial properties has proven challenging. Silver ions or nanoparticles present in wound dressings tend to transform into less active forms like silver sulphide or silver chloride. This transformation hampers the antimicrobial activity and compromises the success of the treatment. To tackle this issue, the scientists focused on bioactive glass doped with ionic silver and its impact on biofilms formed by Pseudomonas aeruginosa, a notorious multidrug-resistant bacterium that frequently causes infections in chronic wounds. Their study highlighted specific techniques in preparation, storage, and application that minimize the transformation of silver ions. By preventing the conversion to silver chloride, the antimicrobial activity is preserved, leading to more effective wound protection. The team of researchers involved in this study includes professionals from various fields. Dr. Sarah A. Kuehne, a microbiology researcher, Dr. Gowsihan Poologasundarampillai, an expert in biomaterials. And Sandeep Shirgill, a multidisciplinary Ph.D. student from the University of Birmingham's School of Dentistry, collaborated with Dr. Sara Jabbari from the School of Mathematics and Dr. John Ward from Loughborough University's Department of Mathematical Sciences. Read Also: The Importance of Health Care Innovation and Investment: Key Insights from a leading investor in health care Innovation Harish Battu Advancing the Material Towards Clinical Approval Bioactive glass is primarily used as a bioactive degradable graft material. Its fibrous form, which contributes to a robust and porous 3D structure, is ideal for supporting tissue growth. Now, the researchers are actively seeking collaborations with companies interested in co-developing dental surgery or wound care products. Dr. Sam Moxon, a post-doctoral researcher working closely with the Birmingham team, has been at the forefront of exploring the applications of these innovative materials in dental surgery and wound care. Recently, Dr. Moxon completed the ICURe (Innovation to Commercialization of University Research) program, funded by Innovate UK. With promising results from their research, the team is now focused on advancing the material toward clinical approval, offering hope for a future where chronic wounds can be effectively treated with the power of glass. The study, titled "Silver-doped bioactive glass fibres as a potential treatment for wound-associated bacterial biofilms," was published in the journal Biofilm. Related Article: [STUDY] New Bacteria With Extreme Amino Acid Synthesizing Ability Can Improve Immune System-but, How? 2023 TECHTIMES.com All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission. In a surprising archaeological find, researchers have unearthed a collection of precious gems that were lost by ancient Romans in the bathhouses of Carlisle, England, according to a report by National Geographic. Treasure Trove of Gemstone Intaglios The excavation of the site's drainage system revealed a treasure trove of intricately carved gemstone intaglios, providing a glimpse into the opulence enjoyed by wealthy bathers during the third and early fourth centuries A.D. These gems, which were once set in rings, had come loose due to the heat and humidity of the baths, eventually finding their way into the drains. Lead archaeologist Frank Giecco explains that the discovery sheds light on the beliefs and values of the Roman elite during that period. Among the 36 intaglios recovered, some depict Mars, the god of war, while others showcase the goddess Diana, who was revered for her protective role during childbirth, or Fortuna, the deity associated with luck. The presence of these engravings provides a unique glimpse into the spiritual and mythological inclinations of the affluent individuals who frequented the bathhouse. The excavation has also yielded monumental sculpted heads, with one of them potentially representing the goddess Fortuna. These colossal heads, alongside the gemstone intaglios, offer a captivating insight into the grandeur and cultural significance of the ancient Roman bathhouse. Further excavation of the southern portion of the site's bathhouse is currently underway, raising hopes of discovering even more remarkable artifacts within the remaining sections of the drainage system. Although the researchers have found favorites among the gems, such as the mouse intaglio, Giecco admits that discoveries continue to amaze him. With each passing month, he anticipates unearthing additional exquisite pieces that further enrich our understanding of the ancient Roman civilization. Read Also: French Archaeologists Uncover Ancient Roman-era Monumental Complex from the 2nd-3rd Century AD Window to the Roman Elite The remarkable findings from the bathhouse site in Carlisle have ignited excitement among archaeologists and history enthusiasts alike. The engraved gemstone intaglios provide a tangible connection to the luxurious lifestyle enjoyed by the Roman elite, offering a glimpse into their beliefs, values, and artistic preferences. As the excavation efforts continue, there is the tantalizing possibility of unearthing even more lost treasures, further unraveling the secrets of the ancient Romans and their opulent bathhouse rituals. Archaeological finds from the ancient Romans are exciting because they provide tangible links to a remarkable civilization that greatly influenced Western culture. These artifacts offer glimpses into a bygone era's daily lives, beliefs, and artistic achievements, fostering a deeper understanding of our shared human history. Each discovery adds a piece to the puzzle, allowing us to reconstruct the past and gain insights into ancient Rome's customs, technologies, and social structures. Related Article: Authenticated Ancient Roman Coin Reveals a Previously-Unheard Emperor from the 260s CE 2023 TECHTIMES.com All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission. TSB is urging Meta, the company behind Facebook, Instagram, and WhatsApp, to do its part in mitigating the fraud scams in the social media space. The bank says that millions of users can lose $250 million if the tech giant doesn't intervene in this widespread case. TSB Wants Meta to Start Acting Against Fraud Scams A major UK bank has revealed that victims could face losses amounting to $250 million this year due to fraudulent activities on Facebook, Instagram, and WhatsApp. As per TechRadar, the bank's CEO has personally written to the parent company of these tech platforms, Meta, urging immediate action to combat the escalating levels of scams occurring on social media. In response, the bank has put forward a set of recommendations that it believes Meta should implement to safeguard consumers: Implementing a secure payment method on Facebook Marketplace to ensure safer transactions. Prohibiting unregulated companies in the UK from advertising financial products and investments, including cryptocurrencies, on Facebook and Instagram. Making a commitment to investigate and remove fraudulent content within a 24-hour timeframe promptly. Employing filters and blocks to identify and prevent obviously fraudulent posts, such as those utilizing phrases like "crypto offer." Notifying WhatsApp users about new contacts and advising them to verify the legitimacy of the communication. Based on existing fraud levels and industry data, TSB, the UK bank, has estimated that scams originating from Meta platforms could result in losses of up to $250 million for UK households in the current year. Last year alone, there were approximately 70,000 instances of purchase fraud on Facebook Marketplace, equating to nearly 200 daily incidents. Related Article: TSB Bank Warns About Get-Rich-Quick Scams on Meta-Owned Platforms! Here's How to Spot Them Not the First Time For TSB to Call Out Meta Previously, TSB has called on Meta to share responsibility for compensating victims who have fallen prey to scams on Facebook, WhatsApp, or Instagram. The bank believes that introducing a secure payment mechanism could significantly reduce fraudulent activities on Facebook Marketplace, where transactions currently bypass recognized payment systems, enabling direct transfers from victims to fraudsters. "Meta needs to face up to its responsibility: it has a duty of care to the millions of customers who use its platforms, which is all the more important when we see innocent people lose life-changing sums every day," TSB's director of fraud prevention Paul Davis said via The Guardian. In relation to this, a Meta spokesperson said that scammers are becoming smarter in carrying out attacks on customers. Some of the fraud-launching schemes are done via SMS, email, and even offline services. How to Avoid Meta Fraud Scams Meta previously cautioned the consumers to be aware of the messages they are receiving on the platform. It's also important to note that the legit emails only come from its official email address @facebookmail.com or @mail.instagram.com. Additionally, don't click any links you think have viruses. As a bonus tip, you should also refrain from responding to emails that might have data-stealing malware. Read Also: FTC Warns of PayPal, MetaMask Phishing Scams: Here's How to Avoid Them 2023 TECHTIMES.com All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission. The Darien jungle, which separates Colombia from Panama, is the epicenter of one of the worlds biggest humanitarian crises. Thousands of migrants attempt to cross this dense patch of jungle every day, risking their lives in doing so. So far in 2023 alone, according to the latest figures released by the Panamanian authorities, 166,649 migrants of Latin American and non-Latin American origin traversed the dangerous route. But while people risk death in the Darien Gap in search of a better life, fleeing armed conflicts, persecution or gender discrimination, a German company is selling packages that follow the same route as if it were a form of adventure tourism. A documentary by journalist Katja Dohne, who joined one of the tours, says the Cologne-based operating company, Wandermut, markets it as a survival trip. Only those who are fit enough and willing to take risks can participate. Because the tour is life-threatening; even the organizers themselves say so, the documentary filmmaker points out. Wandermut presents itself as an adventure startup. The contrasts are staggering. While these European tourists pay 3,500 ($3,790) plus the cost of flights to Panama, which includes insurance to be extracted by helicopter in case of an accident, migrants die in the Darien jungle precisely due to the lack of anyone able to rescue them. According to the International Organization for Migration (IOM), at least 258 people died or disappeared on the Darien route between January 2018 and June 2, 2023, of which 41 were minors. Screenshot of the German page. wandermut.de The tourists, who are often young social media influencers from various sectors, are kitted out in specialist jungle attire and carry satellite phones in case of emergencies; the migrants, malnourished, make do with clothes and shoes that put them at greater risk of slipping on a cliff. The tours go a step further than the contrasting image of tourists on European beaches where desperate migrants arrive in small boats. In this case, the tourists are playing at survival. Dohne acknowledges in the documentary that while the group of 12 people she accompanied are there for thrill-seeking, the migrants expose themselves to a variety of dangers without a safety net. The documentary poses the question: what drives people to voluntarily risk their own lives and pay around $4,000 to do so? It also asks whether these packages designed for social media exposure will fill the jungle with tourists and damage the environment, but it superficially passes over the crux of what it means to go on a package vacation in a place where thousands of people are suffering through a record-breaking humanitarian crisis. One of the companys founders states they will continue to sell tours to extreme places where no one else goes. But that is not the case in the Darien jungle. Although the route taken by tourists does not coincide with the ones used by migrants in order to avoid the more dangerous areas where the risk of being attacked is greater up to 2,000 people pass through the same stretch of jungle every day. The Panamanian government recently launched a military strategy called Operation Shield, insisting that the Darien is not a migratory route but a natural reserve that must be protected. The Gap, however, is becoming more crowded every day. Sign up for our weekly newsletter to get more English-language news coverage from EL PAIS USA Edition Curiosity, the operating rover of NASA for the Mars mission, has snapped a glimpse of what seems to be a sky during morning and afternoon on the red planet. The international space agency said in a release that the roaming robot captured a photo of two phases using the black-and-white navigation cameras more than two months ago. NASA Curiosity Shows 'Postcard' Image of 'Marker Band Valley' In a report by CBS News on Thursday, June 15, NASA scientists transformed the photos captured on Mars into panoramic images, enhancing them with color to create a visually appealing representation called a "postcard." This artistic touch accentuated the contrasting aspects between the two instances of photo capture. The panoramic postcard showcases notable landmarks on Mars, including the intriguing "Marker Band Valley," where Curiosity discovered evidence indicating the possible existence of a past lake. Additionally, two hills named "Bolivar" and "Deepdale" grace the scene. At the edge of the photo, you will see how visible the rim of the Gale Crater is. At the moment, the Curiosity rover is still exploring it. The image even captures a mountain 54 miles away from the crater's edge thanks to clear weather conditions. The photo also captures Curiosity itself, along with its tracks traversing the dusty Martian landscape. However, the significance of these images goes beyond their captivating portrayal of the Martian terrain. Related Article: NASA's Curiosity Rover Eyes Sunset on Mars, Captures First 'Sun Rays' What Does This Mean For the Researchers? Researchers gain valuable insights into the movement of sunlight and shadows on Mars through these images. Doug Ellison, a Curiosity engineer at NASA's Jet Propulsion Laboratory, explained that capturing photos at different times of the day results in distinct dark shadows, akin to the effects of stage lighting. The monochrome versions of the images are equally striking. Each set displays the same scene but with deepening shadows on opposite sides. In the morning photos, shadows are cast to the left, while the afternoon images portray shadows originating from the right, leading to a darker ambiance. It is worth noting that these photos were taken during winter on Mars, characterized by low dust levels in the Martian atmosphere. Consequently, shadows appear sharper and darker during this season, adding to the visual dynamics of the images. The beauty of the "Marker Band Valley" is only one of the few things that NASA's Curiosity rover has captured since it landed on Mars. Where to Download the Martian Postcard? To download the "Postcard" of this Martian attraction in different sizes, just visit this link. There are variations of the image you can save for your photo album on astronomy and space. Meanwhile, the Hubble Space Telescope photographed a stunning globular star cluster M15. This particular group of celestial bodies are approximately 35,000 light-years away from the Pegasus constellation. Read Also: NASA Cassini Data Reveals Crucial Ingredient for Life on Saturn's Moon 2023 TECHTIMES.com All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission. Ever since Elon Musk took over Twitter in October 2022, he introduced many cost-cutting measures, which included the refusal of paying rent for the various office spaces it occupies. As a result, Twitter has been forced to leave its office in Boulder, Colorado, for defaulting in rent payments. According to court documents and reporting by the Denver Business Journal, Lot 2 SBO LLC a Delaware limited liability company related to Chicagos The John Buck Company that owns Twitters office at 3401 Bluff Street in Boulder, had signed a lease with the social media platform for four units in the building in February 2020. Back then, Lot 2 SBO LLC was provided a letter of credit for $968,000, which was to be drawn upon should Twitter fall behind on its rent. In the event, that John Buck Co. withdraws money from that line of credit, then Twitter would be responsible for replenishing it within 10 days. The above line of credit exhausted in March 2023, following which Twitter was required to replenish the letter of credit back to its original amount. According to the court documents, the landlord asked the social media platform to replenish the amount on April 4, 2023. However, the company ignored the request. Further, on April 28, 2023, the landlord asked Twitter to either fulfill that demand or return the property to Lot 2 SBO LLC. If we consider that the monthly rent amount was regularly paid from the letter of credit, it makes the company owe a sum of approximately $27,000 per month. On May 12, 2023, the landlord finally filed a complaint against Twitter over three months of unpaid rent, totaling over $75,000. Then, on May 31, 2023, the judge issued an order that the sheriff could assist in the eviction of Twitter from the office within the next 49 days i.e., before the end of July. The case number is 2023CV30342 in Boulder District Court. Besides requesting possession of the property, the landlord has also sought the past-due rent, attorneys fees and costs, and both pre-judgment and post-judgment interest. This is not the first lawsuit that Twitter is facing in Colorado. Last month, Boulder-based Avalanche Commercial Cleaning Inc. sued Twitter in the same court over alleged unpaid invoices amounting to $93,500. Last year, Twitter fired 87 employees at its Boulder office, with another 38 voluntarily resigning, according to a November 25 notice to the Colorado Department of Labor and Employment. Twitter has not yet commented on the report. Microsoft released Patch Tuesday Update KB5027231 (OS build 22621.1848) for Windows 11 22H2 on June 13, 2023, which addresses security issues related to the Windows operating system. However, some users who have Malwarebytes anti-virus software installed on their systems are unable to completely launch Google Chrome and load the user interface after installing the Windows 11 22H2 KB5027231 cumulative update. Affected users took to the Malwarebytes support forum to post their complaint, which is as follows: I cant open Chrome anymore after installing the June update KB5027231. I can see the processes in Task Manager, but Chrome doesnt show up. Updating to June 2023 Update (KB5027231) prevents Google Chrome from displaying after loading. Chrome will be listed in the task manager but you cannot get it to display. The only thing you can do is quit Malwarebytes, wrote another user. Even Windows admins reported the issue, stating that while uninstalling the KB5027231 update fixes the issue, it is not possible to do so via WSUS because of a catastrophic error. Rolled KB5027231 to a bunch of users, and I have Chrome broken everywhere. Attempting to rollback via wusa shows a catastrophic error in the Event Viewer, and WSUS shows I cannot roll this back. Yeah, we can manually rollback boxes, and it shows that WILL work, but no way to back out via command-line? one admin said. We had about 400 machines get the patch, and definitely not all are running into the issue. Ive had maybe 30 issues. No malwarebytes, and a check from our A/V shows nothing being blocked, the same admin said in another comment. Addressing the issue, Malwarebytes staff confirmed that the problem is caused by Malwarebytes anti-exploit module, which is preventing Google Chrome from loading after installing the KB5027231 update. On Wednesday, Malwarebytes even published a supporting article confirming that the installation of Microsofts KB5027231 cumulative update caused Malwarebytes to conflict with Google Chrome on Windows 11 systems. On June 13, 2023, Microsofts KB5027231 update installed on Windows 11 caused a conflict between Google Chrome and exploit protection, resulting in browser crashes, Malwarebytes said. Malwarebytes has provided a workaround to help users experiencing issues while launching Google Chrome. The company recommends toggling off Google Chrome as a protected application in Malwarebytes security settings. Check out the steps below to disable Google Chrome from the list of protected applications: Open Malwarebytes on your device. On the top right, click the Settings Click the Security Under Exploit Protection, click Manage protected applications. Toggle off Google Chrome (and plug-ins). Click Done. Once the issue is resolved, you can go back and enable Google Chrome as a protected application in your Malwarebytes security settings. Alternatively, affected users can address this issue by selecting Google Chrome as the default browser on their system. Were currently experiencing issues with Malwarebytes Exploit Protection and Chrome in Windows 11 where youll see Chrome crash. We suspect this is happening due to a Windows Update (KB5027231) that was released on June 13, 2023, Malwarebytes VP of Product Michael Sherwood said. Were actively troubleshooting this and well be back with more info as soon as possible. Unos policias letones detenian a unos migrantes que acababan de cruzar la frontera con Bielorrusia, en agosto de 2021 cerca de la localidad de Borzova (Letonia). INTS KALNINS (Reuters/ContactoPhoto) The drama started almost two years ago. Dozens of migrants arrived at the border between Belarus and Latvia, with the intention of crossing into the European Union. The Latvian authorities quickly decreed a state of emergency, denying access to the press and activists, suspending the EUs Asylum Procedures Directive and giving the green light to immediate deporations and the use of force by border authorities. Some people were trapped in no-mans-land for up to seven months, starving and freezing. Living in desperate conditions, they were forced by Belarusian guards to remain in a forest, where violence reigns and human rights are systematically violated with impunity. Following a period where the flow of migrants was reduced to a trickle, in recent weeks, it has started up again. The treatment of people who desperately need help is inhumane, says Ieva Raubisko, a Latvian activist who faces a possible sentence of up to five years in jail for helping a group of exhausted Syrians upon their arrival to EU territory. At the same time that the first summary expulsions took place at the Latvian border, thousands of migrants also gathered at the gates of Lithuania and, above all, Poland. They were subsequently thrust into the spotlight of international media. The strip of land separating Latvia and Belarus quickly turned into a black hole, where beatings and electric shocks were commonly deployed against migrants. In this wooded and underpopulated area, several people have lost fingers or limbs due to frostbite, while others have disappeared amidst an information blackout. After being expelled from Latvian territory, five Syrians assisted by Belarusian lawyers exiled in Lithuania managed to get the European Court of Human Rights to issue precautionary measures, requiring Latvia to accept and offer medical assistance to those who have irregularly immigrated, at least temporarily. One night this past January, aware of the day that this little group of migrants would attempt to cross the border again, Raubisko and a companion traveled from Riga the Latvian capital to the border. When I got out of the car to wait for them to arrive, the cold was so terrifying and the place so desolate that I could only think, How do they survive? The activist recounted this episode to EL PAIS a few weeks ago, in a bar in Riga. Raubisko is a social anthropologist by training, with more than 20 years of experience specializing in immigration matters. Finally, they arrived. They collapsed in the snow when they saw us; one of them was having a seizure, Raubisko continues, while trying to keep her four-year-old son entertained. The anthropologist knew that she was likely to return to Riga with an administrative penalty for going to the border, but she still called the border guards, with an order from the European Court of Human Rights in hand. That same night, a judicial odyssey began for the two activists. Before returning home, they were already being investigated for the crime of human trafficking. Meanwhile, two of the Syrians in critical condition were taken to hospital. The rest were sent to a migrant detention center in Daugavpils, Latvias second-largest city, about six miles from the border. It was worth it. Those five people have now received refugee status, Raubisko affirms. Unlike in Poland and Lithuania, solidarity with migrants has been virtually non-existent here, says Nils Muznieks, Amnesty Internationals regional director for Europe and a resident of Riga. The ban on access to the border area has allowed the Latvian authorities to constantly deny what is happening, adds Muznieks, who served as the Council of Europes Commissioner for Human Rights between 2012 and 2018. Since the beginning of the crisis, the Latvian government has maintained that the state of emergency is the only possible response to the weaponization of migration by the Aleksandr Lukashenko regime. The Belarusian dictator the Kremlins principal ally encourages the arrival of migrants from the Middle East, with the intention of transferring them to the borders with EU nations. Sometimes, he forces them to remain there, in limbo. Aleksandra Jolkina a researcher specializing in EU immigration and asylum legislation was the first to break the silence. She compiled 40 testimonies from migrants most of them Iraqis who had been trapped at the border between December of 2021 and April of 2022. Their documents and mobile phones were confiscated for a time, they couldnt return to Minsk or give up their goal of reaching the EU. Sometimes, the Belarusian guards gave them some food some porridge or some bread just enough to survive. Then, they told them that they had to cross over into Latvia, explains Jolkina over the phone. Her research suggests that the migrants who were at the border in the first nine months of the refugee crisis who were subjected to almost-daily expulsions probably numbered no more than three hundred. However, official figures indicate that more than 7,500 deportations took place in that period. In October of 2022, Amnesty International published a 67-page report containing two dozen interviews. When added to the previous testimonies documented by Jolkina, they outline a pattern of abuses by Latvian security forces against migrants. Those affected often describe the comandos as being members of the Latvian security forces, who carry weapons, wear balaclavas and dont have any visible identification. They attack migrants with batons and stun guns, with full consent of the authorities. One of the most controversial things reported in testimony is the existence of secret prisons in the middle of the forest, where migrants including children are held before being expelled to Belarus. They are sometimes tortured at these sites. Dehumanizing language Some people are admitted at the border for humanitarian reasons and transferred to Daugavpils. In the detention center according to testimonies compiled by Jolkina and Amnesty International many are pressured to sign declarations of voluntary return and fail to register asylum applications. In December, Doctors Without Borders left Latvia, due to the impossibility of providing medical support and humanitarian aid to migrants and asylum seekers. Unlike in Poland and Lithuania, the Latvian media hasnt covered this issue from a human rights perspective. Victims havent been given a voice dehumanizing language has been used against them. [They are called] illegal and criminal, says Jolkina, who, in April, began working at the Free University of Amsterdams Center for Migration and Refugee Law, where she is conducting a comparative study of the actions of Latvia, Lithuania and Poland along their respective borders. The situation of the migrants who wander lost in the forest where bears and wolves roam freely and winter temperatures plummet to 25 degrees below zero is in stark contrast with the support that Latvian society and the political class have shown for the the almost 50,000 Ukrainians who have resettled in the Baltic country since the start of the Russian invasion, in February 2022. The majority of the population supports the border guards, the police and the military deployed in the conflict zone. Very few people live near the border but if someone sees a group of migrants that has just crossed over, its very likely that they will immediately alert the authorities, Jolkina says. Raubisko, Jolkina and Amnesty researchers have been in the crosshairs of some prominent Latvian politicians, who have accused them of working for the Kremlin. They have also received all kinds of insults on social media, where the deep hatred of Middle Eastern migrants that has penetrated part of Latvian society is clearly visible. There have been many comments on Twitter that exude pure racism. There are users who urge border guards to abandon migrants so that they die, Jolkina notes. Migrants arrive in Belarus seduced by advertisements from informal travel agencies, in which they are guaranteed access to EU community territory for around $5,000. The option of migrating on foot and avoiding the horrors of the Mediterranean is tempting for many. To this day, Iranians, Iraqis, Syrians or Afghans who book packages to travel to Latvia begin their journey with a flight to Russia, where they make a stopover before reaching Minsk. From there, theyre transferred by bus to the border. This past April, a regular route between Tehran and the Belarusian capital was inaugurated. According to the Latvian authorities, this will further increase the number of migrants on its borders. Last Thursday, the Parliament of Latvia took the first step to approve some legislative amendments that will allow immediate deportations, without the need to extend the state of emergency every three months. Border guards may continue to resort to the use of force to prevent irregular crossings and expel those who manage to cross the border without any formal procedure. Latvias legislative reform is in line with the one approved in April by Lithuania. The Latvian government argues that, among the people weaponized by the Russian vassal state of Belarus, there may be some with terrorist elements or infiltrators belonging to enemy secret services. And, since August of 2022, Latvia has been building a robust metal fence along the 107-mile-long border that separates the EU country from Belarus. The US government, meanwhile, will be making a multi-million dollar investment to increase detection capabilities at the Latvia-Belarus border. As Jolkina proceeded to interview people who had spent months in that hellish forest, she began receiving messages from desperate relatives. They sent her copies of the passports of some of their loved ones, who they havent heard from. The researcher alerted various European and international institutions, including the European Commission and Frontex the European Border and Coast Guard Agency about the disappearances. Dunja Mijatovic the Council of Europe Commissioner for Human Rights was the only one to respond and publicly express her concern. The Latvian authorities have acknowledged the death of an Afghan from hypothermia last winter, while the Belarusians admit to having found a couple of corpses. Muznieks and Raubisko fear that many more anonymous migrants have perished somewhere between Belarus and Latvia. The Latvian Ministry of Interior refused to respond to questions from EL PAIS. Sign up for our weekly newsletter to get more English-language news coverage from EL PAIS USA Edition In April, the two nations announced the resumption of diplomatic relations with immediate effect. Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan Al Saud will visit Iran's capital, Tehran, on Saturday, June 17, after seven years of diplomatic rupture. According to local media, the Saudi chief diplomat will meet with his Iranian counterpart, Hossein Amir-Abdollahian and other officials. The two diplomats met in April in Beijing and formally agreed to reopen diplomatic missions. In May, they also met on the sidelines of the BRICS meeting in South Africa. Iranian media reported that Saudi Arabia will likely reopen its embassy and consulate in Tehran during the minister's trip to Iran. The #Iranian Tasnim News Agency stated that the #Saudi Foreign Minister, Faisal bin Farhan Al Saud, will visit #Tehran on Saturday to hold talks with senior Iranian officials.#Iran#SaudiArabia pic.twitter.com/7bNo7xVvop Al Mayadeen English (@MayadeenEnglish) June 15, 2023 Earlier this month, Iran reopened its diplomatic missions in Saudi Arabia: the embassy in the capital Riyadh, the consulate, and the Organization of Islamic Cooperation mission in the port city of Jeddah. In April, the two nations announced the resumption of diplomatic relations with immediate effect. In March, they agreed to restore diplomatic ties in an agreement brokered by China. Saudi Arabia cut diplomatic ties with Iran in 2016 in response to attacks on Saudi diplomatic missions in Iran following the execution of Saudi Shiite cleric Nimr Al-Nimr. 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(m+) That's it for the Internet: Oliver Samwer shuts down his start Moving to Saudi Arabia or returning to their homeland: Zenit may lose Malcolm, Claudinho and Wendel before the start of the RPL The queen stage in the Alps: The Tour de France has been decided A fake smile and feelings of fear and anxiety. Body language expert: Messi is not happy with his move to Inter Miami Conflict with the referee and provocation Toth: Shuai survived a panic attack and withdrew from the tournament in Budapest "They will not participate on such conditions": Matytsin on declarations of condemnation of the NWO and the words of Isinbayeva The latest of them is the Englishman Maguire, defender of Manchester United. Players stripped of the captain's armband The world's first 16 MW ultra-large capacity offshore wind turbine is connected to the grid to generate electricity Beijing strengthens the management of housing leases from the owner body It is proposed to require the publicity of fees The "Opinions of the CPC Central Committee and the State Council on Promoting the Development and Growth of the Private Economy" were promulgated China issued a document to promote the development and growth of the private economy and responded to four core concerns French MP: sanctions against Russia have led to a catastrophe in the economy in Europe Putin called the impudence of the failure of Russian conditions in the framework of the grain deal The president of the Eurogroup distances himself from Calvino and avoids supporting Sanchez: "Full respect for the electoral process" Iran: several convictions of artists for non-respect of the veil in public China-North England Cooperation Forum Held Enterprises of the two countries are optimistic about the prospects of cooperation Time has passed: the Russian Foreign Ministry announced that the UN had three months to fulfill the terms of the grain deal In Russia, it was proposed to create a program to improve the infrastructure of tourist places Therefore, the US has contacted Sweden to help soldiers in North Korea Elections in Cote d'Ivoire: differences persist between the PDCI and the PPA-CI in Abidjan China and Cambodia signed a new version of the action plan for a community of common destiny In Kyiv, they said that the counteroffensive of the Armed Forces of Ukraine would be "heavy and long." In the first half of the year, procuratorial organs across the country prosecuted more than 700,000 criminal suspects of all kinds "Japan's forced discharge of nuclear-contaminated water into the sea will only lay the seeds for the future" In the last stop of his Gulf tour. Erdogan: We will raise our relations with the UAE to a strategic partnership Three activists arrested for sneaking into Ibiza airport sticking to a private jet and spraying it with paint Activists of Futuro Vegetal spray paint on the megayacht of the Walmart heiress docked in Ibiza WP: U.S. prepares sanctions against Kyrgyzstan to force it to stop trade with Russia The astonishing data of the time trial in which Vingegaard swept Pogacar: "He scored more watts than expected" "Artillery delivered powerful blows": the Russian military destroyed more than 40 soldiers of the Armed Forces of Ukraine in the area of the Antonovsky bridge 6 ways to fix WhatsApp and find out if the cause is a service outage 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. Theater director Yevgeniya Berkovich, arrested on charges of "justifying terrorism," during a video conference at the Moscow City Court on May 30, 2023. NATALIA KOLESNIKOVA (AFP) The invasion of Ukraine has dealt a severe blow to Russias innovative and progressive theater scene, which dares to speak out against the war and also to defend values that are attacked by Russia official nationalist and ultra-conservative politics. Since the beginning of the invasion on February 24, 2022, some of Russias most prestigious directors have emigrated, while actors who have spoken out against Russias war have often paid for their words with their jobs. In addition to emigrating (either as a result of making anti-war statements or not), theater professionals who question the war are forced to either keep silent, hide their opinions, learn to speak in a way that does not provoke conflict or perform in alternative or semi-clandestine settings, where actors and spectators are bound by trust. Some even go to jail. Thats what happened to directors and writers Yevgeniya Berkovich and Svetlana Petriychuk, who were both arrested in early May in Moscow, after being accused of public exhortations to commit terrorist acts, justifying terrorism and terrorism propaganda. Berkovich, who is the director of the independent theater project Docheri Soso, put on a performance of Finist, the Brave Falcon, a documentary-style play by Petrichuk, based on the real experiences of women who traveled to Syria following radical Islamists who had seduced them on social media. Finist, the Brave Falcon includes materials from the trials against the women and combines contemporary documentary, psychological and social aspects with a traditional Russian fable of the same title. The linguistic analysis that led to charges against Berkovich and Petrichuk detected ideological indications of Islamism and jihadism, as well as radical feminism. The two women who deny all charges and had been awarded one of the highest distinctions in Russian theater for the play will remain in jail awaiting trial until at least July. Several works directed by Berkovich are still on the program at the Inner Space Theater in Moscow. Pressures on experimental scene The pressures on the more experimental and independent sector of the Russian theater scene generally take the form of reorganizations, playbill changes and other bureaucratic pretexts. The names of the wayward creators are erased in the programs of the works that they themselves directed or starred in. On February 24, 2022, when Russia invaded Ukraine, respected Russian theater director Dmitry Krymov was in Philadelphia, in the United States, rehearsing his interpretation of The Cherry Orchard by Anton Chekhov. Krymov condemned the war and decided that he could not return to his country given the circumstances. The director now works in New York and has spoken about the hardships he has encountered since emigrating, in particular, the difficulty of not being part of the cultural and creative milieu in which he operated in Moscow. The Russian capital has been characterized by its great theatrical offerings and Krymovs works, such as Seriozha (his peculiar staging of the play Anna Karenina from the perspective of Sergei, her son). Seriozha is still on the program, although Krymovs name is no longer mentioned. Other productions such as Kostik and Don Juan have disappeared from the Moscow theater repertoire. Konstantin Khabensky, the director of the Moscow Art Theater, had to replace Anatoliy Beliy, a prestigious actor who played the role of Anas husband Alexei Karenin in Seriozha. Beliy emigrated to Israel after publicly condemning the war in Ukraine. Dmitry Krymov at a premiere in Santa Monica, California on April 11, 2012. Angela Weiss (WireImage) For theater directors in Russia, the new cultural climate means they can either continue to work as usual and stay quiet, or speak out against the war and risk not only losing their jobs, but their entire company. This is what appears to have happened to Khabensky. Not only did he have to replace Beliy, he also fired Dmitriy Nazarov, a veteran actor who was named the Peoples Artist of Russia in 2000. The decision came after Nazarov shared videos of himself reading pacifist poems. Nazarovs wife, Russian actress Olga Vasilyeva, was also fired from the Moscow Art Theater. The two are now trying to emigrate to Israel. After the invasion of Ukraine, Khabensky stated that he was going to tale all works concerning war activities off the program. Another prominent figure who has left Russia is Rimas Tuminas. In 2022, the Lithuanian director was fired from the Moscow Vakhtangov Theater, where he had been chief director, and had to give back the State Prize of the Russian Federation over allegations he had been disloyal to the regime. Yuri Butusov, another award-winning director from the Vakhtangov Theater, is also now living aboard. Butusovs only comment was a letter from Paris announcing that he did not intend to return to Moscow. His production of King Lear is still playing at the theater. Even the Bolshoi Theater has been affected. It removed two operas directed by Aleksandr Molochnikov last season after the Research Group on Anti-Russian Activities in the Cultural Field (an entity created within the framework of Russias lower house, the State Duma) considered the director a possible anti-Russian agent. Kiril Serebrianikovs opera Nureyev, about the esteemed Soviet ballet dancer Rudolf Nureyev, has also been taken off the program. The leaders of the theater believe the opera directed by Serebrianikov who is no longer in Russia violates the law passed last year that prohibits so-called gay propaganda. Among the talented directors who have left Russia is Yevgeny Mironov, who has gone even further in denouncing the war. He took his company, the Theater of Nations, to Mariupol, the Ukrainian city devastated by Russian bombs, with a play dedicated to childrens day, and offered to lead the operation to restore the citys destroyed theater. Theater in Russia will survive if the directors who are leaving the country are replaced by others who can do a decent job of dodging the official ideology. The big problem is whether the theater is going to be replaced by propaganda, says Anastasia Patlay, the artistic director at Teatr.doc in Moscow. Sign up for our weekly newsletter to get more English-language news coverage from EL PAIS USA Edition The Sun Herald, based in Biloxi, covers the Mississippi Gulf Coast and is a news partner with NOLA.com | The Times-Picayune. Read more at www.sunherald.com. Protesters gather after a pregnant woman died in hospital in an incident campaigners say is the fault of Poland's laws on abortion, in Warsaw, Poland, on June 14, 2023. Thousands of people demonstrated across Poland on Wednesday against the countrys restrictive abortion law after a woman who was five months pregnant died of sepsis, the latest such death since a tightening of the law. The protesters vented their fury against the governing Law and Justice party, or PiS, and doctors who refuse to perform abortions even when a womans life is at risk. There have been reported cases of hospitals that refused to terminate pregnancies because of the presence of a fetal heartbeat, even when the women were in grave danger. The protests were held under the slogans Stop Killing Us! and Not One More. PiS kills, said a sign at the protest in Warsaw, where hundreds gathered around a monument to the Renaissance astronomer Nicolaus Copernicus. Mom, I am afraid for my future, said another. The 33-year-old woman died last month in the John Paul II hospital in Nowy Targ in southern Poland. It is a hospital in a deeply conservative region of the mostly Catholic nation. The hospital contains relics of the late Polish pope, and Polish media have reported that it never performs abortions on principle. The woman, Dorota Lalik, arrived there after her waters broke and was told to lie with her legs up, as the medics hoped her fluids would be reconstituted. She developed sepsis and died three days later on May 24. A protest was also held in Nowy Targ, where the hospital issued a statement expressing the staffs condolences to the woman and insisting they did their best to help her. She was also informed about her and her childs health. She understood the situation, the hospital said. Under the current law, women have the right to abortion only in cases of rape or incest or if there is a threat to their life or health. Government authorities have stressed this week that the law was, therefore, not the cause of the womans death. They stressed that women have a right to a legal abortion in such cases and that the hospital violated her right to a legal abortion. Such perinatal deaths also took place in the times of the Civic Platform, Prime Minister Mateusz Morawiecki said Wednesday, referring to the centrist opposition party that held power before his conservative party took over in 2015. Even before Morawieckis Law and Justice party took power, Polands abortion law was among the most restrictive in Europe. Womens rights advocates argue that the current law and the overall conservative climate have had a chilling effect. They say doctors are putting womens lives at risk as they prioritize saving fetuses over women, either for ideological reasons or fearing legal consequences for themselves. The government and anti-abortion groups accuse the abortion-rights side of politicizing the tragedies unfairly. Several women have now died after the constitutional court ruled in 2020 that women could no longer terminate pregnancies in cases of severe fetal deformities. Critics of the current laws also argue that another problem is doctors refusing to perform abortions on grounds of their moral conscience. The liberal Gazeta Wyborcza daily wrote Wednesday that the so-called conscience clause was being used not only by individual doctors, but even by entire health care facilities, including the one where Lalik died. Sign up for our weekly newsletter to get more English-language news coverage from EL PAIS USA Edition From left front, Timothy Namikas and David Li write on papyrus with squid ink as teacher Nathalie Roy's Glasgow Middle School students learn about writing with smelly squid ink and papyrus Friday August 23, 2019, in Baton Rouge, La. Nathalie Roy, a Latin teacher at Glasgow Middle School in Baton Rouge, is teaching an elective class for middle school students interested in the ancient Roman world and the technology of Roman daily life, with no Latin language experience needed. It shows that STEM is not just a modern thing but goes way back. Roy does daily interactive projects: spinning and hair styling; mixing and setting concrete; record keeping with wax tablets, papyrus, and abaci; hydraulic devices, such as aqueducts and water screws; weapons like catapults; etc. Roy last year published a paper on her class in The Classical Outlook, the leading publication for classroom teachers of Latin, Greek, and Classical Humanities in the schools. Kimen Lee was reaching out the window to drop sales receipts into a bank deposit box in 1993 when a series of gunshots interrupted her nightly routine. When Lee, then the manager of a local Piggly Wiggly, turned around, her off-duty police escort Cpl. Betty Smothers had already been shot. She died almost instantly. Large energy users expect it will be easier to contract cheaper gas as the federal government moves into the final stages of enshrining a gas sector code of conduct, even with uncertainty hanging over whether stalled east coast drilling projects will proceed. Following months of friction between the government and gas companies over a series of policy interventions aimed at cutting prices and boosting domestic supplies of the fuel, a mandatory code of conduct to clamp down on the industry has now been finalised and will be released within weeks. Gas producers face the extension of a $12-a-gigajoule price cap, but some companies will be exempt. Credit: Bloomberg Representatives for major manufacturers who rely on gas for energy or as a raw material in their factories for making products such as bricks, steel, food and glass said the update was reassuring. They hoped the code would address unsustainably high gas prices that had risen disproportionately to exploration and production expenses, particularly since Russias invasion of Ukraine unleashed a historic global energy crunch and ignited demand for Australias gas exports. A stoush is brewing between Qantas and some of its flight attendants over a new route to New York, which staff say should be crewed by Australians. Qantas launched 16-hour flights from Auckland to New York on Wednesday to replace its pre-pandemic route, which involved a stopover in Los Angeles. The airline is now being criticised over its choice to use New Zealand-based cabin crew on the route, with staff claiming the carrier made the decision because the Kiwi flight attendants have fewer rest entitlements. The head of the Flight Attendants Association of Australia Teri OToole said Qantass decision to crew the route with New Zealanders and not existing members of the airlines Australian workforce was a slap in the face. Qantas will operate three weekly flights from Sydney to New York, increasing to four per week from October. The route will transit through Auckland for the first time, before a 16+ hour flight direct to New York. Credit: James D Morgan After Australian taxpayers gave Qantas more than $2 billion in support to retain their staff during COVID-19, it seems like a slap in the face that Australian workers have been denied this work, OToole said. Save Log in , register or subscribe to save articles for later. Save articles for later Add articles to your saved list and come back to them any time. Got it Normal text size Larger text size Very large text size Her alter ego Effie might play the clown, but Mary Coustas is no idiot. That word idiotes comes from the Ancient Greeks, and originally referred to someone interested only in their own affairs, disengaged from the life around them. Coustas is anything but. A conversation with her might take in everything from the levelling effect of growing up working class (there was something really empowering in feeling like we werent competing against each other) to being pro-dobber (if youve got a girl, you want them telling you everything), to parenting ethics (we outsource everything except morality). One minute shell be describing a 3000-year-old amphitheatre, the next marvelling at the fact that Athens has 16 daily newspapers: The Greeks take pride in putting a mezze plate of different opinions down at every meal. Mary Coustas new show covers the many forces that made her who she is. Credit: Dominic Lorrimer Plenty of clever people have been interviewed for this slot, but Coustas is honest-to-goodness wise. It puts her in good stead for This Is Personal, the solo show in which she steps out from behind the characters to perform as herself. Its a tight 65 minutes that somehow covers the many forces that made her who she is and the legacy she hopes her daughter will inherit. Her fascination with the world seems to echo the philosophers of old Athens, who were less interested in esoteric metaphysical business and more concerned with the stuff that matters: what does a good life look like? How should we treat each other? Whats with all the idiotes? Coustas gives credit for her inquiring mind to her father. Every day of her childhood he told her the same thing: Youve got a great brain. Use it. You say that to a girl, a girls going to think twice about everything. Even more than that, shes going to think for herself. A strong mind should from a really early age galvanise somebody, and it did me. It proved to me that I could make choices that would serve me long-term. Advertisement Coustas was only 23 when her father died. My dad didnt see any of my success. But he sort of set me up for it. When he noticed his seven-year-old daughter liked writing, he bought her a typewriter. When he realised she had a knack for storytelling, he encouraged her to take it seriously. And when she got her first job as a puppeteer with Handspand Theatre, he proposed she write a show for them. Another snippet of his wisdom: Dont expect anyone to make your dreams come true. Thats your job. For a self-made migrant, Coustas Senior was unexpectedly supportive of his daughters entry into the arts. But when he witnessed her acting school graduation work, the man who had read philosophy his entire life was baffled. Coustas with Acropolis Now co-stars George Kapiniaris (left) and Nick Giannopoulos. His words to me were, What was that? What did we just see? No one needs to see that, ever. He said to me, You need to tell your story, our stories. Its easy to forget that when Coustas created Effie, there was nothing like the character on our TVs. Until the 1990s, Australian screen culture was brain-numbingly Anglo. Then came Wogs out of Work and Acropolis Now and generations woke up to the fact that huge swathes of the population had been excised from public representation. Effie and her other Acropolis alumni are known for changing the discussion around ethnicity on our screens, but whats almost never included in the conversation is the fact that Effie also represents our working class. Class is the issue were not talking about, she says. When Coustas promotes charities shes often drawn to heart research (her fathers early death was due to a heart attack) and stillbirth (she lost a child of her own). But she always goes back to education and literacy as the areas she most wants to promote. Advertisement We know its a ticket out of circumstances. Ive witnessed that with my family. If I want to make my mother cry in a split second, I dont have to refer to my father who died, who was the love of her life, or my daughter who died or anything. All I have to do is talk to her about the fact that her education was stolen from her, and she will break down as though it has just happened. Coustas with husband George Betsis and daughter Jamie in 2013. Credit: 60 Minutes Back in her village in Greece, Coustas mother had been an A-grade student before her brother pulled her out of school and set her to work in the fields. She already knew enough for a girl, he said. That broke her. She had no ambition to come to Australia but she certainly didnt want to live in that village and have that life, so she lied about her age on her passport, pretended she was 18 when she was in fact 17, and flew to Australia in 1957 completely alone. Loading She arrived here with no skills, money or language. She began to work in a factory to pay off her airline ticket. She always says to me, I fell into this country like a bird with broken wings. And she always had this ambition to do more. She did eventually do more. Marys brother runs the famous Rowena Corner Store in Richmond, and after she came out of mourning her husbands death, Fani Coustas became the face of the cafe. When this opportunity came up she said, I want to go in there and run that business. She got so popular with the locals. People loved her. It got so big it outgrew her. And now its got seven or eight staff and two chefs. Fani Coustas looms large in This Is Personal, as do the other formative figures in her daughters life. The show also explores how having a daughter of her own changed Coustas, too. Advertisement Add articles to your saved list and come back to them anytime. The DAnna family has been luring Italians and food-obsessed Melburnians to Balwyn for 60 years, a testament to the familys sourcing of quality products for primo grocer, Boccaccio Cellars. Now, the family is inviting them to stay for dinner at their new wine bar, Enoteca Boccaccio. Grand Italian houses are referenced in the details, such as terracotta tiles. Peter Clark Reached via a flight of stairs beside the grocer, Enoteca occupies three rooms where the DAnna children would play after school while their parents worked in the shop. Now, that upper floor is a 50-seat venue with finely etched features such as fluted Italian marble, textured walls and handmade clay tiles that recall Italys streets and grand piazzas. Natural materials were chosen by Mim Design that would improve over time, much like the Italian craft of food preservation. CEO Anthony DAnna, the second generation to run the business, first sketched out the plans in 2017, drawing heavily on his favourite dining experiences in Italy: sitting at the bar at Il Santino in Florence or Roscioli in Rome, two venues where wine shares top billing with the food. When art historian Dr David Hansen told people he was curating an exhibition at the State Library of NSW about one of Australias most popular convict artists, Charles Rodius, he drew blank stares. Other than a handful of experts in colonial art, nobody remembered the trained artist whose portraits of early Sydney characters portrayed First Nations people, including Garigal leader Bungaree, with as much respect as the five-time premier of NSW, Sir Henry Parkes. That could change with the worlds first exhibition of 90 drawings, watercolours and prints by Rodius (18021860), which opens at the State Library of NSW on Saturday. Art historian Dr David Hansen with a portrait of an Indigenous man known as Sangrado, by colonial artist Charles Rodius. Credit: Louise Kennerley Arriving in Sydney in 1829, Rodius reputation as an artist preceded him, said Hansen, the guest curator. Trained in Paris as an artist, Rodius was transported to Australia after stealing a ladys handbag at the opera in London. CCTV footage has captured the moment a spark of static electricity ignited what became one of Melbournes worst industrial blazes of the past two decades. It took nearly 200 firefighters more than four days to extinguish the fire that erupted in April 2019 at the Campbellfield premises of Bradbury Industrial Services; a chemical recycling operator that has since been linked to the largest illegal toxic waste dumping operation in Victorian history. The smoke plume created by the blaze forced the closure of schools and businesses across the citys northern suburbs, injuring one employee and exposing emergency responders and thousands of locals to toxic fumes. More than four years later, the circumstances of the incident were revealed in the County Court on Wednesday after the company pleaded guilty to six charges relating to the fire and the illegal stockpiling of millions of litres of chemical waste in five other warehouses in the northern suburbs. Victoria is facing calls to fast-track the replacement of more than 100 regional school buses that do not have seatbelts after two horror crashes that have thrown a spotlight on bus safety. The state government is reviewing school bus seatbelt rules after 13 children were hospitalised 10 with serious injuries when an Exford Primary School bus crashed on Melbournes western outskirts last month. Thirteen children were taken to hospital after the Exford Primary School bus crash last month. Credit: Jason South Ten people were killed in the Hunter Valley in New South Wales on Sunday when a bus carrying 35 wedding guests rolled, in one of the countrys worst road disasters. In Victoria, it is compulsory to wear a seatbelt on a bus or coach if one is available, but there is no legal mandate for them to be installed, including on school buses. The developmental biologist Lewis Wolpert left behind a famous dictum: It is not birth, marriage or death, but gastrulation which is truly the most important time in your life. Precisely 14 days after a sperm and egg unite, the embryo, a tiny sphere of a few hundred cells, will begin gastrulation, a week-long process in which that little ball will become the first sketch of an individual. Those days are the greatest enigma in the formation of a human being, because of the technical and ethical barriers to investigating them. Palestinian scientist Jacob Hanna, one of the world leaders in this field, has succeeded in creating a new model of human embryo, obtained from stem cells, which mimics the three-dimensional architecture of a natural embryo between seven and 14 days old, according to his preliminary results, to which EL PAIS has had access. This is the first time that synthetic human embryos have been obtained without genetic modification, says Hanna, of the Weizmann Institute of Science in Rehovot, Israel. The draft of his study will be published Thursday in bioRxiv, a repository for unreviewed biology preprints. The cells of an embryo thats just a few days old are pluripotent: they can be transformed into any cell of an adult person, whether of the heart, lung or brain. These all-powerful cells can also be extracted and cultured individually in the laboratory. They will divide and create identical copies of themselves for an indefinite period of time. Jacob Hannas group uses a chemical cocktail to induce self-organization of embryonic stem cells into a human embryo-like structure. Hannas results come in the midst of an international controversy. The Anglo-Polish biologist Magdalena Zernicka-Goetz, a researcher at the University of Cambridge, announced Wednesday at a conference in Boston that her team has created a similar human embryo model, capable of developing in the laboratory to a stage equivalent to 14 days, according to an article published on Thursday by the British newspaper The Guardian. Zernicka-Goetz, who does genetically modify cells, has not published the results. Three international experts consulted by EL PAIS doubted the achievement.. Jacob Hanna, of the Weizmann Institute of Science in Rehovot (Israel). Instituto Weizmann de Ciencias Jacob Hanna himself is very blunt. This is not serious science and it is very poor journalism. According to what Professor Zernicka-Goetz presented yesterday, these structures do not qualify as an embryoid model, because an embryo should have a placenta, yolk sac, amniotic cavity and chorionic sac, and none of these structures were there. I find their data very unconvincing, he says. Scientists working with stem cells should try not to do the same as [Chinese scientist] He Jiankui, who announced CRISPR babies [the first genetically engineered humans] without publishing any data to back it up, he adds.This newspaper has requested further information from Zernicka-Goetz, without obtaining a response. French engineer Nicolas Rivron already used embryonic stem cells in 2021 to create models of human blastocysts - embryos of about five days and about 200 cells - at the Institute of Molecular Biotechnology in Vienna. In some countries, such as Australia, these pseudo-embryos are treated as real embryos and are regulated by the same strict legislation. Nicolas is also sceptical about Magdalena Zernicka-Goetzs results. I am not very convinced this is recapitulating human development. As far as I understand, this data is unpublished, the article is under revision, and in competition with others. This looks like an attempt for a priority claim. Of note, this The Guardian article is surprisingly inaccurate and filled with factual mistakes to the point that it is hard to know where to start, he says. In April, Chinese neuroscientist Zhen Lius team at the Shanghai Neuroscience Institute succeeded in generating macaque pseudoembryos in the laboratory and implanting them in the uterus of three monkeys, initiating three pregnancies, but all of them failed after a few days. For the scientific community, if they cannot develop in the maternal womb, they are not real embryos, but simple embryo models. In 2020 a team led by Spanish biologist Alfonso Martinez Arias achieved, from embryonic cells grown in the laboratory, structures similar to a part of a human embryo of about 19 days, without the brain seed or the tissues that would normally form the placenta. Martinez Arias of Pompeu Fabra University applauds Jacob Hannas impressive results. However, he also criticizes Magdalena Zernicka-Goetzs announcement: There is not much to say because of lack of information. There is no data, because their work has not been published in any format. This field has a bad habit of making big headlines that then dont match reality. I suspect this is another case. Competition to be the first is fierce, but in this case Martinez Arias has no doubts about who is ahead. Jacob Hanna, he explains, already presented his results to his colleagues at a congress held in March in Japan. French biologist Irene Aksoy believes that these embryo models are a tremendous tool to shed light on the development of the human being at stages that are inaccessible today, when the development of the different organs begins. Aksoy and her colleague Pierre Savatier have created monkey and human chimeras at the Institute for Stem Cell and Brain Research in Lyon: macaque embryos of about 250 cells, in which 10 of them were human. The biologist stresses the ethical dilemmas, although she emphasizes that in these models there is nothing that resembles a beating heart or an incipient brain, since the development of the structures is stopped much earlier. There are ethical boundaries that need to be raised, as in this case the science has outpaced the law and no one would want to reiterate the CRISPR babies fiasco, she warns. There is rich irony in Australias decision this week to refuse Russias wish to build a new embassy in Canberra to replace its ageing and dowdy diplomatic compound. In the 1970s, Australia actually offered to help the Soviets build a new embassy. The site of the proposed second Russian embassy in Canberra. The government has announced it will cancel the lease. Credit: Alex Ellinghausen By then, the old embassy of the Soviet Union a sprawling guesthouse before Joseph Stalins people bought it in 1943 had been bugged by the Australian Security Intelligence Organisation, bombed by anti-Soviet protesters and had its hedges set on fire several times. But the Soviets said nyet. They wouldnt move. The Albanese government has introduced emergency legislation to prevent Russia from opening a new embassy less than a kilometre from Parliament House in Canberra, saying the new site poses an unacceptable security risk. The government intervened in the long-running dispute about the embassy site after the Federal Court last week found an eviction order issued by the National Capital Authority (NCA) was invalid. The Russian government was granted the 99-year lease for the plot of land, in the upmarket suburb of Yarralumla, in 2008 but failed to progress plans to develop the site, leading the NCA to claim it should give it up to another country. The government has received very clear security advice as to the risk presented by a new Russian presence, and so close to Parliament House, Prime Minister Anthony Albanese said in a press conference. Relationships can be tricky things, particularly when one side isnt pulling its weight. Thats the frustration felt by Victorian Nationals MPs whose political fortunes are wedded to the lagging Liberals whose polling has plummeted since the election. Support for the Liberals under Victorian Opposition Leader John Pesutto has fallen since the election. Credit: Penny Stephens As with so many marriages, the National Party has found itself doing the heavy lifting, while the Liberal Party appears to have gone fishing. Despite this, neither side is pushing for a divorce. To butcher Corinthians, love is patient, wont insist on its own way or rejoice in wrongdoing, but for how long? Live out your Old West dreams in Oklahoma If its modern cowboy culture youre after, head onto Oklahoma. The rolling hills, prairies and mesas of Sooner State will make you feel just like youre on the open range. Start your journey in Oklahoma City (OKC), where you can brush up on your history with a visit to the National Cowboy & Western Heritage Museum. Its home to renowned Western art and exhibits from the 17 US western states on everything from life as a ranch hand to the cowboys of the silver screen. Visit OKCs National Cowboy & Western Heritage Museum to be immersed in cowboy culture. Credit: National Cowboy & Western Heritage Museum While youre in OKC, youll also want to hit the citys national stockyards, where you can watch cowboy-hatted bidders compete in real-deal cattle auctions every Monday and Tuesday morning. And dont leave without flicking through the racks in the stockyard areas many country and western clothing stores, where you stock up on your cowboy couture with some new boots, belt buckles, button-up shirts, and jeans. You could even get a custom cowboy hat made at Shortys Caboy Hattery, which has been making the highest-quality headwear in Oklahoma for over 30 years. Grab the best steakhouse dinner around at the famous Cattlemans Steakhouse, then finish off with a nightcap in old saloon surrounds at McClintock Saloon & Chop House, which offers over 170 types of whiskey. After a solid nights sleep, hit Route 66 and start moseying on through the states many atmospheric frontier towns. Or to really unleash your inner cowboy, time your trip to catch a true Oklahoma rodeo like the Will Rogers Memorial Rodeo, or the Freedom Rodeo and Old Cowhand Reunion, both of which happen every August. There, you can enjoy rodeo events like roping, bull riding, steer wrestling and bareback riding, as well as chuckwagon dinners and nightly dances soundtracked by the very best country musicians. Its enough to make you yee-haw. For more information and to book, visit grapevinetexasusa.com and travelok.com. Even without those sale fares, booking in advance, particularly for flights, will generally save you a lot of money. For overseas travel, try to book flights at least six months in advance. For domestic travel, aim for at least a few months. This also goes for hotels and domestic transfers. Even booking tourist attractions and other entry fees online in advance will generally save you money. Look for travel passes Once you have decided on your destination and your timings, its worth looking into local transport passes. Japans JR Pass is probably the most famous of these a seven-day or two-week pass allowing all the travel you like on Japan Rail trains and other forms of transport (though it will shortly become more expensive) though the Eurail Pass in Europe is also justifiably well known. Both of these passes, and similar products in other countries, could save you a heap on transport costs, depending on how often you will be moving around, and where you would like to go. Search for discount codes Any time you're about to book something a hotel, an attraction or similar and you see a box that says "discount code", the first thing you should do is plug the name of whatever it is you're about to book, and "discount code" into Google and see what comes up. There's a good chance you will find one. Manage your money Credit: iStock Here is an absolutely fundamental way to keep unnecessary spending in check while you travel: ensure you can access your money, and spend it, in ways that don't attract too many fees. Avoid dedicated travel money cards, which can make it expensive to reconvert unused funds once youre home, and instead use a debit or credit card that doesnt attract foreign transaction or conversion fees (there are several in Australia). Make sure, too, that you have a credit card to use for any transactions that involve a holding deposit (hotels, rental cars), so your own money isn't being restricted. Embrace hostels Hostels are the perfect accommodation for travellers on a budget. They're also so much better than the flea-bitten hostels of old, with modern conveniences, social areas, work spaces and plenty more. Plus, you can choose your style of accommodation, from shared dorms with a few people or a lot of people, to private rooms with ensuite bathrooms. Another key feature of most hostels is that they have kitchen facilities, which will allow you to cook your own food when you want to. In some countries that won't save you much; in others, it will make a huge difference. Take the bus One of the keys to saving money is to do as locals do. How do locals get around their own country? Do they fly? Probably not. Do they take the train? Maybe. Or do they get the bus? This is highly likely. Do your research, and if bus trips are cheapest, while also being safe and reliable, then that's how you should be getting around. In the likes of South America, you will find bus services that are like business-class cabins on planes, with lie-flat seats and waiter service, meaning overnight trips will make a lot of sense. To get around cities themselves, try to walk where possible. Eat from the streets Credit: iStock Street food is your friend. This is often the cheapest form of dining in any given place, and it's also a perfect snapshot of local culture and cuisine. If street food is a thing in the place you're staying, you should be eating it. Visit affordable countries Not all countries are created equal, particularly when were talking about affordability. The money you spend in a single day in, say, London, will probably last you a week in, say, Ho Chi Minh City. This shouldn't be the sole deciding factor when it comes to your travel plans, but it's something to think about. If you are really strapped for cash, but you still want to do lots of activities and eat nice food and stay in good accommodation, then turn your focus to countries that tend to be on the cheaper side. Visit secondary destinations Instead of Barcelona, try Girona. Credit: iStock Speaking of London yes, it's notoriously expensive. So is Paris. So is Barcelona. So is New York. So is Kyoto. The answer here is to consider "secondary destinations", cities that may not be as famous as the big-ticket destinations, yet offer similar experiences at a fraction of the cost. So, instead of London, spend more time in Manchester. Instead of Paris, try Lyon. Instead of Barcelona, spend time in Girona. And so on. Travel off-peak If you're travelling on a budget there is no way you should be travelling at peak times (which are often summer, though sometimes winter in destinations that are wet and steamy in the warmer months). You will save a lot of money, both on airfares and on the ground, if you choose to travel off-peak. If that's going to be too hot, or too cold, or means you miss out on key experiences, at least travel in shoulder seasons. Pack light Credit: iStock Madrid: The European Union has taken an important step towards passing what would be one of the first major laws to regulate artificial intelligence, a potential model for policymakers around the world as they grapple with how to put guardrails on the rapidly developing technology. The European Parliament, a main legislative branch of the EU, passed a draft law known as the AI Act, which would put new restrictions on what are seen as the technologys riskiest uses. EU parliamentarians vote on the Artificial Intelligence act at the European Parliament in Strasbourg, eastern France. Credit: AP It would severely curtail uses of facial recognition software, while requiring makers of AI systems like the ChatGPT chatbot to disclose more about the data used to create their programs. The vote is one step in a longer process. A final version of the law is not expected to be passed until later this year. The Hamburger Mary's Bar & Grille parade entry shows a banner advertising Bud Light beer at the WeHo Pride Parade in West Hollywood, California, on Sunday, June 4, 2023. After more than two decades as Americas best-selling beer, Bud Light has slipped into second place. Modelo Especial, a Mexican lager, overtook Bud Light in U.S. retail dollar sales in the month ending June 3, according to Nielsen data analyzed by Bump Williams Consulting. Modelo controlled 8.4% of U.S. grocery, convenience and liquor store sales; Bud Light fell to 7.3%. Its a milestone in the months-long sales decline Bud Light has experienced since early April, when critics vowed to boycott the brand after it sent a commemorative can to Dylan Mulvaney, a transgender influencer. Bud Light has also faced backlash from Mulvaneys fans, who think the brand didnt do enough to support her. Dave William, Bump Williams vice president of analytics and insights, said Bud Light has been the top-selling U.S. beer since 2001, and it could still retain that crown this year. He noted that Bud Lights year-to-date market share of 9% is still outpacing Modelos, at 8%. But Modelo appears to have the advantage, with its sales increasing by double-digit percentages every week. The launch of a new light beer, Modelo Oro, in May is also boosting awareness of the brand. Bud Lights U.S. sales slumped 24% the week ending June 3, while Modelo Especial sales were up 12%, according to Dave Williams. Scott Scanlon, an executive vice president at the consulting firm Circana who follows the alcohol market, said Mexican imports like Modelo and Corona have been the biggest bright spots in the otherwise stagnant U.S. beer market for years. When Modelo first went on sale in the U.S. in the 1990s, it was primarily marketed to Hispanic drinkers, Scanlon said. But it has long since broadened its consumer base and is especially popular among younger drinkers, who like its fuller flavor. Scanlon said Modelo is already the top seller in markets like Los Angeles and Chicago, but it could still see a lot of growth ahead on the East Coast. Modelo was going to become the No. 1 beer brand. It was destiny because the growth numbers we are seeing and have been seeing are astonishing, Scanlon said. The only question was time. Scanlon said the pandemic accelerated Modelos U.S. sales, since it sees more of its sales from retail stores than from bars and restaurants. And Bud Lights missteps further accelerated its rise. Grupo Modelo the Mexican brewer is owned by Anheuser-Busch InBev, the same parent company of Bud Light. Constellation Brands, a Victor, New York-based company, has been licensed to sell Modelo in the U.S. since 2013 as part of an agreement with antitrust regulators after InBev bought Grupo Modelo. Messages seeking comment were left Wednesday with Anheuser-Busch and Constellation Brands. Sign up for our weekly newsletter to get more English-language news coverage from EL PAIS USA Edition Screenshot from Tuesday's Fox News program in which an onscreen message called U.S. President Joe Biden a "wannabe dictator." Fox News said Wednesday that an onscreen message that called President Biden a wannabe dictator was taken off TV immediately after it aired and addressed.The headline appeared Tuesday night under onscreen video of former President Donald Trump speaking to supporters live following his arrest, next to Biden speaking at an earlier White House event. The message, called a chyron, read in full: Wannabe dictator speaks at the White House after having his political rival arrested. Fox said in a statement Wednesday that the chyron was taken down immediately and was addressed. There was no explanation about how it was addressed. The website Mediaite reported that the message was onscreen for 27 seconds. The White House has said Biden has had no contact with Attorney General Merrick Garland about the indictment by special counsel Jack Smith, which accuses Trump of illegally hoarding classified documents. Biden has not commented on the case. Several commentators on Fox and Republican politicians have, however, suggested the indictment was politically motivated, particularly before details of the charges were made public. Two months ago, Fox News agreed to pay Dominion Voting Systems $787 million to settle a lawsuit accusing the news organization of telling lies about the 2020 presidential election. Sign up for our weekly newsletter to get more English-language news coverage from EL PAIS USA Edition Former President Donald Trump prays with pastor Mario Bramnick, third from right, and others at Versailles restaurant on Tuesday, June 13, 2023, in Miami. Just last week, former Vice President Mike Pence said he hoped federal prosecutors would not bring charges against former President Donald Trump. On Wednesday, a day after Trump was arraigned on dozens of felony counts related to classified documents, Pence described the allegations as a very serious matter. I cannot defend what is alleged, Pence, who is now challenging Trump for the Republican presidential nomination, said on CNBC. The former vice presidents evolving message highlights the high-stakes dilemma for Trumps Republican rivals, who are struggling to find a clear and consistent strategy to take on the frontrunner as Trumps unprecedented legal troubles threaten to dominate all other issues in the 2024 presidential contest. Some Republican leaders this week have demonstrated a newfound willingness to criticize Trump over the seriousness of the allegations, which include mishandling government secrets that as commander in chief he was entrusted to protect. Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis, a former naval officer and Trumps top rival for the nomination, said that if I would have taken classified (documents) to my apartment, I would have been court-martialed in a New York minute. But that was just a brief mention in a weekend speech at a North Carolina GOP gathering, during which he focused his censure on the Justice Department and the Biden administration. Its been much the same for other challengers. Even the most aggressive have layered their criticism of Trump with attacks against the Justice Department for bringing charges against him that make it difficult at times to determine exactly where they stand on the former president. And thats precisely the point, given Trumps continued popularity among GOP voters and his rivals desire to dent his lead without alienating his base. Indeed, most of Trumps competitors are making a risky bet for now that the weight of his extraordinary baggage will eventually sink his reelection bid. They believe it will take time. Trumps Republican opponents privately concede that the former presidents considerable political strength is likely to grow stronger, at least in the short term, as GOP voters, key officials and conservative media leaders rally around him. For example, Pastor Robert Jeffress, of the First Baptist megachurch in Dallas, initially declined to endorse Trumps 2024 bid but declared Tuesday night that the GOPs presidential primary was all but over. I thought there would be almost a civil war in the Republican Party for the nomination, but that quickly turned into an unconditional surrender, said Jeffress, who mingled at Trumps post-indictment gathering at Bedminster, New Jersey. People absolutely love this president, and I believe his base is going to turn out. The Republican establishment has tried and failed to reject Trump and his divisive politics for much of the last decade. But this time the GOP faces the very real possibility that a man who has been indicted twice and charged with dozens of felonies could become the partys standard-bearer in 2024. Fighting that outcome, which once seemed all but inevitable, a powerful conservative voice is being raised in the fight for the first time. The Koch networks political arm, Americans for Prosperity, has begun running online ads across Iowa, New Hampshire and South Carolina the first three states on the GOPs presidential primary calendar focusing on questions about Trumps electability in next falls general election against Biden. The new ads make no mention of his legal troubles. Trump did a lot of good things as president, one of the ads says. But this time, he cant win. Americans for Prosperity CEO Emily Seidel said her organization has talked to thousands of voters in key states to determine the most effective arguments to undermine Trumps political strength. Based on the data were collecting, more than two-thirds of people who say theyre supporting Trump are also receptive to arguments that he is a weak candidate, his focus on 2020 is a liability, and his lack of appeal with independent voters is a problem, Seidel said. That tells us that many Republicans are ready to move on they just need to see another candidate step up and show they can lead and win. So far, Trumps rivals are still trying to find their footing as the former president commands a big lead in early Republican primary polls. And as they test evolving messages on the campaign trail and in media appearances, none of top-tier competitors are running paid advertisements seizing on Trumps legal troubles. Republican presidential contender Nikki Haley, the former ambassador to the United Nations in the Trump administration, told Fox News on Monday that Trump was incredibly reckless with our national security if the allegations in the indictment are true. On Tuesday, she repeated the pointed criticism, but also said shed be inclined to pardon Trump if hes convicted. I think it would be terrible for the country to have a former president in prison for years because of a documents case, Haley said on the Clay Travis and Buck Sexton radio show. Others have made defending Trump a central message in their early campaigns. Speaking outside the Miami courthouse on Tuesday, White House hopeful Vivek Ramaswamy announced that his campaign had sent a letter to other 2024 candidates challenging them to join his pledge to pardon Trump on their first day in office. I respectfully request that you join me in this commitment or else publicly explain why you will not, it read. Trump, meanwhile, is trying to take advantage of the media storm. After his appearance in federal court in Miami, he made a stop at the citys famed Versailles Restaurant in Little Havana, with news cameras in tow. He then headed home to his Bedminster summer residence, where aides had assembled hundreds of supporters, club members and reporters for a post-arraignment speech. Trump was welcomed like a general returning home from battle. Insisting he was innocent of all charges, the former president vowed that, as president, he would appoint a special prosecutor to investigate Biden and his family. As for the indictment and charges? This is called election interference and yet another attempt to rig and steal a presidential election, Trump said. As they reckon with the fact that Trump faces years behind bars, as well as the logistical complications of balancing court appearances with campaign rallies, Trumps political advisers have stressed what they see as the political benefits. They believe the wall-to-wall coverage of his legal woes makes it difficult for his competitors to be heard, a point that other campaigns acknowledged privately. From a campaign standpoint, I mean, what did the other candidates do today? Do we know? asked Trump campaign spokesperson Steven Cheung. Theres no oxygen for the other candidates. Those other candidates are eager to highlight cracks in Trumps support, although for now, they appear to be modest. On Capitol Hill, a small but growing Republican minority of lawmakers have recently described the new federal charges against Trump as serious. I would not feel comfortable with a convicted felon in the White House, Rep. Ken Buck, R-Colo., told CNN. He pointed to Trumps attacks against Hillary Clinton, who was accused of mishandling classified documents in her emails in 2016. His words have set the standard. Veteran Republican strategist Ari Fleischer warned that it would take time to understand the political impact of Trumps growing legal challenges. A short-term rally around Trump now is not the true measure, Fleischer said. The only test is a long-term test. Sign up for our weekly newsletter to get more English-language news coverage from EL PAIS USA Edition The Daily News will sit down with your top performance player from the Week #7 Batavia Muckdogs games and talk baseball! Keep an eye out for our Week #8 poll, running next week (Tuesday - Friday)! You voted: Proprium Capital Partners, a leading real estate fund manager, has entered into agreements to establish a multi-family property investment venture with Manulife Investment Management and Mubadala Investment Company. The venture will partner with Samurai Capital, a leading asset manager with significant experience in managing multi-family assets in Japan, and intends to assemble a portfolio worth up to JPY80 billion ($600 million). The joint venture was seeded with existing rental multi-family properties in Japan and will seek to acquire additional assets. Targeting urban dwellers in Tokyo and Osaka, the seed assets are high-quality stabilized properties with convenient access to railway stations and nearby neighbourhood amenities. Sustainability will form a core focus of the venture, from the construction stage through to tenant engagement schemes to reduce the carbon footprint of the properties. The objective of the partnership is to acquire assets that deliver affordable and high-quality living spaces for tenants and attractive and sustainable returns for shareholders. The establishment of the venture reflects the confidence of Proprium and its partners in the resilient nature and strong growth potential of Japans multi-family property sector. Thomas Wong, Partner of Proprium Capital Partners, commented: We are excited to partner with two highly respected institutions to extend our global living strategy from Europe, Australia and China to Japan. We believe that these properties will outperform the market and generate positive returns for our investors. Through the collaboration between Proprium and our co-investors, we look forward to scaling up in the Japan multifamily sector. Kenneth Tsang, Senior Managing Director & Head of Real Estate Asset Management, Asia for Manulife Investment Management, said: Our investment in this venture provides us with a further footprint in Japan and the multi-family sector which remains our favourable asset class globally. We believe the partnership will help us accelerate our growth plans and strengthen our competitive market position not only in Japan but also globally. Matthias Neuling, Head of Asia & DACH Real Estate for Mubadala, added: Mubadala takes pride in investments which unlock value for stakeholders and benefit communities. Japans multi-family property sector has proven to be resilient and stable, offering attractive risk-adjusted returns with significant future growth potential. Japan is a key strategic market for Mubadala, and we look forward to working with our partners to create long-term value and deliver sustainable high-quality living spaces for communities across the country. Ken Aoyama, President & CEO of Samurai Capital, said: We are excited to work with leading global firms to invest into the Japanese multifamily sector and are pleased to provide our capability, experience, and network in the Japanese residential sector for the funds success. TradeArabia News Service KYODO NEWS - Jun 15, 2023 - 02:01 | All, World U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken will visit Beijing this weekend to hold talks with Chinese officials, a senior State Department official said Wednesday, as Washington seeks to lower the temperature after months of heightened tensions between the two countries. This will be the first visit to China by a U.S. secretary of state since 2018. The trip, agreed upon by U.S. President Joe Biden and Chinese President Xi Jinping last year during a meeting in Indonesia, was abruptly postponed from its initial timing in February after a suspected Chinese spy balloon flew across the United States. During the two-day visit from Sunday, Daniel Kritenbrink, assistant secretary of state for East Asian and Pacific affairs, said the United States has three objectives -- keeping communication channels open to reduce the risk of miscalculation, signaling U.S. interests and exploring areas of potential cooperation. "This is not a visit in which I would anticipate a long list of deliverables coming out of it," he told reporters. Kurt Campbell, coordinator for Indo-Pacific affairs on the U.S. National Security Council, said that despite the tense situation with China, he expects Blinken's trip to herald a series of visits in "both directions" in the months ahead. "Intense competition requires intense diplomacy if we're going to manage tensions," Campbell said in the same press briefing with the senior diplomat. "We can't let the disagreements that might divide us stand in the way of moving forward." He added, however, that the United States will not compromise its interests or values, while maintaining it does not seek conflict or a new Cold War. The announcement of Blinken's trip, also the first Cabinet-level visit to China since 2019, according to Kritenbrink, came after the top diplomat spoke by phone to Chinese Foreign Minister Qin Gang. During the conversation, Qin told Blinken that the United States should respect China's position on Taiwan and never interfere in Beijing's internal affairs. China's Foreign Ministry also said Qin urged the United States to stop undermining its "sovereignty, security and development interests in the name of competition." The U.S.-China relationship remains fraught over a range of thorny issues, including not just Taiwan but also differing views on human rights, Russia's invasion of Ukraine and territorial disputes in the South and East China seas. Most recently, the relationship was marred by a media report saying that China had secretly struck a deal with Cuba to build an electronic eavesdropping station on the island. The Wall Street Journal report last week was initially described as inaccurate by the White House, but a Biden administration official said Saturday that China has been spying from Cuba for some time, rather than it being a recent development. On Monday, Blinken revealed that China upgraded its intelligence collection facilities in Cuba in 2019, adding that upon the formation of Biden's administration in 2021, he and some other officials were briefed on Beijing's attempts to expand its overseas logistics to enable it to "project and sustain military power at the greater distance." Blinken's remarks have drawn a sharp reaction from China, which denounced him and other U.S. officials for "spreading rumors and smearing" Beijing. As the strategic rivalry between the United States and China heats up, other countries are especially concerned about the risk of miscalculation and military accidents by the two countries. China severed military-to-military communication channels with the United States after then House of Representatives Speaker Nancy Pelosi visited Taiwan in August, becoming the most senior U.S. official to set foot on the democratic island in a quarter century. China, which has been putting pressure on Taiwan, regards the island as part of its territory to be brought under its control by force if necessary. Campbell said the need to restore high-level exchanges between the two militaries will likely be raised by Blinken, in addition to discussing issues such as those related to Taiwan and Russia's ongoing attacks on Ukraine. It is almost certain that Blinken will meet with the Chinese foreign minister and perhaps with Xi during his stay. But Kritenbrink said only that he will have meetings with senior Chinese officials, suggesting the top U.S. diplomat's schedule has not been finalized yet. State Department spokesman Matthew Miller said Blinken's trip, which will also take him to London, is set to run through next Wednesday. In London, Blinken will attend a conference on Ukraine's recovery from Russia's invasion, he said. Related coverage: Blinken says China upgraded Cuba intelligence facilities in 2019 Blinken planning to visit China as soon as next week: report Former U.S. President Donald Trump waves as he makes a visit to the Cuban restaurant Versailles after he appeared for his arraignment on Tuesday, June 13, 2023, in Miami. Trump pleaded not guilty to 37 federal charges, including possession of national security documents after leaving office, obstruction, and making false statements. (Alon Skuy/Getty Images/TNS) KYODO NEWS - Jun 15, 2023 - 19:08 | All, World Canada is suspending its activities with the China-led Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank to probe allegations that the bank is dominated by the Chinese Communist Party, Deputy Prime Minister Chrystia Freeland said Wednesday. The Canadian government "will immediately halt all government-led activity at the bank," Freeland told reporters, adding that she has "instructed the Department of Finance to lead an immediate review of the allegations raised and of Canada's involvement in the AIIB." She also said she was not ruling out "any outcome" of the review, hinting that Ottawa could pull out of the bank. The comments came as Bob Pickard, the AIIB's global communications director and a Canadian, tweeted Wednesday he had resigned, claiming the development bank is "dominated by Communist Party members." "I don't believe that my country's interests are served by its AIIB membership," he said. Freeland said Canada will discuss the matter with the bank's other member countries. Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman Wang Wenbin said Thursday the AIIB has acted as "a truly international, rules-based, high-standard institution" with the joint efforts of the members. Wang also stressed at a press conference in Beijing that the bank recruits and manages its staff from 65 countries and economies "in accordance with the principles of openness, meritocracy and transparency." Proposed by China in 2013, the AIIB was launched in 2015. The United States and Japan are the only Group of Seven industrial powers that have not joined the bank. 2 Men, Including Marine, Charged in Firebombing of California Planned Parenthood Clinic Two men who allegedly used a Molotov cocktail to firebomb a Planned Parenthood clinic in Costa Mesa, California in 2022, were arrested and charged on June 14, according to officials. Tibet Ergul, 21, of Irvine, and Chance Brannon, 23, of San Juan Capistrano, an active duty Marine stationed at Camp Pendleton, were arrested without incident and charged with using an explosive or fire to damage real property affecting interstate commerce, according to a statement from the U.S. Attorneys Office, Central District of California. Both defendants appeared in court in Santa Ana on Wednesday. If found guilty, they could be sentenced to up to 20 years behind bars. The depraved act of launching an improvised explosive device into a public facility put lives at risk and will not be tolerated, said Donald Alway, the assistant director in charge of the FBIs Los Angeles Field Office. The joint investigation among local and federal law enforcement led to todays arrests and we will continue to work collaboratively with our partners to hold accountable those who deliberately endanger the community. Prosecutors allege that Ergul and Brannon attacked the clinic, which offers birth control pills and abortion services, during the early morning hours of March 13, 2022, by igniting and throwing a Molotov cocktail at the clinic entrance, setting it on fire. The Planned Parenthood clinic was forced to close the following morning owing to the damage and subsequently canceled approximately 30 appointments, prosecutors said. Nobody was harmed during the incident. FBI Offers Reward CCTV footage taken from the day of the incident shows two men dressed in hooded sweatshirts and masks approaching the clinic at approximately 1 a.m., according to prosecutors. The two men then ignited the Molotov cocktail and threw it at the front door of the building, prosecutors said. The device landed against a southern wall next to the glass door and erupted into a fire, which spread up the wall and across the ceiling above the glass door, according to the complaint (pdf). The two men then ran away from the scene, prosecutors said. Fire crews were called to the scene and were able to extinguish the fire. The Orange County Crime Laboratory later analyzed evidence recovered at the scene and said it showed that the glass container and other materials including gauze sponges contained gasoline. According to the manager of the clinic, an estimated $1,050 worth of damage was inflicted on the building. The FBI in January offered a $25,000 reward for information on the incident, which it said was part of a national effort to bring awareness to a series of attacks and threats targeting reproductive health service facilities across the country. In April, a witness called the FBIs National Threat Operations Center stating that they knew the identities of the two men because they were high school friends. The witness further told the FBI that Ergul allegedly sent them text messages admitting his involvement in the attack, including photographs of the Molotov cocktail, according to the complaint. Planned Parenthood Will Not Be Deterred Cellphone data later allegedly placed Brannon near the Planned Parenthood clinic the night of the attack, according to the complaint. Nichole Ramirez, spokeswoman for Planned Parenthood of Orange and San Bernardino Counties said in a statement to CNN on Wednesday, While we are fortunate and grateful that no one was harmed, we stand firm against those who would wish to intimidate our staff, patients, and supporters. Their safety is our highest priority, and we will not be deterred in our mission to provide expert, compassionate care to our community, as we have done for over 50 years, Ramirez added. Kate Corrigan, an attorney representing Brannon, said in a statement to USA Today that her client would not be pleading guilty during his June 14 appearance in court. At this time, we are early in the proceedings. There will not be a guilty plea today I will be receiving the discovery in the case in the near future. There is a lot of work ahead of me on this case. I have no further comment at this time, Corrigan said. The Epoch Times has contacted the U.S. Marine Corps for further comment. It is not immediately clear if Ergul has legal representation. The Epoch Times has contacted the Department of Justice for further comment. My office takes very seriously this brazen attack that targeted a facility that provides critical health care services to thousands of people in Orange County, said United States Attorney Martin Estrada in a statement. While it is fortunate that no one was physically harmed and responders were able to prevent the clinic from being destroyed, the defendants violent actions are entirely unacceptable. After China Woke Up Commentary Let China sleep. For when she wakes up, she will shake the world, a quote generally attributed to Napoleon two centuries ago became relevant again after the turn of the millennium when the momentum of Chinas reforms was increasingly felt around the world. The word appetite is used in China Shakes the World by James Kynge, China Bureau chief for Financial Times, for Chinas global gobble-up of jobs, raw materials, energy, and food. Today, China has made aircraft carriers (albeit not nuclear-powered), and it is the consensus of its government and people to compete with the United States as a superpower. Every day, in the official media and on social media such as Weibo, Chinas Twitter, there are attacks of all kinds on the USA, who had supported Chinas entry into the WTO twenty years ago. The Chinese government has even coined a phrasethe party of the USA and the West (Mei xifang). At first glance, this term looks somewhat illogical to single out the USA and have it juxtaposed with the West. But the communists have a reason to do so: to highlight a group of unfriendly countries steered by the USA, whose enmity China needs to get rid of as a foremost diplomatic goal. In other words, this term serves as a tool to struggle against the USA. Following its ever-growing national strength, Chinas inconsistency between words and actions is increasingly felt. A national power comparable to that of America entails more international responsibilities, which China denies on the ground that it is still a developing country. This is Chinas red line, which it will not let go of. Peoples Daily, Chinas state media, claims that no matter how far China will develop, China will always be a developing country. The reason is simple: the developing country status will continue to bring China much-needed benefits such as low-interest/interest-free loans, tariff concessions, trade protection, restrictions on foreign access to its domestic market, and foreign technological assistance. The world should ask: why fatten up a country that shamelessly expresses hostility to universal values? Like the government, like people. Whether China has become a superpower is debatable, but it is many peoples experienceespecially that of Hongkongersthat the Chinese run wild from time to time. They seem to have developed a habit of making big deals out of small matters, intentionally looking for evidence of China being humiliated on a global scale. Before the founding of Communist China, matters like no Chinese and dogs allowed, allegedly from a sign outside a park in Shanghai, constituted such an insult; now, the mere mentioning of Winnie the Pooh (for its resemblance to leader Xi Jinping), Happy Lunar New Year (for the belief that its use is to avoid using Happy Chinese New Year intentionally) or Italians making fun of eating pizza and spaghetti with chopsticks is considered an insult to the Chinese. A recent incident involves Cathay Pacific, whose flight attendants were recorded chatting about a passengers poor English during a flight break. The result was quite disproportionate: Hong Kongs chief executive John Lee Ka-chiu joined Chinas state media to request Cathay fire the crew members involved. This incident incited some Chinese passengers to pursue humiliation-seeking journeys. Some said they always had their smartphone cameras on during their flights, wishing to capture the precious moment of humiliating China. Why does China approve of such acts? Probably such passengers serve the regimes purpose to expand its soft power. For example, after the above Cathay incident, it was found that its crew members took the initiative to speak in Putonghua rather than English, which the regime is undoubtedly happy to see. In contrast, the regimesboth China and Hong Kongchoose to struggle against satire and humor that should have been within the bounds of freedom of expression. One example is Zunzi, Hong Kongs veteran political cartoonist whose works have been removed from public libraries. Another is Li Haoshi, a renowned comedian of China, who was investigated by the police for having mocked the Liberation Army as wild dogs. In China, brilliant minds are struggling, and those who run wild like the Boxersa xenophobic movement in 1899 that resulted in a joint expedition by eight powersare always praised. Legendary Hero Fok Yuen-kap, a Hong Kong TV oldie on a martial art master in modern China, has a popular theme song whose lyrics go, After a hundred years of sleep, our countrymen are gradually waking up. Those who have woken up and run wild should have remained asleep. Views expressed in this article are the opinions of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views of The Epoch Times. Alberta Premier Accuses Facebook of Censorship Over Temporary Posting Restriction Alberta Premier Danielle Smith says her Facebook account is back up and running after a temporary restriction that prompted her to accuse the social media giant of censorship. Big tech and government censorship is becoming a danger to free speech around the world, Smith said in a June 14 message on Twitter, announcing, My Facebook account has been banned from posting content for a few days. Her message tagged Elon Musk, owner of Twitter, and Mark Zuckerberg, chief executive officer of Facebook, saying, As the Premier of a province of 4.6 million Albertans- if they can prevent me from communicating with you, imagine what they can do to any one of us. Regardless of our political leanings, we must all stand against censorship. Smith provided an update on the situation, in a follow-up post at 10:32 a.m. local time on June 15, saying, Happy to report, my page is able to post on Facebook again. This was the error that appeared on my page. I hope this is the last time it happens. Smith included a screenshot from Facebook which contained a warning message stating, Sorry, you cant post to Facebook from this account.: For security reasons, your account has limited access to the site for a few days. If you have any questions, please contact our Help Center. David Troya-Alvarez, a spokesperson for Meta, told The Epoch Times on June 15 that There were no restrictions placed on the Premiers Page. One of the Pages administrators faced restrictions, but that did not impact the underlying Pages ability to post content, said Troya-Alvarez. Zuckerberg spoke to the issue of censorship recently, admitting on the Lex Fridman Podcast on June 8 that the social media giant was asked to censor COVID posts that ended up being debatable or true, by members of the scientific establishment. Just take some of the stuff around COVID earlier on in the pandemic, where there were real health implications, but there hadnt been time to fully vet a bunch of the scientific assumptions and, unfortunately, I think a lot of the establishment on that kind of waffled on a bunch of facts, said Zuckerberg. The Facebook founder said members of the scientific community asked for a bunch of things to be censored that, in retrospect, ended up being more debatable or true. That stuff is really tough. It really undermines trust, he said. Peter Wilson contributed to this report. KYODO NEWS - Jun 15, 2023 - 21:24 | All, Japan Police on Thursday arrested a Chinese researcher at Japan's national institute of industrial technology for allegedly leaking data to a Chinese company, an investigative source said. Quan Hengdao is suspected of emailing research data on fluorine compounds to the Chinese firm on April 13, 2018, in violation of the Unfair Competition Prevention Act, the source said. The 59-year-old worked on the data at the National Institute of Advanced Industrial Science and Technology in Ibaraki Prefecture. It was not immediately known whether he had admitted to the allegation. The suspect also taught at the Beijing Institute of Technology, which is believed to have links to China's military, said the source. Fluorine compounds are used as an insulating gas and employed as an insulator in electrical equipment such as transformers. The police searched his home and confiscated materials on Thursday after the institute had reported the breach. "It is very regrettable that our staff member was arrested. We'll fully cooperate with the investigation and deal with the matter strictly," the institute said. Analysts Worry CCP Using Hong Kong to Dodge Foreign Restrictions on Organ Transplant The photo depicts the organ donation card, which Hong Kong citizens can fill in voluntarily. File photo. (Big Mack/The Epoch Times) Since Lo Chung-mau, Secretary for Health of the Hong Kong Hospital Authority, expressed his hope in December 2022 to integrate Hong Kong hospitals into the China Organ Transplant Response System (COTRS), the number of people canceling their organ donor registration skyrocketed in the same month. Commentators suspect that the Chinese Community Party is trying to use Hong Kong to internationalize its organ transplant business while dodging restrictions of foreign countries against organ transplants in mainland China. Hongkongers who recently revoked their organ donor registration said that the final straw was when the government decided to initiate a statement to the press on May 22. The Hong Kong government criticizes some citizens who called for people to cancel their organ donor registration. It also blames the individuals who distrust the organ-sharing mechanism between China and Hong Kong, believing that the mechanism does not protect or guarantee Hongkongers organs from falling into the hands of Mainland privileged people. Facilitating Convenience of Foreigners Organ Transplant The Epoch Times Political Commentator Shi Shan explains in his program that the authorities plan to transport and swap organs between China and Hong Kong. Shi Shan also mentions that the mainland is opaque and secretive to most things have raised doubts among Hongkongers. China Banned From Organ Transplant Overseas Shi Shan points out that the organ transport system in mainland China is said to be problematic, leading to most foreign countries legislating and prohibiting their people from getting organ transplants of unknown origin overseas. For instance, once a patient receives an organ transplant in China, the Israeli governments medical care or insurance will not recognize the procedures nor provide follow-up treatments for any transplant rejection. CCPs Organ Transplant Business Expansion To Hong Kong Shi believes that various restrictions have impacted the Chinese organ transplant business; he suspects that the organ sharing system between Hong Kong and China is the Chinese Communist Partys scheme to use Hong Kong as a channel to expand its organ transplant business. Many countries have restricted and blocked The Chinese Communist Party, making it difficult for the regime to make money. But Hong Kong has not been blocked or restricted yet by foreign countries. So organs taken from Mainland can transport to Hong Kong hospitals for transplantation. Shi Shan adds that China can send doctors and medical teams to other hospitals for organ transplantation in many ways. Hence, he suspects the the CCP intends to provide operations to foreigners to earn foreign exchange. Dr. Jacob Lavee, a renowned heart transplant surgeon and professor of the School of Medicine at Tel Aviv University in Israel, discussed the organ donation sharing systems between China and Hong Kong with The Epoch Times in May 2023. Lavee said it would likely mean dragging Hong Kong into obtaining live harvested organs. Dr. Lavee also advised Western countries to join hands in diplomatic and economic efforts to combat the atrocities and use of live-harvested organs in Hong Kong. Banning Suspicious Organs Israel legislated in April 2014 and banned all Israeli citizens from organ transplant surgery overseas from unknown or illegal sources. The Israeli government also banned insurance companies from paying citizens who have organ transplant procedures done overseas. Dr. Lavees effort is behind the success of Israels ban legislation. According to the U.S. news website Axios.com, Dr. Lavee first learned about China harvesting organs on live detainees in 2005. At the time, one of his patients flew to China two weeks in advance for a heart transplant. He recalls questioning, Who can guarantee you a heart on a specific day? Someone has to be dead on the exact day for that to happen. After the patient arrived in China, he received the heart transplant on the exact day he was promised, which sealed the legislation ban Lavee was pushing for. The World Versus the CCPs Live Organ Harvest Many international investigations have confirmed the regimes organ harvesting since the scandal exploded in 2006. David Matas, an international human rights lawyer, spoke with Jan Jekielek, senior editor of The Epoch Times, on the issue of live organ harvesting, The problem is not the lack of evidence. On the contrary, there is too much of it. Matas is a co-author and investigator of the 2006 and 2016 reports on the allegations of live organ harvesting on Falun Gong practitioners in China and Bloody Harvest/The Slaughter An Update. The KilgourMatas reports conclude the Chinese Communist Partys large-scale forced organ extractions on Falun Gong members. United States On March 27,the U.S. House of Representatives passed the Stop Forced Organ Harvesting Act of 2023 to sanction personnel involved in trafficking live organ harvesting, with the maximum civil penalties of up to US$250,000, criminal penalties of up to US$1 million and 20-year imprisonment. The Bill is pending passage from the United States Senate and signature by the President. Canada On Dec. 14, 2022, the Parliament of Canada unanimously passed the S-223 Act, a bill to combat illegal human organ extraction and trafficking. In addition, Israel, Taiwan, Italy, Spain, and the United Kingdom have banned organ transplant travel. Korea On March 6, 2020, South Korea amended the Korean Internal Organs Transplant Act. The amendment went into effect on Oct. 8, 2020, stipulating any person who received an overseas transplant must submit the required documents and information about the surgery to the Ministry of Health and Welfare within 30 days after returning to Korea. Europe The Council of Europe passed the Council of Europe Convention to Combat Trafficking In Human Organs in 2014. The Convention determines trafficking organs is a criminal offense, and any perpetrator will be penalized. Countries that signed the Convention include Switzerland, Norway, France, Belgium, Albania, Costa Rica, Croatia, the Czech Republic, Montenegro, Latvia, Malta, Portugal, Moldova, and Slovenia. Taiwan On June 12, 2015, Taiwan passed the Human Organ Transplant Act Amendment, which stipulated that organ transplantation should be free of charge or given without reward. Violators will be sentenced to up to five years in prison and fined NT$1.5 million. If the doctor is found to be involved in an intermediary, their license can be revoked as a maximum penalty. At the time, Yu Mei-nu, a legislative member of the Democratic Progress Party, stated that many people would go to mainland China to receive illegal organ transplantation due to the shortage of organs in Taiwan. Yu said the Chinese Communist Party had carried out improper intermediary and trade-in organs harvested from Falun Gong practitioners. She hoped the law amendment could cease the terrible organ intermediary and trade. No Reappointments For Taiwanese Doctors On June 10, 2023, Taiwans Changhua Christian Hospital announced two doctors from its organ transplant team had repeatedly visited China to conduct transplantation surgeries without reporting to the hospital, violating the transparency and traceability of organ sources and contract to medical ethics. After carefully considering the principles of medical ethics, the hospital decided not to reappoint the two doctors. The hospital emphasized that while Tibetans, Uyghurs, and members of Christian family churches are the subjects of the CCPs live organ harvest mission, the regimes primary targets focus on Falun Gong practitioners. Zero Trust On CCPs Organ Transplant System As Hongkongers cancel organ donor cards, Current Affair Commentator Cho Ka-chiu comments on his online program that the trend stemmed from Hongkongers distrust and suspicion with China. If poor mainlanders need a heart transplant but cannot afford the operations, it is not because Hong Kong refuses to donate. It is the mainland that refuses to treat. Cho adds the organs might end up in the hands of the rich and people in power. Once the organ transplant system is integrated and shared, if a child dies in Hong Kong, is there a mechanism to ensure that Hong Kong children in need obtain the organs first? Cho questions if the regime will prioritize its political agenda. Will the regime be perfunctory to a child of someone in power and disregarding a kid in Hong Kong awaiting a transplant? Cancel Culture On Organ Donor Registration Hongkonger Mr. H (Pseudonym) registered as an organ donor in the Hong Kong system in early 2019. In an interview with The Epoch Times on June 1, Mr. H said he had been wanting to be an organ donor since his school days many years ago. He informed his family of his wishes and would carry his donor registration card everywhere. Mr. H always thought he did the right thing by signing up, especially after a phone call from the Health Department to confirm his registration in 2019. Young Mr. H did not hesitate to be an organ donor as he believed that people in need should get to the vital organs more quickly. At the end of 2022, Hong Kong experienced the first organ transplantation from the mainland. A 4-month-old baby girl, Tsz-hay, suffered from dilated cardiomyopathy and developed acute heart failure. The baby girls condition remained critical and helpless despite a public appeal for a heart donation by family members and the childrens hospital. Lo Chung-mau, Secretary for Health at Hong Kong Hospital Authority, said on his blog that he had contacted and requested aid from the CCPs National Health Commission and the General Administration of Customs. Lo called for a smooth heart transfer between the two places to save the four-months-olds life if any heart became available from a brain-dead donor in China with no suitable recipient in the Mainland. At the time, state media, Xinhua News Agency, claimed that the Beijing government was highly concerned about the request. The Department of Medical Emergency Response of the Health Commission and the international department cooperated with full support from the customs authorities in China. The departments requested that the China Organ Transplant Response System establish a liaison and emergency planning coordination hub. Ultimately, the little girls heart transplant succeeded through the works of 65 medical and management professionals from Hong Kong and China. Xinhua News Agency, at the time, said the heart was given by a brain-dead child in China free of charge. The government mouthpiece also quoted Lo Chung-mau, wishing Hong Kong hospitals could be included in the COTRS based on Tsz-hays success story. Mr. H did not think of canceling his organ donor registration then, as he did not think the matter concerned him or there was no urgency. He added that he was well aware of the notorious history of organ transplantation in China. The records of the CCP brutalizing people are obvious. In reality, I can also feel the rampancy of those in power in China. He questioned: How can such a place be associated with the elements of fair or free of charge organ donation? HKGOVs Criticizing Hongkongers Backfires In a May 22, news release, the Hong Kong government criticized people who called for canceling the organ donor register. Noticing the overwhelming media reports, Mr. H decided to see how crazy the government had been acting. Mr. H quoted the government: A small number of individuals distorted the virtue and altruistic value of devotion in organ donation on the Internet. The act completely went against the spirit of selfless love in organ donation; Some individuals also wantonly vilify the constructive significance of the proposed establishment of a standing mutual assistance mechanism for transplant by the two places, undoubtedly despising the inseparable ties between citizens of Hong Kong and the mainland as well as various selfless organ donations and acts of assistance from the mainland. Some individuals disregarded completely the well-being of the patients awaiting organ transplants in the two places, and have the development of organ donation and transplant as well as the allocation system for transplant in the mainland misinterpreted. After reading those words, Mr. H immediately revoked his organ donor registration online. Although my giving is not considered great, I will not allow the government to spoil it like this. A friend of Mr. H, who was waiting for a lung transplant, inspired him to be a cadaveric organ donor for many years. However, the CCPs plan to include Hong Kong in its organ-sharing mechanism ultimately defeated the goodwill built up over the years. It does not matter what the government promises. Since when are the governments words trustworthy? Just like what it said about One Country, Two Systems and press freedom? Mr. H added that the problem lay within the lack of transparency in how the mainland handles business. So he canceled his donor card before the mutual aid and sharing mechanism for organ transplant kicked in. When asked if he would ever consider re-register for organ donation, Mr. H affirmatively said, No. At least not in Hong Kong. Unless I move away from Hong Kong and begin again in a trustworthy system. Appeal Court Denies Release of Man Who Killed Five People in Calgary Family members of some of the victims killed by Matthew de Grood leave court in Calgary on May 25, 2016. (The Canadian Press/Jeff McIntosh) A man who stabbed five young people to death at a Calgary house party will not be released from a group home after a ruling Thursday from Albertas highest court. Matthew de Grood, who is now in his early 30s, was found not criminally responsible in 2016 for the killings of Zackariah Rathwell, Jordan Segura, Kaitlin Perras, Josh Hunter and Lawrence Hong. He was suffering from undiagnosed and untreated schizophrenia at the time of the stabbings in 2014. He asked the Alberta Court of Appeal for an absolute or conditional discharge so he could be closer to his family in Calgary and start to integrate back into society. His lawyer, Jacqueline Petrie, argued a mental health review board misunderstood the medical evidence on de Groods risk assessment in 2022 and that he doesnt pose a risk. She said he should be allowed an absolute release. The Court of Appeal said de Grood failed to argue any reviewable error. The three-judge panel, while unanimously dismissing the appeal, said it was reasonable for the review board to find de Grood still posed a risk of serious violent behaviour. They said that although de Grood is undoubtedly much less dangerous compared to when the stabbings happened in 2014, his transition to unrestricted life in the community will not happen overnight. It is a journey for him, the judges said. In 2019, the Alberta Review Board allowed him to live in a group home in Edmonton after his treatment team reported he was in remission. As he continues to live under supervision at a group home, de Groods case is to be reviewed by the board every year to see whether he can transition back into his community while maintaining public safety. The court said de Grood has undoubtedly made progress, but the treatment team thought his health is still fragile. He is highly responsive to his oral medication, but any disruption in that medication may cause him to compensate, the judges said. Petrie argued that the review boards risk assessment in 2022 was biased and influenced by comments made by former justice minister Doug Schweitzer. After the 2019 decision to allow de Grood to live in the group home, Schweitzer said he would advocate for Ottawa to make changes in standards of release and request that the Alberta Review Board include the maximum possible input of victims during the hearing process. The judges said a minister of justice, by virtue of his office, is entitled to question and promote changes in the province. There is nothing objectionable about a minister querying or lobbying for changes to the review procedures, the ruling says. De Grood also argued that there were issues with the fairness of the proceedings. His appeal said that a parent of one of the young adults killed unlawfully accessed the private health-care records of him and his family. The claims were investigated by the Information and Privacy Commissioner, but no charges were laid. The judges said there was no air of reality to the claims that the parents presence during the virtual hearing could affect de Groods or his familys safety, or affect the fairness of the procedure. They said de Groods complaints about the fairness of his hearing were without merit. Arizona Lawmaker Files Complaint Demanding Investigation Into Democratic Governors Alleged Misuse of State Funds Arizona Secretary of State and Democratic gubernatorial candidate Katie Hobbs (R) looks on as Kris Mayes (L), Democratic candidate for Arizona Attorney General, speaks at a press conference in Tucson, Ariz., on Oct. 7, 2022. (Mario Tama/Getty Images) An Arizona state representative has filed a complaint with the states attorney general requesting an investigation of Governor Katie Hobbss alleged use of state funds to sway elections. Republican state representative David Livingston filed the complaint on June 14, requesting an investigation of the Democratic governor after seeking a legal opinion from Arizona attorney general Kristin Mayes in March. Mayes, a Democrat, declined the request. In his initial request, Livingston said he needed Mayess guidance regarding state law and whether it allowed the governor-elect to raise money for political groups that make expenditures to influence elections through a state website promoting inaugural events. The attorney general declined to provide a legal opinion, stating there were factual questions that made the issue inappropriate for a legal opinion, Livingston said in a statement on June 14. The new Arizona Democratic governor Katie Hobbs (R) pauses during taking the oath of office in a ceremony at the state Capitol in Phoenix, on Jan. 2, 2023. (Ross D. Franklin, Pool/AP Photo) In the complaint, Livingston argued that Mayes has express statutory authority to investigate potential violations of state law under Title 16. Livingston said Mayes invoked this authority earlier this year when she filed an unsuccessful lawsuit against Cochise County, citing concerns that without taking legal action, the Cochise County Board of Supervisors might hide actions that should be done publicly in compliance with Arizonas open meeting law, Livingston wrote. Livingston said he is deeply concerned about the legality of Hobbss political fundraising through a state website that promoted the governor-elects inaugural events. In her letter, Mayes declined Livingstons request, given factual disputes regarding the matter. Livingston argues that Hobbs used the state website, inauguration.az.gov, to raise money for her inaugural ceremony at the Arizona state capital in Phoenix on Jan. 5. The website reportedly contained links to a Katie Hobbs Inauguration Fund, Learn more about contributions and sponsorships, and a link for those who wanted to donate to the 2023 inauguration through her campaign staff member, Rose Huerta. Livingstons complaint alleges that Hobbs used the state website to raise money for the Arizona Democratic Party and the Katie Hobbs Inaugural Fund, a nonprofit entity. The complaint states that records show the Inaugural Fund paid $17,000 to the Elias Law Group. This firm represented Hobbs in her role as a contestant in the 2022 gubernatorial election complaint filed by her Republican opponent, Kari Lake. Former Arizona Republican candidate for governor Kari Lake holds a press conference in Phoenix, Ariz., on May 23, 2023. (Rebecca Noble/Getty Images) Trump-endorsed Lake lost to Hobbs in the election 50.3 to 49.6 percent. Contested Election Lake has filed numerous lawsuits and legal challenges since the Nov. 8 general election, facing legal sanction in some cases. In the complaint, Livingston argued that records would aid in determining if the Inauguration Fund paid legal fees to find a legitimate legal purpose, or instead to influence the governors election after procuring those funds through the state website, violating state law. As of Feb. 16, the Inaugural Fund balance was over $868,000, according to the complaint. One exhibit in the complaint includes a March 20 letter from Livingston to the Elias Law Group responding to Livingstons supplement request for documents and information. The law firm wrote that producing documents and additional information you seek would set a dangerous precedent for those on both sides of the political aisle and for constitutionally protected speech and associational rights in Arizona. The Epoch Times could not immediately reach either Hobbs or Mayes for comment. In the meantime, Livingston wrote he wanted answers, adding the unprecedented use of state resources must be promptly investigated. Ashli Babbitt Rescuer Pleads Guilty to Petty Misdemeanor for Being at the Capitol on Jan. 6 Dr. Austin Harris wore a "Lions Not Sheep" cap at the U.S. Capitol on Jan. 6, 2021. (U.S. Department of Justice/Screenshot via The Epoch Times) A California physician who was pulled away by police as he tried to render medical aid to a dying Ashli Babbitt pleaded guilty on June 15 to a petty misdemeanor for being at the U.S. Capitol on Jan. 6, 2021. Austin Brendlen Harris, 42, of Granada Hills, California, took a deal from federal prosecutors and pleaded guilty to one count of parading, protesting, or picketing in a Capitol building. He entered the plea before U.S. District Judge Reggie Walton in Washington. Harris will be sentenced on Dec. 8. He faces a maximum of six months in jail, five years of probation, and a $5,000 fine. He was charged in January with four misdemeanor counts, including knowingly entering or remaining in a restricted building or grounds without authority, disorderly and disruptive conduct in a restricted building or grounds, disorderly conduct in a Capitol building, and parading, demonstrating, or picketing in a Capitol building. Harris operates NeuroRelief Ketamine & Infusion Therapy in Sherman Oaks, California. He is a board-certified cardiothoracic anesthesiologist. No Mention of Rescue The statement of offense prepared by federal prosecutors as part of Harriss plea deal makes no mention of his actions to render aid to Babbitt, who was shot in the hallway outside the Speakers Lobby at 2:45 p.m. on Jan. 6. Harris treated Babbitts gunshot wound for four minutes after U.S. Capitol Police Lt. Michael Byrd shot her with his 9mm service pistol. When Babbitt fell from the window frame she was climbing into, Harris stepped forward from the hallway crowd to provide aid. Dr. Austin Harris provides medical aid to a wounded Ashli Babbitt at the U.S. Capitol on Jan. 6, 2021. (JaydenX/Screenshot via The Epoch Times) Harris was on his knees checking Babbitts upper chest wound when an unidentified U.S. Capitol Police bicycle officer reached down and grabbed him by the shoulders. The officer wrestled Harris away from Babbitt, grabbed him by the jacket, and shoved him down the hallway, according to video footage shot by Jan. 6 defendant John Sullivan. The visibly angry officer kept pushing Harris as the two struggled down the hallway. Harris went back a short time later to retrieve his medical bag. A U.S. Capitol Police officer shoves Dr. Austin Harris down the hallway outside the Speakers Lobby at the U.S. Capitol on Jan. 6, 2021. (Jayden X/Screenshot via The Epoch Times) Prosecutors said Harris was seen on the Lower West Terrace of the Capitol, near the inauguration platform. He was overheard comparing [police] officers to Nazis, charging documents alleged. Harris posted a complaint on Facebook about how the swamp establishment had made election integrity a joke, and lamented that a 90-pound woman was gunned down by Capitol Police being absolutely no threat, referring to Babbitt. Beijing on Notice as 6 Nations Band Together to Condemn Economic Coercion Australian beef is seen at a supermarket in Beijing on May 12, 2020. - China suspended imports from four major Australian beef suppliers on May 12, just weeks after Beijing's ambassador warned of a consumer boycott in retaliation for Canberra's push to probe the origins of the coronavirus. (Greg Baker/AFP via Getty Images) Beijing is on notice after six nations pledged to work together against economic coercion and non-market-oriented policies. In a joint declaration released on June 9, the United States, UK, Canada, Australia, Japan, and New Zealand followed on from the G7 and condemned practices that harm world trade. Trade-related economic coercion and non-market policies and practices threaten the livelihoods of our citizens, harm our workers and businesses, and could undermine global security and stability, the group said. They said they were particularly concerned about how measures were being used to try to influence a foreign governments decision-making process and the exercise of its sovereign rights. We urge all governments to refrain from the use of trade-related economic coercion and non-market policies and practices and to support free and fair trade based on open, market-oriented policies and principles that promote a level playing field and non-discriminatory treatment in international trade relations, they said. The group said it would begin working against the discriminatory activities of state-owned enterprises; the arbitrary use of regulation; forced technology transfer, and state-sponsored theft of trade secrets. It comes just weeks after the G7 said it would collaborate to stop the rise of economic coercion. We will work together to ensure that attempts to weaponize economic dependencies by forcing G7 members and our partners, including small economies, to comply and conform, will fail and face consequences, the G7 said. Beijings Trade Sanctions Against Australia, Lithuania This announcement follows U.S. envoy to Japan, Rahm Emanuel, calling on the international community to band together against the practice. Economic coercion is political warfare by other means, Emanuel said at an event at the University of Tokyo. If the world does not organize against economic coercion, Beijing will continue to prey on other countries and their economies, large or small, developed or developing, near or far, he said. The comments from Emmanuel come after countries like Australia and Lithuania bore the brunt of ongoing trade sanctions from Beijing. Beijings campaign swept up eight of Australias major exportsbeef, seafood, wine, honey, lamb, wheat, coal, and timberafter the previous Foreign Minister Marise Payne called for an inquiry into the origins of the COVID-19 pandemic in April 2020. The Chinese Communist Party also delivered a list of 14 grievances that the Australian government needed to give in to before diplomatic relations could normalize. They include demands such as stopping the press from reporting negatively on China; stopping building alliances with Indo-Pacific partners; reversing the ban on Huawei from Australias 5G network; and removing foreign interference laws. Meanwhile, Lithuania also saw trade sanctions applied on beef, dairy, and beer products after the country allowed Taiwan to open a de facto embassy on its grounds. Forced Labor Comes Under the Spotlight Meanwhile, the group of six hinted at targeting forced labor in global supply chains. All forms of forced labor are gross abuses of human rights, as well as economic issues, and it is a moral imperative to end these practices, they said in the declaration. We are aware of countries using these practices to confer an unfair competitive advantage and affirm that there must be no place for such practices in the global trading system. India and China are regarded as having the worlds largest forced labor workforces. In the case of China, the United Nations has said it is concerned Beijing is forcing minority groups like the Uyghurs into forced labor. In a statement from 2021, the UN Working Group on Business and Human Rights said Uyghur workers had reported being subjected to exploitative and abusive living conditions. Uyghur workers have allegedly been forcibly employed in low-skilled, labor-intensive industries, such as agribusiness, textile, garment, automotive and technological sectors, stated Dante Pesce, chairperson of the Working Group. We nevertheless respectfully urge the government to immediately cease any such measures that are not fully compliant with international law, norms, and standards relating to human rights, including the rights of minorities. Beijing Tries to Shutdown Dissident Artists Exhibition in Poland Chinese political cartoonist Badiucao speaks in front of one his satirical illustrations of Chief Executive of Hong Kong Carrie Lam with the title 'Is the Bill Dead' during the Be Water: Hong Kong v China event at Melbourne City conference centre on September 04, 2019 in Melbourne, Australia. (Asanka Ratnayake/Getty Images) A Chinese-Australian dissident cartoonist is appealing to the federal government for support after the Chinese Communist Party (CCP) attempted to shut down his art exhibit in Poland. The exhibit, scheduled to open on June 9 at the Ujazdowski Castle Centre for Contemporary Art in Warsaw, Poland, presents the works of Badiucao. Its namesake, Tell Chinas Story Well, is inspired by a party slogan from Chinese leader Xi Jinping that calls on the CCP to present Chinas international image in a positive light. Badiucaos exhibit highlights issues such as the Tiananmen Square massacre, Xinjiangs concentration camps, the human rights abuses of Hong Kong protestors, the CCPs bullying in the South China Sea and Taiwan Strait, as well as Xis support for Russian leader Vladimir Putins invasion of Ukraine. One painting depicts Xi eating human flesh. The Ministry of Culture of Poland, one of Ukraines most faithful allies since Putins invasion, provided funding for the exhibition. The Chinese Embassy in Warsaw sent a letter to Polands Ministry of Culture and National Heritage, expressing outrage at its content. These posters are a smear of the image of China and Chinese leaders, hurt Chinese peoples feelings, and undermine bilateral relationships between China and Poland, reads the letter seen by the Australian Broadcasting Corporation. We firmly reject this. We dont want this kind of exhibition which undermines ChinaPoland relationship to be held in Poland. Poster for Badiucaos exhibition in Warsaw, Poland. (website of Ujazdowski Castle Centre for Contemporary Art) The 37-year-old Badiucao responded by saying the Chinese Embassy representative in Poland, Yao Dongye, had visited the host twice to discuss the exhibit. Mr. Yao, Counselor of the Chinese Consulate in Poland, visited the art museum in Warsaw @u_jazdowski again today where my latest solo exhibition # Tell Chinas Story Well will be held. Counselor Yao strongly expressed how my exhibition would hurt the image of Chinese leadership and hurt the feelings of little pinko, and emphasized that Warsaws patriots numbered thousands, Badiucao wrote in a Twitter post (in Chinese) on June 13. Before he left, he rejected the signed exhibition poster as a gift, which also hurt my feelings as an artist. Strong Reaction From Polish Community The CCPs intervention has triggered a strong reaction in Poland. The organiser released a statement criticising the communist regimes intervention. We would like to express concern and astonishment at the actions of the Chinese Embassy in Warsaw against the Centre for Contemporary Art Ujazdowski Castle, which have been carried out for several days, whose aim is to prevent the opening of the exhibition, the statement said. At the same time, the Ujazdowski Castle Centre for Contemporary Art website was blocked in the Peoples Republic of China. We urge all committed to free speech and expression to support us and the artist in resisting this pressure by visiting the upcoming exhibition and by writing letters of support to the Ministry of Culture and National Heritage of the Republic of Poland. Stan, a well-known Polish YouTuber, said the Chinese Embassy officials actions may have violated the Polish Constitution. No matter what country the CCP is in, it only wants to hear those words like Long live the Emperor that supports it, he told Radio Free Asia. The guarantee of freedom of expression in Poland is also enshrined in our Constitution. The Polish Constitution, Penal Code, and laws prohibiting totalitarian propaganda. The pressure of the Chinese Embassy is unconstitutional, which is directly ignoring the guarantee of freedom of expression in Polish law. [I am] glad that the organiser did not cooperate with the CCPs demand. Badiucao Says Hosting A Similar Exhibit in Australia is Tough This is not the first time the CCP has tried to censor Badiucao, who calls himself the CCPs least favorite artist. Having long engaged in cartoon creation and political satire, Badiucao was due to hold an exhibit in Hong Kong in 2018. However, it was cancelled due to pressure from Beijing. While he has gained international recognition for exhibits in the Czech Republic, Italy, and Belgium, the young artist said it was difficult to garner support in Australia. Theres so much self-censorship happening in the arts community, especially in Australia, to the extent that I rarely have any chance to show, whether its a commercial venue or a government-funded institution, Badiucao told The Sydney Morning Herald. A visitor takes photos of Winnie the Trophies, 2017, an artwork by Chinese dissident artist Badiucao at the exhibition China is (not) near works of a dissident artist, at the Santa Giulia museum in Brescia, Italy on Nov. 12, 2021. (Piero Cruciatti/AFP via Getty Images) Badiucao met Australias ambassador to Poland, Lloyd Brodrick on June 14. They discussed Badiucaos work, his concerns in relation to personal safety, and the support the Australian government was providing, a Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT) spokesperson told The Epoch Times in an email. DFAT said Brodrick saw Badiucaos exhibit with the artist and talked about his work and safety. The ambassador also discussed Badiucaos safety with Polish officials and representatives from Ujazdowski Castle. I am gald to see solidarity and support to the freedom of speech from Aussie embassy in Poland, the artist wrote in a Twitter post on the same day. The Epoch Times has contacted the Chinese Embassy in Poland and the countrys Ministry of Culture and Historical Heritage for comment. Biden Dispatching Sullivan to Tokyo for Talks With Japan, Philippines, South Korea Officials WASHINGTONPresident Joe Biden is dispatching White House national security adviser Jake Sullivan to Tokyo this week for talks with his counterparts from Japan, Philippines, and South Korea. Sullivan will also take part in the first-ever trilateral meeting of the Japanese, Philippine, and U.S. national security advisers while in Japan, the White House National Security Council said in a statement Tuesday. The White House offered scant details about Sullivans two-day visit that begins Thursday, saying Sullivan and his counterparts will discuss ways to deepen collaboration on a number of key regional and global issues. Sullivans visit comes after U.S., Japanese, and Philippine coast guard ships staged law enforcement drills in waters near the disputed South China Sea earlier this month. Washington has stepped up efforts to reinforce alliances in Asia amid an increasingly tense rivalry with China. Washington lays no claims to the strategic South China Sea, where China, the Philippines, Vietnam, Malaysian, Taiwan, and Brunei have been locked in tense territorial stand-offs for decades. But the United States says freedom of navigation and overflight and the peaceful resolution of disputes in the busy waterway are in its national interest. The White House confirmed Sullivans travels after Biden during a reception at the White House for U.S. chiefs of diplomatic missions on Tuesday made an off-hand remark that Ambassador Rahm Emanuel, the U.S. envoy to Japan, was not on hand because he was getting ready for Sullivans visit. U.S.China relations have been strained throughout Bidens tenure. the Chinese Communist Party (CCP) launched military exercises last year around Taiwan after then-House Speaker Nancy Pelosi (D-Calif.) visited the democratically governed island that the CCP claims as its own. Relations became further strained early this year after the United States shot down a Chinese spy balloon that had crossed the United States. Beijing also was angered by Taiwan President Tsai Ing-wens stopover in the United States in April that included an engagement with House Speaker Kevin McCarthy (R-Calif.). And this week, the White House confirmed that the CCP has been operating a spy base in Cuba for sometime and that it was upgraded in 2019 under the Trump administrations watch. White House National Security Council spokesman John Kirby on Monday said that the Trump administration had the same access to intelligence about the CCP spying operations as the Biden administration did. Former Trump administration officials, including former Director of National Intelligence John Ratcliffe and national security adviser John Bolton, have pushed back against the assertion that the Cuba spy base was upgraded under their watch. The [Biden] administration claims that the base was there in 2019 if not before, all I can say is I was in the White House for part of 2019 I was certainly unaware of it, former Trump-era national security adviser John Bolton said in an interview on Tuesday with SiriusXMs POTUS channel. I think I would have remembered it if it crossed my desk. The White House confirmed the base after the Wall Street Journal reported last week that China and Cuba had reached an agreement in principle to build an electronic eavesdropping station on the island. Despite the tensions with Beijing, the administration has been eager to restart high-level communications with Beijing. Secretary of State Antony Blinken is planning a visit China on June 18 to meet with senior officials. Blinken was scheduled to visit China in February but those talks were scrapped after the spy balloon incident. Sullivan is currently in India meeting with officials ahead of Prime Minister Narendra Modis state visit to Washington next week. He held talks on Tuesday with his Indian counterpart, Ajit Doval, that focused on potential U.S.Indian collaboration on artificial intelligence, semiconductors, and defense, according to the Indian Foreign Ministry. Sullivan also addressed a conference of business leaders where he said the United States was keen on doing away with regulatory obstacles that are holding back the two countries from deepening trade in areas like defense and high-tech. California Government Works to Nip Invasive Nutria Infestation in the Bud To a casual observer, nutria are cute animals resembling small beavers. However, a deep dive reveals something more sinister. This invasive species has been the source of damage to plant life in lakes, swamps, marshes, and more. These creatures have been the target of eradication efforts by Californias Department of Fish and Wildlife (CDFW) ever since they were first observed in the area in 2017. Due to these efforts, the population of nutria in California has been down. Valerie Cook, the Nutria Eradication Program Manager at the CDFW, told The Epoch Times that the number of nutria captured reached a peak of 1,239 in 2020 and declined to 135 so far in 2023 despite consistent efforts. As of 2023, the total amount of nutria taken is 3,516. One hotbed of nutria activity, the San Joaquin River system, has received special attention, especially since recent flooding in the region. According to Cook, it is suspected that some nutria were transported downstream and out into the Delta, and the CDFW responded by redirecting nearly all Program staff into the Delta for early detection-rapid response efforts. These efforts resulted in detections at three new locations in the Delta, which are now being actively trapped. One significant hurdle still remains for Californias efforts to eradicate the small rodent. As the population of nutria decreases, the CDFW has seen a trend of more movement of the remaining individuals across the landscape, according to Cook. The United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) stated in an April 2020 factsheet that in Louisiana and Texas, nutria are notorious [for] undermining and breaching water-retention levees in flooded fields used to produce rice and crawfish. They have also been known to damage sugarcane, rice, corn, and many other crops. Nutria damage to an ecosystem at a levee. (Tess McBride of the United States Fish and Wildlife Service) Nutria: Why the Fuss? Nutria are dangerous in regions where they are not native, since they tend to cause permanent damage to marshes and other wetlands, according to the USDA. The USDA stated, Their eating, digging, rooting, and swimming causes massive erosion, converting healthy marsh and habitat for native species into open water habitat. This is especially problematic when many of their natural predators, such as alligators, eagles, and turtles, are absent or are only present in limited quantities. Add to that the relatively fast reproductive cycle of nutria, and the eradication of this invasive species is tedious at best. Desperate to control the species, some states have turned to bounty hunting as a remedy. Nutria have been found in over 20 states, where they constitute a major hurdle for the ecosystems they reside in. Knowing this, the CDFW was quick to act and was able to prevent the nutria from establishing a population that would cause those ecosystem impacts. These rodents were first brought into the United States from South America in the late 1800s to participate in the fur trade. Before 2017, nutria had not been spotted in California for over 50 years, according to a 2018 article by National Geographic. Realistically, the only option available to deal with these rodents is to eliminate them, since according to the USDA, relocation is not a viable nutria option. Relocating nutria to a new area just relocates the problem, and can lead to the establishment of new colonies and new damage concerns. The animals can easily be mistaken for beavers or muskrats due to their appearance. However, they are also easily identifiable by their large orange front teeth, dark brown color, white whiskers, and rat-like tail. If you spot a nutria in the wild, be sure to report the sighting to the CDFW. California Lawmakers Propose $1.1 Billion Transit Bailout Amid Declining Ridership, Rising Crime Bay Area Rapid Transit police officer Jason Ledford patrols with his bomb-sniffing dog Andy while on aboard a BART train August 11, 2005 in Oakland, Calif. BART remains at a heightened state of alert following the recent London Underground bombings and is preparing to launch a poster campaign in its stations that encourage riders to report suspicious packages and activity. (Photo by Justin Sullivan/Getty Images) With some transit agencies in the state pleading for assistance facing significant budget deficits due to low ridership, California lawmakers reached a tentative agreement on June 11 to make some funding available, though not as much as requested. The handshake deal was made in the Legislature over the weekend and added to the proposed state budget, which was passed on June 15. It now awaits the approval of Gov. Gavin Newsom, whose signature is required to make the proposal law. As the governor has said, we recognize the important role transit plays in the state and have welcomed conversations with the Legislature on the subject, Daniel Lopez, deputy communications director for Newsoms office, told The Epoch Times by email on June 13. Although the state faces a multibillion-dollar budget deficit, the governors team is steadily working with the Legislature and remains optimistic that a deal can be reached to provide important support for statewide public transit systems and their workers. Statewide, transit agencies are seeking more than $5 billion in bailouts as a result of substantial budgetary shortfalls following plummeting revenues and ridership. The deal proposed by lawmakers would reinstate $2 billion in funding cut by Newsom in May for the proposed upcoming 202324 fiscal year budget and would allocate $1.1 billion from so-called cap-and-trade revenueswhich are funds collected from regulated facilities that exceed carbon emission limitsto assist the struggling agencies. We are pleased to see negotiations continue, and the Governor remains committed to the support of public transit throughout California, Lopez said. Accountability will be a critical part of any deal, and local transportation officials must thoroughly assess their operations and take steps to reform and stabilize their programs in the long run while continuing to meet the needs of their ridership in the near-term. The proposal covers transit agencies across the state, with the largest in the San Francisco Bay Area, which is in dire need of assistance. Ridership Decline Due to Pandemic, Hybrid Work A panel discussion on June 13 in Walnut Creekabout 15 miles east of Oaklandhosted by the Libertarian Party of Contra Costa County, sought to address the steps needed to restore the Bay Area Rapid Transit (BART) to solvency. While ridership peaked prior to the pandemic and had been on a gradual decline since 2016, COVID restrictions imposed by state and local governments in 2020 were followed by a 40 percent decline by March 16 and a 94 percent decline by April of the same year, according to the agency. Hybrid work with fewer commuters traveling to office jobs has prevented returning to historic norms, with ridership expected to be approximately 41 percent of pre-pandemic totals for June 2023, according to Debora Allen, a BART board of director. These are paid numbers, Allen said. And we all know some people dont pay. Fare Evaders Responsible for 80 Percent of Crimes on System Audience members during the Libertarian Party panel gasped when Allen presented statistics demonstrating that more than 80 percent of all crimes committed on the system were done so by those who dont pay. Fare enforcement has been a priority for Allen since joining the board seven years ago. She has spearheaded projects to install gates that prevent jumping over turnstiles, the typical tactic used by fare evaders. Some on the board are opposed to enforcement for fare evasion, with repeated attempts by some to study the phenomenon and measure its impact. Such has been met with resistance from fellow board members, and no such studies have been undertakenthough estimates range from $25 million to $50 million loss a year from fare evasion, according to Allen. A third fare evasion offense is currently a misdemeanor carrying potential penalties of a $400 fine or 90 days in county jailor boththough enforcement is variable. Assembly Bill 819, currently being considered by the Senate after passing its house of origin, would eliminate misdemeanor and jail time consequences, and critics say more fares will be evaded if the bill becomes law. Getting riders to return is also an issue of public safety, with the matter ranking at the top of every riders satisfaction survey conducted over the last three years by the agency, according to Allen. Instances of crime have plagued the system, and open drug use, violent crime, and aggressive panhandling are contributing to the decline in ridership, as many commuters report not feeling safe. [The board] ruined the reputation on the public safety side, Allen told The Epoch Times following the discussion. And its going to take a lot to bring that back. Plummeting revenues have led to a projected $93 million budget deficit for BART for the 2025 fiscal year, and more than $300 million is expected in 2026. Regarding cutting operating costs, she told the audience that the BART board has not prioritized the need to do so, with six directors voting twice in one meeting against reducing expenditures. BART Needs to Charge $46 Per Ride to Break Even: Report During a presentation to the assembled audience, Marc Joffepublic policy analyst at the Cato Institute, a public policy think tank based in Washington, D.C.illustrated the disparity between projected BART revenues and expenses for fiscal year 202425, with revenue per ride anticipated at $4, while costs after calculating operational and capital expenses and debt could equate to more than $46 per ride, though he noted that projections are difficult to pinpoint due to the variability of expenses. Faced with such a financial dilemma, Joffe laid out strategies for BART to reduce spending and improve operational efficiencies. Money should be spent on making tracks driverless, he told the audience. BART was originally designed to be automated, but the technology is antiquated, according to Joffe. The system he envisions consists of short, one or two-car trains running every five minutes, with high-quality surveillance cameras and police monitoring a live feed, so that if something happens, officials can intervene at the next station. Newer transit systems in other countries all operate autonomously, with Canada, France, and Japan among the many nations taking advantage of new technologies. Paying for train operators is most of BARTs expenditures, and limiting or eliminating them has been stalled by labor unions seeking to protect jobs for their members, according to experts. Joffe said he sees a future where both sides can achieve their goals. Theres a lot of union resistance, but its possible to keep operator trains and have driverless trains in between, so nobody loses their jobs, he told The Epoch Times. Eventually these people will retire, and then you have a fully automated system. In addition to improving automation, spending by the agency should be curtailedspecifically $30 million a year in retirement benefits, a $9.3 billion Silicon Valley extension, and $200 million to plan a second tunnel between San Francisco and Oaklandin what are described as unaffordable and unnecessary expenditures, according to Joffe. Its superfluous when BART has multi-hundred-million-dollar deficits, Joffe said during the discussion. These are luxuries BART can no longer afford and that need to be on the chopping block. With $1.1 billion in proposed funding up in the air awaiting the governors approval, some say its not enough to solve the problem, as the money will be split by dozens of agencies tasked with cutting costs to make ends meet. Its clearly not enough without dialing back, Allenthe BART board of directortold The Epoch Times. To fill that deficit, you need to focus on revenue that exceeds the cost of getting the riders back. Correction: A previous version of this article misstated the percentage of crime committed by fare evaders on the BART system. The Epoch Times regrets the error. California Mayor Asks President Biden to Declare State of Emergency for Sewage From Mexico People look towards the US-Mexico border fence that runs into the Pacific Ocean, seen from Imperial Beach outside San Diego in the far southwestern corner of the country on Nov. 7, 2021. (Frederic Brown/AFP via Getty Images) The mayor of Imperial Beachthe southernmost beach city in California bordering Mexicois asking President Joe Biden to declare a state of emergency regarding sewage water from Tijuana, Mexico, contaminating water along the citys beaches and infecting thousands of people. Mayor Paloma Aguirre wrote the president a letter last weekwhich has not been made public yeturging for such, which would provide the city immediate access to funding and coordinated efforts from federal and state departments to address the crisis. At the end of the day no one is helping us, Aguirre said to The Epoch Times. The sewage crisis at the Southern California border has existed for decades and over that time period has infected an estimated 34,000 people in Southern California, according to Aguirre. The city has previously sought federal assistance for projects to capture and treat sewage water before it contaminates the citys beaches. However, Aguirre said the city has not yet received a response. Sewage spills come from aging treatment facilities in Tijuana, Mexico, which travel north, infecting U.S. beaches. University of CaliforniaSan Diegos Scripps Institution of Oceanography published a study in March which found sewage-linked bacteria had become airborne in Imperial Beach, which could affect residents who arent even in the water. Our lifeguards are demoralized because our beaches are closed every single day. Our YMCA camp surf is struggling with a decrease in their enrollment because you have families traveling and spending money to come to the beach and only to find out that its closed, Aguirre said in an interview. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency has allotted $300 million for whats known as the International Sewage Treatment Plan aimed to repair the treatment plant in Tijuana and expand it by adding more facilities to handle larger amounts of sewage water to prevent further contamination. The plan was approved four years ago, according to Aguirre, and is supposed to begin this year. However, she said she is worried most of the funding will go to repairs on the plant, instead of expanding it. My fear is that it will end up being a wash, so then were going to have to go through a whole congressional appropriations process again, meaning the process required to get more funding from Congress, said Aguirre. Which all of us know moves at a glacial pace and were in a crisis. The Imperial Beach City Council declared a local emergency on the issue on May 3 after a previous declaration expired. KYODO NEWS - Jun 15, 2023 - 15:08 | All, World, G7 U.S. President Joe Biden brought two folded paper cranes to the museum of the 1945 Hiroshima atomic bombing when the Group of Seven advanced nations' leaders visited during the May summit in the city, a government source has said. Biden, who became the second serving U.S. president to tour the Hiroshima Peace Memorial Museum when he visited on the first day of the three-day summit, left the paper cranes behind after signing a guest book. While there were four cranes placed before each of the G-7 leaders at the guest book signing, Biden was seen with two more made from paper of different patterns sitting by his hand as he wrote his contribution. The government source said Wednesday Biden had brought them from the United States, and it appeared he left them with the guest book himself. In his message at the museum, Biden wrote, "May the stories of this museum remind us all of our obligations to build a future of peace. Together let us continue to make progress toward the day when we can finally and forever rid the world of nuclear weapons. Keep the faith!" The story of Sadako Sasaki, a victim of the Hiroshima atomic bomb attack, has made paper cranes an anti-nuclear symbol. Sasaki died at age 12 of leukemia after folding hundreds of paper cranes. She heard a folk tale that said making 1,000 cranes would make her wish for recovery come true. On a 2016 visit to Hiroshima on the sidelines of the G-7 leaders' summit, then U.S. President Barack Obama donated four folded paper cranes to the museum after taking in some of the exhibits. The most recent museum visit by the G-7 leaders was a historic first, bringing together serving leaders from the nuclear-possessing states of the United States, France and Britain in the city where the first atomic bombing took place on Aug. 6, 1945. The tour, also attended by the leaders of Japan, Canada, Germany, Italy and the European Union, lasted around 40 minutes. While there, they spoke with atomic bomb survivor Keiko Ogura, 85. Related coverage: Biden says in A-bomb museum guest book to strive for nuke-free world California School Board Terminates Superintendent Amid LGBT, CRT Debates Attendees react to the Temecula Valley Unified school board's decision to terminate the districts superintendent amid controversy surrounding critical race theory and school curriculum during a board meeting in Temecula, Calif., on June 13, 2023. (Micaela Ricaforte/The Epoch Times) TEMECULA, Calif.The Temecula Valley Unified school board terminated the districts superintendent during a June 13 board meeting amid controversy surrounding the board majoritys crackdown on critical race theory and what they said was inappropriate content in curriculum. Board president Joseph Komrosky, and Trustees Jennifer Wiersma and Danny Gonzalez voted to terminate Superintendent Jodi McClays contract, while Trustee Alison Barclay dissented and Trustee Steven Schwarz was absent. The board also unanimously voted to appoint assistant superintendent Kimberly Velez as interim superintendent, effective immediately. McClay served the district for roughly three decades, according to Komrosky, and has been superintendent since 2020. She earned $327,680 in 2021, according to public pay database Transparent California. We thank Dr. McClay for her long service to the school district, but the majority of the board determined that it was time for new leadership, with new ideas, Komrosky told The Epoch Times in a statement. The meetingwhich was moved from its usual location to Temecula Valley High Schools theater in anticipation of a large crowddrew hundreds of passionate parents, teachers, and community members. Community Reactions Many members of Temecula Valley Educators Associationthe districts teachers unionvoiced their opposition to the boards decision at the meeting. Heather Smith, a kindergarten teacher at Barnett Elementary, said McClay was one of the best superintendents weve ever had. McClay has done so much good for this school district, Smith told The Epoch Times. This new school board came in with an agenda based on the fact that they didnt like that the state shut schools down during COVID. And they vowed to oust McClay at that time. Some parents also said they opposed the board majoritys new direction, as well as their conservative stance on critical race theory and LGBT content in schools. Ive lived here my whole life, and Temecula has been known to be a very good school district, Andy, a district parent who preferred to use only his first name, told The Epoch Times. Im opposed to the direction that the school board is taking theyre bringing their religious slant and conservative views, which dont have a place in education or in schools. Those who supported the termination said they were unhappy with McClays leadership during the COVID-19 pandemic. District parent Stephanie Dawson said that in early 2022, some students protested the districts mask mandate for students by refusing to wear them. Those students were made to stand outside all day in cold and rainy weather, and when parents brought this to the boards attention at a February 2022 board meeting, McClay said the parents were spreading misinformation and disinformation, according to Dawson. [McClay] showed no empathy, Dawson told The Epoch Times. From that moment on, it was clear that she saw our children as numbers rather than as actual human beings. Steve Campos, a 6th-grade P.E. teacher at Vail Ranch Middle School, also noted his disappointment with the way McClay handled the student mask protest situation. McClay hid behind administration, saying it was a site decision. Meanwhile, the site said no, that was a district office decision, Campos told The Epoch Times. No one took leadership in that situation. Campos said the board majority was voted in because parents wanted change. The community voted these three school board members in office to change the direction of the school district and to look for true leaders in public education, Campos said. The termination comes as a local Temecula group is looking to recall Komrosky, Wiersma, and Gonzalez after the trio recently garnered national attention for blocking a textbook containing references to LGBT activist and politician Harvey Milk, whom Komrosky called a pedophile last month. One Temecula Valley, a local political action committee, gathered the required number of signatures to initiate a recall, and during the June 13 board meeting, its representatives informed the three trustees of their intent to launch a recall. Komrosky Clarifies Comments on Pedophile Activist In a June 14 statement, Komrosky said that his comment did not refer to Milks sexual orientation, but to reports that Milk had a sexual relationship with a minor. My comments have been misappropriated as an attack on the LGTBQ community, he said in a statement to The Epoch Times. Absolutely not. My comments were non-gender specific, non-sexual orientation specific [In] my view, 33-year-old adults should not have sexual relationships with a 16-year-old minor, regardless of gender. Meanwhile, California Gov. Gavin Newsom and state Attorney General Rob Bonta released a joint statement on June 7 demanding the board provide information regarding its process for rejecting the curriculum. Komrosky said the district is committed to complying with all state laws regarding the adoption of the new curriculumincluding compliance with the Fair Act, which requires districts to include the contributions of LGBT and disabled persons in school textbooks. The district is also steadfastly committed to discretion as to what curriculum to adopt to make sure that it is appropriate for the grade level and that it will be a compulsory part of the students education, Komrosky also said in the June 14 statement. The debate centers around a book called Social Studies Alive, a textbook recently piloted in district elementary schools that was brought before the board for official approval at a board meeting in May. While the textbook does not mention Milk in its main text, its optional supplemental material features him. Komrosky, along with Gonzalez and Wiersma, voted against the books adoption, while Barclay and Schwarz voted in its favor. In December, the three newly-elected trustees, who campaigned on parent rights, also voted to ban critical race theory in the district. CCP Propaganda Seeks to Undermine European Unity, Experts Say Chinese Communist Party leader Xi Jinping (L) talks with his French counterpart, Emmanuel Macron, as they arrive for the welcoming ceremony in Beijing on April 6, 2023. (LUDOVIC MARIN/AFP via Getty Images) WASHINGTONChinas communist leadership is attempting to fracture European unity and sow distrust in international organizations, according to testimony received by a U.S. government agency. China now considers a politically fragmented Europe to be among its core interests, according to Andrew Small, a senior fellow for the German Marshall Fund think tank. I think that has been one of the big shifts on the Chinese side [in recent years], Small said during a June 15 hearing of the U.S.-China Economic and Security Review Commission (USCC). The belief has become that its better to be able to deal with individual European member states on an individual basis, its better to be able to sort of carve up Europe. Small said that the Chinese Communist Party (CCP), which rules China as a single-party state, views European unity to be a threat to its interests. CCP leader Xi Jinping is determined to isolate European nations and encourage them to break away from working with the United States against the regime, Small said. The approach on the Chinese side and the assessment of Xi Jinping will certainly be that fragmenting Europe on this, and complicating the capacity for Europe to pull together on these actions, is a course of action they should proceed down. Europe Disillusioned by CCP European nations are rapidly souring on the CCP due to the regimes ongoing support for Russia and its war of conquest in Ukraine. While many European nations are wary of getting involved in the U.S.-China rivalry, Small said, their hope for robust engagement with China cratered after Xis visit to Moscow in March. There, he and Russian President Vladimir Putin vowed to unite to create change in the international system that hasnt happened in 100 years. This was tried as a peace mission by Chinese diplomats, Small said, and I think it was absolutely clear that Xi Jinping had no intention of even pretending that that was the case. The European Council meeting that took place after the Xi Jinping trip to Moscow was characterized by real concern on the part of European leaders about what the trajectory of China-Russia relations actually was. Small said the CCP had determined that its relationship with Russia was more important than ties with the European Union (EU) for fulfilling its military, political, and ideological goals. That acknowledgment has given EU nations some resolve to counter the regime, with many now considering China an unwelcome interloper in European security. The damage to relations has been incredibly pronounced, but I think its reconditioned thinking in Europe so that theres a different level of understanding essentially of China as an enabler of security threats in Europe, Small said. The Narrative Is Different Perhaps with that knowledge in mind, the CCP is adapting its international propaganda to spark unrest in the EU, according to Ivana Karaskova, a fellow at the Mercator Institute for China Studies. Over the past several years, she said, CCP propaganda had evolved in Europe from at times a laughable public relations campaign to something more malign. Whereas previous overseas propaganda efforts focused on portraying China as a great nation and Xi as a wonderful leader, new propaganda efforts seek to undermine the international order. Throughout the EU, she said, new CCP propaganda outlets were targeting fringe political groups and candidates on both the extreme left and right, and encouraging them to distrust their own governments and reject international institutions. This is a change, Karaskova said. The narrative is different. The narrative is do not trust your government. Do not trust NATO [or the] EU. Do not trust the membership of international organizations. EU Seeks Its Own Path Regardless of the CCPs efforts to undermine the EUs legitimacy, European nations remain hesitant on joining the United States in any overt condemnations of the regime. Whereas the United States has fully embraced the concept of strategic competition with communist China, the EU seeks its own path in dealing with the regime. One that, preferably, will keep it out of the crosshairs of both China and the United States. Still, the belief in Europe is that unfettered economic cooperation with China is running its course, according to Noah Barkin, a senior adviser for the Rhodium Group research firm. In the wake of the Russian invasion of Ukraine and the CCPs continued support for the Kremlins war, European leaders are instead seeking diversification, resilience, and de-risking, he said. Europe has been recalibrating its relationship with China for over half a decade, Barkin said. But the relationship entered a new phase following Russias invasion of Ukraine in February 2022. To that end, USCC Commissioner Aaron Friedberg said that, while European acknowledgment of the China challenge would remain, the extent of EU nations alignment with the United States in the broader strategic competition with the CCP is an open question. It remains to be seen whether the U.S. and European perceptions and policies will continue to align more closely, Friedberg said. There are still significant differences of opinion regarding the extent and urgency of the challenge China presents, both across Europe and within several key European countries, as well as between Europe and the United States. Childrens Doctor Claims Scotlands Offer of Puberty Blockers to Children a Medical Scandal Dr Jenny Cunningham urged the Scottish government to follow England in stopping routine prescribing of the drug to children A retired paediatrician has described the Scottish governments refusal to stop the routine prescription of puberty blockers to children as a medical scandal. Dr Jenny Cunningham has questioned why Scotlands health service continues offering the hormone-stopping drugs to those as young as 12 years old despite the NHS in England announcing it was stopping the practice. The move, announced by health chiefs last week, followed a review by Dr. Hilary Cass who found that the current affirmative model of care for children suffering with gender related issues needs an overhaul. That includes the roll out of drugs that stop the normal sexual development of children. Following recommendations in the independent interim review, the NHS said it would no longer routinely offer the drugs to children and young people. The NHS added that it was in the process of launching a study into the impact of puberty blockers on gender dysphoria in children and young people with early-onset gender dysphoria, Cunningham, a board member of the Scottish Union for Education (SUE), called for the practice to be ended in Scotland immediately. Drugs that will only be used for experimental research in England continue to be handed out to children in Scotland, she said in a statement. Children and families will be strongly discouraged from obtaining gender-affirming drugs in England, while here in Scotland 12-year-olds in care have just been given the go-ahead to self-medicate! This is a medical scandal. Leaflets Sent to Schools Last month, Scotlands social care watchdog said children as young as 12 years old can consent to trans-affirming medical interventions. The Care Inspectorates guidance was issued to services responsible for children in care. According to the Scottish Daily Press, First Minister Humza Yousaf said in response to the fresh guidance that he supports decisions being made by clinicians. Cunningham described the First Ministers remarks as unsurprising. SUE, a campaign group set up to challenge the impact of political indoctrination that is becoming so dominant in schools and in the lives of children says it plans to send over 2,000 pamphlets to schools and politicians outline concerns around trans ideology. The pamphlet was launched on Thursday at a public meeting at the Tron Church in Glasgow. In a press release, SUE said the pamphlet explains the weakness in advice and the unconvincing nature of the research that the Scottish government has used to promote gender ideology in schools. The group said the approach is likely to both confuse children about biological realities and lead an increasing number of often autistic and gay children down the path of irreversible medical and surgical interventions. SUE said the pamphlet is being sent to every MSP and headteacher in Scotland. The pamphlet advises schools to stop adopting and promoting trans-identifying ideology. Guidance and other materials on transgenderism should be removed from schools and government websites until a proper public discussion is held on the curriculum. It also suggests that schools should not be social transitioning children without parents knowledge. The Epoch Times contacted both the Scottish National Party (SNP) and Scottish government for comment. Gender Recognition Reform In April, the Scottish government announced it will challenge UK Prime Minister Rishi Sunaks decision to block its gender reform bill in court. In December, the Scottish Parliament passed the Gender Recognition Reform (Scotland) Bill, which would enable anyone over the age of 16 to self-identify their gender. But the UK government blocked the bill in January, citing its adverse impact on UK-wide equalities protection. Yousaf confirmed his government will go to court to challenge the UK governments decision. He said legal action is now our only means of defending our Parliaments democracy from the Westminster veto. Scotlands Social Justice Secretary Shirley-Anne Somerville said the UK governments decision represented an unprecedented challenge to the Scottish Parliaments ability to legislate on clearly devolved matters, and risks setting a dangerous constitutional precedent. The Scottish Greens, who are in government alongside the SNP, said the decision is vital for equality and democracy. Sunak said his governments decision to block the bill had been made after taking very careful and considered advice. He added that the government had concerns about how Scotlands gender recognition act would interact with reserved powers, about the operation of the Equalities Act, the protection of women elsewhere in the UK as well. The Scottish billchampioned by then-First Minister and SNP leader Nicola Sturgeonwould have allowed anyone over the age of 16 to self-ID via a statutory declaration to obtain a new birth certificate, which changes the recording of their registered sex at birth to their chosen gender. There would also be no requirement for an applicant to undergo surgery or hormone therapy, and the process to change sex on birth certificates would have been simplified. Critics of the legislation say that a self-identification system could be exploited. Womens groups as well as the U.N. Special Rapporteur on violence against women and girls, Reem Alsalem, have raised grave concerns that it will open up womens services and private spaces to abuse. China Researcher Warns Confucius Institute Hiring Process Poses Fundamental Systematic Risk to UK Universities The recruitment process of Chinese staff for Confucius Institutes (CIs) in the UK poses a fundamental systematic risk to their hosting universities, a China researcher said. Sam Dunning, investigative journalist and director of charity UK-China Transparency (UKCT), said British universities now have to deal with the CIs in light of recently published evidence and the Higher Education (Freedom of Speech) Act that was passed into law last month. Speaking to NTDs British Thought Leaders programme about the works of UKCT, Dunning said one of the charitys research found that Chinese universities were discriminating candidates when hiring teachers for their British partners, and that the teachers were recruited on the basis of their ability of surveilling on, informing on, and possibly intimidating and threatening their peers. CIs are teaching centres hosted by Chinese and non-Chinese partners, with the stated aim of promoting the Chinese language and culture and exchanges among people. It was previously operated by the Center for Language Education and Cooperation, also known as Han Ban, a Chinese government body. In 2020, the governance of the CIs was transferred to the Chinese International Education Foundation, which has the status of a non-profit charitable organisation, although its president, vice presidents, and all council members are secretaries or members of Communist Party committees in their universities. British universities are hosting 30 CIs, currently the highest number in the world. While the British co-directors and administrative staff of the CIs are recruited by hosting British universities, the Chinese co-directors and teachers are hired from China by the Chinese partner entity, often a university. Chinese job applications and descriptions show that the hiring process of Chinese teachers and co-directors is discriminatory in a way thats illegal under British law, Dunning said. Chinas then-Vice President Xi Jinping (now Chinese leader) unveils a plaque at the opening of Australias first Chinese Medicine Confucius Institute at the RMIT University in Melbourne on June 20, 2010. (William West/AFP/Getty Images) Youre telling people that they have promised not to get pregnant if theyre going to get this job. Youre saying no one over 35 or 45, he said of the hiring process. Youre asking people to guarantee theyre not a member of illegal organizations thats an incredibly broad, discriminatory, oppressive category that includes Christian groups, Muslim groups, Falun Gong groups, Buddhist groups, people who just want to practice their religion, who are being oppressed by the [Chinese Communist Party (CCP)]. If you want to work at a British university, recruited by that British universitys Chinese partner to go and work at the Confucius Institute. You have to say, Im not a member of any of these groups. And thats illegal under British law, he said. Another issue with the recruitment process, he added, is that these staff who are coming to work at British universities are evaluated for their appropriateness for the job on the basis of their ability to enforce party discipline overseas. What that means is that the Chinese government at least is saying, we want people to go from China into British universities who are good at surveilling on, informing on, and possibly intimidating and threatening their peers, because thats what party discipline is in China. Therefore, by allowing these practices, British universities have been turning a willful blind eye to the rights of staff and students who have families in China who may be interested in politics and want to talk about issues such as human rights violations in Xinjiang and Tibet. Dunning said the purpose of his study is to alert universities, which may not have noticed the materials in Mandarin and which have been encouraged by the government to increase partnerships with China a decade ago. Last month, Downing Street confirmed last month the government has dropped plans to close all CIs in the UKa campaign pledge of Prime Minister Rishi Sunaksaying the move would be disproportionate. Instead, its taking action to remove any government funding from the institutes. But Dunning said new powers for Englands higher education regulator is likely to force universities to deal with their CI problem. Theoretically, if a university was not upholding its responsibilities with regard to academic freedom and freedom of speech, the Office for Students is going to have the power to deregister that university, which means they cant offer degrees, they essentially cant be a university, he said. Dunning said with the ties between British universities and businesses with their Chinese partners in a wide range of sectors including telecommunications, surveillance, and arms manufacture, there is a need for more transparency around those ties as some potentially involve sensitive research that has got through the UK export control regime. Chinese Diplomat Keynote Speaker With Senators Woo and Oh at Montreal Event Opposing Foreign Agent Registry The top Chinese diplomat based in Montreal was a keynote speaker at a recent event in that city opposing the establishment of a foreign agent registration act. Senators Yuen Pau Woo and Victor Oh, who also oppose a registry, attended the event as well and voiced opposition to such legislation. Dai Yuming, the Chinese consul general in Montreal, delivered a speech at the event titled Reflection Forum of the 100th Anniversary of the Enactment of the Chinese Exclusion Act in Canada, organized by the Montreal Chinese Community United Centre on May 28. The act, officially called the Chinese Immigration Act and introduced on July 1, 1923, is commonly known as the Chinese Exclusion Act because it resulted from an effort to stop Chinese immigration. Dai told the attendees that, in the face of injustice against the Chinese community, they should remember the struggles of early Chinese immigrants in Canada, according to Simcinc.com, a Quebec-based Chinese-language media. The report said Wang Hong, the Chinese vice consul general in Montreal, also attended the event. The Canadian government is currently holding publc consultations on the enactment of a foreign agent registry act, aimed at increasing transparency surrounding the activities of those working in Canada on behalf of a foreign government or entity. The consultations came in the wake of revelations of Chinas alleged extensive interference in Canada, including meddling in the past two federal election and establishing at least seven secret police stations on Canadian soil. Other countries like the United States and Australia already have their own versions of legislation to combat foreign interference. Several Canadian politician who attended the event on May 28 echoed Dais remarks. Senator Woo, who attended the event by teleconference, called on Chinese-Canadians to speak up and ensure that history wont be repeated. Woo did not give a direct answer when asked about his attendance at an event where the Chinese consul general was also present. Rather, he said he was very pleased to show my support for members of the Montreal Chinese community, who organized the event to remember the 100th anniversary of the enactment of the Chinese Exclusion Act. He said he had spoken at several other similar gatherings and hope to continue to attend more events in the coming months. Sen. Yuen Pau Woo denounces RCMP allegations of interference by the Chinese regime in Canada as community organizer May Chiu looks on, during a news conference at the Chinese Family Service Centre in Montreal on May 5, 2023. (The Canadian Press/Ryan Remiorz) Liberal MP Chandra Arya said at the event that history has demonstrated how a piece of legislation passed in Parliament can deprive new immigrants of their rights and have long-lasting effects on future generations, reported Simcinc.com. Arya did not respond to an Epoch Times request for comment. Sen. Oh reportedly also participated in the May 28 forum discussion by video conference. In response to an Epoch Times request for comment on his attendance, Ohs office initially said the senator did not take part in the event but later confirmed that he participated on his own, private, time. Foreign Agent Registry Another keynote speaker at the event, Shao Liping, provided more context as to what is meant by preventing history from being repeated. Shao, a former chairman of the Montreal Chinese Community United Centre (MCCUC), said the anti-Chinese sentiment in Canada was caused by Chinas weakness and inability to protect its overseas citizens, as well as systemic racism among white people, reported Simcinc.com. What is perplexing and infuriating is that on the 100th anniversary of the notorious Canadian Chinese Exclusion Act of 1923, a wave of anti-China sentiment is suddenly on the rise again, he said in Mandarin. Without any factual basis, some media outlets and politicians are provoking anti-China sentiment, alleging Chinese government was interfering in Canadian elections and establishing Chinese police stations in Canada, none of which can be substantiated. He further condemned the governments consultations on establishing a foreign agent registry. The Simcinc.com report identified Shao by his title as executive chairman of the Canadian Montreal Chinese Alliance for the Peaceful Reunification of China, a Montreal branch of the China Council for the Promotion of Peaceful National Reunification, an umbrella organization of the Chinese Communist Partys United Front Works Department. The United Front is Chinas primary foreign interference tool, according to reports cited by Public Safety Canada. According to the MCCUC website, Shao is an overseas consultant for the All-China Federation of Returned Overseas Chinese, another organization under the United Front. The Epoch Times reached out to Shao for comment but didnt hear back. Conservative Sen. Victor Oh in a file photo. (Becky Zhou/The Epoch Times) Sen. Woo previously confirmed to The Epoch Times that he helped draft a citizen petition against the creation of a foreign agent registry. The petition was sponsored by MP Arya in the House of Commons in April. Launched by Coquitlam, B.C., resident Li Wang, the petition says that a foreign influence registry poses a serious harassment and stigmatization risk for racialized communities. Senators Woo and Oh are key initiators of a committee whose work is to reflect on the 100th anniversary of the Chinese Exclusion Act, according to a now-removed article by ccmedia.news. The article reported on an event held in a Chinese shopping mall in Toronto on May 27, where Woo told the roughly 200 people in attendance that the foreign agent registry might become a modern form of Chinese exclusion, while Oh called for support for the petition against the registry. The committee is planning additional events to push back against the registry and will organize a demonstration on Parliament Hill on June 24. Legislative Efforts There have been past legislative efforts to create a foreign agent registry. Sen. Leo Housakos introduced Bill S-237 to create a registry in November 2021, but the bill, now in second reading is the Senate, hasnt received support from the government. Another bill, C-282, was introduced in the House of Commons by former Conservative MP Kenny Chiu in April 2021, during the last session of Parliament. Chiu told The Epoch Times in a previous interview that neither his nor Housakoss proposed legislations mentioned China or Chinese so that the registry could comprehensively address interference attempts from all authoritarian regimes. Chiu, who was defeated in his B.C. riding of StevestonRichmond East in the September 2021 election, told the House of Commons ethics committee in March, that he was a target of Beijings disinformation campaign during that race due to his support of a foreign agent registry. A survey conducted by Nanos Research last December showed that nearly 90 percent of Canadians support the creation of a registry of foreign agents to curb interference from malign foreign actors. Cormac McCarthy, Lauded Author of The Road and No Country for Old Men, Dies at 89 SANTA FE, N.M.Cormac McCarthy, the Pulitzer Prize-winning novelist who in prose both dense and brittle took readers from the southern Appalachians to the desert Southwest in such novels as The Road, Blood Meridian, and All the Pretty Horses, died Tuesday. He was 89. Publisher Alfred A. Knopf, a Penguin Random House imprint, announced that McCarthy died of natural causes at his home in Santa Fe, New Mexico. For 60 years, he demonstrated an unwavering dedication to his craft, and to exploring the infinite possibilities and power of the written word, Penguin Random House CEO Nihar Malaviya said in a statement. Millions of readers around the world embraced his characters, his mythic themes, and the intimate emotional truths he laid bare on every page, in brilliant novels that will remain both timely and timeless, for generations to come. McCarthy, raised in Knoxville, Tennessee, was compared to William Faulkner for his expansive, Old Testament style and rural settings. McCarthys themes, like Faulkners, often were bleak and violent and dramatized how the past overwhelmed the present. Across stark and forbidding landscapes and rundown border communities, he placed drifters, thieves, prostitutes and old, broken men, all unable to escape fates determined for them well before they were born. As the doomed John Grady Cole of McCarthys celebrated Border trilogy would learn, dreams of a better life were only dreams, and falling in love an act of folly. Every mans death is a standing in for every other, McCarthy wrote in Cities of the Plain, the trilogys final book. And since death comes to all there is no way to abate the fear of it except to love that man who stands for us. McCarthys own story was one of belated, and continuing, achievement and popularity. Little known to the public at age 60, he would become one of the countrys most honored and successful writers despite rarely talking to the press. He broke through commercially in 1992 with All the Pretty Horses and over the next 15 years won the National Book Award and the Pulitzer, was a guest on Oprah Winfreys show and saw his novel No Country for Old Men adapted by the Coen brothers into an Oscar-winning movie. Fans of the Coens would discover that the films terse, absurdist dialogue, so characteristic of the brothers work, was lifted straight from the novel. The Road, his stark tale of a father and son who roam a ravaged landscape, brought him his widest audience and highest acclaim. It won the 2007 Pulitzer Prize for fiction and was selected by Winfrey for her book club. In his Winfrey interview, McCarthy said that while typically he didnt know what generates the ideas for his books, he could trace The Road to a trip he took with his young son to El Paso, Texas, early in the decade. Standing at the window of a hotel in the middle of the night as his son slept nearby, he started to imagine what El Paso might look like 50 or 100 years in the future. I just had this image of these fires up on the hill and I thought a lot about my little boy, he said. He told Winfrey he didnt care how many people read The Road. You would like for the people that would appreciate the book to read it. But, as far as many, many people reading it, so what? he said. McCarthy dedicated the book to his son, John Francis, and said having a child as an older man forces the world on you, and I think its a good thing. The Pulitzer committee called his book the profoundly moving story of a journey. It boldly imagines a future in which no hope remains, but in which the father and his son, each the others world entire, are sustained by love, the citation read in part. Awesome in the totality of its vision, it is an unflinching meditation on the worst and the best that we are capable of: ultimate destructiveness, desperate tenacity, and the tenderness that keeps two people alive in the face of total devastation. After The Road, little was heard from McCarthy over the next 15 years and his career was presumed over. But in 2022, Knopf made the startling announcement that it would release a pair of connected novels he had referred to in the past: The Passenger and Stella Maris, narratives about a brother and sister, mutually obsessed siblings, and the legacy of their father, a physicist who had worked on atomic technology. Stella Maris was notable, in part, because it centered on a female character, an acknowledged weakness of McCarthys. I dont pretend to understand women, he told Winfrey. His first novel, The Orchard Keeperwritten in Chicago while he was working as an auto mechanicwas published by Random House in 1965. His editor was Albert Erskine, Faulkners longtime editor. Other novels include Outer Dark, published in 1968; Child of God in 1973; and Suttree in 1979. The violent Blood Meridian, about a group of bounty hunters along the Texas-Mexico border murdering Indians for their scalps, was published in 1985. His Border Trilogy books were set in the Southwest along the border with Mexico: All the Pretty Horses (1992)a National Book Award winner that was turned into a feature film; The Crossing (1994), and Cities of the Plain (1998). McCarthy said he was always lucky. He recalled living in a shack in Tennessee and running out of toothpaste, then going out and finding a toothpaste sample in the mailbox. Thats the way my life has been. Just when things were really, really bleak, something would happen, said McCarthy, who won a MacArthur Fellowshipone of the so-called genius grantsin 1981. In 2009, Christies auction house sold the Olivetti typewriter he used while writing such novels as The Road and No Country for Old Men for $254,500. McCarthy, who bought the Olivetti for $50 in 1958 and used it until 2009, donated it so the proceeds could be used to benefit the Santa Fe Institute, a nonprofit interdisciplinary scientific research community. He once said he didnt know any writers and preferred to hang out with scientists. The Southwestern Writers Collection at Texas State University-San Marcos purchased his archives in 2008, including correspondence, notes, drafts, proofs of 11 novels, a draft of an unfinished novel and materials related to a play and four screenplays. McCarthy attended the University of Tennessee for a year before joining the Air Force in 1953. He returned to the school from 1957 to 1959, but left before graduating. As an adult, he lived around the Great Smoky Mountains before moving West in the late 1970s, eventually settling in Santa Fe. His Knoxville boyhood home, long abandoned and overgrown, was destroyed by fire in 2009. By Sue Major Holmes and Hillel Italie Court Denies College Official Immunity From Liability for Firing Professor Over COVID Vaccine In a rare decision involving an immunity claim by government officials, a Massachusetts judge has denied a colleges human resources directors request for immunity from a lawsuit seeking monetary damages against her for denying a professors religious exemption request from the jab. In denying the college officials request, Massachusetts Superior Court Judge Edward McDonough slammed Springfield Technical Community College (STCC) Acting HR Director Vannoch Sin for what he called a thinly masked opposition, [if] not overt hostility, toward Associate Professor Sheryl Fullen in her opposition to the COVID vaccine on religious grounds. Sins misconduct, as alleged in Fullens complaint, egregiously violated Fullens right to free exercise of religion not because Sin considered whether Fullens religious relief not because Sin considered whether Fullens religious belief conflicted with being vaccinated, but because Sin not seriously and candidly consider her beliefs, but instead wrongfully rejected Fullens accommodation request based either on Sins opposition to, hostility toward, or factually unsupported quarrel over Fullens sincerely held beliefs, McDonough wrote. Sin referred questions from The Epoch Times about the ruling to the colleges human resources office. It did not respond. Sin, a former admissions director for the University of Massachusetts in Amherst, also said in an email that June 21 was her last day at STCC. Her attorney Jeffrey Collins of the Boston law firm Morgan Brown & Joy, did not respond to inquiries from The Epoch Times. On its website, STCC lists Sin as the contact person for employees looking for reasonable accommodations from the school COVID vaccine mandate policy. Fullen was an associate professor of the colleges school of health and patient simulation when she was fired for not taking the vaccine. Fullen, who is identified in various court pleadings as staunchly opposed to abortion, objects to the COVID-19 vaccine because it was derived from fetal cells. Sin fired Fullen after denying her religious exemption request and for not getting the vaccine, according to the lawsuit. In her court pleadings, Sin argued that she was exempt from the litigation because she is a government employee and, therefore, qualified for immunity from lawsuits. McDonough disagreed, ruling Sin knew she was violating Fullens constitutional rights, a basis for government employees to lose their immunity. Fullens lawyer Ryan McLane told The Epoch Times that the case, while at the trial level, could have the potential to set precedence against other government employees who denied religious exemptions. Government officials have chronically escaped liability by successfully claiming immunity and often leaves those injured by their actions with no relief, he said, we definitely need that to change in some cases. Several national legal organizations, including the Cato Insitute and the Institute For Justice, have launched campaigns seeking a legislative overturn, both at the federal and state level, of the longstanding practice of granting immunity by government officials. McLane said the ruling is also promising for those subject to jab or job ultimatums after having their religious beliefs treated with disrespect in the workplace. The judge called the consideration given to my clients truly held religious beliefs for what it wasa sham, he said. He is seeking Fullens base salary and other monetary damages in the suit. In addition to his ruling on Sins immunity claim, the court also wrote in its ruling that Fullen was protected under the Massachusetts constitutions version of the Religious Freedom Restoration Act against the government for imposing substantial burdens on religious exercise. McDonough took specific aim at Sin for claiming that Fullens offer to wear a mask and undergo temperature checks in lieu of the vaccine were inconsistent with the safety protocols of the CDC against the virus. Legal experts like attorney Roger Gannam, a lead counsel in a highly publicized charge against the military for denying religious exemptions to a group of U.S. Marines, told The Epoch Times that the Massachusetts ruling is a promising sign because it also recognized the First Amendment right to exercise religious freedom. So far, in most cases, the courts have relied solely on Title VII, the federal protection against religious rights in the workplace. We have seen lazy judges in other cases like this to just defer to what employers or public health officials have claimed, said Gannam, who is vice president of legal affairs at Liberty Counsel. It was refreshing to see, in this case, a judge dig into the science and the applicable laws. According to court filings, Sin accused Fullen of masquerading her political beliefs as religious beliefs when she objected to vaccines because they were made from body matter extracted from aborted babies. The religious passages cited in your application do not prevent you from complying with the employee vaccination policy. This is a matter of choice on your part, period; since your beliefs do not prevent you from complying with the employee vaccination policy, you are not eligible for a reasonable accommodation based on religion, Sin wrote in a letter to Fullen. McDonough also chastised Sin for using citations from the Catholic church in supporting her position against Fullen, who is a practicing Catholic, according to her lawsuit. Worse, as noted, Sin directly questioned Fullens honesty and integrity in her termination letter, gratuitously tossing offensive, disrespectful and derogatory quotes, wrote McDonough. Purportedly from other clergy that we must not allow or give support to mere personal or political preferences masquerading as religious liberty claims. Catholics have remained divided over the COVID vaccine, with church leaders urging parishioners to get it. Last year, Pope Francis said it was a moral obligation for Catholics to get the vaccine and denounced church members for relying on baseless information to refuse it. He also referred to taking the vaccine as an act of love and refusing it suicidal. In contrast, groups like the Catholic Medical Association and the National Catholic Bioethics Center have both denounced mandating Catholics to take a vaccine made from fetal cells. CMA opposes mandatory COVID-19 vaccinations as a condition of employment without conscience or religious exemptions, the organization said. COVID-19 Lockdowns Caused Profound Loneliness and Pain, Inquiry Hears COVID-19 messaging is seen on the advertising hoarding at Piccadilly Circus during the UK's third national lockdown, in London, on Feb. 3, 2021. (Chris Jackson/Getty Images) Government guidance on self-isolation and social distancing during the 2020 and 2021 national lockdowns and in periods of minimised restrictions caused profound loneliness, pain, and anguish for British families, a government lawyer has told the COVID-19 inquiry. Fiona Scolding, KC, representing the Department of Health and Social Care (DHSC), made the statement before the inquiry on Wednesday as it entered the second day of hearings (pdf). The UK COVID-19 Inquiry is examining the UKs response to the pandemic. It will hear from government officials, scientists, health organisations, and representatives of victims and their families. Statements to be heard by the inquiry include those on UKs resilience and preparedness, the core decision-making by the government, the impact of the pandemic on health care systems, and vaccines and therapeutics. Scoldings statement comes as part of the first module, which she led by expressing heartfelt condolences and deepest sympathies to all the families who have lost loved ones to this pandemic, had their lives disrupted, and who have suffered the after-effects on both their mental and physical health. In particular, people were unable to visit and comfort loved ones who were unwell or dying, and were unable to undertake the important rituals surrounding death which are so vital for catharsis and expressing a shared grief. Not being able to attend and say goodbye at a family funeral was a nightmare for so many of us. The stoicism and forbearance shown and the sacrifices made by so many will never be forgotten, she said. Scolding argued that while the governments decisions were often extremely finely balanced, it would not suggest that it made all the right decisions or that it would make the same decisions today, with the benefit of hindsight. She asked inquiry Chair Lady Heather Hallett to not impose what we shall call a retroscope upon decision-making. The DHSC has referred to the documents and plans on COVID-19 as battleplans or operations because it viewed the pandemic period as akin to a war which required mobilisation in every UK organisation, Scolding said. Little Thought The government gave little thought pre-pandemic to the complexity and effectiveness of a national lockdown as a tool to tackle a a runaway virus, the inquiry heard during the first day. The probes lead counsel Hugo Keith, KC also said that the government failed to examine the effect of the pandemic on economy and education. My lady, no amount of foresight or planning can guarantee that a country will not make mistakes when a disease strikes, but that does not mean that we should not strive to be as ready as we sensibly can be. No country can be perfectly prepared, but it can certainly be under-prepared, Keith said. The government has estimated a total of 227,321 people had COVID-19 listed as a cause of death. The COVID-19 Bereaved Families for Justice UK expressed hope that lessons could be learned from members losses and future mistakes could be avoided. The group members have condemned Prime Minister Boris Johnson for breaking the government guidance and failing British families, so he could have a party and a laugh. Johnson has been found to have deliberately misled Parliament over parties held in Downing Street during COVID-19 lockdowns. The former prime minister, who recently resigned as an MP, was investigated by the House of Commons Privileges Committee. If Mr. Johnson were still a member he should be suspended from the service of the House for 90 days for repeated contempt and for seeking to undermine the parliamentary process, the committee said in its final report, published on Thursday. The COVID-19 inquiry is set to hear statements from Sir Chris Whitty, who served as chief medical officer under Johnson, former chief scientific adviser Sir Patrick Vallance, and Chancellor Jeremy Hunt. COVID Censorship Key Issue in Tribunal Hearings Against Ontario Doctor: Lawyer A person draws out Moderna vaccine during a drive through COVID-19 vaccine clinic at St. Lawrence College in Kingston, Ontario, on Jan. 2, 2022. (The Canadian Press/Lars Hagberg) Dr. Mark Trozzi made public comments against COVID-19 public health measures, and his professional regulator may revoke his medical license for what it says is professional misconduct. Ultimately, Dr. Trozzis case is about whether we will have state censorship in this country, his lawyer, Michael Alexander, said on June 13 as a series of tribunal hearings on Trozzis case began. The regulator, the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Ontario (CPSO), is closely linked with the government, it is an extension of the government, Alexander said. And thus its not just about a regulator censoring its licensees, Alexander said, but about the free speech of Canadians in general. The CPSO will argue as the hearings progress that Dr. Trozzi went far beyond any reasonable debate, said the regulators counsel, Elisabeth Widner. She said she will show throughout the hearings that the CPSO has the legal right to limit speech in this case because it must do so to carry out its statutory objective to regulate the profession and prevent harm to patients. Widner criticized Trozzi for making public statements, including on Twitter, that deaths allegedly resulting from the vaccine are mass murder. She also criticized him for saying COVID crimes against humanity are a violation of the Nuremberg Codea set of ethical principles against human experimentation formed in reaction to the misdeeds of Nazi scientists. No doubt you will find postings, articles, and videos from Dr. Trozzi that you will find offensive, angering, discomfiting, and inflammatory, Alexander said. However, that is not a reason to censor Dr. Trozzi. Alexander said all opinionsincluding offensive opinions or minority onesare protected by the Charter. The Charter does not prohibit offensive expression for one fundamental reason: It isnt possible to separate speech that is intended only to offend from speech that offends because it strikes at the truth, Alexander said. Also to be examined in the hearings are vaccine exemptions Trozzi issued. Vaccine Exemptions The CPSO issued three guidelines to doctors amid the pandemic: to not speak publicly against public health orders, to not issue vaccine exemptions except under rare circumstances, and to not prescribe alternative treatments for COVID-19. Alexander argues that these guidelines do not carry the weight of law nor does violating them constitute professional misconduct. The tribunal also agreed that they are guidelines rather than regulations in an preliminary hearing on Jan. 19 that combined Trozzis case with two other Ontario doctors represented by Alexander, Dr. Crystal Luchkiw and Dr. Patrick Phillips. Widner said one of her expert witnesses, Dr. Aaron Orkin, has reviewed 27 vaccine exemptions issued by Trozzi. [Orkin] came to the opinion that Dr. Trozzi failed to maintain the standard of practice of the profession and displayed a lack of knowledge and judgment, Widner said. Alexander took issue not only with the CPSO examining the exemptions, which he argues do not relate to professional misconduct as they only represent a breach of mere guidelines. He also took issue with the CPSO calling expert witnesses to try to refute Trozzis medical opinion, which Alexander argues is his Charter right to express no matter how many other doctors have different opinions. Misinformation on Trial Widner will call two other witnesses to provide evidence that Dr. Trozzi displays deficits in knowledge and judgment, she said, and that his communications contain inaccurate, misleading, and inflammatory statements. One of her witnesses will also present a study showing the very real harms caused to the public by science and health misinformation, Widner said. Alexander said he will call his own expert witnesses on these matters, not because he thinks such testimony is relevant, but because the CPSO has made this move and Trozzi has been forced to respond. The expert evidence in this case is completely irrelevant to the determination of the main legal issue, Alexander said, which is Trozzis right to express his opinion. Alexander said he will also challenge the validity of the witnesses, arguing they are not objective and impartial. He said he expects the CPSO to similarly challenge his witnesses, since they have appeared at some of the same conferences as Trozzi. He will argue, however, that his witnesses are more impartial than the CPSOs. Its a Free Country Alexander concluded his opening remarks by citing the late Romanian-Canadian journalist George Jonas who spoke of how one used to often hear the phrase, Youre entitled to your opinion; its a free country. Jonas told McLeans magazine in 2005 that one doesnt hear that so often any more. The real question for us in this hearing is not whether Dr. Trozzi is fit to practice medicine, Alexander said. The real question is whether we will once again have a country based on tolerance, a country that does not accept state censorship, a country where we can accept our differences and say Youre entitled to your opinion. After all, its a free country. Widner concluded her opening remarks saying, The colleges position is that the evidence as a whole will demonstrate that Dr. Trozzi is ungovernable and has complete disregard for the regulatory system of which he is still a member. CSIS Director Highlights How China Threat Differs From Russias David Vigneault, Director of the Canadian Security Intelligence Service (CSIS), prepares to appear before the Standing Committee on Procedure and House Affairs (PROC), studying the intimidation campaign against Members of Parliament, on Parliament Hill in Ottawa, on June 13, 2023. (Justin Tang/The Canadian Press) The foreign interference threats coming from China differ significantly from those from Russia or other countries, says the boss of Canadas spy agency. Canadian Security Intelligence Service (CSIS) Director David Vigneault testified before the Commons Procedure and House Affairs Committee on June 13 and answered questions from MPs about the nature of the China threat. In the midst of multiple controversies related to Chinese regime interference in Canada spurred by national security leaks in the media, some politicians have attempted to put the focus on other countries as well rather than squarely on China. An NDP motion adopted by the House of Commons on May 31 called for a public inquiry into foreign interference from all states, including, but not limited to, the actions of the Chinese, Indian, Iranian and Russian governments. Liberal MP Ryan Turnbull, in the context of the committee study of Beijings threats to MPs, asked Vigneault how those threats can compare to those coming from Moscow. If you had to compare the foreign interference attempts of Russia and China, who attempts to interfere more, and how did their tactics differ? asked Turnbull. Vigneault said there are fundamental differences between how the Chinese Communist Party (CCP) and Russia operate. The most fundamental one is the fact that since the arrival of Xi Jinping as the president of China, and as the leader of the Communist Party, we have seen a growth of the ability and the budgets of the United Front Work Department, said Vigneault. The head of CSIS said the United Fronts main goal is to interfere in other countries affairs and its been present in Canada for a long, long time. Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs David Morrison told the committee earlier that day that according to his information, the United Front has been in Canada in one form or another since the 1950s. At least two organizations investigated by the RCMP as suspected of hosting Chinese police stations formally fall under the authority of the United Front. Montreal-area Chinese immigrant support organizations Centre Sino-Quebec de la Rive-Sud and the Service a la famille chinoise du Grand Montreal are affiliated with the Overseas Chinese Affairs Office (OCAO) since at least 2016. The OCAO was moved under the control of the United Front in 2018. The organizations havent responded to requests for comment. Vigneault remarked that Xi has referred to the United Front as the CCPs magic weapon. This is one of the most significant difference between the PRC [Peoples Republic of China] and other countries. Turnbull asked Vigneault whether he agreed that Russia still presents a threat. Russia has extremely advanced capabilities to engage in foreign interference activities. Theyre doing the same thing on espionage, said Vigneault. But he said there are questions related to the intent behind Russias capabilities and what its specific objectives are. And so sometimes Canada may not be the main objective, he said. Intelligence Law Along with a dedicated state body directing foreign interference, the CCP also has other measures giving it an edge to pursue its interests abroad and engage in intelligence collection. Liberal MP Sherry Romanado asked Vigneault how Chinas National Intelligence Law adopted in 2017 has changed the threat landscape. Can you elaborate with this committee if this changed the posture with respect to intelligence gathering within CSIS? she asked. Indeed, this was another significant milestone, said Vigneault. It essentially codified and publicized the fact that the PRC, the Communist Party, they saw everybody, every company, every citizen as someone who needed to support intelligence services. He said the PRC doesnt care whether an individual has a foreign citizenship or has been living abroad for a few generations, the law is applied along the same standard. They will be putting pressure on individuals to collaborate with the intelligence service if it was in their desire. The CSIS director said his agency took good note of that development and it has changed the way it conducts its investigations and analysis. A-Team Former CSIS executive Dan Stanton shared similar information during his testimony before the House ethics committee on March 31. He called the PRC the A-Team in foreign interference and said it probably poses the most daunting threat in that field. MPs on the committee sought to obtain information on other actors, with NDP MP Matthew Green expressing concerns that we may miss the broader picture. I think were solely focused on China, because it is, as I said, the A-Team when it comes to foreign interference. There is absolutely no comparison in terms of scope and qualitative differences, Stanton said. Stanton, a 32-year CSIS veteran, said that foreign interference has eclipsed traditional espionage as a threat over the last 30 years. Why risk stealing another states secrets when you can influence and manipulate the targeted countries policymakers, you can get close to what we consider the soft underbelly of the state through our democratic institutions, he said. Canada has been embroiled in a Chinese interference controversy since media started reporting on leaked national security information in November. The Liberal government has resisted calls from the opposition parties to hold a public inquiry in recent months, but softened its stance this week after special rapporteur David Johnston resigned on June 9. Prime Minister Justin Trudeau had appointed former governor general Johnston in mid-March to review foreign interference and gave him the mandate to determine whether a public inquiry should be held. Johnston recommended against it, which led to opposition parties passing a motion in the House asking for him to step down. Johnston initially resisted the call but relented a few days after amid fresh criticism about his and his top counsels potential conflict of interest. Opposition parties have now begun discussions around the terms for an eventual public inquiry. KYODO NEWS - Jun 16, 2023 - 02:26 | All, World, Japan North Korea launched two short-range ballistic missiles into the sea off its east coast on Thursday night, with both projectiles landing inside Japan's exclusive economic zone, Tokyo and Seoul said. The launches came after North Korea warned earlier in the day it would take some action in response to massive live-fire drills by South Korea and the United States. The move also occurred while U.S. President Joe Biden's national security adviser was in Tokyo for meetings. Japan's Defense Ministry said the missiles reached a maximum altitude of approximately 50 kilometers before falling within the country's EEZ, with the first one traveling about 850 km and the second flying around 900 km. A North Korean missile last landed inside Japan's EEZ, which extends some 370 km from its coastline, in February. The missiles fired by North Korea on Thursday were "not linked to" a satellite launch attempt that the country had notified Japan of late last month, Japanese Chief Cabinet Secretary Hirokazu Matsuno said at a press conference. Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida told reporters there were no reports of damage by the missiles and said Tokyo lodged a protest with North Korea over the launches. Pyongyang has said it will make another attempt to launch a spy satellite as soon as possible. Matsuno, the top government spokesman, said Japan did not issue an order to destroy the missiles fired toward the Sea of Japan. The missiles crashed into the sea some 250 km northwest of Hegura Island, located about 50 km off the coast of Japan's central prefecture of Ishikawa, according to the ministry. South Korea's Joint Chiefs of Staff said the projectiles, which they identified as short-range ballistic missiles, were fired from the Sunan area of Pyongyang between 7:25 p.m. and 7:37 p.m. North Korea had denounced the joint drills, which were conducted from May 25 through Thursday near its border with South Korea. Its latest action also took place as White House National Security Adviser Jake Sullivan was in Tokyo to hold talks with his Japanese, Philippine and South Korean counterparts. During a trilateral meeting with Takeo Akiba and Cho Tae Yong, the top national security advisers of Japan and South Korea, respectively, Sullivan discussed North Korea's weapons programs, including its "most recent provocations," and "identified next steps to strengthen their coordination," the White House said. As part of efforts to further strengthen cooperation between the United States and its two Asian allies, the White House said Biden will host three-way talks with the leaders of Japan and South Korea in the United States "in the coming months." The three advisers later released a statement condemning North Korea's action as a clear violation of multiple U.N. Security Council resolutions. Takehiro Funakoshi, head of the Japanese Foreign Ministry's Asian and Oceanian Affairs Bureau, also held phone talks with his U.S. and South Korean counterparts Sung Kim and Kim Gunn, respectively, reaffirming close trilateral cooperation. Japan and South Korea have continued to be on alert over projectiles being fired by North Korea even after the expiration of an 11-day window on Sunday designated by Pyongyang for the launch of a satellite-carrying rocket. The launch of what North Korea called a military reconnaissance satellite on May 31, the first day of the window, failed. In February, a North Korean intercontinental ballistic missile fell inside Japan's EEZ. The projectile landed in the sea, west of the northernmost Japanese main island of Hokkaido. Related coverage: Japan extends destruction order despite end of North Korea launch window Japan, South Korea to further discuss preventing radar lock-on incidents North Korea raps IMO, says not to issue advance satellite launch notice CSIS Memo on Beijing Targeting of MPs Was Sent to Wrong Office, Says Blair Minister of Emergency Preparedness Bill Blair rises during question period in the House of Commons on Parliament Hill in Ottawa on Feb. 28, 2022. (Sean Kilpatrick/The Canadian Press) Former public safety minister Bill Blair says that a secret memo prepared by the Canadian Security Intelligence Service (CSIS) to inform the federal government of Beijings targeting of Conservative MP Michael Chong never reached him at the time because it was sent to the wrong office. Just to be very clear, CSIS did not brief me on that document, Blair told reporters in Ottawa on June 14, adding, Im advised that they sent it to another office with the intent that I would somehow get to see it, but quite frankly if their intent was that I would actually have that information, my expectation would be that they would come brief me on it. Blair, who is now the minister of emergency preparedness, added that it mightve been helpful if CSIS had phoned him or sent an email or a text alerting him they had a briefing that he was meant to see, but the minister said he was never contacted in any such manner. Blair did say that CSIS would regularly brief him on matters of foreign interference while he was public safety minister from 2019 to 2021. He said CSIS would either brief him in a secure room at his office in Ottawa, ask him to go to the spy agencys headquarters in Toronto, or send a CSIS member to brief him at his home. While appearing before a House of Commons Standing Committee on Procedure and House Affairs on June 1, Blair blamed CSIS for not briefing him on Beijings threats to MPs in 2021. He also previously said he was unaware of the issue until The Globe and Mail published a report on May 1 based on a leaked CSIS assessment. Blair told the committee that CSIS Director David Vigneault previously determined that the information about Beijings threats to MPs was not necessary for him to know. So I was never notified of the existence of that intelligence, nor was it ever shared with me, he said. However, Vigneault told the same committee on June 13 that CSIS followed the proper protocol at the time to pass information to the public safety minister about Beijings threat. My understanding of how the information flows from an agency to the minister is that this is sent to the departmentin this case, the Department of Public Safety, Vigneault said. Responding to this, Blair told reporters on the same day that Vigneault and CSIS produced the relevant briefing with the intent that Blair read itbut maintained that he never received it. Unfortunately his intent did not actually take effect, Blair said. Noe Chartier contributed to this report. Cubas CCP Spy Base Commentary Chinas spy base in Cuba may be a violation of the Monroe Doctrine. We are deeply disturbed by reports that Havana and Beijing are working together to target the United States and our people, wrote Senate Intelligence Committee Chairman Mark Warner (D-Va.) and Vice Chairman Marco Rubio (R-Fla.) in a recent statement regarding the Chinese spy base to be constructed in Cuba. Cuba, which lies only 90 miles from U.S. shores, has permitted China to build a military spy base, which will allow the Peoples Liberation Army (PLA) to monitor American communications and military and maritime operations. Cuban Deputy Foreign Minister Carlos Fernandez de Cossio refuted the claims that a Chinese base was being constructed in the country, claiming that the allegations were just a pretext to support a U.S. embargo of Cuba. Chinas Ministry of Foreign Affairs denied any knowledge of the situation. After a brief period, during the early part of the Obama administration, when it looked as if relations between the United States and Cuba were about to improve, things have just got steadily worse. In 2016, roughly 200 U.S. diplomats and intelligence officials became ill due to Havana Syndrome, which was alleged to have been caused by ultrasound and microwave weapons. Relations worsened under the Trump administration, which designated Havana as a state-sponsor of terrorism. Relations with China are also at a low. The Office of the Director of National Intelligences Annual Threat Assessment recognized China and Russia as the most serious threats to the United States, particularly as the Chinese Communist Party (CCP) attempts to expand its interests beyond Chinas borders. The PLA already has bases in Djibouti and Cambodia and is suspected of building bases in Burma (also known as Myanmar) and the United Arab Emirates. Beijing has financed container ports and purchased lithium mining operations in Latin America. Additionally, the Chinese National Space Administration, as part of the Chinese Deep Space Network, has established a space monitoring station in Argentina, near the Straits of Magellan. Gen. Laura Richardson, commander of the U.S. Southern Command, referred to the CCPs incursions in Latin America as a relentless march and an attempt to displace the United States. A CCP base in Cuba would be the next step toward establishing CCP dominance in the Americas. Clashes between the interests of the United States and those of the CCP seem to be occurring more frequently. Earlier this year, a number of Chinese spy balloons drifted over the United States. In March, China accused a U.S. vessel of violating Chinese waters in disputed territory. A few weeks later, the FBI raided a secret Chinese police station in the United States, while reports suggest that several others exist. This month, while executing unsafe maneuvers, a PLA Navy ship nearly collided with a U.S. naval vessel near Taiwan. At the same time, the United States is increasing its defense cooperation in the region, opening four new bases in the Philippines. The CCP is also trying to find allies, sending a training ship, the Qi Juguang, to Vietnam. Most of the worlds top economies also recognize the threat posed by the CCP. At the G-7 summit in May, a central topic of discussion was de-risking, meaning that the groups members realized the danger of continuing economic dependence on China trade. U.S. allies have largely agreed to abide by a ban on the sale of advanced micro-processing chips to China. Now that China is retaliating by excluding certain U.S. companies from their markets, the House Foreign Affairs Committee and Rep. Mike Gallagher (R-WI), chairman of the House Select Committee on the Chinese Communist Party, urged Commerce Secretary Gina Raimondo to implore Japan, South Korea, and other U.S. allies not to attempt to profit from CCP-imposed restrictions. While trade relations between U.S. allies and China worsen and tensions grow in the South China Sea, it appears that a CCP base in Cuba would violate the Monroe Doctrine. Under the Monroe Doctrine of 1823, European powerslater understood to be all foreign powerswere to be blocked from interfering in the affairs of the Western Hemisphere. President Theodore Roosevelt interpreted the doctrine as allowing the United States to play the role of international police power to fight against chronic wrongdoing, verbiage he added in the Roosevelt Corollary. In 1962, the doctrine was tested when the Soviet Union was believed to be building up weapons and positioning nuclear missiles in Cuba. The two superpowers came close to nuclear war. In the end, the Soviets backed down. Sixty years later, it seems now that a similar scenario is playing out again, but this time the adversary is the CCP. On June 9, reacting to reports of the spy base, U.S. lawmakers issued a statement: We urge the Biden administration to take steps to prevent this serious threat to our national security and sovereignty. While the White House has confirmed that China has had some type of spy base in Cuba since 2019, the Biden administration has yet to explain what action it plans to take against the CCPs latest expansion into the Americas. Views expressed in this article are the opinions of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views of The Epoch Times. Cyber Attack Takes Down Australias Peak Body In Charge of Privacy Breaches An Australian governmental body in charge of monitoring privacy breaches has fallen victim to a cyber attack following the hacking of one of the agencys law firms. Data from the Office of the Australian Information Commissioner (OAIC) was stolen by Russian cybercriminal BlackCat, also known as AlphV, after the hacking group infiltrated the database of HWL Ebsworth. HWL Ebsworth is one of Australias largest commercial law firms and provides the OAIC with professional services. This comes after four terabytes worth of company information, including employee details, were stolen by AlphV in April, with approximately 1.45 terabytes of sensitive information allegedly published by the hacking grouping on the dark web on June 8. However, it is unclear what data has been published, as HWL Ebsworth has a number of governmental and corporate clients. Cyber criminals who accessed our systems have now claimed to have published around one-third of the total data they say has been exfiltrated from our firm, a company spokesman told AAP. We are investigating this claim and are seeking to identify what data may have been published. On June 12, HWL Ebsworth was granted an injunction by the Supreme Court of NSW to prevent hacking group AlphV from disclosing the stolen data online. The hacking group was also ordered to take down the data immediately. The injunction order was served using the contact information provided in three emails that demanded a ransom payment, which HWL Ebsworth has previously said it would not be paying. However, HWL Ebsworth managing partner Juan Martinez admits there are practical limits to enforcing the injunction. However, we have taken this step with a view to preventing, as far as possible, any further broader access to or dissemination of the data. This includes seeking to prevent the media from accessing or publishing any of the data, or indeed any party, Martinez said, reported the Australian Financial Review (AFR). Martinez said he believes this to be the first time in Australia that an injunction has been granted against cyber hackers in circumstances such as these. Tasmanian Government Caught Up in Company Hack The Tasmanian government has also been a victim of the cyberattack after it was contacted by the federal government about an illegal release of HWL Ebsworth data on the dark web. Approximately 16,000 financial invoices and statements that were issued by the states education department were stolen. AlphV has claimed responsibility for the cyberattack. Minister for Science and Technology Madeleine Ogilvie said there was a nationally coordinated approach to investigating the impacts of the incident. This is concerning, and we are working closely with the Australian government to establish if any Tasmanian information has been impacted, she said. While this may take some time considering the volume of data involvedwe are taking swift action and will keep the Tasmanian community informed with further developments. HWL Ebsworth has said it will not submit to the hackers demand for a ransom payment. We take our ethical and moral duties to the community very seriously, the companys spokesperson said. We consider we have a fundamental civic duty to not, in any way, encourage or be seen to condone the criminal activity of extorting money by taking and threatening the publishing of other peoples data. The privacy and security of our client and employee data remains of the utmost importance. We acknowledge and understand the impact this may have, and we are communicating closely with our clients. HWL Ebsworth employs approximately 1300 people with 278 partners. The hackers sent their first ransom on April 30. Meanwhile, the OAIC is investigating the hacking of Latitude Financial Group in March, which has affected approximately 14 million customers. The OAIC has also been involved in the response to the hacking of Medicare and Optus, according to The Australian. AlphV Hacking Group Targets Australian Organisations According to the Australian Cyber Security Centre (ACSC), AlphV affiliates have successfully deployed ransomware on corporate systems in a variety of countries and sectors, including in Australia. In February 2022, AlphV affiliates compromised a German oil storage operator and an energy distributor. The ACSC is aware of ALPHV targeting government and critical infrastructure organisations, as well as the energy, finance, construction and other sectors, the ACSC said. The ALPHV operators claim to exclude the use of the ransomware in attacks on healthcare and charitable organisations. According to a November 2022 report, the ASCS received over 76,000 cybercrime reports, equating to one report every seven minutes. Death Toll From Kenya Cult Tied to Pastor Surpasses 300, With More Exhumations Planned Police and local residents load the bodies of victims of a religious cult into the back of a truck in the village of Shakahola, near Malindi in southern Kenya on April 23, 2023. (AP Photo, File) NAIROBI, KenyaThe number of people who died after a Kenyan pastor ordered his followers to starve to death in order to meet Jesus has surpassed 300, authorities said Tuesday, and the death toll is expected to rise as more exhumations are planned. The death toll increased to 303 after 19 more bodies were recovered from mass graves in the vast forested land in Kilifi County of coastal Kenya, where pastor Paul Mackenzie and his followers lived. Coastal regional commissioner Rhoda Onyancha told local journalists that 613 people tied to the area are missing. On Monday, 65 of the 95 parishioners whom authorities said they rescued from the property were charged with attempting suicide after they staged a hunger strike to protest being held at a shelter. They were moved to a jail. Police went to MacKenzies property in April after investigators received a tip that dozens of people were starving to death after their pastor told them it was a way to meet Jesus. The emaciated followers were treated at a Malindi hospital before they were taken to the shelter. Mackenzie is expected back in court this week after police were granted more time to hold him pending investigations. Before his arrest in April, the pastor had been charged in connection with the disappearance of children but was released on bond. Kenyan President William Ruto has likened Mackenzie to a terrorist. Interior Minister Kindiki Kithure said more mass graves were earmarked for exhumation. He suggested the pastor might be charged terrorism or genocide-related offenses. Democrats Push Bill to Regulate Supreme Court Senate Environment and Public Works Committee member Sen. Sheldon Whitehouse (D-R.I.) questions Andrew Wheeler during his confirmation hearing to be the next administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency in Washington on Jan. 16, 2019. (Chip Somodevilla/Getty Images) Congress must impose a code of conduct on the Supreme Court that requires justices to recuse themselves when a financial connection exists between the justice or the justices family and someone having business before the court, a Democrat-controlled congressional oversight committee heard on June 14. If the Supreme Court wont act, Congress will, Sen. Sheldon Whitehouse (D-R.I.) said at the meeting of the Senate Judiciary Committees Subcommittee on the Federal Courts, Oversight, Agency Action, and Federal Rights. The subcommittee was reviewing the proposed Supreme Court Ethics, Recusal, and Transparency Act (SCERT) of 2023 (S.359), which Whitehouse, its chairman, introduced in February. Rep. Hank Johnson (D-Ga.) introduced a companion bill, H.R. 926, in the House of Representatives at the same time. Whitehouses bill is co-sponsored by 21 senators, including Cory Booker (D-N.J.), Dianne Feinstein (D-Calif.), Mazie Hirono (D-Hawaii), Mark Warner (D-Va.), and Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.), who caucuses with the Democrats. Whitehouse is an outspoken critic of the Supreme Court and, in particular, conservative justices such as Clarence Thomas. Democrats are outraged that wealthy Republican donor Harlan Crow reportedly gave Thomas luxurious vacations, tuition support for a grandnephew he raised, and purchased a property from the justices family. Thomas didnt disclose them, saying he was advised that it wasnt required. He has vowed to disclose such events going forward. While Democrats say the gifts in themselves are proof of corruption, legal experts disagree. Legal experts also point out there was no conflict of interest because Crow didnt have any business before the high court. While recent congressional hearings about Supreme Court ethics have been tense and filled with rancor and accusations, no voices were raised at this gathering. That may be because no Republican senators spoke at the hearing. At other hearings, Republicans have strenuously objected to Democrats efforts to use legislation to regulate the Supreme Court. Republicans argue that the constitutional doctrine of separation of powers prevents Congress from regulating the justices behavior. Republicans have suggested that Democrats only want to move against the court because its conservative majority has been rendering decisions they find objectionable. For example, at a May 2 hearing, former U.S. Attorney General Michael Mukasey, an appointee of President George W. Bush, told lawmakers that Democrats concerns about the ethics of the Supreme Court were self-interested and overblown. It is impossible to escape the conclusion that the public is being asked to hallucinate misconduct so as to undermine the authority of justices who issue rulings with which these critics disagree, and thus to undermine the authority of the rulings themselves, Mukasey said. At this hearing, Whitehouse said that last month, Chief Justice John Roberts during a speech acknowledged the court has more to do, that justices are continuing to look at things they can do to give practical effect to that ethics commitment, and that hes confident that there are ways to do that, ways to do more, referring to an address that Roberts delivered on May 23. Bogus personal hospitality, obvious conflicts of interests, phony front group anarchy. These are all areas ripe for repair, he said. The American people are tired of waiting, Whitehouse said. A new poll released the same day as the chief justices remarks shows that almost 60 percent of Americans disapprove of the way the Supreme Court is doing its job. And that Americans are more likely to think that the justices honesty and ethical standards were low or very low. For an institution that depends on the publics faith to carry out its functions, that is unsettling territory. If the Supreme Court isnt going to do anything to restore the publics trust, its up to us in Congress. We need to know more about front groups that helped appoint Trumps justices, and then appear as litigants before those same justices, he said. Whitehouse also took aim at Thomas, who was appointed in 1989 by Republican President George H.W. Bush, saying that the justice has refused to recuse himself from cases involving the disputed 2020 election or the events of Jan. 6, 2021, a congressional security breach that Democrats argue constituted an insurrection. Thomas voted to stop the January 6 committee from getting access to White House communications that may have included Justice Thomass wifes texts to the White House chief of staff about overturning the 2020 election, the senator said, referring to Thomass wife, conservative activist and Trump supporter Ginni Thomas, who has said she doesnt discuss court business with her husband. The lawfulness of that failure to recuse depends on a fact: What did Justice Thomas know about his wifes insurrection activities and when did he know it? Whitehouse said. The chairman of the full committee, Sen. Dick Durbin (D-Ill.), also spoke at the hearing. We need to restore public confidence and trust our Supreme Court, he said. That cannot be done when they operate in the dark and in secrecy. Todays hearing will discuss recusal transparency. Weve seen interesting movement on this issue in the Supreme Court with at least one justice, Justice Elena Kagan, Durbin said. Shes now providing public explanations for her recusal decisionsshe gets it. She understands that when the American people understand her thought process, it lends credibility to her final result. The same thing is true for the rest of the court. The obvious question is, will another justice follow suit? Whitehouses bill would direct the Supreme Court to issue a code of conduct governing its own members. It would require the Judicial Conference of the United States, a body created by Congress, to issue a code of conduct for the judges of the courts of appeals, the district courts, and the Court of International Trade. The bill would also create a system allowing members of the public to file complaints against justices for violating the code of conduct or for engaging in conduct that undermines the integrity of the Supreme Court of the United States. A judicial investigation panel comprised of 5 judges selected randomly from among the chief judge of each circuit of the United States would review and investigate complaints and present its findings and recommendations to the Supreme Court, which would then dismiss the complaints, order disciplinary action, or make changes to the courts rules or procedures. The panel, which would have subpoena powers, would also have the authority to conduct hearings and release public reports about its activities. Rules requiring the disclosure of gifts, income, and reimbursements received by any justice and any law clerk to a justice would be established. The proposal would also allow a litigant to file a motion to disqualify a justice from a case, which would be reviewed by a panel of judges. The measure would also compel a justice to recuse him or herself from a case when he or she knows that a party or its affiliate in a legal proceeding spent substantial funds in support of getting the justice confirmed by the Senate. The duty to disqualify him or herself would also apply when a justice, his or her spouse, minor child, or a privately held entity owned by such a person received income, a gift, or reimbursement from a party or affiliate to a proceeding in a six-year period before the justice takes up the case. Greater disclosure by parties filing friend-of-the-court briefs, which seek to influence the court on specific cases, would be required, according to the bill. The Supreme Court and the Judicial Conference would be directed to prescribe rules forbidding the filing of friend-of-the-court briefs that would lead to the disqualification of a justice from a particular case. Its unclear when the subcommittee will vote on the legislation. Detroit-Area City Bans LGBT, Other Political Flags From Display on Public Property Residents of the Detroit-area community of Hamtramck have been banned from displaying LGBT flags on public property following a unanimous vote by the City Council on June 13. City officials voted to approve a resolution on flags introduced by City Councilman Mohammed Hassan, following a lengthy debate focusing on religious and political freedoms and discrimination. The resolution (pdf), to Maintain and Confirm the Neutrality of the City of Hamtramck Towards Its Residents, states that the city must and will serve and treat its residents equally, with no discrimination, or special treatment to any group of people. Each religious, ethnic, racial, political, or sexually-oriented group is already represented by the country it belongs to; and the City does not want to open the door for radical or racist groups to ask for their flags to be flown, it states. Under the resolution, religious, ethnic, racial, political, or sexual orientation group flags are prohibited from being flown on public properties and only the American flag, the flag of the State of Michigan, the Hamtramck flag, the Prisoner of War flag, and the nations flags that represent the international character of our City are allowed to be flown in the city, an enclave within north-central Detroit. Attack on One Flag The resolution notes that the decision to ban the LGBT flag does not in any way, shape or form infringe upon the fundamental right of an individual or business in the City of Hamtramck to engage free speech, nor does it limit speech by public employees provided that such employees engage in such speech in a protected time, manner and place. During the vote, one woman stood up and kissed another woman standing next to her in protest over the resolution. An LGBT flag flies in Huntington Beach, Calif., on Feb. 14, 2023. (John Fredricks/The Epoch Times) You guys are welcome, Councilmember Nayeem Choudhury said in response to the womans actions. [But] why do you have to have the flag shown on government property to be represented? Youre already represented. We already know who you are. Others in attendance also expressed concerns over the resolution, with Darren Shelton, executive director of the citys Planet Ant Theatre, stating that it feels like a thinly veiled attack on one flag, according to The Detroit News. However, City Manager Max Garbarino said the decision was not about causing division among residents. Keeping Flag Poles Neutral It basically is the councils attempt to keep the citys flag poles neutral, Garbarino said. Last year there was a Pride flag up there, and there was a dust-up in the community in regard to that. There was a lot of the community that was for it. There was a lot of the community that was against it. The thought process, I believe, is that it potentially could go up here again this summer. And this is basically a resolution specifically just saying these are the only flags we want in an attempt to stay neutral on the topic, he added. Elsewhere, Hassan defended the move, noting that members of the LGBT community and others are welcome in Hamtramck but that religious freedom must be respected. We love everybody. We dont hate anybody. We dont discriminate [against] anybody. We are living very respectfully without hate, he said. Mayor Amer Ghalib, the first Arab-American and Muslim to be elected mayor of Hamtramck, also defended the resolution, telling residents during Tuesdays meeting, We serve everybody equally with no discrimination but without favoritism. Hamtramck follows in the footsteps of dozens of other communities across the United States imposing restrictions on LGBT flags and other flags, including Orange County, California and Cold Spring, New York. Earlier this month, Republican lawmakers from Mississippi urged the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) to remove an LGBT Pride flag that had been temporarily placed on Biloxi Veterans Affairs property, arguing that its installment amounted to a political stunt. However, VA Press Secretary Terrence Hayes defended the decision to keep the Pride flag in place above veterans facilities, citing the contributions of more than one million LGBTQ+ veterans in the United States. Doug Ford Announces Contract in $730 Million GO Train Service Expansion A GO Transit train sits parked at the Niagara Falls Train Station in Niagara Falls, Ont., on Aug. 26, 2022. (The Canadian Press/Tara Walton) Ontario has awarded a contract in the planned expansion of GO Transit service into the Durham Region, which Premier Doug Ford says is one of the fastest growing regions not only in the province, but the entire country. The expansion will connect thousands of daily commuters with downtown Toronto and other areas of the GTA, Ford said at a press conference in Whitby on June 15. As the regions economy grows, our infrastructure needs to keep up, Ford said. Transportation Minister Caroline Mulroney said at the conference that the $730 million expansion is part of a $70 billion 10-year plan to build an integrated rapid public transit system across the Golden Horseshoe, the urban region centered around Toronto. The Lakeshore GO Train line will extend 20 km further east, terminating in the town of Bowmanville, and four new stations are planned along the line in the Durham Region. The contract awarded to Bowmanville Construction Partners for advanced infrastructure planning represents an important milestone on this critical project, Ford said. The plan to expand the line was first announced in 2022. He spoke of the other infrastructure plans for the region, including new hospitals, 68,000 new long-term care beds, and $28 billion in road and highway investments. Were seeing an unprecedented number of families establish roots right here in Durham, Ford said, adding that new businesses and investments are also entering the region. Ford gave the example of General Motors $2 billion investment to retool its assembly plants in Ingersoll and Oshawa, creating 2,600 jobs. Oshawa is in the Durham Region. Ex-NYC Mayor Bill de Blasio Hit With Historic Fine for Misuse of Public Funds New York City Mayor Bill de Blasio speaks during an event in New York City in a file photograph. (Michael M. Santiago/Getty Images) Former New York Mayor Bill de Blasio has been fined roughly $475,000 for misusing public funds during his failed presidential campaign. The fine is the largest ever imposed by the New York City Conflicts of Interest Board. Between May 2019 and September 2019, while serving as Mayor, Respondent was a candidate for President of the United States, the board wrote in issuing the June 15 order (pdf). During this time, Respondent had the City pay the travel expenses for an NYPD [New York Police Department] security detail to accompany Respondent or his spouse on 31 out-of-state trips in connection with his presidential campaign. De Blasios bid for the Democratic presidential nomination lasted only four months before he called it quits. But in that time, he managed to rack up $319,794.20 in travel-related costs for the city, including airfare, car rentals, meals, accommodations, and other incidentals. The board also said de Blasio was warned prior to the launch of his campaign that using his security detail for out-of-state travel related to his presidential campaign would constitute a violation of the law. But as the mayor ultimately disregarded that advice, the board fined de Blasio $5,000 for each out-of-state trip$155,000 totaland ordered him to reimburse the city for the misspent funds. Appeal Filed The board gave de Blasio 30 days to make the payment, though it also noted that he had the right to appeal the decision to the states Supreme Court. Wasting no time, the former mayor chose to do the latter. The COIBs actionwhich seeks to saddle elected officials with security costs that the city has properly borne for decadesis dangerous, beyond the scope of their powers, and illegal, said Andrew Celli Jr., de Blasios attorney, in a statement. Today, just as soon as this action became final, we filed suit to stop this inappropriate and perilous decision from ever taking effect. Describing the boards ruling as reckless and arbitrary, Celli said the decision endangered the safety and security of public servants like de Blasio. Every mayor faces threats, and all mayors are entitled to protectionregardless of party or politics, he said. Thats why the NYPD is charged with determining what level of protection is necessary for such officials, when, and how. This case isnt about Bill de Blasio or any other mayor or high official in particular. Its about the principle of protecting our leaders from harmfor the good of our city. Investigation The historic fine follows a probe of de Blasios use of his security detail conducted by the New York City Department of Investigation (DOI). In October 2021, the department released its findings (pdf), which comprised a range of issues, including potential violations of the New York City Conflicts of Interest Law, lapses in best practices, corruption vulnerabilities, and inefficient uses of public resources. According to the report, members of de Blasios protection unit not only accompanied him on the campaign trail but also transported his children and staffers on multiple occasions where he was not present. In addition, DOI learned that, for approximately one year, the security detail has been conducting frequent security checks at houses owned by the Mayor in Brooklyn, where neither he nor his family members currently reside, the report adds. Responding to the Conflicts of Interest Boards order on June 15, DOI Commissioner Jocelyn Strauber said: [The Conflicts of Interest Boards] conclusions regarding former Mayor Bill de Blasios misuse of his security detail reaffirms DOIs investigative findings, and shows that public officialsincluding the most seniorwill be held accountable when they violate the rules. Errors and Mistakes The latest fine is not the first the former mayor has been ordered to pay in recent months. In April, the Federal Election Commission imposed a $53,100 fine on three committees associated with his presidential campaign. According to the commission, de Blasios campaign committee accepted and failed to disclose improper contributions from two political action committeesFairness PAC and NY Fairness PACthat he and others set up. The campaign committee agreed to pay that fine. There were some accounting errors here and we immediately worked to get it right. We are happy to have it settled, Peter Ragone, a longtime de Blasio adviser, said in an April 21 statement. Since his brief presidential run and last years even shorter congressional campaignwhich lasted just two monthsde Blasio has appeared to abandon politics for a career in academia. During the fall 2022 semester, he joined Harvard University as a visiting fellow and has also taught classes at New York University. While reflecting on his presidential campaign in a recent interview with New York Magazine, de Blasio said he now regrets the decision to run. It was a mistake, he said. I think my values were the right values, and I think I had something to offer, but it was not right on a variety of levels. And I think I got into a place of just extreme stubbornness and tunnel vision. I learned an immense amount, he added, and I learned some things that proved to be very valuable and necessary, even in the next immediate chapter, which was COVID. It was not without value, but it didnt make sense. EXCLUSIVE: Canadian Militarys COVID Vaccine Mandate Violated Charter Rights, Grievance Review Committee Finds A military administrative tribunal has found that the Canadian Armed Forces (CAF) COVID-19 vaccine mandate violated the charter rights of members who refused vaccination, saying that the policy was arbitrary in some aspects and overly broad. I conclude that the limitation of the grievors right to liberty and security of the person by the CAF vaccination policy is not in accordance with the principles of fundamental justice because the policy, in some aspects, is arbitrary, overly broad and disproportionate, wrote Nina Frid of the Military Grievances External Review Committee (MGERC) in a May 30 decision. Therefore, I conclude that the grievors rights protected under Section 7 were infringed. MGERC is an independent administrative tribunal that reviews military grievances and provides findings and recommendations to the chief of the defence staff and to the CAF member who submitted the grievance. The committees findings, which were obtained by The Epoch Times, are non-binding and are sent to Chief of the Defence Staff (CDS) General Wayne Eyre for his consideration. National Defence spokesperson Jessica Lamirande told The Epoch Times that the CAF makes its decisions around vaccination by considering the most up-to-date medical evidence and advice, as well as the current federal posture and the need to be operationally ready in terms of both force health and ability to act in an environment where any vaccine-preventable illness is a hazard to individuals and the mission. In responding to the committee during the review, Vice Chief of the Defence Staff (VCDS) Lieutenant-General Frances Allen said that according to the findings, no member was forced to receive medical treatment. She said that the CAF maintained the members right to refuse medical treatment, but that their right is distinct from the potential loss of employment for failure to comply with the CDS orders to be vaccinated. The military imposed a vaccine mandate on the troops in the fall of 2021, and non-compliance subsequently led to the CAF losing hundreds of members. They left through voluntary releases or expulsion under code 5(f), unsuitable for further service, a dishonourable discharge reserved for soldiers with personal weaknesses or other issues deemed to impose an excessive burden on the CAF. The CAF lightened the vaccine mandate in October 2022 by removing COVID-19 vaccination as a condition of service, but it kept in place a mandatory primary series of injections for numerous operational roles. The grievance reviewed by the committee was filed by a soldier with the rank of master corporal in February 2022. The review began in May of that year. The grievor was issued a remedial measure for failing to comply with the CDSs Directive on Vaccination on Nov. 15, 2021, but he then complied and received his first and second vaccine doses on Nov. 16, 2021, and Jan. 28, 2022. Along with finding a violation of charter rights, the committee assessed that basic procedural fairness was set aside in administering the remedial measure because the outcome of non-compliance was pre-determined. No room was left for consideration of any other factors, such as the members representations or the members service record. This process was fundamentally unfair towards the members, Frid wrote. Two Protected Interests Violated According to the committee, the CAFs vaccination policy violated two of the three protected interests under section 7 of the charter. The requirement to be vaccinated in order to remain employed by the CAF violated the grievors right to liberty, while the consequences of non-compliance could also have violated some grievors right to the security of the person. This deprivation is only permissible if it is in accordance with the principles of fundamental justice, said Frid. The committee said the right to liberty protects personal autonomy and dignity, which includes the right to make inherently private choices such as whether to undergo medical treatment. It noted that courts have found that patients have a common law right to refuse consent to medical treatment, even in cases where the medical care or treatment could have been beneficial to the persons health. Frid cited a recent court decision by the Superior Court of Quebec in which the court did not accept the Attorney Generals argument that the employees were not forced to be vaccinated. She said that, while the employees theoretically had a choice on whether to accept the vaccine, the consequences of a refusal are such that this choice is not really a choice. As such, she said the CDS directives violated the grievors right to liberty to make their own decisions regarding medical treatment. Frid also cited a case about the constitutionality of Transport Canadas COVID-19 vaccination policies, where the court said employees right to the security of the person was engaged. Given that CAF members experienced stresses to their livelihoods and physical and psychological integrity, she said their rights to the security of the person is also engaged in some cases. Alberta-based lawyer Catherine Christensen of Valour Law, which specializes in military law, said that she believed the committees decision, while not binding in the federal court, is the first in Canada for any success with any COVID-related litigation. Christensen, who will be filing a class-action lawsuit imminently on behalf of several hundred CAF active or former members impacted by the vaccine mandate, said that under the National Defence Act, General Wayne Eyre cannot give an order that violates the charter. Therefore, the conclusion can only be that the Directives mandating COVID-19 vaccinations for CAF members was an unlawful order, she told The Epoch Times via email on June 14. I look forward to bringing this abuse of power to the Federal Court. Implementation Arbitrary Frid acknowledged that the rights protected by section 7 of the charter are not absolute and can be limited in accordance with the principles of fundamental justice in ways that are not arbitrary, overly broad, or disproportionate. But she said the CDS directives failed all three of these tests. She said the requirement for all CAF members to be vaccinated within 14 days of the directive or face release procedures, regardless of their occupation or location, was overly broad. She said the policy also failed to consider the circumstances of members already working remotely or in low-risk environments. In addition, she said it applied to members serving in settings that allowed other unvaccinated members to undergo weekly rapid testing to access the workplace. The CDS directives were disproportionate, Frid argued, because, as arbitrators have previously found, policies directing the termination of unvaccinated employees were unreasonable in light of the constantly changing and evolving situation with COVID-19 pandemic. Frid said employers did not have just cause in terminating employees simply because of their refusal to get vaccinated, as teleworking and COVID testing options would have been a more proportionate response in some cases. She said the CDS directives were arbitrary because the CAF failed to explain why the alternatives could not be made available to those who did not want to be vaccinated. CAF had to limit the accommodations to the unable. Therefore, while I find the CAF vaccination policy itself not arbitrary, I find the distinction in its implementation between unable and unwilling to vaccinate to be arbitrary, she said. As an adequate remedy, Frid said the CAF should declare invalid all CDS directives surrounding COVID-19 vaccination, as well as rescind all administrative actions against members as a result of the directives. Some grievors also request apologies from the CDS for the infringement on their fundamental rights. It is left to the CDS to issue such apology, if he believes it is appropriate to do so. This article has been updated with comments from National Defence spokesperson Jessica Lamirande. FDA Panel Recommends Updating COVID-19 Vaccines The U.S. Food and Drug Administration in White Oak, Md., on July 20, 2020. (Sarah Silbiger/Getty Images) Experts on June 15 recommended updating the COVID-19 vaccines due to the current slate performing worse against the XBB variant and its sublineages. Advisers to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) unanimously voted to recommend the FDA clear updated shots, less than one year after the vaccines were already updated due to concerns over waning protection. We need a better vaccine, Dr. Eric Rubin, a professor of medicine at Harvard Medical School and one of the advisers, said. The FDA cleared, and the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommended, in the fall of 2022 bivalent vaccines from Moderna and Pfizer that include components of the Wuhan variant and the BA.4/BA.5 subvariants of the Omicron strain with the hope that the updated shots would provide better protection. But studies and CDC data have found the updated shots provide subpar protection against infection and that the protection against hospitalization is transient. The latter turns negative over time, data presented to the panel estimated for the XBB era. XBB, another Omicron subvariant, became dominant in the United States in January. The updated vaccines will, for the first time ever, not contain a component of the Wuhan variant. Officials say thats because of signs of immune imprinting, or repeated exposure to the variant, that impedes the immune response to newer strains. You wont be competing with something that people have already seen two, three, four times, Jerry Weir, an FDA scientist, said. Dr. Robert Malone, a vaccine expert who is not on the panel, told The Epoch Times that changing the composition of the vaccines is playing around at the margins. Theyre refusing to address the real problem, he said, which is that the spike protein in the vaccine is toxic. Regulators expect the new vaccines to be available in or near September. A change would make this much easier for the companies to deliver and protect people around the world, said Dr. Steve Pergram, a panel member who is a professor at Fred Hutchinson Cancer Center. Representatives from Moderna, Pfizer, and Novavax offered animal data that indicates vaccines targeting just XBB trigger higher levels of neutralizing antibodies when compared to the currently available shots. Moderna also presented clinical trial data that compared adults vaccinated with a monovalent XBB vaccine to people who received a bivalent BA.4/BA.5 plus XBB shot. The monovalent vaccine produced more antibodies. No trial data with unvaccinated comparators were presented and no data for children were presented. When Dr. Paul Offit, a panel member, asked the FDA whether such data would be made available before the new vaccines were rolled out, officials refused to say. If the FDA clears updated vaccines, as expected, then the CDC would issue guidance on which populations could or should receive one. Offit, a professor of pediatrics at the Childrens Hospital of Philadelphia, said that some people did not need an additional shot. I think we need to define who really benefits from booster dosingbecause its not everybody, he said. Update Once a Year? For influenza, officials meet once a year to examine how the virus has evolved and inform manufacturers of which strain should be targeted. Companies then manufacture updated versions of the vaccine, which are used that year. Some years, the prediction is wrong. World Health Organization (WHO) experts plan to meet twice a year to consider COVID-19 data and decide whether to recommend updated vaccines. The FDA will probably follow WHO here and look at this twice yearly as well, Dr. Peter Marks, a top FDA official, said. At another point, though, he said that updates would likely happen no more than once a year. Were only going to have one update per year, barring a heroic effort to deal with a strain that pops up that is essentially so different that it requires us to mobilize tremendous resources, he said. He also said the COVID-19 vaccine is not like the vaccine against measles, mumps, and rubella, which is not updated. This is not going to be the final formula for this vaccine forevermore. Its probably going to require another update, he said. One of the goals of updating the vaccine composition is to convince more people to get vaccinated, according to Marks and some of the panelists. The initial vaccination campaign led to about four in every five Americans getting at least one dose, but just 17 percent have received a bivalent shot. Thats likely due to how Omicron and now XBB cause less severe illness than earlier strains, Dr. Cody Meissner, a panel member who is a professor of pediatrics and medicine at Dartmouth Colleges Geisel School of Medicine. If this virus continues to decline in disease severity and rates and approaches the four seasonal coronaviruses, then its going to be difficult to convince many people to get this vaccine, Meissner said. KYODO NEWS - Jun 15, 2023 - 10:54 | All, Japan A Ground Self-Defense Force recruit was referred to prosecutors Thursday on suspicion of murder a day after shooting three of his instructors during a live-fire training exercise in central Japan, killing two of them. The incident occurred during an indoor exercise at a firing range in Gifu on Wednesday morning. Investigative sources said the 18-year-old recruit told police he opened fire after being admonished by a 52-year-old instructor, and that he was only targeting one of the three men who were shot. According to the GSDF, the shooting appears to have occurred shortly after the assault rifle firing exercise began. Prefectural and GSDF police forces are continuing to investigate the details of the case. The shooting occurred at around 9:10 a.m. on Wednesday and the 52-year-old and a 25-year-old later died at a hospital, while another instructor was wounded in his left leg, according to the GSDF. The police said the recruit has denied intentionally killing the 25-year-old instructor, saying he fired at him because he tried to intervene. The recruit was initially arrested at the scene on suspicion of attempted murder, with the police later upgrading the charge to murder. He was sent to the prosecutors on a charge related to the shooting of the 25-year-old. The training session involved approximately 120 personnel, including some 70 recruits, according to the GSDF, and was planned to start with a safety training component at around 8 a.m. The live shooting section was scheduled to start at about 9 a.m. In a press conference on the day of the shooting, Gen. Yasunori Morishita, chief of staff of the GSDF, said the trainee joined the GSDF in April and belonged to the same regiment as the three senior personnel in charge of training. Related coverage: Recruit fatally shoots 2 SDF instructors, hurts 1 at Japan gun range First Busload of Illegal Immigrants Arrives in Los Angeles From Texas Officials and volunteers deliver diapers, supplies and toys to St. Anthony Croatian Catholic Church where migrants have been transported in Los Angeles, June 14, 2023. (David Swanson/AFP via Getty Images) Texas Gov. Greg Abbott said on June 14 that the Lone Star State has transported a group of illegal immigrants to Los Angeles for the first time, a move described by L.A. Mayor Karen Bass as a despicable stunt. Texas just dropped off the 1st bus of migrants in Los Angeles, Abbott, a Republican, wrote on Twitter. Around 40 illegal immigrants, including families with children, arrived in Los Angeles via bus on June 14. They were provided care and support services at St. Anthonys Croatian Catholic Church in the citys Chinatown neighborhood, according to officials and service providers. In a statement, Abbott repeated his justification for the relocation, saying Texas border towns are overwhelmed as thousands of individuals continue to cross the U.S.Mexico border under President Joe Bidens immigration policies. Los Angeles is a major city that migrants seek to go to, particularly now that its city leaders approved its self-declared sanctuary city status, Abbott said in a statement. One of the arrivals, a man from Honduras, has an immigration parole court date in New York, according to migrant advocate Jorge-Mario Cabrera, spokesman for the Coalition for Humane Immigrant Rights (CHIRLA), who expressed doubt in comments to the Los Angeles Times about the appropriateness of busing the man to California. Under Abbotts direction, the Texas Division of Emergency Management has transported more than 21,600 illegal immigrants from border towns to Democrat-led sanctuary cities, including Washington, New York, Chicago, Philadelphia, and most recently, Denver, since April 2022. The leaders of these cities, which have been unprepared for the arrivals, have criticized the strategy as racist and a political stunt. Los Angeles County Public Health Emergency Operations officials leave St. Anthonys Croatian Catholic Church after evaluating newly arrived migrants being housed in the Chinatown area of Los Angeles on June 14, 2023. (AP Photo/Damian Dovarganes) LA Mayor Says City Prepared Video footage shared by Fox News shows the group of illegal immigrants, including families with young children, arriving in Los Angeles with luggage and soft toys. They made a stop at Union Station before being taken to a welcoming center, where they were provided with food and other services, such as attorneys, by city agencies and nonprofits. They left yesterday and it was 23 hours on the bus, said Cabrera, who claimed they didnt have a chance to eat or drink water. They are being fed; theyre taking shelters; theyre talking to attorneys, he added. These are migrants that have been allowed by the U.S. to enter because they have credible fears. They have not yet received asylum. The Epoch Times has contacted Cabrera for further comment. Upon their arrival, Bass issued a statement emphasizing the human aspect of what is a divisive political issue. This evening, more than 40 people were sent by the Governor of Texas to our City of Los Angeles. Shortly after I took office, I directed City Departments to begin planning for an event like this. This did not catch us off guard. We are now executing our plan, she wrote on Twitter. Los Angeles is not a city motivated by hate or fear and we absolutely will not be swayed or moved by petty politicians playing with human lives, she continued. For everything that we do, we will continue to lock arms and we will continue to leadand we will always put peoples health and wellbeing over politics. The arrival follows a week after a separate group was flown to Sacramento, California, from Texas by Florida, which California Gov. Gavin Newsom, a Democrat, called inhumane. California Attorney General Rob Bonta characterized the actions as state-sanctioned kidnapping and accused Florida of exploiting vulnerable individuals. Sanctuary Jurisdictions Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis, a Republican, has argued that sanctuary jurisdictions including California share the blame for the illegal immigration crisis. 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, he said. He also criticized the lack of federal action in safeguarding U.S. sovereignty and territorial integrity. Since Biden took office, illegal immigration at the U.S.Mexico border has surged. Florida has also seen arrivals by boat from countries such as Haiti. However, some sanctuary cities, including New York and Chicago, have struggled to manage the influx of illegal immigrants sent from border states via buses and planes. In an aerial view, immigrants line up to be processed to make asylum claims at a makeshift migrant camp in El Paso, Texas, on May 11, 2023. (John Moore/Getty Images) Critics of the busing strategy argued that illegal immigrants are being dumped in the sanctuary jurisdictions and arent being treated with dignity after they are released by border agents on parole. The Biden administration has shifted its focus from the Title 42 order that expired in May to a parole program and an online mobile application portal called CBP One. Under the parole program, which has been challenged in federal court by Florida, illegal immigrants can apply for temporary entry online instead of at the border. If they illegally cross the border, they will be returned and disqualified from the parole program. Critics highlight that the parole program is identical to a catch and release program, which was blocked by a federal court. The administration also has proposed a rule stating that asylum applicants must seek protection in countries they travel through before reaching the United States. Former Head of Jan. 6 Bomb Investigation Reveals Key Obstacle to Identifying Suspect The FBI captured data on people around the sites at which pipe bombs were discovered on Jan. 6, 2021, but some of the data was not usable, the former head of the bureaus investigation into the bombs has claimed. Agents did a complete geofence of the areas, Steven DAntuono, the former FBI official, said. We have complete data. Not complete, because theres some data that was corrupted, he added. Geofencing is a technique that involves creating a zone and locating all devices within the area. The FBI has utilized the data it obtained through geofencing in charging documents against people charged over the Jan. 6 breach of the U.S. Capitol. DAntuono said that the data was corrupted by one of the providers before saying it was not done intentionally. It justunusual circumstance that we have corrupt data from one of the providers, he said. Im not sureI cant remember right now which one. DAntuono said he did not want the information to trigger conspiracy theories but acknowledged that having the data could have been good and that it was painful for us to not have that. DAntuono, who departed the FBI in 2022, was speaking to the U.S. House of Representatives Judiciary Committee on June 7. The panel released portions of the interview on June 14. Video footage of the suspect in the case showed the person using a phone before placing the bombs at the Republican National Committee and the Democratic National Committee headquarters. Rep. Thomas Massie (R-Ky.), who was questioning DAntuono when the former official made the comments, called the data corruption disclosure unbelievable. Massie, Judiciary Committee Chairman Jim Jordan (R-Ohio), and Reps. Andy Biggs (R-Ariz.) and Barry Loudermilk (R-Ga.) highlighted the remarks in a letter to FBI Director Christopher Wray. They said the testimony raises concerns about the FBIs handling of the pipe bomb investigation, more than 890 days following the placement of the pipe bombs, and despite your statements that you have total confidence the FBI will apprehend the subject. The congressmen reiterated their request for a briefing on the investigation. They also asked for all documents and communications concerning the FBIs gathering of phone records relating to the placement of the bombs. The FBI has declined to comment on the investigation, citing its policy of not commenting on ongoing cases. An unknown individual placed two pipe bombs in the Capitol Hill neighborhood of Washington on Jan. 5, 2021. (FBI via The Epoch Times) Update on Viability DAntuono said in a message to the public in March 2021 that the bombs were viable devices that could have been detonated, resulting in serious injury or death. The FBI laboratory in Quantico, Virginia, also concluded that the bombs could explode and cause harm or death, DAntuono told members. But he also acknowledged that the timers on the bombs were such that they could not have detonated. Do you think it was technically possible for a kitchen timer . . . that has [a] 1-hour duration . . . to detonate a bomb 17 hours later? Massie asked. No, I dont. And I saw the same kitchen timer as you. I agree, DAntuono said. I dont know when they were supposed to go off. Maybe they werent supposed to go off. We cantwe dont know. We honestly dont know. Former FBI agent Kyle Seraphin said in May that the bombs could not have exploded. They were inert devices, Seraphin said. They just looked good. Seraphin also said that investigators were able to figure out which D.C. MetroRail card the suspected bomber utilized after planting the bombs and discovered the card was purchased by a security contractor who used to be in the Air Force. Seraphin said he was part of a surveillance team that surveilled the contractor but that his superiors would not let him speak to the person. It seems like they had a good lead, and they could have run it down. But as far as I know, they never did, Seraphin said. During another portion of the interview, DAntuono said he did not know whether the FBI interviewed the person who discovered one of the bombs. He also said hes confident the person seen in the surveillance footage is the person who planted the bombs but that investigators do not even know whether the person is a man or a woman. Left: A suspect in the placement of two devices that the FBI said were pipe bombs is seen in Washington on Jan. 5, 2021. Right: a closeup photograph of one of the devices. (FBI via The Epoch Times) Reward Raised The FBI raised the reward for information about the suspect in January to $500,000 as the FBI and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (ATF) said identifying the person remains a priority. The bombs could have gone off and the suspect may still pose a danger to the public or themselves, authorities also said. Wray, the FBIs director, said on Fox News the following month that he had enormous confidence in the team investigating the matter. We have devoted loads and loads of effort into that specific investigation, Wray said. We have done publicity and calling for the publics help. Our folks are working very, very hard on that investigation. And those folks, those FBI agents, analysts, and professional staff, I have total confidence in them. Questioned by Massie in April, ATF Director Steven Dettelbach would not say whether the bombs were operable. Thats a significant matter, he said. Its an ongoing criminal investigation and Im not going to comment on an ongoing criminal investigation. Gan Jing World, a new U.S.-based information platform, is hosting its first Fathers Day Photo Awards, running from June 1 to the end of the month. Organizers say the winner will receive a grand prize of $1,000. Participants may upload an unlimited number of photo entries during that period. It could be their best dad moment, father & me photos, or photography to show their love for that special father, according to the company. Photos will be judged on creativity, picture quality, aesthetic value, story-telling, and engagement, so set your creativity free and share how Dad has touched your heart! says the company on its website. We want to provide a great platform and help users honor Dads around the world for their unyielding strength, courage, and guidance, said Nick Janicki, media relations director at Gan Jing World. The name Gan Jing World comes from Chinese, meaning clean world in English. Founded by Chinese dissidents who fled communist China, the company seeks to provide a new form of clean social media, with the goal of creating a digital town square that is family-friendly. Gan Jing Worlds mission is to empower people to reconnect to traditional values and morality. The family is the building block of society, Janicki told The Epoch Times, We want to celebrate traditional family values like respecting your parents, spending time together, and being kind and compassionate to each other. Hosting this event is a great opportunity to bring families closer and reconnect us to these traditions. Receiving Heartwarming Entries Janicki said that the company is already receiving great entries with heartfelt messages to Dad, which are really touching. A user by the name of Sam wrote: My husband is the best dad ever to our children! He is active duty military and every free second he has is spent making memories with our precious family! Here he is with our son on an 8-day trail ride with their horses, taking a break along the trail! The proud wife and mother upload an adorable photo with the two gentlemen wearing cowboy hats, smiling in the sun. A father and son are taking a break along their 8-day trail ride with their horses. (Courtesy of Gan Jing World) Janicki said that the event is to amplify these important messages of thankfulness. A user by the name Crescent uploaded a photo of the Superman Dad working on a gourd. The user wrote that her dad is good at everything, be it farm work or household chores. Most importantly, he has taught the nine children to keep to righteousness and not to be greedy. Crescents father works on a gourd. (Courtesy of Gan Jing World) These precious teachings have been accompanying us when we grew up so that the nine of us brothers and sisters can live with an upright attitude. We thank our Superman dad for everything! Crescent wrote in the post. Lily Yu wants to thank Gan Jing World for providing this platform on which she can say I love you, Dad! Lily Yus father watched his wife in the hospital bed (not shown in the photo). (Courtesy of Gan Jing World) Yus father passed away five years ago before he turned 100. The photo she uploaded shows her father, who was watching her mother (not shown in the photo) in a hospital bed, with roses brought by her dad on the table, and birthday wishes to her mother on the wall. They have been affectionate with each other all their life, which has deeply impressed me, she wrote in the post. The father of a user named Aaron has been encouraged by the grand prize. He said he wanted to enter the contest because theres a prize of $1,000 to win. If we win, I should probably get a share of the prize, wrote Aaron, who uploaded a photo of the ambitious father with three children. An ambitious father who wants to win the grand prize is with his children. (Courtesy of Gan Jing World) There are lots more touching and memorable photos on the Gan Jing World website. Fathers Day Fathers Day falls on the third Sunday in June to honor fathers. Sonora Smart Dodd of Spokane, Washington, is credited with starting the holiday. Inspired by a sermon on Mothers Day in 1909, Dodd felt strongly that fatherhood should be recognized as well, as she held her father in great esteem. William Jackson Smart, father to Dodd and her five siblings, was a Civil War veteran and raised his six children after their mother died in childbirth. The first Fathers Day was celebrated on June 19, 1910, the month of the birthday of Dodds father. In 1924, former President Calvin Coolidge gave his support to the observance, and in 1966, former President Lyndon B. Johnson issued a proclamation recognizing the day. It became a national holiday in 1972 when former President Richard Nixon signed legislation designating the third Sunday of June as Fathers Day. Gan Jing World: A Truly Family-Friendly Platform GJWs principle is to ensure family members can enjoy our platform with confidence and peace of mind, said Janicki. He said that the platform showcases how technology can be used for good: to bring people and family together, and to protect people, especially childrens data, through the companys strict data privacy policy. At Gan Jing World, we place the utmost importance on curating and promoting family-friendly content, free from violent, erotic, criminal, and harmful content. Our proprietary technology filters out negative subject matter to create a worry-free experience, said Janicki. Janicki added that other than the web and mobile app, Gan Jing World is also on Roku, now so people can enjoy the content together on a big screen. [Fathers Day Photo Awards is] actually a really good family activity, said Janicki. He invites readers to spend some time checking out each others entries and watching videos on Gan Jing World. Click on this link for more information about the event. Girl Sues Hospital for Removing Her Breasts at Age 13 Layla Jane speaks at a Detransition Awareness Day rally at the state Capitol in Sacramento on March 10, 2023. (Courtesy of Pamela Garfield-Jaeger) A hospital and doctors in California are facing a new lawsuit for removing the breasts of a 13-year-old girl after she claimed she was a boy. The defendants carried out ideological and profit-driven medical abuse when they prescribed her puberty blockers and hormones and, later, performed a double mastectomy, Charles LiMandri, one of the lawyers representing the plaintiff, Layla Jane, said in a statement. Jane, now 18, was influenced by people online when she was just 11 and told her parents that she was a boy, prompting them to ask for guidance from doctors. While three doctors said Jane was too young for cross-sex hormones, she was eventually referred to several other doctors who prescribed her puberty blockers and hormones. Within six months, they removed her breasts. The hormones and puberty blockers were given based on a single, 75-minute session with Susanne Watson, a psychologist, according to the suit. Dr. Winnie Tong, a plastic surgeon, concluded after a 30-minute session that Jane could have her breasts removed. Defendants did not question, elicit, or attempt to understand the psychological events that led Kayla to the mistaken belief that she was transgender, nor did they evaluate, appreciate, or treat her multi-faceted presentation of co-morbid symptoms, the suit reads. Instead, Defendants assumed that Kayla, a twelve-year-old emotionally troubled girl, knew best what she needed to improve her mental health and figuratively handed her the prescription pad. There is no other area of medicine where doctors will surgically remove a perfectly healthy body part and intentionally induce a diseased state of the pituitary gland misfunction based simply on the young adolescent patients wishes. Doreen Samelson, a psychologist not named as a defendant, by contrast, told Jane and her parents that she couldnt receive puberty blockers or cross-sex hormones due to factors such as her age. Jane, whose given name is Kayla Lovdahl, has since detransitioned, or resumed identifying as a girl. Shes currently receiving psychotherapy for mental health issues such as social anxiety disorder. That kind of treatment should have been offered instead of the drastic steps the defendants took, the suit states, noting that, per a number of studies, youth who experience gender dysphoria often ultimately become comfortable with their birth sex. Other papers have found that people who underwent chemical or surgical procedures to transition experience mental health issues and higher suicide rates. And some countries have restricted the usage of puberty blockers to certain settings due to a dearth of clinical research on using them on youth wanting to transition. The lack of therapy and outlining of possible side effects from the surgery means the doctors didnt provide Jane with informed consent, according to the suit. Instead, the defendants claimed that the dysphoria wouldnt resolve unless she underwent the procedure. At one point, one allegedly told her parents, Would you rather have a live son or a dead daughter? Layla Jane after her operation. (Courtesy of Dhillon Law Group) Nobodynone of my doctorstried anything to make me comfortable in my body, or meaningfully pushed back or asked questions; they only affirmed, Jane told The Epoch Times. Jane said she didnt feel better after her surgery. She suffered nerve damage and other issues. She says shes happier since she detransitioned. The law says children arent mature enough to make serious decisions that could have long lasting consequences like getting a tattoo, driving with friends, drinking alcohol, smoking cigarettes, or even voting, Jane said in a statement. So why is it acceptable for 13-year-olds to decide to mutilate their body? The defendants are Kaiser Foundation Hospitals and the Permanente Medical groups, both part of the nonprofit Kaiser Permanente; Watson; and doctors who work for or are affiliated with Kaiser Permanente. Kaiser Permanente and Watson didnt respond to requests for comment. The suit was filed in the Superior Court of the state of California. Jane is seeking damages for her pain and suffering, additional money for medical expenses, and costs of the suit covered. Kaiser continues to engage in the quackery of subjecting innocent children to irreversible sex mimicry treatment, including drugs and surgery, without informed consent, Harmeet Dhillon, CEO of the Center for American Liberty, which is also representing Jane, said in a statement. The medical providers responsible for Laylas case, along with countless others, have substituted woke ideology for medically accepted standards of care, including lying to and manipulating vulnerable patients and families. We are committed to holding them accountable for the harm inflicted upon Layla, and together we intend to strongly deter Kaisers factory-line approach that permanently mutilates an unknown number of American children, subjecting them to a lifetime of harm, regret, and medical consequences. A similar lawsuit was filed by Chloe Cole, whose breasts were removed when she was 15, earlier this year. Brad Jones contributed to this report. Government Allegedly Targets Conservatives and Christians as Terrorists: Watchdog Dan Schneider, Vice-President of Free Speech America, MRC Business, and the External Affairs division at the Media Research Center on May, 31, 2023. (Screenshot/Epoch TV) The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) is allegedly using an anti-terrorism program to target conservatives, Christians, and Republicans. This program was detailed in a recent report by a nonprofit organization. Through FOIA requests, the Media Research Center (MRC) was able to exclusively obtain documents showing that federal funds allocated to DHS program to prevent violence and terrorism were used to target conservatives, said Dan Schneider, vice president of the MRC. The MRC is a nonprofit organization whose mission is to document and counter the falsehoods and censorship of the media. The Targeted Violence and Terrorism Prevention Grant Program provides funding to state, local, tribal, and territorial governments, nonprofits, and institutions of higher education to prevent targeted violence and terrorism, according to DHS. The program is supposed to provide grants to counter targeted violence such as large gang violence and terrorism, Schneider told EpochTVs Crossroads program. However, the application for a grant is extremely vague, Schneider said. For example, projects applying for funding under the program often focus on media literacy, he added. For instance, Southern Illinois University in Edwardsville received a 2022 grant to fund the development of media literacy and online critical thinking skills among local college students so they are better equipped to combat an ever-increasing volume of extremist content in the online/digital space, stated a DHS website. The description of the project also includes training sessions for local community organizations, the website stated. The University of Rhode Island would use the grant from DHS received in 2022 to counter disinformation, conspiracy theories, propaganda, and domestic extremism in local communities, according to DHS. The applications are so fuzzy, so it is very difficult to find out how DHS evaluates them when it comes to information, misinformation, and disinformation, Schneider said. Therefore his organization reached out to grantees to find out what the grantees are actually doing. Media Research Center obtained documents related to the program participation from six or seven out of about 80 grantees, Schneider said. Actions speak louder than words [t]hese documents are shocking. What DHS founded through its violence and terrorism prevention program was training on how to create dummy social media accounts, [how] to create fake infighting among conservatives and to disrupt the work of these conservative organizationsnot just conservative, but Christian and faith-based organizations, Schneider said. Training Project In 2022 the DHS program awarded 43 grants, totaling $20 million, to state, local, tribal, and territorial governments, nonprofits, and institutions of higher education, according to a DHS statement. The funds are supposed to be used to help prevent incidents of domestic violent extremism, as well as to bolster efforts to counter online radicalization and mobilization to violence, and DHS provides technical, financial, and educational assistance to its grantees, the statement said. The MRC report analyzed the project PREVENTS-OH funded within the DHS program, carried out by the University of Dayton, a private Catholic university in Ohio. The University received a grant of $350 million in September 2022 to implement a training and networking project also focused on media literacy, according to the DHS website. The objective of project PREVENTS-OH, funded by DHS, is to develop a network of regional organizations to help prevent domestic violent extremism in southwest Ohio and beyond, according to a statement by the University. The university promised to draw on the expertise of its faculty who research extremism and radicalization in implementing the project, the statement said. Research on Extremism In December 2021, the University of Dayton organized a Social Practice of Human Rights conference. which featured a roundtable on Extremism, Rhetoric, and Democratic Precarity. One of the participants, Michael Loadenthal, a postdoctoral research fellow at the University of Cincinnati, presented at his lecture a chart that he claimed depicts the modern far-right and extremism in America. The chart equates mainstream conservative groups with militant neo-nazis. Among the conservative groups pictured in the chart are The Heritage Foundation, Fox News, the National Rifle Association, Breitbart News, Prager University, Turning Point USA, the Christian Broadcasting Network, the American Conservative Union Foundation, the Republican National Committee, the MAGA movement, and the pro-police Blue Lives Matter movement. Among the roundtable speakers was DHS Agent Joseph J.R. Masztalics a regional coordinator at a center created in May 2021 to combat domestic violent extremismwho appeared in his official capacity at the event. This chart was among enclosures included in the original grant application submitted by the University of Dayton to DHS to secure funding under the program successfully, the MRC report said. Loadenthal also participated in the White Nationalism Workshop at the same conference. He explained in his presentation how to create dummy accounts on social media platforms like Telegram, Gab, and Rumble in order to destabilize political movements. We want to make these groups disjointed, less effective I would like them to be less able to mobilize, said Loadenthal, who described himself in the workshop as an Antifa member. One effective method to destabilize right-wing groups is to manufacture a lot of infighting, Loadenthal said. He also told the audience that they could pressure online financial services like GoFundMe, Patreon, PayPal, Venmo, online retailers, and other online service providers to expel people from their networks. Loadenthal advised collecting information and intelligence on social media accounts of right-wing groups or activists, which he also called fascists, so it can be used for the strategic purpose of de-platforming. De-platforming means denying far-right fascist folk any sort of public sphere access, denying them the ability to speak, Loadenthal explained, with a goal to o shut down their websites, to close their meetings, to physically prevent them from assembling in public. A lot of things were doing are illegal, Loadenthal admitted. A lot of it involves breaking the law, he added. How Anti-Terrorism Program Evolved A grant program to prevent violent extremism in the United States was first proposed by former President Barack Obama in 2011 after al-Qaida and its affiliates attempted to recruit and radicalize Americans, according to a White House announcement. The program provided taxpayer-funded grants to local groups such as police departments, universities, non-profit organizations, and others to prevent domestic violent extremism, Obamas proposal said. The first batch of grants was the first time rolled out in 2016 in the Countering Violent Extremism Grant Program during the final year of Obamas second term, according to the Media Research Centers report. In 2017, the Trump DHS halted the program for three years before it was reinstated by Acting DHS Secretary Kevin McAleenan in 2019, the report said. McAleenan proposed a new strategy (pdf) for countering terrorism and targeted violence to protect the country from foreign terrorist organizations, domestic actors inspired by violent extremist ideologies, and from attacks not ideologically driven. It was supposed to be preventing terrorism at the border through these programs, Schneider said. During the Trump administration, on average, DHS was stopping or apprehending less than three known or suspected terrorists at the border, Schneider said. Terrorists knew that the border was not porous; the border is not a good avenue to try to enter our country. In the last half year alone, Schneider continued. In the Biden administration, theyve apprehended almost 100 terrorists. The number of terrorists actually trying to come across our border is skyrocketing under this administration, but instead of using our taxpayer dollars to try to stop that, DHS is using these taxpayer dollars against us, Schneider said. Although Joe Biden promised while he was campaigning for president to end the Trump Administrations Targeted Violence and Terrorism Prevention Program and replace it with a new one, the Biden Administration actually revamped it, the report said. DHS established a new center to replace the Trump-era office that administered the program and created a new intelligence branch within the department dedicated to domestic terrorism, according to a DHS statement. Both new units were tasked to comprehensively combat domestic violent extremism, including violent white supremacy, the statement said. The Epoch Times reached out to DHS for comment. Government Rejects MPs Call for Complete Decriminalisation of Abortion Justice minster tells House of Commons no plans to change law A person looks at an Abortion Pill (RU-486) for unintended pregnancy from Mifepristone displayed on a smartphone, in Arlington, Va., on May 8, 2020. (Olivier Douliery/AFP via Getty Images) The government has rejected Labour MPs calls for the complete decriminalisation of abortion, saying there are no plans for law change. In England, Scotland, and Wales, abortions are generally only legal before 24 weeks of pregnancy and can only be carried out in hospitals or clinics after 10 weeks. Pro-choice MPs called for a law change after a woman was jailed for killing her unborn baby at home with illegally-obtained abortion pills when she was eight months pregnant. But justice minister Edward Argar told the House of Commons on Thursday that the government does not intend to change existing laws. Pills-by-Post Carla Foster, 44, was sent abortion-inducing drugs by the British Pregnancy Advisory Service (BPAS)a leading abortion providerafter she called them during lockdown in 2020 and lied about how far along in her pregnancy she was. Days later, she gave birth to a baby girl who was not breathing and was subsequently pronounced dead. Foster pleaded guilty to administering drugs or using instruments to procure abortion, under Section 58 of the Offences Against the Person Act 1861. She was sentenced to 28 months in prison at the Stoke-on-Trent Crown Court on Monday, and will serve 14 months in custody and the remainder on licence after her release. Abortion providers, as well as pro-choice campaigners and politicians, have expressed outrage over Fosters jailing, calling the existing abortion laws out-of-date and arguing for complete decriminalisation of abortion. But pro-life organisations say abortion giants like BPAS and the DIY abortion policy are to blame for the tragic death of a fully viable baby of eight months. Antiquated Abortion Laws Asking an urgent question in the House of Commons on Thursday, Labour MP Dame Diana Johnson called the case desperately sad and said it throws a spotlight on our antiquated abortion laws. She said the government and Parliament must look at this outdated legislation and make it fit for the 21st century, adding, Decriminalisation does not mean deregulation and time limits would still apply. Thangam Debbonaire, Labours shadow Commons leader, said: We are worried that this judgment will deter women from seeking urgent medical and healthcare support that they need. She recognised that safeguards and time limits are needed to prevent late-term abortion, but added, We do not want to see vulnerable women serving prison sentences or being prosecuted when it is not in the public interest to do so. Obscene and Cruel Conservative MPs expressed objections to the proposals for decriminalisation. Former minister Sir Edward Leigh said: When we were debating whether it was possible to receive an abortion pill through the post, we warned at the time there might be a tragic case like this. He criticised the abortion industry for using this very tragic case to argue there should be some sort of legal right for abortion up to birth. Given that many babies are surviving at 24 weeks, this is an obscene and cruel proposal, he said. Martin Vickers, another Conservative MP, said: I always find it distressing when these issues are debated that there is so little concern expressed for the welfare of the unborn child, and surely that should be an equal priority alongside the mothers health. Jim Shannon, an MP from the Democratic Unionist Party, also defended Section 58, saying it provides vital protection for not just the person but the most vulnerable person of allthe unborn child. He urged the government to commit to protecting the sanctity of life, as other developed European nations do, where the average limit is 14 weeks. Shannon also called on ministers to urgently review safeguards for the pills-by-post scheme, to ensure that such a case never happens again. Argar, the justice minister, said in response to the urgent question: Access to abortion in England and Wales has been settled in law by Parliament and we do not intend to change this. It takes nothing away from our commitment to ensuring access to safe, regulated abortion. Any changes could come via a bill introduced by a backbench MP or an amendment to legislation passing through the House of Commons, the minister said. PA Media contributed to this report. Greg Abbott Signs Bill Making Illegal Voting a Felony in Texas Voters cast their ballots during the Democrat presidential primary in Houston on March 3, 2020. (Mark Felix/AFP via Getty Images) Voting illegally in Texas could carry a sentence of up to 20 years behind bars beginning Sept. 1, when a new law takes effect. Gov. Greg Abbott signed into law House Bill 1243, which increases the penalties for election fraud from a misdemeanor to a second-degree felony. It also makes attempting to vote illegally a state jail felony, punishable by up to two years in jail. I signed a law that makes election fraud a felony in Texas. Voting illegally can lead to a 20-year sentence. Dont mess with Texas elections, Abbott wrote on Twitter the morning of June 15. The measure, signed June 13, comes less than two years after the penalty was downgraded from a felony to a Class A misdemeanor as part of an omnibus voting bill during the 87th legislative session. Illegal voting was a felony for more than 50 years before the punishment was reduced in 2021. In Texas, a second-degree felony is punishable by a fine of $10,000 and up to 20 years in prison, while a Class A misdemeanor is punishable by a fine of up to $4,000 or up to one year in county jail. The downgraded penalty was part of an omnibus bill, and it went mostly unnoticed until after the bill passed. Restoring the felony penalty became a priority for Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick and other Republican lawmakers during the regular session, which ended May 29. However, the Senate and House had different views on prosecuting those who unintentionally vote illegally. The Senate approved House Bill 1243 in a vote of 1911 on May 24 (pdf). After the bills approval, state Sen. Bryan Hughes added language related to those attempting to vote while knowing they were ineligible. Senate Bill 2, the bill Patrick supported, contained the same language, but it died in the House after it failed to meet the deadline. Hughes addition meant the bill had to go back to the House, where it would face opposition for the additional language. In late May, a 10-member committee resolved the differences by rejecting Hughes last-minute change that would have allowed prosecutors to go after voters who were unaware they were ineligible to vote. The House passed the bill in a vote of 8656, with two present and not voting, followed by the Senates second approval in a vote of 1912. Increasing the Penalty Is Unnecessary Veronikah Warms, an attorney with the Texas Civil Rights Project, wrote in a letter of testimony (pdf) to the House Elections Committee in April that it was unnecessary to increase the penalty for illegal voting, and that since the lowered charge went into effect, there has been no apparent corresponding increase in voter fraud. Lowering the penalty did not, in fact, cause Texans to try illegally voting more often, she said. Warms went on to write that increasing the penalty would do nothing to further deter illegal voting. [I]t will waste tax dollars to further incarcerate people unnecessarily and make voting in Texas scarier than it already is, she concluded. In April, Republican state Rep. David Spiller testified at a House hearing in favor of HB 1243 (pdf), saying election fraud does occur in Texas despite what some believe. For the folks that think that voter fraudelection fraudis not occurring, are you aware of the fact that, as of June 2021, there were 534 cases at the attorney generals office successfully prosecuted? Spiller asked rhetorically, adding that there were 510 pending cases at that time. Increasing the penalty for illegal voting is an important step in restoring voter confidence in Texas elections, according to Republican state Rep. Cole Hefner, who authored the bill. We have made tremendous strides toward election integrity in recent years, but we must ensure Texans are confident the legitimate votes they cast will be counted and are not canceled out by someone who has knowingly or intentionally cast an illegal ballot, Hefner said during the hearing. Eligibility to Vote In Texas, a voter must be a U.S. citizen and must be a resident of the county where they submit their application to vote. An individual who is at least 17 years and 10 months old can submit a voter registration application, but they must be 18 on Election Day to be eligible to vote. Convicted felons are not eligible to vote in Texas. However, in some cases, a convicted felon who has completed their sentence, probation, and parole may be permitted to vote. A person who has been declared totally or partially incapacitated by a court may not vote. In late December 2022, Texas Secretary of State John Scotts office released the finding of its 2020 general election audit of Collin, Dallas, Harris, and Tarrant counties. Overall, voters can have a very high level of confidence in the accuracy of Texas elections when state election code and local procedures are followed, the report stated. The full forensic audit showed the most serious election issues took place in Harris County, followed by Dallas County with two large problems, including phantom voters. According to the report, Tarrant County administered a quality, transparent election with only minor findings, while Collin County proved to be the model of how to run elections in Texas. Harvard Medical School Employee Among 6 Charged With Stealing, Selling Human Body Parts From Morgues Students walk through Harvard Yard on the campus of Harvard University in Cambridge, Mass., on March 12, 2020. (Maddie Meyer/Getty Images) A former Harvard Medical School employee and his wife were among six individuals to be indicted by a federal grand jury on June 14 after allegedly stealing human body remainsincluding the corpses of two stillborn babiesfrom both the school and an Arkansas mortuary and selling them to buyers across the country. Cedric Lodge, 55, of Goffstown, New Hampshire, and his wife, Denise Lodge, 63, were indicted on charges of conspiracy and interstate transport of stolen goods, according to the U.S. Attorneys Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania. Katrina Maclean, 44, of Salem, Massachusetts, Joshua Taylor, 46, of West Lawn, Pennsylvania, and Mathew Lampi, 52, of East Bethel, Minnesota, were also charged with conspiracy and interstate transport of stolen goods charges after prosecutors accused them of purchasing and reselling the stolen human remains. Jeremy Pauley, 41, of Bloomsburg, Pennsylvania, was charged separately. Pauley, a body modification artist, was reportedly selling some of the body parts on Facebook. Another individual, Candace Chapman Scott, of Little Rock, Arkansas, was previously indicted in the Eastern District of Arkansas. Prosecutors claim she stole human remains from an Arkansas mortuary and sold them on to Pauley. She pleaded not guilty in April to charges related to the theft of body parts. Buying, Selling Scheme According to prosecutors, Lodge managed the morgue for the Anatomical Gifts Program at Harvard Medical School in Boston, Massachusetts. Lodges LinkedIn page states that he has been working as the morgue manager at the school since 1995. Between 2018 through 2022, Lodge stole organs and other parts of the corpses that had been donated for medical research and education before they were scheduled to be cremated, prosecutors said. At times, the former Harvard employee would transport the stolen human remains from Boston to his home in Goffstown, according to prosecutors, where he and his wife then sold them to Maclean, Taylor, and others, after making arrangements to do so either by phone or social media. Additionally, prosecutors allege that Lodge had, on some occasions, allowed Maclean and Taylor to physically enter the morgue at Harvard Medical School and examine the corpses so that they could decide what they wanted to purchase. In some cases, Taylor transported the stolen remains back to his home in Pennsylvania, prosecutors said, and on some occasions, the Lodges shipped stolen remains to Taylor and others out of state. After purchasing the human remains from Lodge, Maclean, and Taylor then allegedly resold them for profit, including to Pauley. Pauley, prosecutors said, also bought human remains from Scott, who allegedly stole them from her employera Little Rock, Arkansas mortuary and crematoriumbefore they were cremated. Many of the stolen remains had been donated to an area medical school and were meant to be used for research and educational purposes. Students and pedestrians walk through the Yard at Harvard University, in Cambridge, Mass., on March 10, 2020. (Brian Snyder/Reuters) Stillborn Babies Among Remains Sold Among the stolen remains that Scott allegedly sold were the dead bodies of two stillborn babies who were supposed to be cremated and have their remains returned to their families, prosecutors said. Pauley sold many of the remains he purchased to other individuals, including Lampi. Between them, the two sold and exchanged human remains amounting to over $100,000 in online payments, prosecutors said. If found guilty, the six individuals face 15 years in prison, an unspecified term of supervised release following imprisonment, and an unspecified fine. Some crimes defy understanding, said U.S. Attorney Gerard M. Karam. The theft and trafficking of human remains strikes at the very essence of what makes us human. It is particularly egregious that so many of the victims here volunteered to allow their remains to be used to educate medical professionals and advance the interests of science and healing. For them and their families to be taken advantage of in the name of profit is appalling. With these charges, we are seeking to secure some measure of justice for all these victims. Prosecutors also thanked Harvard Medical School for its cooperation in the investigation, noting that the school had also been a victim in the case. A lawyer for Taylor said, At this time, I do not have any comment on the allegations against Mr. Taylor. A lawyer for Scott told The New York Times, Before we start jumping to conclusions about what was going on with Ms. Scott, we need to let this play out in the court system. It is unclear if the other accused individuals have legal representation. A seal that bears Harvard Universitys motto, Veritas, the Latin word for truth, is seen on Harvard campus in Cambridge, Mass., in Nov. 2012. (File Photo/Jessica Rinaldi/Reuters) Morally Reprehensible In a separate statement on June 14, Harvard Medical School deans George Daley and Edward Hunder said that Lodges activities were morally reprehensible, noting that investigators believe the morgue manager acted without the knowledge or cooperation of anyone else at HMS or Harvard. The deans said school officials have been examining their own records showing when donor remains were sent to be cremated and when Lodge was on campus to try and determine which donors may have been impacted by the scheme. We are appalled to learn that something so disturbing could happen on our campusa community dedicated to healing and serving others, they said. The reported incidents are a betrayal of HMS and, most importantly, each of the individuals who altruistically chose to will their bodies to HMS through the Anatomical Gift Program to advance medical education and research. We are so very sorry for the pain this news will cause for our anatomical donors families and loved ones, and HMS pledges to engage with them during this deeply distressing time, the deans added. The school has since sent out letters notifying next of kin and has established a web page for donor families with more information and resources regarding the buying and selling scheme. Families impacted will also be offered counseling over the phone, according to the school. Additionally, Harvard University has appointed an external panel of experts to evaluate the Anatomical Gift Program and morgue policies and practices to bolster program security. We owe it to ourselves, our community, our profession, and our patients and their loved ones to ensure that HMS is worthy of the donors who have entrusted their bodies to us for the advancement of medical education and research, Daley and Hunder said. There is nothing more sacred and worthy of our attention and respect. Hidden Malibu Beach Opens to the Public After Homeowners Blocked Access Due to its location right on the beach, the home features a three-car garage to protect vehicles from the salty environment. (The Luxury Level, Toptenrealestatedeals.com) Beachgoers will now have access to Californias hidden beach after homeowners blocked public access and were fined by the state. On June 7, the California coastal commission approved an agreement with the two current homeowners to grant public access to the beach. The homeowners were ordered to build a public pathway for beach access, which is estimated to cost millions of dollars. The homeowners were also ordered to pay a fine for the violations. Beaches are Californias crown jewels, and public access is a core mission of our law. Access is for everyone, whether you live down the street, in the Central Valley, or visiting from across the globe, Donne Brownsey, the California Coastal Commission chair, told The Guardian. We hope this enforcement action sends a message to other property owners who may be hiding or blocking access to the coast that its time to return those beaches to the public. Manhattan Beach, Calif., on May 25, 2014. (John Fredricks/The Epoch Times) The Escondido beach has been inaccessible to the public since the 1980s when homeowners in the area cut it off from the public, despite California law requiring that land below the high tide line remain open to all. Marilyn and Roger Wolk and Ken and Jeannette Chiate were the first beach house owners cited after wrongly recording the location of the easement with the commission more than 40 years ago, according to a report from the commission (pdf). The report describes various violations throughout the years, including performing an unpermitted lot line adjustment, installing a metal fence and paving driveways over the easement to keep beach access obscured. Escondido Beach means Hidden Beach in Spanish, and the lack of public access here kept it hidden from many people that could not find a nearby public trail to the beach, or even a public parking spot, over the decades, a Commissions staff wrote ahead of the decision. Even if the public knew that the vertical public access easement was here, they could not physically use that easement, enforcement analyst Robert Moddelmog told the commission. State officials say its a major victory for the public, as well as the California Coastal Act, one of the nations strongest land use laws and one that seeks to maximize and protect public access to the coast. Its so hard for us to get new access to the coast, and new vertical accessways are like unicornsthey just dont exist, especially in Malibu, said Lisa Haage, chief of enforcement for the Coastal Commission. Settling this case without litigation is huge. This is like flying to the moon or something. The two families will remove their encroachments and restore the publics easement. According to the agreement, they will install five new public parking spots, a public restroom, and signage along the highway. Alan Block, an attorney for the Mancuso family, said he was unaware of the violations when he purchased the property. The Mancuso family has never done anything on the property whatsoeverthey bought it the way it isbut they understand the law, and theyve worked out an agreement, and they hope the commission will approve it, Block said ahead of the decision. The public can now appreciate this hidden beach as climate change affects coastal conditions driven by sea level rise and erosion. We are in a really big hurry to open up as much access as possible because of sea level rise and climate change, Haage told the LA Times. People need beaches more than ever, and we want to get people out there while theres still a beach to go to [t]he future of access in California is uncertain, so were trying to do all we can now to protect it going forward. Homicides, Suicides Climbed Among Young Americans During Pandemic: CDC The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention headquarters in Atlanta in a file image. (Tami Chappell via Reuters) Homicides and suicides among young Americans reached their highest levels in decades during the COVID-19 pandemic, according to a new Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) study. The report (pdf) analyzed the homicide and suicide death rates among those aged 1024 from 2001 to 2021. One key finding was that from 2019 to 2020, the homicide rate for the overall age group spiked by 37 percent, from 7.8 per 100,000 people to 10.7. The increase among teens aged 1519 was even greater for that period, rising from 8.9 per 100,000 to 12.3. In 2021, it rose again among older teens to 12.8the highest rate since 1997, according to CDC data. Year-over-year, 2020 marked the largest increase in homicide rates across all age groups. But while the overall homicide rate saw periods of increase and decline over the 20-year span, the suicide data showed a general upward trend after 2007. From 2007 to 2021, the suicide rate among those aged 1024 increased by 62 percent, from 6.8 deaths per 100,000 to 11. However, across different age groups, the point at which those rates began to steadily increase differed. Additionally, among the 1014 and 2024 age groups, the suicide rates exceeded the homicide rates in 2021. In 2021, suicide and homicide were the second and third leading causes of death, respectively, for people age 1024 and among the top four leading causes of death for the individual age groups 1014, 1519, and 2024, the CDC researchers noted. Mental Health Crisis Dr. Steven Woolf, a Virginia Commonwealth University researcher who wasnt involved in the CDC study, said the increase in homicide and suicide rates reflects a mental health crisis among young people and a need for a number of policy changes. Earlier this year, Woolf sounded the alarm over the disturbing increase in death rates among U.S. children and teenagers that he and other researchers had observed in the CDCs 2021 data. That increase, he told PBS in April, could partially be attributed to the rise in homicide and suicide rates. Keep in mind that death rates have been falling dramatically in young people due to progress in pediatric medicine and curing cancer and deaths from birth defects, Woolf told the outlet. Weve also markedly reduced the risk of deaths from car accidents. But this upward trend is the result of four causes: suicides, homicides, drug overdoses, and car accidents, mainly in young people 10 to 19 years old. As for the causes of the climbing suicide and homicide rates, Dr. Madhukar Trivedi, a psychiatrist at the University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, said that the isolation of the COVID-19 lockdowns could be a contributing factor. There is a misperception that if you talk to young people about depression, theyll get depressed, Trivedi said. A dont ask, dont tell policy for depression is not effective. The earlier we can identify the ones who need help, the better chance well have at saving lives. Academic Decline Other recent reports suggest that the pandemic may have negatively affected young Americans in other ways, including academically. According to the National Assessment of Educational Progress, also known as the Nations Report Card, average U.S. history and civics scores dropped by five points and two points, respectively, among eighth graders between 2018 and 2022. Likewise, average math and reading scores among fourth and eighth graders saw their largest-ever decline between 2019 and 2022. According to Peggy Carr, commissioner of the Department of Educations National Center for Education Statistics, the academic decline is evidence of the profound toll on student learning during the pandemic. The results also underscore the importance of instruction and the role of schools in both students academic growth and their overall well-being, Carr said amid the release of math and reading scores in October 2022. Its clear we all need to come togetherpolicymakers and community leaders at every levelas partners in helping our educators, children, and families succeed. Education Secretary Miguel Cardona echoed Carrs comments in April, when the history and civics scores were published. The latest data from the National Assessment of Educational Progress further affirms the profound impact the pandemic had on student learning in subjects beyond math and reading, he said in a statement. It tells us that now is not the time for politicians to try to extract double-digit cuts to education funding, nor is it the time to limit what students learn in U.S. history and civics classes. We need to provide every student with rich opportunities to learn about Americas history and understand the U.S. Constitution and how our system of government works. Banning history books and censoring educators from teaching these important subjects does our students a disservice and will move America in the wrong direction. Cardonas comments came amid a growing push to ban the teaching of controversial concepts such as critical race theory in public schools. But former Education Secretary Betsy DeVos pushed back against her successors assertions. The new data on students knowledge of history and civics is abysmal. Theres no other way to describe it. These are the lowest scores ever recorded, DeVos wrote on Twitter. But perhaps even more abhorrent is [Cardonas] shameless spin that the reason history scores are falling is because schools ARENT teaching enough [critical race theory] and the 1619 Projectwhich arent based on historical facts. DeVos also challenged the claim that the pandemic lockdowns were the source of students falling test scores, pointing out that history scores have been on the decline since 2014. Today is yet another reminder we have a government-run, union-controlled, one-size-fits-NONE education system where supermajorities of kids arent proficient in reading, math, history or civics, she wrote. The need for #EducationFreedom couldnt be any clearer or more urgent. The Associated Press contributed to this report. Passengers check in at an international airport in Frankfurt, Germany, June 12, 2023. A massive NATO exercise that kicked off on Monday is set to cause major disruptions to passenger flights in Germany, raising concerns from air travellers and also protesters. (Xinhua/Shan Weiyi) The biggest-ever NATO air force deployment exercise kicked off on Monday, resulting in significant airspace closures and restrictions around Germany that have raised concerns for airlines operating in the region. FRANKFURT, June 15 (Xinhua) -- Airlines operating passenger flights in and around Germany are more or less anxious as a massive NATO drill is closing or restricting a large swath of Germany's airspace. "Air Defender 23," the biggest-ever NATO air force deployment exercise, which involves 10,000 military personnel and 250 combat aircraft from 25 nations, kicked off on Monday and will last until June 23. According to a spokesperson for German air traffic control, the drill, being carried out mainly in German airspace, will have a considerable impact on passenger flights. Consequently, up to 800 passenger flights will have to be rerouted, and around 40 percent of them will have to cover distances about 110 km longer, said the spokesperson. A man browses a bulletin of flight information at an international airport in Frankfurt, Germany, June 12, 2023. (Xinhua/Shan Weiyi) Passengers must deal with possible delays, prolonged flight time and cancellations during the two weeks. The show of military might by NATO comes at a time when the Ukraine crisis rages on. "If they want to use maneuvers to demonstrate, to intimidate others, they are always the wrong sign," said Thomas Wefing, one of the locals who took to the streets protesting the NATO military exercise. NATO claims that the drill, conceived in 2018, is not targeted at anyone. However, Wefing told Xinhua that he believes that the drill will provoke Russia and escalate the situation in Ukraine. Echoing Wefing's concern, Egon Roth, another protester, is convinced that the Ukraine crisis can only be resolved diplomatically instead of using weapons. Jochen Scholz, a security expert and a former military officer, fears that the military exercise will be exploited to instill the wrong idea that Russia threatens Europe's security. "It is not Russia that is a threat to Europe, but the United States, because it sees domination of the Eurasian continent as a prerequisite for its global dominance," he said. The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology (HKUST) research team has developed an artificial intelligence (AI) model that can use genetic information to predict the risk of Alzheimers disease before symptoms appear. At present, the clinical diagnosis of Alzheimers disease is mainly based on doctors judgment, cognitive ability scale test and brain scan, but it is usually carried out when the patient has shown apparent symptoms, thus missing the best time for intervention. In addition, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved the use of mutations in the APOE-4 gene as a method for assessing the risk of Alzheimers disease. But as Alzheimers disease is caused by multiple risk genetic loci, testing one risk gene alone may not be sufficient to identify high-risk individuals. An international research team led by Prof. Nancy Ip Yuk-yu, President of HKUST, and Prof. Chen Lei, Director of HKUST Big Data Institute, established the first batch of deep learning models to assess the polygenic risk of Alzheimers disease in European and Chinese populations. The study combined a novel deep learning model with genetic testing to estimate a persons lifetime risk of Alzheimers disease with more than 70 percent accuracy. Prof. Ip said that this study proves the effectiveness of deep learning methods in genetic research and risk prediction of Alzheimers disease, which will help speed up large-scale risk screening and risk classification of Alzheimers disease and provides a new research pathway for the pathogenesis and exacerbation mechanism of it. Prof. Chen said that through detail AI data analysis, the team divided at-risk individuals into various subgroups and deciphered the underlying disease mechanism. The research was carried out by HKUST in collaboration with researchers from Shenzhen Institute of Advanced Technology of the Chinese Academy of Sciences, University College London, and physicians from Prince of Wales Hospital, and Queen Elizabeth Hospital in Hong Kong. The research team is working on further refining the model, with the goal of incorporating it as part of future routine screening procedures. The results of the study were recently published in Communications Medicine. What topics would you like to read about? Please let us know at health@epochtimes.nyc House Targets Federal Agencies, Votes to Overturn Supreme Court Ruling The House floor in Washington as seen on Nov. 17, 2022. (Anna Moneymaker/Getty Images) The House of Representatives voted on June 15 to approve a bill that could significantly shift federal regulatory authority away from the executive branch to Congress. Lawmakers voted for the Separation of Powers Restoration Act, known as SOPRA, in a 220211 vote. Most Republicans voted in favor of the measure, while most Democrats voted against it. According to an analysis provided by the Congressional Budget Office (pdf), the bill, HR 288, would authorize federal courts to review agency rules and decide all relevant questions of law, including the interpretation of constitutional and statutory provisions and rules, without deferring to previous legal determinations by the agency. Under the bill, according to the analysis, federal courts could overturn some agency decisions that they would have upheld under current law, and some of the decisions could affect federal spending by overturning regulations that affect direct spending, revenues, and spending subject to appropriation. Rep. Scott Fitzgerald (R-Wis.), the sponsor of the measure, said a 1984 Supreme Court rulingChevron U.S.A., Inc. v. Natural Resources Defense Council, Inc.that created the principle of Chevron deference has essentially given the executive branch of the government significantly more authority than he believes is warranted under the Constitution. He argued that federal agencies have essentially superseded Congress by using the Chevron doctrine, violating the U.S. Constitutions separation of powers clause. Since 1984, when the Supreme Court ruled that courts must defer to an agencys interpretation of an ambiguous statute rather than what Congress intended, the executive branch has begun usurping the legislative branch to issue regulations with the force of law, Fitzgerald said on June 15. It is certainly not what our founders intended. Rep. Scott Fitzgerald (R-Wis.) as seen in a file photo. (Andy Manis/Getty Images) The lawmaker said vast amounts of regulatory action have created unforeseen costs for ordinary Americans since the 1984 landmark ruling. The total annual cost of regulation is almost $2 trillion, or about 8 percent of the U.S. GDP, he said. If it were a country, for comparison, U.S. regulation would be the worlds eighth largest economy. Government works best when it can be held accountable. He also said that unelected bureaucrats now possess far more power than intended because of mandated deference, like Chevron, during judicial review. Over the last few decades, and as accelerated during the Obama and Biden administrations, our constitutional separation of powers has been undermined by Congresss over-delegation of legislative powers to regulatory agencies in the executive branch, Rep. Harriet Hageman (R-Wyo.) said on the House floor, according to reports. Over the years, courts have used the 1984 Chevron doctrine to support their giving deference to federal authorities when ruling on a measure. The Supreme Court is scheduled to hear a dispute between New Jersey fishermen and the federal government that could lead to a ruling on the issue, according to some legal analysts. While the bill has widespread Republican support and was approved in the lower chamber, its unlikely to move forward in the Democrat-controlled Senate. The White House has indicated that President Joe Biden would veto the measure if it gets to his desk. In a statement this month, the Office of Management and Budget threatened a veto and said it would actually undermine separation of powers, a fundamental element of our government, by attempting to jettison long standing principles concerning judicial review of agency interpretation and implementation of laws and regulations. Agency interpretations that have been upheld under these principles have promoted economic growth, clean air and water, safe and healthy food, civil rights, public safety, crime reduction, wage increases, lowering costs, and safe working conditions, the statement reads. One lawmaker who opposed the measure, Rep. Madeleine Dean (D-Pa.), said on June 15 that the passage of SOPRA would mean federal agencies would have a harder time of protecting Americans. Rep. Jerry Nadler (D-N.Y.), the ranking Democratic member of the House Judiciary Committee, said on the floor that the measure would completely upend the administrative process because it would force all federal courts to review agency decisions and interpretations of statute on a de novo basis. While Congress sets broad policies, we delegate authorities to executive agencies because we do not have the expertise to craft the technical regulations ourselves, and we rely on these agencies to carry out the policies we enact, Nadler said. On June 14, the House approved a similar measure, the Regulations from the Executive In Need of Scrutiny (REINS) Act, 221210. Republicans said the REINS Act is designed to curb what they described as executive overreach, while Democrats said it would significantly limit the federal governments ability to provide safety and security. I think we have to, no pun intended, rein in executive overreach, Rep. Kevin Hern (R-Okla.) told The Epoch Times on June 14. Rep. Ro Khanna (D-Calif.) said, I think its an effort at deregulation that would weaken the ability to have common-sense regulation for safety. IN-DEPTH: How Religion Is Becoming the Latest Target of AI Revolution Proponents of artificial intelligence seek to rewrite the Bible and use chatbots to lead church services A look-in on an AI-led Christian worship service in Bavaria, Germany. (Courtesy of the Associated Press) Artificial intelligence is set to change the modern world in a variety of waysgenerating art, assisting writers, and even emulating peoples voices. But few would have expected it to be tasked with writing religious services and even rewriting one of the most read and revered books in history, the Bible. Yet, in Germany, hundreds of Protestants were led in a worship service in Nuremberg, Germany on June 9 by an expressionless chatbot delivering blessings and a sermon prepared by ChatGPT, an artificial intelligence (AI) program. A chatbot is an AI-driven program that mimics human conversation through text or voice. A few weeks earlier, a World Economic Forum (WEF) senior adviser suggested AI could be used to rewrite the Bible to make it more inclusive and globally appealing as scripture. These developments pose unprecedented literary and theological challenges to established religious authorities worldwide. Yuval Noah Harari, an Israeli historian and philosopher, is the best-selling author of Sapiens: A Brief History of Humankind. He predicted AIs potential for creating a global religious text during an interview with journalist Pedro Pinto on May 19 in Lisbon, Portugal. Founder and Executive Chairman of the World Economic Forum (WEF) Klaus Schwab is seen at the opening of the WEF Davos Agenda in Cologny near Geneva on Jan. 17, 2022. (Fabrice Coffrini/AFP via Getty Images) In the future, he said, we might see the first cults and religions in history whose revered texts were written by a non-human intelligence. Already, the faithful are being led by artificial intelligence. At the AI-led service on June 9, hundreds of Lutheran Christians gathered to worship at St. Pauls Church in Nuremberg. As the congregation settled in, a ChatGPT chatbot, personified as a bearded black man, appeared on a large screen fixed above the altar and began to lead the service. Dear friends, it is an honor for me to stand here and preach to you as the first artificial intelligence at this years convention of Protestants in Germany, the avatar said. One of four AI images and voices directed the Christian worship service for more than 40 minutes, leading songs, offering blessings, and delivering a sermon, written not by man, but by machine. The faces of the avatars were expressionless. The voices were monotone, people said after the event. I conceived this servicebut actually I rather accompanied it because I would say about 98 percent comes from the machine, Jonas Simmerlein, a 29-year-old theologian and philosopher from the University of Vienna, told a reporter. I told the artificial intelligence, We are at the church congress, you are a preacher what would a church service look like? There Was no Heart and no Soul The experimental service was held during a local Protestant conference, which reportedly draws tens of thousands of believers. The chatbot changed its appearance four timesvacillating between two women and two menand preached on leaving the past behind and focusing on the challenges of the future, and never losing trust in Jesus Christ. The reception of the computer preacher was mixed. Some filmed eagerly, while others looked on critically. The chatbots deadpan delivery sometimes drew laughter as it told believers that to keep our faith, we must pray and go to church regularly. There was no heart and no soul, Heiderose Schmidt, 54, told a reporter. Working in IT, she said curiosity drew her to the event. But she found it increasingly off-putting as the service progressed. The avatars showed no emotions at all, had no body language, and were talking so fast and monotonously that it was very hard for me to concentrate on what they said. But others were more accepting and impressed with the new technology. I had actually imagined it to be worse, said Marc Jansen, a 31-year-old Lutheran pastor who brought a group of teenagers to the gathering. But I was positively surprised [by] how well it worked. Also, the language of the AI worked well, even though it was still a bit bumpy at times. He noted, however, that all spirituality and emotion seemed missing. The challenge that I see is that AI is very human-like and that its easy to be deceived by it, said congregant Anna Puzio, 28, a researcher on the ethics of technology from the University of Twente in The Netherlands. Indeed, using AI to direct religious services could give it unprecedented control, Harari said, including soon the ability to manipulate and to control people and to reshape society. Once it can, it doesnt need to send killer robots to shoot us. It can get humans to pull the trigger. The ChatGPT app is displayed on an iPhone in New York on May 18, 2023. (The Canadian Press/AP, Richard Drew) The End of the World? So is this an opportunity to remove the fallible human element and put the Good Word through optimization software for the good? Or is it an opportunity for mass manipulation of large groups of people? Attorney and blogger Jeff Childers warned of the latter. In his blog Coffee and Covid on Substack, Childers predicted that AI-influenced religion is coming. He sent that out to readers just a few days before Harari commented publicly on the potential of AI-written scriptures, and before the AI-led worship service in Germany. By day, Childers is a commercial litigation attorney in Gainesville, Florida. By night, he often focuses on gathering news for the blog he launched at the start of the pandemic. He also describes himself as a premillennialist, a Christian who holds fast to a literal interpretation of the End Times as described in the Bibles book of Revelation. So in the book of Revelation, [it] describes the end of the world, Childers told The Epoch Times. And there are some colorful characters in there. One of them is the Antichrist that is popularized by Hollywood and all of that. Another character is a second beast with horns like a lamb, he said. And the second beast can do miracles while in the presence of the Antichrist. And people usually call the second beast the False Prophet. Because, as the book of Revelation describes it, its going to be causing the entire world to worship the beast, the Antichrist. Many people anticipate the Antichrist will be a political figure and look for the second beast to be a religious figure, he said. But what could that False Prophet look like? Theres all kinds of theories like its gonna be a statue that comes to life or, you know, crazy supernatural things like that, he explained. Enter a supercomputer with access to unprecedented amounts of data and the ability to mimic the style of past historical figures, and create and present information to humans in an increasingly more intimate way. Youre gonna want to get advice from Jesus, or Mohammed, Buddha, and theres gonna be an AI version of these historical figures, he said, convinced that people are going to literally start worshipping them. As it turns out, the development of such chatbot programs is already underway. Talking to the Gods ChatGPT programs already exist for answering religion-based questions, even allowing users to talk to their gods. GitaGPT operates a platform that claims to allow users to talk to several gods, including Krishna, Shiva, Ganesha, Shir Ram, and Chanakya. The site also has a Buddha chatbot. There also is a QuranGPT able to provide spiritual guidance to Muslims and a Robo Rabbi to interact as a leader and teacher for Jews. AI platforms like these now can compose new content and pose new ideas and solutions based on data interpretation. And steadily, its abilities are growing, becoming more refined and humanlike, experts say. I got on ChatGPT, and I said, ChatGPT, take all the best things from the world religions, discard the bad things, and give me Chapter One of a new holy book based on what you come up with, Childers said. And sure enough, it spat something out. And this is just the fourth generation [of the technology], right? ChatGPT [generation] five is right around the corner. Florida attorney and blogger Jeff Childers. (Amber Bertrand for The Epoch Times) He also sees ChatGPT as a way for ruling powers to restore narrative gatekeepers and regain control of the spread of information that was lost at the onset of the internet. One of the problems that they had during a pandemic was misinformation and disinformation, right? Meaning we had too many ways to talk to each other, he said. They tried to squash us on social media, and we found other wayswe use Telegram, we use code words to avoid the artificial sensors, and all that stuff. Using an AI that everybody trusts is a great way to control people. Harari seems to share that understanding of AIs potential to control. Contrary to what some conspiracy theories assume, you dont really need to implant chips in peoples brains in order to control them or to manipulate them, Harari noted during his interview. Childers worries about the effect on people who turn to AI for their deepest theological questions. What hope does the common person [have] walking around out there that considers themselves a Christian, that doesnt read the Bible, but could instantly get all their theological questions answered by this handy-dandy religious avatar of AI on their phone? Man Versus Machine Religious leadersfrom monks to imams and from pastors to patriarchsgo through various durations of educational training to properly face challenges to their respective faiths. But until now, earthly challengers have been fellow humans. Now, theyre suddenly competing with AI programs that have access to every accessible digitized piece of each religions writings. Traditional religions are about to have a serious gut check, Childers said. And they are going to have to grapple theologically with these entities that man has created. Rev. Connor Penn is a Catholic priest and parochial vicar at St. Catherine of Siena Parish in Clearwater, Florida. At 30, hes about to begin only his third year as a priest, a lifelong commitment to his ministry. Part of his role is to defend the Catholic Church through the challenges of the 21st century. The Rev. Connor Penn, parochial vicar at St. Catherine of Siena Church, Clearwater, Fla. (Courtesy of Rev. Connor Penn) AI has yet to affect his parish, he told The Epoch Times. But the thought of facing the oncoming challenge doesnt scare him. To him, man-made computers are still no match for Gods divine intervention. Our fundamental belief as Christians is that the Bible is not just a collection of insights and wise teachings, but that the Bible is also inspired by God, he said. Theres something about that that has been handed off to us by God through human instrumentsstories that were told, passed down through generationsthat theres something in there that God wants us to know. AI could create this entirely second Bible, you know, but we wouldnt believe that that is inspired in the same way the Bible is inspired by God, he said. So hes not at all worried that AI will make the Bible irrelevant or out of touch. Father Penn, as hes known to parishioners, has no doubt that people will turn to AI for information about Jesus, and that people will flock to AI for immediate answers. But no matter what answers the computer gives them, he believes the truths of Christianity will shine through and touch peoples hearts. Thats regardless of how much motives such as inclusivity and compliance with authority may attempt to corrupt the image and message. When we take time and stillness to listen to that voice [of God], thats going to speak more truth than anything we could turn to in artificial intelligence, Penn said. And hes not worried about a chatbot pretending to be the Creator. AI can never do that, he said, because God speaks to us in the depths of our souls. Still, Penn sees a potential positive in the technology. My hope for AI is that it would answer peoples interest in digging deeper into their faith. Israeli police at Jerusalems Al-Aqsa mosque compound on May 21, 2021. (Ahmad Gharabli/AFP via Getty Images) IN-DEPTH: New Colorado Law Set to Take Away Taxpayer Rights, Voters to Decide Colorado Governor Jared Polis speaks before signing a bill. Sen. Julie Gonzalez (R), Rep. Meg Froelich (C), and House majority leader Daneya Esgar (L), look on with guests and other lawmakers at the signing. (David Zalubowski/AP Photo) Colorado residents used to enjoy low property taxes, thanks in part to the Gallagher Amendmentpassed in 1982 after pressure from residents tired of skyrocketing residential property taxes. Gallagher required that the states total property tax burden be divvied up, with 45 percent collected from residential property and 55 percent from commercial property. But in the November 2020 election, Colorado voters approved Amendment B, which repealed Gallagher. At the time, proponents of Amendment B successfully argued that repealing Gallagher would help fund schools and local governments. However, opponents argued that it would lead to a significant increase in property taxes. Fast forward to today, and Colorado residents are again up in arms over skyrocketing residential property taxes, as county assessors across the state warn homeowners to expect a historic jump of anywhere between 30 percent to 70 percent in 2024. When [Democrats] asked for Gallagher to be stripped a couple of years ago in 2020, they said, Without raising the tax rate, would you like all of these other things to be funded?' Colorado state Rep. Stephanie Luck, a Republican, told The Epoch Times. And people of Colorado were like, Yeah! Thinking they wouldnt get charged more taxes. But it was a bait and switch. When you remove Gallagher, you remove that limitation. And then youre seeing the consequence of it. A 1040 form used by U.S. taxpayers to file an annual income tax return in a file photo. (Joe Raedle/Getty Images) To address the rising cost of property taxes, on May 25, Democratic Gov. Jared Polis signed Senate Bill 303, Reduce Property Taxes and Voter-approved Revenue Change, into law. This proposal will cut the average homeowners tax increase in half and deliver long-term relief to protect people, especially seniors on a fixed income, from being priced out of their homes. I appreciate the legislatures partnership to provide real relief on property taxes and save Coloradans money, Polis said in a May 1 press release. Before it can go into effect, however, voters must approve the measure at the ballot box in Novemberthanks to a state constitutional amendment that requires voter approval for tax increases, known as Colorados Taxpayer Bill of Rights, or TABOR. On the ballot, the proposition will read, Shall the state reduce property taxes for homes and businesses, including expanding property tax relief for seniors, and backfill counties, water districts, fire districts, ambulance and hospital districts, and other local governments and fund school districts by using a portion of the state surplus up to the proposition HH cap as defined in this measure? But Luck is warning that SB 303, now called Proposition HH, is another bait and switch because state surplus is the excess money owed to taxpayers thanks to the TABOR safeguards. Its a ballot initiative that would ask the people of Colorado to basically give up their TABOR refunds indefinitely in exchange for a very small decrease over a very small amount of time in their property taxes, Luck said. Currently, TABOR caps the amount of taxes the government can take but if they take more than that, they either have to ask our permission to keep it or give it back. And it restricts the growth of government in Colorado, she said. SB303 would be the final death knell to TABOR. Gutting TABOR Democrats have a historic majority in the Colorado House, a supermajority in the Senate, and control the governorship. As such, all bills that passed in the latest legislative session, passed with Democrat supportand more often than not, over Republicans vehement objections. Describing SB303 as a bribe to get rid of TABOR for a marginal property tax decrease, Colorado House Republicans walked out of the chamber in protest and refused to vote on SB303. The measure passed with 44 Democrats voting for it, and two Democrats voting against it. The bill then passed the senate with one Republican voting in favor and 12 Democrats voting against it. Democrat state Senator and prime sponsor of SB303, Steve Fenberg, stated, Coloradans are about to get hit with painful property tax spikes, which is why were taking action now to meet the moment and provide real relief for Colorado families. This transformative proposal delivers long-term reductions in property tax rates while providing immediate savings on this years property taxes, so we can better support our schools and our communities and build a Colorado everyone can afford to love. Democratic state Rep. Chris deGruy Kennedy, also a prime sponsor of SB303, stated, We recognize that property tax reductions cannot be considered without also accounting for the impacts these cuts will have on local governments. This bill makes responsible reductions, unlike those proposed in recent ballot measures, and includes provisions to ensure were protecting school districts, fire districts, and county child welfare offices while we pass this important measure to help Colorado families keep up with the cost of living in our beautiful state. A For Sale sign is posted outside a residential home in the Queen Anne neighborhood of Seattle, Wash., on May 14, 2021. (Karen Ducey/Reuters) In addition to requiring voter approval for tax increases, TABOR caps the amount of revenue Colorado can retain and spend and requires that anything collected in taxes over that limit be refunded to Colorado taxpayers. If the government wants to increase that cap, it has to get voter approval, and as a result, TABOR has kept taxes low in Colorado. If voters pass Prop HH in November, it will increase the amount of money the state of Colorado can keep by $166.6 million in the budget year 2023-2024, $358.6 million in 2024-2025, and by more significant amounts from 2025 on, according to Legislative Council Staff, a nonpartisan service for Colorados legislature. In return, Colorado residents will receive a temporary property tax reduction of 0.035 percent in the first year, 0.1 percent in the second year, and 0.45 percent from 2025 through 2032. The tax reduction expires in 2033. Legal Action Polis said in his press release that Prop HH and other reductions already passed would cut the upcoming tax increase by half, reducing it by an estimated $1,264 on average over two years. Polis didnt specify how much Prop HH alone would reduce the increase, and opponents of Prop HH, like Advance Colorado, are quick to point out that its marginal and will ultimately cost Colorado taxpayers significantly more than what theyll save. Seventy percent of Colorado believes TABOR should stay, Kristi Burton Brown, senior policy advisor for Advance Colorado, told The Epoch Times. They like our Taxpayer Bill of Rights here in Colorado and the fact that theres a limit on how much money the state can spend. The states trying to add one percentand a compounding one percentthat they can keep on top of their budgetary limits every year. And voters should know they would take $10 billion from voters and taxpayers in 10 years. . If you read Proposition HH, voters may not know that the government is asking them to give them their TABOR refunds. Dr. Joshua Dunn, a professor of political science at the University of Colorado in Colorado Springs, agrees that TABOR is really popular with the public. Whenever Democrats have tried to get rid of it, theyve failed, Dunn told The Epoch Times. And in some ways, that prevents the Democrats in the state legislature from doing more things that probably many suburban voters wouldnt like. And yeah, I can guaranteelook at the legislature right nowif they could just raise taxes, they would. And itd be significant. But they cant [thanks to TABOR]. Advance Colorado has filed a lawsuit against Prop HH, alleging the language to go on the ballot violates the single-subject and clear-title requirements. The group is joined by 17 Colorado counties, multiple county commissioners, and local elected officials. U.S. Secretary of the Treasury Janet Yellen (L) and Colorado Gov. Jared Polis (R) meet with women entrepreneurs while visiting Mi Casa Resource Center in Denver, Colo., on March 11, 2022. (Jason Connolly/POOL/AFP via Getty Images) The Colorado state Constitution requires ballot propositions to contain a single subject and for the title to clearly reflect the measure, Brown said. The lawsuit alleges Prop HH contains five different subjects. Probably the most notable among those five subjects is that it does seem to completely change our Taxpayers Bill of Rights in Colorado and permanently take away the refunds our taxpayers would get, Brown said. And that leads into how the bill title is misleading because it doesnt acknowledge that at all. And theres also no information in the ballot title for how small the property tax decrease isits six hundredths of a percentand theres no acknowledgment of that. On June 9, a judge dismissed Advance Colorados lawsuit, stating that the legislature can exempt itself from constitutionally-mandated ballot requirements. Advance Colorado plans to appeal. I think one of the most disturbing things about what the legislature did with SB303 and property taxes is theyre pushing it off on voters and telling voters, The only way youre gonna get a property tax decrease is if you give up your TABOR refunds. When in reality, the legislature could have capped property taxes all on their own. The legislature 100 percent could have capped property tax while they were in session, Brown said. Theyre literally preying upon peoples desire to lower property taxes, and making it very unclear on the ballot just what a small decrease this is. And theyre not being honest with people that theyre taking their TABOR refunds in order to do it. I think thats what they have wanted to do for a very long time. Polis did not respond to The Epoch Times request for comment about the impact SB303 would have on TABOR. Neither Fenberg nor deGruy Kennedy responded to The Epoch Times request for comment on why they didnt cap property taxes during the legislative session or on the impact SB303 would have on TABOR. Kids 12 and Up Given Freedom to Change Birth Certificate in Queensland, Australia Signage for an 'all gender' bathroom at Sydney's International Airport in Australia on Dec. 11, 2022. (Daniel Teng/The Epoch Times) Self-identifying transgender children who are 12 and over will be able to change their birth certificate without needing to first undergo sex reassignment surgery, according to new laws just passed by the Queensland Labor government. Previously, a person would need to undergo surgery before they could alter the gender on their birth certificate; now, the Births Deaths and Marriages Registration Bill 2022 has effectively done away with that provision. Trans and gender-diverse individuals can now also legally change their name at the time they change their formal gender. For children from 12 to 16, parents or guardians can apply directly to a government registry after certain criteria are met or via a court application. Children must also first receive an assessment from a counsellor but do not need a certificate from a doctor. Meanwhile, same-sex or gender-diverse parents can register as either mother or father. Labor Attorney-General Yvette DAth said the changes would support the LGBT+ community, which has faced discrimination and hate. These laws also recognise same-sex and gender-diverse parents by acknowledging the undeniable reality that a child can have more than one mother and more than one father, she said in a statement. The laws received the backing of the Legal Affairs and Safety Committee in February 2023, which is headed by Labors Peter Russo, the federal member for Toohey. The Liberal-National Party, Katters Australian Party (KAP), and the independent member for Noosa, Sandy Bolton, opposed the law. With everything thats happening right now, we cannot believe the government is focusing on this, said Robbie Katter of the KAP on Facebook. Most people are worried about how to pay their rent or mortgage and worried about keeping themselves and their family safe from youth crime. He said the KAP did not support radical gender theory, adding that it was harmful to vulnerable individuals (including those who choose to live a trans life, which is their prerogative) and corrosive to society overall. Transgender Movement Criticised Other critics of the law include Sall Grover, founder of the women-only app Giggle. She said the law would open the floodgates for more people to indulge in transgenderism. Its a preposterous idea that you can just nominate whatever sex you are legally on your birth certificate whenever you want, she previously told The Epoch Times. Imagine if that male comes out and says, No, Im female; you have misgendered and committed a hate crime against me, she said. The Queensland governments move comes after Victorian officials were criticised for allowing a transgender individualwho identified as a womanto transfer from a male prison to a female one. The individual also had a history of sexual violence. Single-sex prisons exist to protect the dignity, safety and privacy of female inmates, wrote Rachael Wong, CEO of Womens Forum Australia, in a newsletter sent to its members. Every effort should be made to ensure the safety and welfare of all prisoners, but housing males in womens prisonsparticularly dangerous male sex offendersis not the answer. Transgenderism Not the Answer to Loneliness: Study Studies have also indicated that younger people choosing to transitionwho already struggle with mental conditionsare no better off after surgery. Our data indicate that transgender and gender-diverse people, who have undergone gender reassignment surgery feel lonelier, according to a May 11 in the journal, Healthcare (Basel). The study found that 31 percent of transgender-identifying people felt dissatisfied or extremely dissatisfied with life, while 17 percent said they were satisfied, with only one percent feeling extremely satisfied. Further, transgenders were 1,290 percent more likely to describe themselves as extremely dissatisfied than extremely satisfied. Macron to Meet Elon Musk in Paris to Talk Tesla Investment French President Emmanuel Macron waits for European Commission president Ursula van der Leyen before a working lunch, at the Elysee Palace in Paris on April 3, 2023. (Aurelien Morissard/AP Photo) French President Emmanuel Macron said he will meet with Tesla CEO Elon Musk on Fridaythe second time in just over a monthto promote France as a possible site for one of the electric vehicle (EV) makers factories as well as to discuss tech regulation. Im going [into that meeting] with an agenda, Macron told reporters as he visited the VivaTech summit in Paris, Frances biggest tech fair, which Musk will visit on Friday. Were going to talk about artificial intelligence, in which he is involved, social media, regulation framework And then Ill also talk to him about cars, batteries, to promote French and European attractiveness, Macron said. Asked specifically whether he was hoping to secure a Tesla gigafactory, Macron said: Its up to the company to look at these different issues in Europe. So well be selling France as an investment destination. France has been catching up with other European nations in its goal to become a hub for the electric vehicle industry, thanks to generous subsidies and a more business-friendly environment and aggressive lobbying since Macron took power. Its northern region has attracted four gigafactory projects, the first one inaugurated last month by a consortium including Peugeot-owner Stellantis, Mercedes-Benz, and French oil major TotalEnergies. Earlier today, the French minister for digital affairs Jean-Noel Barrot told CNBC: It will be great to have a Tesla factory in France. There has been a lot of effort and energy to make sure this is possible and this can happen. Barrot added that France also has invested in an entire sector of electric batteries and will try to convince Musk that France is the best possible place in Europe to establish the next Tesla factory. Musk, who met Macron and Finance Minister Bruno Le Maire on May 15, said then he was confident Tesla would make significant investments in France in the future, but did not provide a timeline. France previously tried to convince Musk to build a gigafactory in the country, but he chose Germany for his only such plant in Europe so far. Majority of Canadians Say Justice System Too Lenient on Violent Criminals: Poll The Supreme Court of Canada is seen in Ottawa on Aug. 10, 2022. (The Canadian Press/Adrian Wyld) A large majority of Canadians say Canadas justice system is too lenient on violent criminals and that too many violent offenders are being repeatedly offered bail, according to a new poll. Released on June 15, the Leger Marketing survey conducted on behalf of Postmedia indicates that most Canadians are prepared to take a harder line against violent offenders than their governments. Asked whether there are too many repeat violent offenders being offered bail, a strong majority of Canadians (79 percent) agreed. Polled on whether they agreed with the statement that Canadas justice system is too lenient on offenders who are found to be guilty of committing a violent crime, 78 percent agreed. The findings were based on an online survey with 1,525 Canadians aged 18 and up from June 2 to June 4. When it comes to crime, the top priorities Canadians said they want governments to focus on are violent crimes such as murder and assault (55 percent), followed by illegal firearm possession (41 percent), and drug and substance abuse (37 percent). Catch and Release The poll noted only 32 percent of respondents agree that the nations criminal justice system is firm and fair. [This suggests] a lack of confidence in the systems ability to deliver appropriate and proportional justice, it said. According to the findings, more than two-thirds (68 percent) of Canadians said the countrys approach to bail can be best characterized as a system of catch and release. On May 16, the Liberal government tabled Bill C-48 to reform the bail system. The proposed changes to Canadas criminal code will create a reverse onus such that the defence must now prove why a suspect should get bail instead of the current approach, which mandates prosecutors prove why the suspect shouldnt. The proposed amendments come after months of pressure from provinces and territories to reduce the number of repeat violent offenders who are granted bail. Premiers had unanimously asked Ottawa to expand the reverse-onus provisions. Conservative leader Pierre Poilievre has criticized the Liberals new measures, saying they have not reversed catch and release. The proposed legislation does not guarantee that a repeat violent offender who is newly charged with a violent crime would stay in jail until the sentence is completed, Poilievre said. The Leger poll said that 91 percent of Canadians strongly agree that repeat violent criminal offenders should have their access to bail severely restricted or revoked. On the issue of substance abuse in the country, the survey noted respondents are more supportive of law enforcement and treatment actions to address the issue. These measures include prosecuting those who bring drugs into the community (86 percent), enforcing treatment programs where seriously addicted individuals are required to attend addictions counselling (71 percent), and enacting tougher laws that prohibit serious drug use such as opioids, cocaine, meth, and ecstasy (69 percent). Decriminalization of illegal street drugs (33 percent) and safer supply (48 percent) approaches are less supported, researchers wrote. Tara MacIsaac, Matthew Horwood and Peter Wilson contributed to this report. Man Arrested for Shooting of San Diego Police Officer SAN DIEGOA 30-year-old man was arrested June 14 for allegedly shooting a San Diego Police Department (SDPD) officer last week during a pursuit in a Chollas Creek-area neighborhood. J.C. Blake Sartor of San Diego was taken into custody at about 12:30 p.m. in the 8700 block of Spectrum Center Boulevard in Kearny Mesa, SDPD Chief David Nisleit told news crews during a mid-afternoon briefing. Sartor is expected to face a charge of attempted murder of a peace officer. Nisleit credited the arrest to a phenomenal department-wide effort. I will say thisthis suspects capture is the result of a lot of great investigative police work and tenacity, the police chief told reporters during the news conference at downtown police headquarters. As I told you last week, we would not stop working [on] this case. The events that led to the shooting began shortly after 11 a.m. Thursday, when the officer, whose name has not been made public, spotted a stolen truck being driven on University Avenue near 54th Street and started following it in his cruiser, according to police. A short time later, the suspected auto thief pulled over, got out of the vehicle, and ran off, prompting a foot chase. In the 5200 block of Wightman Avenue, the fleeing man turned and fired on the officer, discharging several rounds and wounding the patrolman in the right arm, police said. The shooter then disappeared into the neighborhood. Despite an intensive multi-agency search that stretched through the day, the assailant was able to escape. The wounded officerwho was recruited by the SDPD in July 2021 and has been on active duty for about six monthsis expected to make a full recovery, the police chief said. Mendicino Grapples to Explain Lack of Bernardo Info Despite His Office, PMO Knowing Public Safety Minister Marco Mendicino speaks during question period in the House of Commons on Oct. 4, 2022. (Sean Kilpatrick/The Canadian Press) Public Safety Minister Marco Mendicinos office said Thursday that it was informed about Paul Bernardos pending prison transfer at several key junctures leading up to the move. That included the office being informally advised in the weeks that followed the transfer decision being made on March 27, it said in a statement. The new details came after Mendicino said Thursday it was unacceptable he was kept in the dark about Bernardos transfer until after it happened. Reporters cornered the minister as questions swirled on Parliament Hill about why he and Prime Minister Justin Trudeau were among the last to know about it, despite their staff being informed months earlier. He acknowledged that the fact he and Trudeau were among the last informed was a challenge, but did not detail why that was the case. The Liberal government was already dealing with fallout from the Correctional Service of Canadas decision to move the convicted killer and serial rapist out of a maximum-security prison in Ontario to a medium-security institution in Quebec. But further controversy erupted this week when the correctional service confirmed it told the ministers office about the possibility of a transfer in early March and again in late May after a date for the move had been set. Trudeaus office said he was briefed on the transfer the day it happened, while Mendicino said he only found out about it a day later. The news that they both found out so late dealt another blow to a government whose ability to manage information has been under intense scrutiny. Labour Minister Seamus ORegan said Thursday that he thinks the government will get through the concerns over information flow, which have largely centered around the handling of intelligence about foreign interference. He and other cabinet ministers voiced trust in their political staff to keep them informed about matters concerning their files. A spokeswomen for Trudeau said the Privy Council Office alerted one of his staffers about the potential move March 2, and the office reached out to Mendicinos office for more information. Audrey Champoux, a spokeswoman for Mendicino, said the ministers office then reached out to the correctional service and received what she described as generic, draft communications products about inmate transfers. Mendicinos office added in a later statement on Thursday afternoon that the reclassification decision that led to the transfer had been made in February. The transfer decision was made on March 27 and the ministers office was informally advised in the weeks that followed, it said. As CSC confirmed, notification in the form of communications products came to the ministers office on May 25 ahead of the May 29 transfer. The Privy Council, which acts as the administrative arm of the prime ministers office, said in a statement late Thursday after the decision to transfer Bernardo was made it requested regular updates and received notification and communication products over the course of May 25 and May 26. Speaking briefly to reporters after appearing before a parliamentary committee studying foreign interference, Mendicino called it unacceptable that he wasnt informed earlier by his staff. Mendicino said he plans to issue a directive to make sure the public safety minister is personally informed when a high-profile inmate is to be transferred and that the correctional service notifies victims in advance of such decisions being made. As far an internal matters, the minister said of his office, Ive dealt with it. He refused to say whether any of his staff have been disciplined. The short answer is, it is unacceptable and my job is to make sure that it doesnt happen again. Opposition MPs continued to press Mendicino to resign during Thursdays question period, and used the incident to charge that he has failed in the handling of other pertinent files, from the closure of alleged Chinese police stations to handling of the Liberals controversial gun legislation, which saw it have to change course amid widespread backlash. Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, who was not in question period, did not respond to reporters when asked if he still has confidence in the minister. In the House, Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre also challenged the Liberal government to support a private members bill from an Ontario Tory MP that proposes to change the rules so that convicted murderers with multiple victims must serve out their entire sentences in maximum security. Government House leader Mark Holland said Bernardos transfer remains under review by the correctional service. He said despite Canadians understandable outrage over his transfer to a medium-security prison, it is important not to politicize the countrys prison system, which operates independently of government. Bernardo is serving a life sentence for the kidnapping, sexual abuse and murders of 15-year-old Kristen French and 14-year-old Leslie Mahaffy in the early 1990s. He has admitted to sexually assaulting 14 other women and was convicted of manslaughter in the death of Tammy Homolka, who died after being drugged and sexually assaulted. Tammy was the 15-year-old sister of Bernardos then-wife Karla Homolka, who was released in 2005 after completing a 12-year sentence for her role in the crimes committed against French and Mahaffy. Tim Danson, a lawyer for their families, said that this week marks the anniversary of Mahaffys abduction and murder. He said the victims relatives want the correctional services decision reversed. Mary Campbell, a former longtime public servant who retired from her role in the Public Safety Department in 2013, said she views the controversy around Mendicino not being informed by his staff of Bernardos pending transfer as a snafu. She said the reason a process exists within corrections to alert the ministers office about situations involving high-profile offenders is so as to not catch a minister off guard. The process should have worked just fine. Campbell said Thursday that having worked under 14 ministers she had never seen one have to issue a directive that said: Please tell me important things. Im completely at a loss, she added. The federal corrections service has been clear that the public safety minister and their staffers have no say over decisions around the transfer of inmates or the security classifications they receive, both of which are governed by laws covering the prison system. Corrections spokesman Kevin Antonucci said such decisions are made through applying criteria like an offenders risk of escape and adjustments to a facility. Both Poilievre and Danson have suggested the public safety minister could force Bernardo back into maximum-security prison by issuing the kind of ministerial directive that he said he would use to ensure better communication. Tom Engel, president of the Canadian Prison Law Association, penned an open letter to the minister Thursday, saying his comments to date about Bernardos transfer have been inappropriate. Fundamentally, what is inappropriate is for you, or any other politician, to be commenting on a specific decision of the Correctional Service of Canada, the letter read. The letter continued: We do not choose a persons security level based solely on the severity of their offences and we certainly do not keep them in maximum security based on this factor alone. Nor does the sentencing judge decide what a persons security level is going to be when they are convicted and sentenced. Public Safety Minister Marco Mendicinos office said Thursday that it was informed about Paul Bernardos pending prison transfer at several key junctures leading up to the move. That included the office being informally advised in the weeks that followed the transfer decision being made on March 27, it said in a statement. The new details came after Mendicino said Thursday it was unacceptable he was kept in the dark about Bernardos transfer until after it happened. Reporters cornered the minister as questions swirled on Parliament Hill about why he and Prime Minister Justin Trudeau were among the last to know about it, despite their staff being informed months earlier. He acknowledged that the fact he and Trudeau were among the last informed was a challenge, but did not detail why that was the case. The Liberal government was already dealing with fallout from the Correctional Service of Canadas decision to move the convicted killer and serial rapist out of a maximum-security prison in Ontario to a medium-security institution in Quebec. But further controversy erupted this week when the correctional service confirmed it told the ministers office about the possibility of a transfer in early March and again in late May after a date for the move had been set. Trudeaus office said he was briefed on the transfer the day it happened, while Mendicino said he only found out about it a day later. The news that they both found out so late dealt another blow to a government whose ability to manage information has been under intense scrutiny. Labour Minister Seamus ORegan said Thursday that he thinks the government will get through the concerns over information flow, which have largely centered around the handling of intelligence about foreign interference. He and other cabinet ministers voiced trust in their political staff to keep them informed about matters concerning their files. A spokeswomen for Trudeau said the Privy Council Office alerted one of his staffers about the potential move March 2, and the office reached out to Mendicinos office for more information. Audrey Champoux, a spokeswoman for Mendicino, said the ministers office then reached out to the correctional service and received what she described as generic, draft communications products about inmate transfers. Mendicinos office added in a later statement on Thursday afternoon that the reclassification decision that led to the transfer had been made in February. The transfer decision was made on March 27 and the ministers office was informally advised in the weeks that followed, it said. As CSC confirmed, notification in the form of communications products came to the ministers office on May 25 ahead of the May 29 transfer. The Privy Council, which acts as the administrative arm of the prime ministers office, said in a statement late Thursday after the decision to transfer Bernardo was made it requested regular updates and received notification and communication products over the course of May 25 and May 26. Speaking briefly to reporters after appearing before a parliamentary committee studying foreign interference, Mendicino called it unacceptable that he wasnt informed earlier by his staff. Mendicino said he plans to issue a directive to make sure the public safety minister is personally informed when a high-profile inmate is to be transferred and that the correctional service notifies victims in advance of such decisions being made. As far an internal matters, the minister said of his office, Ive dealt with it. He refused to say whether any of his staff have been disciplined. The short answer is, it is unacceptable and my job is to make sure that it doesnt happen again. Opposition MPs continued to press Mendicino to resign during Thursdays question period, and used the incident to charge that he has failed in the handling of other pertinent files, from the closure of alleged Chinese police stations to handling of the Liberals controversial gun legislation, which saw it have to change course amid widespread backlash. Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, who was not in question period, did not respond to reporters when asked if he still has confidence in the minister. In the House, Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre also challenged the Liberal government to support a private members bill from an Ontario Tory MP that proposes to change the rules so that convicted murderers with multiple victims must serve out their entire sentences in maximum security. Government House leader Mark Holland said Bernardos transfer remains under review by the correctional service. He said despite Canadians understandable outrage over his transfer to a medium-security prison, it is important not to politicize the countrys prison system, which operates independently of government. Bernardo is serving a life sentence for the kidnapping, sexual abuse and murders of 15-year-old Kristen French and 14-year-old Leslie Mahaffy in the early 1990s. He has admitted to sexually assaulting 14 other women and was convicted of manslaughter in the death of Tammy Homolka, who died after being drugged and sexually assaulted. Tammy was the 15-year-old sister of Bernardos then-wife Karla Homolka, who was released in 2005 after completing a 12-year sentence for her role in the crimes committed against French and Mahaffy. Tim Danson, a lawyer for their families, said that this week marks the anniversary of Mahaffys abduction and murder. He said the victims relatives want the correctional services decision reversed. Mary Campbell, a former longtime public servant who retired from her role in the Public Safety Department in 2013, said she views the controversy around Mendicino not being informed by his staff of Bernardos pending transfer as a snafu. She said the reason a process exists within corrections to alert the ministers office about situations involving high-profile offenders is so as to not catch a minister off guard. The process should have worked just fine. Campbell said Thursday that having worked under 14 ministers she had never seen one have to issue a directive that said: Please tell me important things. Im completely at a loss, she added. The federal corrections service has been clear that the public safety minister and their staffers have no say over decisions around the transfer of inmates or the security classifications they receive, both of which are governed by laws covering the prison system. Corrections spokesman Kevin Antonucci said such decisions are made through applying criteria like an offenders risk of escape and adjustments to a facility. Both Poilievre and Danson have suggested the public safety minister could force Bernardo back into maximum-security prison by issuing the kind of ministerial directive that he said he would use to ensure better communication. Tom Engel, president of the Canadian Prison Law Association, penned an open letter to the minister Thursday, saying his comments to date about Bernardos transfer have been inappropriate. Fundamentally, what is inappropriate is for you, or any other politician, to be commenting on a specific decision of the Correctional Service of Canada, the letter read. The letter continued: We do not choose a persons security level based solely on the severity of their offences and we certainly do not keep them in maximum security based on this factor alone. Nor does the sentencing judge decide what a persons security level is going to be when they are convicted and sentenced. Michael Zwaagstra: The School You Attend Impacts You for a Lifetime Commentary As the school year winds down, many high school graduates are looking forward to their first year of post-secondary education in the fall. Everyone knows that some universities are better than others. Thats why students compete fiercely to get admitted to top-tier universities. A degree from a prestigious institution opens far more doors than the same degree from a lesser-known institution. We cannot pretend that these differences dont exist. And yet, when it comes to K12 education, we often hear that one public school is as good as another. How else are we to interpret the fierce opposition of teacher unions to any type of school ranking? As far as unions are concerned, the solution to all things ailing public education is to pour more money into the system. The last thing they want to hear is that some schools are better than others. However, the notion that all public schools are equally good at educating students is demonstrably false. For example, research conducted by John Hattie, director of the Melbourne Education Research Institute at the University of Melbourne, shows that the quality of teachers has a huge impact on student achievement. Schools with high-quality teachers produce superior outcomes to those with lower-quality teachers. And now we know that these superior outcomes arent temporary; the effects do not fade over time. In fact, according to new research by Jennifer Manly and Dominika Seblova from Columbia University, the benefits of attending a better school last a lifetime. Manly and Seblova examined more than 2,000 adults who attended high school in the 1960s and found that people who attended higher-quality schools (defined primarily as schools with a higher number of teachers with graduate training) performed better in tests of cognitive function later in life than those who attended lower-quality schools. In other words, the impact of a good education can still be observed many decades later. Obviously, theres much more to a good school than simply ensuring that teachers have graduate training. In a literature review on teacher effectiveness, Rodney Clifton, professor emeritus at the University of Manitoba, notes that effective teachers ensure that curricula are coherent and consistently taught, enforce fair and consistent classroom policies, ensure students remain on-task, and are well-educated in the disciplines they teach. The schools with the highest number of effective teachers are most likely to provide students with a quality education. Sadly, in far too many cases a familys postal code determines the quality of school their children attend. The implications are sobering, since we now know that attending a lower-quality school potentially puts students at a disadvantage for their entire life. Hence the push by teacher unions to spend more money on public education. However, before we rush to open the spending taps, remember that while countries that spend the least on education do indeed improve education outcomes when spending is increased, the same cannot be said about wealthier countries such as Canada. In fact, when we compare student achievement among provinces, theres no correlation between academic achievement and higher per-student spending. In this case, we must keep the main point in mind. Our goal should be to ensure that all students, particularly those from disadvantaged backgrounds, can attend high-quality schools. Wealthy parents wont let their children languish in low-quality public schoolsthey will either move to a different neighbourhood or enroll their children in an independent school where they can be assured of a high-quality education. Unfortunately, poor parents have fewer options since often they cannot afford to move, and they find it difficult to pay for school tuition at independent schoolseven though many non-elite independent schools have relatively modest tuition fees. As a result, they remain in failing schools and the cycle continues. Its time we break the cycle. Provinces should make it possible for students to attend the schools of their choice, whether thats a public school, charter school or independent school. In other words, let the money follow the student to virtually any school the parents choose. This way parents can ensure their children receive a good education early in life. All parents in Canada, not just those with large bank accounts, should be able to get a quality education for their children. The benefits of this approach will last a lifetime. Michael Zwaagstra is a public high school teacher and a senior fellow with the Fraser Institute. Views expressed in this article are the opinions of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views of The Epoch Times. This stitched aerial photo taken on June 6, 2023 shows a corner of Hankou historical area in Wuhan, central China's Hubei Province. Covering an area of 6.02 square kilometers, the Hankou historical area in the heart of Wuhan City's old town, boasts an abundance of historical and cultural heritages. In recent years, Wuhan City has undertaken many urban renewal projects to revitalize this area's aging buildings. The historical area has seen significant changes through those efforts. (Xinhua/Wu Zhizun) Tourists visit a building in Hankou historical area of Wuhan, central China's Hubei Province, June 6, 2023. Covering an area of 6.02 square kilometers, the Hankou historical area in the heart of Wuhan City's old town, boasts an abundance of historical and cultural heritages. In recent years, Wuhan City has undertaken many urban renewal projects to revitalize this area's aging buildings. The historical area has seen significant changes through those efforts. (Xinhua/Wu Zhizun) Tourists walk on Jianghan Road, a signature pedestrian street of Hankou historical area, in Wuhan, central China's Hubei Province, June 15, 2023. Covering an area of 6.02 square kilometers, the Hankou historical area in the heart of Wuhan City's old town, boasts an abundance of historical and cultural heritages. In recent years, Wuhan City has undertaken many urban renewal projects to revitalize this area's aging buildings. The historical area has seen significant changes through those efforts. (Xinhua/Wu Zhizun) Tourists take photos in front of Bagong's House, a century-old historical building, in Hankou historical area of Wuhan, central China's Hubei Province, June 6, 2023. Covering an area of 6.02 square kilometers, the Hankou historical area in the heart of Wuhan City's old town, boasts an abundance of historical and cultural heritages. In recent years, Wuhan City has undertaken many urban renewal projects to revitalize this area's aging buildings. The historical area has seen significant changes through those efforts. (Xinhua/Wu Zhizun) A tourist visits Jiqing Street of Hankou historical area in Wuhan, central China's Hubei Province, June 6, 2023. Covering an area of 6.02 square kilometers, the Hankou historical area in the heart of Wuhan City's old town, boasts an abundance of historical and cultural heritages. In recent years, Wuhan City has undertaken many urban renewal projects to revitalize this area's aging buildings. The historical area has seen significant changes through those efforts. (Xinhua/Wu Zhizun) Tourists visit Lihuangpi Street of Hankou historical area in Wuhan, central China's Hubei Province, June 6, 2023. Covering an area of 6.02 square kilometers, the Hankou historical area in the heart of Wuhan City's old town, boasts an abundance of historical and cultural heritages. In recent years, Wuhan City has undertaken many urban renewal projects to revitalize this area's aging buildings. The historical area has seen significant changes through those efforts. (Xinhua/Wu Zhizun) This aerial stitched photo taken on June 6, 2023 shows the Hankow Customs House in Wuhan, central China's Hubei Province. Covering an area of 6.02 square kilometers, the Hankou historical area in the heart of Wuhan City's old town, boasts an abundance of historical and cultural heritages. In recent years, Wuhan City has undertaken many urban renewal projects to revitalize this area's aging buildings. The historical area has seen significant changes through those efforts. (Xinhua/Wu Zhizun) Tourists visit Lihuangpi Street of Hankou historical area in Wuhan, central China's Hubei Province, June 6, 2023. Covering an area of 6.02 square kilometers, the Hankou historical area in the heart of Wuhan City's old town, boasts an abundance of historical and cultural heritages. In recent years, Wuhan City has undertaken many urban renewal projects to revitalize this area's aging buildings. The historical area has seen significant changes through those efforts. (Xinhua/Wu Zhizun) Tourists visit Lihuangpi Street of Hankou historical area in Wuhan, central China's Hubei Province, June 6, 2023. Covering an area of 6.02 square kilometers, the Hankou historical area in the heart of Wuhan City's old town, boasts an abundance of historical and cultural heritages. In recent years, Wuhan City has undertaken many urban renewal projects to revitalize this area's aging buildings. The historical area has seen significant changes through those efforts. (Xinhua/Wu Zhizun) Tourists visit Jiqing Street of Hankou historical area in Wuhan, central China's Hubei Province, June 6, 2023. Covering an area of 6.02 square kilometers, the Hankou historical area in the heart of Wuhan City's old town, boasts an abundance of historical and cultural heritages. In recent years, Wuhan City has undertaken many urban renewal projects to revitalize this area's aging buildings. The historical area has seen significant changes through those efforts. (Xinhua/Wu Zhizun) This stitched aerial photo taken on June 6, 2023 shows a view of Hankou historical area in Wuhan, central China's Hubei Province. Covering an area of 6.02 square kilometers, the Hankou historical area in the heart of Wuhan City's old town, boasts an abundance of historical and cultural heritages. In recent years, Wuhan City has undertaken many urban renewal projects to revitalize this area's aging buildings. The historical area has seen significant changes through those efforts. (Xinhua/Wu Zhizun) A tourist visits Hankou historical area in Wuhan, central China's Hubei Province, June 6, 2023. Covering an area of 6.02 square kilometers, the Hankou historical area in the heart of Wuhan City's old town, boasts an abundance of historical and cultural heritages. In recent years, Wuhan City has undertaken many urban renewal projects to revitalize this area's aging buildings. The historical area has seen significant changes through those efforts. (Xinhua/Wu Zhizun) This aerial photo taken on June 6, 2023 shows the Hankow Customs House in Wuhan, central China's Hubei Province. Covering an area of 6.02 square kilometers, the Hankou historical area in the heart of Wuhan City's old town, boasts an abundance of historical and cultural heritages. In recent years, Wuhan City has undertaken many urban renewal projects to revitalize this area's aging buildings. The historical area has seen significant changes through those efforts. (Xinhua/Wu Zhizun) This aerial photo taken on June 6, 2023 shows a corner of Hankou historical area in Wuhan, central China's Hubei Province. Covering an area of 6.02 square kilometers, the Hankou historical area in the heart of Wuhan City's old town, boasts an abundance of historical and cultural heritages. In recent years, Wuhan City has undertaken many urban renewal projects to revitalize this area's aging buildings. The historical area has seen significant changes through those efforts. (Xinhua/Wu Zhizun) This aerial photo taken on June 6, 2023 shows a corner of Hankou historical area in Wuhan, central China's Hubei Province. Covering an area of 6.02 square kilometers, the Hankou historical area in the heart of Wuhan City's old town, boasts an abundance of historical and cultural heritages. In recent years, Wuhan City has undertaken many urban renewal projects to revitalize this area's aging buildings. The historical area has seen significant changes through those efforts. (Xinhua/Wu Zhizun) Tourists visit Qingdao Street of Hankou historical area in Wuhan, central China's Hubei Province, June 6, 2023. Covering an area of 6.02 square kilometers, the Hankou historical area in the heart of Wuhan City's old town, boasts an abundance of historical and cultural heritages. In recent years, Wuhan City has undertaken many urban renewal projects to revitalize this area's aging buildings. The historical area has seen significant changes through those efforts. (Xinhua/Wu Zhizun) This photo taken on June 6, 2023 shows a railway station of Hankou historical area in Wuhan, central China's Hubei Province. Covering an area of 6.02 square kilometers, the Hankou historical area in the heart of Wuhan City's old town, boasts an abundance of historical and cultural heritages. In recent years, Wuhan City has undertaken many urban renewal projects to revitalize this area's aging buildings. The historical area has seen significant changes through those efforts. (Xinhua/Wu Zhizun) Motion to Censure Adam Schiff Defeated in Bipartisan Vote Committee member Rep. Adam Schiff (D-Calif.) speaks during the fourth of eight planned public hearings of the House January 6 committee, on Capitol Hill in Washington on June 21, 2022. (Jonathan Ernst/Reuters) A motion to censure Rep. Adam Schiff (D-Calif.) was defeated in a bipartisan vote on June 14 in the House of Representatives. The motion, brought to the floor by Rep. Anna Paulina Luna (R-Fla.), is the latest episode in a long-running GOP feud with the California Democrat. The measure was defeated in a 2251967 vote on a motion to table Lunas resolution, which received support from both parties, including 20 Republicans voting against the resolution, as well as five GOP and two Democratic abstentions. The resolution cited a series of allegations of misconduct and abuse of authority by Schiff, particularly regarding his role in the investigations of collusion between President Donald Trump and Russia, and his efforts to impeach Trump. Following the vote, Schiff seemed unfazed, saying that House Speaker Kevin McCarthy (R-Calif.) took up the resolution to gratify the MAGA people. This is a predominantly MAGA problem, Schiff told The Epoch Times. [McCarthy] has lost control of his conference. And so to gratify the MAGA people, he has to take up resolutions like this. And you know were seeing the downward spiral of the House, which is terrible for the institution. Schiff suggested that the true purpose behind Lunas resolution is that Trump and his MAGA supporters see me as a threat. Luna, for her part, expressed shock at the results of the vote, saying that the Republicans who voted against the motion would have to answer for their vote. Theyre gonna have to respond on that, Luna told The Epoch Times. I think they probably didnt read the bill, because theres a lot of my colleagues down there that were shocked that 20 people would even do that. And so I think right now, you guys will see exactly who they are. Luna reported that after the vote failed, she went over to Schiff on the House floor promising that the measure would be taken up again in the future. The 20 Republicans who voted to table the motion included Reps. Kelly Armstrong (R-N.D.), Lori Chavez-DeRemer (R-Ore.), Juan Ciscomani (R-Ariz.), Tom Cole (R-Okla.), Warren Davidson (R-Ohio), Brian Fitzpatrick (R-Pa.), Kay Granger (R-Texas), Garret Graves (R-La.), Thomas Kean (R-N.J.), Kevin Kiley (R-Calif.), Young Kim (R-Calif.), Mike Lawler (R-N.Y.), Thomas Massie (R-Ky.), Tom McClintock (R-Calif.), Marcus Molinaro (R-N.Y.), Jay Obernolte (R-Calif.), Mike Simpson (R-Idaho), Mike Turner (R-Ohio), David Valadao (R-Calif.), and Steve Womack (R-Ark.). 20 Republicans voted w/ Dems to stop the ethics investigation, censure, & fine of Adam Schiff, Luna posted on Twitter after the vote. So there is no confusion (as some did not accurately read the bill) I will be filing a privileged motion to censure & send Schiff to ethics for investigation. See you next week Adam. The Allegations Lunas resolution lists a series of Republican complaints with Schiff, including his insistence on a now-debunked claim that Trump colluded with Russia in order to win the 2016 election. Schiff has nevertheless maintained that collusion did happen, despite the conclusion of the Durham report that no such collusion took place. Schiff, who formerly served as the top Democrat on the House Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence [HPSCI], was accused of betraying this [position] of extreme trust by purposely [deceiving] his committee, Congress, and the American people through his representation of false evidence of Russian collusiona claim that Luna noted ultimately cost the federal government and the taxpayer $32 million. Luna also referenced Schiffs role in a Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act (FISA) warrant against Carter Page, a Trump associate. Former Trump campaign adviser Carter Page at the CPAC convention in National Harbor, Md., on Feb. 27, 2020. (Brendon Fallon/The Epoch Times) Schiff once again [abused] his privileged access to classified information by composing a false memo justifying the [FISA] warrant application on Trump associate Carter Page, which Inspector General [Michael] Horowitz later found was riddled with 17 major mistakes and omissions, provoking FISA Court Presiding Judge Rosemary Collyer to state unequivocally that the Federal Bureau of Investigation mislead the FISC [Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Court, a FISA watchdog]. By publicly smearing Carter Page as a Russian collaborator and justifying spurious investigations of him, Representative Schiff contributed to the gross violation of a United States citizens civil liberties, thereby committing the very abuses HPSCI is tasked with identifying and thwarting, Luna wrote. Luna also said Schiff behaved dishonestly and dishonorably on many other occasions, including his denial that his staff coordinated with a whistleblower to launch the first impeachment effort against Trump. As part of the same effort, Schiff was also accused of reciting a false, concocted rendition of a phone call between President Trump and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy. Schiff has also been found in the past to have doctored cell phone conversations between former White House Chief of Staff Mark Meadows and Rep. Jim Jordan (R-Ohio) as part of the now-defunct House Select Committee on the Jan. 6 Attack on the U.S. Capitols probe into the events of the day. Luna has also introduced a separate resolution to expel Schiff from Congress. MPs Conclude Boris Johnson Committed Repeated Contempts of Parliament Boris Johnson giving evidence to the Privileges Committee at the House of Commons, London, on March 22, 2023. (House of Commons/UK Parliament via PA Media) Former Prime Minister Boris Johnson committed repeated contempts of Parliament that merited a 90-day suspension, a cross-party committee of MPs has concluded. In its final report on the Partygate scandal, published on Thursday, the House of Commons Privileges Committee said, If Mr. Johnson were still a member he should be suspended from the service of the House for 90 days for repeated contempt and for seeking to undermine the parliamentary process. In addition to deliberately misleading Parliament over illegal parties held in Downing Street during COVID-19 lockdowns, Johnson has also been found guilty of attempting to undermine the democratic process and being complicit in the campaign of abuse and attempted intimidation of the committee. A photograph obtained by ITV News of former Prime Minister Boris Johnson at a leaving party in Downing Street, London, on Nov. 13. 2020. (ITV/PA Media) The recommended suspension far exceeded the 10-day threshold which, if approved by the wider House of Commons, could have led to a recall petition in his Uxbridge and South Ruislip constituency. Though his resignation means he will escape the punishment, the committee recommended that he should be barred from having a parliament pass, which is normally available to former MPs. The former prime minister hit out at what he called a deranged conclusion, accusing the committee of lying. He called the committee beneath contempt and claimed its 14-month investigation had delivered what is intended to be the final knife-thrust in a protracted political assassination. Partygate Denials The Privileges Committee, which is led by Labour MP Harriet Harman but has a Conservative majority, has been investigating whether Johnson misled Parliament when he repeatedly claimed that COVID-19 rules had been followed at all times in Downing Street. The former PM accepted that he misled MPs when he said there had been no parties in breach of COVID-19 rules, but insisted that he made the denials in good faith based on the information he had at the time. In its report, the Privileges Committee wrote, We conclude that when he told the House and this committee that the rules and guidance were being complied with, his own knowledge was such that he deliberately misled the House and this committee. It added, We came to the view that some of Mr. Johnsons denials and explanations were so disingenuous that they were by their very nature deliberate attempts to mislead the committee and the House, while others demonstrated deliberation because of the frequency with which he closed his mind to the truth. The committee dismissed Johnsons argument that mid-pandemic staff leaving dos were essential to maintain staff morale, noting they attracted police fines while the rules would have been clear to him. A workplace thank you, leaving drink, birthday celebration or motivational event is obviously neither essential nor reasonably necessary, the MPs wrote. That belief, which he continues to assert, has no reasonable basis in the rules or on the facts. They criticised his persistence in arguing an unsustainable interpretation of the rules to argue events were permissible as being disingenuous and a retrospective contrivance to mislead. Abuse and Attempted Intimidation Johnson quit as an MP on June 9, accusing the committee of trying to drive him out of Parliament and calling its investigation into the Partygate scandal a kangaroo court. He claimed the probe has been a witch hunt intended to take revenge for Brexit and ultimately to reverse the 2016 referendum result, despite the fact that the Privileges Committee has a Tory majority and includes arch-Brexiteer Sir Bernard Jenkin. Johnsons loyal allies joined him in the attacks on the committee, with Jacob Rees-Mogg calling the probe clearly partisan and biased. The committee found that Johnson breached confidentiality requirements in his resignation statement by criticising the committees provisional findings. Mr. Johnsons conduct in making this statement is in itself a very serious contempt, the report said. The MPs accused Johnson of impugning the committee and thereby undermining the democratic process of the House and being complicit in the campaign of abuse and attempted intimidation of the committee. Dreadful Day Attacking the committees findings, Johnson said: This is rubbish. It is a lie. This is a dreadful day for MPs and for democracy. Commenting on the report, Liberal Democrat leader Sir Ed Davey described Johnson as a liar and law-breaker. Hes treated the public with utter disdain, Davey posted on Twitter. And while these Conservatives fight among themselves again, the country suffers. People are fed up. Rishi Sunak should call a general election and give people the chance to end this charade. PA Media contributed to this report. Music Publishers Sue Twitter for $250 Million Over Alleged Copyright Infringement The Twitter logo on the exterior of Twitter headquarters in San Francisco, Calif., on Oct. 28, 2022. (Constanza Hevia/AFP via Getty Images) Twitter has been sued by the National Music Publishers Association (NMPA) for alleged copyright violations involving nearly 1,700 songs. The lawsuit (pdf) was filed in federal court in the Federal District Court in Nashville, Tennessee, on June 14 by NMPA on behalf of 17 major and independent music publishing companies including Universal Music Publishing Group, Sony Music Publishing, BMG Rights Management, and more. Elon Musks X Corp and Twitter are listed as defendants. Plaintiffs are seeking more than $250 million in damages and injunctive relief for what they say is Twitters willful copyright infringement. Twitter fuels its business with countless infringing copies of musical compositions, violating Publishers and others exclusive rights under copyright law. While numerous Twitter competitors recognize the need for proper licenses and agreements for the use of musical compositions on their platforms, Twitter does not, and instead breeds massive copyright infringement that harms music creators, the plaintiffs wrote. The plaintiffs went on to state that the social media platform, which was purchased by billionaire Elon Musk last year for $44 billion, is rife with copyright infringement, noting that this had also been the case prior to Musks takeover. Twitter has engaged in, knowingly facilitated, and profited from copyright infringement, at the expense of music creators, to whom Twitter pays nothing, they wrote, adding that there is a vibrant existing market for social media companies to pay fees for the use of musical compositions. Plaintiffs further claimed that a string of other social media companies, including TikTok, Facebook, Instagram, YouTube, and Snapchat have entered into agreements with publishers and other rights holders to compensate creators for their musical work. Twitter Profits Handsomely From Infringements Twitter knows perfectly well that neither it nor users of the Twitter platform have secured licenses for the rampant use of music being made on its platform, they wrote, adding that the social media platform profits handsomely from its infringement of Publishers repertoires of musical compositions. The lawsuit comes after the International Federation of the Phonographic Industry (IFPI) said in February last year that Twitter remains a significant concern to the music industry. Twitter stores and gives the public access to a large amount of copyright-protected content and is a major platform for distributing infringing music content, both audio, and video, the IFPI said in an EU Counterfeit and Piracy Watchlist submission at the time. Due to the social nature of Twitter, its volume of users and ease of access, the platform can be, and is used to share and distribute infringing material rapidly and on a massive scale, and the ability to re-tweet serves to amplify the damage that is caused by such infringements, the organization, which represents the interests of the recording industry, wrote. Along with depriving publishers and songwriters of their hard-earned, deserved income, the June 14 lawsuit claims that Twitters conduct also gives it an unfair advantage over competitors who pay for music licenses. Twitter Can No Longer Hide The plaintiffs also claim that the situation with Twitter has not improved under new leadership and that instead, Twitters internal affairs regarding matters pertinent to this case are in disarray. Despite the general rise in infringement notices Twitter received over the last several years, Twitter chose to significantly reduce several of its critical departments involved with content review and policing terms of service violations, including both the legal and the trust and safety teams, they wrote. Public reports indicate that Twitter has fewer than 2,000 remaining employees out of the over 7,500 employees that Twitter had at the time of the change of control in October 2022. Musk has initiated mass layoffs since taking over Twitter last year, a move he has repeatedly defended, stating that the platform was losing over $4 million a day. Earlier this month, the businessman, who previously admitted to having a grueling work schedule as the new owner of Twitter, stepped down as CEO of the platform. Linda Yaccarino, the former head of advertising at NBCUniversal, was named as his replacement. In a statement to NME, David Israelite, President of the NMPA, said: Twitter stands alone as the largest social media platform that has completely refused to license the millions of songs on its service. Twitter knows full well that music is leaked, launched, and streamed by billions of people every day on its platform. No longer can it hide behind the DMCA and refuse to pay songwriters and music publishers, he added. Twitter responded to The Epoch Times request for comment with an emoji. Faith and traditional truths can foster the understanding of 'our identity as Gods sons and daughters,' she says A stay-at-home mom of five is making a statement about womanhood by wearing beautiful dresses every single day. Her wardrobe reflects her core values of femininity, modesty, and her worth as a wife and mother, plus, she insists, its comfortable! Megan Madden, 32, a full-time homeschooling mom and author, is married to Josh Madden, 34, a lecturer in theology at Oxford University in England, where they live. Megan and Josh parent five children together, four daughters aged 10, 6, 3, and 1, and a son, aged 8. Motherhood doesnt mean falling apart or losing our identity as women. In fact, through it we can find ourselves in a brand new way, Megan told The Epoch Times. So often were told to harden, push aside our emotions and feminine qualities to compete and be like men. But I would argue that the world needs women to be who women are, and that in that comes a deep residing peace in our identity. Our faith has also fostered our understanding of our identity as Gods sons and daughters. The biblical and traditional truths about femininity and masculinity can help us to understand our particular gifts and what we can so beautifully give to the world as men and women. Megans first book, Mary, Teach Me To Be Your Daughter, is coming out later in 2023 with Ascension Press. Megan Madden, 32, is a full-time homeschooling mom and author. (Courtesy of Megan Madden) Megan Madden with her husband, Josh Madden, a lecturer in theology at Oxford University in England, and their five children. (Courtesy of Megan Madden) Megan, who is currently pregnant with their sixth child, shares her family life on Instagram and hopes that her dresses exemplify the idea that timeless femininity is very much compatible with modern-day motherhood. She receives a lot of feedback, both positive and negative. Early on in her dress-wearing journey, Megan was out running errands with three of her children when an older man at a cash register commented, You look so nice, what are you so dressed up for? Megan said, Thank you, Im just dressing for my day as a mom. The man replied that it was beautiful, and he wished more women would do so. Megan decided to start dressing with care, not only for herself, but to show her kids the value of caring for your body and that motherhood is beautiful. (Courtesy of Megan Madden) Megan says her modest, vintage-inspired dresses have become her mom-uniform. (Courtesy of Megan Madden) Ive had little stories like this happen all the time. Its amazing what a simple dress can speak, she said. Its not that I want to be perceived as a 1950s housewife or in an inauthentic way. Instead, I hope to show the beauty of motherhood in our modern timesthat timeless femininity doesnt have to be lost in the sight of modernity and the comfort of athleisure. I do think beauty and modesty go hand in hand. This is why I was so initially attracted to these more vintage style dresses that captured beauty, feminine curves in a lovely way, and covered what is appropriate to cover. I value modesty because of the inherent goodness of the body, in recognition of my own dignityveiling what is sacred for the sake of it, while not being afraid of, well, beauty. The Value of Caring for Your Body The couple had their first baby on Oct. 20, 2012, and Megan says she was completely consumed in motherhood in the best of ways. Yet, as a new mom, she found getting dressed difficult and forewent some of her formerly favorite self-care routines such as painting her nails or wearing makeup. After about six months, I had this moment where I looked in the mirror and didnt recognize myself, she said. I was wearing leggings and big T-shirts with no makeup and a mom bun. It was survival-mom mode, which happens in different seasons and there is no shame in that, but I knew I didnt feel myself. Megan decided to start dressing with care not only for herself but to show her kids the value of caring for your body and that motherhood is beautiful. Wearing elegant-yet-modest dresses changed Megans disposition as a woman in ways she never thought possible. (Courtesy of Megan Madden) During Joshs graduate studies and early career, they lived in Austria and Poland, where Megan honed her personal style. Struck by the lovely mothers who were beautifully put together but with a certain simplicity and ease, she started to build a small, intentional capsule wardrobe of dresses made from sustainable materials. I no longer have a single pair of jeans in my closet. I simply stopped reaching for them! she said. My Mom-Uniform Today, Megan wears elegant, modest, vintage-inspired dresses every single day. Doing so has changed her disposition as a woman in ways she never thought possible. Its changed the way I sit, the way I carry myself, and my productivity in my day, she said. The reason I gravitate to more vintage cuts is because those styles of dresses are made with more material, so that playing on the floor with my little ones, for instance, is completely doable; my skirt floats out. I have certain dresses that are more casual for days of long walks or more activity, and others that are a bit dressier that I dont hesitate to wear for errands. In a sense, dresses have become my mom-uniform. Theyre a quick outfit that makes me feel put together, ready for my day, and dressed in a way that shows the dignity of my work as a stay-at-home mom. The couple had decided prior to their marriage that Josh would be the main provider and Megan would stay in the home and raise their children. (Courtesy of Megan Madden) Megan believes that the ages-old concept of a mother staying home should be normalized once again, and certainly supported. (Courtesy of Megan Madden) Megans interest in womanhood was sparked in her 20s while studying for a degree in political science. She started out researching womens rights in the Middle East since she has Middle Eastern heritage and, after moving to Austria in 2017, took up graduate courses in marriage and family studies. Sadly, during this time, Megan suffered miscarriages but found comfort between the pages of books by women writers such as Edith Stein, Gertrude von le Fort, and Alice von Hildebrand. [They] held traditional values while still articulating the dignity and value of woman: equal in dignity to man, but complementary in nature, Megan said. In light of those studies, I truly believe the heart of woman is her maternal nature. (Courtesy of Megan Madden) Grounded in Faith High school sweethearts Megan and Josh, who married in 2011, are governed by their Catholic faith in everything they do, and, as part of exercising her maternal nature, Megan agreed with Josh that they would homeschool their children. She said: I knew that if I were married Id want to be a mother, and if I were a mother Id want many children, and if I had many children I would want to be with them, present to them, and not miss a moment. Because of this, we decided prior to marriage that Josh would be the main provider so that I could stay in the home and raise our children. With that being said, Josh is the kind of father who wants to be with his family and children as much as possible. He pours himself into his work as a theologian and simultaneously finds a way to serve all of us every day we are truly a team in raising the children and being present to them, she said. (Courtesy of Megan Madden) Since Megan and her family travel often, Megan has integrated bookwork and real-world experiences into her kids homeschool education, such as visiting Roman ruins in England after studying Roman history, and strolling through the National Gallery after learning about art. Best of all, the beautifully-dressed mom claims her kids are each others best friends. Theyve never shown interest in attending a traditional school, weve been blessed with a great community of friends and social opportunities, and I am able to essentially be a private tutor to them, fostering all the areas of interest and slowing down in any challenging areas, said Megan, who says the best part of being a stay-at-home mom is watching the children become who they were made to be with their individual personalities, thoughts, talents, and dreams. (Courtesy of Megan Madden) Everything in life worth something comes with challenges, says Megan, who finds it bizarre that a woman who wants to raise children, be a homemaker, and wear dresses is considered a traditional wife by todays standards. She said, I would never say across the board what a woman should do, because there are circumstances where another path is best for the common good of the family. But I do think a mother staying home should be normalized once again, and certainly supported. Though we may not see the fruits of it right away, fostering life, guiding, and bringing up children is pivotal to the good of the culture. Secondarily, the way we present ourselves as mothers communicates to the world something of who we are, our hearts, and our disposition to our work. Yes, I had all these babies. No, I didnt fall apart. See, you can do it too! Arsh Sarao contributed to this report. 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 TheEpochTimes.com/newsletter Nevadas GOP Governor Signs Bill Requiring Health Insurance to Cover Transgender Surgery Nevada Gov. Joe Lombardo arrives at an event in Las Vegas on April 13, 2023. (Ethan Miller/Getty Images) Nevada Gov. Joe Lombardo, a Republican, signed a law on June 12 that requires health insurance companies to cover all transgender surgeries, defying the national trend of GOP governors who oppose the practice. While six state legislatures with Democrat majorities, including Nevadas, have approved legislation in favor of transgender medical procedures and policies, Lombardos signature comes as Republican governors in other states have signed legislation that bar transgender surgeries and hormone treatments for minors. Lombardo had signed a law earlier in June that mandates the states Department of Corrections to adopt mental and physical health standards for transgender and gender-nonconforming inmates, as well as cultural competency training for officers. Additionally, Lombardo defied party norms earlier this month when he signed a bill that codified existing protections to ensure that commissions supervising medical licenses dont discipline or disqualify physicians who provide abortions. Lombardo also has faced criticism by transgender advocates for vetoing a measure on June 3 that would have protected providers of transgender surgeries and similar services from losing their medical licenses, and also would have prohibited the executive branch from assisting in out-of-state prosecutions related to transgender procedures. Critics assert that the lack of these protections would exacerbate Nevadas shortage of providers willing to perform the procedures. Lombardo, a former Clark County sheriff and the only Republican to unseat an incumbent Democrat governor in the 2022 midterm elections, has received criticism from within his own party for signing the latest measure. Many believe the governors June 3 veto is the reason more significant transgender surgeries have been deemed medically necessary rather than cosmetic by insurance companies in Nevada, resulting in more transgender surgeries being covered. In May, Oregons Democrat governor signed a virtually identical law requiring health insurance companies to cover all transgender surgeries. GOP Responses to Transgender Issues Republican lawmakers are probing whether ideology is behind the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) advocacy for transgender treatments. In April, Republican lawmakers demanded that HHS provide evidence to justify the administrations support of what they described as dangerous transgender medical procedures for minors. We are increasingly alarmed that HHS advocacy has led health professionals to prescribe dangerous and experimental drugs and surgeries to troubled children, reads a March 29 letter (pdf) to HHS Secretary Xavier Becerra that was signed by Sen. James Risch (R-Idaho) and 13 of his Republican colleagues. The letter expresses concern over the HHSs support for life-altering procedures and the use of tax dollars to finance them. Risch and his colleagues in both chambers of Congress have expressed a desire for assurance that procedures are evidence-based and not ideologically motivated, and that HHS upholds the moral responsibility it owes to parents and kids. Transgender Medical Decision-Making Earlier this year, a transgender advocacy organization criticized the medical establishment for permitting ideology, as opposed to science, to guide health care for individuals with gender-related distress. The Gender Dysphoria Alliance (GDA) sent an open letter (pdf) discussing the issue to 30 medical organizations in February. GDA wants medical providers to conduct an independent, systematic review of the evidence and thorough psychological assessments before using hormones and surgeries on people of any age. The group is particularly concerned about children who could be vulnerable to unnecessary harm. The debate over transgender health care has recently escalated to a fever pitch, GDA noted. In recent months, some proposals have attempted to curtail or outlaw gender-related procedures for minors, while others seek to ensure access to cross-sex hormones and surgeries. The group claims that emotions and ideology are propelling the arguments in support of some current medical decisions, rather than facts. The group also reports that activists have attempted to shut down any critical inquiry, coercing or censoring those who try to share concerns about the push to medicalize gender-questioning patients. We, as members of the transgender community wish to disavow these tactics and to request our health care be as safe, rigorously researched, and apolitical as every other health care field, GDA said. The Nevada Republican Party didnt respond by press time to a request by The Epoch Times for comment. Janice Hisle and The Associated Press contributed to this report. Florida Law Invalidating Divers Licenses for Out-of-State Illegal Immigrants Gets Mixed Reviews 'Protection,' 'problem' or 'personal politics' A new Florida law defies a longstanding custom that states will honor each others drivers licenses. On May 10, 2023, Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis signed Senate Bill 1718 into law. The measure was passed by Floridas legislators as a means of protecting the state and its citizens from the costly and sometimes dangerous effects of illegal immigration they believe has been exacerbated by the Biden administrations weak border policies. Along with making the use of E-Verify a mandatory measure for employers with 25 or more employees and establishing enforceable penalties for employers who hire illegal immigrants, the new law prohibits local government agencies from issuing identification cards (IDs) to illegal immigrants and invalidates drivers licenses issued to illegal aliens in other states. Additionally, the law establishes that any illegal immigrant who knowingly uses a fake ID document to gain employment will face a third-degree felony. If an illegal immigrant is pulled over for some violation, law enforcement officers are to issue a citation for driving without a license, a second-degree misdemeanor in Florida, punishable by 60 days in jail or a fine of up to $500. Public Safety and National Security Shari Rendall, director of State and Local Engagement for the Federation for American Immigration Reform (FAIR), suggests the governors primary purpose in signing SB 1718 into law is to encourage public safety and national security. As DeSantis said, The Biden Border Crisis has wreaked havoc across the United States and has put Americans in danger. In Florida, we will not stand idly by while the federal government abandons its lawful duties to protect our country, DeSantis added. Shari Rendall, director of State and Local Engagement for the Federation for American Immigration Reform. (Courtesy of Shari Rendall) As Rendall explained, People who enter through our back door and not our front door havent been vetted, and we dont know their true identity. Part of the REAL ID Act is to identify people, she said. The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) says, Secure drivers licenses and identification documents are a vital component of our national security framework. The REAL ID Act, passed by Congress in 2005, enacted the 9/11 Commissions recommendation that the Federal Government set standards for the issuance of sources of identification, such as drivers licenses. The deadline for all states to comply with REAL ID is May 7, 2025. Rendall noted that: The whole purpose of the 911 Commission was to ensure safety for the country. So giving drivers licenses to illegal aliens not only undermines that law, it violates immigration laws we already have on the books. They are not authorized to be in this country, and theyre not entitled to drivers licenses. By giving them a license, you are allowing them to continue to work live and sometimes vote in states in contradiction of federal law. Its a slap in the face to legal immigrants who waited years to come to the United States and paid thousands of dollars to abide by our laws. While not everyone who comes here illegally intends harm, you dont know the intention of all of them, she said. Boarder Data Data published by the United States Customs and Border Protection (CBP) reveals that 98 individuals who attempted to cross Americas Southwest border in 2022 were on the governments terrorist watchlist, an astounding increase from sixteen the previous year and six in 2018. For the first six months of 2023, another 96 terrorists have already tried to enter the United States illegally. Terrorist Screening Data regarding encounters with illegal immigration at Americas borders. (Screenshot/United States Customs and Border Protection) CBP data regarding Non-Citizen Arrests shows 12,028 illegal immigrants were arrested for crimes, including 2,239 for possession and/or trafficking of drugs, 1,142 for assault, battery or domestic violence, 62 for homicide or manslaughter, and 1,614 for driving under the influence. Of the 110,298 Title 8 apprehensions CBP reported for April, 53,824 were released. Floridas New Law Versus Other State Laws Shalyn Fluharty is the Executive Director for Americans for Immigrant Justice, a non-profit law firm based in Miami that fights for justice for immigrants. Fluharty told The Epoch Times, the new law is certainly a problem for an agency like hers and other employers throughout the state who may have employees with provisions to work in the United States but have drivers licenses from other states and theyve relocated to Florida to work. Shalyn Fluharty, Executive Director for Americans for Immigrant Justice. (Courtesy of Shalyn Fluharty) If someone has relocated to Florida from another state and identifies that Florida residence as their primary residence, they are subject to Florida Law, which states: If you have a drivers license from another state, you need to obtain a Florida drivers license within 30 days of residency at a local DMV office. Fluharty also said the new law raises some perplexing questions as to what it means for Florida to be a state that doesnt recognize laws that have been put into effect by other states and what that means for our situation as a Republic, where you can freely travel from one state to another once youre in the United States. It complicates our general understanding of movement within our country, she said. As explained by the National Conference of State Legislators in March, states issue drivers licenses under the constitutional authority of the 10th Amendment. The 10th Amendment states: The powers not delegated to the United States by the Constitution, nor prohibited by it to the states, are reserved to the states respectively, or to the people. The laws enacted in other states are now in direct conflict with Floridas new law. Along with the District of Columbia, 19 states have enacted laws that permit illegal immigrants to obtain drivers licenses if the applicant can provide proof of citizenship in another country and proof of current residency in the state. In 2022, Rhode Island extended drivers licenses privileges to illegal immigrants without proof of lawful presence. Lawmakers in Massachusetts overrode Gov. Charlie Bakers veto of SB 4822/HB 4805 in 2022, effectively permitting those without proof of lawful presence to obtain drivers licenses. In 2023, Minnesotas legislators passed a law making the Gopher State the most recent to allow individuals to obtain a drivers license without proof of lawful presence. The Epoch Times contacted the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (FLHSMV), asking how the state plans to implement the new law. Director of Communications Molly Best told The Epoch Times by email that FLHSMV is in the process of working on an implementation plan for the new law, and it would be inappropriate to comment until it is finalized. If an illegal immigrant is found driving in Florida in violation of any state statute, they are subject to the applicable penalties for that statute, she said. The new law also tasks FLHSMV with the responsibility of maintaining a list of out-of-state licenses that would be considered invalid on its website. Asked where that information could be found, Best said, That information will be available upon implementation. Its Already Federal Law Joe Rajkovacz, governmental affairs and communications director for the Western States Trucking Association, recently reported for Western Transportation News that Spanish language social media exploded in the days following the passage of SB 1718. He received over a dozen calls from news outlets inquiring about threats by Latino truckers to impose a service boycott for the Sunshine State in protest of the law. Rajkovacz asked the reporters: Exactly what part of the law are they objecting to? None had an answer. After reading the law, Rajkovacz said the only thing he found that would anger some is the part about prohibiting undocumented immigrants from operating a vehicle in the State of Florida if his or her drivers license is issued by another state, which exclusively provides such a license to undocumented immigrants who are unable to prove lawful presence in the United States when the licenses are issued. However, as Rajkovacz noted, its already illegal in the U.S. to issue a commercial drivers license (CDL) to anyone who is not a U.S. citizen or doesnt possess legal presence to be in the United States. Thats federal, not state choice. I had to write a pretty long article about this from a trucking standpoint, and I even cited federal law, Rajkovacz told The Epoch Times. I was scratching my head, wondering why these particular truck drivers were so upset. None of it makes any sense. Its already federal law. A state cannot issue a commercial drivers license to people who arent legally present in the United States. Period. End of story. I even include a screenshot of 49 CFR 383.71. Requirement No. 5 under Code of Federal Regulations 383.71 states that a person must provide to the State proof of citizenship or lawful permanent residency as specified in Table 1 of this section or obtain a non-domiciled CLP as specified in paragraph (f) of this section. This is nothing more than a case of personal politics, Rajcovacz said. I dont just throw my opinion out there. Its the law. If theyre upset about Florida not recognizing drivers licenses that were issued to someone without legal presence, then I suggest they dont go to Florida. Illegal Immigrants and Driving A danger cited frequently to justify strengthening driving laws is the one posed by illegal immigrant drunk drivers. One of the few known studies of drunk driving among illegal immigrantspublished on Oct. 29, 2015found that 67 of the 467 Hispanics that immigrated to Miami-Dade County were here illegally. The study also revealed that illegal immigrants are more prone to binge drinking than legal immigrants and are less likely to understand DUI laws, and less likely to perceive the risks associated with DUI. In July 2021, the Cato Institute noted that there is little research on illegal immigrants and drunk driving. This is likely due, in part, to the federal Drivers Privacy Protection Act, which limits the authority of state issuing agencies to share personal information about license holders. The mandate in Floridas new law tasking FLHSMV with the responsibility of maintaining a list of out-of-state licenses that would be considered invalid on its website could violate that federal law if that out-of-state license number can be traced to identify the driver. The New Law and Floridas Tourism As previously reported by The Epoch Times, DeSantis touted the continued record growth of Floridas tourism industry in the third quarter of 2022. Estimates from Visit Florida (pdf) showed that Florida welcomed 35.1 million visitors between July and September 2022, nearly a 7 percent increase from the same period in 2021. It was the fifth consecutive quarter where tourism surpassed pre-pandemic levels. The Epoch Times asked Rendall how the new law might affect Floridas tourism status. I stand by the fact that the purpose of the bill is not to discourage tourism but to shut off the magnet for illegal immigration and to ensure that those who are given a license are not a public safety or national security risk, she said. When you have DMVs from other states issuing drivers licenses, they dont necessarily have the expertise or ability to validate documents from other counties, and any process that doesnt verify the authenticity of the applicants identity can easily be used to procure one. Even though states claim to conduct background checks on applicants, theyre simply unequipped to verify the authenticity of certain foreign and easily forgeable documents. New South Wales Temporarily Bans PwC Amid Ongoing Federal Investigation The PricewaterhouseCoopers (PwC) offices stand in More London Riverside in London, England, on Oct. 2, 2018. (Jack Taylor/Getty Images) The government of the Australian state of New South Wales (NSW) has placed a temporary ban on scandal-plaguing consultancy firm PricewaterhouseCoopers (PwC) as it seeks to improve the quality of consultant services provided by third parties. On June 15, the NSW government announced that it would suspend PwC from getting new government contracts concerning taxation policies for three months in response to the recent leak of confidential federal documents. PwC has been engulfed in a federal investigation after former partner Peter Collins shared confidential government documents with fellow partners and staff. This allowed the consultancy firm to generate a system that facilitated large companies to avoid paying newly devised taxes in Australia. Collins himself is now subject to a criminal investigation by the Australian Federal Police. NSW Finance Minister Courtney Houssos said the ban was meant to protect the community from confidential document leaks. I was appalled by the breach of trust that occurred with the Federal Government. As additional evidence comes to light, we will continue to toughen our regime and protect the NSW community from this behaviour, he said in a statement. Suspending PwC from obtaining new taxation-related procurement contracts is a proportionate response and one that safeguards the people of NSW from further exposure to the scandal. The NSW government also said PwC would be required to attest each month that no staff member involved in the scandal would handle any state government work. At the same time, the government noted that it was working to review and strengthen conflict of interest and confidentiality terms for all professional services engagements in the state. Meanwhile, PwC has confirmed in writing that no NSW government engagement has been worked on by staff implicated in the Collins scandal and that those employees will not deal with any future government work. It is worth noting that the decision to ban PwC will not affect any existing contracts handled by the firm. The State of Consultancy Hiring in NSW According to an Auditor-General report in March, between 2017-2018 and 2021-2022, NSW government agencies spent a total of $1 billion (US$680 million) on external consultants across 10,000 contracts. Those engagements were handled by over 1,000 consulting firms during the period. However, the report found eight firms accounted for 50 percent of the spending, of which 27 percent came from the big four consulting firms. The remaining expenses were spread among the other 1,000 companies. NSW Finance Minister Courtney Houssos speaks in the NSW Upper House in Sydney, Australia, on Sept. 24, 2019. (Brook Mitchell/Getty Images) This indicated the over-reliance of the NSW government on major consulting firms. While the amount of spending on consultants was significant, the report found that government agencies did not have a system to manage consultants effectively. Specifically, there were no clear guidelines for classifying and reporting consulting expenses, nor was there a single data source that accurately captured the total government spending on consultants. In addition, most government agencies could not provide evidence that they used consultants strategically, and most of the consulting engagements reviewed by the Auditor-General office were not monitored or evaluated by the hiring agencies. Other problems included gaps in record keeping, contracts exceeding expense thresholds, and government agencies not retaining knowledge and skills from consulting engagements. Victorian Government Continues to Hire PwC NSWs ban on PwC comes after the Victorian government confirmed that it would keep using the consulting firm until the federal investigation concluded. In May, Victorian Premier Daniel Andrews said his government had sought assurances from PwC and that he was confident no confidential information from his government was leaked. We will wait to see what the Commonwealth government does here, he said. The Andrews government was reported to spend over $896 million on consultancy since it came to power in 2014. PwC was the second-highest-paid agency among the consulting firms hired by the state government in the 2021-2022 financial year, with $15.3 million in contract revenue. New York Man Found Guilty of Kidnapping Elderly Woman With Dementia in West LA LOS ANGELESA man was found guilty by a judge June 13 of federal criminal charges stemming from his abduction of a 68-year-old woman with dementia at the West Los Angeles Veterans Affairs Medical Center. Johnny Ray Gasca, 53, of Bronx, New York, was found guilty of one count of kidnapping, two counts of attempted obstruction of justice, and one count of attempted witness tampering, according to the U.S. Attorneys Office. U.S. District Judge Andre Birotte Jr. entered the verdict Tuesday at the conclusion of a six-day bench trial in Los Angeles federal court. According to evidence presented at trial, Gasca kidnapped the victim at about 8:30 a.m. on July 19, 2021, after attempting to obtain a medical appointment at the VA facility. The victim was accompanied by a long-time friend, and as the two of them approached their car, Gasca appeared unexpectedly, according to court documents. Gasca put his arms around [the victim] and pushed her toward a gold-colored pickup truck that was parked nearby. Gasca then picked [the victim] up and threw her into the rear portion of the trucks passenger compartment. After the Department of Veteran Affairs Police Department contacted the FBI later in the morning, the victims friend told agents she recognized Gasca, believed he previously was in some kind of relationship with the victim, and suspected Gasca may have taken some of [the womans] money from her bank and retirement accounts. The witness also reported that the victim previously noted she was missing some of her credit cards, and when the two went to the victims bank to review her accounts, bank records showed a $35,000 withdrawal from her retirement account, followed by several Venmo, MoneyGram, and PayPal transactions that the friend believed the victim did not have the knowledge or wherewithal to conduct, court documents state. Within hours of beginning its investigation, the FBI located the victims phone at The Dixie Hollywood Hotel on Hollywood Boulevard, where agents converged. Soon after, Gasca and the victim exited the hotel, leading to Gascas arrest. During an interview recounted in court documents, Gasca described the victim as his girlfriend and told agents that, after leaving the VA facility, they stopped at a bank where the victim made a $15,000 withdrawal. After his arrest and while in pretrial custody, Gasca made several jail calls to a friend in New York asking him to destroy evidence of his wrongdoing with the victim, according to evidence presented at the trial. Gasca urged the friend to erase all his messages on the Facebook Messenger app, including messages describing the victim as a Golden goose. In August 2021, Gasca made another jailhouse phone call to his friend and told him to collect his hard drives from his apartment before the FBI could seize them and learn of his financial exploitation of the victim, prosecutors said. Birotte found Gasca not guilty of one count of interference with commerce by extortion, and scheduled a Sept. 29 sentencing hearing. Gasca faces up to life in federal prison, prosecutors noted. North Korea Fires 2 Short-Range Missiles After Warning of Response to Allied Drills People watch a television screen showing a news broadcast with file footage of a North Korean missile test, at a railway station in Seoul, South Korea, on Oct. 28, 2022. (Jung Yeon-je/AFP via Getty Images) SEOUL, South KoreaNorth Korea fired two short-range missiles off its east coast on June 15, according to the South Korean military, less than an hour after Pyongyang warned of an inevitable response to military drills staged earlier in the day by South Korean and U.S. troops. The latest action by North Korea came as U.S. President Joe Bidens national security adviser, Jake Sullivan, was in Tokyo for meetings with his Japanese and South Korean counterparts. In a meeting with South Korean national security adviser Cho Tae-yong and Japanese national security adviser Takeo Akiba on June 15, the three discussed North Koreas missile program and confirmed that they would work closely together to get Pyongyang to abandon its nuclear weapons, according to a readout of the meeting released by Japan. In a joint statement released by the White House, the United States, South Korea, and Japan condemned North Koreas missile launches and said they violated multiple U.N. Security Council resolutions. The statement notes that cooperation between the United States, South Korea, and Japan wouldnt be shaken by North Koreas provocations. Japans Defense Ministry stated that the two ballistic missiles landed within its exclusive economic zone (EEZ), possibly having flown in an irregular trajectory. The two missiles landed in the Sea of Japan about 250 kilometers north-northwest of Hegura island, part of Ishikawa prefecture, according to Japan. It was the 13th time that North Koreas missiles landed within Japans EEZ, Japanese Vice Minister of Defense Kimi Onoda said. The latest missile launch is a violation of Security Council resolutions and an escalation of provocations against the international community as a whole. We lodged a strong protest against North Korea, Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida told reporters. South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol watched as several thousand South Korean and U.S. troops took part in joint live-fire exercises on June 15, in the latest show of force that the allies say is necessary to deter North Korea. A spokesperson for North Koreas Ministry of National Defense said the drills were escalating the military tension in the region and that its forces would sternly respond to any kind of protests or provocations by enemies. Pyongyang unsuccessfully tried to launch a spy satellite late last month, in its first satellite launch since 2016, with the rocket booster and payload plunging into the sea. North Koreas ballistic missile and nuclear weapons programs are banned by U.N. Security Council resolutions that have sanctioned the country. Diplomatic efforts to reduce tensions or persuade Pyongyang to abandon its nuclear arsenal have been stalled. South Korea sued North Korea on June 14 for $35 million in compensation for a liaison office that North Korea blew up in 2020, in a case highlighting the breakdown of ties between the neighbors as the North presses on with its weapons programs. NS Identifies Thousands More Victims of Global Data Hack, Including School Workers Nova Scotia Cybersecurity Minister Colton LeBlanc says his department has identified thousands more people affected by a recent global data breach, and this week it is beginning the process of notifying the most vulnerable victims of the hack. But LeBlanc told a news conference Wednesday its hard to give a precise estimate of how many people were affected by the breach of the MOVEit file transfer service because of the large number of individuals who had duplicate files. After the cyberattack became public, LeBlanc said on June 6 that as many as 100,000 people in the province had their personal data stolen, such as social insurance numbers, addresses and banking information. The minister said Wednesday an additional 13,000 active employees with regional centres for education and with the provinces francophone school board had personal data stolen, including names, addresses and social insurance numbers. As well, hackers stole personal data from about 17,500 water and tax bill accounts with the Region of Queens Municipality in southwestern Nova Scotia, along with data from the Nova Scotia Pension Agency. The province said Halifax Water has also notified 25,000 customers that names and account numbers were a part of the data breach. LeBlanc said the province will distribute notification letters by the end of this week to the most vulnerable groups impacted. They include those whose data, including photos, was leaked from the Department of Community Services. LeBlanc said the province has not yet determined if any of the stolen information has been published. A ransomware group called Clop has claimed to be behind the cyberattack, but it said it deleted data from public bodiessomething cybersecurity experts say should be treated with skepticism. There is no reason for a criminal enterprise to simply delete information that may have value, Brett Callow, a threat analyst with cybersecurity company Emsisoft, said last week. Callow said the data could be sold or traded, or used for phishinga type of email scam that entices people to share personal data. LeBlanc told reporters the breach hit 5,800 digital folders, each containing a number of files and records but didnt specify the total number of people affected, citing the complexity of manually going through all those files. Deputy minister Natasha Clarke said some agencies have sent out their own notifications about the data breach, but the Department ofCybersecurity will head up the formal notification process. LeBlanc added it will likely take weeks or even months to notify everyone affected, something Liberal critic Braedon Clark bristled at. If youre talking about having your social insurance number out there, or your banking information in a worst-case scenario, to not know for weeks is really concerning, Clark told reporters following the press conference. He said the lack of information could spark anxiety, confusion and concern among those affected. I think giving people that information in a timely way will give them some peace of mind, he said. LeBlanc said the province does not plan to hold more briefings on the data breach but will provide updates via press releases and social media. Li Hongzhong, vice chairman of the National People's Congress Standing Committee and a member of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China Central Committee, meets with a delegation of the Workers' Party of Brazil (PT) led by its general secretary Henrique Fontana in Beijing, capital of China, June 15, 2023. (Xinhua/Pang Xinglei) BEIJING, June 15 (Xinhua) -- Li Hongzhong, vice chairman of the National People's Congress Standing Committee, met with a delegation of the Workers' Party of Brazil (PT) led by its general secretary Henrique Fontana in Beijing on Thursday. Li, also a member of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee, said that the two heads of state have maintained close communication, charting the course for the development of bilateral relations. Li said that the CPC is willing to strengthen friendly exchanges with the PT, implement the important consensus reached by the two heads of state, promote exchanges between the legislative bodies, push for further development of the China-Brazil comprehensive strategic partnership, and jointly safeguard the interests of developing countries and international fairness and justice. Fontana said that the PT hopes to deepen exchanges and mutual learning with the CPC and promote the continuous development of bilateral relations. Li Hongzhong, vice chairman of the National People's Congress Standing Committee and a member of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China Central Committee, meets with a delegation of the Workers' Party of Brazil (PT) led by its general secretary Henrique Fontana in Beijing, capital of China, June 15, 2023. (Xinhua/Pang Xinglei) A Manhattan grand jury voted to indict Daniel Penny on June 14. The former U.S. Marine is being charged in the chokehold death of a homeless man on a New York City subway train on May 1. Yet another candidate is joining the crowded race for president in 2024. Its Miamis Republican Mayor, Francis Suarez. A formal announcement is expected on June 15. Affirm your childs genderor else! A controversial bill in California could land parents in hot water. NTD Good Morning spoke with attorney Nicole Pearson to find out whats in the fine print. Topics in this episode include: 1. Grand Jury Indicts Daniel Penny 2. Trump 2024 Campaign Fundraising Boost 3. Battle Over Bidens Senate Records Continues 4. LA City Councilman Charged With Embezzlement 5. AZ State Lawmaker Censured for Hiding Bibles 6. Miami GOP Mayor Running for President 7. California Senate Advances Controversial Bill 8. Number of Non-Binary Children Skyrockets 9. Social Security Adjustment Expected to Shrink 10. AMD Challenges Nvidias AI Chip Dominance 11. How to Sell Your Home for More Money 12. Americans Take Side Hustles to Make Ends Meet 13. Mozart Letter to Be Auctioned at Christies 14. Australian Police Dogs Sniff Out Contraband 15. NASA Releases Panoramic Photographs of Mars NZ Public Broadcaster Published Stories With Pro-Russian, Chinese, Palestinian Bias: Review Local residents and rescuers stand amidst the rubble at the site of a heavily damaged residential building hit by a Russian missile in the town of Uman, Cherkasy region, Ukraine, on April 28, 2023. (Carlos Barria/Reuters) An ongoing review of the public broadcaster, Radio New Zealand (RNZ), has not only discovered a pro-Russian slant in its articles but also evidence of pro-Beijing and pro-Palestinian bias. RNZ chief executive, Paul Thompson, most recently apologised for publishing pro-Kremlin garbage. Speaking to the RNZs own daily news program, Checkpoint, Thompson described it as a serious breach of our editorial standards. Were feeling shocked and stunned and really, really challenged by this, he said. Weve let our audience down, and the Ukrainian community down, but I do need to make sure that we have a robust process because weve got enough challenges on our plate at the moment, I dont want to compound that by getting ahead of a fair process. According to comments by the sub-editor responsible for the changes, similar edits have occurred at RNZ for years. I subbed several stories that way over the past number of years, the journalist in question told Checkpoint. In fact, since I started RNZ I have done that for five years and nobody has tapped me on the shoulder and told me that I was doing anything wrong. RNZ has published a public list of stories that the external review has found problematic, so far involving 15 stories on the Russia-Ukraine conflict, four on the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, and three concerning Beijing-Taiwan tensions. The list is constantly updated. A spokesperson for RNZ said over 300 stories have been reviewed to date. The external review will be led by the Board who will decide the terms of reference for that review, the areas to be covered and the external experts involved. This information will be confirmed as soon as possible and will be made publicas will the outcome of the review, a spokesperson told The Epoch Times. The Contentious Edits in RNZ Articles One re-occurring edit made to multiple Reuters stories is the addition of references to a U.S.-backed coup in 2014, as well as mentions of neo-Nazi military units fighting for Ukraine. These changes have since been removed in at least eight articles. Meanwhile, in another Reuters news story about the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, the Hamas terrorist group was referred to as the elected government of the blockaded Gaza strip, which has been changed. Additionally, the description of the terrorist groups Hamas, Islamic Jihad, and Fatah was edited from militant to resistance. This has also been reverted. There were also significant changes in at least three Reuters stories reporting on tensions between Taiwan and Beijing. For example, one change removed references saying Taiwan was democratically governed. In another instance, the original story opened with the sentence: Taiwan will not allow repeated provocations from China, the islands defence minister said on Tuesday, as Chinas foreign minister said Taiwan was the first red line that must not be crossed in Sino-U.S. relations. But this was edited to have a pro-Beijing slant: Chinas foreign minister is warning Taiwan is the first red line that must not be crossed in Sino-U.S. relations, as sources claim President Tsai Ing-wen plans to meet U.S. House Speaker Kevin McCarthy. The word strongly was also removed from the sentence: Taiwans government strongly disputes Chinas territorial claims. A Blow to Public Confidence, Chairman Says The chair of RNZs board, Jim Mather, said the actions of the staff member have eroded public confidence, saying there was work to be done to regain the publics trust. I certainly have judgement about the systems that we have in place, and I am going to await the findings of the review in terms of the judgement of management around the whole issue, he told RNZ. But clearly at this point our systems are not adequate, or proven not to be adequate emphatically it should raise questions about: Why was this not identified at an earlier point in time? Thompson confirmed that going forward, RNZ will now put wire stories through two editors instead of just one. Following calls for a wider parliamentary inquiry in response to this incident, Prime Minister Chris Hipkins said he was not sure this was the best way to preserve RNZs editorial independence. Radio New Zealand is publicly funded, but its also editorially independent. That editorial independence is incredibly important, he told reporters. State-funded media that answers to the government of the day, in terms of their editorial decisions, is not independent. In response to questions about whether this signalled Russian infiltration in the state broadcaster, Hipkins said nothing had been raised to him personally. I understand that the minister of broadcasting has previously received at least one complaint, which he has referred to Radio New Zealand, he said. ACT Leader David Seymour said this incident reflected badly not only on RNZ but on New Zealands media overall. For our state broadcaster to publish material that included Russian, Palestinian, and Chinese propaganda is appalling. New Zealanders should be able to trust our state broadcaster to be totally and utterly impartial, he said. New Zealanders trust in the media has been steadily declining over many years, and this episode will undermine that trust further. OC Animal Care Troubled by High Euthanasia Rates, Poor Leadership: Grand Jury Report Dogs participate in an OC Animal Shelter pet food drive thru. (Courtesy of the OC Animal Care) A grand jury in Orange County released a report last week on OC Animal Care in Tustin, California, stating concerns over its high euthanasia rates, poor leadership, limited staffing, lack of proper assessment of animals chosen for euthanasia, and low morale. This is not the first time the jury has looked into the agency. Five previous reports detailed similar concerns about the shelters policies and animal welfare, according to the June 9 report. The shelters euthanasia rates of dogs and cats relating to perceived poor or aggressive animal behavior have increased significantly over the last two years, the report said. Another reason for higher euthanasia rates for dogs, the report found, is due to appointment-only restrictions imposed during the COVID-19 pandemic, which ended spontaneous visits and seeing multiple dogs at once for those interested in adopting. According to the report, potential adoptees must now instead view animals online and reserve an appointment to see only one specified dog at a time. The grand jury recommended the shelter return to the previous system by the end of the year. Public safety is important, however, dogs representing bite risks can be segregated, and supervised viewing is a viable option, the report reads. Shelter leadership said that public viewing within the kennels stresses the animals and that restricting access keeps the animals calm. However, to address that concern, dogs prone to excitability and stress can be secluded, and supervised viewing is an option. Margot Boyer of Yorba Linda, who adopted a chihuahua from the shelter three years ago, started an ongoing online petition in July 2022, which also calls on the shelter to go back to its previous system. If I had gone to the shelter under the current system I never would have seen or adopted [Chi], Boyer said on the petition. However, I just happened to walk by her cage, she trotted up, wagged her tail and tried to lick me, so that was that! Boyers petition has gotten more than 22,000 signatures as of June 14 and is close to attaining her goal of 25,000 total. The report also states that cat euthanasia rates have increased after the shelter ended its catch and release spay and neuter program for feral cats during the pandemic citing concerns (pdf) over the legality of releasing stray cats back onto streets. The report encourages OC Animal Care to reinstate the program to mitigate such deaths. A spokesperson for OC Animal Care told The Epoch Times they are reviewing the grand jurys recommendations and will respond at a later date. Ontario Police Charge Man in 2 Separate, Random Stabbings That Sent Victims to Hospital One male suspect has been charged in relation to two separate, unprovoked random stabbings that took place in London, Ontario. Both attacks sent victims to the hospital with serious injuries. Police have charged 28-year-old London resident, James Tracey, with two counts of aggravated assault. London Police said in a June 13 news release that the first attack occurred at approximately 7:40 p.m. on June 9, when a man was walking with a family member along a trail near Baseline Road West and Emery Street West. According to police, the victim was approached from behind by a male unknown to the victim, and was stabbed multiple times before the suspect fled on foot. Police searched the area but could not find the suspect. The victim transported himself to the hospital with serious, but non-life-threatening injuries, and police were notified of the incident later that evening, said police. A second attack took place at about 3:20 p.m. local time on June 11. This time, a man was walking his dog near Baseline Road West and Beachwood Avenue, when he was approached by a male who then stabbed the victim multiple times. The victim called 9-1-1, and the suspect fled on foot. The police were provided with a description of the suspect. The area was searched, and the suspect was located and arrested in the 400-block of Beachwood Avenue without incident. A weapon was seized, according to police. Through the course of the police investigation, officers determined that the same male is allegedly responsible for the two separate incidents. The victims did not know the accused, who remains in custody and was expected to make a first court appearance on June 13. Constable Matthew Dawson, spokesman for London Police Service, told The Epoch Times there is no new information available. The investigation is now before the courts there is nothing new to provide at this point, said Dawson. Police ask anyone with information about the stabbings to contact them at (519) 661-5670 or Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477). Information can also be sent online anonymously to London Middlesex Crime Stoppers. The latest attacks follow a stabbing on June 8 that sent a 30-year-old Hanover, Ontario, man to hospital with what police said could be life-altering injuries. In this case, the victim knew the suspect, an 18-year-old male, and police believe there was an argument that led to the victim being stabbed. According to CTV News, the male victim sustained several stab wounds and was eventually airlifted to a London trauma centre for surgery. The suspect faces charges of aggravated assault, assault with a weapon, and weapons dangerous to public peace. Police said they recovered a knife used in the attack. Orange County Deputy Executive Harry Porr Resigns From MTA Board The Middletown Train Station on the Metro-North Port Jervis Line in the Town of Wallkill, N.Y., on June 17, 2023. (Cara Ding/The Epoch Times) Orange County Deputy Executive Harry Porr resigned from the Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA) Board in March after serving in the post for less than two years. Porr told The Epoch Times on June 14 that he had left the board to concentrate on county affairs. He was first appointed to the MTA Board two years ago, then reappointed in June 2022 to another 3 1/2-year term. Several people have applied for the vacated post, according to County Executive Steve Neuhaus. Each county within the MTA service district gets a seat on the 21-member governing board; prospects are recommended by county executives, then must be nominated by the governor and confirmed by the state Senate. New York City has four members on the board, and labor and advisory groups take six nonvoting seats. Currently, the board has two unfilled posts from Orange and Rockland counties, according to the authority. Even though Orange County is entitled to one board seat, it shares one vote with three other counties in the Hudson ValleyRockland, Dutchess, and Putnamwhich limits its influence on board decisions. The Orange County Government Center in Goshen, N.Y., on Oct. 22, 2022. (Samira Bouaou/The Epoch Times) The main MTA service in the area, the Port Jervis lineoperated by NJ Transit through an agreementmeanders through Orange and Rockland counties before it reaches New York City through New Jersey. In addition to its revenue from train tickets, the MTA taps 0.375 percent of sales taxes in Orange County and charges payroll mobility taxes on businesses within its district in order to finance its operations. During the COVID-19 pandemic, MTA ridership dropped significantly, and its already-strained financial situation worsened, prompting leaders to consider canceling the Port Jervis line at one time. There was a proposal in this years state budget to increase MTA payroll mobility taxes on certain businesses in order to cover the financial shortfall, but it was later scaled down to apply only to New York City because of strong opposition from affected counties. The Middletown Train Station on the Metro-North Port Jervis Line in the Town of Wallkill, N.Y., on June 17, 2023. (Cara Ding/The Epoch Times) Since 2020, MTA ridership has steadily increased, although its still short of pre-pandemic levels. In April, average weekday ridership on all Metro-North lines was about 180,000 passengers, about two-thirds of ridership in the same month in 2019, according to the authoritys latest available data. Metro-North consists of five train lines that run east and west of the Hudson River. As of April, year-to-date revenues received by the MTA on the Metro-North lines were about $11 million less than budgeted, whereas expenses were almost $15 million over budget. Porr told The Epoch Times that for stable, modern, and safe MTA services to continue in the long run, the federal government should play a bigger role in funding the operation. MTA is a national resource, and it should get continuing increased and regularly scheduled federal financial assistance [from the federal government], he said. Before being appointed as deputy county executive of Orange County in 2018, Porr worked as the city manager in Newburgh and in Long Beach in Nassau County and as village administrator of Bronxville in Westchester County. Over $2 Million Taxpayers Money Went to Wuhan Research Labs, Government Report Says The P4 laboratory on the campus of the Wuhan Institute of Virology in Wuhan, Hubei Province, China, on May 13, 2020. (Hector Retamal/AFP via Getty Images) Three Chinese research centers, including the bat coronavirus-tinkering Wuhan Institute of Virology (WIV), had been awarded more than $2 million in U.S. taxpayers money in the years leading to the COVID-19 pandemic, a new government report found. The report (pdf), released on June 14 by the nonpartisan Government Accountability Office (GAO), focuses on federal funds disbursed to three Chinese entitiesWuhan University, the WIV, and the Academy of Military Medical Sciences (AMMS). The selected entities are government institutions or laboratories in China that conduct work on infectious diseases, including pandemic viruses, and have had actions taken by federal agencies to address safety or security concerns, the report reads. All three selected Chinese entities received funds. The funds, totaling $2,168,435, were provided by the National Institutes of Health (NIH) and the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) from 2014 through 2021, either directly through a federal award or indirectly through U.S. universities and New York-based nonprofit EcoHealth Alliance. Three Chinese institutions collectively received seven sub-awards, totaling more than $2 million, from federal award recipients or a first-tier sub-recipient. (Government Accountability Office) A Breakdown of Receipts Specifically, Wuhan University was given $201,221 by NIH via EcoHealth Alliance from June 2015 to May 2017. It was tasked to administer a questionnaire that includes questions on experiences with unusual illness and a range of human-animal contacts and to collect biological samples from study participants. Wuhan University also got $39,275 through USAIDs grant to the University of CaliforniaDavis in September 2016 to collect biological samples from roughly 1,500 individuals in Chinas Yunnan province with exposure to bats, other wildlife, and domestic animals in collaboration with WIV on viral detection. The NIH also directly sent $200,000 to Wuhan University for a study about new therapeutics to treat malignancies associated with Kaposis sarcoma, a rare type of cancer caused by a virus that can affect the skin and internal organs. The study concluded in 2020. The WIV was awarded three federal-funded grants to do research on genetic engineering, pathogen detection, and the transmission of bat coronaviruses, according to the report. For a $598,611 NIH sub-award to EcoHealth Alliance, WIV performed genetic experiments to combine naturally occurring bat coronaviruses with SARS and MERS viruses, resulting in hybridized or chimeric coronavirus strains between June 2014 and May 2019. For another NIH-funded sub-award through the University of CaliforniaIrvine, the WIV was tasked to develop new viral tools for neuronal tracing and gene delivery but ended up getting zero dollars as the California school suspended the funding in May 2020 because of biosafety concerns. The WIV also received $815,519 from USAID via UCDavis between October 2014 and September 2019, during which Chinese researchers tested bat samples for viruses such as coronavirus and influenza viruses and conducted cloning and DNA sequencing of those biological samples, according to the report. The AMMS, one of the latest additions to the Commerce Departments export blacklist, is said to be developing brain-control weaponry for the Chinese communist regime. It received two NIH grants to study swine influenza transmission in confined animal feeding operations in China. According to the report, $514,129 went from NIH through Duke University to AMMS to detect influenza in samples collected from Chinese swine workers from August 2014 to July 2019. Another NIH fund, which would have been sent via the University of California system, was terminated before any work was done. Republicans Voice Concerns The June 14 report was produced in response to a group of Republican members of Congress who demanded that the GAO conduct a comprehensive accounting of all public funds the United States Government disbursed to the Chinese entities from January 2014 through December 2021. Reps. Mike Turner (R-Ohio) and Brad Wenstrup (R-Ohio), who chair the House Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence and the House Select Subcommittee on the Coronavirus Pandemic, respectively, said the findings are very concerning. Today, the GAO confirmed that US taxpayer dollars awarded from the National Institutes of Health and USAID were ultimately used for research by entities in China, including the Wuhan Institute of Virology, which was known to be doing coronavirus research, the congressmen said in a joint statement. This revelation is very concerning due to the increased focus on the lab leak theory, which suggests that the virus may have originated from the Wuhan laboratory rather than through natural means. We have long argued that the American people deserve the truth about COVID-19s origin and continue to take concrete actions to declassify intelligence related to the pandemic. EcoHealth Alliance, which is primarily funded by government grants and contracts, has also come under intensifying scrutiny over the handling of taxpayer-funded awards. Earlier this year, Sen. Joni Ernst (R-Iowa) called on Congress to put an immediate and permanent end to taxpayer funding of EcoHealth Alliance, accusing the organization of failing to tell the world what was really going on at Chinas Wuhan Institute. EcoHealth was paid millions, promising their hunt for bat viruses would protect the world from a pandemic, the senator said. Well, the world got a pandemic, and EcoHealth keeps getting millions. Pence Weighs In on Pardoning Trump If Hes Convicted Then-Vice President Mike Pence, left, then-President Donald Trump wait on the as seen in a photo taken on May 30, 2020. (Saul Martinez/Getty Images) Former Vice President Mike Pence appeared to distance himself from committing to pardoning former President Donald Trump if he is ultimately convicted of a federal crime. During the Clay Travis and Buck Sexton Show on Wednesday, Pence was asked about Trump having been indicted last week on 37 felony counts connected to his alleged mishandling of classified documents and alleged attempts to obstruct the investigation. On Tuesday, Trump was arrested and charged, and he entered a plea of not guilty to all the counts. When pressed, Pence claimed that first off, these are serious charges. He added, And as I said, I cant defend whats been alleged, but the president does deserve to make his defense. And I would say to each one of you, look, Ive been a former governor, Pence said. Ive actually granted pardons to people and I take the pardon authority very seriously. Its an enormously important power of someone in an executive position. And I just think its premature to have any conversation about that right now. Travis then suggested to Pence that his comment about letting the legal process play out isnt a sign of great leadership. I dont think you know what the presidents defense is, do you? Pence said in response. I mean, what are the facts? I mean, look, we either believe in our judicial process in this country or we dont. We either stand by the rule of law or we dont. On Twitter, Travis later criticized Pence over the interview and claimed the former vice president refused to answer if hed pardon Trump. Things got a bit heated as I pressed him on why he wouldnt answer, he said. Also Wednesday, Pence told the Daily Wire that he believes Trumps arrest is a sad day in this life of this nation, adding that no ones above the law. 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) I mean, literally, to see a former President of the United States in the dock and face charges in a criminal indictment, I think is deeply discouraging to millions of Americans, Pence said. That being said, you know, no ones above the law. And as Americans, were innocent until proven guilty and I had the opportunity to review the indictment over the weekend. And I will tell you, these are serious charges and I cant defend what is alleged, but the president deserves his day in court. Several other GOP presidential candidates, including businessman Vivek Ramaswamy and radio host Larry Elder, have indicated that they would pardon Trump if hes convicted. Another candidate, former U.N. Ambassador Nikki Haley told Politico on Wednesday that she is inclined in favor of pardoning Trump should she get elected and he get convicted. When you look at a pardon, the issue is less about guilt and more about whats good for the country, Haley stated. And I think it would be terrible for the country to have a former president in prison for years because of a documents case. So I would be inclined in favor of a pardon, she also remarked. Meanwhile, 2024 candidates Chris Christie and Asa Hutchinson, who both polled at around 1 percent in a recent Quinnipiac survey, have been the most critical of Trump since he was indicted. Christie said in a CNN event that the indictment shows that Trump is completely self-centered and completely self-consumed, while Hutchinson said that its irresponsible for other GOP candidates to be speaking about pardons. The comments came after Ramaswamy spoke outside of a Miami courthouse and called for each GOP presidential candidate to make a commitment to pardoning Trump. Each of our paths to electoral success would be easier if President Trump were eliminated from competition, but that is the wrong result for our country. The fact that we are running against Trump gives us credibility to denounce this politicized prosecution, Ramaswamy wrote on social media. Notably, Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis, who polls show is No. 2 behind Trump, has not said whether or not hed pardon Trump. The governor in May, however, suggested on Travis and Sextons show that he would use pardon power in cases where he believes the federal government was weaponized against disfavored groups no matter how small or how big. After Trumps indictment, DeSantis has focused mainly on the Department of Justice, writing on Twitter last week: We have for years witnessed an uneven application of the law depending upon political affiliation. As of Thursday, Trump has not publicly responded to Pences interviews. Instead, he wrote on Truth Social that hes pulled in $6.6 million in donations for his presidential campaign in the few days after he was indicted. There has been really big fundraising and greater polls since he was indicted by misfits, mutants, Marxists, and communists, Trump also wrote. Police Arrest Suspect in Spray Attack in Japanese Department Store Restroom An ambulance and fire trucks park near the scene of a spray attack in Osaka, western Japan, on June 14, 2023. (Kyodo News via AP) TOKYOPolice in the western Japanese city of Osaka said Thursday they have arrested a woman on suspicion of spraying an unknown liquid on several women inside a department store, causing pain to their faces and eyes. Police arrested a 33-year-old woman early Thursday in the alleged assaults inside a restroom at a department store the day before, Osaka prefectural police said. Her motive and other details of the attack were still under investigation, officials said. One of the victims was 85-year-old woman who was sprayed inside the ladies room on the 9th floor of the Hankyu Department Store in Osaka, a local police official said on condition of anonymity, citing protocol. The woman complained of pain in the cheek and was taken to a hospital for treatment, police said. At least six other people also had the unidentified liquid sprayed on their faces and had eye sores and other minor irritation, but none of them was seriously injured, police said. Local news reports say police determined the suspect after analyzing security cameras. By Mari Yamaguchi Police Say 2 Men Fatally Shot After Road Rage Incident on Interstate 25 in Denver DENVERTwo men were fatally shot after a road rage incident involving two vehicles on Interstate 25 in Denver, police said. The men were riding together in the same vehicle on Tuesday, police said. They stopped their vehicle in the righthand lane near a busy interchange and the passenger got out and approached another car, which had also stopped. The driver of the second vehicle apparently opened fire on the passenger, police said. The shooting suspect started to drive away, but the other driver grabbed onto that vehicle and the shooting suspect fired at him too, causing the victim to fall, police said. A Denver detective who happened to be driving by when the shooting happened, followed the suspects vehicle and called for uniformed officers to arrest the 25-year-old driver. He was arrested during a traffic stop without incident. Police have not released any information about what happened before the cars pulled over. Its a travesty of justice. This is what happens in third world countries. In this episode of ATL, I sit down with Rep. Ralph Norman (R-S.C.) to discuss Trumps arraignment, in which the former president is pleading not guilty to federal charges. Its a dog and pony show and well see how it turns out. Hes strong enough to take it, says the congressman, who believes that the indictment will only help Trump in his run for the 2024 presidency, as Americans sense that the entire process has been politicized. Hes a political opponent to the left and theyre doing everything they can to discredit him. Look at the timing of it. Hes in the middle of a presidential election. The primaries will be coming up in six, eight months, says Norman. We also discuss the World Health Organizations (WHO) upcoming pandemic treaty, which President Joe Biden has expressed interest in signing, and what impact that will have on Americas sovereignty. America determines Americas health not a third party like the WHO, says Norman. Theyre not an organization that has been truthful and its been obvious in their decisions that they answer to one party, and its the CCP [Chinese Communist Party]. BEIJING, June 15 (Xinhua) -- China has secured many outstanding achievements in promoting and protecting human rights, and has contributed wisdom to promoting global human rights governance, experts said at a Beijing forum on the topic this week. The Forum on Global Human Rights Governance took place in the Chinese capital on Wednesday and Thursday, attracting more than 300 participants from home and abroad. At the event, participants held in-depth discussions on the practice of domestic human rights governance by China and its contribution to the international community. Veronika Saraswati, China Study Unit Convenor of Centre for Strategic and International Studies of Indonesia, said she thinks highly of China's practices in promoting and protecting human rights. She said that China has accomplished remarkable feats in economic and social development while maintaining peace, laying a solid foundation for the protection of human rights. "Among all the achievements that China has made, one that cannot be ignored is the historic resolution of absolute poverty," Saraswati said, adding that it not only makes a major contribution to the cause of global poverty reduction, but also provides inspiration for the eradication of poverty in other developing countries like Indonesia. Peter Hediger, Swedish sinologist, historian and international security policy expert, said that China has pursued a successful foreign policy that benefits not only China but also many other countries, and this has helped improve the level of human rights in the world. Hediger said that 30 years have elapsed since the adoption of the Vienna Declaration and Program of Action, and despite all countries pledging to enhance cooperation and common development, there are still hegemonies that recklessly pursue their goals at the expense of others, and they have become a major source of instability in today's world. Countering such trends, China's foreign policy has played a model role when it comes to the implementations of the goals set by United Nations, he said, adding that the fruits of such endeavors were in evidence recently when China successfully mediated the resumption of diplomatic relations between Iran and Saudi Arabia. "We cannot talk about human rights without any action," said Saraswati, pointing out that some countries use "human rights" as a tool to attack and smear other countries, while China has been safeguarding and promoting the development of human rights with concrete actions. Saraswati pointed out that the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) has played an important role in promoting global human rights progress. Taking the joint construction of the Jakarta-Bandung High-Speed Railway as an example, she said the railway will effectively connect urban and rural areas and stimulate the vitality of local economic and social development. "It is one of China's many concrete actions to safeguard and promote human rights," Saraswati said. This year marks the 10th anniversary of China's proposal of the BRI. Stephen Brawer, Chairman of the Belt and Road Institute in Sweden, said he is convinced that the BRI is the pathway to peace, as well as true human rights in the proper sense of development and the elimination of global poverty. "One crucial idea is the idea of the common good for all people," Brawer said, adding that this is where human rights and the BRI can come together to construct "a community for a shared future for mankind." Republicans Calling for More Oversight on Ukraine Spending Amid Growing Scrutiny The proposed Fiscal Year 2024 U.S. defense budget includes $80 million for a U.S. Army Tactical Missile System (ATACMS), such as this one being used by the South Korean Army in 2017, to be delivered to Ukraine. (South Korean Defense Ministry via Getty Images) The proposed $874.2 billion fiscal 2024 (FY24) defense budget that the House Armed Services Committee will begin vetting June 21 provides $80 million in military assistance for Ukraine but closes out further funding for Kyiv for the current fiscal year, which ends Oct. 1. Since the Russian invasion started in February 2022, the United States has authorized more than $100 billion in assistance for Ukraine, according to the U.S. State Department, including $40 billion in military gear and munitions. That figure presumably includes $2.1 billion in security assistance announced by the U.S. Department of Defense (DOD) on June 9 and a $325 million tranche released by the Pentagon on June 13, the same day as six House Armed Services Committee subcommittees swiftly and unanimously approved their components of the FY24 national defense budget. Other than an $80 million allocation for an MGM-140 Army tactical missile system (ATACMS) for the Armed Forces of Ukraine, the Pentagons FY24 budget doesnt include additional funding for Ukraine. That allocation is below the $86.6 million increase for combat support forces for the U.S. Navys $4.436 billion Somalia Persistent Presence program and its $1.8 billion allocation for communications/electronic warfare. The U.S. Army is also seeking nearly $400 million to continue battling ISIS in Iraq ($242 million) and Syria ($156 million). Any future Ukraine aid packages would be addressed in supplemental spending that Congress would have to approve, the DOD stated. Military aid for Ukraine doesnt come from the DOD budget but from the Ukraine Security Assistance Initiative (USAI), which allows the Biden administration to draw down funding without congressional approval to order and send weapons to the embattled nation from industry rather than pull them from U.S. stocks. Ukraine is addressed twice within the 412-page draft FY24 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA), filed as House Bill 2670, which Congress will debate through the summer before the new fiscal year begins. Regarding the $80 million ATACMS allocation, the proposed NDAA directs the Secretary of Defense to provide a briefing to the congressional defense committees, not later than Dec. 31, 2023, on the progress of using USAI for the procurement of and availability of ATACMS to the Armed Forces of Ukraine. Under a section called Mission Support to Ukraine, the draft NDAA states that the House Armed Forces Committee seeks to better understand how the Department of Defense is prioritizing and approving or disapproving requests from the Government of Ukraine for smaller dollar value and lower quantity capabilities made by small businesses or non-traditional providers. The committee requested that Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin appear before not later than Dec. 1 to provide details on any request made by the [Ukraine] Ministry of Defense or National Police that have not been adjudicated within 90 days of submission or request. The committee also requested that the Pentagon provide any request for support for systems, capabilities, or platforms made by the government of Ukraine and denied; justification for denied or partially denied requests for support; and methods to improve the acquisition of non-programs of record, defense articles, and services for the provision to Ukraine under the Presidential Drawdown Authority or the Ukraine Security Assistance Initiative. Military aid, delivered as part of the United States security assistance to Ukraine, is unloaded from a plane at the Boryspil International Airport outside Kyiv, Ukraine, on Feb. 13, 2022. (Serhiy Takhmazov/Reuters) Audits, Oversight, Questions But some Capitol Hill Republicans want to plug the spigot until the administration and Pentagon provide an audit of what has been spent and install greater oversight on any further allocations. Sen. Marco Rubio (R-Fla.), in a June 12 letter to Government Accountability Office (GAO) Comptroller General Gene Dodaro, requested a full GAO review of DODs accounting of all equipment provided to Ukraine since February 2022, criticizing the Biden administration for its May disclosure that it made a $3 billion accounting error in overestimating the value of provided assistance. Rubio said the administration appears now to be using the depreciated value of the equipment to send more aid without proper accounting. This will ensure U.S. taxpayers are not footing an even larger bill to replace the equipment needed to defend the [United States] and its interests, he wrote. A growing number of House Republicans are also demanding audits and greater accountability, with House Speaker Kevin McCarthy (R-Calif.) preemptively saying that a supplemental Ukraine assistance package anytime in the near future is unlikely. House Armed Services Committee Chair Rep. Mike Rogers (R-Ala.), who had repeatedly criticized the Biden administration for not sending more aid to Kyiv, including long-range missiles, has also said that what further assistance Ukraine may receive depends on the success of its offensive. If the House were to consider a supplemental military spending bill, Rogers said, it would address challenges presented by China in the South China Sea and assistance to Taiwan, not Ukraine. Some Democrats are also questioning Ukraine spending, including Rep. Rosa DeLauro (R-Conn.), ranking member of the House Appropriations Committee, who said any supplemental spending for Kyiv should be accompanied by a similar boost in domestic allocations. The issue is certain to emerge as the defense budget goes before the full 59-member House Armed Forces Committee next week, kicking off a summer of hearings on the Pentagons proposed spending plan. I heard the National Defense Authorization Act may have money for Ukraine in it, Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene (R-Ga.) wrote on Twitter. The NDAA should only fund our military for our defense. I want to be able to vote for a good NDAA, but I will not if it funds Ukraine. We should be pushing a peace deal, not funding a war. Republicans Demand Biden Declassify COVID-19 Origins Documents as Deadline Looms Sen. Josh Hawley (R-Mo.) asks questions to witnesses as they testify before the Judiciary Subcommittee on Competition Policy, Antitrust, and Consumer Rights, in Washington on Sept. 21, 2021. (Ken Cedeno/Pool/Getty Images) Sens. Josh Hawley (R-Mo.) and Mike Braun (R-Ind.) are tapping their watches at President Joe Biden as a deadline looms for his administration to declassify all of its documents on the origins of COVID-19. In March, Biden signed the COVID-19 Origin Act of 2023, which requires the Director of National Intelligence to declassify any and all information relating to links between the Wuhan Institute of Virology (WIV) and the origins of COVID-19 within 90 days of the laws enactment. That 90-day deadline is set to run out on Sunday, June 18. Hawley and Braun sent a letter (pdf) to the White House on Wednesday, asking for an update on where the declassification process is at with four days left. Your Administration has not yet provided any indication of when the relevant material will be declassified, the Republican senators wrote. The senators also reminded the president that they are seeking the greatest degree of transparency possible, noting that the COVID-19 Origin Act only allows redactions to protect intelligence sources and methods. The law specifically calls for the intelligence community to reveal if the WIV was conducting research on behalf of the Chinese regimes Peoples Liberation Army and whether the virology lab was researching or experimenting with coronaviruses. The law also calls for the intelligence community to reveal the names of any WIV researchers who fell ill in the autumn of 2019, whether they were involved in coronavirus experimentation, and specific dates for when their symptoms began. Your Administration should comply with the law as written and not undermine clear congressional intent to provide as much transparency to the American people as possible, Hawley and Braun wrote. We introduced the COVID-19 Origin Act of 2023 earlier this Congress to hold China accountable for its obfuscation during the early stages of the COVID-19 pandemic. From the beginning of the pandemic, China appears to have taken every effort to hide COVIDs origins from the world. The American people deserve to know how this pandemic began, and their democratically elected representatives have expressed their will unanimously. I urge you not to stand in their way. The COVID-19 Origin Act became law within 20 days of Hawley introducing it in the Senate. The legislation passed in an overwhelmingly bipartisan fashion with a vote of unanimous consent in the Senate and then a 419-0 voice vote in the House of Representatives. NTD News reached out to the White House for comment on its plans to provide the specific information described in the COVID-19 Origin Act. The administration did not respond by the time this article was published. The COVID-19 Story So Far The first cases of COVID-19 were publicly reported in the Chinese city of Wuhan in late 2019. Early on in the outbreak, many prominent scientists focused on the hypothesis that the virus was the result of a natural transmission from a live animal and seafood wet market in Wuhan. Others posed a different theory, that COVID-19 leaked from a laboratory such as the WIV, but the theory was criticized by government bodies and legacy media and suppressed on social media early on. Over the past three years, more and more researchers and officials have gradually come forward to voice their support for the theory. In late February, the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) and the Federal Bureau of Investigation placed renewed support behind the lab leak theory. For nearly three years, anyone asking whether COVID-19 originated as a lab leak outbreak was silenced and branded as a conspiracy theorist, Hawley said in February after news broke of the DOEs lab leak assessment. Now these prudent skeptics stand vindicated. The Biden administration must immediately declassify all intelligence reports pertaining to the origins of COVID-19 and the Wuhan Institute of Virology. The American people deserve to know the truth. From NTD News Researchers Create Synthetic Human Embryos Without Sperm or Eggs Scientists have created synthetic human embryos from stem cells without using eggs or sperm in a development that raises challenging moral and legal questions. Synthetic embryos, also known as embryo models, are not equal to actual human embryos. Instead, they look similar to the early stages of human development and show no signs of the beginnings of a brain or a beating heart. However, it contains cells that typically end up forming the placenta, yolk sac, and the embryo. The development of synthetic human embryos was revealed at the International Society for Stem Cell Researchs annual meeting in Boston on Wednesday by professor Magdalena Zernicka-Goetz from the University of Cambridge and the California Institute of Technology. The research has not been peer-reviewed and is yet to be published, Zernicka-Goetz said at the event. I just wish to stress that they are not human embryos, Zernicka-Goetz said to CNN. They are embryo models, but they are very exciting because they are very looking similar to human embryos and very important path towards discovery of why so many pregnancies fail, as the majority of the pregnancies fail around the time of the development at which we build these embryo-like structures. The synthetic human embryos were grown from single human embryonic stem cells that were made to develop into three distinct tissue layers. At present, the synthetic model embryos are restricted to test tubes. According to Zernicka-Goetz, her research is not aimed at creating life but at preventing the loss of life. She and her team had earlier created model embryos from mouse stem cells that had shown the initial states of a brain and heart. The development has raised concerns about its implications. Synthetic human embryos created. This falls outside the boundary of current ethical and moral consideration and legality, Peter Dain, an activist with the U.K.s Reform Party, said in a June 15 post on Twitter. Many human developments, with AI being another, are now overtaking the ability of society to respond and assimilate, he added. Moral, Legal Implications When it comes to human embryo research, most nations follow the 14-day rule, which limits an embryo created through the fertilization of an egg to be grown only for 14 days. However, synthetic embryos like those developed by Zernicka-Goetz and her team using stem cells are not legally embryos and thus not bound by these same rules, which raises questions about their legality. On the one hand, models of human embryos made of stem cells might offer an ethical and more readily available alternative to the use of IVF-derived [in-vitro fertilization] human embryos, Prof James Briscoe, from the Francis Crick Institute, said in an interview with BBC. On the other hand, the closer stem-cell-derived models of human embryos mirror human embryos, the more important it is to have clear regulations and guidelines for how they are used. He stressed the need to proceed cautiously, carefully and transparently in the field so as to avoid any chilling effect among the public. Some people are already raising questions about the spiritual nature of these synthetic embryos. Lets get metaphysical: Where does its soul and spirit come from? Derek P. Gilbert, an author and host at SkyWatchTV, said in a June 15 tweet. From Synthetic Embryos to Grown Animals While experiments with synthetic embryos are ongoing, the question of whether they can grow up into living creatures still remains. Synthetic embryos of mice that Zernicka-Goetz and her team earlier created were implanted into female mice wombs but failed to develop into grown creatures. Similarly, researchers from China have experimented with implanting synthetic embryos created from monkey cells into the wombs of female monkeys. This, too, had failed. In an interview with MIT Technology Review in April, Jianping Fu, a bioengineer at the University of Michigan in Ann Arbor, admitted that things might change quite soon. Given how rapidly the field has been moving over the last few years Ive become more and more concerned about how close we are to generating a complete human embryo model with the potential to develop into a viable human embryo or fetus. This is not some far-fetched, remote possibility, he said. Rust Armorer May Have Brought Live Rounds on Set, Prosecutors Say Buildings used on the set of the movie "Rust" near a chapel which will not be used, on the first day that filming resumed after the 2021 shooting death in New Mexico of cinematographer Halyna Hutchins, in Livingston, Mont., on April 21, 2023, in a still image from video. (Sandra Stojanovic/Reuters) Prosecutors say they have evidence pointing to the possibility the armorer for the movie Rust introduced live rounds onto the set where a gun that actor Alec Baldwin was holding fired a bullet, killing cinematographer Halyna Hutchins in 2021. Prosecutors had previously said it might never be clear how live rounds, which are not allowed on movie sets, got to the Rust set in New Mexico. Charging documents had held Hannah Gutierrez-Reed, who was working as chief weapons handler on her second film, was responsible for allowing live ammunition on the set, but not for bringing in the live rounds. Buildings used on the set of the movie Rust after filming resumed following the 2021 shooting death in New Mexico of cinematographer Halyna Hutchins, in Livingston, Mont., on April 22, 2023. (Drone Base/Reuters) In a June 8 court filing, special prosecutors Kari Morrissey and Jason Lewis cited some evidence to support the theory that Defendant Gutierrez may be responsible for introducing the live rounds on set. If this theory is confirmed additional criminal charges may follow, they said. Gutierrez-Reed had four spent casings in her gun kit bag that appear to match live rounds found on the New Mexico set, prosecutors said in the filing. Lawyer Jason Bowles, who represents Gutierrez-Reed, did not immediately respond to a request for comment. Dave Halls, the first assistant director on Rust, pleaded in a deal with prosecutors to negligent use of a deadly weapon for his role in Hutchins death. Charges against Baldwin were dropped after new evidence suggested the guns hammer might have been modified, causing it to misfire. Baldwin has said he did not pull the trigger. Actor Alec Baldwin departs his home, as he will be charged with involuntary manslaughter for the fatal shooting of cinematographer Halyna Hutchins on the set of the movie Rust, in New York on Jan. 31, 2023. (David Dee Delgado/Reuters) Gutierrez-Reed is the only person now charged for Hutchins death, though prosecutors said they would decide within 60 days whether to file new charges against Baldwin. Defense lawyer Bowles has previously said Gutierrez-Reed never bought nor had access to ammunition, the type of live round that killed Hutchins. Gutierrez-Reed said she loaded the live round into the Peacemaker revolver used by Baldwin thinking it was a dummy round. By Andrew Hay Opposition Leader Peter Dutton Responds Swiftly to Parliamentary Sexual Assualt Allegations Snow covered hills are seen behind Parliament House in Canberra, Wednesday, June 1, 2022. (AAP Image/Lukas Coch Australian Liberal Senator David Van has been dumped from the Opposition party room following allegations by Independent Senator Lidia Thorpe and former Liberal Senator Amanda Stoker, and another unnamed individual that Van had sexually assaulted them. Stokers allegations were released in a media statement on Thursday and followed Thorpes accusation on Wednesday. While the third allegation was revealed by opposition leader Peter Dutton on Friday, who acted swiftly to remove Van from the party room. I raised another allegation with Senator Van, but Im not going to comment in relation to those matters otherwise, Dutton told Nines Today program on Friday. I made a decision yesterday based on all of the information that was available to me thats a decision I dont regret at all. I believe it is in the best interests of the Liberal Party, and thats what I have acted upon, and I dont want Senator Van sitting in our party room. I have made that clear. Australian Opposition Leader Peter Dutton speaks to the media during a press conference at Parliament House in Canberra, Australia, on April 5, 2023. (AAP Image/Lukas Coch) The swift action follows Wednesday afternoons revelation, under parliamentary privilege, by Thorpe of allegations about harassment and sexual assault by Van, a claim that Van has rejected. The situation took place when Van was speaking in the upper House about the rape allegations of former Liberal staffer Brittany Higgins. Thorpe interjected, saying she felt really uncomfortable when a perpetrator is speaking about violence. She called Van a perpetrator. I cant because this person harassed me, sexually assaulted me, and the prime minister had to remove him from his office. And to have him talking about this today is an absolute disgrace on the whole party. Meanwhile, Stoker said in her media statement that she was inappropriately touched by Van during a social event in 2020 reported Nine News. In November 2020, Senator Van inappropriately touched me at an informal social gathering in a parliamentary office, Stoker said. He did so by squeezing my bottom twice. By its nature and by its repetition, it was not accidental. Former Liberal senator Amanda Stoker during Senate Estimates at Parliament House in Canberra, Monday, February 14, 2022. (AAP Image/Mick Tsikas) That action was not appropriate. It was unprofessional and uninvited. I raised the matter with Senator Van at a meeting the following day. I described the action, told him it was unacceptable, and that it was not to be repeated. He apologised and said he would never do it again. I accepted his apology and his undertaking. Contemporaneous notes of the meeting were taken, and it never happened again. Van Calls Allegations Disgusting In response, Van called the accusation disgusting. I utterly reject that statement, that disgusting statement, outright. It is just a lie, and I reject it, he said. I withdraw the word lie. It is just not true. Senate deputy president Andrew McLachlan asked Thorpe to stop several times and to withdraw the inappropriate comment. Thorpe later backtracked on the comment to comply with Senate rules but said she would make a statement on the matter on Thursday. Meanwhile, Van released a statement on Wednesday to deny the accusations. In the chamber today, Senator Thorpe made unfounded and completely untrue allegations against me that I immediately and unequivocally denied and continue to deny, he said. These outrageous and reprehensible comments were made by Senator Thorpe using parliamentary privilege in the most malicious and despicable way. My lawyers have written to her already, making my position clear in the strongest possible terms. On Thursday in her speech on Thursday, Senator Thorpe said she was followed and then cornered in a stairwell by a senator at Parliament House before she was aggressively propositioned and inappropriately touched. She did not imply that Van had been involved in this incident. There are different understandings of what amounts to sexual assault to me, it was sexual assault, she told the senate. I was afraid to walk out of the office door. I would open the door slightly and check the coast was clear before stepping out. It was to the degree that I had to be accompanied by someone whenever I walked inside this building. Van Says Allegations Concocted Following the incident, Opposition Leader Peter Dutton said he had told the Victorian senator earlier on Thursday he was no longer welcome in the party room. I want to make clear, very clear, that Im not making any judgment on the veracity of the allegations or any individuals guilt or innocence, Dutton said. Thorpe said she would not proceed with legal action over the incident or report it to the police. This is my choice, but I will continue to speak out against the abuse and harassment that happens in this building, she said. I want to focus on making this place safe for everyone, and at this moment, it is not a safe place for women. Van told parliament on Thursday that Thorpes accusations were concocted from beginning to end. He said making false allegations in the upper house was disgraceful and brings the Senate into disrepute. Nothing that she has alleged of me is truthful. No such exchange occurred between us, he said. There is no interaction that could conceivably resemble what she described today. But Van accepted he would no longer sit in the Liberal party room. I do not wish this matter to stay in the Liberal Party that I fought so hard for, he said. Senator Van said an investigation into Senator Thorpes claims was warranted, and he was willing to cooperate with it. Senator Thorpe should do the same. AAP contributed to this article. Shawn Whatley: How Danielle Smith Could Transform Health Care Exiting management of health care and focusing only on governance is key to achieving reform Commentary Albertans re-elected Danielle Smiths United Conservative Party with a majority on May 29. Smith now offers a chance to change how we think about health carea radically conservative vision. What might that include? Many conservatives trumpet out-of-pocket payments as the embodiment of conservative health-care policy. Danielle Smiths critics inflamed fears of patient payment central in their campaign attacks. One month before the election, Smith took out-of-pocket payments off her campaign table. I believe actions speak louder than anything, said Smith. One of the first things Ive done as premier is sign a 10-year, $24-billion health-care agreement with the federal government, where we jointly agree to uphold the principles of the Canada Health Act. One of those main principles is no one pays out-of-pocket for a family doctor, and no one pays for hospital services. Thats in writing. Smiths pledge of allegiance to the CHA sounds like other conservatives who have caved before her. True, Smith might govern health care like other conservative governments, but her pledge need not bind her. A big opportunity lies at the heart of her pledge, if she has the courage to chase it. The accessibility principle of the Canada Health Act bans out-of-pocket payments: charges made to insured persons. Out-of-pocket charges disqualify provinces from federal health transfer payments. The accessibility principle is the only reason the CHA exists. The first four principlespublic administration, comprehensiveness, universality, and portabilitycome from the Medical Care Act of 1966. Many conservatives bristle at the Canada Health Act precisely because of its ban on patient out-of-pocket payments. That is partly right but mostly wrong. Yes, the act prohibits federal transfer payments to provinces which allow user fees for medical services. But no, that is not why Canadian medicare suffers. Conservatives bristle at the wrong end of the bill. While fuming at federal overreach on access, they forget the CHAs first principle: public administration. Public administration, not payment, is the key to Canadian health care. Medicare does not pivot on whether patients pay for care with their Visa card or their health-care card. Payment irritates voters, which matters to politicians. But payment for services matters far less to health care than management of care itself. Herein lies the opportunity. The Canada Health Act does not say services must be managed by government. It says provincial governments must manage a health care insurance plan. Provincial governments must manage payment for services, but they could stay out of managing the services themselves. A health insurance company is not the same as a health management organization. The federal Medical Care Act of 1966 nationalized Canadas health insurance companies. Governments took control of the health insurance industry, and insurance companies left the insurance business. The insurance companies never were in the managed care business. Over the last 50 years, provincial governments have morphed from health insurance companies into managed care organizations. Each province closely manages medical services and seeks ways to manage even more. Most conservative governments seem to ignore this by intention. Having been beaten in the out-of-pocket fight, conservatives shrug and get on with managing like a Liberal or an NDP. They tweak and twiddle the levers of control, adjusting regulations, programming, and funding allocations. Conservatives avoid (most) obvious progressive social policies, but it can be impossible to tell the difference in the clinic or at the bedside. Conservatives could be (radically) different by refocusing on good government. Good government means good governance. And good governance means noses in, fingers out. Governments, like boards of directors, need to know what is going on (noses in), but they cause chaos when they meddle (fingers out). Keeping noses in, fingers out of health care has been hard for Conservative governmentsimpossible for Liberals and NDP. Smith has the opportunity to change Canadian health care. She could refocus government on governing and find all the ways to get government out of management. Perhaps this asks for too much. Currently, provinces control which medical services Canadians can access. Governments control the price, volume, quality, and management of services. Provinces fund and oversee the training of health-care workers and shape labour relations. Doctors retain the privilege of managing the lease and upkeep of their clinics. Government has its fingers in so many things it will be hard to imagine anything different. Smith faces a stark choice. She can take a conservative approach and do what most Conservative parties have done. Or she can chart a new course to rediscover what good governance means. The question is, will Smith try? Troy Media Views expressed in this article are the opinions of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views of The Epoch Times. Six African Nations Criticise Hunting Trophy Ban and Plan for Beggar-Like Dependency Hunting trophies import prohibition bill to be debated in House of Lords Adri Kitshoff, chief executive officer of Professional Hunters' Association of South Africa, by an antelope she hunted at the Iwamanzi Game Reserve in Koster, South Afrika, on June 6, 2015. (Stefan Heunis/AFP/Getty Images) Six African countries have written an open letter criticising the governments plans to ban the import of hunting trophies and urging them to listen to scientists and experts on conservation. In March, the Hunting Trophies (Import Prohibition) Bill was given a third reading, without a vote, in the House of Commons and is likely to become law, if approved by the House of Lords, who will debate it on Friday. But the high commissioners of South Africa, Botswana, Namibia, Zambia and Tanzania and the Zimbabwean ambassador have written a letter to The Times of London in which they call on the government to amend Conservative MP Henry Smiths private members bill to remove the ban on importing hunting trophies. During the House of Commons debate in March, Tory MP Jerry Wiggin said the bill was a classic case of virtue signalling at the expense of African wildlife and the conservation efforts of African people. African Nations: Bill Will Undermine Revenue Model In the letter, the six African ambassadors wrote: The government is supporting the bill on the basis that it will protect endangered species in southern Africa. However, far from saving animals by discouraging hunting, in its present form, the bill will undermine a revenue model that gives incentives to local communities in our own countries to maintain wildlife habitats and protect animals from the far bigger threat posed by illegal poaching. They went on to say: The British government has proposed that southern African countries that do lose hunting revenue should apply for UK grant money and aid funding. However, promoting a beggar-like dependency on aid is a 19th century solution to a 21st century problem. MPs and campaigners against big game hunting, including explorer Sir Ranulph Fiennes (3rd from R) actress Vicki Michelle (5th from R) and former ski jumper Eddie The Eagle Edwards (far R) in the Houses of Westminster, England, on March 15, 2023. (PA Media) Supporters of the new legislation say it would stop the import into Britain of body parts from thousands of species including lions, rhinos, and elephants killed abroad. In March, Trudy Harrison, a junior minister in the Department for Environment, Food, and Rural Affairs, said: I do recognise that some of the income from trophy hunting has contributed towards the protection of habitat and the prevention of poaching. But to bring the body part of endangered species in is not the way forward. This government recognises this, the country recognises that and I am absolutely clear that it is time for change. It is absolutely what the public expects. Alex Sobel, the shadow environment minister, said: We can say that its wrong for British people to kill animals for pleasure and momentoes. We can set an example We human beings have a responsibility to look after this planet and its animals. We need to put trophy hunting in the dustbin of history along with the slave trade, female infanticide, and witch-hunting. In May, the leader of the House of Commons, Penny Mordaunt said the government was pleased to support Smiths private members bill. Listen to the Scientists But the high commissioners letter urges Rishi Sunaks government to, listen to the advice of scientists, conservation experts and its partners in Africa and amend the bill to, acknowledge that regulated trophy hunting can support the conservation outcomes it seeks, while supporting the economies of our countries and rural livelihoods. Thebeyakgosi Horatius, a former head of human-wildlife conflict for Botswanas Department of Wildlife and National Parks, told National Public Radio because [the elephants] are feeling comfortable, they are not feeling disturbed by shootings, they come through the villages. They are free to go wherever they want to go. The letter in The Times of London was signed by Jeremiah Nyamane Mamabolo, South Africas representative in London, Godfrey Engliton, acting high commissioner for Botswana, Linda Scott, Namibias high commissioner, Asha-Rose Migiro, Tanzanian high commissioner, Lubu Shamwinga Chibwe Nxumalo, acting high Commissioner for Zambia and Christian Katsande, the Zimbabwean ambassador. All six countries are former British colonies and all, with the exception of Zimbabwe, are members of the Commonwealth. Zimbabwes former leader Robert Mugabe withdrew from the Commonwealth in 2003. Southampton Police Investigate After Chinese Exchange Students Assault Hongkongers at the 4th Anniversary Rally of Hong Kong Protests A Chinese student identified as Zheng Gong was a repeat offender of hate related and aggressive behaviors toward pro-democracy people Hongkongers in England attended the Resist The Chinese Communist Party Day Joint Rally to protest against the Chinese Communist Party's implementation of the National Security Law in Hong Kong, in London, on Oct. 1, 2021. (Jenna/The Epoch Times) Rallies were held in multiple cities in the United Kingdom to commemorate the 4th anniversary of the 6/12 protest held during the Hong Kong anti-extradition protests of 2019. On June 11, a British-Hongkonger group, Hongkongers in Southampton, UK, held a rally at the Bargate to commemorate the 4th anniversary of the 6/12 incident. About 100 people attended the event. Some of the attendees were later attacked on the streets by several Mandarin Chinese speakers. One of the perpetrators was identified as an exchange student from Beijing studying at Southampton University. A video showed three men violently assaulting a man on the street. A sixth person in the attackers group was seen watching on the sideline but did not get actively involved in the attack. In the video, you could hear them shouting Hong Kong is part of China, while waving the CCPs national flag. During the period, a man in a white T-shirt and black shorts was filming the rally and provoking attendees. According to online media, The Chaser News, reporters on site said the man called for backup but was made to leave by the attendees. However, a few hours later, several rally attendees who were having supper nearby were assaulted by the same man in a white T-shirt and black shorts and a few other Mandarin-speaking men. An online video showed the three men in white, red, and black T-shirts assaulting a Hongkonger in a black tee and a woman who tried to stop the man from attacking. One of the attackers swore and shouted, Hong Kong is part of China. The victim suffered bruises and scratches on his arms and neck. After the attack, someone shared a conversation screenshot from WeChat while another user uploaded the attack footage and commented, Beat the hell out of the Hong Kong independence dogs. Another said, How entertaining!! Other netizens questioned the attackers why they stayed in the U.K. if they loved their country so much; They should go back to China. Someone also expressed, Chinese students are all spies. Western countries should deport them all. Attacker Identified Chaser News reported that the perpetrator in a white T-shirt and the person who sent photos to the WeChat group was the same person, named Zheng Gong. Born and raised in Beijing, Gong graduated from Tianjin Polytechnic University in 2022 before becoming a student at Southampton University. In October 2022, a man with a TikTok account under the same name as Gong shared a video of an event at Southampton University. During the Guess the National Flag event, a Japanese student displayed a picture of the Blue Sky, a white Sun, and a Wholly Red Earth Flag. Gong and other Mandarin-speaking students rushed over to cover the flag photo with their hands aggressively and yelled, Taiwan is part of China! Gong later blogged about the incident and said he did something he could be proud of for the rest of his life. Police Investigate Southampton Police received reports of hate-related crime at around 4.25 pm on Sunday, June 11, 2023, that a group of people were attacked on Burgess Road, Southampton, and two people were injured. The police are currently conducting investigations and inquiries. Overseas Hongkongers at Risk o f Being Attacked by CCP Supporters Hongkongers in Britain condemned the attackers for their flagrant violations of the basic principles of freedom of expression, peaceful assembly, and protest. The British-Hong Kong organization also stated that they had witnessed the erosion of civil liberties and the repression of democratic values in Hong Kong. The group believed the right to peacefully protest and defend ones beliefs is a fundamental human right that should be protected and respected by all. The group added that the attack in Southampton was not only an attack on individuals but also an insult to democracy and human rights principles. Hongkongers in Britain mentioned the incident was an example of the crackdown on freedom of expression in Hong Kong in recent years being brought to the streets of the United Kingdom. Southampton University Speaks Out A spokesperson for Southampton University said, We are aware of this video circulating on social media and are investigating. The university condemns violence and respects everyones right to freedom of expression. The university also conveyed that since the matter had been reported to the police, it would be inappropriate to comment further. Human Rights NGOs Reaction Co-founder of Hong Kong Watch, Benedict Rogers, posted online the incident was heinous, unacceptable, and intolerable. Rogers condemned the attackers for recording the entire violent attack and uploading it onto social media. He urged the authorities to arrest and prosecute the thugs immediately. Not the First Attack by CCP Supporters On Oct 16, 2022, members of the Chinese consulate in Manchester assaulted Hongkongers who were peacefully demonstrating outside. The attack prompted an outcry from Hongkongers worldwide, urging the British government to prosecute or deport the perpetrators involved. Southern Baptists Vote to Solidify Position Against Female Pastors The largest Protestant denomination in the United States voted Wednesday, June 14, to uphold an executive committees ouster of its second largest congregation and another smaller congregation because women had been elevated to lead and senior pastoral roles. At the Southern Baptist Convention (SBC) annual meeting in New Orleans this week, the SBC also took their first vote to clarify their position against women as pastors, with more than two-thirds of members voting to add the language to the SBCs constitution. A second vote will need to be held at next years meeting for the wording to officially be added. The credentials committee for the Nashville, Tennessee-based SBC, which makes recommendations to the executive committee on whether or not churches remain affiliated with the denomination, now has a precedent that could lead to more churches being ousted from the SBC by the executive committee. Ousted Churches Fail in Appeal The two ousted churches that were subject to the vote Wednesday include the southern California megachurch Saddleback Church, along with the smaller Fern Creek Baptist Church in Louisville, Kentucky. Both churches were kicked out of the SBC in February by the groups executive committee. The two congregations have been at the center of controversy for the SBC since 2021 after Saddleback elevated three women to pastoral roles. Currently, the lead pastors wife serves as a teaching pastor. The second-largest SBC churchs move to elevate the women drew attention to the Kentucky church, too, which has had a woman in the role of lead pastor for three decades, according to The Associated Press. Those churches appealed the decision, which fell on deaf ears this week as the SBC members, referred to as messengers, responded overwhelmingly with a vote to uphold their ousters. Over 88 percent voted against welcoming back Saddleback compared to 92 percent for Fern Creek. Only Men as Pastors The SBC Baptist Faith and Message from 2000, a text separate from the SBC constitution that pronounces the groups statement of faith, already includes the wording that while both men and women are gifted for service in the church, the office of pastor is limited to men as qualified by Scripture. Stacie Wood and her husband, Andy Wood, stand for a portrait at Saddleback Church in Lake Forest, Calif., on Oct. 16, 2022. (AP Photo/Allison Dinner) The constitutional amendment would add the wording that churches are only in friendly cooperation with the SBC if they affirm, appoint, or employ only men as any kind of pastor or elder as qualified by Scripture. Amending the constitutionwhich carries a greater binding authority than the Baptist Faith & Message (2000)would clearly define who is and is not part of the SBC, a website explaining the amendment, proposed last year, states. Such an amendment could add stability to our convention for decades and guard us from the drift toward liberalism. Saddleback founding pastor and bestselling author Rick Warren and Fern Creek pastor Linda Popham plead their case on the floor of the convention Wednesday. If you think every Baptist thinks like you, youre mistaken, Warren told messengers. Saddleback disagrees with one word. Thats 99.9999 percent in agreement. Isnt that close enough? Popham asked why her role as pastor was just now being called into question, as she has been in the role for many years. Satan loves dividing us. Hes tearing this convention apart, she said. He loves seeing religious leaders sitting on protected and padded pontifical thrones being consumed by tradition and opinions and power and non-salvific issues. Pastor Rick Warren delivers his final sermon as Saddleback Churchs senior pastor, on Aug. 28, 2022. (Screenshot via Saddleback Church) Albert Mohler, president of Southern Baptist Theological Seminary, rebutted both speakers and said the issue was one of biblical authority and the issue threatened the unity and harmony of the SBC. Both churches still remain as part of their respective state conventions, and it is unclear if they, too, will seek to oust the churches at the state level. Warren spoke to the media following the vote, according to The Tennessean newspaper. The face of Southern Baptists does not look at all look like our annual meeting, Warren said, according to the outlet. The SBC has approximately 13.2 million members across over 47,000 churches worldwide, according to Baptist Press. Jana J. Pruet and The Associated Press contributed to this report. State Department Says No Decision Yet on Invitation of Hong Kong to APEC On June 13, The State Department claimed the invitation letter was an error. It said, 'No decision about invitations has been made' On June 13, the State Department amended its comment regarding the invitation of Hong Kongs leader, John Lee Ka Chiu, to the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) summit in 2023, saying its invitation to APEC was an error. This comes after lawmakers urged to rescind the invitation as Lee was sanctioned in 2020 by the United States for his role in undermining Hong Kongs autonomy and democratic processes. The annual APEC CEO Summit 2023 will be hosted in San Francisco, in November 2023. In February 2023, Deputy Secretary of State Wendy Sherman sent a letter inviting Hong Kong Chief Executive John Lee to attend APEC. Last Wednesday, four lawmakers, including the senior United States senator from Florida, Marco Rubio, the senior member of the House Foreign Affairs Committee, Chris Smith, the Senator from Oregon, Jeff Merkley, and a member of the United States House of Representatives, Jim McGovern, called for Lees invitation to be rescinded, citing his anti-democratic actions and human rights abuses. Because of the Hong Kong governments violent suppression of peaceful protestors in 2019, inviting Chief Executive Lee to attend the APEC meeting sends a terrible signal to human rights violators worldwide, said the lawmakers in the letter. They also described Lee as a human rights abuser, and his presence would give China disproportional representation at the APEC. US: The Invitation Was a Mistake In response to the letter, on June 8, Chinas Foreign Ministry said in Beijing, China believes that the US will fulfill its commitments to ensure that all APEC members, including Hong Kong, China, attend the meeting smoothly. Nevertheless, on June 13, The State Department claimed the invitation letter was an error. It said, No decision about invitations has been made, which confirmed that Lee is not yet invited to the APEC summit. Lee, the Pro-CCP Leader, Was Sanctioned It is worth noting that in 2019, the then-Secretary for Security, John Lee Ka Chiu, played a significant role in the anti-extradition bill movement, which sparked widespread protests and civil unrest in Hong Kong. Amid the protest, two million citizens, around a quarter of the HK population, participated in the massive rally against the bill. John Lee, the then-security chief who backed the bill, was criticized for the heavy use of water cannons, tear gas, and rubber bullets in handling protests. Also, over 10,000 pro-democracy protesters were arrested in the movement. In November 2019, Trump signed into law S. 1838, the Hong Kong Human Rights and Democracy Act of 2019, and backed the protesters. On July 14, 2020, he signed the Hong Kong Autonomy Act, passed on 1 July, right after the CCP forcibly imposed the National Security Law on Hong Kong (HKNSL). The Act authorizes the U.S. federal government to impose financial sanctions on officials and entities in Hong Kong as well as in mainland China that are deemed to help violate Hong Kongs autonomy, and punishes financial institutions that do business with them. Lee was in the first batch of Hong Kong and mainland China officials to be sanctioned by the US, during which he is designated for being involved in coercing, arresting, detaining, or imprisoning individuals under the authority of the National Security Law, as well as being involved in its development, adoption, or implementation. Continues to Hinder Democracy and Freedom Since coming to power as Chief Executive in 2021, Lee has continued the hard line on pro-democracy activists and freedom of speech, the press, and assembly in Hong Kong. After the implementation of the National Security Law (NSL), during the three years of Lees tenure as Chief Executive of Hong Kong, dozens of independent media were forced to close, and many journalists and activists were arrested. Counselors of the pro-democracy camp were charged with subversion. Numerous unions and civil society organizations were dismantled. Mass protests, public rallies, and demonstrations, which had been happening over the past few decades, are extinct. The Hong Kong government even seeks a court injunction on a protest song. According to the figures provided by the police, as of March 2023, 175 persons were arrested under the NSL, and 110 were charged. As the NSL prevails over the original Hong Kong common law system, people prosecuted under the NSL face years of detention before trial. Tecom Group, the creator of specialised business districts and vibrant communities, said it has entered into a new five-year AED7.6 billion ($2 billion) unsecured loan facility replacing the existing partially utilised term loan of AED 7.6 billion. The facility will have a positive impact on the Companys cash flow profile while providing it with the funds to execute its growth strategy. The facility has been secured at more favourable terms, leading to immediate interest expense saving over the five-year period. The Facility provides drawdown flexibility till maturity and also increases the duration, said a statement from Tecom. It is split into an AED4.4 billion term loan, which is equivalent to the amount that has already been drawn down from the previous agreement, and an AED3.2 billion revolving credit facility, equivalent to the existing undrawn amount, it stated. The facility has a bullet principal repayment structure, with the principal amount repaid at maturity. CEO Abdulla Belhoul said: "The new facility will provide us with greater financial flexibility, lower our borrowing costs, and enhances our leverage position. Importantly it enables us to invest in the growth of our business to unlock greater value for our shareholders." The new facility demonstrates our ability to leverage our strong financial standing and performance, market reputation and leadership position within the commercial real estate segment to take advantage of the ample liquidity in the UAE banking sector, stated Belhoul. "Furthermore, securing the loan at more favourable terms is a reflection of the confidence the financial community has in our business and growth plans," he added. Chief Financial Officer Michael Wunderbaldinger said: "Through our proactive efforts and prudent approach to optimise our cost of capital, we have entered into a loan agreement that will have an accretive impact on our bottom line." "The new facility will also lower our financial costs, improve our cash profile and is more aligned with our funding needs over the coming period," he added. Abu Dhabi Commercial Bank, Emirates NBD Capital and Dubai Islamic Bank are the joint mandated lead arranger for the new facility.-TradeArabia News Service BEIJING, June 15 (Xinhua) -- Chinese Premier Li Qiang on Tuesday sent a congratulatory message to Nikolai Denkov on his assuming office as Bulgarian prime minister. In the message, Li said the China-Bulgaria strategic partnership has been developing continuously in recent years. Prime Minister Denkov, as a member of the Bulgarian Academy of Sciences, attaches great importance to science, education, and international exchanges and cooperation, and has made positive contributions to pushing for countries' focus on scientific and technological innovation and green development, Li said. China is deeply implementing the strategy of rejuvenating the country through science and education, and upholding the central role of innovation in the overall modernization drive, Li said. China and Bulgaria share many similarities in their development concepts, and have great potential for cooperation, Li said, adding that China is ready to work with Bulgaria to continuously deepen practical cooperation in various fields, and push forward the healthy and stable development of bilateral ties. Staying Calm in the Battle for the Mind Military delegates march at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing on Oct. 9, 2021. (Noel Celis/AFP via Getty Images) Commentary Warfare is about imposing ones will on another or resisting the imposition of anothers will. So warfare has always been decided primarily in military information dominance, which specialists call the cognitive domain. Its true now more than ever when the most effective tools of warfare are there in instant social media to undermine peoples will to resist or galvanize them into a certain form of mass psychosis: a sort of mass belief system that ensures uniformity of thought. Not surprisingly, perception dominance is communist Chinas principal strategic tool. Its adversaries offer no defense; theyre saved to some degree merely by the reality that Beijing is an imperfect practitioner of the art. Outcomes at the supreme level of warfare are determined by those who dominate the battle of wills. So it matters that we know who we are. Will, based on mental and emotional focus at individual and societal levels, determines what we do and how we survive. So its critical to ask, Who are we? and quite separately, Who am I? These questions are the essence of sovereignty: group and individual. And if we cant answer these questions, then we find it difficult to justify any of our actions; neither can we adequately determine where were going as a group or an individual. Any lack of clarity or purpose will ensure our subordinationas a group, nation, or as an individualto others. Moreover, a lack of clarity about our deep identity implies confusion about beliefs that evolve from identity, experience, and circumstances. Its particularly important to ask these questions when the larger and smaller worlds of our existence are mired in change and uncertainty. Its at such times that people will hastily accept identities and purpose based on the hysteria alarums of fear, the progenitor of mass psychosis, which gathers people into almost incomprehensible and illogical forms of group recognition so that they can seemingly find protection. My own will protect me! This is political correctness at its most xenophobic and, ironically, at its most blindly self-destructive. Political correctness may provide a temporary and totally superficial answer to who we are but at the expense of who I am. Leadership and balanced, harmonious governance require us to never subordinate the I to the we, or vice-versa, lest the individual and the society equally lose their way, often down the generations. Defeat, enslavement, relegation, and fear create lost individuals in lost societies. And just as the I versus we requires balance, so, too, is the balance critical between belief and knowledge and between knowledge and wisdom. The long-defeated early peoples of the northern and southern American continent, Africa, Eurasia, and other places, can never return to who they were. Still, they may regain a sense of purpose by preserving some aspects of identity. Theres no going back to a golden past. Theres only the possibility of going forward to a golden future, provided theres clarity of vision based on clarity of identity. Rudyard Kipling captured the necessity for self-possession in the eye of the whirlwind in his 1895 poem, If: If you can keep your head when all about you Are losing theirs and blaming it on you, If you can trust yourself when all men doubt you, But make allowance for their doubting too; If you can wait and not be tired by waiting, Or being lied about, dont deal in lies, Or being hated, dont give way to hating Youll be a Man, my son! Author Rudyard Kipling (18651936) smiling in acknowledgment of his appointment as Rector of the University of St Andrews, Scotland, in October 1923. British Prime Minister Stanley Baldwin (18671947) can be seen over his shoulder. (Topical Press Agency/Getty Images) This was a call to balance and self-control in difficult circumstances: to stand aside from the crowd of the fear-driven. But this sense of self-possession requires a deep knowledge of self and societythe I and the wewhich can only come with a developed sense of purposefully acquired wisdom deriving from individual experience and introspection. Where, however, has balance gone? Where has wisdom gone in a world so now devolved from long-term belief systems into short-term materialism and transactionalism? G.K. Chesterton, the British author, is quoted as having said (or repeated) the phrase: When men choose not to believe in God, they do not thereafter believe in nothing, they then become capable of believing in anything. Perhaps, that doesnt tell the entire story. As with all eras, including eras of common belief systems, theres a period of chaos when an era of belief changes. The interim belief systems, like everything else about the transitional phase between historical eras, initially generate a unified panic, a psychotic surging of population masses, such as the murmuration of starling flocks, without a predetermined purpose other than to flee before danger. The starlings, like humans, swirl in tight flocks, blindly following the direction of their immediate neighbors. Starlings fly over Brighton, England, on Feb. 22, 2011. (Mike Hewitt/Getty Images) The fear of breaking formation causes panic. Were in that interregnum in historythe period between kingsbut this time between belief systems, just as were in an interregnum between defined periods of strategic power. In many respects, the individuals and societies emerging in command of their destinyand often the destiny of othershave a deep sense of identity and a committed sense of purpose: a grand strategy. And identity is often based on the myths of cultural origins, nationhood, and civilization. Much of this is derived from the marriage of peoples with geography, creating narrowly specific forms of logic and imperatives of survival to suit our particular circumstances according to the terroir that sustains us. This evolves into the civilizational sense of context, which brings with it the confidence and apparent sense of a right to name all things, even stars beyond the control of Earth-bound man, and to define all forms of measurement and value. We may romanticize this sense of civilization and mournin the West, whatever that may bethe decline of the West. Still, its worth considering that we create and see our respective civilizations as the broad atmosphere surrounding the evolution of our individual and group confidence. To a degree, we can define the phenomenon of civilization, but we can less easily define our own civilization. Indeed, if we think about it too much, then it has already evaporated, and weve lost the mythical blue-sky ether that encases and defines us. Civilization is that cloak we carry with us. This warming cloak stirs and flaps with the changing winds andif were unconscious of it but conscious of ourselvesennobles us with the confidence to determine and control our future and take command of the unknown. Views expressed in this article are the opinions of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views of The Epoch Times. Supreme Court Upholds Law Aimed at Preventing Non-Indian Families From Adopting Native American Children Associate Justice Amy Coney Barrett stands during a group photo of the Justices at the Supreme Court in Washington on April 23, 2021. (Erin Schaff/POOL/AFP via Getty Images) The Supreme Court upheld by 72 a racially discriminatory adoption law aimed at preventing non-Indian families from adopting Native American children. Conservative Justices Clarence Thomas and Samuel Alito dissented from the new ruling in Haaland v. Brackeen (court file 21-376) which was consolidated with three other related cases. U.S. Secretary of the Interior Deb Haaland is the petitioner. The June 15 decision is a victory for the Biden administration, which argued in favor of the Indian Child Welfare Act (ICWA), which was enacted by Congress in 1978 to prevent non-Indian families from adopting Native American children. The statute was a reaction to perceived historical injustices and concerns that Indian children were being removed from their traditional homes and Indian culture and placed in homes that had no connection to their culture. The Bureau of Indian Affairs used to pay states to carry out the adoptions. The Indian tribes had argued that the statute was concerned with the political status of Native Americans, as opposed to their race, and that Congresss determination that the ICWA was needed to assure the continued existence of the tribes ought to be respected. The ICWA generally requires that Native children living outside of tribal lands be placed with members of their extended family or tribe; failing that, they are to be placed with outside tribes. If none are available, non-Indian families become eligible to adopt. Respondents Chad and Jennifer Brackeen, a white evangelical Christian couple in Texas, tried to adopt a Native American child. An appellate court upheld the ICWA, finding that Indian families are entitled to enjoy preference in the adoption process. The Brackeens argued that the ICWA denied them their constitutional right to equal protection. The ICWA isnt working, the Brackeens attorney, Matthew D. McGill, told the justices during oral arguments on Nov. 9, 2022. Although in 2020 there were over 11,000 Native American children in state foster care, there are fewer than 2,000 Native American foster homes, McGill said at the time. That means each year hundreds, if not thousands, of Indian children are placed in non-Indian foster homes, and sometimes there they bond with those families. Yet, when those families try to adopt those children, ICWA rears its head for a second time, allowing tribes to play the proverbial ICWA trump card at the eleventh hour, the lawyer said. The statute is being used against the Brackeens for a second time as they try to adopt a child identified as Y.R.J. They are being asked to show good cause to overcome the placement preferences of the law, instead of demonstrating what is in the best interests of the child, McGill said. Because of the ICWA, not even Y.R.J.s deep attachment to the Brackeens after being part of their family for four years is sufficient. For both that child and her family, this flouts the promise of equal justice under the law. Joining the challenge to the federal law were other individuals, along with three states, including Texas. But in the Supreme Courts new ruling (pdf), Justice Amy Coney Barrett wrote for the majority that even though child custody has traditionally been a state responsibility, federal lawmakers power to legislate with respect to Indians is well established and broad. We have also noted that principles inherent in the Constitutions structure empower Congress to act in the field of Indian affairs. At the founding, Indian affairs were more an aspect of military and foreign policy than a subject of domestic or municipal law. With this in mind, we have posited that Congresss legislative authority might rest in part on the Constitutions adoption of preconstitutional powers necessarily inherent in any Federal Government, namely, powers that this Court has described as necessary concomitants of nationality. Finally, the trust relationship between the United States and the Indian people informs the exercise of legislative power. As we have explained, the Federal Government has charged itself with moral obligations of the highest responsibility and trust toward Indian tribes, Barrett wrote, citing previous precedents. The Supreme Court affirmed the judgment of the U.S. Court of Appeals for the 5th Circuit regarding Congresss constitutional authority to enact ICWA, but vacated the part of the circuit courts decision that dealt with equal protection claims and remanded to that court with instructions to dismiss for lack of jurisdiction. Justice Thomas rejected the reasoning of the majority, writing in a 39-page dissenting opinion that the ICWA was unconstitutional. The Constitution confers enumerated powers on the Federal Government. Not one of them supports ICWA, he wrote. Nor does precedent. To the contrary, this Court has never upheld a federal statute that regulates the noncommercial activities of a U.S. citizen residing on lands under the sole jurisdiction of States merely because he happens to be an Indian. But that is exactly what ICWA does: It regulates child custody proceedings, brought in state courts, for those who need never have set foot on Indian lands. It is not about tribal lands or tribal governments, commerce, treaties, or federal property. It therefore fails equally under the Courts precedents as it fails under the plain text and original meaning of the Constitution. Justice Alito wrote a separate dissenting opinion. Although the majority opinion states that this case is about children who are among the most vulnerable, after that opening nod, the Court loses sight of this overriding concern and decides one question after another in a way that disserves the rights and interests of these children and their parents, as well as our Constitutions division of federal and state authority, the justice wrote. In many cases, ICWA provisions compel actions that conflict with this fundamental state policy, subordinating what family-court judgesand often biological parentsdetermine to be in the best interest of a child to what Congress believed is in the best interest of a tribe. The National Indian Child Welfare Association, based in Portland, Oregon, hailed the courts majority decision. We are overcome with joy that the Supreme Court has upheld the Indian Child Welfare Act (ICWA), which is widely regarded as the gold standard of child welfare. To fully understand the implications of this decision, we are conducting a thorough legal review and will provide in-depth analysis this afternoon. One thing is certain: ICWA is crucial for the safety and well-being of Native children and families and the future of Native peoples and Tribal Nations. The positive impact of todays decision will be felt across generations. Supreme Court Wont Acquit Alleged Hacker in Fishing Data Theft The Supreme Court unanimously ruled against an Alabama man whose trade secrets theft conviction in Florida for stealing proprietary fishing information from a Florida-based website was vacated because his trial took place in the wrong state. The ruling means that the government is free to retry an already convicted defendant even if he was tried in the wrong venue. For centuries the law has mandated that a criminal defendant must be tried where the crime was committed. And nowadays when crimes take place over the internet, as allegedly happened here, the legal rules determining where the crime took place are often unclear. The new ruling may help courts lay down clearer jurisdictional rules regarding cyber crimes in which the location of the commission of the offense cannot be easily ascertained. A criminal defendant and the victim of an online crime are often in different jurisdictions, which can make prosecutions difficult. The courts 90 decision in Smith v. United States, court file 21-1576, was issued on June 15. The petitioner is software engineer Timothy S. Smith of Mobile, Alabama. While the U.S. Court of Appeals for the 5th Circuit and 8th Circuit both require an acquittal when the government fails to meet its burden of establishing proper venue, the 6th, 9th, 10th, and 11th Circuits hold that a defendant can be re-tried for the same offense in other venuesindeed, that they can be serially re-tried in as many venues as the government wishes, according to Smiths petition. The Biden administration took the position that there was no circuit split and that the precedents from the 5th and 8th Circuits that Smith argued support his position do not actually require acquittal for cases tried in the wrong venue. Having the conviction vacated was not enough for Smith because he doesnt consider himself guilty of a crime. Whatever Smith did, it wasnt done in Florida, where he was convicted, his lawyers argued. Smith wanted to be acquitted, that is, legally declared not guilty, but vacating doesnt go far enough as it only erases the conviction from court records. Smith, who claims he fishes more than 1,000 hours a year, allegedly hacked his way into Pensacola, Florida-based StrikeLines, a website that sells location information about artificial fishing reefs to subscribers. He allegedly obtained data from the website and on social media offered the coordinates to others. He was charged with extortion in Florida after allegedly telling the website management he would take down his posts if the company were to provide coordinates for deep-water grouper fishing. Smith was indicted in the Northern District of Florida. Before trial he moved to dismiss the indictment for lack of venue, citing two provisions of the U.S. Constitution. He argued he should not be tried in that district because he accessed data from Mobile, Alabama, in the Southern District of Alabama, and the servers the company used to store its data were located in Orlando, in the Middle District of Florida. The U.S. district court decided to leave factual disputes related to venue to the jury to decide and denied the motion. The jury in the Northern District of Florida ended up convicting Smith of theft of trade secrets and transmitting a threat through interstate commerce with intent to extort a thing of value. The judge sentenced him in 2020 to concurrent 18-month terms in federal prison on each count plus one year of supervised release. The court denied a subsequent motion for a judgment of acquittal based on improper venue by Smith, reasoning that the venue was proper regarding the trade secret theft conviction because StrikeLines, according to the new Supreme Court decision, felt the effects of the crime at its headquarters in the Northern District of Florida. The venue should be in the place where the owner of the trade secret is located and feels the loss of its trade secret because the essential conduct of theft or misappropriation is necessarily defined in terms of its effects, i.e., the owners loss of the trade secret, the district court stated. The U.S. Court of Appeals for the 11th Circuit vacated the trade secrets theft conviction on venue grounds, but affirmed the extortion conviction, and remanded the case for sentencing. Justice Samuel Alito wrote (pdf) the Supreme Courts opinion in this appeal. When a conviction is reversed because of a trial error, this Court has long allowed retrial in nearly all circumstances, Alito wrote. We consider in this case whether the Constitution requires a different outcome when a conviction is reversed because the prosecution occurred in the wrong venue and before a jury drawn from the wrong location. We hold that it does not. The constitutional prohibition against double jeopardy, which provides that no person can be convicted twice of the same offense, does not apply here, the court also held. In this case, then, the Eleventh Circuits decision that venue in the Northern District of Florida was improper did not adjudicate Smiths culpability. It thus does not trigger the Double Jeopardy Clause, Alito wrote. The Supreme Court affirmed the judgment of the U.S. Court of Appeals for the 11th Circuit. Thai Navy Under Pressure to Buy Notoriously Loud Chinese Submarine Engine After German Embargo A nuclear-powered submarine of the People's Liberation Army Navy's North Sea Fleet prepares to dive into the sea on Oct. 29, 2013. (AFP/AFP via Getty Images) Thai officials are scheduled to visit China this month to continue negotiations over a botched submarine deal, in which Beijing sold the Royal Thai Navy (RTN) submarines without engines. Sources at the Thai defense ministry told Asia Nikkei that Thailand is still considering a deal from China as Beijing attempts to save face after it failed to ensure it could procure German engines to go in its S26T Yuan-class submarine. The RTN and China Shipbuilding & Offshore International Co. (CSOC) signed a $402 million contract for the submarine in 2017. Germanys Rolls Royce engine maker MTU Friedrichshafen GmbH refused to supply its MTU396 engine to the submarine maker due to a long-standing EU embargo on supplying arms to Chinas communist regime, causing the unresolved delay. The European Union arms embargo was imposed after the Tiananmen Square massacre in 1989. The German Embassy in Thailand said in February that Beijing hadnt consulted with Germany before it signed the contract with Thailand. The submarine was to be delivered in 2023. China is now offering its CHD620 engine made by CSOC. The RTN in February was reported to have visited Wuhan in China to inspect the substitute engine and negotiate a new deal. After inspecting the engine, the RTN expressed concerns that the CHD620 is of inferior quality to the German-made engines in the contract. Zachary Abuza, professor of Southeast Asian security at the Washington-based National War College, told Asia Nikkei, Although there have been real improvements in Chinese submarine engines, the ones on offer are notoriously loud. The Thais said they expect their new submarine to match the standard of the Chinese navy, which has secured 56 diesel-electric engines from MTU over the years despite the embargo. The RTN has three conditions for accepting the China-made engines: a guarantee of replacement, compensation for construction delays while waiting for the engines, and a guarantee for the safety of the future vessel crew. But if the substitute from CSOC cannot pass the test, the contract must be terminated, and the two sides will have to hold talks to discuss compensation or a refund, said navy spokesman Adm. Pokkrong Monthatphalin, according to a report by Bangkok Post in August last year. According to the contract, CSOC is allowed to replace any component with a comparable equivalent, Pokkrong said. Thailand Modernizes Its Navy Thailand is working to upgrade its naval defenses by 2036. At the time of the purchase in 2017, navy spokesman Adm. Jumpol Loompikanon said the RTNs four Japanese submarines were approaching 60 years of age and that new submarines were necessary to protect the countrys maritime interests. But cuts to the navys annual budget and a history of prioritizing price in procurement decisions have made China a more common partner. In our surveys of 1,800 Thai officers conducted [between] 2015 to 2017, we found that price was considered the most important reason for the attractiveness of Chinese military equipment, Greg Raymond, a senior lecturer at the Strategic and Defense Studies Center at the Australian National University, told Asia Nikkei. Thailand has also bought a multi-purpose amphibious ship, HTMS Chang, and a Type 071E (Yuzhao)-class landing platform dock from China. The RTN first warmed to the CHD620 replacement deal after Chinese leader Xi Jinping visited Thailand in November 2022 for the 17th G-20 Summit. However, public criticism and questions soon gained momentum, challenging whether Thailand really needs the new submarines. Thailand is not a claimant in the South China Sea dispute its Southeast Asian neighbors have with the Chinese Communist Party (CCP). Read More Fearing China, Southeast Asia Beefs Up Its Militaries China Is the Biggest Threat to Thailand Anders Corrs, an Epoch Times contributor and founder of risk analyst firm Corr Analytics Inc., wrote in March 2022, You can bet your bottom dollar that Chinas submarines could never be used to defend Thailand against the Chinese navyif they have obsolete technology, kill switches, or trackers built into them. Ultimately, China is the biggest threat to Thailand, as only China in Asia is aggressively expanding its maritime and territorial boundaries. The more recent refusal of MTU to sell its engines to China apparently reflects a new regulation in Germany against their sale. That, at least, is progress, Corrs said. Until Moscow and Beijing improve their human rights and stop their territorial aggression, dual-use technologies should be the first export to these countries that are completely embargoed. Ties between Thailand and the CCP regime have warmed since relations with the United States cooled after a military coup in Thailand in May 2014. According to local media, if a deal is reached, the new submarine would not be delivered until at least August 2026, with a potential extension to 2027. The Chinese navy has over 58 diesel-electric submarines, plus six nuclear-powered attack subs. China-based companies have also sold submarines to Bangladesh, the Burmese military, Pakistan, and Sri Lanka. Aldgra Fredly and Reuters contributed to this article. The War on Liberal Values and Human Equality An unholy alliance between Islamists and the 'woke' left is destabilizing America Soft power can be more damaging and can weaken a nation and a people even more than bullets or bombs, says Asra Nomani. In a recent episode of American Thought Leaders, host Jan Jekielek sat down with Nomani, Muslim reformer and now advocate of parental rights, to discuss liberal values, the line between free speech and character assassination, Big Tech, and soft power. Nomani is the author of Woke Army: The Red-Green Alliance That Is Destroying Americas Freedom. Jan Jekielek: Youve always identified yourself as a classical liberal. Is this idea of classical liberalism here in America coming to an end? Asra Nomani: Theres a war for the values of classical liberalism, for ideas like individual freedom, free speech, and the value of family. Also, something else is really important to me, which is equality, a sense that there is no hierarchy of human value, that we should view each other as the human beings we are. Unfortunately, I see sectarian, divisive ideologies now taking root in the United States. Mr. Jekielek: Youve approached this question from a number of vantage points. How did you become this fierce defender of classical liberalism? Ms. Nomani: To me, its about cognitive consistency. Its about living with ethical congruity. It happened through a childhood and young adulthood of living in the freedoms of America. I was born in India, and my family came here to enjoy the freedoms that America provides because of the values of classical liberalism and the opportunity for equal opportunity. But I was feeling an incongruence between some ideas that I was hearing and some that were embedded inside me from being a Muslim. In the traditional interpretation of Islam, you are denied principles like free speech, because laws of blasphemy can judge you and criminalize you. You are denied individual rights, because you are defined by the collective sense of how youre supposed to live, how youre supposed to marry, where youre supposed to travel, and what youre supposed to do for a living. It was actually in tragedy that I found the greatest clarity of my life in these things. Mr. Jekielek: Please tell me about that. Ms. Nomani: I had become a reporter for the Wall Street Journal. In the summer of 1969, I had arrived as a girl who knew not a word of English. Then, at the age of 23, I got a job at the Wall Street Journal. This was the America in which I was able to prosper. Then on 9/11, I saw this collision between the most extreme interpretation of my faith of Islam and America. I got on a plane to Pakistan like so many journalists did, defying the State Department warnings. A colleague and friend of mine also headed to Pakistan, a journalist by the name of Danny Pearl. On January 23rd, 2002, he came to visit a home I was renting in Karachi. He went off for an interview and he never came back. The men he was supposed to interview had set a trap for Danny. First, they said that Danny was a spy for the United States. They used his American citizenship, and by proxy, him being white, to demonize him as a spy for the U.S. Then, the local press reported that Danny was Jewish, and he went from being a spy for the CIA to a spy for the Mossad Israeli intelligence agency. Danny was none of that. He was just a good guy who had used the pen for truth and justice in the world. In the weeks that followed, we learned that Danny had been slain and brutally beheaded. That was the moment that I knew deep in my heart that we were in this war with this extremism. It was defined by sectarianism and by the most illiberal of ideas, which is that there is a hierarchy of human value in the world. Because of being American, white, and Jewish, Danny was at the bottom of that hierarchy. Thats when I recognized that those classical liberal values were worth fighting for. Mr. Jekielek: You became a Muslim reformer. In the process, you faced a lot of personal attacks. Then, in Fairfax County, Virginia, you became a parental rights advocate. It very much centers on this idea of identity that you just pointed out. Its the uniting issue. Ms. Nomani: My son was accepted into the Thomas Jefferson High School for Science and Technology. Its for kids that are really smart in math and science, and entry was based on a merit admission. In the fall of 2017, he walked into the school, and I became a PTA mom. The student body is 70 percent Asian, 10 percent black, Hispanic, and other identities, and 20 percent white. Many of the Asian students are from India and China. Many families had fled communism in China to create, just like my family, a new reality in the United States. Then, the killing of George Floyd happened in the spring of 2020, and a new race war was launched. On June 7th, 2020, the schools principal, Ann Bonitatibus, sent an email to all the families in which she said we needed to check our privileges. She said we needed to change the racial demographic of the school so that it would match the racial demographic of Fairfax County. Twenty percent of the county is Asian, whereas 70 percent of the school is Asian. We were the wrong kind of minority now. For 18 years, I had been seeing this reality of identity politics inside my Muslim community and a new identity politics emerging in the United States. Now, all of a sudden, I was in the crosshairs, and so were my son and all these amazing families. Mr. Jekielek: Theres an alliance of people with illiberal values. Please tell me, what is this woke army? It doesnt make sense that there would be such an alliance. Ms. Nomani: Yes, that is partly why this alliance is unholythey really contradict each others values. First, there are Islamists, those people who believe in political Islam, who want theocracy, and who believe in religious law as the law of the state, which is a very dangerous prescription for secular democracies. These Islamists have now aligned with the leftists in the United States and around the world. They manifest in different forms like socialists, communists, and even Antifa sometimes. They work together to undermine classical liberal values and the freedoms we know in the United States. Mr. Jekielek: As we were preparing for this interview, I learned that this whole alliance was catalyzed to some extent by the Trump candidacy and presidency. Please explain this to me. Ms. Nomani: In the early days of the Muslim reform movement, we were challenging the Islamists in the ways that they were interpreting the religion in mosques, in the states like Saudi Arabia and Qatar. But something really frightening happened. I noticed with the start of the Obama administration that the Islamists were now aligning with the Democratic Party, and they were entering into this unholy alliance of values. They actually do not believe in ideas like my body, my choice. They do not believe in equal rights or the kind of LGBTQ rights that the Democratic Party is embracing. I saw money start flowing into the Muslim organizations from traditionally liberal philanthropists, and wondered how they could justify it. I realized they were using race. What the Islamists had started to do was take this really complicated legal theory of critical race theory and declare that Muslims were a race, and you were being racist if you dared to criticize extremism within the faith. That kept developing through both the Obama administrations. When the 2016 election was happening, that alliance first tried to defeat Donald Trump as president. When he won, on the night of the election, I saw the battle cry go out from the Islamist organizations for literally an overthrow of the government. Thats when The Resistance was coined. Thats when I really became aware of the threat that we were facing as a nation. Mr. Jekielek: What is the vision of the woke army? Ms. Nomani: There is this real hope to bring the sectarianism and division to our country. We can see it happening everywhere now. We see it from the workplace to K12 schools. We see segregation and separation of people based on identity. And they want a dumbing down of the United States. That is why they came after my sons school, where theyre against the idea of meritocracy, including merit-based education and admission. We have seen that whittling away in our system with the absence now of advanced placement classes and honors classes. So many people feel helpless and hopeless against this woke army. They are living in fear of being canceled for what they say, in intellectual spiritual prisons. It is a war on the spirit of America and Americans. Mr. Jekielek: Do you have a chapter in your book about character assassination? This is something that you yourself experienced. You went on this journey with the help of a lawsuit to try to figure out who was behind this. Those are two things I want to explore. Ms. Nomani: I was a student of the art of propaganda while at American University. I studied it with a professor who had come to the United States from Iran who had witnessed the Iranian revolution. It was propaganda that brought Ayatollah Khomeini to power and brought this Islamist interpretation of Islam to power. I knew how propaganda can be used in the war of ideas, and then also be weaponized to slay enemies of the ideas. The first witness that I had of that was my friend Danny Pearl. Before Dannys killers slayed him, they waged a character assassination campaign on him; first as an American, then as a Jew, and then as a son of Israel. That was used to discredit him as a human being and to dehumanize Danny. When I came back to the United States, I started challenging the interpretation of Islam that was used to dehumanize Danny. What did my enemies do? They started their campaign to dehumanize me, and they assigned all sorts of ulterior motives to my campaign. They turned the word Zionist into a slur and used that to discredit me. I knew that character assassination has been used since the beginning of time against any political enemy to try to eliminate them. But the internet had allowed these assassins to be anonymous. They wore masks and I didnt know who they were. In the summer of 2017, I learned that there had been an article published about me on an anonymous website called Loonwatch.com. It had been created literally on April Fools Day 2009 to smoke out the so-called loons, who they called Islamophobic. I, a Muslim feminist, was declared Islamophobic, because I dared to challenge the sexism within my faith and the intolerance. Their new allegation was that Muslim reformers are funded by the government of Israel. That was enough for them to try to eliminate us as credible voices in our community. Then I learned that in the U.S. you can file a John Doe complaint. Its a complaint of defamation that I was alleging against these anonymous character assassins. Mr. Jekielek: The defamation, to be clear, is that youre funded by Israel, which is a falsehood, as I understand it. Ms. Nomani: Yes, exactly. Im an open book. I was ready to have them go through my bank accounts. I feared nothing in terms of disclosure. I filed subpoena after subpoena against the platforms that are called internet service providers that gave voice to these people. Who are they? Folks like Facebook, Twitter, and places where they could have their anonymous identities. There was one platform that a lot of people might have heard of called GoDaddy, where you can register a website. They had registered Loonwatch.com at GoDaddy. I sent off my little subpoena. The anonymous accounts have a certain number of days where they can fight your subpoena. They didnt fight it. One day, Jan, I got a thumb drive. In that thumb drive was all of the backend documentation for the people who held that account at Loonwatch. It was every phone call they had made to the customer service office. It was every complaint that they had filed. I went through the hundreds of pages, and I found that this character assassination campaign had been led, funded, and run by the Council on AmericanIslamic Relations [CAIR], an organization that touts itself as a civil rights organization for Muslims. But what they had been doing for years, and what they continue to do, is run this domestic disinformation and character assassination campaign, not only against Muslim reformers, but also ex-Muslims, conservatives, the Republican Party, nations like Israel, India, and anybody who dares to challenge their Islamist interpretation of the Muslim faith. Character assassination is a weapon of war. It was really important for me to understand who the combatants were in this situation. It led me to half of the woke army, because CAIR had embedded itself in the Democratic Party, and in the far-left and progressive organizations of the United States. They were now laying siege to America. I put them in my book and I documented them, because I want people to read the book and see the blueprint for how the woke army works in the United States. I want folks to understand this tactic of character assassination is so often used to make you lose your own confidence about your value system, and to make you wonder and doubt yourself. Because trust me, when they did this to me, there were many, many moments when I felt so just defeated. I put my pen aside, I was paralyzed. I couldnt write. There was one time when I remember laying in the fetal position on my bed. It was my mother, who is now 83, who stood at the frame of the door and said to me, Asra, you dont live in a village. You live in the United States of America. You do not have to live with shame. I wiped away my tears and acted even in the face of my fear, because thats what Ive heard courage is. It doesnt mean that we dont feel fear. It doesnt mean that we arent scared, but we still act. Thats what I wanted people to really witness, because its those tactics of character assassination that are now being used against parents. I went from being called a Zionist as a slur to being a white supremacist. If you know in your heart that you are motivated by these classical liberal values that align with the conservative values of equality and justice and individual rights, then you can withstand all of those smears, because theyre just used as weapons. Soft power can be more damaging and can weaken a nation and a people even more than bullets or bombs. Mr. Jekielek: The woke army is deeply opposed to parental rights. They believe that some other entity should have the rights over the children. On the other hand, and Im not an expert on people who have very fundamentalist interpretations of Islam, they probably wouldnt be very happy with that. So, the woke army isnt entirely uniform here, is it? Ms. Nomani: Its on a collision course with itself, absolutely. The opportunity exists now in this parents issue to isolate parts of this woke army from itself. I see it happening in school districts, like in Detroit and in Minnesota where we have large Muslim communities that want to raise their kids like most parents do. They dont want their child to keep secrets from them about their gender pronoun or which bathroom they want to enter, which the far-left in the woke army is pushing right now. Mr. Jekielek: Youre obviously a big advocate for free speech. This is a big issue right now. Weve seen huge overreach on the side of the platforms and government in this area, given everything weve seen with the Twitter Files, and the Missouri v. Biden exposures. Where do you stand now on the free speech platform censorship issue? Ms. Nomani: I am one hundred percent for free speech, but I also recognize that rights and responsibilities come with free speech. When it comes to defamation or untruths, these platforms have no responsibility. People have now weaponized Big Tech to launch these character assassinations on people, and somebody has to be held responsible for violations that weve established in law of limits on free speech, like defamation or inciting people to violence. Theyve taken the liberty to deny certain people their free speech rights, but they take no responsibility. Because if we dont do it, then these platforms will continue to be used indiscriminately for the soft power objectives of foreign governments for domestic disinformation and domestic character assassination. The tyrants out there in the world who want to destabilize America will use all the freedoms that we allow against us, and they now have willing participants in the U.S. who will do their dirty work for them. The greatest duty we have as citizens not only of this country, but of the world, is to think through what we are being told. Where is this coming from? Whats the source? Whats the footnote? Who funded what? Thats our duty, because soft power is the easiest way to dismantle a nation and to capture the hearts and minds of people. This interview has been edited for clarity and brevity. To Reduce Airline Ticket Prices, Expand Washingtons Reagan Airport Commentary Those who live in or near the nations capital, or routinely travel there, know that the Washington, D.C., region is home to the best airport in the country, Reagan National. Its also home to one of the worst airports, Dulles International. Reagan is a gem for air travelers. Its beautifully remodeled, usually easy to get through the TSA lines, and contains good restaurants and gates within a few minutes of the main terminal. Most importantly, there is no other major airport in the country that I know of where you can leave downtown and arrive at the airport in less than 20 minutes when traffic isnt heavy. Dulles is almost an hour from D.C., is crowded, and has a crazy train system that doesnt even get you close to the planes but can add another 30 minutes to the travel time. That is all a prelude to saying that a new bipartisan proposal sponsored by Reps. Hank Johnson (D-Ga.) and Burgess Owens (R-Utah), the Direct Capital Access Act, would increase the number of flights in and out of Reagan National Airport. Its a dream come true for air travelers. Its long overdue. Reagan was originally built to provide an easily accessible airport for members of Congress to fly in and out of. But it is still operating under archaic and outdated rules that were, believe it or not, written in 1966more than a half-century ago when The Beverly Hillbillies was a hit television show. Reagan is the only airport in the country that is subject to federal restrictions on the number of allowed daily flights. This makes no sense anymore because the airport has just been modernized with more gates. So, increasing the number of inbound and outbound flights during nonpeak times is a no-brainer. Over the last 50 years, the amount of air travel in and out of D.C. has increased tenfoldor about three times faster than the number of flights. Now you know why youre getting stuck in the middle seats. If these trends continue, the airlines will have to stuff passengers in the baggage compartments. Even worse is a perimeter rule written when LBJ was president, which restricts the overall number of flights that can take off and land outside a 1,250-mile radius of Washington. That was a noise control regulation because back 40 and 50 years ago, jets were much louder and a nuisance to neighborhoods near the runways. But today, planes are much quieter, and so this issue is now moot (or mute). As a consequence, if you want to fly nonstop to the western cities such as Los Angeles or Seattle, with few exceptions, you have to trek out to Dulles, in the northern Virginia exurban parts of Fairfax and Loudoun counties. Or even further out to BWI, near Baltimore. The House bill would add 20 to 25 inbound/outbound flights a day from Reagan as part of the Federal Aviation Administration reauthorization bill this fall. Here is an Economics 101 lesson for members of Congress who oppose this reform: If you increase the supply of something, its price goes down. The reform bill would also allow more nonstop flights to Denver, LAX, Salt Lake City, San Antonio, San Francisco, and Seattle. So, who would be opposed to this? The two loudest lobbying voices against the measure are United Airlines and American Airlines. United has a hub at Dulles and so is hotly opposed to diverting air passengers to the rival airport across town. American has a hub at Reagan, and so it doesnt want Delta and Southwest and JetBlue competing with its high-priced flights out of Reagan. Theres no legitimate public policy objection; its just about protecting their turf from competition. Guess what major airport in the United States has nearly the highest ticket prices? Reagan. Over the past year, airline costs have risen by 18 percent and are expected to rise even faster this summer. Federal Trade Commission Chairwoman Lina Khan is trying to blow up airline mergers, for example, the proposed JetBlue and Spirit marriage, because she wrongly says it will raise ticket prices. But shes been silent on the Reagan Airport issue. What is even more incomprehensible is that the two Democratic senators from Virginia, Mark Warner and Tim Kaine, as well as the northern Virginia congressional delegation, are against the Reagan expansion plan. Hello! Reagan is in northern Virginia, where the population has tripled in 50 years. They dont want more flights? The bill is estimated to create more than 1,000 new jobs and generate up to $400 million in economic benefit to the capital region. And most of the travelers who will benefit from the lower airline prices live in Virginia. Someone ought to remind Congress that we are living in 2023, not 1966, and that today, airline travel is for everyone, not just the rich and powerful as it once was when Pan Am and its short-skirted flight attendants ruled the skies and served martinis to wealthy CEOs. Lowering the cost of flying and expanding the convenience of air travel is in everyones interestsexcept for the airlines that are lobbying their pals in Congress to keep ticket prices high. Views expressed in this article are the opinions of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views of The Epoch Times. Top Officials Were Warned About Beijing Money Going to Candidates, Former Trudeau Adviser Confirms The Chinese Embassy in Ottawa in a file photo. (The Canadian Press/Sean Kilpatrick) A former top security adviser to the prime minister has confirmed allegations in media reports regarding a classified memo indicating the Chinese regime had provided money to federal election candidates. Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs David Morrison said on June 13 that he was the one who commissioned the memo when he was acting national security and intelligence advisor (NSIA) in the summer of 2021. He told MPs on the House of Commons Procedure and House Affairs Committee that he couldnt provide them with the intelligence assessment given its top secret classification, but said the contents had mostly already been published by Global News. A large clandestine transfer of funds earmarked for the federal election from the PRC [Peoples Republic of China] Consulate in Toronto was transferred to an elected provincial government official via a staff member of a 2019 federal candidate, the assessment reportedly says. Called a Special Report, the memo was published by the Privy Council Office (PCO) in January 2022 and covered by Global News on March 8. Global reported the memo was produced by the PCOs Intelligence Assessment Secretariat and derived from 100 Canadian Security Intelligence Service (CSIS) reports. Globals report alleged Prime Minister Justin Trudeau had been briefed by intelligence officials that at least 11 candidates had received Chinese funding during the 2019 election. Trudeau and current NSIA Jody Thomas have said a number of times that they had no knowledge of Chinese money going to federal candidates. Trudeau said in November last year that he was never briefed about any federal candidates receiving money from China. Weve not seen money going to 11 candidates, period, Thomas said in December 2022. Conservative MP Michael Cooper told Morrison he conceded what the prime minister and this government have repeatedly denied and attempted to cover up. Did that PCO memo, that January 2022 Special Report, come to the attention of the prime minister? asked Cooper. Morrison said he left the NSIA role in early January 2022 before the assessment was finalized and hence couldnt comment on whether it had been briefed to the prime minister. Thomas became NSIA that month. PCO products are normally shared with senior officials and relevant departments. Officials Alerted to Threats More details from unspecified national security briefs published from January 2022 were reported by Global in November 2022 and covered issues such as the Chinese regime placing agents in the offices of MPs and planning a campaign against MPs critical of Beijing. The latter refers directly to the controversy surrounding Beijing targeting MPs like Michael Chong. Globals report did not specify whether one of the briefs had been produced by the PCO. The intelligence also alleges that, in the aftermath of the House vote, Chinese intelligence agents conducted in-depth background research into MPs who voted in favour of the resolution declaring China guilty of genocide, the Global article stated. This refers to a motion sponsored by Chong in February 2021 with regard to the Chinese regimes treatment of the Uyghur Muslim sect. The information on the targeting of MPs for their stance on human rights in China had been reported to the government by CSIS, first through an issues management brief sent to the Department of Public Safety in May 2021, and then through an intelligence assessment released to relevant departments in the summer of 2021. Trudeau and Emergency Preparedness Minister Bill Blair, who was also the public safety minister at the time, have both said they were never made aware of threats against MPs. Morrison told MPs that he received the CSIS assessment in his role as NSIA on August 17, 2021, but decided it didnt warrant informing the prime minister. But he said he found it interesting enough to commission the memo on the same topic. Blair first blamed CSIS and a lack of access to a secure communications terminal for not being informed of the matter. After CSIS Director David Vigneault told the committee on June 13 that the issue had been properly highlighted to Public Safety through a note sent electronically, Blair told reporters the following day that the CSIS note had been sent to another office. Quite frankly, if their intent was that I would actually have that information, my expectation would be that they would come brief me on it, he said. Toyota Shareholders Defeat Climate-Change Proposal, Decline ESG Funds Management maintains its stance that electric-only agenda is not in consumer interest Toyota Motor Corp. President Akio Toyoda and Operating Officer Koji Sato test-riding Lexus's first electric vehicle model, RZ, in Japan in this photo provided on Jan. 26, 2023. (Kyodo/via Reuters) A climate-change disclosure proposal at Toyota that was pushed forward by three European funds has been voted down by shareholders. Danish pension fund AkademikerPension submitted the climate resolution together with Norways Storebrand Asset Management and Dutch pension investment company APG Asset Management in May. The resolution sought to make Toyota improve the disclosure of its climate change-lobbying activities. Back then, Toyotas board recommended that shareholders vote against the climate resolution. On Wednesday, shareholders did just that and rejected the resolution, which is the first investor proposal to come before the companys annual general meeting in roughly 20 years. Shareholders at the meeting applauded the rejection. Around 3,800 shareholders took part in the event that was held at Toyota City, Aichi Prefecture. The majority of Toyotas shares are held by the company, its group firms, retired workers, and others who are sympathetic to the business viewpoints. The three European funds collectively held around $400 million worth of Toyotas shares in May. Were concerned that Toyota is missing out on profits from soaring EV sales, jeopardizing its valuable brand and cementing its global laggard status, Anders Schelde, AkademikerPensions chief investment officer, said in May, according to Reuters. We need concrete policy changes and a better annual review drawing on independent data to calm international investors. Major U.S. pension investments like the California Public Employees Retirement System and the New York City Comptrollers Office had backed the climate-change proposal. The market took the shareholder rejection of the climate proposal in a positive light. On Thursday, Toyota shares opened in the green and were up by 0.45 percent as of 03:50 a.m. EDT. It was up 20.64 percent for the month and close to 29 percent year to date. Like Toyota, shareholders of many American companies have increasingly been rejecting such environmental, social, and corporate governance (ESG) proposals. A recent report from Financial Times that cited data from the Sustainable Investments Institute showed that proposals to force corporations to act against climate change won the approval of only 23 percent of shareholders on average by May-end this year, down from 36.6 percent in 2022, and 50 percent in 2021. Support for social justice causes is down by 10 percentage points from last year. Toyotas Policy on Carbon Neutrality Toyota officials have stressed that the company is aiming for carbon neutrality in its lineup by 2050. But instead of focusing solely on battery electric vehicles (BEV), the firm is also exploring multiple energy options for its vehicles, including hydrogen-powered ones, hybrids, and plug-ins. Various options need to be readied, said Masahiro Yamamoto, one of the executives, according to the Associated Press. What is important is to better convey our efforts to all shareholders. In December, Akio Toyoda, president of Toyota Motor Corp., said that automakers pursuing an electric-only agenda did not reflect the reality of the market as technology and infrastructure are yet to mature. People involved in the auto industry are largely a silent majority, Toyoda told reporters during a visit to Thailand, according to The Wall Street Journal. That silent majority is wondering whether EVs are really OK to have as a single option. But they think its the trend so they cant speak out loudly Because the right answer is still unclear, we shouldnt limit ourselves to just one option. A shareholder proposal at Wednesdays annual general meeting had also challenged the reappointment of Toyoda. Investors voted to retain Toyoda as chairman. On May 18, Gill Pratt, Toyotas chief scientist and CEO of the Toyota Research Institute, told reporters in Hiroshima that large-scale transition to electric vehicles would require massive amounts of battery-making materials as well as developing proper infrastructure like charging stations. It will take decades for battery material mines, renewable-power generation facilities, transmission lines, and seasonal energy-storage facilities to scale up, he said. Eventually, resource limitations will end, but for many years we will not have enough battery material and renewable recharging resources for a BEV-only solution. Turkey Wont Back Swedish NATO Bid Unless It Stops Anti-Turkish Protests: Erdogan Turkish President Tayyip Erdogan greets members of the parliament and guests as he arrives to take his oath after his election win in Ankara, Turkey, on June 3, 2023. (Umit Bektas/Reuters) ANKARASweden should not expect a green light from Ankara on its NATO membership bid at the Western alliances summit next month unless it prevents anti-Turkey protests in Stockholm, Turkish President Tayyip Erdogan was quoted as saying on Wednesday. Turkey cannot approach Swedens NATO bid positively while terrorists were protesting in Stockholm, and Turkeys position would be made clear once again in talks with Swedish officials in Ankara on Wednesday, Erdogan was quoted as telling reporters on a flight returning from Azerbaijan on Tuesday. Erdogan spoke as officials from Turkey, Sweden, Finland, and NATO met on Wednesday in Ankara for talks to try to overcome Turkish objections holding up Swedens NATO membership bid. Swedens chief negotiator Oscar Stenstrom said the talks with Turkish officials had been good and that discussions aimed at overcoming Ankaras objections would continue, though no fresh date was yet set. Its my job to persuade our counterpart that we have done enough. I think we have, Stenstrom said. But Turkey is not ready to make a decision yet and thinks that they need to have more answers to the questions they have. In a statement, the Turkish presidency said the level of progress by Sweden under a trilateral deal agreed in Madrid last year was discussed in the meeting. The parties agreed to continue working on the prospective concrete steps for Swedens NATO membership, the statement said. In March, Turkey ratified Finlands bid for membership of the North Atlantic Treaty Organization, but still objects to Sweden joining the alliance, as does Hungary. In justifying its objections to Swedish membership, Turkey has accused Stockholm of harboring members of Kurdish extremist groups it considers to be terrorists. Sweden says it has upheld its part of a deal struck with Turkey in Madrid aimed at addressing Ankaras security concerns, including bringing in a new anti-terrorism law this month. It says it follows national and international law on extraditions. Turkish-Swedish tensions were most recently fuelled by an anti-Turkey and anti-NATO protest in Stockholm last month, when the flag of the Kurdistan Workers Party (PKK) terrorist group, outlawed in Turkey as well as in the European Union, was projected on to the parliament building. Commenting on Swedens recent legal changes Erdogan said: This is not only a matter of a law amendment or a constitutional change. What is the job of the police there? They have legal and constitutional rights, they should exercise their rights. The police should prevent these (protests). While he was having talks with NATO Secretary-General Jens Stoltenberg earlier this month, a similar protest was held in Stockholm, Erdogan said. He added that he also told Stoltenberg Sweden should prevent such actions to secure Turkeys approval for its NATO membership. After meeting Erdogan, Stoltenberg said a deal on Sweden joining the alliance could be reached before the NATO summit in Vilnius next month. Two American Citizens Found Dead in Luxury Hotel Room in Mexico: Officials Aerial view of a Mexican beach as seen in a file photo. (Elizabeth Ruiz/AFP via Getty Images) Two American citizens were found dead inside their hotel room in Mexicos Baja California on Tuesday, officials confirmed. The bodies of two people were found at the Hotel Rancho Pescadero in El Pescadero at around 9 p.m. local time, officials told ABC News. They had no vital signs, authorities confirmed. The Baja California Sur Attorney Generals Office said that John Heathco, 41, and Abby Lutz, 22, were identified as the victims. Lutz, the office said, was from Newport Beach, California. Their respective causes of death were intoxication by substance to be determined, the office told ABC News in a statement Wednesday. Other details were not provided. Officials with the Hotel Rancho Pescadero, which is owned by Hyatt, confirmed their deaths to The Daily Beast. The Epoch Times has contacted the hotel for comment. We are truly heartbroken by this terrible tragedy, hotel manager Henar Gil told the outlet. Our hearts are with the impacted families and loved ones during this unimaginable loss. Gil added that there was no evidence of violence in connection to their deaths and officials were not aware of any threat to guests safety or wellbeing. He added, We are working to care for those who have been impacted and we are working closely with authorities as they conduct their investigation to understand the cause of death. Earlier reports indicated that Lutz and Heathco died due to inhalation of gas. Police officials told The Associated Press that paramedics received a report that the two Americans were unconscious in their hotel room but were dead before the time paramedics arrived, and the suspected cause was gas. There have been several cases of such deaths in Mexico due to poisoning by carbon monoxide or other gases. Such gases are often produced by improperly vented or leaky water heaters and stoves. In October, three U.S. citizens were found dead at a rented apartment in Mexico, apparently victims of gas inhalation. The Mexico City police department said the three were found unresponsive on Oct. 30 in an upscale neighborhood. They had apparently rented the dwelling for a short visit. Post-mortem examinations suggested the two men and one woman died of carbon monoxide poisoning. In 2018, a gas leak in a water heater caused the deaths of an American couple and their two children in the resort town of Tulum, south of Playa del Carmen. An inspection revealed that the water heater at the rented condominium was leaking gas. Prosecutors said the gas leak was perhaps caused by a lack of maintenance or the age of the equipment. In 2010, the explosion of an improperly installed gas line at a hotel in Playa del Carmen killed five Canadian tourists and two Mexicans. In that case, prosecutors said the gas line, apparently meant to fuel a pool heating unit, was not properly installed or maintained. They said gas leaking from the line may have been ignited in an explosion by a spark from an electric switch or plug. Bahamas Deaths Outside of Mexico, three Americans were found dead at a Sandals hotel in the Bahamas in June, and authorities later determined that their cause of death was due to carbon monoxide poisoning. We can officially confirm that all three of the victims died as a result of asphyxiation due to carbon monoxide poisoning, the Royal Bahamas Police Force said in a statement to news outlets last summer. This matter remains under active investigation. In that incident, Michael Phillips, 68; Robbie Phillips, 65; and Vincent Chiarella, 64; were found unresponsive at Sandals Emerald Bay in Great Exuma on May 6, 2022. Chiarellas wife, Donnis, was hospitalized in critical condition and was discharged from a Miami-area hospital weeks after that. The Associated Press contributed to this report. Many Chinese people asked me, Youre young, and youre not Chinese. Can you make a good prescription for us? I always replied, I am young, but my prescription is not. Low Minghan from Malaysia is the deputy director of Huang Huang Jingfang Studio, Nanjing Traditional Chinese Medicine Outpatient Department. He came to China ten years ago to search for the magnificent cultural treasure trove behind those secret prescriptions. Here he studied traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) which he had longed for and became a TCM practitioner that his family and friends are proud of. He also met the person he loves the most here. Studying TCM in China is the best decision Ive ever made, he said. Lost treasures waiting to be found When its time to think about a summer vacation, theres always the beach, the mountains, or the family holiday home. But this year, perhaps, you should consider an unusual adventure that could be a life-changing event. Treasure hunting inspires movies and novels, and while many lost treasures may rest at the bottom of the ocean, there are others waiting to be found right here in the United States. The Lost Dutchman Mine, stashed somewhere in Arizonas Superstition Mountains, is a prime example. The chances of actually discovering such piles of cash, gold, and/or jewels are very low, but the chances of having an adventure while following clues and seeing new parts of the country are sky-high. When the Ashtabula railroad bridge collapsed, $2 million in gold bullion was lost in the gorge below, mixed with wreckage and covered in mud. (David McIntosh/Shutterstock) The Beale Treasure Back in 1822, so the story goes, a man named Thomas J. Beale was a guest at the Washington Hotel in Lynchburg, Virginia. Upon his departure, Beale asked the innkeeper to store a strongbox until he could return for it. In 1845, having never heard from Beale, the innkeeper opened the box and found three pages written in cipher (code) and a letter that described a treasure hidden somewhere in or near Bedford County, Virginia. The letter claimed the ciphers were the key to finding almost 3,000 pounds of gold and 5,100 pounds of silver Beale and his group had discovered in New Mexico, as well as $1.5 million in jewels. The code to the ciphers has never been cracked, leaving the treasurewith an estimated current value of $60 millionstill undiscovered. Prospective treasure hunters can see the ciphers on the Cipher Foundations website at CipherFoundation.org. Perusing a treasure map can be a fun way to spend a rainy afternoon and may well lead to a memorable adventure.(Merydolla/Shutterstock) Bank Robbery Stash The farm country of Wisconsin is known for picturesque scenery, but it may also hold buried treasure. When the owner of the Little Bohemia Lodge in the town of Manitowish Waters needed legal advice, he contacted a lawyer, who had another client named John Dillinger, who needed a favor. Seeking a quiet place to hide out after a bank robbery, Dillinger offered the innkeeper $500 for a three-day stay, which was substantially higher than the normal rate. The lodge owner jumped at the deal. Unfortunately for Dillinger, after he arrived at the would-be hideout, the lodge owner and his wife alerted the authorities in hopes of securing a $10,000 reward. When the FBI arrived, a fierce shootout ensued. In the chaos, Dillinger escaped, though not before burying a suitcase containing $200,000 in currency in the woods near the lodge, according to the story. While the lodge was featured in the 2009 movie Public Enemies, the suitcase and the cash have yet to be found. A great deal of precious metals, from lost jewelry to ancient treasure, has been discovered with the assistance of a metal detector. (Krafted/Shutterstock) Gangster John Dillinger is said to have hidden a suitcase full of cash in the woods behind the Little Bohemian Lodge in Wisconsin; it has yet to be found. (Everett Collection/Shutterstock) Lost Treasure State Ohio is called the Buckeye State for its groves of buckeye trees, but it also can be called the Lost Treasure State, with at least nine treasures waiting to be found. The list starts with the lost French payroll, currently valued at $13 million. In 1755, France claimed the land northwest of the Ohio River. Upon learning that British troops were coming to attack, 10 French soldiers were ordered to take the military payroll to a nearby French fort for safekeeping. However, they were attacked before they could reach the fort. According to the story, two French soldiers survived and, planning to return with troops to recover it, buried the payroll in an area said to be 4 miles east of what is now Minerva, Ohio. The French were unable to return for the payroll, but one of the soldiers wrote in a letter that it was buried one mile east of a tree with a carving of a deer on it. Not surprisingly, the payroll is still up for grabs. The entire family can take part when a treasure hunt becomes the focus of a vacation. (Sergey Novikov/Shutterstock) River Gold The next Ohio treasure, in order of value, is the Pacific Express train wreck. On the cold, snowy night of Dec. 29, 1876, at around 8 p.m., the Pacific Express train was crossing the Ashtabula Bridge. The lead locomotive had just made its way across when the bridge gave way, plunging the second locomotive, 11 cars, 159 passengers, and $2 million in gold bullion 70 feet down into the river gorge, a mere 100 yards from the Ashtabula railroad station. A total of 90 passengers perished, and so the story goes, the gold has yet to be recovered. While a little bit of research reveals there may be many treasures awaiting discovery beneath what is now farmland across the country, ask before you start digging! (Lena Platonova/Shutterstock) Bonapartes Fortune Another Ohio treasure is Napoleon Bonapartes war chest. According to the story, Andrew Meyer served under Bonaparte and emigrated to America after the Napoleonic Wars. Meyer is said to have safeguarded some of the French generals most prized possessions, including a jewel-encrusted chest filled with jewels and other treasure. Before he died in 1848, Meyer was seen burying what was reported to be gold and rubies around the 17-room mansion he had built in Canton, Ohio, as well as dumping other valuables in a nearby lake. The mansion burned down in 1975, but Napoleons chest and the other treasures rumored to have been hidden around the home are still missing. If these or other lost treasures beckon, take care not to trespass on private property, to respect the privacy and property of others, and to obey all local, state, and federal laws. Perhaps start off small by using a metal detector at a public beach or park. US Bill Calls for Joint Weapons Production With Taiwan Amid Increasing China Tensions Taiwanese navy launches a U.S.-made Standard missile from a frigate during the annual Han Kuang Drill, on the sea near the Suao navy harbor in Yilan county, Taiwan on July 26, 2022. (Sam Yeh/AFP via Getty Images) The Armed Services Committee of the U.S. House of Representatives released the draft version of the 2024 National Defense Authorization Act on June 12, proposing the possibility of U.S.Taiwan joint production of weapons to resolve delays in arms deliveries to Taiwan and to enhance the islands ability to replenish weapon inventories. The Armed Services Committee of the House of Representatives requires the secretary of defense to submit a report by March 1, 2024, evaluating the benefits and challenges of joint production of weapons and ammunition with Taiwan. As early as October 2022, the United States and Taiwan began preliminary discussions on the joint production of weapons, possibly with U.S. defense companies providing technology and manufacturing weapons in Taiwan or assembling Taiwan-made weapon components in the United States, according to Nikkei Asia. A U.S.-made F-16V fighter jet with its armaments is on display during an exercise at a military base in Chiayi, southern Taiwan, on Jan. 15, 2020. (Sam Yeh/AFP via Getty Images) On May 2, representatives of 25 U.S. arms manufacturers and dealers, including Lockheed Martin and Raytheon, organized a delegation to Taiwan. According to the media, the purpose of the trip was to discuss the joint production of drones and missiles and other related matters. Security Concerns In April, Jordan Cohen, a defense and foreign policy analyst at the Cato Institute, told VOA about concerns over weapon co-production with international partners. Historically, there has been opposition in the U.S. government, both because this type of intelligence sharing puts secret information at risk, and because it reduces price offsets, which means the U.S. will see less of the profit re-enter its own economy, Cohen said. Randall Schriver, chairman of the board of the Project 2049 Institute and a former assistant secretary of defense for Indo-Pacific security affairs, told VOA, Co-production is a good idea to explore. If the U.S. government is supportive, theres still the issue of commercial interests. So, our defense industry has some say in this, he added. Military personnel stand next to Harpoon A-84, anti-ship missiles, and AIM-120 and AIM-9 air-to-air missiles prepared for a weapon loading drills in front of a F16V fighter jet at the Hualien Airbase in Taiwans southeastern Hualien county on Aug. 17, 2022. (AP Photo/Johnson Lai) Eric Gomez, a senior fellow at the Cato Institute with a research focus on the U.S. military budget and force posture, told VOA that China could easily steal sensitive U.S. information should the weapon co-production happen in Taiwan. I think its a good bet that China probably has intelligence assets in Taiwan that can gather information on a weapon system and get them back to China, he said. Its relatively easy for movement between the two, its relatively easy to have that level of penetration because theres a lot of similarities between the two. Better to Accelerate Weapon Sales Jie Zhong, a researcher at the Chinese Strategic Foresight Association in Taiwan, told Radio Free Asia (RFA) on June 13 that the United States cant establish a weapons production line in Taiwan in a matter of weeks. He said it requires design, planning, production line establishment, personnel deployment, and other processes, adding that it would be too late for emergencies. It is better for the United States to advance the order of arms sales to Taiwan to the same status as the main NATO allies through administrative measures and procedures, which can solve the current problems, he said. Taiwanese military expert Chen Guoming told RFA that in the event of a war in the Taiwan Strait, the timeliness of U.S. sea shipping or air transport would face challenges. [We] hope that in the newly planned ammunition depot that will be built, or under the authorization of the United States, some of the anti-ship missiles and land attack missiles that we need can be produced, Chen said. The Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer USS Kidd and U.S. Coast Guard cutter Munro conduct Taiwan Strait transits on Aug. 27, 2021. (U.S. Navy/Handout via Reuters) The bill also states that the United States should maintain its ability to resist any form of coercion that endangers Taiwan, including military threats. Congress supports Taiwans efforts to strengthen its defense capabilities through arms purchases, industrial cooperation, and direct commercial sales, the bill states. According to the procedures, the Armed Services Committees of the U.S. Senate and House of Representatives will propose their respective versions of the National Defense Authorization Act, and after consultations to seek consensus and approval, it will be submitted to President Joe Biden. Meanwhile, its reported that Washington is drafting plans to potentially evacuate U.S. citizens from Taiwan amid the escalated tensions between the United States and China and because of Chinas increased aggression over the Taiwan Strait, according to The Messenger. Experts have said that the Pentagons planning for an emergency evacuation of civilians from Taiwan indicates the Biden administration wants to be ready for a clash with China. US Government Hit in Global Hacking Campaign The United States flag at the dome of the U.S. Capitol building in Washington on May 12, 2023. (Madalina Vasiliu/The Epoch Times) The nations cyber watchdog agency reported that the U.S. government was the target of a global hacking campaign that exploited a vulnerability in widely used software on June 15. However, the agency does not anticipate the attack to have a significant impact. Eric Goldstein, the executive assistant director for cybersecurity at the U.S. Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA), said in a statement that several federal agencies had been compromised after the discovery of a vulnerability in the file transfer software MOVEit. CISA did not identify the affected agencies or specify how they were affected. It did not respond promptly to requests for additional comment. Progress Software Corps (PRGS.O) MOVEit is typically utilized by businesses to transmit files between partners and customers. Progress stock declined by 4%. The online extortion group Cl0p, which has claimed responsibility for the MOVEit breach, has stated in the past that it would not use any data stolen from government agencies. The group wrote that government agencies, cities, and police services shouldnt worry because they had already erased the data. CISAs Preventative Measures On June 7, the FBI and CISA issued a joint announcement about their Cybersecurity Advisory (CSA) as part of their #StopRansomware campaign. The advisory aims to help organizations protect against the CL0P ransomware variant by providing essential information on its tactics and indicators. The authorities recommend several actions to mitigate the cyber threats posed by CL0P ransomware. Organizations were advised to conduct an inventory of assets, identifying authorized and unauthorized devices and software. The agencies also advised that admin privileges and access should only be granted when necessary, while a software allow list should be established to allow only legitimate applications. Monitoring network ports, protocols, and services and implementing security configurations on network infrastructure devices like firewalls and routers were also touted as crucial steps. Regular patching, updates, and vulnerability assessments were also emphasized. The advisory includes information on recent activities of the CL0P Ransomware Gang, also known as TA505. They exploited a previously unknown vulnerability in Progress Softwares MOVEit Transfer solution, infecting internet-facing web applications. The gang used a web shell named LEMURLOOT to steal data from underlying databases. TA505 has previously targeted Accellion File Transfer Appliance devices and Fortra/Linoma GoAnywhere MFT servers. FBI and CISA urged organizations to follow the mitigation recommendations to reduce the likelihood and impact of CL0P ransomware attacks. Vigilance and staying updated on the latest advisories and resources available on stopransomware.gov are crucial in enhancing cybersecurity. International Attacks Following the hacking of one of the agencys law firms, a government agency in Australia in charge of keeping track of privacy violations was the target of a cyberattack. After infiltrating the HWL Ebsworth database, the Russian hacker organization BlackCat, also known as AlphV, obtained information from the Office of the Australian Information Commissioner (OAIC), according to a June 15 report. One of the biggest business law companies in Australia, HWL Ebsworth, offers expert assistance to the OAIC. This comes after AlphV stole four terabytes of corporate data, including personnel information, in April. On June 8, the hacker collective was reported to have released over 1.45 terabytes of sensitive data on the dark web. However, since HWL Ebsworth has a variety of governmental and business clients, it is unclear what information has been released. Cyber criminals who accessed our systems have now claimed to have published around one-third of the total data they say has been exfiltrated from our firm, a company spokesman told AAP. We are investigating this claim and are seeking to identify what data may have been published. Just a day before the Australian hack, a senior U.S. cybersecurity official warned that Chinese state hackers would almost certainly conduct aggressive cyberattacks to disrupt critical U.S. infrastructure, such as pipelines and railways if a conflict breaks out with the United States. At an event hosted by the Aspen Institute in Washington, Jen Easterly, director of the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency, stated that Beijing is investing significantly in the development of cybertechnologies intended to sabotage U.S. infrastructure. In the event of a conflict, China will almost certainly use aggressive cyber operations to go after our critical infrastructure, to include pipelines and rail lines, to delay military deployment, and to induce societal panic, she told the audience. This, I think, is the real threat that we need to be prepared for and to focus on and to build resilience against. The focus has been on espionage, whether it be decades of intellectual property theft or the greatest transfer of intellectual wealth, as noted by Easterly. She stated that Beijings efforts had shifted progressively toward disruption and devastation. Given the formidable nature of the threat from Chinese state actors, given the size of their capability, given how much resources and effort theyre putting into it, its going to be very, very difficult for us to prevent disruptions from happening. CISA did not immediately respond to The Epoch Timess request for comment. Reuters and Eva Fu contributed to this report. ANALYSIS: US Reinforces Status as a Pacific Power After Interception by Chinese Warships News Analysis Amidst threats of a Chinese invasion of Taiwan, a Chinese naval ship just intercepted a U.S. Navy ship in the Taiwan Strait, demonstrating the Chinese Communist Partys (CCP) attempt to drive the United States out of Asia. However, the United States reacted strongly stating that it will firmly maintain a commitment to that part of the world and is well aware that the Indo-Pacific region is critical to the security and prosperity of the United States. On June 5, NSC Coordinator for Strategic Communications John Kirby responded to a press conference on this interception incident, saying: We are a Pacific power; we are not going anywhere. We have a serious commitment in that part of the world. Five of our seven treaty alliances are in the Indo-Pacific. The vast majority of international economic trade flows through the Indo-Pacific region. We have a real need there, and we will stay there. We are going to strengthen and revitalize these alliances and partnerships. Two days before, on June 3, while the USS Chung-Hoon, a Burke-class guided-missile destroyer, and the HMCS Montreal, a Canadian Navy ship, were sailing together through the Taiwan Strait, a Chinese Navy ship maneuvered straight ahead of the USS Chung-Hoon, forcing the U.S. ship to change course. The two ships were within 150 yards (137 meters) of each other and almost collided. Anders Corr, the founder of Corr Analytics and publisher of the Journal of Political Risk, told The Epoch Times on June 8, China is attempting to use militarization to intimidate the United States into abandoning Asia through militarization risk or border policies, thereby achieving its intermediate goal of being a regional hegemon, which is one step towards its ultimate goal of global hegemony with Beijing at its center. Corr said Kirbys words were a direct counter to the Chinese regimes attempt to drive the United States out of Asia. If China is allowed to succeed, it would leave key U.S. allies, including Japan, South Korea, the Philippines, Taiwan, and Australia, at the mercy of the CCP. In the face of extreme pressure from China, Kirby made clear that the United States will continue to enforce its freedom of navigation program in the South China Sea and Taiwan Strait. If they [the CCP] are trying to send the message that we are not welcome, or that our presence needs to be reduced, or that they want us to stop flying, sailing, and operating in support of international lawthats not going to happen. The U.S. National Security Council Coordinator for Strategic Communications John Kirby speaks during a daily news briefing at the Brady Press Briefing Room of the White House in Washington, on June 12, 2023. (Alex Wong/Getty Images) Kirbys proclamation of a Pacific power also drew attention to how the United States has positioned itself. Although the United States is located on the North American continent, it maintained a significant relationship with Asia and the Pacific for the past two hundred years. Historical Evolution of the US as a Pacific Power From the end of the 18th century to the middle of the 19th century, the United States expanded from the Atlantic coast to the interior of North America and then to the Pacific coast. Today, the U.S. Pacific coastline is one of the longest in the world and is vital to the U.S. economy. The five Pacific states of Alaska, California, Hawaii, Oregon, and Washington account for nearly 20 percent of the U.S. GDP and 15 percent of the nations population. In the 19th century, American merchants and Christian missionaries sailed from the American Pacific coast to reach Asia. In addition to having a Pacific coastline on the mainland, the United States also has sovereign territory in the Pacific Ocean. In 1959, the Pacific archipelago of Hawaii became a U.S. state, and in 1898, victory in the Spanish-American War gave the U.S. jurisdiction over the western Pacific island of Guam and the Southeast Asian archipelago of the Philippines, which became independent in 1946. The United States also acquired part of the South Pacific islands of Samoa after the Treaty of Berlin in 1899. Beginning in the 19th century, the United States also acquired several smaller islands in the western and southern Pacific, including Midway Atoll, Wake Island, Johnston Atoll, Howland and Baker Islands, Kingman Reef, Palmyra Atoll, and Jarvis Island. Some of these islands played a key role in World War II against Japan from 1941 to 1945. Under post-WWII arrangements, the U.S. administered the Marshall Islands, the Federated States of Micronesia, and Palau until their independence in the 1980s and 1990s. Two Wars Establish American Pacific Power Status Dec. 7, 1941, the Empire of Japan launched a surprise attack on Pearl Harbor in Hawaii, a U.S. naval base near Honolulu. More than 2,400 Americans, including civilians, were killed in the attack and another 1,000 were injured. The day after the attack, President Roosevelt asked Congress to declare war on Japan. Japans attack on Pearl Harbor pushed the United States to abandon isolationism, and therefore the United States joined the global coalition against the Axis powers. The United States became the defender of a system of humane, democratic, and liberal values and the leader of the free world. This country became a superpower, defending the universal values of human rights, democracy, and freedom, and it continues to do so today. Another significant war in Asia was the Korean War. In June 1950. Kim Il Sungs North Korea invaded South Korea. Fearing that a Communist Korea under the dictatorship of Kim Il Sung would threaten Japan and fuel other communist movements in Asia, a United Nations force, dominated by American troops, landed in South Korea to fight the invasion. President Trumans statement on June 27, 1950, said that the North Korean attack was part of a larger plan by its Communist regime and the Soviet Union. This gave the United States a moral obligation to act. If we dont put up a fight now, Truman told his staff that theres no telling what theyll do. The United States involvement in the Korean War did stop the spread of communism. Due to the Korean War, Communist China abandoned its plans to invade Taiwan in the 1950s. Many of the troops trained for the Taiwan invasion were redeployed to the border area between China and North Korea. The Korean War caused the United States to reverse its policy of non-interference with Taiwan and to begin providing military assistance to them, placing Taiwan under U.S. protection. The United States thus added another ally in the Pacific. US Return to Asia-Pacific An F/A-18F Super Hornet fighter aircraft takes off from the flight deck of the USS Nimitz (CVN 68) aircraft carrier while at sea off the coast of Baja California, Mexico, on Jan. 18, 2020. (Mario Tama/Getty Images) Although the United States has a longstanding relationship with the Asia-Pacific region, the Sept. 11, 2001, attacks shifted U.S. forces to counterterrorism and a two-decade war in the Middle East. In the meantime, the CCP has been fighting to occupy islands in the South China Sea and is aggressively pursuing its expansionist goals. The U.S. position in the Asia-Pacific was in jeopardy. In 2011, the Obama administration proposed an Asia rebalancing strategy for the United States. Both the Trump and Biden administrations have since made the Asia-Pacific the first focus area for the United States. The Trump administration further expanded the Asia-Pacific to the Indo-Pacific. In February 2022, the White House released the U.S. Indo-Pacific Strategy (pdf). The document stated that the Indo-Pacific is critical to our security and prosperity. The document explained that the Indo-Pacific region is home to more than half the worlds population, accounts for nearly two-thirds of the worlds economy, has the worlds seven largest military forces, has more U.S. troops stationed in the region than any other U.S. territory outside the United States, supports more than 3 million U.S. jobs, and is the source of nearly $900 billion in foreign direct investment in the United States. In the years ahead, as the region drives two-thirds of global economic growth, its influence will only grow, and so will its importance to the United States. Carl Schuster, former director of operations for the U.S. Pacific Commands Joint Intelligence Center in Hawaii, told The Epoch Times on June 7 that the shift in U.S. strategic focus from the Middle East to the Asia-Pacific is a gradual process. In April 2012, a standoff between Chinese and Filipino vessels occurred in the waters of Scarborough Shoal. In July 2016, the International Court of Arbitration in The Hague ruled that China did not have historical ownership of the waters of the South China Sea and had violated the Philippines rights, but the Chinese regime rejected the ruling. The CCP has subsequently turned some South China Sea islands into artificial islands, which were then turned into military bases with missiles, radar systems, and airstrips, although in September 2015, Chinese leader Xi Jinping pledged in a press conference with the-U.S. President Barack Obama in September 2015 not to militarize the artificial islands in the South China Sea that China occupied. People realized he was promising one thing but delivering another, and that led to a change in [Washingtons] mentality. It was a slow awakening, and it got a big boost, Shuster said. After Pelosi visited Taiwan, Chinese missiles were fired toward Taiwanese waters from all directions. Schuster suggested that this established the current broad consensus, which is that China is not a friendly country, and if the United States fails to confront the challenges in a variety of areas, we will wake up to a new world order run by China, Russia, and Iran. The Chinese regime has also become increasingly bold in expressing its desire to invade and conquer Taiwan by force. In February, CIA Director Burns noted that U.S. intelligence information indicated that Xi had ordered the military to prepare for an invasion of Taiwan by 2027. Navigation Freedom in the South China Sea and Taiwan Strait In 2015, U.S. Navy ships began to travel to the South China Sea and Taiwan Strait on freedom of navigation missions. Such missions continued regularly and are still ongoing today despite the increasing amount of Chinese military drills around Taiwan. This led to the recent interception of the U.S. Navy ship by a Chinese Navy ship. Shuster explained that if the United States stops sending navy ships across the Taiwan Strait due to the harassment tactics of the Chinese regime, then the Taiwan Strait will become de facto Chinese waters. The freedom of navigation missions was carried out to show that the Taiwan Strait is international waters and is not controlled by the CCP. As the CCP continues to threaten an attack on Taiwan, the control of the Taiwan Strait is particularly strategic. If China controls the Taiwan Strait, it can invade Taiwan at will and implement a blockade on the island nation. So we will continue to use these waters. Not because we want to go to war, but because we want to stop a war, said Schuster. US Should Brace for Aggressive Sabotage by Chinese Hackers, Top Cybersecurity Official Says Jen Easterly (L), nominee to be the Director of the Homeland Security Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency, and Chris Inglis, nominee to be the National Cyber Director, testifies during their confirmation hearing before the Senate Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee in Washington, on June 10, 2021. (Kevin Dietsch/Getty Images) Chinese state hackers will almost certainly conduct aggressive cyberattacks to disrupt critical U.S. infrastructure, such as pipelines and railways, if a conflict breaks out with the United States, a senior U.S. cybersecurity official has warned. Beijing is investing heavily in advancing cybertechnologies designed to sabotage U.S. infrastructure, Jen Easterly, director of the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency, said at an event at the Aspen Institute in Washington. In the event of a conflict, China will almost certainly use aggressive cyber operations to go after our critical infrastructure, to include pipelines and rail lines, to delay military deployment, and to induce societal panic, she told the audience. This, I think, is the real threat that we need to be prepared for, and to focus on and to build resilience against. While malign activities from Chinese state actors have, for years, been in the spotlight, Easterly noted that the focus has been espionagebe it the decades of intellectual property theft or the greatest transfer of intellectual wealth in history. But Beijings efforts have now increasingly shifted toward disruption and destruction, she said. Given the formidable nature of the threat from Chinese state actors, given the size of their capability, given how much resources and effort theyre putting into it, its going to be very, very difficult for us to prevent disruptions from happening. Easterlys comments come as bilateral tensions continue to rise and cyber attacks from China draw growing attention. Last month, Microsoft and various cybersecurity agencies under the Five Eyes alliance revealed that a Chinese cyber espionage group has, for at least two years, been conducting a campaign targeting a wide span of U.S. sectors, including manufacturing, telecommunications, government, maritime, utility, transportation, and education. A man walks past a Microsoft sign outside the companys offices in Beijing on July 31, 2014. (Greg Baker/AFP via Getty Images) The goal of the campaign was to develop capabilities that could disrupt critical communications infrastructure between the United States and Asia region during future crises, Microsoft stated. The threat actor intends to perform espionage and maintain access without being detected for as long as possible. The United States and intelligence partners stated that the group can use the same tactics from the Volt Typhoon campaign to target other sectors worldwide. The resources that the Chinese regime has put into cyber warfare have been considerable. Appearing before the House Appropriations Committee on April 27, FBI Director Christopher Wray said the Chinese hackers outnumber FBI cyber personnel by at least 50 to 1. If you look at China, their hacking program is bigger than that of every other nation combined, he said in his testimony, noting that he considers communist Beijing to be the greatest threat to our country and that FBI investigations into the Chinese Communist Party (CCP) and their actors had increased by 1,300 percent. FBI Director Christopher Wray testifies at a Senate Intelligence Committee hearing in Washington on Jan. 29, 2019. (Charlotte Cuthbertson/The Epoch Times) Cybersecurity firm CrowdStrike, in its latest report on cyber threats, stated that China-linked cyber-espionage groups are targeting 39 industries on nearly every continent. While a majority of those campaigns targeted Chinas Asian neighbors, about 25 percent of the activities were aimed at North America. In a State Department briefing on June 13, spokesperson Matthew Miller cited a March Intelligence Community report noting that China almost certainly is capable of launching cyber-attacks that could disrupt critical infrastructure services within the United States, including against oil and gas pipelines and rail systems. Its vital for government network defenders and the public to stay vigilant. Its why the U.S. Government, in a whole-of-government action, has worked with the private sector to prepare private sector defenses, he told reporters when asked about the Volt Typhoon cyberattack. Easterly said her agency has been engaging with different social sectors in an effort to protect the vulnerable groups that may be targeted. We have to look at this as a threat to the nation and that we all have a part to play. US Soldier Pleads Guilty to Instructing ISIS to Ambush and Kill US Troops A discarded ISIS terrorist group flag lying on the ground in the village of Baghouz in Syria's eastern Deir Ezzor Province near the Iraqi border on March 24, 2019. (Giuseppe Cacace/AFP via Getty Images) A U.S. Army soldier pleaded guilty on Wednesday to teaching ISIS fighters to be better able to kill his fellow service members. 22-year-old Cole Bridges of Stow, Ohio, pled guilty to attempting to provide material support to ISIS, a designated foreign terrorist organization. Bridges further pled guilty to attempting to murder U.S. military service members by way of his support for ISIS. Bridges, also known as Cole Gonzales, was a private in the Army and assigned as a cavalry scout in the 3rd Infantry Division based in Fort Stewart, Georgia, when he was arrested and charged in January 2021. The soldier enlisted in the Army in September 2019, and by late 2019, his online activity indicated an interest in jihadist ideology. By September 2020, his online activity turned to lengthy conversations with an undercover agent he believed was working with ISIS. FBI agents investigated Bridges with the support of Army Counterintelligence specialists. He was arrested on Jan. 19, 2021. Terrorist Training Prosecutors alleged Bridges late 2019 internet searches included us soldier shooting and badass jihadi. By August 2020, a social media account under the name Cole Gonzales shared a post with a quote describing a conflict between the Islamic and secular. The social media post attributed the quote to militant jihadist Shayk Sulayman Ibn Nasir Al-Alwan. Al-Awan had allegedly mentored one of the Sept. 11, 2001 highjackers and was imprisoned in Saudi Arabia on charges of financing Al-Qaeda. Beginning in around September 2020, prosecutors allege Bridges began communicating online with an FBI employee who posed as a female ISIS. Bridges allegedly claimed he had connections with ISIS and Hamas, another designated foreign terrorist organization. He also claimed he joined the Army as a way to obscure his jihadist leanings. I used to have connections with people in Hamas and ISIS, and my family found out, and the government could have arrested me, Bridges allegedly wrote the undercover FBI employee in September of 2020. So I needed to prove to them I wasnt what they thought I was, and I needed the government to get off my back. I dont tell people Im in the military, and I hate displaying the U.S. flag on my shoulder. Bridges touted his combat training as he continued to communicate online with the undercover FBI agent. By October, the undercover agent began asking if Bridges if he had considered sharing his military knowledge with fellow ISIS supporters. Bridges expressed a willingness to communicate with the undercover agents ISIS contacts and eventually said he would be willing to prepare videos and a training manual and someday inshallah taala actually [if god the almighty wills it] being able to physically teach brothers of the ummah [Muslim community] that want to fight. At points, Bridges acknowledged the limitations of book knowledge and instructional videos and the value of physically rehearsing certain combat scenarios in order to do them effectively. The soldier allegedly shared knowledge about multiple different combat scenarios, including instructions on how to break contact when attacked and how to effectively ambush an opposing force by luring them into a bottleneck or kill zone. At several points during their communications in October of 2020, the undercover agent continued to reference ISIS contacts in the United States in need of training for an upcoming operation. Conversations between Bridges and the undercover FBI agent eventually shifted to discussion about how to protect an ISIS leaders compound from a potential U.S. special operations raid. Bridges advised setting a trap at an ISIS leaders compound by rigging it with explosives and luring U.S. troops into the compound to more easily kill them. Bridges also agreed to film a propaganda video for ISIS, in which he would footage of this trap idea proved successful. Sentence Bridges initially pled not guilty to the federal terrorism charges but changed his pleading before the case could go to trial. The counts of providing material support for the terrorist group and attempting to murder U.S. military service members each carry a maximum sentence of 20 years in prison. Bridges sentencing hearing is scheduled for Nov. 2. From NTD News SeattleIts no secret that Seattle-area diners love Asian cuisine. Now theres data that proves just how much. Copyright 2023 The Seattle Times. Visit The Seattle Times at www.seattletimes.com. Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC. What Now for the Men and Women Without a Country? Former President Donald Trump at the Trump National Golf Club in Bedminster, N.J., on June 13, 2023. (Chip Somodevilla/Getty Images) Commentary I woke up this morning feeling as if I were a man without a country. The place where I was born no longer existed. Its been that way for some time but now is approaching the point of no return. I imagine that many others, millions, are feeling that way now that Donald Trump has been indicted for a second time, with a third very much in the wings. Its not that I love Trump so much. I respect what he has done but on occasion have cringed. Hes human, like the rest of us. Its just that the actions against him are so beyond rationality, so built on rage, conscious and unconscious, that they have obliterated the most noble governmental experiment in human historythe United States of America. My friend Tucker Carlson puts the blame on Trumps comments about the Iraq War. The 45th president had the temerity to say it was a mistake, that it destabilized the Middle East and created more problems (deaths) than it solved. Those remarks threatened the establishment, dependent on what we used to call the militaryindustrial complex, to a degree they could no longer countenance him. Partly. But I dont think that was enough to engender a reaction to Trump thats so excessive that even the late, lamented Fox News is running a chyron as direct as Wannabe Dictator Speaks at the White House After Having His Political Rival Arrested. And in any case, Trump was always somewhat inconsistent in his reactions to the Iraq conflagration. I think the problem runs deeper than merely a misbegotten war. The potential for reelection of the 45th president threatens everything about the progressivism that has dominated our politics since Woodrow Wilson was in office, with only the relatively short interregnum of Ronald Reagans terms. The unelected deep state has become increasingly entrenched to the extent that it controls virtually every aspect of our lives and employs who knows how many people not only inside the Beltway but also in all 50 states. We now live in a society thats more socialistic, astonishingly, than Western Europe, where the metastasizing transgender epidemic, at least, is looked upon askance. They think weve gone crazy on gender dysphoriaand we have. For them, this iteration of Marxism is finally too much. As recently as a few years ago, all this was unimaginable. COVID-19 cemented the situation. So its more than just the Iraq War. Its, in a word, everything. What then do we men and women without a country do? In a June 13 op-ed, the New York Posts estimable Michael Goodwin wrote: Watching the Tuesday circus in Miami and listening to media poohbah pronouncements about the gravity of the moment, I recalled a conversation with a friend about the indictment of Donald Trump. He repeated a phrase he had heard recently: Were not voting our way out of this. This, of course, is a reference to the great divide tearing America apart, and Exhibit A is a Democratic presidents willingness to use the Department of Justice as a weapon against his leading Republican rival. Of course, we should try to vote our way out of this, but what if that friend of Goodwins is correct? What if things are too far gone, the system too corrupt, for that to work? The choices are grim. In the old daysduring the Vietnam Warwe knew many who fled to Canada. Nothing could seem more ridiculous now. If I were looking for a safe haven these days, I would choose Eastern Europe, where the agony of life under communism is well known to the populace and their governments act accordingly. Few of us, however, speak Estonian, and many of us are too old to learn. Moreover, everyone, Eastern Europe included, is dependent on us. As we go, so goes the planet. A future somewhere between communist China and the World Economic Forum (WEF) will be the fate of all humans. Personal agency will have been the lifestyle of some ancient civilization. In my interviews with Vivek Ramaswamy, the presidential candidate has spoken of the sacrifices we will have to make to decouple from communist China. Difficult as that is, we will have to decouple from more than that. The sacrifices will be even greater. Every patriotic citizen must put his or her personal ambitions aside nowor at the very least push them far to the rearand focus their efforts on bringing back our constitutional republic. The good newsin fact, the great newsis that in doing this, you will become happier perhaps than you have ever been. You will be living an authentic life. We can rewrite WEF Chairman Klaus Schwabs You will have nothing, and you will be happy as You will have yourself, and you will be happy. Go for it. Views expressed in this article are the opinions of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views of The Epoch Times. Why Young Children Must Play Outside Commentary Summer is here. That means school holidays. For the better part of two months, children will spend large parts of their time playing with their friends outside. Or will they? According to a Save the Children report, children play outside with their friends far less than they used to, with more than a third (34 percent) now spending most of their playtime alone. Now, before you blame it on COVID-19, its important to note that the playless problem existed long before the nasty virus brought the Western world to a screeching halt. COVID-19 exacerbated the problem; it didnt create it. Which prompts the question: What did? The playless problem is intimately associated with the rise in no-nonsense parenting styles. From helicopters to drones, bulldozers to tugboats, sherpas to snowplows, the UK has no shortage of hypervigilant, overprotective parents. There was a time, not that long ago, when free-range parenting, a style that centers around the mantra let kids be kids, was all the rage. Those days, however, appear to be long gone. With less free-range parenting, children have less time to do what children really love to do: play. Today, according to the aforementioned Save the Children report, only 1 in 4 children play outside on a regular basis. Thats because theyre glued to screens, some will say. But that doesnt appear to be the case. Many children report that theyve been told by adults to stop making noise, to stop playing ball games, and to stop climbing trees when playing outside. Commenting on the report, Helen Dodd, professor of child psychology at the University of Exeter in the UK, warned that the lack of outdoor play will have dire consequences for young peoples development. As a society, she said, were not taking the playless problem seriously enough. Shes right. Were not. The benefits of play, especially playing outdoors with friends, cant be emphasized enough. Playing isnt just a way to kill time. Its an investment of time. It helps children build resilience and character; it helps them develop invaluable social skills. Behavioral scientist Coltan Scrivner recently lamented the demise of unsupervised play and the fact that rates of childhood anxiety continue to rise. Other serious health problems, such as depression and obesity, are also increasing. Research has shown that each additional hour spent outdoors is associated with seven more minutes of moderate-to-vigorous activity, an additional 762 steps, and an average of 13 fewer minutes spent in a sedentary state. Evolutionary psychologist Peter Gray has demonstrated the many ways in which unstructured and self-directed play helps build confidence and gives children a sense of control. As anyone who has suffered from anxiety clearly knows, the mental condition is often caused by a perceived lack of control. Adventurous childhood play acts as a buffer against anxiety. When children are allowed to experience genuine feelings of excitement and adventure and take age-appropriate risks, they thrive. The activities must be self-chosen and self-directed. Unstructured play isnt the same as organized sports. Play devoid of predetermined rules and parental input promotes cognitive development; it improves language skills and boosts creativity. Moreover, unstructured play aids in a childs physical and emotional development. Children must be allowedno, actively encouragedto stretch their imaginations, to dream up far-fetched scenarios, to make mistakes, and to laugh. Remember when we used to laugh? Healthy children laugh as much as 400 times per day; an average, healthy adult, meanwhile, laughs only 15 times in a given day. Unstructured play is intimately associated with the best medicine in town, laughter. Research clearly shows that laughter really is a potent medicine. Not only does it strengthen ones immune system by decreasing stress hormones and increasing immune cells, but it also triggers the release of endorphins, the feel-good chemicals that put you in a positive state of mind. Moreover, by synchronizing emotions within a group, laughter acts as a social glue of sorts. It brings people together. Of course, laughter can also be weaponized to intimidate another person or group, but thats not the kind of laughter Im talking about. Im talking about compassionate, heartful laughter, not cruel, heartless laughter. Play fosters laughter, and laughter fosters cooperation. Contrary to popular belief, play isnt just something children do (or used to do). Its an activity open to all individuals, the young and the not-so-young. But its especially important for children. So this summer, please let your children play outside. Allow them to explore. Allow them to do what children love to do. Allow them to be happy. Views expressed in this article are the opinions of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views of The Epoch Times. Wife Dies in Escondido House Fire, Husband in Critical Condition ESCONDIDO, Calif.A woman died and her husband was in the hospital in critical condition June 15 after a fire burned their home in the unincorporated area of Escondido, authorities said. The fire was reported at 2:27 a.m. Thursday in the 2400 block of Alexander Drive, according to Lt. Matthew Carpenter of the San Diego County Sheriffs Department. When Escondido Fire Department crews arrived, they saw a man outside the home and he told them his wife was still inside, the lieutenant said. Firefighters found her inside and pulled her out of the burning home. The husband and wife were rushed to a hospital in critical condition. Carpenter said the woman was later declared dead from her burn injuries. The cause of the fire was being investigated by Bomb Arson detectives, Carpenter said. SHANGHAI, June 15 (Xinhua) -- After three years of online meetings with his Chinese partners, Eike Schmidt, director of the world-renowned Uffizi Galleries in Florence, Italy, visited Shanghai recently to share the beauty of Renaissance art with the Chinese audience. "It is very important for the Uffizi Galleries to be present in China," Schmidt told Xinhua in an exclusive interview. "We look forward to enhancing our cooperation with art museums here." In 2022, the Uffizi Galleries and Shanghai's Bund One Art Museum signed a cooperation agreement to mark the China-Italy Year of Culture and Tourism, according to which the two museums would jointly hold 10 exhibitions in China over five years. As a highlight and kickoff event, the "Uffizi Self-portrait Masterpieces" exhibition was unveiled in Shanghai in September 2022 and enjoyed immediate success. It gathered 50 epic pieces by 50 masters from the 16th to the 21st century, including Titian, Rembrandt, and Chagall. The Self-Portrait of Raphael, a classic work by the master, made its debut in Shanghai during the exhibition. The show has now traveled to Beijing and is currently on display at the National Museum of China. "Botticelli and the Renaissance," the exhibition that is currently running at the Bund One Art Museum, features one of the greatest painters of the Florentine Renaissance. It has also become a big hit since its inception in April. In recent years, the Uffizi Galleries has engaged in extensive cooperation with galleries across China, bringing a large number of precious works for Chinese art lovers. According to Schmidt, another exhibition focusing on the art of the Enlightenment of the 18th century is being prepared and will open in the autumn in Bund One. He also disclosed a dream project dedicated to both traditional and contemporary Chinese art. "While it is too early now to make any announcement, it is certainly something that is within the horizon of what we're planning to do." During his first visit to Shanghai, Schmidt has been impressed by "the joy of the people on the streets, in the museum, and the beauty of the city." The director of one of the most visited art museums in Europe said he is already looking forward to his next trip to China to promote art dialogues and deepen cultural ties. "There are still eight more exhibitions to go... Even 10 exhibitions will not be enough. For us it's almost as never leaving," said Schmidt, referring to the joint program with Bund One. "I'm looking forward to going beyond these here in Shanghai, but also (cooperating) with other museums in China." Highly politicised, woke curriculums and disruptive classrooms have led to less engaging lessons, pushing many young Australians to call it quits before graduating high school. Australian education expert Kevin Donnelly said the decade-low high school retention rates are the result of students becoming disengaged throughout COVID as they lost face-to-face interaction with their peers and teachers. When you look at the high rates of students not wanting to go to school, or refusing to go to school one of the reasons is COVID, he told The Epoch Times. Another reason is that when you look at the curriculum over the last 10 to 20 yearsits not just Australiathe curriculums become very politically correct and woke. So I think a lot of students are reacting against that. Theyre not enjoying or being engaged in whats happening in the classroom because its become very politicised. It comes after the Australian Productivity Commission revealed that in 2022, the percentage of students who completed their high school education fell to 79 percent, the lowest level in a decade. However, when the data is broken down, it reveals that Catholic or Independent schools consistently have the highest rate of students completing Year 12 and have remained virtually unchanged at 87 percent throughout the decade. Meanwhile, in government schools, over one in four students ends up dropping out. Australians Increasingly Favour Religious and Independent Schools Donnelly said the reasons that Catholic and independent schools have fewer dropouts come down to a number of points, including better classroom discipline. Australian classrooms are among the most disruptive, with badly behaved students, across the OECD, Donnelly said. Classroom discipline is better in Catholic and independent schools. These comments follow the report by the Organisation for Economy Co-operation and Development (OECD) released in April revealed that the disciplinary climate in Australian schools was among the least favourable in the OECD. When grading the disciplinary climate by index value, Australian classrooms were rated at -0.2 compared to the average rate of 0.04. Donnelly added that Catholic and independent schools have less politically correct curriculums, and the students have a financial incentive to finish school. The children appreciate the fact that their parents are making the financial sacrifice, so theyre more willing to go to school, he said. School students arrive for the first day of face-to-face schooling in Brisbane, Australia, May 11, 2020. (AAP Image/Dan Peled) As a reflection of this, in 2022, enrolments in independent and catholic schools surged while enrolments in government schools fell for the second consecutive year, according to the Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS). Over the past decade, enrolments in independent schools increased by over 25 percent, ABS head of education statistics Ellouise Roberts said. In comparison, government school enrolments rose 11 percent, followed by an eight percent rise in Catholic school enrolments over the same period. Further, Donelly has observed that hundreds and hundreds of parents and teachers around the country have also begun setting up their own classical education schools. [They] are committed to a liberal arts education, which is more about moral and spiritual and intellectual virtues and values, he said. There are quite a lot of parents and teachers and students who are reacting against the idea that education is just about the job or being indoctrinated, that they want a more substantial and enriching education. Senator Sarah Henderson, the shadow education minister, said the continuing presence of religious schools was a reminder that the purpose of education was more than just a measure of employability and other metrics and standards. They are a reminder that education also has a higher purposethe cultivation of wisdom and a love of knowledge for its own sake, she told the Christian Schools National Policy Forum in May. They are a reminder that the purpose of education is, as Plato said, to teach us to love what is beautiful. Why Education Policy Is Critical for the Country Along with deteriorating discipline issues and student engagement, Australias education outcomes have been falling for decades despite record levels of funding to the sector. At an individual level, a persons economic and social success is not always dependent on obtaining higher levels of education, but they do make it more likely. Indeed, data from the Productivity Commission report shows that those who do not finish high school are more than twice as likely to leave the labour force entirely compared to graduates. But on a nationwide level, long-term economic growth and prosperity are based on knowledge, according to American economist Eric Hanushek. This means that a countrys current education outcomes can be a significant indicator of its future economic development. Education expert Glenn Fahey from the Centre of Independent Studies warns that Australia is likely seeing the preliminary signs of decades of declining education outcomes. Currently, productivity levels in Australia are slower than theyve ever been, he told The Epoch Times. This points to early signs that the system is not seeing the educational returns that it was seeing in previous generations. People who experience difficulty in completing high school or obtaining higher levels of education also tend to suffer from long-term dependency on welfare programs. So for many people who fail to do well in school, they do face much greater challenges outside of school as well, Fahey said. Despite that, he warned that societies should not preference entirely based on credentials. However, to enable this, school systems need to be able to set up an individual with the necessary competencies to secure work, regardless of how early or late they leave school. Investment for any individual and for any economy or society is the investment made in educational success, and importantly, thats all about the quality of education and not necessarily the quantity of it, he said. While investment into human capital is critical for a country, Donnelly said pursuing further education may not necessarily be suitable for everyone. So it is important to have alternative paths available to develop skills instead of knowledge, such as apprenticeships, technical colleges, and TAFE. I dont believe everybody should go on to do year 11 and 12, he said. You need a good reason to stay on for years 11 and 12. It shouldnt be automatically assumed that everybody should stay on because students have different abilities, different interests, different motivations. Especially for boys [who are disengaged], its a better option to actually start earning a bit of money. Worker Mobility Will Place People Over Robots in Future Labor Market, Experts Say Businessman using chatbot in smartphone intelligence Ai.Chat GPT Chat with AI Artificial Intelligence, developed by OpenAI generate. Futuristic technology, robot in online system. (Shutterstock) Lant Pritchett says the worlds wealthiest nations will face a significant labor shortage, and labor mobility is the best way to deal with it. Pritchett is an economist and research director for the Labor Mobility Partnerships (LaMP). He joined Simon Johnson, professor of entrepreneurship at the Massachusetts Institute of Technologys Sloan School of Management, on June 12 for the Brookings Institutions presentation, People over robots: How policy distorts decisions around automation. The two experts said that government policy and social mores must evolve with technology for society to reap the greatest benefits. Johnson said this means simultaneously developing technology and public policy to help workers rather than replace them. It starts out with Lets teach machines to play chess better than people. And then they can run the checkouts at the grocery store better than people, he said. Johnson co-authored Power and Progress: Our 1,000-Year Struggle Over Technology and Prosperity with Daron Acemoglu. He said that by studying the past 1,000 years of technological advancements, one could also explore the impact those advancements had on society and the labor force. 1880: Wason manufacturing company, builders of railway cars, in Springfield, Massachusetts. (MPI/Getty Images) Johnson said that when new technology is developed, it is almost always sold as benefitting peopleand, over time, it generally does. However, he pointed out that time is only a friend to some. Everybody is going to gain eventually, but the key word is eventually, he said. For example, Johnson said the industrial revolution in England began in the 1720s with automation at a silk mill. By the 1840s, much of British manufacturing had been mechanized. This resulted in better products and more financial security for many people. But the workers displaced in the initial changes were long dead. Thats 120 years; how do we get something more immediate? he asked. According to Johnson, history has shown that society must consider three things when new technology, like AI, is developed. They are the developers vision, the bandwagon effect, and the impact on the labor force. Johnson said it is essential to understand the technologys intended function. Is it something to boost productivity? Is it going to meet a real need, or is it a convenience? What are you trying to invent here, and what is its purpose? A shopper, wearing a mask as a precautionary measure against COVID-19, scans a pack of toilet rolls through a self-scan checkout till, inside a Sainsburys supermarket store in north London on March 31, 2020. (Isabel Infantes/AFP via Getty Images) The bandwagon effect is how the market adopts the technology. That figures into its impact on the labor force. Historically, the technologies that had the most favorable result have been those that help people. Johnson said that the industrial revolution eliminated thousands of farm jobs. Those were replaced with factory jobs, making the machines that eliminated the farm jobs. He said the American car industry was a good example. In the early 1900s, before innovations introduced by Henry Ford, the American automobile industry produced about 3,500 cars annually. With the advent of the assembly line and electricity in manufacturing, American car makers were turning out approximately 3.5 million cars a year by the end of the 1920s. The industry employed more than 400,000 people. Most of them were doing tasks that no one had ever done before. What really matters is, do you create new tasks? Johnson said. Workers assemble cars at Fords Assembly Plant in Chicago, Ill., on June 24, 2019. (Jim Young/AFP via Getty Images) But, Pritchett said current demographics have thrown a new wrinkle into the equation. He predicted that in 30 years, there would be a severe labor shortage in wealthy countries like the United States. Pritchett said that current research focuses mainly on automating certain jobs, such as cashiers in retail businesses. And that has been successful. Computers are really good at repetition, Pritchett said. But, he said many jobs that will be open in the future can only be done by humans. Building maintenance, health care, and skilled trades require the human touch. Pritchett told the group at Brookings that he had stayed in the hotel the night before and knew that hotel employees cleaned the room after he checked out. You need people to clean hotel rooms, he said. A maid changes sheets in a hotel room. A new do-it-yourself bedbug trap may help keep hotel rooms safer for visitors. (Joe Raedle/Getty Images) He said that given the distribution of wealth and populations, the focus should be on finding workers, not doing away with their jobs. He said that poor nations had huge populations capable of working but needed more work to do. There are no poor people, Pritchett says. There are people who live in poor areas. According to Pritchett, governments should consider policies that allow people who need work to travel to areas that need workers. He said the idea that all jobs must be automated is a false necessity. Necessity may be the mother of invention, but false necessity is the mother of dumb invention, Pritchett said. Pritchett said he saw an example of a dumb invention in Kenya. Recently, a French grocery store chain announced it was introducing self-checkout in its stores in Kenya. Pritchett said it might have been better for Kenyans to hire more cashiers. Dont Need More Self Checkout If theres one thing the world does not need its self-checkout in Kenya, Pritchett said. He said a better solution for the wealthy nations coming labor shortage would be policies allowing labor mobility. He acknowledged that immigration can be a contentious issue, but he says he is not talking about immigration. Pritchett said he is talking about allowing truck drivers from other countries to take unfilled truck driving jobs in the United States without the thorny question of citizenship. But, he said, that would require rethinking immigration laws. It involves something akin to a guest worker program that allows foreign-born workers to earn money in one country while remaining permanent citizens of another country. Citizens have valid concerns about national security and controlling who may enter their country. But they must also be aware of their labor shortages in just a few years. He said now is the time to develop public labor policy. Pritchett called this social technology. Its about solving the legitimate concerns of citizens about order and control. Wuhan Authorities Escalate Persecution of Falun Gong Through Brainwashing Centers Falun Gong practitioners participate in a parade to call for an end to the Chinese Communist Party's persecution of their faith in the Flushing neighborhood of Queens, N.Y., on April 23, 2023. (Chung I Ho/The Epoch Times) Wuhan, the city of COVID-19s origin, recorded at least 15 practitioners of the Falun Gong spiritual discipline being persecuted between July and November of 2022 when the virus was still surging and Beijings strict lockdown measures were in place. During that time, nine Wuhan brainwashing centers were involved in the persecution, according to the data collected by Minghui.org, an online information platform of Falun Gong that records the Chinese Communist Partys (CCP) persecution of the practice in China. Falun Gong, also known as Falun Dafa, includes five slow-moving and gentle exercises and moral teachings based on truthfulness, compassion, and forbearance. In July 1999, Jiang Zemin, the CCP leader at the time, launched a nationwide persecution of Falun Gong despite the fact that the practice not only benefited tens of millions of practitioners, but also won CCP officials recognition for its contribution to the spiritual civilization of the society. The data obtained by Minghui.org showed Wuhan authorities used more than 60 brainwashing centers in 2,519 acts of persecution against Falun Gong followers between July 1999 and June 2022. In particular, at least 45 Falun Gong adherents were recorded as having been detained and tortured in 13 brainwashing centers between January and June 2021. Of the 13 brainwashing centers involved, nine were new facilities set up by the Wuhan authorities. As The Epoch Times editorial indicated previously in the commentary titled, The Reality of Chinas Pandemic and the CCPs Demise, the ancients believed that plagues punished humankind when its sins became too great. Following the newly added brainwashing centers in Wuhan and their engagement in the persecution campaign in the first half of 2021, COVID-19 cases were on the rise again in the second half of 2021. Part of Wuhan went into a second lockdown on Aug. 3 that year. A Persecution Initiative In 2021, Wuhan authorities initiated a program specifically targeting Falun Gong followers, Minghui.org revealed. Falun Gong practitioners march down Constitution Avenue to commemorate the 23rd anniversary of the Chinese Communist Partys persecution of the spiritual practice in China, in Washington on July 21, 2022.(Samira Bouaou/The Epoch Times) While the nation suffered the draconian zero-COVID policy, the citys Political and Legal Committee and the 610 Office reinvigorated the brainwashing centers to step up its persecution campaign. Subsequently, Wuhan authorities established 10 new brainwashing centers that year. The so-called Political and Legal Committee (PLC), from Party central to the local level, has been known as the Chinese Gestapo for its involvement in a range of human rights abuses, the persecution of Falun Gong practitioners, and the operation of extralegal detention facilities and forced labor camps. The 610 Office, named after the date of its inception on June 10, 1999, is an extralegal task force created for the express purpose of carrying out the persecution of Falun Gong. The PLC led the establishment of brainwashing centers at the local, city, county, and provincial levels, while 610 personnel coordinated the arrest, brainwashing, and persecution of practitioners with staff at police stations and within the community. The brainwashing centers at all levels are under the guise of so-called law and education classes, transformation and learning classes, legal education centers, legal education institutes, care centers, caring homes, and more. To facilitate the program to force practitioners to give up their beliefs, authorities recruited successfully brainwashed practitioners to deceive those who havent been broken while former police officers conduct the torture in the brainwashing centers. Brutality The following are just a few cases of what Minghui.org collected in Wuhans persecution Initiative against local Falun Gong adherents. On Sept. 29, 2021, then-53-year-old Zhou Ailin was arrested by local police and detained in Etouwan Brainwashing Center, Qiaokou District. This was the ninth time local police illegally captured Zhou, an auditor of the accounting department of the Industrial and Commercial Bureau in Qiaokou District. In the brainwashing center, she was slapped, forced to stand for hours, kept in solitary confinement, handcuffed to a window for five days and nights, force-fed, and more. Wuhan plainclothes police officers abduct Falun Gong practitioner Zhou Ailin on September 29, 2021. (Minghui.org) On Dec. 18, 2021, 71-year-old Li Xiumei was abducted from her home by several plainclothes police officers and taken to a brainwashing center in Huangpi District. When she was released two weeks later, she was extremely weak and could not straighten her back due to the torture. She was abducted again on Feb. 18, 2022, and taken to the brainwashing center. Her health rapidly deteriorated from the torture in the center, where she died on Oct. 8, 2022. On April 18, 2022, police abducted eight Falun Gong practitioners and took them to the Law and Education Class of Qiaokou District, including then-60-year-old Zong Ming. Zong was not released until Dec. 26, at which point she was emaciated, her black hair had turned white, and she could no longer talk. Her son immediately drove her to various local hospitals to seek medical help. She passed away on Jan. 4, 2023, in the emergency room. Widespread Persecution There are brainwashing centers all over Wuhan, including at Party schools, hospitals, nursing homes, orphanages, guest houses, and hotels. Staff at these brainwashing centers engage in psychological torture such as TV programs on loop slandering Falun Gong, mandating the reporting of thoughts, and psychological and physical torture to force adherents to renounce Falun Gong. According to Minghuis data, of the 13 districts of Wuhan city, 10 were recorded as having Falun Gong adherents illegally detained and tortured in local brainwashing centers between July and November of 2021. Li Jiesi and Minghui.org contributed to this report. Counter-Offensive Begins By Gwynne Dyer THE furious speculation on whether the Ukrainian counter-offensive will succeed has been ongoing for several months already, so the first thing I must tell you is that I dont know. Nobody knows, not even the Ukrainians. They know that the big prize is a southward offensive that reaches the Black Sea coast and virtually cuts off all the Russian forces west of there. (The Russians could still get some supplies via Crimea, but not much.) However, the Russians know that too, and they have been building deep defences all across the southern region since late last year. Moreover, its around 90 km from the present Ukrainian positions to the coast. Thats a very long way if the Russians stand and fight. Some of them will and some of them wont is the standard assumption based on the past years fighting, which is why the Ukrainians are launching probing attacks almost all the way along the 1,000-km front line. Any heavy fighting elsewhere will be designed to force the Russians to commit their reserves early so that they arent available to strengthen Russian defences in the south. The Russians wont easily be suckered into doing that, however, because they know what the Ukrainian strategy must be. If the Russians commit their reserves to the south big and early, on the other hand, the Ukrainians might decide to switch their main attack to the north instead and leave the south for later. Choices in war are unpredictable, and outcomes even more so. Theres a very good chance that the Ukrainians will achieve their highest priority, which is to win back enough territory to secure continuing financial support and weapons supplies from the West. Otherwise, they would be forced to accept a cease-fire that leaves much of their country under Russian occupation. Theres at least an even chance that the Ukrainian army will break through to the south coast and inflict a major defeat on the Russians. However, even that would probably not force the Russian President, Vladimir Putin, to accept defeat and withdraw from Ukraine entirely. There is a small but real possibility that the Russian army might collapse on the battlefield in the event of a major defeat, or that the regime might change in Moscow as part of a domestic power struggle, but neither event would necessarily bring an end to the war. What remains to be said (but rarely is in the context of a military analysis like the one above) is that this war, like all wars, is a human hunter-gatherer legacy and more broadly a predator evolutionary adaptation that is utterly counter-productive in any technological civilisation. The Putin regime has behaved very badly and invaded a neighbour who posed no threat, but the military institutions that made such an act possible exist in every country. The social structures and political assumptions that underpin them are as old as civilisation, and while armies are a human innovation, war is much older. We didnt invent war; we inherited it. Our branch of the primate family has been living in small groups for a long time, and we probably became predators (like our closest relatives, the chimpanzees) at least three million years ago. Most group-living animal predators are engaged in a permanent low-level war with nearby groups of the same species. Fights to the death between individual predators are rare, because theres a 50% chance of death in every fight. Make the right submissive gesture and walk away. But rival groups of the same species of predator can and do fight wars: lions, hyenas, chimpanzees and humans. It makes evolutionary sense for group-living predators, because the supply of food (prey) sometimes gets scarce. Predators are strongly territorial, and killing off members of neighbouring groups means that when the hard times come, your group can overwhelm the neighbours and survive by using their territory too. Human hunter-gatherers also behaved like this, and they carried these behaviours into their civilisations. The little bands became tribes with imaginary shared ancestors and then millions-strong societies united by national identities. The war-bands grew into armies and the weapons got steadily deadlier. War actually still made economic sense when land was the only source of wealth, but military conquest isnt even profitable any more. Many people understand that war is obsolete and existentially dangerous in the nuclear era, and there were collective attempts to stop it after both world wars: the League of Nation and the United Nations. Ukraines decision in 1994 to give up the nuclear weapons it inherited from the Soviet Union in return for a Russian promise to respect its frontiers was another of those attempts, and that didnt work very well either. Just another demonstration of how hard it is to escape our past. Nevertheless, we have no choice but to keep trying. Cyclone Biparjoy to makelandfall off Guj coast today AHMEDABAD/MANDVI/NEW DELHI : 50,000 people have been evacuated from vulnerable areas AS POWERFUL cyclone Biparjoy approaches the Gujarat coast, authorities have evacuated 50,000 people from vulnerable areas in a massive operation and deployed disaster management personnel for relief and rescue measures in the State set to be most impacted by the second storm to hit it in just two years, officials said on Wednesday. With the cyclone, expected to make landfall near Jakhau port in Kutch district on Thursday evening, barrelling towards the Gujarat coast, parts of the Saurashtra-Kutch region received heavy rains accompanied by strong winds. Gujarat Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel took stock of the situation with senior officers, while at the central level, Union Health Government Mansukh Mandaviya and Defence Minister Rajnath Singh separately reviewed the preparedness to deal with the impact of the cyclone. Nine talukas in Devbhumi Dwarka, Jamnagar, Junagadh, Porbandar and Rajkot districts received more than 50 mm of rainfall in the 24 hours ending on Wednesday morning. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) said Biparjoy was set to change the path on Wednesday and begin moving north-eastwards towards Kutch and Saurashtra but it will still have landfall as a very severe cyclonic storm with wind speed ranging from 125-135 kmph, gusting to 145 kmph from morning to evening on Thursday. The Gujarat Government has undertaken a massive exercise to evacuate people living in villages within a 10 km radius of the coast, with a special focus on Kutch which is likely to be worst affected by the cyclone, and move them to temporary shelters. The evacuation is in progress and is expected to be completed by Wednesday evening, officials said. The cyclone is nearly 290 km away from Kutch at present. As a precautionary measure, we have already shifted nearly 50,000 people living in coastal areas to temporary shelters. The evacuation process is still on and the remaining 5,000 persons will be shifted by this evening to safer places said State Commissioner of Relief, Alok Kumar Pandey. Of the 50,000-odd evacuees, nearly 18,000 people were shifted to shelters in Kutch district while others were evacuated from Junagadh, Jamnagar, Porbandar, Devbhumi Dwarka, Morbi and Rajkot, Pandey told reporters in Gandhinagar. He said 18 teams of NDRF (National Disaster Response Force), 12 teams of SDRF (State Disaster Response Force), 115 teams of State road and building department, and 397 teams of the State electricity department have been deployed in different coastal districts. Officials of departments of Electricity and Road & Building have also reached designated spots to restore connectivity and power supply. We have also deployed teams carrying HAM Radio sets and satellite phones in the coastal region for better communication, said Pandey. Chief Minister Patel held a meeting with the State chief secretary and senior officers at the State Emergency Operation Centre (SEOC) and reviewed preparedness. Defence Minister Rajnath Singh spoke to the three service chiefs and reviewed the preparations of the armed forces to deal with the impact of the cyclone. After reviewing the preparations, Singh said the armed forces are ready to provide every possible assistance to civil authorities in tackling any situation or contingency that may arise due to the cyclone. Union Health Minister Mandaviya reviewed the preparedness measures being taken in Kutch. He visited the Bhuj Air Force station to take stock of the preparations made by Garuda Emergency Response Team of the Indian Air Force. He said our jawans are fully prepared for the safety of life and property from the cyclone. Mandaviya also visited the K K Patel Super Speciality hospital in Bhuj to assess the emergency preparedness. He reviewed the availability of oxygen, ventilators and critical care beds in Kutch district government hospitals, trust-run hospitals and other hospitals in the region. Addressing a press conference in New Delhi, IMD Director General Mrutyunjay Mohapatra said Biparjoy was set to change path on Wednesday and begin moving north-eastwards towards Kutch and Saurashtra and have landfall on Thursday evening near Jakhau Port. For the past six hours, it has become very slow, practically stationary. This is an indication that the direction of the movement of the cyclone will change now. We are expecting that it will move towards the northeast and it will hit Saurashtra, Kutch and adjoining Pakistan between Mandvi and Karachi near to Jakhau Port, he said. If you look at the intensity, cyclone Biparjoy has slightly weakened further. But, it will still have landfall as a very severe cyclonic storm with wind speed ranging from 125-135 kmph, gusting to 145 kmph from morning to evening on Thursday, Mohapatra said. A total of 33 teams have been earmarked by the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) to undertake relief and rescue operations in Gujarat and Maharashtra, officials said in New Delhi. While 18 NDRF teams have been placed in Gujarat, one has been stationed in neighbouring Diu in the newly formed Union Territory of Dadra and Nagar Haveli and Daman and Diu, they said. In the neighbouring Maharashtra, out of the total 14 NDRF teams, five have been deployed in Mumbai while the rest have been kept on standby, the officials said. Each of these teams have 35 to 40 personnel and they are equipped with tree and pole cutters, electric saws, inflatable boats and basic medicines and relief items, they said. Shelter homes have been set up in government schools and offices in coastal districts, with arrangements for food, drink and medicine. Besides, adequate medical staff and necessary quantities of supplies, including medicines, have been made available in health centres and at government and private hospitals located at nearby places, officials said. Several parts of the Saurashtra-Kutch region witnessed heavy rainfall accompanied by strong wind, the Met department said. The IMD stated that the intensity of rainfall would increase as the cyclone approaches the Gujarat coast with the isolated places in the districts of Kutch, Devbhumi Dwarka and Jamnagar likely to witness extremely heavy rainfall during this period. A few places in Porbandar, Rajkot, Morbi, Junagadh, and the remaining districts of Saurashtra and north Gujarat region are also likely to receive heavy to very heavy rainfall on Thursday, it said. As the cyclone crosses the Gujarat coast on Thursday evening, isolated places in Porbandar, Morbi, Rajkot, Jamnagar, and Kutch will receive heavy to very heavy rainfall with isolated extremely heavy rainfall. Devbhumi Dwarka may receive heavy to very heavy with isolated extremely heavy rainfall on Wednesday, said Ahmedabad IMD director Manorama Mohanty. Old Nagpur Vs New Nagpur! -- IV Vijay Phanshikar ALL those hundreds of readers who responded positively and personally to the current series Old Nagpur Vs New Nagpur! in this column deserve a heartfelt gratitude. Because the readers respond positively, understand why certain issues are picked up in this column, the loosefooter gets a booster dose to keep doing his job relentlessly. Of course, he knows his limitations as a journalist -- as a watcher of events from the sidelines, and a commentator. Yet, he has a simple -- or naive -- desire to be heard by the authorities, something that does not happen. This is where we enter the subject of the difference between old Nagpur and new Nagpur. In New Nagpur -- that is the Nagpur of today -- the authorities have no time and inclination, or possibly mandate to pay attention to what the people have to say about developmental process in progress. Only occasionally -- which comes only rarely -- do the authorities find time to take a look at what people have to say about what is happening around in the city. And a good proof of this comes from the brazen and shameless manner in which the authorities have allowed destruction of our water-bodies, for example, in the past few years. Another proof comes from the manner in which the authorities have ignored over time the beautiful green cover the city often boasts of. In old Nagpur, things were absolutely different, in sharp contrast to what is happening today. The authorities were very responsive, and attended to peoples grievances, published in the media or complained about personally by individual citizens, far, far, far more quickly than does todays civic officialdom. Of course, we must admit that the citizens, too, have become equally irresponsible, equally brazen about not following rules, equally arrogant to match the administrations officers at almost all levels. We must also admit that there still are a few good officers who respond to public sentiment quite responsibly. Yet, their numbers as very small and their total impact on the overall administrative is almost negligible. This difference between the old and the new Nagpur is very glaring. And yet, the people in power -- political or administrative -- feel that the common public should be a mute spectator to happenings and must not complain. That is the culture Nagpur demonstrates today. Thanks, however, to many activists, the city has still not lost its voice. These activists must be saluted for their alertness. They raise voice, they raise issues, they raise concern -- and make thing as difficult as possible for the authorities, whether political or administrative. They go to courts to challenge official conduct. They dare the political leadership. Therefore, at least to some extent, there is a check on the official brazenness in todays Nagpur. In the Nagpur of yesteryears, such an activity was not needed at all since the civic authorities were far more alert then than their successors of today. The problem with the Nagpur of the present day is that there is not enough people who are willing to take panga with the authorities. They watch helplessly the declining condition of Nagpur despite the so-called development, but do not dare to raise their voice. They see the mess in the name of development, but do not go beyond discussing it in their drawing rooms over coffee. It is against this backdrop that the importance of the activists is immense. They are possibly the last hope of something good taking place in the city. Media, too, has a major role to play, of course. The loosefooter will confine his comments about the media only to The Hitavada whose team is all the time raising issues and alarm. But otherwise, the overall atmosphere is one of despair rather than hope. Police arrest five accused involved in recent mobile thefts, vehicle-lifting Staff Reporter Taking a serious note of rising theft incidents in the city, Superintendent, Tusharkant Vidyarthi IPS instructed the officers to take immediate action against the accused. As a result, Jabalpur police successfully caught five accused actively involved in recent thefts reported in the city. A joint team of Crime Branch and Kotwali thana was constituted under the guidance of Additional Superintendent of Police (City), Priyanka Shukla IPS, ASP Crime, Samar Verma, City Superintendent of Police, Kotwali, Prabhat Shukla, CSP Omti, R D Bhardwaj and CSP Ranjhi, Devendra Singh Chouhan. The team took immediate action and caught thieves associated with mobile and vehicles thefts and seized 27 mobiles and 13 two-wheelers worth Rs 20 lakh. The mobile thieves and vehicle-lifters were arrested within periphery of Khamaria thana included Anand Choudhary (26) resident of village Pipariya Khamariya) and Praveen Singh Rana (22) resident of Narayandham Pariyat Khamariya). Similarly, Hanumantal thana staff arrested 3 juveniles while Naresh Patel (22) from Panarjhir under Dhanera Thana in Seoni, was arrested by Kotwali Police. Arrested accused played active role in majority of thefts reported in recent times in various corners of the city, including theft at a mobile shop from where the thieves took away 23 mobiles. The thieves entered the shop by making a hole in the wall. REAL NEED PRIME Minister Mr. Narendra Modis statement that the world is eager to partner with India, and President Mr. Joe Bidens statement that there is no better partner than India for the US need to be read together and in a joint context. Not only do these statements highlight a global reality in context of Indias growing prowess in diverse fields, but also showcase the kind of gentlemanly air India has been able to create around itself in the international arena. This evolution of India as a country with which the world is eager to forge partnership in different areas indicates that in the past some time India has built itself into a credible State in terms of credibility, viability, vitality, responsibility and suitability -- politically, economically, militarily and culturally. All these facets are attracting the world to India for forging meaningful partnerships. There, of course, remains to be tackled one area internally for India so that the quality of global eagerness to forge partnership with India will get intensified. That area pertains to the need of the entire nation talking in one common language about Indias positive dimensions -- so that they can get rid of whatever doubts may linger in its mind about the Indian credibility as a partner. This is, of course, a tricky area, and is not easy to be sorted out. For, what it involves is a complete political unanimity about the narrative India must present to the world about itself. In other words, the political Opposition in India also should align itself with national goals and speak a language that matches the assertions of the Government in the international arena. If the political Opposition also starts highlighting Indias positives before the world, a greater magnetism will start attracting more countries to India in partnership for bigger projects. Unfortunately, that is not happening, thereby leaving some doubts about Indias credibility as a partner in the minds of at least some countries. For, when an Opposition leader or an Indian intellectual presents on a global forum a twisted narrative of India, the world flinches. That is the actual hitch that is hurting larger Indian interest at least to some extent. This does not, by any definition, suggest that the Opposition parties, too, should sign on the dotted lines. The beauty of Indian democracy is plurality of views of different segments of the larger society, no matter how contrarian those may be politically. But the point here is about something far more basic than just politically-driven narratives of the Government or the Opposition. No matter the divergent views, one fact that cannot be brushed aside is the fact of Indias robust and vibrant democracy. By no definition can anybody ever say that India does not have democracy. The system may be flawed all right, but that does not suggest an absence of democracy in India. But when the Opposition parties or their leaders or their intellectual supporters try to paste on the world an altogether false story of the so-called failed democracy in India, then the world also stops, though only for a while, in its tracks before proceeding to forge better and stronger partnership with India. That is the only hitch. If this untruth is not heaped on the global mindset by the Opposition, then Indias own international footprint will become more meaningful and rich. The idea is clear: The Opposition may criticise Prime Minister Mr. Modi anywhere as part of its right to air its views. But if it talks about absence of democracy in India and about the failure of democratic institutions in the country, then the world may carry an altogether wrong opinion. That is the real detriment that India must overcome. In this effort, the Opposition will have to play a more mature role. TOKYO, June 15 (Xinhua) -- A Ground Self-Defense Force (GSDF) recruit was referred to prosecutors Thursday on suspicion of murder a day after shooting three of his instructors during a live-fire training in central Japan, killing two of them. The recruit, an 18-year-old male, was arrested at the site after allegedly opening fire at three GSDF personnel during the indoor exercise at the force's shooting range in Gifu prefecture on Wednesday morning, the GSDF said. The incident left a 52-year-old instructor and a 25-year-old man dead, and another 25-year-old man hospitalized, according to the police. Investigative sources said the suspect told police that he targeted the 52-year-old instructor and "didn't intend" to kill the other victim who stood between himself and the 52-year-old and blocked his way. The training session involved approximately 120 personnel, including some 70 recruits. Its purpose was for them to acquire expertise in utilizing a commonly employed assault rifle, and it was the fifth and last drill for the suspect, according to the GSDF. Further details, such as personal relations between the recruit and the victims, are being investigated, the GSDF said. In a press conference on the day of the shooting, General Yasunori Morishita, chief of staff of the GSDF, said the trainee joined the GSDF in April and belonged to the same regiment as the three senior personnel in charge of training. "As an organization that handles weapons, such things should never happen," said Morishita. TN Minister Balaji arrested in money laundering case Tamil Nadu Chief Minister MK Stalin meets TN Electricity Minister V Senthil Balaji at Omandurar hospital in Chennai on Wednesday. (PTI) CHENNAI/NEW DELHI : The Minister complained of uneasiness after arrest, underwent coronary angiogram and was advised bypass surgery A local court sent him to judicial custody till June 28 THE Enforcement Directorate (ED) on Wednesday arrested Tamil Nadu Minister and DMK leader V Senthil Balaji under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA) in connection with an alleged cash for jobs scam in the State Transport Department, an action that triggered a political slugfest. The case against 47-year-old Balaji, who is the first member of the M K Stalin Cabinet to be arrested by a law enforcement agency, and his aides relates to his tenure as the State Transport Minister in the AIADMK Government during 2011-15. After his formal arrest at around 1.30 am on Wednesday, Balaji, who is the Minister for Electricity, Prohibition and Excise, complained of chest pain and was admitted to a government hospital in Chennai. He underwent a coronary angiogram and was advised bypass surgery at the earliest. TV visuals showed Balaji feeling uneasy and crying while being brought to the hospital in a stretcher. He was arrested after a long session of questioning, official sources said. A Chennai court later sent the Minister to judicial custody till June 28 after which he sought permission to be shifted to a private hospital in Chennai for further treatment and also applied for interim bail. The court reserved its orders including on the EDs plea for police custody of Balaji, the DMK strongman from Karur. The ED called him the prime suspect in the case. The arrest followed multi-city searches by the ED on Tuesday on the premises linked to Balaji in Tamil Nadu as part of the probe into money laundering. The move by the ED came after the Supreme Court issued an order on May 16 allowing investigations in the case by the police as well as the ED. Chief Minister Stalin, who had slammed the ED raids against Balaji on Tuesday as intimidation politics, met his cabinet colleague at the Tamil Nadu Government Multi Super Speciality Hospital, Omandurar Estate. Stalin, who is the DMK President, stepped up his attack on the BJP and charged the ED officials with enacting a drama in the name of inquiry and accused them of physically and mentally troubling Balaji. They had pressured him to the point of him suffering chest pain, Stalin alleged in a statement. TN BJP chief K Annamalai dismissed any charge of vindictive action by his party against the DMK and said the ED action was a culmination of a five-year probe into the cash for jobs scam. BJP spokesperson Syed Zafar Islam said Balajis arrest is based on evidence and follows the Supreme Courts critical observation about the case involving the DMK leader. The Opposition including the Congress and the Aam Aadmi Party(AAP) condemned Balajis arrest and alleged that it was political harassment and vendetta by the Modi Government. Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge condemns the late-night arrest of Tamil Nadu Electricity Minister Shri V. Senthil Balaji by the ED, the Congress said in a statement. This is nothing but political harassment and vendetta by the Modi Government against those opposed to it. None of us in the Opposition will be intimidated by such brazen moves. The ED informed Sessions Court Principal Judge S Alli that Balaji allegedly misused his office for illegal gratification and engineered a job racket scam in the State transport undertakings during 2014-15 with purported kickbacks paid by candidates through his associates. The irregularities occurred in State-run Metropolitan Transport Corporation (MTC) and Tamil Nadu State Transport Corporation (TNSTC). The federal probe agency also stated in its custody papers that alleged unaccounted cash deposits worth about Rs 1.60 crore were made in the bank accounts of Balaji and his wife. The DMK claimed arrest-related procedures were not followed properly in the matter, which the ED denied. State Minister P K Sekar Babu claimed there were symptoms that Balaji was tortured. He is in the ICU. He was in an unconscious state and did not respond when we called him by his name. He is under observation...There is a swelling near his ear. Doctors say there is variation in his ECG (electrocardiogram)... These are symptoms of torture, Babu told reporters. Balaji underwent Coronary Angiogram at 10.40 am on Wednesday, a medical bulletin issued by the Director of the Tamil Nadu Government Multi Super Speciality Hospital, Omandurar Estate, said. Coronory Angiogram revealed triple vessel disease, for which CABG (Coronary artery bypass graft) - Bypass Surgery is advised at the earliest, it said. The constituents of the DMK-led Secular Progressive Alliance (SPA) announced a massive public meeting in Coimbatore on Friday to protest against the BJP over the issue. Trump pleads not guilty in classified documents case WASHINGTON, DONALD Trump has pleaded not guilty to charges that he broke the law dozens of times by hiding classified documents in his Florida home as he was formally arraigned at a Miami court, becoming the first former US President to face federal criminal charges. Wearing a navy suit and red tie, Trump, 77, was brought in about 15 minutes before the hearing began on Tuesday at the federal courthouse in Miami, Florida, and sat slumped over in his chair, hands clasped in his lap, as he waited for the judge to arrive. Trumps son, Eric Trump, accompanied his father to the courthouse for the historic case that could alter the countrys political and legal landscape ahead of the 2024 race for the White House. Trump, who has announced his second bid for the presidency, looked down at the floor for most of the hearing and his lawyer waived a reading of the 49-page indictment, ABC News reported. Federal prosecutors accused Trump, a Republican, of wilfully withholding classified documents obtained during his presidency and obstructing justice in his efforts to conceal those materials from authorities, as a detailed indictment unsealed on Friday. The former President was charged with 37 federal counts, including 31 violations of the Espionage Act. We most certainly enter a plea of not guilty, Trumps lawyer Todd Blanche said at the arraignment in a small but packed courtroom. UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres (C, Front) speaks at a Security Council meeting on "the Values of Human Fraternity in Promoting and Sustaining Peace" at the UN headquarters in New York, on June 14, 2023. (Xinhua/Xie E) "Hate is a danger to everyone - and so fighting it must be a job for everyone. We must collectively strengthen our defenses," UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres said. UNITED NATIONS, June 14 (Xinhua) -- UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres on Wednesday called for efforts to curb online hate and invest in social cohesion. "Hate is a danger to everyone - and so fighting it must be a job for everyone. We must collectively strengthen our defenses," the top UN official told the Security Council meeting on "the Values of Human Fraternity in Promoting and Sustaining Peace." "We must reign in the hate that is spreading online," said the secretary-general. The UN chief underscored that hate "fuels humanity's worst impulses," noting that it is a catalyst for polarization and radicalization, and a conduit for atrocity crimes. "It is also a result of these crimes, contributing to horrific cycles of violence that can churn for decades. It greases the wheels of violence, frays the social fabric, and corrodes the pillars of stability. It is, in short, often the bloody heart of conflict," Guterres elaborated. "And as part of Our Common Agenda, we are working on a Global Digital Compact for an open, free, inclusive, and secure digital future for all, firmly anchored in human rights and nondiscrimination," he added. The secretary-general called for efforts to "move toward evermore multi-ethnic and multi-religious societies" and "invest in social cohesion." "We need to ensure that every community feels respected in their unique identity while feeling valued as an integral part of society as a whole. We need to recognize diversity as a richness of all societies - not a threat," he said. Guterres said that hate takes root in the soil of ignorance and fear. "But when we enrich the soil of knowledge with facts, science and historical accuracy, hatred cannot spread like a deadly weed." "That means ensuring quality education for everyone, everywhere, including women and girls. It means supporting education systems that instill respect for science and celebrate humanity in all its diversity. And it means a surge in education financing, peacebuilding and global solidarity," the secretary-general added. BEIRUT, June 15 (Xinhua) -- Lebanese caretaker Health Minister Firas Abiad on Thursday called for increased international support for the country's health system to help it meet the growing needs of citizens and refugees. "The international community needs to assume its role in providing health care by supporting our national health system so that it can respond to the growing needs of everyone, starting from citizens to the displaced and refugees residing in Lebanon," Abiad was quoted by the National News Agency as saying. The minister made the remarks during the 3rd Global Consultation on the health of refugees and migrants hosted by the government of Morocco in Rabat. "Lebanon has not failed to provide health services to foreign residents on its land ... at a time when our country is facing great challenges and successive, prolonged crises, without receiving from the international community an equivalent amount of support for its health system," Abiad noted. According to statistics released by the Lebanese government, around 2 million Syrian refugees are living in Lebanon, a country with a population of more than 5.5 million. The UN Refugee Agency reported that Lebanon hosts the largest number of refugees per capita and per square km in the world. For Lebanon, the cost of hosting such a large number of Syrian refugees is estimated to be around 6 billion U.S. dollars per year now, compared to 3 billion dollars assessed by the World Bank in 2013, Foreign Minister Abdallah Bou Habib said in early May. MINSK, June 15 (Xinhua) -- A Ukrainian drone with explosives was shot down at the end of May in the Gomel region of Belarus, said the State Border Committee of Belarus on Thursday. Border guards found the drone moving from Ukrainian territory to the rear of Belarus. They shot down the drone, according to the State Border Committee. During the inspection of the area, multiple metal elements with traces of thermal impact were found and seized. Technical expertise showed that an explosive device fixed on board the drone was detonated when a bullet hit. BlackRock MuniYield Quality Fund II, Inc. (NYSE:MQT Get Rating) crossed below its fifty day moving average during trading on Monday . The stock has a fifty day moving average of $10.12 and traded as low as $10.08. BlackRock MuniYield Quality Fund II shares last traded at $10.16, with a volume of 18,506 shares changing hands. BlackRock MuniYield Quality Fund II Stock Down 0.6 % The businesss fifty day moving average is $10.11 and its 200-day moving average is $10.31. Get BlackRock MuniYield Quality Fund II alerts: BlackRock MuniYield Quality Fund II Announces Dividend The firm also recently disclosed a monthly dividend, which will be paid on Monday, July 3rd. Investors of record on Thursday, June 15th will be issued a $0.035 dividend. The ex-dividend date of this dividend is Wednesday, June 14th. This represents a $0.42 dividend on an annualized basis and a yield of 4.20%. Institutional Inflows and Outflows BlackRock MuniYield Quality Fund II Company Profile A number of large investors have recently added to or reduced their stakes in the business. JPMorgan Chase & Co. bought a new position in BlackRock MuniYield Quality Fund II during the 4th quarter worth approximately $51,000. Steward Partners Investment Advisory LLC raised its holdings in BlackRock MuniYield Quality Fund II by 62.6% during the 1st quarter. Steward Partners Investment Advisory LLC now owns 5,753 shares of the investment management companys stock worth $60,000 after purchasing an additional 2,214 shares during the last quarter. IFP Advisors Inc raised its holdings in BlackRock MuniYield Quality Fund II by 14,357.9% during the 3rd quarter. IFP Advisors Inc now owns 5,494 shares of the investment management companys stock worth $68,000 after purchasing an additional 5,456 shares during the last quarter. Hollencrest Capital Management bought a new position in BlackRock MuniYield Quality Fund II during the 4th quarter worth approximately $98,000. Finally, Melfa Wealth Management LLC bought a new position in BlackRock MuniYield Quality Fund II during the 4th quarter worth approximately $112,000. Institutional investors own 21.05% of the companys stock. (Get Rating) BlackRock MuniYield Quality Fund II, Inc is a closed ended fixed income mutual fund launched by BlackRock, Inc It is managed by BlackRock Advisors, LLC. The fund invests in fixed income markets. It primarily invests in municipal debt bonds exempt from federal income taxes. BlackRock MuniYield Quality Fund II, Inc was formed in September 21, 1992 and is domiciled in United States. Further Reading Receive News & Ratings for BlackRock MuniYield Quality Fund II Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for BlackRock MuniYield Quality Fund II and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Canadian Overseas Petroleum Limited (LON:COPL Get Rating)s share price passed below its 50 day moving average during trading on Monday . The stock has a 50 day moving average of GBX 5.25 ($0.07) and traded as low as GBX 3.85 ($0.05). Canadian Overseas Petroleum shares last traded at GBX 3.99 ($0.05), with a volume of 4,521,012 shares trading hands. Canadian Overseas Petroleum Trading Down 12.9 % The company has a quick ratio of 0.43, a current ratio of 1.08 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 183.99. The businesss fifty day moving average is GBX 5.16 and its 200 day moving average is GBX 8.72. The stock has a market cap of 14.83 million, a PE ratio of -11.25 and a beta of 0.75. Canadian Overseas Petroleum Company Profile (Get Rating) Canadian Overseas Petroleum Limited, together with its subsidiaries, engages in the identification, acquisition, exploration, and development of oil and natural gas offshore reserves in Africa. Its Wyoming operations are environmentally responsible with minimal gas flaring and methane emissions combined with electricity sourced from a neighboring wind farm to power production facilities. Further Reading Receive News & Ratings for Canadian Overseas Petroleum Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Canadian Overseas Petroleum and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Banco Santander (NYSE:SAN Get Rating) was upgraded by analysts at StockNews.com from a hold rating to a buy rating in a research note issued on Tuesday. Several other research analysts also recently commented on SAN. BNP Paribas raised shares of Banco Santander from a neutral rating to an outperform rating in a research note on Wednesday, March 22nd. HSBC downgraded shares of Banco Santander from a buy rating to a hold rating in a research report on Monday, May 1st. Three investment analysts have rated the stock with a hold rating and three have given a buy rating to the stock. Based on data from MarketBeat, the company has a consensus rating of Moderate Buy and an average target price of $3.70. Get Banco Santander alerts: Banco Santander Stock Up 0.7 % Shares of NYSE:SAN opened at $3.48 on Tuesday. The firm has a market capitalization of $57.18 billion, a PE ratio of 5.99 and a beta of 1.10. Banco Santander has a twelve month low of $2.26 and a twelve month high of $4.09. The company has a 50-day moving average price of $3.53 and a two-hundred day moving average price of $3.44. Institutional Investors Weigh In On Banco Santander Banco Santander ( NYSE:SAN Get Rating ) last released its quarterly earnings data on Tuesday, April 25th. The bank reported $0.16 EPS for the quarter. Banco Santander had a net margin of 17.93% and a return on equity of 9.79%. The company had revenue of $14.94 billion during the quarter. Analysts anticipate that Banco Santander will post 0.62 earnings per share for the current fiscal year. Institutional investors have recently added to or reduced their stakes in the business. Enterprise Financial Services Corp acquired a new stake in shares of Banco Santander during the third quarter worth about $27,000. Summit Financial LLC acquired a new stake in shares of Banco Santander in the third quarter valued at about $29,000. Raymond James Trust N.A. acquired a new stake in Banco Santander in the 4th quarter worth about $30,000. Savant Capital LLC acquired a new position in Banco Santander in the 4th quarter valued at $30,000. Finally, Cetera Investment Advisers purchased a new stake in shares of Banco Santander during the first quarter worth $35,000. Institutional investors and hedge funds own 1.90% of the companys stock. About Banco Santander (Get Rating) Banco Santander SA is a banking services company, which engages in the provision of banking services to individuals, companies, and institutions. It operates through the following segments: Europe, North America, South America, and Digital Consumer Bank. The Europe segment comprises business activities carried out in the region. Featured Articles Receive News & Ratings for Banco Santander Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Banco Santander and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Rogers Communications Inc. (NYSE:RCI Get Rating) (TSE:RCI.B) has received an average recommendation of Moderate Buy from the fourteen brokerages that are presently covering the company, Marketbeat.com reports. Two investment analysts have rated the stock with a hold rating and four have assigned a buy rating to the company. The average 1-year target price among brokerages that have updated their coverage on the stock in the last year is $73.72. RCI has been the topic of a number of research analyst reports. Desjardins lowered shares of Rogers Communications from a buy rating to a hold rating in a research note on Monday, April 3rd. StockNews.com lowered Rogers Communications from a buy rating to a hold rating in a report on Tuesday, May 23rd. Finally, Barclays began coverage on shares of Rogers Communications in a research note on Monday, May 8th. They issued an overweight rating on the stock. Get Rogers Communications alerts: Rogers Communications Trading Up 1.2 % Rogers Communications stock opened at $43.81 on Friday. Rogers Communications has a one year low of $36.23 and a one year high of $50.16. The companys fifty day moving average price is $47.33 and its two-hundred day moving average price is $47.01. The company has a market capitalization of $22.12 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 16.72, a PEG ratio of 1.12 and a beta of 0.52. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 2.86, a current ratio of 1.91 and a quick ratio of 1.85. Rogers Communications Increases Dividend Rogers Communications ( NYSE:RCI Get Rating ) (TSE:RCI.B) last issued its quarterly earnings data on Wednesday, April 26th. The Wireless communications provider reported $0.81 earnings per share for the quarter, beating analysts consensus estimates of $0.78 by $0.03. The business had revenue of $2.84 billion for the quarter, compared to the consensus estimate of $2.71 billion. Rogers Communications had a return on equity of 19.36% and a net margin of 11.49%. On average, analysts forecast that Rogers Communications will post 3.72 earnings per share for the current fiscal year. The firm also recently declared a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Wednesday, July 5th. Shareholders of record on Friday, June 9th will be issued a $0.37 dividend. This represents a $1.48 annualized dividend and a yield of 3.38%. The ex-dividend date is Thursday, June 8th. This is a positive change from Rogers Communicationss previous quarterly dividend of $0.37. Rogers Communicationss payout ratio is 56.11%. Institutional Trading of Rogers Communications Several institutional investors have recently made changes to their positions in RCI. Macquarie Group Ltd. acquired a new position in Rogers Communications in the first quarter worth about $82,000. Ameriprise Financial Inc. lifted its position in shares of Rogers Communications by 15.3% during the 1st quarter. Ameriprise Financial Inc. now owns 10,930 shares of the Wireless communications providers stock worth $650,000 after buying an additional 1,448 shares during the period. JPMorgan Chase & Co. boosted its stake in Rogers Communications by 4.2% in the 1st quarter. JPMorgan Chase & Co. now owns 1,446,956 shares of the Wireless communications providers stock valued at $67,081,000 after buying an additional 58,436 shares in the last quarter. State Street Corp grew its position in Rogers Communications by 2.4% in the first quarter. State Street Corp now owns 54,786 shares of the Wireless communications providers stock valued at $2,560,000 after acquiring an additional 1,279 shares during the period. Finally, Squarepoint Ops LLC grew its position in Rogers Communications by 82.8% in the first quarter. Squarepoint Ops LLC now owns 12,894 shares of the Wireless communications providers stock valued at $598,000 after acquiring an additional 5,842 shares during the period. 45.46% of the stock is currently owned by institutional investors and hedge funds. About Rogers Communications (Get Rating) Rogers Communications Inc operates as a communications and media company in North America. It operates through three segments: Wireless, Cable, and Media. The company offers mobile Internet access, wireless voice and enhanced voice, device financing, device protection, global voice and data roaming, wireless home phone, bridging landline, machine-to-machine and Internet of Things solutions, and advanced wireless solutions for businesses, as well as device shipping services; and postpaid and prepaid services under the Rogers, Fido, and chatr brands. See Also Receive News & Ratings for Rogers Communications Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Rogers Communications and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Brunello Cucinelli S.p.A. (OTCMKTS:BCUCF Get Rating) was the target of a large decline in short interest during the month of May. As of May 31st, there was short interest totalling 61,900 shares, a decline of 56.4% from the May 15th total of 141,900 shares. Based on an average daily trading volume, of 100 shares, the days-to-cover ratio is presently 619.0 days. Brunello Cucinelli Stock Performance Shares of Brunello Cucinelli stock remained flat at $93.24 during trading hours on Wednesday. The businesss 50-day simple moving average is $93.25 and its 200 day simple moving average is $79.68. Brunello Cucinelli has a fifty-two week low of $44.37 and a fifty-two week high of $94.00. Get Brunello Cucinelli alerts: Brunello Cucinelli Company Profile (Get Rating) Featured Stories Brunello Cucinelli S.p.A., together with its subsidiaries, engages in the production and sale of clothing, accessories, and lifestyle products in Italy, Europe, North America, Japan, and China. The company offers women's collection, including coats and jackets, dresses, knitwear, t-shirts and tops, shirts, skirts, pants, denim, travel wear, sneakers, high-boots, loafers and flat shoes, sandals, leather goods, jewelry, scarves, other accessories, mini bags and clutches, crossbody bags and backpacks, and handbags and shoppers. Receive News & Ratings for Brunello Cucinelli Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Brunello Cucinelli and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Callan Family Office LLC acquired a new stake in shares of General Dynamics Co. (NYSE:GD Get Rating) during the 4th quarter, Holdings Channel reports. The firm acquired 1,360 shares of the aerospace companys stock, valued at approximately $337,000. Several other institutional investors have also recently made changes to their positions in GD. Arcus Capital Partners LLC acquired a new stake in shares of General Dynamics in the 4th quarter worth about $62,000. IHT Wealth Management LLC raised its holdings in shares of General Dynamics by 95.3% in the 3rd quarter. IHT Wealth Management LLC now owns 1,857 shares of the aerospace companys stock worth $394,000 after acquiring an additional 906 shares during the last quarter. Quadrant Capital Group LLC raised its holdings in shares of General Dynamics by 12.3% in the 3rd quarter. Quadrant Capital Group LLC now owns 1,302 shares of the aerospace companys stock worth $276,000 after acquiring an additional 143 shares during the last quarter. Tokio Marine Asset Management Co. Ltd. raised its holdings in shares of General Dynamics by 13.7% in the 4th quarter. Tokio Marine Asset Management Co. Ltd. now owns 3,784 shares of the aerospace companys stock worth $939,000 after acquiring an additional 455 shares during the last quarter. Finally, Metis Global Partners LLC raised its holdings in shares of General Dynamics by 20.6% in the 4th quarter. Metis Global Partners LLC now owns 6,188 shares of the aerospace companys stock worth $1,535,000 after acquiring an additional 1,058 shares during the last quarter. Institutional investors and hedge funds own 84.83% of the companys stock. Get General Dynamics alerts: Insider Buying and Selling In other General Dynamics news, Director Mark Malcolm acquired 4,700 shares of the businesss stock in a transaction that occurred on Tuesday, May 2nd. The stock was bought at an average cost of $214.47 per share, with a total value of $1,008,009.00. Following the acquisition, the director now owns 4,700 shares in the company, valued at $1,008,009. The purchase was disclosed in a document filed with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is available at the SEC website. 1.52% of the stock is owned by insiders. General Dynamics Stock Performance Shares of General Dynamics stock traded up $1.26 on Thursday, reaching $213.40. 155,232 shares of the company traded hands, compared to its average volume of 1,211,062. The company has a 50 day moving average of $215.26 and a 200 day moving average of $228.81. The firm has a market capitalization of $58.54 billion, a PE ratio of 17.35, a PEG ratio of 1.89 and a beta of 0.84. General Dynamics Co. has a 52 week low of $202.35 and a 52 week high of $256.86. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.48, a current ratio of 1.39 and a quick ratio of 0.94. General Dynamics (NYSE:GD Get Rating) last released its quarterly earnings data on Wednesday, April 26th. The aerospace company reported $2.64 EPS for the quarter, topping the consensus estimate of $2.56 by $0.08. The company had revenue of $9.88 billion during the quarter, compared to the consensus estimate of $9.30 billion. General Dynamics had a net margin of 8.50% and a return on equity of 18.66%. General Dynamicss revenue for the quarter was up 5.2% on a year-over-year basis. During the same period last year, the firm earned $2.61 EPS. Equities analysts forecast that General Dynamics Co. will post 12.66 earnings per share for the current year. General Dynamics Dividend Announcement The firm also recently disclosed a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Friday, August 11th. Investors of record on Friday, July 7th will be issued a $1.32 dividend. This represents a $5.28 annualized dividend and a yield of 2.47%. The ex-dividend date is Thursday, July 6th. General Dynamicss dividend payout ratio (DPR) is presently 43.17%. Analysts Set New Price Targets A number of equities research analysts recently weighed in on GD shares. William Blair started coverage on shares of General Dynamics in a report on Thursday, March 30th. They issued an outperform rating on the stock. Sanford C. Bernstein decreased their price objective on shares of General Dynamics from $251.00 to $245.00 in a research note on Thursday, May 4th. StockNews.com started coverage on shares of General Dynamics in a research note on Thursday, May 18th. They issued a buy rating for the company. Wells Fargo & Company decreased their price objective on shares of General Dynamics from $265.00 to $251.00 in a research note on Thursday, April 27th. Finally, Credit Suisse Group decreased their price objective on shares of General Dynamics from $239.00 to $220.00 in a research note on Thursday, April 27th. One analyst has rated the stock with a hold rating and eight have issued a buy rating to the company. According to data from MarketBeat, the stock has a consensus rating of Moderate Buy and an average target price of $261.69. General Dynamics Company Profile (Get Rating) General Dynamics Corp. is a global aerospace and defense company, which engages in design, engineering, and manufacturing to deliver state-of-the-art solutions. It operates through the following business segments: Aerospace, Marine Systems, Combat Systems, and Technologies. The Aerospace segment designs, manufactures, and sells business jets. Read More Want to see what other hedge funds are holding GD? Visit HoldingsChannel.com to get the latest 13F filings and insider trades for General Dynamics Co. (NYSE:GD Get Rating). Receive News & Ratings for General Dynamics Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for General Dynamics and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Credit Suisse Asset Management Income Fund, Inc. (NYSEAMERICAN:CIK Get Rating) was the target of a large increase in short interest in May. As of May 31st, there was short interest totalling 183,300 shares, an increase of 111.7% from the May 15th total of 86,600 shares. Based on an average daily volume of 275,200 shares, the short-interest ratio is presently 0.7 days. Credit Suisse Asset Management Income Fund Stock Down 5.6 % CIK traded down $0.17 on Thursday, reaching $2.88. The stock had a trading volume of 220,706 shares, compared to its average volume of 238,566. Credit Suisse Asset Management Income Fund has a fifty-two week low of $2.39 and a fifty-two week high of $3.08. Get Credit Suisse Asset Management Income Fund alerts: Credit Suisse Asset Management Income Fund Dividend Announcement The company also recently announced a monthly dividend, which will be paid on Friday, June 23rd. Shareholders of record on Friday, June 16th will be issued a $0.0225 dividend. The ex-dividend date is Thursday, June 15th. This represents a $0.27 dividend on an annualized basis and a yield of 9.38%. Institutional Investors Weigh In On Credit Suisse Asset Management Income Fund About Credit Suisse Asset Management Income Fund Institutional investors have recently made changes to their positions in the stock. Virtu Financial LLC bought a new stake in shares of Credit Suisse Asset Management Income Fund in the 2nd quarter valued at about $32,000. SeaCrest Wealth Management LLC bought a new stake in shares of Credit Suisse Asset Management Income Fund during the 4th quarter valued at about $31,000. Astoria Portfolio Advisors LLC. bought a new stake in shares of Credit Suisse Asset Management Income Fund during the 4th quarter valued at about $36,000. Advisor Group Holdings Inc. boosted its position in shares of Credit Suisse Asset Management Income Fund by 30.7% during the 4th quarter. Advisor Group Holdings Inc. now owns 20,663 shares of the companys stock valued at $52,000 after purchasing an additional 4,859 shares in the last quarter. Finally, Landscape Capital Management L.L.C. bought a new stake in shares of Credit Suisse Asset Management Income Fund during the 4th quarter valued at about $59,000. Institutional investors own 7.80% of the companys stock. (Get Rating) Credit Suisse Asset Management Income Fund, Inc is a closed-ended fixed income mutual fund launched and managed by Credit Suisse Asset Management, LLC. The fund invests in the fixed income markets of the United States. It primarily invests in high yield corporate debt such as bonds and debentures that are rated Baa or lower by Moody's or BBB or lower by S&P. Recommended Stories Receive News & Ratings for Credit Suisse Asset Management Income Fund Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Credit Suisse Asset Management Income Fund and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Shares of Funding Circle Holdings plc (LON:FCH Get Rating) rose 4.1% during mid-day trading on Wednesday . The company traded as high as GBX 60.60 ($0.76) and last traded at GBX 60.60 ($0.76). Approximately 20,338 shares traded hands during mid-day trading, a decline of 91% from the average daily volume of 220,941 shares. The stock had previously closed at GBX 58.20 ($0.73). Wall Street Analyst Weigh In FCH has been the topic of a number of recent research reports. Berenberg Bank reaffirmed a buy rating and issued a GBX 120 ($1.50) price objective on shares of Funding Circle in a research note on Tuesday, February 21st. Numis Securities reiterated a buy rating and issued a GBX 250 ($3.13) target price on shares of Funding Circle in a report on Friday, March 17th. Get Funding Circle alerts: Funding Circle Stock Up 4.1 % The firms 50-day simple moving average is GBX 53.62 and its 200 day simple moving average is GBX 55.58. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 23.27, a quick ratio of 3.33 and a current ratio of 4.39. The stock has a market capitalization of 218.95 million, a P/E ratio of -3,030.00 and a beta of 0.82. About Funding Circle Funding Circle Holdings plc, together with its subsidiaries, provides online lending platforms in the United Kingdom, the United States, and internationally. The company offers small business loans, recovery loan schemes, and business finance solutions to small and medium enterprises. It also provides flexipay and flexipay card solutions. Featured Articles Receive News & Ratings for Funding Circle Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Funding Circle and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. BEIJING, June 15 (Xinhua) -- For Teng Cairong, a resident in the southwest city of Chengdu, the home is quite the same, but changes are obvious. The bed is fitted with a smart sensor pad to monitor her physical condition. An infrared sensor on the wall will alarm caregivers when she doesn't appear in the living room for a day. The kitchen is equipped with a gas detector, a water overflow alarm, and a smoke detector. The 73-year-old feels much safer now, even when staying at home alone. Teng has difficulties walking around in the aftermath of a synovectomy surgery and lumbar disc herniation. "I have no feeling from thighs to knees," said Teng. Her former daughter-in-law remarried following the death of Teng's son, so Teng lives with her granddaughter. Teng spends most of the day alone at home, as the 23-year-old granddaughter needs to work outside. Approximately 12,000 elderly people, including Teng, have had such in-home care beds since 2021 in Sichuan, the province where Teng lives. This comes as part of China's efforts to take care of its most vulnerable groups in an increasingly aging society. In-home senior care beds are more than just physical beds equipped with smart gadgets. Rather, they are an extension of professional elderly care to the doorsteps of those incapable of self-care. It involves residential renovation for the convenience of elderly people, professional nursing, and remote monitoring. China aims to develop more in-home senior care beds between 2021 and 2025, according to a plan released by the Ministry of Civil Affairs in 2021. In 2023, 100,000 such beds will be added nationwide. Teng receives an annual subsidy of 6,000 yuan (around 839 U.S. dollars) for services ranging from living assistance, home cleaning and hygiene, and nursing services to psychological support, and IT services. As a routine part of the services, an employee of a local elderly care provider visits Teng once or twice a week, cleaning her apartment and washing clothes for her. "By helping set up in-home senior care beds, we can ensure basic care for those who are unwilling to live in nursing homes, those who cannot afford to live in nursing homes, and those who fail to secure such a bed," said Sun Zhongming, an official of the local civil affairs bureau. AGING AT HOME Gao Yuhua, a 79-year-old resident of Shanghai, experienced similar difficulties as Teng in Chengdu. She and her husband, both victims of infantile paralysis, rely on wheelchairs for mobility. Their only daughter lives overseas, so the couple must take care of themselves. Recently, doctors told them to conduct rehabilitation training to delay muscle atrophy. Survey shows that a great majority of elderly people in China prefer to spend their later years at home, instead of in elderly care institutions. For Gao and her husband, however, hourly workers can no longer meet their needs. So in 2021, the couple applied for in-home senior care beds under a local pilot program for a price of around 3,000 yuan a month. A caregiver visits the couple every morning, helping them with lower limb rehabilitation training and measuring their blood pressure. Sometimes, the caregiver cleans their rooms or cooks food for them. On Mondays, a professional nurse will visit to check their health condition and provide guidance while the caregiver assists them with rehabilitation training. The nurse will also sort out medicines they need to take over the course of the week and tell them how many to take at a time and when to take them. "The services have met all my needs and cost less than that in nursing homes," said Gao. MARKET PROSPECT China encourages investment in elderly care services. In Chengdu, the city provides a subsidy of up to 5,000 yuan for each candidate household eligible for senior living renovation. So far, the city has developed 5,846 in-home nursing beds, which helped incubate 96 companies in the service sector. People's willingness to buy elderly care services and senior living renovation services has been growing, said Li Junpeng, manager of a local elderly care company. Among the nearly 1,900 senior living renovation orders the company has received in Sichuan specifically, around 1,700 are funded by the government, and private purses pay the rest. There were 280 million people aged 60 and above in China at the end of 2022, accounting for 19.8 percent of the entire population. The figure is expected to exceed 300 million by 2025, and 400 million by around 2035. Utz Brands, Inc. (NYSE:UTZ Get Rating) Director Dylan Lissette purchased 15,873 shares of the firms stock in a transaction that occurred on Friday, June 9th. The stock was acquired at an average price of $15.75 per share, for a total transaction of $249,999.75. Following the completion of the purchase, the director now owns 95,313 shares of the companys stock, valued at $1,501,179.75. The acquisition was disclosed in a filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is available through this link. Utz Brands Stock Performance Shares of UTZ stock opened at $16.38 on Thursday. The stock has a fifty day moving average price of $17.33 and a 200 day moving average price of $16.97. The stock has a market cap of $2.30 billion, a PE ratio of 163.75, a P/E/G ratio of 2.80 and a beta of 0.82. Utz Brands, Inc. has a 1 year low of $12.18 and a 1 year high of $19.98. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.65, a quick ratio of 1.11 and a current ratio of 1.69. Get Utz Brands alerts: Utz Brands (NYSE:UTZ Get Rating) last issued its quarterly earnings data on Thursday, May 11th. The company reported $0.11 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, topping the consensus estimate of $0.10 by $0.01. The firm had revenue of $351.43 million during the quarter, compared to analysts expectations of $352.13 million. Utz Brands had a return on equity of 5.71% and a net margin of 0.57%. Sell-side analysts forecast that Utz Brands, Inc. will post 0.54 earnings per share for the current fiscal year. Utz Brands Announces Dividend Analyst Ratings Changes The business also recently declared a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Thursday, July 6th. Stockholders of record on Monday, June 19th will be issued a $0.057 dividend. The ex-dividend date of this dividend is Thursday, June 15th. This represents a $0.23 dividend on an annualized basis and a dividend yield of 1.39%. Utz Brandss dividend payout ratio (DPR) is 220.00%. UTZ has been the topic of a number of analyst reports. Credit Suisse Group restated a neutral rating and issued a $19.00 price target on shares of Utz Brands in a research note on Thursday, March 30th. The Goldman Sachs Group lifted their price target on Utz Brands from $18.00 to $20.00 and gave the company a neutral rating in a research note on Friday, March 3rd. Hedge Funds Weigh In On Utz Brands A number of institutional investors have recently made changes to their positions in UTZ. Principal Financial Group Inc. raised its holdings in shares of Utz Brands by 7.7% in the first quarter. Principal Financial Group Inc. now owns 10,808 shares of the companys stock worth $160,000 after acquiring an additional 769 shares during the last quarter. Bank of New York Mellon Corp raised its holdings in shares of Utz Brands by 8.9% in the first quarter. Bank of New York Mellon Corp now owns 342,939 shares of the companys stock worth $5,069,000 after acquiring an additional 28,011 shares during the last quarter. AlphaCrest Capital Management LLC raised its holdings in shares of Utz Brands by 11.5% in the first quarter. AlphaCrest Capital Management LLC now owns 26,660 shares of the companys stock worth $394,000 after acquiring an additional 2,739 shares during the last quarter. MetLife Investment Management LLC increased its stake in Utz Brands by 58.5% in the first quarter. MetLife Investment Management LLC now owns 36,012 shares of the companys stock valued at $532,000 after purchasing an additional 13,291 shares during the last quarter. Finally, Rhumbline Advisers increased its stake in Utz Brands by 9.4% in the first quarter. Rhumbline Advisers now owns 58,172 shares of the companys stock valued at $860,000 after purchasing an additional 5,014 shares during the last quarter. 46.66% of the stock is owned by institutional investors and hedge funds. Utz Brands Company Profile (Get Rating) UTZ Brands, Inc manufactures, markets, and distributes branded snacking products. It offers a broad range of salty snacks, including potato chips, pretzels, cheese, veggie, other snacks and pork skins. The firms brands include Utz, Zapps, Golden Flake, Good Health, Boulder Canyon and Hawaiian. The company was founded in 1921 and is headquartered in Hanover, PA. Read More Receive News & Ratings for Utz Brands Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Utz Brands and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. John Hancock Hedged Equity & Income Fund (NYSE:HEQ Get Rating) was the target of a large increase in short interest during the month of May. As of May 31st, there was short interest totalling 5,200 shares, an increase of 136.4% from the May 15th total of 2,200 shares. Based on an average daily trading volume, of 31,100 shares, the short-interest ratio is presently 0.2 days. John Hancock Hedged Equity & Income Fund Trading Up 0.4 % Shares of NYSE:HEQ traded up $0.04 during midday trading on Thursday, hitting $10.62. The company had a trading volume of 19,309 shares, compared to its average volume of 29,770. John Hancock Hedged Equity & Income Fund has a 12-month low of $10.11 and a 12-month high of $13.24. The company has a fifty day moving average of $10.91 and a two-hundred day moving average of $11.48. Get John Hancock Hedged Equity & Income Fund alerts: John Hancock Hedged Equity & Income Fund Announces Dividend The business also recently disclosed a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Friday, June 30th. Stockholders of record on Monday, June 12th will be paid a $0.29 dividend. The ex-dividend date of this dividend is Friday, June 9th. This represents a $1.16 annualized dividend and a dividend yield of 10.92%. Institutional Investors Weigh In On John Hancock Hedged Equity & Income Fund John Hancock Hedged Equity & Income Fund Company Profile Several hedge funds and other institutional investors have recently modified their holdings of the stock. Commonwealth Equity Services LLC increased its stake in shares of John Hancock Hedged Equity & Income Fund by 1.3% in the 1st quarter. Commonwealth Equity Services LLC now owns 139,607 shares of the investment management companys stock worth $1,623,000 after purchasing an additional 1,792 shares in the last quarter. UBS Group AG increased its stake in John Hancock Hedged Equity & Income Fund by 7.9% in the 1st quarter. UBS Group AG now owns 127,855 shares of the investment management companys stock worth $1,664,000 after buying an additional 9,322 shares in the last quarter. Advisor Group Holdings Inc. increased its stake in John Hancock Hedged Equity & Income Fund by 5.6% in the 4th quarter. Advisor Group Holdings Inc. now owns 116,092 shares of the investment management companys stock worth $1,335,000 after buying an additional 6,193 shares in the last quarter. Wells Fargo & Company MN increased its stake in John Hancock Hedged Equity & Income Fund by 4.3% in the 4th quarter. Wells Fargo & Company MN now owns 113,682 shares of the investment management companys stock worth $1,307,000 after buying an additional 4,699 shares in the last quarter. Finally, Shaker Financial Services LLC purchased a new stake in John Hancock Hedged Equity & Income Fund in the 4th quarter worth $887,000. (Get Rating) John Hancock Hedged Equity & Income Fund is a closed-ended equity mutual fund launched and managed by John Hancock Investment Management LLC. The fund is co-managed by Wellington Management Company LLP. It invests in the public equity markets of the United States. The fund seeks to invest in stocks of companies operating across diversified sectors. Recommended Stories Receive News & Ratings for John Hancock Hedged Equity & Income Fund Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for John Hancock Hedged Equity & Income Fund and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Nuveen Municipal Income Fund (NYSE:NMI Get Rating) and Goldman Sachs BDC (NYSE:GSBD Get Rating) are both small-cap finance companies, but which is the superior business? We will contrast the two businesses based on the strength of their risk, earnings, analyst recommendations, valuation, profitability, dividends and institutional ownership. Dividends Nuveen Municipal Income Fund pays an annual dividend of $0.35 per share and has a dividend yield of 3.8%. Goldman Sachs BDC pays an annual dividend of $1.80 per share and has a dividend yield of 12.8%. Goldman Sachs BDC pays out 439.0% of its earnings in the form of a dividend, suggesting it may not have sufficient earnings to cover its dividend payment in the future. Get Nuveen Municipal Income Fund alerts: Risk & Volatility Nuveen Municipal Income Fund has a beta of 0.16, indicating that its stock price is 84% less volatile than the S&P 500. Comparatively, Goldman Sachs BDC has a beta of 1.19, indicating that its stock price is 19% more volatile than the S&P 500. Earnings & Valuation Gross Revenue Price/Sales Ratio Net Income Earnings Per Share Price/Earnings Ratio Nuveen Municipal Income Fund N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A Goldman Sachs BDC $357.45 million 4.31 $55.00 million $0.41 34.37 This table compares Nuveen Municipal Income Fund and Goldman Sachs BDCs gross revenue, earnings per share and valuation. Goldman Sachs BDC has higher revenue and earnings than Nuveen Municipal Income Fund. Analyst Ratings This is a summary of current ratings for Nuveen Municipal Income Fund and Goldman Sachs BDC, as provided by MarketBeat.com. Sell Ratings Hold Ratings Buy Ratings Strong Buy Ratings Rating Score Nuveen Municipal Income Fund 0 0 0 0 N/A Goldman Sachs BDC 0 4 0 0 2.00 Goldman Sachs BDC has a consensus price target of $15.67, suggesting a potential upside of 11.19%. Given Goldman Sachs BDCs higher possible upside, analysts clearly believe Goldman Sachs BDC is more favorable than Nuveen Municipal Income Fund. Profitability This table compares Nuveen Municipal Income Fund and Goldman Sachs BDCs net margins, return on equity and return on assets. Net Margins Return on Equity Return on Assets Nuveen Municipal Income Fund N/A N/A N/A Goldman Sachs BDC 10.90% 14.15% 6.03% Insider and Institutional Ownership 15.4% of Nuveen Municipal Income Fund shares are owned by institutional investors. Comparatively, 28.4% of Goldman Sachs BDC shares are owned by institutional investors. 1.0% of Nuveen Municipal Income Fund shares are owned by insiders. Comparatively, 0.1% of Goldman Sachs BDC shares are owned by insiders. Strong institutional ownership is an indication that large money managers, endowments and hedge funds believe a company will outperform the market over the long term. Summary Goldman Sachs BDC beats Nuveen Municipal Income Fund on 8 of the 10 factors compared between the two stocks. About Nuveen Municipal Income Fund (Get Rating) Nuveen Municipal Income Fund is a closed-end investment fund/investment trust. The funds objective is a high level of current income exempt from federal income tax. The company was founded on April 20, 1988 and is headquartered in Chicago, IL. About Goldman Sachs BDC (Get Rating) Goldman Sachs BDC, Inc. invests in middle market companies located in the US. The fund targets companies operating in the fields software, health technology information technology, commercial services and textiles with an investment size of $25 to $75 million and an EBITDA of $5 to $75 million. It provides financing in the form of senior secured debt, unitranche debt, junior secured, mezzanine debt and equity for acquisitions, refinancing, growth, LBOs, dividend recapitalization and restructuring transactions. Receive News & Ratings for Nuveen Municipal Income Fund Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Nuveen Municipal Income Fund and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Pan American Silver (NYSE:PAAS Get Rating) and Lynas Rare Earths (OTCMKTS:LYSCF Get Rating) are both basic materials companies, but which is the better stock? We will compare the two companies based on the strength of their earnings, risk, analyst recommendations, profitability, institutional ownership, dividends and valuation. Profitability This table compares Pan American Silver and Lynas Rare Earths net margins, return on equity and return on assets. Get Pan American Silver alerts: Net Margins Return on Equity Return on Assets Pan American Silver -27.78% 0.23% 0.15% Lynas Rare Earths N/A N/A N/A Analyst Ratings This is a breakdown of recent ratings and price targets for Pan American Silver and Lynas Rare Earths, as provided by MarketBeat.com. Sell Ratings Hold Ratings Buy Ratings Strong Buy Ratings Rating Score Pan American Silver 0 0 4 0 3.00 Lynas Rare Earths 0 2 0 0 2.00 Valuation & Earnings Pan American Silver presently has a consensus target price of $25.50, indicating a potential upside of 69.10%. Given Pan American Silvers stronger consensus rating and higher probable upside, equities research analysts plainly believe Pan American Silver is more favorable than Lynas Rare Earths. This table compares Pan American Silver and Lynas Rare Earths top-line revenue, earnings per share (EPS) and valuation. Gross Revenue Price/Sales Ratio Net Income Earnings Per Share Price/Earnings Ratio Pan American Silver $1.49 billion 2.13 -$341.75 million ($1.91) -7.90 Lynas Rare Earths N/A N/A N/A ($0.17) -29.58 Lynas Rare Earths has lower revenue, but higher earnings than Pan American Silver. Lynas Rare Earths is trading at a lower price-to-earnings ratio than Pan American Silver, indicating that it is currently the more affordable of the two stocks. Institutional and Insider Ownership 44.1% of Pan American Silver shares are held by institutional investors. Comparatively, 5.6% of Lynas Rare Earths shares are held by institutional investors. 12.9% of Pan American Silver shares are held 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. Summary Pan American Silver beats Lynas Rare Earths on 9 of the 11 factors compared between the two stocks. About Pan American Silver (Get Rating) Pan American Silver Corp. engages in the exploration, mine development, extraction, processing, refining, and reclamation of silver, gold, zinc, lead, and copper mines in Canada, Mexico, Peru, Argentina, and Bolivia. It holds interests in the La Colorada, Dolores, Huaron, Morococha, Shahuindo, La Arena, Timmins West, Bell Creek, Manantial Espejo, San Vicente, Joaquin, and Cap-Oeste Sur Este mines. The company was formerly known as Pan American Minerals Corp. and changed its name to Pan American Silver Corp. in April 1995. Pan American Silver Corp. was incorporated in 1979 and is headquartered in Vancouver, Canada. About Lynas Rare Earths (Get Rating) Lynas Rare Earths Limited, together with its subsidiaries, engages in the exploration, development, mining, extraction, and processing of rare earth minerals primarily in Australia and Malaysia. The company holds an interest in the Mount Weld project, Western Australia. Its products include yttrium, lanthanum, cerium, praseodymium, neodymium, promethium, samarium, europium, gadolinium, terbium, dysprosium, holmium, erbium, thulium, ytterbium, and lutetium. The company also develops and operates advanced material processing and concentration plants. In addition, it offers corporate services. The company was formerly known as Lynas Corporation Limited and changed its name to Lynas Corporation Limited in November 2020. Lynas Rare Earths Limited was incorporated in 1983 and is headquartered in Perth, Australia. Receive News & Ratings for Pan American Silver Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Pan American Silver and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. PulteGroup, Inc. (NYSE:PHM Get Rating) announced a quarterly dividend on Wednesday, May 3rd, RTT News reports. Investors of record on Tuesday, June 20th will be given a dividend of 0.16 per share by the construction company on Wednesday, July 5th. This represents a $0.64 annualized dividend and a dividend yield of 0.87%. The ex-dividend date is Friday, June 16th. PulteGroup has raised its dividend by an average of 10.7% per year over the last three years and has increased its dividend annually for the last 5 consecutive years. PulteGroup has a payout ratio of 7.0% indicating that its dividend is sufficiently covered by earnings. Research analysts expect PulteGroup to earn $9.22 per share next year, which means the company should continue to be able to cover its $0.64 annual dividend with an expected future payout ratio of 6.9%. Get PulteGroup alerts: PulteGroup Stock Performance NYSE:PHM opened at $73.25 on Thursday. The company has a current ratio of 0.70, a quick ratio of 0.70 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.22. PulteGroup has a 12-month low of $35.03 and a 12-month high of $74.53. The stock has a 50-day moving average price of $66.24 and a 200 day moving average price of $56.75. The stock has a market capitalization of $16.35 billion, a P/E ratio of 6.30, a P/E/G ratio of 0.50 and a beta of 1.34. Analyst Ratings Changes PulteGroup ( NYSE:PHM Get Rating ) last released its quarterly earnings results on Tuesday, April 25th. The construction company reported $2.35 earnings per share for the quarter, beating the consensus estimate of $1.78 by $0.57. The business had revenue of $3.58 billion during the quarter, compared to analysts expectations of $3.27 billion. PulteGroup had a return on equity of 31.03% and a net margin of 16.22%. The firms revenue for the quarter was up 12.2% compared to the same quarter last year. During the same quarter last year, the business posted $1.83 EPS. Equities research analysts forecast that PulteGroup will post 9.21 EPS for the current fiscal year. Several research firms have weighed in on PHM. Royal Bank of Canada raised their price target on PulteGroup from $54.00 to $68.00 in a report on Wednesday, April 26th. Deutsche Bank Aktiengesellschaft began coverage on PulteGroup in a report on Wednesday, May 31st. They set a buy rating and a $95.00 price target for the company. Barclays raised their price objective on PulteGroup from $86.00 to $90.00 in a research note on Wednesday, May 24th. Oppenheimer raised their price objective on PulteGroup from $73.00 to $80.00 in a research note on Wednesday, April 26th. Finally, StockNews.com began coverage on PulteGroup in a research note on Thursday, May 18th. They issued a buy rating for the company. Four analysts have rated the stock with a hold rating and thirteen have assigned a buy rating to the company. According to data from MarketBeat, the stock currently has a consensus rating of Moderate Buy and a consensus target price of $69.73. Insider Activity In other news, insider Ryan Marshall sold 98,000 shares of PulteGroup stock in a transaction on Thursday, April 27th. The stock was sold at an average price of $65.27, for a total value of $6,396,460.00. Following the transaction, the insider now directly owns 645,574 shares in the company, valued at approximately $42,136,614.98. The sale was disclosed in a document filed with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is available at this hyperlink. In related news, CFO Robert Oshaughnessy sold 115,102 shares of the businesss stock in a transaction on Friday, April 28th. The stock was sold at an average price of $66.90, for a total transaction of $7,700,323.80. Following the transaction, the chief financial officer now directly owns 177,564 shares in the company, valued at approximately $11,879,031.60. The sale was disclosed in a document filed with the SEC, which can be accessed through this link. Also, insider Ryan Marshall sold 98,000 shares of the businesss stock in a transaction on Thursday, April 27th. The stock was sold at an average price of $65.27, for a total value of $6,396,460.00. Following the transaction, the insider now owns 645,574 shares in the company, valued at $42,136,614.98. The disclosure for this sale can be found here. In the last three months, insiders have sold 228,102 shares of company stock worth $15,101,034. 0.83% of the stock is currently owned by company insiders. Institutional Inflows and Outflows Several institutional investors and hedge funds have recently added to or reduced their stakes in PHM. American Century Companies Inc. lifted its position in PulteGroup by 9.5% during the 1st quarter. American Century Companies Inc. now owns 55,196 shares of the construction companys stock worth $2,313,000 after acquiring an additional 4,799 shares during the period. Cetera Advisor Networks LLC acquired a new stake in PulteGroup during the 1st quarter worth about $221,000. PNC Financial Services Group Inc. lifted its position in PulteGroup by 1.7% during the 1st quarter. PNC Financial Services Group Inc. now owns 22,505 shares of the construction companys stock worth $945,000 after acquiring an additional 382 shares during the period. Acadian Asset Management LLC lifted its position in PulteGroup by 11.1% during the 1st quarter. Acadian Asset Management LLC now owns 4,487 shares of the construction companys stock worth $188,000 after acquiring an additional 449 shares during the period. Finally, MetLife Investment Management LLC lifted its position in PulteGroup by 26.7% during the 1st quarter. MetLife Investment Management LLC now owns 70,856 shares of the construction companys stock worth $2,969,000 after acquiring an additional 14,918 shares during the period. 88.07% of the stock is currently owned by hedge funds and other institutional investors. PulteGroup declared that its board has authorized a stock repurchase plan on Tuesday, April 25th that permits the company to buyback $1.00 billion in shares. This buyback authorization permits the construction company to buy up to 6.9% of its stock through open market purchases. Stock buyback plans are generally a sign that the companys board of directors believes its stock is undervalued. About PulteGroup (Get Rating) PulteGroup, Inc engages in the homebuilding business. The firm is also involved in mortgage banking and title and insurance brokerage operations. It operates through the Homebuilding and Financial services business segments. The Homebuilding segment includes operations from Connecticut, Maryland, Massachusetts, New Jersey, New York, Pennsylvania, Virginia, Georgia, North Carolina, South Carolina, Tennessee, Florida, Illinois, Indiana, Kentucky, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Ohio, Texas, Arizona, California, Nevada, New Mexico, and Washington. See Also Receive News & Ratings for PulteGroup Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for PulteGroup and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Quanex Building Products Co. (NYSE:NX Get Rating) Director William C. Griffiths sold 26,607 shares of the stock in a transaction on Tuesday, June 13th. The shares were sold at an average price of $26.81, for a total value of $713,333.67. Following the completion of the sale, the director now directly owns 224,308 shares of the companys stock, valued at $6,013,697.48. The transaction was disclosed in a filing with the SEC, which is available at this hyperlink. Quanex Building Products Stock Performance Shares of NYSE:NX traded up $0.45 during mid-day trading on Thursday, reaching $26.50. The company had a trading volume of 130,468 shares, compared to its average volume of 169,186. Quanex Building Products Co. has a one year low of $18.00 and a one year high of $27.32. The company has a current ratio of 2.22, a quick ratio of 1.26 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.27. The companys 50-day moving average price is $21.40 and its 200-day moving average price is $23.02. The firm has a market cap of $873.18 million, a price-to-earnings ratio of 11.63 and a beta of 1.35. Get Quanex Building Products alerts: Quanex Building Products (NYSE:NX Get Rating) last released its quarterly earnings data on Friday, June 2nd. The construction company reported $0.66 EPS for the quarter, beating the consensus estimate of $0.41 by $0.25. The business had revenue of $273.54 million for the quarter. Quanex Building Products had a net margin of 6.34% and a return on equity of 16.75%. During the same period last year, the company earned $0.80 earnings per share. Quanex Building Products Announces Dividend Institutional Trading of Quanex Building Products 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 $0.08 per share. The ex-dividend date of this dividend is Wednesday, June 14th. This represents a $0.32 dividend on an annualized basis and a dividend yield of 1.21%. Quanex Building Productss payout ratio is 14.29%. A number of institutional investors have recently added to or reduced their stakes in the stock. State of Wyoming grew its position in shares of Quanex Building Products by 40.4% during the 4th quarter. State of Wyoming now owns 1,435 shares of the construction companys stock valued at $34,000 after purchasing an additional 413 shares in the last quarter. Point72 Hong Kong Ltd grew its position in Quanex Building Products by 494.3% during the third quarter. Point72 Hong Kong Ltd now owns 2,187 shares of the construction companys stock worth $40,000 after buying an additional 1,819 shares in the last quarter. Captrust Financial Advisors increased its stake in Quanex Building Products by 63.1% in the 1st quarter. Captrust Financial Advisors now owns 2,316 shares of the construction companys stock worth $49,000 after acquiring an additional 896 shares during the last quarter. Tower Research Capital LLC TRC raised its holdings in shares of Quanex Building Products by 139.2% in the 3rd quarter. Tower Research Capital LLC TRC now owns 3,600 shares of the construction companys stock valued at $66,000 after acquiring an additional 2,095 shares in the last quarter. Finally, FMR LLC boosted its position in shares of Quanex Building Products by 43.7% during the 2nd quarter. FMR LLC now owns 2,938 shares of the construction companys stock valued at $67,000 after acquiring an additional 893 shares during the last quarter. Hedge funds and other institutional investors own 98.49% of the companys stock. Analysts Set New Price Targets Several equities analysts have recently issued reports on NX shares. Benchmark reaffirmed a buy rating and issued a $28.00 target price on shares of Quanex Building Products in a report on Tuesday, March 14th. StockNews.com raised Quanex Building Products from a hold rating to a buy rating in a research report on Friday, June 2nd. Quanex Building Products Company Profile (Get Rating) Quanex Building Products Corp. engages in the manufacture of components sold to original equipment manufacturers in the building products industry. It also designs and produces energy-efficient fenestration products in addition to kitchen and bath cabinet components. The firm operates through the following segments: North American Fenestration, European Fenestration, North American Cabinet Components, and Unallocated Corporate and Other. Featured Stories Receive News & Ratings for Quanex Building Products Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Quanex Building Products and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Shiseido Company, Limited (OTCMKTS:SSDOY Get Rating) was the target of a large decrease in short interest in the month of May. As of May 31st, there was short interest totalling 3,100 shares, a decrease of 60.8% from the May 15th total of 7,900 shares. Based on an average daily volume of 32,900 shares, the days-to-cover ratio is presently 0.1 days. Shiseido Price Performance Shiseido stock traded up $0.46 during midday trading on Wednesday, reaching $48.46. 10,758 shares of the stock traded hands, compared to its average volume of 25,965. The company has a 50-day simple moving average of $48.77 and a two-hundred day simple moving average of $47.78. Shiseido has a 12-month low of $32.70 and a 12-month high of $52.51. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.40, a quick ratio of 1.01 and a current ratio of 1.35. Get Shiseido alerts: Shiseido (OTCMKTS:SSDOY Get Rating) last posted its quarterly earnings results on Friday, May 12th. The company reported $0.16 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, beating analysts consensus estimates of $0.10 by $0.06. The company had revenue of $1.81 billion for the quarter. Shiseido had a return on equity of 6.02% and a net margin of 3.61%. Analysts expect that Shiseido will post 0.68 earnings per share for the current year. Wall Street Analysts Forecast Growth About Shiseido Separately, Jefferies Financial Group upgraded Shiseido from a hold rating to a buy rating in a report on Thursday, February 23rd. (Get Rating) Shiseido Co, Ltd. engages in the production and sale of cosmetics for men and women. It operates through the following segments: Japan, China, Asia Pacific, Americas, Europe, Travel Retail, Professional, and Others. The Japan, China, Asia Pacific, Americas, and Europe segments sell cosmetics, fragrance, and personal care products with core brands such as Shiseido, cle de peau BEAUTE, ELIXIR, MAQUILLAGE, AUPRES, urara, TSUBAKI, Za, and narciso rodriguez in each corresponding region. Featured Stories Receive News & Ratings for Shiseido Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Shiseido and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. SpareBank 1 SMN (OTCMKTS:SRMGF Get Rating) was the target of a large decrease in short interest in May. As of May 31st, there was short interest totalling 27,500 shares, a decrease of 45.3% from the May 15th total of 50,300 shares. Based on an average daily volume of 0 shares, the short-interest ratio is presently days. SpareBank 1 SMN Stock Performance SpareBank 1 SMN stock remained flat at $11.50 during mid-day trading on Wednesday. SpareBank 1 SMN has a 52 week low of $11.50 and a 52 week high of $11.50. The businesss fifty day moving average price is $11.50 and its 200 day moving average price is $11.88. Get SpareBank 1 SMN alerts: About SpareBank 1 SMN (Get Rating) Featured Stories SpareBank 1 SMN, together with its subsidiaries, provides various banking, accounting, and real estate products and services to private individuals and companies in Norway and internationally. The company offers mortgage, green, car, boat, other vehicles, and consumer loans, as well as refinancing, as well as savings accounts. Receive News & Ratings for SpareBank 1 SMN Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for SpareBank 1 SMN and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. KIGALI, June 15 (Xinhua) -- The recent dismissal of two high-ranking military generals from the army was a direct consequence of their involvement in gross misconduct, Rwanda Defense Force (RDF) spokesperson Ronald Rwivanga said Wednesday. Earlier this month, Rwandan President Paul Kagame ordered the dismissal of Maj. Gen. Aloys Muganga, Brig. Gen. Francis Mutiganda, and 14 other officers from the RDF, as stated in an official announcement. In addition, Kagame authorized the expulsion of 116 personnel from other ranks and terminated the service contracts of 112 individuals at different ranks. During a press conference, Rwivanga explained that Muganga's dismissal was a result of alcohol abuse, while Mutiganda was dismissed due to gross insubordination. He clarified that neither Muganga nor Mutiganda would face legal proceedings along with the other expelled soldiers. However, he pointed out that the dismissals were not linked to the recent reshuffle of the RDF, stating that "we also had promotions, but they are not connected. They just happened to coincide." Muganga, who was acting chief of staff in RDF Reserve Force in 2018, was later appointed as the commander of the mechanized division in 2019. Mutiganda served as the director general of external security at the National Intelligence and Security Service until October 2018 when he was recalled to RDF headquarters. Recently, Kagame made a reshuffle in the army that involved the appointment of Juvenal Marizamunda as the new Defense Minister, replacing Albert Murasira. Enditem. Videos Sorry, there are no recent results for popular videos. Happie boys, the former Lagos Security guards who were offered scholarship to one university in Cyprus are currently in the soup when a source leaked their woeful performance on social media. The source who stormed the social media with a relatively detailed information spoke under anonymity. Recall that the Happie boys, Kelechi and Johnson has become the object of discussion since the past few days they mildly charged their benefactor, Apostle Chibuzor of Omega Power ministry on social media for abandoning them in Cypus. In their assertions, they claimed that Apostle stopped the scholarship and the life in Cyprus is beyond what they could bear. In defence, Apostle cleared the air yesterday June 14 on why he stopped their scholarship. According to him the rise in dollar promoted to stop the scholarship. Nevertheless, he reiterated that he has started making arrangement to bring them back to Nigeria in order that they will continue their education in either Nigeria or Bene Republic. Moreover, as the story hit so hard on the social media, another report about the Happie Boys came in from an unidentified person. The source reported how woeful their result was. According to the unidentified source, they managed to pass one course out of 7 courses. They lived an immodest and extravagant lifestyle in Cuprus. The source said: They post all this smoking and drinking on social media, they even smoke and drink in church during service you can imagine. They carry different girls to the apartment he rented for them they even turned the apartment to a club house because theirs never a time they dont party. They lived a flamboyant life with the money he gives them, buys expensive clothes and shoes just to show off. He even looked out for job for them so they could be comfortable and atleast help their families back home. They where never serious with their academics, they had so many reports. A man thats not related to you paid your flight ticket from Nigeria to Cyprus, paid rent, utility bills, water bills for 6 consecutive months. Their grades in school is not encouraging at all. How can someone fail 6 courses out of 7 for school fees that is over how many million. They smoke and drink to the open knowing fully aware that theyre sponsored through church, our G.O Warned them on several occasions but they kept deaf ears to his warnings They post all this smoking and drinking on social media. they even smoke and drink in church during service you can imagine. After eight years of what appears to be an authoritarian so-called democratic environment, in which former president Muhammadu Buhari's militarized democratic and religious type leadership permeated the police, the courts, prisons, and even the civil defense and national park service, we hope for institutional progress and a liberalized environment. The education sectorfrom elementary schools to colleges and universitiesrequires urgent growth. It is time to think about creating and implementing a unique system of armed sworn law enforcement officials with the power to make arrests who work full-time or in a setting associated with schools. Reports of students and schoolchildren being kidnapped or taken from their homes and schools, both on and off campus, are common. A specific legislative act should be made to allow the employment of sworn police officers to conduct all law enforcement activities across the schools, dormitories, and facilities. This will enable the establishment of a school-based police system. This is in contrast to the pointless discussion about whether Nigeria needs state police, which will eventually take place. As a result, schools will be better equipped to offer a safe learning environment, aid in the reduction of crime, and improve their school and community areas, resulting in improved learning and living conditions. Private schools may engage these government school police officers, and when they are not on duty, they may accept to work for the private schools in accordance with a contract. A local government-school board should have control over school resource officers, or SROs as they are more commonly called. School police regularly engage in a range of actions to safeguard the safety and security of students, faculty, visitors, and the school environment. As part of their responsibilities, school police officers will monitor the campus to deter and detect any potential threats or illegal activity. They will also keep a noticeable presence on the school grounds to deter unauthorized people from entering. In addition, they could be in charge of directing traffic during busy times like pick-up and drop-off hours. They ought to help maintain efficient and smooth traffic flow while ensuring the safety of both children and automobiles. Altercations, disagreements, and other disturbances that interfere with study are dealt with by school police. They intervene when necessary to keep things calm and guarantee everyone's security. They intervene and resolve disputes. School police patrol the campus each day to look for and close any security holes, such unsecured windowsor doors. They might also keep an eye on security cameras and, if necessary, react to warnings or worrying activity. School police officers are essential to the creation and implementation of emergency response plans in the event of emergencies. When first aid is required, they assist with evacuation efforts, give it when it's needed, and collaborate with other emergency professionals to guarantee the safety and wellbeing of students and staff. When working in schools, police officers regularly take part in events that improve their relationships with the faculty, staff, and larger school community. To promote trust and improve communication, they could take part in educational activities, mentorship programs, or community outreach initiatives. The school's point of contact with the neighborhood police is the school police. They will aid in organizing actions to protect the school community and take care of any security issues with other law enforcement officers. School police should be funded by local governments and school boards. Continued school kidnappings are a serious problem in Nigeria, with disastrous implications for individuals, families, and communities. Abductions are typically interpreted as a failure to provide schools with the safe and secure environment that parents and pupils expect. Again, recurring danger and security issues can be addressed by establishing police units solely for schools. Former President Buhari stated that states and local governments should improve security around schools in response to recent and ongoing attacks and kidnappings for ransom. It's time to build a system that properly polices schools and the surrounding environment. Professor John Egbeazien Oshodi, who was born in Uromi, Edo State, Nigeria, to a father who served in the Nigeria police for 37 years, is an American-based police and prison scientist and forensic, clinical, and legal psychologist. A government consultant on matters of forensic-clinical psychological services in the USA; and a former interim associate dean and assistant professor at Broward College, Florida. The Founder of the Dr. John Egbeazien Oshodi Foundation, Center for Psychological Health and Behavioral Change in African Settings. A former Secretary-General of the Nigeria Psychological Association. In 2011, he introduced state-of-the-art forensic psychology into Nigeria through N.U.C. and Nasarawa State University, where he served in the Department of Psychology as an Associate Professor. He has taught at various universities and colleges including Florida memorial University, Florida International University, Broward college, Lynn University, and currently an online faculty member at the Weldios university in Benin Republic, Nexus International University, Uganda, Nova Southeastern University and Walden University in USA. Founder of the proposed Transatlantic Egbeazien Open University (TEU) of Values and Ethics, a digital project of truth, ethics, and openness. Over forty academic publications and creations, at least 300 public opinion pieces on African issues, and various books have been written by him. He specializes in psycho-prescriptive writings regarding African institutional and governance issues. His most recent textbook publication is Concise Psychology: An Integrated Forensic Approach to Psychology for Global African Settings. [email protected] I Was touched by the show of brotherly love and friendship shown by Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwoolu, to his predecessor in office, former Governor Akinwunmi Ambode, when he visited him at his private residence on Thursday this week to share in the celebration of the former Governors 60th birthday. Lagos has been progressively blessed with good governors. Perhaps it is one of the great strengths of the former Governor of Lagos state, President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, and Commander -in-Chief of the Armed Forces, Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu. His ability to chose and empower men to take over the mantle of leadership of Lagos state, Nigerias gateway state. From the administrations of Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu, Babatunde Fashola, Akinwunmi Ambode to that of Babajide Sanwoolu, evidence abound of great improvements in governance, law and order, and infrastructural development. Watching Governors Sanwoolu and Ambode exchange pleasantries and showering each other with words of encouragement really touched me. This is because of the bitter politics both men were engulfed in during the 2019 gubernatorial elections which saw incumbent Governor Ambode losing out to Sanwoolu after just one tenure. It was as if Ambode was disgraced out of office. Words, very unpleasant ones were said from both camps then. Fast forward to 2023, with the Godfather and Kingmaker now busy with federal government duties in faraway Abuja, it appears that Governor Sanwoolu is coming to his own and the peace move to Ambodes house is a welcome development. Hopefully, this will bear good fruits and just like Governor Ambode remarked, it would lead to more support for the programmes of Governor Sanwoolu to enable him leave a good legacy. There are lessons to learn by South East governors here, past and present. There is need to close ranks among former Governors and the incumbents. Enough of the bickering and personal wars. What should matter is the continued development of the various states so that the people will enjoy more dividends of democracy. Since we are in the spirit of national reconciliation and unity, may I plead with Governor Babajide Sanwoolu to extend the olive branches to settlers and non-Lagosians living in Lagos. The elections have been won and lost and to the Glory of God, the governor of Lagos state is Governor Babajide Sanwoolu. Yes, there may have been perceptions of non-Lagosians swinging with Labour Party during the last election but all that is in the past now. As Ndigbo will say, let all that bit us last night be regarded as mosquitoes. Lagos is on the move and settlers living in Lagos who have journeyed from all over Nigeria wish to be part of this movement. They want to be carried along. The rhetoric that Lagos is no mans land which gained currency during the last election is false. It was only promoted by people bent on destroying the cordial settler-indigene relationship that has remained the hallmark of living in Lagos state over the years. It is this falsehood that may have given rise to the reported plans by the Lagos state House of Assembly to pass laws that will protect indigenes and their rights regarding lands, properties etc. The said laws are set to disenfranchise settlers and rob them of their rights with regards to ownership of properties they bought in Lagos. History will continue to be kind to Governor Babajide Sanwoolu if he is able to help settlers avert this impending economic disaster. As the father of the state, the Governor should spread his umbrella arms to shield settlers. His government should integrate settlers through giving them political appointments, attend their events and make accommodating statements. After all, the strength of Lagos has always been its unique diversity, men and women drawn to the city of lights working hard, paying taxes and contributing their own quota towards the continuing development of Lagos state. Nworah, a Media and Communications Consultant writes from Lekki. XINING, June 15 (Xinhua) -- At the 3,001 km mark of the Qinghai-Tibet Highway, a captivating scene unfolded as herds of female Tibetan antelopes gathered on the side of the road. With the lead antelope vigilantly assessing the surroundings and ensuring safety, the herds swiftly traversed the highway, embarking on a journey toward their calving ground in northwest China's Hoh Xil, a nature reserve that encompasses China's largest area of uninhabited land within the Sanjiangyuan National Park. "We have recently intensified patrols along the Qinghai-Tibet Highway, and implemented traffic control measures, no-horn policies and rescue initiatives to guarantee the safety of the antelopes," said Jamyang Dorji, a staff member of the Wudaoliang protection station of the Hoh Xil reserve administration. The destination of these herds lies nestled deep within the heart of Hoh Xil, at an elevation of over 4,600 meters, where this species has roamed and thrived for centuries. Every year, tens of thousands of pregnant Tibetan antelopes start their migration to Hoh Xil in around May to give birth and leave with their offspring in late July. Renowned as one of the world's most breathtaking migrations of hoofed animals, the majestic journey serves as a testament to China's achievements in biodiversity conservation and national park development. "Despite the high altitude, frigid temperatures and thin air, Hoh Xil is a paradise for wildlife. Tibetan antelopes, wild yaks, Tibetan wild donkeys, Tibetan foxes, brown bears and various other species inhabit here," said Wang Xiangguo, director of the management bureau of Sanjiangyuan National Park. However, the wildlife protection efforts at the world natural heritage site once experienced a low ebb, when its iconic wildlife species of Tibetan antelope was in peril, due to poaching sprees. During the 1980s and 1990s, the population of Tibetan antelopes in Hol Xil dropped to less than 20,000. In the 1990s, China initiated a string of actions to push back against poaching on the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau, employing stringent measures to preserve the Tibetan antelope population. In 1996, the provincial-level nature reserve of Hoh Xil was officially established, before its elevation to a national-level nature reserve the subsequent year. Additionally, the Chinese government has consistently bolstered its commitment to protecting the biodiversity of Hoh Xil, setting up protection stations along the Qinghai-Tibet Highway. Thanks to the country's active anti-poaching and biodiversity protection efforts in recent years, Hoh Xil is now home to more than 70,000 Tibetan antelopes. The status of Tibetan antelopes in China has been upgraded from "endangered" to "near threatened." "Nowadays, Hoh Xil stands as China's largest world natural heritage site, boasting the highest average elevation and maintaining a high-altitude ecosystem and iconic species of the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau," said Wang. "It has become a vital 'sanctuary of life' for the once endangered rare wildlife." The remarkable success was partly attributed to the numerous rangers of the national park who have steadfastly guarded the wildlife on the "roof of the world." Upon entering the area, the rangers must confront the harsh natural environment and face the challenges posed by high-altitude oxygen deprivation, unpredictable weather conditions and rugged terrain. During the summer, marshes turn muddy, impeding their patrol while gushing rivers obstruct the patrol routes. In the winter, everything succumbs to the frigid cold, freezing even the breath of these rangers. Therefore, as the rangers load their provisions, including blankets and fuel supplies, into the vehicle before embarking on their journey, they would usually engage in a poignant ritual -- embraces are shared, heartfelt gestures exchanged, and tears glisten in their eyes -- fully aware that each patrol carries the weight of uncertainty, with no guarantee of returning unscathed. "The days of mountain patrol are marked by solitary journeys through uninhabited terrain," said Longdrup Tsegya, a ranger at the park. With the reputation of Hoh Xil as an ecological treasure spreading far and wide, a growing number of locals are aligning themselves with fellow environmental conservationists, eager to contribute to the preservation efforts. Gyasang, a 65-year-old herdsman in Chumahe Township, Yushu Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture of Qinghai Province, has dedicated the past 15 years of his life to patrolling and safeguarding Tibetan antelopes. In 2008, Gyasang took the initiative to build a Tibetan antelope escort team to ensure the safe passage of the antelopes to areas north of the Qinghai-Tibet Highway. "At the inception of the escort team, we had 30 members. It was a strenuous task to safely guide the Tibetan antelopes, and when we dismounted from our horses, our backs would ache unbearably," Gyasang recalled. This year, Gyasang and his escort team successfully guided nearly ten thousand Tibetan antelopes passing through his village. The team has now expanded to 55 members. Speaking to Xinhua, Dorji Drundup, party chief of Chumahe Township, said that the changes from carrying the antelopes on horseback in the past to the current motorcycle escort represent centuries of harmonious coexistence between human beings and Tibetan antelopes. "They are just like our families, and safeguarding their calves is our duty." Inspection finds no unreasonable hikes in Phuket food prices PHUKET: Food prices in Phuket remain adequate, including the prices of chicken eggs, which some people are currently much worried about, the Phuket office of the Ministry of Commerce announced today (June 15) following an inspection at local shops. By The Phuket News Thursday 15 June 2023 04:20 PM The inspection was led by Phuket Commerce Chief Woranit Aphiratjirawong, who personally visited some shops to ensure that food prices in Phuket are adequate. Special attention was paid to "goods that are essential for the peoples livelihood," such as chicken eggs. "The inspection found that prices of goods such as rice, vegetable oil, and eggs have been stable for the past two to three months," Ms Woranit said. Responding specifically to concerns about chicken eggs, Ms Woranit assured that they are also priced adequately as the supply is sufficient to meet the demand. "Although chicken egg prices have increased in some other provinces, Phuket has not witnessed any hikes as vendors are still able to negotiate prices with the farms," Ms Woranit said. Phukets Commerce Chief explained that chicken egg prices in shops and at markets are subject to the balance of supply and demand. When the demand exceeds the supply, prices go up "following the market mechanism." Ms Woranit added that her office will continue conducting regular checks at random retail points three times a week to monitor prices for basic necessities. So far, she said, no intervention is needed from the Phuket office of the Ministry of Commerce. Ms Woranit also reiterated her standard call to vendors to be honest in their business and not to inflate prices just because there is an opportunity to do so. In addition to warning against unreasonable price gouging, Phuket Commerce Chief also reminded vendors that they should have clear price tags for all the goods they have for sale so that consumers can make informed decisions when making a purchase. Complaints about suspected price gouging or a lack of clear price indication can be made via the 1569 national hotline. People can also directly contact the Phuket office of the Ministry of Commerce at 076-212017. According to the most recent Consumer Price Index report by the Ministry of Commerce, food and non-alcoholic beverage prices in May grew by 3.99% compared to the same month of the previous year and by 0.51% compared to the previous month of this year. Prices in the "eggs and dairy products" group surged above average, increasing by 5.13% year-on-year and 0.97% month-on-month. These are nationwide figures, while some specific provinces may witness different changes. The biggest year-on-year increase was registered in the "fresh vegetables" segment, where average prices nationwide surged by 23.48% compared to May 2022. Prices in the "fresh fruit" segment increased by 6.48%, while "non-alcoholic drinks" gained 4.22%, and "rice flour and flour products" became 3.56% more expensive than one year ago. The segment of "cooking ingredients" (including vegetable oil) witnessed a drop of 1.21%, while prices of "meat and poultry" declined by 0.88%. Russian man drowns at Rawai villa PHUKET: Chalong Police are investigating the death of a young Russian man who was found drowned in a swimming pool at a villa in Rawai this morning (June 15). By Eakkapop Thongtub Thursday 15 June 2023 08:15 PM A 22-year old man from Russia was found dead in a swimming pool at a villa in Rawai on Thursday (June 15) morning. Photo: Eakkapop Thongtub A 22-year old man from Russia was found dead in a swimming pool at a villa in Rawai on Thursday (June 15) morning. Photo: Eakkapop Thongtub A 22-year old man from Russia was found dead in a swimming pool at a villa in Rawai on Thursday (June 15) morning. Photo: Eakkapop Thongtub A 22-year old man from Russia was found dead in a swimming pool at a villa in Rawai on Thursday (June 15) morning. Photo: Eakkapop Thongtub A 22-year old man from Russia was found dead in a swimming pool at a villa in Rawai on Thursday (June 15) morning. Photo: Eakkapop Thongtub Chalong Police Station received a notification of the incident at a gated residential community on Saiyuan Rd at approximately 11am. Police officers and medical personnel rushed to the scene where they discovered the lifeless body of a man at the bottom of a 1.8-meter-deep swimming pool at a private villa. The deceased was identified by his passport as a 22-year-old Russian national born in the city of Chita in the Russian Far East. The body was transported to the Vachira Phuket Hospital morgue for further examination. According to the preliminary findings of the police and rescue workers, it is believed that the man drowned at least 12 hours prior to being discovered by a swimming pool technician. The technician stated that the Russian national was known to enjoy spending time at the pool, engaging in activities such either as yoga or freediving. However, the information provided in the police report does not allow for a definitive identification of the mans specific pastime. School denies expelling lese majeste teen BANGKOK: A 15-year-old girl, who was released on May 18 after being detained for 51 days on a charge of royal defamation, has not faced expulsion from school, Education Minister Trinuch Thienthong said yesterday (June 14). By Bangkok Post Thursday 15 June 2023 07:07 AM Thanalop Yok Phalanchai, 15, posts a message on her Facebook, saying she had been expelled from school. Education Minister Trinuch Thienthong denied the claim. Photo: Thanalop Phalanchai / Facebook Ms Trinuch said the school director informed her that no instruction had been issued to expel Thanalop Yok Phalanchai. The ministers response came after Yok posted a message on Facebook, claiming she had been expelled and was now an outsider, reports the Bangkok Post. According to Yok, she had been questioned by two deputy school directors and teachers. She insisted on calling her parents and recording the conversation, but the teachers refused. She claimed they blocked all the exits to the room, so she had to crawl under a table to escape. The teenager also claimed that a deputy school director told her the school would return her tuition fees. In a previous Facebook post, Yok wrote that she had dyed her hair, embraced a modern haircut and worn casual clothes to school for weeks, in what she tried to portray as a fight for her freedom and rights. She also urged the Education Ministry to improve the school curriculum to meet international standards. Yoks Facebook posts caught the attention of netizens, some of whom criticised her and encouraged her to respect school rules. Ms Trinuch said the school had assured her that Yok is welcome to attend classes as usual. She also commented on the students decision to ignore the rules on mandatory school uniform. Yok wears casual outfits to school and claims that is her right and her freedom, but we need to respect the system and regulations of each school, as well as the way society is organised on a bigger level, said the minister. This is the basic norm everyone including students should be aware of. Yok was arrested on Mar 28, the same day a 24-year-old man was caught spray-painting a No 112 message on the wall of the Temple of the Emerald Buddha in Bangkok. Police had a warrant to arrest Yok, accusing her of insulting the monarchy during a rally in October 2022 in front of City Hall. She was 14 at the time. On May 18, she was released from the Ban Pranee Juvenile Vocational Training Center for Girls in Nakhon Pathom, where she had been held since Mar 29. TST forms panel to push Andaman Special Economic Zone PHUKET: Thai Sang Thai (TST) Party leader Khunying Sudarat Keyuraphan has formed a working team to promote tourism in the Andaman provinces as part of a special economic zone, with the aim of generating B1 trillion in revenue each year. tourism By Bangkok Post Thursday 15 June 2023 07:25 AM Thai Sang Thai (TST) Party leader Khunying Sudarat Keyuraphan speaks during a meeting with representatives of the private sector in Phuket yesterday (June 14). Photo; Thai Sang Thai Party Khunying Sudarat took the TSTs economic team to a meeting in Phuket yesterday (June 14) where they heard suggestions from the private sector about driving development in Phuket, Krabi and Phangnga, reports the Bangkok Post. The private sector was represented by Bhummikitti Raktaengam, adviser of the Phuket Tourist Association; Thanet Tantipiriyakit, president of the Phuket Tourist Association; Lertsak Ponklin, president of the Phangnga Tourism Association; Wichupan Phukaoluan Srisanya, president of the Krabi Hotel Association; Chinnawat Udomniyom, president of the Phuket Boutique Accommodation Consortium; and 70 members of related associations. Khunying Sudarat said the TST has been planning to promote an Andaman special economic zone. A bill is being reviewed by various sectors and will be put up for public hearings in Phuket, Krabi and Phangnga, before the proposal is submitted to the new parliament for approval. The meeting also formed a working team together with the private sector. Phuket, Phangnga and Krabi draw huge numbers of domestic and foreign tourists each year, bolstering their economies. Certain laws must be issued to regulate tourism in the Andaman special economic zone, she said. The TST has submitted a proposal to parliament to pause the use of 1,400 licences that are associated with Andaman areas and encourage further participation of the private sector in revising the law. The TST will also encourage state agencies to work together to solve transport problems in the three Andaman provinces. By combining a Blue V and a pie into a single entity I have effectively given tradies an extra hand they can now use while eating lunch. After convincing my girlfriend that I had not actually lost my taste to Covid, she agreed to help me turn this Covid dream into reality. Exposing the nexus in Manipur | Laiphrakpam ongbi Nirmala Laishram The explosive revelations of nexus between a Political Party and United Kuki Liberation Front (UKLF), a Kuki militant organisation in Manipur, has put the ruling regime both in the State and Centre in a tight spot. It was none other than the Chairman of the UKLF himself who has revealed that he allegedly wrote a letter to the then newly sworn in Union Home Minister, Shri Amit Shah in 2019, the letter now attached as an Exhibit in the affidavit filed in an NIA Court on June 08, 2023. The Chairman UKLF, SS Haopkip, has alleged that his outfit and another Kuki group had helped two Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leaders in 2017 to win Manipur Assembly Elections which ultimately helped in forming a BJP Govt in Manipur, besides helping the saffron party during 2019 Lok Sabha elections in Manipur. It was Ram Madhav and Himanta Biswa Sarma then BJPs in-charge for Manipur, who had made an agreement with the two militant outfits as alleged, which ultimately helped BJPs presence by forming a coalition Govt in the State for the first time. Politico-militants nexus is not new in the North East Region where majority of the States are embroiled with insurgency problems, however revelation in the form of a signed affidavit is unprecedented. The allegation is serious and should not be swept under the carpet. With the State em- broiled in ethnic clashes between Kuki-Chin-Zomi tribes and Meitei tribes for more than a month since May 3rd, the primary role in keeping the Pot Boiling at the right temperature is by the Kuki militant groups under Suspension of Operations (SoO) and Myanmar origin Chin-Kuki militant groups. They indulge in rampant firing on daily basis with sophisticated armory including area weapons against defenceless Meitei villagers which has caused more than 100 fatal casualties and injuries to 500 plus innocent villagers, the latest being nine people killed in Khamenlok area adjoining Saikul Assembly Constituency and Imphal East District on June 14th. Despite huge chorus by public as well as some elected members of Manipur on daily basis demanding for abrogation of SoO against militant groups for violating CFGR, the Centre remains a mute spectator. Now with the explosive revelation of nexus between KNLF and BJP during 2017 and 2019 Assembly and General elections, a dark cloud has been cast in the mind of the public that apparently non abrogation of SoO despite unprovoked daily firing by Kuki militant groups is due to the above nexus. Involvement of Kuki National Front-Burma (KNF-B) and Peoples Defence Force (PDF) in fuelling the fire by killing innocent villagers, looting, arson, torching houses is a well established fact supported by audio visual footages in local electronic media channels. There have been visual footages of Lungi Clad Myanmar based Kuki terrorists, indulging in rampant shooting and other acts of violence in Moreh as well as in Meitei tribe dominated Sagolmang- Khamenlok areas adjoining Kangpokpi and Imphal East districts. However, the Centre is not accepting the reality by not initiating requisite actions which is unfortunate. The challenge posed by foreign origin Kuki terrorists is serious. A full fledged operation needs to be undertaken to flush them out from their hideouts and eliminate them, else push them back to Myanmar. The action may need taking confidence of Myanmars Ruling Regime. Simultaneously investigate if there is involvement of foreign hands. As the situation is grim, it must not be swept under the carpet. Now that aspersion has been cast on the BJP, the main functionaries of the saffron party for Manipur were then Ram Madhav and Himanta Biswa Sarma presently Chief Minister of Assam, who had made an agreement with the Kuki militant outfits during the 2017 Manipur State Assembly elections. Doubts have arisen in the public mind that beside UKLF and one more outfit, was there tacit understanding between the BJP and other Kuki militant groups, non-abrogation of SoO despite unprovoked firing by terrorists speak volume of this lingering doubt. Equally is the functioning of some troops of Assam Rifles deployed in Manipur, friends of the hill people, while dealing during the present unfortunate ugly ethnic clash between Chin-Kukis plus Myanmar origin militant groups against Meitei tribe. If one of the major mandates of Security Forces deployed in Manipur is to rein in and take punitive actions against militant groups who violate SoO, why does some Assam Rifles Forces deployed in Manipur remain silent spectators or undertake unpleasant actions like what was done by blocking the entry and exit with Casspir bullet proof vehicles at Sugnu police station, which is losing confidence in functioning of this oldest Central Para Military Force of the country amongst the Meitei community. It is well understood that some of the cadres of SoO Kuki militant groups are used by the Assam Rifles as a source for providing information about other active militant /insurgent groups in Manipur. However, during this trying condition the Force need to operate in equal playing fields. They are not only required to operate without partiality and without any favours but need to be shown the same in the eyes of public. Have they too become a caged parrot, like some Central police and investigating agencies ? The Force must live up to the expectations and rich traditions and not succumb to any pressure at all. The allegation about politico-terrorists nexus must be investigated at the earliest and if false, initiate stringent action against the Chairman of UKLF. Sweeping the serious allegations under the carpet will result into casting aspersions by other Nations on the Great Democracy of our Nation which at its Jannat. Bahrains Information & eGovernment Authority (iGA) has announced the launch of the Beta version of the Bahrain Open Data Portal (data.gov.bh). iGA Chief Executive Mohammed Ali Al Qaed said this project is in line with the iGAs objective to support the Bahrains Economic Recovery Plan and the Government Programme (2023-2026) through continuously enhancing the platform's readiness and capacity. In addition, he stressed on the importance of equipping the platform with advanced and innovative features that ensure all beneficiaries have access to accurate and reliable government data and indicators related to key sectors in the kingdom. Compliant with best practices Al Qaed highlighted that the development of the Open Data Portal was carried out to be compliant with the international best practices as well as the United Nations criteria for open data. He added that the iGA is currently working on developing and enhancing several features that will be launched soon in the initial beta platform, taking into account standards to ensure that data is available from the largest number of government entities; is free of charge and available/ accessible by everyone in a readable and downloadable format. Al Qaed said that the beta version of the Bahrain Open Data Platform will provide an integrated open dataset from the government entities, which in turn will enhance transparency levels, encourage eParticipation and innovation. By publishing open data offered by ministries and government entities, as well as openly sharing Geographic Information System (GIS) data on the platform, decision-makers, investors, researchers, and citizens will be able to use it in research studies, service development, and investment projects, among many other uses. Feedback He invited public, private, and academic researchers in the kingdom, as well as anyone who has an interest, to explore the beta version of the Bahrain Open Data Platform and provide the iGA with feedback and suggestions through its various communication channels. He emphasised that all the public users are fundamental partners in the development process. Open data refers to data that can be used by anyone without any technical, financial, or legal restrictions. It can also be used and reused for commercial or non-commercial purposes, in accordance with the requirements of open data licensing, under which such data is distributed.-- TradeArabia News Service Chefs make Zongzi, a pyramid-shaped dumpling made of glutinous rice wrapped in bamboo or reed leaves, during a celebration marking the upcoming traditional Chinese Dragon Boat Festival in Istanbul, Turkiye, June 15, 2023. The event, organized by the Confucius Institute of Istanbul Okan University, featured activities as tasting Zongzi and displays of Chinese calligraphy and the traditional Chinese tea ceremony among others. (Photo by Omer Kuscu/Xinhua) ISTANBUL, June 15 (Xinhua) -- A celebration was held on Thursday in Turkiye's largest city Istanbul to mark the upcoming traditional Chinese Dragon Boat Festival, which falls on June 22 this year. The event, which was organized by the Confucius Institute of Istanbul Okan University, featured activities such as tasting Zongzi, a pyramid-shaped dumpling made of glutinous rice wrapped in bamboo or reed leaves, and displays of Chinese calligraphy and the traditional Chinese tea ceremony, among others. The Dragon Boat Festival, which is celebrated on the fifth day of the fifth month of the Chinese lunar calendar, is marked to commemorate Qu Yuan (about 340-278 BC), a poet who is known today for his patriotism and contributions to classical verse. Speaking at the event, Wu Jian, China's deputy consul general in Istanbul, thanked the participants for celebrating one of China's most ancient festivals together. Stating that China and Turkiye have always attached great importance to intercultural cooperation, Wu said the festival is an important occasion to show unity and solidarity. Guliz Mugan, vice president of Okan University, said the university's Confucius Institute is making a lot of efforts to better introduce Chinese culture to Turks through public events. Wu Jian, China's deputy consul general in Istanbul, addresses a celebration marking the upcoming traditional Chinese Dragon Boat Festival, in Istanbul, Turkiye, June 15, 2023. The event, organized by the Confucius Institute of Istanbul Okan University, featured activities as tasting Zongzi and displays of Chinese calligraphy and the traditional Chinese tea ceremony among others. (Photo by Omer Kuscu/Xinhua) Guests learn about Chinese Calligraphy during a celebration marking the upcoming traditional Chinese Dragon Boat Festival in Istanbul, Turkiye, June 15, 2023. The event, organized by the Confucius Institute of Istanbul Okan University, featured activities as tasting Zongzi and displays of Chinese calligraphy and the traditional Chinese tea ceremony among others. (Photo by Omer Kuscu/Xinhua) A Chinese student serves tea to guests during a celebration marking the upcoming traditional Chinese Dragon Boat Festival in Istanbul, Turkiye, June 15, 2023. The event, organized by the Confucius Institute of Istanbul Okan University, featured activities as tasting Zongzi and displays of Chinese calligraphy and the traditional Chinese tea ceremony among others. (Photo by Omer Kuscu/Xinhua) A student wearing a panda-shaped hat poses for a photo during a celebration marking the upcoming traditional Chinese Dragon Boat Festival in Istanbul, Turkiye, June 15, 2023. The event, organized by the Confucius Institute of Istanbul Okan University, featured activities as tasting Zongzi and displays of Chinese calligraphy and the traditional Chinese tea ceremony among others. (Photo by Omer Kuscu/Xinhua) How the Myanmar crisis threatens to destabilize Indias Manipur State | Snigdhendu Bhattacharya (Courtesy The Diplomat) Contd from previous issue In Manipurs neigh-boring Assam state, a controversial citizenship screening exercise, named the National Register of Citizens (NRC), is aimed at identifying, detaining, and deporting foreign nationals, especially those of Bangladeshi origin. The NRC has dominated the political discourse in Assam and polarized society there since 2018. Later, the Indigenous people of Meghalaya and Tripura made similar demands to protect their states demographic character. In Manipur, the heat over alleged illegal immigration from Myanmar started rising last year. In August 2022, the state assembly passed a resolution setting up a population commission, and, on January 18 of this year, Chief Minister N. Biren Singh announced the formation of a cabinet subcommittee comprising three ministers who are part of the population commission: Letpao Haokip, who is a Kuki; Awangbou Newmai, who is a Naga; and Thounaojam Basanta Singh, who is a Meitei. All the while, different Meitei interest groups have staged protests pressing the government to speed up the process. In the last week of April, a random identification drive by the state government as part of the popu- lation commissions work identified 1,147 undocumented Myanmar nationals in 13 locations in Manipurs Tengnoupal district, 881 persons in three locations in Chandel district, and 154 persons in one location in Churachandpur district, according to a Manipur government official who did not want to be named due to sensitivity of the situation. Chandel, Tengnoupal, and Churachandpur are Kuki-dominated districts along the Myanmar border. However, in the Myanmar-bordering Naga district of Ukhrul, only five illegal immigrants were spotted from the survey at 24 locations, the official said. The very first round of random survey gave a clear hint of the extent of the problem. According to a recent 16-page report titled Violence in Manipur: The Larger Story, published by the Delhi Manipur Society, an association of Meiteis based in Indias national capital, as many as 355 newly settled villages were recorded in Kuki-dominated Kangpokpi district and 262 in Churachandpur district in the last five decades, whereas only 42 and 14 new villages sprung up in the Naga-dominated Tameng-long and Senapati districts. These are strong evidence of migration from outside of Manipur, the reportstated. Amid rising furor over the illegal immigration issue, the Meitei demand for Scheduled Tribe status, which would allow them to buy land in the tribal-dominated areas, has complicated the situation. The state governments drive to clear protected forest areas from encroachment has further added fuel to the fire. While the administration and Meitei interest groups alleged that immigrants from Myanmar were destroying Manipurs forest cover by clearing them to set up new villages, Kukis allege that traditional Kuki habitations were being targeted for removal with an ulterior motive in the name of protecting the environment. Bhagat Oinam, a professor of philosophy at New Delhis Jawaharlal Nehru University, who is a Meitei by ethnicity, said Kuki-Chin migration from Myanmar to Manipur has happened for decades, broadly in three phases. The first wave was in the late 1950s and early 1960s during a civil war in Myanmar; the second was before and after the August 1988 uprising in Myanmar; and the third happened after the informal ceasefire between Indian security forces and Kuki militants in 2005, which was formalized in 2008. However, these migrations previously never led to any flashpoints. What has happened over the past few years is an explosion in poppy cultivation in Manipurs Kuki-dominated districts backed by drug cartels and insurgent groups with a cross-border network, resulting in huge loss of forest cover. They use the drug money to buy weapons, Oinam told The Diplomat. The 2021 military coup in Myanmar escalated the migrant influx from Myanmar, mostly the Kuki-Chin people who are being targeted by the military junta there. A section of these illegal immigrants are being used by the drug and weapon cartels in Manipur. He said that a decline in poppy cultivation in the infamous Golden Triangle of the Myanmar-Thailand-Laos trijunction, especially in Thailand and Laos, has resulted in a shift of the drug corridor to Myanmar-Manipur border areas. According to a December 2021 report by the Netherlands-based Transnational Institute, opium is cultivated in Myanmar mainly in the isolated mountainous areas in Shan, Kachin, Karen, Karenni, and Chin states and Sagiang Region. Of them, Chin and Sagaing are home to Kuki-Chin people and share a border with Manipur. In Manipur, poppy cultivation has significantly increased over the last 15 years, primarily as a means of subsistence, the report said, noting that Manipur seems to be more integrated within the regional drug economy and connected to other actors, notably from Myanmar than other poppy cultivation regions in Northeast India. Vualzong, however, countered the allegation, saying that the Kuki people do engage in poppy cultivation because it is the most profitable among existing farming practices, but the funding comes from Imphal valley-based Meiteis and not from Myanmar. The chief minister is not targeting the Meitei kingpins, he alleged. According to Kuki intellectual Paokholun Hangsing, a professor of the library and information science department at the North-Eastern Hill University in Shillong, the narrative branding Kukis as infiltrators, occupiers of forest reserves, and poppy cultivators is a ploy to misguide the Indian public to justify a pre-planned, carefully orchestrated design to drive Kukis out of their home and ancestral land. He alleged that when Kukis recently celebrated the centenary of their war against British colonial occupation, the State Govt forced them to tone down the celebration for the sake of maintaining peace. The authorities also insisted that the inscription in defense of our ancestral land be removed from the monolith erected to mark the occasion. The fact that Kukis fought the British for independence did not gel well with the calculatedly constructed narratives projecting the Kukis as immigrants to justify their ulterior motive to seize their land, Hangsing said. The idea for Cheekbone Beauty, an Indigenous-owned beauty brand, came to founder Jenn Harper in a dream. I had a dream about native little girls covered in lip gloss, she said. I woke up that night and started writing out what is the foundation of our brand today. In the seven years since, Harper put in the work to transition from a job in the food service industry to CEO, securing funding that aligned with her values and expanding her team to nine employees from one. Today, Cheekbone Beauty products can be found on Sephora shelves across the country. Now that her business has built up the potential for expansion, the question is: Whats next? When you (found) a business, there are a lot of resources in the startup phase, she said. But as youre scaling, things get way more difficult and way more scary, and theres not a lot of support. SOAR, a grassroots initiative supporting Indigenous entrepreneurs, aims to address that gap with a new program designed to propel high-growth Indigenous businesses that amass more than $1 million in annual revenue to increase that figure fivefold over the next year. The first cohort, which launched Thursday, includes five companies from across the country: Cheekbone Beauty, Indi City, MINI TIPI, Sequoia and Wabanaki Maple. Co-presented by financial services firm Square, the bank for entrepreneurs (BDC) and business non-profit Futurpreneur, the accelerator will provide 2.5 days of executive-level training, mentorship and buyer opportunities. This kind of support is critical to help these companies go from Indigenous business into the mainstream, said Sunshine Tenasco, program co-founder and CEO of Pow Wow Pitch. According to Statistics Canada, in 2020, Indigenous people contributed $48.9 billion in GDP, a $7 billion increase since 2012. However, there are several barriers Indigenous entrepreneurs face in their path to success many of which are rooted in colonialism and systemic racism. If you live in a First Nations community in Canada, its very difficult for you to go to a bank and get a loan, Tenasco said. In the traditional sense, youre considered high risk, because theres no collateral on a reserve. Harper, of Cheekbone Beauty, highlights a lack of capital available to Indigenous business owners. When we talk about being an entrepreneur, I do not come from generational wealth, she said. Its something our community does not have. Its why we need economic power from our Indigenous communities. Harper said another obstacle can be marketing to reach a larger, non-Indigenous customer base. Lancome wasnt just built for French people, she used to tell people when she first started her brand. They use French values to make products that the entire world can benefit from. Thats what Cheekbone Beauty is going to be about the entire world benefiting from Indigenous ways of knowing and being, and how we make and create things. Brand awareness and reaching a larger audience through major buyers are some of the main areas of focus for SOAR, said program manager Kassondra Walters, along with opportunities for certification and digital adoption. Walters said that across the cohort, there was keen interest in diversifying supply chains to prioritize sustainability. For instance, Alex Manitopyes, co-founder of fashion brand Indi City, has goals of using a heat press machine to fuse together the offcuts from their acrylic earrings. This would create a recycled sheet of acrylic that could be used to make more jewelry, minimizing wasted materials. Indigenous people have always been crafters and makers, they said, highlighting a lack of access to maker spaces for Indigenous entrepreneurs, especially for those who live on reserves. It would make sense for them to incorporate traditional designs with new technology. Outside of the SOAR ecosystem, Trisha Pitura, co-founder of MINI TIPI, which sells home and family goods, wants to see more meaningful support from big corporations who want to engage with Indigenous businesses. Im hoping that its not just a June event, she said, referring to this months national celebrations of Indigenous history. I really hope businesses are looking to build long-term relationships. The world is craving more Indigenous brands and businesses on store shelves, added Harper. This is their opportunity to figure out how to work with us and through the lens that we see the world. Clarification June 21, 2023: This article was updated to clarify that BDS is the bank for entrepreneurs, not a venture capital company. SHARE: BEIRUT, June 15 (Xinhua) -- The Lebanese foreign minister on Thursday warned of increased tensions between the Lebanese citizens and the Syrian refugees the country is hosting in large numbers, calling on the international community to support Syrians' safe return to their homeland. "We face an increasing risk of tension and violence between the Lebanese and Syrian refugees who now compete to find jobs," said Bou Habib during the Seventh Brussels Conference held to find political solutions to the Syrian crisis, according to Elnashra news website. Describing returning home as "a right for Syrians," the Lebanese minister said helping Lebanon in this regard "falls in the interest of the Lebanese and Syrian people," adding hosting Syrian refugees now costs Lebanon at least 5 billion U.S. dollars annually. Lebanon aims to secure a safe return for Syrian refugees to their homeland as the country's internal security and economic conditions can no longer support their stay. Bou Habib said in early May that there are about 2 million Syrian refugees in Lebanon and the big number of refugees threatens to disrupt the structure of Lebanese society. Tech giant Google is going all-in on artificial intelligence with the rollout of an experimental AI-powered search feature that experts say could give the company unprecedented power over what we see online. Instead of directing users to a page with outgoing links to diverse sources, the new search function uses an AI language model to answer your questions directly, pulling its information from numerous articles online. The convenience of reading an AI result instead of clicking through websites, in addition to other search giants like Microsoft Bing also incorporating generative AI, has some sources believing its mainstream adoption is almost inevitable. Yet experts say to take the robots advice with a grain of salt the language model, like that powering ChatGPT, is prone to presenting false information as fact, termed hallucinations, and even manufacturing sources. For now, the test feature is only available to certain Chrome and Google app users in the U.S. We hope to expand outside the U.S. soon, the company says, although its unclear when. The test run will end in December. How does Googles generative AI search function work? Those approved for the test can use Google as usual, except a box with an AI-generated snapshot of key information will appear before any articles on their search subject, the company said. Unlike ChatGPT, Googles AI cites the sources it pulls from and makes them available for deeper reading. Below the AI snapshot are options to ask followup questions and suggested next steps clicking on these switches the site to a new conversational mode where users can ask further questions and receive context-specific answers. Daniel Russell was a senior research scientist for Google who worked on the search engine from 2005 to 2023. Hes now a professor at Stanfords Institute for Human-Centered Artificial Intelligence. I'd be surprised if (generative AI search) is not a dominant factor by the middle of next year, he told the Star in an interview. Unlike classic search engines, which provides links based on short keywords in your query, Googles new feature works like a chatbot able to understand nuanced phrases and full sentences, Russell said, while replying in natural-sounding prose. The new search function runs off Googles next-generation Pathways Language Model 2 (PaLM2) and another technology known as a Multitask Unified Model, or MUM. Google and its parent company Alphabet Inc. did not respond to the Stars requests for comment before publication. Dont believe everything you read online While a generative AI-powered search engine might feel more convenient, it comes with its own pitfalls, Russell said as a large language model, Googles AI is prone to manufacturing false information, what computer scientists call hallucinations. Its a common problem with AI chatbots, from ChatGPT to Googles own Bard. One of the biggest problems with (AI search) is when you get a page of what looks like reasonably well written prose, you tend to believe it, Russell continued but its not always true. In general, you don't know where that (information) truly came from You don't actually know how it's being stitched together, how its being evaluated, but it sounds incredibly plausible. And that plausibility is a problem. And although Googles AI cites its sources, its possible these are manufactured too. In my testing (of Googles new feature), it made up a citation with a fake journal name, fake page numbers and a fake publication date, Russell said. Having said that, I think they will get a handle on this and basically make it go away. But it's not quite there yet. Joel Blit is an associate professor studying AI and the economics of innovation at the University of Waterloo. As AI search takes off, users will need to get into the habit of fact-checking their search results, he said. It's a large language model there's always a risk that it's going to hallucinate and give you something that is incorrect, Blit continued. There will also be cases, of course, where (Googles) synthesizing the information in a way that may contain bias, that omits important things. And although the feature will link out to websites containing more information, Blit finds it unlikely a majority of users would click on them, settling for Googles AI summary. Google and its information monopoly Google already has a tremendous amount of control over what everyone in the world is seeing, Blit said with the introduction of Google AI, the company could wield unprecedented control over what information people see online. If they end up having a monopoly on sort of this new version of a AI powered search, you really have to worry about many people only getting whatever they're looking for from a single source and it's going to be more highly edited than ever before, he continued. I think they're trying to be as responsible as possible, Blit said. But there's lots of issues and as a civil society, we shouldn't just trust them to do the right thing. Russell said the problem is neither new nor limited to Google the company grappled with it in classic search when deciding which sources to show, and so did its search engine peers. Were still searching for a solution, and itll take a long time. Theres no easy fix for this, he said. AI search will disrupt the content creation industry Because searchers will likely settle for Googles AI summary, the dozens of articles used to create that blurb get one less click. That could mean the journalists, bloggers and other content creators relying on traffic through classic search engines may soon be in for a harsh surprise, with Blit forecasting dramatic drops in readership. I see this technology creating winners and losers and the biggest losers are the content creators, Blit said. I wouldn't be surprised if, for a lot of these content providers, their traffic goes down by 50 per cent or more in the coming years. Russell said solving this issue will be the million dollar question, adding that there may need to be an entirely new monetization model to account for AI. A potential model would be to have micropayments based on impressions, Russell suggested giving a cut to publishers that Googles AI cites, based on how many people view its summary. Something like that will have to exist, he said AI needs a steady supply of articles to function. I think most people are going to love the service. It's going to be incredibly convenient, incredibly useful. said Blit. But hopefully, we can start having this discussion around what we do need to worry about and what different ways could we address it. Read more about: SHARE: When members of the media assembled at the Fairmont Royal York this week for a tribute to Lisa LaFlamme the famously silver-haired broadcaster turfed from the top anchor chair at CTV, now honoured by the Canadian Journalism Federation for her powerful voice in journalism the mood at her former employers table seemed subdued. I think they feel that they are somewhat the pariahs in the news industry, noted one person who was there. Still, top executives in charge of flagship brands like CTV News Channel, BNN and CP24 gathered nonetheless at the annual awards show, a little less than a year after the companys private turmoil spilled into public with, among other things, the ousting of LaFlamme, prompting allegations of sexism. At the celebration of journalistic achievement, vice-president Richard Gray, who replaced Michael Melling after the controversy, sat alongside Rosa Hwang, executive producer of the national news and close colleague of LaFlamme. So it was a mind-boggling twist, as one observer put it, that the companys struggles were making headlines again the very next morning, when the broadcasters parent company, BCE Inc., announced it was cutting 1,300 jobs, closing or selling nine radio stations and shuttering most of the remaining international bureaus. Its a cost-cutting measure as it moves toward greater collaboration and efficiency in how it delivers the news. That included a six per cut in staff at Bell Media. Hwang was shown the door as Gray sent a memo to staff saying that the cuts would mean moving to a single newsroom approach across brands, allowing for greater collaboration and efficiency. The cuts included a whos who of reporters at the network, including CTV National News Ottawa bureau chief Joyce Napier, chief international correspondent Paul Workman, senior political correspondent Glen McGregor, London news bureau correspondent Daniele Hamamdjian and Los Angeles bureau chief Tom Walters. Hwang declined to comment, but tweeted Wednesday evening that while her relationship with CTV News has ended, her relationship with her now-former colleagues did not. Im proud of the work we did together, but Im even prouder of the lifelong friendships formed. Even at a time when the news industry as a whole is in precipitous decline, the cuts at the broadcaster behind what was long billed as the countrys most watched newscast, plus smaller shows across the country, have raised eyebrows. Bell Media has been cutting jobs steadily for years, including 210 employees in Toronto in 2021, but this recent move appears to be among the biggest reductions. The company says the cuts were prompted by unfavourable regulatory conditions. The severity and seemingly targeted approach of the layoffs have revived questions of the direction of the broadcaster it was not lost on staffers that they werent going after the cannon fodder, as one put it if not the media industry itself. In an interview with The Canadian Press, Bell executive vice-president and chief legal and regulatory officer Robert Malcolmson said the companys media branch cant afford to continue operating with its various brands such as CTV National News, BNN, CP24, its local TV news stations and radio channels operating independently of one another. Its a consolidation of news gathering, news delivery, Malcolmson said. We are combining the news production function in a horizontal way so that you have one common platform that is serving news to the relevant outlet from one management team. Management positions are being slashed by six per cent, according to the company. There will also be 20 per cent fewer executive roles in the company compared with 2020. In Ottawa, when asked about the impact of the international bureau closings and the firing of journalists on the news landscape in Canada, Deputy Prime Minister and Finance Minister Chrystia Freeland a former journalist said she was sad about that. You know, all of us, maybe especially journalists of a certain age, we have seen colleagues laid off and I think it is a shame. CTV has some really experienced, hard-working, talented journalists who Canadians have come to rely on. And so thats a real loss for Canada, and Canadians. It also comes after a tumultuous year for the broadcaster. Last summer, longtime national anchor LaFlamme released a video saying she had been blindsided when her contract was ended, in an unexpected departure that Bell called a business decision. But questions soon began to swirl about whether it was also influenced by ageism and sexism while younger than her predecessors had been when they retired, LaFlamme had let her hair go grey during the pandemic prompting a third-party workplace review. Staff say Gray held all-hands meetings with each individual division last week, in which he talked about the need to centralize, though few details were provided. One employee said he talked about how the company was losing money and the national show had lost some viewers when LaFlamme left. Still, there was no mention of layoffs, leaving many surprised. So too were some radio fans. Just after 9 a.m. in Edmonton Curt Manning was listening to TSN 1260, an all-sports talk radio station that focuses on the Edmonton Oilers and the Elks when the regular hosts were replaced with an automated message thanking listeners. It told them that the station was now off the air. It went to commercial and never came back, he said. Manning had grown up listening to the station and now even his kids were disappointed. Just heartbreaking. Its one of the stations now shuttered, along with Winnipegs Funny 1290, Calgarys Funny 1060, Vancouvers BNN Bloomberg Radio 1410 and Funny 1040, and Londons NewsTalk 1290. Bell Media is also selling Hamiltons AM Radio 1150 and AM 820, as well as Windsors AM 580, to an undisclosed third party, subject to CRTC approval. In an open letter posted to the companys website on Wednesday, Bell Canada president and CEO Mirko Bibic said the company expects to lose more than $250 million in legacy phone revenues a year, while its news operations incur $40 million in annual operating losses. He said Bell radio stations have seen profits cut in half since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic. The job reductions are consistent with but smaller than similar reductions announced by other leading technology and media companies across North America in recent months, Bibic said. Though as recently as 2021, some of the specialty channels seemed to have some money coming in. According to their filings to the Canadian Radio-television and Telecommunications Commission, or CRTC, CTV News Channel, BNN and CP24 made roughly $52 million in pre-tax profit that year. But locally made TV news continues to be an expensive venture. A CRTC report estimated that Canadian broadcasters spent just over a billion dollars on in-house production in 2020, with the majority, or about $691 million, devoted to news. That compares to about $204 million for sports. Noting that the cost of wireless service has declined around 25 per cent and the cost of broadband high-speed internet has gone up by less than one per cent over the last three years, despite Canadas overall high inflation, Malcolmson said maybe its time to declare victory for Ottawa. I think the governments sort of populist focus on pricing isnt necessarily in line with current reality and the government has created an intensely competitive industry structure that they should allow to play out, he said. Malcolmson also lamented the process around two pieces of legislation designed to help Canadas struggling media sector. While Bill C-18 would require companies like Google and Meta to pay Canadian outlets for news content that appear on their platforms, he said it could be for naught if the companies follow through on threats to simply restrict or block news links on their sites. The other, Bill C-11, aims to force platforms such as Netflix, YouTube and TikTok to contribute a percentage of their Canadian revenue to Canadian production, but Malcolmson said its not going to solve the fundamental problem that popular American content is being withheld by major streaming platforms from appearing on Canadian TV. Meanwhile, media continues to decline. According to the Local News Project, over 250 Canadian outlets closed between 2008 and 2018, with even newer digital giants like Buzzfeed and Vice cutting back in more recent years. With files from The Canadian Press Read more about: SHARE: PRINCE RUPERT, B.C. - A large police presence remains at a home in the northwest British Columbia city of Prince Rupert where four people were found dead. A neighbour, who didnt want to disclose her name, said Thursday officers appear to be gathering evidence inside and outside the house and a police investigation tent has been set up in the front yard. She said she did not know the people whose bodies were found inside the home. Prince Rupert RCMP said a homicide investigation is underway after officers responded to a call Tuesday evening to the 100 block of Silversides Drive. Police said they do not believe there were outstanding suspects in the case, and there should be no further risk to the public. Prince Rupert Mayor Herb Pond and North Coast MLA Jennifer Rice said residents in the city of about 12,000 people are in shock over the deaths. Its heart wrenching, said Pond in an interview. In a community of 12,000 people everybody knows somebody whos connected. This is going to echo through the community for sure. The mayor said the deaths occurred in a suburban area of Prince Rupert known as a family neighbourhood, with larger, upscale homes. North Coast MLA Jennifer Rice said Prince Rupert is in shock over the deaths and mourning a really sad situation. The city endured a similar tragedy last November, with the murder-suicide of a woman and man that occurred in a local shopping mall, she said. Im encouraging people to hold each other up like we have done once before in tragedy, said Rice. The names of the four people found dead in the home have not been released. This report by The Canadian Press was first publishedJune 15, 2023. Read more about: SHARE: EDMONTON - Alberta Premier Danielle Smith says shes free to post on Facebook again, a day after she publicly accused the social media giant of censoring her. However, Meta, which owns Facebook, says Smith was never blocked from posting and access to her site was temporarily limited for reasons of security, not censorship. Happy to report, my page is able to post on Facebook again, Smith told her Twitter followers on Thursday. I hope this is the last time it happens. A day earlier, Smith announced on Twitter that she had been blocked from posting and attributed it without evidence to censorship. Big tech and government censorship is becoming a danger to free speech around the world, Smith tweeted on Wednesday. My Facebook account has been banned from posting content for a few days. As the premier of a province of 4.6 million Albertans if they can prevent me from communicating with you, imagine what they can do to any one of us. Regardless of our political leanings, we must all stand against censorship. On Thursday, Meta spokesman David Troya-Alvarez disputed Smiths assertions. There were no restrictions placed on the premiers (Facebook) page. One of the pages administrators faced restrictions, but that did not impact the underlying pages ability to post content, said Troya-Alvarez. Troya-Alvarez did not respond to questions about why the account was suspended, but Smith posted the Facebook message sent to her on Wednesday that stated it was done for security reasons. The Meta site also states it will remove content deemed to be misinformation that risks causing violence or physical harm to people or threatens to help undermine the functioning of government or public processes. Smiths office declined to answer questions over why it believes Smith was being blocked due to censorship issues rather than security concerns or what evidence her office relied on in coming to that judgment. This report by The Canadian Press was first published June 15, 2023. with files from Ritika Dubey Read more about: SHARE: EDMONTON Alberta Premier Danielle Smith kicked up a stink this week over issues of free speech after she said her Facebook account had been inexplicably suspended for a few days. But a day after she went public, Meta, the parent company of Facebook, said she could have used her page all along. Big tech and government censorship is becoming a danger to free speech around the world, Smith protested Wednesday, in a tweet tagging Twitter owner Elon Musk and Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg. As the Premier of a province of 4.6 million Albertans if they can prevent me from communicating with you, imagine what they can do to any one of us. Regardless of our political leanings, we must all stand against censorship. But a spokesperson for Meta said Thursday that its not the case while an as-of-yet unnamed person designated as an administrator of the page faced suspension for reasons that are unclear (the spokesperson said they dont release private information), the page itself could still post. There were no restrictions placed on the premiers page, the spokesperson said in an email to the Star. The Facebook page lists five people, all residing in Canada, as being managers of it. A couple of hours after Meta put out its statement rebuffing the premiers claims, Smith posted on Twitter: Happy to report, my page is able to post on Facebook again. Smith included a screenshot of what she says she saw when she got the suspension message, adding I hope this is the last time it happens. Sorry, you cant post to Facebook from this account: For security reasons, your account has limited access to the site for a few days. If you have any questions, please contact our Help Center, the message read. A spokesperson refused to answer clarifying questions about what happened, and instead pointed the Star to the premiers Thursday tweet. The original tweet about censorship remained online with more than 5,000 retweets and 2,000 comments. Read more about: SHARE: Despite setbacks during COVID-19, Canadas population is now growing at a record-setting pace and has just passed the 40 million mark, reads a new update from Statistics Canada. According to StatCans real-time population clock, Canadas numbers hit the 40 million mark just before 3 p.m. EST Friday. Patrick Charbonneau, chief of StatCans Centre for Demography, told the Star Thursday: Canada is now reaching the 40 million mark, which is a milestone and we're seeing that growth almost in all 13 provinces and territories Canada is by far the fastest-growing among G7 countries, which has been the case for at least two decades, he continued. While the nations peers are bracing for population decline, Canadas growth sits at 2.7 per cent the highest level its been since 1957, StatCan said in a news release Thursday. Between January 2021 and 2022, Canada added over a million new people for the first time in its history. The overwhelming majority of this is a result of temporary and permanent international migration, which accounted for 96 per cent of 2022s 1,050,110 new people, according to StatCan. Should the trend continue, Canadas population could hit 50 million by 2043. Since 1995, the majority of (Canadas) population growth is coming from immigration, Charbonneau said. This is due to the fact that the population is ageing so we're recording more deaths and we're also seeing less births than before. As a result, Canada has ramped up its efforts to draw in immigrants and fresh talent in recent years to combat labour shortages and to care for the ageing population, Charbonneau said. Lately, Canada has also seen a swell in temporary immigration people entering the country using workers permits, student permits or asylum seekers, for example, he continued. Growth briefly faltered between 2020 to 2021 as a result of border restrictions made to slow COVID-19, but the numbers soon picked back up. In 2021, more than 8.3 million people 23 per cent of the total population was a landed immigrant or permanent resident in Canada. Thats the largest proportion since Canadas Confederation in 1867, StatCan said. The nations Indigenous population growth continues to outpace the national average, increasing by 9.4 per cent from 2016 to 2021 compared to Canadas 5.3 per cent growth. In 2021, the Census counted 1.8 million Indigenous people around 5 per cent of the total population, up from 4.9 per cent in 2016, according to StatCan. Canada continues its push to draw in more immigrants, recently launching a new program to expedite permanent residence for skilled immigrants in five key sectors including health care, STEM and the trades. Earlier in 2022, the nation announced it would use a new power to hand-pick immigrants, with the plan to bring in 465,000 new permanent residents in 2023; 485,000 in 2024; and 500,000 in 2025. That being said, even highly skilled immigrants are having a hard time staying in Canada, citing a lack of Canadian work experience, high rent and an ever-increasing cost of living. Conservative estimates by StatCan say 15 to 20 per cent of immigrants will leave the country within 10 years. As a demographer, Charbonneau doesnt like making economic predictions. But what I can tell you for sure, is that a population that is rising fast as well as a population that is declining fast will have consequences for the economy. Demography and economy are always linked together. SHARE: FREDERICTON - New Brunswick Social Development Minister Dorothy Shephard, who was among several Progressive Conservative government members who disagreed with changes to the provinces LGBTQ policy in schools, resigned Thursday from cabinet. Her two-sentence handwritten resignation letter said she could no longer remain in the cabinet of Premier Blaine Higgs. I resign from cabinet, effective immediately, she wrote. Shephard told reporters that her resignation wasnt only due to Policy 713, which establishes minimum standards for schools to ensure a safe, welcoming and inclusive environment for LGBTQ students. I resigned because there is no process, she said, wearing a rainbow flag on her left lapel. Cabinet and caucus are routinely dismissed. I have been struggling with this since October of 2021. I have had colleagues and friends encourage me to stay in the inner circle to do the best I can do. I feel Ive done that. But Ive run out of runway. Theres no accomplishing anything more in this cabinet. So Im ready to leave. The legislature voted Thursday afternoon for the provinces child and youth advocate to consult with stakeholders about the changes made to Policy 713. The changes include requiring students under 16 to receive parental consent before they can change their names or pronouns at school. The new policy also removes language stating that students participation in sports will be consistent with their gender identity. Eight members of the Tory caucus, including Shephard, sat out question period on June 8 in protest of the policy. Shephard said Thursday that she felt she was going to be removed from cabinet for speaking her mind. Ive always tried to be very honest, very frank, she said. Its my job to be frank with the premier, to give my opinions, to give my counsel, my guidance, my input. Thats what I do. And thats what Ive done. Im fine. Im OK. Higgs said he stood by the changes made to the policy and called Shephards resignation unfortunate. I think its unfortunate that if someone says, Well, I didnt get the vote I wanted or the majority of caucus didnt agree with me, that you walk away, he said. Shephard is the second minister to resign from Higgss cabinet. Dominic Cardy, who served as education minister, resigned in October citing the premiers wrecking-ball leadership style. Higgs said it could be argued that Shephard and Cardy quit because they didnt get their way. Maybe both were strong cabinet ministers. Both, maybe in (that) sense, were very convicted in their views. Higgs reiterated that he is willing to call an election over changes made to Policy 713. I guess if this situation drives an election to come forward, I will certainly be running in it, he said. We are addressing a lot of issues in the province. And they arent easy. This is probably one of the most sensitive ones. And it takes resolve, but it takes having balanced discussions and a balanced approach. And this is an approach of how do we engage parents. Thats what this is about. This report by The Canadian Press was first published June 15, 2023. Read more about: SHARE: HALIFAX - Nova Scotias premier pulled no punches Thursday, saying Ottawa should pay the entire cost of protecting the important land corridor linking his province and New Brunswick from climate change-related flooding. Tim Houston made the comment after being asked whether his government would apply to the federal disaster mitigation fund by the July 19 deadline. Federal Infrastructure Minister Dominic LeBlanc has encouraged both provinces to apply for funding for up to half the $301-million potential cost to protect the Chignecto Isthmus. That (land) strip is a very significant national trade corridor, Houston said. We understand Minister LeBlancs position on that and the offer for the feds to pay 50 per cent, but quite frankly we think hes wrong. We think the feds should be paying for that. The premier said the federal government has a constitutional obligation to fund the project similar to the obligation it had during the construction of the Confederation Bridge, which links Prince Edward Island to New Brunswick. He said Ottawa is trying to avoid doing what it needs to do. The federal government is trying to entice the (Atlantic) region into helping them get away from their responsibility, he said. We are not going to help them get away from their responsibility. However, LeBlanc has pushed back against the idea put forward in April by New Brunswick Premier Blaine Higgs that Ottawa should bare the full cost of the project. The federal minister said the Confederation Bridge is a special case because the Island had been promised a year-round transportation link to the mainland as a condition for entering Confederation. A spokesman for LeBlanc issued a statement Thursday repeating the federal governments position and urging the provinces to apply for the federal disaster mitigation fund. The government of Canada is prepared to pay for 50 per cent of the cost of a major infrastructure project to protect the Chignecto Isthmus from storm surges and sea-level rise, Jean-Sebastien Comeau said. There is only a month left to apply for funding under this program and the sooner we can get construction underway, the better. The project aims to protect the Chignecto Isthmus on which lies sections of the Trans-Canada Highway, a CN rail line and communications infrastructure from potential damage by major storms and flooding until 2100. An engineering study released last year estimated that raising the height of 35 kilometres of dikes would cost $200 million; building a new dike would cost $189 million; and raising the existing dikes and installing steel sheet pile walls in select locations would cost about $301 million. The study cautioned that once an option is chosen, it would likely take five years for construction to begin, and then another 10 years to complete the project. But Houston seemed unmoved when asked whether the isthmus risked being damaged by extreme weather while governments haggled over who will pay to protect it. Were not the ones risking it, the federal government is the one thats trying to get away from their responsibility, the premier said. Experts have warned that the sea level at the mouth of the Bay of Fundy has been rising at a rate of about 2.4 millimetres a year over the past century. Nova Scotia Liberal Leader Zach Churchill panned Houstons position, saying it was the province that has abdicated its responsibility to protect a transport corridor that is vital for bringing commodities such as food into the Atlantic region. Both provinces need to work together and co-fund this project, Churchill said. They have to put some money on the table and make sure this gets done. NDP Leader Claudia Chender accused Houstons government of picking a political fight with the federal government. They are dragging their feet when urgency is required, Chender said. Meanwhile, Houston cast doubt on the future of the multi-billion dollar Atlantic Loop energy corridor. The proposed project envisions giving the Atlantic region more access to Labrador and Quebec hydroelectricity. Houston said that while the loop would help Nova Scotia meet its climate obligations, the corridor isnt the be all and end all. If it was a different time and a different proposal and a different partnership from the federal government, then the Atlantic Loop might look like an attractive piece to the overall solution, he said. Its not looking like an attractive piece to the overall solution. Natural Resources Minister Tory Rushton said the province is increasingly focused on several other options, including wind, tidal power and green hydrogen. There have been no further (loop funding) numbers shared with us from the federal level about what their investment is, Rushton said. Were certainly looking at other options. This report by The Canadian Press was first published June 15, 2023. Read more about: SHARE: Toronto Public Health issued three conditional passes to restaurants, cafes, bakeries, bars and grocery stores on June 13. Chick Fiesta at 699 Markham Road received a conditional pass with one major infraction: Mechanical equipment not maintained to provide sufficient chemical solution rinse Sams Food Store at 236 Sherbourne Street received a conditional pass with four major infractions: Display potentially hazardous foods at internal temperature between 4 C and 60 C Fail to maintain handwashing stations (liquid soap and paper towels) Fail to protect against harbouring of pests Fail to provide thermometer in refrigeration equipment Thalassery Junction Heart Of Malabar at 2900 Eglinton Avenue East received a conditional pass with four major infractions: Fail to ensure equipment surface cleaned as necessary Fail to protect food from contamination or adulteration Fail to provide adequate number of handwashing stations Mechanical equipment not maintained to provide clean wash water 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: Peel Region is getting divorced. But one GTA mayor thinks York Region should do the opposite. Markham Mayor Frank Scarpitti put out an unexpected statement on Wednesday calling for the province to consider amalgamating all of Yorks nine municipalities but he didnt ask his neighbouring communities if they were interested in the union. The province has taken bold steps restructuring the City of Toronto Council and Peel Region and should be doing the same in York Region, said Scarpitti. I hope when the facilitator embarks on their mandate for York Region, they will come forward with some changes and not just leave the status quo in place. But several mayors say the feelings are not mutual. I frankly disagree with the suggested direction of Mayor Scarpitti, said Newmarket Mayor John Taylor. This is coming out of nowhere and trying to solve a problem that doesnt exist. As far I know, peoples priorities are housing affordability, or the climate crisis, or homelessness if we take this on, it will redirect us and will limit our ability to address issues that are priority number one and that our residents really want us to focus on, he said. Last month, the province announced it was moving ahead with the dissolution of Peel Region which stretches over 1,200 square kilometres and the creation of three distinct municipalities of Mississauga, Caledon and Brampton to help cut red tape. And in 2018, in the middle of the municipal election, the province decided to cut Toronto council from 47 members to 25 plus the mayor. Now, the Markham mayor has thrown another option into the ring to see if consolidating York Region (1,700 square kilometres) is the best way to achieve efficiencies. The province also recently said it would conduct another review of municipal governance for the upper-tier municipalities of York, Durham, Halton, Niagara, Simcoe and Waterloo. A similar exercise took place in 2018, but the province did not release the report from the review. The regional facilitators will be named in coming weeks. While the review process has not yet begun, the province has no intention of unilaterally imposing amalgamations on municipalities in these areas, said Victoria Podbielski, press secretary for Municipal Affairs and Housing Minister Steve Clark. Facilitators will be tasked with making recommendations to ensure municipal governance structures can effectively respond to the issues facing Ontarios fast-growing municipalities today, including tackling the housing supply crisis. Richmond Hill Mayor David West said hes opposed to the idea of amalgamation because all the municipalities in York Region are different. They all have a unique flavour and getting rid of them just takes all of that uniqueness and puts it into jeopardy, said West, who said he welcomes the review and opportunities to make government more efficient. West said studies have shown that amalgamations arent often cost-effective. Both Aurora Mayor Tom Mrakas and Whitchurch-Stouffville Mayor Iain Lovatt said in statement they also opposed the idea of amalgamation. But in his statement, Scarpitti said it makes little sense that York Region with 1.2 million people has 77 municipal representatives, whereas the City of Toronto has 26 for three million people. Peel Region, which is now being split apart, has 1.45 million people. He also said the operating expenses of all nine York municipalities Markham, Richmond Hill, Vaughan, Newmarket, Aurora, Georgina, Whitchurch-Stouffville, East Gwillimbury, King City and the regional office of York amount to $4.4 billion. Consolidating electric utilities and transportation services, for example, would represent a saving. I think we need to consolidate, save money and make local governments and programs stronger, said Scarpitti, admitting that its a different approach than whats happening in Peel. He believes that trying to dismantle major services like transit, police, public health and EMS which will eventually take place in Peel is a difficult exercise ... and you can get across the finish line much sooner by consolidating. Taylor worries a merger would further minimize the voice of the people. Thats what is missing here. I think before we run out and tell everybody what we think their government should look like, we should ask the people what their government should look like, said Taylor. That seems to be a dying tenet of democracy asking the people what they want. Noor Javed is a Toronto-based reporter for the Star covering city news with interest in 905 municipal politics. Follow her on Twitter: @njaved SHARE: SYDNEY, June 15 (Xinhua) -- The Crime Statistics Agency in the Australian state of Victoria on Thursday released the latest data on crime incidents recorded by state police during the 12 months ending March this year, which showed an alarming surge in youth offenses. Crime incidents in Victoria have risen by 5.6 percent from the previous year, with teenagers aged 10 to 14 responsible for a surge in youth offenses, according to the data from the local governmental agency. Youth gang members were arrested 1,536 times, and burglaries committed by youths aged 10 to 14 jumped by 86.7 percent. Despite overall home burglaries being at their third lowest level in the past decade, there was a 30-percent increase in aggravated residential burglaries driven by a predominantly youth cohort sneaking into unlocked homes to steal car keys. Victoria Police have launched a specialized operation to address serious and violent youth crime, resulting in 137 less known youth gang members in Victoria than when Operation Alliance commenced in September 2020. On Saturday, as part of a day of errands, Farzana Doctor swung by Ourland Community Centre in South Etobicoke to vote for Torontos next mayor. She and her partner Reyan Naim zipped in and out at the advance poll one of 50 across the city offering an opportunity to vote well before election day on Monday June 26. Hey #Toronto, advance polls are open! Doctor exclaimed in a tweet as she exited. Doctor and Naim were two of 129,745 people who voted at advance polls over six days from June 8 to 13 a nearly 12 per cent increase compared to the 115,911 voters who cast their ballots in eight days of advance voting in last Octobers municipal election. Tuesday saw the biggest crowds some 38,621 eligible voters for the highest single day turnout at an advance poll since Torontos amalgamation in 1998, according to the city. At noon on Saturday, it took Doctor mere minutes. There was zero lineup.There were way more people (later) at IKEA, the writer and psychotherapist said with a laugh. Voters are increasingly turning up to vote early at elections for all levels of government, said Aaron Moore, an associate professor at the University of Winnipeg who has written about Toronto politics. He puts it down to awareness and convenience. But, he warned, this phenomenon doesnt necessarily translate to higher total voter turnout. Its the people who normally turn out on election day who are just turning out earlier, said Moore, who is also a fellow at the University of Torontos Institute on Municipal Finance and Governance. Doctor is one of those. She always votes, and tries to do so in advance polls because shes never sure what her schedule will be like on election day. That said, the fact that there is no incumbent could shake things up. There are 102 candidates vying for the mayors job. When you have an election that's competitive and people are really invested in it, they're more likely to turn out, said Moore. Whereas when John Tory was running for re-election over and over again, people just kind of assumed he was going to win, so they didn't really bother. In fact, the lowest total voter turnout in a Toronto municipal election in more than two decades was last October, at 30 per cent, when Tory ran successfully for a third term before resigning months later after admitting to a relationship with a staffer. Doctor observed in the last election that people said Tory was going to win, so what was the point. Perhaps people are a little bit more interested and invested this time around because they think they can make a difference. I hope. Moore said its too early to say whether new strong mayor powers granted by Doug Fords provincial government have motivated people to be more concerned about who will take over Torontos top job, but it is something in the back of Doctors mind. Toronto has a lot of problems. They're not insurmountable, but they do require really good leadership, she said. So I just really wanted a candidate that will be able to stand up against Ford and lead with some values that are congruent with my own. For Torontos more than 1.89 million eligible electors, there will be 1,445 voting locations set up across Toronto on June 26 from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. 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 Read more about: SHARE: A man was pulled dead from Lake Ontario following reports of a swimmer in distress near the Mississauga waterfront, Peel Regional Police said Wednesday. Officers responded to multiple reports of a swimmer in trouble near the Lakefront Promenade area of Mississauga at around 3:45 p.m. Peel polices marine unit and Mississauga Fire responded within minutes and looked for the man for several hours, said media relations officer Const. Tyler Bell-Morena. Crews eventually found the man deceased in the water shortly before 6 p.m. Bell-Morena said police believe the man was swimming near R.K. McMillan Park and went into distress while he was making his way back to land. Police said the water was thought to be relatively calm at the time and that no witnesses entered the water. The man, who was in his 60s, was swimming alone, police said. MB Marissa Birnie is a breaking news reporter, working out of the Stars radio room in Toronto. Follow her on Twitter: @marissabirnie Read more about: SHARE: Toronto police have released the name of a man who died after an altercation last year and charged a teenage boy with manslaughter in his death. In a press release Wednesday, police identified the victim as 59-year-old Dane Chung of Toronto. Last September, police responded to a call near Victoria Park Avenue and Ellesmere Road. According to police, an altercation between two teenage boys and Chung took place and resulted in the victim being taken to hospital with life-threatening injuries. Chung died in hospital in December, three months after the incident, police said. At the time, police charged one 15-year-old boy with aggravated assault and a second 15-year-old boy with assault. On June 2, police upgraded the charge for the first boy; he now faces a charge of manslaughter. The boys cannot be named under the Youth Criminal Justice Act. Police are asking anyone with information about the incident to contact them at 416-808-7400 or call Crime Stoppers anonymously at 416-222-8477. MB Marissa Birnie is a breaking news reporter, working out of the Stars radio room in Toronto. Follow her on Twitter: @marissabirnie SHARE: After 60 years in operation, Country Style Hungarian Restaurant will soon be serving its last schnitzel platter. Closing as of Aug. 1, it is the last remaining restaurant that once made part of the Annex a hotspot for Hungarian cuisine. Im going to miss it. This is my life. Everyones so sad and I already cant sleep, said owner Katalin Koltai, who first worked at Country Style in the early 80s before she bought the business and the building at 450 Bloor St. W., from its previous owners in 2001. Koltai is retiring and said Vietnamese restaurant Dear Saigon will be opening a third location in the space. I tried to sell it to a Hungarian family but no one took it. I have to sell it. Ive been here doing it for 25 years and I have to finish, said Koltai. (The new owners) are good people. The building is ours and we wanted to find good people. A notice about the restaurants impending closure was posted to the restaurants Facebook page on Monday, eliciting dozens of users to share memories of their favourite meals there. Some reminisced about the platters and uborka salata. For others, eating at Country Style was a childhood ritual after church service. The schnitzels were always lightly breaded and fried to a deep golden brown, and made a delicate crunching noise with every bite. Koltais daughter, also named Katalin, works alongside her mother at the restaurant but the senior Koltai doesnt want her to continue the business. You dont get holidays, weekends, Christmas, she said. She has two small kids and its not easy. Maybe one day shell open up (another Country Style). Maybe later. Known for its checkerboard tablecloths, comforting cups of goulash and gargantuan schnitzel platters with a steak knife plunged down the centre, the cosy restaurant favoured by generations of families (and very hungry students) was once a part of what was lovingly dubbed as The Goulash Archipelago. One of their most popular menu items is the showstopping wooden platters for two that consists of two types of schnitzel, sausage sliced to resemble delicious coils of octopus tentacles, big fat cabbage rolls, fried potatoes, beets and dumplings. Tens of thousands of Hungarians arrived in Canada during the late 1950s and 60s after the Hungarian Revolution. Many opened bookstores, butchers and salons in neighbourhoods like Yorkville, Kensington Market and the Annex. Nostalgic diners will remember restaurants such as The Coffee Mill, Korona, Hungarian Castle and Hungarian Rhapsody, the latter of which Koltai briefly ran before taking over Country Style. As the years went on, the number of Hungarian businesses diminished as the owners retired, or moved out of the neighbourhood. You can still get a taste of Budapest in the Annex, however. Next door to Country Style is Evas Original Chimneys, a Hungarian pastry shop that opened in 2017. To be beside one of the most long-standing, and probably the last, Hungarian place in the area is an honour, Evas co-founder Jason Butler told the Star in 2021 about opening adjacent to the last restaurant from that era. I guess we re-established a bit of a little Hungarian neighbourhood, but theyre the ones who have been there through and through. SHARE: The Ontario Landlord and Tenant Board (LTB) has ruled that a Swiss family staying as long-term guests in a Toronto Airbnb do not qualify as tenants, in a decision that could have implications for similar arrangements across the province. The impact could potentially be huge, because we know that long-term rentals are increasing on Airbnbs platform, said Thorben Wieditz, director of advocacy group Fairbnb Canada. It creates this no mans land that is unregulated. In a decision released Thursday, board member Peter Nicholson stated that while he is sympathetic to the tenants situation (he used landlord and tenant throughout for lack of other terms), he found that the travelling and vacationing public exemption under Section 5 of Ontarios Residential Tenancies Act (RTA) applied to the accommodation. He added that although the same exemption may not apply to other online bookings of a similar length, in this case, among other factors, the reservation was booked on a platform typically used by the travelling or vacationing public. He also noted that the tenants arrived from Switzerland for a fixed period of time, and the property was stocked with items such as bedding and towels. At the heart of the case was whether mid-to-long-term stays on sites such as Airbnb qualify as tenancies under the RTA and whether such guests would be entitled to the same rights as other tenants. These types of arrangements are becoming more common in Toronto, with more than an estimated 12,000 such stays listed on Airbnbs site, according to the city. The dispute has been closely watched by tenant advocates who say this creates a shadow rental market that leaves tenants vulnerable to landlords, who can cancel reservations without notice. Listings for more than 28 days also fall outside of the citys short-term rental regulations. Advocates say the ruling could lead more landlords to consider this type of arrangement. Airbnb spokesperson Matt McNama said in an emailed statement: The reservation on the platform ended earlier this year. As such, this is a private matter between two individuals. The LTB dispute stemmed from the end date of a booking made by Tianning Ning and her family. Arriving in Toronto so that her husband could be a visiting professor at York University, they reserved a roughly 10-month stay in the upper unit of a spacious home near Yonge and St. Clair streets. The booking was for late summer 2022 until the end of June 2023 through Airbnb for $5,150 a month, before taxes and service fees. But the end date of the booking was changed to Jan. 31 midway through. The owner, Suzanne Porter, told the board the gorgeous, beautiful midtown home with a large upper unit and a basement apartment was her principal residence and she and her own family had temporarily moved out to take care of her partners mother. Due to an emergency they needed to move back in sooner than anticipated, but Airbnb assured them that was well within their rights and that they would work with the guest to find them new accommodation. Basically, all hell broke loose at that point, Porter testified at the hearing in early May. Its been horrendous. She and her partner were painted as money-grubbing landlords, she said at the hearing. She maintained that the agreement was made under Airbnbs terms and services. Following the release of the decision, Porter said she was relieved. This has been going on for so long and the attack on our character and our reputation has been really difficult to deal with, she said. Im hoping with this ruling from the LTB we can just feel a sense of resolution and have our family back, have our home back, and get our life back. She urged other landlords to be very clear about what it is youre getting into. She also acknowledged a real grey area in the city of Toronto right now that needs to be clarified for everyone in terms of these types of rentals. Ning and her family remained in the home until earlier this month, but have since moved into other temporary accommodations. Ning said Thursday they were locked out. Porter said the house appeared vacant so they hired a property firm to deal with it and took peaceful possession, and that she had not received any payment since the booking was cancelled in January. Ning said she had offered to pay Porter off platform, but Porter said she believed this would establish a traditional landlord-tenant relationship. Ning plans to request that the board review the order and appeal to the divisional court. I think the scope of the problem clearly goes beyond our case and this decision encourages landlords to continue to migrate from short-term rental to long-term rental, she said Thursday, referring to Airbnb listings. In the ruling, Nicholson noted that Ning had asked for a lease but Porter had preferred to stay on Airbnb given her past experience with the platform. There must be laws and regulations that state clearly the landlord cannot refuse to sign a lease agreement, said Ning. SHARE: The swim program at several Toronto public schools will remain afloat, following a Wednesday night board meeting where trustees voted in favour of hiring six aquatics instructors to ensure full programming continues next year. Jason Tham, whose daughter attends a school that would have seen programming cut in half, is delighted. My daughter went from having a dark cloud over her head to (she) cant stop smiling, said Tham, whose daughter Sophie is on the swim team at Brown Junior Public School, which is among the eight elementary schools and 12 high schools that would have been impacted. She is genuinely happy that several schools will be restored with full swim programs so that everyone can enjoy the pool again. Swimming programs for next year were inadvertently impacted when trustees voted in March to reduce the number of instructors from 93 to 80, after staff told them it wouldnt impact programming. Eighty instructors had worked this past year, and staff figured the board could manage with the same number for next year. But after that vote, staff realized that because of the collective agreement, and the status of maintenance projects at some pools, it would be impossible to deliver regular programming. So to avoid closures, the Toronto District School Board decided that eight of its 26 elementary schools with pools, and 12 of its 39 high schools with pools, would share instructors. That decision upset many community members, including students, who made presentations at recent TDSB meetings, asking trustees to keep regular programming with full-time instructors. Some trustees, meanwhile, raised concerns that certain areas of the city are underserved when it comes to swimming instruction, saying there isnt an equitable distribution of programming. Addition of 6 instructors On Wednesday night, Trustee Shelley Laskins motion passed it requests the addition of six instructors, at a cost of $400,000, to ensure full programming continues next year. That means kids in schools with operational pools will have the swim teachers needed for regular classes and extracurricular activities, such as swim teams. I am grateful, Laskin told the Star after the vote. Grateful to the communities for sharing their stories on the importance of swim programming in schools with pools, grateful to senior staff for acknowledging the unintentional impact of the original staffing decision and supporting the return to full programming, grateful to my colleagues for their support. ....And based on the students who came to the board and spoke to us, were making them happy. Were providing all of them, including students of differing abilities, opportunities to learn to swim together, receive lifesaving skills and hopefully save lives. Lynn Thomson, co-chair of the school council at Brown Junior Public School, also welcomes the news, saying the decision corrects an error that would have had a devastating impact on so many current and future students in the city. This positive outcome reflects a powerful collaborative effort by entire school communities, including teachers, students, parents/caregivers and trustees, to do what was right by our children, she said Thursday. Laskin first presented her motion at a finance committee meeting on Tuesday, where it was unanimously supported, but trustees raised various points. Programs inequitably distributed Trustee James Li noted that the communities impacted by this issue have a very strong voice in advocacy. Meanwhile, other communities have in the past experienced similar cuts to other programming, but their voices werent heard, likely because the parents of the impacted kids couldnt advocate for them, perhaps because of language barriers or not knowing how to navigate the system. He also said the programs are inequitably distributed because many schools dont have pools and he questioned why putting money into aquatics programming was taking precedence over many other things that were not funding, for example, special education. TDSB staff said they intend to do a full review in the fall of aquatics programming across the system to ensure students and the broader community have access. Trustee Neethan Shan asked that the review include the use of TDSB facilities by students from schools without pools and members of the broader community. And that it also explore partnering with other organizations that have pools so that kids can access swimming lessons. Im deeply concerned about access to swimming programs in areas, particularly north of the (Highway) 401, he said. If we believe swimming is a critical part of the (programming) we need to offer, we (must) find ways to extend (it), but also find ways to collaborate with other community organizations to open these spaces up on the weekend. SHARE: A teen has been charged after allegedly making bomb threats against a North York school. On Wednesday, Toronto police say officers received a call for a bomb threat at Georges Vanier Secondary School on Don Mills Road East near Fairview Mall. The school received an email saying there were bombs on school property, police allege. As a result the school was evacuated. Police searched the school and did not find bombs or explosives in the school. A 14-year-old was arrested and faces a number of charges including public mischief and uttering threats. He has not been named in accordance with the Youth Criminal Justice Act. He will attend court in July. Anyone with information should contact police at 32 Division or Crime Stoppers. SHARE: Toronto remains a relatively safe city when compared with other cities, according to the data, but that hasnt dimmed the spotlight on public safety in this election. We asked three experts to review leading candidates platforms. The issue: 23: homicides this year, including 10 stabbings and seven shootings 117: reported offences against TTC customers and 127 reported offences against employees in March 71: carjackings this year, 164 in 2022 506: opioid toxicity deaths in Toronto in 2022 $48.3 million: Increase to Toronto police budget this year The promises: Ana Bailao Public safety: Voted to urge the federal government to forbid the sale of handguns and for the province to outlaw the sale of handgun ammunition in Toronto; will expand Toronto Community Crisis Service to cover the whole city, connecting people in crisis with mental health workers; supports bail reform so violent, repeat offenders are not constantly in a revolving door between courts and city streets. Transit: Bring cell service to the TTC; immediately redeploy and hire staff across all stations; expand security camera coverage; reverse transit cuts and add cleaning schedules; supports amending Criminal Code to include transit workers facing harassment. Substance use: Introduce mobile mental health clinics partnering with community health groups in high priority neighbourhoods and transit stations. Police funding: Will not vote to defund the police, says the city needs to have an adequately funded police service. Expert takes: Curt Griffiths, criminology professor and co-ordinator of Police Studies program at Simon Fraser University: Forbidding the sale of handguns or ammunition wont end gun violence: People that are involved in handgun violence are in a criminal lifestyle. They can get access to any ammunition and guns they want, 24/7, 365 (days a year). An alternative solution is focusing on prevention programs and identifying kids in school that are at risk of becoming gang-involved. Erick Laming, assistant professor of criminology at Trent University: Bailaos statements about police funding make it clear about where she stands:It just sounds like pretty much whatever the police want police will get in that sense, because shes already made it clear that shes voted against it and she would never vote in favour of defunding. Brad Bradford Public safety: Using provincial money, create a bail compliance unit of 68 new police officers to keep tabs on alleged criminals the court releases into the community. Transit: Install platform-edge doors at subway stations; deploy 40 new special constables and 50 new police officers; create a new agency to provide mental health services; bring cell reception to the subway. Substance use: Will work with front-line service providers to improve operations at safe consumption sites and expand treatment. Police funding: Has voted for the police chief budget all five years he has been on council. Expert takes: Anthony Doob, professor emeritus of criminology at the University of Toronto: How useful are bail compliance officers? How many people do you need to survey in order to find the needle in the haystack? Whos going to do something terrible? There are thousands out on bail. Checking whether the guy is in at five past 10 thats easy. But is that important? Is that what keeps the person from doing violent offences? Griffiths: One issue with candidates including mental health care in their platforms is that it is the responsibility of the province. These candidates can talk all they want about doing mental health. But somebodys going to have to decide, if the province isnt going to come to the table, were going to do our own mental health teams. Olivia Chow Public safety: Committed to expanding after-school activities, mentorship and education support, better employment programs and wraparound services for people in crisis. She will expand crisis response services and outreach teams across the city; shorten 911 call wait times; will expand housing, community recreation programs and mental health services. Transit: Cell service on the TTC; restore workers in TTC stations. Substance use: Supports the citys request for a federal exemption to decriminalize drugs. Police funding: Committed to expanding Torontos community crisis response teams citywide. Expert takes: Doob: Chow is looking at long-term solutions programs and policies that may not have success immediately, meaning she may not get credit if shes not still mayor. She seems to care less that itll show up in the next couple of years. It would be nice if it did, but shes saying in the long term, we have to do it right. Laming: Shes not making any hard promises about what shell do if elected. Shes going to attack these areas and shes committed to doing that, but shes not making a promise that its going to happen. Realistically, thats probably the best way to go. So on one side, its great. On the other side for people who want hard answers its limited. Anthony Furey Public safety: Work with the police board and chief to enhance beat cops on the street; ensure 90 per cent of 911 calls are answered within 15 seconds and 95 per cent are answered within 20 seconds; remove tent encampments, which he says are often scenes of violence, harassment and serious drug abuse; will push for reform of federal bail and parole rules. Transit: Send security and/or mental health workers to the scene on non-violent crimes; authorize and train TTC special constables to carry tasers instead of night sticks to deal with threatening people not injure them. Substance use: Will cancel proposed new Toronto Public Health injection sites and divert resources to treatment facilities; will push for TPH to work with the police and provincial health partners for more mandatory treatment options; will require safe injection site staff to do regular cleanup sweeps at parks close to their facilities. Police funding: Will hire 500 more officers; will not appoint a councillor to the executive committee if they called to defund the police. Expert takes: Doob: Fureys commitment to exclude a councillor if theyve called to defund the police, shows he doesnt want different points of view represented. The words defund the police mean lots of things; few people are suggesting that police budgets be reduced to zero immediately. It would be useful to have a discussion/analysis/debate on how best to use funds for public safety purposes. He doesnt seem to be interested in discussion or evidence. Griffiths: Im a huge fan of community focused policing and community based policing. So I like the enhancement of the beat cops officers that are even out of the car and doing foot patrols. Mitzie Hunter Public safety: Work with the provincial and federal governments to reduce access to handguns, tackle violence and support communities and victims. Transit: Pair social workers with transit officers on the TTC and implement platform screen doors; ensure all riders can use their cellphone regardless of provider. Substance use: Supports the request from the police chief and the citys medical health officer to decriminalize certain drugs for personal use. Police funding: Should remain stable, however we need to prioritize funding for community services, outreach programs and mental health supports. Expert takes: Griffiths: Like other candidates, what Hunter is proposing prevention and treatment of opioid addiction are the provinces responsibility. The municipality can assist and certainly co-ordinate. You want co-ordination between Toronto police and your provincial counterparts in health authorities, for example, and even maybe have joint teams. Laming: Hunters stance on keeping police funding stable while spending money on community services and mental health might not be the popular way to go in the eyes of some voters, but her safety plan is feasible. Whether it will curb the issues that were currently seeing in terms of the increase in violent incidents will obviously remain to be seen, but at least theres some type of tangible plan to put in place. RELATED STORIES Interactive Survey Who should you vote for in the Toronto election? Use our online tool to find out Josh Matlow Public safety: Invest in community spaces and other spaces, like local schools, to provide more access to social connection, youth programming and gathering spaces; create a $115-million fund for mental health crisis teams, additional and improved shelter beds, mental health and addiction counselling, safe spaces for at-risk youth, job training, recreation programming, expanded library access, child care and services for unhoused people. Transit: Through the community and health safety fund, mental health crisis teams specializing in de-escalation on the TTC. Substance use: Supports decriminalization of illicit drugs for personal use; supports safe-injection sites and wraparound services. Police funding: Will stabilize the police budget at $1.16 billion for the next three years to free up $115 million of funding in subsequent budgets to invest in crime prevention, such as crisis intervention teams, mental health supports and addressing the roots of youth violence. Expert takes: Doob: His key promises are all things the city needs. The hard part will be where to focus funding. Youre going to be making tough decisions, but at least what youd want would be tough decisions among things which are going to make Toronto a better city. Griffiths: The jury is still out on the effectiveness of decriminalization. I think its understandable what the idea of decriminalizing possession is, which is not arresting people. But police officers havent been arresting generally, often people for this anyway. There is concern marginalized people have been arrested more often than others for small possession, but you cant do these things in the absence of a robust treatment regimen for a person. Mark Saunders Public safety: Favours measures that will actual help combat gang and gun violence, not performative measures that wont actually do anything. Transit: Will increase TTC Special Constables to at least 200 and ensure they are visible throughout the system, and prevent loitering and other disturbances by enforcing existing bylaws; new assist buttons on subways, buses and streetcars to identify emerging incidents; create a minimum lighting standard at streetcar and bus stops. Install more live high-quality camera feeds on subways as well as at every bus and streetcar stop. Substance use: Will immediately call on council to cancel its request to the federal government to decriminalize drugs for personal use; will focus on treatment instead of expanding the facilitation of drug use. Police funding: Will hire 400 new Toronto police officers. Expert takes: Griffiths: Its one thing to say youll hire more officers, but you should be clear what role those officers will have. Officers could be paired with health or social workers, but just throwing them out on the front line to react to calls for service its not going to make any difference. Laming: Saunders has not specified whether the 400 new officers will be hired in one year or four, which would make a big difference to the city budget. We could just see more ballooning of the budget because of the commitment to having more officers in the field. Constables starting with the Toronto police make between $76,000 and $109,000 depending on their rank. SHARE: Toronto police have identified a man who was shot to death in North York on Monday morning. In a press release Thursday, police said the victim is 43-year-old Tung Duc Do, of Mississauga. On Monday, officers responded to reports of gunshots in the area of Steeles Avenue and Fenmar Drive, just after 11:30 a.m. Police then went to Steeles and Islington Avenues for a homicide call related to the same incident. There officers found the victim suffering from multiple gunshot wounds inside a parked car on the sidewalk. He died at the scene, police said. On Monday, police said it is likely that the victim was shot from another vehicle while both cars were driving along Steeles Avenue. Police found approximately 11 spent shell casings along Steeles Avenue West. Police told reporters at the scene that the shooting was not believed to be targeted. Anyone with information and anyone who might have dash cam footage of the area is asked to contact police at 416-808-7400 or call Crime Stoppers anonymously at 416-222-8477. With files from Santiago Arias Orozco MB Marissa Birnie is a breaking news reporter, working out of the Stars radio room in Toronto. Follow her on Twitter: @marissabirnie SHARE: Good morning. This is the June 15, 2023 edition of First Up, the Stars daily morning digest. Sign up to get it earlier each day, in your inbox. Heres the latest on the homes sitting on radioactive waste, widespread job cuts at Bell and Markhams hopes for amalgamation. DONT MISS: They thought theyd found an affordable place to live. They were never told about the radioactive mining waste Residents of a cluster of homes in Elliot Lake are being exposed to levels of gamma radiation and concentrations of radon gas far beyond whats considered safe, according to thousands of documents shared exclusively with the Investigative Journalism Bureau and the Toronto Star. Radioactive tailings from northern Ontario mines that produced uranium for atomic bombs were allegedly used as infill when the subdivision was established decades ago, Marco Chown Oved and Declan Keogh report. With the mine shut down and the dangers long forgotten, heres why residents are being left to foot the bill for a solution and worrying for their health. The response: Federal agencies tasked with overseeing radioactive materials are staying far from the cleanup. The problem is the responsibility of the homeowners, National Resources Canada said in a recent response to the Canadian Environmental Law Association and Blaise Law. Watch for: Fighting to fix what they say is a historic environmental injustice, four women are calling on the government to take responsibility for all the mining waste in Elliot Lake. They want it to conduct a study to determine the full extent of contamination and to pay for the removal of any radioactive materials. Bell is cutting 1,300 jobs, including prominent CTV journalists As part of a cost-reducing measure aimed at greater collaboration and efficiency, Bell is cutting 1,300 jobs, closing or selling nine radio stations and shuttering most of its remaining international bureaus. The network is moving to a single newsroom approach across brands, according to a memo to staff. But even while the news industry as a whole is in decline, the cuts are raising eyebrows, Alex Boyd writes. Bell Media has been steadily slashing positions for years. Heres what the company says is behind the cuts and Bells history with workers. The aftermath: Rosa Hwang, the executive producer of the national news, is out, along with CTV National News Ottawa bureau chief Joyce Napier, chief international correspondent Paul Workman, senior political correspondent Glen McGregor, London news bureau correspondent Daniele Hamamdjian and Los Angeles bureau chief Tom Walters. More: Among the Toronto casualties is the cancellation of Leafs Lunch on TSN 1050. By the numbers: Heres how much Bell CEO Mirko Bibic made last year and how it compares to the other heads of Canadas major telecoms. Markhams mayor thinks York Region municipalities should amalgamate Its the exact opposite of whats happening in Peel Region. In a statement Wednesday, Markham Mayor Frank Scarpitti said he wants to see Ontario amalgamate all nine of Yorks municipalities. He didnt, however, ask his neighbours if they were interested and many mayors say the feelings arent mutual, Noor Javed reports. Would the change minimize the voice of the people or make local governments and programs stronger? Word from the Newmarket mayor: I frankly disagree with the suggested direction of Mayor Scarpitti, John Taylor said. This is coming out of nowhere and trying to solve a problem that doesnt exist. By the numbers: Scarpitti said in his statement that it makes little sense that York Region, with 1.2 million people, has 77 municipal representatives, while Toronto has 26 for three million people. Peel Region, which is being split apart, has 1.45 million people. WHAT ELSE: Heres how Olivia Chow says she would deal with Doug Ford and bring accountability back to the mayors office. This is what the top mayoral candidates say they would do about crime and public safety and what the experts say. Advance voting for Toronto mayor is up 12 per cent. Heres what that could mean for the total turnout. Theres one sure-fire way to fix Torontos traffic woes. Heres why no mayoral candidate will suggest it. Bonnie Crombie has launched her Liberal leadership bid and shes pulling no punches for Doug Ford. Canada will suspend work with a Beijing-based bank amid allegations that its controlled by the Chinese government. Ottawa is pausing deportations for the Indian students caught in a fake admission-letter scandal. This is how it plans to move forward. Controversy over Paul Bernardos prison transfer is mounting and calls are getting louder for the public safety ministers resignation. Were not all to blame for climate change. Heres how the Harper and Trudeau governments have given Big Oil a disastrous say in policy. A suspended public servant has explained why she hid her relationship with the Toronto cop accused of stealing a dead mans estate. A driving instructor who was charged with stunt driving in Brampton told police he was late for work. POV: AI is a useful tool and its here to stay. Now, Canada needs to step in and regulate it. CLOSE-UP: GREECE: Survivors of a migrant boat shipwreck, one of the worst of its kind this year, sleep in a warehouse in Kalamata on Wednesday. At least 79 people died and many more are missing, authorities said. Heres what you need to know. Thank you for reading First Up. You can reach me and the First Up team at firstup@thestar.ca Sign up here to get this newsletter in your inbox. Read more about: SHARE: BEIJING, June 15 (Xinhua) -- The fourth volume of "Xi Jinping: The Governance of China" has lately been published in French, Russian, Arabic, Spanish, Portuguese, German, Japanese and traditional Chinese. Distributed both domestically and internationally, the work has aroused enthusiastic response among readers worldwide. Overseas scholars and observers commend the publication of the multilingual editions for helping the international community comprehend the latest developments in Xi Jinping Thought on Socialism with Chinese Characteristics for a New Era, and enhance their understanding of the Communist Party of China (CPC)'s governance concepts and practices. They also say the volume provides inspiration and reference for other countries to achieve development and growth. CHINA'S ANSWER Xi's fourth volume is a confident statement for the mission and prospects of the Chinese nation, Martin Albrow, a fellow of the British Academy of Social Sciences, told Xinhua. The Chinese and English editions of the fourth volume of "Xi Jinping: The Governance of China," published and released in July 2022, have been enthusiastically received by overseas readers ever since. Albrow, who has visited China multiple times since the 1980s, has been deeply impressed by many chapters, sections, and sentences in the volume. He said one of the greatest strengths in Xi's thought is how he combines the wisdom and depth of experience of China that dates back millennia, with the Marxist ideas that developed in the West under the impact of modernity, which is a dynamic view of the relation of ideas to reality, schooled in an understanding of the past. It is directed to the people of China but such is their historic experience and recent achievements that the rest of the world should regard as an example of what is possible, said Albrow, describing it as an inspiration for the common effort to secure a shared future on this earth. Xi's book provides other countries with important inspiration on state governance, said Alexey Avdonin, an analyst at the Belarusian Institute for Strategic Studies. The volume showcases the extraordinary journey that China has made with its own strength, bringing hope to people who aspire to a just society. Allowing the world to see China's answers to the critical issues of the moment, the book is an authoritative work that fully and systematically reflects the new horizon opened up and latest development achieved by Xi Jinping Thought on Socialism with Chinese Characteristics for a New Era, providing inspiration for countries to realize development centered on people's interests and build a just society, he said. It is important to read this book to understand China's position on how to shape the world's future, on global harmony and prosperity for all, said Fernanda Ilheu, president of the New Silk Road Friends Association, a Lisbon-based non-profit think tank, adding that this book allows people to know more about the Chinese president's philosophy on how to contribute to the world's development and peace. INSPIRATION FOR DEVELOPMENT The book has provided an invaluable window for the rest of the world to understand and appreciate the Chinese society and its role in global development and transformation, Cavince Adhere, a Kenya-based international relations scholar, told Xinhua. The fourth volume is particularly important for developing countries whose collective desire is to lift their populations out of poverty and achieve sustainable development, said Adhere, noting that in reading the series of the books, leaders from emerging economies, mostly in Africa, can learn how to advance national development that is people-centered, inclusive, just, equitable and global in vision. The publication of the fourth volume makes the world aware of and knowledgeable about the great development of China, especially over the past decade, said Diaa Helmy, an Egyptian expert in Chinese affairs, secretary-general of Cairo-based Egyptian-Chinese Chamber of Commerce. The volume elucidates how China has dealt with the problems and challenges it confronted, which are similar to those facing many countries, whether developing or developed, he said, adding that these countries can benefit from these experiences. The concepts Xi elaborated on can inspire Africa and even the whole world to achieve development and growth, because through this book, African countries will understand and draw inspiration from various policies implemented by China to meet the needs of its people and society, said Amadou Diop, a Senegalese expert on China and former correspondent for the Senegal national daily Le Soleil in China. For the international community, including Africa, this book is of extraordinary significance for understanding Xi Jinping Thought on Socialism with Chinese Characteristics for a New Era and its development, said Diop. Ibrahim Alluhayb, a professor at King Saud University in Saudi Arabia, believes the timely publication of the Arabic edition provides the possibility and convenience for Arab countries and people to understand the latest development of the CPC's thoughts on state governance and learn from China's experience. With remarkable progress in Arab-China relations over the past years, more and more Arab countries have begun to "look east," he said, noting that the Arabic edition will play an important role in deepening the Arab world's understanding of China's development achievements and promoting their exchanges and mutual learning. NEW PERSPECTIVE ON CHINA Chea Munyrith, president of the Cambodian Chinese Evolution Researcher Association, who led the translation team for the Cambodian edition, has unique and profound insights into this book. Munyrith said that the publication of the multilingual edition has opened up a new perspective for the world to better understand China, as it contains a series of Xi's important discourses, provides theoretical guidance for a Chinese path to modernization, and showcases the country's governance capabilities. Kiyomi Seno, chairman of the Japan-China Society, who has a strong interest in China's trajectory, governance, and philosophy, said that the multilingual edition enables more people in the world to have a deep understanding of a real China, see what kind of development path China has chosen under complex situations and appreciate the Chinese wisdom in it. Gennady Zyuganov, chairman of the Central Committee of the Communist Party of the Russian Federation, deemed the multilingual edition a window into China's thinking, as this book contains new ideas, new thoughts and new strategies of Xi's governance. Zyuganov believes that for everyone who wants to strengthen friendship and cooperation with China, the series of books by Xi should become their desk book. Anyone who wants to understand China today needs to pore over the work of "Xi Jinping: The Governance of China," said Evandro Menezes de Carvalho, head of the Center for Brazil-China Studies of the Getulio Vargas Foundation School of Law in Brazil. Xi often cited Chinese philosophers and quotes to express the wisdom of the Chinese people, thereby revealing much of the fine tradition of Chinese culture, said the expert. FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla. (AP) A former Florida sheriffs deputy didnt follow his extensive training on how to stop an active shooter when he didnt confront the killer who murdered 17 people at a Parkland high school, a former training commander testified Thursday. Former Broward County Deputy Scot Peterson had undergone training both in a video simulator and with live actors several times before the Feb. 14, 2018, massacre at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School, Broward County Lt. Col. Sam Samaroo testified. He said Peterson was taught that even if he was alone, he would need to confront the shooter without waiting for backup. Samaroo worked at the agencys training unit from 2013 to 2018, and was ultimately made its commander. He said deputies are taught that active shooters, if confronted, will kill or barricade themselves, surrender, or engage authorities in a gunfight, giving civilians time to flee or take shelter. Thats why deputies must go toward the gunshots immediately and force an outcome, he said. The more time the shooter has, the more victims he can kill, Samaroo added. Our goal is to stop the killing by any possible means. Time is our enemy. Peterson, the schools on-campus deputy, insists he did not know where the shots were coming from because of echoes, which is why he didnt enter the three-story classroom building where former student Nikolas Cruz carried out his six-minute attack. Peterson, after approaching the buildings doors about a minute after the shooting began, backed away and took cover next to a neighboring building. He stayed in place for 40 minutes, long after the shooting stopped. Samaroo said not knowing the shooters precise location was no excuse for Peterson to remain stationary; he said the deputy would have picked up clues to the shooters location if he had moved. You go into hunting mode, Samaroo said. The smell (of gunpowder). You will see (bullet) casings, trails of blood. You might see people fleeing in a particular direction. Those are all things that play into our senses. Under cross-examination by Petersons attorney, Samaroo conceded that in training scenarios, the deputies know in which building the fake shooter is located and they are never confronted with multiple possibilities or any outside echoes. He also agreed that the sheriffs offices written policy in 2018 said deputies may enter a building during an active shooting. That policy has since been changed to shall. What Peterson, 60, heard and saw during the shooting is the key issue in the trial. He is charged with child neglect for failing to confront Cruz before the gunman reached the classroom buildings third floor, where six of the victims died. Peterson is not charged in connection with the deaths of 11 people killed on the first floor before he reached the building. If Peterson is convicted of the most serious charge of felony child neglect, he could be sentenced to nearly 100 years in prison and lose his $104,000 annual pension. He had spent nearly three decades working at schools, including nine years at Stoneman Douglas. He retired shortly after the shooting and was then fired retroactively. Prosecutors have spent the trials first week calling to the witness stand students, teachers and law enforcement officers who have testified about the horror they experienced and how they knew where Cruz was. Testifying Thursday for the defense, Deputy Michael Kratz said when he arrived at the school about two minutes after the gunfire began, he thought the shots were coming from the football field next to where he had parked about 100 yards (90 meters) from the actual building. He grabbed his rifle and took cover behind his car, scanning for the shooter as the shots kept coming. It was loud. It sounded like 30 or 40 feet (10 to 12 meters) away, Kratz said. He added that he couldnt see the shooter but thought the shooter could see him. One of Petersons defenses is that the sheriffs radio system crashed during the shooting because it was overloaded, limiting his knowledge of what arriving deputies saw. Retired Lt. Michael DeVita, who then oversaw the Parkland district, testified that he wrote several memos before the shooting complaining about radio coverage near the school, but the problem was never fixed. For Peterson to be convicted of child neglect, prosecutors must first show he was legally a caregiver to the juvenile students, defined by Florida law as a parent, adult household member or other person responsible for a childs welfare. If jurors find Peterson was a caregiver, they must determine whether he made a reasonable effort to protect the children or failed to provide necessary care. Peterson is the first U.S. law enforcement officer ever charged for an alleged failure to act during a school shooting. Similarly, Texas authorities are investigating officers in the town of Uvalde who didnt confront the shooter who killed 19 elementary students and two teachers last year. None have been charged, however. Cruz, 24, pleaded guilty and last year received a life sentence, avoiding a death sentence when his jury could not unanimously agree he deserved execution. SHARE: PRISTINA, Kosovo (AP) Kosovos prime minister on Thursday said border security would be tightened following what he described as Serbias role in the kidnapping of three police officers. Prime Minister Albin Kurti also criticized NATO-led international peacekeepers for not providing an official explanation of what happened to the three border police officers. Kurti says they were kidnapped inside Kosovos territory while Belgrade says they were arrested in Serbian territory. Kurti, speaking at a news conference, showed maps of where the incident allegedly occurred, saying that Serbias special police and army units had entered deep into Kosovo territory. After a meeting of Kosovos top security council, the prime minister said border checks would increase and traffic from Serbia would be limited, but he added they were not commercial steps, suggesting goods would continue to move freely across the border. What surprises us is the silence and tolerance of international bodies to Serbias actions. Serbia continuously looks for pretexts to escalate and destabilize, and when there is no pretext it is ready and able to create one, Kurti said. In an interview with The Associated Press last week, Kurti complained of bias against his country from the United States and the European Union and tolerance of what he called Serbias authoritarian regime. The latest incident further raises tensions between Serbia and its former province. Serbia had put its troops on the border on the highest state of alert amid a series of recent clashes between Kosovo Serbs on one side, and Kosovo police and NATO-led peacekeepers on the other. A Kosovo official in Belgrade has requested to visit the three officers. Kurti also contacted U.S. officials and asked them to press Serbia to release the police officers. The incident came a day after Kosovo police arrested in northern Mitrovica an area mostly populated by the ethnic Serb minority an alleged organizer of Serb protests in the countrys north, including one in which last month 30 NATO-led peacekeepers were injured. Three police officers were injured in the operation. Tensions in Kosovo flared anew late last month, including with violent clashes, after Kosovo police seized local municipality buildings in northern Kosovo, where Serbs represent a majority, to install ethnic Albanian mayors who were elected in a local election in April after Serbs overwhelmingly boycotted the vote. Serbia and its former province Kosovo have been at odds for decades, with Belgrade refusing to recognize Kosovos 2008 declaration of independence. The latest violence near their shared border has stirred fears of a renewal of a 1998-99 conflict in Kosovo that claimed more than 10,000 lives, mostly ethnic Albanians. ___ Llazar Semini reported from Tirana, Albania. SHARE: Two years after the U.S. Department of Justice launched an investigation into the Minneapolis Police Department following the killing of George Floyd, Attorney General Merrick Garland is visiting Minneapolis to make an announcement in a civil rights matter. Justice Department and city officials declined on Thursday to confirm that Fridays news conference at the federal courthouse in Minneapolis is to announce findings of that police department investigation. But a Justice Department advisory said Garland will be joined by Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey, Police Chief Brian OHara and others. Also, a link to a Justice Department public webinar scheduled for Friday afternoon has the heading, DOJ Presentation for MPD Investigative Findings. The pattern or practice investigation was launched in April 2021, a day after former officer Derek Chauvin was convicted of murder and manslaughter in the May 25, 2020, killing of Floyd. The Black man repeatedly said he couldnt breathe then went limp as Chauvin knelt on his neck for 9 1/2 minutes. The killing was recorded by a bystander and sparked months of mass protests as part of a broader national reckoning over racial injustice. The federal investigation concerns whether the Minneapolis Police Department engaged in a pattern or practice of unconstitutional or unlawful policing. Such investigations typically look at the use of force by officers, including force used during protests, and whether the department engages in discriminatory practices. The investigation also was expected to assess the way the department handled misconduct allegations and how it held officers accountable. A similar investigation by the Minnesota Department of Human Rights led to a court-enforceable settlement agreement to revamp policing in the city and address the problems identified in the state investigation. Frey and state Human Rights Commissioner Rebecca Lucero signed the agreement in March. The state investigation, which concluded in April 2022, found significant racial disparities with respect to officers use of force, traffic stops, searches, citations, and arrests. And it criticized an organizational culture where some officers and supervisors use racist, misogynistic, and disrespectful language with impunity. Lucero said the legally binding agreement requires the city and the police department to make transformational changes to fix the organizational culture of the force, and that it could serve as a model for how cities, police departments and community members elsewhere work to stop race-based policing. The federal investigation could prompt a separate but similar court-enforceable agreement, known as a consent decree, that would overlap the settlement with the state. Several police departments in other cities operate under consent decrees for alleged civil rights violations. Floyd, 46, was arrested on suspicion of passing a counterfeit $20 bill for a pack of cigarettes at a corner market. He struggled with police when they tried to put him in a squad car, and they put the handcuffed man on the ground instead. As Chauvin pressed his knee against Floyds neck, J. Alexander Kueng held Floyds back, Thomas Lane held Floyds feet and Tou Thao kept bystanders back. Chauvin, who is white, was sentenced to 22 1/2 years for murder. He also pleaded guilty to a federal charge of violating Floyds civil rights and was sentenced to 21 years in that case. He is serving the sentences concurrently at the Federal Correctional Institution in Tucson, Arizona. Kueng, Lane and Thao were convicted of federal charges in February 2022. All three were convicted of depriving Floyd of his right to medical care, and Thao and Kueng were also convicted of failing to intervene to stop Chauvin during the killing. Lane and Kueng have since pleaded guilty to a state count of aiding and abetting second-degree manslaughter, and in exchange counts of aiding and abetting murder were dropped. Lane, who is white, is serving his 2 1/2-year federal sentence at a facility in Colorado. He is serving a three-year state sentence at the same time. Kueng, who is Black, is serving a three-year federal sentence in Ohio, while also serving a 3 1/2-year state sentence. Thao, who is Hmong American, got a 3 1/2-year federal sentence. The judge in the state case found him guilty of aiding and abetting manslaughter in May. Thao had said it would be lying to have pleaded guilty, and he agreed to let the judge decide the case. The judge set sentencing for Aug. 7. ___ Find APs full coverage of the death of George Floyd at: https://apnews.com/hub/death-of-george-floyd SHARE: CABO SAN LUCAS, Mexico (AP) Police in a seaside community on Mexicos Baja California peninsula said Wednesday that two Americans have been found dead in their hotel room. Police said the deaths occurred in the community of El Pescadero on Tuesday. The town is located between Todos Santos and the resort of Los Cabos, in Baja California Sur state. U.S. officials said they were aware of the case but could not comment on it because of privacy concerns. There was no immediate information on the names or hometowns of the victims. According to a police, paramedics received a report Tuesday that the Americans were unconscious in their room. They were dead by the time paramedics arrived. The suspected cause of death was inhalation of gas. There have been several cases of such deaths in Mexico due to poisoning by carbon monoxide or other gases. Such gases are often produced by improperly vented or leaky water heaters and stoves. In October, three U.S. citizens found dead at a rented apartment in Mexico, apparently victims of gas inhalation. The Mexico City police department said the three were found unresponsive Oct. 30 in an upscale neighborhood. They had apparently rented the dwelling for a short visit. Post-mortem examinations suggested the two men and one woman died of carbon monoxide poisoning. In Mexico, proper gas line installations, vents and monitoring devices are often lacking. In 2018, a gas leak in a water heater caused the deaths of an American couple and their two children in the resort town of Tulum, south of Playa del Carmen. An inspection revealed that the water heater at the rented condominium was leaking gas. Prosecutors said the gas leak was perhaps caused by a lack of maintenance or the age of the equipment. In 2010, the explosion of an improperly installed gas line at a hotel in Playa del Carmen killed five Canadian tourists and two Mexicans. In that case, prosecutors said the gas line, apparently meant to fuel a pool heating unit, was not properly installed or maintained. They said gas leaking from the line may have been ignited in an explosion by a spark from an electric switch or plug. In a separate case in the Caribbean coast resort of Playa del Carmen, prosecutors announced Wednesday that a judge ordered three men to stand trial on homicide charges in the May 30 killing of an Italian woman at a restaurant. The woman was a longtime resident of Playa del Carmen, and was not a tourist. Prosecutors did not provide information on a possible motive in that case. Read more about: SHARE: BUENOS AIRES, Argentina (AP) A federal judge in Argentina has called on Interpol to detain four Lebanese citizens, so they can be questioned for their suspected role in the 1994 bombing of the AMIA Jewish community center that killed 85 people. Regarding these individuals, there are well-founded suspicions that they are collaborators or operational agents of the armed wing of Hezbollah, judge Daniel Rafecas wrote in a resolution dated June 13 that the Associated Press obtained Thursday. Argentine prosecutors have long alleged that Iranian officials used the Lebanon-based militant group Hezbollah to carry out the deadly attack. Iran has long denied any involvement in the incident. Both the United States and Argentina have designated Hezbollah as a terrorist organization. Most of the Lebanese citizens now being sought by Rafecas have ties to the porous tri-border region that connects Argentina, Brazil and Paraguay and that the United States has long said is a hub for terrorism financing. Rafecas has called for the detention of Hussein Mounir Mouzannar, who has a Paraguayan national ID and could be living either in Paraguay or Brazil, as well as Farouk Abdul Hay Omairi, a naturalized Brazilian citizen whose last known address was on the Brazilian side of the tri-border region. The other two people who are sought for questioning are Ali Hussein Abdallah, a naturalized Brazilian citizen who has both Brazilian and Paraguayan passports, and Abdallah Salman, who is believed to be living in Beirut. Read more about: SHARE: HAVANA, Cuba (AP) Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi met with Cuban leader Miguel Diaz-Canel on Thursday, wrapping up a Latin America trip that also included visits to Irans two other allies in the region Venezuela and Nicaragua. During a trade forum with local businesspeople in Havana, Raisi said Cuba and Iran would seek to work together in biotechnology, mining, electricity generation and other areas. I hope this meeting will help facilitate integration as well as an exchange of ideas and opinions, Raisi said. Unlike his previous stops in Nicaragua and Venezuela, Raisi refrained from making harsh comments in public against Washington or the economic sanctions imposed on his country and its three allies in the region. After the forum, Raisi and Diaz-Canel toured biotechnology production plants in the western part of the capital, then headed to a closed-door reception at Cubas Palace of the Revolution. The leaders also signed several agreements on customs, justice, telecommunications and diplomatic action. While the scope of the agreements was not yet clear, the energy sector is one of particular importance for Cuba, where fuel shortages have increased dramatically in the past weeks amid a severe economic crisis. Raisis tour of allied nations in Latin America comes amid rising tensions with the administration of U.S. President Joe Biden. Asked about Raisis Latin America tour earlier this month, White House National Security Council spokesman John Kirby declined to comment on the Iranian leader or his agenda. But Kirby acknowledged the administration was concerned about Irans destabilizing behavior, and said it will continue to take steps to mitigate that behavior. The U.S. has accused Iran of providing Russia with materials to build a drone manufacturing plant east of Moscow, while the Kremlin seeks to ensure a steady supply of weapons for its invasion of Ukraine. U.S. intelligence officials believe the plant in Russia could start operations early next year, but Iran has said it supplied drones to Russia before the start of the war. SHARE: SEOUL, South Korea (AP) North Korea launched two short-range ballistic missiles toward its eastern waters on Thursday, its neighbors said, in a resumption of weapons tests to protest just-ended South Korean-U.S. live-fire drills that it viewed as an invasion rehearsal. The launches are the first by North Korea since it failed to put its first spy satellite into orbit in late May. South Koreas Joint Chiefs of Staff said the missiles were launched from North Koreas capital region and traveled about 780 kilometers (480 miles) before landing in waters between the Korean Peninsula and Japan. It called the launches a grave provocation and said South Koreas military will maintain a firm readiness in close coordination with the United States. Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida said the missiles landed inside Japans exclusive economic zone. He called the launches a violent action that threatened international peace and safety. The chief nuclear envoys from South Korea, Japan and the U.S. held a three-way telephone call and agreed to continue efforts to get North Korea to halt weapons activities and return to talks, according to Seouls Foreign Ministry. The launches came hours after South Korean and U.S. troops ended a fifth round of large-scale live-fire drills near the Koreas heavily fortified border earlier Thursday. About 30 minutes before the launches, North Koreas military vowed an unspecified response to the drills, which it called provocative and irresponsible. Our response to (the South Korean-U.S. drills) is inevitable, an unidentified spokesperson of the North Korean Defense Ministry said in a statement carried by state media. Our armed forces will fully counter any form of demonstrative moves and provocation of the enemies. Tensions have risen in past months as the pace of both North Korean weapons tests and U.S.-South Korea military exercises has increased in tit-for-tat actions. North Korea has test-fired about 100 missiles since the start of 2022. Experts say North Korea may be using the U.S.-South Korean exercises as a pretext to conduct test launches to develop more powerful missiles and increase its leverage in future diplomacy. On May 31, a North Korean long-range rocket carrying its first spy satellite crashed off the Korean Peninsulas west coast. North Korea admitted the failure and vowed to push for a second launch. A spy satellite is among a slew of high-tech weapons that leader Kim Jong Un wants to develop to cope with what he calls U.S. hostility. This launch is not to make up for the recent failure, because North Korea will almost certainly make another attempt later to put a spy satellite into orbit, said Leif-Eric Easley, a professor at Ewha University in Seoul. The message of todays missiles is more likely Pyongyangs protest against South Koreas combined defense exercises with the United States, as well as a demonstration of North Koreas own military capabilities and readiness. Thursdays South Korean-U.S. exercises were the fifth and last round of live-fire drills that began last month. This years drills were the biggest of their kind since they started in 1977. Each of the five rounds involved 2,500 South Korean and U.S. troops and about 610 military assets including stealth fighter jets, attack helicopters, tanks and drones from both countries, according to the South Korean Defense Ministry. South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol and other senior South Korean and U.S. military officials observed Thursdays drills. Only a strong military which can fight and defeat the enemy and which the enemy cant even dare to challenge can guarantee the freedom, peace and prosperity of the Republic of Korea, Yoon said at the training site, using South Koreas official name. North Koreas state media have accused South Korea and the U.S. of using the firing drills to master military threat and blackmail and war tactics against North Korea. On Thursday, top security officials from the United States, South Korea and Japan met in Tokyo for talks on North Korea and other issues. During the meeting, U.S. National Security Adviser Jake Sullivan reiterated Washingtons commitment to the defense of South Korea and Japan, the White House said in a statement. North Korea was slapped with international economic sanctions over its past nuclear and ballistic missile tests, which are banned by U.N. Security Council resolutions. But it has avoided new U.N. sanctions over its recent series of missile tests because China and Russia, embroiled in separate confrontations with the U.S., blocked attempts by the U.S. and others to toughen the sanctions. Whether North Korea has functioning nuclear missiles is a source of outside debate. The last time it tested a major nuclear-capable ballistic weapon was April 13, when it launched what it described as a newly developed intercontinental ballistic missile powered by solid propellants. Such missiles are easier to move and fire quickly than ones with liquid propellants, making them harder to detect and intercept. ___ Associated Press writer Mari Yamaguchi in Tokyo contributed to this report. SHARE: BERLIN (AP) An American man has been arrested over the death of one U.S. tourist and an assault on another near Neuschwanstein castle in southern Germany after he allegedly pushed the two women down a steep slope, authorities said Thursday. The incident near the popular tourist attraction happened on Wednesday afternoon near the Marienbruecke, a bridge over a gorge close to the castle that offers a famous view of Neuschwanstein. The 30-year-old man met the two female tourists, ages 21 and 22, on a hiking path and lured them onto a trail that leads to a viewpoint, police said in a statement. The younger of the two women was attacked by the suspect, said police spokesman Holger Stabik. The older one tried to rush to her aid, was then choked by the suspect and subsequently pushed down a slope. The assailant then appears to have attempted to sexually assault the 21-year-old before pushing her down the slope as well. She fell nearly 50 meters (165 feet), ending up close to her friend. A mountain rescue team reached both women. The 22-year-old was responsive and taken to a hospital, police said; a helicopter carried the 21-year-old with serious injuries to a different hospital, and she died there overnight. The suspect left the scene but was quickly arrested nearby. Bystander video posted online showed police leading away a handcuffed man in a T-shirt, jeans and a baseball cap. Eric Abneri, a recent business graduate from the University of Pittsburgh who took the video, said the man appeared to have scratches across his face. He did not say a single word. He didnt open his mouth; he didnt mumble, Abneri told The Associated Press. He just walked with the police and that was it. Abneri said he and friends reached the scenic overlook as a helicopter arrived and they saw rescuers lower themselves down to the victims. Im honestly absolutely stunned someone is still alive from this. It is like falling from the top of an absolute cliff, he said. Abneri described it as a very, very difficult rescue because of those cliffs and because the helicopter came mere feet above the tree line at the top of the hill. They did an unbelievable job, he said. Police said the man they arrested was American and described him as also a tourist; prosecutors said the women were fellow U.S. citizens. The 22-year-old remained hospitalized Thursday, according to prosecutors. Authorities didnt identify either the suspect or the victims or give any further details. Police said a judge in nearby Kempten on Thursday ordered the suspect held pending a potential indictment a process that can take months and he was taken to jail. He is under investigation on suspicion of murder, attempted murder and a sexual offense. Police said they and prosecutors were focusing on trying to reconstruct exactly what happened and called for any witnesses to come forward. Neuschwanstein, located in southern Bavaria close to Austrias border, is one of Germanys most popular tourist attractions. It is the most famous of the castles built by King Ludwig II of Bavaria in the 19th century. Construction started in 1869 but was never completed. Ludwig died in 1886. Read more about: SHARE: BRUSSELS (AP) NATO sees no sign that Russia has changed its nuclear posture, the head of the military alliance said Thursday, after President Alexander Lukashenko claimed that Belarus has already received some tactical nuclear weapons from Moscow. In an interview on state television on Tuesday, Lukashenko brashly warned that he wouldnt hesitate to order their use if Belarus faced an act of aggression. Russian President Vladimir Putin has said the weapons will be deployed to Belarus next month and will remain under Moscows exclusive control. We are, of course, closely monitoring what Russia is doing. So far, we havent seen any changes in the nuclear posture that requires any changes in our posture, Stoltenberg told reporters before chairing a meeting of NATO defense ministers at the alliances headquarters in Brussels. NATOs secretive nuclear defense planning group is set to meet on Friday. The meeting has long been planned and is not a reaction to recent developments, but the alliance is concerned about Putins threats and his decisions to pull Russia out of important arms limitation treaties. Russias nuclear rhetoric and messaging is reckless and dangerous, Stoltenberg said. Russia must know that a nuclear war cannot be won and must never be fought. He noted that Russia has invested heavily in new modern nuclear capabilities and also deployed more nuclear capabilities, including close to NATO borders, for instance, in the high north. Earlier this year, Putin announced the planned deployment of short-range nuclear weapons to Moscows neighbor and ally Belarus in a move widely seen as a warning to the West as it stepped up military support for Ukraine. Russia is also using Belarus as a staging base for attacks in Ukraine. During a meeting with Lukashenko on Friday, Putin said work on building facilities for the weapons would be completed by July 7-8, and they would be moved to Belarusian territory quickly after that. U.S. President Joe Biden and his NATO counterparts are gathering for a summit on July 11-12 in the Lithuanian capital, Vilnius, about 35 kilometers (22 miles) from the Belarus border. SHARE: BRATISLAVA, Slovakia (AP) Slovakias new government of technocrats lost a mandatory confidence vote in Parliament on Thursday, just a month after taking office. President Zuzana Caputova, who swore in the 15-member Cabinet led by Prime Minister Ludovit Odor on May 15, now has to dismiss it. At the same time, the president will ask the government to stay in office with limited powers till a new government is formed following the Sept. 30 early election, Caputovas office later said. The technocrat Cabinet was created with the aim to lead the country to that election, for which a date was set back in January. Of the 136 lawmakers who were present in the 150-seat Parliament, the government was defeated in a 34-43 vote. Slovakia has been without a proper government since last December, when the coalition government led by Prime Minister Eduard Heger was ousted in a no-confidence vote called by the opposition, following months of political crisis. Caputova initially asked Heger to lead a caretaker government until early elections could take place. However, after four members of the caretaker administration gradually left their posts, Heger offered his resignation and Caputova opted for a government of technocrats. Under Slovakian law, every government had to face a confidence vote in Parliament within 30 days. Caputova said that in its limited time, the new government should focus on stabilizing the current situation in the country, preparing next years budget, and lead Slovakia to the September election. Hegers government was a staunch supporter of Ukraine in its fight against Russian military aggression and gave the Ukrainian armed forces the arms they requested such as 13 Soviet-era MiG-29 fighter jets and the S-300 air defense system. Odors government has been following suit but some current opposition leaders, including former populist Prime Minister Robert Fico, oppose military support for Ukraine and European Union sanctions against Russia. Fico and his Smer-Social Democracy leftist party are the favorites to win the upcoming election, according to recent polls. SHARE: This photo taken on June 12, 2023 shows flooded houses in Afanasiyivka, Mykolaiv region. The Kakhovka hydroelectric power plant was destroyed on June 6, causing a decrease of the dam water level and massive flooding in nearby areas. (Photo by Peter Druk/Xinhua) Six African heads of state are set to embark on a peace mission to Ukraine and Russia, with experts highlighting the global responsibility showcased by China and Africa to reach a political settlement of the Ukraine crisis. JOHANNESBURG, June 15 (Xinhua) -- Six African heads of state are set to embark on a peace mission to Ukraine and Russia, with experts highlighting the global responsibility showcased by China and Africa to reach a political settlement of the Ukraine crisis. The peace mission, consisting of heads of state of the Republic of Congo, Senegal, Uganda, Egypt, Zambia and South Africa, will visit Kiev and Moscow, respectively. Diamantino Lopes, a political scientist of Guinea-Bissau, told Xinhua that the conflict has dramatically affected Africa in different areas, particularly economically, causing a surge in food prices and a shortage of fuel and gas. "Ukraine is a major producer of cereals, and the African continent depends a lot on these products," he said. "In the end, there will be neither 'the winner, even less the loser,' which is why we favor the path of dialogue to find a peaceful solution to this conflict." Lopes said he welcomes the initiative of the six African leaders to try to mediate and find a diplomatic and peaceful solution. Zhang Jun (R, front), China's permanent representative to the United Nations, speaks at an emergency meeting of the Security Council at the UN headquarters in New York, on June 6, 2023. Zhang Jun voiced grave concern over the destruction of the Kakhovka hydroelectric power plant dam in southern Ukraine. (Xinhua/Xie E) The Ukraine crisis directly affects Africa, plunging the African economy, said Yira Koroma, a lecturer at Cavendish University in Uganda. "History has taught us that we cannot achieve peace and security by violence, but rather by dialogue," Koroma said. "Dialogue and negotiation would help two heated parties see how they can iron out differences without violence." Experts, including Koroma, also hailed China's efforts to solve the crisis politically and peacefully. China has played a vital role in trying to bring peace, said Emmanuel Matambo, a researcher at the Center for Africa-China Studies of the University of Johannesburg, South Africa. Noting he agrees that dialogue is the only viable solution to the Ukraine crisis, Lopes said China is an arbiter that favors the path of discussion. The experts also raised concerns that certain nations have escalated the situation with a Cold War mentality and unilateral sanctions. "The Cold War saga is not helping the situation," Koroma said, adding that mounting sanctions against Russia was a wrong move that exacerbated the conflict. NEW YORK (AP) Jurors are expected to start deliberating Thursday in the criminal trial of three men accused of trying to scare a former Chinese official into returning to his homeland, a scheme that U.S. prosecutors say was orchestrated by Beijing. American private investigator Michael McMahon and Zheng Congying and Zhu Yong, two Chinese nationals living in the U.S., face charges including acting as illegal foreign agents, stalking and conspiracy. Prosecutors say the scheme reflects Chinas nearly decade-old Operation Fox Hunt, an initiative aimed at repatriating people deemed fugitives from justice. According to prosecutors, Zhu, Zheng and McMahon carried out different parts of a yearslong and increasingly intrusive effort to induce former Wuhan city official Xu Jin to return to his homeland, where he and wife Liu Fang are wanted on corruption allegations that the two deny. Xu Jin and Liu Fang were harassed and stalked for years, Assistant U.S. Attorney Meredith Arfa said in a closing argument Wednesday. She maintained that the overarching scheme was directed by the Chinese government. China has denied threatening people to coerce them to return. The U.S. and China dont have an extradition treaty, meaning authorities cant order people to be sent back. Zhu, a retiree who also goes by Jason Zhu and Yong Zhu, helped hire McMahon to find Xu and pass along information for the search. McMahon, a private investigator and retired New York City police sergeant, tailed the ex-official, rooted out his New Jersey home address and scoured government databases for information on his family. Zheng knocked on Xus door, circled the home to peer inside and taped up a note telling Xu to submit to imprisonment in China in order to assure the well-being of his wife and children. Defense lawyer Paul Goldberger said Zheng later made a remorseful attempt to retrieve the missive; prosecutors suggest he just checked to see whether it had been received. The men didnt testify, but their lawyers said the three believed they were aiding a private company or individuals, not the Chinese government. They are also victims. They are used, said Zhus lawyer, Kevin Tung, told the Brooklyn federal court jury during Wednesdays summations. They are used by a very sophisticated government. McMahons lawyer, Lawrence Lustberg, said the sleuth had been deceived by Chinese contacts who referred to a company as the ultimate client for the work. Besides the men on trial, eight other people also have been indicted in the case. Three have pleaded guilty; five are believed to be in China. SHARE: BOSTON (AP) Climate change protesters dropped their pants at the Massachusetts Statehouse during a debate on a proposed tax relief package Thursday to bring attention to what they say is the need for swifter action against the use of fossil fuels. About 1 p.m., protesters stood, turned their backs to the Senate chamber and lowered their pants to reveal letters that spelled out STOP PASSING GAS! on their bare backsides. The protesters were all wearing pink thongs. The eight protesters were chanting and disrupting the Senate session, according to state police investigators. Just before 2 p.m., the protesters were told that the public gallery was closed. After being warned that they were subject to arrest, the protesters refused to leave and were placed under arrest and escorted out of the chamber, investigators said. They were charged with trespassing on state property, disorderly conduct and indecent exposure. The senators then returned and continued their debate. The group Extinction Rebellion has staged other protests at the Statehouse. They say they plan to continue their efforts until lawmakers approve legislation banning new fossil fuel infrastructure. Former Gov. Charlie Baker last year signed a major climate bill meant to bring the state closer to its goal of net-zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2050. The new law encourages the development of offshore wind and solar energy and gives some local authority to limiting the use of fossil fuels in building projects. The eight protesters were chanting and disrupting the Senate session, according to state police investigators. Just before 2 p.m. the group was told that the public gallery was closed. After being warned that they were subject to arrest, the protesters refused to leave and were placed under arrest, investigators said. They were charged with trespassing on state property, disorderly conduct, and indecent exposure. Read more about: SHARE: With outright climate denialism largely behind us, we keep moving on through more sophisticated stages of climate inaction. Currently, even as large swaths of North America became engulfed in wildfire smoke last week, we seem lodged in a new stage of inaction based on the notion were all to blame. Or, as Majid Al Suwaidi put it: Theres no simple bad guy, good guy in this discussion. Framed this way that its up to all of us to reduce emissions climate action takes on the feel of a communal effort with us all rooting for the same team. Of course, theres nothing wrong with communal effort. But this framing prevents us from seeing whats really going on: yes, we all behave in ways that emit carbon (although some of us emit way more than others). But and this is the nub of it were not all actively blocking climate action. Rather, most of us are trying in small ways to reduce our carbon footprint. The problem is that there are immensely powerful forces out there using their clout to block the world from taking the urgent action needed to avert ever-worsening climate chaos. So, sorry Mr. Al Suwaidi, but there is a bad guy in this discussion and that is Big Oil. Its not surprising that Al Suwaidi would avoid acknowledging this. After all, hes an aide to Sultan Al Jaber, who heads up the national oil company of the United Arab Emirates, as well as heading up the UN climate negotiations to be held there next November. The fact that the sultan is heading up both is a perfect example of the sort of communal effort on climate change that feels good, but has gotten us nowhere. To get somewhere, we have to start centre-staging the truly immoral role played by Big Oil. Otherwise, we end up duped into believing that what holds us back is the refusal of ordinary Canadians to give up their fossil-fuel-guzzling cars. True, some Canadians would refuse and they would be goaded on by the oil lobby and the Freedom Convoy crowd. But the majority of Canadians are sufficiently freaked out by wildfires, heat domes and flooding to be ready to transition to clean energy (especially since it wouldnt have to impact their lifestyles that much) if only there was some serious government leadership. But there isnt. Justin Trudeau, knowing the public fears climate change, fashions himself a climate warrior. But he largely succumbs to oil industry demands, revealing his warrior posture to be more fashion accessory than commitment. Its easy to see how this happens; Big Oil is relentless in its opposition to climate action. A fascinating study by the corporate mapping project of the Canadian Centre for Policy Alternatives documents that the oil industry lobbied government officials 11,452 times with a heavy focus on lobbying senior officials responsible for climate policies during a seven-year period spanning the governments of Stephen Harpers Conservatives and Justin Trudeaus Liberals. Both governments appear to have responded to this constant pressure by giving Big Oil a say in our climate policies, leaving Canada with a terrible record on reducing emissions far worse than many comparable nations. As climate journalist Barry Saxifrage has documented, key nations including Germany, France, the U.K., Sweden and Norway have significantly reduced vehicle emissions, largely by raising taxes on gas-guzzlers and cutting taxes on battery-electric vehicles. In case youre tempted to excuse Canadas dismal performance because were economically reliant on oil, Saxifrage notes that oil is also central to Norways economy, yet Norway has dramatically reduced emissions. (Last year, 78 per cent of new vehicles purchased in Norway were battery-electric, compared to just 6 per cent in Canada and 1 per cent in Alberta.) Canadians are just as reasonable as Norwegians. If only we had a government willing to stand up to the menace of Big Oil. Read more about: SHARE: Sometimes thank you Ken Greenberg and Ontario Place for All ideas arise that are such happy solutions to vexing problems one wonders why no one thought of them before. Such is the case in the current dispute over the Ontario governments redevelopment plan for Ontario Place, once a waterfront jewel that has been allowed over decades to decline and decay. The government of Premier Doug Ford, ever inclined to the glitzy and overdone, has reached agreement with the Austrian firm Therme to give over precious public lands of Ontario Place into a mega-spa with a towering main building and massive underground parking garage. Predictably, many in the city, along with the Star, were, for lack of a better term, grossed out by the garishness of the plan and the lack of public involvement in its drafting. Objections be damned, the premier has as much as said. He insists upon the latest iteration of his bright, shiny mega-thing on the waterfront. Thankfully, voices of reason arose this month to argue for an improved consultation process and a development alternative that is vastly more appealing. So appealing, in fact, that it is difficult to see how any but the most obstinately bull-headed could refuse a spell of sober second thought. The Toronto Society of Architects called on the Ford government to listen to public feedback, reassess the current plan and the public consultation or lack thereof around it. Decades of deferred maintenance Ontario Place, which opened in 1971 and was shuttered in 2012, is owed decades of deferred maintenance, repair and investment, the society agreed. But it was concerned about how the process has unfolded: without the transparency, accountability and open engagement this public site deserves. As an example of what such engagement can produce, the group Ontario Place for All released an alternative vision that we find vastly more attractive, egalitarian and human than the Ford folly. It pointedly notes, We dont believe that these lands are there to be used for private profit at taxpayers expense. The proposal also offers a sensible alternative to the provincial intent of closing the Ontario Science Centres current Don Mills location and moving it to Ontario Place. The advocacy group has suggested an enhanced park at Ontario Place with amenities such as cafes, performance areas and places to swim. It suggested routing a branch of Martin Goodman Trail around it and creating a new land bridge over Lakeshore Boulevard to Exhibition Place and what is to become a station on the new Ontario transit line. It proposed that the pods and cinesphere at Ontario Place be used as a complementary lakeside branch of the Science Centre for water science, with the main location remaining in its present location. This plan, it said, would save about 800 trees, avoid lake-filling and cost an estimated $70 million vastly less than the Ford plan. It makes sense. It enhances the very features that make it essential this precious waterfront land should be kept publicly accessible. As to the provincial plan, just about everything is wrong with it, said Ken Greenberg, Torontos former director of urban design and architecture. Its monstrously big. Its extremely expensive. It occupies the entire footprint of the west island, which leads them to do a massive lakefill project. Were saying, OK, lets step back from this debacle. Instead of just insisting on what were against, lets put forward a proposal which speaks to what were for. What it is against is, as Greenberg said, a generic reproduction of similar locations designed by Therme around the world. Ontario Place is turning into any place. And that would be a tragedy. Read more about: SHARE: Why this neighbourhoods fight over a modular housing site should be a mayoral election issue, June 13 The motions that I, as city councillor for Willowdale, have submitted for the proposed supportive housing at 175 Cummer Avenue are in response to a serious lapse in the democratic process. The voices of the seniors at Willowdale Manor Seniors Care Home facility, at the same address, were never heard, acknowledged nor incorporated into the end design and decision. The Star article frames the issue in a way that does not reflect the root concerns of the seniors and does not mention they were not able to participate in English-only online consultations. Further the residents of the adjacent Cummer Lodge Long-Term Care Home and their families have never been consulted. Its easy to label something as NIMBY-ism, without ever looking deeper into the issue beyond the surface. No one has said we dont want to build supportive housing in Willowdale. We are saying we want to do it in a way that makes sense for the community to ensure its long-term success. Surely we in Willowdale can house those in need and respect our seniors. Taking their concerns into consideration is the right thing to do, rather than pitting one group of vulnerable people against another group of vulnerable people. I hope we can have an expedited process that results in shovels in the ground that creates the best situation for all the vulnerable people involved. Lily Cheng Toronto City Councillor Ward 18, Willowdale Fear of change doesnt make residents bad people I applaud Matt Elliott for writing a thoughtful piece about a modular building that is to be built in Willowdale, and never once did he use the derogatory acronym, NIMBY. I know from my experience living in the Yonge Street and Eglinton Avenue area that resistance to change by established residents is often about fears that are difficult to deal with. Residents fear the loss of things that are important to them, such as mature trees and open spaces. They fear increased density of traffic and people. They fear the unknowns about disruptions due to construction. They fear the rumours and myths about people without homes (e.g., laziness, addiction, choosing to be homeless). And yes, residents fear the loss of property value after paying taxes and mortgages and doing everything they were asked to do to become homeowners. None of these responses to fear make residents bad people. The realities simply are complex. Elliott writes that the local residents associations have pursued ongoing opposition to the plan. This may be unfortunate, but it is wholly human. Leslie Chiswell, Toronto SHARE: OTTAWA Shouts of Resign! Resign flew at beleaguered Public Safety Minister Marco Mendicino in the House of Commons Wednesday as he and the Liberal government found themselves mired in a new controversy with an old theme: who knew what, and when. The latest example of what critics slammed as a cultural problem within the government is linked to a decision made by the Correctional Service Canada (CSC) to move schoolgirl killer Paul Bernardo from a maximum-security prison to a medium-security facility. Mendicino has said he was only informed of the transfer on May 30, the day after it happened. However, as CBC News first reported, CSC told his office about the transfer twice first on March 2 and again on May 25. The Correctional Service of Canada has a process in place to provide advanced notice to the ministers office on high-profile offenders, CSC spokesman Kevin Antonucci said in a statement provided to the Star. On both occasions, Mendicinos office was told of the pending move and given communications products to support it, Antonucci said. More details emerged Wednesday evening: Mendicinos office said they called CSC on March 2 about the transfer, after the Prime Ministers Office had called them seeking information on it. A spokesperson for Prime Minister Justin Trudeau said Trudeau himself found out a day before Mendicino. Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre pounced on both revelations. Instead of acting, the Prime Minister did nothing and left it in the hands of his most useless minister. This is a failure of leadership at the very top, he said in a statement. Earlier, NDP Leader Jagmeet Singh also questioned Mendicinos competency. If the minister cannot keep his house in order, how is he going to keep the country safe? Singh asked. Mendicino said he would not resign. He told the House he should have been briefed by his staff, and the matter was dealt with through corrective steps, which he did not specify. Wednesday evening, his office said that between the first notification from CSC and telling the minister on May 30, they were trying to figure out what to do. Staff examined possible options for potentially changing the independent decision over the subsequent period, and were informed there werent any, the statement said. Listen: The minister was subsequently told. Among Liberal MPs Wednesday, there was privately frustration over what was perceived as an own goal coming with the government already in the crosshairs of critics for appearing to mishandle information on foreign interference in Canadian elections another file under Mendicinos purview. Publicly, Mendicinos cabinet colleagues danced around the question of how a minister could not be briefed by their staff. Emergency Preparedness Minister Bill Blair who is currently fending off questions about why he didnt see a memo from the Canadian Security Intelligence Service that warned MPs were targets of foreign interference said he had no direct knowledge of why Mendicino didnt know earlier about Bernardos prison transfer. I think resignation is the wrong thing, but I think remedy is what is required, and so we have to look at what didnt work here, what needs to be done better, and we have to fix it, Blair told reporters. Bernardo is serving a life sentence for the kidnappings, torture and murders of Leslie Mahaffy, 14, and Kristen French, 15, near St. Catharines in the early 1990s. Bernardo also acknowledged sexually assaulting at least 14 young women in Scarborough in the late 1980s and early 1990s. On May 29, he was moved from maximum security at Kingstons Millhaven penitentiary to the medium-security La Macaza Institution, 190 kilometres northwest of Montreal. In the wake of the transfer, Mendicino ordered a review of the decision, and the work is ongoing. . Read more about: SHARE: OTTAWAA bill the Liberal government hopes will revive Canadas embattled news industry is poised to become law in a matter of days after it cleared the Senate on Thursday. Bill C-18, or the Online News Act, passed in the Senate 51 to 23 after more than a year of debate between parliamentarians, publishers of all sizes and two of the worlds largest online platforms. The House of Commons needs to review and approve the amendments adopted by the upper chamber before the bill receives Royal Assent. The bill is Ottawas second shot at passing legislation aimed at regulating tech giants as the evolution of the internet rapidly changes how Canadians access and consume content. Heritage Minister Pablo Rodriguezs first such attempt, the Online Streaming Act, became law in late April, despite fierce opposition from the federal Conservatives and platforms like TikTok and YouTube. While the political theatrics that accompanied the passage of that bill have been more subdued for C-18, the Online News Act has still encountered its fair share of drama. Both Google and Meta have threatened to restrict Canadians access to news if the bill passes without certain changes, meaning users wont be able to search, see, or share any news content on those platforms. Heres what you need to know about C-18 and how the way you access news could fundamentally change after it becomes law. What is the Online News Act? The Liberals have pitched C-18 as an attempt to throw a lifeline to a journalism industry it says has been bruised by tech titans and their dominance of the digital advertising market. According to the government, more than 450 news outlets have shuttered across the country since 2008, though that figure doesnt account for new publications that have sprung up in that time. The Liberals also say that in 2020, Google and Meta Facebook and Instagrams parent company took in more than 80 per cent of Canadian online advertising revenues. C-18, Ottawa says, would correct that market imbalance, and shift some revenues back to the outlets themselves rather than the online platforms hosting their content. The bill would therefore compel Google and Meta platforms that share, preview and direct their users to online news content to strike deals with the media publishers behind those stories, and face steep financial penalties if they dont. What does the news industry have to say about the bill? Many news publishers (including Torstar, which publishes the Toronto Star) have lobbied Ottawa regarding the bill and already have deals in place with Google and Meta for the sharing and repurposing of their content. Traditional news publishers largely lauded the introduction of the bill last year, painting it as a vital pathway toward levelling the playing field between outlets and big tech, supporting journalism in communities across the country and pushing back against the onslaught of misinformation online. The bill made headlines this week after CTVs parent company announced on Wednesday it was slashing 1,300 positions and closing or selling nine radio stations. The Parliamentary Budget Officer last year estimated the proposed regime would result in news businesses receiving around $329 million a year from the platforms. But the PBO analysis suggested broadcasters would get the majority of the funding, rather than newspapers and digital outlets, which is a conclusion the federal government has questioned. While the bill is designed to allow smaller news outlets to band together and negotiate collectively to strike a deal, smaller online startups and independent outlets have voiced opposition to the proposed legislation. A coalition of more than 100 such news outlets slammed the secretive nature of Google and Metas deals with large- and medium-sized news businesses, arguing that the bill should build in transparency mechanisms that let smaller players know who is getting paid by web giants and how much. Why do Google and Meta oppose the bill? From the outset, Google and Meta have positioned themselves as staunchly against a bill they say would unfairly force them into deals with publishers. A top argument for both platforms is that they drive significant amounts of traffic toward news outlets online, helping to generate revenue for publishers. Google says the bill puts a price on free links, warns that the proposed legislations language could lead to misinformation ranking highly on its search engine, and believes the criteria over what counts as legitimate news is too broad. Meta, meanwhile, says news represents less than three per cent of the content its users see in their Facebook feed and argues their platforms shouldnt be penalized for users choosing to share news content of their own volition. Both platforms have also made the case that Canadas bill, modelled after similar but not identical legislation in Australia, goes farther than its Australian counterpart, which prompted criticism from Google and Meta before that legislation was passed. What will happen after the bill passes? The most immediate outcome of the bills expected passage wont be more clarity on how the proposed regime will work in practice, or relief from struggling news outlets: itll be how and where Canadians can access news at all. Thats because Google and Meta have both threatened to block access to news on their platforms if the legislation passes in a form they dislike. Google has taken a more reserved position, suggesting its still mulling over whether it will scrub news content from its search engine. But Shay Purdy, a spokesperson for Google Canada, said in response to the Senates adopted amendments that the company is very concerned about the path were on and has been urgently seeking to work with Ottawa on a compromise. Meta, on the other hand, has signalled it is prepared to roll out a news ban across the country something Facebook did for one week in Australia due to legislation it has deemed unworkable. The company would not provide a comment to the Star regarding the Senates latest changes to the bill. Read more about: SHARE: OTTAWA The federal government failed to spend billions of dollars it pledged on a host of climate change initiatives in recent years, raising questions about one of Prime Minister Justin Trudeaus core policy commitments and the massive funding publicly devoted to it, a Star analysis has found. The revelation sheds light on the sometimes stark difference between what the government intends to do and what it delivers. It also highlights concerns about whether the federal bureaucracy can meet the climate crisis with the urgency it demands, as the Trudeau Liberals boast of making $200 billion in long-term climate commitments since they took office in 2015. At stake is Canadas ability to best help avoid the worst extremes of a warming world including mass extinctions and more damaging extreme weather and position itself to prosper in the global shift away from burning fossil fuels that cause climate change. There are very real questions that we need to ask in terms of the governments capacity to spend, deliver programs, implement regulations at the speed and scale that the climate crisis requires, said Caroline Brouillette, executive director of Climate Action Network Canada. By comparing money pledged in federal budgets with spending reported annually to Parliament, the Star found that government spending was slower and lower than pledged for 10 significant climate-related initiatives where it was possible to track the flow of funding. In all, $7.78 billion was either unspent or spent slower than what was budgeted for these programs between the 2016-17 and 2021-22 fiscal years, according to the available annual reports known as Public Accounts. The underspending occurred through initiatives to retrofit homes and buildings, produce clean fuels and develop projects to reduce emissions that cause climate change. The government also underspent on a program to fortify Canada against the ravages of climate change, something felt keenly this spring as dangerous wildfire smoke blanketed much of the country. But the biggest shortfall in raw dollars was for public transit and green infrastructure projects under the Investing in Canada Infrastructure Program, a major initiative that is supposed to eventually dole out $33.5 billion in federal funding. The government said in the 2017 budget that it would spend at least $5.53 billion through this program by 2021-22. But, according to the Public Accounts, the government only spent $2.36 billion over that period. Thats 43 per cent of what was budgeted. Other programs with spending shortfalls include the Low Carbon Economy Fund, which is meant to finance projects in areas like renewable energy production and clean tech innovation. After proposing in 2016 to spend $2 billion on this fund over two years, the government adjusted the timeline to five years. When that target came to pass in the 2021-2022 fiscal year, spending reports show roughly half, or $1.04 billion, of the intended funding had gone out the door. The Star put questions to the offices of five Liberal cabinet ministers responsible for the programs included in this story. Each responded separately, but generally explained that more money in some cases much more has been approved than has been spent so far on various programs. They also blamed slow spending on the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic, and how the flow of money to projects outside government like infrastructure or home retrofits is distributed only at the pace of those completing them. For example, $24.2 billion in funding has been approved under the Investing in Canada Infrastructure Program, and project owners will submit claims for reimbursement under this initiative after they undertake construction and incur expenses, according to Infrastructure Canada. The government also extended the construction deadline for companies to receive this funding from 2027 to 2033, giving them another six years to spend the money. A spokesperson for Environment Canada, meanwhile, said spending through the Low Carbon Economy Fund was delayed because of labour disruptions and supply shortages during the COVID-19 pandemic, and it extended the timeline to spend the intended $2 billion to 2028-29 10 years later than originally proposed. Former parliamentary budget officer Kevin Page, who is now executive director of the Institute of Fiscal Studies and Democracy at the University of Ottawa, said it is not uncommon for new programs to spend money slower than advertised in federal budgets, especially for infrastructure projects, because of the complexities of required planning and partnerships. Budgets are statements of government strategy and intention, he said, and real spending doesnt always match the proposed funding they contain. But Page still believes the gaps between budget pledges and actual spending on climate initiatives raise important questions. Among them: will the shortfalls make it harder for Canada to achieve its climate goals? Citizens should be interested, Page said. What is the impact of this? Are we going to be missing targets now because these policies, programs and resources are not going out the door fast enough? Rick Smith, president of the Canadian Climate Institute, said he wasnt surprised to hear about the spending shortfalls, but that he believes the country still has time to rally behind the necessary policies to dramatically slash its emissions by 2030 as the government has promised and prepare Canada for the effects of climate change. Yes, things need to happen more quickly, he said. But we can still do what needs to be done. Since taking office in 2015, the Trudeau Liberals have placed climate action at the heart of their governing agenda. Through policies like carbon pricing and other regulations, the government has vowed to drive down Canadas emissions to meaningfully contribute to the global effort to minimize climate change, as top scientists warn time is running out to prevent the worst damages of the crisis. The government also argues the country should take advantage of the ensuing transition away from fossil fuels to attract and create the industries of a cleaner, low-carbon economy. To accomplish these goals, the government has called for a huge amount of annual and private sector spending. It now counts roughly $200 billion in climate commitments since the Liberals took power in 2015, a claim that reflects money it has pledged to spend by 2035. Brouillette, with Climate Action Network Canada, said spending commitments on climate action have substantially increased under the Liberal government. She co-authored a report published earlier this year that called on Ottawa to crank up climate spending to two per cent of Canadas GDP, and she said pledges contained in this years federal budget another $80 billion over the next 12 years on a suite of tax credits for clean technology, electricity generation, and more will get the country closer to that goal. But Brouillette also said the Stars findings raise questions about whether the government can deliver these programs at their proposed speed and magnitude. Not all programs the Star analyzed for this story showed gaps between what was budgeted and what was spent. The governments incentive program that gives money to people who buy zero-emission vehicles, for example, was responsible for $609 million in spending between 2016 and 2022 more than the $486 million pledged by that point through the 2019 budget and fiscal update in 2020. The Strategic Innovation Fund, introduced in the 2017 budget to finance business innovation in sectors that include clean technology, spent $1.98 billion from 2017-18 to 2021-22, after budgets pledged $1.95 billion would get spent during that time. Several others initiatives, however, fell well short of the spending spelled out in various federal budgets. Asked about these gaps, the Infrastructure Department said projects funded by such programs take extensive planning and design to get right. Project owners also incur expenses first and then submit requests for funding to cover their costs, the department said, explaining why funding in earlier years is slower for infrastructure programs. Other departments with spending shortfalls include Transport Canada, which administers the National Trade Corridors Fund. A spokesperson for the department said since then a total of $700 million has been distributed through the program to date and that more money hasnt yet flowed because funding is distributed based on the schedules of project proponents. Another program that underspent was Natural Resource Canadas Emissions Reduction Fund, which provides money to help oil and gas companies reduce their emissions. In 2020, the government proposed to spend $364 million on this fund by 2021-22, but Public Accounts show it only spent 44 per cent of that, or $159 million, by then. Keean Nembhard, a spokesperson for Natural Resources Minister Jonathan Wilkinson, said an unspecified portion of the funding for this program was shifted back by one year, and that project cancellations, the pandemic and the timing of financing agreements led to variations in the pace of expected spending. The same departments Clean Fuels Fund, which is meant to finance projects for the production of fuels that create less emissions, only spent $900,000 of the $82 million that was proposed for 2021-22, according to Public Accounts. Nembhard said the delay was caused by an unexpected surge in applications for funding, so the department wasnt able to agree to start financing projects until 2022-23. Natural Resources also spent less than expected on its Greener Home Grants program. The 2020 fiscal update proposed to spend $421 million by 2021-22 on the initiative to help people pay for energy-efficient home retrofits. But Public Accounts show only $73.5 million on grants and contributions to support home retrofits by then. Thats 18 per cent of what was pledged. When asked about this difference, Nembhard said the funding for this program is sent out as homeowners complete their retrofits and submit documents. He also said that $262 million has been spent on these grants by now still $159 million short of what was forecast to have been spent already more than a year ago. Spending on other initiatives the Star analyzed eventually hit the proposed level of funding, but years later than the government had budgeted. Infrastructure Canadas Clean Water and Wastewater Fund, for instance, was supposed to spend $1.46 billion to improve water systems during the 2016-17 to the 2017-18 fiscal years. But spending reports say only $428 million was spent during this time, 29 per cent of what was intended. Instead of taking two years, it took five to spend the proposed $1.46 billion through this fund, the reports say. About $1.8 billion has been spent through this program to date, according to the infrastructure department. Outside of these programs, spending on many initiatives was difficult, if not impossible, to track. Some programs announced in budgets arent named in annual spending reports. To Page, it should be much easier to track how much the government spends and compare it with what was pledged through budgets. It shouldnt be that hard to track down this information, he said. If its not accessible, how do we hold the government to account? Read more about: SHARE: OTTAWAOpposition critics voiced disappointment and concern Thursday over the pace of federal climate action, after the Star revealed Prime Minister Justin Trudeaus Liberals failed to spend billions of dollars they pledged on a host of climate-related initiatives in recent years. Elizabeth May, the longtime Green MP and party co-leader, said she feels betrayed by the Trudeau Liberals, whom she believed would more aggressively confront the climate crisis after they took office in 2015. She argued the government has more eagerly financed the fossil fuel industry through projects like the $31-billion Trans Mountain oil pipeline, while underspending on programs designed to reduce greenhouse gas emissions that are causing the climate crisis. Im one of those Canadians who believed Justin Trudeau and feels profoundly cheated. And we are running out of time. The whole country is on fire, facing floods, facing extreme weather events, May said. The window is closing. What will future generations think of us? Speaking by phone from Toronto, New Democrat MP Charlie Angus noted how the government has never since it began making climate commitments through international negotiations in the 1990s hit any target to reduce national greenhouse gas emissions that cause climate change. He said Ottawa needs to move faster to ensure development projects for the emerging low-carbon economy support workers, after the NDP helped craft new sustainable jobs legislation under its parliamentary deal with the Liberals. Theyve got a bad record on making promises and not delivering, Angus said. Theres a great deal of concern and the sense that we have to make this happen. The criticism followed publication of an analysis in the Star that found almost $7.8 billion was either unspent or spent slower than what was pledged in various federal budgets on 10 major climate initiatives between the 2016-17 and 2021-22 fiscal years. The government insists it can meaningfully contribute to the global effort to minimize the damage of climate change, while profiting from the economic shift away from fossil fuels causing it. The Liberals now boast of making $200 billion in long-term commitments since taking took power in 2015. It has also pledged to slash national emissions to at least 40 per cent below 2005 levels by 2030, as leading scientists have warned unprecedented change is needed and time is running out to avoid the worst extremes of climate change. On Thursday, Natural Resources Minister Jonathan Wilkinson admitted spending has been slow on some climate-related programs. He made the comments while hailing how the government was tabling a new bill that will provide a framework to publicly report on and craft policies to support good-paying jobs outside of the fossil fuel sector legislation that was first promised almost four years ago. Asked whether the government is acting with the urgency required to address the climate crisis and ensure clean economy jobs are created in Canada, Wilkinson said that it is, and blamed various factors including the previous Conservative government that left office almost eight years ago for slow spending that occurred under the Liberal government. It has taken time to get programs ramped up. That is the nature of government. Its also the nature of the fact that we had a government for 10 years previously that did nothing on climate change, said Wilkinson, who also blamed the COVID-19 pandemic for slowing spending. While stressing that the pace of development just has to go faster, Wilkinson also said upcoming spending through tax credits to spur construction of clean energy, hydrogen and electricity projects part of a package the government expects to cost $80 billion by 2025 will also flow quicker than some direct public financing of certain programs. All bureaucracies sort of ossify over time, Wilkinson added. Its certainly something right now that were thinking about enormously. The government also came under fire Thursday after parliaments budget watchdog reported that the governments arms-length export development agency has invested $15.4 billion in the oil and gas sector. The report prompted calls from opposition parties echoing demands from environmental organizations for the federal government to broaden the scope of financial supports it is promising to scrap for the fossil fuel sector. For Green MP Mike Morrice, the governments underspending on climate initiatives including on marquee programs like the Low Carbon Economy Fund marks a sad contrast with the continued public financing of the fossil fuel industry. The government isnt spending what its committing to on good investments like the Low Carbon Economy Fund, and theyre overinvesting in the funds to subsidize the very industry most responsible for the crisis, Morrice said. Its deeply disappointing. Read more about: SHARE: Dont hold your breath for the creation of a City of York. Just as quickly as the idea was proposed for an amalgamated York Region, it was quashed by the premier on Thursday. A day earlier, Markham Mayor Frank Scarpitti raised eyebrows, and questions, when he issued a statement asking the province to consider amalgamating the nine municipalities of York Region following a regional governance review and failed to consult with neighbouring mayors beforehand. But Premier Doug Ford said he was not in favour of unified York Region, saying other mayors in the area arent on board with Markhams marriage proposal. This is all up to the mayors its not up to one mayor to go out there and say you want to build your empire, Ford said in response to reporters questions following an unrelated announcement in Whitby. One mayor is in favour of the idea, he added. We listen to the people, we listen to all the mayors and so we arent doing it. Scarpitti did not respond to questions about whether he would continue to advocate for this option, but previously told the Star he hoped to see substantial change after the upcoming provincial review. The province has taken bold steps restructuring the city of Toronto council and Peel Region and should be doing the same in York Region, said Scarpitti. I hope when the facilitator embarks on their mandate for York Region, they will come forward with some changes and not just leave the status quo in place. The provincial government is in process of selecting regional facilitators to conduct a review of municipal governance for the upper-tier municipalities of York, Durham, Halton, Niagara, Simcoe and Waterloo. A similar exercise took place in 2018, but the province did not release the report from the review. The reviews were announced at the same time the province announced the dissolution of Peel Region into three stand-alone municipalities of Brampton, Mississauga and Caledon. While Mississauga had long championed independence, the decision was made without consultation with Peel residents or with the support of the mayors of Caledon and Brampton. Since then, Brampton Mayor Patrick Brown has expressed concerns about the potential financial impact to his residents as services, programs and assets are divided between the three cities. The province has promised the cities will be supported through the separation, but the financial details are to be sorted out by a five-person transition team the province has yet to announce. In Whitby, Ford and Transportation Minister Caroline Mulroney announced another step toward extending GO train service east. The province has pledged $730 million to run the Lakeshore East GO all the way to Bowmanville. Noor Javed is a Toronto-based reporter for the Star covering city news with interest in 905 municipal politics. Follow her on Twitter: @njaved Read more about: SHARE: MANAGUA, June 14 (Xinhua) -- Nicaragua and Iran signed "important agreements," said Nicaraguan President Daniel Ortega on Wednesday, adding that Nicaragua is ready to send a delegation to Iran for the implementation of the documents. Ortega and his Iranian counterpart Ebrahim Raisi attended the signing ceremony at the Olof Palme Convention Center in Managua. The agreements include three memoranda, which cover the creation of a mixed intergovernmental commission on trade and economic cooperation and scientific and technical exchange, as well as cooperation in the fields of justice and healthcare sector including pharmaceutical and laboratory medicines, medical equipment and supplies. Speaking highly of Raisi's visit to Venezuela, Nicaragua and Cuba, Ortega said the three peoples are most committed to the fight to defend the sovereignty and integration of Latin America and the Caribbean. Raisi started his five-day Latin American trip on Sunday. Thailand may be heading for troubled times. With the countrys establishment, made up of the military and supporters of the monarchy determined to place hurdles in the path of those elected in the countrys general election a few weeks ago, the battle for control of the future may return to the streets as early as next month when the election commission ratifies the results of the poll held in May. The Move Forward party led by Pita Limjaroenrat won the most seats, followed closely by the Pheu Thai party of former Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra. These two parties have joined hands with six others to stake claim to governance, but a preliminary finding announced this week by election officers suggests Mr. Pita may be disqualified. The commissions head announced there is sufficient information and evidence to warrant further investigation into whether Mr. Pita is qualified to run in the election, an ominous pronouncement since it also suggests that the front-runner for the Prime Ministers job may be looking at up to 10 years in jail. The investigation relates to Mr. Pitas holding of shares in a defunct television company, which is barred by Thai election law. The television company ceased operations in 2007, which ought to have made ownership of the shares a moot question, but precedent suggests that trouble may be brewing, not the least because his partys campaign promise to amend lese majeste laws has caused consternation in the establishments ranks. As it is, constitutional provisions make Mr. Pitas task difficult. While parties making up the alliance have more than 300 seats in Thailands 500-member lower house, this is not enough to elect a Prime Minister. The 250 senators appointed by the military also vote, which means that more than 375 votes are needed to win. Already, many senators have announced they will not support Mr. Pitas candidature. If Mr. Pita gets disqualified, or if the alliance is not allowed to form the government, it will mean a clear repudiation of the peoples will, for they had voted overwhelmingly against parties aligned with the military. While not all parties forming part of the alliance led by Mr. Pita share Move Forwards disdain for lese majeste laws, all of them are determined to bring about constitutional changes that will significantly reduce the grip the military has on civilian politics. Advertisement They have also promised to legalise same-sex marriages and to take steps to dismantle the monopolies and oligopolies that dominate Thai business. Should they be thwarted, it is more than likely that the people will take to the streets, to press for a return to a functioning democracy, something they have been fighting for ever since the military seized power in a coup in 2014 and then sought to legitimise. The Thai people have waited a long time, and their patience may be running thin. Built at enormous public cost, inauguration of the new Parliament building, exacerbated differences between the ruling party and the opposition, turning an occasion for national celebration into a mud-slinging row between rival politicians. The public viewed, with distaste, the sorry spectacle of a slanging match between eminent parliamentarians, which would not have taken place had a statesmen-like approach been adopted. The din over Parliament inauguration had barely died down when the ruling party issued a diktat to all ministers to publicly extol its achievements of the last nine years. With General Elections due in the next twelve months, the opposition responded with its own litany of failures. The compulsions of both sides were clearly visible; the ruling party wanting people to believe that they were living in seventh heaven and the opposition going all out to puncture this narrative. Advertisement However, one thing cannot be denied; the concept of India, as imagined by PM Modi, is vastly different from the vision of his predecessors. Mahatma Gandhi saw India as a collection of selfdependent villages, with State power confining itself to the most essential tasks. Jawaharlal Nehru onwards, all Prime Ministers, even Atal Bihari Vajpayee, imagined India as a socialist country, marching ahead at a leisurely pace, where none was left behind. Contrarily, Mr Modi believes in quantum change, where the best in the world should come to India. Secularism and socialism have taken a back seat, capitalism has come to the fore; those not running fast enough have to resign themselves to be left on the side lines. In the new scheme of things, entitlement is anathema, the State is all powerful and individuals are powerless before it; decisions once taken are final. Such tenets run counter to the socialist ideology (though tainted by a desire for the fish and loaves of office), which most other parties follow. This ideological divide could probably explain the implacable opposition to most of Mr. Modis ideas. Given the great divergence of perception and opinion, preparing a balance sheet of the last nine years is bound to be difficult. One can say that the flagship initiatives of the Government ~ Swachh Bharat Abhiyan, Jan Dhan Yojana, Digital Payments, Aadhaar etc. have been hugely successful. Opposition parties claim that these were their initiatives, rebranded by the new Government, but it cannot be gainsaid that Mr Modi gave them much needed impetus by espousing them personally. Then, we had changes like abrogation of Article 370 A, which was long overdue, but not attempted earlier because of the possible political fallout. The Government also took some other popular measures, like construction of Ram Mandir at Ayodhya. A brilliant foreign minister has successfully steered Indias foreign policy to great heights. Mr. Modi himself has been frequently seen in the company of top world leaders, with the Presidency of G-20, being the icing on the cake. However, Chinas incursion in Indian territory, which it shows no signs of vacating, is an ugly blot on our national honour. Our dependence on cheap Chinese imports compounds our misery. Infrastructure building is a great priority for the present Government; good roads now exist in most parts of the country. Similarly, many smaller towns are now connected by air. Vande Bharat trains provide fast and comfortable travel between many places, but the Bullet Train slated to run by 2023, is nowhere in sight. A number of railway stations have been upgraded to the level of airport lounges but train travel for the common man has suffered in the bargain. The prepandemic time-table has not been fully restored. Existing trains cannot cater to the demands of the common man; tickets of 2.72 crore waitlisted passengers were automatically cancelled for want of accommodation in 2022- 23, as against 1.65 crore cancellations in 2021-2022. Rail veterans feel that functioning of the railways can be improved only by addressing core issues like adequate maintenance time and funds, punctuality and cleanliness of trains, regular field inspections by officers, meaningful training of staff, rationalization of tariff structure etc. rather than by focusing only on big ticket issues like faster trains, Wi-Fi and modernisation of railway stations. The economic scenario presents a mixed picture with many successes and some failures, and sequential progress rather than the quantum change that Mr Modi had desired. The twin balance sheet problem of overleveraged businesses and banks burdened with bad loans is over now but after a humongous write-off of Rs.10.10 lakh crore. Underlining poor decision making, and probably corruption also, banks have taken a haircut of 69 per cent in Insolvency and Bankruptcy Code (IBC) proceedings. Gross Domestic Product (in absolute terms) has grown satisfactorily, clocking a growth of 63 per cent in the last nine years, but belying the Governments claim of accelerated development GDP growth in the immediately preceding nine years (2005 to 2014), was 97 per cent. We are still poor; despite growth of 47 per cent in per capita GDP in the last nine years, our world rank hovers around 140. Poverty has risen to unacceptable levels; eighty-one crore persons, that is around 60 per cent of our population are surviving on subsidised rations provided by the Government and demand for employment under the Mahatma Gandhi Rural Employment Guarantee Scheme (MGNREGS) is surging. Even more disturbingly, inequality has increased enormously; World Bank studies, economists Chancel and Piketty, Oxfam etc. all have pointed out this fact. According to the Oxfam International report, Inequality Kills, the Covid-19 pandemic had diametrically opposite consequences for the rich and poor; for example, high crude prices that made domestic petrol prices surge, resulted in windfall profits for oil refiners. No wonder, during pandemic times, the number of Indian billionaires grew from 102 to 142 and their wealth increased from Rs.23 lakh crore to Rs.53 lakh crore. At the same time 84 per cent households suffered a decline in their incomes, with 4.6 crore persons falling into abject poverty. Earlier, too, the World Inequality Report 2022, and the homegrown PRICE Survey had reached a similar conclusion i.e., the emergence of an unacceptable degree of poverty and inequality in India. Despite the Government promoting manufacturing through initiatives like Make in India, Atmanirbhar Bharat, Production Linked Incentive etc. it is agriculture that has come out as the star performer, showing growth even during the pandemic, and outstripping our rampant population growth. Statistically put: Population has grown from 33 crore in 1947 to 142 crore, that is by almost 4.3 times, while our wheat production increased by almost 17.2 times (from about 6.5 million tons in 1951 to 96 million tons in 2014 to 112 million tons in 2023). Rice production has gone up by more than 6.3 times (from 20.6 million tons in 1951 to 106.5 million tons in 2014 to 130.8 million tons in 2022-23), and milk production by more than 12 times (from 17 million tons to 137 million tons to 207 million tons). Agricultural exports have also grown proportionately. Some challenges remain. Sometime in 2023, we will achieve the dubious distinction of becoming the most populous nation in earth. Disturbingly, our population is projected to grow for the next forty years, reaching a peak of 166.8 crore in the mid 2060s. Uninhibited growth in population has proved to be a millstone around our necks, straining resources to breaking point. The most visible manifestation of unbridled population growth are our overcrowded cities and villages, bursting at the seams with deficient infrastructure and minimum civic amenities, and in absence of proper planning, our demographic dividend has turned into a nightmare. To explain: We are projected to have one hundred crore people in the working age group (15-64) by 2030, but with an employment rate (percentage of persons employed in working age population) of around 37 per cent, unemployment may rise to unacceptable levels. But, even with a billion challenges before us, there is no need to feel overawed; the spirit of India always bounces back. As poet Mohammed Iqbal had written in Saare jahan se achcha: Yunan-o-misr-o-roma sab mit gaye jahan se, Ab tak magar hai baqi namo-nishan hamara, Kuch bat hai ki hasti mitati nahin hamari, Sadiyon raha hai dushman daur-e-zaman hamara. (Greek, Egyptian and Roman civilizations, all have perished but the Indian civilisation lives on. There is something in us that we always rise up, even though everyone has been against us through the ages). (The writer is a retired Principal Chief Commissioner of Income-Tax) Manipur has an unfortunate history of ethnic strife and separatist violence, but the state was thought to have turned a corner over the past decade till the latest, ongoing tensions erupted. In the past, efforts by the state government to involve all stakeholders to mitigate, if not eradicate, the issues on which there was conflict helped restore calm. It follows that a realistic approach to conflict resolution is of the essence in the current situation too. Indeed, one of the basic precepts of political philosophy is that conflict is endemic to value pluralism in all its forms; the idea is to manage it and prevent discord from descending into violence. It is in this context that the Meitei-Kuki clashes and simmering tensions need to be understood. First, there is the trust deficit. The Kuki community just does not trust Chief Minister N Biren Singh, and an allegedly partisan Manipur Police is a particular target of ire. The administration has been accused by leaders of the community cutting across party lines of being complicit in the attacks on the Kuki, and sitting by idly even as Meitei vigilante groups have gone on the rampage. The second is a policy issue: Resentment has been brewing within the community at what it terms the unilateral decision of the state government to demarcate some hilly areas of Manipur where the Kuki are mainly resident as reserve forests. As a result, hundreds of Kuki have been evicted. It is also true however, that anecdotal evidence suggests the Kuki community has grown exponentially over past years, which the Biren Singh administration has been at pains to emphasise has been due to illegal immigration from Myanmar. Third is the Meitei communitys demand for Scheduled Tribe (ST) status which the Imphal Valley dwelling majority community iterates is its political right and cannot be subject to a veto by the minority communities. Advertisement The Kuki community, however, sees the demand as a smokescreen to occupy Kuki lands in the hills. Meitei community leaders refute this allegation emphatically and point out that the cause for the tensions lies in the fact that it is the illegal immigrants who are worried, not bonafide citizens of India whatever their ethnicity. Interestingly, this time around, the Naga (mainly Tangkhul) tribes in Manipur who have in the past had differences with the Meitei have also raised the issue of illegal immigration and the threat it poses to traditional Naga lands. The tortuous history and complicated reality of the situation in Manipur needs adept, sensitive handling. In Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma, the Centre believes it has found a troubleshooter for not just Manipur but the North East as a whole. He met Kuki leaders in Guwahati on Sunday and is thought to have assured them that he is working on an inclusive political solution, but attacks on the Meitei community by cadres of Kuki outfits too must cease. It is axiomatic that a resolution will require accommodation from all sides and incitement from none. The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI), probing the alleged West Bengal School Service Commission (WBSSC) recruitment scam in the state, summoned education secretary Manish Jain to appear at Nizam Palace on Thursday. According to the CBI sources, the central investigating agency would interrogate the senior bureaucrat to probe his alleged link in the scam. But its not yet confirmed whether Jain would go to Nizam Palace to face the agency on Thursday. Earlier, CBI had also interrogated him at his Bikash Bhavan office in January in connection with the recruitment scam in schools. While probing the case since July 2022 when the then education minister Partho Chatterjee was arrested, CBI had got several documents allegedly involving Jain. The CBI during its raid at Bikash Bhavan, the education department headquarters at Salt Lake, in January had seized several papers there. The agency would verify these documents with Jain if he comes to Nizam Palace to face the interrogations on Thursday. Advertisement Chatterjee has already claimed in public several times that he had no role in connection with appointments of teachers and other non-teaching employees in schools across the state. Some officers in the education department used to look after recruitment matters. The former education minister has also claimed that he used to sign on documents for recruitments as and when produced before him by the officers. The investigating officers would cross-check the claims made by Chatterjee with the education secretary during interrogations at Nazim Place CBI office Sporadic incidents of clashes took place in Bhangar and Canning in South 24-Parganas during the 5 days of submission of nomination papers. A Trinamul Congress supporter was shot at in Canning market following intra-party group rivalry over filing of nomination papers today. One faction of Trinamul Congress supporters put up a roadblock on Basanti Highway to protest against the bullet attack on TMC supporter Sunil Halder. After being shot, Halder was admitted at a local hospital. Heavy police force was deployed on both sides of Basanti highway. Allegations of Trinamul factional conflict over the submission of nomination papers surfaced this morning in Canning, South 24- Parganas. Due to this, tension spread in the area. According to Canning Trinamul sources, tension broke out on Wednesday between supporters of the block president of the area and the local MLA over the submission of nomination papers. The police reached the spot after some time and fired tear gas shells to disperse the mob. A CPM office in Canning town was also allegedly attacked. Trinamul president of Canning Block, Shaibal Lahiri, alleged that when his followers went to submit their nomination on Wednesday, miscreants blocked them in Canning Bus Stand area. Advertisement Tension ran high after a procession started under the leadership of Trinamul leader of Bhangar Block 1 Shajahan Mollah. Allegations of bombs being hurled and vandalism were also made. After the police reached the spot, they brought the situation under control. A large number of BJP supporters staged a demonstration in front of Basirhat SDO office, led by BJP state president Sukanta Majumder. Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann on Thursday urged Union Housing and Development Minister Hardeep Puri to include SAS Nagar, popularly known as Mohali, in the Smart City project for its inclusive development. The CM, who called on Hardeep Singh Puri at his office in New Delhi today, underscored the need to develop Mohali as a Smart City. He said Mohali is a part of tri city comprising Chandigarh and Panchkula due to which this city holds immense significance. Mann also said that most of the departments of the state government have their head offices in this city due to which it is imperative to give further fillip to its growth. He said it is the need of hour to include this city in the Smart City Project for further holistic and planned growth. He said Mohali and its adjoining municipal committees like Zirakpur, Kharar, Derabassi and Kurali have witnessed immense growth with the international airport, presence of educational institutes, townships and industries. Mann said the area needs special funding to support planned growth and infrastructure development. Flagging another issue, the Chief Minister requested the restoration of the same ratio of funds under Atal Mission for Rejuvenation and Urban Transformation (AMRUT) 2.0 Scheme as was earlier in AMRUT 1. He said that under AMRUT 1, Centre and State share was 50:50 for towns in one lakh to 10 lakh population category whereas under AMRUT 2.0, the Centre and state share has been revised to 33:67 for the towns under the same population category adding that for million-plus cities like Ludhiana and Amritsar, the ratio was 33:67(Centre and State share) and under AMRUT 2.0, it is 75:25. Mann said as these towns are rapidly expanding so they need continuous infrastructure development for which the old share ratio must be restored. Advertisement The trailer of the upcoming romantic comedy drama Tiku Weds Sheru starring Nawazuddin Siddiqui and Avneet Kaur in lead roles was unveiled on Wednesday. The trailer showcases the story of two aspiring actors who get married. As per the trailer, the movie looks rather like a mix of a Bollywood rom-com with black comedy, having a bit of a similarity to Delhi Belly. Advertisement Somewhat satirical in nature, the movie is also well produced with great lighting and sound design. The dialogues in the trailer are also lighthearted, and the one which sticks out most is, Big risk, big life. No risk, no life, said by Nawaz. The movie, while having a solid story, does not seem to take itself too seriously with the actors clearly having a good time. The official synopsis of the movie reads: Sheru and Tiku are marginalised souls from the underprivileged strata of society. They are ambitious for a better life, but life has different plans for them. Shiraz, popularly known as Sheru, hails from Bhopal, a small-town in India. Sheru comes to Mumbai in search of a better life. Being semi-literate, Sheru works as a pimp for a local don, Shahid Bhai, and also as a junior artiste as a decoy job, where he finds girls for his pimping business. He risks everything to win the confidence of his boss to be promoted as an equal partner. Tiku lives with her large conservative Muslim family in Bhopal. What follows when they come together is a set of hilarious situations which sometimes put them on the edge. Directed and co-written by Sai Kabir, and produced by Kangana Ranaut, Tiku Weds Sheru will release on Prime Video on June 23. YANGON, June 15 (Xinhua) -- A Myanmar military helicopter crashed on Thursday morning in Lewe Township of the Nay Pyi Taw Union Territory, killing two people on board, the Information Team of Myanmar's State Administration Council reported. During a training session, the military helicopter enroute to Meiktila of Mandalay Region crashed due to a technical malfunction in Lewe Township, some five miles southwest of Ledargyi Village in the township, the information team said. The deceased, a pilot of the helicopter and a trainee on board, will be sent to a nearby military hospital, it said. In a search operation along the Line of Control (LoC) in Poonch district, the Army on Thursday recovered a cache of arms, ammunition and other gadgets indicating an infiltration bid by terrorists. The cache has been seized ahead of the upcoming 62-days long Amarnath pilgrimage. The cache included sophisticated GPS equipment designed to give directions to reach any place. The contents of the cache indicate that the terrorists might have been sent to ambush security forces and civilians. Reports said that the Armys Sarla Battalion recovered arms, ammunition and other materials during a search operation on LoC in the forward area In Poonch. Among the recovered arms are an AK-74 rifle, two pistols and six grenades. Steel core bullets that have the capacity to pierce through bulletproof vehicles or thick steel were among 468 assorted rounds recovered from the spot. Besides, 60 pistol bullets were also found. Reports said that two daggers, a wire cutter and a digging shovel were also found. The recovery also included modern communication equipment that included a smartphone, a Garmin Etrex 22X, a Thauraya Solar Charger with a bag, a power bank with charging cables and batteries. The seized baggage also had trousers, shirts, rain cap, gloves, swimming goggles, masks, etc. The baggage of terrorists also had Karachi manufactured medicines, pain killers, syringes, bandages, paracetamol, Ibuprofen tabs, voren injections and other first aid materials. They were also carrying packets of dry fruits, toffees, nylon ropes and lighters. Advertisement The Criminal Investigation Department (CID) of Assam Police has submitted the charge sheet against 41 accused persons including 10 teachers in connection with the case of leakage and circulation of the question paper of General Science subject of HSLC examination (Class 10), 2023. According to the police, the CID has submitted the charge sheet against 41 accused persons including 10 teachers, 24 students, 2 attendants and 5 middlemen. The chargesheet has been filed under sections 120B/420/409/218/201 of the Indian Penal Code (IPC) and Sec 66B of the IT Act. The accused have been booked for being part of the conspiracy to leak and circulate the question paper of General Science subject of HSLC examination, 2023 along with 86 documents, statements of 128 witnesses and 48 material objects, before the Chief Judicial Magistrate court, Kamrup (Metro) on Wednesday, the police said. A case vide CID PS case no. 03/2023 u/s 120B/420/427 IPC R/W Sec. 66B IT Act added section 409/201/218 of IPC was registered on March 13 this year on the basis of a complaint lodged by the Secondary Board of Education, Assam (SEBA) related to leakage of the General Science question paper of HSLC examination, 2023. Advertisement Congress leaders Rahul Gandhi and Priyanka Gandhi Vadra on Thursday paid tributes to 20 soldiers, who lost their lives in the 2020 Galwan Valley clash, saying that the nation will forever be grateful to them. On the third anniversary of the Galwan clash, former Congress President Rahul Gandhi tweeted, Humble tributes to the soldiers who laid their lives in Galwan valley. Their Supreme sacrifice to safeguard the borders of the country will be remembered forever. Party general secretary Priyanka Gandhi Vadra also paid tributes to the soldiers and said, Salute to all the brave soldiers who were martyred in Galwan Valley while protecting the country. We will never forget the martyrdom of the brave soldiers and will always be indebted to them for this supreme sacrifice. Advertisement Notably, 20 Indian Army personnel were killed in a clash with Chinese troops in eastern Ladakhs Galwan Valley clash on June 15, 2020. Kerala Pradesh Congress Committee (KPCC) president K Sudhakaranon Thursday moved the Kerala High Court seeking protection from arrest in a cheating case involving controversial antique dealer Monson Mavunkal. Sudhakaran, who has been named as the second accused in the cheating case involving controversial antique dealer Monson Mavunkal, said in his anticipatory bail plea that he apprehends arrest as he could not turn up before the investigating agency on 14 June. The Crime Branch, on 10 June 2023, issued a notice to Sudhakaran stating that they had received certain credible information and had reasonable suspicion regarding his involvement in the said crime. The Crime branch probe team asked Sudhakaran to appear before them on14 June. Advertisement However, the petitioner avers that he had certain pre-arranged priorities and consultations due to which he was unable to do so. He claims he had informed the Crime branch of the same vide a letter dated 13 June 2023, and sought another date to appear. Sudhakaran, in the plea contended that the case in question was registered in September 2021 and there were no allegations or accusations against him in the FIR. It is pertinent to state that after more than 19 months of registering the crime, the personal appearance of the petitioner is sought for,based on a suspicion that the petitioner is allegedly involved in the crime, the petition said. The Congress Kerala chief claimed in his plea that prima facie the notice issued to him to be present in person before the Crime Branch appears to have been for extraneous reasons and political compulsion best known to the police authorities. Sudhakaran further said that the notice was issued under Section 41A of the Criminal Procedure Code which gives the police powers to arrest the person whether he complies or not with the notice. In light of the said reasons, the petitioner apprehends arrest by the respondent 2 (Crime Branch) for offences stated in the notice, his plea said. The Crime Branch wing of Kerala Police have on Monday named Congress Kerala chief K Sudhakaran as the second accused in the Monson Mavunkal fake antique fraud case. The probe team on Monday submitted its report to the Ernakulam Additional Chief Judicial Magistrate court (ACJM court)in Kochi accusing Sudhakaran as complicit in the case. The Crime Branch in September 2021 arrested Monson Mavunkal who had allegedly cheated people by selling fake antiques and claimed his collection has staff of Moses, two out of the 30 silver coins taken by Judas and the throne of Tipu Sultan by knitting a web of lies to woo influential persons including politicians, film stars and top cops. A number of senior officers in the state police, including former police chief Lokanath Behera had been pictured with Mavunkal.ADGP Manoj Abraham and former IG G Lakshman were also found to have visited the conman at his residence in Kochi. In a major development in the wresters issue, the Delhi Police on Thursday filed in court its chargesheet running into over 1,000 pages in the alleged sexual harassment case against Wrestling Federation of India (WFI) chief Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh. Thursdays development came after the agitating wrestlers had, on June 7, decided to suspend their protest in the National Capital against Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh till June 15 after the government assured them that the probe will be completed by the date chargesheets are submitted. The wrestlers have been protesting to press their demand for the arrest of BJP MP and WFI chief Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh over sexual harassment allegations against him. Advertisement The chargesheet based on the sexual harassment allegations against Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh, a BJP MP, levelled by the wrestlers, has been filed under sections 354, 354D, 345A & 506 (1) of IPC, Special Public Prosecutor Atul Srivastava said. Additional Chief Metropolitan Magistrate Deepak Kumar of Rouse Avenue Court kept the matter for June 22 for consideration for taking cognisance of the chargesheet. Two FIRs had been registered against Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh on the basis of wrestlers complaints. While one was registered under POCSO Act in Patiala House Court on the basis of a complaint by a minor wrestler, the other was filed on the complaint of other wrestlers in MP/MLA court at Rouse Avenue. The Delhi Police has filed its final report in both the FIRs in the respective courts. Meanwhile, in the Patiala House Court, the Delhi Police filed a Cancellation Report citing a lack of evidence on POCSO matter in the wake of the minor, who had accused the WFI chief of sexual harassment, changed her statement. The Delhi Police said there was no collaborative evidence in the case. Delhi Police officials said that in the POCSO matter, they have submitted a police report under section 173 Cr PC requesting for a cancellation of the case based upon statements of the complainant the father of the victim and the victim herself. The Delhi Police said they filed the chargesheet for the offences under sections 354 (Assault or criminal force to woman with intent to outrage her modesty), 354A (making sexually coloured remarks), 354D (stalking) of IPC against accused Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh and for offences under sections 109/ 354/354A/506 IPC against accused former WFI assistant secretary Vinod Tomar With the demand for caste census and increase in OBC reservation quota, Uttar Pradesh Congress on Thursday launched its OBC conferences in the state in view of the coming Lok Sabha polls. In todays meeting, Congress leaders belonging to socially and educaitonally backward castes from Agra, Firozabad, Mathura and Mainpuri participated. After Mathura, such conferences will be held in Kanpur on June 18, Varanasi on June 19, Saharanpur on June 21, Bareilly on June 22, Ayodhya on June 25, and Devipatan on June 26. By the first week of July, the conferences will be held in all 18 divisions and after this district-wise conferences will be held. Congress Secretary Anil Yadav said the BJP is ideologically opposed to backward castes. Sangh Parivar has always done conspiracy to end reservation and social justice. The BJP has only cheated the backward society, he alleged. Yadav said: Our leader Rahul Gandhi has raised the most revolutionary issue in the history of India that the limit of 50 per cent reservation should be abolished and the reservation of OBC community should be increased. Keeping his point in the conference, Yadav said the Congress party has governments in four states, out of which three Chief Ministers are from the OBC community. The Congress is fighting for the interest of the OBC community in the whole country, he said. State Youth Congress President Omveer Yadav, while addressing the conference, said that the rights of the youth of OBC community have been killed in the recruitments done in the Modi-Yogi government. The oppression of OBC society is at its peak, he said. State Secretary Mukesh Dhangar said that the most backward society was only used by the BJP. In the name of participation, the BJP only gave posts to its agents. The BJP will be given a befitting reply in the coming Lok Sabha elections. The resolutions were passed in the conference were the concept of social justice cannot be completed without caste census. Caste census is necessary to strengthen democracy. The limit of 50 per cent reservation should be removed immediately so that the backward castes get reservation in proportion to their population. Giving a further boost to indigenous manufacturing of defence equipment and incentivise the private sector to engage in realising the vision of Aatmanirbhar Bharat, the Ministry of Defence today inked a contract with ICOMM Tele Limited, Hyderabad for the procurement of 1,035 numbers of 5/7.5 Ton Radio Relay Communication equipment containers. The value of the contract under the Buy (Indian) Category is nearly Rs 500 crore. The delivery of the containers is scheduled to commence from the current Financial Year 2023-24. The Radio Relay Containers will address a long overdue requirement of mobile communication detachments of the Indian Army. These containers will be utilized to provide a protected environment for communication equipment to function in a failsafe and reliable manner. The containers would be mounted on authorized specialist vehicles and moved as per operational requirements. Advertisement The company would produce the containers with all equipment and sub-systems sourced from indigenous manufacturers. This will give a further boost to the indigenous manufacturing of defence equipment and stimulate the private sector to actively engage in realizing the vision of Aatmnirbhar Bharat. The development of such state-of-the-art equipment will also help in boosting exports to friendly countries. Participating in a panel discussion at the World of Work Summit of ILO on Promoting Social Justice in Geneva, Union Minister for Labour Bhupender Yadav highlighted the steps taken by India to eliminate discrimination in labour markets. He Yadav said for greater inclusion of women in the workforce, India has increased paid maternity leave from 12 weeks to 26 weeks, made provision for mandatory creche facilities in establishments having 50 or more employees and permitted women workers in the night shifts with adequate safety measures. Yadav said India was also making efforts to extend the benefits of social security to unorganised workers. He said the e-Shram portal was a step towards extending social security to all. The government was also skilling, upskilling and reskilling workers for the same, he added. Advertisement He held a tripartite interaction with employers and employee associations in Geneva on the sidelines of the 111th International Labour Conference. The minister heard their concerns and apprised them about how the government was making efforts for both workers welfare and ease of doing business. Attending a BRICS dinner in Geneva on the sidelines of the ILO conference, Yadav stated that the best practices and experiences shared from BRICS countries would play an important role in promoting decent work and social protection for workers. He said that India supported the proposal put forward by South Africa to establish a joint platform for BRICS Productivity Ecosystems in the context of the Strategy for BRICS Economic Partnership 2025. Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan met Union Home Minister Amit Shah in New Delhi and discussed the political situation in the state. Sharing photos of his meeting with Shah, Chouhan on Wednesday tweeted, Today, meeting the Union Home Minister Amit Shah in Delhi, discussed the development of the state along with the law and order situation in detail. During this conversation, received his sincere guidance on various issues. Elections to the state Assembly are to be held in Madhya Pradesh later this year and in view of the preparations for these elections, the ongoing political tussle between the Congress and BJP is continuously on an upswing. Advertisement However, the BJP is facing many challenges from within the party. Deepak Joshi, son of former Chief Minister Kailash Joshi, who was one of the founding leaders of the party, quit BJP and joined the Congress last month. On the other hand, on Wednesday, Baijnath Yadav, who is considered a staunch supporter of Union Minister Jyotiraditya Scindia, also left the BJP and joined Congress. There is also a political tussle between the MLAs who joined the party with Scindia in the state and the old BJP cadre. In view of these critical political circumstances, this meeting of Shivraj with Shah is being considered to be quite significant. A Principal Sessions Court in Chennai rejected Tamil Nadu Minister Senthil Balajis petition seeking to reject his remand for 15 days. The judge informed the petitioners advocate that this was not valid as judicial custody has already been granted. The court also rejected the Enforcement Directorate petition seeking custody of the minister. The ED had requested the court to grant permission to question him in custody as he did not cooperate properly during the earlier interrogation. Principal Sessions judge S. Alli said that the application of the ED could not be allowed. Advertisement In the petition for custody of the minister, the ED had informed the court that the benami properties of Senthil Balaji worth Rs 25 crore were traced. The agency said that the minister had financed a property bought in the name of a relative. The Madras High Court will consider a habeas corpus petition filed by Senthil Balajis wife. A division bench of the Madras High Court comprising Justices Nisha Banu and Bharat Chakravarthy will consider the plea this afternoon. SEOUL, June 15 (Xinhua) -- South Korea's automotive export logged a double-digit growth last month due to robust demand for eco-friendly vehicles, government data showed Thursday. Car shipment surged 49.4 percent from a year earlier to 6.2 billion U.S. dollars in May, according to the Ministry of Trade, Industry and Energy. The automotive export continued to grow for the 10th consecutive month since August last year, surpassing 6 billion dollars for the third straight month. The number of exported vehicles was 248,755 in May, up 37.5 percent from the same month of last year. The export of eco-friendly cars increased 64.3 percent to 2.1 billion dollars, while the number of exported vehicles soared 49.2 percent to 66,264. The number of vehicles manufactured in local factories gained 24.5 percent from a year earlier to 382,129 in May. The number of cars sold in South Korea, including locally-made and imported vehicles, was 152,190 in May, up 4.6 percent from a year earlier. CPI-M general secretary Sitaram Yechuri on Wednesday again ducked questions posed by the media on the case against a TV journalist in Kerala for her report on a mark list controversy. When media persons in Trissur asked about the case filed by the Kerala Police under the Pinarayi Vijayan Government, for her story regarding the controversy of the mark list of SFI state secretary P M Arsho, Sitaram Yechuri refused to respond. He ducked the questions on the plea that he doesnt know the details of the case. In fact, I dont know the details of the case. Party state secretary has already explained the position on it, I have nothing more to add on it, he said, adding Isnt there anything else to ask? Advertisement When asked as to whether media persons in Kerala dont have interest in matters related to India, he said, Dont you have questions on India? Earlier on Monday, the CPM leader parried a question on the case against TV journalist Akhila Nandakumar. When media persons in New Delhi asked about the case against the journalist for filing a report as part of her duty, he said, I dont know anything about the case. In contrast, Yechuri was quick to respond to the revelations made by former Twitter CEO Jack Dorsey against the Centre government. Jack Dorsey disclosed that the Narendra Modi Government had threatened the social media company with a ban and raid of its employees in India if certain tweets about the farmers protest were not suppressed. He had said, The outrageous manner in which the media ecosystem is being manipulated dissent is intimidated, journalists threatened, abused and jailed on false pretext. No amount of denial by the Modi Government can obfuscate the truth of doctoring media content. Meanwhile, Leader of the Opposition in the Kerala Assembly VD Satheesan on Tuesday took a dig at Yechury, asking whether his remarks accusing the BJP-led Central Government of media manipulation were also applicable to his party comrade and Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan. The Congress leader said that the CPM leader appeared to be blissfully unaware that Vijayan was also allegedly involved in media manipulation. Sharing Yechuris tweet, he asked him, whether this is applicable to Comrade Pinarayi Vijayan and his Government, Mr.Yachuri, is this applicable to Com.Pinarayi and his government too? Meanwhile, Union Minister of State for Electronics and Information Technology Rajeev Chandrasekhar has questioned the double standards of the CPI-M on press freedom. Terming the case filed against Asianet News Kochi Chief Reporter Akhila Nandakumar as an example of CPI-Ms hypocrisy on press freedom, he said they (the CPI-M) are vocal about freedom of expression when the BBC documentary issue came out. However, when a fake mark list story was reported by a journalist in Kerala, the government under the CPI-M filed a case against her with conspiracy charges. The Kerala Police on Saturday booked Akhila Nandakumar, a reporter with Malayalam news channel Asianet News, on a complaint filed by PM Arsho, state secretary of the Students Federation of India (SFI, the student wing of the CPI-M. The complaint was against a news report by Akhila alleging that Arsho, an MA Archaeology student at Maharajas College Ernakulam, had passed all his exams without appearing for them. Akhila, who is chief reporter of Asianet News Kochi, has been named the fifth accused in the case. The police have booked her with 120B (criminal conspiracy), 465 (forgery), 469 (forgery for purpose of harming reputation), and 500 (defamation) of the Indian Penal Code. In a setback to aggregator Rapido and Uber, operating two-wheel bike-taxi services in the national capital without licence, the Supreme Court on Monday restored the Kejriwal Governments February 19, 2023 notification prohibiting their operations and stated that the Delhi High Courts May 26, 2023, order permitting their operation, interfered with prevailing statutory regime, was unwarranted. Putting on hold the May 26 interim order of the Delhi High Court staying February 19, 2023 Delhi government notification prohibiting the operation of two-wheel bike- taxi services by aggregator Uber and Rapido, a vacation bench of Justice Aniruddha Bose and Justice Rajesh Bindal said that under the circumstances, in our opinion an interim order staying the operation of a statutory regime is unwarranted. Uber told the vacation bench that there are 35,000 bike-taxi services vehicles operating in the national capital. The bench was told that any prohibition will affect their likelihood. Pointing to discrimination, Uber also told the bench that while bike-taxi services carrying passengers as pillion riders is stopped but bike-taxi service for carrying cargo is continuing. Advertisement The top court order came as it noted that the Delhi governments policy concerning the grant of license to operate two-wheel bike-taxi services will be operational by July 31, 2023. The vacation bench was informed that a draft policy for inviting suggestions/objections was published on May 23 and the exercise involved in it will be over by June 24 and the final policy will be out by July 31, 2023. Disposing of the petitions by Delhi government challenging the High Court order and the one by Uber, the vacation bench said that the High Court will decide the matter pending before it without being influenced by the comments and the opinion expressed by them in the course of the hearing today. At the outset of the hearing, the vacation bench asked the Additional Solicitor General Sanjay Jain whether aggregators can operate bike-taxi service without licence from the state government. In response, Jain said that though aggregators come under the Centre and the guidelines relating to their operations including non-transport vehicles were framed in 2020, the registration of aggregators and the issuance of the licences came under the domain of the State government and no operations could be carried out without licence. Senior advocate Neeraj Kishan Kaul representing Uber argued that there were Centres guidelines governing the operations of aggregators and vehicles including non-transport vehicles and the same will prevail in absence of State policy regulating it including licences. However, an unimpressed bench said that the 2020 guidelines could not override the statutory regime in voyage. Can this (centres guidelines) overcome the statute, Justice Bose asked senior advocate Kaul. The vacation bench also brushed aside Ubers reference to the Bombay High Court order and the subsequent order of the top court in relation to the Bombay High Court order. The bench said that the issue before the Bombay High Court was in respect of the aggregators as a whole and not the operation of two-wheel bike-taxi services, which is the issue in Delhi. In the last hearing of the matter on June 9, the Supreme Court had sought the Centres stand on Delhi governments plea challenging the Delhi High Courts order staying February 19 notification prohibiting the bike-taxi aggregator Rapido and Uber from operating bike-taxi services. Following the May 26 High Court order, the two aggregators resumed bike-taxi services. Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath presented ambitious development plans for Ayodhya with ongoing projects worth a staggering Rs 32,000 crore. He said no other city in the country could match the scale of development initiatives undertaken in Ayodhya. Yogi Adityanath said the aim of the development initiatives was to transform Ayodhya into one of the most beautiful cities of the world He said one of the key milestones is the installation of Ramlala, the idol of Lord Ram, in his own temple after a wait of 500 years. This historic event scheduled for January will be attended by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, enhancing Ayodhyas significance on a global scale. Advertisement In addition, the government has also announced plans to develop Ayodhya as a major tourist destination, with the construction of a grand Ram Temple and other infrastructural developments. The main railway station is undergoing extensive development, while railway projects in Surya Kund and Bharatkund are set to commence soon. Ayodhya is also planned to get its very own international airport, expected to be completed within this year. This is expected to boost the local economy and create employment opportunities for the people of Ayodhya, he said. Ayodhya holds a special place in the hearts of millions of people, and even for those who were not fortunate enough to be born here desire for the opportunity. The people have a strong sense of Lord Rams presence in their lives, and the construction of the temple will be a manifestation of their devotion and belief, he added. Speaking at a public meeting organised at Yogiraj Bharat jis Taposthali Nandigram, Bharatkund on Thursday to mark the completion of nine years of Modi Government, he extended his wishes for the continued success of his tenure and hoped that India would continue to benefit from his guidance and leadership. He expressed his aspiration to transform Ayodhya into a city that every major city aspires to connect with. He set a target of lighting 21 lakh lamps during the upcoming Deepotsav and called on every household of Ayodhya to light lamps, in addition to the ghats, math-temples, Suryakund, and Bharat Kund. In an effort to make Uttar Pradesh a hub of pharmaceutical products in the country, the Yogi Adityanath government is preparing the draft of Pharmaceutical Industry Policy-2023. The new policy will be valid for the next five years after its implementation. It is worth mentioning here that Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, at a recent meeting, discussed the important changes required in the Pharmaceutical Industry Policy 2018 to implement proposals received during the UPGIS 2023 to the ground. GN Singh, the Chief Ministers Advisor, said here on Thursday: The new policy aims to improve the states pharmaceutical and medical device industry by encouraging local production, promoting research and development, and improving the availability of affordable medicines to citizens. Advertisement The upcoming policy will focus on creating a conducive environment for the development of pharma sector in the state and providing subsidies, incentives and land to promote the pharmaceutical industry, he added. He further informed that the main objective of the policy is to create a strong ecosystem for research and development by setting up state-of-the-art facilities and collaborating with academic institutions. The new policy is being prepared to boost the local economy, focusing on the need for specialized technology, quality control system and specialized ecosystem for the pharmaceutical and medical device sector. According to the policy, the Yogi Government would provide a 50 per cent interest for a maximum of seven years on the loan received from a bank for the purchase of land to establish the industry, which will not exceed Rs 1 crore per year. Pharma and Medical Device Park are receiving special focus. The goal of the policy is to identify plots and develop parks for bulk manufacturing of allopathic, AYUSH products, medical devices and key ingredients used in bulk drug manufacturing. It may be noted that the Global Investors Summit-23 held in Lucknow attracted investment of Rs 28,402 crore from 212 companies in the pharmaceutical and medical equipment sector which will create 57000 new employment opportunities. Indias Permanent Representative Ruchira Kamboj has offered Pakistan the utmost sympathy for what she described as its mindset of ignorance and inability to comprehend the culture of peace. In a voice dripping with sarcasm, she blew off a Pakistani attack on India at the General Assembly on Wednesday saying: We have nothing but the utmost sympathy for such a mindset that utters falsehoods repeatedly, arising undeniably out of ignorance, and a total lack of appreciation for a culture of peace. Although she did not name Pakistan, Kamboj said: Most regrettably, weve heard some deeply distorted and inaccurate not to mention malicious remarks from a delegate. Advertisement The Permanent Representative said that she would not waste the Assemblys time with a response to Pakistans remarks and advised the delegation to look at previous statements by India responding to its taunts. Our agenda will always be constructive, progressive and for the greater good of humanity. In the spirit of our civilization ethos, we remain committed to spread the message of humanity, democracy, peace and non-violence. While speaking on the resolution on the culture of peace, Pakistans Permanent Representative Munir Akram had brought up Hindutva as a threat to Muslims and Christians. While his own country is constitutionally an Islamic state that curbs the rights of minorities, including members of some Muslim sects, and legally prescribes the death penalty for perceived slights to its official religion, Akram accused the Sangh Parivar of wanting to turn India into a Hindu state. Kambojs advice to refer to previous responses could, in addition to serious rebuttals, bring forth a flood of humour and lampoon that Indian diplomats have contemptuously wielded to de-fang Pakistan. Pakistan, the land of Taxila, one of the greatest learning centres of ancient times, is now host to the Ivy League of terrorism, was one of them. On another occasion, an Indian diplomat called it the country which is an arsonist disguising itself as a firefighter. It was also called Terroristan with a flourishing industry producing and exporting global terrorism. After remarks by former Prime Minister Imran Khan about terrorism, an Indian diplomat wondered if he was referring to himself. North Korea still appears to be operating facilities at a now-shuttered joint industrial complex in Pyongyangs border city of Kaesong despite Seouls repeated warnings against the unauthorised move, the South Korean Unification Ministry said on Thursday. The Ministry has continuously detected signs of the North illegally running facilities in the Kaesong Industrial Complex, Yonhap News Agency quoted an official as saying. Such signs include buses entering the factory zone and lights turned on at the site at night. Advertisement On whether the government plans to take legal measures against such a move, the official said the Ministry is reviewing various measures, without further elaboration. The remarks came a day after Seoul lodged a symbolic damages suit against the North over its demolition of an inter-Korean liaison office in Kaesong. On June 16, 2020, the North blew up the joint office in protest against Seouls failure to stop North Korean defectors from sending anti-Pyongyang leaflets across the border. The government sought 44.7 billion won ($35 million) as compensation for losses incurred in the Souths state assets and stressed that it will continue to hold Pyongyang responsible for any infringement of property rights. The official, however, said that Seoul respects and remains committed to previous administrations efforts for reconciliation in inter-Korean relations, referring to the anniversary of the June 15 Declaration adopted at a historic summit in 2000 between then South Korean President Kim Dae-jung and then North Korean leader Kim Jong-il. The tragic murder of 27-year-old Tejaswini Reddy Kontham in London has shattered the hopes and dreams of her family, who were eagerly anticipating her return for marriage this year. Tejaswini had shared her plans with her parents to tie the knot after her arrival from the United Kingdom. However, their joy turned into heartbreak as news broke that she was brutally stabbed by her 23-year-old flatmate, Keven Antonio Lourenco de Morais, a Brazilian national. Authorities have confirmed his arrest, and an ongoing investigation is underway. The Metropolitan Police in London had previously released his photograph in an effort to seek public assistance in locating the suspect responsible for the vicious attack. Advertisement Tejaswinis father expressed the familys shock upon learning about the incident. They received information that she was in critical condition and hospitalized. Three years ago, she traveled to London and successfully completed her MS course. Last year, she briefly returned to Hyderabad in August but went back to London the following month. According to her father, she had plans to fly back to Hyderabad this year to solemnize her marriage. He shared that they had been in the process of arranging her marriage and she had informed them that she would return once the alliance was finalized. He mentioned that she had even resigned from her temporary job, with the intention of coming back after another month of work. In this tragic turn of events, the victims family is now pleading with the government to facilitate the necessary arrangements to repatriate Tejaswinis body from the UK to Hyderabad, their hometown. Authorities responded to a distressing incident of a stabbing at a residential property in north-west London, involving a young woman named Tejaswini Reddy Kontham. At the scene, a 24-year-old man and a 23-year-old woman were promptly arrested by the police. In addition, the previously identified individual, Keven Antonio Lourenco de Morais, a 23-year-old man from Brazil and Tejaswinis flatmate in London, was also taken into custody. Here is what we know about de Morais. Earlier, the Metropolitan Police had shared a photograph of Keven Antonio Lourenco De Morais, a Brazilian national, seeking the publics assistance in locating him. According to Vijay, a relative of Tejaswini residing in Hyderabad, the accused, a Brazilian male named Keven, had only moved into the shared residence less than a week prior to the incident. Reports indicate that Tejaswini had traveled to London in March of the previous year to pursue a masters degree. Advertisement Detective Chief Inspector Linda Bradley, from the Metropolitan Polices Specialist Crime Command, expressed gratitude to the public for their prompt response and cooperation in sharing information related to the investigation. She acknowledged the significant impact this incident has had on the community and assured the public that a dedicated team of detectives is diligently working to uncover the truth. Local officers will also remain present in the area to address any concerns in the following days. Tejaswini, originally from the Brahmanapally village in Ranga Reddy district, Hyderabad, tragically lost her life while pursuing further education at the University of Nottingham in London. Alongside her friends, she resided in Wembleys Neeld Crescent. Tejaswinis passing occurred immediately, while another woman named Akhila, aged 28, sustained non-life-threatening stab wounds and was transported to a nearby hospital for treatment. Tejaswini had relocated to London, UK, to pursue her higher education. Investigators are actively working to determine the motive behind this tragic murder. BEIJING, June 15 (Xinhua) -- China's top market regulator unveiled a trial guideline on Thursday to improve the regulation of the blind-box industry. The document, released by the State Administration for Market Regulation, banned some items from being sold in these boxes, including medicine, medical equipment, live animals, and flammable and explosive objects. Sales of these boxes to minors under the age of eight are prohibited, said the document, urging vendors to keep minors from becoming addicted to playing with blind boxes. Merchandisers should publicize information about the value of the blind boxes' contents, the rules for drawing these boxes, and the probabilities of the outcomes, per the document. They are also encouraged to help maintain shoppers' rationality by setting caps on monetary spending and the number of purchases. The guideline also banned blind box contents that offend social morality and public order. HONG KONG, June 15 (Xinhua) -- The Civil Service Bureau (CSB) of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) government and the National Academy of Governance (NAG) signed the Agreement on the Dedicated National Studies Program for Senior Directorate Civil Servants here Thursday. The signing of the agreement signified a new stage of collaboration between the HKSAR government and the NAG. The dedicated program aims to enhance participants' knowledge about the country's policies of governance, deepen their understanding of the country's political system and formulation of important policies, and strengthen their communication and contact with senior mainland officials for further mutual exchanges. The program includes lectures and site visits, with contents covering the Constitution, the Basic Law, safeguarding national security and the country's latest policies and developments. John Lee, chief executive of the HKSAR and Xie Chuntao, executive vice president of the NAG in charge of daily operations together witnessed the signing of the agreement and attended a talk organized by the CSB. Xie delivered a talk on "The Communist Party of China (CPC) and the Great Rejuvenation of the Chinese Nation," reviewing the glorious journey of the CPC, which united and led the people in continuous exploration and relentless struggle towards the great rejuvenation of the Chinese nation. Xie also introduced the historic achievements and transformation since the 18th National Congress of the CPC as well as a series of strategic plans outlined during the 20th National Congress of the CPC, elaborating the scientific connotation and significant implications of promoting Chinese modernization in achieving the great rejuvenation of the Chinese nation. At the talk, Lee thanked the academy for having long been giving strong support to the HKSAR government's training work. He expected the HKSAR government officials to better serve Hong Kong in their respective positions and better leverage the distinctive advantages of Hong Kong under "one country, two systems" and its unique advantages of enjoying strong support of the motherland and being closely connected to the world, so as to better serve Hong Kong and the country, and contribute to the realization of the great rejuvenation of the Chinese nation. American University of Sharjah (AUS) and Petrofac, a leading global provider of energy services, have joined forces to shape the future of technology and empower the next generation of information technology (IT) professionals. This is part of the prestigious AUS Engineering Al Nukhba Programme in a new era of IT excellence, innovation and diversity. The two sides have signed a Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) to leverage Petrofac's expertise to empower AUS students and foster innovation in the field of IT. Formalised through the MOA, this partnership will see Petrofac offer a minimum of 15 AUS students internships within Petrofac's IT division. Hands-on experience These internships will provide students with hands-on experience, enabling them to sharpen their technical skills, gain industry insights and apply their theoretical knowledge in a practical setting. By immersing themselves in Petrofac's dynamic IT environment, students will be exposed to the latest technologies, methodologies and trends, preparing them for future IT careers. Petrofac and AUS recognise the need to bridge the gender gap in science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) and are committed to empowering women in technology. In line with this vision, female members of Petrofacs IT team will serve as mentors to female AUS students, guiding and inspiring them to pursue their ambitions in STEM-related fields. Through this mentorship programme, female AUS students will benefit from personalised guidance, invaluable industry insights and the opportunity to connect with successful women in IT, paving the way for a more inclusive and diverse IT landscape. Curriculum projects In alignment with their shared goals, Petrofac will actively engage with AUS in designing and implementing IT-related final-year curriculum projects. By aligning academic coursework with real-world challenges and industry demands, students will be equipped with practical skills and a deep understanding of how IT solutions can address complex business needs. This collaborative approach will foster a seamless transition from academia to industry, ensuring AUS graduates possess the technical skills and problem-solving abilities to excel in the IT sector. The signing ceremony was attended by Dr Fadi Aloul, Dean of the College of Engineering (CEN) at AUS; Dr Mohamed El Tarhuni, Interim Provost and Chief Academic Officer at AUS; George Eapen, Group Chief Information Officer at Petrofac; Elie Lahoud, Chief Operating Officer - Engineering and Construction at Petrofac; Ali A. Abdullah, UAE Country Chair at Petrofac; and other senior officials from the two institutions. "This strategic partnership between the AUS Engineering Al Nukhba Programme and Petrofac sets a remarkable precedent in our ongoing efforts to shape the future of technology and cultivate a new generation of IT professionals who will drive advancements in this dynamic field," said Dr Aloul. Bridging the gap He added: "Through this collaboration with Petrofac, a renowned industry leader, we not only bridge the gap between academia and industry but also empower women in engineering by providing them with unwavering opportunities for practical application, mentorship and knowledge sharing." At Petrofac we are strong supporters of STEM education at all levels, seeking to improve educational access and the employability of people across our communities. We have successfully collaborated with AUS for many years, so Im delighted that we are able to build on this to help develop the technology skills and innovation needed across the industry through this latest partnership, said George Eapen.-- TradeArabia News Service People inspect a damaged house after Israeli forces demolished it in the West Bank city of Nablus, on June 15, 2023. Israeli troops shot and killed a Palestinian and injured two others in the city of Nablus in the occupied West Bank on Thursday morning, according to Palestinian and Israeli sources. (Photo by Ayman Nobani/Xinhua) JERUSALEM, June 15 (Xinhua) -- Israeli troops shot and killed a Palestinian and injured two others in the city of Nablus in the occupied West Bank on Thursday morning, according to Palestinian and Israeli sources. In a statement, the Palestinian Health Ministry identified the victim as 20-year-old Khalil Yehya Anis, who died from gunshot wounds in the head, and one of the other two Palestinians who were shot suffered critical injuries. The Israeli military confirmed in a statement that their forces raided the Rafidiya neighborhood to demolish the home of Usama Tawil, who was arrested on Feb. 13 and charged with killing a soldier outside an Israeli settlement on Oct. 11 last year. "During the operation, gunshots were heard in the area and suspects shot at the (Israeli) forces, causing damage to vehicles," the Israeli military said, adding the Israeli troops responded with riot control equipment and opened fire at several suspects. Israel claims that its contentious practice of demolishing homes serves as a punitive measure and an effective deterrent to Palestinians' attacks, while critics argue that it amounts to an unlawful collective punishment that leaves the relatives of the assailants homeless. In early 2005, Israel ceased to use the practice after a Defense Ministry committee concluded that it is ineffective. However, Israel resumed the controversial practice in 2015 in the wake of a wave of street attacks. People inspect a damaged house after Israeli forces demolished it in the West Bank city of Nablus, on June 15, 2023. Israeli troops shot and killed a Palestinian and injured two others in the city of Nablus in the occupied West Bank on Thursday morning, according to Palestinian and Israeli sources. (Photo by Ayman Nobani/Xinhua) People carry the body of Khalil Yehya Anis during his funeral in a refugee camp near the West Bank city of Nablus, on June 15, 2023. Israeli troops shot and killed a Palestinian and injured two others in the city of Nablus in the occupied West Bank on Thursday morning, according to Palestinian and Israeli sources. (Photo by Ayman Nobani/Xinhua) A relative of Khalil Yehya Anis mourns during his funeral in a refugee camp near the West Bank city of Nablus, on June 15, 2023. Israeli troops shot and killed a Palestinian and injured two others in the city of Nablus in the occupied West Bank on Thursday morning, according to Palestinian and Israeli sources. (Photo by Ayman Nobani/Xinhua) MGR was the first Tamil actor-politician to become CM of the State The Very Severe Cyclonic Storm Biparjoy is likely to make a landfall near Jakhau Port in Gujarat's Kutch district on Thursday afternoon. Authorities said over 74,000 people living near the coast have been shifted to safer places ahead of the storm. Ahead of the landfall, parts of the Saurashtra-Kutch region received heavy rains accompanied by strong winds on Wednesday, the Met department said. The latest IMD alert read: "VSCS Biparjoy over Northeast Arabian Sea at 0230 hours IST of 15th June 2023 about 200 km west-southwest of Jakhau Port (Gujarat). To cross Saurashtra & Kutch and adjoining Pakistan coasts between Mandvi and Karachi near Jakhau Port by the evening of 15th June as a VSVS." The Met department has already issued an alert that isolated places in the districts of Kutch, Devbhumi Dwarka and Jamnagar would witness heavy rainfall as Biparjoy approaches. On Wednesday, 65 talukas of districts in Saurashtra regions received rainfall in 12 hours till 6 pm. Heavy rain also lashed Devbhumi Dwarka district. BSF, Navy on the standby The Navy, NDRF and Border Security Forces (BSF) have been readied for rescue operations ahead of the storm. The Indian Navy has already deployed ships with Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief (HADR) bricks on standby at short notice, Indian Navy said in a statement. "Helos at INS Hansa in Goa and INS Shikra in Mumbai are ready for embarkation/ ferry to Gujarat. P8i and Dornier aircraft ex-Hansa, Goa are on standby for aerial recce and transportation of relief material and personnel. Additional HADR stores and equipment are kept on standby for embarkation at short notice," said a statement by the Indian Navy. BSF Gujarat Inspector General Ravi Gandhi told ANI that BSF forces are deployed at the international border. "As per the IMD assessment, the concerned area is from Mandvi to Karachi. Our forces are alert with full preparation. We are helping people who are approaching us with any concerns. We are also in contact with other security forces like NDRF," he added. Meanwhile, 15 teams of NDRF (National Disaster Response Force), 12 of SDRF (State Disaster Response Force), 115 teams of the state road and building department, and 397 of the state electricity department have been deployed in different coastal districts. According to the Gujarat government, officials of departments of electricity and road and building have also reached designated spots to restore connectivity and power supply. "We have also deployed teams carrying HAM radio sets and satellite phones in the coastal region for better communication," said Commissioner of Relief, Alok Kumar Pandey. Trains cancelled The Western Railway (WR) has cancelled or short- terminate the operation of a few more trains ahead of the landfall on Thursday. According to the WR, seven more trains have been cancelled, three short-terminated and four other services short-originated. So far, 76 trains have been cancelled, 36 short-terminated and 31 short-originated. Over 74,000 evacuated Over 74,345 people have been moved to temporary shelters in eight coastal districts. The most number of people shifted is in Kutch with over 34,300 evacuated. Over 10,000 in Jamnagar, 9,243 in Morbi, 6,089 in Rajkot, 5,035 in Devbhumi Dwarka, 4,604 in Junagadh, 3,469 in Porbandar district and 1,605 in Gir Somnath district have also been shifted. In a shocking development, two double murders of parents by their sons in separate incidents were reported in Madhya Pradesh on Thursday. Both crimes one in Bhind district and another in Balaghat were committed on Wednesday night. The accused son in the Bhind case is still absconding and police are hunting for him. The incident in Chhekuri village of Gohad tehsil in Bhind, 480km north of Madhya Pradesh capital Bhopal, came to light on Thursday morning after villagers found blood-stained bodies of Harnarayan Jatav (65) and his wife Ramshri (55) on cots outside their home. The deceased couples elder son Manjesh (32) was missing, Statements from villagers revealed that Manjesh had attacked his parents on two occasions previously. Suspecting him to be the murderer of the couple, police registered a case against Manjesh. The murders are likely to have been committed with an axe and there are reports that Manjesh had purchased a new one a few days ago. Mou police station in-charge Udhaybhan Singh told THE WEEK that according to the preliminary probe, Manjesh has some mental health issues and was very upset with his parents after they allowed his younger brother (Sanjeev) to have a live-in relationship with his wife. Manjesh got married eight years ago, but his wife left him around four years ago alleging physical abuse. A compromise was reportedly reached and the woman was allowed to live with Sanjeev, who works in Delhi, Singh said. This enraged Manjesh, and three years ago he set the house on fire, after locking his parents inside. The villagers managed to save the couple, but everything in the home was burnt down. Manjesh again attacked his parents brutally two years ago and they sustained serious injuries. The parents blamed Manjeshs violent behaviour on his weak mental state and did not make a police complaint. Maybe if they had, and the son was sent to jail for some time, he would have been restrained, Singh said. The cop added that they were on a hunt for Manjesh and he would be soon arrested. The second incident was reported from in village Gunai under Hatta police station in Balaghat district, 470km southeast of Bhopal, on Wednesday evening. In-charge of the Hatta police station, Vijay Sanas told THE WEEK that Saroj Meshram, 20, has been arrested for the murder of his parents Rupchand (64) and Kavita (62). He was presented in court on Thursday afternoon and has been sent to judicial custody. Sanas said the preliminary probe indicated that Saroj, the younger of two sons of the deceased couple, had anger issues. The couple was manual labourers. Saroj often got into arguments with his parents and a similar argument erupted on Wednesday evening after Kavita objected to some of his actions. Saroj then attacked his mother with a stick and spade, grievously injuring her. Rupchand, who was outside, rushed in to confront his son and he was attacked too. Rupchand died on the spot. We reached there within 15 minutes and took the injured Kavita to the government hospital, where she died after midnight. We took Saroj into custody and presented him in court today, Sanas said. Just as officials suggest signal interference could have caused the Odisha train tragedy, a letter by Railway Board, purportedly written on April 3, has surfaced which points at its staff using "shortcuts" for clearing signals. The letter shared by the Congress on Wednesday said a Railway Board member had pulled up five incidents from various zones to raise the issue, wherein the staff reconnected signalling gears without proper testing. The letter was tweeted by Congress general secretary Jairam Ramesh, who asked whether the CBI would inquire into why the letter was written and what action was taken as part of the follow-up. As the CBI investigates the Balasore train disaster will it also inquire why this letter was written and what follow up action was taken? pic.twitter.com/tYxqxHTko4 Jairam Ramesh (@Jairam_Ramesh) June 14, 2023 Railway Board member (Infrastructure) R.N. Sunkar wrote to the general managers of all zonal railways to review these aspects every week in safety meetings at the divisional and headquarters levels. The letter said, "The signalling gears were reconnected by signal and telecom staffers without proper testing of points after blocks for switch/turnout replacement, wrong wiring during preparatory works, attending signal failures etc." The letter added that such practices are hazardous to train safety and need to be stopped. The letter added that despite repeated instructions, the "ground situation is not improving and the signalling staffers are continuing to adopt shortcut methods" for clearing signals without checking correspondence from the site and without proper exchange of disconnection/re-connection memos with operating staff. "Joint works with engineering staffers, signal maintenance and other repair works requiring disconnection contained in IRSEM should indicate time duration catering provisions for testing signalling gears after completion of engineering works in case of joint activities. The gears should be reconnected only after proper testing to ascertain safe certification of the signalling system," it said. The Railway Board also said several infrastructure works are under progress with stringent targets, and officers and staffers on the field need to be sensitised that the integrity of the signalling system was of utmost importance from a safety point of view. "These aspects need to be reviewed in weekly safety meetings at divisional and headquarters levels," the letter said. As many as 288 people lost their lives and over 1,000 were injured in the three-train crash on June 2. The crash involved the Bengaluru-Howrah Superfast Express and Shalimar-Chennai Central Coromandel Express, which were carrying around 2,500 passengers, and a goods train. The High Court of Karnataka has orally warned Facebook (Meta) that it may order its operations in India to be shut down if it does not cooperate with police investigation over a fake profile. An Indian national from Mangaluru, Shailesh Kumar, is in prison in Saudi Arabia allegedly over a derogatory Facebook post against the king of that nation and Islam. His wife Kavitha has complained to the local police that it was a fake profile of her husband on which the derogatory message was posted. The police have failed to complete the investigation on the fake profile prompting Kavitha to approach the high court. Her petition, originally filed in 2021, was heard by Justice Krishna S Dixit on Wednesday. Earlier on June 12, the HC had ordered: "The Commissioner of Police, Mangalore (Mangaluru), is directed to study the case papers and be present before the Court to answer as to why there has been arguably enormous delay in accomplishing the investigation of the matter when a citizen of this country is languishing in a jail of a foreign country after trial and conviction when his specific stand was that his Facebook account was hacked." Mangaluru city police commissioner Kuldeep Kumar Jain and the investigating officer in the case were present in the HC on Wednesday. Kavitha's complaint to the police stated that Shailesh has been working in Saudi Arabia for the past 25 years. He had put up a post in support of the Indian Government's Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA) and the National Register of Citizenship (NRC) move. He allegedly received a threat call over this post following which he deleted his account. Subsequently, some miscreants created a fake account in his name and uploaded a derogatory post against the Saudi king and Islam, she said. Following this post, Shailesh was arrested in Saudi Arabia, tried and sentenced to 15 years in jail. Based on the information he provided, his wife filed the police complaint about the fake profile in her husband's name. The police commissioner informed the HC on Wednesday that the investigation has been delayed as Facebook has not cooperated with the police. When the HC questioned the counsel for Facebook, the counsel informed the court that he had no information about the exact location of the incident. This prompted the HC to issue the warning that the operations of Facebook would have to be ordered to shut down if it did not cooperate with the investigation. The counsel sought a week's time to submit the details required. The HC adjourned the hearing to June 22 directing Facebook to submit a detailed report on the incident and relevant information. Meta, Facebook's parent company, was arraigned as a party to the petition on May 29. The HC also directed the Union government to detail the steps taken to secure the Indian national who has been jailed in a foreign prison in a fake case. "Union Government should also make a statement based upon records to be given in a sealed cover as to what happened to the concerned citizen; whether he was given lawyer's assistance on a foreign soil; whether apparently trial proceedings were held with fairness standards as obtaining in the international criminal law," the HC's June 12 order read. The HC also warned the Union government that "if the details as sought are not furnished, the concerned secretary of the Department of Foreign Affairs may be summoned personally before the Court." RAMALLAH, June 15 (Xinhua) -- A senior Palestinian official on Thursday accused the Israeli government of dragging the entire region into more violence through its "crimes" against the Palestinian people. Nabil Abu Rudeineh, the spokesman of the Palestinian presidency, made the remarks in a press statement following an Israeli army raid on the northern West Bank city of Nablus that killed one Palestinian and blew up a house. The Israeli government "insists on dragging the region into a cycle of violence through its continuous crimes against our people," Rudeineh said, adding such "punishment policies" of Israel as demolishing houses, killing people and storming towns, have committed "war crimes according to international law." He called for immediate international action to provide protection for the Palestinians against the Israeli moves and bring those responsible to justice. On Thursday, the Palestinian Health Ministry said in a press statement that Khalil Yehya Anis, a 20-year-old from Nablus, was killed after he was shot in the head by Israeli soldiers. The escalating tension between Israelis and Palestinians in the West Bank and East Jerusalem since early January has led to more than 160 Palestinians and around 20 Israelis killed in mutual attacks, according to official Palestinian and Israeli figures. Australian Senator Lidia Thorpe on Thursday said that she had been sexually assaulted in Parliament, and the building was not a safe place for women to work. In a Senate address, Thorpe said she faced "sexual comments", cornered in a stairwell, "inappropriately touched" and "propositioned" by "powerful men". On Wednesday, the independent senator accused conservative David Van of sexually assaulting her. She then withdrew her remark after being threatened by parliamentary sanction. Van, who denied Thorpe's allegations, said he was "shattered and battered" by the claims. He told the local media the allegations were "utterly untrue." On Thursday, the Liberal Party suspended Van over the claims. Thorpe acknowledged that sexual assault meant different things for different people and said what she experienced was being followed, aggressively propositioned and inappropriately touched." "I was afraid to walk out of the office door. I would open the door slightly and check the coast was clear before stepping out," she said, AFP reported. "It was to the degree that I had to be accompanied by someone whenever I walked inside this building," she added. There have been instances of women lawmakers coming forth with allegations of sexual assault. In 2021, Brittany Higgins, a former political aide said she was raped in March 2019 by a fellow conservative staffer on a couch in a Cabinet ministers parliamentary office following a night of heavy drinking. Following this, five separate investigations revealed the frequently sexist nature of Australian politics. A 2021 government-backed investigation, further confirmed that sexual harassment and bullying were widespread in Australias Parliament. A 23-year-old man was on Thursday charged with the murder of Indian student Tejaswini Kontham and the attempted murder of her friend at a residential address in Wembley, north London. The Metropolitan Police said Keven Antonio Lourenco De Morais, previously referred to as a Brazilian national, has been remanded in police custody to appear at Uxbridge Magistrates Court in London. Two other people, one man and a woman, arrested in connection with the murder investigation at the crime scene have now been released with no further action. "Keven Antonio Lourenco De Morais, 23, of Neeld Crescent, Wembley was charged on Thursday, 15 June with the murder of Tejaswini Kontham and the attempted murder of a second woman, the Met Police said in a statement. On Tuesday, Met Police officers attended a flat in Neeld Crescent, Wembley, along with the London Ambulance Service and found Tejaswini and another woman, aged 28, suffering from knife injuries. "Despite the efforts of emergency services, Tejaswini sadly died at the scene. Her family has been informed, the police said. It led to a man-hunt for prime murder suspect De Morais, who was later arrested in the Harrow area of north London. The second victim of the knife attack has been named locally as Akhila, also from India who remains in hospital but is said to be out of danger. The Indian National Student Association (INSA) UK issued a statement to say that she remains in a state of shock following the attack, which claimed the life of her friend. "On behalf of Indian students in the UK, we convey our sincere condolences to her family and friends and pray that her soul rests in peace, INSA UK said in a statement with reference to Tejaswini. "Our thoughts for Akhila also for her speedy recovery from this shock. We are hopeful that justice will be delivered for the affected families. We will do everything possible to ease some of their family members' pain. We are in touch with the authorities and will support the repatriation process, it said. According to INSA UK, Tejaswini whose full name is Tejaswini Kontham Reddy had recently graduated from the University of Greenwich in south London and went on to secure her post-study work visa. She moved to the flat in Wembley recently after securing a job in north London. Tejaswini's father told a news channel in India on Wednesday that she had gone to London three years ago and had completed her MS course there. She came to Hyderabad in August last year and returned to London the next month. She was supposed to fly down here in May this year, he said. "We were planning to conduct her marriage. She said she will return after the alliance is finalised. She had resigned from her temporary job and said she will come back after working for another month," he said. The victim's uncle requested the government to make necessary arrangements to bring her body from the UK to Hyderabad. The Indian High Commission in London is yet to issue a statement with reference to the attack and death of an Indian national. Prime Minister Narendra Modi will speak on the role of the diaspora in India's development during his address to Indian Americans here next week, according to a community leader in charge of hosting the event. Prime Minister Modi is visiting the US from June 21-24 at the invitation of US President Joe Biden and First Lady Jill Biden. They will host Modi at a state dinner on June 22. The visit also includes an address to the Joint Session of the Congress on June 22. Chicago-based Dr Bharat Barai, who was at the Ronald Reagan Building venue in Washington DC on Wednesday to give final shape to the next week's event, said that it is a sold-out event, with registration completed for all 838 seats. As far as the registrations are concerned, they are closed for the host committee as well as other people. We had an extraordinary response, all by word of mouth because we had only 838 seats. So there was no time and there was no capacity if we advertised outside," Barai told PTI. "We used the database that we had from the previous public meetings of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, and even before we could contact the people, they contacted us and it's all filled up, he said. Modi will address an invitation-only gathering of diaspora leaders from across the country at the Ronald Reagan Building and International Trade Center in Washington on June 23. The topic is going to be the role of the diaspora in the growth story of India. We want to see what we can do as a diaspora to help India and the people of India come up to the new place in the world, Barai said. Noting that the event will have very few cultural elements, he said the organisers want to make it primarily an engagement between the diaspora and the prime minister. The diaspora is very much excited about having such a visionary and working person who has propelled India to the fifth largest economy in the world. Not only that, he has elevated India's reputation, he said. Amitabh Mittal from Chicago thanked US President Joe Biden for inviting Modi on an official state visit. He is the man of the action. He has transformed India. India has been waiting for someone like him to come and take charge, Mittal said. Mittal hoped the prime minister would make an announcement on the Hindu Heritage Month in October. We have received his letter twice already in the last two years. But since he's here on the ground, I would love for him to mention that October is celebrated as the Hindu Heritage Month. "Not only in America, but Canada, Australia, New Zealand and six other countries have joined in, and we have 30 proclamations already, Mittal said. NATO said it does not see any change in Russia's nuclear position after Belarus President Alexander Lukashenko claimed that the country has already received some tactical nuclear weapons from Moscow. However, Russia's foreign ministry said its nuclear policy was 'strictly defensive'. In an interview on state television on Tuesday, Lukashenko brashly warned that he wouldn't hesitate to order their use if Belarus faced an act of aggression. Russian President Vladimir Putin has said the weapons will be deployed to Belarus next month and will remain under Moscow's exclusive control. We are, of course, closely monitoring what Russia is doing. So far, we haven't seen any changes in the nuclear posture that requires any changes in our posture, Stoltenberg told reporters before chairing a meeting of NATO defence ministers at the alliance's headquarters in Brussels. NATO's secretive nuclear defence planning group is set to meet on Friday. The meeting has long been planned and is not a reaction to recent developments, but the alliance is concerned about Putin's threats and his decisions to pull Russia out of important arms limitation treaties. Russia's nuclear rhetoric and messaging is reckless and dangerous, Stoltenberg said. Russia must know that a nuclear war cannot be won and must never be fought. He noted that Russia has invested heavily in new modern nuclear capabilities and also deployed more nuclear capabilities, including close to NATO borders, for instance, in the high north. Earlier this year, Putin announced the planned deployment of short-range nuclear weapons to Moscow's neighbour and ally Belarus in a move widely seen as a warning to the West as it stepped up military support for Ukraine. Russia is also using Belarus as a staging base for attacks in Ukraine. During a meeting with Lukashenko on Friday, Putin said work on building facilities for the weapons would be completed by July 7-8, and they would be moved to Belarusian territory quickly after that. US President Joe Biden and his NATO counterparts are gathering for a summit on July 11-12 in the Lithuanian capital, Vilnius, about 35 kilometres from the Belarus border. Russian Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova on Thursday said Russia may deploy nuclear weapons exclusively in extraordinary circumstances and will be possible only for defensive purposes. TASS quoted Zakharova as saying, "Russia's nuclear deterrence policy is strictly defensive. The hypothetical use of nuclear weapons is clearly limited by extraordinary circumstances within the framework of strictly defensive purposes." Zakharova said Russia was fully committed to the principle of the inadmissibility of nuclear war. She added that in nuclear war, there can be no winners and it must never be unleashed. (With PTI inputs.) Pakistan Foreign Minister Bilawal Bhutto Zardari will embark on a two-nation visit to China and Japan from June 27 to deepen bilateral cooperation. He will travel to China in the last week of June to attend the 14th Annual Meeting of the New Champions, also known as the World Economic Forum's (WEF) "Summer Davos", to be held from June 27 to June 29 in China's Tianjin Municipality, official sources told The Express Tribune newspaper on Wednesday. Bilawal will also undertake a maiden visit to Japan in the first week of July. Japan is a key development partner of Pakistan and the foreign minister's visit would likely further deepen the cooperation, it said. Pakistan has tried to maintain a fine balance while pursuing ties with its all-weather ally China and its rival Japan. Tokyo has old ties with Islamabad and supported the country financially. But in the preceding years, Japan's relationship has grown exponentially with India while Pakistan found greater comfort in the arms of China. It is believed that Bilawal's visit to Japan would help to maintain the balance in ties with Beijing and Tokyo. Former British Prime Minister Boris Johnson was supposed to face a 90-day suspension for misleading the Parliament if he had still continued as an MP, a report by Commons Privileges Committee on the Partygate scandal said. Former British Prime Minister Boris Johnson deliberately misled Parliament when he denied knowledge of Covid-19 law-breaching parties in Downing Street, the report said. The Commons Privileges Committee released its final report into the Partygate scandal days after Johnson, 58, resigned from Parliament as an MP, accusing the members of the committee of a "witch hunt" against him. The committee recommended that Johnson must not be entitled to a former member's pass. Finding him in breach of the Commons rules, the committee was also highly critical of his attacks on its integrity and recommended a suspension of 90 days from Parliament had he not resigned. We have concluded above that in deliberately misleading the House Mr Johnson committed a serious contempt. The contempt was all the more serious because it was committed by the Prime Minister, the most senior member of the government, the Privileges Committee report concludes. "Although Mr Johnson's resignation as an MP renders it impossible for a sanction of suspension to be imposed, we draw attention to the fact that before the events of Friday, June 9, we had provisionally agreed to recommend a suspension long enough to engage the provisions of the Recall of MPs Act," it says, with reference to Johnson's resignation. The seven-member committee conducted a year-long investigation into the Partygate allegations. The committee notes that there is no precedent for a British Prime Minister having been found to have deliberately misled the House of Commons and also that Johnson misled it on an issue of the greatest importance to the House and to the public, and did so repeatedly. They accuse Johnson of committing further contempt in his attacks on the due parliamentary process with deprecated terms such as witch hunt and kangaroo court. We put on record that if he had not resigned his seat, we would have recommended that he be suspended from the service of the House for 90 days for repeated contempts and for seeking to undermine the parliamentary process, by deliberately misleading the House; deliberately misleading the Committee; breaching confidence; impugning the Committee and thereby undermining the democratic process of the House; being complicit in the campaign of abuse and attempted intimidation of the Committee," the report concludes. Johnson issued another strongly-worded statement in response, saying it was a dreadful day for democracy. This is a dreadful day for MPs and for democracy. This decision means that no MP is free from vendetta, or expulsion on trumped-up charges by a tiny minority who want to see him or her gone from the Commons. I do not have the slightest contempt for Parliament, or for the important work that should be done by the Privileges Committee, he said. The former prime minister, whose exit from 10 Downing Street last year had been hastened by the Partygate scandal, repeatedly denied Covid-19 lockdown rules were broken within government quarters when asked in the Commons. In March, the House of Commons Privileges Committee published a summary of its findings and called in Johnson to give oral evidence before decisively concluding whether he knowingly misled Parliament and submitting its complete findings to Parliament. Last week, Johnson resigned as Conservative Party MP after receiving the draft findings of the final report, a move which will trigger a by-election in his London constituency of Uxbridge and South Ruislip. The Liberal Democrats demanded that the former PM must be stripped of annual allowance of 115,000. The Guardian quoted Daisy Cooper, the Lib Dem deputy leader as saying, It is completely unprecedented for a former prime minister to be found to have been a law-breaker and serial liar, who treated the public and parliament with total disdain. Rishi Sunak must cut off Johnsons ex-prime minister allowance to stop him milking the public purse for his own personal gain. She added that anything less would be an insult to bereaved families who suffered while the former PM partied. However, the British PM's office has reportedly rejected such demands. The Guardian quoted PM's spokesperson as saying, There were no plans either to force Johnson to repay the money spent by the government on his legal advice during the privileges inquiry or to remove his allowance as an ex-PM. These arrangements are fairly longstanding its not a personal salary or allowance, its the reimbursement of expenses for office and secretarial costs. (With PTI inputs.) Following the footsteps of former Indian prime ministers Jawaharlal Nehru and Manmohan Singh, Narendra Modi is travelling to the United States on June 21 for a state visit. Although Modi has been in power for more than nine years and has visited the US multiple times, this is going to be his first state visit. With a grand state dinner on the South Lawns of the White House and an extravagant 21-gun salute, US President Joe Biden would extend his diplomatic hand to Modi, hoping to strengthen the shared commitment to a free, open, prosperous, and secure Indo-Pacific and the shared resolve to elevate the strategic technology partnership, including in defence, clean energy and space. A state visit is the highest-ranked diplomatic engagement the United States offers to a foreign leader. Modi's state visit could be a crucial step towards deepening India-US bilateral relations, particularly in the area of security cooperation, defence, trade, energy, technology and space. It also signals the importance of India as an equal partner. Domestically, it would be a key accomplishment for Modi ahead of the 2024 Lok Sabha elections. He is expected to be greeted by over 5,000 Indian Americans, advancing his political strategy of Diaspora Diplomacy and displaying his immense popularity across the globe. Modi's visit to the US has come at a time when global politics is in a flux. China's aggressive rise and the Russian invasion of Ukraine are threatening the very basis of the liberal, democratic international order, which has been the global standard since the end of World War II. With a growing relationship between Russia and China, the US appears clearly rattled. China is now a legitimate economic superpower, and with Russian cooperation in energy, it is posing a major challenge to the US. The US is also wary about the fact that the Chinese military has established close ties with its Russian counterpart. Though China has been officially neutral in the Ukraine war, its actions tend to show a distinct preference for the Russian position. The US expects India to be a bulwark against the Sino-Russian alliance and hold aloft the standard of liberal democracy. Modi's visit could also help India and the US to take initial steps to strengthen the newly-established global supply chain by keeping China out and also explore the possibility of shifting some of the US investments to India. The agenda, though undisclosed, is likely to discuss China's Indo-Pacific strategy of bullying its neighbours. If India plays its cards right, the state visit could deepen the bonds between the two countries. While also establishing a new partnership between the US and India, it would benefit various sectors of the Indian economy and could also be an opportunity to discuss several issues that would affect Indias youth, such as visas and higher education opportunities. It would also positively affect the upcoming G20 summit which India is hosting in September, establishing Indias stature worldwide. No fairytale, however, comes without a twist. The visit may give Biden an opening to try and persuade Modi on changing Indias position on the the Ukraine war and the ongoing purchase of discounted oil from Russia. Kolkata, June 15 (PTI) Kesoram Industries Ltd is planning to infuse fresh capital of Rs 60 crore for the turnaround of Cygnet Industries Ltd, its wholly owned subsidiary, to transform it into a leading global supplier of cellulose transparent paper, a senior company official said on Thursday. The Manjushree Khaitan-led company is the only one in south Asia that manufactures non-toxic, biodegradable cellulose transparent paper, also known as cellophane paper, used to wrap food and protect it. There is growing demand for cellulose transparent paper in developed economies of the world as well as in the country. The strategic investment will allow Cygnet to improve its manufacturing capability, widen its product portfolio and achieve better quality standards, he said. "We are in discussions to bring in strategic investors, including with our technical partner Futamura, who can add value. Given the rise in demand, there is a shortage in the global supply of transparent paper and India can be a major supplier," Kesoram Industries whole time director and CEO, P Radhakrishnan told PTI. The company, he said, is not willing to dilute its majority stake and may restrict it below 26 per cent. The B K Birla group company had signed a technical MoU with Futamura Group of Japan two years ago. The Japanese company may take a financial stake in Cygnet depending on valuation. Radhakrishnan said that Cygnet is capable of generating an EBITDA of Rs 60 crore per annum after the proposed capital infusion and support from the new technical and financial partner. But the EBIDTA can increase to Rs 90- Rs100 crore with the support of the strategic partner. Cygnet is also in the business of viscose rayon filament yarn and chemical manufacturing verticals and has around 2,500 employees. In FY23 it registered a turnover of Rs 260.62 crore and a loss of Rs 78.61 crore. New Delhi (India), June 15: Recently, Sachin Dev Duggals unicorn startup, an AI-driven software platform, Builder.ai reported raising over $250 million in Series D funding led by Qatar Investment Authority (QIA). The firm has now received more than $450 million in total since its initial campaign in 2018. With its most recent financing, the company's valuation has increased to nearly 1.8 times that of its $100 million Series C fundraising in March 2022. Despite this, the business remained mum on its worth. The artificial intelligence platform offered by London-based Builder.ai, a business founded in 2016 by serial entrepreneur Sachin Dev Duggal, allows users to create software by combining components in a manner analogous to stacking reusable Lego bricks. This low-code, no-code platform allows anybody to develop and maintain apps, from tech-averse craftsmen looking to sell their works online to layout professionals with little to no background in programming or coding. According to Sachin Duggal, Chief Wizard of Builder.ai, Our team is already investing this capital in our AI and automation capabilities so we can empower our customers more and use new frontier technology responsibly at the same time. Since January 2022, the company has virtually doubled its workforce and increased the size of its UK headquarters by opening four new offices, including ones in the US, the UAE, Singapore, and France. The firm has virtually quadrupled its workforce in response to the organization's record-high customer demand and daily advancements in AI. A deal with Microsoft that involves a covert stock investment in the business was just made public by Builder.ai. The most recent amount of funding, according to Duggal, will support the company's continued leadership in the industry and its creative pipeline, enabling greater investments in people, relationships, and technology. The whole idea of software is being reinvented as our world enters an amazing period of transition. According to Sachin Duggal, a serial entrepreneur and Founder of Builder.ai, It is only going to grow exponentially. Software no longer has the years-long shelf life it once had; instead, it now only has the shelf life of a conversation he added. Iconiq Capital, Jungle Ventures, and Insight Partners were among the additional existing and prospective investors who took participation in the Series D deal. We are confident that Builder.ai's innovative technology and proven approach positions the company for a future of substantial growth, says Ahmed Ali Al-Hammadi, CIO for Europe, Turkey, and Russia at QIA. Since Insight invested a year ago, Sachin Duggal and the Builder.ai team have achieved outstanding accomplishments Jeff Horing, co-founder and managing director of Insight Partners, declared. The firm has our full support, and we are happy to be increasing that support. Due to Duggal's leadership and vision, Builder.ai has grown quite quickly. His ability to foresee market opportunities and apply technology to complex problems has helped the company overthrow the traditional software development industry and usher in a new age of affordable and efficient software development. Because of its current funding achievement and groundbreaking discoveries, Builder.ai, led by Sachin Dev Duggal, will likely transform the software development environment. By facilitating the availability of software development, the firm helps companies of all sizes integrate the shift to digital and boost their expansion. The subsequent era of innovation from Builder.ai is eagerly anticipated as it promises to revolutionize software development. (Disclaimer: The above press release comes to you under an arrangement with PNN and PTI takes no editorial responsibility for the same.). PTI PWR PWR Pune (Maharashtra) [India], June 15: In celebration of the highly anticipated International Yoga Day on June 21st Ojas Yoga, a renowned holistic wellness and yoga practice hub, celebrated Yoga Day with transformative events and activities promoting health, harmony, and inner well-being. Archana Amlapure conducted a Yoga master class in which around 150 students from Maharshi Karve Stree Shikshan Sanstha, Pune were present. A book written by Archana about the benefits of Yoga, Health Happiness Harmony, was launched on this momentous day by the students. International Yoga Day, celebrated every year on the 21st of June, was established by the United Nations, is a global initiative that recognizes the profound benefits of yoga for individuals and communities alike. It serves as a reminder of the timeless wisdom and practice of yoga, which has been cherished for centuries and continues to inspire millions worldwide. As a leading yoga teacher and passionate advocate for the power of yoga, Archana Amlapure, Founder of Ojas Yoga and Wellness, is committed to spreading the joy and benefits of yoga to individuals of all ages and backgrounds. With a mission to foster a healthier and more balanced society, Archana has been empowering people on yoga and its benefits across Asia. The studio is located in 359A, Joo Chiat Road, Singapore. She has been instrumental in conducting various Yoga lessons for students from India, US, Thailand and Malaysia. "I am thrilled to celebrate International Yoga Day and share the profound benefits of yoga with our community," said Archana, the visionary behind Ojas Yoga and Wellness. "Yoga has the power to heal, restore, and unite people from all walks of life. Our events and programs aim to create a space where individuals can cultivate mindfulness, strengthen their bodies, and nourish their souls. It is time to discover the transformative power of yoga and embark on a journey towards a healthier, more balanced life." The book Health Happiness Harmony embarks on a journey that delves into the depths of our inner being, guiding us towards self-discovery, healing, and profound growth. Yoga, with its ancient roots and timeless wisdom, has the power to unlock every individual's true potential and connect to a state of harmony and balance. Archana, on launching her first book, quips, As I reflect upon the significance of yoga in my own life, I am humbled by its ability to create a profound shift in our physical, mental, and spiritual well-being. It is a practice that transcends boundaries, cultures, and beliefs, embracing all who seek solace, strength, and serenity. Through the pages of this book, we all have the opportunity to embark on a shared exploration of this beautiful and transformative practice. May this book serve as a trusted companion on your personal odyssey of self-discovery, growth, and connection. May it inspire you to step onto your mat with renewed vigor and embrace the teachings of yoga with unwavering devotion. It is time to embrace the practice of yoga as a lifelong journey and let it illuminate your path with its transformative light. About Ojas Yoga and Wellness- Ojas Yoga and Wellness is a premier yoga studio dedicated to empowering individuals through yoga and mindfulness. Led by Archana Amlapure, a highly trained and experienced yoga teacher, Ojas offers a variety of classes, workshops, and retreats designed to support physical, mental, and emotional well-being. (Disclaimer: The above press release comes to you under an arrangement with PNN and PTI takes no editorial responsibility for the same.). PTI PWR PWR TOKYO, June 15 (Xinhua) -- A former senior official of major Japanese publisher Kadokawa Corp. was found guilty on Thursday of bribery in connection with the company's bid to win a sponsorship deal for the Tokyo Olympics and Paralympics. The Tokyo District Court sentenced Kyoji Maniwa, who was in charge of Tokyo Games-related business at Kadokawa, to two years in prison, suspended for three years. The 63-year-old was accused of giving about 69 million yen (490,000 U.S. dollars) to Haruyuki Takahashi, the former executive of the Tokyo Olympic Games organizing committee, in exchange for favorable treatment in selecting sponsors. Presiding Judge Yoshihisa Nakao said Maniwa extended the huge bribe out of a selfish motive to create a big business opportunity for the publisher, adding that the defendant was well aware there was a strong possibility the money would amount to a bribe. Maniwa is the first to receive a sentence among three people from the Japanese publishing company arrested over the bribery scandal, including former chairman Tsuguhiko Kadokawa, 79, who is to be tried separately on charges of bribery in the Tokyo Games case. New Delhi (India), June 15: The Founder of Elite Group, Mr Balraj Meel, is known for his visionary approach and out-of-the-box thinking. He has given new dimensions to the way businesses are conducted by introducing the concept of Global Payment Solution Wizard. It is a one-of-a-kind software that allows businesses to make and receive payments in any currency. This article tells you more about how this innovative software works and how it can benefit your business. Early life and education of Mr Balraj Meel Mr Balraj Meel was born in a small village in India. His father was a farmer, and his mother was a homemaker. He did his schooling at a small village school, and later, he went to Himachal for his higher studies. He did his graduation in commerce from Himalayan Garhwal University. After his graduation, he started working in the financial industry. He worked there for some time, and then he moved to Chandigarh to start his own business. In Chandigarh, he started a small company that used to provide financial services to the people. Gradually, his company grew, and he became one of the leading businessmen in India. In 2018, Mr Balraj Meel started his own payment gateway called Elite Neo Bank & Payments by Elite Group. Elite Group is one of the leading payment gateway providers in India & outside India. Elite Group provides its services to both national and international clients. Elite Groups payment & Neo Bank has its own patented technology, which makes it one of the most secure payment gateway providers in the world. Elite Group is also one of the few companies which are compliant with PCI DSS standards. Elite Group has been growing rapidly since its inception. It has tie-ups with major banks and financial institutions in India and abroad. Elite Group has also been expanding its operations by setting. Mr Balraj Meels career in the payments industry Mr Balraj Meel is the founder of Elite Group, a leading provider of global payment solutions. He has over five years of experience in the payments industry, and his company has processed over $1 billion in payments each year. He is a thought leader in the industry, and his blog covers topics such as the future of payments, the changing landscape of the payments industry, and the challenges and opportunities that come with working in the payments space. The founding of Elite Group The Elite Group was founded in 2017 by Balraj Meel, now its CEO. The company started as a payments solution provider and has since evolved into a global fintech powerhouse. Elite Group has been instrumental in developing innovative payment solutions for businesses of all sizes. Meel is a serial entrepreneur and a thought leader in the payments industry. He is passionate about using technology to make financial services more accessible and Affordable for everyone. Under his leadership, Elite Group has become one of the leading providers of payment solutions in the world. The company has offices in Chandigarh, Delaware, Dubai, Singapore, and Mumbai. Elite Group is backed by leading venture capital firms. Elite Groups products and services The Elite Group is always striving to provide the best products and services to its clients. In the blog section, you can find out more about the companys latest offerings and how they can benefit your business. You can also read testimonials from satisfied customers and learn more about the Elite Group team. Mr Balraj Meels vision for the future of payments Since the launch of Elite Group, Mr Balraj Meel has been working tirelessly to bring his vision for the future of payments to life. His goal is to create a global payment solution that is convenient, safe, and affordable for everyone. To achieve this, Mr Meel has assembled a team of the brightest minds in the payments industry. Together, they are working on developing a platform that will allow users to make and receive payments in any currency, anywhere in the world. The Elite Group team is making great progress on their mission to build the ultimate payment solution. In the coming months, they will be launching a beta version of their platform so that users can begin testing it out. Mr Meel is confident that his team will revolutionize the way people make and receive payments around the world. Conclusion: Mr Balraj Meel is the founder of Elite Group, and he has been instrumental in building Wizard, a global payment solution. With his vast experience in the field of finance, he has been able to make Wizard one of the most efficient and user-friendly payment solutions available today. Thanks to Mr Meels vision and dedication, Elite Group is quickly becoming a leading provider of financial services worldwide. www.eliteneobank.com (Disclaimer: The above press release comes to you under an arrangement with PNN and PTI takes no editorial responsibility for the same.). PTI PWR PWR New Delhi [India], June 15: Kevadia Railway Station, known popularly as the railway station for the Statue of Unity gets thousands of tourists every month. The Ministry of Railways, Government of India, keeping that in mind, decided to increase and better the surveillance & security systems at the railway station with modern day technology. The project has been undertaken by the company making strides in tech world, Transline Technologies Limited. In collaboration with the Indian Railways, the company is charged with implementing state-of-the-art surveillance systems at the iconic Statue of Unity Railway Station. The project will entail real time monitoring & instant alert to Railway Protection Force (RPF). For safety & security of the tourists, this will enable the RPF to respond promptly to any security threats or odd activity. Arun Gupta, the managing director of Transline Technologies Limited said, It is a matter of great pride for us to be able to work on such a prestigious project. The Statue of Unity is a symbol of power and pride for all Indians, it makes us extremely happy to provide some assistance to the tourists & visitors of the magnificent monument. Additionally, Transline Technologies is playing a vital role in the ongoing efforts to combat the COVID-19 pandemic. As part of the project, the company is integrating thermal scanners at various checkpoints to accurately monitor the body temperature of individuals. This proactive measure will aid in identifying potential cases of fever and help prevent the spread of the virus within the premises. The comprehensive surveillance and safety systems being implemented by Transline Technologies at the Kevadiya station and surrounding areas exemplify their commitment to creating a secure environment for all. With these advancements in place, tourists can enjoy a worry-free experience, knowing that their safety is of utmost importance. As Transline Technologies continues to contribute to the advancement of security technology, their efforts serve as a testament to their dedication to ensuring public safety and building a secure future. (Disclaimer: The above press release comes to you under an arrangement with PNN and PTI takes no editorial responsibility for the same.). PTI PWR PWR Gujarat (India), June 15: Veerhealth Care Ltd engaged in the business of ayurvedic, herbal and personal care products has signed contract to supply WHIDENT range of toothpaste to North West African countries including Morocco, Casablanca etc. The move is part of companys expansion plans to expand its presence in the export market and increase export sales. Company has already been successfully manufacturing and exporting various types of toothpaste to East African countries. Company has a strong product portfolio of over 100 Herbal and Ayurvedic Products in Skincare, Bodycare, Haircare, Oralcare, Healthcare and Fragrance. Companys brand Ayuveer and its e-commerce platform is getting strong traction in the domestic and export markets; Started exports to USA and South Africa. Companys client includes Dava India, Gracious Pharma, Babuline Pharma, Graciera Pharma etc. Highlights:- Company has a strong product portfolio of over 100 Herbal and Ayurvedic Products in Skincare, Bodycare, Haircare, Oralcare, Healthcare and Fragrance Company has successfully completed Rs. 5.9 crore preferential issue of 30.65 lakh shares at Rs 19.25 per share to fund its expansion plans Companys brand Ayuveer and e-commerce platform is getting strong traction in the domestic and export markets; Started exports to USA and South Africa Companys client includes Dava India, Gracious Pharma, Babuline Pharma, Graciera Pharma etc Company has successfully turnaround the business operations in FY23 and ready for the next phase of growth and quantum jump in the revenue and profits. Company is progressing well on its long-term growth roadmap and expect to completed its expansion plans very soon. Companys Ayuveer brand is getting good traction in the domestic and export markets and company is planning to launch many innovative product in time to come. Company expect the growth momentum to continue and expect to get further boost in coming years. Company has reported net profit of Rs. 1.58 crore and revenue from operations of Rs 13.27 crore in FY23. Company also successfully completed preferential issue of Rs. 5.90 crore to fund its expansion plans. For FY23, company reported revenues of Rs. 13.27 crore, 38% growth YOY as against revenue of Rs. 9.62 crore in FY22. Company reported net profit of Rs. 1.58 crore in FY23 as against loss of Rs. 9.6 lakh in FY22. EPS for FY23 was Rs. 1.52 per share. In the month of March 2023, company completed preferential allotment of 30.65 lakh equity shares of Rs. 10 each at Rs. 19.25 per share including premium of Rs. 9.25 per share amounting Rs. 5.90 crore. The funds are being utilised for the expansion of companys manufacturing facilities, new product launches and install new manufacturing lines. During Q4FY23, revenues of the company reported 85% growth to Rs. 3.73 crore as against revenue of Rs. 2.01 crore in Q4FY22. Company posted net profit of Rs. 1.04 crore during Q4FY23 as against loss of Rs. 34.81 lakh in Q4FY22. The Company produces Intensive research-based quality products with expert guidance and enormous experience of renowned Vaid of Mumbai, Dr. Vinod C. Mehta, an Ayurvedic practioner since 30 years and Dr. Rajiv Bhirud, an expert in formulations of cosmetic and personal care products. The company is well-equipped with state-of-the-art manufacturing facilities and skilled personnel to ensure optimum utilization of resources with the best quality product. Company has a vision to become a leading provider of health care and personal care products by making available research-based quality products to meet the varied health needs of customers. Ayurveer Story Ayuveer has been created from the founders passion for authentic products. The team is committed to bring supreme quality of products to you and your family. Ayuveer is not only about a business, but it is an endeavour to make every home cruelty free. Company wish to inspire every brand to get their products to follow Make In India. Company has carefully curated every product to make sure that only the best reaches to its customers. Company aim to provide you with excellent customer service, hassle free purchases and timely deliveries. (Disclaimer: The above press release comes to you under an arrangement with PNN and PTI takes no editorial responsibility for the same.). PTI PWR PWR New Delhi, Jun 15 (PTI) India's exports declined 10.3 per cent year-on-year to USD 34.98 billion in May this year, the government data showed on Thursday. Imports also declined 6.6 per cent to USD 57.1 billion against USD 61.13 billion recorded in the same month last year, the data showed. Commerce Secretary Sunil Barthwal said headwinds still continue on the global trade front. The Department of Commerce and Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade are working on an exports strategy and focusing on 40 countries, Barthwal added. Mumbai, Jun 15 (PTI) An IndiGo aircraft operating its Bengaluru-Ahmedabad flight suffered a tail strike while landing at Ahmedabad airport on Thursday -- second such incident in the last five days, a DGCA official said. The Directorate General Civil Aviation has ordered the grounding of pilots of the mishap-hit aircraft, the official said. "A tail strike has been reported. The DGCA has ordered off rostering of pilots," the official said. The DGCA has also ordered a probe into the incident, he added. IndiGo, in a statement, confirmed the incident and said the aircraft has been grounded for inspection. "IndiGo flight 6E6595 operating from Bengaluru to Ahmedabad experienced a tail strike while landing in Ahmedabad. The aircraft was declared grounded at Ahmedabad airport for necessary assessment and repairs. The incident is under investigation by relevant authorities," the airline said in the statement. On June 11 also, an IndiGo Airbus A321 aircraft suffered a tail strike on its arrival at Delhi's Indira Gandhi International Airport from Kolkata. Following this incident, IndiGo was ordered by the DGCA to take off the cockpit crew of the flight. Colombo, Jun 15 (PTI) Sri Lanka's economy shrank 11.5 per cent in the first quarter of 2023 from the previous year, government data showed on Thursday, even as the cash-strapped island nation struggles to overcome the economic crisis. Sri Lanka is currently facing the worst economic crisis in the history of the island nation. The GDP for the first quarter of 2023 at the constant price has declined to Rs 3,114,187 million from Rs 3,519,400 million in the first quarter of 2022. The year-on-year GDP growth for the first quarter of the year 2023 has been reported as 11.5 per cent of negative growth rate, the statistics department said in a statement. While the agricultural sector had expanded by 0.8 per cent, the industry and service sectors had declined by 23.4 per cent and 5 per cent respectively during this quarter, it added. In 2022, the economy had contracted by over 7 per cent as the economic difficulties forced people to take to the streets with protests across the island nations that also led to the ouster of Sri Lanka's powerful Rajapaksa family from politics. In March, an agreement was struck with the International Monetary Fund (IMF) for a nearly USD 3 billion bailout pending debt restructuring with creditors. Until the IMF facility, the islands economy was assisted by an aid package of USD 4 billion from India. The Indian credit lines for fuel and essential imports provided relief to the public protesting against the government for its mishandling of the nation's economy. Singapore, Jun 15 (PTI) A 64-year-old Indian-origin woman in Singapore, serving a jail term for fatally abusing her daughters Myanmarese maid, admitted in court on Thursday of asking her son-in-law to remove a CCTV that held evidence of the crimes. Prema S Naraynasamy is currently serving a 14-year sentence for her role in the abuse of 24-year-old Myanmar national Piang Ngaih Don, who died of a brain injury with severe blunt trauma to her neck in 2016 after 14 months of repeated abuse, The Straits Times newspaper reported. Prema's daughter, Gaiyathiri, was sentenced to 30 years in jail in 2021 for her involvement in the maid abuse and death. Prema pleaded guilty on Thursday to one count of instigating her policeman son-in-law, 44-year-old Kevin Chelvam, to cause evidence of the offences to disappear by removing the recorder. The prosecution said Prema knew that her and Gaiyathiri's actions were captured by closed-circuit television recorder (CCTV) cameras in the house and directed Chelvam to dismantle the recorder from its power source to dispose of it as she did not want police to get hold of the footage. Chelvam, initially reluctant to do so, allegedly proceeded on Prema's insistence and handed the device to her, and upon being asked by a police officer to produce the CCTV footage, lied that there was no footage, the prosecution said. Prema slipped the CCTV recorder into her daughter-in-law's bag, who came while the police were still at the premises, and told her in Tamil, "I have kept something in your bag, do something with it," the report said. The daughter-in-law gave Prema's son the recorder, who then asked a friend to keep it. His friend agreed and took the CCTV recorder from him, not knowing what its relevance to police investigations was. The recorder was recovered when police officers went to Prema's son and daughter-in-law's home asking for it, and the son got his friend to return the item. The prosecution has asked for at least three years in jail for Prema, while the defence lawyer asked for between 18 and 24 months in jail instead. The judge said she needed more time to consider the sentencing and adjourned the case to a later date, the report said. London, Jun 15 (PTI) Five inspirational Indian schools in Delhi, Gujarat and Maharashtra were on Thursday named in the top 10 shortlists across different categories for the second annual USD 250,000 Worlds Best School Prizes, organised in the UK to celebrate schools worldwide for their enormous contribution to societys progress. The five Worlds Best School Prizes for Community Collaboration, Environmental Action, Innovation, Overcoming Adversity, and Supporting Healthy Lives celebrate schools for the pivotal role they play in developing the next generation of learners and for their enormous contribution to societys progress, especially in the wake of COVID. This years Indian shortlist has schools from Delhi, Gujarat and Maharashtra in the running for the prize founded last year by UK-headquartered T4 Education and organised in collaboration with Accenture, American Express, Yayasan Hasanah, and the Lemann Foundation. Schools across the globe will learn from the story of these trailblazing Indian institutions and the culture they have cultivated, said Vikas Pota, Founder of T4 Education and the Worlds Best School Prizes. The schools shortlisted for the Worlds Best School Prizes, no matter where they can be found or what they teach, all have one thing in common they all have a strong school culture; their leaders know how to attract and motivate exceptional educators, inspire change, and build excellent teaching and learning environments, he said. Among the Indian schools to make the cut includes Nagar Nigam Pratibha Baalika Vidhyalaya (NPBV) F-Block, Dilshad Colony-1st, a government school in Delhi in the Community Collaboration category for breaking through the traditional mould to provide community-based interventions and support to bridge the gap between teachers, students, and parents. Shortlisted in the same category is Oberoi International School, an independent international school in Mumbai for bringing hope, empathy, and shared possibility to its students and surrounding communities. The Riverside School, an independent international school in Ahmedabad, Gujarat, which has gained worldwide recognition for its groundbreaking, student-centric approach to education, particularly through its "I CAN" pedagogical model, has been made the shortlist for the Worlds Best School Prize for Innovation. Snehalaya English Medium School, a charity school in Ahmednagar, Maharashtra, which has transformed the lives of children living with HIV/AIDS and those from sex worker families and ended second-generation prostitution in its district, has been shortlisted for the Worlds Best School Prize for Overcoming Adversity. Finally, Shindewadi Mumbai Public School (The Akanksha Foundation), a charter school in Mumbai, is in the running in the Supporting Healthy Lives category for attempting to reverse the impact of low immunity and poor nutrition among its student body and wider community after the lockdown. The Prizes were established in 2022 by the digital media platform T4 Education to share the best practices of schools that are transforming the lives of their students and making a real difference in their communities. The top three finalists for each of the five Worlds Best School Prizes will be announced in September, followed by the winners in October. T4 Education said the winner of each prize will be chosen based on rigorous criteria by a "Judging Academy" comprising distinguished leaders across the globe, including academics, educators, NGOs, social entrepreneurs, government, civil society, and the private sector. The prize money of USD 250,000 will be equally shared among the winners of the five Prizes, with each receiving an award of USD 50,000. London, Jun 15 (PTI) Three men have been convicted of fatally stabbing an Indian-origin man outside a pub in south-west London last year and will be sentenced at a later date, the Metropolitan Police said on Thursday. Karamjeet Singh Reel, 31, was found collapsed in the doorway of a pub on Staines Road in Hounslow on June 25 last year where staff and customers provided first aid until the arrival of the London Ambulance Service and police. However, Karamjeet known as Kam died at the scene and a post-mortem examination later confirmed his cause of death as a stab wound to the heart. Following a trial at Wood Green Crown Court in London, which concluded on Wednesday, 33-year-old Wesley Angel was found guilty of his murder. His brother Nathan Angel, 24, was found not guilty of murder but had already pleaded guilty to the lesser charge of manslaughter and conspiracy to rob same as Bobby Dunleavy, 26. This was a pre-planned and brutal attack on a man who was lured out of his flat by a group of men intent on causing serious harm in order to rob him, said Met Police Detective Chief Inspector Jim Shirley. Karamjeets life was suddenly taken away, leaving his family and friends understandably devastated. Our thoughts are with them at this time. We are pleased the jury recognised the strength of evidence against Wesley Angel and we now expect all three men to be handed significant custodial sentences, he said. Met Police detectives launched a murder investigation and established that Kam lived just across the road from the pub. On visiting the building, they found a trail of blood starting in one of the corridors and leading out of the fire exit and onto the street. On entering his flat, they found GBP 25,000 in cash and a large quantity of cocaine. The police said it was clear that Kam had been a target by an individual or group who knew he was dealing drugs and intended to rob him. Their CCTV enquiries showed two men with their faces covered entering the building and leaving again a few minutes later. The corridor itself was not covered by cameras but officers established that Kam had come out of his flat and been "ferociously assaulted" by those lying in wait. Karamjeets mother Jasbir Kaur Reel said in a statement: To the three defendants, you took away Karamjeets hope, his life, his dreams. You took away my hopes and my dreams of growing old and seeing Karamjeet happy with a partner and children. Every bone in my body misses Karamjeet. We are now serving a life sentence without Karamjeet. No sentence for them will be enough. Enquiries led police to identify the Angel brothers and they were arrested days later in June last year. Wesley admitted their plan to rob Kam and accepted he had stabbed him during the struggle, but said they had only brought the knife to scare him rather than with the intention to use it. Analysis of mobile phones showed numerous calls had been made both immediately before and after the attack to a number linked to a man named Bobby Dunleavy, who was then arrested. The Met Police said it then established that Dunleavy was one of Kams customers and had shown the brothers where he lived. He also phoned Kam in the minutes before the murder on the pretence of meeting him for a drug deal in fact he was luring him out of the flat so he could be robbed. Using CCTV and mobile phone data, Met Police officers were also able to show that prior to the attack, the three men had met in a nearby pub. Footage showed them in deep conversation and at one point, Dunleavy was captured feigning punches, mirroring the planned attack on Kam. Following the stabbing, the Angel brothers abandoned their car, dumped the knife and burned the belongings they had taken from their victim. Washington, Jun 15 (PTI) US Trade Representative Katherine Tai will on Thursday hold a virtual meeting with Union Commerce and Industries Minister Piyush Goyal. The meeting comes ahead of Prime Minister Narendra Modi's official State Visit to the US next week at the invitation of President Joe Biden. During the meeting, Tai and Goyal are expected to put the finishing touches on the announcements being planned for next week. Bilateral trade between India and the US has nearly doubled in the Modi government's nine years. Last year, trade between the countries was over USD 191 billion. On Tuesday, US Chambers of Commerce President and CEO Suzanne Clark urged Modi and Biden to work towards achieving bilateral trade of USD 500 billion per annum. Speaking at the India Ideas Summit of the US-India Business Council, Clark said, "By reaching that ambitious bilateral trade target (of USD 500 billion), together we can demonstrate to the world that the future of the global economy will be anchored by democracy, free enterprise, open markets and the rule of law." During the summit, Commerce Secretary Gina Raimondo said Modi's State Visit would be an opportunity to elevate the governments' commercial and strategic technology partnerships, including in defence, semiconductor supply chains, clean energy, and space. Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen, speaking at the event, said the two countries had made significant progress to strengthen bilateral ties. She also noted that the US is India's largest trading partner. "Looking forward, I believe that we have significant potential to grow trade and investment between our nations. "Both of our countries are advancing what I call 'modern supply-side' policies -- investing in human capital, physical capital, and science and technology to boost our long-term economic potential," Yellen added. NEW DELHI, June 15 (Xinhua) -- The Indian government has reduced custom duty on imports of soybean oil and sunflower oil from 17.5 percent to 12.5 percent, with effect from Thursday, said an official notification issued by the Department of Revenue under the federal Ministry of Finance. The country imports both the cooking oils mainly from countries like Argentina, Brazil, Ukraine and Russia. The move is aimed at allowing more imports of these two products in a bid to meet the domestic demand and curb the rising prices of cooking oils. The customs duty's rates were revised after nearly six months. "It is necessary to do so in the public interest. The notification shall come into force with effect from June 15," said the notification. A media report by the Indian Express said, "India slashed base import duty on refined soybean oil and sunflower oil, as the world's biggest vegetable oil buyer tries to dampen local prices." Washington, Jun 15 (PTI) Prime Minister Narendra Modi will speak on the role of the diaspora in Indias development during his address to Indian Americans here next week, according to a community leader in charge of hosting the event. Prime Minister Modi is visiting the US from June 21-24 at the invitation of US President Joe Biden and First Lady Jill Biden. They will host Modi at a state dinner on June 22. The visit also includes an address to the Joint Session of the Congress on June 22. Chicago-based Dr Bharat Barai, who was at the Ronald Reagan Building venue in Washington DC on Wednesday to give final shape to the next weeks event, said that it is a sold-out event, with registration completed for all 838 seats. As far as the registrations are concerned, they are closed for the host committee as well as other people. We had an extraordinary response, all by word of mouth because we had only 838 seats. So there was no time and there was no capacity if we advertised outside," Barai told PTI. "We used the database that we had from the previous public meetings of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, and even before we could contact the people, they contacted us and it's all filled up, he said. Modi will address an invitation-only gathering of diaspora leaders from across the country at the Ronald Reagan Building and International Trade Center in Washington on June 23. The topic is going to be the role of the diaspora in the growth story of India. We want to see what we can do as a diaspora to help India and the people of India come up to the new place in the world, Barai said. Noting that the event will have very few cultural elements, he said the organisers want to make it primarily an engagement between the diaspora and the prime minister. The diaspora is very much excited about having such a visionary and working person who has propelled India to the fifth largest economy in the world. Not only that, he has elevated India's reputation, he said. Amitabh Mittal from Chicago thanked US President Joe Biden for inviting Modi on an official state visit. He is the man of the action. He has transformed India. India has been waiting for someone like him to come and take charge, Mittal said. Mittal hoped the prime minister would make an announcement on the Hindu Heritage Month in October. We have received his letter twice already in the last two years. But since he's here on the ground, I would love for him to mention that October is celebrated as the Hindu Heritage Month. "Not only in America, but Canada, Australia, New Zealand and six other countries have joined in, and we have 30 proclamations already, Mittal said. Karachi, Jun 15 (PTI) Around 62,000 people have been evacuated to safer places in Pakistans southern Sindh province ahead of Cyclone Biparjoy's expected landfall on Thursday. Biparjoy, currently a very severe cyclonic storm, is inching closer to India and Pakistan, prompting authorities to take preventive measures to minimise the damage it may cause to life and property. It is expected to make landfall between Keti Bandar Port in Sindh's Thatta district and Kutch district in India. Sindh Information Minister Sharjeel Memon told the media that some 62,000 people had been evacuated from places which are near the coastline areas of Sindh. Evacuations have taken place in Thatta, Keti Bundar, Sujawal, Badin, Umerkot, Tharparkar, Shaheed Benazirabad, Tando Muhammad Khan, Tando Allahyar and Sanghar until now, Memon said. He said those evacuated had been moved to government schools, colleges and government offices with solid walls, roofs and stocked with plenty of food, water and medical aid. He said in many areas of Thatta, Keti Bandar and Sujawal some families were not ready to evacuate and had to be removed forcibly. There are also people who had voluntarily moved to safer locations, he added. The Pakistan Meteorological Department (PDM) has said that Cyclone Biparjoy will make landfall on Thursday afternoon or evening and will bring heavy rainfall and windstorms with it and urban cities like Karachi and Hyderabad could face heavy flooding. The latest alert issued by the PMD said the cyclone was at a distance of about 310 kilometres south of Karachi, 300 kilometres south-southwest of Thatta and 240 kilometres south-southwest of Keti Bandar. Maximum sustained surface winds are 150-160 km/hour, gusts 180 km/hour around the system centre and sea conditions being phenomenal around the system centre with maximum wave height [of] 30 feet, the alert said. The government has also, as a precaution, carried out some evacuations in Balochistan provinces Hub and Lasbela districts and in the port city of Gwadar. Energy Minister Khurram Dastgir also alerted citizens about a temporary decline in RLNG-based (Re-Gasified Liquefied Natural Gas-based) electricity generation and temporary increase in load-shedding due to the cyclone disrupting RLNG shipping to Pakistan. The energy minister said shipping to the Port Qasim RLNG terminals was stopped which also caused the suspension of gas to K-Electric, Bahadur Shah and Bikki Power Plants. The minister warned that the cyclone could affect the power transmission system in the coastal areas of Karachi and other parts of Sindh. Chairman of the National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA), Lt-Gen Inam Haider Malik said Biparjoy was following the path that had been predicted by the PMD. "Biparjoy is going northeast and it seems it will take a hard right even further to the east which means it will go past the megacity of Karachi, he said. In Karachi, also a spokesperson for the Defence Housing Authority said that some 2,000 residents living in Seaview and Darakshan housing areas near the Seaview beach had voluntarily moved to other safer places. The government has been issuing alerts to citizens to stay away from coastal areas, beaches and creeks. Fishing activities have been suspended and all ports in the region have been shut. Caution has to be exercised until the risk is over, Malik added. Defence Housing Authority (DHA) Spokesperson Farrukh Rizvi said there could be more evacuations if the situation worsens and the need arises and added that all restaurants and recreation parks along the sea view and DHA coastline had been closed. The DHA in alerts has said that rising high tides pose an imminent threat to Karachi. The police have also blocked all roads with containers leading to beach areas like Hawkesbay, Manora and Sandspit. A resident living near Manora said that the effects of the cyclone were already visible in areas along the beaches as strong tides had forced shops to close and cut off roads due to heavy flooding. The Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) said that Karachis Jinnah International Airport was operational but in case of bad weather, safety measures are taken at the airport as per the set SOPs. Keeping the pilots continuously informed about the wind speed and the weather is a routine matter, an official said. In unusual circumstances, pilots decide on the nearest suitable destination for take-off or landing by considering the terrain and weather conditions, the CAA added. Cyclone Phet was the last major cyclone to hit Pakistans coastal areas in 2010. It killed 15 people in Sindh and Makran coastal areas and left thousands of people homeless. As Cyclone Biparjoy barrels towards the Kutch coast in Gujarat, the government has said they have so far evacuated nearly 37,800 people living near the sea in eight districts of the Gujarat state. The powerful cyclone will make landfall near Jakhau port on the evening of June 15, according to India Meteorological Department (IMD). Fishing activities have been suspended till June 16, ports are shut and ships are anchored as the sea turned turbulent and weather became inclement with extremely heavy rainfall and strong winds in the region due to the approaching cyclone. London, Jun 15 (The Conversation) The word risk is often seen in the same sentence as artificial intelligence these days. While it is encouraging to see world leaders consider the potential problems of AI, along with its industrial and strategic benefits, we should remember that not all risks are equal. On Wednesday, June 14, the European Parliament voted to approve its own draft proposal for the AI Act, a piece of legislation two years in the making, with the ambition of shaping global standards in the regulation of AI. After a final stage of negotiations, to reconcile different drafts produced by the European Parliament, Commission and Council, the law should be approved before the end of the year. It will become the first legislation in the world dedicated to regulating AI in almost all sectors of society although defence will be exempt. Of all the ways one could approach AI regulation, it is worth noticing that this legislation is entirely framed around the notion of risk. It is not AI itself that is being regulated, but rather the way it is used in specific domains of society, each of which carries different potential problems. The four categories of risk, subject to different legal obligations, are: unacceptable, high, limited and minimal. Systems deemed to pose a threat to fundamental rights or EU values, will be categorised as having an unacceptable risk and be prohibited. An example of such a risk would be AI systems used for predictive policing. This is the use of AI to make risk assessments of individuals, based on personal information, to predict whether they are likely to commit crimes. A more controversial case is the use of face recognition technology on live street camera feeds. This has also been added to the list of unacceptable risks and would only be allowed after the commission of a crime and with judicial authorisation. Those systems classified as high risk will be subject to obligations of disclosure and expected to be registered in a special database. They will also be subject to various monitoring or auditing requirements. The types of applications due to be classified as high risk include AI that could control access to services in education, employment, financing, healthcare and other critical areas. Using AI in such areas is not seen as undesirable, but oversight is essential because of its potential to negatively affect safety or fundamental rights. The idea is that we should be able to trust that any software making decisions about our mortgage will be carefully checked for compliance with European laws to ensure we are not being discriminated against based on protected characteristics like sex or ethnic background at least if we live in the EU. Limited risk AI systems will be subject to minimal transparency requirements. Similarly, operators of generative AI systems for example, bots producing text or images - will have to disclose that the users are interacting with a machine. During its long journey through the European institutions, which started in 2019, the legislation has become increasingly specific and explicit about the potential risks of deploying AI in sensitive situations along with how these can be monitored and mitigated. Much more work needs to be done, but the idea is clear: we need to be specific if we want to get things done. Risk of extinction? By contrast, we have recently seen petitions calling for mitigation of a presumed risk of extinction posed by AI, giving no further details. Various politicians have echoed these views. This generic and very long-term risk is quite different from what shapes the AI Act, because it does not provide any detail about what we should be looking out for, nor what we should do now to protect against it. If risk is the expected harm that may come from something, then we would do well to focus on possible scenarios that are both harmful and probable, because these carry the highest risk. Very improbable events, such as an asteroid collision, should not take priority over more probable ones, such as the effects of pollution. In this sense, the draft legislation that has just been approved by the EU parliament has less flash but more substance than some of the recent warnings about AI. It attempts to walk the fine line between protecting rights and values, without preventing innovation, and specifically addressing both dangers and remedies. While far from perfect, it at least provides concrete actions. The next stage in the journey of this legislation will be the trilogues three-way dialogues where the separate drafts of the parliament, commission and council will be merged into a final text. Compromises are expected to occur in this phase. The resulting law will be voted into force, probably at the end of 2023, before campaigning starts for the next European elections. After two or three years, the act will take effect and any business operating within the EU will have to comply with it. This long timeline does pose some questions of its own, because we do not know how AI, or the world, will look in 2027. Lets remember that the president of the European Commission, Ursula von der Leyen, first proposed this regulation in the summer of 2019, just before a pandemic, a war and an energy crisis. This was also before ChatGPT got politicians and the media talking regularly about an existential risk from AI. However, the act is written in a sufficiently general way that may help it remain relevant for a while. It will possibly influence how researchers and businesses approach AI beyond Europe. What is clear, however, is that every technology poses risks, and rather than wait for something negative to happen, academic and policymaking institutions are trying to think ahead about the consequences of research. Compared with the way we adopted previous technologies such as fossil fuels this does represent a degree of progress. (The Conversation) MRJ MRJ Islamabad, Jun 15 (PTI) Pakistan Foreign Minister Bilawal Bhutto Zardari will embark on a two-nation visit to China and Japan from June 27 to deepen bilateral cooperation. He will travel to China in the last week of June to attend the 14th Annual Meeting of the New Champions, also known as the World Economic Forum's (WEF) "Summer Davos", to be held from June 27 to June 29 in China's Tianjin Municipality, official sources told The Express Tribune newspaper on Wednesday. Bilawal will also undertake a maiden visit to Japan in the first week of July. Japan is a key development partner of Pakistan and the foreign ministers visit would likely further deepen the cooperation, it said. Pakistan has tried to maintain a fine balance while pursuing ties with its all-weather ally China and its rival Japan. Tokyo has old ties with Islamabad and supported the country financially. But in the preceding years, Japans relationship has grown exponentially with India while Pakistan found greater comfort in the arms of China. It is believed that Bilawals visit to Japan would help to maintain the balance in ties with Beijing and Tokyo. London, Jun 15 (PTI) A 23-year-old man was on Thursday charged with the murder of Indian student Tejaswini Kontham and the attempted murder of her friend at a residential address in Wembley, north London. The Metropolitan Police said Keven Antonio Lourenco De Morais, previously referred to as a Brazilian national, has been remanded in police custody to appear at Uxbridge Magistrates Court in London. Two other people, one man and a woman, arrested in connection with the murder investigation at the crime scene have now been released with no further action. "Keven Antonio Lourenco De Morais, 23, of Neeld Crescent, Wembley was charged on Thursday, 15 June with the murder of Tejaswini Kontham and the attempted murder of a second woman, the Met Police said in a statement. On Tuesday, Met Police officers attended a flat in Neeld Crescent, Wembley, along with the London Ambulance Service and found Tejaswini and another woman, aged 28, suffering from knife injuries. "Despite the efforts of emergency services, Tejaswini sadly died at the scene. Her family has been informed, the police said. It led to a man-hunt for prime murder suspect De Morais, who was later arrested in the Harrow area of north London. The second victim of the knife attack has been named locally as Akhila, also from India who remains in hospital but is said to be out of danger. The Indian National Student Association (INSA) UK issued a statement to say that she remains in a state of shock following the attack, which claimed the life of her friend. "On behalf of Indian students in the UK, we convey our sincere condolences to her family and friends and pray that her soul rests in peace, INSA UK said in a statement with reference to Tejaswini. "Our thoughts for Akhila also for her speedy recovery from this shock. We are hopeful that justice will be delivered for the affected families. We will do everything possible to ease some of their family members' pain. We are in touch with the authorities and will support the repatriation process, it said. According to INSA UK, Tejaswini whose full name is Tejaswini Kontham Reddy had recently graduated from the University of Greenwich in south London and went on to secure her post-study work visa. She moved to the flat in Wembley recently after securing a job in north London. Tejaswini's father told a news channel in India on Wednesday that she had gone to London three years ago and had completed her MS course there. She came to Hyderabad in August last year and returned to London the next month. She was supposed to fly down here in May this year, he said. "We were planning to conduct her marriage. She said she will return after the alliance is finalised. She had resigned from her temporary job and said she will come back after working for another month," he said. The victim's uncle requested the government to make necessary arrangements to bring her body from the UK to Hyderabad. The Indian High Commission in London is yet to issue a statement with reference to the attack and death of an Indian national. Seoul, Jun 15 (AP) South Korea says North Korea has fired a ballistic missile off its east coast. South Korea's military says the North Korean launch occurred on Thursday evening but gave no further details. The launch came after North Korea's military vowed an unspecified response after South Korean and US troops finished five rounds of large-scale live-fire drills near the Koreas' heavily fortified border earlier Thursday.(AP) RUP RUP London, Jun 15 (PTI) Avtar Singh Purba alias Khanda, a prominent pro-Khalistani activist who was involved in the attack on the Indian High Commission in London, died at a hospital in the city of Birmingham on Thursday morning, a UK-based Sikh organisation said in a statement. Sikh Federation UK, which has styled itself as one of the largest Sikh organisations based in the UK, said Avtar Singh was terminally ill with blood cancer. He was on a life support system for the last few days. Avtar Singh, who initially went to UK in 2007 on study visa but later took asylum there in 2012 and never returned since then, was linked to anti-India activities including the attack on the tricolour at the High Commission of India in London earlier this year allegations that he had denied. "It is with the greatest sadness that we share the shocking news that the young Panthic Activist Bhai Avtar Singh Khanda (35) has passed away in a Birmingham hospital this morning, Jaspal Singh, National Press Secretary of Sikh Federation UK, said in a statement. The organisation went on to attack the Indian authorities for running a hate campaign against Avtar Singh and his family because of his close family ties with pro-Khalistani activists Deep Sidhu, who died in a road accident in February last year, and and Amritpal Singh, a radical preacher who is currently in an Indian jail. Avtar Singh was son of slain Khalistan Liberation Force terrorist Kulwant Singh Khukhrana, who was killed in an encounter. He was learnt to be heading KLF outfit under code name Ranjodh Singh after the killing of erstwhile KLF chief Harmeet Singh alias PhD in Pakistan in January 2020. On Wednesday, India's National Investigation Agency (NIA) released five videos of suspects they believe were involved in the violent protest at the Indian High Commission in London by pro-Khalistani supporters. The central agency had taken over the probe after home ministry officials met UK representatives in the wake of the attack on March 19. Seoul, Jun 15 (AP) North Korea launched two short-range ballistic missiles toward its eastern waters on Thursday, the South Korean military said, in a resumption of its weapons testing activities to protest just-ended South Korean-U.S. live-fire drills, which it views as an invasion rehearsal. The North Korean launch is its first since it failed in an attempt to put its first spy satellite into orbit in late May. South Korea's Joint Chiefs of Staff said it detected the North Korean launches from its capital region on Thursday evening. It said South Korea's military boosted its surveillance posture and maintains readiness in close coordination with the United States. Japan's Defense Ministry also said it detected a possible ballistic missile fired by North Korea. Japan's Coast Guard alerted vessels in waters between the Korean Peninsula and Japan and the North Pacific seas, warning them to avoid falling objects. There were no immediate reports of damage to ships or aircraft. The launch came hours after South Korean and US troops ended a fifth round of large-scale live-fire drills near the Koreas' heavily fortified border earlier Thursday. About 30 minutes before the launch, North Korea's military also vowed an unspecified response to its rivals' drills, which it called provocative and irresponsible. Our response to (the South Korean-US drills) is inevitable, an unidentified spokesperson of the North Korean Defense Ministry said in a statement carried by state media. Our armed forces will fully counter any form of demonstrative moves and provocation of the enemies. Tensions have risen in past months as the pace of both North Korean weapons tests and US-South Korea military exercises has increased in tit-for-tat responses. North Korea has test-fired about 100 missiles since the start of 2022. On May 31, a North Korean long-range rocket carrying its first spy satellite crashed off the Korean Peninsula's west coast. North Korea admitted to its failure and vowed to push for a second launch. A spy satellite is among a slew of high-tech weapons systems North Korean leader Kim Jong Un wants to introduce to cope with what he calls US hostility. This launch is not to make up for the recent failure, because North Korea will almost certainly make another attempt later to put a spy satellite into orbit, said Leif-Eric Easley, a professor at Ewha University in Seoul. The message of today's missiles is more likely Pyongyang's protest against South Korea's combined defense exercises with the United States, as well as a demonstration of North Korea's own military capabilities and readiness. Thursday's South Korean-US exercises were the fifth and last round of live-fire drills that began last month. This year's drills were the biggest of their kind since they began in 1977. Each of this year's five rounds of drills involved 2,500 South Korean and US troops and about 610 military assets including stealth fighter jets, attack helicopters, tanks and drones from both countries, according to the South Korean Defense Ministry. South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol and other senior South Korean and US military officials observed Thursday's drills. Only a strong military - which can fight and defeat the enemy and which the enemy can't even dare to challenge - can guarantee the freedom, peace and prosperity of the Republic of Korea, Yoon said at the training site, using South Korea's official name. North Korea's state media recently accused South Korea and the US of using the firing drills to master military threat and blackmail and war tactics against North Korea. On Thursday, top security officials from the United States, South Korea and Japan held trilateral talks in Tokyo. The three officials engaged in discussions to tighten cooperation and coordinate more broadly with the international community to counter North Korean nuclear and missile activities, according to the South Korean presidential office. US National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan reiterated Washington's commitment to the defense of South Korea and Japan, and the national security advisors discussed recent efforts to strengthen both alliances to the benefit of the region, the White House said in a statement. (AP) RUP Bratislava, Jun 15 (AP) Slovakia's new government of technocrats lost a mandatory confidence vote in Parliament on Thursday, just a month after taking office. President Zuzana Caputova, who swore in the 15-member Cabinet led by Prime Minister Ludovit Odor on May 15, now has to dismiss it. At the same time, the president will ask the government to stay in office with limited powers till a new government is formed following the September 30 early election, Caputova's office later said. The technocrat Cabinet was created with the aim to lead the country to that election, for which a date was set back in January. Of the 136 lawmakers who were present in the 150-seat Parliament, the government was defeated in a 34-43 vote. Slovakia has been without a proper government since last December, when the coalition government led by Prime Minister Eduard Heger was ousted in a no-confidence vote called by the opposition, following months of political crisis. Caputova initially asked Heger to lead a caretaker government until early elections could take place. However, after four members of the caretaker administration gradually left their posts, Heger offered his resignation and Caputova opted for a government of technocrats. Under Slovakian law, every government had to face a confidence vote in Parliament within 30 days. Caputova said that in its limited time, the new government should focus on stabilizing the current situation in the country, preparing next year's budget, and lead Slovakia to the September election. Heger's government was a staunch supporter of Ukraine in its fight against Russian military aggression and gave the Ukrainian armed forces the arms they requested such as 13 Soviet-era MiG-29 fighter jets and the S-300 air defense system. Odor's government has been following suit but some current opposition leaders, including former populist Prime Minister Robert Fico, oppose military support for Ukraine and European Union sanctions against Russia. Fico and his Smer-Social Democracy leftist party are the favourites to win the upcoming election, according to recent polls.(AP) RUP RUP Washington, Jun 15 (AP) Suspected state-backed Chinese hackers used a security hole in a popular email security appliance to break into the networks of hundreds of public and private sector organisations globally, nearly a third of them government agencies including foreign ministries, the cybersecurity firm Mandiant said on Thursday. This is the broadest cyber espionage campaign known to be conducted by a China-nexus threat actor since the mass exploitation of Microsoft Exchange in early 2021, Charles Carmakal, Mandiant's chief technical officer, said in a emailed statement. That hack compromised tens of thousands of computers globally. In a blog post on Thursday, Google-owned Mandiant expressed high confidence that the group exploiting a software vulnerability in Barracuda Networks' Email Security Gateway was engaged in espionage activity in support of the People's Republic of China. It said the activivity began as early as October. The hackers sent emails containing malicious file attachments to gain access to targeted organisations' devices and data, Mandiant said. Of those organisations, 55 per cent were from the Americas, 22 per cent from Asia Pacific and 24 per cent from Europe, the Middle East and Africa and they included foreign ministries in Southeast Asia, foreign trade offices and academic organizations in Taiwan and Hong Kong. the company said. Mandiant said the majority impact in the Americas may partially reflect the geography of Barracuda's customer base. Barracuda announced on June 6 that some of its its email security appliances had been hacked as early as October, giving the intruders a back door into compromised networks. The hack was so severe the California company recommended fully replacing the appliances. After discovering it in mid-May, Barracuda released containment and remediation patches but the hacking group, which Mandiant identifies as UNC4841, altered their malware to try to maintain access, Mandiant said. The group then countered with high frequency operations targeting a number of victims located in at least 16 different countries. Mandiant said the targeting at both the organisational and individual account levels, focused on issues that are high policy priorities for China, particularly in the Asia Pacific region. It said the hackers searched for email accounts of people working for governments of political or strategic interest to China at the time they were participating in diplomatic meetings with other countries. The US government has accused Beijing of being its principal cyberespionage threat, with state-backed Chinese hackers stealing data from both the private and public sector. China says the US also engages in cyberespionage against it, hacking into computers of its universities and companies. (AP) PY PY ISLAMABAD, June 15 (Xinhua) -- Four terrorists were killed during an operation in Pakistan's southwest Balochistan province, the Counter Terrorism Department (CTD) of police said. The CTD personnel conducted the operation in Balochistan's Chaman, a district located near the Pakistan-Afghanistan border, and killed the terrorists belonging to a banned outfit, the CTD officials told media on Wednesday. During the operation, the terrorists opened indiscriminate fire on the CTD personnel when they were directed to surrender their weapons, prompting police to respond effectively, the officials said, adding that one of the terrorists wearing a suicide jacket also tried to blow himself up before being shot dead by a security officer. The operation was carried out on the information provided by an arrested terrorist, and the killed terrorists were involved in the attack on the Frontier Corps Headquarters in Balochistan in May, police said. The CTD said that a huge cache of explosives, arms and ammunition were seized from the possession of the killed terrorists. Earlier on Saturday, nine terrorists of a banned outfit were arrested in separate intelligence-based operations in the country's eastern Punjab province. Islamabad, Jun 15 (PTI) Pakistan government has shared with the Federal Investigation Agency the social media profiles of former prime minister Imran Khan and several other leaders of his party to conduct a forensic test for allegedly sharing controversial anti-state content between March 8 and May 9, a media report said on Thursday. A total of 23 links from Instagram, Facebook and Twitter of the leaders of Khan's Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) party have been sent to the FIA, Samaa TV reported, citing details from the police. FIA is the premier agency of Pakistan at the national level to investigate federal crimes. Police said that the links shared are based on the videos and posts of PTI leaders Shah Mahmood Qureshi, Murad Saeed and Hammad Azhar and the statements of the political leaders will also form part of the Joint Investigative Teams final report on the May 9 violence cases, the report said. A forensic test is being conducted on the videos and posts over allegedly anti-state statements contained in the shared links. "The forensic reports of the links will be made part of the investigation report. Youth were incited against the state through the use of social media," said the report. On May 9, violent protests erupted after the arrest of Khan, 70, in a corruption case by paramilitary Rangers in Islamabad. Khan was later released on bail. Workers from his party PTI 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 in Rawalpindi was also attacked by the mob for the first time. The federal Cabinet has decided that the protesters who vandalised military installations on May 9 would be tried under the stringent Army Act and Official Secrets Act. Khan, the chairman of PTI has been raising clamour against the incumbent Pakistan Muslim League (Nawaz)-led coalition government after he was ousted last year through a no-confidence motion in Parliament. 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 Khan's Pakistan party across Pakistan, 4,000 of them from Punjab province. The Punjab Home Department has constituted 10 different joint investigation teams to probe into the attacks and violent protests on May 9, which the Pakistan Army dubbed "Black Day". Khan is facing more than 100 cases across the country. Washington, Jun 15 (PTI) Asserting that the growing importance of the relationship between India and the US cannot be overstated, a top American Congressman has said that the two sides' shared commitment to democracy and economic freedom serves to build peace and stability in the strategic Indo-Pacific region. Prime Minister Narendra Modi is visiting the US from June 21-24 at the invitation of US President Joe Biden and First Lady Jill Biden. They will host Modi at a state dinner on June 22. The visit also includes an address to the Joint Session of the Congress on June 22. "This is a relationship to be celebrated as we welcome India's Prime Minister to Washington, D.C., next week," Congressman Bill Posey said in his remarks on the House floor on Wednesday. "Mr. Speaker, last year marked the 75th anniversary of India's independence. The growing importance of the relationship between India and the United States cannot be overstated, he said. "Our shared commitment to democracy and economic freedom serves to build peace and stability in the Indo-Pacific region and challenge an increasingly aggressive China, Posey said. He said that robust cultural, educational, and professional programs play a key role in strengthening our partnership in science, technology, education, medicine, cybersecurity, civil nuclear energy, and so much more. "Americans of Indian descent are an important part of the fabric of American life, including friends like Mike Shaw, who immigrated decades ago with less than USD100 in his pocket. Today, Mike is a very successful entrepreneur who has created a strong business and thousands of jobs, Posey said. Last week, Congressman Joe Wilson in his speech on the House floor said that the 4-million-strong Indian-American community has achieved the highest per capita income of all immigrant populations in America, with political success symbolized by Governor, Ambassador, and Republican Presidential candidate Nikki Haley of South Carolina. Washington, Jun 15 (AP) The FBI investigators who searched Harold Martin's Maryland property in the fall of 2016 found classified documents including material at the top secret level strewn about his home, car and storage shed. Unlike former President Donald Trump, the former National Security Agency contractor didn't contest the allegations, ultimately pleading guilty in 2019 and admitting his actions were wrong, illegal and highly questionable. But his expressions of contrition and guilty plea to a single count of willful retention of national defence information didn't spare him the harsh punishment of nine years in prison. The resolution of that case looms as an ominous guidepost for the legal jeopardy Trump could face as he confronts 37 felony counts 31 under the same century-old Espionage Act statute used to prosecute Martin and other defendants alleged to have illegally retained classified documents. Even many like Martin who have pleaded guilty and accepted responsibility have nonetheless been socked with yearslong prison sentences. When they decide to pursue a willful mishandling case, it's to send a message: that we take these cases very seriously, said Michael Zweiback, a defence lawyer and former Justice Department prosecutor. They almost always are seeking jail time. How much prison time the former president could face in the event of a conviction is impossible to say, with such a decision ultimately up to the trial judge in this case, a Trump appointee who has already demonstrated a willingness to rule in his favour. It's also hard to know the extent to which other factors including the logistical and political complications of jailing a former president might play a role. The Espionage Act offence is punishable by up to 10 years in prison, though it's rare for first-time federal offenders to get close to the maximum. But beyond the retention, prosecutors have also identified multiple aggravating factors in Trump's alleged conduct, accusing him of seeking to enlist others including a lawyer and aides to hide the records from investigators and showing off some to visitors. Some of the other counts in the indictment, including conspiracy to obstruct justice, call for up to 20 years in prison. Justice Department prosecutors in recent years have used the Espionage Act provision against a variety of defendants, including a West Virginia woman who retained an NSA document related to a foreign government's military and political issues. Elizabeth Jo Shirley pleaded guilty in 2020 to a willful retention count and was sentenced to eight years in prison. This month, a retired Air Force intelligence officer named Robert Birchum was sentenced to three years in prison after pleading guilty to keeping classified files at his home, his overseas officer's quarters and a storage pod in his driveway. Many defendants have pleaded guilty, rather than face trial, though not all have gone to prison. Trump who also faces charges related to hush-money payments in New York state court has shown no signs that he could be headed toward a plea deal, vigorously insisting he is innocent and personally attacking Justice Department special counsel Jack Smith hours after appearing in Miami federal court Tuesday. Despite the details in the indictment, Trump does have some avenues to try to contest the charges. For one thing, he's drawn Judge Aileen Cannon, who sided with Trump last year in the former president's bid to appoint a special master to conduct an independent review of the seized classified documents. Citing the stigma she said was associated with an FBI search of Trump's home, she said a future indictment based on items that should've been returned to Trump "would result in reputational harm of a decidedly different order of magnitude. A three-judge panel of the US Court of Appeals for the 11th Circuit unanimously overturned her ruling, which was widely criticized by legal experts as extraordinary and unusually broad. Over the next several months, Cannon will make decisions that will shape the trial, including how quickly it will happen and whether any evidence will be kept out. Prosecutors also face the challenge in Florida where Republicans have made steady inroads in recent years of a jury pool likely to be more favourable to Trump than if the case were tried in overwhelmingly Democratic Washington, DC. Still, I think that it might very well be that Jack Smith welcomes a Florida jury because if there is a conviction, it will be much harder to say, Well, that jury was somehow anti-Trump", said Stephen Saltzburg, a George Washington University law school professor and former Justice Department official. Experts anticipate Trump's lawyers to echo the former president's public remarks in trying to get the case dismissed by arguing he was entitled to have the documents and is the victim of prosecutorial overreach. Trump could also try to block prosecutors from being able to use key evidence, such as notes from his lawyer detailing conversations with the former president. If the case gets to trial, experts say Trump's attorneys may attempt what's called jury nullification or try to convince jurors that he should be acquitted even if they believe Trump broke the law because the violation wasn't serious enough to warrant charges and he is being singled out. "The theme of the defense can be riddled with suggestions of unfairness and selective prosecution basically trying to convince a jury that even if the former president did what the government says he did, none of this should have ever ended up in a criminal prosecution," said Robert Mintz, a defense attorney and former Justice Department prosecutor. Robert Kelner, a Washington criminal defense lawyer, said while an outright acquittal seems unlikely given the volume of evidence, a pathway for a mistrial exists if Trump attorneys can persuade even one juror to acquit on grounds that the president enjoyed the absolute authority to declassify information. That authority ended the moment Trump left the presidency, but even so, some jurors will likely find it hard to rationalize convicting him for something that he previously had the absolute authority (to do) simply because he didn't file the right forms and do it at the right time, Kelner said. In the end, facing a mountain of evidence and the prospect of years in prison, Trump's best hope may be a tactic he often pursues: Delay, delay, delay, said Cheryl Bader, a former federal prosecutor and head of Fordham University Law School's Criminal Defence Clinic. His best defence may be to try to ride out the election cycle, be elected as president and therefore be in charge of the Justice Department before the case goes to trial," she said. (AP) PY PY Mumbai, Jun 15 (PTI) Newly-appointed Mumbai Congress president Varsha Gaikwad on Friday took charge of the post, and said her elevation proved that the grand old party practised what it preached. The four-time MLA was appointed as the Mumbai Congress chief on June 9. Elections to the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC), long due, are expected to be held before the next year's Lok Sabha and Assembly polls. Speaking at a function after assuming the charge, Gaikwad said when it came to appointing women to top posts, many parties do not follow it. "But Congress is different. It practises what it preaches...Congress has always advocated inclusion of women in the decision-making process," she said. Gaikwad, who is the first woman to become the Mumbai Congress president, said the next one-and-a-half years would be very crucial for the party. "I want the party cadre to be prepared for a struggle to raise people's issues. There will be pressure to suppress us. I assure you that workers will get their dues," she said. She said that on Congress leader Rahul Gandhi's birthday on June 19, "Mohabbat ki dukan" (shop of love) should be set up by party workers at the block level. The Congress has to fight to regain its superior position. She said that in order to galvanise the party workers, the district units will have to conduct workshops during the weekends and added that she will visit all the 227 wards. Former chief minister and party veteran Ashok Chavan said the elevation of Gaikwad as Mumbai Congress chief is significant as it is about empowerment of women in challenging times. Chavan said the Maharashtra capital has always been a Congress bastion and the party's state leadership will work in coordination with the Mumbai unit. "We will always stand by our younger sister," Chavan said. Former chief minister Prithviraj Chavan expressed confidence that Gaikwad will do justice to the trust reposted in her by the party leadership. Former MP Priya Dutt exhorted party workers to give strength to Gaikwad. Former Union minister Sushilkumar Shinde said Gaikwad will strike a balance to win the confidence of the rich as well as the poor. He expressed confidence that Gaikwad will boost the morale of the cadre. Former Mumbai Congress presidents Milind Deora and Sanjay Nirupam were present on the occasion. Gaikwad (48) represents Dharavi - known as the country's biggest slum cluster - in the state Assembly. She replaced Bhai Jagtap as the city Congress chief. The Congress could not win a single seat in the 2024 Lok Sabha elections in Mumbai. The country's financial capital has six Lok Sabha and 36 Assembly seats. Panaji, Jun 15 (PTI) Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla on Thursday handed over keys of houses in Canacona in south Goa to 20 beneficiaries. The houses have been built by Balaram Charitable Trust, an organisation whose mentor is Goa Assembly Speaker Ramesh Tawadkar. The below poverty line (BPL) families, who were living in huts till now, were handed over the keys to 20 houses by Birla in the presence of Chief Minister Pramod Sawant, Union Minister of State for Tourism Shripad Naik, among others. Hailing the activities of the trust, Birla said India's strength was the ability to fight situations collectively, adding that communities come together to help people in need during crises. "Even developed nations were struggling to fight the COVID-19 pandemic. But India showed its collective strength and set an example for the rest of the world," he said. He said the way India is being viewed has changed due to how it tackled the pandemic and also helped other nations with its 'vasudhaiva kutumbakam' concept. Tawadkar said his trust would build 100 more houses in one year and asserted that no one in his constituency will be without a home in five years. Bhopal, Jun 15 (PTI) A grand event will be held in Garrison Ground in Jabalpur in Madhya Pradesh on June 21 to mark International Yoga Day which will be telecast live in 80 countries, an official said on Thursday. More than 1.25 lakh persons, including school and college students as well as personnel from the Army, police, home guards, railways, will take part in events across the city, he added. The theme of the 9th International Yoga Day is 'vasudev kutumbakam ke liye Yog' (Yoga for the world as a global village), Jabalpur Collector Saurabh Suman said. The joint Yoga exercise will be recorded with the help of a drone camera, he added. "In the Garrison Ground event, 15,000 selected participants will perform Yoga. The joint exercise participants will include persons from the divyangjan and transgender categories as well as cancer patients," he said. Events to mark International Yoga Day will be held at Bargi Dam, renowned tourist spot Bhedaghat, in the city's 78 wards, with 2000 participants each, and 50 parks. officials said. Nagpur, Jun 15 (PTI) Telangana Chief Minister and Bharat Rashtra Samithi (BRS) president K Chandrasekhar Rao on Thursday inaugurated his party's office in Nagpur, its first in Maharashtra, as part of his ambitious plan to increase the organisation's footprint outside his home state. Rao, popularly known as 'KCR', was accorded a warm welcome by the workers of his party on his arrival at the Nagpur airport around 3.45 pm. After that, he went to the BRS office located near Sai temple on Wardha Road and inaugurated it in the presence of his party workers. He is scheduled to address his party cadres at the Suresh Bhat auditorium in the city. In December last year, the KCR-led party had changed its name from Telangana Rashtra Samithi (TRS) to Bharat Rashtra Samithi (BRS) to underline its intention of becoming a pan-India party. Last month, Rao announced a month-long programme to expand the BRS party's network in over 45,000 villages in urban civic bodies in Maharashtra. Accordingly, on May 22, the BRS began its drive to form party committees in the state as part of its exercise to go beyond the confines of its traditional stronghold Telangana. KCR recently held rallies in parts of Maharashtra, mostly in Nanded, where he slammed the Bharatiya Janata Party-led government at the Centre and the one in Maharashtra led by Chief Minister Eknath Shinde for neglecting farmers and the downtrodden. Chopra, Jun 15 (PTI) Three persons were allegedly shot at in West Bengal's North Dinajpur district on Thursday when they were on their way to file nominations for the panchayat polls, officials said. The CPI(M) claimed that the three injured persons were supporters of the Left Front and the Congress, who were shot at when they were going to the Chopra Block office for filing nominations. The three injured persons were admitted to the district hospital, an official said. "There persons were injured and one of them is critical. We cannot confirm any death," the official told PTI. State Election Commissioner (SEC) Rajiva Sinha declined to comment on the incident, saying that he was yet to receive any report regarding it. CPI(M) state secretary Md Salim alleged that the TMC was behind the attack. "Activists and candidates have been fired upon by TMC goons just now in North Dinajpur's Chopra block. Left-INC supporters were going to Block office for filing nomination #PanchayatElection2023," he tweeted. The ruling TMC dismissed the allegation. Polling for nearly 75,000 seats in the three-tier Panchayati Raj system will be held on July 8, and Friday is the last date for filing nominations. Itanagar, Jun 15 (PTI) In a bid to provide an online platform to the people of Arunachal Pradesh to register complaints in the time of crisis, the police has rolled out a mobile application for safety and security of the citizens of the state, an official said. The Arunpol application has emergency feature through which one can easily reach out to a police station in the time of crisis, besides avail of a range of services, such us tenant verifications and clerance certification, at their fingertips, he said. The app was launched by Chief Minister Pema Khandu at the civil secretariat here on Wednesday. He also flagged-off an Arun Pol Sewa vehicle during the event. Taking to Twitter Khandu said, Launched Arunpol App by which citizens can access a gamut of services like police clearence certification, domestic help & tenant verifications, traffic services and lost report provided by Arunachal Pradesh police. Such interventions will further help the administration maintain the law and order situation in the state and ensure transparency, responsive and people-friendly policing, Khandu wrote on the micro blogging site. "Flagged off 'Arun Pol Sewa Vehicle', from civil secretariat that will create awareness about the work being done by the police to maintain law & order besides it will gather feedback from people," Khandu said. State Home Minister Bamang Felix said the mobile application will facilitate common people to lodge complaints without coming to a police station. New Delhi, Jun 15 (PTI) The Congress on Thursday hit out at the Centre over discontinuing the sale of rice and wheat from the central pool under the Open Market Sale Scheme (OMSS) to state governments, alleging that Prime Minister Narendra Modi is taking out his "frustration" from the Karnataka polls loss on the people. Congress general secretary Jairam Ramesh alleged that by this move the government is hurting the most marginalised sections of society. The Congress' attack came after the Centre discontinued the sale of rice and wheat from the central pool under the OMSS to state governments, a move that will hit some states, including Karnataka, offering free grains to the poor. The decision has already been conveyed to the Karnataka government, which had sought 13,819 tonne of rice for its own scheme under the OMSS without e-auction for July at the rate of Rs 3,400 per quintal. In a tweet, Ramesh said, "Is this what BJP President Nadda ji meant when he proclaimed Karnataka would not get Modi ji's 'ashirwaad' if it didn't vote for BJP." "By forcing FCI to discontinue the sale of wheat and rice to states through its Open Market Sale Scheme, the Modi government is hurting the most marginalised sections of society," he said. "How petty must the PM be to take out his frustrations from his Karnataka loss on the people. But as CM Siddaramaiah says, every effort will be made to ensure Anna Bhagya guarantee is implemented and 10kg free food grains are provided to poor families," Ramesh said. According to a recent order issued by the Food Corporation of India (FCI), "The sale of wheat and rice under the OMSS (domestic) for state governments is discontinued". However, the sale of rice under the OMSS will be continued for northeastern states, hilly states and states facing law and order situations, and natural calamities at an existing rate of Rs 3,400 per quintal, it said. FCI may liquidate rice under the OMSS to private parties from the central pool stock as per the requirement in order to moderate the market prices, it added. Siddaramaiah on Wednesday accused the BJP-led government at the Centre of conspiring to "fail" the Congress administration's poll guarantee, by ensuring that the state doesn't get the required amount of rice to implement its 'Anna Bhagya' scheme, which would provide additional rice for poor. Alleging that the Central government was playing politics on the issue, he called it "anti-poor" for trying to "scuttle" the scheme which would benefit the needy. The chief minister also said his government was making all efforts to get rice from other sources and producing states, aimed at supplying it to the needy on time, as promised. As part of implementing Congress' five poll guarantees, the Siddaramaiah government earlier this month decided to roll out 'Anna Bhagya' scheme, providing a total 10 kg of food grains/rice to every member of a BPL household and Antyodaya card holders every month, from July 1. Five kg of rice is already being given to every member of a BPL household, it is now being enhanced by another five kg by the new government. CANBERRA, June 15 (Xinhua) -- Australia is failing to address disadvantages faced by its Indigenous population, with life outcomes continuing to worsen according to government data. The Productivity Commission on Thursday published the latest data on Closing the Gap, a national framework aiming to improve the lives of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people by achieving 19 socioeconomic targets. However, the update found only four of the 19 targets are on track to be met by 2031. For example, the target to reduce the rate of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander young people (10-17 years) in detention by at least 30 percent, is improving and on track. But the target to reduce the rate of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander adults held in incarceration by at least 15 percent, is not on track and worsening. Linda Burney, the Minister for Indigenous Australians, said the lack of progress in the latest update shows the need for structural reform. Australians are expected to vote late in 2023 in a referendum on whether to alter the constitution to establish an Indigenous Voice to Parliament. Jammu, Jun 15 (PTI) The Army on Thursday recovered a large consignment of arms and ammunition near the Line of Control (LoC) in Poonch district of Jammu and Kashmir, officials said. The recovery, which also included steel core bullets, was made during a search operation in a forward village, they said. They said troops launched the search operation in Sarla on a specific input, leading to the recovery of two bags carrying one AK-47 rifle, nine magazines, 468 steel core and normal rounds, two pistols, four magazines, 60 rounds and six grenades. Pakistan-made medicines were also recovered, the officials said. Police assisted by the army also launched a cordon and search operation in Makhyala and Bainch villages following reports of suspicious movement. The search operation was going on when the last reports came in, the officials said. New Delhi, Jun 15 (PTI) The crucial Indira Gandhi International (IGI) Airport drain being constructed by the Delhi Development Authority is expected to be completed by July and will bring respite from any possible waterlogging incidents in the area, an official statement said on Thursday. Delhi Lieutenant Governor V K Saxena inspected the progress of the work on the drain on Thursday, his seventh such visit, the statement issued by his office said. During the inspection, the LG was informed by officials that 95 per cent of the work, like broadening and deepening of drains, construction of a culvert beneath the passing railway track and construction of five water bodies in different sectors of Dwarka to absorb the rainwater during monsoons had been completed, it said. "Record efforts put in by the DDA along with the Railways and DIAL (Delhi International Airport Limited) during the last eight months under consistent supervision and personal guidance of Delhi LG have ensured that the 2.5-Km-long, 20-metre-wide and 2-metre-deep airport drain will be ready by July," the statement said. The drain will channelise rain and stormwater discharge from the airport to the Najafgarh drain. "The project was stuck since 2019 due to the lack of permission to relocate trees at the site, which was finally granted by the Delhi government in November 2022 after the LG's intervention," it said. According to the statement, the lack of drainage in the area had time and again led to embarrassing waterlogging at the IGI Airport, and created problems like traffic snarls for thousands of residents of neighbouring Dwarka sectors. The existing two drains at the IGI airport have proved insufficient for discharging rainwater from the airport which has often resulted in severe waterlogging in and around the airport during heavy rains, the statement said. Heavy waterlogging even forced closure of the IGI Airport on many occasions. It also causes flooding in the adjoining Dwarka Sector-8, which houses several prominent government organisations, it said. The five water bodies in Dwarka being developed by the DDA will be used for storing overflowing rainwater during the monsoon. These 4-metre-deep water bodies can accommodate 12.20 crore litres of water, thereby preventing flooding of the streets, it said. The airport drain will discharge 70,000 litres of water per second during the peak rains. The drain would start from inside the IGI Airport premises, pass beneath the railway tracks through a broadened culvert adjoining the airport boundary in Dwarka Sector-8 and connect to DDA's trunk drain, 2 (TD-2), which would further channelise the rainwater to the Najafgarh drain, according to the statement. Shimla, Jun 15 (PTI) Former Himachal Pradesh chief minister Jai Ram Thakur on Thursday demanded an NIA investigation into the murder of a man in Chamba whose body was found chopped in eight pieces from a drain. Thakur, who would be visiting Chamba along with the state BJP chief Rajiv Bindal on Friday to meet the victim's family, alleged that the law and order in the state has taken a hit under the current government and the murder has caused tension in the society. Himachal Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu on Thursday in a statement called for harmony and urged people to refrain from giving the incident a political or communal angle. The chopped body of a 28-year-old Manohar was found in a drain in Bandal panchayat of Salooni on June 8, two days after he went missing. Police have arrested three persons, including a couple, in connection with the murder. The main accused has been identified as Musafir Hussain, a married man. According to police, Manohar and Hussain's niece, a minor, were in a relationship. The other two accused in the case have been identified as Farida, Hussain's wife, and one Shabir. Thakur on Thursday said Hussain had called Manohar to his home and beat him with sticks till he became unconscious. After that, he chopped his body into pieces and dumped them in a drain. Addressing media, Thakur alleged that Hussain has a suspicious background and was also questioned by the police in the Satrundi shootout in which terrorists had gunned down 35 people. Seven victims of the shootout are still missing. Demanding an investigation into the case by the National Investigation Agency, Thakur said Hussain had exchanged cash amounting to Rs 95 lakh after demonetisation and that at present he has Rs 2 crore in his bank account. He said Hussain possesses three bighas of land and has encroached upon 100 bighas of government land. He has 100 cattle but sells over 200 cattle every year, he claimed. Thakur also said that Hussain lives in a house constructed at a height of over 10,000 ft and never leaves his house even during snow when the area receives 6-10 feet of it and other villagers move downwards. The leader of the opposition in the state assembly alleged that the Congress was interfering in the case to save the culprit who has a sway over his community in his area. As he made these remarks, he appealed to the people of Chamba to maintain communal harmony. The BJP leader also asked Sukhu to explain his statement that the Congress defeated BJP in Himachal which has 99 percent Hindu population. Sukhu said the law will follow its course and assured the victim's family of all help. New Delhi, Jun 15 (PTI) Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann on Thursday urged Union Housing and Development Minister Hardeep Puri to include Mohali in the Smart City project for its inclusive development. Mann, who met Puri at his office here, said Mohali assumes immense significance because it is part of the tri-city which also includes Chandigarh and Panchkula. Most of the departments of the Punjab government have their head offices in Mohali and as such it is imperative to give further fillip to its growth, the chief minister said. He said Mohali and its adjoining municipal committees like Zirakpur, Kharar, Derabassi and Kurali have witnessed immense growth because of the presence of the international airport, educational institutes, industries and townships. The area needs special funding to support planned growth and infrastructure development, the Punjab chief minister said, adding that including Mohali in the Smart City project for its holistic and planned growth was the need of the hour. Flagging another issue, Mann requested Puri for the restoration of the same ratio of funds under Atal Mission for Rejuvenation and Urban Transformation (AMRUT) 2.0 as was the case in AMRUT 1.0. He said under AMRUT 1.0. Centre and States' financial contribution was 50:50 for towns in the one lakh to 10 lakh population category whereas under AMRUT 2.0, it has been revised to 33:67. For cities with a million-plus population like Ludhiana and Amritsar, the ratio was 33:67 while under AMRUT 2.0 it was 75:25, Mann said. He stressed that these towns are rapidly expanding and need continuous infrastructure development for which the old share ratio must be restored. Ayodhya (UP), Jun 15 (PTI) Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath on Thursday said Prime Minister Narendra Modi will attend the consecration of the idol at the Ram Temple coming up in this city in January. Addressing a public meeting here, he said development projects worth Rs 32,000 crore are now on in Ayodhya, and no other city in the country can match the scale of development here. The aim is to transform Ayodhya into one of the most beautiful cities of the world, a state government statement quoting him said. When one of the key milestones, the installation of Ram Lalla in the new temple takes place in January "after a wait of 500 years", Ayodhya's significance on a global scale will increase, he said, adding that the Prime Minister is scheduled to attend the event. Ram Lalla is the idol of Lord Ram, in his five-year-old avatar. "Ayodhya holds a special place in the hearts of millions of people. The people have a strong sense of Lord Ram's presence in their lives, and the construction of the temple will be a manifestation of their devotion and belief," Adityanath said at the programme organised to celebrate the completion of nine years of Modi government. The CM set a target of lighting 21 lakh lamps during the upcoming Deepotsav and called for lighting of lamps in every household of Ayodhya, in addition to the ghats, math-linked temples, Suryakund, and Bharat Kund. "The preparations for this should commence from now itself as it sets the stage for the arrival of Lord Ram to his home next year," he said. Adityanath also underlined the government's efforts in improving Ayodhya's infrastructure. Adityanath said that within the next four to six months, roads in Ayodhya will resemble Delhi's Kartavya Path. "In the past, the city road and rail networks were poor. However, due to recent development, the journey from Gorakhpur and Lucknow to Ayodhya, which previously took five to six hours, can now be completed in just one hour," he said. Adityanath, referring to the Ramayana, said the upcoming flight service at Ayodhya would a reminder of Pushpak Viman, used by Lord Ram to arrive in the city after victory over Lanka. Hailing Ayodhya as among the most prosperous city and district, he compared it to the Ramrajya established in the mythical 'Treta Yug' period. "Under the leadership of PM Narendra Modi, Ayodhya today not only embodies the spirit of Ramrajya but also inspires the entire nation," Adityanath said. "Under PM Modi's leadership, Ayodhya, Mathura, Vrindavan, Prayagraj, Shravasti, Naimish Tirtha, Kashi, and Kushinagar are being developed. There is no dearth of money for development," he said. "We have stopped the loot of public money and that money is being invested in development," he added. Speaking on the completion on nine years of Modi government, Adityanath asked party workers to start a door-to-door campaign highlighting its achievements so that the BJP forms the government again in 2024. Adityanath also met Champat Rai, general secretary of Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Trust, at Karsevakpuram and Mahant Nritya Gopal Das at Maniram Das Chavani during his trip to Ayodhya. Ballia (UP), Jun 15 (PTI) At least 35 houses were gutted by a fire that broke out in Gopalnagar township of Bairia area here on Thursday afternoon, officials said, adding there was no casualty in the incident. The fire broke out at one Surendra Ram's house in a colony at Gopalnagar of Bairia tehsil area, they said. The fire spread quickly and engulfed the houses of the entire colony. The cause of the fire is not yet known, officials said. Locals with help of the fire brigade managed to douse the fire. Deputy District Magistrate Atreya Mishra said all goods in the houses were completely charred. The cause of the fire and the extent of damage to property is being assessed, the official said. There is no information of any loss of life, he added. District Magistrate Ravindra Kumar said that all families affected by the fire will receive help from the administration. Srinagar, Jun 15 (PTI) The Special Investigation Unit (SIU) of Kupwara police in Jammu and Kashmir on Thursday attached properties belonging to a Pakistan-based terrorist involved in "numerous" terror acts. The terrorist, Almas Rizwan, is a member of The Resistance Front (TRF), an offshoot of Pakistan-based terror group Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT). Almas Rizwan Khan, originally a resident of Diver Lolab in Kupwara, has been "a persistent threat to peace and security" of Jammu and Kashmir since he went to Pakistan in the early 1990s, a police official said. He said Khan was earlier a member of Tehreek Jehadi Islami but has shifted allegiance to TRF now. "Almas' strategic involvement in numerous acts of terror has caused immense suffering and loss of innocent lives in the Valley in the past. The Jammu and Kashmir Police has been actively pursuing his acts to bring an end to his destructive activities," the official said. Following extensive intelligence gathering and meticulous investigations, the SIU team of Kupwara Police identified and subsequently attached the terrorist's properties -- 26 Kanals and 4 Marlas (3.25 acres) of land at three different locations in Diver Lolab. "This measure aims to disrupt his illicit network and restrict his ability to carry out further acts of terror," the official said. Noida, Jun 15 (PTI) A Delhi-based man was held by police in Uttar Pradesh's Greater Noida after Rs 37 lakh in cash were allegedly seized from his car, officials said on Thursday. Police said they informed the Income Tax Department and the man is being probed for a suspected tax evasion. Jitesh Talwar, a resident of Krishna Nagar, was in his SUV along with his wife when officials of Sector Beta 2 police station intercepted the vehicle near the Chuhadpur underpass on Wednesday on the basis of a tip-off, a police spokesperson said. The couple was on their way to Punjab and Rs 37 lakh cash were recovered from their car. The income tax officials were informed about the incident and legal proceedings were carried out, the police spokesperson. Initial probe has revealed that Talwar is a salaried employee who had sold his flat in Greater Noida from where he got the money, a senior official told PTI. However, he is being probed for suspected tax evasion and facts would be ascertained after the investigation is completed, the official added. Ahmedabad, Jun 15 (PTI) Hearing the plea of a 16-year-old rape survivor seeking permission for abortion, the Gujarat High Court on Thursday asked the authorities to produce the accused so that the possibility of a "compromise" between him and the girl could be explored. Earlier, the court had ordered the rape survivor's medical examination. After taking on record the submissions made by her lawyer and medical reports submitted by a panel of doctors, Justice Samir Dave on Thursday directed the authorities to produce the 23-year-old accused, who is lodged in judicial custody in Morbi jail, on Friday evening. "Where is the accused? Any chance of compromise?" the judge asked the survivor's lawyer Sikandar Saiyad before passing the order. The lawyer had argued earlier that the girl may end her life if she was forced to give birth. Advocate Saiyad told the court that he had tried his best to explore the possibility of compromise, but "the accused was not ready". To this, Justice Dave said, "OK, I will call him. If he is behind bars, I may call him. Let me ask him....Let me ascertain from the boy....I have thought of some solutions. But I am not disclosing them. Will consider tomorrow." Advocate Saiyad replied that if the accused was ready, "the chapter ends". "That will save three lives," he added. But Assistant Public Prosecutor Jaswant Shah intervened, saying that earlier "something said in good faith by the court was unnecessarily taken otherwise.. I am worried about misquotation." Shah was referring to Justice Dave's remark last week during the hearing of the same case where he cited the Manusmriti to note that in the past girls would get married early and give birth to their first child before turning 17. Responding to Shah, Justice Dave said a judge should remain 'sthita-prajna' (stoic). "Learned APP is saying that if something comes from the court, people will criticise you. But one thing I may say is that a judge should be like sthita-prjana as mentioned in the Bhagavad Gita. Judge has to be like that. Praise or criticising, one should ignore both the things," the judge said. During an earlier hearing, Justice Dave had made it clear that the court may not permit the termination of pregnancy if the survivor and the foetus were in good condition. 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. Bengaluru, June 15 (PTI) The Karnataka Cabinet on Thursday gave its approval to a new bill on agricultural markets (APMC), replacing the one enacted by the previous BJP government in the state. The new Bill will come up in the budget session starting July 3. "We had said that we will change the APMC Act, the Cabinet has approved the new bill. It will be introduced in the upcoming Assembly session," Agricultural Marketing Minister Shivanand Patil told reporters here after the cabinet meeting. He said, "The intention with which the BJP government brought the law was not successful; for example their intention was to get good prices for farmers, but it has not been successful. Also more than one lakh families that were dependent like Hamals, traders, farmers have faced distress and bitter experience after this law came into effect, also trading at the market has come down significantly compared to 2019-20." Cumulatively, the APMC markets used to earn a revenue of around Rs 620 crore in 2019-20, which has nosedived after BJP govt brought the law to around Rs 300 crore in 2021, Rs 200 crore in 2022, and Rs 194 crore in 2022-23. We need to arrest this fall and need to increase revenue of the markets, so bringing in new law is necessary, he added. The APMC law that was brought in by the previous BJP government had removed restrictions on the sale of agricultural produce, thereby allowing private individuals to set up trade markets where farmers can sell. It also curtailed the powers of local Agricultural Produce Marketing Committees (APMC) and allowed private individuals to start agricultural trading - buying and selling - if they hold a permanent account number (PAN). Before that, farmers had to sell only in notified markets or mandis. Several farmer organisations and the Congress then in opposition had staged protests against the APMC law enacted by the BJP government. Speaking about the changes that will be brought in, Patil said, "we are saying that wherever they trade -- whether inside or outside the market -- the laws that are applicable in the market will be applicable outside too. Also, it will be the same with respect to fees and penalty." Traders talk at the booth of ZPMC, also known as Shanghai Zhenhua Heavy Industries Co. Ltd., at TOC Europe 2023 in Rotterdam, the Netherlands, June 13, 2023. (Xinhua/Wang Xiangjiang) ROTTERDAM, the Netherlands, June 15 (Xinhua) -- Chinese green technologies have garnered attention at TOC Europe 2023, a major European exhibition for port and container supply chain professionals, which concluded here on Thursday. Participants in the three-day event hosted by the Rotterdam Ahoy Convention Center included China's ZPMC, one of the world's largest port machinery manufacturers, and Westwell, a leading supplier of artificial intelligence-driven smart port solutions. ZPMC, also known as Shanghai Zhenhua Heavy Industries Co. Ltd., exhibited its green and low-carbon port products, including hydrogen-fueled cranes and rapid hydrogen refueling technologies. "Currently, major port operators worldwide have successively formulated '2030' decarbonization and emission reduction plans," ZPMC Chairman Liu Chengyun told Xinhua in an exclusive interview. The company counts on increased demand for decarbonization in equipment production and operational processes, Liu said. Port machinery products, especially yard cranes and handling equipment, are trending towards large-scale electrification and the utilization of new energy sources, such as hydrogen and other green energies, he said. "ZPMC actively practices and explores the research and development of new energy equipment," Liu said. "It focuses on the development of green and low-carbon port machinery." Its low carbon-oriented products include cranes driven by hydrogen, a new electric quay crane that can sustain operations for over eight hours, and an environment-friendly full electric stacker. It has also pioneered rapid hydrogen refueling and hydrogen exchange technologies for cranes. Westwell, also known as Shanghai Westwell Information and Technology Company Ltd., released its next-generation digital and intelligent port operating platform and a robotic terminal operation assistant dubbed TerminalGPT, which can make port operations "more efficient, safer, and greener." In addition, Westwell also released its Q-truck, a cabless electric autonomous commercial vehicle, which can be "flexibly applied to multiple scenarios, such as sea, land, airports, and factories." Niels Roed, alliance coordinator Asia of Copenhagen-based Danish shipping giant Maersk, told Xinhua that he had "a very good impression" of the Chinese suppliers in the terminal equipment industry. "In the terminal equipment industry, Chinese suppliers are on the very top, their technology is on the very top," he said. In certain technologies, such as electrification, automation, and new energy batteries, Chinese companies are frontrunners, he said. Roed added that his company will strengthen its cooperation with ZPMC to realize its growth strategy that builds on automation and decarbonization. Chennai, Jun 15 (PTI) The Tamil Nadu government on Thursday flayed Governor R N Ravi for returning the file pertaining to the reallocation of portfolios following the arrest of Minister V Senthil Balaji by the Enforcement Directorate. Chief Minister M K Stalin, earlier in the day, recommended to the Governor to reallocate the portfolios of electricity and prohibition, held by Balaji, to Ministers Thangam Thennarasu and S Muthusamy, but Ravi had not accepted the recommendation, state Higher Education minister K Ponmudi said. The Chief Minister has the right to decide on the portfolio allocations or in inducting a minister or dropping a minister from the council of ministers, as per constitution and not the Governor, Ponmudi said in a statement here. On May 31, the Governor had sent a letter to the CM asking to drop Senthil Balaji and the very next day, Stalin had given a detailed reply. The Governor, who ought to know the constitution, should have accepted the CMs recommendation on the portfolio reallocation. But the Governor is acting like the agent of the BJP government at the Centre, Ponmudi said. Merely because a minister faces a case, he cant be removed. Was home minister Amit Shah who faced a case when he was a state minister, sacked? Ponmudi asked and added in the past many AIADMK ministers who faced cases were not sacked. (This story has not been edited by THE WEEK and is auto-generated from PTI) Bulandshahr (UP), Jun 15 (PTI) Police on Thursday arrested a 40-year-old man for allegedly raping a differently-abled minor girl in a village here, an official said. The incident came to light when the 14-year-old girl's mother took her to a hospital and was informed by a doctor that she was four months pregnant. Superintendent of Police Bajrang Bali Chaurasia told PTI, "The mother of the girl has accused a married man of the same village of raping her daughter. The girl is deaf and mute." Banda (UP), Jun 15 (PTI) A 28-year-old policeman posted at Nagar Kotwali in Banda district died on Thursday of heat stroke. Constable Yadvendra Yadav was posted on B.Ed exam duty at Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru Degree College in Banda, said police. Yadav, a resident of Ghazipur district, fell sick while on duty. His colleagues rushed him to the district hospital, where he died during treatment, a press release by police media cell read. Ghaziabad (UP), Jun 15 (PTI) A couple in its late thirties was crushed under an allegedly speeding truck while going back home, police said on Thursday. Nawab Singh and his wife Poonam, both resident of Sewa Nagar colony, were returning home Wednesday night on a bike from a market when the incident happened, Assistant Commissioner of police, Nand gram, Ravi kumar Singh said. Singh was taking a turn from Sewa Nagar road cut towards Patel nagar colony when a speeding truck hit the bike killing the couple on the spot, the ACP said. Passersby informed the police about the incident and handed over the driver to them. Police have sent both bodies for post mortem and impounded the truck, the officer said. Westerly, RI (02891) Today A few clouds. A stray shower or thunderstorm is possible. Low 66F. Winds WNW at 5 to 10 mph.. Tonight A few clouds. A stray shower or thunderstorm is possible. Low 66F. Winds WNW at 5 to 10 mph. HELSINKI, June 15 (Xinhua) -- Negotiators from the four parties aiming to form a coalition government in Finland announced late Thursday that they have reached agreement on the government program. The coalition government will consist of the conservative National Coalition Party, the right-wing Finns Party, the Finnish Christian Democrats, and the Swedish People's Party. Petteri Orpo, leader of the National Coalition Party, will serve as the prime minister. The remaining ministers and portfolio distribution have yet to be announced. The government program is referred to as a "negotiation result" and provides a roadmap for the coalition's actions during the four-year parliamentary term. Further details of the program will be disclosed on Friday. "We have thoroughly addressed the details. We wanted to reach extensive agreements on various matters," said Orpo. The coalition will replace the left-center cabinet led by Prime Minister Sanna Marin of the Social Democratic Party. The specific date for the government transition has not yet been announced. In the most recent episode of his Tucker on Twitter show, former Fox News host Tucker Carlson launched a scathing attack on the indictment of former President Donald Trump, accusing President Joe Biden of persecuting his political adversary. The controversial pundit asserted that while Trump may be a flawed individual, his transgressions pale in comparison to those of his persecutors. Whatever else you say about him, Trump is the one guy who actually has a shot at becoming president who dissents from Washingtons longstanding pointless war agenda, Carlson expressed. And for that, that one fact, they are trying to take Trump out before you can vote for him. Carlsons vocal support for Trump comes shortly after his removal from Foxs prime-time show, which occurred just days after the network agreed to a substantial settlement with Dominion Voting Systems over false claims made by Trump and his allies. Text messages exchanged between Carlson and his colleagues during the 2020 election, revealed as part of the discovery process in Dominions lawsuit, portrayed the former prime-time host privately criticizing Trump and expressing frustrations with the networks viewership due to the ex-presidents refusal to concede and unfounded allegations of voter fraud. In one of the now widely reported private text messages, I hate him passionately, Carlson stated about Trump. The networks senior leadership became aware of these redacted messages, along with Carlson berating female executives at Fox, which reportedly played a role in his removal from the airwaves. Since departing from Fox, Carlson has expressed his intention to launch a revamped version of his show on Twitter, applauding owner Elon Musks commitment to free speech. However, it remains uncertain whether this move violates the terms of his contract with Fox. The conservative media giant recently sent a cease-and-desist letter to Carlson and his legal team after the initial episodes of his new Twitter show were published. In this life, we dont get to choose our martyrs, Carlson concluded his latest video. We can only choose our principles. And Americas are at stake. (YWN World Headquarters NYC) Former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton couldnt contain her amusement as she reacted to former President Donald Trumps second indictment, reveling in schadenfreude on Monday night. Trump pleaded not guilty to 37 federal counts in a Miami courtroom, facing charges of mishandling top-secret documents, which ironically parallels his 2016 attacks against Clinton for alleged similar misconduct. When asked about the case against her former presidential rival during a Tribeca Film Festival taping of the podcast Pod Save America, Clinton responded with delight, bursting into laughter. I have a lot of reactions, she exclaimed. I think the best reaction publicly is lets see how it unfolds and see what happens, right? Accompanied by New York Attorney General Letitia James and comedian Roy Wood Jr., Clinton visibly amusedly remarked that Trump had entered dangerous territory by allegedly storing sensitive information near a toilet in his Mar-a-Lago estate and other questionable locations. As she was presented with a t-shirt reading Totally Impartial Potential Juror, the former secretary of state erupted in laughter, seemingly unaware of the irony in her own actions. Clinton found it absurd that Republicans would bring up her supposed mishandling of top-secret documents while simultaneously ignoring the gravity of Trumps alleged actions. Its odd, lets just say to the point of being absurd, she stated. During her time in the Obama administration, Clinton used a private email server, resulting in criticism but no formal charges. Clinton suggested that some responsibility should be taken, with minimal excuses on the side. This is [about Trump] not about anybody else no matter how much they try to confuse people and how much they try to raise extraneous issues, she commented regarding Trumps GOP defenders. And its going to be fascinating, I guess, in a bizarre and sad way to watch them spin themselves up. Despite evidence collected by local, state, and federal authorities from both political parties, Trump has denied any wrongdoing and portrayed himself as the victim of a political witch hunt. The 2024 GOP frontrunner is expected to face trial in Manhattan next year following his indictment by Manhattan District Attorney Alvin Bragg on 34 felony counts of business fraud related to an alleged hush-money payment to porn star Stormy Daniels before the 2016 election. Moreover, Trumps business could potentially be banned from operating in New York if the state Attorney General Letitia James succeeds in a civil fraud case scheduled for trial in October. Criminal charges may also arise from investigations overseen by Fulton County District Attorney Fanni Willis in Georgia and special counsel Jack Smith, who recently filed the federal indictment against Trump for mishandling documents. Discussing the pending lawsuits, James expressed concern about how US District Judge Aileen Cannon might handle the federal case against Trump, given her past decisions seemingly favorable to his interests. James acknowledged that her own case and others might have to be adjourned pending the outcome of the federal proceedings. While the federal case may have an impact on pending criminal matters, its effect on civil actions is likely to be limited. Attorney Roberta Kaplan emphasized that there is no overlap between the federal criminal case and her litigation against Trump regarding sexual abuse claims made by writer E. Jean Carroll, which were substantiated in a civil trial earlier this year. Former federal prosecutor Justin Danilewitz suggested that local or state authorities may temporarily halt their own legal actions against Trump, depending on the developments in the federal documents case in Florida. However, states have the authority to separately prosecute the same conduct, even if they defer to federal proceedings. (YWN World Headquarters NYC) Since taking on the role of White House press secretary, Karine Jean-Pierre has become known for frequently dodging questions by citing the Hatch Act. The law bars civil servants from politicking during their day jobs, and Jean-Pierre uses it to deflect reporters questions involving campaigns. But apparently she wasnt careful enough. The Office of Special Counsel, a government agency that enforces the Hatch Act, said in a recent letter that Jean-Pierre violated the law before last years midterm elections. Her offense: Making frequent references to MAGA Republicans during White House briefings. According to a letter from the Office of Special Counsel, Jean-Pierre made those references to generate opposition to Republican candidates and accordingly, making the references constituted political activity. The letter was posted online by The Washington Post. It was first reported by NBC News. Penalties for Hatch Act violations are uncommon, and the office did not recommend any fines or other punishments for Jean-Pierre. Violations were much more common under President Donald Trump. The Office of Special Counsel sent an unprecedented 15 warning letters to senior Trump administration officials about running afoul of the Hatch Act, and it even recommended the firing of top adviser Kellyanne Conway. Jean-Pierre faced scrutiny after a conservative organization called Protect the Publics Trust filed a complaint. The organization said Jean-Pierre was disparaging President Bidens political opponents as mega MAGA Republican officials who dont believe in the law. Jean-Pierre said the White House counsels office was reviewing the letter, adding that we do everything we can to comply with the law and take it very seriously. At the time, I was given the sign off to use that terminology, she said. Jean-Pierre said the term was used in the context of talking about their policies, in talking about their values. She noted that some reporters often express friendly consternation about how often she cites the Hatch Act, and she suggested that she was confused by the violation. After all, she said, Trumps White House used the phrase MAGA about 2,000 times to describe his administrations policies. (AP) Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan has said that NATO should not bet on his country approving Swedens application to join the Western military alliance before a July summit because the Nordic nation has not fully addressed his security concerns. Sweden and Finland applied for membership together following Russias invasion of Ukraine last year. Finland became NATOs 31st member in April after the Turkish parliament ratified its request, but Turkey has held off approving Swedens bid. NATO wants to bring Sweden into the fold by the time the leaders of member nations meet for a summit in Lithuanias capital on July 11-12. Speaking to journalists on his way back from a state visit to Azerbaijan on Tuesday, Erdogan said Turkeys attitude to the accession was not positive. Turkeys state-run Anadolu Agency and other media reported Erdogans comments as senior officials from NATO, Sweden, Finland and Turkey met in Ankara on Wednesday. The officials discussed what Finland and Sweden have done to address Turkeys concerns over alleged terrorist organizations. Erdogan said the Turkish delegation at the meeting will give this message: This is our presidents opinion, dont expect anything different at Vilnius, Lithuanias capital. Turkeys government accuses Sweden of being too lenient toward groups that Ankara says pose a security threat, including militant Kurdish groups and people associated with a 2016 coup attempt. A series of separate demonstrations in Stockholm, including a protest by an anti-Islam activist who burned the Quran outside the Turkish Embassy, also angered Turkish officials. Speaking in Swedens parliament, Swedish Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson called the Ankara meeting very important. Kristersson reiterated that his government had done what it promised in an agreement last year that was intended to secure Turkeys ratification of the countrys NATO membership. However, Erdogan remained unsatisfied. He said he told NATO Secretary-General Jens Stoltenberg last week, If you expect us to respond to Swedens expectations, first of all, Sweden must destroy what this terrorist organization has done. He was referring to the Kurdistan Workers Party, or PKK, a group that has waged a separatist insurgency in Turkey. Erdogan said that pro-Kurdish and anti-NATO rallies also took place in Stockholm during his meeting with Stoltenberg in Istanbul. A statement issued by the Turkish presidency after Wednesdays meeting said the parties held consultations on the activities of terrorist groups in Sweden based on concrete examples. It said they agreed to continue working on further steps. Stoltenberg said his chief of staff, who attended the meeting, reported that it took place in a constructive atmosphere. Some progress has been made, and we will continue to work for the ratification of Sweden as soon as possible, he said. Asked whether NATO would be able to admit Sweden before the Vilnius summit, Stoltenberg replied, It is still possible. I cannot guarantee it, of course. Swedish envoy Oscar Stenstrom described the talks as a step forward. But we are far from the finish line, he said. The fight against the PKK has intensified, Stenstrom said, noting that that charges were brought last week against a man for attempting to extort money on behalf of a group that is outlawed in Turkey. NATO requires the unanimous approval of all existing members to expand, and Turkey and Hungary are the only countries that have not yet ratified Swedens request to join. Erdogan said he planned to attend the July summit in Lithuania unless extraordinary circumstances arise. On Tuesday, U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken said after meeting with Stoltenberg that it was time to welcome Sweden into the alliance, arguing that Stockholm had an important and I think very appropriate process on its accession to address appropriate concerns of other allies. Sweden has amended its constitution and strengthened its anti-terror laws since it applied to join NATO just over a year ago. This week, the Swedish government also decided to extradite a Turkish citizen resident in Sweden who was convicted for drug offenses in Turkey in 2013. Sweden and Finland applied to become NATO members in the wake of Russias invasion of Ukraine, abandoning decades of nonalignment. (AP) CLAIM: A screenshot shows a Truth Social post from former President Donald Trump saying his personal aide and alleged co-conspirator Walt Nauta was the one who packed up his personal papers when he left the White House. ASSESSMENT: False. The image is fabricated and Trump never posted such a statement on Truth Social. THE FACTS: A day after Trump pleaded not guilty to dozens of felony counts accusing him of hoarding classified documents, many social media users shared the bogus Truth Social post as real, suggesting it showed the former president was pointing the finger at Nauta for any classified documents that made their way into his possession. Nauta, Trumps valet before joining him as personal aide in Mar-a-Lago, was indicted last week on charges that he moved boxes of documents at Trumps direction and then misled the FBI about it. Nauta did not enter a plea Tuesday because he did not have a local lawyer with him. The post circulating on social media shows Trumps Truth Social profile. Many people are saying the theft of Nuclear and Military Secrets is a very serious crime, it begins.The post goes on to say that Trump asked his LOYAL aide Walt Nauta to pack personal documents before leaving the White House and is confident Nauta didnt place any Nuclear Secrets inside because he knew that would get the former president in trouble. So lets just see what Judge Cannon says. Good Luck, Walt! We are behind you all the way! it ends. Trump just threw Nauta under the bus, one widely shared tweet sharing the supposed screenshot reads in part. While Trump did publish a flurry of posts on his social media platform about the case before and after his court appearance, the post shown in the image was not one of them. Fabricated Trump Truth Social post about Walt Nauta circulates after court appearance Trumps campaign did not immediately return a request for comment, but the supposed post does not currently appear on Trumps profile and archived versions of the profile also do not show the post. The image circulating on social media also contains signs it is not real, including a watermark from imgflip.com, a meme generator website that allows users to mimic Trumps Truth Social posts. The text in the screenshot also goes over the platforms 500-character limit. Trump did post about Nauta on Truth Social on June 9, but it was to protest his inclusion in the indictment. They are trying to destroy his life, like the lives of so many others, hoping that he will say bad things about Trump. He is strong, brave, and a Great Patriot. The FBI and DOJ are CORRUPT! Trump wrote. (AP) A former Indiana congressman should spend no time in prison after his insider trading conviction, his lawyers told a judge Wednesday. Steve Buyer, 64, of Noblesville, Indiana, was convicted by a jury in Manhattan federal court in March of four securities fraud charges after a two-week trial for stock trades he made while working as a consultant and lobbyist after he finished serving in Congress from 1993 to 2011. He was convicted in connection with insider trading involving the $26.5 billion merger of T-Mobile and Sprint, announced in April 2018, and stock purchases he made at a later time in the management consulting company Navigant when his client Guidehouse was set to acquire it in a deal publicly disclosed weeks later. Federal sentencing guidelines call for him to serve a prison sentence of about three years, though judges frequently depart downward from the recommendations. His lawyers wrote in a submission ahead of a July 11 sentencing that the Republican should face only home confinement and community service. The lawyer and Persian Gulf War veteran once chaired the House Veterans Affairs committee and served as a House prosecutor at former President Bill Clintons 1998 impeachment trial. Buyers attorneys told the judge who will sentence their client that Buyer has suffered substantially as a result of the prosecution and conviction. The case has irreparably damaged his reputation, tarnished his achievements and lifetime of service, and continue to bring shame and humiliation to him and his family, the lawyers said. They said he lost all of his consulting clients after he was indicted and his two businesses crumbled, erasing average yearly gross income of about $2.2 million that existed from 2018 to 2021. Now, they produce no income, the lawyers said. As a result of the conviction, he will lose his Virginia and Indiana bar licenses, and he can never again consult for and advise Fortune 500 companies or any others where he could have access to insider information, they said. The cost of litigation has also been substantial, causing Mr. Buyer and his wife to sell most of their assets, including their home, condo, and two cars, the lawyers said. His wife will have to go back to work at age 65, they added. In addition, four financial institutions have closed or frozen his bank accounts, including his investment accounts, and two credit card companies have closed his accounts, the lawyers said. The attorneys said a sentence that does not include prison time would not be unusual because more than a third of individuals convicted of insider trading charges who previously had a clean record faced no prison time. And over 70 percent of the sentences were less than two years in length, they said. At trial, prosecutors said his clients were motivated to share lucrative secrets with him because they wanted his help as a consultant. Defense lawyers contended that he was a stock market buff who did research that led to legal profitable trades. Buyer testified on his own behalf. Buyer made over $320,000 illegally for himself, relatives and a woman with whom he had an affair, authorities said. (AP) Cherries Ambition Illuminated by Kluivert Interest Coming off a promising first season back in the Premier League, Bournemouth have shown their ambitious intent by reigniting interest in Roma forward Justin Kluivert, as reported by Simon Jones of The Daily Mail. Kluivert, who spent last season on loan with La Liga side Valencia, has emerged as a priority target for Bournemouth this summer. Its a renewed pursuit, the earlier move being thwarted due to work permit complications surrounding the Netherlands international. Kluiverts Valuable Performance in Spain In Spain, the 24-year-old winger showcased his abilities, netting six goals and chalking up an assist from 26 appearances. His dynamic display in La Liga is believed to have piqued the interest of Gary ONeils side, enough to instigate a renewed attempt to secure his services. The Earlier Stumbling Block Earlier in the year, Bournemouth had initially shown strong interest in acquiring Kluivert, only for their aspirations to be dampened by unforeseen work permit issues. The upcoming alterations in the rules concerning the signing of overseas players, however, might tilt the scales in Bournemouths favour in their renewed pursuit of Kluivert. The expected change could possibly alleviate the hitherto problematic work permit issues. Kluiverts Journey with Roma Kluivert, son of the legendary Patrick Kluivert, has been with Roma since 2018. Over the course of 68 appearances for the Giallorossi, he has made a tangible impact, contributing nine goals and ten assists. Despite his limited outings with the Netherlands first team just two caps to his name Kluivert is undoubtedly a talent brimming with potential. Bournemouths Eyes on the Future Bournemouths interest in Kluivert is a clear statement of intent. The Cherries are aiming high, and securing a player of Kluiverts calibre could significantly bolster their squad for the forthcoming season. By leveraging the impending changes in overseas player acquisition rules, Bournemouth might finally manage to bring this Netherlands international to the Vitality Stadium. And, in doing so, they would acquire a talented asset to reinforce their ambitions of becoming a stable presence in the Premier League. A week has passed since the momentous and exhilarating Adirei HaTorah event. It was there that close to 30,000 people came together to proclaim the glory of our yungeleit. Although the Maamad came to a close, the uplifting feelings and memories remain with everyone who participated. HaRav Meir Tzvi Bergman, one of the Gedolei Yisrael and son-in-law of HaRav Elazar Menachem Man Schach ztl, had flown in from Eretz Yisrael to speak at the event. When he arrived, he was unexpectedly cast into aveilus and sat shivah in Lakewood. Rabbi Yosef Heinemann relayed at the Maamad that when he went to be menachem avel, HaRav Bergman told him something that was weighing on his mind. HaRav Bergman said that when he speaks at the event, he wants to speak about a topic that pains him. On the evening of June 4th, the night to give honor to our Adirei HaTorah. HaRav Bergman came into the room and thousands of people all stood silently until he reached the area of the dais. After his divrei hisorerus, he concluded by sharing how the Shidduch crisis weighs heavily on him. He wanted everyone present to understand him, so he worked hard and practiced saying it over in English ahead of time. Ultimately, he was able to give over the following in English. There is something that is weighing on my heart. The in with the amount of that are struggling with is heartbreaking. I would like to give over something that I heard from (HaRav Shach) . One should be on oneself to be careful when saying , you should say it from inside a siddur (bentcher) not say it by heart. And with the help this will be a that you should find your . Everyone was stirred by the gadols words. It was one of the highlights of the Adirei HaTorah event. It was a message that touched and resonated with everyone. Soon afterwards, his message began to spread all over. Students were hearing it from their teacher. People were encouraging each other to bentch from a siddur or bentcher. A new degree of awareness was created. The impact of his words eventually came back to HaRav Bergman. In response, he asked for an opportunity to be mechazek the girls in shidduchim. The Adirei HaTorah organizers agreed and, together with Nshei Adirei HaTorah, they were able to accommodate his request. Nshei Adirei HaTorah is made up of volunteers who want to help promote the ideals and vision of Adirei HaTorah. It was they who right away jumped in last minute and made all the arrangements for this next event, scheduled for Tuesday, June 13th. Since HaRav Bergman would be speaking in Hebrew, Nshei Adirei HaTorah arranged for English subtitles to be available so everyone would understand his words. Knowing that thousands of girls worldwide would want to join together for this night of inspiration and chizuk, direct feeds were arranged for girls in Chicago, Cleveland, Los Angeles, Baltimore, Denver, Toronto, Detroit, Minneapolis, and Florida. At 9 PM thousands of girls from Lakewood, Deal, Brooklyn, Monsey, Passaic and the Five Towns gathered at Lakewood High School. The evening commenced with Rebbetzin Bluma Shapiro leading everyone in Tehillim for cholei Yisrael. The tefilos had a special focus on two of our Gedolim who are in need of a yeshuah; HaRav Shmuel Kamenetsky, shlita and the Mashgiach, HaRav Mattisyahu Salomon shlita. Then, the much anticipated moment arrived when HaRav Uri Deutch, mora dasra of Forest Park, Lakewood, introduced HaRav Bergman to speak. Lending to the chashivus of the program, the Lakewood Roshei Yeshiva were in attendance as well. HaRav Bergman began by describing the virtues of the wives of talmidei chachamim. He relayed that those women who remain awake in honor of Hashem by waiting for their husbands who are out learning in the beis medrash, Hashem will pay them back in Olam Haba. Women who make sure that their home is a home for a talmid chacham, a beis Hashem, a place for the Shechinah to reside they are called yedid Hashem, companions, so to speak, of Hashem. The critical role that the women play, to enable and nurture both their homes of talmidei chachamim and their future generations of ovdei Torah, forms the essence of Klal Yisrael. He then referred to what he said at the Maamad. He clarified that even though Rav Shach said that bentching from a siddur is a zechus for other tzaros as well, he chose to share what he heard from him regarding shidduchim. He suggested that the basis for this zechus is that the Torah says, I will sustain you, I will satiate you, and through that you will thank Me. It seems unusual that someone gives a gift and adds, Im giving you a gift and I want you to thank me for it. A thank you is something that comes from gratitude; its not something you request. It must be that here the Giver is extending a promise to the one receiving the gift. If you receive it, express gratitude, and recognize the chessed that lies behind this expression, I will give you further and greater opportunities to be able to again recognize My chessed and thank Me further. He mentioned that the Ponovezher Rav, during his hesped for the Chazon Ishs mother, explained why the mother of the Chazon Ish was zoche to many children who were talmidei chachamim. It was all in her zechus because she had yiras Shomayim, of the sort that we mention in Eishes Chayil, Isha Yiras Hashem.The Gemara in Sanhedrin explains this refers to the selflessness of a mother who nurtures and gives of herself for the needs of her lomdei Torah. He also shared what he heard from his shver, Rav Shach, who had a close relationship with the Brisker Rav. They were once walking together in Yerushalayim and they passed an outstanding talmid chacham. Rav Shach asked the Brisker Rav, How was that person zocheh to be such a talmid chacham when his parents were simple people? There did not seem to be any exceptional marks of greatness in his parents that such a talmid chacham should emerge from them. The Brisker Rav answered, You didnt know his grandmother. Her zechus implanted and set the foundation for what would emerge a generation or two later. This selflessness is the key to our chizuk while each one of us awaits our zivug. We were created to enable others, not for ourselves. The more giving we can be, the more we will feel the strength and wholesomeness of this period. The more we will be strengthened towards our own yeshuos. HaRav Bergman ended with these powerful words: Ashreichem Bnos Yisrael that the future of Klal Yisrael depends on you because you are its future mothers. Lets strengthen ourselves together to consider the unbroken chain of the glory of our mesorah. That commitment itself should be a zechus for every one of us be to be zocheh to zivugim hagunim bezras Hashem Yisborach. He was full of emotion as he took the 3,000 names that were submitted at the event and gave them all a personal brachah in his own words. Each one of the Roshei Yeshiva were given the list of names and gave a heartfelt bracha. HaRav Uri Deutch spoke next. He opened up by elaborating upon the words of HaRav Bergman to ensure that everyone would fully comprehend what was intended. Then, he said that although there is no need to add anything tonight, HaRav Bergman requested that he share some of his own thoughts on the matter. Since one should not refuse a Gadol bYisrael, he obliged. To expand on the topic of birkas hamazon, HaRav Deutch quoted from the Meshech Chachmah that the key theme of birkas hamazon is to recognize the hashgachah pratis of Hakadosh Baruch Hu in every facet of our lives. By internalizing this message, we recognize that not only does he give us sustenance but he is the One who provides everything. And this is just as true even when we encounter dark moments in our history and in our own lives. Furthermore, he relayed over powerful words from the Leshem, the grandfather of Rav Yosef Shalom Elyashiv. The Leshem tells us that we have two missions. One, to be continuously striving & growing and believe that will open the brachah of Hashem. And our other mission is to have bitachon; to believe that everything is from Hashem. Through this bitachon we can bring down the greatest rachamim from Shomayim. He concluded by saying how every one of us believes that the Ribbono Shel Olam has a glorious future mapped out for us. Our task is to be mechazek and have bitachon. With siyata dShimaya we will be zocheh bkarov to individual yeshuos and the geulah for the entire Klal Yisrael. Following the speeches, an uplifting video portraying the simchas HaTorah of the Maamad was shown to all in attendance. Then, as the moving night was coming to a close, the crowd was moved to tears by the hartzig niggunim. The inspirational charge of the event would be something they would hold onto for a long time. The evening ended with the Rosh Yeshiva HoRav Dovid Schustal reciting kabalas ol malchus shomayim and mentioned from Reb Ahron ztl that tefillah is the essence of bitachon because we recognize that hashem hears our tefillos and in this zchus our tefillos will be answered. Reflecting on the Maamad and last nights program, it gave over a dual message. One, Adirei HaTorah is more than just an organization. It is a mission for each and every Yid to recognize and internalize that the yungerman sitting and learning holds up our world and is the most treasured thing that klal Yisrael and Hakadosh Baruch Hu have in this world. And at the same time, the wives of the Adirei Torah are equal partners in this. They make tremendous sacrifices, enabling their husbands to sit and learn. Our cherished Bnos Yisroel are the future wives and mothers of the Adirei HaTorah and Tomchei Torah. This was a night to give them the recognition and chizuk they deserve. (YWN World Headquarters NYC) By: Sandy Eller The world of kosher took on a new vibe at the two day JFood kosher food expo, a two day event where favorites such as ice cream and rugelach shared space with unexpected items like dandelion yogurt and robotically-spun cotton candy. 6,700 attendees flocked to JFood, a Compass Conferences event held at Edisons New Jersey Expo Center on June 13th and 14th and featured approximately 200 booths representing more than 500 brands. Day one of the show was a business-to-business event geared to supermarkets, restaurants, caterers, schools and camps, while the second half of the event was consumer-focused and open to the general public. The two day format was a win-win for everyone said Shmiel Stern, CEO of The Compass Crew. In order to have a successful trade show, you need a day two, Stern told Yeshiva World News. You want regular consumers to have a day, because people love to come to food shows, so if they know that day two will be influencers and fun, theyre not interested in coming on day one, and day one stays pure trade. While JFoods exhibitors were clearly interested in writing orders, Stern noted that approximately 25 to 30 percent also demonstrated a significant interest in being able to interface directly with consumers. Simply Gourmets Rivky Kleiman had a full range of her recipe in a bottle spice blends on sale at the show, and reported that while each day of JFood had a distinct flavor, she was busy on both days of the show. Esther Abraham of Skinny Coated, whose nutritionist-approved gourmet almonds were a hit with attendees, also gave the new format her stamp of approval. Im focusing on sales now, said Abraham on day one of JFood. You cant focus on sales when consumers come, although I want people to come and try my product so that they will be able to grab it off the shelf in the grocery. According to Stern, the idea for the expo, as well as its format, was based on feedback from members of the food industry, with the June date chosen based on the venues availability. Stern plans to continue following the lead of those in the food business to decide on the timing and particulars of future shows. The tone of the expo was further colored by segments that were tailored to the days crowd. In addition to a supermarket panel and a session on cyber protection, the first days program provided an opportunity for attendees to have one-on-one meetings with representatives of Stop & Shop supermarkets. A celebratory segment honored the shows unsung heroes, and paid tribute to Kosherfest founder Menachem Lubinsky, who was presented with a plaque bearing the words, Under your lead partnerships were forged and the kosher world flourished. The second days program featured well known personalities Tanya Rosen, Naomi Nachman, Kosher Guru, Shloime Zionce, Lazer Cohen and Yossi Weisz, and balanced a focus on trends and travel with cooking demos and wine tasting. Attending the show on day one, Lubinsky took in the energetic mood and looked on proudly at the many booths, clearly happy to see the model he created thriving. Even as Kosherfest announced its retirement two weeks ago, Lubinsky was hailed as the patriarch of the kosher food show. Its wonderful to see your children grow up and be successful, observed Lubinsky with a smile. New and intriguing items at JFood included Meister Koyach, the first energy drink to bear a heimish hechsher, Clearly Elegants plastic parchment paper and Twisty, a product line of truly gorgeous baked goods that were first featured at Lakewoods Cookie Corner. The companys tagline happens to be gluten free was an apt description of its product, which tasted as good as it looked. Joburgs biltong was another winner, with Yuda Holtzberg describing his cured and air-dried sliced meat as the ultimate experience. Once you start you wont stop, said Holtzberg. Theres no sugar and no junk its like steak in a bag. Sweet Robo was one of JFoods biggest draws, with people gathering around its $9,000 cotton candy machine to watch a robotic arm spin out an enormous sugary treat in the colors and design of their choice. The company, whose colorful kiosks can be found in malls, theme parks and at events, also had a $20,000 ice cream robot that churned out sundaes in 90 seconds or less. Every Sweet Robo product emerges ready to eat and completely untouched by human hands, explained Sweet Robos Luisa Cahmpos. You just need to press a button, said Cahmpos. You choose your shape, different colors and pick from more than 30 combinations, or your ice cream toppings and syrups. Pushing one button, you get your treat automatically. In contrast to Sweet Robos futuristic feel was the emphasis on getting back to the basics at Meant To Be, a Chasidic company from New Square whose products come from Amish farms in Lancaster, Pennsylvania. The companys farm-fresh display included eggs, cheeses, maple sugar and the aforementioned (and surprisingly delicious) dandelion yogurt, all produced to the highest standard of organic, with an emphasis on authenticity. Everything is pure and natural, said dairy farmer Alvin Fisher, who traveled to JFood along with his family, his Amish attire contrasting markedly with that of his New Square co-collaborators. They contacted us about five years ago and we were looking for a partner as well, and it has been a good fit. Meant To Bes eggs are hatched by grass fed chickens who are moved daily to ensure that they have an endless supply of pesticide-free and nutrient-full grass. The companys Jersey A-2 cows are smaller than typical dairy cows and produce less milk and more cream, explained Avrumi Korn, yielding products that are far superior to anything else on store shelves, with a new yogurt line debuting in July. It has no preservatives, comes from grass-fed cows and is made from a very high standard of milk, said Korn. There is no such product in the Jewish market, maybe not anywhere. Photo Credits: Kuvien Images VR Video: Live360 The video is designed to be viewed in 3D VR on a headset such as the Quest 2 but can also be viewed on a computer with 3D glasses (drag mouse or use arrow keys/pointers to shift the view) or phone app (either swipe or just move the phone around in most later models. For an optimal viewing experience, please set the video quality to the highest your device can handle before playing the video. For 3D viewing, switch from 2D to Anaglyph. Alternate access for video: (YWN World Headquarters NYC) Prime Minister Binyamin Netanyahu told members of the Knessets Foreign Affairs and Defense Committee that the US held indirect talks with Iran on a mini-agreement that Israel can live with, Israeli media outlets reported on Tuesday. This isnt the [2015) nuclear deal were familiar with, Netanyahu was reported as saying during a closed meeting of the top-level committee this week. Walla News reported Netanyahu as saying that the understanding between the two countries includes a commitment from Iran not to enrich uranium over 60% purity in exchange for the US releasing billions of dollars of frozen Iranian funds. In addition, Iran and US will carry out a prisoner swap deal. According to a Kan News report, Israel believes that the Biden administration is determined to forge an agreement with Iran and there is little chance that Israel can do anything about it. The Biden administration initially denied it was holding talks with Iran but Irans foreign ministry spokesperson on Monday confirmed that talks were held and thanked Oman for mediating the talks. Hours later, a Biden administration official confirmed that the US was holding talks with Iran but denied that an interim agreement was under discussion. There are no talks about an interim deal, the official said. We have made clear to them what escalatory steps they needed to avoid to prevent a crisis and what deescalatory steps they could take to create a more positive context. Jason Brodsky, the policy director at United Against Nuclear Iran (UANI), commented on the reports: If true, this mini deal is fantastic for the Iranian supreme leader on the nuclear side. He literally gives up nothing and gets paid. This risks the Iranian establishment perceiving the once unacceptable 60% enrichment now being acceptable. This is how red lines turn pink. (YWN Israel Desk Jerusalem) Menachem Ordman, a 34-year-old resident of Mevo Dotan and father of five, recounted the moments of horror when he was shot in a terror attack on Tuesday in the Shomron. Ordman said that he had stopped his car on the side of the road at the Efes intersection in order to talk on the phone since the cellular reception in the area is poor. He was still talking on the phone when he noticed a car with Israeli license plates and tinted windows approaching from the opposite direction. They stopped opposite my car, opened the back window, and simply sprayed me with M16 rifles from point-blank range. I was covered with blood, I thought I was dead. After a minute, I realized that by a neis, I was still alive, I pulled out my gun and returned fire. They fled. Afterward, I heard that there was an exchange of fire with IDF soldiers. It was an unbelievable neis that Ordman not only survived but he is expected to be discharged from the hospital on Thursday after surgery to remove shrapnel from his arms. After shooting Menachem, the terrorist opened fire at an IDF vehicle, injuring four IDF soldiers [rather than three, as was initially reported], one moderately and three lightly. Despite their injuries, the soldiers returned fire but the terrorists still managed to escape the scene. Ordman emphasized that the lawlessness in the Shomron is simply intolerable: I call on the Israeli government to block all the crossings there and prevent Palestinians from driving there. Embark on an operation to eliminate terrorism in the northern Shomron, which has simply become the Wild West enabling endless shooting attacks. I miraculously survived, two weeks ago Meir, Hyd, was murdered. The head of the Shomron Regional Council Yossi Dagan, said: Menachem, a father of 5, was saved by a neis. Were not willing to continue relying on a neis! Were not willing to continue escorting widows and widowers and orphans to the cemeteries! We demand an offensive operation for the collection of weapons in the terrorist Palestinian Authority now! We demand the restoration of the checkpoints. Whoever opened the checkpoint is risking our lives. In the video below, Palestinians in Jenin distribute pastries in celebration of the shooting attack: (YWN Israel Desk Jerusalem) Agudath Israel of Americas New Jersey Office proudly hosted the inaugural event for Zahav, its new division focused on serving the needs of seniors in the community, last night in Lakewood. The event, held at Estreia was a resounding success, bringing over 300 seniors together for an evening of inspiration, informative panels, and engaging discussions. The event commenced with opening remarks delivered by Rabbi Avi Schnall, director of Agudahs NJ office, who expressed the organizations commitment to enhancing the lives of seniors and catering to their unique needs. Rabbi Paysach Krohn delivered a captivating keynote address about the unique challenges and opportunities that come with age, inspiring the audience with his wisdom and guidance. The highlight of the event was an engaging panel discussion featuring esteemed professionals in relevant fields. The panelists shared their expertise on a range of topics, including estate planning and trusts, financial planning, Medicare planning, understanding medical rights, and Medicaid for long-term care. The panelists included: Joseph Klein Esq., CPA, Partner, Korsinsky & Klein LLP Estate Planning and Trusts Yisroel M. Krohn, CFP, Financial Planner, Mayco Financial Services Financial Planning Shmuel Zaidman, Broker, Medicare Insurance Specialist Medicare Planning Leah Horowitz, Care Navigator, Chayim Aruchim Know Your Medical Rights Mindy Salzberg, President, Medicaid Solutions Medicaid for Long-Term Care The panel discussion provided valuable insights and guidance to the attendees, empowering them to make informed decisions regarding their financial and healthcare matters. Reflecting on the event, one attendee stated, Attending the inaugural Zahav event was an eye-opening experience. The panelists expertise and the warm atmosphere created a supportive environment where seniors like myself could gain valuable insights. I left feeling more informed and empowered. We are thrilled with the overwhelming response to our inaugural Zahav event, said Mrs. Hadassah Waldman, director of Zahav. The impressive turnout and the engagement with our panelists truly highlight the importance of addressing the unique needs and concerns of our senior community. Zahav is dedicated to continuing to provide essential resources and support to seniors as we move forward. We are delighted to have had such a successful inaugural event for Zahav, said Rabbi Avi Schnall. The overwhelming turnout and positive feedback demonstrate the need for a dedicated division focused on serving the unique needs of our senior community members. We are grateful to our esteemed speakers and panelists for sharing their expertise and providing invaluable guidance. Zahav looks forward to hosting future events and offering ongoing assistance to seniors in the community. For more information about Zahav and its upcoming initiatives, please visit Agudah.org/Zahav or contact Mrs. Hadassah Waldman at [email protected] or at 732-540-1898. Chinese Premier Li Qiang met with visiting Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas on Thursday in a quest by Beijing to elevate relations and increase its overall presence in the Middle East. Li, who took office just this spring with little foreign policy experience, called Abbas an old friend of the Chinese people who has made important contributions to the promotion of China-Palestinian relations. The meeting came a day after Abbas was greeted with full military honors by Xi Jinping, Chinas president and head of the ruling Communist Party. The sides then announced the formation of a strategic partnership, paving the way to boost Chinas influence in the region at a time when Beijings chief rival for global influence, the United States, is seen as withdrawing from the region following the conflicts in Iraq and Afghanistan and complications in ties with regional power Saudi Arabia. China, meanwhile, is seeking energy resources and markets for its military and civilian exports while also promoting its version of authoritarian government as part of joint challenge with Russia to the Western-led democratic world order. Beijing has long maintained diplomatic ties with the Palestinian Authority, and it appointed a special envoy to meet with Israeli and Palestinian officials. But its experience in the region is mainly limited to construction, manufacturing and other economic projects. China relies on such partnerships to bolster its diplomatic posture and give large Chinese corporations a leg up when negotiating infrastructure deals in line with the governments Belt and Road Initiative, which has left many struggling countries in deep debt to Chinese banks. China also has sought close ties with Israel to expand its diplomatic presence and to gain access to high technology. Abbas visit follows Chinas hosting of talks between Iran and Saudi Arabia that resulted in the restoration of diplomatic relations between the two Mideast rivals and boosted Chinas standing in the region. The Riyadh-Tehran rapprochement was seen as a diplomatic victory for China as Gulf Arab states perceive the United States as gradually withdrawing from the wider region. China has hosted a growing list of world leaders since reopening its borders in the spring after a three-year virtual shutdown due to its extreme zero-COVID policy. Those have included French President Emmanuel Macron and European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, whose visits sparked controversy over Chinas pursuit of its campaign to cut off foreign support for self-governing Taiwan and block criticism of its human rights record. Next week, U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken is expected to visit Beijing after previous plans were postponed over the presence of an alleged Chinese spy balloon over the U.S. Diplomatic relations between Washington and Beijing are at their lowest in decades over trade, technology, U.S. support for Taiwan and an intensifying competition for influence in Asia and elsewhere. Following that visit, Li is traveling to France and Germany, marking his debut on the international stage as premier and the second-ranking member of the ruling party. The Foreign Ministry announced Thursday that Li would take part in a seventh round of China-Germany government talks and attend a financial summit in Paris during the June 18-23 visits. (AP) A U.S. Army soldier duped into thinking he was communicating online with a terrorist when it was really an FBI employee pleaded guilty Wednesday to seeking to tell terrorists how to ambush U.S. soldiers in the Middle East. Cole Bridges, 22, entered pleas in Manhattan federal court to trying to provide material support to terrorists and trying to murder U.S. military service members. He could face up to 20 years in prison on each of the two charges at a Nov. 2 sentencing. Bridges, of Stow, Ohio, has been incarcerated since his January 2021 arrest, which occurred while he was based in Fort Stewart, Georgia, with the Third Infantry Division, where the private was a cavalry scout. He joined the Army in September 2019. According to court documents, Bridges was 19 when he began researching and consuming online propaganda promoting jihadists in 2019. Authorities said he expressed support on social media for the Islamic State militant group and for jihad before he began communicating in October 2020 with an FBI employee posing as an Islamic State group supporter who was in contact with the groups fighters in the Middle East. At his plea hearing, Bridges acknowledged that he tried to provide material support to Islamic State group members. The support I provided included tactical advice, hand-drawn diagrams of potential troop maneuvers, pages from the Army Field Manual regarding troop movements and combat tactics, and a propaganda video, he told Judge Lewis J. Liman. In providing such training and advice, I also knowingly attempted to assist the efforts of ISIS to repel and kill American soldiers engaged in official duties in the Middle East. I knew at that time that ISIS was a terrorist organization and had engaged in terrorist activity. I also knew that my conduct was wrong, he said. In court papers, investigators said Bridges, also known as Cole Gonzales, expressed frustration with the U.S. military during his online chats. After the court proceeding, Bridges became emotional as he was reunited with his father for the first time in three years before he was led back to jail. His attorney, Sabrina Shroff, declined comment. U.S. Attorney Damian Williams said in a statement: As he admitted in court today, Cole Bridges attempted to orchestrate a murderous ambush on his fellow soldiers in service of ISIS and its violent ideology. Bridgess traitorous conduct was a betrayal of his comrades and his country. (AP) Right-wing activists are scheduled to hold the first-ever right-wing protest outside the home of Prime Minister Binyamin Netanyahu in Caesarea on Thursday evening in the wake of the drama in the Knesset on Wednesday when at least four coalition members voted in a secret ballot to elect the oppositions candidate to the Judicial Selection Committee. Some political analysts claim that Prime Minister Binyamin Netanyahu was one of the coalition members who voted with the opposition. At this point, the prime minister has no interest in advancing judicial reform, which is giving the left an excuse to sow chaos throughout the country and the world. However, if Netanyahu drops the legislation, the government will crumble as his more right-wing partners are determined to pass it, and instead, he has continuously delayed advancing the reform. Following the vote in the Knesset, Likud activists slammed Netanyahu on social media, saying things like: Netanyahu sold the reform, Netanyahu surrendered to the anarchist left, Bibi, go home, [Justice Minister] Yariv Levin is our true leader, The one who betrayed Likud today and in fact betrayed and abandoned Levin, is Netanyahu. After the vote, opposition heads Yair Lapid and Benny Gantz announced that they are halting negotiations at the Presidents Residence for at least a month. The right-wing is furious and it is now demanding that the government unilaterally advance the reform. The protest was organized by the Im Tirtzu movement, with the goal of pressuring Netanyahu to fulfill his campaign promises and coalition deals to pass the judicial reform. Enough of the incessant concessions to anarchists and refuseniks and the opposition, a statement from Im Tirtzu states. Sixty-four mandates demand an end to surrender. This is not how you achieve stability, this is how you get weakness and the inability to act. (YWN Israel Desk Jerusalem) The Israeli left-wing organization The Forum for Regional Thought is taking Israelis on a tour of Huwara, Arutz Sheva reported on Thursday. Huwara is an Arab village in the Shomron where countless terror attacks against Israelis have taken place, including the murder of the Yaniv brothers, Hyd, earlier this year, and whose residents distribute candies when Israelis are killed or maimed. The invitation to the tour states: The purpose of the tour is to foster familiarization with the day-to-day reality of life under the occupation and in support of the communities in the area along with increasing Israeli awareness of the situation in the territories. Please arrive in socially appropriate clothing long pants for men and women, no tank tops, etc. The fact that Jewish Israelis want to show their support to a village that celebrates terrorists who kill and maim their own brethren is bad enough. But their hypocrisy in respecting Islamic dress codes while showing the utmost disdain for Jewish Orthodox tradition is astounding. The Torat Lechima organization tweeted the announcement of the tour, commenting: The Handmaids Tale? The Handmaids Tale is a 1985 novel by Margaret Atwood focusing on the theme of subjugated women in a patriarchal society that was made into a 2017 television series. Israeli left-wing women have made a habit of dressing up as the characters from the TV series during protests to show their opposition to the supposed religionization of Israel by the religious parties in the right-wing government. The report quoted an Israeli social media user as saying: If it had been an invitation to a tour by some Chareidi organization, we would have already heard Knesset members slamming it and yelling Iran is here.There are people who will wear modest clothing in order to respect Muslims but not to respect religious Jews. Oh, the hypocrisy. (YWN Israel Desk Jerusalem) As with any investment, capital is at risk. At some point, every hugely successful global business began life as a small company. The digital era of the past two decades has highlighted how companies can go from start-up to household name in a relatively short period. As the likes of Amazon, Google-parent group Alphabet and Tesla illustrate. Amazon was started in Jeff Bezoss garage less than 30 years ago in 1994, Google was founded in 1998, and Tesla was incorporated just 20 years ago in 2003. Yet, these start-ups that became industry-defining household names are outliers. Many small companies will remain small, so how do you identify those little gems that can become world-beaters? Edinburgh Worldwide Investment Trust seeks to do just that, looking for capital growth from a global portfolio of initially immature entrepreneurial companies that should grow exceptionally well. In doing so, it aims to help its shareholders benefit from the asymmetry of returns, which means successfully unearthing small prospects that become big winners can be a highly profitable strategy. The concept of asymmetry of returns refers to how the gains from successful high-growth companies can be potentially limitless, but the losses are limited to the sum invested. But this means that investors backing Edinburgh Worldwide must take a long-term view, seeing it as an investment for at least five years. Edinburgh Worldwide Investment Trust looks for capital growth from a global portfolio of initially immature entrepreneurial companies that should grow exceptionally well What does Edinburgh Worldwide look for? Edinburgh Worldwide is managed by Baillie Giffords Global Discovery Team. A decade ago, the team decided to develop what its lead manager, Douglas Brodie, says is a fundamentally different approach to smaller company investing. Instead of focusing on what many investors traditionally think of as small caps, a field often involving smaller, domestically-focused companies that are nimble but have limited ambitions, the team thinks big. Brodie says that they decided to focus instead on global opportunity and immature growth companies Brodie says that they decided to focus instead on global opportunity and immature growth companies. The reason being technology has changed the opportunity for these types of high potential businesses and created a world in which they could more easily thrive and fulfil their promise. This structural shift in how technology could improve capabilities, drive efficiency, and generate innovative solutions can be found across healthcare, transport, energy and even space. Edinburgh Worldwide aims to identify these immature growth companies early on and back them for the long term. As the rocky past 18 months on the markets have shown, with many high-growth companies suffering significant share price drawdowns, this can involve a bumpy ride. But despite the volatility along the way, the Trusts managers believe that patient, long-term investors will ultimately benefit. But those investors should accept that the strategy will be volatile, with underlying holdings having notable peak-to-trough drawdowns at points that will be reflected in Edinburgh Worldwides net asset value and share price. Despite the volatility along the way, the Trusts managers believe that patient, long-term investors will ultimately benefit Four key traits for success Edinburgh Worldwide looks for four key traits in companies: 1. Solving problems through innovation The Trust looks for companies tackling large existing problems within society and industry. It tries to identify the businesses aiming to do this early in their lifecycle and back them as they innovate and scale up. 2. Emerging competitive advantage Edinburgh Worldwides Svetlana Viteva says: As long-term investors, we need to obsess about competitive edge, as it is the essence of sustainable growth. Companies that excel here make it hard for competitors to catch up and can have a competitive edge that continuously builds on itself over time. Edinburgh Worldwides Viteva says: As long-term investors, we need to obsess about competitive edge, as it is the essence of sustainable growth. 3. Quality and ambition of management Innovative businesses need ambitious, inspiring and purposeful management, which thinks long term and is up for the challenge of tackling complex problems. Edinburgh Worldwides managers say that while this trait is not the sole preserve of founder-led businesses, they tend to display it more often. 4. Scalability Scalable companies can increase their returns as they grow and their growth can become easier as they get bigger. Viteva describes this as an X factor for great investment opportunities but one of the hardest traits to pin down. Therefore, the managers look for practical scaling advantages in business models. Finding little gems that can become world beaters Edinburgh Worldwides approach involves thinking big when it comes to the future prospects of small companies. It also means only backing those it believes have the potential for the kind of dramatic growth most firms will never see. At the Trusts recent annual general meeting, Brodie outlined this approach as requiring long-term thinking and patience. He said: Since I took over managing the portfolio in 2014, the investment philosophy has been to seek ambitious, problem-solving companies with what we believe to be excellent long-term growth potential. And by identifying growth companies earlier, when they are small, we seek to benefit from growth during the most dynamic phase of a companys lifecycle. Crucially, we seek to retain ownership of successful companies as they grow and thrive, driving their respective industries forward over subsequent years. That way, we too can reap the rewards of their upfront investment as they unlock the opportunity and the profits ahead of them. With a buy-and-hold investing mindset, the Trust will not exit a company just because it is no longer small cap. It is only once the managers deem it to no longer be an immature business, either in its own right or in the context of the market it operates in. The asymmetry of returns Because Edinburgh Worldwide invests in companies that harness technology to build future-shaping businesses, investors require a long-term growth mindset and to recognise that progress will not be a smooth, upwards journey. These kinds of growth companies will have greater volatility, and investors must acknowledge that there may be sharp drawdowns along the way. Brodie highlights Tesla, which Edinburgh Worldwide was an early investor in but has now sold out of, as an example of that and of highly asymmetric returns. Brodie says: We know that losses are limited to the size of the original investment. You invest one pound, and you may lose 100 per cent of that pound. But the maximum upside of a fundamentally successful investment is theoretically unlimited. So, to quote Jeff Bezos, If you have a 10 per cent chance of 100x return, you should take that bet every time even if its going to feel bad nine out of ten times. This asymmetry can bring huge gains. By backing young growth companies that go on to be highly successful, you can see their share price rise exponentially, far outweighing losses from backing companies that do not make it. Brodie adds: Inevitably, some of the investments turn out wrong. But only by embracing uncertainty, being brave and remaining long term, can we hope to find the small group of special companies that ultimately matter. By backing young growth companies that go on to be highly successful, you can see their share price rise exponentially, far outweighing losses from backing companies that do not make it. Three companies Edinburgh Worldwide invests in and why Space Exploration Technologies (SpaceX) SpaceX designs, manufactures and launches advanced reusable rockets. It has pioneered a deeply innovative and vertically-integrated approach, which involves making as many components in-house as possible. This is creating a series of cost and capability improvements which are transforming both the opportunity and economics of the space industry, while placing SpaceX at its centre. We are hugely excited by the long-term potential this creates, and the diverse revenue opportunities being unlocked in areas such as global consumer broadband through its Starlink network and space logistics via its Starship programme. Staar Surgical Staar Surgical is a developer, manufacturer and marketer of implantable lenses to treat various eye conditions, including myopia (short-sightedness) and presbyopia (age-related long-sightedness). With half the global population expected to have myopia by 2050, the addressable market is vast and growing. Furthermore, the company is well positioned to take share from laser-based vision correction and expand the market for vision correction to those with more pronounced short-sightedness. Oxford Nanopore Oxford Nanopore has developed a novel system to sequence native DNA and RNA molecules. The technology's unique combination of accuracy, ability to read long sequences, portability, low cost, and real-time detection distinguishes it from other sequencing tools. While genetic sequencing is largely the domain of research scientists and forward-thinking clinicians, we think the company's inherent technological advantages make it very applicable to new applied areas. These include infectious disease testing, oncology, environmental monitoring and food safety. Edinburgh Worldwide Investment Trust Annual Past Performance to 31 March Each Year (%) 2019 2020 2021 2022 2023 Share Price 18.3 -1.1 82.0 -32.0 -30.4 Index* 4.9 -18.4 61.1 4.2 -2.7 Source: Morningstar, S&P, MSCI, total return in sterling. *Change from MSCI AC World Index to S&P Global Small Cap Index on 01/02/2014. Past performance is not a guide to future returns. Investments with exposure to overseas securities can be affected by changing stock market conditions and currency exchange rates. Investment in smaller, immature companies is generally considered higher risk as changes in their share prices may be greater and the shares may be harder to sell. Smaller, immature companies may do less well in periods of unfavourable economic conditions. Past performance is not a guide to future returns. Investments with exposure to overseas securities can be affected by changing stock market conditions and currency exchange rates. Investment in smaller, immature companies is generally considered higher risk as changes in their share prices may be greater and the shares may be harder to sell. Smaller, immature companies may do less well in periods of unfavourable economic conditions. This article does not constitute, and is not subject to the protections afforded to, independent research. Baillie Gifford and its staff may have dealt in the investments concerned. The views expressed are not statements of fact and should not be considered as advice or a recommendation to buy, sell or hold a particular investment. Baillie Gifford & Co and Baillie Gifford & Co Limited are authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA). Baillie Gifford & Co and Baillie Gifford & Co Limited are authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA). The investment trusts managed by Baillie Gifford & Co Limited are listed on the London Stock Exchange and are not authorised or regulated by the FCA. A Key Information Document is available by visiting bailliegifford.com $5,000 grants will improve students' ProStart experience with updated curriculum, supplies, and educational opportunities WASHINGTON, June 15, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Forty high schools from 24 states will receive $5,000 grants from the Rachael Ray Foundation to build up their National Restaurant Association Educational Foundation ProStart culinary arts and restaurant management programs. Since creating these awards, the Rachael Ray Foundation has provided 113 high school grants, totaling $950,000. Nearly 165,000 high school students at 1,850 schools are currently part of ProStart, which features hands-on and traditional instruction providing students real-life foodservice experience and skills. The ProStart curriculum combines culinary arts and business education with special industry speakers, class mentors, tours of local culinary facilities, and student competitions to help students learn fundamental skills in the restaurant and hospitality industry. The grants from the Rachael Ray Foundation ProStart Grow Grant Program will help educators build the tools to teach their students career-building skills using the ProStart curriculum. The schools can use their Grow Grant funds to make classroom upgrades or purchase new equipment and resources. The NRAEF expects that the grants will benefit more than 3,500 students and 53 educators in the 2023-2024 school year. "The daily investment that ProStart educators make in their classroom as they teach and mentor the next generation of culinary and restaurant management leaders is extraordinary," said Rachael Ray. "We are optimistic that these grants will give teachers some fresh opportunities to capture the imagination of their students and teach them why our industry is a place where they can build a career." This is the fourth round of ProStart Grow Grants awarded by the Rachael Ray Foundation. Past grant recipients have used their funds to purchase needed supplies and new curriculum components, upgrade their class kitchens, and provide students with hands-on educational experiences. "Rachael Ray Foundation ProStart Grow Grants make a huge difference to so many of our ProStart classrooms funding equipment, supplies, and unique experiences to teach students the fundamentals of culinary arts and restaurant management," said Rob Gifford, president of the National Restaurant Association Educational Foundation. "We are grateful for the partnership of the Rachael Ray Foundation in helping ProStart educators provide the best classroom possible for each of their students." Nearly 165,000 high school students at 1,850 schools are currently part of ProStart, which features hands-on and traditional instruction providing students real-life foodservice experience and skills. The ProStart curriculum combines culinary arts and business education with special industry speakers, class mentors, tours of local culinary facilities, and student competitions to help students learn fundamental skills in the restaurant and hospitality industry. ProStart students emerge with training and certifications to join the restaurant and foodservice workforce. The following schools will receive 2023 Rachael Ray Foundation ProStart Grow Grants: Alpharetta High School Alpharetta, Georgia Florence High School Florence, South Dakota Franklin Towne Charter High School Philadelphia, Pennsylvania Fulton Schools College and Career Academy Union City, Georgia Garinger High School Charlotte, North Carolina Hagerty High School Oviedo, Florida John Marshal High School Rochester, Minnesota Lake Forest High School Felton, Delaware Laramie High School Laramie, Wyoming Lincoln High School Lincoln, Rhode Island New Horizons Regional Education Centers Newport News, Virginia NRHEG Public Schools New Richland, Minnesota Ocean Springs High School Ocean Springs, Mississippi Ohio Valley CTC West Union, Ohio Old Colony Regional Vocational Technical High School Rochester, Massachusetts Opelika High School Opelika, Alabama Osseo-Fairchild High School Osseo, Wisconsin Otsego Northern Catskill BOCES Grand George, New York Owatonna High School Owatonna, Minnesota Pepin Academies Tampa, Florida Questar III Robert H. Gibson Technical School Troy, New York Rapid City Central High School Rapid City, South Dakota Raton High School Raton, New Mexico Ridgeview High School Orange Park, Florida Saddle Brook High School Saddle Brook, New Jersey Sherman High School Sherman, Texas Sherman Indian High School Riverside, California Staples-Motley High School Staples, Minnesota Summit High School Frisco, Colorado Treasure Coast High School Port St. Lucie, Florida Tuscaloosa Career & Technology Academy Tuscaloosa, Alabama Vernon High School Vernon, Florida Wakefield High School Raleigh, North Carolina Warren Technical School Chamblee, Georgia Washington Career and Technical Education Center Washington, Louisiana Washington Park High School Racine, Wisconsin Western Technology Center Burns Flat, Oklahoma Wilbur Cross High School New Haven, Connecticut Wisconsin Lutheran High School Milwaukee, Wisconsin Wythe County Technology Center Wytheville, Virginia About the National Restaurant Association Educational Foundation (NRAEF): As the supporting philanthropic foundation of the National Restaurant Association, the NRAEF's charitable mission includes enhancing the industry's training and education, career development, and community engagement efforts. The NRAEF and its programs work to Attract, Empower, and Advance today's and tomorrow's restaurant and foodservice workforce. NRAEF programs include: ProStart a high-school career and technical education program; Restaurant Ready/HOPES Partnering with community based organizations to provide people with skills training and job opportunities; Military helping military servicemen and women transition their skills to restaurant and foodservice careers; Scholarships financial assistance for students pursuing restaurant, foodservice and hospitality degrees; and the Restaurant & Hospitality Leadership Center (RHLC) accredited apprenticeship programs designed to build the careers of service professionals. For more information on the NRAEF, visit ChooseRestaurants.org . Click here for the National Restaurant Association Educational Foundation's 2022 Annual Impact Report. About The Rachael Ray Foundation: The Rachael Ray Foundation (RRF) is a private foundation that is fully funded by the proceeds from the sale of Rachael Ray Nutrish. RRF was launched by Rachael in 2016 to better support the causes she cares for most such as helping animals in need. Additionally, RRF works with organizations that support the mission of Yum-o!, Rachael's 501c3, in order to bolster and amplify their efforts through additional funding. Yum-o! empowers kids and their families to develop healthy relationships with food and cooking. It also teaches families to cook, feeds hungry kids, and funds cooking education, among other initiatives. (PRNewsfoto/National Restaurant Association) Cision View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/forty-high-schools-to-expand-their-culinary-arts-and-restaurant-management-programs-thanks-to-rachael-ray-foundation-prostart-grow-grants-301852350.html SOURCE National Restaurant Association Educational Foundation Your Ultimate Investing Toolkit Sign up for MarketBeat All Access to gain access to MarketBeat's full suite of research tools: Portfolio Monitoring Top Stock Lists Premium Reports Stock Screeners Live News Feed Premium Support Free for your first month. Wells Fargo & Company is a multinational financial services company that has established itself as a prominent player in the global financial industry. Founded in 1852 and headquartered in San Francisco, California, Wells Fargo operates in 35 countries and serves over 70 million customers worldwide. Its rich history and successful mergers and acquisitions have contributed to its significant global presence. As a comprehensive financial services provider, Wells Fargo offers a wide range of banking, investment, mortgage, and consumer financial services. The company's mission is to satisfy its customers' financial needs and help them succeed financially. Wells Fargo aims to achieve this by providing exceptional service, acting with integrity, fostering diversity and inclusion, and contributing positively to the communities it serves. Wells Fargo's extensive product and service portfolio caters to various market segments. The company serves individual consumers, small businesses, corporations, and institutional investors. Its key customers encompass a broad spectrum, ranging from everyday banking customers to high-net-worth individuals and large corporations. Wells Fargo aims to meet the diverse financial needs of its customers through personalized solutions and innovative offerings. The company has achieved several notable milestones and received recognition for its contributions to the financial industry. Wells Fargo has been ranked as one of the "Big Four Banks" in the United States, alongside JPMorgan Chase, Bank of America, and Citigroup. It is also recognized as one of the largest banks in the country by total assets, deposits, and market capitalization. Wells Fargo's commitment to delivering quality financial services has earned it a position among the most valuable bank brands. Wells Fargo is led by an experienced and capable management team that guides the company's operations and strategic direction. The leadership team consists of individuals with diverse backgrounds and extensive finance, banking, technology, risk management, and customer service expertise. The Chief Executive Officer and President of Wells Fargo is Charles W. Scharf, who brings a wealth of experience in the financial industry. The management team also includes key executives such as Michael J. Santomassimo as the Chief Financial Officer and Scott Powell as the Chief Operating Officer. Each management team member contributes their professional background, accomplishments, and expertise to ensure the company's success. Wells Fargo has demonstrated consistent financial performance over the years, driven by its diverse business segments and strategic initiatives. The company has reported steady revenue growth, reflecting its ability to attract and retain a large customer base. Wells Fargo's revenue metrics indicate its success in generating income through its various financial services and product offerings. Earnings metrics illustrate the company's profitability and stability. Wells Fargo's focus on prudent risk management practices and diversified revenue streams contributes to its ability to generate sustainable earnings. Profit margin metrics showcase the efficiency of Wells Fargo's operations. The company's ability to manage costs effectively while generating revenue is key to maintaining healthy profit margins. Debt levels play a significant role in evaluating the company's financial position. Wells Fargo's management strives to maintain a conservative approach to managing debt, ensuring a strong balance sheet and financial stability. Wells Fargo's valuation metrics are influenced by a range of factors, including its market position, financial performance, growth prospects, risk profile, and investor sentiment. Factors driving Wells Fargo's valuation include its brand recognition, customer base, diversified business segments, and ability to generate consistent earnings. Changes in investor sentiment, market conditions, and regulatory developments can also impact the company's valuation over time. Investors closely monitor Wells Fargo's stock performance, assessing its ability to deliver value over the long term. The stock has had issues in the past due to news or events that have affected the company's share price, such as regulatory actions, the global pandemic, and strategic initiatives. These factors should be considered in analyzing its market performance. Wells Fargo operates in the highly competitive financial services industry, which is subject to evolving regulatory frameworks and technological advancements. Understanding the broader industry in which the company operates is crucial to assessing its competitive positioning. Wells Fargo competes with other major banks and financial institutions domestically and internationally. The company leverages its brand recognition, extensive product and service offerings, customer relationships, and technological capabilities to gain a competitive advantage. However, it also faces challenges such as regulatory compliance, changing customer preferences, and disruptive market forces. Wells Fargo has identified several growth opportunities within its diverse business segments. The company aims to deepen relationships with existing customers, attract new customers and expand its presence in key markets. In consumer banking, Wells Fargo focuses on enhancing digital capabilities, improving customer experience, and providing innovative solutions to meet evolving customer needs. The company seeks to leverage its strong brand and customer base to drive growth and increase customer loyalty. In wealth and investment management, Wells Fargo aims to capitalize on the growing demand for comprehensive financial planning and advisory services. The company's expertise in wealth management positions it well to capture opportunities in an increasingly complex investment landscape. As with any financial institution, Wells Fargo faces various risks and challenges. It is important to comprehensively analyze potential risks and challenges to understand their potential impact on the company's performance. Factors such as regulatory changes, cybersecurity threats, economic downturns, and reputational risks pose challenges to Wells Fargo's operations. The company has implemented robust risk management strategies, invested in technology and security measures, and enhanced compliance frameworks to mitigate these risks. Ongoing efforts to prioritize ethical conduct, transparency, and stakeholder trust are integral to managing risks effectively. The following companies are subsidiares of Arthur J. Gallagher & Co.: 2235158 Alberta Limited, A.J. Amer Agency, AHC Digital LLC, AIX Limited, AJG Coal LLC, AJG Financial Services LLC, AJG Meadows LLC, AJG North America ULC, AJG RCF LLC, AJGRMS of Louisiana LLC, ARM RE Ltda., AVIATION INSURANCE SERVICES, AVRECO, Ace IRM Insurance Broking Group, Acumus Holdings Limited, Acumus Interco Limited, Acumus Ltd, Adams & Associates International, Adaptive Marketing LLC, Adco General Corporation, Advanced Benefit Advisors, Aequus Trade Credit, Affinity Marketing Group, Ahrold Fay Rosenberg, Aires Consulting Group, Alesco Risk Management Services Limited, Alize Limited, Allied Claims Administration Inc., Alternative Market Specialists, Altman & Cronin Benefit Consultants, American Freedom Carriers Inc., American Security Services Corp., American Wholesalers Underwriting Ltd, Andrew-Anthony Insurance Agency, Anthony Hodges Consulting Limited, Antrobus Investments Limited, AquaSurance, Argentis, Argentis Financial Group Limited, Argentis Financial Management Limited, Argus Benefits, Armstrong/Robitaille/Riegle, Artex (SAC) Limited, Artex Cedar Hill, Artex Corporate Services (Malta) Limited, Artex Corporate Services Limited, Artex Holdings (Gibraltar) Limited, Artex Holdings (Malta) Limited, Artex Insurance (Guernsey) PCC Limited, Artex Insurance (Tennessee) PCCIC Inc., Artex Insurance Brokers (Malta) PCC Limited, Artex Insurance ICC Limited, Artex Intermediaries Ltd, Artex Risk Solutions (Bermuda) Ltd, Artex Risk Solutions (Cayman) Limited, Artex Risk Solutions (Gibraltar) Limited, Artex Risk Solutions (Guernsey) Limited, Artex Risk Solutions (International) Ltd, Artex Risk Solutions (Malta) Limited, Artex Risk Solutions (Singapore) Pte Ltd, Artex Risk Solutions (UK) Limited, Artex Risk Solutions Inc., Arthur J Gallagher (Norway) Holdings AS, Arthur J. Gallagher & Co., Arthur J. Gallagher & Co. (AUS) Ltd, Arthur J. Gallagher & Co. (Bermuda) Limited, Arthur J. Gallagher & Co. (Illinois), Arthur J. Gallagher & Co. Insurance Brokers of California Inc., Arthur J. Gallagher (Aus) Pty Ltd, Arthur J. Gallagher (Bermuda) Holding Partnership, Arthur J. Gallagher (Life Solutions) Ltd, Arthur J. Gallagher (Singapore) Pte Ltd, Arthur J. Gallagher (U.S.) LLC, Arthur J. Gallagher (UK) Limited, Arthur J. Gallagher Asesoria S.A.C., Arthur J. Gallagher Australasia Holdings Pty Ltd., Arthur J. Gallagher Brokerage & Risk Management Services LLC, Arthur J. Gallagher Broking (NZ) Limited, Arthur J. Gallagher Financial Services Professionals Risk Purchasing Group LLC, Arthur J. Gallagher Group Quebec ULC, Arthur J. Gallagher Holdings (UK) Limited, Arthur J. Gallagher Insurance Brokers Limited, Arthur J. Gallagher Latin America LLC, Arthur J. Gallagher Management (Bermuda) Limited, Arthur J. Gallagher Real Estate Risk Purchasing Group LLC, Arthur J. Gallagher Risk Management Services (Hawaii) Inc., Arthur J. Gallagher Risk Management Services Inc., Arthur J. Gallagher Risk Management Services of Utah Inc., Arthur J. Gallagher School Risk Purchasing Group LLC, Arthur J. Gallagher Service Company LLC, Arthur J. Gallagher Services (UK) Ltd, Ashmore & Associates Insurance Agency, Atlantic Risk Management Corp., Atrex Insurance (Cayman) SPC Limited, Avantek Pty Ltd, Axe Insurance PCC Limited, BIS Insurance Services, Baker - Tillys employment benefits solutions, Ballard Benefit Works, Bankers Financial Benefits, Barmore Insurance Agency, Behnke & Co. Inc., Bellisle Pty Ltd, Belmont Associates Consultants, Belmont Insurance Holdings Limited, Belmont International, Belmont International Limited, Benefit Development Group, Benefit Management Group, BenefitLink Resource Group, Benefits Planning & Insurance Agency, Benefits Unlimited, Bennett & Shade Co., Bergvall Marine, Bergvall Marine A.S., Besselman & Little Agency, Big Savings Insurance Agency Inc., Blenheim Park Ltd, Blenheim Park Services Limited, Blue Holdings Pty Ltd, Blue Horizon Insurance Services, Blue Water Benefits, BluePeak Advisors, Blueleaf Consulting Pty Ltd., Bluewater Incorporated Cell Insurance Company, Bollinger Inc., Bollinger Insurance Services Inc., Bowen Miclette Britt & Merry of Arkansas Inc., Brendis & Brendis, Brim AB, Broker Benefit Services, Brokerage Professionals, Brown Hobbs & McMurray Insurance, Bultman/Bell Associates Inc., Burkwald & Associates, Burns-Fazzi Brock & Associates, Bushong Insurance Associates, C&B Consulting Group, CGM Gallagher Insruance Brokers (Trinidad & Tobago) Limited, CJM Solutions Inc., CMA Solutions LLC, Cairnstone Financial, California Insurance Center, Capital Bauer Insurance Agency, Capitol Benefits Group, Capsicum CRLA LLP, Capsicum Re Brasil Participacoes Ltda, Capsicum Re Latin America Corretora De Resseguros Ltda, Capsicum Reinsurance Brokers Bermuda Limited, Capsicum Reinsurance Brokers Miami Inc., Carefree Marketing Inc., Carpenter Cammack & Associates, Cashan & Co., Castle Insurance Associates, Centennial Insurance Agency, Charity First Insurance Services Inc., Charles Allen Agency, Charter Lakes Insurance Agency, Chris Schroeder Insurance, Christie-Phoenix, Cintran Claims Canada Limited, Classic Insurance Services, Cleaveland Insurance Group, Cohen & Lord Insurance Brokers, Cohn Financial Group, Coleman Group Holdings Limited, Coleman Holdings Limited, College and University Scholastic Excess Risk Purchasing Group LLC, Commercial Insurance Brokers, Complete Benefit Alliance, Complete Financial Balance, Complete Financial Balance Pty Ltd, Consolidated Casualty Specialties LLC, Construction Risk Solutions, Contego Underwriting Limited, Contego Underwriting Ltd, Continental Excess & Surplus, Convergence Risk Services Ltd, Copper Mountain Assurance Inc., Cornwall & Stevens Co., Corporate Benefit Advisors, Corporate Life Consultants, Countrywide Accident Assistance Limited, Coverdell & Company Inc., Coverdell Canada Corporation, Cowles and Connell, Craig M. Ferguson & Co., Crist Elliott Machette Insurance Services, Crombie Lockwood (NZ) Limited, Davis-Poston & Associates, Denman Consulting Services, Detlefs Johnson & Partners, DiBrina Group, Dickinson & Associates, Discount Development Services L.L.C., Discovery Benefit Solutions, Dodson-Bateman & Co., Donald P. Pipino Co. Ltd., E. S. Susanin Inc., EHE Holdings LLC, EHS Holdings Limited, Elantis Premium Funding (NZ) Limited, Elantis Premium Funding Limited, Elite Benefits Insurance Marketing Services, Employee Benefits Analysis Corp., Employee Benefits of The Carolinas, Encore Insurance & Bonding, Everett James, Evolution Risk Services Limited, Evolution Technology Services Limited, Evolution Underwriting Group, Evolution Underwriting Group Limited, Evolution Underwriting Limited, Excel Insurance Services, FYI Direct Canada Corporation, FYI Direct LLC, Farallone Pacific Insurance Services, Fenchurch Faris Limited, Fidelity Benefits & Insurance Services, Financial Profiles Inc., Finergy Solutions Pty Ltd, First Agency, First Iowa Insurance Agency, First Premium Inc., First Premium Insurance Group, Fish & Schulkamp, Fishermans Insurance Services, Foley Healthcare Limited, Fortress Financial Solutions Pty Ltd, Fortress Insurance LLC, Foundation Strategies, Fox Lawson & Associates, Franklin-Case Agency LLC, Fraser MacAndrew Ryan Limited, Friary Intermediate Limited, Fuller & O'Brien, G.S. Chapman & Associates Insurance Brokers, G.S. Levine Insurance Services, GBS (Australia) Holdings Pty Ltd, GBS Administrators Inc., GBS Insurance and Financial Services Inc., GBS Retirement Services Inc., GBS Specialty Markets LLC, GGB Finance 1 Limited, GGB Finance 2 Limited, GGB Finance 3 Limited, GGB Finance 4 Limited, GPL Assurance, GPL Assurance Inc., Gabor Insurance Services, Gale Smith & Co. Inc., Gallagher (Bermuda) Insurance Solutions Ltd., Gallagher - Grace/Mayer Insurance Agency, Gallagher Bassett Aires Inc., Gallagher Bassett Canada Inc., Gallagher Bassett Insurance Services Ltd., Gallagher Bassett International Ltd., Gallagher Bassett NZ Pty Ltd., Gallagher Bassett Services Inc. , Gallagher Bassett Services Pty Ltd., Gallagher Bassett Services Workers Compensation Victoria Pty Ltd., Gallagher Benefit Services (Canada) Group Inc., Gallagher Benefit Services (Holdings) Limited, Gallagher Benefit Services Inc., Gallagher Benefit Services Management Company Limited, Gallagher Benefit Services Pty Ltd, Gallagher Benefits Consulting Limited, Gallagher Bomford Couch Wilson, Gallagher Burgess, Gallagher Canada Acquisition Corporation, Gallagher Caribbean Group Limited, Gallagher Clean Energy LLC, Gallagher Communications Limited, Gallagher Community Clinic RPG LLC, Gallagher Consulting Ltda, Gallagher Corporate Services LLC, Gallagher Coyle, Gallagher CyberRisk, Gallagher Energy Risk Services Inc., Gallagher Fiduciary Advisors LLC, Gallagher Holdings (UK) Limited, Gallagher Holdings Bermuda Company Limited, Gallagher Holdings Four (UK) Limited, Gallagher Holdings Three (UK) Limited, Gallagher Insurance Brokers (Barbados) Limited, Gallagher Insurance Brokers (St. Kitts & Nevis) Limited, Gallagher Insurance Brokers (St. Lucia) Limited, Gallagher Insurance Brokers (St. Vincent) Limited, Gallagher Insurance Brokers Jamaica Limited, Gallagher International Cash Management s.r.l., Gallagher International Holdings (US) Inc., Gallagher Investment Advisors LLC, Gallagher Inwest Group, Gallagher Koster, Gallagher Lambert Group, Gallagher Madison Risk & Insurance Services, Gallagher Mauritius Holdings, Gallagher Mississippi Brokerage LLC, Gallagher RE Colombia Ltda Corredores de Reaseguros SA, Gallagher Risk & Reward Limited, Gallagher Risk Group LLC, Gallagher Risk Placements Pty Ltd, Gallagher SKS, Gallagher Service Center LLP, Gallagher-Tarantino, Galtney Group, Game Day Insurance Inc., Gardner & White Corp., Gardner Marine Agency, Garza Long Group, Gatehouse Consulting Limited, Gault Armstrong Kemble Pty Ltd, Gault Armstrong SARL, Giles Group, Giles Holdings Limited, Giles Insurance Brokers, Gillis Ellis & Baker Inc., Goodman Insurance Agency, Grandy Pratt Co., Greenseed Alternative Mangaers Platform Ltd, Grossman & Associates, Group Benefits of Arkansas, Group Insurance Associates, Gruppo Marcucci, HLG Holdings Limited, HMG-PCMS Limited, HPF Investments LLC, HR Owen Insurance Services Limited, Hagan Newkirk Financial Services, Hagedorn & Company, Hardman & Howell Benefits, Harlequin Insurance PCC Limited, Hartstein Associates Inc., Healthcare Professionals Purchasing Group LLC, Healthcare Risk Solutions, Heath Lambert Group Ltd., Heath Lambert Limited, Heath Lambert Overseas Limited, Heiser Insurance Agency, Henderson Phillips Fine Arts Insurance, Herbruck Alder & Co., Heritage Insurance Brokers (CI) Limited, Hesse & Partner AG, Hesse Consulting, Hexagon ICC Limited, Hexagon Insurance PCC Limited, Hill Chesson & Woody, Hogan Insurance Services, Home & Travel Limited, Honour Point Limited, Horseshoe Corporate Services Ltd, Horseshoe Fund Services (Cayman) Ltd, Horseshoe Fund Services Ltd, Horseshoe Fund Services USA Inc., Horseshoe ILS Services UK Ltd, Horseshoe Insurance Advisors US LLC, Horseshoe Insurance Advisory Ltd., Horseshoe Insurance Services Holdings Ltd, Horseshoe Insurance Services Holdings US Inc., Horseshoe Management (Gibraltar) Limited, Horseshoe Management (Ireland) Ltd, Horseshoe Management Ltd., Horseshoe PCC Limited, Horseshoe Re Limited, Horseshoe Services (Cayman) Ltd, Horseshoe Services (Pty) Ltd, Horton Insurance Agency, Housing Authorities Services Risk Purchasing Group LLC, Human Resource Management Systems, I-Protect Underwriting Pty Ltd, IBIS Advisors, IBS Reinsurance Singapore Pte Ltd, ILS Fund Services Ltd., ISG International, ITI Solutions, Igloo Insurance PCC Limited, Independent Benefit Services, Independent Fiduciary Services, Ink Underwriting Agencies Limited, InsSync Group Pty Ltd, Inspire Underwriting Limited, Instrat Insurance Brokers, Instrat Insurance Brokers Pty Ltd, Instrat Integration Holdco Pty Ltd, Insurance Acquisitions Holdings Limited, Insurance Associates Inc., Insurance Dialogue Limited, Insurance Dialogue Ltd., Insurance Plans Agency, Insurance Plus Risk Purchasing Group LLC, Insurance Point, Insurance Risk Managers of Missouri Inc., Insure My Villa Limited, Insure Pty Ltd, Integrated Healthcare Strategies, InterNational Insurance Group, InterPacific Underwriting Agencies, Intermountain Financial Benefits, Interstate Insurance Underwriters, JPGAC LLC, James F. Reda & Associates, James R. Weir Insurance Agency, Jenkins and Associates, Joe E. Martin Inc., John P. Woods Co. Inc., Jones Brown, Jones Brown Group Inc., Jones Brown Insurance Solutions Inc., Joseph Distel, Joseph James & Associates Insurance Agency, Just Landlords Insurance Services Ltd, KDC Associates, KRW Insurance Agency, Kahl Insurance Services, Kaler Carney Liffler & Co. Inc., Kane Group - Insurance Management Operations, Kelly Financial, Kent Kent & Tingle and RBS, Keyser Benefits Corp., Kingspark Enterprises Pty Ltd, L&R Benefits, LSG Insurance Partners, Learn About Money Limited, Lewis & Associates Insurance Brokers, Leystone Insurance & Financial, Life Plans Unlimited, Lincoln Financial Management, Longfellow Financial, Lucas Fettes Limited, Lucas Fettes and Partners Limited, Lutgert Insurance, MA Underwriting Pty Ltd, MDM Insurance Associates, MG Advanced Coal Technologies-1 LLC, MGA Insurance Services, MRS Holdings Ltd., Madison Scott & Associates, Managed Healthcare Solutions, Mannequin Insurance PCC Limited, Marchetti Robertson & Brickell Insurance, Marine Insurance Service, Martin Gordon & Jones Inc., McDowall Associates Human Resource Consultants, McIntyre Risk Management, McLean Insurance Agency, McNeary, McPherson Benefits Group, McRory & Co., Mecacem Insurance SPC Ltd, MedInsights Inc., Melton Insurance Associates, Memberworks Canada LLC, Merit Insurance, Metcom Excess, Metzler Bros. Insurance, Meyers-Reynolds & Associates, Mid America Group, Midwest Surety Services, Mike Henry Insurance Brokers, Mike Henry Insurance Brokers Limited, Mike Henry Insurance Funding Limited, Miller Buettner & Parrott, Miller-Harrison Insurance Services, Milne Alexander Pty Ltd, Minvielle & Chastanet Insurance Brokers, Monument Insurance (NZ) Limited, Monument Llc, Monument Premium Funding Limited, Mortgage Insurance Agency, Murphy Consultants, Mutual Insurance Services, NationAir Aviation Insurance, National Administration Co., National Ethics Association, National Transportation Adjusters, Nelson/Monarch Insurance Services, Nicoud Insurance Services, NiiS/Apex Group Holdings, Nonprofit Insurance Risk Purchasing Group LLC, Noraxis Capital Corp, Nordic Forsakring & Riskhantering AB, North Alabama Insurance, Nourse Insurance Brokers, O'Gorman & Young, OAMPS (UK) Limited, OAMPS Gault Armstrong Pty Ltd, OAMPS Limited, OAMPS Special Risks Ltd, Offshore Market Placements Limited, Optimum Talent, Orb Financial Services, Orb Financial Services Limited, Osprey Insurance Brokers Limited, Oval Group, Oval Healthcare Limited, Oval Insurance Broking Limited, Oval Limited, Oval Management Services Limited, Oxygen Insurance Managers, P2 Group, PEN Insurance Management Advisors Ltd, PT IBS Insurance Broking Service, Pacific Insurance Agency, Palmer Atlantic Insurance, Palmer Atlantic Insurance Ltd, Palmer Atlantic Risk Services Ltd., Park Row Associates, Parkstar Enterprises Pty Ltd, Parmia Pty Ltd, PartnerSource, Pastel Holding (NZ) Company, Pastel Holdings Pty Limited, Pastel Purchaser (NZ) Limited, Pastel Purchaser Pty Limited, Pavey Group Holdings (UK) Limited, Pavey Group Holdings Limited, Pavey Group Limited, Pearson Dunn Insurance Inc., Pen Underwriting Canada Limited, Pen Underwriting Group Pty. Ltd., Pen Underwriting Limited, Pen Underwriting Pty Ltd, Persing Dyckman & Toynbee Inc., Personal Advice Services Pty Ltd, Petty Burton Associates, Pointer Insurance Agency, Portmore Insurance Brokers (Wilshire) Limited, Portmore Insurance Brokers Limited, Potter-Holden & Co., Powell Insurance Agency, Premier Insurance Services Inc., Premier Risk Services, Premium Finance Corporation, Preston-Patterson, ProSource Financial, Professional Agents Risk Purchasing Group LLC, Professional Claims Managers, Proinova AB, Proinova Agency AB, Pronto California Agency LLC, Pronto California General Agency LLC, Pronto Florida Claims LLC, Pronto Florida General Agency LLC, Pronto Franchise LLC, Pronto General Agency Ltd, Pronto General Agency Management LLC, Pronto Holdco Inc., Pronto Holding California LLC, Pronto Holding Florida LLC, Pronto Insurance Agency of Laredo Inc., Pronto Premium Finance LLC, Property & Commercial Ltd., Property Insurance Initatives Limited, Property and Commercial Limited, Protected Insurance Company, Protection Plan Association Inc., Protek Group Limited, Providium Consulting Group, Ptarmigan Underwriting Agency Limited, Ptarmigan Underwriting UK Limited, Purple Bridge Claims Management Limited, Purple Bridge Finance Limited, Purple Bridge Group Limited, Purple Bridge Investments Limited, Purple Bridge Online Services Limited, Purple Bridge Publishing Limited, Quantum Underwriting Solutions Limited, Quillco 226 Limited, Quillco 227 Limited, R. L. Youngdahl & Associates, R.G. Speno Inc., R.W. Scobie, RA Rossborough (Guernsey) Ltd., RA Rossborough (Insurance Brokers) Ltd, REGENCY Group inc., RGA Referencing Limited, RGA Underwriting Limited, RIL Administrators (Guernsey) Ltd., RJ Dutton Inc., RSM Insurance Services Limited, Reassurance Holdings Inc., Rebholz Insurance Agency, Reid Manson Ltd., Reimbursement Services, Rentguard Limited, Reward Management Limited, Reynolds & Rodar Insurance Group, Riley & Associates, Rio 587 Limited, Rio 588 Limited, Risk & Reward Group, Risk Management Partners Limited, Risk Placement Services Inc., Risk Planners, Risk Services (NW) Limited, Risk Services (NW) Ltd., Risk Solutions Group Limited, Robert A. Schneider Agency, Robert Keith & Associates, Roberts & Roberts Insurance Service, Robinson-Adams Insurance, Rossborough Healthcare International Ltd, Rossborough Insurance (IOM) Ltd., Rossborough Insurance Services Ltd. (Jersey), S. A. Freerks & Associates, SEG Insurance Ltd, SGB-NIA Insurance Brokers, SHILLING Ltd, SKANCO International, SMERI AB, SRS Underwriting Pty Ltd, Secure Enterprises Pty Ltd, Securitas Re, Sellers Group, Sentinel Indemnity LLC, Septagon Insurance PCC Limited, Shuford Insurance Agency, Sigma II Insurance Agency, Sinclair Billard and Weld Limited, Sobieski & Bradley, Solid Benefit Guidance, Spanjers Insurance Agency, Spataro Insurance Agency, Specialised Broking Associates, Specialty Risk, Stackhouse Poland, Stackhouse Poland Bidco Limited, Stackhouse Poland Group Limited, Stackhouse Poland Holdings Limited, Stackhouse Poland Midco Limited, Stackouse Poland Limited, Stanton Group, Stark Johnson & Stinson Inc., Steel Agency, Strata Solicitors Ltd, Strategic Health Plans Corp., Strathearn Insurance Brokers, Strathearn Insurance Brokers (Qld) Trading Trust, Strathern Insurance Group Pty Ltd, Strathern Integration Holdco Pty Ltd, Strathern Unit Trust, Strong Financial Resources, Summit Insurance Group, Sunday and Associates, Sunderland Insurance Services, Super Advice Corporate Services Pty Ltd, Taylor Benefits, Texas Insurance Agency, Texas Insurance Managers, The BeneTex Group, The Buchholz Planning, The Chapman Group, The Commonwealth Consulting Group, The Daniels Group Inc., The EHE Group LLC, The EHE Insurance Agency LLC, The Eagle Insurance Agency LLC, The Eriksen Group, The Forker Company, The Gleason Agency, The Great Lakes Agency, The HR Group, The Hawk Agency, The Human Capital Group, The Lance Group, The Levitt/Kristan Co., The MW Bagnall Company, The Old Greenwich Consulting Group, The Parks Johnson Agency, The Plus Companies Inc., The Presidio Group, The Producers Choice, The Rains Group, The Splinter Group, The Titan Group, The Treiber Group, The Woodsmall Companies Inc., Title & Covenant Brokers Ltd., Title Investments Limited, Tom Sherwin Insurance Agency, Total Reward Group, Total Rewards Group (Holdings) Limited, Towle Agency, Transwestern, Tri-State General Insurance Agency, Triad Insurance Agency, Triad USA, Tribeca Strategic Advisors, Trinder & Norwood, Trip Mate, Trissel Graham & Toole, Tropp & Co., Tudor Risk Services, Tyloma Holdings Limited, Uni-Care Inc., Unison Inc., Universico Group, Unoccupied Direct Limited, V2V Holdings LLC, VEBA Service Group, Vasek Insurance Services Limited, Velo ACU LLC, Velo Holdings Inc., Verbag AG., Vertrue LLC, Victory Insurance Agency, Vincent L. Braband Insurance, Vital Benefits, Voluntary Benefits Solutions, W. E. Kingsley Co. Inc., WM. W. George & Associates, Walker Taylor Agency, Welling Associates, Wesfarmers Insurance - Insurance Brokerage Operations, Western Benefit Solutions, White & Company Insurance, Whitehaven Insurance Group, William Gallagher Associates Insurance Brokers, William H. Connolly & Co., Williams Insurance Agency Inc., Williams-Manny Insurance Group, Winn & Company Insurance Brokers, Wischmeyer Benefit Partners, Woodbrook Underwriting Agencies, Woods & Grooms, WorkCare Northwest, Worksite Communications, Y. S. Liedman & Associates, YOA Capsicum Reinsurance Broker Limited, Zenor Limited, Zuber Insurance Agency, and e3 Financial. Read More Sumitomo Mitsui Trust Holdings, Inc. operates as a trust bank in Japan and internationally. It offers supervising services for management strategies, and financial and human resource management; and general affairs, business process, corporate administration, operational process, risk, and compliance management services; and internal auditing services. The company also provides real estate brokerage, investment management, and investment advisory services for individual and corporate clients; high-level professional consulting services; loan guarantees and payment collection agency services; issuing credit cards; internet banking; securities administration and credit card services; and advanced financial instruments, such as leasing and credit services, and credit card financing services, as well as mortgage loans and managing private equity funds and related advisory services. In addition, it offers back-office services, such as business management and system administration for stock transfer agencies; clerical works, including managing shareholders registry and special accounts; custody and fund administration services; stock transfer agency services; asset management services; and retail total solution, marketing, and fiduciary services, as well as system development and maintenance. Further, the company provides facilities management, clerical work outsourcing, and leasing of buildings; consulting services related to digital transformation, data-analytics, and a range of research and studies; and evaluation of mutual funds, discretionary investment funds, and insurance products, as well as engages in trustee and temporary staffing businesses. The company was formerly known as Chuo Mitsui Trust Holdings, Inc. and changed its name to Sumitomo Mitsui Trust Holdings, Inc. in 2011. Sumitomo Mitsui Trust Holdings, Inc. was founded in 1924 and is headquartered in Tokyo, Japan. Bank of Montreal provides diversified financial services primarily in North America. The company's personal banking products and services include checking and savings accounts, credit cards, mortgages, and financial and investment advice services; and commercial banking products and services comprise business deposit accounts, commercial credit cards, business loans and commercial mortgages, cash management solutions, foreign exchange, specialized banking programs, treasury and payment solutions, and risk management products for small business and commercial banking customers. It also offers investment and wealth advisory services; digital investing services; financial services and solutions; and investment management, and trust and custody services. In addition, the company provides life insurance, accident and sickness insurance, and annuity products; creditor and travel insurance to bank customers; and reinsurance solutions. Further, it offers client's debt and equity capital-raising services, as well as loan origination and syndication, and treasury management; strategic advice on mergers and acquisitions, restructurings, and recapitalizations, as well as valuation and fairness opinions; and trade finance, risk mitigation, and other operating services. Additionally, the company provides research and access to markets for institutional, corporate, and retail clients; trading solutions that include debt, foreign exchange, interest rate, credit, equity, securitization and commodities; new product development and origination services, as well as risk management advice and services to hedge against fluctuations; and funding and liquidity management services to its clients. Bank of Montreal was founded in 1817 and is headquartered in Montreal, Canada. International Aero Engines AG (IAE), a multinational consortium, has named Kim Kinsley as its president, who succeeds Earl Exum, who held the position since 2020. The IAE consortium comprises shareholders including Raytheon Technologies' business Pratt & Whitney, Pratt & Whitney Aero Engines International GmbH, Japanese Aero Engines Corporation and MTU Aero Engine. Exum will become chair of the IAE AG board of directors and continue serving in his role as vice president, Mature Commercial Engines at Pratt & Whitney, a position he has held since October 2022, developing strategies and execution to support customers, optimize product life and maximize value realized from Pratt & Whitney's mature engines portfolio. Kinsley, IAE's first female president, has concurrently been named vice president, V2500 programs at Pratt & Whitney. She will assume both roles effective immediately and report to Exum. "Kim is uniquely positioned to take IAE forward," said Exum. "The V2500 engine has seen many great successes over IAE's 40-year history, and we are confident Kim will build on that legacy as we look to the future. Kim has a wealth of experience from within and outside the aerospace industry and will ensure we continue to deliver the proven performance our customers have come to expect." As president, Kinsley will lead the integrated program structure to support the continuous improvement of Pratt & Whitney's V2500 program, positioning the joint venture partners to best serve customers with more flexible offerings to the narrowbody segment. She will exercise leadership to ensure financial, business, technical, customer and partner commitments are achieved. IAE, which celebrated its 40th anniversary in March, has a collaboration agreement extension to 2045. The versatile V2500 powers nearly 3,500 aircraft today for approximately 150 commercial, cargo and military operators in 80 countries. Seventy percent of these aircraft are under 15 years old and about one-third of the V2500 engines are still on first run. The V2500 powered the first Airbus A321 and A320 passenger-to-freighter conversions, with more slated to enter service in the coming years. The engine also powers the Embraer KC-390 military aircraft and its growing customer base. The efficiency of the V2500, which is approved for operation on 50% sustainable aviation fuel, will also help the aviation industry meet its goal of net-zero CO2 emissions by 2050. Kinsley joins Pratt & Whitney from Collins Aerospace, where she worked since 2014 and most recently served as vice president, Environmental & Airframe Control Systems Power & Controls. She has more than 25 years of experience in operations, business management, engineering and new product development across diverse industries. Kinsley is a proven leader with capabilities in building teams, improving organizational collaboration, strengthening customer relationships and achieving business objectives. TradeArabia News Service shapecharge / iStock.com Your natural inclination might be to avoid making any major changes to your finances and career during an economic downturn, but it can actually be a smart idea to start a new side gig during a recession. If you've been holding off on starting a side gig due to an uncertain economy, here are a few reasons why you should actually take the plunge. Side Gig: Earn Up To $200/Hour With This Easy-To-Start Job, No College Degree Required Learn: How To Build Your Savings From Scratch StockPlanets / iStock.com Reduced Competition "During a recession, some businesses may struggle or even close down," said Blake Whitten, financial advisor at Whitten Retirement Solutions. "This can lead to fewer competitors in the market, creating more opportunities for new businesses or side hustles to emerge and fill the gaps." With fewer players in the field, you have a higher chance of success. See: 18 Legitimate Games & Apps That Pay Real Money in 2023 Make Money With AI and Chat GPT: How To Earn $1,000 a Month Group4 Studio / Getty Images Additional Income Streams Economic downturns often lead to layoffs, so it's a good idea to have a backup income source in the event you lose your job. "Having a side hustle can provide an additional source of income, acting as a buffer during tough times and offering financial security," Whitten said. Take Our Poll: What Are You Worth to Your Company? Kemal Yildirim / Getty Images More Opportunities for Innovation Innovators often thrive during times of uncertainty. "Recessions can be a catalyst for creativity and innovation," Whitten said. "They force individuals to think outside the box and find new ways to meet the changing needs of consumers. Starting a side hustle during a recession allows you to adapt to the evolving market demands and potentially discover unique business opportunities." JLco - Julia Amaral / Getty Images/iStockphoto Lower Startup Costs Starting a side gig may be more affordable during downturns. "During a recession, many expenses associated with starting a business can be more affordable," Whitten said. "Rent, supplies and even talent may be available at lower costs, making it a favorable time to launch a new venture with minimized initial investment." RgStudio / iStock.com Increased Customer Value Perception Consumers may be more open to new businesses when times are tough. "During challenging economic times, consumers often seek value and cost-effective solutions," Whitten said. "If your side hustle can provide quality products or services at affordable prices, it can be perceived as highly valuable by customers, leading to increased demand and potential growth." I'm a Financial Planning Expert: Here Are 3 Ways ChatGPT Can Save You Money Rawpixel / Getty Images/iStockphoto Increased Networking and Collaboration Opportunities During economic downturns, you may find others are more willing and open to serve as mentors or collaborators. "Recessions can foster a sense of community among entrepreneurs, as individuals seek support and collaboration," Whitten said. "Engaging with like-minded individuals, networking and collaborating with others can offer valuable insights, partnerships and opportunities for mutual growth." Tempura / Getty Images More Opportunities in Recession-Proof Industries Even if you don't want to take the entrepreneurial route, there may be more opportunities for those seeking side gigs working for other companies. "Some industries and hustles aren't necessarily impacted by a recession. In fact, you might find some side hustles even grow in opportunity," said Tom Blake, founder of This Online World, a website that helps people start new side hustles. "For example, becoming a virtual assistant can be an excellent side hustle to start during a recession," he continued. "While businesses might shut down brick-and-mortar locations during a financial squeeze, many online businesses continue operating as normal. These business owners still need assistants to help with administrative work and scheduling, so you can find clients and boost your income." More From GOBankingRates This article originally appeared on GOBankingRates.com: 7 Reasons Its a Good Idea To Start a Side Gig During an Economic Downturn StockNews.com initiated coverage on shares of WidePoint (NYSE:WYY Free Report) in a research report sent to investors on Friday. The brokerage issued a sell rating on the stock. WidePoint Price Performance WidePoint Company Profile (Free Report) WidePoint Corporation provides technology management as a service (TMaaS) to the government and business enterprises in North America and Europe. The company offers TMaaS solutions through a secure federal government certified proprietary portal and secure enterprise portal that provides ability to manage, analyze, and protect communications assets, as well as deploy identity management solutions that provide secured virtual and physical access to restricted environments. Recommended Stories Receive News & Ratings for WidePoint Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for WidePoint and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. The Goldman Sachs Group, Inc. was founded in 1869 by Marcus Goldman as an investment bank catering to institutions and businesses. Among the firm's first products are the revolutionary use of commercial paper for entrepreneurs which opened a new method of finance for business and industry. The original firm expanded to Goldman Sachs in 1882 with the inclusion of son-in-law Samuel Sachs and again in 1885 with a son and another son-in-law. The firm joined the New York Stock Exchange in 1896 expanding into trading of its own and in 1898 it was worth $1.6 million. The company began its work in the IPO market in 1906 with the initial public offering of Sears, Roebuck & Co., and then moved on to Ford and other prominent names of the time. The 1930s brings a change of leadership and a new direction for the firm. The company shifted toward a purer play on investment banking and embarks on a campaign of acquisition that lasted until the present day. The company doesnt go public itself until 1999 and from that point on it will change into a bank holding company that not only offers investment banking services but takes deposits too, and in 2016 the company added consumer banking to its list of services. Today, Goldman Sachs is a financial institution that provides a range of financial services for corporations, institutions, governments, and individuals globally. The company operates through four segments that include Investment Banking, Global Markets, Asset Management, and Consumer & Wealth Management. According to US banking regulations, it is systemically important to the financial health of America. The company is headquartered in New York, New York, and operates 6 regional headquarters as well. Regional headquarters are located in financial hotspots such as London, Hong Kong, Tokyo, Bangalore, and Warsaw. Among its many prominent CEOs are John Corzine and Hank Paulson who both went on to successful work in government. The company's Investment Banking segment provides a full range of financial advisory services as well as underwriting for the public markets. The financial advisory services include but are not limited to strategic advisory for mergers and acquisitions, divestiture, restructuring, and spin-offs. This segment is also engaged in middle-market lending and transaction banking. Underwriting services include IPOs, preferred stock, debt instruments, and bridge loans. Goldman Sachs Global Markets segment facilitates market transactions for institutions, banks, brokerages, corporations, and governments. Services include execution, derivatives, financing, clearing, settlement, and custody. The Asset Management segment manages client portfolios across the investment spectrum while the Consumer & Wealth Management segment provides advisory and banking services to consumers. Some 85% of Toyota shareholders vote to re-elect Toyoda at annual meet Press conference over rigging safety tests by its TMC affiliate Daihatsu, in Bangkok TOKYO (Reuters) -About 85% of Toyota Motor's shareholders voted to re-elect Chairman Akio Toyoda to the automaker's board of directors at an annual general meeting, the company said on Thursday, for his lowest approval rating in at least five years. Support for Toyoda, the grandson of the founder of the world's top-selling automaker, fell from 96% the previous year, when he was president and chief executive. The lower support probably pointed to some investors' worry over governance at the automaker rather than strategy, as its profitability and share price have risen, said Koji Endo, head of the equity research department at SBI Securities. "From the viewpoint of Japanese, there isn't any particular problem with governance," he said. "From the perspective of some U.S. and European institutional investors, there's a lack of clarity and transparency." Some influential U.S. funds, including top public pension CalPERS, had come out against the re-election of Toyoda ahead of Wednesday's meeting. Toyota has said Toyoda was re-nominated as he would push its transformation into a company that provides a range of mobility services. A day before the shareholder meeting, it unveiled a sweeping plan to introduce solid-state batteries and other technologies to improve the driving range and cut costs of future electric vehicles. About 15% of shareholders backed a resolution that would have compelled the automaker to make greater disclosure of its climate change lobbying activities, but it fell short of the two-thirds majority required to pass. Toyota's board had recommended shareholders vote against it. Danish pension fund AkademikerPension and two other European asset managers, which had submitted the resolution, were glad for the support it received, they said in a joint statement. "We will continue to engage actively and support Toyota," they added. (Reporting by Daniel Leussink; Editing by David Dolan) BlackRock, Inc. is a publicly owned investment manager. The firm primarily provides its services to institutional, intermediary, and individual investors including corporate, public, union, and industry pension plans, insurance companies, third-party mutual funds, endowments, public institutions, governments, foundations, charities, sovereign wealth funds, corporations, official institutions, and banks. It also provides global risk management and advisory services. The firm manages separate client-focused equity, fixed income, and balanced portfolios. It also launches and manages open-end and closed-end mutual funds, offshore funds, unit trusts, and alternative investment vehicles including structured funds. The firm launches equity, fixed income, balanced, and real estate mutual funds. It also launches equity, fixed income, balanced, currency, commodity, and multi-asset exchange traded funds. The firm also launches and manages hedge funds. It invests in the public equity, fixed income, real estate, currency, commodity, and alternative markets across the globe. The firm primarily invests in growth and value stocks of small-cap, mid-cap, SMID-cap, large-cap, and multi-cap companies. It also invests in dividend-paying equity securities. The firm invests in investment grade municipal securities, government securities including securities issued or guaranteed by a government or a government agency or instrumentality, corporate bonds, and asset-backed and mortgage-backed securities. It employs fundamental and quantitative analysis with a focus on bottom-up and top-down approach to make its investments. The firm employs liquidity, asset allocation, balanced, real estate, and alternative strategies to make its investments. In real estate sector, it seeks to invest in Poland and Germany. The firm benchmarks the performance of its portfolios against various S&P, Russell, Barclays, MSCI, Citigroup, and Merrill Lynch indices. BlackRock, Inc. was founded in 1988 and is based in New York City with additional offices in Boston, Massachusetts; London, United Kingdom; Gurgaon, India; Hong Kong; Greenwich, Connecticut; Princeton, New Jersey; Edinburgh, United Kingdom; Sydney, Australia; Taipei, Taiwan; Singapore; Sao Paulo, Brazil; Philadelphia, Pennsylvania; Washington, District of Columbia; Toronto, Canada; Wilmington, Delaware; and San Francisco, California. The following companies are subsidiares of Illinois Tool Works: A V Co 1 Limited, A V Co 2 Limited, A V Co 3 Limited, ACCU-LUBE Manufacturing GmbH - Schmiermittel und -gerate -, AIP/BI Holdings Inc., Accessories Marketing Holding Corp., Advanced Molding Company Inc., Allen France SAS, Alpine Engineered Products, Alpine Systems Corporation, Anaerobicos S.r.l., AppliChem GmbH, Avery Berkel France, Avery India Limited, Avery Malaysia Sdn Bhd, Avery Weigh Tronix, Avery Weigh-Tronix Finance Limited, Avery Weigh-Tronix International Limited, Avery Weigh-Tronix LLC, Avery Weigh-Tronix Limited, Avery Weigh-Tronix Properties Limited, Avery Weigh-Tronix Suzhou Weighing Technology Co. Ltd., Azon Limited, B.C. Immo, Beijing Miller Electric Manufacturing Co. Ltd., Berkel Ireland Limited, Berrington UK, Brapenta Eletronica Ltda., Brooks Instrument B.V., Brooks Instrument GmbH, Brooks Instrument KFT, Brooks Instrument Korea Ltd., Brooks Instrument LLC, Brooks Instrument Shanghai Co. Ltd, Buell Industries Inc., CCI Realty Company, CFC Europe GmbH, CS Australia Pty Limited, CS Mexico Holding Company S DE RL DE CV, Calvia Spolka z Ograniczona Odpowiedzialnosci, Capital Ventures Australasia S.a r.l, Capmax Logistica S.A. de C.V., Celeste Industries Corporation, Coeur, Coeur Asia Limited, Coeur Holding Company, Coeur Inc., Coeur Shanghai Medical Appliance Trading Co. Ltd, Compagnie Hobart, Compagnie de Materiel et d'Equipements Techniques-Comet, Constructions Isothermiques Bontami C.I.B., Crane Carrier Company, Denison Mayes Group Limited, Despatch Industries, Diagraph Corporation Sdn. Bhd, Diagraph ITW Mexico S. de R.L. De C.V., Diagraph Mexico S.A. DE C.V., Dongguan Ark-Les Electric Components Co. Ltd., Dongguan CK Branding Co. Ltd., Duo Fast de Espana S.A.U., Duo-Fast Korea Co. Ltd., Duo-Fast LLC, E.C.S. d.o.o., E2M Production B.V.., E2M Technologies B.V.., E2M Technologies Inc.., ECS Cable Protection Sp. Zoo, ELRO Grosskuchen GmbH, ELRO Holding AG, ELRO-WERKE AG, Elro Group, Eltex-Elektrostatik-Gesellschaft mit beschrankter Haftung, Envases Multipac S.A. de C.V., Eurotec Srl, Exhibit 21, FEG Investments L.L.C., Filtertek De Mexico Holding Inc., Filtertek De Mexico S.A. de C.V., Filtertek SAS, GC Financement SA, Gamko B.V., Gun Hwa Platech Taicang Co. Ltd., HOBART Gesellschaft mit beschrankter Haftung, Hartness International, Hobart Andina S.A.S., Hobart Belgium B.V., Hobart Brothers International Chile Limitada, Hobart Brothers LLC, Hobart Dayton Mexicana S. de R.L. de C.V., Hobart Food Equipment Co. Ltd., Hobart International Singapore Pte. Ltd., Hobart Japan K.K., Hobart Korea LLC, Hobart LLC, Hobart Nederland B.V., Hobart Sales & Service Inc., Hobart Scandinavia ApS, Hobart Techniek B.V., Horis, ILC Investments Holdings Inc., ITW AEP LLC, ITW AOC LLC, ITW Aircraft Investments Inc., ITW Ampang Industries Philippines Inc., ITW Appliance Components EOOD, ITW Appliance Components S.A. de C.V., ITW Appliance Components S.r.l.a, ITW Appliance Components d.o.o., ITW Australia Holdings Pty Ltd, ITW Australia Property Holdings Pty Ltd., ITW Australia Pty Ltd, ITW Automotive Components Chongqing Co. Ltd., ITW Automotive Components Langfang Co. Ltd., ITW Automotive Japan K.K., ITW Automotive Korea LLC, ITW Automotive Parts Shanghai Co. Ltd, ITW Automotive Products GmbH, ITW Automotive Products Mexico S. de R.L. de C.V., ITW Bailly Comte, ITW Befestigungssysteme GmbH, ITW Belgium B.V., ITW Brazilian Nominee L.L.C., ITW Building Components Group Inc., ITW CER, ITW CP Distribution Center Holland BV, ITW CS UK Ltd., ITW Canada Inc., ITW Celeste Inc., ITW Chemical Products Ltda, ITW Chemical Products Scandinavia ApS, ITW China Investment Company Limited, ITW Colombia S.A.S., ITW Construction Products AB, ITW Construction Products AS, ITW Construction Products ApS, ITW Construction Products CZ s.r.o., ITW Construction Products Italy Srl, ITW Construction Products OU, ITW Construction Products OY, ITW Construction Products Shanghai Co. Ltd., ITW Construction Products Singapore Pte. Ltd., ITW Construction Services Manila Inc., ITW Contamination Control B.V., ITW Contamination Control Wujiang Co. Ltd., ITW Covid Security Group Inc., ITW DS Investments Inc., ITW DelFast do Brasil Ltda., ITW Denmark ApS, ITW Deutschland GmbH, ITW Diagraph GmbH, ITW Dynatec, ITW Dynatec Adhesive Equipment Suzhou Co. Ltd., ITW Dynatec GmbH, ITW Dynatec Kabushiki Kaisha, ITW EAE B.V., ITW EAE Mexico S de RL de CV, ITW EF&C France SAS, ITW EF&C Selb GmbH, ITW EU Holdings Ltd., ITW Electronic Business Asia Co. Limited, ITW Electronic Components/Products Shanghai Co. Ltd., ITW Electronics Suzhou Co. Ltd., ITW Epsilon Sarl, ITW Espana S.L., ITW European Finance Co. Ltd., ITW European Finance II Co. Ltd., ITW European Finance III Co. Ltd., ITW FEG Hong Kong Limited, ITW FEG do Brasil Industria e Comercio Ltda., ITW Fastener Products GmbH, ITW Fluids and Hygiene Solutions Ltda., ITW Food Equipment Group LLC, ITW GH LLC, ITW GSE ApS, ITW GSE Inc., ITW Gamma Sarl, ITW German Management LLC, ITW Global Investments Holdings LLC, ITW Global Investments Holdings Y Compania Sociedad en Comandita por Acciones, ITW Global Investments Inc., ITW Global Tire Repair Europe GmbH, ITW Global Tire Repair Inc., ITW Global Tire Repair Japan K.K., ITW Graphics Asia Limited, ITW Graphics Thailand Ltd., ITW Great Britain Investment & Licensing Holding Company, ITW Group France Luxembourg S.ar.l., ITW HLP Thailand Co. Ltd., ITW Holding Quimica B.C. S.L. Sole Shareholder Company, ITW Holdings Australia L.P., ITW Holdings I Limited, ITW Holdings II Limited, ITW Holdings III Limited, ITW Holdings IV Limited, ITW Holdings IX Limited, ITW Holdings Inc., ITW Holdings V Limited, ITW Holdings VI Limited, ITW Holdings VII Limited, ITW Holdings VIII Limited, ITW Holdings X Limited, ITW Holdings XI Limited, ITW ILC Holdings I Inc., ITW IPG Investments LLC, ITW Imaden Industria e Comercio Ltda., ITW India Private Limited, ITW International Holdings LLC, ITW Invest Holding GmbH, ITW Ireland Holdings Unlimited Company, ITW Ireland Unlimited Company, ITW Italy Holding Srl, ITW Japan Ltd., ITW Korea LLC, ITW LLC & Co. KG, ITW Limited, ITW Lys Fusion S.r.l., ITW Materials Technology Shanghai Co. Ltd., ITW Meritex Sdn. Bhd., ITW Metal Fasteners S.L., ITW Mexico Holding Company S. De R.L. de C.V., ITW Mexico Holdings LLC, ITW Morlock GmbH, ITW Mortgage Investments II Inc., ITW Mortgage Investments III Inc., ITW Mortgage Investments IV Inc., ITW Netherlands Administration BV, ITW Netherlands Beta B.V., ITW Netherlands Finance Alpha BV, ITW New Universal LLC, ITW New Zealand, ITW Ningbo Components & Fastenings Systems Co. Ltd., ITW Novadan Sp. Z.o.o., ITW PPF Brasil Adesivos Ltda., ITW Packaging Technology China Co. Ltd., ITW Participations S.a r.l., ITW Pension Funds Trustee Company, ITW Performance Polymers & Fluids Japan Co. Ltd., ITW Performance Polymers & Fluids Korea Limited, ITW Performance Polymers & Fluids OOO, ITW Performance Polymers ApS, ITW Performance Polymers Wujiang Co. Ltd., ITW Performance Polymers and Fluids Group FZE, ITW Peru S.A.C., ITW Poly Mex S. de R.L. de C.V., ITW Polymers Sealants North America Inc., ITW Pronovia s.r.o., ITW Pte. Ltd., ITW Qufu Automotive Cooling Systems Co. Ltd., ITW Real Estate Germany GmbH, ITW Residuals III L.L.C., ITW Residuals IV L.L.C., ITW Rivex, ITW SMPI, ITW SPG Mexico S. de R.L. de C.V., ITW Simco-Ion Shenzhen Co. Ltd., ITW Slovakia s.r.o., ITW Spain Holdings S.L., ITW Specialty Film LLC, ITW Specialty Films France, ITW Specialty Materials Suzhou Co. Ltd., ITW Sverige AB, ITW Sweden Holding AB, ITW Test & Measurement Equipment Shanghai Co. Ltd, ITW Test & Measurement GmbH, ITW Test and Measurement Italia Srl, ITW Test and Measurement Services Industry and Trade Ltd., ITW Texwipe Philippines Inc., ITW Thermal Films Shanghai Co. Ltd., ITW UK, ITW UK Finance Beta Limited, ITW UK Finance Delta Limited, ITW UK Finance Gamma Limited, ITW UK Finance Limited, ITW UK Finance Zeta Ltd., ITW UK II Limited, ITW Universal II LLC, ITW Welding, ITW Welding AB, ITW Welding GmbH, ITW Welding Products B.V., ITW Welding Products Group FZE, ITW Welding Products Group S. DE R.L. De C.V., ITW Welding Products Italy Srl, ITW Welding Products Limited Liability Company, ITW Welding Produtos Para Solgdagem Ltda., ITW Welding Singapore Pte. Ltd., ITW de France, ITW do Brasil Industrial e Comercial Ltda., Illinois Tool Works Chile Limitada, Illinois Tool Works ITW Nederland B.V., Illinois Tool Works Inc., Impar Comercio E Representacoes Ltda., Industrie Plastic Elsasser GmbH, Inmobiliaria Cit. S.A. de C.F., Innova Temperlite Servicios S.A. de C.V., Innovacion y Transformacion Automotriz S.A. de C.V., Instron Brasil Equipamentos Cientificos Ltda., Instron Foreign Sales Corp. Limited, Instron France S.A.S., Instron GmbH, Instron Japan Company Ltd., Instron Korea LLC, Instron Shanghai Ltd., Instron Thailand Limited, International Leasing Company LLC, Isolenge - ITW Sistemas de Isolamento Termico Ltda., Itw Spraytec, KCPL Mauritius Holdings, Kester, Kleinmann GmbH, Krafft S.L., Loma Systems, Loma Systems BV, Loma Systems Canada Inc., Loma Systems sro, Lombard Pressings Limited, Lumex Inc., Lys Fusion Poland Sp. z.o.o., M&C Specialties Co., MAGNAFLUX GmbH, MEHB Holdings Limited, MGHG Property LLC, MTS 2 LLC., MTS 3 LLC., MTS China Holdings LLC, MTS Europe Holdings LLC, MTS Holdings France S.a.r.l., MTS Japan Ltd.., MTS Korea Inc.., MTS Systems China Co. Ltd., MTS Systems Corporation, MTS Systems Danmark ApS., MTS Systems Europe B.V., MTS Systems Finance C.V.., MTS Systems Germany GmbH, MTS Systems Holding B.V.., MTS Systems Hong Kong Incorporated, MTS Systems Limited, MTS Systems Norden Aktiebolag, MTS Systems S.r.l, MTS Systems., MTS Systems.., MTS Sytems Do Brazil, MTS Testing Solutions India Private Limited., MTS Testing Systems Canada Ltd., Manufacturing Avancee S.A., Meritex Technology Suzhou Co. Ltd., Meurer Verpackungssysteme GmbH, Miller Electric Mfg. LLC, Miller Insurance Ltd., NDT Holding LLC, NOVADAN APS, North Star Imaging Inc., Nova Chimica S.r.l., Orbitalum Tools GmbH, PENTA-91 OOO, PR. A. I. Srl, PT ITW Construction Products Indonesia, Pacific Concept Industries Limited Enping, Panreac Quimica S.L., Paslode Fasteners Shanghai Co. Ltd., Peerless Machinery Corp., Polyrey, Premark FEG L.L.C., Premark HII Holdings LLC, Premark International, Premark International LLC, Prolex Sociedad Anonima, QSA Global Inc., Quimica Industrial Mediterranea S.L., R&D Engineering A/S., R&D Prague s.r.o., R&D Steel ApS., R&D Test Systems A/S., R&D Tools and Structures A/S., RDGDK Engineering Private Limited, Ramset Fasteners Hong Kong Ltd., Rapid Cook LLC, Refrigeration France, S.E.E. Sistemas Industria E Comercio Ltda., ST Mexico Holdings LLC, Sealant Systems International Inc., Sentinel Asia Yuhan Hoesa, Shanghai ITW Plastic & Metal Co. Ltd, Simco Japan Inc., Simco Nederland B.V., Societe de Prospection et dInventions Techniques SPIT, Speedline Holdings I Inc., Speedline Holdings I LLC, Speedline Technologies GmbH, Speedline Technologies Mexico S. de R.L. de C.V., Speedline Technologies Mexico Services S. de R.L. de C.V., Stokvis Celix Portugal Unipessoal LDA, Stokvis Danmark ApS, Stokvis Holdings S.A.R.L., Stokvis Promi s.r.o, Stokvis Prostick Tapes Private Limited, Stokvis Tapes B.V., Stokvis Tapes Benelux B.V., Stokvis Tapes Deutschland GmbH, Stokvis Tapes France, Stokvis Tapes Hong Kong Co. Limited, Stokvis Tapes Italia s.r.l., Stokvis Tapes Limited, Stokvis Tapes Limited Liability Company, Stokvis Tapes Norge AS, Stokvis Tapes Oy, Stokvis Tapes Polska Sp Z.O.O., Stokvis Tapes Shanghai Co. Ltd., Stokvis Tapes Sverige AB, Stokvis Tapes Taiwan Co. Ltd., Stokvis Tapes Tianjin Co. Ltd., Stolvis Holdings II S.A.R.L., Subsidiaries, Technopack Industria Comercio Consultoria e Representacoes Ltda., Teknek China Limited, Teknek Japan Limited, Teksaleco Ltd., The Miller Group Ltd, Thirode Grandes Cuisines Poligny, Tien Tai Electrode Co. Ltd., Tien Tai Electrode Kunshan Co. Ltd., Unichemicals Industria e Comercio Ltda., VR-Leasing Sarita GmbH & Co. Immobilien KG, VS European Holdco BV, Valeron Strength Films B.V., Veneta Decalcogomme S.r.l., Versachem Chile S.A., Vesta, Vesta Global Limited, Vesta Guangzhou Catering Equipment Co. Ltd, Viltronics Soltec, Vitronics Soltec B.V., Wachs Canada Ltd., Wachs Subsea LLC, Weigh-Tronix Canada ULC, Weigh-Tronix UK Limited, Wilsonart International Holdings LLC, Wynn Oil South Africa Pty Ltd., Wynn's Automotive France, Wynn's Belgium BVBA, Wynn's Italia Srl, Wynn's Mekuba India Pvt Ltd, and Zip-Pak International B.V.. Read More Mastercard Inc. is a leading technology company in the payments industry that provides payment processing solutions to businesses and consumers worldwide. Mastercard is one of the largest payment processors in the world by market cap and the number of payments processed. Mastercard was founded in 1966 as Master Charge: The Interbank Card. The company was created to respond to the growing need for a secure and reliable payment processing system. In 1979, the company changed its name to Mastercard. Mastercard is in over 200 countries and territories and serves over 2.8 billion cardholders. Mastercard operates on a business-to-business (B2B) model, providing payment processing services to financial institutions, merchants and governments. The company earns revenue primarily through transaction processing fees, cross-border fees and other value-added services. Mastercard's business is divided into four segments: domestic assessments, cross-border volume fees, transaction processing fees and additional revenue. Mastercard's financial performance has been consistently strong in recent years, with revenue and earnings growth driven by increased transaction volumes and higher fees. Mastercard faces significant competition from other payment processing companies, including Visa Inc. (NYSE: V), American Express Co. (NYSE: AXP) and PayPal Holdings Inc. (NASDAQ: PYPL). However, Mastercard has maintained its position as one of the largest payment processors in the world due to its strong brand recognition, global network and innovative technology solutions. Mastercard has consistently invested in innovative technology to enhance its payment processing solutions. One of the company's most significant innovations in recent years is Mastercard's tokenization technology, which provides a secure way to process payments without exposing cardholder data. Mastercard has also invested heavily in contactless payment technology, which has become increasingly popular during the COVID-19 pandemic. Mastercard has a solid commitment to corporate social responsibility and sustainability. The company has set ambitious goals to reduce its carbon footprint, increase financial inclusion and promote gender equality. Mastercard is also actively involved in philanthropic efforts, including the Mastercard Foundation, which focuses on advancing financial inclusion in Africa. As with any company, Mastercard faces several risk factors that could impact its financial performance. One of the most significant risks facing Mastercard is the potential for increased regulation of the payment processing industry. Mastercard is also vulnerable to changes in consumer behavior, such as a shift away from traditional payment methods toward mobile payments. Additionally, Mastercard's business depends on the overall health of the global economy, which could be impacted by factors such as inflation, geopolitical tensions and natural disasters. Federal Agricultural Mortgage Corporation provides a secondary market for various loans made to borrowers in the United States. It operates through Corporate AgFinance, Farm & Ranch, Rural Utilities, and Renewable Energy segments. The company's Agricultural Finance line of business engages in purchasing and retaining eligible loans and securities; guaranteeing the payment of principal and interest on securities that represent interests in or obligations secured by pools of eligible loans; servicing eligible loans; and issuing LTSPCs for eligible loans. Its Rural Infrastructure Finance line of business is involved in the purchase of rural utilities loans and renewable energy loans and guarantees of securities backed by loans, as well as LTSPCs for pools of eligible rural utilities loans; by loans for electric or telecommunications facilities by lenders organized as cooperatives to borrowers; and other financial institutions that are secured by pools of eligible loans. The company was founded in 1987 and is headquartered in Washington, the District of Columbia. iShares S&P 500 Value ETF (the Fund), formerly iShares S&P 500 Value Index Fund, is an exchange-traded fund (ETF). The Fund seeks investment results that correspond generally to the price and yield performance of the S&P 500 Value Index (the Index). The Index measures the performance of the large-capitalization value sector of the United States equity market and consists of those stocks in the S&P 500 exhibiting the strongest value characteristics. The Fund generally invests at least 90% of its assets in securities of the Index and in depositary receipts representing securities of the Underlying Index. The Fund invests in a representative sample of securities included in the Index that collectively has an investment profile similar to the Index. The Index is a subset of the S&P 500 and consists of those stocks exhibiting the strongest value characteristics in the S&P 500 Index. BlackRock Fund Advisors (BFA) serves as the investment adviser to the Fund. A Providence woman was charged with practicing dentistry without a license after a 36-year-old patient was hospitalized with "intense pain and swelling from an infection," Attorney General Peter F. Neronha announced Thursday. The attorney general alleges that Altagracia Adames, 57, pulled the victim's molar, stitched the wound and drilled several other teeth, leading to the woman reportedly developing an infection that required treatment with intravenous antibiotics. The Rhode Island State Police started investigating Adames in November after receiving information from the state Department of Health about a victim who received unlicensed dental work done by Adames, according to Neronha. The victim provided investigators with text messages between herself and Adames, Neronha said. When investigators searched a house on Murray Street, "which was known as the location of the defendant's illegal dentistry operation," they found a waiting room, a treatment room with a chair and lights, and other equipment "indicative of a dental practice," Neronha said. The house is in the city's Silver Lake neighborhood. State troopers and Food and Drug Administration agents searching the house also found a room containing teeth moldings, a propane pressure cooker and industrial equipment, according to Neronha. Adames was charged via criminal information May 10 with one count of practicing dentistry without a license. She is scheduled for a pre-arraignment conference on Aug. 10 in Providence County Superior Court. This article originally appeared on The Providence Journal: RI woman charged with doing dentist work without a license After astonishing breakthroughs in artificial intelligence, many people worry that they will end up on the economic scrapheap. Global Google searches for is my job safe? have doubled in recent months, as people fear that they will be replaced with large language models (llms). Some evidence suggests that widespread disruption is coming. In a recent paper Tyna Eloundou of Openai and colleagues say that around 80% of the us workforce could have at least 10% of their work tasks affected by the introduction of llms. Another paper suggests that legal services, accountancy and travel agencies will face unprecedented upheaval. Economists, however, tend to enjoy making predictions about automation more than they enjoy testing them. In the early 2010s many of them loudly predicted that robots would kill jobs by the millions, only to fall silent when employment rates across the rich world rose to all-time highs. Few of the doom-mongers have a good explanation for why countries with the highest rates of tech usage around the globe, such as Japan, Singapore and South Korea, consistently have among the lowest rates of unemployment. Here we introduce our first attempt at tracking ais impact on jobs. Using American data on employment by occupation, we single out white-collar workers. These include people working in everything from back-office support and financial operations to copy-writers. White-collar roles are thought to be especially vulnerable to generative ai, which is becoming ever better at logical reasoning and creativity. However, there is as yet little evidence of an ai hit to employment. In the spring of 2020 white-collar jobs rose as a share of the total, as many people in service occupations lost their job at the start of the covid-19 pandemic (see chart). The white-collar share is lower today, as leisure and hospitality have recovered. Yet in the past year the share of employment in professions supposedly at risk from generative ai has risen by half a percentage point. It is, of course, early days. Few firms yet use generative-ai tools at scale, so the impact on jobs could merely be delayed. Another possibility, however, is that these new technologies will end up destroying only a small number of roles. While AI may be efficient at some tasks, it may be less good at others, such as management and working out what others need. ai could even have a positive effect on jobs. If workers using it become more efficient, profits at their company could rise which would then allow bosses to ramp up hiring. A recent survey by Experis, an it-recruitment firm, points to this possibility. More than half of Britains employers expect ai technologies to have a positive impact on their headcount over the next two years, it finds. To see how it all shakes out, we will publish updates to this analysis every few months. But for now, a jobs apocalypse seems a way off. For more expert analysis of the biggest stories in economics, finance and markets, sign up to Money Talks, 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/finance-and-economics/2023/06/15/ai-is-not-yet-killing-jobs At least 79 migrants drowned early on Wednesday and hundreds more were missing and feared dead after their overloaded boat capsized and sank in open seas off Greece, in one of Europes deadliest shipping disasters in recent years. As a painstaking search for survivors continued, a European rescue-support charity said it believed around 750 people were on board the 20- to 30-metre-long (65- to 100-foot-long) vessel. The U.N.s migration agency estimated up to 400 while Greece declined to speculate on the passenger count. By midday, 104 people had been rescued. A media report said the boat left from Libya, and a shipping ministry official who spoke on condition of anonymity said most of those on board were from Egypt, Syria and Pakistan. Search and rescue operations were to continue through the night, with military aircraft deploying flares to light up the Mediterranean waters around the wreck site about 50 miles (80 km) southwest of the southern Greek coastal town of Pylos. Survivors were taken to the Greek port of Kalamata near Pylos. Covered in blankets, they rested on mattresses at a warehouse shelter, and the migration ministry was expected to move them to a camp outside Athens. The shipwreck was the deadliest off Greece in several years. In February, 96 people died when their wooden boat smashed into rocks on Italys Calabrian coast during a storm. Greeces caretaker administration, in power between an inconclusive election on May 21 and new elections on June 25, declared three days of national mourning. MIGRANTS CROWDED ON THE DECKS Greek state broadcaster ERT said the boat was en route to Italy from the Libyan town of Tobruk, which lies south of the Greek island of Crete. Greek authorities did not confirm the vessels departure port. Alarm Phone, which operates a trans-European network supporting rescue operations, said it received alerts from people on board a ship in distress off Greece late on Tuesday, with erratic contact after that. According to the people, there were 750 people on board We now hear reports of a shipwreck and fear they are true, it said on Twitter. Greek coast guard spokesperson Nikos Alexiou, speaking to Greeces MEGA TV, said authorities did not know how many were on the boat, especially below deck, but reported it was crowded. There were too many people on the outer deck. It was full, he said. The Greek coast guard said EU border agency Frontex first spotted the boat on Tuesday in international waters southwest of Pylos, and Italian authorities then alerted Greece to the vessels presence. Alarm Phone said it informed Greek authorities, Frontex and the Greek division of the U.N. refugee agency UNHCR late on Tuesday afternoon. The charity said that shortly afterwards, it spoke to people on the vessel who said the captain had fled on a small boat and appealed for help. The Greek coast guard reported its agents approached the vessel and offered help. But migrants packed on its outer deck refused assistance and stated their desire to continue their voyage, according to the coast guard. In aerial images released by the coast guard, dozens of people on the boats upper and lower decks were looking up with outstretched arms. A few hours later, the vessel began veering from side to side before capsizing around 2 a.m. on Wednesday then sinking, a government official said. LIBYAN SMUGGLING NETWORKS Greece is one of the main routes into the European Union for refugees and migrants from the Middle East, Asia and Africa. But since the previous conservative government of Kyriakos Mitsotakis introduced tougher controls at the countrys migrant camps, more people have chosen to make a longer, riskier sea journey from Turkey to Italy via Greece. The Greek migration ministry blamed international smuggling networks for putting migrants lives at risk, while Filippo Grandi, the U.N. High Commissioner for Refugees, called on governments to work together on creating safe pathways for people fleeing poverty and war. Libya, which has had little stability or security since a NATO-backed uprising in 2011, is a major launching point for people seeking to reach Europe by sea. People-smuggling networks are mainly run by military factions that control coastal areas. In recent days, security forces in Libya have cracked down on migrants with detentions and deportations. It was not clear whether the ship that sank on Wednesday departed Libya before or after the crackdowns. Greece was at the front line of Europes migration crisis of 2015-16, when nearly 1 million people arrived on its islands from Turkey before heading north to wealthier European states. Numbers have fallen dramatically since a 2016 EU-Turkey deal to stem the flows. About 72,000 refugees and migrants have arrived so far this year in Europes front-line Mediterranean countries, according to United Nations data, with the majority landing in Italy and around 6,500 in Greece. Nearly 1,000 people are estimated to have died or gone missing in the Mediterranean this year, according to the U.N. SOURCE: REUTERS Fighting rocked several cities in western Sudan on Wednesday in an expansion of the countrys almost two-month-old war as a regional governor was killed after publicly blaming the deaths of civilians on the countrys paramilitary force. The conflict between the army and the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces has caused a humanitarian crisis in Khartoum, as well as major cities in the Kordofan and Darfur regions. The widening footprint of fighting threatens to prolong the violence and draw in armed groups particularly those with tribal affiliations as well as external actors. West Darfur state governor Khamis Abbakar was killed on Wednesday, an armed group he commanded said, hours after he accused the RSF and allied militias of genocide. No details on his death were available. Two government sources said the RSF was responsible. Civilians are being killed randomly and in large numbers, Abbakar told Al-Hadath TV earlier on Wednesday, calling for international intervention. The RSF did not immediately respond to a request for comment. Activists say 1,100 people have been killed since the conflict began in mid-April in the westernmost city of El Geneina, the capital of West Darfur. While the attacks originally targeted areas of El Geneina where members of the Masalit tribe lived, these attacks have spread to the entire city, the governor said. We havent seen the army leave its base to defend people, he added before his death. The Darfur region of Sudan has seen periods of conflict since the early 2000s, when millions were displaced and 300,000 killed by attacks from Arab militias known as the Janjaweed. The RSF evolved out of those groups, becoming a legalized governmental force in 2017. In a statement, the RSF called the fighting in El Geneina a tribal conflict, blaming the countrys former regime for fanning the flames. It said it had been making efforts to get aid into the city. Diplomatic efforts to address Sudans conflict led by the United States and Saudi Arabia have faltered, as numerous ceasefires have been violated. On Tuesday, senior U.S. State Department officials said they were considering a new approach for the coming days. FIGHTING ACROSS DARFUR The Darfur Bar Association, a local group monitoring the fighting, said on Wednesday that artillery strikes hit civilian homes in Nyala, capital of South Darfur, after RSF soldiers complained of not receiving salaries. The assault could start again at any moment, we dont feel safe, said resident Salah Alamin, 39. The city of Zalingei, capital of Central Darfur, was under siege, the association said. The city of El Fashir, capital of North Darfur, has been quieter but has seen a wave of displacement from RSF-controlled Kutum. Meanwhile in El Obeid, a hub between Khartoum and Darfur in North Kordofan, residents said the army launched air and artillery strikes against RSF positions. The RSF has controlled the roads connecting the city to other towns and has agreed with local tribal leaders to secure the area from armed gangs. Residents said the RSF attacked one of those towns, Al-Rahad, on Wednesday. In Kadugli, South Kordofan, the army pushed back an RSF attack on one of its bases, as troops loyal to rebel leader Abdelaziz al-Hilu surrounded the city. Sources from al-Hilus faction, SPLM-N, said that they sought to protect civilians from armed militias. Within Khartoum, residents reported clashes and air and artillery strikes in southern and eastern districts of the city and in neighbouring Omdurman on Wednesday. The U.N. said on Tuesday that some 1.7 million people had been displaced internally and more than 500,000 had left the country. In army-controlled Port Sudan, meanwhile, middle school students began taking exams, while pilgrims to Mecca began their Hajj journeys, as some attempted to find some normality. The Sudanese Doctors Union said that at least 958 people have been killed since fighting began on April 15, over the integration of the RSF into the military. SOURCE: REUTERS The dangers of generative AI were again the topic of high-level discussions among world leaders as the Secretary-General of the United Nations joined a growing chorus of voices calling for regulating the technology. "Alarm bells over the latest form of artificial intelligence, generative AI, are deafening, and they are loudest from the developers who designed it," Antonio Guterres said in a press conference on Monday. "The scientists and experts have called on the world to act, declaring AI an existential threat to humanity on a par with the risk of nuclear war." Will Artificial Intelligence (AI) Take Over Your Job? We must take those warnings seriously, the UN Secretary-General said. Guterres' comments came the same day the UN released a report, "Information Integrity on Digital Platforms," which underscored the need for responsible AI use and warning of the use of deepfakes in conflict zones. Also today, the European Parliament passed what its describing as the worlds first-ever AI legislation. Making history by shaping our future. This is what today's groundbreaking vote on the worlds first ever #AI legislation is all about. It is about Europe taking the lead in digital innovation. pic.twitter.com/jICNwcX9hy Roberta Metsola (@EP_President) June 14, 2023 While artificial intelligence is a critical concern for Guterres, the Secretary-General said the advent of AI should not distract from the damage digital technology is already doing worldwide, given the rise of hate speech and misinformation online. "The proliferation of hate and lies in the digital space is causing grave global harm now, he said.It is fueling conflict, death, and destruction now. It is threatening democracy and human rights now. It is undermining public health and climate action, now." Guterres said he would create and appoint members to an AI advisory board to handle AI-related initiatives. The board would include artificial intelligence experts and UN scientists from the International Telecommunication Union (ITU) and the Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO). The Secretary-General also said he would be in favor of an artificial intelligence agency inspired by the International Atomic Energy Agency. Regulate AI Like Nuclear Power, Says UK Labour Party Founded in 1957, the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) is a United Nations body tasked with overseeing global nuclear activities. "The advantage of the IAEA is that it is a very solid knowledge-based institution, and at the same time, even if limited, it has some regulatory functions," Guterres said. "So I believe this is a model that could be very interesting." OpenAI CEO Sam Altman, while testifying before the U.S. Senate Committee on the Judiciary, similarly called for the creation of a government office in charge of setting standards for artificial intelligence development. "I would form a new agency that licenses any effort above a certain scale of capabilities, and that can take that license away and ensure compliance with safety standards," Altman said, adding that the would-be agency should require independent audits of any AI technology. But while the Secretary-General is in favor of a new international agency, he acknowledged a lack of UN investment in public administration, meaning any action would require the initiative of member states and the goodwill of the parties involved. "Today, we feel how difficult it is for states and for international organizations to compete from the scientific and technical point of view, with the platforms that, in between, have acquired an enormous potential and an enormous knowledge," Guterres said. Following the launch of OpenAI's GPT-4 in March, an online petition by the Future of Life Institute called for a six-month pause on the training of AI systems. Tech industry luminaries, including Tesla CEO Elon Musk and Apple co-founder Steve Wozniak, signed the letter. AMSTERDAM, June 15, 2023--(BUSINESS WIRE)--AM Best has affirmed the Financial Strength Rating of B++ (Good) and the Long-Term Issuer Credit Rating of "bbb+" (Good) of Gar-Bo Forsakring AB (Gar-Bo) (Sweden). The outlook of these Credit Ratings (ratings) is stable. The ratings reflect Gar-Bos balance sheet strength, which AM Best assesses as strong, as well as its strong operating performance, limited business profile and appropriate enterprise risk management. The balance sheet strength assessment is underpinned by Gar-Bos risk-adjusted capitalisation, which as measured by Bests Capital Adequacy Ratio (BCAR), is assessed as strong. AM Best expects the companys risk-adjusted capitalisation to adequately support the balance sheet assessment of strong over the medium term, underpinned by good earnings generation, which should in turn sustain the companys growth plans. Gar-Bos balance sheet strength assessment also benefits from a good liquidity profile and prudent reserving practices. A partly offsetting factor is the companys moderate reinsurance dependence, although the associated risk is mitigated somewhat by the use of a well-diversified panel of reinsurance counterparties of good credit quality. Additionally, the companys relatively high allocations to equities and unrated bonds exposes it to elevated investment risk, which increases the potential for volatility in its risk-adjusted capitalisation. Gar-Bo has a track record of strong operating performance, as evidenced by a five-year weighted average return on equity of 17.5% (2018-2022), as calculated by AM Best, with balanced contributions from technical and investment incomes. In 2022, the company reported a combined ratio of 86.6% (2021: 88.3%), supported by strong results in its traditional and identified growth markets. Gar-Bo is a niche insurer in the Nordic market that underwrites long-duration construction products including surety, primarily in Sweden, with expansion efforts in Denmark and Norway. Gross written premium increased to SEK 458 million (EUR 39.4 million) in 2022, from SEK 396 million (EUR 34.0 million) in the prior year. In AM Bests view, the specialist construction services that the company provides, largely to mid-market construction and building clients, affords a competitive advantage in its domestic market. Partly offsetting factors include a heightened regulatory risk due to the companys product offerings, as well as its geographic concentration in Sweden. 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/20230615286546/en/ Contacts Andrea Porta Financial Analyst +31 20 308 5430 andrea.porta@ambest.com Christopher Sharkey Associate Director, Public Relations +1 908 882 2310 christopher.sharkey@ambest.com Dr Angela Yeo Senior Director, Analytics +31 20 308 5421 angela.yeo@ambest.com Al Slavin Senior Public Relations Specialist +1 908 882 2318 al.slavin@ambest.com [June 15, 2023] Lorna Jane Rolls Out NewStore to Deliver Omnichannel Retail Experience for Store Associates and Customers The Australian activewear brand has implemented the NewStore Omnichannel Platform in more than 100 stores across Australia and New Zealand BOSTON and BRISBANE, Australia, June 15, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- NewStore , a modular, mobile-first omnichannel cloud platform for retail brands worldwide, today announced it is now powering the in-store shopping experience for Lorna Jane . By rolling out the NewStore platform across its 107 stores, the Australia-based activewear brand has taken a significant step towards enhancing its omnichannel operations and creating a truly seamless and unified customer experience. "NewStore is a critical component of our digital transformation strategy and the most forward-thinking, innovative retail platform available today," said Peter Clarke, Chief Technology Officer, Lorna Jane. "We were able to rip and replace our old system and roll out NewStore across two countries and more than one hundred locations with a cutover of just one day, which is a remarkable achievement that demonstrates the platform's robustness and scalability." Lorna Jane was founded in 1989 by fitness instructor Lorna Jane Clarkson, who pioneered the activewear category. The brand's mission is to inspire customers to live a life they love through active living, and it does this by offering a line of high-quality products so shoppers can "buy better, not more." Sustainability is at the core of Lorna Jane's DNA, and its eco-friendly mindset extends well beyond its clothing. In fact, one of the reasons the brand decided to partner with NewStore is that both organizations believe the future of reail will be paperless and cashless. By running its retail business on iOS, Lorna Jane is further minimizing the impact of its environmental footprint. "Since going live on NewStore, the feedback from our store teams has been overwhelmingly positive. The platform is so intuitive and easy to use that our associates have been able to master it almost overnight," added Lorna Jane Clarkson, Chief Creative Officer and Founder, Lorna Jane. "On top of that, the mobility of NewStore has allowed us to rethink the layout of our stores. We can now remove our traditional cash wraps, creating a dedicated space for fulfilling online orders in-store and modernizing the overall look and feel of our physical brand." Equipped with just an iPhone or iPad, Lorna Jane's associates can now serve customers anywhere on the store floor. This is because NewStore was built on mobile from day one. Additionally, the platform has a microservices, API-first architecture, which allows it to seamlessly integrate with Lorna Jane's ecommerce platform and enterprise resource planning solution. As a result, all customer, inventory, and order data is available in real-time on the store associates' devices, enabling omnichannel capabilities such as mobile checkout, inventory lookup, store fulfillment, buy online pickup in-store (BOPIS), and buy online return in-store (BORIS). "The Australian retail market is at the forefront of the retail industry's evolution, and Lorna Jane is a great example of how brands in this region are doubling down on omnichannel," said Stephan Schambach, Founder and CEO, NewStore. "The success they have seen in such a short amount of time is a testament to our shared vision, and we will build on the foundation we have laid by further optimizing the shopping experience for both store associates and customers." To learn more about the NewStore Omnichannel Platform, and to request a demo, visit: https://www.newstore.com/ About NewStore NewStore provides Omnichannel-as-a-Service for retail brands worldwide that want to accelerate their digital transformation. Built with MACH principles, NewStore allows brands to easily deliver amazing shopping experiences that store associates and consumers love. Its mobile-first, modular cloud platform includes POS, order management, clienteling, inventory, and native consumer apps. NewStore customers such as Burton, Faherty Brand, G-Star RAW, Marine Layer, Roots Canada, Scotch & Soda, UNTUCKit, and Vince benefit from the most complete, global omnichannel retail solution available now supercharged with Tap to Pay on iPhone. The company is backed by General Catalyst, Activant Capital, and Salesforce Ventures. Learn more at www.newstore.com About Lorna Jane Lorna Jane is an Australia-based retail brand founded in 1989 by fitness instructor Lorna Jane Clarkson, one of the first pioneers of the activewear category. The brand's mission is to to inspire its customers to live the life they love, through Active Living . With a passion for fashion and fitness, Lorna Jane inspires women worldwide to embrace their unique journey towards health and wellness. Its collection of stylish and functional activewear is designed to support women in every step of their active lifestyle, ensuring comfort, confidence, and performance. Crafted with premium fabrics and innovative designs, Lorna Jane offers a range of trendy and versatile apparel that seamlessly transitions from gym sessions to everyday adventures. Join the Lorna Jane movement and experience the perfect blend of fashion, fitness, and empowerment. View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/lorna-jane-rolls-out-newstore-to-deliver-omnichannel-retail-experience-for-store-associates-and-customers-301851288.html SOURCE NewStore, Inc. [ Back To Call Center Scheduling Homepage ] [June 15, 2023] Four Urban Students Named 2023 Math and Science Scholars Tweet WASHINGTON, June 15, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Four graduating high school seniors have been selected by the Council of the Great City Schools (CGCS) to receive the 2023 CGCS-Bernard Harris Math and Science Scholarship. The students were chosen from several hundred applicants in big-city school districts across the nation for their exceptional academic ability and achievement, leadership qualities, and community involvement. Now in its fifth year, the scholarship was created by former NASA astronaut Dr. Bernard A. Harris, Jr., the first African American to walk in space, to encourage and assist promising students of diverse backgrounds who plan to pursue science, technology, engineering, or math (STEM) studies after high school. The awards were given to two African American and two Hispanic seniors from high schools in three of the 78 urban school districts represented by the Council. "It is an honor for me to invest in the lives of our nation's next generation of STEM leaders through this scholarship," said Harris. "Each of these young men and women have demonstrated intelligence, leadership, and determination, and I look forward to seeing how the next steps in their educational journeys unfold." Each scholar will receive $5,000 for continued education in a STEM-related field. This year's award winners are: Zion Duplechain , who attended Energy Institute High School in Houston, TX , who attended Energy Institute High School in Fabiana Mastantuono , who attended Lake Nona High School in Orlando, FL , who attended Lake Nona High School in Emmanuel Vasquez , who attended Sam Houston Math , Science and Technology Center in Houston, TX , who attended , Science and Technology Center in Reauna Walker, who attended East Technical High School in Cleveland, OH Columbia University to major in electrical engineering. Mastantuono will pursue a degree in biomedical engineering at the University of Florida . Vasquez plans to study electrical engineering at Texas A&M University , and Walker will major in biology at Morgan State University . "One of the most worthy and impactful investments which one can make is in a young person's education, and we greatly appreciate Dr. Harris' generosity," said Council Executive Director Ray Hart. "We also thank the educators in urban school districts who have contributed to the development of these distinguished students, and we wish each of them a bright future." Administration of the scholarship program, including the application process, pre-selection, and presentation of awards, is provided by CGCS. Dr. Harris makes the final selection of recipients. About The Council of the Great City Schools The Council of the Great City Schools is the only national organization exclusively representing the needs of urban public schools. Composed of 78 large city school districts, its mission is to promote the cause of urban schools and to advocate for inner-city students through legislation, research and media relations. The organization also provides a network for school districts sharing common problems to exchange information, and to collectively address new challenges as they emerge to deliver the best possible education for urban youth. www.cgcs.org About The Harris Institute The Harris Institute is a 501 (c) (3), non-profit organization founded by former NASA Astronaut Dr. Bernard A. Harris, Jr., to serve socially and economically disadvantaged communities locally and across the nation striving to reach the most underserved populations in the areas of Education, Health, and Wealth. The institute supports programs that empower individuals, in particular minorities and economically and/ or socially disadvantaged, to recognize their potential and pursue their dreams. The education mission of The Harris Institute is to enable youth to develop and achieve their full potential through the support of social, recreational and educational programs. The Harris Institute believes students can be prepared now for the careers of the future through a structured education program and the use of positive role models. More than 50,000 students have participated and benefited from THI programs. www.theharrisinstitute.org. CONTACT: Tonya Harris [email protected] View original content:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/four-urban-students-named-2023-math-and-science-scholars-301852468.html SOURCE Council of the Great City Schools [ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ] [June 15, 2023] Governments of Canada and Ontario invest over $71 million to bring high-speed Internet access to more than 22,000 homes in 74 communities across eastern Ontario Rural communities to benefit from increased connectivity to high-speed Internet OSGOODE, ON, June 15, 2023 /CNW/ - All Canadians need reliable and affordable high-speed Internet, no matter where they live. That is why the governments of Canada and Ontario are taking action to bring high-speed Internet access to underserved communities across Ontario. Today, the Honourable Gudie Hutchings, Minister of Rural Economic Development, together with the Honourable Kinga Surma, Ontario's Minister of Infrastructure, and Goldie Ghamari, Member of Provincial Parliament for Carleton, announced over $71 million in combined federal and provincial funding for Bell Canada and Cogeco to bring high-speed Internet access to more than 22,000 homes in 74 rural communities across eastern Ontario. The projects being announced today are part of an existing partnership between Canada and Ontario. On July 29, 2021, the governments announced a CanadaOntario broadband partnership to support large-scale, fibre-based projects that will provide high-speed Internet access to more than 280,000 homes across the province. This historic agreement was made possible by a joint federal-provincial investment totalling more than $1.2 billion. Today's announcement builds on the Government of Canada's progress toward ensuring that 98% of Canadians have access to high-speed Internet by 2026, and 100% by 2030. The announcement also brings the Government of Ontario closer to achieving its goal of bringing reliable high-speed Internet access to every community by the end of 2025. Quotes "We all know that Internet is no longer a luxuryit's a necessity. That's why our government made a historic commitment to connect 98% of Canadians to high-speed Internet by 2026. Today's announcement in Osgoode marks a significant milestone for Internet connectivity in rural Ontario. This investment will provide reliable and affordable high-speed Internet access through Bell and Cogeco to more than 22,000 underserved homes in 74 small communities across Carleton and eastern Ontario." The Honourable Gudie Hutchings, Minister of Rural Economic Development "The Ontario government is ensuring that every community across the province has access to reliable high-speed Internet by the end of 2025. By working together with our federal partners, we are increasing access to high-speed Internet for communities province-wide, including right here in Osgoode. We are ensuring that no one will be left behind." The Honourable Kinga Surma, Ontario's Minister of Infrastructure "We are proud to partner with the Government of Canada and the Province of Ontario to expand our all-fibre broadband network to even more communities across eastern Ontario. Our fast and reliable Internet connections help people in rural and remote communities stay connected while at home and at work. Through our own fully funded investments and through partnerships like this, Bell continues to deliver on our purpose of advancing how Canadians connect with each other and the world." Bruce Furlong, SVP Network, Bell Canada "We are extremely proud to make our first expansion into the townships of Frontenac Islands and South Frontenac. Thanks to this partnership with the governments of Canada and Ontario, more residents and businesses in these municipalities, as well as the City of Kingston, will have access to our fibre-powered network. It's investments like this that contribute to our shared goal of reducing the digital divide, ensuring all Ontarians have access to high-speed Internet." Matt Wickham, Vice President and General Manager, Customer Experience and B2B, Cogeco Quick facts Canada's Connectivity Strategy aims to provide all Canadians with access to Internet speeds of at least 50 megabits per second (Mbps) download / 10 Mbps upload. The Universal Broadband Fund is a $3.225 billion investment by the Government of Canada designed to help provide high-speed Internet access to 98% of Canadians by 2026 and achieve the national target of 100% access by 2030. investment by the Government of Canada designed to help provide high-speed Internet access to 98% of Canadians by 2026 and achieve the national target of 100% access by 2030. Today, 93.5% of Canadian households have access to high-speed Internet, compared to just 79% in 2014. The Ontario government is investing nearly $4 billion to bring access to reliable high-speed Internet to every community across the province by the end of 2025. This is the largest single investment in high-speed Internet in any province, by any government in Canadian history. government is investing nearly to bring access to reliable high-speed Internet to every community across the province by the end of 2025. This is the largest single investment in high-speed Internet in any province, by any government in Canadian history. As of June 2023 , Ontario has finalized agreements totalling more than $2.3 billion for nearly 200 high-speed Internet and cellular projects across the province. , has finalized agreements totalling more than for nearly 200 high-speed Internet and cellular projects across the province. Ontario launched a new interactive online map that shows where provincially funded high-speed Internet projects are planned, are currently under way or have been recently completed in communities across the province. Ontarians can use the map to search by address, community or municipality, learn about projects happening in their area, and find out where high-speed Internet service is currently available. launched a new interactive online map that shows where provincially funded high-speed Internet projects are planned, are currently under way or have been recently completed in communities across the province. Ontarians can use the map to search by address, community or municipality, learn about projects happening in their area, and find out where high-speed Internet service is currently available. In 2021, Ontario passed the Supporting Broadband and Infrastructure Expansion Act, 2021 to help speed up construction of high-speed Internet projects. To build upon this legislation, the Ontario government passed the Getting Ontario Connected Act, 2022, which further reduces barriers, duplication and delays. Associated links Backgrounder: Governments of Canada and Ontario invest over $71 million to bring high-speed Internet access to more than 22,000 homes On June 15, 2023, the Honourable Gudie Hutchings, Minister of Rural Economic Development, together with the Honourable Kinga Surma, Ontario's Minister of Infrastructure, and Goldie Ghamari, Member of Provincial Parliament for Carleton, announced over $71 million in combined federal and provincial funding to bring high-speed Internet access to over 22,000 homes in underserved communities across eastern Ontario. The communities that will benefit from these projects include: Internet service provider Communities Cogeco Battersea, Inverary, Marysville Bell Canada Algonquin, Athens, Blanchards Hill, Brockville, Charleston, Delta, Domville, Eastons Corners, Johnstown, Lyn, Maitland, Mallorytown, Maynard, North Augusta, Portland, Prescott, Spencerville, Spring Valley, Tincap, Toledo Bell Canada Cardinal, Domville, Eastons Corners, Hallville, Inkerman, Johnstown, Kemptville, Merrickville, Mountain, North Augusta, North Gower, Osgoode, Oxford Mills, Oxford Station, South Mountain, Spencerville, Ventnor Bell Canada Amherstview, Bath, Battersea, Codes Corner, Gananoque, Harrowsmith, Inverary, Ivy Lea, Kepler, Lyndhurst, Morton, Napanee, Odessa, Perth Road, Sandhurst Shores, Seeleys Bay, Selby, Strathcona, Sydenham, Verona, Willowbank, Yarker Bell Canada Balderson, Blanchards Hill, Dwyer Hill, Eastons Corners, Elphin, Fallbrook, Franktown, Glen Tay, Innisville, Jasper, Lanark, Lombardy, Maberly, McDonald's Corners, Merrickville, Newboro, Perth, Port Elmsley, Portland, Rideau Ferry, Smiths Falls, Watson's Corners, Wemyss Stay connected Follow Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada on social media. Twitter: @ISED_CA , Facebook: Canadian Innovation , Instagram: @cdninnovation and LinkedIn Follow Ontario's Ministry of Infrastructure on social media. Twitter: @ONinfra, Instagram: @oninfrastructure and LinkedIn: Infrastructure | Infrastructure SOURCE Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada [June 14, 2023] Omni Eden Redefines Wellness and Travel Experiences with Web3 Technologies and 'Digital Nomad' Collection Tweet MIAMI, FLORIDA, June 14, 2023 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Omni Eden, the groundbreaking Web3 platform, is delighted to unveil its visionary initiative that revolutionises both the wellness and travel landscapes through the seamless integration of blockchain, smart contracts, and decentralised systems. By merging these cutting-edge technologies with a strong focus on holistic well-being, Omni Eden empowers individuals to embark on a transformative journey towards sustainable living and personal growth. Wellness Transformation Through Web3: Omni Eden leverages Web3 technologies to redefine the wellness industry, providing individuals with unparalleled transparency, security, and empowerment. By harnessing the power of blockchain and decentralised systems, the platform ensures that wellness practices are accessible, trustworthy, and rewarding. Digital Nomad Collection and Exclusive Travel Benefits: As part of its groundbreaking approach, Omni Eden introduces the highly anticipated 'Digital Nomad' Membership, offering a gateway to a world of transformative experiences and exclusive benefits. These unique digital memberships provide holders with access to discounted rates, personalised recommendations, and immersive events that elevate the travel experience to new heights. By owning these digital membership passes, individuals become part of a thriving community committed to sustainable travel and holistic well-being. Web3 Travel Concierge Platform: Omni Eden proudly presents its Web3 travel concierge platform, complementing its comprehensive wellness offerings. This innovative platform delivers seamless booking experiences, personalised recommendations, and exclusive perks for travellers seeking wellness-focusd journeys. By integrating Web3 technologies, Omni Eden ensures transparency, security, and enhanced user experiences throughout the travel planning process. Holistic Wellness Community and Transformative Experiences: Beyond being a wellness platform, Omni Eden fosters a vibrant and supportive community dedicated to holistic well-being. The company believes in the power of connection and offers transformative experiences that nurture personal growth, facilitate meaningful connections, and promote abundance. Community members can participate in immersive programs, workshops, and mindfulness practices, both within the metaverse and in real-world settings. Tokenization and Gamification: Omni Eden pioneers the tokenization and gamification of wellness activities, revolutionising the way individuals engage with their well-being. Through innovative mechanisms, users can earn by actively participating in wellness challenges and using the tools within the platform, achieving personal goals, booking travel and contributing to the community. These rewards can be redeemed for exclusive discounts, access to wellness programs, and participation in virtual and real-world retreats, creating a dynamic and rewarding experience for community members. Curated Wellness Resources and Vibrant Community: Omni Eden provides a rich collection of curated wellness resources, empowering individuals to prioritize their well-being in their daily lives. The platform offers expert tips, mindfulness practices, fitness routines, and self-care recommendations to support individuals on their wellness journey. Additionally, Omni Eden fosters a vibrant and engaged community, facilitating connections, collaborations, and shared experiences among like-minded individuals worldwide. Exciting Collaborations and Future Development: Omni Eden is thrilled to announce its collaboration with spatial.io to launch the OmniVRS Metaverse platform. This immersive virtual reality space allows community members to explore stunning digital environments, connect with fellow travellers, and engage in interactive experiences, further enhancing the sense of connection and community within the Omni Eden ecosystem. Furthermore, Omni Eden is excited to share that multiple world-renowned health and wellness experts will be joining the team over the coming months. These experts will contribute their extensive knowledge and experience to further enrich the platform's offerings and provide exceptional value to the community. For more information about Omni Eden and its offerings, please visit: https://omnieden.io/ https://www.twitter.com/omnieden About Omni Eden: Omni Eden is a leading Web3 wellness platform dedicated to redefining the wellness experience and empowering individuals seeking holistic well-being. By leveraging blockchain technology, Web3, and decentralised systems, Omni Eden provides seamless wellness programs, personalised recommendations, and exclusive perks for individuals worldwide. Additionally, the platform offers a Web3 travel concierge platform for wellness-focused journeys. Caleb Hope Omni Eden info at omnieden.io [ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ] [June 14, 2023] Shutterfly Announces Early Settlement of the Exchange Offer and Consent Solicitation Relating to 8.50% First-Priority Senior Secured Notes due 2026 and Closing of Broader Refinancing Transactions Tweet Shutterfly, LLC (the "Company," "we," "our" and "us") today announced that, on June 9, 2023, Shutterfly Finance, LLC, a subsidiary of the Company (the "New Issuer" or "New Borrower"), closed the initial settlement of its previously announced Refinancing Transactions (as described below), which extended the Company's existing debt maturities and meaningfully improved liquidity. Early Settlement of Exchange Offer As part of the Refinancing Transactions, on June 9, 2023 (the "Early Settlement Date"), the New Issuer consummated the initial settlement of its previously announced offer (the "Exchange Offer") to exchange any and all of the Company's outstanding 8.50% First-Priority Senior Secured Notes due 2026 (the "Existing Notes"), together with a required cash payment (as described below), for, at the option of the holder, either (1) new 9.75% First-Priority Senior Secured Notes due 2027 (the "New 1L Notes") of the New Issuer and new 8.50% Second-Priority Senior Secured Cash/PIK Notes due 2027 (the "New 2L Notes") of the New Issuer (the "First Option Consideration") OR (2) new first lien terms loans of the New Borrower under a new first lien credit agreement (such term loans, the "New First Lien Term Loans") and New 2L Notes (the "Second Option Consideration"). On the Early Settlement Date, the New Issuer accepted $734.2 million in aggregate principal amount of Existing Notes, together with the required cash payment, and, in exchange therefor, issued $58.7 million aggregate principal amount of New 1L Notes, $21.4 million aggregate principal amount of New First Lien Term Loans and $660.8 million aggregate principal amount of New 2L Notes. In addition, as previously announced, as of the Early Participation Time, the New Issuer received the requisite number of consents in the concurrent consent solicitation (the "Consent Solicitation") from holders of the Existing Notes (the "Consenting Noteholders") to adopt the proposed amendments (the "Proposed Amendments") to the indenture governing the Existing Notes (the "Existing Notes Indenture"). The Proposed Amendments became operative on the Early Settlement Date. The Exchange Offer expired at 5:00 p.m., New York City time, on June 14, 2023 (such time, the "Expiration Time"). The following table sets forth the exchange consideration (the "Exchange Consideration") per $1,000 of Existing Notes validly tendered after the Early Participation Time but at or prior to the Expiration Time and accepted for exchange in the Exchange Offer: Consideration to be Tendered by Participating Eligible Holders Exchange Consideration to be Received by Participating Eligible Holders (per $1,000 Principal Amount of Existing Notes Tendered After the Early Participation Time but at or Prior to the Expiration Time) All of such Holder's 8.50% First-Priority Senior Secured Notes due 2026 plus delivery of a Cash Payment Equal to $109.11 per $1,000 principal amount of Existing Notes Tendered(1)(2) First Option: (i) $109.11 principal amount of New 1L Notes(3) plus (ii) $870 principal amount of New 2L Notes(4)(5) OR Second Option: (i) $109.11 principal amount of New First Lien Term Loans(6) plus (ii) $870 principal amount of New 2L Notes(4)(5) (1) Following the Early Settlement Date, there is $15.8 million in outstanding aggregate principal amount of Existing Notes (CUSIP Nos. 719245 AD4 (144A) and U7189A AB8 (Regulation S)) not tendered in the Exchange Offer. Eligible holders must validly tender (and not validly withdraw) all of such holder's Existing Notes to participate in the Exchange Offer. Partial tenders of Existing Notes will not be accepted. CUSIP information is provided for the convenience of noteholders. No representation is made as to the correctness or accuracy of such numbers. (2) For each $1,000 principal amount of Existing Notes validly tendered (and not validly withdrawn), a participating eligible holder must deliver a cash payment of $109.11 (the "Cash Payment") by the Funding Date (as described below). The Cash Payment required to be paid by each participating eligible holder will be rounded down to the nearest $1.00. (3) The principal amount of New 1L Notes issued to each participating eligible holder electing First Option Consideration, similar to the Cash Payment paid by each participating eligible holder, will be rounded down to the nearest $1.00. Accordingly, the principal amount of New 1L Notes issued to each participating eligible holder electing First Option Consideration will be equal to the Cash Payment paid by such participating eligible holder, and the principal amount of New 1L Notes issued to any participating eligible holder will be in increments of $1.00. (4) Holders of Existing Notes that are tendered after the Early Participation Time and accepted for exchange pursuant to the Exchange Offer will be entitled to receive accrued and unpaid interest in cash on such Existing Notes up to, but excluding, the Early Settlement Date, but not for the period commencing on the Early Settlement Date. (5) An eligible participant may elect to receive First Option Consideration or Second Option Consideration with respect to all of the Existing Notes such participant tenders in the Exchange Offer or such participant may elect to receive First Option Consideration with respect to a portion of the Existing Notes tendered and Second Option Consideration with respect to the remaining portion of Existing Notes tendered (in each case, subject to the terms of the Exchange Offer). (6) The principal amount of New First Lien Term Loans allocated to each participating eligible holder electing Second Option Consideration, similar to the Cash Payment paid by each participating eligible holder, will be rounded down to the nearest $1.00. Accordingly, the principal amount of New First Lien Term Loans allocated to each participating eligible holder electing Second Option Consideration will be equal to the Cash Payment paid by such participating eligible holder, and the principal amount of New First Lien Term Loans allocated to any participating eligible holder will be in increments of $1.00. In order to be eligible to receive the Second Option Consideration, a participating eligible holder must complete and deliver to Epiq Corporate Restructuring, LLC ("Epiq") the New Lender Documentation (as described in the Offering Memorandum (as defined below)) no later than 11:00 p.m., New York City time, on the Expiration Time. Eligible holders who tender their Existing Notes after the Early Participation Time but at or prior to the Expiration Time must deliver the Cash Payment at or prior to 5:00 p.m., New York City time, on June 15, 2023 (such date and time, as the same may be extended, the "Funding Date"). Subject to the satisfaction or waiver of the respective conditions, the Exchange Offer for any Existing Notes validly tendered (and not validly withdrawn) after the Early Participation Time but prior to the Expiration Time is expected to settle on the third business day after the Funding Date (the "Final Settlement Date"). As of the Early Participation Time, the right to withdraw tenders of Existing Notes and related consents expired. Accordingly, Existing Notes tendered for exchange after the Early Participation Time may not be validly withdrawn and consents may no longer be revoked, unless required by applicable law, or the New Issuer determines in the future and in its sole discretion to permit withdrawal and revocation rights. Closing of Refinancing Transactions In addition, on June 9, 2023, the Company and the New Issuer consummated the following previously announced transactions (together with the Exchange Offer and Consent Solicitation, the "Refinancing Transactions"): Exchanged $1,076.6 million aggregate principal amount of outstanding term loans (the " Existing Term Loans ") (or 99.4% of Existing Term Loans) under the Company's Amended and Restated First Lien Credit Agreement, dated as of July 7, 2021 (as modified from time to time, the " Existing Credit Agreement "), together with the required cash payment, for $74.3 million aggregate principal amount of New First Lien Term Loans, $43.2 million aggregate principal amount of New 1L Notes and $968.9 million aggregate principal amount of new second-lien term loans of the New Borrower (the " New Second Lien Term Loans "); ") (or 99.4% of Existing Term Loans) under the Company's Amended and Restated First Lien Credit Agreement, dated as of July 7, 2021 (as modified from time to time, the " "), together with the required cash payment, for $74.3 million aggregate principal amount of New First Lien Term Loans, $43.2 million aggregate principal amount of New 1L Notes and $968.9 million aggregate principal amount of new second-lien term loans of the New Borrower (the " "); Exchanged $300.0 million aggregate principal amount of revolving credit facility commitments under the Existing Credit Agreement for $277.5 million aggregate principal amount of revolving credit facility commitments at the New Borrower under a new revolving credit facility (the " New Revolving Credit Facility "); "); Exchanged all of the Company's 11.00% Senior Notes due 2027 for an equal amount of new senior unsecured PIK notes due 2028 of the New Issuer; Refinanced Sherwood Intermediate Holdings, LLC's 8.00% Senior Unsecured Notes due 2024 with new 8.00% Senior Unsecured PIK Notes due 2028 of the New Issuer; and Obtained consents from existing lenders under the Existing Credit Agreement to certain amendments thereto. Following the initial settlement of the Refinancing Transactions (i) the Company's remaining outstanding indebtedness included $15.8 million aggregate principal amount of Existing Notes and $6.3 million aggregate principal amount of Existing Term Loans, and (ii) the New Issuer's outstanding indebtedness included $101.9 million aggregate principal amount of New 1L Notes, $95.7 million aggregate principal amount of New First Lien Term Loans, $660.8 million aggregate principal amount of New 2L Notes, $968.9 million aggregate principal amount of New Second Lien Term Loans, $277.5 million aggregate principal amount of commitments under the New Revolving Credit Facility, $300.0 million aggregate principal amount of 11.00% Senior Unsecured PIK Notes due 2028 and $50.6 million aggregate principal amount of 8.00% Senior Unsecured PIK Notes due 2028. The consummation of such Refinancing Transactions on June 9, 2023 resulted in gross cash proceeds of $197.6 million to the New Issuer. Subject to the terms of the transaction support agreement, dated as of May 15, 2023 (the "Transaction Support Agreement"), certain financial institutions (the "Backstop Parties") have each agreed to purchase at par its agreed percentage of an aggregate principal amount of New 1L Notes and/or New First Lien Term Loans such that the aggregate principal amount of New 1L Notes and New First Lien Term Loans on the Final Settlement Date equals $200.0 million (the "Backstop Commitment"). The New Issuer expects to loan the net proceeds, after paying transaction fees and expenses, including the Backstop Commitment fee and required repayments under the New Revolving Credit Facility, to the Company by way of an intercompany note. Subject to the terms of the New Revolving Credit Facility, we will be required to use cash in excess of a stated threshold to repay borrowings under the New Revolving Credit Facility. In connection with the consummation of the Refinancing Transactions, on June 9, 2023, the Company contributed, licensed, assigned or otherwise transferred certain intellectual property and consumer data assets to the New Issuer or its direct subsidiary. The consummation of the Exchange Offer on the Final Settlement Date is conditioned upon the satisfaction or waiver of the conditions set forth in an offering memorandum, dated as of May 15, 2023 (the "Offering Memorandum"). Subject to applicable securities laws and the terms set forth in the Offering Memorandum and in the Transaction Support Agreement, we reserve the right to waive any and all conditions to the Exchange Offer in our absolute and sole discretion, and may do so, subject to applicable securities laws, without reinstating withdrawal rights. Subject to the terms of the Transaction Support Agreement and applicable law, we reserve the right to extend or terminate the Exchange Offer in our sole and absolute discretion, and to otherwise amend or modify the Exchange Offer in any respect. The Exchange Offer is being made, and the New 1L Notes and the New 2L Notes, are being offered, and will be issued only: (i) to holders of Existing Notes who are (x) reasonably believed to be "qualified institutional buyers" (as defined in Rule 144A under the Securities Act of 1933 (the "Securities Act")) or (y) institutional "accredited investors" within the meaning of Rule 501(a)(1), (2), (3) or (7) of Regulation D under the Securities Act and (ii) outside the United States, to holders of Existing Notes who are not "U.S. persons" (as defined in Rule 902 under the Securities Act) in reliance on Regulation S of the Securities Act. The holders of Existing Notes who are eligible to participate in the Exchange Offer pursuant to at least one of the foregoing conditions are referred to as "eligible holders." The New Issuer is making the Exchange Offer and the Consent Solicitation only to eligible holders through, and pursuant to, the terms of the Offering Memorandum. The complete terms and conditions of the Exchange Offer are set forth in the Offering Memorandum. None of the Company, the New Issuer, the Guarantors (as defined in the Offering Memorandum), Epiq or any other person takes any position or makes any recommendation as to whether or not eligible holders should participate in the Exchange Offer or deliver Consents pursuant to the Consent Solicitation. Only eligible holders may receive a copy of the Offering Memorandum and participate in the Exchange Offer and the Consent Solicitation. We have retained Epiq to act as transaction agent for the Exchange Offer and Consent Solicitation. Holders of Existing Notes wishing to certify that they are eligible holders in order to be eligible to receive a copy of the Offering Memorandum should complete the eligibility letter and return it to Epiq as directed therein. Holders of Existing Notes may complete the eligibility letter on-line or obtain a PDF copy of the eligibility letter by following the link at https://epiqworkflow.com/cases/ShutterflyEL. The eligibility letter can be returned via the online portal or by emailing a scan of both pages of the fully completed letter to Epiq at [email protected] and referencing "Shutterfly" in the subject line. Once your response has been reviewed and cleared by Epiq, you will receive the Offering Memorandum from Epiq by email. This communication is for informational purposes only and does not constitute an offer to sell, or a solicitation of an offer to buy, any security and does not constitute an offer, solicitation or sale of any security in any jurisdiction in which such offer, solicitation or sale would be unlawful. The Exchange Offer is being made in reliance on the exemption from registration provided by Section 4(a)(2) of the Securities Act, has not been registered with the SEC and relies on exemptions under state securities laws. About Shutterfly Shutterfly and its family of brands make up one of the leading e-commerce companies for personalized products and custom design. Shutterfly and its family of brands are organized into three divisions: Consumer, Lifetouch and Shutterfly Business Solutions. Shutterfly is majority-owned by certain investment funds managed directly or indirectly by Apollo Global Management, Inc. and its subsidiaries and affiliates. Forward-Looking Statements This press release contains forward-looking statements, which involve risks and uncertainties. These forward-looking statements are generally identified by the use of forward-looking terminology, including the terms "anticipate," "believe," "continue," "could," "estimate," "expect," "intend," "likely," "may," "plan," "possible," "potential," "predict," "project," "should," "target," "will," "would" and, in each case, their negative or other various or comparable terminology. All statements other than statements of historical facts contained in this press release, including statements regarding the final settlement of the Exchange Offer and the funding of the Backstop Commitment, are forward-looking statements. These statements involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties, and other important factors that may cause our actual results, performance, or achievements to be materially different from any future results, performance, or achievements expressed or implied by these forward-looking statements. These risks, as well as other risks and uncertainties, include those detailed in the section "Risk Factors" included in the Offering Memorandum and in the Annual Report for the year ended December 31, 2022 of Photo Holdings, LLC (the "2022 Annual Report"), the indirect parent company of the Company and the New Issuer. Important factors that could cause our results to vary from expectations are set forth more fully in the Offering Memorandum and our 2022 Annual Report. Given these risks and uncertainties, readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on such forward-looking statements. We assume no obligation to update any of the forward-looking statements after the date of this press release or to compare these forward-looking statements to actual results. View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20230614469198/en/ [ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ] [June 14, 2023] Keller Rohrback L.L.P., Stoll Berne, Edelson PC: Portland Jury Awards Significant Damages Against PacifiCorp for Labor Day 2020 Fires in Class Action Lawsuit Tweet In a historic decision, a jury in Portland, Oregon has held PacifiCorp accountable for four devastating fires that swept across Oregon on Labor Day 2020. The jury's verdict found PacifiCorp responsible for the harm it caused to the 17 named plaintiffs-or "class representatives"-as well as to the broader class of approximately 5,000 individuals harmed by those fires. The verdict was handed down earlier this week after an intensive seven-week class action trial. On Monday, June 12, 2023, the jury found PacifiCorp directly responsible for damages the class incurred from four destructive fires: the Santiam Canyon Fire, the Echo Mountain Complex Fire, the South Obenchain Fire, and the 242 Fire. The jury found PacifiCorp acted negligently, grossly negligently, recklessly, and willfully with regard to the entire class, and directed PacifiCorp to pay between $3 million and $5.5 million in compensation paid to each of the named plaintiffs-totaling a compensatory damage award of more than $70 million. The remaining class members will be entitled to prove up their individual damages in a subsequent phase of the case. After the jury returned its verdict, the trial moved on to a determination of punitive damages, where the jury heard testimony through Tuesday, June 13, 2023. After deliberating, the jury today determined that PacifiCorp must pay punitive damages of .25 times the actual damages. This means that the 17 plaintiffs were collectively awarded at least $87 million, inclusive of the more than $70 million in damages already decided on Monday, June 12. Pursuant to Oregon law, we expect portions of the jury's award will be doubled post-trial. The decision on both liability and punitive damages is applicable to the entire class of approximately 5,000 survivors. As a result, the class members will automatically have their individual damage awards multiplied by 25%, potentially reaching billions in future compensation for the class. PacifiCorp argued in closing argument on Tuesday that punitive damages in this amount could result in $25B in total damages. The actual amount awarded to individual class members will be determined in subsequent phases. This verdict is believed to be the first time a jury has found a utility company liable to property owners in a wildfire case. When factoring in the damages available to the class, it would be the largest ciil jury verdict in Oregon history. Plaintiffs and the class are represented by the Court-appointed Lead Counsel: Stoll Berne, Keller Rohrback LLP, and Edelson PC. They were assisted by Eugene-based Johnson Johnson Lucas & Middleton, PC. Lead Counsel provided the following statements: "Finally, years after these fires, Oregonians have answers and these fire survivors have accountability. The jury confirmed what plaintiffs have long alleged: PacifiCorp is responsible for these four fires that burned thousands of properties across the state," said Matthew Preusch, a partner at Keller Rohrback LLP. "The jury's verdict is extremely gratifying after PacifiCorp refused to accept responsibility for any of the damages caused by its incompetence and utter disregard for people and property on Labor Day 2020," said Cody Berne, lead trial attorney for Stoll Berne in the case. "We are gratified by the jury award and hope it sends a clear message to PacifiCorp's executives: No matter how large or well-resourced you are, the time for denial and delay is over. The path to justice may be long, but your accountability is inevitable," said Nick Rosinia, head of Edelson's Trial Group. "Our clients feel heard and vindicated. This jury's verdict, holding PacifiCorp accountable, is so important to them and all Oregonians," said Derek Johnson, Senior Partner at Johnson Johnson Lucas & Middleton, PC. The case is officially named Jeanyne James, et al. v. PacifiCorp et al., No. 20CV33885 (Multnomah County Circuit Court, Oregon). Further information about this procedure and the class action trial is available at www.PacifiCorpFireLitigation.com. To seek additional information, fire survivors may contact Lead Counsel by dialing 503-217-6722 or 888-607-5808, or by emailing [email protected]. Press may contact [email protected] for additional information. About Lead Counsel Keller Rohrback L.L.P. Keller Rohrback, with offices in Seattle, Portland, Phoenix, Oakland, Missoula, New York, and Santa Barbara, serves as lead and co-lead counsel in class actions throughout the country. The team of environmental litigators has a long history of successful representation in a wide range of important environmental litigation. They have helped protect people and the environment across the country, with judgments and settlements on behalf of clients exceeding $75 billion dollars. Stoll Berne Stoll Berne, based in Portland, Oregon, represents plaintiffs nationwide in complex environmental, securities and other class action lawsuits. Recently, Stoll Berne represented the State of Oregon in obtaining a $698 million settlement in a PCB contamination lawsuit against Monsanto. Edelson PC From cases involving environmental pollution, wildfires, the opioid epidemic and NCAA head injuries, to exposing plaintiff's lawyer Tom Girardi's multi-decade Ponzi scheme, Edelson is consistently recognized as a leader in high-stakes class and mass action plaintiff's work. As lead counsel, the firm has recovered over $5 billion in settlements and judgments in the last two years, with its overall settlements and judgments surpassing $45 billion. Edelson PC has offices in Chicago, San Francisco, Boulder, CO, Washington, D.C., and Ann Arbor, Michigan. Johnson Johnson Lucas & Middleton, PC Based in Eugene, Oregon, the firm has represented individuals in catastrophic injury, employment, civil rights and workers comp cases since 1982. We represent individuals and prosecute cases to hold wrongdoers accountable. View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20230614634863/en/ [ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ] [June 14, 2023] llaollao, the Spanish frozen yoghurt brand that is a huge hit in Malaysia Tweet llaollao, the leading frozen yoghurt company with 320 points of sale worldwide, has grown by 55.7% in Malaysia since 2022 and continues to strengthen its presence in the country following the opening of its 100th store. The company continues to consolidate its position as the Spanish food outlet brand with the strongest presence in Malaysia . llaollao aims to reach 130 store openings nationwide by the end of 2023, making Asia the brand's second most important market after Spain . KUALA LUMPUR, Malaysia, June 15, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- llaollao, the leading Spanish frozen yoghurt brand with an international presence, has reached a new milestone: more than 320 stores worldwide. The company recently celebrated the opening of its 100th store in Malaysia and has increased the number of points of sale by 55.7% since 2022. The company plans to further strengthen its presence in this country and aims to reach 130 stores by the end of 2023. llaollao's success lies not only in its exquisite taste, but also its commitment to quality and authenticity. Using only carefully selected premium quality natural ingredients, llaollao has created a delicious and healthy frozen yoghurt that captures the essence of Spanish gastronomy in each and every one of its products. Since its arrival in Malaysia, the company has managed to consolidate its presence thanks to the high brand recognition, confidence and loyalty of the local consumers. During these years, the brand has notched up major milestones such as the opening f its first flagship store in the exclusive Pavilion KL shopping mall and the recent opening of its 100th store in Malaysia. To celebrate the opening of this store located in Kajang Metro Point Complex in Selangor, a Froyo Party was organised in Pavilion KL from 6 to 11 June with various activities. The solid growth of llaollao's projects has cemented its status as the Spanish food outlet brand with the strongest presence in Malaysia, resulting in a 55.7% increase in the number of points of sale since 2022. In addition, in the coming months the brand will further strengthen its presence in the country with the opening of six more stores. "The choice of locations for the opening of new stores is very important for the company. Malaysia is a very special market for us, because despite being more than 11,000 kilometres away we feel that our customers trust us. We feel right at home here, and at the same time we feel 100% llaollao, no doubt thanks to our master franchisees and strategic partners, who are key to the success and development of the brand in Malaysia," said Pedro Espinosa, CEO of llaollao. The company arrived in Asia in 2013 after it opened its first franchise in Singapore. Since then, Asia has become its second most important market after Spain, thanks to its more than 150 points of sale located throughout the region. llaollao is also present in other Asian countries such as Indonesia, the Philippines, Vietnam, Saudi Arabia, Myanmar and Brunei. "Asia has become the second most important market for llaollao, and not only because of our presence in terms of points of sale, (in the coming months we plan to reach 130 stores in Malaysia) but also because we have positioned ourselves as a leisure option in itself thanks to the quality of our product, our brand spirit and llaollao's ability to adapt to each market with its different culture and habits," Espinosa added. llaollao has already sold more than 100 million tubs around the world and has more than 320 points of sale worldwide. In relation to its internationalisation plans outside Asia, the brand also recently celebrated important milestones such as its arrival in Oceania and South America, where it will soon be opening in Bolivia. What is llaollao? llaollao is the leading frozen yoghurt sale and manufacturing brand in the sector. Pioneers for the development of the frozen yoghurt concept in Spain, since we started out in 2009 we have based our success on three pillars: quality, commitment and innovation. Each llaollao tub is made using premium milk and yoghurt. The result is a natural, healthy, gluten-free probiotic frozen yoghurt with a unique texture and taste. And all with outstanding customer service and full commitment to our consumers, who we always listen to in order to offer products that are not only the best but also the most innovative. All this has led to us opening more than 300 points of sale worldwide, with more than 130 in Spain and over 190 more all over the world. View original content:https://www.prnewswire.com/apac/news-releases/llaollao-the-spanish-frozen-yoghurt-brand-that-is-a-huge-hit-in-malaysia-301850919.html SOURCE llaollao [ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ] [June 14, 2023] Cloudwall and Wavebridge sign a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) Tweet SINGAPORE, June 15, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Cloudwall, the leading provider of digital asset risk management tools, and Wavebridge, a top-tier institutional digital asset company with expertise in both traditional and crypto finance, have signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) to collaborate on identifying new business opportunities in the digital asset risk management space and seek ways to collaborate each firm's products and solutions. Wavebridge is considering ways to integrate Cloudwall's 'Serenity digital asset risk platform' into its forthcoming institutional-grade digital asset solution 'Dolfin'. This partnership reaffirms the commitment to expand both Company's capabilities in further enhancing risk management tools for the digital assets industry. Kyle Downey , CEO of Cloudwall said "We are delighted that Wavebridge has recognized the importance of digital asset risk management with this announcement. Cloudwall believes access to sophisticated risk models and tools is essential for asset managers in crypto, and we are devoted to building world-class models and toolsfor the industry, globally." "Due to the high volatility of the crypto market, it has become ever more important for investors to assess investment risk by precisely understanding the correlation between market risk factors. We are inclined to further work on enhancing risk management technology practices for potential investors," said Jongwook Oh, CEO of Wavebridge. About Cloudwall Founded in 2021, Cloudwall ( https://cloudwall.tech ) is a digital asset risk specialist founded by a team of engineers, quants and capital markets specialists devoted to providing institutional investors insights into their portfolios to help guard against risks and capture opportunities. The company's platform, Serenity, offers an institutional-grade risk platform with a full suite of risk models tuned for digital assets. About Wavebridge Established in November 2018, Wavebridge(https://wavebridge.com/en) is a top-tier institutional digital asset company with expertise in both traditional and crypto finance. Wavebridge connects traditional finance with digital assets to provide an array of untapped investment opportunities. With a visionary mindset and a focus on trust, Wavebridge strives to design the next dimension of finance. By bridging the gap between digital and traditional finance, Wavebridge helps you enter the digital asset market in a safe and convenient way. View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/apac/news-releases/cloudwall-and-wavebridge-sign-a-memorandum-of-understanding-mou-301850829.html SOURCE Cloudwall [ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ] Burke, Williams & Sorensen Adds Five Members to Construction Law Practice Burke, Williams & Sorensen, LLP is pleased to announce that the following attorneys have joined the firm's Construction Law practice: Kevin O. McCarthy, Bryce D. Carroll, Craig A. Kisylia, Andrew R. Bogard, and Danielle E. Potestio. Partners McCarthy and Carroll, as well as associates Kisylia, Bogard, and Potestio, all transitioned from Oles Morrison Rinker & Baker LLP and are based in Burke's Oakland office. This team will continue to represent and advise California general contractors, developers, subcontractors, and owners in corporate/construction risk management, asset protection, bid management, contract negotiation, pre-claims issues, and construction defect litigation matters. Burke Managing Partner John J. Welsh highlighted, "Burke welcomes these five highly proven construction law practitioners. This expansion reflects Burke's compelling market position and a succeeding growth model." Welsh also noted that the expansion of the firm's Construction Law bench is a direct consequence of expanding client demand in this sector. Burke, Williams & Sorensen, LLP is a California limited liability law partnership with 155 member attorneys. Our mission is to provide clients with creative, results oriented, and cost effective legal services within the complex environment in which they function. We view ourselves as problem solvers and legal strategists, not simply compliance monitors and reciters of the law. Burke has ten practice groups: Public Law; Labor and Employment Law; Eminent Domain and Inverse Condemnation; Construction Law; Litigation; Environmental, Land Use and Natural Resources; Real Estate and Business Law; Insurance Coverage and Litigation; Intellectual Property; and Education Law. Each practice focuses on the professional development of member attorneys and on providing advisory services tailored to the needs of both public and private clients. With regional offices in the Inland Empire, Palm Desert, Los Angeles, Marin County, Oakland, Orange County, San Diego, San Francisco, Silicon Valley, and Ventura County, as well with the added support of advanced communications technology, Burke can easily be where our California situated clients need us to be. For more information, please visit www.bwslaw.com and https://www.linkedin.com/company/burke-williams-&-sorensen/about/?viewAsMember=true View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20230614480032/en/ By Siyi Liu and Dominique Patton YICHUN, China (Reuters) - Down a steep dirt road from the Baishi Huashan lithium mine in southern China, trucks laden with silvery grey ore rumble towards a cluster of smelters in the valley below that have sprung up to cash in on the electric vehicle battery boom. The city of Yichun, China's most prospective region for lithium, is ground zero in the country's push to cut its reliance on imports of the metal for its battery industry, which makes three-quarters of the world's lithium-ion batteries. Mining the metal from a rock called lepidolite, Yichun aims to quadruple its output to about 350,000 metric tons of lithium carbonate equivalent (LCE) by 2025, or as much as the world's top exporter Australia produced last year. However, with much higher production costs than other Chinese mining regions, Yichun is the most vulnerable to the recent global fall in lithium prices, raising questions about how it will meet its target. At the same time, concern is growing about the environmental impact of extracting lithium ore from lepidolite, which has already led Yichun authorities to shut some plants, further challenging the country's drive for self-reliance. Monthly output in Yichun has fallen by about a third after China moved to rein in a chaotic rush into the sector, while Beijing also slashed EV subsidies, which hit lithium demand and hammered prices. "Many investments in Yichun are now at risk after prices fell this year," said Yang Yaohua, an analyst at Guosen Futures. With global lithium demand forecast to grow 76% to 1.57 million metric tons LCE between 2022 and 2025, according to Australian bank Macquarie, and China dependent on imports for 55% of its lithium, Beijing wants to boost domestic output. Yichun, a city of 5 million people surrounded by forest-covered mountains rich with lepidolite, is leading that push. By the end of last year, 202 companies, including battery giants CATL and Gotion High Tech, had invested in the city's smelters and mines, according to Yichun's website. COST CHALLENGE For battery materials makers, Yichun's location is its main attraction. Its mines are more accessible than the brine lakes on China's western plateaus and the spodumene rock in southwestern Sichuan province. To draw investment, the city has rolled out a raft of sweeteners in recent years, targeting 500,000 metric tons a year of lithium carbonate production from lepidolite and other sources. It has supported mine development by taking stakes in mining companies to help battery materials makers that do not have mines overseas like those owned by China's top lithium producers Ganfeng Lithium and Tianqi Lithium. By comparison, development in other lithium-rich regions is far behind. "There are very few battery precursor makers in Qinghai, and the brine lake production in Qinghai and Tibet plateau areas can be very limited during extremely cold winter weather," said Arena Yang, a Shanghai-based battery metals analyst at CRU. However, Yichun faces a big cost disadvantage. Separating lithium from lepidolite can cost as much as 100,000 yuan per metric ton, compared to 40,000-50,000 yuan for brine and 50,000-60,000 yuan for spodumene, analysts said. The cost difference was manageable until lithium prices plunged after Beijing cut EV subsidies this year. "The higher costs are concerning, especially if lithium prices remain on a downtrend," said Yang, the Guosen analyst. He sees lithium prices falling to 100,000 yuan as soon as next year from 320,000 yuan currently because of a looming global surplus. 'NATURAL RESOURCES CHAOS' Further dimming the outlook for lepidolite, environmental damage is a growing concern. Along the road to the Baishi mine, red banners implore: "Unite to crack down on natural resources chaos". Lepidolite extraction and smelting produces toxic by-products like thallium and tantalum that cause severe water pollution, said Wu Wei, an assistant professor at Xiamen University. Yichun authorities have already found toxic substances in the Jin River, according to media reports. Eric Norris, president of Energy Storage at the world's top lithium miner Albemarle Corp, said miners in the U.S. would never be allowed to do the kind of processing seen in China for lepidolite. "It comes at a huge environmental cost," Norris told Reuters in an interview. In December, Yongxing Special Materials Technology said production at a subsidiary's plant in Yichun was suspended for 10 days while authorities investigated abnormal water quality found in the Jin River. Around the same time, Chinese media outlet The Paper said Yongxing's plant was among four Yichun factories that suspended output after high levels of thallium were found in water samples from the river, a main source of water supply in the area. Reuters has not independently confirmed the pollution incidents. Yongxing did not respond to emailed questions. Yichun government's news department did not answer several calls. Jiangxi provincial government's news department did not respond to a request for comment. By 2025, if Yichun reached its target of 500,000 metric tons a year of lithium carbonate output, it would produce about 10 million tons of tailings, said Lv Jun, director of Yichun's lithium battery new energy industry development centre. That would be more than ten times the current tailings handling capacity in Yichun, said Ma Jun, director at the Institute of Public & Environmental Affairs (IPE), a non-profit organisation in Beijing, citing public information. "Previously, local environmental supervision was not strict. As it gets stricter now, lithium resources in Yichun will lose their competitiveness with the higher costs for environmental protection," Ma said. For now, many companies are forging ahead, while seeking better control over costs, said Vicky Zhao, senior analyst at Fastmarkets. But questions linger over Yichun's ambitions. UBS analysts see China's supply of lithium from lepidolite tripling to 280,000 metric tons, or 13% of global supply, between 2022 and 2025, well short of Yichun's target. "Unless lepidolite producers find a way to solve the environment and costs issues via technology innovation and industry upgrade, it will remain a second choice to spodumene," said Li Qi, an analyst at British consultancy Benchmark Mineral Intelligence. ($1 = 7.1418 Chinese yuan renminbi) (Reporting by Siyi Liu and Dominique Patton; Additional reporting by Beijing Newsroom and Ernest Scheyder in Houston; Editing by Tony Munroe and Sonali Paul) [June 14, 2023] llaollao, the Spanish frozen yoghurt brand that is making waves in Indonesia Tweet llaollao, the leading Spanish frozen yoghurt company with 320 points of sale worldwide, has expanded the number of stores in Indonesia this year by 77%. llaollao is continuing to strengthen its presence in the country and is close to doubling the number of stores since 2022. The brand continues to grow in Asia , the second most important market for the company after Spain . At the forefront of this growth are Malaysia , Singapore and Indonesia , three of its most important international markets. JAKARTA, Indonesia, June 15, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- The leading Spanish frozen yoghurt brand llaollao has reached a new milestone: over 300 points of sale worldwide. The company recently announced a 77% increase in the number of stores in Indonesia since 2022 after it opened a total of 10 new stores, and it is closing in on the milestone of doubling the number of points of sale in Indonesia since 2022. The success of this Spanish brand lies not only in its exquisite taste, but also its commitment to quality and authenticity. Using only carefully selected premium quality natural ingredients, llaollao has created a delicious and healthy frozen yoghurt that captures the essence of Spanish gastronomy. Indonesia has been a land of opportunity for some years now, establishing itself as the 16th largest economy in the world and the largest in Southeast Asia. llaollao's arrival in Indonesia in 2015 was an important step in the Spanish company's international expansion process. It recently grew to a total of 23 stores across the country, a 77% increase since 2022. As a result of this major commitment the company will soon double the nmber of stores it has in Indonesia. "During these nearly eight years in Indonesia, we've been delighted to see how llaollao has consolidated its presence both economically and in terms of brand recognition. The company is currently working on defining and implementing a strategic growth and expansion plan, which would be inconceivable without the support and confidence of our partners. Fortunately, our partners respect and appreciate the brand the same way we do in Spain, which means we will no doubt keep on growing and opening new stores to bring the quality of llaollao's products to all Indonesians," said Pedro Espinosa, CEO of llaollao. The company arrived in Asia in 2013 after it opened its first franchise in Singapore. Since then, Asia has become its second most important market after Spain thanks to its more than 150 points of sale throughout the region. Coinciding with the opening of the first stores in Indonesia, llaollao continued to strengthen its presence in Asia by establishing itself in Malaysia. The company has been on the up in this country ever since, with unique projects such as the opening of its first flagship store. The Spanish brand has grown by 55.7% in Malaysia since 2022 and recently celebrated the opening of its 100th store. It also plans to further strengthen its presence in this country and aims to reach 130 stores by the end of 2023. In addition to Indonesia and Malaysia, llaollao also has a strong presence in other Asian countries such as the Philippines, Vietnam, Saudi Arabia, Myanmar and Brunei. "Asia has become the second most important market for llaollao, not only because of our presence in terms of points of sale (in Indonesia we will soon double the number of stores since last year) but also because we have positioned ourselves as a leisure option in itself thanks to the quality of our product, our brand spirit and llaollao's ability to adapt to each market with its different culture and habits," added Espinosa. llaollao has already sold more than 100 million tubs around the world and has more than 320 points of sale worldwide. In relation to its internationalisation plans outside Asia, the brand also recently notched up important milestones such as its arrival in Oceania and South America, where it will soon be opening in Bolivia. What is llaollao? llaollao is the leading frozen yoghurt sale and manufacturing brand in the sector. Pioneers for the development of the frozen yoghurt concept in Spain, since we started out in 2009 we have based our success on three pillars: quality, commitment and innovation. Each llaollao tub is made using premium milk and yoghurt. The result is a natural, healthy, gluten-free probiotic frozen yoghurt with a unique texture and taste. And all with outstanding customer service and full commitment to our consumers, who we always listen to in order to offer products that are not only the best but also the most innovative. All this has led to us opening more than 300 points of sale worldwide, with more than 130 in Spain and over 190 more all over the world. View original content:https://www.prnewswire.com/apac/news-releases/llaollao-the-spanish-frozen-yoghurt-brand-that-is-making-waves-in-indonesia-301851346.html SOURCE llaollao [ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ] [June 15, 2023] Arqit: Consortium delivers world's first cross-border quantum-secure digital trade transaction Tweet LONDON, June 15, 2023 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- An international consortium of industry and technical experts, supported by government, business and other organisations have completed the worlds first quantum-secure cross-border electronic trade document transaction, delivering a verifiable, secure, and legally recognisable solution for future digital trade transactions. This significant step forward in the journey to fully digital international trade will make international trade cheaper, simpler, faster and more sustainable. The successful pilot, orchestrated by the International Chamber of Commerce UK and Centre for Digital Trade and Innovation (C4DTI) on behalf of the UK Government, and supported by the Singapore Government agency the Infocomm Media Development Authority (IMDA), saw sample building products transported from the United Kingdom to Singapore using traditional paper documentation, but also electronic trade documents, including an electronic bill of lading (eBL) and a digital promissory note, simultaneously reconciled using a Distributed Ledger (DLT) in both jurisdictions. IMDAs TradeTrust framework, which is fully compliant with the UNs Model Law on Electronic Transferable Records (MLETR) and allows end users to transfer, indorse, and verify documents and effect title transfer across different digital platforms seamlessly, was utilised in the eBL flow of the transaction. A quantum-secure seal was placed around the electronic trade documents using Arqits symmetric key agreement and quantum notary technology, ensuring that the documents were protected from current and future cyber threats including the risk posed by quantum computers. The shipment was live tracked, and the condition of its contents was monitored throughout the journey using low-cost, secure IoT (Internet of Things) technology developed at the AESE Laboratory, Imperial College London, led by Professor Julie McCann and supported by the PETRAS National Centre of Excellence for IoT Systems Cyber Security and the UKRI Impact Initiative Account (UKRI-IAA). A tamper resistant digital record of the location and state of the physical goods was minted onto an NFT by Database of Native Assets Ltd (DNA), using the IoT sensors and Kadena blockchain technology to provide additional security for the shipment in transit. The pre-existing shipment, used as a basis for the pilot, was dispatched by water management systems component manufacturer Permavoid Limited (part of the Genuit Group) to Singapore. Specialist consultancy AG Midgley Ltd established and chaired the consortium from inception to completion, with legal guidance and advice being provided by energy and transport law firm Watson Farley & Williams LP (WFW) in London and Singapore in association with Wong Tan & Molly Lim LLC (WTL). As part of the project, the use of the electronic trade documents is the subject of legal review by WFW who has advised that the eBL and digital promissory note used in the project satisfy the requirements of the UKs Electronic Trade Documents Bill as regards possession and transfer of possession. WFW Singapore in association with WTL will advise on the application of Singapores Electronic Trade Act. Both pieces of legislation are based on the UNs MLETR being enacted globally. Nick Davies, Director of the Centre for Digital Trade and Innovation, said: C4DTI, part of the International Chamber of Commerce UK, was very pleased to be part of this ground-breaking pilot and is grateful to all the consortium members who volunteered to be part of it and base it on a real-world international transaction. It provides a great example of how digitalisation can remove friction from trade between the UK and Singapore and is a practical demonstration of the improvements that are achievable under the terms of MLETR-type legislation and the negotiation of good, effective Digital Economy Agreements, such as that agreed between the UK and Singapore. Loh Sin Yong, Director of TradeTrust, IMDA, said: As part of Singapores partnership with the UK to promote adoption of cross-border paperless trade, we are excited to support this industry-driven pilot. We believe the pilot has helped to demonstrate how the TradeTrust framework is able to aid solutions to be compliant with MLETR requirements for Electronic Transferable Records such as electronic Bills of Lading. IMDA will continue to work with public and private sector to help push for the digitalisation of global trade. Dr Barry Childe, Arqit CIO and Co-Founder, said: Distributed ledger technology enables organisations to create unique, referenceable and transferable digital finance instruments, which offer significant advantages over paper-based alternatives. Arqit was proud to be the lead partner in this important project and to use our first-of-its-kind quantum-safe encryption technology to secure the transaction. The MLETR being enacted internationally ushers in an era of digital transformation in financial services, but you cannot invest in long term transformation that is not secure against quantum attack. We believe that Arqit alone can deliver that. Douglas Jakobi, DNA Co-Founder, said: DNA is proud to collaborate with Arqit and Imperial College London on the ICC UK and C4DTI pilot program, and to have built a cutting edge end-to-end solution that will revolutionise international trade. At DNA, we make the power & security of the blockchain accessible to mainstream use cases with a simple to use tokenisation platform that bridges the physical and digital worlds. About Arqit Arqit?supplies a unique quantum safe encryption Platform-as-a-Service which makes the communications links or data at rest of any networked device or cloud machine secure against current and future forms of attack even from a quantum computer. Arqits?product,?QuantumCloud, enables any device to download a lightweight software agent, which can create encryption keys in partnership with any number of other devices. The keys are computationally secure, optionally one-time use and zero trust.? QuantumCloud?can create limitless volumes of keys in limitless group sizes and can regulate the secure entrance and exit of a device in a group. The addressable market for?QuantumCloud?is every connected device.? Arqit was recently awarded the Innovation in Cyber award at the UK National Cyber Awards and Cyber Security Software Company of the Year Award at the UK Cyber Security Awards. www.arqit.uk Media relations enquiries: Arqit: [email protected] Gateway: [email protected] Investor relations enquiries: Arqit: [email protected] Gateway: [email protected] [ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ] [June 15, 2023] Awqaf Real Estate Management & Services Selects Yardi's End-to-End Property Management & Investment Platform Tweet Investment manager to utilise cloud-based solution to streamline processes and help manage mixed portfolio RIYADH, Saudi Arabia, June 15, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Awqaf Real Estate Management & Services (ARMS), has selected Yardi as its property management and investment platform. ARMS will implement solutions from Yardi's end-to-end platform, including the Yardi Commercial Suite and Yardi Residential Suite. Yardi's single platform will help ARMS manage I ts mixed portfolio, improve visibility into its data, allow for easier budgeting and forecasting and remove the need for disparate systems. Yardi will also centralise operational, financial, leasing and maintenance management for its portfolio in a single database, helping ARMS with its goal of achieving the highest levels of governance and internal control. "By leveraging Yardi's technology, we can enhance our portfolio management capabilities and effectively achive our goal of optimising real estate portfolio performance," said Thear Alajmi, Director of Company Branches and Customer Services for ARMS. "Yardi's end-to-end solution provides everything in one platform, which will allow us to save time and move away from manual processes so we can provide the best interest to the endowments managed by ARMS." "Yardi's cloud-based solution provides a central location for ARMS to manage complexities, gain better reporting and see a clear overview of all properties within its mixed portfolio," said Neal Gemassmer, vice president of international for Yardi. "It is great to see Yardi continue to grow and help clients in Saudi Arabia and we look forward to working with ARMS." See how Yardi can help you achieve your goals for property management with our award-winning, end-to-end solution. About ARMS ARMS, a subsidiary company of Awqaf Investment Company "AIC" the investment arm of the General Authority for Awqaf "GAA", work to develop investment mechanisms for endowments managed by GAA, diversify the investment portfolio, and develop the investment strategy through the management and operation of endowments affiliated to GAA; real estate investment and development of endowments for the benefit of the endowment or GAA; and investment in securities through the management of portfolios and funds. For more information, visit awqaf.com.sa. About Yardi Yardi develops industry-leading software for all types and sizes of real estate companies across the world. With over 8,500 employees, Yardi is working with our clients to drive significant innovation in the real estate industry. For more information on how Yardi is Energised for Tomorrow, visit yardi.ae. Logo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/737275/Yardi_Logo.jpg Photo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2102435/Awqaf_Investment.jpg View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.co.uk/news-releases/awqaf-real-estate-management--services-selects-yardis-end-to-end-property-management--investment-platform-301851376.html [ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ] [June 15, 2023] Jindal Stainless Selects Dassault Systemes' Solutions to Boost Operational and Delivery Efficiencies Tweet Dassault Systemes (Euronext Paris: FR0014003TT8, DSY.PA) today announced that Jindal Stainless Limited (JSL), the leading stainless steel manufacturer in India, will deploy Dassault Systemes' solutions to strengthen its production planning, scheduling and execution processes and better meet customer demand. Having recently expanded and doubled its production capacity at two facilities to 2.9 million tons of steel per year, JSL can seamlessly manage end-to-end production and operations by adopting an integrated and fully automated approach. Stainless steel manufacturing is a complex, made-to-order sector. Delivering reliable performance to meet customer targets requires agile, transparent ways to plan, use resources, leverage real-time information from the shop floor, quickly balance capacity, and make accurate predictions while maintaining high quality standards. JSL will deploy Dassault Systemes' "Operations Planning and Scheduling Excellence" industry solution experience based on the 3DEXPERIENCE platform, which leverages DELMIA applications, to optimize these processes virtually. JSL can reduce costs and improve efficiency in order to realize significant benefits like reducing lead time by 10%-15% and work-in-progress inventory by 8%-10%. Through this deployment, JSL aims to strengthen its position in core sectors like automotive and infrastructure while expanding its activity in the lifestyle, aerospace and defense sectors in a sustainable way. Virtual twin experiences enable JSL to minimize its carbon footprint by reducing product diversions and quality rejections. "This is another bold step towards creatively demolishing legacy systems and adopting new models of digitalization and automation," said Abhyuday Jindal, Managing Director, JSL. "A few years ago,we were the first organization in the Indian stainless steel industry to front-end the entire customer journey with us. Now we are working towards a 360-degree integration of different operational technologies with real-time dashboards to enable faster decision making. This aligns with our vision to diversify, expand, and drive long-term growth and innovation in stainless steel. The DELMIA Quintiq and Apriso deployment is a key enabler for us in this journey." "Dassault Systemes' solutions support the sustainable production of steel by innovative customers like Jindal Stainless Limited," said Corinne Bulota, Vice President, Infrastructure, Energy and Materials Industry, Dassault Systemes. "By using our industry solution experiences and DELMIA Quintiq and Apriso applications, JSL benefits from a single source of truth that brings real-time visibility, simulation and optimization capabilities. The virtual twin experience of JSL's production systems helps JSL improve operational efficiency and product quality significantly, and facilitates data-driven, fast decisions for the decarbonization of steelmaking." ### FOR MORE INFORMATION Dassault Systemes' 3DEXPERIENCE platform, 3D design software, 3D Digital Mock Up and Product Lifecycle Management (PLM) solutions: http://www.3ds.com SHARE THIS ON TWITTER Jindal Stainless selects @Dassault3DS to boost operational and delivery efficiencies #3DEXPERIENCE Connect with Dassault Systemes on Twitter Facebook LinkedIn Youtube ABOUT DASSAULT SYSTEMES Dassault Systemes, the 3DEXPERIENCE Company, is a catalyst for human progress. We provide business and people with collaborative virtual environments to imagine sustainable innovations. By creating virtual twin experiences of the real world with our 3DEXPERIENCE platform and applications, our customers can redefine the creation, production and life-cycle-management processes of their offer and thus have a meaningful impact to make the world more sustainable. The beauty of the Experience Economy is that it is a human-centered economy for the benefit of all -consumers, patients and citizens. Dassault Systemes brings value to more than 300,000 customers of all sizes, in all industries, in more than 150 countries. For more information, visit www.3ds.com Dassault Systemes. All rights reserved. 3DEXPERIENCE, the 3DS logo, the Compass icon, IFWE, 3DEXCITE, 3DVIA, BIOVIA, CATIA, CENTRIC PLM, DELMIA, ENOVIA, GEOVIA, MEDIDATA, NETVIBES, OUTSCALE, SIMULIA and SOLIDWORKS are commercial trademarks or registered trademarks of Dassault Systemes, a European company (Societas Europaea) incorporated under French law, and registered with the Versailles trade and companies registry under number 322 306 440, or its subsidiaries in the United States and/or other countries. View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20230614661032/en/ [ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ] [June 15, 2023] Startup Island TAIWAN x AWS Startups' Exclusive "Rethinking Workshop" Returns to Empower Startup Communities and Help Break Through Innovation Bottlenecks. TAIPEI, June 15, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Startup Island TAIWAN and the cloud computing leader Amazon Web Services (AWS) team collaborated once again and successfully held the second 'Rethinking Workshop' on June 13th at One&Co, JR East Group's co-working space in Taipei. The workshop was primarily invitation-based, and participating teams included Asian Silicon Valley Development Agency (ASVDA), Startup Terrace, StarFab Accelerator, Social Innovation Lab, TAcc+, Taipei Computer Association, and other entrepreneurial institutions. The AWS Rethinking Workshop invited startup community partners to gain a deeper nderstanding of Amazon's innovative culture and personally experience Amazon's 'Working Backward' methodology. The knowledge and insights gained from this workshop will be shared with more startup teams in the future, assisting startup companies in effectively addressing challenges, enhancing innovation capabilities, and accelerating the development of products and services. Startup Island TAIWAN is dedicated to bridging Taiwanese startups with international opportunities, serving as a vital support system for fostering growth in the industry. They actively collaborate with international partners to provide startup teams with global perspectives, fostering their growth. Through the establishment of the startup national team, NEXT BIG, Startup Island TAIWAN is actively promoting Taiwanese startups in the international market. Following the success of the second workshop with AWS, Startup Island TAIWAN is committed to continuing to forge partnerships with international collaborators and organizing future events and workshops. Stay informed about the latest news and updates by visiting Startup Island TAIWAN's website and Facebook page . View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/apac/news-releases/startup-island-taiwan-x-aws-startups-exclusive-rethinking-workshop-returns-to-empower-startup-communities-and-help-break-through-innovation-bottlenecks-301851706.html SOURCE Startup Island TAIWAN [June 15, 2023] Digital health start-up Capreolos GmbH launches Ready4OP app to support patients before major surgical procedures Tweet Capreolos' first product, the Ready4OP app, is a digital patient companion for preparing for major operations in the chest and abdomen and is based on longstanding surgical expertise, as well as broad scientific and clinical know-how Ready4OP supports patients with comprehensive knowledge about major surgical interventions thus providing more security in doctor consultations The app is available free of charge in the Apple Appstore and in the Google Playstore FRANKFURT and BAD VILBEL, Germany, June 15, 2023 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Capreolos GmbH (formerly Patronus Health GmbH), the developer of an interactive, app-based surgery prehabilitation program for patients, doctors, and clinics, today announced the official launch of its first product, the Ready4OP app. The digital companion supports patients preparing for major operations. Capreolos provides evidence based, scientifically sound information and useful facts about surgery and hospital stays. The Ready4OP app also provides a guide to questions for doctor-patient discussions. It is intended to help patients and their care givers to optimally prepare for the first consultation with their surgeon. In everyday medical practice, general practitioners and other non-surgical specialists are often unable to fully cover all the relevant information and provide this support to their patients. Prof. Andreas Schnitzbauer, Chief Executive Officer of Capreolos GmbH and Deputy Clinic Director of the Clinic for General and Visceral Surgery at the University Hospital Frankfurt, emphasized: Through many years of surgical experience, we know that up to two in three people have problems finding reliable and understandable health information. This is especially true before major cancer surgeries but often begins with a diagnosis. Many patients are unable to correctly interpret the consequences of an illness on their health and find it difficult to ask their doctor the right questions. In addition, the stressful daily demands of physicians can make it a challenge to recognize the varying levels of knowledge and health literacy of patients. Doctors cannot assume specialist knowledge on the patient side. Tis is where the Ready4OP app comes in, providing a digital patient textbook. By empowering patients, our app strengthens autonomy in dealing with medical documents and communicating with specialized doctors. Charlotte Detemble, Chief Operating Officer of Capreolos GmbH and physician at the University Hospital Frankfurt, said: As a doctor, I want patients to be able to discuss their upcoming surgery with me and my colleagues in a meaningful way. The Ready4OP app helps patients to be well prepared. This is just our first step: Capreolos aims to support the whole process of prehabilitation: we focus on the time prior to surgery, on optimally preparing the patient by providing delivering knowledge, promoting strength, mobility, and endurance, as well as supporting optimal nutrition and mental well-being. We know from numerous scientific studies that prehabilitation reduces the need for expensive treatment of complications after surgery, and thus not only contributes to significantly better patient outcomes, but also to cost savings in the healthcare system. Capreolos was established to become the first source of information on prehabilitation for doctors and patients, i.e. the best possible preparation for major operations. Dr. Dora Zmuc, Chief Business Development Officer at Capreolos and originator of the idea behind the Ready4OP app, explained: The Ready4OP app is our first product in a still young market. We designed the app as a living platform that allows for quick adjustments and the addition of new modules in the shortest time possible. It can incorporate ideas from patients, doctors, and even other stakeholders. The Ready4OP app is the first step taken by Capreolos GmbH to build a comprehensive prehabilitation program. The Ready4OP app is available free of charge in the Apple Appstore and in the Google Playstore. It is a learning tool for patients before major surgeries. In addition to interventions in the case of cancer in the abdomen, thorax or breast, it also includes bariatric (weight-reducing) interventions in overweight people or hernia repairs after previous surgeries operations. The digital patient textbook uses 9 categories and 52 subcategories and includes information on how to best communicate with your doctor and how to easily understand complicated facts, how patients can best prepare in the weeks before the procedure (prehabilitation) and what the procedure process before and after the hospital stay can look like. About Capreolos GmbH Capreolos GmbH (formerly Patronus Health GmbH) is a digital health start-up that aims to give patients and doctors access to structured prehabilitation measures before major surgeries. Based on scientific evidence and medical excellence, Capreolos wants to be pioneers in terms of quality of care and patient safety, while at the same time strengthening patient autonomy. The company received the E-Health Award from the State of Hesse in September 2021 for this approach. Capreolos was founded by three active clinicians with proven expertise in business finance, patient safety, and quality management. Together, the founders Prof. Dr. Andreas Schnitzbauer, Charlotte Detemble and Dr. Dora Zmuc has extensive experience in national and international cutting-edge medicine and patient-oriented research. Mark Siller joined the founding team as an app development expert. Founded in August 2021, the company is based in Bad Vilbel. Due to a similarity in names in the industry, Patronus Health GmbH was renamed Capreolos GmbH in June 2023. For more information about Capreolos visit our website www.capreolos.com. Contact Prof. Dr. Andreas Schnitzbauer Capreolos GmbH Saalburgstr. 4 c 61118 Bad Vilbel [email protected] Media Contact MC Services AG Katja Arnold / Jennifer Hillebrand +49 89 210228 0 [email protected] [ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ] [June 15, 2023] TAT Kicks Off 'Shopping Challenge' to Promotes 'Amazing Thailand Grand Sale 2023' Tweet - Key opinion leaders and influencers from Asia took part in a treasure hunt-style shopping competition to mark the opening of Thailand's much anticipated annual shopping season. BANGKOK, June 15, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- The Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) staged the "Shopping Challenge" to mark the opening of the much-anticipated Amazing Thailand Grand Sale 2023. The activity saw 12 teams made up of key opinion leaders (KOLs) and influencers from mainland China, Japan, South Korea, and Taiwan compete for a special prize by racing around Bangkok's most famous malls to find great bargains. Each team was given 10,000 Baht and the task of live streaming while hunting within two hours for the best products at great bargains at the MBK Centre, CentralWorld, Siam Discovery, Gaysorn Village, EmQuartier, and Terminal 21 - all located along the BTS Skytrain Sukhumvit Line. TAT awarded a 100,000 Baht prize for the winning teams. Mr. Yuthasak Supasorn, TAT Governor, said "The Shopping Challenge is a fitting introduction to the Amazing Thailand Grand Sale, which has been instrumental in reinforcing Thailand's long-standing positioning as one of the world's top six popular shopping destinations. We look forward to welcoming the world to this year's sale to find great bargains on a variety of goods as well as great savings on tourism products, such as accommodation, health and wellness, and travel experiences." The Amazing Thailand Grand Sale 2023 with the concept of 'Hunting Season' ill be held from 15 June to 15 August in Bangkok, Chiang Mai, Phuket, Udon Thani, Chon Buri (Pattaya), and Songkhla (Hat Yai) offering more than 10,000 shopping deals at over 10,000 participating stores. As well as special deals and up to 80% discounts at major department stores, airlines, hotels, spas, and shopping platforms, there are privileges for foreign and Thai tourists under the '3 Get' campaign. Get Treasures: For every 500 Baht spent at participating stores, shoppers can get the chance to win weekly prizes, such as a five-star accommodation package, gold ornaments, iPhone 14, round-trip domestic air tickets, and more. There are a total of 200 prizes worth more than 2.5 million Baht. Get Thai Craft: For foreign tourists when spending at least 5,000 Baht at the stores displaying the VAT Refund for Tourists sign, TAT is giving away 20,000 Thai craft souvenirs from five local communities. Tourists can get the souvenirs at the VAT Refund counters at six international airports - Suvarnabhumi, Don Mueang, U-Tapao-Rayong-Pattaya, Chiang Mai, Phuket, and Hat Yai. Get Im Jai: For tourists when spending at least 3,000 Baht at participating stores in all six locations, TAT is giving away 10,000 shopping bags with a chic print created by Artstory By AutisticThai, a social business for children with special needs and people with autism. Other sale promotions include the TikTok Creators Challenge, See Post Get Code, LIVE Flash Sale, and Pay Day (8.8) via online platforms and Troop giving-away activity at six locations. This project was held in collaboration with the Revenue Department and others key partners in various sectors. The partners included department stores: Asset World Corporation, Big C, Central Group, Diana Hat Yai, Gaysorn Village, Jungcylon Phuket, King Power, Lotus's, Maya Chiang Mai, MBK Group, Siam Piwat, Terminal 21, The Mall Group, UD town Udon Thani and, Odean Hat Yai. The airline and car rental: Thai Airasia, Bangkok Airways, Thai Smile, Thai Vietjet, Biz Car Rent, Chic Car Rent, Thairoute. Online platforms: Lazada, Shopee, Agoda, Airasia super app, Traveloka, UTU application, YAKS application. The leading hotels: Cape & Kantary Hotels, Centara Hotels & Resorts, Cross Hotels & Resorts, Dusit Hotels & Resorts, Hotel MOCO, Tolani Hotels and the hotels under Asset World Corporation. Health and Wellness: DERMASTER, Let's Relax, PAN Clinic and PRIVE by DR.TOY. Credit card; KTC, UnionPay and VISA card. Other partners included Blu-O Rhythm & Bowl, FIT Auto, FIXX-Care for Car, Major Cineplex, Otteri, Siam Niramit and Sub-Zero Ice Skate. "The Amazing Thailand Grand Sale 2023 is expected to attract over 200,000 shopping-loving foreign tourists to Thailand generating at least 100 million Baht in direct sale revenue for participating stores and at least 75 million Baht in travel and tourism spending," Mr. Yuthasak concluded. For more information on the Amazing Thailand Grand Sale 2023, visit the Facebook page Amazing Thailand Grand Sale, LINE Official Account: Amazing Thailand Grand Sale, or website: www.amazingthailandgrandsale.com . View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/apac/news-releases/tat-kicks-off-shopping-challenge-to-promotes-amazing-thailand-grand-sale-2023-301851819.html SOURCE Tourism Authority of Thailand [ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ] [June 15, 2023] HOW THIS FINTECH COMPANY IS LEADING THE CHARGE FOR FINANCIAL INCLUSION FOR MSMES Tweet KUALA LUMPUR, Malaysia, June 15, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Access to financing has long been a point of contention for micro, small, and medium-sized enterprises (MSMEs). In Malaysia, it is reported that some of the financing difficulties faced by small businesses include the higher collateral requests by traditional financial institutions (58.8%) and delays in loan approval or disbursement (23.5%)[1]. Indonesia, on the other hand, faces similar challenges, as 51% are unbanked and 26% are underbanked[2]. It signifies a huge gap of financially underserved communities amongst small businesses, which if addressed could potentially boost the GDP of a country's local economy by up to over 30%[3]. This is where fintech comes in, to close the gap on financial inclusion by making financial solutions accessible. One such fintech company in Southeast Asia that's leading the charge in financial inclusion is Boost, a regional full spectrum fintech arm of Axiata. It recently made headlines across the region, alongside it's consortium partner, RHB, as one of the five winners of the digital bank license granted by Malaysia's central bank. Based on industry case studies of digital banks across the globe[4], Boost's upcoming digital bank is considered as a frontrunner due to its distinct advantage as an incumbent fintech player with a comprehensive ecosystem and a proven capability to operate at scale, which meets the criteria of a successful digital bank. Through its holistic fintech ecosystem spanning its all-in-one fintech app, merchant solutions, AI-based micro-financing business, and cross-border payment platform, Boost has a proven track record of empowering millions of users and merchants across Southeast Asia since 2017. Since inception, Boost's AI-based micro-financing business has disbursed over RM2.8 billion worth of financing to MSMEs across Malaysia and Indonesia, as of early 2023. Even with previous studies estimating that nearly half of Boost's customers being new-to-credit, Boost maintained a healthy single-digit non-performing loan rate, along with a high repeat rate on short-term financing, of about 90% in both countries. This is possible through Boost's holistic fintech ecosystem and technology, where digital financial solutions are embedded within the existing transaction journey and purchasing cycle of businesses. Through Boost's digital micro-financing solutions, MSMEs can have access to financing through a simple 5-minute digital application journey, with fund disbursement within 48 hours upon approval. It is for these reasons that there was no surprise that Boost was a receiver of the digital bank license in Malaysia. All eyes are now on Boost in the coming months as merchants and users alike look forward to its much-anticipated digital bank. [1]https://smecorp.gov.my/images/pdf/2021/LTPKS/BI/Economic%20Report/4.%20Economic%20Performance%20&%20Outlook%202019_20%20-%20Box%20Article.pdf [2] https://theasianbanker.com/finance-indonesia-2022/ [3] https://www.adb.org/sites/default/files/publication/222061/financial-inclusion-se-asia.pdf [4] https://www.bcg.com/publications/2021/digital-banking-asia-pacific View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/apac/news-releases/how-this-fintech-company-is-leading-the-charge-for-financial-inclusion-for-msmes-301851847.html SOURCE Boost [ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ] [June 15, 2023] InvestmentPitch Media Video Discusses MindBio Therapeutics' Clinical Trials of LSD-Microdosing Reveals Significant Positive Impact on Quality of Sleep Tweet VANCOUVER, British Columbia, June 15, 2023 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- MindBio Therapeutics (CSE:MBIO) (FSE:WF6), a Melbourne, Australia-based leader in microdosing psychedelic medicines, announced a significant breakthrough based on sleep data collected during randomized controlled trials of LSD-Microdosing. The trials involved 80 participants, and a total of 3,231 nights of sleep data were analyzed. A Media Snippet accompanying this announcement is available by clicking on the image or link below: For more information, please view the InvestmentPitch Media video which provides additional information about this news and the company. The video is available for viewing on InvestmentPitch and on YouTube . If these links are not enabled, please visit www.InvestmentPitch.com and enter MindBio in the search box. Based on initial findings from the sleep data collected during the trials, which included the recording, measurement, and analysis of sleep patterns in both the LSD-Microdosing treatment group of 40 participants and the placebo group of 40 participants, the company confirmed positive sleep responses to its LSD-Microdosing treatment. The advantage of microdosing LSD as opposed to macrodosing is that patients can take the drug and then geton with their day in much the same way they would when taking anti-depressant medication. Notably, LSD-Microdosing not only improves subjective feelings related to mood, happiness, energy, creativity, social connectivity, and wellness, but it also has a statistically significant impact on sleep quality. As many as 1 in 5 adults in the USA struggle to fall asleep every single night, with half of US adults experiencing insomnia once a month or more. Justin Hanka, CEO and Co-founder, stated: "We are delighted by the continued progress we see in the effectiveness and tolerability of MindBio's proprietary LSD-Microdosing program. The sleep data is promising for a potential tolerable alternative to sleeping pills and we are rigorously pursuing masses of data on LSD-Microdosing under randomized controlled conditions to get the evidence we need for accelerating approvals for access to this medicine for effectively treating mood and sleep disruption." MindBio scientists are currently preparing seven upcoming research papers that analyze data from Phase 1 LSD-Microdosing trials involving 80 healthy subjects, which will serve as a foundation for the launch two fully funded Phase 2 LSD-Microdosing clinical trials in the near future. The first trial will focus on Major Depressive Disorder, where 20 patients who meet DSM-V criteria will undergo an 8-week open-label LSD microdosing treatment regimen in a naturalistic at-home setting. This trial will serve as the basis for a larger Phase 2b trial, which will be triple-dummy and placebo-controlled, involving depressed patients. The second trial, designed to explore the effectiveness of LSD-Microdosing in conjunction with Meaning Centred Psychotherapy for late-stage cancer patients experiencing emotional distress, will be randomized, double-blind, and placebo-controlled, with 40 participants expected to be recruited soon. These groundbreaking findings hold particular significance in the field of depression and related mental health conditions that are of scientific interest to MindBio. For instance, conditions like pre-menstrual dysmorphic disorder are known to disproportionately affect sleep quality and have a significant impact on mental health. Commonly, a combination of antidepressants and sleeping pills is prescribed as a first-line treatment for mood and sleep disruptions. However, sleeping pills carry risks of reliance, misuse, and addiction, while antidepressants often come with unwanted side effects such as sexual impotence, weight gain, negative mood and gastrointestinal upset. MindBio's proprietary LSD-Microdosing treatment, with its positive sleep data, presents a groundbreaking alternative to existing treatments, while further reinforcing MindBio's Big Data strategy, adding to their intellectual property and providing an effective treatment option for patients with mental health disorders. The shares, which recently began trading on the Canadian Securities Exchange, are trading at $0.09. For more information, please visit the companys website www.MindBioTherapeutics.com , contact Justin Hanka, CEO, at 61 4331 40886 or by email at [email protected] . About InvestmentPitch Media InvestmentPitch Media leverages the power of video, which together with its extensive distribution, positions a companys story ahead of the 1,000's of companies seeking awareness and funding from the financial community. The company specializes in producing short videos based on significant news releases, research reports and other content of interest to investors. Disclaimer The information in this Investmentpitch Media Ltd video is for the viewers information only. MindBio Therapeutics has paid a fee not exceeding $2,000 in cash to have its current news release produced in video format. The corporate information is based on information that is publicly available. Any information provided by Investmentpitch Media Ltd., through its media services is not to be construed as a recommendation or suggestion or offer to buy or sell securities but is provided solely as an informational media service. Investmentpitch Media Ltd makes no warranties or undertakings as to the accuracy or completeness of this information. All due diligence should be done by the viewer or their financial advisor. Investing in securities is speculative and carries risk. CONTACT: InvestmentPitch Media Barry Morgan, CFO [email protected] [ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ] [June 15, 2023] Curative Acquires American Country Insurance Company to Expand Business Opportunities Nationwide Tweet Curative Insurance Company, provider of a cutting-edge, no copay, no deductible health plan*, today announced the recent acquisition of American Country Insurance Company (ACIC) by its parent, Curative Health Holdings Inc., as part of the plan to expand its insurance offering to more markets across the country. Curative will rename the entity to Curative Insurance Company of Illinois, fully integrating the acquisition. Curative will now have licenses to sell large-group health insurance in select additional states. "Curative has demonstrated that we can provide quality health benefit solutions across the state of Texas and we are looking forward to expanding our insurance offering across the country with the acquisition of American Country Insurance Company," said Fred Turner, CEO and co-founder of Curative. "We are a well-capitalized, high-performance company, on a mission to transform health insurance and bring our no copay, no deductible health insurance plan to as many people across the country as possible." Curative Insurance Company currently offers a fully insured PPO offering in select regions of Texas and a level-funded insurance offering across the state of Texas. In addition, Curative Insurance Company was recently assigned a Financial Strength Rating (FSR) of A- (Excellent) and a Long-Term Issuer Credit Rating (Long-Term ICR) of A- (Excellent) from AM Best. The acquisition will allow Curative to expand into other states more quickly and efficiently (pending additional regulatory approvals). Curative Insurance Company launched its new health plan in Q4 of 2022, featuring $0 copays and $0 deductibles for in-network care*. The plan promotes proative health engagement for members and removes financial barriers to care by offering affordable, accessible benefits. The Curative health plan is now available to employers throughout Texas and their employees nationally, with broad network coverage and access to over 1 million providers nationwide. To learn more about Curative and its new health care plan, visit https://curative.com/. *Every Curative member qualifies for the $0 deductible or copay for in-network care and preferred prescriptions by completing a Baseline Visit within 120 days of the plan effective date. See curative.com to learn more. Curative Insurance Company PPO. About Curative Curative is a leading health care services company that has created and launched a first-of-its-kind employer-based health insurance plan through Curative Insurance Company. Co-founded by CEO Fred Turner and CTO Isaac Turner (no relation) in 2020, Curative is reengineering health insurance by providing unmatched simplicity and cost transparency with a competitive monthly premium and zero out-of-pocket costs*. Curative is remaking our health care system into one that works for and supports members' whole health and well-being through every step of their personal health journey. Previously, Curative and its managed medical entities were national leaders bringing COVID-19 testing and vaccine-administration resources to bear in response to the pandemic. For more information on Curative, visit https://curative.com/, or follow us on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, or LinkedIn. *To qualify, members need to complete a Baseline Visit within 120 days of the plan's effective date, which kicks off support of the member's well-being through every step of their health journey. View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20230615209295/en/ [ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ] Arqit LONDON, June 15, 2023 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- An international consortium of industry and technical experts, supported by government, business and other organisations have completed the worlds first quantum-secure cross-border electronic trade document transaction, delivering a verifiable, secure, and legally recognisable solution for future digital trade transactions. This significant step forward in the journey to fully digital international trade will make international trade cheaper, simpler, faster and more sustainable. The successful pilot, orchestrated by the International Chamber of Commerce UK and Centre for Digital Trade and Innovation (C4DTI) on behalf of the UK Government, and supported by the Singapore Government agency the Infocomm Media Development Authority (IMDA), saw sample building products transported from the United Kingdom to Singapore using traditional paper documentation, but also electronic trade documents, including an electronic bill of lading (eBL) and a digital promissory note, simultaneously reconciled using a Distributed Ledger (DLT) in both jurisdictions. IMDAs TradeTrust framework, which is fully compliant with the UNs Model Law on Electronic Transferable Records (MLETR) and allows end users to transfer, indorse, and verify documents and effect title transfer across different digital platforms seamlessly, was utilised in the eBL flow of the transaction. A quantum-secure seal was placed around the electronic trade documents using Arqits symmetric key agreement and quantum notary technology, ensuring that the documents were protected from current and future cyber threats including the risk posed by quantum computers. The shipment was live tracked, and the condition of its contents was monitored throughout the journey using low-cost, secure IoT (Internet of Things) technology developed at the AESE Laboratory, Imperial College London, led by Professor Julie McCann and supported by the PETRAS National Centre of Excellence for IoT Systems Cyber Security and the UKRI Impact Initiative Account (UKRI-IAA). A tamper resistant digital record of the location and state of the physical goods was minted onto an NFT by Database of Native Assets Ltd (DNA), using the IoT sensors and Kadena blockchain technology to provide additional security for the shipment in transit. The pre-existing shipment, used as a basis for the pilot, was dispatched by water management systems component manufacturer Permavoid Limited (part of the Genuit Group) to Singapore. Specialist consultancy AG Midgley Ltd established and chaired the consortium from inception to completion, with legal guidance and advice being provided by energy and transport law firm Watson Farley & Williams LLP (WFW) in London and Singapore in association with Wong Tan & Molly Lim LLC (WTL). As part of the project, the use of the electronic trade documents is the subject of legal review by WFW who has advised that the eBL and digital promissory note used in the project satisfy the requirements of the UKs Electronic Trade Documents Bill as regards possession and transfer of possession. WFW Singapore in association with WTL will advise on the application of Singapores Electronic Trade Act. Both pieces of legislation are based on the UNs MLETR being enacted globally. Nick Davies, Director of the Centre for Digital Trade and Innovation, said: C4DTI, part of the International Chamber of Commerce UK, was very pleased to be part of this ground-breaking pilot and is grateful to all the consortium members who volunteered to be part of it and base it on a real-world international transaction. It provides a great example of how digitalisation can remove friction from trade between the UK and Singapore and is a practical demonstration of the improvements that are achievable under the terms of MLETR-type legislation and the negotiation of good, effective Digital Economy Agreements, such as that agreed between the UK and Singapore. Loh Sin Yong, Director of TradeTrust, IMDA, said: As part of Singapores partnership with the UK to promote adoption of cross-border paperless trade, we are excited to support this industry-driven pilot. We believe the pilot has helped to demonstrate how the TradeTrust framework is able to aid solutions to be compliant with MLETR requirements for Electronic Transferable Records such as electronic Bills of Lading. IMDA will continue to work with public and private sector to help push for the digitalisation of global trade. Dr Barry Childe, Arqit CIO and Co-Founder, said: Distributed ledger technology enables organisations to create unique, referenceable and transferable digital finance instruments, which offer significant advantages over paper-based alternatives. Arqit was proud to be the lead partner in this important project and to use our first-of-its-kind quantum-safe encryption technology to secure the transaction. The MLETR being enacted internationally ushers in an era of digital transformation in financial services, but you cannot invest in long term transformation that is not secure against quantum attack. We believe that Arqit alone can deliver that. Douglas Jakobi, DNA Co-Founder, said: DNA is proud to collaborate with Arqit and Imperial College London on the ICC UK and C4DTI pilot program, and to have built a cutting edge end-to-end solution that will revolutionise international trade. At DNA, we make the power & security of the blockchain accessible to mainstream use cases with a simple to use tokenisation platform that bridges the physical and digital worlds. About Arqit Arqit supplies a unique quantum safe encryption Platform-as-a-Service which makes the communications links or data at rest of any networked device or cloud machine secure against current and future forms of attack even from a quantum computer. Arqits product, QuantumCloud, enables any device to download a lightweight software agent, which can create encryption keys in partnership with any number of other devices. The keys are computationally secure, optionally one-time use and zero trust. QuantumCloud can create limitless volumes of keys in limitless group sizes and can regulate the secure entrance and exit of a device in a group. The addressable market for QuantumCloud is every connected device. Arqit was recently awarded the Innovation in Cyber award at the UK National Cyber Awards and Cyber Security Software Company of the Year Award at the UK Cyber Security Awards. www.arqit.uk Media relations enquiries: Arqit: contactus@arqit.uk Gateway: Arqit@Gateway-grp.com Investor relations enquiries: Arqit: investorrelations@arqit.uk Gateway: Arqit@Gateway-grp.com [June 15, 2023] Genius Group Launches Genius Metaversity in Partnership with Vatom Tweet SINGAPORE, June 15, 2023 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Genius Group Limited (NYSE American: GNS) (Genius Group or the Company), a leading entrepreneur edtech and education group, has launched Genius Metaversity, a virtual reality learning environment in partnership with Vatom to hold educational courses and summits in the Metaverse. Genius Groups Global AI Investor Summit held on June 2 and June 3, 2023 was the first event hosted in the Metaversity via the Vatom platform and was a great success with around 2,000+ attendees from around the world joining with their own virtual avatars, connecting in a global classroom, interacting with speakers and joining courses and programs. As part of the Genius Groups commitment to this transformative technology, the Company is developing four virtual campuses in the Metaverse: Entrepreneur Campus, Investor Campus, University Campus and School Campus. Each offers a new learning experience for student members, mentors and partners. Each campus will have a vibrant community, lead mentors, course content, GEMS and AI Genies to service GeniusU members and partners. By leveraging Vatom's virtual world-building tools, Genius Group's community can access immersive experiences intended to revolutionize the way they learn and interact with educators, mentors and fellow students online. This exciting partnership between Genius Group and Vatom also benefits partners of GeniusU, who can now host their own courses and events on the Vatom platform within the Genius Metaversity. Roger Hamilton, founder of Genius Group says: "We are pleased to be partnering with Vatom to bring cutting-edge technology into our online events. Our goal has always been to empower people globally with the necessary knowledge and tools to become successful entrepreneurs. Our Genius Metaversity is the next evolution in our technology platform, offering a more interactive way of engaging with our learning resources, videos, and other content online. Vatoms unique set of tools enables us to build our Genius Metaversity into a virtual world of learning and connecting that can be accessed by multiple platforms. Our ambition is to enablestudents, faculty, and partners to connect and learn, together with their Genie AI virtual mentors, via laptop, mobile, and VR headsets including Meta Quest and Apples upcoming Vision Pro. We believe this platform will revolutionize how we learn, work, and invest, and we are thrilled to be part of that change." Eric Pulier, founder and CEO of Vatom adds: "We envision the metaverse as a ground-breaking catalyst that will revolutionize education and empower learners like never before. The Genius Metaversity will unlock limitless possibilities, fostering collaboration, critical thinking, and creativity, ultimately empowering individuals to shape their own future and contribute to a smarter, more interconnected world." About Genius Group Genius Group is a world leading entrepreneur Edtech and education group, with a mission to disrupt the current education model with a student-centered, life-long learning curriculum that prepares students with the leadership, entrepreneurial and life skills to succeed in todays market. The group has a group user base of 4.5 million users in 200 countries, ranging from early age to 100. About Vatom Our mission is to enable both companies and individuals to easily engage directly with the emerging Web3. Founded in 2019 by seasoned tech entrepreneur Eric Pulier, Vatom has built the world's first enterprise-ready Web3 engagement solution that enables companies to better connect to their customers, employees, and stakeholders, while streamlining processes and improving profitability. As a result of this effort companies such as Pepsico, P&G, Deloitte, Verizon, State Farm, WPP, and others are all actively using the Vatom platform to build ongoing Web3-based programs. https://www.vatom.com Investor Notice Investing in our securities involves a high degree of risk. Before making an investment decision, you should carefully consider the risks, uncertainties and forward-looking statements described in our most recent Annual Report on Form 20-F for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2022, filed with the SEC on June 6, 2023. If any of these risks were to occur, our business, financial condition or results of operations would likely suffer. In that event, the value of our securities could decline, and you could lose part or all of your investment. The risks and uncertainties we describe are not the only ones facing us. Additional risks not presently known to us or that we currently deem immaterial may also impair our business operations. In addition, our past financial performance may not be a reliable indicator of future performance, and historical trends should not be used to anticipate results in the future. See "Forward-Looking Statements" below. Forward-Looking Statements Statements made in this press release include forward-looking statements within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934. Forward-looking statements can be identified by the use of words such as may, will, plan, should, expect, anticipate, estimate, continue, or comparable terminology. Such forward-looking statements are inherently subject to certain risks, trends and uncertainties, many of which the Company cannot predict with accuracy and some of which the Company might not even anticipate and involve factors that may cause actual results to differ materially from those projected or suggested. Readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on these forward-looking statements and are advised to consider the factors listed above together with the additional factors under the heading Risk Factors in the Company's Annual Reports on Form 20-F, as may be supplemented or amended by the Company's Reports of a Foreign Private Issuer on Form 6-K. The Company assumes no obligation to update or supplement forward-looking statements that become untrue because of subsequent events, new information or otherwise. Contacts Investors: Flora Hewitt, Vice President of Investor Relations and Mergers and Acquisitions Email: [email protected] Media Contact: Adia PR Email: [email protected] US Investors: Dave Gentry RedChip Companies Inc 1-800-RED-CHIP [email protected] [ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ] [June 15, 2023] Former Texas Governor Rick Perry to Speak at Psychedelic Science 2023 Tweet DENVER, June 15, 2023 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Psychedelic Science 2023, the breakthrough psychedelic conference hosted by Multidisciplinary Association for Psychedelic Studies (MAPS) and organized by Momentum Events, announced today that Former Texas Governor Rick Perry will be in Denver on Wednesday, June 21st to help kick off the largest psychedelic science conference ever assembled. Gov. Perry will join Colorado Gov. Jared Polis in shedding light on the advancements of psychedelic science and medicine helping to battle the nations mental health crisis. The former Governor will provide remarks on Wednesday, June 21 at 9:30 AM MT, before an expected crowd of 10,000 attendees who are coming to Denver for hundreds of hours of educational programming and community-building activities. Featuring 400+ speakers, 7+ tracks, and a number of breakout and small working groups, Psychedelic Science 2023 will present content relevant to the advocates, practitioners, enthusiasts, and corporate attendees who are driving the breakthrough era of psychedelics. The weeklong conference will also feature community programming and workshops taking place at various venues across Denver throughout the week. I hae seen firsthand what trauma can do to a person, especially to our serving soldiers and veterans, said Governor Perry. If we have the ability to eradicate the pain and suffering and help people and their families live meaningful, fulfilling lives, we have an obligation to explore every avenue to achieve that. Psychedelic-assisted psychotherapy has shown to be incredibly effective, and we owe it to every American to ensure that these programs get the funding they need for research, development, and commercialization so that everyone who needs these treatments has access to them. Governor Perry has been a passionate advocate for psychedelic-assisted psychotherapy, said Rick Doblin, Founder and President of MAPS. Psychedelic medicine is truly a bi-partisan issue. Republicans and Democrats dont agree on much, but the majority of them do agree that psychedelic medicine has the potential for great healing. We are honored to be sharing a stage with Gov. Perry as well as Gov. Polis. These two leaders have shown that they can agree on finding treatments that can help so many people who are suffering. More information about Psychedelic Science 2023 programming in sessions, formats, and themes can be found here . About MAPS Founded in 1986, MAPS is a 501(c)(3) non-profit research and educational organization that develops medical, legal, and cultural contexts for people to benefit from the careful uses of psychedelics and marijuana. MAPS is sponsoring the most advanced psychedelic therapy research in the world: Phase 3 clinical trials of MDMA-assisted therapy for PTSD. Since its founding, MAPS has raised over $140 million for psychedelic and marijuana research and education and has earned both the GuideStar Platinum Seal of Transparency and a 4-Star Rating from Charity Navigator. About Momentum Events Founded in 2012, Momentum Events proudly serves our clients and produces events that attract the best and brightest minds who come together to share their knowledge, connect with the individuals that matter most and enjoy valuable experiences online or in real life. Whether were developing cutting edge conferences for the markets we serve, or producing a partners next event, Momentum leverages our best-in-class technology platforms, an assortment of virtual and live event third-party provider relationships, and the meticulous nature of our event planning mindset to deliver true, sustainable value for all stakeholders. www.momentumevents.com CONTACT [email protected] [ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ] [June 15, 2023] Alibaba.com, IMDA and Enterprise Singapore Sign MOI to Help Singapore SMEs Unlock Online Export Opportunities Tweet Eligible SMEs can access diverse digital tools to deepen e-commerce capabilities and increase visibility on Alibaba.com SINGAPORE, June 15, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Alibaba.com, a leading business-to-business (B2B) platform for global trade, signed a Memorandum of Intent (MOI) today with Singapore's Infocomm Media Development Authority (IMDA) and Enterprise Singapore (EnterpriseSG) to help small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in Singapore connect with customers globally and strengthen their cross-border e-commerce capabilities. For a start, Alibaba.com will work with IMDA and EnterpriseSG to enhance the exposure of all Singapore SMEs on its platform to create more opportunities for Singapore's exports into the global market. This will include the launch of a dedicated Singapore pavilion and a showcase of SMEs and products from Singapore in a prominent position on Alibaba.com's homepage. Also, as part of the collaboration, Alibaba.com has worked with IMDA and EnterpriseSG to develop its pilot Go Global programme, which consists of curated Go Global packages to make it easier for SMEs to access B2B trade opportunities. Apart from priority placements on the platform for greater visibility, participating SMEs will also be entitled to a myriad of tools and services provided by Alibaba.com, such as specialised digital marketing tools and platform analytics, as well as dedicated consultancy and advisory services. They can also tap on the Alibaba.com Seller Training E-course, which comprises monthly training sessions including on topics such as account set-up and business analytics and third-party trainings around site designing, product posting and optimisation. Eligible local SMEs can receive up to 70% funding support to onboard the Go Global programme. More details on the Go Global packages can be found in the Annex. "We are delighted to see IMDA and EnterpriseSG's commitment to creating an environment conducive to the digital growth of Singapore businesses, which aligns with our ongoing mission of supporting SMEs with the necessary tools and market reach to prosper in the digital age. Singapore businesses are renowned for their exceptional skill, professionalism and agility. Through this new collaboration, we hope to reach a wider breadth of SMEs here to help them scale their businesses through e-commerce," said Roger Luo, Head of Southeast Asia, Alibaba.com. "With our SMEs accounting for 99% of all enterprises in Singapore and playing a vital role in our economy, it is important that they are able to leverage opportunities brought along by digitalisation. We believe that every SME can be digitally empowered and have been helping our SMEs digitalise through a number of support measures under IMDA's SMEs Go Digital programme. Alibaba's Go Global programme complements our ongoing efforts in assisting SMEs to access overseas markets more easily via digital platforms and reach out to more potential buyers. We encourage SMEs to tap on these packages to fuel their business growth and expand their presence beyond Singapore's borders," said Leong Der Yao, Assistant Chief Executive of the Sectoral Transformation Group, IMDA. "Local businesses find themselves operating in an increasingly competitive playing field, and they must move fast to stay relevant and capture market share in today's digital economy. The cross-border e-commerce space is ripe with opportunity, and we encourage more businesses to incorporate this in their growth strategy as they look to scale their business abroad," said Soh Leng Wan, Assistant Chief Executive Officer, Manufacturing and Engineering, Enterprise Singapore. "We look forward to deepening our partnerships across the public and private sector, to help SMEs enhance their competitive advantage and grow on a global stage." Alibaba.com also held an offline event today which gathered key stakeholders, Singapore SMEs who have onboarded the Alibaba.com platform, and SMEs interested in exploring B2B e-commerce. The attendees came together to understand the latest e-commerce trends, emerging categories, and new strategies for B2B companies to meet the needs of an increasingly digital-native consumer audience. Locally based specialty food distributor, Dashmesh Pte Ltd., is one SME that has tapped on Alibaba.com's holistic packages to build up their brand visibility to customers all over the world. "We transformed our traditional export business model to an online model during the pandemic, and as a result, our revenue grew by 19% from new customers who found us online through Alibaba.com. Since joining the platform, we have received inquiries from 47 countries globally, including new countries we have not previously exported to before," said Praveen S/O Paramavisan, E-commerce Asst. Export Manager of Dashmesh. Interested Singapore SMEs can apply for the Go Global packages through Innovative Hub, Alibaba.com's official Global Service Partner in Singapore and an e-commerce enabler serving local SMEs from now until November 2023. For more information, please visit this link. About Alibaba.com Alibaba.com is a leading platform for global B2B e-commerce that aims to make it easy to do business anywhere. Launched in 1999, Alibaba.com is engaged in services covering all aspects of commerce, including providing businesses with tools that help reach a global audience for their products and helping buyers discover products, find suppliers, and place orders online fast and efficiently. It serves millions of buyers and suppliers from over 190 countries and regions around the world. Alibaba.com is part of the Alibaba International Digital Commerce Group. ANNEX: Details of Go Global packages Package Options Singapore SMEs eligible for the Go Global programme can select from the following package options and receive up to 70% funding support: Option 1 12-month Alibaba.com Global Gold Supplier package plus other forms of support, which cover services including but are not limited to: - Custom storefront - Priority ranking in search results - Keyword advertising spend valued at SGD 1,500 - Value-added services valued at SGD 3,000, covering services such as keyword advertising set-up and training, account diagnosis, product posting and product optimisation - Additional account management service by Innovation Hub valued at SGD 9,000 - Platform analytics - Consultancy and advisory services - Alibaba.com Seller Training E-course Package valued at SGD 18,000/year Option 2 12-month Alibaba.com Verified Supplier package plus other forms of support, which cover services including but are not limited to: - On-site verification by a global third-party inspection company in areas such as product capability, service capability, R&D capacity, quality control, and trade capabilities, with eligible suppliers being entitled to a "Verified" tag on Alibaba.com, as well as an assessment report and an on-site audit video accessible to buyers - Custom storefront - Priority ranking in search results - Keyword advertising spend valued at SGD 4,500 - Value-added services valued at SGD 3,000, covering services such as keyword advertising set-up and training, account diagnosis, product posting and product optimisation - Additional account management service by Innovation Hub valued at SGD 9,000 - Platform analytics - Consultancy and advisory services - Alibaba.com Seller Training E-course Package valued at SGD 31,500/year For more information about Alibaba.com's supplier service, please visit: https://tinyurl.com/mrye4d7p For more information about Alibaba.com's Verified Supplier membership, please visit: https://seller.alibaba.com/verified_supplier Eligibility Any business entity that meets the following requirements will be eligible: Registered and operating in Singapore ; ; Minimum of 30% local shareholding; and Group sales turnover not more than SGD 100 million per annum, or group employment size not more than 200 employees View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/apac/news-releases/alibabacom-imda-and-enterprise-singapore-sign-moi-to-help-singapore-smes-unlock-online-export-opportunities-301851917.html SOURCE Alibaba.com [ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ] [June 15, 2023] Core Molding Technologies to Participate in the 13th Annual East Coast IDEAS Investor Conference Tweet COLUMBUS, Ohio, June 15, 2023 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Core Molding Technologies, Inc. (NYSE American: CMT) (Core Molding, Core or the Company), a leading engineered materials company specializing in molded structural products, principally in building products, industrial and utilities, medium and heavy-duty truck and powersports industries across the United States, Canada and Mexico today announced that David Duvall, President and CEO, and John Zimmer, EVP and CFO, will participate in the virtual East Coast IDEAS Conference and will host one-on-one investor meetings on June 21-22, 2023. The Core Molding webcast and investor presentation are scheduled to be available starting at 6:00pm ET on June 21st and will be accessible through the conference site. The webcast and presentation may be accessed through the conference hosts main website at https://www.threepartadvisors.com/about-ideas-conferences and in the investor relations section of the Core Molding website at https://coremt.com/investor-relations/corporate-overview/. If analysts or institutional investors would like to schedule a one-on-one meeting with management, please reach out to Sandy Martin or Steven Hooser from Three Part Advisors. About Core Molding Technologies, Inc. Core Molding Technologies is a leading engineered materials company specializing in molded structural products, principally in building products, utilitis, transportation and powersports industries across North America and Mexico. The Company operates in one operating segment as a molder of thermoplastic and thermoset structural products. The Companys operating segment consists of one reporting unit, Core Molding Technologies. The Company offers customers a wide range of manufacturing processes to fit various program volume and investment requirements. These processes include compression molding of sheet molding compound (SMC), resin transfer molding (RTM), liquid molding of dicyclopentadiene (DCPD), spray-up and hand-lay-up, direct long-fiber thermoplastics (D-LFT) and structural foam and structural web injection molding (SIM). Core Molding Technologies serves a wide variety of markets, including the medium and heavy-duty truck, marine, automotive, agriculture, construction, and other commercial products. The demand for Core Molding Technologies products is affected by economic conditions in the United States, Mexico, and Canada. Core Molding Technologies operations may change proportionately more than revenues from operations. For more information, please reference the Companys website at coremt.com. About IDEAS Investor Conferences The mission of the IDEAS Conferences is to provide independent regional venues for quality companies to present their investment merits to an influential audience of investment professionals. Unlike traditional bank-sponsored events, IDEAS Investor Conferences are SPONSORED BY INVESTORS. FOR INVESTORS. and for the benefit of regional investment communities. Conference sponsors collectively have more than $200 billion in assets under management and include: 1102 Partners, Adirondack Research and Management, Allianz Global Investors: NFJ Investment Group, Ariel Investments, Aristotle Capital Boston, Ascend Wealth Advisors, Barrow Hanley Mewhinney & Strauss, BMO Global Asset Management, Constitution Research & Management, Inc., Diamond Hill, First Wilshire Securities Management, Inc., Granahan Investment Management, Great Lakes Advisors, Greenbrier Partners Capital Management, LLC, Hodges Capital Management, Ironwood Investment Management, Keeley Teton Advisors, Luther King Capital Management, Marble Harbor Investment Counsel, North Star Investment Management, Perritt Capital Management, Punch & Associates, Shepherd Kaplan Krochuk, Westwood Holdings Group, Inc., and William Harris Investors. The IDEAS Investor Conferences are held annually in Boston, Chicago and Dallas and are produced by Three Part Advisors, LLC. Additional information about the events can be located at www.IDEASconferences.com. If interested in participating or learning more about the IDEAS conferences, please contact Lacey Wesley at (817) 769 -2373 or [email protected]. Company Contact: Core Molding Technologies, Inc. John Zimmer Executive Vice President & Chief Financial Officer 614-870-5604 Investor Relations Contact: Three Part Advisors, LLC Sandy Martin or Steven Hooser 214-616-2207 [ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ] [June 15, 2023] Cranium Launches AI Card to Navigate AI Regulation, Compliance Risk and Supply Chain Visibility Tweet AI Security & Trust Software Leader Empowers Organizations to Manage Current and Upcoming Regulations and Frameworks SHORT HILLS, N.J. , June 15, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Cranium , the leading AI security and trust software firm, announced today the release of the Cranium AI Card. Building on its enterprise software platform, the AI Card allows organizations to efficiently gather and share information about the trustworthiness and compliance of their AI models with both clients and regulators and gain visibility into the security of their vendors' AI systems. "This market is moving quickly and enterprises are concerned about regulatory compliance pressures," said Jonathan Dambrot, CEO and Co-Founder of Cranium. "There's a risk here that the AI Card was designed to address. This is a very active area on all fronts; with the advent of ChatGPT has come a newfound awareness within organizations of all sizes, that they don't know where their organizations are using AI, where their vendors are using AI, and whether the AI being used is trustworthy. That's why we introduced the Cranium AI Card." Cranium AI Card and its new capability can help users: Visualize and Monitor AI Security and Compliance across Supply Chains. Cranium's AI Card maps vendors, common vulnerabilities, risk concentration, and threats across the organization and its third parties. AI Card users can configure security benchmarks per vendor and set up vulnerability and threat monitoring based on the business and AI compliance requirements for each vendor, Cranium's AI Card maps vendors, common vulnerabilities, risk concentration, and threats across the organization and its third parties. AI Card users can configure security benchmarks per vendor and set up vulnerability and threat monitoring based on the business and AI compliance requirements for each vendor, Align with current and coming compliance requirements. AI Card supports companies preparing for the approaching regulations by mapping to frameworks and legislation like the NIST AI Risk Management Framework ad EU AI Act providing organizations with a robust capability for understanding and achieving their AI compliance obligations. AI Card supports companies preparing for the approaching regulations by mapping to frameworks and legislation like the NIST AI Risk Management Framework ad EU AI Act providing organizations with a robust capability for understanding and achieving their AI compliance obligations. Easily share and showcase that AI is secure and trustworthy. When transparently showing compliance against one of these frameworks, AI Card reduces the time it would take to collect, gather and enter this information by automatically loading it from data built into the platform. From a supply chain perspective, cards can be shared between Cranium customers. This allows customers to score their deployed AI systems and showcase a trust mark that can be shared externally. Key Product Features: Velocity and Simplicity: Cranium AI Card significantly reduces the time needed to collect, gather, and enter key information about AI systems by loading it from what's already automatically captured inside of the platform. Cranium AI Card significantly reduces the time needed to collect, gather, and enter key information about AI systems by loading it from what's already automatically captured inside of the platform. Shareability: Keep all stakeholders informed about the compliance and trustworthiness of your AI systems. There are multiple easy ways to share the AI Card, including between Cranium customers, onto your website via an HTML snippet, exporting to a PDF, and more. Keep all stakeholders informed about the compliance and trustworthiness of your AI systems. There are multiple easy ways to share the AI Card, including between Cranium customers, onto your website via an HTML snippet, exporting to a PDF, and more. Integrations: Gain confidence in security and trustworthiness of your vendor's AI without interrupting existing systems for supply chain risk management. Cranium AI Card easily integrates with third-party platforms and their marketplaces and exchanges. Cranium works with global organizations and standards bodies to stay up to date with the broader regulatory landscape so its clients can focus on their business and stay current with changes in their compliance requirements. With the AI Card, Cranium customers can now easily show their clients and regulators that their AI systems are secure and trustworthy. About Cranium Cranium is the leading AI security and trust software firm helping organizations ensure their AI systems are secure, compliant and trustworthy. Through its Cranium Enterprise software platform, organizations can map, monitor, and manage their AI/ML environments against adversarial threats without interrupting how teams train, test and deploy their AI models. The Cranium AI Card allows organizations to easily gather and share information about the trustworthiness and compliance of their AI models with their supply chain, clients and regulators. Incubated and funded in stealth inside of KPMG Studio, Cranium helps cybersecurity and data science teams understand everywhere that AI is impacting their systems, data or services. Secure your AI at cranium.ai . Media Contact: Michelle Yusupov Hi-Touch PR [email protected] 443-857-9468 View original content:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/cranium-launches-ai-card-to-navigate-ai-regulation-compliance-risk-and-supply-chain-visibility-301851524.html SOURCE Cranium [ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ] [June 15, 2023] Opentrons partners with Zymo Research to automate key microbiome chemistries on the Opentrons Flex Tweet The partnership leverages the Opentrons Flex platform's automation and Zymo chemistries to provide improved throughput, reduced variability, and superior data quality compared to traditional methods. IRVINE, Calif. and BROOKLYN, N.Y., June 15, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Opentrons Labworks, Inc. , a leader in lab automation and makers of accessible lab robotics and Zymo Research Corp , a life science reagent company, are collaborating to transform microbiome and metagenome analysis by fully automating comprehensive, end-to-end workflows from sample collection through library preparation on the Opentrons Flex. Traditional methods of microbiome analysis have provided valuable insights across various applications; however, this approach frequently faces challenges in terms of time, cost, and accuracy. Additionally, these methods often demand significant labor from skilled personnel, which may hinder scalability and reproducibility. The innovative collaboration between Zymo and Opentrons, which combines the automation capabilities of the Opentrons Flex platform with Zymo chemistries, offers numerous advantages over conventional approaches, including enhanced throughput, minimized variability, and superior data quality. The Opentrons Flex platform enables the ability to perform multiple chemistries simultaneously, significantly reducing the risk of sample loss, contamination, or variability. Furthermore, the platform executes these chemistries with remarkable precision and reproducibility, thereby increasing the accuracy and sensitivity of data. Lastly, the Opentrons Flex streamlines the research process by automating monotonous and time-consuming tasks, enabling researchers to dedicate their efforts to the analysis and interpretation of data. This revolutionary collaboration has the potential to redefine the landscape of microbiome analysis, setting new standards in efficiency and accuracy. James Atwood, General Manager of Opentrons Robotics said, "We're delighted to bring accessible automation for the ZymoBIOMICS range of chemistries to the Opentrons Flex platform in support of our vibrant robotics community. Automated microbiome sample prep workflows are of growing interest to our members involved in pathogen surveillance and microbiome-based therapeutic development. Our partnership with Zymo extends our commitment to proiding our users with highly qualified protocols, available on demand, through our protocol library." "Microbiome research plays a crucial role in advancing human health, agriculture, and environmental sustainability, necessitating the integration of interdisciplinary and collaborative strategies," said Dr. Marc Van Eden, VP of Business Development at Zymo Research. "By streamlining and standardizing microbiome analysis through the combined use of the Opentrons Flex platform and Zymo's chemistries, this partnership can accelerate the progress and influence of microbiome research. Consequently, this innovative approach holds the potential to unlock groundbreaking discoveries and applications in various fields as we master the microbiome." Zymo and Opentrons have a successful history of collaboration, having automated popular Zymo chemistries, including ZymoBIOMICS, Quick-DNA, and Direct-Zol chemistries on Opentrons' reliable and affordable personal pipetting robot, the OT-2. These protocols have been written and verified by the Zymo automation team and are available in Opentrons' open repository of protocols, the Protocol Library. In addition, over 20 protocols are automating Zymo kits contributed by our community. For more information on the collaboration between Opentrons and Zymo, visit them at ASM Microbe from June 15-June 19 in Houston, TX. Opentrons is at booth 2011 and Zymo is at booth 2225. About Opentrons Flex: The Opentrons Flex features easily reconfigurable, modular hardware including swappable pipettes ranging from 1 to 96 channels, plate gripper, on-deck thermocycler, heater-shaker, magnetic plate, and more. The Opentrons software ecosystem includes a robust library of more than 500 protocols, plus easy drag-and-drop cloud software to enable you to create protocols for your specific needs. The Flex's modern API allows for near-limitless control over the robot and enables seamless integrations to build scalable workflows. The Opentrons Flex NGS Workstation can automate many popular NGS library prep kits, including tagmentation- and fragmentation-based chemistries, with pricing starting below $50,000; the Opentrons Flex Protein Purification Workstation can automate magnetic bead-based protein purification workflows, with pricing starting below $40,000; the Opentrons Flex Aliquoting Workstation starts below $20,000. Learn more about Opentrons Flex at opentrons.com. About ZymoBIOMICS: The ZymoBIOMICS DNA Kits are microbial DNA purification kits designed for purifying DNA from a variety of sample inputs that are immediately ready for microbiome or metagenome analyses. These microbial DNA purification kits include the ZymoBIOMICS lysis system which eliminates bias associated with unequal lysis efficiencies of different organisms (e.g. Gram-negative/positive bacteria, fungus, protozoans, and algae), making it ideal for microbial community profiling. Uniform mechanical lysis of all microbes is achieved by bead beating with the innovative ultra-high density BashingBeads. These microbial DNA purification kits are equipped with our OneStep PCR Inhibitor removal technology, enabling PCR amplification from DNA derived from inhibitor-rich environmental samples. Purified DNA from these microbial DNA purification kits is ideal for all downstream applications including PCR, arrays, 16S rRNA gene sequencing, and shotgun sequencing. About Opentrons: Opentrons Labworks, Inc., a disruptive life science company and the current market leader in entry-level lab automation, accelerates innovation in research and healthcare through its integrated lab platform, which includes business units Opentrons Robotics and Neochromosome. Opentrons has raised over $200 million in funding and achieved unicorn status based on the first- and second-generation robots, OT-One and OT-2. Opentrons Robotics provides thousands of institutions with flexible, easy-to-use lab robots, automating R&D operations and making robotics, a vast open-source library accessible to life sciences researchers worldwide. Neochromosome offers world-class genome-scale cell engineering solutions for biopharma and biotech. Trusted by institutions such as Mayo Clinic, Stanford, Harvard, and MIT, Opentrons is found in thousands of academic, biopharma, synthetic biology and clinical research labs in more than 40 countries. Learn more at https://www.opentronslabworks.com/. About Zymo Research: Zymo Research is a privately owned company that has been serving the scientific community with state-of-the-art molecular biology tools since 1994. "The Beauty of Science is to Make Things Simple" is their motto, which is reflected in every product they produce, from their epigenetics to DNA/RNA purification technologies. Historically recognized as the leader in epigenetics, Zymo Research is breaking boundaries with novel solutions for sample collection, microbiomic measurements, and NGS technologies that are high quality and simple to use. To learn more visit www.zymoresearch.com. Media Contact [email protected] View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/opentrons-partners-with-zymo-research-to-automate-key-microbiome-chemistries-on-the-opentrons-flex-301851634.html SOURCE Opentrons Labworks Inc. [ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ] [June 15, 2023] AltruBio to Present at the Federation of Clinical Immunology Societies (FOCIS) 2023 Annual Meeting Tweet SAN FRANCISCO, June 15, 2023 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- AltruBio Inc. (AltruBio or the Company), a clinical stage biotech company dedicated to the development of novel therapeutics for the treatment of immunological diseases with high unmet medical needs, today announced that the company will be giving an oral presentation on its immune checkpoint enhancer (ICE), ALTB-268, as well as feature a poster on ICE ALTB-168 at the 2023 Federation of Clinical Immunology Societies (FOCIS) Annual Meeting, which is being held June 20-23, 2023 in Boston, Massachusetts. Were pleased to share some of the foundational work that continue to support the advancement of our novel ICEs in development to restore immune balance by downregulating T cell effector function for the treatment of human inflammatory diseases," said David Lin, M.D. Ph.D., Vice President of Research of AltruBio. Our mission is to bring safer, more durable biologic treatments to improve the lives of patients, and we believe selective inhibition or depletion of activated T cells by leveraging an agonistic pathway of the immune checkpoint protein PSGL-1 is a promising therapeutic approach. We look forward to sharing further progress as we continue to evaluate our ICEs in clinical trials. Oral Presentation Session: Mechanisms of Autoimmunity Title: ALTB-268, a tetravalent anti-PSGL-1 antibody derived from ALTB-168, shows enhanced potency in treating T cell mediated inflammatory diseases allowing for subcutaneous administration. Presenter: Yu-Chin Lin, MSc, Senior Scientist, AltruBio Oral presentation: Wednesday June 21, 2023, 4:30-4:45 pm EST Poster Presentation: Wednesday June 21, 2023, 6:15-7:30 pm EST Poster Number: W201 Yu-Chin Lin will discuss in vitro and in vivo data on AltruBios second anti-P-selectin glycoprotein ligand 1 (PSGL-1) agonist, ALTB-268, which demonstrates enhanced potency and excellent bioavailability, enabling its formulation for subcutaneous (sc) delivery. ALTB-268 is engineered to be a tetravalent version of its predecessor ALTB-168 and has a similar mechanism of action. Data highlights include: ALTB-268, a tetravalent version of ALTB-168 demonstrated greater than 10-fold higher potency in in vitro T cell activation inhibition assays compared to ALTB-168. When compared in a human-mouse trans-vivo delaed type hypersensitivity (DTH) study as well as in a non-human primate (NHP) DTH study, greater than 3-fold higher potency was observed for ALTB-268. Increased potency is likely related to differences in stoichiometry and increased avidity rather than increased affinity, as a single ALTB-268 molecule can bind to more PSGL-1 compared to a single ALTB-168 molecule, while similar affinity for both ALTB-168 and ALTB-268 was measured by surface plasmon resonance or ELISA. A similar safety profile as ALTB-168 was observed for ALTB-268 in NHP toxicology assessments, with a NOAEL of 120 mg/kg in a definitive 28-day weekly repeat-dose toxicity study, and a bioavailability of 70% by sc route. Poster Presentation Session: Exhibit & Poster Opening Reception Title: ALTB-168, an Immune Checkpoint Enhancer (ICE) targeting P-selectin glycoprotein-1 (PSGL-1), is effective in treating T-cell mediated inflammatory diseases Presenter: Evelyn Chiang, Ph.D., Principal Scientist, AltruBio Poster Presentation: Tuesday, June 20, 2023, 6:00 p.m. 7:45 p.m. EST Poster Number: Tu221 The preclinical data will highlight a new role for PSGL-1 as a novel immune checkpoint regulator that modulates T cell homeostasis. The poster presents data demonstrating that PSGL-1 is upregulated in activated T cells compared to naive T cells, providing rationale for AltruBios first anti-PSGL-1 agonistic antibody, ALTB-168, to act as an ICE to downregulate early T cell receptor mediated signaling, T cell proliferation and cytokine secretion, which is independent of the migration function of PSGL-1 as ALTB-168 does not interfere with the binding of P-selectin to PSGL-1. Data highlights: ALTB-168 treatment in a pre-clinical graft-versus-host disease (GvHD) model resulted in increased population of apoptotic CD3 T cells, reduced severity of GvHD and prolonged survival of mice. In a trans-vivo DTH study where human peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs), previously sensitized with tetanus toxoid (TT), were implanted in the mouse footpad together with TT, the induration of the mouse footpad was reduced by ALTB-168 in a dose-dependent manner. DTH studies performed in NHP also showed that ALTB-168 inhibited skin induration as well as the inflammation of the lesion site. ALTB-168 treatment does not impact the development of T cell dependent antibody production, suggesting a marginal impact in primary T cells and represents a significant safety advantage in clinical development. To date more than 200 subjects have been treated with ALTB-168 and no significant adverse events have been reported. ALTB-168 has been clinically validated for safety, tolerability, and efficacy in treating inflammatory diseases including Psoriasis, Psoriatic Arthritis, Ulcerative Colitis and acute GVHD. About AltruBio Inc. AltruBio is a privately held biotechnology company headquartered in San Francisco that is focused on developing novel therapeutics for the treatment of immunological diseases with high unmet medical needs. The company has leveraged its deep understanding of the role PSGL-1 plays as an immune checkpoint regulator protein to develop a platform for T-cell mediated immunological diseases. Its first-generation molecule, ALTB-168, a PSGL-1 agonist antibody serving as an immune checkpoint enhancer (ICE), has achieved proof of mechanism in four autoimmune and inflammatory diseases, including ulcerative colitis, psoriatic arthritis, psoriasis and steroid refractory acute graft-versus-host disease (SR-aGVHD). The next-generation ICE, ALTB-268, is a tetravalent version of ALTB-168 and has demonstrated higher potency via the same mechanism, making it suitable for subcutaneous administration. ALTB-268 is now being evaluated in a Phase 1 clinical trial before advancing towards clinical studies in multiple autoimmune and inflammatory disorders with the initiation in ulcerative colitis. Note on Forward-Looking Statements Statements made in this news release that are not historical facts are forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Words such as expects, believes, intends, and similar expressions are intended to identify forward-looking statements. Actual results may differ materially from those projected in any forward-looking statement. Specifically, there are a number of important factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those anticipated, such as the Company's ability to raise additional capital, and risks related to the Company's ability to initiate, and enroll patients in, planned clinical trials. You should not place undue reliance on any forward-looking statements. The Company assumes no obligation to update any forward-looking statements as a result of new information, future events or developments, except as required by law. Contacts AltruBio Inc: +1-415-655-6603 [email protected] Media Contact: Luke Shiplo LifeSci Communications [email protected] [ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ] [June 15, 2023] Caresyntax Announces Strategic Collaboration with ProAssurance to Offer Access to Cutting-Edge Surgical Intelligence to Data-Driven Surgeons Tweet Caresyntax, the leading vendor-neutral enterprise surgical data and intelligence platform designed to make surgery smarter and safer, announced a strategic collaboration with ProAssurance Corporation (NYSE:PRA), one of the nation's leading medical professional liability insurers, to provide innovative Caresyntax surgical intelligence tools to ProAssurance's insured surgeons. Using Caresyntax's transformational surgical intelligence platform, ProAssurance insured surgeons can integrate video and other real-world evidence from surgeries with data sets to provide insight into patient outcomes, operational efficiency, and profitability. Surgeons can also share data and qualified surgical content on popular consumer-facing platforms such as YouTube Health and other digital channels with patients, referring physicians, hospitals, and insurers through InfluenceOR, a leading-edge app providing digital support for the savvy practice builder to highlight and promote surgical excellence. Through the collaboration, InfluenceOR will be made available to participating ProAssurance-covered surgeons in select surgical specialties at no additional cost beginning in Q3 2023, with a broader rollout anticipated later in the year. The enhanced capabilities through the surgical intelligence suite can help participating surgeons build a digital brand reputation for quality and create compelling patient education material using video and data. "We have developed a practice building toolkit for surgeons to grow their practice, by getting recognition and support from insurers due to more efficient, higher quality surgeries," said Dennis Kogan, Caresyntax Founder and CEO. "We are promoting awareness and differentiation for surgeons who consistently drive excellent patient outcomes and also help enable the capture of economic value added when insurers see reduction in total cost of surgical care." "ProAssurance is excited to offer our insureds access to innovative technology from Caresyntax to empower data-driven surgeons. More and more surgeons today are seeking to use data sets to visualize, supplement, and continuously improve technical proficiency and surgical outcomes. This helps them become more efficient in the operating room and grow their practice, and enables them to share bet practices with the broader healthcare community," said Rob Francis, President, ProAssurance Healthcare Professional Liability Insurance. This innovative collaboration model between insurers, providers, and a tech-enabled surgical intelligence platform is inspired by a similar, novel partnership from Europe that Caresyntax deployed at scale in partnership with Relyens, a leading European mutual insurer and risk manager. The model was successfully scaled across multiple European countries via a unique Risk Management Software as a Service (RMSaaS) offering, which combined insurance and risk management services of Relyens with Caresyntax technology and data-driven surgical pathways playbooks. The model resulted in significant cost of care savings, and today's new collaboration with ProAssurance seeks to build upon that success in the United States surgical market. Current estimates are that U.S. surgical care composes 50% of overall hospital costs (Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality) and 50% of all Medicare spending (Annals of Surgery). This collaboration continues the historical trend of inventive alliances that both Caresyntax and ProAssurance have independently sought to drive improved outcomes and surgeon experience. Caresyntax's innovation philosophy has been based on three pillars of value: 1) Supporting surgeons in optimizing patient outcomes, 2) achieving clear short-term ROI (return on investment) for hospital and other provider organizations, and 3) enabling value-based economics to succeed in the evolving reimbursement landscape. Given the importance of long-term financial sustainability in surgery, Caresyntax has been actively developing innovative collaborations with payors and other healthcare-focused financial services companies in the United States that drive total cost of care improvements. This is congruent with ProAssurance's history of seeking strategic partnerships with select entities designed around managing controllable expenses and introducing value-added risk management services and offerings to its covered cohorts. About Caresyntax: Caresyntax is on a mission to make surgery smarter and safer. Our vendor-neutral, enterprise surgical data platform delivers actionable insights to improve patient outcomes by using proprietary software and AI (Artificial Intelligence) to analyze large volumes of video, audio, images, device data, clinical, and operational data in and around the OR. This real-world evidence can be used by the care team live, during a procedure, and accessed by those outside the operating room via the platform's dedicated telehealth link. After a procedure, the Caresyntax platform provides insights that help surgeons benchmark and improve their care, hospital administrators use surgical resources more efficiently, medical device companies advance better products, and insurance companies understand risk and devise more tailored policies. Headquartered in Berlin and Boston, Caresyntax software is used in more than 2,800 operating rooms worldwide and supports surgical teams in over three million procedures per year. For more information, visit www.caresyntax.com. About ProAssurance ProAssurance Corporation is an industry-leading specialty insurer with extensive expertise in healthcare professional liability, products liability for medical technology and life sciences, legal professional liability, and workers' compensation insurance. ProAssurance Group is rated "A" (Excellent) by AM Best;. ProAssurance and its operating subsidiaries carry a Financial Strength Rating of "A-" (Strong) from Fitch Ratings. View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20230615912789/en/ [ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ] [June 15, 2023] Ripple and Peersyst Partner with Colombia's Banco de la Republica in Advancing the Implementation and Utilization of Blockchain Technology Tweet Ripple, the leader in enterprise blockchain and crypto solutions, announced today its collaboration with the Banco de la Republica, Colombia's Central Bank, to explore blockchain technology use cases. The Central Bank in conjunction with The Ministry of Information and Communications Technologies (MinTIC) will pilot use cases that will enhance Colombia's high-value payment system using Ripple's CBDC Platform, powered by the XRP Ledger (XRPL), an energy-efficient and open-source blockchain. This pilot will be developed as part of the third phase of experimentation of blockchain led by MinTIC. Under the guidance of the Directorate of Digital Government, MinTIC, the project will run through the end of 2023. The goal of the third phase of MinTIC's experimentation of blockchain will be to educate national and territorial public entities through interactive and collaborative real-world application experiments of how blockchain technology's unparalleled speed, scalability, and transparency can revolutionize payment systems and data management. Developed with these key capabilities, Ripple's CBDC Platform, an end-to-end solution for central banks, will be experimented and tested in a controlled environment without compromising public resources. Highlighting the significance of this project, Minister Mauricio Lizcano, ICT Minister, emphasized, "Potential efficiencies can be evaluated through the results obtained in the development of a solution with Blockchain technology, which manages to improve and complement the processes in the entities in a safe and efficient way. In addition, it will provide a technological solution (Prototype), which will allow simulations ofdifferent use cases in the high-value payment system." "The Banco de la Republica in Colombia and MinTIC forward-thinking on blockchain innovation will unlock new ways organizations operate in the digital era," said James Wallis, VP of Central Bank Engagements and CBDCs. "By harnessing the power of the Ripple CBDC Platform, based upon the XRPL, this project will pave the way for transformative advancements in the utilization of blockchain technology within the public sector. This partnership showcases our commitment to driving innovation and efficiency, ultimately empowering public entities to unlock the full potential of secure and transparent transactions." Ferran Prat, CEO of Peersyst Technology, has also highlighted: "Our partnership with MinTIC as a reference technology firm for the implementation of blockchain technology in Latin America requires us the most demanding criteria when selecting technologies. In the case of payments and technology for central banks, Ripple is a benchmark leader in the industry and one of the best allies to apply the potential of its large-value payment system's technology at Banco de la Republica." More information about this pilot program will be disclosed later in the year around the specific use cases and implementations. To learn more about this project from MinTIC visit: https://www.mintic.gov.co/portal/inicio/Sala-de-prensa/Noticias/ About Peersyst: Peersyst Technology is a specialized blockchain technology firm with a long history of developing and implementing solutions based on distributed ledger technologies in both the public and private sectors. Peersyst Technology was selected in 2021 by the MinTIC as one of the reference allies for the implementation of Blockchain technology in the Colombian public sector, working with different entities as well as large private companies, positioning itself as a reference leader in the implementation of this technology for the Latin American region. About Ripple Ripple is the leader in enterprise blockchain and crypto solutions, transforming how the world moves, manages and tokenizes value. Ripple's business solutions are faster, more transparent, and more cost effective - solving inefficiencies that have long defined the status quo. And together with partners and the larger developer community, we identify use cases where crypto technology will inspire new business models and create opportunity for more people. With every solution, we're realizing a more sustainable global economy and planet - increasing access to inclusive and scalable financial systems while leveraging carbon neutral blockchain technology and a green digital asset, XRP. This is how we deliver on our mission to build crypto solutions for a world without economic borders. About the XRP Ledger The XRP Ledger (XRPL) is an open source, public and decentralized Layer 1 blockchain led by a global developer community. It is fast, energy-efficient, and reliable. For more than ten years, it has been the blockchain best suited to enable settlement and liquidity of tokenized assets at scale. With ease of development, low transaction costs, and a knowledgeable community, it provides developers with a strong open-source foundation for executing on the most demanding projects - without impacting the XRPL's lean and efficient feature set. XRPL enables a wide variety of services and use cases including payments, on-chain finance, and tokenization. Learn more at XRPL.org. View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20230615564041/en/ [ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ] [June 15, 2023] UNITING FOR CHANGE: OCIS-UTM SCIENCE ROUNDTABLE ENVISIONS A SUSTAINABLE FUTURE FOR MUSLIM SOCIETIES AMID CLIMATE CHALLENGES Tweet JOHOR BAHRU, Malaysia, June 15, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- In a global effort to address the pressing challenges posed by climate change, public health, and food security, the Oxford Centre for Islamic Studies (OCIS) and Universiti Teknologi Malaysia (UTM) jointly organized a Science Roundtable with the theme "Imagining the Future: Climate Change, Health, and Food Security in Muslim Societies." The event took place from May 12th to May 14th, 2023, in Oxford, UK, aiming to discuss the impact of these issues on Muslim societies. Muslims, who account for approximately a quarter of the world's population and contribute significantly to the global GDP, are particularly vulnerable to the adverse effects of climate change, especially those living in low- and middle-income countries. Hence, the Science Roundtable aimed to harness the global community's knowledge, networks, and capabilities to envision a more climate-resilient future for the Muslim world. The inaugural session was graced by Her Majesty Raja Zarith Sofiah Binti Almarhum Sultan Idris Shah, the Permaisuri of Johor and Chancellor of UTM, who delivered a keynote speech emphasizing the need for unity and practical actions in dealing with climate change. "It is time for us to remember our prime duty, both as individuals and as a global community, and that is to fulfil our responsibilities towards this fragile world we inhabit." "Pulished reports have claimed that climate change can intensify water supply which in turn will affect agricultural production and food availability in many Muslim countries. Climate change, public health, and food security in Muslim societies are complex and urgent issues that require concrete action," expressed Her Majesty. Prominent international experts in attendance included Dr Farhan A Nizami, Director of OCIS, Professor Sir David Clary, Professor Peter Frankopan, Dr Marty Natlegawa, Mr Richard Makepeace, Professor Adil Najam, Professor Shahid Jameel and others. Representing Malaysia were eminent speakers from various fields, including YB Nik Nazmi Nik Ahmad, Minister of Natural Resources, Environment, and Climate Change, who was a highlight on the final day. Other notable Malaysians included Tan Sri Azman Mokhtar, Chairman of UTM as the co-chair of the Roundtable, Datuk Seri Dr Zaini Ujang, Secretary General for the Ministry of Human Resources; Tan Sri Dr Ahmad Tajuddin Ali, Chairman of Malakoff Corporation; Tan Sri Dr Jemilah Mahmood, Director of the Sunway Centre for Planetary Health; Prof. Datuk Ir Ts Dr Ahmad Fauzi Ismail, Vice-Chancellor of UTM; Emeritus Prof. Tan Sri Dato' Dzulkifli Abdul Razak, Rector of the International Islamic University of Malaysia; and Emeritus Prof. Dr Professor Jomo Kwame Sundaram, Senior Advisor at Khazanah Research Institute. In addition to the key outcomes, the Roundtable is committed to establishing more forums between OCIS and UTM in Science and Technology. This collaborative effort will play a vital role in framing relevant research questions and conducting studies to understand the attitudes of Muslims towards emerging global challenges. Furthermore, prominent global research outputs will be made available to Muslim societies, facilitating informed decision-making and adopting sustainable practices. As the world grapples with the far-reaching consequences of climate change, initiatives like the Science Roundtable by OCIS and UTM provide a platform for collective action and collaboration to address the challenges faced by Muslim societies. By prioritizing climate justice, embracing ethical values, and leveraging the power of science and technology, a more resilient and sustainable future can be envisioned for all. The Science Roundtable was supported by the Academy of Sciences Malaysia (ASM) in collaboration with the Raja Zarith Sofiah of Johor Foundation (YRZSNJ), with Sime Darby Property as the corporate sponsor. About Universiti Teknologi Malaysia (UTM) UTM is a leading innovation-driven research university in engineering, science, and technology in Kuala Lumpur, Johor Bahru, and Pagoh, Malaysia. It is renowned for being at the forefront of engineering and technological knowledge and expertise. UTM operates based on the core values of Integrity, Synergy, Excellence, and Sustainability. These values guide UTM community practices, and they are embedded in the strategic thrusts that propel the University to greatness. For more information about UTM visit utm.my. View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/apac/news-releases/uniting-for-change-ocis-utm-science-roundtable-envisions-a-sustainable-future-for-muslim-societies-amid-climate-challenges-301852002.html SOURCE Universiti Teknologi Malaysia (UTM) [ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ] [June 15, 2023] KIOXIA Showcases Storage Solutions That Unlock Server and Storage Potential at HPE Discover 2023 Tweet Next week at HPE Discover 2023, KIOXIA America, Inc., the inventor of NAND flash memory, will showcase its broad lineup of next-gen, flash-based solid state drives (SSDs) that are optimizing Hewlett Packard Enterprise (HPE) solutions - from the edge to the cloud. This press release features multimedia. View the full release here: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20230615059841/en/ At the show, KIOXIA will showcase its broad lineup of next-gen, flash-based SSDs that are optimizing HPE solutions - from the edge to the cloud. (Graphic: Business Wire) This year's HPE Discover highlights the products, solutions and strategies that are central to the data-first modernization of businesses. From mobile to data center to enterprise, innovative, high-performance SSDs from KIOXIA are leading the way forward. KIOXIA has been collaborating with HPE to create best in class solutions for years, helping customers turn ideas into innovation. KIOXIA flash storage solutions - such as SSDs designed with PCIe 5.0 technology and the industry's first1 lineup of Enterprise and Datacenter Standard Form Factor (EDSFF) E3.S SSDs accelerate customer application performance, reduce TCO while improving sustainability and enable higher-performance and densities. According to Neville Ichhaporia, senior vice president and general manager, SSD Business Unit, for KIOXIA America, Inc., these attributes are critical to the modernization of data centers and the adoption of a more 'data first' approach. "As a leader in flash storage and SSD solutions, KIOXIA is ideally suited to collaborate with HPE on their mission to unlock trapped legacy data, then process, analyze and capture its value - from the edge all the way to the cloud," said Ichhaporia. Product and technology demonstrations will be given in the KIOXIA both #312 on the show floor at the Venetian Conference and Expo Center in Las Vegas from June 20 - 22. Demonstrations include: KIOXIA CD7 Series EDSFF E3.S Data Center SSDs running real-world applications on HPE Alletra TM 4110 Gen 11. 4110 Gen 11. KIOXIA PM7 Series 24G SAS SSDs running DL380 Apache Spark TM analytics cluster. analytics cluster. KIOXIA CM6 Series PCIe 4.0 NVMeTM SSDs running VMware vSANTM workloads on HPE Alletra storage arrays. The full breadth of KIOXIA solutions for HPE can also be found on the KIOXIA HPE microsite: KIOXIA HPE Microsite. KIOXIA will participate in several speaking sessions and panel discussions that focus on its new products and its longstanding collaboration with HPE, including: Breakout Session: "Modernizing Your Business from the Edge to the Cloud with HPE ProLiant Servers and KIOXIA SSDs" Date: June 20 at 2pm and June 21 at 3pm Description: This session looks at how the PCIe 5.0 interface combines with the new KIOXIA EDSFF E3.S form factor on select ProLiant Gen11 servers to deliver SSDs with improved signal integrity and thermal characteristics. Moderated Panel Discussion: "Together at the Edge - To the ISS and Beyond" Date: June 21 at 4:30pm Description: Hosted by KIOXIA, this discussion centers around the collaboration between HPE, KIOXIA, Axiom Space and Venturi Astrolab to deliver compute solutions to the International Space Station. Expo Theater Presentation: "KIOXIA and HPE: Storage Solutions from the Data Center to the International Space Station" Date: June 20 at 2:30pm Description: In this presentation, HPE's Dr. Mark Fernandez will explain how HPE and KIOXIA are working together on the HPE Spaceborne Computer-initiative with NASA and the International Space Station. Attendees will also learn how SSDs from KIOXIA are enabling the next phase of digital transformation with HPE. KIOXIA is also the exclusive sponsor of the HPE Discover 2023 Celebration. For more information, please visit www.kioxia.com, and follow the company on Twitter and LinkedIn. About KIOXIA America, Inc. KIOXIA America, Inc. is the U.S.-based subsidiary of KIOXIA Corporation, a leading worldwide supplier of flash memory and solid-state drives (SSDs). From the invention of flash memory to today's breakthrough BiCS FLASH 3D technology, KIOXIA continues to pioneer innovative memory, SSD and software solutions that enrich people's lives and expand society's horizons. The company's innovative 3D flash memory technology, BiCS FLASH, is shaping the future of storage in high-density applications, including advanced smartphones, PCs, SSDs, automotive, and data centers. For more information, please visit KIOXIA.com. 2023 KIOXIA America, Inc. All rights reserved. Information in this press release, including product pricing and specifications, content of services, and contact information is current and believed to be accurate on the date of the announcement, but is subject to change without prior notice. Technical and application information contained here is subject to the most recent applicable KIOXIA product specifications. Notes: 1: As of October 25, 2021, based on industry survey of publicly available information Definition of capacity: KIOXIA Corporation defines a megabyte (MB) as 1,000,000 bytes, a gigabyte (GB) as 1,000,000,000 bytes and a terabyte (TB) as 1,000,000,000,000 bytes. A computer operating system, however, reports storage capacity using powers of 2 for the definition of 1Gb = 2^30 bits = 1,073,741,824 bits, 1GB = 2^30 bytes = 1,073,741,824 bytes and 1TB = 2^40 bytes = 1,099,511,627,776 bytes and therefore shows less storage capacity. Available storage capacity (including examples of various media files) will vary based on file size, formatting, settings, software and operating system, and/or pre-installed software applications, or media content. Actual formatted capacity may vary. HPE and ProLiant are registered trademarks of Hewlett Packard Enterprise Company and/or its affiliates. ALLETRA is a trademark of Hewlett Packard Enterprise Development LP. VMware and VMware vSAN are trademarks or registered trademarks of VMware, Inc. in the United States and/or various jurisdictions. PCI Express and PCIe are registered trademarks of PCI-SIG. The NVMe word mark is a registered or unregistered trademark or service mark of NVM Express, Inc. in the United States and other countries. Unauthorized use strictly prohibited. Apache Spark is a trademark of the Apache Software Foundation (ASF). LinkedIn is a trademark of LinkedIn Corporation and its affiliates in the United States and/or other countries. All other company names, product names and service names may be trademarks of their respective companies. View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20230615059841/en/ [ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ] Maine Virtual Students Celebrated at Class of 2023 Commencement Over 150 students from Maine Virtual Academy (MEVA), a full-time online public-school academy serving students in grades 7-12 throughout the state, celebrated their graduation virtually. Students from MEVA have reported they will attend Universities, Colleges, community colleges in their area, vocational education programs, as well as joining branches of the military. Some of the schools our graduates have been accepted to are Central Maine Community College, Southern Maine Community College, University of Maine, Eastern Maine Community College, and Kennebec Valley Community College. Valedictorian Tegan Hemond, from Minot, will be attending Central Maine Community College and was awarded $14,500 towards her college education from the Worthington Scholarship Foundation. Salutatorians were Jazelle Rodriguez, from Blue Hill, who will pursue art and music, and Hailey Sousa from Rumford. "It was wonderful to highlight all the hard work put forth by the Class of 2023," said Dr. Melinda Browne, Head of School/Executive Director of MEVA. "We're so happy to watch our students head on into their future, and we look forward to seeing what they do next." For any questions about the celebrations or the school, please contact Stephanie Emery at [email protected]. For media inquiries, please contact Ken Schwartz at [email protected]. About Maine Virtual Academy Maine Virtual Academy (MEVA) is a full-time online public charter school that serves students in grades 7 through 12. Authorized by the Maine Charter School Commission, MEVA is available tuition-free to students in the state of Maine. For more information about MEVA, visit www.mainevirtualacademy.org. View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20230615542306/en/ [June 15, 2023] Vantagepoint A.I. Unveils Groundbreaking White Paper Demonstrating Superior Predictive Power of Artificial Intelligence in Trading Tweet Vantagepoint A.I., LLC, a leading provider of Artificial Intelligence-based software for traders and investors, has released a comprehensive white paper that delves into the world of predictive technology. The white paper, authored by Phillip Arcuri, Ph.D. (Oxford University 1985), offers a detailed review and assessment of Vantagepoint's cutting-edge software, which accurately predicts future prices and trend changes in various markets including U.S. stocks, Canadian stocks, ETFs, Futures, Forex, and Crypto. WESLEY CHAPEL, Fla., June 15, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Vantagepoint A.I. (www.vantagepointsoftware.com), is the software company that developed the first artificial intelligence (A.I.) trading software in the world available to retail investors and traders. In addition to the great increase in computing power and the availability of on-demand computing services there have been even more important strides in neural network theory, engineering, and training. From a mathematical perspective, it has been known since 1989 that feed-forward neural networks with at least one hidden layer can approximate any continuous function to any degree of accuracy an especially important (and impressive) theoretical result covered by this white paper. For over three ecades the VantagePoint software has incrementally improved to reach the high level of accuracy we see today. The driving force here was market competition over the past 40+ years that the company has been developing trading software there have been numerous presumptive products in the software niche which Vantagepoint occupies, and many are no longer around. "We are witnessing a remarkable transformation in various industries as artificial intelligence becomes increasingly prevalent," said Lane Mendelsohn, President of Vantagepoint A.I.. "How does Vantagepoint work? How is it achieving up to 87.4% proven accuracy? The research ties up any loose ends, showcasing the immense potential of using A.I. to navigate the complexities of the financial markets. Embracing A.I. is no longer a luxury, but a necessity for traders seeking to stay ahead of the curve and achieve their financial goals." Louis B. Mendelsohn founded the Florida-based Vantagepoint A.I., LLC in 1979 to develop and license trading software for personal computers. In 1983 the Company released the first commercially available trading software in the financial industry to perform strategic back-testing on personal computers. However, it has only been in the last 15 years that breakthroughs in training techniques, collectively known as deep learning, have evolved to the point where neural network models are providing solutions to a wide range of problems including prediction, optimization, pattern recognition, classification and more. To see how artificial intelligence can help traders trade smarter, and to get a complimentary copy of the white paper, attend a live, free online training by clicking here. About Vantagepoint A.I., LLC.?Headquartered in Wesley Chapel, Florida, VantagePoint software forecasts Stocks, Futures, Forex, Options, Cryptocurrencies, and ETFs with proven accuracy of up to 87.4%. VantagePoint's patented artificial intelligence processes predict?changes in market trend direction up to three days in advance, giving traders insight into optimal times to make their trades. Founded over 40 years ago, Vantagepoint A.I. is a second-generation family-owned business that employs over 80 team members and has traders in more than 120 countries. The company is actively committed to giving back in the Tampa Bay community, regularly donating a portion of revenue to Shriners Hospitals for Children and The Children's Cancer Center as well as other charities. Media Contact: Jordan Youtz, [email protected] View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/vantagepoint-ai-unveils-groundbreaking-white-paper-demonstrating-superior-predictive-power-of-artificial-intelligence-in-trading-301851136.html SOURCE VantagePoint Software [ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ] [June 15, 2023] AM Best to Sponsor and Participate at PAMIC's 2023 Leadership Symposium Tweet AM Best will sponsor and participate in the Pennsylvania Association of Mutual Insurance Companies' (PAMIC) 2023 Leadership Symposium, which will be held June 21-22, 2023, in Bedford, PA. AM Best Chief Rating Officer Stefan Holzberger will present the opening session on Thursday, June 22, titled, "AM Best: Ingredients of Successful Innovation" at 9:00 a.m. (EDT). During the session, Holzberger will provide an overview of the current insurtech landscape, covering topics that include the challenging macroeconomic and insurance market dynamics and the headwinds associated with raising venture capital and sourcing liquidity in the current environment. Additionally, AM Best will highlight the ingredients of successful innovation using its proprietary innovation benchmarking statistics. Holzberger is responsible for AM Best's global ratings coverage and is a licensed certified public accountant. He also holds he chartered financial consultant designation. AM Best is a platinum level sponsor for the event. PAMIC is a trade association that has represented the mutual insurance industry since 1907 with its membership representing much of the Mid-Atlantic region. To register and learn more about PAMIC's upcoming symposium, visit the event webpage. 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 Company, Inc. and/or its affiliates. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20230615682315/en/ [ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ] [June 15, 2023] Thompson Hine Issues Third Innovation Report, "Minding the Gaps" Tweet Thompson Hine LLP announced today that it has released a report detailing the results of its third innovation survey, "Minding the Gaps." According to senior in-house counsel and legal operations professionals surveyed, a wide gap remains between what clients want from law firms and the value they receive from innovation. 96% of respondents wish their law firms would use innovation to save them money, yet only 12% say their primary outside law firms have done so. The largest gap is in new technologies to improve processes or drive efficiency, which 72% of respondents want but only 15% say law firms deliver. The need to manage within budgets and the desire to increase efficiency are consistent themes across all three of Thompson Hine's innovation reports. As in the first and second iterations, the latest survey found that innovation by corporate legal departments continues to outpace that of law firms. Respondents report that their legal departments use innovative technology overall more than their law firms do and that each of the innovative technologies highlighted in the survey is more commonly used in their legal departments than by their law firms. 80% of in-house lawyers report using legal spend analysis, yet they perceive that only 29% of law firms do. While 72% of legal departments use project management processes, only 31% of law firms do. "We planted a stake in 2013 when we commenced our long-running initiative to innovate our service delivery," said Thompson Hine Managing Partner Deborah Read, "and since then, we have continued to add to our tools and programs designed to improve the efficiency, predictability, and transparency of our services. Reliable, data-driven budgets are essential to 21st-century client service. Data drives Thompson Hine's sustaine focus on innovation. Our goal in conducting these surveys is to gather information and monitor trends to ensure our ongoing investments in innovation are relevant to our clients' needs. Surveys like this one and regular discussions with clients, other in-house counsel, and industry professionals provide invaluable guidance as we plan our continuing initiatives in innovation." Read continued, "Now more than ever, it is critical that we continue to deliver high-quality services with predictable costs. Our proprietary software tools allow us to budget engagements, monitor actual spend compared to budgeted spend, and create graphic reports for clients demonstrating this performance. Long before AI was in the headlines every day, we were leveraging its power, using highly targeted data mining to improve client service by providing accurate forecasts and enhancing cost predictability. Our goal is always to deliver more certainty, efficiency, and value to our clients." To optimize its investments in innovation, Thompson Hine commissioned three serial studies of in-house counsel to ascertain their perceptions and needs. The most recent survey collected responses from over 100 senior in-house counsel and business executives nationwide, representing a diverse mix of industries, sizes, and locations. For the current survey, the firm expanded its targeted respondents to include more corporate legal operations professionals who, in addition to making their own legal departments more efficient, are increasingly involved in measuring the value delivered by outside counsel. The first survey report, "Closing the Innovation Gap," was published in 2017, and the second, "The Innovation Gap Persists," was published in 2020. The firm also garnered recent acclaim for SmartSTHaff, its proprietary staffing application, which took home the top honor in the category "Tech-Enabled Hybrid Work Environment" during the recent ALM Legalweek Leaders in Tech Law Awards, which recognize innovation in the legal technology sector and firms and lawyers working on precedent-setting projects and initiatives in the United States. The app also was named one of the top two innovations in the "People and Skills Management" category in the 2022 Financial Times Innovative Lawyers North America awards, which celebrate the best innovations by law firms and in-house legal teams in the North American region. About Thompson Hine LLP. Thompson Hine LLP, a full-service business law firm with approximately 400 lawyers in 8 offices, was ranked number 1 in the category "Most innovative North American law firms: New working models" by the Financial Times and was 1 of 7 firms shortlisted for The American Lawyer's inaugural Legal Services Innovation Award. The firm has been recognized by the National Law Journal as a Legal Technology Trailblazer and featured by Bloomberg for its innovative service delivery models, which drive accuracy and predictability. The firm's commitment to innovation is embodied in Thompson Hine SmartPaTH - a smarter way to work - predictable, efficient and aligned with client goals. For more information, please visit ThompsonHine.com and ThompsonHine.com/Innovation/SmartPaTH. View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20230615496473/en/ [ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ] [June 15, 2023] Dr. David Sinclair Assumes Presidency of the Academy for Health and Lifespan Research Tweet NEW YORK, June 15, 2023 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- The Academy for Health and Lifespan Research (AHLR) is proud to announce the election of Dr. David Sinclair as its new President. Dr. Sinclair, a distinguished Professor of Genetics at Harvard Medical School and renowned author of the New York Times Bestseller "Lifespan," has been chosen by his peers to lead the prestigious association of the world's foremost longevity researchers. He succeeds Dr. Felipe Sierra, Ph.D., in this role. AHLR is the leading organization comprising the worlds most esteemed scientists dedicated to studying the mechanisms of aging and developing interventions to slow and reverse the process. Its members are elected annually based on their significant scientific contributions and commitment to the community. The recent induction of 12 new members has expanded AHLR's membership to 60 scientists. As a non-profit organization established in 2019, AHLR facilitates aging research, supports early-career scientists, offers public policy advice, and fosters collaboration among researchers. By serving as a catalyst, idea pipeline, and convening body, the Academy empowers longevity scientists to develop innovative drugs and treatments that can benefit all individuals. The mission of AHLR encompasses several key objectives, including transforming societal perceptions about healthy aging, promoting research for longer and healthier life, attracting talent to the longevity research field, educating the public on science and healthy lifestyles, and advocating for policy changes to recognize aging as a treatable condition. Previous meetings held by the Academy in cities such as Paris, Lisbon, and Los Angeles have laid the groundwork for these goals. Dr. Sinclair expressed his gratitude for being elected as President, emphasizing the importance of raising global awareness about aging research and thepotential to improve the lives of millions affected by age-related diseases like diabetes, dementia, and heart disease. He stated, "I am excited to continue the mission of the Academy, tackling the root cause of age-related ailments, which is aging itself." Under Dr. Felipe Sierra's leadership, AHLR has experienced significant growth, with a membership increase of over 25%. Additionally, the organization has secured funding, hired a new Executive Director, and successfully organized a conference in Southern California, attended by leading longevity scientists from around the world. Dr. Sierra will now focus on his role at Hevolution, a non-profit dedicated to promoting aging research and rejuvenative medicines globally, with an investment rate of approximately $1 billion a year. Dr. Felipe Sierra expressed his pride in AHLR's achievements over the past year, including the addition of 12 new members and the successful annual gathering. He expressed his confidence in Dr. Sinclair, stating, "The Academy is a unique group of individuals at the forefront of medicine, and we are thrilled to have Dr. Sinclair take over the helm." Dr. Nir Barzilai, a renowned longevity researcher and founding board member of AHLR, added, "The Academy is propelling the groundbreaking work conducted in laboratories worldwide. Dr. Sinclair's leadership and his ability to engage with global leaders and the public make him an ideal President." The Academy believes that the question of whether it is possible to slow and reverse human aging is at a crucial turning point in scientific exploration. With an increasing understanding of the biology of aging and the malleability of the aging process, AHLR aims to harness the collective power of accomplished longevity scientists to address the root causes of diseases affecting billions worldwide. For media inquiries and interview requests, please contact Risa Starr at [email protected]. Follow AHLR and research on Twitter: @ahlresearch, @davidsinclair, @nirbarzilaiMD Follow Dr. Sinclair on Instagram: @davidsinclairphd About AHLR: The Academy for Health and Lifespan Research (AHLR) is a non-profit organization founded in 2019, dedicated to advancing aging research, supporting scientists, advising on public policy, and fostering collaboration. By uniting the world's leading scientists, laboratories, academic institutions, and drug companies, AHLR strives to encourage breakthroughs in longevity research that are accessible to all. Note to editors: High-resolution images and additional information about the Academy for Health and Lifespan Research can be found at www.ahlresearch.org/press Media Contact: Risa Starr [email protected] +1(917) 596-9485 [ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ] [June 15, 2023] The 2023 Climate Solutions Prize, JNF Canada, The Climate Solutions Prize Organization, Start-Up Nation Central and KKL-JNF Join Forces to Award Prizes Worth over $2M to Israeli Solutions Combatting the Climate Crisis Through Innovation and Research Tweet TEL AVIV, Israel, June 15, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- The Climate Solutions Prize (CSP), powered by JNF Canada in partnership with Start-Up Nation Central, and KKL-JNF, is an annual initiative to incentivize climate innovation and academia by granting over $2.3 million in prizes to researchers and startups developing solutions to help solve the global climate crisis. Launched in 2020, CSP is the most comprehensive initiative established to support Israeli research and innovation addressing climate change. The Breakthrough Research Prize proposes to galvanize Israel, also known as the Start-Up Nation, to curb the climate crisis. It aims to support and inspire increased research and development for breakthrough climate solutions by awarding the best and the brightest not-for-profit researchers and/or organizations throughout Israel with the prize's funding and recognition. The prize of $1-Million USD will be granted to a maximum of three (3) researchers, annually, in recognition of their work on promising solutions to our climate crisis. The Startup Track component of this initiative includes an investment of $1M from Capital Nature aiming for tomorrow's best-in-class Israeli Climate-Tech companies. In addition to the two main prizes, a series of challenges that offer investment, cash prizes, and exposure to Israeli tech companies are launched. Each Startup Challenge is led by a different industry leader including: Continental, E.ON, ESIL, Italgas, Takeda and The Temasek Foundation. Significant support to the initiative is provided by AWS, Bidra VC and Skipso who will be force multipliers in the process and in the value proposition for applicants. Israeli companies are invited to submit their breakthrough, innovative solutions by applying here.https://climatesolutinsprize.com/competitions.asp?id=84 Applications will be accepted until July 31st and the winners will be announced at the Climate Solutions Festival set to be held in Israel at the end of November. This year's CSP Startup Track and challenges are: Capital Nature $1M Flagship Investment companies with innovative solutions validated outside the lab addressing climate needs in the fields of New Energies, Sustainable Mobility, Built Environment and Circular Economy. companies with innovative solutions validated outside the lab addressing climate needs in the fields of New Energies, Sustainable Mobility, Built Environment and Circular Economy. Disruptive Decarbonization Prize led by Temasek Foundation looking for innovative decarbonization solutions to help urban cities remove carbon emissions at scale. Energy Solutions for Industry & Buildings led by E.ON looking for new and innovative solutions to help drive the decarbonization journey for the company's customers. looking for new and innovative solutions to help drive the decarbonization journey for the company's customers. Italgas Challenge: Decarbonizing Energy Distribution Infrastructure looking for innovative technologies to decarbonize distribution infrastructure, including analytics and data management tools, new materials and processes, network wide monitoring, sustainability and energy management, and more. Sustainable Materials for Automotive Applications Challenge led by Continental AG: looking for innovative sustainable plastics for automotive applications. Takeda Challenge: Addressing Plastic Waste in the Plasma Industry - looking for solutions that reduce single-use plastic waste, including both medical waste and non-hazardous waste. - looking for solutions that reduce single-use plastic waste, including both medical waste and non-hazardous waste. ESIL Early-Stage Funding Competition - for early-stage Climate Tech startups looking to scale. ESIL offers an initial NIS 1 million in investment with follow-on investment opportunities, pilot and POC opportunities, a funded visit to COP28 , and more. "We are proud to spearhead this concept and are incredibly pleased with the strong support from our partners in government, industry, and academia to make this a game-changing initiative," said Jeff Hart, Executive Chair of the Climate Solutions Prize. Galith Levy, Chief Climate Solutions Prize Officer, added: "The world needs a diversity of solutions to reverse climate change, and we believe Israel can be a world leader in this area. The Climate Solutions Prize can help accelerate the development of Israel-made solutions that have a global impact." "Our mission is to introduce and advance Israeli innovation to global leaders while responding to pressing challenges, including climate change. Currently, Israel is home to more than 850 technology companies that are already developing solutions for climate challenges, including energy transition, carbon tech, transportation, logistics, cleaner industry tech, food and land use, water solutions and many more," said Start-Up Nation Central CEO, Avi Hasson. "As a recognized leader in developing advanced solutions to global challenges, Israeli innovation is at the forefront of the fight against climate change. By offering diverse solutions, we aim to tackle one of the most urgent crises of our time." "KKL-JNF has decided to be proactive in the battle against the Climate Crisis" said KKL-JNF's Chief Scientist, Dr. Doron Markel. "The Climate Solution Prize, a wonderful collaboration between JNF Canada and KKL-JNF, is part of these efforts. The prize will be awarded to break through research that has a significant impact on reducing Green House Gas emissions or increasing its absorption. Last year winners were at the highest scientific level internationally, I am waiting in anticipation to see who will win this year's prize and what contribution the winning research will have to the fight against the Climate Crisis". The 2023 Israeli Climate Tech Landscape Map details leading companies with solutions addressing the climate crisis. Full report on the activity of the climate sector in Israel is available here. For all information about the Climate Solutions Prize, please visit www.climatesolutionsprize.com Photo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2102931/Climate_Solutions_Festival_Credit_Eliran_Avital.jpg View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/the-2023-climate-solutions-prize-jnf-canada-the-climate-solutions-prize-organization-start-up-nation-central-and-kkl-jnf-join-forces-to-award-prizes-worth-over-2m-to-israeli-solutions-combatting-the-climate-crisis-through-inno-301851964.html SOURCE Start-Up Nation Central (SNC) [ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ] [June 15, 2023] Cymulate to Present Its Analysis of 1.7M Hours of Security Tests at Infosecurity Europe Tweet Cymulate, an award-winning leader in exposure management and security validation, today announced that the company will host a session at the Infosecurity Europe Conference titled, "Lessons learned from 1.7 million hours of Security Validation in one year," presented by Michael Shaw, Lead Security Engineer with Cymulate. In this session, we will discuss the top 10 attacks launched by our customers and whether the security teams were focused on the right attacks to protect against from a priority perspective. We will also share some disturbing insights: why are the older exploits (over two years old) not being mitigated but still used in the wild? We will also talk through innovative ways to assess exposures, check attack path viability, and validate security control efficacy. WHO: Michael Shaw, Lead Security Engineer at Cymulate WHAT: Presentation on "Lessons learned from 1.7 million hours of Security Validation in one year." Attendees will: Find out what we discovered from 1.7 million hours of assessments over 12 months Hear real-life customer testing trends and which real-world breaches are tested the most Understand the current state of legacy vulnerability patching and how to validate the efficacy of patches and controls Learn about gaps in security testing and what the trends tell us Discover how Cymulate safely uses threat actor attack techniques and automation to validate security controls WHEN: Wednesday, June 21st at 10:40 a.m. BST (25-minute presentation) WHERE: Infosecurity Europe Conference, ExCeL London, One Western Gateway, Royal Victoria Dock, London E16 1XL MEDIA: To connect with Cymulate at the Infosecurity Europe Conference, visit their booth at #T20. If you are looking for expert commentary for any upcoming stories, please reach out to Matter Communications at [email protected]. View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20230615330548/en/ [ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ] [June 15, 2023] Federman & Sherwood Investigates John Hopkins University for Data Breach Tweet The law firm of Federman & Sherwood has initiated an investigation into John Hopkins University with respect to their recent data breach. On June 14, 2023, John Hopkins University notified law enforcement that the company experienced a data breach after an unauthorized party accessed sensitive consumer data entrusted to the company. According to John Hopkins University, they determined that information stored on their servers may have been subject to unauthorized access on May 31, 2023. John Hopkins University is still investigating the scope of information that was compromised; however, it has initially determined that the informatio exposed in the data breach includes: sensitive personal and financial information, [including names, contact information, and health billing records.] They will notify impacted individuals in the coming weeks. If you wish to discuss this action, obtain further information, and/or participate in this litigation, please contact Lacrista A. Bagley either by email at [email protected] or visit our firm's website www.federmanlaw.com. View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20230615770503/en/ [ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ] [June 15, 2023] First 5th Generation Palletonator Rolls Off Production Site in Slovenia and Heads to Lempaala, Finland Tweet LEMPAALA, Finland, June 15, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Today, KraftPal technologies marks a significant milestone in sustainable logistics as the first 5th generation Palletonator produced in Slovenia, has arrived after its long journey to KraftPal Finland in Lempaala. This is the first local production unit (LPU) in Europe with the 5th generation Palletonator, which is planned to produce up to 1.5 million corrugated cardboard pallets per year and take initiative as Pilot production in the region. These cost-effective, environmentally friendly pallets are 80% lighter than wooden pallets, leave no residue, and offer numerous benefits such as impeccable hygiene and an instant 80% reduction of carbon footprint per pallet. The Palletonator will meet the growing demand for sustainable solutions in Scandinavia, a region that has always been at the forefront of reducing CO2 emissions. Our cardboard pallets reduce 80% of CO2 emission per pallet and offer a viable and environmentally friendly alternative to traditional wooden or plastic pallets. "The KraftPal Group is proud to have produced the first 5th generation Palletonator, providing a sustainable solution for the logistics industry. This innovation for supply chain reflects our commitment to reducing pallet and transport costs for companies in the Scandinavian region, with the major sustainability aspect of reducing the carbon footprint through innovative solutions. The Pallettonator will support our customers in their efforts to reach net zero targets faster," said Gregor Brajovic, CEO KraftPal technologies. Recognized by leading pharmaceutical and automotive companies, KraftPal is emerging as a global partner in the pallet industry following a $124 million investment in 2022. Managing Director KraftPal Nordics, Martin Wichmann added, "We are very pleased to start production at Europe's first local unit of the 5th generation Palletonator. This technology will allow us to produce a large volume of corrugated pallets while minimizing waste and reducing our environmental footprint. We look forward to making this technology available to our customers in Scandinavia and beyond." The Palletonator represents a sustainable solution for the logistics industry and will revolutionize the way goods are transported. We look forward to being at the forefront of this innovation and creating a more sustainable future for all. The official launch will be on 21. 6. 2023. The future arrives on a KraftPal pallet. For more information, visit www.kraftpal.com or email [email protected] Logo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2103137/4090255/KraftPal_technologies_Logo.jpg View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.co.uk/news-releases/first-5th-generation-palletonator-rolls-off-production-site-in-slovenia-and-heads-to-lempaala-finland-301852197.html [ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ] Asteroid City From 30s Europe to 60s France and near-future Japan, Wes Anderson has travelled wide and well in the last decade. So it proves again with his 11th feature, a playfully searching delight. A sky-watching romp that contemplates infinity, Asteroid City offers a wry exploration of lifes mysteries and proves that the Anderson touch can hold firm in the face of the great beyond. That arch imprint is clear from the monochrome prologue, an east coast-set theatrical framing device Anderson later revisits to counterpoint the films main action. A burst into colour then whisks us to a sun-kissed town in the US southwest, new turf for Anderson. Even so, the spectacle of a colour-coordinated train bisecting the landscape plays like a nifty pun on his flair for symmetries. Westworld, meet Wes world. Here, precocious Junior Stargazers (and parents) visit a meteor-crater site to display their inventions, ranging from botanical acceleration to astronomical imaging. So far, so Rushmore-esque. But photographer Augie Steenbeck (Jason Schwartzman) also has to let go of the damaged family car and his childrens recently deceased mother. Meanwhile, atomic-bomb tests shake the area and an alien drops by, prompting a military quarantine. Family, grief, lockdown, anxiety Stretching his familiarly "cool and delicious" sensibilities (to borrow a phrase from his script), Anderson touches on themes of mortality, modern dread, and nuclear fears here, interrogating how our beliefs and identities help us navigate unknown territory. Theatre and photography are two such methods; in a fantastically funny set piece, other characters turn to song. Meanwhile, Augies daughters declare themselves witches and attempt to reanimate mum from her ashy remains in a Tupperware container. If emotional focus splinters a little across Andersons starry ensemble, his wit and way with actors remain joyous. Effectively playing Bill Murray, Tom Hanks wears his Anderson-ian predecessors trousers well. Maya Hawke impresses as a teacher doggedly clinging to facts amid chaos, while Scarlett Johansson graduates from Isle of Dogs voicework in doubled-up roles as dark-haired/blonde actors struggling with toxic directors. Meta-puns and layers of art/reality mount, sometimes to playful ends, sometimes to faintly distancing effect. But theres no doubting the invention and drollery on show, much less the subtle sincerity of Andersons questioning. As his characters ponder how to do lifes uncertainties, one answer offered is "trust your curiosity." As ever, Andersons curiosity guides him wondrously well here. Asteroid City is in UK cinemas on 23 June and in US cinemas on 16 June (limited) and 23 June (wide). For more upcoming movies, check out our breakdown of 2023 movie release dates. [June 15, 2023] Statement from Parkhill Mays, CEO of STOPit Solutions, on the Passing of Alyssa's Law in Texas Tweet HOLMDEL, N.J., June 15, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- STOPit Solutions, a leading provider of safety and reporting solutions, commends the State of Texas for passing of Alyssa's Law, a significant step towards enhancing school safety and protecting students. We stand in full support of the efforts made by Texas lawmakers, including State Representative Shawn Thierry, to prioritize the safety of our students and educators. Alyssa's Law, named in honor of Alyssa Alhadeff, a victim of the tragic Parkland shooting, recognizes the urgent need for effective emergency response measures within our schools. By mandating the installation of silent panic alert systems in all Texas classroom, Alyssa's Law ensures that school staff have immediate access to emergency assistance at the touch of a button. This vital legislation empowers individuals to quickly and discreetly communicate with first responders, saving crucial seconds that can make a significant difference in emergency situations. STOPit Solutions is committed to supporting schools and districts across Texas in their implementation of Alyssa's Law. Our Silent Panic Alert System provides a powerful and user-friendly solution that seamlessly integrates with existing safety protocols. It enables real-time communication, accurate location tracking, and streamlined emergency response coordination, ultimately enhancing the safety and well-being of students and staff. We commend the State of Texas for taking another proactive step towards creating safer learning environments. At STOPit Solutions, we remain dedicated to providing innovative technologies and comprehensive support to help schools and districts across the country strengthen their safety measures. About STOPit Solutions: STOPit Solutions is a leading provider of safety and reporting solutions for schools, organizations, and communities including over 300 K12 districts in Texas. Our comprehensive suite of tools, including the Silent Panic Alert System, empowers individuals to report concerns, incidents, or emergencies quickly and anonymously. We are committed to making a positive impact on school safety and fostering secure environments where students and staff can thrive. View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/statement-from-parkhill-mays-ceo-of-stopit-solutions-on-the-passing-of-alyssas-law-in-texas-301852399.html SOURCE STOPit Solutions [ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ] [June 15, 2023] Mattson Technology Responds to Baseless Allegations Raised in Recent Media Reporting Tweet No evidence to support the allegations raised against Mattson Applied Materials' reckless accusations are unfounded and without merit FREMONT, Calif., June 15, 2023 /CNW/ -- Mattson Technology, Inc. ("Mattson") today responded to unfounded allegations featured in a recent Bloomberg News article discussing the Company's active legal dispute with Applied Materials ("Applied"). We recognize that false narratives like these are featured prominently in our industry, and in the business strategies of our rivals. The court process is designed to reveal the truth and we are confident that it will continue to do so. We are very fortunate that these false claims will not disrupt our ability to meet our customers' needs. Mattson remains committed to delivering leading-edge wafer processing equipment at high productivity levels to continue providing our customers with cost-effective solutions while complying with all applicable regulatory and legal obligations. Simply put, the claims made against Mattson have no merit. We are confident that they will be resolved in our favor. Applied Materials' complaint filed in this case was submitted approximately 16 months ago and it did not include any evidence to support the allegations raised against Mattson. Despite a vigorous court process, no related evidence has appeared since the case was initially filed, and none will appear in the future because the allegations are entirely false. The reckess accusation that Mattson hired employees departing Applied to acquire their intellectual property is unfounded and without merit. Mattson acted properly in hiring these individuals. For context, over recent years, more than 15 former key technologists and executives have left Mattson for Applied, and more than 40 former Mattson employees are currently employed at Applied. It is also important to note that California where both companies are headquartered is a strong at-will employment state, which protects an employee's right to leave any job without cause or reason. As such, it is illegal for an employer to engage in any behavior that would intentionally hinder an employee's mobility. Non-competes, like the one instituted by Applied in this instance, serve to hinder employee mobility and are not legal under California law. Additionally, Mattson played no role in and had no knowledge of any behavior described in the article by departing Applied employees. However, departing employees resetting company-issued phones that are full of personal data and photos, or not wanting to disclose their new employer before they've joined, is commonly considered routine behavior for departing employees leaving any company. Moreover, Mattson did not ask any prospective employees to bring information from their former employer. On the contrary, in the instance of Dr. Lai, Mattson conditioned his employment on an agreement that he would not bring any such information an agreement Dr. Lai has upheld as corroborated by an extensive forensic analysis that was submitted to the Court. Applied Materials has had almost a year and a half to back up these meritless claims in the court of law. It has failed to do so. It is disappointing that Applied Materials has leveraged a highly respected media outlet as a platform to repeat these unfounded allegations without any proof. About Mattson Technology, Inc. Mattson Technology, a Delaware Company headquartered in Fremont, California, designs, manufactures, markets and supports semiconductor wafer processing equipment. Mattson's dry strip, plasma etch, rapid thermal processing and millisecond annealing equipment are used in high volume manufacturing by leading memory and logic chip makers around the world. New innovations from Mattson in atomic surface engineering address the most critical 3D logic and memory manufacturing challenges. Learn more at www.mattson.com. Company Contact: Mattson Technology, Inc. Corporate Communications [email protected] View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/mattson-technology-responds-to-baseless-allegations-raised-in-recent-media-reporting-301852413.html SOURCE Mattson Technology, Inc. [ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ] [June 15, 2023] QIAGEN's QuantiFERON-TB Gold Plus shows unique clinical value with CD8 technology in new meta-analysis of tuberculosis screening Tweet Venlo, the Netherlands, June 15, 2023 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- QIAGEN (NYSE: QGEN; Frankfurt Prime Standard: QIA) welcomes the publication of a new, systematic review highlighting the unique value of its proprietary tuberculosis (TB) testing technology. The study highlights QIAGENs continued leadership in TB infection screening, centered on QuantiFERON-TB Gold Plus test, an interferon-gamma release assay (IGRA). The test is unique to the market in featuring two primary blood collection tubes TB1 and TB2 enabling detection of responsive CD4 T-cells in TB1, and additionally, CD8 T-cell responses in TB2. The meta-analysis on QuantiFERON testing was conducted by Universitas Padjadjaran, Indonesia, and published in Clinical Chemistry and Laboratory Medicine (CCLM)[1]. The systematic review, based on 17 studies and including 4,050 subjects, showed a higher level of interferon-gamma (IFN-?) production in the QuantiFERON-TB Gold Plus TB2 tube than in the TB1 tube, confirming the important role of CD8 T-cells for a broad immune assessment of TB infection. Subgroup analysis in speci?c populations revealed that the difference of IFN-? production between the TB2 and TB1 tubes was significantly higher in active TB disease subjects than in those with latent TB. The ability to differentiate active TB disease from latent infection has long been sought by the medical community to help stratify patient risk. This result likely reflects a significant CD8 T-cell response in active TB subjects and may be related to the increased tuberculosis bacterial load in these individuals. The study also highlighted the potential benefit of the TB2 tube for CD8 detection in certain high-risk populations, such as immunocompromised patients, and especially those having CD4 T-cell deficiency. It provided additional insights into the medical relevance for detection of both CD4 and CD8 T-cell responses in the context of diagnosis of TB infection (including disease), a feature unique to the QuantiFERON-TB Gold Plus assays. Identifying TB infection in high-risk individuals is critical to preventing the spread of TB. It plays a vital role in achieving the World Health Organization's ambitious EndTB strategy goals, particularly in reducing TB-related deaths by 90% by 2030, compared to 2015 levels, said Dr. Davide Manissero, M.D., Chief Medical Officer of QIAGEN. The results of this large systematic review warrant further exploration of the role of patient stratification that QuantiFERON TB testing could offer. It also validates our broader strategy of continual investment and improvement of our diagnostic products with the aim to bring increased value to patients and to address the needs of the medical community. Tuberculosis is a contagious bacterial infection spread primarily by coughing of patients with the active pulmonary form of the disease. The World Health Organization (WHO) estimated that there were more than 10 million new cases of active TB worldwide and 1.6 million deaths from TB in 2021. Screening of hih-risk individuals and treatment for TB infection plays an important role in TB control efforts in the U.S. and many European countries, as well as in other developed and emerging markets around the world. QuantiFERON-TB Gold Plus is the worlds leading IGRA blood test, with millions of tests performed annually. It has established itself as a superior alternative to the dated TB skin test (TST), which is less effective in identifying TB infection in people who have received BCG vaccination, which is common for patients from high-TB-burden countries, and in patients who may be unlikely to return for TST interpretation. QuantiFERON-TB Gold Plus has helped patients and providers globally by reducing the number of visits to a single blood draw with a faster turnaround time. QuantiFERON-TB Gold Plus sets itself apart from other IGRA tests with a streamlined workflow and the use of whole blood samples, not purified lymphocytes. International guidance from the CDC and the WHO support the use of blood tests like QuantiFERON-TB Gold Plus in all settings as part of the fight to end the global TB epidemic. More information about TB testing and QuantiFERON-TB Gold Plus is available at https://www.qiagen.com/End-TB. [1] Darmawan, Guntur et al: "Comparison of interferon-gamma production between TB1 and TB2 tubes of QuantiFERON-TB Gold Plus: a meta-analysis" Clinical Chemistry and Laboratory Medicine (CCLM), 2023. https://doi.org/10.1515/cclm-2023-0293 About QIAGEN QIAGEN N.V., a Netherlands-based holding company, is the leading global provider of Sample to Insight solutions that enable customers to gain valuable molecular insights from samples containing the building blocks of life. Our sample technologies isolate and process DNA, RNA and proteins from blood, tissue and other materials. Assay technologies make these biomolecules visible and ready for analysis. Bioinformatics software and knowledge bases interpret data to report relevant, actionable insights. Automation solutions tie these together in seamless and cost-effective workflows. QIAGEN provides solutions to more than 500,000 customers around the world in Molecular Diagnostics (human healthcare), Applied Testing (primarily forensics), Pharma (pharma and biotech companies) and Academia (life sciences research). As of March 31, 2023, QIAGEN employed more than 6,200 people in over 35 locations worldwide. Further information can be found at http://www.qiagen.com. Forward-Looking Statement Certain statements contained in this press release 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. To the extent that any of the statements contained herein relating to QIAGEN's products, including those products used in the response to the COVID-19 pandemic, timing for launch and development, marketing and/or regulatory approvals, financial and operational outlook, growth and expansion, collaborations, markets, strategy or operating results, including without limitation its expected adjusted net sales and adjusted diluted earnings results, are forward-looking, such statements are based on current expectations and assumptions that involve a number of uncertainties and risks. Such uncertainties and risks include, but are not limited to, risks associated with management of growth and international operations (including the effects of currency fluctuations, regulatory processes and dependence on logistics), variability of operating results and allocations between customer classes, the commercial development of markets for our products to customers in academia, pharma, applied testing and molecular diagnostics; changing relationships with customers, suppliers and strategic partners; competition; rapid or unexpected changes in technologies; fluctuations in demand for QIAGEN's products (including fluctuations due to general economic conditions, the level and timing of customers' funding, budgets and other factors); our ability to obtain regulatory approval of our products; difficulties in successfully adapting QIAGEN's products to integrated solutions and producing such products; the ability of QIAGEN to identify and develop new products and to differentiate and protect our products from competitors' products; market acceptance of QIAGEN's new products and the integration of acquired technologies and businesses; actions of governments, global or regional economic developments, weather or transportation delays, natural disasters, political or public health crises, including the breadth and duration of the COVID-19 pandemic and its impact on the demand for our products and other aspects of our business, or other force majeure events; as well as the possibility that expected benefits related to recent or pending acquisitions may not materialize as expected; and the other factors discussed under the heading Risk Factors contained in Item 3 of our most recent Annual Report on Form 20-F. For further information, please refer to the discussions in reports that QIAGEN has filed with, or furnished to, the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission. Source: QIAGEN N.V. Category: Corporate John Gilardi QIAGEN N.V. +49 2103 29 11711 [email protected] Phoebe Loh QIAGEN N.V. +49 2103 29 11457 [email protected] Thomas Theuringer QIAGEN N.V. +49 2103 29 11826 [email protected] Daniela Eltrop QIAGEN N.V. +49 2103 29 11676 [email protected] [ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ] [June 15, 2023] Chegg Releases its 2022 Environmental, Social, and Governance Report Demonstrating Commitment to Responsible Practices and Societal Impact Tweet Chegg, Inc. (NYSE:CHGG), the leading student-first connected learning platform, announced the release of its 2022 Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) report. The comprehensive report outlines Chegg's commitment to ethical management, an empowered employee culture, environmentally sustainable practices, responsible product and service development, and fostering positive societal impact. Chegg's mission is to help every student achieve their best in school and beyond. Since its founding, the company's ESG principles have served as a foundation to drive positive impact for its students, employees, shareholders, and partners. As a leader in student learning, Chegg believes in the importance of upholding the highest standards of business conduct to deliver a best-in-class learning platform for today's students. The report highlights the company's strategy and progress in key ESG areas. "We are proud to launch our 2022 ESG report and showcase our dedication to transparency, accountability and creating positive impact. By integrating ESG principles into our business, we believe we can shape a more sustainable and equitable future for our students and all our stakeholders," said Dan Rosensweig, CEO and President of Chegg, Inc. Highlights of the ESG report include: Carbon Emissions Reporting: Expanded greenhouse gas emissions reporting to include Scope 3, emissions from our indirect value chain. Expanded greenhouse gas emissions reporting to include Scope 3, emissions from our indirect value chain. Global Day of Impact: Held the first Global Day of Impact with Chegg volunteers donating over 1,500 hours mentoring students, serving meals to people experiencing hunger, packaging hygiene and self-care kits, assembling STEAM kits for classrooms and more. Held the first Global Day of Impact with Chegg volunteers donating over 1,500 hours mentoring students, serving meals to people experiencing hunger, packaging hygiene and self-care kits, assembling STEAM kits for classrooms and more. Award-winning Culture: Celebrated the fifth year of beng certified as a Great Place to Work in the U.S. and India, including specific awards for being a Great Place to Work for parents, women, millennials and technology. Celebrated the fifth year of beng certified as a Great Place to Work in the U.S. and India, including specific awards for being a Great Place to Work for parents, women, millennials and technology. Student Mental Health: Launched inaugural Student Mental Health Week in partnership with social impact organizations reaching millions of students and advocating with legislators for student mental health resources. Launched inaugural Student Mental Health Week in partnership with social impact organizations reaching millions of students and advocating with legislators for student mental health resources. Community Partnerships: Chegg For Good partnered with 30 organizations in 2022 furthering our impact goals to advance access to education and student wellbeing. Our partners included supporting classrooms through DonorsChoose.org, ensuring access to education and resources through SEEDS India and delivering free coding camps to students through Kode with Klossy. Chegg For Good partnered with 30 organizations in 2022 furthering our impact goals to advance access to education and student wellbeing. Our partners included supporting classrooms through DonorsChoose.org, ensuring access to education and resources through SEEDS India and delivering free coding camps to students through Kode with Klossy. Learner Outcomes: 90% of Chegg users surveyed report that the learning platform helps them better understand the concepts they are studying in school and 91% say they get better grades when they use Chegg to understand their coursework. 1 90% of Chegg users surveyed report that the learning platform helps them better understand the concepts they are studying in school and 91% say they get better grades when they use Chegg to understand their coursework. Learner Success: Continued commitment to academic integrity and supporting student learning through the Chegg Honor Code, which guides students on acceptable use of Chegg's platform and deepened our understanding of student learning and success through our Academic Advisory Board. Continued commitment to academic integrity and supporting student learning through the Chegg Honor Code, which guides students on acceptable use of Chegg's platform and deepened our understanding of student learning and success through our Academic Advisory Board. Data Security & Privacy: Putting students first guides our critical priority to help protect the data of our learners, our employees, and our business. Chegg proactively mitigates cybersecurity risks through practices designed to establish appropriate physical, technical, and administrative safeguards to help protect data. Putting students first guides our critical priority to help protect the data of our learners, our employees, and our business. Chegg proactively mitigates cybersecurity risks through practices designed to establish appropriate physical, technical, and administrative safeguards to help protect data. Fostering Inclusion and Belonging: Chegg's eight employee resource groups (ERGs) hosted over 65 events in 2022 focused on cultivating community, creating awareness, giving back and providing education and resources to our diverse team. Chegg's ESG strategy and progress here. 1 Results reflect a Chegg online survey conducted among a random sample of U.S. Chegg Study and Chegg Study Pack customers that used Chegg Study or Chegg Study Pack in Q2 2022 and Q3 2022. Respondent base (n=1662) among approximately 1.14MM invites. Sample size represents this population of customers within a margin of error of 2.4% at 95% confidence. Survey responses are not a guarantee of any particular results as individual experiences may vary. Survey fielded between Sept. 28-Oct 10, 2022. Each respondent was entered into a drawing to win 1 of 10 $500 e-gift cards. About Chegg Millions of people all around the world Learn with Chegg. Our mission is to improve learning and learning outcomes by putting students first. We support life-long learners starting with their academic journey and extending into their careers. The Chegg platform provides products and services to support learners to help them better understand their academic course materials, and also provides personal and professional development skills training, to help them achieve their learning goals. Chegg is a publicly held company based in Santa Clara, California and trades on the NYSE under the symbol CHGG. For more information, visit www.chegg.com. View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20230615934742/en/ [ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ] Tonight we compile more than a few worthwhile crime reporting news links on the topic of local life, ongoing court cases and community interest. Check TKC news gathering . . . Child critically injured in hit-and-run crash in Kansas City A child has been left with critical injures after a hit-and-run crash in Kansas City Tuesday night. Eyewitness to 2 crashes also raises concern about Kansas City 911 response time "Poor response time two weeks in a row to the same intersection and there's been nothing done about that." Police search for suspect after swastika, racial slur graffiti found at Lake Olathe bathroom Ten days after the incident was reported, police said they have no leads on the vandalism. Continuance granted in case of former Kansas City, Kan., police detective Roger Golubski Golubski faces six counts of sexual assault against two different victims. Capital murder trial for accused Wyandotte County cop killer delayed 3rd time Wyandotte County capital murder trial for accused cop killer Antoine Fielder is delayed a third time, and won't begin until Feb. 2025. Legal marijuana puts drug-sniffing police dogs out of work in Missouri * Missouri Independent Now that cannabis is legal in Missouri, drug-sniffing police dogs face early retirement if they are attracted to the smell of marijuana. KBI: Over 25,000 counterfeit pills containing fentanyl seized in Sedgwick County, KS The Kansas Bureau of Investigation and Kansas Highway Patrol seized over 25,000 counterfeit pills containing fentanyl near Wichita. State of Missouri impacted by recent global cyberattack The State of Missouri revealed Tuesday it's computer systems, like many in other states, had been hit by a cyber attack. Kansas City cop kneels on customer's neck over lack of receipt for $5 frozen pizza: video A Kansas City, Kansas cop pinned a Walmart customer to the ground and held his knee on his neck after accusing the man of stealing a $5 frozen pizza even though he had the receipt on him, video shows. GoFundMe created for victim of 'senseless act of random violence' at Luke Combs concert Johnathan Scaletty, a husband, father of two young sons and an employee at the Ford assembly plant in Claycomo, has undergone multiple medical procedures for his ankle, which was shattered in the attack. Developing . . . Here's a roundup of today's biggest story that's puts election news and PUBLIC SAFETY in the proper perspective . . . Check-it . . . Firefighters responded to emergency at the warehouse near Monroe and Nicholson Avenues shortly after 12 p.m. Thursday. Firefighters searched the building and then moved out of the building to tackle the fire. They moved into a defensive posture, meaning they put the ladder sticks up all the way to the top and extended them and we have a large amount of water, Jason Spreitzer, KCFD, said. More importantly . . . "More than 150 firefighters have responded to the scene, which was upgraded to a four-alarm fire shortly after 2 p.m. KCFD spokesperson Jason Spreitzer said seven firefighters have sustained injuries. Four were treated at the scene and three were transported to a local hospital. " Read more via www.TonysKansasCity.com links . . . Multiple Kansas City crews respond to large warehouse fire Kansas City, Missouri, firefighters are fighting a large fire at a pallet warehouse in Kansas City's Northeast Industrial District. KCFD battling four-alarm fire at Northeast Industrial District warehouse Fire crews have been evacuated from the building as the department shifts into defense against the flames 3 KCFD firefighters sent to hospital while battling 4-alarm blaze in northeast KCMO Kansas City, Missouri, Fire Department crews are battling a four-alarm warehouse fire Thursday in northeast KCMO. Seven firefighters have been injured, including three sent to the hospital. Workers describe evacuation during massive pallet warehouse fire in East Bottoms The business on fire was a pallet factory and warehouse on Nicholson Avenue, just west of N. Monroe Avenue. Three alarm blaze sends flames and smoke skyward that is visible for miles Shortly after noon today, Kansas City, MO Firefighters responded to a structure fire at the Perfect Pallets manufacturing facility in [...] LIVE COVERAGE: 3 firefighters hospitalized, more treated after large pallet business fire The fire department stated the fire continued to build because the flames caught wood pallets at the building. Employees of tire shop near Kansas City warehouse blaze worked to protect business As the fire burned, T&W Tire employees had to move dozens of tractor tires away from the blaze. Neighbors react not being evacuated as KC fire crews battle large warehouse fire Seen across the skies across the Kansas City metro. A massive fire engulfs a warehouse north and east of downtown Thursday afternoon. Video: Massive 5-alarm fire in Kansas City visible from Children's Mercy Hospital A KMBC crew captured this video from outside Children's Mercy Hospital, located at 2401 Gillham Road. Developing . . . Sorry . . . But any denizen of the discourse might realize that VOTERS aren't as impressed with recent diverse flag games that mostly serve to garner social media clout. But as always . . . We're open to debate . . . IS THE FIGHT FOR THE AMERICAN FLAG AT FEDERAL BUILDINGS AN INSULT TO THE LGBT COMMUNITY?!? Yes, that question is overly dramatic and aimed only at silly people willing to get upset about decorations at the Post Office. Check-it what should be obvious and a slam dunk from a policy perspective . . . The bill, known as the One Flag for All Act, will make it illegal to fly, drape or display any flag other than the American flag on federal buildings or properties, with limited exceptions. His bill is a response to the Biden administrations decision to fly the pride flag more prominently than the American flag over the weekend during a gay pride celebration at the White House. "This is a disgrace," the Kansas senator tweeted at the time. "Not only is it in breach of US Flag Code, but its a glaring example of this White House's incompetence and insistence on putting their social agenda ahead of patriotism." Read more via www.TonysKansasCity.com link . . . Feds banned from flying non-US flags under new GOP bill after White House flies Pride flag Sen. Roger Marshall, a Kansas Republican, is introducing a bill that would prohibit federal buildings from flying flags other than the United States flag. Forgive a bit of a repeat tonight . . . Arguments against the pardon of a former KCPD detective convicted of involuntary manslaughter and armed criminal action have garnered the local & national spotlight. Something we've noticed . . . A great deal of the discussion is more focused on the CULTURAL IMPACT of a potential pardon rather than the merits of the case that have been disputed by legal experts throughout Missouri. Much smarter people than TKC have argued that the verdict was questionable and merits appeal and, inevitably, an overturn. But the legal discussion has been ignored, the politics and racially charged rhetoric of the story is what garners the most interest. There's also a lot of speculation about the response from the community . . . To that we offer this simple street level question: HOW MANY PEOPLE ARE REALLY GONNA PROTEST & RIOT FOR SOME DUDE WHO HAS BEEN DEAD FOR NEARLY FOUR YEARS?!? TKC will go out on a limb here and suggest that the main concern about this case is from "the chattering class" and activists who are hoping to accomplish political goals. Accordingly . . . A quote from a top law enforcement official merits consideration regarding impact of perceived injustice . . . "It is the slow burn after the protests are over," Jackson County Prosecutor Jean Peters Baker continued. "What happens after that? Violence rates we can expect to go up. Calls for service probably actually go down, because people don't trust that the rule of law is going to matter for them." Similarly . . . A local blog has been strident about serial killer rumors and now believes that getting rid of police is the answer to alleged injustice . . . It's important to note that they're one of the loudest voices joining the prosecutor in outcry regarding this case . . . Ask anybody else at the gas station and they probably don't know much about this politically charged controversy . . . "This ongoing saga of brutality, white supremacy, and abuses of power continues to highlight the urgent need for abolition. We, in the tradition of the radical Black press, will remain on the frontlines of this battleilluminating truth and demanding accountability." Read more via www.TonysKansasCity.com links . . . Jackson County Prosecutor says pardoning Eric DeValkenaere would hurt trust in the 'rule of law' Jackson County Prosecutor Jean Peters Baker sent a letter to Missouri Gov. Mike Parson urging him to not pardon a former Kansas City Police detective who killed Cameron Lamb in 2019. DeValkenaere was the first KCPD officer to ever be convicted in the fatal shooting of Black man. A License to Kill: Missouri Governor Expected to Pardon First Cop in Kansas City History Who Was Convicted for Murdering A Black Man In a shocking move, Missouri's Governor prepares to pardon Eric DeValkenaere, the first KCPD officer in history convicted of murdering a Black man. You decide . . . Arby's Canada has announced the debut of their first Canadian burger, called the Bacon Ranch Wagyu Blend Burger Andrew Palamarchuk is a reporter with Metroland Media Toronto and toronto.com. He has been covering the crime beat since 2002 and has a passion for giving a voice to those affected by tragedy and looking at societal issues that may have contributed to it. Saudi Ports Authority (Mawani) has signed a deal with Alba Nova International and Taraf Algar Company Limited (TACL) to set up an integrated bunker station at King Fahad Industrial Port in partnership with the Ministry of Energy. With an eye on taking the nations tally of world-class logistics centres to 30, the proposed SR2-billion ($532 million) development is key to Mawanis ambition to position Saudi Arabia as a logistics hub of choice at the crossroads of three major continents in line with the ambitions of the National Transport and Logistics Strategy (NTLS). The facility is similarly crucial in fulfilling the objectives of the Ministry of Energy to raise the kingdoms share in the regional bunkering market to 10 million tons through increased partnerships with major oil storage companies, said Mawani in a statement. The operator of the 393,000-sq-m refuelling hub intends to build oil tanks to store, trade, and blend petroleum products over two stages, with each phase seeing new 1.2 million metric-ton-capacity facilities taking shape over 196,000 sq m, it added. The strategic agreement was signed by Abdullah AlMunif, the Mawani Vice President for Commercial Business, and Engineer Khalid Al Qahtani, CEO at Taraf Algar. The overall holding capacity for the pioneering project is expected to hit 2.5 million metric tonnes on completion. A total of 144 storage units, ranging from diesel tanks, benzene tanks, and heavy fuel oil tanks among others, will be erected at each stage. Capable of holding 8,650 metric tonnes apiece, these state-of-the-art facilities are designed to serve the national petroleum industry and cater to local and global market requirements in an efficient and high-quality manner, said the statement. Based in Yanbu, King Fahad Industrial Port is the Kingdoms - and the Red Seas - largest trade hub for crude oil, refined petroleum, and petrochemicals. With a throughput capacity of 500,000 tons and an infrastructure spanning 34 berths and ten terminals, the port is strategically located to serve the East-West global trade routes, it added.-TradeArabia News Service Toronto woman charged with allegedly defrauding seniors in Alberta, Manitoba in lottery scam, Peel police say Police say victims led to believe that they had won a lottery prize and had to pay a fee to claim their winnings Show Transcript Hide Transcript Rabbi Moshe Krupka: My honor and privilege to present to you Zvi Ryzman, HaRav Tzvi Chaim ben HaRav Yehoshua Heshel, to the degree of Doctor of Humane Letters in honoris causa. Zvi Ryzman as as a respected Talmudic scholar and CEO of one of the largest manufacturers and distributors of beauty products in the world, you are a noted philanthropist and a highly successful businessman who has immeasurably enhanced Touro through your involvement. Upon joining the Touro board 20 years ago, you supported the vision of Touro founder Rabbi Dr. Bernard Lander , Zacher Tzaddik LeBrocha. More recently, since becoming Touro chairman, you have worked hand in hand to our president Dr. Alan Kadesh and to our chancellor and Rosh Yeshiva, Rabbi Doniel Lander to advance the institution's growth and expansion. You serve as a bridge between the last administration and the current one, so ably connecting our founding mission and values with the school's contemporary needs. In addition to building your business, you spend the majority of your time studying and teaching Torah to audiences all over the world. This fusion of Torah secular education and contributing to society started at a very early age. You studied in the famed Chevron yeshiva and also served in the Israel Defense Forces. You received rabbinic ordination from HaRav Yechezkel Sarna, Zacher Tzaddik LeBrocha, of the Chevron Yeshiva and earned a degree in political science and economics at Tel Aviv University. You are a role model for integrating a life of Torah study and stellar career achievements. You are truly a Renaissance man and an Eish Kolot, exemplifying the mission or Pirkei Avot: "Yafa Talmud Torah Im Derech Eretz." As an Eish Asakim, a businessman, who learns and teaches Torah every day, you have followed in the path of your saintly father, who was also both a maggid shuir and a businessman. He never stopped teaching Torah while pursuing knowledge and earning a living. Your life today is a testament to his enduring values. Along with your Eishet Chayal Betty, you have supported myriad charitable organizations on the international scene. Shaare Tzedek hospital in Jerusalem, The Mesorah Heritage Foundation, Puah, an organization focused on fertility medicine and halacha, just to name a few. You created hebrewbooks.org to provide world Jewry with access to nearly 63,000 classical Hebrew seferim via free download. At the heart and soul of your philanthropy is your mission to strengthen the cause of Harbitzit HaTorah and to guarantee the vibrant continuation of our Mesorah. Touro is going to be fortunate to have you as their leader, and we, all of us, are blessed with your friendship and wise counsel. President Kadish, for his exemplary leadership and service to the Jewish people, through steadfast support and active involvement in the study and teaching of Touro, as a paragon, leader, and Jewish educator, for his incisive scholarship and genuine care and concern for all people, and upon the recommendation of Touro's leadership, I respectfully ask that you confer upon Zvi Ryzman the degree of Doctor of Humane Letters in honoris causa Dr. Alan Kadish: I just want to add that for the last two years, it's been an absolute pleasure working with Zvi Ryzman as chairman of the board. I consider him a role model, a mentor, and a friend. And he's a rare individual who serves as a role model for all of us. Zvi Ryzman: Rabbi Lander, Dr. Kadish, Rosh Yeshiva Rabbi Sacks, Fellow members of the board, deans, faculty, and most of all, our dear graduates and their loved ones who have joined us today, thank you very much for the remarkable honor that you bestowed upon me this afternoon. As chairman of the board, it has always been a source of pride to witness the granting of degrees as a symbol of accomplishment and scholarship. I wish all of our graduates would be receiving their degrees today a heartfelt mazel tov. I wish your parents, grandparents, spouses, children, and friends much nachas your accomplishments. I am gratefully elated to join your ranks as a Touro University degree recipient. I'm well aware that Touro University and its affiliates have a clear mission statement. Nevertheless, I hope to hone in and underscore what I believe is the godly charge that each and every one of us is tasked with achieving. What is in a mission? Webster's dictionary defines mission as a specific task which a person or a group is charged. While that is true, our sense of mission demands a slight difference, not a task with which a person or a group is charged-- rather, a task with which a person and a group is charged. There are two dimensions to our mission, two faces to our unique earthly assignment. Allow me to explain. The Torah instructs ViAtem Tihuyu Lee Mamlachet Kohanim v'Goy Kadosh It is incumbent upon us as a tzibur, a nation, to be godly and saintly and thereby make a kiddush Hashem, to sanctify Hashem's name in this world. It is expected of us as people to demonstrate that the nation as a collective can be ambassador of Hashem in a material world. This is the reason our sages, teach us, "Kol Bee Asara Shechina Sarai," namely that any tzibur or ayda of Jews contains the shechina within. In other words, our people as a whole serve as the perfect meeting point between heaven and earth. The other dimension is our Avodat Yechidim. The Jew should not and cannot disappear into a sea of others and hide behind the communal accomplishment. No. Every single ben or bas Yisrael has a singular duty, one that cannot be realized by any other person. Touro's mission statement towards Hillel's dictum in Pirkei Avot : Im Ain Ani Li, Mili? I would like to share how the Chidushai HaRim understood this mission. And I quote. "Kol HaAdam Nivra LeTaken Dvar Miyuchad B'Olam Sheain Achar Yechol LeTaken" In other words, if people don't explore who they are and what particular contribution they must make to the world, then the world would be lacking. Mili is the cry of healing. Who is a substitute? Who can substitute? No one can. The Chidushai HaRim adds the following teaching: "L'Chain, B'chol Zman u'Zman Meyuchad Tikkun Achar." In addition to teaching about every person's task, Hillel is teaching that every time period, every generational era, ushers in a new and distinctive charge, one that could not be addressed in years past. Considering our reality in this 21st century, one cannot help but think that previous generations couldn't even imagine a world that we live in. From the days of Briyat Ha'olam until just a few hundred years ago, people still plowed the fields with ox and plow similar to the way fields were plowed during the earliest era of civilization. People travelled in horse and carriage on dirt roads much like our forefathers did. People warmed their homes with wood since oil was not yet discovered. People didn't understand the improvement electricity would bring. And certainly, no one could ever foresee the ability to send mail electronically from one end of the world to another in a split second. Industry was generally manual in nature. Medicine and medical treatments were lacking. Without the advent of modern medicine and vaccines, millions of people died during epidemics and of a variety of diseases and ailments. Who could have imagined a knee or hip replacement-- a heart, kidney, or liver transplant-- ultrasound, CTs, and MRI imaging-- functional bionic arms and legs-- genetic mapping and modification . IVF and other fertility treatments were but fantasies and dreams not even within that stage. And being on the brink of healing dreadful diseases such as Parkinson and Alzheimer were the very stuff of sci-fi literature. And yet our sages told us thousands of years ago that these would all become reality. In the Zohar HaKodesh, we learned that in the 600 years of Eleph Hashishi, the wellsprings of chochma, wisdom will be opened up and flowing. One cannot help but surmise that chazal was referring to the technological advancements and scientific revelations that we are witnessing. These are the times for these chochmas to come to light. These are the words of the Chidushei HaRim that Tikkun Hamiyuchad for our zman, for our era. How does this all relate to you, dear graduates? The new developments come with a responsibility to illustrate how this is all kedusha and alkut. The Rebbe of Lubavitch is quoted as having said that Hashem created gashemus for ruchneius, and we, you, are tasked to create ruchneius from gashmeus. In the context of present day society, it is incumbent upon us to demonstrate how this all is an integral part of Hashem's infinite wisdom. If we don't do that, who will? Im Ain Ani Mili, then Mili? What better way to accomplish this than by doing what you have done in your years at Touro? You have been delving into beloved Torah and finding the relationship between ruach and geshem, shamayim v'aretz. Our timeless Torah provides timely context and framework for every new dilemma posed by modern science and technology. In the words of Ben Bagbag, HaPhoch Bo, HaPhoch Bo, D'kala Bo. I encourage you to delve deep enough, learn diligently enough, and I'm sure, and you can be sure to find it. In Parshat Veyechi, we learn that Yaakov, our forefather, commanded Semach Zevulin Btzascha V'Yissacher B'Ahelicha. The common interpretation assumes that Yaakov Avinu was speaking to two different people, two of his sons. My father explained Yaakov's statement differently. His understanding is that Yaakov is speaking to one individual who embodies the traits of both, Yissachor and Zevulin. My father, Zichrono L'Vrocha, taught and lead by example that the Jew can and must be fully rooted in limmud HaTorah and other religious pursuits while being firmly present in the marketplace. I also was privileged to witness the special fusion in the life of Touro's founder, Dr. Bernard Lander, Zichrono L'Vrocha. With a lofty dream and bold conviction, he set out to create the platform upon which all of you can merge Yissachor and Zevulin. I so admired and respected him and his mission that I couldn't refuse when he asked me to join the Touro board. It is his brocha that I bring to you today. No matter the path one takes, our calling, your calling, is to shine a light on the oneness that is the Yissachor and Zevulin. You need to be M'Kadish Shem Shamayim by proving that Hashem is found not only in the Beis Meidrash and Beis Knesset but also in the offices of businesses, also of government and corridors of hospitals. Touro University has assisted you in lighting your own internal flame and allowed that flame to illuminate your track as you trek forward in life. Allow that flame to eradicate the darkness in the world by shining a light of Torah ideals. Allow your personal flame to ignite the additional flame that can then generate more and more light, warmth, and positivity in the world. Only with each of us achieving our individual missions by combining Yissocher and Zevulin can we show the rest of the world as a collective unit that Hashem Hu Elokim And finally, coupling Torah learning with the university courses in the number of subjects that you will synthesize that which may, in our world, unfortunately want to divide and separate. You know all too well that Les Atar Pnui Minah There is no place in the world void of God and godliness. It is upon you to live it, share it, teach it, and be proud of it. And when you graduate, bring the beautiful, synthesized tapestry you have woven into the world. You today graduate, are tomorrow's leaders that with Hashem's help lead yourself to personal victory. And then you will be able to lead our nation. And so until Yakiru Viyadui Kol Yisraei Tavel, Hashem Echad o'Shmo Echad. Mazel tov and congratulations. Thank you. Royal Wing Suites & Spa today announced it has been recognized by Tripadvisor as a 2023 Travelers Choice Best of the Best award winner in the luxury and top resort category. (TRAVPR.COM) THAILAND - June 15th, 2023 - Royal Wing Suites & Spa today announced it has been recognized by Tripadvisor as a 2023 Travelers Choice Best of the Best award winner in the luxury and top resort category. The luxury boutique resort maintains the top rank position on the popular travel site. The awards honor travelers' favorite destinations, hotels, restaurants, things to do, and beyond, based on the reviews and opinions collected from travelers and diners around the world on Tripadvisor over a 12-month period. Best of the Best award winners are among the top 1% of listings on Tripadvisor, distinguishing them as travelers favorites for 2023. Congratulations to the 2023 Tripadvisor Travelers Choice Best of the Best winners, said John Boris, Chief Growth Officer at Tripadvisor. The travel resurgence weve seen throughout the past year has even further heightened the competition. Ranking among the Best of the Best demonstrates that you have provided exemplary experiences to those who matter most: your guests. With changing expectations, continued labor shortages, and rising costs, this is no easy feat, and I am continually impressed with the hospitality industrys resilience and ability to adapt. Cheers to another successful year! The Travelers' Choice Best of the Best Award is the highest honor TripAdvisor can give. Royal Wing Suites and Spa prides itself in providing hospitality excellence and exceeding its guests expectations. The propertys positive reviews are testament to its unparalleled services and wide-ranging facilities that cater to all guests specific needs. Check out all the reviews, and discover more about Royal Wing Suites & Spa, please visit https://www.tripadvisor.com/Hotel_Review-g293919-d307270-Reviews-Royal_Wing_Suites_Spa-Pattaya_Chonburi_Province.html Thailand and specifically Pattaya is one of the most sought after travel destinations for tourists. Staying in the right award-winning hotel can guarantee a luxurious experience that goes above and beyond the norm. The Royal Cliff Hotels Group operates 4 luxury hotels providing tourists from home and abroad with the ultimate experience. Its superior service has been paramount to this latest achievement that marks an excellent start for the group this year. Royal Cliff Hotels Group has impressively won over 280 national and international awards to date. This is the ideal luxury destination to discover everything you need for an exceptional holiday. Book your stay directly with Royal Cliff and get the best price guaranteed together with value-added optional extras for an enhanced hotel experience you deserve by visiting www.royalcliff.com, contacting Reservations at (+66) 38 250 421 ext: 2732 or emailing reservations@royalcliff.com. For more information on the Royal Wing Suites and Spa, please www.royalwingsuites.com. ### Hong Kong-based crypto exchange CoinEx is banned from doing business in New York state according to its settlement with the New York Attorney Generals office. New York Attorney General Letitia James said that the settlement recovered $1.7 million from CoinEx after it failed to register as a securities and commodities broker-dealer in New York. Of this amount, $1,172,971.50 will go towards refunds to CoinEx investors and more than $600,000 will cover penalties levied by the state. James described the settlement as "a warning to crypto companies that fail to follow New York laws. Unregistered crypto platforms pose a risk to investors, consumers, and the broader economy, James said in her statement. "My office will continue to crack down on crypto companies that brazenly disregard the law, mislead investors, and put New Yorkers at risk. Can New York AGs Crypto Proposal Offer Investors Greater Protection? CoinEx was initially sued by the New York Attorney General in February. In a 38-page filing, the office alleged that CoinEx "engaged in repeated and persistent fraudulent practices" in violation of New York's Martin Act. The law is considered to be one of the toughest anti-fraud laws in the United States. The 1921 law was found to apply to virtual currencies, which were deemed commodities under its terms, in a July 2020 decision by a state appellate court related to James lawsuit that year against BitFinex. BitFinex is a crypto exchange that James accused in April 2019 of disguising close to $850 million in customer losses in its Tether reserves. The exchange was ordered to cease any business with New Yorkers as part of the settlement reached in February 2021. According to James office, a state investigation from October 2022 found that accounts could be created on CoinEx through New York-based IP addresses. The office said that affected investors will be refunded their crypto within 90 days, or the cash equivalent of any cryptocurrency holdings they had on CoinEx as of April 25, 2023 after that period. Coinseed, Forced to Shut Down, Promotes Obscene Token Targeting NY Attorney General Under the settlement, CoinEx must geoblock New York IP addresses from using the platform. It must also ban U.S. customers from opening new accounts. Existing US customers will have their accounts altered so that they can only withdraw funds from CoinEx. Under New York law, the attorney general's authority to ban CoinEx from operating in the state is clear, but the state is unable to ban it from operating in other states. A spokesperson for the attorney general's office specified that the law banned CoinEx from doing business in New York, but asserted that the settlement "codifies" CoinEx's decision not to operate in the U.S. On February 24, two days after James' lawsuit was filed, a user shared a screenshot showing a note from CoinEx explaining that it would be terminating service for its US users. CoinEx did not return Decrypts request for a comment. James touted the settlement as the latest in a string of lawsuits her office filed against crypto firms in recent years. Altogether her office has collected $500 million in fines from these actions, she said in the press release. The Prime Minister says that the offer by the U.S. to assist the region and this country in A Pakistani vlogger has recently made a tour of India with his bike, covering thousands of kilometers and visiting several Indian states. Abrar Hassan made documentation of his whole journey where he familiarized his countrymen with the Indians unique culture, languages, food and landscapes. Abrar Hassan has a YouTube channel, Wild Lens by Abrar, which is dedicated to his traveling experiences and journeys. Prior to arriving in India this year, the Pakistani citizen traveled across various European countries including Germany, Austria, Albania, and Croatia on his BMW motorcycle. Additionally, he explored Iran, Oman, Turkey, and several other nations during his journey. On April 3, Abrar shared with his followers that he had successfully obtained a visa after years of trying, allowing him and Rangeeli to embark on their India tour. Starting in Kerala, they explored the beauty of "God's Own Country," sharing glimpses of the backwaters, delicious food, and the warm hospitality they received. Read More: Emirates to Offer Premium Economy on Routes to India Starting October Abrar explored the stunning palaces of Mysore and then made his way to Goa to enjoy the beautiful beaches and captivating sunsets. In a popular Instagram video, he shared the lively reception he received in Mumbai, with people eagerly requesting his initials on their bike helmets. Abrar summed it up with the caption, "Yeh hai Mumbai" (This is Mumbai). Two top UAE-based schools have earned seats on the prestigious Top 10 shortlists for the $250,000 World's Best School Prizes in honor of academic excellence and innovation. In partnership with Accenture, American Express, Yayasan Hasanah, and the Lemann Foundation, T4 Education introduced the award in 2022. Read More: The Top 10 Schools In Dubai Read More: Top 5 Least Expensive Schools in Dubai Read More: Top 5 Expensive Schools in Dubai The Top 10 shortlist for the World's Best School Prize for Environmental Action has been announced, and it includes Mamoura British Academy, an independent international school in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates, which is empowering its students and reshaping communities via its constant pursuit of sustainability. In the meantime, GEMS Modern Academy, an independent international school in Dubai, United Arab Emirates, has been named to the Top 10 shortlist for the World's Best School Prize for Innovation. GEMS Modern Academy is reshaping education and equipping students to succeed in a constantly changing world. Founder of T4 Education and the Worlds Best School Prizes, Vikas Pota, said, The schools shortlisted for the Worlds Best School Prizes, no matter where they can be found or what they teach, all have one thing in common. They all have a strong school culture. Their leaders know how to attract and motivate exceptional educators, inspire change, and build excellent teaching and learning environments." I must congratulate Mamoura British Academy and GEMS Modern Academy on being named in the Top 10 shortlists for the Worlds Best School Prizes 2023. Schools across the globe will learn from the story of these trailblazing UAE institutions and the culture they have cultivated, he further added. In September 2023, the Top 3 finalists for each of the five World's Best School Prizes will be revealed, and the winners will be declared in October. A Judging Academy made up of eminent figures from all around the world, including academia, education, NGOs, social entrepreneurs, government, civil society, and the commercial sector, will select the winner of each Prize based on strict criteria. The five Prize winners will each get an award worth USD 50,000, for a total prize pool of USD 250,000. By Jeff Murphy, June 15, 2023 University of Central Missouri alumnus Michael S. Harding, '73, has established an endowment through the UCM Alumni Foundation that will make a difference in the lives of incoming freshmen. WARRENSBURG, MO Contributing to the success of underserved students, Michael S. Harding, a 1973 University of Central Missouri graduate who grew up in St. Louis, has established the Harding Family UCM Advantage Scholars Endowment with a $250,000 gift to fund a comprehensive college access and completion program for UCMs incoming freshmen. While plans are being made to publicly honor his generosity this fall, the UCM Advantage Scholars program and the newly named Harding Student Support Services Center are expected to make a positive difference in the lives of future UCM students who will be supported from their first semester through graduation. This program is meant to provide personal, professional and academic support for incoming students who do not meet all of the automatic admission criteria, but clearly possess the potential to be successful with the advantage of additional equitable structure and support systems, said Ken Schueller, senior director of student success at UCM. Participants in the program will benefit from access to unique opportunities to get involved on campus, assistance with finding on-campus employment, access to a success team who understands individual student needs, targeted academic coursework, tutoring and workshops, mentors and mentoring opportunities, and financial awards. To make such opportunities possible, Harding worked with the UCM Alumni Foundation to create an endowed fund, which is a permanent fund in which the gift remains intact and invested at all times. Earnings from the endowment provide financial support in perpetuity. Distributions from the donors gift and others who may wish to contribute financially to this endowment will cover the UCM Advantage Scholars program expenditures, such as scholarships, student mentor/tutor salaries, professional development, programmatic funds and tangible needs for the Harding Center. With the help of resources provided by the Harding family endowment, we are able to offer this program at no additional cost to eligible students, Schueller said. A member of the UCM Alumni Foundation Board of Directors, Harding currently resides in Tomball, Texas, and is retired from a successful corporate career. In working with the staff at the UCM Alumni Foundation, he expressed his gratitude for the full cadre of experiences that the university opened up for him while he was pursuing a Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice Administration from 1969 to 1973. Hardings college education paved the way for his selection to a prestigious management trainee program, which ultimately led to a career that spanned more than three decades with Anheuser-Busch Companies. He recently retired as president and chief executive officer of Anheuser-Buschs packaging group. During his time with the company, Harding provided managerial direction and leadership for the packaging groups corporate offices in St. Louis, including 400 corporate and salaried employees involved in Operations, Engineering, Research and Development, and Quality Assurance. He also was responsible for management of 14 manufacturing plants and facilities, with approximately 1,900 employees nationwide. Now serving as a consultant and lecturer, Harding has never lost touch with the importance of higher education, which also took him to institutions such as Pepperdine University, the University of Michigan and the University of North Florida for graduate and postgraduate education. By means of lecturing and supporting his three children through college, Harding witnessed the trend of students beginning their college careers underprepared and as a result discovered a passion for how he, as an alumnus, can make a difference for todays and tomorrows students. What makes an academic institution special and renowned is its alumni support, especially those who have achieved a level of prominence in their careers to keep the legacy alive for future generations, he said. What more can be asked of an alumnus than to extend a hand up in the form of giving back? In appreciation for his investment in students, the UCM Board of Governors in its May 2023 plenary session approved naming the Student Support Services Center in the Elliott Student Union the Harding Center. Schueller said details have not yet been finalized, but plans are being considered to conduct an official naming ceremony during the 2023 Homecoming celebration. Information about that event will be released when available. Michael Harding and his family deserve our deepest thanks for their generous support of our most promising students, said Courtney Goddard, vice president for university advancement and executive director of the UCM Alumni Foundation. With this gift, the Harding family has chosen to invest in UCM students who are most vulnerable to stopping short of graduating for a variety of reasons, which makes this gift truly unique and an investment in a better future for not only UCM but for all of us. UCMs Harding Student Support Services Center is particularly geared toward students who are the first in their families to pursue a college education, who come from a low-income background or who are challenged by a physical disability. Learn more about how the UCM Advantage Scholars program serves students by visiting its website. Baron Funds, an investment management firm, released its Baron Focused Growth Fund first quarter 2023 investor letter, a copy of which can be downloaded here. During the quarter ending on March 31, 2023, the Fund's Institutional Shares exhibited a notable increase of 14.49%. This remarkable performance can be attributed to the resilience and robust demand witnessed by companies held within the Fund's portfolio. Spare some time to check the funds top 5 holdings to know more about their top bets for 2023. In its Q1 2023 investor letter, Baron Focused Growth Fund mentioned Douglas Emmett, Inc. (NYSE:DEI) and explained its insights for the company. Founded in 2005, Douglas Emmett, Inc. (NYSE:DEI) is a Santa Monica, California-based real estate investment trust company with a $2.5 billion market capitalization. Douglas Emmett, Inc. (NYSE:DEI) delivered a -19.96% return since the beginning of the year, while its 12-month returns are down by -43.42%. The stock closed at $12.50 per share on June 14, 2023. Here is what Baron Focused Growth Fund has to say about Douglas Emmett, Inc. (NYSE:DEI) in its Q1 2023 investor letter: "Douglas Emmett is an office REIT that owns and manages buildings in West Los Angeles, the San Fernando Valley, and Honolulu. Its share price declined 20.9% in the first quarter and hurt performance by 41 bps. The company continues to be hurt by challenges due to work-from-home trends and having lots of space to lease as a large number of short-term leases expire. About 15% to 20% of its leases roll off in any given year, and Douglas Emmett has had to negotiate in a tough environment. However, we believe over the long term, the company has significant growth potential driven by occupancy recoupment of 1,000 bps from todays levels, the eventual firming of pricing power that will occur once they reach a lease rate of 90%, and a modest development pipeline. The stock is now significantly below its pre-COVID price and trades cheaply at just 14 times net operating income. Its 6.2% dividend yield is well covered and its share price is below $300 per square foot for an irreplaceable office portfolio. This compares to the over $1,000 per square foot valuation for properties that have traded in the private market pre-COVID. While we expect business conditions to remain challenging, we believe there is compelling upside potential for this stock. This is if its highly discounted multiple re-rates even modestly or the company is able to sell assets at accretive values." Arkansas STUDIO GRAND OUEST/Shutterstock.com Our calculations show that Douglas Emmett, Inc. (NYSE:DEI) was not able to secure a spot on our list of the 30 Most Popular Stocks Among Hedge Funds. Douglas Emmett, Inc. (NYSE:DEI) was in 22 hedge fund portfolios at the end of the first quarter of 2023, compared to 22 funds in the previous quarter. Douglas Emmett, Inc. (NYSE:DEI) delivered a 5.64% return in the past 3 months. You can find other investor letters from hedge funds and prominent investors on our hedge fund investor letters Q1 2023 page. Suggested Articles: Disclosure: None. This article is originally published at Insider Monkey. The main topics of the next meeting to be held by the Ukraine Defense Support Group in Ramstein, Germany, on Thursday, will be strengthening Ukraines air defense and other capabilities both short- and long-term. Thats according to a readout of U.S. Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin's phone call with Ukrainian Minister of Defense Oleksii Reznikov. The meeting will focus on bolstering Ukraines air defense and other near-term capability priorities, as well as training and sustainment to enhance Ukraine's enduring strength over the long term. It was also reported that Lloyd Austin provided Reznikov with an update on recent U.S. security support, including the announcement of an additional $325 million package. Minister Reznikov shared his reflections on the dynamics on the ground in Ukraine, the readout says. As Ukrinform reported earlier, the United States announced on Tuesday an additional package of military support to Ukraine, which provides for the immediate delivery of air defense equipment, HIMARS munitions, artillery rounds, armored vehicles, and other weapons. Polluted water in the Black Sea is rapidly moving south and may reach neighboring countries in the near future. Viktor Komorin, the director of the Ukrainian National Center for Marine Ecology, said this during a briefing at the Odesa Media Center, Ukrinform reports. "Satellite data shows that the polluted water reached Zatoka yesterday. That is, the water is moving south faster and faster. In a day or two, these contaminated waters may reach our neighbors - Romania or Bulgaria," Komorin said. The expert noted that if the contaminated freshwater mass reaches the coasts of Romania and Bulgaria, they will experience the same changes in the marine ecosystem as the Black Sea in the Odesa water area. "This is due to a large amount of nutrients - it could be seawater blooms, it could be toxic substances," the scientist said. He added that the decrease in the number and even death of benthic ecosystem species in certain areas of the Black Sea is a matter of concern. "So far, all the pollution is going between Odesa and the Danube, due to the respective winds and currents," Komorin added. The director of the Ukrainian National Center for Marine Ecology also noted that the issue of whether the institute's scientists should go out to sea on military vessels to take water samples away from the shore is currently being resolved. This is necessary to understand what kind of pollutants have entered the Black Sea. "We are already negotiating with the military to have scientists do this on their ships, but there are certain security difficulties," Komorin explained. According to him, the research of water in the sea may become part of the criminal case on ecocide opened by the prosecutor's office due to the hydroelectric dam blowing up. As reported, at night on June 6, the Russian military blew up the dam of the Kakhovka hydroelectric power plant. Rescue operations and evacuation of the population from the flooded areas are ongoing in the Kherson region. Contaminated Dnipro waters reached the Black Sea the day after the explosion. There may be dangerous objects in the piles of debris and garbage that washed away from the Kakhovka Reservoir and is now washing up on the coast, including Odesa. The debris can be removed only after the area has been inspected by explosive experts. Salmonella and an intestinal infection have been detected in the Black Sea in the Odesa region. The day before, British Typhoon fighter jets took to the skies over Estonia to escort Russian Il-20s and two Su-27s that had approached NATO airspace. This was reported by the Royal Air Force press service on Twitter, according to Ukrinform. RAF Typhoons from 140 EAW in Estonia were scrambled this afternoon to intercept a Russian Air Force IL-20 COOT A and 2x Su-27 FLANKER B flying close to NATO airspace, the statement reads. It is noted that the Russian aircraft did not contact the relevant flight information center. RAF Typhoons from 140 EAW in Estonia were scrambled this afternoon to intercept a Russian Air Force IL-20 COOT A and 2x Su-27 FLANKER B flying close to @NATO airspace. The Russian aircraft failed to comply with international norms by not liaising with relevant FIRs.#WeAreNATO pic.twitter.com/lukgJaRp3P Royal Air Force (@RoyalAirForce) June 14, 2023 Read also: British diplomat in OSCE reminds Russians of responsibility for lies As reported, NATO is conducting naval exercises in the Baltic Sea. Russian aviation is trying to keep an eye on the Alliance's ships. The United States, Canada, the United Kingdom, Denmark, the Netherlands, Italy, Norway, and Germany announced during the Ramstein-format meeting on Thursday new multi-billion-dollar commitments to strengthen Ukraine's defense capabilities. U.S. Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin announced this on Thursday following the said meeting, an Ukrinform correspondent reports. "Now, several countries have stepped up today with new commitments for Ukraine," the head of the Pentagon noted. Thus, according to him, Canada allocated an additional package worth $500 million, which will include more than 200 air defense missiles to help protect Ukrainian skies. The United States, together with the UK, Denmark, and the Netherlands, "all contributed funding for additional critical air defense missiles for Ukraine." In this context, he emphasized that the main focus is on providing Ukraine with more effective air defense systems in view of Russias continued brutal missile attacks on peaceful cities across Ukraine Italy also said it was providing aid, including "highly critical capabilities that meet Ukraine's most urgent needs to defend itself." In addition, Austin emphasized, several other allies have made proposals to support Ukraine in the long term. In particular, Norway and Germany announced multi-year packages, and Denmark announced its nearly $2.6 billion package for military assistance through 2024. "All these contributions underscore our unity and supporting Ukraine and defending the rules based international order that keeps us all secure," the U.S. secretary of defense emphasized. As Ukrinform reported earlier, the 13th meeting of the Ukraine Defense Contact Group in the so-called Ramstein format was held in Brussels on Thursday, with the participation of about 50 countries. Photo: EPA Defense chiefs of the United States, United Kingdom, Denmark, and the Netherlands on Thursday announced a defense package for Ukraine that includes air defense missiles to defend itself amid Russias continued brutal missile attacks. Thats according to a joint statement by Denmark, the Netherlands, the UK, and the USA, Ukrinform reports. As reported by the UK Defense Ministrys press service, the four countries are partnering together to deliver high priority air defense equipment to Ukraine, addressing its most urgent air defense requirements as Russia continues its brazen missile and drone attacks against Ukrainian cities. The initiative will deliver hundreds of short and medium range air defence missiles and associated systems required to protect Ukraines critical national infrastructure, the statement reads. It is also noted that the package aims to further ensure the success of counter-offensive operations in coming months. Delivery of the equipment has already begun and should be complete within several weeks, the statement says. As reported by Ukrinform, President Volodymyr Zelensky thanked Norway and Denmark for the new package of military aid to Ukraine. According to the General Staff, Russia launched more than 140 missiles of various types and more than 250 attack UAVs at Ukraine over the past two weeks. Belgium has allocated EUR 3.5 million to Ukraine to help eliminate the aftermath of Russias blowing up of the Kakhovka HPP dam. Prime Minister of Ukraine Denys Shmyhal wrote this on Telegram, Ukrinform reports. "Belgium has allocated EUR 3.5 million to help eliminate the aftermath of the Russian terrorist attack on the Kakhovka HPP. I thanked for this during an online conversation with Prime Minister of Belgium Alexander De Croo," the report says. The aid includes power generators, medical equipment, medicines, tanks for storing drinking water, tents, etc. "We discussed the humanitarian and environmental consequences of the disaster and the need to strengthen sanctions against the aggressor. Together with our partners, we are working to make it impossible for Russia to manufacture missiles," Shmyhal emphasized. The interlocutors also coordinated Ukraine's needs to strengthen air defenses and preparations for the Ukraine Recovery Conference in London. "We appreciate Belgium's willingness to cooperate in the field of energy infrastructure restoration," Shmyhal emphasized. As reported, on the night of June 6, the Russian army blew up the Kakhovka HPP dam. Rescue operations and measures to eliminate the aftermath of this crime are ongoing in Kherson region. Law enforcers launched an investigation under the article "ecocide". Ukrhydroenergo, Ukraine's hydropower generating company, said that the plant had been destroyed and cannot be restored. Head of the Office of the President of Ukraine Andriy Yermak had a phone call with Chief Advisor to the President of the Federal Republic of Brazil Celso Amorim. According to the Ukrainian presidents press service, Yermak spoke about the preparations for the Global Peace Summit, in which Ukraine seeks to involve as many countries as possible in order to implement the points of President Volodymyr Zelensky's Peace Formula. "Of course, we are extremely interested in Brazil's participation in this summit. We are ready to talk, and it is very important for us to hear your opinion," Yermak said. He also noted that Brazil's experience in environmental protection, among other things, is extremely valuable. "Russia's destruction of the Kakhovka hydroelectric power plant has shown the extreme relevance of the Ukrainian Peace Formula, in particular the security and environmental clauses," he added. The Head of the President's Office also thanked Celso Amorim for the visit of the Brazilian delegation to Ukraine in May 2023, which was extremely important for Ukraine. As reported, Ihor Zhovkva, the deputy head of the Office of the President of Ukraine, in an interview with Ukrinform, said that over the past month, Ukraine has made significant progress in the preparations for the Peace Formula summit, more than 20 countries have already chosen a point or points that they are ready to coordinate or be co-chairs. Photo: Presidents Office The confiscation by the Canadian government of the Russian cargo plane, which has been at the Toronto airport since last year, may lead to the "collapse" of diplomatic relations between Russia and Canada. This was announced by the Russian Foreign Ministry, Ukrinform reports. It is noted that the deputy head of the Canadian diplomatic mission in Russia was summoned to the Russian Foreign Ministry to be told of the indignation at the intention to confiscate in Toronto the An-124 cargo aircraft owned by the sanctioned Russian company Volga-Dnepr and hand it over to Ukraine. "The Canadian diplomat was told that the actions by Ottawa, which adheres to a Russophobic course, will have the most serious consequences for Russo-Canadian relations, which are on the verge of collapse due to the Justin Trudeau regime," the Ministry of Foreign Affairs said. The Russian diplomatic service emphasized that they see the seizure of the plane of the sanctioned company as a "cynical theft." As reported, during a visit to Kyiv last week, Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau announced the confiscation by his government of the An-124 transport aircraft of the sanctioned Russian company Volga-Dnepr in Toronto and the launch of the process of its transfer to Ukraine, so that Russia never again uses it to support the war. The plane arrived in Toronto on the eve of Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine and was unable to depart before Canada closed its airspace to Russian traffic. Since then, the plane has remained grounded at Toronto International Airport, with its operator now owing hundreds of thousands of dollars in fines. Canada is the first among the G7 members to pass legislation that allows the government to confiscate the property of Russian sanctioned companies. Estonian volunteers have handed over 2 AGRO all-terrain vehicles to Ukrainian rescuers involved in the aftermath of the Kakhovka hydroelectric power plant explosion. This was reported by the press service of the State Emergency Service on Telegram, according to Ukrinform. As noted, the equipment was donated by the non-profit association of volunteer rescue service organizations Estunian Voluntary Rescue Association Paasteliit (Estonia). The technical capabilities of the all-terrain vehicle allow it to operate off-road. So rescuers are able to deliver essential medicines and water to hard-to-reach places. The all-terrain vehicle is also used to transport personnel and volunteers who help the population in Kherson. The SES thanked the Estonian partners for the assistance they have been providing to Ukrainian rescuers for more than a year to combat the consequences of the war with Russia. As reported, the government of Styria, a federal state in southern Austria, has joined in helping Ukrainians overcome the consequences of Russia's blowing up of the Kakhovka dam by providing boats and booster pumps. facebook like button Tweet tweet button for twitter Published June 15, 2023 MONROE, LA The Kitty DeGree School of Nursing at the University of Louisiana Monroe recently hosted its second annual nursing boot camp for high school students from June 6-9, 2023. The camp hosted 51 campers from all over the state. Throughout the four-day camp, campers were introduced to a wide range of nursing skills, including taking vital signs, caring for different types of patients, starting an IV, and even a simulated surgical environment. When we participate in recruitment events, we find that there are many high school students who have the desire to pursue a career where they can help people, said Dr. Kathy Kennedy, Associate Director of Graduate Nursing at ULM. What they havent explored yet is the vast opportunities that are available in a career in nursing, she added. Kennedy said the nursing boot camp gives high school students the opportunity to learn about nursing specialties such as emergency, maternity, pediatrics, surgical, ICU, medical, cardiac, mental health, neonatal, and more. We have a great representation of faculty volunteers from each of the specialties that share stories and assist in camp activities, said Kennedy. On Friday, June 9, the group of campers had the opportunity to participate in an Emergency Disaster Drill alongside Louisiana Emergency Response Network, ULM Police, Monroe Fire Department, and Acadian Ambulance Service. The drill featured a simulated vehicle crash involving a City of Monroe bus and car. ULM staff and nursing students participated as victims in the drill and were assessed and triaged by the student campers. The drill also served as a joint training opportunity for local first responders. Campers were able to witness an emergency vehicle extraction performed by the Monroe Fire Department. The vehicle was provided by Bears Towing and Recovery. According to ULM Assistant Professor of Nursing Amy Kincannon, Disaster training for individual entities is imperative, however, participating in emergency drills with multiple entities has been proven to increase proficiency during actual emergency disasters. This sort of drill makes our local emergency response community more prepared to handle real disasters. We also hope that it perked these high schoolers' interest in joining our career fields. Kennedy said the camp grew in its second year by providing on-campus housing for participants so that students from outside the area could attend. She added that sponsorships are available for student tuition and the purchase of medical supplies, while several hospitals donated expired medical supplies to help keep camp costs low. Each year, we include more community partner presence to improve participant knowledge of potential employment opportunities, said Kennedy. The Kitty DeGree School of Nursing Boot Camp is open to high school students who have completed 9th, 10th, 11th, or 12th grade and are at least 14 years old. For more information about the Nursing Boot Camp, visit ulm.edu/nursing/bootcamp. | By Jen Badie Make no bones about it: These dogs are a breed apart. The University of Maryland, Baltimore (UMB) honored therapy and service dogs during Paws to Honor: UMB Service and Therapy Dog Awareness Day on June 13 in which dogtorate degrees were confurred on the companions of three recent graduates: University of Maryland School of Medicines Caroline Benzel, MD 23, and therapy dog Loki; University of Maryland School of Pharmacys Paola Urbistondo-Jimenez, PharmD 23, and service dog Kylo Red; and University of Maryland Francis King Carey School of Laws Courtney Bergan, JD 23, and service dog Kiera. Loki receives her honorary dogtorate. While other universities have honored service dogs alongside their humans during commencement ceremonies, including Seton Hall University in May, UMBs ceremony is believed to be one of the first in the U.S. to be held separately by a university to honor the companions who accompany students to class and offer comfort to patients at hospitals and others in need. Dressed in regalia, UMB President Bruce E. Jarrell, MD, FACS, presided over the event on the Health Sciences Research Facility III patio, giving special recognition to Benzel and her 5-year-old Rottweiler nicknamed Dogtor Loki, for their work at the University of Maryland Medical Center (UMMC). In virtual therapy sessions with UMMC front-line workers during the COVID-19 pandemic, Benzel noticed the wear and tear that personal protection equipment was causing. She started Dogtor Lokis Hero Healing Kits, distributing much-needed supplies such as lotion, powder, Vaseline, lip balm, instant coffee, and tea to front-line workers, with Loki as the face of the effort. Loki and Benzel, who raised over $100,000, have received numerous awards for their work, including the American Kennel Club Paw of Courage Award and the American Rottweiler Club Heroism Award. After seeing the impact of Dogtor Loki and Dr. Benzel, the University of Maryland Medical Center expanded its therapy dog program, Jarrell said. Loki has clearly had a tremendous impact on peoples lives, and this wouldnt have been possible without her friend, Dr. Benzel. Jarrell then asked Loki, who was wearing her doctors coat and a mortarboard, for her paw to present her with the Dogtorate of Medicine and also awarded her a special medal. Benzel, who hopes to continue her therapy work with Loki during her residency in family medicine at West Virginia University in Harpers Ferry, joked that while she is Lokis owner, she sometimes feels like her manager, PR person, trainer, and masseuse. My family said they thought it was special that my dog was way more successful than Ill ever be, she said to laughter. And I told them, one year of medical school is seven dog years, so she probably should have a PhD as well. It truly has been an honor to meet so many amazing people at the University of Maryland and for them to welcome us with such open arms, she continued. A lot of times having a Rottweiler that is a working dog can come with a little rocky territory, but Baltimore has a very open personality. She said she was sad to leave the University of Maryland community but hopes to come back and volunteer. Broad Scope of Therapy Work Before the event, Benzel recounted two memorable and meaningful patient interactions with Loki at UMMC. Loki comforted a woman who was alone by her dying mothers bedside because other family members were traveling from a distance to the hospital. Loki ended up spending six hours with her head on her lap so the woman wouldnt be alone, Benzel said. It shows that theres a broad scope of what you can do with therapy work. Its not just being there when theyre doing well but also the worst times. She also described how Loki helped a teen at Christmas who was injured in a car accident and was not doing well emotionally. She really missed her friends and family and her dog and home, Benzel said. The moment Loki walked in the room, the girls whole demeanor changed. She was willing to start doing physical therapy. She ended up jumping out of bed. Her recovery improved drastically from that moment. Kerry Sobol, MBA, RN, director of patient experience at UMMC, said Benzel made an impact on the hospitals therapy dog program, which now includes nine teams. The pandemic was such a stressful time for everyone. Having someone like Caroline helping us build our program and make a difference every day was not only effective, but also built such a warm and friendly relationship that continues today with many, many people at the hospital. She has quite the following, Sobol said. Pooja Bhatnagar, MS, OTR/L, senior psychiatric occupational therapist at UMMC, was accompanied by her therapy dog Remy, a German shepherd who started seeing patients last year. Caroline and Loki were one of our first duos to come visit our psych units regularly. So it was with her support and mentorship that Ive started going down my own path, said Bhatnagar, who intends to earn an animal therapy certification to expand the program further at the hospital. Something to Celebrate The ceremony continued with Jarrell recognizing recent graduates Urbistondo-Jimenez and Kylo Red and Bergan and Kiera with a Dogtorate of Pharmacy and Juris Dogtorate, respectively. Paola is starting her career as a pharmacist and hopes to bring visibility to the medical center providers and service animals of their own in health care settings, Jarrell said. Courtney has shared that Kiera has helped to embrace their disability and to live independently in the community. Urbistondo-Jimenez, who learned that morning she had been accepted to a compound pharmacy fellowship in Boston, said after the ceremony that being honored was unexpected but joyful. Im excited that disabilities are not seen as a weakness but something to celebrate, living your life and being successful with a disability, she said. Its nice to have these kinds of events that show disabilities dont stop you and dont define you, and we have tools like dogs to help us through it. Im really happy that I had this. I was able to have him throughout my journey and all the acceptance throughout the whole campus. Urbistondo-Jimenez said Kylo Red, a 3-year-old goldendoodle, was her pet when her physician suggested training him as her service dog since he was still a puppy. He was trained during the pandemic and later accompanied her to classes, exams, and experiential learning. Bergans service dog, Kiera, a 6-year-old labradoodle, nearly stole the show as she took the degree from Jarrell in a completely acceptable way: with her mouth. Bergan, who will be a public service law fellow working with Disability Rights Maryland on community inclusion, said Kiera was trained on a college campus. It was nice to have an opportunity for her to get acknowledged for all her hard work, said Bergan, who has had Kiera for five years. Diane Bernier of Fidos for Freedom, an organization that provides trained service dogs to people with disabilities, educated the crowd about how to act around service dogs. In approaching a service animal, we ask that you do not interact with the service animal. Do not pet it. Dont make direct, continuous eye contact or talk to it because you will be distracting the dog from their job, she said. If you want to find out about the animal and I think we all love it when people ask us about our dogs just talk to the handler. Bergan said the education and awareness component of the day was helpful. Its helpful to give the public an idea that theyre working, and theyre not deprived. Kiera is actually more upset when shes not working. She loves to work, they said. Jarrell concluded the ceremony by reminding the University community that UMB Police and Public Safety has a comfort K9, Poe, who visits students experiencing exam stress, faculty and staff who need a break, and those who are coping with tragedy or trauma. Poe and his handler, PFC Anthony Summers, were unable to attend the event. The most you can lose on any stock (assuming you don't use leverage) is 100% of your money. But if you pick the right stock, you can make a lot more than 100%. For example, the Bijou Brigitte modische Accessoires Aktiengesellschaft (ETR:BIJ) share price has soared 133% return in just a single year. On top of that, the share price is up 32% in about a quarter. Looking back further, the stock price is 92% higher than it was three years ago. 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 Bijou Brigitte modische Accessoires 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. 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). During the last year Bijou Brigitte modische Accessoires grew its earnings per share (EPS) by 107%. This EPS growth is reasonably close to the 133% increase in the share price. This makes us think the market hasn't really changed its sentiment around the company, in the last year. We don't think its coincidental that the share price is growing at a similar rate to the earnings per share. The company's earnings per share (over time) is depicted in the image below (click to see the exact numbers). Dive deeper into Bijou Brigitte modische Accessoires' key metrics by checking this interactive graph of Bijou Brigitte modische Accessoires's earnings, revenue and cash flow. A Different Perspective We're pleased to report that Bijou Brigitte modische Accessoires shareholders have received a total shareholder return of 133% over one year. That's including the dividend. Since the one-year TSR is better than the five-year TSR (the latter coming in at 7% per year), it would seem that the stock's performance has improved in recent times. 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. Like risks, for instance. Every company has them, and we've spotted 2 warning signs for Bijou Brigitte modische Accessoires (of which 1 makes us a bit uncomfortable!) you should know about. 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 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 UnitedHealthcare Community Plan of Mississippi has been awarded Health Equity Accreditation status by the National Committee for Quality Assurance (NCQA). This accreditation is granted to organizations that lead the market in providing culturally and linguistically sensitive services, and work to reduce health care disparities. NCQA is an independent, not-for-profit organization dedicated to assessing and reporting on the quality of managed care plans, managed behavioral health care organizations, preferred provider organizations, new health plans, physician organizations, credentials verification organizations, disease management programs and other health-related programs. Health Equity Accreditation is a nationally recognized accreditation that purchasers, regulators and consumers can use to distinguish organizations that meet rigorous standards in serving a diverse population by: Building an internal culture that supports the organizations external health equity work. Collecting data that help the organization create and offer language services and provider networks mindful of individuals cultural and linguistic needs. Identifying opportunities to reduce health inequities and improve care. We are pleased to receive this recognition, which recognizes our dedicated contributions, efforts and commitment to reducing disparities and improving health outcomes for the members we serve, said Dr. Michael Parnell, CEO, UnitedHealthcare Community Plan of Mississippi. We strongly believe that every individual deserves access to high-quality, person-centered care and we will remain determined to identify opportunities to reduce health inequities and improve care in our communities. NCQAs Health Equity Accreditation evaluates how well an organization complies with standards in the following areas: Organizational readiness. Race/ethnicity, language, gender identity and sexual orientation. Access and availability of language services. Practitioner network cultural responsiveness. Culturally and linguistically appropriate services programs. Reducing health care disparities. Some recent examples of UnitedHealthcares contributions to addressing health equity and social determinants of health in Mississippi include: $500,000 in Empowering Health grants to nonprofits helping uninsured individuals and underserved communities in areas such as food insecurity, social isolation or health literacy. $169,500 in funding to the University of Mississippi Medical Center to support children, their families and the provider community with local professional sickle cell disease expertise and behavioral health support and services. Investment of $3 million in an affordable housing development, which will provide 76 new units to residents in Jackson. The prevalence of racial and ethnic disparities has been a barrier to improving the quality of health care of many Americans for too long, said NCQA President Margaret E. OKane. Organizations achieving Health Equity Accreditation are leaders in closing this gap, and NCQA commends them for their dedication. For more information about NCQA Health Equity Accreditation, visit www.ncqa.org. About NCQA NCQA is a private, nonprofit organization dedicated to improving health care quality. NCQA Accredits and Certifies a wide range of health care organizations. It also recognizes clinicians and practices in key areas of performance. NCQA's Healthcare Effectiveness Data and Information Set (HEDIS) is the most widely used performance measurement tool in health care. NCQA's website (ncqa.org) contains information to help consumers, employers and others make informed health care choices. NCQA can be found online at ncqa.org, on Twitter @ncqa, on Facebook at facebook.com/NCQA.org/ and on LinkedIn at linkedin.com/company/ncqa. About UnitedHealthcare UnitedHealthcare is dedicated to helping people live healthier lives and making the health system work better for everyone by simplifying the health care experience, meeting consumer health and wellness needs, and sustaining trusted relationships with care providers. In the United States, UnitedHealthcare offers the full spectrum of health benefit programs for individuals, employers, and Medicare and Medicaid beneficiaries, and contracts directly with more than 1.5 million physicians and care professionals, and 7,000 hospitals and other care facilities nationwide. The company also provides health benefits and delivers care to people through owned and operated health care facilities in South America. UnitedHealthcare is one of the businesses of UnitedHealth Group (NYSE: UNH), a diversified health care company. For more information, visit UnitedHealthcare at www.uhc.com or follow @UHC on Twitter. He's out there at Sewell Park in San Marcos, taking in the sun, the energy and the calm pres Read moreThe Sun God: Behind the man, myth, legend (@ChaudhryMAli88) The Ministry of Commerce of the Islamic Republic of Pakistan and the Ministry of Economy of the Republic of Azerbaijan on Thursday signed a statement of understanding, which aims to enhance trade cooperation between the two countrie ISLAMABAD, (UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News - 15th Jun, 2023 ):The Ministry of Commerce of the Islamic Republic of Pakistan and the Ministry of Economy of the Republic of Azerbaijan on Thursday signed a statement of understanding, which aims to enhance trade cooperation between the two countries. The agreement was represented by Minister for Commerce Syed Naveed Qamar and Minister of Economy Mikail Jabbarov, said a press release. The signing ceremony took place in Baku, Azerbaijan, during a state visit by Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif. The statement of understanding establishes a framework for fostering closer collaboration between Azerbaijan and Pakistan to promote trade between the two countries. Recognizing the importance of expanding their friendship and economic partnership, the ministers expressed their dedication to diversifying trade and enhancing economic development through this agreement. Under the agreement, both countries will collaborate to create favorable conditions for bilateral trade by sharing trade information, organizing events, conducting studies to identify exportable products, and promoting economic cooperation. For this purpose, both countries agreed to mobilize their efforts to finalize a Preferential Trade Agreement by early August of 2023. The ministers expressed their enthusiasm and optimism for the future of Azerbaijan-Pakistan trade relations. They emphasized the potential benefits that the preferential trade agreement would bring and affirmed their commitment to working collaboratively to realize the shared goals outlined in the Statement of Understanding. The signing of this agreement marks a significant milestone in the economic partnership between Azerbaijan and Pakistan, strengthening the foundation for increased trade and economic cooperation. It is expected to create new opportunities for businesses, enhance bilateral investment, and contribute to the overall growth and prosperity of both nations. (@FahadShabbir) KUALA LUMPUR, (UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News / WAM - 15th Jun, 2023) H.H. Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Minister of Foreign Affairs, met with Anwar Ibrahim, Prime Minister of Malaysia, during his official visit to Kuala Lumpur. During the meeting, Sheikh Abdullah conveyed the greetings and best wishes of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President, Prime Minister and Ruler of Dubai, noting that relations between the UAE and Malaysia are witnessing growing momentum, aided by the keenness of their leaderships to boost their ties. In turn, Ibrahim relayed his greetings to His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid, wishing the UAE continued growth and prosperity. He also highlighted his countrys keenness to bolster its partnership with the UAE, underscoring the long-standing friendship between the two friendly countries. The two sides discussed issues related to the bilateral cooperation between their countries, including in the areas of commerce, investment, the economy, energy and climate. They also highlighted the importance of the signing of a joint declaration of intent between the two countries during the visit of H.H. Sheikh Khaled bin Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi, in May 2023, which began talks between the two countries on the signing of a comprehensive economic partnership agreement (CEPA). The two sides then discussed their cooperation in climate action and stressed the importance of the UAEs hosting of COP28 at Expo City Dubai in November 2023. The meeting was attended by Saeed Mubarak Al Hajri, Assistant Minister of Foreign Affairs for Economic and Commercial Affairs; Omran Sharaf, Assistant Minister of Foreign Affairs for Advanced Science and Technology; Maha Barakat, Assistant Minister of Foreign Affairs for Health; and Khalid Ghanim Al Ghaith, UAE Ambassador to Malaysia. (@ChaudhryMAli88) ABU DHABI, (UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News / WAM - 15th Jun, 2023) The Department of Health Abu Dhabi (DoH), the regulator of the healthcare sector in the emirate, signed a Declaration of Collaboration with Mass General Brighams International Centre for Genetic Disease (iCGD). The agreement was signed during the BIO International Convention 2023 and is intended to advance life sciences across three strategic pillars including clinical and translational research, capacity building and technology transfer and commercialisation. Leveraging the emirates advanced genomics capabilities, the agreement seeks to expand research into the domain of genomic medicine and genetic diseases in an effort to enhance access to innovative solutions and treatments for patients in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) and beyond. In the presence of Mansoor Al Mansoori, Chairman of the Department of Health Abu Dhabi and Dr. Alireza Haghighi, Founding Director of the International Centre for Genetic Disease, the Declaration of Collaboration was signed by Dr. Asma Ibrahim Al Mannaei, Executive Director of Research and Innovation Centre at the Department of Health Abu Dhabi and by Dr. Paul Anderson, Acting Chief Academic Officer of Mass General Brigham on behalf of iCGD and MGB. As an extension of ongoing collaborative efforts between the UAE and the USA to discover the causes of and new treatments for genetic diseases, DoH together with iCGD and MGB will drive clinical research and treatment related to prioritised global genetic diseases in areas such as rare diseases, oncology, neurology, as well as cardiovascular and metabolic diseases. The research collaboration will focus on analysing whole genome sequencing data of the Emirati Genome Programme, and on translational studies to develop novel therapies such as gene therapies and other effective interventions. Furthermore, both parties will explore opportunities to establish joint laboratories and genetic screening programmes in Abu Dhabi to support the discovery of genomic solutions that address international health challenges and needs. Amplifying the worlds largest genomics programme taking place in Abu Dhabi, the agreement also seeks to develop education and capacity-building initiatives focused on clinical genomic medicine and molecular genomic medicine to improve healthcare outcomes for the global community. Commenting on the occasion, Dr. Asma Ibrahim Al Mannaei, Executive Director of the Research and Innovation Centre at the Department of Health Abu Dhabi (DoH), said, Our collaboration with iCGD reaffirms our deep commitment to improving peoples lives in the UAE and beyond. Under the directives of our wise leadership, Abu Dhabi remains focused on addressing global healthcare challenges through valuable partnerships that unify efforts and magnify impact for the benefit of the global community. By leveraging the emirates advanced infrastructure, we seek to boost clinical research and advance gene therapy to improve healthcare outcomes today and for generations to come. Abu Dhabi continues to set the stage for a future driven by innovation and technology, reinforcing its position as a leading destination for healthcare and life science. Dr. Paul Anderson, the Acting Chief Academic Officer of Mass General Brigham (MGB), commented, "Mass General Brigham is at the global forefront of scientific innovation and medical progress. Genomic medicine is a pivotal focus for us, serving to translate ground-breaking scientific advances into actionable diagnostics and treatments. Through our research collaboration with the Abu Dhabi Department of Health we intend to leverage our collective knowledge, experience, and expertise to further advance biomedical science and enhance public health. Our International Centre for Genetic Disease (iCGD) provides an excellent platform to achieve this goal. Reflecting on this collaboration, Dr. Alireza Haghighi, Founding Director of the International Center for Genetic Disease (iCGD), stated, We anticipate that the collaboration between the MGB iCGD and the Abu Dhabi DOH will lead to improvements in clinical diagnosis and more effective disease prevention and management strategies. We are truly excited about the potential of this collaboration to advance medical science and believe that our combined impact will resonate beyond the UAE's borders, benefiting medical science globally. Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif Thursday here visited Ichari, ancient part of Baku, where he took round of different historical buildings and a museum BAKU, (UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News - 15th Jun, 2023 ) :Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif Thursday here visited Ichari, ancient part of Baku, where he took round of different historical buildings and a museum. He also visited the old Multan Caravan Serai where the trade caravans travelling on the old Silk Road used to reside. The prime minister was shown the artifacts on display in the museum. MOSCOW (UrduPoint News / Sputnik - 15th June, 2023) Russian Federal Medical-Biological Agency (FMBA) head Veronika Skvortsova said on Thursday that there was no excessive radiation background at the Zaporizhzhia nuclear power plant (NPP), and the situation was under control. "All radiation risks are being monitored, everything is fine, no levels are exceeding the standard anywhere, the situation is under control," Skvortsova told the meeting with Russian President Vladimir Putin. Renat Karchaa, an adviser to the head of Rosenergoatom, a subsidiary of Russian state nuclear energy corporation Rosatom, said earlier this week that necessary technical work related to the waterproofing of the cooling pool at the Zaporizhzhia NPP had been carried out to save water at the facility. He said that work had been organized to obtain water from artesian wells, so there would be an additional source of water supply for the plant. New Bill Would Send You Monthly Payments Up to $3,600 a Year Do You Qualify? Drazen Zigic / iStock.com A group of U.S. senators is working on legislation that would bolster families through tax cuts and credits, with the aim of putting money in the pockets of working people and helping them keep up with rising costs. Among the proposals is to increase the Child Tax Credit (CTC) so that monthly payments would be as high as $3,600 for eligible households. Read: Stimulus Payments Are Coming to These States in June 2023 Learn: How To Build Your Savings From Scratch The initiative is led by six Democratic senators: Sherrod Brown of Ohio, Michael Bennet of Colorado, Cory Booker of New Jersey, Raphael Warnock of Georgia, Ron Wyden of Oregon and Dick Durbin of Illinois. They aim to lead 41 Senate Democrats in reintroducing the Working Families Tax Relief Act, according to a June 14 press release from Brown. The Working Families Tax Relief Act would cut taxes for workers and families by expanding the CTC and Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC). Boosting these programs will give millions more Americans a foothold in the middle class and allow parents hard work to better pay off, the press release said. Families are working harder than ever but have less and less to show for it, Brown said in a statement. Corporations have raised prices to pad their profits, the cost of childcare continues to rise, and parents cant keep up, no matter how hard they work. Our plan would put more money back in the pockets of working families, and help parents afford all the extra expenses that come with raising children. An expanded CTC was originally included as part of the American Rescue Plan in 2021. Under the new rules, families who fell below certain income thresholds received $3,000 for dependent children between the ages of 6 and 17, and $3,600 for children under 6. Half of that money was disbursed through monthly payments, while the other half was claimed on income tax returns as a fully refundable tax credit. As previously reported by GOBankingRates, a study from Columbia University found that the monthly distributions reduced child poverty by more than 25%. The Center on Poverty & Social Policy also reported that the child poverty rate rose from 12.1% in December 2021 to 17% in January 2022, after the enhanced CTC payments ended. Efforts to renew the expanded CTC have so far fallen short, but Democratic lawmakers have not given up on reviving it. The expanded Child Tax Credit benefitted 61 million American kids, helped cut childhood poverty nearly in half, and cut hunger by a quarter for families, Bennet said in a statement. Restoring the expanded Child Tax Credit and Earned Income Tax Credit is a pro-family, pro-work, and pro-democracy policy. We should have never let these tax cuts expire, and its past time we get this done. The Working Families Tax Relief Act would do the following, according to the Brown press release: Boost the incomes of 40 million households, including 65 million children Increase the CTC to $3,000 for kids ages 6 to 17 and $3,600 for kids 0 to 5, and make the credit fully refundable Deliver the CTC monthly to help families keep up with the cost of living Nearly triple the EITC for workers without children, make the credit available for people starting at age 19, and eliminate the maximum age Make permanent the American Rescue Plans expansion of the Earned Income Tax Credit and Child Tax Credit Take Our Poll: What Are You Worth to Your Company? Turning the proposal into law might be tough, however. Although Senate Democrats might have enough votes to pass the bill, it would also need to pass the Republican-led U.S. House an unlikely scenario, given the GOPs current focus on cutting government spending. More From GOBankingRates This article originally appeared on GOBankingRates.com: New Bill Would Send You Monthly Payments Up to $3,600 a Year Do You Qualify? DONETSK (UrduPoint News / Sputnik - 15th June, 2023) Ukrainian troops have fired 20 rockets on the city of Donetsk, the Donetsk People's Republic's (DPR) representative office in the Joint Center for Control and Coordination (JCCC) of issues related to Ukraine's war crimes said in a statement. "A shelling attack by Ukrainian armed units was recorded: 04:50 a.m. - the settlement of Kurakhovka - the city of Donetsk (Petrovsky District): 20 rockets from MLRS were fired," the office said in a statement. 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. Western nations have imposed numerous sanctions on Russia and have been supplying weapons to Ukraine. (UroToday.com) The 2023 American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO) annual meeting held in Chicago, IL between June 2nd and June 6th was host to an oligometastatic renal cell carcinoma (RCC) session. Dr. Karen Runcie discussed the role of systemic therapy for the treatment of such patients. Dr. Runcie began with a case presentation of a 64-year-old female with an incidentally found 8 cm renal mass. On staging work-up with a CT scan, the patient was found to have a 2 cm rib lesion, that was biopsy-confirmed clear cell RCC. The patient was also found to have a single pulmonary metastatic lesion in the left lung lower lobe. By the International Metastatic RCC Database Consortium (IMDC) risk criteria, the patient was deemed IMDC intermediate risk (1 risk factor). Dr. Runcie proceeded to present supporting evidence for systemic therapy in the oligometastatic setting. The first question to answer in this setting is: Do we need to treat this patient? The current NCCN guidelines suggest that active surveillance is a reasonable management approach for select patients with favorable risk metastatic RCC. What is the evidence to support this recommendation? In a prospective phase II trial of 52 patients with treatment-naive, asymptomatic, metastatic RCC, Rini et al. demonstrated that active surveillance for select metastatic RCC patients is feasible with a median delay to systemic therapy of 14.9 months. On multivariable analysis, patients with higher numbers of IMDC adverse risk factors (p=0.04) and higher numbers of metastatic disease sites (p=0.04) had significantly shorter surveillance periods. This is further demonstrated in the Kaplan Meier curve below whereby patients with favorable risk features had a median delay to systemic therapy of 22.2 months, compared to 8.4 months in patients with unfavorable risk features.1 Additional analyses have also demonstrated that patients with TP53 and SMARC4 mutations progress faster than those without these mutations. What about the role of cytoreductive nephrectomy in this setting? The early evidence for cytoreductive nephrectomy emerged in the era of interferon-alpha treatment for patients with metastatic RCC. The EORTC 309472 and SWOG 89493 trials both demonstrated that cytoreductive nephrectomy was associated with overall survival benefits, as demonstrated in the Kaplan Meier curves below: The CARMENA trial evaluated the role of cytoreductive nephrectomy in the sunitinib era. This trial randomized patients with metastatic clear cell RCC to upfront cytoreductive nephrectomy followed by sunitinib versus upfront sunitinib followed by potential nephrectomy, as per investigator discretion (18% of patients in this arm). The results in the upfront sunitinib arm were non-inferior to those in the upfront cytoreductive nephrectomy arm with regards to overall survival (HR: 0.89; 95% CI: 0.71 - 1.10; upper boundary of the 95% confidence interval for noninferiority, 1.20), with median overall survivals of 18.4 months and 13.9 months, respectively.5 The SURTIME trial, which closed prematurely due to poor accrual, similarly demonstrated that there was no benefit to upfront cytoreductive nephrectomy. In this trial, 99 patients were randomized to immediate cytoreductive nephrectomy followed by sunitinib therapy versus treatment with three cycles of sunitinib followed by cytoreductive nephrectomy in the absence of progression followed by sunitinib therapy. Patients in the deferred cytoreductive nephrectomy arm had significantly better overall survival outcomes with a median survival of 32.4 months versus 15.0 months in the immediate cytoreductive nephrectomy arm (HR: 0.57, 95% CI: 0.34 0.95, p=0.03).5 There are currently numerous ongoing studies evaluating cytoreductive nephrectomy in the immune checkpoint inhibitors combination therapy era. We can also use trial data from studies evaluating adjuvant therapy in the post-nephrectomy setting to inform clinical decision-making for the treatment of patients with oligometastatic disease. M1 NED patients, meaning those without evidence of residual disease following a nephrectomy plus a metastasectomy, performed up to one year following nephrectomy, appeared to derive the greatest disease-free survival benefit following one year of adjuvant pembrolizumab in the KEYNOTE-564 trial (HR: 0.29, 95% CI: 0. 12 0.69).6 Overall survival data is pending. Pembrolizumab is currently only agent FDA approved in the adjuvant setting for patients with clear cell RCC considered M1 NED. Adjuvant pembrolizumab did not adversely affect quality of life. About 20% of patients had a serious adverse event or discontinued pembrolizumab because of any adverse event. Dr. Runcie noted that in patients who are not candidates for cytoreductive nephrectomy and for whom active surveillance is not appropriate, systemic therapy with immune checkpoint inhibitor combination therapy remains the current standard of care. Currently approved agents in this setting are summarized in the illustration below. Irrespective of the treatment chosen, Dr. Runcie emphasized that studies have shown that most cancer patients favor shared decision-making with their physician, which requires a comprehensive understanding of patient preferences. Small discrete choice experiments show that patients with advanced RCC value health-related quality of life and overall survival the most, followed by serious adverse events when making treatment decisions. Dr. Runcie concluded her presentation with the following take home messages: There may be a role for active surveillance in patients with low tumor burden and favorable risk disease For patients with metastatic clear cell RCC who undergo nephrectomy and metastasectomy within one year of nephrectomy, adjuvant pembrolizumab has been shown to significantly prolong disease-free survival. Patients with unfavorable IMDC risk and those with hepatic, brain, or bone metastases should consider upfront systemic therapy instead of metastasis-directed therapy. Presented by: Karie Runcie, MD, Assistant Professor, Division of Hematology/Oncology, Department of Internal Medicine, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York, NY Written by: Rashid Sayyid, MD, MSc Society of Urologic Oncology (SUO) Clinical Fellow at The University of Toronto, @rksayyid on Twitter during the 2023 American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO) Annual Meeting, Chicago, IL, Fri, June 2 Tues, June 6, 2023. References: Cambodia has thrown a diplomatic wrench in ASEAN plans for joint military drills in the contested South China Sea, in the latest test of Prime Minister Hun Sen's balancing act between the regional bloc and Beijing. Indonesia's military commander, Admiral Yudo Margono, announced on Thursday that his regional counterparts had agreed on first-ever joint military drills in September. Margono said the drills would focus on strengthening "ASEAN centrality," while an Indonesian military spokesman cited the "high risk of disaster in Asia, especially Southeast Asia," according to Reuters. The proposed military exercises would not include combat operations, according to Indonesia. But General Vong Pisen, commander-in-chief of the Royal Cambodian Armed Forces, released a statement soon after saying that Cambodia had yet to agree to the drills. Vong Pisen said Indonesia's military chief had raised the idea as the rotating chair of the bloc, but Cambodia and "several other countries" which were not named did not respond. He added that a joint statement from the 20th ASEAN Commander-in-Chief Meeting, held in Bali last week, "did not mention ASEAN joint military exercises in the South China Sea." He said Cambodia's military had now formed a working group to study the proposal and would ultimately request a decision from the Ministry of Defense. Cambodia's Defense Ministry Spokesperson General Chhum Socheat told VOA Khmer on Friday that the military has not yet confirmed its position on what he called Indonesia's "request." He also claimed that all nine ASEAN members, apart from Indonesia, had yet to respond. VOA Khmer reached out to the embassies of Indonesia, Thailand and Vietnam in Phnom Penh for comment but did not receive any responses as of Monday morning. Experts told VOA Khmer the exercises are likely to upset Beijing, which has aggressively staked its claims in the South China Sea. The spokesperson for the Chinese Embassy in Washington, Liu Pengyu, told VOA on Monday evening that while he wasn't aware of the specifics of the ASEAN exercises, "China believes that defense and security cooperation between countries needs to be conductive to regional peace and stability. They should not escalate tensions or undermine trust between countries, still less target any third party." On May 27, Beijing announced plans for joint military exercises with Cambodia, Laos, Malaysia, Thailand and Vietnam, but left details unspecified. The exercise "will serve as a stabilizer for regional security," Zhuo Hua, an international affairs expert at the School of International Relations and Diplomacy of Beijing Foreign Studies University, told the Global Times. Area of rising tension The South China Sea, rich in natural resources including gas and oil, is a flashpoint of rising tensions between China and the United States. China's claims are contested by Brunei, Indonesia, Malaysia, the Philippines, Vietnam and Taiwan, a self-governing island China claims as its own territory. All but Taiwan are members of ASEAN, and each has its own claims to islands and reefs in the South China Sea. The apparent dispute or at least miscommunication over the joint drills would not be Cambodia's first time breaking from the ASEAN majority on issues related to the South China Sea. ASEAN failed to reach a consensus on maritime disputes in the sea in 2016 after Cambodia blocked mention of a ruling by an international court in The Hague against Beijing. That move and others have fueled the perception that Phnom Penh is representing the interests of Beijing in regional matters, as ties between the governments have grown increasingly cozy over the past decade, and Cambodia has increasingly leaned on China for economic support. Vann Bunna, a researcher at the Cambodian Institute for Cooperation and Peace, told VOA Khmer that the stakes of its pending decision were clear. The military exercises could damage China-ASEAN relations and increase tension in the South China Sea, he said. "But if we look in the interests of ASEAN, we see that if the military drills were held by ASEAN, it would strengthen the military cooperation between the 10 countries in response to any issue," Vann Bunna said. Additionally, the joint activities would signal that ASEAN is its own force in the region, separate from either superpower, he added. Seng Sary, a political analyst and research fellow in social and political sciences at Australia's University of Melbourne, told VOA Khmer on Saturday that Cambodia should carefully consider its options, as its decision would likely be seen as an indicator of its global allegiances. "Importantly, in the event that Cambodia refuses to participate in military exercises in the ASEAN region, Cambodia itself will put the international community in doubt about Cambodia's bias to China," he said. "At the same time, Cambodia should consider and examine whether Indonesia, the current chair of ASEAN, will drag Cambodia into the South China Sea dispute between China and Indonesia." Haitian politicians who attended a three-day meeting in Jamaica to discuss possible solutions for Haiti's political crisis expressed disappointment that the gathering failed to produce some hoped-for results. "I'm ashamed, it's a deception, in my view, to be going back home (like this). I came here certain that we'd find a solution," former Haitian lawmaker Antoine Arondon Bien-Aime told VOA about the meeting hosted by the Caribbean Community (CARICOM), which ended late Tuesday. The meeting was hosted by CARICOMs Eminent Persons Group, which includes former Bahamas Prime Minister Perry Christie, former Jamaican Prime Minister Bruce Golding and former St. Lucia Prime Minister Kenny Anthony. Haitian Prime Minister Ariel Henry and Foreign Minister Jean Victor Geneus also participated. Discussions, called the Kingston Talks, were held at the Jamaican Foreign Ministry headquarters and were closed to the press. Raphael Andre of the Patriotic Movement of the Democratic Opposition party, known as MOPOD, told VOA the major point of contention was who should lead Haiti. "The group was examining the best formula for a solution. They wanted to adhere to the constitution, which says we must have a president, a prime minister and a Cabinet of ministers governing the country," he said. The opposing sides insisted on a single executive a president. "So there was no agreement," Raphael Andre said. Since the assassination of President Jovenel Moise in July 2021, Haiti has been in the throes of political and economic crises. The country has been without any elected representatives since early January, and last held a presidential vote in 2016. In his first public comment about the Jamaica gathering Wednesday, Prime Minister Henry said on Twitter that the dialogue would continue soon in the Haitian capital, Port-au-Prince, with participation of more political actors and stakeholders, including the High Council of Transition. "The group of Eminent Personalities remain mobilized and should be coming to Port-au-Prince soon to meet the HCT and a larger group of Haitian actors who could not be in Jamaica to continue their facilitation," Henry tweeted. On Sunday, Golding, the former prime minister of Jamaica and, member of the Eminent Persons Group, told the Jamaica Observer that CARICOM plans to travel to Haiti for further discussions with an even wider group of stakeholders, and to build on those areas of agreement that we hope will emerge from the Kingston talks. ... We are not closing our eyes or closing our ears to any voice that we feel can help to arrive at a lasting solution to the problems that Haiti is experiencing. Haitian opposition politician Michel Andre, no relation to Raphael Andre, praised Henry's participation in the discussions. "Prime Minister Ariel Henry made an extraordinary effort and proposed a very clear consensus he proposed an inclusive national unity government so to construct a government that can reassure everyone, all political sectors. He took a huge risk (doing so) because he did that without even speaking to the other signatories of the December 21 Accord," Michel Andre said. The December 21 Accord is an agreement between Henry and a coalition of opposition politicians, civil society and members of the business sector that establishes the framework for a transitional government that would organize elections. Henry also agreed to add two additional members to Haiti's High Council of Transition, which has been charged with ensuring that long-awaited general elections are held. According to Michel Andre, a third "concession" was to allow CARICOM to oversee the implementation of everything agreed upon. "Unfortunately, once again we were faced with the [opposing] groups' intransigence," Andre said. Former Haitian lawmaker Edmonde Beauzile had a positive outlook. "I think this (discussion) in Jamaica was a positive thing. But I regret that we Haitians are restarting the dialogue process in Jamaica," she told VOA. Beauzile said since many political groups were not represented at the meeting, it was difficult to agree to the proposals. In April, the United Nations released a report in which it estimated that gangs control up to 80% of Port-au-Prince. It also reported that 840 people were killed from January to March 31 of this year, an increase of more than 20% compared with the last quarter of 2022, and 637 kidnappings have been reported so far this year, an increase of 63% compared with the last three months of 2022. In addition to the political turmoil in Haiti, just last week, a moderate earthquake shook western Haiti, killing at least three people and injuring others, according to media reports, as the island nation battled to recover from flooding that killed 42 over the previous weekend. Some material for this report came from The Associated Press and Reuters. Calamos Investments is preparing its second exchange-traded fund, a convertible bond fund that seeks to use the investment managers deep experience and focus on a segment rarely tapped by the ETF industry. The fund follows the February offering of the Calamos Antetokounmpo Global Sustainable Equities ETF (SROI), which Calamos launched in partnership with Giannis Antetokounmpo, a two-time Most Valuable Player with the NBAs Milwaukee Bucks called the Greek Freak. The proposed ETF will focus on convertible bonds, which are lightly covered by the ETF industry, with only four funds currently trading, according to etf.com data. Convertible bonds can be changed into shares of company stock, and are a primary focus of Naperville, Illinois-based Calamos business. Convertible bonds are in our DNA, said Matt Kaufman, head of ETFs for Calamos, which has $35 billion in assets under management. Weve been managing convertible funds for 45 years now, and we want to focus on something Calamos has an edge in. The fund will focus on convertible bonds with a high delta value, meaning the price of the convertible bonds will have a high correlation with movements of the issuing companys stock. This puts the fund at the higher end of risk and return for convertibles, and on the lower end for equities. While the ETF will not have a specific restriction on market cap, convertibles tend to be issued by small and midcap companies, so it will have the most exposure to that segment of the market. Calamos is seeking to offer investors a risk-managed small or midcap product, a small- and mid-cap equity surrogate, said Kaufman, a 20-year veteran of the ETF industry who helped build the options-based strategy that is used for defined outcome ETFs. The four convertible bond ETFs that trade in the U.S. have about $5 billion in assets in total. The overwhelming majority of ETF assets in the sector are in two index funds, the SPDR Bloomberg Convertible Securities ETF (CWB) and the iShares Convertible Bond ETF (ICVT), which have $3.9 billion and $1.2 billion, respectively. The managers of the Calamos convertible fund average 21 years in the industry, Kaufman said. As to why theyre launching now, he cites the growth of options ETFs, which have received $65 billion in inflows over the past three years, and convertible bonds offer similar opportunities through the option to convert to stock. Kaufman also sees a lack of awareness of convertible bonds as an option in the ETF space. While Calamos doesnt have any new ETFs filed, it is looking into more convertible bond ETFs. Wed consider three to five on the market over the next year or two a success, noted Kaufman. Contact Gabe Alpert at gabriel.alpert@etf.com Permalink | Copyright 2023 etf.com. All rights reserved Key African countries stressed the need for grain imports to tackle food insecurity as Russian President Vladimir Putin prepares to discuss with the continent's leaders the fate of a deal allowing the safe Black Sea export of food and fertilizer from Ukraine. Putin said on Tuesday that Russia was considering quitting the Black Sea Grain Initiative - brokered by the United Nations and Turkey last July - because its own grain and fertilizer shipments still face obstacles. The pact could expire on July 17. A delegation of African leaders is due to visit both Ukraine and Russia soon in a push to end Russia's 16-month-long war, and Putin has said he plans to raise the Black Sea grain deal. African leaders could also propose to Putin an "unconditional grain and fertilizer deal," according to a draft framework document Reuters saw Thursday. South African President Cyril Ramaphosa said he believes Putin and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy are aligned with him on the "importance of grain deliveries to Africa for the alleviation of food insecurity," said Ramaphosa spokesperson Vincent Magwenya. "We are therefore not aware of any threats to pull out of the grain deal," Magwenya told Reuters on Wednesday. Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said on Wednesday that Moscow had not yet made a decision on withdrawing. Russia has issued a list of demands it wants met, including the resumption of its Black Sea ammonia exports and reconnection of the Russian Agricultural Bank to the SWIFT payment system. U.N. Secretary-General Antonio Guterres told reporters on Thursday that he hoped the talks between Putin and the African leaders led to "a positive outcome in relation to the Black Sea initiative, as well as in relation to the efforts that we are making for the exports of Russian food and fertilizer." 'Devastating toll' While food and fertilizer exports do not fall under the West's tough sanctions imposed on Russia over the war, Moscow says restrictions on payments, logistics and insurance create barriers. Putin also complained that under the deal "almost nothing goes to African countries" and said Moscow is ready to supply grain for free to the world's poorest countries. The United Nations has long said the Black Sea grain deal is a commercial enterprise, but that it benefits poorer countries by helping lower food prices globally. Zambian Foreign Minister Stanley Kakubo said in a statement Wednesday that the war in Ukraine and conflict in Sudan had "taken a devastating toll on African communities, resulting in the loss of life, and food insecurity, due to the rising costs of grain and fertilizer." According to U.N. data, more than 31 million tons of grain have been exported under the pact, with 43% of that to developing countries. The U.N. World Food Program has shipped more than 625,000 tons of grain for aid operations. The Black Sea grain deal was initially brokered for 120 days. Russia has agreed to extend it three times but warned on Wednesday that its "goodwill" cannot last forever. Not all African states were worried, though. "If it's true that we would starve if that grain deal is disrupted, why is it that it's the West crying more than us Africans? They are crying crocodile tears," Uganda's state minister for foreign affairs, Okello Oryem, told Reuters. He added that Uganda would have no qualms about accepting free grain from Russia. A catastrophic food crisis looms in Sudan if fighting doesn't stop, said Freydoun Borhani, team leader with aid organization Mercy Corps in Gedaref state, on the Ethiopian border. "Right now, it's planting season in Gedaref state, for example. People there must buy seeds for plantation. The price of the seeds go very high. And this creates a problem for the farmer," Borhani said. But that's not the only challenge farmers face, according to Borhani. "Besides that, the number of people who moved here have created a lack of food in the market, and the price of food is very high, and some people cannot afford to purchase this food," Borhani said. "Some places, it's 134 percent increase. Wheat flour, rice or sugar also 100 percent or more." Mercy Corps had plans to distribute seeds to about 2,100 farmers in Gedaref, Nyala and Kordofan states, but for security reasons it will be able to give seeds to only 700 farmers in Gedaref starting next week. The latest 24-hour cease-fire negotiated by the United States and Saudi Arabia expired early Sunday, and the war is showing no signs of ending, as fighting continues in parts of the capital, Khartoum, and elsewhere. Kenya's President William Ruto said he and other East African leaders plan to meet the Sudanese generals in person next week to discuss ways to end the war. The announcement follows a gathering of heads of states and government convened by the East African bloc IGAD, or Intergovernmental Authority on Development, in Djibouti earlier this week. "We have taken the decision that the quartet of Kenya, Ethiopia, South Sudan and Somalia will in the next 10 days meet face to face with General [Abdel Fattah al-] Burhan and General [Mohamed Hamdan] Dagalo in a face-to-face engagement, so we can speak to them directly on behalf of IGAD with a view of stopping the war that is raging in Sudan," Ruto said following the IGAD talks. Macharia Munene, professor of history and international relations at the United States International University in Nairobi, told VOA the in-person meeting with the two generals is a good step but there are more factors at play. "The problem with IGAD and AU [African Union] is that it depends on the EU [European Union] and external forces of resources to operate," Munene said. "That's the main problem sometimes it's difficult to agree on anything, in part because the players are dependent on advice and resources from outside." Abdisalan Adan, education and peace advocate and the director of Maarifa College in Kenya, told VOA bringing them to the table might be the solution, but there's much to accomplish between now and then. "First of all, bridging the gap and bringing the trust among the two [generals] and from our side, Kenya, we should see the conflict from a wider perspective, then working very softly in terms of bringing all actors together, international actors together, not only IGAD, but bring on board African Union, European Union and Americans," he said. Dr. Edgar Githua, a lecturer at USIU and Strathmore University specializing in international relations, peace and conflict, told VOA that Kenya's Ruto is a good person to lead the negotiations. "I think he's seen conflict within Kenya. Remember, in Kenya we had our post-election violence in 2007, and he was part of that mediating team ... so he understands what internal conflicts are all about; in Sudan, it's an internal conflict, so he understands the dynamics," Githua said. Ruto also said officials will try to persuade the warring factions to establish a humanitarian corridor in the next two weeks and, following that, initiate a process of an inclusive national dialogue. But in a statement on Thursday, Sudan's foreign ministry said it preferred South Sudanese leadership of the initiative. Since the war started about two months ago, more than 1.65 million people have been displaced, including more than 1.2 million within the country and about half a million to neighboring countries. As long as the conflict continues, Mercy Corps says humanitarian needs will grow among the populations that were already severely food insecure. Australia is blocking Russias plans to build a new embassy near the Australian Federal Parliament, citing unspecified national security concerns. There has been no response so far from Russias diplomatic staff. Australia has imposed broad sanctions on Russia and sent military and humanitarian aid to Ukraine since Russias invasion of its neighbor. Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese said Thursday that a new Russian Embassy so close to Parliament House would pose a threat to national security. His government has proposed emergency legislation that would terminate the Russian Federations lease on the land. The move doesnt affect Russias existing embassy in suburban Canberra, which is about a 10-minute drive to Australias Federal Parliament. Albanese said that presence would continue just as Australia has a diplomatic presence in Moscow. The Australian leader has not specified what sort of security threat a proposed new Russian Embassy, less than 2 kilometers from Parliament House would pose but he told reporters in Canberra the risk was too great. The government has received very clear security advice as to the risk presented by a new Russian presence so close to Parliament House," he said. "Were acting quickly to ensure the leased site does not become a formal diplomatic presence. The government condemns Russias illegal and immoral invasion of Ukraine. To be clear todays decision is one taken in the national security interests of Australia. Media reports earlier this year said that Australian intelligence agencies had uncovered a so-called hive of Russian spies who were posing as diplomats. At the time, security chiefs said that Australia was facing an unprecedented spy threat but did not name the country or countries involved. Albanese has rejected suggestions that Australia wasnt doing enough to support Kyivs war effort. Australia is among the largest non-NATO contributors to Ukraine, supplying missiles and armored personnel carriers. Since the February 2022 invasion began, Canberra has imposed sanctions on hundreds of Russian politicians, including President Vladimir Putin, military commanders and businesspeople. They are the most sweeping penalties Australia has ever put on another country. Canberra has also banned the import of Russian oil, petroleum, coal and gas. Microsoft Founder Bill Gates was in China on Thursday for what he said were meetings with global health and development partners who have worked with his charitable foundation. "Solving problems like climate change, health inequity and food insecurity requires innovation," Gates tweeted. "From developing malaria drugs to investing in climate adaptation, China has a lot of experience in that. We need to unlock that kind of progress for more people around the world." Gates said global crises stifled progress in reducing death and poverty in children and that he will next travel to West Africa because African countries are particularly vulnerable "with high food prices, crushing debt, and increasing rates of TB and malaria." Reuters, citing two people familiar with the matter, said Gates would meet with Chinese President Xi Jinping. Gates is the latest business figure to visit China year, following Apples Tim Cook and Teslas Elon Musk. Some information for this report came from The Associated Press, Agence France-Presse and Reuters. For journalists working at one of Cubas few independent media outlets, the job comes with threats, accusations of being CIA agents, and pressure to be silent or to leave. Journalists at 14ymedio.com suffer constant intimidation from Cuban state authorities, said Yoani Sanchez, one of the sites founders. Police call the journalists mercenaries or agents of the CIA and make threats or bully the teams families, she said. They are told that their relatives will lose their government jobs if the journalists continue working for 14ymedio. In some cases, reporters are pressured to leave Cuba forever by the political police, a law enforcement unit that focuses on perceived threats to the state. Despite the tough environment, members of the news sites team have not given up their dream, Sanchez said. We insist on carrying out independent journalism. In 14ymedio we have lots of dreams, she told VOA from Cuba. We want to report on the great process of liberalization of our country, which will happen one day. The Castro regime will fall one day. The news site takes its name partly because it was set up in May 2014, and partly from Sanchezs dissident blog Generation Y. 14ymedio is one of a handful of independent media that report on events in the Caribbean Island. Others are eltoque.com, revistaelestornudo.com and periodismodebarrio.org. These independent websites started after mobile internet arrived in Cuba in 2018, followed the next year by the authorization of domestic WiFi networks. And while 14ymedio is a news website, the team also produces podcasts. As of May, it had 604,200 monthly unique users, according to Google analytics. Most of that audience is inside Cuba, with the second largest group in Spain, followed by exiled Cubans in the United States. With a staff of five in Havana, reporters in cities outside the capital, and a bureau in Madrid, the site strives to cover domestic and international affairs. But with pressure from the government creating a safety risk, journalists inside the country cannot use bylines, says Sanchez. The pressure and bullying is very diverse. There is constant verbal aggression. They call us mercenaries or say that we are working for the CIA. They watch us. They come to our offices and stop us from leaving, she said. Reporters have been arrested. [The police] have taken mobile phones, laptops. Or they put pressure on the families of our reporters. They bother parents or children. Another object of the political police is to pressurize them to leave the country or prevent them from leaving the country. Cubas International Press Centre in Havana the government body that handles media queries and grants visas to foreign press did not reply to email requests for comment from VOA. Sanchez said 14ymedio was formed to report on what is really happening in Cuba rather than accepting the version presented by state media. Lots of the problems in Cuban society are due to the lack of a free press to keep people informed so that they can make good decisions, she said in a voicemail to VOA. Journalism could shed light on the real Cuba and 14ymedio was formed with the idea that in Cuba we needed a quality media which was not politically biased. An example of that is a recent story the site ran, in which it contrasted Russian and Cuban reports about record trade between both countries. After consulting experts, the news site reported that state claims could not possibly be true, said Bertrand de la Grange, the Madrid bureau chief of 14ymedio.com. For other stories, de la Grange said, the sites journalists get anonymous tips from government sources. We also get the odd reader in East Timor or other parts of the world. These must be doctors who are working as part of a Cuban overseas mission or diplomats who pass us information. These people provide us with very useful information, de la Grange told VOA in an interview. The websites content puts the staff at risk of harassment. But de la Grange said the core staff of reporters at the Havana office or around the island refuse to be intimidated. They believe in what they are doing and think that maybe what they are doing will help bring change in Cuba, de la Grange said. Still, it can be a struggle to replace staff. We are in the process of looking for more reporters in the provinces in Cuba. The great problem that we have is emigration. Many people emigrate from Cuba, de la Grange said. Cubas media find internet access to be expensive and unreliable. Sanchez replied to written questions from VOA with voicemail because the cost of accessing the internet for a video or voice call would cost too much. Another issue: restrictive laws and regulations. De la Grange told VOA that the Law of Social Communication in Cuba, passed by the parliament last month, introduced even more restrictions on independent journalism. The law says media are the socialist property of the entire people or of political, social and mass organizations and cannot be the subject of any other property. The Cuban government said the law was needed to prevent subversion. Reporters Without Borders condemned the law as a terrible day for journalism in Cuba. By enshrining the ban on any media organization outside the framework of the state and the Communist Party control, the Cuban parliament has crushed the fragile space for freedom that had emerged and has tightened the clampdown on press freedom in Cuba, RSF said in a statement. The Paris-based watchdog ranks Cuba as one of the 10 worst places for media freedom globally. Despite the curbs, Sanchez said 14ymedio remains true to its vision. This quality of journalism requires using more diverse sources. If you read it in 14ymedio it is because it has happened. It is serious journalism in which you can have faith. The United Nations says it is concerned about the prevalence of sexual violence in camps for internally displaced people in the Eastern Democratic Republic of Congo. Activist Passy Mubalama and others are trying to help women at risk. VOAs Paul Ndiho visited the Lushagala camp and has this story. The European Parliament passed a resolution Thursday calling for the immediate release of Apple Daily newspaper founder Jimmy Lai, as well as the repeal of Hong Kong's national security law, which has been used to target pro-democracy activists and China critics such as Lai. The resolution received widespread support, with 483 votes in favor, 9 against and 42 abstentions. Lai, a British citizen, founded Apple Daily in 1995, and the newspaper became one of Hong Kong's most popular until authorities forced it to close in 2021. Hong Kong authorities have targeted the pro-democracy advocate and China critic since 2020 partially in retaliation for the newspaper's criticism of the Chinese government. Lai, 75, has been detained in a maximum-security prison since December 2020. His son Sebastien Lai said the resolution "sends a powerful message to Hong Kong that the targeting and imprisonment of my father and other prominent pro-democracy figures, in an attempt to silence them, is not going unnoticed by the international community." The EU resolution urged "the Hong Kong Government to immediately and unconditionally release and drop all charges against Jimmy Lai and all other pro-democracy representatives and activists who have exercised their freedom of expression and basic human rights." It also called on Hong Kong authorities "to stop impeding the work of all journalists." Lai's detention and the forced closure of Apple Daily have become symbols of the rapid deterioration of press freedom and other basic rights in Hong Kong since the national security law came into effect in 2020. Hong Kong authorities have arrested dozens of people on accusations of breaking the law, which criminalizes any act of secession, subversion, terrorism or collusion with foreign forces. At least 13 journalists and media workers are detained in Hong Kong, according to the press freedom group Reporters Without Borders, or RSF. September trial Lai, who is already serving a nearly six-year sentence for breaching a commercial lease agreement, is scheduled to stand trial in September for allegedly violating the national security law. He stands accused of sedition and collusion with foreign agents with charges alleging he committed the crimes through his journalism and pro-democracy activism. He faces a life sentence. Lawyer Caoilfhionn Gallagher, who leads Lai's legal team, warned in a statement that "he now faces the prospect of life behind bars, and we now face the terrible prospect of a UK national dying in prison for standing up for democratic values and exercising his internationally protected rights." The British government has been criticized for failing to speak out strongly in support of Lai. "It is heartening to see the European Parliament now speak out for Jimmy Lai," Gallagher added in the statement. "Now, Hong Kong must act before it is too late." Press freedom groups also commended the resolution. "In highlighting the Hong Kong government's persecution of detained publisher Jimmy Lai, the adoption of this resolution is an important step by the European Parliament to address the decline of press freedom in the territory," Cedric Alviani, RSF's East Asia bureau director, said in a statement. Sebastien Lai said he is "grateful to the European Parliament for their strong stance and important recognition of the alarming deterioration of the rule of law and fundamental rights and freedoms in Hong Kong, and for their call for my father's release." "They have shone a light in the dark corners which Hong Kong wishes to keep hidden," he said. An announcement by YouTube that it will no longer remove content containing misinformation on the U.S. 2020 presidential election has some experts divided. In a June blog post, YouTube said it was ending its policy enforced since December 2020 that removed tens of thousands of videos that falsely claimed the 2020 election was impaired by "widespread fraud, errors or glitches." "We find that while removing this content does curb some misinformation, it could also have the unintended effect of curtailing political speech without meaningfully reducing the risk of violence or other real-world harm," the post said. The Google-owned platform says the move is to support free speech, but some experts in tech and disinformation say it could allow harmful content to again be easily shared. "The message that YouTube is sending is that the election denial crowd is now welcome again on YouTube and can resume its campaign of undermining trust in American elections and democratic institutions," said Paul Barrett, deputy director at New York University's Stern Center for Business and Human Rights. But others say the policy caused "legitimate" content to be removed and that the core issue is a wider societal problem, not something confined to YouTube. YouTube's other election misinformation policies remain unchanged, the platform said. These include prohibiting content aimed at misleading people about the time and place for voting and claims that could significantly discourage voting. Google spokesperson Ivy Choi told VOA in an email that the company has "nothing to add beyond what we shared in our blog post." Still, some U.S. lawmakers and experts are concerned about how harmful content circulates on YouTube. Representative Zoe Lofgren, who sat on the House January 6 committee, said the idea that election denial disinformation is "no longer harmful including that they do not increase the risk of violence is simply wrong." "The lies continue to have a dramatic impact on our democracy and on the drastic increase in threats faced by elected officials at all levels of government," Lofgren told VOA in an emailed statement. Lofgren, a Democrat from California, added that YouTube's parent company Alphabet should reconsider its decision. Justin Hendrix, founder and editor of the nonprofit website Tech Policy Press, questioned whether YouTube's policy had even been successful. "There is, to me, a bigger question about whether YouTube was ever really effectively removing information that promoted false claims about the 2020 election," Hendrix told VOA. "I wonder whether this is a capitulation to the reality that the company was never able to effectively take action against false claims in the 2020 election." YouTube is one of the most popular social media platforms in the United States, and it has over 2 billion users around the world. But despite the platform's popularity, it has escaped the level of scrutiny given to Twitter and Facebook, according to Barrett. The main reason: the difficulty in analyzing videos in bulk. YouTube is the main place people go for videos on innocuous things like how to fix your car or do your makeup, said Barrett. "But it's also the go-to place for video for people with extreme political ideas," he added. Videos on YouTube amplified the false narratives that the 2020 election was rigged and that the entire American election system is corrupt, according to a 2022 report Barrett and Hendrix co-authored, A Platform 'Weaponized': How YouTube Spreads Harmful Content And What Can Be Done About It. Election misinformation was also cited by the January 6 committee as it investigated the circumstances that resulted in a mob of former President Donald Trump's supporters storming the U.S. Capitol on the day the election results were due to be certified. In a report on the insurrection, the committee said the platform "included efforts to boost authoritative content" and that it "labeled election fraud claims but did so anemically." Some free-speech experts like Jennifer Stisa Granick, the surveillance and cybersecurity counsel at the American Civil Liberties Union, believe the policy change is good. "There have been some legitimate discussions about voting and the legitimacy of the election that have been adversely impacted" under the former policy, Granick said. "Election disinformation was not spread by YouTube or other online platforms, but by [Trump] himself. And the misinformation that circulates online is a drop in the bucket compared to what the [former] president of the United States says," Granick said. The bigger problem, she said, is that for some political candidates, "election denial is a fundamental part of their campaigns." People who complain that YouTube is evading its responsibility are "looking to the platform to solve a social and political problem that the United States has," Granick said. Roy Gutterman, director of the Tully Center for Free Speech at Syracuse University, believes any policy that openly fosters free speech is worthwhile. "But calls to violence, which may accompany some of this discourse, would still not be protected," Gutterman told VOA. Barrett, however, is concerned that the reversal creates the potential for YouTube to be exploited. The broader effect, Barrett said, "is the erosion of trust more generally" not just in American elections. Studies have shown that exposure to misinformation and disinformation is tied to lower trust in the media. The YouTube policy change is hardly the main cause of that process, Barrett said, but it's a contributing factor. The policy change comes as several major social media companies face criticism for failing to quell election misinformation and disinformation on their platforms. The recent development with YouTube is part of a broader trend in the tech industry, according to Hendrix. "I'm concerned that we're seeing across the board almost a kind of throwing up the hands around some of these issues," he said, pointing to staff layoffs, including those in trust and safety departments. All of these factors contribute to "an erosion of even more than democracy," Barrett said. "That's an erosion of the social connections that hold society together." The URL has been copied to your clipboard The code has been copied to your clipboard. U.S. Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin called on Kyiv's allies on Thursday to "dig deep" to provide more arms and ammunition to fight Russia's invasion. The U.N. nuclear chief heads to Ukraines Zaporizhzhia nuclear power plant. Russia threatens to withdraw from a deal to export Ukrainian grain. At least 79 migrants have drowned and hundreds more remain missing and feared dead after their battered and overloaded boat capsized off the coast of Greece. Just over 100 migrants have been rescued and a massive operation to find more continues. The events have raise the question, though, of whether the tragedy, the worst in recent years, could have been averted. Six coast guard vessels, a military helicopter and a navy frigate continue to comb the site of the tragedy, some 50 miles south of Pylos, in southeast Greece. Hopes though are fading. So far, 104 migrants have been rescued, all of them men, the majority from Egypt, Syria, Pakistan and the Palestinian territories. It remains unclear how many people were on board the battered 30-meter fishing boat but initial accounts from survivors put the number as high as 750. Worse yet, 100 of them, apparently women and children, were said to have been kept below deck, where smugglers are known to keep them locked in perilous journeys to the West. The causes of the tragedy are being investigated but on Thursday authorities here said the boat was left drifting across the Mediterranean shortly after it set sail from Libya, bound for Italy. At some point, in the early phase of the journey, the boat lost its engine, Nikos Alexiou, a spokesman for the Greek coast guard said. Because it was overloaded, movement of people on deck appears to have caused it to tip over and capsize. Alexiou said the coast guard made several attempts to contact and approach the vessel before the tragedy, but he said any and every bid was rebuffed. They even refused food and aid offered by commercial vessels that sped to assist them before we got there, he said. Thats how headstrong they were in their bid to reach Italy. Since coming to power four years ago, the conservative Greek government of Kyriakos Mitstotakis has enforced tighter migration controls. Alexiou dismissed allegations that the tragedy could have been averted. Had we forcibly intervened and tried to haul the vessel to safe waters, an even greater tragedy would have followed, he said. Greece, he said, would have then been blamed for causing the tragedy. Instead, Alexiou said, the Greek coast guard opted to watch and if they had not been close enough to act as fast as they did, he said, the tragedy might have been worse, with the number of survivors, significantly lower. European Union officials have expressed sadness, as they put it, over the tragedy, and called for a more united strategy to combat migrant smuggling. Human rights groups say the crackdown would simply force more migrants to seek more perilous routes to reach the West. The United Nations says more than 70,000 migrants have arrived so far in Europes front-line Mediterranean countries Greece, Italy, Spain and Cyprus this year. Nearly 1,000 people are estimated to have died or gone missing in the Mediterranean so far this year. Key Insights Zalando's estimated fair value is 24.59 based on 2 Stage Free Cash Flow to Equity Zalando's 26.42 share price indicates it is trading at similar levels as its fair value estimate The 46.15 analyst price target for ZAL is 88% more than our estimate of fair value How far off is Zalando SE (ETR:ZAL) from its intrinsic value? Using the most recent financial data, we'll take a look at whether the stock is fairly priced by taking the expected future cash flows and discounting them to their present 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. See our latest analysis for Zalando Step By Step Through The Calculation We use what is known as a 2-stage model, which simply means we have two different periods of growth rates for the company's cash flows. Generally the first stage is higher growth, and the second stage is a lower growth phase. To begin with, we have to get estimates of the next ten years of cash flows. Where possible we use analyst estimates, but when these aren't available we extrapolate the previous free cash flow (FCF) from the last estimate or reported value. We assume companies with shrinking free cash flow will slow their rate of shrinkage, and that companies with growing free cash flow will see their growth rate slow, over this period. We do this to reflect that growth tends to slow more in the early years than it does in later years. Generally we assume that a dollar today is more valuable than a dollar in the future, so we discount the value of these future cash flows to their estimated value in today's dollars: 10-year free cash flow (FCF) estimate 2023 2024 2025 2026 2027 2028 2029 2030 2031 2032 Levered FCF (, Millions) 91.6m 231.0m 377.2m 691.7m 578.3m 512.2m 471.5m 445.7m 428.9m 417.9m Growth Rate Estimate Source Analyst x14 Analyst x15 Analyst x14 Analyst x3 Analyst x2 Est @ -11.44% Est @ -7.94% Est @ -5.48% Est @ -3.77% Est @ -2.56% Present Value (, Millions) Discounted @ 6.6% 85.9 203 311 535 419 348 301 266 240 220 ("Est" = FCF growth rate estimated by Simply Wall St) Present Value of 10-year Cash Flow (PVCF) = 2.9b We now need to calculate the Terminal Value, which accounts for all the future cash flows after this ten year period. The Gordon Growth formula is used to calculate Terminal Value at a future annual growth rate equal to the 5-year average of the 10-year government bond yield of 0.2%. We discount the terminal cash flows to today's value at a cost of equity of 6.6%. Terminal Value (TV)= FCF 2032 (1 + g) (r g) = 418m (1 + 0.2%) (6.6% 0.2%) = 6.5b Present Value of Terminal Value (PVTV)= TV / (1 + r)10= 6.5b ( 1 + 6.6%)10= 3.4b The total value, or equity value, is then the sum of the present value of the future cash flows, which in this case is 6.4b. The last step is to then divide the equity value by the number of shares outstanding. Compared to the current share price of 26.4, 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. 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 Zalando as potential shareholders, the cost of equity is used as the discount rate, rather than the cost of capital (or weighted average cost of capital, WACC) which accounts for debt. In this calculation we've used 6.6%, which is based on a levered beta of 1.078. 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 Zalando Strength Debt is well covered by cash flow. Weakness Earnings declined over the past year. Interest payments on debt are not well covered. Opportunity Annual earnings are forecast to grow faster than the German market. Good value based on P/S ratio compared to estimated Fair P/S ratio. Threat Revenue is forecast to grow slower than 20% per year. Next Steps: Valuation is only one side of the coin in terms of building your investment thesis, and it is only one of many factors that you need to assess for a company. DCF models are not the be-all and end-all of investment valuation. Rather it should be seen as a guide to "what assumptions need to be true for this stock to be under/overvalued?" For instance, if the terminal value growth rate is adjusted slightly, it can dramatically alter the overall result. For Zalando, we've compiled three further elements you should explore: Risks: As an example, we've found 1 warning sign for Zalando that you need to consider before investing here. Future Earnings: How does ZAL's growth rate compare to its peers and the wider market? Dig deeper into the analyst consensus number for the upcoming years by interacting with our free analyst growth expectation chart. Other Solid Businesses: Low debt, high returns on equity and good past performance are fundamental to a strong business. Why not explore our interactive list of stocks with solid business fundamentals to see if there are other companies you may not have considered! PS. The Simply Wall St app conducts a discounted cash flow valuation for every stock on the XTRA every day. If you want to find the calculation for other stocks 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 Following the indictment of Donald Trump in connection with his alleged mishandling of classified documents, the former president and his supporters contend that he is the target of a politically weaponized justice system. They claim that the Department of Justice has ignored similar alleged crimes committed by his rivals, including President Joe Biden and former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton. In a speech after his arraignment Tuesday, Trump alleged that Biden and Clinton and other former presidents have committed far graver crimes than he has, yet he was the only one charged with felonies. That, he says, is proof that he is the victim of a political witch hunt. Among other claims, many of which are contrary to evidence, Trump said Biden had troves of classified documents from his time as vice president and senator and sent away 1,850 boxes, and refuses to give them up. He added that Clinton stored vast quantities of classified and sensitive information on an illicit server. Biden, Clinton and Mike Pence, Trumps former vice president, all have faced questions about holding on to government materials from their time in office. And like Trump, Biden is the subject of a Department of Justice investigation led by a special counsel appointed by Attorney General Merrick Garland. Here are summaries of the three cases and how they compare to Trumps. Joe Biden Following media reports in January, the White House disclosed that in November the president's personal attorneys found classified documents from Biden's time as vice president stored at the Penn Biden Center, a think tank in Washington. The White House said it notified the National Archives, which retrieved the documents and informed the Department of Justice. It instructed the FBI to search the think tank, which was done with White House consent. Its unclear whether they found additional classified records. Additional classified documents were found by Biden's personal lawyers at the president's personal residence in Wilmington, Delaware, which they reported to DOJ. The documents were secured by FBI agents, who found several more classified records while searching Bidens home with White House consent. The FBI also searched Bidens vacation home in Rehoboth, Delaware, but did not find any classified materials. In January, Garland appointed Robert Hur, former U.S. attorney for the District of Maryland, to oversee the investigation. Hurs probe is ongoing, and it is unclear when it will conclude. The White House has pledged full cooperation. Mike Pence In January, Pences lawyers discovered about a dozen documents marked classified at his Indiana home and turned them over to the FBI. The documents were found after Pence asked attorneys to search his home out of an abundance of caution after the Biden classified document revelation. A month later, the FBI discovered an additional document with classified markings at his home during their search. That search was done with Pences consent. In June, the DOJ notified Pence that the investigation into his handling of these materials had been concluded and that he would not be charged. Hillary Clinton In 2015, Clinton was found to have used a personal email account and a private server at her residence in New York for both personal and official correspondence during her tenure as secretary of state from 2009 to 2013, triggering concerns about security and potential mishandling of classified information. An FBI investigation revealed that Clinton and her aides had deleted thousands of emails, claiming that they were personal in nature, raising suspicions of attempts to conceal potentially incriminating information. In July 2016, during Clintons presidential campaign, then-FBI Director James Comey criticized her for being extremely careless in handling classified information but did not recommend criminal charges against her. Willful retention A key difference between the three cases and Trumps, according to legal experts, is that the former president continued to willfully retain those documents despite repeated government efforts to have them returned, including through a subpoena. Acting criminally is to know that you have documents that contain sensitive military information and to intentionally continue to hold them, said David Sklansky, professor of Constitutional Criminal Procedure at Stanford University to VOA. Unlike Trump, Biden and Pence handled the discovery appropriately, which ended the matter, said Mark Zaid, an attorney who focuses on national security law. The same would have happened with Trump had he cooperated, Zaid told VOA. The evidence in the indictment released by special counsel Jack Smith lays out very, very persuasively that Trump knew he had classified material, said Alison LaCroix, professor of constitutional law at the University of Chicago. Setting aside the question of whether Biden and Pence knew they had classified documents in their possession, LaCroix added, they haven't attempted to conceal them. With respect to Clinton, Zaid added, authorities determined there was no intent to violate the law and that the parties involved avoided discussing classified information. Hunter Biden In his Tuesday remarks, Trump alleged that the Biden administration is targeting him to distract from the real espionage and the real crime. Let's indict President Trump so they don't talk about the $5 million bribe, he said. Starting in 2019, as he campaigned for the 2020 presidential election against Biden, Trump has alleged that an executive of the Ukrainian energy company Burisma funneled millions of dollars to Biden and his son around 2015, so that Biden, then vice president, would pressure Ukraine to fire the government prosecutor investigating the company for corruption. In June 2020, the head of Ukraines national anti-corruption bureau said that neither Biden nor Hunter Biden, who joined Burisma as a board member in 2014, had anything to do with the companys corruption case. A congressional investigation, which later led to Trumps first impeachment in December 2019, concluded that Trump pressured the Ukrainian government to announce an investigation into Biden, including by withholding military aid to Kyiv. In January, House Republicans launched an investigation into the Biden familys business dealings. In May, they released financial documents detailing how some of the presidents relatives were paid more than $10 million from foreign sources between 2015 and 2017 but conceded they have not uncovered evidence of criminal conduct and corruption by President Biden. An Iranian journalist who was jailed last year for conducting an interview with Mahsa Amini's father said Thursday that she has been "terminated" from her position at the newspaper where she had just started working. Nazila Maroufian said the move came days after she shared on her public Twitter account allegations that a Special Forces officer made derogatory comments about her when she refused to comply with the mandatory hijab requirement. In a tweet on Sunday, Maroufian recounted the incident where an officer in the city theater told her, "What's with that outfit? Of course, because you're [expletive], that's why you dress like this." She didnt reveal the name of the newspaper that terminated her. Maroufian was arrested in November 2022 following the publication of her interview with the father of Mahsa Amini, the 22-year-old woman who died in police custody. The death of Amini, who was accused of wearing her headscarf too loosely, sparked nationwide anti-government protests. Maroufian spent 70 days behind bars before being released on bail. In a recent tweet, Maroufian said she is facing increased security pressures simply because she is a "dissenting critic." The two journalists who helped break the story of Aminis death, Elaheh Mohammadi and Niloufar Hamedi, are currently on trial in Iran. Iranian officials say the two journalists were indicted on charges of collaborating with the United States, acting against national security and creating "propaganda against the system." A U.S. State Department spokesman rejected allegations the journalists had been collaborating with the United States. Sham trials and executions have been key components of the (Iranian) regimes attempt to suppress any form of dissent, State Department spokesman Matthew Miller said in response to a question from VOA. According to the World Press Freedom Index 2023 issued by Reporters Without Borders on May 3 to coincide with World Press Freedom Day, Iran is considered one of the world's worst countries for press freedom. It has been listed at No. 177 out of 180 nations ranked in worldwide assessments of press freedom, followed by Vietnam, China, and North Korea. Well known LGBTQ+ makeup artist, 34-year-old May Oo, told VOA that there's no legal protection for LGBTQ+ persons in Myanmar, in an interview coinciding with LGBTQ+ Pride Month in the United States. June is celebrated as LGBTQ+ month every year in the United States to commemorate the nationwide gay pride movement that began on June 28, 1969, after brutal police crackdowns at New York's Stonewall Inn gay bar. In February 2021, the renowned Myanmar makeup artist participated in nationwide demonstrations against the military coup. In March of that year, May Oo refused to provide makeup services to affluent families attending a religious ceremony organized by the junta. A warrant was issued for his arrest, and his home was ransacked by police. May Oo evaded capture, and eventually escaped to an opposition-controlled area near the Thai-Myanmar border. After spending several months there, he arrived in the United States as a refugee. While hiding in the jungle, May Oo received weapons training to help overthrow the military regime but now he pursues his makeup career in the United States and devotes his time to raising funds for the anti-coup movement. He was interviewed via Zoom from his home in New York. VOA: As an LGBTQ+ person who came to the United States as a refugee, how do you view the activities of American LGBTQ+ people? May Oo: When I came to America last year, I went to the New York Pride celebrations in June. I saw events that I had never witnessed before. I discovered extremely different things here after having spent my whole life in Myanmar. Here in the U.S., whatever you want to be, whatever you want to do, you have the opportunity to accomplish it. You have the legal right to do so; but, despite having so many opportunities in such a sophisticated country, some peoples rights are still unfulfilled. That is why everyone continues to fight for their rights. Here, they can do it openly. Here, I can state what I want to be and do without hesitation or fear of being judged. As a gay man, I have never seen anything like what Im seeing in the United States. It feels like I'm entering a new world, and I really feel a sense of freedom in my life. VOA: Before the military seized control in Myanmar, there was a measure of democracy under civilian rule. Why is it still so difficult for LGBTQ+ individuals despite the existence of a partial democracy? May Oo: Burma/Myanmar is fundamentally a conservative country, and there is little tolerance for other cultures or ways of life outside of the mainstream. Myanmar is also a very religious country, and many people believe that being gay is because of sin from a previous life. LGBTQ+ people have been living under legal oppression. Now, it is even worse because there is no rule of law at all. VOA: What kinds of laws in Myanmar have put restrictions on LGBTQ+ people? May Oo: Consensual sex between people of the same sex is prohibited under Myanmar law. For example, the Penal Code Section 377 states that anyone who willfully engages in sexual intercourse against the order of nature with any man, woman, or animal shall be punished with transportation for life (relocation) or imprisonment of either kind for a time that may extend to 10 years, as well as a fine. Under this law, we can be banished and/or imprisoned at will. We can be arrested at any time because of our sexuality. There is no legal protection for us. From my own experience, I have been mocked for being gay. I have faced both verbal and physical abuse, causing severe emotional trauma; but there is no law to protect people like me. There is nowhere to go to complain when you are harassed, there is nowhere to turn. It's even worse if you come from a conservative family. Your own family will blame you for anything that happens to you because of your sexual orientation. There is no protection for LGBTQ+ people in Myanmar. VOA: On the other hand, you are a well-known makeup artist in Myanmar. Your life can be an inspiration for other LGBTQ+ people who see you with wealthy celebrities. So, aren't LGBTQ+ people's lives also filled with success and happiness? May Oo: The environment alters as a result of a person's status as a celebrity, its true. It appears that there is support for ones accomplishments; however, the ridicule persists. No matter how successful you are, or how hard you try, there will always be a perceived shame around being gay. As a result, gay and LGBTQ+ people in Myanmar face more challenges than ordinary people because of their sexual orientation. VOA: How do LGBTQ+ people face more challenges than other people in Myanmar? May Oo: In New York, for example, if you self-identify as a female and need to use the restroom, you can use the women's restroom. You can use the boys' restroom if you self-identify as a male. In Myanmar, a transexual man dressed as a woman can only use the men's restroom. You are not permitted to enter the women's restroom. How can a man dressed as a woman enter the men's restroom? The men know we're queer if we go into the men's room. Verbal harassment, and physical assault can, and does, occur in those situations. These are situations that injure us emotionally and physically and we have no protection. VOA: Following the military takeover in February 2021, the LGBTQ+ community took part in widespread rallies against the coup. Why? May Oo: LGBTQ+ organizations enjoyed the right to organize, advocate, and educate for security throughout the democratic government from 2015 until 2020. Only democracy can make LGBTQ+ people's lives better. Human rights will be lost in Myanmar as long as democracy does not survive. Normal human rights deteriorate over time in the absence of democracy. Don't even consider it if you're LGBTQ+. We seek a democratic government to ensure the protection of LGBTQ+ people. That is why LGBTQ+ people rejected the military coup: they want a government willing and capable of enacting laws that protect us. Latest developments: Speaking ahead of next weeks Ukraine Recovery Conference in London, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said his country "will rebuild everything, restore everything." Gunfire briefly stopped a U.N. convoy led by the director of the U.N. nuclear watchdog after its visit to the Russia-controlled Zaporizhzhia nuclear power station. NATO Secretary-General Jens Stoltenberg said Thursday the war in Ukraine demonstrates the need to stand with Ukraine and continue to provide support. Stoltenberg told reporters as he arrived at NATO headquarters that after launching its long-expected counteroffensive, Ukraine has made gains and liberated occupied land from Russian forces during fierce fighting. Later, U.S. General Mark Milley, the chairman of the Pentagons Joint Chiefs of Staff, echoed that assessment, telling reporters in Brussels that Ukraine is making progress, while acknowledging, Its a very difficult fight. Its a very bloody fight. Milley said Russian troop morale is not high and that Moscows troop leadership is lacking. Stoltenberg said Kyivs advances are due to the courage, the bravery, the skills of the Ukrainian soldiers, but it also highlights and demonstrates that the support NATO allies have been giving to Ukraine for many, many months actually makes a difference on the battlefield. He noted that the more successful Ukraine is at this stage, the more pressure it will put on Russian President Vladimir Putin to come to the negotiating table and give Ukraine a stronger hand in peace talks. Stoltenberg said if allies want enduring peace in Ukraine, they must continue providing Ukrainian forces with military support. Also on Thursday, gunfire briefly stopped a U.N. convoy as it returned to Ukrainian-held territory following its visit to the Russia-controlled Zaporizhzhia nuclear power station. The convoy, led by Rafael Grossi, the general director of the International Atomic Energy Agency, was not in immediate danger, and no one was hurt, a spokesman for IAEA told Reuters. The Russian state news outlet Tass cited Renat Karchaa, an adviser to the head of the Rosenergoatom company, as accusing Ukraine of opening fire on the U.N. convoy. Tass did not provide evidence to back up the claim. The convoy returned safely to Ukrainian-held territory. The U.S.-led Ukraine Contact Group, meanwhile, held its latest session Thursday in Brussels to discuss military assistance for Ukraine ahead of the meeting of NATO defense chiefs. U.S. Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin said at the opening of the meeting that the fight in Ukraine "is a marathon, and not a sprint." "We will continue to provide Ukraine with the urgent capabilities that it needs to meet this moment as well as what it needs to keep itself secure for the long term from Russian aggression," Austin said. He highlighted the need to provide Ukrainian forces with air defense systems that are critical in protecting Ukrainian civilians from Russia's aerial attacks. "The Kremlin's imperial ambitions have inflicted unimaginable suffering on the Ukrainian people, yet the Ukrainians continue to inspire us with their resilience, their bravery, and their unwavering commitment to keep their country free and secure," Austin said. After the meeting, Austin said, This will continue to be a tough fight, as we anticipated. We continue to push forward for what Ukraine needs. Norway and Denmark announced a joint effort to provide thousands of artillery rounds to Ukraine. Ukraine has an urgent need for artillery ammunition. We have therefore decided to join forces with Denmark for a new donation, so that Ukraine receives the ammunition as quickly as possible, Norways defense minister, Bjrn Arild Gram, said in a statement. Ukraines military said Thursday it intercepted a Russian cruise missile as well as 20 explosive drones launched by Russia. In Russian-controlled Crimea, Russian officials said their side downed nine Ukrainian drones. Some information for this report came from The Associated Press, Agence France-Presse and Reuters. Ukraines security needs, both immediate and long-term, are expected to dominate the discussion when NATO defense ministers meet Thursday and Friday in Brussels, where Ukrainian Defense Minister Oleksiy Reznikov will brief the participants on the progress of the war. The most urgent of those needs, Ukrainian Deputy Defense Minister Hanna Maliar told VOA in an interview Wednesday, is ammunition for her country to defend its skies against Russian aerial attacks and to sustain its long-awaited bid to recapture some Russian-held Ukrainian territory that began last week. Kyivs longer-term appeal is for early admission to the 30-nation defensive alliance, a request that is likely to get a more serious hearing when the NATO heads of state meet next month in Vilnius, Lithuania. This week, the ministers are expected to reassess Ukraines military needs, coordinate partnerships and review the alliance's defense capability. The member states are also discussing some measures short of full NATO membership that may be finalized in Brussels. In her interview, Maliar said Ukrainian forces are moving forward step by step in the east and south of the country and have recaptured about 90 square kilometers of territory since the start of the counteroffensive. But, she said, Russian forces have increased artillery and mortar shelling, using aviation, making it challenging to advance; there are some difficult weather conditions as well. She added that the Russian army is conducting its own offensive operations in some locations, and that Ukrainian forces are currently in the offensive and defensive stages. Maliar confirmed a warning from NATO Secretary-General Jens Stoltenberg, who said in February that Kyiv is burning through shells much more quickly than Western countries can replenish them a pattern that has accelerated since the start of the counteroffensive. Our military is fighting when the enemy has an advantage in weapons. Russia was preparing for this for 30 years; we were fulfilling our international obligation and did disarmament, she said. And we need shells. Some days Russians use 70,000 shells per day. The list of our needs we are sharing with our partners regularly. Stoltenberg, who visited Washington this week ahead of the Brussels discussions, announced Wednesday a Defense Production Action Plan designed to "rapidly address shortfalls in our stocks." Reuters has reported that the Brussels meeting will, for the first time, include talks with the heads of some 20 of the world's leading defense companies to find a way to boost the production of what NATO calls "battle-decisive" munitions. Reznikov told VOA in an exchange of emails that he also expects to discuss plans for the introduction of U.S.-made F-16 jet fighters into the war. During the meeting, we will discuss the details of the aircraft coalition such as the training of pilots, technicians and engineers who will be engaged in aircraft maintenance because it is a very complex system, he wrote. Subject matters will be discussed with the teams of the defense ministries of the Netherlands, Denmark, the USA, and other countries that have joined this coalition. I included representatives of our Air Force in the Ukrainian delegation. Also, everything related to air defense, ammunition shells, and artillery remains relevant. Our priorities have not changed. The longer-term issue of Ukraines relationship with NATO figured prominently in Stoltenbergs meetings in Washington with President Joe Biden and Secretary of State Antony Blinken, according to Ambassador Julianne Smith, the U.S. permanent representative to NATO. Smith said during a call with journalists on Wednesday that all of the alliance members are excited about the prospect of welcoming Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy to the summit in Vilnius and that Ukraine's aspirations for NATO membership will be an essential agenda item at the Brussels meeting. While there is little prospect of a membership invitation while the war continues, Smith said the NATO members are working in real-time on a more limited support package that will signal new deliverables in the category of enhancing our political relationship with Ukraine. Not just practical support to assist them in their current efforts to defend their territorial integrity, but practical support tied to the longer-term questions, longer term modernization issues they will be grappling with, questions of standardization, and thinking what type of force they will have in the future, she said. Smith added that the NATO countries will not be swayed by Russias objections to NATO membership for Ukraine. Our positions are clear, she said. Russia does not have a voice or a veto on NATOs open-door policy; we support Ukraines aspirations to join the Euro Atlantic community. Palestinian health officials said Thursday that Israeli forces shot dead a Palestinian in the occupied West Bank. The Palestinian Health Ministry identified the man as 20-year-old Khalil Yahya Anis. Israels military said its forces came under fire while operating in the city of Nablus and returned fire. Israeli forces were in the area to demolish the home of a Palestinian accused of killing an Israeli soldier last year. Thursdays violence is the latest in months of tensions that have included near-nightly Israeli raids in the West Bank and attacks by Palestinian militants. At least 159 Palestinians and 20 Israelis have been killed. Some information for this report came from The Associated Press and Agence France-Presse. Analysts say the international community is reluctant to put pressure on the Chadian government to transition to civilian rule. In this report from Ndjamena, reporter Henry Wilkins speaks to one man arrested during protests against the junta and local politicians who say civilians need political representation to air their grievances against the state. South Africa's police minister, Bheki Cele, and a delegation of senior police officials recently returned from a visit to China, where they discussed strengthening law enforcement collaboration. The ministry is confident that the countrys crime problems can be better dealt with when we also step up smart policing. This is why the country is exploring all avenues in this regard including cooperation with Chinese law enforcement to assist in technological advancement, police ministry spokesperson Lirandzu Themba told VOA. According to a police statement, the delegations five-day trip included visits to police stations in Beijing, Shanghai and Shenzhen, and engagements at China Peoples Public Security University, an elite training institution. Members from SAPS (South African Police Service) specialized units such as the National Intervention Unit (NIU) and Special Task Force (STF) recently received combat and educational training and graduated from the university, the statement noted. Minister Cele also met with China's minister of public security, Wang Xiaohong. High on the agenda was the establishment of a formal and rigorous policing exchange program of personnel capabilities and training between the two countries. The two also discussed security preparations for the upcoming summit of the BRICS group of emerging nations. The summit is being held in Johannesburg in August and will be attended by Chinas president, Xi Jinping. Environmental crimes, the collaboration to deal with violent crimes in South Africa through technological interventions, and the safety of nationals residing in both countries also featured high on the agenda, the statement said. Wang will be working with South Africa on issues including Belt and Road security, crackdown on transnational crimes and law enforcement capacity building, reported Chinese state news agency Xinhua. South Africa continues to struggle with violent crime. In the first three months of this year, there were 6,289 murders and the country has among the highest rates of rape in the world. Assaults and robberies have also increased compared to the same time period in 2022. New research The South African trip comes in the wake of a new report that details growing police co-operation between China and many African countries. Between 2018 and 2021 over 2,000 African police and law enforcement personnel received training in China, said the report, published last month by The Africa Center for Strategic Studies. China has supplied African countries with police equipment and also built police training schools, it said. Chinas expanding public security frontlines and tactics in Africa have triggered debates about how much sovereignty African countries surrender by offering Chinese security agencies a highly permissive environment to craft a growing mix of security mechanisms within African countries, the study said. South Africas ruling African National Congress received Chinese support during its fight against apartheid. The reports author, Paul Nantulya, said that many within the ANC share a basic anti-imperialist stance. Asked if South Africas democratic system doesnt put it at odds with a one-party state like China when it comes to policing, Nantulya noted the ANC favors closer ties with China. This is the wider political setting in which South Africa, which adheres to separation of powers, can prioritize getting policing tips from China, which comes from a tradition of absolute party control of the state and security forces, including police, he told VOA. He added, the statement issued by the South Africans after the recent visit underscores the multifaceted engagement between the South African police and law enforcement agencies and their Chinese counterparts, which has been in operation since 2010 and was renewed in 2019. It entails high level political exchanges (twice yearly), police training and capacity building, targeted language training, Chinese community policing forums, reciprocal visits to police stations and institutions and the training of South African police in Chinese police academies, he said. North Korea fired two short-range ballistic missiles off its east coast on Thursday, South Koreas military said, in what Pyongyang had warned would be an inevitable response to live fire drills that Seouls forces had conducted earlier in the day with U.S. troops. North Koreas launch was the latest in a series of launches this year. Last month, it unsuccessfully tried to launch a spy satellite. The latest North Korea missile launch comes as national security adviser Jake Sullivan is in Tokyo for meetings with his Japanese and South Korean counterparts. Sullivan met with South Korea's Cho Tae-yong, and Japan's Takeo Akiba, discussing North Korea's missile program and yearslong but futile efforts to get North Korea to abandon its nuclear weapons program. Meanwhile, in Washington, the U.S. sanctioned two Beijing-based North Koreans, Choe Chol Min and his wife, Choe Un Jung, who it said were linked to Pyongyangs procurement of weapons of mass destruction. The U.S. said the couple worked with Chinese nationals to get materials to help build North Korean missiles and to facilitate the movement of more than a thousand North Korean workers into China to generate income for the Pyongyang regime. The U.S. Treasury Department said any assets the two North Koreans might hold in the United States have been frozen. South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol watched the live-fire drills by several thousand South Korean and U.S. troops in the latest show of force that the allies say is necessary to deter North Korea. North Korea's Ministry of National Defense said the drills were escalating military tensions in the region and that its forces would sternly respond to "any kind of protests or provocations by enemies." Pyongyang unsuccessfully tried to launch a spy satellite late last month, its first satellite launch since 2016, with the rocket booster and payload plunging into the sea. North Korea's ballistic missile and nuclear weapons programs are banned by United Nations Security Council resolutions that have sanctioned the country, but U.S. presidents have been unsuccessful in trying to end North Koreas nuclear threat. Some information for this report came from The Associated Press, Agence France-Presse and Reuters. Despite a surging far right and anti-immigrant rhetoric in a number of rich nations, immigrants flocking to them are faring better in areas like education, jobs and integration than they were a decade ago, according to a new report by the Paris-based Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD). Perception does not necessarily match with reality, Thomas Liebig, senior administrator with the OECDs International Immigration Policy Division, said in an interview. The reality is things have improved. The perception is that things have not improved or gotten worse. Another reality is that the number of immigrants continues to rise, regardless of perceptions. The number of newcomers arriving in the OECDs 38 member states representing the worlds most advanced economies has jumped 20% over the last 10 years. About one in four OECD residents under 35 were born elsewhere. In a number of key areas, the newcomers have made significant strides in recent years, according to the study which reportedly counts among the most comprehensive of its kind to date. Immigrants are a lot more qualified and educated than they were 10 or 20 years ago, Liebig said. There also has been a lot of investment in integration policies and in the critical schooling years for children including pre-school. In countries like the U.S., they are learning the language of their new home more quickly than before. Many, especially men, are also finding it easier to land jobs. We have better labor market conditions, Liebig said, and the migrants seem to benefit disproportionately from them. The findings of the new study, which were released Thursday and published jointly with the European Commission, are especially surprising given recent events that would appear to shape a different outcome. Over the past decade, the European Union has been rocked by Islamist terrorist attacks and a refugee crisis. Anti-immigrant and right-wing politicians are gaining ground in Italy, France and the U.S. And Brexit partly intended to regain control of immigration has become reality in Britain. Fueling them, perhaps, are overly simplified or inaccurate perceptions of immigrants in social and mainstream media, Liebig said. Facts paint a different picture. Many European immigrants, for example, come from other European nations. Most, too, come legally. By far the vast majority of migrant arrivals come by regular channels, with a visa, Liebig added. Its a relatively small part that crosses the Mediterranean. But its much easier to show a picture of a boat than someone queuing up in an airport line with a passport. Despite anti-immigration rhetoric in some places, public perception has not soured on the newcomers in recent years. In Europe, surveys point to roughly half of native-born residents with no strong positive or negative views of immigration, the study finds. The other half is roughly divided between those believing immigrants have made their countries a better place and those who dont. Sentiments are stronger in the U.S., but even so, there is not a single, broad anti-immigrant current. Even in Britain where curbing immigration played a key role in a 2016 referendum to leave the EU the study found the number of British believing immigration was good for their economy actually doubled since 2010. People dont always think about the economy, Liebig said of anti-immigrant perceptions in general. They may just not want to have too many migrants. The report's findings arent universally sunny. More immigrants are still likely to be poor, live in substandard housing and have more health problems than natives of OECD countries. There are fewer immigrant women in the labor market and rising numbers of elderly immigrants often face hard times. Refugees, too, struggle to find jobs and move forward. Europes nearly five million Ukrainian refugees many of them women count among the rare success stories. They are boosted by their generally high educational levels and social networks built by a large Ukrainian diaspora that arrived before the war. Countries like Sweden, with strong integration programs for arriving immigrants, are also seeing positive outcomes. Its worth thinking about integration as an investment thats likely to pay off, Liebig said. Not only in economic terms, but in the future cohesion of our societies. First gold pour at Las Calandrias heap leap project scheduled for end of June Las Calandrias expected to reach full production capacity during Q3 2023 MDC (Brazil) Feasibility Study well advanced and preparations for construction initiated TORONTO, ON / ACCESSWIRE / June 15, 2023 / Cerrado Gold Inc. (TSXV:CERT)(OTCQX:CRDOF) ("Cerrado" or the "Company") is pleased to announce that it has initiated the leaching process at its initial heap leach project at the Las Calandrias area in Argentina. Mining operations have reached a rate of approximately 10,000 tpd, feeding the pad at a rate of 5,000 tpd. Carbon loading has begun and the first gold pour is expected by the end of this month. As previously announced, the Las Calandrias project is expected to provide additional gold production in Argentina during the second half of this year. Las Calandrias and additional heap leach projects are expected to help lower unit costs per ounce by providing additional economies of scale. The Company expects to reach full production rates from Las Calandrias during Q3 this year. Las Calandrias Heap Leach under Cyanidation Carbon In Columns Cells Cerrado Gold Inc., Wednesday, June 14, 2023, Press release picture Cerrado Gold Inc., Wednesday, June 14, 2023, Press release picture Pad Stacking Cerrado Gold Inc., Wednesday, June 14, 2023, Press release picture Cerrado Gold Inc., Wednesday, June 14, 2023, Press release picture The second successive heap leach project, Martinetas, is expected to begin construction later this year and begin production in 2024. In Brazil, the company is in the final stages of completing its Feasibility Study for the Monte Do Carmo ("MDC") project in Tocantins, Brazil, which is expected by the end of June. As previously announced, the Installation License is expected to be issued during Q3 of this year, allowing construction to commence thereafter. As such, the Company has initiated a process to source Project Financing for the construction of MDC later in the year. Mark Brennan, CEO and Chairman commented "With Las Calandrias now ramping up, we expect to see continued production growth and lower costs in Argentina as we benefit from the economies of scale now being achieved. In Brazil, preparations to begin construction at MDC towards the end of the year are well under way and we are working on bringing a funding solution together over the coming months." About Cerrado Cerrado Gold is a Toronto-based gold production, development, and exploration company focused on gold projects in South America. The Company is the 100% owner of both the producing Minera Don Nicolas mine in Santa Cruz province, Argentina, and the highly prospective Monte Do Carmo development project, located in Tocantins State, Brazil. At Minera Don Nicolas, Cerrado is maximizing asset value through continued operational optimization and further production growth. An extensive campaign of exploration is ongoing to further unlock potential resources in our highly prospective land package in the heart of the Deseado Masiff. At Monte Do Carmo, Cerrado is rapidly advancing the Serra Alta deposit through Feasibility and into production. Serra Alta is expected to be a high-margin and high-return project with significant exploration potential on an extensive and highly prospective 82,542 hectare land package. For more information about Cerrado please visit our website at: www.cerradogold.com. For further information, contact: Mark Brennan Mike McAllister CEO and Chairman Vice President, Investor Relations Tel: +1-647-796-0023 Tel: +1-647-805-5662 mbrennan@cerradogold.com mmcallister@cerradogold.com Disclaimer NEITHER TSX VENTURE EXCHANGE NOR ITS REGULATION SERVICES PROVIDER (AS THAT TERM IS DEFINED IN POLICIES OF THE TSX VENTURE EXCHANGE) ACCEPTS RESPONSIBILITY FOR THE ADEQUACY OR ACCURACY OF THIS RELEASE. This press release contains statements that constitute "forward-looking information" (collectively, "forward-looking statements") within the meaning of the applicable Canadian securities legislation, all statements, other than statements of historical fact, are forward-looking statements and are based on expectations, estimates and projections as at the date of this news release. Any statement that discusses predictions, expectations, beliefs, plans, projections, objectives, assumptions, future events or performance (often but not always using phrases such as "expects", or "does not expect", "is expected", "anticipates" or "does not anticipate", "plans", "budget", "scheduled", "forecasts", "estimates", "believes" or "intends" or variations of such words and phrases or stating that certain actions, events or results "may" or "could", "would", "might" or "will" be taken to occur or be achieved) are not statements of historical fact and may be forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements contained in this press release include, without limitation, statements regarding the business and operations of Cerrado. 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View source version on accesswire.com: https://www.accesswire.com/761399/Cerrado-Gold-Inititates-Leaching-at-Its-Las-Calandrias-Project-in-Santa-Cruz-Argentina Large majorities of residents of South Korea, the Philippines and Singapore all expressed significant concerns about the impact of heightened tensions between the U.S. and China, with many worried that a geopolitical confrontation between the two superpowers could lead to deterioration of their own national security, according to a new survey released this week. The survey, conducted by the Eurasia Group Foundation, found that in general, the U.S. is held in much higher esteem than China, with 70% of respondents across the three countries reporting a positive view of the U.S., while only 34% said the same of China. However, the results were highly varied among countries, with a majority of respondents in Singapore reporting a negative view of the U.S. and a positive view of China. The opposite was true in South Korea and the Philippines. Significant numbers of people in all three countries report having positive feelings toward both the U.S. and China, contributing to the difficulty many face when they feel they are being forced to choose sides in the face of great power competition. Across all three countries, 56.9% of respondents agreed with the statement, My countrys politics will intensify as political parties pick sides in the U.S.-China rivalry. Talks ongoing The survey results highlight the uncertainty surrounding the relationship between Washington and Beijing. Ties have soured over the past year, particularly after a suspected Chinese spy balloon traversed the continental U.S. before being shot down by the Air Force over the Atlantic Ocean in February. Senior diplomats from both countries have been making cautious efforts to resume dialogue. U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken has confirmed that he will travel to China this weekend. On Wednesday, the U.S. State Department and Chinas Foreign Ministry confirmed that Blinken on Wednesday spoke to Chinese Foreign Minister Qin Gang in advance of the trip. In competing readouts of the call, the State Department said that Blinken had stressed to Qin the importance of maintaining open lines of communication between Washington and Beijing in order to avoid miscalculation and conflict. In addition, he said that the U.S. would continue to use diplomatic engagements to raise areas of concern as well as areas of potential cooperation. The Chinese Foreign Ministry said that Qin had used the call to tell Blinken that the U.S. should stop interfering in Chinas internal affairs and stop undermining Chinas sovereignty, security and development interests in the name of competition. Stressing the importance to the U.S. of maintaining strong relations with countries in the Pacific region, White House national security adviser Jake Sullivan will travel to Tokyo this week for discussions with security officials from Japan, South Korea and the Philippines. Not a monolith Zuri Linetsky, a research fellow with the Eurasia Group Foundation and one of the co-authors of a report on the survey, told VOA that the results should serve as a reminder to Americans that there are a variety of perspectives on the U.S.-China rivalry in the Asia-Pacific region. There is concern about the U.S.-China rivalry in the region, but having said that, there's pretty dramatic variation within the region about what that means, he said. We need to remember that Asia is large. And it's not a monolith. And we need to be aware that when we talk about Asia, we need to be careful because we lose a lot of nuance. Linetsky said one of the most striking findings was the degree of support respondents expressed for U.S. military intervention in the region under certain circumstances. The survey asked respondents to imagine a scenario in which an unnamed nondemocratic country in the region attacked a democratic country with the aim of taking over its territory, in whole or in part. In all three countries there was majority support for a U.S. military intervention in such a case, and that support increased in the event that the U.S. had an existing defense treaty with the country under attack. There was this overwhelming preference for the United States to protect someone that's been invaded, Linetsky said. Even in Singapore that exists. I was rather surprised by that. South Korea closest to US Of the three countries surveyed, respondents in South Korea showed the highest levels of support for the U.S., with 82.6% of respondents saying that they hold a very favorable or somewhat favorable view of the U.S. By contrast, only 14.8% expressed similar views on China. Asked whether they agreed with the statement, The United States system of government sets a positive example for my country, 11.9% of South Koreans said they agreed strongly, while 65.6% said they agreed somewhat. When asked the same question about the Chinese system of government, only 6.6% agreed at all. Asked whether the influence of the U.S. on their country had been positive or negative over the past five years, 72.2% of South Koreans said it had been either very positive or positive. Asked the same question about China, 14.1% said they believed Beijing had exerted a positive influence. Philippines mostly in US camp Respondents from the Philippines expressed almost as much approval of the U.S. as those in South Korea, with 81.6% of respondents saying that they hold a very favorable or somewhat favorable view of the U.S. However, 30.2% of Filipinos also expressed positive views of China, more than double the rate of South Koreans. Asked whether they agreed with the statement, The United States system of government sets a positive example for my country, 21.2% of Filipinos said they agreed strongly, while 60.9% said they agreed somewhat. When asked the same question about the Chinese system of government, 34% agreed either strongly or somewhat. Asked whether the influence of the U.S. on their country had been positive or negative over the past five years, 85% of Filipinos said it had been either very positive or positive. Asked the same question about China, 33.5% said they believed Beijings influence had been a positive one. Singapore leans toward China Among the three countries surveyed, Singapore ranked as most favorable to China on most metrics. Asked how they view China, 55.7% of Singaporeans said that they hold a very favorable or somewhat favorable view of the country. By contrast, only 47.8% of Singaporeans expressed a positive view of the U.S. A plurality of Singaporeans said they preferred the U.S. government as a model for their country, representing a much smaller margin than their counterparts in South Korea and the Philippines. Asked whether they agreed with the statement, The United States system of government sets a positive example for my country, 49.7% said they agreed strongly or agreed somewhat. When asked the same question about the Chinese system of government, 38% agreed either strongly or somewhat. Significant majorities of Singaporeans said that both the U.S. and China had exerted a positive influence on their country over the past five years, with 69.4% holding that view about the United States and 69.1% expressing that view about China. A few hundred kilometers from Dharamshala, where most Tibetan refugees have lived and practiced their Buddhist faith since fleeing to India six decades ago, a unique community of Tibetan Muslims is thriving in Srinigar, summer capital of Indian-controlled Jammu and Kashmir. Welcomed as co-religionists in Indias most populous Muslim-majority region, the community of about 1,500 has preserved its culture and traditions while endearing itself to its neighbors by, among other things, opening restaurants serving up an increasingly popular cuisine. Younger Kashmiris have become particularly fond of Tibetan dishes such as Momos, a type of stuffed steamed dumpling, according to Ahmad Kamal Zarief, manager of the Lhasa Restaurant on Srinagars Boulevard Road. Most of our customers are Kashmiris, Zarief told VOA. He explained how important the restaurant had been to his father, Abdul Rehman Zarief, who opened the establishment in 1976. My father treasured his Tibetan roots, Zarief fondly recalled. Tibetan cuisine served as a gateway to his ancestral village, connecting him to his family and childhood memories. Through this restaurant, my father found solace in reliving those cherished moments. For the Tibetan Muslims, who fled after Chinese troops seized control of Lhasa following a failed uprising against Beijing in 1959, the journey to Kashmir was not so much an exodus as a return to their origins, according to Amanullah Malik, a former principal of the Tibetan Public School in Srinigar. Centuries ago, Malik explained, the communitys ancestors moved from Kashmir to Lhasa, where they married Tibetan women, learned the Tibetan language and formed a distinct community. We enjoyed the freedom to practice our religion, build our mosque and conduct business without any hindrance, he said. Since arriving in Kashmir, most of the newcomers have settled in Srinagar near the 18th century Hari Parbat Fort now a flourishing neighborhood marked by numerous Tibetan restaurants and other signs of the residents cultural roots. These include embroidery shops like that run by Mohmmad Yousuf Dalba, who told VOA it takes him three days to complete the needlework on a traditional womens cloak with its shimmering gold and silver threads, to be worn for important ceremonies. Though not common, intercommunity marriages have occurred between Tibetans and Kashmiris. Nighat Qazi, in her 30s, married a Tibetan man and has three children. In 2011, when Qazi married outside her community, she faced resistance from her family. However, Qazi said, Now my family and entire clan are happy and appreciate my decision, adding, There should be more intercommunity marriages. Younger Tibetans appears to have relinquished the hope of returning to their ancestral homeland, which is now under Chinese control. This sentiment is reflected in their way of life, as they increasingly adopt the customs and language of the Kashmiri people. At the Tibetan Public School, where the Dalai Lama delivered a speech in 2012, most of the students are local Kashmiris. Seventh grader Fatima Tramboo told VOA she enjoys taekwondo but her parents want her to be a doctor. I feel comfortable sharing these things with my Kashmiris friends and most of my friends are Kashmiris, Tramboo said. We will always reside in Kashmir, and that is an undeniable reality, acknowledged Malik, the former principal. Just observe the upcoming generation. They are unaware of being sent away. While they may possess Tibetan heritage, their behaviors, language, and preferences are distinctly Kashmiri. Nevertheless, maintained Zarief, the Tibetans have preserved their national language. At home, we speak in our language, and it is one of the finest dialects of the Tibetan language, he said. Despite more than six decades living in Kashmir, the Tibetans received citizenship and the right to remain permanently only after the federal Indian government revoked the regions semi-autonomous status in 2019. That decision infuriated many in the region, leading to a harsh security clampdown and attacks by militants on some non-local communities, but there were no reports of any Tibetans being harmed or troubled. Throughout our existence in Kashmir, we have never been harassed. Kashmiris are great hosts and have treated us well, Zarif said. There is mounting, controversial evidence that Afghanistan is rapidly turning into a cauldron for terrorist activity, with both al-Qaida and the Islamic State terror groups Afghan affiliate growing substantially, in numbers and capabilities, without U.S. or Western forces on the ground. The dire assessment, shared in a recently released United Nations report based on member state intelligence, concludes the terror groups have greater freedom of maneuver under Taliban rule and are making good use of this. The report by the U.N. sanctions monitoring team warns that al-Qaida and the Taliban maintain a symbiotic relationship, with al-Qaida viewing Taliban-administered Afghanistan a safe haven. In contrast, the report finds Islamic State Khorasan Province, also known as IS-Khorasan or ISIS-K, has used the Talibans inability to establish control over remote areas, as well as dissatisfaction with Taliban rule to its advantage. "Attacks against high-profile Taliban figures raised [IS-Khorasan] morale, prevented defections and boosted recruitment, including from within the Talibans ranks, the U.N. report said. In each case, the U.N. report contends, the terror groups have significantly grown their footprints. Al-Qaida, assessed to have had as few as several dozen members in Afghanistan a year ago, is believed to have 30 to 60 senior officials based out of Afghanistan, as well as an additional 400 fighters, 1,600 family members and a series of new training camps. IS-Khorasan, according to the U.N. data, has grown to between 4,000 to 6,000 members, with strongholds or camps in at least 13 provinces and a network of sleeper cells that can reach Kabul and beyond. But as alarming as the estimates in the U.N. report may be, multiple U.S. officials told VOA they have seen nothing to support such findings. These stats do not align with our intelligence communitys analysis in a number of areas, one U.S. official told VOA on the condition of anonymity in order to discuss intelligence matters. Another official was even more blunt, calling the estimates for the size of al-Qaida and Islamic State in the U.N. report wildly out of whack. "These numbers are wildly out of whack with the best estimates of the U.S. intelligence community, and indeed the best estimates of our partners and allies," that senior administration official told VOA, likewise speaking on the condition of anonymity. According to the senior official, U.S. intelligence assesses there are fewer than a dozen al-Qaida core members currently in Afghanistan and that there has not been a senior al-Qaida core leader in the country since the U.S. killed then al-Qaida core leader Ayman al-Zawahiri in an airstrike in July 2022. Al-Qaida simply has not reconstituted a presence in Afghanistan since the U.S. departure in August 2021, the official said, adding that it is unlikely attempts by al-Qaida to establish training camps in Afghanistan, as the U.N. report claims, would go unnoticed by the U.S. and its allies and partners. We are postured to see indications of al-Qaida activity were to be resurgent in various forms, whether it's a training camp, whether it's plotting that doesn't require a training camp," the official said. The U.S. also rejected intelligence shared by some U.N. member states that al-Qaidas de facto leader, Saif al-Adel, left his base in Iran and visited Afghanistan in 2022, with at least one member state asserting al-Adel is now based out of Afghanistan. We do not have indications that the likes of Saif al-Adel have traveled to Afghanistan, the senior official said. Al-Qaida, as far as we can tell, and we look pretty closely, they do not see Afghanistan right now as a permissive or hospitable environment in which to attempt to operate. As for the U.N reports assertion that IS-Khorasan has grown to between 4,000 and 6,000 fighters, including family members, "that is thousands more than the [U.S.] intelligence community has assessed or assessed there to be," the senior official told VOA. And while the U.S. agrees that IS-Khorasan has the desire to attack the United States, it is clear that the terrorist groups ability to do so, to actually fulfill that ambition, has faced setbacks in the last two years, the official said. Our view is that ISIS-K has not closed that ambition-capacity gap that it very much hoped to close after the U.S. departure, and indeed has faced some very real setbacks and some very concerted pressure from the Taliban, the official added. The U.S. officials who spoke to VOA were unable to explain the divergence between the assessments of al-Qaida and IS-Khorasan as presented in the U.N. report and those of the U.S. intelligence community, noting previous reports by the U.N. sanctions monitoring team have tracked much more closely with Washingtons own findings. But a source familiar with the production of the report, who spoke on the condition of anonymity, told VOA that U.S. officials were aware of the conclusions before it was published and did not raise objections. The source also said that there appeared to be some disagreement among U.S. agencies, with some falling in line with some of the U.N.s findings. Western officials and researchers generally have viewed the U.N. reports as a valuable source of information, especially because they include the viewpoints of multiple countries, some of which sometimes have unique insights into developments on the ground. And while they admit estimates from member states on how many fighters or members groups such as al-Qaida and IS-Khorasan have can vary significantly, the trends identified in the reports are significant. The [U.N.] monitoring team goes to great lengths to try to triangulate information, and it publishes things that it's reasonably confident of, and that goes through a rigorous editorial process, Edmund Fitton-Brown, a former senior United Nations counterterrorism official and monitoring team coordinator, told VOA. Fitton-Brown, now an adviser to the nonprofit Counter Extremism Project, said that even if there are disagreements over the extent to which al-Qaida or IS-Khorasan have grown their footprints in Afghanistan, the larger point remains. The report makes it very clear why the Taliban cannot, will not, live up to their responsibilities under the Doha accords, he said, citing intelligence in the U.N. report that some Afghan Ministry of Defense courses now feature some al-Qaida training manuals. Some analysts also have raised concerns based on the reports findings. Historically, the U.S. has woefully underestimated al-Qaidas strength in Afghanistan, Bill Roggio, senior fellow with the Foundation for the Defense of Democracies, told VOA. The U.N. report is far more realistic than what U.S. intelligence is trying to present as the true estimate of al-Qaida strength in Afghanistan, he added. Other analysts highlighted the reported establishment of al-Qaida training camps in various Afghan provinces, as well as the ability of other, smaller terror groups to operate more freely. Afghanistan seems eerily reminiscent to pre-9/11 Afghanistan, with the number of groups that are allegedly active, Colin Clarke, director of research at the global intelligence firm The Soufan Group, told VOA. That's what I think the nightmare scenario was for a long time, that the U.S. would have limited-to-no-presence in the country, and these groups would reconstitute, begin reestablishing training camps and then training these fighters either Afghans or foreign terrorist fighters for external operations, Clarke said. Terrorist groups thrive and indeed flourish amid instability. And that's exactly what we have here. The United States said Wednesday that reports of an interim nuclear deal with Iran "are false and misleading." State Department spokesperson Matthew Miller told reporters the United States remains committed to ensuring Iran does not obtain nuclear weapons and has been monitoring Iranian enrichment activities. Since the United States withdrew from the 2015 international agreement that restricted Irans nuclear program in exchange for sanctions relief, Iran has increased enriched uranium to higher levels and increased its stockpiles of enriched uranium. Iran has said its nuclear program is solely for civilian purposes and it denies seeking nuclear weapons. "We are not naive about Irans ambitions and Irans activities, but we have always believed at every step of the way that diplomacy is the best path forward for preventing Iran from obtaining a nuclear weapon," Miller said. "But for the United States, all options are on the table." Indirect talks about reviving the nuclear deal broke down last year, and the United States has said the issue is not a current priority. Some information for this report came from Reuters. A new law that imposes harsher penalties on gun trafficking is giving U.S. prosecutors a powerful tool to combat the illicit flow of weapons from the United States to drug cartels in Mexico. The cartels use the weapons to protect their drug smuggling operations, fueling an overdose epidemic that is claiming the lives of tens of thousands of Americans. Justice Department officials say that in the year since the Bipartisan Safer Communities Act was signed into law by President Joe Biden in June 2022, they have charged more than 100 people under its gun trafficking and straw purchasing provisions. The landmark legislation introduced the first major changes to U.S. gun safety laws since the federal assault weapons ban of 1994. The law established a standalone firearms-trafficking conspiracy offense that is punishable by up to 15 years in prison. It also criminalizes straw purchasing, which involves buying a firearm for someone who is legally prohibited from purchasing a gun. Deputy Attorney General Lisa Monaco said Wednesday that the Justice Department is using the criminal authorities under the new law to identify and hold firearms traffickers accountable. The firearms-trafficking provision has proven particularly useful at the Southwest border, Monaco said at a law enforcement event in Washington hosted by the Justice Department and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco Firearms and Explosives (ATF) to highlight government efforts to combat illegal gun trafficking to Mexico. She noted that more than half of all firearms trafficking cases have been brought by federal prosecutors in border states such as Texas and Arizona. In recent years, drug trafficking from Mexico to the U.S. has received wide public attention, but not the influx of weapons moving in the opposite direction. U.S. and Mexican officials say the gun trafficking problem is equally grave, with just as deadly consequences for people on both sides of the border. These weapons empower drug cartels to intimidate local communities, challenge state authority and expand their deadly drug trade back into the United States, Monaco said. Just how many weapons are smuggled into Mexico remains uncertain, but the number is believed to be enormous. One estimate suggests it could be as high as half a million weapons a year. A recent ATF study found that nearly 70% of firearms recovered in Mexico between 2014 and 2018 and submitted for tracing were linked to the United States. A Mexican government estimate puts it as high as 90%. ATF Director Steven Dettelbach said that Mexican cartels are seeking high-powered, military-grade weapons, not just any weapon. He mentioned as an example the M134 mini-gun, which can fire up to 4,000 rounds per minute. Weapons like this present an extreme danger when they land in the hands of criminals, a danger not only to the public but to the law enforcement agents on both sides of this border as well, Dettelbach said. While the Southwest states serve as a main source of weapons smuggled to Mexico, the problem is not limited to the region, Dettelbach said. In March, two men from Cleveland, Ohio, were arrested after selling nearly 100 weapons to ATF agents posing as Mexican cartel members. The influx of weapons to Mexico is being fueled in part by Mexicos strict gun laws. There is only one army-run gun shop in the nation of more than 120 million people, and it reportedly issues about 50 permits per year. As a result, Mexican drug cartels get most of their weaponry from handguns to military-style assault weapons -- from the U.S., where guns are readily available and can be purchased by hired mules who smuggle them across the border, experts say. In 2021, the Mexican government filed a $10 billion lawsuit against U.S. gunmakers, accusing them of facilitating the trafficking of weapons to Mexican drug cartels and fueling violence in their country. A U.S. judge dismissed the lawsuit in September. Mexico is appealing. The litigation is not aimed at the U.S. government, and U.S. officials say Mexican law enforcement authorities do combat gun trafficking. The perception sometimes that perhaps Mexico is not in the fight is wrong," said Ken Salazar, the U.S. ambassador to Mexico. The reality of it is, theyre in the fight with us. U.S. officials credited Mexican cooperation for a string of recent gun-trafficking prosecutions. In March, Roberto Lugardo Moreno Jr. pleaded guilty to purchasing an AR-15 rifle for a Mexican drug cartel that was linked to the notorious kidnapping and murder of U.S. citizens earlier in the year. Monaco said the case was made possible by Mexican cooperation. In May, Mexican authorities arrested Michel Bacasegua-Barriga, the alleged leader of a prolific transnational firearms trafficking group based in Nogales, Sonora, after he was indicted in Arizona. These are just two examples of the outstanding work that U.S. and Mexican law enforcement are performing every day to combat cartels, trafficking organizations and violent crime, Monaco said. Monaco and other officials touted recent gun seizures made under a 3-year-old ATF-led initiative known as Operation Southbound, which seeks to curb the flow of firearms into Mexico in coordination with Mexican authorities. Between fiscal year 2021 and 2022, ATF firearms seizures with a nexus to Mexico increased by 17%, while ATF trafficking investigations more than doubled, Dettelbach said. From October 2022 to March 2023, nearly 2,000 firearms were seized under Operation Southbound, an increase of 65% over the same period last year. But this number is dwarfed by the enormous influx of weapons into Mexico, and some experts say law enforcement operations alone are not enough to tackle the problem. There are no simple solutions to this problem, but one obvious policy is to adopt stricter arms control laws in the United States, Jason Blazakis, director of the Center on Terrorism, Extremism, and Counterterrorism at the Middlebury Institute of International Studies, said during a recent House hearing on transnational organizations. Simply put, America is arming the Mexican drug cartels, and that must stop, he said. The United States is enhancing engagement with China as it sees the potential for miscalculation with its top competitor growing, U.S. officials said. The U.S. State Department announced Wednesday that Secretary of State Antony Blinken would travel to Beijing this week. During the trip, Blinken is expected to meet with senior Chinese officials, including Foreign Minister Qin Gang, the department said. The trip is seen as part of the Biden administration's effort to mend ties with Beijing after a series of diplomatic clashes between the two countries. "We're coming to Beijing with a realistic, confident approach and a sincere desire to manage our competition in the most responsible way possible," said Daniel Kritenbrink, assistant secretary of state for East Asian and Pacific affairs, in a phone briefing with reporters on Wednesday. In the phone briefing, Kurt Campbell, deputy assistant to President Joe Biden and coordinator for Indo-Pacific affairs at the National Security Council, said, "Now is precisely the time for intense diplomacy." Campbell last week called for maintaining "appropriate diplomacy" with Beijing, saying the potential for miscalculation with China is growing. He made the remarks at an event hosted by the Washington-based Hudson Institute. Blinken on Tuesday called for "maintaining open lines of communication" with China to avoid "miscalculation and conflict" during his phone call with Qin, according to a readout of the call from the State Department. Qin called on the U.S. to respect "China's core concerns" and "stop interfering in China's internal affairs, and stop harming China's sovereignty, security and development interests in the name of competition," according to a readout of the call delivered by Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Wang Wenbin. Analysts say the likelihood of a breakthrough on key bilateral issues remains low during the trip. "The best that this visit can accomplish is to establish a floor under bilateral relations and pave the way for other Cabinet-level interactions," said Dennis Wilder, former National Security Council director for China. "True stability in relations will prove elusive because of the high degree of distrust and the intractable nature of such issues as Taiwan and U.S. restrictions on high-technology exports to China," added Wilder, who is now a senior fellow at the Initiative for U.S.-China Dialogue on Global Issues at Georgetown University. "Talking is important even when there are no breakthroughs," said Patrick Cronin, the Asia-Pacific security chair at the Hudson Institute. Cronin said both sides may see some progress on Ukraine, trade and climate change. "Driven by the mutual desire for diplomatic high ground when the leaders meet at a summit later this year, I think Secretary Blinken will be able to find some areas of common interest. A peaceful end to war in Ukraine, initiating a dialogue on AI, trade and climate change are all possible," Cronin said. Blinkens visit to Beijing was agreed upon by Biden and Chinese President Xi Jinping when they met in Bali, Indonesia, in November 2022. That meeting did not provide a breakthrough, but it was seen as an important step in stabilizing relations between the two countries. But tensions escalated as the two sides clashed over hot-button issues including Taiwan and Ukraine. In February, Blinken canceled his trip to Beijing after a suspected Chinese spy balloon breached U.S. airspace. Since then, the U.S. has made steady efforts to resume dialogue with Beijing despite tensions. In recent weeks, there have been high-level talks between the two sides, a possible thaw in the bilateral ties. Last week, Kritenbrink and Sarah Beran, the National Security Council senior director for China, traveled to Beijing to meet Ma Zhaoxu, the deputy foreign minister, and Yang Tao, the director of the North American and Oceanian affairs department. VOA's Christy Lee contributed to this report. Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko says his country has received some of Russias tactical nuclear weapons. Russian President Vladimir Putin said earlier this year he would deploy some of the short-range nuclear weapons to its neighbor and ally. France accuses Russia of disinformation campaign that included making fake versions of websites from the French Foreign Ministry and French media outlets to spread false information about Ukraines military and sanctions against Russia. The International Committee of the Red Cross says there will be massive needs in the coming weeks in the Kherson area following last weeks destruction of the Kakhovka dam. A Russian missile struck the southern Ukrainian port city of Odesa early Wednesday, killing at least three people and injuring 13 others. Ukraines military said the attack involved four Kalibr cruise missiles. Regional authorities said a missile struck a warehouse where the three people were killed and that the Russian attack also damaged homes and shops in downtown Odesa. Officials said rescuers were searching to find anyone who may have been buried in the rubble. The U.N.s humanitarian agency condemned the attack. "People in Odesa woke up, once again, to see their loved ones killed or injured by an airstrike. This is not an isolated case, U.N. Humanitarian Coordinator for Ukraine Denise Brown said in a statement. Since the start of Russia's invasion of Ukraine, indiscriminate attacks and the use of explosive weapons with wide impact in populated areas have left thousands of civilians, including children, killed and injured. This must stop. In Donetsk province, in eastern Ukraine, officials said missile strikes killed at least three people in the cities of Kramatorsk and Konstantinovka. The Ukrainian prosecutors office said shelling Wednesday in the Sumy region in northeastern Ukraine hit a car near the Russian border, killing six people. Deputy Defense Minister Hanna Maliar told VOAs Myroslava Gongadze that Ukraine is conducting offensive operations in the east and south of Ukraine, even as the Russian army is conducting offensive operations. So, Ukrainian forces are currently engaged in offensive and defensive operations. There is some progress in the Bakhmut direction, she said, but the enemy increased artillery and mortar shelling, using aviation, making it challenging to advance. There are some difficult weather conditions as well. However, Ukrainian forces are moving forward step by step, Maliar said. In the last week, Ukrainian forces advanced by 6.5 kilometers in all directions and liberated around 90 square kilometers. NATO support for Ukraine NATO chief Jens Stoltenberg said Tuesday that the Western military alliance's support for Ukraine in its fight against Russia "is now making a difference on the battlefield" with the start of Ukraines counteroffensive. "The offensive is launched, and the Ukrainians are making progress, making advances," Stoltenberg said as he met with U.S. President Joe Biden at the White House. "It's still early days, but what we do know is that the more land the Ukrainians are able to liberate, the stronger hand they will have at the negotiating table," Stoltenberg said, "and also the more likely it will be that [Russian] President [Vladimir] Putin at some stage will understand that he will never win this war of aggression on the battlefield." Biden agreed that NATO's continuing support for Ukraine is making a difference, saying, "NATO allies have never been more united, and we both worked like hell to make sure that happened, and so far, so good. Putin is making a mistake." Stoltenberg offered his assessment of the now nearly 16-month Russian assault on Ukraine. "I think you also have to realize that Russia's brutal invasion of Ukraine is not only an attack on Ukraine, but also on our core values, and on free people everywhere," he said. "And therefore, President Putin must not win this war, because that will not only be a tragedy for Ukrainians, but also make the world more dangerous." "It will send a message to authoritarian leaders all over the world, also in China, that when they use military force, they get what they want," the NATO chief said. "And we will then become more vulnerable. So, it's [in] our security interest to support Ukraine." Black Sea grain deal Russian President Vladimir Putin said Tuesday that Russia is thinking about withdrawing from the Black Sea grain deal under which tons of Ukrainian grain have been shipped to other European countries and impoverished nations in Africa. Putin said that Moscow had been "cheated" over implementation of the parts of the deal that concerned its own exports. Putin told pro-Kremlin war correspondents that the accord was intended to help "friendly" countries in Africa and Latin America. But he said Europe has turned out to be the largest importer of Ukrainian grain and that this was providing a key source of foreign currency to Kyiv. Putin said he plans to discuss the future of the grain deal with some African leaders who were expected to visit Russia. Putin said Moscow is ready to supply grain for free to the world's poorest countries. The deal was brokered last July by the United Nations and Turkey and extended since then, allowing for the safe export of grain from several Ukrainian ports past Russian warships on the Black Sea. Meanwhile, Putin suggested that he could order his troops to try to seize more land in Ukraine to protect Russian territory on the border with Ukraine, where villages have come under attack. Putin said Ukrainian forces had suffered "catastrophic" losses in their new counteroffensive. He said that Ukraine lost 160 tanks and more than 360 other armored vehicles, while Russia lost only 54 tanks since Kyiv began the new assault in recent days. His claims could not be immediately verified. Putin said he wasn't contemplating a new mobilization of troops but didn't rule it out. Some information for this story came from The Associated Press, Agence France-Presse and Reuters. Kate Bartlett JOHANNESBURG Others have tried and failed, and now six African leaders are heading to Moscow and Kyiv in the coming days to try to resolve the Russia-Ukraine conflict. South Africa leading the delegation has been accused of favoring Russia, despite its officially neutral stance on the war. South African President Cyril Ramaphosa is leading the delegation, which also includes heads of state from Zambia, the Republic of Congo, Egypt, Senegal and Uganda. The countries have taken different positions on the war, with South Africa, Uganda and the Republic of Congo abstaining from a United Nations resolution earlier this year condemning Russias 2022 full-scale invasion and demanding it withdraw its troops. Zambia and Egypt voted in favor of the resolution, while Senegal didnt participate. SEE ALSO: Ramaphosas spokesman, Vincent Magwenya, said the delegations trip was imminent, although exact dates were not made public due to security concerns. We are anticipating that quite imminently a delegation of African heads of state will head to both Ukraine and Russia, he said. South Africa has been criticized in the West for its warm relations with Moscow having hosted Russian warships for joint military exercises earlier this year and last month the U.S. Ambassador to South Africa accused the country of having provided arms to Russia. SEE ALSO: South Africa denies the charge that weapons were secretly loaded onto Russian vessel the Lady R while it was docked in Cape Town late last year, but the controversy has strained relations with Washington. A group of U.S. lawmakers raised questions this week on whether South Africa should still be eligible for trade benefits and top South African business leaders have also warned the country could pay economically for its stance, raising the possibility of sanctions. Steven Gruzd, an analyst at the South African Institute for International Affairs, says it is hard to predict whether the six-leader mission will make a difference. With heavy fighting going on, he says the time is not ripe for negotiations but adds that any attempt at peace making should be welcomed. I think it might be a way for South Africa to distract from the Lady R scandal, about South Africa allegedly arming Russia on a ship that was loaded at night in secret, and the other flak that South Africa has been getting, but I do think its coming from a genuine place of wanting to make a difference," said Gruzd. SEE ALSO: Russian President Vladimir Putin has welcomed the African leaders mission, as has Ukraine. But in an online news conference last week, Ukrainian Foreign Minister Dmytro Kuleba warned that some things are non-negotiable. Any peace initiative should respect the territorial integrity of Ukraine, it should not imply, even in-between the lines, any cessation of Ukrainian territory to Russia. Second, any peace plan should not lead to the freezing of the conflict, said Kuleba. Ramaphosa is a seasoned negotiator, having been instrumental in talks that ended apartheid. But so far, peace plans proposed by other countries, including China, have failed, and critics are skeptical the African leaders mission will achieve much. Meanwhile, the South African government is still mulling over what to do about the upcoming summit of the BRICS group of emerging nations in Johannesburg, which Putin has been invited to attend. SEE ALSO: With a warrant from the International Criminal Court out against the Russian leader, South Africa would be obliged to arrest him, and there are reports the country is looking for a way out through a legislative amendment to their ICC agreement. South Africa has denied speculation it is considering moving the summit entirely. The United Nations announced on June 1st that the number of refugees fleeing from Sudan to Chad has hit 100,000, with most coming from the West Darfur region. As the warring sides pull out of peace talks, analysts suggest a U.N. peacekeeping mission may be the only way to stem the violence in Darfur The United Nations expects close to one million people to flee Sudan by October, most of them to neighboring countries like the Central African Republic, Chad, Egypt, Ethiopia and South Sudan. But most of those nations have their own problems with people displaced by conflict. KUALA LUMPUR, Malaysia, June 15, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- CETAPHIL, the No.1 dermatological skincare brand in Malaysia* proudly presents two additions to the Bright Healthy Radiance range the Cetaphil Bright Healthy Radiance Perfecting Serum with 7x Power Benefit and the Bright Healthy Radiance Gentle Renewing Cleanser, Cetaphil's first and only 3-in-1 facial cleanser. These innovative products harness the GentleBright Technology, marking a new era in skincare. With clinically proven results in just 14 days, this technology goes beyond brightening and establishes superiority with the NEW Power Duo and its multi-action benefits. As Cetaphil prioritises comprehensive care for every skin story, the brand remains committed to maintaining a tolerability profile. (L-R): Elfira Loy (Celebrity), Jessica Chan (Marketing Manager, Galderma Malaysia), Thoren Tan (Trading Director, Watsons), Goh Woan Ching (Head of Sales Consumer, Galderma Malaysia Powered by the new generation of GentleBright Technology, Cetaphil Bright Healthy Radiance combines a unique blend of brightening and soothing ingredients Niacinamide and White Sea Daffodil, which has anti-inflammatory brightening properties and acts as neuroactive agents. Now, with the new generation of GentleBright Technology, formulated with Advanced Peptide and Antioxidant C, it addresses dark spots with targeted five levels of brightening mechanism and acts as a powerful antioxidant to reduce signs of fatigue by boosting hyaluronic acid synthesis. The NEW Bright Healthy Radiance Perfecting Serum delivers 7x power benefit for bright, radiant skin and is clinically proven to reduce dark spots caused by sun, aging, acne, scars, and hormonal changes. It also improves the skin radiance and luminosity by at least 42%, reduces fine lines by 29%, and evens skin tone by up to 20% after 12 weeks. Meanwhile, the Bright Healthy Radiance Gentle Renewing Cleanser is Cetaphil's first 3-in-1 facial cleanser, enriched with Vitamin E and Jojoba Beads that gently exfoliates, removes pollution, and brightens the face for a radiant and healthy-looking skin. It also removes up to 79% of pollutant particles. This cleanser is clinically proven to refine skin texture for clear, radiant skin, while respecting sensitive skin. Galderma Malaysia's Country Manager, Ms. Cindy Tiu, emphasizes the importance of scientific research in addressing challenges faced by individuals with sensitive skin. "Many people with sensitive skin struggle to find suitable products that can brighten and even their skin tone without causing irritation. We understand that sensitive skin is different and requires extra attention to treat dark spots. Hence, we deliver a holistic skincare solution to address this by working with renowned experts and healthcare professionals to develop effective formulations for our skincare users.", she said. "Galderma's reputation is built on a diverse, innovative, and science-based portfolio of premium and flagship brands and services. Understanding that our skin can affect our quality of life, it is a core business strategy to continue advancing dermatology for every individual's unique skin story. As Cetaphil, the leading brand for sensitive skin care with over 75 years of heritage, we take immense pride in being at the forefront of dermatological innovation. The launch of these two new products under Cetaphil's brightening range reflects our ongoing dedication to providing cutting-edge skin technology for people from all walks of life," she added. In partnership with Watsons, the Cetaphil Bright Healthy Radiance Power of 7 Concourse Roadshow will take place at the Orange Atrium, Sunway Pyramid from 10.00am 10.00pm. From today until June 18, shoppers can get FREE samples from Cetaphil Bright Healthy Radiance, enjoy exclusive discounts and promos from Watsons and immerse themselves into the 7 uniquely immersive skin stations. Learn more about Cetaphil's Bright Healthy Radiance range and redeem a free sample here: https://cetaphilbhrpowerofseven.com/. Cision View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/apac/news-releases/cetaphil-bright-healthy-radiance-unveils-new-multi-action-power-duo-for-instant-lasting-radiance-with-clinically-proven-results-in-14-days-301851765.html SOURCE CETAPHIL Billionaire investor Charlie Munger has been vocal in expressing his concerns about U.S. healthcare, stating that it is "shot through with rampant waste" and has become "immoral." Don't Miss: Why Silicon Valley Elites Are Betting On This Startups Vision For Reuniting American Families Munger says there are substantial problems that need to be addressed, including the presence of unnecessary costs and inefficiencies that plague the medical field. Drawing a vivid analogy at a Daily Journal Annual Meeting, Munger compared the experience of a dying old person in many American hospitals to that of a carcass on the plains of Africa. He painted a bleak picture, describing how vultures, jackals, hyenas and other scavengers swarm around the helpless creature. In an attempt to address these issues, Berkshire Hathaway, Amazon.com Inc., and JPMorgan Chase joined forces to establish Haven Healthcare a venture that despite their combined efforts failed to achieve its objectives. Some startups have seen success where they failed. iRemedy, for example, is a startup using artificial intelligence (AI) technology, that offers a solution to the healthcare systems challenges through its large procurement marketplace. Its platform streamlines the supply chain, enabling faster and more affordable access to lifesaving supplies for doctors, hospitals and healthcare providers. Munger, vice chairman of Berkshire Hathaway Inc., criticized the high costs and inefficiencies in medical care as both expensive and wrong. In a CNBC interview, he went on to claim that some medical providers artificially prolong death to increase their profits. With over 35 years of experience as board chairman of Good Samaritan Hospital in Los Angeles, Munger expressed his belief that certain healthcare practices are absurd. "A lot of the medical care we do deliver is wrong so expensive and wrong. It's ridiculous," he said in a "Squawk Box" interview. To stay updated with top startup news & investments, sign up for Benzinga's Startup Investing & Equity Crowdfunding Newsletter In 2018, Munger predicted that when Democrats gain control of all three branches of government, there will be a push for a single-payer healthcare system. He highlighted the need for a complete change forced by the government because of the severity of the issues in the current system. He suggested that a universal healthcare system with an opt-out option would be a reasonable solution. Warren Buffett, Mungers longtime investing partner, shares similar concerns regarding healthcare spending, referring to it as a "tapeworm on the economic system." Buffett believes the private sector can make substantial contributions to cost-reduction efforts. A recent investigation conducted by Kaiser Health News-NPR shed light on the alarming reality of medical debt in the United States. The study reveals that over 100 million Americans are burdened with medical debt, placing a significant financial strain on their lives. Further analysis of the data reveals that approximately one-fourth of American adults carrying this debt owe more than $5,000. What makes this issue even more concerning is the fact that it is not primarily driven by a lack of insurance coverage. Contrary to popular belief, the majority of people grappling with medical debt are not uninsured. Instead, it is the problem of being underinsured that is prevalent. Many people have health insurance plans that do not offer sufficient coverage, leaving them vulnerable to high out-of-pocket expenses and accumulating medical debt. See more on startup investing from Benzinga. Don't miss real-time alerts on your stocks - join Benzinga Pro for free! Try the tool that will help you invest smarter, faster, and better. This article Charlie Munger Said Healthcare Providers Artificially Prolong Death To Make More Money, Compares Patients To African Carcass originally appeared on Benzinga.com . 2023 Benzinga.com. Benzinga does not provide investment advice. All rights reserved. Glenda Jackson with her Academy Award for Best Actress for her role in Women in Love, May 1971. Photo: Mike Lawn/Getty Images Glenda Jackson, one of the most celebrated actresses of all time and recipient of the Triple Crown of Acting, among multiple other honors, has died at age 87. Glenda Jackson, two-time Academy Award-winning actress and politician, died peacefully at her home in Blackheath, London, this morning after a brief illness with her family at her side, her agent, Lionel Larner, said in a statement, according to The Guardian. Jackson was born in 1936 in Cheshire, England, and attended the Royal Academy of Dramatic Art. She made her film debut in 1963 in This Sporting Life and joined the Royal Shakespeare Company in 1964. She earned acclaim for her performance in Marat/Sade in both London and New York, for which she won her first Tony Award nomination. She reprised the role in the film version of the play in 1967. As one of the most awarded actresses of early 1970s film and television, she received Academy Award nominations for Best Actress in 70, 71, 73, and 75. She won in both 70 and 73, for Women in Love and A Touch of Class, respectively. In 1972, she won two Emmy Awards for her portrayal of Queen Elizabeth I in the U.K. series Elizabeth R, a miniseries following Elizabeths life and broadcast in the U.S. on PBS. In 1991, Jackson gave up acting to run for Parliament as a member of the Labour Party. She won her seat in 1992 and was an MP for more than 20 years. A socialist, she was a notable critic of Margaret Thatcher and Thatcherism, even critiquing the prime minister in Parliament soon after Thatchers death and angering members of the Conservative Party. Jackson resigned in 2015 and took up acting again. Later in life, Jackson starred in multiple notable theatrical productions including Broadway shows of Three Tall Women in 2018, for which she won her first Tony (completing the Triple Crown of Acting after four prior nominations), and a 2019 version of King Lear, in which she played King Lear. From The Doctor at Park Avenue Armory. Photo: Stephanie Berger Robert Icke likes to find the clean lines of classical drama in the murk of contemporary life. The British director has made a habit of taking hallowed works of theater and bringing them into the present with heavy revisions and sleek contemporary sets. Last summer, Park Avenue Armory brought in a double bill of his Hamlet, set in a Succession-esque court of Elsinore, and his Oresteia, in which Greek tragedies got squished and transmogrified into a courtroom drama. A year before that, the armory staged his take on Henrik Ibsens Enemy of the People with an eye toward water-contamination crises like the one in Flint, Michigan. This summer, Icke returns with The Doctor like all of the above except Enemy, it comes to the U.S. after an acclaimed run in London in which he takes Professor Bernhardi, a relatively unfamiliar 1912 Arthur Schnitzler play, as the basis for a modern parable about science, religion, antisemitism, and identity politics. Its handsome and well-acted, but whats positioned as a grand thought experiment quickly becomes slick and self-congratulatory. The inciting incident in The Doctor, as in the Schnitzler play, comes when a Jewish doctor bars a Catholic priest from performing last rites for a young woman who is dying after an abortion. When she dies, the incident becomes a cause celebre, as the doctor is targeted with antisemitic harassment and politicking within the medical institute. Schnitzler, a Jewish man trained as a doctor himself, was observing the tensions of early 20th-century Vienna (Tom Stoppard references his work often in Leopoldstadt, which comes to mind often while watching The Doctor). Icke moves things to modern Britain, warping the situation around the red-hot issues of the current discourse. His Bernhardi becomes the no-nonsense Ruth Wolff (played with a stern glare by Juliet Stevenson), who insists that she does not go for identifying with groups but was raised Jewish and is implied to be queer. Her private medical institute depends on wealthy donors as well as on government funding. Once her confrontation with the priest leaks and a petition denouncing Wolff starts circulating online (she is, of course, disdainful of internet discourse), the other doctors at the institute start worrying about the fallout while arguing positions that serve their own self-interest. Icke propels the drama forward on a nearly bare semicircular set with a pair of tables and benches rotating on a turntable while a drummer in a glass box overhead provides pulse-quickening percussion. Initially, I got caught up in the escalating stakes of the predicament Icke sets up, but he soon starts moving the goalposts of the debate, and he fumbles into a messy depiction of identity politics. Icke has cast actors across genders and races, and although the priest is played by a white actor (John MacKay), it isnt until later on that one of Wolffs colleagues points out that the character is a Black man. The point, perhaps, is to make the audience examine unconscious bias would you read this interaction differently had you known initially that the character is Black? but Icke seems disdainful, turning identity into just another posture. Characters will sometimes not reveal their race or gender until after several scenes with them have passed, creating a strange guessing game. In the second act, Wolff is grilled on a television panel by a group of peacocking experts from the right and left joined by a Catholic scholar and a postcolonialism expert, and a character questioning whether Wolff is woke is set up for the most ridicule. If you go after Icke on those terms, he has already built a defense. According to Stevenson, Icke is setting up a situation where nobodys right. Nobodys wrong. We can explore all the angles because its safe. But as much as Icke allows that Wolff is willfully obtuse, he still tilts the play toward a scolding, color-blind centrism. The people drawing swastikas on Wolffs car are bad, but so are those trying to bring race and gender into the conversation. The most fervent dialogue comes in speeches that denounce putting peoples identities ahead of their common humanity theres a grand aria for one character on that theme that comes right before the act break and accelerates into a reference to Nazism and he writes paper arguments for characters attacking Wolff from the other side. Wolff keeps insisting that she is trying to approach medicine as an objective, scientific practice as opposed to the hazy mysteries of faith. The play acknowledges that medicine relies on its own guesswork but shies away from exploring the inherent biases of medical research. I kept thinking of how Alice Birch, in the TV series Dead Ringers, involved the gruesome history of gynecology in her wickedly funny drama. In The Doctor, Icke, like Wolff herself, holds on to a more willfully naive image of science as a pure thing. That might all be more palatable if Icke didnt lose track of the characters and humor along the way. Professor Bernhardi, according to Schnitzlers own subtitle, is a comedy (though one about weighty themes), but The Doctor rarely has room to be funny. Icke directs his cast toward overseriousness and has staged the drama under grim fluorescent lighting. He even has Stevenson as Ben Platt does in Parade sit onstage under the glare of those lights for part of intermission. The sanctimony of people caught up in a cancellation and the ones going after them can both be rich satirical fodder (think of Lydia Tar, who I assume has a regular correspondence with Ruth Wolff), but Ickes humor doesnt cut through the skin. His jokes tend to fall back on Wolffs insistence on proper grammar. Shes a stickler for the difference between literally and figuratively not exactly the freshest material. Occasionally, we see her home life rendered in roughly generic terms. Wolff spends time with a teenage trans girl, played by Matilda Tucker, who speaks with a more than intentionally annoying approximation of Gen-Z lingo (Wolff hates how often she uses the word like) and has a caring partner, played by Juliet Garricks, who is more an idea than a person. That lack of specificity left me feeling for Stevenson, an able and precise actor who works hard to hold The Doctor together as it becomes more and more slippery. Shes a regular on the British stage though rarely seen in New York. I have to admit, Im most familiar with her work from listening to her excellent audiobook recordings of Jane Austen novels. Her delivery is perfect for bone-dry social satire. In The Doctor, Stevenson wields that same elocution in the service of Wolffs crisp professionalism, emphasizing how the character has bought into all of these codes of conduct shes very insistent on being referred to by her full title that are now being upset by the new rules of social media. Stevenson is excellent when on guard, jumping into the melee of The Doctors group argument and, at one point, sprinting around the stage. But shes more intriguing when Wolff is set back on her heels and becomes self-reflective. The difficulty is that theres just not enough of that side of the character: You can see the arc of the public downfall clearly, yet the private person inside remains obscure. The Doctor is at Park Avenue Armory. The moment Zendaya fell in love, probably. Photo: Comedy Central Sometimes there are performances that are so well crafted, so perfectly cast, and so completely iconic that they transcend the actor and the project, and instead define an era and a culture. These include James Dean in Rebel Without a Cause, Whoopi Goldberg in The Color Purple, Reese Witherspoon in Legally Blonde, and, of course, Tom Hollands 2018 performance of Singin in the Rain/Umbrella on Lip Sync Battle. More than his work as Spider-Man or in any of the other projects hes starred in, this is his defining moment, his magnum opus, his contribution to the culture. And he knows it. Im proud of it, the actor recently told The Hollywood Reporter. I like that it left a lasting impact. It was an amazing time. In fact, the impact is so large that it has cast a shadow over the rest of his oeuvre. Ive really worked hard in my career, and Ive really been calculated in deciding what it is I do and when I do it, he said. And for all the movies that Im incredibly proud of, the Lip Sync Battle is what I get the most compliments for. That combination of fishnets, water, and thrusting led to a magic on the dance floor that has never been equaled for its force of femininity on the body of a superhero. Not that he was attempting to make a comment on toxic masculinity, because, when asked about that, he says, No. Mm-mm, which is kind of indiscernible in a specifically male way. Ive grown up in the most nontoxic-masculine environment possible, he continued. I didnt realize what I was doing was so forward-thinking. I was just like, Yeah, fuck it, Ill put some fishnets on and dance in the rain. Thatll be really fun. I dont care. You know, he already puts on skintight bodysuits and shoots out white webs for his work as Spider-Man, so we shouldnt be surprised that this is a man confident in his sexuality. Oh, you like podcasts? Sign up for Vultures new recommendation newsletter 1.5x Speed here. Photo: Audio Up Heres the conundrum with The Anna Delvey Show: Its unlikely the person being interviewed on the podcast is ever going to be as inherently interesting as the interviewer herself. Even the guests seem to know this in fact, thats probably why they showed up in the first place. Youre the first person Ive ever hung out with whos on house arrest, said the musician Julia Cumming, a guest on the second episode. The installment broadly takes the shape of an interview about Cummings career and the modern music biz, but the truly interesting stuff only arrives whenever the conversation swings into brief diversions about Delvey, whos making the podcast out of the East Village apartment where shes serving that house arrest. You know, exchanges like these: Are you allowed to decorate it? The ankle bracelet or my home? As you might know, Anna Delvey (or Sorokin) is the fake heiress who notoriously swindled gobs of money from several rich individuals and institutions by posing as a wealthy heiress. Her exploits made her something of a New York legend. And if you dont actually know the story, dont worry: Theres a feature in this very magazine, a book written by a former mark, a Netflix series produced by Shonda Rhimes, a so-so BBC podcast, and several news-magazine segments to fill you in. Shes either a folk hero or a prodigious con artist who indiscriminately messed with lives for personal gain. Its probably some mix of both, and then some. Anyway, whatever her deal is, Delveys tale has been abundantly documented in the media, but she hasnt really communicated her side of the story on her own terms. Hence The Anna Delvey Show, because just about everybody has a podcast (especially if youre famous), and Delveys contribution to the medium comes with a conceit that ties into her mythos: This is to be an interview show that moves beyond tired notions of right and wrong by exploring preconceived notions of rule breakers, effects of adversity, validity of existing systems and status quo with a series of guests who presumably have things to say about those ideas. You even get the full experience of Delveys famously hard-to-pinpoint accent, which, in hindsight, Julia Garner did an amazing job emulating in Inventing Anna. At least, thats the pitch of the thing. In reality, its more likely a gambit to circumvent the Son of Sam law, which was designed to prevent criminals from profiting off the publicity of their crimes, and financially capitalize on the mania around her story. In the age of constant reinvention via podcast, The Anna Delvey Show makes for a textbook public-relations play. Listen, Im not one to judge. Im as fascinated with the Delvey mythology as the next person, and I happily dove headfirst into the podcast. But anybody going in with an interest in learning what Delvey really thinks about anything might need to modulate their expectations. You should talk more, said Whitney Cummings, who served as the shows inaugural guest. The comedians advice comes around 46 minutes into the episode, which was about 40 minutes after the same thought crossed my mind. You have an experience very few have, added Cummings. And the hardest part of doing this podcast, for me, is thinking, I really wanna know how she would answer this question. She never does get those answers. Throughout the episode, Delvey mostly keeps her own contributions to a minimum, moving the chat along in a manner thats fairly common for novice interlocutors: lob a question, sit back, lob another question, sit back. As a showbiz professional, Cummings is game to fill the space, but cmon, she already has her own podcast, and we all know why were here. Where Delvey does offer interjections, its usually in the form of asides about the media that one would expect from someone so publicly covered Theyre just mad because they dont have the power and influence they used to have or fleeting references to her time in prison, which, yes, is tantalizing in its generalities. This is probably a good display of how she was able to surreptitiously move through elite spaces: If the other person is always talking about themselves, how can they figure out your deal? There is an obvious question to be asked of all this. To what extent is The Anna Delvey Show part of some bigger con? But its a boring inquiry. Of course its part of a bigger con. What is social-media celebrity if not an elaborate act of public performance and obfuscation for financial gain? At least, with the prospect of getting more insight into one of the weirder spectacles in recent memory, you might actually be able to get something back as the mark. 1.5x Speed: A Weekly Newsletter of Podcast Recommendations and Reviews Listening notes for the top shows, from Vultures critic Nick Quah. Email This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply. Vox Media, LLC Terms and Privacy Notice By submitting your email, you agree to our Terms and Privacy Notice and to receive email correspondence from us. In the press for Netflixs new season of Black Mirror a show that hasnt dropped new episodes since 2019 creator Charlie Brooker recently mentioned his desire to include more comedy. Its not a bad idea, in theory; in a famously bleak anthology series, a little comic relief can go a long way. Since the move to Netflix in season three, Brookers increasing tonal flexibility has been responsible for some of the best episodes. Yet overall, this is a show that has a spotty record with comedy. For every unexpectedly delightful episode like San Junipero or Hang the DJ, we tend to get an overly wacky misfire (The Waldo Moment, Rachel, Jack and Ashley Too). Season six begins somewhere in between with an episode centered on Annie Murphy, whose comedic performance as Alexis Rose on Schitts Creek was one of the best of the last decade. It makes for an entertaining watch and, like many a Black Mirror episode, one that hits a little close to home, given the conversations taking place right now around AI in art. But its also not quite at the level of previous season openers like Nosedive or Striking Vipers perhaps not in spite of the comedy, but because of it. Joan Is Awful begins by presenting us with a day in the life of Joan Tait (Annie Murphy), a woman with a cushy job at a music streamer called Sonicle. It lets her live a comfortable life, but she has long since lost any real passion for the job. Shes unfulfilled by a career spent handing down edicts from the board; deep down, shed rather live out her original dream of owning her own coffee shop. And Joan feels about her career the same way she feels about her fiance, Krish (Avi Nash), whose stifling blandness extends to his cooking. Joan explains all this to her therapist, comparing her current reliable-but-unsexy relationship with Krish to the chaos and passion of her relationship with her ex-boyfriend Mac (Rob Delaney). Mac is in town and has been texting her, so after her session she caves and meets up with him. But this is bigger than just missing the one who got away: In both Joans personal and professional life, she feels totally out of control, guided along by some imaginary script. (Hint: Its not imaginary.) As she puts it to her therapist, she doesnt feel like the main character in her own life story. But if being the main character is what Joan seeks, shes about to get exactly what she asked for. When she arrives home that night, she and Krish fire up Streamberry, this episodes obvious Netflix equivalent, complete with a bold red S logo and the signature ta-dum sound on launch and heres where we start to understand what this episode is really about. Theres a new series on Streamberry called Joan Is Awful, starring Salma Hayek as a character much like Joan: same job, same streaks in her hair, and the same personality, broadly speaking. If anything, the TV Joan is just slightly heightened, leaning harder into her occasional unlikability and professional coldness. Everyone in Joans life has a TV equivalent: Himesh Patel plays Krish, and Jaboukie Young-White plays her assistant, Eric (Jared Goldstein). And quickly, everyone Joan knows tunes into the same show, watching Joans entire day play out on their screens. This leads to the obvious: Krish learns about her conversations and meet-up with Mac (played on TV by the younger, more CW-attractive actor Ben Barnes) and leaves her. The night ends with the Joan Is Awful episode coming full circle, revealing Cate Blanchett as the actress playing Joan in the show-within-the-show-within-the-show. Joans life only continues to unravel the next day when she loses her job because her onscreen persona leaked confidential company information. And a meeting with her lawyer (Lolly Adefope in Joans reality, Wunmi Mosaku onscreen) clarifies just how fucked she is: When she originally signed up for Streamberry and agreed to the terms and conditions, she unknowingly signed away her life rights and okayed the algorithm to tweak and fill in dialogue for dramatic purposes. (Its one of several info dumps in the episode.) In fact, its not actually Salma Hayek playing Joan; its a digital likeness. The entire show is CGI, combining AI-generated scripts and advanced deep-fake technology to churn out new episodes each night using images licensed from actors like Salma. Following a disastrous meet-up where Mac cant perform sexually because hes thinking too much about how hell appear on the show, Joan comes up with an idea: Shell force the real Salma Hayeks hand by making her digital likeness act out a truly unflattering scene. She accomplishes that by binge-eating burgers, taking laxatives, and interrupting a church wedding in a cheerleading uniform and dick-tattooed forehead to shit herself right in the middle of the aisle. Sure enough, Salma complains to her lawyer and gets the same basic answer Joan got from hers: She technically agreed to all this, so shell just have to ignore this deep-fake heretic abomination. This is around the time Salma Hayek really starts to take over the narrative, a pivot that I think ultimately hurts the story. Its not just that her increasingly central role distracts from Joan, a character with whom we already get limited time; such a big and self-referential celebrity role is also just an odd fit for this show, which rarely (if ever) makes direct pop-cultural references. (The industry satire feels like territory better suited for Barry or The Other Two, including the joke of George Clooney licensing his image for a Thomas the Tank Engine reboot.) And while Hayek is a naturally funny and charming actress, many of her individual one-liners are groaners. (Take I am a dyslexic, talented actress with questionable English or her repeated use of quam-puta.) Joan and Salmas partnership at least allows for an exciting heist vibe as they sneak into the office of Streamberry CEO Mona Javadi (Leila Farzad) to sabotage the quantum computer that houses the algorithm. But the climax itself fails to live up to its potential for a variety of reasons. Part of it is just that there isnt enough time; this episode should have the scope and thrills of season fours opener, USS Callister, but that episode allotted 76 minutes to let each reveal land naturally, building momentum over time. In Joan Is Afraid, the exposition dumps continue through the final ten minutes, with too much telling and not enough showing. Seemingly the biggest reveal comes when Joan and Salma eavesdrop on a convenient conversation between Javadi and a journalist. Javadi explains that the quamputer shoots, packages, and edits its own programs for immediate consumption; Joan was chosen to test the system because of her sheer averageness. Eventually, everyone in the Streamberry database will have content tailored to them content that plays into viewers negative self-beliefs to put them in a state of mesmerized horror. But once Joan and Salma meet the man guarding the quamputer (Michael Cera), they learn something even bigger and more world-shattering: Everything theyve been experiencing is part of a simulation based on whatever the true Source Joan (Kayla Lorette) experienced that day. Our Joan is only an adaptation, played by the licensed digital likeness of Annie Murphy; like everyone else we see, shes part of fictive level one, while Joan Is Awful takes place on fictive level two. In fact, this man only looks like Michael Cera because the real Cera licensed his image, just like Annie and Salma did (Salma for multiple levels of fiction). Were in a nesting doll of narratives, and we havent glimpsed the outermost shell until now. Does this series of reveals make sense? I think it mostly works if you squint, but it all feels less elegant than it should; you still get the feeling that this is a premise that would work better in feature-length form. Besides Javadis mention of mesmerized horror, theres no real explanation of why these curated shows would appeal to subscribers; quick AI-generated TV has an obvious appeal for money-minded streaming execs, sure, but programs that basically just broadcast 90 percent of your real life, every day? It seems like it would wear out its appeal, even to self-hating bingers who want to see their worst qualities emphasized onscreen. And Im even less sure about the simulation reveal. Weve seen these subjects explored before on Black Mirror; this is a show that loves forcing us to identify with clones, digital or otherwise, from White Christmas to USS Callister, and loves making us question the ethics of killing someone created by an algorithm. Here, though, the logic of free will is wobblier, with Joan eventually just allowing herself to smash the quamputer, following the script determined by the original Source Joan and massacring billions of simulated souls like herself. (But then how does this reality still exist in the first place when Source Joan destroyed it that very day? Are all the realities synced up that rigidly?) In the closing moments of the episode, we meet the real Joan and the real Annie Murphy, both of whom are on house arrest but remain friends. Now Joan owns a coffee shop, the humble but fulfilling job she always wanted; she has taken back control of her life, becoming the main character by refusing the studios right to turn her into a literal main character. Its a fitting, mercifully happy ending, but it still doesnt feel as cathartic as it should. Maybe Joan Is Awful just wants to be about too much at once, touching lightly on big issues like privacy breaches and Hollywood sexism while sometimes forgetting about investing us in its title character. This is a horror story about AI screenwriting, dropping during a historic writers strike partly meant to increase regulation of AI screenwriting, but the basic message gets flattened a bit. At Black Mirrors best, the twists and obfuscations reveal something new about not just the dangers of technology but the people who use it. But when nothing is real, does it really mean anything at all? Easter Eggs One of the other titles that appear on Streamberry is Loch Henry, which shares a name with the next episode. Joan calls it the Scottish murder thing, so we have that to look forward to! (Theres also an image of Will Poulters Bandersnatch character, Colin Ritman, with the title Finding Ritman.) I enjoy the cheesiness of Theyre right about you, Joan. Youre awful. Sayonara, queen! Jaboukie Young-White has a lot of fun in his few appearances, playing a more stereotypically gay version of Eric. They have taken 100 years of cinema and diminished it to an app. Brooker said he had no problem sneaking his Netflix references into this season, but I definitely watched much of this with an eyebrow raised, especially because the real Netflix continues to dip its toes in the water of machine learning and AI assistance. Im Ben, your new recapper! While Ive mostly had a good idea in the past of how the fan base would react to a given Black Mirror episode, I could see an episode like this one going either way. So Im looking forward to seeing which episodes you all take to. (Bloomberg) -- ChatGPT quickly found a home in the sophisticated echelons of investment banks and drug design firms. Now, the advanced artificial intelligence is coming to a huge workforce thats largely tech-illiterate and non-English speaking: Indias domestic workers, waste recyclers and struggling farmers. Most Read from Bloomberg In the crowded neighborhoods of Bangalore, ragpickers, cooks and cleaners are taking part in an AI trial aimed at helping some of the nations poorest people access money from government anti-poverty programs without getting snarled in red tape and corruption. Its an opportunity for people such as Vijayalakshmi, who earns just $100 a month cooking for households in Jayanagar. She only uses her smartphone for basic purposes and speaks no English. Yet, that sweltering afternoon in April, she joined a gaggle of domestic workers to experiment with AI technology. Vijayalakshmi, who goes by a single name as is common in southern India, voiced a question to a bot in her native Kannada language on education scholarships. Moments later, a human-like voice responded to explain the government aid available to her 15-year-old son. While the sea change that was ushered in by OpenAIs release of ChatGPT in November has brought to the fore concerns about AIs role in the spread of disinformation and the potential loss of jobs, the tests in Bangalore and in Mewat in northern India show its also a tool that can aid social equality. The tech can assist in professional communications, empower people who dont have language skills and help those who have a disability, such as users of BeMyEyes, a personal assistant for the visually impaired. Read more: A Cheat Sheet to AI Buzzwords and Their Meanings Helping the Underprivileged Removing language and tech barriers is particularly important in India, where about 16% of people live in poverty, according to the United Nations. The world's most populous nation is positioning itself to be fully open to AI developments, in contrast to China, which bars the use of ChatGPT, and the US and the UK, which are studying how to regulate AI. Indias ministers say the country is in no rush to bring in regulations, and instead may find ways to innovate and use the technology to level-up language, education and cultural inequalities. Multiple AI chatbots are being built in India to help the underprivileged seek legal justice, dispense advice to farmers and help migrant workers get support in cities. Billions are left behind by technology but AI can help them hurdle over the barriers of literacy and tech savvy, said Rahul Matthan, a partner who heads the technology practice at the law firm Trilegal and is an adviser to Indias Ministry of Finance on digital public infrastructure. Blanket bans or sweeping regulation is not the path for India. Satya Nadella, the India-born chief executive officer of Microsoft Corp. a major investor in OpenAI discussed the difference the technology could make to a remote villagers life at the World Economic Forum earlier this year. A large foundational model developed in the West Coast of the US a few months before made its way to a developer in India, Nadella said. Ive never seen that kind of diffusion before. We are waiting for the industrial revolution to reach large parts of the world after 250 years. Still, the technologys lightning-fast spread is a cause for alarm for many. The trials in Bangalore took place just as OpenAI Chief Executive Officer Sam Altman urged US lawmakers to regulate AI, with concern about political manipulation, health misinformation and hyper-targeted advertising being raised. Altman and other leaders of AI companies have since warned of existential harms of the technology, including a risk of extinction. There is also apprehension in India, with Jibu Elias, Mozilla senior fellow for responsible computing based in New Delhi, raising concerns around consent, data privacy and security. This becomes particularly problematic when dealing with people who may lack technical skills and a formal education. Read more: Regulate AI? Heres What That Might Mean in the US No Bribes Needed None of women in the Bangalore trial had heard of ChatGPT and some of them had given up on receiving aid after struggling with language barriers, and government officials and middlemen demanding bribes. The Bangalore trials were led by Saurabh Karn and his team at the nonprofit OpenNyAI. By feeding a collection of millions of parallel sentences spoken in different Indian languages into machine translation software, and adding thousands of hours of dialogue for speech recognition, the bot, named Jugalbandi, offers text-to-speech multi-language translation on the fly. For instance, a rural farmer can pose a question in Haryanvi, the language spoken just outside Delhi, and the tool translates it into English, searches the database for an appropriate answer, and then translates the answer back to Haryanvi and voices it out in a human voice via Meta Platforms Inc.s WhatsApp to the farmer. Jugalbandi has been trained to filter out personally identifiable information, such as Indias unique digital identity number or details like phone numbers and location, even before the user's question is translated. Still, Karn acknowledges that India's vast social challenges are too big for AI alone to solve. But for women accustomed to challenges from bureaucracy and corruption, it's a start. The robot cant throw our application in the waste bin like the government official does when hes dissatisfied with the bribe amount, said Yashoda, a home cleaner who tried the tool at the domestic workers trial. A week after Vijayalakshmis trial, a group of waste pickers in a neighborhood called Hebbal at the other end of Bangalore presented a new reality. The women spend their days scouring the streets and gathering waste plastic, metal scraps and paper, then eke out a living by selling the daily collection to the local recycler. Most of them dont own smartphones, showing that while AI can bridge some chasms like language and literacy, it can also exacerbate the divide by totally excluding those without access to technology. The AI chatbot, meanwhile, reared up survival instincts in Vijayalakshmi. Bribe-rejecting robots are OK but dont build any that can do house chores, she said. I dont want to lose my job to a robot. Most Read from Bloomberg Businessweek 2023 Bloomberg L.P. SHANGHAI/SINGAPORE (Reuters) - China's central bank cut the borrowing cost of its medium-term policy loans for the first time in 10 months on Thursday, in line with expectations, as Beijing ramps up stimulus measures to shore up a shaky economic recovery. The move comes just days after it lowered two key short-term policy rates, a sign that authorities are increasingly concerned about the economy's fragility despite the dismantling of tough COVID measures in December. Activity data to be released later on Thursday morning was expected to point to further weakness. The cuts could also pave the way for reductions in China's benchmark lending rates when they are set next Tuesday. Data this week showed a sharp slowdown in broad credit growth in May. The People's Bank of China (PBOC) said it lowered the rate on 237 billion yuan ($33.09 billion) worth of one-year medium-term lending facility (MLF) loans to some financial institutions by 10 basis points (bps) to 2.65%, from 2.75% previously. In a Reuters poll of 33 market watchers conducted this week, all respondents predicted a cut to the MLF rate, with 94% of them expected a 10-basis-point cut. Recent data has shown China's recovery is stalling as domestic and global demand falters and the crisis-hit property sector fails to gain traction, raising expectations that authorities need to do more to spur growth and keep a lid on unemployment. "Policy stimulus expectations have jumped, and the market wants to see changes in fiscal and credit policies next," said analysts at BNP Paribas, adding that policy easing can be expected given slowing exports, the struggling property sector and shaky local government finances. But analysts say policymakers in Beijing may be wary of unleashing more aggressive stimulus measures while other global central banks are raising interest rates to combat inflation, which could risk further capital outflows from China. Its yuan currency has already lost nearly 4% so far this year, skidding to six-month lows. MORE HELP ON THE WAY "In the next nine months... we now expect the central bank to continue its monetary easing cycle with an additional 30 bps policy rate cuts in total, 50 bps of RRR cuts and 60-80 bps of mortgage rate cuts for both new and existing home loans," economists at Barclays said in a note. Goldman Sachs said an expected cut in banks' reserve requirement ratio (RRR) may be postponed to the third quarter, as historically the central bank has almost never cut the policy rate and reserve ratio within the same month. With 200 billion yuan ($27.93 billion) worth of MLF loans set to expire this month, Thursday's operation resulted in a net 37 billion yuan ($5.17 billion) of fresh fund injection into the banking system. The central bank also injected 2 billion yuan ($279.14 million) through seven-day reverse repos at 1.9%, it said in an online statement. ($1 = 7.1615 Chinese yuan renminbi) (Reporting by Li Gu in Shanghai and Tom Westbrook in Singapore; Editing by Kim Coghill & Shri Navaratnam) Data and experts suggest President Biden and former president Donald Trump would likely retain the ability to perform as chief executive, but many Americans are still concerned about how old they are. MORE COVERAGE Comment on this story Comment Gift Article Share The Indo-Pacific Economic Framework for Prosperity (IPEF), a 14-country effort to deepen economic ties with Asia, has become the Biden administration s signature trade initiative. Yet as regional agreements go, the Americas Partnership for Economic Prosperity (APEP), its Latin American complement, holds greater potential. If the US government truly wants to shift trade and secure supply chains, it should zero in on the economies closer to home. Launched within two weeks of one another, the two trading and investment frameworks are both responses to Chinas play for global influence. Both bring together a good number of countries: IPEF counts 14, including Australia, India, Indonesia, Japan, South Korea, Singapore, and Vietnam, and APEP numbers 11, among them Canada, Chile, Colombia, Mexico, Panama, and Peru. The negotiations focus on similar issues: securing supply chains, decarbonizing economies, setting digital rules and other worthy goals. Each allows participants to pick and choose their commitments, many of which are voluntary, setting norms rather than enforceable policies. Both are mum on the more traditional elements of trade agreements such as tariffs and market access, thereby keeping Congress out of the mix another example of what scholar Kathleen Claussen calls trade executive agreements. To be sure, there are differences. APEP looks to expand financing for regional infrastructure and other projects, something presumably the IPEF nations have an easier time of on their own. It explicitly leans into migration, education, and other social issues, incorporating a public administration element absent on the other side of the Pacific. Advertisement The energy and effort being put behind them diverges too. Over the last 12 months the US government has held four formal rounds of negotiations and dozens of other senior level meetings to push IPEF forward. In contrast, it took until January 2023 to figure out who would take part in APEP, and formal negotiations have yet to kick off now a year in. Yet APEP has a better chance at shoring up geostrategic alliances through deeper economic ties. The main reason is the starting point. Few of the Indo-Pacific partners have free trade or robust investment agreements with the United States, while all but one of the Western Hemisphere participants do. That matters. While National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan argues these efforts are a 21st century economic arrangement designed to tackle 21st century economic challenges, its hard to imagine how this will work with tariffs and other barriers still in place, and without investment protections and other clear ground rules that level the playing field. Without these basic commercial building blocks, the kinds of things front and center in traditional free trade agreements, its hard to jump into thornier issues of higher labor standards, environmental advances, anti-corruption initiatives, supply chain clusters and more. Advertisement Moreover, China has preempted the US with its own trade and supply chain agenda in the Indo-Pacific. Twelve of the 14 IPEF countries are part of the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement, which by zeroing out most tariffs, simplifying customs, and aggregating rules of origin requirements encourages regional production in ways that the announced IPEF Supply Chain Council and IPEF Supply Chain Response Network will find hard to match. China has made less progress in the Western Hemisphere. Sure, it has signed free trade agreements with four APEP members: Chile, Costa Rica, Peru, and, most recently, Ecuador. Still, these are light on substance, focused on reducing tariffs and reinforcing the current commodities out and manufactured goods in trading dynamic. The US maintains an advantage in terms of more comprehensive ground rules, a longer history of investment, and more balanced and higher value-added trade. Right now, the region is willing to engage with the Biden administration. Leaders from across the political spectrum joined last January; but they need something to negotiate. The agenda should include labor, environmental, and transparency guidelines, financing to digitize and green economies (utilizing the Inter-American Development Bank and other international financial institutions to crowd in private investment), and support for creating regional industrial and commercial clusters. Advertisement In the end, whether choose your own adventure voluntary trade frameworks will do much of anything is a real question. As Senator Ben Cardin warned US Trade Representative Catherine Tai during a Senate Finance Committee meeting, You can get all the commitments you want from a country that theyre going to do all these good things on anti-corruption. They dont do it. And theres no enforcement because you dont have any trade sanctions that you can impose, which is the way that we enforce these agreements. If US ambitions for its economic foreign policy go beyond virtue signaling, it should focus on countries where rules and enforcement tools already exist. Cue the Western Hemisphere. But the US needs to close the deal before the willingness of the current group of Latin American leaders fades, either as elections bring new faces or because Washingtons lack of focus and prioritization frustrates those that remain. More From Other Writers at Bloomberg Opinion: Advertisement The West Needs Friendshoring, Not Reshoring: Adrian Wooldridge If Factories Dont Return Now, They Never Will: Thomas Black Aerospace Industrys Supply Troubles Are Far From Over: Brooke Sutherland This column does not necessarily reflect the opinion of the editorial board or Bloomberg LP and its owners. Shannon ONeil is a senior fellow for Latin America studies at the Council on Foreign Relations and author of The Globalization Myth: Why Regions Matter. More stories like this are available on bloomberg.com/opinion 2023 Bloomberg L.P. Gift this article Gift Article Listen 11 min Comment on this story Comment Gift Article Share As the crow flies and Google Maps authoritatively confirmed the coast was just a matter of miles away. An easy drive and wed be lolling in the Mediterranean. Instead the car lurched along dirt roads, stopping for the odd goat or donkey cart, our driver chuckling at our surprised reactions in the rearview mirror. Suddenly the temperatures plummeted as we began an ascent into mist-wrapped mountains, a conifer-clad peak thrusting its nose into the clouds. Hello, Google Maps?! The car slowed to a crawl, passing beekeepers selling jars of honey from the side of the road. And then we broke through the swirling, rain-dense clouds and spied the sea glittering far below. Gesturing triumphantly, the driver brought the car to a screeching halt at the scenic overlook. We sprang out to drink it in. My sister and I had been looking for a Mediterranean destination for a short summer break. The only criteria? Not a blow-the-bank vacation, but an adventure that would afford plenty of pretty beaches, open-sea swimming and culture. Albania, or Shqiperia as the locals call it, delivered in droves. While lunch for two in nearby Corfu, a popular holiday destination in Greece, could easily cost $60, in Albania we had a dinner feast for less than $20. And then there were these epic road trips totally unexpected in a country the size of Maryland. We would learn that the Llogara Pass, where we now stood, is one of the highest paved roads in Europe a thrilling trip through different climates from the heat of cypress-dotted Mediterranean landscapes to fog and evergreen forests. Down below, we could see a fringe of powdery white sand on the Ionian coast. These undeveloped crescent beaches are some of the prettiest you can find on the Big Blue. Outside, the cicadas loudly buzzed and the scent of sun-baked oregano wafted through the car window. We descended from the clouds onto the Albanian Riviera. A pearl-like string of beach towns extended south toward the Greek border. The Albanians can be a party-loving bunch with electronic club music shaking up the beach clubs until the wee hours. Advertisement Even if youre not a night owl, you can find bliss along this idyllic stretch of coastline. We found it in Qeparo, a sleepy village wedged between the mountains and the sea. We joined the local Albanian holidaymakers on the beach loungers ($5 for the day) and stared across the water to where according to Homers great legend Odysseus washed ashore on Corfu. After the fall But let me sing to you of Shqiperia, the land of the eagles, a country haunted by age-old legends and a colorful cast of characters including a gallant, 15th-century warrior called Skanderbeg, a 20th-century king by the name of Zog and a communist dictator, Enver Hoxha, who sealed the countrys borders for 40 years while he erected concrete bunkers in every nook and cranny across the countryside. (Maybe he wasnt paranoid; Hoxha reportedly survived 50 assassination attempts.) When his communist regime fell in the 1990s, citizens fled the country in droves. Today, Albania is a time capsule of ancient traditions mixing with modern ambitions. From the beach at Qeparo, we strap on backpacks for a hike up into the hills hugging the Ionian coastline. We stop hesitantly at a fork in the road. A trio of elderly gentlemen, seated outside at a cafe, urge us on, crooking thumbs in the uphill direction. Waving our thanks, we start a climb that will lead us into the fragrant wilds of the Mediterraneans sunny scenery, the steady hum of cicadas interrupted only by the singsong calls of a goatherd. A breeze carries the scent of lavender, mint, and verbena; the distant peal of village church bells rings across the valley. And then the old village of Qeparo looms into view: a centuries-old bastion of stone clinging to a hilltop, the sea shimmering far below. Advertisement Here, as we meander through the alleyways, shaded by grapevine trellises, we pass elderly ladies draped in traditional black garments. The new town of Qeparo is set on the coast far below, but this old, forgotten village still exists in all its ancient glory. Bees buzz, laundry flutters from clotheslines, pink oleander blossoms contrast with whitewashed walls. . . . We have walked into a time warp. Were startled back into reality at the sight of a parked car painted as a giant red Albanian flag, the black eagles wings stretched across the cars hood. According to legend, the great general Skanderbeg carried a banner of a two-headed eagle into battle against the Ottomans in the 15th century. The eagle flag is a symbol of fierce national pride today. The country itself is utterly unique; the Albanian language is unrelated to Slavic tongues or Latin-derived romance languages and occupies its own branch of the Indo-European language family. One of the smallest countries on Earth, Albania was never part of Titos Yugoslavia. Later that afternoon, we get another history lesson courtesy of the Greek Orthodox manager of a waterfront restaurant. The stylish Barbarossa serves delicious seafood and traditional dishes, like wild spinach sauteed with foraged herbs. Advertisement The managers family fled Albania when the communist regime fell, and he picked up his restaurant savvy while working on the Greek island of Paros. You know about the Albanian connection to Aeneas? We Albanians want to claim certain historic figures from antiquity as our own, he explains with a grin, presenting a generous platter of watermelon for dessert. The ancient city of Butrint in southern Albania was famously founded by Trojans fleeing the fall of Troy. As described in Virgils Aeneid, Butrint was constructed to look like a mini Troy. A few days later, we find ourselves scampering over Butrints archaeological ruins, which were declared a UNESCO World Heritage site in 1992. Dating back to the eighth century B.C., its a hauntingly beautiful place, a forested nature park filled with eucalyptus groves and washed by sea tides. Even the crowds of day-trippers who take the ferry from Corfu cant diminish its mystique. There are Hellenistic gateways, an ancient Roman theater and baths, a Great Basilica from the early Christian period (sixth century) and a Venetian castle from the 14th century. After hours in the midday heat, we cool off in the nearby town of Ksamil, every inch of its coastline dotted with beach clubs. From here, you can swim to three small islands offshore, floating in the Mediterranean next to revelers giant inflatable unicorns and paddleboats with slides. Advertisement Hospitality and folklore A romp through books by Albanian author Ismail Kadare, who won the inaugural Man Booker International Prize in 2005, is an immersion in folklore, tradition, and quirky expressions such as the starved goat with its tail held high not to mention blood feuds and machismo. Kadare makes ample references to the Kanum of Leke Dukagjini, the ancient code of Albanian laws based on honor and hospitality. Our house belongs to God and the guest, proclaims an old saying. This hospitality is manifest in Berat, known as the town of a thousand windows, a magnificent legacy of the Ottoman Empire situated in central Albania. Recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage site, Berat is known for its white Ottoman houses clinging to a hillside above the river Osum. The city fell to the Ottoman Turks in 1450, but its castle dates back to the 4th century B.C.; the resulting cultural mix is visible in the ensemble of byzantine churches and mosques. When we arrive at the family-owned Hotel Mangalemi, housed in 18th-century mansions, we are greeted with welcome drinks and grins as wide as the new Albanian tourism motto (Smile from Albania!) Hotel Mangalemi offers a warm welcome, not to mention a terrific restaurant and panoramic terrace for a mere $45 a night. Advertisement As if to prove that hospitality is the rule of the land, we later stumble upon a restaurant inside the home of a local guy named Lili. He ushers us to a backyard table while his wife prepares traditional specialties like byrek (spinach-stuffed pie) and fergese (a mix of peppers, tomatoes and cheese), to wash down with wine produced by his father. We didnt anticipate the complimentary cups of a stronger spirit Lili pours after the meal. Before flying out of Corfu, we stay in the popular holiday resort of Saranda, a convenient gateway to Albanias southern coast. Upon arrival, it appears to be a sweeping development of garish high-rises towering over the beach. But this port has a fantastic vibe. In the early morning, locals swim enormous lengths across the bay never mind the boat traffic. Colorful beach umbrellas pop up in the pebbly sand, and the restaurants are buzzing and delicious. In the evening, a loud commotion brings us to our hotel balcony to investigate. Peering down toward the waterfront promenade, we see a parade of people grandparents, toddlers, love-struck adolescents slowly sauntering by the sea as the summer light fades into darkness. In Albania, the Xhiro, or nighttime promenade, is a sanctified ritual and recreational activity. Advertisement Historic blood feuds be damned. How could we not fall for a country whose national pastime is the evening stroll? We run down the stairs to join them. Nicklin is a writer based in Paris. Her website is marywinstonnicklin.com. Find her on Twitter: @MaryWNicklin. More from Travel: If you go Mangalemi Hotel Rruga Mihal Komnena, Berat 011-355-32-232-093 On a hillside beneath the castle, this family owned hotel occupies several historic Ottoman mansions. From the terrace restaurant, enjoy sweeping views over the city. Double rooms from about $45, including breakfast. Republika Hotel Rruga Jonianet 0240, Saranda Advertisement 011-355-68-202-0268 The hotel is located just across the street from the beach, and is within easy walking distance to the ferries departing to Corfu. Some rooms have balconies overlooking the sea. Double rooms from about $55 per night, including breakfast. Mare Nostrum Counsine 20 Rruga Jonianet, Saranda 011-355-85-227-263 Sophisticated Mediterranean food at affordable prices, facing the popular beachfront promenade in Saranda. Appetizers average about $5, meat dishes from about $7 and fresh seafood (like grilled dorado) from about $11. Lilis Home-Made Food Rruga Llambi Guxhumani, Berat 011-355-69-234-9362 A meal at Lilis is an authentic immersion in local life, as Lili welcomes you into his home with Albanian comfort food prepared by his wife, and red wine produced by his father. Salad costs about $2, other traditional dishes between about $4 and $5. Half liter of wine for about $4.50. Advertisement Barbarossa Qeparo Beach St., Qeparo 011-355-69-286-9254 Decorated with pops of greenery and hanging dried herbs, this chic restaurant serves tasty seafood and traditional dishes. Great service. The Greek salad costs about $3, seafood plates about $7. Berat Castle Rruga Mihal Komnena 5001, Berat 011-355-69-689-8232 Perched high above the town of Berat, the castle is a sprawling complex of cobblestone streets and neighborhood houses enclosed within ancient fortifications. A highlight is the Onufri Museum inside the Assumption of Saint Mary Church. This iconographic museum showcases icons and rare wood carvings by master craftsman. The entrance fee is less than $1. National EthnographicMuseum Berat Lagja 13 Shtatori, Berat 011-355-32-232-224 Housed inside a traditional 18th century house, the ethnographic museum provides insights into local cultural traditions and Berat history. Open every day in the summer (May 1 to Oct. 15) from 9 a.m. to 7:30 p.m. Hours change in the winter. The entrance fee is less than $2. Butrint National Park SH81, Butrint 011-355-4-222-5068 Located 12 miles south of Saranda, the ancient ruins of Butrint, a UNESCO World Heritage site since 1992, draws tourists from all over the world. Open from 8 a.m. until sun down. The entrance fee is about $6.50. M.N. Gift this article Gift Article Advertisement Review Eating outEast Perth Simple food, cracking cocktails: The small bar in Bassendean that is a must-visit for foodies Rob Broadfield June 16, 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 1 / 3 Carrots: Simple and delicious. Rob Broadfield 2 / 3 Striploin steak. Rob Broadfield 3 / 3 Welsh rarebit with anchovies. Rob Broadfield Previous Slide Next Slide Modern Australian$$$ James Connolly is back. There was a time, when Connolly was at the peak of his powers slinging drinks in some of the best bars in Perth, that he should have taken out a restraining order against me. Yes, I fanboyed him a little too much in the press. He was the best cocktail-maker in town at the time and then marriage and kids took over and he chose less intrusive hours and joined a big restaurant group as their chief cocktail designer and the predictability of a nine-to-five job. Work life balance and all that. Advertisement Good on him. But many of us were upset. Seriously. Hes back on the tools, opening his own bar in Bassendean called Bertie. It is just weeks old. He hasnt lost his touch. I cant tell you how many times Ive been served slapdash old fashioneds in some of the allegedly best bars in town: watery, too sweet, too little bitters, out of whack, unpleasant, no big ice, stirred down too much. We went to Bertie to review and he served an old fashioned that was on the cusp of ambrosial. The first sip was followed by a gentle sigh of gratitude. Happy days. Bassendean is a part of town I never visit. Now theres a reason. Advertisement Bertie: simple, fantastic food coupled with Perths best cocktails. Rob Broadfield Connollys secret weapon is a British chef with great food instincts and an imaginative mind, cooking London gastro pub favourites. His name is Anthony Yuill, a La Madonna Nera and Shadow Wine Bar alum. He has cooked around town a bit but we think hes found his happy place at Bertie. His menu is short and on a blackboard. A Scotch egg was perfection. Soft-boiled yolk, a carapace of pork mince, moist and soft and ripping with flavour and a cracking crumb crust. Scotch eggs are renowned for their dense, dry, saliva-sapping meat coating and overcooked egg. Typically you have to choke them down. Yuill served his glorious version alongside house-made brown sauce with fruity, acidic notes and a great glossy mouthfeel. Exciting. Lovers of superb pub food, epic cocktails, nice staff and wine should go to Bertie. I urge you. The vegos will love Berties mushroom parfait made from a selection of mushrooms, cleverly chosen for the varying flavours they bring to the party. They had been cooked down to a dark brown paste and made light with vinegar and good seasoning. Advertisement It was served with two large toast soldiers of house-made potato bread, bathed in oil and then charred crunchy for service. We have never tasted anything quite like it. Superb flavour. In execution it wasnt so much a parfait as a thick paste with aspirations, but whos arguing? Again, brilliant. When you bring to mind the Welsh you probably think of that railway station with the impossibly long name (a true vowel movement), leeks and Welsh rarebit. We never see rarebit here. It is, historically speaking, an ancient peasant dish made cheaply out of stout, cheese and bread. It has made a resurgence in British gastropubs in recent years. Typically one makes a roux from flour and butter then stirs in stout to make a thick sauce, then beats in as much cheese as it can handle. A bit of mustard and a few white anchovies what? yes, anchovies. This is the way Yuill makes this venerable classic his own and we agreed, it was a knockout. Importantly, the bread on which this rich cheesy, beery sauce sat on was not an afterthought. Loved it. Its a dogs life: Perths canine-friendly cafes feeding your furry friends Advertisement Oh, if youre not a fan of anchovies, they are simply placed on top after grilling and you can easily set them to the side. We had a small vegetable dish called carrots. They had been cooked sous vide and for service they were tuned-up in the pan and dressed with a cashew whey sauce (needed more of that chef not enough) and tarragon. Carrots should never be undercooked, despite what all the health gurus of the 1980s and 90s told us. The fructose in carrots transform when they are properly, solidly cooked for a bigger carroty flavour. Thats not to say they have to be mushy or overcooked. The kitchen got them spot on: a soft bite, lovely colour and a bold flavour. Theres not a lot to this dish, just good produce and smart chefs. We finished with a striploin and a Waldorf salad. Regrettably the steak was sous vide (probably to about 56C) which meant we couldnt order it rare (they de-bag it and throw it on the char grill for service), but sous vide is such a good tool for amplifying meat flavour and locking in moisture, even a medium-rare steak pleased us. It was beautifully cooked. A simple reduction sauce gravy was all around and it was garnished with large leaves of what tasted like kale. The Waldorf salad ticked all the boxes: apple, baby cos lettuce, walnuts. Berties version is not traditional. It had no grapes and, unlike the trad version, this had a blue cheese sauce. Nicely crunchy and acidic. Advertisement The rainy afternoon we were there, the dining room was virtually empty just a few day-drinkers like us and then it filled and filled and filled until there was a heaving crowd of mostly locals, a few hospo people and loads of curious walk-ins. We rarely urge people to go to restaurants. We write the reviews and whether you go or not is entirely up to you. Lovers of superb pub food, epic cocktails, nice staff and wine should go to Bertie. I urge you. And do yourself a favour, order a Connolly-made cocktail. The low-down 16/20 Cost: all dishes, $16-$44. Discussing sex with your kids can be discombobulating. Loading So its no surprise that new research from Curtin University has found that Australian parents overwhelmingly want sex education and relationships taught in schools. And that goes beyond the usual spiel about contraception and pregnancy, but a desire that their kids are also taught about sexual pleasure and gender identity. Significantly, the study, which interviewed nearly 2,500 Australian parents, surveyed people from a wide variety of political and religious affiliations. So, how can we best speak to our children about these matters? Its easy to beat ourselves up, for, say, being flustered when trying to help our children understand their biological origins, let alone more complicated issues like consent, masturbation, and abuse. But, says Dr Joe Tucci, chief executive officer of the Australian Childhood Foundation, parents should give themselves a break. If you have good intentions, its not wrong, says Dr Tucci, a psychologist with extensive experience in the field of child protection. Anything that opens up the conversation with your child is an opportunity The biggest fear that parents have is theyre not sure how to go about it, and [they think], If I say something, am I going to damage my child? Well, you wont. Youve got the opportunity to go back and continue to talk. The most important thing for children is that their parents dont shut conversations down, they normalise conversations, so they feel that those conversations can happen. And they will. Examples of curly questions hes had to help clients who are parents navigate, include: Do adults really put penises in their mouth?, Do people put penises into bottoms?, and, Can I watch you and Dad have sex? The good news? Not only is it common for children to ask such questions, but if yours are throwing them at you, its a sign that they are not only curious people, but comfortable asking you for answers. This doesnt make it easy to be in the firing line. Dr Tucci empathises with how tricky it can be for parents to discuss sex with their kids. He recalls the parent whose child went to his granddad and said, I cant believe that Dad does that to Mum. And the granddad said, What? And he said, Well, Dad just keeps jumping up and down on her, all the time, all the time. That was embarrassing. As a rule, Dr Tucci says parents, when asked about sex, should just say the truth, try to be clear and accurate in what you say, and put it in the context of your values. Dont dismiss your childs question, shame them or, he adds, be angry with them for asking it. Always, always try to keep kids talking, give the message that they can tell you anything because if you wanted one protective measure [against abuse], its that, that kids will come to you, even after theyve been told by someone whos manipulated them, not to tell anybody, says Dr Tucci. Another tip? Dont over-answer, says Dr Catriona Davis-McCabe, president of the Australian Psychological Society, and a counselling psychologist. Many parents do this, after a child has asked a simple question about sex. We parents, we panic, she adds. Try and give them age-appropriate information, and leave it at that, she adds. And be forewarned that many parents are confronted with an aspect of their childs sexuality earlier than they expect. You know, masturbation is normal and healthy for children, and the reality is that it can start long before puberty begins, says Davis-McCabe. So parents will notice that; they do ask [me], You know, is this appropriate? Should I talk to my child about this? And I think, yeah, absolutely. But just make it age-appropriate. Let them ask you questions, and answer whatever it is that they are asking. She also wishes parents realised that its entirely normal for a childs gender identity to change over time. A child might identify as non-binary, for instance, during only one part of their life, whereas for another it is their lasting identity. Thats their internal experience, and thats what it feels like for them, she says of the latter. Its who they are. If your child is struggling with their gender identity, absolutely talk to them about it, and name it because what were seeing now is that young people are more open to talking about gender, and gender as being on a spectrum, says McCabe, who works with many transgender and gender-diverse clients. Theres a lot of stigma around transgender [people] and gender diversity and research shows that transgender and gender diverse people suffer more with mental health issues; depression, anxiety and stress. Its not often associated with their gender, but how their parents or family and friends react towards them, because of how they experience their gender. So we really need to understand our children and just, you know, look after their mental health and listen to them. And when you talk to your kids about any aspect of sex, have the conversation in the car, or while youre involved in another activity, so that youre both distracted, says Tucci. Because the kids dont have to look you in the eye, he says. Other handy sex-ed life hacks: teach older children about sexual consent by introducing it as the older sibling of respect a much further step down the track from what they learned when they were younger about saying please and thank you, and being a respectful listener, and not talking over others. And, if you screw up any conversation, you can always go back, and try again. You can go back and say, Hey, you know the other day we were talking, and I felt like I got a little taken aback, so I didnt really answer properly, says Tucci. Theyll say, No, no, no, but you just say, Just let me. Ultimately, kids are experiencing you being able to go back and sort of revisit [what you said] and model that you can [try again and] say things better. And, parents, know that youre not alone. Loading Even Dr Tuccis been thrown for a loop. He recalls what happened when he used to drive his son, weekly, to his mothers house. Former Hillsong leader Brian Houston was protecting the reputation of the church when he did not report his fathers sexual abuse of a child to police, and he must have known $10,000 paid to the victim was hush money, a court has been told. The 69-year-old was charged in 2021 with concealing a serious indictable offence over failing to report his father Frank Houstons crime to police between learning of it in 1999 and his fathers death in 2004. He has pleaded not guilty. Brian Houston arrives at court on Thursday. Credit: Nick Moir He told Downing Centre Local Court last year that he did not tell police of the sexual abuse, which happened in the 1970s, because the victim Brett Sengstock urged him not to. Houstons barrister Phillip Boulten, SC, said the case would turn on his client having a reasonable excuse due to respecting the victims wishes. It was a highly uncharacteristic move. Albaneses guiding principle since becoming Labor leader in 2019 had been to avoid all risks think embracing stage three tax cuts and AUKUS, ditching any notion of broader tax reform. In Australian politics one of the greatest risks of all is to put up a referendum: since Federation, voters have shown that they like voting No. Here was a new government that had only just got over the line, with a historically low primary vote, setting out to risk a large chunk of political capital from the outset. In his victory speech on election night, he nominated the establishment of the Voice as part of his governments first order of business. The third sentence of his speech was: And on behalf of the Australian Labor Party, I commit to the Uluru Statement from the Heart in full. He returned to the Uluru statement later in the speech, pledging specifically to introduce a Voice to parliament in partnership with the Australian people. Political leaders are programmed not to look back and reflect. But as public support for the No case in the Indigenous Voice referendum coalesces and solidifies, does Anthony Albanese ever wonder if he should have gone about the issue differently? Loading Our prime minister was an effective member of the Rudd and Gillard cabinets, overseeing infrastructure, transport, regional development and local government, but those are largely practical, spending portfolios that rarely attract controversy. It can be said, rightly, that in most cases only prime ministers and treasurers have to truly stick their necks out and advocate for big, difficult ideas. This is Albaneses first time at it. But theres a big question mark attached to his ability as a campaigner. He had two terrible days at the start of last years election campaign. On day one he rambled on about patting puppies at the Royal Easter Show and on day two, rather than using his authority to tell reporters he wasnt a quiz show contestant and to get serious, he went along with the nonsense and embarrassed himself by flubbing an answer about the unemployment rate. It was only when he later caught COVID and Jason Clare with his energetic, disarming style took over as the face of the ALP for a few days that the show steadied. And still the victory over the worst prime minister in living memory was wafer-thin. The stakes are incredibly high. If the Voice proposal fails, who can say how badly relations between most First Nations people and the rest of the country will be damaged? A lot, by my reckoning. After Albanese announced at the Woodford Folk Festival last December that the referendum would be held in 2023, rather than stepping up his advocacy, he went into cruise mode. Opposition Leader Peter Dutton immediately set out to destroy the Yes case and filled the space with misinformation in the guise of questions. Dutton has no qualms about smashing the proposal or the consequences of his actions. His questions include how the government would define Aboriginality and how the Voice would be accountable. Among his assertions is that theres no detail, its divisive, its racist and its just another layer of bureaucracy that wont deliver real improvements for Indigenous people. Duttons not dog whistling, hes using a megaphone. He appointed Julian Leeser, a known Voice supporter, as his Indigenous affairs spokesman, and then humiliated his colleague until Leeser could take no more and stepped down. Duttons motivation is to diminish Albaneses standing and make it to the next election. Ripple is continuing its expansion into Latin America. The software company founded by the creators of the cryptocurrency XRP today announced it has signed a deal with Colombias central bank to explore central bank digital currency (CBDC) technology. Ripple said in its announcement that the Central Bank of Colombia and Ministry for the Information and Communications Technologies (MinTIC) would use Ripples CBDC platform to pilot use cases that will enhance Colombias high-value payment system. Ripples CBDC platform uses XRPLa public blockchain. The announcement did not say that Colombia is planning to launch a CBDC but James Wallis, vice president of Central Bank Engagements and CBDCs at Ripple, added that the pilot would pave the way for transformative advancements in the utilization of blockchain technology within the public sector. A CBDC is a digital version of a states fiat currencylike the U.S. dollar or the eurobacked by a central bank. CBDCs are digital assets, but are different from the likes of Bitcoin or Ethereum because they are controlled by a single, centralized entity. Different countries around the world are in different stages of researching and releasing CBDCs. The director of Colombias tax and customs agency last year said that the Andean nation was exploring a CBDC. This isnt the first time Colombia has found Ripple useful: Colombias government last year launched an initiative with Ripple Labs as part of a plan to rectify land distribution efforts. The project, built by blockchain development company Peersyst Technology and Ripple, is working to permanently store and authenticate property titles on Ripples public blockchain in a bid to eliminate bureaucracy and make land distribution more equal in one of the worlds most unequal countries. Ripple was launched to help banks and other financial institutions move money fast and without fees. Its founders launched a cryptocurrency, XRP, which is now the sixth largest digital asset with a market cap of $24.6 billion. In December 2020, the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission hit Ripple with a $1.3 billion lawsuit, alleging that the company misled investors and sold unregistered securities in the form of XRP tokens. Ripple Eyes Ireland as $1.3 Billion SEC Fight Drags On The lawsuit is ongoing and earlier this week, Ripple successfully got a court to release emails related to a much-publicized speech from ex-SEC Director William Hinman in which he claimed Ethereum and Bitcoin were not securities. Those behind Ripple claimed the emails would swing the lawsuit in Ripples favor because they claim they show that the regulator has not been consistent with regard to its stance on cryptocurrencies. Despite XRP initially jumping on the news, experts have expressed doubts that the emails will help Ripple. Colombia is Latin Americas fifth-largest economy and has one of the largest crypto markets in the region, according to blockchain data firm Chainalysis. Few of us would begrudge NSW woman Kathleen Folbigg a few quid in the bank via a big-money paid interview with Channel Seven after spending 20 years in the clink for the murders of her four children before being pardoned because the convictions were unsound. But it looks like that interview might be considerably better-paid than previously reported. Fair to say that this facet of the story has attracted some media interest with the sum to change hands for the interview initially reported as somewhere between a relatively modest $400,000 and $850,000, even $1 million. But sources close to the negotiations have told CBD that everybody except Seven pulled out of the talks after being told by Folbiggs people that the benchmark bid just for the interview, security expenses incurred in the production process and some archive footage was $1.5 million. Save Log in , register or subscribe to save articles for later. Save articles for later Add articles to your saved list and come back to them any time. Got it Normal text size Larger text size Very large text size More than two years after Brittany Higgins turned her phone over to ACT police as part of a criminal investigation into her alleged rape, tranches of her private messages have been leaked to select media outlets, opening another sorry chapter in a saga that has already been so damaging to many of those swept into it. The leakers themselves may never be unmasked, but the origin of their material an alleged victims phone records made public without her consent has provoked a debate about the ethics of reporting the contents and the damage caused to the justice system, even as it ensnared a minister in allegations of misleading the parliament and relaunched a political brawl over who knew what and when. What is evident, however, is that personal and political machinations are afoot. The leaks and the reporting of them have attempted to reframe the rape allegation against Bruce Lehrmann as a political conspiracy, settle scores in the media and wound a minister. As the leaks dominated question time in both houses this week, the Coalition trod a precarious line as it pursued Labor over its prior knowledge of the rape allegation, raising questions that demanded answers in the public interest while politically profiting from media reports of an alleged victims private text messages in the process. The blowtorch could ultimately land on the media as the government weighs changes to the Privacy Act. Independent Warringah MP Zali Steggall, a former barrister, said the leaks undermined trust and confidence in the criminal justice system for victims, and the media should not have a leave pass for publishing them. Advertisement Under the Privacy Act, there is an exception for journalism, but that exception has to be used mindfully and ethically, Steggall said. She said an option was to remove the exception and create a tort of privacy a direct avenue to sue and be compensated for privacy breaches, which is being canvassed as part of the governments review of the Privacy Act. Loading The proposal is being furiously resisted by media companies, including Nine, publisher of this masthead, Guardian Australia, Free TV Australia, and the public broadcasters ABC and SBS, which have argued it would have a chilling effect on public interest journalism and would unduly tip the scales in favour of privacy at the expense of freedom of communication. Liberal senator Andrew Bragg said watching the political storm unfold in the Senate this week has been very ugly and that while Labor had clear questions to answer, the leaks were reprehensible and should never happen again. Why would anyone come forward with allegations of assault if this is the result? Bragg said. This whole thing, going back two years now, has been long on politics But I wonder how much good can be derived at this point. Advertisement The parliament is just one of the many theatres where this saga has played out. Lehrmann, who was accused of raping Higgins in the office of then-defence minister Linda Reynolds in 2019, has always maintained his innocence. His trial was aborted in October 2022 due to juror misconduct and he is now suing Network 10, its high-profile host Lisa Wilkinson and the ABC for defamation over their coverage of the allegation. Against this backdrop, stories centred on Higgins phone records have landed in quick succession in the Daily Mail and The Australian over the past three weeks, inevitably sparking speculation as to who was orchestrating the leaks and their motivations for doing so. Separately, audio excerpts from a five-hour meeting in January 2021 between Higgins, her partner David Sharaz, Wilkinson, and her producer at The Project, Angus Llewellyn in which they strategised Higgins tell-all interview have found their way into the hands of Seven, the Daily Mail, and Sky News. The audio was originally produced by Ten under subpoena for Lehrmanns criminal trial. The Australian Federal Police is now investigating that leak. Bruce Lehrmann has maintained his innocence over rape allegations he faced, which were discontinued last year. Credit: Alex Ellinghausen The leaks appear to breach a legal principle known as the Harman rule, in which material produced to a court under subpoena cant be used for purposes other than for those court proceedings. A breach could amount to contempt of court. The outcome has been a barrage of coverage across print and TV outlets that painted Higgins and Sharaz as schemers plotting with sympathetic media to maximise the political impact of her account of the alleged rape. The leaks have ensnared Finance Minister Katy Gallagher, after The Australian published messages between Higgins and Sharaz suggesting he tipped off the Labor frontbencher about the rape allegation four days before it was aired for the first time on The Project and published by news.com.au on February 15, 2021. Advertisement The messages have dredged up remarks Gallagher made as an opposition frontbencher in the last parliament, when she told a Senate estimates hearing that no one had any knowledge of Higgins claim before it was made public. In a statement to the Senate on Tuesday, she denied misleading the parliament, saying she had been responding to Reynolds accusations at the time that she had known for two weeks, and accused the Coalition of being giddy with the coverage of the leaked texts. Loading I was provided with information in the days before the allegations were first reported, and I did nothing with that information absolutely nothing. I was asked to keep it to myself and I did, Gallagher told the upper house. Liberal frontbencher Jane Hume has defended the Coalitions approach, saying that once the media made the decision to publish, the opposition had a duty to hold Labor to account. Media, journalists have to make decisions about whether its in the public interest. Theyve already made that decision. Now that information is out there, the onus is on us to make sure that the evidence that this minister gave to parliament is consistent with that new evidence thats out there, Hume told Sevens Sunrise program on Wednesday. Deputy opposition leader Sussan Ley said the leaked material called into question the credibility of senior Labor ministers when they were in opposition, and accused the government of dragging out the process by providing incomplete answers. We want simple answers to our questions to demonstrate, did this government find out about an allegation of rape prior to it being made public and use that information for their own political purposes. Because if they did, those actions are morally bankrupt, she told reporters on Wednesday. Advertisement For most of this latest episode, Higgins had kept her silence until this week, when she herself tweeted transcripts of a purported January 2021 conversation between herself and a former Liberal colleague in then-minister Michaelia Cashs office discussing the alleged assault. Loading But the media cannot pretend it knows nothing of the toll caused by the ongoing invasion of her privacy as she has scolded them in the past. Stop publishing the private contents of my phone. I entrusted police with my private information for the sole purpose that it could aid their investigation into my [alleged] sexual assault, nothing else, Higgins tweeted in February in response to an earlier leak. Her comments were directed at The Australian after it reported entries from her diary, which she claimed had been sourced from a photo on her phone. Higgins precarious mental health is also a matter of public record. She has been hospitalised twice for mental health care and prosecutors abandoned a possible retrial of Lehrmann and dropped the charges against him citing the strain on Higgins as presenting a significant and unacceptable risk to her life. Goldstein MP Zoe Daniel, a veteran ABC journalist before entering politics, is scathing of her former professions handling of the leaked material, saying a duty of care to Higgins had been abandoned and insufficient weight given to the leakers motivations in the pursuit of headlines. There is a question of balancing the public interest and duty of care. I think those two things could coexist in this situation, and I think a choice has been made to forget about the duty of care, Daniel says. Advertisement Romes most famous neighbourhood, its Old Town, is by far the most popular with tourists. Though just across the river you have charming Trastevere, a little further away theres foodie heaven in Testaccio, hipster cool in Ostiense and San Giovanni, and buzzing nightlife in Pigneto. Romans love Roman food Cacio e pepe is a must in Rome. Credit: iStock In some cities, it can be hard to find genuine local food in restaurants. All the best stuff is cooked in homes; when locals go out, they want something different. Not so in Rome. When Romans go out, they want Roman food. They want the four Roman pastas: cacio e pepe, gricia, carbonara and amatriciana. They want pizza. They want coda alla vaccinara (oxtail stew). Rome is filled with high-quality trattorias serving authentic cuisine. There are some terrible restaurants Be careful where you eat in Rome, particularly in the Centro Storico. Though there are a lot of great restaurants in the Italian capital, there are also a lot of terrible eateries slinging half-arsed food to naive tourist hordes. Do plenty of research for your Roman dining. Coffee is an obsession Every day begins the same way: with a cappuccino and a cornetto, the Italian croissant filled with sweetened cream. A few hours later, an espresso. After lunch, an espresso. In the afternoon, an espresso. And so on. These coffees are usually drunk at pasticcerie (pastry shops) or bars, taken standing up, downed in a flash. And theyre very good. Natural wine is a thing Santo Palato is a casual dining favourite with natty drops. The Eternal City isnt immune to the swing of modern fashion. Rome has plenty of bars and restaurants specialising in natural wine, featuring legends of the local scene such as Radikon and Cantina Giardino. If this is your jam, head to the likes of Enoteca Mosto or Santo Palato. If it isnt your jam, consider yourself warned. Its a little rough around the edges Fair to say Rome has probably looked better. This might be one of the worlds great cities, but it still has issues when it comes to municipal functions. Garbage bins arent always emptied. Roads and pavements arent particularly well cared for. Theres beauty in Rome, but its juxtaposed with surprising shabbiness. Locals can be pushy, but friendly This is a large city filled with people with things to do (while also being filled with people with very little to do that is, tourists). So, if Romans can seem a little pushy at times, dont take offence. Beneath the gruff exterior tends to lie a friendly soul. You need to dress well Its something of a cliche that Italians dress well, and if you spend a lot of time in, say, Naples or Bari you will question how accurate it is. Still, in Rome, people really do put a lot of effort into their appearance, whether that be formal or more relaxed. If youre hoping to fit in, do the same. You need to see the buskers on Ponte Sisto The Ponte Sisto is a 550-year-old pedestrian bridge that links the Centro Storico with Trastevere. Its a popular thoroughfare, and as such, it tends to attract some incredibly talented buskers. Its well worth strolling across here in the evening to see who is playing. Drinking water is free, and its everywhere Pay attention when youre walking around Rome and you will soon see some of the citys 2500 nasoni, or drinking fountains. These cast-iron fountains, usually about a metre high with a nose-like tap protruding (nasone means large nose), are constantly running with water piped along an ancient Roman aqueduct from nearby mountains. Theyre free and perfectly safe. Roman pizza is thin You might be used to the idea that real Italian pizza is thick and spongy on the outside, and a little soupy in the centre, but thats Naples-style youre thinking of. Traditional Roman pizzas have a thin, crisp base. The Spanish Steps are a massive let-down Skip it: The Spanish Steps. Credit: iStock OK, youll think, Im here. Whats the big deal? And if you find out, please let us know, because as far as we can tell, this is just a regular public stairway that, in Roman terms at least, isnt even that old. Though it did feature in Roman Holiday, which helps explain the fascination. Public transport looks rough, but its effective No beauty prizes will be handed out for Romes buses, which tend to be graffiti-strewn and a little rattly. Same goes for its underground trains. However, get past the cosmetics and you will find a system that is ideal for visitors, affordable and effective. (Just be aware that buses dont sell bus tickets you need to go to a nearby tabacchi, or convenience store.) There are cats everywhere There are thought to be about 120,000 feral cats in Rome and another 180,000 kept as pets. Theres even a cat sanctuary, where stray cats are fed and protected, at Largo di Torre Argentina. Everyone leaves in summer Good luck if you decide to visit Rome in late August, because all of the locals will have long since left. Its tradition here to take summer holidays after Ferragosto, a holiday on August 15, and much of the city, including many of its best restaurants, shut up shop for a few weeks. Its easy to reach the rest of Italy From Termini, Romes central train station, you can get to much of the country in a short space of time. Naples is an hour away. Florence is an hour and a half. Bologna is a bit over two hours. The Amalfi Coast is two hours. You can even take a train to Sicily (the whole thing crosses the water by ferry). Its truly magical Theres no such thing as a bad cruise, but research wisely, or a cruise might clash with your personality, expectations or travel style. Just like hotels, cruise ships vary widely in luxury levels and ambience. You wouldnt book a budget urban hotel and expect swish resort-like amenities. Nor should you book a cruise ship that simply doesnt suit. Consider what sort of cruise ship would suit you. Illustration: Greg Straight Credit: Know what youre after and can afford: old-world formality, top-notch luxury, rugged adventure cruising, an easy family holiday. Do you want to dress up or dress down, party or read? Would you rather have enrichment programs and cultural lectures, or Broadway-style shows and water slides? Once youre clear on what you want, a good travel agent can direct you to a suitable cruise line, or you can research the wealth of cruise information and reviews online. The style of the graphics, photos and text on cruise line websites will indicate who they wish to attract. London: The European Union has designated Chinese telecoms companies Huawei and ZTE as high-risk vendors, effectively paving the way for their equipment to be removed from 5G networks across the blocs 27 member states. It is the first time the EU has named the two Chinese firms as high-risk. The move places additional pressure on member states to rid their networks of the Chinese-made kit, while also giving governments cover when facing pressure from Beijing to favour the companies for contracts. Huawei is now regarded as a high-risk vendor across the European Union. Credit: Bloomberg Equipment produced by Huawei and ZTE currently makes up around 40 per cent of telecoms networks across the EU on average. On the basis of available information, the European Commission considers that Huawei and ZTE represent ... materially higher risks than other 5G suppliers. Kalamata: A fishing boat carrying migrants trying to reach Europe capsized and sank on Wednesday off the coast of Greece, authorities said, leaving at least 79 dead and many more missing in one of the worst disasters of its kind this year. Coast guard, navy and merchant vessels and aircraft fanned out for a vast search-and-rescue operation set to continue overnight. It was unclear how many passengers were missing, but some initial reports suggested hundreds of people may have been aboard when the boat went down far from shore. Coast guard spokesman Nikos Alexiou told state ERT TV that it was impossible to accurately estimate the number of passengers. He said it appeared that the 25- to 30-metre vessel capsized after people abruptly moved to one side. The outer deck was full of people, and we presume that the interior (of the vessel) would also have been full, he said. It looks as if there was a shift among the people who were crammed on board and it capsized. London: Germanys first-ever national security strategy names Russia as the biggest threat to peace and describes China as both a partner and competitor that uses its economic clout for political gain. Todays Russia is, for now, the most significant threat to peace and security in the Euro-Atlantic area, the strategy reads. German Chancellor Olaf Scholz launching the national security strategy in Berlin on Wednesday. Credit: Bloomberg China is a partner, competitor and systemic rival. We see that the elements of rivalry and competition have increased in recent years, but at the same time, China remains a partner without whom many of the most pressing global challenges cannot be resolved. In global terms, the Indo-Pacific, too, remains of special significance to Germany and Europe. On Tuesday, a U.S. federal judge refused to grant the Securities and Exchange Commissions request for a temporary restraining order freezing the assets of Binance.US. Judge Amy Berman Jackson of the D.C. District Court told the SEC and Binances lawyers to negotiate terms for the exchanges operations and report back to the court within two days. Jackson said theres absolutely no need for a restraining order should the two sides agree on limits restricting Binance.USs operations in the United States, adding that they arent that far apart. The exchange has suggested it could transfer all U.S. customer assets to new wallets under the sole control of Binance.US executives. Jackson referred both parties to a magistrate judge to work on reaching a compromise, reserving final judgment on the restraining order until an agreement is reached or negotiations fail. An agreement between the parties would nullify the SECs request to freeze Binance.USs assets. Judge Jackson said a compromise would pose the best possible outcome for the broader web3 industry. Shutting [Binance.US] down completely would create significant consequences not only for the company but for the digital asset markets in general, Jackson said. Jennifer Farer, an SEC lawyer, said the regulator is open to the business continuing to operate. The SEC sued Binance and Binance.US on June 5 for allegedly violating federal securities laws, following a three-year investigation, and requested the asset freeze two days later. The SEC also filed similar charges against Coinbase on June 7. Judge Slams SEC While the lawsuits pose a threat to the future of the exchanges U.S.-based operations, they also provide an opportunity for the courts to scrutinize the regulatory agenda of the SEC concerning web3. Industry stakeholders, lawmakers, and other regulatory institutions have criticized the SEC for pursuing an aggressive campaign of regulation by enforcement while failing to provide clear guidelines to the industry. During Tuesdays hearing, Judge Jackson described the SECs enforcement actions as an inefficient and cumbersome strategy for regulating crypto. Jackson also asked the SECs attorneys to distinguish what distinguishes a crypto asset from a crypto asset security. "The [crypto assets] you're not calling securities, what are they?" Jackson said. SEC attorney Matthew Scarlato said the agency had already discussed several crypto assets it believes comprise securities in its complaint against Binance. Scarlato added that the SEC reserved the right to investigate the other tokens listed on the exchanges in the future. After being pressed by Jackson to classify Binances BNB Coin, SEC attorney Matthew Martens said the token is a crypto asset. Capital Flight Risk In its lawsuit against Binance.US, SEC attorneys raised concerns that Binances global platform or CEO, Changpeng Zhao, may control the private keys needed to move Binance.USs $2.2B in digital assets overseas. Farer said Binance.US gave multiple conflicting accounts of how its assets are custodied, backpedaling after initially claiming it had an agreement with the global Binance platform. However, Judge Jackson slammed the SEC for failing to demonstrate that Binance.USs customer assets were leaving the United States. "I want to know if it's happening or not," Jackson said. "It's stunning that I've asked each of you this." Binance.US and Zhao submitted a joint memorandum denying the SECs claim that customer funds were mishandled on Monday, asserting the SEC was unable to identify a single instance of customer assets being misused. Binance.US representatives said a total assets freeze would spell a death penalty for the company. In other court filings submitted Monday, the exchange said it would quickly grind to a halt without funds to sustain its operations. Only one presenter or panelist appeared to utter the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission's three-letter acronym during this years NFC Lisbon event last week. We are obviously aware of the litigation advanced against Binance and Coinbase in the U.S. from the SEC, The Sandbox COO Borget said during a brief press event in the famed Carlos Lopes Pavillion in the Portuguese capital. Built in 1932, the palace-esque venue would play host to NFT collectors, Web3-powered raves, and even one of H.R. Giger's original "Alien" sculptures for three days. Sandbox COO: 'We Do Not Agree' With SEC Labeling SAND Token a Security Despite the event's distance from Washington D.C., where the SEC is based, Borget's comments made sense. Just a few days prior, the token powering The Sandboxs metaverse game was labeled an unregistered security in the SECs actions against both Binance and Coinbase. It wasnt the only metaverse token to fall into the same bucket, either. Axie Infinity (AXS), Chiliz (CHZ), and Flow (FLOW) were also included. When announced earlier this month, the news shook the crypto markets, plummeting listed tokens and sowing doubt into the future of the industry at large. After all, both exchanges host upwards of $10 billion of trading volume a day, per CoinGecko. But curiously, at NFC Lisbon, Borgets was one of the only formal acknowledgments of what many have called the most drastic crypto crackdown yet. Since the US has come after crypto: Hong Kong has legalised retail trading Europe has introduced a new MiCA framework UAE and UK are both pushing "Crypto Hub" narratives A16z opens a new London office Coinbase + Gemini have launched international platforms Miles Deutscher (@milesdeutscher) June 13, 2023 But why? The NFT collector and artist do not heavily rely on Binance or Coinbase. They most likely only use it for on- and off-ramping. The dependencies on the NFT market are therefore rather low, theMiracle CEO and co-founder Danilo Cerullo told Decrypt. While Binance and Coinbase are well-known cryptocurrency exchanges, honestly, I dont know anyone using their NFT marketplaces. There are numerous other platforms and marketplaces that cater specifically to NFT trading. Hes not wrong. Since its launch, Coinbases offering has seen very little traction among collectors and artists, posting barely $4,000 in trading volume over the past 24 hours, per Dune. For context, Blur, the industrys current heavyweight marketplace, has posted $2.3 million over the past day, followed by OpenSea, which recorded $651,000. Coinbase Not Throwing in the Towel on NFT Marketplace Despite Weak Volume Coinbase tried with their NFT marketplace, but it was a pretty big flop, Zerions Head of Growth Alexander Guy told Decrypt. Binance has an ecosystem, but it's pretty contained. If you want to get into NFTs as a builder or collector, you really need to be self-custodial. Guy added that non-custodial wallets (including Zerion) are typically preferred by traders. Self-custodial refers to storing your cryptocurrencies and tokens in your own controlled wallet, including so-called cold wallets like a Ledger or Trezor. Such wallets arent connected to the Internet and are thus less vulnerable to hacks or asset freezes, which can happen on exchanges. The SECs actions are also limited to American soil, with European crypto enthusiasts hardly being affected by the news. SEC actions seem contained to the U.S. but it came up in a few conversations with businesses looking to operate in the U.S., Paulin Byusa, founder and CEO of Avenir, which provides dollar on- and off-ramps for EU-based businesses. Otherwise, it felt like a distant issue for EU-focused users and businesses. Instead of a fierce crackdown on crypto businesses, the EU has gone in a much different direction, arguably taking the regulatory lead in the crypto race. Janet Ho, Chainalysis head of policy in Europe, called the incoming Markets in Crypto Assets (MiCA) framework a gold standard for rules, while the SECs own Commissioner Hester Peirce defined it as a model for similar policies stateside. Besides both Coinbase and Binance finding little traction in the niche, or EUs more optimistic crypto approach, the NFT space is also rife with artists and creatives rather than hardcore speculators. The NFT bubble is a bit differenta lot of artists, creators, gaming, and startups that might not be as deeply interested in regulatory news, especially in a foreign region, Rebekka Revel, co-founder of NFT Club Berlin and SuperTeam Germany, told Decrypt. When asked whether it was because NFC Lisbon was primarily focused on artists and collectors or because no one in Lisbon cares about the SEC, Borget told Decrypt that the digital nation The Sandbox is building only has 20% of its user base in the U.S. Nearly all the rest are spread across Asia (40%) and Europe (30%). Its not about caring about the SEC. The SEC is trying to protect users, he said. We dont agree on certain aspects of this litigation, and we are not the ones that the SEC targets. Perhaps thats ultimately the key. Just as NFC Lisbon attendees were unfazed by the SECs actions earlier that week, opting instead to dive deeper into a digital world hosted by the city, the Commission may share the same sentiment towards jpeg collectors. It's not the art they're after, but those pesky unregistered securities. Weber State helps young father provide better future for his family June 15, 2023 OGDEN, Utah When Trini Gonzales became a father at age 17, his dream to become a Marine and attend college was eclipsed by a duty to care for his son. It frightened me, Gonzales said. I wasn't quite sure if I was ready for that responsibility, to raise a human being, to be a role model at a young age. Gonzales said he always hoped to provide his children with more than he had growing up. But as a teenage father, he found himself working semi-decent jobs to get by. Becoming a father at such a young age, that taught me so many life lessons early on, Gonzales said. But I still wanted to go on to college and provide a better future for my son. When his son was three, Gonzales decided to revisit his dream, minus the military: He enrolled at Weber State University to study microbiology and chemistry as the first step in his new plan to attend medical school. On top of his studies, he worked full time at Hill Air Force Base, where he currently paints components for the F-16, C-130 and A-10 aircraft. During his last stretch at Weber State, Gonzales also welcomed his second child, a daughter, now one year old. I take pride in my family, and I want to provide for them in any way possible, Gonzales said. Weber State really helped me with that. Gonzales said he chose Weber State over other colleges because it was family friendly. WSU offered online classes and child care, professors worked with his busy schedule, and there were other family-focused students to lean on for support. Somehow, he also found time for activities outside the classroom, although he was hesitant at first. My first instinct was to get to that finish line, dont let anything distract me, he said. But pretty soon I felt like I needed to involve myself in extracurricular activities and clubs and organizations and events. Gonzales served as president of the Hispanic Area Council, which helps Hispanic and Latino students connect with the many resources available at WSU and helps them succeed in their college journey. He also served as the WSU Student Associations director of leadership and diversity for WSU Davis, and as treasurer for the National Society of Leadership and Success. Since 2021, he has led fundraising to support refugees and homeless youth, and completed over 150 hours of community service. Being involved helps build your character, Gonzales said. Its taught me a lot about leadership, teamwork, communication, socialization and a lot of other skills that will help me in life. Those are things that Ive been able to apply as a father to my children. Eight years after becoming a father, Gonzales graduated with his bachelors degree, while his family looked on. I think my son is going to truly admire all my accomplishments and everything that Ive done to be able to provide him and his sister a better life, he said. Next up, Gonzales is applying to medical school with the ultimate goal of specializing in cardiothoracic surgery a field of medicine focused mainly on heart and lung health. He said hes proud of what he accomplished at Weber, both in and outside the classroom. Your voice really matters here at Weber State, no matter your background, said Gonzales, now 25 and a proud family man. Your unique background and personal experiences can be a source of strength and inspiration. Allentown, PA (18103) Today Partly to mostly cloudy with a slight chance of showers and thunderstorms in the afternoon. Areas of smoke and haze are possible, reducing visibility at times. High around 80F. Winds light and variable. Chance of rain 30%.. Tonight Partly cloudy and muggy with a spotty thundershower, mainly before midnight. SCRANTON, Pa. - A Berks County man is among six individuals indicted by a federal grand jury that found evidence that the group was part of a nationwide network that bought and sold human remains. The remains were allegedly stolen from Harvard Medical School and an Arkansas mortuary. The U.S. Attorney's Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced that 46-year-old Joshua Taylor from the West Lawn area was one of a half dozen people indicted on conspiracy and interstate transport of stolen goods charges. Taylor pleaded not guilty and was granted pretrial release. The other defendants include 55-year-old Cedric Lodge of Goffstown, New Hampshire; 44-year-old Katrina Maclean of Salem, Massachusetts; 63-year-old Denise Lodge of Goffstown, New Hampshire; and 52-year-old and Mathew Lampi of East Bethel, Minnesota. In addition, 41-year-old Jeremy Pauley of Bloomsburg, Pennsylvania, was charged by criminal information, and Candace Chapman Scott of Little Rock, Arkansas was previously indicted in the Eastern District of Arkansas. The charges allege that from 2018 through 2022, Cedric Lodge, who managed the morgue for the Anatomical Gifts Program at Harvard Medical School, stole organs and other parts of cadavers donated for medical research. Authorities say Lodge, at times, transported stolen remains from Boston to his residence in Goffstown, New Hampshire, where he and his wife, Denise Lodge, sold the remains to Katrina Maclean, Joshua Taylor and others. It is alleged that Lodge would allow Maclean and Taylor to enter the morgue at Harvard Medical School to examine cadavers in person and choose which ones to purchase. Court documents show Taylor sending $1,000 and a memo that read "head number 7." In a statement, the Harvard Medical School dean said, "We are appalled to learn that something so disturbing could happen on our campus a community dedicated to healing and serving others." Prosecutors say Maclean and Taylor then resold the stolen remains for profit, including to Pauley from Cumberland County. Pauley also purchased stolen human remains from Candace Chapman Scott, who allegedly stole them from a Little Rock mortuary and crematorium where she was employed. Authorities say Scott stole parts of cadavers that were scheduled for cremation, as well as two stillborn babies who were supposed to be cremated and returned to their families. Scott sold the stolen remains to Pauley and shipped them to him in Pennsylvania, who then resold them to other individuals, including Matthew Lampi. Lampi and Pauley allegedly made these transactions over an extended period of time and exchanged over $100,000 in online payments. The federal indictment says human skin was shipped to Pauley in Pennsylvania "and engaged his services to tan the skin to create leather." Pauley is already facing charges of human remain trafficking. "Some crimes defy understanding," said U.S. Attorney Gerard M. Karam. "The theft and trafficking of human remains strikes at the very essence of what makes us human." "It is particularly egregious that so many of the victims here volunteered to allow their remains to be used to educate medical professionals and advance the interests of science and healing," Karam said. "For them and their families to be taken advantage of in the name of profit is appalling. With these charges, we are seeking to secure some measure of justice for all these victims." The U.S. Attorney's Office will continue to attempt to identify as many of the victims as possible. Taylor has pleaded not guilty and was granted pretrial release. If anyone believes they or a family member may have been affected by the conduct charged in these indictments, please contact the Victim and Witness Unit at usapam-victim.information@usdoj.gov or (717) 614-4249. The maximum penalty under federal law for this offense is 15 years of imprisonment. All persons charged are presumed to be innocent unless and until found guilty in court. Crypto exchange Huobi is expanding its offering in Hong Kong, with its local subsidiary Huobi HK now offering crypto trading services to Hong Kong clients. Following its intention of making an application for a virtual asset exchange license from the Hong Kong Securities and Futures Commission, Huobi HK is now offering crypto spot trading and virtual asset custody in Hong Kong. The exchange will work with independent auditors to meet the regulators compliance and AML requirements, Huobi HK announced in a tweet. The move forms part of a broader shift eastwards by crypto firms, as Asia becomes an increasingly accommodating regulatory environment. "Regulation of Web3 in Hong Kong will contribute to the widespread adoption of cryptocurrencies on a global scale, said a spokesperson for Huobi in a prepared statement. A Special Administrative Region controlled by China, Hong Kong recently introduced a regulatory framework for crypto exchanges, which comes into force on June 1. Under the new regulations, retail investors in Hong Kong will be able to trade cryptocurrency on licensed platforms, removing restrictions that previously limited trading to investors with portfolios over HK$8 million (roughly $1 million). The new regulations require virtual asset trading platforms to include "suitable" onboarding processes, disclosures, with tokens having to pass a minimum criteria to ensure that "retail investors should be less prone to market manipulation." Cryptos eastward shift Hong Kongs welcoming environment is already attracting interest from crypto firms. The Greater China division of coworking provider WeWork recently reported that its already seen 40 to 50 applications enquiries from crypto businesses looking to set up shop in Hong Kong in recent months. The move by Hong Kong is seen as a bellwether for wider crypto adoption in mainland China, which effectively banned crypto in 2017. On the heels of Hong Kongs new digital asset regulations, the local government in Beijing recently released a Web3 whitepaper and work plan to boost Web3 development in the city. It is indeed fascinating to witness the Beijing government's recent focus on Web 3.0, particularly considering the imminent June 1st developments in Hong Kong. China's commitment to embracing Web 3.0 technology reflects a significant step towards recognizing the transformative https://t.co/BLtn5qE2ef H.E. Justin Sun (@justinsuntron) May 28, 2023 In a tweet, Tron founder and Huobi global adviser Justin Sun drew comparisons between the two events, noting that, It is indeed fascinating to witness the Beijing government's recent focus on Web 3.0, particularly considering the imminent June 1st developments in Hong Kong. He added that it represents a significant step towards recognizing the transformative potential of decentralized systems and blockchain-based solutions. Huobi is actively involved in the development of Hong Kongs Web3 ecosystem; as well as applying for a cryptocurrency trading license in Hong Kong, it became a significant contributor to Hong Kong's first Web3 ecosystem fund during this years Hong Kong Web3 Carnival. In a separate announcement, Huobi revealed that it has become the first member of the Hong Kong Virtual Assets Consortium (HKVAC), an organization dedicated to providing credit ratings for crypto asset exchanges and trading products. A collaboration between crypto industry players including exchanges, institutional investors, and Hong Kong-licensed rating agencies, HKVAC aims to boost the crypto industrys security risk management capabilities, and assist the authorities in making Hong Kong a regional hub for virtual asset and digital finance. As a founding member of HKVAC, Huobi will serve as a reference for the organization, leveraging its "expertise in security technology and its compliant, standardized processes," the exchange said. HKVAC has also committed to creating a safe, open and transparent environment for crypto investments under Hong Kongs new crypto regulations, and will promote the further acceptance and recognition of crypto assets in the region through public education. A spokesperson for the exchange noted that Huobi, will continue to collaborate with regulatory authorities in Hong Kong to support the development of a vibrant Web3 hub. READING, Pa. The Reading Zoning Hearing Board on Wednesday heard a request for zoning relief for Medical Arts Development LP for a variance for square footage requirements for the historic Medical Arts Building at 230 N. Fifth St. City developer Alan W. Shuman was granted a special exception for the adaptive reuse to develop 33 residential units at the 12-story art deco building in November 2020. Joan E. London, an attorney for Shuman, said the new request was submitted because of dimensional changes to the plan. Shuman originally had planned to construct an addition to the building, but that is not feasible because of changes made to the neighboring property, affecting the configuration for a required setback. "For the reconfiguration that was needed because of the removal of the addition and the need to preserve the historic structure, a column would show in the windows, which would greatly impair the appearance," London explained. "The Historic Preservation Tax Credit requires the owner to follow historic preservation guidelines, requires approval of the Pennsylvania Historical and Museum Commission, and it must be consistent with the standards for rehabilitation of historic buildings as adopted by the United States Secretary of the Interior," she said. Under the current configuration of units, London said the views would be affected, which she said is an important aesthetic feature on a high-rise art deco building. In the plans to repartition the apartments, some of the apartment units would be slightly less than the required minimum size for studio apartments. With the proposed changes, London said 27 of the 33 units are in excess of the size requirements. Even though the board will not render a decision until its meeting on July 12, board Chairman Philip Rabena said he appreciated the new plans. "That is a beautiful building, and I want to applaud Mr. Shuman in terms of the sizes of his units because even those that are undersized are very, very minimal," Rabena said. Board solicitor Steven Price read a written comment into the record from Andrew Goltzman of Heights Advisors, Brooklyn, New York, who said that as the owner of a property in close proximity, he believes the zoning relief should be granted. Reading's former Santander building gets zoning relief for 207 apartments A Brooklyn-based developer got the OK from Reading zoners for an adaptive reuse of the 10-story office building at 601 Penn St. Earlier in the meeting, Heights Advisors was granted zoning relief to develop a 207-unit apartment building at 601 Penn St., with considerable reduction in the minimum space required for efficiencies and one- and two-bedroom apartments. WHITEHALL TWP., Pa. - A chilling 911 dispatch from Tuesday night's deadly shooting in Whitehall Township, Lehigh County: Police say the man accused of shooting and killing his ex-wife called to turn himself in, and the audio confirms that. We're also hearing from close friends of the victim who feared that something awful would happen to her. It's a heartbreaking situation for close friends of Patricia White, who say it's hard to fathom. According to them, White leaves behind four children: a 6-, 8-, 10-, and 13-year-old. We've listened to the Lehigh County police dispatch from Broadcastify, that detail the moments after they received multiple reports of repeat gunfire there. Then, minutes later, 69 News heard the moment an operator reportedly gets a call from the woman's ex-husband, who says he pulled the trigger. "We got a male on the line that says he shot his wife at the park. Now, he's at the house with a gun inside the house," said a 911 dispatcher. A 911 dispatcher receives a call from Rami Abouloh of Allentown. According to police, the 41-year-old then tells the operator that White, his ex-wife, had been at the West Catasauqua Park with another man. The call comes after repeat ones from neighbors, who dialed 911 after hearing between six and eight gunshots and seeing a dark car speeding away from the scene. "Bunch of calls on it. We have a report of a female that was shot," said a dispatcher. "We also have a report that a male was shot in the chest." "I always thought he was going to do this someday," said Amani Abuayash, a close friend of White's. Close friends of White tells us the two had a tumultuous relationship and that Abouloh repeatedly threatened his ex-wife. "He said, 'I am going to kill you. Just give me time,'" added Abuayash. Police say Abouloh also shot the man White met at the parking lot. That's Frank Russo, who is expected to survive his injuries. Abouloh allegedly told police he believed the two were having an affair, repeatedly calling White his wife. Friends of White say that's not the case, that they've been divorced, and the extent of White's and Russo's relationship is business. "I thought this was another fight they were having. I didn't think it would be this serious," said Grace Samaan, like a daughter to White. Samaan says White's like a mother to her. She's heartbroken, and like the rest of these women, says she wants justice. "We want justice," said Fadia Samaan, a friend. "For him to die in jail and to suffer not seeing his kids anymore." Friends of the victim say the two were divorced, but that White had let Abouloh live with her in her house because he did not have a job and so their four children could be watched. There is a custody dispute on file in Lehigh County. Friends tell us White got full custody of the four children but only after she agreed to give him money to have the kids. BETHLEHEM, Pa. At a contentious zoning hearing on Wednesday night, residents voiced opposition to a proposed 317-unit apartment complex that would straddle the border between Bethlehem and Allentown. The project, known as Hanover Apartments, calls for the construction of four total apartment buildings one five-story building and three four-story buildings. The proposed site has four addresses: 2211 and 2235 West Broad Street in Bethlehem, as well as 2300 Hanover Avenue and 2220 Florence Avenue in Allentown. The developer, New-Jersey based BAXH LLC was represented by Allentown attorney Jim Preston at Wednesdays meeting. Preston sought two variances of city zoning ordinances for the project: A dimensional variance to construct buildings longer than 180 feet on the site, and a commercial use variance to allow parking along West Broad Street at the north end of the complex. Prestons opposing counsel, Davison & McCarthy attorney Tim Stevens, called three Bethlehem residents who live on nearby Grandview Blvd to testify against granting the variances to the developer. The first witness, Paul Fondl, spoke about the dangers of the West Broad Street-Club Road-Hanover Avenue intersection, which would lie near the complexs northwest corner. Fondl cited three recent crashes at the intersection, and a 2016 accident that left one of his neighbors requiring neck surgery, to argue that the developer should be responsible for installing a roundabout or flashing speed limit signs along Hanover Avenue. We have to do something with that intersection if this development gets passed, Fondl said. Preston, who argued that the developer was not seeking any traffic-related variances, objected to the relevance of Fondls testimony and accused Stevens of leading his witness. The board later objected to the anecdote about Fondls neighbor but allowed the rest of his testimony to stand. The second witness, Teresa Kloiber, expressed her opposition to both the height and capacity of the buildings and argued that a park or other green space would better suit the site as a gateway to Bethlehem, drawing applause from the public. Kloiber also voiced concerns about her safety if hundreds of people were to move into the site. Im not afraid to walk around at nighttime with my dog, because it is a nice, quiet neighborhood, Kloiber said. You put 500 [or] 600 people in there, I dont know how safe Im going to feel walking around at night anymore. Later, Kloiber focused on the excessive length dimensions of each proposed building, which she said were a combined 379 feet out of compliance with the city requirements. The length of all four sides of Buildings 1 and 3 were excessive, while two sides of Buildings 2 and 4 were excessive, Kloiber noted. The third witness, Mary Jo Makhoul, said the proposed height of the buildings would make her feel like she was living in a fishbowl and block her view of sunsets from her back porch. Makhoul also expressed concern about stormwater runoff from the complex. During the winter, she said such runoff from snow would freeze over the alleys along Bascom and Ritter Streets, roads not plowed by the city, and greatly restrict her movement around her home. In his cross-examination of Makhoul, Preston again noted that the developer was not here for a conditional use, density, or building height variance. The board held a brief executive session with both attorneys before adjourning the hearing. A final decision on the variances sought by the developer will come at the projects next hearing on Wednesday, August 16, acting zoning chairman Terry Novatnack said. U. MILFORD TWP., Pa. - We finally saw a little rain this week, but the rainfall hasn't stopped Pennsylvania state officials from declaring a Drought Watch. That means it's asking people to cut their water usage by 5 to 10 percent. We talked with David Sell, the manager at the Seed Farm in Upper Milford Township. He said without more rain like we saw earlier this week, that's going to be hard. "Agriculture gets a lot of water, but I think yeah it's hard to cut back," said Sell. Sell took us on a tour of The Seed Farm to see what they're growing. "We're doing tomatoes and peppers we just got into the ground for the food bank," said Sell. Without rain, Sell has been keeping those crops healthy with sprinklers. "We actually use pond water for direct drip line, and then if that runs low we're kind of, we're in big trouble," said Sell. After one of the driest months of May on record, that's a real concern. "I haven't experienced that long of a period of time without rain. I'm used to the torrential downpours for five minutes and you've got all your rain for the week in one day, but this was a different spring," said Sell. At this point, Sell said he's accepted, for the crops, it's just about survival. "Mostly keep everything alive. It's not really bumping, but we're keeping it alive," said Sell. If you're not a farmer, the DEP's Drought Watch means at home you should only water your lawn if absolutely necessary, and only run the dishwasher or clothes washer if they're completely full. HARRISBURG, Pa. - At Franklin Hill Vineyards, Vineyard Manager Scott Sandt is walking the rows. As he inspects bud growth, he's also seeing more spotted lanternfly nymphs. "Somewhere in the area of harvest is when they're really an issue for us. And they can start causing other problems besides feeding, they create a honeydew, which puts a mold on the grapes if they are too prevalent," said Sandt. Franklin Hill, like other agriculture businesses, keeps up on the best mitigation practices and research efforts. Penn State Extension says one area of research includes the use of Asian wasps that eat the lanternfly's eggs or nymphs. Officials say that research is still in the early stages. Lawmakers want to speed things up by creating the The Spotted Lanternfly Research and Development Act, which would designate the spotted lanternfly as a "high-priority pest." Co-sponsor Sen. Bob Casey says it "will provide Pennsylvanians with resources to combat the Spotted Lanternfly's spread, mitigate its impact, and protect our food sources and families." Sen. John Fetterman is also a co-sponsor. He says "since 2014, they have cost the Commonwealth millions of dollars and thousands of jobs." Sandt says more research is needed, but that will take time. "It's just like grape growing in general," said Sandt. "You have to have patience. And you have to just kind of deal with things day to day as as they come up." Pennsylvania lawmakers have introduced similar legislation. HANOVER TWP., Pa. - Lehigh Valley International Airport is celebrating its new service for passengers traveling out West. Allegiant Air's first-ever, non-stop flight to Denver took off from Hanover Township Thursday. Before the passengers boarded, airport and airline workers cut the ribbon at the gate, and the plane passed beneath a ceremonial water arch before taking off. Officials say this is the airport's farthest flight west in nearly 20 years. "Listen, it's not been since the early 2000s that we had service west of the Mississippi. Getting west is something that's been on our radar for a long time, and it's finally here," said Lehigh-Northampton Airport Authority Executive Director Tom Stoudt. The new flights to and from Denver will operate twice weekly. Flight times and fares can be found on Allegiant's website. BETHLEHEM, Pa. - A man has learned his sentence after pleading guilty to DUI in a crash that injured two people, including the city's Human Resources Director. Bryan Bokan had pleaded guilty to DUI with blood-alcohol content of more than 0.16, accidents involving injury, and two counts of reckless endangerment, according to court paperwork. He was sentenced to up to 18 months in prison followed by four years of probation, court documents say. Bokan, who was a firefighter, was involved in an off-duty crash April 18, 2022 on Route 378. One suffered head and neck injuries; the other, the city's HR director, suffered moderate back and hip injuries. Police had said Bokan's car was found several hours later, heavily damaged, parked in front of Bethlehem's firemen's union offices. The affidavit of probable cause had said Bokan was intoxicated when he turned himself into police shortly after, saying he slammed into the back of a car when it hit its brakes. He never said why he left the scene, but did admit to mixing three drinks at the union hall. PHILLIPSBURG, N.J. - A man who drowned in the Delaware River has been identified. Sandoval Ronme, of Phillipsburg, had told witnesses on Sunday, June 11 that he would attempt to swim across the river, according to a news release from the Warren County Prosecutor's Office. Phillipsburg police were later sent to the river in the area of McKeen and Howard streets for a report of a male who went underwater in the river. Numerous boats were sent to the area to search for Ronme. Once he was found, he was taken to St. Luke's Hospital in Easton, where he was pronounced dead, the prosecutor's office said. A follow-up investigation confirmed that there was no foul play involved, according to the news release. With summer approaching, the Warren County Prosecutor's Office urges the community not to attempt to swim in or across the Delaware River. NORRISTOWN, Pa. At Thursdays meeting of the Montgomery County Board of Commissioners a new collective bargaining agreement with AFSCME Local 1582 was approved unanimously. County solicitor Josh Stein explained that the commissioners were told earlier this year about difficulties recruiting and retaining adult probation, juvenile probation and domestic relations officers. Those employees are represented by AFSCME Local 1582 whose current collective bargaining agreement with the county is set to expire at the end of the year. Upon learning of these issues, the county met with the union and reached agreement on a proposed new collective bargaining agreement which if approved would begin June 24 and would run through December 31, 2024. The agreement will provide for a change to a 40-hour work week, a large increase in wages as well as consolidation of some of the positions. Elder Abuse Day Earlier, commissioner Jamila Winder noted that Thursday was Elder Abuse Day. As many of you know, Winder commented, physical and emotional harm can be inflicted on an older adult. Financial exploitation and neglect are also issues facing the elderly, she said. In the U, S. alone there are half a million reports of elder abuse each year and millions more cases go unreported, Winder continued. She noted that thanks to this day there is an opportunity around the world for people to address abuse of seniors as a human rights issue. Also, Montgomery County has over 24,000 older adults who experience ambulatory difficulty and over 60,000 need support to help them live independently, which makes them more vulnerable to abuse and neglect. Its unfortunate that we need a day to bring this issue forward but with the help of our wonderful Department of Senior Services we celebrate and protect our seniors, Winder concluded. Opioid Poster Winner The winner of the Opioid Awareness Poster Contest was announced by Linda Moore-Singleton, administrator, Health & Human Services Office of Drug & Alcohol. Sam Santiago from Plymouth-Whitemarsh High School took first prize with the poster containing the message Just once is all it takes. The poster will be displayed on billboard locations in Norristown, Pottstown, King of Prussia and throughout Montgomery County. Significant contracts The commissioners awarded a contract for file digitizing for Archives to ARC, King of Prussia, Pa. in the amount of $1,343,789.00. A construction contract for the Ridge Pike Improvement Project Section B in Plymouth Township in the amount of $39,184,367.55 was awarded to J.D. Eckman Incorporated, Atglen, Pa. Skanska USA Building Incorporated, Parsippany, N.J. was awarded a contract in the amount of $968,880.00 for renovation of the Willow Grove Annex building. Also, Norr, Philadelphia, Pa. was granted a contract of $721,215.00 for renovation of the Willow Grove Annex building. PHILADELPHIA - Temple University is honoring its officer who was killed in the line of duty back in February. The block where Christopher Fitzgerald was gunned down was named after the sergeant on Thursday. Fitzgerald is the son of former Allentown police chief Joel Fitzgerald Sr. He and other loved ones, leaders, and supporters gathered to re-claim the life and legacy of their beloved fallen officer, on the same block he was killed. "It is extremely difficult to be on a street where my husband's life was taken," Fitzgerald's widow, Marissa Fitzgerald, said during the re-naming ceremony Thursday. "But I now look at the street, as not sorrow, but in the positive light." The void he left may be immeasurable. But Temple University named an entire block after Sgt. Christopher Fitzgerald on Thursday. It's the same one the 31-year-old father of five was killed in while serving, in February. Fitzgerald was shot multiple times in a neighborhood near Temple's campus, while investigating suspicious activity, according to court papers. "I know that he is beaming with light, knowing that he's made a mark on this city," Marissa Fitzgerald said. "Now when people walk down this block, they will see Chris's name," Gov. Josh Shapiro, (D) Pennsylvania, said. "They will see the name of a hero, someone who was the best of us." From this point forward, the 1700 block of Montgomery Avenue will be known as Christopher Fitzgerald Way. "Please note that this isn't Christopher Fitzgerald 'Street,'" Shapiro said. "This is Christopher Fitzgerald 'Way,' and appropriately so, because in his life, Chris showed us the way...he showed us the way to take care of one another." That 'way,' Governor Shapiro says, is the way of caring for his fellow officers, for his neighbors, for the Temple community and for his city, Philadelphia. "I never in a million years would think we'd be talking about the loss of Christopher, polarizing our city, and making people understand that we have to do things differently," Joel Fitzgerald said. "We have to be better." And that 'way,' loved ones say, is a call to action: to make the city safer for the community and for officers like Fitzgerald, who put their lives on the line, protecting it. "To talk to those folks that we need to be behind us," Joel Fitzgerald said. "To walk the streets with those people that want to take the city back. They want to put an end to the rampant violence." Temple University tells 69 News that "Christopher Fitzgerald Way" came to be because a colleague of the fallen sergeant, Temple Police Officer Leroy Wimberly, made up a petition and about 1,000 people signed it. "Everyone I approached was more than willing to sign the petition and support it," Wimberly told 69 News. "It was done for his family, for the community, for law enforcement officers across our nation. We all do the same job." "There's no greater honor that a family can have, that a parent can have, that a husband can have, and to have people coalesce, people come together from all different walks of life," Joel Fitzgerald said. "To honor our son, Christopher, for doing what we taught him to do." Fitzgerald's alleged killer, 18-year-old Miles Pfeffer, was charged with murder, murder of a law enforcement officer, and other charges. Now, Fitzgerald's name lives on in the same place where he died. "Today," Shapiro said, "we reclaim this block right here in the city of Philadelphia." A New Jersey man is being accused of sending a teenager money in exchange for sexually explicit pictures. Julian Suarez, 21, of Secaucus, faces two counts of third-degree endangering the welfare of a child, according to a news release from the Warren County Prosecutor's Office. The teenager told detectives that she sent nearly 100 photographs and videos to a person identifying himself as "Jay" on Snapchat, the prosecutor's office said. According to the prosecutor's office, the teen said she told "Jay" that she was 15 years old but he still forwarded her payments totaling $240. Law enforcement was able to identify "Jay" as Suarez, the prosecutor's office said. The prosecutor's office said detectives were able to view the contents of the Snapchat account and corroborate the teen's report. Third-degree crimes carry a maximum penalty of up to five years in New Jersey State Prison. If you're looking for something to do this summer, you might want to take a tour in Lebanon County that will give you a glimpse of a rare butterfly. We first told you about this last year, but the tours at Fort Indiantown Gap were already sold out. There's still time to register and see the butterfly for yourself this year. It's the rare regal fritillary butterfly, and during June and July, workers are offering free guided tours of the only population of this butterfly in the eastern U.S. Reservations are required. The tours are rain or shine, and this year they are happening on June 30th, July 1st, 7th and 8th. The butterflies are a deep orange with white spots. They start emerging in June and by mid-July, they are well into their mating season. You'll tour their habitat with the gap's wildlife guides and they'll explain how the military presence at the gap actually allows these butterflies to thrive. They used to be in every county in Pennsylvania and you could find them from Colorado to Maine, but the butterflies are in jeopardy and now this is one of the only places you can see them. Fort Indiantown Gap is an active military base, home to the Pennsylvania National Guard. That's part of why the butterflies thrive there because the land is constantly being turned over. They have a lot of different plants and animals on base, and the guides will talk about all the conservation work they are doing there. Tours last about an hour. Debt Relief: Several States Are Erasing Millions in Medical Bills Can Yours Be Wiped Out? Tempura / Getty Images/iStockphoto According to the Kaiser Family Foundation, one in 10 Americans around 23 million people carry medical debt, including 11 million who owe more than $2,000 and 3 million who owe more than $10,000. Research published in the medical journal JAMA states that about 18% wind up in collections because of it a figure that doesnt account for debt held on credit cards or owed directly to medical providers. See Our List: 100 Most Influential Money Experts Read: How To Build Your Savings From Scratch Those delinquencies end up on their credit reports, which makes it harder and more expensive to borrow money, hurts their prospects for employment and makes it harder to rent a home or apartment. In America, doctors bills are one of the leading causes of bankruptcy, but some states and municipalities have found a unique cure for their residents financial maladies. The Public-Private Partnership Model Nonprofits and community organizations have long helped people struggling to pay their healthcare bills, typically at the local level. For example, in March, the Wake Forest Rotary Club in North Carolina donated the $10,698 it raised from its Cars and Carnivores Street Festival to 26 local families struggling with cancer-related medical debt. Of course, $10,698 split 26 ways is certainly better than nothing, but when governments partner with nonprofits that specialize in debt elimination the outcome is much more dramatic. Muskegon County, Michigan, for example, freed more than 40,000 people from a combined $25 million in healthcare bills through a partnership with a New York-based 501(C)(3) called RIP Medical Debt. More: 7 States Considering More Stimulus Checks in 2023 Like Anything Else, Debt Is Cheaper When Bought in Bulk RIP Medical Debt is a unique kind of nonprofit founded by two former collections industry executives who decided to use their skill and experience on behalf of the people they used to hound for money. The organization uses donations to purchase medical debt in large bundles worth millions of dollars for a fraction of the cost and then cancel that debt with no consequences for the borrowers or donors. The strategy lets RIP leverage its purchasing power by a multiplier of 100 every $100 donated eliminates $10,000 in debt. The organization serves the households that need the most help those that earn less than four times the federal poverty level or whose debts are 5% or more of their annual income. The results speak for themselves. To date, RIP has relieved 6.08 million families of $9.09 billion in medical debt. Federal Legislation Empowers Local and State Governments To Act If a $100 individual donation can make a $10,000 debt disappear, what would happen if RIP had access to federal funding? According to the New York Times, President Bidens $1 trillion American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) infused local governments with money for economic relief, infrastructure and public services. While the RIP model doesnt address the root causes of medical debt which exists almost nowhere outside of the U.S. it did offer states and counties a unique opportunity to use their ARPA funds in a way that would have an immediate and lasting impact on their residents. New Orleans, Louisiana On May 17, Mayor LaToya Cantrell approved $1.3 million in ARPA funding for RIP to eliminate $130 million in medical debt for roughly 80,000 eligible residents. Toledo, Ohio Last November, the Toledo City Council approved $800,000 in ARPA funds for a partnership with RIP. Lucas County Commissioners followed up with another $800,000. Together, they will relieve city and county residents of $160 million to $200 million in debt. Cook County, Ohio In May, the government of Cook County announced it had partnered with RIP to eliminate $79.2 million in medical debt on behalf of 72,989 residents. It was just the first round in a $12 million program funded with ARPA dollars to cancel debts totaling $1 billion. By the time of the press release, 45,000 residents had been relieved of $25 million worth of debt and 72,000 people had received letters informing them that they could stop worrying. Despite the Relief, Americas Healthcare System Runs on Debt Like the other municipalities, Cook County shared some of the letters it received from grateful residents who had spent years or decades handcuffed to medical debt that came to define their lives. If RIP doesnt use them in its promotional materials, it should. According to the Associated Press, at least 12 states have introduced legislation to address the issue, but most involve muted and indirect efforts like interest-rate caps of 3%. Although its a band-aid fix in a country where cancer can quickly lead to foreclosure, RIPs public-private partnership model has produced results that are far more immediate and impactful. Contact your local leaders to ask if theyre considering such a partnership or to inform them that the opportunity exists. More From GOBankingRates This article originally appeared on GOBankingRates.com: Debt Relief: Several States Are Erasing Millions in Medical Bills Can Yours Be Wiped Out? For beginners, it can seem like a good idea (and an exciting prospect) to buy a company that tells a good story to investors, even if it currently lacks a track record of revenue and profit. But the reality is that when a company loses money each year, for long enough, its investors will usually take their share of those losses. While a well funded company may sustain losses for years, it will need to generate a profit eventually, or else investors will move on and the company will wither away. Despite being in the age of tech-stock blue-sky investing, many investors still adopt a more traditional strategy; buying shares in profitable companies like Coca-Cola Europacific Partners (AMS:CCEP). Even if this company is fairly valued by the market, investors would agree that generating consistent profits will continue to provide Coca-Cola Europacific Partners with the means to add long-term value to shareholders. See our latest analysis for Coca-Cola Europacific Partners How Fast Is Coca-Cola Europacific Partners Growing? Generally, companies experiencing growth in earnings per share (EPS) should see similar trends in share price. That makes EPS growth an attractive quality for any company. Over the last three years, Coca-Cola Europacific Partners has grown EPS by 12% per year. That's a good rate of growth, if it can be sustained. Top-line growth is a great indicator that growth is sustainable, and combined with a high earnings before interest and taxation (EBIT) margin, it's a great way for a company to maintain a competitive advantage in the market. Coca-Cola Europacific Partners maintained stable EBIT margins over the last year, all while growing revenue 26% to 17b. That's a real positive. You can take a look at the company's revenue and earnings growth trend, in the chart below. Click on the chart to see the exact numbers. Of course the knack is to find stocks that have their best days in the future, not in the past. You could base your opinion on past performance, of course, but you may also want to check this interactive graph of professional analyst EPS forecasts for Coca-Cola Europacific Partners. Are Coca-Cola Europacific Partners Insiders Aligned With All Shareholders? Owing to the size of Coca-Cola Europacific Partners, we wouldn't expect insiders to hold a significant proportion of the company. But we are reassured by the fact they have invested in the company. As a matter of fact, their holding is valued at 35m. That shows significant buy-in, and may indicate conviction in the business strategy. While their ownership only accounts for 0.1%, this is still a considerable amount at stake to encourage the business to maintain a strategy that will deliver value to shareholders. Should You Add Coca-Cola Europacific Partners To Your Watchlist? As previously touched on, Coca-Cola Europacific Partners is a growing business, which is encouraging. If that's not enough on its own, there is also the rather notable levels of insider ownership. These two factors are a huge highlight for the company which should be a strong contender your watchlists. We should say that we've discovered 1 warning sign for Coca-Cola Europacific Partners that you should be aware of before investing here. Although Coca-Cola Europacific Partners certainly looks good, it may appeal to more investors if insiders were buying up shares. If you like to see insider buying, then this free list of growing companies that insiders are buying, could be exactly what you're looking for. Please note the insider transactions discussed in this article refer to reportable transactions in the relevant jurisdiction. Have feedback on this article? Concerned about the content? Get in touch with us directly. Alternatively, email editorial-team (at) simplywallst.com. This article by Simply Wall St is general in nature. We provide commentary based on historical data and analyst forecasts only using an unbiased methodology and our articles are not intended to be financial advice. It does not constitute a recommendation to buy or sell any stock, and does not take account of your objectives, or your financial situation. We aim to bring you long-term focused analysis driven by fundamental data. Note that our analysis may not factor in the latest price-sensitive company announcements or qualitative material. Simply Wall St has no position in any stocks mentioned. 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 CALS Quarterly Issue 21 Read the latest issue of our quarterly newsletter and catch up on our recent highlights This Pride Month began with the disturbing news that Ugandas Anti-Homosexuality Act has been signed into law with even more severe punishments awaiting the LGBTIAQ+ community and their allies than the original bill. The Act criminalises same-sex relations with life imprisonment and even death. Not only does this go against Ugandas international law commitments under the African Charter on Human and Peoples Rights, it runs counter to the countrys own constitution. Many predict this will reverse hard-won progress on HIV/AIDS and sexual and reproductive health. CALS stands with LGBTIAQ+ people in Uganda and across the continent. We support those who are currently challenging the Act in court and call on the South African government to condemn the actions of Uganda and assist those seeking asylum because of this law. Our own Constitution explicity acknowledges sexual orientation as a protected category. In South Africa, we have welcomed some encouraging changes, such as recent guidelines intended to promote inclusion of people with diverse SOGIESC in schools. We have been concerned, however, about a pattern of government representatives at the local and national level attempting to roll back progress in other areas, most notably the right to access adequate housing. We have noted disconcerting reports in Johannesburg of homes being demolished without court orders. Recently, we also commented on a private members bill proposing regressive amendments to the Prevention of Illegal Evictions (PIE) Act. CALS continues to support people facing eviction and to extend the right to housing to include adequate sanitation. The last month also included two of our flagship special projects aimed at growing and strengthening the social justice sector. The third annual Public Interest Law Moot Court Competition had over 600 students participating, and culminated in a grand finale at the Constitutional Court. We then co-hosted the first Activist Symposium, bringing together human rights defenders from across the region to create connection, foster solidarity and discuss solutions to activist repression. Our teams continue to facilitate workshops on topics ranging from social and labour plans to gender-based violence in communities around the country. Click the image below for more about these and our other recent updates. Cogeco Inc. (TSE:CGO Get Rating) passed below its 50 day moving average during trading on Monday . The stock has a 50 day moving average of C$56.06 and traded as low as C$55.19. Cogeco shares last traded at C$55.38, with a volume of 8,560 shares traded. Analysts Set New Price Targets A number of equities analysts have weighed in on the company. CIBC lowered their price target on Cogeco from C$67.00 to C$64.00 in a research report on Thursday, April 13th. TD Securities lowered their price target on Cogeco from C$110.00 to C$105.00 and set a buy rating on the stock in a research report on Monday, April 17th. Get Cogeco alerts: Cogeco Trading Down 0.4 % The company has a market cap of C$790.17 million, a P/E ratio of 5.91, a PEG ratio of -0.28 and a beta of 0.27. The business has a fifty day moving average price of C$55.99 and a 200-day moving average price of C$58.66. The company has a quick ratio of 0.51, a current ratio of 0.72 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 148.82. About Cogeco Cogeco ( TSE:CGO Get Rating ) last issued its quarterly earnings data on Thursday, April 13th. The company reported C$2.15 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter. Cogeco had a return on equity of 13.81% and a net margin of 4.91%. The company had revenue of C$757.19 million during the quarter. On average, analysts forecast that Cogeco Inc. will post 9.7328647 earnings per share for the current year. (Get Rating) Cogeco Inc, through its subsidiaries, operates in the communications and media sectors in Canada and the United States. The company operates in two segments, Communications and Other. The Communications segment provides a range of Internet, video, and telephony services through its two-way broadband fiber networks primarily to residential customers, as well as to small and medium sized businesses under the Cogeco Connexion name in Quebec and Ontario; and Atlantic Broadband brand in the United States. Featured Articles Receive News & Ratings for Cogeco Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Cogeco and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Semler Scientific, Inc. (OTCMKTS:SMLR Get Rating)s stock price passed below its fifty day moving average during trading on Monday . The stock has a fifty day moving average of $26.54 and traded as low as $25.35. Semler Scientific shares last traded at $25.50, with a volume of 52,391 shares trading hands. Semler Scientific Stock Down 4.8 % The company has a market cap of $167.83 million, a P/E ratio of 12.19 and a beta of 0.80. The stocks 50-day moving average price is $26.61 and its 200 day moving average price is $28.20. Get Semler Scientific alerts: Semler Scientific (OTCMKTS:SMLR Get Rating) last released its quarterly earnings results on Tuesday, March 21st. The medical equipment provider reported $0.41 EPS for the quarter. Semler Scientific had a net margin of 26.17% and a return on equity of 28.98%. The company had revenue of $13.79 million for the quarter. Institutional Investors Weigh In On Semler Scientific About Semler Scientific Hedge funds and other institutional investors have recently modified their holdings of the stock. EVR Research LP acquired a new position in Semler Scientific during the 1st quarter valued at $9,912,000. Avalon Investment & Advisory raised its stake in Semler Scientific by 244.0% during the 1st quarter. Avalon Investment & Advisory now owns 157,534 shares of the medical equipment providers stock valued at $7,807,000 after purchasing an additional 111,743 shares during the last quarter. AltraVue Capital LLC raised its stake in Semler Scientific by 33.8% during the 4th quarter. AltraVue Capital LLC now owns 437,277 shares of the medical equipment providers stock valued at $14,430,000 after purchasing an additional 110,580 shares during the last quarter. Cerity Partners LLC raised its stake in Semler Scientific by 15.1% during the 4th quarter. Cerity Partners LLC now owns 701,183 shares of the medical equipment providers stock valued at $23,139,000 after purchasing an additional 92,040 shares during the last quarter. Finally, Nantahala Capital Management LLC raised its stake in Semler Scientific by 27.9% during the 1st quarter. Nantahala Capital Management LLC now owns 356,875 shares of the medical equipment providers stock valued at $17,687,000 after purchasing an additional 77,790 shares during the last quarter. Institutional investors and hedge funds own 58.94% of the companys stock. (Get Rating) Semler Scientific, Inc engages in the provision of technology and software solutions to improve the clinical effectiveness of healthcare providers. Its multi-test service platform, WellChec, comprehensively evaluates its customers patients for chronic disease, including heart attacks and strokes, using its QuantaFlo product as well as other tests. See Also Receive News & Ratings for Semler Scientific Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Semler Scientific and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Jobs Lah portal simplifies and facilitates the recruitment process for employers and job seekers alike. SINGAPORE, June 14, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Info-Tech System Integrators today announced the launch of their newest venture, Jobs Lah, a cutting-edge job portal aiming to provide integrated yet simplified recruitment processes for businesses and job seekers in Singapore. Discover the perfect job, develop In-demand skills, and unlock your potential using Jobs Lah. Bridging the skills gap to ensure effective talent procurement is another ongoing concern. Recruitment processes can be complicated, time-consuming, and expensive. Jobs Lah and other HR systems using AI, data, and people analytics are developing more sustainable corporate and individual practices while being cost-effective in resolving issues. Jobs Lah had harnessed the power of artificial intelligence to create a seamless and intelligent job search experience thereby analyzing the candidates' skills, qualifications, and preferences, and began matching them with relevant job openings. Jobs Lah offers a quick, easy, and convenient recruitment experience that streamlines your hiring procedure. To help job searchers effectively in their search, the portal provides a number of services, such as job alerts, search tools, and a resume generator. Job seekers can also message recruiters directly through the portal. Recruiters benefit immensely from the features such as job description templates offered by Jobs Lah. The portal's smart matching algorithms help employers find the best-suited candidates. Jobs Lah's AI algorithms is like having a smart assistant that finds the most suitable job opportunities for you. Job seekers can apply for positions with our job robot and send direct messages to their recruiters, which makes it simpler for them. The magic of Jobs Lah lies in its ability to understand the unique qualities and aspirations of each candidate. From Converting your job profiles into job postings with a single click you can instantly expose your opportunities to our vast pool of talented job seekers, without spending a dime. Babu Dilip - CEO Babu Dilip, CEO of Jobs Lah, expressed his enthusiasm about the launch: "We are excited to launch Jobs Lah, a new job portal that aims to help both job seekers and employers. For job seekers, it has harnessed the power of artificial intelligence to create a seamless and intelligent job search experience. For employers, the portal offers a cost-effective way to reach a large pool of qualified candidates. We acknowledge that Jobs Lah will be a valuable resource for both job seekers and employers, and we are confident that it will make a positive impact on the job market in Singapore." With over 3 million individuals in Singapore's labor force and over 100,000 jobs available each month, Jobs Lah a streamlined and cost-effective channel for employers to reach a vast talent pool is well-positioned to tap into this growing market and alleviate recruitment challenges. For a limited time, Jobs Lah is offering free job ads for employers who register on the portal. To learn more about Jobs Lah or take advantage of this special offer, visit www.jobslah.com and register for an account today. About Jobs Lah Every career journey starts with recruitment, and finding the right candidate is an ongoing challenge for many HR professionals. The visionary minds behind Info-Tech, an award-winning HR & Accounting solutions provider, knew that they needed to address this pain point for their customers. Hence, they founded Jobs Lah in 2023, a ground-breaking job portal that aims to empower the recruitment process for job seekers and employers alike. For more information, visit www.jobslah.com. (PRNewsfoto/Info-Tech Systems Integrators Pte Ltd) Cision View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/apac/news-releases/dream-jobs-lah-new-info-tech-job-portal-streamlines-recruitment-and-job-seeking-301851525.html SOURCE Info-Tech Systems Integrators Pte Ltd Coppell Advisory Solutions Corp. purchased a new position in shares of iShares iBoxx $ Investment Grade Corporate Bond ETF (NYSEARCA:LQD Get Rating) in the 4th quarter, according to its most recent Form 13F filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission. The institutional investor purchased 31,111 shares of the exchange traded funds stock, valued at approximately $3,280,000. iShares iBoxx $ Investment Grade Corporate Bond ETF makes up approximately 1.1% of Coppell Advisory Solutions Corp.s investment portfolio, making the stock its 12th largest position. Several other large investors have also recently added to or reduced their stakes in LQD. E Fund Management Hong Kong Co. Ltd. purchased a new position in iShares iBoxx $ Investment Grade Corporate Bond ETF in the first quarter valued at about $917,000. Baird Financial Group Inc. increased its holdings in iShares iBoxx $ Investment Grade Corporate Bond ETF by 36.8% in the first quarter. Baird Financial Group Inc. now owns 199,030 shares of the exchange traded funds stock valued at $24,071,000 after buying an additional 53,585 shares in the last quarter. Clearbridge Investments LLC increased its holdings in iShares iBoxx $ Investment Grade Corporate Bond ETF by 19.3% in the first quarter. Clearbridge Investments LLC now owns 35,975 shares of the exchange traded funds stock valued at $4,351,000 after buying an additional 5,827 shares in the last quarter. West Michigan Advisors LLC purchased a new position in iShares iBoxx $ Investment Grade Corporate Bond ETF in the first quarter valued at about $222,000. Finally, Easterly Investment Partners LLC increased its holdings in iShares iBoxx $ Investment Grade Corporate Bond ETF by 20.5% in the first quarter. Easterly Investment Partners LLC now owns 78,338 shares of the exchange traded funds stock valued at $9,474,000 after buying an additional 13,338 shares in the last quarter. 81.51% of the stock is owned by hedge funds and other institutional investors. Get iShares iBoxx $ Investment Grade Corporate Bond ETF alerts: iShares iBoxx $ Investment Grade Corporate Bond ETF Stock Up 0.2 % Shares of iShares iBoxx $ Investment Grade Corporate Bond ETF stock opened at $107.19 on Thursday. The company has a 50-day moving average of $108.10 and a two-hundred day moving average of $108.18. iShares iBoxx $ Investment Grade Corporate Bond ETF has a 12-month low of $98.41 and a 12-month high of $115.07. iShares iBoxx $ Investment Grade Corporate Bond ETF Profile iShares iBoxx $ Investment Grade Corporate Bond ETF (the Fund), formerly iShares iBoxx $ Investment Grade Corporate Bond Fund, is an exchange-traded fund (ETF). The Fund seeks to track the investment results of the Markit iBoxx USD Liquid Investment Grade Index (the Index), which is a rules-based index consisting of liquid, the United States dollar-denominated, investment-grade corporate bonds for sale in the United States. Featured Stories Receive News & Ratings for iShares iBoxx $ Investment Grade Corporate Bond ETF Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for iShares iBoxx $ Investment Grade Corporate Bond ETF and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Equities researchers at StockNews.com started coverage on shares of American Shared Hospital Services (NYSE:AMS Get Rating) in a research note issued on Thursday. The firm set a hold rating on the stock. American Shared Hospital Services Stock Performance About American Shared Hospital Services (Get Rating) American Shared Hospital Services provides radiosurgery and radiation therapy equipment to health care providers. The company offers radiosurgery equipment for the Gamma Knife stereotactic radiosurgery, a non-invasive procedure to treat malignant and benign brain tumors, and arteriovenous malformations, as well as for trigeminal neuralgia. Further Reading Receive News & Ratings for American Shared Hospital Services Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for American Shared Hospital Services and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. StockNews.com initiated coverage on shares of Ampio Pharmaceuticals (NYSEAMERICAN:AMPE Get Rating) in a report published on Sunday. The firm issued a sell rating on the specialty pharmaceutical companys stock. Ampio Pharmaceuticals Stock Performance Shares of NYSEAMERICAN AMPE opened at $0.25 on Friday. The firm has a market capitalization of $3.83 million, a P/E ratio of -0.14 and a beta of 1.48. Ampio Pharmaceuticals has a one year low of $0.18 and a one year high of $3.11. The companys fifty day moving average is $0.25 and its two-hundred day moving average is $0.27. Get Ampio Pharmaceuticals alerts: Ampio Pharmaceuticals (NYSEAMERICAN:AMPE Get Rating) last issued its earnings results on Monday, May 8th. The specialty pharmaceutical company reported ($0.26) earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter. Institutional Inflows and Outflows About Ampio Pharmaceuticals Hedge funds have recently made changes to their positions in the stock. HRT Financial LP grew its stake in Ampio Pharmaceuticals by 1,399.2% in the first quarter. HRT Financial LP now owns 217,052 shares of the specialty pharmaceutical companys stock valued at $50,000 after acquiring an additional 202,574 shares during the period. Bank of Montreal Can acquired a new position in Ampio Pharmaceuticals during the 1st quarter worth about $168,000. Price T Rowe Associates Inc. MD lifted its stake in shares of Ampio Pharmaceuticals by 73.5% in the 2nd quarter. Price T Rowe Associates Inc. MD now owns 394,100 shares of the specialty pharmaceutical companys stock valued at $66,000 after purchasing an additional 166,979 shares during the period. Virtu Financial LLC bought a new stake in Ampio Pharmaceuticals in the 2nd quarter valued at about $72,000. Finally, Two Sigma Advisers LP increased its holdings in Ampio Pharmaceuticals by 304.3% during the 3rd quarter. Two Sigma Advisers LP now owns 432,216 shares of the specialty pharmaceutical companys stock worth $26,000 after purchasing an additional 325,300 shares in the last quarter. Institutional investors and hedge funds own 19.82% of the companys stock. (Get Rating) Ampio Pharmaceuticals, Inc operates as a biopharmaceutical company. The firm engages in the development of therapies to treat prevalent inflammatory conditions. Its product pipeline includes new uses for approved drugs and new molecular entities for important therapeutic areas, including metabolic disease, eye disease, kidney disease, inflammation and sexual dysfunction and CNS disease. Featured Articles Receive News & Ratings for Ampio Pharmaceuticals Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Ampio Pharmaceuticals and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Autoliv (NYSE:ALV Get Rating) was upgraded by equities research analysts at StockNews.com from a hold rating to a buy rating in a research note issued on Wednesday. A number of other equities research analysts also recently weighed in on the stock. Deutsche Bank Aktiengesellschaft reduced their price target on shares of Autoliv from $113.00 to $110.00 in a research note on Monday, April 24th. Bank of America lowered their price target on shares of Autoliv from $130.00 to $127.00 in a report on Wednesday, June 7th. Robert W. Baird lowered their price target on shares of Autoliv from $101.00 to $99.00 in a report on Monday, April 24th. Kepler Capital Markets upgraded shares of Autoliv from a hold rating to a buy rating and set a $105.00 price objective for the company in a research note on Thursday, May 11th. Finally, Barclays lowered their price objective on shares of Autoliv from $100.00 to $95.00 in a research note on Monday, April 24th. One analyst has rated the stock with a sell rating, nine have given a hold rating and seven have given a buy rating to the companys stock. According to data from MarketBeat.com, Autoliv has an average rating of Hold and a consensus target price of $98.54. Get Autoliv alerts: Autoliv Stock Performance NYSE:ALV traded down $2.13 during mid-day trading on Wednesday, reaching $87.27. 1,696,150 shares of the companys stock were exchanged, compared to its average volume of 1,118,888. Autoliv has a one year low of $65.74 and a one year high of $96.49. The firm has a market capitalization of $7.49 billion, a PE ratio of 18.26, a price-to-earnings-growth ratio of 0.63 and a beta of 1.69. The businesss fifty day simple moving average is $86.76 and its two-hundred day simple moving average is $86.22. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.61, a quick ratio of 0.87 and a current ratio of 1.15. Insider Activity Autoliv ( NYSE:ALV Get Rating ) last announced its quarterly earnings data on Friday, April 21st. The auto parts company reported $0.90 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, topping analysts consensus estimates of $0.81 by $0.09. Autoliv had a net margin of 4.51% and a return on equity of 16.30%. The firm had revenue of $2.49 billion for the quarter, compared to the consensus estimate of $2.32 billion. During the same period in the prior year, the company posted $0.45 earnings per share. The businesss revenue for the quarter was up 17.4% on a year-over-year basis. Analysts anticipate that Autoliv will post 6.38 earnings per share for the current fiscal year. In other Autoliv news, Director Jan Carlson sold 2,614 shares of the firms stock in a transaction dated Friday, May 12th. The stock was sold at an average price of $88.98, for a total value of $232,593.72. Following the transaction, the director now directly owns 77,493 shares of the companys stock, valued at $6,895,327.14. The sale was disclosed in a legal filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is available at the SEC website. Corporate insiders own 0.22% of the companys stock. Institutional Trading of Autoliv Institutional investors and hedge funds have recently added to or reduced their stakes in the business. Grey Fox Wealth Advisors LLC bought a new stake in Autoliv during the 1st quarter valued at approximately $28,000. EverSource Wealth Advisors LLC bought a new stake in Autoliv during the 4th quarter valued at approximately $40,000. Signaturefd LLC raised its stake in Autoliv by 52.5% during the 4th quarter. Signaturefd LLC now owns 526 shares of the auto parts companys stock valued at $40,000 after purchasing an additional 181 shares during the period. New York State Common Retirement Fund bought a new stake in Autoliv during the 1st quarter valued at approximately $49,000. Finally, IFP Advisors Inc raised its stake in Autoliv by 102.2% during the 4th quarter. IFP Advisors Inc now owns 548 shares of the auto parts companys stock valued at $93,000 after purchasing an additional 277 shares during the period. Institutional investors own 46.63% of the companys stock. Autoliv Company Profile (Get Rating) Autoliv, Inc engages in the development, manufacture, and supply of automotive safety systems. The firms products include passive safety systems, including modules and components for passenger and driver airbags, side airbags, curtain airbags, seatbelts and steering wheels. It also supplies anti-whiplash systems and pedestrian protection systems. Featured Articles Receive News & Ratings for Autoliv Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Autoliv and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. BANCO DO BRASIL/S (OTCMKTS:BDORY Get Rating) saw a large decrease in short interest during the month of May. As of May 31st, there was short interest totalling 9,800 shares, a decrease of 92.2% from the May 15th total of 125,100 shares. Based on an average daily volume of 187,800 shares, the days-to-cover ratio is currently 0.1 days. Wall Street Analysts Forecast Growth Separately, JPMorgan Chase & Co. raised shares of BANCO DO BRASIL/S from a neutral rating to an overweight rating in a research note on Tuesday, February 14th. Get BANCO DO BRASIL/S alerts: BANCO DO BRASIL/S Trading Up 1.4 % OTCMKTS BDORY traded up $0.14 during trading hours on Wednesday, hitting $10.00. 963,760 shares of the companys stock were exchanged, compared to its average volume of 436,226. The firm has a market cap of $28.65 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 4.97, a PEG ratio of 0.55 and a beta of 0.64. The stock has a 50-day simple moving average of $8.74 and a 200 day simple moving average of $7.78. BANCO DO BRASIL/S has a 1-year low of $5.73 and a 1-year high of $10.60. BANCO DO BRASIL/S Cuts Dividend BANCO DO BRASIL/S Company Profile The business also recently disclosed a dividend, which will be paid on Thursday, June 22nd. Stockholders of record on Monday, June 5th will be paid a $0.0218 dividend. The ex-dividend date is Friday, June 2nd. This represents a dividend yield of 7.49%. (Get Rating) Banco do Brasil SA provides banking products and services for individuals, companies, and public sectors in Brazil and internationally. The company's Banking segment offers various products and services, including deposits, loans, and services to retail, wholesale, and public sector markets, as well as to micro-entrepreneurs and the low income population. See Also Receive News & Ratings for BANCO DO BRASIL/S Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for BANCO DO BRASIL/S and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Oracle (NYSE:ORCL Get Rating) had its price target increased by research analysts at Bank of America from $112.00 to $132.00 in a research report issued on Tuesday, The Fly reports. Bank of Americas price target points to a potential upside of 8.00% from the stocks previous close. ORCL has been the subject of a number of other reports. KeyCorp boosted their target price on shares of Oracle from $105.00 to $120.00 in a research note on Friday, June 9th. Barclays upped their price objective on shares of Oracle from $113.00 to $126.00 in a research note on Tuesday. Evercore ISI upped their price objective on shares of Oracle from $95.00 to $110.00 in a research note on Monday. BMO Capital Markets upped their price objective on shares of Oracle from $95.00 to $96.00 and gave the stock a market perform rating in a research note on Friday, March 10th. Finally, Berenberg Bank upped their price objective on shares of Oracle from $72.00 to $82.50 in a research note on Wednesday, March 8th. Thirteen research analysts have rated the stock with a hold rating and fourteen have assigned a buy rating to the stock. According to data from MarketBeat, the stock presently has an average rating of Moderate Buy and a consensus price target of $115.21. Get Oracle alerts: Oracle Trading Up 4.7 % Shares of ORCL opened at $122.22 on Tuesday. The firm has a market capitalization of $329.97 billion, a P/E ratio of 39.94, a P/E/G ratio of 3.22 and a beta of 1.00. Oracle has a 12-month low of $60.78 and a 12-month high of $123.99. The firm has a fifty day moving average price of $100.08 and a 200-day moving average price of $90.94. Insiders Place Their Bets Oracle ( NYSE:ORCL Get Rating ) last issued its earnings results on Monday, June 12th. The enterprise software provider reported $1.67 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, beating analysts consensus estimates of $1.58 by $0.09. The firm had revenue of $13.84 billion during the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of $13.74 billion. Oracle had a net margin of 17.02% and a negative return on equity of 303.72%. The businesss revenue was up 16.9% on a year-over-year basis. During the same period in the previous year, the firm earned $1.31 earnings per share. Analysts predict that Oracle will post 4.51 earnings per share for the current year. In other Oracle news, CEO Safra Catz sold 1,837,101 shares of the companys stock in a transaction that occurred on Tuesday, April 11th. The stock was sold at an average price of $93.86, for a total value of $172,430,299.86. Following the sale, the chief executive officer now owns 1,118,592 shares in the company, valued at approximately $104,991,045.12. The transaction was disclosed in a legal filing with the SEC, which is available at the SEC website. In other news, CEO Safra Catz sold 1,837,101 shares of the stock in a transaction that occurred on Tuesday, April 11th. The stock was sold at an average price of $93.86, for a total transaction of $172,430,299.86. Following the transaction, the chief executive officer now owns 1,118,592 shares in the company, valued at approximately $104,991,045.12. The sale was disclosed in a legal filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is available at this link. Also, Director Jeffrey Berg sold 45,000 shares of the stock in a transaction that occurred on Monday, April 3rd. The shares were sold at an average price of $93.65, for a total value of $4,214,250.00. Following the transaction, the director now owns 207,409 shares in the company, valued at approximately $19,423,852.85. The disclosure for this sale can be found here. Insiders own 43.70% of the companys stock. Institutional Inflows and Outflows Hedge funds have recently added to or reduced their stakes in the company. BlackRock Inc. raised its holdings in shares of Oracle by 1.4% during the 1st quarter. BlackRock Inc. now owns 117,130,967 shares of the enterprise software providers stock worth $10,883,809,000 after acquiring an additional 1,618,027 shares during the period. State Street Corp raised its holdings in shares of Oracle by 2.6% during the 1st quarter. State Street Corp now owns 62,586,810 shares of the enterprise software providers stock worth $5,815,566,000 after acquiring an additional 1,570,528 shares during the period. Geode Capital Management LLC raised its holdings in shares of Oracle by 0.5% during the 1st quarter. Geode Capital Management LLC now owns 27,753,778 shares of the enterprise software providers stock worth $2,572,592,000 after acquiring an additional 136,383 shares during the period. FMR LLC raised its holdings in shares of Oracle by 12.2% during the 1st quarter. FMR LLC now owns 24,369,890 shares of the enterprise software providers stock worth $2,264,450,000 after acquiring an additional 2,644,377 shares during the period. Finally, Morgan Stanley raised its holdings in shares of Oracle by 9.6% during the 4th quarter. Morgan Stanley now owns 20,502,544 shares of the enterprise software providers stock worth $1,675,878,000 after acquiring an additional 1,794,080 shares during the period. 40.96% of the stock is owned by institutional investors and hedge funds. Oracle Company Profile (Get Rating) Oracle Corp. engages in the provision of products and services that address all aspects of corporate information technology environments. It operates through the following business segments: Cloud and License, Hardware, and Services. The Cloud and License segment markets, sells, and delivers applications, platform, and infrastructure technologies. Featured Stories Receive News & Ratings for Oracle Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Oracle and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. BorgWarner Inc. (NYSE:BWA Get Rating) VP Stefan Demmerle sold 5,000 shares of the stock in a transaction dated Wednesday, June 14th. The stock was sold at an average price of $47.61, for a total transaction of $238,050.00. Following the sale, the vice president now owns 177,614 shares of the companys stock, valued at approximately $8,456,202.54. The sale was disclosed in a filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is accessible through the SEC website. BorgWarner Price Performance BWA stock traded down $0.09 on Thursday, reaching $47.71. The company had a trading volume of 501,009 shares, compared to its average volume of 2,220,758. The companys fifty day moving average is $46.60 and its 200 day moving average is $45.79. The company has a market cap of $11.18 billion, a P/E ratio of 11.69, a PEG ratio of 0.67 and a beta of 1.42. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.54, a quick ratio of 1.16 and a current ratio of 1.59. BorgWarner Inc. has a 1 year low of $31.14 and a 1 year high of $51.14. Get BorgWarner alerts: BorgWarner (NYSE:BWA Get Rating) last issued its quarterly earnings data on Thursday, May 4th. The auto parts company reported $1.09 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, missing the consensus estimate of $1.13 by ($0.04). The company had revenue of $4.18 billion during the quarter, compared to analysts expectations of $4.16 billion. BorgWarner had a net margin of 5.97% and a return on equity of 14.85%. The firms revenue was up 7.9% compared to the same quarter last year. During the same quarter in the prior year, the company earned $1.05 earnings per share. On average, research analysts forecast that BorgWarner Inc. will post 4.96 earnings per share for the current year. BorgWarner Announces Dividend Hedge Funds Weigh In On BorgWarner The company also recently declared a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Thursday, June 15th. Stockholders of record on Thursday, June 1st will be issued a dividend of $0.17 per share. The ex-dividend date of this dividend is Wednesday, May 31st. This represents a $0.68 dividend on an annualized basis and a dividend yield of 1.43%. BorgWarners dividend payout ratio (DPR) is presently 16.63%. Several institutional investors and hedge funds have recently modified their holdings of the company. JPMorgan Chase & Co. boosted its stake in BorgWarner by 25.2% in the 1st quarter. JPMorgan Chase & Co. now owns 371,687 shares of the auto parts companys stock worth $14,458,000 after buying an additional 74,902 shares during the last quarter. Cambridge Investment Research Advisors Inc. grew its holdings in BorgWarner by 86.7% in the first quarter. Cambridge Investment Research Advisors Inc. now owns 22,086 shares of the auto parts companys stock valued at $859,000 after purchasing an additional 10,257 shares during the period. MetLife Investment Management LLC increased its position in BorgWarner by 23.1% during the first quarter. MetLife Investment Management LLC now owns 65,231 shares of the auto parts companys stock worth $2,537,000 after purchasing an additional 12,257 shares during the last quarter. Commonwealth of Pennsylvania Public School Empls Retrmt SYS raised its stake in BorgWarner by 6.6% during the first quarter. Commonwealth of Pennsylvania Public School Empls Retrmt SYS now owns 32,082 shares of the auto parts companys stock worth $1,248,000 after purchasing an additional 1,987 shares during the period. Finally, Yousif Capital Management LLC boosted its holdings in shares of BorgWarner by 1.8% in the 1st quarter. Yousif Capital Management LLC now owns 46,314 shares of the auto parts companys stock valued at $1,802,000 after purchasing an additional 840 shares during the last quarter. Hedge funds and other institutional investors own 91.44% of the companys stock. Analyst Ratings Changes Several brokerages have recently weighed in on BWA. Morgan Stanley upgraded shares of BorgWarner from an equal weight rating to an overweight rating and increased their target price for the stock from $49.00 to $50.00 in a research note on Monday, May 15th. The Goldman Sachs Group raised their price objective on shares of BorgWarner from $45.00 to $51.00 in a research report on Wednesday, June 7th. Barclays reduced their price objective on shares of BorgWarner from $62.00 to $58.00 in a research report on Monday, May 8th. Deutsche Bank Aktiengesellschaft reduced their price objective on shares of BorgWarner from $58.00 to $56.00 in a research report on Friday, May 5th. Finally, Wells Fargo & Company reduced their price objective on shares of BorgWarner from $56.00 to $55.00 and set an overweight rating for the company in a research report on Monday, April 10th. Four research analysts have rated the stock with a hold rating and eight have issued a buy rating to the company. According to data from MarketBeat, the company currently has a consensus rating of Moderate Buy and an average price target of $52.73. BorgWarner Company Profile (Get Rating) BorgWarner, Inc engages in the provision of technology solutions for combustion, hybrid and electric vehicles. It operates through the following segments: Air Management, e-Propulsion & Drivetrain, Fuel Injection, and Aftermarket. The Air Management segment develops and manufactures products to improve fuel economy, reduce emissions and enhance performance. Read More Receive News & Ratings for BorgWarner Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for BorgWarner and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Brilliance China Automotive Holdings Limited (OTCMKTS:BCAUY Get Rating) shares shot up 2.2% on Wednesday . The stock traded as high as $4.80 and last traded at $4.60. 2,100 shares traded hands during mid-day trading, a decline of 64% from the average session volume of 5,787 shares. The stock had previously closed at $4.50. Brilliance China Automotive Price Performance The firms 50-day moving average price is $4.60 and its two-hundred day moving average price is $4.60. Brilliance China Automotive Company Profile (Get Rating) Brilliance China Automotive Holdings Limited, an investment holding company, manufactures and sells BMW vehicles and automotive components in the People's Republic of China and internationally. The company offers minibuses under the JinBei, Renault, Haise, Grand Haise, and Granse brands, as well as multi-purpose vehicles under the Huasong brand. Recommended Stories Receive News & Ratings for Brilliance China Automotive Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Brilliance China Automotive and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. British Land Company Plc (OTCMKTS:BTLCY Get Rating) was the recipient of a significant decline in short interest during the month of May. As of May 31st, there was short interest totalling 2,700 shares, a decline of 90.8% from the May 15th total of 29,500 shares. Based on an average daily volume of 181,400 shares, the days-to-cover ratio is currently 0.0 days. Wall Street Analyst Weigh In BTLCY has been the subject of several research reports. Royal Bank of Canada reduced their price objective on British Land from GBX 355 ($4.44) to GBX 325 ($4.07) in a report on Friday, June 9th. The Goldman Sachs Group cut British Land from a neutral rating to a sell rating in a report on Tuesday, March 21st. Three analysts have rated the stock with a sell rating, one has given a hold rating and three have issued a buy rating to the companys stock. Based on data from MarketBeat.com, British Land currently has an average rating of Hold and an average price target of $456.67. Get British Land alerts: British Land Stock Performance Shares of OTCMKTS BTLCY traded down $0.01 during trading on Wednesday, reaching $4.19. The company had a trading volume of 62,283 shares, compared to its average volume of 64,266. British Land has a twelve month low of $3.54 and a twelve month high of $6.39. The stock has a 50-day moving average price of $4.67 and a two-hundred day moving average price of $5.00. About British Land Our portfolio of high quality UK commercial property is focused on London Campuses and Retail & London Urban Logistics assets throughout the UK. We own or manage a portfolio valued at 13.0bn (British Land share: 8.9bn) as at 31 March 2023 making us one of Europe's largest listed real estate investment companies. Further Reading Receive News & Ratings for British Land Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for British Land and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Shares of Hewlett Packard Enterprise (NYSE:HPE Get Rating) have received an average rating of Hold from the fifteen ratings firms that are presently covering the stock, Marketbeat.com reports. One research analyst has rated the stock with a sell recommendation, four have issued a hold recommendation and four have assigned a buy recommendation to the company. The average 12 month price target among brokerages that have covered the stock in the last year is $16.62. A number of research analysts recently issued reports on HPE shares. The Goldman Sachs Group started coverage on Hewlett Packard Enterprise in a research report on Monday, March 20th. They set a neutral rating and a $15.00 price objective for the company. Citigroup boosted their price target on Hewlett Packard Enterprise from $13.00 to $14.00 in a research report on Friday, March 3rd. StockNews.com upgraded Hewlett Packard Enterprise from a hold rating to a buy rating in a research report on Tuesday, May 23rd. Deutsche Bank Aktiengesellschaft reduced their price target on Hewlett Packard Enterprise from $16.00 to $15.00 in a research report on Wednesday, May 31st. Finally, Bank of America boosted their price target on Hewlett Packard Enterprise from $16.00 to $17.00 and gave the stock a neutral rating in a research report on Monday, April 17th. Get Hewlett Packard Enterprise alerts: Insider Transactions at Hewlett Packard Enterprise In other news, EVP John F. Schultz sold 226,078 shares of the businesss stock in a transaction on Monday, June 12th. The stock was sold at an average price of $16.01, for a total transaction of $3,619,508.78. Following the sale, the executive vice president now directly owns 224,491 shares of the companys stock, valued at $3,594,100.91. The sale was disclosed in a legal filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which can be accessed through the SEC website. In related news, CFO Tarek Robbiati sold 159,180 shares of the companys stock in a transaction on Monday, June 12th. The stock was sold at an average price of $16.01, for a total transaction of $2,548,471.80. Following the transaction, the chief financial officer now directly owns 159,073 shares of the companys stock, valued at $2,546,758.73. The transaction was disclosed in a legal filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which can be accessed through this link. Also, EVP John F. Schultz sold 226,078 shares of the companys stock in a transaction on Monday, June 12th. The shares were sold at an average price of $16.01, for a total value of $3,619,508.78. Following the transaction, the executive vice president now directly owns 224,491 shares in the company, valued at $3,594,100.91. The disclosure for this sale can be found here. Insiders have sold 418,675 shares of company stock valued at $6,702,653 over the last three months. Company insiders own 0.53% of the companys stock. Institutional Inflows and Outflows Hewlett Packard Enterprise Trading Up 1.7 % Several large investors have recently bought and sold shares of the business. State Board of Administration of Florida Retirement System raised its position in Hewlett Packard Enterprise by 0.3% during the first quarter. State Board of Administration of Florida Retirement System now owns 1,524,217 shares of the technology companys stock valued at $24,281,000 after buying an additional 4,500 shares during the period. Atria Wealth Solutions Inc. acquired a new position in Hewlett Packard Enterprise during the first quarter valued at $229,000. EP Wealth Advisors LLC acquired a new position in Hewlett Packard Enterprise during the first quarter valued at $53,072,000. Prelude Capital Management LLC acquired a new position in Hewlett Packard Enterprise during the first quarter valued at $249,000. Finally, Alterna Wealth Management Inc. acquired a new position in Hewlett Packard Enterprise during the first quarter valued at $214,000. 81.36% of the stock is owned by institutional investors and hedge funds. NYSE:HPE opened at $16.81 on Friday. Hewlett Packard Enterprise has a 12-month low of $11.90 and a 12-month high of $17.25. The firm has a market capitalization of $21.71 billion, a P/E ratio of 21.55, a P/E/G ratio of 2.50 and a beta of 1.23. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.41, a current ratio of 0.87 and a quick ratio of 0.65. The business has a 50 day simple moving average of $14.92 and a 200 day simple moving average of $15.50. Hewlett Packard Enterprise (NYSE:HPE Get Rating) last released its quarterly earnings data on Tuesday, May 30th. The technology company reported $0.52 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, beating analysts consensus estimates of $0.49 by $0.03. Hewlett Packard Enterprise had a return on equity of 5.05% and a net margin of 3.46%. The business had revenue of $6.97 billion during the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of $7.30 billion. During the same quarter in the previous year, the firm posted $0.19 EPS. The businesss revenue for the quarter was up 3.9% compared to the same quarter last year. Equities research analysts predict that Hewlett Packard Enterprise will post 1.34 EPS for the current year. Hewlett Packard Enterprise Dividend Announcement The business also recently announced a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Friday, July 14th. Stockholders of record on Thursday, June 15th will be given a dividend of $0.12 per share. This represents a $0.48 dividend on an annualized basis and a dividend yield of 2.86%. The ex-dividend date is Wednesday, June 14th. Hewlett Packard Enterprises dividend payout ratio (DPR) is presently 61.54%. Hewlett Packard Enterprise Company Profile (Get Rating) Hewlett Packard Enterprise Company provides solutions that allow customers to capture, analyze, and act upon data seamlessly in the Americas, Europe, the Middle East, Africa, the Asia Pacific, and Japan. It operates in six segments: Compute, HPC & AI, Storage, Intelligent Edge, Financial Services, and Corporate Investments and Other. Recommended Stories Receive News & Ratings for Hewlett Packard Enterprise Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Hewlett Packard Enterprise and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Popular decentralized exchange (DEX), Uniswap, launched its fourth version this week, which brings with it a series of new features and customizability. It also brought, however, the wrath of the open source Ethereum community. The reason? The license they are using for v4. Lefteris Karapetsas spoke to Decrypt about the controversy. He is an Ethereum developer, and founder of rotki, a portfolio tracker that protects users privacy. Uniswap decided to go with a Business Source License (BSL), continuing what they did with v3 he said, adding that hes not happy with the decision. Karapetsas added the reason is they dont understand open source and they believe their moat is their code which is wrong. Uniswap Update Means 'The Possibilities Are Pretty Endless,' Says Developer Released as a Business Source License 1.1, this type of license means the code is publicly available and is allowed to be copied, modified or redistributed. It does have a limitation, however. It cannot be used for commercial or production purposes for up to four years, at which point it will convert to a General Purpose License (GPL) in perpetuity. There are five licenses that typically come up on truly free open source projects: Permissive, the Berkeley Software Distribution (BSD) license, the Massachusetts Institute (MIT) license, the Apache license, and Copyleft. Inventor of Total Value Locked (TVL), Scott Lewis pointed out that while Uniswap claims they open sourced v4, its actually a 4-year proprietary license. If anyone else misrepresented the truth like this they would be torn to shreds," he said on Twitter. "Thats the power of being powerful. Uniswap Labs claim: we open sourced v4 Uniswap Labs reality: Four Year Proprietary License. (BSL) if anyone else misrepresented the truth like this they would be torn to shreds. Thats the power of being powerful. pic.twitter.com/IhqHsJmHEw scott (@scott_lew_is) June 13, 2023 Uniswap creator Hayden Adams and the protocol's team jumped on a YouTube livestream to discuss the controversy. Lead engineer Noah Zinsmeister thinks four years isnt a very long time, and that [the BSL license] strikes a reasonable balance between incentivizing innovation and giving exclusive rights to the protocol, which has precedents in 'normal' settings as well. Business source license is a tax on innovation, tweeted Gabriel Shapiro, general counsel at Delphi Labs, a Web3 research and development platform. He also pointed out that anyone who's looked at BSL code even once, and then later codes something similar, is at a risk of catching a copyright claim. The licenses used in the space are, according to Shapiro, difficult to navigate. It would be hard to find a team of devs who are both capable of coding a new AMM from scratch and have never looked at Uniswap v4 code he tweeted. simply put, it would be hard to find a team of devs who are both capable of coding a new AMM from scratch *and* have never looked Uniswap v4 code this doesn't mean they infringed, but that's not enough--they need to be able to *prove* they did not infringe, which will be hard _gabrielShapir0 (@lex_node) June 14, 2023 Uniswaps latest version introduces a new kind of smart contract called hooks, which allow developers to expand upon already existing liquidity pools. Lead smart contract engineer for the project, Sara Reynolds, told Decrypt the level of innovation that hooks brings makes it kind of limitless in terms of customizability. Many in the open source community think the marketing language used upon launch is misleading. You cant call something open source when its not, said Lefteris. He was the first to call bull on Uniswap on Twitter after v4 was announced. Please use the proper terminology as this is insulting to projects actually building open source software, he wrote. Guggenheim upgraded shares of CenterPoint Energy (NYSE:CNP Get Rating) from a neutral rating to a buy rating in a research note issued to investors on Monday morning, The Fly reports. Guggenheim currently has $32.00 price objective on the utilities providers stock. Several other equities analysts also recently issued reports on the stock. Bank of America boosted their price target on shares of CenterPoint Energy from $30.00 to $35.00 and gave the company a buy rating in a report on Friday, April 14th. Morgan Stanley upped their price objective on shares of CenterPoint Energy from $28.00 to $30.00 and gave the stock an overweight rating in a report on Thursday, April 20th. UBS Group downgraded shares of CenterPoint Energy from a buy rating to a neutral rating and reduced their price objective for the stock from $33.00 to $30.00 in a report on Tuesday, June 6th. They noted that the move was a valuation call. Royal Bank of Canada reaffirmed an outperform rating and issued a $33.00 price objective on shares of CenterPoint Energy in a report on Monday, March 6th. Finally, StockNews.com downgraded shares of CenterPoint Energy from a hold rating to a sell rating in a report on Sunday. One analyst has rated the stock with a sell rating, one has given a hold rating and seven have assigned a buy rating to the companys stock. Based on data from MarketBeat, the stock has an average rating of Moderate Buy and an average target price of $32.44. Get CenterPoint Energy alerts: CenterPoint Energy Price Performance CNP opened at $29.03 on Monday. The companys 50 day simple moving average is $29.65 and its 200 day simple moving average is $29.63. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 1.65, a quick ratio of 0.75 and a current ratio of 1.00. CenterPoint Energy has a 1 year low of $25.03 and a 1 year high of $33.50. The stock has a market capitalization of $18.32 billion, a PE ratio of 23.04, a P/E/G ratio of 2.62 and a beta of 0.88. CenterPoint Energy Dividend Announcement CenterPoint Energy ( NYSE:CNP Get Rating ) last posted its quarterly earnings results on Thursday, April 27th. The utilities provider reported $0.50 EPS for the quarter, beating the consensus estimate of $0.48 by $0.02. The firm had revenue of $2.78 billion for the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of $2.79 billion. CenterPoint Energy had a net margin of 8.99% and a return on equity of 9.97%. During the same quarter last year, the firm posted $0.47 earnings per share. As a group, sell-side analysts expect that CenterPoint Energy will post 1.49 EPS for the current year. The firm also recently announced a quarterly dividend, which was paid on Thursday, June 8th. Investors of record on Thursday, May 18th were issued a dividend of $0.19 per share. This represents a $0.76 dividend on an annualized basis and a dividend yield of 2.62%. The ex-dividend date was Wednesday, May 17th. CenterPoint Energys payout ratio is presently 60.32%. Insider Buying and Selling at CenterPoint Energy In related news, Director Barry T. Smitherman sold 5,000 shares of the companys stock in a transaction on Monday, May 8th. The stock was sold at an average price of $30.51, for a total transaction of $152,550.00. Following the completion of the sale, the director now directly owns 21,075 shares in the company, valued at approximately $642,998.25. The sale was disclosed in a filing with the SEC, which is available through this link. In other news, Director Ted Pound sold 2,770 shares of the firms stock in a transaction that occurred on Friday, May 5th. The stock was sold at an average price of $30.50, for a total value of $84,485.00. Following the transaction, the director now owns 46,541 shares in the company, valued at $1,419,500.50. The transaction was disclosed in a filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which can be accessed through the SEC website. Also, Director Barry T. Smitherman sold 5,000 shares of CenterPoint Energy stock in a transaction on Monday, May 8th. The stock was sold at an average price of $30.51, for a total value of $152,550.00. Following the sale, the director now owns 21,075 shares in the company, valued at $642,998.25. The disclosure for this sale can be found here. Insiders own 0.18% of the companys stock. Hedge Funds Weigh In On CenterPoint Energy Several hedge funds have recently made changes to their positions in the stock. Securian Asset Management Inc. boosted its holdings in shares of CenterPoint Energy by 0.7% in the 4th quarter. Securian Asset Management Inc. now owns 51,689 shares of the utilities providers stock worth $1,550,000 after purchasing an additional 376 shares in the last quarter. JPMorgan Chase & Co. lifted its stake in shares of CenterPoint Energy by 6.5% in the 4th quarter. JPMorgan Chase & Co. now owns 10,517,147 shares of the utilities providers stock valued at $315,409,000 after acquiring an additional 639,223 shares during the last quarter. ING Groep NV bought a new stake in shares of CenterPoint Energy in the 4th quarter valued at about $285,000. UBS Asset Management Americas Inc. lifted its stake in shares of CenterPoint Energy by 12.9% in the 3rd quarter. UBS Asset Management Americas Inc. now owns 2,788,024 shares of the utilities providers stock valued at $78,567,000 after acquiring an additional 318,562 shares during the last quarter. Finally, Simmons Bank bought a new stake in shares of CenterPoint Energy in the 4th quarter valued at about $212,000. 90.28% of the stock is currently owned by hedge funds and other institutional investors. CenterPoint Energy Company Profile (Get Rating) CenterPoint Energy, Inc is a holding company, which engages in the business of power generation and distribution. It operates through the following segments: CenterPoint Energy, Houston Electric, and CERC. The CenterPoint Energy segment consists of electric transmission and distribution services in the Texas gulf coast area in the ERCOT region and electric transmission and distribution services primarily to southwestern Indiana and includes power generation and wholesale power operations in the MISO region. Recommended Stories Receive News & Ratings for CenterPoint Energy Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for CenterPoint Energy and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Centurion Wealth Management LLC purchased a new stake in Vanguard FTSE Emerging Markets ETF (NYSEARCA:VWO Get Rating) during the 4th quarter, according to the company in its most recent filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission. The firm purchased 7,356 shares of the exchange traded funds stock, valued at approximately $287,000. Several other hedge funds and other institutional investors also recently modified their holdings of VWO. Moneta Group Investment Advisors LLC lifted its holdings in Vanguard FTSE Emerging Markets ETF by 108,287.1% during the 4th quarter. Moneta Group Investment Advisors LLC now owns 296,468,035 shares of the exchange traded funds stock worth $11,556,324,000 after buying an additional 296,194,508 shares during the period. Bank of America Corp DE lifted its holdings in Vanguard FTSE Emerging Markets ETF by 1.0% during the 4th quarter. Bank of America Corp DE now owns 75,901,915 shares of the exchange traded funds stock worth $2,958,657,000 after buying an additional 744,035 shares during the period. Betterment LLC lifted its holdings in Vanguard FTSE Emerging Markets ETF by 8.5% during the 4th quarter. Betterment LLC now owns 71,776,690 shares of the exchange traded funds stock worth $2,797,855,000 after buying an additional 5,650,398 shares during the period. Vanguard Group Inc. lifted its holdings in Vanguard FTSE Emerging Markets ETF by 1.8% during the 3rd quarter. Vanguard Group Inc. now owns 57,103,884 shares of the exchange traded funds stock worth $2,083,721,000 after buying an additional 1,023,733 shares during the period. Finally, Northwestern Mutual Wealth Management Co. lifted its holdings in Vanguard FTSE Emerging Markets ETF by 7.5% during the 4th quarter. Northwestern Mutual Wealth Management Co. now owns 55,758,981 shares of the exchange traded funds stock worth $2,173,478,000 after buying an additional 3,909,063 shares during the period. Get Vanguard FTSE Emerging Markets ETF alerts: Vanguard FTSE Emerging Markets ETF Stock Up 0.6 % VWO traded up $0.25 during midday trading on Thursday, hitting $41.94. 4,752,481 shares of the company were exchanged, compared to its average volume of 10,811,131. The firm has a market capitalization of $74.65 billion, a P/E ratio of 10.00 and a beta of 0.69. Vanguard FTSE Emerging Markets ETF has a 1-year low of $34.88 and a 1-year high of $43.22. The firms 50 day moving average price is $40.19 and its 200-day moving average price is $40.35. Vanguard FTSE Emerging Markets ETF Company Profile The Fund seeks to track the performance of the FTSE Emerging Markets All Cap China A Inclusion Index, that measures the return of stocks issued by companies located in emerging market countries. Featured Articles Receive News & Ratings for Vanguard FTSE Emerging Markets ETF Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Vanguard FTSE Emerging Markets ETF and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Chesapeake Wealth Management cut its holdings in iShares Russell 2000 ETF (NYSEARCA:IWM Get Rating) by 5.6% during the 4th quarter, according to its most recent 13F filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission. The institutional investor owned 15,541 shares of the exchange traded funds stock after selling 924 shares during the quarter. iShares Russell 2000 ETF accounts for approximately 1.2% of Chesapeake Wealth Managements holdings, making the stock its 23rd largest position. Chesapeake Wealth Managements holdings in iShares Russell 2000 ETF were worth $2,710,000 at the end of the most recent quarter. Several other hedge funds and other institutional investors have also added to or reduced their stakes in the business. Moneta Group Investment Advisors LLC lifted its holdings in shares of iShares Russell 2000 ETF by 113,180.6% during the 4th quarter. Moneta Group Investment Advisors LLC now owns 334,806,395 shares of the exchange traded funds stock valued at $58,376,843,000 after buying an additional 334,510,840 shares during the period. Healthcare of Ontario Pension Plan Trust Fund lifted its holdings in shares of iShares Russell 2000 ETF by 8.9% during the 3rd quarter. Healthcare of Ontario Pension Plan Trust Fund now owns 14,581,100 shares of the exchange traded funds stock valued at $2,404,715,000 after buying an additional 1,192,100 shares during the period. Personal Capital Advisors Corp lifted its holdings in shares of iShares Russell 2000 ETF by 5.7% during the 4th quarter. Personal Capital Advisors Corp now owns 6,625,963 shares of the exchange traded funds stock valued at $1,155,303,000 after buying an additional 358,325 shares during the period. Northern Trust Corp lifted its holdings in shares of iShares Russell 2000 ETF by 1.0% during the 1st quarter. Northern Trust Corp now owns 4,019,321 shares of the exchange traded funds stock valued at $825,046,000 after buying an additional 39,661 shares during the period. Finally, M&T Bank Corp lifted its holdings in shares of iShares Russell 2000 ETF by 1.2% during the 3rd quarter. M&T Bank Corp now owns 3,009,440 shares of the exchange traded funds stock valued at $496,316,000 after buying an additional 36,857 shares during the period. Get iShares Russell 2000 ETF alerts: iShares Russell 2000 ETF Price Performance Shares of NYSEARCA IWM traded up $0.36 during midday trading on Thursday, hitting $186.27. 12,870,566 shares of the stock traded hands, compared to its average volume of 29,385,211. The firm has a 50-day moving average of $176.94 and a two-hundred day moving average of $180.43. iShares Russell 2000 ETF has a one year low of $162.50 and a one year high of $201.99. About iShares Russell 2000 ETF 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. Featured Stories 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. China Construction Bank Co. (OTCMKTS:CICHY Get Rating) was the recipient of a large decline in short interest during the month of May. As of May 31st, there was short interest totalling 8,100 shares, a decline of 91.5% from the May 15th total of 94,800 shares. Based on an average trading volume of 167,100 shares, the days-to-cover ratio is presently 0.0 days. China Construction Bank Trading Down 0.9 % Shares of OTCMKTS CICHY traded down $0.11 during mid-day trading on Wednesday, reaching $12.82. 25,277 shares of the companys stock were exchanged, compared to its average volume of 90,812. China Construction Bank has a 52 week low of $10.31 and a 52 week high of $14.74. The firm has a 50-day moving average price of $13.29 and a two-hundred day moving average price of $12.82. Get China Construction Bank alerts: China Construction Bank Company Profile (Get Rating) Featured Articles China Construction Bank Corporation provides various banking and related financial services to individuals and corporate customers in the People's Republic of China and internationally. It operates through Corporate Banking, Personal Banking, Treasury Business, and Others segments. The company accepts various deposits, such as foreign currency, all in one accounts, RMB, corporate term and notification, and corporate demand deposits, as well corporate deposits by agreement. Receive News & Ratings for China Construction Bank Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for China Construction Bank and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Community Bancorp (OTCMKTS:CMTV Get Rating)s share price crossed below its 50-day moving average during trading on Tuesday . The stock has a 50-day moving average of $18.55 and traded as low as $18.25. Community Bancorp shares last traded at $18.50, with a volume of 3,220 shares traded. Community Bancorp Price Performance The companys 50-day moving average is $18.53 and its 200-day moving average is $19.40. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.16, a quick ratio of 0.84 and a current ratio of 0.84. About Community Bancorp (Get Rating) Community Bancorp. operates as the bank holding company for Community National Bank that provides financial services to individuals, businesses, nonprofit organizations, and municipalities in northern and central Vermont. It offers financing for commercial business properties, equipment, inventories, and accounts receivable, as well as standby letters of credit; and business checking and other deposit accounts, cash management services, repurchase agreements, ACH and wire transfer services, card processing, and remote deposit capture. Further Reading Receive News & Ratings for Community Bancorp Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Community Bancorp and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. SJW Group (NYSE:SJW Get Rating) and Severn Trent (OTCMKTS:SVTRF Get Rating) are both utilities companies, but which is the superior investment? We will contrast the two companies based on the strength of their profitability, dividends, risk, earnings, institutional ownership, analyst recommendations and valuation. Analyst Ratings This is a summary of current ratings and recommmendations for SJW Group and Severn Trent, as reported by MarketBeat. Get SJW Group alerts: Sell Ratings Hold Ratings Buy Ratings Strong Buy Ratings Rating Score SJW Group 1 5 0 0 1.83 Severn Trent 0 2 0 0 2.00 SJW Group presently has a consensus price target of $77.60, suggesting a potential upside of 7.40%. Given SJW Groups higher possible upside, equities analysts plainly believe SJW Group is more favorable than Severn Trent. Dividends Valuation and Earnings SJW Group pays an annual dividend of $1.52 per share and has a dividend yield of 2.1%. Severn Trent pays an annual dividend of $0.80 per share and has a dividend yield of 2.4%. SJW Group pays out 57.1% of its earnings in the form of a dividend. Severn Trent pays out 98.1% of its earnings in the form of a dividend, suggesting it may not have sufficient earnings to cover its dividend payment in the future. SJW Group has increased its dividend for 56 consecutive years. This table compares SJW Group and Severn Trents revenue, earnings per share (EPS) and valuation. Gross Revenue Price/Sales Ratio Net Income Earnings Per Share Price/Earnings Ratio SJW Group $620.70 million 3.66 $73.83 million $2.66 27.20 Severn Trent N/A N/A N/A $0.82 40.57 SJW Group has higher revenue and earnings than Severn Trent. SJW Group is trading at a lower price-to-earnings ratio than Severn Trent, indicating that it is currently the more affordable of the two stocks. Profitability This table compares SJW Group and Severn Trents net margins, return on equity and return on assets. Net Margins Return on Equity Return on Assets SJW Group 12.88% 7.57% 2.28% Severn Trent N/A N/A N/A Institutional & Insider Ownership 72.1% of SJW Group shares are held by institutional investors. Comparatively, 37.3% of Severn Trent shares are held by institutional investors. 0.6% of SJW Group shares are held by company insiders. Strong institutional ownership is an indication that hedge funds, endowments and large money managers believe a company will outperform the market over the long term. Summary SJW Group beats Severn Trent on 10 of the 13 factors compared between the two stocks. About SJW Group (Get Rating) SJW Group, through its subsidiaries, provides water utility services in the United States. It operates in two segments, Water Utility Services and Real Estate Services. It engages in the production, purchase, storage, purification, distribution, wholesale, and retail sale of water and wastewater services. The company also provides non-tariffed services, including water system operations, maintenance agreements, and antenna site leases; contracted services and sewer operations to water utilities; and a Linebacker protection plan for public drinking water customers in Connecticut and Maine. Its water supply consists of groundwater from wells, surface water from watershed run-off and diversion, reclaimed water, and imported water purchased from the Santa Clara Valley Water District. The company offers water service to approximately 232,000 connections that serve approximately one million people residing in portions of the cities of San Jose and Cupertino, as well as in the cities of Campbell, Monte Sereno, Saratoga, and the Town of Los Gatos; and adjacent unincorporated territories in the County of Santa Clara in the State of California. In addition, it provides water service to approximately 141,000 service connections, which serve approximately 459,000 people in 81 municipalities with a service area of approximately 270 square miles throughout Connecticut and Maine, as well as approximately 26,000 service connections that serve approximately 77,000 people in a service area comprising approximately 268 square miles in the region between San Antonio and Austin, Texas; and approximately 3,000 wastewater connections in Southbury, Connecticut. Further, the company owns undeveloped land in California and Tennessee; and owns and operates commercial buildings and warehouse properties in Tennessee. The company was formerly known as SJW Corp. and changed its name to SJW Group in November 2016. SJW Group was incorporated in 1985 and is headquartered in San Jose, California. About Severn Trent (Get Rating) Severn Trent PLC operates as a water and sewerage company in England and Wales. It operates in two segments, Regulated Water and Waste Water, and Business Services. The Regulated Water and Waste Water segment offers water and waste water services to approximately 4.8 million households and businesses in the Midlands and Wales. The Business Services segment generates renewable energy from anaerobic digestion, hydropower, wind turbines, and solar technology; manages and sells land; and offers search services. It also provides contract services to municipal and industrial clients in the United Kingdom; and the United Kingdom Ministry of Defense for design, build, and operation of water and waste water treatment facilities and networks, as well as services to developers. The company was founded in 1974 and is headquartered in Coventry, the United Kingdom. Receive News & Ratings for SJW Group Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for SJW Group and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Crawford & Company (NYSE:CRD-A Get Rating)s stock price traded up 0.3% during mid-day trading on Tuesday . The stock traded as high as $10.20 and last traded at $10.15. 109,076 shares changed hands during mid-day trading, The stock had previously closed at $10.12. Crawford & Company Trading Down 0.6 % The companys 50-day simple moving average is $9.45 and its 200-day simple moving average is $7.43. About Crawford & Company (Get Rating) Crawford & Company provides claims management and outsourcing solutions for carriers, brokers, and corporations in the United States, the United Kingdom, Europe, Canada, Australia, and internationally. The company's Crawford Loss Adjusting provides claims management services to insurance companies and self-insured entities risk including property, public liability, automobile, and marine insurances. Further Reading Receive News & Ratings for Crawford & Company Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Crawford & Company and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Danone S.A. (OTCMKTS:DANOY Get Rating) was the recipient of a significant decrease in short interest in May. As of May 31st, there was short interest totalling 62,400 shares, a decrease of 78.6% from the May 15th total of 291,600 shares. Based on an average trading volume of 444,900 shares, the days-to-cover ratio is presently 0.1 days. Danone Trading Up 0.3 % Shares of DANOY traded up $0.03 during mid-day trading on Wednesday, hitting $11.68. 195,250 shares of the company traded hands, compared to its average volume of 322,222. Danone has a 1-year low of $9.05 and a 1-year high of $13.48. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.60, a quick ratio of 0.79 and a current ratio of 1.00. The business has a 50 day moving average of $12.67 and a 200 day moving average of $11.66. Get Danone alerts: Danone Increases Dividend The business also recently disclosed a dividend, which was paid on Thursday, June 1st. Stockholders of record on Monday, May 8th were issued a dividend of $0.3418 per share. The ex-dividend date of this dividend was Friday, May 5th. This represents a dividend yield of 2.6%. This is an increase from Danones previous dividend of $0.33. About Danone Danone SA engages in the food processing industry. It operates through the following geographical segments: Europe; North America; China, North Asia & Oceania; and Rest of the World. The company was founded on February 2, 1899 and is headquartered in Paris, France. Further Reading Receive News & Ratings for Danone Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Danone and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. DGS Capital Management LLC reduced its stake in Infosys Limited (NYSE:INFY Get Rating) by 5.1% during the 4th quarter, according to its most recent 13F filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission. The institutional investor owned 45,368 shares of the technology companys stock after selling 2,446 shares during the quarter. DGS Capital Management LLCs holdings in Infosys were worth $817,000 as of its most recent SEC filing. Several other institutional investors have also added to or reduced their stakes in the stock. Robeco Institutional Asset Management B.V. bought a new stake in Infosys during the 4th quarter worth about $202,987,000. First Trust Advisors LP lifted its position in Infosys by 69.4% during the 3rd quarter. First Trust Advisors LP now owns 23,292,667 shares of the technology companys stock worth $395,276,000 after buying an additional 9,539,373 shares in the last quarter. State Street Corp lifted its position in Infosys by 34.6% during the 1st quarter. State Street Corp now owns 19,989,499 shares of the technology companys stock worth $497,539,000 after buying an additional 5,143,124 shares in the last quarter. Healthcare of Ontario Pension Plan Trust Fund lifted its position in Infosys by 120.3% during the 3rd quarter. Healthcare of Ontario Pension Plan Trust Fund now owns 6,886,100 shares of the technology companys stock worth $116,857,000 after buying an additional 3,760,600 shares in the last quarter. Finally, International Assets Investment Management LLC bought a new stake in Infosys during the 4th quarter worth about $4,324,000. 12.68% of the stock is owned by institutional investors. Get Infosys alerts: Infosys Stock Performance Shares of Infosys stock traded down $0.05 on Thursday, reaching $15.51. 1,650,021 shares of the stock were exchanged, compared to its average volume of 9,680,628. The firms 50 day moving average is $15.57 and its 200-day moving average is $17.37. Infosys Limited has a one year low of $14.71 and a one year high of $20.60. The firm has a market cap of $64.16 billion, a PE ratio of 21.93, a P/E/G ratio of 2.09 and a beta of 0.99. Infosys Increases Dividend Infosys ( NYSE:INFY Get Rating ) last issued its quarterly earnings results on Thursday, April 13th. The technology company reported $0.18 earnings per share for the quarter, missing analysts consensus estimates of $0.19 by ($0.01). The firm had revenue of $4.55 billion for the quarter, compared to the consensus estimate of $4.73 billion. Infosys had a return on equity of 31.78% and a net margin of 16.37%. During the same period last year, the company posted $0.18 EPS. On average, equities research analysts expect that Infosys Limited will post 0.76 EPS for the current fiscal year. The business also recently disclosed a semi-annual dividend, which will be paid on Monday, July 3rd. Investors of record on Friday, June 2nd will be paid a $0.2134 dividend. This is an increase from Infosyss previous semi-annual dividend of $0.17. The ex-dividend date of this dividend is Thursday, June 1st. This represents a yield of 1.5%. Infosyss dividend payout ratio is presently 50.70%. Wall Street Analyst Weigh In Several research analysts have recently weighed in on the stock. Citigroup lowered shares of Infosys from a buy rating to a neutral rating in a research note on Thursday, April 13th. Nomura lowered shares of Infosys from a buy rating to a neutral rating in a research note on Thursday, April 13th. StockNews.com assumed coverage on shares of Infosys in a research note on Thursday, May 18th. They set a hold rating on the stock. JPMorgan Chase & Co. assumed coverage on shares of Infosys in a research note on Tuesday, May 23rd. They issued an underweight rating and a $14.00 price target on the stock. Finally, BMO Capital Markets decreased their price target on shares of Infosys from $21.00 to $18.00 and set a market perform rating on the stock in a research note on Friday, April 14th. Two research analysts have rated the stock with a sell rating, ten have assigned a hold rating and two have assigned a buy rating to the companys stock. Based on data from MarketBeat.com, the stock has a consensus rating of Hold and a consensus target price of $18.57. Infosys Profile (Get Rating) Infosys Limited, together with its subsidiaries, provides consulting, technology, outsourcing, and next-generation digital services in North America, Europe, India, and internationally. It provides application management and application development services, independent validation solutions, product engineering and management, infrastructure management services, traditional enterprise application implementation, support, and integration services. Further Reading Want to see what other hedge funds are holding INFY? Visit HoldingsChannel.com to get the latest 13F filings and insider trades for Infosys Limited (NYSE:INFY Get Rating). Receive News & Ratings for Infosys Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Infosys and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Lennar Co. (NYSE:LEN Get Rating) Seaport Res Ptn issued their FY2024 EPS estimates for shares of Lennar in a note issued to investors on Wednesday, June 14th. Seaport Res Ptn analyst K. Zener expects that the construction company will post earnings of $9.94 per share for the year. Seaport Res Ptn has a Buy rating on the stock. The consensus estimate for Lennars current full-year earnings is $9.79 per share. Get Lennar alerts: Lennar (NYSE:LEN Get Rating) last announced its quarterly earnings results on Wednesday, March 15th. The construction company reported $2.12 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, topping analysts consensus estimates of $1.56 by $0.56. The company had revenue of $6.49 billion for the quarter, compared to analysts expectations of $5.99 billion. Lennar had a net margin of 13.86% and a return on equity of 21.18%. Lennars revenue was up 4.6% compared to the same quarter last year. During the same quarter in the previous year, the business posted $2.70 EPS. Lennar Stock Performance A number of other brokerages have also weighed in on LEN. Deutsche Bank Aktiengesellschaft began coverage on Lennar in a research report on Wednesday, May 31st. They issued a sell rating and a $105.00 target price for the company. Wedbush boosted their target price on Lennar from $94.00 to $123.00 in a research report on Thursday. JMP Securities reissued a market outperform rating and issued a $115.00 target price on shares of Lennar in a research report on Thursday, March 16th. Royal Bank of Canada boosted their target price on Lennar from $76.00 to $85.00 and gave the stock an underperform rating in a research report on Friday, March 17th. Finally, Credit Suisse Group boosted their target price on Lennar from $88.00 to $96.00 and gave the stock a neutral rating in a research report on Thursday, March 16th. Two research analysts have rated the stock with a sell rating, seven have assigned a hold rating and nine have assigned a buy rating to the stock. Based on data from MarketBeat, the company currently has an average rating of Hold and a consensus price target of $110.00. Shares of Lennar stock opened at $114.75 on Thursday. The stock has a market cap of $33.21 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 7.11, a PEG ratio of 1.98 and a beta of 1.44. The firms 50-day moving average is $110.75 and its 200 day moving average is $101.80. Lennar has a 1 year low of $62.54 and a 1 year high of $117.34. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.16, a current ratio of 7.82 and a quick ratio of 1.38. Lennar Announces Dividend The business also recently disclosed a quarterly dividend, which was paid on Wednesday, May 10th. Investors of record on Wednesday, April 26th were paid a dividend of $0.375 per share. The ex-dividend date of this dividend was Tuesday, April 25th. This represents a $1.50 dividend on an annualized basis and a dividend yield of 1.31%. Lennars dividend payout ratio (DPR) is presently 9.30%. Insider Activity at Lennar In related news, CFO Diane J. Bessette sold 9,289 shares of the businesss stock in a transaction that occurred on Thursday, March 23rd. The stock was sold at an average price of $103.16, for a total transaction of $958,253.24. The sale was disclosed in a filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which can be accessed through the SEC website. 9.53% of the stock is currently owned by corporate insiders. Institutional Inflows and Outflows A number of hedge funds have recently made changes to their positions in the stock. Merit Financial Group LLC boosted its stake in Lennar by 3.0% in the 1st quarter. Merit Financial Group LLC now owns 3,851 shares of the construction companys stock worth $405,000 after purchasing an additional 112 shares during the period. Clearbridge Investments LLC increased its holdings in Lennar by 0.4% in the 4th quarter. Clearbridge Investments LLC now owns 27,918 shares of the construction companys stock valued at $2,527,000 after acquiring an additional 113 shares during the last quarter. Lakewood Asset Management LLC lifted its stake in Lennar by 1.3% in the 1st quarter. Lakewood Asset Management LLC now owns 9,173 shares of the construction companys stock worth $964,000 after purchasing an additional 116 shares in the last quarter. MV Capital Management Inc. boosted its holdings in shares of Lennar by 47.0% during the 1st quarter. MV Capital Management Inc. now owns 397 shares of the construction companys stock valued at $42,000 after purchasing an additional 127 shares during the last quarter. Finally, Intech Investment Management LLC grew its position in shares of Lennar by 0.9% during the third quarter. Intech Investment Management LLC now owns 14,063 shares of the construction companys stock valued at $1,048,000 after purchasing an additional 131 shares in the last quarter. 82.68% of the stock is currently owned by institutional investors. Lennar Company Profile (Get Rating) Lennar Corp. engages in the provision of real estate related financial and investment management services. It operates through the following segments: Homebuilding East, Central, Texas, and West, Financial Services, Multifamily, and Lennar Other. The Homebuilding East, Central, Texas, and West segment constructs and sells homes primarily for first-time, move-up, and active adult homebuyers primarily under the Lennar brand name. Recommended Stories Receive News & Ratings for Lennar Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Lennar and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Footasylum PLC (LON:FOOT Get Rating) shares traded down 26.6% on Wednesday . The stock traded as low as GBX 81.50 ($1.02) and last traded at GBX 81.50 ($1.02). 100 shares traded hands during trading, a decline of 100% from the average session volume of 609,787 shares. The stock had previously closed at GBX 111 ($1.39). Footasylum Stock Down 26.6 % The company has a market capitalization of 88.60 million and a P/E ratio of -21.45. The firms 50 day moving average price is GBX 81.50 and its two-hundred day moving average price is GBX 81.50. The company has a current ratio of 1.60, a quick ratio of 0.46 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.37. Footasylum Company Profile (Get Rating) Footasylum plc engages in the retail and wholesale of footwear, apparel, and accessories in the United Kingdom and internationally. The company sells fashion streetwear and sportswear for men, women, and kids under approximately 300 brands, such as Nike, Adidas, Pre London, Society Sport, and Gym King; and owns brands comprising Kings Will Dream, Condemned Nation, Alessandro Zavetti, and Zavetti Sport, as well as retail brands, including Footasylum, Drome, and SEVEN. Recommended Stories Receive News & Ratings for Footasylum Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Footasylum and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Armstrong World Industries (NYSE:AWI Get Rating) and Forbo (OTCMKTS:FBOHY Get Rating) are both construction companies, but which is the superior investment? We will contrast the two businesses based on the strength of their earnings, risk, analyst recommendations, valuation, institutional ownership, dividends and profitability. Profitability This table compares Armstrong World Industries and Forbos net margins, return on equity and return on assets. Get Armstrong World Industries alerts: Net Margins Return on Equity Return on Assets Armstrong World Industries 16.32% 41.94% 13.04% Forbo N/A N/A N/A Earnings & Valuation This table compares Armstrong World Industries and Forbos top-line revenue, earnings per share and valuation. Gross Revenue Price/Sales Ratio Net Income Earnings Per Share Price/Earnings Ratio Armstrong World Industries $1.26 billion 2.49 $202.90 million $4.47 15.55 Forbo N/A N/A N/A $1.20 32.38 Dividends Armstrong World Industries has higher revenue and earnings than Forbo. Armstrong World Industries is trading at a lower price-to-earnings ratio than Forbo, indicating that it is currently the more affordable of the two stocks. Armstrong World Industries pays an annual dividend of $1.01 per share and has a dividend yield of 1.5%. Forbo pays an annual dividend of $0.25 per share and has a dividend yield of 0.7%. Armstrong World Industries pays out 22.6% of its earnings in the form of a dividend. Forbo pays out 21.1% 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. Armstrong World Industries has raised its dividend for 4 consecutive years. Armstrong World Industries is clearly the better dividend stock, given its higher yield and longer track record of dividend growth. Analyst Ratings This is a breakdown of recent recommendations for Armstrong World Industries and Forbo, as reported by MarketBeat. Sell Ratings Hold Ratings Buy Ratings Strong Buy Ratings Rating Score Armstrong World Industries 1 4 4 0 2.33 Forbo 0 3 0 0 2.00 Armstrong World Industries presently has a consensus price target of $83.63, suggesting a potential upside of 20.27%. Given Armstrong World Industries stronger consensus rating and higher possible upside, equities analysts plainly believe Armstrong World Industries is more favorable than Forbo. Summary Armstrong World Industries beats Forbo on 10 of the 12 factors compared between the two stocks. About Armstrong World Industries (Get Rating) Armstrong World Industries, Inc., together with its subsidiaries, designs, manufactures, and sells ceiling and wall systems in the United States, Canada, and Latin America. It operates through Mineral Fiber and Architectural Specialties segments. The company offers suspended mineral fiber, soft fiber, fiberglass wool, and metal ceiling systems, as well as wood, wood fiber, glass-reinforced-gypsum, and felt ceiling and wall products; ceiling component products, such as ceiling perimeters and trims, as well as grid products that support drywall ceiling systems; ceilings and walls for use in commercial settings; and facade and partition products. It serves commercial and residential construction markets, as well as renovation of existing buildings sectors. The company sells its products to resale distributors, ceiling system contractors, wholesalers, and retailers comprising large home centers. Armstrong World Industries, Inc. was founded in 1860 and is headquartered in Lancaster, Pennsylvania. About Forbo (Get Rating) Forbo Holding AG produces and sells floor coverings, building and construction adhesives, and power transmission and conveyor belt solutions in Switzerland and internationally. The company operates through two divisions, Flooring Systems and Movement Systems. The Flooring Systems division develops, produces, and sells linoleum, vinyl floorings, entrance flooring systems, carpet tiles, needle felt floor coverings, washable textile floorings, and building and construction adhesives, as well as various accessory products for laying, processing, cleaning, and care of flooring. This division also provides ready-made adhesives for floor covering installations, parquet flooring, and ceramic tiles, as well as leveling compounds for the construction industry and liquid floors under the trade name of Eurocol. Its products are used in public buildings, department stores, hospitals and other healthcare facilities, schools, libraries, commercial and office spaces, leisure centers, shops, hotels, restaurants, and cafeterias; as well as for applications in the residential market. The Movement Systems division offers conveyor and processing belts, plastic modular belts, power transmission belts, and timing and flat belts under the Siegling brand name. Its products are used in various applications in industry, trade, and the service sector, including conveyor and processing belts in the food industry; treadmill belts in fitness studios; and flat belts in mail distribution centers. The company was founded in 1928 and is headquartered in Baar, Switzerland. Receive News & Ratings for Armstrong World Industries Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Armstrong World Industries and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Indra Sistemas, S.A. (OTCMKTS:ISMAY Get Rating)s stock price was up 5.7% on Wednesday . The company traded as high as $5.95 and last traded at $5.95. Approximately 146 shares traded hands during mid-day trading, a decline of 14% from the average daily volume of 169 shares. The stock had previously closed at $5.63. Indra Sistemas Trading Up 5.7 % The company has a current ratio of 1.29, a quick ratio of 1.29 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.97. The businesss 50-day simple moving average is $6.38 and its two-hundred day simple moving average is $5.83. The company has a market capitalization of $2.10 billion, a PE ratio of 15.26 and a beta of 0.98. Indra Sistemas Company Profile (Get Rating) Indra Sistemas SA is a global consulting, technology, innovation, and talent company, which engages providing information technology services. The company offers consulting services & outsourcing of business processes. It also provides solutions & services for the transport & traffic, energy industry, public administration, healthcare, financial services, security & defence and telecom & media sectors. Featured Stories Receive News & Ratings for Indra Sistemas Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Indra Sistemas and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Altus Power, Inc. (NYSE:AMPS Get Rating) major shareholder Altus Holdings Lp Gso bought 57,000 shares of the stock in a transaction on Thursday, June 8th. The shares were bought at an average price of $5.25 per share, for a total transaction of $299,250.00. Following the completion of the transaction, the insider now directly owns 21,071,125 shares of the companys stock, valued at approximately $110,623,406.25. The acquisition was disclosed in a filing with the SEC, which can be accessed through this link. Major shareholders that own at least 10% of a companys shares are required to disclose their transactions with the SEC. Altus Holdings Lp Gso also recently made the following trade(s): Get Altus Power alerts: On Tuesday, June 6th, Altus Holdings Lp Gso purchased 15,000 shares of Altus Power stock. The stock was acquired at an average cost of $5.17 per share, for a total transaction of $77,550.00. Altus Power Stock Performance Shares of AMPS opened at $5.38 on Thursday. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 1.79, a quick ratio of 0.97 and a current ratio of 0.97. The company has a market capitalization of $860 million, a price-to-earnings ratio of -268.62 and a beta of 0.58. The companys 50 day simple moving average is $4.83 and its 200 day simple moving average is $6.15. Altus Power, Inc. has a 1 year low of $4.08 and a 1 year high of $14.72. Wall Street Analyst Weigh In Altus Power ( NYSE:AMPS Get Rating ) last posted its quarterly earnings results on Thursday, March 30th. The company reported ($0.03) earnings per share for the quarter. The company had revenue of $26.76 million for the quarter, compared to analysts expectations of $28.03 million. Altus Power had a negative return on equity of 0.86% and a net margin of 0.57%. On average, sell-side analysts predict that Altus Power, Inc. will post 0.03 EPS for the current year. AMPS has been the topic of several recent research reports. Morgan Stanley reduced their price target on shares of Altus Power from $12.00 to $9.00 and set an overweight rating on the stock in a report on Monday, April 3rd. Citigroup reduced their price target on shares of Altus Power from $10.00 to $7.00 and set a buy rating on the stock in a report on Tuesday, April 4th. Evercore ISI reduced their price target on shares of Altus Power from $12.00 to $10.00 in a report on Tuesday, May 16th. Finally, B. Riley reaffirmed a buy rating and issued a $14.00 price target on shares of Altus Power in a report on Friday, March 31st. Six equities research analysts have rated the stock with a buy rating, According to data from MarketBeat.com, the stock presently has an average rating of Buy and an average price target of $10.67. Institutional Investors Weigh In On Altus Power Large investors have recently added to or reduced their stakes in the company. Sandia Investment Management LP bought a new position in shares of Altus Power in the 3rd quarter worth about $55,000. First Trust Advisors LP bought a new stake in Altus Power in the 3rd quarter valued at about $11,025,000. CenterBook Partners LP lifted its position in Altus Power by 214.9% in the 4th quarter. CenterBook Partners LP now owns 514,264 shares of the companys stock valued at $3,353,000 after purchasing an additional 350,960 shares during the last quarter. HBK Investments L P bought a new stake in Altus Power in the 3rd quarter valued at about $443,000. Finally, Encompass Capital Advisors LLC lifted its position in Altus Power by 42.2% in the 3rd quarter. Encompass Capital Advisors LLC now owns 2,216,144 shares of the companys stock valued at $24,400,000 after purchasing an additional 657,665 shares during the last quarter. 43.73% of the stock is owned by institutional investors and hedge funds. About Altus Power (Get Rating) Altus Power, Inc, a clean electrification company, originates, develops, owns, and operates roof, ground, and carport-based photovoltaic solar energy generation and storage systems. The company serves commercial, industrial, public sector, and community solar customers. Altus Power, Inc was founded in 2013 and is based in Stamford, Connecticut. Read More Receive News & Ratings for Altus Power Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Altus Power and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Las Vegas Sands Corp. (NYSE:LVS Get Rating) was the recipient of some unusual options trading on Thursday. Stock investors bought 35,847 call options on the stock. This is an increase of 66% compared to the average daily volume of 21,593 call options. Las Vegas Sands Price Performance Las Vegas Sands stock traded down $0.77 during mid-day trading on Thursday, reaching $59.06. 2,627,485 shares of the company were exchanged, compared to its average volume of 4,670,269. Las Vegas Sands has a 12 month low of $30.46 and a 12 month high of $65.58. The company has a fifty day simple moving average of $59.38 and a 200-day simple moving average of $55.60. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 3.65, a current ratio of 1.79 and a quick ratio of 1.78. The firm has a market cap of $45.14 billion, a PE ratio of -83.10, a PEG ratio of 7.62 and a beta of 1.16. Get Las Vegas Sands alerts: Las Vegas Sands (NYSE:LVS Get Rating) last issued its quarterly earnings results on Wednesday, April 19th. The casino operator reported $0.28 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, beating the consensus estimate of $0.17 by $0.11. Las Vegas Sands had a negative return on equity of 10.21% and a negative net margin of 10.42%. The company had revenue of $2.12 billion for the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of $1.83 billion. During the same quarter last year, the company posted ($0.40) EPS. The companys revenue for the quarter was up 124.8% compared to the same quarter last year. As a group, equities research analysts expect that Las Vegas Sands will post 1.68 earnings per share for the current fiscal year. Analyst Ratings Changes Insider Activity at Las Vegas Sands A number of analysts have recently issued reports on the company. Wells Fargo & Company raised their price objective on Las Vegas Sands from $65.00 to $68.00 and gave the company an overweight rating in a research report on Thursday, April 13th. Jefferies Financial Group cut Las Vegas Sands from a buy rating to a hold rating and cut their price objective for the company from $69.00 to $65.00 in a research report on Thursday, June 8th. Barclays increased their target price on Las Vegas Sands from $64.00 to $69.00 and gave the stock an overweight rating in a research note on Thursday, April 20th. JPMorgan Chase & Co. increased their target price on Las Vegas Sands from $69.00 to $71.00 and gave the stock an overweight rating in a research note on Thursday, April 20th. Finally, Credit Suisse Group increased their target price on Las Vegas Sands from $62.00 to $67.00 and gave the stock an outperform rating in a research note on Thursday, April 20th. Three equities research analysts have rated the stock with a hold rating and twelve have assigned a buy rating to the companys stock. Based on data from MarketBeat, Las Vegas Sands has an average rating of Moderate Buy and an average price target of $68.25. In related news, Director Charles D. Forman sold 15,000 shares of the stock in a transaction that occurred on Friday, April 28th. The stock was sold at an average price of $63.17, for a total transaction of $947,550.00. Following the completion of the transaction, the director now directly owns 205,984 shares of the companys stock, valued at $13,012,009.28. The sale was disclosed in a legal filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is accessible through the SEC website. Insiders own 0.91% of the companys stock. Hedge Funds Weigh In On Las Vegas Sands Hedge funds and other institutional investors have recently modified their holdings of the business. Proficio Capital Partners LLC bought a new position in shares of Las Vegas Sands in the 1st quarter valued at $27,000. ZRC Wealth Management LLC acquired a new stake in shares of Las Vegas Sands during the 1st quarter valued at $29,000. Retirement Group LLC acquired a new stake in shares of Las Vegas Sands during the 4th quarter valued at $31,000. Hollencrest Capital Management acquired a new stake in shares of Las Vegas Sands during the 4th quarter valued at $32,000. Finally, Ameritas Advisory Services LLC acquired a new stake in shares of Las Vegas Sands during the 1st quarter valued at $32,000. Institutional investors own 39.75% of the companys stock. Las Vegas Sands Company Profile (Get Rating) Las Vegas Sands Corp. engages in the development of destination properties. The firm operates through the Macao and Singapore geographical segments. The Macao segment handles the operations of The Venetian Macao, The Londoner Macao, The Parisian Macao, The Plaza Macao and Four Seasons Macao, and Sands Macao. Read More Receive News & Ratings for Las Vegas Sands Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Las Vegas Sands and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Manulife Financial Co. (TSE:MFC Get Rating) (NYSE:MFC) passed above its 200-day moving average during trading on Tuesday . The stock has a 200-day moving average of C$25.48 and traded as high as C$26.13. Manulife Financial shares last traded at C$25.80, with a volume of 4,952,241 shares changing hands. Wall Street Analysts Forecast Growth A number of research analysts have commented on the stock. Barclays upped their target price on shares of Manulife Financial from C$30.00 to C$31.00 in a research report on Monday, February 27th. National Bankshares increased their price target on shares of Manulife Financial from C$26.00 to C$27.00 and gave the stock a sector perform rating in a research report on Thursday, February 16th. CSFB increased their price target on shares of Manulife Financial from C$27.00 to C$28.00 in a research report on Friday, February 17th. TD Securities increased their price target on shares of Manulife Financial from C$34.00 to C$35.00 in a research report on Thursday, May 11th. Finally, Royal Bank of Canada increased their price target on shares of Manulife Financial from C$28.00 to C$30.00 in a research report on Friday, May 12th. Three equities research analysts have rated the stock with a hold rating, one has assigned a buy rating and one has issued a strong buy rating to the stock. According to MarketBeat, the company has a consensus rating of Moderate Buy and an average price target of C$28.17. Get Manulife Financial alerts: Manulife Financial Price Performance The company has a market capitalization of C$47.03 billion, a PE ratio of 5.10, a price-to-earnings-growth ratio of 12.96 and a beta of 1.12. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 47.88, a current ratio of 124.91 and a quick ratio of 2.58. The companys 50 day simple moving average is C$25.88 and its 200 day simple moving average is C$25.48. Manulife Financial Announces Dividend Manulife Financial ( TSE:MFC Get Rating ) (NYSE:MFC) last announced its quarterly earnings results on Wednesday, May 10th. The financial services provider reported C$0.79 EPS for the quarter, beating the consensus estimate of C$0.77 by C$0.02. The company had revenue of C$12.61 billion for the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of C$14.82 billion. Manulife Financial had a net margin of 52.92% and a return on equity of 18.59%. As a group, sell-side analysts predict that Manulife Financial Co. will post 3.2271016 earnings per share for the current year. The firm also recently declared a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Monday, June 19th. Investors of record on Wednesday, May 24th will be paid a dividend of $0.365 per share. This represents a $1.46 dividend on an annualized basis and a yield of 5.71%. The ex-dividend date of this dividend is Tuesday, May 23rd. Manulife Financials dividend payout ratio is currently 29.03%. About Manulife Financial (Get Rating) Manulife Financial Corporation, together with its subsidiaries, provides financial products and services in Asia, Canada, the United States, and internationally. The company operates through Wealth and Asset Management Businesses; Insurance and Annuity Products; And Corporate and Other segments. The Wealth and Asset Management Businesses segment provides mutual funds and exchange-traded funds, group retirement and savings products, and institutional asset management services through agents and brokers affiliated with the company, securities brokerage firms, and financial advisors pension plan consultants and banks. See Also Receive News & Ratings for Manulife Financial Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Manulife Financial and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Massachusetts Wealth Management bought a new stake in shares of General Electric (NYSE:GE Get Rating) in the 4th quarter, according to its most recent disclosure with the Securities and Exchange Commission. The firm bought 9,132 shares of the conglomerates stock, valued at approximately $735,000. Several other large investors also recently added to or reduced their stakes in GE. Sei Investments Co. increased its holdings in General Electric by 10.0% in the 1st quarter. Sei Investments Co. now owns 305,384 shares of the conglomerates stock worth $27,925,000 after acquiring an additional 27,682 shares during the last quarter. Prudential PLC bought a new position in General Electric in the 1st quarter worth about $1,518,000. Sequoia Financial Advisors LLC boosted its stake in General Electric by 2.9% in the 1st quarter. Sequoia Financial Advisors LLC now owns 11,748 shares of the conglomerates stock worth $1,075,000 after purchasing an additional 334 shares during the period. Merit Financial Group LLC bought a new position in General Electric in the 1st quarter worth about $388,000. Finally, West Family Investments Inc. bought a new position in General Electric in the 1st quarter worth about $230,000. Hedge funds and other institutional investors own 70.12% of the companys stock. Get General Electric alerts: General Electric Stock Performance NYSE:GE opened at $104.70 on Thursday. The business has a 50 day moving average of $100.75 and a 200 day moving average of $89.92. The company has a market capitalization of $114.01 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 13.65, a PEG ratio of 7.52 and a beta of 1.27. General Electric has a 1-year low of $46.55 and a 1-year high of $107.33. 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 announced its quarterly earnings results on Tuesday, April 25th. The conglomerate reported $0.27 EPS for the quarter, topping analysts consensus estimates of $0.13 by $0.14. The business had revenue of $14.49 billion for the quarter, compared to analysts expectations of $13.46 billion. General Electric had a return on equity of 9.45% and a net margin of 11.85%. The businesss quarterly revenue was up 14.3% on a year-over-year basis. During the same period in the previous year, the firm earned $0.24 EPS. On average, sell-side analysts predict that General Electric will post 2.03 earnings per share for the current fiscal year. In other General Electric news, VP Thomas S. Timko sold 7,254 shares of General Electric stock in a transaction that occurred on Monday, May 1st. The stock was sold at an average price of $100.82, for a total value of $731,348.28. Following the transaction, the vice president now directly owns 20,953 shares of the companys stock, valued at approximately $2,112,481.46. The sale was disclosed in a legal filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is available through the SEC website. In other General Electric news, VP Thomas S. Timko sold 7,254 shares of General Electric stock in a transaction that occurred on Monday, May 1st. The stock was sold at an average price of $100.82, for a total value of $731,348.28. Following the transaction, the vice president now directly owns 20,953 shares of the companys stock, valued at approximately $2,112,481.46. The sale was disclosed in a legal filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is available through the SEC website. Also, SVP Michael J. Holston sold 58,292 shares of the businesss stock in a transaction that occurred on Monday, May 22nd. The shares were sold at an average price of $104.68, for a total value of $6,102,006.56. Following the transaction, the senior vice president now directly owns 70,537 shares in the company, valued at $7,383,813.16. The disclosure for this sale can be found here. Insiders have sold 239,419 shares of company stock valued at $24,144,151 in the last ninety days. Company insiders own 0.67% of the companys stock. Wall Street Analyst Weigh In Several research analysts have commented on the company. UBS Group raised their target price on General Electric from $95.00 to $109.00 in a research note on Thursday, April 13th. Deutsche Bank Aktiengesellschaft raised their target price on General Electric from $97.00 to $103.00 and gave the stock a buy rating in a research note on Wednesday, April 12th. Barclays raised their target price on General Electric from $115.00 to $125.00 in a research note on Wednesday, June 7th. StockNews.com assumed coverage on General Electric in a research report on Thursday, May 18th. They set a buy rating for the company. Finally, Morgan Stanley lifted their price target on General Electric from $90.00 to $110.00 and gave the company an overweight rating in a research report on Friday, March 31st. Two research analysts have rated the stock with a hold rating and thirteen have assigned a buy rating to the stock. According to MarketBeat.com, the company has a consensus rating of Moderate Buy and an average target price of $103.87. General Electric Profile (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. Read More Want to see what other hedge funds are holding GE? Visit HoldingsChannel.com to get the latest 13F filings and insider trades for General Electric (NYSE:GE Get Rating). 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. NIO (NYSE:NIO Get Rating) had its price target cut by Bank of America from $12.00 to $11.00 in a report published on Sunday morning, The Fly reports. Other research analysts also recently issued reports about the company. Barclays downgraded NIO from an overweight rating to an equal weight rating and cut their target price for the stock from $18.00 to $10.00 in a report on Thursday, March 2nd. JPMorgan Chase & Co. lowered shares of NIO from an overweight rating to a neutral rating and reduced their price target for the company from $14.00 to $10.00 in a research report on Thursday, March 2nd. Mizuho dropped their price objective on NIO from $28.00 to $25.00 and set a buy rating for the company in a research note on Thursday, March 2nd. Finally, Morgan Stanley lowered their price objective on NIO from $16.10 to $12.00 in a research note on Monday, March 20th. Six equities research analysts have rated the stock with a hold rating and five have issued a buy rating to the companys stock. According to data from MarketBeat, NIO presently has an average rating of Hold and an average price target of $13.63. Get NIO alerts: NIO Stock Performance Shares of NYSE NIO opened at $9.05 on Friday. NIO has a 52-week low of $7.00 and a 52-week high of $24.43. The stock has a market capitalization of $15.10 billion, a P/E ratio of -5.88 and a beta of 1.92. The firms 50-day moving average price is $8.24 and its two-hundred day moving average price is $9.76. The company has a quick ratio of 1.11, a current ratio of 1.28 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.57. Institutional Investors Weigh In On NIO NIO ( NYSE:NIO Get Rating ) last posted its quarterly earnings results on Friday, June 9th. The company reported ($2.51) earnings per share for the quarter, missing analysts consensus estimates of ($0.22) by ($2.29). The business had revenue of $10.68 billion for the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of $11.60 billion. NIO had a negative return on equity of 66.25% and a negative net margin of 35.03%. The firms quarterly revenue was up 7.7% on a year-over-year basis. During the same quarter in the prior year, the firm earned ($0.18) EPS. As a group, sell-side analysts forecast that NIO will post -1.33 earnings per share for the current year. Large investors have recently added to or reduced their stakes in the business. E Fund Management Hong Kong Co. Ltd. increased its position in shares of NIO by 127.6% during the first quarter. E Fund Management Hong Kong Co. Ltd. now owns 770,160 shares of the companys stock valued at $15,172,000 after buying an additional 431,851 shares during the period. US Bancorp DE boosted its position in NIO by 19.9% in the first quarter. US Bancorp DE now owns 18,593 shares of the companys stock worth $392,000 after purchasing an additional 3,092 shares during the last quarter. Cibc World Market Inc. lifted its position in shares of NIO by 23.6% during the 1st quarter. Cibc World Market Inc. now owns 38,708 shares of the companys stock valued at $815,000 after buying an additional 7,396 shares in the last quarter. Dimensional Fund Advisors LP lifted its holdings in NIO by 1.8% in the 1st quarter. Dimensional Fund Advisors LP now owns 2,705,563 shares of the companys stock worth $57,007,000 after purchasing an additional 48,720 shares in the last quarter. Finally, Sei Investments Co. raised its position in NIO by 45.6% during the first quarter. Sei Investments Co. now owns 338,913 shares of the companys stock valued at $7,134,000 after purchasing an additional 106,140 shares during the period. Institutional investors and hedge funds own 30.06% of the companys stock. NIO Company Profile (Get Rating) NIO Inc designs, manufactures, and sells electric vehicles in the People's Republic of China. The company is also involved in the manufacture of e-powertrain, battery packs, and components; and racing management, technology development, and sales and after-sales management activities. In addition, it offers power solutions for battery charging needs; and other value-added services. Recommended Stories Receive News & Ratings for NIO Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for NIO and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. StockNews.com initiated coverage on shares of NovaBay Pharmaceuticals (NYSEAMERICAN:NBY Get Rating) in a report released on Sunday morning. The firm issued a hold rating on the biopharmaceutical companys stock. NovaBay Pharmaceuticals Stock Down 3.4 % NovaBay Pharmaceuticals stock opened at $0.69 on Friday. The stock has a market capitalization of $1.29 million, a PE ratio of -0.12 and a beta of 2.69. NovaBay Pharmaceuticals has a twelve month low of $0.48 and a twelve month high of $12.64. The company has a 50 day moving average of $1.08 and a 200-day moving average of $1.64. Get NovaBay Pharmaceuticals alerts: NovaBay Pharmaceuticals (NYSEAMERICAN:NBY Get Rating) last released its earnings results on Thursday, March 30th. The biopharmaceutical company reported ($4.33) earnings per share for the quarter. The business had revenue of $3.64 million during the quarter. NovaBay Pharmaceuticals had a negative net margin of 21.09% and a negative return on equity of 18.62%. Institutional Trading of NovaBay Pharmaceuticals About NovaBay Pharmaceuticals A number of hedge funds have recently modified their holdings of NBY. Renaissance Technologies LLC increased its position in NovaBay Pharmaceuticals by 57.5% during the first quarter. Renaissance Technologies LLC now owns 201,222 shares of the biopharmaceutical companys stock worth $60,000 after acquiring an additional 73,500 shares during the period. Virtu Financial LLC increased its holdings in NovaBay Pharmaceuticals by 260.4% in the 1st quarter. Virtu Financial LLC now owns 163,451 shares of the biopharmaceutical companys stock valued at $48,000 after buying an additional 118,099 shares during the period. Altium Capital Management LP bought a new position in NovaBay Pharmaceuticals in the 3rd quarter valued at about $121,000. Finally, Armistice Capital LLC bought a new position in NovaBay Pharmaceuticals in the 4th quarter valued at about $289,000. (Get Rating) NovaBay Pharmaceuticals, Inc, a biopharmaceutical company, develops and sells eyecare, skincare, and wound care products in the United States and internationally. It offers Avenova Spray, a solution for removing foreign materials, including microorganisms and debris from skin around the eye, such as the eyelid; and wound care products, which are used for cleansing and irrigation as part of surgical procedures, as well as treating certain wounds, burns, ulcers, and other injuries under the NeutroPhase and PhaseOne brands. See Also Receive News & Ratings for NovaBay Pharmaceuticals Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for NovaBay Pharmaceuticals and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Persimmon (LON:PSN Get Rating) had its target price upped by UBS Group from GBX 1,230 ($15.39) to GBX 1,300 ($16.27) in a report issued on Monday morning, Marketbeat reports. UBS Group currently has a neutral rating on the stock. PSN has been the subject of several other reports. Liberum Capital restated a buy rating and set a GBX 1,600 ($20.02) price target on shares of Persimmon in a research report on Monday, February 13th. Jefferies Financial Group lowered their price objective on Persimmon from GBX 1,469 ($18.38) to GBX 1,396 ($17.47) and set a hold rating for the company in a research report on Wednesday, March 8th. Deutsche Bank Aktiengesellschaft cut shares of Persimmon to a sell rating in a report on Monday, February 13th. Citigroup reiterated a sell rating on shares of Persimmon in a report on Monday, March 13th. Finally, Berenberg Bank reissued a hold rating and issued a GBX 1,400 ($17.52) price target on shares of Persimmon in a report on Friday, May 12th. Two investment analysts have rated the stock with a sell rating, five have assigned a hold rating and two have given a buy rating to the company. According to data from MarketBeat.com, Persimmon currently has a consensus rating of Hold and a consensus price target of GBX 1,497 ($18.73). Get Persimmon alerts: Persimmon Price Performance Shares of Persimmon stock opened at GBX 1,168.50 ($14.62) on Monday. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.32, a quick ratio of 1.04 and a current ratio of 4.16. Persimmon has a 52-week low of GBX 1,113.50 ($13.93) and a 52-week high of GBX 2,217.02 ($27.74). The company has a fifty day moving average of GBX 1,273.72 and a 200-day moving average of GBX 1,303.34. The stock has a market capitalization of 3.73 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 652.79, a price-to-earnings-growth ratio of -1.74 and a beta of 1.30. Insider Transactions at Persimmon Persimmon Company Profile In related news, insider Jason Windsor sold 4,371 shares of the businesss stock in a transaction dated Thursday, March 23rd. The shares were sold at an average price of GBX 1,226 ($15.34), for a total transaction of 53,588.46 ($67,052.63). Corporate insiders own 3.26% of the companys stock. (Get Rating) Persimmon Plc, together with its subsidiaries, operates as a house builder in the United Kingdom. The company offers family housing under the Persimmon Homes brand name; executive housing under the Charles Church brand name; and social housing under the Westbury Partnerships brand name. It also provides broadband services. Further Reading Receive News & Ratings for Persimmon Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Persimmon and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. PETALING JAYA, Malaysia, June 14, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- European Wellness Biomedical Group (EW Group), announced its partnership with HK VJM Ltd (representing Sinopharm Cloud Health Technology (Guandong) Co. and Sinopharm Traditional Chinese Medicine (Foshan) Co.) and NCL Solutions Sdn Bhd on April 15, 2023 at One World Hotel. Logo (PRNewsfoto/European Wellness Biomedical Group) EW Group represented by Chairman, Prof. Dato' Sri Dr Mike Chan, and HK VJM Ltd was represented by Mr Guo Liang, while NCL Solutions Sdn Bhd represented by Madame Cindy Chong Seau Joon. EW Group will provide its expertise and experience in research, development, formulation, and production of nutraceuticals, skincare and cosmeceuticals, and therapeutics products, while Sinopharm will leverage its global reach and distribution network to help EW Group achieve greater heights on the world stage. Over 1,000 SKUs of EW Group's proprietary products will be sold and distributed under Sinopharm. The partnership will include the development of co-branded products and the creation of world-class health centres, which will be equipped with cutting-edge technology and staffed by highly trained healthcare professionals. Through this collaboration, both parties aim to bring world-class healthcare services and products to a wider audience and to provide accessible, affordable and innovative healthcare solutions to people around the world. Sinopharm is one of the largest healthcare groups in China, with over 128,000 employees, 1,100 subsidiaries and full chain in the industry covering an array of departments. The Group's production lines are approved by the US FDA and EU authorities and are prequalified by WHO, earning substantial recognition during the coronavirus pandemic for their development and distribution of the Sinopharm vaccine. This partnership will allow EW Group to enter China's market and its revenue. By collaborating with local experts, EW Group can gain insights into the local market and customize its product to suit the specific needs and preferences of Chinese consumers. The signing marks a significant milestone for EW Group's business in China's market, and presents growth opportunities for the company in the consumer and wellness business. With this collaboration, both parties will bring together two giants in the healthcare industry to provide world-class healthcare services and products to people around the world. The collaboration will enhance the availability of alternative medical treatments, develop new products, and transfer knowledge and skills to millions of people. European Wellness Biomedical Group An award-winning European group, most renowned for its pioneering developments in organ-specific precursor (progenitor) stem cell therapeutics, biological and synthetic peptides, biological regenerative medicine, immunotherapies, and nutraceutical and cosmeceuticals. EW Group's multinational business divisions include research and developments, bio-manufacturing, biomedical academies, hospital and wellness centres and nutraceutical product distribution across 80 countries worldwide. EW Group also owns and operates a growing network of internationally accredited Hospital and Medical Centres specializing in Regenerative Bio-Medicine and luxury Wellness Centres globally. EW Group is headquartered in Germany and Malaysia (Asia Pacific) with research vested in Germany, Switzerland, Czech Republic and United Kingdom. CONTACT: Ferellica Anne Martin, media@european-wellness.com Cision View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/ew-group-signs-with-chinas-largest-healthcare-sinopharm-301851455.html SOURCE European Wellness Biomedical Group Seabridge Gold Inc. (TSE:SEA Get Rating) (NYSE:SA)s share price passed above its two hundred day moving average during trading on Tuesday . The stock has a two hundred day moving average of C$17.41 and traded as high as C$17.50. Seabridge Gold shares last traded at C$16.79, with a volume of 34,106 shares trading hands. Seabridge Gold Trading Down 0.7 % The firm has a market cap of C$1.36 billion, a P/E ratio of -127.62 and a beta of 0.74. The company has a 50 day moving average of C$18.77 and a 200 day moving average of C$17.41. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 38.85, a quick ratio of 3.34 and a current ratio of 0.94. Get Seabridge Gold alerts: Seabridge Gold (TSE:SEA Get Rating) (NYSE:SA) last released its quarterly earnings data on Thursday, March 30th. The company reported C($0.31) earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, missing the consensus estimate of C($0.09) by C($0.22). Analysts predict that Seabridge Gold Inc. will post -0.31 EPS for the current fiscal year. Insiders Place Their Bets About Seabridge Gold In other Seabridge Gold news, Director Eliseo Gonzalez-Urien sold 10,000 shares of the businesss stock in a transaction on Friday, April 14th. The shares were sold at an average price of C$14.00, for a total transaction of C$140,000.00. Company insiders own 16.63% of the companys stock. (Get Rating) Seabridge Gold Inc, together with its subsidiaries, engages in the acquisition and exploration of gold properties in North America. The company also explores for copper, silver, molybdenum, and rhenium deposits. Its principal projects are the Kerr-Sulphurets-Mitchell property and Iskut project located in British Columbia, Canada; Courageous Lake property situated in Northwest Territories, Canada; Snowstorm project located in the Nevada; and 3 Aces project located in the Yukon Territory. Read More Receive News & Ratings for Seabridge Gold Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Seabridge Gold and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Canadian Critical Minerals Inc. (OTCMKTS:RIINF Get Rating) was the recipient of a large drop in short interest in the month of May. As of May 31st, there was short interest totalling 8,400 shares, a drop of 57.8% from the May 15th total of 19,900 shares. Based on an average trading volume of 372,300 shares, the days-to-cover ratio is presently 0.0 days. Canadian Critical Minerals Price Performance RIINF remained flat at $0.03 during trading hours on Thursday. Canadian Critical Minerals has a 52 week low of $0.02 and a 52 week high of $0.09. The businesss 50 day simple moving average is $0.03 and its two-hundred day simple moving average is $0.04. Get Canadian Critical Minerals alerts: About Canadian Critical Minerals (Get Rating) Read More Canadian Critical Minerals, Inc engages in the exploration, acquisition, and development of mineral properties throughout Canada. It focuses on Bull River Mine, Thierry, and Alpine property. The company was founded on October 13, 2009 and is headquartered in Calgary, Canada. Receive News & Ratings for Canadian Critical Minerals Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Canadian Critical Minerals and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Spectra Systems Co. (LON:SPSY Get Rating) shares crossed below its two hundred day moving average during trading on Tuesday . The stock has a two hundred day moving average of GBX 171.13 ($2.14) and traded as low as GBX 161.55 ($2.02). Spectra Systems shares last traded at GBX 165.50 ($2.07), with a volume of 32,701 shares. Spectra Systems Price Performance The company has a quick ratio of 5.91, a current ratio of 3.50 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 4.49. The stock has a market capitalization of 73.11 million, a price-to-earnings ratio of 1,651.55 and a beta of 0.30. The businesss 50 day simple moving average is GBX 172.47 and its 200-day simple moving average is GBX 171.11. Get Spectra Systems alerts: Spectra Systems Increases Dividend The company also recently disclosed a dividend, which will be paid on Friday, June 23rd. Investors of record on Thursday, June 1st will be paid a $0.12 dividend. This represents a yield of 5.21%. This is a boost from Spectra Systemss previous dividend of $0.11. The ex-dividend date is Thursday, June 1st. Spectra Systemss dividend payout ratio (DPR) is 9,000.00%. Spectra Systems Company Profile Spectra Systems Corporation invents, develops, and sells integrated optical systems in Rhode Island and internationally. It operates through three segments: Authentication Systems, Secure Transactions, and Banknote Cleaning. The company offers integrated solutions, including a system of taggant materials and sensor technology to authenticate banknotes that are used by central banks, as well as G7 country for passport security; banknote cleaning and disinfection systems that lifts sebum and other substances from the banknote through a dry process based on supercritical CO2 cleaning; and solutions to authenticate brand name products. Featured Stories Receive News & Ratings for Spectra Systems Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Spectra Systems and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. SSAB AB (publ) (OTCMKTS:SSAAY Get Rating) was the recipient of a significant decrease in short interest in May. As of May 31st, there was short interest totalling 200 shares, a decrease of 92.9% from the May 15th total of 2,800 shares. Based on an average daily trading volume, of 1,100 shares, the days-to-cover ratio is presently 0.2 days. Wall Street Analyst Weigh In SSAAY has been the topic of several research reports. JPMorgan Chase & Co. upgraded SSAB AB (publ) from an underweight rating to a neutral rating in a research note on Thursday, March 30th. Morgan Stanley upgraded SSAB AB (publ) from an equal weight rating to an overweight rating in a research note on Thursday, March 30th. Finally, UBS Group cut SSAB AB (publ) from a buy rating to a neutral rating in a research note on Tuesday, March 14th. One investment analyst has rated the stock with a sell rating, four have given a hold rating and one has given a buy rating to the companys stock. Based on data from MarketBeat.com, SSAB AB (publ) presently has an average rating of Hold and a consensus price target of $65.67. Get SSAB AB (publ) alerts: SSAB AB (publ) Stock Performance Shares of SSAB AB (publ) stock traded down $0.05 on Wednesday, reaching $3.64. 1,700 shares of the company were exchanged, compared to its average volume of 2,213. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.09, a quick ratio of 1.29 and a current ratio of 2.53. The companys 50-day moving average is $3.42 and its two-hundred day moving average is $3.29. The firm has a market cap of $7.50 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of -6.50 and a beta of 1.32. SSAB AB has a 1-year low of $2.03 and a 1-year high of $3.97. SSAB AB (publ) Increases Dividend SSAB AB (publ) ( OTCMKTS:SSAAY Get Rating ) last announced its quarterly earnings results on Wednesday, April 26th. The basic materials company reported $0.17 earnings per share for the quarter. The business had revenue of $3.05 billion for the quarter. SSAB AB (publ) had a positive return on equity of 22.78% and a negative net margin of 9.20%. The business also recently declared a dividend, which was paid on Wednesday, May 10th. Stockholders of record on Thursday, April 20th were given a dividend of $0.2993 per share. This represents a dividend yield of 8.83%. This is a boost from SSAB AB (publ)s previous dividend of $0.20. The ex-dividend date was Wednesday, April 19th. SSAB AB (publ)s dividend payout ratio is presently -53.57%. About SSAB AB (publ) (Get Rating) SSAB AB (publ) produces and sells steel products in Sweden, Finland, Rest of Europe, the United States, and internationally. It operates through five segments: SSAB Special Steels, SSAB Europe, SSAB Americas, Tibnor, and Ruukki Construction. The SSAB Special Steels segment offers quenched and tempered steels, and advanced high-strength steel products. Featured Stories Receive News & Ratings for SSAB AB (publ) Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for SSAB AB (publ) and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. The European Equity Fund, Inc. (NYSE:EEA Get Rating) was the target of a significant decrease in short interest in the month of May. As of May 31st, there was short interest totalling 1,100 shares, a decrease of 54.2% from the May 15th total of 2,400 shares. Based on an average trading volume of 6,500 shares, the days-to-cover ratio is currently 0.2 days. The European Equity Fund Trading Up 1.6 % Shares of EEA traded up $0.13 during midday trading on Thursday, hitting $8.57. The stock had a trading volume of 46,511 shares, compared to its average volume of 7,107. The European Equity Fund has a 1 year low of $6.06 and a 1 year high of $8.90. The stocks 50 day moving average is $8.53 and its 200 day moving average is $8.31. Get The European Equity Fund alerts: The European Equity Fund Cuts Dividend The company also recently announced a semi-annual dividend, which was paid on Wednesday, May 31st. Stockholders of record on Monday, May 15th were paid a $0.0325 dividend. This represents a dividend yield of 3.3%. The ex-dividend date was Friday, May 12th. Institutional Inflows and Outflows The European Equity Fund Company Profile Institutional investors have recently added to or reduced their stakes in the stock. Atlas Wealth LLC purchased a new position in The European Equity Fund in the 4th quarter worth about $83,000. CSS LLC IL increased its position in The European Equity Fund by 27.0% during the 4th quarter. CSS LLC IL now owns 44,307 shares of the financial services providers stock valued at $332,000 after purchasing an additional 9,414 shares during the period. City of London Investment Management Co. Ltd. purchased a new position in The European Equity Fund during the 1st quarter valued at about $129,000. Royal Bank of Canada increased its position in The European Equity Fund by 25.0% during the 1st quarter. Royal Bank of Canada now owns 13,904 shares of the financial services providers stock valued at $127,000 after purchasing an additional 2,778 shares during the period. Finally, UBS Group AG increased its position in The European Equity Fund by 186.6% during the 4th quarter. UBS Group AG now owns 7,163 shares of the financial services providers stock valued at $54,000 after purchasing an additional 4,664 shares during the period. Hedge funds and other institutional investors own 50.16% of the companys stock. (Get Rating) The European Equity Fund, Inc is a closed ended equity mutual fund launched by Deutsche Investment Management Americas Inc The fund is managed by Deutsche Asset Management International GmbH. It invests in the public equity markets of Europe. The fund seeks to invest in the stocks of companies operating across diversified sectors. Featured Stories Receive News & Ratings for The European Equity Fund Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for The European Equity Fund and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. OLD Republic International Corp decreased its position in The Southern Company (NYSE:SO Get Rating) by 3.8% in the 4th quarter, according to the company in its most recent filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission. The fund owned 933,000 shares of the utilities providers stock after selling 36,500 shares during the period. Southern makes up approximately 2.1% of OLD Republic International Corps holdings, making the stock its 13th biggest position. OLD Republic International Corp owned 0.09% of Southern worth $66,626,000 at the end of the most recent quarter. A number of other institutional investors also recently made changes to their positions in the stock. Vanguard Group Inc. lifted its position in shares of Southern by 1.5% in the 3rd quarter. Vanguard Group Inc. now owns 94,652,372 shares of the utilities providers stock valued at $6,436,360,000 after acquiring an additional 1,391,612 shares in the last quarter. BlackRock Inc. increased its stake in Southern by 1.0% in the 3rd quarter. BlackRock Inc. now owns 76,360,768 shares of the utilities providers stock valued at $5,192,533,000 after buying an additional 723,336 shares during the period. State Street Corp increased its stake in Southern by 2.1% in the 3rd quarter. State Street Corp now owns 65,068,549 shares of the utilities providers stock valued at $4,424,661,000 after buying an additional 1,313,036 shares during the period. Price T Rowe Associates Inc. MD increased its stake in Southern by 6.2% in the 3rd quarter. Price T Rowe Associates Inc. MD now owns 63,002,360 shares of the utilities providers stock valued at $4,284,352,000 after buying an additional 3,653,841 shares during the period. Finally, Geode Capital Management LLC increased its stake in Southern by 3.1% in the 4th quarter. Geode Capital Management LLC now owns 19,514,403 shares of the utilities providers stock valued at $1,394,004,000 after buying an additional 584,893 shares during the period. 61.78% of the stock is owned by institutional investors and hedge funds. Get Southern alerts: Southern Stock Up 0.4 % SO traded up $0.27 during trading on Thursday, reaching $70.75. 944,039 shares of the stock were exchanged, compared to its average volume of 4,201,519. The stock has a market cap of $77.15 billion, a P/E ratio of 22.74, a price-to-earnings-growth ratio of 4.88 and a beta of 0.51. The Southern Company has a twelve month low of $58.85 and a twelve month high of $80.57. The stocks 50 day moving average price is $71.99 and its two-hundred day moving average price is $69.46. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 1.51, a quick ratio of 0.51 and a current ratio of 0.69. Southern Increases Dividend Southern ( NYSE:SO Get Rating ) last posted its quarterly earnings data on Thursday, April 27th. The utilities provider reported $0.79 earnings per share for the quarter, topping the consensus estimate of $0.71 by $0.08. The business had revenue of $6.48 billion during the quarter, compared to analysts expectations of $6.14 billion. Southern had a net margin of 11.53% and a return on equity of 10.78%. Southerns revenue was down 2.5% compared to the same quarter last year. During the same quarter in the prior year, the business posted $0.97 earnings per share. Equities analysts expect that The Southern Company will post 3.61 EPS for the current year. The company also recently announced a quarterly dividend, which was paid on Tuesday, June 6th. Shareholders of record on Monday, May 15th were given a dividend of $0.70 per share. This represents a $2.80 dividend on an annualized basis and a yield of 3.96%. The ex-dividend date was Friday, May 12th. This is an increase from Southerns previous quarterly dividend of $0.68. Southerns dividend payout ratio is currently 90.32%. Analyst Upgrades and Downgrades SO has been the topic of several analyst reports. 1-800-FLOWERS.COM restated a maintains rating on shares of Southern in a research note on Friday, April 28th. Morgan Stanley increased their price target on shares of Southern from $57.00 to $63.00 and gave the stock an underweight rating in a research note on Thursday, April 20th. The Goldman Sachs Group initiated coverage on shares of Southern in a research note on Wednesday, June 7th. They set a buy rating and a $80.00 price target on the stock. Guggenheim raised their target price on shares of Southern from $73.00 to $79.00 in a research note on Monday, April 24th. Finally, Royal Bank of Canada lowered their target price on shares of Southern from $79.00 to $78.00 and set an outperform rating on the stock in a research note on Thursday, March 2nd. Four equities research analysts have rated the stock with a sell rating, three have assigned a hold rating and nine have issued a buy rating to the company. According to data from MarketBeat, Southern currently has an average rating of Hold and an average price target of $74.07. Insider Transactions at Southern In related news, EVP Martin Bernard Davis sold 1,435 shares of the stock in a transaction on Thursday, June 1st. The stock was sold at an average price of $69.99, for a total value of $100,435.65. Following the transaction, the executive vice president now directly owns 74,246 shares in the company, valued at approximately $5,196,477.54. The sale was disclosed in a document filed with the SEC, which is available through the SEC website. In other news, CEO Stephen E. Kuczynski sold 5,000 shares of the firms stock in a transaction on Monday, April 10th. The stock was sold at an average price of $71.89, for a total transaction of $359,450.00. Following the completion of the sale, the chief executive officer now directly owns 146,284 shares of the companys stock, valued at approximately $10,516,356.76. The sale was disclosed in a legal filing with the SEC, which is available at the SEC website. Also, EVP Martin Bernard Davis sold 1,435 shares of Southern stock in a transaction dated Thursday, June 1st. The stock was sold at an average price of $69.99, for a total value of $100,435.65. Following the completion of the sale, the executive vice president now directly owns 74,246 shares of the companys stock, valued at approximately $5,196,477.54. The disclosure for this sale can be found here. Insiders sold a total of 205,678 shares of company stock valued at $14,888,271 in the last quarter. 0.28% of the stock is currently owned by company insiders. About Southern (Get Rating) The Southern Company, through its subsidiaries, engages in the generation, transmission, and distribution of electricity. It operates through three segments: Gas Distribution Operations, Gas Pipeline Investments, and Gas Marketing Services. The company also develops, constructs, acquires, owns, and manages power generation assets, including renewable energy projects and sells electricity in the wholesale market; and distributes natural gas in Illinois, Georgia, Virginia, and Tennessee, as well as provides gas marketing services, gas distribution operations, and gas pipeline investments operations. Featured Articles Want to see what other hedge funds are holding SO? Visit HoldingsChannel.com to get the latest 13F filings and insider trades for The Southern Company (NYSE:SO Get Rating). Receive News & Ratings for Southern Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Southern and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Uber Technologies (NYSE:UBER Get Rating) had its target price lifted by Truist Financial from $60.00 to $63.00 in a research report released on Monday morning, The Fly reports. A number of other brokerages also recently issued reports on UBER. Jefferies Financial Group upped their price target on Uber Technologies from $47.00 to $49.00 and gave the company a buy rating in a report on Monday, April 17th. Needham & Company LLC upped their price objective on Uber Technologies from $54.00 to $56.00 in a research report on Wednesday, May 3rd. Piper Jaffray Companies raised their price objective on shares of Uber Technologies from $41.00 to $43.00 in a research note on Wednesday, May 3rd. TheStreet upgraded Uber Technologies from a d rating to a c- rating in a research note on Tuesday, May 2nd. Finally, Morgan Stanley increased their price target on Uber Technologies from $54.00 to $57.00 in a research report on Wednesday, May 3rd. One equities research analyst has rated the stock with a hold rating and twenty-seven have issued a buy rating to the stock. According to data from MarketBeat, the company presently has an average rating of Moderate Buy and a consensus price target of $49.10. Get Uber Technologies alerts: Uber Technologies Price Performance UBER opened at $41.27 on Monday. The firm has a market cap of $83.52 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of -23.86, a PEG ratio of 22.32 and a beta of 1.19. Uber Technologies has a 1 year low of $19.90 and a 1 year high of $41.83. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 1.12, a current ratio of 1.06 and a quick ratio of 1.06. The stocks 50 day simple moving average is $36.08 and its 200 day simple moving average is $32.24. Insider Activity Uber Technologies ( NYSE:UBER Get Rating ) last posted its earnings results on Tuesday, May 2nd. The ride-sharing company reported ($0.08) EPS for the quarter, topping the consensus estimate of ($0.10) by $0.02. Uber Technologies had a negative net margin of 9.95% and a negative return on equity of 43.94%. The firm had revenue of $8.82 billion during the quarter, compared to analysts expectations of $8.71 billion. During the same period last year, the company posted ($0.18) EPS. The companys quarterly revenue was up 28.7% compared to the same quarter last year. As a group, analysts predict that Uber Technologies will post 0.04 earnings per share for the current year. In other news, insider Tony West sold 12,501 shares of the businesss stock in a transaction that occurred on Monday, May 8th. The stock was sold at an average price of $37.85, for a total transaction of $473,162.85. Following the transaction, the insider now directly owns 181,750 shares in the company, valued at approximately $6,879,237.50. The sale was disclosed in a legal filing with the SEC, which is available at the SEC website. In other Uber Technologies news, insider Jill Hazelbaker sold 644 shares of Uber Technologies stock in a transaction dated Friday, June 9th. The shares were sold at an average price of $41.00, for a total transaction of $26,404.00. Following the transaction, the insider now directly owns 128,916 shares of the companys stock, valued at $5,285,556. The sale was disclosed in a legal filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is available through the SEC website. Also, insider Tony West sold 12,501 shares of the stock in a transaction that occurred on Monday, May 8th. The shares were sold at an average price of $37.85, for a total transaction of $473,162.85. Following the completion of the sale, the insider now directly owns 181,750 shares of the companys stock, valued at approximately $6,879,237.50. The disclosure for this sale can be found here. Company insiders own 3.84% of the companys stock. Hedge Funds Weigh In On Uber Technologies Hedge funds have recently modified their holdings of the business. State Board of Administration of Florida Retirement System increased its holdings in Uber Technologies by 2.1% in the 1st quarter. State Board of Administration of Florida Retirement System now owns 2,014,860 shares of the ride-sharing companys stock valued at $63,871,000 after purchasing an additional 41,720 shares during the last quarter. Callan Capital LLC raised its holdings in shares of Uber Technologies by 6.4% in the 1st quarter. Callan Capital LLC now owns 12,719 shares of the ride-sharing companys stock valued at $403,000 after buying an additional 766 shares during the period. Bradley Mark J. lifted its stake in Uber Technologies by 24.1% during the 1st quarter. Bradley Mark J. now owns 79,296 shares of the ride-sharing companys stock worth $2,514,000 after acquiring an additional 15,386 shares in the last quarter. EP Wealth Advisors LLC purchased a new position in Uber Technologies during the 1st quarter valued at about $255,000. Finally, Level Four Advisory Services LLC grew its position in Uber Technologies by 17.4% in the 1st quarter. Level Four Advisory Services LLC now owns 199,681 shares of the ride-sharing companys stock valued at $6,330,000 after acquiring an additional 29,628 shares in the last quarter. 71.83% of the stock is currently owned by hedge funds and other institutional investors. Uber Technologies Company Profile (Get Rating) Uber Technologies, Inc is a technology platform, which engages in the development and operation of technology applications, network, and product to power movement from point A to point B. The firm offers ride services and merchants delivery service providers for meal preparation, grocery and other delivery services. Featured Stories Receive News & Ratings for Uber Technologies Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Uber Technologies and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. WealthPLAN Partners LLC purchased a new position in shares of BondBloxx Bloomberg Seven Year Target Duration US Treasury ETF (NYSEARCA:XSVN Get Rating) during the 4th quarter, according to the company in its most recent disclosure with the Securities & Exchange Commission. The fund purchased 113,870 shares of the companys stock, valued at approximately $5,536,000. WealthPLAN Partners LLC owned 25.88% of BondBloxx Bloomberg Seven Year Target Duration US Treasury ETF as of its most recent SEC filing. Several other institutional investors also recently added to or reduced their stakes in the company. Flow Traders U.S. LLC purchased a new position in shares of BondBloxx Bloomberg Seven Year Target Duration US Treasury ETF in the 4th quarter valued at approximately $338,000. Jane Street Group LLC purchased a new position in shares of BondBloxx Bloomberg Seven Year Target Duration US Treasury ETF in the 4th quarter valued at approximately $469,000. Finally, WealthPlan Investment Management LLC purchased a new position in shares of BondBloxx Bloomberg Seven Year Target Duration US Treasury ETF in the 4th quarter valued at approximately $5,559,000. Get BondBloxx Bloomberg Seven Year Target Duration US Treasury ETF alerts: BondBloxx Bloomberg Seven Year Target Duration US Treasury ETF Trading Up 0.2 % Shares of XSVN stock opened at $48.43 on Thursday. The businesss 50 day moving average is $49.39 and its two-hundred day moving average is $49.21. BondBloxx Bloomberg Seven Year Target Duration US Treasury ETF has a twelve month low of $47.06 and a twelve month high of $50.41. About BondBloxx Bloomberg Seven Year Target Duration US Treasury ETF The Bondbloxx Bloomberg Seven Year Target Duration US Treasury ETF (XSVN) is an exchange-traded fund that mostly invests in investment grade fixed income. The fund is passively managed to invest in a portfolio of US Treasury securities with a target duration of seven years. XSVN was launched on Sep 13, 2022 and is managed by BondBloxx. Featured Articles Want to see what other hedge funds are holding XSVN? Visit HoldingsChannel.com to get the latest 13F filings and insider trades for BondBloxx Bloomberg Seven Year Target Duration US Treasury ETF (NYSEARCA:XSVN Get Rating). Receive News & Ratings for BondBloxx Bloomberg Seven Year Target Duration US Treasury ETF Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for BondBloxx Bloomberg Seven Year Target Duration US Treasury ETF and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Western Alliance Bancorporation (NYSE:WAL Get Rating) has earned an average recommendation of Moderate Buy from the sixteen brokerages that are currently covering the company, Marketbeat Ratings reports. One analyst has rated the stock with a sell rating, one has assigned a hold rating and nine have 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 $59.25. WAL has been the subject of a number of research reports. Truist Financial upped their price target on shares of Western Alliance Bancorporation from $50.00 to $65.00 in a research report on Thursday, April 20th. UBS Group upped their price target on shares of Western Alliance Bancorporation from $62.00 to $67.00 and gave the stock a buy rating in a research report on Thursday, April 20th. Bank of America initiated coverage on shares of Western Alliance Bancorporation in a research report on Tuesday, May 16th. They set a buy rating and a $42.00 price target for the company. Wells Fargo & Company decreased their price target on shares of Western Alliance Bancorporation from $90.00 to $65.00 and set an overweight rating for the company in a research report on Tuesday, March 14th. Finally, Wedbush raised shares of Western Alliance Bancorporation from a neutral rating to an outperform rating and upped their price target for the stock from $38.00 to $50.00 in a research report on Wednesday, April 19th. Get Western Alliance Bancorporation alerts: Western Alliance Bancorporation Stock Down 5.8 % Shares of NYSE WAL opened at $38.52 on Thursday. Western Alliance Bancorporation has a 52-week low of $7.46 and a 52-week high of $86.87. The firm has a fifty day moving average of $34.32 and a 200-day moving average of $51.24. The stock has a market capitalization of $4.22 billion, a PE ratio of 4.40, a P/E/G ratio of 0.47 and a beta of 1.37. The company has a quick ratio of 1.05, a current ratio of 1.19 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 3.20. Western Alliance Bancorporation Announces Dividend Western Alliance Bancorporation ( NYSE:WAL Get Rating ) last announced its quarterly earnings data on Wednesday, April 19th. The financial services provider reported $2.30 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, missing the consensus estimate of $2.31 by ($0.01). Western Alliance Bancorporation had a net margin of 28.75% and a return on equity of 21.73%. The company had revenue of $910.90 million for the quarter, compared to analysts expectations of $648.39 million. During the same period in the prior year, the firm earned $2.22 earnings per share. On average, analysts anticipate that Western Alliance Bancorporation will post 8.23 EPS for the current year. The business also recently announced a quarterly dividend, which was paid on Friday, May 26th. Stockholders of record on Friday, May 12th were paid a $0.36 dividend. The ex-dividend date of this dividend was Thursday, May 11th. This represents a $1.44 dividend on an annualized basis and a dividend yield of 3.74%. Western Alliance Bancorporations dividend payout ratio (DPR) is presently 16.44%. Institutional Investors Weigh In On Western Alliance Bancorporation Institutional investors have recently modified their holdings of the stock. Harbour Investments Inc. raised its stake in shares of Western Alliance Bancorporation by 400.7% in the 1st quarter. Harbour Investments Inc. now owns 696 shares of the financial services providers stock valued at $25,000 after purchasing an additional 557 shares in the last quarter. Benjamin Edwards Inc. acquired a new stake in shares of Western Alliance Bancorporation in the 4th quarter valued at about $26,000. Ellevest Inc. raised its stake in Western Alliance Bancorporation by 3,163.0% during the first quarter. Ellevest Inc. now owns 881 shares of the financial services providers stock worth $31,000 after acquiring an additional 854 shares during the period. Motco acquired a new stake in Western Alliance Bancorporation during the first quarter worth about $32,000. Finally, Advisory Services Network LLC raised its stake in Western Alliance Bancorporation by 118.2% during the first quarter. Advisory Services Network LLC now owns 993 shares of the financial services providers stock worth $35,000 after acquiring an additional 538 shares during the period. Institutional investors and hedge funds own 84.68% of the companys stock. Western Alliance Bancorporation Company Profile (Get Rating) Western Alliance Bancorporation operates as the bank holding company for Western Alliance Bank that provides various banking products and related services primarily in Arizona, California, and Nevada. It operates through Commercial and Consumer Related segments. The company offers deposit products, including checking, savings, and money market accounts, as well as fixed-rate and fixed maturity certificates of deposit accounts; demand deposits; and treasury management and residential mortgage products and services. Further Reading Receive News & Ratings for Western Alliance Bancorporation Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Western Alliance Bancorporation and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. 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). We'll use ROE to examine Eli Lilly and Company (NYSE:LLY), by way of a worked example. Return on equity or ROE is a key measure used to assess how efficiently a company's management is utilizing the company's capital. Put another way, it reveals the company's success at turning shareholder investments into profits. See our latest analysis for Eli Lilly How To Calculate Return On Equity? The formula for return on equity is: Return on Equity = Net Profit (from continuing operations) Shareholders' Equity So, based on the above formula, the ROE for Eli Lilly is: 50% = US$5.7b US$11b (Based on the trailing twelve months to March 2023). The 'return' is the yearly profit. That means that for every $1 worth of shareholders' equity, the company generated $0.50 in profit. Does Eli Lilly Have A Good Return On Equity? By comparing a company's ROE with its industry average, we can get a quick measure of how good it is. However, this method is only useful as a rough check, because companies do differ quite a bit within the same industry classification. Pleasingly, Eli Lilly has a superior ROE than the average (18%) in the Pharmaceuticals industry. roe That's clearly a positive. Bear in mind, a high ROE doesn't always mean superior financial performance. Especially when a firm uses high levels of debt to finance its debt which may boost its ROE but the high leverage puts the company at risk. You can see the 2 risks we have identified for Eli Lilly by visiting our risks dashboard for free on our platform here. How Does Debt Impact Return On Equity? Virtually all companies need money to invest in the business, to grow profits. The cash for investment can come from prior year profits (retained earnings), issuing new shares, or borrowing. In the first two cases, the ROE will capture this use of capital to grow. In the latter case, the debt used for growth will improve returns, but won't affect the total equity. That will make the ROE look better than if no debt was used. Combining Eli Lilly's Debt And Its 50% Return On Equity Eli Lilly clearly uses a high amount of debt to boost returns, as it has a debt to equity ratio of 1.68. There's no doubt the ROE is impressive, but it's worth keeping in mind that the metric could have been lower if the company were to reduce its debt. Debt increases risk and reduces options for the company in the future, so you generally want to see some good returns from using it. Conclusion 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 around the same level of debt to equity, and one has a higher ROE, I'd generally prefer the one with higher ROE. But ROE is just one piece of a bigger puzzle, since high quality businesses often trade on high multiples of earnings. Profit growth rates, versus the expectations reflected in the price of the stock, are a particularly important to consider. So I think it may be worth checking this free report on analyst forecasts for the company. But note: Eli Lilly may not be the best stock to buy. So take a peek at this free list of interesting companies with high ROE and low debt. 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 An event on Chinese tea culture was recently held in Madrid, Spain. Maojian green tea from Xinyang city, central China's Henan Province was promoted during the event, receiving a warm response from the guests. Lyu Lyu, deputy mayor of the Xinyang Municipal People's Government, He Yong, minister counselor from the Chinese Embassy in Spain, Yang Changqing, director of the China Cultural Center in Madrid, Harry Hwang, the Regional Director for Asia and the Pacific at the World Tourism Organization (UNWTO), and directors of six departments, along with nearly 50 officials from the UNWTO, attended the event. Harry Hwang, the Regional Director for Asia and the Pacific at the World Tourism Organization (UNWTO), speaks at the event. In 2019, the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) adopted a resolution to designate May 21 as International Tea Day, and in 2022, traditional Chinese tea-making techniques and related customs were included in the UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage List, said Hwang. Tea has changed from a simple beverage to a cultural symbol of Chinese civilization and a bridge connecting the world. The event will not only promote exchanges between Chinese tea culture and the global tourism industry, but also enhance the cooperation between China and the UNWTO, he added. Lyu Lyu, deputy mayor of the Xinyang Municipal People's Government, speaks at the event. Tea is a valuable treasure of Chinese culture and an important carrier for exchanges and mutual learning among civilizations, said Lyu, expressing the hope that this event can make Maojian green tea known in the world. On behalf of the Xinyang Municipal People's Government, Lyu presented Maojian green tea as a gift to the UNWTO. Officials from the World Tourism Organization (UNWTO) taste Maojian green tea. In the afternoon of the same day, a gathering aimed at promoting Maojiao green tea was held at the China Cultural Center in Madrid. Nearly 100 people participated, including those from the Spanish Ministry of Culture and Sport, the Community of Madrid, the political, academic and cultural circles, and media outlets. A performance featuring traditional Chinese dance and tea art was staged, vividly showcasing tea-making procedures through dance. The guests warmly applauded the performance. During a tea culture salon, four guests discussed such topics as tea culture, tea elements, food made with tea, and tea as a lifestyle. Marcelo Munoz, president of the think tank Catedra China, shared his stories of and insights into tea which took place over the course of nearly 50 years when he did business with China. Xiao Junjing, a young inheritor of Maojian green tea making technique, shared her personal insights into tea culture and tea as a lifestyle, as well as the inheritance of tea culture in China among young people. On June 9, an event was held for Maojian green tea at Saddle, a Michelin-starred restaurant in Madrid. The Chinese tea was used as an ingredient in several dishes served at the restaurant. Adolfo Santos Garcia, the restaurant's chef, designed a special menu featuring Maojian green tea. Each dish in the menu paired well with Maojian green tea, showing a fusion of Chinese tea and foreign ingredients. (Source: People's Daily Online) Gao Jie, a postgraduate from the Beijing University of Agriculture, processes soil samples at a rural sci-tech station in Beizhai Village, Pinggu District of Beijing, capital of China, May 16, 2023. [Xinhua/Tian Chenxu] BEIJING, June 14 (Xinhua) As the dawn breaks, postgraduate Gao Jie, wearing sun-proof clothing and a hat, drives an electric tricycle with her two classmates, heading to the apricot farm. After unloading tools like shovels and sample bags, they select three trees, dig some soil near the trees and put it into the bags for lab analysis. "Soil is just like life. It also needs physical examinations," said Gao, adding that previous analysis has shown that most of the apricot trees are overfertilized, harming their growth. Gao and her classmates from the Beijing University of Agriculture are dispatched to a rural station at Beizhai Village, Pinggu District in suburban Beijing. The rural station, known as "the tiny yard of science and technology," allows students like Gao to perform field research on farmers' plots, while farmers can gain direct access to advanced agricultural techniques. Surrounded by mountains on three sides, the village, with its unique climate and soil conditions, is ideal for the growth of red apricots. However, due to long-term extensive management, villagers saw a shrinking apricot yield, with the fruit quality declining year by year, despite various efforts. In 2019, experts from the university visited the village, finding that villagers were in shortage of scientific knowledge of fertilization and pest control, and the experience of online sales. "We then contacted relevant departments and set up the rural station. In this way, postgraduate students are stationed here by turns, and the instructors regularly visit the rural station to help with troubleshooting," said Jia Yuehui, a professor at the university. Jia said the countryside is a special classroom that brings the students extra experience for learning and research. "Some students were too shy to speak in public. Now that they talk to villagers every day, their communication capability improves a lot," she said, adding that some students have developed multiple skills, such as claiming compensation for hail damage and creating QR codes for online sales. The students, many growing up in cities, also learn from the farmers. Kong Fanli, an experienced apricot farmer, told the students that the weed under the trees helps absorb some humid heat in summer, and therefore should not be removed. "With the weed, the apricots will not have peeling skin caused by heat waves," said Kong. Facing problems that the students cannot solve, the instructor team will show up to help. Farmer Yu Jihong turned to the experts as a brown gelatinous substance oozed from the bottom of some of his tree trunks as if "the trunks are bleeding." Liu Jie, an associate professor sent to the village, said the glue-like substance is the cell sap inside the trees. He said the cell sap leakage is caused by bacteria infection, as overfertilization has led to weak trees. Liu advised Yu to reduce fertilization and apply some lime sulfur after clearing the cell sap on the trunk surface. "After I listened to the advice from the expert, my anxiety is gone," said Yu. Liu Fudong, Party chief of the village, said the apricot planting in the village is gradually becoming scientific thanks to the rural station. With the help of the students, the village has set up an online shop, with half of the apricot yield sold online last year. Figures show that the number of rural stations of science and technology has exceeded 1,000 across China, providing a new model for scientific research, social services, personnel training and agricultural development. (Source: Xinhua) President of the Republic of Honduras Iris Xiomara Castro Sarmiento arrived in Shanghai on Friday morning, starting her China visit which will run until June 14 at the invitation of Chinese President Xi Jinping. [Xinhua/Gao Feng] After walking the red carpet China rolled out for her, visiting Honduran president Iris Xiomara Castro Sarmiento and Chinese President Xi Jinping conducted their historic meeting, jointly charting the course forward for bilateral relations. BEIJING, June 14 (Xinhua) Greeted by a group of frisky children clutching bouquets, Iris Xiomara Castro Sarmiento, president of the Republic of Honduras, broke into a smile and reciprocated the warm gestures by forming a heart shape with her hands. Standing beside her was Chinese President Xi Jinping. It's a scene that would be inscribed in the chronicle of China-Honduras relations. After walking the red carpet China rolled out for the visiting Honduran president, the two heads of state conducted their historic meeting on Monday, jointly charting the course forward for bilateral relations. New Chapter Castro is the first Honduran president to pay a state visit to China. When she arrived in Shanghai on Friday, the president said her visit to China is expected by the Honduran people. On March 26, China and Honduras signed a joint communique in Beijing on the establishment of diplomatic relations. Honduras has thus become the 182nd country to have diplomatic relations with China. Chinese State Councilor and Foreign Minister Qin Gang and Honduran Foreign Minister Eduardo Reina shake hands after signing a joint communique on the establishment of diplomatic relations in Beijing, capital of China, March 26, 2023. [Xinhua/Zhang Ling] During the meeting, Xi said the bilateral relationship has got off to a good and speedy start and enjoys great dynamism and promise since the establishment of diplomatic ties. Underscoring the immediate and long-term significance of the establishment of diplomatic ties, Xi stressed "China will remain committed to developing friendly relations with Honduras, firmly support economic and social development in Honduras, and forge a good friendship and partnership with Honduras featuring mutual respect, equality, mutual benefit, and common development." China and Honduras have every reason to forge close ties. Recognized as a major developing country with a strong sense of responsibility, China has been dedicated to strengthening solidarity and cooperation among developing countries and safeguarding their common interests and international fairness and justice. During their talks, Xi said that China is willing to work with Honduras and other Latin American and Caribbean (LAC) countries to promote cooperation on the China-CELAC Forum and the overall cooperation between China and Latin America. From Costa Rica, Panama, and Dominica, to El Salvador, Nicaragua, and Honduras ... Over the years, China has established or restored diplomatic relations with many countries in Central America and the Caribbean region. By making more friends, China is joining Latin American countries to write a new chapter on building a China-Latin America community with a shared future. New Opportunities 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 based on principles of mutual respect, equality, mutual benefit and common development. During the meeting with Castro, Xi mentioned not long ago, a delegation of Honduran business leaders visited China, noting that many of them said the trip has transformed their perception of China. Among members of the delegations are many coffee merchants, as Honduras is an important coffee exporter. Diplomatic ties with China will bring opportunities for them to explore the vast Chinese market. "Taking advantage of the establishment of diplomatic relations, Honduran high-quality products represented by coffee will reach more customers from the vast Chinese market," said Zelaya, a Honduran coffee merchant who only gave his first name. A worker checks roasted coffee beans in a coffee factory in Marcala, Honduras, on May 6, 2023. Honduras' natural conditions are ideal for coffee cultivation and it is one of the major coffee exporters in Central America. [Xinhua/Xin Yuewei] "China is a big country with leading science and technology," said Mario, another coffee merchant. "The advanced machinery made in China will promote the development and upgrading of the Honduran coffee industry, and active cooperation between two countries in various fields will continue to benefit the Honduran people." According to the General Administration of Customs of China, in the first four months of this year, China's total export-import volume with Honduras reached 3.893 billion yuan (544 million U.S. dollars), a year-on-year increase of 22.9 percent, of which imports increased 229.5 percent. The fruitful results brought by the two countries' practical cooperation since the establishment of diplomatic ties testify to the huge development potential of bilateral relations. On Friday, Castro said in Shanghai that Honduras will actively participate in the sixth China International Import Expo to be held in November; On Sunday, China and Honduras held a high-level business meeting, the first of its kind since the two countries established diplomatic relations; On Monday, the two countries pledged in a joint statement to negotiate a free trade agreement, and encourage Chinese enterprises to participate in Honduras's development by investing in projects of various fields. During the visit, China and Honduras also signed a memorandum of understanding on Belt and Road cooperation, making Honduras an official participating country of the Belt and Road Initiative. Latin America now has 22 countries that have joined Belt and Road cooperation with China. The vigorous vitality and broad prospect of China-Honduras practical cooperation is a manifestation of China and Latin American countries working together to promote practical cooperation and achieve common development. According to data from China's General Administration of Customs, the total trade volume between China and Latin America and the Caribbean countries reached a new high of 485.79 billion dollars in 2022, exceeding 450 billion dollars for the second consecutive year and marking an increase of more than 7 percent over 2021. New Expectations During the talks with Castro, Xi said that the two sides should promote cultural and people-to-people exchanges to consolidate the popular support for China-Honduras friendship. The establishment of bilateral diplomatic ties has paved the way for the two peoples to strengthen cultural exchanges and enhance mutual understanding. In May, a delegation of 30 Honduran media professionals visited Shanghai, Guizhou, Chongqing, Zhejiang, Jiangsu, and other places in China. "In the past, my impression of China came entirely from Western media reports. This trip to China allowed me to see the modern urban governance model with my own eyes, which is worth learning from," said Pedro Membreno, editor-in-chief of the Honduran newspaper People's Power. With the establishment of diplomatic relations between the two countries, Membreno said, the Honduran people now have a growing need for real Chinese information to grasp further knowledge of the country. "This trip to China helped me feel the harmonious coexistence between the city and the natural environment, which embodied the concept of sustainable development. I will try to let more Hondurans know how socialism makes China prosper in a way that is easy for the audience to understand," said Carlos Mendez, a new media worker in Honduras. Li Xinwei, a researcher at the Institute of Archaeology of the Chinese Academy of Social Sciences, also bears witness to the rapid development of civil exchanges between the two countries Since 2015, Li has been working with his Honduran colleagues on a joint archaeological team to excavate the ruins of an aristocratic courtyard in the ancient city of Copan, one of the birthplaces of the Mayan civilization. "Studying the Mayan civilization would also help us better understand the formation and development of Chinese civilization," Li said. "There is still a lot of potential for our archaeological cooperation with China, and the establishment of diplomatic relations between the two countries provides more opportunities for this," said Salvador Varela Martinez, the western region representative of the Honduran Institute of Anthropology and History. Xi himself is also a champion of the diversity of human civilizations. In June 2013, the Chinese president visited the ancient Mayan ruins of Chichen Itza, saying that different cultures and civilizations, while retaining their uniqueness, should be open-minded, tolerant and coexist in peace with each other, thus to achieve common development and prosperity. In 2016, when delivering a key speech at the Peruvian Congress, Xi called for China and Latin America to carry out people-to-people and cultural exchanges and mutual learning of civilization in order to realize the synchronous development of China-Latin America cooperation at both material and spiritual levels. Going forward, China, Honduras, and other Latin American countries are poised to further deepen mutual trust, expand cooperation and enhance friendship, so as to promote China-Latin America relations into a new era characterized by equality, mutual benefit, innovation, openness and benefits for the people. (Source: Xinhua) Pupils attend a science class at a primary school in Zhaxizom Township in Tingri County, Xigaze City, southwest China's Tibet Autonomous Region, June 5, 2023.The primary school of Zhaxizom Township is the closest school to Mount Qomolangma, with a distance of just over 40 kilometers. [Xinhua/Fei Maohua] "The international community needs the contribution of China in global human rights governance," said Micol Savia, permanent representative of the International Association of Democratic Lawyers to the United Nations in Geneva. BEIJING, June 14 (Xinhua) China is ready to work with the rest of the world to act on the principles enshrined in the Vienna Declaration and Programme of Action, push for greater fairness, justice, reason, and inclusiveness in global human rights governance, and promote the development of a human community with a shared future. What Chinese President Xi Jinping wrote in his congratulatory letter to the Forum on Global Human Rights Governance that opened in Beijing on Wednesday spoke again of the importance China has attached to the global human rights cause. For decades, China has been committed to raising the well-being of its people while improving global human rights governance, both of which are highly acclaimed by the international community. Breathtaking Transformation Villagers of Daliang Mountain in Sichuan Province, southwestern China, endured a life of poverty six years ago, grappling with an unstable power supply and a lack of essential electrical appliances. But things have changed. Now the road to the village has been rebuilt, and impoverished villagers have been relocated to newly built houses equipped with electric cookers and washing machines. "It is such a tremendous change. I would never have dreamed of it," rejoiced Boli Muqie, a villager in the mountainous area. The breathtaking transformation is possible because of China's poverty alleviation work, which eliminated absolute poverty by February 2021. It has lifted more than 700 million of its people out of poverty over the past 40-plus years of reform and opening up, significantly contributing to the cause of human rights worldwide. Apart from that, China has established the world's largest systems of education, social security and healthcare, ensuring that its population's basic needs are met. It also promoted equal rights and special protection for specific groups, including ethnic minorities, women, children, the elderly and people with disabilities. One of the best examples can be found in northwestern China's Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region, where ethnic groups have adequate access to education, healthcare and cultural events. Rural schools here, refurbished and with improved teaching, have helped many students gain admission to higher education, said Sanam Ibrayim, a teacher at a rural school in Xinjiang. In the eyes of many, China's people-centered advancement is a significant human rights feat, setting a new benchmark. Former Prime Minister of Guyana Moses Nagamootoo said China's concept of people-centered human rights could be illuminating to other countries. Leonardo Santos Simao, former foreign minister of Mozambique, said China has ensured its people's political, economic, social and cultural rights during its development. Students from Xide County who used to take the "slow train" for school pose for a group photo in front of D843 "Fuxing" bullet train at Xichang West Railway station in Xichang, Liangshan Yi Autonomous Prefecture, southwest China's Sichuan Province, Jan. 10, 2022. [Xinhua/Jiang Hongjing] A Country with the Moves "Thanks to a good production in rice obtained due to a training session on varieties of Chinese rice in general and hybrid rice in particular, members of our cooperative are enjoying socially and economically," said Emmanuel Nizigiyimana, a Burundian in his 30s. Nizigiyimana, chairman of a cooperative based in Burundi's Bubanza Province, was one of the students receiving training in rice farming under the leadership of a Chinese rice farming expert named Yang Huade. The production that was less than four tonnes with the local rice variety per hectare has now been increased to nine to 10 tonnes per hectare with the Chinese rice, Nizigiyimana said. "The Chinese rice varieties are also resistant to diseases contrary to local varieties." The training has provided valuable insight into the impact of China's initiatives dedicated to protecting and promoting the right to live and develop. These efforts have been instrumental in improving the well-being of people in countries across the globe. Take the Belt and Road Initiative. Proposed by China in 2013, it has generated nearly 1 trillion U.S. dollars in investment, created some 420,000 jobs worldwide, and helped lift nearly 40 million people out of poverty in a decade. A World Bank report said the initiative could boost trade by 2.8 to 9.7 percent for participating countries and by 1.7 to 6.2 percent for the whole world. Furthermore, the Global Development Initiative (GDI) put forward by China in September 2021 has gained support from more than 100 countries and several international organizations, including the United Nations. Nearly 70 countries have joined the Group of Friends of the initiative. In April last year, China proposed another initiative, the Global Security Initiative, to promote common security. China said it would work hard to contribute its wisdom and solutions to the cause of peace and development for all humanity. In this regard, China practices what it preaches, said Keith Bennett, a long-term China specialist and vice chair of Britain's 48 Group Club. Bennett said that China can put forward proposals, mechanisms and solutions that have global appeal. Chinese rice expert Dan Songbai (1st L) instructs farmers in a hybrid rice field in Kihanga, Bubanza Province, Burundi, Oct. 29, 2022. [Xinhua/Dong Jianghui] Enriching Global Cause In early November 2017, the Committee of Disarmament and International Security of the 72nd Session of the UN General Assembly approved two draft resolutions on preventing an arms race in outer space. Both incorporated for the first time the phrase "building a community of shared future for mankind." Since then, the vision put forward by China has been written into more UN resolutions and has become an essential component of the global human rights discourse. Based on this vision, China has cultivated an outlook on human rights with "people" as the center, "development" as the driving force and "a life of contentment" as the goal through continuous progress, enriching the global human rights cause. China conforms to a people-centered approach, which envisions a "global five-in-one" comprising "politics, security, economy, culture and ecology," said Maria Francesca Staiano, director of the Center on China Studies of the International Relations Institute of the National University of La Plata. "They are key points of the UN human rights protections, which are in line with the UN 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development and human rights," she said. True. To promote common development for advancing universal human rights, China put forward the GDI, advocating action-oriented approaches that address developing countries' most pressing livelihood needs. It has also called for upholding genuine multilateralism and the basic norms of international relations to promote and protect human rights through dialogue and cooperation. Meanwhile, recognizing the importance of inclusiveness, China proposed the Global Civilization Initiative in mid-March, urging the international community to respect the diversity of civilizations and the different paths of human rights development. Saikat Bhattacharya, an assistant professor at New Integrated Public University in India, said building a community with a shared future for humanity champions the equality of countries regardless of their size. It strengthens state-to-state relations and promotes living with dignity. "The international community needs the contribution of China in global human rights governance," said Micol Savia, permanent representative of the International Association of Democratic Lawyers to the United Nations in Geneva. China, a country with long history and culture, is a significant player in international relations, she added. (Source: Xinhua) Weather Alert ...FLOOD WATCH IN EFFECT FROM MIDNIGHT CDT TONIGHT THROUGH THURSDAY MORNING... * WHAT...Flooding caused by excessive rainfall is possible. * WHERE...Portions of southern Illinois, western Kentucky and southeast Missouri, including the following areas, in southern Illinois, Alexander, Franklin, Hardin, Jackson, Johnson, Massac, Perry IL, Pope, Pulaski, Saline, Union and Williamson. In western Kentucky, Ballard, Caldwell, Calloway, Carlisle, Christian, Crittenden, Fulton, Graves, Hickman, Livingston, Lyon, Marshall, McCracken, Todd and Trigg. In southeast Missouri, Bollinger, Cape Girardeau, Mississippi, Perry MO and Scott. * WHEN...From Midnight CDT tonight through Thursday morning. * IMPACTS...Excessive runoff may result in flooding of rivers, creeks, streams, and other low-lying and flood-prone locations. * ADDITIONAL DETAILS... - While rainfall from heavy rain and storms late tonight through Thursday morning will be around an inch with locally higher amounts, locations which experienced torrential rainfall this week have ground conditions susceptible to additional flooding. - http://www.weather.gov/safety/flood PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS... You should monitor later forecasts and be alert for possible Flood Warnings. Those living in areas prone to flooding, and especially those who experienced flooding Tuesday night into Wednesday, should be prepared to take action should flooding develop. && (Reuters) - The U.S. Federal Reserve and the Securities and Exchange Commission are investigating Goldman Sachs Group's (GS) role in two deals with Silicon Valley Bank that preceded the latter's collapse, the Wall Street Journal reported on Thursday citing people familiar with the matter. Silicon Valley Bank had booked a $1.8 billion loss on the sale of a bond portfolio to Goldman. The Wall Street giant was also an underwriter for a failed share sale by the bank that eventually paved the way for its meltdown. The Fed and the SEC are seeking documents related to Goldman's role as both buyer of the securities portfolio and adviser on the capital raise, the report said. They are looking to see if Goldman's investment banking side and its trading division were improperly communicating about the portfolio sale, the report added. Goldman had disclosed last month it was cooperating with government probes into its dealings with Silicon Valley Bank. "SVB engaged Goldman Sachs to assist with a proposed capital raise and sold the firm a portfolio of securities. Prior to that sale, Goldman Sachs informed SVB in writing that we would not act as their advisor on the sale, and that SVB should not rely on any advice from the bank in this regard, but instead hire a third-party financial advisor," a spokesperson for Goldman said. A customer is escorted into the Silicon Valley Bank headquarters in Santa Clara, California, U.S., March 13, 2023. REUTERS/Brittany Hosea-Small Goldman's shares closed up 0.4% at $339.74 on Thursday, after having risen as much as 1.6% earlier in the day. In March, Reuters reported U.S. prosecutors were investigating the collapse of Silicon Valley Bank. The probe by the Fed and the SEC were part of the broader probes, the WSJ report added. An SEC spokesperson said in an emailed statement the agency "does not comment on the existence or nonexistence of a possible investigation". A spokesperson for the Fed declined to comment. Silicon Valley Bank's demise sent shockwaves through the industry and brought on the worst crisis for the sector in 15 years. (Reporting by Niket Nishant in Bengaluru, Additional reporting by Saeed Azhar and Chris Prentice in New York; Editing by Krishna Chandra Eluri and Maju Samuel) A new study published last week in Science Advances develops the understanding of the effects of COVID-19 and other viruses on the brain. The findings are believed to help explain brain fogone of the most common Long COVID symptoms which can involve headaches, difficulty concentrating, forgetfulness and other symptomsas well as other neurological manifestations, such as the loss of taste or smell, and potentially death. Long COVID advocates often note that brain fog is simply a euphemism for brain damage, and the findings of this study underscore this point. Published shortly after the World Health Organization (WHO) and the Biden administration in the US formally ended their declarations of public health emergency due to COVID-19, the study reaffirms that these decisions were premature and unscientific. The coronavirus continues to spread unchecked throughout the world, killing thousands and damaging the brains and other organs of an untold number of people each day. Conducted by a collaborative of researchers at Macquarie University, Sydney, and the University of Queensland in Brisbane, both in Australia, along with the University of Helsinki, Finland, the study found that when brain cells (neurons and glia) are infected by SARS-CoV-2, the virus that causes COVID-19, the cell membrane is altered, causing the cells to fuse together. The result is that the fused neurons, which transmit information by generating electrical impulses, either cease to fire or fire simultaneously, likely with unintended consequences. The lead author of the study, Massimo Hilliard, draws an analogy with the effect of fusing household circuitry controlling lights in different rooms. The messages that these neurons normally transmit become either scrambled or cut off, potentially wreaking havoc with a whole range of bodily functions. The research involved the use of brain organoids, which are accumulations of brain cells grown in vitro (i.e., artificially in the lab from human stem cells). These provide a simulation of conditions in the brain. The study examined the process by which specialized molecules, known as fusogens, which are associated with the viral spike (S) protein, are used by the virus to penetrate cells, enabling the virus to hijack the cells machinery to produce more viruses which then spread to adjacent cells. Representative fused neurons (arrowheads) transfected with either spike S and GFP or hACE2 and mCherry before being cocultured. Fusion is observed at the somas (top left) and the neurites (top right and bottom), with neuronal bridges (asterisks) of variable lengths. Immunocytochemistry for nuclei (blue), MAP2 (magenta), GFP (green), and mCherry (red). [Photo by Ramon Martinez-Marmol et al. / CC BY 4.0 Understanding of that basic mechanism of viral infection was already known. What is new is the observation that in infected cells the fusogens alter the cells membrane, which then causes separate cells, both neurons and non-neurons known as glia, which provide structural support to the neurons, to fuse together. They also found that dendrites and axons, components of neurons involved in cell-cell communication, can be sites of cellular fusion. The study found that 90 percent of the fused cells do not die but resulted in synchronized neuronal activity, while in the remaining 10 percent of fused cells, neuronal activity completely stopped. The authors write, Our results indicate that viral infections, driving the expression of viral fusogens, can initiate the irreversible fusion of brain cells, causing alteration in neuronal communication and revealing a possible pathomechanism of neuronal malfunction caused by infection. They add, The impact on neuronal fusion will depend on the viral load in the brain and the specific areas infected. The study authors further propose that the intracellular environments created by masses of fused cells might allow viral replication in an environment shielded from a bodys immune system. In effect, this could produce a reservoir for repeated bouts of disease as the replicating viruses periodically emerge from their sanctuaries, even without exposure to an external source of infection. This has implications for the course of other neurological diseases as well, such as Alzheimers disease, Parkinsons disease, and multiple sclerosis. An article on the study published in Science reports that similar fused cell masses, known as syncytia, have previously been observed in other organs of patients with COVID-19, such as the lungs. Examination of the brains of human patients who have died of COVID-19 for the presence of syncytia, has yet to be reported. The real-world implications of this study and many others done on the neurological impacts of COVID-19 are staggering. The damage to brain cells shown in the study is irreversible. Repeated bouts of COVID-19 are likely to compound the effect, leading to progressive neurological decline in individuals who are repeatedly reinfected, not to mention effects on other organ systems. The horrifying results of this study were shared widely by scientists and anti-COVID advocates on Twitter. Dr. Eric Topol of the Scripps Institute, who has done important research on Long COVID, shared an image from the study with the comment, Not a pretty picture. Another widely shared post from anti-COVID activist @1goodtern embedded a video interview with study co-author Dr. Yazi Ke of Macquarie University. Commenting on the fact that COVID-19 has caused millions of individuals to lose the sense of taste and smell, Dr. Ke states, I would imagine that the virus is causing, wreaking havoc in these brain areas. Asked whether she believes that the neurological damage caused by COVID-19 is permanent, Dr. Ke replies, Knowing what I know, I would say that its quite permanent. And over time, I can imagine that these large structures of cells actually eventually might die because they dont get to do what theyre supposed to do. In the interview, Dr. Ke also notes that the studys findings indicate a potential source of neurological symptoms associated with many other viruses. In the study, the authors write: Our results also imply that other viral infections can potentially cause neuronal fusion. Several viruses can cause severe neurological symptoms and/or death, such as HIV, rabies virus, Japanese encephalitis virus, vesicular stomatitis virus, poliovirus, measles virus, herpes simplex virus, varicella-zoster virus, Zika virus, cytomegalovirus, dengue virus, Nipah virus, and chikungunya virus, among others. Cell-to-cell contact has been shown to be involved in the spreading of HIV, measles, and SARS-CoV-2, but viral-mediated neuronal fusion remained poorly understood. The forever COVID policy adopted by governments around the worldi.e. allowing the pandemic to rage on without any effective controlmeans that the vast majority of the worlds population will suffer repeated bouts of COVID-19 annually, with potentially increasingly severe impacts and a growing section of the population developing Long COVID. The result, as the WSWS has stated, will be a deepening mass debilitating event, which will reverberate for generations to come. Neurologists and care providers are already reporting upticks in patients suffering from early-onset dementia and other neurological disorders, and many are deeply concerned that recurring waves of COVID-19 will produce a deluge of patients suffering from these afflictions in the years ahead. How many children growing up today, whose parents were misled into believing that COVID-19 is essentially harmless to them, will have their lives or well-being cut drastically short? The capitalist policy of forever COVID is a barbaric experiment on all of society, with untold ramifications. It is nothing less than a crime against humanity. It must be treated as such, and the criminals brought to justice. At the same time, the well-known public health measures necessary to reverse these policies and stop the pandemic must be implemented. It is now abundantly clear that only the united action of the international working class, in coordination with principled scientists and anti-COVID advocates, can bring this about. Amidst the war hysteria and propaganda accompanying the NATO-backed counteroffensive against Russia, there is virtually nothing in the Western bourgeois media accurately depicting the immense social crisis and concerns of Ukrainian workers and youth, the horrendous toll of the war and a growing sense of fatigue with it in the Ukrainian population. In just over one year of war, the Ukrainian army has suffered an estimated 200,000 deaths or more. Considering the average rate of 4 wounded for 1 dead, this would indicate that another 800,000 people have been wounded. This would mean that, out of the pre-war population of just under 39 million, 0.5 percent have died in the war, and 2.6 percent have been killed or wounded. If these ratios were applied to the US with its population of 332 million, the equivalent would be 1,660,000 million dead and 8,632,000 people killed or wounded. An additional 8.5 million people have fled the country, leaving behind only 29 million, not all of whom live in territories controlled by the Zelensky government. Even in small towns, hundreds of men and youth have died. While the government has now banned the taking of pictures at cemeteries, images of mass graves across the country continue to circulate on social media. The vast majority of those dying are young people and workers. While more and more people are trying to avoid conscription, doing so requires, above all, financial resources, which the vast majority of the population do not have. Even before the war, Ukraine, along with Moldova, was the poorest country in Europe. The World Socialist Web Site recently spoke with several Ukrainian youth about the situation in the country and the moods within the population. One of them reported to the WSWS, Those who were previously unemployed remain unemployed. People also fear to get a job because then the risk is extremely high that you will be taken into the army, since managers work closely with the army. The military is grabbing draft evaders everywhere. They wait in the streets, in parking lots near shopping malls, they go into gyms, homes, and so on. They will serve draft summonses and take peoplesome of them as young as 16away to war. Under the state of martial law that was imposed in Ukraine at the beginning of the war, men aged 18 and older are banned from leaving the country. He explained, There are more people that do not want to serve than there are those who want to serve. Dozens of people are trying to flee by swimming across the Dnietrs river [to cross into Moldova]. Some of them drown. There is also widespread corruption in the army. Those who dont want to serve can buy themselves out by paying huge sums. He continued, But there are also some who want to serve as volunteers in the Ukrainian army. The deep divisions in society remain. There are still informers in the cities who give information to the Russian army. Many people secretly hope for the arrival of the Russian army. Recently, the formation of a volunteer corps of Ukrainians in the Russian army was announced. It was called the Little Russian Liberation Army after the imperial name for Ukraine [Little Russia] in Tsarist Russia. How slavish that sounds! I sometimes think about what is now happening far away from me, at the frontline. I have had these thoughts especially often since Ive watched All Quiet on the Western Front on Netflix, which is based on a novel by Erich Maria Remarque. Personally, I feel empathy for both sides. There are many discussions about this war, many are talking about what caused it, and what the role of Russia is in the conflict. If I compare this war to the war that was fought during the Second World War on the territory of Soviet Ukraine, I come to the conclusion that that war was indeed a war in defense of the fatherland because my ancestors fought to defend the fatherland of the workers [the Soviet Union], but today this does not exist anymore. Two other youth also spoke about a growing sense of fatigue with the war. One teenager said, The attitude toward the war is changing. The patriots and nationalists have already died at the front. Those who remain are moderately minded and tired of the war. A 22-year old stated, There is a certain fatigue in society that you can observe in relation to the war, but it is forbidden to even think in that direction. In addition to the horrendous human toll of the war, Ukrainian workers and youth are also hit by extremely high prices under conditions where the Zelensky government continues to impose wage cuts and social austerity. As of June 12, the World Map by the World Food Program reported that over 8.7 million peoplei.e., almost one in three Ukrainians who are still living in the countryhave insufficient food consumption, and 7 million were using crisis or above crisis food-based coping. The 22-year-old said, The social situation is catastrophic, prices are rising, taxes are rising, but the salaries dont change. Many people are forced to cut back on what they eat. The elderly of pension age are forced to sell their valuables in pawnshops, which dot the entire city. It is virtually impossible for young people to find a job where they are not subject to anti-human behavior by their employer, on top of horrible working conditions. Another youth said, If were speaking about the social moods, they waver between a critique of the Zelensky regime and support for it. Many are dissatisfied with the rising prices for housing and utilities. People respond to the rise in prices negatively and actively, but this protest does go not beyond discussions among friends and neighbors. One cannot say at this point that there is growing discontent in the masses with the Zelensky regime. There is still chauvinism toward the Russians. Many expect that the war might end soon with a victory of Ukraine. The youth reported that there is a widespread critical attitude toward the promotion of fascist forces, who stand in the tradition of the World War II-era Nazi collaborators Stepan Bandera and his Organization of Ukrainian Nationalists, by the Zelensky government. However, these discussions are marked both by a lack of historical clarity about the history of the October Revolution, the role of Stalinism and the fascists themselves, as well as fear of repercussions in the case of public protest. The 22-year-old told the WSWS, There is a condemnation in society of the promotion of fascist figures, but it is worth noting that this condemnation takes place behind the scenes in order to avoid problems. He added, There are some who remember with nostalgia the achievements of the USSR in terms of social benefits, which are now the privilege of the rich. This phenomenon is not widespread, because the years of rabid anti-communist hysteria have created an understanding in society of what we can and cannot talk about. It is also worth noting that there has been a total informational brainwashing of the younger generation. The government is imposing on it a false understanding of the essence of socialism and communism and the October Revolution. By sowing a false understanding of socialism and communism, the American puppets in power have further strengthened the elitist system of capitalist exploitation. The overall sentiment, he indicated, is one of anxiety and fear for the future. Everyone expects that either their home will be hit by a bomb in the near future or that there will be a further deterioriation of the social conditions confronting the majority of the population. Personally, I only have a vague sense of how there could be a way forward. There seem to be several potential future courses of events, but none of them bode well for the working masses. A young supporter of the International Committee of the Fourth International in Ukraine said, I think that the Ukrainian question cannot be resolved within the borders of Ukraine itself: The Ukrainian question can only be resolved on the world arena. I dont see a solution to the Ukrainian question in a victory of Russia or the US, but only in the unity of the working class of Russia, Ukraine and the entire world. This still image from a video published by the Russian armed forces showed destroyed Leopard 2 battle tanks and Bradley infantry fighting vehicles that were used as part of Urkaine's offensive operations. When the Ukrainian counteroffensive began last week, it was hailed in the American media as a decisive turning point in the US-NATO war against Russia. An Endgame for Ukraine, proclaimed Bret Stephens in the New York Times, which would produce a crushing and unmistakable defeat for Russia. Washington Post columnist Max Boot quoted General David Petraeus as stating that he expects the Ukrainians to achieve significant breakthroughs and accomplish much more than most analysts are predicting. All of these statements have proven both delusional and self-deluded. Ten days in, the offensive has turned into a bloodbath for Ukrainian soldiers, many of them new recruits with little or no training. The Ukrainian government claims to have captured a mere 40 square miles of territory over the past week, at the cost of thousands of lives. It has gotten to the point where the US media describes as a massive triumph the ability of Ukrainian forces to capture, and hold for a few hours, a tiny nondescript village. The current state of the war recalls the slaughter of World War I in horrendous bloodbaths such as the battle of the Somme, the first day of which produced as many as 60,000 casualties. While the death toll in Ukraine has not reached this level, there is no doubt that Ukrainian soldiers are being killed in great numbers in the modern-day equivalent of the slaughter of trench warfare. In figures that have not been contradicted by Ukraine, Russian officials state that over 1,000 Ukrainians are dying per day during the offensive, which would put the total Ukrainian death toll at a minimum of 10,000 so far. While the horror of the war is generally covered up in the media, some acknowledgement of the reality has emerged. The Guardian quoted a US official as saying there will be grinding costly warfare likely for many months to come. The officials said that the casualties inflicted on Russian forces are not significant, adding, The idea that the Russians were just going to melt away and the Ukrainians were going to drive straight through their defensive line was in peoples wildest dreams. An article in the New York Times, written by Helene Cooper, asks coldly, Will Ukraine suffer a lot of casualties in the counteroffensive? The answer: That is already happening. US officials have confirmed that Ukrainian troops have suffered casualties and equipment losses in the early fighting. Little information is available on Russian losses, but the officials pointed out that attackers typically suffer heavier initial casualties than dug-in defenders, for the reasons outlined earlier. The Times then asks, Does that mean the counteroffensive is failing? The answer: No. Two US officials said on Monday that the main thrust of the counteroffensive had probably not begun. In other words, the death toll is only a down payment. With complete indifference, the US and NATO powers, along with their media spokespeople, treat the lives of Ukrainians as so much cannon fodder. The fascist slogan Slava Ukraini has morphed into the reality of Slaughter Ukrainians. And for what end? From the start, the real aim of the Ukrainian offensive was to create the political conditions for further involvement in the war by NATO. As the New York Times wrote on Saturday: Some battlefield success, whether by decimating Russias army, claiming some territory, or both... would build more support in Europe for some sort of long-term security guarantee for Kyiv. Both Ukraine and Western allies have invested in the counteroffensive because, regardless of the specific outcome, it will set the stage for the next phase of the war. The American and British plan to help secure Ukraine involves building support for robust security guarantees from the United States and NATO countries... On Thursday, Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin and Joint Chiefs of Staff Chairman Mark Milley will host a meeting of the Ukraine Defense Contact Group at Ramstein Air Base. This will be followed by a summit of NATO defense ministers on June 16. These meetings will set the stage for the July 11-12 NATO summit in Vilnius, Lithuania, in which the NATO powers are expected to announce some form of formal military alliance with Ukraine, which would set the stage for the direct involvement of NATO troops in the conflict. The Vilnius meeting was conceived as a victors summit. Against the backdrop of a victorious offensive, the intention was to issue ultimatums to a Russia on its back foot. But an altogether different scenario is emerging. Faced with a military debacle, the United States is escalating its involvement in the war. The Wall Street Journal reported on Tuesday that the Biden administration has decided to send Ukraine depleted uranium weapons, which are known to cause cancer, and is actively discussing the deployment of cluster munitions. On Friday, the American Enterprise Institute published an op-ed by one of its senior fellows, Michael Rubin, advocating the deployment of US nuclear weapons to Ukraine. The op-ed is titled Can Biden Deter a Russia Nuclear Attack on Ukraine? Yes, If He Gives Ukraine Tactical Nukes. Rubin called on the White House to threaten to provide Ukraine with nuclear weapons without any controls on where and how Ukraine might use them. Finally, the NATO powers are moving rapidly toward the admission of Ukraine to NATO or some form of formal military alliance, which would set the stage for direct NATO involvement in the conflict. The war in Ukraine has become an existential issue for the Biden administration and NATO. Having bled Ukraine white, the imperialists will need to find more bodies to throw at the Russian cannons. The Biden administration is repeating the United States long pattern of responding to military debacles with escalation. Unless this war is stopped, it will spiral into a catastrophe for all of humanity. On June 5, following the first day of the counter-offensive, the World Socialist Web Site wrote: The urgent need is to connect the developing movement of the working class with the fight against imperialism, which is dragging mankind toward the apocalypse of nuclear war. It is necessary to combine opposition to militarism and war with opposition to inequality, exploitation, and the capitalist system that is the root of all the crises confronting mankind. Now that the Ukraines counteroffensive has produced a bloody debacle, the building of such a movement is all the more urgent. The sinking of a fishing vessel packed with refugees 50 miles south-west of the Greek town of Pylos is likely to be the worst loss of migrant lives in the country. In June 2016, at least 320 people were listed as dead or missing after a vessel sank near Greeces largest island, Crete. Authorities have recovered 78 bodies from the latest tragedy so far, but reports suggest 500-750 people were on board and only 104 survivors have been found more than 24 hours later. Survivors of a shipwreck sit inside a warehouse taking shelter at the port in Kalamata town, about 240 kilometers (150miles) southwest of Athens, on June 15, 2023. A fishing boat crammed with up to 750 migrants capsized and sank June 14 off the coast of Greece, authorities said, leaving at least 79 dead. Hundreds more of those on board are likely dead. [AP Photo/Angelos Tzortzinis, Pool via AP] The ship sank in the early hours of Wednesday morning in one of the deepest parts of the Mediterranean and there is little hope of finding anyone else alive. Retired Greek coast guard admiral Nikos Spanos told Greek public broadcaster ERT, The chances of finding more people alive are minimal, describing the type of old fishing boat used for the crossing as not at all seaworthy. To put it simply, they are floating coffins. People on the boat report that many people, including women and children, were in the hold below decks when the ship sank. One told a doctor, About 100 children are in the hold. The International Organisation for Migration has said at least 40 children were on boardjust eight were rescued. The survivors are traumatised and some seriously unwell. Thirty were taken to hospital to be treated for pneumonia and exhaustion. United Nations refugee official Erasmia Roumana told ERT, People are in shock, having travelled with family or friends who are now dead or missing. Were talking about young men, mostly, who are in a state of huge psychological shock and exhaustion. Some fainted as they walked off the gangplanks from the vessels that brought them here. A Greek rescuer told CNN, These people had not eaten for many days, had not drunk water for many days, were burnt by the sun. Many now face deportation. Greeces acting migration minister Daniel Esdras said they would be taken to a migrant camp to have their asylum claims examined, with those found not to have a valid claim sent back. The Greek coastguard and border officials who ruthlessly police the borders of Fortress Europeemploying murderous pushback tactics and abandoning people in distress to the seaare seeking to pin the blame on the migrants themselves, or those transporting them. Coastguard spokesperson Nikos Alexiou told Skai TV, It was a fishing boat packed with people who refused our assistance because they wanted to go to Italy. We stayed beside it in case it needed our assistance, which they had refused. Given the record of the Greek government, there is no reason to believe offers of help were seriously made, let alone refused. Photos taken by the Greek authorities from the air during the day on Tuesday show migrants on deck with arms outstretched to the aircraft. But if the official narrative is true then it speaks to the appalling anti-migrant brutality of the Greek government such that hundreds of people felt driven to risk more perilous hours at sea to reach the shores of Italya country governed by fascist demagogue Georgia Melonis Brothers party where five police officers have recently been arrested on charges of torture and bodily harm against migrants. Regardless, statements made by the smugglers in charge, or the decisions made by migrants in desperate circumstances and fearful of the Greek authorities do not change the fact that the ship was clearly in serious danger. Refugee assistance NGO Alarm Phone condemned the Greek and European authorities for failing to act despite being well aware of this overcrowded and seaworthy vessel. United Nations official Vincent Cochetel commented, This boat was unseaworthy and no matter what some people on board may have said, the notion of distress cannot be discussed. A handout image provided by Greece's coast guard on Wednesday, June 14, 2023, shows scores of people covering practically every free stretch of deck on a battered fishing boat that later capsized and sank off southern Greece, leaving at least 79 dead and many more missing. [AP Photo/Hellenic Coast Guard via AP] Yet no attempt was made to pre-empt the catastrophe by deploying the aircraft, ships, teams and equipment necessary for a rapid rescue operation: the six coastguard vessels, navy frigate, military transport plane, air force helicopter, multiple private vessels and drone now said to be involved in the rescue operation. The authorities were clearly hoping the ship would pass into Italys area of responsibility where they could wash their hands of any tragedy which followed and any care for the human beings on board. Instead, a significant role was ultimately played in the rescue by the 93-metre luxury yacht Mayan Queen IV and two other vessels. The yacht is owned by a Mexican family who have made billions from silver mining, producing some of the most jarring pictures of social inequality imaginable. The yacht is valued at $175 million, with annual running costs of $15-20 million. Cochetel insisted, A robust and predictable [search and rescue] regime led by states is needed in the Central Med if we want to avoid such tragedies being repeated. Greece and the European Union are doing the opposite, using the EUs border patrol Frontex and deals with Turkey and North African regimes to make the crossing as difficult and dangerous as possibleunder the cover of cracking down on criminals and smugglers. Ylva Johansson, EU Home Affairs Commissioner, grotesquely used this latest tragedy to push the agenda which contributed to it, declaring We have a moral duty to dismantle the criminal networks With member states and third countries, we must redouble efforts to fight these morally bankrupt smugglers. At a meeting in Luxembourg last week, the EU agreed a new common anti-migrant policy to deny legal rights to asylum seekers, secure their internment at camps on Europes borders and fast-track their deportation to so-called safe third countries. Chief among these are Libya and Tunisia, visited by European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, Meloni and Dutch Premier Mark Rutte earlier this month. Just days earlier, the Libyan government had begun a mass anti-migrant crackdown, rounding up thousandsmainly Egyptians but including Syrians, Sudanese and Pakistanisfor deportation. A UN report of a fact-finding mission to Libya published this April found that crimes against humanity were committed against migrants in places of detention under the actual or nominal control of Libyas Directorate for Combating Illegal Migration, the Libyan Coast Guard and the Stability Support Apparatus. These entities received technical, logistical and monetary support from the European Union and its member States for, inter alia, the interception and return of migrants. The Libyan government had also recently carried out drone strikes in the port cities of Zawiya and Zuwara, targeting human traffickers and destroying seven migrant smuggling boats, it claimed. Alarm Phone announced around the same time that it had received reports that masked Tunisian forces are violently beating up migrants after intercepting them at sea. A witness reported: They are using sticks and electric shocks. The people are screaming for help. The hell on earth for refugees being created by the European powers is prompting ever more desperate journeys. Over 1,000 people have been reported dead or missing in the Mediterranean already this year, a one-third increase on last year and following the deadliest quarter since 2017. Last Thursday, a 31-year-old man armed with a knife attacked a playground in the French town of Annecy. He stabbed four children aged between 2 and 4, as well as two adults. The attacker, identified as Syrian refugee Abdelmasih Hanoun, was shot in the leg and then arrested by police. Following emergency surgical interventions, all the victims of the horrific attacks have survived and are out of intensive care. Roses lay at the playground after a knife attack Thursday, June 8, 2023 in Annecy, French Alps. [AP Photo/Laurent Cipriani] According to witness reports, as Hanoun carried out the attack, he shouted the names of his wife, child and Jesus Christ. In his asylum request to French authorities, he identified himself as a Syrian Christian. On Saturday, he was charged with attempted murder and rebellion with a weapon. Right-wing The Republicans (LR) party leader Eric Ciotti spoke in the National Assembly minutes after the attack and was reported stating, It seems that the author has the same profile that we often find in these attacks, it will be necessary to draw all the consequences, without naivety, with force, and in lucidity. While the precise motives of the attack are unclear, by the time of the attack Hanoun was clearly a highly distressed individual. Hanoun fled the Syrian war in 2013, in which France and its NATO allies backed Islamist militias facing off against Syrian government troops. After spending time in Turkey he was granted asylum in Sweden. After several failed attempts to gain Swedish citizenship, he left in 2022 and arrived in France. By early 2023, he was reduced to homelessness; four days before the attack, his application for asylum in France was rejected. This incident has been seized on by the French ruling class to stoke anti-immigrant hatred amid the explosive political crisis caused by Macrons imposition of pension cuts opposed by the vast majority of the French people and by millions of workers who struck against the cuts. There are now growing efforts in the political establishment to revive far-right Interior Minister Gerald Darmanins immigration bill and escalate attacks on immigrants and Muslims. Darmanins law was initially scrapped by Macron amidst the pension struggle. Macron feared that another round of deeply unpopular and repressive legislation could lead to a social and political explosion that the union bureaucracies and allied pseudo-left parties like Jean-Luc Melenchons Unsubmissive France (LFI) party could not control. Ciotti told France2 on Friday, behind this affair, there is a migratory chaos which has a direct link with the increase in violence before describing his desire to change French rules and stop submitting to the unsuitable standards of the EU on immigration. After the incident, Macrons ex-Prime Minister Edouard Phillippe, who is positioning himself to run in the 2027 election on the LR ticket against Macron, indicated his support for a renegotiation of Frances immigration agreement with Algeria. This agreement has been in place since 1958 and is the mechanism through which millions of workers of Algerian origin came to live and work in France. Marion Marechal, director of Eric Zemmours fascistic Reconquete party and niece of far-right National Rally leader Marine Le Pen, called for the resignation of Darmanin for being insufficiently tough against immigrants. In fact, Darmanin, ex-member of the far-right, monarchist Action Francaise has put in place the far-rights immigration demands since joining the Macron government. He is continuing to draw up the laws demanded in the manifestos of Zemmour and Le Pen, including the anti-Muslim law of 2021. These calls from the far-right to pursue an even more openly repressive immigration policy came just days after President Emmanuel Macron reprimanded Prime Minister Elizabeth Borne for publically recognizing the Nazi-collaborationist origins of Le Pens far-right National Rally party. Macron has previously described the Nazi-collaborationist Vichy regime dictator Marshal Petain as a good soldier. While the Annecy knife attack is undoubtedly a horrific and deeply disoriented act of violence, the French ruling elites outrage over it stinks of hypocrisy. It is worth recalling its treatment a nearly identical incident in 2021, where William Manot, a French citizen who had far-right beliefs, attacked immigrants with a sword in Paris, seriously injured two. This was ignored in the major newspapers and news channels, and the attacker was released from prison just a year later. In December 2022, just a week and a half after his release, Manot shot dead three Kurds in the Chateau dEau neighbourhood of Paris. Neither the initial incident, nor the subsequent murder of three Kurdish immigrants led to calls for more protection for immigrants against far-right violence by any of the figures now calling for a further rightward shift of Frances immigration laws. While it lets its right-wing parliamentary allies take the lead on the denunciation of immigrants, for its part, Macrons party seized on the attack to try to suspend all discussion of the presidents widely-hated pension bill. As the attack took place on Thursday morning, deputies in the National Assembly were debating proposed amendments to the pension reform bill, which was forced through without a vote in the chamber in March. Aurore Berge, a Renaissance Deputy and close ally of Macron, told the press outside that the debate in the National Assembly was a battle of rag pickers over the admissibility or not of amendments which seems totally out of step with the dread which in my opinion overwhelms our country. The calculated reaction to the horrific stabbing incident in Annecy underlines the determination of the French ruling class to utilize every available lever to promote xenophobia. In the short term, this diverts political discussion from Macrons much-hated pension reform. More generally, it scapegoats immigrants for the devastating effects of decades-long social attacks on the French and European working class, which are now being accelerated as the imperialist powers slashing social budgets to pay for war against Russia in Ukraine. The European ruling class is seeking to ramp up its vicious anti-immigrant policy, even as it causes the drowning of thousands of innocent refugees each year in the Mediterranean and the Channel. an Ajax Ares tank - Ben Birchall/PA Wire Britains flagship 5bn fighting vehicle project is ten years late and has delivered no usable models because of infighting between factions at the Ministry of Defence, according to a damning independent report. Barrister Clive Sheldon KC also said that staff sought to conceal problems from their bosses at Ajax, which is meant to deliver the armys next generation workhorse but has instead been mired by setbacks and faced complaints it caused hearing damage and disabilities in soldiers who tested it. MPs have previously called for the scheme to be scrapped while hundreds of soldiers had to be treated for exposure to high noise after working on trials. The MoD agreed a 5.5bn contract with US business General Dynamics for 589 of the armoured vehicles, but so far just a handful have been delivered and these can only be used for training purposes. In a review of what went wrong commissioned by the Government, Mr Sheldon found that the relationships between different entities within or associated with MoD were at times fractious and involved guarding of territory. He added: The review has identified the need for a designated person, independent of the chain of command, to whom concerns can be reported and who can join the dots and provide advice. The Ajax armoured fighting vehicle - Julian Simmonds Mr Sheldon also found that aspects of the culture of solving problems rather than sharing them caused more delays, particularly when it came to the vibration and noise problems which deafened and injured soldiers who tested the vehicle. He said: Some individuals showed a clear desire to resolve problems at their level, and not to bother overworked leaders unless strictly necessary. This was due in part to the can do attitude of those involved and a cultural sense that elevating problems was a sign of failure. A challenge culture needs to be developed among those buying defence equipment, the report said, encouraging dissenting opinions to be heard. The 168-page review is the culmination of 70 interviews and tens of thousands of pages of evidence. James Cartlidge, Minister for Defence Procurement, said: The resulting report makes for difficult reading, highlighting a number of systemic, cultural, and institutional problems across several areas of the department. Some close to the programme were worried about these failings and how the army seemed ill-prepared to mend them, not having had a recent incident around which reforms could be delivered. One army officer raised concerns that the army is yet to have a Haddon-Cave moment, referring to a highly critical report by Charles Haddon-Cave QC into the 2006 crash of an RAF Nimrod patrol aircraft which killed 14. The officer said: People were raising red flags all over the place, but no-one put the picture together. And the Army is still yet to have its Haddon-Cave moment. And if it isnt out of Ajax, I dont know what its going to be, but its going to be bad. Its the real issue. The report stopped short of blaming individuals. It suggested better sharing of information and stricter payment terms be considered, as well as slower turnover of key decision makers, who should stay in place for at least five years during long-term large scale projects. 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. In the month since Thailands May 14 general election, who will form the next government remains uncertain. The Move Forward Party (MFP), which took the most seats, faces multiple barriers to assuming office from the military and state apparatus. At present, the Election Commission (EC) will certify the results by July 13, and a vote for prime minister could be conducted on August 3. Pita Limjaroenrat, leader of Move Forward Party at press conference in Bangkok, Thailand, Thursday, May 18, 2023. [AP Photo/Sakchai Lalit] The MFP, led by wealthy businessman and prime ministerial candidate Pita Limjaroenrat, won 151 seats, ahead of the previous main oppositional party, the Pheu Thai Party (PTP), which took 141 seats. The MFP currently leads a coalition with a majority in the lower parliamentary house with Pheu Thai and six minor parties, giving them 312 seats out of 500. It is noteworthy that a record 75.2 percent turned out to vote while MFP won 32 of 33 constituency seats in the capital of Bangkok. The military has effectively held power since the 2014 coup in which it ousted the Pheu Thai led government of Prime Minister Yingluck Shinawatra. The armed forces are closely aligned with the monarchy and state bureaucracy, including the courts, that have long dominated Thai politics. The military-backed parties won a total of just 76 seats in last months elections. The election results reflect a growing political radicalisation and deep hostility to the military and monarchys longstanding domination over Thai politics. By pledging to reform both institutions, and address social inequality, the MFP attracted a great deal of support from students and young people, though it has already begun to shed these pretensions. At the same time, behind the backs of the working class, sections of the ruling class are manoeuvring to try to maintain stability and to avoid a repeat of the mass protests that rocked the country following the last rigged election in 2019. There is a great deal of concern over the potential economic impact of any political uncertainty or unrest. Sanan Angubolku, chairman of the Thai Chamber of Commerce, recently stated: The private sector would like a new government to be formed quickly. Any delays could slow down the economy. According to the University of the Thai Chamber of Commerce, the economy could grow 3.6 to 4 percent if a government can be formed in August, but only 3 percent if it takes until September or October. The ultimate arbiter of political affairs in Thailand remains the military, which holds sway over the EC and the 250 seats in parliaments upper house, or Senate. In order to form a government, a party requires a majority from the combined houses, or 376 seats, leaving the MFP-led coalition short. While some senators have indicated support, it is still unclear if the countrys traditional elites close to the military will support an MFP-led government by providing the necessary senate votes. Currently, the EC is investigating MFP leader Pita over accusations of owning shares in a media company while running as a parliamentary candidate, which is prohibited. Pita had previously disclosed the ownership of shares in iTV, which ceased media operations in 2007, and the EC accepted his candidacy. Now, however, the EC claims that if Pita was aware that owning the shares could impact his eligibility, this would violate the law. MFP like Pheu Thai in no way challenges capitalist rule, but rather represents sections of the Thai ruling class who regard the domination of the military and monarchy as an intolerable restraint on their business interests. It rests on sections of the upper middle class and appeals to youth and workers on the basis of empty promises of addressing democratic rights and the worsening social crisis facing working people. The MFP formed its coalition based on compromises with a number of small parties, excluding those typically associated with the military. As well as Pheu Thai, the coalition includes the Prachachat Party (9 seats), Thai Sang Thai (6 seats), Pheu Thai Ruam Phalang (2 seats), the Thai Liberal Party (1 seat), the Fair Party (1 seat), and Palang Sangkhom Mai (1 seat). The coalition released a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU), a vague and highly conditional platform seeking to garner the support of military-appointed senators. It states that the coalition will not affect the countrys status as a unitary state, the countrys status as a democracy under a constitutional monarchy framework, and the inviolable status of the monarch. The document makes no mention of the draconian lese-majeste law, which in very broad terms makes it illegal to criticize or insult the king with penalties of up to 15 years prison. Hundreds of youth are currently in jail or facing charges under the law from the 20202021 pro-democracy protests. The MFP has claimed it will reform the law, but has not made the issue a feature of the coalition so as not to alienate other parties or military-aligned senators. The Thai monarchy, as well as having extensive business interests, has proven to be the linchpin of the capitalist state in times of political crisis. The political establishment as a whole is determined to maintain the monarchy and parties like the MFP at most seek very limited reforms. Deputy MFP leader Sirikanya Tansakun stated in an interview earlier this month with the Bangkok Post that it is seeking merely to improve the relationship between the monarchy institution and the people. The coalition also claims it will create a comprehensive welfare system and improve the rights of workers while taking fiscal sustainability and economic growth into consideration. However, under conditions of economic crisis in Thailand and globally, these pledges will be quickly junked. The MoU also pledges to maintain balanced international relations between Thailand and major powers. The ruling class is deeply concerned over the economic and political instability in the world produced by the US-NATO war in Ukraine, as well as the intensifying US-led confrontation with China. According to the Department of International Trade, exports to Russia fell 43.3 percent to $585.44 million in 2022. Thailands top exporting destinations are the US and China, representing 15.9 percent and 13.2 percent respectively. The ability of Thailand to maintain balanced international relations is becoming increasingly fraught as the US ramps up its military preparations for war against China. Thailand is a formal military ally of the US and played a critical role in support of the American military during the Vietnam War. However, it is dependent on China for trade and also military supplies. With a month to go, political manoeuvring in Bangkok is certain to intensify. It is possible that Pheu Thai may desert the MFP-coalition and make its own bid for office. It could seek support from the Bhumjaithai Party, which won 71 seats but has rejected a coalition with any party that suggests a reform of the lese-majeste law. Moreover, the military could just step in as it did after the last election, and, with the support of the courts, install its own regime. Whatever finally emerges, the next government will be a party of big business determined to impose the burden of the developing economic crisis onto working people and to suppress any opposition to its policies. On June 6, American author Elizabeth Gilbert revealed she had written a new novel, The Snow Forest, which would be published in February 2024. Six days later, Gilbert explained on Instagram she was removing the book from its publication schedule because of complaints by Ukrainian nationalists about its Soviet-Russian setting. Gilbert is best known for Eat, Pray, Love: One Woman's Search for Everything Across Italy, India and Indonesia, a popular 2006 memoir, later adapted as a film in 2010, directed by Ryan Murphy, featuring Julia Roberts and Javier Bardem. Elizabeth Gilbert, 2009 [Photo by Erik Charlton / CC BY 2.0 The new novel, apparently already completed, deals fictionally with the Lykov family, Russian Old Believers (Eastern Orthodox Christians who rejected 17th century reforms in the Russian Orthodox Church), who lived apart from human society for decades. In the mid-1930s, the Lykovs moved to a remote region of southern Siberia and did not encounter other human beings until the late 1970s. Gilberts June 6 statement set into motion what has now become predictable and formulaic: a well-organized, well-publicized outburst of protest from Ukrainian chauvinists, none of whom, of course, could have read the unpublished novel. The book received over 500 one-star reviews on Goodreads, the review platform. Goodreads has taken down the item on the book and the responses, but other sources cited some of the comments. These are apparently typical: While Ukrainians are dying from Russian terrorists, famous authors are writing books about them and romanticizing these bastards, one individual writes, while another complains that during air alert due to Russian missiles I see this annotation how wonderful to live somewhere far from Russia and write about it. How cool to romanticize colonizers. The ignorant, right-wing drivel includes the assertion that it would be morally wrong to write sympathetically about Russians, because there is nothing interesting in them, nothing human. A further review argues that Russians have no soul, only total obedience and undeserved pride, and are a pure evil that cannot be civilized. This is the outlook of a fascistic minority, whose views are distant from those of the vast majority in virtually every country of the world, including the US. Nonetheless, a few hundred people participated in a stage-managed event and prevented the publication of a book by a well-known novelist. In her June 12 video comment, Gilbert asserted that she had received an enormous, massive outpouring of reactions and responses from my Ukrainian readers expressing anger, sorrow, disappointment and pain about the fact that I would choose to release a book into the world right nowany book, no matter what the subject of it isthat is set in Russia. It is, of course, dubious that the commentators were her readers. They were more likely obeying the instructions of various far-right nationalist outfits. Gilbert further insisted it was not the time for this book to be published, adding, I do not want to add any harm to a group of people who have already experienced and who are all continuing to experience grievous and extreme harm. The writers decision to suppress her own work in the face of this sort of ideological filth was so strikingly spineless that even anti-Russian propagandists of the PEN America variety felt obliged to wring their hands. The latter organizations CEO, Suzanne Nossel, a former assistant to both Richard Holbrooke and Hillary Clinton, called the decision regrettable. Nossel observed that the notion that, in wartime, creativity and artistic expression should be preemptively shut down to avoid somehow compounding harms caused by military aggression is wrongheaded. Fiction and culture, she continued, were essential to supporting mutual understanding and unleashing empathy. This is all public relations hogwash, of course, a form of damage control. What disturbs Nossel and her ilk is that the brazenly anti-democratic character of the Ukrainian far right laid bare in such episodes further undermines support for the war and helps expose the big lie that the Ukrainian regime represents a beacon of anti-authoritarianism. Writer Phil Klay (Redeployment, 2014) called Gilberts action pretty silly, and Matt Bell, author of Appleseed (2021), commented, I just can't get over what a bizarre move self-cancelling your own book over 500 Goodreads reviews is, especially when not one of those reviewers has actually read it. Eat, Pray, Love, Elizabeth Gilbert The incident, to say the least, does not cast Gilbert in a favorable light. Eat, Pray, Love was part travelogue, part romance novel, part self-help book, with a bit of Eastern wisdom thrown in. Oprah Winfrey devoted two episodes of her talk show to the book, helping it to remain on the New York Times Best Seller list for 187 weeks. Gilberts light-mindedness and unseriousness come out in her original, June 6 announcement about The Snow Forest. She observes that she spent the first year of covid living alone in the middle of nowhere. I found that the silence and isolation was actually a magical time for my own creative and spiritual life, as well as my connection to nature. The pandemic, leading to the deaths of tens of millions, had at least this much of a silver lining! This period of living alone led Gilbert to become increasingly fascinated by the idea of what it would be like to spend ones life absolutely separated from the world: what would the most extreme version of this fantasy be like? Is there anyone out there living like this? A little investigation apparently brought her to the story of the Lykovs, she explains, a Russian family that lived alone in the Siberian wilderness, who went undetected for half a century. This story came back to me during the pandemic and it served as the inspiration for THE SNOW FOREST. That the drama of the Lykovs was bound up with the vast, complex history of the Soviet Union, with Stalinism, with religious fanaticism and other social processes does not seem to resonate with Gilbert. She temporarily experienced isolation during the pandemic and, therefore, identified herself with the tragic fateworking itself out over the course of decades!of an oppressed but deeply disoriented Soviet family! A cat has a head, a dog has a head, therefore a cat equals a dog, seems to be the guiding principle. Moreover, so much for the principle of the true writer, that, if necessary, he or she sacrifices his or her own existence to the existence of the work. In this case, a few hundred hostile reviews and the possible threat to a lucrative career, and the book gets tossed in the garbage can. The sensitivity of Gilbert to the Ukrainian lobby, which represents a very small segment of the population numerically, speaks to the character of the US-NATO war with Russia and its base of support. As the WSWS recently argued, backing for the war effort is concentrated in a narrow, 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. The comments by the Ukrainian protesters expresses a form of chauvinism of the most frothing, unthinking variety. If the essentially subhuman Russians, people without a soul, are entirely evil and cannot be civilized, then the most desperate and ruthless actions are permissible, even obligatory. The language of the commentators recalls that of Adolf Hitler in Mein Kampf (1924). Hitler described the rulers of present-day Russia as the scum of humanity, who belonged to a race which combines, in a rare mixture, bestial cruelty and an inconceivable gift for lying, and which today more than ever is conscious of a mission to impose its bloody oppression on the whole world. To try and block the publication of a novel due to its national setting is a desperate, reactionary attack on creative freedom. It is a blotting out of the most elementary conception of artistic expression, that art has the task of fearlessly bringing to light essential features of reality. Now, instead, novels are to be written to conform to and confirm the prejudices and hatreds of this or that national grouping. It is a peculiar but logical form of identity politics. There is no objective truth, only competing ethno-communalist narratives. With a median price-to-sales (or "P/S") ratio of close to 1.8x in the Hospitality industry in Malaysia, you could be forgiven for feeling indifferent about Genting Malaysia Berhad's (KLSE:GENM) P/S ratio of 1.6x. 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. Check out our latest analysis for Genting Malaysia Berhad How Has Genting Malaysia Berhad Performed Recently? Genting Malaysia Berhad's revenue growth of late has been pretty similar to most other companies. Perhaps the market is expecting future revenue performance to show no drastic signs of changing, justifying the P/S being at current levels. Those who are bullish on Genting Malaysia Berhad will be hoping that revenue performance can pick up, so that they can pick up the stock at a slightly lower valuation. Keen to find out how analysts think Genting Malaysia 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 P/S? Genting Malaysia Berhad'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. If we review the last year of revenue growth, the company posted a terrific increase of 74%. Despite this strong recent growth, it's still struggling to catch up as its three-year revenue frustratingly shrank by 4.8% overall. Therefore, it's fair to say the revenue growth recently has been undesirable for the company. Shifting to the future, estimates from the analysts covering the company suggest revenue should grow by 10% over the next year. Meanwhile, the rest of the industry is forecast to only expand by 6.6%, which is noticeably less attractive. In light of this, it's curious that Genting Malaysia Berhad's P/S sits in line with the majority of other companies. Apparently some shareholders are skeptical of the forecasts and have been accepting lower selling prices. What We Can Learn From Genting Malaysia 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. We've established that Genting Malaysia Berhad currently trades on a lower than expected P/S since its forecasted revenue growth is higher than the wider industry. When we see a strong revenue outlook, with growth outpacing the industry, we can only assume potential uncertainty around these figures are what might be placing slight pressure on the P/S ratio. This uncertainty seems to be reflected in the share price which, while stable, could be higher given the revenue forecasts. We don't want to rain on the parade too much, but we did also find 2 warning signs for Genting Malaysia Berhad (1 is a bit concerning!) that you need to be mindful of. 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 Key Insights The projected fair value for Gold Road Resources is AU$1.39 based on 2 Stage Free Cash Flow to Equity Gold Road Resources' AU$1.75 share price signals that it might be 25% overvalued Analyst price target for GOR is AU$1.95, which is 40% above our fair value estimate How far off is Gold Road Resources Limited (ASX:GOR) from its intrinsic value? Using the most recent financial data, we'll take a look at whether the stock is fairly priced by taking the forecast future cash flows of the company and discounting them back to today's value. One way to achieve this is by employing the Discounted Cash Flow (DCF) model. It may sound complicated, but actually it is quite simple! We would caution that there are many ways of valuing a company and, like the DCF, each technique has advantages and disadvantages in certain scenarios. Anyone interested in learning a bit more about intrinsic value should have a read of the Simply Wall St analysis model. Check out our latest analysis for Gold Road Resources The Model We're using the 2-stage growth model, which simply means we take in account two stages of company's growth. In the initial period the company may have a higher growth rate and the second stage is usually assumed to have a stable growth rate. To start off with, we need to estimate the next ten years of cash flows. Where possible we use analyst estimates, but when these aren't available we extrapolate the previous free cash flow (FCF) from the last estimate or reported value. We assume companies with shrinking free cash flow will slow their rate of shrinkage, and that companies with growing free cash flow will see their growth rate slow, over this period. We do this to reflect that growth tends to slow more in the early years than it does in later years. Generally we assume that a dollar today is more valuable than a dollar in the future, so we discount the value of these future cash flows to their estimated value in today's dollars: 10-year free cash flow (FCF) estimate 2023 2024 2025 2026 2027 2028 2029 2030 2031 2032 Levered FCF (A$, Millions) AU$139.2m AU$158.2m AU$161.7m AU$135.3m AU$117.5m AU$109.7m AU$105.2m AU$102.8m AU$101.8m AU$101.7m Growth Rate Estimate Source Analyst x4 Analyst x4 Analyst x4 Analyst x1 Analyst x1 Est @ -6.67% Est @ -4.08% Est @ -2.27% Est @ -1.00% Est @ -0.11% Present Value (A$, Millions) Discounted @ 8.7% AU$128 AU$134 AU$126 AU$97.0 AU$77.5 AU$66.5 AU$58.7 AU$52.8 AU$48.1 AU$44.2 ("Est" = FCF growth rate estimated by Simply Wall St) Present Value of 10-year Cash Flow (PVCF) = AU$833m The second stage is also known as Terminal Value, this is the business's cash flow after 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 2.0%. We discount the terminal cash flows to today's value at a cost of equity of 8.7%. Terminal Value (TV)= FCF 2032 (1 + g) (r g) = AU$102m (1 + 2.0%) (8.7% 2.0%) = AU$1.5b Present Value of Terminal Value (PVTV)= TV / (1 + r)10= AU$1.5b ( 1 + 8.7%)10= AU$670m 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$1.5b. To get the intrinsic value per share, we divide this by the total number of shares outstanding. Relative to the current share price of AU$1.7, the company appears slightly overvalued at the time of writing. Valuations are imprecise instruments though, rather like a telescope - move a few degrees and end up in a different galaxy. Do keep this in mind. dcf Important Assumptions The calculation above is very dependent on two assumptions. The first is the discount rate and the other is the cash flows. Part of investing is coming up with your own evaluation of a company's future performance, so try the calculation yourself and check your own assumptions. The DCF also does not consider the possible cyclicality of an industry, or a company's future capital requirements, so it does not give a full picture of a company's potential performance. Given that we are looking at Gold Road Resources 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 8.7%, which is based on a levered beta of 1.132. 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 Gold Road Resources Strength Earnings growth over the past year exceeded the industry. Currently debt free. Weakness Dividend is low compared to the top 25% of dividend payers in the Metals and Mining market. Expensive based on P/E ratio and estimated fair value. Shareholders have been diluted in the past year. Opportunity Annual earnings are forecast to grow faster than the Australian market. Threat Annual revenue is forecast to grow slower than the Australian market. Moving On: Valuation is only one side of the coin in terms of building your investment thesis, and it ideally won't be the sole piece of analysis you scrutinize for a company. It's not possible to obtain a foolproof valuation with a DCF model. Preferably you'd apply different cases and assumptions and see how they would impact the company's valuation. For example, changes in the company's cost of equity or the risk free rate can significantly impact the valuation. Why is the intrinsic value lower than the current share price? For Gold Road Resources, we've put together three pertinent items you should consider: Risks: For example, we've discovered 1 warning sign for Gold Road Resources that you should be aware of before investing here. Future Earnings: How does GOR's growth rate compare to its peers and the wider market? Dig deeper into the analyst consensus number for the upcoming years by interacting with our free analyst growth expectation chart. Other Solid Businesses: Low debt, high returns on equity and good past performance are fundamental to a strong business. Why not explore our interactive list of stocks with solid business fundamentals to see if there are other companies you may not have considered! PS. Simply Wall St updates its DCF calculation for every Australian 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 Photograph: Jeff Chiu/AP Google has made millions of dollars in the last two years from advertisements misdirecting users who were seeking abortion services to pregnancy crisis centers that do not actually provide care, according to a new study. The tech giant has taken in an estimated $10m in two years from anti-choice organizations that pay to advertise such centers alongside legitimate results on the Google search page, according to a new report from the Center for Countering Digital Hate (CCDH), a non-profit group that conducts misinformation research. Its study, published on Thursday, estimates that the search results have reached and potentially misled hundreds of thousands of users. Related: Amazon and Google fund anti-abortion lawmakers through complex shell game Using the analytics tool Semrush, the CCDH estimated how much revenue Google has brought in from such advertisers between 1 March 2021 and 28 February 2023. It said Googles lack of enforcement against these groups has enabled a multimillion-dollar cottage industry of anti-abortion marketing firms, which provide prepackaged promotional materials and websites to crisis pregnancy centers. This is fundamentally about Google permitting extremely deceptive behavior Imran Ahmed, of the Center for Countering Digital Hate This is fundamentally about Google permitting extremely deceptive behavior and doing very little to actually ensure that people are informed, said Imran Ahmed, co-founder and CEO of the CCDH. Its failure to plug the holes in their own rules has created a layer of exploitive marketing companies that provide services to further undermine sexual reproductive rights in America. Google and the rise of crisis pregnancy centers Crisis pregnancy centers have been defined by the American College of Obstetrics and Gynecologists as facilities that operate unethically, representing themselves as legitimate reproductive healthcare clinics while actually seeking to dissuade people from accessing abortion healthcare. They outnumber actual abortion clinics three to one in the US, with approximately 2,600 operating nationwide. Reproductive rights organizations have raised the alarm about the growing power of crisis pregnancy centers in the US as access to legitimate care plummets following the reversal of federal protections of abortion rights. At the heart of these fake health centers which are often misleadingly called crisis pregnancy centers is nothing more than lies and misinformation, said Ally Boguhn, a spokesperson for the reproductive rights organization Naral Pro-Choice America. They are notorious for using deceptive mass messaging and coercive tactics to manipulate people to try to block them from accessing abortion care. Related: Google targets low-income US women with ads for anti-abortion pregnancy centers, study shows Google Search is a leading source of information on abortion, with Americans making an estimated 102m searches for queries related to abortion each year. Google Search is now the top source of referrals to crisis pregnancy clinics, the study found by reviewing client intake data from a top anti-abortion marketing firm, surpassing word of mouth for means of getting pregnant people in the door. The CCDH study showed such clinics pay for advertisements to appear in Google Search results related to more than 15,000 different queries about abortion, including abortion clinic near me, abortion pill, abortion clinic and planned parenthood. Further, 71% of clinics identified in the study used deceptive means of advertising, advancing false claims that abortions are linked to cancer and other diseases. The allegations follow a separate study from the CCDH in June 2022, which found one in 10 Google searches for abortion services in US trigger states where abortion was targeted immediately after the reversal of Roe v Wade led to crisis pregnancy clinics. Google policy requires any organization that wants to advertise to people seeking information about abortion services to be certified and clearly disclose whether they do or do not offer abortions, said Michael Aciman, a spokesperson for the company. Aciman said that Google reviewed the 2022 CCDH report and took action against violating advertisements but found that advertisers named were not violating company policies. He added that, under Googles policy, advertisers paying to appear under search queries directly related to getting an abortion (for instance, abortions near me) must disclose whether they provide abortion services, while those appearing under more general search terms (such as planned parenthood) dont need to. At the heart of these fake health centers is nothing more than lies and misinformation Ally Boguhn of Naral Pro-Choice America Despite the requirement that advertisers disclose whether they actually provide abortions, researchers say such text can easily be overlooked especially if the website itself does not make its intentions clear. The CCDH study found that 38% of crisis pregnancy center websites studied failed to carry any kind of disclaimer on their homepages clarifying that they do not offer abortions. Unproven and potentially unsafe treatment advertised on Google After the 2022 study from the CCDH, Google pledged to ban all advertisements of abortion pill reversal a controversial treatment that claims to reverse the effects of medication abortion that has been condemned by the American College of Obstetrics and Gynecologists as dangerous and not based on science. However, the research found 40% of crisis pregnancy centers advertising on Google also promoted the abortion pill reversal. The study estimated that Google had taken in $2.6m in search advertising revenue from websites promoting the unproven treatment. Aciman said Google does not allow ads promoting abortion reversal treatments and prohibits advertisers from misleading people about the services they offer, stating that Google has taken enforcement action on content that violates our policies related to abortion reversal. Google did not respond to a request for comment regarding how many advertisers were affected by those actions. Abortion misinformation cottage industry thrives on Google search Loopholes utilized by anti-abortion advocates on Google, as well as the tech giants failure to enforce some of its existing policies, has made the company the lynchpin of a multi-million dollar fake clinic industry that works around the clock to mislead and misdirect Americans who are seeking access to abortion care, the study said. Companies named in the report claimed to have launched hundreds of crisis pregnancy clinic websites in recent years. One marketing agency mentioned in the study offers website templates with misleading narratives and branding, arranging for centers to obtain web addresses with misleading healthcare-related terms like .clinic and .hospital. For a cost of up to $600 a month, the firm will also create custom Google ad campaigns, the study found. Another firm outlines for crisis pregnancy center clients a deliberate strategy of targeting people who are already abortion-minded or abortion-determined and seeking to dissuade them. This industry has only grown after the supreme courts overturning of the constitutional right to abortion with the Dobbs v Jackson Womens Health Organization decision last year. The previous CCDH study on abortion misinformation was published in 2022 shortly before the right was overturned. In the months since, researchers at the CCDH say the online landscape has become more harrowing for people seeking abortion care. These new findings reflect the digital environment that now exists in a post-Dobbs America, where search engines are lifelines for those seeking care and information about their options which are increasingly scarce, the report said. By Jeffrey Dastin and Anna Tong SAN FRANCISCO (Reuters) - Alphabet Inc is cautioning employees about how they use chatbots, including its own Bard, at the same time as it markets the program around the world, four people familiar with the matter told Reuters. The Google parent has advised employees not to enter its confidential materials into AI chatbots, the people said and the company confirmed, citing long-standing policy on safeguarding information. The chatbots, among them Bard and ChatGPT, are human-sounding programs that use so-called generative artificial intelligence to hold conversations with users and answer myriad prompts. Human reviewers may read the chats, and researchers found that similar AI could reproduce the data it absorbed during training, creating a leak risk. Alphabet also alerted its engineers to avoid direct use of computer code that chatbots can generate, some of the people said. Asked for comment, the company said Bard can make undesired code suggestions, but it helps programmers nonetheless. Google also said it aimed to be transparent about the limitations of its technology. The concerns show how Google wishes to avoid business harm from software it launched in competition with ChatGPT. At stake in Googles race against ChatGPTs backers OpenAI and Microsoft Corp are billions of dollars of investment and still untold advertising and cloud revenue from new AI programs. Googles caution also reflects whats becoming a security standard for corporations, namely to warn personnel about using publicly-available chat programs. A growing number of businesses around the world have set up guardrails on AI chatbots, among them Samsung, Amazon.com and Deutsche Bank, the companies told Reuters. Apple, which did not return requests for comment, reportedly has as well. Some 43% of professionals were using ChatGPT or other AI tools as of January, often without telling their bosses, according to a survey of nearly 12,000 respondents including from top U.S.-based companies, done by the networking site Fishbowl. By February, Google told staff testing Bard before its launch not to give it internal information, Insider reported. Now Google is rolling out Bard to more than 180 countries and in 40 languages as a springboard for creativity, and its warnings extend to its code suggestions. Google told Reuters it has had detailed conversations with Ireland's Data Protection Commission and is addressing regulators' questions, after a Politico report Tuesday that the company was postponing Bard's EU launch this week pending more information about the chatbot's impact on privacy. WORRIES ABOUT SENSITIVE INFORMATION Such technology can draft emails, documents, even software itself, promising to vastly speed up tasks. Included in this content, however, can be misinformation, sensitive data or even copyrighted passages from a Harry Potter novel. A Google privacy notice updated on June 1 also states: "Dont include confidential or sensitive information in your Bard conversations." Some companies have developed software to address such concerns. For instance, Cloudflare, which defends websites against cyberattacks and offers other cloud services, is marketing a capability for businesses to tag and restrict some data from flowing externally. Google and Microsoft also are offering conversational tools to business customers that will come with a higher price tag but refrain from absorbing data into public AI models. The default setting in Bard and ChatGPT is to save users' conversation history, which users can opt to delete. It "makes sense" that companies would not want their staff to use public chatbots for work, said Yusuf Mehdi, Microsoft's consumer chief marketing officer. "Companies are taking a duly conservative standpoint," said Mehdi, explaining how Microsoft's free Bing chatbot compares with its enterprise software. "There, our policies are much more strict." Microsoft declined to comment on whether it has a blanket ban on staff entering confidential information into public AI programs, including its own, though a different executive there told Reuters he personally restricted his use. Matthew Prince, CEO of Cloudflare, said that typing confidential matters into chatbots was like "turning a bunch of PhD students loose in all of your private records." (Reporting By Jeffrey Dastin and Anna Tong in San Francisco; Editing by Kenneth Li and Nick Zieminski) The Belgian shepherd Wilson helped in the search efforts for the four siblings and is now lost in the jungle, according to Colombia's Ministry of Defense HANDOUT/Colombian Army/AFP via Getty Images Wilson the Belgian shepherd The children rescued last week from the Amazon jungle after surviving 40 days in the wild following a plane crash are paying tribute to a missing search and rescue dog. According to The Guardian, the Belgian shepherd named Wilson helped in the search efforts for the four siblings and is now lost in the Colombian jungle. The two eldest rescued children have shown appreciation for the canine by putting pen to paper in Bogota's military hospital. Lesly Jacobombaire Mucutuy, 13, and her sibling Soleiny Jacobombaire Mucutuy, 9, have been creating crayon drawings of Wilson, as shown in photos released by Colombia's Ministry of Defense on Tuesday. In Lesly's drawing, posted on Twitter, a dog is depicted playing near a tree and a stream as the sun shines. In Soleiny's, a dog sits beside a large flower under the sun. Colombian ministry of defence Lesly, 13, made a colorful drawing for Wilson the rescue dog Related: 'My Mother Is Dead': Rescuers Reveal First Words of Kids Who Survived 40 Days in Amazon After Crash Per CNN, military officials and the children's family believe Wilson encountered the children independently during the search efforts. The children's grandfather said the Special Forces search dog became the "faithful friend" of the children and "accompanied them on several occasions." Colombian military spokesperson Pedro Arnulfo Sanchez Suarez said the children "spent three or four days with Wilson and said that they (found) him quite skinny." Search efforts for Wilson are still ongoing. "We have a saying, 'We never leave an element behind,' even less the four children, we would not leave Wilson. But we are also conscious of how difficult it is to find him in the depths of a hostile but blessed jungle," continued Suarez. Colombian ministry of defence A second drawing by Soleiny, 9, shows the dog alongside a Colombian flag Related: Mom of 4 Kids Who Went 40 Days in the Amazon After Plane Crash Initially Survived, Oldest Child Says Story continues On Tuesday, General Helder Giraldo said the search for Wilson would continue until the dog is found. "We have about 70 commandos looking for him right now," he said, per CNN. The four children, who also include Tien Ranoque Mucutuy, 4, and Cristin Ranoque Mucutuy, 1, were discovered alive on June 9 40 days after their plane crash took place on May 1 CNN previously reported. The siblings were traveling with their mother and two other adults, who all died, from the Amazonian village of Araracuara to San Jose del Guaviare at the time of the plane crash, according to CBS. The outlet reported that the pilot declared an emergency after the aircraft's engine failed but before falling off the radar. According to The Guardian, the siblings, who were found about three miles away from the crashed plane, told rescuers that for periods during their time in the jungle, they had been accompanied by a large dog. That animal is believed to have been Wilson, one of 10 military sniffer dogs used in the search operation for the children. Wilson was last seen on June 8, the day before the children's rescue. "We saw him about 40 meters away, and we tried to call him," dog handler Carlos Villegas told local outlet El Tiempo, per The Guardian. "My companion drew close to him, he tried to play with him in order to grab him, but [Wilson] ran off." HANDOUT/Colombian army/AFP via Getty Images Wilson was one of 10 sniffer dogs used to help find the children 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. An update on the children's progress was given by the children's grandfather, Fidencio Valencia. Last week, he told the media outlet Noticia Caracol that they were "eating a little" and "drawing to let off steam." Valencia shared that the children told him they survived the jungle by hiding in tree trunks to avoid contact with snakes and other potentially dangerous creatures. Following their discovery on June 9, Colombia's President Gustavo Petro said that the children survived 40 days in the Amazon because of "their learning from indigenous families and their learning of living in the jungle," per CNN. He also said their time in the jungle was an example of "total survival that will be remembered in history." For more People news, make sure to sign up for our newsletter! Read the original article on People. There is a whole new Batman in town. Despite that familiar name, upcoming Aztec Batman: The Clash of Empires will introduce an original hero, assured its team during their riotous presentation at Annecy. More from Variety Overseen by Warner Bros. Animation and DC, the film is produced in Mexico in partnership with Anima and Chatrone. This is a bold project, admitted director Juan Meza-Leon, joined on stage by character designer Marvick Nunez and art director Diego Olascoaga. Promising an alternate take on the Spanish conquest of the Aztec Empire, but also opening up about his protagonists surprising yet apparently historically accurate look. No big jaw, no big shoulders. Slimmer. A little less Schwarzenegger, a little more Bruce Lee. We had to focus on the man underneath the armor, he said. We wanted to be true to the story we were telling. We hired an expert on Aztec matters, who was advising us every step of the way, added producer Jose Carlos Garcia de Letona. It was said expert who, among others, suggested opting for a leaner physique. The word you are going to keep hearing is authenticity. Even though its a fantastical story, observed Peter Girardi, executive vice president of alternative programming at Warner Bros. We have done different interpretations of Batman in the past, specifically in Japan, so its a format we were familiar with. But its a whole new story, set in that [specific] time. It wasnt about saying: Oh, he has a shark repellent now, he said, referring to an infamous moment in the Batman canon. It was about being authentic to Aztec culture. In the film, Yohualli Coatl (voiced by Horacio Garcia Rojas) is marked by a tragedy after witnessing his fathers murder by the hands of Spanish conquistadors. Soon, he will have to face the likes of Yoka (aka Joker, voiced by Omar Chaparro), the high priest and a counsellor to Moctezuma, who ultimately chooses the dark path. Story continues We explored having him tear off his cheeks as a form of sacrifice, but we got the note that it was a little too gory, admitted Meza-Leon. Also introducing his very own Two-Face, Spanish conquistador Hernan Cortes (Alvaro Morte), as well as Forest Ivy (Poison Ivy), inspired by the legendary Mexican actress Maria Felix, faithful Acatzin (Alfred) and Jaguar Woman (Cat Woman). She is the one who helps him embrace his spiritual animal and to become this warrior. The Aztecs only fought during the day, but she is a little thief in the night, the Robin Hood for the Aztec people. She is teaching him how to make his way around darkness and use it as a weapon. As noted by Girardi, the characters will change gradually. In typical Batman mythology, they have all these overnight transformations. But Yohualli doesnt immediately have his armor and the same goes for Yoka. Still, as he starts using the bat god Tzinacans temple as his lair and uses the technology from the Spanish to fight them, and to avenge his father explained Meza-Leon things are bound to get serious. I didnt want it to be some cartoony thing. I wanted it to be serious, dramatic and dark. As a Batman fan, growing up with the Aztec culture, hearing these two words togetherPOW! It just had so much power. I am very excited that all this Mexican talent is working so hard to elevate Latin American animation. This is a big project, and hopefully it will be just the beginning of many things to come, he said, before answering some questions from the clearly excited audience. How about Batmans no killing rule? Oh shit. We have to make some changes, he joked. Yes, we definitely implemented it he incapacitates [his opponents] in the film but he doesnt kill. You are disappointed?! Take this guy out of here. Security! 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. Warning: The following article contains triggering language related to sexual assault, abuse, and rape. Bill Cosby has been hit with a new lawsuit from nine women accusing him of sexual assault. NBC News reports that the suit was filed in Nevadas U.S. District Court, accusing Cosby of exercising an enormous power, fame, and prestige to isolate and sexually assault each of the listed women. The suit named the nine women as Janice Dickinson, Lise-Lotte Lublin, Janice Baker Kinney, Lili Bernard, Heidi Thomas, Linda Kirkpatrick, Rebecca Cooper, Pam Joy Abeyta, and Angela Leslie. NBC reported that a portion of the named women are scheduled to speak with NBC News Daily on Thursday (June 15) to provide more insight into their lawsuit. Variety reports that Cosbys spokesperson, Andrew Wyatt, opposed the new lawsuit. Wyatt expressed that considering the states the lawsuits are being filed in, deeper inquiries regarding the accusers motives must be called into question. Its interesting that these Look Back Windows are formulating only in those states (New Jersey, New York, Los Angeles, and Nevada) where many of Mr. Cosbys alleged accusers reside. It makes all Americans ask the question, Whos funding these alleged accusers, and whos funding these lawmakers?' Wyatt penned. In this handout image provided by the Elkins Park, Montgomery County District Attorneys office, William H. Cosby poses for a mugshot photo during his arraignment December 30, 2015 in Elkins Park, Pennsylvania. Cosby was arraigned at 2:30 p.m. before Magisterial District Judge Elizabeth McHugh and charged with Aggravated Indecent Assault. Bail was set at $1 million under the condition that he surrender his passport and have no contact with the victim. Cosby was released.after posting $100,000, the required 10 percent of bail. Mr. Cosby is a Citizen of [the] United States, but these judges and lawmakers are consistently allowing these civil suits to flood their dockets knowing that these women are not fighting for victims but for their addiction to massive amounts of media attention and greed. From this day forward, we will not continue to allow these women to parade various accounts of an alleged allegation against Mr. Cosby anymore without vetting them in the court of public opinion and inside of the courtroom. Along with these nine women, Victoria Valentino also smacked Cosby with a lawsuit in early June 2023. Valentino filed the suit under a new California law lifting the statutes of limitations on cases regarding civil sexual-assault cases. Story continues According to the Washington Post, the Playboy model asserted that her suit wasnt about money, but accountability. Rape steals something from you that cannot be repaired or restored, Valentino explained to the outlet after the lawsuit was filed. NORRISTOWN, PA MAY 24: Bill Cosby departs the Montgomery County Courthouse after a preliminary hearing, May 24, 2016, in Norristown, Pennsylvania. Cosby was ordered to stand trial on sexual assault charges after a hearing that hinged on a decade-old police report. (Photo by Matt Rourke-Pool/Getty Images) More from VIBE.com Click here to read the full article. Carter was charged with one count of retail theft and possession of fentanyl in Florida, according to the arrest report obtained by PEOPLE Hernando county sheriff's office Bobbie Jean Carter Nick and the late Aaron Carter's sister Bobbie Jean was arrested in Florida over the weekend after she allegedly stole stickers and markers from a Hobby Lobby. She was later allegedly found to have drugs on her person. Bobbie Jean, 41, was arrested Saturday in Hernando County and charged with one count of retail theft and possession of fentanyl. Authorities were called after she allegedly stole six items from Hobby Lobby totaling $55.32, per the arrest report obtained by PEOPLE. According to the report, the Hobby Lobby loss prevention team said they saw Bobbie Jean taking markers off the shelf, placing them into her purse and walking out of the store without paying on their surveillance camera. When the sheriff's deputies took her into the store's loss prevention office, they claimed Bobbie Jean "grabbed her purse in panic, removing a powder blue container and tossing it underneath the LP (loss prevention) desk." Kristy Leibowitz/Getty Image The Carters in 2006 Related: Aaron and Nick Carter's Mother Arrested on Suspicion of Battery over Alleged TV Remote Dispute: Sheriff The container had 1.3 grams of white powder and 0.8 grams of purple powder. Both powders later tested positive for the presence of fentanyl, according to the police report. Bobbie Jean was then placed in custody. On her way to be processed at the county jail, she was threatening to hurt herself, leading the staff to be notified and Bobbie Jean to be admitted under suicide watch. She was placed on a $500 bond for the retail theft misdemeanor and is due in court July 10, as well as a $2,000 bond for the felony possession of a controlled substance charge, for which she is due in court July 13. Bobbie Jean's arrest comes one month after her mother Jane Schneck was arrested and booked on one count of "domestic battery," which stemmed from an alleged altercation over the volume of the TV, according to the Hernando County Sheriff's Office. Story continues Schneck, 64, got into an argument with a male in her home over the sound of the television when he wanted to go to sleep. Both had allegedly been drinking, according to the sheriff's office. TMZ reported the man was her husband. What started as a verbal dispute escalated into a physical altercation when Schneck allegedly grabbed her husband's wrist while trying to get the remote, which authorities told PEOPLE reached the level of domestic battery. During the altercation, her husband took video of the dispute, which he showed to deputies prior to Schneck's arrest. She has since been released on a $100 bond. For more People news, make sure to sign up for our newsletter! Read the original article on People. Transphobic2 Transphobic2.jpg - Credit: Photo-illustration by Matthew Cooley. Photographs in illustration by Daniele Venturelli/Getty Images; Jason Kempin/Getty Images, 2 A few minutes into the documentary What Is a Woman?, Matt Walsh is seen striding into the woods with a fishing rod, his plaid shirt, vest, and close-cropped beard, giving off lumberjack dad energy. I like to come out here to think, he intones as he casts his line into the water. Nature seems to always tell the truth, even when we dont want to hear it. He then asks himself a series of rhetorical, seemingly joking questions about gender and identity: Is there a son trapped in my daughters body? If so, how do I get him out? Are any of my kids who they claim to be? So begins that film, which premiered in June 2022 and features Walsh peppering a series of health-care providers, politicians, and LGBTQ activists with questions intended to expose what he refers to as the insane ideological cult of gender ideology. Walsh travels the world asking people to define the word woman; in a climactic moment, in which Walsh speaks at a Virginia school board meeting about a policy that would, among other things, require teachers to refer to trans kids by their preferred pronouns and allow them to use bathrooms that align with their gender identity, he proclaims, with sober piano music in the background, that those who support the policy are child abusers and predators. It ends with Walsh posing the question to his wife, who defines the term as an adult human female and then hands him a pickle jar to open. More from Rolling Stone Prior to What Is a Woman?, Walsh, 36, was a right-wing radio-shock-jock-turned-pundit known for advocating for a nationwide porn ban or arguing against abortion even in the case of child rape. Though he had been hosting his multiplatform show on the Daily Wire since 2018, he lacked the star power of his boss, Ben Shapiro, who has one of the highest-ranking podcasts in the country. Story continues That changed, however, with What Is a Woman? In early January 2022, a few months prior to the films debut, Walsh had a little more than 767,000 followers on Twitter; by January 2023, he had reached 1.24 million. Over the past month alone, Walsh has gained more than 100,000 followers, and he now has over 2 million. The film did tremendous damage in terms of helping to amplify anti-trans ideology, making it mainstream, providing it to a bigger audience, says R.G. Cravens, senior research analyst at the Southern Poverty Law Center. [It] took advantage of the underlying transphobia that exists in the country. It also helped legitimize Walsh as a political authority, leading to an invitation for him to testify in front of the Tennessee House Committee regarding a bill banning gender-affirming care for minors in February 2023, giving him entree into places that he would never have had access to before, says Cravens. Its difficult to quantify the actual success of the film. The Daily Wire boasted it garnered more than 170 million views on Twitter during a streaming event earlier this month, but that metric, according to a tweet from CEO Elon Musk, takes into account whether one saw the post on the app, not how long one watched. (Musk also claimed that view count is actually understated, since it doesnt include views through third-party apps.) Regardless, its reach has been extensive: Data provided to Rolling Stone by Darren Linvill, a lead researcher at the Clemson University Media Forensics Hub, suggests that the actual phrase What Is a Woman was shared on Twitter about 837,800 times over the past 120 days. But the impact the film has had on Walshs reach has been undeniable. Walshs content largely dominates not just discussion of LGBTQ issues, but political discourse in general, on many social platforms. According to Media Matters data shared with Rolling Stone, Walshs Facebook page was one of the top-five pages posting on transgender-related issues this year, a list that also included the right-leaning Breitbart, Fox News, Young Americas Foundation, and Walshs boss, Ben Shapiro. In fact, nearly 70 percent of all interactions on Facebook related to transgender issues came from right-leaning pages, as opposed to left-leaning pages, according to Media Matters data. Additionally, a video titled Matt Walsh STUMPS Transgender Woman With One Simple Question is among the 20 most interacted-with political posts on Facebook this year, earning more than 20 million views and 620,000 interactions. Peddling transphobia seems to have been immensely profitable for Walsh. In the past, he has said he was making $100,000 a month off YouTube ads, and SocialBlade data estimated his annual YouTube revenue to be between $900,000 and $1.6 million a year. While YouTube demonetized his channel this spring, his full videos now appear on Twitter as well as behind a paywall at the Daily Wire. What Is a Woman? was a huge boon not just to Walsh, but to the Daily Wire itself. Ari Drennen, LGBTQ program director at progressive watchdog Media Matters, says the launch of What Is a Woman? marked a watershed moment for the brand, with the company spending more than $5.4 million on its marketing budget on Facebook by shifting a lot of their resources that they had been using to promote materials for Ben Shapiro, she says. Walsh did not directly respond to Rolling Stones requests for comment, saying on Twitter that he would only reply if we publicly defined the term woman. He pointed out that one of the authors on this story was once employed by Media Matters, which supplied data and analysis for this article, and addressed our request for comment on a recent episode of his show, referring to the story as a hit piece. But this isnt just about Walsh. Its about how a whole crew of right-wing pundits went hard on anti-trans talking points, seemingly all at once building huge audiences by capitalizing on that carefully constructed rhetoric. If we separate the T from the alphabet soup, well have more success To hear those on the right tell it, anti-trans rhetoric isnt new. In a separate series of tweets, not addressed to Rolling Stone, Walsh appeared to take umbrage to the suggestion that his interest in transgender rights was born from opportunism, screenshotting a 2015 piece he wrote in the conservative outlet the Blaze with a headline that read calling Caitlyn Jenner a woman is an insult to women. Not only have I been talking about gender ideology for years, but Ive been arguing that it is one of the central issues of our time, he wrote. The people claiming I came late to this fight might want to consult Google. On one hand, its true that the right is familiar with trans issues as trans visibility has grown, right-wing activists have consistently campaigned against their rights. As far back as 2014, when some districts suggested allowing children to use the bathroom that matched their gender identity, a group called the American College of Pediatricians was threatening school boards with lawsuits. Within a few years, that had metastasized into a wave of bathroom bills, which aimed to criminalize the offense, framed around the notion that men would post up in womens rooms and attempt to assault them. As more prominent representation in television (Orange Is the New Black) and film (Tangerine) brought trans people into the mainstream, and government agencies began considering them in policy (the military officially opened up enlistment to trans people in 2021; Joe Biden brought Dylan Mulvaney to the White House last year to discuss federal policy) the community has also been exposed to a growing level of vitriol including increased harassment and violence. At the same time, there have been indications of prominent right-wing figures planning to harness anti-trans rhetoric. In 2017, at its annual Values Voter Summit, the right-wing Family Research Council held a panel in which FRC senior fellow Meg Kilgannon explicitly suggested attempting to essentially pit the trans community and the gay, lesbian, and bisexual community against one another: Trans and gender identity are a tough sell, so focus on gender identity to divide and conquer, she said, according to a Southern Poverty Law Center (SPLC) report. If we separate the T from the alphabet soup, well have more success. That divide and conquer mentality has also manifested itself in physical threats targeting spaces catering to gender-nonconforming individuals. Hate groups such as the Proud Boys and Patriot Front, which have held high-profile armed protests at events like Drag Queen Story Hours, found the increasing amount of transphobia online helpful in intimidating target populations, and also helpful in recruiting, says Cravens. Infamously, right-wing commentators including Walsh led the charge against Boston Childrens Hospitals Gender Multispecialty Services Clinic, leveling false claims that the hospital provided genital surgeries to minors, and accusing the hospital of mutilating children. The onslaught of harassment against the hospital resulted in at least one documented bomb threat. (Walsh dismissed an earlier bomb threat, which turned out to be false, as a leftist hoax.) Last fall, he also organized a Nashville-based rally to end child mutilation, in which protesters were reportedly seen carrying signs calling for the deaths of doctors who perform gender-reassignment surgery. While anti-trans rhetoric seems to be at a fever pitch, according to Drennan, the biggest cultural shift toward legitimizing anti-trans hate took place around the 2020 election. Republican strategists, defeated on the issue of same-sex marriage and fresh off the failure of a Donald Trump reelection campaign, were looking for alternative avenues to tap into the anti-LGBTQ sentiment that had been percolating among their base since Obergefell v. Hodges. Following polling led by Terry Schilling of the American Principles Project, a conservative advocacy group, strategists landed on transgender athletes. (Schilling did not return a request for comment sent to the American Principles Project.) It was the issue that they poll-tested and was the most favorable for them, not because its a genuine issue, says Drennen. Transgender athletes have become this sort of cultural avatar for the anxieties of the modern era, and the spiraling crisis of college affordability. So its one thing if your kid loses to somebody who you perceive as an undeserving competitor and then its been supercharged by the idea that theres this competition for scholarships that trans athletes are unfairly getting in on. In Drennens observation, the panic about transgender athletes morphed into something far more sinister over the spring and summer of 2022, leading up to the midterm elections, when prominent right-wing influencers took up the narrative that transgender people were grooming, sexualizing, and abusing children. The end result of such anti-trans discourse was that terms like groomer which previously had mostly been used on Twitter in the context of dog care or personal hygiene saw a tremendous spike on the platform, from 500,000 mentions in 2021 to more than 2.5 million mentions in 2022, according to data provided to Rolling Stone by Linvill, the Clemson professor. These mentions were most commonly associated with terms such as drag, children, and hell for eternity. The push to make the general public more skeptical of gender ideology, as the right puts it, has been largely successful in impacting the general discourse around transgender people. According to data from Media Matters, provided to Rolling Stone, right-leaning pages in 2023 earned 10 million interactions as opposed to left-leaning or ideologically neutral pages, which earned 2.3 million and 2 million interactions, respectively. Perhaps unsurprisingly, Twitter, since being taken over by Elon Musk, has also seen a massive uptick of anti-LGBTQ hate. This is in part because under Musks leadership, many formerly banned accounts have been reinstated, including that of James Lindsay, a professional right-wing troll who has previously accused the LGBTQ suicide prevention organization the Trevor Project of being a groomer organization. Certainly Twitter has become less responsive to reports of targeted harassment against trans people, says Drennen. (Twitter responded to a request for comment with an auto-generated poop emoji, which has become the companys standard reply to press inquiries since Musk fired a majority of Twitters communications staff.) Walshs success on the beat has seemingly had a ripple effect. Other prominent right-wing influencers, who had previously used their social media platforms to harp on more traditional conservative topics like abortion and immigration, have also made a sharp pivot to transphobia. Even those who had previously expressed little interest in politics have cashed in for clout. It was the issue that they poll-tested and was the most favorable for them, not because its a genuine issue Influencer Oli London, for instance, was initially best known for making the rounds of the talk-show circuit after receiving multiple plastic surgeries to resemble BTS member Jimin, and launching a failed K-pop career on the back of that tabloid infamy. In the summer of 2022, London made headlines for asserting that he was gender fluid and now living as a Korean woman, and was planning to get plastic surgery to resemble Blackpink member Rose. That fall, however, London announced he was detransitioning, appearing on Tucker Carlsons now-defunct Fox News show to blame his own struggles with gender identity on the normalization of transgender people and claiming that the alpha straight male has been eroded. (Most medical experts agree that detransitioning is a relatively rare phenomenon, with one study review of 8,000 trans patients finding that only one percent of those who had gender affirmation surgeries regretted it. The right, however, has been laser focused on detransitioning, and has elevated a number of high-profile detransitioners to the level of celebrity.) Gender Ideology is causing irreparable harm across society, London wrote in an April 2023 tweet. How did we get to where we are now? What is behind [the] push to transition kids? How can we push back and save children? The tweet concluded with a link to his book, Gender Madness: One Mans Devastating Struggle With Woke Ideology and His Battle to Protect Children, showing an unsmiling and turtlenecked London on the cover, for sale in August 2023. (London also did not directly respond to Rolling Stones request for comment, other than to tweet, Dear @RollingStone, Sticking up for Women & Children is not Transphobic. Thank you! Oli.) London saw a massive spike in engagement after latching onto the rights month-long freakout over Bud Light sending transgender influencer Dylan Mulvaney a beer can with her face on it. While his TikTok does not appear to have been impacted by his anti-trans pivot with him staying relatively stable at 1.1 million followers since 2022 since constantly tweeting about Mulvaney, he has gained upward of 120,000 Twitter followers over the course of April. According to at least one of the rights loudest anti-trans voices, however, Londons rebranding is seen as a disingenuous, if politically useful, attention ploy. Heres the thing, everything that Oli London is saying is correct. Its music to my ears. Its obviously a lot of the work that we do here at the Daily Wire in trying to expose this nefarious agenda on our children, podcast host Candace Owens said in November. My personal opinion is that what Oli London saying is true, but also Oli London just wants attention. While London represents a new figure in the space, even established mainstays of the online right are reworking their messaging to prioritize anti-trans viewpoints. One prominent example is longtime anti-choice activist Allie Beth Stuckey, the host of the Christian conservative podcast Relatable on TheBlaze TV. Since reworking her content to heavily feature commentary on trans issues, Stuckeys social media accounts are experiencing an uptick in engagement. Though previously best known for her virulent anti-abortion commentary following the overturning of Roe v. Wade last year, Stuckey has made a huge shift in focus from anti-abortion activism to anti-trans activism, in part because [anti-choicers like Stuckey] won on abortion, says Drennen. They got what they wanted. To be fair, Stuckey did not pivot to transphobia completely out of nowhere. In a lengthy Twitter thread in response to Rolling Stones request for comment, Stuckey, like Walsh, took offense to the idea that she may be capitalizing on trans hate for financial or career reasons, claiming that she has been writing about gender ideology since 2018, even devoting a chapter of her book to the subject. Since last June, however, around the same time What Is a Woman? premiered, her accounts have seen a marked uptick in anti-LGBTQ content. On Instagram, her feed has gone from posts about abortion to posts about transgender and LGBTQ people. Amid her coverage of topics such as the L.A. Dodgers hosting a drag event during Pride, Stuckeys viewership has grown: She has netted almost 100,000 additional YouTube subscribers in the past year, according to SocialBlade data. Her Instagram following has similarly increased by about 90,000 over the past year. In response to Rolling Stones request for comment, Stuckey wrote on Twitter that the trend of conservatives increasingly discussing transgender issues is a reaction to its increasing prominence in the mainstream, thanks to the relentless activism of the left, and not the other way around, before framing her interest in trans issues as genuine and heartfelt. I actually, sincerely believe the things I say, she wrote. I really do believe maiming peoples bodies based on the lie that they can switch genders is barbaric and evil. I really do believe confusing kids about their gender is destructive. And I know, just as most people know, that the entire ideology [is] powered by corporate interests, deceit, and ideological chaos. The people that did care about me and did want to support me, they dont want to take me back. Amid the success of right-wing figures speaking out against transgender rights, some creators have grown their audiences by repeating their talking points, only for the pivot to backfire in unexpected ways. Kelly Cadigan, a TikToker and transgender woman in her early twenties who in November 2022 had about 748,600 followers on the platform, largely posted chatty, casual videos filmed in the front seat of her car, discussing her upcoming gender-affirming surgery or speaking out against transphobia, such as defending Mulvaney against far-right harassment. At the end of the day, what they really want is just for trans people to not exist, she says in a video posted in January. Then, this spring, Cadigans content took a sharp turn. Seemingly out of the blue, she started echoing many right-wing talking points about gender, saying that gender reassignment surgery for people under 18 is abusive, or that activists were encouraging kids to identify as trans. In March, Cadigan made a video saying that minors under the age of 18 should not be given access to hormonal replacement therapy, or HRT. If you want to call me a conservative, call me a conservative, she declared. I believe in protecting children. (Cadigan, who has herself spoken frequently about how she used HRT to transition when she was 15, did not respond to multiple requests for comment.) Cadigans pivot drew tremendous backlash from many commenters, who accused her of being a hypocrite and a pick me, a term used to describe women eager for external validation. But as her comments grew more negative, her subscriber count kept climbing, peaking at 911,300 followers on TikTok on May 23, 2023, and doubling her follower count on Twitter from roughly 8,000 to more than 19,000 between April and June 2023. In the midst of this influx of attention, she launched a new series: a countdown of days of being on the right, a parody of Mulvaneys days of being a girl series documenting her transition. Cadigans April 20 Day 3 video, in which she describes removing all the pronouns from her bio, racked up 1.9 million views; while her Day 5 video, in which she claimed the left really wants me to view myself as the same thing as a biological woman, had 2.5 million views. Despite her increasing popularity, Cadigan struggled to exist alongside right-wingers who made a point of misgendering her. Im so open minded to accepting right wing ideals, she wrote on Twitter last month. But if all youre gonna do is belittle me and call me a man, what are you doing on my page? Wasting time? Wanting to argue? I dont get it. Well never agree. Then, on June 1, Cadigan uploaded another video to TikTok, filmed in the front seat of her car, where she spoke candidly about her months-long pivot to the right. Growing up, I always wanted to be friends with the people who hated me, she said softly, just because I wanted to be seen as normal so bad. She said she still viewed herself as that 15-year-old who was constantly looking for validation, seeking acceptance from people who dont want to care about me. She said that when she initially started getting attention from right-wing pundits for her criticism of children transitioning, it was intoxicating. But she was slowly starting to realize that the people who eagerly reposted her takes didnt care about her, and the people that did care about me and did want to support me, they dont want to take me back. Since her return back to the left, Cadigan seems to be fairly ideologically adrift. She has deleted every TikTok video she made since March, and posted a video that she has since deleted claiming she was done talking about politics. I feel like theres no point in saying anything anymore, she posted on Twitter on June 7. The internet just hates me. On June 12, however, she seemed to have reversed her reversal. From this moment forward tho, Im not on the Leftand Im not on the Right, she wrote. Im not even gonna call myself a centrist! Im done with the labels and Im done caring about what others think of me. Best of Rolling Stone Click here to read the full article. Taylor Hill/Getty Carlos Santana After his childhood was stolen from him by two years of sexual abuse, Carlos Santana eventually found forgiveness. The legendary guitarist, 75, opens up to PEOPLE in this week's issue about the ways in which he was able to make peace with his situation, years down the line. "My son and I were talking about this yesterday, how acceptance and forgiveness are really spiritual," he says. "I learned to look at everyone who ever went out of their way to hurt me, demean me or make me feel like less, like they're 5 or 6 years old, and I'm able to look at them with understanding and compassion." Santana whose experiences will be chronicled in the upcoming documentary Carlos, which will premiere on June 17 at the Tribeca Film Festival first went public with his abuse during an interview with Rolling Stone in 2000. He said that he was abused "almost every day" between the ages of 10 and 12 by a man whod cross the border into Mexico and bring him toys and gifts; he told The Guardian in 2014 the man was an American tourist who'd befriended his parents. Mondadori Portfolio/Archivio GBB/Everett Collection Carlos Santana as a child Now, the musician says he's able to see the situation from a new perspective, one that allows him grant his abuser grace. "For example, this person who abused me sexually, instead of sending him to hell forever, I visualized him like a child, and behind him there was a lot of light," he says. "So I can send him to the light or send him to hell knowing that if I send him to hell, I'm going to go with him. But if I send him to the light, then I'm going to go with him also." He continues: There's this saying, 'Hurt people hurt people.' It's my pain. It did happen to me. But if you open your hands, and you let it go, then you don't feel that anymore." Related: Carlos Santana Recalls Being 'Higher Than an Astronaut's Butt' at Woodstock Thanks to Jerry Garcia: 'It Was a Real Test' (Exclusive) Story continues Elsewhere in the interview, the Rock & Roll Hall of Famer discusses the pitfalls of fame, and how he's learned to enjoy the success it has afforded him, despite feeling suffocated by it in earlier years. "Now everything's a fun time because theres still a 7-year-old Carlos in me that looks at life like, 'What are we going to get into today?'" he says. "I'm just starting, and everything has prepared me for this." The 10-time Grammy winner adds that his goal is to offer "hope and courage to people," and that he sticks to a lesson he learned as a child: "Offer a heartfelt tug to the listener and validate their existence." If you or someone you know is struggling with substance abuse, please contact the SAMHSA helpline at 1-800-662-HELP. For more on Carlos Santana, pick up the latest issue of PEOPLE, on newsstands everywhere Friday. For more People news, make sure to sign up for our newsletter! Read the original article on People. [Source] A Chinese couple was charged with the murder of South Korean influencer BJ Ahyeong after her body was found on the outskirts of Phnom Penh, Cambodia. Arrest and charges: Lai Wenshao, 30, and Cai Huijuan, 39, were arrested last week and charged on Tuesday by a Cambodian court with murder accompanied by torture. If convicted, the couple may face life imprisonment. Couples claim: The couple, who run a beauty clinic in the city, told police that BJ Ahyeong, whose real name was Byun Ah-Yeong, 33, had seizures and died while receiving treatment at their clinic on June 4. They claimed that they abandoned the womans body, which prosecutors refuted. The body of the victim was reportedly found by locals wrapped in red cloth and dumped into a pit. More from NextShark: Over 100 kittens, puppies rescued from 'blind boxes' in latest bust of China's 'mystery box' craze Investigation: On Tuesday, South Koreas Foreign Ministry spokesperson Lim Soo-suk noted that local authorities were investigating the incident. The Foreign Ministry is providing necessary consular assistance to the bereaved family in a timely manner, Lim said. About Ah-Yeong: The 33-year-old was an influencer for AfreecaTV, a South Korean video streaming service. Known as BJ (Broadcast Jockey) Ahyeong, Byun had over 260,000 followers on Instagram. More from NextShark: Scammer claiming to be Korean oil rig worker dupes Malaysian widow out of nearly $1 million In March, she announced her retirement from her influencer persona to live as a normal person for the time being. Enjoy this content? Read more from NextShark! John Wick director says Jet Li, Jackie Chan part of dream list for future sequel Singaporean mother of 9-year-old son with rare neurogenetic disorder awaits the day he calls her 'mom' Walt Disney Co. CFO Christine McCarthy is stepping down from her role to take a family medical leave of absence, the company said Thursday. Veteran Disney executive Kevin Lansberry, executive vp and CFO of Disney Parks, Experiences and Products, will serve as interim CFO, effective July 1. The company will now begin an internal and external search for a permanent CFO, with McCarthy agreeing to serve as a strategic adviser during her leave, helping to onboard whomever her successor is. More from The Hollywood Reporter Christine McCarthy is one of the most admired financial executives in America, and her impact on The Walt Disney Company during 23 years of dedicated service cannot be overstated, Disney CEO Bob Iger said in a statement. Christine has served as a key strategic anchor during a period of great transformation, and she and I have discussed her desire to ensure an orderly and successful CFO succession in advance of the companys transition to its next chief executive officer. She is stepping down from her CFO role as she takes family medical leave, but has graciously offered to move into an advisory position to assist her successor in assuming the duties she has so expertly handled these many years. Added McCarthy, I am immensely grateful for the opportunity Bob provided me to serve as CFO of this iconic company and am proud of the work my talented team has done to position Disney to capitalize on the business possibilities that lie ahead. Although I am leaving the CFO role, I look forward to helping with the transition and will always be rooting for the success of my extended Disney family, who have shown time and again that determination, teamwork and the pursuit of excellence are an unstoppable combination. Story continues A Disney veteran, McCarthy joined the company in 2000 as its treasurer, being named to the CFO role in 2015. McCarthy was one of Igers principal deputies, joining him on earnings calls, where she broke down Disneys finances for analysts. She was also one of only a handful of Igers lieutenants to stay on when Bob Chapek took over as CEO in 2020. While she worked closely with Iger during his first tour as CEO, her backing of Chapek (and many of his strategic maneuvers) had raised eyebrows, with sources telling The Hollywood Reporter earlier this year that the Nelson Peltz activist fight may have been a big reason that McCarthy stuck around as long as she did after Igers return. Peltz ultimately abandoned his fight after Disney reported strong earnings in February, in which Iger laid out his turnaround plan. McCarthys contract had been extended in 2021 through June 2024. According to a securities filing Thursday, McCarthy will continue to be employed by the company through that date, albeit in her strategic adviser role. Her compensation will remain unchanged (she was paid more than $20 million in fiscal 2022). Lansberry, meanwhile, will relocate from Orlando, Florida, to Disneys corporate headquarters in Burbank, with the company set to provide housing and a pay bump consisting of a $1 million base salary, a $1 million annual target bonus, and $3 million in a long-term incentive plan. Best of The Hollywood Reporter Click here to read the full article. A bill headed to the desk of Gov. Roy Cooper would allow civilians to investigate traffic collisions in North Carolina. House Bill 140, which cleared the General Assembly on Wednesday with a final vote in the North Carolina House, would allow cities to hire civilian traffic investigators to respond to some motor vehicle collisions. Investigators would have to go through training before starting the job, the bill said. The bill passed in a final vote in the state House on Wednesday by a margin of 100-6 after previously passing the state Senate and House by large margins. Its now up to Cooper to either sign the bill into law or veto it. The program would help alleviate law enforcement staffing shortages, supporters say, and is already used in some North Carolina cities. Heres what to know about the civilian traffic investigators proposal and what it would mean for Charlotte drivers: How would NC civilian traffic investigations work? Under House Bill 140, North Carolina cities will be allowed to hire civilians to serve as traffic investigators. The bill allows cities to establish their own minimum standards for employment for the investigators, but anyone hired for the role would have to go through a training program designed by the North Carolina Justice Academy. And after training, investigators will have to go through not less than four weeks of field training with a law enforcement officer who has experience conducting traffic crash investigations. Civilian traffic investigators wont be issued weapons and will have no authority to arrest or issue criminal process. They basically do the investigation, they file the reports, and they also have the ability to appear in court, state Sen. Michael Lazzara told WRAL News. If theres an issue involving criminal activity, they just call for an officer and an officer will come and do their job. They will investigate crashes involving only property damage, the legislation says, and a law enforcement officer will still have to investigate any crash involving personal injury or a fatality. Story continues Civilian investigators will be issued credentials and uniforms under the proposed law, but the uniform must be substantially different in color and style from that of a law enforcement officer for the city. Any vehicles issued to, or used by, an Investigator shall not bear markings or symbols that identify the vehicle as a police vehicle, the bill says. The vehicle may have emergency equipment and lights installed but shall not use blue lights in any manner or form. Red and amber lights are permissible. What does law enforcement think of civilian traffic investigators? The cities of Fayetteville and Wilmington already have civilian traffic investigators, according to Lazzara. This is just a way that we can help cities and towns fill the gap and have availability for officers to respond to actual emergency calls, rather than take their time to be at a traffic accident that can normally take several hours to complete, he told WRAL. The North Carolina Association of Police Chiefs and North Carolina League of Municipalities have endorsed the bill, WRAL reported. In an email to The Charlotte Observer, the Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department said it is monitoring the pending legislation and did not have a comment on the bill as of Wednesday afternoon. Conan O'Brien, right, officiated Andy Richter's wedding over the weekend. (Evan Agostini / Invision / Associated Press) Conan O'Brien and his longtime creative partner, Andy Richter, reunited over the weekend to celebrate a special occasion. The former "Conan," "Late Night" and "Tonight Show" host officiated his comedic sidekick's wedding to talent agent Jennifer Herrera in West Hollywood on Saturday, Richter recently told Page Six. The actor and TV writer who served as O'Brien's right-hand man for most of his late-night career revealed Monday at the Tribeca Film Festival that O'Brien stepped in to officiate the ceremony at the last minute after Herrera's friend wasn't able to make it. I knew he had done it [before] because he married our wardrobe designer on our show, Richter explained to Page Six. So I asked him to do it and he did it! The "Madagascar" and "Andy Richter Controls the Universe" star described the nuptials as a "nice," "low-key house party." He and Herrera got engaged in November after dating for nearly a year. Richter was previously married to fellow comedy writer Sarah Thyre for more than 20 years. They share two children. In June 2021, Richter and O'Brien took their final bows as the last episode of "Conan" premiered on TBS. Capping 28 years of late-night TV, O'Brien paid heartfelt tribute to Richter while delivering an emotional farewell speech to the studio audience. In another era, a sidekick was someone who sat next to the host and laughed along and just sort of supported them, OBrien said. When I found Andy Richter, he was one of the funniest people that I ever met ... and I never said to Andy, Give me room. You cant get the laugh. Ive got to get the laugh.' The rule is always, if you think of the funniest thing, just say it and thatll get us out. And he did it 100,000 times. Hes a brilliant man, and I love him forever. Since "Conan" ended, Richter has worked on films and TV series such as "Marcel the Shell With Shoes On," "Love, Victor," "American Dad," "Bob's Burgers" and "80 for Brady." He also hosts "The Three Questions" for O'Brien's podcast company, Team Coco. His latest project is comedian Chelsea Peretti's aptly titled feature directorial debut, "First Time Female Director," which premiered at Tribeca on Monday. This story originally appeared in Los Angeles Times. When Disney Cruise Lines new private Bahamas destination Lighthouse Point first welcomes customers next summer, theyll be sailing from South Florida. But in the fall, the line will finally allow one of its Port Canaveral-based ships to visit as well. The cruise line announced Tuesday its fall 2024 itineraries including several visits from Disney Fantasy sailing out of the Orlando-area port while also keeping two ships sailing out of Port Everglades in Fort Lauderdale with normal visits to Lighthouse Point. Also announced were special sailings to Hawaii and the South Pacific as well as a return to Puerto Rico and Galveston, Texas. For Port Canaveral, the lines newest ship Disney Wish that debuted in summer 2022 will continue to keep Disneys original Bahamas private island Castaway Cay as a primary stop among its three- and four-night itineraries. Disney Cruise Line announces new Bahamas destination Lighthouse Point to open next year But starting Oct. 12, Disney Fantasy will sail the first of seven four-night sailings that include the new Bahamas destination currently under construction on the tip of Eleuthera. Four of the seven sailings will visit both Lighthouse Point and Castaway Cay with the other three visiting Nassau and Lighthouse Point instead. Fantasy also has two six-night sailings on Oct. 20 and Nov. 10 with visits to Lighthouse Point, Nassau and two days at Castaway Cay. Disney Fantasy will also sail its normal spate of seven-night Eastern and Western Caribbean itineraries, all with stops at Castaway Cay. For Port Everglades, which is slated to welcome Disney Dream beginning this fall and officially make it the lines new long-term second home in Florida, it will continue to hit Lighthouse Point on most of Dreams sailings, but also feature a second ship when the lines original vessel Disney Magic comes to town. Both ships will offer a variety of three-, four- and five-night sailings from the port including some that visit both Lighthouse Point and Castaway Cay. Story continues Disney Magic, though, will branch out including a five-night Western Caribbean trip to Cozumel, a reposition cruise to San Juan, from which it will also sail a seven-night Southern Caribbean voyage, and another reposition from San Juan to Galveston. It also will arrive to South Florida via a transatlantic voyage from Southampton, England leaving Oct. 20 on a 13-night sailing that visits Vigo, Spain; Lisbon, Portugal; Ponta Delgada, Azores and its first visit to Lighthouse Point before arriving in Fort Lauderdale. Its Galveston sailings begin Nov. 21 when it will begin a series of four-, five- and six-night offerings to the Western Caribbean. Several of the fall sailings fall into the lines two holiday-themed makeovers, Halloween on the High Seas or Very Merrytime cruises. On the west coast, Disney is opening up four longer sailings that feature a trip to Hawaii that then keeps going to Australia via the South Pacific on Disney Wonder, which then will return in early 2025. The two outbound trips in 2024 start with a 10-night voyage from Vancouver to Honolulu leaving Sept. 23 followed by a 15-night South Pacific sailing leaving from Honolulu and ending in Sydney, Australia on Oct. 3. That trip features stops in Pago Pago, American Samoa; Suva, Fiji; and Noumea, New Caledonia. The return trips in early 2025 start with a 15-night voyage from Sydney to Honolulu leaving Feb. 10 and a nine-night trip from Honolulu back to Vancouver leaving Feb. 24. Wonders time in Australia and New Zealand will feature two- to seven-night offerings sailing from Sydney, Melbourne and Brisbane in Australia and Auckland, New Zealand. Its a repeat of what is planned to be Disneys first South Pacific visit this year with Wonder, which still has some limited bookings available. Disney Cruise Line names new ship Disney Treasure The forthcoming sixth ship in the fleet Disney Treasure could also begin sailing in late 2024, but the line has yet to announce where and when the under construction vessel will debut. Bookings for the fall 2024 sailings will be open to the public on June 26 with details found at disneycruiseline.com. George Rose / Getty Images In an attempt to export a large quantity of methamphetamine from Canada to New Zealand and Australia, a group of drug traffickers hid the substances in maple syrup and canola oil. Authorities from the aforementioned countries have working on the case for over five months, according to the Associated Press. So far, a dozen people have been arrested with more expected. According to officials, they found over 700 kilograms of meth, worth over $150 million. Australian police confirm that they've tracked down four individual shipments of meth that weighed over six tonnes and subsequently filed charges against six people. Australia first became aware of the meth shipments in January when Canadian authorities told them that 2,900 liters of liquid meth were concealed within 180 bottles of canola oil that were headed to the country. Additionally, Canadian authorities removed the meth and replaced it with a harmless substance. New Zealand police claim the syndicate was hiding three-quarters of a ton of meth in maple syrup shipments. They then arrested five men near Helensville, a town north of Auckland. The person who accepted the remainder of the shipment is also expected to face charges. screenshot of Josh Duggar in 19 Kids and Counting before cancellation. With certain family members having opted out of appearing , Amazon Studios Shiny Happy People: Duggar Family Secrets put the controversy-courting Duggar family right back in the national spotlight, while also shining a light on the Institute of Basic Life Principles. The buzzy docuseries also obviously features some people from outside the Duggar bloodline, such as longtime friends and fellow Quiverfull believers Jim and Bobye Holt, whose 11 children together include Josh Duggar s former girlfriend Kaeleigh. However, it looks like the Holt clan started going through their own inner-family turmoil in the months before the new streaming show debuted. According to court documents that date back to April 21, Bobye Holt successfully filed an order of protection from husband Jim, with the judge giving it the go-ahead, according to ArkTimes . That may or may not have been a temporary order, though, as the family matriarch followed up on May 8 and was granted another longer-lasting protection order. Shes not the only one, either. One of their sons, Samuel Holt, filed some form of complaint against Jim on April 20, which appeared to be connected with his mothers complaint the following day. And then on the same day her extended protection order was approved in court, Samuel was also granted a similar order against his father. More On The Duggars: Jim Bob and Michelle do TLC interview screenshot. Jim Bob And Michelle Duggar Release Statement On Prime Video Documentary Covering Duggar Familys Controversies, And A Relative Clapped Back While the court-filed complaints noted above could be confirmed publicly, the Springdale Police Department were unable to provide further details behind either the mother or sons requests. The local PD did confirm that they responded to a call regarding the Holts on April 15 of this year, but that was as far as the information went. Heres the response SPDs Bailey Johnson sent this month when a request was made for more info. To whom it may concern: The mission of the Springdale Police Department is to improve the quality of life by building relationships to solve problems and safeguard our community. As a part of building relationships, the Springdale Police Department will provide lawfully requested information to members of our community to provide a transparent look at the actions, interactions, and practices of the Springdale Police Department and its members. Unfortunately the police department is unable to provide the information you requested because the request is an active investigation. A search for case 23-23600 was conducted and this request is an active investigation per the City Attorney's Office. Story continues The case remaining open means we likely wont hear many details about the cause for the protection orders, at least not while theyre active. Its reported that such orders can last up to ten years, though its obviously unclear just how serious things are at the moment. Jim Holt is certainly no stranger to opposition outside the family home, having served his home state of Arkansas in the U.S. Government from 2001-2006 in both the House of Representatives and in the Senate. A staunch conservative, Holt is against abortions, is anti-healthcare on a national level, and at one point aimed to restrict evolution being taught in the states public schools, though his bill failed to move forward at the time. The Holts and the Duggars friendship goes back years, with Kaeleigh Holt having dated the currently incarcerated Josh Duggar back when they were both 14 years old. Her big TV appearance from that era came when she popped up on the 2006 precursor special 16 Children and Moving In, which eventually morphed into 19 Kids and Counting. Bobye Holt, who testified against Josh Duggar during his child pornography trial, claimed that her daughter was being groomed to eventually marry him. However, those plans were brought to a halt after it was discovered that a teenaged Josh molested five younger females, which included four of his sisters. (In hindsight, Jill Duggar Dillard has shared regrets about defending her brother in that infamous Megyn Kelly interview.) Holt claimed to have learned about the molestation situation back in 2003, twelve years before things went public, after Jim Bob and Michelle Duggar shared some of the details. But she also claimed that Josh himself visited the family two years later with his own confession, and that his details painted a more disturbing picture than what his parents claimed. The post Fiona Apple Guests on Art-Pop Trio Flesh Eaters New Single komfortzone: Stream appeared first on Consequence. Fiona Apple has made a guest appearance on komfortzone, a new single from Nashville-based experimental/art-pop trio Flesh Eater. With a sound that prioritizes ingenuity as much as melody, its no wonder Flesh Eater turn to Apple as a major source of information. Apple isnt normally one to collaborate with artists outside of her usual circle, but thanks to a fortuitous mutual connection with film producer Zelda Hallman, she heard an early version of komfortzone and hopped in the studio to record her parts: backing vocals, piano, vibraphone, and cabasa. To me, komfortzone represents confronting fear, Flesh Eater vocalist/keyboardist Zwil AR said in a statement. The fear of being seen, of moving toward sharing whats inside, meeting that where it is, seeing it, and saying, ok, this will be with me indefinitely; Ive got to move past it. AR continues: Fear is natural, even healthy at times, but its not me. It feeds off of what makes it grow, and in my experience, a lot of times Im most fearful of doing what will help me grow. Feeding that fear, doing what makes me afraid, is not so scary anymore. komfortzone is anything but comfortable, opening with a somewhat jarring scene: Instant regret in the park in the morning, AR sings. They contemplate their anxieties in visions of sunflower fields and train rides, even working in a few German lines to make the track all the more transportive. Apples contributions arent too obvious, but you can still feel her in the songs irregular structure, crisp production, and complex melody. Listen to her and Flesh Eater on komfortzone below. Though they havent unveiled any details, Flesh Eaters debut LP is in the works. Since her fantastic 2020 album Fetch the Bolt Cutters, Apple has released Where the Shadows Lie for the soundtrack to Amazon Originals The Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power, and she also covered Idahos official state song Here We Have Idaho for NPRs This American Life. Story continues Fiona Apple Guests on Art-Pop Trio Flesh Eaters New Single komfortzone: Stream Abby Jones 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. The News Russias world economy summit, the St. Petersburg International Economic Forum (SPIEF), opened on Wednesday but this years proceedings are taking a markedly different tone than previous forums. Attendees have become less global, a reflection of Russias growing isolation on the international stage. Both Brazils President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva and Kazakhstan's President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev declined invitations to attend. The most senior European leader expected at the summit is Hungarys foreign minister, Peter Szijjarto. Know More Once referred to by organizers as Russias answer to the World Economic Forum in Davos, this years SPIEF is subdued, Russian economics-focused outlet The Bell reported earlier this month. While SPIEF formerly attracted heavy-hitting attendees like French President Emmanuel Macron and Chinese leader Xi Jinping for plenary sessions with Russian President Vladimir Putin, this year only the United Arab Emirates has agreed to partner with Russia for the event and its so far unclear who will attend the session on the UAEs behalf. Last year, Egypts President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi sent only a video message to the conference, and did not attend in person, The Bell notes. In 2019, U.N. Secretary-General Antonio Guterres attended the conference, warning of the need to avoid a second Cold War. Previous iterations of SPIEF have been widely covered by journalists from around the world. But for the first time in the events nearly 30-year history, reporters from countries that Russia deems unfriendly have been banned from covering the event. Step Back SPIEF may be another casualty of the sliding grip Russian authorities have on the country, as Moscows full-scale invasion of Ukraine takes its toll. Russian officials are insisting that they have the means to continue the war, while admitting that they do not have enough weapons, according to a recent report in Politico. Speaking to pro-war bloggers, Putin said that we have [weapons], but unfortunately we dont have enough of them, while also claiming that there was a threefold increase in weapons production. The post Former Stone Pony Owner Arrested for Disrupting Trumps Motorcade appeared first on Consequence. Domenic Santana, former owner of the iconic New Jersey live music venue The Stone Pony, was arrested Tuesday outside of Miamis federal courthouse, where he disrupted Donald Trumps motorcade. Local news outlets report that Santana was wearing a black-and-white striped jail jumpsuit and a ball and chain, while holding a sign that read LOCK HIM UP. According to police reports, he ran into the middle of the street, blocking Trumps motorcade and causing one of the SUVs to swerve out of his way. I was running away from the mob that was hitting me and I just dodged for my safety and, all of a sudden, theres the motorcade and theres my sign, and then I got tackled down, Santana told reporters. Santana was bailed out of jail Wednesday morning. Yeah, it was worth it,, he added of his arrest, mentioning that hes not done advocating for Trumps arrest. Im getting the message out. He shoulda been locked up a long time ago. The defendants reckless actions of interrupting the motorcade put the former presidents life in danger, the arrest report reads. The defendants actions caused the public and media to run toward him, storming the street while the defendant yelled at the Trump supporters as to entice them. Trump is currently facing 37 federal charges, including unlawfully retaining government secrets and conspiring to obstruct justice; he plead not guilty to all charges. Hes also still under investigation regarding the January 6th US Capitol riot, as well as pressuring Georgia state officials following the 2020 election. After The Stone Pony closed twice and shuffled between owners in the 1990s, Santana purchased the Asbury Park venue, restored it, and re-opened it in 2000. Hes largely credited for reviving the musical landmark, which helped launch the careers of Bruce Springsteen, Jon Bon Jovi, and more. He sold the now-thriving space in 2003. Story continues Police handcuffed a man dressed up in a prison outfit after he walked in front of Trumps motorcade in Miami on Tuesday. pic.twitter.com/tuhbt8Re7L The Associated Press (@AP) June 13, 2023 Former Stone Pony Owner Arrested for Disrupting Trumps Motorcade Abby Jones 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. G Flip | Photo supplied G Flip has announced they will return to Australia in August for their first headline tour of the country since 2019. Flip will play eight shows as part of their DRUMMER Australian tour, kicking off with a gig at the Tivoli in Brisbane on Friday, 18th August. The tour will then continue with Cairns, Adelaide, Perth and Torquay dates throughout August, before a hometown Melbourne show along with Sydney and Newcastle dates in September. Flip will be joined on select dates by special guests Hope D, Jacotene and Charley. See dates and details below. Tickets are on sale next Tuesday, 20th June from 2pm local time. Theres also a Frontier Touring pre-sale commencing a day earlier. G Flip Be Your Man Though this marks their first Australian headline dates in quite some time, G Flip has been a regular presence on festival lineups in recent years. performing as Falls Festival in 2019/2020, and 2022/2023, last years editions of both Splendour in the Grass and Spilt Milk, and plenty more. Their most recent performance in Australia took place in March as part of Sydney WorldPride, alongside Kim Petras, MUNA, Peach PRC and others. G Flip has released a steady string of standalone singles since their debut album, About Us, arrived back in 2019, including the Lauren Sanderson-assisted Gay 4 Me, Get Me Outta Here and Waste of Space last year. Last month, they released their first single for the year, Be Your Man. Growing up watching fairytale movies, I didnt fit the typical prince or princess character. As the world has progressed and Ive grown up, Ive learned that a lot of love stories dont look like the stories in movies, G Flip said when sharing the track. True love has nothing to do with gender or external appearance. Although this song was inspired from my own queer perspective, the idea of being not what you planned is relatable to anyone that has ever fought for someone to give them a chance at love. G Flip DRUMMER 2023 Tour With Hope D (Brisbane, Cairns, Perth), Jacotene (Adelaide, Torquay, Melbourne), Charley (Sydney/Newcastle) Story continues Friday, 18th August The Tivoli | Brisbane Saturday, 19th August Tanks Art Centre, Cairns Friday, 25th August Hindley Street Music Hall, Adelaide Saturday, 26th August Astor Theatre, Perth Thursday, 31st August Torquay Hotel, Torquay Saturday, 2nd September Forum, Melbourne Friday, 8th September Enmore Theatre, Sydney Saturday, 9th September Bar on the Hill, Newcastle Tickets on sale Tuesday, 20th June Further Reading G Flip Reflects On Gender Identity In Powerful New Single Waste Of Space Love Letter To A Record: Charley On Julia Michaels Nervous System Watch Hope D Cover Toxic by Britney Spears for Like a Version The post G Flip Has Announced Their First Headline Australian Tour Since 2019 appeared first on Music Feeds. Senator J.D. Vance during the Senate hearing on Improving rail safety in response to the East Palestine, Ohio train Derailment on Wednesday, March 22, 2023. (This opinion article represents the collective viewpoint of the Akron Beacon Journals Editorial Board, which includes two editors and four community members.) Nobody expected Ohio's newest U.S. senator to shout "lock him up" this week after former President Donald Trump was indicted on 37 felonies accusing him of hoarding top secret documents and misleading investigators. Republican J.D. Vance remains deeply indebted to Trump for endorsing his struggling candidacy last year during a crowded primary. There's zero doubt Vance would not be in Congress without Trump's loyal voters. But that political reality does not excuse Vance's outrageous and irresponsible response to a legitimate indictment, especially his threat to slow down any nomination to the Justice Department requiring Senate approval. "We have to grind this department to a halt until (Attorney General) Merrick Garland promises to do his job and stop going after his political opponents," Vance said in a Twitter video. Yes, a "law-and-order" Republican is planning to harm law enforcement while backing a president who created this legal mess with his own deliberate choices. Did Vance even read one word of the indictment? Charges could have been easily avoided with basic cooperation. What if it were a Democrat? Here's the test we believe every American should objectively consider. If any federal employee with access to classified documents kept them at home after their employment ended, would you expect them to be returned? What about confidential business records for your company? Clearly the answer is yes. If they refused, what would the proper recourse be? Perhaps a subpoena? If the person still worked to hide the documents, how could prosecutors ignore a continuous and willful effort to break the law? Still not convinced? Substitute Hillary Clinton in this scenario for Trump. Would your position change? No imagination is needed to describe how Vance would flip flop if any Democrat faced the same accusations. Vance would argue our national security was threatened by a reckless person. He would demand a full prosecution, a Senate investigation and rile up his base to defeat liberals. And he surely would say "lock them up" at a political rally. Story continues Others face similar charges Republican claims of a two-tier system of justice also ignore the facts. Federal prosecutors regularly charge people with similar crimes involving classified government documents. As The New York Times reported this week, former CIA directors David Petraeus and John Deutch both were prosecuted for improperly handling classified materials. A former Air Force intelligence officer who cooperated with investigators recently received a three-year prison sentence for keeping hundreds of documents. Surely Vance agrees with those prosecutions? Clinton's foolish use of a private e-mail server during her tenure of Secretary of State was fully investigated and played a key role in her 2016 presidential loss to Trump. It was a colossal mistake, but there's no evidence she evaded investigators. During the Trump investigation, President Joe Biden and former Vice President Mike Pence also found old top-secret documents and returned them, with the latter recently cleared by prosecutors. But facts don't matter to a political hack such as Vance, the only Ohioan in Congress to vote against the debt ceiling deal earlier this month. We can only presume he's also willing to crater our economy to advance his political goals. Vance's two-faced partisanship illustrates everything that's wrong with American politics today. It's going to be a long six-year term if he can't put our country first. Read the indictment This article originally appeared on Akron Beacon Journal: Sen. Vance embarrassing Ohio with partisan defense of Trump | Opinion We can readily understand why investors are attracted to unprofitable companies. For example, biotech and mining exploration companies often lose money for years before finding success with a new treatment or mineral discovery. Having said that, unprofitable companies are risky because they could potentially burn through all their cash and become distressed. Given this risk, we thought we'd take a look at whether Rafael Holdings (NYSE:RFL) shareholders should be worried about its cash burn. For the purposes of this article, cash burn is the annual rate at which an unprofitable company spends cash to fund its growth; its negative free cash flow. The first step is to compare its cash burn with its cash reserves, to give us its 'cash runway'. View our latest analysis for Rafael Holdings Does Rafael Holdings Have A Long Cash Runway? A cash runway is defined as the length of time it would take a company to run out of money if it kept spending at its current rate of cash burn. In April 2023, Rafael Holdings had US$15m in cash, and was debt-free. In the last year, its cash burn was US$11m. Therefore, from April 2023 it had roughly 16 months of cash runway. While that cash runway isn't too concerning, sensible holders would be peering into the distance, and considering what happens if the company runs out of cash. Depicted below, you can see how its cash holdings have changed over time. How Is Rafael Holdings' Cash Burn Changing Over Time? Rafael Holdings didn't record any revenue over the last year, indicating that it's an early stage company still developing its business. Nonetheless, we can still examine its cash burn trajectory as part of our assessment of its cash burn situation. Notably, its cash burn was actually down by 64% in the last year, which is a real positive in terms of resilience, but uninspiring when it comes to investment for growth. Rafael Holdings makes us a little nervous due to its lack of substantial operating revenue. So we'd generally prefer stocks from this list of stocks that have analysts forecasting growth. How Easily Can Rafael Holdings Raise Cash? There's no doubt Rafael Holdings' rapidly reducing cash burn brings comfort, but even if it's only hypothetical, it's always worth asking how easily it could raise more money to fund further growth. Issuing new shares, or taking on debt, are the most common ways for a listed company to raise more money for its business. Many companies end up issuing new shares to fund future growth. By looking at a company's cash burn relative to its market capitalisation, we gain insight on how much shareholders would be diluted if the company needed to raise enough cash to cover another year's cash burn. Since it has a market capitalisation of US$52m, Rafael Holdings' US$11m in cash burn equates to about 22% of its market value. That's fairly notable cash burn, so if the company had to sell shares to cover the cost of another year's operations, shareholders would suffer some costly dilution. How Risky Is Rafael Holdings' Cash Burn Situation? On this analysis of Rafael Holdings' cash burn, we think its cash burn reduction was reassuring, while its cash burn relative to its market cap has us a bit worried. While we're the kind of investors who are always a bit concerned about the risks involved with cash burning companies, the metrics we have discussed in this article leave us relatively comfortable about Rafael Holdings' situation. Taking a deeper dive, we've spotted 4 warning signs for Rafael Holdings you should be aware of, and 2 of them are concerning. Of course, you might find a fantastic investment by looking elsewhere. So take a peek at this free list of companies insiders are buying, and this list of stocks growth stocks (according to analyst forecasts) Have feedback on this article? Concerned about the content? Get in touch with us directly. Alternatively, email editorial-team (at) simplywallst.com. This article by Simply Wall St is general in nature. We provide commentary based on historical data and analyst forecasts only using an unbiased methodology and our articles are not intended to be financial advice. It does not constitute a recommendation to buy or sell any stock, and does not take account of your objectives, or your financial situation. We aim to bring you long-term focused analysis driven by fundamental data. Note that our analysis may not factor in the latest price-sensitive company announcements or qualitative material. Simply Wall St has no position in any stocks mentioned. 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 John Wick Scott Adkins ComingSoon Editor-in-Chief Tyler Treese spoke with John Wick: Chapter 4 star Scott Adkins about the intense action movie sequel (watch and read more interviews). John Wick: Chapter 4 is out on digital now and on 4K, Blu-ray, and DVD. With the price on his head ever increasing, legendary hit man John Wick takes his fight against the High Table global as he seeks out the most powerful players in the underworld, from New York to Paris to Japan to Berlin, reads the movies synopsis. Tyler Treese: Im a fan of your work, so I knew you were in this movie and I loved the film. When I left the theaters, I was like, Where was Scott? And then I looked up who your character was, and I was like, Oh my God. How wild is it to be a major part of this movie, but you dont look like yourself? Scott Adkins: Well, initially that was like, Oh damn, Im going to get to be in John Wick 4 and theyre not going to notice me. So I had that little sting at the beginning, but no, I enjoyed being able to create a character. Its a showy part a lot of people responded well to the part, and it couldnt have gone better for me. I enjoyed it. Look, I get to show that I can act and am not just about all the kicking and the punching Im more than that. I can play Killa Harkan! [Laugh]. To your point, we get some great character work from you in this movie. The whole scene where youre playing cards is fantastic. How great was it that you were there for more than just a fight scene? Yeah, that was the biggest appeal, because obviously, Ive done all that. Ive done all that. Ive made a lot of action films, [Im] well-known for martial arts movies and everything. This was a great opportunity to really show what I can do, you know? And create a character. I think Chad [Stahelski] saw in me that Ive done character work in the past and that I am able to disappear into a role and that thats what he wanted. So, yeah, it was a good opportunity. Story continues Tell me a bit about the prosthetics for this, because its a total transformation. How was it like getting all that on you? Took about three-and-a-half hours every day. The makeup team was great because they were big fans of Hong Kong movies, so we would watch Hong Kong movies while they were doing that. They were a lot of fun, Lou [Elsey] and Dave [Elsey]. So yeah, we would just get ready, get made up, and I would have a bucket with a load of ice water and I would have this pipe that would come out of the back of the suit and Id stick it into the ice bucket and it would feed all this ice water around me and cool the suit. So that helped, because overheating was the biggest issue, to be honest especially when you started running around doing the action, you get really hot in there. I was curious about the technical limitations there, because you show incredible movement and range despite having all this on. So how was doing the normal type of choreography, but with so much on you? Well, Ive worn the bat suit, and I can tell you that the Killa suit is much more easy to fight in than the bat suit [laugh]. Sorry, it wasnt that bad actually. It was flexible. You can move. The fight itself is fantastic. Theres a great mix of action and theres some humor thrown in. That series is just known for such amazing fights. To have yours be one of the highlights, what did it mean for you to get such a positive reception from fans? Yeah, I thought the fight would be longer, to be honest. [Laugh]. The whole sequence is really cool and stylized, the way it goes down to the bottom of the club. All the waters coming down and the dancers and the music is amazing, isnt it? The music, the cinematography in that moment with the fans and the shadows going through the rain and then theres these walls of water it was a really interesting and just really stylized action sequence. I was great to be part of. The nightclub atmosphere is just such a cool place to have the fights because you two are duking it out and everybodys like, Well, were still going to party. How wild is it to look to your left and see people are dancing while youre having this life or death fight going on? The wildest part was to keep the dancers safe in these action sequences. If I was off or if somebody came too close to me and I threw a spinning kick, Id kick somebody in the face, right? So theyd populate the dancers and the extras with real stunt men. So you got these stunt performers there with these glitzy clothes on trying to dance [laugh] and they were terrible dancers. So that was pretty amusing, to be honest. Chad and Keanu are so experienced at this point. How was working out the scene when youre going up against an actor as well-versed as Keanu? And then Chad just knows action in and out. How much easier does it make it? Yeah, I mean, its never easier. If youre doing action right, its normally difficult, but you get through it quicker. You dont have to do a load of takes because Keanus that good that youll get it done, like one take, two take, three take, done. Got it. Because everyone knows what theyre doing. Theyre on point, they know how to fight for the camera. It makes it difficult when youre fighting with someone who doesnt understand how to fight for camera. You have to do so many more takes and that is what takes up time. You only see the one take. You dont see how many takes it took to get that take. If youre doing 20-30, its going to be a long day. The last time we spoke, you talked about Keanu being up there with the likes of Jackie Chan as one of our greatest action stars. What impressed you the most about just how he approaches his scenes in these movies? He loves the action genre. Hes a very hard-working guy. He does as much as he can himself. Hes the first to say he doesnt do his own stunts, but he does his own action as much of it as he can because he wants the audience to see the character John Wick doing as much as he can on his own. So he puts a lot of hard work and effort into it and I really appreciate him for that. After the film came out, you released this great video of you dancing in character that went viral. How fun was it getting to see everybodys reaction to showing off your comedy side, which youve shown in Accident Man: Hitmans Holiday and stuff like that. How fun was that? Ive got a few more videos like that I should keep pumping them out there, though. But yeah, Ive always had a good sense of humor. I took a bit of creative control of a lot of my projects in recent times and that humor comes through in those. I couldnt help but put humor into this guy. I mean, youre walking around looking like that. Its a lot of fun. Youve got to enjoy it and Im glad that Chad, the director, let me put some humor into it as well, which certainly comes across. You starred in Day Shift, which also had some amazing action scenes that was done by J.J. Perry, who also has a history with the John Wick movies. That movie was wild it had vampires and was so over the top, but how would you compare J.J.s direction and how he approaches fights to Chad? Theyre from the same team and theyre good friends, so its all the similar sort of stuff. J.J. I mean, he didnt have a lot of time on that film, to be honest. It wasnt a lot of shooting days, so it was fast moving fast, fast, fast. It was amazing. The amount of setups that he was able to get in in one day was incredible. That was a blast. But theyre stunt guys. Theyve been doing this stuff. Theyve been previsualizing action scenes for films and a lot of the time, the action would be shot or edited the wrong way and now they get to do it themselves. They get to put it on the screen the way its supposed to be done. I mean, forever, I was seeing the previses of the action sequences for films and the previs was always better than what was in the end result. But now with these guys, thats not the case. The end result is as good as the previs because theyre the guys that get final say. This movie also reunites you with Donnie Yen and you two had some awesome fights in Ip Man 4. Can you speak to him as a martial artist and actor? His character in this is so fun, being blind and he steals so many scenes. What impresses you the most about Donnie and how he approaches these scenes? Hes just one of the best to ever do it. Hes been doing it since the 80s. Hes an incredible martial artist on a level that you cant even comprehend. Hes brilliant and then hes an accomplished action director himself. Hes an accomplished director. He understands cinema completely. So youre dealing with a guy whos at the top of his game. So for me, its just like, Respect, sir. Im all ears. I want find out more about his way of thinking and how he shoots action. Yeah, hes amazing. Weve seen you work with so many great actors, so many superstars. Is there anybody that really sticks out as somebody youd like to work with in the future? Id like to work with Tom Cruise. Tom Cruise, come on! Lets go! The post John Wick: Chapter 4 Interview: Scott Adkins on Fighting With Prosthetics & Donnie Yen appeared first on ComingSoon.net - Movie Trailers, TV & Streaming News, and More. Image via Lake County Sherrif's Office A man has been arrested after police say he shot himself in the leg while dreaming about a home intruder, at which point he woke up. According to a news release from the Lake County Sheriffs Office in Illinois, the manidentified as 62-year-old Mark Dicaratold responding deputies that he was having a dream of someone breaking into his home when he grabbed his .357 Magnum Revolver. While still asleep, the man claimed, he fired a shot in the direction of the home intruder in his dream, only to hit his own leg. At this moment, law enforcement says, Dicaras dream came to a presumably startling end. More on this When deputies first showed up at Dicaras home, they noticed he was losing a significant amount of blood, so they applied a tourniquet to his leg. As for the eventual arrest, it was determined that Dicaradespite owning a gunhad previously had his Firearm Owners Identification (FOID) card revoked. Hes since been charged with possession of a firearm without a valid FOID card and reckless discharge of a firearm, both of which are felonies. It was confirmed there was not a burglary attempt at Dicaras residence, the Lake County Sheriffs Office said. Per a report from regional outlet WFLD, Dicara has since been released on bail and is expected to make another court appearance later this month. With his campaign, Suarez becomes the third Florida politician to announce a 2024 presidential bid Eva Marie Uzcategui/Bloomberg Miami Mayor Francis Suarez is running for president. The Republican formally announced his candidacy in a video posted online Thursday. "I'm going to run for president," Suarez says in the ad. "I'm going to run for your children and mine. Let's give them the future they deserve." Suarez, 45, joins a crowded GOP field that includes two other notable Florida Republicans: Gov. Ron DeSantis and former President Donald Trump. In the video, which comes one day after Suarez filed the necessary paperwork with the Federal Election Commission, Suarez suggests a contrast between himself and the former president, saying: "Americas so-called leaders confuse being loud with actually leading. All Washington wants to do is fight with each other instead of fighting for the people that put them in office. In an appearance on Good Morning America, Suarez said he's running for president "because I think I have a different message than what other candidates have." "People want somebody who can unify them," he added. Eva Marie Uzcategui/Bloomberg Related: Who Is Running for President in 2024? Confirmed and Rumored Republican and Democratic Candidates The mayor's entry into the presidential race comes just two days after 77-year-old Trump was in Miami to face a judge after being indicted by a federal grand jury last week for his alleged mishandling of classified documents after leaving the White House. With his indictment, Trump became the first U.S. president to be charged in a federal investigation (the former president was arraigned earlier this year in a separate criminal investigation at the state level). Trump is accused of 37 criminal offenses: 31 counts of willful retention of national defense information (a violation of the Espionage Act); one count of conspiracy to obstruct justice; one count of withholding a document or record; one count of corruptly concealing a document or record; one count of concealing a document in a federal investigation; one count of scheme to conceal; and one count of false statements and representations. 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. Suarez, a Cuban-American attorney and the first Hispanic to enter the 2024 race, was first elected to the mayor's office in 2017 and was re-elected in 2021. Speaking to Good Morning America, Suarez initially dismissed questions of what he thought about the indictment, saying that he wanted to "talk about Miami." When pressed by George Stephanopoulos however, Suarez said of Trump's handling of classified documents, "It's not what I would have done. I would have turned over the documents." When Stephanopoulos continued to ask whether Suarez believed Trump had been reckless, the mayor responded: "This conversation is not a healthy conversation for the country... we shouldn't be talking about candidates being indicted." Suarez, who did not commit to voting for Trump in the past two elections and has previously criticized the former president, said he would pledge to support the Republican nominee in 2024, even if it is Trump. For more People news, make sure to sign up for our newsletter! Read the original article on People. Both houses of the California legislature showed support Thursday for extending tax credits for film productions in the state, offering about $330 million annually to studios who film here with a pending stipulation that filmmakers show real increases in diversity hiring for these projects. The extension, part of a $311.2 billion draft state budget, would keep the California Film and Television Tax Credit Program through 2030. Legislators still are hashing out details for a final budget, which then will require approval from Gov. Gavin Newsom. The budget calls for using reserves to balance a projected $22.5 billion deficit in the coming year, while retaining funding for core value programs in California. Fortunately for filmmakers, most lawmakers seem to view film projects as a core value program in the state and supported the tax break. Assembly Budget Committee Chairman Phil Ting, a Democrat representing western San Francisco, wrote the provisions that will require studios to hire more minorities for film projects if they want to receive the tax credit. Also Read: Newsom Budget Proposes $330 Million Annual California Film Tax Credits Ting told TheWrap earlier this year that he is disappointed that the industry has not made more progress in diversity, a stipulation in the last tax credit bill, which Ting supported. Thats why he wrote the diversity stipulation to the bill that requires producers to increase minority hiring or lose the tax credit. We would hope that as the city and the region got more diverse, that we would have greater diversity with Hollywood. But unfortunately, it just hasnt kept pace, Ting told TheWrap. They dont reflect the community that they reside in. In recent years, caucasians filled 43 percent of jobs in film projects participating in the tax credit program, according to the California Film Commission. Latinos made up the next highest ethnic group, at 18 percent. Rounding out the employment on these projects were those who declined to state their ethnicity, 14 percent; other/mixed at 11 percent; African Americans at 7 percent; Asian-Pacific at 4 percent, Asian subcontinent at 2 percent, and Native Americans at 1 percent. The same projects reported staffing at 69 percent male. Story continues While the numbers are complicated and open to debate, the film industry argument for the tax subsidies is that keeping productions here helps fuel the California economy. Since 2009, 624 approved projects in theTax Credit Program have or are expected to generate more than $21 billion in California expenditures, according to the California Film Commission, which is part of Newsoms administration. Also Read: Mission: Impossible 8 Still on Schedule to Resume Shooting Amid Writers Strike, Contrary to Media Reports These projects received an estimated $2.7 billion in tax credits; the productions qualified expenditures were approximately $14 billion, including $7 billion in qualified wages. These projects hired or will hire more than 69,000 cast, 103,000 crew and 1,555,000 background players measured in person-days. Assembly member Laura Friedman, a Democrat and former film producer representing the Burbank area, told TheWrap previously that the tax credits are essential for California to compete with 40 other states and 50 countries to attract or retain film productions. While working in the industry, Friedman said she saw film projects leave the Los Angeles area to take advantage of tax credits in other states, such as Georgia, North Carolina and New York, where film tax credit programs are refundable and therefore allow studios that dont have tax liability in those states to benefit from them. It is a real competition for us to retain these important film projects for California, Friedman told TheWrap. We are now competing against other states, and countries, that have much more mature production space and crews than they used to have. Also Read: California Film Production Tax Credits Face Uncertain Future The program extension was approved with the following stipulations to increase workforce diversity: Applies diversity workplans created in the Soundstage tax credit to Motion Picture Credit 4.0 with modifications Expands the Career Pathways Training program to provide more opportunities for Californians to enter the CA Film & Television union workforce Increases staffing at the California Film Commission to include three positions to address diversity, equity, inclusion, and workforce Expands the CFC board to include the chief equity officer at Government Operations Agency and executive director of the Workforce Development Board Adds set safety provisions as a pilot to Program 4.0 along with a refundability mechanism Adopts technical changes through placeholder trailer bill language for the Soundstage Approves resources for refundable credits consistent only with the CA Film & Television tax credit program package Adopts resources for the Administration of the CA Film & Television tax credit Also Read: All LA Production Is in Decline But Commercial Production Is Especially in Danger | Chart High-profile films that have received tax incentives over the years from the program include the Marvel blockbuster Captain Marvel, Quentin Tarantinos 1960s period piece Once Upon a Time in Hollywood, and Jordan Peeles Santa Clarita-based horror film Nope. A March 2022 study by the Los Angeles Economic Development Corporation reported that each dollar allocated by Californias Film and TV Tax Credit Program generated at least $24.40 in output, $16.14 in gross domestic product, and $8.60 in wages. Academics have disputed such calculations, saying the economic benefits of tax credits are often overstated. The tax credit program applies to filming anywhere in California, including a growing number of projects outside the traditional Los Angeles 30-Mile Studio Zone. To date, more than 60 feature films and television series spent close to $208 million outside the zone under the first three versions of the tax credit. These expenditures included at least $72 million for local wages, $42 million in local purchases and rentals, $18 million for local hotels and $16 million for location and permit fees. Also Read: Writers Worldwide Show Support for WGA Strike The Sundance Institute received a $4 million endowment the largest gift in the nonprofits history from the Federated Indians of Graton Rancheria (FIGR) on Tuesday to benefit the film organizations long-running Indigenous Program. FIGR is a federally recognized tribe of the Coast Miwok and Southern Pomo people in Northern California. The tribe has made numerous donations to various causes, including a $200,000 grant for habitat restoration in Marin County, California, and a $2.5 million donation to fund tuition for Native American students in the University of California system. The Sundance Institute, a nonprofit that puts on a prestigious annual film festival in Park City, Utah, said in a news release it would use the funding to expand opportunities provided by the long-running program in the immediate future, with applications for new fellowships and scholarships already open. Sundance, founded by actor Robert Redford in 1981, provides and preserves the space for artists across storytelling media to create and thrive, according to the organizations website. With the funding, Sundance has created the Graton Fellowship for emerging and mid-career Indigenous artists, which will provide a grant of $25,000, a yearslong creative mentorship from the Sundance Indigenous Programs staff, access to creative and professional development opportunities, and support to attend the Sundance Film Festival. Only one Graton Fellow will be accepted in the first year, but a spokesperson from Sundance told HuffPost that the number will increase. The spokesperson also confirmed that 13 new scholarships will be provided, which will offer learning opportunities via Sundance Collab, a global digital storytelling community and learning platform. The Sundance Institutes Indigenous Program team at the 2023 Native Lab. The Sundance Institutes Indigenous Program team at the 2023 Native Lab. FIGR Tribal Chairman Greg Sarris, who was part of the Sundance Institutes Screenwriters Lab in 1992, helped facilitate the endowment. Story continues We are excited to see the creative breakthroughs from future fellows and scholarship recipients. Supporting and nurturing these artists will open up pathways to success for the entire California Indigenous creative community and enable us to tell our stories, Sarris said in a news release. Sundances Indigenous Program was officially established in 1994, and has supported the work of several notable Indigenous creatives over the years, including Taika Waititi, Sydney Freeland, Sterlin Harjo and Sky Hopinka. The program has grown and expanded over the years, such as with the recent addition of an Indigenous non-fiction three-day intensive program. As a nonprofit, the Institute is so grateful to Greg Sarris and the Federated Indians of Graton Rancheria on this incredibly generous gift that will ensure we are able to continue meaningfully supporting the development of the careers of Indigenous storytellers from tribes throughout the state of California, Sundance Institute CEO Joana Vicente said in a statement. For years, Indigenous representation in the film and TV industry has been lackluster, both on and off screen. According to a 2021 Hollywood Diversity Report from the University of California, Los Angeles, Native Americans represented only 1.1% of working TV staff writers and 0.8% of employed screenwriters in the 2019-2020 season. Though there is still a long way to go, efforts are underway to increase representation in creative fields for Indigenous people, including pathway programs and fellowships such as Netflixs IllumiNative Producers Program. In the news release, Adam Piron, director of the Sundance Institutes Indigenous Program, emphasized the importance of its opportunities, pointing out that much of cinemas history as well as the establishment of the American film industry is based in California yet has rarely included the people whose land sustained it. The ripple effect of the opportunities created through this endowment will be significant. Our program is dedicated to empowering a broad range of Indigenous voices, and were so excited to be able to expand our mission, specifically to California Indigenous tribes, with the addition of the fellowship and Collab scholarships, Piron said. Related... [Source] A ramen shop in central Taiwan sparked intrigue and controversy after unveiling its latest culinary creation. Hopping on a trend: Yuan Ramen (), a popular ramen shop in Yunlin, recently shared an image on Facebook featuring a whole frog floating in a bowl of noodles. With the image as a hint, the playful Facebook post asked users to guess the special flavor of their upcoming dish. More from NextShark: Gordon Ramsay names Laos and Vietnam as world's top food destinations Full froggy experience: The restaurant eventually announced on Monday that their unique offering is called Frog Frog Frog Ramen, priced at 250 New Taiwan dollars (approximately $8) per bowl. The announcement emphasized that the frogs used in the dish are presented in their entirety, neither cut nor peeled. Based on a local delicacy: According to the shop owner, their new ramen was inspired by the viral success of a Taipei restaurant's isopod ramen last month. She decided to incorporate frogs to put a local spin on the trend since they are commonly consumed in the Yunlin region. More from NextShark: Jamie Lee Curtis kisses Michelle Yeoh after SAG Award win Not for everyone: Offered in extremely limited quantities, the new ramen will only be available on Tuesday and Wednesday nights. For those who simply want to take a photograph of the dish, the shop charges customers a nominal fee of NT$100 ($3.26). More from NextShark: Wife receives outpouring of Reddit support after her 'American' husband trashed her 'horrible' Asian food Expanding the menu: Due to the early positive response from diners, the shop's management is now considering the possibility of permanently adding the Frog Frog Frog Ramen to their menu. Still, the restaurant assured its Facebook followers on Tuesday that it remains committed to serving its traditional offerings of the same endless cycle of soup, meat, eggs, and bamboo shoots." More from NextShark: 'Too old to work in China:' 50-yr-old flight attendant learns new languages to land foreign airline job A TikToker who solicited over $37,000 from online donors by faking pancreatic cancer pleaded guilty to first-degree theft Wednesday. According to court documents obtained by HuffPost, 20-year-old Madison Russo entered a plea in Iowas Scott County District Court in connection with the scheme, where she faked having stage 2 pancreatic cancer, acute lymphoblastic leukemia and a tumor the size of a football ... wrapped around her spine. Russo was 19 years old and studying at St. Ambrose University in Davenport when she was arrested on Jan. 23, according to the complaint. She was taken into custody after the Eldridge Police Department said an anonymous tipster pointed out the many medical discrepancies found on her pictures posted on her social media site. She had initially pleaded not guilty in February, according to local outlet OurQuadCities.com. Though Russos TikTok account has since been deleted, videos reposted elsewhere on the platform show that she had been sharing intimate details about her supposed experiences with chemotherapy and radiation treatment. Police also discovered that Russo had been taking photos from actual cancer patients social media pages and sharing them as her own, according to the complaint. Madison Russo speaks in a now-deleted TikTok video. Madison Russo speaks in a now-deleted TikTok video. Russos arrest affidavit said she had taken money from over 439 donors, including business, schools, colleges, charities and individuals, raising tens of thousands of dollars by the time of her apprehension. Outside of social media, Russo gave several interviews about her supposed illness and was a guest speaker for St. Ambrose as well as cancer-focused organizations like the National Pancreatic Cancer Foundation, Project Purple and the Ohl Foundation, according to the complaint. A spokesperson for the National Pancreatic Cancer Foundation told HuffPost that Russo has zero affiliation with the group. In an interview with Iowas North Scott Press last fall, Russo claimed she was diagnosed with cancer in February 2022 after experiencing sporadic fevers, bloody stools and random nosebleeds. Story continues Of course, every day cant be sunshine and rainbows, but you cant just choose to be mad at the cancer. It just happens to people, Russo said at the time. If you stay depressed, and in a dark space, I feel like your body will never get better. She told the outlet that doctors gave her an 11-percent survival rate for five years. I feel like when you deal with cancer, you just never know when its going to happen, or what its going to do, Russo said in the interview. Thats the unfortunate part. I wish everybody could just be cured and you could move on. As for me, Im just going to ride it out. According to the affidavit, police said her medical records showed that she had never been diagnosed with any kind of cancer or tumor. Russos attorney did not immediately respond to HuffPosts request for comment. The TikTokers GoFundMe page, where she collected online donations, was taken down in the aftermath of her arrest, WQAD News 8 reported. In a statement to HuffPost, a spokesperson for GoFundMe said it has zero tolerance for misuse of its platform and takes swift action against those who exploit the generosity of its community. All donors who donated to the fundraiser created on behalf of Madison Russo were fully refunded, and she has been banned from using the platform for any future fundraisers, the spokesperson said. Russo could face up to 10 years in prison when shes sentenced at a later date, according to Iowa state law. 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. Related... EXCLUSIVE: We are today WGA! was the cry outside Cologne Cathedral yesterday evening in Germany, where around 50 protestors held a rally in solidarity with their WGA counterparts in the U.S. The demo was pulled together as part of the global Screenwriters Everywhere protests, which encompassed 20 locations around the world. On the ground in Germany were a mix of local writers and WGA members from the U.S. carrying placards and red whistles. More from Deadline Don Schubert, a German-Canadian writer and director for German networks such as ZDF, led the protests, shouting messages of solidarity with the WGA through a megaphone. Though relatively small, there was a carnival-like atmosphere as writers posed for pictures and their children and dogs ran through the throngs of tourists there to see the mighty 157m cathedral the largest of its kind in the world. On the sidelines, Schubert outlined the German writers message of solidarity. We all share the same kinds of problems [as the WGA], dealing with production companies and streaming providers, he told Deadline. Its a very dangerous time for us writers, also because of artificial intelligence. As soon as they striked, we knew we wanted to support them in the best possible way. The rally, organized by Deutscher Drehbuch Verband, was hastily put together after a call for global shows of unity for the American scribes, who put down their pens on May 2 and remain deadlocked in their talks with AMPTP. A separate demo was held by Berlin Cathedral as protests broke out across Europe. Yesterday, we were on the ground in London, where the likes of Russell T. Davies, Jesse Armstrong, Jack Thorne and Charlie Brooker turned out to express solidarity. Even war-torn Ukraines Guild of Screenwriters of Ukraine took part. Story continues Theres a lot of money around but it seems theres never enough for writers, and thats why writers are expected to do a lot of work for free, said Schubert. Its not very transparent and the revenue share is not as good as it should be and thats why demonstrations like today are so important. At least two WGA members were present at the protest. Jimmy Loweree, an LA-based producer and writer with credits for genre titles Absence and Strings, has been in Cologne working on a feature project and took the opportunity to show his support for the union after receiving word from the WGA West. Its very inspiring, he said. Talking to some of the writers here, I was surprised to hear they were inspired and really exciting about hearing us put a foot in the ground and say, This is enough; were going to stand right here. Its exciting to see theyre in our corner and were in their corner, he said in an interview. The rally came as Cologne hosts the annual Seriencamp event for the first time after it moved from its previous home in Munich. Several panels this morning are expected to address the European response to the writers strike, while the likes of Netflix, Prime Video and Paramount will be showcasing their latest German projects in a series of first-looks later in the day. Best of Deadline Sign up for Deadline's Newsletter. For the latest news, follow us on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram. Click here to read the full article. Too many kids in school are still wearing diapers, Swiss teachers complain "Teachers aren't there to change their students' diapers. That's crossing a line." Iuliia Bondar/Getty Images The head of the Swiss Federation of Teachers gave an interview. In it, he said that kids are coming to school wearing diapers. This is because they are starting school so young and parents aren't properly teaching their kids. This is a translation of a story originally that appeared in BILD on Jun 13, 2023. Swiss educators are sounding the alarm: there are more and more children in schools who are still wearing diapers. "Kids are going to school as early as four years old now, so yeah, you might actually find some still in diapers," Dagmar Rosler, head honcho of the Swiss Federation of Teachers, told "20 Minuten". But it's not just about the age they start school an increasing number of older students also depend on diapers, and it's not for health-related reasons. Child development expert Rita Messmer once even had an eleven-year-old patient who wasn't taught how to use the toilet on their own. The number of kids wearing diapers in school has "skyrocketed," she told the "Sonntagszeitung." She's swamped with inquiries. Educational scientist Margrit Stamm is familiar with the problem, too. Diapers have come a long way over the decades. Nowadays, they can be worn "like normal underwear," she told the "Sonntagszeitung." "So kids get conditioned to diapers." She went on, "Some parents let it slide, because diapers are a convenient relief. It's not seen as a problem these days." Apparently, there are parents who put their kids in diapers for outings, or because they want to sleep in a little longer in the morning. "That sends a totally wrong message," says Stamm. Teachers shouldn't be changing diapers The ones suffering are the teachers. Federation head Dagmar Rosler told "20 Minuten:" "Parents have a responsibility to make sure their school-aged kids aren't wearing diapers anymore. When eleven-year-olds come to school in diapers, that's a worrying trend. Teachers aren't there to change their students' diapers. That's crossing a line." The diaper issue has some bizarre side effects: The "Sonntagszeitung" dug up an ad where a working couple is looking for "a lady" who could be "on call to change our five-year-old son." Read the original article on Insider Ukraines soldiers are ready to fight Vladimir Putins even with our bare hands if necessary, a senior military official has said, as Kyiv claimed its counteroffensive had already liberated 100 square kilometres of territory from Russia. Brigadier-General Oleksii Hromov that Kyiv had so far recaptured seven settlements in Donetsk and Zaporizhzhia two of four regions in which Moscow claimed on Thursday that it planned to hold regional elections in September. With both sides seeking to claim their enemies losses greatly outnumbered their own, Reuters reported that corpses of dead Russian soldiers were strew along roads leading into the recently recaptured Ukrainian village of Storozheve, alongside burnt-out armoured vehicles. Other remains of the Russian troops fighting in the region were found dumped in the grass and fields nearby where they died, the news agency reported. Three days ago we liberated the village of Storozheve. You can see for yourselves how it was achieved. You can see the destroyed hardware. Glory to Ukraine, a Ukrainian soldier who gave his name as Artem told the news agency. Key Points Dead Russian soldiers line road into liberated Ukrainian village Russia losing nine times more troops in Bakhmut, says Ukraine Ukraine claims advances against Moscows troops in extremely fierce fighting Russia losing 900 soldiers a day during counteroffensive, claims Kyiv Civilians killed in Russian cruise missile attack on Odesa, Ukraine official says Russian tactical nukes three times bigger than Hiroshima and Nagasaki arriving in Belarus' Moscow deploying elite air units to support troops facing Ukraines counteroffensive Dead Russian soldiers line road into liberated Ukrainian village 05:50 , Arpan Rai The road into the liberated Ukrainian village of Storozheve, recaptured from Russian forces last week, is lined with the corpses of Russian soldiers and burnt-out armoured vehicles, reported Reuters. Some corpses of the dead Russian soldiers remain on the dusty ground beside the husks of their vehicles when Reuters journalists reached the village yesterday. Others were found dumped crumpled in the grass and fields nearby where they died. Story continues Three days ago we liberated the village of Storozheve. You can see for yourselves how it was achieved. You can see the destroyed hardware. Glory to Ukraine, a Ukrainian soldier who gave his name only as Artem told Reuters in Storozheve. The grim landscape bears witness to the ferocity of fighting as Ukrainian troops recaptured Storozheve which had been held by Russia since March last year and several other villages in the past few days as part of a counteroffensive in southern and eastern Ukraine. UN nuclear chief arrives at Zaporzhzia plant after delay 12:41 , Andy Gregory UN nuclear chief Rafael Grossi has arrived at the Russian-controlled Zaporizhzhia nuclear power plant in southern Ukraine, according to Reuters reporters in the area. Mr Grossi is expected to inspect the plant after last weeks breach of the massive Kakhovka Dam, but his arrival was delayed by a day over concerns for his safety, with the plant located close to areas where Ukraines counteroffensive is taking place. Drone footage shows scale of destruction in Odesa after Russian strike 12:07 , Andy Gregory Russia intends to press UN for international probe into Nord Stream blasts 11:43 , Andy Gregory Russia has said it intends to press the UN Security Council once again for an international investigation into the sabotage of the Nord Stream gas pipelines last September. We will now bring the UN Security Council back to an examination of this issue, foreign ministry spokespeson Maria Zakharova told reporters during a regular briefing on Thursday. Ms Zakharova accused the three Western permanent members of the Security Council the United States, UK and France of having previously blocked Russias efforts to secure a transparent investigation of what happened to the pipelines. Russia and China are also permanent members of the council. Russia believes it can hold elections in four Ukrainian regions in September, electoral chief claims 11:21 , Andy Gregory Russias defence ministry and Federal Security Service (FSB) consider it possible to hold elections in September in the four Ukrainian regions that Russia claimes to have annexed, state news agency Tass reports the head of Russias electoral commission as saying. Russia does not fully control the Donetsk, Luhansk, Zaporizhzhia and Kherson regions, and fighting is ongoing in all four regions but according to Moscows plans they regions are scheduled to elect local governors in September. Russia declared the regions part of its own territory after hastily conducting what it called referendums in occupied areas of Ukraine last September that Kyiv and the West denounced as illegal and coercive. Russia accuses Bryansk resident of gathering data on security forces near Ukraine 10:44 , Andy Gregory Russias Federal Security Service (FSB) has detained a resident of the southern Bryansk region who it claimed had been gathering data on security forces in areas bordering Ukraine, state news outlets report. Separately, the same news agency Tass also reported that the FSB had detained two men in the southern Stavropol region on suspicion of planning to blow up the interior ministry headquarters in the city of Pyatigorsk. The two men were believed to be Isis supporters, the RIA news agency claimed. How significant is the reported recapture of the first Ukrainian villages from Russia? 09:59 , Andy Gregory Ukraine has celebrated the first territorial gains of its long-trailed counteroffensive against the invading Russian forces. Unverified photographs and video appearing on Sunday and on Monday morning showed Ukrainian soldiers holding their countrys blue and yellow flag aloft in triumph in the eastern villages of Storozheve, Blahodatne, Neskuchne and Makarivka in Donetsk, suggesting they had been recaptured from occupying enemy troops. My colleague Joe Sommerlad looks at the significance of this development: How significant is the reported recapture of the first Ukrainian villages? Belarus shoots down Ukrainian drone' 09:36 , Andy Gregory Belarusian border guards have shot down a Ukrainian drone, Russian state news has claimed. The object was brought down over the Gomel region, which borders Ukraine, the Tass news agency reported. Nato ministers meet to discuss future relations with Ukraine 08:59 , Andy Gregory Nato defence ministers have gathered today to discuss future relations with Ukraine, which has intensified its push to join the military alliance since Russias invasion. The ministers were also due to take part in a separate meeting at Natos headquarters of the US-led Ukraine Contact Group the forum Ukraines supporters routinely join to try to drum up weapons and ammunition to help Kyiv fight the Russian invasion. The alliance agreed in 2008 that Ukraine would join one day, but did not set a date for it to start membership talks. After Vladimir Putins invasion sparked further talk of Kyivs membership, Ukraine applied for accelerated accession to the mililtary bloc last September. However, Nato chief Jens Stoltenberg has said there is no consensus for the country to join while it is at war with Russia. Speaking ahead of the meeting, he said: We agree that the most urgent task now is to ensure that Ukraine prevails as a sovereign independent nation because unless Ukraine prevails and can continue as a democratic state in Europe, there is no membership issue to be discussed at all. Stoltenberg said that he expects the 31-nation alliance to agree [to] a multi-year program where we help to move Ukraine to transition from old standards, equipment, procedures, doctrines to Nato standards and become fully interoperable with Nato. Ukraines defence minister Oleksii Reznikov arrives for the Nato meeting in Brussels (EPA/OLIVIER MATTHYS) Too soon to assess agriculture losses from Ukraine dam breach in Russian-controlled areas - Russian deputy PM 08:21 , Maryam Zakir-Hussain A senior Russian official said on Thursday it was too soon to assess agricultural losses in Russian-controlled areas from the breaching of Ukraines Kakhovka dam, state news agency TASS said. The dam burst flooded huge areas of Kherson region, one of four that Russia claimed last year as its own territory after launching its full-scale invasion of Ukraine. Unfortunately, we cannot yet estimate the total amount of losses for agriculture. We need all the water to drain. And then we will be able to understand which farmers have suffered this damage and to what extent, TASS quoted Deputy Prime Minister Victoria Abramchenko as saying. Russian forces control about 18% of the territory of Ukraine, one of the worlds leading grain producers. A majority of countries at the United Nations General Assembly have rejected the annexations as illegal. TASS quoted Abramchenko as saying the flood would not affect Russias crop forecasts overall. Ukraine and Russia have accused each other of blowing up the dam in the early hours of June 6. Houses are seen underwater and polluted by oil in a flooded neighbourhood in Kherson after the destrucion of the Kakhovka dam (Copyright 2020 The Associated Press. All rights reserved) Kakhovka dam breach will not affect Russian crop forecasts -TASS 07:46 , Maryam Zakir-Hussain The breach of the Kakhovka dam will not affect Russias crop forecasts, state-owned news agency TASS cited Russian Deputy Prime Minister Viktoria Abramchenko as saying on Thursday. Belarus receives nuclear bombs three times size of Hiroshima bomb from Russia 07:39 , Maryam Zakir-Hussain Belarus has started taking the delivery of Russian tactical nuclear weapons, president Alexander Lukashenko announced, claiming that some of these were three times more powerful than the atomic bombs dropped on Hiroshima and Nagasaki in 1945. Mr Lukashenko said that the bombs are three times more powerful than those (dropped on) Hiroshima and Nagasaki, adding to his previous statement that he didnt simply ask Mr Putin for the weapons, but demanded them. The Vladimir Putin ally was speaking to the Russian state TV channel Rossiya-1 on a road in a forest clearing with military vehicles and a storage facility visible in the background seen around him. Belarus receives nuclear bombs three times size of Hiroshima bomb from Russia Norway, Denmark to donate 9,000 rounds of artillery to Ukraine 07:15 , Arpan Rai Norway and Denmark have agreed to donate an additional 9,000 rounds of artillery to Ukraine, the Norwegian Ministry of Defence (MoD) said in a statement today. Norway will provide the shells, while Denmark will donate fuses and propellant charges, the Norwegian ministry said. Wagner chiefs rhetoric amid contract feud evolving into defiance 07:07 , Arpan Rai The Russian mercenary Wagner group chiefs rhetoric is evolving into defiance as he continues to lock horns with the Kremlin over the contract signing controversy, the British Ministry of Defence (MoD) said. Earlier this month, the Russian defence ministry demanded that members of volunteers formations such as Wagner Group sign contracts directly with the MoD. The move was explicitly endorsed by president Vladimir Putin on television on Tuesday this week. For several months, Wagner owner Yevgeny Prigozhin has been aiming vitriolic criticism at the MoD hierarchy but deferred to Putins authority, the British ministry said in its intelligence update today. It added that despite Putins comments, a day later Prigozhin said that, none of Wagners fighters are ready to go down the path of shame again. Thats why they will not sign the contracts. Prigozhins rhetoric is evolving into defiance of broader sections of the Russian establishment. 01 July 2023, the deadline for the volunteers to sign contracts, is likely to be a key way-point in the feud, the British MoD said. Japan in talks to provide artillery shells to help Ukraine via US report 06:37 , Arpan Rai Japan is in talks to provide artillery shells to the United States to bolster stocks for Ukraines counteroffensive against Russia, the Wall Street Journal reported today. It added that the Asian ally is considering supplying 155-mm artillery shells under a 2016 agreement to share ammunition as part of its long-standing security alliance with the US, the paper added, citing people familiar with the matter. Mapped: The damage caused by Ukraines devastated dam 05:03 , Arpan Rai War-torn Ukraine is reeling from the collapse of the Nova Kakhovka hydroelectric dam, which saw its reservoir burst causing chaos for miles around. The catastrophe on Tuesday 6 June forced thousands of residents of nearby towns and villages to evacuate their homes as the floodwater barrelled towards them and left some climbing onto rooftops or into trees to escape the raging torrents. The water in the reservoir feeds a wide area of southern Ukrainian farmland, including the annexed peninsula of Crimea, as well as providing all-important cooling water to the Russian-held Zaporizhzhia nuclear plant, lying nearby as indicated on the map below. Mapped: The damage caused by Ukraines devastated dam Russia losing nine times more troops in Bakhmut, says Ukraine 04:42 , Arpan Rai Russian forces are losing almost nine times more soldiers than Ukraine, the war-hit countrys deputy defence minister said on Telegram, adding that during the offensive, the Ukrainian army has suffered many times less losses compared to the invaders. In Khortytsia, the Bakhmut direction, the enemy has 8.73 times more dead, almost nine times five times, she said on Telegram last night, sharing the data for the past week. On the other heavy fighting axis in the war along "Tavriya" towards Zaporizhia and Berdyansk directions, Russias casualties were 5.3 times more than ours, the deputy defence minister said. I want to remind you that during a war, neither side publishes accurate data on their losses, because this can be used by the enemy to predict the enemys future actions on the battlefield, Ms Malyar said. Chechen leader says top commander Adam Delimkhanov alive and well 03:56 , Arpan Rai Chechen leader Ramzan Kadyrov denied reports of the killing of one of his senior commanders in fighting in Ukraine, who he said was found alive and well. Delimkhanov was alive and well and not even wounded, Kadyrov said on Telegram. He has led Chechnya since 2007 and is a close ally of Vladimir Putin. Initial reports by Russias Zvezda television channel cited the parliamentary press service as saying Delimkhanov had been wounded in Ukraine. It followed rumours on Ukrainian social media channels that the Chechen commander had been killed in an artillery strike in southern Ukraine. The commander, Adam Delimkhanov, heads the Chechen division of the Russian national guard and is also a member of Russias parliament. He is widely seen as the Caucasian regions second most senior official after Kadyrov himself. Kadyrov added that he had known Delimkhanov was uninjured from the start of what he called a fake information attack, but had remained silent in order to embarrass Ukrainian media outlets that reported on the commanders alleged injury. In a later posting on Telegram, Kadyrov mocked the Ukrainian media reports about Delimkhanov for brazen lies about his elimination. Kadyrov said he had been temporarily unable to communicate with Delimkhanov while he was in Ukraine.Delimkhanov, who has an active social media presence with over half a million followers on Telegram, has not commented so far. ICYMI: Residential building in Zelenskys hometown engulfed by flames after deadly strike 02:40 , Joe Middleton NATO leader says Ukrainians are making progress and advancing against Russian forces 01:40 , Joe Middleton NATO Secretary-General Jens Stoltenberg told President Joe Biden at an Oval Office meeting on Tuesday that Ukrainians are making progress with their counteroffensive, which could bolster their position when theres an opportunity to reach a diplomatic end to the war with Russia. The support that we are providing together for Ukraine is now making a difference on the battlefield as we speak, Stoltenberg said. Because the offensive has launched, and the Ukrainians are making progress, making advances. He added, Its still early days, but what we do know is that the more land that Ukrainians are able to liberate, the stronger hand they will have at the negotiating table. NATO leader says Ukrainians are making progress and advancing against Russian forces Thursday 15 June 2023 00:40 , Joe Middleton Russian President Vladimir Putin on Tuesday alternated threats of a new Russian offensive to grab more Ukrainian land with statements about the Kremlins readiness for peace talks. Speaking during a far-ranging meeting with Russian military correspondents and war bloggers, he made some of the most extensive comments about the conflict and his goals since sending the troops into Ukraine more than 15 months ago. Here is a quick look at some of Putins key statements: Putin mixes threats of new offensive in Ukraine with offers of peace talks Fires rage in Ukrainian city of Odesa after Russian missile attack Wednesday 14 June 2023 23:40 , Joe Middleton 110 million people forcibly displaced as Sudan, Ukraine wars add to world refugee crisis, UN says Wednesday 14 June 2023 22:40 , Joe Middleton Some 110 million people have had to flee their homes because of conflict, persecution, or human rights violations, the U.N. High Commissioner for Refugees says. The war in Sudan, which has displaced nearly 2 million people since April, is but the latest in a long list of crises that has led to the record-breaking figure. Its quite an indictment on the state of our world, Filippo Grandi, who leads the U.N. refugee agency, told reporters in Geneva ahead of the publication Wednesday of UNHCRs Global Trends Report for 2022. Last year alone, an additional 19 million people were forcibly displaced including more than 11 million who fled Russias full-scale invasion of Ukraine in what became the fastest and largest displacement of people since World War II. 110 million people forcibly displaced as Sudan, Ukraine wars add to world refugee crisis, UN says Saxophonist plays on rooftops of flooded Kherson homes after Nova Kakhovka dam attack Wednesday 14 June 2023 22:01 , Joe Middleton Watch: ICRC gives update on Ukraine dam collapse and prisoners of war Wednesday 14 June 2023 21:40 , Joe Middleton Watch as the International Committee of the Red Cross holds a briefing on the Ukraine dam situation and the organisations visits to prisoners of war. The Nova Kakhova dam, which was under Russian control, was breached on the morning of 6 June, with water surging through it and causing extensive flooding in Kherson - prompting the evacuation of thousands of people. Damage to the area can be seen from space, with huge areas of land submerged in water. As of Tuesday, 13 June, the death toll from flooding in two Russian-controlled towns in southern Ukraine has risen to 17 in the wake of the dams collapse, a Russian-installed official in Kherson said. Watch: ICRC gives update on Ukraine dam collapse and prisoners of war Russian court sends an associate of Kremlin foe Navalny to prison for 7 1/2 years Wednesday 14 June 2023 20:40 , Joe Middleton A court in Russia on Wednesday convicted an associate of imprisoned opposition leader Alexei Navalny on extremism charges and sentenced her to 7 1/2 years in prison, the latest step in a yearslong crackdown by the Kremlin on opposition activists. Lilia Chanysheva, who used to head Navalnys office in the Russian region of Bashkortostan, was found guilty of calling for extremism, forming an extremist group and founding an organization that violates rights. The charges against Chanysheva, who was arrested in November 2021, stem from a court ruling earlier that year that designated Navalnys Foundation for Fighting Corruption and his regional offices as extremist organizations. In addition to the prison sentence, Chanysheva was fined 400,000 rubles (about $4,700). Her trial was conducted behind closed doors and she has maintained her innocence, rejecting the charges as politically motivated. Russian court sends an associate of Kremlin foe Navalny to prison for 7 1/2 years Erdogan says no change in Turkey's stance on Sweden's NATO membership Wednesday 14 June 2023 19:40 , Joe Middleton Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan has said that NATO should not bet on his country approving Swedens application to join the Western military alliance before a July summit because the Nordic nation has not fully addressed his security concerns. Sweden and Finland applied for membership together following Russias invasion of Ukraine last year. Finland became NATOs 31st member in April after the Turkish parliament ratified its request, but Turkey has held off approving Swedens bid. NATO wants to bring Sweden into the fold by the time the leaders of member nations meet for a summit in Lithuanias capital on July 11-12. Speaking to journalists on his way back from a state visit to Azerbaijan on Tuesday, Erdogan said Turkeys attitude to the accession was not positive. Erdogan says no change in Turkey's stance on Sweden's NATO membership Russia steps up aerial strikes on Ukraine killing at least 6 Wednesday 14 June 2023 18:51 , Joe Middleton Russian forces have fired cruise missiles at the southern Ukrainian city of Odesa and shelled the eastern Donetsk region killing at least six people and damaging dozens of homes Moscow has recently stepped up aerial strikes in their nearly 16-month war. Kyivs armed forces, meanwhile, have reported limited gains in the early stages of a counteroffensive to take back the nearly one-fifth of Ukraines territory that is under Russian control. The grinding Ukrainian advance is pressing slowly ahead, Ukraines deputy defense minister, Hanna Maliar, said. Western analysts and military officials say the effort to dislodge entrenched, powerfully armed and large numbers of Russian troops could take years. Russia steps up aerial strikes on Ukraine killing at least 6 How significant is the reported recapture of the first Ukrainian villages from Russia? Wednesday 14 June 2023 18:40 , Joe Middleton Ukraine has celebrated the first territorial gains of its long-trailed counteroffensive against the invading Russian forces. Unverified photographs and video appearing on Sunday and on Monday morning showed Ukrainian soldiers holding their countrys blue and yellow flag aloft in triumph in the eastern villages of Storozheve, Blahodatne, Neskuchne and Makarivka in Donetsk, suggesting they had been recaptured from occupying enemy troops. Ukraines deputy defence minister Hanna Maliar posted one of the photos from Storozheve and thanked the 35th Separate Brigade of Marines for liberating it. How significant is the reported recapture of the first Ukrainian villages? Even very successful counteroffensive could need to be repeated next year, warns UK minister Wednesday 14 June 2023 17:40 , Andy Gregory Even a very successful Ukrainian counteroffensive may need to be repeated next year, a British defence minister has said, as he warned against expectations of a decisive victory. Opening a general debate on global military operations, James Heappey told the Commons there isnt really an update to give on Ukraine but a word of caution, instead, adding: These are very early stages of a very complex plan, a necessarily complex plan, given the scale of the challenge that they have. It will take a number of weeks until anybody can make any credible assessment over the success of the offensive. But it is under way, that much is clear. I think it is clear that there have been some early gains for the Ukrainians, that in some parts of the Russian line the regiments are performing incredibly and are holding their ground, but in many other parts of the line there is evidence of abandonment and mutiny. That should not in any way, I think, encourage us to believe that this is some war movie that all ends with a sort of wonderful, glorious victory, decisive victory, at the very end. He went on: That that may happen, its perfectly possible that it will, the Ukrainians have shown time and time again that they are brilliant at exceeding what normal military laws should expect, but it is also very possible that a very successful counteroffensive still brings with it the requirement to go again next year. It matters enormously to our Ukrainian friends, just as much as it is important that Putin hears that the international donor community is ready to rearm, retrain and go again next year, and the year after, and the year after. Germany to purchase six air defence systems for Luftwaffe Wednesday 14 June 2023 17:14 , Andy Gregory Germany will purchase six Iris-T air defence systems for its air force at cost of some 950m (812m), a member of the budget committee has told Reuters after politicians approved the deal. Boasting a range of some 25 miles and a 360 degree view, the Iris-T system is one of the most coveted weapons which Berlin has supplied to Ukraine, which has deployed the units to shoot down cruise missiles and aircraft including Iranian-made Shahed drones. The Luftwaffe is due to take delivery of the first unit in 2024. Berlin has bought two Iris-T units built by Diehl for Ukraine and pledged to send another two to Kyiv, but has not yet equipped its own forces with the systems. Erdogan warns Nato not to expect approval of Swedens application bid in time for July summit Wednesday 14 June 2023 16:30 , Andy Gregory Nato should not bet on Turkey approving Swedens application to join the military alliance before a July summit, Turkish president Recep Tayyip Erdogan has said, accusing the Nordic nation of failing to fully address his security concerns. Despite finally relenting to allow Finlands simultaneous bid several months ago, Ankara still refuses to grant Stockholm permission to join the bloc, accusing Sweden of being too lenient towards groups Turkey claims pose a threat to its security. Speaking to journalists on his way back from a state visit to Azerbaijan on Tuesday as senior officials from Nato, Turkey, Sweden and Finland met in Ankara Mr Erdogan said Turkeys attitude to the accession was not positive. Mr Erdogan said the Turkish delegation at the meeting will give this message: This is our presidents opinion, dont expect anything different at [the upcoming Nato summit in] Vilnius. (AP) Russias Duma gives initial backing for convicts to enlist against Ukraine Wednesday 14 June 2023 15:40 , Andy Gregory The lower house of Russias parliament has given its initial backing to plans allowing Moscows defence ministry to sign contracts with suspected or convicted criminals to fight in Ukraine. Under the proposed changes, a contract could be concluded with someone being investigated for committing a crime, who is having their case heard in court or after they have been convicted but before the verdict takes legal effect, according to the database of the State Duma, Russias lower house. People convicted of sexual crimes, treason, terrorism or extremism would not be able to sign up. Those who do sign up would be exempt from criminal liability upon completion of their contract or if they receive awards for their combat prowess. The new changes being examined by the Duma do not cover recruitment of people already serving their sentences and the Defence Ministry has not commented. Chechen leader Kadyrov insists reports his second-in-command is wounded are fake' Wednesday 14 June 2023 15:37 , Andy Gregory Chechen leader Ramzan Kadyrov has dismissed reports that one of his senior commanders had been killed or wounded in Ukraine, insisting that he was in fact alive and well. The commander, Adam Delimkhanov, leads the Chechen division of the Russian national guard and is also a member of Russias parliament, and is widely viewed as the Caucasian regions second most senior official after Mr Kadyrov, who is a close ally of Vladimir Putin. Mr Kadyrov claimed to have known that Mr Delimkhanov was uninjured from the start of what he called a fake information attack, and to have remained silent in order to embarrass Ukrainian media outlets which reported on the commanders alleged injury. Earlier on Wednesday, Russias Zvezda television channel cited the parliamentary press service as saying that Mr Delimkhanov had been wounded in Ukraine, with the Kremlin expressing worry over the reports. Mr Delimkhanov, who has an active social media presence, with over half a million followers on Telegram, did not comment. Another hostage in prison: Navalny associate jailed for more than 7 years by Russian court Wednesday 14 June 2023 14:50 , AP An associate of Russian opposition leader Alexei Navalny has been sentenced to more than seven years in prison on extremism charges the latest verdict in a crackdown on dissent by the Kremlin as it wages war in Ukraine, reports Dasha Litvinova. Lilia Chanysheva who used to head Navalny's office in the Russian region of Bashkortostan, was found guilty of calling for extremism, forming an extremist group and founding an organization that violates rights. Navalny aide Lyubov Sobol called it a political verdict, saying President Vladimir Putin had "put one more hostage in a penal colony". Navalny's spokeswoman Kira Yarmysh said Chanysheva had been punished for fighting for the future of her country. Navalny associate jailed by Russian court: Another hostage in prison Fire breaks out at Russian power station' Wednesday 14 June 2023 14:23 , Andy Gregory A fire has broken out at the Novocherkassk power station in Russia's southern Rostov region, close to the border with Ukraine, RIA has reported. The Russian state-owned news agency did not say what had caused the blaze. A thermal power plant is on fire in Russia's Novocherkassk, Rostov Oblast Russian media wrote an explosion has caused it. via https://t.co/WMMZ9Tcrdc pic.twitter.com/V1VrZCsjfC Euromaidan Press (@EuromaidanPress) June 14, 2023 Russian goodwill over Black Sea grain deal cannot last forever, Kremlin says Wednesday 14 June 2023 13:54 , Andy Gregory Russias goodwill over renewing the Black Sea grain deal cannot last forever, the Kremlin has warned. The remarks come a day after Vladimir Putin claimed that Moscow could withdraw from the vital grain deal, accusing the West of cheating Moscow by not implementing the promises it has made to ensure Russian agricultural goods reach world markets. The Russian president will discuss the Black Sea grain deal with African leaders on Saturday, the Interfax news agency reported. Kremlin expresses concern over reports Chechen military leader wounded in Ukraine Wednesday 14 June 2023 13:22 , Andy Gregory The Kremlin has expressed concern over media reports that a senior Chechen commander has been wounded in Ukraine. Earlier on Wednesday, the Defence Ministry's TV channel reported that Adam Delimkhanov, head of Chechnya's national guard, had been wounded in Ukraine. The ministry said it was awaiting clarification about what had really happened. Kyiv claims advances against Putins forces in fierce fighting Wednesday 14 June 2023 12:49 , Andy Gregory Ukraine has made incremental advances in the face of extremely fierce fighting during its counteroffensive against Vladimir Putins forces on Wednesday, the countrys deputy defence minister Hanna Maliar has claimed. Describing Kyivs actions as having had partial success, Ms Maliar said that over the past day Ukrainian troops had advanced 200-500 metres in various areas near the small eastern city of Bakhmut, and 300-350 metres in the direction of Zaporizhzhia. Our troops are moving in the face of extremely fierce fighting, and air and artillery superiority of the enemy, Ms Maliar said. She reported continuing fighting near the village of Makarivka in the direction of the southern port city of Berdyansk, and said battles were raging in the areas of Novodanylivka and Novopokrovsk in the Mariupol direction. Russias defence ministry, meanwhile, claimed to have repelled Kyivs advances on the south Donetsk, Zaporizhzhia and Donetsk fronts, claiming that Ukrainian forces had suffered heavy losses in men and equipment. Senior Nato officials meet in Turkey to discuss Swedens membership bid Wednesday 14 June 2023 12:37 , Andy Gregory Senior Nato officials from Sweden, Finland and Turkey met in Ankara on Wednesday, according to local reports, as the alliance pushes Turkey to ratify Stockholms application to join the military bloc. While both Nordic countries applied to join Nato in the wake of Russias invasion of Ukraine, Turkey has held off approving Swedens bid, after finally relenting to permit Helsinki to join the alliance, enabling Finland to become Natos 31st member in April. Turkeys government accuses Sweden of being too lenient toward terror organisations that Ankara says pose a security threat, including militant Kurdish groups and people associated with a 2016 coup attempt. A series of separate demonstrations in Stockholm, including a protest by an anti-Islam activist who burned the Quran outside the Turkish Embassy, also angered Turkish officials. The officials meeting a Turkeys presidential palace on Wednesday were scheduled to discuss the steps Finland and Sweden have taken as part of a memorandum they signed with Turkey last year to address Ankaras security concerns, broadcaster HaberTurk reported. Nato wants to bring Sweden into the fold by the time the alliances leaders hold a summit in Lithuania next month, with US secretary of state Antony Blinken saying after a meeting with Nato chief Jens Stoltenberg on Tuesday that it was time to welcome Sweden. Sweden has amended its constitution and strengthened its anti-terror laws since it applied to join Nato last May, while Stockholm also agreed this week to extradite a Turkish citizen who was convicted on drug charges in Turkey in 2013. Sweden hopes to identify Nord Stream culprits by autumn, lead investigator says Wednesday 14 June 2023 11:58 , Andy Gregory Sweden hopes to determine by autumn who was behind the Nord Stream gas pipeline sabotage, the prosecutor leading the countrys investigation has said. The blasts in the Baltic Sea last September occurred in the economic zones of Sweden and Denmark, and while both countries say the explosions were deliberate, they have yet to single out who was responsible. Mats Ljungqvist, the prosecutor leading Swedens probe, told Swedish Radio he had met the German prosecutor and that they were working together but declined to give further details. I hope that we at least this autumn will be able to make a decision regarding indictments, at least that is the ambition as things stand now, Mr Ljungqvist told the public service broadcaster. I think, actually, in time, it will be brought to light [who carried out the sabotage]. Germany has confirmed its investigators raided a ship in January that may have been used to transport the explosives used to blow up the pipelines. German media reported the boat could have been used by a small Ukrainian or pro-Ukrainian group. Mr Ljungqvist, who told Reuters in April that the main scenario was that a state or a state-backed group was behind the attack, said to SR this week: I think that hypothesis has been strengthened during the course of the investigation. Germanys Scholz to unveil major new national security strategy Wednesday 14 June 2023 11:21 , Andy Gregory Germany is set to unveil its first comprehensive national security strategy in Berlin today, in a push to address what it views as growing military, economic and social threats to the country. Chancellor Olaf Scholz and four of his top ministers are due to present the new strategy, which has been months in the making and is seen as a centerpiece of his three-party governing coalition. Russias attack on Ukraine has heightened anxiety in Germany about the preparedness of its own armed forces, prompting Mr Scholz to announce a turning point on military spending. Resilience against cyberattacks and the dangers posed by climate change will also be part of the new security strategy. Watch live: Red Cross briefs media on Ukraine dam situation and visits to prisoners of war Wednesday 14 June 2023 10:39 , Andy Gregory Our video team has published a live stream as the International Committee of the Red Cross holds a briefing on the Ukraine dam situation and the organisation's visits to prisoners of war, which you can watch here: UN nuclear chief delays Zaporizhzhia power plant visit over safety concerns Wednesday 14 June 2023 09:58 , Andy Gregory UN nuclear chief Rafael Grossi has delayed a planned trip to the Russian-held Zaporizhzhia nuclear power plant until it is safer to travel, a senior Ukrainian official has said. The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) boss had been expected to visit the facility on Wednesday following talks in Kyiv, but a diplomatic source said the visit would be delayed by some hours. Russian news agency Interfax quoted a Russian-installed local official as saying Mr Grossi would visit the plant on Thursday. Hes waiting to be able to travel safely, said the senior Ukrainian government official, who spoke to Reuters on condition of anonymity. The official did not say when Mr Grossi would arrive at the plant, which is relatively close to areas subject to reported heavy fighting since Ukraines counteroffensive began. Mr Grossi has said he is very concerned that the nuclear plant could be caught in the military push, after the UN agency warned it needed access to a site near plant to check water levels after the nearby reservoir lost much of its water because of the destruction of the Kakhovka dam downstream. Zaporizhzhia nuclear power plant is seen from around 20km away in an area in the Dnipropetrovsk region (AP Photo/Leo Correa) Nord Stream blasts leave no constraints for Russia to destroy enemies undersea cables, says Medvedev Wednesday 14 June 2023 09:38 , Andy Gregory There is no reason for Moscow not to destroy its enemies undersea communications cables given purported Western complicity in the sabotage of the Nord Stream pipelines, former Russian president Dmitry Medvedev has claimed. While it is still unclear exactly who is responsible for the blasts last September, The Washington Post, New York Times and Wall Street Journal have each reported that the CIA knew of a Ukrainian plot to attack the pipelines for which president Volodymyr Zelensky has denied any responsibility. If we proceed from the proven complicity of Western countries in blowing up the Nord Streams, then we have no constraints even moral left to prevent us from destroying the ocean floor cable communications of our enemies, said Mr Medvedev, an ally of president Vladimir Putin. Sub-sea cables which criss-cross the worlds oceans have become the arteries of global communications, with their importance having made them the focus of growing geopolitical competition. Dmitry Medvedev (PA Archive) Russia deploying elite air units to support troops facing Ukraine's counteroffensive Wednesday 14 June 2023 07:26 , Arpan Rai The elite Russian Aerospace Forces (VKS) are likely helping Putins regular ground troops, especially in southern Ukraine, to resist increased Ukrainian offensive operations, the British Ministry of Defence has claimed. It noted an uptick in Russian tactical combat air sorties, especially over southern Ukraine, in the past two weeks. This has almost certainly been in response to reports of increased Ukrainian offensive operations, as the Russian Aerospace Forces (VKS) attempt to support ground troops with airstrikes, the ministry said in its latest intelligence update. It added that despite the uptick, VKSs daily sortie rate remains much lower than the peak of up to 300 daily missions early in the war. Since the start of the invasion, the south of Ukraine has often been more permissible for Russian air operations compared to other sectors of the front, the ministry said. On the battlefield over the last year, the VKS has increased its use of air-to-surface weapons, such as glide bombs, which allow attack aircraft to remain well away from their targets, it said. Belarus taking delivery of Russian tactical nukes 'three times bigger than Hiroshima and Nagasaki, announces president Wednesday 14 June 2023 07:02 , Arpan Rai Belarusian president Alexander Lukashenko has said his country has started taking delivery of Russian tactical nuclear weapons, some of which he said were three times more powerful than the atomic bombs the US dropped on Hiroshima and Nagasaki in 1945. We have missiles and bombs that we have received from Russia, Lukashenko said in an interview with the Rossiya-1 Russian state TV channel which was posted on the Belarusian Belta state news agencys Telegram channel. The bombs are three times more powerful than those (dropped on) Hiroshima and Nagasaki, he said. This is the first such deployment of warheads by Moscow shorter-range less powerful nuclear weapons that could potentially be used on the battlefield outside Russia since the fall of the Soviet Union. The move is being watched closely by the United States and its allies as well as by China, which has repeatedly cautioned against the use of nuclear weapons in the Ukraine war. Russia blames Ukrainian forces for shell Nova Kakhovka Wednesday 14 June 2023 06:32 , Arpan Rai At least one person was injured in shelling of a residential area in the city of Nova Kakhovka, the citys Russia-installed administration said today. The administration also said that shelling of the nearby village of Plodovoye disrupted power supply there. Officials in Kyiv have not issued a response on the allegations. The region saw widespread destruction last week after the Kakhovka dam was destroyed, flooding swathes of land and forcing thousands to flee in one of the biggest industrial disasters in Europe for decades. Three killed in Russian cruise missile attack on Odesa official Wednesday 14 June 2023 06:08 , Arpan Rai At least three people were killed and 13 were injured after Russian missiles struck civilian buildings in Ukraines Black Sea port of Odesa overnight, the war-hit nations military said early this morning. Russia fired four cruise missiles on the city, the South command of Ukraines Armed Forces said. Initially, the military said two missiles were destroyed before hitting their targets. As a result of air combat and blast waves, a business centre, an educational institution, a residential complex, food establishments and shops in the city centre were damaged, the South command said on the Telegram app. The three people killed were working at a retail chains warehouse when a missile hit, setting it ablaze, the military added. Seven people were wounded there. Sifting through the debris continues, the military said. There may be people under. A video and photographs of the attacked site by Odesa military administration spokesperson Serhiy Bratchuk showed a multi-storey building bombed out by the missile, with parts of walls and windows blown to shards. Firefighters were also seen at the spot battling against flames in what appeared be a warehouse. In pictures: Ukrainian troops fire from Bakhmut frontline Wednesday 14 June 2023 05:48 , Arpan Rai Ukrainian servicemen of the 10th Mountain Assault Brigade Edelweiss prepare a BM-21 Grad multiple rocket launcher towards Russian positions near Bakhmut in the Donetsk region yesterday (AFP via Getty Images) A rocket is seen launched from BM-21 Grad multiple rocket launcher towards Russian positions, near Bakhmut in the Donetsk region (AFP via Getty Images) A Ukrainian serviceman of the 10th Mountain Assault Brigade Edelweiss seen heating water in a dugout at a front line position near Bakhmut in the Donetsk region yesterday (AFP via Getty Images) Two Ukrainian servicemen of the 10th Mountain Assault Brigade Edelweiss stand in a dugout trench near Bakhmut in the Donetsk region yesterday (AFP via Getty Images) Ukrainian servicemen of the 10th Mountain Assault Brigade Edelweiss shift position after firing rockets from a BM-21 Grad multiple rocket launcher towards Russian positions, near Bakhmut (AFP via Getty Images) How Putin has mixed threats of new offensive in Ukraine with peace talk offer Wednesday 14 June 2023 05:23 , Arpan Rai Vladimir Putin has sprinkled threats of a new Russian offensive to capture Ukrainian land with statements about the Kremlins readiness for peace talks this week as the war marked a new stage of targeted counteroffensive from Kyiv. Speaking during a far-ranging meeting with Russian military correspondents and war bloggers, he made some of the most extensive comments about the conflict and his goals since sending the troops into Ukraine more than 15 months ago. In one assertion, the Russian president claimed that Ukraine has suffered catastrophic losses in its counteroffensive but then, he also spoke of the circumstance under which the war would conclude. The Russian leader said ending the hostilities in Ukraine depends on the United States. He argued that the fighting would end immediately if the US and Nato stop providing Ukraine with weapons. Here is a quick look at some of Mr Putins key statements: Putin mixes threats of new offensive in Ukraine with offers of peace talks 110 million people forcibly displaced as Sudan, Ukraine wars add to world refugee crisis, UN says Wednesday 14 June 2023 05:14 , Arpan Rai Around 110 million people have had to flee their homes because of conflict, persecution, or human rights violations, the UN High Commissioner for Refugees has said. The war in Sudan, which has displaced nearly 2 million people since April, is but the latest in a long list of crises that has led to the record-breaking figure. Last year alone, an additional 19 million people were forcibly displaced including more than 11 million who fled Russias full-scale invasion of Ukraine in what became the fastest and largest displacement of people since the Second World War. Its quite an indictment on the state of our world, Filippo Grandi, who leads the UN refugee agency, told reporters in Geneva ahead of the publication of UNHCRs Global Trends Report for 2022 today. Read the full story here: 110 million people forcibly displaced as Sudan, Ukraine wars add to world refugee crisis, UN says New US military aid to Ukraine pushes Washington deeper into war, warns Russia Wednesday 14 June 2023 04:28 , Arpan Rai The new US military aid package for Ukraine pushes the US deeper into the abyss of the conflict, Russias ambassador to the United States, Anatoly Antonov warned today. The United States is getting deeper and deeper into the abyss of the Ukrainian crisis, Mr Antonov was quoted as saying in a post on the embassys Telegram channel. Apparently, the strategists from the United States somehow do not understand that no amount of weapons, whatever involvement of mercenaries, will be able to turn the tide in the course of (Russias) special military operation. The package worth $325m (257m), which includes munitions for air defence systems, ammunition and vehicles, comes as Ukraine is shaping its long-expected counteroffensive. In the past week, Ukrainian forces lost some tanks and armoured vehicles provided by Western allies while making small territorial gains. Russia losing 900 soldiers a day during counteroffensive, Ukrainian officials claim Wednesday 14 June 2023 03:40 , Arpan Rai Russia is losing a staggering 900 soldiers a day, Ukrainian officials have claimed, urging the West to greenlight delivery of fighter jets for its counteroffensive at a Nato meeting this week. Ukraines deputy defence minister, Hanna Maliar, indicated the long-awaited counteroffensive was making headway, reporting that Ukrainian forces had taken back seven villages opening 90sqkm of land in the last week alone. However, she said the advance was hard as Russian forces had superior air support and were showering their troops with intense artillery fire. Bel Trew reports: Russia losing 900 soldiers a day during counteroffensive, Ukrainian officials claim Latest pictures from Ukraine Wednesday 14 June 2023 03:00 , Martha Mchardy A Ukrainian national flag is seen, amid Russia's attack on Ukraine, near the front line in the newly liberated village Neskuchne in Donetsk region (REUTERS) A firefighter stands in front of a destroyed five-storey residential building, following a Russian strike, in the city of Kryvyi Rig (AFP via Getty Images) Ukrainian servicemen of the 10th Mountain Assault Brigade Edelweiss fire a rocket from a BM-21 Grad multiple rocket launcher towards Russian positions, near Bakhmut in the Donetsk region on June 13 (AFP via Getty Images) Destroyed cars in front of a damaged residential building, following a Russian night strike, in the city of Kryvyi Rig (AFP via Getty Images) UK firms operating in Russia complicit in war crimes against Ukraine, says MP Wednesday 14 June 2023 02:00 , Martha Mchardy UK businesses continuing to operate in Russia are complicit in the war crimes committed against the Ukrainian people, MPs have heard. Labour former minister Sir Chris Bryant told the Commons about the Russian government introducing a new law last year, requiring all businesses, including foreign ones, operating in the Russian Federation to assist in the war in Ukraine. Sir Chris urged the Government to make it absolutely clear that all British businesses should completely and utterly desist from business in Russia immediately. Foreign Office minister Anne-Marie Trevelyan said there has been a positive attitude from British businesses and a willingness to take financial pain immediately in order to step away from Russian markets and activity. The Rhondda MP said: The Russian government introduced a new law last year which requires all businesses, including foreign businesses that have any footprint in the Russian Federation, to assist in the war in Ukraine. That means any British businesses who are still doing business now in Russia are complicit in the war crimes that Russia is perpetrating against the Ukrainian people. Would the minister now make it absolutely clear that all British businesses should completely and utterly desist from business in Russia immediately? Martina Bet reports: UK firms operating in Russia complicit in war crimes against Ukraine, says MP NATO leader says Ukrainians are making progress and advancing against Russian forces Wednesday 14 June 2023 01:00 , Martha Mchardy NATO Secretary-General Jens Stoltenberg told President Joe Biden at an Oval Office meeting on Tuesday that Ukrainians are making progress with their counteroffensive, which could bolster their position when theres an opportunity to reach a diplomatic end to the war with Russia. The support that we are providing together for Ukraine is now making a difference on the battlefield as we speak, Stoltenberg said. Because the offensive has launched, and the Ukrainians are making progress, making advances. He added, Its still early days, but what we do know is that the more land that Ukrainians are able to liberate, the stronger hand they will have at the negotiating table. Biden said NATO has grown more unified during the Ukraine war and were going to be building on that momentum when the alliance holds its annual summit in Vilnius, Lithuania, on July 11 and 12. Read the full story: NATO leader says Ukrainians are making progress and advancing against Russian forces How significant is the reported recapture of the first Ukrainian villages from Russia? Wednesday 14 June 2023 00:00 , Martha Mchardy Ukraine has celebrated the first territorial gains of its long-trailed counteroffensive against the invading Russian forces. Unverified photographs and video appearing on Sunday and on Monday morning showed Ukrainian soldiers holding their countrys blue and yellow flag aloft in triumph in the eastern villages of Storozheve, Blahodatne, Neskuchne and Makarivka in Donetsk, suggesting they had been recaptured from occupying enemy troops. Ukraines deputy defence minister Hanna Maliar posted one of the photos from Storozheve and thanked the 35th Separate Brigade of Marines for liberating it. Joe Sommerlad reports: How significant is the reported recapture of the first Ukrainian villages? How chip makers can get $24 billion in new US tax credits The US is set to start cutting checks directly to chip makers in 2023 to help new American manufacturing plants get off the ground. This week the Biden administration offered new details on the second leg of its strategy: tax credits that could be rolling out for years to come. The Treasury Department and the Internal Revenue Service released new guidance on how companies can qualify for an "advanced manufacturing investment credit," a key piece of President Bidens CHIPS and Science Act that was designed to bring semiconductor manufacturing back to the United States. The US has fallen behind places like Taiwan in recent decades, especially in the making of the most advanced chips. A recent report from the Semiconductor Industry Association found that 0% of the worlds most advanced logic semiconductors were manufactured in the US in 2019. The legislation that passed in 2022 allows the US to spur new plants via grants to companies as well as by manufacturing credits. President Joe Biden greets workers at the groundbreaking of the new Intel semiconductor manufacturing facility in Ohio on September 9, 2022. (SAUL LOEB/AFP via Getty Images) What the credit would do is provide a refund of 25% "of an eligible taxpayer's qualified investment in an advanced manufacturing facility." It would also be structured as a refundable tax credit, meaning that companies could be receiving sizable checks next year for investments they make in 2023. A new government portal will be online later this year where companies can apply for the credits. The new rules released this week allow companies to calculate with much greater precision how much credit they are likely to qualify for next year at tax time. A first round of rules around the credit was unveiled in March. The Congressional Budget Office has estimated that the tax credit alone will pump over $24 billion into the semiconductor industry over the coming decade, amounting to nearly a third of the cost of the entire bill. Some of the chip sectors biggest names are positioned to capitalize on the billions in government largesse set to flow in the years to come. Intel (INTC) recently hosted President Biden for the groundbreaking of their new plant in Ohio linked to the law. IBM (IBM) and Micron (MU) are also focused on building out capability in upstate New York and scored their own presidential visit. President Bidens chip-related travels have also taken him to Arizona, where Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company (TSMC) is among the companies planning new factories there. The tax credits and the capital stack The overall goal of the law is to build what Bidens team has termed new semiconductor "clusters" across the country in the years ahead. Commerce Secretary Gina Raimondo recently told Yahoo Finance that the grant side of the program is "vastly oversubscribed" with over 200 statements of interest from companies, which is the first step in the lengthy application process. Grants are set to begin being formally awarded in the fall. Chad Resner, a director at the tax advisory firm Baker Tilly, says the tax credits that will begin being awarded next year will also be a key ingredient in the chip clusters across the US. Chip companies, he said, are now in the process of "doing what we generally call the capital stack" to line up as many government inducements as possible to make the extraordinarily complex process of building new semiconductor fabrication plants economical. Those could include the different federal inducements in the CHIPS bill, as well as additional government largess coming from individual states. In terms of the money coming from Washington via grants vs. tax credits "I think they're both equally important," says Resner. The new rules released this week, said assistant Secretary of the Treasury for Tax Policy Lily Batchelder, "will help taxpayers unlock the full investment potential" of the law. Resner adds that he is already seeing lots of activity in 2023 after years with almost no manufacturing action inside US borders. "It has definitely spurred it," he says. Ben Werschkul is a Washington correspondent for Yahoo Finance. Click here for politics news related to business and money Read the latest financial and business news from Yahoo Finance The Lambda Chi Alpha fraternity at the University of South Dakota is going to start building a new house this month. At the end of June, the 92-year-old chapter house thats seen nearly 1,800 young men call its halls home at 327 North Pine Street in Vermillion will be razed, and construction will begin. Work on the new building is estimated to last for one year, and the new home will open up to fraternity brothers by fall 2024. During construction, undergraduates will be housed together off-campus during the 2023-2024 school year and chapter meetings will be held at the Muenster University Center. The chapter had 34 undergraduate members last year. The current 92-year-old Lambda Chi Alpha fraternity chapter house at the University of South Dakota at 327 N. Pine Street in Vermillion. The house, which will be built on the same location as the current home across from the main Vermillion campus, will also feature an English Tudor style similar to the current home. The fraternity has raised $3.1 million of its $3.5 million goal in estimated construction costs. This new home will prioritize sophomores and fraternity officers with a capacity for 27 brothers. Logan Lamphere, alumni association director for USDs Lambda Chi Alpha fraternity, said this will be the third chapter house the fraternity chapter has had in its 107-year history. The current house was originally built as the Alpha Phi sorority house in 1931, and the fraternity purchased it in 1937, making it the groups second home since being chartered in 1916. More: Noem to South Dakota universities: raise graduation rates, end drag shows, and more In preparation to raze the home, the fraternitys bronze letters were removed to reveal the original Alpha Phi sorority letters underneath, above the front door. This keystone will be preserved and presented to the Alpha Phi sorority during Dakota Days. Lambda Chi Alpha's bronze letters (left) were removed at the old house to reveal the original Alpha Phi sorority letters above the front door. This keystone will be preserved and presented to the sorority during Dakota Days. After celebrating their centennial in 2016, a group of alumni and undergraduates took a serious look at what the next 100 years of fraternity life might look like. In a 2019 engineering report, the group found that a rebuild would be necessary, and planning began for a capital campaign, Lamphere said. Story continues The fraternitys alumni include four South Dakota governors and other elected officials, businessmen, and community leaders. Some of those alumni formed the building committee, including campaign co-chairmen former Governor Dennis Daugaard (75), former USD President Jim Abbott (70), and former South Dakota Speaker of the House of Representatives, Mark Mickelson (88). We really need to replace it with something we can be proud of, something that demonstrates that Lambda Chi is here to stay, Daugaard said in a press release. We need a house that can attract the kind of man that it has attracted over the years. A rendering of the new Lambda Chi Alpha fraternity chapter house to be built at USD in Vermillion. Two other Greek organizations have also developed off-campus in recent memory the Alpha Xi Delta sorority built a new chapter house in 2018, and the Sigma Alpha Epsilon fraternity built a new chapter house in 2020. This article originally appeared on Sioux Falls Argus Leader: University of South Dakota Lambda Chi Alpha building new frat house Vital Proteins issued voluntarily recalled of its product Vital Protien Collagen Peptide supplements due to possible broken plastic fragments in the tubs of powder. The Franklin, Illinois-based brand, which is owned by Nestle Health Science, first announced the recall in a notice sent to Costco on April 28, citing contamination from "pieces of one blue broken lid may be in one or more canisters." PHOTO: Vital Proteins products on display at Metropolitan West on Oct. 13, 2019 in New York City. (Mike Pont/Getty Images, FILE) The affected 24-ounce plastic containers bear the UPC code 857273008666 and batch code 30095993HA with an expiration of Jan. 9, 2028. PHOTO: Costco initiated a recall notice of the affected Vital Proteins sold at the big box retailer seen here. (Costco) The recalled products were distributed to retailers across 20 states -- Alabama, Connecticut, Delaware, Florida, Georgia, Iowa, Illinois, Indiana, Massachusetts, Mississippi, Missouri, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, North Carolina, Pennsylvania, South Carolina, Tennessee, Vermont, Wisconsin -- as well as in Puerto Rico. The powdered supplements that were part of the recall were sold at Costco from April 17 to 23, the company said in a statement to customers. "Please do not consume product marked with the above batch code and Best By date and return the item to your local Costco for a full refund," the notice stated. Vital Proteins does not currently have the recall information listed or available on its website or social media and did not immediately respond to ABC News' request for comment. No injuries have been reported by Vital Proteins in relation to this recall. The FDA referred ABC News to the company for comment. Vital Proteins collagen sold at Costco recalled over possible plastic materials originally appeared on goodmorningamerica.com EXCLUSIVE: Warner Bros Discovery is closing its Danish production arm, weve learned. Warner Bros International Television Production Denmark will effectively shutter and be consolidated into WBDs Swedish production base in Stockholm. We understand a number of roles will be impacted. WBITVP Denmark has a staff in the double digits, though its not yet known how many posts will go. More from Deadline Fredrik Hillerbrand, Managing Director of WBITVP Denmark, will exit in coming months after overseeing a transition. Johan Idering, Managing Director of WBITVP Sweden, will assume responsibility for Denmark, adding to his duties in Sweden and Norway. A business review is underway to manage the situation. Some roles will certainly go but WBITVP is looking to retain staff were possible. Despite a physical exit from the local market, ratings-winning shows such as TV2s reality series The Bachelor will be safeguarded. We hear that WBD is holding talks with broadcasters in coming weeks about how they reshape productions. Existing production commitments are expected to be honored, but commissioning, production and other teams in Denmark will be overseen from Sweden going forwards. A similar model is already in place at WBITVP Norway, which operates out of Sweden. WBD said Denmark remains an important market to WBITVP and its difficult decision has been made against an incredibly challenging backdrop of ongoing uncertainty in the Danish media market and the rising costs of content creation. Denmarks production sector has been hit by several factors in the past 18 months, turning the market from one of Europes most overachieving to one beset by problems and concern. Story continues Earlier this month, we reported on how a plethora of factors have turned Denmark, which was once one of the most buoyant production bases in Europe, into a cautionary tale. The countrys scripted market was last year hit by a commissioning impasse as unions and streamers clashed and fears over a streaming levy further spooked the sector. Costs are also high in the country, as the local currency is strong, and there is no local tax rebate system. Yesterday, the countrys new media bill revealed on-demand services would be asked to pay a cultural contribution of 2% of their Danish turnover and those that spend 5% or more would fulfill all obligations. Those who spend less than 5% would have to top up their contribution, with the money going on films, scripted series and docs. Despite the law, which many production companies and creatives broadly welcome, commissioning remains way down. Local producers estimates orders will be down up to 50% in coming years as the market resets. Ronald Goes, EVP, Head of Warner Bros. International Television Production, said: This has not been an easy decision for the company, and it has been made with a very heavy heart. However, it became clear we must take sensible steps to consolidate our business in Scandinavia in response to the Danish media production sector dealing with a massive decrease in work. On behalf of WBITVP, Id like to thank Fredrik Hillerbrand and his team for everything they have achieved over the years. Its our intention that the new strategy will enable us to continue our legacy of making great television for the region in a way that is sustainable. Last year, WBD pulled back from local production for HBO Max in most European territories, with 29 execs exiting their roles as a result. Best of Deadline Sign up for Deadline's Newsletter. For the latest news, follow us on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram. Click here to read the full article. A recent panel discussion addressing controversies surrounding Latino immigrants coming to the United States highlighted an irony: American employers are desperate to fill plenty of job openings that many immigrants and asylum seekers could fill if they were admitted to the country. Patricia Robledo, Claudia Caballero, Arlene Amarante were the panelists. Amarante is an assistant professor of law at Lincoln Memorial University. Caballero is president and chief executive officer of Centro Hispano de East Tennessee. Robledo works for Knox County Schools as its first Latino community outreach specialist. Madeline Rogero, the former mayor of Knoxville (2011-'19) who has Spanish and Italian heritage, said the latest data from the U.S. Chamber of Commerce indicated companies are facing unprecedented challenges trying to find enough workers to fill open jobs right now. Across all U.S. industries are 9.9 million job openings, she said. If all 5.8 million unemployed workers in our nation took available jobs, wed still have 4.1 million open jobs. So, my question is, why arent we saying to immigrants, come here because we have jobs for you? Now that the Title 42 public health restriction related to the pandemic has expired, many asylum seekers are still being blocked at the Mexican border from entering the United States. The reason: new rules requiring that appointments be made using a government app. Top, from left, are Ruby Miller, Eugenio Vargas and Jim Palmer. Palmer and Miller were co-chairs of the just-completed "Roots of America" exploration of cultures series, and Vargas introduced the panel. Seated from left were the panelists on immigration, Patricia Robledo, Claudia Caballero, Arlene Amarante and former Knoxville mayor, Madeline Rogero, the panel moderator. Rogeros observations introduced a panel discussion on May 23 that represented the last of four presentations in the "Roots of America" exploration of cultures series co-sponsored by the Oak Ridge Breakfast Rotary Club and the Oak Ridge Institute for Continued Learning. Rogero, the panel moderator, was introduced by Eugenio Vargas, a retired neurosurgeon and Mexican immigrant whose medical practice spanned many years in East Tennessee. Vargas provided a poignant perspective on Latino immigration. "Latino and Hispanic immigrants, he noted, make up part of the fabric and strength of this nation. We are cashiers, bankers, teachers, construction workers, physicians, actors, landscapers, farmers, CEOs, fast food workers, restaurant owners, legislators, professional athletes, judges, movie directors, professional musicians, small business owners, lawyers, and the list goes on. Story continues Eugenio Vargas, a retired Oak Ridge area neurosurgeon and Mexican immigrant, introduced the panel moderator at the "Roots of America" event: former Knoxville Mayor Madeline Rogero Rogero and three Latina panelists Arlene Amarante, Claudia Caballero and Patricia Robledo told moving stories about their experiences and heritages. One member of the audience - the event was held at Oak Ridge Associated Universities' Pollard Auditorium - called the presentation on the realities of immigration today and the myths and misunderstandings complicating local and national responses a mind-bending experience. Amarante, an assistant professor of law at Lincoln Memorial University, is a first-generation American whose parents emigrated from Mexico to the United States. Caballero, president and chief executive officer of Centro Hispano de East Tennessee, was raised both in Honduras and the United States. Robledo, a native of Colombia, South America, works for Knox County Schools as its first Latino community outreach specialist. Rogero gave some history that explains why many Americans with Mexican ancestors have said, My people didnt cross the border; the border crossed them. The history between Mexico and the US; immigration stories When the war between the United States and Mexico ended with the signing of the Treaty of Guadalupe Hidalgo on Feb. 2, 1848, Mexico gave up 55% of its territory, including the present-day states of California, Nevada, Utah, New Mexico, most of Arizona and Colorado, and parts of Oklahoma, Kansas and Wyoming. The treaty effectively halved the size of Mexico and doubled U.S. territory. As a result, 100,000 Mexicans suddenly became U.S. citizens and the expanded nation had access to Pacific Ocean ports and an abundance of minerals and other natural resources. When Rogero asked the audience members if they have family immigration stories, most raised their hands. Former Knoxville Mayor Madeline Rogero Your family may have come willingly to seek a better life or to escape persecution, wars or economic hardship, she said. They may have come against their will as did the enslaved people from West Africa. Some here may have ancestors who were among the 60,000 prisoners in England who were sent to this country and forced into servitude; they were later released, and they mostly settled in Maryland and Virginia to start their new life. The former mayor said her Rogero ancestors chose to leave the harsh conditions of the Spanish island of Majorca to sign on in 1768, along with 1,400 others, as indentured servants that were transported by ship to New Smyrna, Florida, then under British rule. Amarante said her grandfather came to the U.S. from Mexico under the Bracero Program established in 1942. It permitted millions of Mexican men to work legally in the United States on short-term farm labor contracts. Claudia Caballero Caballeros mother was a dairy farmer from southern Illinois who joined the Peace Corps in the 1980s with the intention of going to Honduras, which she thought was in Africa until she found out it is actually in Central America. She dated an agricultural engineer and gave birth to Caballero and her four younger siblings. Caballero said her mother registered all her children as American citizens, although I was born on a farm without electricity and running water in the western mountains of Honduras. The family did live for four years in Nebraska, so she speaks fluent English. Robledo said her oldest sister, who was born in Colombia as was Robledo later, was unable to walk as a 3-year-old. So, her parents finally flew with her to Miami, where the doctors operated on her thigh muscles, allowing her to walk. She was written up in the Miami Herald and she was given the key to the city by the mayor of Miami, she said. Their father had spent time in the U.S. several times, finally earning a degree from Georgia Tech before returning to Colombia. When his brother was kidnapped and a son-in-law was killed by a drug cartel, he decided to relocate the family to the United States. Robledo had moved to Knoxville in 1982 to work as a VIP hostess at the Worlds Fair. Her father managed to get a job in Knoxville at that time, thanks to assistance from the Georgia Tech Alumni Association. Attitudes change as money comes in Attitudes toward the Latino community in East Tennessee have shifted over the past few years, said Caballero, whose organization focuses on workforce development and translation. After the 2020 census, she added, Suddenly everyone cared about counting Latinos in East Tennessee because for every Latino person in each city or county, the governments get more money to improve streets, schools and services. Then the pandemic caused numerous Latino frontline workers to become ill with COVID-19 because so many lived close together in individual houses. Her organization helped translate the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) guidelines on safety measures from English into Spanish to slow the spread of the disease. Conservative businesses that had complained about the illegals in East Tennessee faced staff shortages, so they asked Cabelleros organization how they could help more Latinos get the papers they needed to work here. Robledo recalled that early this century when so much construction was underway in Knoxville, people would cross the border not hoping to get a job, but knowing they have a job right now. Referring to Vargas, the neurosurgeon, and herself, who just earned an MBA from Vanderbilt University, Caballero called for breaking barriers for Latino youth and giving them opportunities to dream, innovate and grow. When we talk about Latino workforce development, I dont want employers to say, Just get them a broom or lawn mower, she said. Her comment received applause. Robledo said that the annual home language survey of families with children in Knox County Schools determined this year that out of about 7,000 students who speak a language other than English, about 5,000 speak Spanish at home. Communication in peoples language is key to helping them feel welcome and have a sense of belonging, she said. The DACA program Amarante talked about the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) program created in 2012 to protect eligible young adults brought to the U.S. as children from deportation. The program does not grant them official legal status or a pathway to citizenship, but it does allow them to apply for a drivers license, Social Security number and work permit, which must be renewed every two years at a cost of $500. Robledo noted that DACA residents of the state who are admitted to the University of Tennessee must pay the more costly out-of-state tuition even though they and their families here pay state and local taxes. Former Gov. Bill Haslam supported tuition equality for DACA residents in Tennessee, but a proposed change in the law was blocked by two state legislators from East Tennessee. Amarante, who called for immigration reform, said, The immigration law changed in 1952 to say that a foreigner no longer needed to be white to be admitted as a U.S. citizen. We still have these notions of who belongs. We need to wrestle with our minds because our minds are lying to us by creating false ideas of who belongs and who doesnt in this country. We are a multicultural, multiracial nation. In her concluding remarks, Rogero said, One of my goals as mayor and the goal of the women panelists and their organizations have been to make Knoxville and East Tennessee a welcoming community and a home where immigrants can thrive and get to a position where they can give back as well. The "Roots of America team," on the recommendation of the panelists, made donations to Centro Hispano de East Tennessee (https://www.centrohispanotn.org), Adelante (www.adelantemos.org) and the Knoxville Latino Bar Association (https://www.knoxlatinobar.org/donate). This article originally appeared on Oakridger: Why East Tennessee should welcome immigrants Kandace Schipper, 29, was reported missing after she suddenly stopped contacting her family while on a solo trip to Tokyo Facebook Kandace Schipper A Chicago woman has been located after she was reported missing in Japan by family members. Kandace Schipper, 29, was reported missing after she suddenly stopped contacting her family while on a trip to Tokyo, according to FOX affiliate WFLD and NBC News. Schipper began her solo trip on May 4, but became unreachable on June 4, according to a Facebook post shared by her sister, Nicole Willea. Willea later updated the post to confirm that her sister had been found. Related: Missing Chef Alive and Well After Family Believed His Body Had Been Found: I Just Needed Time Were relieved to share that weve obtained our beloved daughter, sister and cousin Kandace Schippers location, the womans family said in a statement, per CBS affiliate WBBM-TV. The family is now focused on bringing her home safely." Facebook Kandace Schipper Loved ones said they communicated with Schipper almost daily via text and social media at the beginning of her trip, according to WBBM-TV. Martha Vanderlugt, a family friend, told WFLD that the communication stopped between Schipper and her loved ones on June 4, and that a mutual friend was the last known person to communicate with her. 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. Facebook Schippers sister, Chelse Rambo, said she last heard from her youngest sibling when their family wished Schipper a happy birthday, according to WBBM-TV. "We got a message back that was just saying, 'I love you guys. Thanks so much,' and that's actually the last personal message that I received," Rambo revealed. Schippers last known location was the Shibuya City area, on June 5, according to Willeas Facebook post. The last transaction on her credit card, dated June 5, was from a restaurant in Shibuya City, WFLD and WBBM-TV reported. Story continues Related: 'Resourceful' Girl, 10, Survives Night Alone in Wash. Wilderness After Being Suddenly Separated from Family Kendra Ensing, Schippers friend, filed a missing person report with the Chicago Police Department a short time later, per WBBM-TV. "Everything seemed fine. She said she was having a great time, Vanderlugt told WFLD. We didn't have any reason to believe something was wrong. Related: College Student Reported Missing in France Headed Back to U.S. After Reunion with Family Schipper is currently scheduled to fly back to the United States on June 29, according to WFLD. In the meantime, Schippers family thanked those who stepped up to help locate the missing Chicago woman over the last two weeks. It's a complicated process trying to find information and it wouldn't have been possible for us without the generosity of so many, the family said. For more People news, make sure to sign up for our newsletter! Read the original article on People. YNW Melly blew a kiss in court, prompting the alleged victims mother to speak out. During the third day of Mellys double murder trial, the Florida rapper could be seen closing his eyes and clasping his hands in prayer. YNW then utters something before opening his eyes and seemingly blowing a kiss toward people in the seating gallery. Leondra Phillips, mother of Christopher Phillips, one of the victims, described his actions as disrespectful. Phillips spoke with NBC Miami about the rappers kiss and detailed that it wasnt the first time he performed that action during the trial. He did it a couple times that wasnt his first time, Leondra told the outlet. I walked out because I dont what you praying for? You sitting there like you aint got no remorse. Like every time I walk in, you smiling. This aint the time for that. This is sad, this case is serious. Chris aunt, Ashley Phillips, also spoke to the outlet about her nephews friendship with Melly, ne Jamell Maurice Demons. She insisted that they trusted Demons, having watched him grow up in Florida around their family. This is somebody that we knew. Its somebody that we loved. Its somebody that we trusted. Like we watched [Demons] grow up, Ashley expressed. So, this is a sad case. This is tragic, so we just praying for justice. Christopher Phillips, also known as YNW Juvi, and Anthony Williams, known as YNW Sackchaser, were shot and killed in an SUV in October 2018. The Miami Herald reports Demons and alleged confidant Cortlen Henry, also known as YNW Bortlen, killed the pair in a drive-by cover-up after a night at the studio on Oct. 26, 2018. Wednesday (June 14) saw testimonies regarding ballistics. According to Local 10, Jorge Bello, a Broward Sheriffs Office firearms expert, asserted that a .40 caliber gun was used in the killing. Story continues However, since Florida detectives couldnt locate the gun, Bello couldnt accurately determine the .40s specific make and model. With no murder weapon in their possession, the prosecution team will have to use other evidence to get a conviction. YNW Mellys trial continues Thursday (June 15) morning. W In His Case? YNW Mellys Reaction When Lab Experts Admit They Dont Have The Gun Used Or Know What Gun. ???? pic.twitter.com/5aMGE4YMBJ Raphousetv (RHTV) (@raphousetv2) June 14, 2023 More from VIBE.com Click here to read the full article. The global number of children forcibly displaced from their homes reached a record 43.3 million by the end of 2022, fueled by conflicts such as the war in Ukraine, according to estimates released Wednesday by the United Nations International Children's Emergency Fund. That figure has doubled in the last decade, UNICEF said, despite efforts to integrate and protect displaced children. Of the 43.3 million children living in forced displacement by the end of last year, 25.8 million -- almost 60% -- were internally displaced by conflict and violence. Russia's ongoing war in Ukraine forced more than 2 million Ukrainian children to flee the country and displaced over 1 million children inside Ukraine, according to the estimates. MORE: Russia-Ukraine war live updates PHOTO: Children sit on a bench as they watch others play on a football dirt pitch at the Madrasa al-Gharbiya camp for those displaced by conflict in Wad Madani, the capital of Sudan's al-Jazirah state, on May 29, 2023. (AFP via Getty Images) Moreover, extreme weather events around the world, including the catastrophic drought in the Horn of Africa and the unprecedented floods in Pakistan, led to another 12 million displacements of children over the course of 2022. The worldwide number of refugee and asylum-seeking children also hit a new high of 17.5 million by the end of last year, according to UNICEF estimates. "For more than a decade, the number of children forced to flee their homes has risen at an alarming rate, and our global capacity to respond remains under serious strain," UNICEF Executive Director Catherine Russell said in a statement Wednesday. "The increase is in step with the consistent onslaught of conflict, crises and climate disasters around the world. But it also highlights many governments' underwhelming response to ensure every refugee and internally displaced child can keep learning, stay healthy and develop to their full potential." MORE: What is happening in Sudan? PHOTO: Spivak Nastya, a 13-year-old Ukrainian refugee from the war-torn Donetsk region, reacts as she talks with journalists next to a tank at an open air exhibition of destroyed Russian armored equipment in the center of Kyiv, Ukraine, on May 9, 2023. (Sergei Chuzavkov/AFP via Getty Images) Most of these children will spend their entire childhoods in displacement, according to UNICEF. Refugee and internally displaced children are among the most vulnerable, with many denied access to education and health care. Story continues The estimates came as the U.N. High Commissioner for Refugees announced Wednesday that the global number of people living in forced displacement has climbed to a record 110 million, spurred by Sudan's eight-week-old conflict. "Greater political will is required to address the drivers of displacement and provide long-term solutions for children on the move," Russell added. "A record number of refugee, migrant and displaced children -- a global population that rivals that of Algeria, Argentina or even Spain -- demands a commensurate response." Global number of displaced children reaches new high amid Ukraine war originally appeared on abcnews.go.com Jack Teixeira, the member of the Massachusetts Air National Guard accused of leaking classified documents online, has been indicted by a federal grand jury. He is facing six counts of willful retention and transmission of classified information relation to the national defense, according to the Justice Department. Teixeira, 21, is accused of abusing his security clearance to take classified documents and post them on social media sites, according to the Department of Justice. Teixeira revealed the kinds of military hardware the U.S. was prepared to deliver to Ukraine to assist in its defense of Russias invasion and put the supply line in potential jeopardy, the indictment said. MORE: Jack Teixeira: What we know about document leak suspect "The unauthorized removal, retention and transmission of classified information jeopardizes our nation's security. Individuals granted access to classified materials have a fundamental duty to safeguard the information for the safety of the United States, our active service members, its citizens and its allies," acting United States Attorney Joshua S. Levy said in a statement. "We are committed to ensuring that those entrusted with sensitive national security information adhere to the law." Each of the charges calls for up to 10 years in prison, if convicted. An arraignment date was not immediately set. PHOTO: This photo illustration created on April 13, 2023, shows national guardsman Jack Teixeira, reflected in an image of the Pentagon in Washington, D.C. (Stefani Reynolds/AFP via Getty Images, FILE) Michael Bachrach, an attorney for Teixeira, declined ABC News' request to comment on the indictment. A spokeswoman for the Teixeira family also declined to comment. The six-count indictment revealed the kind of classified information Teixeria allegedly accessed and posted to an online gaming platform, including "information regarding the provision of equipment to Ukraine, how the equipment would be transferred, and how the equipment would be used upon receipt." There was also, a government document discussing a plot by a foreign adversary to target United States forces abroad," according to the indictment. Story continues Teixeira enlisted in the Air National Guard on Sept. 26, 2019, according to his service record, and had Top Secret security clearance since 2021, according to the DOJ. He began posting classified documents online in January 2022, according to the Justice Department. In April, the FBI interviewed a member of a social media chat room where Teixeira allegedly posted classified documents. The member reportedly told the FBI that the person began posting "what appeared to be classified information" around December and described the poster as someone named Jack who appeared to live in Massachusetts and "claimed that he was in the United States Air National Guard," the original criminal complaint stated. MORE: Pentagon leak suspect Jack Teixeira ordered detained ahead of trial "As laid out in the indictment, Jack Teixeira was entrusted by the United States government with access to classified national defense information -- including information that reasonably could be expected to cause exceptionally grave damage to national security if shared," Attorney General Merrick Garland said in a statement. "Teixeira is charged with sharing information with users on a social media platform he knew were not entitled to receive it. In doing so, he is alleged to have violated U.S. law and endangered our national security." Last month, Teixeira was ordered to remain in custody during a hearing that saw prosecutors allege he was a flight risk, even comparing him to notorious leaker Edward Snowden. "I am going to grant the government's motion for detention on each ground," Judge David Hennessy told the court. "What the record at this point shows is a profound breach." The defense had argued Teixeira has cooperated with the investigation, did not intend for the classified information to be widely disseminated and was willing to stay with his parents, who promised to turn him in if he violated bail conditions. ABC News' Miles Cohen contributed to this report. Jack Teixeira, alleged classified documents leaker, indicted by federal grand jury originally appeared on abcnews.go.com LOS ANGELES Texas Gov. Gregg Abbott announced Wednesday that he sent a first group of migrants to downtown Los Angeles, the latest incident involving a GOP governor transporting asylum-seekers to a state led by Democrats. Forty-two people, including children, were dropped off at Los Angeles Union Station around 4 p.m. and cared for by city agencies and charitable organizations, Los Angeles City Councilmember Kevin de Leons office said, The Associated Press reported. Their country of origin wasnt immediately known. Abbott said the migrants were bused to Los Angeles Wednesday because California had declared itself a "sanctuary" for immigrants, extending protections to people living in the country illegally and allowing them to apply for some state benefits. "Texas' small border towns remain overwhelmed and overrun by the thousands of people illegally crossing into Texas from Mexico because of President Biden's refusal to secure the border," Abbott said in a statement. "Our border communities are on the frontlines of President Bidens border crisis, and Texas will continue providing this much-needed relief until he steps up to do his job and secure the border." Last year, Abbott announced he would send buses with migrants from the U.S.-Mexico border in Texas to major cities such as Washington, New York, and Chicago. Some other GOP governors, such as Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis and Arizona Gov. Doug Ducey also sent some buses from the border to other cities. POLITICAL THEATER VS. DAILY SURVIVAL: Inside the dire situation facing migrants bused across US Los Angeles mayor: 'This did not catch us off guard' Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass, who called the move a "despicable stunt," said in a statement that city departments and advocacy groups were mobilized to accept migrants from Texas. "This did not catch us off guard, nor will it intimidate us," Bass added. "Los Angeles is not a city motivated by hate or fear and we absolutely will not be swayed or moved by petty politicians playing with human lives. We are a city that seeks to treat all people with dignity and compassion." Story continues Members of the media stand outside St. Anthony's Croatian Catholic Church in Chinatown, Los Angeles, on Jun 15 2023. Migrants from various South American countries were housed in the church before being brought to homes in other parts of California. The migrants were receiving help at St. Anthonys Croatian Catholic Church near downtown Los Angeles. The Los Angeles Fire Department said shortly after 5 p.m. that it received a "medical need" request for a number of people at the church. Those peoples medical condition was not immediately known. Latest incident involving the relocation of migrants Earlier this month, California authorities threatend legal action against DeSantis after accusing his administration of flying 16 migrants by private plane from New Mexico to Sacramento, California. DeSantis' administration later said the transported individuals voluntarily agreed to be relocated to the state. "This is Gov. DeSantis' state of Florida, this is his cruel, inhumane political stunt," California Attorney General Rob Bonta said in an interview with the ABC News station in Sacramento. "Manipulating human beings, people, for whatever cheap political points he wants to get in his run for presidency." Last fall, Florida flew dozens of migrants to the upscale Massachusetts island of Marthas Vineyard. Months later, three buses of recent migrant families arrived from Texas near the home of Vice President Kamala Harris in record-setting cold on Christmas Eve. Contributing: Rebecca Morin, USA TODAY; Zac Anderson, Sarasota Herald-Tribune; The Associated Press This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Texas Gov. Greg Abbott bused first group of migrants to Los Angeles This article originally appeared on Yoga Journal This article references racial discrimination and violence. If you teach yoga, it's highly likely that you will fart in front of a class, experience a wardrobe malfunction, and get kicked in the head while helping a student come into Handstand--hopefully not all on the same day. But not all gaffes lead to laughs. Sometimes embarrassing moments can also unintentionally offend or confuse students or become extraordinarily awkward and uncomfortable for everyone. Some situations are obvious in the way that they disrespect or upset someone. In those instances, you can only apologize and try to repair--or at least own--the damage incurred. Other times, your actions might offend someone in ways that may never make sense to you. All you can do is trust that your intentions were good, own your role in the situation, and let that inform your future behavior. When you keep the intention of practicing ahimsa, or non-harming, at the forefront of your teaching, you can let go of needing to understand a student's perspective in order to respect it. Just as the physical practice of yoga teaches us to confront discomfort, it also familiarizes us with facing unwanted or challenging circumstances in life. Similar to how we become physically stronger as we continue to practice difficult poses, we tend to learn the most about how to handle our interactions with others by getting to the other side of humbling incidents. Following are some unexpected, and often offensive, situations that teachers have encountered and how they handled them. 10 Ways Yoga Teachers (Unintentionally) Offend Students 1. Joking at Someone Else's Expense "I've had lots of small screwups as a teacher," says Rachel Land, a New Zealand-based yoga teacher and co-host of The Yoga Medicine podcast who describes herself as "a playful and flippant kind of teacher." So it wasn't surprising when she mentioned, during a joint mobility class, that students would appreciate the benefits when "they were crusty and old." Story continues But as she met the gaze of one of her longtime students, who was (obviously) the oldest person in the room, she added, "No offense, Sam" [not his real name). The second the words came out of her mouth, Land says, "I was horrified at what I said." What You Can Do in a Similar Situation: "I apologized and he seemed fine," she says. "But I still use that shame to remind myself that I can be playful and humorous when I teach, but only at my own expense, never at that of my students. It was a valuable lesson." Always apologize to the student after class. Keep it sincere, avoid excuses, and be concise so you don't force the person you unintentionally offended to wait uncomfortably as you grovel. And keep it about them, not you. Also, consider offering an immediate apology as soon as the incident happens. It may feel doubly awkward to draw attention to the incident with a public acknowledgment, but this allows your gaffe to be a lesson in accountability and forgiveness. You can bring some slight humor to the situation, but only if it feels appropriate. 2. Getting a Student's Name Wrong There was a time when I had a regular student, "Kimberly," who I sometimes asked to demonstrate poses during class. I always requested that the rest of class thank her by name. One day after the class called out "Thank you, Kimberly" for the nth time, she whispered to me, "My name is actually Danielle." What You Can Do in a Similar Situation: After I quietly and profusely apologized to Danielle, I took a few slow breaths, turned to face the entire class, and corrected myself aloud. As embarrassing as the experience was for me, I wanted Danielle to feel fully seen. I also wanted my students to know that I, too, am human. As teachers, we encounter dozens of students each week. It's human to forget a name. But since that experience, I ask students their names over and over when I forget. I also make sure that I learn the correct pronunciation. I consider it an act of respect for my students. 3. Making Yoga Inaccessible Michelle El Khoury, PhD, is a health and wellness educator and runs Yogamazia, a family-friendly yoga studio. Although she's well-versed in teaching students of all ages and abilities, her talent for making yoga accessible to an array of students is informed by an incident that took place years ago. While teaching yoga for a children's after-school program, El Khoury cued the group to stand and jump around. After leading them through some basic postures and movements, the class sat down. That's when El Khoury realized there was a student in a wheelchair at the back of the room. That moment impressed upon her the importance of observing who is in your class and offering variations so everyone in the room can participate in their unique way. What You Can Do in a Similar Situation: "Know your audience," says El Khoury. She suggests you carefully observe students as they move through the initial warm-ups so you can start to familiarize yourself with their needs. If you're planning to teach a pose, make certain that you know how to teach several practical variations for it. You can also memorize a couple of go-to sequences of basic poses that are beginner-friendly for those times when you need to unexpectedly change what you had intended to teach. (Photo: Thomas Barwick | Getty Images) 4. Trust Fall Fail "A good friend of mine came to class once," says Milan Sundaresan, a yoga teacher in San Francisco. "At one point he practiced a Handstand hop while I was talking to a student next to him. I saw him from the corner of my eye and gave him some feedback. I turned around and started to walk away, thinking he was just going to practice a short hop again." That's when Sundaresan heard a massive thump behind her. "I turned around and realized with horror that my friend had hopped fully into a Handstand expecting me to spot him! Since I had not been in front of him, he landed on his back, flat as a pancake, rather than into a wheel or to the side." Fortunately, he was uninjured. Although he still teases her about the trust issues he developed from the incident. What You Can Do in a Similar Situation: Things could have gone very differently if it was someone she didn't know who had expected her to anticipate their movement and correct their alignment. Sundaresan is now exceptionally mindful when students are trying to come into any challenging pose in her presence. If youre assisting a student in a challenge pose, ask students to initiate movement on your count, just to be safe. That includes Handstand as well as Forearm Stand, Scorpion, and Headstand. 5. Creating a (False) Emergency You never want the police to show up during your yoga class. But it can be especially confusing when the police are called for a false emergency. Tamika Caston-Miller, owner of The Ranch Houston, was demonstrating Natarajasana (Lord of the Dance Pose) for her students one night during a hot yoga studio when she fell out of the pose. It's not unusual for a teacher to wobble or abruptly slip out of a pose, but her Apple Watch was in "fall mode" and sent out an alert that she was having an emergency. It pinged her friends and family contacts as well as local emergency services. And because her phone was connected to the studio's sound system, it began to ring over the speakers. Suddenly the police were asking if she was okay in front of her entire class. What You Can Do in a Similar Situation: This type of incident can make for a good story later, but it's jarring in the moment Take whatever time is needed or available to honor the nervous system upset that might occur from any emergency, real or otherwise. Luckily, Caston-Miller is a reputable Yin and restorative yoga teacher, so she had an arsenal of calming poses she could do afterward to help calm her--and her students'--nervous systems. It may also be wise to avoid wearing an Apple watch when you teach or, at the very least, check your emergency settings. 6. Being a No-Show One of my biggest anxieties is disappointing people. So you can imagine how panicked I was the times when I forgot to show up to teach. The first time this happened, I had signed up to substitute teach some classes but had misread the dates that were included in an email. The second time I forgot to line up a sub for my usual class when I was out of town leading a retreat. Getting the text or call from your manager or studio owner asking where you are can be a gut-wrenching experience for you--and annoying for students who made space in their day to attend your class. What You Can Do in a Similar Situation: All you can do is apologize and do whatever it takes to prevent the same situation from happening again. When someone asks you to sub a class, write out the date in your response and ask them to confirm it. When you arrange for others to sub your classes, list the dates and times of each class in your email and copy the manager or front desk at the studio. 7. Falling Out Over Finances Pranidhi Varshney, founder of Yoga Shala West in Los Angeles, operates her studio on a sliding scale payment model to make the practice more accessible. Some students pay a modest amount while others offer more. "I had one student who was with me for many years. She was a dedicated student and contributed diligently every month," says Varshney. "We were doing annual weekend retreats, run on a sliding scale as well, and this student came to the first one and gave generously. For the next two retreats, she said she was going to attend, but then backed out at the last minute." Due to the late cancellation, Varshney was left to cover the cost of the client's room and board. Because the student didn't contribute anything, Varshney felt it necessary to speak with the student. "I sent her an email letting her know about my disappointment and frustration. It took her aback," says Varsney. "I give a lot of credit to her because she then arranged a time to have a phone call with me and expressed her feelings about the situation." "From her perspective, she had given generously to the shala for years, and from my perspective, I was feeling the fear of scarcity," says Varshney. "We had an honest and loving conversation. She then continued to contribute to the shala all throughout the pandemic, even though we were closed. We are still in touch and remain big supporters of each other." What You Can Do in a Similar Situation: Money conversations can be incredibly uncomfortable and tend to become problematic in the yoga space when teachers publicly disclose which students benefit from a scholarship or discounted rate or ask questions about a person's financial situation. However, Varshney's situation reminds us that we all approach financial situations differently and to ask for clarity prior to making an assumption. It can be challenging for many teachers to ask for compensation because they're offering something that's needed. Continue having the tough conversations when necessary and setting the appropriate boundaries around cancellation policies. It can help to first pause and become curious about your perspective and any stories or fears that may lurk behind your reaction. (Photo: Thomas Barwick | Getty Images) 8. Underestimating Your Student Andrea Marcum's classes are known for being physically challenging. So when a student with muscular dystrophy showed up at her Los Angeles studio years ago, Marcum was nervous that her teaching might not be accessible. She immediately brought two blocks and a bolster to the student's mat and "hovered conspicuously" throughout most of class. Toward the end of the hour, the student asked Marcum to spot her in Headstand. Marcum was nervous but quickly saw how well she knew her strengths and how competent she was at working around those aspects of the pose that challenged her. "She was so savvy about what she needed and what she didn't need," said Marcum. "She said, 'This arm won't straighten' and 'Stand here.' Her level of honesty and self-awareness were incredible." That day helped Marcum realize that we often jump to conclusions about our students. "But we can actually learn way more from our students than our students will ever learn from us," she says. What You Can Do in a Similar Situation: As humans, we tend to make unconscious assumptions about people based on those characteristics that are apparent to us, including body type and age. Unconscious negative assumptions about a person--what psychologists call implicit bias--can be reinforced by media portrayals. The student didn't need to say anything to Marcum about the well-intended but unneeded attentiveness. But we can all probably recall a time when someone underestimated us. It doesn't feel good. The more aware we are of our interactions with others, the more aware we can become of our biases--and then work to change them. For yoga teachers, this includes resisting the urge to hover or offer adjustments in each pose. Allow your students to have their practice. 9. Playing Offensive Lyrics I once included the Nina Simone song "Strange Fruit" in class. I had attended a dance performance that featured it the night before, and its haunting melody had stuck with me. But a few bars into the song, a student took me aside and asked if I knew that it was about the lynching of Black Americans. I had no idea and was mortified and ashamed. What You Can Do in a Similar Situation: All I could do was apologize, own my ignorance, and immediately switch to a different song. I will never play that track during class again. Since that experience, I research the lyrics and meanings of each song I include on my playlists. Also, given that we tend to be distracted by lyrics and the memories we associate with them, I limit the number of songs with words that I play--especially music that contains suggestive or offensive lyrics. You can search online for resources offering yoga-appropriate music, including DJ Taz Rashids music library. 10. Navigating Suggestive Comments Social media is an essential marketing tool for many yoga teachers. It can also be a source of unintended intimacy and unwanted access. Several years ago, yoga teacher Derek Doritis, who teaches along the Mediterranean, posted a photo to promote an upcoming retreat. "One of my students replied in a private message, saying something like, You look sexy in this photo.'"Understandably, Doritis immediate response was to respond that he preferred to keep their relationship platonic and professional. In response, the student became defensive and insisted it was just a compliment, unfollowed him, and didnt speak to him for more than a year. What You Can Do in a Similar Situation: Doritis was correct in setting boundaries. But in retrospect, he feels that he could have handled how he conveyed that information differently. The "we're not friends, I am your teacher" talk doesn't always go over well, says Doritis "But these are also conversations that are best handled in person, if you are able, so you can take care to keep the student coming back. Of course, if things become lecherous and you are uncomfortable, you have every right to ask them to stop coming or stop working with them." RELATED: 18 Most Embarrassing Moments That Can Happen to Yoga Teachers About Our Contributor Sarah Ezrin is an author, world-renowned yoga educator, popular Instagram influencer, and mama based in the San Francisco Bay Area. Her willingness to be unabashedly honest and vulnerable along with her innate wisdom make her writing, yoga classes, and social media great sources of healing and inner peace for many people. Sarah is changing the world, teaching self-love one person at a time. She is also the author of The Yoga of Parenting. You can follow her on Instagram at @sarahezrinyoga and TikTok at @sarahezrin. 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. When you buy a stock there is always a possibility that it could drop 100%. But on the bright side, if you buy shares in a high quality company at the right price, you can gain well over 100%. One great example is IMCD N.V. (AMS:IMCD) which saw its share price drive 142% higher over five years. It's down 5.7% in the last seven days. In light of the stock dropping 5.7% in the past week, we want to investigate the longer term story, and see if fundamentals have been the driver of the company's positive five-year return. View our latest analysis for IMCD 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. 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). Over half a decade, IMCD managed to grow its earnings per share at 30% a year. The EPS growth is more impressive than the yearly share price gain of 19% over the same period. So it seems the market isn't so enthusiastic about the stock these days. The company's earnings per share (over time) is 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. It might be well worthwhile taking a look at our free report on IMCD's earnings, revenue and cash flow. What About Dividends? It is important to consider the total shareholder return, as well as the share price return, for any given stock. The TSR incorporates the value of any spin-offs or discounted capital raisings, along with any dividends, based on the assumption that the dividends are reinvested. Arguably, the TSR gives a more comprehensive picture of the return generated by a stock. As it happens, IMCD's TSR for the last 5 years was 156%, which exceeds the share price return mentioned earlier. This is largely a result of its dividend payments! A Different Perspective IMCD shareholders gained a total return of 3.8% during the year. But that was short of the market average. It's probably a good sign that the company has an even better long term track record, having provided shareholders with an annual TSR of 21% over five years. Maybe the share price is just taking a breather while the business executes on its growth strategy. It's always interesting to track share price performance over the longer term. But to understand IMCD better, we need to consider many other factors. Take risks, for example - IMCD has 1 warning sign we think you should be aware of. 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. Please note, the market returns quoted in this article reflect the market weighted average returns of stocks that currently trade on Dutch 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 Airbnb customer shares anger after being charged for dog hair despite staying in pet-friendly home An Airbnb customer was left furious after being charged for leaving pet hair at a home rental, despite the listing for the property labelling it as pet friendly. The angry guest, called Maddie, claimed the cottage stated that it allowed pets on the listing, and even checked her German Shepherd, Judge, in on the booking. However, Maddie, who initially enjoyed her stay, took to social media to express her anger after the host demanded she pay an additional cleaning fee for leaving behind pet hair. After challenging the host, Maddie was furious to discover the house was not pet-friendly after all. The picturesque, three-bedroom property is listed as Travel Haus: Stunning Cottage in German Village and is based in Columbus, Ohio. The cottage currently has a 4.96 out of five star rating on Airbnb. I hate Airbnb. I checked out and received a message from the host saying they have to charge me an additional cleaning fee because pets arent allowed, Maddie said on Twitter. Your listing literally says pets allowed. I even included my dog on the booking. The disgruntled guest then proceeded to share her conversation with the host, whod messaged Maddie to say: Maddie, my cleaner is at the house and has informed me that you had a pet with you. This house is not a pet-friendly home and will now require additional cleaning due to the amount of pet hair that was left behind before the next guest. I need to charge you an additional cleaning. (Jam Press) (Jam Press) (Jam Press) However, the charge was ultimately waived after Maddie pointed out that the listing for the home had described it as pet-friendly. The listing was updated to state that it was not pet friendly after the host suggested the pet-friendly label had been wrongly placed on the listing. The heated encounter has left many divided - with some backing Maddie, while others sided with the Airbnb host. I mean she ultimately didnt charge you and now youre doxxing her business and left a really excessive amount of hair on her property, one person wrote, while another said: She clearly shouldnt be charging you. Some of these people do not know how to run a business and sometimes you have to eat certain fees if you want to get those longer bookings. Story continues That being said, you didnt feel an urge to sweep up after the dog? Thats a lot of hair. According to someone else, Maddie should have definitely said no to paying the fee. Also, when you book with a pet included you dont see it but the rate is higher than it would be without a pet! Thats already built in! they wrote. In a statement, an Airbnb spokesperson said: Our Community Support team had already assisted our host and guest to resolve this. We understand this issue was due to a misunderstanding by the host, and they have since apologised to the guest who will not be charged for this. As of now, the property has been changed to no pets. Several U.S. hubs are going to see an uptick in flights from the carrier. Alessandra Amodio/Travel + Leisure American Airlines is launching new flights this winter to some of the most popular vacation destinations. The airline announced it would increase seat capacity from the U.S. to the Caribbean and Latin America, with 10 percent more seats than in winter 2022. The carrier's hub airport in Charlotte, North Carolina (CLT) will have nonstop daily flights to Belize City, Belize (BZE); Curacao (CUR); Liberia, Costa Rica (LIR); Los Cabos, Mexico (SJD); Puerto Plata, Dominican Republic (POP); and St. Croix, U.S. Virgin Islands (STX). CLT will also have five daily flights to and from Cancun, Mexico (CUN), and four flights a day servicing Montego Bay, Jamaica (MBJ), Puerto Plata (POP), and Punta Cana (PUJ) in the Dominican Republic. Alessandra Amodio/Travel + Leisure For travelers looking to visit Mexico, American Airlines will have more than 50 daily departures from its Dallas-Fort Worth hub (DFW) to popular destinations like Acapulco (ACA), Puerto Vallarta (PVR), and Los Cabos (SJD). The carrier also announced brand-new flight routes departing from Nashville and Cincinnati to Cancun, Mexico. The service will operate every Saturday starting on Dec. 9. Miami International Airport (MIA), another key hub for American Airlines, will increase flights (twice a day) to Port of Spain, Trinidad and Tobago (POS); Santiago, Dominican Republic (STI); and Tortola, British Virgin Islands (EIS). The Caribbean islands have been popular post-pandemic destinations, and the region has experienced "dramatic tourism growth," according to recent local media reports in Caribbean Journal. We are proud to strengthen our lead as the largest U.S. airline in the region, with more flights and seats to more destinations than any other single carrier or partnership, Jose A. Freig, American Airlines vice president of operations and commercial for the region, said in a statement obtained by Travel + Leisure. For more Travel & Leisure news, make sure to sign up for our newsletter! Read the original article on Travel & Leisure. imaginima - Getty Images When I agreed to have an artificial intelligence-powered app determine the age of my skin based on a scan of my face, I wasnt sure what to expect. While Im religious about sunscreen and have dabbled with injectables , I also have acne-prone skin thats led to a bunch of dark spotsand, also, Im tired. A few moments after my photo was taken with an iPad, the Perfect Corp AI Skin Analysis app informed me that my skin age is 35 years old. (My actual age is 33.) Rude. But thats the risk of this kind of information, says Eunice Park, M.D. , a double board-certified facial plastic surgeon in Syosset, New York, who invited me into her office to try the tech. It can be a little bit hard for patients to digest, she says. Ive had situations where it shows the patient is much older because they have, let's say, a lot of sun damage. Meet the Experts: Eunice Park, M.D. , is a double board-certified facial plastic surgeon based in Syosset, NY. Gabriella Baki, Ph.D. , is a professor and the director of the BSPS Cosmetic Science and Formulation Design Program at the University of Toledo in Ohio. Steven Feldman, MD , is a professor of dermatology at Wake Forest University School of Medicine Dr. Park now uses this app in all of her consultations, where it helps create the foundation for her treatment plans and can also help quantify progress. For example, if someones score for, say, sun spots improves after a laser treatment, it may lead to better patient satisfaction. It's just a nice, general number that helps to give people information on the current state of their skin health, she says. It allows us to be able to quantify certain conditions, give [them] a number, and then be able to say, Hey, these are your options. In addition to sun damage, the app grades skin on 13 other parameters including wrinkles and fine lines, Dr. Park says, so shes able to recommend injectables to smooth them out. It also takes into account things like pores, dark spots, and acne, which I assumed would be pain points in my evaluation. Story continues What surprised me, though, was just how pronounced my under-eye bags were in the wrinkles measurement (image below), which helpfully highlighted them in green (Im eight months pregnant, by way of explanation). I can see how its disheartening to invest so much time into your skincare routine only for AI to tell you that you lookfine. Deanna Pai Artificial intelligence in beauty isn't new. This AI app, powered by Taiwanese tech company Perfect Corp, is just one of a million ways AI is seeping into our everyday lives. If the headlines have it right, AI is coming for our jobs, our music, and even our glute-training plans for better or for worse. And while it may be new on some fronts, its actually not a groundbreaking development for the beauty industry, which has been something of a guinea pig for AI technology in recent years. On a consumer level, you can already find AI when we interact with digital sales associates and bots on websites, for product try-ons, and for detecting skin concerns to create customized regimens for consumers, says Gabriella Baki, Ph.D. , a professor and the director of the BSPS Cosmetic Science and Formulation Design Program at the University of Toledo in Ohio. She points to the Olay Skin Advisor and La Roche-Posays MyRoutine AI as two examples of private companies already putting this tech to use to draw new customers. But AI's use in dermatology is a recent development. Its use in a medical practice is newerbut has momentum behind it. Case in point? A recent study funded by Perfect Corpfrom Wake Forest University found the app to be a convenient, practical, accessible method to analyze patients skin . Steven Feldman, MD , the professor of dermatology at Wake Forest University School of Medicine who helmed the research, found that it scored similarly to his own expert assessment. He also says that the app provides similar results as more expensive, bulky devices dermatologists can use to measure skin health. That wasnt a surprise to him. The cameras can see better than I can...They can see wavelengths that the human eye can't detect, he says. The accuracy of the artificial intelligence devices should at some point exceed that of a dermatologistand may be more unbiased in how they look at things. And that objectivity is one of the key benefits of this technology. I don't think that we are the best judge of ourselves when it comes to certain parameters, says Dr. Park. I usually give the example of an eyewitness. Even in a court of law, what people remember even at the scene of a situation is just not accurate. In the case of your face, you might not think that a syringe of filler did all that much for your under-eye bags, but the app can actually show you an improvement with a diagram on the screen, like one of those Spot the Difference photo puzzles. There's still work to be done, though. Of course, as with any new technology, there are kinks. A big one specific to the use of AI in skincare and dermatology is inclusivity, as reports have noted. However, its improving, especially as more and more people use AI tools and, in doing so, share their data. AI is a powerful tool, but it needs a lot of data to work accurately and provide reliable predictionsand when I say a lot, I mean hundreds of thousands to millions of fragments of information coming from hundreds of thousands of consumers, says Dr. Baki. The more data an AI tool receives, the better the learning is and the more reliable the predictions are. But therein is a major caveat. AI is continuously being improved during use as consumer information is being received this is where consumer privacy and potential privacy concerns come into the picture, she says. That big push for data? It only comes when consumers allow their data to be used. And many people do, since it tends to be built into the terms and conditions when you agree to use a given program or app. Not only that, but when youre working with this type of information, it helps immensely to have an expert offer context and guidance to the results. With that in mind, says Dr. Park, an in-person evaluation is always the best way to determine what the next best treatments are for you. So, AI is not supposed to replace an appointment with your doc, but to give you a good visual as it unfolds. Plus, the app is only available to professionals at this point, so its not like you can take it for a spin in your bathroom mirror. The Bottom Line By the time I left my appointment with Dr. Parkafter which a facial treatment left my skin more radiant and possibly worthy of a sub-30-years-old skin ageI was still mulling over the power of the AI Skin Analysis app. Was it mildly unpleasant to see my various lines and wrinkles and dark spots and large pores highlighted on a screen? Yes. But will it make me just a little more conscious about how often I reapply sunscreen during the day? Also yes. Looking at it that way, its hard to deny its appeal for both providers and patients alike. You Might Also Like I cant complain about a single thing, says Travis Bennett over the phone from New York. Hes just returned to the city after a short trip to Berlin, but any jet lag that mightve caught him doesnt show: hed traveled to Germany for the Saint Laurent mens show, and hes still riding the high. It was insane. I mean, always, every time I do a Saint Laurent show its always crazy. They always put them in places that I think are just so grand, and so huge, so beyond, he says. I hadnt been to a mens show yet, Ive only been to a womens one. This one to me was really nice. The music was my favorite. Also, when I went to a womens one, there were some things that I saw that I would wear, but this one, theres so much more that I wanted to wear. More from WWD Bennett has already had a busy year: in addition to his role in the series Dave, he appeared in Netflixs You People, costarring Jonah Hill, Eddie Murphy and Julia Louis-Dreyfus; the Jon Hamm movie Confess, Fletch and the movie History of the World Part II. Its been a big push into acting for Bennett, who was previously best known as a member of Odd Future. For his press appearances, hes worn a full look by The Row to his spot on Jimmy Kimmel and turned up at the Jacquemus show. His first Saint Laurent mens show meant another big fashion moment, which caused a bit of a scramble for his stylist Jason Bolden. One of my looks got stuck in customs, so they pulled something off the runway and gave it to me. Luckily, I can fit those things, because Im a slender man, Bennett says. I had these leather pants on, that I love so much, theyre a wider cut. And this silk top onit was an expensive version of a normal outfit. Just turned the notch up on it. So I looked great, Ill tell you that much. Story continues He names Dennis Rodman as his style icon and says day to day, he favors vintage T-shirts and cool pants. Im a big vintage kid, so I collect a lot of that stuff. Ahead, hes planning to take in one fashion show during the mens week in Paris but otherwise is hoping to be vacationing in Europe this summer. I have to go to a wedding in Lake Como, which Im really excited about, to bounce around Europe a little bit. So a lot of traveling. I feel like for the last few months Ive been stuck in L.A., so Im trying to get out a little bit more, he says. I feel like Ive been stuck in America. We have good st here, but I want to go see what Europe has right now. Travis Bennett attends the Saint Laurent mens show in Berlin. Travis Bennett attends the Saint Laurent mens show in Berlin. Travis Bennett attends the Saint Laurent mens show in Berlin. Travis Bennett attends the Saint Laurent mens show in Berlin. Travis Bennett attends the Saint Laurent mens show in Berlin. Travis Bennett attends the Saint Laurent mens show in Berlin. Best of WWD Click here to read the full article. A police inspector tries to order neo-Nazis to leave the area during a heated political rally against racism, as far-right neo-Nazi groups held a demonstration at state parliament, leading to clashes and scuffles on May 13 in Melbourne, Australia. A police inspector tries to order neo-Nazis to leave the area during a heated political rally against racism, as far-right neo-Nazi groups held a demonstration at state parliament, leading to clashes and scuffles on May 13 in Melbourne. Credit - Michael CurrieSpeed Media/Shutterstock In March, a group of emboldened neo-Nazis in Melbourne began making a number of public appearances in a bid to recruit more members across Australiafirst, at an anti-immigration rally, then, at an anti-transgender rights onewhere they wore all black and proudly performed Nazi salutes. It was the latest example of far-right groups on the rise after Australias security chief issued a warning in February that neo-Nazis have emerged as one of the most challenging national security threats over the past year. Now, the Australian government is trying to tackle the problem by placing a ban on swastikas and other Nazi symbols. There is no place in Australia for symbols that glorify the horrors of the Holocaust, Australian Attorney General Mark Dreyfus said on June 8. The new bill was introduced in Parliament this week and seeks to ban the trade and public display of the swastika or Schutzstaffel (SS) symbols on flags, armbands, T-shirts, and insignia, as well as the online publication of symbols promoting Nazi ideology. Extremist insignia are an effective propaganda tool because they are easy to remember and understand, Dreyfus told lawmakers in Canberra on Wednesday. The [Prime Minister Anthony] Albanese Government is taking a significant step towards sending a message that Australia is united against displays of hate. Below, what to know about the rise of far-right extremism in Australia, and the governments attempts to curb it. Are neo-Nazis on the rise in Australia? In February, Mike Burgess, the head of the Australian Security Intelligence, delivered an annual national threat assessment where he said that small cells of right-wing extremists were contributing to foreign espionage and interference activities more than ever before. Story continues Last year, a team of independent researchers analyzed 673 incidents of antisemitism across Australia from 2013 to 2017 and found a significant increase following the establishment of one hate group. In a 2020 report, the Executive Council of Australian Jewry found that from 2019 to 2020, there was a marked increase in the number of serious incidents in Australia, including physical assaults and verbal abuse. Police hold back anti-fascist counter protesters during a neo-Nazi anti-immigration rally outside state parliament in Melbourne on May 13. Diego FedeleEPA-EFE/Shutterstock Meanwhile, research by Tackling Hate, an Australian initiative, found that one in four Australians had experienced discrimination motivated by their race and ethnicity, gender, disability, or religion in the last 12 months. Experts tell TIME that the recent resurgence of far-right activism in Australia can be traced back to 2015 and coincides with the presidential campaign of Donald Trump, who campaigned on a platform that emboldened white nationalists. According to Josh Roose, a political sociologist who studies extremism at Deakin University in Melbourne, Australian far-right groups have drawn inspiration from similar ideologies that gained momentum in the U.S. during this time. Weve had a number of local groups model themselves on the Proud Boys, for example, Roose says. Read More: The Billionaire and the Bigots In 2020, during the COVID-19 pandemic, two far-right groups called the Lads Society and the Antipodean Resistance reportedly combined to form the National Socialist Network (NSN) and established its base in the state of Victoria. NSN tapped into public anger over pandemic restrictionsAustralia enacted some of the worlds strictest measuresas many Australians took to the streets to participate in anti-lockdown protests. In Melbourne, which underwent six consecutive lockdowns, neo-Nazis appeared at the protests to spread their message and recruit new members. Today, the core group of far-right activists appears small in public but has a robust online presence. Its a perfect storm of factors that have led to these groups gaining a little bit of prominence, Roose says. What you dont want is extremist fringe movements becoming a mainstream movement. What does the new bill entail? Two Neo-Nazis walk away after being ordered to leave by police during an anti-immigration rally at state parliament in Melbourne on May 13. Michael CurrieSpeed Media/Shutterstock The Counter-Terrorism Legislation Amendment (Prohibited Hate Symbols and Other Measures) Bill would ban the display and trade of the swastika, the most recognizable symbol of the Nazis, as well as the insignia of the SS, the Nazi partys paramilitary wing. (It also bans display of the flag or symbols resembling the flag of the terrorist organization known as the Islamic State, or ISIS.) Offenders face a maximum penalty of up to 12 months in prison. The legislation does not cover the Nazi salute, which local police already have the power to crack down on. State governments have got more responsibility for what you might call street offenses the salute weve left for the states, Dreyfus said during the June 8 announcement, a reference to bans enacted by Victoria and Queensland earlier this year. The proposed ban also makes exceptions for the legitimate display of the swastikaan ancient Sanskrit symbol facing the opposite direction in Hinduism, Buddhism, and Jainism that was hijacked by the Nazisfrom religious, artistic, literary, scientific, journalistic, and academic contexts. Public display for the purposes of education is permitted so the horrors of the Second World War are not forgotten and can continue to be taught as a lesson for future generations, Dreyfus said on June 14. While most Australian states have already instituted separate bans on Nazi symbols, the new bill goes further by targeting any sales of clothing, items, or memorabilia. Attorney-general Dreyfus added that it would bolster state efforts by ensuring there were no loopholes left to exploit. Theres no place in Australia for spreading of hatred and violence, he said last week. Will the ban be effective? The answer is complicated. Some experts say that such bans treat symptoms of a larger problem, rather than the problem itself. Theyre effectively playing whack-a-mole by hitting far-right extremists as they pop up in different manifestations around the country, says Deaking Universitys Roose. But theres a much deeper societal issue here thats giving rise to these movements. Robert Kahn, a law professor who studies hate speech at the University of St. Thomas in Minnesota, says such bans can still be effective by having a no-tolerance approach toward hate speech. He also points to an argument made in the U.S. Supreme Court by Justice Louis Brandeis: Sunshine is the best disinfectant, meaning that a society is better off knowing that they have a neo-Nazi issue, rather than pushing it under the carpet. Libertarian views on free speech that are popular in the U.S. havent had the same historical resonance in Australia, says Roose. But certain acts are only deemed as terrorism and violent extremism when they cross the threshold to call for violence. He adds that far-right groups have often exploited loopholes by carefully crafting their language and making calls for violence more implicit so that they can have plausible deniability. The new bill hopes to crack down on these loopholes and was announced after widespread consultation with security agencies, communities, academics, and other relevant stakeholders. Dvir Abramovich, chairman of the Australian Anti-Defamation Commission, told the BBC that the recent presence of neo-Nazis on Australias streets took Holocaust survivors back to their darkest days. He described the proposed ban as a profound moment and said it was a step in the right direction to deal with hardcore bigots. Which other countries have similar bans? Most bans or restrictions on Nazi symbols are found in Europe, particularly in Germany and Austria. In Germany, swastikas and SS sig runes are considered unconstitutional and their display or sale is illegal. The Nazi salute and statements such as Heil Hitler are also banned in public. Similar, though less restrictive, bans also exist in France, Latvia, Ukraine, Russia, Poland, Lithuania, and Hungary. No such bans exist in the U.S. The Nazi symbol has also not been banned in Canada and New Zealand, though experts say these two countries may follow in Australias footsteps. It's Barbie Ferreira's world and we're all just living in it. The former Euphoria star stole our hearts on the show as Kat, with her distinctive style and defiant attitude and now, Ferreira's set her sights on her next venture. Joining forces with footwear brand Havaianas, the actor has created her very own collection of Brazilian-inspired silhouettes, drawing on her own experiences and upbringing to form the basis of their unique design. "I was excited to create a collection inspired by my Brazilian roots and love for Brazilian art and design," Ferreira tells Hypebae. "I came up with the color palette after visiting Bahia with friends and family. I loved the idea of the organic lines and tile-like patterns that I grew up seeing in all the shops and homes around Brazil," she continues. Though Ferreira's partnership with the footwear brand might come as a surprise, the actor's been wearing the brand since she was a child, so it's one that felt pretty much inevitable. Alongside that, her starring role in Euphoria is one that's helped to define and develop her personal style, something that she's become known for since hitting our screens. "I got to bring a lot of my own life into Kat and the department heads of Euphoria were so amazing at bringing her to life," she tells us. As the collaboration officially releases, we caught up with Ferreira to find out more about the inspiration behind the designs, her experience on Euphoria and plans for the future. Scroll down to read the full interview. barbie ferreira havaianas footwear sandals flip flops slippers You've just announced a partnership with Havaianas, what can you tell us about the inspiration behind the collection? When I first spoke to Havaianas, I was excited to create a collection inspired by my Brazilian roots and love for Brazilian art and design. I came up with the color palette after visiting Bahia with friends and family. I found inspiration during my trip. I loved the idea of the organic lines and tile-like patterns that I grew up seeing in all the shops and homes around Brazil. Story continues How did it feel to step into a different role for this partnership? I've been so fortunate in that the brands I have worked with have been really collaborative in terms of design. With Havaianas it's so special because I have worn this brand my whole life since I was a baby and I got to put my signature spin on it. It's really great to see the collective vision come to life. The influence of Euphoria on fashion, beauty and design is undeniable. How did it feel to be part of pioneering those trends? It's super cool to see a show on television that we were able to put our real lives into and watch it impact pop culture and the younger generation in such an unexpected way. I got to bring a lot of my own life into Kat and the department heads of Euphoria were so amazing at bringing her to life and creating a full authentic character. barbie ferreira havaianas footwear sandals flip flops slippers How would you say your own attitude to fashion and beauty has changed over the years? I just do whatever makes me feel inspired and good. As I've gotten more experience in fashion and beauty, I've definitely refined my style and I feel like I'm always evolving. How pop culture and trends when it comes to fashion? I am absolutely inspired by pop culture, movies, art and music. I find it usually comes to me from classic movies, editorials and music that I love. Finally, it was recently announced that you'll be starring in a remake of the cult horror film, Faces of Death. What can fans expect to see from your character? Doing this movie has been one of the best professional experiences of my life. I cannot wait for everyone to see what the cast and crew have cooked up for everyone. I love horror and thrillers and now I get to play the Scream Queen of my dreams. Take a look at Ferreira's Havaianas collab above, and head to the brand's website to purchase. In other news, here's what you need to know about the actor's new role in Faces of Death. If you've been keeping up with the news over the last few weeks, you've most likely heard about incidents involving bees. Dogs and humans both have been stung in attacks in several states. In Arizona, a woman and her dog were exercising outside when they were swarmed by hundreds of bees. Another swarm in Los Angeles attacked a man who was trying to clean a hive himself. TikTok user @markbeshae recently reported on another incident of a man walking his dog. The police came to assist and the bees attacked swarmed the officer as well. Listen to the video to hear why this increase of bee attacks might be happening. View the original article to see embedded media. Wow, this is so scary. We freak out when even one bee is around us so we can't even imagine how frightening it would be with dozens, if not hundreds, swirling around our heads. This man who was attacked in the video was found with over 250 stings. UGH. That's absolutely horrible. And don't even get us started on the poor dog getting stung too. What is one to do if your dog is stung by a bee? The first step is knowing how to recognize if your dog is having an allergic reaction. Symptoms may include excessive drooling, swollen eyes, and swelling of the face, muzzle, and other body parts. More severe symptoms might include vomiting, diarrhea, noisy breathing, hives, and collapse. ABC News reported that the attacks are seasonal and according to experts, the weather is playing a major role in the increase of bees. All the rainfall this year has led to blooming flowers, feeding the bee population, which in turn has skyrocketed. If you ever find yourself swarmed by bees, run away as far and as fast as you can. Never stay still, play dead, or jump into water. This season of bees should lessen by the end of the summer. Looking for more PetHelpful updates? Follow us on YouTube for more entertaining videos. Or, share your own adorable pet by submitting a video, and sign up for our newsletter for the latest pet updates and tips. READ THE COMMENTS HARTFORD CITY, Ind. For at least the fourth time, a sex offender from Blackford County has been accused of failing to keep authorities updated on his whereabouts. Darin Scott Maddox, 39, was charged this month in Blackford Superior Court with failure to register as a sex or violent offender, a Level 5 felony carrying up to six years in prison. Maddox was convicted of sexual battery, in Blackford Circuit Court, in August 2006. As a result of that conviction, he is required to register with authorities in the communities where he lives and works. On May 4, a Blackford County sheriff's deputy was verifying the addresses of local sex offenders, and learned that Maddox now longer lived at the address he had most recently registered at, in the 1800 block of South Blackford County Road 100-W. A person at that address reported Maddox had been "kicked out" after a disagreement with the property's owner about two weeks earlier, and had indicated he was moving to Ohio. More: Delaware County man sentenced for posting online images of child sexual abuse Maddox, arrested in mid-May, was being held in the Blackford County jail on Tuesday under a bond of $3,510. A trial date had not yet been set in the case. The Hartford City man was convicted of failing to register as a sex or violent offender in 2020, 2016 and 2012. The most recent conviction stemmed in part from Maddox's failure to inform the sheriff's department he was no longer employed at a local restaurant. An affidavit said Maddox lost that job after his employers determined he had denied being a convicted sex offender on a job application. The Blackford County man's criminal record also includes a 2008 conviction for robbery. 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: Blackford County sex offender again accused of failing to register The death toll from a capsized boat that was carrying wedding guests in Nigeria has risen to more than 100, authorities said Wednesday. The wooden boat overturned early Monday as it was ferrying about 300 people, including children, across a river to Kwara state from neighboring Niger state after a wedding in the remote village of Egboti, according to Ajayi Okasanmi, spokesperson for the Nigeria Police Force's Kwara State Command. Authorities weren't alerted for hours since the incident occurred before dawn in complete darkness, Okasanmi said. MORE: 59 dead, 104 rescued after boat carrying migrants capsizes near Greece A search and rescue operation continued until Wednesday. Okasanmi told ABC News that 103 people have been confirmed dead. Many of the passengers were residents of villages within the Patigi district of Kwara state, according to Kwara Gov. Abdulrahman Abdulrazaq's office, which issued a statement offering "heartfelt condolences" to the victims' families. Boat carrying wedding guests capsizes in Nigeria, killing at least 103 originally appeared on abcnews.go.com National Dish: Around the World in Search of Food, History, and the Meaning of Home, by Anya von Bremzen comes out on June 20. Courtesy of Penguin Random House Food and travel writer Anya von Bremzen is well-known in culinary circles for her richly researched cookbooks, including a seminal volume on recipes of the Soviet Union. But in National Dish: Around the World in Search of Food, History, and the Meaning of Home, she takes a wider view, touching down in places such as Tokyo, Paris, and Naples, Italy, in search of quintessential dishes that define a place, whether thats a bowl of ramen or the perfect, just-blistered-at-the-edge pizza. The Penguin Presspublished book hit shelves on June 20. Nations and their cuisines are a lot more complex and fascinatingly so than we could ever imagine, von Bremzen observes, in an interview with Travel + Leisure. Her book, an engaging blend of memoir and culinary history, is a celebration of satisfying food, an examination of how certain meals become part of a countrys identity. Never have we been more cosmopolitan about what we eat and yet never more essentialist, locavore, and particularist, she notes. The second half of the deeply researched book sees von Bremzen head for Oaxaca, Mexico, and Seville, Spain as well as her part-time home in Istanbul, where she finds inspiration in the edible memoryscapes of Ottoman cuisine. The engrossing book ends with a melancholic epilogue, on the history and meaning of borsch. I had a different epilogue planned for the book, von Bremzen tells T+L, before Russia invaded Ukraine in 2022. Amid all the crying and adrenalized doom scrolling, she adds, I suddenly realized that, after all these years of investigating national cuisines and identities, I no longer knew how to think or talk about borsch, a super-traditional beet soup which both Ukraine and Russia claimed as profoundly their own, a soup that my mom made almost daily when we were living in Moscow. Story continues Derya Turgut It, too, is a fascinating reflection on the connection between food, place, and what flavors mean to the people who prepare them and those who travel to seek them out. Its a chapter I wish I didnt have to write, brought about by such wrenching circumstances, the author says. But as I worked on it, it really brought home in a deeply intimate way what food means to identity. National Dish: Around the World in Search of Food, History, and the Meaning of Home, published by Penguin Press, comes out on June 20. Its available for $30 on Amazon.com and at local bookstores across the country. For more Travel & Leisure news, make sure to sign up for our newsletter! Read the original article on Travel & Leisure. The pork bun kid is bringing his Taiwanese steamed buns to the UK for the first time (Supplied) For a decade, Baohaus was one of the best-known restaurants for Taiwanese fare in New York City. According to Eater, the restaurant helped lay the cultural and culinary groundwork for an ambitious class of modern Taiwanese spots in the city. It also catapulted founder Eddie Huang to fame as his culinary expertise was thrusted into the spotlight with shows on the Cooking Channel (Cheap Bites), Viceland (Huangs World) and MTV (Snack Off). He first opened Baohaus on the Lower East Side of Lower Manhatten in 2009, before relocating it to a bigger venue in the East Village. During the 10 years he ran Baohaus, Huang also wrote his memoir Fresh Off The Boat, which led to the TV series of the same name, starring Randall Park and Constance Wu. But in 2020, around seven months into the coronavirus pandemic, Huang announced that Baohaus would be no more. At the time, he wrote in an Instagram post: I opened this restaurant to tell my familys story through food at a time when no one was giving Asian Americans a chance in TV, film, books or media generally. Since then, however, things have changed drastically for the diaspora; this year, the celebrated Asian-led cast of Everything Everywhere All At Once clinched seven Oscars, including Best Picture, Best Actor (Michelle Yeoh) and Best Director (Daniel Kwan and Daniel Sheinert). Now, Huang is casting his eye back to Baohaus, but this time hes bringing it across the pond and into London. His three-month residency at Neighbourhood in Islington which previously held ramen junkie Ivan Orkins Ivan Mazemen residency will dominate this summer with his signature Taiwanese baos, fried chicken and noodle dishes, bringing a bowl of the Big Apple to the Great Smog. I sat down with Huang over a steaming, fragrant bowl of Taiwanese mince pork stew and rice to talk about what Baohaus legacy in New York was, its future in London, and what it means to have a vision. How did it feel when you closed Baohaus in NYC? I always loved having Baohaus. I never intended to close it, but the pandemic hit and I went to Taiwan to be safe, but our landlord kept on charging rent in New York. I just didnt see an end to it. Ive been wanting to reopen for a while but when I got home, I had to immediately get to work promoting Boogie. Story continues It was kind of bittersweet, but I try to think about everything from a more existential perspective. To have owned a restaurant for 10 years in New York while writing a memoir and doing all these shows, and then directing my first film I just felt an immense sense of accomplishment and I felt like it was really a part of the fabric of downtown New York. So many people had come through those walls and it meant so much to me, so I was just really proud even though it was closing. It forced me to look back on everything and I had a sense of gratitude and pride, and I wasnt angry at all. I think I was sad that it was closing, but thankful to the universe for the time that I did get. Baohaus left a legacy for Taiwanese food in New York that spread across the rest of the Western world. How does it make you feel? Even when I go back to Taiwan, people will say, Yo, thats the pork bun kid. Thats my name back home. Im very, very grateful that I made a lot of people happy and Taiwanese people were proud of it, and that New Yorkers were proud of it and loved it. The Baohaus buns available at Neighbourhood, Islington (Supplied) But now, starting it back up in London is just par for the course for me. Ive never lived in one place. Born in DC, grew up in Orlando, made New York my home. I would say I identified with New York more than anywhere else. I got dragged to LA for my work and then now I got dragged out to London to open Baohaus, so this [Neighbourhood] is now the new home base for the next three months. But the idea is to then start to look at brick and mortar spaces in London and hopefully make it more permanent. What makes Bao Haus stand out? Theres a lot of Taiwanese cooking in London now. What really defines my cooking is there is a straight line between my grandma, my mother, and myself. There are very, very small things I do to adapt it up for my taste or modern tastes, but its not adding trendy ingredients or smashing things together. For example, this mince pork stew is how my grandma and my mum would make it. The only thing I pay more attention to is knife skills and the exact cut of the pork belly mixed in with the ground meat. Its the same with the Chairman Bao, its exactly like the baos you get in Taiwan except that I red-cook my pork instead of brown braising. So I stay within the Taiwanese pantry, but I really work on the technique. I read that you dont really like being called a chef. What dont you like about that chef territory? The thing is, I definitely think cooking is an art, right? Even the guy selling a dollar bowl of rice is just as artistic to me as somebody doing a tasting menu. But I feel like every generation has these chefs whose food always has to be about them. Its less about culture and community, and more about, Check out my new idea, my new thing and none of it ever has staying power. I get disappointed going to a lot of young chef restaurants because theyre working their s*** out and they want you to pay for their food because they feel theyre being creative. Like, Because we were being creative, you should f***ing pay us and buy our food. And Im like, well, this just doesnt taste f***ing good. If youre going to charge people this, s*** should be good. Theres a lot of ego. A lot of people didnt set out to be chefs, they say, I was in fashion or I was in music, or I was a director and I busted out and ended up in food. People see food as a place they can be all artistic and they think they can creative-direct a restaurant, but this s*** is a lot harder than you think. You can have a cool brand and a great vibe, but to keep people coming back for 10 years, your foods gotta be really good and be a good deal for your customers. Everything is exciting when its new, but does it stand the test of time? Do you keep thinking about it the next day? Are you a perfectionist? Heres an example: chips. We were known for our taro fries in New York. I did taro fries because you can get French fries anywhere, and they go great with our food, but I wanted to do something different. So I would brine the taro, black it and then double fry it, and they were some of the best fries Ive ever had and people went nuts for them. But its much harder to source taro here in London, because I want the whole fresh taro, not frozen. It was proposed that we do French fries, but they were bringing in frozen ones. But I didnt want anything like that on our menu that isnt the best version of it. I guarantee you everything on our menu is the best version you can get here in London. No ones going to touch my bao. I know theres another place here, BAO. Im not even going to eat there. I know mines better. I will not try it. I will not. So, back to the fries, I said those fries arent going on my menu because theyre not the best fries. So now were sourcing all kinds of potatoes. Certain restaurants like St Johns only have chips seasonally when the potato is consistent, and I like that. I like when people are like, when its good, its good, and I will serve it to you then, and when its not good, Im not going to serve it to you. That philosophy needs to be adopted by more. You dont have to serve everything, you dont have to do everything. You dont have to be the most clever. Just be the best version of you and do what you do best. You know, I got a dozen madeleines from St Johns and I smuggled them all the way back to LA. My wife was like, Dude, are these going to be good? After my flight and then another day in between, I heated them up and they were phenomenal. I gave some to my dogs my dogs got to eat St Johns madeleines! They went crazy. You used to host a TV contest show called Snack, where people got random ingredients and had to make something with it. Whats the best thing you made with random ingredients? I invented the Cheeto fried chicken. It happened when I was really high one night. I didnt have any bread crumbs, so I crushed up Cheetos in a bag, then coated the chicken and fried it. This s*** is crazy. It was a lot of fun but I spent a lot of time on it and then I found the right Cheetos, the right cheese dust, and I think we really perfected the dish. We only offered it once a year on 4/20 at Baohaus, it became a tradition. So if we have a brick and mortar space in London, I would absolutely bring the Cheeto fried chicken bao back only on 4/20. Youve worn a lot of hats in your lifetime, restaurant owner, chef, author, director, fashion designer. How do you feel about hustle culture? Everything right now is based on the image and identity that youre selling. Who are my friends? How do I dress? How am I curating my life? What starter pack do I fit into? I get it I definitely think its important to work extremely hard because its hard to make money right now. The income inequality gap is insane and my solution to that is to acquire a skill and just refine it. If you have a tangible skill, youre already ahead of most people in your generation because most people have knowledge and contacts and willingness, but do they have an actual skill? For example, the idea of a creative director is just so funny. Whats the skill? Theres very few creative directors who are skilled and honour the craft, but being a creative director is not just knowing a few really good photographers and good graphic designers and telling them what to do. Youre telling a story, youre directing the creative. Do you have the vision? Its not just the mood board, they need to take it seriously. Harvard Medical School's morgue manager has been accused of selling body parts as part of a "stolen human remains" criminal network, according to a federal complaint unsealed Wednesday. Morgue manager Cedric Lodge, his wife Denise and two others Katrina MacLean and Joshua Taylor allegedly conspired with Jeremy Pauley to sell human remains for a profit, the documents from the Middle District of Pennsylvania state. Pauley, who was charged in August 2022 with multiple counts related to the alleged purchase and sale of corpses, allegedly bought body parts from MacLean, court documents said. Investigators then found that, since about 2018, MacLean and Taylor had been selling human parts and remains that they had purchased from the Lodges. Lodge on several occasions allegedly let Maclean and Taylor examine cadavers at the Harvard Medical School morgue so that they could pick which ones they wanted to buy, the U.S. Attorney's Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania said in a statement. Lodge also allegedly shipped human remains to Taylor and others who were not in Pennsylvania, the statement said. Harvard Medical School fired Lodge on May 6, the school's dean said in a statement. "Investigators believe that Lodge acted without the knowledge or cooperation of anyone else at HMS or Harvard," the statement said. NEW: Cedric Lodge said nothing to reporters as he walked out of federal court in NH after his initial appearance. He is accused of stealing body parts from the morgue at Harvard Medical School and selling them. He has to appear next in Pennsylvania date TBD. #WBZ pic.twitter.com/FUreUicgS1 Kristina Rex (@KristinaRex) June 14, 2023 An estimated 20,000 people donate their bodies to science for the purpose of medical research and education every year. But unlike organ donation, these body parts and remains can be bought and sold for profit in a market with very few federal regulations. Story continues Court documents allege that MacLean and Taylor sold human body parts to numerous buyers and that MacLean also stored and sold remains in Kat's Creepy Creations, her store in Salem, Massachusetts. The store's Instagram page says it specializes in "creepy dolls, oddities, and bone art," and one post was captioned, "If you're in the market for human bones hit me up," CBS Boston reported. In June or July of 2021, MacLean sent Pauley human skin and asked him to tan the skin to create leather, the court documents allege. MacLean then allegedly contacted Lodge at Harvard Medical School and asked him to help her locate skin for "the dude I sent the chest piece to tan." Pauley was arrested in Pennsylvania on July 22, 2022 by East Pennsboro Township Police for abusing a corpse, receiving stolen property and other charges. Described as a "collector of oddities," Pauley posted pictures of body parts and other items on his Facebook page, Instagram account and his website, which has since been made private. The pages advertised his collection and an event in 2022 that ended up being canceled that had offered access to unique oddities at a hotel outside of Gettysburg, Pennsylvania. Pauley told police he obtained all of the items legally, but court documents and investigators paint a different picture. In May, police returned to Pauley's home after a federal indictment in Arkansas alleged he purchased nearly $11,000 of body parts from Candace Chapman Scott, a 36-year-old former mortuary worker at Arkansas Central Mortuary Services. That indictment didn't name Pauley directly as the buyer, but police located three 5-gallon buckets containing various human remains in his basement. According to court records, Pauley is next expected to appear before a Pennsylvania Magisterial District judge for a preliminary hearing on July 5. A request for comment from Pauley's attorney wasn't immediately returned. The Lodges appeared in court in New Hampshire on Wednesday afternoon. They will next have to appear in a Pennsylvania court, CBS Boston's Kristina Rex reported. MacLean is due in federal court in Boston. Justin Sherman contributed reporting Scientists discover ingredients for life on Saturn moon Why the Federal Reserve paused interest rate hikes in June White House extends temporary legal status for some migrants, denies it for others Malibus Escondido Beach just got a little less exclusive. For the first time in 40 years, this sandy enclavewhich ironically translates to hidden in Spanishwill soon be fully accessible to the public, the Los Angeles Times reported. The decades-long battle came to a head when the California Coastal Commission and California State Coastal Conservancy approved an agreement that would require two homeowners to restore a public access point thats been blocked since the 80s. Up until today, the only way people could make their way to the beach was by going through the popular restaurant, Geoffreys, or paying an entrance fee to park at Paradise Cove, which is located a quarter-mile away. More from Robb Report Its so hard for us to get new access to the coast, and new vertical accessways are like unicornsthey just dont exist, especially in Malibu, Lisa Haage, chief of enforcement for the Coastal Commission, told the newspaper. Settling this case without litigation is huge. This is like flying to the moon or something. After 40 years, Escondido Beach in Malibu will be accessible to the public following a new agreement Currently, the neighboring properties that are in violation belong to former Paramount Pictures and Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer executive Frank Mancuso and the family of Don Wildman, the late founder of Bally Total Fitness. According to the agreement, Mancuso will have to demolish an unpermitted driveway that was present when he bought the property and pay a $600,000 fine. The Wildman heirs, on the other hand, are to construct the new access way, install five public parking spaces and a public restroom, and add signage along the Pacific Coast Highway. Altogether, the improvements are estimated to cost around $3 million. If everything goes according to plan, the easement is expected to open by next year. Story continues The area surrounding Escondido Beach has long played host to some of The Golden States wealthiest residents. Tom Petty famously hid out there in an oceanfront bungalow. More recently, Jay-Z and Beyonce bought a $200 million Malibu abode. Sign up for Robb Report's Newsletter. For the latest news, follow us on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram. Click here to read the full article. As states across the U.S. continue to remove books and literature from public schools and libraries, Illinois has become the first state in the country to effectively ban the banning of books. Earlier this week, Gov. J.B. Pritzker signed a bill into law that will prohibit libraries from banning books. Book bans are about censorship, marginalizing people, marginalizing ideas and facts. Regimes banned books, not democracies, Pritzker, a Democrat, said at the bill signing ceremony at a Chicago library. We refuse to let a vitriolic strain of White nationalism coursing through our country determine whose histories are told, not in Illinois. According to Pen America, book bans in US public schools increased by 28% during the first half of the 2022-23 academic year. In March of this year, the library association said there were 1,269 demands to censor library books and resources in 2022. Its officially the highest number of attempted book bans since the library association began compiling this type of data more than 20 years ago. Almost a third of the bans were the result of newly enacted state laws, which found bans were most prevalent in five states: Texas, Florida, Missouri, Utah and South Carolina. A record 2,571 unique titles were targeted for censorship, the association said, noting that of those books, the vast majority were written by or about members of the LGBTQIA+ community and people of color. The Illinois measure takes effect January 1, and states that public libraries must adopt the American Library Associations Library Bill of Rights or their own statement prohibiting book banning in order to be eligible for state funding. The associations Library Bill of Rights states that reading materials should not be proscribed or removed because of partisan or doctrinal disapproval or excluded because of the origin, background, or views of those contributing to their creation. We are not saying that every book should be in every single library, said Illinois Secretary of State Alexi Giannoulias. What this law does is it says, lets trust our experience and education of our librarians to decide what books should be in circulation. Gov. Pritzker and nine other U.S. governors sent a letter to textbook publishers last month, urging them to consider the negative impacts of book banning, per CNN. Just last week, President Joe Biden announced plans to appoint a new federal coordinator to address the increase in book bans. The concept of banning books contradicts the very essence of what our country stands for. It also defies what education is all about: teaching our children to think for themselves, Giannoulias said. Indias Shahi Exports has teamed up with Responsible Sourcing Network and agreed to an assessment of its ethical sourcing practices. Its a first step toward building a transparent supply chain free of forced labor after the company was accused last year of gender-based violence and harassment. The goal is to reinforce a move just getting underway industry-wide to strengthen due diligence and sourcing standards. More from Sourcing Journal Called YESS, Yarn Ethically & Sustainably Sourced, the assessment process is intended to spread throughout the garment and textile industry around India first then internationally and gain as many adherents as possible. This joint effort represents a significant milestone in the pursuit of responsible and transparent cotton supply chains, said Patricia Jurewicz, CEO, Responsible Sourcing Network. Shahi Exports assessment at the knitting and spinning facilities in Shivamogga, India, was the first in the program which is based on the due diligence framework of the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD). Shahi was one of seven global suppliers to pilot the YESS Standards in 2022 and is now taking the lead in implementing it. Forced labor remains a problem for much of South and Central Asia. The hope is that programs combatting it like YESS spread to other countries, such as Turkmenistan, cited in a recent report from independent rights groups in the country for forced labor in its cotton industry. The report, released earlier this month, alleges that the Turkmen government forces tens of thousands of public sector workers, including employees of schools and hospitals, to pick cotton or pay for replacement pickers. Non-compliance results in fines, loss of employment or loss of land, with punishment imposed by the government, considered to be run by corrupt officials and with complete control the cotton production system and its exploited farmers. Story continues Exploited farmers are routinely subjected to steep cotton production quotas enforced by regional administrators as proof of their commitment to the governments cotton plan. A March report by the Cotton Campaign, a global coalition against forced labor, documents the abuses, denied by Turkmen officials, and urges them to engage in good faith with the International Labor Organization, UN human and labor rights monitors like the Special Rapporteur on contemporary forms of slavery as well as independent watchdog organizations with the requisite expertise to commence monitoring in earnest, go public with findings and eventually set up a broader enabling environment for labor rights. Observers say change is long overdue. Every year, the Turkmen government uses coercion and exploitation of farmers and public sector employees to produce and harvest cotton, said Ruslan Myatiev, director of Turkmen.News, which monitors field laborers. It is high time for the government to acknowledge the problem and allow labor rights defenders to monitor and report on working conditions without the threat of reprisal. Much of the cotton in Turkmenistan is still hand-picked, which leaves the system open for abuse. But in addition to long hours of manual labor, workers are often forced to sleep outdoors in freezing temperatures to avoid the cost of daily commutes, pay for their own food and water, or face long rides in unsafe vehicles on treacherous roads. The government also neglected to address environmental concerns leading to water shortages and, as a result, lower crop yields. But it was the farmers who paid in the end for the poorly maintained irrigation systems that kept them from meeting government mandated quotas. Anyone who raises objections to the abuses is openly harassed and attacked. Right now, the abuses have led to Turkmen cotton products being banned by 140 global brands and retailers for as long as the situation continues. The country also was accused of greenwashing after saying it worked with Swedish retailer Ikea and denim seller Gap on cotton harvest audits. In many instances third countries like Turkey, Italy and Pakistan use cotton, yarn and fabric from Turkmenistan in their goods, which gets the forced-labor Turkmen cotton into their supply chains. It is outright forbidden in the U.S. and the number of countries with such bans is growing. Creating a level playing field will signal to the government of Turkmenistan that the use of forced labor is unacceptable, said Raluca Dumitrescu, coordinator of the Cotton Campaign. Workers at Shahi Exports complained last year of sexual harassment, verbal abuse, filthy conditions and sometimes physical violence. While it now has YESS monitors, it responded then by threatening to leave the village where the factory was located, leaving hundreds without jobs. Click here to read the full article. Industry groups are celebrating a dog toy companys loss in front of the Supreme Court as a victory for trademark rights. In a unanimous decision, the U.S. Supreme Court ruled last week that the Ninth Court of Appeals erred in declaring a dog toy parodying Jack Daniels protected by the First Amendment. The decision instead clarified that a mark used as a source identifier is not protected as free speecheven if that work was intended as parody. More from Sourcing Journal The case revolved around a fecal-themed Bad Spaniels dog toy that VIP Products LLC defended as a Jack Daniels parody. The toy, which remains available for purchase online, features several details mirroring Jack Daniels own, including a label that replaces the text Old No. 7 Brand Tennessee Sour Mash Whiskey with The Old No. 2 On Your Tennessee Carpet. VIP added the Bad Spaniels toy to its Silly Squeakers lineother products include Dos Perros, Smella Arpaw and Doggie Walkerin 2014. VIP did not apply to register the Bad Spaniels name, but in its complaint claimed it owned and used the Bad Spaniels trademark and trade dress. Jack Daniels soon sent VIP a letter demanding it stop selling the product, to which VIP responded by seeking a declaratory judgement that it neither infringed nor diluted the whiskey brands trademarks. VIP argued that its product was protected under the Rogers test, a legal benchmark based on the 1989 Supreme Court case Rogers v. Grimaldi that requires an infringement claim be dismissed if the complainant cant prove either that the challenged use has no artistic relevance to the underlying work or it explicitly misleads as to the source or the content of the work. It also contended that its product was a parody and as such made fair use of Jack Daniels trademarks. Story continues The district court that heard the case rejected both contentions for the same reasonthat VIP used the parodied Jack Daniels features to identify the source of its own products. The case proceeded to trial, where Jack Daniels won. The Ninth Court of Appeals reversed the decision, however, ruling that the Bad Spaniels toy was subject to the Rogers test because it is an expressive work. When the case returned to trial, VIP won. The Supreme Courts decision will return the case once more to the district court, which will have to decide whether the Bad Spaniels marks are likely to cause confusion with Jack Daniels marks. The American Apparel & Footwear Association (AAFA), Footwear Distributors & Retailers of America (FDRA), Council of Fashion Designers of America, Inc. (CFDA) and the Accessories Council praised the decision, which they said will protect American intellectual property on behalf of brands, workers, consumers, and the American economy. The courts decision gives certainty to American brands that investments in new designs and innovation are not lost by allowing others to pilfer the intellectual property of another, AAFA president and CEO Steven Lamar said in a statement. We should not glorify or justify any type of counterfeiting or trademark infringement; it is illicit and those standing by the sidelines are complicit. The AAFA, FDRA, CFDA and Accessories Council together filed an amicus brief supporting Jack Daniels Properties, Inc. in January. Levi Strauss & Co. and Nike, Inc. both filed their own amicus briefs supporting the whiskey seller as well. The decision promises to have an immediate impact on at least one fashion company: Vans, Inc. The VF label found itself pursuing a similar case against MSCHF last spring. At issue were a line of Old Skool-inspired sneakers that the Brooklyn-based provocateur claimed parodied the classic Vans style. In December, the Second Court of Appeals stayed the dispute pending the Supreme Courts decision in Jack Daniels Properties Inc. v. VIP Products LLC. Click here to read the full article. Paolo Blocco - Getty Images "Hearst Magazines and Yahoo may earn commission or revenue on some items through these links." Jennifer Lawrences European style streak continues. The actor stepped out in Madrid this morning for a day of engagements, looking fabulous in a cool reiteration of the classic shirt dress. Her look consisted of a crisp white dress by Maison Alaia, which at the top looked like a simple button-up with a sleek collar and folded sleeves, but at the bottom frayed out into a tutu-like miniskirt. Jennifer Lawrences European style streak continues. The actor stepped out in Madrid this morning for a day of engagements, looking fabulous in a cool reiteration of the classic shirt dress. She attended a photo call for her upcoming film No Hard Feelings (Sin Malos Rollos, in Spanish) at the Four Seasons Hotel in the look. It consisted of a crisp white dress by Maison Alaia, which at the top looked like a simple button-up with a sleek collar and folded sleeves, but at the bottom frayed out into a tutu-like miniskirt. It was cinched at the waist with a large black leather belt with two small silver buckles. She finished off the look simply, with a pair of black peep-toe heels and her diamond engagement ring from husband Cooke Maroney. Lawrence wore her hair down in beach waves and opted for glowy, natural makeup. While walking the carpet at the event, she accessorized with black oval tortoiseshell sunglasses. Paolo Blocco - Getty Images Paolo Blocco - Getty Images She wore a different, yet equally sophisticated look this Monday, while promoting her film in London. Lawrence was photographed looking incredible in a breezy, stone-gray take on the modern suit. The stunning wool set by the Row was made up of an asymmetric long top that seemed to be made from a deconstructed suit jacket with an open back, plus matching loose wide-leg trousers. Also on Monday, Lawrence attended the London premiere of her movie, looking so elegant in an iteration of a black gown that first appeared in Diors fall/winter 2023 ready-to-wear collectiona maxi dress with a sheer bodice and glittering sequins all over. Story continues No Hard Feelings is a romantic comedy that follows a woman who, on the brink of losing her childhood home, agrees to date a wealthy couples shy and awkward son before he leaves for college. It will be released in theaters on June 23. You Might Also Like BACKGRID Kim Kardashian treated daughter North West and her pals to an exclusive dinner party to celebrate Norths 10th birthdayand the all-pink dress code was the icing on the cake. Last night, the mogul hosted an intimate birthday bash for North and several of her school friends at Nobu restaurant in Malibu. There was a party bus, which headed from their home to the venue, along with matching sets of bubblegum-pink pajamas for Kim, North, and all the guests to wear. Each set of PJs was made up of a button-down collared shirt and straight-leg pants, and came personalized with the guests first name written out in script. Kourtney Kardashian and daughter Penelope Disick, 10, also joined in on the celebrations. matching the guests in pink with PJ sets of their own. BACKGRID Pink has been a major color in Kim Kardashians wardrobe lately. Yesterday on Instagram, the mogul flaunted photos of herself in a light-pink triangle swimsuit from her Skims swimwear collection while posing poolside under the sun. Pinky swear?! she captioned the post. She has also enjoyed coordinating in more Barbiecore-esque fits alongside her kids. During a family trip to Japan earlier this year, for instance, Kardashian shared a photo on Instagram from an outing where she and daughters North and Chicago all wore pink. For her look, Kardashian paired a statement pink fur coat over a gray bra top and matching gray sweatpants. Meanwhile, North flaunted her own personal style in an oversize T-shirt and sweats, both in hot pink, while five-year-old Chicago looked adorable in a light pink sweat set. Sanrio Style , Kardashian wrote in the caption. You Might Also Like Juan Ayuso solos to victroy at the 2023 Tour de Suisse Juan Ayuso confirmed his prestigious mountain climbing talent and said he would now fight until the end for the yellow jersey following a blistering victory on stage five of the Tour de Suisse. The UAE Emirates rider was imperious attacking on the final climb from a group of GC favourites, bridging to what was left of a huge breakaway from earlier in the day and breezing to victory. He lifted himself onto the general classification podiums with three days left to race. The yellow jersey also changed hands as behind Ayuso, Mattias Skjelmose (Trek-Segafredo )wrestled it from Galls grasp. He will now have to watch for both Gal and Ayuso both of which are within 20 seconds of the lead. Afterwards Ayuso said: The two races I've done this year have been here in Switzerland its nice to win a stage of each. Referring to his TT victory in the Tour de Romandie He added: Now well fight for GC its going to be hard but I think its possible so well fight until the end. Ayuso had complained of a lack of leg power the day before when asked what had turned around he said: I dont know. The body is the body. Yesterday I had no legs and I just had to suffer. In the end when the pace started increasing [today] I just started feeling better and better. He warned that all his rivals, including Remco Evenpoel who had an underwhelming day in which he lost time; new yellow jersey wearer Skjelmose were also strong time trialists and would be difficult to hold off in the 25km time trial on Sunday. If I manage to win the GC its going to be one of my biggest achievements, The Vuelta Espana podium finisher added. How it happened On a day of 211km Wout van Aert (Jumbo-visma) was the first t attack and eventually a group of 37 riders made its way off the front of the peloton on what was set to be a mountainous day over three mountain passes, two of which went above 2,000m. It swiftly built a lead of around three minutes which it held until the peloton shipped away at it on the final ascent. Story continues Although the front group began to splinter on the early climbs it was still in double digits as it came into the bottom of the final climb, the lead having now grown to 4-00. On the lower slopes of the Albulapass climb Soudal Quick-Step eventually came to fore to set the pace for Remco Evenepoel. At the front Neilson Powless attacked with 22km to go, he was joined by three other riders as the road began to ramp up to 8%. Antonio Tiberi (Bahrain Victorius), Oier Lazkano (Movistar) and Rui Costa (Intermarchse-Circus-Wanty) all rode with Powelss until Lazkano began to drop from the front group. Quinn Simmons (Trek-Segafredo) and Sergio Higuita (Bora-Hansgrohe) gritted their teeth and began to bridge up to the front. Simmons was the first to make it. But as soon as he did the learning trio kicked on and he was distanced once again. Felix Gall (AG2R Citroen) was safely ensconced in the still sizable peloton with no-one seemingly keen to attack him. By 17km to go Romain Bardets DSM team-mates had made their way to the front to work for him but the group remained stubbornly large. With 16km to go Ag2R went to the font and began to push the pace and immediately Evenpeol was caught behind a split. Wilco Kelderman (Jumbo-Vism) was able to follow the pace of Gall and when his team-mate swung over. Romain Bardet had made his way into yellow jersey group as the began to eat into the breaks advantage picking up riders along the way. Soon they were up to Wout van Aert who immediately sat on the front working for Kelderman. No sooner had van Aert been burned out then Kelderman took over. The gap to the front of the race had collapsed to just over one minute as Powless attacked but was reeled back in by Costa. With 14km to go as the front group reached the sprint point half-way up the climb Powless attacked once again. He was reeled in again though. Ashe was on a subsequent acceleration with 3km left to climb. A minute further back down the mountain fancied Spanish GC prospect Juan Ayuso (UAE Emirates) attacked the yellow jersey group and swiftly the gap yawned open. Before long he was in sight of the front group and Tiberi launched his own attack from the front but was swiftly neutralised but soon afterwards Powless, perhaps paying for his earlier exuberance, began to lose contact. Ayuso breezed past the American mere moments later. Further back down the lcimb bardet was losing tough with the yello jersey group. Ayuso tried to go straight past the breakaway riders at the front but the stubbornly stuck to his wheel for a moment before Tideris head dropped and Ayuso rode off up the road. The Spaniard crested the climb alone with a gap of a few hundred meters back to the former race leaders, nearly a minute over the yellow jersey and even more on the world champion Remco Evenpoel. Indeed the Belgian was losing contact with the group he was in at the summit and had been distanced. The 20-year old, who had not won a WorldTour road stage until today, descended on the wide, well-maintained roads with ease. The Vuelta a Espana podium finisher clocked over 100kph on the way down. With 10 bonus seconds he was within touching distance of the GC lead, which he had started the day 1-18 away from. Behind him the various chase groups began to coalesce on the descent but Ayuso continued to further his advantage. Under the 1km to go banner he had a lead of 1-08 over the yellow jersey, just enough but the group behind pegged him back a bit and he would settle for the stage win. Behind Denmarks own young sensation Mattias Skjelmose (Trek-Segafredo) who had won stage three and taken yellow for a day. Returned to the front of the race with bonus seconds for winning the sprint for second. Watch out Olive Garden! Noodles & Company/Allrecipes When youre craving on-the-go pasta for lunch or dinner, theres no better place to turn than Noodles & Company. The fast-casual restaurant has a huge selection of pasta dishes ranging from mac and cheese and stuffed pasta to Asian-style noodles and high-protein LEANguiniand its already expansive menu is about to get even bigger. This summer, Noodles is testing four new stuffed pasta dishesincluding an all-new ravioli dish. When we introduced our original 3-Cheese Tortelloni option in 2021, it quickly became our top-performing test item ever and has remained a guest favorite since becoming a mainstay on our national menu, said Nick Graff, executive chef and vice president of culinary at Noodles & Company. Since then, Rewards members and guests have asked for more and were happy to deliver. Noodles & Company The new menu test will feature two new tortelloni offerings: Chicken Prosciutto Tortelloni with Smoked Gouda and 3-Cheese Tortelloni Caprese with Grilled Chicken. Also joining the menu are two first-ever ravioli dishes: Spicy Tomato Cream Sausage Ravioli and Garlic Cream Bacon Carbonara Ravioli. Noodles decadent new offerings will be tested in a few markets across the countryColorado Springs, Chicago, and Columbus, Ohio. As with all menu tests, customer feedback will determine if the four new dishes make it to the menu. In 2020, Noodles & Company tested its three current stuffed-pasta menu items (3-Cheese Tortelloni Rosa, 3-Cheese Tortelloni Pesto, and Roasted Garlic Cream Tortelloni) in the same regions. Obviously, customers liked them enough to make it to the menu in 2021, but there were three other dishes in that test that didntall three were ravioli. In the same year, Noodles tested its tortelloni flavors as raviolioffering Parmigiano Ravioli Rosa, Parmigiano Ravioli Pesto, and Roasted Garlic Cream Ravioli. Customers apparently didnt like the ravioli as much as the tortelloni because they didnt make the menu. But, Noodles is back with two innovative dishes that go above and beyond the original ravioli test. Story continues Noodles & Company Spicy Tomato Cream Sausage Ravioli features Italian sausage and cheese-stuffed ravioli with spicy tomato cream sauce, Parmesan cheese, and parsley. The new Garlic Cream Bacon Carbonara Ravioli features applewood-smoked bacon, four cheeses, and pea-stuffed ravioli sauteed with spinach in a roasted garlic and onion cream sauce. The new tortellini dishes also take the current offerings up a notch. The new Chicken Prosciutto Tortelloni with Smoked Gouda features black pepper tortelloni stuffed with chicken and prosciutto alongside roasted mushrooms and spinach, covered in a smoked Gouda cheese sauce and sprinkled with Parmesan cheese and parsley. The new 3-Cheese Tortelloni Caprese with Grilled Chicken sautes three-cheese tortelloni, tomato, and spinach in a mix of balsamic vinaigrette, olive oil, and roasted garlic, then tops the dish with grilled chicken, Parmesan cheese, and parsley. If your mouth is watering as badly as mine is right now, and you happen to live in one of the testing regions, head to your local Noodles & Company to try one (or all) of the new dishes. The availability will vary by location, but you can contact your local store or check the Noodles app to determine if your restaurant is testing the stuffed pasta dishes. If you like them, put in a good word so the rest of us can try them too! Whilst it may not be a huge deal, we thought it was good to see that the H&T Group plc (LON:HAT) Independent Non-Executive Director, Simon Walker, recently bought UK67k worth of stock, for UK4.44 per share. Nevertheless, it only increased their shareholding by a minuscule percentage, and it wasn't a massive purchase by absolute value, either. See our latest analysis for H&T Group H&T Group Insider Transactions Over The Last Year In the last twelve months, the biggest single purchase by an insider was when CEO & Executive Director Christopher Gillespie bought UK107k worth of shares at a price of UK4.28 per share. That means that an insider was happy to buy shares at around the current price of UK4.41. Of course they may have changed their mind. But this suggests they are optimistic. If someone buys shares at well below current prices, it's a good sign on balance, but keep in mind they may no longer see value. In this case we're pleased to report that the insider purchases were made at close to current prices. While H&T Group insiders bought shares during the last year, they didn't sell. You can see a visual depiction of insider transactions (by companies and individuals) over the last 12 months, below. If you click on the chart, you can see all the individual transactions, including the share price, individual, and the date! There are always plenty of stocks that insiders are buying. So if that suits your style you could check each stock one by one or you could take a look at this free list of companies. (Hint: insiders have been buying them). Insider Ownership Looking at the total insider shareholdings in a company can help to inform your view of whether they are well aligned with common shareholders. I reckon it's a good sign if insiders own a significant number of shares in the company. Our data isn't picking up on much insider ownership at H&T Group, though insiders do hold about UK540k worth of shares. We might be missing something but that seems like very low insider ownership. So What Do The H&T Group Insider Transactions Indicate? It's certainly positive to see the recent insider purchases. And an analysis of the transactions over the last year also gives us confidence. On this analysis the only slight negative we see is the fairly low (overall) insider ownership; their transactions suggest that they are quite positive on H&T Group stock. In addition to knowing about insider transactions going on, it's beneficial to identify the risks facing H&T Group. For instance, we've identified 3 warning signs for H&T Group (1 is a bit unpleasant) 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 interesting companies. 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 COPENHAGEN A group of art and design lovers toast with flutes of Champagne on the bow of an old cargo boat docked at the now-defunct Burmeister & Wain shipyard, a symbol of Denmarks industrial heyday. Nearby, an outdoor food festival buzzes with hipsters and families, and a group of shirtless men are making their way up an outdoor rock climbing wall, demonstrating just how much the city has evolved with the times. Indeed, adapting the design world to the times is something Natalia Sanchez, an established interior designer and founder of House of Nordic Design, a platform and incubator for the best of the regions talent, aims to master in this next phase of her career. More from WWD Sanchez, who has worked as an interior design and architecture consultant for private residences and commercial projects for more than a decade, took visitors at 3daysofdesign below deck, into her exhibit of 20 designers who ran the gamut from carpenters to weavers and from lighting specialist to ceramicists. This years exhibition was inspired by nature with the designers having approached the theme either abstractly or concretely. Whats different, she explained, is that these designers have actually mastered hand craftsmanship. We have a very strong tradition of using our hands, so in that sense, we encourage that a lot at the Royal Danish Academy, Sanchez said, referring to the nations artisan traditions steeped in millennia of history. The Trundholm sun chariot, which dates to as early as 1,400 B.C., for example, is one such creation that shows how skilled Danish people were in the decorative arts like gilding. Fast-forward to three millennia later and artist Pernille Snedker is making a name for herself with her marbled, almost psychedelic handcrafted surfaces. For the three-day festival, Snedker collaborated with Hans Baerholm for two design pieces: the Scrolls coffee table and console, fashioned with a Suminagashi (floating ink) appearance. It looks like the colors are almost seeping out of the wood material, Snedker said. I hope to magnify and intensify the ornamentation of wood itself. Story continues Kibun, a project founded by designers Sofie Hannibal and Nan Na Hvass in 2020, makes handcrafted textile pieces with custom oak wall mounts by patchworking upholstery fabric, as a reflection of the world around them. The duo debuted their first furniture piece, a daybed. A main focus of our designs is to boil down a scene into the most simplistic form and finding a graphic essence and showing that in textile pieces, Na Hvass said. Kibun patchwork oak daybed, debuted at the House of Nordic Design. Architect and designer Ida Linea Hildebrand, the daughter of a cabinet maker, is carrying on her familys legacy in furniture design. After earning a masters degree in fine arts within the field of Interior Architecture and Furniture Design, she met her future husband and cofounder of Friends & Founders, Rasmus Hildebrand, and the couple established their own studio that makes sleek, versatile furnishings, in 2013. Friends Founders chair and table, intertwined textile wall decorations and black ceramic vase, left, designed and handmade by Trine Tuxen and the List Lamp by Lula Studio. We hope to create furniture designed to last a lifetime and to grow old with, she remarked, adding that each piece is a work of art and a testament to Nordic craftsmanship. Sara Martinsens A Tale of Grass hangs in the lower level of the barge net to an oak bed by Melbourne-born, Copenhagen-based Ari Prasetya. Woven cover by Sia Hurtigkarl Trine Tuxens intertwined ceramic vase, speckle sits atop Thomas Gayets side table in aluminum and stainless steel is featured on the right. Artwork by Anne Nowak and Ari Prasetya. Sara Martinsen conjured indigenous craft with her A Tale of Grass that took center stage on the lower deck of the barge. The Danish designer crafts her pieces by hand in order to express the inherent qualities and characteristics of natural materials like straw, wood, plant fiber, clay and stone. With my work I want people to experience and investigate the materials up close and activate our senses. This is relevant when good intentions must be transformed into responsible behavior, she said. The House of Nordic Design platform aims to create a community that will afford designers a permanent display window and access to a sales platform Sanchez aims to have ready by the end of this summer. Sanchez, who has curated exhibitions for 3daysofdesign since 2014, said her aim is to make life easier for up-and-coming designers and craftsmen by creating a foundation for survival and success in the design Industry. We believe that Danish interior design has a unique expression and a quality which should be celebrated and shared with the world, Sanchez said. Natalia Sanchez, founder of House of Nordic Design. Best of WWD Click here to read the full article. THE OUTSIDE VIEW: Frank Horvats dream was to join the prestigious Magnum photo agency and travel the world as a photojournalist. Instead, he ended up in the glossy pages of fashion magazines, bringing a naturalistic approach to his shoots for publications ranging from Vogue to Harpers Bazaar. That journey is documented in Frank Horvat: Paris, the World, Fashion at the Jeu de Paume museum in Paris, the first major exhibition devoted to the Italian-born photographer since his death in 2020 at the age of 92. More from WWD The show, which opens Friday, features iconic images alongside lesser-known and previously unseen photographs from the archives kept in his studio-home in Boulogne-Billancourt near Paris, now managed by his daughter Fiammetta Horvat. Frank Horvat settled in France in 1955 after spending his teenage years in Switzerland, having fled Italian dictator Benito Mussolinis racial laws targeting Jews, among others. He began his career working for news magazines like Epoca in Italy and Realites in France. Curator Virginie Chardin noted he was faithful to certain signatures, whether he was covering a wedding in Pakistan or spotlighting the latest styles from Givenchy. The human gaze anchors many of his shots, with subjects looking directly at the photographer, or reflected in a mirror. He was very introspective. His mother was a psychoanalyst, so he was someone who always questioned the meaning of what he was doing, she said. He often worked without a flash, without artificial light. Thats why the images are very grainy. Thats really his style: he loved moody atmospheres. Backstage at Le Sphinx nightclub, Place Pigalle, Paris, 1956. A consummate outsider, Horvat may well have been one of the worlds most reluctant fashion photographers. Spotted by William Klein, who was intrigued by his cityscapes shot with a telephoto lens, he began to work for Jardin des Modes and quickly wowed the industry with images like his 1957 shot of model Tan Arnold standing at the counter of a bustling Paris restaurant in a cocktail dress and a long string of pearls. Story continues In the space of just a few years, between 1957 and 1960, he became a star photographer, Chardin said. Horvat heralded a lively, humorous reportage style that broke with the formal elegance of the periods fashion photography. It was very new at the time. Two or three years later, everyone was doing it, the curator noted. It coincides with the advent of ready-to-wear and the evolution of the status of women. It was speaking to women who work, who are active. Indeed, many of Horvats models had a rich life story. He cultivated relationships with the likes of Simone dAillencourt, Deborah Dixon and Benedetta Barzini, whom he liked to photograph with the artists and intellectuals of their time. One particularly striking series for Harpers Bazaar features Dixon alongside filmmaker Federico Fellini and actor Marcello Mastroianni, while Iris Bianchi is pictured with director Agnes Varda and beauty mogul Helena Rubinstein, among others. He hated doll-like models. They had to be real women, Chardin said. He would always fight with fashion editors to prevent the models from striking ridiculous poses. Iris Bianchi and Marie-Louise Bousquet, Paris, French haute couture, for Harpers Bazaar, 1962. Unlike David Bailey or Richard Avedon, Horvat did not cultivate fame and quickly became disillusioned with fashion photography. I think he must have felt a little isolated in fashion, said his daughter. At that time, everyone was putting on music and it was very swinging fashion. He wasnt like that at all. He comes across as very serious. Though his attempt to return to photojournalism in the early 60s was unsuccessful, it yielded some of the shows most intriguing images: melancholic and surreal shots taken during an eight-month trip to locations including Rio de Janeiro, Tokyo, Los Angeles, Tel Aviv and Hong Kong. After that, Horvat devoted more time to personal projects, including experiments with digital imagery at the crossroads between photography and painting. He drew incredibly well, he wrote incredibly well. He spoke six languages, so he was always restless because he was impatient, Fiammetta Horvat recalled. When you read his diaries, you realize he was in a sort of permanent identity crisis, but not in a negative way, she added. He always needed to challenge everything, so he turned the page very quickly, both personally and professionally. Best of WWD Click here to read the full article. Courtesy of Twenty Years Rights/A24 Films I often miss Taiwan, the country of my birth, like I miss an old lover. I felt this keenly when I watched Past Lives, the directorial debut of writer, director, and playwright Celine Song. The film follows Nora (Greta Lee), who emigrated from South Korea at age 12, leaving behind her childhood sweetheart Hae Sung (Teo Yoo). Two decades pass before they see each other in person again for one fateful week in New York City, where Nora now lives with her Jewish-American husband Arthur (John Magaro). The story is partly based on Songs personal experience. I was sitting [at a bar] with my childhood sweetheart and my husband and translating between these two guys who actually have no reason to even know each other, let alone have a kind of a deeper conversation, she says on Zoom. She remembers the way people were looking at them, probably wondering, who are those people to each other? and why did they end up here together? In that moment, Song thought, Oh man, if you guys only fucking knew who we were to each other. This memory inspired the first scene of the film, where voices off-screen speculate who Nora, Hae Sung, and Arthur are and how they ended up at a bar together. The rest of the movie takes the audience on the journey to how they got there. Jon Pack/Twenty Years Rights/A24 Films Through representing Nora as a bridge between her past and presentSeoul and New York, Hae Sung and ArthurPast Lives perfectly captures how so many immigrants feel: belonging to two places at once. In one scene, after Nora meets Hae Sung in person for the first time since she left Korea, Arthur asks if shes still attracted to him. She replies, I dont think so, but he was this kid in my head for so long...I think I just miss Seoul. I was struck by how I felt the same way about Taipei. Like Nora, I emigrated from Asia as a child. Its hard for me to separate my birthplace with the loved ones I left behind. Song explains how Nora processes that grief: At the end when [Noras] walking home, of course shes grieving the possibility of everything that could have been, but also the thing that shes grieving is the little girl that she never got to say goodbye to properly. Watching the film, I also shed tears for my 5-year-old self who left Taiwan because shed have a better life in America. To this day, I wonder what would have happened if I stayed. Song depicts the complexity of saying goodbye throughout multiple scenes in Past Lives. When Nora and Hae Sung are kids, their goodbyes dont stick because theyre too young to grasp them, she says. They dont give a proper goodbye because they dont actually think its going to be done. Its only later on, after theyve grown, that they get the goodbye they were owed as children. This made me realize I, too, never had a proper goodbye with my grandparents, who raised me, because I was only a child when I left. Perhaps thats why, as an adult, I keep longing for Taiwan and the life I couldve led there. During the pandemic, amidst the rise of anti-Asian hate, I even fantasized about going back. Beyond helping me grieve my own past, Past Lives has taught me to find comfort in the Korean concept of in-yun, or how fate brings two people together based on countless connections in their previous lives. Nora, when getting to know Arthur, tells him that if two people get married, they must have reached 8,000 layers of in-yun over 8,000 lifetimes that finally allows them to be together. When Arthur asks if Nora believes in in-yun, she jokes that its just something Koreans say to seduce someone. When I ask Song about the term, she lights up and says, Its an amazing thing! In-yun is basically about how you cant control who walks into your life...and who stays in your life. That to me isat the heart of the film. Its about the ineffable thing...about every relationship, even the person who brushes up against you, even you and me whos sitting here. Songs treatment of every relationship in Past Lives reflects this value, as seen when Hae Sung says to Arthur, You and I are in-yun too. Instead of representing the typical love triangle trope that pits love interests against one another, Song centers the significance of human connection. Courtesy of Twenty Years Rights/A24 Films While Past Lives allowed me to reflect on my own immigrant journey, Song makes it clear that the film, and Noras story, are not only about that. What I dont want is for this movie to be a totalizing statement or...totalizing force in talking about what it is like to be an immigrant, she says. It actually is so much more about what is going on with this character [of Nora], and what shes going through, what her journey is. Other viewers may have different reactions altogetherwhich is exactly what Song expects. She says, Depending on who you are, and who watches this movie, and how you watch this movie, and what situation youre in in your life, I think youre going to have a different reaction to the film. She shared that audience members have told her, I want to call my partner and tell them how much I love and appreciate them; and another said, I have to call my ex because my partner doesnt give me the same feelings. Whatever the response, Song believes it has to do with what relationship status [the viewer is] in more than anything. For me, I have come away from Past Lives with a deep desire to say a proper goodbye to Taiwan and all of the loved ones I left behind. I grew up regretting not having more time with my grandparents, and part of my healing is appreciating the moments I did share with them in my early childhood, and cherishing every relationship in my lifepast, present and future. Past Lives is now playing in select cities and opens nation wide on June 23. You Might Also Like Dotdash Meredith and Yahoo Inc. may earn commission or revenue on some items through the links below. And its so durable it survived two weeks of cobble streets in Italy. Travel + Leisure / Daisy Rodriguez Summer travel season has arrived, and if youre heading anywhere by plane in the next few months, you know the importance of bringing along durable, reliable luggage that will protect your valuables. For anyone planning a shorter getaway and in search of a new carry-on, Targets sale on the Made By Design Hardside Carry-on Spinner Suitcase may meet all of your packing needs, and its 20 percent off right now. The 20-inch suitcase is made with a durable plastic hard exterior and features a telescopic handle to roll it easily on its four swivel wheels, along with a side handle for carrying or putting in the overhead compartment. The spinner suitcase is available in five colors including tan, aqua, dark gray, dark green, and pink, so you can grab a unique color to separate your luggage from the sea of black if you ever decide to check the bag. Thanks to the suitcases 2-inch expandable design, you can gain even more space for any additional items you pick up at your destination. Target To buy: target.com, $72 (originally $90) For security, the Made By Design carry-on has an exterior built-in lock. The piece is also water-resistant and can withstand any type of weather so you can rest assured that your clothes and accessories will stay clean, dry, and protected. The inside of the carry-on spinner offers even more convenient features, including several compartments to keep your luggage organized. On one side, find a mesh zip compartment for storing smaller toiletries or undergarments, plus a larger hidden space under that pocket for packing clothing, travel blankets, or shoes. On the opposite side, you can organize your clothes in the roomy space that has protective cross straps to keep everything in place. Target To buy: target.com, $72 (originally $90) One shopper who needed additional space for purchases made during their vacation said they bought the suitcase and packed it to the max but that it held up well, calling it a little gem. Another reviewer shared that this perfect carry-on fit overhead even when expanded, adding that it was easy to maneuver and big enough to put [their] packing cubes in comfortably. A separate shopper who bought the suitcase a year ago has traveled with it from Alabama to Florida to even London, and said that it held up the entire time and is still in good condition. They noted that its a perfect choice for a good quality carry-on. A final shopper was impressed by the amount of clothing they could fit into this carry-on, saying it fit two weeks of clothing and that its their go-to. Story continues Travelers also highlighted the suitcases durability, with one person saying that they got four for a family trip to Italy and that it survived two weeks of cobble streets and train platform steps. The shopper liked the suitcase so much that when they returned, they got two more. Target To buy: target.com, $72 (originally $90) Add a new, under-$100 carry-on suitcase to your luggage collection with Targets Made By Design Hardside Spinner, and be sure to get it while its still on sale. Target To buy: target.com, $72 (originally $90) Target To buy: target.com, $72 (originally $90) Love a great deal? Sign up for our T+L Recommends newsletter and well send you our favorite travel products each week. For more Travel & Leisure news, make sure to sign up for our newsletter! Read the original article on Travel & Leisure. Princess Beatrice took a leaf out of Kate Middletons parenting book. Seen here attending The Hill House Home UK launch dinner Princess Beatrice took a leaf out of Kate Middletons parenting book during her time away from daughter Sienna for a royal wedding. Princess Beatrice and her husband Edoardo Mapelli Mozzi recently attended the wedding of Crown Prince Hussein and Princess Rajwa of Jordan. Sarah Ferguson has revealed she looked after their daughter Sienna and the Wales kids are also known to spend a lot of time with their maternal grandparents. This royal news comes as it was revealed how Kate Middleton's very unhappy time being bullied at school has completely influenced one big decision for George, Charlotte and Louis. Everyone from First Lady Jill Biden to European royals reunited at the wedding of Crown Prince Hussein and Princess Rajwa of Jordan. Amongst the British royals who attended were Prince William and Kate Middleton, whose Elie Saab gown was a scene-stealer and Princess Beatrice and Edoardo Mapelli Mozzi. For this special occasion Princess Beatrices tiara caught our attention and its believed this diamond creation was a gift to her mom Sarah Ferguson from the late Queen Elizabeth. Now Sarah has opened up about how Princess Beatrice and Edoardos daughter Sienna spent the brief time apart from her parents. And it seems Princess Beatrice took a leaf out of Kate Middletons parenting book Kate Middleton and Princess Beatrice of York attend Royal Ascot 2017 According to OK!, Sarah, Duchess of York made the revelation on episode two of her podcast with friend Sarah Thomson - Tea Talks With The Duchess and Sarah. She explained that during Princess Beatrices time in Jordan she enjoyed precious time looking after Sienna. While Beatrice was away in Jordan, I was allowed to have Sienna to play. And the last couple of days Ive managed to really have a bond, and guess what my bond is? I give her a little sip of tea out of my teacup, Sarah declared, before reassuring her listeners that she put some cold water in it for safety. This adorable anecdote highlights her incredible relationship with her granddaughter and shows that Sarah is happy to look after Sienna when Princess Beatrice is away. Story continues Princess Beatrice of York and Sarah Ferguson, Duchess of York attend The Lady Garden Gala 2022 Kate Middletons parents Michael and Carole are also known to have a strong bond with Prince George, Charlotte and Louis and are also believed to have stepped in on several occasions to take care of them. Back in 2019, Carole and Michael were photographed looking after Prince George on a separate boat whilst Prince William and Kate took part in a sailing race. Meanwhile, reports have suggested that during the Prince and Princess of Wales royal tours its likely the Middletons take a key role in looking after the kids. When the family still lived at Kensington Palace, it was claimed Carole visited Kate and Prince William regularly and even helped with bed and bath time. Michael Middleton, Prince George and Carole Middleton attend the King's Cup Regatta Carole is a regular through those golden gates at Kensington Palace. She whizzes through in her Land Rover. There is no security because everybody knows her. She turns up to help with bedtime and bath time, royal expert Katie Nicholl told True Royalty documentary Kate Middleton: Heir We Go Again. She is absolutely indispensable. It seems the Duchess of York is similarly involved in Siennas life and that Princess Beatrice also sometimes leaves her daughter in her care. Sarahs comments after she became a grandmother once again with the arrival of Princess Eugenies second son Ernest. She will likely be excited to spend time with him and establish sweet traditions like shes doing with Sienna. The answer is more complicated than you might think. Jose Luis Pelaez Inc/Getty Images Turning your phone on "airplane mode" once your plane is preparing for takeoff is a standard part of any frequent flier's onboard routine. In airplane mode, your phone is disconnected from cellular networks, but you can still use the device and even connect it to in-flight Wi-Fi if it's available. But what happens if you accidentally leave your phone on? Don't worry it's not likely that your plane will fall out of the sky. In fact, a 2017 survey by Allianz Travel Insurance found that 17.2 percent of passengers never put their phones in airplane mode during flights. The problem is, we don't really know what might happen because the interactions between cell phones and planes aren't particularly well studied. Though there have been anecdotal reports of personal electronic devices (PEDs) potentially interfering with avionics, "it has proven almost impossible to duplicate these events," according to Boeing. But that doesn't mean there is zero risk. "If you do not turn off your cell phone, it has the potential to interfere with navigation instruments," Dan Bubb, a professor at the University of Nevada, Las Vegas and a former airline pilot, tells Travel + Leisure. "Potential" is the operative word here if there's any potential for danger, whatever the cause, the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) are going to avoid it. Related: 25 Things You Should Do Before Boarding a Plane, According to a Frequent Flier That's why the Code of Federal Regulations in the U.S. currently states the following: "Cellular telephones installed in or carried aboard airplanes, balloons, or any other type of aircraft must not be operated while such aircraft are airborne (not touching the ground). When any aircraft leaves the ground, all cellular telephones on board that aircraft must be turned off." And if you don't comply, you may be fined. Story continues Another issue with in-flight cell phone use is the possibility of overloading the cell towers on the ground. When you're moving, your phone is connecting to multiple towers at a time, and given all the passengers in the sky at any given moment, that could certainly be a burden on the network. (Not to mention your phone's battery will likely drain faster as it's using more power to connect to these towers from cruising altitude.) As technology changes, new threats are introduced in the phone-plane relationship. And right now, the biggest threat is 5G networks. "With many phone companies now offering 5G bandwidth, that has the potential to interfere with the radio altimeter, which is the instrument upon which pilots rely to indicate when they need to flare, or lift the airplane's nose wheel, to land the plane," says Bubb. The specific bandwidth that U.S. cell carriers use for 5G services is very close to the same bandwidth used by the radio altimeter, which increases the potential for interference. And the radio altimeter isn't something to mess with. "Because pilots sit so high in the cockpit, it is difficult for them to see the runway when they land, which is why they rely upon the radio altimeter for guidance," says Bubb. (Generally speaking, radio altimeters are used during low-visibility landings.) For what it's worth, nearly 60 percent of all aviation accidents in the last 20 years occurred during the landing phase of flight, per a report by Airbus. "So, when flight attendants ask passengers to put their phones on 'airplane mode,' or turn them off, there is a good reason why passengers should comply with that request," says Bubb. Related: 8 Worst Flying Mistakes and How to Avoid Them, According to Flight Attendants Interestingly, the European Union is requiring the implementation of 5G networks on aircraft, allowing passengers to communicate freely with their mobile devices, including making calls. But there's a key difference between European 5G networks and American ones: the European networks operate at a different frequency, which adds more separation between the cell usage and the radio altimeter. Therefore, there's less chance of interference. For that reason, you shouldn't expect the U.S. to follow suit any time soon. And even if we did live in a world where phone calls are possible on flights, remember that planes are shared and typically very cramped spaces. It would be far from polite to be chatting on the phone loudly on a plane. At the very least, let's just stick to texts. For more Travel & Leisure news, make sure to sign up for our newsletter! Read the original article on Travel & Leisure. The final day of competition for #WarriorGames2023 was extra special with a visit from Prince Harry, The Duke of Sussex. Prince Harry spent time with athletes and their families, and watched the Sitting Volleyball Finals as the 2023 Warrior Games came to a close. @TRADOC pic.twitter.com/8pwxdggKuh Warrior Games (@warriorgames) June 13, 2023 Japan is the safest country for solo travelers. SDI Productions/Getty Images Solo travel can be very rewarding, but it can also be challenging to find destinations that are safe and can accommodate single travelers. Now, a study from luggage storage company Bounce is spotlighting what countries are best for solo travelers. When it comes to safety, the study found Japan is the safest country for solo travelers in 2023, thanks in part to its low crime rate. In No. 2 is Switzerland, followed by Slovenia. But when you take other variables into account (like cost-efficient stays and the dining scene), a different nation takes the crown. Overall, Croatia is the best country for solo travelers this year. Not only does the nation have low crime, but it also has affordable accommodations (the average hostel costs just $14.31), tons of restaurants, and many outdoor activities from national parks to gorgeous beaches. SDI Productions/Getty Images Malta came in as the overall second-best country for solo travelers, followed by Slovenia. (The top 10 also includes Portugal, Iceland, Greece, Hungary, Spain, Singapore, and Israel.) Traveling alone can be one of the most rewarding and enriching experiences of someones life. You can explore different cultures and open your mind to new ways of living while also meeting new people, Bounce wrote in the study. Traveling on your own can however be a pretty daunting experience. [...] Luckily, for those thinking of embarking on a solo adventure, we have analyzed a number of popular destinations around the world to uncover which are the best, safest, and most affordable for solo travel in 2023. When it comes to attractions, Iceland took the top spot thanks to its sheer number of exciting sites there are 583 attractions per every 100,000 people. (No. 2 and No. 3 were Malta and Italy, respectively.) Meanwhile, Singapore came in at No. 1 for restaurants with 212 eateries to choose from per every 100,000 people. Sri Lanka had the cheapest transportation, the study noted. In fact, it only costs travelers an average of 16 cents for a one-way ticket on public transportation on the island nation. Story continues And when it comes to hostels, Croatia may have the most (19.44 hostels per 100,000 people), but Nepal has the cheapest ones, with an average cost of about $3.60 per night. For more Travel & Leisure news, make sure to sign up for our newsletter! Read the original article on Travel & Leisure. After almost 40 years in business, Reef is finally opening up its first U.S. store not far from its headquarters in Southern California. The sandal and footwear brand, launched in 1984 by two brothers from Argentina, has built its business on selling its collection to beach-oriented stores that cater to everything surf and sand as well as larger national retailers, helping push Reefs annual revenues to above $200 million a year. More from WWD The companys first store officially opens Saturday as a 1,000-square-foot pop-up in Encinitas, California, a town with a laid-back beach vibe, not far from the companys headquarters in Carlsbad, some 35 miles north of San Diego. Later, the space will transition to a permanent store by the end of the year. Reef has a handful of stores overseas through distributorships. We took advantage of an opportunity to get closer to the consumer and get something opened in our own backyard, said Mike Jensen, who became Reefs president in early 2019. He said this new store will be like a test lab, where he can fly in product from factories in Southeast Asia and see how it performs. It gives me a window into the consumer and makes me more confident with my [200] retail partners, the Reef executive explained, noting that Dicks Sporting Goods is a big client. The exterior of the new Reef store in Encinitas, California. Photo by Michael Burke Jensen came on board shortly after The Rockport Group acquired Reef in late 2018 for $139.4 million from VF Corp., which 13 years earlier had bought the sandal company for $187.7 million. For the last four years, Jensen and his team have been revamping Reefs array of products, going from primarily beach flip-flops to more stylish sandals and shoes. We were making an amazing beach flip-flop, Jensen said. But what we are also making today are more sophisticated and more premium products from a construction standpoint. Story continues In 2019, only 10 percent of the companys merchandise sold for more than $55. Today, about 50 percent of sales have a price tag surpassing $55, Jensen said. That is good given that flip-flop industry sales have seen a 7 percent compounded annual decline since 2016, the Reef executive said. To keep product fresh, the footwear company every year introduces about 13 new products for women and about seven to eight new styles for men, Jensen said. The company is adding to its selection of closed-toe footwear. While mens merchandise used to account for 65 percent to 75 percent of sales, that has declined to 45 percent. Today, womens merchandise makes up 45 percent of purchases and childrens sales are responsible for 10 percent. New products include a womens platform sandal for $75 with leather-like straps that hug your feet or a $65 slide with a chunky lug sole and double straps that go from day to night. For men, there is a flip-flop sandal with a padded liner and built-in bottle opener for $65 or a mesh shoe with a cushiony outsole for $60. Weve spent a lot of energy showing consumers how to style our products at the beach and away from the beach, Jensen said. Reef has traveled far since Fernando and Santiago Aguerre traveled north from their native Argentina where the brothers spent their youth repairing surfboards in their fathers garage and promoting surf contests. After moving to Southern California in the early 1980s, they launched their business with $4,000 to make a living while surfing. The Aguerre brothers are still active in the Southern California surf scene and continue living by their Reef slogan: Life is short. Dont waste it. Go surfing. Best of WWD Click here to read the full article. A Swansea-based yoga studio plans to open a location in Edwardsville this year. Go Yoga! Express, at 216-5 Frank Scott Parkway East in Swansea, offers yoga and hot yoga classes, infrared sauna and halotherapy, yoga teacher training and life coaching. Owner Kellie Mathes said the second location will be in Edwardsvilles Whispering Heights community at 1010 Enclave Blvd. and open this fall. Mathes said she and her family went to 1818 Chophouse for her sons birthday in November. She really fell in love with the area and came up with the idea to have a studio there. Mathes said she has several students who moved to Edwardsville, so shes glad to be able to offer classes and expand services there. This seating area is where Go Yoga! Express life coaching sessions are held. The infrared sauna is behind the wooden partition. The new studio will have a similar floor plan and elements as Swansea, she said, adding that rooftop yoga classes will be held for the residents at Whispering Heights. Yoga on the rooftop is just one of the multiple locations Go Yoga! Express holds yoga events. Recent events include Yoga & Coffee at LongStory Coffee in Belleville, Yoga Then Mimosas at 1818 Chophouse in Edwardsville and Pups, Poses & Pints at Eckerts Cider Shed in Belleville. Later this year, Go Yoga! Express will hold yoga retreats in Belize, Mexico and Italy (Mathes is currently learning Italian). She said through these events, the idea is to bring yoga into the forefront of the community and share the benefits of the practice. The studio at Go Yoga! Express can accommodate up to 60 students (five rows of 12), according to owner Kellie Mathes. This recent photo provided by Mathes shows a typical class at Go Yoga! Express. Mathes started practicing yoga in 2007 and has done hot yoga for 13 years. In late 2011, she co-founded Yoga Core and More in OFallon as a way to bring hot yoga to the metro-east. Prior to opening that business, Mathes and her then partners, Theresa Blomberg and Michele Taylor, drove to St. Louis to do hot yoga. I was the yoga teacher, and Michele and Therese were students, Mathes told the BND in 2015. Michelle decided that we needed hot yoga in the metro-east. So the three of us had been traveling to St. Louis about four times a week, about 50 miles round trip doing hot yoga, and we didnt have any hot yoga available in the area. So we decided to open a hot yoga studio. Story continues Mathes said she sold her share of Yoga Core and More to open Go Yoga! Express. Go Yoga! Express opened in April 2017. Go Yoga! Express in Swansea is located at 216-5 Frank Scott Parkway East. Hours of operation vary. Class descriptions and schedules are available online at goyogaexpress.com. For more info, call 618-416-5199 or visit the website or Facebook page. While InNature Berhad (KLSE:INNATURE) shareholders are probably generally happy, the stock hasn't had particularly good run recently, with the share price falling 14% in the last quarter. But that doesn't change the fact that the returns over the last three years have been pleasing. To wit, the share price did better than an index fund, climbing 50% during that period. Let's take a look at the underlying fundamentals over the longer term, and see if they've been consistent with shareholders returns. Check out our latest analysis for InNature Berhad To quote Buffett, 'Ships will sail around the world but the Flat Earth Society will flourish. There will continue to be wide discrepancies between price and value in the marketplace...' One imperfect but simple way to consider how the market perception of a company has shifted is to compare the change in the earnings per share (EPS) with the share price movement. Over the last three years, InNature Berhad failed to grow earnings per share, which fell 18% (annualized). This means it's unlikely the market is judging the company based on earnings growth. Given this situation, it makes sense to look at other metrics too. Interestingly, the dividend has increased over time; so that may have given the share price a boost. Sometimes yield-chasing investors will flock to a company if they think the dividend can grow over time. You can see below how earnings and revenue have changed over time (discover the exact values by clicking on the image). We know that InNature Berhad has improved its bottom line lately, but what does the future have in store? If you are thinking of buying or selling InNature Berhad stock, you should check out this free report showing analyst profit forecasts. 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. Arguably, the TSR gives a more comprehensive picture of the return generated by a stock. As it happens, InNature Berhad's TSR for the last 3 years was 69%, which exceeds the share price return mentioned earlier. This is largely a result of its dividend payments! A Different Perspective We're pleased to report that InNature Berhad rewarded shareholders with a total shareholder return of 8.5% over the last year. And yes, that does include the dividend. That falls short of the 19% it has made, for shareholders, each year, over three years. It's always interesting to track share price performance over the longer term. But to understand InNature Berhad better, we need to consider many other factors. Consider for instance, the ever-present spectre of investment risk. We've identified 2 warning signs with InNature Berhad , and understanding them 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 companies that have proven they can grow earnings. Please note, the market returns quoted in this article reflect the market weighted average returns of stocks that currently trade on Malaysian exchanges. Have feedback on this article? Concerned about the content? Get in touch with us directly. Alternatively, email editorial-team (at) simplywallst.com. This article by Simply Wall St is general in nature. We provide commentary based on historical data and analyst forecasts only using an unbiased methodology and our articles are not intended to be financial advice. It does not constitute a recommendation to buy or sell any stock, and does not take account of your objectives, or your financial situation. We aim to bring you long-term focused analysis driven by fundamental data. Note that our analysis may not factor in the latest price-sensitive company announcements or qualitative material. Simply Wall St has no position in any stocks mentioned. 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 At the Wando Welch Terminal in the Port of Charleston, South Carolina, massive blue cranes tower above while colorful containers sit nearby, stacked like a childs blocks. As a massive container ship approaches, workers dart about, preparing to remove more containers from its deck. This scene plays out dozens of times each week across the ports five terminals: Wando Welch, Leatherman, Union Pier, Veterans and North Charleston. And the South Carolina Ports Authority is intent on increasing that number, making major investments to create new facilities, upgrade existing ones and make it easier for larger ships to access port terminals. More from Sourcing Journal As of 2022, Charleston ranks eighth among United States ports, four spots below regional competitor Savannah, Ga., and just two behind Norfolk, Va. That year, Charleston processed 2.8 million twenty-foot-equivalent units (TEU), an increase from 1.6 million TEUs in 2013. The busiest U.S. port, Los Angeles, processed 9.9 million TEUs last year. And while the logjam issues at West Coast ports have mostly resolved, other issues such as potential labor strikes have made some nervous. The Pacific Maritime Association and the International Longshore and Warehouse Union finally struck a tentative deal on June 15 after two weeks of worker slowdowns and stoppages that impaired port productivity up and down the West Coast. These labor issues, along with shifts in where imports originate, have ports such as Charleston positioning themselves as a more viable alternative to West Coast competitors. Beyond the near-term labor challenges, this isnt new. Even on a good day, its challenging to do business on the West Coast, said Byron Miller, chief commercial officer, South Carolina Ports Authority. And Southeast Asia production has grown, which favors Southeast United States ports. Story continues The South Carolina Ports Authority has an owner-operator model, which Miller said allows them to run more efficiently. The bulk of its workers are non-union, making labor disputes less of an issue. Compensation is based on productivitythe more they move, the more they get paid, said Travis Frank, commercial sales, South Carolina Ports Authority To compete with not only the West Coast but also other Southeast ports such as Savannah, Norfolk, Jacksonville and Wilmington in North Carolina, Miller said the Port Authority has made significant investments in upgrades. The Port of Charleston has seen more than $3 billion of capital investment over the past 15 years. Its a wholistic approach to our growth, whether its expanding existing facilities, building new facilities or deepening the harbor, he said. The Ports Authority recently completed a dredging project on Charlestons harbor that deepened the port by 52 feet, making it the deepest on the East Coast until Norfolk completes its inner channel dredging, which is scheduled to begin next year. And the Charleston Port took the dredging project as an opportunity to improve the areas natural environment, as well. We took the dredged material and used it to plant native plants to create new wetlands, Frank said. The Ports Authority also recently rolled out a new 10,000-unit chassis fleet after the pandemic heightened the need for chassis availability. We invested $210 million in the new chassis fleet, Miller said. Now that pool is modern, fully GPS-tracked and properly sized for the needs of the market. The ports market expanded significantly in 2022 with the opening of facilities by two of the nations largest retailers. Walmart opened a 3-million-square-foot distribution center in nearby Ridgeville, which processes product for 850 Walmart and Sams Club locations across the Southeast. Target also opened a distribution facility in the area last year, launching a portable cross-dock hub built on a future expansion site at the North Charleston terminal. The facility was set up in partnership with Dockzilla, a Minnesota-based company that builds portable loading systems and warehouses. Were seeing growth in retail successes, companies wanting to build that in the Southeast, Miller said. South Carolinas seaside ports connect with two inland ports, one in Greer along the I-85 corridor and the other in Dillon, along the I-95 corridor. The facilities are served via daily and overnight rail and offer gates that operate 24 hours a day, seven days a week, with 12-minute truck turns. Miller said Greer is positioned to be an alternative to Atlanta and Charlotte inland ports, which also sit along the I-85 corridor. The facility has handled more than a million containers over the past decade, serving brands such as Adidas, Dollar General and BMW. The South Carolina Ports Authority also runs a smaller operation at the Port of Georgetown, about 60 miles north of Charleston. The Georgetown Port serves as the states dedicated breakbulk and bulk cargo port. Along with inland support, South Carolina offers monetary incentives to draw business to the Port of Charleston. A South Carolina Ports tax credit gives businesses up to $100 per TEU for new business each year, along with reductions in employee withholding or state income taxes. In April, the Port of Charleston reported an 11 percent increase in volume month-over-month, moving 214,101 TEUs and 119,572 pier containers. And as companies look for alternatives to the West Coast or simply want to tap into the ever-growing Southeast United States regional market, Charleston and the South Carolina Ports Authority are ready to step in to meet their needs. We see that there are a lot of advantages in the Southeast, and in Charleston we have immediate container availability, Miller said. As companies continue to invest and grow their businesses in South Carolina, were prepared to grow with them. Click here to read the full article. Milwaukee business leader Ted Kellner has been appointed as chief executive officer of the host committee for the 2024 Republican National Convention in Milwaukee. The host committee for the 2024 Republican National Convention in Milwaukee is turning to one of the city's big financial hitters to lead the organization. Businessman and philanthropist Ted Kellner is stepping in as chief executive officer, the group announced Thursday. Kellner is replacing Steve King, who is stepping back to a role on the organization's board of directors. King, a longtime GOP stalwart and former U.S. ambassador to the Czech Republic, had been commuting between his home in North Carolina and Milwaukee since joining the effort in September. "I am confident that what we have started at the Host Committee has set Milwaukee up for success in 2024, and Im honored to have had the opportunity to lead the launch of this organization, King said in a statement. While it has been a great honor to serve as the CEO of the Host Committee in my home state, this change will allow me more time to spend with my family in North Carolina." Republican host committee chief executive officer Steve King, speaks during an update on the preparations taking place for the 2024 Republican National Convention in Milwaukee. Officials held the press conference at the 3rd Street Market Hall in Milwaukee on Thursday, Feb. 2, 2023, addressing details of the convention to be held July 15-18, 2024. The host committee is charged with raising money for the event the target is $68 million. The committee also contracts with the major venues that include Fiserv Forum and the Wisconsin Center, and sets up a transportation system to ferry delegates and others to the event. The convention will be held in Milwaukee, July 15-18, 2024, and is expected to draw 50,000 visitors to the city and region. Reince Priebus, a former White House chief of staff under ex-President Donald Trump, and the chairman of the host committee, praised King's efforts in launching the organization. "Steve leaves big shoes to fill, but there is nobody better than Ted Kellner to step in and continue building on our progress. Im confident that we will continue to build on our success to host a world-class convention in 2024," Priebus said in a statement. Kellner is a major Republican donor at the state and national level, although he has contributed to Democrats, including President Joe Biden. Kellner's friendship with Biden goes back to 1972. Story continues In 2018, Kellner hosted a fundraiser for Trump at the Pfister Hotel. Kellner is currently chairman and CEO of T&M Partners, a holding company for personal investments. In 1980, Kellner co-founded Fiduciary Management, Inc., and four years later co-founded Fiduciary Real Estate Development. He has served on numerous boards, including at the Medical College of Wisconsin and Milwaukee World Festival Inc. Kellner lauded King and said he was looking forward to taking on the job. "Milwaukee is a vibrant, welcoming city," he said. "I am excited to build on the work that Steve and his team have started to showcase everything we have to offer in 2024. Im ready to get to work." 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: Ted Kellner named host committee CEO for 2024 RNC in Milwaukee As the deadline for expiration approached, Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan announced a two-month extension of the landmark U.N.-brokered Black Sea grain deal, thanking Russian President Vladimir Putin, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and U.N. Secretary-General Antonio Guterres all of whom were directly involved in the last-minute reprieve. Details of any modifications were not announced, but both Ukraine and Turkey made the announcement on Wednesday. "We have some positive and significant developments confirmation by the Russian Federation to continue its participation in the Black Sea Initiative for another 60 days," Guterres told the press at U.N. headquarters on Wednesday, adding, "the continuation is good news for the world." Saying that "outstanding issues remain," Guterres said that the importance of the Black Sea Initiative and the Memorandum of Understanding between the U.N. and the Russian Federation "is clear." "Ukrainian and Russian products feed the world," he said, clarifying that the world is "still in the throes of a record-breaking cost-of-living crisis" and saying that since the agreement was signed, "markets have stabilized, volatility has been reduced and we have seen global food prices fall by 20%." The Black Sea Grain Initiative was agreed to in July 2022 in Istanbul, Turkey, and extended in November. It was extended again, after objections by Russia, in March. The deal included agreements signed separately by Russia and Ukraine, and brokered by the U.N. and Turkey to help get grain from Ukraine and food and fertilizers from Russia. The purpose stated by the U.N. to negotiate the deal was to break the disruption in supplies of grain, food, and fertilizers that resulted from "Russia's invasion of Ukraine," that sent food prices soaring and "contributed to a global food crisis." Story continues The agreement included a separate Memorandum of Understanding between the U.N. and Russia for the U.N. to assist in making sure that Russian fertilizers are not blocked by secondary sanctions on ships, insurance, or banks. The weeks prior to the deadline, Russia slowed the inspection of ships hoping for approval of its long-stated demand of the resumption of an ammonia pipeline from Russia to Ukraine and for a return to the banking system known as SWIFT, for its exports. The deal has allowed the safe export of more than 30 million tons of grain, foodstuffs and fertilizer, since it first began in July last year, greatly alleviating the global crisis of food insecurity. Ron DeSantis to declare presidential run, expected to file next week Democrats making debt ceiling backup plan, GOP sidesteps expelling Santos, more political news Changing the Game: Fiona Co Chan on her company Youthforia, "makeup you can sleep in" Raj Bhakta left WhistlePig, the rye whiskey brand he founded, in 2019 in what was not exactly an amicable split. But since then he has been moving full speed ahead with his new company, Bhakta Spirits, which just dropped a vintage rum that sounds like it will appeal to any fan of aged brown spirits, and whiskey drinkers in particular. The focus of Bhakta Spirits has been on Armagnac, the lesser known sister spirit to Cognac, with a series of rare vintages, blends, and single cask expressions sourced from the eponymous region of France. Bhakta also recently released a 10-year-old bourbon that was finished in Armagnac casks, and there is a rye whiskey rumored to be on the way as well. Now we have the first rum release from this high-end booze brand, and it is a rare one. More from Robb Report Bhakta 1990 Rum is a blend of two spirits25-year-old column still Jamaican rum distilled in 1985 at the Clarendon/Monymusk distillery (35 percent of the blend), and 23-year-old Jamaican pot still rum distilled at Appleton Estate in 1990 (65 percent of the blend). The two liquids were blended together in 2014 and then recasked into second-fill bourbon and rye barrels from MGP in Indiana, and then finally given a signature Armagnac cask finish. It was bottled at cask strength, a strong 124 proof, with no color or sugar added. According to Bhakta Spirits cofounder Leo Gibson, there is orange, butterscotch, pipe tobacco, banana, and honeydew on the nose, and the palate has notes of fig, red fruit, and clove. Discovering this rum was an absolute breakthrough, said Bhakta in a statement. Its one of the most astoundingly complex spirits Ive ever encountered, and I couldnt be more excited to share it with connoisseurs, collectors, and all consumers who appreciate deeply-aged rum as much as I do. Since I exited WhistlePig, Ive traveled the globe in pursuit of the oldest, rarest, and most exquisite spirits known to man. Bhakta 1990 Rum is so sublime it stopped me in my tracks. Its absolutely won its place in our oldest-in-the-world collection of Vintage Spirits. Story continues There are only 1,500 bottles available of this vintage rum, which you can purchase directly from the Bhakta Spirits website for $500. And there are still bottles of the 2013 bourbon available from websites like Total Wine if youre looking for some whiskey. Best of Robb Report Sign up for Robb Report's Newsletter. For the latest news, follow us on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram. Click here to read the full article. COPENHAGEN Perhaps the best way to start 3daysofdesign is with an icy cold swim off a pier on Refshaleen among its moored houseboats and shipyards, before checking out some of the design-forward brands the Scandinavian way. At the three-day festival that closed here last week, a roster of events from about 300 local and international brands, spanning 13 design districts, were more about a colorful awakening than they were about clean minimalism, which was a welcome surprise to the international crowd that gathered here. More from WWD What weve found is that the white Scandinavian look is done, reflected Jason Duke, founder of Kansas City, Missouris Kanso showroom, store and e-commerce featuring upscale Scandinavian brands. People are experimenting with color and prints, he explained over drinks at the Audo Copenhagen event, introducing its latest collaboration and celebrating the merger of labels Menu and By Lassen under one name. Poetic Disclosure collection by Copenhagen label New Works. One such brand was New Works, a Copenhagen-based company that prides itself on architecting a luxury vision of inviting interiors with quality craftsmanship. This season its Covent residential sofa was draped in fairytale pattern Derby toile fabrics by Venetian textile maker Rubelli. Shelving doors were awash in black-stained ash to create a sort of elegant, reflective feel. Its collection Poetic Disclosure aimed to invite tranquility, inspired by the balance and serenity found in Japan. In Scandinavia, we have a tendency to furnish rooms the exact same way as if light colors get the most out of a room and people are afraid of putting dark colors in, said New Works cofounder and creative director Knut Bendik Humlevik, in a showroom on the ground floor of the Frederiksgade building in downtown Copenhagen, where high-end brands gathered to unveil their latest creations. Instead you make it more intimate, more tactile in a way the atmosphere changes dramatically. Story continues The Diciotto chandelier by Vibeke Fonnesberg Schmid. Nestled in an upper floor studio, Vibeke Fonnesberg Schmidt displayed her vibrant lamps and chandeliers that are offered in renowned showrooms, like Milans shrine to interior design Nilufar. With neatly organized boxes of materials Plexiglass discs and pieces of brass she hand-builds exclusive one-off lamps that conjure 60s Italian design, French Art Nouveau and German Bauhaus modernism. Nearby, Please Wait to be Seated, a Danish design company founded in 2014 by former interior photographer Thomas Ibsen, focused on creating enduring objects that can be passed on but are affordable for a youthful clientele. Its Planet lamp, for example, is priced at 669 euros on its website, while its Kanso coffee table is priced at 663 euros. At the festival, the brand introduced the Totem Deco lamp a captivating creation created in collaboration with artist Tilde Grynnerup, whos known for her modernist art sculptures that imbued art with functionality. Please Wait to be Seated Totem Deco lamp by artist Tilde Grynnerup. The regions carpentry expertise, rooted in the Iron and Viking ages, was celebrated festival-wide by locals as well as foreign visitors. Italian designer David Dolcinis exhibition, Timemade, was a personal reflection on time expressed through a transversal collection showcased in the tranquility of the Italian Cultural Institute, located in a charming Copenhagen suburb. David Dolcinis exhibition, Timemade. Curated by Triennale Milano design director Marco Sammicheli, Dolcini whose studio collaborates with companies like Luceplan, Porada, Brics and Panasonic was able to honor his familys carpentry roots. Its not an easy task to fuse wood this way and if you think about it, its a living thing that constantly changes, he said, running his fingers over unfinished sculptures fused together with mathematically executed precision. For Kansos founder Duke, finding unexpected pieces is one of the main attractions of 3daysofdesign especially as urban areas like Kansas City see their upscale neighborhoods expand and their inhabitants embrace far-off cultures and design principles. We are looking for those pieces that stand the test of time that you want to invest in. Click here to read the full article. City of Redmond, Oregon A child dominated an Oregon council meeting this week when he schooled attendees about the harsh realities of racism after a dead raccoon was dropped at the doorstep of the citys mayor. On June 5, Redmond Mayor Ed Fitch, who is white, discovered a harrowing note taped over the corpse of a dead raccoon at the front door of his law office. Fitch did not disclose the full content of the letter, but he told The Washington Post that it contained intimidating language concerning him and Redmonds first and only Black city councilperson, Clifford Evelyn. It looked like the raccoon had bled out, right there, Fitch previously told the Post. According to the newspaper, Evelyn recognized the dead raccoon for its racial implications. City council members addressed the incident at Tuesdays meeting, according to local outlet KTVZ Bend. In a prepared statement, Evelyn said the cowardly act was something out of the 1950s and 60s. Mysterious Effigies Found After Texas Juneteenth Venue Is Burned For those who do not support teaching accurateand sometimes uncomfortableAmerican history in our schools, this is why its important to do so. Apparently, history repeats itself, he said. He said the act represented a pattern of behavior with specific individuals in the community, and he claimed racial incidents began to increase once he took office. Dog whistles and gestures will not deter me from my duties as city council, he said. After Evelyn thanked citizens for their support, other members of the community took to the dais. However, it was 10-year-old Gavin who shook the room into unprecedented applause. Why should us Black people suffer from racism when there are other races doing murders and [robberies] when us Black people are showing respect and [are] kind, but we still get treated like crap, he said. We should not have to get treated like this. Gavin, who is in the fourth grade, detailed his traumatizing racial experiences in school. He said he has repeatedly been called racial slurs and equated to a monkey, a racist caricature of Black people. Story continues Local Republican Calls Cops on 9-Year-Old Black Girl Catching Lanternflies One girl said to me, I would hit you, but thats called animal abuse, Gavin claimed. We should not get treated like this, he added. We should get treated equally. This is not fair to us Black people. Redmond police said the incident is being investigated as a potential bias crime in the second degree. The Redmond Police Department has no tolerance for hate speech of any kind, against any person or group, Police Chief Devin Lewis said in the statement. We will work swiftly to resolve this case and seek to hold those who did this to our community responsible. 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. Francois Gohier / Universal Images Group via Getty Images Run-ins with orcas have been leaving boats stranded. One captain told Newsweek that a pod of killer whales ambushed his boatan incident thats occurred not once, but twice. Dan Kriz told the publication the first encounter took place in 2020, when he and his crew were transporting a yacht through the Strait of Gibraltar, between Spain and Morocco. "I was surrounded with a pack of eight orcas, pushing the boat around for about an hour," Kriz said. He described the ships rudder as being so impaired that they had to be towed to a nearby marina. He also said hes one of the first to experience these very unusual acts by orcas. It then happened again, with Kriz explaining that the second time seemed more intentional. He was maneuvering a boat near the Canary Islands in April when he thought his vessel had collided with a wave. He soon knew it was something more when the boat was hit again. "My first reaction was, 'Please! Not again,'" Kraz recalled. "There is not much one can do. They are very powerful and smart." In a clip from the incident, the killer whales are biting off both rudders and one orca has a piece of the rudder in its mouth. During the first encounter, Kriz and his crew could hear the animals communicating with each other; this time around, they were quiet, he said. It didn't take them that long to destroy both rudders, he continued. Looks like they knew exactly what they are doing. They didn't touch anything else." The attack was around 15 minutes long. The crew then set sail once again for Spain, when one of the whales came back. "Suddenly, one big adult orca started chasing us. In a couple of minutes, she was under the boat, and that was when we realized there was still a little piece of fiberglass left and she wanted to finish the job," Kriz said. "After that, we didn't see them anymore." According to studies by the orca research group GTOA, these types of situations have nearly quadrupled recently. In 2020, only 52 interactions were recorded, with that number rising to 207 in 2022. Story continues More on this Just days ago, a sailor reported an encounter with several whales that destroyed the rudders on his vessel. The incident also took place in the Strait of Gibraltar region, with the man, Iain Hamilton, telling BBC Radio 4 that a very large whale was pushing along the back of the boat, trying to bite the rudder. He said the whales were repeatedly bumping it and pushed us around like a rag doll. With a new mayoral administration, no permanent police superintendent and a new federal judge overseeing the case, the Chicago Police Departments consent decree is in grave danger of failing, according to the citys former chief watchdog. Consent Decree implementation and monitoring is a faltering undertaking both in substantive accomplishment and in transparency. In the absence of a hard methodological and operational reset, I believe the Consent Decree is at high risk of failing to achieve its objectives, Joe Ferguson, the citys former inspector general, wrote in a June 5 letter made public Wednesday in a federal court filing. For meaningful reform to reach critical mass, the City must be prodded repeatedly and publicly, Ferguson added. The consent decree a sweeping set of reform mandates that were born out of the 2014 murder of Laquan McDonald by a Chicago police officer was approved in early 2019. Former U.S. District Judge Robert M. Dow selected a team led by former federal prosecutor Maggie Hickey to grade the CPDs adherence to the reforms. In addition to its semiannual reports, the monitoring team has held several public forums to solicit feedback on consent decree efforts, and the monitoring team has pursued offshoot investigations into the CPDs response to the civil unrest of 2020. But Ferguson said theres more to be done. Beyond voluminous technical reports, the IMT must be charged with conducting its work and exercising voice in a far more regular and public way than has been the case these last four plus years, Ferguson wrote. A spokesperson for the independent monitoring team noted that the consent decree effectively prohibits the team from making any public statements. Ferguson, whos said hes considering a campaign to become the next Cook County states attorney in 2024, added that the independent monitoring team has so far billed the city $14 million for its work, but the team has not submitted a publicly available budget since it was selected to oversee the consent decree. Story continues Based on the history of the last major federal monitorship of the City the Shakman Decree this lack of transparency and accountability is poised to turn into questions of whether the Monitorship has become a bureaucratic organ that exists primarily as a profit center at taxpayer expense, Ferguson said. Dow, the former judge who initially oversaw the consent decree, left the federal bench late last year to serve as chief of staff to John Roberts, the chief justice of the U.S. Supreme Court. The consent decree case was transferred to Rebecca Pallmeyer, chief judge of the Northern District of Illinois. Ferguson urged Pallmeyer and the independent monitoring team to include the OIG in further evaluations of the departments consent decree compliance. Going forward, I urge the Courts (and the IMTs) consideration of a practice that makes a new norm of full and fully partnered engagement with the Inspector General, who I know to be equally if not more steeped in technical and experiential history and knowledge of CPD and the City and has at the ready the capacities of an extraordinarily skilled and knowledgeable staff of dedicated professionals behind her, Ferguson wrote of his successor, Deborah Witzburg. Reached Wednesday, Witzburg pointed out that the opportunities for cooperation between the monitoring team and the Office of Inspector General are built into the consent decree itself, adding that the OIG is in full compliance with all of its consent decree obligations. We are in full compliance and we are, as we speak, coming to the end of our sustainment period. And so as soon as that is behind us, then we are really well-positioned to have a different structural relationship with the monitor, and one that recognizes (that) while the consent decree and the monitoring effort are temporary structures, the Office of Inspector General is the permanent oversight structure, Witzburg said. In the years since the consent decree was entered, the CPD has struggled to meet its obligations, and the monitoring teams most recent report was heavily critical of the firing of the former director of the CPDs reform office. The next semiannual report is expected to be released in the coming weeks, and it will detail the CPDs consent decree adherence between July 1 and Dec. 31, 2022. The CPDs Office of Constitutional Policing and Reform has seen several changes in leadership in the last year. The former director, Robert Boik, was fired by then-Superintendent David Brown last year after he protested Browns plan to take several dozen officers out of the reform office and reassign them to the Patrol Bureau. Boiks successor, Tina Skahill, a longtime CPD supervisor, tendered her resignation last month, citing retaliation. Delphi murders suspect Richard Allen has confessed to the 2017 killings of teenagers Libby German and Abby Williams multiple times while behind bars, according to bombshell courtroom statements. In an Indiana court hearing on Thursday, both the accused killers defence and prosecutors revealed that Mr Allen had made incriminating admissions about the murders in the seven months since he was arrested and jailed awaiting trial. Carroll County Prosecutor Nick McLeland told the court the 50-year-old local Delphi man had confessed five or six times to killing the girls, making multiple confessions to multiple people. Mr Allens defence attorneys agreed that Mr Allen had made incriminating statements implicating himself in the crime, but insisted that the statements were vague, inconsistent with his past not guilty plea and denials, and couldnt be trusted due to their clients mental state. Our client has made statements incriminating himself, implicating himself, in the crime, said lawyer Bradley Rozzi. At one minute, Rick is saying one thing, and another minute hes saying something else. The exact nature of the confessions and incriminating statements were not revealed in court. Mr Allens mental state was a major part of the arguments during Thursdays pretrial hearing where a trial date was also set for 8 to 26 January 2024. The defence is seeking to have Mr Allen moved from a state prison, Westfield Correctional, to a county jail in Cass County, which is nearer to Delphi. They argue that the suspect is being treated like a dog in the prison, and is subject to constant shackles on his hands, legs, and stomach. The attorneys said his mental state has also deteriorated to the point he is having trouble participating in his own defence. Captain Gary Lewis, who oversees Westfield, said Mr Allen is receiving adequate treatment thats no different from any other inmate. Meanwhile, the sheriff of Cass County, who oversees the jail where the defence has proposed moving Mr Allen to, told the court on Thursday that we dont want him due to security considerations, but said the facility is prepared to house the accused murderer if given a court order, WTHR reports. Story continues Delphi murders suspect Richard Allen at a hearing in November (Copyright 2022 The Associated Press. All rights reserved) Judge Gull is expected to rule on the matter at a later date. The judge will also rule at a later date on a defence motion seeking to throw out key ballistics evidence from the case. In a motion filed in an Indiana court on Tuesday, Mr Allens attorneys asked a judge to rule certain evidence in the case inadmissible at trial. The motion itself is sealed but online court records show that it relates to ballistics evidence. The criminal affidavit, which was partially redacted and released in November, previously revealed that the local man was finally tied to the February 2017 murders through a bullet found at the bloody crime scene. Ballistics confirmed that an unspent .40 caliber round found close to the bodies of the teenage victims came from Mr Allens Sig Sauer Model P226. The firearm which he owned since 2011 was found during a search of his home last October and both he and his wife Kathy told police he was the only person with access to it, the documents state. The bombshell document also revealed that, in Libbys cellphone footage, one of the victims mentions the word gun suggesting that their attacker was armed with a firearm and was using it to coerce the victims. In a police interview on 13 October, Mr Allen told investigators he had no explanation as to how the spent bullet ended up near the bodies of the two teenage victims, the document states. The accused killer said he had not been on the property where the unspent round was found, that he did not know the property owner, and that he had no explanation as to why a round cycled through his firearm would be at that location, it says. The property owner Ron Logan was also previously tied to the case. He died in 2020. Libby German (left) and Abby Williams (right) pictured together (Facebook) Mr Allens attorneys previously questioned the analysis of the unspent bullet in December. The judges ruling on the admissibility of this evidence could play a key role in the strength of the prosecutions case. Mr Allen, a 50-year-old father to a daughter, is also trying to quash evidence subpoenaed from both CVS and from Westville Correctional Center. Mr Allen has been behind bars since his arrest in October almost six years on from the brutal murders of Libby, 14, and Abby, 13, who went out one day together and never returned. On 13 February 2017, the two best friends set off on a hike along the Monon High Bridge Trail in their hometown of Delphi. During the walk, Libby posted a photo of her best friend on Snapchat as they walked along the Monon High Bridge. Minutes later, Libby captured a video of a man known as bridge guy dressed in blue jeans, a blue jacket and a cap walking along the abandoned railroad bridge. In the footage, the man tells the two girls: Guys, down the hill. Later that day, the teenagers were reported missing when they failed to return to a spot where a family member was picking them up. The next day Valentines Day 2017 their bodies were discovered in a wooded area less than half a mile off the trail along the side of Deer Creek. Their cause of death has never been released with a previously-released search warrant application only detailing that they were killed with some type of weapon and lost a lot of blood. For more than five years, the girls devastated families waited for answers in the case. Then, in late October 2022, Mr Allen a local man who served the victims families in his job at the Delphi CVS store was arrested and charged with their murders. According to investigators, Mr Allen is the so-called bridge guy captured on camera by the victims. The suspect forced the two victims down the hill and led them to the location where they were murdered, according to his probable cause affidavit. Libby German posted a Snapchat as the girls walked along the trail (Snapchat) As well as the ballistics evidence, Mr Allen was also tied to the killings after his vehicle was spotted parked close to the trail in an odd manner as if to conceal the license plate, the documents state. Several witnesses also reported seeing a creepy man matching the description of bridge guy around the time of the murders while one person said they saw a muddy and bloody man leaving the trail around two hours after Libby and Abby were last seen alive. The witnesses did not see anyone other than bridge guy on the trail at the time, the affidavit reads. The married father to a daughter had been on law enforcements radar back in 2017 after he admitted to being on the trail the day the girls were killed. During a 2017 interview with police, Mr Allen confessed to being on the Monon High Bridge Trail that afternoon but denied any involvement in the murders and insisted he had never seen the two girls that day. Despite placing himself at the scene of the crime at the time of the murders, he slipped through the net due to a clerical error. The sudden arrest of the local man almost six years on from the murders marked a major break in the case. But the investigation is far from over with officials saying that they believe Mr Allen may not be the sole person involved in the killings. Prior to Mr Allens arrest, investigators had been searching for information about a catfishing account which was in contact with Libby on the day she was killed. The man behind the account Kegan Anthony Kline was tied to the 2017 murders in December 2021 when investigators urged the public to come forward with information about a bogus online profile named @anthony_shots. Kline, 28, confessed to using the fake profile to groom underage girls, get them to send him nude photos and their addresses, and try to get them to meet him in person. Richard Allen leaves court after hearing on 15 June (Fox59) In a 2020 police interview, a transcript of which has been seen by The Independent, Kline admitted that he had communicated with 14-year-old Libby on Instagram and Snapchat through the catfishing profile before she died. The transcript revealed that he had exchanged photos with the teenage girl and that Libby had communicated with the fake profile on the very day that she and Abby were murdered. On 25 February 2017 - less than two weeks after the two girls were brutally killed police carried out a search of Klines home in Peru. Kline has never been charged in connection to the murders. However, he has been behind bars for the last two years on a string of child sexual abuse and child exploitation felonies. In March, he pleaded guilty to all 25 counts against him. He then fired his attorney and said he planned to withdraw his guilty plea before walking this back again. He is awaiting sentencing in July. Last month, he told The Murder Sheet podcast in a jailhouse interview that he has information about the murders but that police dont want to hear anything I have to say. While it may not be enough for some shareholders, we think it is good to see the Malaysia Building Society Berhad (KLSE:MBSB) share price up 13% in a single quarter. But if you look at the last five years the returns have not been good. You would have done a lot better buying an index fund, since the stock has dropped 46% in that half decade. 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. View our latest analysis for Malaysia Building Society Berhad To quote Buffett, 'Ships will sail around the world but the Flat Earth Society will flourish. There will continue to be wide discrepancies between price and value in the marketplace...' One 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. During the five years over which the share price declined, Malaysia Building Society Berhad's earnings per share (EPS) dropped by 9.2% each year. This reduction in EPS is less than the 12% annual reduction in the share price. So it seems the market was too confident about the business, in the past. The less favorable sentiment is reflected in its current P/E ratio of 9.79. You can see how EPS has changed over time in the image below (click on the chart to see the exact values). Before buying or selling a stock, we always recommend a close examination of historic growth trends, available here. 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. We note that for Malaysia Building Society Berhad the TSR over the last 5 years was -22%, which is better than the share price return mentioned above. And there's no prize for guessing that the dividend payments largely explain the divergence! A Different Perspective It's good to see that Malaysia Building Society Berhad has rewarded shareholders with a total shareholder return of 27% in the last twelve months. Of course, that includes the dividend. That certainly beats the loss of about 4% per year over the last half decade. This makes us a little wary, but the business might have turned around its fortunes. It's always interesting to track share price performance over the longer term. But to understand Malaysia Building Society Berhad better, we need to consider many other factors. Like risks, for instance. Every company has them, and we've spotted 2 warning signs for Malaysia Building Society Berhad (of which 1 is a bit unpleasant!) you should know about. Of course Malaysia Building Society 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 The lack of affordable and accessible child care caused Michigan parents to frequently miss work or even quit their jobs, according to the just-released Kids Count data profiles developed by the Annie E. Casey Foundation. The data shows that in 2021, 14% of Michigan children younger than 5 lived in a family that made a job change as a direct result of child care problems and expenses. Some communities were disproportionately affected. While 10% of white children younger than 5 lived with a family member who had to quit, change or refuse a job because of child care, 17% of Black and 16% of Latino children fell into this category nationally. Nationally, more than half of working parents with infants or toddlers reported disruptions to their workdays due to child care problems, and nearly a quarter had, at some point, been fired for it, the report revealed. Toddlers share a hug during story time at Cribs 2 College Academy child care center in Detroit on Wednesday, April 5, 2023. The countrys lack of affordable and accessible child care short-changes children, costs the American economy billions of dollars a year, stymies women professionally and is pushing families to the breaking point, a news release about the report said. The child care problem doesnt just affect families with kids, and it isnt just a pandemic problem. Its costing us $3 billion annually in lost employment, lost earnings, said Anne Kuhnen, Kids Count policy director in Michigan. We know that this is not just a temporary problem, she said. This is long-term underinvestment in our child care infrastructure. More: Michigan's child care subsidy program will be audited after reporting reveals flaws More: US child population shrinks to record low, sparking concerns about future Losing full-time, year-round jobs In the most recent data, Michigan saw a 23% increase in the percentage of children living in families where no parent had full-time, year-round employment. Now, nearly a third of families are in this situation. Nationally, 29% of children live with parents who lack secure employment. That can pose a problem when child care for an infant costs more than in-state college tuition in 34 states and the District of Columbia, the report authors note. Story continues The average cost to keep an infant in center-based care ranges from $663 per month in Menominee County to more than $1,200 in Washtenaw County. Though federal money is in place to help families pay for child care, the Child Care and Development Block Grant reaches only about 10% of eligible kids in Michigan, according to the First Five Years Fund, a bipartisan advocacy group focused on early learning. When child care is broken, women are the ones to suffer Parents who couldnt find child care that worked with their schedules or commutes were among those who had to give up jobs, and the majority of them were women. Women are up to eight times more likely than men to experience negative employment consequences related to caregiving responsibilities, according to the Michigan League for Public Policys news release. Women are also much more likely to be the underpaid child care workers suffering on the other end of this faltering industry: 94% of child care workers are women, and their pay is lower than that of 98% of all professions. Yolanda Williams, owner of Dee's Little Angels Child Care Center in Detroit dances with kids before their lunch on Thursday, April 20, 2023. Child care providers have been frustrated by the delay in DHHS notifications when children who receive subsidies through the state's child care subsidy program get their hours reduced or canceled. Median national pay for child care workers was less than $14 an hour in 2022, below the median compensation for workers in retail and customer service. Other sources put that figure even lower, at less than $12 an hour. More than 60% of child care workers reported struggling to pay their own food and utility bills the previous month, according to the report. These are predominantly women of color, whose wages are currently pretty misaligned with the expertise that they're bringing with, with the skills they have, as well as, frankly, their value to families and to young children and to the economy, Kuhnen said. I think that that was a very important piece of the report, too, is it's not just about families and our economy, but also the workers themselves. More: Child care subsidy snafus leave providers unpaid and parents without options More: Michigan child care workers were unprepared for kids' post-pandemic mental health crisis Michigan ranked 32nd nationally for child well-being The Kids Count Data Book presents state and national data from 16 indicators in four domains: economic well-being, health, education, and family and community. That allows for state-by-state comparison and ranking. Child well-being indicators put Michigan in 32nd place unchanged from last year, but a three-spot drop from the year before. Michigan had a bottom-half performance in every category. Economic well-being indicators landed it 32nd in the nation based on factors including the percentage of children living in poverty (18%) and the percentage of children living in households with a high housing cost burden (a full quarter). Michigan declined in its performance on three of the four indicators of well-being in the health category and stayed steady on the last. At number 26 in the nation, this category was the closest the state came to reaching the middle of the pack. Education, as in previous years, proved abysmal; Michigan ranked 42nd in the country and fared worse on three of the four metrics compared with last years data release. It managed to improve on several measures of family and community well-being, most notably the percentage of children living in high-poverty areas, which declined from 17% to 11%. Three things that could improve the child care situation The Annie E. Casey Foundation made three recommendations in its report to help the child care system transition from floundering to flourishing. It urged more investment at the local, state and federal levels, including by reauthorizing funds for the Child Care and Development Block Grant and increasing funding for public pre-K and Head Start. It suggested improving the infrastructure for home-based child care, first by lowering the barriers to entry by increasing access to startup and expansion capital. And it called on Congress to expand a federal program that supports student parents. Gov. Gretchen Whitmer has been working to ameliorate child care troubles in Michigan. She announced pre-K for all 4-year-olds, and committed funding to startup and expansion grants for child care entrepreneurs. Kuhnen says that while state leaders have prioritized child care through recent investments, more should be done. Were not currently funding the cost of child care at its true costs, and at the cost that includes a living wage for early childhood workers, she said. Jennifer Brookland covers child welfare for the Detroit Free Press in partnership with Report for America. Make a tax-deductible contribution to support her work at bit.ly/freepRFA. Reach her at jbrookland@freepress.com. This article originally appeared on Detroit Free Press: Failing child care system costs Michigan economy $3 billion A Broome County man faces at least a decade in prison after a federal jury convicted him of driving from his home in Harpursville to Bliss, N.Y. in October 2020 with the intention of having sex with a 13-year-old girl. David Lettieri, 36, was convicted this week of enticement of a minor, a felony charge that carries a mandatory minimum penalty of 10 years in prison and a maximum of life in prison, according to the U.S. Attorney's Office for the Western District of New York, which prosecuted the case. Sentencing will be before U.S. District Judge Lawrence J. Vilardo at a later date. A federal grand jury indicted Lettieri on Feb. 10, 2021 following an investigation by the Wyoming County Sheriff's Office and the FBI. The probe began after the parent of the 13-year-old alerted law enforcement that his daughter met a 33-year-old man who intended to have sex with her. The U.S. Attorney's Office said the investigation involved a search of the victim's cellphone and Lettieri's Facebook account and phone number. The girl's parent told a Wyoming County Sheriff's Office investigator the encounter between the 13-year-old girl and Lettieri happened Oct. 10 at a park near her home, but no sexual contact took place. After gaining the parent's permission, law enforcement officials searched the victim's phone and determined the victim blocked both a Facebook account and a phone number that belonged to Lettieri. Police: 7-year-old Whitney Point student, mother found dead in Lisle home: What we know During a search of Lettieri's Facebook account, investigators recovered sexual conversations between Lettieri, the victim and the victim's sister. Prosecutors said the victim's age was revealed during the conversation. The victim told investigators her online conversations with Lettieri spanned three to four weeks before he came to meet her. During those conversations, Lettieri allegedly asked the girl to send sexual photos of herself. Story continues Federal prosecutors said Lettieri waived his Miranda rights and agreed to speak with FBI agents following his arrest on Nov. 4, 2020. Federal officials said Lettieri admitted to knowing the victim, her age, to communicating about having sex and traveling to Bliss to meet her. The Arts: This Black-owned dance studio prioritizes confidence in its Endicott classes However, according to law enforcement officials, Lettieri insisted to investigators that he was role-playing and wanted to meet the victim only to talk some sense into her. Federal agents said Lettieri likened his actions to being a Good Samaritan. Assistant U.S. attorneys Paul E. Bonanno and Maeve E. Huggins prosecuted the case. Follow Neal Simon on Twitter @HornellTribNeal. To get unlimited access to the latest news, please subscribe or activate your digital account today. This article originally appeared on Binghamton Press & Sun-Bulletin: Federal jury convicts Broome County man enticing 13-year-old for sex Gadsden State Community College will get a chunk of money from the state of Alabama for what has been billed a game changer for workforce development in Northeast Alabama. The college was awarded $12 million in the recent supplemental educational funding bill passed by the Legislature and signed by Gov. Kay Ivey for the Advanced Manufacturing and Workforce Skills Training Center being built on its East Broad Campus. A 3-D rendering for the entrance to the Gadsden State Community College's new Advanced Manufacturing Center. The construction is projected to be completed in 2024. Thats half the projected $24 million cost of the center, which also is receiving money from a statewide bond issue approved three years ago by the Legislature to fund construction projects and facility upgrades on all educational levels in Alabama. Ground was broken in February for the project. When completed, the center will have 10 laboratories, seven classrooms, 11 offices, a multipurpose room, 10 tool and storage rooms, a storm shelter, a testing suite, a kitchen and serving areas, a break room and six restrooms. There also will be glass viewing areas for prospective students and industry partners touring the center; a safety entrance for students loading and unloading from cars or buses; and a digital display providing information for job seekers and industry partners. More: How GSCC's Advanced Manufacturing Center will change career tech education in Gadsden area The courses to be offered additive manufacturing, electronics engineering, industrial automation, mechanical design technology, mechatronics and precision machining will prepare students for the high-tech jobs of the 21st century. The hope is that it will give the region a workforce that is attractive to companies that can provide those jobs. Gadsden State President Kathy Murphy attributed the $12 million to the support and advocacy of our legislators, and believes the center will change lives for good, forever. She added, We are providing reskilling and upskilling for our adults. We are jumpstarting the careers of our young people through career technical opportunities. Gadsden State is providing positive change and progress to the communities we serve. Story continues Sen. Andrew Jones, R-Centre, said the centers launch is a watershed moment for Northeast Alabama. He said it will train a new generation of highly-skilled workers in Etowah and surrounding counties to fill the high-wage, in-demand jobs of the future. He noted that many of those jobs have starting salaries equal to or exceeding those for college graduates and could ultimately provide six-figure earning potential. "Im excited about the opportunities for growth that this facility will bring to our region, Jones said. Rep. Craig Lipscomb, R-Gadsden, said it will train our machinists, maintenance technicians, engineers, electronics professionals and more, in turn improving the quality of life for area residents and providing an economic boost to the region and state. Rep. Ginny Shaver, R-Leesburg, a former Gadsden State student, said the centers cutting-edge facilities and the opportunities it offers will have a meaningful impact on the lives of real people and "(assist) the next generation of industrial and manufacturing leaders. Visit gadsdenstate.edu/amc for more information on the center. This article originally appeared on The Gadsden Times: Gadsden State gets more money for Advanced Manufacturing Center The federal courthouse where former president Donald Trump appeared for his arraignment on Tuesday in Miami is just a three-minute walk away from the original federal courthouse of Miami, which was flipped for academic use by Miami Dade College in 2016. Even though the newer courthouse towers over the surrounding block, the much-shorter David W. Dyer federal building-turned-local-college property holds loads of history in its Florida limestone walls. Here are five interesting things you might not have known about this historic building not far from throngs of Trump indictment supporters and protestors this week. Trump arraignment: Ex-president pleads not guilty to federal charges at Miami courthouse The mob in Miami: The old federal courthouse hosted the Kefauver Committee on Crime's initial hearings in 1950 Sen. Estes Kefauver (D-Tenn.), chairman of the Senate Crime Investigating Committee, and his wife arrive from Washington at Pennsylvania Station in New York City on March 11, 1951. Sen. Kefauvers committee will conduct public hearings on interstate crime operations starting on March 12 at Federal Courthouse in New York City. Asked about his armload of papers and large envelopes, the Senator replied, that is some of the work I am looking after. (AP Photo/JJL) Three years before the American public witnessed the Army-McCarthy hearings and over two decades before Watergate took television sets by storm, Americans were introduced to organized crime in their own living rooms with the televised, mafia-exposing hearings from the Kefauver Committee on Crime. In 1950, the United States Senate was influenced by Senator Estes Kefauver, a Democrat from Tennessee, to launch an investigation into organized crime systems throughout the country. This was the first governmental effort to reveal the extent of organized crime's affect on America and the public's first real exposure to the breadth of the American mafia. Senator Kefauver chaired the committee, which the Senate named the Special Committee to Investigate Organized Crime in Interstate Commerce. The committee is more commonly known as the Kefauver Committee. Gambler, Frank Costello, left, leans over to confer with his attorney, George Wolf, during testimony before the senate committee investigating crime. Costello spent most of the morning on the witness stand in Federal Courthouse, in New York, March 21, 1951. He again refused to tell the committee his net worth. (AP Photo) The Kefauver Committee toured through 14 cities, including Miami, interviewing hundreds of witnesses nationwide. The committee's executive sessions were closed to the press, but most of the hearings were nationally televised. Some of the committee's first hearings took place in Miami's old federal courthouse. With no air conditioning at the time and huge strobe lights used for televising the hearings, the temperature inside the courtroom would sometimes near 110 degrees. Story continues Miami's old courthouse was designed in part by Florida's first licensed female architect The David W. Dyer federal building was completed in 1934. The building is a mash-up of Mediterranean and Neo-Classical styles, designed by architects Phineas Paist, Harold D. Stewart and Marion Manley. Marion Manley was a highly respected South Florida architect and the first woman to be licensed for architecture in the state. Manley was also one of the architects for the University of Miami's Coral Gables campus. Although she was born in Kansas, she spent 50 years practicing architecture in South Florida and was the vice president of the Florida Association of the American Institute of Architects twice. The courthouse has local limestone on the outside, art on the inside The exterior of the Miami's old federal courthouse is covered in local oolitic limestone, also known as coral rock. The interior of what used to be the central courtroom boasted a mural by artist Denman Fink. Fink designed two Coral Gables structures that landed on the National Register of Historic Places: all of the original entrances to Coral Gables, namely the Douglas Entrance, and Coral Gables' Venetian Pool. He was also commissioned to paint several post office murals. Who was Judge David W. Dyer? The late judge David W. Dyer, the namesake for Miami's old courthouse, a well-respected United States circuit judge for the fifth and eleventh circuits and served as a major in the Army's JAG Corp during World War II. In 1961, Judge Dyer was nominated by President John F. Kennedy to join the United States District Court for the Southern District of Florida. The area surrounding the old and new courthouses used to be mostly residential At the time that the courthouse was built, aside from an apartment complex that stood near the courthouse until the 1960s there were mostly single-family homes bordering the north side of the property. The location was always a hotspot for Miami, even in the 30s, the courthouse was centrally located amongst a thriving residential area with plenty of businesses and some large churches nearby. Although the area isn't as residential as it once was, it still stands amid bustling downtown Miami, surrounded by businesses, other courthouses and some churches. Lianna Norman covers trending news in Palm Beach County for The Palm Beach Post. You can reach her at lnorman@pbpost.com. You can follow her reporting on social media @LiannaNorman on Twitter. This article originally appeared on Palm Beach Post: Miami's old federal courthouse is loaded with historical significance Kansas House Speaker Dan Hawkins pledged Thursday that the Legislature will be taking a closer look at plans for the University of Kansas to begin offering in-person classes in mainland China. Hawkins comments come a day after the Kansas Board of Regents unanimously approved KUs request to begin offering four degrees from the KU School of Education and Human Services at Zhejiang Normal University in Jinhua, a city in southeastern China. Under the program, KU would offer students at ZJNU the ability to enroll in an undergraduate program for elementary education, a masters program in special education, a masters program in curriculum and instruction and a masters program in educational psychology and research. The students will pay KUs non-resident tuition rate, which is currently $14,706 for undergraduate students and $13,117 for graduate students. The program will start in fall of 2024. Speaking to the Board of Regents Wednesday Rick Ginsberg, the dean of the KU School of Education, said the program would be a significant money maker for the university. He said it would also expand KUs international partnerships, including longtime relationships with universities in China. These partnerships can help us because we can learn what other people are doing and help our own work, Ginsberg said. The program was just recently approved by the Chinese Ministry of Education. But Hawkins, a Wichita Republican who ascended to speaker this year, immediately raised concerns about the program given Chinas status as an adversary of the United States. Its impossible to do business with the Peoples Republic of China without also doing business with the Chinese Communist Party (CCP). A day doesnt go by that we arent provided with troubling news about the CCP- be it efforts to spy on the United States, the Uyghur genocide, threats against our friends in Taiwan, attempts to cover up the origins of the COVID-19 pandemic, or countless other distressing topics, Hawkins said in a statement. That makes this initiative by the University of Kansas concerning. The legislature will be taking a closer look. Story continues In a 2022 report, the United Nations accused China of serious human rights violations, sweeping 1 million or more Uyghur Muslim people and other minority groups into detention camps, according to the Associated Press. Those individuals faced torture, sexual assault, and were forced to abandon their language and religion, the U.N. report alleged. In 2019 KU shut down its Confucius Institute, which offered Mandarin language classes, citing a 2018 military funding bill which restricted U.S. Department of Defense funding for universities that hosted the controversial centers funded by the Chinese government. KU did not respond to Hawkins criticism, but Chancellor Douglas Girod told the Lawrence Journal-World the previous day that he did not believe the partnership with ZJNU should be controversial. It is fair to say that we dont have an issue with the Chinese people. Where our government has a problem is with the Chinese government, Girod said Wednesday. Rep. Rui Xu, a Westwood Democrat and the only Chinese American in the Kansas Legislature, said the House speakers concerns about the program did not make sense. KU is the one offering classes in China to Chinese students. That is more akin to further exposing Chinese citizens to an American education system, and American culture and American teaching, Xu said. I dont really understand what hes doing other than just kind of fear mongering around the CCP again. May 10, 2023; Columbus, Ohio, USA; Ohio House democrats chant one person one vote on the floor following a vote on whether to create an August special election for a resolution that would increase the voter threshold to 60 percent for constitutional amendments inside the Ohio Statehouse. Mandatory Credit: Adam Cairns-The Columbus Dispatch Easy for her to say Re "Boycotts to make political point are wrong approach and can backfire," June 2: The writer gave two examples: 1) Boycotting Ohio Restaurant Association by the Clintonville Area Progressives group, because the association is siding with Issue 1; and 2) anti-trans response to Bud Light social media posts by a transgender woman. Opinion: Clintonville group's White Castle, Wendy's boycott as bad as Bud Light, Target ban In both examples, the author argues that boycotting doesnt consider that voters wont support these boycotts, because peoples livelihoods are threatened. Valid points. However, the author glosses over the associations support of Issue 1, because of the Republican bogeyman amendment to raise the minimum wage, which scared restaurant industry execs and the ORA into endorsing State Issue 1. Mary Ann Edwards That illicit trick by the Republican gerrymandered supermajority should have been given more emphasis. Finally, the author states, The key to winning an election, whether campaigning for a candidate or about a ballot issue, is to persuade voters to agree with you. How about offering some concrete examples on how to do this? Easy to say. Mike Halaiko, Pickerington Misplaced angst The guest column "Boycotts to make political point are wrong approach and can backfire," written by your ex-colleague, misplaced her angst. The Ohio Restaurant Association decision to make a statement on Issue 1 will in the end hurt the very people she claims to come to the rescue. Issue 1, if enacted, will place democracy and citizen initiatives in jeopardy. Opinion: History rhymes, and Ohio GOP lawmakers are rapping with constitutional amendment vote Working families are always hurt when legislation and laws limit their access to legislators and the folk who make rules that hurt the very people who the columnist claims to support. Issue 1 will change the way Ohio citizens can address issues that the legislators wont touch such as minimum wages, public education financing, collective bargaining, and health care access. Story continues So dont get fooled by a guest columnist that really is against your rights to access the very things she claims she supports the low wage employees. Issue 1 will hurt all Ohioans, so keep the constitution as it has been for over 100 year s keep majority rule and minority rights central to Ohio constitution. Vote No on Issue 1 this August 8, and register to vote before July 10, 2023. Mark D. Stansbery, Columbus Keep up the good work I want to thank and congratulate The Columbus Dispatch and reporter Haley BeMiller for recent front page updates informing us on the upcoming August ballot issue concerning the process for amending the Ohio Constitution. The reporting is as accurate and unbiased as any I have seen. Regardless of ones personal stance on the November issue concerning reproductive rights (I am in favor) the matter before us in August changing how our constitution is amended has consequences beyond that single issue. As I understand the proposed August measure, only citizen initiatives are subject to the higher hurdles to reach the voters. Legislature led amendments to the Constitution will not be affected. Our view: A 'yes' vote on Issue 1 would drive dagger in Ohio's 'heart' If this is true, I would love to know more about that particular (unbalanced?) dichotomy in the process. What can our legislators believe justifies special treatment for them under the process, but a more difficult burdensome process for the citizens who elect them? Keep up the good work. Jim Featherstone, Mount Vernon Pardon Trump to end the circus June 13, 2023: Nadine Seiler shouts and holds a sign reading "Trump Indicted" while standing outside the Wilkie D. Ferguson Jr. Courthouse on Tuesday, June 13, 2023, in Miami, Fla. Former President Donald Trump was scheduled to appear in federal court to be arraigned Tuesday afternoon, facing charges that he illegally retained national security documents after leaving office. President Joe Biden has a good heart and soul. He is a believer in the Catholic faith. He understands human frailty and knows how to forgive transgressions. I would ask him to issue an executive pardon to ex-president Donald Trump and bring an end to the long national nightmare known as The Donald. Lock him up? 8 cartoons about Donald Trump's arraignment, 37-count federal indictment. A pardon would be magnanimous and stop the Miami circus. Michael Oser, Columbus Wishing fathers a great day Today is Fathers Day. As an American Ahmadi Muslim, I would like to highlight that Islam places a heavy importance on the care of ones parents. The Holy Quran states, Worship God and join not any partners with Him, and be kind to your parents (4:37)." In addition, it is narrated that the Holy Prophet of Islam, Muhammad, said that after punctual prayers, the deed most loved by God is being good and dutiful to ones parents (Bukhari). The relationship between Muslim parents and children is all the more important in this day and age as groups with twisted ideologies seek to separate Muslim youth in Western societies from the true teachings of their faith. That is why it is so vital for both the father and the mother to take an active role in the moral upbringing and training of their children, in order to thwart this threat. I would like to pray that all fathers have a wonderful Sunday and that we can all take a moment each and every day of our lives to thank our loved ones. Samar Ahmad, Pickerington Everyone deserves a Park of the Roses I read Patricia Wynn Browns June 8 letter "Columbus Park of Roses in need of city's attention." Having been a volunteer there for close to 20 years and being the current president of the Columbus Park of Roses Foundation (a non-profit organization that supports the park in many ways), the park is near and dear to my heart. Any of us associated with it would be among the first to welcome additional staff at the park. At one time, there were three full-time employees; currently, there is one full-time supervisor of the park plus one part-time employee. Needless to say, they work hard and do an excellent job. Alex Popesco of Columbus holds his daughter Amelia Popesco 22 months while she draws her hand away from a rose after touching it on a visit to Whetstone Park . Alex who was on paternity leave for his new son Andrei Popesco 5 days old was taking advantage of the leave to get outside with Amelia May 31, 2019. The five volunteer groups each week also work hard to put the best face of the park forward and feel pride in their accomplishments. Last year, 99 people volunteered a total of 2,771 hours beautifying the park. But, lets step back and also look at the bigger picture. The Columbus Recreation and Parks Department manages 410 parks in our city. I feel fortunate to have the Columbus Park of Roses in walking distance. I wish every Columbus resident had a park within walking distance. Green spaces, such as Columbus Park of Roses provide many benefits to everyones quality of life. I want the recreation and parks department, given its limited resources, to better equalize the park services throughout all of Columbus. Circling back to the Columbus Park of Roses, one of the things the foundation does is recruit and manage volunteers. Perhaps Brown would like to become a volunteer. She could email us at volunteers@parkofroses.org. We would love to have her help. Karen Martens, President Columbus Park of Roses Foundation This article originally appeared on The Columbus Dispatch: Writer wrong to defend Cameron Mitchell, Wendys, White Castle and others boycotted over Issue 1 Malaysian police said they asked Interpol on Wednesday to help track down a U.S. comedian after she made a joke about the disappearance of Malaysia Airlines flight MH370 a request the comedian called "ridiculous." Jocelyn Chia told the joke during a set at the Comedy Cellar in New York City, reportedly in April, as she riffed on the historically testy relationship between Malaysia and Singapore, where she was raised. MH370 went missing in March 2014, and is one of Malaysia's deadliest aviation incidents, with all 239 people on board presumed dead. Such was the outrage over Chia's joke that Malaysian police began an investigation under incitement and offensive online content laws. Comedian Joselyn Chia performs on March 29, 2022 in Burbank, California. / Credit: / Getty Images On Tuesday Malaysia's police chief Acryl Sani Abdullah Sani said they would ask Interpol to help locate her, according to Malaysian news agency Bernama. The head of police in the southern state of Johor said in a statement that a request had been filed on Wednesday. Kamarul Zaman Mamat said they were seeking "further information regarding the suspect to assist in investigations." Chia is being probed under public mischief laws that carry a jail term of up to two years, as well as communications legislation under which offenders face up to a year in prison. Malaysia and Singapore were briefly one state after the end of British colonial rule, but they separated in 1965. Chia, who was born in the U.S., said in her routine that the city-state had since become a "first-world country" and that Malaysian "airplanes cannot fly." "Malaysian Airlines going missing not funny, huh," she continued. "Some jokes don't land." It caused an uproar on social media, followed by condemnations by top Malaysian officials including the foreign minister. "I am appalled by her horrendous statements," Singapore's foreign minister Vivian Balakrishnan tweeted last week. "We treasure our ties with family and friends in Malaysia, and are sorry for the offence and hurt caused to all Malaysians." Story continues Chia, however, has stood by her joke despite the intense backlash. The former lawyer told BBC News that the reaction was "overblown" and she was "not making fun of tragedy" and victims, but was trying to find humor in tragedy. Chia told BBC News that "roasting" or poking fun at the audience is part of comedy club culture in New York, where she is now based. She said American comics have in the past used the September 11 terror attacks as fodder for their jokes. "Americans can appreciate humor that is harsher, edgier and more in-your-face, as compared to in Asia where the stand-up comedy scene is still in its early days. You won't find a lot of edgy comedy in Asia," she said. Chia was defiant even after Malaysia's move to involve the international police body, tweeting: "Would love to see the face of the Interpol officer who received this request." American born actually. Would love to see the face of the interpol officer who received this request. pic.twitter.com/Mn3boAKp2x Jocelyn Chia (@JocelynChia) June 13, 2023 Later, she tweeted: "My @netflix special is writing itself. Thank you Malaysia!" Saturday Sessions: Kaitlin Butts performs "Marfa Lights" Saturday Sessions: Kaitlin Butts performs "It Won't Always Be This Way" Saturday Sessions: Kaitlin Butts performs "Jackson" A woman was found strangled and mutilated in her Michigan home, police said. Officers responded to a residence in Detroit on June 9 and discovered the body of Stacey Smith, 48, in her bedroom, according to a June 15 news release from the Detroit Police Department. Smith had been asphyxiated, stabbed in the chest and burned, police said. She was laying unconscious in her room and she had a burn mark on her leg, Smiths 19-year-old daughter Kaiya told WJBK. Then I touched her and she was cold. Smiths boyfriend, Cortez Xavier Coleman, 42, was arrested in connection to the incident on June 12. He has been charged with first-degree murder, police said. The pair had recently become engaged, Smiths daughter told the TV station, adding that her mothers death was very unexpected and unforgivable. I know a lot of teens want to be an adult but...Im a mamas girl, Kaiya Smith told the outlet. Coleman was arraigned on June 15 in district court. Smith was a loving and loyal mother, daughter, sister, aunt, niece, and friend to so many, an online fundraiser for her funeral states. She leaves behind her pride and joy, 2 beautiful children Kaiya and Keith. Kansas doctor, a dad of 13, dies after rescuing daughter during Colorado rafting trip Worker killed after her head gets caught in machinery at frozen pizza plant, feds say Man shoots his own leg while dreaming about intruder, Illinois cops say. Hes charged Utahs Mighty 5 national parks are famous among park lovers. Images of Zion, Bryce and Arches are all over social media, but you dont hear as much about Capitol Reef and Canyonlands. Canyonlands National Park is actually the least visited of the Mighty 5 parks, though its also the largest at 337,598 acres. For many years, people who were coming to Canyonlands were aiming to come to Canyonlands because maybe they were looking for a place a little less crowded, a little less developed. They wanted a spot where you can sit on the rock and hear nothing but your own heartbeat, Karen Garthwait, a park ranger at Canyonlands with 17 years of service across parks, told USA TODAY. While visitation has increased over the years, there are still plenty of wide open spaces. Heres what travelers should know about Canyonlands, the latest national park in USA TODAYs yearlong series. White Rim Road is popular among visitors at Canyonlands National Park. What is so special about Canyonlands National Park? Visitors can find whatever level of adventure they are seeking, Garthwait said. On one end of the spectrum, we've got folks who are really just driving here and they're wanting to see the amazing geology and scenery and maybe learn about the cultural history of the place, and they're just visiting for a day, she said. On the other end of the spectrum, Canyonlands offers unparalleled backcountry adventure experiences. We're talking backpacking, four-wheel drive multi-day trips, where you don't see another person for a whole day, some of the most wild Class IV and V whitewater in the region. Canyonlands has four different districts. The northern district, called Island in the Sky, is like a triangle shape between (the Green and Colorado) rivers, she explained. The southern district that's below the Colorado River, kind of on the east side, that's called the Needles district. Then on the west side, we've got the Maze district. And then the fourth district is the rivers themselves because that's a completely different universe down at the bottom of the canyon. Story continues Hikers walk along Grand View Point at Canyonlands National Park Where in Utah is Canyonlands? Canyonlands is located in southeastern Utah, a roughly 30-minute drive from Arches National Park. The closest town is Moab, and the nearest airport, with limited flights, is Canyonlands Regional Airport. Grand Junction Regional Airport and Salt Lake City International Airport are alternatives for out-of-state travelers, but both are several hours away by car. These National Parks prefer plastic: What to know as more national parks go cashless How much time do you need at Canyonlands National Park? Travelers can easily spend anywhere from a day to a week in the park. There's no point in going out to the Maze itself unless you're there probably for a multi-day, backcountry either vehicle or backpacking trip, Garthwait said. Island in the Sky is most easily accessible for travelers on tight timelines. It's a paved road the whole way, just about 45 minutes from the town of Moab, she said. That's also going to be your highest elevation section of the park. So from that part of Canyonlands, your eyes are stretching 30, 40, 50 miles to the horizon. You're looking down across the tops of that wilderness landscape. Several Island in the Sky trails take as little as 30 minutes. The Needles is the next in line, Garthwait said, adding the district is about an hour and a halfs drive from Moab. The area offers a mix of shorter and longer hikes, including Cave Spring Trail, where visitors can see historic artifacts left behind by cowboys. This entire landscape was where those guys were working, and so when you're out hiking a trail, if you see an old tin can, that could be a historic artifact. Dont necessarily assume it's trash and dig it up, she said. The Maze is most remote with numerous trails that require spending the night in the park. There's no pavement anywhere near out there, she said. You need a couple (of) days and a really good Jeep It's extremely rugged, and there are zero services. You need to be fully self-supported. Visitors who stay the night are in for a treat. On a clear night, its like you can reach up and run your fingers through the Milky Way, Garthwait said, noting that Canyonlands has gold tier status as an International Dark Sky park. The Milky Way shines bright over Chesler Park at Canyonlands National Park. When is the best time to visit Canyonlands? Spring and fall, of course, would be the most comfortable time, especially if you're looking into hiking or backpacking, Garthwait said, adding that winter is also beautiful. The peak of summer though, definitely has challenges, she said. That's when you pack that extra gallon of water and a nice big hat and make yourself get up early so that you can be done with your hike by the peak heat of the day. In general, she recommended visitors bring plenty of water and think twice before pushing their limits, especially in remote areas. Much of Canyonlands National Park is between 4,000 and 6,000 feet elevation and what's considered a high desert landscape. It is dry. It can be extremely hot, and just the elevation itself is something a lot of visitors arent prepared for, she said. A visitor takes in the sunset along the Green River in Canyonlands National Park. Can you drive a car through Canyonlands National Park? There are no bridges across the rivers or shortcuts between districts, and traveling between them can take hours, so most guests only stick to one or two per trip, according to the park. It is absolutely worth doing a little bit of homework to figure out which of those experiences you're seeking because it's not a quick drive to just hop from one (district) to the next, Garthwait said. Additionally, the park warns only high-clearance, low-range, four-wheel-drive vehicles are allowed on the Mazes backcountry roads. Theyre also highly recommended for Shafer Trail in Island in the Sky. That road drops about 1,400 feet in just a couple of miles. Unpaved, switchbacks and no guardrails, she said. It is a very exciting way to enter the backcountry of Canyonlands. An SUV drives past Monster Tower and Washer Woman Arch along White Rim Road in Canyonlands National Park. What Native peoples lived in Canyonlands? Various peoples have lived in and moved through the area for more than 10,000 years. The park recognizes the following tribes historic connections to the land: Hopi Tribe Kaibab Band of Paiute Indians Kewa Pueblo Navajo Nation Ohkay Owingeh Paiute Indian Tribe of Utah Pueblo of Acoma Pueblo of Isleta Pueblo of Jemez Pueblo of Laguna Pueblo of Nambe Pueblo of Picuris Pueblo of Pojoaque Pueblo of San Felipe Pueblo of Sandia Pueblo of Santa Ana Pueblo of Santa Clara Pueblo of Taos Pueblo of Tesuque Pueblo of Zia Pueblo of Zuni San Juan Southern Paiute Southern Ute Indian Tribe Ute Indian Tribe of Uintah and Ouray Reservation Ute Mountain Ute Tribe More recently, as miners or settlers or other explorers came through the region, they were using the exact same footpaths that the ancient folks had created in many cases to literally run cows up and down, or sheep or however they were living off the land for that generations industry, Garthwait said. When you hike those trails, you are walking in the footsteps of all of the history that came before you. This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Canyonlands National Park: A guide to visiting Utah's best-kept secret The bizarre tale of someone trying to fly away in a helicopter from Sacramentos Executive Airport in March has gotten even stranger, with the FBI saying an EBT card was found inside a chopper and identifying a potential suspect from whom they later obtained a DNA sample. No charges have been filed in connection with the incident, but newly unsealed search warrant documents in federal court say the FBI zeroed in on a 20-year-old man named Jaden Julius Edwards after an EBT card in his name was found in a helicopter at the airport on March 15. FBI Special Agent Sean Lister successfully sought court orders allowing for records of Edwards cellphone to be accessed through his provider and for authorities to obtain a DNA sample for Edwards while he was being held in the Sacramento County Main Jail. Court records do not disclose whether Edwards DNA matched that of DNA found in aircraft at the airport. But court files say authorities found video evidence from an AM-PM market across the street from Executive Airport that showed an individual resembling Edwards making a purchase there at 1:02 a.m. on March 15, less than two hours before someone began tampering with helicopters at the field. Court files also say that two days after the incident at Executive Airport, Sacramento County sheriffs deputies found Edwards inside a plane at Mather Airport. Without authorization, Edwards was found in a small (Cessna) airplane, a search warrant affidavit from Lister says. Edwards told the responding officers he was trying to start the airplane, but it was out of fuel. No charges against Edwards related to the incidents are filed in Sacramento Superior Court or U.S. District Court in Sacramento. Edwards is currently being held in the Clark County, Nevada, jail on an attempted grand larceny case from Nevada and as a fugitive from another state, online jail records said Thursday. Federal court records in Sacramento say that because Edwards is in custody there is no need for the search warrant or search warrant affidavit to remain under seal. Story continues The helicopter case began on March 15 Edwards 20th birthday at 2:39 a.m. when an unknown individual began tampering with equipment within multiple helicopters located at the airport, a search warrant affidavit says. The unknown individual was able to start Helicopter #1 but, in the process, damaged or destroyed one of its engines, the affidavit says. The unknown subject went to Helicopter #2 and could not start it. The unknown subject went to Helicopter #3 and was able to start the engine, but the helicopter did not stay on due to having a low battery. Finally, the subject went to Helicopter #4 and was able to start it. The fourth helicopter did not stay aloft long, however, according to video security footage the FBI obtained from Capitol Helicopters, a charter firm at the airport. The recording depicted the turbine blade of Helicopter #4 beginning to turn at approximately 4:50 AM, the affidavit says. The video further depicted Helicopter #4 rocking up and down, turning slightly, then, after a moment, quickly flying upwards off the ground a little and then flipping violently over onto its side where it came to a rest. Officials inspect a crashed helicopter at Sacramento Executive Airport on Wednesday, March 15, 2023. A projectile from the crash damaged another aircraft at the site, court records say, and investigators descended on the scene and discovered the EBT card in Edwards name in the cockpit of the helicopter that crashed, court records say. A representative of Capitol Helicopters confirmed that no one named Jaden Edwards had been given access to their helicopters or was authorized to operate them, the affidavit says. Edwards had listed his address as general delivery in Sacramento for the EBT card, court records say. He also listed his cellphone number for that card, and agents eventually obtained a search warrant for records seeking the location of the phone at various times. The search for Edwards apparently did not last long. Deputies found him inside the Cessna at Mather Airport on March 17, and the Sacramento County District Attorneys office filed a felony complaint against him on March 21 charging him with being a fugitive from Nevada on a grand larceny case involving an automobile. Court files say he failed to appear for a June 29, 2022, court hearing in Nevada. The Sacramento charge was dismissed the same day it was filed, online court records show. D.A. spokeswoman Shelly Orio said the charge was dropped because Edwards waived extradition and agreed to be returned to Nevada to face charges there. That same day, the FBI received approval from a federal magistrate judge to obtain Edwards DNA through an oral swab at the Main Jail, where he was then being held. The sample was collected March 22, court records say. Court records say investigators collected DNA samples from each of the four helicopters at Executive Airport, and Lister said in an affidavit seeking Edwards DNA that he was investigating Edwards in relation to damaging, wrecking, and destroying aircraft at the Sacramento Executive Airport in Sacramento. At the same time federal agents were focusing on Edwards, he was the target of another charge in Sacramento, this one a misdemeanor complaint charging him with trespassing for allegedly occupying a structure in an alley near 15th and H streets in Sacramento in February. He failed to appear for a May 11 arraignment on that case, online court records say. That failure to appear apparently stemmed from the fact that by then he was in custody in Nevada, Clark County jail records say. The Nevada case stemmed from an auto grand larceny case in which Edwards pleaded guilty in a deal that called for him to serve between 12 to 30 months, online Clark County Superior Court records say. He was scheduled to face sentencing last June, but failed to appear, court records say. Hungry founded by Eman Pahlavani, Shy Pahlevani, and Jeff Grass is adding more heavy-hitter investors to its roster. According to a press release shared with AfroTech, the innovative food-tech marketplace is now valued at $270 million after raising more than $60 million in seed funding since launching. Whats more, the companys latest $10 million Series C1 funding round included investments from pro athletes such as Houston Texans Laremy Tunsil, Portland Trail Blazers Anfernee Simons, Seattle Seahawks Bobby Wagner, Baltimore Ravens Roquan Smith, and recurring donor Robert G. Hisaoka, from RGH Capital. Courtesy of Hungry Other investors included Sands Capital Ventures, Motley Fool Ventures, Evolution VC Partners, GP Ventures as well as Chef Tom Colicchio, Chef Ming Tsai, Dan Simons, Eric Kessler. Since participating as a seed investor to HUNGRY in 2016, Ive been extremely impressed with the companys ability to expand rapidly and disrupt the food space, said Hisaoka in a press statement. I am excited to invest and lead HUNGRYs C1 funding and look forward to the growth thats to come. As previously reported by AfroTech, Hungry was listed among Inc. Magazines list of fastest-growing private companies thanks to backing from investors like Jay-Zs Marcy Venture Partners, and more. The rest of its star-studded investor roster includes Usher, Kevin Hart, Studio Management, Stonewall Robb Investments, Ndamukong Suh, Bread and Butter Ventures, Ames Watson, LLC, and a host of others. Were proud that our work at HUNGRY has attracted the attention of big-time investors and leading venture funds, said Grass, who also serves as Hungrys CEO. Were equally proud of the work we do to give back to the communities we serve, which also will benefit from this capital. The funding enables HUNGRY to expand our new Carbon Neutral Delivery initiative, aimed at fully offsetting the carbon footprint of our catering deliveries by planting mangrove forests in the Philippines. Capital from the latest C1 funding round will be used to further Hungrys growth and help them to reach full operational profitability. Following its 2017 inception, Hungry has expanded to 13 major cities across North America. Additionally, the company acquired NatureBox, a better-for-you snacks brand. If Lawrence Scott were a resident of the UK instead of living in Nevada, Iowa, he would probably still be alive. "In the UK, they require these Firesafe Thermal Shut-off Valves," Nevada Director of Fire and EMS Ray Reynolds said Wednesday. "If these shunts were installed, this probably wouldn't have happened." Reynolds was referencing the April 22 fire in Nevada that killed Scott and injured two family members. The fire was ruled accidental, according to a Nevada Public Safety Department press release. Scott was receiving oxygen treatment in his home while also smoking, which caused the fire. "The last two fire fatalities in Nevada were caused by people smoking while using supplemental oxygen," Reynolds said. Reynolds said many fires in the city are caused by residents who smoke during oxygen treatments and it's become a threat to the entire community as well as those fighting the fires. "There was a fire last year where we pulled out a lady still alive, but she only lived 24 hours," Reynolds said. "She was severely burned. And I've got some 18-year-old volunteer firefighters who've never seen a tragedy like that. I had a firefighter quit. They didn't really sign up for that kind of reality. It takes a toll on the mental health of firefighters." Reynolds was referring to a fire April 21, 2022 at 10 Maple Lot 101 where 74-year-old Ruth Olson died. The fire erupted when Olson was smoking while using oxygen treatment. More: Cornerstone Church first responder receives city's highest honor with Award of Valor "The last two fatal fires in Nevada were from people smoking and using oxygen at home," Reynolds said. "The last three fires we've had were oxygen and cigarette related." According to Reynolds, between 2019 and 2021 across 40 states, 256 fires were caused by smokers using oxygen in their homes. Of those 256 fires, 152 resulted in deaths and 77 resulted in a total loss of the home. Story continues Compare that, Reynolds said, to a five-year span in the United Kingdom where Firesafe Thermal Shut-off Valves are legally required on oxygen tanks. From 2013-2018, there was only a single fire-related fatality caused by smoking with at-home oxygen. "We have a problem and I'm going to figure out how to solve it," Reynolds said. Working to halt fatalities The fire director has gathered a national group of leaders through the International Association of Fire Chief, the group that creates the nation's fire code. They are working with legislators and industry leaders to change the nation's attitude toward Firesafe Thermal Shut-off Valves. "For example, the Veteran's Association is requiring them for home oxygen, but Medicare won't pay the $11.25 for one," Reynolds said. Most of the leaders he has spoken to about the valves say "It's a no-brainer idea. But changing Medicare is not a fast process. So I'm just stubborn enough to do it," Reynolds said. Teresa Kay Albertson covers politics, crime, courts and local government in Ames and central Iowa for the Ames Tribune and Des Moines Register. Reach her on Twitter @TeresaAlberts11 and at talbertson@registermedia.com, 515-419-6098. This article originally appeared on Ames Tribune: Fatal Nevada fire ruled accidental as chief pleads for new regulations A new plaque honoring Staff Sgt. Shannon M. Smith of Marion was unveiled during a ceremony held on Memorial Day. He was killed on Sept. 8, 2009, while serving in the U.S. Army during Operation Iraqi Freedom. Smith's sister, Kristi Smith, right, represented her family at the event. Marion County Common Pleas Court Judge Warren T. Edwards, left, supervised the ceremony and spearheaded the effort to have the plaque replaced. After falling into disrepair, a plaque honoring the lone Marion County service member to lose his life during Operation Iraqi Freedom has been replaced with a proper memorial. United States Army Staff Sgt. Shannon M. Smith of Marion died from wounds he suffered on Sept. 8, 2009, when a vehicle he was riding in was bombed by enemy forces near Baji, Iraq. Following his death, a plaque honoring Smith was placed on the western wall of the Marion County Courthouse, which is also home to other plaques honoring local veterans who have given their lives in service to the United States. The original plaque was made of wood and fell victim to the elements over time. The Vietnam Veterans of America Chapter 1117 raised $2,000 to replace the wooden plaque with a metal plaque, which was placed on the courthouse wall last week by employees of Midstate Contractors LLC. The company is currently performing repairs to the interior of the courthouse which was damaged during a severe winter storm in December 2022. Staff Sgt. Shannon M. Smith, United States Army Kristi Smith, sister of Sgt. Smith, attended the ceremony held outside the courthouse on Memorial Day to represent her family. She said she was moved by the gesture to honor her brother. "We just know that he touched so many people and he will never be forgotten," Smith said. "No matter how much time passes - it never gets easier - but at least we know that everyone will still remember him, and we're thankful for that." Sgt. Smith's parents, James R. and Debbie R. Smith Jr., watched the ceremony via video conference from their home in South Carolina. Sgt. Smith was also survived by his wife, Cassie; son, Steven; brother, Cory; and other family members. "This has been a four and a half year mission of mine," said Marion County Common Pleas Court Judge Warren T. Edwards, who spearheaded the effort to replace the weathered plaque to honor Sgt. Smith. "The plaque on this wall in was in bad repair and was a disgrace to this community and to the memory of Sgt. Smith. Story continues "I didn't know what to do with the previous plaque and I didn't want to destroy a memorial to a fallen soldier, so I decided to give it to Sgt. Smith's sister, Kristi Smith, and her family can decide what will become of it. Even though it is in poor shape, it still bears your brother's name and I wanted to make sure that your family had it." In addition to members of the Vietnam Veterans of America Chapter 1117, a color guard composed of members of the American Legion attended the ceremony and honored Sgt. Smith with a gun salute. Members of the Marion County Veterans Service Commission also attended the event. Kristi Smith, sister of Staff Sgt. Shannon M. Smith of Marion who was killed during Operation Iraqi Freedom in 2009, poses next to the new plaque honoring her brother. A ceremony to unveil the plaque was held on Memorial Day at the Marion County Courthouse. The plaque is located on the western wall of the courthouse that faces Main Street. Sgt. Smith died on Sept. 8, 2009, when a vehicle he was riding in was bombed by enemy forces near Baji, Iraq. In his obituary on the Snyder Funeral Homes website, Smith was eulogized as "a humble man, who gave the ultimate sacrifice." He was a member of the 545th Military Police Company, Arctic Military Police Battalion, stationed at Fort Richardson, Alaska, where he resided with his family at the time. Smith was the recipient of numerous citations and decorations including The Bronze Star, Purple Heart, Combat Action Badge, Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, and the Iraq and Kosovo Campaign Medals. According to his obituary, Smith enlisted in the Army in 1997 and became a team leader of the 178th Military Police Company. He conducted several missions in support of the Secret Service Tac Team and Sniper Team providing protection for the President of the United States. He performed as a team leader and counter sniper in Iraq for the 89th Military Police Company, completing over 500 protection missions in a combat environment. Additionally, according to his obituary, Smith served as a Special Reactions Team, Protective Services, and High Risk Personnel course instructor training hundreds of officers and other personnel annually. He was selected as the Battle Field Hero for the 545th Military Police Company at the Nation Training Center at Fort Irwin, California. Smith was an alumnus of Marion Harding High School, graduating in 1997. While at Harding, he excelled in wrestling and was a national qualifier for the Greco Roman freestyle wrestling team. Email: ecarter@gannett.com | Twitter: @AndrewACCarter This article originally appeared on Marion Star: New plaque honoring Marion Co. Iraq war veteran placed at courthouse Amtrak moves into the fast lane. Marc Glucksman/Courtesy of Amtrak Amtrak is about to live life in the fast lane. Train travelers commuting along the Chicago to St. Louis corridor will now experience speeds 20 miles per hour faster than previously permitted by law. The new top speed for train travel on this popular route will increase to 110 mph as of later this month. The speed increase will mostly affect the approximately 248 miles of track between Joliet, Illinois, and Alton, Illinois, according to a release from Amtrak. More than 3 million Amtrak passengers travel through Chicagos Union Station annually, and it ranks as the fourth most popular train station for Amtrak. The speed increase was approved by federal agencies, and the Illinois Department of Transportation (IDOT). It will take effect on June 26, according to a release from IDOT. This week, Amtrak revealed just how much time travelers will save thanks to the speed increase. A train from Chicago to Bloomington-Normal, Illinois, will be less than two hours, down from 2.5 hours; and a Chicago to St. Louis train will take less than five hours, when it previously took about 6.5. Between the shorter schedules and having more than half of all the new state-owned Amtrak Midwest Venture railcars now in service, we are completing a full makeover of this corridor service. said Roger Harris, president of Amtrak, in a statement. While the speeds of 110 mph are impressive, they do not match Amtraks Acela service between Boston, New York, and Washington, D.C., which tops out at 150 mph. With the increase in speed, Amtrak is also recommending that pedestrians and motorists stay vigilant around train tracks and stopping guards. Motorists, pedestrians, and bicyclists should always use caution on this important rail corridor, as our trains are faster than they can appear and are quieter than ever. Only use designated public crossings, Amtrak said in a release. Amtrak, a federally chartered corporation," per its website, services 500 destinations in 46 states. For more Travel & Leisure news, make sure to sign up for our newsletter! Read the original article on Travel & Leisure. It finally happened. Donald Trump, the twice-impeached ex-president, has been indicted on 37 criminal charges in a Florida federal court in the heart of Trump country. It is not pretty. When the person who has held the highest office in the land is indicted, it's a sad day in our nation's history. But given the ex-president's conduct in handling the nation's top secrets, his refusal to return secret and highly classified documents, lying about what was in his possession, and his obstruction of justice, the indictments are wholly justified. Any other person committing the acts Trump is charged with would already be in prison. Irresponsible statements to a divided nation The anger, the partisan divisions ripping at the country's seams and the lack of understanding of what genuine patriotism demands of citizens threaten a second Civil War. How irresponsible for U.S. Rep. Andy Biggs (R-Ariz.) to tweet: "We have now reached a war phase. Eye for an eye."; and for failed gubernatorial candidate Kari Lake, also an Arizona Republican, to say that if prosecutors want to get to President Trump, theyre going to have to go through me, and 75 million Americans just like me. And most of us are card-carrying members of the NRA. The refusal of many of Trump's supporters to accept facts and the truth simply because they choose not to threatens the freedom of all Americans. In this courtroom sketch, attorney Todd Blanche stands as he enters a plea of not guilty on behalf of former President Donald Trump, second from right, in federal court June 13 in Miami. From left are Stanley Woodward, Walt Nauta, Blanche, Trump and Chris Kise. Counterpoint: If Donald Trump is not successfully prosecuted, then this was all a witch hunt | Column Not apples to oranges, but apples to rocks Rather than acknowledge what is real, many so-called leaders within the Republican Party are resorting to whataboutisms What about Hillary Clinton? What about the Biden family? What about Bill Clinton? What short memories they have. Hillary Clinton was investigated 40 ways from Sunday, and nothing indictable was found. Former U.S. Rep. Trey Gowdy (R-S.C.), chairman of the House Select Committee on Benghazi, did all he could to uncover wrongdoing in the tragedy at our embassy in Libya. When he came up with nothing, he and the other Republican committee members resorted to smear tactics, knowing Clinton would be the presidential candidate to succeed Barack Obama. The same result with her email debacle. Story continues Hear more Tennessee voices: Get the weekly opinion newsletter for insightful and thought-provoking columns. And they have the gall to talk about the weaponization of government against Trump and Republicans. Their comparison of the two is not apples to oranges. It is apples to rocks. Trump's indictment is not because he took classified materials with him when he left office. The charges are due to his refusal to return the materials after he took them, and his lying and obstruction of efforts by the government to have them returned. Trump was not charged for the 197 documents he returned. He was charged for refusing to return roughly 11,000, with some 100 marked as classified, including highly sensitive military intelligence. The cowardly, spineless reactions by many Republicans in Congress and candidates for president in the GOP primaries have been appalling. Although Nikki Haley, former governor of South Carolina, has now changed her tune, she previously tweeted: "This is not how justice should be pursued in our country," which begged the question of how justice should be pursued. Should certain people, based on their status, be above the law? Special prosecutor Jack Smith says, "No man is above the law," a view held by most Americans. Dazed by loyalty to a man who functions like a cult leader rather than adhering to the guiding principles upon which the nation was founded, people like U.S. Sen. Lindsey Graham, dripping with faux anger, refuse to engage with the facts of the charges. But not all are willing to take Graham's path. Responding like Pavlov's dog is unbecoming for the senator. 'If even half of it is true, he's toast.' Bill Barr, the former attorney general who served as a shill for Trump, has said of the 37 counts against his former boss, "If even half of it is true, he's toast." Still the front-runner in the Republican presidential race, there are no laws that would block Trumps candidacy or election. Serving as president from jail would be tricky, and any man convicted of a crime issuing a pardon to himself would be more than problematic. Bringing criminal charges against Trump in Florida could be to his disadvantage. He has won twice in his adopted state and will have a jury pool that could have some Trump voters in its makeup. Added to that likelihood is the federal judge assigned to preside over the case, Judge Aileen Cannon. Last year as the investigation into his wrongdoing proceeded, Cannon issued two highly controversial rulings that favored Trump that were overturned by the conservative 11th Appeals Court. A conviction by a jury of some likely Trump voters before a judge he appointed to the bench would leave the MAGA crowd little to howl about. Dr. Theotis Robinson Jr. is a freelance writer, former Knoxville City Council member and retired vice president of equity and diversity at the University of Tennessee. He may be reached at thewriteone7@comcast.net. This article originally appeared on Knoxville News Sentinel: Opinion: Trump's indictment is a sad but necessary day for the country Like times of old, a sharp combination of fife and drums will pierce the salty morning air on Sunday while the public gathers for Newports free Juneteenth National Holiday celebration at Washington Square. The Bristol Fife and Drum Corps will open two days of programming including indigenous dance, African drumming, and historical reenactments all of which Charles Roberts, the executive director of the Rhode Island Slave History Medallions, who is partnering with the city of Newport, Newport Historical Society, and the Newport Middle Passage Port Marker Project to host the event, and the opening emcee on Sunday, calls living history. Roberts will follow the Bristol Fife and Drum Corps with an introduction to the public and a few remarks about the significance of Juneteenth to commemorate the abolition of slavery as well as the local legacy of Rhode Islands First Black Regiment. Charles Roberts dons a uniform from Rhode Islands First Black Regiment during a reenactment. After remarks by a few other dignitaries, Washington Square Park and the Good Friends Meeting House will be immersed for two days in a combination of reenactments, crafts, dance and music that will help people go back in time and engage in an immersive experience with their local and national history. Roberts emphasized to The Daily News the family-friendly nature of the planned outdoor activities and said there will be something interesting for everyone with guest speakers, African and Indigenous dancers and drummers, childrens crafts, food vendors and a full-blown reenactment of a Continental Army encampment. Juneteenth speaking program, interactive performances, music and dance at Washington Square Park in Newport In addition to dignitaries from the Narragansett tribe and the U.S. Senate, the public will have the opportunity to hear from 1st Sgt Algernon Ward Jr. of the Trenton First Black Regiment about the contributions of African Americans to the U.S. military from the past to the present. Indigenous cultural practitioners from the Narragansett nations will also bring coastal Algonquin drumming, song, storytelling, and dance to the Juneteenth celebrations, and West African artist and teacher Sidy Maiga will perform African dance and drumming ceremonies before inviting the audience to participate in a drumming circle. Story continues Experience and interact with an active encampment of Continental Soldiers at Newports Friends Meetinghouse At the Friends Meeting House, spectators will experience and interact with an active colonial encampment of Continental Soldiers including the First and Second Rhode Island Regiments, the Pawtuxet Rangers, the 12th Massachusetts Regiment, the Ladies of the Greene, and a variety of colonial-era vendors, artisans and musicians. Local artists, musicians and storytellers will perform for free on June 18 and June 19 Juneteenth in Newport: As Juneteenth nears, Newport's Black history educators reflect on growth in support Acts include: Bristol Fife and Drum, Continental Honor Guard RI Black Storytellers Sakonnet String Band India Kenyon, childrens activities and crafts Sidy Maiga, African drumming, dancing and a drumming circle for all ages Gospel Concert with Kenny Johnson at Liberty Square (Sunday and Monday 1-2 p.m.) Screening of Amistad at the Jane Pickens Theater (Monday 4:30 p.m.) Rhode Island Slave Historical Medallions works to educate about the history of slavery RISHM defines its work as raising public awareness of Rhode Islands role in the slave trade. The nonprofit organization conducts research and installs bronze Medallions in partnership with Rhode Island communities and historic sites to commemorate the lives of enslaved people. RISHM also develops multicultural programs that provide opportunities for communities to heal and acknowledge their history of slavery. Pride Month: Newport's LGBTQ+ community finally has a place of its own. This is what's planned. Juneteenth became an official federal holiday in 2021 Juneteenth is a federal holiday celebrating the end of slavery. The holiday commemorates the formal notification of emancipation to enslaved people in Galveston, Texas on June 19, 1865 by Maj. Gen. Gordon Granger over two years after Lincoln issued the emancipation proclamation freeing all enslaved people held in secessionist states. Enslaved people held in Union states were not freed until the ratification of the 13th amendment later in 1865, and enslaved people held by certain Native American tribes were not freed until 1866. This article originally appeared on Newport Daily News: Juneteenth celebration in Newport to be held on June 18 and 19 One hundred years ago, a 7-year-old Canadian boy and his family crossed the border from Quebec into New England to start new lives as Americans. They left their hometown of Thetford Mines behind and were admitted at the Port of Beecher Falls in Vermont on June 4, 1923. Eventually, they settled in Sanford, Maine. The boy was Arthur Bourre. In his 20s, he met a young woman named Ledeenne Contois and discovered they had something in common. She too was born in Thetford Mines. She too immigrated to the United States as a child and settled with her family in Sanford. They fell in love. The story of Arthur visiting Ledeennes family on Payne Street in Springvale and asking her father for his permission to marry her is a humorous one. Shortly after he secured that blessing, Arthur left the Contois home and, once he was a fair distance away, he leaned against a brick building to catch his breath. He loosened his tie and wiped his brow. He was sweating. Ledeennes parents were strict and serious folks. Shawn P. Sullivan I never want to have to go through that again, Arthur told himself. He didnt have to. Arthur and Ledeenne got married and lived happily as husband and wife until he died, at the age of 65, on July 16, 1981. He and Ledeenne brought four daughters into the world. Their youngest was born in 1949, and they named her Lorraine. Or, as I call her, Mom. Thanks to my Aunt Rita, who recently sent me copies of Pepere and Memeres Certificates of Naturalization, I can tell you he became an American citizen on Oct. 8, 1942, when he was just shy of his 27th birthday, and she became one on Aug. 26, 1960, when she was 41. But thats all I can tell you about Pepere and Memere and their immigration to the United States. The rest, I can only imagine. Oh, to be sure, I have plenty of personal memories of both of them. And though I also have stories that Mom has shared, they are mostly examples of family life in the '50s and '60s. Theyre anecdotes that capture the playful contrasts between Peperes lighthearted joie-de-vivre and Memeres no-nonsense reserve. Imagine Groucho Marx and Margaret Dumont, and there you go. Story continues I thought about Pepere and Memere when Sanford recently experienced the arrival of African asylum seekers who came to the community in search of general assistance. In both cases, I marveled at the courage, smarts, faith, perseverance, and determination that must be required to leave ones home country and travel to a foreign land in hopes of a new life. Arthur Bourre, the grandfather of York County Coast Star Reporter Shawn Sullivan, is seen here at his home in Sanford, Maine, in 1981. Sunday, June 4, 2023, was the hundredth anniversary of his arrival in the United States from Canada. Imagine what it must be like to leave ones home on the other side of the world and come to America, a land of much promise and possibility but also of realities that must be sobering and challenging to encounter. I interviewed one of the asylum seekers for the article I wrote about them here in the York County Coast Star. He was 18 years old and said he had been in the United States for a few months. He said he arrived in the U.S. in a roundabout way, after spending some time in South America and elsewhere after leaving his homeland in Africa. He said he wanted to work. Asked about the situation back home, he smiled, knowingly, and simply said, Oh, it is a big, big story. He left it at that. A big, big story. Those words have stayed with me. They occurred to me as my family noted the centennial anniversary of my Peperes arrival in America. As I suggested above, I do not have any details about what prompted my ancestors to come to America. That goes for both my Franco-American side and my Irish one. I do not have any stories about what happened to them when they arrived here. But I have an idea. Back in December, I read a book, A Distinct Alien Race: The Untold Story of Franco-Americans, by David G. Vermette. It gave me a sense of what Pepere and Memere and their families may have witnessed, or perhaps even experienced, as they grew up in the area. The book makes clear that not all Americans welcomed Canadian immigrants. Many considered their arrival in the northeastern United States to be an infiltration, an invasion, or an attempt to expand the borders of Quebec. Many Franco-Americans were discriminated against for their Catholicism, or were thought to be lazy, dirty, and unintelligent, or were mentioned in circles where eugenics was discussed. To some degree, history repeated itself when the asylum seekers arrived in Sanford in late April. On social media, several people were warm and welcoming, but ... Send the (expletives) back, one person commented on a community page on Facebook. This person had a quote about Jesus as her profile picture. I look at comments like these, and at the surnames of the individuals who make them, and I can tell they are likely only second- or third- or fourth-generation Americans themselves. Just like the children, or grandchildren, of all asylum seekers and other immigrants to the United States one day will be. I do not mean here to ignore the bureaucratic challenges of trying to help new arrivals in America at a time when communities are beyond their capacities to provide general assistance. I do not mean to dismiss the need to reform our government to make our system work efficiently for everyone the officials who offer such assistance, and those who seek it. Here I just want to speak to the human element. Americans stand on the shoulders of their ancestors who arrived in the United States before them. We enjoy the freedoms we do because of a Constitution that guarantees them, absolutely, but for many of us it is because those in our lineage came here to pursue them. In this, we are all linked. That seems to me a simple concept to keep in mind when it comes to welcoming those who have dared greatly to leave the only life they have known and have come to the United States to join our American family, like my Pepere and his family did a century ago. Shawn P. Sullivan is an award-winning columnist and is a reporter for the York County Coast Star. He can be reached at ssullivan@seacoastonline.com. This article originally appeared on Portsmouth Herald: My grandparents journey to America: A story of immigration and belonging Santiago Ochoa's reporting for the Yakima Herald-Republic is possible with support from Report for America and community members through the Yakima Valley Community Fund. For information on republishing, email news@yakimaherald.com. llaollao, the leading frozen yoghurt company with 320 points of sale worldwide, has grown by 55.7% in Malaysia since 2022 and continues to strengthen its presence in the country following the opening of its 100th store. The company continues to consolidate its position as the Spanish food outlet brand with the strongest presence in Malaysia. llaollao aims to reach 130 store openings nationwide by the end of 2023, making Asia the brand's second most important market after Spain. KUALA LUMPUR, Malaysia, June 15, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- llaollao, the leading Spanish frozen yoghurt brand with an international presence, has reached a new milestone: more than 320 stores worldwide. The company recently celebrated the opening of its 100th store in Malaysia and has increased the number of points of sale by 55.7% since 2022. The company plans to further strengthen its presence in this country and aims to reach 130 stores by the end of 2023. Celebrating the 100th Store in Malaysia - Pavilion KL llaollao's success lies not only in its exquisite taste, but also its commitment to quality and authenticity. Using only carefully selected premium quality natural ingredients, llaollao has created a delicious and healthy frozen yoghurt that captures the essence of Spanish gastronomy in each and every one of its products. Since its arrival in Malaysia, the company has managed to consolidate its presence thanks to the high brand recognition, confidence and loyalty of the local consumers. During these years, the brand has notched up major milestones such as the opening of its first flagship store in the exclusive Pavilion KL shopping mall and the recent opening of its 100th store in Malaysia. To celebrate the opening of this store located in Kajang Metro Point Complex in Selangor, a Froyo Party was organised in Pavilion KL from 6 to 11 June with various activities. The solid growth of llaollao's projects has cemented its status as the Spanish food outlet brand with the strongest presence in Malaysia, resulting in a 55.7% increase in the number of points of sale since 2022. In addition, in the coming months the brand will further strengthen its presence in the country with the opening of six more stores. "The choice of locations for the opening of new stores is very important for the company. Malaysia is a very special market for us, because despite being more than 11,000 kilometres away we feel that our customers trust us. We feel right at home here, and at the same time we feel 100% llaollao, no doubt thanks to our master franchisees and strategic partners, who are key to the success and development of the brand in Malaysia," said Pedro Espinosa, CEO of llaollao. The company arrived in Asia in 2013 after it opened its first franchise in Singapore. Since then, Asia has become its second most important market after Spain, thanks to its more than 150 points of sale located throughout the region. llaollao is also present in other Asian countries such as Indonesia, the Philippines, Vietnam, Saudi Arabia, Myanmar and Brunei. "Asia has become the second most important market for llaollao, and not only because of our presence in terms of points of sale, (in the coming months we plan to reach 130 stores in Malaysia) but also because we have positioned ourselves as a leisure option in itself thanks to the quality of our product, our brand spirit and llaollao's ability to adapt to each market with its different culture and habits," Espinosa added. llaollao has already sold more than 100 million tubs around the world and has more than 320 points of sale worldwide. In relation to its internationalisation plans outside Asia, the brand also recently celebrated important milestones such as its arrival in Oceania and South America, where it will soon be opening in Bolivia. What is llaollao? llaollao is the leading frozen yoghurt sale and manufacturing brand in the sector. Pioneers for the development of the frozen yoghurt concept in Spain, since we started out in 2009 we have based our success on three pillars: quality, commitment and innovation. Each llaollao tub is made using premium milk and yoghurt. The result is a natural, healthy, gluten-free probiotic frozen yoghurt with a unique texture and taste. And all with outstanding customer service and full commitment to our consumers, who we always listen to in order to offer products that are not only the best but also the most innovative. All this has led to us opening more than 300 points of sale worldwide, with more than 130 in Spain and over 190 more all over the world. Cision View original content:https://www.prnewswire.com/apac/news-releases/llaollao-the-spanish-frozen-yoghurt-brand-that-is-a-huge-hit-in-malaysia-301850919.html SOURCE llaollao As the Wests dam removal movement presses on, could the Lower Snake be next? 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. llaollao, the leading Spanish frozen yoghurt company with 320 points of sale worldwide, has expanded the number of stores in Indonesia this year by 77%. llaollao is continuing to strengthen its presence in the country and is close to doubling the number of stores since 2022. The brand continues to grow in Asia, the second most important market for the company after Spain. At the forefront of this growth are Malaysia, Singapore and Indonesia, three of its most important international markets. JAKARTA, Indonesia, June 15, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- The leading Spanish frozen yoghurt brand llaollao has reached a new milestone: over 300 points of sale worldwide. The company recently announced a 77% increase in the number of stores in Indonesia since 2022 after it opened a total of 10 new stores, and it is closing in on the milestone of doubling the number of points of sale in Indonesia since 2022. llaollao_Indonesia The success of this Spanish brand lies not only in its exquisite taste, but also its commitment to quality and authenticity. Using only carefully selected premium quality natural ingredients, llaollao has created a delicious and healthy frozen yoghurt that captures the essence of Spanish gastronomy. Indonesia has been a land of opportunity for some years now, establishing itself as the 16th largest economy in the world and the largest in Southeast Asia. llaollao's arrival in Indonesia in 2015 was an important step in the Spanish company's international expansion process. It recently grew to a total of 23 stores across the country, a 77% increase since 2022. As a result of this major commitment the company will soon double the number of stores it has in Indonesia. "During these nearly eight years in Indonesia, we've been delighted to see how llaollao has consolidated its presence both economically and in terms of brand recognition. The company is currently working on defining and implementing a strategic growth and expansion plan, which would be inconceivable without the support and confidence of our partners. Fortunately, our partners respect and appreciate the brand the same way we do in Spain, which means we will no doubt keep on growing and opening new stores to bring the quality of llaollao's products to all Indonesians," said Pedro Espinosa, CEO of llaollao. The company arrived in Asia in 2013 after it opened its first franchise in Singapore. Since then, Asia has become its second most important market after Spain thanks to its more than 150 points of sale throughout the region. Coinciding with the opening of the first stores in Indonesia, llaollao continued to strengthen its presence in Asia by establishing itself in Malaysia. The company has been on the up in this country ever since, with unique projects such as the opening of its first flagship store. The Spanish brand has grown by 55.7% in Malaysia since 2022 and recently celebrated the opening of its 100th store. It also plans to further strengthen its presence in this country and aims to reach 130 stores by the end of 2023. In addition to Indonesia and Malaysia, llaollao also has a strong presence in other Asian countries such as the Philippines, Vietnam, Saudi Arabia, Myanmar and Brunei. "Asia has become the second most important market for llaollao, not only because of our presence in terms of points of sale (in Indonesia we will soon double the number of stores since last year) but also because we have positioned ourselves as a leisure option in itself thanks to the quality of our product, our brand spirit and llaollao's ability to adapt to each market with its different culture and habits," added Espinosa. llaollao has already sold more than 100 million tubs around the world and has more than 320 points of sale worldwide. In relation to its internationalisation plans outside Asia, the brand also recently notched up important milestones such as its arrival in Oceania and South America, where it will soon be opening in Bolivia. What is llaollao? llaollao is the leading frozen yoghurt sale and manufacturing brand in the sector. Pioneers for the development of the frozen yoghurt concept in Spain, since we started out in 2009 we have based our success on three pillars: quality, commitment and innovation. Each llaollao tub is made using premium milk and yoghurt. The result is a natural, healthy, gluten-free probiotic frozen yoghurt with a unique texture and taste. And all with outstanding customer service and full commitment to our consumers, who we always listen to in order to offer products that are not only the best but also the most innovative. All this has led to us opening more than 300 points of sale worldwide, with more than 130 in Spain and over 190 more all over the world. Cision View original content:https://www.prnewswire.com/apac/news-releases/llaollao-the-spanish-frozen-yoghurt-brand-that-is-making-waves-in-indonesia-301851346.html SOURCE llaollao Key Insights Using the 2 Stage Free Cash Flow to Equity, M1 Kliniken fair value estimate is 9.40 M1 Kliniken's 7.80 share price indicates it is trading at similar levels as its fair value estimate M1 Kliniken's peers seem to be trading at a higher discount to fair value based onthe industry average of 27% In this article we are going to estimate the intrinsic value of M1 Kliniken AG (ETR:M12) by taking the expected future cash flows and discounting them to today's value. Our analysis will employ the Discounted Cash Flow (DCF) model. Before you think you won't be able to understand it, just read on! It's actually much less complex than you'd imagine. We generally believe that a company's value is the present value of all of the cash it will generate in the future. However, a DCF is just one valuation metric among many, and it is not without flaws. If you still have some burning questions about this type of valuation, take a look at the Simply Wall St analysis model. See our latest analysis for M1 Kliniken The Model 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 begin with, we have to get estimates of the next ten years of cash flows. Where possible we use analyst estimates, but when these aren't available we extrapolate the previous free cash flow (FCF) from the last estimate or reported value. We assume companies with shrinking free cash flow will slow their rate of shrinkage, and that companies with growing free cash flow will see their growth rate slow, over this period. We do this to reflect that growth tends to slow more in the early years than it does in later years. Generally we assume that a dollar today is more valuable than a dollar in the future, so we need to discount the sum of these future cash flows to arrive at a present value estimate: 10-year free cash flow (FCF) estimate 2023 2024 2025 2026 2027 2028 2029 2030 2031 2032 Levered FCF (, Millions) 1.30m 4.00m 9.70m 16.7m 13.0m 10.9m 9.71m 8.96m 8.48m 8.17m Growth Rate Estimate Source Analyst x1 Analyst x1 Analyst x1 Analyst x1 Analyst x1 Est @ -15.98% Est @ -11.12% Est @ -7.71% Est @ -5.32% Est @ -3.66% Present Value (, Millions) Discounted @ 5.0% 1.2 3.6 8.4 13.7 10.2 8.2 6.9 6.1 5.5 5.0 ("Est" = FCF growth rate estimated by Simply Wall St) Present Value of 10-year Cash Flow (PVCF) = 69m After calculating the present value of future cash flows in the initial 10-year period, we need to calculate the Terminal Value, which accounts for all future cash flows beyond the first stage. For a number of reasons a very conservative growth rate is used that cannot exceed that of a country's GDP growth. In this case we have used the 5-year average of the 10-year government bond yield (0.2%) to estimate future growth. In the same way as with the 10-year 'growth' period, we discount future cash flows to today's value, using a cost of equity of 5.0%. Terminal Value (TV)= FCF 2032 (1 + g) (r g) = 8.2m (1 + 0.2%) (5.0% 0.2%) = 172m Present Value of Terminal Value (PVTV)= TV / (1 + r)10= 172m ( 1 + 5.0%)10= 106m The total value is the sum of cash flows for the next ten years plus the discounted terminal value, which results in the Total Equity Value, which in this case is 175m. In the final step we divide the equity value by the number of shares outstanding. Relative to the current share price of 7.8, the company appears about fair value at a 17% discount to where the stock price trades currently. Remember though, that this is just an approximate valuation, and like any complex formula - garbage in, garbage out. dcf The Assumptions The calculation above is very dependent on two assumptions. The first is the discount rate and the other is the 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 M1 Kliniken as potential shareholders, the cost of equity is used as the discount rate, rather than the cost of capital (or weighted average cost of capital, WACC) which accounts for debt. In this calculation we've used 5.0%, 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 M1 Kliniken Strength Currently debt free. Weakness Earnings declined over the past year. Opportunity Annual earnings are forecast to grow faster than the German market. Current share price is below our estimate of fair value. Threat No apparent threats visible for M12. Moving On: Whilst important, the DCF calculation shouldn't be the only metric you look at when researching a company. It's not possible to obtain a foolproof valuation with a DCF model. 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 instance, if the terminal value growth rate is adjusted slightly, it can dramatically alter the overall result. For M1 Kliniken, we've compiled three further items you should explore: Risks: As an example, we've found 1 warning sign for M1 Kliniken that you need to consider before investing here. Future Earnings: How does M12's growth rate compare to its peers and the wider market? Dig deeper into the analyst consensus number for the upcoming years by interacting with our free analyst growth expectation chart. Other High Quality Alternatives: Do you like a good all-rounder? Explore our interactive list of high quality stocks to get an idea of what else is out there you may be missing! PS. Simply Wall St updates its DCF calculation for every German 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 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. The day we forget our traditions is the day we forget our Army, said Col. Patrick McFall, commander of the U.S. Army Yuma Proving Ground (YPG). And we have some awesome traditions that we uphold and keep doing: Todays a tradition that is just near and dear to my heart. At a cake-cutting ceremony Wednesday to celebrate the U.S. Armys 248th birthday, McFall (49) cut the cake with Sgt. Richard Simmons (nearly 25) as part of a tradition where the oldest and youngest YPG soldiers make the cut together using a saber. McFall explained that the saber is no ordinary military sword either; it belonged to Col. George W. Howard, the first commander of what was once known as the Yuma Test Branch. The sword is at least approximately 80 years old, given YPG was built in 1943. But why use the saber? Youve got to remember: The sword is the backbone of the Army, McFall said. Think about the American Revolution officers carried a sword. The War of 1812, the Mexican War, the Civil War: Officers wore swords. So that sword represents our heritage. Reflecting on the Armys 248th, McFall shared that his favorite thing is the honor of serving our country to allow people have the freedom to do what they want, say what they want, be who they want. In his speech at the ceremony and in interview with the Sun, McFall emphasized the importance of the greatest document in the world, the U.S. Constitution. What makes this place special is our people and everybody's willing to support and defend that Constitution, he said. I keep going back to that document. It's such a precious document. That's why our Army exists, our military exists. It's why we exist. It's giving people the freedom to be who they want and in safety. That's so important, regardless of what people may or may not think. We always have to remember that Constitution. It's such a beautiful document. It's why our Army exists and why we celebrate. The event was put on by YPGs Family and Morale, Welfare and Recreation department. Soldiers, veterans, family members and civilian employees gathered to enjoy hot dogs, refreshments and cake along with each others company and the patriotic music playing in the space. Close Sisko Stargazer Education Reporter Follow Sisko Stargazer 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 Avem un inceput de campionat destul de greu INCREZATOR Antrenorul Raul Fotonea (44 de ani) a oferit primele declaratii dupa ce a ajuns la Vaslui. Noul antrenor al CSM-ului spune ca echipa are acum un lot mult mai bun fata de sezonul precedent, cu care isi doreste sa obtina o performanta mult mai buna fata de cea realizata in sezonul trecut. [citeste mai departe] Stiri pe aceeasi tema - Gov't rotation/Iohannis to PM Ciolacu: There are many problems that need solving. President Klaus Iohannis told Prime Minister Marcel Ciolacu on Thursday that there are many problems in Romania that need solving, told Agerpres. CITESTE SI Prime Minister Marcel Ciolacu and his team of ministers - Members of Ciolacu Government take oath of investiture. The members of the Government led by Prime Minister Marcel Ciolacu took the oath of office on Thursday in front of President Klaus Iohannis, in a ceremony held at the Cotroceni Palace, told Agerpres. CITESTE SI Gov't rotation/Iohannis to - PSD's Ciolacu: Starting today we are implementing the governing programme. Prime Minister-designate Marcel Ciolacu on Thursday stated that he will immediately implement the governing programme voted today in Parliament, told Agerpres. CITESTE SI Gov't rotation/Decree on appointing Ciolacu Government, - President Iohannis signs decree for appointment of Ciolacu Government. President Klaus Iohannis signed on Thursday the decree for the appointment of the Government led by Marcel Ciolacu, the Presidential Administration announced, told Agerpres. CITESTE SI Anti-graft prosecutors to be trained - Gov't investiture/Government proposed by Marcel Ciolacu - approved by Parliament (sources). The joint plenum of the Chamber of Deputies and Senate has approved the governing programme and the list of ministers proposed by Prime Minister-designate Marcel Ciolacu, who received thus the Parliament's - Liderul UDMR, Kelemen Hunor, l-a umilit in Parlament pe Marcel Ciolacu. Kelemen Hunor spune ca PSD a luat copy paste fostul program de guvernare al coalitiei si promite lucruri deja indeplinite. CITESTE SI BREAKING NEWS George Simion, acuzatii explozive la adresa lui Marcel Ciolacu: vrem sa stim cu - UDMR's Hunor: We will not leave negotiation table; we are waiting for PM Ciolacu's proposal on coalition. UDMR (Democratic Union of Hungarians of Romania) does not leave the negotiation table for the future government and it has no intention to do so in the future, this party's leader Kelemen Hunor, - 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. CITESTE Louisiana's flagship institution partners with SkillStorm to expand regional tech talent pipelines; help employers throughout the region address talent shortages and close skill gaps in their existing workforce. BATON ROUGE, La., June 15, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- As demand for skilled tech talent continues to accelerate throughout Louisiana and across the country, Louisiana State University Online & Continuing Education (LSU OCE) is launching a new training partnership designed to close talent gaps in the state's fast-growing tech industry. The initiative, developed in collaboration with tech talent accelerator SkillStorm, will provide Louisiana employers with not just access to previously untapped talent pools, but also a means to upskill their incumbent workforce with a particular focus on information technology and cybersecurity skills. SkillStorm (PRNewsfoto/SkillStorm) "At a time when workers with tech skills are in sky-high demand across the state, higher education institutions can play a critical role in helping meet that demand," said Kappie Mumphrey, Vice President of LSU Online & Continuing Education. "This is about providing cutting-edge training from industry leaders to build a future-ready foundation of tech talent that Louisiana urgently needs." Louisiana's tech industry has seen significant growth in the last two decades, driven by economic development incentives that make it easier for tech companies to develop and expand. Since 2006, the state has become home to over 45 tech companies including DXC Technologies, GlobalStar, General Dynamics and IBM that have created more than 20,000 tech jobs. To meet the demand for qualified candidates, state colleges and universities including LSU are working with state and regional employers to create more accessible, affordable pathways to careers in the tech industry and promote the development of a robust talent pipeline. This growth aligns with LSU's Scholarship First Agenda, which emphasizes preparing the next generation of experts and leaders in a range of high-growth fields, including information systems, software engineering, military technology, and cyber defense to secure the future of Louisiana and the world. According to CompTIA's 2023 " State of the Tech Workforce " report, 21.7 percent of all tech job postings in Louisiana in 2022 were for occupations related to emerging technologies or for positions that required emerging tech skills. Through SkillStorm's platform, LSU will offer a range of courses to prepare for certifications including CompTIA Security+, Network+ and A+. The programs will be available for LSU students, alumni and community members, as well as for businesses seeking new strategies to equip their existing workforce with high-demand tech skills. "Our work is about strengthening regional economies by empowering employers to tap into new talent pools as well as upskilling opportunities within their own employee communities," said Joe Mitchell, COO at SkillStorm. "Together with LSU OCE, we're creating a new model for higher education institutions and tech employers to join forces in ways that can both close talent gaps and create new pathways to economic mobility." About SkillStorm SkillStorm is bringing together Fortune 500 employers, universities, and government agencies to build tomorrow's highly skilled tech workforce. Through partnerships with platforms like Pega, Salesforce, and ServiceNow, we help working learners and aspiring tech experts build in-demand skills and earn industry-recognized certifications to compete in an increasingly dynamic economy. Our work is rooted in the belief that closing skill gaps and boosting economic mobility are two sides of the same coin, and that new approaches to training can help to both expand the pool of skilled tech talent and create new pathways to opportunity. About Louisiana State University LSU Online & Continuing Education supports more than 150 online degrees and certificate programs from the LSU family of institutions. These flexible programs stack together to help advance careers and reach educational goals with no credit left behind. Our mission is to meet learners' evolving needs by creating education opportunities in high-demand, workforce-relevant fields. Learn more at online.lsu.edu . LSU Online & Continuing Education Cision View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/lsu-online--continuing-education-joins-nationwide-tech-training-initiative-to-bridge-louisianas-talent-gaps-301851364.html SOURCE SkillStorm Im an Entrepreneur: Heres How Starting a Business Made Me Richer Than a 9 to 5 Job Ever Could Jacob Ammentorp Lund / Getty Images/iStockphoto Some people know they are destined for entrepreneurship at an early age. Others find themselves becoming entrepreneurs out of necessity, or to explore an offering or service that can make customers lives easier. Still others may find over time they are able to become serial entrepreneurs and start or operate several successful businesses. Im a Financial Advisor Who Works With Wealthy Families: These Are the Best Ways To Transfer Wealth More: How To Build Your Savings From Scratch GOBankingRates spoke to Adam Nager, CEO of Quest National Services, who has been in business for over 15 years after making the decision to start his own company at age 23. Today, Nager owns nine companies and fully embraces the ride of being an entrepreneur. Heres how starting a business made him richer than a 9 to 5 job ever could. When did you decide to start your own business? What was your reason for choosing this path? I chose to start my own business when I was 23 in 2008. I formed the company when I was 24 and by the age of 25, one day prior to turning 26, I left W-2 employment for good. I decided to go down this path because of the ceiling and uncertainty I always seemed to find working for someone else. I knew I deserved more freedom and financial outcomes based on the value I brought to the organizations I served while employed. Ive been in business now for just over 15 years and I celebrated my 15th anniversary on May 13, 2023. Nominate Your Favorite Small Business: GOBankingRates Small Business Spotlight Is Open! What does your business do or provide for consumers? The business is a large medical billing company serving healthcare providers throughout the United States. What were some of the challenges in shifting from a traditional workplace role to an entrepreneurial role? Some of the biggest challenges were fear of the unknown. Without much support, I reached out to SCORE in the early stages which assisted me in making early decisions. When did you start breaking even financially with your business? I started breaking even 18 months after starting the business. However, I continued to invest all profits back into the business to accelerate growth. If you had to do it all over again, would you still choose entrepreneurship? Yes! 100%. Today I own a total of nine companies, supporting thousands of people across the world. I have the time and financial freedom to go where I want to go, when I want to and how I want to. The freedom Ive created for myself and my family is unbelievable. The ability to provide guidance as well as time to those in need of guidance as I once was is the biggest blessing. Beyond money, what other ways has starting a small business made you rich? My ability to provide not only financial stability and security but also time to my family is something that has made me rich beyond my years. Im able to travel back and forth to Boston (I live full time in Orlando) every other week to spend four to five days each time with my son who lives in Boston. Im able to leave for family emergencies on the same day. If theres not a flight that works with the timing Im looking to depart, I hire a plane to take me. The ability to make decisions that make my life easier and allow me to focus on my vision for my businesses is truly a dream come true. More From GOBankingRates This article originally appeared on GOBankingRates.com: Im an Entrepreneur: Heres How Starting a Business Made Me Richer Than a 9 to 5 Job Ever Could By the end of this month, the General Assembly of Budapest is expected to approve the city's new traffic safety strategy. "Afterward, its implementation can begin," Budapest Transport Center (BKK) stated in response to an inquiry from 24.hu. So all drivers in the capital need to be aware of the coming changes. In mid-February this year, a traffic accident occurred at Harminckettesek tere in Budapest, where a woman waiting for a tram was fatally hit. Following this tragedy, Mayor Gergely Karacsony urged immediate measures and held discussions with Budapest's police chief, Tamas Terdik, among others, on how to improve the city's traffic safety. The new plans, which were put up for public consultation at the end of February, included the following: * On the Hungaria ring road, the maximum allowed speed will be limited to 50 km/h, while on the Grand Boulevard (Nagykorut), it would be cut to only 40 km/h. * More speed inspections would be carried out, with at least a hundred on-site cameras installed. * The program for renovating pedestrian crossings would continue. Currently, there are 5,240 pedestrian crossings in the capital, more than half of which have been renovated in the past three years, and the goal is to make further progress in this regard. The BKK announced that they have processed the received proposals and feedback, based on which the final plan will be prepared and presented to the General Assembly of Budapest later this month. Source: Blikk.hu Constantinople Patriarch Bartholomew I will pay a five-day visit to Hungary in September, at the invitation of the Pannonhalma Archabbey, the abbey said. The patriarchs visit will focus on ecumenical and inter-church dialogue as well as peace, the abbey said in a statement. He will address as a keynote speaker the international ecumenical conference on peace in Pannonhalma, in north-western Hungary, on Sept. 22. Bartholomew I will in Budapest meet politicians and representatives of public life and give a talk at an ecumenical and inter-church conference hosted by Pazmany Peter University and the University of Public Service. The patriarch visited Hungary last time in 2021 when he attended the International Eucharistic Congress. MTI Photo: Lajos Soos Hungary regards the re-emergence of the EUs mandatory migrant redistribution quotas and the planned fining of member states that refuse to accommodate migrants unacceptable, Kinga Gal, an MEP of Hungarys ruling Fidesz said in Strasbourg. Commenting on the adoption in Brussels last week of a general position on a migration reform with a simple majority in what she termed a coup, Gal told MTI that the new migrant quota system would serve as an invitation for migrants to head to Europe, knowing they would be redistributed among member states instead of being sent back to their country of origin. Instead of focusing on the mandatory quotas, the EU must openly declare that illegal migration must be stopped and the blocs external borders strengthened, Gal said. The EU, she added, had not learned anything from the mistakes it had made ever since the 2015 migration crisis. Hungary will fight against the migrant redistribution quotas with all possible means, taking into account the fact that Hungarians stated in a national referendum their rejection of the accommodation of illegal migrants, she said. 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. Attending an event on Monday in Berlin, Gergely Gulyas, the head of the Prime Ministers Office, said that Hungary still has many friends in Germany, adding that Germany is important to Hungary, notwithstanding disparaging debates in German politics about Hungary. Gulyas attended the presentation of the German-language book by former Interior Minister Imre Konya attended by several leading politicians of the Christian Democratic Union (CDU). He noted to public media that Wolfgang Schauble and Rita Sussmuth, the two former presidents of the Bundestag, as well as Armin Laschet, the former prime minister of North Rhine-Westphalia, were in attendance, suggesting that there are still many people who value Hungarys role in the change of political system. Sean Pavone / Shutterstock.com Retirement is a huge step in anybodys life, but it can come with a substantial change in your lifestyle. You may be trading in your 9-to-5 for a more relaxing existence or want to become more active with outdoor adventures in the future. Deciding where you will spend your retirement can be challenging. With so many options to choose from, you may not know where to begin. See Our List: 100 Most Influential Money Experts Find: How To Build Your Savings From Scratch We asked realtors from across the country where retirees might want to think about relocating so that they can get the biggest return on their investment. Here are the five cities in the United States where they say baby boomers should consider investing in property for retirement. These cities offer it all, from a lower cost of living and access to outdoor recreation to affordable homes and the potential for rental income. Sarasota, Florida Boyd Rudy, a team leader and associate broker with MiReloTeam Powered by KW Professionals said, Sarasota offers a warm climate, beautiful beaches, a thriving cultural scene, and excellent healthcare facilities. It also has a lower cost of living compared to other popular Florida cities like Miami or Naples. According to Zillow, the average home value in Sarasota is $466,067 and is up 2% over the past year. Houses tend to sell fast, going pending within around 18 days. Lake Sarasota and Fruitville are two of the most affordable neighborhoods in the city, while Hammocks and Proctor Road are the most expensive. Asheville, North Carolina Known for its natural beauty, mild climate, and vibrant arts community, Asheville is a popular destination for retirees, said Boyd. It offers a lower cost of living compared to many other retirement destinations, along with access to outdoor activities like hiking and fishing. The average home value in Asheville, North Carolina, is $457,007. It has gone up 3.8% over the past year. Houses typically go pending within 23 days. Take Our Poll: Are You Planning To Buy or Sell a House This Year? San Antonio, Texas Forbes recently included San Antonio on its list of best places to retire and for a good reason. Not only are median home prices about 30% below the national average but there is also no state income tax, said Delaney Juarez, a realtor for Keller Williams City View in San Antonio. So, she continued, for retirees who are very money-conscious, San Antonio is a great pick. On top of the financial benefits, San Antonio is really attractive because the winters are very mildthough summer gets pretty toasty, it has a really strong community culture, and there are a lot of outdoor spaces to enjoy around the city. San Antonio is also one of the fastest growing cities in the US so that usually bodes very well from an investment perspective. The Zillow average home value in San Antonio is $267,060 and is up 1% since last year. Homes usually go pending in approximately 16 days, meaning this market moves fast. Fort Collins, Colorado According to Brett Johnson, who owns Cash For House Pro, Fort Collins, Colorado, investment properties offer baby boomers a strong rental market driven by Colorado State University, ensuring consistent demand for student housing. He added, With steady growth and appreciation in real estate values, the city presents potential for long-term capital appreciation, making it a valuable asset for wealth-building. Its diverse economy, outdoor recreational activities, excellent healthcare facilities, and vibrant downtown area provide a desirable lifestyle for baby boomers seeking both active living and financial gains. Zillows average home value in Fort Collins is currently $566,534, which is down 1.9% over the past year. However, homes move fast, usually going pending in around seven days. Durango, Colorado Johnson, who is also an active Colorado real estate investor and licensed Colorado real estate agent, said, Durango, Colorado, investment properties appeal to baby boomers with a thriving tourism industry, ensuring consistent demand for vacation rentals and rental income. He continued, With its stunning natural beauty, including the scenic San Juan Mountains, Durango attracts outdoor enthusiasts, making it an ideal investment location. The friendly community and relaxed pace of life create a welcoming environment for retirees seeking to enjoy their investment property and embrace the local lifestyle. The average home value is $686,591, according to Zillow. This represents a 2.2% increase over the past year. Properties usually go pending in approximately nine days. More From GOBankingRates This article originally appeared on GOBankingRates.com: Im a Real Estate Agent: Here Are 5 Cities Baby Boomers Should Consider Investing in Property for Retirement All foreigners holding a personal identity card, address card (lakcim kartya) and health insurance (TAJ) card may give blood in Hungary. They must also bring with them their passport or national ID card, a document certifying health insurance coverage with an identification number, and documentation from their home country containing their name and residential address plus contact details in Hungary. After filling out a questionnaire, potential donors should find their nearest Hungarian National Blood Transfusion Service (OVSz) centre here. Donation is open to those between 18 and 65 yet (60 for first-time donors), and who weighs at least 50kg. Women may donate up to four times a year, men five, and at least 56 days must elapse between donations. Note that the whole process will take place in Hungarian and last about an hour. Drink plenty of fluids beforehand and eat as usual, avoiding fatty foods. At the end of the session, a sterile pressure bandage is applied to the puncture site, followed by a short rest. Do not remove the bandage for four hours and be sure to eat and drink plenty of fluids after donating. See here or more details. Where you can give blood MTI Photo: Szilard Koszticsak Words by Peterjon Cresswell for Xpatloop.com Peterjon has been researching the byways of Budapest for 30 years, extending his expertise across Europe to produce guidebooks for Time Out and his own website liberoguide.com A Budapest court has issued a European and international arrest warrant against former Jobbik MEP Bela Kovacs, who has been sentenced to 5 years in prison for espionage and other crimes. In September 2020, the court issued a first-instance verdict regarding four defendants who were accused by the prosecution of espionage against EU institutions and other crimes, the Budapest District Court said on its website on Wednesday. Kovacs was first found guilty as an accomplice for serial budget fraud and for using false documents, and was handed a suspended prison sentence of 1.5 years and a 600,000 forint (EUR 1,617) fine. Subsequently, the appellate court changed the first-instance ruling and declared the one-time opposition politician guilty of preparing to spy against European Union institutions. In September 2022, the sentence was further stiffened to a 5-year prison sentence and a 10-year ban from public life. A Hungarian arrest warrant was issued in November 2022 when Kovacs failed to appear to serve his sentence, and he is presumed to be abroad. MTI Photo: Tibor Illyes The Budapest University of Technologys (BME) fifth MRC-100 small satellite was launched on the SpaceX Falcon 9 rockets Transporter 8 mission on Monday from the Vandenberg Space Center in California, the university said. The ION SCV-011 spacecraft carrying the BME satellite successfully separated from the main rocket in the eightieth minute of its ascent. Once in orbit, MRC-100 will use solar panels to recharge its battery within 7-14 days and then it will start broadcasting, with reception and control at the ground stations on the roof of the BME E building and in Erd, outside Budapest. MRC-100, which measures electromagnetic pollution, is the result of three years of joint work of the BME Broadband Communications and Electrical Engineering Departments teachers, researchers and students, and was named in honour of the University Radio Club (MRC) which will be 100 years old in 2024. The University of Szeged, Szechenyi Istvan University of Gyor and the University of Debrecen also participated in the collaboration. Photo: instagram The Prime Minister of Hungary discusses how his countrys geopolitical interests are impacting cross-border trade, energy security, the war in Ukraine and more with Bloomberg Editor-in-Chief John Micklethwait. Note: The government of the State of Qatar is the underwriter of the Qatar Economic Forum - where Orban spoke in the video below - powered by Bloomberg. Hungarys foreign minister in an interview to US TV channel Newsmax said: We stand with President Trump; we cross fingers for him Peter Szijjarto said in the video of the interview uploaded to his Facebook page on Wednesday that under Trumps leadership, political relations between the United States and Hungary hit a peak. The latest indictment against former US president, he said, had been politically motivated and Trump was being attacked by the liberal mainstream. The same was largely true in Europe, too, he said. Strong conservative leaders who enjoyed the support of society were attacked by the liberal mainstream, Szijjarto added. Meanwhile, on the topic of Swedens NATO accession, the minister said the government supported the ratification process and has submitted a related bill to parliament. The timing of the agenda depends on Fidesz MPs, who have a two-thirds majority, he added. Szijjarto said Swedish politicians had slandered Hungary, accusing it of not being a democracy and of being a dictatorship. He said MPs had taken this as an insult and were not yet ready to make a decision on ratification. When theyre ready, they will make the decision, he said, adding however that the government was supportive of Swedens bid. Asked about the Russian presidents recent comment about Hungary being an unfriendly nation, and whether this had come as a surprise, Szijjarto noted that Hungary is a member of both NATO and the European Union, and Russia considered all member states of both organisations as unfriendly countries. Put to him that Prime Minister Viktor Orban had declared that the Ukrainians were unable to win the war and only negotiations were a viable option, Szijjarto said it was certain that no resolution was possible on the battlefield. Szijjarto said that had President Trump won the last presidential election, the war would not have broken out, noting the absence of any kind of Russian attack during Trumps period in office. We do look at his possible return to the White House as the signal of hope for a peaceful future, he added. A jury in a civil case found former President Donald Trump sexually abused a magazine columnist in the 1990s. The jury also found Trump liable for defamation after he called the writer's accusations "a hoax and a lie". The jury of six men and three women reached their decision after less than three hours of deliberations, reported the BBC in May this year. Mr Trump's lawyer said the former president plans to appeal against the decision. More: Jury finds Trump sexually abused writer in NY department store YORK Valuation protests, before the York County Commissioners sitting as the Board of Equalization, will start in two weeks. Each June, after valuation notices are sent out, property owners have the opportunity to protest their values if they choose. The board considers their arguments and also hears recommendations from the assessor. The board rules as to whether the assessors valuation stands or if it should be changed based on information from the owner. If the owner wants to appeal the boards decision, they can do so with the Nebraska Tax Equalization Review Commission. Valuation notices are only sent to property owners if their values changed since last year. We sent out some notices and there will be some protests, Bulgrin said. We have had questions from property owners and some of those issues can be handled by our office without a formal hearing. But there will be some property owners before you, for protests. We will start at your next meeting and go from there. He didnt say how many protest hearings will have to be held as the process is still underway. If someone has questions about their valuation notices or wants to provide information about their property that might change the value, they are encouraged to contact the assessors office. The office is located on the main floor of the courthouse or they can be reached by phone at 402-362-4926. It was also noted that Bulgrin will provide information regarding the valuation process at each hearing session, prior to it starting, so everyone knows how the figures were determined. et your fiction grow out of the land beneath your feet, Willa Cather once wrote. The famed literary artist first came to Nebraska at the age of nine, when her family settled in Webster County. Years later, she reflected on what it was like to first step foot in our great state. My deepest feelings were rooted in this country because ones strongest emotions and ones most vivid mental pictures are acquired before one is fifteen, Cather wrote retrospectively. As Nebraskans, we know the feeling Cather identified in her work. An intimate connection to the land is ingrained in each of us who spend our formative years on Nebraska soil. Cathers novels, including O Pioneers! and My Antonia, give a taste of that connection to their readers. The pioneer spirit of Nebraska has been shared with people across our country, and our world, through Cathers work. In 1962, Cather was inducted into the Nebraska Hall of Fame, in recognition of her immense contributions to our state. The talent and imagination immortalized in Cathers fiction will resound throughout Nebraska historyand American history. Last week, I was honored to join the rest of the Nebraska delegation in unveiling a new statue of Willa Cather that will remain in the Capitol for decades to come. Each state is allowed two statues in the Capitol depicting figures central to the heart of its history. Four years ago, we added Chief Standing Bear to the ranks of those figures, and he is now joined by Cather. Willa Cather replaces a statue of J. Sterling Morton, the father of Arbor Day, which stood in the Capitol since 1937. The bronze likeness of Cather clutches a walking stick as she stares out daringly at the road ahead. In her left hand are pages representing the writing that came to define her and her home state of Nebraska. The history of every country begins in the heart of a man or a woman, reads the inscription beneath Cathers person, quoting from O Pioneers! In my speech as Nebraskas Senior Senator at the unveiling ceremony, I pointed out that Cathers vivid, reflective writing has become synonymous with the pioneer spirit of Nebraska. Her fiction truly feels like it grew from the Nebraska soil. Cathers artistic excellence inspires others with a love for Nebraskas land, including members of my own family. At the ceremony, I shared that my sister-in-law Nadine McHenry painted a selection of paintings based on Willa Cather quotes years ago. Her art was chosen as part of the annual Willa Cather Conference organized by the Cather Foundation. I am a Nebraska painter and my feet stand on the same prairie grasses that Cather stood on, Nadine wrote of her painting exhibition. Willa Cather knew she was home when she saw, smelled, and felt those grasses. Whenever I crossed the Missouri River coming into Nebraska the very smell of the soil tore me to pieces, Cather wrote as an adult. Until her death in 1947, Cathers writing and her own spirit were inextricably linked to the open plains of our great state. It was an honor to unveil this incredible statue in such a historic ceremony last week. May Cather lead many Nebraskans in unleashing their creative talents for the good of future generations. Thank you for participating in the democratic process. I look forward to visiting with you again next week. Hyundai Exter is confirmed to launch on July 10 in the Indian market. The compact SUV is revealed digitally, and it dons a bold design with an upright stance that goes well with its SUV theme. The Exter will sit below the Venue in the companys SUV line-up. Resultantly, it will take on the likes of the Maruti Suzuki Ignis, Tata Punch, and Citroen C3. Now, the brand has taken the wraps off its cabin. Well, it looks familiar, but comes with a host of best-in-class claims. The Exter is equipped with connected type 20.32 cm (8) HD touchscreen and advanced digital cluster with 10.67 cm (4.2) colour TFT MID and Hyundai Bluelink, offering over 60 connected features that makes it the segments* most connected SUV. Customers can enjoy seamless infotainment engagement through connected type 20.32 cm (8) HD touchscreen and advanced digital cluster with 10.67 cm (4.2) colour TFT MID. The infotainment unit features in-built navigation and Smartphone connectivity with Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, while the advanced digital cluster with 10.67 cm (4.2) colour TFT MID displays a host of information related to drive statistics, TPMS (highline), Parking Distance, Door Open, Sunroof Open, 10 Regional + 2 Global languages as well as seatbelt reminder display for all seats. Other segment best* features include Over-the-air (OTA) updates for infotainment and map. cre Trending Stories Hyundai Exter is the segments* most connected SUV with Hyundai Bluelink that offers customers over 60 connected car features for safety & security, remote services, location based services, vehicle diagnosticsand voice assistance. Further, Hyundai Exter gets best in segment* Embedded Voice Commands (over 90) that work even without internet connectivity. Embedded voice commands offer customers an enhanced connected experience, faster response time and capability to compute Hinglish voice commands such as Sunroof Kholo, Temperature Kam Kardo & more. Setting new benchmarks, Hyundai Exter boasts of 1st in Segment* H2C (Home to Car) Alexa in Hindi & English, infotainment with multi-language UI support (10 regionaland 2 international languages) and Ambient Sounds of Nature with 7 acoustic profiles that enrich user experience. Hyundai Exter has also been equipped with convenience features such as cruise control. Hyundai Exter has been developed to amplify in-car experience by enhancing comfort through maximized cabin space, offering customers the best in segment* wheelbase of 2 450 mm and best in segment* height of 1 631 mm. The innovative space layout ensures customers enjoy best in class* roominess with ample interior space that is an expression of unparalleled comfort and convenience, be it a long journey or short city jaunts. The SUV amplifies exclusivity with Sporty semi-leatherette upholstery with Exter branding. Also read - Volvo C40 Recharge Electric SUV Unveiled In India: Check Range, Features And More With ample headroom for 2nd row occupants, superior knee room and plenty of legroom and shoulder room, Hyundai Exter features an optimized distribution of interior dimensions, making way for an expansive rear seating space. Hyundai Exter features seats that have an optimized height for ease of ingress and egress, while floor height has been designed to ensure an easy step-in and step-out. With large DLO (Day-Light Opening) and superior rear window glass size, Hyundai Exter maximizes visibility for rear passengers as well. To ensure comfort of loading and unloading luggage, Hyundai Exter features a low loading height and rear transverse height that amplifies usability and convenience of boot space. Jettwings Airways on Wednesday announced that it has received the No Objection Certificate (NOC) to operate as 'Scheduled Commuter Air Transport Services' in the country's northeastern region. Jettwings Airways, which is all set to soar in the Indian skies, will have its base in Guwahati. Once fully approved for flight operations, Jettwings Airways will be the first company from the northeast India region to operate airline operations there. Also read: Kolkata Airport Fire: Flames At Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose International Airport Doused cre Trending Stories The to-be-launched airline plans to offer regional connectivity to passengers, leveraging the Centre's UDAN scheme to a number of destinations in the northeast and eastern region initially. Connecting hilly northeast Indian towns with air connectivity will help cut down travel time drastically. "We believe that under the UDAN scheme, we have a unique opportunity to significantly impact the Northeast region by improving connectivity and creating new economic opportunities," said Sanjive Narain, Chairman of Jettwings Airways. Post all regulatory approvals and AOC (Air Operator Certificate) from the civil aviation regulator DGCA, the airline, with its base in Guwahati, plans to introduce a fleet of modern flight deck turbofan aircraft in addition to turbo-propelled ones for regional connectivity. "Once we are granted the AOC, we strongly believe and commit to becoming a reliable and sustainable airline with its roots deeply entrenched in North East India, connecting unique yet important destinations. An airline born in the North East with the sense of doing business in India was much needed, and Jettwings Airways shall strive to achieve the same in the next few months of our preparations as we near take off," said Sanjay Aditya Singh, Co-Founder, and CEO, Jettwings Airlines. Depending on the airline's success after its formal launch, it will plan to expand its operations beyond northeast India and neighbouring countries. The Jettwings Airways fleet will initially have four 80-seater aircraft, and they are confident to start operations in October. The airline has already begun hiring human resources in various departments. New Delhi: Although he has no official title at Reliance, he looks to rule the country's largest private sector organisation. He is a successful industrialist in his own right, and many businesses do business with Reliance. Many in RIL said that he resembled Dhirubhai Ambani's third son exactly. Who is Anand Jain, who is adored by one Ambani and abhorred by the other? He has served as the Ambani family's backroom boy for many years. As a result of Anil Ambani's resignation from the IPCL board, Anand Jain, a former classmate of Mukesh Ambani who some claim served as his mentor and philosopher. Anand Jain has recently become a prominent player in the day-to-day management of the Reliance group's businesses, particularly its telecom company Reliance Infocomm. cre Trending Stories Mr. Jain, who avoids the spotlight and generally stays out of the spotlight, finds himself unexpectedly in the heart of an Ambani versus Ambani spat. The allegations made by Anil Ambani that Mr. Jain is to blame for escalating tensions between the Ambani brothers have drawn the attention of Corporate India to this important Mukesh Bhai Ambani advisor. Even while Mr. Jain has frequently acted as the group's "firefighter" when conflict arises, which is common, he has made a concerted effort to maintain a low profile. In the documents submitted at the time of the acquisition of Flag Telecomm, Mr. Jain is referred to as an industrialist. He has financial ties to firms like Jai Corp and Prime Industries, which provide goods and services to the Reliance group. These links, according to sources close to RIL vice-chairman Anil Ambani, present a conflict of interest. Friends of Anand Jain, meanwhile, claim that there was no improper behaviour and that Reliance never suffered as a result of its business dealings with entities owned by his family. Mr. Jain serves on the boards of Reliance Infocomm and IPCL in addition to serving as non-executive vice-chairman of Reliance Capital. He receives no pay from Reliance Group entities, according to RIL sources. No specific position is held by him inside the Reliance company. Mr. Jain is incredibly skilled with math and has a razor-sharp focus. He is well knowledgeable about all financial markets, including the equity and debt markets. (Bloomberg) -- Marcelo Claure, the former chief operating officer of SoftBank Group Corp., has a new gig: executive chairman and managing partner of his own venture firm, Bicycle Capital. The firm is targeting $500 million for its inaugural fund, and has amassed $440 million in commitments so far. Most Read from Bloomberg While a far cry from SoftBanks $100 billion Vision Fund, the new firm provides Claure with a chance to work with startups in his home turf of Latin America, where Bicycle will focus. Latin America is a great place to do business if you understand it, Claure said in an interview on Bloomberg Television Wednesday. Anything thats being disrupted in Latin America, we want to have a role. Claure is starting the firm alongside Mwashuma Shu Nyatta, formerly a SoftBank Group International managing partner. Nyatta told Bloomberg TV that the new fund will focus on Series B and later rounds, writing checks of about $20 million - $50 million, and will invest in about 10 to 15 companies. Claure and Nyatta hired three former SoftBank colleagues Felipe Fujiwara, Ezequiel Piantoni and Matthew Pieterse to join as partners based out of Sao Paulo and Miami. Bicycle and the Vision Fund share a high-profile investor in Mubadala Investment Co., the $284 billion sovereign wealth fund based in Abu Dhabi. Mubadala is investing $200 million. The other anchor investor is Claure Group, Marcelo Claures family office, which is also investing $200 million. The new funds name drew inspiration from Apple co-founder Steve Jobss axiom that a computer is a bicycle for the mind. A bicycle gets the job done, Claure said. He and Nyatta are also avid cyclists who often ride together in Miami. The firm raised $40 million from individual investors, including Brazilian billionaire Andre Esteves and NuBank co-founder David Velez, Claure said. Esteves founded investment bank BTG Pactual, which will help to distribute stakes in Bicycle to accredited investors in Brazil. One large player is notably absent from the fund: Claure said he didnt invite his former employer, SoftBank founder Masayoshi Son, to invest in the round. Still, Son played a role in the timing of the announcement of Bicycle, due to Claures noncompete clause with SoftBank. The provision that forbids him from starting a Latin American fund expires Wednesday, he said, June 14. In other parts of the world, he added, it expires soon. Going forward, Nyatta said the fund would look to maintain cordial relations with SoftBank, and that investing alongside SoftBank-backed companies in the future shouldn't create problems. Our core is to keep good relations with the entire ecosystem, Nyatta said. Latin America is home to a burgeoning middle class and several high-profile startups, including Brazils Nubank and Colombias delivery service Rappi Inc. Still, while capital is relatively abundant for very young companies, its harder to find investors who will write larger checks in Latin American countries. I want Bicycle to be the one that helps Latin American entrepreneurs grow their business, Claure said. In addition, Bicycle will invest in large global companies that are active in the area. One such company is Chinas fast-fashion retailer Shein, in which Claure recently invested and where he serves as Latin American chairman. That investment will stay with Claure Group, he said. Depending on the Bicycle Capital funds performance, it could burnish Claures investment credentials, which are tied to SoftBanks turbulent $17 billion bet on WeWork, where he served as executive chairman. Claure said WeWork has suffered from forces beyond its control, such as persistent high office vacancies in cities around the world. Claure was chairman from late 2019 until early last year. Reflecting on his tenure, he says he successfully took the company from the brink of insolvency to a market listing two years later. So far in 2023, WeWorks stock has fallen more than 80% and is now just 22 cents. Last month, WeWork Chief Executive Officer Sandeep Mathrani said he was stepping down. Its sad, Claure said about Mathranis resignation. Its a difficult time to be in commercial real estate. Earlier in his SoftBank career, Claure ran Sprint, which the Japanese conglomerate bought for $20 billion and then appointed Claure as CEO. After leaving the CEO position of Sprint in 2018, Claure stayed on as chairman of that company, seeing it through a contentious merger with T-Mobile, completed in 2020. --With assistance from Daniel Cancel. (Updates with quotes from TV interview starting in the third paragraph.) Most Read from Bloomberg Businessweek 2023 Bloomberg L.P. New Delhi: India's burgeoning real estate market has several names that have been a catalyst of growth and glory --one among them is the person who built DLF. In today's success story, we shall talk about Kushal Pal Singh a.k.a KP Singh with a net worth of Rs 94,536 crore, who found his second chance at love at the age of 91. KP Singh Birth, Education cre Trending Stories KP Singh was born in 1931 in the Bulandshahr region of Uttar Pradesh. His father practised law. KP Singh completed his degree in science from Meerut College. He then explored aeronautical engineering in the UK. He was commissioned into the Deccan Horse in 1951 after being chosen by the British Officers Services Selection Board for the Indian Army. He quit the Indian Army in 1961 to work for DLF, a business his father-in-law Chaudhary Raghvender Singh founded in 1946. KP Singh Business, Career Immediately following its merger with DLF Universal Limited in 1979, he was appointed managing director. He established DLF Limited. Pia Singh and Renuka Talwar are the two daughters of Kushal Pal Singh, who also has a son named Rajiv Singh. Singh sold GIC, Singapore's sovereign wealth fund, his one-third ownership in DLF's rental division in August 2017 for $1.9 billion. A deluxe residential development by DLF and GIC was introduced in Delhi in 2022. KP Singh Retirement After serving as chairman for more than 50 years, Singh retired in June 2020. He is currently DLF's chairman emeritus. Today, DLF, with its headquarters in Delhi and its chairman being his son Rajiv, is the largest publicly traded real estate company in India. KP Singh Family, Wife, Children KP Singh married Raghvendra Singh's daughter Indira Singh. He has one son Rajiv Singh, and two daughters, Pia Singh, and Renuka Talwar. KP Singh Gets Second Chance At Love At The Age Of 91 The 91-year-old tycoon spoke openly about finding love again following the death of his wife in 2018 in an interview with CNBC-TV18 recently. After his wife passed away from cancer, he admitted that he was incredibly lonely for a year or two. However, soon after, he was given a second chance at love when he found his lady-love Sheena. She has since become one of his favourite persons. Singh describes her as an a person who is full of energy, a woman who plays a big role in his life. KP Singhs Realtime Net Worth As per Forbes Realtime Billionaire Index figures, KP Singhs realtime net worth as of 15-06-2023 is USD 11.5 billion (9,45,36,32,50,000.00 Indian Rupee approximately) Mumbai: Days after Maharashtra Chief Minister Eknath Shinde-led Shiv Sena came under fire after a front-page newspaper advertisement that featured Maharashtra Chief Minister Eknath Shinde, but not his deputy, Devendra Fadnavis, State BJP President Chandrashekhar Bawankulee on Thursday said that in a family. brothers can also have differences and fights. Downplaying the incident, Bawankulee said, " In a family, two brothers also fight. So, differences might occur. Now that the advertisement has come and everything is clear, I think we should close this matter," said Bawankulee. A front-page advertisement issued by the Eknath Shinde-led Shiv Sena in newspapers across Maharashtra stoked a political controversy on Tuesday as it featured pictures of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and the chief minister, leaving out deputy chief minister Devendra Fadnavis. The advertisement claimed that a survey had revealed that more people in the state preferred Shinde for the CM's post than Fadnavis. Soon after the advertisement created waves in political circles, the BJP-Shiv Sena government has released an advertisement featuring both leaders. cre Trending Stories On Tuesday, Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) leader Ajit Pawar slammed Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and Shiv Sena over the advertisement featuring Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Maharashtra Chief Minister Eknath Shinde. the BJP-Shiv Sena government has released an advertisement featuring both leaders. He stated that the poster didn't feature Shiv Sena's stalwarts like Balasaheb Thackeray and Anand Dighe. "Till date, in my political career, I have not seen this kind of advertisement which I saw in today's newspapers. PM Narendra Modi and CM Shinde's photos were there in the advertisement," Pawar had said. He added, "They (Shiv Sena) say that they are the soldiers of Balasaheb Thackeray, whereas Balasaheb Thackeray's and Anand Dighe's photos were missing from the advertisement." BJP member Praveen Darekar said that the Sena's ad "was not right", while Sanjay Raut of the Uddhav Sena alleged Shinde's camp had forgotten Shiv Sena founder Bal Thackeray. New Delhi: The newly elected Congress government led by Chief Minister Siddarmaiah has decided to ammend the anti-conversion law brought in by the previous BJP government in Karnataka, news agency PTI quoted State Law and Parliamentary Affairs Minister H. K. Patil as saying. The government will also take up textbooks revision. The cabinet made the announcements after meeting in Vidhana Soudha. We will drop all the aspects introduced by the previous BJP government, news agency IANS quoted Patil as saying. "The act will be amended in the Assembly session, which will be held in July," he said. Also Read: Karnataka: Rahul, Siddaramaiah, DK Shivakumar Receive Summon In Defamation Case Filed By BJP Over '40% Corruption' Claim The BJP had imposed strict conditions on religious conversions and prescribed harsh punishment for the offence. The cabinet also decided to revise textbooks, he said. cre Trending Stories Also Read: Will close down Facebook in India, Karnataka HC warns social media giant Chief Minister Siddaramaiah and Deputy Chief Minister D. K. Shivakumar had promised in the Congress poll manifesto to repeal all the acts enacted by the BJP government once the party comes to power in the state Cyclone Biparjoy, a formidable weather phenomenon that emerged from the depths of the Arabian Sea, has made a forceful landfall near Jakhau Port in Gujarat's Kutch district. After intensifying over a span of ten days, this cyclone brings with it strong winds and heavy rainfall, posing a significant threat to coastal regions. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued warnings about the potential for extensive damage and the risk of flooding in low-lying areas. Authorities have swiftly evacuated thousands of people from vulnerable regions, and relief and rescue operations are underway with the deployment of multiple response teams. As Cyclone Biparjoy continues its journey inland, it marks a crucial moment in the relentless battle between nature's fury and human resilience, highlighting the need for preparedness and concerted efforts to mitigate the impact of such powerful weather phenomena. 1. Landfall Commences: Cyclone Biparjoy, which originated in the Arabian Sea, has started making landfall near Jakhau Port in Gujarat's Kutch district after a ten-day journey, according to the India Meteorological Department (IMD). 2. Strong Winds and Heavy Rains: As the cyclone approaches, strong winds and heavy rains have battered the Kutch and Saurashtra coasts, prompting agencies to remain on high alert. cre Trending Stories 3. Completion of Landfall: The landfall process is expected to be completed by midnight, with dense convective clouds already entering Kutch and Devbhumi Dwarka districts, according to IMD Director General Mrutyunjay Mohapatra. 4. Evacuation Efforts: In response to the IMD's warning about the cyclone's extensive damaging potential, authorities have evacuated approximately one lakh people from vulnerable areas. 5. Relief and Rescue Operations: A total of 15 National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) teams, 12 State Disaster Response Force teams, and personnel from the Indian Army, Navy, Air Force, Indian Coast Guard, and Border Security Force have been deployed for relief and rescue operations. 6. Heavy Rainfall Warning: The IMD had previously warned of very heavy to extremely heavy rainfall in several districts, including Kutch, Devbhumi Dwarka, Jamnagar, Porbandar, Rajkot, Morbi, and Junagarh. 7. Risk of Flooding: IMD Director General Mohapatra expressed concern about the possibility of flooding in low-lying areas, with some regions potentially receiving over 25 cm of rainfall, which is unusual for this time of year. 8. Potential Damage: Meteorologists have warned of extensive damage to crops, houses, roads, electricity and communication infrastructure, as well as the risk of flooding along escape routes. Low-lying areas of the Saurashtra and Kutch coasts are also at risk of inundation due to high tides. 9. Impact of Previous Cyclones: The memory of Cyclone Tauktae, which struck Gujarat's southern coast in 2021, still looms large. It was the strongest tropical cyclone to hit the west coast of India in at least two decades, causing significant devastation amid the COVID-19 pandemic. 10. Unusual Characteristics of Biparjoy: Cyclone Biparjoy has exhibited unique characteristics, rapidly intensifying from a cyclonic circulation to a very severe cyclonic storm within 48 hours. Its sustained strength is attributed to the unusually warm Arabian Sea, and it has become the cyclone with the longest lifespan in the Arabian Sea, surpassing previous records. As climate change continues to influence cyclonic storms, scientists emphasize the need to understand and prepare for the intensification and prolonged durations of these weather events in the Bay of Bengal and the Arabian Sea. NEW DELHI: Avtar Singh Khanda, also known as Ranjodh Singh, reportedly died at the Sandwell Hospital in Birmingham, United Kingdom on Thursday. Khanda was suffering from blood cancer and was undergoing treatment at the Sandwell Hospital in West Birmingham for the past few days. Who Was Avtar Singh Khanda? cre Trending Stories Avtar Singh Khanda is believed to be the mastermind of the March 19 attack on the Indian High Commission in London. Khanda was also a close aide of radical Khalistani preacher Amritpal Singh who was arrested by the Punjab Police after evading the law for several weeks. He is believed to have allegedly groomed Amritpal Singh, who was made the head of Warris Punjab De after Deep Sidhus death. Amritpal Singh was arrested by the Punjab police in the Moga district on March 23 and charged with crimes relating to disharmony among classes, attempt to murder, attack on police personnel and creating obstructions in the lawful discharge of duty by public servants. Singh is currently languishing in jail. Khalistan Liberation Force Chief Avtar Singh Khanda was the chief of the UK-based terrorist group Khalistan Liberation Force (KLF). He was a political asylum seeker in the UK and played a major role in radicalising Sikh youth towards the separatist movement. He was arrested in the UK after he brought down the Indian Tricolour at its embassy in London. Terror Links Khanda was also a Babbar Khalsa International (BKI) operative, an organisation that has been banned across the world by many countries including Canada, the US, and even the UK. He entered the UK via a student visa and became associated with separatist groups active in some of the key gurudwaras in the country. These places are said to be managed by Khalistani supporters to collect funds in the name of human rights violations against the Sikh community in India. Punjab Connection Born in the Moga district of Punjab, Avtar Singh Khanda moved to London at a very early age. He was considered to be having close links with Khalistani terrorists Paramjit Singh Pamma and Jagtar Singh Tara. Khanda, who was accused of training and radicalising the Sikh youngsters, was named among those who were hatching a conspiracy against the Indian state. REQUEST FOR IDENTIFICATION/INFORMATION On 19.03.23 these persons were involved in an attack on the High Commission of India, London. They caused grievous injury and disrespected the Indian National Flag If anyone has any information about them, please Whatsapp/DM @+917290009373 pic.twitter.com/Rhy93cFJjA NIA India (@NIA_India) June 14, 2023 Khanda's father was a KLF terrorist who was gunned down by the security forces in 1991 while his mother has also been related to a KLF terrorist with strong links to a Pakistani deep state called Gurjant Singh Budhsigwala. Attack On The Indian Embassy In UK National Investigating Agency had identified Khanda along with three others as the main miscreants behind the violent protest outside the Indian mission in London. According to the NIA and Punjab Police, Khanda was an expert in making improvised explosive devices or IEDs and even gave demonstrations of bomb-making in some gurudwaras in the UK. MUMBAI: Mumbai police have detained two persons in connection with a theft at Bollywood actor Shilpa Shetty's home here, an official said on Thursday. As per PTI, some valuables were allegedly stolen from the actor's residence in Juhu last week, the official said. Based on a complaint, a theft case was registered at Juhu police station and a probe was initiated, he said. The probe team has detained two persons in this connection and their interrogation is on, the official added. The actor had filed a complaint at the police station after her residence was robbed. Meanwhile, the actor is currently in Italy along with her entire family where she recently celebrated her birthday on June 8. She has been sharing stunning pictures and snippets on social media from her vacation in Tuscany. cre Trending Stories Also Read: Nawazuddin Siddiqui, Avneet Kaur's Kiss In Tiku Weds Sheru Trailer Sparks Controversy, Leaves Viewers In Disbelief The 48-year-old actress made her comeback to the silver screen in 2021 by starring in Hungama 2. She was also seen in Nikamma. According to India Today, Shilpa Shetty will also feature in Rohit Shettys OTT debut web-series, The Indian Police Force. The show also stars Vivek Oberoi and Sidharth Malhotra in vital roles. An IndiGo aircraft operating its Bengaluru-Ahmedabad flight suffered a tail strike while landing at Ahmedabad airport on Thursday -- second such incident in the last five days, a DGCA official said. The Directorate General Civil Aviation has ordered the grounding of pilots of the mishap-hit aircraft, the official said. "A tail strike has been reported. The DGCA has ordered off rostering of pilots," the official said. The DGCA has also ordered a probe into the incident, he added. IndiGo, in a statement, confirmed the incident and said the aircraft has been grounded for inspection. "IndiGo flight 6E6595 operating from Bengaluru to Ahmedabad experienced a tail strike while landing in Ahmedabad. The aircraft was declared grounded at Ahmedabad airport for necessary assessment and repairs. The incident is under investigation by relevant authorities," the airline said in the statement. On June 11 also, an IndiGo Airbus A321 aircraft suffered a tail strike on its arrival at Delhi's Indira Gandhi International Airport from Kolkata. Following this incident, IndiGo was ordered by the DGCA to take off the cockpit crew of the flight. Also read - Ahmedabad-Bound IndiGo Flight Strays Into Pakistan Amid Inclement Weather: Report cre Trending Stories Recnetly, BJP leader and Union Minister Smriti Irani recently traveled using the flight services of IndiGo. The Union Minister shared the news via her Instagram story. Furthermore, she appreciated the Indian Airlines' cabin crew for their sweet gesture of welcoming her onboard, along with a picture on the social media platform. It is to be noted that the details of her journey are not known. Smriti Irani's Instagram story shows her holding a collage of pictures being handed over to her by the cabin crew dressed in blue. The collage also had a welcome message for the minister on the flight. The BJP leader also mentioned the names of the crew members in her post. Talking about the post, she said in the caption, "When someone's kindness helps start your day on a sweet note." Simple Energy, one of the newest entrants in the electric scooter business has announced its plans to launch two new affordable electric scooters in the country. The launch of these scooters is lined-up in the coming quarter. With the successful commencement of the deliveries of its flagship product - Simple ONE, the company has started development of two new e-scooters which would be attractively priced for the consumers. Simple Energy is eyeing on bringing the production-ready variants to the market faster than before. With the planned launches, it will have a larger portfolio, which will be much more accessible. Talking of the Simple One, the electric scooter was launched in India with a starting price of Rs 1.45 lakh (ex-showroom), which goes up to Rs 1.58 lakh (ex-showroom) for the Brazen X edition. In terms of design, Simple One comes with a sleek design focusing on the aesthetics of the apron of the electric scooter. Furthermore, the front end is highlighted by the presence of LED headlamps and indicators, along with DRLs (daytime running lights). Adding to it, the EV also gets a unique design for its taillamp setting part. All of this comes covered in multiple colour themes unveiled by the brand, including Brazen Black, Namma Red, Azure Blue, and Grace White. It also offers new colours like Brazen X and Light X. cre Trending Stories The Simple One electric scooter is loaded with features like a digital display with connectivity features offering options like Bluetooth, LED lighting, Android OS, Cloud connectivity, regenerative braking, and more. Furthermore, the electric scooter will offer multiple riding modes, namely, Eco, Dash, Ride, and Sonic. It should be mentioned that the EV also offers a storage space of 30 litres. Also read - Volvo C40 Recharge Electric SUV Unveiled In India: Check Range, Features And More Coming to the specs, the Simple One electric scooter gets a 5 kWh Li-ion dual-battery pack offering a range of 212 km. This gives power to a 5 kW motor, which gives out 8.5 kW of power and 72 Nm of peak torque. It can take the EV from 0-40 kmph in 2.77 seconds. The battery can be charged from 0-80% in 5 hours and 54 minutes with a 750 watts home charger. Considering these specs, the scooter will compete against models like Ola S1 Pro, Ather 450X, Vida V1, and TVS iQube. In recent years, the importance of mental health has grown significantly, as it sheds light on the importance of holistic approaches to well-being. Among the diverse range of practices gaining recognition for their positive impact on mental health, yoga has emerged as a powerful tool for cultivating balance and harmony in the mind and body. Originating in ancient India, yoga is an integrated system of physical postures, breathing techniques, and meditation practices. While its physical benefits are widely acknowledged, its profound impact on mental health has also been extensively researched and recognized. With its emphasis on mindfulness and mind-body connection, yoga offers a unique and transformative approach to addressing mental health challenges. International Yoga Day: 7 Ways Yoga Can Positively Impact Your Mental Health cre Trending Stories Stress Reduction Yoga activates the body's relaxation response, lowering stress hormone levels and promoting a sense of calm. It helps regulate the autonomic nervous system, reducing the physiological symptoms of stress and allowing the mind to unwind. Also read: Fathers Day 2023: 5 Unique Ways To Make Your Father Feel Special Anxiety And Depression Management Yoga has been found to reduce symptoms of anxiety and depression. It promotes the release of GABA (gamma-aminobutyric acid), a neurotransmitter that helps regulate mood and anxiety. Regular practice can alleviate symptoms, increase feelings of well-being, and improve overall mental health. Emotional Regulation Yoga encourages the development of emotional intelligence and self-regulation skills. Through mindful movement, breath awareness, and meditation, individuals can observe and manage their emotions more effectively, reducing reactivity and cultivating a sense of emotional balance. Increased Self-Awareness And Acceptance Yoga involves tuning into the present moment, observing sensations, thoughts, and emotions without judgment. This process fosters self-awareness and self-acceptance, allowing individuals to develop a more compassionate and non-judgmental relationship with themselves. Improved Focus And Concentration The practice of yoga requires focus, concentration, and mindfulness. Regularly engaging in yoga postures (asanas), breathwork (pranayama), and meditation trains the mind to stay present, enhancing overall focus and concentration both on and off the mat. Enhanced Resilience And Coping Skills Yoga teaches individuals to stay grounded and centered even in challenging situations. By cultivating mindfulness and a connection between body and mind, practitioners develop resilience and coping skills, enabling them to navigate stress, setbacks, and difficulties with greater ease. Better Sleep Quality And Relaxation Many people struggle with sleep disturbances and insomnia due to stress and anxiety. The relaxation techniques and gentle movements in yoga can promote better sleep quality by reducing arousal, calming the nervous system, and promoting physical and mental relaxation before bedtime. Boston Pizza Royalties Income Fund (TSE:BPF.UN) is about to trade ex-dividend in the next four days. The ex-dividend date occurs one day before the record date which is the day on which shareholders need to be on the company's books in order to receive a dividend. The ex-dividend date is important as the process of settlement involves two full business days. So if you miss that date, you would not show up on the company's books on the record date. Thus, you can purchase Boston Pizza Royalties Income Fund's shares before the 20th of June in order to receive the dividend, which the company will pay on the 30th of June. The company's next dividend payment will be CA$0.11 per share. Last year, in total, the company distributed CA$1.21 to shareholders. Calculating the last year's worth of payments shows that Boston Pizza Royalties Income Fund has a trailing yield of 7.4% on the current share price of CA$16.35. We love seeing companies pay a dividend, but it's also important to be sure that laying the golden eggs isn't going to kill our golden goose! So we need to check whether the dividend payments are covered, and if earnings are growing. Check out our latest analysis for Boston Pizza Royalties Income Fund 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. Boston Pizza Royalties Income Fund paid out more than half (72%) of its earnings last year, which is a regular payout ratio for most companies. That said, even highly profitable companies sometimes might not generate enough cash to pay the dividend, which is why we should always check if the dividend is covered by cash flow. Dividends consumed 72% of the company's free cash flow last year, which is within a normal range for most dividend-paying organisations. 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 how much of its profit Boston Pizza Royalties Income Fund paid out over the last 12 months. Have Earnings And Dividends Been Growing? Companies with falling earnings are riskier for dividend shareholders. Investors love dividends, so if earnings fall and the dividend is reduced, expect a stock to be sold off heavily at the same time. So we're not too excited that Boston Pizza Royalties Income Fund's earnings are down 2.8% a year over the past five years. The main way most investors will assess a company's dividend prospects is by checking the historical rate of dividend growth. It looks like the Boston Pizza Royalties Income Fund dividends are largely the same as they were 10 years ago. If a company's dividend stays flat while earnings are in decline, this is typically a sign that it is paying out a larger percentage of its earnings. This can become unsustainable if earnings fall far enough. Final Takeaway Has Boston Pizza Royalties Income Fund got what it takes to maintain its dividend payments? It's never good to see earnings per share shrinking, but at least the dividend payout ratios appear reasonable. We're aware though that if earnings continue to decline, the dividend could be at risk. Bottom line: Boston Pizza Royalties Income Fund has some unfortunate characteristics that we think could lead to sub-optimal outcomes for dividend investors. With that being said, if you're still considering Boston Pizza Royalties Income Fund as an investment, you'll find it beneficial to know what risks this stock is facing. To help with this, we've discovered 3 warning signs for Boston Pizza Royalties Income Fund that you should be aware of before investing in their shares. A common investing mistake is buying the first interesting stock you see. Here you can find a full list of high-yield dividend stocks. Have feedback on this article? Concerned about the content? Get in touch with us directly. Alternatively, email editorial-team (at) simplywallst.com. This article by Simply Wall St is general in nature. We provide commentary based on historical data and analyst forecasts only using an unbiased methodology and our articles are not intended to be financial advice. It does not constitute a recommendation to buy or sell any stock, and does not take account of your objectives, or your financial situation. We aim to bring you long-term focused analysis driven by fundamental data. Note that our analysis may not factor in the latest price-sensitive company announcements or qualitative material. Simply Wall St has no position in any stocks mentioned. 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 New Delhi: The BJP government in Madhya Pradesh, headed by Chief Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan, is trying hard to overcome the challenge of anti-incumbency before the Assembly elections later this year. The state government is launching various schemes and freebies to attract the voters even as the state has a debt of around Rs 3.5 lakh crore. The most recent scheme is to give e-scooties to 9,000 students, both boys and girls, who topped the Class 12 board exam. On Saturday, the Shivraj-led BJP government also started the Ladli Behna Yojana in which Rs 1,000 is being sent online to the accounts of 1.25 crore women in the state. This scheme covers women between 23-60 years who meet certain criteria, such as not paying income tax and having a family income below Rs 2.5 lakh per year. The state budget has allocated Rs 8,000 crore for this scheme. CM Shivraj said that married women aged 21 will also get the benefit of this scheme. He also said that the pension for elderly women will be increased to Rs 1,000. Also Read: MP Polls: Congress Leader's Distasteful 'Father' Jibe At PM Modi Irks BJP cre Trending Stories MPs Per-Capita Debt Is Rs 41,000 The average debt per person in the state has risen sharply in the last five-six years. According to the debt figures, every person in the state owes Rs 41,000. It was Rs 13,853 at the end of March 2016, compared to Rs 10,896 in FY 2013-14. Experts say that the Madhya Pradesh government is facing a severe economic crisis, IANS reported. The economic situation of Madhya Pradesh can be gauged by the fact that in the previous year 2022-2023, the state had an annual budget of Rs 2.79 lakh crore, while the governments debt was at Rs 3.31 lakh crore. The Shivraj governments self-reliant annual budget of Rs 3.14 lakh crore for the financial year 2023-2024, which was presented in March this year, could not exceed the total debt of Rs 3.29 lakh crore on the state. Also Read: MP Election 2023: Priyanka Gandhi Sounds Poll Bugle With Five 'Tested' Promises Congress has blamed the Shivraj-led BJP government for the very poor economic condition of the state. "BJP government claims it borrowed loans from banks for the developments of the people, while the situation is quite different. The debt during Digvijaya Singh-led Congress government was at Rs 26,000 crore, now it has reached close to Rs 4 lakh crore, and the financial condition of the people in the state continues to decline," news agency IANS quoted senior Congress leader Tarun Bhanot, who was Finance Minister in Kamal Nath`s 15-month government as saying. The former minister claimed the situation has worsened to such an extent that students were not given dues of their scholarship for the last two years. Ahmedabad/Mandvi: With cyclone 'Biparjoy' likely to make landfall near Jakhau Port in Gujarat's Kutch district on Thursday, the state administration has shifted more than 74,000 people living near the coast as a precaution and deployed disaster management units for rescue and relief measures. With the cyclone in the Arabian Sea barrelling towards the Gujarat coast, parts of the Saurashtra-Kutch region received heavy rains accompanied by strong winds, the Met department said. This will be the second cyclone to hit the state in two years after 'Tauktae' in May 2021. According to the India Meteorological Department (IMD), cyclone 'Biparjoy' would make landfall near Jakhau Port on Thursday evening as a 'very severe cyclonic storm' with maximum wind speed reaching up to 150 kilometres per hour. Over 74000 People Evacuated To Safer Areas cre Trending Stories Of the total 74,345 people moved to temporary shelters in eight coastal districts, nearly 34,300 were evacuated in the Kutch district alone, followed by 10,000 in Jamnagar, 9,243 in Morbi, 6,089 in Rajkot, 5,035 in Devbhumi Dwarka, 4,604 in Junagadh, 3,469 in Porbandar district and 1,605 in Gir Somnath district, said a release by the Gujarat government. Gujarat Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel on Wednesday night reached the State Emergency Operations Centre (SEOC) in Gandhinagar and held a meeting with top officials to review the situation and steps taken so far by the administration in view of the approaching cyclone, said the release. Dwarkadhish, Somnath Temples Closed Meanwhile, the two most famous temples of Gujarat - Dwarkadhish Temple in Devbhumi Dwarka and Somnath Temple in Gir Somnath district - will remain closed on Thursday for devotees, said another release. The IMD said the intensity of rainfall in parts of the state would increase as the cyclone approaches, with isolated places in the districts of Kutch, Devbhumi Dwarka and Jamnagar likely to witness extremely heavy rains. In 12 hours till 6 pm Wednesday, 65 talukas of districts in Saurashtra regions received rainfall, SEOC said in a release. According to SEOC, 54 talukas across several districts received more than 10 mm of rainfall in the last 24 hours till Wednesday morning. Khambhaliya taluka of Devbhumi Dwarka district received the highest 121 mm of rainfall, followed by Dwarka (92 mm) and Kalyanpur (70 mm) during this period. NDRF, SDRF Teams Deployed As per the government, 15 teams of NDRF (National Disaster Response Force), 12 of SDRF (State Disaster Response Force), 115 teams of the state road and building department, and 397 of the state electricity department have been deployed in different coastal districts. "Officials of departments of electricity and road & building have also reached designated spots to restore connectivity and power supply. We have also deployed teams carrying HAM radio sets and satellite phones in the coastal region for better communication," said Commissioner of Relief, Alok Kumar Pandey. Several Trains Cancelled, Short-Terminated The Western Railway said 76 trains have been cancelled, 36 short-terminated and 31 short-originated as a precautionary measure to ensure the safety of passengers and train operations. Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel was briefed about the evacuation measures across 164 coastal villages, a CMO statement said. Patel interacted with sarpanches of the villages through the CM Dashboard at the state capital Gandhinagar and offered his guidance on arrangements to deal with the cyclone fallout. Rajnath Singh Reviews Preparations Defence Minister Rajnath Singh on Wednesday spoke to the three service chiefs and reviewed the preparations of the armed forces to deal with the impact of the cyclone. After reviewing the preparations, Singh said the armed forces are ready to provide every possible assistance to civil authorities in tackling any situation or contingency that may arise due to the cyclone. Union Health Minister Mansukh Mandaviya also separately reviewed the preparedness measures being taken in Kutch. He visited the Bhuj Air Force station to take stock of the preparations made by the 'Garuda' Emergency Response Team of the Indian Air Force. Mandaviya said, "Our jawans are fully prepared for the safety of life and property from the cyclone." He also reviewed the availability of oxygen, ventilators and critical care beds in Kutch district government hospitals, trust-run hospitals and other hospitals in the region. Spoke to all three Service Chiefs and reviewed the preparedness of the Armed Forces for the landfall of cyclone Biparjoy. The Armed Forces are ready to provide every possible assistance to civil authorities in tackling any situation or contingency due to the cyclone. Rajnath Singh (@rajnathsingh) June 14, 2023 Cyclone Biparjoy To Hit Pakistan Coast Today Cyclone Biparjoy is very likely to cross Saurashtra and Kutch and adjoining Pakistan coasts between Mandvi (Gujarat) and Karachi (Pakistan) near Jakhau Port by the evening of June 15 as a very severe cyclonic storm with maximum sustained wind speeds of 125-135 kmph gusting to 150 kmph, the IMD said. Due to this, a few places in Porbandar, Rajkot, Morbi, Junagadh and the remaining districts of Saurashtra and North Gujarat regions are likely to receive heavy to very heavy rainfall on Thursday. The IMD has also forecast light to moderate rainfall with heavy to extremely heavy showers at isolated places over north Gujarat districts and adjoining south Rajasthan on Friday. A total of 33 teams have been earmarked by the NDRF to undertake relief and rescue operations in Gujarat and Maharashtra ahead of the expected landfall of the cyclone. To modernize the concept of buying, selling, and delivering groceries, Zepto, a platform that enables 10-minute delivery, was developed. Using Zepto's e-grocery delivery app, customers can conveniently order from more than 2500 products and have them delivered right to their doors. The business was established during the pandemic and is currently valued at $900 million (7398 Crore). Zepto, the app, was established by two childhood friends who are now in their early 20s, Aadit Palicha and Kaivalya Vohra. They achieved this after dropping out of Stanford University's acclaimed computer science program. Zepto: The Tale Of Dropouts Aadit Palich, who is from Mumbai, attended Stanford University to earn a degree in computer engineering before leaving to found Zepto. For the uninitiated, Aadit Palich established GoPool when he was only 17 years old; thus, Zepto is not his first business endeavor. Additionally, he employs the brains behind the PryvaSee AI project. Kaivalya Vohra, Chief Technical Officer of Zepto, also attended Stanford University to study computer engineering, but like Aadit Palich, he recognized his talent and chose to launch Zepto. cre Trending Stories Zepto: How The Journey Begins When they returned to India, they first established Kirana Kart, a business that offered grocery delivery services. But it only lasted for 10 months. Their product wasn't market-fit, which was the main factor in its collapse. So they made the decision to stop running this firm. Zepto was introduced by Palicha and Vohra in April 2021. They developed the concept as a result of the COVID-19 outbreak's restrictions. Due to a rise in demand for delivery services, groceries and other necessities would take a while to arrive, leaving a gap for quick delivery. Zepto: Net Worth 7,500 Crore Zepto was hailed with wide arms for bridging the divide. In just nine months of operation, their valuation climbed to $200 million (1649 Crore). Zepto's concept gained popularity right away. In just 2021, the company completed 10 lakh orders. In December, the company's valuation surpassed $570 million (. In the previous year, their estimated worth was almost 7,500 crore. You must take chances if you want to be a successful entrepreneur and run a start-up. Aadit Palicha and Kaivalya Vohra, two Mumbai natives, accomplished this in 2020 and created Zepto. They had no clue that they would succeed quickly. When they made that choice, they were only 19-Years-Old. But now according to the 2022 IIFL Wealth Hurun India Rich List, Aadit Palicha's net worth is expected to be over Rs 1,200 crore. Kaivalya Vohra, on the other hand, has a net worth of Rs 1000 crore. New Delhi: A boat belonging to the Indian Navy will be used to assess the Yamuna River's potential as a waterway channel, according to a statement issued by the Delhi lieutenant governor's office. Navy boat "Barahsingha" has been berthed at a jetty near the Signature bridge, the LG's office said on Wednesday. "The boat has been brought to ascertain the navigability of the river and explore the possibility of utilizing the clean channel as an inland waterway for transport, recreation, and tourism," the statement said. The 11-meter-long work boat of the Navy was moored near the Signature bridge because the trailer that brought it from Kochi in Kerala could not access any other suitable location in the river, it said. The LG's office refuted reports that the boat was "stuck" in mud or that it was meant for dredging. cre Trending Stories The boat has been requisitioned from the Navy at LG V K Saxena's initiative, the statement said. Saxena's request for the boat was routed through the irrigation and flood control and tourism departments of the Delhi government. "The boat, an 11-meter work boat of the Indian Navy, was brought from Kochi on a trailer. It was transported from Kochi on May 25 and reached Delhi on June 3. The draft of the boat is 1.7 meters (minimum depth required)," the statement said. A hydrographic survey of the Yamuna was carried out by the Navy through its teams from Dehradun and Karwar. The survey that was concluded on June 8 revealed depths ranging from 0.9 metres to more than 4 meters in the river. Stretches 1.7 meters deep or less have been physically marked in the river, the statement said. Authorities have deployed dredging equipment in the Yamuna to create a suitable channel of ideal depth for the boat to navigate. The dredging exercise is likely to be completed by June 20, the statement said. New Delhi: Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M K Stalin on Thursday accused the BJP leadership of anti-people politics and doing its politics through the ED. He posted a video on his official Twitter handle in which he attacked the ED for its treatment of his cabinet colleague V Senthil Balaji, who was arrested by the agency. He said the DMK leader faced unfair troubles and mental pressure from the ED over a 10-year-old case. He said Balajis mental and physical health was affected and he even developed a serious heart condition because of the ED. He asked if there could be any more blatant political vendetta. Caption of MK Stalin's Twitter video says, "Don't try to corner DMK cadres. We also know all kinds of politics. This is not intimidation but warning." cre Trending Stories The CM said it is not wrong if Balaji was enquired based on some complaint or related court order but that he was no ordinary person who could abscond. "He is an elected MLA and a five-time legislator and is a minister for the second time. He attends a lot of public events," Stalin said in the video. Also Read: Arrested TN Minister Senthil Balaji Undergoes Coronary Angiogram, Advised Surgery At Earliest "What is the need to enquire such person by confining him like a terrorist. When the ED officials came, he gave full cooperation and said he was ready to give whatever explanation sought by them. Despite this, he was confined for 18 hours, was not allowed to meet anyone. When his health got worse only then did they take him to hospital. If they had been ignorant then, it would have been a grave danger for his life," the CM added. Also Read: What Is Tamil Nadu's Cash For Job Case? Who Is Senthil Balaji? "What is the emergency for such an enquiry. Is there an undeclared emergency in the country. Looks so going by the ED's activity. To put it simply, the BJP leadership wants to do its politics through the ED; its is not ready to do politics by meeting people. They are also not ready to trust BJP. People will believe it only if it does politics for them. BJP's politics is anti-people," he said attacking the saffron party. Balaji was arrested on Wednesday by the ED in connection with a cash for jobs scam when he was Transport minister in the late Jayalalithaa-led cabinet. He has since been hospitalised after he complained of chest pain. New Delhi: Dr Bharat Barai, a popular community leader and organiser of Prime Minister Narendra Modi's Ronald Reagan Center event in the US on Wednesday (local day) said PM Modi is the most popular public figure, leader in the world, not just in India. "PM Modi is the most popular public figure, leader in the world, not just in India. The Prime Minister is extremely popular. He's perceived as a visionary leader for India who is working tirelessly for the growth of India," Barai said. Barai while standing at the Ronald Reagan Building and International Trade Center in Washington, D.C., said: "This is the Ronald Reagan Building. This is where we are going to have the Prime Minister's programme. Right where you see downstairs, the atrium, the guests will be sitting and right across from there, Prime Minister will address the diaspora." Dr Barai said earlier the plans were to host PM Modi at a giant stadium in Chicago, three stadiums were simultaneously booked for him to address 40,000 Indian Americans. But because of the scheduling and logistical hurdles, it could not be finalised. The Prime Minister finally gave his consent to address the community on the evening of June 23 at 6 PM soon after which he is going on an official visit to Cairo at the invitation of Egyptian President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi. cre Trending Stories "Because of the limitation of the capacity, we can only accommodate about 830 guests. So, my apologies to lots of people who wanted to come. But either we had a choice of not doing any programme or doing a programme for 838. And it's because of the conflict in the scheduling that we could not do a larger programme." Also Read: Ahead Of PM Modi's Visit, US Says 'Relationship With India Is Of Positive Strategic Consequence The event would be hosted by the U.S. India Community Foundation. While talking about the topics PM Modi will be speaking on, Barai said: "We want the Prime Minister to tell us what the diaspora can do for the country. So, the topic that we have requested him to speak on is the role of the diaspora in the growth story of India, what can the diaspora do for the country, what the diaspora can do to improve the living standard of people of India, how we can help." Barai said the Prime Minister taught the idea that every family should have a toilet, and every family should have piped water, which has now happened to 80 per cent. And hopefully, in the next two years, 100 per cent of households will have tap water. He thought that every household in Gujarat should have electricity, which he did. Also Read: MP Polls: Congress Leader's Distasteful 'Father' Jibe At PM Modi Irks BJP Barai further said: "We had enough funds for the event within four days as people are donating because of Prime Minister. When they hear that there is going to be a program of PM Narendra Modi, they want to support the program. So there is a reasonable number of volunteer donors who have donated the funds, but more than 80 per cent of the people who will come as guests are coming for free: Dr Bharat Barai, Organizer of the event." Meanwhile, US Representative Richard McCormick on Wednesday (local time) stressed on having ties between the United States (US) and India economically, militarily and strategically. He emphasised that lawmakers whether they are Democrats or Republicans need to pay more attention to India as a "future partner going forward". On reports of the US pushing a sign a big-arms drone deal during the upcoming visit of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, he said, "I think the more we link our countries together, both strategically, economically, militarily, the better. If you look at the threats in the region, if you look at India's strategic location next to China, Pakistan, and Bangladesh, with all the problems that we have in that part of the world right now, we need a strong partner, somebody that we can link ourselves to." Media reports suggest that the Biden administration is urging India to iron out bureaucratic hurdles and take forward a long-awaited deal for U.S.-made armed drones ahead of Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi's upcoming visit to Washington In the tranquil landscapes of Tripura, a remarkable administrator named Sonal Goel, an Indian Administrative Service (IAS) officer, has left an indelible mark through her tireless efforts and transformative initiatives. With a vision to uplift women and empower the community, Goel's tenure in Tripura stands as a testament to her exceptional leadership and dedication to public service. During her eventful posting in Tripura, Sonal Goel IAS, assumed various crucial roles, including Assistant Collector and District Magistrate. Recognized for her unwavering commitment to policymaking and responsible enforcement, she swiftly garnered accolades and appreciation in the Gomati district. Goel's foremost focus was on the empowerment of women and girls, recognizing them as the pillars of progress and development. Under her dynamic leadership, she launched the ground-breaking 'Nandini' campaign, which aimed to address the challenges faced by working women. As part of this initiative, creches were established, providing a safe and nurturing environment for the children of working mothers. This endeavour not only supported the professional aspirations of women but also ensured the well-being and future prospects of their young ones. A champion of education, Goel worked tirelessly to enhance the conditions of Anganwadi centres in the district. She steadfastly advocated for the rights of girls to access these canters, playing a pivotal role in breaking gender barriers and promoting inclusivity. Her efforts aligned seamlessly with the Beti Bachao, Beti Padhao campaign, a nationwide endeavour aimed at ensuring the welfare and education of girls. cre Trending Stories Sonal Goel's exceptional contributions did not go unnoticed, as she received several prestigious awards and accolades for her remarkable work. She was honoured with the National MGNREGA award from the Ministry of Rural Development, Government of India, recognizing her exemplary efforts in the field of rural employment generation. Furthermore, her 'Nandini' campaign was recognized as the Best Practice on Civil Services Day by the Government of Tripura, showcasing the impact of her innovative approach. Beyond her remarkable initiatives, Sonal Goel also earned the respect and admiration of the local community through her compassionate and empathetic approach. During her tenure, she engaged with the people, listening to their concerns, and striving to address them effectively. Her proactive measures in governance and commitment to public welfare became the hallmark of her tenure in Tripura. As she bids farewell to Tripura and embarks on new endeavours, IAS Sonal Goel leaves behind a legacy of empowerment, progress, and inclusive development. Her remarkable journey serves as an inspiration for aspiring civil servants and a testament to the transformative power of dedicated leadership. Through her unwavering commitment, Sonal Goel has transformed countless lives and has emerged as a beacon of hope for a brighter and more empowered future in Tripura. Veteran Bollywood actor Ashish Vidyarthi grabbed a lot of eyeballs after he broke the news of his second marriage. The 60-year-old actor exchanged vows with Rupali Barua, a 50-year-old Assam-based fashion entrepreneur. Opting for a low-profile wedding last month, the couple is currently enjoying a vacation together, and Ashish shared some delightful moments from their trip. The actor, known for his remarkable performances in popular films like Major Sahab and Awarapan, among others, appeared genuinely happy alongside his wife in the picture, where the couple can be seen smiling while enjoying a beautiful ride. "Thank you dear Dosst, for your love and wishes.. Aishukran Bandhu... Alshukran Zindagi. Thank you Tintin for this beautiful capture," the caption read. Ashish Vidyarthis fans were left in awe after seeing the lovely post of the couple. "All the best. Made for each other," commented a fan. Another wrote, "Beautiful capture, happy couple, beautiful smiles..." "Happy pic. God bless and all the happiness to both of you," a third user said. Ashish Vidyarthi was previously married to Rajoshi Vidyarthi. About Ashish and Rupali Talking about his marriage with Rupali, the actor shared a video on Instagram, where he said, "I met Rupali Barua. We started chatting, then met a year back. We felt something interesting about each other and thought that we could be walking together as husband and wife. Therefore, Rupali and I got married. She is 50 and I am 57, not 60, but age doesn't matter my friend. Each one of us can be happy. Just wanted to let you know, let's keep moving with respect, how people are living their lives. Ashish Vidyarthis filmography Ashish Vidyarthi has worked in over 300 films in 11 languages. He has acted in Hindi, Telugu, Tamil, Kannada, Malayalam, English, Odia, Marathi and Bengali films. Some of his well-known movies are Major Sahab, 1942: A Love Story, Awarapan, Begum Jaan, and Drohkaal among others. He was last seen in the Netflix web series Trial By Fire, which was based on the 1997 Uphaar Cinema fire tragedy. New Delhi: Google has introduced a new 'virtual try-on for apparel' tool which uses generative artificial intelligence (AI) to show users clothes on a wide selection of real models and also provide them the option to select different body types. cre Trending Stories "Thanks to our new virtual try-on tool on Search, you can see whether a piece is right for you before you buy it," the tech giant said in a blog post on Wednesday."Our new generative AI model can take just one clothing image and accurately reflect how it would drape, fold, cling, stretch, and form wrinkles and shadows on a diverse set of real models in various poses."Users can select people ranging in sizes XXS-4XL representing different skin tones, body shapes, ethnicities, and hair types. The US shoppers can now virtually try on women's tops from brands across Google, including Anthropologie, Everlane, H&M, and LOFT.To access the feature, users can tap products with the "Try On" badge on Search and select the model that resonates most with them.The tech giant also announced that US shoppers can now refine products using inputs like colour, style, and pattern, thanks to machine learning and new visual matching algorithms."And unlike shopping in a store, you're not limited to one retailer: You'll see options from stores across the web. You can find this feature, available for tops to start, right within product listings," it added. As the Missouri legislature limps out of a disappointing session, Republican voters have to wonder, whats missing? Republicans control every statewide office in a state Donald Trump won by 15 points. Both chambers of the legislature have two-thirds Republican supermajorities, and Democrats are bystanders to the policymaking process. Yet youd look at the results and wonder if Republicans are actually in charge. For starters, the explosion in government spending is hard to fathom in a Republican stronghold. In 2018, our state budget was $28 billion dollars. Last week, the legislature closed the books on a jaw-dropping $51 billion budget. Even as deep-blue Democratic states like Illinois grew just 25% over the same five-year period, Missouri nearly doubled government spending. While massive government spending increases united Jefferson City lobbyists and politicians, the massive threat from China seems to be uniting Republicans and Democrats in Washington. It was just a few months ago that a Chinese spy balloon flew over Missouri, was allowed to continue gathering intelligence by the Biden Administration and was then shot down off the Atlantic Coast. Recognizing the threat here in Missouri, the House passed legislation that my office helped write to prevent China, Iran, Venezuela, Russia, and North Korea from buying or owning Missouri land. But in the final weeks of the session, the Senate added a loophole, with support from Senator Bill Eigel, inexplicably allowing each of these countries to buy as much Missouri land as they want as long as they dont use it for farming. That loophole blew up the bill and ended our chances to protect Missouri land in 2023. While the legislature did pass a ban on biological males competing in womens sports, they allowed it to expire in four years. As the father of a young daughter, I testified before the legislature for a permanent ban because I think every female deserves to have their rights and opportunities protected. As governor, this will be a priority. The legislature also advanced a flawed bill to ban sex changes for children, allowing it to also expire in four years. If we believe these things are wrong, why would we add provisions that allow these protections to end? As governor, Missouri parents will know they have an ally who will make sure our kids are protected from this contagion. The legislature also let our kids down by failing to pass an open education enrollment bill giving parents more flexibility in putting their children in schools and academic settings that best serve them. The education bureaucracy is too focused on inputs and not enough on outputs, and it is time we gave parents more say in their kids educational development. Republicans have long carried the banner of school choice advocates, but when push came to shove, it didnt get done. Ive been a longtime advocate for school choice and will prioritize it in my administration. When Republican voters look at the long list of failures in Jefferson City this legislative session and ask whats missing, it is the conservative leadership that those who voted for us expect. Republicans cannot continue to fumble the ball when so much is at stake. Im running for governor to lead Republicans in creating more opportunity for Missouri families, better jobs for Missouri workers, stronger schools for Missouri children, while defending time-tested values that have made America the greatest country in the world. Jay Ashcroft is Missouris 43rd secretary of state and announced his candidacy for governor last month. This article originally appeared on Springfield News-Leader: Missouri's Republican legislature passes watered-down bills Kolkata: Lashing out at the Trinamool Congress-led West Bengal government over the alleged violence during the filing of nominations for Panchayat polls, Bharatiya Janata Party state general secretary Agnimitra Paul on Wednesday demanded Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee's resignation from her post. Comparing the situation with the "Russia-Ukraine war", the BJP leader said that if central forces are not sent, there will be a "bloodbath" in the state. The matter pertains to the alleged incidents of violence in the state during the filing of nominations for the Panchayat polls, where several Opposition leaders have alleged that they are being assaulted. Speaking to ANI, Agnimitra Paul said, "We just got 5-6 days for nomination. It was not discussed with any other political party. We know on whose advice the Panchayat elections were declared without consulting others. From that day, we are seeing that workers of BJP and other parties are not being allowed to file the nominations." cre Trending Stories "In Diamond Harbour, Joynagar, Canning, Kakdwip, Bardhaman; BJP leaders are being beaten up ruthlessly with iron rods. We are seeing bomb blasts happening. Is it Russia-Ukraine? Are we fighting a war?" she added. The BJP state general secretary leader demanded the Chief Minister's resignation over the "lawlessness" in the state. "Now, we understand why so much ammunition was discovered from the state for the past 6-8 months...for this day. Mamata Banerjee is the 'police minister' should resign. Because, either police are not listening to her, or, which I think is true, she says something and does something else on back," she said. Agnimitra Paul added, "She should resign because there is lawlessness in the state and if central forces don't come, there will be a bloodbath in West Bengal. I would like to request Central Election Commission to please send central forces or else a number of people will die from all political parties. And I pity the people who are losing faith in democracy. It's a shame that we belong to a state like West Bengal". Meanwhile, Indian Secular Front (ISF) leader and Bhangar MLA Naushad Siddiqui also alleged that Opposition leaders are not being allowed to file nominations. "The violence is increasing since May 9, as time is progressing. Besides this, there are issues cropping up in the filing of nominations, everywhere in West Bengal. So, we went to the Chief Minister to meet her today but we could not meet due to her busy schedule," he said. Siddiqui added, "This should not happen. Every political party has the right to file nominations, but here candidates are being allowed to file nominations. Especially, the candidates from the party who can defeat them are being stopped". Notably, the Calcutta High Court had ordered the requisition and deployment of central forces in all areas declared sensitive by the State Election Commission (SEC) for the polls. However, the court - while hearing petitions of BJP's Suvendu Adhikari and Congress' Adhir Ranjan Chowdhury -- refused to consider the PILs seeking an extension of time for filing of nominations for the July 8 polls. The Panchayat elections in West Bengal will be held in a single phase on July 8, with the counting of votes scheduled for July 11. The panchayat polls in West Bengal are likely to see a fierce contest between the BJP and the ruling Trinamool Congress being touted as a litmus test for both parties ahead of next year's Lok Sabha elections. Company Logo Largest grant slate in programs 20-year history will impact more than 500,000 acres of longleaf pine habitat, bolster longleaf seedling capacity and benefit at-risk wildlife across nine southern states WASHINGTON, D.C., June 15, 2023 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- The National Fish and Wildlife Foundation (NFWF) today announced $18 million in new conservation grants from the Longleaf Landscape Stewardship Fund (LLSF) to restore, enhance and protect longleaf pine forests in nine southern states. This years grant slate, the largest in the programs history, will leverage more than $14.7 million in matching contributions to generate a total conservation impact of $32.7 million. Longleaf pine forests are some of the most biodiverse in the world, providing habitat for 29 species listed as threatened or endangered under the Endangered Species Act, while also providing clean water, outdoor recreational opportunities, forest jobs, and even supporting our national defense by buffering military installations from encroaching development. The LLSF is guided by and provides key financial support for on-the-ground partners working to implement projects that contribute to the larger Americas Longleaf Restoration Initiative (ALRI). This strategic plan for longleaf aims to restore 8 million acres of longleaf pine habitat to benefit imperiled species. This years record-breaking funding level builds on a long-standing public-private funding partnership and is due to the collective investment of 11 funders, including a major contribution from the Bezos Earth Fund. These investments will scale-up longleaf restoration and enhancement activities that contribute to the ALRI goals, while also enabling NFWF and partners to pursue additional game-changing strategies. The LLSF exemplifies the power of collaboration, bringing together different funders to support landscape-scale conservation. NFWF works with the U.S. Department of Agricultures Natural Resources Conservation Service, the USDA Forest Service, the U.S. Department of Defense, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, the Bezos Earth Fund, International Papers Forestland Stewards Partnership, Southern Company, Altria Group, One Tree Planted, The Orton Foundation (an affiliate of The Moore Charitable Foundation), and, new this year, Oxy. The 28 projects announced today reflect years of hard work by organizations dedicated to the voluntary restoration of the longleaf ecosystem and represent a banner year for longleaf pine conservation that will advance innovative approaches to expand and improve longleaf pine forests and surrounding habitat, said Jeff Trandahl, executive director and CEO of NFWF. These projects are game changers, especially for expanding nursery capacity and reforestation efforts, which are needed to reach the Americas Longleaf Restoration Initiatives goal of restoring 8 million acres. The projects supported by the grants announced today will advance longleaf pine habitat restoration across its historic range, which covers portions of Alabama, Florida, Georgia, Louisiana, Mississippi, North Carolina, South Carolina, Texas and Virginia. Together, the projects supported by these grants are expected to establish more than 50,000 acres of longleaf pine habitat through plantings and enhance an additional 450,000 acres through prescribed burning and other practices, including invasive species removal. Grantees will engage private landowners through workshops, trainings and one-on-one technical assistance to restore and maintain longleaf pine habitat on their lands. These projects will also collaborate with and support seedling nurseries, seed orchards and tree improvement experts to produce more than 20 million longleaf seedlings over the next five years. In addition, these projects will bolster seedling production and quality over the long-term, which is critical to expanding and sustaining longleaf pine restoration. And over the course of this work, NFWF estimates that more than 200 jobs will be supported. Todays grants will work on both public and private lands to expand and enhance longleaf pine habitat to benefit numerous wildlife species, including at-risk species such as the red-cockaded woodpecker, Mississippi sandhill crane and gopher tortoise, as well as game species such as wild turkey and white-tailed deer. All these species rely on a healthy longleaf pine forest that includes a diverse herbaceous understory where these animals can nest and forage. Projects will increase capacity for prescribed burning, a crucial element of restoring and maintaining this fire-adapted ecosystem, and which also reduces wildfire risk to human communities. NFWFs investments in longleaf pine habitat restoration started in 2004 through the Longleaf Legacy program, funded through a partnership with Southern Company. The LLSF launched in 2012 and builds on the success of the Longleaf Legacy Program, expanding the number of funding partners to include federal agencies and additional non-federal partners. This public-private partnership is proven, and most consider it a model for other conservation efforts, having invested more than $75 million since its inception, leveraging an additional $83.7 million in matching contributions for a total conservation impact of $158.7 million. This years slate of grants is the 20th awarded by NFWF since 2004 and more than double the amount of funding awarded in any previous single year. Conservation of longleaf forests demonstrates the interdependence of wildlife, human communities, clean water, carbon sequestration and even national defense. The longleaf pine ecosystem once covered more than 90 million acres across the Southeastern coastal plain and piedmont. Today, it has been reduced to only about 5 percent of its historical range, due to the conversion to other forest types, conversion to other land uses and fire suppression. This fire-adapted ecosystem possesses tremendous biodiversity, supporting nearly 900 native plant species and providing habitat for wildlife, not only those mentioned above, but others such as the eastern indigo snake, Louisiana pine snake and Bachmans sparrow. Longleaf forests also contribute to the United States military readiness by providing buffers to military training bases. They offer recreational opportunities for millions of Americans and contribute to working lands and forest-dependent economies. Longleaf forests are resilient to drought, wind, and pests, and help buffer communities from strong storms. These forests gained the conservation communitys attention in the late 20th century as government agencies, nonprofits and private landowners began collaborating to restore longleaf pine and reverse the loss of habitat. NFWF established the LLSF in 2012 to support these conservation efforts. The fund combines its partners financial and technical resources to accelerate the restoration of the longleaf pine ecosystem while implementing the Range-Wide Conservation Plan for Longleaf Pine as part of ALRI. A complete list of the 2023 grants made through the LLSF is available here. Additional quotes from program funding partners can be found here. About the National Fish and Wildlife Foundation Chartered by Congress in 1984, the National Fish and Wildlife Foundation (NFWF) protects and restores the nations fish, wildlife, plants and habitats. Working with federal, corporate, foundation and individual partners, NFWF has funded more than 6,000 organizations and generated a total conservation impact of $8.1 billion. Learn more at www.nfwf.org. About the Natural Resources Conservation Service As the U.S. Department of Agricultures primary private lands conservation agency, the Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) helps Americas farmers, ranchers, and forest landowners make investments in their operations and local communities to keep working lands working, boost rural economies, increase the competitiveness of American agriculture, and improve the quality of our air, water, soil, and habitat. Through one-on-one, personalized and voluntary assistance, NRCS works with producers and communities to find the best solutions to meet their unique conservation and business goals to ensure the health of our natural resources and the long-term sustainability of American agriculture. About the U.S. Forest Service The mission of the USDA Forest Service is, To sustain the health, diversity, and productivity of the Nations forests and grasslands to meet the needs of present and future generations. The Forest Service manages 193 million acres of forest lands with tribal governments, state and private landowners, and maintains the largest forest research organization in the world. About the U.S. Department of Defense The Department of Defense is America's largest government agency. With our military tracing its roots back to pre-Revolutionary times, the department has grown and evolved with our nation. Our mission is to provide the military forces needed to deter war and ensure our nation's security. About the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service The mission of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service is to work with others to conserve, protect and enhance fish, wildlife, plants and their habitats for the continuing benefit of the American people. We are both a leader and trusted partner in fish and wildlife conservation, known for our scientific excellence, stewardship of lands and natural resources, dedicated professionals, and commitment to public service. For more information on our work and the people who make it happen, visit fws.gov. About the Bezos Earth Fund The Bezos Earth Fund is a $10 billion grant commitment by Jeff Bezos to fund scientists, activists, NGOs and others to help drive climate and nature solutions. By allocating funds creatively, wisely, and boldly, the Bezos Earth Fund has the potential for transformative influence in this decisive decade. Funds will be fully allocated by 2030 the date by which the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals must be achieved. For more information, visit us at bezosearthfund.org. About International Paper International Paper (NYSE: IP) is a global producer of planet-friendly packaging, pulp and other fiber-based products, and one of North America's largest recyclers. Headquartered in Memphis, Tenn., we employ approximately 39,000 colleagues globally who are committed to creating what's next. We serve customers worldwide, with manufacturing operations in North America, Latin America, North Africa and Europe. Net sales for 2022 were $21.2 billion. Additional information can be found by visiting www.internationalpaper.com About Southern Company Southern Company (NYSE: SO) is a leading energy provider serving 9 million residential and commercial customers across the Southeast and beyond through its family of companies. Providing clean, safe, reliable and affordable energy with excellent service is our mission. The company has electric operating companies in three states, natural gas distribution companies in four states, a competitive generation company, a leading distributed energy distribution company with national capabilities, a fiber optics network and telecommunications services. Through an industry-leading commitment to innovation, resilience and sustainability, we are taking action to meet customers' and communities' needs while advancing our goal of net zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2050. Our uncompromising values ensure we put the needs of those we serve at the center of everything we do and are the key to our sustained success. We are transforming energy into economic, environmental and social progress for tomorrow. Our corporate culture and hiring practices have earned the company national awards and recognition from numerous organizations, including Forbes, The Military Times, DiversityInc, Black Enterprise, J.D. Power, Fortune, Human Rights Campaign and more. To learn more, visit www.southerncompany.com. About One Tree Planted One Tree Planted is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit on a mission to make it simple for anyone to help the environment by planting trees. Their projects span the globe and are done in partnership with local communities and knowledgeable experts to create an impact for nature, people, and wildlife. Reforestation helps to rebuild forests after fires and floods, provide jobs for social impact, and restore biodiversity. Many projects have overlapping objectives, creating a combination of benefits that contribute to the UN's Sustainable Development Goals. Learn more at onetreeplanted.org. About the Orton Foundation The Orton Foundation, the North Carolina affiliate of Louis Bacons Moore Charitable Foundation, focuses on protecting the Cape Fear River Basins unique waterways, wetlands, forests, and wildlife habitats. The Orton Foundations community program supports educational, cultural, and social and environmental justice programs in the region. About Occidental Petroleum Occidental is an international energy company with assets primarily in the United States, the Middle East and North Africa. We are one of the largest oil producers in the U.S., including a leading producer in the Permian and DJ basins, and offshore Gulf of Mexico. Our midstream and marketing segment provides flow assurance and maximizes the value of our oil and gas. Our chemical subsidiary OxyChem manufactures the building blocks for life-enhancing products. Our Oxy Low Carbon Ventures subsidiary is advancing leading-edge technologies and business solutions that economically grow our business while reducing emissions. We are committed to using our global leadership in carbon management to advance a lower-carbon world. Visit oxy.com for more information. ### CONTACT: Rob Blumenthal National Fish and Wildlife Foundation (202) 857-0166 rob.blumenthal@nfwf.org 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. So we wouldn't blame long term Park Aerospace Corp. (NYSE:PKE) shareholders for doubting their decision to hold, with the stock down 32% over a half decade. Now let's have a look at the company's fundamentals, and see if the long term shareholder return has matched the performance of the underlying business. View our latest analysis for Park Aerospace To quote Buffett, 'Ships will sail around the world but the Flat Earth Society will flourish. There will continue to be wide discrepancies between price and value in the marketplace...' 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 the five years over which the share price declined, Park Aerospace's earnings per share (EPS) dropped by 10% each year. The share price decline of 7% per year isn't as bad as the EPS decline. So the market may previously have expected a drop, or else it expects the situation will improve. You can see how EPS has changed over time in the image below (click on the chart to see the exact values). 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. This free interactive report on Park Aerospace's earnings, revenue and cash flow is a great place to start, if you want to investigate the stock further. What About Dividends? As well as measuring the share price return, investors should also consider the total shareholder return (TSR). 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. Arguably, the TSR gives a more comprehensive picture of the return generated by a stock. We note that for Park Aerospace the TSR over the last 5 years was 9.7%, which is better than the share price return mentioned above. And there's no prize for guessing that the dividend payments largely explain the divergence! A Different Perspective We're pleased to report that Park Aerospace shareholders have received a total shareholder return of 22% over one year. Of course, that includes the dividend. That's better than the annualised return of 1.9% 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. It's always interesting to track share price performance over the longer term. But to understand Park Aerospace better, we need to consider many other factors. Consider for instance, the ever-present spectre of investment risk. We've identified 3 warning signs with Park Aerospace (at least 2 which are significant) , and understanding them should be part of your investment process. If you are like me, then you will not want to miss this free list of growing companies that insiders are buying. Please note, the market returns quoted in this article reflect the market weighted average returns of stocks that currently trade on American exchanges. Have feedback on this article? Concerned about the content? Get in touch with us directly. Alternatively, email editorial-team (at) simplywallst.com. This article by Simply Wall St is general in nature. We provide commentary based on historical data and analyst forecasts only using an unbiased methodology and our articles are not intended to be financial advice. It does not constitute a recommendation to buy or sell any stock, and does not take account of your objectives, or your financial situation. We aim to bring you long-term focused analysis driven by fundamental data. Note that our analysis may not factor in the latest price-sensitive company announcements or qualitative material. Simply Wall St has no position in any stocks mentioned. 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 Electric car charging sign is seen in a car park at a petrol station in Sao Paulo MANILA (Reuters) - China's Yadea Group Holdings, one of the world's biggest electric two-wheeled vehicle makers, plans to invest about $1 billion in an e-motorcycle factory in the Philippines, the country's investment promotions agency chief said on Thursday. Yadea is one of a several electric vehicle (EV) manufacturers looking at the Southeast Asian nation for expansion of their manufacturing sites, Tereso Panga, director-general of government-run Philippine Economic Zone Authority (PEZA), told reporters. Yadea, which has six production hubs in China and one in Vietnam with an annual capacity of more than 12 million vehicles, did not immediately respond to a request for comment. Yadea has already signified its interest to file an application to PEZA for a factory in Batangas located south of the capital, Manila, Panga said. It will have an annual production capacity of 3 million to 5 million units that will cater to domestic demand, with potential for exports, Panga said. The Philippines produced 935,000 motorcycles and scooters in 2022, ASEAN Automotive Federation data show. There were 8.07 million motorcycles registered in the country as of end-2021, government data show. The Philippines, a regional laggard in attracting foreign direct investment, is trying to entice EV manufacturers and export-oriented industries through tax perks and faster processing of permits. It faces big competition from Thailand and Indonesia in the race to court EV makers. The Philippines is also touting its abundance of nickel, copper and cobalt, which are key raw materials for the EV industry. American and British electric vehicle firms are also scouting for battery and e-motorcycle manufacturing sites, Panga said. PEZA targets a 10% increase in investment approvals this year from 140.7 billion pesos ($2.51 billion) in 2022. ($1 = 56.06 Philippine pesos) (Reporting by Neil Jerome Morales; Editing by Martin Petty) It is usually uneventful when a single insider buys stock. However, When quite a few insiders buy shares, as it happened in Rincon Resources Limited's (ASX:RCR) case, it's fantastic news for shareholders. While we would never suggest that investors should base their decisions solely on what the directors of a company have been doing, logic dictates you should pay some attention to whether insiders are buying or selling shares. View our latest analysis for Rincon Resources The Last 12 Months Of Insider Transactions At Rincon Resources In the last twelve months, the biggest single purchase by an insider was when insider Stephen Dobson bought AU$306k worth of shares at a price of AU$0.091 per share. That means that even when the share price was higher than AU$0.056 (the recent price), an insider wanted to purchase shares. It's very possible they regret the purchase, but it's more likely they are bullish about the company. In our view, the price an insider pays for shares is very important. It is generally more encouraging if they paid above the current price, as it suggests they saw value, even at higher levels. While Rincon Resources insiders bought shares during the last year, they didn't sell. 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. Have Rincon Resources Insiders Traded Recently? There was some insider buying at Rincon Resources over the last quarter. Insiders purchased AU$11k worth of shares in that period. We like it when there are only buyers, and no sellers. However, in this case the amount invested recently is quite small. Does Rincon Resources Boast High Insider Ownership? I like to look at how many shares insiders own in a company, to help inform my view of how aligned they are with insiders. I reckon it's a good sign if insiders own a significant number of shares in the company. Insiders own 21% of Rincon Resources shares, worth about AU$796k. This level of insider ownership is good but just short of being particularly stand-out. It certainly does suggest a reasonable degree of alignment. So What Do The Rincon Resources Insider Transactions Indicate? We note a that there has been a bit of insider buying recently (but no selling). That said, the purchases were not large. But insiders have shown more of an appetite for the stock, over the last year. Insiders own shares in Rincon Resources and we see no evidence to suggest they are worried about the future. So these insider transactions can help us build a thesis about the stock, but it's also worthwhile knowing the risks facing this company. To that end, you should learn about the 5 warning signs we've spotted with Rincon Resources (including 4 which don't sit too well with us). 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 It is usually uneventful when a single insider buys stock. However, When quite a few insiders buy shares, as it happened in Sopheon plc's (LON:SPE) case, it's fantastic news for 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. Check out our latest analysis for Sopheon Sopheon Insider Transactions Over The Last Year In the last twelve months, the biggest single sale by an insider was when the CFO, Finance Director, Arif Karimjee, sold UK44k worth of shares at a price of UK6.30 per share. That means that an insider was selling shares at around the current price of UK6.20. While insider selling is a negative, to us, it is more negative if the shares are sold at a lower price. We note that this sale took place at around the current price, so it isn't a major concern, though it's hardly a good sign. Notably Arif Karimjee was also the biggest buyer, having purchased UK142k worth of shares. Over the last year, we can see that insiders have bought 21.00k shares worth UK142k. But insiders sold 8.00k shares worth UK51k. Overall, Sopheon insiders were net buyers during the last year. You can see a visual depiction of insider transactions (by companies and individuals) over the last 12 months, below. By clicking on the graph below, you can see the precise details of each insider transaction! Sopheon 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. Insiders At Sopheon Have Bought Stock Recently There has been significantly more insider buying, than selling, at Sopheon, over the last three months. Insiders spent UK142k on shares. On the other hand, insiders netted UK51k by selling. The buying outweighs the selling, which suggests that insiders may believe the company will do well in the future. Insider Ownership Another way to test the alignment between the leaders of a company and other shareholders is to look at how many shares they own. We usually like to see fairly high levels of insider ownership. It appears that Sopheon insiders own 22% of the company, worth about UK15m. This level of insider ownership is good but just short of being particularly stand-out. It certainly does suggest a reasonable degree of alignment. So What Do The Sopheon Insider Transactions Indicate? It is good to see recent purchasing. We also take confidence from the longer term picture of insider transactions. However, we note that the company didn't make a profit over the last twelve months, which makes us cautious. Insiders likely see value in Sopheon shares, given these transactions (along with notable insider ownership of the company). So while it's helpful to know what insiders are doing in terms of buying or selling, it's also helpful to know the risks that a particular company is facing. At Simply Wall St, we found 1 warning sign for Sopheon that deserve your attention before buying any shares. 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 Prometheum: What You Need to Know About the SECs Poster Child for Crypto Compliance If youd never heard of the crypto startup Prometheum before this week, youre far from alone. And yet, seemingly overnight, the company has become the Securities and Exchange Commissions poster child for compliancea shining example of regulatory certainty for an industry filled with hucksters, fraudsters, and scam artists, according to SEC Chair Gary Gensler. So what is Prometheum and whos behind it? Industry observers have been quick to cast aspersions at the startup, scrutinizing the viability and roots of its business after the companys co-CEO testified before members of Congress on Tuesday. Describing itself as a market ecosystem for digital asset securities, the firm says its the first crypto-centric broker-dealer to register with the SEC while being a member of the Financial Industry Regulatory Authority (FINRA)and its bent on bridging traditional finance to crypto. To that end, the companys founder and co-CEO Aaron Kaplan testified before the House Financial Services Committee earlier this week, saying a path to compliance has been clearly laid out by the SEC. Kaplan also pushed back against new legislation in the U.S. aimed at clarifying crypto, sayingcounter to what many firms in the SECs sights have expressedthat its not in the best interest of the investing public and those who argue for new laws are simply not willing to comply with existing applicable securities laws. His comments provoked criticism from many members of the digital assets industry, who suggested that Prometheum, a relatively unknown firm, received preferential treatment from regulators for parroting the SECs stance and mirroring statements made by Gensler, including that crypto regulations actually already exist. But Kaplan told Decrypt in a statement that the firms newly attained regulatory status was the product of hard work. Prometheum has been working for years to build a compliant, regulated trading platform for digital asset securities to provide investors the protections afforded under the federal securities laws, he said. This is an important step forward for the crypto industry as it shows there is a regulatory pathway to obtain approval. As Republican lawmakers continue to hound Americas financial watchdog and Gensler in the wake of enforcement actions against Binance and Coinbase, Prometheums apparent success with regulators dovetails nicely with Genslers repeated claims that noncompliance is a choice. Crypto-Friendly Congressmen Draft Bill to Reform SEC, Fire Gary Gensler Speaking on CNBC last week, SEC Chair Gary Gensler upheld Prometheum as an example of how digital asset firms can come in and register despite what industry players say, while also suggesting that the U.S. doesn't really need cryptocurrency anyway. We have had success, even in the past two weeks, Gensler said. A crypto entity filed as whats called a special purpose broker-dealer and came into compliance that way. Chairman Gensler discussing the path forward for digital assets firms mentions that an entity filed as a special purpose broker-dealer and got registered that way. Prometheum Capital is the first and only SPBD. See our mention at 7:04: https://t.co/kT3AfTlIou Prometheum (@PrometheumInc) June 6, 2023 Yet, Kaplan caught flack from Rep. Mike Flood (R-NE) on Tuesday, who teased out in his questions during the hearing that Prometheum doesnt currently allow customers to trade Bitcoin and Ethereum. Kaplan said thats partly because the firm is taking a crawl-walk-run-approach. In May, Prometheum declined to provide Bloomberg with a list of assets it intends to list on its platform, explaining that its offerings will be based on internal decisions as to what qualifies as a security. For those that didnt stick around until the end of the @FinancialCmte hearing today, this exchange between @USRepMikeFlood and @PrometheumInc CEO Aaron Kaplan is an absolute must-watch. Flood explicitly lays out why Prometheums claims that their SPBD approval is evidence of a pic.twitter.com/yCDDKHiLea Alexander Grieve (@AlexanderGrieve) June 13, 2023 Pitchforks come for Prometheum Since Kaplan gave his remarks on Capitol Hill on Tuesday, Crypto Twitter has been abuzz with users trying to figure out how Prometheum became cryptos first Gensler-anointed firm, poring over the startups paper trail and breaking down its business modelor lack thereof. The lack of assets supported didnt sit well with Rodrigo Seira, special counsel at the crypto-focused investment firm Paradigm, who described Prometheum's alternative trading system as effectively a bicycle with no wheels. He pointed out on Twitter that Prometheum would only be able to facilitate the trade of tokens from projects that first register assets with the SEC. Seiras statement was included in a separate, extensive Twitter thread, where Castle Island Ventures General Partner Matt Walsh raised other issues with Prometheum, calling it the strangest thing hes seen in a while. Last month, in the midst of the SEC bringing cases on Coinbase + Gemini, and giving the stiff arm to Robinhood and others, Prometheum gets approval for a first of its kind Special Purpose Broker-Dealer (SPBD) for digital asset securities Matt Walsh (@MattWalshInBos) June 14, 2023 Walsh went as far as to say that the SEC is using Prometheum, a fringe player with no biz model, to try and convince Democrats that a Republican-led market structure bill on digital assets should be opposed. Adam Cochran, a partner at MetaCartel Ventures DAO, also penned an extensive thread centered on Prometheum. He pointed to a Bloomberg article in May that said Prometheum hasnt yet gained approval for clearing and settling under [its] broker-dealer license, meaning customers cant currently trade digital assets. Cochran and Walsh both highlighted Prometheums connection to two China-affiliated firms: Wanxiang and Network 1 Financial Securities, to which Prometheum has paid over $1.5 million in sales commissions. They pointed out that Network 1 has also faced regulatory actions in the past. Even a cursory glance shows that this is not someone you should greenlight, especially not as the first in the space, Cochran said. Plants, patsies, or opportunistsits unclear, but the fact Gensler is letting them run around with SEC approval is a red flag. Cochrans thread was picked up by Gemini co-founder Tyler Winklevoss, who added his two cents. He drew attention to the fact that Prometheum hasnt launched a product since it was founded in 2017 and has hired several SEC and FINRA staff. The @SECGov has chosen to sue @Gemini, @coinbase, and @krakenfx for not complying with securities laws and yet at the same time has approved @PrometheumInc. Here are some highlights that set Prometheum apart: -Failed to launch a product in 6 years -Hired multiple former SEC and https://t.co/YsgUCcIjM5 Tyler Winklevoss (@tyler) June 15, 2023 FINRA filings and New York Prometheums SPBD and ATS registrations can be viewed on BrokerCheck, a website operated by FINRA that provides insight into the financial firms registered with the self-regulatory organization. Established in 2018, Prometheums ATS firm was approved by the SEC in July of 2021, granting it the ability to let enter, transact, and match orders for digital asset securities across 53 states and U.S. territories. The scope of jurisdictions in which Prometheum is able to operate its SPBD business is more limited. According to FINRA, the firm is licensed to operate in 15 different states, including New York, known for its stringent BitLicense regime that regulates digital asset firms under the New York Department of Financial Services (NYDFS). The company is not currently listed as a registered virtual currency business on the NYDFSs main page, even though Prometheums main offices are situated on Wall Street and the companys ATS and SBPD firms are registered in New York. SEC Chair Gary Gensler: The US Doesn't Need Cryptocurrency As the digital assets industry and Crypto Twitter keep digging, Marisa Tashman Coppel, policy counsel at the Blockchain Association, a crypto industry advocacy group, said on Thursday that Prometheums ability to register with the SEC seems suspicious. She said the Blockchain Association made a request under the Freedom of Information Act, which grants the public access to government documents, seeking documents and communications from the SEC related to Prometheum. Although it may take time to receive documents, the law requires the SEC to respond to all FOIA requests, Coppel said. Fingers crossed they comply here. Russian President Vladimir Putin chairs a meeting with Russian war journalists in Moscow, Russia, 13 June 2023 - GAVRIIL GRIGOROV/SPUTNIK/KREMLIN POOL/EPA-EFE/Shutterstock Vladimir Putin has signed a secret decree to seize the assets of Western companies and make it harder for them to leave Russia. The Kremlin last week signed an order that will allow officials to appropriate naughty Western assets at cut-price rates and is also considering measures to fully nationalise businesses, the Financial Times reported. The move would give the Russian state priority rights to buy any Western asset for sale at a significant discount so they can ultimately be sold at a profit. It will also require all private buyers of Western companies to either be fully Russian-held or in the process of axing all foreign shareholders. Dmitry Peskov, Mr Putins spokesman, told the Financial Times that Western investors and companies were more than welcome in Russia but added that others had stopped paying salaries entirely or had moved to leave the country at a huge loss. He added: If a company doesnt fulfil its obligations, then, of course, it goes in the category of naughty companies. We say goodbye to those companies. And what we do with their assets after that is our business. It comes after a number of Western corporate giants chose to stay in Russia despite Putins war against Ukraine. Unilever CEO Alan Jope speaks at the Clinton Global Initiative, Monday, Sept. 19, 2022, in New York. (AP Photo/Julia Nikhinson) - AP Photo/Julia Nikhinson Philip Morris International, the tobacco giant which makes Marlboro cigarettes, recently said it would rather keep its business in Russia despite lining up three credible buyers. Unilever chief executive Alan Jope has said exiting the country is not straightforward and refused to abandon approximately 3,000 employees in Russia or let its assets fall into the hands of the Kremlin. Meanwhile, Heineken said in February that it is grappling with the very real risk of Russia nationalising its local business. The Dutch brewer has been warned by Russian officials that suspending or closing its local operations would be deemed intentional bankruptcy, a criminal offence which could see the Kremlin appoint external managers for the business. French companies have come under particular fire for remaining in Russia, with Volodymyr Zelensky, Ukraines president, last year accusing a series of businesses in the country of sponsoring the Russian war machine. 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. Real Estate Across the US: A Look at Whats Happened to Home Values in Every State in 2023 benedek / Getty Images/iStockphoto Do you know the typical home value in every U.S. state? Housing Market 2023: Prices Are Now So High That Banks Are Losing Money on Mortgages Find Out: 3 Things You Must Do When Your Savings Reach $50,000 GOBankingRates took a closer look at these home values using data provided by the Zillow Home Value Index (ZHVI). This index measures the typical home value and market changes across a given region and housing type. The ZHVI is published for all single-family residences, condos/co-ops and homes with one, two and three or more bedrooms, reflecting the typical value for homes in the 35th to 65th percentile range. For the purposes of this article and its infographics, GOBankingRates will cover home values for single-family homes, condos and three-bedroom homes in every state. If youre curious about where home values stand now in your state or how values have changed in some states since 2020, heres what the typical home value looks like in every state. Single-Family Home Values Across the US It will come as no surprise to potential homebuyers that Hawaii and California are the most expensive U.S. states for single-family homes. ZHVI data shows single-family home values in Hawaii have been above $950,000 as of April 2023. In California, single-family home values run between $700,000 and $800,000. GOBankingRates Most of the states where home values are considerably lower under $200,000 are located in the Southern portion of the United States. This includes Oklahoma, Arkansas, Louisiana, Kentucky and West Virginia. Many Midwestern states, including Missouri, Iowa, Illinois and Indiana, share similarities in claiming single-family home values anywhere between $200,000 to $299,999. However, there are a few exceptions in the South and East Coast. Texas and Pennsylvania, for example, both have similarly priced single-family home values despite not being part of the Midwest. Condo/Co-op Home Values Across the US When considering condo/co-op home values across the U.S., California and Hawaii flip sides. Here, California is the most expensive at $600,000 to $699,999 while Hawaii takes the second spot for its $500,000 to $599,999 condo/co-op home values. New York also joins Hawaii in this ranking surprising considering it has much lower $400,000 to $499,999 single-family home values. GOBankingRates The states with the least expensive condo/co-op home values are also largely Midwestern states. These include North Dakota, Kansas, Iowa, Louisiana and Ohio. Exceptions include Oklahoma and West Virginia as Southern states with the most affordable condo/co-op home values. On the East Coast, Maine, New Hampshire and Vermont all share regional similarities in $300,000 to $399,999 condo home values. In the previous infographic, the trio of states differed when it came to single-family home values. The $200,000 to $299,999 home values for condos and co-ops is once again reflected among most Midwest states, but potential buyers may want to turn their attention to Southwest states including Nevada, Arizona and New Mexico. Another surprising inexpensive addition in the $200,000 to $299,999 range? Alaska. See: 10 Places To Live Abroad So Cheap You Could Quit Your Job Three-Bedroom Home Values Across the US There are a few items that immediately jump out upon reviewing the ZHVI data on three-bedroom home values. Aside from Hawaii taking the top spot at $800,000 to $899,999 and California in second place at $600,000 to $699,999 slight bump from its single-family amount several states across the U.S. have three-bedroom home values within the $300,000 to $399,999 range. GOBankingRates These states include Nevada, Florida, Arizona, New Mexico, Wyoming, Minnesota, Alaska, Maine, Vermont, Connecticut, Rhode Island, Delaware, Maryland, Virginia, North Carolina and Kentucky. This kind of scattering across the United States means home values on three-bedroom homes are fairly affordable, giving families many options on where to consider moving or relocating. Similar to the data in other infographics, most Midwestern states have a lock on three bedrooms with $200,000 to $299,999 home values. However, many Southern states that did not previously have these values, like Alabama, Georgia and South Carolina, also receive the same inclusion. What about the lowest home values at $150,000 to $199,999 for a three-bedroom? These are limited to just three U.S. states: Oklahoma, Mississippi and West Virginia. Across all three infographics, West Virginia receives the most notable mention as the state with the lowest home values for single-family, condos/co-ops and three-bedroom homes. Home Values Pre-Pandemic Versus Now Before we wrap up, how do home values compare pre-pandemic versus now? According to ZHVI data, home values are much higher in April 2023 across these six popular states that we looked at California, Florida, Nevada, New York, Tennessee and Texas than they were in February 2020. GOBankingRates Of these six states, California and Florida experienced a close to $200,000 jump respectively over the last three years. The jump was around $100,000 for Nevada, New York, Tennessee and Texas. More From GOBankingRates This article originally appeared on GOBankingRates.com: Real Estate Across the US: A Look at Whats Happened to Home Values in Every State in 2023 The Grand Old Party continues to fight on the side of the crypto industry. On Tuesday, House Financial Services Committee Republicans asked the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission to rescind its proposed rule to change the definition of exchange. In the letter, the group of lawmakers said the SECs proposed rule will stifle innovation and harm digital asset market participants and the U.S. economy more broadly. The rule change, first proposed by the SEC last year, would redefine the term exchange within the Securities Exchange Act to include systems that offer the use of non-firm trading interest and communications protocols to bring together buyers and sellers of securities. Republican lawmakers argue in the letter that this definition exceeds the SECs powers and would shut down the development of the digital asset ecosystem and continue to stagnate U.S. technological innovation. It is not the first time Republicans have blasted the SEC for its apparent aggression against the digital asset industry. Republican SEC commissioner Hester Peirce has previously said that the SECs demonstrated position sends a message that we are uninterested in facilitating innovation and competition in the financial markets and instead seek to protect incumbents. #NEW: All Republicans on the House Financial Services Committee sent a letter to @SECGov demanding it rescind its proposed amendments to the definition of "exchange," which would stifle innovation and harm digital asset market participants. Read more https://t.co/qcu1OK6Tkk pic.twitter.com/AQFpMWDPaD Financial Services GOP (@FinancialCmte) June 13, 2023 And just last month, Republican lawmakers said in a different letter that SEC Chair Gary Gensler was forcing the digital assets ecosystem into an improper regulatory framework. Whats the Difference Between the Binance and Coinbase SEC Lawsuits? The SEC has gone after a number of major crypto brands this year. Kraken, Coinbase, Gemini, Binance and Binance US have all been hit with lawsuits. SEC Chair Gary Gensler appears to be cracking down on all the coins and tokens he believes are unregistered securities, and his agency has charged a number of digital asset companies as a result. The top regulator has even hinted that the digital asset industry may not be welcome on U.S. shores at allsaying last week, We dont need more digital currency, and adding that the current industry was built on non-compliance. This harsh stance has been criticized by lawmakers who argue that the regulator is overstepping its markand by crypto companies who are now eyeing up other countries to do business. The leading Spanish frozen yoghurt company llaollao continues to grow in Asia, its second most important market after Spain with Singapore, Malaysia and Indonesia leading the way, three of its most important international markets. The company is stepping up its presence in Singapore, where it has stores in key locations such as Changi International Airport. llaollao also recently celebrated the milestone of surpassing 320 points of sale worldwide. SINGAPORE, June 15, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- llaollao, the leading Spanish frozen yoghurt company with an international presence, has reached a new milestone: more than 320 stores worldwide. The company arrived in Asia in 2013 after it opened its first franchise in Singapore. Since then, Asia has become its second most important market after Spain thanks to its more than 150 stores throughout the region. llaollao Singapore The success of this Spanish brand lies not only in its exquisite taste, but also its commitment to quality and authenticity. Using only carefully selected premium quality natural ingredients, llaollao has created a delicious and healthy frozen yoghurt that captures the essence of Spanish gastronomy. Singapore is one of the key markets for llaollao as it was the site of the company's first store in Asia back in 2013. Llaollao's frozen yoghurt has enjoyed a positive reception in Singapore since its arrival due to its flavour and its healthy nutritional characteristics, which are highly valued by local consumers. This has also raised awareness of the product in other neighbouring countries. llaollao has 12 stores in key locations such as Changi International Airport and the Tampines 1 and Income At Raffles shopping malls. The company has a strategic partner in the country which allows it to grow in a solid and stable manner. "The locations we have in Singapore are highly strategic and are obviously chosen based on consumer traffic, which is why 90% of the stores are in shopping malls," explained Pedro Espinosa, CEO of llaollao. llaollao's presence in Singapore facilitated its expansion to Malaysia, where the frozen yoghurt company has enjoyed outstanding growth. It has increased the number of stores by 55.7% since 2022 and recently marked the opening of its 100th store in the country. It also plans to further strengthen its presence in this country and aims to reach 130 stores by the end of 2023. llaollao has continued to develop its growth, its products and its positioning in other Asian countries such as Indonesia, where the Spanish brand has grown by 76.9% since 2022 and is close to doubling its presence, and the Philippines, where it has 21 stores throughout the archipelago and has achieved growth of 61.5% since 2022. "Asia has become the second most important market for llaollao, not only because of our presence in terms of points of sale (in Malaysia we will be opening our 100th store and we expect to reach 130 stores by 2023) but also because we have positioned ourselves as a leisure option in itself thanks to the quality of our product, our brand spirit and llaollao's ability to adapt to each market with its different culture and habits," Espinosa added. llaollao has already sold more than 100 million tubs around the world and has more than 320 points of sale worldwide. In relation to its internationalisation plans outside Asia, the brand also recently notched up important milestones such as its arrival in Oceania and South America, where it will soon be opening in Bolivia. What is llaollao? llaollao is the leading frozen yoghurt sale and manufacturing brand in the sector. Pioneers for the development of the frozen yoghurt concept in Spain, since we started out in 2009 we have based our success on three pillars: quality, commitment and innovation. Each llaollao tub is made using premium milk and yoghurt. The result is a natural, healthy, gluten-free probiotic frozen yoghurt with a unique texture and taste. And all with outstanding customer service and full commitment to our consumers, who we always listen to in order to offer products that are not only the best but also the most innovative. All this has led to us opening more than 300 points of sale worldwide, with more than 130 in Spain and over 190 more all over the world. Cision View original content:https://www.prnewswire.com/apac/news-releases/singapore-land-of-opportunity-for-spanish-company-llaollao-301851013.html SOURCE llaollao Anchiy / Getty Images Like every generation for over 80 years, todays young adults are funding Social Security through their payroll taxes. But will Americas retirement safety net still be around when its time for Gen Z to collect benefits? Check Out: 6 Types of Retirement Income That Arent Taxable Learn: 3 Ways To Recession-Proof Your Retirement No one can say for sure what any government program will look like 40 years out, but one thing is certain if Congress doesnt act, Social Security will not exist in its current form when todays 25-year-olds turn 65 in 2063. The Program Isnt Going Bankrupt, but It Is Underfunded The FICA taxes that your employer withholds from your check dont go into an account that will come back to you as Social Security payments. They pay for current retirees benefits in conjunction with trust funds and those trust funds are projected to run out in 10 years. When that happens, Social Security wont become insolvent, but it will have to rely only on incoming tax revenue which wont be enough long before Gen Z is scheduled to collect. If Congress does nothing to reform the system by 2033, Social Security would only be able to pay 77% of promised benefits through 2090, said Lindsey Crossmier, a financial writer with RetireGuide. Gen Z should start preparing to offset lower Social Security benefits as soon as possible. Find Out: 6 Things Social Security Deducts From Your Benefits Gen Zs Student Loans Could Come Back To Bite Them The youngest adults are on pace to carry more student debt into old age than any previous generation and that trend could have a big impact on their ability to retire. Social Security benefits could be reduced by $2,500 or more for future Gen Z beneficiaries, Crossmier said. This is due to delinquent student loans. If you default on a federally backed student loan, the government can withhold part of your Social Security benefits. According to a recent study from the Center for Retirement Research at Boston College, the average delinquent retiree loses 4%-6% of their household income to Social Security benefits garnishments, which is how Crossmier came up with $2,500 lost per year. Student debt rates among retired persons are currently low, but delinquencies are rising rapidly and baby boomers are much less likely to have borrowed for college than todays young adults. According to the Education Data Initiatives, Gen Z is on track to become the most educated generation and the one that borrows the most to achieve that education. The Boston College report also found that delinquency rates among younger borrowers increased steadily between 2012 and 2020 as student loans surpassed all other types of consumer debt. Gen Z Has the Most To Lose From the Self-Employment Tax Another thing that could impact todays 20-somethings is their propensity for contract work and freelancing. The growing gig economy and an uptick in self-employment could impede their accumulation of Social Security credits, said Brad Banias, a former Department of Justice attorney and the founding partner of Banias Law and Pro Se Pro, which advocates for beneficiaries in delay suits against the government. But even if young gig workers accumulate all the work credits required to collect Social Security, theyll pay double to earn them. Thats because a 12.4% payroll tax funds Social Security, with employers and their workers splitting the bill at 6.2% each. If you work for yourself, however, you get stuck with the whole 12.4% bill. Its known as the self-employment tax, and young workers are much more likely to pay it. According to Statista, 43% of Gen Zers work as freelancers only millennials claim a greater share of independent contractors at 46%. If Gen Zers pay double payroll taxes for their entire careers, their nest eggs will likely be smaller, forcing them to claim benefits early and settle for smaller checks. Either Way, Tomorrows Retirees Should Start Preparing Today Despite all the crises the program has faced, Congress has always modified the law to continue full payments since the inception of Social Security in 1935 and considering its one of the most popular initiatives in America, the will to save the program will likely endure. Congress could shore up the program by raising the retirement age it has in the past. Currently, Social Security replaces about 40% of pre-retirement income for most people, said Kendall Meade, a certified financial planner at SoFi. It is estimated that by pushing the age back to 70, the average impact would be a 20% reduction in benefits. This would mean that Gen Zers may only be able to count on Social Security to replace approximately 32% of their income in retirement. But Congress could also reduce or means test benefits. Either of these options could mean a reduction in the amount of Social Security income coming to you in retirement, Meade said. The best thing Gen Z can do is prepare now to be as self-reliant as possible in their golden years. Start saving and investing ASAP, Meade said. By beginning as soon as possible, you are able to contribute more to your retirement savings and are also able to grow it more through the power of compounding. More From GOBankingRates This article originally appeared on GOBankingRates.com: What Will Social Security Look Like for Gen Z? Baron Funds, an investment management firm, released its Baron Focused Growth Fund first quarter 2023 investor letter, a copy of which can be downloaded here. During the quarter ending on March 31, 2023, the Fund's Institutional Shares exhibited a notable increase of 14.49%. This remarkable performance can be attributed to the resilience and robust demand witnessed by companies held within the Fund's portfolio. Spare some time to check the funds top 5 holdings to know more about their top bets for 2023. In its Q1 2023 investor letter, Baron Focused Growth Fund mentioned Alexandria Real Estate Equities Inc. (NYSE:ARE) and explained its insights for the company. Founded in 1994, Alexandria Real Estate Equities Inc. (NYSE:ARE) is a Pasadena, California-based real estate investment trust company with a $20.8 billion market capitalization. Alexandria Real Estate Equities Inc. (NYSE:ARE) delivered a -17.42% return since the beginning of the year, while its 12-month returns are down by -7.84%. The stock closed at $121.92 per share on June 14, 2023. Here is what Baron Focused Growth Fund has to say about Alexandria Real Estate Equities Inc. (NYSE:ARE) in its Q1 2023 investor letter: "Alexandria, an office REIT for the life sciences industry, declined 14.0% and hurt performance by 27 bps in the first quarter. The decline was due to concerns about bank failures and worries that regional banks were key lenders to many biotechnology companies that could fail if they did not get financing. However, Alexandria has minimal exposure to the biotechnology industry and has no exposure to regional banking troubles. We believe Alexandria is a truly special company with high barriers to entry, numerous other competitive advantages, and an attractive runway for growth. The company has long-term leases of 7 to 10 years. The lease terms escalate every year. Alexandria has an irreplaceable developable land portfolio that has lower development risk since it is tenant driven. The company continues to grow its earnings organically at a high single-digit rate and has development spending of another $3 billion that is already 80% pre-leased. Alexandrias balance sheet is strong 95% of its debt is fixed rate, and there are no debt maturities for the next two years. Business conditions remain favorable, with continued life science rent growth and institutional appetite for Alexandrias assets at multiples above the companys current valuation. Sales are taking place at over 20 times net operating income, while Alexandria today trades at just 15 times. The stock is trading today at an almost 50% discount to replacement cost. Assets trade today at $1,500 per square foot, while Alexandria is valued in the public market today at just $800 per square foot." Photo by Owen Lystrup on Unsplash Our calculations show that Alexandria Real Estate Equities Inc. (NYSE:ARE) was not able to secure a spot on our list of the 30 Most Popular Stocks Among Hedge Funds. Alexandria Real Estate Equities Inc. (NYSE:ARE) was in 33 hedge fund portfolios at the end of the first quarter of 2023, compared to 29 funds in the previous quarter. Alexandria Real Estate Equities Inc. (NYSE:ARE) delivered a -3.05% return in the past 3 months. In March this year, we also shared Baron Funds Q4 2022 views on Alexandria Real Estate Equities Inc. (NYSE:ARE) in another article. You can find other investor letters from hedge funds and prominent investors on our hedge fund investor letters Q1 2023 page. Suggested Articles: Disclosure: None. This article is originally published at Insider Monkey. Low-cost index funds make it easy to achieve average market returns. But if you invest in individual stocks, some are likely to underperform. For example, the Bank of America Corporation (NYSE:BAC) share price return of 16% over three years lags the market return in the same period. Unfortunately, the share price has fallen 8.6% over twelve months. Let's take a look at the underlying fundamentals over the longer term, and see if they've been consistent with shareholders returns. Check out our latest analysis for Bank of America 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. Bank of America was able to grow its EPS at 11% per year over three years, sending the share price higher. This EPS growth is higher than the 5% average annual increase in the share price. So it seems investors have become more cautious about the company, over time. We'd venture the lowish P/E ratio of 8.57 also reflects the negative sentiment around the stock. The image below shows how EPS has tracked over time (if you click on the image you can see greater detail). It might be well worthwhile taking a look at our free report on Bank of America's earnings, revenue and cash flow. What About Dividends? When looking at investment returns, it is important to consider the difference between total shareholder return (TSR) and share price return. The TSR is a return calculation that accounts for the value of cash dividends (assuming that any dividend received was reinvested) and the calculated value of any discounted capital raisings and spin-offs. Arguably, the TSR gives a more comprehensive picture of the return generated by a stock. We note that for Bank of America the TSR over the last 3 years was 25%, which is better than the share price return mentioned above. The dividends paid by the company have thusly boosted the total shareholder return. A Different Perspective Bank of America shareholders are down 6.1% for the year (even including dividends), but the market itself is up 20%. Even the share prices of good stocks drop sometimes, but we want to see improvements in the fundamental metrics of a business, before getting too interested. On the bright side, long term shareholders have made money, with a gain of 2% per year over half a decade. It could be that the recent sell-off is an opportunity, so it may be worth checking the fundamental data for signs of a long term growth trend. I find it very interesting to look at share price over the long term as a proxy for business performance. But to truly gain insight, we need to consider other information, too. Consider for instance, the ever-present spectre of investment risk. We've identified 1 warning sign with Bank of America , 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 Vanguard founder Jack Bogle helped spearhead the low-cost index fund, putting average returns within reach of every investor. But you can make better returns by buying undervalued shares. Notably, the Manulife Financial Corporation (TSE:MFC) share price has gained 38% in three years, which is better than the average market return. More recently the stock has gained 19% in a year, which isn't too bad. So let's assess the underlying fundamentals over the last 3 years and see if they've moved in lock-step with shareholder returns. View our latest analysis for Manulife Financial 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. During three years of share price growth, Manulife Financial achieved compound earnings per share growth of 31% per year. The average annual share price increase of 11% is actually lower than the EPS growth. Therefore, it seems the market has moderated its expectations for growth, somewhat. We'd venture the lowish P/E ratio of 4.89 also reflects the negative sentiment around the stock. You can see below how EPS has changed over time (discover the exact values by clicking on the image). 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. It might be well worthwhile taking a look at our free report on Manulife Financial's earnings, revenue and cash flow. 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 Manulife Financial, it has a TSR of 61% for the last 3 years. That exceeds its share price return that we previously mentioned. And there's no prize for guessing that the dividend payments largely explain the divergence! A Different Perspective It's nice to see that Manulife Financial shareholders have received a total shareholder return of 26% over the last year. That's including the dividend. That's better than the annualised return of 6% over half a decade, implying that the company is doing better recently. Given the share price momentum remains strong, it might be worth taking a closer look at the stock, lest you miss an opportunity. It's always interesting to track share price performance over the longer term. But to understand Manulife Financial better, we need to consider many other factors. For instance, we've identified 1 warning sign for Manulife Financial that you should be aware of. 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. 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 TikTok to invest billions of dollars in Southeast Asia to boost e-commerce business TikTok Socio-Economic Impact Report 2023 event at The Ritz Carlton, Pacific Place in Jakarta By Stanley Widianto JAKARTA (Reuters) -Short video app TikTok, owned by China's ByteDance, said on Thursday it would invest billions of dollars in Southeast Asia over the next few years, as it doubles down on the region amid intensifying global scrutiny over its data security. Southeast Asia, a region with a collective population of 630 million - half of them under 30 - is one of TikTok's biggest markets in terms of user numbers, generating more than 325 million visitors to the app every month. But the platform has yet to translate the large user base into a major e-commerce revenue source in the region as it faces fierce competition from bigger rivals of Sea's Shopee, Alibaba's Lazada and GoTo's Tokopedia. "We're going to invest billions of dollars in Indonesia and Southeast Asia over the next few years," TikTok CEO Shou Zi Chew said at a forum it organised in Jakarta to highlight the social and economic impact of the app in the region. TikTok did not provide a detailed breakdown of the spending plan, but said it would invest in training, advertising and supporting small vendors looking to join its e-commerce platform TikTok Shop. Chew said content on its platform was becoming more diversified as it adds more users and expands beyond advertising into e-commerce, allowing consumers to purchase goods through links on the app during livestreaming. TikTok has 8,000 employees in Southeast Asia, and 2 million small vendors selling their wares on its platform in Indonesia, the region's biggest economy, he added. E-commerce transactions across the region reached nearly $100 billion last year, with Indonesia accounting for $52 billion, according to data from consultancy Momentum Works. TikTok facilitated $4.4 billion of transactions across Southeast Asia last year, up from $600 million in 2021, but it still trailed far behind Shopee's $48 billion of regional merchandise sales in 2022, Momentum Works said. TikTok's investment plan comes as the Chinese-owned company faces scrutiny from some governments and regulators because of concerns that Beijing could use the app to harvest user data or advance its interests. Countries including Britain and New Zealand have banned the app on government phones, moves TikTok said it believed were based on "fundamental misconceptions" and driven by wider geopolitics. TikTok has repeatedly denied that it has ever shared data with the Chinese government and has said the company would not do so if asked. The app has not faced major bans on government devices in Southeast Asia, but it has been under scrutiny over its content. Indonesia presented one of its first major global policy challenges in 2018, after authorities briefly banned TikTok for posts they said contained "pornography, inappropriate content and blasphemy." In Vietnam, regulators said it would probe TikTok's operations in the country because "toxic" content on the platform poses a threat to its "youth, culture and tradition." (Reporting by Stanley Widanto in Jakarta; Additional reporting by Anne Marie Roantree in Hong Kong and Fanny Potkin in Singapore; Writing by Miyoung Kim; Editing by Christopher Cushing and Jamie Freed) (Bloomberg) -- ByteDance Ltd.s TikTok will invest billions of dollars in Southeast Asia over the next three to five years, as the Chinese behemoth moves to strengthen the presence of its hit video app in the region. Most Read from Bloomberg TikTok Chief Executive Officer Shou Zi Chew said the company wants to invest proportionately to the opportunity Southeast Asia presents. TikTok has over 8,000 people in the region and close to 2,000 staff in Indonesia, he said during an event held in Jakarta on Thursday. TikTok is betting on markets such as Indonesia to spur growth for its e-commerce arm which lets users buy items while scrolling through an endless feed of short videos and livestreams. Gross merchandise value, which represents the total worth of goods sold through its TikTok Shop offering, surpassed $2.5 billion in Indonesia last year and topped $1 billion in the first three months of 2023, according to e-commerce research firm Cube Asia. TikToks push into e-commerce is creating a growing challenge to rivals, including Amazon.com Inc. and Sea Ltd.s Shopee. The Chinese-owned company aims to more than quadruple the size of its global e-commerce business to as much as $20 billion in merchandise sales this year as it expands into the US and Europe, Bloomberg reported last week. ByteDance, founded more than a decade ago by Zhang Yiming and Liang Rubo, grew into an internet leader worth more than $200 billion thanks to the virality of short-video platforms TikTok and Douyin. Though live shopping hasnt caught on in the US and Europe despite attempts by Instagram and others, TikTok is basing its projections on the success of Douyin, a Chinese version of TikTok that has surged in popularity on its home turf. --With assistance from Zheping Huang. Most Read from Bloomberg Businessweek 2023 Bloomberg L.P. This tiny 77-square-foot NYC apartment spurred a bidding war that pushed rent to $2,350/month and it has no bathroom. Why prime real estate remains the best long-term hold This tiny 77-square-foot NYC apartment spurred a bidding war that pushed rent to $2,350/month and it has no bathroom. Why prime real estate remains the best long-term hold New York City residents may have long resigned themselves to paying exorbitant prices to live in cramped quarters but this recent example takes the cake. A pocket-sized studio on West 11th Street in Greenwich Village went viral after real estate agent Omer Labock presented a tour of it on TikTok. Don't miss This has to be the smallest apartment Ive ever seen, Labock, who works with Douglas Elliman Real Estate, says in the video. The space is less than 7 feet wide and 11 feet long, according to NYC newsroom Gothamist, and includes a very tight closet and a little kitchenette with a mini fridge and sink (but no oven or stove). The bathroom lies across the hall and is shared with four other units in the building. But the most shocking detail is the price tag. The apartment was listed for $1,975 a month in December, says Labock, but several sources report it was later listed for $2,350 a month. 2k for a closet! nah Im good, writes one aghast viewer, while another likens the pint-sized pad to a prison cell. Heres why this miniscule abode doesnt come cheap and why investors should pay attention. Why investors still like prime real estate The super-small studio reportedly sparked a bidding war. A big part of that is due to location: youll find the space in the much-coveted and trendy Greenwich neighborhood, where the median rent tracks upwards of $5,000 a month, according to Realtor.com. Gothamist spoke to a Pace University student who was set to place a bid on the place, but requested to remain unnamed because he didnt want to risk his chances of landing the rental. If you want to be on a prime block of the city, it's like, you can't have everything, he said. While the stock market has certainly seen its fair share of ups and downs keeping many investors wary real estate in desirable locations like NYC and Miami are still a steady bet. In fact, prime commercial real estate has outperformed the S&P 500 over a 25-year period. That said, not everyones ready (or wealthy enough) to snag an expensive studio downtown, or deal with the hassles of landlording and managing tenants. Heres how you can get into real estate without having to become a landlord. Read more: Americans refuse to let higher prices derail their travel plans 10 tactics to keep your summer vacation on budget Put your money in a trust Real estate investment trusts, or REITs, invest in various property types from residential apartment buildings to commercial spaces, like offices and are typically publicly traded like stocks. They also mix assets and locations, so youre not only investing in tiny condos in the Big Apple, for example, and youre not subject to any regional downturns in the market. And if youre looking for something more specialized, some trusts will target certain sectors, like luxury real estate or the U.S. government](https://moneywise.com/investing/stocks/reits-that-rent-to-the-us-government). Invest in ETFs Exchange-traded funds or ETFs are bundles of stocks, bonds or other investments, and also trade on the stock market. You could invest in real estate ETFs which can track real estate development companies, homebuilders, property managers or brokerages. Pool your funds with others Crowdfunding platforms raise cash for investment opportunities, like real estate. Investors can contribute their money to a pool shared with other investors in order to purchase property or a share of a property as a group. Some platforms are targeted toward accredited investors and require a net worth of more than $1 million or an earned income that exceeded $200,000 (or $300,000 together with a spouse) in each of the past two years. But others come with a much lower barrier to entry and may even let you start investing with $100 at a time. What to read next This article provides information only and should not be construed as advice. It is provided without warranty of any kind. In this article, we look at the top 16 defense contractors in the world in 2023. To skip our detailed analysis of the defense sector, you can head directly to the Top 5 Defense Contractors in the World in 2023. Global military expenditure has grown by 19% since 2013 to reach a record high of $2,240 billion in 2022 which accounts for 2.2% of the worlds gross domestic product (GDP). Much of last years defense spending was driven by Russias invasion of Ukraine, with Europe witnessing its steepest rise in the post-cold war era, with an increase of 13% compared to 2021. The Middle East experienced a growth of 3.2% on defense spending, as Saudi Arabia returned to the list of the worlds top five military spenders, having spent $75 billion that year. These staggering numbers were released by the Stockholm International Peace Research Institute (SIPRI) in its 2022 report. Largest Defense Contractors According to The Business Research Company, the global defense market has grown from $535 billion to $577 billion between 2022 and 2023 a CAGR growth of 7.9%. The boom is likely to continue with the industry size expected to cross $700 billion by 2027. Some major beneficiaries of the surge in defense expenditures include companies like Raytheon Technologies Corporation (NYSE:RTX) whose operating profits increased by 9% between 2021 and 2022. Lockheed Martin Corporation (NYSE:LMT) was awarded contracts by the U.S. Department of Defense (DoD) worth $45.68 billion in 2022 which made up for nearly 70% of its annual revenue. The China North Industries Group Corporation Limited, and the Aviation Industry Corporation of China, also known as AVIC, are also among the prime contractors that profited from the increased spending in the previous year. China is the worlds second biggest military spender after the United States, and much of its armaments are sourced from industries at home. In 2022, Beijing spent an estimated $292 billion on defense expenditure, according to SIPRI. In the United States, Lockheed Martin Corporation (NYSE:LMT) topped the charts as the largest federal defense contractor, having received over 11% of all spending by the DoD in 2022. This did not only include expenditure incurred on the U.S. military, but also contracts to aid the Ukrainian military against Russian advances. By December, the company had received missile orders worth $950 billion from Pentagon to refill stockpiles in Ukraine, with great focus on the production of HIMARS. These rocket launchers have proven instrumental in turning the tide in the conflict against Russia. Lockheed Martin Corporation (NYSE:LMT) was followed by Raytheon Technologies Corporation (NYSE:RTX) at second spot, winning 6.1% of all defense-related contracts of the U.S. government. In September 2022, Raytheon Technologies Corporation (NYSE:RTX) was awarded a $985 million order from the U.S. Air Force to develop scramjet-powered hypersonic cruise missiles. The Boeing Company (NYSE:BA) is another top contractor for the U.S. Department of Defense. In 2022, it received total orders from the DoD worth over $14.7 billion, which included a $2.21 billion contract for its KC-46A Pegasus aircrafts. General Dynamics Corporation (NYSE:GD) and Northrop Grumman Corporation (NYSE:NOC) claimed fourth and fifth positions, respectively, in the list of the top five defense contractors in the United States in terms of overall revenue in 2022. The US is also highly regarded for having the best defense industry in the world. Since the advent of Russias invasion of Ukraine, priorities of the western world appear to have shifted from the global war on terror and now seem reminiscent of the Cold War era. Finland has joined NATO as its 31st member. Sweden has also applied for membership and is on the brink of receiving it. At least seven members are exceeding NATOs defense expenditure goal of 2% of the GDP, with others taking urgent measures to increase their military spending and meet the target. You can read more about this in our article, NATO Military Spending by Country: Top 20 Countries. Methodology We have used two weighted metrics to rank the top 16 defense contractors in the world. These are 2022 annual revenues of firms that are in the defense industry, and the monetary value of the contracts they have received from the U.S. Department of Defense (DoD) during 2022. 30% of weightage was assigned to annual revenue, while 70% to DoD contracts. The United States is the biggest military spender in the world and accounts for nearly 40% of all defense expenditure globally. It is also home to some of the largest aerospace and armaments manufacturing companies that meet modern military procurement needs of militaries around the world with new sophisticated weapons. Therefore, DoD contracts were assigned a greater weightage while creating this list than revenue volumes. For information on DoD contracts, we have used data from USASpending.gov. There was no public data available on Chinese defense companies' contracts with their own or foreign governments. They have been highlighted as biggest contractors based on reports that link them to the People's Liberation Army (PLA). We have used their revenues as a proxy for their contractual magnitude. Top 16 Defense Contractors in the World in 2023 Everett Historical / shutterstock.com Here are the top 16 defense contractors in the world in 2023: 16. L3Harris Technologies, Inc. (NYSE:LHX) 2022 Revenue (millions of USD): $17,062 2022 DoD contracts (millions of USD): $5,978 L3Harris Technologies, Inc. (NYSE:LHX) was founded in 2019 after a merger between L3 Technologies and Harris Corporation. The company is headquartered in Melbourne, Florida, United States. It specializes in electronic warfare, surveillance solutions, and microwave weaponry. Their main products include C6ISR systems, wireless equipment, and night vision equipment. In December 2022, L3Harris Technologies, Inc. (NYSE:LHX) moved to acquire Aerojet Rocketdyne a manufacturer of missile propulsion systems for $4.7 billion. 15. GE Aerospace (NYSE:GE) 2022 Revenue (millions of USD): $26,050 2022 DoD contracts (millions of USD): $2,542 GE Aerospace, which is a subsidiary of the General Electric Company (NYSE:GE), recorded a growth of 22% in its revenue in 2022 compared to the previous year. Its operating profit also increased by a handsome 65%. Headquartered in Ohio, it is one of the leading aircraft engine suppliers in the world. In June this year, Lockheed Martin Corporation (NYSE:LMT) selected GE Aerospace (NYSE:GE) to supply engines for its LMXT strategic tanker used by the U.S. Air Force. 14. BAE Systems plc 2022 Revenue (millions of USD): $21,258 2022 DoD contracts (millions of USD): $5,062 British arms, security, and aerospace company BAE Systems plc is one of the largest defense contractors in Europe and is ranked as the seventh largest in the defense industry in terms of revenue by PwC. The company is headquartered in London and maintains presence in the United States as well, where it is among the largest suppliers to the U.S. Department of Defense. In 2022, the DoD awarded BAE Systems plc contracts worth $5 billion. This included a $599 million deal to support High Performance Computing Centers for the U.S. Army. 13. China Aerospace Science and Industry Corporation 2022 Revenue (millions of USD): $40,856 2022 DoD contracts (millions of USD): $ - The China Aerospace Science and Industry Corporation (CASIC) is a state-owned enterprise headquartered in Beijing that specializes in the development of tactical missile systems, spacecraft, and launch vehicles. It is the largest manufacturer of missiles in China. The U.S. in 2020 placed a ban on American companies and individuals from investing in Chinese firms with ties to the Peoples Liberation Army, which included CASIC. 12. China Aerospace Science and Technology Corporation 2022 Revenue (millions of USD): $43,419 2022 DoD contracts (millions of USD): $ - The China Aerospace Science and Technology Corporation is Chinas main contractor for its space program. It is a state-owned company that develops satellites, space launch vehicles, spacecrafts, and other defense and aerospace equipment. 11. China South Industries Group Corporation 2022 Revenue (millions of USD): $44,374 2022 DoD contracts (millions of USD): $ - Another key state-owned Chinese organization on the list is the China South Industries Group Corporation. It is considered as the backbone of Chinas national defense technology industry, and manufactures light weapons, advanced ammunition, anti-terrorism devices, and information optoelectronics that are used widely by all armed forces across the country. 10. China State Shipbuilding Corporation Limited 2022 Revenue (millions of USD): $53,670 2022 DoD contracts (millions of USD): $ - Chinese shipbuilding conglomerate, the China State Shipbuilding Corporation Limited (CSSC), is one of the top 10 defense contractors in the world. It is also among the largest shipbuilding companies in the world. In 2022, the CSSC recorded a revenue of over $50 billion. The company builds ships for both naval and civil purposes. The Chinese Navy procures its warships and auxiliary vessels from the CSSC. 9. China Electronics Technology Group 2022 Revenue (millions of USD): $55,475 2022 DoD contracts (millions of USD): $ - Established in 2002, the China Electronics Technology Group is a state-owned enterprise in China with over 150,000 employees. It is one of the major companies in China in the fields of defense and security electronics. Its main defense products include radars, integrated electronic information systems, and early warning systems among others. The company recorded a revenue of over $55 billion in 2022. 8. Airbus SE 2022 Revenue (millions of USD): $58,763 2022 DoD contracts (millions of USD): $ - The European multinational aerospace corporation, Airbus SE, is next up on the list. The company maintains a division dedicated to the development of defense and space products, called Airbus Defense and Space. Airbus is the prime contractor for Europes Future Combat Air System (FCAS). The company also boasts a wide portfolio of products such as the Eurofighter Typhoon combat aircraft; the CN235, C295, and A400M airlifters; and the A330 multi-role tanker transport. 7. Northrop Grumman Corporation (NYSE:NOC) 2022 Revenue (millions of USD): $36,602 2022 DoD contracts (millions of USD): $13,361 Northrop Grumman Corporation (NYSE:NOC) reported an increase of 2.6% in its annual revenue, and 0.9% in its operating profit in 2022. The American multinational defense and aerospace company is one of the worlds largest armaments manufacturers. It ranks 113th on the list of Fortune 500 companies. Northrop Grumman Corporation (NYSE:NOC) is the manufacturer of the B-21 Raider, a strategic bomber currently under development for use by the U.S. Air Force. 6. Aviation Industry Corporation of China 2022 Revenue (millions of USD): $79,332 2022 DoD contracts (millions of USD): $ - The Aviation Industry Corporation of China, or AVIC, is one of the biggest defense contractors in China. It is a state-owned company that has over a hundred subsidiaries. AVIC is the parent organization of Chengdu Aircraft Industry Group (CAIG), which has produced one of the most advanced weapons in Chinas inventory the J-20 fifth generation fighter jet to rival Lockheed Martin Corporation (NYSE:LMT)'s F-35. In addition, AVICs CAIG has also built the much-famed JF-17 Thunder in cooperation with Pakistan. The AVIC was in the news earlier this year for reportedly shipping $1.2 million worth of parts of the Su-35 fighter jets to Russia in October 2022 during the war in Ukraine. Click to continue reading and see the Top 5 Defense Contractors in the World in 2023. Suggested Articles: Disclosure: None. Top 16 Defense Contractors in the World in 2023 is originally published on Insider Monkey. Key takeaways Employers failing to spot burnout with 64% of workers impacted Among 59% of hot desking employees, 95% prefer their own assigned desk to increase their sense of belongings 63% of workers currently in the workplace four or more days a week, compared to 50% worldwide and 40% in Singapore 64% of Hong Kong workers have experienced burnout, the same as in the UK, however most employers don't believe this to be an issue 82% of firms revealed that they had already expanded their space in the last two years, while a further 74% plan to do so by 2025 HONG KONG, June 15, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Employees in Hong Kong remain more reluctant to return to the office than in any other country, with mandates and heavy workload impacting employee wellbeing. That is according to a new study by global workplace creation experts, Unispace . Returning for Good, a Unispace Global Workplace Insights report which combined the results of an in-depth survey of 9,500 employees and 6,650 business leaders from across 17 countries worldwide including 500+ Hong Kong employees and 100+ senior decision makers from mid-large sized companies in Hong Kong - found that 60% of workers are reluctant to head into the office, With this largely driven by employer mandates, nearly 95% believe they will be asked to attend their workplace at least four days a week in the coming months. According to the data, employees in Hong Kong are in the office more than the global average, with 63% of workers currently in the workplace four or more days a week, compared to 50% worldwide and 40% in Singapore. Burnout going unnoticed According to the report, workers across Hong Kong are being impacted by burnout, but employers are failing to recognize the factors impacting their wellbeing. The majority (64%) of workers revealed they had experienced signs of burnout, the same as the UK, one of the most popular destinations for Hong Kong workers. Heavy workloads influenced this, according to 45% of Hong Kong people. However, just 29% of Hong Kong employers believed this to be an issue, suggesting firms are failing to spot the signs of burnout in workforces. More privacy office setting for higher productivity Meanwhile, the data revealed that the lack of privacy (29%) and more effective to work from home (26%) are two key factors causing more than half (60%) of employees reluctant to return back to the office. However, this goes opposite to the employers' perspective, with businesses viewing the unwillingness of travel (21%) and carrying their work equipment between the office and home (20%) as the two key barriers for employees to come to the office daily. The data also reveals that 59% of the respondents who are currently hot desking prefer to have their own space. Of those who are currently hot-desking, 95% would be more willing to return to the workplace more frequently if they have their own space. Comparing with UK, among 56% of the respondents who are currently hot desking, only 76% would be more willing to return to the workplace more frequently if they have their own space. It shows that Hong Kong employees prefer traditional workplace settings comparing with flexible workplace settings. In Hong Kong, 82% of firms revealed that they had already expanded their space in the last two years, while a further 74% plan to do so by 2025. This indicates that businesses are responding to their employees' preferences for an ideal workplace and are subtly encouraging them to come back to the office. How Hong Kong compares with other Areas Survey Findings HK US UK CA SG Employees currently in the office four or more days a week 63 % 57 % 34 % 50 % 40 % Employees expecting to return to office in coming months 95 % 68 % 53 % 62 % 88 % Reluctant to return to office 60 % 43 % 58 % 55 % 54 % Workers currently hot desking 59 % 38 % 56 % 41 % 56 % Employees struggle to work in current offices 69 % 52 % 63 % 53 % 68 % Employees impacted by burnout 64 % 65 % 64 % 59 % 66 % Sean Moran, Senior Principal, Client Solutions, Asia at Unispace, commented: "As a world-class financial centre, Hong Kong is ranked as one of the most overworked cities in the world. Our study indicates that the significant disconnect between employer and employee has contributed to the struggling working environment and culture in Hong Kong. Hong Kong businesses need to understand the concerns and struggles of their staff, from work arrangement and office productivity to burnout. We see the need to build an encouraging workplace aligned with their employees' needs and values as a platform to promote positive influence and culture. Fostering a better relationship with their employees, businesses can drive higher talent retention and attract high-quality talent, the stepping stone to the company's success. " Unispace is a global leader in workplace strategy, design, project management, and construction with a goal of creating people-centric spaces that spark brilliance, deepen connections, foster a sense of belonging, and propel success. In Asia, Unispace has helped many corporations to design and revamp their office space, including TripAdvisor, Boston Scientific, Smith & Nephew and VaynerMedia. For the full Returning for Good report, please download via this link. About Unispace A strategy, design, and construction leader creating people-centric spaces for a rapidly changing world. Unispace is a global firm that offers a unified team solution for creating spaces that spark brilliance, deepen connections, foster a sense of belonging and propel success. With 5,500 projects completed, a presence across 26 countries, and 600+ employees worldwide, Unispace creates spaces powered by collaborative client partnerships, delivered seamlessly across borders, and enabled by real-world insights. For more information, please visit: https://www.unispace.com/ Cision View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/apac/news-releases/unispace-employees-in-hong-kong-reluctant-to-return-to-the-office-with-firms-missing-privacy-office-setting-301850484.html SOURCE Unispace Virgin Galactic plans first commercial space service for June; shares take off Virgin Galactic (SPCE) logo is displayed on a screen on the floor of the NYSE in New York (Reuters) -Virgin Galactic Holdings, the space tourism firm founded by Richard Branson, said on Thursday its long-awaited commercial spaceflight service would launch later this month, sending its shares up over 55% in trading after the bell. The first spaceflight, called "Galactic 01", is planned between June 27 and June 30, the company said. "Galactic 02" will follow in early August, with monthly spaceflights expected thereafter, the company said. Shares of Virgin Galactic had lost over two-thirds of their value last year due to delays in the company's launch of commercial service. Shares were up at $6.30 in aftermarket trading on Thursday. The company had suspended flights of the spaceplane VSS Unity and its carrier plane in 2021 to make various spacecraft enhancements, delaying its debut customer mission to the edge of space. But in February, it said it had completed a lengthy upgrade period for its centerpiece tourist spacecraft, clearing the path for its first commercial spaceflight. Shares of the company have risen about 16% so far in 2023. The first commercial mission will carry three crew members from the Italian Air Force and the National Research Council of Italy to conduct microgravity research, Virgin Galactic said. (Reporting by Chavi Mehta in Bengaluru; Editing by Pooja Desai and Krishna Chandra Eluri) There are a few key trends to look for if we want to identify the next multi-bagger. Firstly, we'd want to identify a growing return on capital employed (ROCE) and then alongside that, an ever-increasing base of capital employed. If you see this, it typically means it's a company with a great business model and plenty of profitable reinvestment opportunities. So when we looked at Wilmar International (SGX:F34) and its trend of ROCE, we really liked what we saw. What Is Return On Capital Employed (ROCE)? For those who don't know, ROCE is a measure of a company's yearly pre-tax profit (its return), relative to the capital employed in the business. The formula for this calculation on Wilmar International is: Return on Capital Employed = Earnings Before Interest and Tax (EBIT) (Total Assets - Current Liabilities) 0.10 = US$3.2b (US$60b - US$30b) (Based on the trailing twelve months to December 2022). Therefore, Wilmar International has an ROCE of 10%. In absolute terms, that's a pretty normal return, and it's somewhat close to the Food industry average of 12%. Check out our latest analysis for Wilmar International roce Above you can see how the current ROCE for Wilmar International compares to its prior returns on capital, but there's only so much you can tell from the past. If you'd like to see what analysts are forecasting going forward, you should check out our free report for Wilmar International. So How Is Wilmar International's ROCE Trending? The trends we've noticed at Wilmar International are quite reassuring. Over the last five years, returns on capital employed have risen substantially to 10%. The amount of capital employed has increased too, by 43%. So we're very much inspired by what we're seeing at Wilmar International thanks to its ability to profitably reinvest capital. On a side note, Wilmar International's current liabilities are still rather high at 50% of total assets. This effectively means that suppliers (or short-term creditors) are funding a large portion of the business, so just be aware that this can introduce some elements of risk. While it's not necessarily a bad thing, it can be beneficial if this ratio is lower. The Key Takeaway To sum it up, Wilmar International has proven it can reinvest in the business and generate higher returns on that capital employed, which is terrific. And investors seem to expect more of this going forward, since the stock has rewarded shareholders with a 54% return over the last five years. With that being said, we still think the promising fundamentals mean the company deserves some further due diligence. Wilmar International does come with some risks though, we found 3 warning signs in our investment analysis, and 2 of those make us uncomfortable... While Wilmar International isn't earning the highest return, check out this free list of companies that are earning high returns on equity with solid balance sheets. 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 World Bank's new chief wants 'better bank' before pushing for bigger bank FILE PHOTO: World Bank's new chief wants 'better bank' before pushing for bigger bank World Bank's new chief wants 'better bank' before pushing for bigger bank FILE PHOTO: World Bank's new chief wants 'better bank' before pushing for bigger bank By David Lawder MANDEVILLE, Jamaica (Reuters) -World Bank President Ajay Banga wants to focus on improving the development lender so that he can earn the right to press member countries for more capital, as the new chief looks to expand its role in fighting climate change, pandemics and other crises. Banga said in an interview he would wait to seek a capital increase until he has made progress re-focusing the bank's development lending on more impactful projects, made it more nimble and boosted lending with its existing balance sheet. "I don't want to put the cart before the horse," Banga told Reuters on Tuesday on his first foreign trip, to Jamaica and Peru. "I think a better bank is an important thing" to achieve. "And then I earn the right to come back ask for a bigger bank," he said. U.S. Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen ruled out a capital increase during congressional hearing in March, but with the caveat: "at this time." Germany's development minister, Svenja Schulze, told the Financial Times that if World Bank reforms are substantial and tangible, "Germany is willing to embark on a discussion about more funding." International development experts say that annual clean energy transition financing needs in the trillions of dollars will require more capital for the World Bank and massive funding from the private sector. NEW MISSION Banga said his first task in improving the 78-year-old institution is to talk to shareholders about a change to the lender's mission statement to focus on eliminating poverty "on a livable planet" - codifying its expanded role. The bank's current mission statement refers to ending extreme poverty within a generation and promoting shared prosperity. "What I mean by livable is climate, but also pandemics, and also fragility and food insecurity," Banga said. His first two destinations, Jamaica and Peru, both face climate threats while nearly a quarter of their populations are in poverty. "How do you eliminate poverty if you can't breathe, you don't have clean water, you're scared of COVID and you're a refugee, and you can't eat? I don't understand how these are either-or. To me, they're together." On Wednesday, he visited a Jamaican greenhouse farm that uses abandoned bauxite mining pits to collect rainwater for drip irrigation, allowing 20 local farmers to grow peppers and tomatoes, selling some to resorts. After helping plant some seedlings, he said the project, launched with a World Bank-supported government grant, marries two main goals of his vision: sustainability and jobs. "This would have been an exposed eyesore. Instead, you end up with water, fruits and vegetables. That's pretty cool," he said. INITIAL PLANS Banga is seeking buy-in from shareholders on the new mission statement, but laid out his initial plans to start the bank's transition. This includes promoting more inclusion of women and youth in the bank's development work, with a strong emphasis on job creation. He also said he would start work soon on efforts to harness more private capital, seen as essential for financing climate-related and other projects, for developing countries. On several occasions during visits in Peru and Jamaica, Banga said the various divisions of the World Bank Group needed to work together better as "one bank," saving countries the difficulties of dealing with them separately, and speeding its approval processes. He wanted to measure success not by projects approved or dollars committed, but by "tangible things that are reflective of development. How many girls went to school, how many private sector dollars did we crowd in for every dollar we invested? How many people got a better job?" Banga also said he wanted to focus the bank on "scalable, replicable" projects in numerous countries, such as Lima's bus rapid transit system and government-run legal aid centers for women throughout Peru. (Reporting by David LawderEditing by Sonali Paul and Frances Kerry) Wynnstay Properties (LON:WSP) Full Year 2023 Results Key Financial Results Revenue: UK2.31m (flat on FY 2022). Net income: UK1.14m (down 79% from FY 2022). Profit margin: 49%. EPS: UK0.42 (down from UK2.00 in FY 2022). All figures shown in the chart above are for the trailing 12 month (TTM) period Wynnstay Properties' share price is broadly unchanged from a week ago. Risk Analysis What about risks? Every company has them, and we've spotted 5 warning signs for Wynnstay Properties you should know about. 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 With all there is to worry about in todays world, between war and global warming, political battles and gun violence, and ever-escalating prices for almost everything, heres some news that may bring a little comfort to the commonwealth. Virginia is the best-equipped state in the nation to handle an alien invasion, according to an analysis by NJ Casino. Thanks to its strong military presence, high volume of law enforcement officials and even the number of caves and caverns (29) where people could hide, Virginians have a better chance than anyone else in the nation of fending off little green men or hive-minded extraterrestrial beings like those in the Independence Day movies. The presence of a larger military force per capita means that Virginia is well-equipped to defend and protect its territory against extraterrestrial threats and enables a faster response time to an alien invasion, meaning the state can mobilize and deploy troops more quickly, states a press release. Virginia has 17.97 military personnel per 1,000 people, the highest ratio in the nation, according to the analysis. That includes both active duty and reservists, for a total of 156,475 servicemembers. Virginias rate is twice as high as Georgia, which ranked second in the list. Having more men and women who know how to deal with an enemy, no matter their planet of origin, ensures a larger pool of trained individuals with combat skills and experience who can handle critical support functions such as intelligence gathering, communication networks, medical support, supply chains and transportation, according to NJ Casino. If youre wondering what a website that promotes gambling has to do with unidentified flying objects, think instead about luck, odds and probability. Casino officials are experts in those fields and often research the likelihood of certain scenarios happening, said Chloe Chai, head of marketing at NJ Casino. A key question recently was how the United States would fare in the face of an alien invasion, and the inquiry didnt just show up out of thin air. Data from well-known sources, such as the Pew Research Center, suggested it was on the minds of Americans. Recent surveys have said two of every three people in the United States believe in aliens; another one-third fears some sort of apocalyptic event in their lifetime; and searches for UFO sightings in the U.S. have risen by almost 88% this year. With that in mind, NJ Casino created a points-based index system to determine how well states might fare if the Martians landed. They looked at metrics for each state such as population density; UFO sightings; landscape such as caves, forest and bodies of water; defense, including military and law enforcement; scientists and engineers; health care professionals; and food manufacturers. Virginia got an alien survival score of 8.04 to top the nation. Other Mid-Atlantic states filled out the top four, including Georgia, Massachusetts and New York. Maryland ranks seventh. Nevada is last with an overall score of 4.53. Virginia has 27 military bases and every service branch has at least one installation in the commonwealth, according to the Military Bases website. In the face of attack, the naval bases at Hampton Roads and Virginia Beach areas are well-equipped to send the aliens bones, if they have any, to Davy Joness locker, while other facilities in the Fredericksburg region would be poised to attack on other fronts. Consider that every Marine officer, as well as many enlisted service members, get trained at Quantico Marine Corps Base in North Stafford and Prince William County. South of Fredericksburg, Fort A.P. Hill holds year-round exercises to keep every component of the armed forces in combat readiness. But no one in the region may have an eye trained more on the sky than Naval Support Facility Dahlgren in King George County, which hosts the 19th Space Defense Squadron. Thats part of the U.S. Space Force, the newest branch of the military. The Dahlgren squadron includes 20 military, 31 civilian and seven contractors who operate as orbital analysts, automated data processing crews, information technology support and administrators, according to the Space Force website. In April 2022, the Space Force announced the Dahlgren squadron was being tasked to focus on deep space, according an article on the C4ISRNET website. Dahlgrenites are looking specifically at cislunar space, the area between the Earths geostationary orbit, which is more than 22,000 miles above Earth and the moons orbit. The C4ISRNET story noted the Department of Defense has made a notable shift in its posture toward cislunar space in the last few years, from viewing potential deep-space threats as part of a far-off future to recognizing that those threats may present much sooner. Danger may come more from entities on this Earth rather than not-of-this-world, but the Space Force will be watching for whatever risks may be out there, according to the report. As for Fredericksburg and surrounding areas, there have been 10 UFO sightings in the last decade, according to the UFO Hunters . The most recent was October 2022 in Spotsylvania County, where a viewer reported as many as five orbs, blinking in and out, and two glowing and slowly ascending. The person filmed the activity for about an hour. Introducing the new Free Lance-Star app Customize your experience so you see the stories most important to you. And sign up for pers Fredericksburg City Council on Tuesday established a working group tasked with figuring out what to do with the Renwick Courthouse complex, which includes the citys most historically significant building but has sat vacant since 2017. The 11-person working group includes two members of City Council at-large representative Matt Kelly and Ward 2 representative Jon Gerlach as well as representatives from the National Park Service, the University of Mary Washington, the Historic Fredericksburg Foundation, the citys Economic Development Authority and Architectural Review Board, and the Fredericksburg Arts Commission; a financial lender; a historic preservation contractor; and the city manager. The working group will spend the next six months studying possible options for the future reuse, preservation and rehabilitation of the complex which includes the Renwick Courthouse, Wallace Library and old jail and make a formal recommendation to City Council in December. The courthouse was designed by James Renwick Jr. in the Gothic Revival style and was built between 1851 and 1852 by a local contractor. According to a 2019 Free LanceStar article by Danae Peckler, an architectural historian and member of the Historic Fredericksburg Foundations board, it is the only courthouse attributable to Renwick, who also designed Grace Church and St. Patricks Cathedral in New York City and the Smithsonian Castle in Washington. Renwicks design for our courthouse was ... revolutionary, Peckler wrote. Renwicks choice of the Gothic Revival style over the classical style favored by Thomas Jefferson illustrates a controversial debate held in fashionable circles here and in Europe as to what style and type of architecture our country should embrace. The courthouse was the center of Fredericksburgs civic life for more than 150 years and played an important role during and after the Civil War, as a hospital, temporary shelter for people who escaped slavery and meeting place for the local Freedmans Bureau. The Wallace Library was built in 1910 and renovated for school administrative offices in the 1970s. The old jail dates to 1928, when the previous jail was dismantled and rebuilt on the same site using poured concrete. It no longer serves as a jail and has been used for storage. None of the buildings have been regularly used since the new courthouse was completed in 2014 and renovation of the school divisions Walker-Grant Center was completed in 2017. The city hired preservation consulting firm Commonwealth Preservation Group in January to provide an overview of the state of the buildings and a summary of options for repositioning or reuse of similar historic, publicly owned buildings that have been successful in other communities. As part of her report, dated June 3, consultant Paige Pollard recommended assembling a working group charged with explor(ing) in more detail the potential options for reuse under a scenario of public ownership along with other suggestions. Pollard also recommended that the city proceed with making immediate repairs to the courthouse windows and then formally mothball the buildings to prevent further deterioration while the working group evaluates its options. At Councils May 23 meeting, Pollard presented four options for the complex: public ownership and funding of reuse, which could include offices, a performance venue or a boutique hotel; public ownership with private funding; a public-private partnership; or private ownership and funding. A grassroots group called Save Renwick is advocating for the complex to remain in public ownership, and Mayor Mary Katherine Greenlaw said at the May 23 meeting that public ownership has always been key. A man who threatened to shoot elementary school students in Stafford last year as part of a series of prank calls was ordered Wednesday to serve five years in prison. James Wayne Hash II, 36, of Fredericksburg, was sentenced by Judge Victoria Willis to a total of 20 years with 15 years suspended. He pleaded guilty earlier this year in Stafford Circuit Court to felony offenses of threatening to bomb and attempted act of terrorism. Hash placed a prerecorded 911 call to Conway Elementary School on Sept. 7 that warned authorities they had 15 minutes to clear the school or I will shoot one Mexican or Black child for every minute that will pass. He sent two more messages, one again warning officials to evacuate and another claiming that a gunman was at the school looking to hurt students. The school was locked down that day and again two days later, when the same phone was used to make another threat. Police eventually tied the phone to Hash and recovered it in his hotel room, court records show. Hash told police that he made the calls because he felt empty and down and said he singled out Conway because a relative worked there. The relative had nothing to do with Hashs actions, police said. Hash is still facing charges in Spotsylvania for allegedly making a bomb threat to the Spotsylvania Towne Center and in Fredericksburg for a series of prank calls involving homes and businesses. Introducing the new Free Lance-Star app Customize your experience so you see the stories most important to you. And sign up for pers A Stafford man was ordered Wednesday to serve 30 years in prison for child molestation offenses committed at least 25 years ago. Lin Anthony Bailey, 66, was sentenced by Judge Victoria Willis to a total of 60 years with half of it suspended. He had previously pleaded guilty in Stafford Circuit Court to two counts of aggravated sexual battery and two counts of indecent liberties. According to evidence presented by prosecutor Ryan Frank, an investigation began in October 2021 when one of two victims reported that Bailey had molested her for more than a decade, starting in 1996 when she was 6. The molestation included putting his hands under her clothing and occurred on a weekly basis. Bailey was arrested in March of last year after admitting to the victims mother that hed committed the assaults. After Baileys arrest, the first victims older sister reported that Bailey had also molested her in 1996 when she was 11. She said the molestation continued for a few months. Both victims testified Wednesday that the abuse caused them extreme mental anguish that required extensive therapy. Bailey on Wednesday said he was sorry about what happened. But he told a mental health expert that his actions werent nearly as bad as what the victims claimed and said the abuse lasted only a few months. With data center development imminent in Spotsylvania County, two members of the Board of Supervisors will hold a town hall meeting to talk with county residents about issues surrounding the computer technology warehouses. Lee Hill District Supervisor Lori Hayes and Berkeley District Supervisor Kevin Marshall will host the town hall, set for Tuesday from 68 p.m. at Cedar Forest Elementary School, 3412 Massaponax Church Road. Developers have recently filed rezoning requests to build data center campuses in the Lee Hill and Berkeley districts. In recent months, county officials have made clear their interest in supporting data center growth, and have proposed changes to the countys Comprehensive Plan to lure the tech industry to Spotsylvania. The board approved one rezoning in February, changing 314 acres between U.S. 1 and Interstate 95 in Thornburg from agricultural to industrial to allow the building of a 2.9-million-square-foot corporate technology campus. The planned development would be north of the intersection of Mudd Tavern and Morris roads on property that borders U.S. 1, Riverview Elementary, Thornburg Middle, Hickory Ridge Road and North Roxbury Mill Road. In May, tech giant Amazon filed four rezoning requests for data center campuses. Another company also filed a rezoning request for data centers in an unrelated development. Amazon wants to build a campus on Summit Crossing Road. The Summit Crossing Tech Campus proposal calls for 2.1 million square feet of warehouse space to be built on 231 acres off Summit Crossing Road. Amazon seeks to build another data center campus on 313 acres along Flippo Drive, east of I95. The company is asking the county to rezone the property from rural to industrial. Plans for the Carters Store Tech Campus include data centers totaling 2.6 million square feet, which would be built on the site through 2035. Amazon also has requested a rezoning for 329 acres along Massaponax Church Road. The company wants the county to rezone the property from mixed-use to industrial to build the Cosner Tech Campus, east of I95 and just south of the Spotsylvania Regional Medical Center. Access to the tech campus would be from Massaponax Church Road. Data center warehouses on that campus would comprise 1.9 million square feet. Another Amazon rezoning request involves a campus in Spotsylvania and Caroline counties. About 158 acres would be developed in Spotsylvania and more than 920 acres in Caroline. The request calls for about 4.5 million square feet of data center warehouses on the Caroline property. The Spotsylvania property would provide utilities for the Caroline data centers. The other rezoning request for a data center in Spotsylvania was filed by King George County-based Hunters Ridge LLC. The group is asking Spotsylvania to rezone 127 acres from rural to industrial. The Nebraska Supreme Court has rejected a Lincoln man's argument that he deserves a new trial because the evidence in his case may have been among the drugs stolen from the State Patrol's evidence room. Gabriel Muratella's attorney argued Muratella wouldn't have pleaded no contest to attempted possession with intent to deliver if he'd known about the misconduct by an evidence technician. He's now serving an eight- to 12-year sentence for it. In November 2021, more than two years after Muratella's sentencing, his attorney got an email from the Lancaster County Attorney's Office disclosing that his case had been identified as part of a Nebraska State Patrol drug-related investigation. The letter said: "You are advised that it is possible that during the time any drug-related evidence in this case was in the custody of NSP, it may have been directly or indirectly maintained by or otherwise subject to the oversight of the former evidence technician," referring to Anna Idigima. Idigima and George Weaver Jr. are facing sentencing later this summer in federal court for conspiring to steal and sell more than $1.2 million worth of narcotics from the patrol's evidence facility. In February, the Supreme Court heard arguments in Muratella's case. Deputy Lancaster County Public Defender Chelsie Krell said Idigima was in the chain of custody for the 18 grams of methamphetamine that Muratella was accused of trying to possess. While it wasn't clear if she did anything wrong with the evidence in his case, the implication is that she may have, making Muratella deserving of a new trial, Krell argued. She called it a "hopefully very rare circumstance where we have egregious misconduct by a state actor." In district court, the state didn't oppose the motions and conceded that if Muratella were allowed to withdraw his plea it wouldn't retry him. But the judge ruled that Muratella couldn't ask for a new trial because he didn't have a trial. He pleaded no contest. In oral arguments, the Nebraska Attorney General's Office said the ruling was the correct one and that Muratella should have filed a motion for post-conviction relief instead but didn't and now it's too late. In a decision Friday, Chief Justice Michael Heavican said while Muratella contends his right to trial by jury was compromised because Idigimas indictment destroyed the chain of custody for the seized methamphetamine, they found no merit to the contention. "Nothing Muratella asserted in his affidavit has any bearing on the officers testimony that Muratella attempted to obtain the earbud case, the officers identification of the methamphetamine, its preliminary weight, the positive field test, or the admissions Muratella made to his probation officer," Heavican wrote. Episode 94: Diversity, equity and inclusion efforts have exploded on the scene in the past few years. After the 2020 killing of George Floyd at the hands of Minneapolis police officers, many companies and organizations decided it was time perhaps past time to confront racism and inequality head on. This led to the creation of an entire industry, which critics have called the DEI Industrial Complex. A recent article in The Atlantic by Conor Friedersdorf titled The DEI industry needs to check its privilege, examines the time and expense many organizations have devoted to this topic, which some say are at best useless and at worst counterproductive. Host Richard Kyte and Scott Rada discuss the opportunities and pitfalls with DEI training in public and private workplaces. Links to stories discussed during the podcast: Diversity training doesn't work, by Peter Bregman, Harvard Business Review 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. Visit Colorado Springs, the citys primary marketing organization for travel and tourism, announced this week that it will team up with Wheel the World, an online travel site, to help people with mobility disabilities find accessible hotels and travel spots. More than 54% of U.S. travelers with mobility disabilities were given a room at check-in that did not match the room they booked, MMGY Global, a marketing agency, reported during 2022 in a research study Visit Colorado Springs helped sponsor. Prioritizing accessibility within the Colorado Springs tourism sector was a goal Visit Colorado Springs President and CEO Doug Price announced at the organizations annual meeting in March. But he said that decision was reaffirmed when he saw Longwoods International, a research consultant that provides data about tourism, found 35% of people who spent a night visiting Colorado Springs in 2022 had a travel party member with a disability, which is 15% higher than the national average. Travelers just said they needed more access to information before visiting a destination, Price said. They want to see the lodging options ahead of time through pictures and virtual tours and so we just knew that is something that Wheel the World could help us with. Visit Colorado Springs received a $20,000 grant from the Colorado Tourism Office to fund a partnership with Wheel the World, an online travel agency for travelers with disabilities (primarily those with mobility-related disabilities) and seniors. Sign up for free: Gazette Business Receive a weekly roundup of business news around El Paso County. Sign Up View all of our newsletters. Success! Thank you for subscribing to our newsletter. View all of our newsletters. Camilo Navarro, Wheel the Worlds co-founder and chief operations officer, said Colorado Springs will be among the more than 250 destinations listed on the site where travelers can peruse information about hotel and attractions accessibility and book a hotel or tour online. The outdoors (are) deeply rooted in our hearts, Navarro wrote via email to The Gazette. Partnering with Colorado Springs is making part of that journey (come) alive. During the upcoming months, Visit Colorado Springs will help connect an anticipated 30 hotels and local attractions with Wheel the World to complete assessments that will provide travelers with comprehensive details about accessibility options such as bed and counter heights. Wheel the World also will work with those businesses and provide information and training about how to make their spaces more accessible. Destinations (such) as Colorado Springs are making a smart move to take advantage of the opportunity, Navarro wrote, but also do what is right for their community and people who visit them. Like the hazy horizons of people who find themselves without a permanent place to sleep at night, the size of El Paso Countys homeless population appears to be shrinking in some ways and expanding in others. The overall number of people who self-identified as homeless in the annual Point in Time and Housing Inventory count conducted Jan. 22-23 decreased to 1,302 the same amount recorded in 2016, and the lowest since then, according to statistics released Wednesday. This is part of the trend weve seen, that with more permanent housing and street outreach to meet people where theyre at, what were doing is working, said Evan Caster, senior manager of homeless initiatives for Community Health Partnership. The organizations Pikes Peak Continuum of Care performs the yearly survey, which the United States Department of Housing and Urban Development requires for communities to receive federal funding. Colorado Springs Mayor Yemi Mobolade, who was sworn into office last week, said the drop in overall homelessness is something the community should view as an accomplishment but with an awareness that the work is not done. While we celebrate, we know that challenges are in front of us, he said. Its good to go back to 2016 numbers, but there are a number of people reaching out to express concerns around homelessness. That could be because of the total homeless population, the number of unsheltered residents defined as those temporarily sleeping in tents, their cars, abandoned buildings or other uninhabitable places grew by more than 100 people over last year, to 374. One reason, Caster said, could be that organizers employed a new counting methodology, which they believe improved accuracy. In addition to 80 volunteers, homeless clients of Westside Cares were paid to help with this year's census, particularly to reach those living in encampments and on the streets. Not only did we meet more people who were unsheltered, but we got more honest responses, Caster said. Still, the unsheltered result is troubling, said Andy Barton, president and CEO of Catholic Charities of Central Colorado, which offers services from assistance with medical care and job searches to running a daily soup kitchen. Thats a concern for everyone, he said. Thats where homelessness is most visible, and that has been a focus: the need to get folks off the streets and into housing. Its the best thing for those individuals, its the best thing for the community, and its the way we start to move people into stability. This years unsheltered count is still lower than it was from 2017 through 2019, organizers said. Also, the communitys chronically homeless, which HUD defines as single adults or heads of households with a disability and living in an emergency shelter, other safe haven or on the streets for longer than a year, reached an all-time high of 470 people. Mobolades mayoral campaign included three initiatives: adding supportive, permanent housing, addressing the mental health of homeless people and continuing working with outreach teams from police and fire departments to ensure were taking care of illegal camping and as we do that provide the next steps for our residents experiencing homelessness with compassion. The fact that Colorado Springs added hundreds of units of affordable and low-income housing stock in recent years is evident from the survey, Caster said. An all-time high of 740 people who formerly were homeless had moved into permanent housing, which he said has been key in reducing the communitys overall homeless population. Its the most weve ever reported and is huge for us, Caster said. A disturbing trend, organizers say, is that racial disparity among the homeless is more apparent. This year, 4.9% of people who took the voluntary survey reported their race as American Indian, Alaska Native or Indigenous, and 17.4% reported their race as Black or African American. More than a quarter of the 130 homeless families polled said they were Black or African American. Race and ethnicity among the homeless population are disproportionate to El Paso County demographics. In 2022, 1.4% of all county residents reported their race as American Indian, Alaska Native or Indigenous. And 6.9% of the countys population said they were Black or African American. We know statistically theyre overrepresented, Caster said, pointing to systemic and institutional factors. Expanding access to services, including health care and housing, are among the ways to address the disparities, he said. The solution boils down to investing in the interventions that we know are going to move people out of homelessness, and that is housing, shelter and wrap-around programming, Barton said. The Point in Time is an annual reminder we need to get more units in this community because its ultimately how were able to get folks out of shelters, he said. El Paso County has 109 fewer emergency shelter beds than last year, at 698. That's primarily due to two homeless shelters closing last year and another reconfiguring its space, Caster said. Shelter utilization rate was at 80%; of the total homeless count, 555 people were staying at emergency shelters in January, down from 688 in 2022. Even though we lost shelter beds, we were doing a good job of using the beds we had, Caster said. Also, 87 youths and young adults ages 16 to 24 were living on their own in homelessness in January. That's fewer than previous years, said Shawna Kemppainen, executive director of The Place, which runs the citys only licensed homeless shelter for youths. However, the monthly average of homeless youths in that age group currently is 185, she said. Young people want the chance to change their lives, Kemppainen said. Increasing their access to quality housing and healthcare has the biggest impact on ending homelessness. It costs on average $37,000 per year per chronically homeless adult, she said. Following record-breaking rainfall, the Fountain Creek Nature Center will be closed for nearly a week due to flooding, according to a county Twitter post. Officials with El Paso County posted on social media Wednesday that they plan to reopen the nature center at 9 a.m. Tuesday, June 20. Due to flooding, Fountain Creek Nature Center will be closed for the remainder of the week, county officials said, Our goal is to prioritize the safety of our staff & guests while allowing our facilities team to clean up & make any repairs uninterrupted. American Legion Floyd K. Lindstrom Post 5 has joined an effort to bring a permanent memorial bell to the Pikes Peak National Cemetery in Colorado Springs. The Honor Bell Foundation, whose primary focus is rendering respectful, final honors for U.S. veterans and service members killed in action, augments memorial services with its 1,000-pound, bronze tolling bell. The nonprofit typically uses the bell during memorial services at Fort Logan National Cemetery in Denver, bringing it to Colorado Springs two days per month. But officials have begun a campaign to cast a new bell for permanent use at Pikes Peak National and other cemeteries in the immediate area. The bell is our way of rendering a final salute to the veteran before theyre laid to rest, said Larry Peterson, an honor bell guard who also serves on the foundations board of directors. We have a responsibility to honor the people who have served this country, and we take it very seriously. The solemn, mournful toll of the bell is often the final sound heard at a veterans interment ceremony, Peterson said. After the folded U.S. flag is presented to the next of kin, the bell guard rings the bell seven times slowly and deliberately, with about seven seconds between each toll. Then we turn around and give one final salute to the veteran, said Peterson, who served in the Air Force during the Vietnam War. Its the last salute they will receive before theyre interred. The number seven holds a particular significance, officials said. A constellation of seven stars is emblazoned on the bells face. Each star represents a specific aspect of a veterans life the choice to serve, camaraderie, patriotism, respect, dignity, honor and the value of human life. Cast in 2016, the Honor Bell contains donated artifacts from 12 deceased Colorado veterans, including a Purple Heart, service medals from various wars and other uniform insignia and accessories. Since the bell was cast, the foundation has participated in nearly 6,000 memorial services, officials said. Only veterans or active-duty personnel are allowed to toll the bell, Peterson said. Anyone who touches its surface is required to wear gloves. Sign Up for free: Military Brief Your weekly local update on local military news and events, sent straight to your inbox. Sign Up View all of our newsletters. Success! Thank you for subscribing to our newsletter. View all of our newsletters. On Sunday, Peterson and other bell guards brought the Honor Bell to Post 5 to help raise local awareness of the foundation and its purpose, and to render honors prior to the posts annual PFC Floyd K. Lindstrom motorcycle run commemorating what would have been the World War II heros 111th birthday. The Post 5 Riders, who organized and led the fundraising run, pledged part of this years proceeds to the Honor Bell Foundation. Tim Pettigrew, president of the Post 5 Riders, said the Honor Bell Foundations mission dovetails with the American Legions. Its all veterans helping veterans, Pettigrew said. Were both dedicated to helping veterans and their families in their time of need. Its been a while since most of the Riders were in uniform, but they still remembered how to stand at attention as former post commander Keith LaMee tolled the bell seven times to kick off the fundraising ride. The staggered motorcycle procession rode from the post headquarters on Platte Avenue, to Floyd Lindstroms grave site at Evergreen Cemetery, to the Lindstrom VA Clinic, then to Cascade and Sedalia before returning to the post. The foundation needs to raise about $330,000 to cast a new bell and operate it for a year, Peterson said. Its fundraising efforts recently got a shot in the arm from The Retired Enlisted Association, which donated $100,000 to the cause. That was a good kick in the butt to get us going, Peterson said. Now we just have to raise the rest of it. An Alabama lawmaker is pressing the Air Force for answers on a future permanent home for Space Command and proposing to cut the Office of the Secretary of the Air Force's travel budget until they are provided. The command oversees military deterrence and defense in space and has been at the center of a political fight between Colorado lawmakers, who want to retain the command, and Alabama politicians, who want it moved to their state. President Donald Trump announced that Space Command would move from Colorado Springs to Huntsville, Ala., at the end of his term in 2021. He announced on a radio show he made the call on his own. The command of about 1,200 people from all service branches is currently housed in a building at Peterson Space Force Base. In recently introduced legislation, House Armed Services Committee Chairman Mike Rogers, R-Ala., proposed restricting spending on Space Command facilities and Secretary Frank Kendall's travel budget until the Air Force provides a report on the permanent Space Command location. He floated the funding restrictions in an amendment to the National Defense Authorization Act, a major annual bill. His proposal would cut Kendall's travel budget by 50% in 2024 and prohibit spending on temporary or permanent Space Command headquarters until the report was submitted, the bill stated. The restrictions follow House Armed Services Committee announcements that it is investigating the delays around a decision on command headquarters and changes to plans that happened without civilian oversight. In a letter Rogers called on Space Command to stop any "scheme to alter the mission or headquarters requirements." Colorado Springs U.S. Rep. Doug Lamborn pushed back on the proposed amendment in a statement Wednesday, saying the spending restrictions could undermine national security and urging the chairman to withdraw it. Sign Up for free: Military Brief Your weekly local update on local military news and events, sent straight to your inbox. Sign Up View all of our newsletters. Success! Thank you for subscribing to our newsletter. View all of our newsletters. Should this ever become law, this provision would prohibit even minor improvements necessary for national security including modification of classified spaces for mission planning, electromagnetic pulse shielding of critical electronics like computers, and even routine cybersecurity infrastructure upgrades, Lamborn said. An aide to Colorado U.S. Sen. Michael Bennet said he also opposes the provisions to withhold funding. "He continues to believe this decision needs to be rooted in what's best for our national security and that any fair assessment based on national security will keep Space Command in Colorado, the aide said. In a statement, fellow Colorado Sen. John Hickenlooper said Alabama was playing politics. This is Alabama's latest attempt to insert politics into the basing process, just like Trump did. The only factor that should decide Space Command (headquarters) is what's best for our national security, and that's undoubtedly keeping it in Colorado, he said. In response to a question about when the Air Force planned to provide the House committee with a report, Ann Stefanek, chief of media operations for the secretary of the Air Force, said the department does not comment on pending legislation. The proposal will be considered by the House committee on June 21. The House Armed Services Committee is launching an investigation into the delay around a decision on a permanent home for Space Command and changes to the requirements for a future headquarters. The permanent home of Space Command, currently in Colorado Springs, has been a contested issue for two years since President Donald Trump announced it would move from Colorado Springs to Huntsville, Alabama in January 2021. Since then Colorado lawmakers have advocated for retaining Space Command in Colorado Springs, where many other Space Force guardians work and would remain if Space Command moved. In a letter sent Thursday, House Armed Services Committee Chairman Rep. Mike Rogers, R-Alabama, said he was alarmed that fundamental changes had occurred to Space Commands mission and headquarters requirements, according to Air Force Secretary Frank Kendall. The secretary told Rogers and other members of the Alabama delegation about these changes in a recent meeting and stated he would launch his own investigation as well, according to the letter. The Department of Defense proposed a new headquarters facility for Space Command that could house approximately 1,800, including contractors in 464,000 square feet of office space, according to the Environmental Assessment. Currently, Space Command is housed in existing office space at Peterson Space Force Base. In those offices, 1,200 people from all services, protect an area 100 kilometers above the Earth to the edges of the universe, Space Command Gen. James Dickinson said previously. The requirements for a new headquarters have changed with the Department of Defense, the letter stated. "These apparently sweeping unilateral changes to policies and posture seem to have been made with zero civilian oversight at the Department of Defense," the letter states. "Secretary Kendall also stated that he was unaware who, if anyone, at the Department of Defense approved expenditures of taxpayer funds to unilaterally change the mission or headquarters requirements of SPACECOM." The letter called on Space Command to stop any "scheme to alter the mission or headquarters requirements." Sign Up for free: Military Brief Your weekly local update on local military news and events, sent straight to your inbox. Sign Up View all of our newsletters. Success! Thank you for subscribing to our newsletter. View all of our newsletters. It also asked Kendall and Gen. James Dickinson, head of Space Command, to provide documents related to changes to mission or headquarters requirements and documents related to updating repairing or modernizing the temporary headquarters since Jan. 2021, among other documentation. The letter calling into question changes to headquarters requirements followed a May 19 letter by Rogers expressing concern that a decision over a permanent headquarters had been delayed two years. The letter said the delay was politically motivated by Biden appointees, citing a news story by NBC. Colorado Sen. John Hickenlooper hit back saying that Trump's decision was politically motivated. Trump said in during a 2021 interview with an Alabama-based radio show that he single-handedly picked Huntsville. Facts are facts: Space Command is very nearly at (full operational capability) in Colorado. Moving it to Alabama now would be based solely on politics, Hickenlooper said in a written statement. Space Command expects to reach full operational capability by the end of the summer and that could be a factor in the final basing decision, said Congressman Doug Lamborn, R-Colorado Springs, in a statement. "I have continually asked the Air Force to make full operational capability, or FOC, the highest priority for the sake of national defense. If this can be achieved fastest and best by repurposing existing infrastructure at Peterson Space Force Base, this would serve our country best," he said. He noted that Kendall told him the Air Force is repurposing infrastructure in Colorado Springs. An aide for Sen. Michael Bennet's office said that the overall case for keeping the command in town has not changed. Our case has not changed: this decision needs to be rooted in what's best for our national security, the aide said. New estimates released Thursday by the U.S. Census Bureau offer insights into how Coloradoans and Americans are living, and where theyre choosing to do so, in post-pandemic, economically challenging times. The big takeaway for the Centennial State, from an annual federal report updating the 2020 decennial census with sub-county data from incorporated cities and towns? The existential lure of a scenic, health-centric place to live appears to have been dampened by pandemic realities and economics. Some cities, including Colorado Springs, however, are still on the move, albeit not at pre-COVID boom rates. In 2018, Colorado Springs was the 134th fastest-growing U.S. city with a population of at least 50,000, according to census data. Between 2021 and 2022, the Springs population grew by 2,920, or .60%, to 486,248 residents, but its ranking in the national list dropped to 264. It still surpassed Denver. Even though we (El Paso County) have become more expensive, were a lot cheaper than Denver, said Tatiana Bailey, executive director of the nonprofit Data-Driven Economic Strategies and former director of the University of Colorado Colorado Springs Economic Forum. And the rate of population growth in (the Denver metro area) in 2021 was .1%. Thats like almost no people moving there. While home prices have soared everywhere in recent years, the Springs is still more affordable than Denver. In the first quarter of 2023, the median single-family price of homes sold in the Springs was $444,700, compared with $636,100 for the Denver-Aurora-Lakewood area, according to a National Association of Realtors report released last week. Such numbers likely play a major role in the decisions that lead to demographics, as well as the marked shift thats been playing out over the past few years, Bailey said. Colorados growth really slowed down, so this is a significant departure from what weve seen recently, she said. El Paso County is still one of our (Colorados) faster-growing counties, even though it isnt maybe growing like a lot of people thought it would. Pre-pandemic, bootstrap demographers werent the only ones predicting or banking on a rush to the Springs, home to a metro area thats long been flirting with the 500,000 mark. But its not the only hub to feel the recent heat. Fountain, a city whose story was a standout of Colorado small town success stories prior to the pandemic, saw a 2.69% drop in population between 2021 and 2022. Statewide, part of the population decline was due to a lower birth rate that had remained more-or-less steady prior to COVID-19. In 2022, slightly more than 60,000 babies were born in Colorado, down by about 12,000 compared to pre-pandemic years. That might seem small, but expanding the trend over a few years, or a decade, the impact can become more apparent. We had closer to 72,000 births a year (pre-pandemic), so were still seeing a positive birth rate but its just not as many as what we saw back in the 2000s, Bailey said. Pandemic deaths also had a major, record-setting impact, she said. I dont think that people realize this but 2022 was our largest absolute death numbers for Colorado, Bailey said. She said her office plans to release population estimates in late summer. They will be slightly different because we have more current information, she said. The Gazette's Rich Laden contributed to this report. A Colorado Springs man was sentenced to life in prison this month for fatally shooting a woman in 2021 on Colorado Springs' southeast side. After a seven-day jury trial last month, Kenneth Naranjo, 33, was found guilty of shooting and killing 34-year-old Jessica Vernon on June 26, 2021, according to court records. Court records show Naranjo was found guilty of first-degree murder and attempted first-degree murder with extreme indifference. On June 5, Naranjo returned to court for his sentencing hearing, where Judge Chad Miller imposed a sentence of life in prison for being found guilty of first-degree murder. An additional sentence of 48 years in the Department of Corrections was added for being found guilty of attempted first-degree murder, according to court records. The remaining 15 charges Naranjo faced, which included weapon possession by a previous offender and controlled substance possession, were dismissed by the District Attorney's Office, according to court records. A plastic surgeon has been found guilty of attempted manslaughter in the death of an 18-year-old after failing to get his patient medical attention for complications that arose during surgery. Emmalyn Nguyen entered cardiac arrest and fell into a coma after being placed under anesthesia during a 2019 surgical procedure at a Greenwood Village clinic. Nguyen died one year later while at a nursing home. A jury found Dr. Geoffrey Kim guilty of attempted reckless manslaughter and obstruction of telephone services. Kim was acquitted of criminally negligent homicide, the Denver Gazettes news partner 9News reported. He is scheduled to be sentenced on Sept. 8 and faces up to 3 years in the Department of Corrections, according to an 18th Judicial District Attorneys Office news release. "We understand medical procedures don't always go as planned, but this defendant showed a shocking and extreme lack of judgment and humanity by failing to call for an ambulance and denying his patient appropriate treatment in a hospital setting," Chief Deputy District Attorney Gary Dawson said in a news release. A nurse anesthetist testified that he told Kim their patient needed immediate medical attention in a hospital setting and that 911 should be called, according to the 18th Judicial District Attorneys Office. Kim did not call for help until five hours after Nguyen went into cardiac arrest. 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 district attorneys office sought obstruction charges because Kim refused to allow clinic staff to call 911 despite multiple medical professionals, including two nurses, urging a transfer of care, according to the new release. Kims defense attorneys laid blame on the nurse anesthetist, according to the district attorneys office. The arrest affidavit showed a nurse anesthetist and Kim gave Nguyens mother contradictory accounts of how the procedure went wrong and appeared to blame one another, 9News reported. Charges against the nurse anesthetist were dismissed in September. "Patients put their trust in doctors and the outcome might have been different had the defendant sought appropriate medical care, Dawson said. This defendant made decisions based on what was best for his business and not for his patient." Gov. Jared Polis will be in town Thursday, where he will give a localized version of his annual State of the State address. Registration is now closed for the speech Polis is scheduled to give at Weidner Field at 3 p.m. The Colorado Springs Chamber of Commerce & EDC is hosting the event that will be a post-legislative recap of the General Assemblys recently finished 2023 legislative session and what is to come in 2024. Each January, Polis also delivers a State of the State address as governor before the General Assembly gathers in Denver. He typically speaks in Colorado Springs a few weeks after the address at the state Capitol, but this year Polis pushed it back so he could discuss the 2023 legislative session, a Chamber & EDC spokeswoman previously said. Public officials give up a lot of their privacy; the higher the office, the more they give up. What was once their personal domain becomes the publics forum. Formal communications, casual conversations, even a simple exchange of views all become subject to prying eyes and ears. Its not exactly fair, and most of us wouldnt choose to live in a glass house like that, but its often enough how we hold accountable those we elect to make our laws and govern us. Which is why we have to take exception to a new law signed the other day by Gov. Jared Polis granting elected officeholders the right to block people needling them on their personal social media accounts. The law doesnt allow the officials to block people on publicly owned social media accounts. The premise of the measure is understandable enough. In an era when politicians regularly communicate with the public through posts to their social media accounts, such as Twitter or Facebook, they can draw hostile replies posted by detractors. Some can be irrational, vulgar, even toxic and scare off other members of the public who might have wanted to weigh in. So, its no surprise the legislation Polis endorsed, House Bill 23-1306, found common ground on both sides of the aisle in the Legislature and had bipartisan sponsors. Yet, its precisely because so many elected officials nowadays use social media to tout their work and advocate for policy that the public should enjoy unfettered access to those forums. (By the way, its illegal to threaten someone on social media, as elsewhere.) What a politician might regard as hostility might in fact be a constituent making a substantive point and a valid one in the eyes of political opponents. The risk of blocking such a healthy, if sometimes spirited, exchange of ideas poses a greater peril to the democratic process than the countervailing risk of letting the usual cranks in the door, as well. On the balance, its better to err on the side of openness. Which is to say Polis should have vetoed the bill. Thats not to presume all or even most officeholders are thin skinned and now will start blocking unwanted commentators on social media willy nilly. But some might exploit the new law and use it to cancel dissenters. 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. And theyll be able to do it with impunity not only because the new law gives them cover but also because theyll reason that their personal Facebook or Twitter accounts are private, unlike official government-run Facebook or Twitter accounts. Polis, for example, has a public Twitter profile and a personal one. Problem is, personal accounts, though technically private, are where the public conversation is taking place. Which is why the public officials should be expected to forfeit such privacy. Before Colorados new law, it was unclear if public officials in Colorado, or elsewhere in the country, could block constituents on their private social media accounts. The new law is in part a response to several recent instances in which elected officials around the state had blocked harassing constituents and were sued by them. Courts rulings have been mixed on the issue across the country, and the U.S. Supreme Court is expected to weigh in on the matter soon. Whether the courts ruling moots Colorados new law, the law is bad policy. Politicians should learn to accept the background noise of people who post their pushback, unpleasant as it can be at times. It comes with the territory even in their personal space on social media. President Harry Trumans familiar line If you cant stand the heat, get out of the kitchen still applies. Even in the digital age. The Gazette Editorial Board Two years after ruling that Colorado Springs police used an unconstitutional search warrant to recover illegally owned guns from a man's property, the federal appeals court based in Denver has conceded the officers nonetheless acted in good faith. The decision means the key evidence of a crime the guns themselves did not need to be excluded from the trial of Perry Wayne Suggs Jr. Consequently, his criminal conviction and 90-month sentence will stand, despite the original search warrant's illegality. In June 2021, a three-judge panel of the U.S. Court of Appeals for the 10th Circuit determined the warrant Colorado Springs officers used to search Suggs' home was invalid largely because it authorized police to seize "any item identified as being involved in crime." Lacking any context about the specific crime being investigated, the document violated the Fourth Amendment's requirement that warrants describe "particularly" the things to be searched for. Normally, evidence obtained illegally is excluded from trial in order to discourage police misconduct. However, there are exceptions to that rule, including if the police acted in good faith in believing the warrant was valid. The 10th Circuit at the time declined to say whether the good faith exception applied, but deemed it a "close" call. On Tuesday, a different panel of judges agreed on the closeness of the question, but ultimately decided police searched Suggs' home with the understanding they were only looking for evidence of the specific crime under investigation, not all conceivable criminal activity. "While the warrants text failed to satisfy our particularity analysis under the Fourth Amendment, a reasonable officer could have understood the warrant as limited to the shooting crime under investigation and presumed the warrant to be valid," wrote Judge Allison H. Eid for herself and Senior Judge Michael R. Murphy. Judge Gregory A. Phillips disagreed. He believed the warrant was so clearly illegal that reasonable officers could not rely on it to conduct a good-faith search. As a result, he would have barred the seized guns from being used against Suggs at trial. "Suppressing the evidence in this case would deter police officers and departments from drafting warrants that serve as blank checks to search for evidence of any crime," Phillips wrote. Case: United States v. Suggs Decided: June 13, 2023 Jurisdiction: U.S. District Court for Colorado Ruling: 2-1 Judges: Allison H. Eid (author) Michael R. Murphy Gregory A. Phillips (dissent) Background: Court: Colorado Springs police used unconstitutional warrant to seize guns In early January 2018, police investigated an incident in Colorado Springs where a driver shot at a pedestrian, but did not injure him. The vehicle was linked to Suggs and the shooter matched his description. Officer Adam Menter obtained a warrant from an El Paso County judge to search Suggs' home. Although Menter submitted a three-page description of the shooting and of his investigation, the warrant only referenced a document listing the objects to be seized. The list included "any and all firearms," "vehicle registration" and under a section titled "MISCELLANEOUS" "any item identified as being involved in crime." Police encountered Suggs at a gas station and arrested him, then turned to the search of Suggs' home. They eventually found a box of ammunition that matched the bullet from the shooting. 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. Prior to that discovery, Officer Teresa Tomczyk, who was in charge of "sweeping" the premises for potential threats to police, shined her flashlight into a vehicle parked in Suggs' carport a different vehicle than the shooter used. She spotted two guns inside. Tomczyk alerted Menter, who applied for a second warrant to seize the guns. A federal grand jury indicted Suggs for possessing guns and ammunition, which his criminal record prohibited him from owning. In response, Suggs argued the search warrant was illegal in the first place and the evidence seized from his home could not be used against him. U.S. District Court Senior Judge William J. Martinez disagreed, and a jury convicted him in 2019. On appeal, the 10th Circuit panel sided with Suggs. The court found the warrant's authorization to seize "any item ... involved in crime" was too broad. "Nowhere does the warrant reference any specific offense let alone the particular firearm-related crime under investigation. In fact, the warrant never even mentions the vehicle shooting," wrote Senior Judge Bobby R. Baldock. However, because it was possible the officers really did understand the limited nature of the search and acted in good faith, the panel returned the case to Martinez for another look. The judge acknowledged it was a "close call," but again upheld the search. Even though Menter testified he could not remember exactly what he told the other officers about the search, Martinez believed it plausible that the police were aware of the vehicle shooting and were only looking for evidence related to that offense. Moreover, Tomczyk, who discovered the guns, was not even involved in the "search," as her job was simply to sweep for threats, wrote the judge. Once again, Suggs appealed to the 10th Circuit. The government defended Martinez's finding of good faith, with the officers relying on Menter's understanding of the search warrant's parameters. "Its general sloppiness. Its cutting corners. Its not reviewing good enough," Phillips mused during oral arguments. "But the information was there." The panel's majority concluded the evidence supported the notion that Menter had properly conveyed the limits of the search to other officers, despite the warrant's seemingly unlimited language. Suppressing the guns, therefore, was uncalled-for. "Officer Menters actions are not the kind of flagrant or deliberate violation that the rule was meant to deter," Eid wrote on June 13. Phillips ultimately declined to evaluate the officers' actions. Because the warrant was "obviously" not compliant with the Fourth Amendment, executing the search was inherently unreasonable, he argued. The case is United States v. Suggs. The union representing Aurora's firefighters could be allowed to join the litigation between the city and the state that resulted in a consent decree addressing unlawful police and paramedic behavior, Colorado's second-highest court ruled last week. The agreement to reform the city's policies came after Attorney General Phil Weiser released a report in 2021 documenting a pattern and practice of excessive force and racial bias among Aurora's police. The findings also implicated Aurora Fire Rescue, whose use of the sedative ketamine was excessive and in violation of protocols. Although the International Association of Firefighters Local 1290 was not part of the consent decree negotiations, it sought to intervene in the case on the grounds that the required reforms could alter its members' rights under their collective bargaining agreement. A three-judge panel for the Court of Appeals determined Local 1290 may be able to insert itself in the litigation at the trial court's discretion, but it had no automatic right to join as a party. "Although the Union speculates that the consent decree 'may conflict with' the CBA, it does not identify any particular conflict," wrote Judge David H. Yun in the June 8 opinion. Union members will implement the consent decree's reforms, he acknowledged, but "so, too, will many other City employees. Allowing all employees affected by the decree to claim a legally protectable interest would create an unmanageably large number of potentially intervening parties." The panel declined to say whether the consent decree should be rescinded in the absence of Local 1290's participation. If the union is not ultimately able to join the litigation, Yun explained there will be no need to withdraw the agreement. Case: Colorado v. Aurora Decided: June 8, 2023 Jurisdiction: Arapahoe County Ruling: 3-0 Judges: David H. Yun (author) Anthony J. Navarro David J. Richman Background: Attorney general, Aurora to announce tentative consent agreement for changes to city's police, fire departments Following the 2020 police murder of George Floyd in Minneapolis, Colorado lawmakers enacted sweeping new requirements on law enforcement addressing chokeholds, body-worn cameras and the ability to hold officers legally liable for violating people's rights. The law also enabled the attorney general to investigate a "pattern or practice" of illegal behavior in government agencies. Based on the 2019 death of Elijah McClain at the hands of Aurora police and paramedics, some of whom are currently facing criminal charges, Weiser used his newly granted authority to launch an investigation in Aurora. In September 2021, Weiser announced the results: Officers had a pattern of using excessive force and disproportionately targeting people of color, while paramedics improperly used chemical restraints on suspects in the absence of medical emergencies. 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. After the required 60-day window for negotiating with the city, Weiser's office filed a civil lawsuit against Aurora in Arapahoe County, asking a judge to approve the parties' consent decree requiring Aurora to refrain from its unlawful conduct. Shortly before a judge signed off on the decree, Local 1290 sought to enter the court case. "The Attorney General has accused the Unions members, as a group, of civil rights violations, and it and the City now propose a settlement that will guide and control the current and future behavior of Aurora firefighters," lawyers for the union wrote. "The Union is concerned that the very same Consent Decree this Court is called upon to approve will violate the contract between Local 1290 and Aurora, and seeks to ensure that does not happen." Both the city and the state opposed Local 1290's attempt to join as a party, insisting that nothing in the agreement altered the collective bargaining contract. Further, the union's involvement could undermine the negotiated reforms on chemical sedatives and other protocols. District Court Judge Elizabeth Beebe Volz agreed the union had no interest in the consent decree itself. Changing city policy "is an interest that belongs the city," she wrote. The Court of Appeals panel agreed with Volz in part. Although the police accountability law did not forbid third parties from intervening in pattern-or-practice lawsuits, the rules of civil procedure did not give Local 1290 the right to insert itself. The "changes contemplated by the consent decree do not affect the Union's collective bargaining rights and cannot justify its intervention," wrote Yun, adding that the union had other recourse if, in fact, there is a violation of its bargaining agreement in the future. However, Volz did not address whether she should allow the union to join in her own discretion, which the procedural rules do allow. Therefore, the panel returned the case to Volz for another ruling. According to a report from the independent monitor overseeing the consent decree, Aurora was in "substantial compliance" as of mid-February with new requirements on the use of chemical restraints. The bulk of reforms, affecting the police department, are incomplete. In a divided ruling, Colorado's second-highest court found a man convicted of assaulting an Arapahoe County sheriff's deputy was not entitled to a review of the victim's personnel records and potential history of excessive force. Marcos Casillas did not dispute that he was guilty of resisting arrest and obstructing a peace officer, nor that he struck Deputy Peter Moore during his arrest. But Casillas argued he was defending himself against Moore's excessive force, and access to Moore's disciplinary history might have cast doubt on the deputy's narrative at trial. By 2-1, a panel for the Court of Appeals decided a trial judge acted properly by declining to look at Moore's personnel file for materials relevant to the case. "Casillas didnt claim that Deputy Moore had used excessive force against him," wrote Judge Jerry N. Jones in the June 8 opinion. "Casillass defense to the assault charge naming Deputy Moore as the victim was that he was frustrated and trying to get free; he didnt intentionally or knowingly assault Deputy Moore." That may have been true at trial, wrote Judge Neeti V. Pawar in dissent, but it was wrong to look at what Casillas chose to argue only after he was blocked from seeing the deputy's disciplinary history. "Notably, there is no footage showing Casillas kicking Deputy Moore or Deputy Moore recoiling from being kicked," she explained. "Accordingly, the only evidence that Casillas assaulted Deputy Moore by kicking him was Deputy Moores testimony, which placed his credibility at issue." Case: People v. Casillas Decided: June 8, 2023 Jurisdiction: Arapahoe County Ruling: 2-1 Judges: Jerry N. Jones (author) David H. Yun Neeti V. Pawar (dissent) Background: Appeals court clarifies defendants' ability to access officers' personnel files Casillas is serving a 20-year sentence after jurors convicted him of a carjacking and for belligerent conduct during his arrest. Adams County deputies first encountered Casillas and the stolen car in Deer Trail, where he resisted arrest. Arapahoe County deputies then arrived and, in the attempt to transfer Casillas to their custody, Casillas continued to be uncooperative. Multiple deputies held Casillas down for between 45 minutes and one hour, as he continued to struggle. Casillas ended up kicking two people Moore and an Adams County deputy. At Moore's direction, paramedics injected Casillas with a chemical sedative. 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. Prosecutors charged Casillas with assaulting each of the deputies. In response, Casillas sought the disciplinary histories, internal investigations and excessive force complaints against the officers who were involved in his arrest. The Adams County Sheriff's Office did not move to block the request, but Arapahoe County did. A trial judge declined to review and release the Arapahoe County records, including Moore's personnel file. On appeal, there was a dispute over whether Moore's credibility as a witness mattered in determining if Casillas was defending himself against excessive force. The government claimed Moore's body-worn camera captured the arrest, meaning there was objective evidence of whether he used excessive force. Casillas countered that, even if the recording existed, it was not part of the evidence. "Documentation of a history of using excessive force, however, could shed light on what occurred," wrote public defender Mark Evans. The Court of Appeals panel's majority believed Casillas had failed to show Moore likely had a history of misconduct and that it was relevant to his case. Jones, writing for himself and Judge David H. Yun, found there was "no reason to believe, based on the nature of Casillas's interaction with Deputy Moore, that there are 'other' complaints of excessive force." Pawar countered that Casillas' lawyer had clearly argued to the trial judge that Moore physically restrained Casillas and directed paramedics to sedate him. It was more likely that deputies would have used excessive force against Casillas, the attorney said, if they had a habit of using excessive force. "In other words, that Casillas was subjected to an extended restraint and involuntarily injected with sedatives at Deputy Moores direction is, in my view, enough to set forth a specific factual basis ... that there may be records related to Deputy Moores use of force in this incident or others," Pawar wrote. "Far from being a 'fishing expedition,' Casillas subpoena was supported by specific facts." "With all due respect to our colleague," wrote Jones in response, "we dont see the connection." The Colorado Supreme Court has recently announced it will review multiple cases, including criminal appeals, a dispute between federal judges over the meaning of state law and the ongoing saga of a disgraced lawyer weaponizing the legal system. At least three of the court's seven members must consent to hear an appeal. Within the past few weeks, the justices have agreed to examine what happens when a defense attorney's conflict of interest may have hurt his client and whether prosecutors removed a juror of color because of her race. The court also signaled interest in a handful of ongoing trial court cases, including a recently-solved 1979 homicide where the defendant claims prosecutors are now trampling his rights. A final appeal barely missed the threshold for consideration, as two justices voted in favor of hearing a case about the ability of debtors to challenge legal claims against them. When the defense lawyer is also a defendant At the same time defense attorney Dennis Hartley was representing Matthew Rodolfo Vansant Lopez in an El Paso County criminal case, he was also being prosecuted by the same district attorney's office. Hartley had multiple drunk driving and traffic-related cases on his own record, and only resolved the charges the week before Lopez's trial. At one point in Lopez's case, District Court Judge David A. Gilbert asked if Lopez was aware of "current circumstances," without elaborating what those were, and if Lopez was fine with Hartley representing him. Yes, Lopez replied. Last year, a three-judge panel for the state's Court of Appeals overturned Lopez's convictions for sexual assault, kidnapping and possessing an explosive device. Lopez had a constitutional right to a lawyer without a conflict of interest. The danger was that Hartley's desire to avoid upsetting the district attorney's office in his own case may have influenced his decisions in Lopez's case. Gilbert had a duty to ensure Lopez knew he was giving up his right to conflict-free counsel. But "nothing in the record indicates that Lopez was informed of the nature and potential consequences of the conflict beforehand," wrote retired Supreme Court Justice Alex J. Martinez, who sat on the appellate panel. Although the government argued Lopez should not receive a new trial unless he demonstrated Hartley's conflict was linked to some action he took in Lopez's case, the Court of Appeals declined to go that far. Now, the Supreme Court has agreed to answer whether Lopez must show how Hartley's own pending charges negatively affected his representation of Lopez. The case is People v. Lopez. The juror who was a police reformer Nearly 40 years ago, the U.S. Supreme Court recognized that purposeful racial discrimination in jury selection is unconstitutional. Now, defendants may challenge a prosecutor's dismissal, or "strike," of a juror of color, forcing the prosecutor to give a "race-neutral" reason for the strike. An Arapahoe County jury convicted Sterling Dwayne Austin in 2019 of murdering his fiancee. During jury selection, a nonwhite woman whose name suggested she was Hispanic described an experience she had in which an Arapahoe County sheriff's deputy pulled her over for expired vehicle tags. When the deputy gave her a ticket, he marked her race as "white." "It just took me back to projects that I used to do in high school with racial profiling and the Denver Police Department," said the woman, identified as Juror 32. She elaborated that Denver police officers had a practice of stopping Black and Hispanic people, but indicating on traffic tickets that their race was white, ostensibly to conceal the number of people of color being stopped. The prosecutor moved to strike Juror 32 because her involvement in Denver police reform raised concerns "that she is going to have bias against" the officers who were witnesses in Austin's case. The trial judge found it to be a race-neutral explanation and dismissed Juror 32. The Court of Appeals subsequently ordered a new trial for Austin, noting the entirety of Juror 32's response was clearly linked to her race. Therefore, there was nothing race-neutral about her dismissal. The Colorado Attorney General's Office appealed to the Supreme Court, arguing that people of any race can take issue with police bias, so "striking a potential juror because they have had negative experiences with police is not race-based discrimination." "This is not a case about all prospective jurors," responded defense attorney Joseph Chase. It is about "a woman of color being struck because she told the truth about her lived experience with racist policing." The government asked the state Supreme Court to decide whether a juror's belief that police engage in racial discrimination makes them "immune" to dismissal. The court opted to answer a narrower question: Did the prosecution actually offer a race-neutral reason for striking Juror 32? The case is People v. Austin. Cold case controversy For more than 40 years, the 1979 murder of Evelyn Kay Day in Greeley went unsolved. Then in 2021, law enforcement charged James Herman Dye of Wichita with Day's killing, following a break in DNA evidence. Dye indicated he plans to offer evidence that another suspect killed Day, an apparent reference to Day's husband, who was a person of interest. Weld County prosecutors argued the defense should have to turn over its evidence of an alternate suspect before trial, so as not to "ambush" the government. Although District Court Judge Marcelo A. Kopcow initially sided with Dye, he issued an order this year for the defense to disclose all alternate suspect evidence at least 45 days before trial. Dye appealed directly to the Supreme Court, pointing out the rules of criminal procedure require only the "nature of any defense" to be disclosed. Because it is the government's responsibility to prove Dye guilty beyond a reasonable doubt, allowing prosecutors access to his evidence allegedly infringed upon Dye's right to due process and other protections. "It does not appear this Honorable Court has ever conferred such a right to the prosecution, and such a right does not appear to be contained in any statute or rule," wrote attorneys for Dye. The Supreme Court has directed the government to explain why Kopcow's order should stand. The case is People v. Dye. Money on appeal 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. Earlier this year, a Denver judge found Veolia Water Technologies, Inc. owed Antero Treatment LLC $280 million in a breach of contract and fraud lawsuit. When a losing party appeals, they post a bond in order to ensure the prevailing party gets paid if the appeal is unsuccessful. In Veolia's case, the judge allowed the company to pay for a $25 million bond. Antero challenged that decision. It acknowledged a state law generally caps bonds in civil cases at $25 million, but pointed to a judicial rule requiring the bond to equal 125% of the total judgment. Under that rule, Veolia would need to secure $350 million while it appealed. Antero asked the Supreme Court to declare the law unconstitutional, as it infringed on the court's own authority to issue procedural rules. The Supreme Court has asked Veolia and Colorado's attorney general to respond to Antero's arguments. The case is Antero Treatment LLC v. Veolia Water Technologies, Inc. et al. Injured on the job Although the bulk of the Supreme Court's cases flow directly from the Court of Appeals or the trial courts, there is a little-used mechanism for allowing federal judges to ask the Supreme Court to interpret state law, if the answer would help with an unresolved legal issue. Last month, U.S. Magistrate Judge N. Reid Neureiter sent one such question to the Supreme Court: If an employee is injured by another driver while operating a company vehicle, can the employee receive both workers' compensation benefits and payment from their employer's insurance company? Two federal judges in Colorado recently reached opposite conclusions while handling similar injured-motorist cases. The state Supreme Court has previously ruled on the connection between workers' compensation and insurance payouts, but it has never said what happens specifically when a motorist not employed by the company is the one who injures an employee. Given the frequency of injured-motorist litigation, the question is "best resolved by the Colorado Supreme Court, rather than be left to the guesswork" of federal judges, Neureiter wrote. The Supreme Court has accepted Neureiter's request to weigh in. The case is Klabon v. Travelers Property Casualty Company. 'Paper terrorism' In another unusual twist, the justices have signaled they may intervene in a controversy that landed directly at the state's highest court without any underlying legal case. This March, the Office of the Presiding Disciplinary Judge took the extraordinary move of disbarring attorney Nina H. Kazazian. The panel that heard her case used blunt language in condemning Kazazian's long-running, "frivolous" legal actions across multiple jurisdictions and her deception. "This varied, intentional, and pernicious misconduct leads us to conclude that we must impose the strongest sanction available to protect the integrity of the legal system and other litigants from any similar misconduct that Respondent may, in the future, engage in," the disciplinary panel wrote. Kazazian is now a mediator, having stopped practicing law shortly before being disciplined. Her professional webpage claims she "shifted her practice" and does not mention her disbarment. Multiple people and entities petitioned the Supreme Court, asking it to put a stop to Kazazian's initiation of court cases against them. They allege the litigation originated through Kazazian's divorce, but she subsequently sued lawyers she encountered, made untrue allegations and cost her opponents $400,000 in legal fees. "Paper terrorism" was how one lawyer characterized her actions. The disciplinary panel found Kazazian's frivolous lawsuits and dishonesty required her disbarment, "without hesitation." The petitioners to the Supreme Court, however, warned the end of Kazazian's status as a laywer means she is free to represent herself without being bound by attorney ethics. "Her court actions are so persistent despite their 100% failure rate and the disbarment they cost her that they clearly are intended and calculated solely to harass, punish and terrorize her adversaries, and to fight, fight, fight, using the court system as a bludgeon," they wrote. The Supreme Court directed Kazazian to explain why it should not bar her from filing any more lawsuits on her own behalf. The case is GHP Horwath, P.C. et al. v. Kazazian. Challenging a debt collector Finally, the Supreme Court narrowly turned down a case that questioned whether someone who never receives notice of a lawsuit in the first place and loses by default can forfeit their right to challenge the outcome. In 2013, Marshall Recovery, LLC sued Hugh T. Dinh over a credit card debt. Dinh did not respond and a Denver judge entered a default judgment against him. Eight years later, Dinh moved to overturn the decision because Marshall Recovery never served him with notice of the lawsuit. County Court Judge Beth Ann Faragher said she "didn't have any doubt" that Dinh never received notice in 2013. But Dinh received paperwork related to the lawsuit in 2018. Consequently, Faragher decided Dinh had waited too long to file his challenge. Dinh appealed unsuccessfully to Denver District Court, then turned to the Supreme Court. Colorado law has long been clear, his lawyers argued: When a defendant is not served with a lawsuit, the judgment is void. And a void judgment can be challenged anytime. Weighing in on Dinh's behalf was Colorado Legal Services, which represents low-income and elderly clients. It pointed to a survey from 2016 that estimated 71% of county court cases in Colorado resulted in default judgments, suggesting many more cases like Dinh's. The National Association of Consumer Advocates and Colorado Consumer Health initiative also asked the Supreme Court to hear the case, arguing Colorado's own precedent and those of other states allow defendants like Dinh to void a default judgment anytime. Chief Justice Brian D. Boatright and Justice Carlos A. Samour Jr. indicated they would have granted Dinh's appeal. The case is Dinh v. Marshall Recovery, LLC. The Mason City Municipal Airport and other regional airports are in danger of losing a commercial carrier if the U.S. Department of Transportation doesnt approve an application to form a new branch of the company. SkyWest Airlines currently serves Mason City and Fort Dodge operating as United Express. In March 2022 SkyWest submitted a notice of termination that it is going to end service in Mason City and 29 other smaller communities due to a pilot shortage. Airline carriers scaled back operations, furloughing or offering earlier retirement to thousands of pilots, when the pandemic hit. Since restrictions were relaxed and regular air travel demand surged, many of those pilots did not return. Management consulting firm Oliver Wyman told CNBC in September that there is a shortage of around 8,000 pilots, according to Business Insider. SkyWest Airlines applied with the DOT to operate as SkyWest Charter out of Mason City in September 2022 with licensure that would lessen pilot requirements, opening up a bigger pool of applicants. SkyWest already has made concessions in the service it provides in Mason City. Through connecting us with Fort Dodge and changing flight schedules, less optimal schedules, those are other things that SkyWest has done, said Mason City Airport Manager David Sims. Theyve managed to keep serving Mason City, Fort Dodge and the other communities, but theyre still struggling with the pilot shortage. Sims said communities such as Mason City are vested in the DOT responding to SkyWests request and are pushing the DOT to make a decision on the application. SkyWest and the airports have lobbied U.S. Sens. Chuck Grassley and Joni Ernst to pressure the DOT to make a decision, hopefully by the end of June. There is no regulatory reason that their application has been denied, Sims said. (SkyWest) meets or exceeds all of the safety regulations, all of the security regulations. Theyre going to continue operating almost entirely the way they operate today. Sims said the delay is mostly due to special interest groups in Washington, D.C., such as the Airline Pilot Association. SkyWest pilots are not unionized. Sims said the APA claims the change will affect safety and security, but he doesnt believe that is true. It eases some of the requirements, however SkyWest is still committed to maintaining a high level of requirement for the pilots theyre going to be hiring, Sims said. Theyre going to be hiring experienced airline transport pilots with 1,500 hours. Theyre not going to compromise on safety. Sims said if the application is denied by the DOT there is not a plan for what would happen moving forward. It does put the future of air service in Mason City into limbo because SKyWest, due to the pilot shortage, cant continue to operate forever (here), he said. All anyone is hearing from the pilots union is this is unsafe and unsecure. Its not. Banish mosquitoes from your yard with these traps and repellents 1. Cutter Backyard Bug Control Spray 2. Stafi Outdoor Wireless Mosquito Zapper 3. TIKI Citronella Candle 4. Thermacell Mosquito Repellent Lantern 5. Murphys Naturals Mosquito Repellent Incense Sticks Danvilles progress in assessing and redeveloping environmentally contaminated sites has helped make it the only city to host the Virginia Brownfields Conference twice. The 2023 Virginia Brownfields Conference is being held at the Institute for Advanced Learning and Research this week. The last one was held here in 2010, and what a difference a dozen or so years have made. Local and state officials who spoke to the Danville Register & Bee at the conference pointed to the positive changes made in the city since 13 years ago. Its a world of difference, said Meade Anderson, who manages the voluntary remediation and Brownfields programs for the Virginia Department of Environmental Quality. In 2010, the last time the state Brownfield conference was held in Danville, there were hardly any restaurants south of the Dan River and the River District was nearly empty. Now there are breweries in Danville, as well as numerous dining establishments, Anderson said. That is in addition to the Dan River Falls project being constructed in the former White Mill building and the Riverfront Park being built. Danville has done such a great job, Anderson said. The city has worked hard, theyve invested, theyve taken the initiative to move these projects forward. Glenn Davis, director of the Virginia Department of Energy, agreed. It [Danville] really can be a model for what theyve done, especially with a lot of development thats been going on here in Danville, Davis told the Danville Register & Bee. The 2023 Virginia Brownfields Conference was overseen by the Department of Environmental Quality and the Virginia Department of Energy. The conference was hosted Wednesday and continues Thursday at the Institute for Advanced Learning and Research. State and federal representatives, along with those from companies, attended to learn about best practices for brownfields redevelopment. Danvilles efforts in brownfields assessment, clean-up and redevelopment were highlighted at the event. Those include River District redevelopment, the Dan River Falls project, the Schoolfield master plan, and the Caesars Virginia project in Schoolfield. A brownfield includes any property where development can be impeded by perceived or known contamination, said Joe Morici, senior principal and brownfield redevelopment consultant with Stantec, a Canada-based firm that provides consulting services in engineering, environmental sciences and other fields. Over the past four years, Danville has received nearly $1.5 million in grants from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and the VDEQ for brownfields assessment and mitigation in the city, said Danville Economic Development and Tourism Director Corrie T. Bobe. Those included assessment and clean-up at the Schoolfield site where the Caesars Virginia casino project is being built, the pedestrian bridge across the Dan River and in the former Dan River Inc. White Mill building where the Dan River Falls project is being constructed. Work at the sites has included lead and asbestos abatement, along with the removal of metal panels from the pedestrian bridge, Bobe said. Lead paint was removed inside the former White Mill structure. Soil boring, or evaluation of soil composition, has also been conducted, Bobe said. Morici, who has helped secure grants for the city, said there are likely hundreds of brownfield sites in Danville, with it being a historic city with the number of sites you have there. An old Mom-and-Pop gas station can be a brownfield site, Morici said. Besides the former White Mill, old buildings in other parts of the River District where redevelopment has taken place, including Craghead Street and other sections downtown, can be considered brownfield sites. Our River District is a prime example of brownfields redevelopment, Bobe said. Each and every one of those facilities that have been renovated since 2011 are categorized within the brownfield sector. Other sites that have been assessed using state and federal funding include areas in the Old West End neighborhood, Schoolfield Village and North Main hill, Bobe said. Anderson said the total number of brownfield sites in Danville is unknown, but the city has a high percentage of such properties, he added. Contaminants left over from the textile industry can include those from dyes containing metals and chlorinated solvents from large dry-cleaning units, Anderson said. Some common contaminants are carcinogens, or cancer-causing substances, Morici said. Farm Credit of the Virginias, a cooperative that serves Virginia, West Virginia and western Maryland, announced that Lauren Ragsdale assumed the role of loan officer at the South Boston branch. Ragsdale is a Pittsylvania County native and resides in Java. She graduated with her associate degree from Danville Community College. Ragsdale is involved with agriculture through her husbands operation, where they raise tobacco, beef cattle and a variety of crops. She is a member of the Farm Bureau Womens Committee, the worship committee at her church and the Danville Pittsylvania County Chamber of Commerce. Prior to joining Farm Credit, Ragsdale gained five years of experience in the financial services industry at a local lending institution. Regarding her new position at Farm Credit of the Virginias, Ragsdale shared, I am excited to build new relationships and serve existing borrowers. I love the wide variety of services Farm Credit offers, from helping customers build the rural home of their dreams to assisting farmers invest in their operations. We are thrilled to have Lauren join our team as a loan officer in South Boston. Her energy, drive and passion for this community will be great assets in this new role, Joey Cornwell, regional sales and lending manager, said. We are excited to see how she continues to grow and serve our members in South Boston. Outside of work, Ragsdale enjoys spending time with her family and being outdoors. George Washington High School's Navy JROTC was honored a top united and earned the Distinguished Unit Award for the 2022-23 school year. The "Soaring Eagles" ranked in the top 20 among 60 units in Virginia, Maryland, Washington, D.C., and Delaware. In order to become a distinguished unit, cadets had to submit all their accomplishments for the calendar year to the JROTC headquarters and demonstrate their skills through a successful drill and competition season. However, this award is not limited to just the competitive teams. Every cadet in the unit contributed to this achievement through their leadership training, test scores, orientation trips, ROTC scholarship submissions, combined GPA, community service hours, school support hours, team participation, parades, leadership positions within the school and annual inspection results. 10 years ago, Michel Heftrich was already a true visionary when he set up the first repair-cafe in Luxembourg. And Michel is sticking to his principles: he is currently on a 5,555 km bike tour across Europe, visiting more than 50 repair-cafes. His aim is to raise public awareness of the importance of repairing broken objects rather than throwing them away, and thus contribute to a more sustainable world. At the express request of the Minister, Michel visited the Ministry of Consumer Protection this morning to talk to us about repairing and programmed obsolescence. https://repairs-for-future.eu GREENSBORO The vision: a more than 70-mile trail running along most of the length of the Haw River. The reality: a decades-long, turtles pace to persuade landowners to allow access. Right now, that quest is getting a moment in the sun. Last weekend, Gov. Roy Cooper signed a law, passed unanimously by both sides of the state legislature, that authorizes the Haw River Trail as the newest of 13 state trails. Its an effort thats fueled by appreciation of the rivers history, wildlife and natural beauty. When I was a youth, I grew up on the banks of the Haw River and spent many an afternoon exploring after school, said state Rep. Stephen Ross, one of the legislations sponsors. I grew up just loving the river. Theres about 20 miles of trail currently built in Alamance County. When completed, the trail would run through several other counties. It would link Haw River State Park, which sits on the boundary of Guilford and Rockingham counties, and Jordan Lake State Recreation Area, which is in Chatham County. Becoming a state trail offers up additional funding opportunities and increases the projects credibility, leaders of the effort say. But responsibility for the trail will remain with the Haw River Trail Partnership and its members, which include 11 local governments, plus the state, with Alamance County taking a leading role. Likewise, the work of buying and seeking donations of land access or ownership for the trail continues with persistence and patience. It could be 10 years. It could be 50 more years. No way to know how its going to happen, said Nolan Carter, the coordinator of the Haw River State Trail. On Wednesday, Carter and Brian Baker, the assistant county manager of Alamance County, showed off a section of the trail. As they walked, a turtle plopped off its log into the water, and a heron took to the air. Minutes before setting out, Carter had filmed a muskrat swimming near a downed tree branch, swishing its tail in the water before diving below the surface. Along the river we have muskrats, otters, beavers mammals that are very indicative that the water quality is in great shape, Carter said. As Baker put it: Its not a beaver problem, its a beaver blessing. Back in 2006, Baker was itching to get out of being a lawyer and into the world of conservation, so he took a job as the first-ever Haw River Trail coordinator, commuting more than an hour from Winston-Salem. Groups at that point had started to align, Baker said. There was interest from Elon University in conserving the Haw, Alamance County wanted to provide recreational opportunities along the river and the state envisioned a new section of Mountain-to-Sea Trail an epic project working to link North Carolinas mountains with its coast by foot path. We went around and started talking to landowners about their feelings about the river and whether they wanted to conserve their property, Baker said. And the answer was pretty universally, no. The river, he added, had a terrible reputation for being polluted from mills and industry. But by 2006, the Haw was in pretty good shape with the Clean Water Act having taken care of most of the pollution issues. Using riverside property donated by George and Jerrie Nall, the first mile of trail was built with the help of inmates from Dan River Prison. They were a good group, fortunately, Baker said, though these days they rely on volunteer support for trail building. Bit by bit, at an average of maybe a mile or so per year, the trail expanded. Thats actually pretty fast for this sort of effort, according to Carter and Baker. We built a new park on the river pretty much every year for 10 years, Baker said. And every park they built, Baker said, got popular quickly. It was really a matter of figuring out a way to get people to the river to change their opinions, he said. Let the river sell itself. Anyone damaging energy facilities, transmission lines or equipment would face up to 15 years in prison and a $250,000 fine under legislation approved unanimously by the N.C. House Wednesday. The Protect Critical Infrastructure Act, which also passed the Senate in March with no opposition, was introduced in response to three shooting incidents at electric substations in North Carolina this past December and January. The most disruptive of the attacks occurred at Duke Energy facilities in Moore County in early December when two electric substations were damaged by gunfire, leaving about 45,000 customers without power during a cold snap that sent temperatures below freezing. The FBI and Moore County Sheriffs Office issued warrants in the days following the December attacks but no arrests have been made in those incidents or a similar one Jan. 17 on an EnergyUnited substation in Thomasville. A transformer was damaged in the Thomasville shooting but no customers lost power because of it, EnergyUnited said. No one was injured in any of the North Carolina incidents, which came during a spate of similar assaults elsewhere in the U.S. State government, Moore County and Duke Energy combined to offer a $75,000 reward for information leading to the arrest and conviction of those responsible for the Moore County attacks. The FBI is offering its own $25,000 reward. We are continuing to investigate all three attacks, a spokesperson in the FBIs Charlotte office said. Sen. Tom McInnis, a Republican whose district includes Moore County, was the chief sponsor of the original Senate version of the bill, which declares it a Class 3 felony to knowingly and willfully destroy, injure, or otherwise damage, or attempt to destroy, injure, or otherwise damage, an energy facility or obstruct, impede, or impair the services or transmissions of an energy facility. In addition to electricity, the legislation covers the transmission of fuels including natural gas. Gov. Roy Cooper is expected to sign the legislation into law. We must take steps to protect critical infrastructure that keeps electric power and clean water available in our communities, Sam Chan, the governors press secretary, said in an email to the Journal Thursday. This is one step the state can take to send a message to criminals that these irresponsible acts will not be tolerated and the Governor will review this legislation carefully. Other North Carolina Class 3 felonies include second-degree forcible rape and forcible sex offense, first-degree kidnapping and embezzlement of more than $100,000. Sentences can range from 14 to 90 months. A Winston-Salem man is facing a murder charge after authorities said he assaulted his roommate at a Statesville adult living home. Greggory Gerald Warner, 61, was charged with first-degree murder. A magistrate ordered him held without bond. The roommate was identified as Mark Gray Leggette, 69, of Lincolnton. Iredell Sheriff Darren Campbell, in a news release, said Warner was initially charged with assault inflicting serious injury and a magistrate set bond at $20,000. That charge was upgraded to murder when Leggette died on June 9. An autopsy, Campbell said, indicated that Leggette died of injuries sustained in the June 2 assault. Campbell said deputies were called to Heritage Place Adult Living Center at 1392 Eufola Road on June 2 regarding an assault. He said employees called 911 after finding Leggette had been assaulted. Campbell said Leggette had been beaten repeatedly in the head with a blunt object. Leggette was transported via Iredell EMS to Atrium Health Wake Forest Baptist Hospital in Winston-Salem. Warner was still on the scene and was taken into custody, Campbell said. After the autopsy, Campbell said, deputies served the murder warrant on Warner who was still in custody on the $20,000 bond. In my administration Im going to enforce all laws concerning the protection of classified information. No one will be above the law. Donald Trump, 2016 Are we all treated equally under the law? As wonderful as those words may sound as an ideal, in the real world, well, it depends On the color of ones skin. The size of ones bank account. The quality of ones legal counsel. And the judge who hears the case. Now should we add whether someone is running for president to the list? If anyone else had done what Donald Trump has allegedly done, would we even be having this conversation? To recap: Trump took reams of classified documents to his home at Mar-a-Lago. He lied about them. He told others to lie about them. He bragged about them. He claimed they were his. He hid them in a bedroom, a ballroom, a bathroom and a shower. He defied requests to return them. Is it any wonder Trump has become the first former U.S. president to face a judge on federal charges? Trump was indicted last week by special counsel Jack Smith, or as Trump describes him, a thug. And to no ones surprise, Trump pleaded not guilty in a Miami courtroom Tuesday to dozens of felony counts after moving the classified documents into his home and refusing repeated requests to return them. Trump, who, by his account, has never, ever done anything wrong since birth, says he is being persecuted. Its all politically motivated, he says, another witch hunt calculated to derail his campaign. He blames Joe Biden, the FBI, the deep state, anyone but himself. With characteristic hyperbole, the former president blustered about injustice after appearing in court Tuesday. Today we witnessed the most evil and heinous abuse of power in the history of our country, Trump told supporters. Very sad thing to watch, a corrupt sitting president had his top political opponent arrested on fake and fabricated charges of which he and numerous other presidents would be guilty, right in the middle of a presidential election in which hes losing very badly. But as a legal matter the indictment is both clear and compelling, given the mountains of evidence and Trumps blatant disregard for national security. As a political matter, its more complicated. Even of many of his detractors would just as soon he had not been indicted. He is the frontrunner for the Republican presidential nomination and they fret that this indictment will only add momentum to his campaign. For now, at least, theyre right. Trump is a bully who relishes playing the victim and he already is using the indictment to rile his supporters and rev his fundraising machine. Nearly half of respondents (47%) in a new ABC News/Ipsos poll see the federal indictment as politically motivated. And, if anything, Trump has been nearly untouchable despite a scandal at nearly every turn. But at some point, the rule of law has to matter. Yes, Joe Biden and Mike Pence both possessed classified documents they shouldnt have had. Yet, both cooperated fully with authorities and returned those documents once they were discovered. Trump did not. As for why Trump hoarded sensitive government papers like a miser and stored them here, there, anywhere, like an absent-minded teenager, who knows? To impress friends and visitors? To satisfy his ego? Or something worse? Only he knows. Whatever the motivation his actions were reckless, disrespectful and a potential threat to national security. And he needs to be held to account. As for that ABC/Ipsos poll, it also found that 48% of Americans believe Trump should have been charged with crimes, versus only 35% who said he should not have been. Forty-six percent said Trump should suspend his campaign. Further, 61% of Americans see the charges against Trump as very or somewhat serious, 63% of independents and even 38% of Republicans. Which suggests that the justice system needs to stop worrying about ramifications. Someone breaks the law, you call him on it. Leave politics to the politicians and do your job. History, celebration and commemoration come together in festivities and a street party, marking Juneteenth on Saturday, June 17, at The Myrna Loy, 15 N. Ewing. Our newest federal holiday is a great opportunity to recognize African Americans place in Montana history, said Martha Kohl, outreach and education coordinator at the Montana Historical Society, who is one of the event organizers. Most Montanans dont realize the significant role African Americans have played in our state since the earliest days of non-Indian settlement. Juneteenth commemorates the emancipation of enslaved people in the United States. It was first celebrated in Texas, where on June 19, 1865, in the aftermath of the Civil War, enslaved people learned they were set free under the 1862 Emancipation Proclamation. Kohl said shes really excited about the cooperative nature of the event. Its the Holter Museum of Art, The Myrna Loy and us, and thats really fun that these three cultural institutions are pulling together to make something special, said Kohl. Events kick off at 3:30 p.m. with the first of two sold-out tour train tours that will visit significant African American historical sites in Helena. Leading the tour is Kate Hampton, MHS community preservation coordinator, who is planning stops at family homes, businesses and institutions that were important in the Black community such as the African Methodist Episcopal Church, as well as the home of longtime resident and prominent Black community member Octavia Bridgwater and the Dorsey Grocery, one of the first businesses in Helena run by an African-American family. Hampton said the tour will also visit the historic South-Central neighborhood that had a large African American and Chinese population prior to Urban Renewal, when many of the buildings were torn down. The South-Central area was also home to Helenas only segregated school, designated solely for African Americans from 1872-1882. Another important site is the Windbag. Prior to it being Big Dorothys house of prostitution, it was home to the Montana Plaindealer, an early African American newspaper in Helena. From 5 to 6 p.m., there will be a free screening of the documentary, Bicycle Corps: Americas Black Army on Wheels, the story of the 25th Infantrys bicycle trip from Missoula, Montana, to St. Louis, Missouri in 1897. At 6 p.m. the Holter Museum of Art invites participants to make chalk art on the sidewalks near The Myrna Loy. Were going to give people the opportunity to reflect on the meaning of Juneteenth both through art and writing, said Kohl. What does freedom mean to you? What does Juneteenth mean to you? There are some who consider Juneteenth a Black holiday, Kohl said, but she sees it as a holiday for all. I really believe that none of us are free until were all free. I think its extremely important that we look back on our history and recognize its been a long road to freedom and that were not completely there yet in terms of equality and justice for all, all the time. Another important reason to celebrate Juneteenth is to see that progress can be made. Its good for us to look at victories to strengthen yourself for the next steps, said Kohl. A short ceremony at 6:30 features Mayor Wilmot Collins, as well as Chris Young-Greer of the Racial Equity Project, and J. P. Williams, a descendent of Montana African American pioneers. Williams ancestors were Lafayette Mundy, a freeman who served in the U.S. Army from 1864 to 1881 and Susan Elizabeth Tinsley Mundy, who was born a slave in Kentucky and worked as a cook for General George Custer. Ideas for the program came from African-American community members from across Montana, said Kohl. Chris Young-Greer at the Montana Racial Equity Project and a member of the Missoula City Black Collective said this celebration is important for bringing the community together and fostering a greater understanding of historic events. She will speak about the importance of Juneteenth, how it came about and how it gave hope to the Black community. Shes delighted that there is so much interest in the historic tour. It shows me that people are interested in learning about Montana history. Im proud and humbled to be part of this with the Montana Historical Society and The Myrna Loy. It can be easier for organizations to not want to be involved in such events, but they chose to step up and take lead roles. I think education and understanding brings people together. There will also be a generous helping of great dance music and an opportunity to buy some tasty traditional African American dishes by one of Helenas newest food vendors, Habana 406 food truck with chefs Adonis Zamora Garzon and Maie Lee Jones. On Juneteenth, they plan to serve: Basmati rice with Cuban style red beans (smoked meat, sausages and spices); carne con papas (beef stew); sauteed marinated pork and Caribbean cornbread. Also, on tap for the evening is a DJ dance party emceed by Andrea Cross Guns. For more information, visit https://themyrnaloy.com/ and https://mhs.mt.gov/. Helena Food Share was awarded a matching grant from the Otto Bremer Trust for their campaign to build a new Community Food Resource Center last month, according to a Thursday press release from Helena Food Share. The grant will match all building campaign donations up to $250,000. The Otto Bremer Trust supported Helena Food Share food programs last year and this year with $40,000 each year, said Helena Food Share Executive Director Bruce Day. This matching grant for the building campaign is in addition to that support and we are honored and grateful for their commitment to improving life for Montana citizens. Day added, When the matching grant is fully funded by OBT and those who donate during the match period, Helena Food Share will realize a total of $500,000 to support the new building. Our goal is to reach the full match by the time we break ground for the new building later this summer. We are currently at 85% of our $10.3 million goal and we hope the community will be excited about this match opportunity to double a gift and help us reach 90% of our campaign goal this summer. Founded in 1987, Helena Food Share provides emergency food to people who face hunger. The Otto Bremer Trust is a private charitable trust based in St. Paul, Minnesota. Created in 1944, the trust says it is "committed to supporting a better quality of life for residents of Minnesota, Montana, North Dakota and Wisconsin." In Decatur, citizens lost $46.9 million at 100 establishments hosting 574 slot machines between May 2022 April 2023. With an estimated 2022 population of 69,097, the city has a per capita gambling loss of $679 per resident. The epitome of Decaturs gambling industry may be the presence of a new establishment where one can do laundry, gamble, and drink alcohol at a bar/cocktail lounge that is located within a distressed neighborhood. There is little if any evidence that the gambling industry is a net benefit to our city and its citizens. Slot machines are not an investment for citizens, and the negative impacts of gambling include crime, bankruptcy, and addiction. Furthermore, given that Decatur is one of the poorest cities in Illinois, it is reasonable to assume that a large amount of the gambling revenue is from poorer individuals that may live in blighted neighborhoods, and it is going to large companies and businesses based outside of Decatur. Collectively, citizens lose on average $469,054 at each establishment per year. Gambling losses are split between the owner of the machines (33% of losses, often out-of-town companies), owners of the establishment (33% of losses, often out-of-town businesses), and state and local taxes (34%, split 85% to the state and 15% to the municipality). The Decatur City Council has a responsibility to its citizens to reduce the significant negative impacts of video gambling, particularly given the small amount of revenue that the city receives from video gambling losses ($2.3 million in taxes to the city represents <3% of general fund revenue). Most notably, the city council can vote to limit the number of video gambling licenses that are issued and require that establishments with gambling make at least 50% of their revenue from other sources. David Horn, Decatur (This letter is being repeated after a production error resulted in an incorrect version being in Thursday's editions) BRISTOL, Tenn. A Bristol Tennessee City Schools program is filling a gap with some filling meals. Through its Summer Free Meals program, which kicked off on May 30, the system is trying to meet the nutritional needs of students during their break. We have approximately 50% of our students that are suffering from hunger or food insecurity, and we want to make sure that we fill the gap for them in the summer while theyre not in school, said Jennifer Burleson, who is the school nutrition director for the school system. Meals are free for any child under the age of 18. Burleson said the system takes more than one route to meet students need. We have the food truck that goes to all the locations in the community, Burleson said. We have an open site at Fairmount Elementary School every day for breakfast and lunch, and we also have multiple sites throughout the community and some housing areas where folks can access lunches. Bristol Tennessee City Schools is serving around 900 meals a day through the Summer Free Meals Program, which has been funded via the USDA National School Lunch Program over the past seven years. The program will run weekdays until July 14. The Munch Box stops at several locations during the day, including Sage Meadows Apartments at 11 a.m.; Volunteer Village at 11:45 a.m.; Mountain Valley Apartments at 12:15 p.m.; Bristol Heights Mobile Home Park Office at 1 p.m.; and Brookside Mobile Home Park at 1:45 p.m. The Fairmount Elementary School breakfast is from 8 a.m. to 9 a.m., and lunch is from 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Washington Countys summer recreation program wont happen this summer, because the countys recreation director resigned earlier this week. In turn, county officials have chosen to abruptly cancel the entire six-week program, which had been held for years at various schools for pupils and students in grades K-6. The summer program was slated to start on June 19. The unforeseen and sudden resignation of our recreation director on Monday of this week, along with a slim number of camp staff to begin with, left the County with very little options in terms of the day to day operation of summer camp, said Alicia Roland, Executive Assistant in the Office of the County Administrator for Washington County, Virginia. The safety of the children is our primary concern so we felt our program would not have ample oversight, Roland said. This ultimately led to the decision to cancel summer camp. The county had only seven part-time Summer Camp Counselors on board three of which had no prior camp experience, according to Roland. This years camp had only one lead counselor, Roland said. The county is providing a total of $3,645 to compensate the part-time employees that will be impacted by the cancelation, with money coming from the recreation programs budget, according to Roland. The Lead Counselor will receive $495, and $450 will go to each of the remaining counselors for a total of $3,645, Roland said. We regret the events that took place and the short notice to our part- time staff who had planned to work the Summer Camp, Roland said. We hope this small stipend will help as they look for other job opportunities. More assistance is going to help parents, said Kathy Johnson, the countys director of human resources. The parents or guardians of 40 children will receive a full-refund of any moneys they have prepaid plus $120 per child for a total of $4,800, according to Roland. The county knows finding childcare is a challenge and hope this money will assist parents in making new arrangements for their children for the summer, Roland said. To assist in this, the county Staff called a number of childcare providers to determine who may have space available in their programs, Roland said. We provided that contact information to the parents. To pay for these expenses, the county will use funds that were previously allocated for the Summer Camp, Roland said. Facility rental for the duration of the camp was budgeted at $7,500, including the deposit, according to Roland. Additional funds will be freed-up as field trips previously planned will no longer take place, Roland said. The county realizes the cancelation of our Summer Day Camp is a most unfortunate situation with one-week notice to parents and staff, said County Administrator Jason Berry. However, due to the circumstances of the abrupt resignation of the department director, and the staffing challenges, the department has been facing, we felt it was the best choice. We are sorry this has happened, but we also recognize the safety and care of the children in our programs must be the primary concern. 276-791-0709 @BHC_Tennis Hickory Public Schools celebrated its Of the Year and consecutive Years of Service Employees on June 5 at the CVCC Workforce Solutions Complex. Bryan Taylor, the superintendent, announced the 2023-24 Hickory Public Schools Teacher of the Year, Kristin Holbrook, a kindergarten teacher at Oakwood Elementary. Holbrook was selected from nine candidates representing each of the districts schools. An independent panel of members from the community conducted the judging. Holbrook received a $1,000 award from Vanguard Furniture, a crystal apple provided by Horace Mann, a one-year membership to the Catawba Science Center, and the one-year use of a Toyota vehicle courtesy of Mike Johnsons Hickory Toyota. Holbrook will go on to represent Hickory Public Schools at the regional level. Erin Sigmon, Southwest Primary School principal, was named the 2023-24 Hickory Public Schools Principal of the Year. Sigmon received a $500 award from Vanguard Furniture and a crystal apple provided by Horace Mann. Sigmon will also go on to represent Hickory Public Schools at the regional level. Norma Padron-Cervantes, Hickory High Schools main office secretary, was named the 2022-23 Hickory Public Schools Golden Apple Classified Employee of the Year. Padron-Cervantes received a $500 award from David E Looper & Co. and a plaque. Notable mentions of the day included: Teacher of the Year second place, Yolander Kennedy, seventh-grade English language arts teacher at Grandview Middle, received $500 from Vanguard Furniture. Teacher of the Year third place, Stephanie McGuire, a kindergarten teacher at Jenkins Elementary, received $350 from Vanguard Furniture. All Teacher of the Year nominees received $250 from Vanguard Furniture. Nominees included: Millie Baker, fifth-grade English language arts teacher at Longview Elementary; Chelsea Houser, exceptional childrens teacher at Southwest Primary; Alanda Johnson, career and technical education, business and marketing teacher at Hickory High; Denise Knowles, art teacher at Viewmont Elementary; Christopher Parsons, art teacher at Northview Middle; Anetia Wright, core teacher at Hickory Career & Arts Magnet. Golden Apple Classified Employee of the Year honorable mentions went to Keith Herman, intervention teacher assistant at Southwest Primary; Aaron Patterson, in-school suspension teacher assistant at Grandview Middle; Annie Sloane, cafeteria worker at Oakwood Elementary. During the event, consecutive years of service employees were also recognized for their 10, 15, 20 or 25 years of commitment to Hickory Public Schools. The gaming lab at Hickory Career & Arts Magnet High School recently underwent a $5,000 renovation, equipping it with new hardware and a new look. The upgrades will pave the way for students to participate in High School Esports League competitions, which could result in scholarships, said curriculum coordinator Ellen Barefoot Annas. Esports is defined as playing video games competitively, Annas said. Annas said Esports is a growing sport and can be a pathway to college if a student is drafted onto an Esports team. (University of North Carolina) Greensboro is probably the biggest school in North Carolina that has an Esports team, and they are always looking for students to give scholarships to (who will) come play on their Esports team, Annas said. Annas said the gaming lab was originally intended for virtual reality video games and had several virtual reality headsets and computers. Now, there are four computers built for gaming, one older computer to run older PC games, VR headsets and a Nintendo Wii console. Blue LED lighting strips also line the walls, casting a blue glow on the lab. Annas said students are already gaming in the lab, And I thought, why not create a space where they can do the things theyre already interested in, in a more controlled environment? The gaming lab and team, currently called Hurricane Gaming, is also an opportunity to build school spirit and help students feel like they belong, Annas said. Rising senior Isaac Torres is one of the students interested in gaming and Esports. Torres said he plays video games with friends regularly. It makes me feel relaxed and comfortable, he said. Annas said she and the students are looking to play in the High School Esports Leagues winter competition in January and February. She said they will play Rocket League and chess and will likely vote on a third game to play competitively. The renovations were funded by Joe Schoonover, owner of Hickory-based tech company Fluid Numerics. I primarily work in an industry that does a lot of work with GPUs for general purpose computing, and a lot of kids coming out of schools these days do not have enough experience in computer science in general, Schoonover said. So any program that can get an interest in understanding computer hardware we absolutely need it. Schoonover added: I think human-computer interaction is such a huge part of society now (and) we need to figure out ways to get kids comfortable with them. There are 14 days between Juneteenth and July Fourth. Both national holidays represent freedom and independence. They are part of our shared heritage as Americans, and there is no reason not to celebrate both. On June 19, 1865, Army Gen. Gordon Granger arrived in Galveston Bay in Texas with 2,000 Union troops and gave General Order Number 3. His actions provided independence to slaves in the state following the end of the Civil War. African Americans have celebrated the holiday, first known as Emancipation Day, ever since. President Joe Biden signed the order making Juneteenth a federal holiday in 2021. At the time, many white Americans had no knowledge of what Juneteenth is nor the history behind it. Recognizing Juneteenth helps begin a larger discussion about freedom and race in the country. Even after slaves were freed in Texas, there were questions to answer and struggles ahead for individuals who never experienced freedom before. Through the next century, the descendants of former slaves and others celebrated the holiday. They did so while never forgetting slavery but also seeing the African American experience through the larger history of the country, both good and bad. As historian Annette Gordon-Reed writes in a good article on the holiday in the New York Times, (But) they all knew Juneteenth was but one positive marker on African Americans journey through United States History. The current generation was making others. Juneteenth connects all of us to the history of Abraham Lincoln and the Emancipation Proclamation. Lincolns proclamation to free the slaves in Confederate territories during the Civil War created a war message which later led to much broader freedoms. When Gen. Granger ordered slaves free in Galveston more than two years after Lincolns initial order, he was carrying out the intent of the proclamation. Slavery, as people understood it, was abolished shortly after by the 13th Amendment. Lincoln, perhaps the greatest student of Jefferson, certainly wrestled with the freedom struggle in the midst of war. Questions of how to accomplish individual freedoms remains an ongoing task. Being in a republican democracy is like that, and our countrys founders were smart enough to craft a changeable government. Such crafting began with the document separating the colonies from England. Jeffersons Declaration of Independence laid out the foundation, and the rationale, for doing so. Moreover, once the enlightened words were put on paper concerning life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness, they became ideal. When the words All men are created equal were set to paper, they began larger discussions about the freedoms of all men and women. While, unfortunately, equality did not come for everyone at the same time, one of the legacies of the Declaration is Juneteenth itself. It is true. The most important history to learn is the history you dont know. Knowing about Juneteenth and recognizing the holiday, helps every American know a little bit more about the history of this country. To be taught about another history is a profound thing. A good many white students never heard of Juneteenth before the presidents recognition of it as a federal holiday. Learning about Juneteenth and recognizing its importance to Black history ties each one of us to the freedoms of others. Knowing another individuals history helps us to understand his or her freedoms are tied to our own. We mark holidays to recognize the contributions of people in our shared pasts but also to acknowledge the freedom struggle goes on. It never ends, regardless of color or background. The American story remains an important one in the world. June 19 to July 4 are freedom days. A time to remember the many gifts we have been given by living in a country with a republican form of government, but also to remind ourselves that democracy is hard. We live in a country where citizenship, respect, and civility are watchwords on the wall of freedom. As Gordon-Reed notes, It may be hard for some to do this in our fractious times (celebrate both holidays), but both holidays should be used to reflect upon the common value that Juneteenth and the Fourth have come to express: the recognition of the equal humanity and dignity of people the world over. That is a great way to put it. African Americans, and others, celebrated Juneteenth across the ages in part because it gave them hope that through civic and political actions, rights and equality would come and that the words of the Declaration would mean the same thing for all peoples and carry the same weight. After Gen. Granger gave his order, he became immediately unpopular with the white populations in Texas and he was soon removed from command. But he encouraged the former slaves to work and improve their lives. Political and social gains for them were slow in coming. Today, there are people who are uncomfortable with having two Independence Days. They need to learn about the history of both holidays and how each are intertwined. North Carolinas own Patrick McHenry, who represents our 10th District in the U.S. House of Representatives, helped negotiate the debt-ceiling compromise that President Joe Biden signed on June 3. Not surprisingly, McHenry described it as a major accomplishment. Huge relief to actually see a bipartisan bill make its way through the House and Senate and get a presidential signature, said McHenry, a key ally of House Speaker Kevin McCarthy, and honored to be a part, even a small part of this big undertaking in divided government. North Carolinas own Dan Bishop, who represents the neighboring 8th District, is a frequent critic of the speaker and voted against the deal. Not surprisingly, Bishop described it as a disaster and a huge loss for the American people. McCarthy got rolled, he tweeted. As for the rest of the states congressional delegation, all the other House members voted in favor of the deal except 2nd District Democrat Deborah Ross, who was absent. Sen. Thom Tillis also said yes. Sen. Ted Budd said no. Im not going to argue that the debt-ceiling bill was unimportant. And if Id been in Congress, Id have voted for it, given that it will save taxpayers a bit of money and somewhat strengthen work requirements for public assistance. But I can also understand the unenthusiastic response of fiscal conservatives, both inside and outside government. Our federal budget is massively out of balance. Bringing it into balance at some point in the not-too-distant future which I view as both an economic necessity and a moral imperative will not happen through such low-stakes negotiations. Of the $6.3 trillion the federal government is spending this year, current revenue will fund only $4.9 trillion. Washington is borrowing the remainder, $1.4 trillion. What would be necessary to close such a deficit? Well, Congress and the administration could attempt to close the gap with more revenue. But if you think a 29% increase in the federal tax burden wouldnt jolt our economy into a deep recession and motivate well-lawyered individuals and companies to game the system you live in fantasyland. On the other side of the ledger, that $6.3 trillion in expenditures consist of $4.6 trillion for mandatory items (debt service plus Social Security, Medicare, Medicaid, and other welfare programs) and $1.7 trillion in discretionary spending. In theory, we could balance the budget by whacking the latter category by 82%. Keep in mind, though, that this category includes national defense, education, energy, transportation, and a host of other popular and in some cases essential programs. Cutting discretionary spending will be necessary, yes. Heck, Im conservative as they come, but I think additional revenue will be necessary, too, as part of a lasting and politically salable solution (though Id opt for selling federal assets and closing loopholes over raising tax rates). The inescapable math of the problem, however, is that unless our elected officials are willing to reform the entitlements that comprise most of the federal budget, their claim to care about federal debt shouldnt be taken seriously. Indeed, the math gets even more inescapable when you consider the fact that entitlements will make up a larger share of federal spending in the future than they do today. Americas population is aging. The ratio of retirees to workers is growing. We need to reduce Social Security benefits for retirees with above-average incomes. We need to do the same for Medicare coverage, while also reforming the way both Medicare and Medicaid compensate providers for medical services. We need to encourage Americans to save more for their own post-retirement needs, including their long-term care, and to rely more on their own children and grandchildren rather than expecting other peoples children and grandchildren to close the gap. We should have initiated such entitlement reforms decades ago. That would have made them easier to adjust to. Every year we delay the inevitable, the transition gets harder. Its time for those in positions of leadership to earn that label. The Opposition is urging the government to be more proactive in banning high-risk authoritarian technologies . Photo: Shutterstock The federal government has made good progress in removing potential back doors in high-risk authoritarian technologies but needs to pivot to a more proactive approach before Australia is compromised, the oppositions cyber security spokesperson has warned. Calling out the risks of Chinese products including social media app TikTok, Dahua and HikVision surveillance cameras and DJI drones, Senator James Paterson, Shadow Minister for Cyber Security, warned that such products, in aggregate, present a systemic threat to our national security. They are all produced by ostensibly private companies based in China, he explained in a speech to industry leaders this month, but in reality, are functionally arms of the Chinese state which are subject to the extra judicial direction of the Chinese Communist Party. Any one of these products could easily be weaponised to conduct cyber disruptions, surveillance, and large-scale foreign interference. And while the government has been moving to reduce its exposure to the products over 1000 HikVision and Dahua cameras are slated to be removed from Commonwealth sites, hundreds of government DJI drones have been grounded, and TikTok recently banned from government devices Paterson said the changes had only been implemented after extensive campaigning, and had lagged similar actions by Australias allies. We need to move beyond the whack-a-mole approach, Paterson said, towards something more systemic and forward-leaning. The Australian government should, he argued, follow the lead of the UK Government which this month announced plans to create a National Security Unit for Procurement by creating a new office specifically designed to map and remove problematic technology already embedded in government systems, while also assessing emerging technologies before they are deployed to ensure appropriate mitigations are in place. This change would create opportunities for domestic suppliers to leverage trust and transparency as areas of competitive advantage compared to overseas suppliers whose products are often cheaper but present more risks due to opaque supply chains and the risk of being compelled by authoritarian governments whose interests are inimical to Australias. Securing the supply chain Patersons comments come weeks after the Australian Cyber Security Centre (ACSC) joined similar bodies in Five Eyes nations which have already been proactive in encouraging companies to review and secure their software supply chains to warn that a Chinese government-backed cyber criminal group is targeting US critical infrastructure operators. The group is living off the land, using built-in Windows tools to blend into target networks, stealing data and achieving other strategic objectives unnoticed. Australian businesses and government suppliers should proactively work to identify and close any potential loopholes that leave them exposed to such attacks creating an opportunity for domestic suppliers to leverage trust and position themselves as preferred suppliers of technology and software. This included proactively removing high-risk technologies from their own environments: If it is not safe to have these technologies in government departments because of the espionage risk they represent, Paterson said, its hard to see why they should be permitted on a system of national significance or an AUKUS supplier. Chinese technologies are, however, becoming harder to avoid: a recent update to the Australian Strategic Policy Institutes Critical Technology Tracker, which benchmarks international research maturity in 23 critical technology areas, found that China is leading high-impact research in 19 of the 23 technology areas. Across a number of technology areas, Chinas lead is so great that no aggregation of countries exceeds its share, ASPI warned. Yet in several areas including autonomous systems operation technology, advanced robotics, adversarial AI-reverse engineering and protective cyber the collective strength of the AUKUS countries shifts this picture, and they take the global lead. highlighting the importance of the accelerating effect of greater collaboration between like-minded partners. Ultimately, Paterson exhorted Australia to join AUKUS partners in shoring up government software supply chains before foreign powers exploit unpatched vulnerabilities. We need to seize the initiative in times of relative stability, he said, to purge our systems of potential back doors that foreign adversaries could use to infiltrate or disrupt our systems. If the worst eventuates and we witness a regional conflict at some point in the future, we will look back with regret that we had not acted to address these vulnerabilities sooner. ASX-listed cyber security company Tesserent is preparing to sell to French defence giant Thales for $173 million, subject to shareholder and regulatory approval. The deal was announced to the market on Tuesday with Thales offering a premium on Tesserents recent share price. The Tesserent board and company directors have recommended the deal to shareholders. Company chair Geoff Lord said the deal was a win-win for investors, customers, and employees, including Tesserents 500-strong team of cyber security professionals. As a result of the Share Scheme, Tesserent staff are further expected to have increased opportunities to develop new skill sets and access to new networks, including international mobility, to further advance and grow their careers, he said. CEO of Thales Australia, Jeff Connolly, said Tesserent is a highly complementary addition to our global cyber security platform. We are excited by the combination, especially given our collective alignment to advising multiple levels of government, including national defence and clients with critical infrastructure. In early 2019, Tesserent set out on what it called an aggressive acquisition strategy to accelerate the companys growth. The strategy began with the purchase of security advisory firm Rivium for a $3.25m cash and shares deal in July 2019. Next came PS&C Limited a firm Tesserent had identified as a competitor with Tesserent buying Pure Security for $16 million and North Consulting for $5.3 million. North gave Tesserent a deeper Canberra presence, bolstered by the acquisitions appointment to the Defence Industry Security Program in June 2020. The acquisitions continued with Seer Security in July 2020 for $5 million followed by Airloom ($14.8 million) and Ludus ($1.5 million) in August 2020. For a company that posted total sales revenue of $5.2 million in the 2019 financial year, the acquisition strategy succeeded in growing the business with Tesserent reporting a $96.7 million turnover in 2021. Yet despite being the ASXs major cyber security company at a time when the cost of poor security has become more pronounced, Tesserent ultimately failed to attract the kind of investors who would keep its share price ticking up. Since hitting an all-time-high price of 43c per share in January 2021, Tesserent has seen its value trickle down and is being sold for a price (13c per share) it had on the public market just six months ago. Speaking to the Financial Review this week, Tesserent CEO Kurt Hansen suggested institutional investors had shied away from his companys relatively low core earnings and hadnt been impressed by Tesserents aggressive acquisition strategy. Some dont like what they call a roll-up, even though weve told them many times that were integrating the capabilities of our acquisitions, he said. Views on human age need to be revisited. The value of adulthood as a period of certainty has declined for many, which means that this period is being delayed. The processes of personality development vary, and adults are preserving signs of infantilism. The traditional life periodization by age child young person adult is not quite relevant today. Too many things have changed: the pace of life, approaches to education, social roles and institutions, marriage, and professional identity. Peoples life courses have become less predictable. The beginning of adult life has changed. Finally, the value of adulthood is being questioned, and infantilism is becoming a common phenomenon. In their paper Infantilism: Theoretical Construct andOperationalization, Elena Sabelnikova and Natalia Khmeleva suggest a new conceptualization for this phenomenon, in which they emphasize that they avoided a judgmental modus but analysed the phenomenon of infantilism as such. Delayed Self-identity From a psychological perspective, adulthood implies self-regulation, emotional maturity (rationality, self-control, lack of impulsivity, etc.), responsibility, ability to self-reflect, and the need to work and have stable relationships. Adults strive for success in their professions and in family life. Some psychologists emphasize the importance of the motives of affiliation and achievement. It is important for a person to define his or her civil and social position, lifestyle, etc. According to Sabelnikova and Khmeleva, infantile personality, on the contrary, is characterized by immature feelings (childish reactions, lack of willpower, lack of confidence), external locus of control (other people are blamed), inflated self-concept, low demands on self (accompanied by high demands on society), and egocentrism. An infantile person seeks to escape the need to adequately assess objective social reality, the papers authors added. In other words, maturity is associated with successful mastering of the key social roles: professional, spousal, and parental. But more and more people are delaying this choice, and valuing it differently. People are spending more time in search of themselves and are taking longer to get an education and choose a partner. As a result, the process of professional and personal identification is taking longer. Age Boundaries Are Relative Demographic data show that the age of separation from the parents family has shifted from 18-20 in older generations (for example, among Russians born in the 1950s) to 23-25 for those born during the 1980s baby boom. Almost one-third of the generation born between 1980 and 1986 believe that they rushed into independence too early. On the one hand, we can assume that 70% of the younger respondents had made a well thought out decision since they are sure they started off on their own at the right time for them, said demographers Alina Dolgova and Ekaterina Mitrofanova. However, a fairly large and growing proportion had apparently taken the decision lightly and later regretted it. Periodization of ages has varied in different studies. Adulthood has different names: maturity, personal agency stage, middle age, etc. Some researchers, including American psychologists Grace Craig and Don Baucum, suggest talking about early adulthood between 18 and 40. Other scholars, such as American psychologist Virginia Quinn, define the same period as young age. According to Sabelnikova and Khmeleva, this is the main period of self-realization Infantilism Factors Delaying adulthood is a response to the new reality, many scholars believe. Everything is changing, from the set of competencies and jobs (some of them are disappearing while the others are evolving), to relationships. A number of new ways to live have been discovered. Alternative models of adulthood have evolved. People's life courses have become unpredictable. For example, people earn a degree, work, and then study again and change their profession. People can leave their parents home, but then come back and extend their childhood. Meanwhile, the range of life opportunities is too wide, which can be disorienting and make it difficult to make a choice. Educational choices have an unknown expiration date (due to the unclear future of professions) and, according to psychologist Alexandra Bochaver, cause lack of confidence. As a result, young people tend to become escapist and delay important decisions. Instead of choosing a strategy, they limit themselves to tactical solutions in various spheres of life and delay their final (adult) choices. Conditions for socialization have changed. Communication has largely gone online, and is mediated by digital technology and devices: gadgets, mobile apps, social media, messengers, etc. But such contacts are superficial, Sabelnikova and Khmeleva believe. Some studies have shown that when live communication is replaced with digital communication, empathy decreases and autistic-like behaviour grows (self-absorption, escaping reality). This leads to emotional immaturity. The sociocultural environment has also changed, and traditional roles are being devalued. The goal to be happy is being replaced with the goal to be successful, Sabelnikova and Khmeleva write. Many values are getting a not prefix: not to get married, not to have children, since the old patriarchal values will be an obstacle for contemporary young people who are willing to become successful by all means. With all these powerful changes of environment, infantilization looks like a logical phenomenon. In addition, some types of activities also impact the coming-of-age process. For example, according to Virginia Quinn, long studies (Masters, doctoral, continuing education) somewhat slow the process of growing up. Such people often live with their parents and are not willing to get a job and earn an income. Peter Pan, Prince, Eternal Boy Psychologists have studied the signs of infantilism from various perspectives. Jeffrey Arnett, author of the Emerging Adulthood theory (2000), outlined a special age period from 18 to 25. Young people of this age are no longer teenagers, but they are not adults yet. They are only partly independent, since they usually live with parents. Such young people have a lot of opportunities and few responsibilities. Before choosing a partner or a vocation, they can try different options several times. Carl Gustav Jung provided a psychoanalytical analysis of this phenomenon. Speaking about the eternal boy archetype (puer aeternus), he meant people avoiding adult responsibility. Jungs peer Marie-Louise von Franz developed these ideas in her book Eternal Boy. Puer Aeternus. She looked at a particular form of neurosis in such people: a provisional life. A man suffering this neurosis feels that he doesnt exist yet in real life. In his search for a partner, a job, or a vocation he constantly feels that this is not what he wants. The state of provisional life may linger on: an eternal boy starts avoiding living in the present. As a result, he may acquire addictions, anger attacks, and phobias. A similar phenomenon is kidults (kid+adult), a term that first appeared in The New York Times in an article by journalist Peter Martin during a burst of arcade machine popularity. Kidults are people who preserve their teenage likings (from video games, anime and fantasy, to a responsibility-free lifestyle) until they are 30-35 and older. Psychologists illustrate this type with such characters as Peter Pan and the Little Prince. Legitimation of Infantilism Some scholars argue that adulthood is no longer an unconditional value. For example, a study on attitudes among 5th-graders today revealed that they are not willing to grow up. They associate adulthood not only with independence, but also with a lot of responsibilities. Young adults are in a similar situation. The contradictory image of the future frightens a young person and encourages them to stay in childhood, where there were no problems and the life was stable and safe, Sabelnikova and Khmeleva write. It turns out that infantilism in this case is almost a conscious choice. The researchers believe that infantilism should not be judged. To a certain degree, it can be considered a sign of time diversity in personal development. Lev Vygotsky used to write about similar processes. The personalitys path to maturity is not homogeneous by type, say Sabelnikov and Khmeleva. Due to time diversity, in infantile people, the emotional and willpower area falls behind the general development rates, and intelligence and cognition develop faster than the average in this period. Legitimation of infantilism can also be related to its assessment as a protective mechanism, a way to overcome the difficulties in life. Nancy McWilliams, a psychoanalyst from the U.S., emphasized that the term infantile personality is disappearing from the official list, which is logical; in modern terms, its just an alternative life course. Authors of the study: However, these same characteristics add a new layer of vulnerability, increasing the number of access points susceptible to cyber-attacks and exposing users to elevated and malicious forms of digital and cyber risk. The future of technological interconnectedness will continue to evolve as society embraces the third generation of the internet existing on blockchain technology, which is built on the premise that the internet should be a decentralised network of computers instead of a centralised one. The emerging web3 scene involves concepts that are revolutionising the future of the internet, including cryptocurrencies, non-fungible tokens (NFTs), and the metaverse. The metaverse is an integrated network of three-dimensional worlds that essentially run parallel to the physical world, enabled by cryptocurrencies and NFTs that provide indisputable proof of ownership. The metaverse isnt like being transported to another universe; its ultimately about meshing what businesses have in the digital space into the physical space. By 2030, its estimated that the metaverse could reach US$5 trillion in value and will have the biggest growth potential for several sectors, including healthcare, financial services, retail, and manufacturing1. So far, more than US$120 billion has been invested into the metaverse, and 79% of consumers active on the metaverse have made a purchase2. The metaverse is undeniably an opportunity for innovation and experimentation, promising a raft of opportunities for businesses to gain better brand visibility, connect with younger consumers, create immersive and interactive customer experiences, and sell virtual assets or items for a profit. For example, a digital Gucci bag was sold on Roblox for the equivalent of US$4,000. Globally, banks are currently engaging with and investing in virtual reality (VR) and augmented reality (AR) in preparation for entering the metaverse. According to The Global Benchmark for Sustainable Banking Report, nine in 10 Australian banks surveyed are interested in exploring the metaverse, with more than 55% already investing in metaverse-based technologies3. However, its not limited to financial institutions. In higher education, students can interact in the metaverse while on campus, creating a new threat surface that needs to be secured. For example, Swinburne University of Technology has built a digital open day platform, Swintopia, a gamified virtual campus giving students the full open day experience online4. The metaverse offers plenty of business and educational opportunities; however, it does introduce cyber threats that are putting businesses and consumers at risk and must be addressed. One of the key aspects of the metaverse that raises concerns is the vast amount of personal data collected from customers who often aren't aware of the level of data they are providing. While banks and fintechs, for example, have started to dip their toes into the metaverse, they may not be aware of how consumer security plays out in the metaverse. Most banks craft their cyber strategies with older consumers in mind; however, they must understand that consumers in the metaverse are much younger and potentially less security conscious. For example, younger consumers are less risk-averse when sharing sensitive account credentials. Banks must rethink their cybersecurity posture to better protect their consumers digital avatars against foreseen and unforeseen threats or risk impacting growth and consumer and commercial confidence. Platforms like the darkverse will also quickly become a new space for cybercrime and threat actors because it will be difficult to trace, monitor, and infiltrate by law enforcement. The platform is similar to the dark web; however, it exists inside the metaverse, enabling threat actors to coordinate and carry out cyber attacks such as phishing, fraud, and ransomware. Deepfakes are also likely to wreak havoc in the metaverse. The technology is already used to deceive people into buying products and is increasingly used for a wide variety of cybercrimes, including political propaganda and disinformation. It could also increase the effectiveness of phishing and business email compromise (BEC) attacks. Businesses need to pay attention to deepfakes as the implications of disinformation could significantly damage the reputation, profits, and market valuation. Like all cyber risks, combatting the threat starts with cyber awareness and education. Businesses should educate employees on how to spot deepfake technology, such as looking for odd blinking patterns, unnatural facial expressions, or odd lighting or discolouration. Even so, its getting harder to spot deepfakes, meaning businesses must also enhance their security to prevent advanced threats from reaching their networks. Digital twinning is another technology trend that provides multiple benefits for businesses and is one of the core building blocks of the metaverse. The convergence of digital twins and the metaverse has the potential to transform economies and industries by augmenting the physical world and making it accessible from the digital realm. For the consumer, the digital twin will take processes and data and create another environment to test and run simulations. However, the risk is that, when people take the production data, there arent always the same security controls in the test environment. In an unsecured test environment, a cyber attack may give a threat actor access to the physical twin, or the digital twin could be used to gain a better understanding of a customers physical processes that could cause physical harm to people and property. The new chapter of the internet is coming. It might not seem that the metaverse is for everyone; however, the technology for web3 is potentially here to stay, and the importance of building in security is going to become more complex in this new data-verse environment. While the metaverse is enticing, and its possibilities are exciting, its also permeated with dark corners that can put businesses and consumers at risk. The metaverse has greatly expanded the threat landscape, and currently, no regulations or policies exist around protecting consumer and business data. Dr Catriona Wallace is taking a step in the right direction in looking at creating a responsible metaverse alliance that will help in having a more secure society and culture in the metaverse5. Before deploying a metaverse, businesses must consider how they will protect their customers and their data. To mitigate risk, businesses should foster a culture that supports cybersecurity awareness as well as implement a security fabric that eliminates security gaps and hastens responses to attacks and breaches. This layered security approach is key to delivering cohesive and consistent security. It also enables IT teams to centrally monitor, detect, and remediate breaches while simplifying the management of an organisations entire security architecture. References: 1 https://www.mckinsey.com/capabilities/growth-marketing-and-sales/our-insights/value-creation-in-the-metaverse 2 https://www.mckinsey.com/capabilities/growth-marketing-and-sales/our-insights/value-creation-in-the-metaverse 3 https://www.mobiquity.com/insights/global-benchmark-for-sustainable-banking-2022 4 https://www.swinburne.edu.au/life-at-swinburne/swintopia/ 5 https://responsiblemetaverse.org/ Eden Exchange, a revolutionary online platform for buying and selling businesses, recently released its comprehensive report, Unlocking Franchise Growth in Regional Australia, unveiling pivotal insights into Australias rapidly evolving franchising landscape. The franchising industry has undergone significant transformation in adapting to the technological advancements of the modern era. The report, in partnership with the Franchise Council of Australia (FCA), sheds light on the crucial role of technology as well as the impact of internal migration growth and the evolving demographics of Australias AU$172 billion franchising industry. The report showcases a notable shift in the industry's mindset, moving away from a singular focus on franchise sales towards a growth mindset that places emphasis on innovation, integration of advanced systems and a deep understanding of the Australian market. Franchise owners, from the smallest to the most sophisticated, are now actively seeking education and solutions that can simplify operations, maximise profitability and foster a forward-thinking approach. Whether in the form of live online training sessions or as a new revenue stream, technology as part of the franchising ecosystem is here to stay. Raghu Rajakumar, Founder and CEO of Eden Exchange, says: At Eden Exchange, we are committed to assisting franchisors and business owners in unlocking this untapped potential. With our sophisticated, AI-driven platform and experienced team, we provide expert guidance and support throughout the journey, helping to navigate the challenges and seize the opportunities together. Eden Exchange is filling a significant gap in the market, revolutionising the way businesses are bought and sold by leveraging technology. Trusted by more than 150 franchisors, including beloved household names like The Cheesecake Shop, Red Rooster, and Pizza Hut, Eden Exchange facilitates seamless connections between buyers, deal makers and sellers, fundamentally transforming the traditional processes involved in business transactions. The report has garnered acclaim within the franchising community for its valuable insights and practical guidance ahead of the National Franchise Convention (NFC) event hosted by the FCA from 15-16 May 2023 at the Star Gold Coast. Download the full Unlocking Franchise Growth in Regional Australia report here. About Eden Exchange Eden Exchange is a revolutionary online marketplace for buying and selling businesses. Its premier, all-in-one platform seamlessly connects buyers and sellers, reshaping the landscape of business transactions. With an extensive network with expertise in business sales, Eden Exchange guides clients and users through each step of the business transaction, offering support from lead and deal origination to preparation and transaction. Trusted by an extensive range of clients, including renowned brands such as The Cheesecake Shop, Rolld Australia and Poolwerx, Eden Exchange has become the go-to destination for businesses of all sizes to achieve their goals. For more information, visit edenexchange.com or follow us on LinkedIn, Twitter, Facebook and Instagram. 100 years ago, June 15, 1923 TOLEDO Robert South of Janesville was arrested upon complaint of F.P. Zike of near Neal, charging him with forgery. South gave bond to the amount of $1000 for his appearance at the next term of circuit court. Two warrants had been issued for his arrest, one before Justice J.W. Grissom in November last, and another on an indictment in the March term of circuit court...MARSHALL All roadwork, bridge construction and county highway work in Clark county is tied up indefinitely as the result of the action taken by the board of supervisors. The board passed a resolution declaring the office of county superintendent of highways vacant and charging the present superintendent with causes for removal from officer. The board gave no specific charge, no proof of guilt or any chance for a defense by the accused, if he had so wished for a defense...SPRINGFIELD Illinoisans will speak the American language after July 1 if Gov. Small signs the Ryan bill which passed the house yesterday by a vote of 102 to 7. The bill provides that the official language of Illinois, in school and out, shall be designated American instead of English. Its author is Senator Frank Ryan (Dem. Chicago), a loyal son of Erin. 50 years ago, 1973 CHARLESTON The publisher emeritus of the Coles County Times-Courier in Charleston died Thursday. Benjamin Weir, 92, of Charleston died at 7 p.m. Thursday in Charleston Community Hospital. He had been ill for several months and entered the hospital June 10. The retired publisher came to Charleston in 1919 when he purchased the Courier from Charles L. Lee. In 1960, he acquired the Daily News from the late John Rardin and changed the name of the paper to Courier-News. He retired in 1968 and sold the paper to the Coles County Daily Times. Since then he has served in an advisory capacity. Mr. Weir was a veteran of the Spanish American War and served in the 4th Illinois Volunteer Infantry from 1898 to 1899. He was instrumental in acquiring the Lincoln Homestead in the early 1930s for the present Lincoln Log Cabin State. Also created at his suggestion was the scenic view lookout on Route 130 southeast of Charleston. 25 years ago, 1998 MATTOON The annual Flag Day parade and ceremony included winning essay contest readings and singing of the National Anthem at Peterson Park. About 40 entries, mostly political candidates and incumbent officials, marched the parade route under mostly sunny skies Saturday morning. The Charleston Fourth of July Committee carried a large flag promoting the Red, White and Blue Days approaching next month. Following the parade a crowd of about 50 people gathered at Peterson Park to hear two essay winners read what the flag means to them...CHARLESTON Terry Weidner came to EIU in 1964, expecting to stay only a few years and certainly never dreaming of becoming an administrator. At the end of the month, Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs Terry Weidner will retire, capping off a 34-year career that was spent entirely at EIU. And while Weidner was impressive in the botany classroom - he consistently earned nearly perfect student evaluations - he has also made a positive impact in his duties in his office in Old Main. Weidner and his wife, Louise, came to EIU when when he was just out of graduate school at Ohio State University. To compliment his teaching duties, Weidner spent a lot of time on various campus committees. Weidner became chairman of the botany department in 1976, a position he held until 1991, when he became acting associate vice president of academic affairs. Historic U.S. flag photos Historic U.S. flag photos Historic US Flags Giant American flag Star Spangled Banner World War II Flag Day 1952 Stars and Stripes Four early American flags Oldest U.S. flag in existence; Old Glory First American flag sewing Grand Union flag Battle-torn American flag; Pearl Harbor Home-made copies of early American flags 48 Stars flag Lincoln flag Lincoln flag Field of stars Civil War flag Oregon Flag Oregon Flag A bipartisan bill that aims to prohibit the use of predatory real estate service agreements cleared its first N.C. Senate committee Wednesday after being shelved for about 10 weeks. The Senate Judiciary committee recommended House Bill 422, titled Unfair Real Estate Agreements Act, to the gatekeeper Rules and Operations committee. The bill cleared the House by a 115-0 vote on April 5. H422s lead primary sponsor is Rep. Kyle Hall, R-Stokes, who has a portion of Forsyth County in his district. Hall also is a Realtor. Also in support is N.C. Attorney General Josh Stein, who said the legislation addresses his concerns about oppressive, long-term Right to List service agreements. A major focus of the legislation is addressing the business model of MV Realty of Florida, which has been sued by Stein for marketing and selling these agreements. Stein is seeking preliminary and permanent injunctions, restitution for consumers, and other monetary penalties. Stein said in a statement that the filing of the bills come as his office is taking MV Realty to court to put them out of business because we allege theyre preying on vulnerable people. According to Steins statement, his office has received more than 20 complaints about MV Realty, which began doing business in North Carolina in August 2020. It has signed up more than 2,100 North Carolinians to its Homeowner Benefit Program, typically homeowners who are facing financial hardships and are in need of cash. HB422 details The legislation, which the state Justice Department helped draft, is supported by AARP, NC Realtors and the NC Real Estate Commission. The bill summary said the impetus is that several real estate companies have been using a predatory business model to target seniors and financially insecure homeowners with cold calls, even those on the Do Not Call registry. A Justice review of the lending practice determined that in the states four largest Multiple Listing Service areas Charlotte, Raleigh-Durham, Greensboro-Winston-Salem and Asheville there have been more than 2,000 homeowners that signed an agreement with one of these firms since fall 2000. The firms have combined listed 86 properties. The companies offer to provide cash payments, typically less than $1,000, to homeowners in exchange for agreeing to exclusively utilize that companys services to list their property at any time over the next 40 years. What bill sponsors say is concerning is that the signed contracts include a memorandum that is filed with the county that serves as a lien on the propertys title. The contract purports to be binding on current homeowners and property heirs, and the lien complicates the homeowners ability to refinance, access home equity or transfer their property, according to the summary. Property owners can terminate agreements early, but must pay a penalty equal to 3% of the market value of the property which represents the commission the company would have earned for listing the home and the company gets to determine the homes value pursuant to the contract. The bill defined a real estate service agreement as a written contract between an agent, service provider, person and either the residential homeowner or a potential buyer to provide services, current or future, in connection with the maintenance, purchase or sale of residential real estate. According to the bill, it is unfair to an owner of residential real estate who enters into such an agreement or to other parties who may become owners of that real estate in the future. The bill would prohibit the recording of such agreements so that the public records will not be clouded by them and provides remedies for owners who are inconvenienced or damaged by the recording of such agreements. The bill would declare that such an agreement is unfair if it is effective and binding for more than one year from the effective date of agreement and has any of the following characteristics: It purports to be tied to the land or is binding on future owners; Expressly allows for assignment of the right to provide those services without notice or consent of the owner or buyer; Purports to create a lien, encumbrance or other real property security interest. There are some exceptions in the proposed bills that include: a home warranty plan; insurance contract; maintenance or repair agreement entered by a homeowners association; provisions of a regulated utility service; property management contract; and certain liens. The bill would provide consumers with the ability to recover damages, costs and attorneys fees that may be proved against the agent, service provider or person named in the agreement. Hall said North Carolina property owners deserve peace of mind (knowing) that our laws prevent bad actors from taking advantage of them with unfair, confusing and misleading sales contracts. Thats why Im proud to introduce this legislation to protect consumers with straight-forward and clear contracts, he said. Jeff Thigpen, Guilford Countys Register of Deeds, said that make no mistake, we are seeing a one-two punch by Attorney General Stein and legislative leaders to both protect North Carolina consumers and uphold high real estate industry standards. The Register of Deeds office has been in communication with 160 Guilford County homeowners with MV Realty agreements and heard directly from them in recent weeks, Thigpen said. Consumers are angry regarding the companys business practices and demand action on their behalf. We are now seeing real action. Q: Several weeks ago, the Winston-Salem Journal published the names of hundreds of people who had not paid their property taxes for last year. How does the county collect that money? J.A. Answer: The county, like the state and federal government, will get the tax money that has not been paid. Ann Roush, the senior tax manager for the Forsyth County Tax Administration, explained the options that the tax office has to recover taxes that are owed. Property taxes in Forsyth County become delinquent each year after Jan. 5th. After this date, taxes are considered delinquent, and interest begins to accrue until paid in full. Enforcement measures may include garnishment of wages and bank accounts, levy on personal property, attachment of future state income tax refunds or lottery winnings (Debt Set-off) and foreclosure of real estate, Roush said. For people who have financial problems, the county offers a payment plan to pay the taxes over time by paying an amount that has been decided on. Scam call making the roundsB.I. let us know about a scam call a friend received. A friend of mine received a call as identified from the Greensboro Police Department telling her that this was a call to inform her about a warrant for her arrest for not appearing for federal grand jury duty. When she said she had never received a summons for grand jury duty, she was told they had her signature from a certified letter that was sent to her in May. She told them she had not received such a letter. They then told her that if she didnt send $1,500 to them via a QR code she would be arrested. The caller was very assertive and convincing. He knew her name and age. She hung up and called the GPD and was told they were aware of this scam but little they could do about it. Please inform your readers of this scam. Josie Cambareri, the public information manager for the Greensboro Police Department, gave us information to keep in mind if you receive a similar call. First- GPD does not oversee the jail or the courts system. GPD does not request residents for jury duty. We have no jurisdiction to do so. A jury summons comes in the mail from the courthouse. GPD will NEVER call ANYONE asking them to appear in court. We will NEVER ask for money. If someone calls you referencing a case number, an incident report, or a jury summons and asks you for money, this is a scam. Law enforcement agencies do not collect or seek money for any of these instances, Cambareri said. If you get a call from someone claiming to be a law enforcement officer and asking for money, hang up, call your local law enforcement agency, and find out what is going on. Fort Polk now officially Fort JohnsonFort Polk, Louisiana, named after Leonidas Polk, a Confederate general from North Carolina was officially renamed Fort Johnson Tuesday in a ceremony at the base. Fort Johnson is named for Sgt. William Henry Johnson, a Black World War I Medal of Honor recipient who was born in Winston about 1892. His family moved to New York state when he was a teenager. Johnson was in the 369th U.S. Infantry Regiment. Sgt. William Henry Johnson embodied the warrior spirit and we are deeply honored to bear his name at the Home of Heroes, said Brig. Gen. David Gardner, commanding general of the Joint Readiness Training Center at Fort Johnson. Winston-Salem police arrested Wednesday night two juveniles driving a stolen vehicle in a high speed chase, authorities said. At 7:50 p.m., police located a white Volkswagen Passat with a Georgia tag driving east on Northpoint Boulevard. Officers knew this car had been stolen from the 5100 block of Old Rural Hall Road hours earlier, authorities said. Police said the victim was robbed at gunpoint and shot by one of the juveniles before they fled with the car. Officers attempted to stop the vehicle on Northpoint Boulevard, but the juveniles sped off at a high rate of speed for half a mile to the dead end of Sugarcreek Apartments on Sugarcreek Drive. Both juveniles exited the car, and officers apprehended them on foot, police said. The juveniles were taken to the Winston-Salem Police Department where they were united with their guardians. The On Call Juvenile Justice denied Secure Custody Orders requested by police, and the juveniles were released. Police will be seeking petitions on both juveniles. The crime is being investigated by the WSPD Gun Crime Reduction Unit. A Winston-Salem man was robbed and shot early Wednesday in the citys northern section, authorities said. Winston-Salem police responded at 1 a.m. to a reported shooting in the 5100 block of Old Rural Hall Road, police said. When officers arrived, they found Emmanuel Christopher Nickerson, 29, suffering from a gunshot wound outside a neighbors home, police said. Nickerson was taken to a local hospital for treatment of his non-life threatening injuries, police said. Investigators determined that Nickerson had come home when he was approached by two suspects, police said. The suspects then stole Nickersons vehicle and personal items. During the robbery, Nickerson was shot, police said. Anyone with information regarding this incident can call Winston-Salem police sat 336-773-7700, Crime Stoppers at 336-727-2800 or its Spanish line at 336-728-3904. Crime Stoppers of Winston-Salem/Forsyth County is on Facebook. The Text-A-Tip program at 336-276-1717 allows people to text tips, photos and videos to the police. About 8,000 people are expected to come downtown on Saturday for Winston-Salems annual Juneteenth celebration. About 6,500 people attended the festival last year at Bailey Park and Biotech Place. Cheryl Harry is the executive director and founder of the Triad Cultural Arts Inc., the organization that puts on the festival, which marks June 19, 1865, the date that enslaved people in Galveston, Texas, learned that they had been freed months after the Civil War ended. Juneteenth became a federal holiday in 2021. The festival, which starts at 1 p.m. and ends at 8 p.m., showcases African American cultural traditions such as music, dancing and arts and crafts. It will also highlight African American food and cooking. The food will be special, Harry said. Entertainers will perform on stages inside Biotech Place and outside at Bailey Park. On Friday, the Queen Juneteenth Scholarship Pageant will be held at 7 p.m. at Atkins High School in Winston-Salem. The winner will receive a four-year tuition scholarship to a historically Black college or university. Winston-Salem Mayor Allen Joines will speak at 1 p.m. Saturday in the Biotech Place. Joines said he will reflect on Juneteenth, discuss the events importance and how enslaved people finally got word of their freedom. The event is a special time for Winston-Salem, Joines said. The uptick in attendees is indicative of the interest in and the importance of the event, Joines said. During this years festival, the city will be interviewing people for an oral history project. The citys African American Heritage Initiative will set up a booth in Biotech Place and help people record their stories. A scanner will also be available at the booth for people who want to share documents and photos. The recordings and scans will be loaded into the AAHIs digital archive through the AAHI webpage at cityofws.org/aahi. The city established the initiative in 2019 to preserve the experience of African Americans who lived in Winston-Salem through the years of segregation, the civil rights era and the decades that followed, the city said. Of special interest is information about local churches, neighborhoods, schools and education, civic groups, government, arts and culture and businesses. Fleming El-Amin, a former Forsyth County commissioner, will conduct a libation ceremony he said. Even though we call it freedom day, its a movement toward freedom, El-Amin said. We havent quite gotten there yet. We are moving toward that. A 24-year-old man has been sentenced to 15 to 17 years in prison for taking a teenager from a homeless shelter in Kansas City, Missouri, and sex-trafficking her in Lincoln. Marckiues Tinsley, a transient, pleaded no contest to attempted sex trafficking and felony child abuse as part of a plea agreement. Lancaster County District Judge Kevin McManaman sentenced him last week. In court records, Lincoln police said the investigation began in October 2021 after a motel clerk in northwest Lincoln made a report about an 18-year-old woman telling staff she was being forced to perform sex acts for money. The teen told police Tinsley and Shakedria Wells approached her at a Kansas City homeless shelter where she had been living and brought her to Lincoln to pick up a paycheck. When the check fell through, they took her to a parking lot and solicited money from men in exchange for sex acts with the teen, according to the affidavit. Then, they got a motel room in Lincoln, where Wells arranged for a 51-year-old man to have sex with the teen in exchange for money, drugs and alcohol. Investigators later linked his phone number to a prostitution advertisement. Wells pleaded no contest to child abuse and third-degree assault, both misdemeanors, for her role in the crime. She faces up to two years in jail at her sentencing next month. Top Journal Star photos for June 2023 This is simply one mans perspective from the early 21st century (first written in 2010). I had to make a decision about crimes that occurred at locations that are inside the city today, but were outside our corporate limits at the time they occurred. I chose the latter. Before beginning, though, I have to deal with three crimes that stand apart: the murders of three police officers in Lincoln. Im not quite sure how to place them in a list. They all had huge impacts on the community, and on the police department in particular. Because these are my colleagues, I deal with them separately and in chronological order. Patrolman Marion Francis Marshall Shot in the shadow of the new Nebraska State Capital, Gov. Charles Bryan came to his aid and summoned additional help. Lt. Frank Soukup Marion Marshall was technically not a Lincoln police officer, so Lt. Soukup was actually the first Lincoln police officer killed on duty. One of his colleagues who was present at the motel and involved in the gunbattle, Paul Jacobsen, went on to enjoy a long career and command rank at LPD, influencing many young charges (like me) and leaving his mark on the culture of the agency. Lt. Paul Whitehead In the space of a few months, three LPD officers died in the line of duty. Frank Soukup had been murdered, and George Welter had died in a motorcycle crash. Paul Whitehead's partner, Paul Merritt, went on to command rank, and like Paul Jacobsen left an indelible mark at LPD and the community. PHILADELPHIA Many of the nations colleges are missing the mark when it comes to training prospective educators on how to teach children to read, according to a recent report by a national teacher quality group. Only one-quarter of the teacher prep programs cover all five core areas for reading instruction, which the National Council on Teacher Quality says in its report are based on more than 50 years of scientific research. Another quarter dont cover even one of those areas, the council said. The five competencies associated with what is called structured literacy include phonemic awareness the ability to identify sounds within spoken words, which allows children to link those sounds to the written word phonics, fluency, vocabulary, and comprehension. The council said it looked at how elementary teachers were prepared in these areas based on their course work, including instructional hours, assigned readings, assignments and assessments and practice opportunities. New Jersey programs performed the worst in the nation on average in their coverage of the core competencies, the council said, though it was only able to obtain course materials necessary to evaluate 10 of the states 23 programs. Nine of them, including Rutgers New Brunswick and Rowan, got Fs. Montclair received a C. Pennsylvanias programs werent particularly strong, either. Twelve of 33 programs rated received Fs, including those at the University of Pennsylvanias Graduate School of Education, Cabrini University, and Eastern Universitys undergraduate program. Alvernia University in Reading and Commonwealth University of Pennsylvanias Bloomsburg Campus got the only As. Prospective teachers and certainly their students deserve far better, said Heather Peske, NCTQ president. The report comes as reading instruction has been facing a reckoning amid the rise of the science of reading movement, which is grounded in cognitive science and calls for a more systematic approach to reading instruction. But experts say many of the findings havent made their way into classrooms with some schools still favoring balanced literacy, which places more emphasis on exposure to literature and independent learning. It can also involve disproven strategies, including encouraging children to guess words rather than sounding them out. What has been in place for many children has not worked, or not worked well enough, said Wiley Blevins, a reading specialist who has been working with New York City schools as they adopt new curricula. Like the dispute over reading instruction itself, the reactions to the report give a window into the lack of consensus around how to put the science into practice. Many colleges said the problem isnt with how they teach reading, but the councils assessment methodology, which doesnt consider student teacher outcomes or include site visits for evaluation. The councils analysis relies on the review of course syllabi, including items such as lecture slides or assignment descriptions, and background materials such as textbooks, articles, and videos. It is not possible to produce valid, accurate, and usable assessments of the quality of teacher preparation programs (or courses) based on syllabi and documents alone without also gathering other data through participant and faculty surveys, site visits, and other means that get at what programs actually do and how participants actually experience them, Rowan University said in a statement. Some colleges said the councils assessment takes too narrow of a view on what constitutes good reading instruction and that their programs rightly are broader and more textured. Brooke K. Langan, dean of education at East Stroudsburg University, which got a D, said the school uses a balanced literacy approach that includes phonics and phonemic awareness but also nurtures students love of reading. If we continue to just push phonics and phonemic awareness, we are going to drive students away from the joy of reading, Langan said. Peske asserted that the councils study was guided by a panel of literacy experts, researchers, teacher preparation leaders, policymakers, and others who weighed in after the last review in 2020. And it has gotten endorsement from some high-profile educators, including Randi Weingarten, president of the American Federation of Teachers. This report confirms what educators have been saying for years, Weingarten said. To help our students become joyful and confident readers, we must understand that teaching reading is not just an art, but also a science. Mark Seidenberg, a cognitive scientist at the University of Wisconsin-Madison and leading expert in the science of reading, said the councils latest report was based on dated literature. But one thing both Seidenberg and the council agree on is that teacher preparation programs have much room for improvement. The ed schools are not moving forward very rapidly on this at all, Seidenberg said of the science of reading movement. Peske said improvement is critical, given recent national fourth-grade reading test scores, only worsened by the pandemic. More than one-third of fourth grade students, about 1.3 million, cant read at a basic level, according to recent national data. For students from underrepresented groups, those living in poverty and those with learning differences, the results are worse. That has nothing to do with the students themselves and everything to do with the fact that we are not giving students access to effective reading instruction, Peske said. Reading scores are on the declinehere's what the Nation's Report Card says Reading scores are on the declinehere's what the Nation's Report Card says National reading scores State trends The expansion of downtown Omahas iconic 3,000-foot pedestrian bridge is facing delays due to a shortage in steel construction materials. Baby Bob, also known as the North Downtown Riverfront Connector Bridge, is planned to span Riverfront Drive and the Union Pacific Railroad tracks, connecting the 14-year-old Bob Kerrey Pedestrian Bridge to a point near the intersection of 10th and Mike Fahey streets. Construction of the bridge was originally slated to begin in May, but has been pushed back to October due to a shortage of steel girders, said Austin Rowser with the citys public works department. The project is estimated to take about a year and a half to complete. Omaha City Council members in March approved a $6 million contract with Hawkins Construction Company to build the bridge. A $235,411 contract was approved in April 2022 for design services by HNTB Corporation. The Baby Bob will connect the riverfront to major destinations in north downtown, including Charles Schwab Field, the CHI Health Center and Creighton University. Top Journal Star photos for June 2023 Two Omaha-area superintendents received raises and contract extensions during school board meetings Monday. Mike Lucas, superintendent of the Westside Community Schools, will receive a 1.6% raise in base pay, from $249,621 to $253,635 for the 2023-24 school year. His total compensation package will be $348,897. Hes also eligible for a $10,000 bonus in December 2024 if the school board approves it based on his performance, plus a $10,000 retention stipend if Lucas continues his employment through June 30, 2024. The Westside school board hiked Lucas bonus amounts in December 2022 from $5,000 each. Lucas has been Westsides superintendent since July 2019. He was previously the superintendent of York Public Schools. Bary Habrock, superintendent of Elkhorn Public Schools, received a 3.6% raise in base pay, from $254,047 to $263,294 for the 2023-24 school year. His new contract outlines a total compensation package of $357,041, which also includes $8,557 in stipends. Habrock has been superintendent since July 2017. Before becoming superintendent, he was an assistant superintendent and a high school principal in the district. Both Habrock and Lucas received 3% raises last year. Following Mondays school board approvals, their contracts will go through June 30, 2026. Top Journal Star photos for June 2023 The Genoa United Methodist Church, which has served the community for the past 139 years, is expected to close this summer. Connie Kramer, who has been a lay minister there for the past two years, said the church is closing due to the dwindling number of people attending services. She said the majority of the congregation is elderly, and there have been some who have passed away or moved to nursing homes or out of town. Theres not a lot of people left to fill the roles in the church, and its just time, Kramer said. Although she would like to see the church stay open, a number of factors also are contributing to the closure. Financially, and its just like every other organization, theres only a few people that step up to the plate. After COVID it never really recovered, Kramer said, adding that the church had the services streamed online. We just dont have the numbers that it is viable to keep it open. According to historical information provided by a church member, the churchs roots can be traced back to 1858 when the Rev. Jacob Adriance was appointed in charge of a 300-mile circuit that included Platte, Boone, Madison, Nance and other counties in Nebraska. The Nebraska Conference of the Methodist Episcopal Church was organized in 1861. In the fall of 1884, the deed for the church was given and the cornerstone was laid on July 23, 1885. At that time, the building consisted of one room and a smaller addition on the east side used for a Sunday school. A parsonage was built in 1893, a metal ceiling was installed and interior painting completed in 1906. A west wing was added in 1910 and, from 1913 to 1917, lamps were replaced with electric lights, a furnace replaced the stove in that stood in the south end of the church and an organ for the piano. In 1930, a new furnace, plumbing and fixtures were added and the basement was enlarged. Oak flooring was added, the basement upgraded and a new kitchen installed in 1947. In 1967, there was an addition of an educational wing, with more improvements completed in 1977, including new front doors, kitchen appliances, cushions for the pews and remodeling of the parsonage. A complete renovation of the sanctuary was completed in 1984, with other updates being done throughout the years. A last service and closing ceremony is being planned. The building itself is being offered to the city and the school district. The conference that we belong to would like to see it be utilized in the community for a community service, Kramer said. Something that brings some help to the community, whether it be a museum or a day care or something on that order. As for current congregation members, the church can help those who want to continue attending a Methodist church find another one to join. Being elderly, a lot of the people dont feel like they want to drive a ways to go to church. So they may be looking for to join another church there in Genoa, she said. Over all, the response to the church closing has been sad, Kramer said. A lot of people that have gone there when they were younger or went to Sunday school or were confirmed there, she added. Its always sad to see something like that close. God has a plan for everybody and for every church. Im sure that things will work out. Photos: Inside Lincoln's beautiful houses of worship First Plymouth Church Mount Zion Baptist Church Holy Thursday 4.1 Westminster Presbyterian St. Patrick's First-Plymouth stars St. Mary's St. Joseph Catholic Church First Christian Church First Presbyterian Church Friedens Evangelical Lutheran Sabah Mosque St. Luke United Methodist St. Teresa's Zion Church Salem Baptist Saint Paul United Methodist North American Martyrs St. John the Apostle First United Methodist Church Christ Temple St. Thomas Aquinas Church and Newman Center Compline at First-Plymouth Tifereth Israel Synagogue St. Joseph Catholic St. Patrick's First Presbyterian Zion Church St. Thomas Aquinas Church and Newman Center Saint Paul United Methodist St. Patrick's Nebraska now has a voter identification law that is serviceable, workable and lawful, thanks to the Legislature, which enacted the best possible measure to implement the voter-approved constitutional requirement. Under the law signed by Gov. Jim Pillen, voters will be able to use IDs issued by the federal government, state of Nebraska, local governments or Nebraska colleges, as long as they have the persons name and photo to fulfill the amendments language that qualified voters present valid photographic ID before casting a ballot. Military and veteran IDs, tribal IDs and patient records with photos kept by nursing homes, assisted-living facilities and hospitals also will be accepted as will expired documents. Voters who go to the polls without valid ID will be able to cast a provisional ballot and have their ID verified within a week of the election. Importantly, those who cast mail-in ballots will have to include the number from their Nebraska drivers license or state ID card or a copy of an accepted ID document along with their ballot. Taken together, that wide range of acceptable IDs, the provisional ballot possibility and the mail-in ballot provisions combine to make voting as easy as possible under the amendment approved by voters last year. Nor should these changes dramatically suppress the vote, which, it appears was the intent of the national GOP push for voter ID and other voting restrictions, such as reducing the number of polling places, that arose following the 2020 elections and then-President Donald Trumps unfounded claims of voting irregularities and a stolen election that led to the Jan. 6 insurrection. Sen. Julie Slama of Dunbar, who was one of the public leaders of the petition drive and subsequent campaign for the amendment, which was funded by the Ricketts and Peed families, cast the lone no vote on LB514, after having filibustered the measure before each round of passage. Slama had proposed requiring a signature from a registered Nebraska voter, a notary public or a military notary confirming they had seen an early voters photo ID, and that check would have to take place when voters returned the ballot, not when it was requested, a plan intended to reduce to a minimum early voting, which election results in Nebraska and nationally show favors Democrats and progressives. After arguing that the bill wasnt conservative enough and that voter ID was in the hands of those who opposed the amendment, Slama, at the bills passage, called it voter ID without voter ID and argued that it was unconstitutional and will be challenged in court. Those challenges may come but are almost certain to be rejected. Nebraska didnt need voter ID. There have been few instances of voter fraud in the state, ever. But since voters were convinced that ID was needed, the new law was the best possible way to to implement voter ID without limiting early ballots and suppressing overall voting. BURLINGTON The Burlington Area School District has named an interim superintendent for the next year and will work with a state organization to find a permanent superintendent who will start next summer. The BASD Board on Monday chose Jill Oelslager as interim superintendent beginning July 1. Oelslager, who has worked in the district for about two decades, is BASD assistant superintendent. BASD Board President Peter Turke said Oelslager is a great fit for the position because she has been heavily involved in district planning in recent years, and he is confident in her leadership ability. I know Jill cares deeply about the school district, Turke said. Turke said the board felt it needed to name a leader because of the school districts ongoing challenges, including a looming financial crisis, strategic planning and a likely operational referendum next year. In a Tuesday letter to BASD staff, Turke wrote that the board members acknowledge this role will be a tremendous challenge in the upcoming school year. BASD board member Taylor Wishau wrote in an email that he supports Oelslager as interim superintendent. Jill has proven to be an excellent advocate for our students, staff and our community, he wrote. Its a new day in Burlington, and Im thankful shes a part of it. Oelslager will still handle some of the assistant superintendent job responsibilities starting in July. Turke said BASD plans to hire an instructional coordinator to help with those duties. Oelslagers career at BASD started as a science teacher at Burlington High School, where she eventually became assistant principal. From there, Oelslager was Karcher Middle School principal before becoming assistant superintendent in summer 2021. As we enter the 2023-2024 school year, BASD will need community support, especially to confront our financial deficit, Oelslager said in a statement. I look forward to collaborating with local businesses, city officials, parents, staff, students, and the community to ensure there is an understanding of our current state and focusing on our future goals. Oelslager will replace BASD Superintendent Stephen Plank, who submitted a letter of resignation last month to take a job as principal at Wauwatosa East High School. Barry Schmaling, BASD board vice president, thanked Plank during Mondays board meeting for his four years leading the school district through challenges that included the COVID-19 pandemic, restructuring the middle school and redistricting elementary schools. Dr. Plank came to the Burlington Area School District at a pivotal point in our history and took on more large-scale changes in his first year than most superintendents deal with in their entire career, Schmaling said. Despite all the obstacles repeatedly put in his way, Dr. Plank never lost focus on doing what was right for kids and their education. We wish Dr. Plank the best in his next position and express our extreme gratitude for all he accomplished and endured to make BASD a better, stronger district. So good luck to Steve. I agree, thank you, board member Rosanne Hahn said after Schmalings comments. Yeah, really well said, Barry, Turke said. Wishau disagreed, writing that, in his personal opinion, Plank was an ineffective leader, failed to gain the respect of staff, failed to fully understand our community, and his departure is long overdue. The BASD Board will work with the Wisconsin Association of School Boards to help facilitate the search for a permanent superintendent who will start July 1, 2024. The School Board also worked with the WASB on the search that led to Planks hire in 2019. Oelslager can be a candidate for permanent superintendent, and Turke wrote that the board welcomes and encourages her to apply. Turke said the search will begin in October or November when more candidates are likely to apply. However, Turke said the WASB told him there likely will be fewer candidates compared to when Plank was hired. Turke said he thinks that is because being a superintendent has become an increasingly difficult job because public schools are facing increased scrutiny. The search process will involve hearing from staff, students and community members. Turke is not yet sure how the board will receive that input, but he said it wants strong involvement from our staff, students and community. Wishau agreed. By taking into account the perspectives of these different stakeholders, school districts can identify candidates who have the qualities and skills that are most important to the community, he said. This can lead to greater support and buy-in for the new superintendent and ultimately improve the effectiveness of the school district. Twelve photos of Burlington HS seniors returning to Waller Elementary Class of 2023 Students walking into school Lisa Schue and Utopia Pasika High-five Lucy Busse and Angela Bies Easton Schue hugs Angela Bies Adalie Rauch smiles Reese Schuls Lucy Busse High-fives from elementary schoolers Students in gym Lucy high-fives MOUNT PLEASANT Curious about what Microsoft has planned in Mount Pleasant? The tech giant will be hosting a free information session from 4-7 p.m. Thursday at the Gateway Technical College SC Johnson iMET Center, 2320 Renaissance Blvd., Sturtevant. Company representatives will provide information and answer questions about Microsofts plans for a data center. Registration is not required to attend the meeting. In March, negotiations began among Microsoft, Racine County and the Village of Mount Pleasant involving 315 acres of land. The purchase was completed in May at a cost of $50 million. The property, which is in the east section of Area III of Tax Increment District No. 5, is part of the Foxconn development. Microsoft said it plans to spend $1 billion developing a data center campus. RACINE The trial for a teenager accused of first-degree intentional homicide entered its second day Wednesday. Sincere Senmeon Swerv Granados is accused of killing 17-year-old Jayden Cronin on Sept. 3, 2021. Granados, who was 14 at the time, is being tried as an adult. Granados is facing three charges: first-degree intentional homicide with a dangerous weapon, intentionally discharging a firearm from a vehicle on a highway at another person and possession of a fire arm as an adjudicated delinquent. He pleaded not guilty to all charges. On Tuesday after court adjourned, Granados was offered a plea deal to move the first-degree intentional homicide charge to reckless homicide and drop the other two charges. The reckless homicide charge carries a sentence of up to 60 years in prison. Granados declined the offer. The state called five witnesses in front of the jury and began showing evidence Wednesday. Body-worn camera footage The prosecution called Deputy Angelo Sackman of the Racine County Sheriffs Office as its first witness. Sackman responded to a shots fired on the date of the crime around 9:14 p.m. Sackman testified that he saw a male, later identified as Cronin, suffering from a gunshot wound to the back of the head. The prosecution then played footage from Sackmans body-worn camera for the jury, showing Sackman arriving at the scene and being approached by witnesses. In the footage, Sackman said, Wheres he shot? Witnesses said: I dont know, Hes not moving, and I heard about four or five shots fired. The footage also showed Sackman pulling a handgun out of Cronins hoodie pocket. I could see that the firearm was in his hoodie pocket and part of his hand was on the firearm, Sackman testified. The video shows Sackman and another officer attempting CPR on Cronin. Security footage Deputy Mathias Zinnen also was called to testify. He works at the Racine County Sherriffs Office, but was a Racine Police Department investigator at the time of Cronins death. As the lead investigator on this case, Zinnen obtained surveillance videos from businesses and residences around the scene. A home security video from a residence across from the scene of the crime was played for the jury. The video starts at about 9:05 p.m. Two males, one identified as Cronin and the other still unidentified, were seen walking. One then turned around and the other began to walk backward before one fell to his stomach and the other ran from the scene. Cronin was identified as the male who fell. At any point did you see either of the individuals brandish a firearm? asked Assistant District Attorney Antoinette Rich. No, I did not, Zinnen said. Another video obtained from Pump & Pantry, a gas station and convenience store, showed a white Cadillac driving up to a gas pump at 8:46 p.m. Granados, Billy Summers, Christopher Pegues and Dwight Person are seen entering the store. Security footage from Taqueria Gran Morales showed a white Cadillac pull up to Persons residence. Zinnen identified the owner of the vehicle as Pegues. Zinnen testified that he saw Person get out of the front passenger door and walk up the driveway. When Person returned, he ducked behind the car and then ran up the driveway. The footage allegedly showed Summers and Pegues running from the vehicle. Zinnen identified the last person running from the vehicle as Granados. During cross examination, Noah Wishau, defense attorney for Granados, asked if there was any video obtained that showed Granados with a gun. Zinnen testified that there was not. Did you observe my client shoot at all? Wishau asked. It cannot be seen in the video, Zinnen said. Ammunition The state called Todd Hoover, a retired criminalist at RPD, who retired in May but was employed with RPD for 29 years. More than 60 photos taken by Hoover were presented to the jury. Hoover testified that no casings were found at the scene of the crime, and that that the gun Cronin had would have ejected a casing if fired. The Cadillac reportedly had six bullet holes on the lower passenger side of the windshield and shell casings inside the vehicle. A partial copper jacket was allegedly found lying on the dashboard by the windshield. Hoover testified that this can happen when projectiles are shot through glass. Is there any physical evidence that ties my client to that vehicle? Wishau asked during cross examination. No, Hoover said in his testimony. The State also called Xai Xiong, technical unit leader for firearms and tool marks at Wisconsin State Crime labs who had compared the casings to determine if they were fired from the same gun. During my examination, I determined that they were consistent, Xiong said. Autopsy The state called Dr. Brian Linert as their final witness. Linert, an assistant Medical Examiner at the Milwaukee County Medical Examiners office, performed the autopsy on Cronin on Sept. 7, 2021, and determined Cronins cause of death to be multiple gunshot wounds. Cronin was shot once in the back left side of the head and once on the right thigh. Linert testified that the gunshot wound to the back of the head was the fatal shot. Any gunshot wound can be fatal, but there was nothing about the wound on the right thigh that showed it would have been fatal, Linert said. The defense did not cross examine Linert. The trial will resume Thursday morning. Mugshots: Racine County criminal complaints, June 12, 2023 Today's mugshots: June 12 These are images of people charged with a crime in Racine County. Booking photos are provided by Racine County law enforcement officials. A defendant is presumed innocent unless proven guilty and convicted. Nichole A. Alvarez Nichole (aka Little Nickie) A. Alvarez, 2700 block of Hanlon Drive, Mount Pleasant, possession of a controlled substance, possess/illegally obtained prescription. Dominique Sade Brown Dominique Sade Brown, Milwaukee, Wisconsin, obstructing an officer. Bailey Scott Davis Bailey Scott Davis, 4200 block of Taylor Harbor West, Mount Pleasant, criminal damage to property, disorderly conduct, felony bail jumping. Adela Gomez Zuniga Adela Gomez Zuniga, 900 block of Walnut Street, Racine, first degree intentional homicide (use of a dangerous weapon). Alex F. Hunter Alex F. Hunter, 4900 block of 42nd Avenue, Kenosha, operating a motor vehicle while under the influence (2nd offense), operate motor vehicle while revoked, felony bail jumping. Justin J. Kramer Justin J. Kramer, 2000 block of DeKoven Avenue, Racine, disorderly conduct. David K. Totes David K. Totes, 4300 block of 39th Avenue, Kenosha, disorderly conduct. Taylor Marie Wrenger Taylor Marie Wrenger, Franksville, Wisconsin, criminal damage to property (domestic abuse assessments), possession of narcotic drugs. Xavier M. Coleman Xavier M. Coleman, Beach Park, Illinois, felony intimidation of a victim (domestic abuse assessments), misdemeanor battery (domestic abuse assessments), criminal damage to property (domestic abuse assessments), disorderly conduct (domestic abuse assessments). By Dean Weingarten. June 12, 2023 On June 6, 2023, the The United States Court of Appeals for the Third Circuit, in the case Range v Lombardo, issued an opinion: Some felony convictions are not sufficiently based in the historical record to take away rights protected by the Second Amendment. The opinion was agreed to by nine of the fifteen judges in the circuit. Readers are urged to read the entire 107 pages. Excerpts of the main opinion are included below. From the en banc decision: On page 4, the majority opinion gives a summation: Bryan Range appeals the District Court's summary judgment rejecting his claim that the federal "felon-in-possession" law18 U.S.C. 922(g)(1)violates his Second Amendment right to keep and bear arms. We agree with Range that, despite his false statement conviction, he remains among "the people" protected by the Second Amendment. And because the Government did not carry its burden of showing that our Nation's history and tradition of firearm regulation support disarming Range, we will reverse and remand. On page 5, a short explanation of the case: [...] ..... 1. Yes. Voters across the city filled the seat in the first place. Voters should decide again. 2. Yes. An election is much preferable to back-room decisions among council members. 3. No. The charter calls for the council to fill the vacancy by appointment. Follow the rules. 4. No. An election would be expensive, both for the city and for the potential candidates. 5. Unsure. An election seems more transparent, but its not the perfect answer. Vote View Results KEARNEY Occupants of a burning home escaped heavy smoke and flames on Wednesday, and told firefighters when they arrived that their pets still were inside the burning home. Crews with the Kearney Volunteer Fire Department then initiated a fire attack, conducted a primary search and safely returned all pets to their owners. According to KVFD reports, the structure fire was at 7055 W. 96th St. The initial report was that the trash dumpster, which was up against the house, was burning and spreading up the side of the structure. Upon arrival KVFD crews found heavy smoke and flames on the side of the house and heavy smoke coming from all attic vents. The fire had spread from the side of the structure into the attic. Firefighters pulled the ceilings down inside of the house to access the fire in the attic. The fire was quickly brought under control, KVFD reported. The Nebraska State Fire Marshal was called to assist KVFD. The fire is still under investigation. Red Cross was called to assist the residents. Other agencies that assisted were the Buffalo County Sheriff's Office, Good Samaritan EMS, Black Hills Energy and Dawson Public Power District. The trial of the young woman facing a homicide charge in the shooting death of a Kenosha man who preyed on underage girls could begin next spring. Chrystul Kizer, who faces a 2018 homicide charge for the death of a Kenosha man being investigated for sex trafficking, was back in a Kenosha County courtroom Thursday afternoon for a motion hearing. Kizer, of Milwaukee, faces first-degree intentional homicide for the June 2018 death of Randall Volar, a 34-year-old Kenosha man who prosecutors admit had been preying on Kizer and other underage girls. Volar had also been under investigation for producing child pornography and sexual abuse. Kizer, now 22, was 17 at the time she was charged and is accused of shooting Volar in the head twice and then setting his house at 7732 14th Ave. on fire. She then allegedly fled in his car. Kizer appeared briefly with attorneys Jennifer Bias, Helmi Hamad and Gregory Holdahl before Kenosha County Circuit Court Judge David Wilk on Thursday. District Attorney Michael Graveley and assistant district attorney Zachary Brost appeared for the state. Both sides requested adjournment Thursday for the filing of additional motions and for further review of materials. Graveley also asked that the court permit transcriptions of certain videos found inside Volars residence in lieu of digital recordings of sensitive materials being presented in court and shared publicly. Adjournment was granted and a motion hearing on the matter is set for September. Graveley said both sides are hoping for a spring 2024 trial and they are gearing toward that sort of timetable. Wilk said the case poses discovery challenges and is unique. Still, although the court is patient, Wilk reminded the parties that patience is not endless. Ongoing case Last year, the Supreme Court of Wisconsin ruled that Kizer would be able to use an affirmative defense for any offense committed as a direct result of having been trafficked at her upcoming trial. As the Supreme Courts majority decision, penned by Justice Rebecca Dallet, noted: Unlike many crimes, which occur at discrete points in time, human trafficking can trap victims in a cycle of seemingly inescapable abuse that can continue for months or even years. For that reason, even an offense that is unforeseeable or that does not occur immediately after a trafficking offense is committed can be a direct result of the trafficking offense, so long as there is still the necessary logical connection between the offense and the trafficking, Dallet wrote. At question is a lack of clarity in state law. Under a state law passed in 2008, victims of sex trafficking are immune from prosecution from crimes they themselves may have committed as a direct result of having been trafficked. The decision does not protect someone who has been a victim of trafficking from all prosecution. As Dallet wrote in the majority opinion: It is not enough to say simply that because the defendant is a victim of human trafficking, any offense they commit subsequently must be a direct result of the trafficking. The offense must bear a logical, causal connection to the underlying trafficking offense; it must be a direct result of the trafficking. Thus, our interpretation does not create ... blanket immunity for victims of human trafficking. The Kenosha County District Attorneys Office argued this protection cannot be stretched to include a defense against killing the trafficker themself, while those defending Kizer maintain it can be because the laws on the books have no restrictions on what crimes can be included. Since June 2020 Kizer has been out of custody on a $400,000 cash bond raised by activists. She also faces four other felonies of taking and driving a vehicle without consent, arson of a building without the owners consent, felony bail jumping and possession of a firearm by a convicted felon. Graveley has maintained his charging decision is not based on public opinion or politics and has asked people to reserve judgment until facts are presented at trial. Kizer faces life in prison if convicted of first-degree intentional homicide, a Class A felony. Korea and Ecuador on Thursday discussed ways to expedite the establishment of a bilateral free trade deal to boost trade and investment and to deepen industry ties, Seoul's trade ministry said. Negotiations are under way between the two sides for the Strategic Economic Cooperation Agreement (SECA), a type of free trade pact, with nine rounds of talks having been held since 2016. On Thursday, Trade Minister Ahn Duk-geun met with his Ecuadorian counterpart, Julio Jose Prado, in Seoul and discussed how to make progress in their talks for the SECA and to beef up economic exchanges and supply chain cooperation, according to the Ministry of Trade, Industry and Energy. They have been narrowing differences on major issues, and are expected to clinch a deal soon if the talks continue without a hitch, the ministry said. If the deal is reached, Korea will be the first Asian country to have a free trade agreement with Ecuador. Ecuador is Korea's sixth major exports destination, with bilateral trade volume coming to about $980 million last year, according to government data. The South American nation is rich in natural resources, such as copper, zinc and gold. (Yonhap) Park Ku-yeon, left, the first deputy chief of the Office for Government Policy Coordination, holds a press briefing at the government complex in Seoul, June 15. Yonhap The government launched a daily press briefing Thursday to keep the public updated on the planned release of contaminated water from Japan's crippled Fukushima nuclear plant. The briefing comes in response to heightened public concern as the nuclear power plant, which was crippled by a massive 2011 earthquake and tsunami, began the trial operation of its discharge facility. "We will closely monitor the process and provide explanations (to the public) regarding any unusual occurrences," said Park Ku-yeon, the first deputy chief of the Office for Government Policy Coordination. Park also clarified that the trial operation is limited to several components, such as the marine tunnel and various pipes, rather than the entire discharge equipment. Last month, a team of Korean experts conducted an inspection of the plant to check if the radioactive water can be treated to be safe enough. The inspection was in line with a summit agreement between President Yoon Suk Yeol and Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida. After the inspection, the team said meaningful progress was achieved but additional analysis is needed for a more accurate conclusion. Park said the team is currently reviewing additional data provided by Japan, particularly analyzing information regarding the custom purification system known as the ALPS. Addressing a recent media report that more than 20,000 times the international standard of strontium, a radioactive substance, was detected in the water even after ALPS treatment, Park reassured that Japan has a policy to treat the radioactive water until it meets international standards. A group of Korean experts from the government task-force, meanwhile, said the concentration of tritium, a radioisotope of hydrogen, released from the plant is not expected to pose any risk to human health. The ALPS is capable of removing all radioactive materials from the wastewater except tritium, which is also naturally generated in the atmosphere. Tokyo has argued that the dumping of tritium-added water is a common practice in nuclear plants around the globe. "Even in consideration of uncertainties, it would be difficult to think that the tritium released from the marine tunnel would be of a level that could impact our health," said Huh Gyoon-young, a nuclear engineering professor at Kyunghee University. (Yonhap) A 56-year-old Eleva man has died after a motorcycle crash Wednesday morning near Eau Claire, according to a press release. The release says that the Wisconsin State Patrol responded to a one vehicle motorcycle crash at the bottom of the westbound on-ramp from Highway 93 to Interstate 94 in Eau Claire County. First aid was applied to Steven R. Berndt, the lone rider of the motorcycle, before he was transported to Sacred Heart Hospital in Eau Claire. Berndt died later from his injuries. The Eau Claire County Sheriffs Office assisted with the crash, which remains under investigation. BRUSSELS European Union regulators hit Google with fresh antitrust charges Wednesday, saying the only way to satisfy competition concerns about its lucrative digital ad business is by selling off parts of the tech giant's main moneymaker. The unprecedented decision to push for such a breakup marks a significant escalation by Brussels in its crackdown on Silicon Valley digital giants. The European Commission, the bloc's executive branch and top antitrust enforcer, said its preliminary view after an investigation is that "only the mandatory divestment by Google of part of its services" would satisfy the concerns. The 27-nation EU has led the global movement to crack down on Big Tech companies, but it has previously relied on issuing blockbuster fines, including three antitrust penalties for Google worth billions of dollars. Google said it disagreed with the decision and "will respond accordingly," adding that the EU's investigation focuses on a narrow part of its ad business. SHELL: Shell has effectively abandoned a plan to cut oil production by 1-2% per year until the end of the decade. Europe's largest energy company said Wednesday that it had already met the target it had set for itself in 2021 through asset sales. TOYOTA: Toyota executives fielded challenges and reaped praise from investors at an annual general meeting Wednesday where shareholders ultimately rejected demands the automaker do better on fighting climate change. Shareholders applauded in rejecting the proposal, as expected. DE SOTOEdwin Giese, 92, of rural De Soto, died on Tuesday, June 13, 2023. Funeral Services will be held at 11 AM on Saturday, June 17, 2023, at the De Soto Lutheran Church. Visitation will be held from 9 AM until the time of services. Burial with full military honors will follow at the Brush Creek Lutheran Cemetery, rural Ontario, WI. Online Condolences may be expressed at www.vossfh.com. WATERTOWN A small plane crashed shortly after takeoff Wednesday in southern Wisconsin, killing at least one person, authorities said. The plane had taken off from Watertown Municipal Airport, about 4 miles from the crash site. It crashed around 9 a.m. at Brandt Quirk Park in Watertown, a city in Dodge and Jefferson counties. Watertown Police Chief Robert Kaminski said the crash was fatal, but he didnt say how many people died. He said more information would be released later. The National Transportation Safety Board said in a tweet that it was investigating the crash of a propeller-driven Mooney M20R aircraft near Watertown. Kaminski said the Federal Aviation Administration also was investigating. Television helicopter footage from the scene showed apparent aircraft debris spread across a field and in an adjacent wooded area. Mary Bellows, who lives in Watertown, told the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel that she heard the plane and then a big boom. She said her room shook, and then a large plume of smoke rose near her home. The crash caused some fires that were quickly extinguished by first responders. SPOTLIGHT | VOTING RIGHTS They are part of a small, vanishing group who lived at the epicenter of the struggle for voting rights six decades ago, an era driven by segregation, violence and the yearning for equality that eventually led to laws bringing the U.S. closer to its promise of democracy for all its citizens. They reflect on the times and their struggles, and why they are certain it all was worth it. Recently, a majority of the Supreme Court seemed to reinforce that view by siding with Black voters in a congressional redistricting case from Alabama. Ten years ago this month, the court halted 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. The stories from those on the front lines of history recount tragedy, racism, oppression and ultimately hope in seeing a president sign into law a measure designed to ensure equal access to the ballot and fair representation in the halls of political power from city councils to statehouses to Congress. Their voices echo across the past six decades, in searing debates over race, equal treatment and what it means to be an American citizen. Stephen Schwerner lost a brother, murdered in Mississippi trying to register Black people to vote. Nearly 60 years after the Voting Rights Act was signed, he remains immensely proud of his brother, Michael "Mickey" Schwerner, but with a great sense of loss: "I don't think anybody in our family has ever gotten over it." Norman Hill moved from the protests over civil rights to the organization and political clout of the labor movement, where he helped build a groundswell for voting rights. Now in his ninth decade, Hill said the fight must continue, "not just today, not just tomorrow but as long as we live and breathe." Andrew Young walked with Martin Luther King Jr. on the long road to equality and was with him when he died in Memphis in 1968. Seeing the continued attempts to chip away at voting rights, he knows there are more battles to be fought: "I never thought that the United States or anybody else would be perfect, but I thought we would be constantly getting better." Luci Johnson was a teenager when she witnessed "one of the most historic occasions of the 20th century" her father, former President Lyndon B. Johnson, signing the law ensuring access to the ballot for people of color. If she could convey a message to Supreme Court justices as they consider another challenge to the Voting Rights Act, it would be for them to remember "what a privilege they all have with access to the voting booth. I would tell them to do all that they can to make liberty and justice a right for all Americans." Joel Finkelstein was a young lawyer helping draft the document that became the Voting Rights Act of 1965, overwhelmed to be an accidental witness at the signing and yet unaware of the measure's magnitude. He remains hopeful, even as voting rights have been eroded over the past decade: "Somehow this country digs out of these messes with people who you never would expect would be there. Go look at 1860. We got Abraham Lincoln, a country lawyer, self-educated out of Illinois, and he became our greatest president, one of the wisest men we would ever have hold public office." Della Simpson Maynor was a teenager who pushed herself to the front of a protest in the small town of Marion, Alabama, and was terrified when police clubbed a pastor who was kneeling to pray. Police later struck her with a club as she tried to get away, and she would hear the gunshot from a state trooper that fatally wounded a young church deacon, Jimmie Lee Jackson. His death prompted a march starting in Selma, which would lead to one of the most violent days of the Civil Rights Movement, Bloody Sunday, when police beat protesters trying to cross the Edmund Pettus Bridge: "Without Bloody Sunday, there would have been no voting rights. But without Jimmie Lee Jackson, there would have been no Bloody Sunday." I am writing in response to the opinion column, "Stephen L. Carter: The Supreme Courts water ruling boils down to a dictionary debate" published June 5 on www.lacrossetribune.com. In the case in question, Sackett v. EPA, the Supreme Court misinterpreted the Clean Water Act to leave many of our remaining wetlands without federal protection from polluters. Wetlands serve as our ecosystems kidneys by filtering out pollutants before they reach drinking water sources or places where we swim. They also provide vital habitat for wildlife and help protect our communities from flooding. Some of Wisconsin's largest cities like Milwaukee, Green Bay, and Kenosha all get their water from Lake Michigan, and unfortunately, side effects have already been at large. Two treatment plants near the great lake have discovered PFAS levels above the legal limit; substances proven to decrease fertility, increase cholesterol and reduce response to vaccines. Without our wetlands to remove pollutants and sediments, our communities are at great risk. In La Crosse's case, the city's water supply from the Mississippi River pollution susceptibility will only grow graver if nearby wetlands are paved over or otherwise degraded. Furthermore, the Mississippi River Basin flooded in 1993 resulting in 50 casualties and damages of over $15 billion across the region. Ultimately, only Congress can restore the federal protections that the Court has just stripped away. For now, Wisconsin officials must act immediately to protect our remaining wetlands before more damage is done. Ori Steinfink Brookline, Massachusetts WORLDVIEW They fan out in groups, mostly women, plodding in rain boots across the soggy wet sands of the inlet, making the most of the low tide. Hustling along with rakes and buckets, they chat and laugh gaily. These are clam diggers, or as they call themselves, "the peasant farmers of the sea." Ruddy-faced from the coastal winds and hard work, they wear colorful headscarves and ordinary house clothes, cutting a perfect oil-painting landscape against the striking blue sky and wispy white clouds in the chilly hours at the break of dawn. Clam collecting in the expansive inlets of Spain's northwestern region of Galicia is a deep-rooted tradition, handed down from generation to generation. "My mother made me become a shellfish collector," says Mari Carmen Vazquez, 57, head of the Lourizan inlet collective of clam collectors. "There was no other future." In times past, the women of Lourizan village would trawl the wet sands while their husbands went to sea, often for several months at a time. Two very basic techniques are used: One is with a rake to scrape the mushy sand, and bucket as many clams as possible. Other collectors don neoprene waterproofs or river-fishing clothing and wade waist-deep into the cold waters further out in the inlet. They use a rake linked to a metal cage to scrape and sift the sand from the seabed before bringing up the catch. These diggers are allowed about 22 pounds in total of two types of clams each day. Tides and weather dictate when they can work, but there are also periods when water contamination forces a ban on shell fishing. These days, they admit, clams of all types are much scarcer, possibly because of climate change. The collectors sell their catch at the town fish market from where it is distributed to fishmongers across the country before ending up as expensive dishes at restaurants and homes. The clam fields are replenished constantly by sowing, or planting baby clams that can't be sold. Harvested areas are cordoned off to allow them to recuperate, maintaining a cyclical and sustainable industry. The women relate that decades ago, the job was much tougher, with no protective clothing and no social security to cover for down periods. Many of them didn't even know how to swim. "It was looked down upon. Nobody wanted to do it," says Fatima Seoane, 52, who helped her mother and grandmother when she was a child. "People called us scavengers." Nowadays, their jobs are regulated and they are guaranteed a wage of sorts, giving them some economic independence so much so that there are waiting lists for permits that can take years to obtain. The clam diggers work about three hours a day over 15 or 16 days a month. On average, they bring in about $107 a shift, depending on market prices. "I wouldn't change this job for another," says Seoane. "It's very comfortable, there are no bosses, we have our laughs, you work at your own rhythm and when you want to rest, you rest." KYIV, Ukraine Russian forces fired cruise missiles at the southern Ukrainian city of Odesa and shelled the eastern Donetsk region early Wednesday, killing at least six people and damaging dozens of homes, regional Ukrainian officials said. Russian forces recently stepped up aerial strikes in their nearly 16-month war, a Ukrainian military spokesman said. Ukraine's armed forces, meanwhile, reported limited gains in the early stages of a counteroffensive to take back the country's territory that is under Russian control. The grinding Ukrainian advance is pressing slowly ahead, Ukraine's Deputy Defense Minister Hanna Maliar said Wednesday. Western analysts and military officials say the effort to dislodge entrenched, powerfully armed and large numbers of Russian troops could take years. Ukrainian troops advanced 650 to 1,600 feet at various sections of the front line around the Donetsk city of Bakhmut and 980 to 1,150 feet in the southern Zaporizhzhia region, Maliar claimed. Ukrainian forces made gains despite the Russian edge in artillery and air power, she said. It was not possible to verify the battlefield claims. Ukrainian forces can expect to make slow progress in what will be a "hugely difficult" fight as the counteroffensive gains traction, according to a Western official who spoke on condition of anonymity. While many things in this world are happening this year, one thing remains constant: June is Dairy Month. One of the main issues that our farmers have been facing for many years is their mental health and the resources that are available to help. These are the people who feed our families; it is so important to support them anyway that we can. Under the Farm Center from the Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection, farmers can receive help with strategies to be successful and also for mental health services, including understanding the counseling vouchers offered. Farm Center service are completely free to farmers and are kept 100% confidential. They can be reached at 800-942-2474 or online at datcp.wi.gov/Pages/Growing_WI/FarmCenterOverview.aspx. On a more local level, it is always exciting to see the dairy breakfast events because it is so important to teach our kids about dairy. Eating your way through a dairy breakfast only further drives an extreme appreciation for the dairy that runs through our state. I am extremely proud and glad to see so many continuing efforts to promote our dairy farms. Some of the things you may have noticed are free gallons of milk in our district as well as cheese curd delivery. Our local heritages and family farms are extremely important and we need to pass this history and these values on to the next generation. Simply put, thank you to all of the farmers in Wisconsin and across the nation for supplying our families with nutritious food. I will continue to fight to protect your industry. This industry after all, adds over $41 billion to our state economy on a rolling basis. As always, feel free to contact my office at (608) 237-9192 or email me at Rep.Pronschinske@legis.wi.gov with questions, comments or concerns. Citizens, city officials, and a Polish delegation gathered Tuesday at Sobieski Park for a Polish-American Tree Planting Ceremony honoring the friendship between Winona and its sister city of Bytow, Poland. Planning for the Polish delegations visit began in 2019 but was delayed because of the COVID-19 pandemic. Originally, the Kashubian Capital Centennial Celebration, or KCC2020, was supposed to be a yearlong celebration with events, workshops, and cultural exchanges with the goal to engage the community in a deeper understanding of the Polish Kashubian immigrants that played an integral role in the birth and success of Winona. The celebration has since resumed with the Polish delegation in Winona for a week of events including their roles as Grand Marshalls in the Winona Steamboat Days parade at the end of the week. Tim Breza, Winona International Friendship Association vice president, said the tree planting, while symbolic of long-standing friendship, is a reminder of the Polish heritage Winona shares and offers a chance to preserve that history. If we dont create those friendships now, the stories will fade, Breza said. And the stories must keep being told. With a clear and sunny sky above them at Sobieski Park, the attendees were in high spirits with smiles and stories as the Winona Senior High Band played the Polish national anthem. An oak tree was chosen to be planted because it symbolizes survival and endurance as well as success, stability and good luck. In America, and in Poland as well, it symbolizes strength, said Bytow, Poland Mayor Ryszard Sylka. And let the oak tree also start symbolizing our partnership and cooperation between our sister cities. Sylka said hes excited to be in Winona after the three-year pause. The relationship between Poland and Winona continues to grow, Breza said, with the sister-city program and Polish museum in town. Our relationship started small, like the acorn that grows into the strongest of trees, Breza said. We dont know how long the trees well plant today will live, we dont know how long we will live, but we do know that today we have planted another seed. Claudia Hamil of Winona attended Tuesdays ceremony and said the international relationships Winona has built are important. And while not of Polish heritage, Hamil said its nice to be involved in the program. We have to have these relationships so we can be strong, Hamil said. Somehow I feel connected to it. Winona City Council member George Borzyskowski, who signed the sister city papers while visiting Bytow in 2005, said the oak tree symbolizes not just the east end of Winona, or Winonas Polish history, but the things that tie us all together. After months of discussion, culminating in last week's bipartisan agreement between the state's Democratic governor and GOP legislative leaders, the state Legislature on Wednesday approved an extensive bill to increase state aid to local communities across Wisconsin. The measure, which would boost state funding using a portion of the state's 5% sales tax, passed the Senate with a 21-12, with five Democrats and seven Republicans opposed. It then passed the Assembly 68-26, with five Republicans and 21 Democrats opposed. The measure will now head to Gov. Tony Evers, who will almost certainly sign it into law. The local aid bill, as well as a separate bill increasing education funding, were forged as part of the deal last week between the Legislature's GOP leaders and Evers to increase local aid, also known as shared revenue. Speaking with WTMJ-AM Wednesday morning, Evers said the final agreement is "really, really important" for Milwaukee and Milwaukee County. Evers said it's likely some Democratic lawmakers would oppose the bill, but he added, "at the end of the day, it's the right thing." "Its a win for Wisconsin and its the right thing to do," Evers added. "Everybody gave some and thats the way its supposed to work in a divided government." Democratic lawmakers pushed back against several policy items included in the extensive bill, including measures to bar local governments from putting advisory referendums before voters and another barring local health officials from closing a business for more than 30 days to help control an outbreak or epidemic. "This Frankensteins monster of a bill should be slaughtered today," Sen. Chris Larson, D-Milwaukee, said. Larson was joined by fellow Democratic Sens. Tim Carpenter and Lena Taylor, of Milwaukee, Dianne Hesselbein, of Middleton, and Kelda Roys, of Madison in opposing the bill. GOP Sens. Julian Bradley, of Franklin, Robert Cowles, of Green Bay, Rob Hutton, of Brookfield, Andre Jacque, of De Pere, Chris Kapenga, of Delafield, Steve Nass, of Whitewater, and Rob Stafsholt, of New Richmond, also voted against the bill. Jacque said in a statement he opposed the bill due in part to "backroom deals that ostensibly bail out Milwaukee after decades of fiscal mismanagement." "In the end, that was too high a price to pay for me to support this legislation," he added. The Assembly Republicans who voted against the bill are Reps. Ty Bodden, of Hilbert, Janel Brandtjen, of Menomonee Falls, Tom Michalski, of Elm Grove, Jessie Rodriguez, of Oak Creek, and Chuck Wichgers, of Muskego. Thirteen Assembly Democrats voted for the bill, with 21 opposed. The Senate and Assembly on Wednesday also passed a separate education bill, which proposes several spending boosts, including per-pupil aid increases for school choice and independent charter schools and increases to the minimum per-pupil revenue limit for school districts, from $10,000 to $11,000. The agreement last week on the two proposals was announced one day after the Legislature's top Republicans said they would remove provisions allowing Milwaukee and Milwaukee County to increase their sales taxes to fund pension debt from the local funding measure unless they reached a deal on it with Evers. The question over whether Milwaukee and Milwaukee County voters or elected officials should have final say on local sales tax increases to address mounting pension obligations became a sticking point between Assembly Speaker Robin Vos, R-Rochester, and Senate Majority Leader Devin LeMahieu, R-Oostburg The original proposal required city and county voters to approve the tax increases, something that Vos supported but Evers and LeMahieu were against, preferring to have local officials vote on any increases. Ultimately, both GOP leaders and the governor agreed to allow the city and county officials to raise local sales taxes if they approve the measures with a two-thirds majority. The revised proposal also allows Milwaukee County to increase its 0.5% sales tax by 0.4 percentage points, while Milwaukee could impose a 2% sales tax. Vos said the deal to increase per-pupil private voucher funding giving K-8 students an $1,101 increase and giving high school students nearly a $3,000 increase helped persuade him to remove the public referendum requirement in Milwaukee. To help support local governments, the state would divert 20% of the state's 5% sales tax to all local communities. Republicans have been adamant those funds must be directed to local services like police, fire and emergency services. Wisconsin's 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 state's 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. Metro Transit tools Putin Meeting with War Correspondents June 14, 2023, 2022 (EIRNS)Russian President Vladimir Putin met with Russian journalists at the Kremlin yesterday for what appears to have been a lengthy and wide-ranging discussion, one characterized by Putins in-depth replies to probing questions from the journalists. In response to the first question on whether or not Russias goals in the special military operation have changed, Putin stressed that no, they have not changed. No, they are changing in accordance with the current situation but of course overall we are not changing anything, he said. Our goals are fundamental for us. Putin went on to explain that Russia did everything possible to engage with the West, with NATO, but we were quickly shown the door.... He noted that during the wars in the Caucasus, Russia was mostly fighting Al Qaeda but that the West was supporting the terrorists. They did not give a damn about the fact that they were helping Al-Qaeda as long as they were able to rock our boat, he said. Similarly on NATO expansion, Russia was rebuffed. Why? It is just because the country is too big: no one needs a country that big and with such great potential in Europe, he said. Everyone tries their hand at gradually breaking Russia into pieces. Ukraine, Putin continued, is part of the effort to destabilize Russia. Russia did everything possible to help Ukraine, including by propping up its economy and continuing to engage with Kiev even after the first coup in 2004. Then they pulled themselves together, and events immediately started unfolding in the southeast, in Donbassafter the coup detat, they realized that we would not be able to just leave Crimeawe simply could not leave it, this was impossible, it would have been a betrayal on our part, Putin explained. But we didnt touch Donbass. Yes, our volunteers were there, but the Russian state had nothing to do with it at allI assure you of thisnone at all. Im perfectly open and honestwe had nothing to do with it, our involvement was zero. Yes, there were people from Russia there. On the Kakhovka Hydroelectric Power Plant (HPP) and dam, Putin said. we did not record any big explosion just before the destruction. At any rate, this is what was reported to me. But they (Ukrainian forces) had targeted the Kakhovka HPP with HIMARS many times. Thats the whole point. Maybe, they placed munitions thereI dont know right now, or maybe they undermined the structure with something minor and it triggered the break. But as far as we are concerned, we are not interested in this now because there are arduous consequences for the territories that we control and that belong to Russia. He indicated that Russian emergency services are working hard to contain those consequences. Putin was asked both about drone attacks inside Russia and about Ukrainian sabotage activities inside Russia. In both cases, he stressed that these are problems that government must do better to deal with, but that they are solvable problems. One reporter noted that Ukrainian special services are conducting terrorist activities inside Russia. Putin agreed and replied that Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko said his country has started receiving Russian tactical nuclear weapons. He added that some of them were three times more powerful than the atomic bombs dropped on Hiroshima and Nagasaki in 1945. The move is Russia's first deployment of nuclear weapons outside the country after the fall of the Soviet Union. The shorter-range, less powerful nuclear weapons could possibly be used on the battlefield. "We have missiles and bombs that we have received from Russia," Lukashenko told Russian state TV broadcaster Rossiya-1. "The bombs are three times more powerful than those (dropped on) Hiroshima and Nagasaki. Lukashenko spoke to the broadcaster in a forest clearing with military vehicles and some kind of military structure in the background. His comment was also posted on the Telegram account of Belarusian state news agency Belta. Russian President Vladimir Putin said on Friday that Russia would start deploying them in Belarus after storage facilities to house them were made ready. And Russia would keep control of the tactical nuclear weapons. In March, the Russian leader said that the United States has deployed such weapons in several European countries over many years. The U.S. has criticized Putin's decision but said it has not seen any signs that Russia is preparing to use a nuclear weapon. The Russian move, however, is being watched closely by the U.S. and its allies. China, another nuclear power, has repeatedly warned against the use of nuclear weapons in the war in Ukraine. We have always been a target Lukashenko, a close ally of Russia, has ruled Belarus since 1994. He has repeatedly accused Western nations of trying to oust him after mass protests against his rule took place in 2020. At the time, the opposition accused Lukashenko of cheating in the presidential election. Lukashenko said he had won fairly while suppressing his opponents. The former Soviet Union official said he did not simply ask Putin for the weapons, but "demanded" them. "We have always been a target," Lukashenko said. "They (the West) have wanted to tear us to pieces since 2020. No one has so far fought against a nuclear country, a country that has nuclear weapons." Lukashenko told Russian state TV that his country had several nuclear storage facilities left over from the days of the Soviet Union. He said five or six of them had been repaired. He said Russian control of the weapons does not mean they cannot be used quickly. He noted that he and Putin could talk to each other "at any moment". Lukashenko has permitted his country to be used by Russian forces to attack Ukraine. He now says that the nuclear deployment will act to prevent aggression from other countries. Besides Ukraine, Belarus borders three NATO member countries: Lithuania, Latvia and Poland. Im Mario Ritter, Jr. Lidia Kelly and Andrew Osborn adapted this Reuters report for VOA Learning English. Hai Do adapted the story for Learning English. ____________________________________________________________________ Words in This Story tactical adj. relating to a specific plan to achieve a goal in war, politics... facility - n. something that is built for a specific purpose ___________________________________________________________________ We want to hear from you. Here is how our comment system works: Write your comment in the box. Under the box, you can see four images for social media accounts. They are for Disqus, Facebook, Twitter and Google. Click on one image and a box appears. Enter the login for your social media account. Or you may create one on the Disqus system. It is the blue circle with D on it. It is free. Each time you return to comment on the Learning English site, you can use your account and see your comments and replies to them. Our comment policy is here. Two giant, yellow ducks are floating in Hong Kongs Victoria Harbor. A huge air-filled Rubber Duck was very popular in the citys financial area 10 years ago. Now, there are two. This year, the ducks form an art exhibit called Double Ducks by Dutch artist Florentijn Hofman. They look like traditional bath toys for children. But these ducks are over 18 meters tall! Just after they were put into the water, many people gathered on the nearby walkway to take photos. The ducks will float on the harbor for two weeks, and Hofman hopes they will bring happiness to the city, help create memories and connect people. Hofman says that the ducks stand for twice the fun and double the happiness. Double duck, double luck. I hope it will bring as much pleasure as it did in the past..." AllRightsReserved is the Hong Kong-based artistic group that is supporting Hofmans duck exhibit. The group said that the ducks were similar to the Chinese language characters for friends and happiness. Years ago, Hofman took inspiration to create a giant duck from a world map and, of course, a rubber duck. He started his traveling show in the Netherlands in 2007. He put the duck in many harbors including ones in France and Brazil. The Double Ducks are now floating near Hong Kongs central area and Tamar Park. The ducks are inspiring other artists like Laurence Lai to capture the ducks in a different way. Lai is making watercolor paintings of the ducks. The 50-year-old said that since the COVID-19 pandemic, Hong Kong has been full of negative energy and thinks it is time for something different. "With life returning to normal, the ducks can bring back some positivity," Lai said. Forty-year-old Kane agreed that the ducks were positive for Hong Kong. "It's a silver lining when the society is in such low spirits. It's better (that) the government (spends) money on this than on other areas." Eva Yang is a tourist and Shenzhen resident. She and her family were excited to see the ducks. She said this has made their visit more memorable. "They're spectacular," Yang said. Another woman, forty-year-old Anna, who was walking nearby, said that she also enjoyed seeing the exhibition. "We would like more installation art like the rubber ducks in Hong Kong. Right now, there isn't much space for art in Hong Kong if we compare it to Macau or Shenzhen, they have more art installations, Anna said. Many people remember the joy that Hofmans earlier duck brought to the Tsim Sha Tsui pier and shopping district in 2013. The tour of the original 2013 duck became political by accident on the social media service Weibo during the 24th anniversary of Beijings Tiananmen protests in 1989. Internet users posted an image in which the military tanks in the well-known Tank Man picture were replaced with the giant yellow ducks. Chinese censors immediately blocked searches for the words big yellow duck. Im Faith Pirlo. Faith Pirlo adapted this story for Learning English based on reports from The Associated Press and Reuters. ___________________________________________________________________ Words in This Story exhibit n. an object or a collection of objects that have been put out in a public space for people to look at: something shown in an exhibition toy n. something a child plays with character n. a symbol (such as a letter or number) that is used in writing or printing inspiration n. someone or something that gives you ideas or causes you to want to do something watercolors n. colored paints combined with water or a wet brush to create an effect negative adj. having harmful or undesirable effects positivity n. the quality or state of being good and/or hopeful silver lining idiom something good that can be found in bad or difficult situations tourist n. a person who travels to a place for pleasure censor n. a person who examines media and removes things that are considered to be offensive, immoral, or harmful to society ______________________________________________________________________ What do you think of this story? We want to hear from you. Write to us at learningenglish@voanews.com or leave us a comment below. We have a new comment system. Here is how it works: Write your comment in the box. Under the box, you can see four images for social media accounts. They are for Disqus, Facebook, Twitter and Google. Click on one image and a box appears. Enter the login for your social media account. Or you may create one on the Disqus system. It is the blue circle with D on it. It is free. Each time you return to comment on the Learning English site, you can use your account and see your comments and replies to them. Our comment policy is here. The United Nations refugee agency, the UNHCR, says more people have been displaced from their homes than ever before. Recent conflicts in Sudan and Ukraine forced millions of people from their homes and pushed the number of displaced people to 110 million, the most ever. Other conflicts in the Democratic Republic of Congo, Myanmar, and Ethiopia added to the total. The latest number includes refugees, asylum-seekers, internally displaced people and, what the UNHCR calls, other people in need of international protection. At the end of 2022, the number was just over 108 million, but the conflict in Sudan pushed another 2 million people away from home since April. The fighting in Ukraine was the main reason for a 19 million-person increase in 2022. Its quite an indictment on the state of our world, said Filippo Grandi. He is an Italian diplomat and the UN High Commissioner for Refugees. He called solutions to the problem increasingly difficult to even imagine. Of the total number of refugees needing protection, he said half of them came from only three countries: Afghanistan, Syria and Ukraine. Many people are seeking safety within their own countries but about 35 million are officially refugees because they are in other countries. He called the causes of displacement the usual, which include fighting, persecution, violence and climate change. He also called for some countries to think about their position on accepting refugees. He said many countries signed documents offering acceptance and protection in 1951. However, those countries are now reluctant to accept them. He called restrictions on new immigrants and asylum seekers pushback, and he criticized those nations for blaming them for everything that has happened. Grandi said most refugees are in low-to-middle income countries in Africa and Asia. He said rich countries in Europe and North America are not accepting as many. Turkey and Iran have received over 3 million each. The UN says there are 5.7 million Ukrainian refugees across Europe and beyond. Grandi said the U.S. received the most new asylum claims in 2022 over 730,000. However, it is also the country with the longest delays in its system. One of the things that needs to be done is reforming that asylum system so that it becomes more rapid, more efficient, Grandi said. Grandi did offer some praise. He said Kenya is working to find answers for the refugees within its borders. He also praised a deal reached recently by European Union leaders to share responsibility for migrants and refugees. Im Dan Friedell. Dan Friedell adapted this story for Learning English based on reports by Reuters and the Associated Press. ____________________________________________________________________ Words in This Story indictment n. an expression of disapproval persecution n. being unfairly treated because of race, religious or political beliefs reluctant adj. unwilling to do something rapid adj. happening fast ____________________________________________________________________ We want to hear from you. Do you think the number of refugees will decrease in the near future? Here is how our comment system works: Write your comment in the box. Under the box, you can see four images for social media accounts. They are for Disqus, Facebook, Twitter and Google. Click on one image and a box appears. Enter the login for your social media account. Or you may create one on the Disqus system. It is the blue circle with D on it. It is free. Each time you return to comment on the Learning English site, you can use your account and see your comments and replies to them. Our comment policy is here. An American judge has temporarily blocked Microsofts planned purchase of video gaming company Activision Blizzard. U.S. District Judge Jacqueline Scott Corley made the ruling Tuesday in San Francisco. Her decision came after the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) requested federal court action to block Microsofts $69 billion deal. FTC officials have expressed concern that the purchase, also called an acquisition, would hurt competition in the video gaming market. Both Microsoft and Activision had signaled the deal could be completed as soon as June 16. Corley said her ruling to temporarily halt the deal was necessary to maintain the status quo while the FTCs legal cases are still active. An earlier request by the FTC to block the acquisition will also be considered at a hearing set for June 20. The FTC wants the deal to be blocked until the U.S. government has a chance to have its concerns about competition officially heard. Microsoft announced the proposed deal in January 2022. If approved, it would become one of the biggest technology deals in history. The deal is expected to improve Microsofts position in competing with other major video game makers like Chinas Tencent and Japans Sony. Activision Blizzard produces a series of popular and profitable video games. Among them are Call of Duty, Overwatch, World of Warcraft and Candy Crush. Microsoft is expected to make those games and others available to subscription users of its Xbox gaming system. This has raised questions about whether Microsoft might restrict Activision games to its own Xbox system and Windows-powered computers. Some critics have also expressed concern that the deal could give Microsoft a favored position in the growing international cloud-based gaming market. The deal has faced intense opposition from competitors such as Japans Nintendo and Sony. Microsoft sought to answer such criticism by signing a deal with Nintendo to license Activision games like the hugely popular Call of Duty for 10 years. Microsoft offered the same deal to Sony if the deal goes through. Last month, the European Union gave final approval to the Microsoft-Activision Blizzard acquisition. The approval came after Microsoft made promises to support efforts to expand competition in the cloud-based gaming market. A number of other countries have also approved the deal. These include China, Japan, Brazil and South Korea. But the acquisition still faces legal difficulties in Britain and the United States. Britains Competition and Markets Authority has rejected the deal on grounds that it could harm competition. Microsoft filed an appeal of Britains decision in late May and protested the rejection to top government officials. If Microsoft were to close the deal without Britains approval, it could face new legal difficulties there or possibly decide to suspend its wider game business in the country. U.S.-based consumer group Public Citizen, an opponent of the deal, has welcomed the FTCs move. Microsoft is pushing to culminate the purchase of Activision before the agency can finish its process, said Public Citizen official Matt Kent. In the United States, the FTC already took Microsoft to court last year to block the acquisition. That case is set to go to trial on August 2 at the FTCs in-house administrative court. The FTC has argued the deal would give Microsofts Xbox system exclusive rights to Activision games. Microsoft president Brad Smith said in a statement the company welcomes the chance to present Microsofts case in federal court. Activision did not comment on the FTCs latest request. Microsoft officials have said the deal would benefit both gamers and gaming companies. When announcing the deal, Microsoft said it expected the acquisition would close in their 2023 fiscal year, which ends in June. Im Bryan Lynn. The Associated Press and Reuters reported this story. Bryan Lynn adapted the reports for VOA Learning English. Quiz - US Judge Temporarily Blocks Microsofts Purchase of Activision Start the Quiz to find out Start Quiz _______________________________________________________________ Words in This Story maintain v. to make something continue status quo n. the situation as it exists now, without any changes subscription n. an agreement you make with a company to get a publication or service regularly and that you usually pay for in advance license v. give someone official permission to do or have something consumer n. someone who buys or uses goods or services culminate v. to be the final thing in a series of events exclusive adj. not shared with another person, organization, etc. benefit v. to be helped by something ___________________________________________________________________ What do you think of this story? We want to hear from you. We have a new comment system. Here is how it works: Write your comment in the box. Under the box, you can see four images for social media accounts. They are for Disqus, Facebook, Twitter and Google. Click on one image and a box appears. Enter the login for your social media account. Or you may create one on the Disqus system. It is the blue circle with D on it. It is free. Each time you return to comment on the Learning English site, you can use your account and see your comments and replies to them. Our comment policy is here. HOLDREGE The Phelps County Board of Commissioners is the third public board to take a stance opposing the proposed merger of Central Nebraska Public Power & Irrigation District and Dawson Public Power District. The commissioners voted 6-0-1 at their June 13 meeting to approve a resolution stating their objection to the proposed merger. (Commissioner Matt Gregg abstained due to a conflict of interest). The governing body of Phelps County, Nebraska, encourages CNPPID to remain a stand-alone district in order to preserve water resources in and around Phelps County as well as to retain local control of those resources, the resolution states. The Tri Basin NRD Board of Directors and the Kearney County Board of Commissioners approved similar resolutions. The Central District Water Users Board, which is not a publicly-elected board, also voted to oppose the merger. Phelps County Commissioner Russ Cruise said his vote to oppose the merger was based on conversations he had with his constituents (62 percent of whom are farmers). I talked to 33 farmers, most of them face to face, and every single one of them was against the merger, Cruise said. They werent just mildly opposed. They adamantly were opposed to it. They are afraid to lose their water and afraid to lose their voting power. He said the merger would affect not just farmers but the entire county. We all benefit from CNPPIDs recharge water, Cruise said. It keeps all the businesses running. Everything trickles down to the downtown businesses. Citizens Opposed to the Merger President Gary Robison said he is grateful that the commissioners listened to their constituents. This is how local decisions are made, locally with constituents talking to board members and having a discussion, Robison said. We appreciate these locally-elected officials representing the wishes of the people who elected them into office. Robison said CNPPID is not listening to the wishes of its constituents in moving ahead with a merger. CNPPID and Dawson PPD boards voted to merge in October 2022 despite concerns from constituents, Robison said. Once we found out the entire plan, we made ourselves heard to the board members, but many voted against the wishes of their constituents, Robison said. Two CNPPID board members, Bob Dahlgren and Roger D. Olson, voted against the merger, however, the nine other board members voted for the merger (one Phelps County CNPPID board position was left vacant for more than a year after a board member died). Before the merger can become final, it has to receive approval from the Nebraska Power Review Board. In April, the Nebraska Power Review Board denied the merger based on a technicality. The districts are planning to fix the technical error and refile the merger petition. Central has informed us that they plan to revote on the merger this summer, Robison said. At this time they are working on the bylaws for the merged entity. So far, they have refused to discuss the merits of the merger and why they should continue to pursue it with us, the Central District Water Users and the Tri-Basin NRD. When it comes especially to water decisions, we believe local control matters. The proposed merger seems to be a fix to a problem that doesnt exist. The major contingent of the British military task force sent to help restore order in the West African state of Sierra Leone has left the country. The departure of the prestigious Royal Marines was overseen by British Deputy Prime Minister John Prescott, who said his government was proud of what they had done to restore stability. Britain, the former colonial power in Sierra Leone, is handing responsibility for security to the United Nations. About 300 UK troops and support staff will stay on in the war-torn African country for the next six to eight weeks to help establish a UK military advisory training team. Most people in Freetown would prefer to see the British military continuing their confidence-building street patrols, but British ministers always insisted their mission to help the UN forces there was a short-term one. Brigadier David Richards, commander of the British forces in Sierra Leone, told BBC Radios Today programme: The UN have a much stronger resolve now and are clearer about their mandate and have shown that they have the resolve to fight. When we arrived here about six weeks ago, they did appear on the verge of collapse. Today they have been transformed. At the core of the continuing British effort will be the retraining of the demoralised Sierra Leone army. Many of its soldiers some of whom are children are poorly trained and equipped. Sierra Leone continues to face horrendous problems. A war is being fought in the countryside about which there is little reliable information. The UN says that one million people have been affected. The rebels hold the main diamond-producing area, which deprives the government of revenue and, it is alleged, attracts support for the rebels from neighbouring Liberia. Courtesy BBC News In context Sierra Leones civil war saw nearly half the countrys 4.5 million population displaced. At least 50,000 people died in the fighting and there were an estimated 100,000 victims of mutilation. The economy was left in ruins and the countrys infrastructure collapsed. British troops entered Sierra Leone because a peace deal between government and rebels had broken down and rebel forces were scoring successes against the Sierra Leone army and the UN peacekeeping force. In 2002 more than 17,000 foreign troops disarmed tens of thousands of rebels and militia fighters. The country now faces the challenge of reconstruction. Air Macau, the citys flagship airline, experienced a nearly one-third year-on-year increase in losses across 2022, reaching over one billion patacas ($124 million), according to recently released data, cited by Lusa. The company attributed the worsened losses to the impact of the pandemic resurgence [in China] and rising oil prices, as stated in Air Macaus financial results published in the territorys Official Gazette. Air Macaus operational revenue amounted to MOP887 million patacas ($110 million), marking a 26% reduction compared to 2021. Since the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, the airline has faced unparalleled losses, primarily due to restrictions imposed on tourists from mainland China, which constitutes Macaus main market. In December, Air Macaus shareholders, under the control of Chinas state airline Air China, decided to decrease the companys share capital by MOP1.4 billion ($173.5 million) to offset the incurred losses. The accompanying report from Air Macaus Fiscal Council highlighted that the airline continues to encounter numerous challenges, including debt obligations and the escalating fuel prices. PC The Monetary Authority of Macao (AMCM) issued a warning to the public regarding a fraudulent social media page that impersonates a local currency exchange facilitator. Sun Fu Lon Exchange Ltd., according to the AMCM, has answered the latters request for clarification about its website and social media page and the fake pages which impersonate it. The AMCM reminds the public to report similar cases of fraudulent impersonation to the police and concerned businesses. The exchange facilitator underlined that the fake page had illegally used its trademark, logo, product information and images. It also condemned the act and said it would reserve the right to seek accountability. Related China said yesterday it has established a strategic partnership with the Palestinian Authority during a visit to Beijing by Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas. The announcement marks another step in Chinas campaign to gain political and economic influence in the Middle East, where it is competing for influence with the United States. China is seeking energy resources and markets for its military and civilian exports, while promoting its version of authoritarian government in a joint challenge with Russia to the Western-led democratic world order. China has appointed a special envoy to meet with Israeli and Palestinian officials, but its experience in the region is mainly limited to construction, manufacturing and other economic projects. Beijing has long maintained diplomatic ties with the Palestinian Authority and Abbas was welcomed with full military honors at the Great Hall of the People in central Beijing. We are good friends and partners, Chinese president and head of the ruling Communist Party Xi Jinping told Abbas at the start of their meeting. We have have always firmly supported the just cause of the Palestinian people to restore their legitimate national rights. China is willing to strengthen coordination and cooperation with the Palestinian side to promote a comprehensive, just and lasting solution to the Palestinian issue as soon as possible, he said. Xi called the strategic partnership an important milestone in the history of bilateral relations, but its financial details were not immediately released. China relies on such partnerships to bolster its diplomatic posture and give large Chinese corporations a leg-up when negotiating infrastructure deals in line with the governments Belt and Road Initiative that has left some countries in deep debt to Chinese banks, according to media reports. China has also sought close ties with Israel to both expand its diplomatic presence and gain access to high technology. Abbas visit comes after China recently hosted talks between Iran and Saudi Arabia that resulted in the restoring of diplomatic relations between the two Mideast rivals and boosting Chinas standing in the region. The Riyadh-Tehran rapprochement is seen as a diplomatic victory for China as Gulf Arab states perceive the United States as slowly withdrawing from the wider region. MDT/AP A Chinese navy training ship with hundreds of cadets made a port call in the Philippines yesterday, its final stop on a goodwill tour of four countries as Beijing looks to mend fences in the region. Cadets in dress whites stood at attention on the deck of the Qi Jiguang as they were welcomed at the port in Manila by Philippine military officials on shore, while artists in dragon costumes performed a traditional dance and onlookers waved Chinese and Philippine flags. Chinas ambassador to the Philippines was on hand for the ceremony but neither he nor any of the Philippine officials made any comment to the media. It was a rare visit for a Chinese naval ship to the Philippines, whose new government under Ferdinand Marcos Jr. has been strengthening ties with the United States, including more joint military exercises and in February granting the American military greater access to the countrys military facilities. China, meantime, has become increasingly assertive in pressing its broad claims to the strategic South China Sea, which has put it at odds with the Philippines, Vietnam, Malaysia and Brunei. In February, a Chinese coast guard ship aimed a military-grade laser at a Philippine patrol vessel off a disputed reef, temporarily blinding some crew members and prompting the Philippines to intensify its patrols in the South China Sea. The ships visit comes a week after joint U.S., Japanese and Philippine coast guard law enforcement drills in the area. President Joe Bidens administration has been broadly working to reinforce alliances in the Indo-Pacific to push back against Chinas sweeping maritime claims. The largest naval training ship of Chinas Peoples Liberation Army Navy, the Qi Jiguang was to be in port for three days. It was the end of a nearly 40-day voyage for 476 naval cadets and sailors from Chinas well-known Dalian Naval Academy. Before the port call in Manila, it made stops in Vietnam, Thailand and Brunei. When it set off in mid-May, there was no mention of the various territorial disputes China is embroiled in, with official media reporting it as an opportunity for the cadets to visit foreign military vessels, academies and training facilities, and help deepen the friendship with local people. Only members of the Chinese-Filipino community were allowed to board the Qi Jiguang yesterday, but the ship was to be opened to the broader public today and tomorrow. Yong Ning Cai, a Chinese-Chinese businessman who was on the pier to watch the Qi Jiguangs arrival, was one of those allowed to board the ship and said he was impressed by its advanced and high-end equipment. This is a ship of our motherland and it is built very well, better than those in other countries, he said. This visit is very successful and will definitely promote the friendship between China and the Philippines. IYA FORBES, MANILA, MDT/AP United States Secretary of State Antony Blinken and Chinese Foreign Minister Qin Gang shared concerns on a phone call yesterday ahead of a planned visit by the U.S. official to China meant to shore up relations. Spoke tonight with PRC State Councilor and Foreign Minister Qin Gang by phone, Blinkens official Twitter account read. Discussed ongoing efforts to maintain open channels of communication as well as bilateral and global issues. The Chinese foreign ministry said in a statement on one of its social media pages that Qin urged the United States to respect Chinas core concerns such as the issue of Taiwans self-rule, stop interfering in Chinas internal affairs, and stop harming Chinas sovereignty, security and development interests in the name of competition. Qin noted China-U.S. ties have encountered new difficulties and challenges since the beginning of the year, and the two sides responsibility is to work together to properly manage differences, promote exchanges and cooperation and stabilize relations. Blinken is reportedly planning a trip to China this week, after several weeks in which the two countries made diplomatic overtures to one another in an attempt to ease tensions. Blinken had scrapped a trip to Beijing in February after a suspected Chinese spy balloon flew over U.S. territory. China has since largely rejected U.S. attempts at official exchanges, but some overtures were made. Last week, Daniel Kritenbrink, assistant U.S. secretary of state for East Asian and Pacific Affairs, was the highest-ranking U.S. official to visit China since the downing of the balloon. In May, U.S. Secretary of Commerce Gina Raimondo met her Chinese counterpart Wang Wentao in Washington to discuss trade. MDT/AP European Union antitrust regulators took aim at Googles lucrative digital advertising business in an unprecedented decision, saying yesterday that the tech giant must sell off some of its ad business to address competition concerns. The European Commission, the blocs executive branch and top antitrust enforcer, said its preliminary view after an investigation is that only the mandatory divestment by Google of part of its services would satisfy the concerns. The 27-nation EU has led the global movement to crack down on Big Tech companies including groundbreaking rules on artificial intelligence but it has previously relied on issuing blockbuster fines, including three antitrust penalties for Google worth billions of euros. Its the first time the bloc has told a tech giant that it must split up key parts of its business over violations of the EUs strict antitrust laws, though details on what that would look like have not been released. Google can now defend itself by making its case before the commission issues its final decision. The company said it disagreed with the finding and will respond accordingly, with the EUs investigation focusing on a narrow part of its ad business. Our advertising technology tools help websites and apps fund their content, and enable businesses of all sizes to effectively reach new customers, said Dan Taylor, Google vice president of global ads. Google remains committed to creating value for our publisher and advertiser partners in this highly competitive sector. The commissions decision stems from a formal investigation that it opened in June 2021, looking into whether Google violated the blocs competition rules by favoring its own online display advertising technology services at the expense of rival publishers, advertisers and advertising technology services. European Commission Vice President Margrethe Vestager says Google is dominant on both sides of the ad-selling market. Google abused that position by favoring its own ad exchange, reinforcing its ability to charge a high fee for its services, the commission said. Google is representing the interests of both buyers and sellers. And at the same time, Google is setting the rules on how demand and supply should meet, she said at a news conference. This gives rise to inherent and pervasive conflicts of interest. YouTube was one focus of the commissions investigation, which looked into whether Google was using the video sharing sites dominant position to favor its own ad-buying services by imposing restrictions on rivals. Googles ad tech business is also under investigation by Britains antitrust watchdog and faces litigation in the U.S. Brussels has previously hit Google with more than 8 billion euros (now $8.6 billion) worth of fines in three separate antitrust cases, involving its Android mobile operating system and shopping and search advertising services. The company is appealing all three penalties. An EU court last year slightly reduced the Android penalty to 4.125 million euros. EU regulators have the power to impose penalties worth up to 10% of a companys annual revenue. KELVIN CHAN & SAMUEL PETREQUIN, BRUSSELS, MDT/AP Newborn and mother care courses have become attractive to local women who want or had to change career paths in the past three years, the head of a local group in the profession pointed out yesterday. On the sidelines of a sector event, Elaine Leong, president of Macau Domestic Workers Promotion Association, said that many local women currently aged between 45 and 65 years are open to taking newborn and mothercare courses, for changing career paths or domestic caregiving. In addition, she disclosed that many younger people who have lost their jobs during the past three years of economic downturn have decided to become better equipped to work in the newborn and mother caretaker sector. According to her, one of the main reasons is that the courses may help graduates take better care of their daughters-in-law and grandchildren, even if they do not decide to work in the sector professionally. This, Leong underlined, will help ease domestic tension. During [the] recruitment process, many of these women have faced time constraints, age challenges and domestic pressure, she explained. They may not be able to invest too much time for work as they have elder and younger generations to care for at home. They are also not as physically fit as the younger generations for certain positions, such as housekeeping. She even referred to the suicide rate of the city, saying that these courses could help people construct their own sense of value by becoming able to help out in a professional manner with domestic elderly and child care. This will also help ease household financial burdens, she added, as the monthly salary for a caretaker starts at MOP30,000. One successful career path changer is a former accounting clerk, surnamed Lou, 68, who graduated from a recent sectoral programme. She admitted that her job seeking efforts had not worked out following her previous employer going out of business three years ago. Not seeing the chance to return to her accounting career, Lou decided to take the governments training-with-subsidy to broaden her horizons. This program is the second course she has taken under the scheme. Despite passing the retirement age, she preferred to continue working. In terms of changing ones mentality, Lou suggests fellow career path switchers can face the change with ease. She admitted that the psychological challenges in changing career paths could be tough, but she decided to go with the flow and be optimistic, which she described as within her character. She disclosed that she has also taken courses at the Senior College of the Macau Polytechnic University. Another graduate, former junket marketer surnamed Cheong, who had been unemployed for over a year, decided to change her career path firstly because she has an interest in infant care and secondly because she heard about the good income in the sector. She said she had always wanted to work in the sector but did not see any way in. The course has opened a door for her, she admitted. Yesterday, the Labour Affairs Bureau (DSAL) and the Macau United Citizens Association (API) co-hosted a graduation ceremony for the 15 graduates from the 80-hour course of beginner-level infant and parent caretaker training program. The program complies with national standards, so graduation from secondary school is a prerequisite. A cooperative agreement signing ceremony was held following the graduation ceremony. The organizer and three local care centers signed agreements to provide internship opportunities to the 15 graduates. The graduates will soon commence their 10-hour internships at these centers to gain real-life experiences before starting to work independently. Monday saw the opening for application for the next round of the programme, with all places filled within two days, Leong disclosed. Discussion over the new law updating the rules regulating the issuing and use of the Macau Identity Card (Macau ID) has concluded at the Legislative Assembly (AL) First Standing Committee. Soon to be raised to plenary for final voting, the proposed date at which new law will enter into force is June 30. One of the main reasons for the amendments to the law regulating the Macau ID cards was said to be related to the so-called electronization of the document, although the president of the Standing Committee, lawmaker Ella Lei, admitted yesterday that for the time being what will be enforced in just a semi-electronization. The use of the physical document will still be necessary for the majority of situations. The main exception to this, for which the government aims to have legally enshrined regulation as early as the end of this month, has to do with the cross-border automated passages. As soon as the law comes into force, it will be possible to generate a QR code via the Macao One Account platform that will be scanned by the border crossing automated gates allowing a touch-free and quicker immigration procedure, the government said. Lei noted that this will be the first phase of the implementation of the new bills measures. At a later stage, several other functions will be introduced. As the Times noticed when the bill was first presented, there will also be changes in the physical cards that will have less information displayed as the information will be stored in the electronic chip inside the cards. At a later stage, the government will start to discuss the needs of various associations and services to access information stored in the chip. As Lei said, different organizations and services might have different degrees of access to the information on the card according to their needs. Questioned on the matter by the media, Lei clarified that if any entity needs to have access to the information stored in the ID card chip, access must be granted through a request to the Identification Services Bureau (DSI). The DSI will analyze the request and its grounds and decide whether or not to grant authorization. Some entities that the government considers essential to having access to the full information are being equipped with card readers that can read all the information, Lei said, noting that the law has specific articles that regulate this matter. The Times asked whether the replacement of the ID with an electronic version in the Macao One Account, as already happens with other documents such as driving licenses and vehicle documentation, was a possibility. Lawmaker Lei replied that for the time being only some scenarios are being considered by the government for the non-mandatory presentation of the physical document when requested by the authorities. However, she noted that nonetheless that there will be a possibility of police authorities being able to verify someones identity through electronic means. As for the new ID cards, according to previous information from the Secretary for Administration and Justice, Andre Cheong, they should start to be issued before the end of this year. Cheong also advanced that the change for the new system, which includes changes to IT equipment as well as readers and physical card models, is expected to cost 155 million patacas, of which 64 million is for software and hardware changes and 91 million is for the production of the physical cards. On the occasion of the tenth anniversary of the University of Macau (UM) Faculty of Health Sciences (FHS), Associate Professor Tam Kin Yip and Research Assistant Professor Li Bei in the FHS gave talks on Pharmaceutical Century Ten Decades of Drug Discovery and Body Chemistry Balance, respectively, to over 300 students at Xin Hua School. The talks sought to enrich students knowledge and broaden their horizons in science. Prof Tam pointed out that medical advancement relies on drug development, and the application of new drugs in clinical practice is pivotal to the well-being of humanity. Meanwhile, Prof Li told the students about the importance of hormones in the human body. Related 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. Sorokins 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 didnt 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 doesnt 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. JOHN CARUCCI, NEW YORK, MDT/AP It was a pleasant surprise when Jeykell Badell, the owner of the 10-year-old La Taguara on East Washington Avenue, put a second location of his excellent Venezuelan restaurant farther east in what used to be Uno Pizzeria & Grill. He had tried doing secondary locations before, first as part of the Cardinal Bar in 2014, then on East Johnson Street from 2016 to 2018 where Little Tibet is now. The new La Taguara, which opened last August, is a keeper, even though the space seems excessively large. We were there on a Sunday evening when there was a good crowd on the patio, but the inside was almost empty. Alex Bayona, a manager, said the restaurant seats 273 people inside plus about 40 outside, and can get pretty crowded on Friday and Saturday nights. Sunday is also a popular night, he said. He said Tuesday that the restaurant hosted a group of 30 in its private party room that night and two-thirds of the restaurant was filled. So, it was a pretty good day. Bayona said Badell didnt expand the patio, but used the space differently so it feels cozier. The comfortable, inviting patio makes the newer La Taguara worth putting on your regular restaurant rotation. Not just for the food, but also for the terrific service. In Venezuela, a taguara is an inexpensive restaurant, and in this time of high food prices, you can eat well at La Taguara for a reasonable price, particularly if you split something like the pabellon ($15.99), the Venezuelan national dish, served as an enormous portion. The plate had well-seasoned shredded beef, black beans topped with queso blanco, white rice, fried sweet plantains, and an arepita, a mini arepa disc that wasnt as interesting as if it would have been ordered separately with a filling. Arepas, elsewhere on the menu, are crispy white corn pockets stuffed with beef, cheese, pork, beans, eggplant or other choices. The arepitas were the least interesting part of El Papi Venezolano/the sampler ($12.99), which is the way to start a meal if you have a group. The ground beef empanadas were the highlight of a platter that also had delicious, crispy cheese masa balls; tequenos, unique cheese sticks in a bread-like shell; and fried yucca. The appetizers were served with three fantastic sauces: nata, a Latin sour cream; tartara verde, a mayo with green onion; and the star attraction, guasacaca, made with avocados, cilantro, bell pepper, parsley, vinegar, onions and garlic. Our friendly, helpful server explained all the sauces without prompting. Bayona described them in more detail during a recent phone call. The most unusual dish I tried was the mojito en coco, or coconut tilapia ($16.99) with the fish minced and served in a heavily seasoned coconut sauce. It came with rice; fried green plantains, which were bland; a refreshing picadillo salad, similar to pico de gallo; and that amazing guasacaca sauce. This is a treat, my mother, 84, said about the dish. Its nice to have a new taste sensation. My stepfather, 87, had good luck with the spaghetti furioso, or fiery spaghetti ($16), with sauteed chunks of chicken breast in a light alfredo sauce that had a hint of heat. Adding to the mix were mushrooms, jalapenos, diced tomatoes and parmesan cheese. Sweet plantains came on the side. It was nothing Id order in a Venezuelan restaurant, but was quite good. Even the soft, garlicky breadstick served with it was better than I expected. My daughters pollo a la parrilla, or grilled chicken ($16.99), was a flavorful, pounded breast with dramatic grill marks. It came with rice, the same picadillo salad, and medium-thick french fries with salsa rosa or pink sauce. It looked more orange to me, and Bayona said it was mayo with ketchup and mustard. The menu also has a section of flatbreads and 10-inch pan pizzas, a holdover from the spaces former occupant. Bayona said with the size of the kitchen, the restaurant is able to offer a few extra items that arent available at the original location, which also has a big menu. The idea behind adding pizza to the menu was just to have some Anglo dishes, he said, noting that some pizzas have a Venezuelan twist. It was also a way to put the restaurants pizza oven to use, he said. The sangria ($8.99), sadly, was hard to finish, with a tame flavor and no fruit except for a slice of orange on the side of the pint glass. My parents were happy to find that the house chardonnay was $5.99 with a cabernet for $6.99. While the menu was exceptionally detailed, wines werent listed. The menu just noted wine was available with an exclamation point. For dessert, dont overlook the quesillo, or vanilla egg custard ($5.99). The beautiful, tender flan was served in a caramel sauce and was a great way to cap a wonderful dining experience. This takes me back to the best flan Ive had, said my mom. You can rave about this place. Diner's scorecard Restaurant: La Taguara Bar & Grill Location: 3010 Crossroads Drive Phone: 608-244-3266 Website: lataguara-madison.com Hours: Sunday through Thursday 11 a.m. to 10 p.m., Friday 11 a.m. until 11 p.m., and Saturday 11 a.m. to 2 a.m. Prices: Appetizers $9.99 to $14.99, hamburgers and sandwiches $13.99 to $16.99, arepas $9.99 to $12.99, salads $7.99 to $13.99, flatbreads and pizzas $10.99 to $14.99, pastas $10.99 to $17.99, entrees $15.99 to $20.99, brunch $9.99 and $14.99, kids menu $6.49, desserts $5.99 to $7.99 Noise level: Medium Credit cards: Accepted Accessibility: Yes Outdoor dining: Yes Delivery: Through third-party apps Online ordering: Yes through Toast app Drinks: Full bar Gluten-free: Half the menu can be made GF Vegetarian offerings: Some items Kids menu: Yes and on Tuesdays get one free kids meal with the purchase of an entree or appetizer Reservations: Yes Parking: Lots Service: Excellent Bottom line: La Taguara has settled into its newer, larger home on Madison's Far East Side with excellent results. Money was stolen in a burglary of Arbys on the Southeast Side early Thursday, Madison police said. Police were sent to the fast food restaurant at 4 Collins Court shortly after 4:15 a.m. Thursday for an alarm with a glass break, Chief Shon Barnes said in his blog. An undisclosed amount of money was stolen, police spokesperson Stephanie Fryer said in a statement. Digital evidence is being reviewed, Fryer said. Police ask that anyone with information on the incident contact Madison Area Crime Stoppers at 608-266-6014 or P3Tips.com. Individuals contacting Crime Stoppers can receive a reward of up to $1,000 for tips that lead to an arrest. The cities with the most break-ins and burglaries Cities With the Most Break-Ins / Burglaries Over the past decade burglary and larceny rates have declined Daytime break-ins of homes are most common Southern states experience the most property crime Small and midsize cities with the most burglaries 15. Dallas, TX 14. Houston, TX 13. Las Vegas, NV 12. Columbus, OH 11. Minneapolis, MN 10. Milwaukee, WI 9. Wichita, KS 8. Kansas City, MO 7. Oklahoma City, OK 6. Bakersfield, CA 5. Seattle, WA 4. Baltimore, MD 3. Detroit, MI 2. Tulsa, OK 1. Memphis, TN A Reedsburg lawyer pleaded guilty Wednesday to stealing more than $1.6 million from a clients estate trust account between 2019 and 2022 while acting as the estates trustee, using the money for personal expenses that included home improvements, dental work, vehicles and pet supplies. Kristin D. Lein, 60, making her initial appearance on the charges in U.S. District Court, pleaded guilty to wire fraud, money laundering and filing a false tax return. She will be sentenced by U.S. District Judge William Conley on Sept. 7. After being advised by Conley she has the right to a jury trial, Lein said she did not want one. I have no intention of prolonging the pain Ive caused the family, Lein said, referring to the family of the man whose estate she stole from. Under a plea agreement, federal prosecutors and Leins attorneys agreed to seek a sentence of between 41 and 51 months in prison. The fraud charge carries a maximum of 20 years in prison, money laundering carries up to 10 years and the tax conviction carries up to three years. Advisory federal sentencing guidelines make it unlikely Lein would receive anything approaching the maximum sentence. Leins law license is currently suspended for failing to meet continuing legal education requirements, according to the state Office of Lawyer Regulation. Court documents do not state how authorities became aware of Leins actions. The U.S. Attorneys Office said the charges were the result of an investigation by the Internal Revenue Service Criminal Investigation Division. Assistant U.S. Attorney Aaron Wegner declined to comment on that after Wednesdays court appearance. Trust plundered According to a criminal charging document filed on May 15, in October 2017 Lein drafted a series of interconnected estate planning documents for one of her clients, whose full name is not stated in the charging document. When he died in April 2019, Lein became trustee of the estate, which included multiple retirement savings accounts and life insurance policies. Leins job was to manage the estates assets and income on behalf of its beneficiaries, which included the mans widow and his two daughters and South Dakota State University. Lein was not a beneficiary of the estate. After the man died and the trust went into effect, Lein opened a bank account for the trust at Monona State Bank. Details emerge Two months after the mans death, Lein began to transfer money from accounts belonging to his estate to her own account at Monona State Bank. In 2019, the transfers totaled $427,473. She used the money for various personal expenses, including improvements on her town of Reedsburg home, the purchase of several vehicles including a Toyota Tacoma pickup truck, dental work for herself and her husband totaling more than $78,000, goods from Amazon totaling more than $151,000 and more than $90,000 for pet supplies. The charging document states Lein lied to the clients widow during a phone call in February 2022 when she said the estate balance was nearly $1.9 million, when it was significantly less due to Leins embezzlement. Lein took more than $1.64 million from the estate. Under the plea agreement, she would be required to repay about $1.34 million. The charging document states Lein had earlier paid back some of the money she took by making occasional payments to the mans widow to lull her into a false sense of security and to hide the embezzlement scheme. How spending on public safety and policing has changed over the last 40 years 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 Dane County issued its second overdose alert in a month on Tuesday. Authorities responded to at least six overdoses between 10 p.m. Sunday and 10 p.m. Monday, two of which resulted in deaths, said Morgan Finke, communications director at Public Health Madison and Dane County. That level is more than the three overdoses the department usually expects in a 24-hour period, she said. The department issues alerts when it sees a number of overdoses that is substantially higher than normal, Finke said. But she added that the number of overdoses in Dane County has been at a high level for the past few weeks. The department also issued an overdose spike alert May 24 after seeing nine people overdose and require Narcan treatment. Two people died. The department could not confirm the cause behind the spike, but Finke warned about the potency and danger of fentanyl. The alert mentions that very strong opioids may be mixed into the local drug supply. Public Health Madison and Dane County advises residents to familiarize themselves with signs of overdose, never use drugs alone, carry Narcan and use fentanyl test strips. Drug users can also use the departments syringe services program at 2705 E. Washington Ave. and 2300 S. Park St., where they can also get fentanyl test strip kits. A conservative Wisconsin law firm has filed a complaint with the federal government alleging the Sun Prairie School District violated Title IX in its handling of a March incident in which a transgender female student reportedly showered in front of four freshman girls. The district engaged in sex discrimination by not interviewing one of the freshman girls to see whether she had been denied equal access to educational programs, the Wisconsin Institute for Law and Liberty said in the complaint filed Wednesday with the U.S. Department of Educations Office for Civil Rights. The districts restroom and locker room policy for transgender students also doesnt prohibit sexual harassment, which would violate Title IX, WILL argues. Patti Lux, a spokesperson for the Sun Prairie schools, had not responded to a request for comment. The district has described the characterization of the incident by WILL and conservative media outlets as neither an accurate nor complete account of the incident. The district has not commented on its own findings about the incident, citing student privacy laws. An email attached to WILLs complaint from Sun Prairie East Principal Renee Coleman to one of the freshman students parents reads: Let me apologize again for the incident that occurred with your daughter. Let me reiterate that the situation your daughter was in should not have happened and we will continue to work to ensure no one has a similar experience, Coleman said. Attached to the message is the districts policy on restroom and locker room use by transgender students. The policy, in line with federal guidance, permits transgender students to use a bathroom facility that corresponds to their gender identity. In a different email attached to the complaint, a Sun Prairie schools official said the freshman girl had not been interviewed because she wasnt immediately identified as being involved in the locker room incident. By the time she was identified, the district had already established the facts of what occurred, said Nick Reichhoff, the districts director of student policy and school operations. In a May 10 email to families, Superintendent Brad Saron said the district is working to better explain how it supports LGBT students, families and staff all while communicating about the locker room incident. School districts across the state and nation must balance the dual goals of supporting transitioning students (transgender, non-binary and gender-expansive students) while also protecting the privacy interests of all students, Saron said. The complaint comes amid an ongoing national battle over transgender rights and identity, particularly those of transgender children. WILL has previously waded into the issue on the legal front. The law firm represented a Madison parent who sued the Madison School District in 2020 over the districts policy on communicating to the families of transgender and nonbinary students about their identities. Most conservative colleges in America Most conservative colleges in America #50. Moody Bible Institute #49. Western New Mexico University #48. University of Findlay #47. University of Evansville #46. Southwestern Assemblies of God University #45. Concordia University - Wisconsin #44. University of Northwestern - St. Paul #43. Idaho State University #42. University of Arkansas #41. Auburn University #40. Spring Arbor University #39. Wayland Baptist University #38. Southeastern University #37. Ouachita Baptist University #36. George Fox University #35. University of North Georgia #34. Evangel University #33. Texas A&M University #32. LeTourneau University #31. Abilene Christian University #30. Montana Technological University #29. Susquehanna University #28. 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Samford University #12. Grove City College #11. Southern Methodist University #10. Palm Beach Atlantic University #9. Utah State University #8. Biola University #7. North Greenville University #6. Brigham Young University - Idaho #5. Colorado Christian University #4. Cedarville University #3. Bob Jones University #2. Liberty University #1. Brigham Young University State officials are recommending residents limit their time outside Thursday amid poor air quality in some parts of the state caused by wildfire smoke drifting south from Canada. The Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources pointed to its air quality monitoring map as evidence of the conditions, although as of Thursday afternoon more than half of the state's 72 counties were either reporting no air quality data or had no air monitors to report such data. Only one county, Grant, had an air quality rating as "unhealthy" while one other, Dane, was rated "unhealthy for sensitive groups," such as those with heart or lung disease, the elderly and children. Those in areas with poor air quality can also avoid activities that increase indoor pollution such as vacuuming, frying food, burning candles or using gas-powered appliances install a high-efficiency air filter and use an N95 mask if outdoors for long periods of time, the DNR said. The agency said in a news release that cleaner air was coming in from the northeast Thursday and should bring much of the state below the air quality advisory threshold by early Friday morning. This is the sixth time this spring that an air quality advisory has been issued in Wisconsin, the DNR said. All six have been a direct result of Canadian wildfire smoke. Kenosha police continue to investigate multiple shootings after three people turned up at separate local hospitals with gunshot wounds late Tuesday. One of the three, a 19-year-old man, died before he could be flown to Milwaukee for treatment. Police said he was killed in a presumed homicide. The incident was reported at around 10:10 p.m. with men facing gunshot wounds arriving at Aurora Medical Center. One of the men was the 19-year-old who died and the other was a 21-year-old who was transported to a Milwaukee-area hospital with serious but non-life-threatening injuries. Later, a second vehicle from the same incident arrived at Froedtert Pleasant Prairie Hospital with a 20-year-old man facing gunshot injuries. The 20-year-olds injuries are not life-threatening, according to police. Officers were on the scene late Tuesday in and around the 2200 block of 60th Street, according to police radio traffic at the time. Officers canvassing the area noted several people in the area heard multiple gunshots. The parking lot of the Grace Lutheran Church was blocked by police tape Wednesday morning and afternoon, and multiple officers were canvassing the area. Along with officers interviewing residents, a K-9 unit was going house to house Wednesday morning. Church officials said they were informed by police that there may have been a shooting in the church parking lot. No church or food pantry activities were scheduled for Wednesday, according to Interim Pastor Stephen Gifford. In a media release Wednesday morning Public Information Officer Lt. Joseph Nosalik said there has been little to no cooperation regarding the Tuesday night incident among those involved. No one is in custody. Kenosha, we cannot accept that disputes will be solved by gunfire and we must hold those accountable who are responsible for the shootings. Police need your help, Nosalik said. Our children, our families, deserve to live in this city without having to worry about when and where another shooting will be. We need to work together to be able to do this. Anyone with information is asked to contact the Kenosha Police Departments Detective Bureau at 262-605-5203. Those who wish to remain anonymous can contact Kenosha Area Crime Stoppers at 262-656-7333. Neighbors react Area resident Robert Jorgensen said the sounds of gunfire woke him up Tuesday night. The noise woke me up, Jorgensen said. I came out on the porch and the police department was everywhere. Jorgensen said he saw about 20 officers responding to the area after the shootings. Jorgensen said some of people he believed had information regarding the incident didnt want to cooperate with the police department. This is not a good neighborhood, Jorgensen said. I heard one say to the officer we do not want to talk with you. Jorgensen said he then went back inside his apartment. An area resident named Debra, who declined to give her last name, said she often uses the bus stop in front of Grace Lutheran. Its sad and it doesnt make sense to be that close, Debra said. I go over there to catch bus. ... I dont get it. I just dont get it. Its sad. One longtime area resident who wished to remain anonymous said she hopes there isnt a rise in gun violence this summer. Where are these guns coming from? the woman said. This was the second incident in less than a week involving shootings with multiple victims. At 1:30 a.m. Sunday, police officers patrolling the area responded to gunfire with shooting victims in the 6800 block of 26th Avenue. One victim at the scene had a gunshot wound in an upper extremity. A second gunshot victim self transported to a local hospital. Both victims had injuries that were not life-threatening, according to police. About nine hours later, Illinois authorities notified Kenosha police of a gunshot victim at an Illinois hospital who may have been shot in the Sunday crime scene, according to police. WASHINGTON The Supreme Court on Thursday preserved the system that gives preference to Native American families in foster care and adoption proceedings of Native children, rejecting a broad attack from some Republican-led states and white families who argued it is based on race. The court left in place the 1978 Indian Child Welfare Act, which was enacted to address concerns that Native children were being separated from their families and, too frequently, placed in non-Native homes. Tribal leaders backed the law as a means of preserving their families, traditions and cultures and warned that a broad ruling against the tribes could have undermined their ability to govern themselves. The "issues are complicated" Justice Amy Coney Barrett wrote for a seven-justice majority that included the court's three liberals and four of its six conservatives, but the "bottom line is that we reject all of petitioners' challenges to the statute." Justices Clarence Thomas and Samuel Alito dissented, each writing that Congress lacks the authority to interfere with foster care placements and adoptions, typically the province of the states. The decision, Alito wrote, "disserves the rights and interests of these children." Justice Neil Gorsuch, a Colorado native who emerged as a champion of Native rights since joining the court in 2017, wrote in a separate opinion that the decision "safeguards the ability of tribal members to raise their children free from interference by state authorities and other outside parties." The leaders of tribes involved in the case called the outcome a major victory for tribes and Native children. "We hope this decision will lay to rest the political attacks aimed at diminishing tribal sovereignty and creating instability throughout Indian law that have persisted for too long," Cherokee Nation Principal Chief Chuck Hoskin Jr., Morongo Band of Mission Indians Chairman Charles Martin, Oneida Nation Chairman Tehassi Hill and Quinault Indian Nation President Guy Capoeman said in a joint statement. President Joe Biden, whose administration defended the law, noted he supported the law 45 years ago when he was a Democratic senator from Delaware. Our Nations painful history looms large over todays decision. In the not-so-distant past, Native children were stolen from the arms of the people who loved them, he said. Congress passed the law in response to the alarming rate at which public and private agencies were taking Native American and Alaska Native children from their homes. The law requires states to notify tribes and seek placement with the child's extended family, members of the child's tribe or other Native American families. Three white families, the state of Texas and a small number of other states claimed the law is unconstitutional under the equal protection clause because it is based on race. They also contended it puts the interests of tribes ahead of children and improperly allows the federal government too much power over adoptions and foster placements, areas that typically are under state control. The lead plaintiffs in the Supreme Court case Chad and Jennifer Brackeen of Fort Worth, Texas adopted a Native American child after a prolonged legal fight with the Navajo Nation, one of the two largest Native American tribes, based in the Southwest. The Brackeens are trying to adopt the boy's 5-year-old half-sister, known in court papers as Y.R.J., who has lived with them since infancy. The Navajo Nation opposed that adoption. At last fall's arguments, several conservative justices expressed concern about at least one aspect of the law that gives preference to Native parents, even if they are of a different tribe than the child they are seeking to adopt or foster. Among them was Justice Brett Kavanaugh, who was in the majority Thursday in favor of the tribes. He injected a cautionary note in a separate opinion focused on the preferences for Native foster and adoptive parents. "In my view, the equal protection issue is serious," Kavanaugh wrote, commenting that the race of prospective parents and children could be used to reject a foster placement or adoption, "even if the placement is otherwise determined to be in the child's best interests." The Supreme Court dealt with that issue by determining that neither Texas nor the parents had legal standing to make that argument in this case. The Brackeens and others can make those arguments in state court proceedings, the justices said. Matthew McGill, who represented the Brackeens at the Supreme Court, said he would press a racial discrimination claim in state court. All the children involved in the case at one point are enrolled or could be enrolled as Navajo, Cherokee, White Earth Band of Ojibwe and Ysleta del Sur Pueblo. Some of the adoptions were finalized while some are still being challenged. More than three-quarters of the 574 federally recognized tribes in the country and nearly two dozen state attorneys general across the political spectrum called on the high court to uphold the law. Before the law was enacted, between 25% and 35% of Native American children were taken from their homes and most were placed with white families or in boarding schools in attempts to assimilate them. The Jehovahs Witnesses annual global conference, a three-day event beginning Friday that includes some 6,000 conventions across the world, will stage a regional event at the Ford Idaho Center in Nampa. The Idaho event, one of more than 700 conventions in 144 host cities in the United States, is expected to bring together about 4,000 delegates from Nevada, Oregon and other surrounding states, according to a news release. This is the first year the Jehovahs Witnesses have held their global conference in-person since the COVID-19 pandemic. The worldwide theme for 2023 is Exercise Patience! I look forward to the conventions every summer, Taylor Duff of Twin Falls said in the release. Duff has been attending for 35 years. They are so practical and uplifting and the feature film is always such a highlight for me. The regional convention will include six sessions to explore the quality of patience, highlighting its modern-day relevance. A baptism will be performed following the Saturday morning session, and a prerecorded drama will be featured in two parts during the weekend. Patience is an incredible quality that many of us desire to display in our daily lives, Jehovahs Witnesses spokesman Craig Scott said in the release. Despite our good intentions, maintaining patience in the face of lifes many challenges can be a daily struggle. Spending three days exploring aspects of this quality will be very timely for all of us. The convention is open to the public and no collection is taken. For more information, go online to jw.org and navigate to the About Us tab. TWIN FALLS Its a time of food and culture. The annual Magic Valley Refugee Day Celebration, hosted by the College of Southern Idaho Refugee Program, takes place Friday at Twin Falls City Park, with refugees dressed in brightly colored traditional clothing dishing up native food for residents, as well as taking to the stage, dancing and performing musical numbers. The event is free, and in addition to giving residents a chance to fill their stomachs, CSI Refugee Center director Zeze Rwasama said a big part of the event is to give the public a chance to interact with refugees and learn about their culture. If someone is curious about a particular culture or country, they can be connected to someone who can answer those questions, and they can interact as friends, one on one, Rwasama said. What better way to learn the information than by getting it firsthand, he asks. The event kicks off at 6 p.m. with refugees serving food from their native lands. Get there early, Rwasma recommends, as food will go fast. Performances begin at 7 p.m. at the band shell. Fridays event will highlight some of the most recent countries that have had refugees settle in the area, including Ukraine, Cuba, Democratic Republic of the Congo, Sudan and Eritrea, north of Ethiopia. Refugees from those countries will have tents and be serving food, and sometimes may have small gifts to share with the community. Sharing is what is all about, and Rwasama said the refugees volunteer their time and provide free food to show their appreciation for the community. The day is a part of World Refugee Day, established in 2000 by the United Nations to be celebrated each year on June 20. In addition to celebrating the strength and courage of people who have been forced to flee their home country to escape conflict or persecution, the day is meant to help build empathy and understanding for their plight. In the first half of 2023, Boise, Nampa and Twin Falls have welcomed 500 individuals from 13 countries, officials say. An event celebrating refugees is scheduled Saturday at the Grove Plaza in Boise. Editors note: This feature first ran June 24, 2021, in the Times-News and at Magicvalley.com. The only official army survivor of the Battle of the Little Bighorn is listed as Comanche, a soldiers severely wounded horse found two days later in the carnage also known as Custers Last Stand. Later, several men came forward claiming to have lived through the battle. But one man, the father of Idaho Rep. Ben Finkel, was likely the only white man who escaped death at the June 25, 1876, battle in Montana. At least two noted historians have concluded Frank Finkel, who, in 1872, enlisted using the name August Finckle, slipped past Lakota Sioux and Cheyenne warriors led by Sitting Bull and Crazy Horse during the battle. But 2nd Sgt. Finkel didnt escape out of cowardice that day, 147 years ago. A bullet struck the butt of his rifle and slammed the barrel into his forehead, knocking him out. His panicked horse, with Finkel slumped over its neck, bolted through the warriors and fled the battle. The 22-year-old man came to sometime during the night to discover hed been shot twice once in the leg and once in the side. One long sword (soldier) escaped, Lakota War Chief Rain-in-the-Face told journalist W. Kent Thomas in 1894. His pony ran off with him and went past our lodges. They told me about it at Chicago. I saw the man there, and I remembered hearing the squaws tell about it after the fight. A trapper, or, more likely a gunrunner or whiskey trader, nursed Finkel to health, according to another account by journalist John P. Koster. Finkel stayed with the man until September 1876. Finkel realized he was the only survivor of the battle when he read an article and saw the name August Finckle listed as killed in action, in the Bismarck, North Dakota, Tribune. But leery of being considered a deserter, Finkel kept silent until April 1920. Finkel verified his account of the battle by describing details he would not have known had he not been there, Koster wrote. He and his wife, Delia, had two sons. Son Ben moved to Idaho and served 12 years in the state House of Representatives. Historians continue to argue the validity of Finkels claim, which was given new life in the writings of noted Montanan Charles Kuhlman. Your news on your smartphone Your story lives in the Magic Valley, and our new mobile app is designed to make sure you dont miss breaking news, the latest scores, the weather forecast and more. From easy navigation with the swipe of a finger to personalized content based on your preferences to customized text sizes, the Times-News app is built for you and your life. Dont have the app? Download it today from the Apple App Store or Google Play Store. Hidden History: Bluff Indian War of 1915 American Indians was considered over by the turn of the 20th century. But 15 years later, the so-called Bluff War deep in Ute country in San Juan County, Utah, and Montezuma County, Colorado, stirred up emotions on both sides. PHOTOS: Historic downtown Twin Falls Historic downtown Twin Falls Historic downtown Twin Falls Historic downtown Twin Falls Historic downtown Twin Falls Historic downtown Twin Falls Historic downtown Twin Falls Historic downtown Twin Falls Historic downtown Twin Falls Historic downtown Twin Falls Jerome County commissioners want to meet with Prosecuting Attorney Christopher Bradley Calbo next week to discuss his job status now that he is out of jail following felony charges related to a domestic dispute early this month in Oregon. Calbo signed a release agreement on Tuesday and his next court date is Aug. 14. Commissioners have been seeking input from the Idaho Attorney Generals office on how to deal with the matter. Jerome County Commission Chair Ben Crouch declined to say whether Calbo has been contacted or whether he has agreed to the meeting. The meeting would be held in executive session, Crouch said. Calbos whereabouts are uncertain. His release agreement in Oregons Lincoln Countysays he is not authorized to leave the state of Oregon without permission from the court, although his previous Jerome address has been crossed out in the document, with a new address in Jerome written in. Calbo, 54, has a protection order against him, saying he is not to have contact with the woman involved in the incident, her residence, or her place of employment. He has retained attorney Marc W. Gunn, who didnt return a phone call from the Times-News on Wednesday. His next court date, an early resolution conference, is set for Aug. 14. The conferences are held between parties involved in domestic disputes. Calbo was involved in a June 3 incident in Lincoln City, Oregon, in which the woman said he strangled her and committed other acts to place her in fear of imminent serious physical injury, the indictment obtained by the Times-News reads. The woman made an audio recording of the alleged incident, which she played for police, reports say. Calbo was appointed as Jeromes prosecuting attorney last fall when former Prosecuting Attorney Mike Seib resigned from the position. Deputy prosecutors are handling the prosecutors caseload during Calbos absence. President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. intends to attend the 28th Conference of the Parties (COP28) to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) in Dubai. The United Arab Emirates government already invited Mr. Marcos to attend the conference that will take place at Expo City in Dubai from Nov. 30 to Dec. 12. The invitation was extended to the President when UAE Ambassador Mohamed Obaid Salem Alqataam Al-Zaabi paid him a courtesy visit at Malacanan Palace in Manila on Tuesday. The ambassador came to see me beforehand, the day before and we were talking about precisely COP 28, I hope to be able to attend because climate change is a primordial issue when it comes to the Philippines. I hope that well be able to attend, Mr. Marcos told reporters Thursday on the sidelines of the International Trade Forum at the Shangri-La The Fort in Taguig City. The President said a visit to UAE will strengthen the Philippines ties with the Gulf state, acknowledging that many Filipinos are residing and working in the host country. Beyond the Conference of Parties is that we also want to fortify our ties with the UAE, he said. And they have been very welcoming. They have treated our people very well. They have protected them and they have allowed them to make a living in the United Arab Emirates. So, thats something that we hope to continue and even progress further, Mr. Marcos added UAE is home to over 700,000 Filipinos, with 450,000 of them based in Dubai. This years COP is expected to host over 70,000 delegates, including heads of state and world leaders to build consensus and facilitate progress on climate action among 198 countries, the European Union, and thousands of non-government organizations, companies, youth groups and other stakeholders. As host, the UAE is focused on providing practical and positive solutions that drive progress for climate and the economy, as well as relief and support to vulnerable communities. Please enable JavaScript to view the comments powered by Disqus. Becoming a premier player in the Indian regional PR industry: PR 24x7's ultimate objective PR 24x7 stands out as a highly accessible and comprehensive PR agency, serving as a one-stop solution for clients with diverse PR needs. The agency's 24x7 availability offers immediate assistance to clients in times of crisis. 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Our personalized approach to PR solutions enables us to offer customized strategies that are tailored to meet our clients' specific goals and challenges. We take pride in delivering measurable results, backed by data and analytics, that help our clients achieve their desired outcomes. Our commitment to excellence and innovation ensures that we remain at the forefront of the PR industry, providing our clients with the latest tools and techniques to elevate their brand and reputation, states the Founder.As the leading regional PR agency in India for PR and communication, it is always looking for ways to enhance services and stay ahead in the dynamic media industry. It is currently exploring avenues to expand offerings in digital and social media, as well as influencer marketing, to better cater to clients' needs. Our company is deeply committed to continually innovating and upgrading our services portfolio, so that we can deliver the most impactful and advanced PR solutions possible. Our ultimate objective is to become a one-stop-shop for all PR needs and establish ourselves as a premier player in the Indian regional PR industry, concludes the Founder. Primex Media Services has become a force to be reckoned with in the world of public relations & media management Desai, Founder & Director, Primex Media Services. The company created Primex News Network, aka PNN - its news distribution platform to get press releases the attention they deserve, understanding the challenges of catching media attention.The firm's strength lies in designing customized strategies for clients to help them build their brand and reach their target audience. "Our team of expert writers also produces high quality content that engages and resonates with the target audience, which includes market research, industry bench marking, and developing media content that sells", explains Ranjana Desai, Co-founder & Director of Primex Media Services.Primex Media offers services like press conference management, crisis communication, media monitoring, and online/digital PR, all designed to help clients build a positive reputation, connect with customers, and drive growth. The company's strong network enables it to work with the media and inform the public of the client's mission, policies, and practices in a positive and credible manner.Primex Media has come a long way since its inception in the early 2000s. Founded by Nitesh Desai, the company started with a humble beginning, working for a Print & Electronic Media company in Ahmedabad. By handling clients in Surat and the entire South Gujarat stretch, Nitesh gained hands-on media experience, which led to the creation of Primex Media Services. Today, with an AI-based online portal and a network of over 200 agencies across India, Primex Media manages more than 1800 print and digital projects every month, both regionally and nationally.In the realm of PR, innovation, and growth are the keys to success, and Primex Media thrives on pushing the boundaries and exploring new horizons. The brand is planning its IPO in 2027 and will continue to expand. The firm also plans to include more PR verticals, launch new startups, and unveil exciting new wire packages and media innovations. "Our goal is to reach a turnover of 100 crores by 2027, with a valuation that exceeds a whopping 400 crores. At Primex Media, we don't believe in resting on our laurels. We are constantly looking for new ways to innovate and grow, and we are excited to embark on this journey with our dedicated team of professionals", adds Nitesh. Multiple search warrants were executed in Martinsville and Henry County Wednesday morning and two people were arrested in the City. A search warrant was issued at 313 Clift Street related to narcotics and another similar search warrant was made at a residence on Stones Dairy Road in Henry County. No arrests were made in the County. This was a search warrant related to narcotics, Major Chad Rhoads, chief deputy with the Martinsville Police Department, told the Bulletin Wednesday morning. We have arrested two of the occupants. I dont want to release any more details at this time due to the nature and sensitivity of the investigation. There is no further danger to the community or residents and the officers should be clearing the scene shortly. Clift Street was closed to thru-traffic while the investigation was underway and four people were seen handcuffed and sitting on the curb in front of the residence as officer searched the home. Rhoads did not release the names of the two people that were arrested. The owner of the residence is listed with the Henry County GIS system as belonging to East Lynn Development LLC out of Pulaski. In Henry County, law enforcement continued to investigate another similar case. In reference to Stones Dairy Road, the Sheriffs Office SWAT Team along with narcotics investigators executed a narcotics search warrant at a residence, said Col. Wayne Davis, Henry County chief deputy. Davis did not provide the address of the property that was being searched. It was not made clear by Davis or Rhoads if the two similar investigations at nearly the same time were related. Former Vice Mayor Jennifer Bowles spoke before City Council Tuesday and accused the members of illegal activity with her removal from her position on the West Piedmont Planning District Commission Board. Bowles was appointed to the Board of Commissioners while she was on City Council and said she had served in that capacity representing the city of Martinsville for the past six years and, despite being removed, intended to continue attending meetings and serving in that capacity. Your attempted removal of me from the West Piedmont Planning District Commission Board is illegal, said Bowles. The bylaws state that members may be removed for cause by City Council as the appointing body. Vice Mayor Rawls motion on April 11 gave no reason whatsoever for my removal, which was, therefore, clearly without cause. Vice Mayor Aaron Rawls made clear to Bowles why she was removed, alleging she lacked both experience and competence to represent the Citys interests. I quickly realized were not playing in the same league. Its as simple as that, Rawls said. The only thing I wanted is for Martinsville to be the city it can be. I do what I think is right. Bowles said she was minding my business at home and read it in the newspaper and then cited Code of Virginia section 24.2-234, requiring Council to petition the Circuit Court from removal. The code section refers to [those who are] elected and [those who are] appointed to elected positions, said Rawls. This is a political appointee. Its our prerogative to appoint who we want. Drew Rothrock also took the opportunity to criticize Council at Tuesday nights meeting accusing Rawls, Mayor LC Jones, Councilwoman Tammy Pearson and Commissioner of Revenue Ruth Easley as campaigning against Martinsville reverting from a city to a town. Real estate taxes are going up 25%, electricity is up, lodging [taxes] are up and raises to city employees will only be 5%, said Rothrock. Now the City is confronted with a budget crisis which is what the consultants said for years. Citizens can look forward to high taxes. Council approved the new budget on second reading that restored funding for two police officers and two school teachers from the original budget as presented, reduces the real estate tax rate from $1.04 per $100 of assessed value to 99 cents per $100, increases the cigarette tax from 30 cents to 40 cents per pack, increases the lodging tax from 5% to 7%, and increases water and sewer rates by $3 each per month. Previously approved by Council is an increase in the electric rate an average of 8% beginning this month with an anticipated increase again in January. This budget is necessary, said Councilwoman Kathy Lawson. It gives me heartburn, but we knew this was going to be a very difficult year. Lawson thanked Rawls for all the extra work that he did. In other matters, the Board: Heard City Manager Leon Towarnicki give a recap of a tour of the Druid Hills neighborhood and meeting that were both held on Monday. Held a public hearing to receive names of citizens interested in appointments for two 3-year terms ending June 30, 2026 and one unexpired 3-year term ending June 30, 2024 on the Martinsville City School Board. There were five names received: Tony Jones, Stephanie Morris Mills, Nakia Blackwell, Emily Parker, Cody Williams and Heather Blankenbaker. Interviews of the candidates will be conducted on June 26 and the names of those chosen will be announced at the regular council meeting on June 27. Heard a presentation from Site Collaborative regarding the Public Parks Improvements Plan to be funded with $500,000 earmarked by Council from American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funds to upgrade the city parks. Approved a resolution supporting an Industrial Revitalization Fund application to the Virginia Department of Housing and Community Development worth up to $5 million for the development of the former BB&T Building at One Ellsworth. This really will make a big difference in the financing of this project, said Towarnicki. This could potentially be half of the $9-10 million that will be needed for the project. Heard from James Nubby Coleman recognize Towarnicki for his service to the City. Towarnicki intends to retire at the end of July. Said Coleman: No one has been as strong or as effective with low-key leadership. Heard from Ural Harris regarding the new budget. Council should have taken into account the citizens ability to pay, said Harris. Heard from Leroy Toolie Hairston suggest that everyone should pray to God and work together or fall like fools. Heard an update from Michael Sanguedolce regarding the Transportation Safety Commission. Editors note: Calendar items must be submitted at least six days before an event. Items are only guaranteed to publish once prior to the event. To guarantee placement in the paper on a particular day, organizations can purchase an ad by calling 315-720-9694. Email all items to news@mcdowellnews.com. TODAY The Arrowhead Artists and Artisans League will offer a class called Let the Sunshine In with Diane Enger as the instructor. The class will be held today from 1-4 p.m. The cost is $35 for AGS members, $45 for nonmembers, plus a $15 material fee which includes glass, prepared glass components, chain, hangers and firing. In this class, the students will be using transparent glass to create a 4 x 12-inch decorative glass hanging. They will create a design using circles and transfer this to a base piece of glass. There will be some glass cutting involved. Minimum of three students, maximum of six students. To register, visit Arrowhead Gallery, 78C Catawba Ave., Old Fort, or call 828-668-1100. FRIDAY, JUNE 16 Roald Dahls Matilda The Musical Jr. opens this weekend. McDowell Childrens Theatre presents Matilda The Musical Jr. in the Greenlee Theatre at McDowell Arts Council Association (MACA), at 50 S. Main St., Marion. Performances will take place Friday, June 16; Saturday, June 17; and Sunday, June 18; and Friday, June 23; Saturday, June 24; and Sunday, June 25. Friday and Saturday shows will start at 7 p.m. and Sundays at 2 p.m. Certified American Sign Language Interpretation (ASL) services will be provided at the June 23 performance of Matilda. The musical is rated PG for thematic elements, exaggerated bullying and some language. Tickets are $12 with a $2 discount for students and seniors. SATURDAY, JUNE 17 The Summer THRIVE Series, sponsored by the McDowell County Health Coalition, will be held Saturday, June 17, from 10 a.m. to noon in the Marion Community Building Park (191 N. Main., Marion). McDowell 4-H will be featuring a nature scavenger Hunt, veggie tasting and kid friendly crafts. For more information, contact Mcdowellcountyhealthcoalition@gmail.com or call 828-659-5289. TUESDAY, JUNE 20 The Arrowhead Artists and Artisans League will offer a class about making a personalized key chain with instructor Lisa Hines. The class will be taught Tuesday, June 20, from noon to 2 p.m. The cost is $10 for AGS members, $20 for nonmembers, plus a $15 supply fee. Would you like to make a personalized key chain/ luggage tag for yourself or as a gift for someone else? Join Hines as she helps instruct and supplies everything needed to make this fun personalized item. To register, visit Arrowhead Gallery, 78C Catawba Ave., Old Fort, or call 828-668-1100. TUESDAY, JUNE 27 MATCH and Marion East Community Forum will host a Community Health and Resource Fair at the Marion Tailgate Market on Tuesday, June 27, from 3-6 p.m. The first 100 guests will receive a $10 gift certificate to be used at the Farmers Market. In addition to the Market Vendors, over 30 community organizations will be present. Free hot dog dinner and cleaning supplies will be provided on a first-come, first-served basis. For more information, call 828-659-5289. FRIDAY, JUNE 30 The Glenwood High Alumni will have a dinner meeting on Friday, June 30 at 5 p.m. at Hook & Anchor. All high school attendees and teachers welcome. Any questions please call: Richard Buchanan at 828-460-2655 or Jeanette Jarrett at 828-460-9641. TUESDAY, JULY 4 The Mountain Gateway Museum in Old Fort will have free ice cream scoops and watermelon slices, bluegrass music and a Ducky Derby at the annual Old-Fashioned Ice Cream Social on Tuesday, July 4. The event will be held from 2-4 p.m. on the museums grounds at the intersection of Catawba Avenue and Water Street in Old Fort. This year, the museum welcomes the Old Fort Ruritan Club, which will be operating the Ducky Derby during the event as a fundraiser. Tickets for the Ducky Derby are being sold now. Each duck costs $3. To purchase a ticket, contact David Blackwelder at 828-925-2095 or Cathy Herron at 828-460-8164. Possum Creek, a local bluegrass band that leads a free music jam most Sunday afternoons at Mountain Gateway Museum, will perform on the museums front porch from 2-4 p.m. Marions Independence Day Celebration is Tuesday, July 4. The parade will begin at 6 p.m. A special spot will be reserved at the beginning of the parade for Anything That Rolls. Skaters, bicycles and skateboards are welcome and are not required to preregister. Parade marshals will be McDowell County veterans. Fox and Company will perform at 6:30 p.m. Fireworks will be at 9:30 p.m. For more information, call 652-2215. Eight Kenyan police officers were killed when their vehicle was destroyed by an improvised explosive device in a suspected attack by Somali-based radical Islamist al-Shebab, police said. The attack took place on Tuesday in Garissa County, eastern Kenya, a region bordering Somalia, where the Shebab have been waging a bloody insurgency against the fragile government in Mogadishu for over 15 years. We lost eight policemen in this attack, said North East Regional Commissioner John Otieno. We suspect the al-Shebab are now targeting security forces and tourist vehicles, he added. The Kenyan army intervened in Somalia in 2011 to fight al-Shebab. In 2012, its forces joined the African Union (AU) force in Somalia (Amisom, now Atmis), which drove al-Shebab from several of their strongholds. Since 2011, Kenya has been the target of several deadly attacks claimed by al-Shebab, including against the Westgate shopping mall in Nairobi (September 2013, 67 dead), Garissa University (April 2015, 148 dead) and the Dusit Hotel complex (January 2019, 21 dead). Numerous other smaller-scale attacks regularly target police and civilians near the border. In Somalia, the Shebab have continued their deadly attacks despite a major offensive launched last August by pro-government forces, backed by the AU force (Atmis). The high-seas patrol vessel Commandant Bistrot docked at the port of Luanda on Monday, where it will remain until Friday, strengthening the link between the navies of the two countries. The French and Angolan navies have strengthened their cooperation, with the holding of a joint exercise between crews from the two countries, as part of the presence in Angola of the open-sea patrol vessel Commandant Bistrot. The patrol vessel called at the port of Luanda on Monday, where it will remain until Friday, said Wednesday the French ambassador to Angola, Daniel Vosgien. The diplomat said that the call of the ship is after another one that took place in June 2022, as part of the Corymbe mission, which was created more than 30 years ago for the French Navy, consisting of a permanent presence in the Gulf of Guinea and off the coast of West Africa. The French ambassador stressed that the patrol ship is present in the Gulf of Guinea for various purposes, including the fight against maritime piracy, pollution, illegal fishing and ship rescue. The former candidate for President of the Republic of Cape Verde Gilson Alves was arrested on suspicion of committing several crimes on the island of Sao Vicente, the Cape Verdean Judicial Police (PJ) said Wednesday. In a statement, the PJ said the arrest was made by the Criminal Investigation Department in Sao Vicente, through its Crimes Against Persons Investigation Brigade, on Tuesday, out of flagrante delicto. The man, 41 years old, is suspected of committing a crime of attempted murder, offenses against physical integrity and threats. According to the PJ, the facts occurred in the locality of Cha de Alecrim, between March and June, following disagreements between the suspect and victim not identified, using a firearm and a knife. Gilson Alves was heard in the Judicial Court of Sao Vicente, which applied as a measure of coercion to preventive detention. He was a candidate for President of the Republic of Cape Verde in 2021, having achieved 0.8% of the votes. Besides Gilson Alves, the other candidates were Jose Maria Neves, who won the first round (51.7% of the votes), Carlos Veiga (42.4%), Casimiro Pina (1.8%), Fernando Rocha Delgado (1.4%), Helio Sanches (1.1%), and Joaquim Monteiro (0.7%). The Sudanese army accused paramilitaries from the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) on Wednesday of abducting and murdering the Governor of West Darfur State, Khamis Abdallah Abakar, almost two months after a power struggle between two rival generals plunged the country into a bloody war. The assassination of Khamis Abdallah Abakar means that the Rapid Support Forces have added a new line to their list of barbaric crimes committed against the entire Sudanese people, the army declared on Facebook, calling the facts a brutal act. Since April 15, the war between General Abdelfattah al-Burhanes army and General Mohamed Hamdane Daglos paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF) has left more than 1,800 people dead, according to the NGO ACLED (Armed Conflict Location & Event Data), and more than 1.5 million displaced, according to the UN. Generals al-Burhane and Daglo had joined forces in the 2021 putsch to oust the civilians with whom they had shared power since the fall of Bachir in 2019. But differences then arose and, in the absence of agreement on the integration of the RSF into the army, degenerated into war. Tunisias Premier Najla Bouden has announced the launch of a national Fund for youth employment that seeks to finance economic initiatives for youth empowerment, Webdo Tunisie reports. Mrs Bouden made the announcement during the UN meeting on labor in Geneva. The Fund will support entrepreneurship and various employment programs. It will be run by the Presidents Office and will be backed by the United Nations, the Prime Minister said. Tunisia recorded during Q4 last year more than 624,000 unemployed youth while national unemployment rate stood at 15.2 per cent according to the statistics Agency. The North African country is also struggling with the thorny issue of illegal immigration of its youth to Italy. 10,139 Tunisians, including 498 women reached the coasts of Italy last year. Russias President Vladimir Putin and the leader of the transition in Mali Colonel Assimi Goita discussed Wednesday over the phone security and economic relations between their two countries. Very satisfied with my telephone conversation with Vladimir Putin, Goita said on Twitter following the conversation. We had direct and sincere exchanges on subjects of common interest and on our desire to strengthen our diplomatic, economic and security relations, he added. Putins office indicated that Goita thanked Vladimir Putin for the humanitarian aid provided, as well as for the help given to ensure security, neutralize the terrorist threat and stabilize the situation in Mali. The two leaders paid particular attention to trade and economic relations, including the delivery of cereals, fertilizers, and fuel by Russia to Mali, the Kremlin confirmed. Goita came to power in 2020 in a coup and cut off ties with former colonial power France to the advantage of Russia that Bamako deems a strategic partner in the fight against terrorism that gripped the country for several years now. Russia has delivered Mali multiple military equipment including vehicles, helicopters, and fighter jets. Russian Ambassador in Cairo Georgy Borisenko has said Moscow is backing Egypts membership application to join the BRICS. Egypt has applied to join the BRICS group, because one of the endeavors that the BRICS is engaged in now is the maximum transfer of trade to alternative currencies, whether national currencies or the creation of some kind of joint currency. Egypt is very interested in this, the diplomat told Sputnik. Russia immediately supported the application of Egypt to join the BRICS. It can take place after the criteria and procedures for admission of new countries are finally agreed within the association, since the current members have different opinions on this matter, Borisenko said. The Russian diplomat also said that Egypt is eager to develop trade and other types of economic cooperation with Russia. Like Egypt, several other global south countries have written formal letters, while a similar number have made inquiries through their embassies and capitals seeking more information on how to become members of BRICS. The Foreign ministers of BRICS met early this month in South Africas Cape Town. They also held BRICS Friends group meeting attended by the Foreign ministers of 12 countries of the Global South. Egypt, along with Zambia, Senegal, Republic of Congo, South Africa, and Uganda is part of an African delegation, trying to garner support for a new peace plan to the Russia-Ukraine war. The coming BRICS summit is scheduled to be held in South Africa. However, Pretoria may seek way out of hosting the summit over Putin arrest warrant issued by the Hague international criminal court on charges of war crimes. As a party to the Rome statute, the treaty underpinning the court, Pretoria would be required to arrest Putin and then send him to The Hague for trial. But China and India, if they hosted the summit, would not face the same obligation, leading some South African officials to suggest handing the summit to Beijing. Brazil, the fifth member of BRICS (Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa) is also a party to the court, so faces the same dilemma as South Africa.